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China to accelerate legislative research on AI, low-altitude economy: minister

Xinhua) 10:06, March 13, 2026

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China will accelerate research on legislation in artificial intelligence (AI) and the low-altitude economy, and introduce regulations on airspace management this year, Minister of Justice He Rong said on Thursday.

The move is aimed at fostering technological innovation through an improved legal framework, the minister said, stressing the need to guard against potential risks and ensure both development and security.

Improving the business environment will also be a key part of this year's legislative efforts, He said in response to a media query after the national legislature concluded its annual session in Beijing.

Authorities plan to draft regulations to address concerns such as local protectionism, unjustified market access barriers, and rat race competition, the minister said.

The ministry's responsibilities include overall planning of legislative work, drafting or organizing the drafting of laws and administrative regulations, and conducting legislative coordination, according to its website.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
March 13, 2026: Russia recently sent five of its military instructors to Ukraine for three months to gather information and gain experience in the latest combat methods. During World War II American and Russian troops encountered instructors from NCO and officer schools in the final days of combat. When all was lost, the Germans sent in their instructors to delay the inevitable defeat. In Ukraine the Russians want to avoid ultimate defeat by upgrading the skills and combat knowledge of their instructors.

Last year Russia established thirteen VOIN/Fighter centers. VOIN is used to expose teenagers to military life by giving them military uniforms, regular military orientation and some training to prepare them for joining the military via conscription or volunteering. The VOIN training for teenagers also includes a lot of education and indoctrination about the importance of patriotism and preparing to defend Russia. This is one of the reasons Russia never refers to their invasion of Ukraine as an invasion. According to the government, the fighting in Ukraine is a Russian internal matter to suppress separatist activity by some people in southern Russia that call themselves Ukrainians and are fighting to create an independent country called Ukraine.

Since 2022, VOIN centers also trained Russian army reservists headed for Ukraine. Recently, the number of reservists called up has overwhelmed the VOIN system and reservists are sent to Ukraine without any preparation. Losses are higher for these reservists.

While the war in Ukraine isnt over yet, Russia is already working on needed reforms so, they hope, that the next time Russian troops are in combat they perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there were far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians had a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster are typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change. President Vladimir Putin ordered all these reform efforts and is dismayed that they failed. Putin never served in the military but joined the KGB secret police in 1975. Since then Putin did what he could to punish domestic enemies, especially those calling for actions against his corrupt officials.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 the KGB became, after many reforms and dismissal of incompetent or disloyal personnel, the FSB/Federal Security Bureau. By 1998 Putin was head of the FSB. At this point Putin declared that communism was a failed doctrine and proposed that democracy replace it. Putin worked hard to control the voting and the counting of votes so that he and his cronies could stay in power.

The FSB reforms were still underway when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022. The losses were heavier than expected and a new plan called for a massive training program to replace all the officers lost in the first few months of the 2022 fighting. The immediate problem was that all the officer instructors were sent to the front in March and April 2022 where they too became casualties. Next was that military and political leaders are still unable to restore one crucial aspect of an improved military: NCOs/Non-Commissioned Officers, sergeants in the army, petty officers in the navy. A century ago, Russia abandoned a long tradition of NCOs. Instead, junior officers would try to do everything NCOs handled. That never worked. Providing adequate training for new combat troops is something else that never had a high priority and still doesnt after 30 months of war with Ukraine. The prewar reforms were supposed to change that. There have been similar efforts in the past and none lasted long.
The Department of Justice building is shown in Washington, D.C., June 22, 2025. Photo: Andrew Rice / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  A Georgia state representative who did not report his pay as a state lawmaker and other income when he collected $13,825 in pandemic unemployment benefits pleaded guilty to making false statements, federal prosecutors said.

Valdosta Democrat Dexter Sharper was making $361 or $325 a week for his service in the Georgia General Assembly, but did not disclose that amount when he filed for the benefits, according to an indictment in U.S. District Court. He also said he was not working at Dexter Sharper Party Rental but had made up to over $2,000 a week, prosecutors said.

Sharper pleaded on Wednesday, just days after he resigned his seat in the House of Representatives. Prosecutors are not recommending jail time but are ordering Sharper to pay $10,096 in restitution to the Georgia Department of Labor, according to court documents. He will be sentenced on June 21.

Federal prosecutors filed charges against two other lawmakers in cases related to pandemic unemployment fraud.

Former Georgia state Rep. Karen Bennett pleaded guilty in January to false statements in connection with pandemic unemployment benefits.

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The Stone Mountain Democrat collected nearly $14,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits but failed to disclose $905 a week she received while working for a church, according to the federal indictment.

She will pay full restitution to the Georgia Department of Labor if a sentencing recommendation is approved at an April 15 hearing, according to federal court documents. Bennett resigned in January.

Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Covington Democrat Sharon Henderson after she was charged in December with two counts of theft of government funds and 10 counts of making false statements.

Henderson first filed for federal pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2020 during her campaign for her Georgia House seat. She said on the application that she was employed by Henry County Schools, according to prosecutors.

"Although Henderson had worked as a substitute teacher for Henry County Schools for five days in 2018 (almost two years prior), she had not worked for Henry County Schools since then," the release said. "Additionally, the Substitute Teacher Agreement Henderson signed in 2018 included an acknowledgment that substitute teachers are not eligible to draw unemployment wages."

Henderson qualified to run for the Georgia Senate seat currently held by Democrat Tonya Anderson.
MONROE, Wash.  A powerful atmospheric river is intensifying across the Northwest and is expected to bring more heavy rain and potentially flash flooding, as well as feet of mountain snow to Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

More than 87,000 customers were without power across Washington and Idaho by Thursday afternoon as strong winds blasted the region.

What Is An Atmospheric River?

This comes after a tree toppled over and killed a person in their car in Monroe, Washington, Wednesday night, the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue Department said.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, winds were consistently gusting to 25 mph across Snohomish County on Wednesday evening.

Rain from the atmospheric river had already started saturating the soil in Washington as the train of storms moved onshore Tuesday and continues to strengthen.

A Level 1 out of 4 risk of flash flooding is in effect through Thursday afternoon for coastal Washington and Oregon  including Portland, where urban flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage as rain rates reach 2 to 3 inches per hour.

7 Facts You Should Know About Flash Floods

A Flood Watch is in effect for much of the same region through Friday. A widespread 3 to 5 inches of rain is expected, with localized pockets of 5 to 8 inches possible through Saturday.

Some rivers across western Washington are forecast to reach moderate flood stage by the weekend, the FOX Forecast Center said.

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FILE - STANWOOD, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 6: In an aerial view, floodwaters surround a home on December 6, 2023 in Stanwood, Washington. Atmospheric river conditions in the region brought heavy rains and flooding. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Winter Weather Alerts have been issued across the Cascade Mountains, including Blizzard Warnings due to blowing and heavy snow, creating dangerous travel conditions across mountain passes  particularly for parts of the Interstate 90 corridor.

Winter Storm Warning Explained: What Does It Mean And When Is It Issued?

Winds are expected to gust over 40 mph, with total snow accumulations in the higher peaks ranging from 2 to 4 feet.

Winter Storm Warnings are also in effect for the Northern Rockies of Idaho and Montana through Saturday.

The West Coast is no stranger to atmospheric rivers that cause headaches for Pacific Northwesters, often bringing widespread heavy rain to the region.

FILE: PACIFIC, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 16: In an aerial view, a neighborhood is engulfed in floodwater on December 16, 2025 in Pacific, Washington. Evacuations have been ordered in 3 suburbs south of Seattle after recent levee failure.

In December, a powerful atmospheric river caused dangerous, historic flooding across Washington state, swallowing homes and inundating entire towns.

December '25: Federal Emergency Declared As Historic Flooding Swamps Washington State

The deadly flooding event caused several levee failures in different parts of Washington, prompting a statewide federal emergency to end 2025.





Original article source: At least 1 dead, more than 87,000 without power as atmospheric river blasts Northwest
Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel has announced the release of 51 prisoners and briefly spoke about the ongoing talks with the U.S. government during a government meeting aired on state TV early Friday.

Heres what to know:

Could Florida do business with Cuba if the dictatorship ends?

Amid diplomatic talks between the United States and Cuba, state lawmakers on Friday passed a bill that contains a free trade provision with the island nation should the regime fall.

The amendment had first appeared in February in the Florida House, where Cuban-American House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican, oversees the chamber.

My hope is that the people of Cuba will finally get the freedom theyve craved for so long and Im thankful to President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [Marco] Rubio for their bold leadership and commitment to the people of Cuba and the principles of liberty and justice for all, Perez told the Herald/Times in a statement on Friday. Read more here.

 Alexandra Glorioso

Put the matter in Gods hands, vicar says

Father Eliosbel Pereira Almaguer, Parochial Vicar at La Ermita de Caridad-Our Lady of Charity National Shrine, in Miami leads a mass, hours after Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel had confirmed that Havana is in the midst of talks with the Trump administration, on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com)

Amid a downpour of rain, Father Eliosbel Pereira Almaguer prayed for people living in countries under tyranny  and for their leaders to do what is right and just.

Almaguer faced about two dozen parishioners at Coconut Groves Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, the Roman Catholic church named after the patroness of Cuba, on Friday afternoon. After, he told the Miami Herald he hopes the negotiations result in something positive for the people who have suffered under oppression in Cuba.

Thats what we wish for, and thats why we pray, Amlaguer said.

Almaguer said his message to the Cuban people: Keep their confidence in God.

As Christians, we have to ask God when things are not in our hands  [and] put the matter in Gods hands.

 Grethel Aguila

Cubans in South Florida skeptical about ongoing talks

As news spread Friday that Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel had confirmed that Havana is in the midst of talks with the Trump administration, the mood among many Cubans in South Florida ranged from cautious hope to anger and skepticism.

Cubas confirmation of the talks come as the country faces a profound economic and energy crisis, with widespread blackouts and shortages of food and medicine across the island.

Its going to be the same old story, said Guadalupe Varela, 71, who has lived in the U.S. since 1981 and lives in Hollywood. If Diaz-Canel leaves or even if they replace him but keep the same leaders of the regime, the oppression, destruction and poverty in Cuba will remain. The same thing that happened in Venezuela will happen in Cuba: absolutely no change.

Read more here.

 Veronica Equi Brito and Sarah Moreno

Take a look at Miamis plan for any significant change in Cuba

As the Cuban government engages in negotiations with the Trump administration, the city of Miami said it anticipates potential mass migration and is prepared for large-scale celebrations in the event of a significant change in the government of Cuba.

Miami City Manager James Reyes has told city commissioners that Miamis fire and police chiefs have recently updated plans relating to the challenges presented with the politics surrounding Cuba and the impacts here in the city of Miami.

At a city commission meeting on Thursday, Reyes said that earlier this year, he instructed those agencies to refresh their action plans in light of the politics currently playing out in Cuba, particularly on two fronts.

Click here to read more.

 Tess Riski and David Goodhue

FBI might go to Cuba for boat crash investigation, Diaz-Canel says

FBI experts may travel to Cuba to help with a joint inquiry into the recent deadly shootout out at sea between a Florida-registered vessel and the islands coast guard, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday.

Were in waiting for a possible visit ... of FBI experts to participate in the clarification and the investigations with personnel from our Interior Ministry, Diaz-Canel said during a press conference on Friday morning. There is information and cooperation with our American counterparts.

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The FBI office in Miami declined to comment on the Cuban leaders statement, saying the State Department is handling inquiries on the matter.

 Syra Ortiz Blanes

READ NEXT: Florida boat caught in shootout with Cuban coast guard. Heres where it happened

We stand with the Cuban people, Miami-Dade Mayor says

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on Friday morning, just hours after Miguel Diaz-Canels televised speech, said in a statement posted on X that Cubas release of 51 prisoners brings relief and long-awaited hope to many families but does not change the fact that people in Cuba are still imprisoned for their beliefs.

True justice will come when no one in Cuba is jailed for demanding their basic rights ...We stand with the Cuban people and with the many families still waiting for the day when Cuba is free and its people can live without fear, Levine Cava said, echoing the sentiment of many others in the community.

For generations, the Cuban dictatorship has repressed those who speak out for freedom. Todays announcement that 51 prisoners will be released brings hope to many families. But true justice will come when no one in Cuba is jailed for their beliefs and Cuba is free. pic.twitter.com/wQulszgekd  Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) March 13, 2026

 Michelle Marchante

Miamis U.S. Rep Salazar responds to Cubas prisoner release

Miami Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar on Thursday night blasted the Cuban government immediately following its announcement of plans to release 51 prisoners as a sign of good will with the Vatican amid ongoing talks with the U.S.

The Cuban government, for 67 years, has crushed dissent through tyranny, repression, persecution, and prison for anyone who dares to think differently or speak the word freedom, Salazar wrote on X.

Releasing 51 political prisoners is not justice, she added. Justice is when the last political prisoner walks free. And that will only happen when the longest-running and most brutal dictatorship in our hemisphere falls.

For 67 years, the Cuban dictatorship has crushed dissent through tyranny, repression, persecution, and prison for anyone who dares to think differently or speak the word freedom.



Releasing 51 political prisoners is not justice.



Justice is when the last political prisoner walks  Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (@RepMariaSalazar) March 13, 2026

 Michelle Marchante

Cuba confirms talks with Trump administration

Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday his government is engaged in talks with the United States, confirming earlier reporting by the Miami Herald about the contacts.

In footage of a government meeting aired on state television early morning, he said Cuban officials have recently held talks with representatives of the U.S. government.

These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors have facilitated these exchanges, he said. Crucially, he added, the exchanges have aimed to moved away from confrontation, he added.

Click here to read more.

- Nora Gamez Torres

Cuba to release 51 prisoners following Vatican talks as U.S. tension rises

The Cuban government said Thursday night it is releasing 51 prisoners as a gesture of good will with the Vatican amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration to agree to economic and political changes on the island.

In the spirit of good will and the close and fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Vatican, with which communication has historically been maintained regarding the review and release of prisoners, the Cuban Government has decided to release 51 people sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days, a government statement said.

The statement did not include the details of the prisoners who will be released, but said that all have served a significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison.

Click here to read more.

- Nora Gamez Torres

What has led up to U.S. - Cuba talks

After cutting oil supplies from Mexico and Venezuela to the island, President Donald Trump has urged Cuban authorities to make a deal with the United States.

The Trump administration has been having high-level conversations with several people in Raul Castros inner circle, similar to the discussions held with Venezuelas strongman Nicolas Maduro before he was captured in a military raid earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart told the Miami Herald earlier this week. Secretary of State Marco Rubios advisers also met with Raul Castros grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, in Saint Kitts last month.

In recent days, Trump has reiterated his belief Cuba was at the end of the line and its government was about to fall. He has also insinuated the United States would take over the island.

- Nora Gamez Torres
An intensifying clipper is moving across the Upper Midwest, the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley Friday, packing wind gusts that could exceed 75 mph for more than 70 million people. At the storm's peak, over 1 million customers were without power in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan on Friday.

Strong gusts caused significant air travel delays originating in major Midwest hubs. More than 230 flights were delayed into or out of Chicago O'Hare International Airport by mid-morning.

What You Should Know About High Wind Warnings

Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee are all under High Wind Warnings through much of Friday afternoon, as the strongest winds howl into the Ohio Valley and interior Northeast.

How To Watch Fox Weather

Even more intense wind gusts were recorded Thursday, where wind speeds topped triple-digits in parts of the Northern Plains Thursday. A 92 mph gust recorded in Cheyenne, Wyoming set a new daily record.

Wind shreds salt shed in Livingston, Wyoming Thursday. (FOX Weather)

Winds reached 109 mph in Centennial, Wyoming and 104 mph in Hilger, Montana.

The intense winds shredded a salt shed in Arlington, Wyoming Thursday and topped trucks on Interstate 70 and another highway in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Watch: Colorado Highways Close After Extreme Winds Blow Dust And Topple Semi Trucks

The vicious winds are a result of rapidly intensifying low pressure at the center of the clipper. This steep pressure drop causes air to rush in behind the system as it races eastward.

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Record-breaking 252 Mph Wind Reading Verified From Historic Hurricane Melissa

The storm is the first of two systems to sweep across the North over the coming days, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, the wind field broadened on Friday, bringing 50 to 60 mph gusts to cities like Louisville, Columbus and Pittsburgh.

The snow associated with the clipper will stay mostly north of Interstate 94, where the combination of wind and snow will likely lead to brief, but intense periods of whiteout driving conditions.

SWinter Storm Slams Millions Across Northern Plains, Upper Midwest As Blizzard Conditions Snarl Travel

Snow totals could reach 5 to 8 inches primarily north of Interstate 94. The heaviest snow will be confined to the Great Lakes, where over a foot of snow is possible.

What You Should Know About Blowing, Drifting Snow

Windy conditions will remain across the eastern third of the country through the start of the weekend.

Winds will briefly die down before ramping up again Saturday night when the second winter storm moves into the Midwest.





Original article source: Vicious windstorm knocks out power to over 1 million Americans, unleashes travel chaos amid 100+mph gusts
Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September 2025, was dealt a procedural blow on Friday when Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled against the defenses motion to restrict access to certain court filings ahead of an upcoming evidentiary hearing.

"In balance, the defendant has not provided a sufficient basis for the court to find that the interests favoring closure outweigh the interest favoring an open proceeding and the presumptive right to access," Judge Graf said Friday.



"Moreover, as a Utah Supreme Court recognized, even in highly publicized cases, a defendant's right to a fair trial can be protected through the regular time-honored process for selecting jurors, like enlarging the voir dire of potential jurors, utilizing a detailed juror questionnaire and conducting a thorough voir dire of potential jurors."

Additionally, Judge Graf denied the defense teams motion to ban cameras from the courtroom during Robinsons hearing, but added Robinsons defense must file a redacted version of the motion to exclude cameras by March 30.

Tyler Robinson Defense Presses Conflict Claim As Expert Hints Move Could Reshape Death Penalty Fight

Attorney Richard Novak, left, and Tyler Robinson attend a hearing for Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in 4th District Court, on Friday, March. 13, 2026, in Provo, Utah. (Fox News)

Earlier in the hearing, Robinson's attorneys had argued their motion to keep certain evidence out of the publics view, citing the potential inability to select an impartial jury in the high-profile case.

"So what we're talking about is releasing preliminary evidence into the public sphere that has the potential to impact jurors," defense attorney Staci Visser said. "And it is important enough that we are concerned that it will sway people's opinions one way or the other."

Read On The Fox News App

"I want to make clear that our concern here is with selecting an impartial jury," Visser added. "Really it goes both ways. Whether the evidence is good for my client or bad for my client, whatever it is, it makes it harder to find impartial jurors if they are entrenched in an opinion about our client's guilt or innocence either way."

Robinson, 22, faces a potential death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

He appeared in court wearing a blue dress shirt and tie, and could be seen occasionally taking notes during Friday's hearing.

"Specifically, Mr. Robinson seeks to take evidence in a closed setting regarding the unfairly prejudicial and misleading media coverage and the improper statements of government officials in order to avoid republicizing the same. Mr. Robinson also asks this court to take evidence regarding the privacy violations detailed in the motion to exclude cameras in a closed setting, to, again, avoid reiterating the violative material," according to defense filings.

Robinsons defense team is also seeking to ban cameras and microphones, arguing media coverage could prejudice a jury.

Tyler Robinson's parents, Matt Robinson (left) and Amber Robinson (center) arrive to court for a hearing for their son in Provo, Utah, Friday, March 13, 2026. Tyler Robinson is accused of murder in the assassination of Charlie Kirk last year.

The defense team also asked to close portions of the April 17 hearing to the media, arguing prejudicial media coverage interferes with Robinsons right to a fair trial.

"We'll show both that we have categories of prejudice that are recognized as presumptively prejudicial, and we'll show that beyond that, the overall picture of this case is one of extreme prejudicial pretrial publicity that justifies the kind of relief we're asking for," defense attorney Michael Burt said.

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At the April 17 hearing, the defense team plans to showcase evidence regarding "harmful and prejudicial media coverage of this case thus far," the defense said.

"While there is simply not enough time to present all of what is referenced in the motion to exclude cameras, the compilation anticipated will highlight the most egregious and most concerning media coverage impacting Mr. Robinsons case."

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking during his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed.

Accused Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Tries To Hide From Double-edged Sword Of Publicity: Expert

However, the prosecution looked to hit back at the defense teams' motion to restrict media access in Robinson's pretrial hearings while asserting the public's right to knowledge in the case.

"We are not media lawyers, we are not representing the interests of the media," Utah County Attorneys Office general counsel Christopher Ballard said. "Our client is the people of the state of Utah who do have an interest in the public nature of these proceedings. But whether any particular document in this case is public or private is really of secondary concern to the state here. We're not trying to represent any kind of media interest, and I think it's improper for the defense to suggest that."

Previously at Robinsons Feb. 24 hearing, Graf denied the motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorneys Office.

The defense team argued there was a conflict of interest because a prosecutor's daughter was present at the shooting at UVU.

Graf, however, said the court was "unpersuaded" by the argument of an "appearance of bias" from the prosecution team.

"Because defendant has not established a factual basis for a finding of conflict of interest or an objective appearance of impropriety, rising to a constitutional concern, his motion is respectfully denied," Graf said.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

The next hearing on April 17 will address the defenses motion to exclude all cameras from the courtroom, and a preliminary hearing is set for May 18-20.

Fox News Michael Ruiz, Stepheny Price, Julia Bonavita, Peter DAbrosca and Adam Sabes contributed to this report.





Original article source: Judge rules on motion to seal evidence in Charlie Kirk murder case
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes speaks during a forum in Phoenix, Arizona, Sept. 15, 2022. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original.

(The Center Square) - Attorney General Kris Mayes is opposing Arizona Public Service Co.s proposed rate increase.

Mayes office submitted expert testimony to the Arizona Corporation Commission showing the companys 14% rate increase proposal could be reduced to 3%.

APS is asking Arizona families to foot the bill for shareholder profits that far exceed what any reasonable investor requires. This is just corporate greed run amok," Mayes said.

"Our expert analysis proves that customers are being asked to pay far more than is needed," she said. "Instead of a 14% rate hike, the expert testimony we just filed with the ACC shows that APS can achieve the same reliability with just a 3% increase by aligning what customers pay with APS's actual costs."

Information for the attorney generals expert testimony came from Mark Ellis, a senior fellow for utilities at the American Economic Liberties Project. Ellis argued that APSs proposed shareholder profit level exceeds what it costs to entice and hold investment.

Mayes expert testimony said her 3% rate proposal would save APS customers an estimated $524 million annually, or $220 per customer per year.

APSs rate proposal could continue to compensate investors and keep its strong credit rating, according to the testimony.

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On top of this, Mayes expert testimony stated APSs financial models are based on unrealistic economic assumptions, such as inflated growth rates and overstated risk estimates.

What APS is proposing is a half-billion-dollar annual transfer of wealth from Arizona ratepayers to its shareholders," Mayes said.

"Arizonans are already stretched thin," she added. "They shouldn't be paying a premium on their electric bills so APS can deliver outsized returns to its investors."

Nick Myers, the chair for the ACC, told The Center Square by email that regarding APS rate proposal, the commission does not adjudicate cases in the media.

There will be a full and open public meeting where all parties, including the Attorney General, will have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence, Myers said. The process allows for a full examination and cross examination of positions.

Last month, Mayes objected to another proposed rate increase from Tucson Electric Power.

Instead of the companys 14% rate proposal increase, her office submitted expert testimony stating it should be only 4%.
VioletaStoimenova/istockphoto

The Mediterranean Sea spans quite a big region, and the food from the places along its coast is some of the best in the world. The region includes a diverse array of cultures and distinctive cuisines, including portions of Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, southern France, and Greece), the Eastern Mediterranean (Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Israel, and Palestine), and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt).

The diverse cuisine has a big presence in the United States, so searching the country for excellent Mediterranean food might feel daunting. Need a cheat sheet?

Here are some of the best Mediterranean restaurants in every state (plus Washington, D.C.) based on thousands of TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp reviews.

Alabama: Makarios Kabobs & Grill

Kathy L./ Yelp

Birmingham

Birminghams favorite family-run kabob spot is known for its gyros and other Greek specialties, but Makarios Kabobs & Grill is a lot more. Look close into the menu and youll find Lebanese specialties like ghallaba, Pakistani sajji, and more.

Alaska: Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant

Debbie R./Yelp

Fairbanks

Greek and Middle Eastern dishes blend at Aurora, one of the best options for Mediterranean food in Alaska. Youre here for gyro bowls, falafel, and some of the best hummus for a good distance.

Arizona: Pitta Souvli Mediterranean Grill

Victor H. / Yelp

Chandler

Some places expect you to pronounce simple words like falafel, but at Pitta Souvli Mediterranean Grill, theyre hooking you up with a pronunciation guide. No matter how you say the food, youre in for a great meal.

Arkansas: Kosmos Greekafe

Keith S. / Yelp

Fayetteville

Kosmos Greekafe has been a family-run operation in Fayetteville since 2005, serving big ole Greek salads, spanakopita, chicken souvlaki, and other classics.

California: Kismet

Esther K. / Yelp

Los Feliz

Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer opened Kismet in 2017 with a menu that spanned the Mediterranean, and its since birthed a second location next door that specializes in rotisserie chicken.

The flavors here are deep, the menu is consistently veggie-forward, and the food is truly astounding. This is one of the best meals you can have in LA, and the Mediterranean flair only helps.

Colorado: Safta

Alison W./ Yelp

Denver

Chef Alon Shaya has restaurants all over the world, having made a name showcasing Israeli food in a bright, modern way. There are few people who do it better than he does, and at Safta, its no exception. Expect pillowy pita, more dips than you know what to do with, and terrific service.

Connecticut: Zohara

Hillary T. / Yelp

West Hartford

The DORO restaurant group runs a number of hit spots across Hartford, and one of the most beloved is Zohara. The salatim and dip game here is incredibly strong, with tempting stuff decorating the menu like whipped feta, lamb ragu hummus, and Moroccan carrots. And thats before you get to the coal-grilled meats and seafood.

District of Columbia: Zaytinya

Vivian L. / Yelp

Penn Quarter

Jose Andres is so famous for being an incredible human being that sometimes you forget hes actually an incredible chef, too. Zaytinya is one of the best dinner decisions you can make in D.C., with a menu full of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese small plates.

Delaware: Ali Baba Mid Eastern Restaurant

Brenda C. / Yelp

Newark

Flavors from Morocco and Lebanon run through the heart of Ali Baba, a local favorite in Delaware. Dont ask for the check unless youve already crushed a plate of grape leaves.

Florida: Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Tyl N. / Yelp

Orlando

As you will cleverly infer from the name, Bosphorus specializes in Turkish food. You dont want to miss this place on any sort of trip to Orlando. The theme parks are gonna be there next time, but you know what might not? The mezze appetizer board from Bosphorus, with all the best stuff on Earth: hummus, babaghanoush, sauteed eggplant, muhammara, and more.

Georgia: The BeiRut

Alexis M. / Yelp

Peachtree City

Just about 30 miles outside Atlanta, youll find Peachtree City, home to The BeiRut. Specializing in Lebanese fare, the restaurant is a good spot for a night out or take-out. If youre dining in, take advantage of that surprisingly big wine list and make sure there are some feta and olives on the table.

Hawaii: Istanbul Hawaii

Brad B. / Yelp

Honolulu

When the executive chefs and owners are a mother/daughter duo, you know youre in for a good meal. The flavors of Turkey are alive in the islands here at Istanbul Hawaii, where seasonal influence plays a big part in beautiful mezze, soups, salads, and seafood.

Idaho: The Goodness Land Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Food Restaurant

Mindy N. / Yelp

Boise

Nothing like a nice, short name. The Goodness Land Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Food Restaurant plays with flavors from the Mediterranean to Asia, with soulful favorites like chicken shawarma, shish tawook, and Iraqi lamb kebab.

Illinois: Athena Greek Restaurant

Diane V./ Yelp

Chicago

Greektown is the right place to look if you want a standout Greek food in Chicago. At Athena Greek Restaurant, the fried cheese is sizzling, the octopus is tender and lemony, and the spanakopita melts in your mouth. Bring a group and order a lot.

Indiana: The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe

Giselle R. / Yelp

Indianapolis

Lotta Turkish restaurants named after the Bosphorus strait, eh? Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe has been one of the most well-loved restaurants in Indianapolis since it opened in 2002.

The aroma of the place is alive with beautiful Mediterranean ingredients. Meat-eaters, veg-heads, and dip enthusiasts alike are right at home at the cozy Indy spot.

Iowa: Oasis Falafel

Ramsey S. / Yelp

Iowa City

Oasis Falafel seems to have trademarked the phrase hummus is where the heart is, which feels like an interesting expenditure of money. But thats not important; whats important is that in a place like Iowa that lacks Moroccan and Israeli flavors, youve got a place making a sabich for under 10 bucks.

Kansas: The Basha Cuisine

Ashraf A. / Yelp

Overland Park

Things like biryani, kefta, and shawarma are all over the menu, but The Basha is best known as a reliable lunch spot for great gyro platters and sandwiches. Act like youve been there before and order extra tzatziki.

Kentucky: Safier Mediterranean Deli

MacKenzie M. / Yelp

Louisville

Homey, casual, and delicious, Safier Mediterranean Deli is an important part of Louisvilles ever-reliable food scene. Especially popular here are grape leaves, lentil soup, and mutabal (babaghanoushs garlickier cousin).

Louisiana: Shaya

Jennifer D./ Yelp

New Orleans

Remember Alon Shaya from his Denver restaurant? Well, hes no longer cooking at his namesake restaurant in New Orleans, but executive chef Fariz Choumali has stepped up comfortably to the plate to continue to deliver the best Louisiana-Mediterranean experience possible.

Maine: Falafel Mafia

Shanan G. / Yelp

Portland

Portland locals have found falafel perfected at Falafel Mafia, a food truck with a simple menu of pitas and bowls. Go for the Godfather, stuffed with that famous falafel, hummus, cabbage, cucumber salad, tomato, and tahini.

Maryland: Ouzo Bay

Gretchen T. /Yelp

Baltimore

The menu is seafood-focused at Ouzo Bay, but youll find plenty of chops, steaks, and dipables as well. And if youve never tried the classic Greek spirit, Ouzo, theres probably no better place. Besides actual Greece.

Massachusetts: Anoushella

Maureen D. / Yelp

Boston

The flavors are as bright as the actual colors of the food at Anoushella, a fast-casual spot in Boston for great Mediterranean food. Theres a stunning 20 mezze options, and thats before the rest of the menu begins. If you live in Boston, this is your new favorite lunch.

Michigan: Al Ameer

Gin C. / Yelp

Dearborn

Halal and Mediterranean options abound at Al Ameer in Dearborn, Michigan, just 20 minutes from Detroit. Locals flock for fattoush and stuffed lamb, but the lentil soup is correctly known as a sleeper hit.

Minnesota: Babanis Kurdish Restaurant

Margie A. / Yelp

St. Paul

Babanis was one of the first Kurdish restaurants in the U.S. when it opened back in 1997, celebrating food from a region that covers areas that are now Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and a few other places. Today, youre here to eat just about everything you can; in particular, the bajan rashk (deep-fried eggplant) and bakla (sauteed Kurdish veggies).

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Mississippi: Aplos Simple Mediterranean

Chris W. / Yelp

Jackson

Lebanese and Italian flavors are arm-in-arm at chef Alex Eatons Aplos, which is casual, tasty, and spans a ton of the Mediterranean. Greek-style wings and pepperoni pizza are a remarkable combo.

Missouri: Olympia Kebob House and Taverna

Abby C. / Yelp

St. Louis

Forty-four years in business speaks volumes, and Olympia Kebob House has those kinds of bragging rights. Greek specialties, burgers, and more are waiting for you.

Montana: Bistro Enzo

Meleea L. / Yelp

Billings

French, Italian, and New American flavors collide here at Bistro Enzo. Upscale wine bar vibes are why youre here, alongside a menu of wood-fired pizzas and a burger worth breaking the bank for.

Nebraska: Jim & Jennies Greek Village

Shane F. / Yelp

Omaha

Owners Jim and Jenny are expats from Pyrgos-Olympia, Greece, so you know the food at their Omaha restaurant is the real deal. Feta psiti is mandatory.

Nevada: Filo Grill Mediterranean Restaurant

John H. /Yelp

Las Vegas

Get off the strip and hit up Filo, a multi-regional Mediterranean restaurant with the lamb kabob plate you need to nurse your Vegas hangover. Make sure to get some extra baklava to go.

New Hampshire: Basha Grill

Lynn N. / Yelp

Keene

Basha Mediterranean Grill brings the bold, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to New Hampshire with a menu built around fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Start with classic mezze like creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, or crispy falafel served with warm pita. Then move on to the grillwhere specialties like lamb kebabs, chicken shawarma, and kafta are marinated with herbs and spices and cooked to tender perfection.

New Jersey: Zeugma

Ellen K. / Yelp

Montclair

Youd be hard-pressed to find a mezze bar to compete with the one at Zeugma anywhere nearby. Were talkin beet falafels, pumpkin muhammara, and at least three types of hummus on offer. Not many people in New Jersey are cooking food the way Chef Can Alp is, so get in there and experience it.

New Mexico: Alquds Mediterranean Grill and Grocery

Gerrit K. / Yelp

Albuquerque

In a town of great Mexican food, Alquds is a beautiful option for a different flavor profile. No matter if youre going for a gyro, shawarma, or even just a cheeseburger, you need to make sure youve got extra hot shatta and garlic sauce. No such thing as too much garlic sauce.

New York: Cervos

Henry T. / Yelp

Manhattan

Lets be real: There are about a million and a half places to get great Mediterranean food throughout the boroughs alone, so for something that wont fade into the back of a long list of great meals, head to Cervos for something memorable. The flavors of Spain and Portugal are on deck here, with plenty of vermouth and sherry to wash them down.

North Carolina: Sassool

Val M./ Yelp

Raleigh & Cary

Pizzettes, dips, and grape leaves keep bringing Raleigh locals back for more at Sassool. Taste these family recipes in either Cary or Raleigh.

North Dakota: Cafe Aladdin

Jessica K. / Yelp

Fargo

Youll catch gyros, kabobs, falafels, and the rest of the usual suspects hanging around Cafe Aladdin. Extra baba ghannouj is in order, and same goes for the spanakopita.

Ohio: Lavash Cafe

Jillian D. /Yelp

Columbus

A solid menu next to rotating daily specials always makes for a great new experience and at Lavash Cafe, thats what youve got. Stop in for tasty Moroccan stews, black bean hummus, kibbeh, and more.

Oklahoma: Nunus Mediterranean Cafe

Chris W. / Yelp

Oklahoma City

Nunus leans Lebanese, and in OKC where that can be harder to find, thats a beautiful thing. Any of the specialty plates will do you right; the charbroiled beef kata is particularly popular.

Oregon: Shalom Yall

alana l. / Yelp

Portland

Shalom Yall prides itself on dishes from across the Levant (an area bordering the eastern Mediterranean) and remains one of the best places to eat in a city full of great restaurants. You need kabobs. You need dips. And you need that spiced apple date cake.

Pennsylvania: Dizengoff

Heather O. / Yelp

Philadelphia

If youve checked too many dinners off your Mediterranean list, hit Dizengoff in Philly for brunch. Israeli goodies like shakshuka and zaatar omelettes will pair nicely with the top-notch cocktail program, which rocks ingredients like Turkish coffee.

Rhode Island: Kaza Maza

Ahmad G. / Yelp

Providence

Live music goes well with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classics at Kaza Maza, helmed by chef Khaled Alhamad. There are more dips and salads here than youll know what to do with, which is always a good thing.

South Carolina: Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

Stewart B. / Yelp

Myrtle Beach

Theres a lot going on in Myrtle Beach, but nothing so important that you should miss out on a trip to Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar. They do small shakshukas as sides for the table in both red and green, so youll be ordering that.

South Dakota: Sanaas Gourmet Mediterranean

D M./Yelp

Sioux Falls

Originally from Syria, Chef Sanaa Abourezk is an important part of the Sioux Falls food world, known for her recipes and extremely well-loved restaurant. As always: Make sure youre getting involved with that mezze sampler.

Tennessee: Yassins Falafel House

Jonathan B. / Yelp

Knoxville & Alcoa

Authentic Mediterranean flavors abound at Yassins Falafel House, which has two locations in Knoxville and one in nearby Alcoa. This is hummus worth driving for, and its even better atop some shawarma or a gyro.

Texas: Lama Mediterranean Cuisine

John A. / Yelp

Shenandoah

You could take your time trying to pick the perfect dips, apps, and small plates for your table at Lama, or you could let them take that responsibility off your hands and go for the mazza platter for the table: hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouli, fattoush, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, kibbeh and mixed pickles. Bingo.

Utah: Laziz Kitchen

Xiao Z. / Yelp

Midvale

Salt Lake City is wild about Laziz, which has four locations around the city, and has built a reputation for incredible hummus. That doesnt mean you should stop there, so make sure Lazizs lamb meatballs and sfeeha (meat pies) are on your radar, too.

Vermont: Kismet Mediterranean Grill

L P./ Yelp

Burlington

Dinner may be the main attraction at this Burlington hotspot, but lunch is Cheapism approved, with wraps filled with doner kabob, lamb, swordfish, and more for under $15.

Virginia: Maya Bistro

Engin H. /Yelp

Arlington

You already know that you need some flaky spinach pie on your table at Maya Bistro, and you already know that you need mab chops. You probably also know that you need falafel, but did you know you definitely need their Turkish ratatouille? See, you learn something every day.

Washington: Mamnoon

Jodi P./Yelp

Seattle

The Nadi Mama empire is big in Seattle, with six restaurants operating under the group. Perhaps best of all of them is Mamnoon, where elevated Levantine fare meets Pacific Northwest ingredients.

There are dishes perfected here that youve heard of, like muhammara and lamb kebabs, but even more exciting are the perfect dishes you havent heard of, like shamandar (beet and tahini dip) and samak amba (halibut with fermented mango).

West Virginia: Olive Tree Cafe & Catering

Danielle D. / Yelp

Charleston

Hit Olive Tree Cafe & Catering for creative spins on hummus, grape leaves stuffed with ground meat, and even pierogies. And if you need catering, well, obviously they do that.

Wisconsin: Lebnani House

Lico J. / Yelp

Greenfield

Syrian and Lebanese flavors are everywhere at Lebnani House, with regional twists on the classics you know (like tomato in the dolmas) and tasty cocktails.

Wyoming: Figs

Yvette Z. / Yelp

Jackson

People come to Jackson to indulge, and thats exactly what you can do at Hotel Jackons in-house restaurant, Figs. If its time to splurge, consider the chefs tasting menu, which will run you about $100 per person.

More From Cheapism

TripAdvisor / Jpjarami
WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI  Relatives of the man who attacked one of the nations largest synagogues were killed in a recent airstrike in Lebanon amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, a Michigan mayor and a neighbor said.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Lebanon, rammed his truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township before he was fired upon by security guards in a hallway on Thursday, March 12, officials say.

No children, clergy or staff members were wounded in the attack and over 140 students and staff at the temple's preschool were safely evacuated. A security guard was hit by the truck and is expected to survive, said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

Mo Baydoun, the mayor of Dearborn Heights, where the suspect lived, said Ghazali "lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon" earlier in March. One of Ghazali's neighbors told The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Ghazali's brother was killed in an airstrike.

1 / 0 Michigan synagogue attack suspect dead, see emergency response A man is dead after authorities say he rammed a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue, sparking a fire in the worship space that also houses a preschool. One security member was injured and hospitalized. No other injuries were reported, and the preschool was safely evacuated.



Pictured here, smoke rises from the building after the Michigan State Police reported an active shooting incident at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on March 12, 2026 in a still image from video.

Law enforcement officials declined to reveal any details about a potential motive, saying only that what happens around the world sometimes affects us.

The attack broke out as authorities increased security around places of worship nationwide in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have led to widening conflicts across the Middle East.

On the same day as the attack at Temple Israel, a gunman killed one person and injured two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University, which authorities are investigating as an act of terrorism. The FBI described the incident at Temple Israel as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community."

Heres what we know.

What happened at Temple Israel?

Parents walk to their cars after reuniting with their children at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

First responders were called to the scene around 12:20 p.m., according to West Bloomfield Police Department Chief Dale Young. Ghazali rammed his truck into the temple and entered a synagogue hallway where security staff opened fire and "neutralized the threat, Young said. Authorities later recovered a firearm from the scene.

The truck caught fire, and around 30 law enforcement officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, Bouchard said. Video from the scene showed smoke billowing from the temple.

The attack triggered shelter-in-place orders that affected nearby schools as well as homes and businesses within a mile of the synagogue. All nearby Jewish organizations also went into a temporary lockdown, officials said.

Temple Israel attack: Kids 'just thought an alarm had gone off'

At Temple Israel, staffers quickly hustled classrooms full of preschoolers across the street to Shenandoah Country Club, where children reunited with their parents. During a news conference, Rabbi Arianna Gordon lauded the swift work of both law enforcement and teachers at the synagogue's early childhood center.

"They ensured that all of our children remained safe and calm throughout the entire day and got every single child safely reunited with their parents this afternoon and for that I cant express my gratitude enough," Gordon said.

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What do we know about the suspect?

Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Ghazali was born in Lebanon in January 1985 and entered the U.S. in May 2010 on an IR1 immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Ghazali applied for naturalization in 2015 and was granted U.S. citizenship on Feb. 5, 2016.

Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said in a statement that several of Ghazali's family members were killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier in March. Kandie Zaidieh, who lived down the block from Ghazali, described him as a hard worker who was well-liked in the neighborhood.

He was always pleasant. Everybody liked him," she told The Detroit Free Press. Zaidieh said that a day before the attack, she found out that Ghazalis brother was killed in an airstrike in Lebanon. She said she planned to bring him flowers.

Employees at the popular shawarma stop, Hamido, down the street, told the Free Press that Ghazali worked there and was so, so nice but wouldnt grant an interview.

Since the U.S.-Israel war with Iran started on Feb. 28, over 600 people have been killed in Lebanon as Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah trade blows. Wayne County, where the suspect lived, has the highest percentage of Lebanese Americans among counties in the U.S., many of them with family affected by the war.

What was the motive?

Law enforcement officials said they are still working to piece together what exactly led to the attack.

"Obviously its a hateful, terrible thing but what drove this person into action, that has to be determined by the investigation," Bouchard told reporters.

FBI Detroits Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan called the attack a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." Bouchard suggested the attack came in response to global tensions as war rages in the Middle East: "Obviously what happens around the world sometimes affects us."

An aerial shows Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March. 12, 2026.

Temple Israel prepared for an attack

The attack happened at Temple Israel, a synagogue about 25 miles northwest of Detroit that describes itself as the "the nations largest Reform synagogue," with more than 12,000 congregants. It dates back to 1941, according to its website.

In January, Temple Israel's clergy and staff members participated in an active shooter training led by the FBI, according to a post on X from the bureau's Detroit field office.

When the attacker rammed his truck through the temple doors, staffers in the building relied on their training.

"Because of the work of our security team and because of the work of our staff, our children just thought an alarm had gone off," Rabbi Joshua Bennett told The Detroit Free Press. "They were playing with their family and friends."

Contributing: Bart Jansen and Michael Loria of USA TODAY; John Wisely, Nushrat Rahman and Darcie Moran of The Detroit Free Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Synagogue attacker's relative skilled in recent airstrike in Lebanon
President Donald Trump has said he might order the U.S. Navy to escort commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, if needed, to help deal with the escalating world oil supply crisis.

Iran said it has closed the strait and has attacked ships there and in the Persian Gulf.

What might that potentially risk operation look like?

Geography

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow checkpoint through which 20%-25% of the world's oil supply flows.

Anadolu via Getty Images - PHOTO: Map of the Strait of Hormuz

What is the Strait of Hormuz? It's the narrow body of water separating the peninsula that is the United Arab Emirates from Iran with the Persian Gulf to the west and the Gulf of Oman to the east. The northernmost tip of that peninsula actually belongs to Oman.

Altaf Qadri/AP - PHOTO: Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026.

Iran live updates: 1st purported message from new supreme leader read on state TV

The strait is between only about 30 miles wide and just 21 miles at its narrowest point. But the transitway for vessels is even narrower because ships have to sail through two-mile-wide designated lanes for commercial ships as they sail inbound or outbound.

The route is not considered to be international waters because Iranian and United Arab Emirates territorial water limits stretch 12 miles from each coastline. But under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Part III, it is subject to "transit passage," allowing free navigation and overflight, which cannot be suspended.

Royal Thai Navy/Reuters

What is an escort?

A naval escort is when warships provide security for a vessel or a convoy of vessels moving through a dangerous waterway. Typically, the U.S. Navy ships most suited for this are Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that can provide air defenses to counter drones and anti-ship missiles fired from shore.

U.S. Navy - PHOTO: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) operates with Guyana Defence Force Defiant-class patrol vessel GDFS Shahous (1039) in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Guyana, Nov, 22, 2025.

In Iran fight, US scrambles to adapt in its 1st major drone war

That's what the U.S. Navy and partner nations, including the U.K. and France, did from December 2023 to mid-2025 in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. That operation was to protect commercial ships from Houthi drone and missile attacks.

Just like on the north side of the Arabian Peninsula, there is another narrow waterway, the Bab el Mandab, that separates the southwestern tip of the peninsula from Africa, specifically Djibouti.

It's also likely that the U.S. Navy might employ its Littoral Combat Ships (LCS's) to escort ships or clear a path through waters laced with Iranian mines. LCS's are not minesweepers, but they can be equipped with a mine-sweeping package that can be towed behind the ship or mine-countermeasure weapons aboard the ship.

U.S. Navy - PHOTO: An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 and an F/A-18E Super Hornet, fly over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) in the Atlantic Ocean, April 13, 2025.

There are currently three LCS's in the Persian Gulf area and at least two of them are equipped with this package.

Are there destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz?

Yes, there are eight destroyers in that part of the world. Most of them are accompanying the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln which is located of the eastern coast of Oman.

They are the USS Michael Murphy, Destroyer USS Mitscher, USS Pinckney, USS Delbert D Black, USS McFaul, USS Spruance, USS Frank E Petersen and USS John Finn.

If needed they could be moved closer to either side of the Strait of Hormuz to escort commercial ships in and out of the Persian Gulf.

Trump faces escalating oil crisis over Iran blocking Strait of Hormuz

There are an additional four destroyers currently in the Red Sea accompanying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. They are the USS Mahan, USS Winston Churchill, USS Bainbridge, and USS Thomas Hudner.

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Why destroyers?

Because they are equipped with the AEGIS combat system that is able to track incoming missile and drone threats and use air defense missiles to intercept them. Destroyers also carry between four to eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles that can travel a far as 65 nautical miles to strike at any adversarial warships.

What would an escort look like?

The best cues would come from the recent U.S. Navy and allied escorts that took place during the Houthi attacks, an operation known as Operation Prosperity Guardian.

During those escorts, one or several U.S. Navy ships would be placed at each end of a convoy of merchant ships. An escort could involve strategically placing destroyers at key locations near the transit points so they could track and shoot down any incoming fire with their air defense systems.

US Navy - PHOTO: An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 14, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury, March. 4, 2026.

Fog of words: A look at Trump's messaging on Iran war timeline, endgame and more

Each destroyer also carries two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters that can be used for aerial reconnaissance and can also carry a pod used for minesweeping. Mines are first identified by the AN/AQS-20A sonar system or other mine countermeasure assets, after identification a mine is neutralized with an armor-piercing warhead.

U.S. Centcom/X - PHOTO: U.S. CENTCOM shared video of U.S. forces eliminating multiple Iranian naval vessels, including what they say are 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz, March 10, 2026.

The US Navy has done this before in the Strait of Hormuz

The last time the U.S. Navy did escorts in the Strait of Hormuz was in 1987-1988 during the "Tanker War" which was an outgrowth of the decade-long Iran-Iraq War.

U.S. Navy destroyers provided escorts to Kuwaiti-flagged ships transiting through the Strait. Operation Earnest Will, as it was called, included two major incidents: one was the mistaken shootdown of an Iranian passenger jet by the destroyer USS Vincennes that had just completed an escort and thought the plane was an Iranian fighter jet; the second was extensive damage to the frigate USS Samuel Roberts after it struck an Iranian mine.

The damage to the Samuel Roberts prompted the Reagan administration to launch retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets that included warships.

What about mines?

As mentioned above, Iran reportedly has several thousand mines that could be placed in the Strait. Typically, these are magnetic mines that can attach to a ship's hull triggering an explosion that could at most sink it.

"The most immediate concerns are mines," Bill Hamblet, a retired Navy captain, now with the U.S. Naval Institute, said during an interview with ABC News. "The threat of mines, missile attacks and small craft vessel attacks, is what is keeping commerce from moving through the strait right now."

"If there are mines, the Navy has to find them, localize them, disable them, and disarm them. And so, it's a huge challenge, and it's a problem when you don't know where they are," he said.

Hamblet, a former Navy intelligence officer, said mine detection and clearance in the Strait are crucial to re-opening it, and emphasized the need for local air superiority and mine countermeasure packages to be in place before the U.S. Navy can begin escorting other ships.

Last year, the U.S. Navy retired the last of its minesweeping vessels that had operated for decade in the Persian Gulf. These Avenger-class minesweepers had wooden hulls covered in fiberglass that helped prevent Iranian magnetic mines attaching to their hulls.

US Navy - PHOTO: A U.S. sailor signals to an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 2, 2026.

With their retirement the U.S. Navy would rely on the minesweeping packages used by Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

The Navy's MH-60 helicopters are now its main minesweeping platform.

Each destroyer carries two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters that can be used for aerial reconnaissance and can also carry a pod used for minesweeping.

Mines are first identified by the AN/AQS-20A sonar system or other mine countermeasure assets, after identification a mine is neutralized with an armor-piercing warhead.

Hamblet said the littoral combat ships with mine-countermeasure packages would need to be deployed to the region to begin mine-sweeping and clearing the waterways.

"For that to happen, there has to be local air superiority over the Strait so that we know that those ships can operate," Hamblet said, adding that the ships move at a snail's pace and require air protection.

"They're not sweeping mines at 50 knots. They're sweeping mines slowly, carefully, methodically, and it takes time. And so, to do that, you've got to have an umbrella of coverage and protection for them," he said.
Channel Yonko was found guilty on Friday of the October 2024 incident. Prosecutors said she stabbed her baby before throwing her off from a third-floor balcony at a hotel they were staying at in Galveston, Texas -Credit:Galveston Police Department (Galveston Police Department)





A Texas woman was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of brutally stabbing her 17-month-old daughter and throwing her off their hotel balcony.

Channel Yonko was found guilty on Friday of the October 2024 incident. Prosecutors said she stabbed her baby before throwing her off from a third-floor balcony at a hotel they were staying at in Galveston, Texas.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene after being alerted of an abandoned child at around 9:45 a.m. on October 23, 2024. When they arrived at the hotel, the baby was still alive, bleeding on the pavement.

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The toddler, Hannah Yonko, was quickly rushed by EMS to the trauma center unit at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she succumbed to her injuries.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the child suffered three puncture wounds. Hotel surveillance footage later showed the child falling off the balcony, landing in the grass and rolling onto the concrete sidewalk. In the document, police added they believed the mother had intentionally dropped her.

During an investigation, police also found a bag containing a skinning knife, toys, and childrens snacks, at a trash can in the hotel.

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According to a probable cause affidavit, the child suffered three puncture wounds. Hotel surveillance footage later showed the child falling off the balcony, landing in the grass and rolling onto the concrete sidewalk -Credit:Galveston Police Department

Authorities quickly arrested the mother and charged her with murder. She was 30 years old at the time of the incident.

Channel and Hannah Yonko were staying at the Beach Front Palms Hotel alongside the 30-year-olds sister, Mercedes Yonko. She said that the day of the incident, she left the property to see her fiance at a nearby hotel. They were checking out of the Galveston hotel that same day.

When Mercedes was preparing to go back to the Beach Front Palms Hotel after seeing her fiance, her sister allegedly told her several times to stay away.

Yonkos lawyers attempted to categorize Yonko as legally insane at the time of the incident, rendering her incapable of understanding the nature of her actions or knowing that what she was doing was wrong. However, that claim was quickly rejected by jurors.

Jurors quickly deliberated, reaching a guilty verdict only an hour after the trial concluded.

Its such a sad case, and I kept thinking of Hannah, Juror Jeanie Tinkle told KHOU. We all wanted to give [Yonko] the benefit of the doubt, but we couldnt get there.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Rinehart also expressed heartbreak following the verdict, describing the case as emotional.

Im not a crier, but the first time I went through the evidence, it got me tearing up, Rinehart told KHOU. It was definitely an emotional case.

Given that Hannah was under 10 at the time of her death, Yonko was given an automatic sentence of life without the possibility of parole, per Texas Law. Prosecutors declined to seek the death penalty.
A gunman who shot and killed a retired Army officer and wounded two others inside a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia has been identified as a former National Guardsman with a history of attempting to support the Islamic State.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who was released from federal prison in December after serving time for terror offences, opened fire on an ROTC class on Thursday before being killed. The targeted attack on military personnel prompted a major law enforcement response across the Norfolk campus.

Old Dominion University Gunman Targets ROTC Class

The incident began when the shooter entered Constant Hall, a building housing the university's College of Business. According to law enforcement sources speaking to CBS News, the suspect specifically asked if the students present were part of an ROTC programme. Upon receiving confirmation, he immediately opened fire. The class instructor, a retired Army officer, suffered fatal injuries during the assault.

Two other individuals were wounded. Old Dominion Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed during a press conference that all the victims were affiliated with the university, though he declined to publicly identify the deceased. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll noted on social media that two casualties were Army personnel, adding: 'I'm praying for them and all those impacted by this terrible event.' The surviving victims, who were taken to hospitals in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, are in a stable condition.

Gunman Mohamed Bailor Jalloh Had ISIS History

Law enforcement sources identified the deceased shooter as Jalloh, a man already known to federal authorities. According to his Federal Bureau of Prisons record, the former Virginia National Guardsman pleaded guilty in October 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the terror group ISIS. He received an 11-year prison sentence but was released early in December 2024.

The precise circumstances of his death during the campus attack remain unspecified, though university officials confirmed in an emergency alert that the shooter had been neutralised.

The violence unfolded hours before an unrelated attack at a synagogue in Michigan. However, local authorities quickly dismissed concerns of a wider threat to the Virginia coast. Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot told reporters the danger was contained entirely to the university grounds.

'We've learned nothing here today that makes us think that there's anything to fear beyond what we're dealing with here,' Talbot said.

Students Flee Norfolk Campus During Active Shooting

As the shooting commenced, panic swept through the campus. Students reported hearing sudden screams followed by fire alarms, prompting a mass evacuation of Constant Hall.

Kahari, a junior at the university, told CBS affiliate WTKR-TV he was attending a class in the building when the disruption began. 'We heard like faint screaming, and we just like looked back, we didn't know what it was,' he said. 'And then we heard the screams getting louder, and then that's when the alarm went off, and everyone just like ran out of the building.'

Another student informed the station that his class fled the premises assuming the alarm signalled a routine fire drill, noting a similar exercise had taken place roughly a week prior. He only discovered there had been an active shooter upon reaching the safety of a nearby parking garage, where he called his parents.

'It was just terrifying, it really was. Everything was just terrifying,' the student said. 'Everybody was running, everybody was screaming, we didn't know what was going on. I couldn't even get words out, I still really can't. It's surreal. I mean, you never think this to happen. You woke up, you came to class, you think it's going to be a normal day and then something like this happens.'

BREAKING - An ODU student confirms the shooter who targeted two members of ODUs Army Reserve Officers Training Corps was a Muslim man and a student at ODU. pic.twitter.com/hvh38QKP2R  Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) March 12, 2026

Authorities Secure Campus As Federal Investigation Begins

Shortly after midday, the university administration issued an all-clear notification. The alert confirmed the emergency had ended and there was no longer an active threat. Classes were subsequently suspended for the remainder of the day.

Multiple federal agencies are involved in the ongoing investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed it had deployed agents to the scene, while FBI Director Kash Patel stated the bureau was providing active assistance.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Text messages revealed Bradley Couzins masterminded the plot, offering his mum a trip to the caribbean

A mother and son who plotted to smuggle 14 kilos of cocaine into the UK have been jailed.

Amanda Meadowcroft, 53, of Darwen, Lancashire, was stopped by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport in April after returning to the UK from the Dominican Republic.

Text messages on her phone revealed her son, Bradley Couzins, 34, had masterminded the plot, the National Crime Agency said.

The pair both pleaded guilty and Meadowcroft was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to seven years while Couzins, also of Darwen, was handed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence.

Meadocroft was already serving a suspended sentence for smuggling cannabis into the UK from Thailand.

The NCA said she was arrested alongside another woman who was caught with 14 packages of cocaine, worth approximately 294,000, in her luggage.

Two mobile phones seized from Meadowcroft revealed how she conspired with her son to bring the drugs into the UK.

Text messages showed how Couzins gave his mother the choice of a trip to the Dominican Republic in economy or Thailand in first class.

He went on to confirm the flight and travel logistics, including arrangements to meet "people" at their apartment and pick up the Class A drugs.

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Following Meadowcroft's arrest, Couzins attempted to evade justice by immediately moving location, the NCA said.

However, officers arrested him in Blackpool in August.

Whilst being arrested, Couzins attempted to destroy his phone by smashing it with his handcuffs, injuring an officer in the process, the NCA said.

'Criminal family'

Meadowcroft and Couzins admitted importing cocaine with Couzins also pleading guilty to assaulting an NCA officer.

Charles Lee, NCA senior investigation officer, said: "This criminal family went to great lengths to source and smuggle Class A drugs into the UK.

"The duo planned and executed an operation born out of greed, culminating in a violent assault on an NCA officer.

"Thankfully the officer made a full recovery."

The woman arrested alongside Meadowcroft was initially charged but subsequently released with no further action, the NCA added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

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A suspect is dead after a shooting and vehicle-ramming attack at a Detroit-area synagogue, according to the FBI, which said it is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon.

Ghazali, who was armed with a rifle, died after a shootout with security at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, a senior federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said earlier.

Nobody inside the synagogue was hurt, and the synagogue noted that all 140 students as well as staff, teachers and "heroic security personnel" were accounted for, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

"The security staff did an amazing job, an amazing job," Bouchard said at a press briefing Thursday evening. "They stopped the threat."

Corey Williams/AP - PHOTO: People gather near Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in West Bloomfield Township, Mich.

The sheriff said one synagogue security guard was hit by the suspect's truck and was "knocked unconscious" but was expected to be OK.

The building became engulfed in fire during the attack, and 30 law enforcement officers were transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, according to Bouchard. The source of the ignition remains under investigation, he said.

Ghazali entered the U.S. in May 2011 on an immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and became a U.S. citizen in February 2016, according to DHS.

Investigators searched a Michigan home associated with the suspect, law enforcement sources said.

A motive for the attack remains under investigation, according to Bouchard and Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

"I also know you have a lot of questions. A lot of those questions can't be answered at this point because it's super preliminary in the investigation," Bouchard said.

"Obviously, it's a hateful, terrible thing, right? But what drove this person into action -- that has to be determined by the investigation," he added.

WXYZ - PHOTO: Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.

Temple Israel in a statement said the security personnel who confronted the suspect are "heroes" and the "teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm."

The driver was armed with a rifle, and the truck contained fireworks and an unidentified chemical agent that ignited soon after the crash, the law enforcement sources said.

The truck swerved around bollards, crashed through Temple Israels front doors and drove down the hall before security personnel opened fire.

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WXYZ - PHOTO: Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.

WXYZ - PHOTO: Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.

Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny told ABC News Live that she was heading to Temple Israel when a staff member texted her saying they were hiding from gunshots under a desk.

Kaluzny said she drove directly to the synagogue and tried to go in the building but was not allowed inside, so she then drove to a reunification site where panicked parents were waiting for their children.

Emily Elconin/Getty Images - PHOTO: Law enforcement respond near Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter, March 12, 2026 in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

She said of the security guard who was hit by the truck, "This is someone who is not Jewish who is absolutely celebrating his relationship with the Jewish community, and we have embraced him and he has embraced us."

"We are forever grateful to all of them and everyone who showed up to help us get through this," she said of the synagogue security guards and the police responders.

Officials with the FBI Detroit field office held an active shooter prevention and preparedness training for the staff and clergy at Temple Israel in January, according to a social media post from the FBI.

"All of the training that we do is, sadly, necessary, but we saw today ... that it paid off," Kaluzny said.

"Everyone knew what to do ... the teachers are absolutely heroes," she added.

WXYZ - PHOTO: Law enforcement agencies respond to Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, March 12, 2026.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement, "This is heartbreaking. Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace."

President Donald Trump said he's been "fully briefed" on the incident.

"I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue," Trump said during a women's history month event at the White House.

"It's a terrible thing," he said.

2 injured, gunman dead in shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia, school says

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he spoke with local Jewish leaders in Michigan "to receive an update on the situation and to express our solidarity."

"I am relieved to hear that there were no casualties," he said. "This is a grave and serious incident that follows a series of attacks on Jewish institutions around the world. Tonight, we send a message of strength and support from Israel to the Jewish community in Michigan."

ABC News' Luke Barr, Alexander Mallin and Sasha Pezenik contributed to this report.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks with Soldiers from Task Force Security during security operations for Super Bowl LIX in the French Quarter of New Orleans, La., Feb. 7, 2025. Photo: Sgt. Joseph Barber / U.S. Army National Guard via DVIDS / Public Domain

Gov. Jeff Landrys State of the State address this week was more than a progress report; it was a bold declaration of what happens when conservative leaders keep their promises, slash red tape, prioritize law and order, and put hardworking taxpayers first. In under two years, Landry and Louisianas Republican supermajority Legislature have delivered transformative reforms that decades of liberal complacency and big-government failures denied our state. Theyve rejected the status quo, dismantled bureaucracy, cracked down on crime, and restored real hope in Louisianas future.

The governor rightly praised the Legislature for its relentless pursuit of bold, conservative change. No legislative body in history has achieved so much so quickly. Together, theyve strengthened public safety by backing the blue and putting victims over criminals, cut taxes to unleash economic growth, enacted long-needed insurance reforms, imposed fiscal discipline, and ignited an unprecedented wave of job-creating investment across every corner of our state. As governor Landry declared: government should serve taxpayers, not the other way around.

Education reform stands as one of the clearest triumphs of conservative governance. Louisiana students have posted historic gains, surging 11 spots on the Nations Report Card to reach the states highest-ever ranking. Fourth-grade reading scores delivered the nations largest gains, and Louisiana remains the only state where students have fully recovered from pandemic learning losses in both math and reading.

These arent flukes; theyre direct results of conservative policies that empower teachers, remove woke bureaucracy, restore classroom discipline, and refocus education on academics. School choice is expanding freedom for families through LA GATOR Scholarships - allowing education dollars to follow students to the best-fit schools whether public, private, charter, or homeschool.

This spring, voters can build on that momentum by passing Amendment 3, which responsibly redirects savings from paying down teachers retirement debt into permanent pay raises - $2,250 for teachers and $1,125 for support staff - without raising taxes. Its smart, pro-family conservatism: rewarding educators while protecting taxpayers.

The Landry economic revival is equally striking. Louisiana has shattered records with $100 billion in investment - including the largest foreign and private-sector projects in history - tied to tens of thousands of new jobs in energy, manufacturing, logistics, and technology. These opportunities are lifting wages well above the state average and revitalizing communities long overlooked.

This boom stems directly from conservative tax reforms: eliminating the job-killing corporate franchise tax, lowering income taxes, tripling the standard deduction, flattening rates, and simplifying the tax code. The Tax Foundation now ranks Louisiana significantly higher in tax competitiveness - proof that Landry is correct: capital goes where its treated best.

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Fiscal responsibility has been established with ironclad discipline. Republicans have cut debt, boosted bond ratings, balanced budgets without gimmicks, and rejected the reckless spending that fueled past crises. By focusing on core priorities and rooting out waste, Louisiana proves that conservative principles deliver sustainable growth.

Workforce training is aligning with real opportunities by expanding vocational and technical education, ensuring Louisiana workers can fill the high-demand jobs new industries are creating.

Insurance reform is finally taming one of our toughest challenges through litigation crackdowns and market accountability, driving down premiums and providing real relief to families and businesses.

Infrastructure improvements are accelerating with faster project delivery, major bridge replacements, and innovative ideas like a State Infrastructure Bank to maximize taxpayer value. Practical proposals like eliminating outdated inspection stickers make government leaner and more responsive.

Public safety remains non-negotiable. The governor has made clear that accountability must extend throughout the criminal justice system so tragedies caused by soft-on-crime policies never repeat.

Gov. Landry closed with a call for continued cooperation and determination. Louisianas progress flows from leaders choosing action over excuses, reform over complacency, and conservative values over failed liberal experiments.

The work continues, but the momentum is undeniable. With sustained Republican leadership and partnership between the governor and Legislature, Louisiana is transforming from a state of missed opportunities into a national model of economic freedom, public safety, fiscal sanity, and renewed pride.

Louisianas conservative comeback is roaring, and the best days are ahead.
Thick black smoke rises at the private airline Kam Air's fuel depot after a strike in what the Taliban said was a Pakistani air strike, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, March 13, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

By Mohammad Yunus Yawar

KABUL, March 13 (Reuters) - Pakistan bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Afghanistan's Kandahar airport, the ruling Taliban said on Friday, stepping up the neighbours' worst conflict in years, despite China's efforts to mediate.

The overnight strikes also hit residential areas in Kabul, killing four people and wounding more than a dozen. In eastern Nangarhar province later on Friday, a mortar shell that Afghan officials said was fired by Pakistan hit a house in the Momandara district, killing a woman and a child, a provincial spokesperson said.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said the airstrikes in Kabul had killed at least four civilians and injured 14 in the Pul-e-Charkhi area, including women and children.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X that the strikes were part of the ongoing operation dubbed Ghazb lil Haq, targeting what it described as militant camps and terrorist support infrastructure in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar.

Dozens of sites were struck across Afghanistan, he added, denying that any civilian population or infrastructure had been targeted.

The strikes on the depot, which Afghan administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft, threaten to spark further hostilities between two countries that neighbour Iran.

UNABLE TO SHOUT

In Kabul, residents said they heard explosions around midnight before bricks began falling in their homes and dust obscured their vision.

"I ran toward the hallway and started calling out to see who was alive," said Homayoun, 45, who was woken from sleep by a blast, followed by the screams of his children.

"I tried to shout, but my voice wouldn't come out because dust and smoke had filled my throat."

In District 21 on the outskirts of the capital, bricks littered sandy streets and homes had walls blown out. "When we woke up, dust was everywhere, the windows were broken, and we could hear nothing," said 35-year-old resident Murselin.

Haji Mohammad Aman, a Kabul resident with relatives whose house had been hit, said he could not understand why their neighbourhood had been targeted.

"This entire area is residential," he added. "Many very poor people live in this area. There is not even a single government or military facility."

On Friday, the United Nations said it had recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 wounded in the fighting since February 26. The Taliban government says more than 110 civilians have been killed.

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Pakistan has rejected both tolls, saying it targets only militants and support infrastructure.

AFGHAN RESPONSE TO THE STRIKES

Mujahid, the Afghan administration spokesperson, vowed Pakistan's aggression would "not go unanswered."

The Afghan defence ministry said later in the day that its air force had targeted a military facility in the Faizabad area of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, with drones.

Flights at Islamabad International Airport were interrupted on Friday before resuming normal operations, Pakistan's civil aviation authority said.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered tighter security in Islamabad, cutting the capitals entry points from 109 to 25 and strengthening checkpoint monitoring, the interior ministry said.

Two girls were injured when a drone struck a house on the outskirts of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan, Naseer Agha, a local police official, said.

In a separate incident, seven police officers, including a station house officer, were killed and another wounded in a roadside bomb blast targeting a police vehicle in Lakki Marwat district, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, police said.

Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi had a call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to an X post by the Afghanistan foreign ministry.

Wang Yi said in the call that military action is not a solution to the problems between the two South Asian countries, according to the post.

No Pakistani airstrikes had been reported in the past week after Beijing boosted mediation efforts, including messages from President Xi Jinping to halt the fighting.

Ground clashes along the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) border had also tapered off, despite intermittent fighting.

The fighting erupted last month with Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted militant strongholds. Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of its sovereignty and launched its own attacks.

Militancy has been contentious between the neighbouring allies-turned-foes, with Islamabad saying Kabul provides a haven to militants launching attacks on Pakistan.

The Taliban deny the allegation, saying tackling militancy is Pakistan's internal problem.

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul and Saad Sayeed in Bangkok; Additional reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar in Mumbai, Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar, Saudi Mehsud in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore, Saleem Ahmed in Quetta; Writing by Sakshi Dayal, Ariba Shahid and Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Clarence Fernandez, Aidan Lewis, Rod Nickel)
Kenek, a 9-year-old with severe autism, cried through the night and started hitting himself as ICE detained him and his mother for weeks. (Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News)

Soon after immigration officials arrested him along with his wife and kids at the U.S. border and dropped them off at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, Aleksei began counting down the days.

OK, 20 days. We just wait and pray for God to release us please after these 20 days.

The U.S. isnt supposed to hold minors for longer than that, the Russian asylum-seeker had been told, under a decades-old legal settlement intended to shield children from the harms of detention.

But 20 days came and went. Aleksei and his wife, who asked to be identified only by their first names out of fear of retaliation should they be deported, watched their 5-year-old twins unravel at the remote, prisonlike facility. When he approached an ICE officer and asked why the deadline had been ignored, the officer said to take it up with his boss.

Whos that? Aleksei asked.

Trump.

"After three weeks, we began to feel the pressure building," Aleksei said of his prolonged detention at Dilley with his wife and 5-year-old twins. (Courtesy Aleksei) (Courtesy Aleksei)

The officer declined to provide the presidents phone number. When Aleksei followed up with a written complaint, another ICE officer responded in writing that the court agreement that established the 20-day rule is not applicable anymore.

That isnt true. But since the start of President Donald Trumps second term, officials routinely violate the limit, according to data collected by court-appointed monitors and shared with NBC News and NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Children like Alekseis twins get confined for weeks or months in conditions advocates say can be traumatic and developmentally harmful.

As of January, more than 900 children had been held in family detention for longer than 20 days, according to the data. Roughly 270 of those children were confined for more than twice as long.

An ICE officer told Aleksei that the federal settlement setting minimum standards for child detention was no longer in effect.

Lawyers representing families at Dilley say the prolonged stays reflect a broader strategy by the Trump administration to use detention as a deterrent, pressuring parents to abandon asylum claims rather than continue fighting their cases. As days stretch into weeks  and weeks into months  they say, the psychological and developmental toll deepens for children trapped inside a facility where detainees have complained of spoiled food, lax medical care and limited education.

Vilma Bautista Torres, who fled Honduras and sought asylum in the U.S. in 2021, said she and her 9-year-old son, Kenek, spent more than 80 days at Dilley before their release on parole last week. Kenek, who has severe autism, grew increasingly disoriented and distressed as the weeks dragged on without access to therapy, she said, hitting himself, crying through the night and begging her to let him return to his school in Louisiana.

In another case, Habiba Soliman, 18, and her four younger siblings  including twin 5-year-olds  have been detained at Dilley for more than nine months alongside their mother as they fight in court to return to their adopted home in Colorado rather than be deported to Egypt.

This place broke something in us  something that I dont know if we will ever be able to fix, Soliman said in a phone call from the facility last week.

The 20-day threshold traces back to a 1985 class-action lawsuit, Flores v. Meese, which accused the federal government of holding immigrant children in unsafe conditions. The case dragged on for more than a decade before a landmark 1997 settlement established nationwide minimum standards for the detention of minors.

Under the Flores Settlement Agreement, children may be held only for the time reasonably necessary to arrange their prompt release or deportation  a process that federal courts have interpreted to mean no longer than 20 days. But immigration lawyers say the Department of Homeland Securitys adherence to that limit has been wildly inconsistent over the past year. Some families are released within days; others remain detained for months, with little explanation for the disparity.

At the same time, the Trump administration has been fighting in court to overturn Flores, arguing it incentivizes migrants to bring children to secure faster release into the U.S., fueling surges in border crossings and limiting the governments ability to detain and remove families. A federal judge rejected that legal challenge in August; the administration has appealed.

Parents have complained of poor conditions at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center. (Ilana Panich-Linsman / The New York Times via Redux) (Ilana Panich-Linsman)

In a statement, DHS attacked the Flores settlement as a tool of the left that is antithetical to the law and wastes valuable U.S. taxpayer funded resources. The department has dismissed allegations of poor care at Dilley as mainstream media lies, writing in February that the facility is purpose-built to ensure that families in detention are comfortable and have all of their needs cared for.

CoreCivic, which manages Dilley under a federal contract thats expected to earn the company $180 million annually, said its not responsible for how long children are held. It referred reporters to a statement from last month defending the quality of accommodations, food and medical care provided at the facility. Nothing matters more to CoreCivic than the health and safety of the people in our care, the statement said.

Becky Wolozin, a senior attorney with the National Center for Youth Law and a member of the legal team responsible for enforcing the Flores settlement, said she and her colleagues have documented significant regression among minors held beyond 20 days. Parents report school-age children wetting the bed again, sucking their thumbs and experiencing frequent night terrors. Some withdraw and become despondent.

One parent told us that their 5-year-old asked, Are we bad people? Are they going to kill us here? Wolozin said. Thats what these children are feeling as time goes on.

Children trapped in ICE detention

Attorneys for families held at Dilley argue that in many cases there was no justification for detaining them in the first place. Many had been living in the U.S. for months or years without incident, checking in regularly with immigration authorities while pursuing asylum or other relief. Some were arrested at immigration appointments  encounters that in prior years might have resulted in continued monitoring outside detention rather than confinement.

Where is the public safety risk? said Sergio Perez, executive director of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, which helped bring the original Flores case. Where is the threat that a 5-year-old, 13-year-old, 14-year-old presents? There is none.

Bautista Torres said the nearly three months she and her 9-year-old spent at Dilley were the hardest they have ever endured.

Her son, Kenek, has Level 3 autism  the most severe classification  and relies on specialized schooling and daily therapy to regulate his emotions and behavior. At Dilley, she said, those supports vanished. He struggled to understand where he was or why he couldnt leave. The lights stayed on through the night, and the constant noise of patrolling guards left him agitated and afraid. The unfamiliar food on his plate often went untouched.

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He didn't have any therapy, he didn't have school, he didn't have anything," Bautista Torres said of her son's treatment in ICE detention. (Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News) (Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News)

He would tell me, Lets go to my house, Bautista Torres said in Spanish. As a mother, it made me feel terrible.

She said his distress escalated as the weeks passed. When she took him outside to the small playground, Kenek believed they were finally leaving  then became frantic when forced back inside. He began hitting himself, pulling at his clothes and screaming. The meltdown lasted for hours, she said, until he lay exhausted on the floor.

After that, Bautista Torres said, she stopped taking him outside altogether, afraid that the cycle of hope and panic would trigger another episode. Weeks passed without sunlight touching their skin.

No one would like to go through what we went through, she said.

Child psychiatrist Dr. Gilbert Kliman, an autism expert who has evaluated minors in immigration detention, said the prolonged confinement of any child  particularly one with severe autism  is the antithesis of good treatment and risks inflicting irreparable harm. Many autistic children experience the world as overwhelming or threatening, he said, and depend on highly structured, predictable environments  not isolation, uncertainty and constant sensory stress.

I could hardly think of a worse way to treat an autistic boy, said Kliman, who visited Dilley during the first Trump administration to interview detained children.

Vilma Bautista Torres was given an ankle monitor after being released from Dilley. She and her son are staying at a friend's apartment. (Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News) (Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News)

In a statement, DHS denied withholding education, specialized therapy and other care. When the mother and son arrived at Dilley, the agency said, Bautista Torres "informed the facilitys staff that her child had a history of autism and took medications. The medications were provided and treatment was continued by the facilitys staff."

Like other detainees, Bautista Torres said she struggled to secure legal help while in custody. After she finally connected with a pro bono law clinic, the team filed a parole request detailing Keneks autism diagnosis, his missed therapy and the episodes of self-harm. ICE released the family with an ankle monitor two days later.

Now back in Louisiana, Kenek has returned to school after missing months of classes. His mother worries about how much he may have regressed  and whether the trauma will linger.

Its lost time that we cannot recover, she said.

In November, after an ICE officer falsely told Aleksei that the Flores protections were no longer in effect, he and his wife, Anastasia, said their 5-year-old twins began reverting to behaviors they had long outgrown, with frequent meltdowns and growing fear of strangers. The children struggled to sleep, refused food and lost weight, they said. Their son asked if they were bad people and if the guards planned to kill them.

The uncertainty  not knowing when, or if, they would be released  deepened the strain, Anastasia said. Even people serving criminal sentences know when their time in prison will end, she said. But we dont know.

ICE has detained hundreds of children for longer than 20 days at Dilley, according to data collected by court-appointed monitors. (Brenda Bazan) (Brenda Bazan)

DHS didn't answer questions about the family's case.

After months searching for legal help, the family secured an attorney to file a parole request. They were released in February after more than 120 days in custody  six times the limit set by Flores.

Some families have been held even longer.

Soliman was 17  just days removed from her high school graduation  when she and her family were arrested in Colorado and taken to Dilley in June. Her siblings were 16, 8 and 4-year-old twins. All of them have marked birthdays inside the facility in the nine months since, but there were no cakes or presents.

Their father was charged with carrying out a firebombing terror attack in Boulder last year at a Jewish event supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. He has pleaded not guilty. Afterward, DHS arrested the mans wife and five children and announced it was investigating whether they aided in his plot.

The family has repeatedly denied any knowledge of their fathers plans and publicly disavowed his alleged actions. An immigration judge initially determined they were neither a danger nor a flight risk and granted bond but later reversed that decision after ICE appealed.

The familys lawyer has argued its unconstitutional to jail children for their fathers alleged crimes. Yet they remain.

DHS said they are continuing to investigate to what extent the family knew about their husband and father's alleged attack. "They will remain in custody pending removal proceedings," the statement said.

In a call last week, Soliman  who was recently separated from her family and moved to a section of Dilley reserved for adults without children  described what she called her familys slow descent into hopelessness. One of the twins, she said, has been having a recurring nightmare in which she is chased by a large animal but cannot escape because she and the creature are locked inside a cage.

Were not the same people who came here, Soliman said.

But she hasnt lost all hope. If shes ever allowed to return to Colorado, she still plans to pursue her dream of attending medical school.

America, she said, could use more doctors with compassion for the vulnerable.
A man is dead in Michigan after ramming a vehicle into one of the nations biggest synagogues that also houses an early childhood center, according to local officials.

The suspect drove into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township outside Detroit, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. Synagogue security staff opened fire on the vehicle, and it ignited. Police said temple security "neutralized the threat."

Department of Homeland Security officials identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in Lebanon. Hundreds in the country, which hosts major Iran ally Hezbollah, have died under Israeli bombardments amid the war on Iran.

Authorities called the attack a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community" and said, "obviously what happens around the world sometimes affects us."

Temple leaders confirmed no synagogue members were killed in the attack, and authorities successfully evacuated the temple's school.

"As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes," synagogue staff said in a statement. "Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm."

The head of synagogue security was struck by the suspects vehicle and was hospitalized but is expected to recover, Bouchard said. No other injuries were reported.

"Everyone is safe," synagogue staff said in the statement. "All 140 students in our Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center, our amazing staff, our courageous teachers, and our heroic security personnel are all accounted for and safe."

According to Bouchard there is no active threat to the community, and local police lifted a shelter-in-place advisory at around 3 p.m. local time.

1 / 0 Michigan synagogue attack suspect dead, see emergency response A man is dead after authorities say he rammed a vehicle into a Michigan synagogue, sparking a fire in the worship space that also houses a preschool. One security member was injured and hospitalized. No other injuries were reported, and the preschool was safely evacuated.



Pictured here, smoke rises from the building after the Michigan State Police reported an active shooting incident at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on March 12, 2026 in a still image from video.

The attack on the suburban Detroit Jewish house of worship comes amid heightened global tensions as a result of the U.S., Israel war with Iran. President Donald Trump and ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched strikes on Feb. 28 that killed the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the longtime head of Irans theocratic regime.

Over the course of nearly two weeks of fighting, over a thousand people have been killed in Iran and hundreds throughout the Middle East as the U.S. and Israel trade strikes with Iran and its allies.

Tears and smiles as toddlers, parents leave Temple Israel after attack

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, parents rushed to the scene to look for their children who had been attending school at the temple.

"I'm just trying to get to my baby," said one mother to an officer on scene, her eyes red and voice frantic. The officer let her through.

Three school buses full of children were safely escorted by police to safety at nearby Shenandoah Country Club. The children held hands with one another and their teachers.

I got you, buddy, one teacher told a child.

More than 100 adults and children  toddlers in their parents' arms and on their shoulders  were also seen walking away from Temple Israel at about 3:30 p.m. local time.

Children reached out to touch the firetrucks present. Some parents and children laughed, and a pair of parents even high-fived. Some parents cried, too.

What do we know about the suspect?

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Ghazali was born in Lebanon on Jan. 4, 1985.

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The 41-year-old became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Feb. 5, 2016, in the final weeks of the Obama administration.

Homeland Security said Ghazali entered the U.S. in 2011 on an immigrant visa as the spouse of an American citizen.

What happened in the attack?

First responders were called to the scene of the attack at about 12:20 p.m., West Bloomfield Police Department Chief Dale Young said at an evening news conference Thursday.

Authorities said the suspect rammed his vehicle through the building into a synagogue hallway where security staff fired on him. Young said temple security firing on the suspect "neutralized the threat."

The suspects vehicle caught fire, and around 30 law enforcement officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, Bouchard said. Video from the scene shows smoke billowing from the building.

According to authorities, over 100 federal agents are investigating. Among them are bomb and cellphone technicians, FBI Detroits Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said. Bomb-sniffing dogs were at the scene.

What do we know about the motive?

Authorities declined to reveal evidence related to the investigation, including what they know about the suspect and what prompted the attack.

"Obviously its a hateful, terrible thing but what drove this person into action, that has to be determined by the investigation," Bouchard told reporters.

But authorities confirmed a few details.

Runyan called the attack a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." Bouchard suggested the attack came in response to global affairs: "Obviously what happens around the world sometimes affects us."

Where did the attack happen?

The attack happened at Temple Israel, a synagogue about 25 miles northwest of Detroit that describes itself as the "the nations largest Reform synagogue," with more than 12,000 congregants. It dates back to 1941, according to its website.

In January, the FBI led an active shooter training with Temple Israel's clergy and staff members, according to a post on X from the bureau's Detroit field office. The training allowed staff and clergy to "practice the decision-making process of the Run, Hide, Fight principles and take necessary actions for survival," the post said.

Trump, other officials respond

President Donald Trump addressed the shooting during an unrelated news conference.

"I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today," Trump said at a Women's History Month event. "Ive been briefed  fully briefed  and its a terrible thing but it goes on. Were going to be right down to the bottom of it. Its absolutely incredible that things like this happen."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a statement thanked law enforcement for their swift action.

"This is heartbreaking," she said. "Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan."

Contributing: Bart Jansen of USA TODAY and John Wisely, Andrea May Sahouri, Nushrat Rahman and Darcie Moran of The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack dead, security guard injured
Two high-quality polls have surveyed Americans twice since the U.S. first attacked Iran on Feb. 28, giving the ability to see if opinion has shifted since the war first started.

One poll found opinion not shifting, the other found an increase in those saying strikes should continue, but that was still a minority opinion. And both found that nearly two-thirds said that President Donald Trump has not clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.

An Ipsos poll conducted March 6-9 found 29% of Americans approving of the U.S. strikes in Iran and 43% disapproving, 14 points underwater. Those opinions are almost identical to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted February 28-March 1 that found 27% approving and 43% disapproving, 16 points underwater. Large shares said they were unsure both times: 26% now and 29% earlier.

The more recent poll found 66% of Republicans approving of the strikes, up from 55% previously. Approval among independents was also up, from 19% to 23%. Democrats' opinions barely budged.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to journalists upon returning to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, March 11, 2026.

A New York Times analysis found that U.S. support for strikes in Iran is lower than it has been for the beginning of previous conflicts.

Ipsos' polling also found more Americans have heard about the strikes now than immediately after the U.S. first hit Iran. Now, 51% say they have heard "a lot" about the U.S. military strikes against Iran, up from 29% previously.

USAF - PHOTO: An F-35A Lightning II takes off from an undisclosed location in support of Operation Epic Fury.

Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents said they had heard a lot about the strikes in the most recent poll.

The current Ipsos poll also finds 6 in 10 Americans saying that U.S. military involvement in Iran will "go on for an extended period of time" compared with just over one-third who said U.S. military involvement in Iran will "end pretty quickly in a matter of weeks."

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Nearly two-thirds (64%) said Trump has not clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran. Two-thirds (67%) said they expect gas prices to get worse over the next year as a result of U.S. military action in Iran and about half (49%) said that the action in Iran will have a mostly negative impact on their own personal financial situation.

AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media shows people inspecting the damage at an impact site following US and Israeli strikes on Tehran.

A Washington Post poll conducted March 6-9 found a larger minority of Americans saying the U.S. should continue strikes on Iran than in a March 1 poll they conducted . The most recent poll found 34% of Americans saying the U.S. should continue strikes, up from 25% on March 1. A larger share, 42%, said in the recent poll the U.S. should "stop strikes at this time," down from 47% the day after strikes began. The more recent poll found 24% saying they were unsure; it was 28% in the previous poll.

Support for continuing strikes was up among Republicans (from 54% to 66%) and independents (from 16% to 27%). A 71% majority of Democrats said stops should strike, down slightly from 76% earlier.

The Post poll also found Americans largely split between support and opposition for the U.S. military campaign against Iran, 42% to 40%, with another 17% saying they were unsure. Most other polling has found more Americans opposed to the strikes rather than in support of them.

Its previous poll, taken right after the strikes began, found a larger 52% in opposition, but that poll asked about "President Trump ordering airstrikes against Iran," and the inclusion of Trump's name in poll questions often influences respondents' opinions. More now say they are unsure than they did in the initial poll (9%).

US Navy - PHOTO: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile during operations in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 9, 2026.

The Post also found nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) saying Trump had not clearly explained the goals of the U.S. military, not a shift from their previous poll. About as many (63%) said the number of U.S. military casualties in the conflict has been unacceptable given the goals and the costs of the war.

The Ipsos poll was conducted March 6-9, 2026, among 1,021 U.S. adults using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel and has an overall margin of sampling error of +/- 3.4 percentage points. The earlier Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted Feb. 28-March 1 among 1,282 U.S. adults and has an error margin of +/- 2.8 percentage points.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 13, 2026. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS

MOSCOW, March 13 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin discussed measures to protect Russia's critical infrastructure with his Security Council, the Kremlin said on Friday, after intensified Ukrainian attacks that hit a major military plant among other targets.

Putin asked Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev and Construction Minister Irek Faizullin to report on the proposed measures in his opening remarks, with the rest of the meeting not made public.

Ukraine said on March 10 that it had used British Storm Shadow missiles to hit a factory that produced semiconductor devices and integrated micro chips for missiles in the city of Bryansk, just over 100 km (60 miles) from Ukraine's border.

After the attack, which killed six people, some Russian war bloggers expressed bewilderment that such a crucial site for meeting Russia's battlefield needs had not been evacuated during four years of war and was operating within reach of Ukrainian missiles.

On February 25, Ukrainian drones hit a chemical plant owned by fertiliser producer Akron in the town of Dorogobuzh, knocking off about 5% of Russia's fertiliser output just before the supply crunch caused by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

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Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday that Ukraine had attempted to attack a pumping station operated by gas giant Gazprom that exports natural gas via the TurkStream subsea pipeline to European customers, but that the attack was foiled.

On March 2, Sheskharis, a major oil terminal on Russia's Black Sea coast, suspended loadings following a Ukrainian drone attack that injured five, damaged 20 buildings and set a fuel terminal on fire.

Amid the stepped-up attacks, Russia has slowed down or turned off mobile internet in Moscow and some other major cities as part of what the Kremlin described as security measures.

Although such outages have become common across Russia during the war in Ukraine, Moscow has not previously experienced them on such a scale since the war started, with millions of people losing access to popular services such as maps or taxi hailing applications.

(Reporting by Gleb Bryanski; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Authorities on Thursday identified the man who died after ramming his vehicle into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Federal authorities on Thursday identified the suspect as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized citizen originally from Lebanon.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the attacker breached the building and drove down a hallway before being confronted by security, who stopped the threat.

Authorities said the suspect died after he was shot by a security officer on the scene.

The temples lead security officer was struck by the suspects vehicle and taken to a hospital, but is expected to recover.

Other officers were being treated for smoke inhalation due to the burning vehicle, officials said.

Temple Israel houses a preschool. Authorities said no children or staff were injured.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, authorities emphasized that the building remains an active crime scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities did not share further details about Ghazali, who is the lone suspect, or a possible motive.

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"Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes," Temple Israel said in a post on Facebook. "Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | 2 hurt in shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia, suspected gunman dead

The U.S. Department of Justice said it is sending members of its civil rights division to the scene, suggesting investigators are examining whether the suspect may have been motivated by hate.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is monitoring the situation and released a statement condemning the incident.

"This is heartbreaking," she said. "Michigan's Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyone's safety."

President Donald Trump also offered well-wishes for those impacted.

"I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit," he said during a previously scheduled event at the White House on Thursday.

Law enforcement agencies are providing additional security at other temples in the area out of an abundance of caution.

The FBI said it would provide additional updates during a planned media event on Friday.
BATON ROUGE, La (Louisiana First)  Residents in West Baton Rouge Parish are speaking out after leaked federal documents suggested a warehouse in Port Allen could potentially be converted into a detention facility housing hundreds of people.

Community members packed a West Baton Rouge Parish Council meeting Thursday evening to raise concerns and demand answers about the potential site. The meeting comes after reports from The Washington Post revealing that the Port Allen warehouse was listed as a possible site in a broader federal plan to expand detention facilities across the country.

According to the documents, the proposed facility could be designed to hold around 500 detainees. Advocates say the proposal is part of a greater effort that could increase the number of people detained nationwide from roughly 70,000 to nearly 100,000.

Many residents said the possibility of a detention center in their community is troubling.

Were getting national attention but not in a good way, said Hannah Freeman, a West Baton Rouge Parish resident.

Concerns voiced at the meeting ranged from potential impacts on local infrastructure to the broader effect the facility could have on surrounding communities.

Some residents from neighboring East Baton Rouge Parish also spoke out, saying the location of the proposed facility could impact tourism and businesses in Baton Rouge.

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Theres a huge string of hotels right here against the river close to Tiger Stadium, said Ross Young, an East Baton Rouge Parish resident. And they would be right up against an ICE detention center, which I dont think anybody wants to drive past that.

Community organizations and advocacy groups also attended the meeting, calling for more information about the proposal and urging local leaders to take a stance on the issue.

Residents said they want to ensure their voices are heard by local leaders and want to make sure they have as much transparency as possible.

To the wider community, to West Baton Rouge, to East Baton Rouge, and to all of southeast Louisiana, I would just say, if you dont want this, you need to make your voice heard, Young said.

Advocates have raised additional concerns about the potential strain a large detention facility could place on local infrastructure such as water, sewer systems, and emergency services. Others worry that if the property were sold to the federal government, it could remove local property tax revenue that currently supports schools and other services.

For now, residents said they plan to continue speaking out as the issue develops.

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.
Minister Arias-Vasquez welcomes significant international coverage following Gibraltars first telesurgery

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has welcomed the extensive international media coverage following confirmation that the Gibraltar Health Authority has successfully undertaken its first telesurgery procedure in collaboration with a specialist provider in London.

As announced in Parliament recently, the procedure involved the operating surgeon being based in the United Kingdom while the patient remained in Gibraltar, with the operation carried out safely and effectively through the GHAs robotic surgical platform and secure clinical connectivity systems.

The procedure marks the first time that surgery of this kind has been carried out with the surgeon in the United Kingdom and the patient in Gibraltar.

The distance between London and Gibraltar, approximately 2,400 kilometres, is the furthest distance over which remote telesurgery has been successfully carried out in Europe to date.

Since the procedure became public, it has attracted widespread coverage across major UK and international media outlets, including television, radio, print and digital platforms.

Coverage has included the BBC, Sky News, ITV, GB News and major UK newspapers and international digital media, reflecting the significance of the achievement and the growing interest in how advanced surgical technology can support new models of healthcare delivery across distance.

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: The level of international coverage this has generated reflects the fact that what has been achieved is genuinely significant, not only for Gibraltar but in the wider context of modern healthcare delivery.

It demonstrates that Gibraltar is capable of being part of major clinical innovation, supported by highly capable local teams at the GHA and strong partnerships with leading centres.

Most importantly, of course, this is about what it means for patients. It shows that distance is increasingly less of a barrier to accessing specialist expertise and that Gibraltar can continue to position itself at the forefront of new models of care.

I am very proud of everyone at the GHA who has made this possible and who have, once again, put Gibraltar on the map.
Every year, Hollywoods biggest night comes with a lesser-known but widely talked-about tradition. While only a few take home an Academy Award, many nominees still leave the ceremony with a luxury gift bag worth more than most homes.

For the upcoming 2026 Oscars, that unofficial prize has reached a staggering value of $346,621.

The lavish collection, known as the Everyone Wins nominee gift bag, has once again sparked curiosity about what exactly Hollywoods biggest stars receive, even if they dont win the award.

Luxury travel experiences are among the most valuable items inside the Oscars 2026 gift bag

Image credits: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Some of the most expensive items inside the bag are exclusive travel experiences.

Among them is a stay at Can Nemo, a renowned luxury villa in Ibiza, valued at $65,000.

Another experience offers nominees a stay at the Essence of Dreams Private Luxury Villa in Costa Rica, a high-end property complete with concierge service, private chef, and a driver.

The travel offers also focus on wellness and relaxation. Nominees are invited to enjoy a seven-day wellness retreat at Golden Door in Southern California, a luxury wellness reset at the Santani resort in Sri Lanka, and a stay at a private Arctic villa in Finnish Lapland.

Image credits: VCG/Getty Images

According to Distinctive Assets, these experiences are offered as options rather than guaranteed trips, since many celebrities may not have time to redeem them.

We provide options in order to appeal to as many different tastes and bucket lists as possible, a representative explained, adding that the goal is for at least one experience to appeal to each nominee.

The gift bag will also offer cosmetic procedures and luxury treatments

Image credits: swagassets/Instagram

The gift bag also includes several high-value beauty and cosmetic services.

One of the most expensive offers is $25,000 worth of liposuction from ArtLipo, alongside a $25,000 facial rejuvenation procedure from New York plastic surgeon Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich.

Nominees will also receive dental cosmetic treatments from Beverly Hills Dental Arts, along with luxury skincare and beauty products from brands like Glow Recipe, Supergoop, Danucera, and INSTYTYUTUM.

Another unusual addition is a fully customized prenuptial agreement offered by celebrity divorce attorney James Sexton, which comes with a $600 credit toward the legal service.

Beyond cosmetics and travel, the Oscars gift bag provides luxury items, snacks, can**bis products, and tech gadgets

Image credits: Sunrise/YouTube

Beyond travel and cosmetic services, the gift bag contains dozens of lifestyle items and smaller luxury products.

Nominees receive designer Asia Luggage suitcases filled with gifts ranging from gourmet snacks and tea assortments to luxury skincare sets and tech accessories.

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Image credits: Desuar Day Spa

Can**bis-related products also appear in this years bag, including items from brands such as Beboe, RYTHM, and Senorita T*C Margaritas, reflecting the growing acceptance of can**bis products in lifestyle markets.

Other unusual items include a gold-plated cryptocurrency cold-storage wallet, a limited-edition fountain pen called Movie Star, and even a custom residential interior design service worth up to $100,000 from CBespoke.

The extravagant Oscars gift bag has become an awards season tradition

Image credits: Can Nemo

Despite its close association with the Academy Awards, the gift bag is not affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Instead, it is curated each year by the Los Angeles marketing company Distinctive Assets, which has been producing the bags for more than two decades.

Image credits: agnieszka.jakubowicz/Instagram

The bags are delivered to the nominees in the major acting and directing categories who attend the ceremony. And this years recipients include high-profile stars such as Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Jacob Elordi.

Distinctive Assets founder Lash Fary explained that the concept behind the gift bag is not about providing celebrities with free luxury items but about creating marketing opportunities for brands.

Of course, none of the celebrities we gift need free stuff. Its simple marketing, he said.

He further noted that brands offer their products in exchange for visibility during one of Hollywoods most-watched events.

Image credits: iHollywoodTV/YouTube

Brands give the product away in exchange for the prestige of being associated with the most acclaimed actors in the world at that moment, Fary explained.

Moreover, many of the brands included in the gift bag pay a fee or contribute products in exchange for the marketing opportunity.

One of those companies is Rescue Spa, founded by skincare expert Danuta Mieloch, which contributed approximately $450 worth of treatments and products per bag.

For Mieloch, the exposure associated with the Oscars far outweighs the cost.

Image credits: Richard Harbaugh/The Academy/Getty Images

I feel like it positions us in a better place, she said. And it aligns with our philosophy. To be nominated requires diligence, a lot of work, and excellence  and I feel like my products are aligned with that.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and will be hosted by comedian Conan OBrien.

This years nominations are led by the horror film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, which received a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 nominations shared by Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land.

Inside the Oscars 2026 Gift Bag

A vegan GUNAS handbag

Plant-powered Cavi-art from PETA

Danucera Sculpt & Lift waitlisted facial from Rescue Spa

A Costa Rican villa experience from Essence of Dreams

Liposuction experience from ArtLipo

Ballet (Gold Edition) ultra-secure cryptocurrency storage

Custom prenuptial agreement from divorce attorney Jim Sexton

Centellian24 Lifting Eye Cream

Flaus Electric Flosser Starter Kit

Glymate Lixi Daily Supplements

GROHE Euphoria 140 Shower Head

Japanese luggage sets from Asia Luggage

Beboe luxury can**bis products

BENU Movie Star special edition Haute Collection fountain pens

Smile makeover package from Beverly Hills Dental Arts

Movie Night Maple Gourmet Gift Box

Hydrojug Traveler

OOFOS OOahh Plus sliders

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Villa experience in Ibiza from Can Nemo

T*C-microdosed liquid packets from Cann Social Tonics

CBespoke residential interior design package

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

TruFru Strawberries

Tea Fortes Tea Tasting Assortment Tea Chest

Arctic villa stay from Hideout Villas

DESUAR Spa experience

A seven-day retreat at the Golden Door

Watermelon Glow Pore Tight Toner and Toner Pads from Glow Recipe

Haize & Honey Chocolate Chunk Cookies

A ten-day holiday in Sri Lanka from Santani

Senorita T*C-infused non-alcoholic margaritas

Suavecito Anejo Tequila

Facial rejuvenation procedures from Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich

Bored Rebel statement tees

Plum + Argan Serum from Chanla Chau Cosmetics

HUHA better for you underwear

INSTYTUTUM skincare

Chocolate-covered pretzels with gold crystals from Posh Pretzels

Portrait experience from LIGHT MVMNT STUDIO

The Jet Set fragrances from On The Nose Perfumes

Song Survivor game

Pick, Pic, Boom! party card game

Danucera Cerabalm

Beekeepers Naturals product four-pack

Skinny dipped almond bites

The richer you get the more free stuff is available to you, wrote one user
A pair of shootings on Thursday, one involving a suspect linked to ISIS, has Republicans sounding the alarm to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), while Democrats dig further into their position.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus again blocked a full-year funding bill for the agency, as well as multiple attempts to provide temporary funding, on Thursday. Just as the vote ended and as lawmakers fled Washington, D.C., an active shooter incident at the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Mich., erupted.

The suspect died in a shootout with police in that incident. Meanwhile, another shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia with a suspect previously imprisoned for supporting ISIS led to one person killed and two others injured.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Fox News Digital, "At some point, the consequences, impacts of not funding DHS are real."

Dems Vote To Keep Dhs Closed Despite Airport Chaos, Iranian Sleeper Cell Threat

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Democrats are dug into their position against funding the Department of Homeland Security, despite increasing threats in the U.S. (Getty Images)

Senate Republicans have tried and failed three times to pass full-year funding for the agency, and Thune noted that it had been two weeks since Schumer and Democrats responded to the latest compromise offer from the White House.

Read On The Fox News App

When asked if the latest shooting could make Democrats budge, he said, "Im not sure."

"But its a dangerous game and people are going to get hurt," Thune said.

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'You Can Cry About It': Tempers Flare In Senate As Dhs Shutdown Debate Erupts, Stalemate Digs Deeper

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., warned that Senate Democrats' refusal to fund DHS would have consequences.

The funding impasse has caused the agency to be shuttered for nearly one month, with little hope in Congress that a deal can be reached soon. Republicans have warned that because of President Donald Trump's war on Iran, there could be increased threats in the U.S. that DHS would have to handle without proper funding.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., blasted Schumer and Democrats for continuing their blockade and accused them of trying to "peel apart" DHS.

"They are so beholden and detached to the far-left component of this nation that they don't care about everybody else," Barrasso said. "We've had terrorist attacks right here in the homeland  two in the last two weeks."

Katie Britt Blasts Democrats For Playing 'Political Games' With Shutdown Amid Airport Chaos

Democrats spent much of Thursday trying to fund the agency one piece at a time in a bid to carve out funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for which they have sought stringent reforms that Republicans say go too far.

Fox News Digital reached out to Schumers office for comment on whether the latest shootings would change his calculus on the shutdown, but it did not immediately respond.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Instead, Schumer released a statement on the synagogue shooting that did not mention the agency or the funding battle.

"Antisemitism is not theoretical. It is real, and it is deadly," Schumer said. "In solidarity with good-thinking people everywhere, it must be faced head-on, denounced and defeated. Every one of us has a responsibility to not just stand up against this pernicious hate, but to fight it wholeheartedly, no matter where it comes from."





Original article source: Schumer silent on ending DHS shutdown after deadly shootings hit Michigan, Virginia
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., on Thursday renewed the push for his bill to expand the denaturalization process for people who commit fraud, serious felonies or join terrorist organizations.

Schmitt brought up his legislation, the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act, after a naturalized citizen originally from Lebanon allegedly rammed his vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and a naturalized citizen originally from Sierra Leone allegedly opened fire at Old Dominion University in separate incidents on Thursday in the latest violent attacks in the U.S. committed by naturalized citizens.

"After the SAVE America Act, we must pass the SCAM Act so we can denaturalize & deport those who are here to hurt Americans," Schmitt said on X, referring to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require voters in federal elections to prove citizenship by providing a photo ID and other documentation, such as a passport or birth certificate.

Old Dominion University Shooter Identified As Mohamed Jalloh, Former National Guard Member, Isis Supporter

Sen. Eric Schmitt renewed the push for his bill to expand the denaturalization process for people who commit fraud, serious felonies or join terrorist organizations. (Getty Images)

"We must denaturalize those who shouldn't be here," the senator continued.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, was shot and killed by security officers on Thursday after driving through Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit before the vehicle caught on fire, according to authorities.

Read On The Fox News App

Ghazali arrived in the U.S. 15 years ago on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and was granted citizenship in 2016, the Department of Homeland Security said.

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Paxton Demands Stricter Vetting After Deadly Texas Rampage By Suspect Who Was Naturalized Citizen

Police arrive outside Old Dominion University's campus in response to an active shooter on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. (AP Images)

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, served in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 until he received an honorable discharge in 2015. Previously convicted of attempting to offer material support to the Islamic State, Jalloh reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University on Thursday, killing one person and wounding two others. The gunman was also killed.

In another incident earlier this month, a shooting was carried out outside a bar in Austin, Texas, by a naturalized citizen, Ndiaga Diagne, 53, who was born in Senegal, leaving three people dead and more than a dozen wounded.

Schmitt's SCAM Act was originally introduced in January in response to allegations of fraud by Somalians in Minnesota.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

"American citizenship is a privilege, and anyone hoping to be a part of our great nation must demonstrate a sincere attachment to our Constitution, upstanding moral character, and a commitment to the happiness and good order of the United States," he said at the time.

"People who commit felony fraud, serious felonies, or join terrorist organizations like drug cartels shortly after taking their citizenship oaths fail to uphold the basic standards of citizenship," the lawmaker added. "They must be denaturalized because they have proven they never met the requirements for the great honor of American citizenship in the first place. We must protect and restore the institution of American citizenship."





Original article source: Sen Schmitt reups push for expanding denaturalization after recent acts of violence by naturalized citizens
Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville and N.Y.C. Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Michael M. Santiago/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville is facing backlash for saying Muslims are "the enemy" in a post on X that included side-by-side photos of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Democratic Sens. Raphael Warnock and Chuck Schumer are among those who condemned the Republican lawmaker's post, with Schumer calling it "mindless hate"

Tuberville has since doubled down on his remarks, saying, in part: "Calling Radical Islam out for being a CULT doesn't make you an 'Islamophobe.' Radical Islam is NOT compatible with the Constitution and has NO PLACE IN AMERICA"

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville called Muslims "the enemy" in a social media post on Thursday, March 13, joining a growing list of Republicans who have made Islamophobic remarks amid recent tensions in the Middle East. Swift backlash for his comments followed.

Tuberville reposted photos on X that showed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani  the city's first Muslim mayor  at City Hall hosting Iftar, the Ramadan fast-breaking meal, alongside a photo of the Twin Towers burning on Sept. 11, 2001. The original post was captioned, "Less than 25 years apart." Tuberville shared it to his page, adding the words, "The enemy is inside the gates."

Sens. Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Chuck Schumer of New York, both Democrats, were among those to condemn Tuberville over the racist post.

"No, Senator. Bigotry is the enemy inside," Warnock, a longtime Baptist pastor, replied on X. "It sickens the soul that carries it and corrupts the nation that embraces it. Brother, as my Christian faith and yours teaches, LOVE is the only way."

Schumer, the Democratic Senate leader, called Tuberville's post "mindless hate."

"Muslim Americans are cops, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, bricklayers, mothers, fathers, neighbors, mayors, and more," Schumer said on X. "Islamophobic hate like this is fundamentally un-American and we must confront and overcome it whenever it rears its ugly head."

Mamdani also responded on X. "Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers," he said.

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He further addressed the matter at an Iftar he hosted for city workers on Thursday evening.

"Just this morning, United States Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama commented on a photo of me at an Iftar in City Hall this week, placed next to an image of 9/11 with the quote: 'The enemy is inside the gates,' " he said, in part. "A Congressman from Texas named Brandon Gill described the same Iftar as 'stomach churning, truly repulsive.' And today, Vicky Paladino, a City Council member from Queens  someone who works in the same building that I do, in the same building as our Council members here  reposted a tweet that also invoked 9/11, the worst terrorist attack that our city has ever faced  and included the phrase: 'Yes, the terrorists won.' "

"Who here has returned home to their city only to be ushered aside and greeted with suspicion?" Mamdani added. "I have known these experiences as a young man, as a candidate for office, as the mayor of New York City. And when I hear such hatred and disdain unchecked in its rancor, I feel an isolation and a loneliness that I know that many of you have felt as well."

A spokesperson for Tuberville did not immediately reply to PEOPLE's request for further comment on the post or the backlash it has received. But in a subsequent post responding to Schumer's criticism, Tuberville defended his initial post, saying, in part: "Calling Radical Islam out for being a CULT doesn't make you an 'Islamophobe.' Radical Islam is NOT compatible with the Constitution and has NO PLACE IN AMERICA. I won't be silenced about this."

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Days earlier, on Monday, March 9, Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee said: "Muslims don't belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie." The following day, he called for expulsions of Muslims, posting, "Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back."

The remarks prompted the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the nation's largest Muslim advocacy groups, to designate Ogles "an anti-Muslim extremist."

Read the original article on People
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says the suspect behind Nancy Guthrie's disappearance could "absolutely" strike again, warning of a continuing public safety threat 40 days after she vanished and offering few new details about a possible motive.

"Criminal minds are criminal minds," he told NBC, where Guthrie's daughter Savannah Guthrie co-hosts the "Today" show.

Nanos said he has an idea of the motive behind Guthrie's kidnapping but declined to share it publicly.

Nancy Guthrie's Suspected Abduction: Timeline Of Events In Disappearance Of 'Today' Host's Mom

FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night as an investigation into her disappearance continues. (L) A portrait of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie shown in a photo provided by NBC.

"We believe that it was targeted, but we can't  we're not 100% sure of that," he said. "And so it would be silly to tell people, 'Yea don't worry about it. You're not his target.' No, you could be."

The 84-year-old mother and grandmother lived alone in the Catalina Foothills, a wealthy enclave in northern Tucson, Arizona.

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Search For Nancy Guthrie Enters 5Th Week, Cadaver Dogs On Hold

She vanished under suspicious circumstances on the morning of Feb. 1 and has not been seen since.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks at a news conference, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz., to provide updates in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. (AP Images)

"When the sheriff says investigators believe they know the motive but wont share it, theres an investigative reason," said Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory agent and the CEO of Media Rep Global Strategies. "This is it: You dont hand the suspect a roadmap of what you know."

However, the suggestion that the perpetrator could strike again complicates things, he told Fox News Digital.

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"Once you put that out there, every person watching wants to know whos at risk and what they ought to do about it," Pack said. "If you cant answer those questions, you probably shouldnt lead with that statement."

Answers have been in short supply throughout the ordeal.

WATCH: Nancy Guthrie's Nest doorbell cam records masked suspect

Guthrie's front doorbell camera is missing, but her phone and Apple watch were left behind. Authorities have so far been unable to recover any video from her other home security cameras.

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Investigators said previously that her pacemaker last synced via Bluetooth around 2:30 a.m. the night she went missing.

LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST

And although the FBI and Google were able to recover some footage from her front door showing a masked man with a gun, he has not been identified.

A mixed DNA sample sent to a private Florida lab rather than the FBI has also not yet been unraveled, according to the report.

Savannah Guthrie visits the Today show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

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Federal law enforcement sources previously told Fox News Digital it provided only a partial profile that was insufficient for the FBI's CODIS database of known offenders as well as investigative genetic genealogy techniques.

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Separately, Nanos confirmed that investigators are looking into some kind of power or internet outage the morning of Nancy's abduction, but he said it was not connected to a utility box around the corner from the home showing signs of having been tampered with.

Pima County Sheriffs deputies speak 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, Arizona, U.S. February 12, 2026.

Authorities said last week they had looked into the box and ruled it out.

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He did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

There's a combined reward of over $1.2 million for info that cracks the case.

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The family is asking anyone with information to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI.





Original article source: Sheriff warns Nancy Guthrie suspect could 'absolutely' strike again, hints at motive
Wunmi Mosaku, the acclaimed star of Sinners, has revealed the profound difficulty she experienced following the BBC's failure to censor a racial slur during its broadcast of the Bafta film awards last month.

The incident, she stated, cast a "shadow" over her recent win for Best Supporting Actress.

Speaking to Glamour magazine, the 39-year-old British-Nigerian actress expressed her distress, saying: "Obviously, the Bafta win, theres been a shadow. Its been very difficult since the BBC decided to air what it aired." The slur was reportedly shouted by Tourettes campaigner John Davidson as her Sinners co-stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award at the London event.

Mosaku recounted the immediate aftermath, noting how the cast "just held each other." She added: "I was (up for) the next award, so I came off the stage and I saw them, and I hugged them."

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Wunmi Mosaku poses with her award for Best Supporting Actress award during the 79th British Academy Film Awards (Ian West/PA)

She criticised the broadcaster's decision, arguing: "Everyone who was impacted deserved the grace to have it taken out (of the broadcast)  the care to have it taken out. We found out later that night that it was online. Wed been told that it was a family-friendly show at 7pm and that there was a two-hour delay. So how could it possibly have been left in?"

The BBC's outgoing director-general, Tim Davie, has since stated the corporation "profoundly regrets" the events, following an inquiry from the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. The broadcaster has also initiated a "fast-tracked investigation" by its Executive Complaints Unit (ECU), acknowledging the broadcast of the slur as a "serious mistake."

In the wake of the incident, Mosaku, Lindo, and Jordan attended the NAACP Image Awards in California, an event celebrating black and minority ethnic achievements in the arts. Mosaku described this as a "healing" experience, telling the magazine it was a "really beautiful way to feel the love again, and remember the community that were celebrating  and who has been celebrating us."

Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo heard racial slur while presenting award at Baftas (BBC)

The heavily pregnant actress also shared insights into her personal life, explaining how impending motherhood has given her "a different drive." She elaborated: "I was driven before I had my daughter but it gives me a new clarity. Now its not just a job  its time away from her. Im very cautious about who I choose to spend my time with."

Furthermore, Mosaku discussed her attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, which causes her to "really struggle" with being calm. She concluded: "I now consider my ADHD in everything, so home life takes priority over socialising or texting on a group thread  Im not trying to read all these messages."
Montrell Pharm mugshot

NEED TO KNOW

Former Milwaukee bus driver Montrell Pharm was sentenced to two years in prison for a fatal accident that occurred on Christmas Day 2024

Pharm pleaded no contest to charges related to the death of 79-year-old Robert Clemons and the injury of his grandson, who he was accused of striking with the bus

Video evidence played at the sentencing hearing appeared to show that Pharm fell asleep at the wheel

A bus driver in Wisconsin has been sentenced after being charged in relation to the Christmas Day death of a pedestrian in 2024.

On Thursday, March 12, Montrell Pharm, 53, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of extended supervision after being convicted on charges of homicide by negligent operation/vehicle and reckless driving causing great bodily harm, according to court documents viewed by PEOPLE.

He was sentenced by Judge David Swanson of the 11th Circuit Court in Wisconsin. Pharm pleaded no contest to the charges while in court on Jan. 20, 2026, which is not an admission fo guilt.

The charges were related to the Dec. 25, 2024, death of 79-year-old Robert Clemons and the injury of his grandson, who was with him.

Pharm, a former Milwaukee County Transit System bus driver, was accused of falling asleep at the wheel around 11 p.m. on Christmas. While driving, he struck Clemons and his grandson, according to an accident report obtained by Fox 6.

Upon arriving at the scene, authorities saw a trail of blood that led to where the bus was stopped. The vehicle had sustained "damage to its front end and had a broken passenger side windshield."

During an interview with the police, Clemons' grandson said that he tried to chase after the bus, which his grandfather was stuck under. The grandson had a broken arm and sustained an injury to his leg, which authorities said might have been broken.

Clemons was dragged under the bus for approximately a block before Pharm stopped. He was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries.

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Fox 6 said that Clemons had to be "extricated from beneath the bus."

Video of the incident, which was recorded by the bus system, was played during the sentencing, according to Fox 6 and WISN 12. The driver's eyes appear to be closed as though he might be asleep in some of the footage.

When interviewed by police, Pharm told them he had been working long shifts and reportedly said he only got six hours of sleep before starting to drive again.

Pharm addressed Clemons' family during the sentencing, per WISN 12.

"There aren't enough words to say to begin to heal your pain. I pray and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. This was an unintentional accident," he said.

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.

A spokesperson the Milwaukee County Transit System said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE: All of us at Milwaukee County Transit System offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Clemons along with all their loved ones who are grieving and recovering from their loss."

"Mr. Pharm was discharged from MCTS shortly after this incident. Safety is a core principle that guides our decisions at every level of the organization. This tragic incident in no way reflects upon MCTS bus operators as a whole, who are committed to keeping Milwaukee County safe every day," they concluded.

Read the original article on People
FILE PHOTO: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa reviews the honour guard, on the day he meets Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/ File Photo

JOHANNESBURG, March 13 (Reuters) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday authorised the deployment of 2,200 members of the national defence force to help combat crime.

* Ramaphosa said the deployment serves to prevent andcombat crime, and support and preserve law and order bytargeting illegal mining and gangsterism. * The deployed members of the national defence force willassist the South African Police Service in five provinces: theEastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape. * Expenditure for this employment is estimated at 823million rand ($49 million). * The deployment is from March 1, 2026 until March 31,2027.

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($1 = 16.7304 rand)

(Reporting by Anathi Madubela; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Parkside Pediatrics providers assessing a patient with measles symptoms in Spartanburg, South Carolina, US. - Juan Diego Reyes // The Washington Post via Getty Images

South Carolina has spent $1.6M to combat its huge measles outbreak, and its not over yet

South Carolina has spent an estimated $1.6 million so far on public health efforts to combat its huge measles outbreak, according to information the states health department provided to Healthbeat on March 4.

The outbreak, which began with just five known cases in October, surged in January following the winter holidays, and has slowed in recent weeks. The total number of people infected in the outbreak, which is centered around Spartanburg County, reached 990 as of March 3.

Most of the estimated $1.6 million spent so far on the outbreak response has been for personnel, the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in response to Healthbeats questions.

As the outbreak grew, the number of staff assigned to work full-time on the outbreak grew to as many as 90 people, said Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist.

Most of these staff, Bell said, have been involved in doing investigations of individual measles cases and tracing their contacts to help identify and quarantine those at risk of infection and further spread of the disease.

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Funding for some of the outbreaks public health costs has come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through an immunizations cooperative agreement, which helps with outbreak response activities, the South Carolina DPH said. Additional funding has come from an H5N1 Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement, which funds influenza and other public health emergency preparedness and response, the department said, as well as some other state and federal funds.

Although the number of new measles cases being detected each week has dropped significantly, the outbreak continues. The department said that final costs will be calculated once the outbreak is over.

But the threat the outbreak could surge again remains  especially with the potential for the virus to spread during the upcoming spring break travel period, Bell said.

We remain concerned and must be mindful of the fact that we can see cases increase again from the low number that were seeing now, she said. In recent weeks, the outbreak has slowed to about 10 new cases a week amid increases in measles vaccination in the Spartanburg County area and across the state.

The increased travel during school spring break raises the potential for the kind of increased spread of measles that South Carolina experienced over schools winter break period. In the two consecutive weeks following the Christmas holidays, we had over 200 cases reported in each of those weeks, Bell said.

This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
STOCKHOLM, March 13 (Reuters) - Sweden's Liberal Party, the smallest of the ruling coalition, said on Friday it would back bringing the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats into government after parliamentary elections in September, boosting the right's chance of victory.

The opposition left bloc currently leads in polls and the right needs to club together to have a chance of forming a government after the vote on September 13.

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* Until now the Liberals have said they would not support agovernment including the Sweden Democrats. * The Sweden Democrats have said they would not back agovernment they were excluded from. * The two parties have agreed on a number of politicalissues, including holding a referendum in 2030 on whether Swedenshould join the euro zone and on a "restrictive, but humane"immigration policy. * It was not clear if a referendum on the euro was supportedby the other parties on the right. Swedes rejected joining theeuro in a referendum in 2003. * The Sweden Democrats are the biggest party on the rightand support the current minority coalition after agreeing abroad policy platform. * The right still faces an uphill struggle to win anotherterm. The Liberals are polling around 2% of the vote and mightdrop out of parliament altogether. That would probably leave theright without a majority. * The left bloc is also split and it could take some timefor either bloc to form a new government after September's vote.

(Reporting by Simon Johnson, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Government moves to designate Europa Foreshore as a protected archaeological site

The Minister for Heritage has designated Europa Foreshore, which is a part of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and the Gibraltar National Park, as a protected archaeological site under the Heritage and Antiquities Act 2018, recognising the exceptional archaeological and historical significance of Gibraltars southernmost coastline.

The designation will formally protect the coastal area between Bleak Beach and Dead Mans Beach, extending along the cliffs and foreshore surrounding Europa Point. The protected zone follows the western cliff edge south of Bleak House Road, continues along the southern coastline, and wraps around Europa Point towards the Europa Promenade. Residential properties are excluded from the scheduled area.

The Europa Foreshore is of outstanding archaeological importance, preserving evidence of human occupation stretching back tens of thousands of years.

Among the most significant discoveries in the area are:

 Neolithic remains dating to approximately 5,400 BCE, including the remains of a female individual whose genetic profile has been identified as having Anatolian ancestry. Artefacts recovered suggest the site may have been used as a burial location and indicate the potential for further archaeological investigation within the remaining deposits.

 Mousterian stone flakes, characteristic of Neanderthal activity, dating to approximately 90,000100,000 years ago.

In addition to these discoveries, significant areas of the foreshore remain largely unexplored archaeologically, indicating that the site may still contain valuable evidence relating to Gibraltars prehistoric past.

The area also contains important 20th Century military heritage, including installations linked to Gibraltars coastal defence network, further contributing to the sites historical significance.

Minister for Heritage, Professor John Cortes, said: The Europa Foreshore is one of Gibraltars most remarkable heritage landscapes. Within a relatively small stretch of coastline we have evidence of human activity ranging from Neanderthal occupation tens of thousands of years ago, through prehistoric burial practices, and into Gibraltars more recent military history.

By formally designating this area under the Heritage and Antiquities Act we are ensuring that this unique archaeological and natural heritage is protected for future generations while also allowing people to appreciate and learn about the deep history of this extraordinary place.

The designation follows consultation with the Heritage and Antiquities Advisory Council, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, the Gibraltar National Museum and the Nature Conservancy Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

The Ministry for Heritage will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure the long-term conservation, management and interpretation of the Europa Foreshore, enabling both residents and visitors to better understand the importance of this unique coastal heritage landscape.
A colorful alphabet chart decorates the top of a classroom chalkboard.RDNE Stock project / Pexels

(The Center Square)  An Illinois lawmakers union-backed proposal to place new mandates on charter schools in the state is generating debate.

State Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Chicago, told the Illinois Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday she has been working on Senate Bill 3391 for a couple of years.

The Chicago Teachers Union supports the legislation. CTU Legislative Director Hilario Dominguez said Chicago Public Schools spent about $35 million stabilizing failed charter operators.

This legislation simply ensures that when organizations receive public funds to educate our children, they are accountable to the public, Dominguez told the committee.

SB 3391 would make charter schools ineligible to receive funding unless they approve renewal agreements within 90 days.

The measure also requires every charter operator to maintain closure security or face losing a portion of per-pupil payments and denial of charter renewal. It also provides for civil action by the school district or the state board of education against any charter operator that fails to comply.

LEARN Charter School Network CEO Greg White said SB 3391 would lead to more school closures.

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You cannot negotiate fairly if theres a gun to your head. The district knows if you dont agree to whatever terms they provide, you go away, and, therefore, you end up signing a bad deal, White said.

State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, said she and Villanueva have had an open door policy while the Illinois Network of Charter Schools hesitated or tried to hijack the legislation.

So you are either here to be serious and negotiate, or play games. I leave it up to you as I look at that dais. Lets stop playing games and get serious, Castro said to the INCS representatives.

Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove, said there is a state mandate to fund charter schools at 97% of the per capita tuition charge, but Chicago Public Schools only fund charters at 83%.

That would seem to be the first and most obvious target to remediate the situation and provide stability in the charter school operation, Curran said.

As of Thursday afternoon, there 327 witness slips filed in support of SB 3391 and 1,697 witness slips filed against it.

The committee approved the measure by a vote of 9-3, sending the bill to the full Senate.
When an attacker rammed his truck through the doors of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12,, staffers in the building defaulted to the training they'd received repeatedly in the face of growing antisemitism.

"Because of the work of our security team and because of the work of our staff, our children just thought an alarm had gone off," Rabbi Joshua Bennett said. "They were playing with their family and friends."

Staffers quickly hustled classrooms full of preschoolers into a lockdown and later out of the building. They were taken across Walnut Lake Road to the Shenandoah Country Club. The club is owned by metro Detroit's Chaldean community and has long partnered with the temple, Bennett said.

Temple Israel Rabbi Joshua Bennett, right, gives a hug and kiss to Director of Strategic Development Cassi Cohen after a news conference at The J Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026, following an incident where a man drove a truck into Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue, in West Bloomfield in a lunchtime attack that left him dead, injured a security guard and set the building on fire, authorities said.

"They have, as always, been our closest friends and were there for us in every way today," he said. "We used their site as a reunification center for our parents and truly owe a debt of gratitude to the Chaldean community at Shenandoah for what they have done, not only today, but in their partnership with our community always."

Shenandoah Country Club President Pat Kattoo said the club has long enjoyed a good relationship with the temple.

When the Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan bought the club years ago, a rabbi from Temple Israel was among the first to welcome them to the neighborhood, even blessing the facility for them.

"We love our neighbors," Kattoo said. "Shenandoah's doors will always be open to Temple Israel no matter what the situation."

Leah Trosch. of Franklin, said she marveled at the hospitality of the club and the professionalism of the police. She said she raced out of an online meeting to get to Shenandoah to pick up her 4-year-old granddaughter, Kayla.

By the time Trosch arrived, the children and their teachers were gathered in the club's ballroom. Some were lying on the floor coloring. Others were watching a movie on a teacher's phone.

The club brought out chicken nuggets and fries for the kids, who were mostly oblivious to the danger they'd escaped.

"They went above and beyond and I thank them profusely," Trosch said. "I don't think (the kids) were traumatized."

Trosch said she spotted her granddaughter's curly hair from across the room and she was thrilled to be reunited. Trosch asked Kayla about the experience.

Leah Trosch, of Franklin, right, carries her 4-year-old granddaughter Kayla Trosch away from Shenandoah Country Club after the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

"She told everyone she went on a field trip today and there were policemen there," Trosch said. "She saw so many police."

Trosch asked her granddaughter if she'd walked across the street.

"She said, 'No, they carried me,' " she said. "It was a policeman who carried her across the street. I've just got to tell you, I was so impressed."

The attack hit local parents and families hard as they worried whether their kids were safe.

Others among the 140 babies, toddlers and preschoolers who were at the synagogue's Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center could be seen getting escorted by parents and police from a line of West Bloomfield School District buses after being evacuated.

Temple of Israel rabbis Jen Lader, left, Arianna Gordon, center, and Jennifer Kaluzny answer questions from reporters after a news conference at The J Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026, following an incident where a man drove a truck into Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue, in West Bloomfield in a lunchtime attack that left him dead, injured a security guard and set the building on fire, authorities said.

During a news conference after the incident, Rabbi Arianna Gordon lauded the swift work of both law enforcement and teachers at the synagogue's early childhood center, who she called "the true rock stars of the day."

"They ensured that all of our children remained safe and calm throughout the entire day and got every single child safely reunited with their parents this afternoon and for that I cant express my gratitude enough," Gordon said.

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No students were injured in the attack, which was called into police at about 12:20 p.m. Thursday, March 12, officials said. A security guard was injured by the truck but he is expected to recover. The driver of the vehicle died in his truck after security guards fired at him, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

The entire campus remains an active crime scene so the congregation will not be able to hold services on-site this week. Other synagogues have offered their worship space to Temple Israel, Bennett said.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said her agency would be leading the investigation of what she called "a targeted act of violence at the Jewish community."

The attack was shocking, but not surprising, said Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. He thanked law enforcement for holding trainings on a regular basis with Jewish facilities across the region.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit CEO Steven Ingber speaks during a news conference at The J Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026, following an incident where a man drove a truck into Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue, in West Bloomfield in a lunchtime attack that left him dead, injured a security guard and set the building on fire, authorities said.

"We've done this, unfortunately, more often than we're willing to admit, and we will continue to train," he said. "So we are ready and thank God for their training and for this is the outcome."

Ingber said that the Jewish community spends large amounts of time and money on security because of the current climate.

"It is terrible that is the No. 1 thing we have to is to fund security," he said. "In order to be Jewish, we have to raise dollars just to keep everybody safe so they can be Jewish."

Bennett and Ingber wouldn't say how large the security staff at Temple Israel is or how much the larger Jewish community spends on security, though Ingber said the figure is "in the millions."

"How much nicer would it be if we were able to spend those dollars on teaching, on sending kids to summer camp, on helping people live a better life and yet it has to come right off the top, and that's the first thing we have to do," he said.

The children at the temple weren't the only ones affected.

1 / 0 Shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

As children from the synagogue were shuffled to safety, nearby West Bloomfield schools were under a shelter-in-place order from police. Other Oakland County school districts like Ferndale sent out notifications to parents letting them know about the ongoing situation, even as police lockdown orders didn't extend to them.

Many West Bloomfield school parents called administrators at their schools to ask whether they could pick up their kids from school early after hearing news of the incident. The shelter-in-place meant no staff or kids could exit school buildings and no one, not even parents, could enter, said Dania Bazzi, West Bloomfield School District superintendent.

Bazzi said the school district communicated to parents immediately following notification from police that an incident had occurred at Temple Israel.

"We knew from onset there was no activity inside West Bloomfield school buildings, but it was certainly still unsettling," she said.

Bazzi said this was the first "credible threat" in the vicinity of the school district in recent memory, and that she was proud of school staff and the local parents for complying with the shelter-in-place despite heightened anxiety.

At 3 p.m., after the school-wide shelter-in-place was lifted and police notified the district that the threat had been contained. Dismissal at West Bloomfield schools looked different than on regular days. At Doherty Elementary School, Bazzi said there was a sheriff on-site and staff accompanied students to car lines and buses. Buses arriving at the school faced delays due to increased traffic following the incident, she said.

Bazzi said both students and staff in the district would be provided with mental health services to help them process what had occurred.

Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com. On X: @jwisely

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Temple Israel attack: Kids 'just thought an alarm had gone off'
Police respond to scene of a shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Thursday, March 12 2026.

Credit: Jacob Hamilton/Ann Arbor News via AP

NEED TO KNOW

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali was identified as the deceased suspect who drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., the Department of Homeland Security said

The suspect drove a truck with explosives into Temple Israel and exchanged gunfire with security guards before he was killed

None of the 140 students or staff members were injured, but a security guard who was hit by the vehicle was hospitalized and is expected to recover

The suspect who drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Thursday, March 12, has been identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials identified Ghazali, 41, hours after the attack at one of the largest synagogues in the U.S.

The DHS said Ghazali was a resident of Dearborn Heights, Mich., and was born in Lebanon in 1985. He first filed for a U.S. visa in December 2009, and it was approved in April 2010. Then, in May 2011, he came to the U.S. legally with sponsorship from his American spouse. He applied for citizenship in October 2015 and became a U.S. citizen in February 2016, according to the DHS statement.

The suspect drove the truck with mortar-type explosives inside, which caught fire once the car went into the building. Then, the suspect exchanged gunfire with security guards and was killed, local sheriff in Oakland County, Michael Bouchard, said in a press conference. Authorities found Ghazali deceased inside the vehicle, armed with a rifle.

We can't say what killed him at this point, but security did engage the suspect with gunfire, Bouchard said.

Bouchard said a security guard was hit by the car and was taken to the hospital, and is expected to recover. He noted that none of the 140 students or staff at the school were injured. Thirty law enforcement officers were transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation.

The FBI said the attack was a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community," per CBS News.

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Law enforcement respond to a call at Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in West Bloomfield Township, Mich.

Credit: AP Photo/Corey Williams

The Department of Homeland Security did not share a motive in its statement. A neighbor told the Detroit Free Press that the suspects brother was recently killed in Lebanon during an Israeli strike. Sources within the local Lebanese American community told CBS News that multiple members of Ghazalis family were killed after an airstrike in Lebanon amid the U.S.-Israel-Iran war.

Israel has launched several airstrikes in neighboring Lebanon during the U.S.-Israel-Iran War, targeting the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, reports the BBC. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel after Irans supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei, was assassinated.

Bouchard confirmed that after the start of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, law enforcement has been on high alert. We've been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, of this happening, Bouchard said. So there was no lack of preparation.

Police respond to the scene of a shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Thursday, March 12 2026.

Credit: Jacob Hamilton/Ann Arbor News via AP

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Two months prior, Temple Israels clergy and staff participated in an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training led by the FBI's Detroit office, according to the agencys X account.

Sheriff Bouchard praised Temple Israel security and the first responders' quick action in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Everything that was supposed to happen, happened. Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs," he said during the press conference.

Read the original article on People
FILE PHOTO: A drone image shows a farm worker operating a combine harvester during the soybean harvest season in Brazil's southernmost state, on a farm in Lagoa dos Tres Cantos, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Diego Vara/File Photo

By Ella Cao and Naveen Thukral

BEIJING/SINGAPORE, March 13 (Reuters) - Tighter phytosanitary checks are hitting Brazilian soybean shipments to China, threatening to squeeze supplies to the world's top importer after authorities in the South American country stepped up inspections at Beijing's request.

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry increased inspections on soybean shipments to China following Beijing's repeated findings of pesticide- and fungicide-coated beans, four trade sources said.

"Chinese customs in various regions have observed increased issues in Brazilian soybeans, including the presence of live insects, beans coated with seed treatment agents such as pesticides or fungicides, and heat damage," said an Asian trader at an international company which sells beans to China.

Importers now must repeatedly verify with Brazilian suppliers that shipments are free of phytosanitary problems before departure, on risk of being blocked once they reach China, a second Asian trader said.

Tighter quality checks during Brazil's peak export season could hit supplies in China, though the market is well-stocked following last year's record purchases.

"If inspections are tightened and clearance times lengthen on both ends, it could slow the pace of arrivals in March-April," said Cheang Kang Wei, vice president at StoneX in Singapore.

That could provide a window of opportunity for U.S. suppliers to sell more to China, which resumed purchases from the United States in late October following a trade deal. Beijing had not bought any U.S. soybeans from the autumn harvest until late October.

"There is a window, in theory, if Brazilian flows are disrupted, but it would likely be timing-related rather than a lasting shift, unless trade diplomacy improves," said Cheang.

Trading firm Cargill's Latin America head told Reuters on Wednesday it had paused soybean exports from Brazil to China.

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China's General Administration of Customs and Brazil's embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

LONGER WAITS, HIGHER COSTS

Longer waiting time for ships for certification at Brazilian ports have raised demurrage costs, adding to pressure from high freight rates following the Iran war.

The freight rate for Panamax vessels from the Santos Port to major northern Chinese ports rose around 24% in March, consultancy Mysteel data showed.

Offers to sell Brazilian soybeans to China have dried up due to tighter phytosanitary checks and higher freight rates, traders said.

Brazil soybeans for April shipment, including cost and freight, were quoted around $1.22 a bushel over the May CBOT contract this week, above the $1.12 offered on February 27.

China's soybean imports fell 7.8% in the first two months of the year, due in part to slower Brazilian harvests and extended customs clearance.

Soymeal prices on China's Dalian exchange on Friday rose to the highest since July 2024, though traders expect the impact to be temporary, with conditions likely to improve.

"Brazil is unlikely to let the export flow to China hit a snag at this peak point in the shipping season," StoneX chief commodities economist Arlan Suderman said in a client note.

(Reporting by Ella Cao in Beijing and Naveen Thukral in Singapore; Editing by Pooja Desai)
A handful of immigrants and advocacy organizations are asking the Trump administration to extend its March 17 deadline to end the temporary protected status (TPS) afforded to Somalis in the U.S., arguing the administration is changing the immigration designation purely along lines motivated by race.

The change in designation would force roughly 1,080 Somali TPS recipients to self-deport or turn themselves in to immigration enforcement, according to a Tuesday filing before a Massachusetts district court.

"President Trump has smeared the Somali community publicly, categorically, and repeatedly. He has called Somali people garbage and low IQ people. And he has said point blank: I dont want [Somali people] in our country," the challenge states, referring to remarks President Donald Trump made at a Cabinet meeting last year.

"They reflect a desire to target and punish Somali nationals based on their race and national origin in violation of the U.S. Constitution."

Minnesota Fraud Hearing Sparks Immigration Clash As Gop Lawmaker Spotlights Somali Welfare Data

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House March 11, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Fox News)

The suit was brought by African Communities Together and the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans and lists the Department of Homeland Security as a defendant.

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Their challenge comes amid President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration and his administrations continued focus on Somali populations in states like Minnesota, where alleged fraud activity has drawn national attention.

Trump has had an eye toward Somalia since his first term, when, in 2017, he included the country in a travel ban. That focus resurfaced in November 2025 amid news that a number of predominantly Somali-led fraud schemes had allegedly siphoned as much as $9 billion from Minnesota government assistance programs.

The news prompted Trumps first move against Somali TPS.

"Minnesota is a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity. I am, as president of the United States, hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota," Trump wrote in a November post on Truth Social.

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Us Freezes All Visa Processing For 75 Countries, Including Somalia, Russia, Iran

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Somali illegal immigrant Abdul Dahir Ibrahim, who was convicted of fraud and is connected to several high-profile Minnesota politicians, including former Democratic vice-presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz.

Outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem made the designation switch official in January.

Asked about the TPS designation in the wake of Noems recent ouster from the agency earlier this month, a DHS spokesperson confirmed the plans remained unchanged.

"Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the laws requirement for temporary protected status. Allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. The Trump administration is putting Americans first," an agency spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Under the Immigration Law of 1990, aliens protected by TPS are allowed to work in the United States and are shielded from removal as long as their country of origin is experiencing "temporary conditions" like war or natural disaster that would prevent their safe return. The attorney general may extend a countrys TPS status for 18 months at a time.

Somalia received TPS in 1991 and has held a TPS designation for 35 years.

Trump Administration Blocked From Ending Temporary Protected Status For Haitians

Soldiers of the Somalia National Army walk near the front lines at Sabiid, one of the towns they liberated from the al Qaeda-linked militants, Al-Shabaab, in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region Nov. 11, 2025.

Tuesdays filing argues dangerous conditions remain in place, citing terrorist activity from groups like Al-Shabaab listed in Somalias latest TPS extension.

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"The 2024 redesignation noted that Somalia continues to experience widespread insecurity due to armed conflict involving state and non-state actors  subjecting civilians to human rights abuses, including summary executions, indiscriminate and targeted killings, gender-based violence, child recruitment, disappearances and physical abuse," the plaintiffs argued.

DHS declined to comment on its on-the-ground assessments of Somalias local conditions.





Original article source: Trump admin's push to end controversial policy extended by Biden sparks backlash ahead of crucial deadline
Kari Lake speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference last year. (Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images file) (Kayla Bartkowski)

President Donald Trump nominated a senior State Department official Thursday for the top post at the U.S. Agency for Global Media after a federal judge ruled that Kari Lake's leadership violated federal law.

Trump nominated Sarah Rogers, the undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, less than a week after U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ordered that all actions Lake took as acting CEO from July 31 to Nov. 19 be considered void, including an Aug. 29 reduction-in-force that eliminated jobs for more than 500 employees at Voice of America and elsewhere within USAGM.

Lake insulted Lamberth's appearance Thursday as she criticized his ruling last weekend. She said on X that she would stay on as deputy CEO and that Michael Rigas, who is deputy secretary of state for management and a patriotic fighter with experience reducing the size of government, will be acting CEO.

Together, Mike and I, while we wait for Under Secretary Rogers (@UnderSecPD) to be confirmed as USAGM CEO, will root-out corruption at the agency and make it more accountable to American taxpayers, she said.

A spokesperson for the State Department said that if the Senate confirms Rogers for the post, she will serve concurrently as undersecretary for public diplomacy.

USAGMs mission has long been closely aligned with the Department of State, and the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy has always held consultative authorities with the agency, the spokesperson said after the nomination. Rogers would be uniquely well positioned to significantly strengthen coordination between U.S. international broadcasting and American public diplomacy in the national interest.

In a report in November, the Trump administration suggested integrating the function of Voice of America into the State Department bureau led by Rogers, rather than its being "a semi-independent agency.

The Voice of America building in Washington. In November, the Trump administration suggested integrating the function of Voice of America into the State Department bureau led by Rogers, rather than it's being "a semi-independent agency." (Alex Wong / Getty Images file) (Alex Wong)

Rogers is a former First Amendment lawyer. Her clients included the National Rifle Association, and she led challenges to social media censorship of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and others.

Rogers now leads the Trump administrations campaign against European Union and United Kingdom regulation of online hate speech and misinformation overseas, celebrating U.S. sanctions on European officials and meeting with some of the most anti-immigration figures of Europes far right.

These countries that are arresting their citizens for calling a rapist a pig, which is true, or for praying outside of an abortion clinic are now trying to enforce their laws against American citizens and American companies, Rogers said last year on "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast in her first public appearance as undersecretary of state.

A little more than a month later, Elon Musks social media platform, X, was slapped with a $140 million fine under Europes sweeping Digital Services Act for failing to combat hate speech and misinformation.

The EC [European Commission] claims todays levy is about bluechecks  @elonmusk dares apportion them to users that European bureaucrats dislike  algorithms, and ads, Rogers said on social media. In reality, a strange civilizational death drive stalks Europe. It makes misguided leaders dismantle their own nuclear power plants, deluge their own cities with hostile low-human-capital migrants, and choke off their own citizens speech on the topics that matter most.

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More recently, Rogers said on X that Germany infamously retains very few Jews, yet imported barbarian rapist hordes (as an American, Im allowed to call them that), referring to dozens of reported robberies, sexual assaults and rapes by roving gangs of men, including immigrants and asylum-seekers, in Cologne, Germany, over New Year's Eve 2015.

After she said her words were designed to provoke debate, Rogers posted: A German lawmaker was later threatened with criminal prosecution for using the language I quote here (regarding barbarian hordes), and additional censorship constraints were placed on social media companies. This obviously contravenes free expression  and common sense.

Sarah B. Rogers (U.S. Department of State) (U.S. Department of State)

The German lawmaker, who was temporarily blocked from Twitter, now X, for her remarks was a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, better known as AfD.

AfD has risen in popularity in Germany since 2015. The German intelligence agency has classified it as a proven right-wing extremist organization, making it the first party to be designated as such since the Nazi era.

High-level officials in the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio, have protested the German government's labeling of AfD. Rogers met with Markus Frohnmaier, a senior lawmaker of the party, in December.

Unlike the Russian government (and the current German one), AfD took an anti-censorship stance in its meeting with me last week, Rogers said on X at the time. One reason theyre gaining popularity in Germany.

The Trump administration has faced scrutiny for its own actions on speech, including revoking the visas of foreigners who it says celebrated the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk and attempting to deport international students for expressing their views on the war in Gaza through campus protests or op-eds in student newspapers.

Rogers responded to the accusations of hypocrisy in an interview this year.

We could not throw a woman in jail for calling a rapist a pig, even if she were a foreign national, because she has some of the same First Amendment rights as Americans, she told Semafor. The privilege of coming here on a visa is not a right under the First Amendment or any other, and this secretary of state has enormous discretion there.

Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz congratulated Rogers on her nomination in a statement Thursday.

I would welcome the opportunity to work with her and to rebuild Voice of Americas ability to fulfill its vital mission, said Abramowitz, who became director in 2024.

Abramowitz last year sued the administration in an effort to restore the level of editorial independence the agency had before Trumps second term. As part of that case, Lamberth ruled that Abramowitz could not be removed from his post. He is now on administrative leave.
Aaron Pelletier and his family  GoFundMe/Connecticut State Police Troop H

A national nonprofit is stepping in to support the family of a Connecticut state trooper killed in the line of duty.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced Friday, March 13, that it will pay off the mortgage for the family of Connecticut State Trooper Aaron Pelletier. The group will also fund college scholarships for his two young sons.

Pelletier was killed on May 30, 2024, while conducting a traffic stop on I-84 East in Southington. Police said the trooper had stopped another driver when 45-year-old Alex Oyola-Sanchez crashed into him on the shoulder and then sped away.

He kept going until his tire failed on I-84 East in Farmington. Oyola-Sanchez was sentenced to 18 years in April 2025.

Pelletier, a nine-year Connecticut State Police veteran, left behind his wife, Dominique, and their two sons.

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I am still beyond thankful for having a secure home and future for my children and I under the roof that we made so many memories with Aaron in, Dominique Pelletier said in a Tunnels to Towers press release. My family can continue the traditions and holidays that we all held so close to our hearts.

Tunnel to Towers supports Gold Star families and fallen first responder families with young children. The organization provides mortgage-free homes and other financial support.

In Pelletiers case, the foundation will eliminate the familys mortgage and cover the cost of undergraduate degrees or accredited trade programs for the couples children.

Dominique Pelletier said the scholarships will help carry on her husbands legacy.

"College may be a long way away for my children, but I can already see the cost rising in the next 10 years," she said. "By paying for my boys to attend college, it will keep up with their fathers legacy of academics and work ethic  both boys want to become state troopers, just like Aaron."
A woman carrying a child walks past an armoured vehicle as Turkish army and security personnel search a field after a piece of ammunition fell following the interception of a missile launched from Iran by a NATO air defence system, in Diyarbakir, Turkey. REUTERS/Sertac Kayar

By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay

ANKARA, March 13 (Reuters) - NATO air defences in the eastern Mediterranean have shot down a third ballistic missile that was fired from Iran towards Turkey, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Friday, adding that it was asking Tehran for clarification.

NATO air defences shot down the first Iranian ballistic missile fired at Turkey on March 4 and a second one on March 9. The ministry has said the first incoming missile was downed en route to Turkish airspace, while the second had entered it.

Turkey has not disclosed the target of the third missile, saying only it was "entering" Turkish airspace, but an explosion was heard and windows were shaken overnight near the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey's Adana province, according to a Reuters witness and social media footage verified by Reuters.

U.S. air forces, along with personnel from Turkey and other countries, are stationed at Incirlik. Ankara says Washington has not used the Turkish base in its air assault, alongside Israel, on Iran.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the alliance's air defences had intercepted a missile from Iran, adding: "NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies."

TURKEY SAYS IT DOES NOT WANT TO BE DRAGGED INTO WAR

Turkey, NATO's second-largest army and Iran's neighbour, has warned Tehran against any more attacks. It has protested to Tehran after every incident, while saying it does not want to be dragged into the war between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

"All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace. Consultations are being conducted with the relevant country to clarify all aspects of the incident," the ministry said in a statement.

A Turkish security source said there had been no casualties in the latest incident and there were no reports of any debris falling from the interception.

The Iranian embassy in Ankara later repeated that it was not targeting Turkey, pointing to Tehran's proposal to form a joint team to investigate the incidents after a phone call between the two countries' presidents.

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"It is hereby emphasized that no projectiles have been launched from Iran toward Turkey," the embassy said on X, adding that Tehran respected Turkey's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Local media later cited separate Turkish security sources as saying that while Turkey was acting cautiously to avoid escalating the situation, its stance "does not mean endless tolerance".

The Hurriyet newspaper and other media cited the sources as saying Ankara had conveyed "a clear message" to Tehran to demand that it "immediately identify those responsible for the attacks and take the necessary precautions".

They said Turkey would not refrain from responding to the attacks or imposing punitive measures as it sees fit "when the time comes".

TURKEY RELIES ON NATO AIR DEFENCES

Turkey, an emerging leader in the global defence industry, lacks its own fully-fledged air defences despite development efforts, and has relied on NATO air defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea against the Iranian missiles.

The Kurecik NATO radar base, to the northeast of Incirlik in the southeastern province of Malatya, provides vital protection for the alliance, including the detection of missiles fired towards Turkey.

Fragments of the previous missile fired from Iran had fallen in a region between the two bases.

Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that the Russian S-400 air defence systems it acquired in 2019 were not used, as NATO's integrated defences were quicker and more effective.

Following the incidents, NATO has beefed up its ballistic missile defences in the region and deployed a U.S. Patriot air defence system to boost defences at the Kurecik base.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Additional reporting by Lili Bayer and Jana Choukeir; Editing by William Maclean, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones and Aidan Lewis)
The U.S. on Thursday sanctioned six individuals and two companies accused of aiding North Korea in running a global scheme using remote IT workers to defraud businesses and funnel hundreds of millions of dollars into the hermit kingdom's weapons programs.

The sanctions, revealed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and first reported by CBS News, target networks that allegedly helped North Korean operatives pose as legitimate information technology specialists, securing jobs at legitimate companies using stolen identities, forged documents and fake online personas.

Treasury officials say the program has become a major revenue stream for Pyongyang, with the regime tapping most of the wages earned by these remote IT workers to rack up funds supporting North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development. U.S. officials estimate the scheme brought in nearly $800 million in 2024 alone.

In some cases, authorities say the workers have also planted malware in company networks used to steal sensitive or proprietary information.

Thursday's sanctions targeted both facilitators and companies connected to the operation in North Korea, Vietnam, Laos and Spain.

Among those designated is Amnokgang Technology Development Company, a North Korean IT firm accused of dispatching workers overseas and procuring military and commercial technology through its foreign web. Nguyen Quang Viet, the CEO of Vietnam-based Quangvietdnbg International Services Company Limited was also sanctioned. Treasury officials allege the criminal enterprise converted about $2.5 million into cryptocurrency for North Koreans between mid-2023 and mid-2025, including funds earned through the IT-worker plot.

The U.S. Treasury on Thursday also sanctioned several individuals accused of helping to move or hide money linked to the burgeoning operation, including associates of already-sanctioned North Korean nuclear procurement facilitator Kim Se Un.

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Officials say another North Korean national, Yun Song Guk, oversaw a group of freelance IT workers operating out of Boten, Laos to coordinate illicit payments and contracts for services linked to foreign partners.

CBS News previously reported on hiring practices at a Houston technology firm that exposed a suspected North Korean infiltration effort tied to funding Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

Under the new sanctions, any property or financial interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities that are in the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked. U.S. citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with sanctioned organizations, and treasury officials routinely warn that financial institutions risk facing steep penalties if they help sanctioned individuals evade restrictions.

The announcement comes as U.S. officials continue to warn that North Korea has increasingly turned to cyber-powered operations and remote technology work to generate hard currency for development of its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile program.

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By Ismail Shakil and Gleb Bryanski

March 13 (Reuters) - The United States issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, in what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said was a step to stabilize global energy markets roiled by the Iran war.

Oil prices eased on Friday morning in Asia after the U.S. waiver announcement, which, according to Russia's presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, would affect 100 million barrels of Russian crude, equal to almost a day's worth of global output.

The move, the second significant rollback of Ukraine war-related U.S. sanctions in just over one week, was the latest attempt by President Donald Trump's administration to tame energy prices after the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The 32-nation International Energy Agency said on Thursday that the war in the Middle East was creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history.

WAIVER RUNS TILL APRIL 11

The licence issued by Washington on Thursday authorizes the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels on or before March 12 and valid through midnight Washington time on April 11, according to the text of the licence posted on the Treasury Department's website.

The move reflects White House worries that the surge in oil prices after nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will hurt U.S. businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections, when Trump's fellow Republicans hope to retain control of Congress.

Bessent, in a statement on X released hours after benchmark oil prices shot above $100 a barrel, said the measure was "narrowly tailored" and "short-term" and would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

"The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term," Bessent said in the statement, echoing Trump.

Even as the sanctions reprieve was expected to boost world supplies of oil, it could also complicate the West's efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for its war in Ukraine and put Washington at odds with its allies.

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EUROPEAN ALLIES OPPOSE RELAXING SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after participating in a call with G7 leaders on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the Iran war on oil and gas markets, said now was not the time to relax sanctions against Russia.

British energy department minister Michael Shanks told BBC radio on Friday that the UK government would not be loosening its sanctions on Russia at all, describing the timing as a "critical moment in the Russian aggression against Ukraine".

The sanctions relief took place after a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 9 and a subsequent visit to the U.S. by Dmitriev to discuss the current energy crisis with a U.S. delegation that included Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

"Against the backdrop of the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy supplies appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some Brussels bureaucrats," Dmitriev wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app on Friday.

Following the announcement from the Treasury, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn said his country was ready to purchase Russian crude and was preparing for talks.

The U.S. Treasury previously issued a 30day waiver on March 5 specifically for India, allowing New Delhi to buy Russian oil stuck at sea.

Russia, whose energy revenues halved in the first two months of the year and whose government had already been contemplating a major cut to budget spending this year, stands to benefit from a higher oil price.

Trump has also ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf and said the U.S. Navy could escort ships in the region.

The Trump administration is considering temporarily waiving a shipping rule known as the Jones Act to ensure that energy and agricultural products can move freely between U.S. ports, the White House said.

"The president is taking every action he can to lower prices... and you're going to see more and more in the days to come," White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News' "Primetime" program on Thursday.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil, Christian Martinez, Jasper Ward and Gleb Bryanski;Additional reporting by James Williams in London;Editing by Dan Burns, Lincoln Feast and Gareth Jones)
by Azadeh Amirsadri

As a child, I was lucky to have grown up with two grandmothers: one living with our family and the other visiting from her house in the same city, and staying with us for a few days at a time. Both grandmothers were very kind, and my sisters and I spent a lot of time with them, each of us having a special relationship with them. Mamabozorg was my paternal grandmother, who raised me from the age of one to five, and who, along with my grandfather, became my primary attachment figures. Her name was Zahra, and she lived to be 104, or so we think, since I dont believe we have an official birth certificate for her, just the usual traditional writing of birth and death dates on the first page of the family koran. A devout religious person, she prayed five times every day of her life as required by Islam. When she was too old to stand, she would sit in bed and pray, ending with her prayer beads. One of my favorite things as a child was to put my head on her knees, as she was sitting cross-legged on her prayer rug, after her last prayers, saying the name of the Prophet and his first successor as a form of meditation. I felt warm and safe with her, and the world was predictable as it should be for every child. As a traditional Muslim woman, she wore the chador and always kept her headscarf on, even at home.

Mamajoon, Mariam, was my maternal grandmother, the modern grandma. She didnt wear the chador, unless she was going to some religious event, which she rarely did, but she also wore the head scarf at all times. She was born and raised in Rasht, a city by the Caspian Sea, and, with her grayish-blue eyes, her round hips, and her long silver hair, she remained a beauty in her old age. She had become a widow at a young age and later lost her oldest son to heart disease. She endured having had land and a fortune, then losing it all, but stayed the life-loving person she was. She lived in the United States for some years while raising her young grandson and caring for her college-age son. She loved America and regaled us with stories of banana-split ice cream, cheeseburgers, huge supermarkets with laundromats, and people who followed rules, compared to our unruly ways. She would take us to a new place in Tehran that had donuts, and as my sisters and I were cutting them with our knives and forks, she told us that Americans eat them with their hands. When I visited her in California, we would go to Fashion Island in Newport Beach, where shed claim a table at an outdoor cafe, order coffee for herself and whatever we wanted for us, smoke her cigarettes, and watch the world go by.

My parents met at a dance in the 1950s. Before they got married, they needed their parents permission and approval. Each parent objected to their wedding because they did not know the others family. Traditionally, families arranged their childrens marriages with families they knew, usually from the same city and background. My parents declared their love for each other and decided to get married anyway, and on the day of the wedding, my fathers parents officially asked my grandmother for the hand of my mother, making sure all the traditional ceremonies were followed and respected.

My parents lived in Iran as newlyweds, in France during my fathers graduate studies, back in Iran again after my father completed his studies, and in France again after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Their five daughters were dispersed throughout the world, some with them in Europe and some far away in America. Their parents stayed in Iran. I didnt see my Mamabozorg until 1988, when I had a green card, travel papers, and enough money to travel to France, where she was visiting my parents. We were at my sisters house in Paris, and I wanted to sleep with her at night, as I used to do as a child, but for some reason I did not, and to this day I wonder why I hesitated.

My grandmothers did the same trips back and forth, but Mamajoon added the United States to her stays, as my aunt lived in California, and Switzerland, where my uncle lived for a while. At times, the two grandmothers were together in France, staying with my parents and traveling together. They shared a bedroom, and my mom told us that sometimes she could hear them talk and laugh, but when she entered their room, both would fall silent and wait for her to leave before resuming their chatter. For two women who did not trust each other at the beginning when my parents joined lives, they became very close and even ended up living together in the same house in Iran in their old age, when they could still live independently. Zahra would cook the rice that Iranians eat at every meal every day for lunch, and Mariam made the meat or vegetables that went with it. Zahra was very sensitive to hot and cold foods, a balancing of different foods that complemented each other, as in some Asian cuisines. For example, she didnt eat tomatoes because they made her cold (stomach issues), but Mariam loved them because they were heavily featured in the cuisine of her Northern native city. A few times a year, theyd have a disagreement, and we, her grandchildren, would find out about it when Mariam said that she had cooked a dish with tomatoes in it. My cousin called and asked her how she was one day, and Mariam said, Good, I havent had to use any tomatoes in my cooking lately!

***
The Virginia State Capitol stands in Richmond. Photo: Ron Cogswell / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

(The Center Square)  Several firearm-related bills passed by the Virginia General Assembly this session are awaiting action from first-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The list includes measures addressing public carrying of certain firearms, liability standards for the firearm industry and restrictions on unserialized firearms.

Legislative records show several of the proposals have passed both chambers, been signed by the House speaker and Senate president, and enrolled before being sent to the governor for consideration.

One of the measures, Senate Bill 727, would prohibit carrying certain loaded firearms defined in the bill as assault firearms in public areas such as streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks and other public rights-of-way. Violations would be treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Supporters say the proposal is intended to reduce the presence of certain firearms in crowded public places.

Another measure, Senate Bill 27 and its House companion, House Bill 21, would establish standards of responsible conduct for firearm industry members including manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The legislation requires firearm industry members to establish reasonable controls designed to prevent unlawful firearm sales, straw purchasing and firearm trafficking. It also allows civil action by the attorney general or local governments against companies that fail to follow those standards.

Josh Horwitz, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, said the legislation represents what supporters describe as a public safety approach to firearm policy.

Virginias General Assembly has taken meaningful steps to protect public safety, Horwitz said in a statement. These bills represent a serious, evidence-based public health approach to reducing gun violence in Virginia.

Gun-rights advocates say the measures could create confusion for lawful firearm owners attempting to comply with new rules.

My concern is youre going to get good people caught up in these laws and end up criminalizing them, said Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League.

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Somebody that meant no harm and has a perfect record suddenly gets caught up because they have the wrong features on the gun or theyre carrying it in the wrong place.

Van Cleave said restrictions tied to firearm features or where firearms may be carried could leave some gun owners unsure whether they are complying with the law.

He also criticized other firearm proposals debated during the legislative session that would restrict the future sale of certain rifles.

You can keep the guns youve got, but forget your children, Van Cleave said. Theyll never get to own what you have.

Another proposal, House Bill 40, would restrict the manufacture, import, sale or possession of certain unserialized firearms and unfinished frames or receivers used to assemble them.

The bill also addresses plastic firearms that may not be detectable by common security screening devices.

Gun-rights organizations including the National Rifle Association have criticized several firearm proposals moving through the Legislature this year, saying they place additional restrictions on lawful gun ownership.

It is no secret that Abigail Spanbergers aspirations for higher office rival Gavin Newsom, said John Commerford, executive director of the National Rifle Associations Institute for Legislative Action, in a statement to The Center Square.

As a bevy of bad bills that undermine the rights of law-abiding Virginians hit her desk, Spanberger will need to make a political calculus.

Supporters of the bills say the proposals are intended to address illegal firearm trafficking, untraceable firearms and gaps in current firearm regulations.

Spanberger can sign the legislation into law, veto it or return it to the General Assembly with amendments.
Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, D-Pasadena and chair of the California Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, presides over the panel's hearing at the Capitol, March 5, 2026. Photo: Madeline Shannon / The Center Square

(The Center Square)  As work continues on the state budget, education and finance officials told California legislators on Thursday that taxpayer funding for Proposition 98, which funds K-12 education and two years of community college, was making teachers and district officials nervous throughout the state.

Concerns were aired during a meeting held by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education on Thursday morning in Sacramento.

The volatility of our revenues is on full display, Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, the chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education, said at the beginning of the meeting at the Capitol.

We are seeing the Prop. 98 minimum guarantee at unprecedented levels and with a declining student population," said Perez, D-Pasadena.

The states precarious budget situation was first detailed in a November 2025 budget outlook report compiled by the states Legislative Analysts Office. Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget, released in January, projected a $21.7 billion increase in Prop. 98 funding this year.

K-12 education takes up about 40% of Californias overall budget, Perez said.

Proposition 98, which California voters passed at the ballot box in 1988, requires that the state spend a minimum amount of taxpayer dollars to adequately fund K-12 education and the first two years of community college, often referred to as K-14.

Prop. 98 is one of two measures the state is required to fund in this years budget. The other is Proposition 2, which passed in 2014 and authorizes bond measures to help pay for K-12 and community college facilities, according to the Legislative Analysts Office.

The governors budget proposed $115.9 billion in funding for the Prop. 98 settle-up, which essentially pays public education in California back for Prop. 98 funding K-14 schools should have gotten in the two previous school years. At the time, schools didn't get the entire amount. The previous settle-up allocation was $121.4 billion, according to the governors budget.

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I have to acknowledge there is heartburn in our districts as it relates to Prop. 98, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond testified during the committee meeting. The $6 billion that is being held up as part of the settle-up has created angst for many of our districts.

District leaders told Thurmond that layoffs are being considered because of that shortfall of expected funding, Thurmond told lawmakers.

Theyre looking for a signal that that money might be restored, and they will have it to balance their budgets in a very tough time, Thurmond testified. That part of the proposal does threaten to undermine the goals of our districts.

Required expenditures from the state budget for both Prop. 98 and Prop. 2 exceed revenue gains, the Legislative Analysts Office projected in its November report. That gap between constitutionally-mandated expenditures and the states revenue persists despite record revenues from higher income tax receipts, which are fueled by enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence technology developed by Big Tech companies headquartered in California, The Center Square previously reported.

The revenue picture right now is deeply unsettled, Kenneth Kapphahn, principal fiscal and policy analyst with the Legislative Analyst's Office, testified on Thursday.

Kapphahn said January was a good month for the state, with higher-than-expected income tax receipts coming in to help fuel a projection that revenues in the current fiscal year could exceed the governors budget estimates by $8 billion.

That is significant for this committee, because Proposition 98 would direct almost half of that amount to $3.7 billion towards schools and community colleges, Kapphahn testified.

However, the higher-than-expected revenues, because they are based on the recent strong performance in the stock market of some of Californias Big Tech companies, are increasingly tenuous, Kapphahn testified. In the event of a stock market downturn, that could affect income taxes enough to not be able to depend on that funding, he noted.

We think revenues for the upcoming year, 26-27, are likely to be $3 billion below the estimates in the governors budget, and for schools, that would mean a $1.4 billion less in Proposition 98 funding, Kapphahn testified. If the market drops significantly, and that is certainly a possibility, those losses could quickly become much larger.
Why Trump Is Gunning for This Kentucky Lawmaker

The fiercest political battle in Washington right now might not be between President Trump and Democrats  it may be playing out inside the Republican Party.

GOP Rep. Thomas Massie isn't a household name, but in political circles the Kentucky congressman is known for frequently breaking with Trump on major issues ranging from spending and tariffs to government transparency and foreign policy. Now the president and his political operation are working to unseat him.

The clash is shaping up as more than just a local political battle. It could become an early test of Trumps influence inside the GOP  and whether Republicans who openly defy the president can still survive politically.

Who is Thomas Massie?

First elected to the House in 2012, Massie has built a reputation as one of the most independent Republicans in Congress. He frequently bucks party leadership on major votes  so often, in fact, that House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly doesnt even factor him into the equation when calculating whether Republicans have enough support to pass difficult legislation.

Before entering politics, Massie worked as an engineer and entrepreneur. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied electrical engineering, he co-founded a technology startup that developed haptic feedback systems used in early touch-screen devices. The company was later acquired by 3D Systems. After the sale, Massie moved back to Kentucky, where he became involved in local politics and later served as Lewis County's judge-executive before running for Congress.

Despite his reputation for breaking ranks within his party, Massie remains popular in Kentuckys 4th Congressional District. Representing a reliably Republican area in northern Kentucky, his libertarian-leaning politics  particularly his emphasis on fiscal restraint and limited government  have helped him win reelection comfortably in a series of GOP-leaning elections.

The district also strongly supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, highlighting the unusual dynamic of a Trump-aligned electorate represented by one of the presidents most frequent Republican critics.

Why is Donald Trump trying to unseat him?

Massies willingness to go against his own party has kept him on a collision course with Trump, as he has opposed several of the president's second-term priorities.

Last May, Massie voted against Trumps signature big, beautiful bill, a sweeping package that served as a cornerstone of the presidents domestic agenda. Earlier this year, he also criticized the administrations tariff campaign against several countries  including close allies like Canada.

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The disagreements extend beyond fiscal policy. Massie has also pushed for the government to release additional records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a move Trump has dismissed. Though the president has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, his name appears thousands of times in documents related to the case, according to reporting by The New York Times.

Tensions escalated further after Massie publicly criticized the administrations airstrikes on Iran, arguing there was no imminent threat to justify the strikes and warning that they were carried out without congressional approval.

American families in my district want to know: How is this going to help them pay for groceries? Massie said on the House floor on March 4. How does this make them any safer in their schools or in their neighborhoods? How does this help them pay for housing?

A rift turned political battle

After Massie criticized the Iran strikes, a Trump-aligned super PAC led by the presidents former campaign co-manager Chris LaCivita launched a $1 million ad campaign targeting the Kentucky lawmaker  the first time Trumps political operation has singled out a sitting Republican incumbent for defeat this election cycle. The move is widely seen as a test of the presidents influence within the party.

Since Kentuckys 4th Congressional District is so heavily Republican, May's GOP primary will likely determine who ultimately wins the seat, raising the stakes of Trumps effort to unseat the incumbent.

Trump has already begun taking that fight directly to voters. The president traveled to Massies district to campaign against him and endorsed his primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL who has never held elected office.

Speaking at a campaign rally in northern Kentucky, Trump called Massie a disaster for the Republican Party, telling the crowd, We got to get rid of this loser. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump has also described Massie as the worst Republican congressman.

But Massie isnt backing down. The congressman has said he welcomes the president to campaign in his district, arguing they share many of the same supporters, and dismissed Gallreins appearance alongside Trump as a sad attempt to boost his campaign. He also mocked Trump on social media, joking that the president would begrudgingly sign my beautiful Epstein Files Transparency Act, causing beleaguered princes and ambassadors and prime ministers and CEOs around the world to be arrested or resign in total shame," before adding, "Oh wait, that already happened."

I predict President DJT will begrudgingly sign my beautiful Epstein Files Transparency Act, causing beleaguered princes and ambassadors and prime ministers and CEOs around the world to be arrested or resign in total shame. Oh wait, that already happened.https://t.co/AgJY01IWPL pic.twitter.com/ZzGcDBJdOz  Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) March 11, 2026

If Trump succeeds in unseating him, it could send a message to other GOP lawmakers that defying the president carries political consequences. But if Massie survives the primary, it may suggest that even in heavily pro-Trump districts, some voters are still willing to back Republicans who chart their own course.

The post Why Trump Is Gunning for This Kentucky Lawmaker appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
An FBI advisory referencing an unverified tip about a potential Iranian drone concept off the California coast circulated to multiple California law enforcement agencies  only to be forcefully downplayed by the White House hours later.

The advisory, distributed through federal security channels, referenced intelligence suggesting Iran had "aspired" to launch unmanned aerial systems from a vessel offshore. The email did not identify specific targets, dates or operational details.

The advisory was shared with California state officials and forwarded to local law enforcement agencies, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle, including police departments in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Berkeley. Local officials emphasized there was no indication of a specific or imminent threat but confirmed they were coordinating with federal partners.

Dhs Shutdown May Delay Us Terror Response Amid Iran Conflict, Expert Warns

FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson posted the alert to X Thursday, which he said went to joint terrorism task force partners.

"We recently acquired unverified information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event of U.S. strikes on Iran," the alert said, according to Williamson. "We have no additional information."

Read On The Fox News App

After reports about the advisory surfaced publicly, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized the coverage.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the White House Feb. 5, 2026. (Getty Images)

"This post and story should be immediately retracted by ABC News for providing false information to intentionally alarm the American people," Leavitt wrote.

She said the reporting was based on "one email that was sent to local law enforcement in California about a single, unverified tip," adding: "No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom similarly said there was no verified threat to the state and that officials remained in communication with federal authorities as a precaution.

Former Department of Homeland Security official Tom Warrick said the wording of the advisory suggests the intelligence likely reflected aspirational discussion rather than operational planning.

Fbi Raises Counterterror Teams To High Alert Amid Iran Tensions

"When you see the word unverified, that generally means this is aspirational," Warrick said.

He emphasized that advisories of this kind are not routine occurrences, but during periods of heightened tensions  particularly involving Iran  federal authorities may err on the side of caution.

"Its not a regular occurrence," Warrick said. "But given the war with Iran, and given Irans known tendencies, its only prudent for the FBI to put out a notice to local law enforcement to be aware that this is what we know  but this is all we know."

Iran coordinates a mass drone warfare campaign across the Middle East targeting Western sites.

Warrick said such reporting often stems from intercepted communications in which foreign actors discuss potential attack concepts without evidence of capability or follow-through.

"Somehow the United States picked up information of Iranians talking to each other  who probably have some affiliation to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Quds Force  talking about, Wouldnt it be nice to launch a drone attack on California?" Warrick said, describing what he believes likely triggered the alert. "Thats where we are."

He stressed that distributing such intelligence allows local authorities to connect suspicious activity  such as unusual drone purchases or maritime behavior  with broader federal reporting.

National Security Expert Urges Dhs To Raise Terror Threat Level, Warns Of Sleeper Cell Risks In Us

At the same time, Warrick drew a distinction between large-scale military drone strikes and smaller improvised threats.

"Were not talking about launching Shaheds at California. Thats not feasible," he said.

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"Using small-scale hobby drones to carry out a terrorist attack has always been a concern of homeland security," he added. "That threat already exists."

Current federal law limits the authority to actively disable or intercept drones to specific federal agencies, including the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security. State and local law enforcement agencies generally lack independent authority to jam or seize unmanned aerial systems without federal coordination.

Some state and local officials have in recent years pushed Congress to expand counter-drone authority beyond federal agencies, arguing that the proliferation of small drones has outpaced existing legal frameworks.

Irans Drone Swarms Challenge Us Air Defenses As Troops In Middle East Face Rising Threats

While Warrick framed the advisory as precautionary, Iran specialists say the broader concept referenced in the alert is not entirely imaginary  though executing such an operation would be complex.

Michael Eisenstadt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Iran has experimented with sea-based launch concepts in the past, including containerized missile systems deployed from modified merchant vessels.

"The idea is something theyve clearly thought about," Eisenstadt said. "Theyve demonstrated elements of this concept before."

However, he cautioned that projecting such capability across the globe and positioning assets close enough to the U.S. coastline to make an operational difference would be difficult.

"To get it across the globe and close enough off the coast of California to make a difference  Im pretty sure we track pretty closely ships coming out of Iran," he said, adding that such an operation would likely be "a little too complicated for them to do at this point."

Eisenstadt agreed that describing the advisory as aspirational was likely accurate.

"I think thats probably correct," he said.

He also questioned whether a direct drone strike on U.S. territory would align with Irans historical escalation patterns.

"If they were to retaliate on the homeland, it would more likely involve inspired or commissioned attacks," he said, rather than a complex maritime drone launch.

Drone-related activity has drawn scrutiny along the West Coast in recent years, though analysts caution against drawing a direct connection between prior incidents and the unverified tip referenced in the advisory.

In 2019, multiple U.S. Navy destroyers operating near the Channel Islands off the coast of California reported encounters with groups of unidentified unmanned aerial systems during training operations.

Navy documents later released through the Freedom of Information Act showed that some incidents were assessed as potential surveillance activity, while others were attributed to commercial or hobbyist operators. In several cases, the operator was never definitively identified.

More recently, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, confirmed multiple instances of unmanned aerial systems entering restricted airspace in late 2024, though officials said those incursions did not impact operations and were not assessed to pose an immediate threat.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Security analysts say the proliferation of inexpensive drone technology has complicated airspace monitoring near both civilian and military facilities, a broader backdrop against which even low-confidence intelligence may prompt precautionary alerts.

The FBI and Coast Guard could not immediately be reached for additional comment.





Original article source: Why an unverified Iran drone tip prompted FBI alerts to California law enforcement
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita State University launched a new system on Thursday thats designed to collect data from across the state and store it in one place.

The Kansas Data Trust can collect information like demographics and service utilization in a secure way that can be used by public agencies, researchers and nonprofit organizations.

Nigel Soria, a research manager for the project, said those details will help answer difficult questions relating to issues like homelessness and education.

Large turnout for Sedgwick Countys town hall on data centers

So, being able to take data from the Homeless Management Information System and integrate that with service delivery at Second Light and other shelter providers to understand how people are coming into the system, receiving services, and hopefully ultimately being housed and remaining housed, Soria said.

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This project was four years in the making.

He said the team was deliberate in learning from other data systems across the country.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click 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 KSN-TV.
Nepal's historic election has delivered a seismic result.

The four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, has achieved a feat many thought impossible under Nepal's dual-election system: a sweeping majority.

The country's political elite have been cast aside, and entrenched power structures shattered. Perhaps the biggest symbol of this was when Shah, or Balen as he is commonly known in Nepal, defeated former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa 5, a seat long considered a stronghold for him.

As we've travelled the country, jubilant RSP voters have told us they are tired of decades of what they perceive to be corruption and political paralysis.

"Balen represents hope for a new political culture," Jhapa-5 voter Ispa Sapkota told the BBC.

But the reality is that Nepal is stepping into the political unknown.

A young party with no history of running a government will now lead the country, shouldered with the high expectations of a population eager to see quick results.

Balen, 35, has only three years of political experience as mayor of the capital, Kathmandu.

Yet, the fact that he is a relative newcomer to politics is seen as a strength by many voters.

They feel this signals a break from the failings of Nepal's old guard who have dominated the political scene for decades. A graphic cartoon of Balen and the RSP President Rabi Lamichhane destroying a concrete wall illustrates their manifesto, with the words "We have arrived".

It's not altogether a clean sheet for Balen though.

Balen Shah led the RSP to a sweeping majority in the Nepal elections but has only three years experience of governing as Kathmandu mayor

As mayor he was criticised by rights groups for using the police against street vendors 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.

Human Rights Watch is one of the groups that raised those concerns and told the BBC it's the type of behaviour they've often observed of new leaders who want to show results quickly.

"We hope as prime minister, there would be a focus on a more rules-based order," says Meenakshi Ganguly of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division.

As for the party, one of its chief promises is to tackle corruption. The RSP has promised to investigate assets of those who've been in power since the 1990s and to nationalise any properties that were acquired illegally.

They've also pledged to reform Nepal's judiciary, end the political appointments of judges, and consider live-streaming trials for better transparency.

Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari is hopeful that Nepal's institutions will help the RSP with its reforms.

"The civil service has been politicised by successive governments, there's been pressure. They'll now have independence, and there's been frustration amongst the civil service for years, they're ready for this change," he says.

One of the RSP's senior leaders and a newly elected MP, Shishir Khanal, says the party already has plans to incentivise "the bureaucracy" to get on side.

"We'll immediately put forward a bill. You'll see soon that it will reorganise how civil servants are paid and promoted, and create positive incentive structures," he says.

Nepali consumers wait in line carrying empty LPG cylinders amid fear that the Middle East war will disrupt supplies

The economy is another area the RSP have promised to deliver on.

Younger Nepalis have been frustrated by the lack of opportunities and are trusting the RSP to grow the economy. Youth unemployment stands at about 20% and three million Nepalis work overseas.

"When we search for jobs, we're not able to get any here. Brain drain is becoming the most important problem in our country," Sapkota warns.

But some argue the targets set by the party are unrealistic.

The manifesto promises to grow the economy by 7% every year so that the country becomes a $100 billion economy within the next five to seven years.

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Yet, the World Bank's latest data has the economy growing by 4.6% in 2025 and it's projected to slow down. Its latest country report says that longstanding political instability, a continued decline in tourism and frequent natural disasters are all issues Nepal has struggled to overcome.

Another more immediate challenge to the economy is the war in the Middle East, according to Nishchal N Pandey, director of the Centre for South Asian Studies in Nepal.

Many Nepalis work there, and more than a quarter of Nepal's GDP is made up of remittances, money sent home by workers. "Any impact on this and we'll have a deep problem," Pandey says.

The RSP's Khanal believes the party's goals are achievable once their government cuts all the red tape.

"Two dozen laws can be scrapped or changed - we'll move on that immediately. Right now you need to go around multiple departments just to register a company."

Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli lost his parliament seat to Balen Shah

Overall, the road to reform is paved with many challenges for the new government.

Despite its landslide win, Balen and other RSP leaders will have to confront the realities of keeping their own MPs focused on the same goals in parliament. While the RSP has been in government before for months-long spells as a junior coalition partner with limited influence, the party has mainly operated as a campaigning force rather than a governing one.

Adhikari believes these internal challenges will in fact be the biggest obstacles. He argues RSP politicians "are very new and don't have a background in statecraft".

"They all come from different walks of life, and might develop their own ambitions very quickly, and the high command might have difficulty whipping them," he says.

There's also the threat of how the party could change, should their power go unchecked. The results could lead to a weak opposition in the lower house of parliament.

"If the opposition works alongside an independent media and other institutions, it can still be effective. But there's a high possibility it won't be organised, in which case there's a risk the party tarnishes its mandate, and doesn't carry through on its promises," Adhikari says.

Nepal has also operated under a system of "political patronage that has advantaged the powerful and rewarded the rich," says Ganguly. While there is a big opportunity, "it will mean very tough choices and could be destabilising at first," she warns.

Supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) celebrate outside the counting centre at Damak in Jhapa district

And finally, there is the question of how Balen and the RSP will balance the competing influences of regional neighbours.

Nepal is a Hindu-majority country wedged between India and China. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit every year from India, through an open border and Delhi has had an outsized influence on Nepal's political landscape for decades.

On Monday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he'd had "warm telephone conversations" with Balen and Lamichhane, congratulating them on the party's "resounding success".

Bhattarai told us he witnessed pressures from Nepal's neighbours first-hand when he was ambassador to the UN.

"We have two huge neighbours, rivals with each other, and the biggest challenge is maintaining a balanced relationship," he says. "We have to assure them we won't allow Nepali territory to be used against them."

The former Prime Minister Oli was viewed as someone who pursued closer ties with China. But Bhattarai believes this is mostly a matter of perception and that Oli kept to Nepal's long-standing policy of "non-alliance".

"Oli had the communist party tag, it's no secret China would want communist parties to be stronger in Nepal," he says.

He points out that while Nepal signed up to China's landmark infrastructure agreement, the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, not a single project moved forward because Oli refused loan terms proposed by Beijing.

The RSP's Khanal, who is also the party spokesperson for international relations, told us the party sees no major changes in Nepal's diplomatic future, and rules out any security pacts, which is in line with the country's constitution.

Looming above is the watchful eye of the United States, ever mindful of China's influence.

Khanal acknowledged "a historic relationship with the US," but said "neighbours are our first priority."

A young party, made up of fresh faces, has a lot of urgent issues to contend with.

Nepalis we've met are hungry for change and have high expectations. Younger ones in particular are now keenly aware of their power and ability to hold those in power to account.

Balen and the RSP will be conscious of that too, as they usher in a new era, and forge an unchartered path for Nepal.
March 13 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was quoted as saying on Friday the U.S. had sought a postponement of the latest round of three-sided talks on a settlement to Ukraine's four-year-old conflict with Russia.

Zelenskiy, whose comments were quoted by various Ukrainian media outlets at the end of a visit to France, said the U.S. side had said its negotiators were not permitted to leave the United States in view of circumstances in the Middle East.

He said discussions about the next round were akin to a soap opera "because of the war in the Middle East."

"The Americans said they were ready to meet, but only in America as the war and the security situation barred them from leaving the U.S.," the state news agency Ukrinform quoted Zelenskiy as saying.

The Ukrainian delegation, he said, was ready to meet in Miami or Washington, but Russia rejected the proposal and suggested meeting in Turkey or Switzerland, a proposal ruled out by the U.S.

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"We immediately said that we were ready for a meeting next week, we are preparing for a meeting in America, in Switzerland, in Turkey, and even, if they are not afraid, in the Emirates," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying.

Ultimately, he said, staging the next round of talks depended on the U.S. side. Washington's negotiating team has been led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zelenskiy's remarks.

Ukraine and Russia have held two sets of U.S.-brokered talks in the United Arab Emirates since the beginning of the year and a further round in Geneva last month.

The main sticking point remains territory and Russia's demand for Ukraine to give up parts of its Donbas region that Moscow's forces have not captured.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Chris Reese, Rod Nickel)
Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump told a crowd in Hebron, Kentucky, this week that he possesses much better blood than most people because his uncle spent over four decades teaching at MIT.

Donald Trump tells Kentucky crowd he has much better blood

Trump veered off script during an economic speech while discussing the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran. He directed a jab toward Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of only two House Republicans who recently supported an Iran war powers resolution. The measure aimed to restrict Trumps authority to pursue military action in the Middle East without congressional approval.

Massie is a complete and total disaster as a congressman and frankly as a human being, Trump told the Kentucky audience. He is mad, disloyal to the Republican Party, disloyal to the people of Kentucky, and most importantly, disloyal to the United States of America, and hes got to be voted out of office as soon as possible. The president acknowledged Massies educational background but dismissed its importance.

You know hes got one thing going, the president said. He went to a good college, but I know a lot of stupid people that went to a good college. Donald Trump then pivoted to his own family credentials, boasting about his uncle, John G. Trump, who taught at MIT for 41 years. That means I have much better blood, he added. But I went to the hardest college of all to get into, the Wharton School of Finance. That means Im real smart (via People).

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This isnt the first time Trump has highlighted his uncles MIT tenure. During a July 2025 energy event in Pennsylvania, Trump similarly praised John G. Trumps academic career (via CNN).

The university did acknowledge the elder Trumps contributions, describing him as a highly valued member of the MIT community throughout his tenure as a researcher, innovator, entrepreneur, teacher, and colleague.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.com.

The post Donald Trump Says He Has Much Better Blood Because of His Uncle appeared first on Reality Tea.
U.S. Military Launches Operation Epic Fury Attacking Iran

The commander of the Iranian warship Dena, which was struck by the U.S. near Sri Lankan waters, refused to allow the crew to abandon the ship despite the threat, according to Iran International, citing a source close to the family of one of the Iranian sailors killed.

The sailor called his father shortly beforehand, saying American forces had issued two warnings for the crew to abandon the vessel, the source told Iran International.

Some crew members argued with the commander, the sailor's father said, and the 32 crew members who survived were mainly sailors who managed to escape on lifeboats, according to the source. It comes as a doomsday nuclear map shows how fast US citizens would die from an explosion.

At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the sinking of Dena as a "quiet death." It marked the first time since World War II that the U.S. had torpedoed an enemy warship.

"An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters," Hegseth said

Healthcare workers carry the bodies of Iranian sailors who died in a U.S. torpedo attack on ship (Image: Getty)

Sri Lankan coastguards received a distress call from the Iris Dena at 5:08 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the country's foreign affairs minister, Vijitha Herath.

"By 6 am, we dispatched a naval vessel, and by 7 am, the second naval vessel," Herath said. 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.

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Three Iranian ships - Iris Dena, Iris Bushehr, and Iris Lavan - had participated in a military exercise hosted by India between 15 and 25 February in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam.

The ships left Indian waters on 25 February and were likely in international waters on 28 February, when the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran.

"The Iranian side had requested permission on 28 February for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on 1 March," Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar told parliament on Monday. "Iris Lavan actually docked on 4 March in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities. We believe that this was the right thing to do."

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka called off its search with around 20 people still missing.

The U.S. hasn't said whether it gave the Iranian sailors any warnings before the strike, but Iranian and Sri Lankan officials said they were not given any, according to The New York Times.

The Iranian government said the ship was unarmed and defenseless. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command disputed that claim in a social media post.

It comes after the 4 safest US states to live in during nuclear war were revealed in a map.

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Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A lot of travel advice about drinking water is folklore, like wearing a backpack. For this slideshow, the backbone is the World Bank indicator for people using safely managed drinking water services, which draws on the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. That measure is stricter than simple access. It covers water from an improved source that is available on the premises when needed and free from sewage and priority chemical contamination.

One important footnote is that country pages do not all update in the same year, so the percentages below reflect the most recent figure surfaced for each place. A strong national score still does not guarantee that every faucet in every building is flawless. Old plumbing, temporary utility work, and local advisories can change the picture at street level, especially in older properties or remote areas. Read this as a practical guide, not a magic spell.

1. Iceland

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Iceland belongs right at the top of the easy-refill category. The most recent World Bank figure lists Iceland at 100% (2024) for safely managed drinking water services. Reykjaviks official visitor guide also says the citys tap water is well monitored and encourages visitors to drink it freely. See Visit Reykjaviks practical information page.

That makes daily travel simpler in the best possible way. Instead of treating hydration like a logistics puzzle, most visitors can just refill a bottle and move on. In Iceland, buying bottled water all day usually feels less like caution and more like forgetting where you are.

2. Denmark

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Denmark scores extremely high as well. Trading Economics, using World Bank data, lists Denmark at 99.92% (2022) for safely managed drinking water services. VisitDenmark is also refreshingly direct about it: you can drink water straight from the tap during your stay.

Part of the appeal is how ordinary this is in daily life. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency says drinking water in Denmark is produced from groundwater, and its groundwater mapping page notes that more than 99% comes from groundwater. Copenhagens utility, HOFOR, adds that the citys supply undergoes strict daily quality controls. A refill here is routine, not a gamble.

3. Finland

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Finland rounds out the safe side nicely. Trading Economics, using World Bank data, lists Finland at 99.64% (2022) for safely managed drinking water services. Finlands public-health authority, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, says drinking water supplied by water plants is of very good quality and safe to use.

That changes the travel rhythm in a pleasant way. Instead of buying plastic bottles between museum stops or train rides, most visitors can simply refill and move on. For extra clarity, Finlands foreign ministry says on its practical information page that tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Finland unless clearly indicated otherwise.

4. Indonesia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Indonesia lands on the caution side without much ambiguity. A World Bank-linked data page carried by CEIC reports 30.461% (2024) of the population using safely managed drinking water services. The U.S. State Departments Indonesia page is equally blunt: tap water is not potable and should not be consumed.

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For tourists, the practical rule is simple. Stick to sealed bottled water or properly treated water, and remember that ice can be part of the same problem if the source is uncertain. In a country with huge regional variation, overconfidence is a deeply unglamorous travel accessory.

5. Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Peru is another place where caution makes sense. Trading Economics, citing World Bank data, reports 51.99% (2022) for safely managed drinking water services. The CDC Yellow Book entry for Peru advises travelers to avoid untreated water, including tap water at hotels and restaurants.

That matters because Peru is a country many people explore across multiple environments in one trip. Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Amazon gateways do not all present the same local conditions, so a casual assumption can age badly by lunchtime. A sealed bottle, filtered refill, or boiled supply is usually the smarter play.

6. Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Mexico also belongs in the careful category. Trading Economics reports 43.04% (2022) for safely managed drinking water services using World Bank data. The CDC Yellow Book states plainly that tap water in Mexico is not safe to consume, and the U.S. State Department says tap water in many areas is not safe to drink.

That does not mean every glass in every neighborhood is a disaster. It does mean travelers should stop treating the sink as automatically trustworthy, especially outside tightly controlled settings. Use bottled or disinfected water for drinking, and stay alert with ice and anything else that quietly sneaks liquid into the equation.

7. India

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Indias picture is more mixed, but visitors should still be cautious. The latest World Bank entry for India shows 76% (2024) of the population using safely managed drinking water services. At the same time, the CDC Yellow Book entry for India tells travelers to avoid drinking tap or surface water and to use boiled, bottled, or filtered water instead.

Scale is part of the story. A huge country with sharp regional differences can produce a decent national number while still demanding stricter habits from outsiders. The wise move is not panic, just discipline: use treated water for drinking and be equally careful with ice and food preparation.

8. Morocco

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Morocco sits closer to the global middle than the top tier. Trading Economics, using World Bank data, reports 74.82% (2022) for safely managed drinking water services. The U.S. State Departments Morocco page adds an important travel-level reality check: in many areas, tap water is not potable.

That is not a reason for melodrama. It is a reason to ask locally, follow hotel guidance, and keep a backup plan instead of assuming Northern European rules apply everywhere. Morocco can work perfectly well for cautious travelers, but this is not the place to freestyle your hydration strategy and hope for applause.

Read More
Last month, Honda announced that its carmaking unit posted an operating loss of over $1 billion from April through December 2025, largely because of the changing EV market and U.S. import tariffs.

Now, we get to see some consequences to the fact that Honda Motor Companys automobile division is effectively in the red, namely the cancelation of three all-electric models that were in the late stages of development and were projected to be built and sold in North Americathe Honda 0 Sedan, 0 SUV, and Acura RSX.

The Acura RSX Was Supposed to Enter Production This Year in Ohio

Kristin Shaw (Kristin Shaw)

This is a very big deal because the Acura RSX and Honda 0 SUV were supposed to enter production this year in the U.S., while the Honda 0 Sedan had been delayed to 2027. Automakers dont simply cancel upcoming models so far down the development line; for Honda to do so it means that the situation is very serious.

Hondas official explanation for this surprise decision is that it was made as part of the reassessment of the companys automobile electrification strategy due to various factors including recent changes in the business environment.

And now comes the shocking part: canceling the three models so late will see Honda record huge losses in its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2026approximately $15.7 billion (2.5 trillion yen), to be exact.

Hondas shocking shift will result in a change of strategy going forward, with the automaker noting that it will reassess its allocation of resources and further strengthen its hybrid models.

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Additionally, while Japan and the United States will remain its main markets, Honda intends to develop its model lineup and cost competitiveness in India, where an expansion of the market is expected. The automaker will also introduce next-generation hybrid models in other countries in Asia as well to improve its competitiveness. More details about the reshuffle of Hondas mid- to long-term strategy will be announced at a press conference in May.

A Lose-Lose Situation for U.S. Auto Workers and Buyers

Honda 0 SUV at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show

The canceled Honda 0 Sedan and SUV and the Acura RSX crossover, which were supposed to be built in Ohio, will deal a big blow to the state and federal economy.

The Acura RSX was supposed to start production later this year, with Honda already showing a pre-production prototype of the crossover coupe. The now stillborn RSX built on Honda's new 0 series architecture would have come with a dual-motor AWD powertrain and a sporty feelat least compared to the recently discontinued ZDX that was based on GMs BEV3 platform.

As for the Honda 0 Sedan and 0 SUV, they were developed by the Japanese automaker from the ground up as pure-play EVs built on a bespoke electrical/electronic (e/e) platform designed to support software updates, AI, a new Asimo OS software system, and manufacturing technology advancements.

The Honda 0 SUV was supposed to compete against the Tesla Model Y and other similar models, while the low-slung 0 Sedan was aimed at Tesla Model 3, BMW i4 and even the Lucid Air, among other upscale electric sedans. Both models were shown as concept models at CES 2025.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An 11-year-old Colorado boy was arrested for the murder of his 5-year-old little brother on Wednesday.



The unidentified kid faces charges of first-degree murder, although officials revealed few details of the Tuesday night death that rattled the affluent suburb of Centennial, near Denver.



This is an open and active investigation  Because both the victim and the suspect are minors, the information we release will be limited, the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said in a Wednesday statement.



Horrified residents of the quiet, family-friendly neighborhood witnessed a chilling scene Tuesday night as police wheeled the tots body into an ambulance.

Police tape in front of the house where a 5-year-old boy was killed in Colorado. CBS News Colorado

Investigators comb the neighborhood in Centennial, near Denver CBS News Colorado

Investigators (pictured) from the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office were on the scene on Wednesday CBS News Colorado



I pulled in, I was grabbing dinner, and then I saw two or three cop cars, which is definitely alarming, because we dont usually see cop cars at all in here, neighbor Kirby OLoughlin told CBS Colorado.

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The boys seemed to have a normal, peaceful home life; one neighbor said the victim and his two brothers were playing with neighborhood kids just days before the killing, according to CBS.

A school near the crime scene in Centennial, a quiet, relatively safe suburb of Denver KDVR

Deputies were present and actively investigating the crime scene throughout Wednesday.



We know tragedies like this impact not only the family, but also classmates, teachers, and neighbors throughout the community. We appreciate the support and patience of the public as our investigators work to gather the facts and pursue justice in this case, the Sheriffs Office said.


-

Arkansas frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data

In honor of National Pi Day (March 13), Instacart looked into one of Arkansas and America's favorite pies by digging into its 2025 frozen pizza ordering data to uncover how consumers across the country are enjoying pizza night, from the most popular flavors nationwide to the states that stock their freezers the fullest.

Key Takeaways:

Pepperoni is America's undisputed favorite slice. It accounted for 43% of all frozen pizza items sold in 2025  more than cheese and supreme combined  making it the clear champion of pizza night nationwide.

The Midwest is frozen pizza country. Wisconsin leads the nation in ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer, ordering 113% more than the national average, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota close behind.

Pizza night is getting more adventurous. Mexican/Taco pizza was the fastest-growing type in 2025, with other flavors like Hawaiian, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Bacon Ranch also gaining share.

Crust preferences are shifting back to indulgence. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year in share, while Cauliflower Crust declined by 14%, suggesting consumers are leaning into classic, crispy, comfort-forward slices in 2025.

-

How Arkansas Ranks Among America's Most Pizza Loving States

Some states take pizza night more seriously than others. Measured by ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer in 2025, Wisconsin takes the crown as our most frozen pizza-loving state, ordering 113% more per customer than the national average!

Arkansas ordered 2.19% less ounces of frozen pizza than the national average, ranking as the #19 most among all states.

The rest of the top five is a very Midwest-friendly lineup: North Dakota (82% above average), Iowa (63%), Minnesota (63%) and Missouri (60%) round out the top five. If you've ever suspected the Midwest has pizza night down to a science consider this your confirmation.

-

Pizza My (Pepperoni) Heart

When it comes to frozen pizza, one topping stands alone  and it's a runaway win. Pepperoni is the clear No. 1, making up 43% of all frozen pizza items sold on Instacart in 2025. Cheese follows at 27%, with supreme/deluxe taking third at 11%. Consumers may love variety, but the freezer aisle still belongs to the classics. Sometimes, you just can't beat the original!

-

Turning Up the Heat: Fastest-Growing Pizza Types

Pepperoni may hold the crown, but pizza night is getting more adventurous. The fastest-growing pizza type in 2025 was Mexican/taco, followed by supreme/deluxe and pepperoni & sausage.

And the growth doesn't stop there: Hawaiian, chicken Alfredo, and chicken bacon ranch also gained share, which proves that whether you're team spicy, team creamy, or team sweet-and-savory, there's a pie for you.

-

Almost Everyone Agrees on One Thing

If you map the most popular pizza type by state, one result jumps out: Pepperoni is No. 1 almost everywhere. The only exceptions? New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, where cheese pizza takes the top spot. Call it minimalistic or just "don't mess with perfection," but parts of the Northeast believe that simple might be best.

Advertisement

-

Pineapple on Pizza?

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza isn't going anywhere  and a few states are especially loyal to the pineapple-and-ham combo. Arkansas ordered 17% more ounces of Hawaiian pizza than the national average, ranking as the #19 most among all states. Oregon leads the nation, ordering Hawaiian pizza 384% more often than the national average. Rounding out the top five are Washington (371% above average), Utah (322%), Idaho (303%), and North Dakota (243%)  a strong showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

And here's the twist: Hawaii itself orders Hawaiian pizza 49% less than the national average. Apparently, a namesake doesn't guarantee loyalty.

Pizza's Best Buds

Frozen pizza rarely travels alone. When frozen pizza is in the cart, customers are significantly more likely to also order other quick-prep and frozen favorites. Some of the biggest increases in order share when frozen pizza is present include:

Frozen mozzarella sticks (319% more than average with orders for frozen pizza)

Frozen taquitos (310%)

Frozen hot dog snacks (293%)

Frozen burritos (256%)

Frozen pot pies (253%)

Frozen pasta meals (245%)

When it comes to condiments, this won't come as a surprise: Ranch dressing appears in orders 156% more often than average when frozen pizza is in the cart  confirming that for many Americans, pizza night isn't complete without a side of ranch.

-

Crust Issues: What's Rising and Falling

Thin crust may still dominate the freezer aisle, but several styles are gaining serious momentum. In 2025, Neapolitan-style (up 303% YoY in order share), Roman-style (up 231%), and tavern-style (up 106%) all surged  signaling renewed interest in classic, ultra-thin, pizzeria-inspired pies.

At the same time, thicker slices are also having a moment. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year, proving that crispy, square-cut comfort is earning more space in consumers' carts. Even sourdough crust rose 87%, suggesting more pizza nights are getting a tangy twist.

On the flip side, cauliflower crust declined 14% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, gluten-free crust edged up 6%, hinting that some customers may be opting for gluten-free options that still deliver a more traditional pizza experience.

One Nation, United by Pizza Night

From pepperoni's overwhelming dominance to Wisconsin's outsized love of frozen pies, one thing is clear: Frozen pizza remains a staple in American freezers.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Photo courtesy of the Bensalem Police Department.

BENSALEM, PA. - A 25-year-old man from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been arrested in connection with a nationwide sextortion investigation, according to the Bensalem Police Department.

Dig deeper

David Ajiri surrendered to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office on March 9, 2026, following an arrest warrant issued by the Arvada Police Department in Colorado, with assistance from Bensalem Township Police.

According to the Bensalem police, Ajiri is accused of targeting women and girls as young as 14 across the United States since at least 2018. Investigators say he used dating apps, friendship apps and social media to contact victims, allegedly convincing them to send intimate images or videos with promises of payment that were never fulfilled.

When confronted, Ajiri reportedly threatened to share the content with friends, family or social media contacts unless victims continued providing explicit material, money or both. Some were allegedly sent detailed lists of content to submit, and investigators believe some material may have been sold online.

Multiple aliases and accounts

Ajiri is also reported to have used multiple aliases, including Brandon Cress, David E. Cristian Ortiz and Dylan Michaels.

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Investigators have identified several accounts they believe were associated with him, including Instagram handles @brandoncress87, @crort786 and @mikegreen876, and Snapchat accounts @kenslove3 and @dajiri8535.

The Bensalem Township Police Department confirmed that one victim has been identified so far but say the investigation is ongoing.

What you can do

Authorities are asking anyone who communicated with Ajiri through these accounts to contact the Arvada Police Department at 720-898-7171 and reference Case #AR25004692.

The Source

Information from the Bensalem Police Department.
Lawmakers in Louisiana have passed legislation that could force the state to name a new bridge after President Donald Trump.

The state's House Transportation Committee approved House Bill 221 on Tuesday in a 12-2 vote. The bill will now move to the full House for a vote. If adopted, the span would be called the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway."

Republican State Representative Michael Echols said during a March 10 committee hearing he hopes that naming the bridge after the president will capture his attention  and perhaps some federal funding as well.

Whether you like him or not, you put his name on something, you get his attention. "He likes to build big things. This is a big bridge," he said, according to the Shreveport Times. This isnt just symbolic. Its a logical step in making sure that Louisiana gets the attention it deserves.

If the lawmakers can secure federal funding for the project they theoretically can reduce the need for tolls after it's built.

Louisianas House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that, if adopted, will name a proposed bridge spanning the Mississippi near Baton Rouge after President Donald Trump (AFP via Getty Images)

The bridge's final location is still up in the air. The state has settled on three possible locations, each of which is close to areas that are experiencing industrial development growth. In each case, the bridge is expected to span the Mississippi River and link Louisiana Highway 1 and Louisiana Highway 30 near Baton Rouge.

This approach keeps a toll-free crossing, it encourages development, and it spreads cost across the economic expansion that this will generate. And members, when we combine that type of value-add financing with the federal freight infrastructure programs, and there are several, because you dont just get this through one grant program, you can actually get this done, Echols said, according to WAFB.

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Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet said approximately $400 million has already been invested into the bridge project. The total cost is an estimated $3 billion but the state has not yet secured all of the needed funding.

Residents who spoke to local media seemed perplexed by the naming choice.

State lawmakers in Louisiana said they hope that by naming a $3 billion bridge after President Donald Trump it will capture the presidents attention and his support (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Name it after some soldier or somebody that died in battle or something like that, you know? But to just do that, theyre just playing political games," one resident, named Keith Giardina, told WAFB.

Another resident, Bennie Mitchell, told the broadcaster it wasn't "a good time for the USA to name a bridge after him because he's not bridging anything for us anyway."

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

If the name does get approved it won't be the only stretch of road named after Trump.

A portion of Route 287 in Oklahoma is named the President Donald J Trump Highway and there is both a President Donald J Trump Avenue in Hialeah, Florida and a President Donald J Trump Boulevard in Palm Beach County.
The Sulzenauferner Glacier is visible near Innsbruck, Austria, on Sept. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File) (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Austria's glaciers are in rapid decline, with all but two of the nation's 96 ice formations retreating over the past two years, a "dramatic development" that starkly highlights the escalating impact of climate change.

The latest report from the Austrian Alpine Club reveals significant losses, with the Alpeiner Ferner in Tyrol and Stubacher Sonnblickkees in Salzburg each shrinking by more than 100 metres. The average retreat across the country measured over 20 metres.

Even Austria's largest glacier, the Pasterze, is experiencing "disintegration of the glacier tongue," making "the consequences of climate change visible," the club stated in its 2024-2025 report. It added that the findings "confirm once again the long-term trend: Glaciers in Austria continue to shrink significantly in length, area, and volume."

The retreat of glaciers across Europe has vast implications for drinking water, power generation, agriculture, infrastructure, and recreational activities, fundamentally altering the Alpine landscape.

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The Gaisskarferner Glacier is visible near Innsbruck, Austria, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, file) (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

This alarming trend is not unique to Austria; neighbouring Switzerland, home to Europe's highest number of glaciers, has observed similar declines in recent years, reflecting a broader global phenomenon.

Poor weather conditions including low snowfall, warm temperatures including an exceptionally hot June last year  nearly 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) above the average  have contributed to the retreat, the club said.

The glaciers are melting  and with every new report, the urgency grows, club vice president Nicole Slupetzky said. Its no longer a question of whether we can still save the glaciers in their old form; its about mitigating the consequences for ourselves.

Such changes in the Alps should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public in its behavior, the club said.

It said the current figure was lower than during the previous two years, but still ranks as the eight-largest retreat in the 135 years of measurements.
Crime Down On New York's Subways (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras was arrested in New York after allegedly shoving two men, including an elderly veteran, onto the New York City (NYC) subway tracks Sunday, reports show.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News that the 34-year-old suspect, Bairon Posada-Hernandez, was arrested and issued a detainer after the alleged attack. (RELATED: 5-Year-Old Girl Vanishes In 2020  Police Find Her Over 2,000 Miles Away Years Later)

Bairon Posada-Hernandez is a serial criminal and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, Fox News reported.

We are praying for the victims and their families. DHS is calling upon New York sanctuary politicians to commit to this [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] detainer and not release this heinous criminal back into New York communities, she continued.

Case records from the New York State Unified Court System confirm that Posada-Hernandez was arrested Tuesday. Fox News reported the detainer was lodged Wednesday evening, according to the DHS.

The outlet also reported that Posada-Hernandez was arrested Wednesday for First Degree Assault, citing NYCs custody database. Other reports claim he was charged with attempted murder.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) released photos of the suspect and a brief description of the crime in a request for tips that could lead to the suspects arrest.

The X post, from NYPD Crime Stoppers, alleged that an unidentified individual approached a 30-year-old male from behind and pushed the man onto the subway tracks.

The suspect allegedly approached an 83-year-old male from behind and also pushed him onto the tracks, the NYPD account posted.

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The older victim was identified as Air Force veteran Richard Williams, who is fighting for his life after receiving multiple fractures and sustaining bleeding on his brain, CBS News New York reported.

The hardest part is I cant have a conversation, or hug him again, Williams granddaughter, Samantha Loria, told CBS News. Any time I visit him, we walk around. We would go to Manhattan. He would always say hi to everyone, ask how theyre doing. It doesnt hurt anything to be kind.

The younger alleged victim, Jhon Rodriguez, told the outlet he had seen Williams head hit the tracks before the veteran started bleeding and eventually lost consciousness.

People stand on a subway platform in New York City on February 4, 2025. Joseph Lynskey was quietly waiting for a New York subway train on New Years Eve when he was pushed from behind onto the tracks as a train pulled into the station. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Rodriguez responded by picking up Williams, with the help of another man, and moved Williams off the tracks before the next train arrived.

I felt really scared. I was trembling. I felt disoriented, Rodriguez told CBS News, adding that he is in a lot of pain and has not worked due to his injuries.

Posada-Hernandez first entered the U.S. in 2008, and he was deported four times between then and July 2020, Fox News reported. He had received at least 15 prior charges for crimes including aggravated assault, domestic violence, possession of a weapon, obstruction of police, simple assault and drug possession, according to Fox News

ICEs New York City field office did not respond to the Daily Caller request to confirm that a detainer has been placed, as of publication.

Posada-Hernandez is expected in court Friday, according to case records.
A student studies a textbook, tracing the text with his fingers. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels

(The Center Square)  The New Hampshire House of Representatives has narrowly approved a parental rights bill that would lift the state's restrictions on homeschooling students.

The legislation would remove a requirement that parents notify school districts when theyve decided to homeschool their children and make annual progress evaluations of home-schooled students voluntary. The bill passed 174-166, with a dozen Republicans joining with House Democrats in opposing it.

If approved, the measure would remove a requirement for parents to submit evaluations to the state and reduce oversight for families not receiving state-subsidized education funds. It would also prevent state agencies, such as the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, from using a lack of record-keeping by parents or the decision to homeschool as evidence of educational neglect.

Republicans who pushed the bill through the House on Wednesday said it will remove barriers to parents who want to homeschool their children, building on the state's efforts to expand school choice.

State Rep. Katy Peternel, R-Wolfeboro, praised the measure for eliminating "unnecessary mandates" and a provision that would ensure homeschooling can't be used as evidence in the investigation of any parent for child neglect.

"It restores the presumption of his innocence to families," Peternel said in remarks in the House on Wednesday ahead of the bill's passage. "Let's make New Hampshire number one for homeschool education."

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House Democrats cautioned that the proposal could put the state in violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, threatening federal grants supporting homeschooled students.

Such a change would disenfranchise students needing those services while putting millions of dollars, compliance, and access to services at risk as a result," state Rep. Megan Murray, D-Amherst, said in remarks Wednesday. "The tax burden at the local level would undoubtedly rise as a result of a loss of vital funding.

The bill's progress was praised by conservative groups, including the New Hampshire chapter of Americans for Prosperity, which have been pushing for years to ease restrictions on homeschooling.

"Families should not be forced into a one-size-fits-all education system where government bureaucrats determine education," the group said in a statement. "Whether a family selects home education, a public school, a private school, or another learning environment, parents should have the opportunity to choose the setting that best meets their childs needs."

"That is why it is so important to have policies in place that ensure parents have the primary decision-making authority over the education of their children," AFP-NH said.

The measure now moves to the state Senate, which must approve the plan before it heads to Gov. Kelly Ayotte's desk for consideration.
-

Idaho frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data

In honor of National Pi Day (March 13), Instacart looked into one of Idaho and America's favorite pies by digging into its 2025 frozen pizza ordering data to uncover how consumers across the country are enjoying pizza night, from the most popular flavors nationwide to the states that stock their freezers the fullest.

Key Takeaways:

Pepperoni is America's undisputed favorite slice. It accounted for 43% of all frozen pizza items sold in 2025  more than cheese and supreme combined  making it the clear champion of pizza night nationwide.

The Midwest is frozen pizza country. Wisconsin leads the nation in ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer, ordering 113% more than the national average, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota close behind.

Pizza night is getting more adventurous. Mexican/Taco pizza was the fastest-growing type in 2025, with other flavors like Hawaiian, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Bacon Ranch also gaining share.

Crust preferences are shifting back to indulgence. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year in share, while Cauliflower Crust declined by 14%, suggesting consumers are leaning into classic, crispy, comfort-forward slices in 2025.

-

How Idaho Ranks Among America's Most Pizza Loving States

Some states take pizza night more seriously than others. Measured by ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer in 2025, Wisconsin takes the crown as our most frozen pizza-loving state, ordering 113% more per customer than the national average!

Idaho ordered 31.55% less ounces of frozen pizza than the national average, ranking as the #11 least among all states.

The rest of the top five is a very Midwest-friendly lineup: North Dakota (82% above average), Iowa (63%), Minnesota (63%) and Missouri (60%) round out the top five. If you've ever suspected the Midwest has pizza night down to a science consider this your confirmation.

-

Pizza My (Pepperoni) Heart

When it comes to frozen pizza, one topping stands alone  and it's a runaway win. Pepperoni is the clear No. 1, making up 43% of all frozen pizza items sold on Instacart in 2025. Cheese follows at 27%, with supreme/deluxe taking third at 11%. Consumers may love variety, but the freezer aisle still belongs to the classics. Sometimes, you just can't beat the original!

-

Turning Up the Heat: Fastest-Growing Pizza Types

Pepperoni may hold the crown, but pizza night is getting more adventurous. The fastest-growing pizza type in 2025 was Mexican/taco, followed by supreme/deluxe and pepperoni & sausage.

And the growth doesn't stop there: Hawaiian, chicken Alfredo, and chicken bacon ranch also gained share, which proves that whether you're team spicy, team creamy, or team sweet-and-savory, there's a pie for you.

-

Almost Everyone Agrees on One Thing

If you map the most popular pizza type by state, one result jumps out: Pepperoni is No. 1 almost everywhere. The only exceptions? New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, where cheese pizza takes the top spot. Call it minimalistic or just "don't mess with perfection," but parts of the Northeast believe that simple might be best.

Advertisement

-

Pineapple on Pizza?

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza isn't going anywhere  and a few states are especially loyal to the pineapple-and-ham combo. Idaho ordered 303% more ounces of Hawaiian pizza than the national average, ranking as the #4 most among all states. Oregon leads the nation, ordering Hawaiian pizza 384% more often than the national average. Rounding out the top five are Washington (371% above average), Utah (322%), Idaho (303%), and North Dakota (243%)  a strong showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

And here's the twist: Hawaii itself orders Hawaiian pizza 49% less than the national average. Apparently, a namesake doesn't guarantee loyalty.

Pizza's Best Buds

Frozen pizza rarely travels alone. When frozen pizza is in the cart, customers are significantly more likely to also order other quick-prep and frozen favorites. Some of the biggest increases in order share when frozen pizza is present include:

Frozen mozzarella sticks (319% more than average with orders for frozen pizza)

Frozen taquitos (310%)

Frozen hot dog snacks (293%)

Frozen burritos (256%)

Frozen pot pies (253%)

Frozen pasta meals (245%)

When it comes to condiments, this won't come as a surprise: Ranch dressing appears in orders 156% more often than average when frozen pizza is in the cart  confirming that for many Americans, pizza night isn't complete without a side of ranch.

-

Crust Issues: What's Rising and Falling

Thin crust may still dominate the freezer aisle, but several styles are gaining serious momentum. In 2025, Neapolitan-style (up 303% YoY in order share), Roman-style (up 231%), and tavern-style (up 106%) all surged  signaling renewed interest in classic, ultra-thin, pizzeria-inspired pies.

At the same time, thicker slices are also having a moment. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year, proving that crispy, square-cut comfort is earning more space in consumers' carts. Even sourdough crust rose 87%, suggesting more pizza nights are getting a tangy twist.

On the flip side, cauliflower crust declined 14% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, gluten-free crust edged up 6%, hinting that some customers may be opting for gluten-free options that still deliver a more traditional pizza experience.

One Nation, United by Pizza Night

From pepperoni's overwhelming dominance to Wisconsin's outsized love of frozen pies, one thing is clear: Frozen pizza remains a staple in American freezers.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
-

Massachusetts frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data

In honor of National Pi Day (March 13), Instacart looked into one of Massachusetts and America's favorite pies by digging into its 2025 frozen pizza ordering data to uncover how consumers across the country are enjoying pizza night, from the most popular flavors nationwide to the states that stock their freezers the fullest.

Key Takeaways:

Pepperoni is America's undisputed favorite slice. It accounted for 43% of all frozen pizza items sold in 2025  more than cheese and supreme combined  making it the clear champion of pizza night nationwide.

The Midwest is frozen pizza country. Wisconsin leads the nation in ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer, ordering 113% more than the national average, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota close behind.

Pizza night is getting more adventurous. Mexican/Taco pizza was the fastest-growing type in 2025, with other flavors like Hawaiian, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Bacon Ranch also gaining share.

Crust preferences are shifting back to indulgence. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year in share, while Cauliflower Crust declined by 14%, suggesting consumers are leaning into classic, crispy, comfort-forward slices in 2025.

-

How Massachusetts Ranks Among America's Most Pizza Loving States

Some states take pizza night more seriously than others. Measured by ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer in 2025, Wisconsin takes the crown as our most frozen pizza-loving state, ordering 113% more per customer than the national average!

Massachusetts ordered 28.43% less ounces of frozen pizza than the national average, ranking as the #14 least among all states.

The rest of the top five is a very Midwest-friendly lineup: North Dakota (82% above average), Iowa (63%), Minnesota (63%) and Missouri (60%) round out the top five. If you've ever suspected the Midwest has pizza night down to a science consider this your confirmation.

-

Pizza My (Pepperoni) Heart

When it comes to frozen pizza, one topping stands alone  and it's a runaway win. Pepperoni is the clear No. 1, making up 43% of all frozen pizza items sold on Instacart in 2025. Cheese follows at 27%, with supreme/deluxe taking third at 11%. Consumers may love variety, but the freezer aisle still belongs to the classics. Sometimes, you just can't beat the original!

-

Turning Up the Heat: Fastest-Growing Pizza Types

Pepperoni may hold the crown, but pizza night is getting more adventurous. The fastest-growing pizza type in 2025 was Mexican/taco, followed by supreme/deluxe and pepperoni & sausage.

And the growth doesn't stop there: Hawaiian, chicken Alfredo, and chicken bacon ranch also gained share, which proves that whether you're team spicy, team creamy, or team sweet-and-savory, there's a pie for you.

-

Almost Everyone Agrees on One Thing

If you map the most popular pizza type by state, one result jumps out: Pepperoni is No. 1 almost everywhere. The only exceptions? New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, where cheese pizza takes the top spot. Call it minimalistic or just "don't mess with perfection," but parts of the Northeast believe that simple might be best.

Advertisement

-

Pineapple on Pizza?

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza isn't going anywhere  and a few states are especially loyal to the pineapple-and-ham combo. Massachusetts ordered 72% less ounces of Hawaiian pizza than the national average, ranking as the #9 least among all states. Oregon leads the nation, ordering Hawaiian pizza 384% more often than the national average. Rounding out the top five are Washington (371% above average), Utah (322%), Idaho (303%), and North Dakota (243%)  a strong showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

And here's the twist: Hawaii itself orders Hawaiian pizza 49% less than the national average. Apparently, a namesake doesn't guarantee loyalty.

Pizza's Best Buds

Frozen pizza rarely travels alone. When frozen pizza is in the cart, customers are significantly more likely to also order other quick-prep and frozen favorites. Some of the biggest increases in order share when frozen pizza is present include:

Frozen mozzarella sticks (319% more than average with orders for frozen pizza)

Frozen taquitos (310%)

Frozen hot dog snacks (293%)

Frozen burritos (256%)

Frozen pot pies (253%)

Frozen pasta meals (245%)

When it comes to condiments, this won't come as a surprise: Ranch dressing appears in orders 156% more often than average when frozen pizza is in the cart  confirming that for many Americans, pizza night isn't complete without a side of ranch.

-

Crust Issues: What's Rising and Falling

Thin crust may still dominate the freezer aisle, but several styles are gaining serious momentum. In 2025, Neapolitan-style (up 303% YoY in order share), Roman-style (up 231%), and tavern-style (up 106%) all surged  signaling renewed interest in classic, ultra-thin, pizzeria-inspired pies.

At the same time, thicker slices are also having a moment. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year, proving that crispy, square-cut comfort is earning more space in consumers' carts. Even sourdough crust rose 87%, suggesting more pizza nights are getting a tangy twist.

On the flip side, cauliflower crust declined 14% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, gluten-free crust edged up 6%, hinting that some customers may be opting for gluten-free options that still deliver a more traditional pizza experience.

One Nation, United by Pizza Night

From pepperoni's overwhelming dominance to Wisconsin's outsized love of frozen pies, one thing is clear: Frozen pizza remains a staple in American freezers.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Andrea Pendrey has missed her chemotherapy treatment while she is stuck in the Maldives

British holidaymakers have told the BBC they are stranded abroad after their flights were cancelled when the US-Israeli war with Iran broke out.

Airspace remains severely restricted following missile strikes across the Middle East meaning commercial flights through major hub airports have been grounded.

Some British travellers are trapped in far-flung locations facing bills for accommodation, food and essentials which may not be covered by their travel insurance.

Andrea Pendrey and her partner were on holiday in the Maldives before she was due to begin treatment for breast cancer.

They were due to fly back on Sunday 1 March - hours after the war broke out - and arrived at the airport to find their flight cancelled.

"Emirates just told us we need to find a room, at our own cost and the airport was filling up with more and more people," says Andrea.

They managed to find a resort but it has come at a huge financial cost.

"We reckon we'll have forked out an extra 12,000 by the time we leave," Andrea says.

Her partner lost his job before the holiday.

"The money is stressing me out," she adds. "We've just had to put it on a credit card."

There is no standard definition of what travel insurance providers must cover in these situations so any claim for additional expenses will depend on the wording of each policy.

Extra compensation is only payable when an airline is at fault, which is not the case with travel difficulties caused by the current conflict.

Andrea's treatment was due to start last Thursday in the UK.

"I'm trying not to think about it too much. I need to get home for my chemo. It's not helping being here," she says.

The couple spent hours every day for almost a week trying to rebook onto rescheduled flights but with no luck.

Andrea's insurance company eventually classified her as a medical emergency - and they are due to fly back to the UK via Frankfurt on Monday.

"Even though this place is paradise, we've been crying and feel really upset," she says.

Ashley Jones and Trang Nguyen are awaiting a flight from Bangkok

Ashley Jones, 26 and his partner Trang Nguyen, 25, were on a two-week holiday in Ko Samui and Bangkok, Thailand.

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But he says the outbreak of war "ruined" the last week of their holiday.

"We started panicking about how we'd get home and fearing we'd run out of money."

The couple from Crawley, West Sussex were due to fly back to the UK on Sunday.

But their flight was cancelled. Ashley says he had no alternative but to accept a rescheduled flight as British Airways told him all other flights were "fully booked" until 28 March.

They are due to fly in the early hours of Friday but Ashley says he is not certain the flight will go ahead.

"It feels dodgy," he says. "I don't want to go via Muscat (the capital of Oman) and have a two-hour layover - it's a war zone," says Ashley. "The UK Foreign Office advises against going to Oman."

Ashley says he spoke to his travel insurance company, his airline and travel agent and "they all passed the buck."

"We were essentially homeless. Luckily my family had provided some funds to push us through," he says.

"But both our families are worried about us travelling to the Middle East."

Ardon and Debbie Rainbird are stranded in Sri Lanka

Retirees Debbie and Ardon Rainbird from Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, flew out of Manchester on 17 February for a two-week tour of Sri Lanka.

They were due to fly home on Tuesday 3 March through the Qatari capital, Doha. Their flight was cancelled when the conflict started.

"Ultimately we've been away for a month when we were supposed to be away for two weeks," says Debbie, 63.

They are staying in a basic hotel which costs $160 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast and are handwashing their clothes. There are about 20 people on the same tour

"Few of us can find out if we are covered on insurance and only receive auto replies to any questions. We all miss our loved ones and wish to return home," Debbie says.

Debbie contracted a respiratory tract infection and has had to pay doctors' fees, while some elderly holidaymakers had to buy medication when they ran out.

Despite the stressful situation, she says the group are getting on "really well". Debbie has been setting a quiz and a fellow traveller has been leading daily Tai Chi sessions.

Their tour operator, Distant Journeys, has now secured a charter flight leaving on Sunday night.

"The flight hasn't been confirmed and we don't know the time but we are keeping everything crossed," she says.

A thin, grey banner promoting the News Daily newsletter. On the right, there is a graphic of an orange sphere with two concentric crescent shapes around it in a red-orange gradient, like a sound wave. The banner reads: "The latest news in your inbox first thing.

Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here.
-

Oregon frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data

In honor of National Pi Day (March 13), Instacart looked into one of Oregon and America's favorite pies by digging into its 2025 frozen pizza ordering data to uncover how consumers across the country are enjoying pizza night, from the most popular flavors nationwide to the states that stock their freezers the fullest.

Key Takeaways:

Pepperoni is America's undisputed favorite slice. It accounted for 43% of all frozen pizza items sold in 2025  more than cheese and supreme combined  making it the clear champion of pizza night nationwide.

The Midwest is frozen pizza country. Wisconsin leads the nation in ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer, ordering 113% more than the national average, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota close behind.

Pizza night is getting more adventurous. Mexican/Taco pizza was the fastest-growing type in 2025, with other flavors like Hawaiian, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Bacon Ranch also gaining share.

Crust preferences are shifting back to indulgence. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year in share, while Cauliflower Crust declined by 14%, suggesting consumers are leaning into classic, crispy, comfort-forward slices in 2025.

-

How Oregon Ranks Among America's Most Pizza Loving States

Some states take pizza night more seriously than others. Measured by ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer in 2025, Wisconsin takes the crown as our most frozen pizza-loving state, ordering 113% more per customer than the national average!

Oregon ordered 7.73% less ounces of frozen pizza than the national average, ranking as the #24 most among all states.

The rest of the top five is a very Midwest-friendly lineup: North Dakota (82% above average), Iowa (63%), Minnesota (63%) and Missouri (60%) round out the top five. If you've ever suspected the Midwest has pizza night down to a science consider this your confirmation.

-

Pizza My (Pepperoni) Heart

When it comes to frozen pizza, one topping stands alone  and it's a runaway win. Pepperoni is the clear No. 1, making up 43% of all frozen pizza items sold on Instacart in 2025. Cheese follows at 27%, with supreme/deluxe taking third at 11%. Consumers may love variety, but the freezer aisle still belongs to the classics. Sometimes, you just can't beat the original!

-

Turning Up the Heat: Fastest-Growing Pizza Types

Pepperoni may hold the crown, but pizza night is getting more adventurous. The fastest-growing pizza type in 2025 was Mexican/taco, followed by supreme/deluxe and pepperoni & sausage.

And the growth doesn't stop there: Hawaiian, chicken Alfredo, and chicken bacon ranch also gained share, which proves that whether you're team spicy, team creamy, or team sweet-and-savory, there's a pie for you.

-

Almost Everyone Agrees on One Thing

If you map the most popular pizza type by state, one result jumps out: Pepperoni is No. 1 almost everywhere. The only exceptions? New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, where cheese pizza takes the top spot. Call it minimalistic or just "don't mess with perfection," but parts of the Northeast believe that simple might be best.

Advertisement

-

Pineapple on Pizza?

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza isn't going anywhere  and a few states are especially loyal to the pineapple-and-ham combo. Oregon leads the nation, ordering Hawaiian pizza 384% more often than the national average. Rounding out the top five are Washington (371% above average), Utah (322%), Idaho (303%), and North Dakota (243%)  a strong showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

And here's the twist: Hawaii itself orders Hawaiian pizza 49% less than the national average. Apparently, a namesake doesn't guarantee loyalty.

Pizza's Best Buds

Frozen pizza rarely travels alone. When frozen pizza is in the cart, customers are significantly more likely to also order other quick-prep and frozen favorites. Some of the biggest increases in order share when frozen pizza is present include:

Frozen mozzarella sticks (319% more than average with orders for frozen pizza)

Frozen taquitos (310%)

Frozen hot dog snacks (293%)

Frozen burritos (256%)

Frozen pot pies (253%)

Frozen pasta meals (245%)

When it comes to condiments, this won't come as a surprise: Ranch dressing appears in orders 156% more often than average when frozen pizza is in the cart  confirming that for many Americans, pizza night isn't complete without a side of ranch.

-

Crust Issues: What's Rising and Falling

Thin crust may still dominate the freezer aisle, but several styles are gaining serious momentum. In 2025, Neapolitan-style (up 303% YoY in order share), Roman-style (up 231%), and tavern-style (up 106%) all surged  signaling renewed interest in classic, ultra-thin, pizzeria-inspired pies.

At the same time, thicker slices are also having a moment. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year, proving that crispy, square-cut comfort is earning more space in consumers' carts. Even sourdough crust rose 87%, suggesting more pizza nights are getting a tangy twist.

On the flip side, cauliflower crust declined 14% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, gluten-free crust edged up 6%, hinting that some customers may be opting for gluten-free options that still deliver a more traditional pizza experience.

One Nation, United by Pizza Night

From pepperoni's overwhelming dominance to Wisconsin's outsized love of frozen pies, one thing is clear: Frozen pizza remains a staple in American freezers.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is warning the Trump administration against drawing down hundreds of U.S. troops serving as peacekeeping forces in Kosovo as tensions rise in the region, according to a letter exclusively obtained by The Hill.

The letter, sent Thursday, represents a rare moment of unity among Democrats and Republicans serving on key foreign policy and armed services committees. It also puts a spotlight on a potentially escalating conflict despite President Trumps claims he achieved peace in the western Balkans.

Lawmakers wrote in the letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, that reports the U.S. is pushing to wind down the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) risks threatening security in the region.

They called for Rubio to provide clarity on the administrations decisionmaking.

A NATO official told The Hill that there are no significant changes under consideration for KFOR. The U.S. currently has almost 600 troops deployed with KFOR and has the leadership of the Regional Command East of the mission.

The United States continues to play a fundamental role in support to lasting security across Kosovo and to regional stability, including within the framework of the NATO-led KFOR mission, the official said.

KFOR deployed to Kosovo in 1999 to oversee the withdrawal of Serbian troops, marking the end of the Kosovo War. Tensions have fluctuated over the decades but have spiked in recent years, with progress stalling in European Union-led talks to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

Given no meaningful progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, a troop reduction removes leverage that could force a return to negotiations, the lawmakers wrote.

Furthermore a reduced U.S. presence may embolden actors who view Western disengagement as an opportunity to sow unrest.

The letter was led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committees Subcommittee on Military and Foreign affairs.

Other signatories include Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Peter Welch (D-Vt.); and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

House members who signed on to the letter include Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.); Rick Larsen (R-Wash.); and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.).

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Trump has claimed credit for preventing an outbreak of conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 2025, but ethnic tensions between Serb communities in the north of Kosovo and escalating tensions in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina are posing a threat to security and stability in the region.

Russian interference is further raising concern that the Kremlin is exploiting ethnic tensions to fuel conflict and weaken support for NATO and Europe.

The lawmakers said the U.S. contribution of approximately 500 American troops to the 5,000-strong peacekeeping force represents a small presence with an outsized impact.

We urge you to maintain U.S. force levels to protect U.S. national security interests in the western Balkans, the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers also raise concern about rising instability in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina and how KFOR can provide support to the European Union force operating in the region to respond to any conflict flare-up.

Milorad Dodik, former president of the Republika Srpska and for whom Trump lifted sanctions in October, is drawing criticism for promoting Serb secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina and fueling anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Dodik was a member of Bosnia and Herzegovinas three-person collective presidency, alongside presidents representing Bosnian Muslims, or Bosniaks, and Croat ethnic groups.

Last month, Dodik welcomed the election of his ally Sinisa Karan to the presidency of Republika Srpska, promising Karan will take decisive action against enemies, employing derogatory insults against Bosniaks.

Against this backdrop of escalating rhetoric, even the perception of American drawdown from KFOR may embolden nationalist agenda of actors in Kosovo and Serbia but also the separatist ambitions of leaders in Republika Srpska, undermining state cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina and increasing the risk of a political security crisis, the lawmakers wrote.

Updated at 6:14 p.m. EDT

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.
Police lights  Unsplash/Max Fleischmann

A man illegally living in Connecticut has been arrested after authorities said he had child sexual abuse material in a cloud storage account.

Max Mota Pinho, 45, a Brazilian citizen living in Stamford, was charged with possession of child pornography, the US Attorney for the District of Connecticut said.

According to investigators, a cloud storage company reported suspicious files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The company flagged an account after detecting suspected videos and images of child sexual abuse.

Authorities traced the account to Pinho.

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Federal agents arrested Pinho at his Stamford home on Tuesday. He later appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport.

The judge released him on $50,000 bond, but officials said he was immediately taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Authorities said Pinho overstayed a tourist visa issued in 2003.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
President Donald Trump speaks at a women's history month event in the East Room at the White House, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Washington.

For years excitable figures have warned that any attack on Iran would start World War III. The fact that the regime in Iran has spent decades trying to develop a nuclear weapon was always a problem for these people. After all, if a terrorist regime is developing a nuclear weapon and says it is going to use that weapon, what exactly is the world meant to do? Sit back and let it happen?

Thats what much of the world seemed happy to do. Or rather, they hoped that someone would take the problem off the worlds hands for them.

And so it fell to the governments of Israel and the United States of America to step up. To do what the German chancellor recently called the worlds dirty work for the rest of the planet.

But there are reasons why World War III has not remotely kicked off.

The first is that for the past three years the Israelis have taken out each of the Iranian Revolutionary Governments terrorist armies one by one.

They smashed Hamas in Gaza, killing all their senior leadership and thousands of their terrorists.

They destroyed the infrastructure and leadership of Irans terrorist army in Lebanon  Hezbollah. They did that from the land, the skies and through history-making operations like the pager attack which killed or disabled thousands of Hezbollahs terrorists.

They did it by taking out the leadership and weapons stores of Irans terrorist army in Yemen  the Houthis.

And now for the past two weeks, with America leading the way, they have taken the battle to the head of the snake.

Follow The Posts coverage of the United States airstrikes on Iran:

People should be under no illusions. The success of this American-led campaign has been extraordinary.

The worlds biggest sponsor of terror has been hit in every single place where it hurts.

The operation started by killing the Supreme terror leader himself  the Ayatollah Khamenei. It also killed almost all the heads of the Iranian terrorist regime and its foul military and terrorist groups.

The campaign went on to hit the remaining nuclear sites, arms dumps, missile supplies and more.

The Iranian regime responded by doing one of the stupidest things imaginable. It lashed out not just at the countries that were attacking them. It decided to try to wage war on all of its neighbors. It sent drones and missiles into almost every country in the region. Which is a great way to make friends.

But these attacks were a demonstration of weakness by the Iranian regime.

Most of their missiles and drones have been shot down out of the skies before they could hit their intended targets. Meaning that for no gain, this war is now pretty much the Mullahs against everybody else.

This weeks ayatollah  the son of last weeks ayatollah  is trying to talk tough in the face of all of this. In a statement released yesterday he promised to avenge the blood of members of his regime who have been killed. And he threatened to destroy the same amount of American assets as America and her allies have managed to destroy in his own country.

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I doubt it.

This weeks ayatollah is  as The New York Post put it  impotent. Perhaps literally.

Why didnt he read out his vengeful statement himself? Why was it read out for him on Iranian state television? Perhaps it is because the Ayatollah is reported to be in a coma in hospital, having had a leg amputated after one of the US-led strikes.

There are other signs that the Ayatollahs whole empire of terror is falling apart.

What remains of his army in Lebanon made the mistake of firing off solidarity missiles. In retaliation the Israeli Airforce hit remaining Hezbollah stations in Lebanon  including in Beirut.

Now finally the government of Lebanon has had enough. Of Iran.

For four decades, Irans army has wrecked Lebanon. It has brought nothing but war and strife for the beleaguered people of that country.

And so this week the Lebanese government led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that they are outlawing Hezbollah. They have banned the groups military activity inside their country and promised to prosecute anyone in Lebanon involved in Hezbollah activity. Even groups in Lebanon who have traditionally been allied to Hezbollah have backed this action.

Members of Parliament in Lebanon are even calling for this months secretary general of Hezbollah  Naim Qassem  to be tried for treason and for causing insurrection against the state of Lebanon.

We will see if the Lebanese government is in a position to follow through on these threats. But whatever happens it is a reminder of the fact that President Trumps war against the regime in Iran is working.

Aside from the military successes, it is causing a change across the region. It is uniting countries and parties against the terrorist regime in Iran. Partly because the region is fed up of the Iranian terror. And partly because of the old strong-horse, weak-horse theory. That is that when people see a strong horse they wish to join its side. When they see a weak horse they keep away.

At present America and her allies are the strong horse in the region. Meantime the Revolutionary Islamic Government in Iran is becoming a weaker horse by the day.

There are those at home who understandably worry about aspects of the war. They are worried that the Iranian closure of the Straits of Hormuz is causing a spike in oil prices.

But once this swift and tactical war is over those oil prices will come straight down again.

Some people in Washington want hostilities to cease immediately. Others want them to stop before the operation is complete.

Of course nobody wants this war to go on a day longer than necessary. But this job cant be left half-finished.

After all, a future US president might not have the resolve to stop the Mullahs and their ambitions. Some day well get another Jimmy Carter or Joe Biden.

Trump rightly started this historic mission. And hes the only person who will also be able to finish it. But on Americas terms.
-

Vermont frozen pizza trends, according to Instacart data

In honor of National Pi Day (March 13), Instacart looked into one of Vermont and America's favorite pies by digging into its 2025 frozen pizza ordering data to uncover how consumers across the country are enjoying pizza night, from the most popular flavors nationwide to the states that stock their freezers the fullest.

Key Takeaways:

Pepperoni is America's undisputed favorite slice. It accounted for 43% of all frozen pizza items sold in 2025  more than cheese and supreme combined  making it the clear champion of pizza night nationwide.

The Midwest is frozen pizza country. Wisconsin leads the nation in ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer, ordering 113% more than the national average, with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota close behind.

Pizza night is getting more adventurous. Mexican/Taco pizza was the fastest-growing type in 2025, with other flavors like Hawaiian, Chicken Alfredo, and Chicken Bacon Ranch also gaining share.

Crust preferences are shifting back to indulgence. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year in share, while Cauliflower Crust declined by 14%, suggesting consumers are leaning into classic, crispy, comfort-forward slices in 2025.

-

How Vermont Ranks Among America's Most Pizza Loving States

Some states take pizza night more seriously than others. Measured by ounces of frozen pizza purchased per customer in 2025, Wisconsin takes the crown as our most frozen pizza-loving state, ordering 113% more per customer than the national average!

Vermont ordered 18.65% more ounces of frozen pizza than the national average, ranking as the #15 most among all states.

The rest of the top five is a very Midwest-friendly lineup: North Dakota (82% above average), Iowa (63%), Minnesota (63%) and Missouri (60%) round out the top five. If you've ever suspected the Midwest has pizza night down to a science consider this your confirmation.

-

Pizza My (Pepperoni) Heart

When it comes to frozen pizza, one topping stands alone  and it's a runaway win. Pepperoni is the clear No. 1, making up 43% of all frozen pizza items sold on Instacart in 2025. Cheese follows at 27%, with supreme/deluxe taking third at 11%. Consumers may love variety, but the freezer aisle still belongs to the classics. Sometimes, you just can't beat the original!

-

Turning Up the Heat: Fastest-Growing Pizza Types

Pepperoni may hold the crown, but pizza night is getting more adventurous. The fastest-growing pizza type in 2025 was Mexican/taco, followed by supreme/deluxe and pepperoni & sausage.

And the growth doesn't stop there: Hawaiian, chicken Alfredo, and chicken bacon ranch also gained share, which proves that whether you're team spicy, team creamy, or team sweet-and-savory, there's a pie for you.

-

Almost Everyone Agrees on One Thing

If you map the most popular pizza type by state, one result jumps out: Pepperoni is No. 1 almost everywhere. The only exceptions? New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, where cheese pizza takes the top spot. Call it minimalistic or just "don't mess with perfection," but parts of the Northeast believe that simple might be best.

Advertisement

-

Pineapple on Pizza?

Love it or hate it, Hawaiian pizza isn't going anywhere  and a few states are especially loyal to the pineapple-and-ham combo. Vermont ordered 11% less ounces of Hawaiian pizza than the national average, ranking as the #25 most among all states. Oregon leads the nation, ordering Hawaiian pizza 384% more often than the national average. Rounding out the top five are Washington (371% above average), Utah (322%), Idaho (303%), and North Dakota (243%)  a strong showing from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

And here's the twist: Hawaii itself orders Hawaiian pizza 49% less than the national average. Apparently, a namesake doesn't guarantee loyalty.

Pizza's Best Buds

Frozen pizza rarely travels alone. When frozen pizza is in the cart, customers are significantly more likely to also order other quick-prep and frozen favorites. Some of the biggest increases in order share when frozen pizza is present include:

Frozen mozzarella sticks (319% more than average with orders for frozen pizza)

Frozen taquitos (310%)

Frozen hot dog snacks (293%)

Frozen burritos (256%)

Frozen pot pies (253%)

Frozen pasta meals (245%)

When it comes to condiments, this won't come as a surprise: Ranch dressing appears in orders 156% more often than average when frozen pizza is in the cart  confirming that for many Americans, pizza night isn't complete without a side of ranch.

-

Crust Issues: What's Rising and Falling

Thin crust may still dominate the freezer aisle, but several styles are gaining serious momentum. In 2025, Neapolitan-style (up 303% YoY in order share), Roman-style (up 231%), and tavern-style (up 106%) all surged  signaling renewed interest in classic, ultra-thin, pizzeria-inspired pies.

At the same time, thicker slices are also having a moment. Detroit-style crust grew 38% year-over-year, proving that crispy, square-cut comfort is earning more space in consumers' carts. Even sourdough crust rose 87%, suggesting more pizza nights are getting a tangy twist.

On the flip side, cauliflower crust declined 14% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, gluten-free crust edged up 6%, hinting that some customers may be opting for gluten-free options that still deliver a more traditional pizza experience.

One Nation, United by Pizza Night

From pepperoni's overwhelming dominance to Wisconsin's outsized love of frozen pies, one thing is clear: Frozen pizza remains a staple in American freezers.

This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Credit: KCNA)

The Trump administration moved to dismantle a sophisticated network of overseas laborers on Thursday, blacklisting six individuals and two companies accused of orchestrating North Korean information technology schemes that targeted American businesses.

According to the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), these operations functioned as a primary financial engine for North Koreas weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, generating nearly $800 million in 2024.

Officials say these workers relied on stolen identities, fraudulent documentation, and fake personas to bypass security screenings and secure remote employment at legitimate U.S. firms.

Once hired, the workers allegedly funneled the vast majority of their wages back to the North Korean government, a direct violation of U.S. and United Nations sanctions.

The North Korean regime targets American companies through deceptive schemes carried out by its overseas IT operatives, who weaponize sensitive data and extort businesses for substantial payments, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an official statement. He added that under President Trumps leadership, the department would continue to follow the money to protect domestic businesses and ensure accountability.

READ: ODU Shooter In Virginia Identified As Former National Guardsman With ISIS Conviction

The latest round of sanctions targets specific networks operating out of North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Spain. Among the entities sanctioned is Amnokgang Technology Development Company, a North Korean firm accused of managing delegations of overseas workers and conducting illicit procurement to acquire military and commercial technology.

Advertisement

Specific individuals named in the crackdown include Nguyen Quang Viet, CEO of the Vietnam-based Quangvietdnbg International Services Company Limited. Investigators allege Nguyen converted roughly $2.5 million into cryptocurrency for North Korean interests between mid-2023 and mid-2025.

Also targeted were Do Phi Khanh and Hoang Van Nguyen, both accused of acting as proxies for a North Korean nuclear procurement facilitator to open bank accounts and launder illicit proceeds.

In Laos, North Korean national Yun Song Guk was sanctioned for allegedly leading a group of freelance IT workers based in Boten since 2023. These actions follow a similar move in November 2025, when OFAC sanctioned eight individuals and two entities for related money laundering activities.

U.S. government officials have frequently cautioned that North Korea is pivoting more heavily toward cyber operations and remote IT work to secure the hard currency required to sustain its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

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Washington Chokes Off North Korean IT Revenue In Massive Fraud Crackdown
The City is also using AI within its intranet to find specific information at a moments notice, rather than scrolling through page after page of stuff, which the coordinator said was the most exciting aspect of the technology.

It also utilises Microsoft Copilot as its AI generator, which has the potential to be handy for handling strategy documents.

I dont spend every day putting together strategy documents. I gave it a test to do a draft strategy of information management, and it gave me the framework, Robinson said. It looked good, so I can really see the exciting part of that.

In the short term, the City is going through various demo phases integrating Microsoft SharePoint with OpenTexts Content Manager along with other government agencies in Victoria.

Aiding them in this process is consultancy and long-time partner Kapish to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The very next step is to do the mapping, and thats probably going to be the main thing as well, Robinson added. Plus, with Content Manager, Kapish offer a health check report, so our immediate priority is to get that. Thatll give us Kapishs expertise on how the software should be functioning better.

Another organisation tapping into the value of content through records management is the National Gallery of Australia.

Speaking during a panel discussion at OpenText Summit, the Gallerys CIO, Jade Carson, said she has faced the issue of email record management policy, which has been a particularly sore point.

I had a concern that a whole bunch of records have gone missing since we moved to email, she said. All the decisions that were made used to be on some Word document and then put in one of these systems, but its been lost in there.

Carson recounted how it reached the point where one employee left the Gallery distraught because she had everything in her email, which proved to her that despite being a boring subject, people do care about records management.

Now, when were looking at the future of it, we have to find better tools to be able to go find those records.

Carson added the shift to proper records management paired with AI involved a move away from paper records, which necessitated the need for solid foundations to be laid.

I moved the gallery off of paper records in June 2025, so I had to push people off a cliff, she said. They had bought a digital record-keeping product eight years ago and kept paying the licence and didnt do the activity.

Part of this process involved an AI strategy consultation with staff to establish its AI engagement principles, which resulted in two general thought processes: Generation X employees accepting the move, and younger generations raising a series of complaints around ethical and environmental considerations.

Theyre deeply, thoughtfully concerned, and they are asking us questions around whether our governance mechanisms, the privacy legislation and the copyright legislation are all fit for purpose, she said.

Those conversations that were having are some of the foundational things. I might have pushed them off the cliff to do electronic records management because it was a fairly soft landing  we knew where they were going to fall.

Were not saying that we dont do [AI], were saying that we do it thoughtfully, and we know what were jumping into, so weve got the parachute. We can have sails down.

She added that employee concerns around AI shouldnt be outright dismissed, as people can become upset due to underlying fears.

As such, another foundational element, Carson added, is to perform risk and maturity assessments.

See what you can see, so that you know what these tools can see, she said.

I think the foundations still are around the governance, the people, and supporting them to be able to take the jump.
Even if an attacker rewrites a message in different ways, the intent remains the same, Dhawan said. Our systems are designed to detect that intent.

The vendor now processes roughly six trillion messages globally, representing around 45 per cent of enterprise email traffic, he added.

Alongside its AI detection capabilities, Proofpoint is also modernising the way security teams investigate threats.

Historically, email security tools operated largely as automated filters that silently blocked malicious content.

Customers now want to see whats happening and understand how threats originate and spread, Dhawan said.

Proofpoints updated investigation tools allow security teams to track how attacks originate, where they spread and what level of exposure they create.

Channel strategy gains momentum

Alongside its technology roadmap, the company is also strengthening its partner ecosystem across Australia and New Zealand.

Johann Ramchandra, Proofpoints A/NZ channel and alliances leader, recently returned to the company after spending several years working with other cybersecurity vendors.

When I was considering the opportunity, I looked at what had changed from a technology and a people perspective, he said.

All of those things have evolved significantly, and the partner community is clearly very invested in working with us.

While Proofpoint built its reputation on email security, Ramchandra said the companys focus has expanded significantly.

Email remains an important space and the first line of defence, he said. But its clear that with the proliferation of AI we need to think about how we secure that journey.

The goal, he said, is to help organisations adopt AI safely rather than slow down innovation.

We dont want to be the roadblock to customers adopting AI, he said.

Partner expectations in a consolidating market

Consolidation across the technology sector is also shaping how the vendor works with partners, he pointed out.

As a result, we expect to do more than just one thing together. We want to expand from our base into other areas of the business, he said.

Proofpoints broader platform allows partners to move into adjacent areas such as data security, identity protection and AI risk management, he said.

That adjacency is there, its not a radical shift, he said.

A major focus for the partner ecosystem will be services.

According to Ramchandra, partners are increasingly developing services around assessment, deployment and managed operations.

Leaning into services helps build the business case for customers, he said.

Proofpoints partner framework now identifies six service categories aligned with its technology stack, covering security assessments; solution design; deployment services; managed security services; advisory capabilities and ongoing optimisation

Proofpoints new Elite Plus partner tier places additional emphasis on services-driven engagement.

Were working closely with our top-tier partners to develop assessment-led services using our technology combined with their expertise, he said.

AI practices emerging across the channel

One consistent trend across the partner ecosystem is the emergence of dedicated AI consulting practices.

Every partner we talk to has either created an AI practice or is about to, he said.

Theyre advising customers on how to adopt AI, and we want to help them do that securely.

This collaboration extends to hyperscale cloud providers. Proofpoint is working closely with Microsoft and Amazon Web Services on integrations and joint go-to-market initiatives.

The infrastructure and the data live there, so it makes sense for us and our partners to meet them there, he said.

Looking ahead, Ramchandra said strengthening the regional partner ecosystem remains a key priority.

The company currently has more than 100 staff across Australia and New Zealand, with further hires planned across engineering and channel roles.

Were continuing to add capacity, particularly in the channel team, he said. Were also adding engineers dedicated to supporting partners.

Beyond new hires, Proofpoint is also focusing on deeper engagement with its existing customer base.

Weve built a large customer community over the years, Johan said.

We want to nurture that base with our partners and help customers expand into new areas of our portfolio.

Security in the AI era

For Proofpoint, the convergence of humans, data and AI will define the next phase of cybersecurity.

Dhawan said maintaining trust within this environment will be critical.

Trust is the fabric of how business works, but its also what attackers exploit, he said.

As organisations adopt AI, the same human-centric protections weve built need to extend to intelligent systems as well.
by Steve Suwannarat

In a news release, the NGO denounces the conditions of the Muslim refugees from Myanmars Rakhine State. More than 5,000 are held in migrant detention centres. Since Malaysia never ratified the refugee convention, it does not formally recognise their status.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  A new independent investigation by human rights organisation Fortify Rights highlights the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Malaysia.

Victims of persecution viewed by some as akin to genocide in Myanmar since 2017, they were forced to flee in their thousands ending up in refugee camps in Bangladesh or landing on the coast of Malaysia after nightmarish sea voyages that remain largely undocumented.

In the country that is supposed to host them with openness, based on shared faith and diplomatic opportunity, they have encountered exploitation in the workplace and essentially indefinite detention in reception centres.

Fortify Rights has collected evidence in refugee camps highlighting the inhumane and degrading conditions in which many Rohingya live, sometimes for years, without legal recourse or access to court reviews.

A new refugee registration scheme, implemented in January by the Immigration Department of Malaysia of the Ministry of Home Affairs, will replace the current UN Refugee Agencys registration; this ought to end the criminalisation of Rohingya and other refugees for "illegal entry, recognise the ongoing persecution in Myanmar, and ensure their immediate release from detention.

Malaysias immigration detention is notorious for being one of the most broken and abusive systems globally. Many detainees are held in horrendous conditions, said Yap Lay Sheng, Senior Human Rights Specialist at Fortify Rights.

For Rohingya, due to their manufactured statelessness, they can be detained indefinitely in legal limbo, subjected to years of severe abuse and inhumane treatment, Yap lamented.

According to the latest government statistics, the countrys Migrant Detention Centres (IDCs) are at capacity, a claim challenged by the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

These facilities currently house more than 21,000 migrants and refugees, just a few hundred short of the government-reported limit of 21,530, with people from Myanmar constituting the largest group, 8,884, including 5,102 Rohingya.

Because the country has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, the authorities do not formally recognise the legal status of refugees granted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Still, despite the lack of formal ratification of the Convention and other treaties protecting those fleeing persecution, Fortify Rights stresses that Malaysia is still bound by international human rights obligations prohibiting arbitrary arrest, indefinite detention, and the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution, violence, or other forms of serious harm.

For this reason, the Immigration Department should immediately release detained refugees and end their criminalisation simply for seeking protection.

The widespread abuses and violations of the rights of legitimate refugees in Malaysia are a direct result of Malaysias unwillingness to sign and abide by the UN Refugee Convention, which sets out clear guidelines on recognizing and protecting refugees, said Yap Lay Sheng, cited in the Fortify Rights press release.

Instead of tinkering with a migrant system already rife with abuse, Malaysia should abide by international legal standards and follow the U.N. Refugee Convention, he added.
by Shafique Khokhar

Residents of the H-9 Rimsha Colony slum are protesting an order to vacate their homes and shops within two days. The community includes families who fled Mehrabadi in 2012 with the government's consent following the case of Rimsha Masih, a teenager wrongly accused of blasphemy and now living in exile in Canada. The eviction violates the 2001 National Housing Policy and a 2015 Supreme Court order.

Islamabad (AsiaNews)  Thousands of Christian residents of the H-9 Rimsha Colony slum in Islamabad have protested against the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the company responsible for municipal public services in the Pakistani capital, which ordered them to leave their homes and shops within two days, under penalty of forced eviction.

This is not the first time that the authorities have ordered residents of working-class and poor neighbourhoods to leave without offering them any alternative place to live.

According to residents, the CDA created the Rimsha settlement about 15 years ago, while the Shapar settlement was established in 2002-2003.

The people involved came from Mehrabadi, a neighbourhood near G-12 Islamabad, who had to flee their homes at night for their lives in August 2012, leaving all their belongings behind, after Rimsha Masih, a 14-year-old Christian, was arrested on blasphemy charges.

The girl was falsely accused of burning pages of the Qur'an, and subsequently left the country finding asylum in Canada with her family, but the rest of the community was permanently displaced.

At the time, the displaced families, with the consent of the government, set up makeshift tents in H-9, which they converted over the years into permanent structures, and began calling the area Rimsha Colony.

The 2001 National Housing Policy clearly protects the rights of slum dwellers, declaring that there will be no evictions from katchi abadis (informal, often illegal, settlements) unless residents are relocated according to resettlement plans.

Furthermore, it specifies policy guidelines for low-cost housing, stating that the relevant ministries, in coordination with provincial governments, should develop a package of measures to improve living conditions in slums.

The dangerously located slums should be shifted, the housing policy reads, and low-cost housing schemes should be developed.

According to Bashir Masih, a resident, the CDA is threatening Rimsha and Akram Gill in the capital's H9 sector, home to approximately 25,000 predominantly Christian people.

The cruel irony is that the CDA itself relocated hundreds of Christian families here after the horrific Rimsha case.

Now, CDA enforcement crews are issuing verbal notices to both settlements, claiming that they are illegal, even though katchi abadis in Islamabad are protected by a stay order issued by then-Chief Justice Jawwad Khawaja in 2015.

The vice principal of Rimsha Community School issued an urgent appeal to the government to offer support to Rimsha and Akram Gill and prevent their eviction, stressing that they should at least be given time, since pupils at local schools are taking exams.

Furthermore, the CDA should guarantee the resettlement of all 25,000 residents, as mandated by the Supreme Court in 2015 and required by various national and international human rights agreements.

In an official statement, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed alarm at the CDAs recent eviction attempt.
by Fady Noun

Despite growing fears, people are refusing to leave their homes as requested by the State of Israel. The Bishop of Batroun criticises (without naming it) Hezbollah for deliberately drawing Israeli fire onto homes and fields now at risk of invasion. Criticism is also levelled at the Beirut government for an overly servile and passive stance. An activist tells AsiaNews: If we leave, the South is lost.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Analysing the twelve days of war already passed between Israel and Hezbollah, General Khalil Gemayel, a retired Lebanese army officer, explains to AsiaNews: Even though, on the surface, we have so far witnessed a series of raids, this is the first phase of an invasion. In military doctrine, when the populations of entire villages are asked to evacuate an area, it means that a large-scale [ground] military operation is planned.

However, the senior officer continues, despite their fear, many inhabitants of Christian border villages are refusing to leave their homes as requested by the Israeli army, convinced that leaving could mean never returning to their lands.

A press conference was held recently at the Catholic Information Centre (CIC) attended by Fouad Abounader, former head of the Lebanese Forces, some twenty administrators and mayors from the affected villages, and the Maronite Bishop of Batroun, Monsignor Mounir Khairallah.

The prelate, who is also president of the Episcopal Commission for Information of the APECL (Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon), explained that these evacuation requests were indirectly caused by the war between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Although he did not directly name the pro-Iranian party, whose military and security activities have been declared illegal, Bishop Khairallah criticised the Shiite fighters for indiscriminately using houses and fields, thereby drawing retaliatory strikes onto Christian villages.

Ambiguous situation

It was precisely this ambiguous situation that cost the life of the priest of Qleya, Fr Pierre el-Rahi, and the brother of the parish priest of Alma el-Chaab, Sami Ghafari, the bishop pointed out. He went on to say that he fears their persecution will lead to the flight of all Christians from the twelve villages on the border with southern Lebanon, having already caused the forced displacement of the population of the two villages of Kaouzah and Alma el-Chaab.

Populated mainly by Maronite Christians, these villages  whose total population is estimated at 75,000 during the summer months  have withstood all the wars fought in these regions. And this has been the case since 1948, assured Hanna Amil, deputy mayor of Rmeich, during the press conference held at the CCI.

We are leaving our homes, entrusting them to Providence and the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints, who will watch over them as we await our safe return, added the head of the municipality of Alma el-Chaab, Chadi Sayah. He had to leave, along with his fellow citizens, in a convoy escorted by the UNIFIL mission.

Three dead in Ain Ebel

With a heavy heart, Fouad Abounader tells us over the phone that three men from Ain Ebel, including a close relative of the former Maronite Patriarch Antoine Khoreiche, were killed yesterday in a drone strike whilst they were installing a satellite dish on the roof of their house.

We had to urgently contact the emergency services to recover them. We found them lying in a pool of blood. The news has shocked the village and sown doubts and fears in the hearts of all those who were counting on a status of relative neutrality, particularly with regard to Hezbollah, so as not to have to abandon their villages, Abounader continued. Speaking is a former warlord who has turned to humanitarian and social work through an NGO, Nawraj, whose main aim is to stem the rural exodus from outlying Christian villages.

During the press conference at the CCI, another of the administrators of the southern villages spoke, emphasising that the Israelis themselves seem not to know what they actually want. Indeed, although their Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced yesterday that the government had asked the army to expand its deployment within Lebanese territory, no date appears to have been set yet. At the same time, the senior Israeli official warned against the inaction of the Lebanese authorities, stating that, should this continue, his country intends to take over parts of Lebanese territory.

French President Emmanuel Macron and many others like him in Israel advise against this deployment and the possible creation of a buffer zone. From a military perspective, it will prolong the war and offer Hezbollah further opportunities to strike the army facing them, explain military experts, recalling how Israel has already had this unpleasant experience before withdrawing from this border strip in 2000.

Fears of military intervention

According to reports in the Israeli press, it appears that the military intervention feared by the Lebanese civilian population is not imminent, and many are hoping this remains the case. Supporting this view is the launch of around a hundred rockets by Hezbollah, coordinated with an Iranian missile strike. These launches overwhelmed the Iron Dome systems capacity, allowing the Iranian rockets to strike the north of Israel in an apparently successful operation, in response to which the Israeli army has vowed revenge.

For many observers, this explains the escalation of events during the night of 1112 March and yesterday, with the expansion of the scope of air raids and drone attacks in Beirut. Yesterday, a drone launched onto the campus of the Lebanese University, near Leylaki, a neighbourhood in the southern suburbs, killed the dean of the Faculty of Information, Hussein Bazzi, and his assistant. On the same day, a drone caused 12 deaths on a sandy beach in Beirut, Ramlet el-Beida, where families fleeing the suburbs had sought refuge.

Furthermore, an attack on Aramoun decimated a family of five. In addition, two buildings in the predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods of Beirut, Bachoura and Zokak el-Blatt, were bombed, one of which housed the vaults of Hezbollahs bank, al-Qard al-Hassan, in its basement. What can you expect? Its war; there are no neutral zones, a church source who asked to remain anonymous told AsiaNews. For Bishop Elie Haddad, the Greek Catholic Bishop of Tyre, interviewed by Tele-Lumiere, at this moment we must be more like serpents than doves.

Anger and bitterness

Added to the suffering of having to abandon their homes is the bitterness and anger in the hearts of the inhabitants towards the passivity of the Lebanese state. At Fr Rais funeral, the army deployed in Kleya. Why shouldnt they do so every day?, asks the head of the municipality, Hanna Daher, who also wonders why the military withdrew from certain positions towards which the Israeli army was advancing.

Fouad Abounader, for his part, calls for a gendarmerie station in every village and a secure supply route. He also points to the early withdrawal of the UN mission (UNIFIL) at the end of 2026 to support his demands. For an administrator in Rmeich, the hour is fateful: If we leave, if the South is lost, it will be the whole of Lebanon, he tells us, that is lost! In reality, such tones seem all too gloomy for the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Paolo Borgia, who today, together with Fouad Abounader, is touring southern Lebanon. The prelate will visit six towns, including Marjeyoun, Kleya once again, as well as Deir Mimas, Ebl el Saki, Kawkaba and Rachaya el-Foukhar, to assess the situation and the condition of the population.
13 March 2026 06:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Pentagon is using tools from Anthropic and OpenAI, major artificial intelligence companies, to make military decisions in Iran, and guiding decisions could cost lives.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Axios indicate that Claude was utilised during the large-scale joint US-Israel bombardment of Iran that began on Saturday. This situation highlights the complexities involved in the US military's efforts to withdraw advanced AI tools from its operations, especially when the technology is already deeply integrated into its missions.

According to the Journal, the US military command utilised these AI tools for intelligence purposes, assistance in target selection, and conducting battlefield simulations.

On Friday, just hours before the attack on Iran commenced, former President Trump ordered all federal agencies to cease using Claude immediately. He criticised Anthropic on Truth Social, labelling it a Radical Left AI company run by people who have no idea what the real world is all about.

Following the rift with Anthropic, rival company OpenAI stepped in. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that he had reached an agreement with the Pentagon for the use of the companys tools, including ChatGPT, within its classified network.

Apparently, this is not the first time we see reports regarding the usage of AI in 'US conflicts'.

Tensions escalated after the US military's use of Claude in a raid to capture Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, in January. Anthropic objected, citing its terms of use that prohibit applications of Claude for violent purposes, weapon development, or surveillance.

Since that incident, relations between Trump, the Pentagon, and the AI company have deteriorated. In a lengthy post on X on Friday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth accused Anthropic of arrogance and betrayal," asserting that Americas warfighters will never be held hostage by the ideological whims of Big Tech. He demanded full and unrestricted access to all of Anthropics AI models for every lawful purpose.

However, Hegseth acknowledged the challenge of quickly detaching military systems from the AI tool, given its widespread usage. He mentioned that Anthropic would continue providing services for no more than six months to ensure a smooth transition to a more suitable and patriotic service.

But how possible is this? Can AI really be used in wars?

Claude's role in the war involved analysing satellite images and intercepted communications. He ranked and confirmed high-value targets, simulated strike outcomes before they occurred, and tracked enemy positions in real time.

Several AI models are currently being utilized in military applications, including GROK, Googles Gemini, and various GPT models from OpenAI. The Pentagon secured a contract with OpenAI shortly after the fallout with Anthropic, specifically allowing the use of GPT models for classified military purposes by February 2026. Gemini, on the other hand, has been designated for unclassified use, with ongoing negotiations for access. The Pentagon has also awarded contracts valued up to $200 million in July 2025 through the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to enhance frontier AI in warfare and planning.

It should be noted that these models are LLMs - Large Language Models, which are types of AI trained on vast amounts of data to understand, generate, and analyze human-like text.

This encompasses a focus on large language models, agentic workflows, and both classified and unclassified deployments for national security and intelligence purposes. Despite these advancements, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed concerns regarding the readiness of AI systems for making warfighting decisions, emphasizing during the same week he signed a deal with the Pentagon that AI should not be entrusted with such critical choices.

The future may see the emergence of autonomous weapons capable of selecting and striking targets without human approval, AI-powered humanoid soldiers on the battlefield, drone swarms that adapt in real-time, extensive surveillance of both enemy and civilian populations, and predictive warfare that anticipates attacks before they occur.

"In reality, the integration of AI into warfare did not begin with the recent crisis", points out AI and cybersecurity expert Ryan Colloway to AzerNEWS.

"The Pentagon has spent years developing algorithmic warfare programs designed to enhance battlefield awareness and accelerate decision-making. One of the earliest and most notable initiatives was Project Maven, launched to enable machine learning systems to analyse drone footage and automatically identify objects such as vehicles, weapons systems, and infrastructure. The project marked a turning point in how artificial intelligence could augment military intelligence operations. Israel also uses an AI system. Such as, Lavender  identifies suspected militants from data analysis; The Gospel  suggests strike targets."

Yet the growing dependence on private-sector AI companies has created a new and unexpected tension between Silicon Valley and the national security establishment, argues the expert:

"Through entities such as the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the United States has increasingly sought to integrate frontier technologies into national security planning. In recent years, the office has awarded major contracts aimed at accelerating the development of large language models, advanced analytics, and autonomous systems capable of supporting both classified and unclassified operations. Many technology firms have attempted to place restrictions on how their systems can be used, particularly when it comes to lethal operations or surveillance. This friction is not new. In 2018, internal protests at Google forced the company to withdraw from military cooperation tied to Project Maven, illustrating how ethical concerns within the tech sector can directly affect defence policy."

Despite the rapid expansion of AI integration, even industry leaders caution that the technology remains far from ready to independently make battlefield decisions, he added:

"The emergence of fully autonomous weapons systems remains one of the most controversial issues in international security, as global institutions have yet to establish binding regulations governing machines capable of selecting and attacking targets independently. Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming the speed, scale, and complexity of modern warfare. Instead of replacing soldiers, todays AI systems function primarily as decision-support tools, analyzing massive data streams, identifying patterns invisible to human analysts, and offering commanders possible courses of action. In a battlefield environment where information arrives from satellites, drones, sensors, and electronic intercepts simultaneously, such analytical power can offer decisive advantages. If both sides rely on AI-assisted targeting and intelligence, conflicts could escalate faster than human diplomacy can react."

Mr. Colloway candidly expressed his concerns, pointing out that the quickening pace of military decision-making could lead to new risks:

"As AI systems compress the time required to evaluate threats and recommend responses, the window for human deliberation narrows. Military analysts increasingly warn that algorithm-driven warfare could shorten decision cycles to the point where escalation unfolds faster than diplomacy can respond. The most controversial question, however, concerns the future of fully autonomous weapons. Major military powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and Israel, are actively exploring technologies that could eventually enable machines to identify and strike targets without direct human approval. While international discussions within the United Nations have attempted to address the ethical implications of such systems, no binding global framework currently regulates their development. What is certain is that the battlefield of the twenty-first century will not be defined solely by soldiers, tanks, or missiles, but also by algorithms quietly processing data behind the scenes."
13 March 2026 10:30 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

Azerbaijan has successfully pursued a foreign policy that maintains its neutrality while developing both economic and political relations. Its efforts to balance connections from East to West reached a notable peak last year with the strengthening of ties with the United States. In August, the Washington agreement, while primarily focused on peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, also emphasized the expansion of economic cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan. As a result, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a Strategic Working Group to draft a Strategic Partnership Charter, which was officially signed during a visit to Azerbaijan last month by U.S. Vice President James David Vance.

This development marks a shift from energy-centric cooperation toward a comprehensive, multi-sector partnership. Historically, bilateral relations have largely relied on energy collaboration, but the new framework institutionalizes and broadens the cooperation to include other sectors, reflecting a purposeful strategic pivot.

Recently, Azerbaijani and U.S. officials met again in Washington at the U.S.-Azerbaijan Trade and Business Conference, discussing the formation of a comprehensive economic partnership framework and the development of a joint investment model. Meetings with representatives from U.S. government agencies and companies focused on expanding economic and trade ties, exploring investment opportunities, and identifying new areas for collaboration.

The conference also marked the 30th anniversary of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC). Representatives from both countries energy, finance, ICT, and other sectors attended. Over three decades, USACC has played a key role in fostering reliable dialogue between business communities and promoting reciprocal investments.

In the main session on Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Strategic Cooperation, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev highlighted that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, established under the Joint Declaration for Peace signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, will contribute to expanding trade and investment. He also showcased Azerbaijans favorable business environment, the economic potential of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, its transit-logistics capabilities, and the Alat Free Economic Zone as a hub for value-added activities.

Other officials, including Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov, Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the National Assembly Samed Seyidov, and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, discussed strengthening collaboration in energy and transport-logistics sectors. They emphasized Azerbaijans role as a reliable energy partner and its initiatives in regional transport projects, which enhance both bilateral and multilateral partnership potential.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. State Department stressed the importance of promoting business relations and cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. Panel sessions addressed technology and innovation, digitalization, energy infrastructure, finance, and banking, creating platforms for detailed discussions.

Deputy Minister Aliyev met with Su Le, CEO and co-founder of HAIMAKER.AI Inc., to explore collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovative digital solutions. Further meetings with U.S. officials, including Bill Gidera of the Department of Commerce, Karl Kress of USTDA, and representatives from USTR, Export-Import Bank, DFC, VISA, and Tetra Tech, focused on expanding economic ties, exploring investment opportunities, and advancing projects in energy, logistics, industry, and digital economy sectors.

Within this framework, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy and HAIMAKER.AI Inc. to create a next-generation digital platform and ecosystem in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijans recent initiatives demonstrate a deliberate strategy to transition from a primarily energy-based partnership with the U.S. to a multisectoral economic cooperation model. By institutionalizing strategic dialogue, promoting investment, and integrating digital and technological solutions, Azerbaijan positions itself as a regional hub for trade, innovation, and logistics. U.S. engagement, particularly through agencies like USTDA, DFC, and USTR, indicates a strong willingness to support this transition and leverage mutual benefits in areas beyond energy.

Azerbaijans evolving economic diplomacy with the United States reflects a mature, forward-looking strategy that balances regional stability with global integration. The recent agreements and high-level discussions establish a foundation for sustained, diversified, and mutually beneficial economic growth. By fostering multi-sector partnerships, Azerbaijan strengthens bilateral ties and also enhances its role as a key regional player in trade, energy, and digital innovation.
13 March 2026 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted an evening of poetry and music entitled "Poetic Dedications to the Music of Chopin" as part of the "Music in the Museum" project, AzerNEWS reports.

Khadija Rzayeva, Associate Professor of the Special Piano Department at the Baku Music Academy and Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, performed famous works by the great Polish composer Frederic Chopin.

The sound of Frederic Chopin's piano works filled the museum space with an atmosphere of romantic reverie, subtle lyricism, and harmony. "If it is true that the core of all art is poetry, then there are few geniuses in the history of art who embodied it in their work as fully and perfectly as Chopin" said the eminent pianist Heinrich Neuhaus about the composer.

Chopin's nocturnes, ballads, etudes, mazurkas, waltzes, polonaises, impromptus, and preludes are imbued with romanticism and refined emotion. The pianist conveyed the poetic nature of Chopin's music with particular sensitivity and gifted the audience with a world of subtle musical experiences.

The evening concluded with thunderous applause from the grateful audience, confirming the words of the brilliant composer who gave the world such beautiful music, full of piercing tenderness: "Music has no homeland; its homeland is the entire universe."

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az,Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.
13 March 2026 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Throughout history, the literary heritage of great poets has been preserved and studied through academic research and international cooperation.

One of the most influential figures of classical Eastern literature, Nizami Ganjavi, continues to inspire scholars across the world. Scientific conferences dedicated to his works provide an important platform for discussing new perspectives on his poetry, philosophy, and cultural impact.

On July 7, the 2nd international scientific conference on the topic "Current problems of Azerbaijani and world Nizami studies" will be held in Ganja city, AzerNEWS reports.

The event is dedicated to the 885th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

The conference is jointly organized by the Nizami Ganjavi Center of the Ganja branch of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Turkiye, as well as the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the conference, discussions will be held on the topics of "Nizami Ganjavi and the Turkic world", "Nizami Ganjavi and Azerbaijani oral folk literature", "Nizami Ganjavi and world literature", "Religion and lore in the work of Nizami Ganjavi", "Nizami Ganjavi and art", "The concept of humanity and coexistence in the work of Nizami Ganjavi", "Nizami Ganjavi: Predecessors and successors" and "New research directions of Nizami studies in the modern digital scientific environment".

The working languages of the international scientific conference are Azerbaijani, English and Russian.

Articles will be accepted until June 7. Conference materials will be posted and published in the form of a journal on the official website of the Ganja branch.

The conference will be held in the administrative building of the ANAS Ganja branch.

Nizami Ganjavi is one of the most prominent poets of medieval Eastern literature whose works have had a profound influence on world culture and poetry. His masterpieces have been translated into numerous languages and continue to inspire readers and scholars across different cultures and generations.

The works of Nizami Ganjavi have been translated into many languages around the world. Rare manuscript copies of his writings are preserved like precious treasures in renowned libraries, museums, and literary foundations in cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, and Paris.

In his famous poetic collection, the Khamsa, the poet vividly reveals the living pages of history. Events such as the attack of the Russians on Barda, the tale of the Russian princess, the story of the beautiful Shirin and the Amazons, as well as various battles described in Nizami's poems, are closely connected with the historical and geographical realities of medieval Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

A deep exploration of the human inner worldfeelings, thoughts, and emotions combined with the dynamic development of the main characters forms the core aim and essence of Nizami's literary school.

Nizami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in his native city of Ganja. A magnificent mausoleum was later erected over his grave, honoring the great poet and preserving his legacy for future generations.
13 March 2026 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A book exhibition titled "Honored Art Worker Zakir Baghirov -110" has been presented to users at the National Library, AzerNEWS reports.

The event is timed to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding composer, Honored Art Worker, Professor Zakir Baghirov.

The exhibition showcases the composer's operas, operettas, suites, chamber-instrumental works, songs, romances, etc. works, literature about his life and creativity.

Zakir Javad oghlu Baghirov (1916  1996) was an Azerbaijani composer, pedagogue, and professor (since 1978), and was honored as an Art Worker of the Azerbaijan SSR in 1960.

He was born on March 16, 1916, in the city of Shusha. Due to family circumstances, he spent his early years at the N. Narimanov Orphanage No. 8 in Baku from 1924 to 1929. From 1929 onward, he lived under the care of his elder brother.

Baghirov received his first musical education in 1932 at the Workers' Faculty of the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, where he completed the piano class. In 1935, he was sent to the Music College under the Moscow State Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky to continue his studies.

After graduating from the Music College, Baghirov voluntarily joined the frontlines and participated in the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945, serving in Austria, Hungary, Romania, Finland, and Manchuria. After his demobilization, he enrolled in the Composition and Theory Faculty of the Moscow State Conservatory, graduating in 1949.

Baghirov devoted 45 years of his life to teaching at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory, instructing in music theory from 1949 until the end of his life. From 1970, he headed the Department of Music Theory for ten years.

Between 1950 and 1958, he also served as the artistic director of the Azerbaijan Radio and Television Committee.

In addition to his academic work, Baghirov was an active public figure. He joined the Azerbaijan Composers Union in 1950 and became a member of its Board. From 1963 to 1965, he served as the artistic director of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, and he also chaired the Board of the Azerbaijan Music Fund.

Zakir Baghirov passed away on January 8, 1996, in Baku. His creative legacy includes operas such as "Aygun" (1972), operettas including "Our Village Song" (1958) and "Mother-in-law" (1974), instrumental works such as suites for folk instruments (1956, 1969), a piano concerto with orchestra (1970), improvisations and fugues for organ (1973), and compositions for solo harp based on the "Chahargah" mugham. He also composed chamber-instrumental pieces, songs, and romances.

Zakir Baghirov remains a central figure in Azerbaijani music, remembered for his compositions, pedagogical contributions, and dedication to the cultural development of his country.
13 March 2026 16:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry has met with the members of the Expert Commission on Fine and Decorative-Applied Arts operating under the ministry, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Ministry.

During the meeting, the Culture Minister Adil Karimli pointed out that the "Azerbaijani Culture  2040" Concept, approved by President Ilham Aliyev's decree on January 14, 2026, includes provisions for the development of various fields of culture, including fine and decorative-applied arts.

It was highlighted that the document sets new objectives for the development of contemporary fine and decorative-applied arts, the support of free artistic creativity, integration into the international arena, and the promotion of national cultural achievements.

At the meeting, the chairman of the commission, People's Artist Farhad Khalilov, head of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, spoke about the activities of the commission.

Members of the commission  People's Artists Natiq Aliyev, Huseyn Hagverdiyev, Aydin Rajabov, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects Elbay Gasimzade, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Azerkhalcha" OJSC Emin Mammadov, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Sevil Karimova, and sector director of the Culture Ministry Aybeniz Aliyeva shared their opinions on applications submitted to the commission, criteria for evaluating artworks, and other related matters.
13 March 2026 06:26 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On 12 March, the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov.

AzerNEWS reports, citing the official release of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry that, during the call, the ministers exchanged views on international and regional security issues, as well as the current situation in the Middle East.

The sides emphasised that any further escalation of the existing tensions would be unacceptable and underlined the importance of resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means.

The Swiss foreign minister expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan regarding the drone attack carried out by Iran against the country. He also thanked Azerbaijan for its assistance in facilitating the evacuation of Swiss citizens from Iranian territory.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Switzerland. In this context, they highlighted the importance of the political consultations scheduled to take place between the two countries foreign ministries in April.
13 March 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On March 12, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephone conversation with Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, discussing regional security developments and bilateral cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers exchanged views on the current regional security situation, including the growing military escalation in the Middle East. The discussion also focused on issues related to strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Both sides emphasized the importance of the existing strategic partnership between the two countries and highly appreciated the level of bilateral relations. They also reviewed plans for future contacts aimed at further expanding cooperation.

During the conversation, the ministers exchanged views on several other issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close dialogue on regional and international matters.
13 March 2026 13:45 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Azerbaijani government actively assisted in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Iran, helping more than 600 people cross the border through the Astara Border Crossing, Chinas ambassador to Azerbaijan said.

AzerNEWS reports that Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan, made the remarks during a briefing in Baku.

This once again demonstrated the high level of political trust and mutual understanding between our countries, the ambassador noted.

Lu Mei emphasised that the Chinese side highly appreciates the assistance provided by Azerbaijan during the evacuation process.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for the support and help extended, the ambassador added.

The latest conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has become one of the most serious security crises in the Middle East in recent years. The escalation began on 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes against Iranian military and nuclear-related facilities. The attacks targeted key infrastructure and senior figures within Irans security apparatus, marking a dramatic breakdown of earlier diplomatic efforts to contain Irans nuclear programme.

Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli territory and against American military bases located across the Gulf region. Several Gulf states hosting U.S. forces, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, experienced attacks or air defence alerts, while energy facilities and airports faced disruption. Airspace closures and flight cancellations spread across the region, affecting trade and global energy markets.

The conflict quickly created widespread instability across the Middle East. Shipping and aviation routes were disrupted, and many governments began emergency evacuations of citizens and diplomatic staff. Several countries temporarily closed embassies or reduced diplomatic operations, while others ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from diplomatic missions across the region.

In particular, some embassies in Gulf countries and neighbouring states were temporarily shut down or operated with minimal staff due to security threats. Governments, including the United States and several European countries, also organised evacuation flights and advised their citizens to leave high-risk areas.

Overall, the confrontation has significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East. While the fighting remains primarily centred on Iran and Israeli-linked targets, the involvement of Gulf states, military bases and diplomatic missions demonstrates the risk that the conflict could evolve into a broader regional crisis affecting global energy security and international trade.
13 March 2026 20:21 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

Jeyhun Bayramov, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, met with Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), who is visiting the country to participate in the Global Baku Forum.

As reported by AzerNEWS, according to Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat, including sustainable urban development, effective management of urbanization processes, and prospects for expanding partnership in the development of sustainable cities.

The sides also exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming World Urban Forum 13 (WUF-13), discussing related plans and potential cooperation within the framework of the forum.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side highlighted the large-scale reconstruction and restoration work being carried out in territories liberated after the conflict. The rebuilding of destroyed cities and villages, along with the creation of new settlements based on modern urban planning principles, was presented as a significant example of the countrys efforts in the field of urban development.

The discussion also touched on the current security situation in the Middle East and the growing tensions in the region.

Minister Bayramov also briefed the UN-Habitat chief on the situation in the South Caucasus, including the normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He outlined Azerbaijans position and initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term peace and stability in the post-conflict period.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
13 March 2026 18:12 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan has strongly condemned the recent rocket launch targeting the territory of brotherly Turkiye, calling it a serious violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, AzerNEWS reports, citing Azerbaijans Defense Ministry.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry described the attack as an unacceptable escalation and a direct threat to regional stability.

Azerbaijan reiterated its full solidarity with Turkiye in the face of this aggression, emphasizing the close fraternal ties between the two nations.
13 March 2026 23:33 (UTC+04:00)

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, President Jose Ramos-Horta was seen off by Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov, and other officials.

President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta concluded his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan on March 13.

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

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13 March 2026 10:24 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Objects believed to be missile debris were seen falling in the airspace over Adana early in the morning, according to reports circulating on social media.

AzerNEWS reports that the defense-focused platform "savunmasanayiST" shared images showing unidentified objects descending in the skies above the region starting at 03:30 local time.

According to the platform, the objects are believed to be burning fragments from a ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkiye that were destroyed by NATO air and missile defense systems.

It is estimated that these objects belong to the burning and falling parts of a third ballistic missile launched from Iran toward Turkiye that entered the atmosphere as a result of being destroyed by NATO air defense systems, the report said.

No explosion was reported during the incident.

Earlier, two ballistic missiles launched from Iran had already been neutralized after violating Turkish airspace, according to available reports. The missiles were intercepted by NATOs air and missile defense systems deployed in the region.
13 March 2026 11:52 (UTC+04:00)

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Member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to the global market in an effort to stabilize supply following disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports, citing the agency.

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!
13 March 2026 15:16 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The escalating conflict involving Iran and the broader regional tensions are beginning to reshape global energy dynamics, potentially benefiting Russia economically despite Western sanctions imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, AzerNEWS reports via Financial Times.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Russian crude and oil product exports fell by 11.4 percent in February to 6.6 million barrels per day, marking their lowest level since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, rising global oil prices driven by instability in the Middle East are helping offset the impact of reduced export volumes.

Experts say the ongoing war is creating a favorable environment for Moscow. Borys Dodonov, head of energy and climate studies at the Kyiv School of Economics, noted that higher prices could support Russias fiscal stability in the short term.

Much now depends on how long the Middle East conflict will last, but the current high prices will help Russia meet budget indicators this quarter and even start saving some money, Dodonov said.

Analysts also believe the conflict could allow Russia to expand its role in global energy markets if supply disruptions affect exporters in the Persian Gulf. The Financial Times reported that Moscow may attempt to take advantage of the situation as Gulf producers face potential export constraints due to regional instability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested that energy markets are entering a new pricing reality and even raised the possibility of resuming energy exports to Europe.

Shortly after, the Kremlin announced what it described as a very productive conversation between Putin and Donald Trump. Trump later hinted that sanctions on some countries could potentially be eased to stabilize energy prices until this straightens out.

These developments have caused concern among Western allies. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies could pressure European governments to reconsider their planned restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas, potentially undermining years of efforts to isolate Moscow economically.

Market data also suggests Russian exports may be shifting toward Asia. According to shipping analytics firm Kpler, a substantial amount of Russian crude cargoes is currently at sea, many heading across the Indian Ocean toward India.

Indian imports of Russian oil were running at around 1.5 million barrels per day, representing a sharp increase from early last month.

If the current shipment schedules, market intelligence and cargo movements continue, total Russian crude arrivals for the full month could reach close to 2 million barrels per day, said Sumit Ritolia, a lead analyst at Kpler in New Delhi.

Ritolia summarized the broader market impact succinctly:

Russia is the big winner of this conflict.
13 March 2026 14:54 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil that is already loaded onto tankers at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a license issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, foreign countries are allowed to purchase Russian oil that was loaded before March 12 and is currently in transit.

This limited short-term measure applies only to oil that is already at sea and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, Bessent stated.

The temporary authorization is set to remain in effect until April 11, unless extended. Officials said the step is intended to maintain stability in global energy markets, keep fuel prices low, and counter regional threats from Iran, without materially increasing revenue for Moscow.

Earlier, amid rising global oil prices caused by ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions to Persian Gulf exports, the United States allowed India to resume purchases of Russian oil, highlighting efforts to stabilize supply in international markets.

As previously reported, U.S. Navy ships may begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz by the end of March.

This is intended to protect vessels from drone and missile strikes from Iran. Increasing oil supplies from the Persian Gulf countries is expected to lower global prices.
China approves 2026-2030 blueprint, maps out high-quality path toward modernization

Xinhua) 10:14, March 13, 2026

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers on Thursday approved a development blueprint for the 2026-2030 period, marking a pivotal step in the modernization drive of nearly one-fifth of the world's population.

As the world's second-largest economy, China charts its course through medium- and long-term plans that clarify policy direction, development goals, and reform pathways, offering a degree of predictability that contrasts with governments fixated on short electoral cycles.

"For us, the five-year plan is more than a macro blueprint," said Ginger Cheng, CEO of DBS China. "It serves as a 'metronome' for calibrating our strategic rhythm, ensuring our investment pulse remains synchronized with the key cycles of national development."

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development sets a slew of goals, with high-quality development high on the agenda. Key indicators span areas including economic development, innovation, public well-being, green transition, and security. Many of the indicators focus on people's livelihoods, sending a clear signal that development is ultimately meant to benefit the people.

Wu Fenggang, a national political advisor, noted that the 15th plan's wide-ranging indicators will push officials at all levels to move beyond GDP-centric thinking toward more balanced, accountable governance. It is a shift that aligns with the "correct view on governance performance" that became a buzzword at this year's "two sessions" -- the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body.

The dream of modernization has been a lasting aspiration of the Chinese people for centuries. After the Opium War of 1840, China was bullied by foreign powers and suffered from poverty and weakness. History bestowed upon the Communist Party of China (CPC) the momentous task of exploring a path to Chinese modernization.

In 2017, the CPC made a two-stage roadmap toward that goal. From 2020 to 2035, China aims to basically realize socialist modernization -- a process to be advanced through the 14th, 15th and 16th five-year plans.

From 2035 to the middle of this century, with another three five-year plans, the country will strive to build itself into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

The 15th Five-Year Plan period plays a pivotal connecting role. The targets set for 2026-2030 and the progress made during these five years will be decisive in determining whether China can basically achieve socialist modernization on schedule.

The plan maps out goals for "building up national strengths" across various sectors with manufacturing in spotlight. The value-added output of China's manufacturing sector has been the world's largest for 16 consecutive years.

Building a modern industrial system and strengthening the foundation of the real economy are high on the agenda. China will move to upgrade traditional sectors to the mid-to-high end of the value chain, nurture emerging industries, and make forward-looking plans for industries of the future.

Janice Hu, chairperson of UBS Securities Co. Ltd., said that Chinese companies are demonstrating dynamic innovation in artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing, semiconductors, and new energy -- reshaping global investors' perception of Chinese assets.

"Chinese assets are no longer just a portfolio option. They are a strategic must-have," Hu told Xinhua.

At a time when some countries are turning to protectionism, China is proactively opening its vast market, transforming it into a source of global opportunity and cooperation. The country will promote the quality of foreign trade, according to the blueprint.

"Exports and imports are like the two wheels on a car. The more balanced they are, the more steadily it runs, and the farther it goes," said Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao at a press conference on the sidelines of the legislative session.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's economic performance was impressive. Total economic output crossed successive thresholds of 110 trillion yuan (about 15.95 trillion U.S. dollars), 120 trillion yuan, 130 trillion yuan, and 140 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth of 5.4 percent, well above the global average.

"The 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on high-quality development offers a source of certainty against a backdrop of mounting global uncertainty, and will help write a new chapter in China's twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability," said Zhang Shuibo, a national lawmaker and professor with the College of Management and Economics at Tianjin University.

In an era of heightened geopolitical turbulence and rising economic uncertainty, China's consistent long-term development strategy has made the country a rare anchor of stability in the global economy, said Chen Zhanming, deputy head of the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China, in an interview with Xinhua.

Geostrategic analyst Imran Khalid wrote in a recent op-ed for Eurasia Review calling this year's two sessions a "watershed" moment. As the author noted, the roadmap laid out in the 15th Five-Year Plan shows a country that is clear-eyed about its future and ready to lead the development of industries in the 21st century.

In just a few decades, China completed a grand journey that took Western nations centuries -- rising from a country ravaged by poverty and foreign aggression to the world's second-largest economy. This historic achievement, forged through the concerted efforts of the Chinese people under the CPC's leadership, lends firm confidence to the nation's pursuit of the next milestone.

As emphasized by China's top leader Xi Jinping, "As long as we maintain strategic resolve, forge ahead step by step, and advance steadily from one stage to another, we will continue to turn small victories into great success in advancing the cause of the Party and the country, and our goals will surely be achieved."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
13 March 2026 19:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The United States has used up years worth of ammunition since the start of the conflict with Iran, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of its military operations, AzerNEWS reports via the Financial Times.

Citing three people familiar with the matter, the publication reported that some of the fastest-depleting weapons include long-range Tomahawk cruise missile, widely used in precision strike operations.

According to one source, the missiles are being consumed at a rapid pace, and the United States Navy could feel the consequences of the current expenditures for years.

The heavy use of ammunition has intensified concerns in Washington about both the growing financial cost of the war and the ability of the US defense industry to replenish depleted stockpiles.

Pentagon officials told senators earlier this week that the first six days of strikes cost at least $11 billion, with a large portion of the spending going toward munitions.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the United States fired 168 Tomahawk missiles within the first 100 hours of the war. Over the past five years, the US military has procured 322 Tomahawk missiles, highlighting the scale of current consumption.

Thats a lot, it will take years to replace it, one congressman said.

In response to the rapidly rising costs, the Pentagon is expected in the coming days to submit a request for an additional $50 billion in military funding to the United States Congress and the White House.

The request is likely to spark heated debate in Congress. Some lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have already expressed concerns over further funding for the conflict. Several Democrats argue that the war initiated by President Donald Trump did not receive congressional authorization and therefore lacks legal approval.

The United States and Israel have been conducting airstrikes against targets in Iran since February 28. In response, Tehran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and US military facilities across the region, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.
13 March 2026 21:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday announced a plan worth more than 40 billion Canadian dollars (about 29.3 billion U.S. dollars) aimed at strengthening the countrys defense capabilities and boosting economic development in the Arctic region, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

Carney stated that after decades of limited investment, Canada is now taking significant steps to secure its northern territories and unlock their vast natural resources. In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity. We are defending and building together the true North, strong and free, he said.

The plan allocates more than 35 billion Canadian dollars (around 25.6 billion U.S. dollars) for upgrading military infrastructure, including modern airfields, hangars, fuel storage facilities, and multipurpose operational buildings. It also focuses on improving logistics and operational support across northern regions to strengthen the presence and responsiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In addition, four major infrastructure projects worth about 10 billion Canadian dollars (7.3 billion U.S. dollars) have been fast-tracked. One of the most significant projects is the construction of Canadas first overland transportation corridor to a deep-water port on the Arctic Ocean. This route will help connect valuable critical mineral deposits in the north to national highways and international markets.

The projects are expected to become operational by the early 2030s and are also intended to improve transportation, supply chains, and living conditions for northern communities.

The Canadian Arctic covers about 40 percent of Canadas landmass and nearly 70 percent of its coastline, stretching across roughly 4 million square kilometers and home to more than 140,000 people. Scientists also note that the region contains large reserves of rare earth elements and other strategic minerals, which are becoming increasingly important for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics.
Margaret C. Miller

Margaret C. Miller, born May 15, 1934, in Belhaven, North Carolina, entered her eternal rest peacefully in her sleep on March 3, 2026. Early in her marriage she, and her beloved husband Jack, moved to Newport News, Virginia, where she spent the next 70 years building a life filled with family, faith, service, and love.



Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Preston "Jack" Miller; two sons, Preston Miller, Jr. and Philip Miller; her parents, Staten and Lillian Clayton; and her siblings Verna, Otis, Jack, Edsel, and Lec.



She is survived by her oldest son, Staten Miller (Joyce); her daughterinlaw, Marcia Miller (Phil); her sister, Alice Miller; four grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild.



Margaret lived out her deep faith through service at Northside Christian Church, where she poured her heart into numerous ministries including Seniors Ministry, the KIT Group, Praymates Sunday School Class, Leading Bible studies, and various women's ministry events.



Her servant's heart and warm hospitality touched the lives of many. Countless friends, neighbors, first responders, and the staff at the Lackey Clinic were blessed by her lovingly prepared baked goods, thoughtful crafts, blankets, and the simple joy of her kindness.



Her legacy is one of faithful service, generous love, and unwavering devotion to the people around her. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.



A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday March 21st, 2026 at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven, North Carolina.



Margaret's life was a blessing to many, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.



Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Miller family.


Considering what real news is available for all to witness, and in great specificity, should one pursue what is true outside of the channeled realm of the corrupt corporate /legacy media, and: Is Institutionalized Corruption real, and is it a hindrance to sustaining our Constitutional Republic now, and for future generations of American citizens? Yes No Not sure 508 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



poll#218

Now that President Trump is picking his cabinet and immediate staff to insulate him from the poor judgement of the Bureaucratic Class, while moving quickly to transition this Constitutional Republic unto a wise and sustainable direction: What is your immediate impression as to how our nation will prosper? We are headed toward a Golden Age in America's self-governed society. This will all wind up in a clustered mess since Trump is a Fascist, and thought to be the second coming of Adolf Hitler by our best journalists. This is a time where critical days lay ahead, where only wise and responsible decisions must be made to sustain US. I generally do not pay attention, but expect only the best to occur ... and that is what I always expect. 162 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



On Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein joined 18 other Democratic governors in a letter urging Congress to reclaim its authority over tariffs following a 6-3 US Supreme Court ruling that President Donald Trump cannot use federal emergency powers to impose them.he said in a press release.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority decision in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. VOS Selections, released on Feb. 20. Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor joined him on its key holding. Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas dissented.The case produced 170 pages of opinions from seven of the nine justices. They offered multiple takes on the president's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to justify tariffs on imported goods.Roberts wrote for the majority.Roberts added.Stein, a Democrat, said in the release that he had previously warned of the impact that tariffs could have on North Carolina's growing industries. Last year, he led a delegation to the Southeast United States (SEUS)/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. During this meeting, he underscored the difficulties that tariffs were causing for international businesses looking to grow their presence in the United States. Additionally, at an event last year in Winston-Salem, the governor highlighted the negative impact that tariffs and uncertainty were having on Hurricane Helene recovery, warning that higher construction costs could result in fewer houses being built.Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation, said that the Supreme Court reaffirmed a foundational principle: the power to tax and regulate trade belongs to Congress.he said.Bryson said.After the ruling, President Trump imposed 10% tariffs based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The tariffs could rise to 15%. Section 122 tariffs were designed to replace tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.Brian Balfour, senior vice president of research at the John Locke Foundation, told Carolina Journal that the Supreme Court's ruling against the president's tariffs doesn't seem to have stopped his ambitions to continue his tariff regime.he said.North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson cited John Locke Foundation research this month as he touted a new multistate lawsuit challenging federal tariffs.Jackson signed on to the March 5 suit filed by 22 state attorneys general and two Democratic governors. The state of Oregon serves as the lead plaintiff.The complaint filed in the US Court of International Trade seeks a declaration that so-calledtariffs are illegal. The states also seek refunds.The new tariffs could cost North Carolina households $800 to $1,300 this year, according to an estimate from Jackson's office.The attorney general referencesa January Locke report authored by Jeffrey Dorfman, professor of agricultural and resource economics at North Carolina State University.according to the states' lawsuit.
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BENNINGTON  A bridge replacement project long in the back of many minds in the Bennington area will begin in earnest this month.

Vermont Agency of Transportation officials held a public information session here Wednesday concerning replacement of the concrete and steel beam bridge that carries Route 9 (East Main Street) over the Walloomsac River between the highways intersections with Beech and Morgan streets.

Vtrans Project Manager Rob Young and other officials and project contractors traced the work schedule, which will involve lane closures at the site, beginning March 23, and include a full closure of the 48-foot span from April 13 through early June.

The expected project completion date is in late August.

The $7,043,777 million project began last August with preliminary utility and infrastructure work in the vicinity of the bridge. The town is responsible for 5 percent of the cost of the state and federally funded project.

Built in 1923

The overall project goal is a full replacement of the 103-year-old bridge with a new span considered to have at least a 75-year life span.

The replacement bridge will include sections that are prefabricated off-site and lowered into place by a crane. This is expected to allow for faster installation with less disruption to the area.

During the initial demolition and bridge closure period, there will be some work on the bridge at night, officials said.

Asked by Bennington Police Department Lieutenant Camillo Grande what hours would be involved in the night work, Cale Gleason, project superintendent with Kubricky-Jointa Lime LLC Construction, said it would be up to 24 hours per day at times.

During the summer, daily single-lane closures with flaggers or temporary signals will be in effect.

Detours

While the bridge is closed, the detours for passenger vehicles will involve utilizing Safford Street to the west, Bradford Street to the east and Gage Street to navigate around the bridge site.

For tractor-trailer vehicles, the detour will be over Route 9, Route 279 and Route 7 and wont involve local streets.

Questions about the project can be directed to senior planner and public information consultant Leah F. Beckett via email at leah.f.beckett@imegcorp.com or by phone at 802-489-6593.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low 46F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Being in here in the last three weeks has been so wonderful and relaxing for patients because we have space, owner Christina Meucci said. There's a peaceful energy about this place It's not so tight and squeezed.
After years of using free cash to lower the tax rate, the towns reserves will drop to $400,000 if a Proposition 2 override fails at the May 12 election  far below what state guidelines consider financially healthy.
Johnson & Johnson launches new TECNIS Odyssey next-gen intraocular lens in India

March 13, 2026 | Friday | News

Offering cataract patients precise vision at every distance in any lighting

Johnson & Johnson is expanding its portfolio of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (PC-IOL) with the roll-out of TECNIS Odyssey IOL in India. The new full visual range IOL offers high-quality and continuous vision with unmatched range.

This will allow patients to see clearly from far to near and in between, minimising their need for glasses. Built on the industry-leading TECNIS platform, combining advanced optics and proprietary materials, TECNIS Odyssey IOL offers consistently clear, high-contrast vision.

TECNIS Odyssey is engineered for surgeon confidence as Freeform diffractive profile contributes to enhanced tolerance to residual refractive errors. 94% of patients were satisfied with their overall vision without glasses.

Freeform diffractive profile contributes to a low incidence of bothersome visual disturbances. 93% of patients either did not report any visual disturbances.

TECNIS Odyssey delivers superior low light contrast. 92% satisfaction with ability to see steps and curbs at night. With a variety of options for different visual needs and lifestyles, the TECNIS platform empowers more patients to find the right solution. This year marks the 25th anniversary of TECNIS innovation at Johnson & Johnson.

The TECNIS Odyssey IOL addresses a significant unmet need for cataract patients seeking greater spectacle independence. Its introduction in India expands access to advanced IOL technology designed to deliver high-quality, continuous vision across distances. Together with TECNIS PureSee, TECNIS Odyssey IOL elevates the strength and depth of our IOL portfolio, helping us meet the diverse needs of todays aging population, said Burzin Shahana, Country Manager, Surgical Vision India & South Asia, Johnson & Johnson.
Entrepreneurs can create solutions that are both impactful and commercially successful

March 13, 2026 | Friday | Views

The Nadathur S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) in association with DailyRounds/Marrow has organised a day long MedTech Day 2026 in Bangalore by bringing together clinicians, innovators and startup founders to discuss the next wave of healthcare entrepreneurship in India. In a Fireside Chat with Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO, NSRCEL, Chaitanya Sarawate, President & CEO - India and South Asia, GE Healthcare discussed how innovation plays a crucial role both for startups and large organisations like GE Healthcare.

What role does innovation play in large companies like GE Healthcare?

Innovation is essential for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving healthcare industry. Large organisations like GE Healthcare possess strong resources such as capital, distribution channels, and regulatory knowledge. However, these advantages sometimes lead companies to focus on incremental improvements rather than disruptive innovations. Therefore, companies must continuously re-evaluate their innovation processes to remain relevant and competitive.

What lesson did GE Healthcare learn during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic highlighted the speed and adaptability of startups and smaller companies. While large corporations were discussing long-term production plans, several smaller firms quickly designed and delivered functional ventilators. This experience showed GE Healthcare that it had become somewhat risk-averse and needed to rediscover its entrepreneurial mindset. The company realised that innovation requires agility, experimentation, and openness to external ideas.

What is the innovation framework GE Healthcare follows?

The innovation framework followed at GE Healthcare consists of three key stages: insight, invention, and industrialisation. The first stage, insight, focuses on deeply understanding the real problems faced by customers, clinicians, or healthcare providers rather than simply responding to surface-level requests. Once the core problem is clearly identified, the second stage, invention, involves developing a technological or process-based solution that effectively addresses that need. The final stage, industrialisation, is about scaling the solution by manufacturing it efficiently and distributing it widely so that it can reach global markets and benefit a larger population.

While GE Healthcare has long been strong in the industrialisation phasebecause of its established manufacturing capabilities and global distribution networksthe company realised it needed to strengthen its ability to generate deeper insights and transform them into meaningful innovations.

How does understanding customer insight improve innovation?

Customer insight helps companies design solutions that address the real problem instead of merely responding to surface-level requests. In the anaesthesia machine example, doctors initially asked for neonatal capability, which seemed to require complex engineering changes. However, deeper research showed that their primary concern was reliability and precision in gas delivery. By understanding the underlying need, engineers could design a more practical solution while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Why is open innovation important for large companies?

Large organisations cannot address every technological challenge internally. By collaborating with startups, universities, and research institutions, companies gain access to diverse ideas, new technologies, and entrepreneurial thinking. Open innovation allows corporations to extend their research ecosystem and accelerate the development of new healthcare solutions.

What initiatives has GE Healthcare taken to support startups?

GE Healthcare launched programmes such as the 5.8 Accelerator, which focuses on developing healthcare solutions for the billions of people worldwide who lack access to quality medical services. Through such initiatives, startups receive mentorship, technical guidance, and access to GEs manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

At what stage should startups collaborate with large companies?

Collaboration works best when startups have developed a working prototype and a clear understanding of their target market. At this stage, large companies can provide support in areas such as regulatory approvals, product validation, manufacturing, and global distribution. Engaging too early may slow down startups due to the complex processes and risk-management practices of large organizations.

What advice was given to founders and innovators?

Founders should focus on solving real problems rather than striving for unnecessary technological perfection. Products must meet safety standards, but innovators should also consider what customers actually need and are willing to pay for. By balancing innovation with practicality and market demand, entrepreneurs can create solutions that are both impactful and commercially successful.

Narayan Kulkarni

([email protected])
The job cuts at the generics manufacturer Sandoz in Kundl in Tyrol will only affect the development organization, not the antibiotics production site. (archive picture) Keystone

The generics and biosimilars manufacturer Sandoz is apparently planning to cut around 100 jobs at its Austrian site in Kundl in Tyrol.

Keystone-SDA SDA

The company confirmed to the APA news agency that it is planning to close the Development Center, which focuses on the development of generic medicines.

The measure would only affect the development organization, not the antibiotics production site, it was emphasized. The "Tiroler Tageszeitung" newspaper first reported on the redundancies.

The approximately 100 employees affected had already been informed of the "planned changes", it said. The company is currently in the process of consulting with the local works council.

"We will accompany all affected colleagues with care and comprehensive support services to facilitate their transition to new opportunities within or outside of Sandoz," Sandoz announced.

The Swiss pharmaceutical company currently employs around 2700 people in Austria. The Development Center in Kundl supports a "broad range of pharmaceuticals and is not exclusively focused on antibiotics", it said.

According to the works council, between 170 and 190 jobs could even be cut in Kundl. According to employee representatives, staff are to be cut in two departments and the dissolved department is to be relocated to Slovenia and India. The antibiotics research department, on the other hand, will remain in Kundl. The company did not comment on these figures.

According to Sandoz, Kundl will remain the strategic center for penicillins, which is "unique" in Europe. Those responsible referred to investments in the production site amounting to 200 million euros in the past two years alone.
President Guy Parmelin and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the bilateral treaty package in Brussels on March 2. (archive picture) Keystone

The Federal Council has approved the package of agreements on the further development of relations with the EU and submitted it to Parliament. With the so-called "Bilaterals III", the government wants to stabilize the bilateral path and secure cooperation with Switzerland's most important trading partner.

Keystone-SDA SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you The Federal Council has adopted the dispatch on the "Bilaterals III" EU treaty package, which means that Parliament will now take over the further processing.

The package includes three new agreements (electricity, health, food safety) as well as three new laws and amendments to 36 existing federal laws.

The aim is to stabilize and further develop the bilateral path with the EU, whereby the agreements are to be subject to an optional referendum. Show more

Parliament is taking the lead on the EU dossier. On Friday, the Federal Council approved the dispatch on the EU treaty package and submitted it to the Federal Assembly.

With the "Stabilization and further development of relations between Switzerland and the EU (Bilaterals III)" package, the Federal Council wants to stabilize the tried-and-tested bilateral approach and make it fit for the future, the government announced. In addition, stable and reliable relations with neighboring European countries are of "strategic importance" in view of the tense geopolitical situation.

The Federal Council has amended three other laws compared to the consultation draft. These relate to the participation rights of the cantons, parliament and the public in the context of so-called "decision shaping", as it was further stated. This refers to Switzerland's involvement in the EU legislative process in areas in which Switzerland is to participate in future.

Three new laws and amendments to 36 laws

According to the documents, Parliament will have to deal with three new laws: on the monitoring of state aid, on administrative cooperation in the recognition of professional qualifications and on Switzerland's contributions to strengthening cohesion in Europe. The Federal Council is also requesting four credit commitments.

36 existing federal laws would have to be further amended, 15 of which are "substantial" and 21 of which are "minor". As part of the package, 94 EU legal acts of a legislative nature are relevant for Switzerland. The government explains the details to legislators in the 1086-page dispatch, which has been published.

As already decided in June, the Federal Council is unravelling the treaty package and submitting four federal resolutions to Parliament: one on the stabilization of the existing agreements and one each on the three new agreements in the areas of electricity, health and food safety.

The Federal Council is also sticking to its decision to submit the agreements to an optional referendum. This means that in the event of a referendum, only the majority of the people and not the majority of the cantons will decide the outcome of the vote. Parliament will also make the final decision.

Link to existing bilateral agreements

According to the Federal Council, the bill will stabilize the tried-and-tested bilateral approach and make it fit for the future. It guarantees the continuity of economic, scientific and social relations with the EU, Switzerland's "most important trading partner".

Furthermore, the government believes that the path taken remains the "best option" for shaping relations between Switzerland and the EU. The current package of agreements builds on the existing Bilateral Agreements I and II. The Federal Council therefore also refers to the package as Bilaterals III.


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Lidl Ireland has announced that its Cavan-produced Irish grass-fed beef, produced in partnership with Liffey Meats, is set to be part of a major international promotion.

Starting in March, a new 7.5 million supply deal will see the opportunity for Irish beef to be exported to Lidl stores in up to 26 European markets throughout the year, building on an existing footprint of 17 countries, through Lidls international supply network.

The latest agreement brings Lidl Irelands total contract value with its primary Irish beef suppliers to a combined 100 million, with the total annual Irish beef export value rising to 35 million.

They said it reflects Lidl's ongoing commitment to sourcing high-quality produce from local producers and facilitating their growth in international markets.

It will showcase a premium selection of cutsincluding the Deluxe Angus Fillet Steak 32 Days, Deluxe Angus Rib Eye Steak 32 Days, Deluxe Angus Sirloin Steak 32 Days and the Deluxe Angus Striploin Steak 32 Dayswhich will be rolled out across Lidls network of stores in Europe throughout the year, including stores in Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and Finland

As Lidl Irelands largest Irish beef supplier, Cavan-based Liffey Meats has grown into a cornerstone of the retailer's supply chain over a partnership spanning more than 20 years.

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Central to this partnership is the Lidl Sustainable Beef Programme, a joint initiative with Liffey Meats. This industry-leading programme supports more than 20 Irish beef farmers in implementing innovative sustainable farming practices.

Kevin Duffy, chief commercial officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: At Lidl Ireland, we are immensely proud of our crucial role as a gateway for Irish suppliers to reach international markets. Irish beef is a global gold standard, and through this major promotion, we are bringing a wide range of premium cuts to Lidl customers in 26 countries across Europe.

"Reaching an export value of 35 million is a landmark moment that reflects the incredible quality produced by our valued partners, including our longstanding partner of over 20 years, Liffey Meats.

"This initiative is about more than just a single product; it is a showcase of the consistency and excellence of the entire Irish beef industry. By utilising our extensive international network, we are ensuring that the provenance of Irish beef is recognised on a global stage, providing a significant boost to our local suppliers and the wider rural economy."
Following through on an old threat, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off a vital waterway that normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.

As oil markets worry about a global energy crisis, the United States has said it may consider escorting vessels through the strait, which could prove very hard to secure - something Yemen's Houthis proved in disrupting Red Sea shipping last year.

About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the strait, where traffic has dropped by 97 per cent since the war against Iran began on February 28th, according to United Nations data.

Why has Iran cut off the strait now?

When a commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in 2011 that cutting off the strait would be "easier than drinking a glass of water", the threat to the strait had already been made many times before.

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In the years since, the Guards have continued to warn they could close it, including during tensions over sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme in 2016 and 2018 and during Israeli and US strikes in June last year.

Analysts have always regarded the closure of the strait as a measure of last resort because of the long-term strategic changes it might prompt among Iran's enemies, and the potential for retaliation against its own energy sector.

The attack on Iran starting on February 28th with the killing of its supreme leader has changed that equation. Iranian officials describe the war as existential and with the Guards increasingly taking charge of strategy.

What is at stake?

The narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman is the only sea exit for oil- and gas-producing countries such as Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Oil prices briefly climbed to their highest level since 2022 on Monday. High oil prices could trigger another cost-of-living crisis, as happened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the United Nations.

A prolonged conflict could also cause a fertiliser shock, risking global food security. About 33 per cent of the worlds fertilisers, including sulphur and ammonia, pass through the Strait, according to analytics firm Kpler.

An extended war could fuel fears of a global economic crisis similar to those that followed the Middle East oil shocks of the 1970s.

Why is the strait so hard to secure?

Shipping lanes are just two nautical miles wide and ships must make a turn opposite Iranian islands and a mountainous coast that provides cover for Iranian forces, according to shipping broker SSY Global.

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Iran's conventional navy has largely been destroyed but the Guards still have plenty of options including fast attack craft, mini submarines, mines and even jetskis packed with explosives, said Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy commander.

Tehran has the capacity to produce around 10,000 drones a month, according to the Centre for Information Resilience, a non-profit research group.

Escorting three or four ships a day through the strait would be feasible in the short-term using seven or eight destroyers providing air cover, and would depend on whether the risk from mini submarines has been reduced, but doing so sustainably for months would require more resources, Sharpe said.

Even if Iran's capacity to deploy ballistic missiles, drones and floating mines were destroyed, ships would still face a threat from suicide operations, said Adel Bakawan, Director of the European Institute for Middle East and North African Studies.

If the war does continue for weeks, some kind of escort will come together, said Kevin Rowlands, Editor of the RUSI Journal at the Royal United Services Institute.

"The world needs oil to flow through from the Gulf, and so there is planning ongoing to put protection measures in place, he said.

What have the US and other countries promised?

Trump said on March 3rd that the US would provide protection through the strait for oil tankers, but there have already been attacks and very little is getting through.

He also said he had ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide insurance and guarantees for shipping companies.

French President Emmanuel Macron said several European countries, India and other Asian states were planning a joint mission to provide protection. But he said such an operation could happen only once the conflict ends.

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France is deploying about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz.

British prime minister Keir Starmer has spoken to the German and Italian leaders about options to provide support for commercial shipping in the strait, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"We're looking at a range of options there," General Caine told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday without providing details.

What happened to other shipping chokepoints in the region?

Yemen's Houthis, a group allied with Tehran but with a far smaller military arsenal at their disposal than Iran, managed to shut down most traffic passing through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on its way to the Suez Canal for more than two years despite protection provided by US and European Union-led forces.

Most shipping companies are still using a far longer route via the southern tip of Africa. Danish shipping company Maersk had said it would begin a staggered return to the Suez route from January.

An EU-led force has been more successful at countering piracy off Somalia's coast, but that has been against forces far less well equipped than Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Are there any alternatives to using the strait?

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have sought to find ways to bypass the strait by building more oil pipelines.

But those are not currently operational and an attack on an east-west Saudi pipeline by Houthi militia in 2019 showed those alternatives were also vulnerable.
A British barrister is suing Google in the High Court in a bid to delist search engine results allegedly linked to UK Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publications naming him as a promoter of tax-avoidance arrangements.

Setu Kamal denies HMRCs assertion, claims it is false, and says that its publication of the claim fails to clarify or contextualise flaws in the assertion.

Kamal, a British national with an address in Limassol, Cyprus, is suing Google under EU privacy rules, asserting his so-called right to be forgotten. The EUs General Data Protection Regulation allows for persons to compel data controllers  such as Google  to erase their personal data.

Kamal wants Google to remove search results allegedly linking to the HMRC publication.

According to his court papers, Kamal claims HMRC has unjustly targeted him because, in legal proceedings in the UK, he acted for certain clients who had availed of a scheme described by the authority as tax avoidance.

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He says that the legal basis for HMRCs assertions that he is a promoter of tax-avoidances arrangements is in breach of EU law, and his human rights.

This week, barrister Aillil OReilly, appearing for Kamal, and instructed by Graham Kenny solicitors, moved an application seeking permission to file sworn documents prepared by Kamal electronically.

OReilly told Judge Brian Cregan that Kamal is currently in Dubai, and due to the ongoing war in Iran and the wider Middle East region, has been unable to arrange transfer of the physical documents to Ireland. The judge granted permission for the electronic filing.

Kamals action against Google comes in the same week as a separate 9.3 million (8 million) libel claim he brought against Dan Neidle, a journalist and tax expert, was thrown out by the High Court in London.

The court held that Kamals lawsuit met the statutory definition of being strategic litigation against public participation, or a Slapp case.

In his High Court action against Google, Kamal is seeking various reliefs, including an order compelling Google to delist various search engine results, including URLs allegedly linking to the HMRCs webpage naming him as a promoter of tax avoidance.

Kamal submits that he has written to Google seeking the removal or rectification of the search engine results, under the GDPR rules.

In a sworn statement, Kamal says that in 2023, he brought judicial review proceedings on behalf of four corporate entities, who sought to challenge HMRCs publication of their names as being suspected of promoting tax avoidance. The High Court in London refused to grant permission for these cases.

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In September 2025, Kamal says his name was published on HMRCs website, describing him as a promoter of tax avoidance, and linking him to the four companies whom he acted for in judicial review proceedings.

Kamal claims that he was never engaged to provide taxation advice for the four companies. He cites the cab rank rule in claiming that he does not pick and choose clients to represent.

I believe that I have been described as a promoter of tax avoidance because of my work as a barrister in court, acting for the [companies], he says.

Further to this, Kamal claims the law relied upon by HMRC in publishing his name is incompatible with EU law.

HMRCs publication of his name has been widely indexed in Google search results, Kamal says. He says that these results do not state that he denies advising the companies on tax matters, and that he believes he is being targeted for his work as a barrister.

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Kamal claims he has suffered significant harm from the publications listed on Google search results.

I would submit that my entire career  the fruits of four degrees read, a place at the Bar and at chambers earned, 20 years of goodwill garnered and as many years fighting for human rights and EU law  may have come to be irreversibly destroyed if the publication continues, he submits.

__________________________________________

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A doctor who raped a nurse, as she was sleeping on a couch at a friends apartment, was jailed for eight years on Friday.

The victim, who is entitled to her legal right to anonymity, said she got justice after her rapist Dr Louay Kila was convicted by a jury last week following his trial.

Kila, (31), had denied rape and sexual assault of the woman, at an apartment in Limerick City, on March 2nd, 2024.

Kila raped the woman first, and when she told him to stop, he carried on sexually assaulting her.

At the time Kila was a senior registrar at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), and the victim was a nurse at the Limerick hospital in March 2024.

In a statement after Kilas conviction, the HSE said it should have immediately suspended Kila from duty but it did not.

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Dr Kila should have been suspended from clinical practice when we became aware of the assault. Regrettably, this did not occur. This does not reflect current practice and policy, said HSE Mid West.

Protective measures were put in place for the victim based on her individual requirements following her identification of the assault. The welfare of our staff remains our priority, it added.

Kila, of Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, was voluntarily suspended from the list of medical practitioners in Ireland, in March 2025.

The court heard Kila encountered the victim at a bar on the night and they later separately went to an apartment afterwards as part of two different groups.

Sentencing Judge Sean Gillane said that Kila, a Moroccan native, had deliberately exploited the victims vulnerability as she had been intoxicated and asleep when he raped and assaulted her.

The judge said Kila made unfounded claims to gardai that he and the victim had engaged in consensual kissing and touching at the apartment.

Kila told gardai that the victim had concocted the rape and sex assault complaint against him because she was embarrassed and concerned that her then boyfriend would find out she had been kissing Kila.

The judge said the jury rightfully rejected Kilas unfounded claims.

He (Kila) maintained it knowing it to be false. His level of culpability is very high, he was a mature man, and a doctor where the victim worked, said the judge.

The victim was vulnerable through consumption of alcohol and sleep and she was deliberately exploited by (Kila). She could not have anticipated she was in any danger, said Judge Gillian.

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The court heard that Kila told the victim that he did not like her boyfriend. Later on the night, a photograph of Kila kissing the victim on the side of her face while she was asleep on the night, was sent to the victims boyfriend via social media.

The victims boyfriend messaged back, Were done, which also caused the victim further anxiety and trauma as she had been completely oblivious to the taking and sending of the photograph.

It was a deliberate act of humiliation and is a highly aggravating factor in this case, said the judge.

When Kila, who was accompanied by a friend on the night, was leaving the apartment after raping and assaulting the woman, he grabbed her by her jaw and tried to forcefully kiss her.

The kiss added insult to injury and reflects very badly on the accused, said the judge.

Judge Gillane said that Kila acted in a deeply manipulative way when he sent the victim a text message, the day after he raped and assaulted her, asking if she was alright, that her well-being was important to him, and if she wanted to meet up for a chat.

Last week the victim courageously faced Kila in court after the jury convicted him of both offences and told him: I got justice.

Reading a victim impact statement in court, the woman addressed Kila: To my rapist, I stood up and I am holding you accountable for your actions and I got justice.

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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.

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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 felt physically sick walking back into the hospital, where Kila continued working for a time.

The victim 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.

In respect fo the rape, the judge imposed a headline sentence of nine and half years, reducing it to eight years. Kila received a concurrent four year sentence for the sexual assault, and was placed on a register for sex offenders.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
The conflict in the Middle East has increased the importance of having good relations between the UK and Ireland, Keir Starmer has said.

And Taoiseach Micheal Martin said increased coordination between the two countries would help to guarantee economic security.

The two leaders met in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Martin at Fota House ahead of the series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

Following the meeting, Starmer and Martin released a joint statement with a list of agreed actions in the areas of shared prosperity, shared seas and shared ties.

Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin arrive at Fota House in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

Speaking at the start of the summit, Martin said work between the two Governments to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles personifies the benefits of our relationship.

He added: We have an agreed memorandum of understanding in terms of defence and security which is very, very important where we are collectively working together in a collaborative way and a co-operative way, work to protect our sub-sea cables, our critical underwater infrastructure, the challenges on cyber attacks that affect us all and more general security issues.

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I think that level of co-ordination is very, very important to underpin and guarantee our economic security, but broader security in a very challenging and uncertain world.

Starmer highlighted cooperation on trade and energy policies.

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 740 million of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

Sir Keir said: We look at Ukraine  the conflict now in Iran, you can see when it comes to energy, our ability to collaborate and co-operate for energy security and bringing bills down and moving to renewables further and faster is critical.

I do think in light of the conflict in Iran it is really important that we work ever more closely together Sir Keir Starmer

He added: The context at the moment is one where we have to work ever more closely together as key partners.

We are working together to protect our citizens who are in the Gulf, collaborating in the last two weeks to ensure that we can work together to get those citizens back to our respective countries.

We can go further and we have the ambition to go further on defence and security, that is really important.

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Europe needs to do more, we need to step up on defence and security, we all need to spend more but that has got to be co-ordinated, weve got to collaborate otherwise we wont get strategically what we need when it comes to defence and security.

I do think in light of the conflict in Iran it is really important that we work ever more closely together.

On Thursday, Sir Keir said more than 900 million of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud computing, and financial services.

Sir Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

The Government of Ireland is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and Prime Minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the regions political parties on Thursday.
A Nigerian national who insists gardai mixed him up with one of his nine identical brothers is the first person in the State to be prosecuted for obstructing deportation.

Alleged "decuplet", Sam Okwuoha, 28, was originally brought before Dublin District Court on Tuesday, following a Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) investigation.

He claims that it stems from a case of mistaken identity, which has led to him being charged with a single offence contrary to section 8 (1) (a), (2) and 9 of the Immigration Act 1999.

According to court documents he is accused that on March 6 at Dublin Airport, "being a person in respect of whom a deportation order was signed on 06.01.2026 under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 by the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, did obstruct or hinder a person authorised by the said Minister namely Detective Garda Graham Dillon to deport you from the State pursuant to the order while the said person was engaged in such deportation."

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The accused, who had previously lived in Dublin, replied, "I am not the person" when the charge was put to him.

Bail was denied on Tuesday, and his case continued before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.

The accused, who appeared via video link, spoke several times during the procedural hearing, at first repeating his contention that "I am not the person named on the charge."

After confirming the legal firm he wished to represent him, the judge noted that the allegation was a "summary only" offence, dealt with at the District Court level, and punishable by a maximum 12-month sentence and a fine of up to 2,500.

"It is the first time we have ever used it," GNIB Detective Garda Dillon advised the court.

The defence barrister asked for an adjournment to allow gardai to provide disclosure, and the judge remanded Okwuoha in continuing custody to appear again in two weeks to formally enter a plea.

He noted from the detective garda that it was alleged that officers attempted to remove the accused from the State, "and the removal had to be aborted due to his behaviour".

Mitchell stressed that the accused still retained the presumption of innocence and directed that disclosure should be furnished within a week.

The defence barrister assured Okwuoha that a legal consultation would be arranged as soon as possible, and he thanked his counsel.

The judge asked the GNIB detective if it was a new kind of charge or had ever been prosecuted before: the officer replied, "It has not been prosecuted before. I suppose the level of resistance is unusual".

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"We will wait and see", returned Mitchell, adding that the man could enter a not guilty plea.

At his first appearance, on March 10th, the officer said he had a "lengthy list" of bail objections, adding that "we attempted to deport this man and he obstructed the deportation".

Another barrister who represented the accused at Tuesday's bail hearing had said the accused maintained he was not the person named in the charge. The detective countered, "We are 100 per cent confident," adding that it had been confirmed by legitimate authorities.

Okwuoha did not require an interpreter and spoke only during the bail hearing to instruct his barrister, who informed the court that his client maintained to be "one of decuplets", a rare occurrence in which 10 children are born from the same pregnancy.

Ireland Doctor who raped nurse jailed as HSE admits he should have been suspended Read more

Counsel had informed the court that Okwuoha had identical brothers and that he "swapped places with his brother and came to Ireland".

The detective believed Okwuoha would not appear in court if granted bail, and that he had a bench warrant history for failing to attend proceedings in the State and for "giving different names, using different dates of birth and identities".

__________________________________________

As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more
Micheal Martin has rejected the idea that the Government is not providing information to Troubles Legacy investigative bodies.

The Taoiseach also said the UK-Irelands Legacy Framework is a generational opportunity to make progress for Troubles survivors and bereaved families.

Declan Morgan, chief commissioner of the UK's Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which investigates Troubles Crimes under the Labour Governments reformed Legacy Act, has previously said the body does not have information-sharing arrangements with the Irish authorities.

Earlier this week DUP leader Gavin Robinson said An Garda Siochana had never responded to requests from the ICRIR.

Also this week, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan secured government approval for a Bill to facilitate former ministers and state bodies in giving sworn testimony to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Micheal Martin speaks to the press (Brian Lawless/PA)

Martin told reporters at Fota House, Co Cork, after the UK-Ireland summit with UK prime minister Keir Starmer, the Government would reject any idea that were not providing information.

In fact, as you know, cabinet has approved legislation to facilitate the co-operation with the Omagh inquiry and that is bespoke legislation to facilitate the taking of evidence and so forth, he said.

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We did a bespoke mechanism for the Kingsmill inquiry also and the chairman of that inquiry spoke positively in terms of how that worked in the context of Kingsmill.

"I have made it very clear that any information we can give to help victims and survivors of the Troubles we will do and we will co-operate fully in that regard.

Last year, a joint UK/Irish framework on the Troubles was announced, which outlined a range of measures and mechanisms for dealing with historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict.

The framework included commitments to fundamentally reform the structures established by the last Conservative governments contentious Legacy Act, including the removal of a controversial provision that offered a form of conditional immunity to perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

The Government then committed to the fullest possible co-operation with the new legacy commission and the creation of a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Siochana.

Speaking about the framework the Taoiseach said: I think this is a generational opportunity to get the Legacy issue over the line so that we can begin to respond to the needs of families.

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Its a generational anguish and trauma that we need to respond to and its gone on for far, far too long, were going on two and half decades now, and I think this is a robust framework, we all agreed weve all had to compromise to get where we are.

Martin also said: I think weve made a lot of progress on Legacy and I would pay tribute to Keir Starmer, to (Northern Ireland Secretary) Hilary Benn whove worked on that with the Tanaiste and Helen McEntee.
The UK prime minister is meeting the Taoiseach in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Keir Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Fota House ahead of a series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

The high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions which will focus on energy links between Britain and Ireland.

Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin arrive at Fota House in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 855 million (740 million) of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

The UK and Irish governments are also expected to discuss joint exercises to test the resilience of subsea fibre optic cables which run between the UK and Ireland, and a crackdown on shadow fleets and other threats in the Irish and Celtic seas, through a refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding.

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On Thursday, Starmer said more than 1 billion (900 million) of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud-computing, and financial services.

Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised.

The Government is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and prime minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The prime minister is joined by UK energy secretary Ed Miliband, environment secretary Emma Reynolds, and business secretary Peter Kyle.

Starmer and Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn met the North's political parties on Thursday.
A large explosion rocked an area of Irans capital where thousands were gathered for the annual state-organised Quds Day to support the Palestinians and call for Israels demise.

Israel had earlier warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.





There were no immediate reports of casualties in the explosion on Friday.

But the decision to proceed with the mass demonstrations, and Israels threat to target the area, underscored the fierce determination on both sides nearly two weeks into a war that has rattled the global economy and shows no sign of letting up.

Iran has continued to launch widespread daily missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighbouring Gulf states.

It has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds traded oil passes, even as US and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.



Residents and officers from Israels Home Front Command inspect a house destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Zarzir (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed to continue the attacks and keep the strait closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed in the opening day of the war.

Mr Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over leadership, and the written statement was read by a state TV anchor.



Demonstrators attend the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, rally in support of Palestinians in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said Mr Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, without providing evidence or elaborating.

Israel suspects Mr Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on Friday alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at military exercises in Norway.

Mr Merz said the world is witnessing a dangerous escalation, and said Iran is indiscriminately carrying out attacks on countries across the Gulf region.

With every day this war lasts, more questions are coming up, more than can be answered yet, Mr Merz said.

And one thing becomes increasingly clear, we need a convincing plan on how this war can come to an end.



(PA Graphics)

In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said the war would end when I feel it in my bones.

With growing global concerns about a possible energy crisis and no end to the war in sight, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, remained more than 100 dollars per barrel.

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Brent prices have spiked as high as about 120 dollars per barrel and are about 40% higher than when Israel and the US launched the war on February 28.



US President Donald Trump had said watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today in a social media post (Luis M Alvarez/AP)

The explosion rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual rally organised by the government in which they chanted death to Israel and death to America.

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast.

But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet since the start of the war.

Footage from the scene showed people chanting God is greatest as smoke rose in the area.



A man examines a site struck by an Iranian missile in Zarzir, northern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israel did not say what it was targeting, but Iranian leaders often attend the annual rallies.

The hard-liner who leads Irans judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, had been giving an interview to a state television reporter at the demonstration when the strike happened.

His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.





Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 12 March 2026. pic.twitter.com/nf2OfCMBQv  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 12, 2026

Senior security official Ali Larijani, who was also at the Quds Day demonstrations, told Iranian media covering the event that the suspected Israeli attack was a sign of its desperation.

Israel had earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targes in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defence systems and weapons production sites.



A man chants slogans during the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, rally in support of Palestinians in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

In Washington DC, Mr Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck, which is more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

In a social media post hours earlier, Mr Trump had said watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today while claiming that Irans military had been decimated and that its leaders had been wiped from the face of the earth.

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Iran has been attacking oil and other infrastructure around the Gulf region, and on Friday Saudi Arabia said that it had downed nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves.

In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in an industrial area in the region of Sohar, the Oman News Agency reported.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain warning of incoming fire, and black smoke billowed from an industrial area in the business and tourism hub of Dubai, after a blaze that authorities said was sparked by debris from an interception.

A building at the Dubai International Financial Centre also sustained damage when hit with debris from what authorities described as a successful interception.

DIFC is an economic free zone for banks, capital traders and wealth managers, home to exclusive restaurants and nightclubs.



US defence secretary Pete Hegseth (right) claimed Irans supreme leader was wounded and likely disfigured (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Iran said earlier this week that it would target banks and financial institutions, after an airstrike hit a bank in Tehran.

In Turkey, Nato defences intercepted another ballistic missile fired from Iran, the third time since the war began.

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Residents in the southern city of Adana reported hearing a loud explosion and sirens sounding at Incirlik Air Base, which is used by US forces, in the early hours of the day.

At least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanons southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanons Health Ministry said on Friday.

Nine others were wounded, the ministry added.

The toll could rise as rescuers search the rubble.



Demonstrators hold posters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, in Tehran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The ministry said 773 people, including more than 100 children and 62 women, have been killed in Lebanon in the last 10 days of the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

More than 1,900 people have been wounded, it said.

The US military said that four of six crew members of an American KC-135 refuelling plane that went down in Iraq had been found dead and that recovery efforts were ongoing to find the other two.

US Central Command said that the crash was not related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the US militarys operations against Iran.





U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that a French soldier was killed in an attack targeting Irbil in Iraqs northern Kurdish region.

France earlier said that six soldiers had been hurt in a drone strike in Irbil, where French troops are deployed as part of a multinational mission supporting Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group.
Irans secretive new supreme leader vowed on Thursday to keep up attacks on Gulf Arab countries and use the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel.

It was his first public statement since he succeeded his father, who was killed in an Israeli strike.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, who an Iranian official said was wounded in the opening salvo of the war, has not appeared in public since then.

In the statement read by a state TV news presenter, he vowed to avenge those killed in the war, including in a strike on a school that killed more than 165 people.



Flames and smoke rise from an oil storage facility in Tehran (Alireza Sotakbar/ISNA/AP)

His comments signalled no plans for talks to end the war, which has disrupted global energy supplies, international travel and the relative safety enjoyed by the Gulf Arab states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the new supreme leader as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards who cannot appear in public.

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And he addressed the Iranian people, calling this a moment for a new path of freedom.

But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands, he added at a news conference. We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime.

US and Israeli strikes have exacted a heavy toll on Irans leadership, military and ballistic missile programme but have failed to topple the government, which US President Donald Trump has at times suggested is his goal.

Mr Netanyahu said Israeli attacks had killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist and hit others.

The US and Israel say that destroying whatever remains of Irans nuclear programme is one of the central aims of the war.

They have long suspected Iran seeks nuclear weapons, while the Islamic Republic says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Israel said earlier it struck a nuclear facility in Iran in recent days that it had destroyed with an airstrike in October 2024. Earlier this year, satellite photos raised concerns that Iran was working to restore the facility.





U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

As Mr Netanyahu spoke, the Israeli military said it had detected a new barrage of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

Rescue efforts were under way after an American military refuelling plane went down in Iraq, the US military said on Thursday.

The KC-135 aircraft is part of the operation against Iran, but the crash was not because of hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said.

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US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two aircraft were involved. One landed safely, while the other went down in western Iraq.

Iran is trying to inflict enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to halt their bombardment, which began on February 28.

Mr Trump has promised to finish the job, even though he claimed Iran is virtually destroyed.

He said in a social media post on Thursday that ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon was a higher priority than soaring oil prices.

The US military said on Thursday that American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began, including more than 30 minelaying vessels.



Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over central Israel on Thursday (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants launched some 200 rockets from Lebanon at northern Israel while sirens rang out and loud booms from the interception of Iranian missiles could be heard in other areas.

Israel launched another wave of attacks on Tehran and in Lebanon.

The UN refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war.

It said most have fled from Tehran and other major cities towards the north of the country or rural areas. About 800,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon, prompting fears of a humanitarian crisis.

Mr Khamenei called on Gulf Arabs to shut down US bases in the region, saying protection promised by Washington was nothing more than a lie.

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He also said Iran has studied opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable if the war continues.

He did not elaborate, but Iran has been linked to previous attacks on US, Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

Mr Khamenei is close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and is widely seen as even less compromising than his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His location is unknown, and he is likely a prime target for the US and Israel.



An oil tanker burns after being hit by an Iranian strike in the ship-to-ship transfer zone at Khor al-Zubair port near Basra, Iraq (AP)

In addition to attacking energy infrastructure across the region, Iran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway leading from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean through which a fifth of the worlds traded oil flows.

At a news conference on Thursday, Irans ambassador to Tunisia, Mir Masoud Hosseinian, said Iranian naval forces have established full control over the strait and carried out precise strikes in response to attacks on our oil infrastructure.

Global energy security is contingent on respect for Irans sovereignty, he said.

He told The Associated Press the new supreme leader was wounded in the attack on his familys home that killed his wife and father, but it is not serious.

The hope is he will attend the massive, state-organised Eid prayer next week that his father traditionally led.

He added that Irans strikes on Gulf nations have also been strategic.

Even when we targeted hotels, we had precise information that they were hosting American and Israeli soldiers, he said.

The war sent oil prices back to 100 dollars per barrel, and stocks sank worldwide.
Four of the six crew members aboard a US military aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are confirmed to have been killed, the US military said on Friday, as rescue efforts continued for the remaining two.

A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, in an incident the military said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

The deaths add to the seven US service members who have already been killed as part of US operations against Iran which began on February 28th.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," a statement from US Central Command said.

A US official told Reuters that the second aircraft involved in the crash, which landed safely, was also a military refuelling aircraft known as the KC-135.

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The United States has deployed a large number of aircraft into the Middle East to take part in operations against Iran and the incident highlights the risk of not just operations, but of refueling aircraft in the air.

The KC-135, built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, has served as the backbone of the US military's air refuelling fleet and is critical to allowing aircraft to carry out missions without having to land.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the US military refuelling aircraft.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the U.S-Israeli war on Iran. News of the crash comes the same day two US sailors were injured after the USS Gerald Ford suffered a non-combat-related fire on board.

The first seven US troops were killed when a drone slammed into a US military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

US president Donald Trump and other senior officials have warned the Iran conflict will result in more US military deaths as Tehran retaliates against US and Israeli strikes.
The American military has ordered 2,500 marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, a US official said in a major addition of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran.

Meanwhile in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands were gathered for an annual state-organised rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israels demise.

Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.





There were no reports of casualties. But the decision to proceed with the mass demonstration that was attended by some senior government officials, and Israels threat to target the area, underscored the fierce determination on both sides nearly two weeks into a war that has rattled the global economy and shows no sign of letting up.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighbouring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds traded oil passes, even as US and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

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The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

In an interview with Fox News, US president Donald Trump said the war would end when I feel it in my bones.

He was also more measured than in the past about the prospect of opponents toppling the Islamic government.

So I really think thats a big hurdle to climb for people that dont have weapons, Mr Trump said, citing the paramilitary Basij force, which has played a central role in crushing recent nationwide protests.



(PA Graphics)

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the US official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialise in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief.

The deployment does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all.

The deployment of the additional marines was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the marines, are based in Japan and have been at sea in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military.

The Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing alone near Taiwan. That location puts it more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

Earlier in the week, the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, operating in the Arabian Sea. Should the Tripoli join this flotilla, it would be the second-largest ship behind the Lincoln to operate in the waters off Iran.

While the total number of US service members on the ground in the Middle East is not clear, Al-Udeid Air Base alone, one of the largest in the region, typically houses some 8,000 US troops.



A man carries an Iranian flag past a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally in which they chanted death to Israel and death to America.

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet since the start of the war.

Footage from the scene showed people chanting God is greatest, as smoke rose in the area.

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The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Irans judiciary was at the rally and criticising Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Irans judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, had been giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened.

His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.

Israel had earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defence systems and weapons production sites.

In Washington, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck, which is more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: We have been dealing with it and dont need to worry about it.

Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed to continue the attacks and keep the strait closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed in the opening day of the war.

Mr Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over leadership and released a written statement.

Mr Hegseth said Mr Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, without providing evidence or elaborating. Israel suspects Mr Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.

The US military confirmed on Friday that all six crew members of an American KC-135 refuelling plane were killed when it crashed in Iraq, bringing the US death toll to at least 13 service members.

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US Central Command said the crash was not related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the US militarys operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Iran continued its daily attacks on oil and other infrastructure across the Gulf. In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in the Sohar region, the Oman News Agency reported.
Iran has launched multiple attacks on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new supreme leader about hosting American bases.

The strikes were launched early Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened a major new retaliation.

Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, Mr Trump wrote in a social media post. Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.





The comments came the day after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to not refrain from avenging the blood of Iranians killed, and warned Gulf Arab nations to shut US bases, saying the notion of American protection was nothing more than a lie.

A large explosion around noon rocked a Tehran square filled with demonstrators who were there for the annual Quds Day event in support of Palestinians, Iranian state television reported.

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The cause of the blast in Ferdowsi Square was not immediately known, but came shortly after Israel had warned people to clear the area because it planned a strike. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Ongoing attacks did not deter thousands of people to take to the streets for Quds Day, with crowds chanting death to Israel and death to America.



Smoke rises from a fire which, according to the authorities, was caused by a successful interception, at Dubais Al Quoz Industrial area, United Arab Emirates (AP)

Footage from the square showed people shouting God is the greatest as smoke rose.

Meanwhile, the US militarys Central Command said that four of six crew members of an American KC-135 refuelling plane that went down in Iraq had been found dead and that recovery efforts were ongoing to find the other two.

And a French soldier who was stationed in the north of the country was killed in an attack, the French president said on Friday.

With growing global concerns about a possible energy crisis and no end to the war in sight, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, remained stubbornly over 100 dollars per barrel as Iran kept its stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which a fifth of the worlds oil transits on its way from the Persian Gulf to the open seas.

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Brent prices have spiked as high as about 120 dollars per barrel and are currently some 40% higher than when Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28 to start the war.





Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 12 March 2026. pic.twitter.com/nf2OfCMBQv  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 12, 2026

Iran has been attacking ships that try to transit the strait, and Mr Khameneis comments  his first to the public since being named to replace his father, who was killed during the first day of the conflict  said Iran would continue to block the waterway.

In Turkey, Nato defences intercepted another ballistic missile fired from Iran, the third time since the war began.

Residents in the southern city of Adana reported hearing a loud explosion and sirens sounding at Incirlik Air Base, which is used by US forces, in the early hours of the day.

Turkeys Defence Ministry said that the missile was destroyed by Nato air defences deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.

Iran has been attacking oil and other infrastructure around the Gulf region, and on Friday Saudi Arabia said that it had downed nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves throughout the early morning hours.



Officers from Israels Home Front Command inspect a house destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Zarzir, northern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in an industrial area in the region of Sohar, the Oman News Agency reported.

Sirens also sounded in Bahrain warning of incoming fire, and in Dubai black smoke billowed from an industrial area after a blaze that authorities said was sparked by debris from an interception.

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A building at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) also sustained damage when hit with debris from what authorities described as a successful interception.

The DIFC is an economic free zone for banks, capital traders and wealth managers, home to exclusive restaurants and nightclubs for the city-states elite. Iran said earlier this week that it would target banks and financial institutions after an air strike hit a bank in Tehran.



(PA Graphics)

Nearly 60 people were wounded in northern Israel after Hezbollah said it had fired rockets towards the area and at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Almost all the injuries were described as very minor.

One person was killed in south-western Beirut in an Israeli strike, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, and another attack hit an apartment in the capital, leaving it engulfed in flames. Following the attacks, the Israeli army said it had been targeting a member of Iran-linked Hezbollah.

In eastern Lebanon, a strike on an apartment wounded a local official with the Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and killed his two sons, the state-run National News Agency reported. Israel for the past two years has targeted officials with the group, known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiya or the Islamic Group.

More than 600 people have been killed in Lebanon since the fighting began, the Health Ministry has reported, and nearly 800,000 have been internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

Israel also said it had begun a wave of strikes on Iran targeting infrastructure. The military said the Israeli air force had hit more than 200 targets in Iran over the past 24 hours, including missile launchers, defence systems and weapons production sites.

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Before the blast in Tehrans Ferdowsi Square, Israels military issued a warning on its Farsi-language X account that it would conduct operations there later in the day.

Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk, the Israeli military said.





Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq



TAMPA, Fla.  At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.



The  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

Iranian authorities say more than 1,300 people have been killed there, and Israel has reported 12 deaths. The US has lost at least seven soldiers while another eight have suffered severe injuries.

In his Friday morning post, Mr Trump said that we are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.

Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them, Mr Trump said. What a great honor it is to do so!

The US military said American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began, including more than 30 mine-laying vessels.

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said a French soldier was killed in an attack targeting Irbil in Iraqs northern Kurdish region.

France earlier said six soldiers had been hurt in a drone strike in Irbil, where French troops are deployed as part of a multinational counter-terrorism mission supporting Iraqi forces in their fight against so-called Islamic State militants.

In the same region, British officials said several US personnel suffered minor injuries on Wednesday when drone strikes hit a base in Irbil that houses both British and American troops.



A woman looks at a house destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Zarzir, northern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Italy said that a base where it has troops in Irbil was also hit on Wednesday but that there were no injuries. The Italian contingent in the region trains local Kurdish troops at the request of the Iraqi government

Recovery efforts were ongoing in western Iraq to try to find the other two crew of the American KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed after four bodies were recovered, the US military said.

US Central Command said the crash was not related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the US militarys operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire.
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BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing Kyle Sandilands prepares to fight, hires Antoinette Lattoufs barrister Calum Jaspan March 13, 2026  5:37pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Kyle Sandilands has hired one of the barristers responsible for winning fill-in host Antoinette Lattoufs unlawful termination case against the ABC, as the deadline for him to remedy his alleged breach of contract approaches on Tuesday. The radio presenter has hired Philip Boncardo, as well as Scott Robertson, SC, the lawyer who examined former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian at the Independent Commission Against Corruption in 2020. Kyle Sandilands, pictured at home last week, has hired a crack legal team. Nine News Sandilands has assembled his legal team after he was suspended by his employer, ARN, last week, after allegedly engaging in serious misconduct by berating his co-host, Jackie O Henderson, during their February 20 show to the point where she refused to go back on air. A spokesperson for Sandilands confirmed the appointments, which were first reported by Lattoufs site Ette Media.

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Berejiklian was found to have engaged in corrupt conduct by ICAC and failed to overturn that finding when she challenged it through the courts. Lattouf, who was ousted from her ABC radio contract after a pressure campaign over her remarks on the Israel-Gaza war, received $70,000 in compensation after a judge found the ABC had unlawfully terminated her employment. Related Article Media & marketing Kyle and Jackie O back in contact as days count down to his $100m ouster If ARN opts to terminate Sandilands contract next week, it could have a legal fight on its hands on two fronts. The Australian Financial Review reported that Henderson has threatened the company with an unlawful termination claim after her contract was torn up last week. A representative for Henderson did not respond to a request for comment. ARN is standing by its initial statement published to the ASX last Tuesday evening, which stated that it had terminated Hendersons contract, which still had nine years left to run, after she told the company she could no longer work with Sandilands on their joint show.

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That message was delivered formally to the company by Hendersons lawyers and management representatives, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter, speaking anonymously due to the legal sensitivities relating to the case. The decision wasnt made on a whim, the person said. As previously reported, to remedy the alleged act of serious misconduct, Sandilands would have to convince Henderson to return to The Kyle & Jackie O Show at radio station KIIS FM with him again. The pair had enjoyed a 10-year, $200 million deal lasting until the end of 2034. A source close to Sandilands, speaking on condition of anonymity because the matter is legally sensitive, previously told this masthead that pair want to put the feud behind them and are back in contact. Both see [the removal of the show from air] it as it is: ARN jumping at the opportunity to try and save money, the source claimed.

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No one close to Henderson has commented on that claim. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Updated BusinessCompaniesAviation Qantas to pay $105m after class action over cancelled COVID flights Chris Zappone Updated March 13, 2026  3:58pm ,first published March 13, 2026  8:29am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Qantas decision to initially refuse refunds for cancelled COVID-era flights and provide expiring credits instead has cost the airline more than $105 million after it agreed to settle a class action for that amount, addressing a sore point from former chief executive Alan Joyces tenure. Hundreds of thousands of passengers could receive compensation from the provisional class action settlement announced on Friday, which covers people whose flights were scheduled to depart between January 1, 2020 and November 1, 2022. The settlement, subject to the approval of the Federal Court, will see the airline pay $105 million to affected customers. Louie Douvis Ticket holders alleged the airline breached its contractual obligations to offer customers refunds when COVID hit, providing them with flight credits instead that had expiry dates and were hard to redeem because the pandemic continued to disrupt air travel. Qantas treatment of customers sparked outrage toward the airline at the time and Qantas extended the timeline for expiration on the credits three times and then ultimately offered refunds with no expiration date.

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Aviation Qantas expects seven-year shocks. Trump has accelerated the timeline Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Under the terms of the settlement, which are subject to the approval of the Federal Court, Qantas will make no admission of liability. The $105 million settlement should recover the benefit Qantas obtained by failing to offer refunds immediately said Andrew Paull, partner at Echo Law, which brought the suit. The amounts that individuals get will depend on how many people come forward, Paull said. The law firm will propose a formula to the court that considers the amount people paid for their flight, when it was cancelled, how long it took them to get a refund, he said.

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Joyce stepped down as CEO in September 2023, after the storm of outrage engulfed the airline. Eligible customers, expected to be in the hundreds of thousands, will be identified and contacted based on Qantas records, Echo Law said, and informed via a court-approved process. The settlement amount is nearly double the $55 million provision for the case made by Qantas in its second half of fiscal year 2026 results. The settlement sum is in addition to Qantas public commitment, provided in August 2023, to provide refunds to all COVID credit holders. Loading

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The credits for tickets cancelled during COVID-19 were initially set to expire one year after the ticket was initially purchased but lockdowns and border closures persisted. When international flights restarted in 2021, fares were much higher than before the pandemic, eroding the value of the vouchers. At the same time, the reliability of flight departures and arrivals cratered, with cancellations rippling across the sector for Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin. Following mounting public fury and regulatory backlash in August 2023, Qantas removed expiry dates on $570 million worth of COVID travel credits owed to customers, on tickets issued up until September 30, 2021. Fridays settlement follows a separate case, in May 2024, when Qantas admitted to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission it had advertised and sold tickets on already cancelled flights to tens of thousands of consumers.

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Aviation Qantas unveils major points overhaul as Hudson refreshes airline The so-called ghost flights resulted in Qantas paying $120 million in penalties and compensation. Joyce appeared in a fiery Senate inquiry in August 2023 in which he defended the airline from claims its marketing decisions had made the COVID cost-of-living crisis worse for customers. Combined with accusations over the ghost flights and the firing of 1800 ground crew, later to be found illegal, the firestorm consumed the leadership of Joyce, and he stepped down early the next month, with then-CFO Vanessa Hudson starting as CEO early. Shadow infrastructure minister Senator Bridget McKenzie said: Qantas sought to take advantage of its customers during a time of distress and uncertainty during COVID, and that corporate behaviour was unconscionable.

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It was an act of arrogance and an insult to the Australian travelling public by the then management of a much-loved airline which had forgotten that it was a customer-based business. Following the events of 2023, Qantas did a wide-ranging governance review and has taken a number of steps to prevent this outcome happening again, the airline said. The settlement will be paid to a court-approved administrator, currently expected in the second half of the year. The case was conducted by law firm Piper Alderman as agent solicitors for Echo Law and supported by litigation funders CASL and Omni Bridgeway. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessThe economyMiddle East at war Opinion Trumps war is the most dangerous double-edged gamble I can remember

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard March 13, 2026  6:10pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

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. 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. Getty 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. US intelligence officials say Chinas Xi Jinping has told the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to be ready for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

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Inside China Chinas latest plan to dominate global trade Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist 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 Centre, sees a high risk that Xi will move this year to take control over Taiwan  and with it 90 per cent 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. 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.

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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 $US280 billion ($398 billion) Chips Act  but this will take time to ramp up. Americas stockpile of weapons and missiles are rapidly depleting. Getty Images 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. 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.

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Related Article Middle East at war A widening war: How the Trump-Iran conflict is redrawing the global map 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. 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 $US500 billion increase next year, and a lot is going to have to go replenishing and expanding our stockpiles, said Bolton.

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What that suggests to me is that China has better odds making its move on Taiwan before the US rearms. 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. 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. Bloomberg 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.

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AI Trump is the wildcard that could blow up AI Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist 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. Trump said Biden had emptied our warehouses of all of our munitions. If so, the warehouses are even emptier now.

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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. Loading 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. 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.

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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. You cannot pick off Iran without a chain of consequences elsewhere. 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. Could it be that the US is treating Taiwan as a chess piece, a pawn? said the partys new leader, Cheng Li-wun.

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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. Related Article Middle East at war Alarming: The billionaire sending his ships into the deadly Strait of Hormuz 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. 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.

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CultureMoviesOscars Could a careless sound bite derail Timothee Chalamets Oscar bid? Michael Idato March 13, 2026  10:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A week is a long time in Tinseltown. Just ask Timothee Chalamet who has, in the short space of seven days, gone from a movie leading man with Oscar buzz to an artistic pariah whose mockery of ballet and opera has turned the arts world on its head and drawn criticism from around the world. What is at stake is Chalamets chances at winning the best actor Oscar at Mondays Academy Awards, for which the odds have been  for most of the past three months  largely in his favour. Hes already won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice award, and the Oscar, for a time, seemed inevitable. Timothee Chalamet with his Golden Globe. Will he win the Oscar? At this point, who knows? WireImage Now, after a careless remark  that no one cares about ballet and opera  what began as some bad weather on social media has turned into a full-blown cyclone which, this weekend, is threatening to make landfall. In real terms, the risk to Chalamets Oscar for his lead role in Marty Supreme is minimal. The clip featuring the offending remarks surfaced on Thursday, March 5 (US time)  the same day that the final round of Oscar voting closed.

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There are random factors in play: how many Oscar voters had voted by then, how many were yet to vote, and how many of those yet to vote might have seen the Chalamet headlines before voting closed at 5pm the same day. The likely answer is few. But the larger danger is what follows. The remarks have ricocheted around the world, sending the arts world into apoplexy and most ballet and opera company directors into paroxysms of anger. The result? A throwaway remark that will now likely haunt Chalamet, at least for the foreseeable future, and confound efforts by his PR machine to control the message. Timothee Chalamet with (left) Netflix boss Ted Sarandos and (centre) his mother, former ballet dancer Nicole Flender. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Worse, credit for the momentum behind fellow nominee Michael B. Jordan, who will almost certainly win the best actor Oscar this weekend, will be unfairly credited to the notion that Chalamets remarks cost him the award, rather than the fairer observation that Jordan earned the Oscar off the back of a stunning performance. Exhibit A: Jordan won the best actor award at last weekends Screen Actors Guild awards, a key Oscar indicator. So, how did this all start? Back in February, Chalamet was on a panel with actor Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas at Austin, in which the topic shifted to the financial challenges facing cinemas. In a town where Paramount is about to swallow Warner Bros, it sounds a reasonable question.

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I admire people, and Ive done it myself, who go on a talk show and go, hey, we gotta keep movie theatre alive, Chalamet told McConaughey. I dont want to be working in ballet or opera, or you know, things where its like, hey, keep this thing alive, even though its like, no one cares about this any more. To his credit, he immediately recognised the risk. All respect to the ballet and opera people out there, he said. I just took shots for no reason. Timothee Chalamets extraordinary award season run has hit a bump. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP For context, in a clip from 2019, which has resurfaced following the scandal, Chalamet refers to both ballet and opera as a dying art form, while promoting the David Michod film The King. Which turns a lazy sound bite into something more substantial. And that might have been the end of it, except that last Thursday (US time), the February clip surfaced on social media platforms around the world, with the intimidating energy of a headline unlikely to fizzle out quickly.

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Performing arts Timothee Chalamet says nobody cares about opera. Opera Australia would like to thank him Alex Budd Opera Australia CEO There is a case to be made that Chalamet is right. Ballet and opera are indeed forms of art which depend, in many instances, on either government funding or wealthy patronage. Around the world, without public money, ballet and opera might indeed wither on the vine. But heres the thing: film and TV are just as vulnerable to the same subsidy economics. Mainstream Hollywood blockbusters might look like self-funding cash machines, but out here in the real world  in Australia, Canada, the UK, France, Italy and dozens of other countries  the local film and television industries live on the same government subsidies that ballet and opera do. Ever heard of Screen Australia? Screen NSW? VicScreen? Theres a long list. Telefilm Canada. The National Film Board of Canada. The British Film Institute. Frances Centre National du Cinema. Italys Direzione Generale Cinema e Audiovisivo. Even in the United States, emerging and independent cinema depends on entities including the Sundance Institute, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences  the organisation behind the Oscars  and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The response from Chalamets peers has been loud. Oscar-winning actress and The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg: When you crap on somebody elses art form, it doesnt feel good. American ballerina Misty Copeland: He wouldnt be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it werent for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium.

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Related Article Film awards The Oscars race has been blown wide open by this unexpected win Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis: Im sure he regrets the comment because you cant throw those art forms under a bus. Theyre too important. Mezzo-soprano and three-time Grammy winner Isabel Leonard: To take cheap shots at fellow artists says more in this interview than anything else he could say. Perhaps the longest shadow, however, is cast by the smallest of footnotes to this story: Chalamets grandmother Enid Flender, mother Nicole Flender and sister Pauline Chalamet were all ballet dancers who trained or performed with the New York City Ballet. And Chalamet himself attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia performing arts high school in New York, which has its own symphony orchestra, and a curriculum that includes opera and classical ballet. Which means, whatever you might think of him, and no matter how loudly or long the contretemps lasts, next time he goes home for the weekend hes likely got an appointment with his mum and the wooden spoon. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter.
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The day after Michael Rowland left the ABC after nearly four decades of rolling, relentless news, his wife became seriously puzzled by his behaviour. Even Rowland himself recognised it  he was being weird. Over the course of Saturday, February 28, Nicola Webber peppered her husband with questions. Dont you feel as though youre missing something? Michael Rowlands ABC exit interview was at Italian institution Il Solito Posto. Eddie Jim But Rowland felt supremely confident that he wasnt. The journalist had finished at the ABC on the Friday after 39 years, and the next day the US-Iran war broke out. But Rowland felt no need to glue himself to rolling news coverage. Even he recognised he was breaking the habit of a lifetime. Ive had weirdly no FOMO. Which I think reinforces to me that Ive made the right decision this time, on so many fronts, says Rowland, 57. I got to 39 years, I had done my fair share of wars, my fair share of chaos, my fair share of massive breaking new stories, but the well was dry.

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So, Michael Rowland, how does freedom feel? Liberating. It has gone 12.30pm in the rustic basement of Il Solito Posto, the trad Italian institution that has served as a canteen to Melbournes captains of industry since it was founded in 1994 by Michael Tenace. Tenace specially selects a discreet corner table for our interview. Patronage is good, he tells me, rising input costs, especially with the situation in the Middle East, less so. TV people live by the clock and are never late  yet Michael Rowland is not here. But before long, the familiar face with its cropped dark hair and permanently dilated right pupil that heralded day break in our lounge rooms for 15 years looms up in real life as Rowland greets me in a voice this paper once described as mellow-throated. ABC News Breakfast, hosted by Michael Rowland and Virginia Trioli, celebrating its 10 years on air. ABC He is genial and warm. Photographer Eddie Jim, with visual journalist trainee Ruby Alexander in tow, had caught him outside, hence the delay.

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Rowland is clearly demobilisation happy (hes in a shirt and jeans  no more TV news jackets) and this exit interview with a recovering news junkie covers a lot of ground: in the past 14 months, Rowland quit ABC News Breakfast after 15 years, abruptly cancelled the European holiday of a lifetime he planned with Webber, sold the family home after 23 years, and last month left the ABC entirely. Clearly a regular, he orders a glass of soave, and I do the same (even though I have no idea what it is). There is one more upheaval to come, which Rowland delivers with a breaking news flourish: On Tuesday, he and Nicki, a former Herald Sun journalist whom he met reporting Victorian state politics, are leaving Melbourne and moving to Queensland. Is this a midlife crisis, perhaps? Rowland crinkles up his face and laughs; he is ex-ABC employee, there is no shiny red Ferrari. What it is, is a reflection of life  at the risk of getting deep and meaningful. Nicki was unwell last year. And that led both of us  me in particular  to really appreciate whats important in life. And whats important, to me, to us, is family. Our relationship. Life outside the ABC. It was pretty rocky last year for Nickis health, he says. Shes OK now. Squid ink linguine at Il Solito Posto. Eddie Jim

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Here Rowland wants to correct the record. During his departure interview on News Breakfast he mentioned her illness, and journalistic assumptions common in our 24/7 era snowballed into headlines such as the one in New Idea: Michael quits ABC: My wife needs me more. Webber went on Facebook to issue a direct riposte  Fact check: Im not f@cking needy! Webbers illness clearly has been a horrendous ordeal. It forced them to cancel last years holiday to Europe (rescheduled for next year). It was a mystery bowel-related illness (not cancer, he says, pre-empting my question) from which she has recovered. Selling the four-bedroom family home in Yarraville in Melbournes inner west allowed them to rent an apartment in Melbourne and buy a house in Tewantin, behind Noosa, where they will be close to Rowlands best mate, ABC journalist Mark Willacy, and relatives. We like the lifestyle there. Its all part of both Nicki and me just wanting to move down from a pretty fast pace of life to something less fast-paced. Daughter Eleanor is completing an arts degree in Canberra, while son Tom, who hosts a very sweary Zoomer lifestyle and mens issues podcast DNM (it stands for Deep n Meaningful), works as a commercial videographer in Melbourne. If we take away the news junkie from the Michael Rowland news junkie, what is there? My identity as a husband and father will be first and foremost, he says, rather than subsumed into his identity as Michael Rowlands, ABC journalist. It will also give him more time to spend with his parents, who still live in the family home in Ashbury, in Sydneys inner west.

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Rowland, who doesnt eat meat, opts for the calamari fresh from South Australia, dusted in semolina and flash fried, and the pesce of the day, which is salmon. He does not order his regular favourite, the squid ink linguine, but sells it to me. Rowlands calamari arrives, neatly arranged with a trio of aioli and dressed rocket. He makes short work of it. The chicken liver pate proves of such decadent richness I only manage to eat half of it. The calamari. Eddie Jim The house-made squid ink linguine arrives as a dense, dark, tangled nest, with gems of calamari and tomato nestled among the undulating black pasta. Time has passed since our first interview together back in 2018, when I had a podcast, Behind the Media, for The Australian. Virginia Trioli had rebuffed us and Rowland diplomatically agreed to take her place. After that he invited me to be a regular paper reviewer on ABC News Breakfast. Back then I was too polite to ask about his dilated right pupil. But I ask about it now. It was an injury he got in January 1988 when he was 18. A mate was driving him in Sydney when a pellet fired from the side of the road by a little shit hit him in the eye. He nearly lost the eye. It was saved, but the pupil permanently dilated.

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EnvironmentConservationCourts Former wildlife carers conviction for animal cruelty overturned Caitlin Fitzsimmons March 13, 2026  5:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A former wildlife carer has been cleared of all charges of animal cruelty, five years and five days after WIRES and the RSPCA raided her Blue Mountains property and seized three kangaroos in her care. Tracy Clare Dods, 56, of Kanimbla won her appeal in the Parramatta District Court on Friday, quashing the criminal conviction and sentence that included a ban on owning animals for five years. About 60 supporters from around the state, many of them fellow wildlife carers, travelled to the court for the judgment. Former wildlife carer Tracy Dods awaits the outcome of her appeal hearing at Parramatta District Court. She was later cleared of all animal cruelty charges. Sitthixay Ditthavong In a lengthy decision, Judge Nanette Williams criticised WIRES and RSPCA officers for behaviour that was at times aggressive during the unannounced visit in March 2021, and noted the RSPCA as the prosecuting authority had failed to call crucial witnesses to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The decision overturns the earlier verdict in Katoomba Local Court last March that Dods was guilty of aggravated animal cruelty for not taking Dolores, a female eastern grey kangaroo with injuries from a barbed wire fence, to a veterinarian between February 20 and March 8, 2021.

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WIRES veterinarian Dr David Phalen, who attended the raid alongside RSPCA inspector Anthony Croker, testified in the lower court that the animal would have been in constant pain and significant distress. After he euthanised the kangaroo, he conducted a post-mortem and found a fracture in the right leg. If that injury had been known when the kangaroo first came into care, it would have been euthanised immediately, but an X-ray at the initial examination at Nepean Animal Hospital in October 2020 did not pick it up. Dolores the kangaroo and a close-up of her original injuries (bottom) and after healing (top). To make out its case, the RSPCA needed to prove that the animal needed to see a veterinarian, that it was cruel not to do so, and that Dods did not have an honestly held and reasonable belief that she was doing the right thing. The lower court found Dods was not intentionally cruel, but her belief was not reasonably held because she overestimated her own abilities.

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Williams overturned that judgment, finding that there were key events in the timeline between the animal entering her care in October 2020 and being seized in March 2021 that upheld the reasonableness of Dods belief that her care was adequate. Since she was told there was no fracture, Dods treated Dolores as an animal with a typical fence-hanging injury, focusing on wound care. The judge found this was reasonable because it was in accordance with her training. Dods with some of her supporters outside Parramatta District Court. Sitthixay Ditthavong Williams allowed evidence from wildlife carer and trainer Dr Rosemary Austen about the nature of that training, who testified that recovery could take a long time and muscle wastage, even severe muscle wastage, was expected. The lower court had not allowed Austen to appear as an expert witness. Williams also put considerable weight on the fact that Dods took Dolores to a veterinarian in Hartley at the end of January 2021 when she noticed swelling around the wounds. She found the magistrate had discounted this evidence, setting more store in the opinion of Phalen, whose testimony described Dods as running the show by telling the vet what was needed rather than allowing a full examination.

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However, Williams said the RSPCA presented no evidence that this was the case, and did not call on this veterinarian as a witness, leaving the written notes as the only evidence. Williams found the vet would have had the chance to examine, diagnose, prescribe antibiotics and advise Dods, and did not raise concerns about the animals welfare, again making it reasonable for Dods to believe her care was adequate. Dods during her appeal hearing in December. Louise Kennerley The next key event was a Zoom call on February 21 between WIRES staff including Phalen and Dods. Williams said Dods was not cautioned that it was an evidence-gathering exercise, and it was clear from her demeanour and behaviour that she thought it was a routine case management review. Dods participation was well-meaning, answering all questions in a candid, co-operative and polite manner, offering to send photographs and video and later following through on that offer, the judge said. The judge accepted the Zoom call also added to the reasonableness of Dods belief that she was caring correctly for Dolores, noting Dods had asked Phalen for general advice about macropod care and he declined to answer, and that no one on that call raised concerns about the animals wellbeing or Dods care of it. In the 13 days that followed before the authorities turned up unannounced, Williams said, there was effective radio silence, also adding to the reasonableness of Dods belief.

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The body-worn camera footage of that visit was evidence in the trial, and Williams found it was effectively a cross-examination that was at times aggressive, but Dods remained calm, co-operative and obliging to authorities. Williams said she might have disallowed this evidence had the defence had challenged it. Related Article Exclusive

Wildlife NSW launched a review of wildlife care in 2024. Now the results are in Outside the court, Dods said she was relieved and looking forward to putting it behind her. She said she became a wildlife carer because she loved animals and couldnt have children, but would be too frightened to ever do it again. I am in therapy and I still get panic attacks when a vehicle drives on to my property, Dods said. When I see the RSPCA logo, I feel fear and anger. An RSPCA spokesperson said the organisation was naturally disappointed by the outcome and would assess its options after carefully reviewing the judgment.

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A hearing for costs is set down for June 5. Dods said she had spent about $140,000 defending herself, and had raised about $40,000 in crowdfunding from GoFundMe. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
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The man who allegedly sent Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine messages threatening to kill him can now be unmasked.
Documenting the annual winter migration of thousands of horses in Mongolia proved just as tough a test for the Australian filmmakers as for the herders and their animals themselves.

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This story is part of the March 14 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

Australian filmmaker Kasimir Burgess knew it would be brutally difficult shooting a documentary about an ancient Mongolian tradition: the annual migration of thousands of horses from the remote Tsaikhir Valley to winter pastures. How could it be anything else? Temperatures in the stark, treeless valley, 800 kilometres west of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, could drop below minus 40 degrees centigrade, thered be no communication with the outside world for much of the shoot, and wolves would stalk the horses that two young friends, the shy Batbold, 19, and the more self-assured Tsagana, 22, were guiding through high-altitude snow country for five months. In a country where 300,000 of the 3.5-million population are herders, combining horses into a winter herd is a way of preserving a familys most valuable possession and protecting pastures at home for cattle, yaks and other animals. For the young herders, being entrusted with them was a rite of passage. Director Kasimir Burgess would end up shooting through one of Mongolias worst winters. Ben Golotta But early in the main shoot, Burgess thought making Iron Winter had become downright impossible. After considering using Snowcat-style vehicles to follow the herders, Burgess and his Australian crew took their Mongolian counterparts wise advice to use two 80 Series Toyota Land Cruisers, as the Mongolians knew how to fix them when they broke down. The plan was that a Soviet-era military truck that was like something out of Mad Max would lead the way to base camp, dragging a tractor tyre to clear a path for the Land Cruisers through the snow. But after leaving the Tsaikhir township, the Iron Winter crew found they could not get over an icy mountain pass to reach the herders on the winter migration. For days, the Land Cruisers battled deep snow. Each time they got bogged, the crew would dig them out, then 30 minutes later, theyd get bogged again. And again. The exhausted crew tried different routes but failed to make it over the pass. One evening, Burgess returned to their base camp to find a yak  a huge, gentle presence  sleeping in the doorway of their ger (circular Mongolian tent) seeking warmth. Talking to it became strangely grounding, he says. At night, wed have to coax it away from the door just to step outside. Each day we attempted the pass and failed  the slope almost vertical, the ice unforgiving  and each night we returned to find the yak waiting for us, as if keeping watch.

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Iron Winter is the story of two young Mongolian friends battling extreme conditions as they herd 2000 horses over five months. Iron Winter The dying yak outside the filmmakers Mongolian tent, or ger. Benjamin Bryan After another day of upsetting failure, Burgess -returned to camp to find the yak struggling to breathe. It was slowly dying, he says. I lay beside it for over an hour as its breathing became less frequent. Something about that rhythm  the waiting between breaths  took me back to my mothers final hour. Holding that animal as it died, I cried for it, for my mum and for the frustration and grief that had been building inside all of us. That was the point that Burgess realised the film was unravelling. The crew were using up their fuel, food and shooting time with nothing to show for it. There were also tensions between the Australians, the Mongolians from the valley and those from Ulaanbaatar. Cultural differences had emerged about how to proceed. The information that we were disseminating to the team in Excel spreadsheets  for food, fuel reports, etc  Id find those in the mud, just stepped upon in the snow, Burgess says. The film was turning into a Mongolian version of Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse, the famous 1991 documentary about the chaos as Francis Ford Coppola shot 1979s Apocalypse Now in the Philippines. But the day after the yaks death, the crew finally worked out how to get the Land Cruisers over the pass. Using tow cables, they hauled them up one by one in a tug-of-war against gravity, deep snow and ice. Something shifted, Burgess says. The team put aside differences and worked together, literally pulling the vehicles up the mountain by hand. When we finally reached the top, we celebrated with vodka: exhausted, bonded, relieved. That small victory brought clarity and momentum. That night, we were reunited with the herders and, from that point on, the film truly began.

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While the challenges were far from over, the small miracle is that the Hearts of Darkness-like trials of making Iron Winter has resulted in a stunning documentary that has been winning international awards since it premiered last year. When cinematographer Benjamin Bryan became the first Australian to win the coveted feature documentary prize at Camerimage in Poland, the jury said they were awestruck by the boldly exquisite visual language [in what was] documentary filmmaking at its most artful and humane. Burgess, 45, is a sculptor turned writer-director who has shot films in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, remote Aboriginal communities and on the wild Franklin River in Tasmania. His 2014 feature drama Fell had a career-best performance by Matt Nable as a man working through grief. Burgess came to make Iron Winter after producers Ben Golotta and Morgan Wright showed him and his longtime producer Chris Kamen a 2022 Al Jazeera article by Australian journalist Edward Cavanough about how climate change had stopped Tsaikhir Valley herders holding the winter migration for the first time in 2019. Extreme, unpredictable weather had made it too dangerous. But one family wanted to revive it, seeing it as an important cultural tradition for both horses and young herders. From left; Tsagana, 22, and Batbold, 19, would spend five months herding their horses through Tsaikhir Valley. Benjamin Bryan Horses in a tight herd, behaviour that helps protect the group in harsh weather. Benjamin Bryan

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It grabbed me on a number of levels, Burgess says. My interest in the environment, as a tradition that was under threat and, having a son, as a positive pathway to manhood story. And it was a big adventure. It promised months in another culture, immersed in nature. But it was quite a naive enthusiasm. On a recce trip to Mongolia, Burgess  who lives in Preston in Melbournes north-east with partner Shari Boyanton and children Lotte, 10, and Arlo, 7  met community elders, who were worried the Australians might be risking their lives following the herd. They were pragmatic; How are you going to survive?  he says. A big one for them  and there was some laughter around this  was how would our pointy noses not freeze and fall off? That worry aside, the elders were keen that their sacred tradition be filmed for the world to see. After five weeks of autumn filming in late 2023, the Australians returned early in the new year for a seven-week shoot in what became one of Mongolias most savage winters. As temperatures reached minus 50, the horses struggled to break the ice to find pasture. They grew thinner and some died, upsetting the young herders who had a close bond to the horses and were worried they would be blamed. The films Mongolian co-producer, creative adviser and cultural consultant, Enebish Sengemugaa, says from Tsaikhir that horses have a special place in the countrys culture. If we didnt have horses, Mongolia wouldnt exist, he says. No Mongolian history, no culture, nothing. One of the films producers, Morgan Wright (at left), and two of the Mongolian crew load up the Russian truck used for transport. Ben Golotta Crew members pulling one of the Land Cruisers up the icy mountain pass. Kasimir Burgess Sengemugaa, whose usual job is taking horse-riding tours, explains the cultural differences that made the shoot tough. Mongolian planning is, This is what well do in September, not Tuesday, two oclock, because Mother Nature changes things, he says. Nature -decides more than humans, especially in winter.

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Bryan, the award-winning cinematographer, says the shoot was physically challenging with the cold and just the sheer weight of the layers that you had to put on every morning to get out the door. But mentally, just being so far away from family [he has two young children] for an extended period of time was really tough as well. [We] really had to support each other. Related Article Film Festivals Why Tropfest founder John Polson worried about bringing his beloved film festival back Burgess says the filmmakers suffered alongside the young herders, sharing despair, exhaustion, doubt, uncertainty and grief for the dying horses. Indeed, that winter was so severe that ultimately, it killed 7.4 million horses, cattle, yaks and other animals across Mongolia, and left thousands of herders impoverished and displaced. But during the filming process, there were also some joyful moments as they laughed around the fire, fell under the spell of the country and discovered their resilience. To make the film, they had to adapt to the Mongolian way of doing things. The local knowledge and the connection to land and the animal kingdom was what helped us to survive and eventually gather enough ingredients to tell the story, Burgess says. Each night wed have a big circle meeting where everyones perspective would be taken into account before a group consensus about how to proceed the next day. While the young herders were Westernised enough to have smartphones and miss chatting with girls on Facebook, they realised how resourceful they were, restarted an ancient tradition and inspired the filmmakers during the winter herd. These boys were using 400-year-old gers made by their forefathers and were learning skills that had been handed down since well before Genghis Khan, Burgess says. There was this incredible sense of privilege to be living through something so extreme and so historical. Eventually, they all survived one of Mongolias most brutal winters. They also made an outstanding film. And the Australians pointy noses did not fall off. Iron Winter opens in cinemas on March 19.
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NationalNSWCrime Men shot after wild brawl ends in gunfire Jack Gramenz Updated March 13, 2026  12:49pm ,first published March 13, 2026  5:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Two men who police say have possible links to organised crime have been shot after a brawl in south-west Sydney ended in gunfire, with one undergoing surgery. Officers are probing how a planned meeting turned violent before emergency services were called to Boundary Road, Chester Hill, about 10.30pm on Thursday after reports of a brawl involving about 15 people. Police investigate after the Chester Hill shooting. Nine News But the group had left the scene before police arrived, with the fight ending after shots were fired. Shortly after, police stopped a black Audi sedan and a Ford Raptor ute on nearby Ferndell Street, Guildford, after a short pursuit. Two men, aged 24 and 27, were found in the sedan suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

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NSW Ambulance treated the men at the scene before they were taken to hospital. A third man, who was driving the car, was spoken to by police but later allowed to leave. NSW Police Detective Acting Inspector Kaan McGregor said police are investigating how the brawl started. Nine News No charges have been laid. NSW Police Detective Acting Inspector Kaan McGregor said at least three shots were fired, and the two men hit were known to police.

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We have received some information indicating they have links to organised crime, he said. Police believe the brawling groups had planned to meet, but it is not yet clear how the interaction descended into violence. Were not aware if this was a planned attack or something that evolved out of an argument that occurred at the scene, McGregor said. The younger man has been released from hospital, while the older man has undergone surgery on Friday, McGregor said.

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Investigations into the incident are ongoing. One witness told Nine News on Friday that he heard the shots ring out. I heard some gunshots, one at a time, and then a little bit later on heard some more gunshots, he said. Obviously, you dont feel safe ... the streets of Sydney are getting a bit more dirty than usual. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
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Updated NationalQueenslandCrime Devastated community mourn slain teacher and her baby Julius Dennis and Catherine Strohfeldt Updated March 13, 2026  7:16pm ,first published 10:17am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

More than 300 friends, neighbours, and community members have gathered to mourn the loss of one of their own following the deaths of a local teacher and her baby girl on Thursday. The bodies of Kate Paterson, 38, and her one-year-old daughter, April, were discovered by police on Thursday morning in the Logan suburb of Belivah with what they have described as wounds inflicted by a bladed weapon. Paterson was a year 5 teacher at Windaroo State School, a five-minute drive from the house through the ever-expanding estates of the Logan area. Kate Paterson, 38, and her one-year-old daughter April were remembered by their community on Friday. Catherine Strohfeldt On Friday night, students from nearby schools still in uniform, families with small children, and long-time locals gathered in a park near Patersons home to lay flowers, toys, and light candles for the pair.

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A pair of women took a photo with a framed image of Paterson and her infant daughter, saying they wanted to get one last photo with her. Owen Bailey. Catherine Strohfeldt A note addressed to Ms Paterson was laid within the vigil. Owen Bailey, whose home was just streets away from Paterson and her daughter said he had never seen anything like it over the 10 years he had lived in the community. I actually spoke to these people only a week back, he said.

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I was walking [and] I spoke to the lady and the daughter and the partner  they were patting my dachshund. You cant pick it  after seeing them together and that you wouldnt think this could happen. The bodies of Kate Paterson (right) and her one-year-old daughter April (centre) were found inside a home in Belivah on Thursday. Owen said the Friday night vigil had brought the community together, and suggested the council could name a park nearby in honour of Paterson and her infant daughter. Less than two blocks away, officers were stationed on Belivah Road, near the still-active crime scene at Patersons home.

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Police had attended the house after Patersons partner, Blake Seers, 39  who was Aprils father  was hit by a car a few blocks away, having already suffered an injury to his neck. Officers traced drops of blood from the home towards the nearby Woolworths on the corner of Beenleigh Road and Bannockburn Road. A black ute at the scene on Thursday had damage to the drivers side mirror. A damaged black ute was spotted on the street near Belivah Road, Belivah. AAPIMAGE Seers remained in hospital on Friday morning, and is not yet facing charges, though police said the deaths were being investigated as suspicious.

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Neighbours said they had provided to police CCTV that showed Seers headed towards the Woolworths, and officers have asked anyone with other footage or information to contact authorities. A note addressed to Miss Paterson lay among candles, toys, and flowers. Catherine Strohfeldt The community had set up the impromptu gathering through a Facebook post, with comments online echoing Baileys desire to name a local park after Paterson and her daughter. In times like this, our community stands together. By sharing our grief, supporting one another, and coming together as one, we can begin to find strength and healing, read the post. Logan City Mayor Jon Raven said the council was prepared to honour the pair, but would need to speak to family first.

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Several hundred people gathered from 5.30pm on Friday to light candles for Paterson and her daughter, April. Catherine Strohfeldt Theres actually a brand new playground thats being built right now, just in park on a corner thats really highly visible, and its for the age group that April was, so it would be perfect for there to be a plaque there, Raven said. He said the council was supporting the community as needed, and said multiple domestic violence shelters were available in and around Logan. Logan Mayor John Raven (left) at the memorial on Friday. Catherine Strohfeldt The big message is, though, reach out to your neighbours and check in on them, he said.

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In Logan were really good at reaching out when theres a big tragedy like a flood, but when its something like this, its easy just to sort of go, oh that was, that was awful, and then move on. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
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NationalWAHospitals in crisis Family of grandmother left in Midland hospital corridor for 48 hours lash WA health system Hamish Hastie March 13, 2026  4:04pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The daughters of an 88-year-old Perth grandmother forced to spend nearly 48 hours in pain in a hospital corridor at St John of God Midland Hospital have slammed the state of WAs hospital system. Elsie McGribbens family took her to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon after she was complaining of leg pain and picked her up on Thursday afternoon without a diagnosis. Elsie McGribben, 88, was in the Midland hospital corridor for nearly 48 hours. McGribbens daughter Lynne Kirumira said her mother spent the entire period in a bed in one of the hospital corridors. She wasnt showered for two days. They gave her baby wipes to clean herself in a public thoroughfare corridor with no privacy, Kirumira said.

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She said it was freezing cold. The lights were on all night because they were going through with trolleys. They were going through with supplies. They offered her an iPad to block out the light, and ear plugs to try and block out the noise, and that was all she was able to be provided with. McGribbens family were only allowed brief visits to their mother, and said they witnessed about 10 others in a similar situation. Kirumira said the staff were amazing, but were working under horrific conditions. I think its appalling. Its a shocking reflection of the healthcare system, she said.

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Mum has an incredibly high tolerance for pain. She sucks it up 90 per cent of the time. So for her to complain of pain, you know, its really bad. Related Article Updated

Hospitals Ramsay decides to keep after hours GP clinic at Joondalup Health Campus But then shes still hesitating to go to hospital because she said, I cant sit there in a wheelchair for 12 hours. McGribbens story emerged the same day a leaked letter from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital surgical services medical co-director Michael Levitt to his staff revealed internal concerns that elective surgeries would be significantly impacted by the Cook governments upcoming winter flu strategy. Levitt said two operating theatres would be closed at the hospital from April 7, and would remain shut permanently as a new hospital theatre expansion was built at the site.

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Levitt said the entire executive of the hospital remained deeply disappointed that this strategy disproportionately impacts patients in need of complex surgery. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health disputed the claims that the theatres would be closed permanently, saying they would only be closed for two weeks in April to replace floor coverings, which was routine maintenance. During this brief period, the hospital will manage elective surgery within existing capacity. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is undergoing a broader program of maintenance, and this includes works across operating theatres on a scheduled basis over several months, she said. These works are being carefully planned, with only two theatres ever offline at any one time. Opposition health spokeswoman Libby Mettam said McGribbens story and Levitts letter showed the wheels were falling off the Cook governments health system.

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Elsies face is the face of a hospital system which is under extraordinary pressure, she said. Where is the dignity?...the saga that Elsie has had to endure inside the hospital system has now become commonplace. Mettam also rejected the departments dismissal of Levitts letter. The email from the medical director is explicit, she said. This raises alarm bells about the Cook Labor governments elective surgery strategy. It raises alarm bells about the Cook Labor Governments winter surge plan, which sounds like a sham on every level.

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A St John of God Midland public hospital spokeswoman said the hospital had apologised for McGribbens experience. Related Article Exclusive

Hospitals in crisis Heart surgeons stood down amid staffing crisis at major Perth hospital We take these concerns seriously and will be contacting the patient directly to check on their wellbeing and offer any further support, she said. The spokeswoman said Midland was experiencing high patient demand and often operated at or near capacity, requiring coordination to keep patients safe, including the use of overflow areas. This approach prioritises patient safety and allows the Emergency Department to continue addressing new patient presentations, she said.

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When required, all available inpatient beds at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals are utilised to meet patient demand, regardless of whether they are designated as part of the private hospital. WA Premier Roger Cook said McGribbens experience was disappointing, but corridor care was normal practice for hospitals. Obviously hospital or corridor care, as its called, is not ideal, but it is a normal part of the practice to make sure that we can flex up and flex down to ensure people get the care they need, 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.
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PoliticsFederalNational security Opinion Matt Canavan has done in an hour what Angus Taylor failed to do in a month Peter Hartcher Political and international editor March 14, 2026  4:00am

March 14, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When the world is falling apart, must Australia fall apart, too? Pauline Hanson hopes so. After 30 years of efforts to drive racial and religious division, she is closer than ever to establishing hate politics at the centre of Australian affairs. Now that shes consistently polling more strongly than the Coalition, Liberal leader Angus Taylor cravenly courts her support instead of confronting her agenda. Asked whether hed ever use Hansons language that there are no good Muslims, Taylor replied absolutely not before going on to say that he has many good Muslims in his electorate, a version of some of my best friends are Muslims. He then turned attention to the ISIS brides. Bad Muslims, get it? Illustration by Simon Letch Notably, Taylor did not disown Hanson or the race politics she plays. Notably, the Coalition he leads did not support the other parties in the Senate censuring Hanson for seeking to vilify Muslim Australians. Notably, he has kept open the option of directing voter preferences to One Nation. But, this week, the countrys newest political leader gave Taylor a lesson in leadership. Matt Canavan was elected to lead the National Party on Wednesday morning. In his first hour in the job, he managed to do something that Taylor has failed to accomplish in his first month.

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He recognised Pauline Hanson as the enemy, not the friend, of the established parties of the right. And the enemy of Australian cohesion. Im very concerned  concerned that the identity politics of division that weve seen on the left is creeping into the right now, Canavan said in his first remarks as Nationals leader. I was very critical of Paulines comments dividing Australians and different groups, suggesting there are no good people in certain groups of Australians. I totally reject that. For emphasis, Canavan repeated: I totally reject that. Related Article Political leadership From Marxist to rebel to leader: The making of Matt Canavan Hanson had told us recently that there are no good Muslims. Canavan: Were all Australians. What unites us as a country is more than what divides us, even when we have robust debates. We are a wonderful country with wonderful people of different backgrounds. That was blow No.1. Followed immediately by a second: Pauline has been in politics for more than double the time I have been, and I struggle to point to a single dam, a single road, a single hospital that Pauline has delivered in Australia, Canavan said. I can point to swaths of those things from the work Ive done with Michelle Landry, Colin Boyce  Nationals members of federal parliament  and others in central Queensland.

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Canavans immediate goal was political. The Nationals, like the other parties, are contesting a byelection in the federal seat of Farrer in southern NSW on May 9. At the moment, One Nation is leading, according to the only poll published to date. Canavan wants to stop its momentum and win some votes back. He knows he cant do that by pandering to Hanson. Why would anyone vote for a party thats trying to be a Hanson lite? Surely, youd vote for the real deal, instead, and cast your ballot for One Nation itself. You might think this is entirely obvious. But it wasnt obvious to Canavans predecessor, David Littleproud, the disastrous Nats leader who twice broke the Coalition apart before resigning this week rather than deal with the consequences of the byelection. And, evidently, its not obvious to Taylor. The surest way to differentiate yourself in politics is to pick a fight. The Coalition is always ready to pick a fight with Labor and the Greens on its left flank. But now that the Coalition is under siege from One Nation on its right, it needs to pick a fight there, too. Otherwise, its undifferentiated. And if youre undifferentiated, whats the point of voting for you? Taylor has yet to vindicate his partys faith in electing him leader. He is, so far, an identikit politician, nice hair and an empty suit, casting about for a purpose. What does he believe in? So far, all we know is that he believes in fiscal rules, and that he does not believe in ISIS brides or expensive petrol.

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Its plain that we need a reliable supply of petrol to remain a functioning economy. A reliable supply of social trust and goodwill is just as vital to a functioning society and to effective security. To abet racial or religious conflict is to damage national security. Related Article Opinion

Gender equality Matt Canavan wants more Australian babies. But Australian women might just say no Virginia Haussegger Canberra writer and an academic advocate for gender equity. This is not to defend the level of immigration in the post-COVID years. Immigration is a question of management and always open to debate; hate-mongering is a question of principle and never a ground for legitimate politics. Hansons reply to Canavans criticism: Canavan joins the likes of the ABC, The Guardian and left-wing fact-checkers who have started a war against One Nation to try and tear us down. A bit precious? Canavan thought so: Maybe Pauline can give it, but she cant take it. Welcome to politics, Pauline. Social unity  South Australias Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas this week was bold enough to call it patriotism  is a form of national resilience. As the Ukrainians show us, day in and day out. Resilience is very much in vogue.

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Canadas Mark Carney described a rupture in the world order. In this world, Australia needs to invest more energy and attention in its resilience. We learnt a lot about our vulnerability to supply chain interruptions during the pandemic, but we seem to have remembered very little. Peter Dean says we live in a TikTok world. We are focused on the contemporary crisis for fully 30 seconds before our attention is diverted to the next reel, only to be shocked when the crisis returns in a more savage form, posits the Australian defence strategist and historian. Australias prophet on a resilience agenda was the late Liberal senator Jim Molan. He spent years campaigning within the Coalition and he badgered Scott Morrison endlessly to create a national resilience strategy. It was in vain. Even after COVID, Australia has no resilience strategy. In 2023, Molan said: The things that worry me most are liquid fuels, of which we have very little in the country because we depend on open supply chains. We have fragility in our energy supplies to our factories and our people (and) we import an awful lot of our fertiliser, therefore our food production will drop and the impact of no diesel on our food production is terrifying. Morrisons one concession to Molan was to create a national oil reserve. Alas, the oil was to be held in the US. It was a measure of Australian complacency. The Albanese government abandoned that idea and instead applied a minimum fuel stockholding obligation. Importers and refiners are required by law to keep a national total of 3 billion litres of diesel and 1.5 billion of petrol. This has the virtue of being held on our continent rather than another. But its still only about a months supply. Unfortunately, its now exposed as being inadequate. Molan, three years ago, said: We are woefully unprepared for a regional war in relation to the resilience of our nation.

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It turns out that it doesnt take a regional war. Australian resilience, apart from its test at the hands of One Nation populism, is being stressed by a medium-sized war far from our region. Angus Taylor is in a poor position to criticise the government. He was the Morrison government minister who proudly assigned Australian reserves to the safekeeping of the US. The Iran war revives the priority of a national resilience strategy. So that the country has the fuel, fertiliser, pharmaceuticals and other commodities to survive sudden interruptions. But there is no more precious commodity than social resilience. The rupture is in its very early days. Australia needs to work actively to avoid rupturing itself. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Damage to historical sites in Iran raises alarm about wars impact on protected places Farnoush Amiri March 13, 2026  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

New York: US and Israeli strikes on Iran have damaged at least four cultural and historical sites, including palaces and an ancient mosque, raising alarms about the impact of the widening war on protected landmarks that are important to Iranian identity and world history. The speed and extent of the damage have so concerned Iran and Lebanon that they sent a request to the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, this week to add more sites to its enhanced protection list. Iranian ambassador to Tunisia Mir Massoud Hosseinian shows an image of damage to Tehrans historic Golestan Palace. AP UNESCO confirmed that it has verified damage to the lavish Qajar-era Golestan Palace in Tehran, as well as the 17th-century Chehel Sotoun palace and the Masjed-e Jame, the countrys oldest Friday mosque, both in Isfahan. There was also verified damage to buildings near the Khorramabad Valley, which includes five prehistoric caves and one rock shelter, providing evidence of human occupation dating to 63,000 BC.

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At Golestan Palace, shattered glass from the mirrored ceilings blanketed the floors alongside broken archways, blown-out windows and damaged moulding scattered below its glass-mosaic walls, according to Associated Press video taken on March 3. UNESCO said it provided all parties to the conflict with the geographical co-ordinates of the heritage sites ahead of time to take all feasible precautions to avoid damage. The impact on cultural sites has not been isolated to Iran but has been felt across the Middle East and beyond, with UNESCO tracking damage to the Bauhaus-era White City in Israel, Tyre in Lebanon and elsewhere. Loading Collateral damage to such places has been part of war for decades, including conflicts between Russia and Ukraine as well as Israel and Hamas, in which dozens of sites have been damaged or destroyed.

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What is happening is clear to all: In these increasingly modern conflicts, its civilians who pay the price, its civilian infrastructure that pays the price, and weve all seen the destruction of priceless historical heritage, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said this week. Damage to history Human rights advocates are echoing that sentiment, warning that the Iran war has killed more than 1000 people but has also upended the institutions and historical places that communities rely on. It causes harm to civilians because it damages or destroys a piece of their history that can be significant both to the world and also to a specific region or community, said Bonnie Docherty, senior researcher in the arms division at Human Rights Watch. It undermines the sort of shared identity of a local community, which can often be important for bringing people together. The historic Golestan Palace was damaged by debris and a shockwave from a nearby strike. Getty Images

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Arash Azizi, who grew up in Iran before moving to the US as an adult, said that because his family couldnt afford to travel abroad when he was a child, they visited historical sites across the country. This, he says, is how he learned about his cultural identity and history. At times where school kids are killed, when human life is at stake, when the stakes are very high, people might think, What are a couple of broken tiles or broken glasses? the 38-year-old New York resident said. I think this is the wrong attitude, he added. We need a cultural context. We need to know who we are, and where we come from, and what does it all mean? Lost heritage deeply personal

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For Shabnam Emdadi, a 35-year-old Iranian-American also in New York, the damage to the Safavid-era Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan is deeply personal. She travelled there with her father a few years before he died. Those Iran trips with him were my most fond memories of him at his happiest, where he felt most at home and alive, and Ill never forget them, Emdadi said. Which is why every day when I see the damage to these sites that are the core of my memories, I feel like I am also losing a piece of him. Related Article Middle East at war A blast across the valley, black smoke over the hills  and the wounded arrive It was unclear if US or Israeli strikes caused the damage. The Pentagon did not provide comment. The Israel Defence Forces said they were unfamiliar with claims of damage to UNESCO sites. One non-profit group pointed to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth saying last week that Washingtons approach to the war would not include stupid rules of engagement.

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Thats an extremely important statement because its those rules of engagement that embody international humanitarian law, which is not just the protection of cultural heritage, but the protection of all civilian populations and structures, including your hospitals, your schools etc, said Patty Gerstenblith, president of the US Committee of the Blue Shield, an international organisation dedicated to protecting heritage in conflict, disaster and crisis. UNESCOs protections The affected sites are among nearly 30 Iranian sites designated for special protection on UNESCOs World Heritage list. Other notable landmarks on the list include the Great Wall of China, the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty. The Apadana Palace stairs, part of Irans Persepolis UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alamy Stock Photo

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The agencys World Heritage Committee annually designates sites considered of outstanding value to humanity and intervenes when sites are in danger of destruction or damage. The program provides countries with technical assistance and professional training to preserve the sites. The Trump administration announced last July that it would once again withdraw from UNESCO, distancing the US from some international organisations. The White House cited similar concerns to those it expressed in 2018, during Trumps first term, saying it believes US involvement is not in the national interest and accusing the agency of promoting anti-Israel speech. The decision wont come into effect until December. The New York Times 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.
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WorldNorth AmericaExtremism Man dead after ramming car into Detroit synagogue hosting preschoolers Michael Koziol Updated March 13, 2026  8:46am ,first published 8:18am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Washington: A man is dead after ramming his truck into a synagogue in Michigan, and a fatal university shooting in Virginia is being treated as an act of terrorism, amid heightened fears and a string of attacks globally during the US and Israels war with Iran. Children were at preschool inside the Temple Israel Synagogue in a Detroit suburb when the man crashed his vehicle through the doors and into the hallway. He was killed in a confrontation with security personnel. Families are escorted away from the scene of the attack at Temple Israel Synagogue in the US state of Michigan. AP One of the security agents was hit by the vehicle and hospitalised. No other people inside the synagogue were hurt, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, but as many as 30 first responders were also taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation. FBI special agent Jennifer Runyan said the bureau was treating the deeply disturbing and tragic incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

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The US Department of Homeland Security later identified the trucks driver as Ayman Ghazali, a 41-year-old man who was born in Lebanon and became a US citizen in 2016. The vehicle had ignited inside the synagogue, Bouchard said, producing terrible, terrible smoke. He did not confirm earlier reports of fuel or explosives inside the vehicle. Police outside the Temple Israel Synagogue. AP Obviously, what happens around the world sometimes affects us, he said. Its a hateful, terrible thing. But what drove this person into action, that has to be determined by the investigation. A local woman named Lisa told television network WDIV she knew people in the synagogue and was scared to death for her friends. Theres a whole daycare program in there, she said. This is senseless. We have to be better than this. This is not OK.

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Rabbi Arianna Gordon, who was inside at the time of the attack, told NBC News all children at the synagogue daycare escaped safely and were with their parents. It was definitely a scary afternoon, she said. It is the latest in a number of attacks on members of the Jewish community, amid a rising tide of antisemitism globally. US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed. Police arrive outside Old Dominion Universitys campus after reports of an active shooter. AP Its a terrible thing, but it goes on, he said at a White House function. Were going to be [getting] right down to the bottom of it. Its absolutely incredible that things like this happen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack, saying the temple was targeted because it was a Jewish house of worship, and thanking Trump for taking a firm stance against antisemitism.

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Meanwhile, a shooting at a university campus in Virginia is being treated as an act of terrorism, with the shooter identified by US media outlets as a former National Guard soldier who was previously convicted of providing support to Islamic State. Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was subdued by students and is now dead after he opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University on Thursday morning (US time), killing one person and injuring two others. FBI director Kash Patel said his agency was investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism through its Joint Terrorism Task Force. Jalloh, 36, pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released in December 2004.

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It was not immediately clear how the assailant was killed. Kash praised a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him  actions that undoubtedly saved lives. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Australia releases diesel, petrol amid fuel shortages; Trump calls Irans leaders deranged scumbags, warns them more to come The terrorism declaration comes amid heightened fears of so-called sleeper cells or lone-wolf actors carrying out attacks in the US following the Trump administrations combat operations in Iran. But the Trump administration pushed back against reports that Iran was planning a number of drone attacks on the US West Coast, particularly California. Americas ABC News reported on an FBI alert about the possible drone attacks, though the alert was based on unverified information and contained no specifics.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called for the story to be retracted, arguing it was an attempt to alarm the American people based on an unverified tip. TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did, Leavitt wrote on X. The National Terrorism Advisory System, maintained by the Department of Homeland Security, is currently not being updated due to a partial government shutdown. 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.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Extremism

Islamic State Michael Koziol is the North America correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political reporter in Canberra. or email. Connect via X
Nearly 50,000 CommBank customers have used the Australian governments 5% Deposit Scheme since July 2022, while early demand for the Help to Buy shared equity program has been strong, with more than 1,500 applications in its first month and CBA currently the only major bank participating.
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A MAN has pleaded guilty to using an allegedly fraudulent card to purchase 1,331 worth of tiles on his employers instructions in a case a judge described as bizarre with an awful lot of the jigsaw missing.

Dylan Howard (26), with an address of Premier Square, Finglas Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft contrary to section 4 and one count contrary to section 13(1) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 at a recent sitting of Carlow District Court.

The court heard that in December 2024, Garda Shorthall took a statement of complaint from Bagenalstown Tiles, whose owners outlined that on 5 and 6 December 2024 Mr Howard had purchased tiles on four separate occasions to a total value of 1,331. Four chargebacks were subsequently made by the card companies.

They provided gardai with the vehicle registration and Mr Howard was identified through his phone number and car. He was co-operative with gardai and made admissions during interview.

Defence solicitor Alex Rafter told the court that his client had sought to gather the 1,331; however, he did not have it with him and explained that his brother is currently very unwell in hospital suffering from a brain aneurysm or something to that effect.

Judge Geraldine Carthy told Mr Rafter that if he was asking for more time to be able to pay the money, the answer was no and outlined that the defendant had entered a guilty plea on 14 May 2025 and was remanded on continuing bail until July 2025, when the money was due to be paid back.

Mr Howard failed to appear in court on that day and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, which was executed in Blanchardstown last week.

Mr Rafter told the court that this was a rather unusual case and explained that, at the time of the offences, Mr Howard was working as an apprentice tiler for a company in Dublin, which had instructed him to obtain the tiles.

Mr Rafter submitted that Mr Howards culpability was minimised as he had been acting on his employers instructions; however, he said that where his culpability did come into this was that he had failed to verify the authenticity of the card used.

The court heard that Mr Howard, who has nine previous convictions, none of which are for theft, no longer works for the company and he did not approve of his employers business practices.

Mr Rafter said that his client has a two-year-old child and is the main breadwinner in the house, explaining that his mother was homeless for a period of time. Mr Rafter added that Mr Howard is no longer working as an apprentice tiler and is currently employed as a full-time bus driver.

It is quite a bizarre factual matrix, said Mr Rafter, but noted that his client did make an early guilty plea after a view of the disclosure evidence.

It is all bizarre, agreed Judge Carthy, adding that there was an awful lot of this jigsaw missing.

Mr Rafter said that his client had that morning requested documentation showing that his brother was unwell in July, with Mr Rafter admitting it was a bit late in the day for that.

Judge Carthy ordered a probation report, saying she would not be satisfied to sentence him without one and adjourned the matter until 10 June, remanding Mr Howard on continuing bail.

The judge also questioned a legal aid application made on Mr Howards behalf, noting his full-time employment, and requested a statement of means.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
David Raleigh

A group, including the widow of a man who died on a trolley at University Hospital Limerick, is seeking a judicial review of HSE plans to develop a second major hospital campus in Limerick and not in Clare.

Banner resident Marie McMahon, whose husband, Tommy Wynne, died in 2018, after he spent 36 hours on a trolley in a corridor at UHL suffering with stroke-like symptoms.

Other patients, such as Eve Cleary (21) and Aoife Johnston (16) died at UHL in 2019 and 2022, respectively, having languished on trolleys during chronic overcrowding at the hospital.

Ms McMahon of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign-Clare said it had initiated an application to the High Court seeking a judicial review in relation to the Governments decision on the future configuration of hospital services in the Mid-West.

The application for the judicial review was instigated by the group immediately after the Minister for Health announced last Tuesday the HSE would be developing a second major hospital campus on 44-acres at Raheen, Co Limerick.

Ms McMahon said the process of seeking the judicial review would take around twelve weeks before a decision is made.

The HSEs plan to develop a second major hospital campus in Limerick has caused upset in neighbouring Clare.

The only 24-hour emergency department in the Mid-West region is located at the University Hospital Limerick Model 4 campus, for a catchment of over 450,000 across all of Limerick, all of Clare and north Tipperary.

However, persistent and chronic patient overcrowding has continued unabated at UHL, despite the recent addition of a 96-bed block on site; the provision of step-down beds in Ennis and Nenagh; as well as the transferring of some of UHLs public patients to the newly opened privately operated Bon Secours Hospital Limerick.

For more than a decade, the Mid-West Hospital Campaign Group-Clare has called for the re-establishment of a 24-hour ED service in Ennis, after it was reconfigured along with the ED seevices in Nenagh to Limerick in 2009.

Ms McMahon said she was disappointed that stronger leadership has not been shown by elected representatives in County Clare on an issue they believe is of critical importance to the future healthcare needs of the county.

Ms McMahon the plan to develop a second hospital campus in Limerick was made at the expense of the population of County Clare.

For the people of Clare, this decision feels like theyve been left behind once again. Communities here are already travelling long distances and facing overcrowded emergency departments, and this decision risks continuing that reality for years to come.

Ms McMahon, whose husband had to travel 66km from their home in Ennistymon to suffer on a trolley and die at University Hospital Limerick, said: Behind all of these reports and policies are real people. Families in Clare have had extremely difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences trying to access urgent care, and they deserve a healthcare system that recognises those realities.

The people of Clare cannot be expected to continue enduring this level of healthcare inequality.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she was committed to further government investment in Ennis and Nenagh.

The minister said that 48 new beds and the redevelopment of equipment sterilisation and radiology services at Ennis Hospital were underway; as were 48 additional and replacement beds at Nenagh Hospital, and a second 96-bed block at UHL.

Ms MacNeill added that the 44-acres, for development at Raheen, is located 2km from UHL, and a half-hour drive from the model-two hospitals in Nenagh, north Tipperary, and Ennis, Co Clare.

Hilary Tonge, also of the MWHC-Clare, said she hoped the legal process would prompt renewed engagement and urgency from some Clare politicians after what she claimed was a lack of meaningful response and urgency from elected representatives.

Ms Tonge said the groups decision was only taken after careful consideration of a deep concern felt across communities in County Clare.

The campaign will continue to advocate for a healthcare system that provides fair and safe access to emergency care for communities across the entire Mid-West region, said the group.
By Cillian Sherlock and Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

The conflict in the Middle East has increased the importance of having good relations between the UK and Ireland, Keir Starmer has said.

And Taoiseach Micheal Martin said increased coordination between the two countries would help to guarantee economic security.

The two leaders met in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Martin at Fota House ahead of the series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

Following the meeting, Starmer and Martin released a joint statement with a list of agreed actions in the areas of shared prosperity, shared seas and shared ties.

Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin arrive at Fota House in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

Speaking at the start of the summit, Martin said work between the two Governments to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles personifies the benefits of our relationship.

He added: We have an agreed memorandum of understanding in terms of defence and security which is very, very important where we are collectively working together in a collaborative way and a co-operative way, work to protect our sub-sea cables, our critical underwater infrastructure, the challenges on cyber attacks that affect us all and more general security issues.

I think that level of co-ordination is very, very important to underpin and guarantee our economic security, but broader security in a very challenging and uncertain world.

Starmer highlighted cooperation on trade and energy policies.

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 740 million of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

Sir Keir said: We look at Ukraine  the conflict now in Iran, you can see when it comes to energy, our ability to collaborate and co-operate for energy security and bringing bills down and moving to renewables further and faster is critical.

I do think in light of the conflict in Iran it is really important that we work ever more closely together Sir Keir Starmer

He added: The context at the moment is one where we have to work ever more closely together as key partners.

We are working together to protect our citizens who are in the Gulf, collaborating in the last two weeks to ensure that we can work together to get those citizens back to our respective countries.

We can go further and we have the ambition to go further on defence and security, that is really important.

Europe needs to do more, we need to step up on defence and security, we all need to spend more but that has got to be co-ordinated, weve got to collaborate otherwise we wont get strategically what we need when it comes to defence and security.

I do think in light of the conflict in Iran it is really important that we work ever more closely together.

On Thursday, Sir Keir said more than 900 million of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud computing, and financial services.

Sir Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

The Government of Ireland is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and Prime Minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the regions political parties on Thursday.
James Cox

The war in Iran and mother and baby home victims are among the stories that feature on Friday's front pages.

The Irish Times leads with the US war on Iran.

The Irish Examiner leads with a story on a scheme for victims of mother and baby homes.

Five hundred tenants in Cork have contacted housing charities over eviction fears, The Echo reports.

Children's Health Ireland (CHI) is seeking to reclaim 1.1 million in overpaid wages to staff, the Irish Independent reports.

TDs are unhappy over 'secrecy' surrounding plans for increases in defence spending, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

The Irish Sun leads with a story on a boy killed in a car park crash.

The Herald leads with a story on a gang murder.

The Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on the cost-of-living crisis in Northern Ireland amid a visit from UK prime minister Keir Starmer.

The Irish News leads with a story on heating oil prices.

In the UK, the Sun and The Guardian lead with British involvement in Iran.

The Sun: BRITS BASE BLITZED BY IRAN #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/RSOiz1Ecet  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 12, 2026

The Guardian: Hidden hand of Putin aids Irans tactics,

says Healey #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OkNox9g7AK  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 12, 2026

Conservative Party leader has accused Keir Stamrer of telling "lie after lie", the Daily Mail reports.

Vladimir Putin had a 'hidden hand' in Iranian drone strikes, The Times reports.

The Times: Iranian drones directed by hidden hand of Putin #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/wke5DNqvyB  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 12, 2026

The Daily Express also leads with Badenoch's comments.

Daily Express: Tory leader accuses Starmer over missing notes in Mandelson job files #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/aUJNDODLiE  George Mann (@sgfmann) March 12, 2026

The Daily Star leads with the birth of the late Ozzy Osbourne's grandson.

The Daily Mirror leads with the Iran war.

Russia was behind an attck on UK troops in Iraq, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Cementos Molins has secured the financing required to complete its planned acquisition of Portuguese cement group. Secil in a deal valued at EUR1.4bn (US$1.6bn).

The Spanish company will fund most of the transaction through a EUR1.18bn syndicated loan, led by BBVA and CaixaBank. Other lenders participating in the financing include Banco Santander, Banco Sabadell, Intesa Sanpaolo and HSBC.

According to reports, the loan agreement has been signed with a five-year maturity, with closing of the acquisition expected in the coming days.

Molins announced the agreement to acquire Secil in December 2025. The company intends to finance the transaction through a combination of bank debt, a bond issue and existing cash resources.

At the end of 2025, Molins reported net cash of EUR94m, with gross debt of EUR334m, mainly linked to a EUR75m loan and a EUR225m credit line maturing in November 2030.

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To fund the remaining portion of the acquisition, Molins has also received shareholder approval to issue up to EUR500m in bonds, with the issuance expected during the first half of 2026.

The acquisition will significantly expand Molins international footprint and strengthen its position in cement and concrete markets. Secil is expected to contribute approximately EUR750m in annual revenue to the combined group, which previously reported EUR1.37bn in sales.

Once completed, the deal will elevate Molins position in the global cement industry from 64th to 38th place by production capacity, creating a group with around 20Mta of cement capacity and a stronger presence in markets including Portugal and Brazil.
Chinese FM calls for end to military operations in Middle East

Xinhua) 10:59, March 13, 2026

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on all parties to urge those involved in the current conflict in the Middle East to cease military operations as soon as possible and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the appeal in a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

Abdelatty briefed Wang on the regional situation and Egypt's position, expressing Egypt's deep concern about the current war. Citing a resolution recently passed by the UN Security Council, Abdelatty said the Egyptian side called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further regional unrest.

The Egyptian side highly appreciates China's balanced and impartial position and the important role it has played, and is willing to continue to maintain close communication with China to help de-escalate the situation as soon as possible, he said.

For his part, Wang reiterated China's principled position, saying that China and Egypt, as responsible countries, both advocate resolving regional issues through dialogue and consultation and oppose the reckless use of force.

The prolonged conflict in the Middle East will only bring more suffering to the local people, weigh heavily on the regional economy, and further undermine international and regional security and stability, Wang said.

Stressing that an immediate ceasefire represents the broad consensus of the international community, Wang said that China stands ready to maintain communication and coordination with regional countries, including Egypt, and continue to play a constructive role in striving for peace.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Join Preserve Chattanooga as it welcomes national preservation leader, Bonnie McDonald, and shares the launch of a new community Preservation Plan on April 30, from 5-7 p.m., at the Waterhouse Pavilion downtown.

Featured guest Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois, is a national leader working to reimagine preservation as a powerful tool for addressing todays biggest challenges, from climate change and housing to public health and community equity.

Drawing from her nationally recognized Relevancy Guidebook, Ms. McDonald will share insights on how preservation can evolve to better serve people and communities in the years ahead.

This evening is an opportunity for Chattanoogas community to come together, reflect, and think boldly about how preservation can continue to shape a vibrant and thriving city.

Guests will enjoy a curated selection of hors d'oeuvres and sustainable wines from Pedestrian Wine and Cheese while connecting with fellow supporters of preservation and community leaders.

Preserve Chattanooga will also be sharing the launch of Chattanoogas first community Preservation Plan since 1977. The nonprofit organization is seeking the voice of the community to collectively shape the future of preservation in Chattanooga. The Preservation Plan is funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation and the Tennessee Historic Commission.

Preserve Chattanooga is the citys only historic preservation organization and has been protecting the citys architectural heritage through preservation, education, and advocacy for 50 years. From its founding as Landmarks Chattanooga in 1975, Preserve Chattanooga continues a 50-year legacy of historic preservation leadership.

Ms. McDonald advances building reuse as a systems-level response to climate change, housing, public health and spatial injustice. Since 2005, she has been reframing preservation from a practice centering on regulation and materials to people and social needs. She has led nonprofit Landmarks Illinois since 2012 and is currently spearheading the organizations evolution to create a national model for just, equitable and relevant preservation practice. She received the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundations 2020 Mid-Career Fellowship to research how preservation can deliver greater social impact, resulting in The Relevancy Guidebook: How We Can Transform the Future of Preservation (2023), now shaping practice and policy conversations nationwide. Ms. McDonald has led initiatives including the National Preservation Partners Network and Chicagos mayoral-appointed Monuments Project and currently serves on the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and National Council on Public History Labor Task Force. She holds a masters degree in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and a bachelors degree in art history, summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota.
These were ordinary men faced with extraordinary circumstances, who summoned the greatest measure of courage to place their lives in imminent peril to save others.

Recently, I profiled Medal of Honor recipient SGT John Baca (USA), noting that two other soldiers in his Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, had previously earned Medals of Honor.





Those soldiers are SGT Allen J. Lynch and SGT Rodney J. Evans.





Allen is a native of the Lake Eliza area in Indiana.He joined the Army right out of high school in 1964 and spent two years with a unit in Germany before volunteering for service in Vietnam. Deployed in 1966, he served as a rifleman before being assigned as his platoons radiotelephone operator.





It was during a firefight on 15 December 1967 that he would distinguish himself in service to his fellow soldiers.





According to his Medal of Honor citation:





"Sgt. Lynch (then Sp4c.) distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sgt. Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved essential to the units successful actions.





"Observing three wounded comrades lying exposed to enemy fire, Sgt. Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed two enemy soldiers at point-blank range. With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area three times to carry the wounded men to safety.





"When his company was forced to withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, Sgt. Lynch remained to aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, Sgt. Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties."





His citation concludes: His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service. Sgt. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army.





After leaving active duty, Allen settled in Gurnee, Illinois, where he worked for the Veterans Administration, specifically advocating for disabled veterans. He then served as chief of the Veterans Rights Bureau for the Illinois Attorney Generals Office until his retirement.





Additionally, he established the A.J. Lynch Foundation to support fellow Veterans who need financial assistance and help moving their lives forward after the military. He also served as the liaison for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.





Allen and his wife, Susan, have three children and are now blessed with four grandchildren.





The second Medal of Honor recipient in Company D was SGT Rodney J. Evans, who received the award posthumously after being killed in action on 18 July 1969.





Rod was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and grew up with his adoptive family in Florala, Alabama. Like Allen, he joined the Army right out of high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, before being deployed to Vietnam for his first tour. When he returned, he was stationed at Fort Rucker near his hometown. Tragically, in September 1968, after he separated from the Army, Barbara died in a car accident.





Rod then reenlisted and, a year later, received orders for his second tour in Vietnam. However, his family, concerned that he was severely depressed, petitioned to have him returned home. His congressional legislator had completed papers for him to return to his family, but a week later, Rodney would be killed in action while protecting his squad.





According to his Medal of Honor citation:





"Sgt. Evans distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as a squad leader in a reconnaissance sweep through heavy vegetation to reconnoiter a strong enemy position. As the force approached a well-defined trail, the platoon scout warned that the trail was booby-trapped. Sgt. Evans led his squad on a route parallel to the trail. The force had started to move forward when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed mine.





"Looking to his right Sgt. Evans saw a second enemy device. With complete disregard for his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground, and crawled toward the mine. Just as he reached it an enemy soldier detonated the explosive and Sgt. Evans absorbed the full impact with his body. His gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury and served as an inspiration to his entire unit."





His citation concludes, Sgt. Evans gallantry in action at the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.





At a Memorial Day service dedicating the SGT Rodney Evans Memorial Highway near Andalusia, Alabama, COL Ben Bowden shared these observations from two of Rodneys fellow Company D soldiers: In 2019, a ceremony was held in Florala to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of SGT Evans death. We were so fortunate that day to have two members of his patrol that were with SGT Evans the day he died and who credit his sacrifice with saving their lives.





According to SGT Basil Clark: As long as we live in someones memories, we are still alive. Under the given circumstances of July 18th, 1969, had Rodney not jumped on the mine, most likely he would have died anyway, but so ALSO would have Gary DeRigne and some others. It was Rodneys heroic actions that blessed our Brother Gary with another 53 years of life. Did Rodney have a Premonition? While fixing what turned out to be the last C-Ration he ate, Pork Slices, which he liked, Rodney said, A man should enjoy his last meal. I miss you, Rodney, and you truly live on in our hearts and minds.





And SSG Gary DeRigne, who was 20 feet from Rod when he perished, added: I knew Rod Evans very well, and our friendship had the closeness that I believe can only be developed in combat. We shared many life stories from before the war, and I know that Rod was very proud of his hometown, Florala, Alabama. Rod was a fine young man who had already suffered great sadness in his life from the death of his wife in a car accident only months before he died. I clearly owe the last 53 years of my life to Rods heroic sacrifice in 1969, and even now, not a day goes by that I dont think about him, and give thanks for what he did.





SGT Allen Lynch and SGT Rodney Evans: These were ordinary men faced with extraordinary circumstances, who summoned the greatest measure of courage to place their lives in imminent peril to save others. Their example of valor  humble American Patriots defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty  is eternal.





"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)





Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform -- Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harm's way in defense of American Liberty, honoring their oath "to support and defend" our Constitution, and for the families awaiting their safe return. Pray also for our Veterans, First Responders, and their families.





Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our historic hometown National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Make a check payable to National MoH Sustaining Fund and mail to:

Generosity Trust,

345 Frazier Avenue, Unit 205

Chattanooga TN 37405.




The Chattanooga Fire Department encourages citizens to utilize the Tennessee Yellow Dot program. Its a free initiative that is designed to provide first responders with an individuals medical information in the event of an emergency on Tennessees roadways. Participants place a yellow decal on their rear driver's-side window and a completed medical info folder in their glove compartment."Yellow DOT is about saving those precious seconds immediately following a serious incident," officials said.There are enrollment sites across the state, including several in Chattanooga and the surrounding area.Enrollment sites can provide the Yellow Dot packets, assist with filling out the medical information sheet, and take a photo of the participant.Participants in the program will receive a Yellow DOT decal, a Yellow DOT folder and a blank medical information sheet. The participant will fill out the medical information sheet, which consists of emergency contact information, medical information, recent surgeries, hospital preferences, current medications, insurance and physician information. This information will be the sole responsibility of the participant and should remain in the glove compartment inside the yellow folder provided.The information in the Yellow DOT folder is not kept by any agency or person and will only be accessed by first responders in case of a roadway incident where emergency medical attention is needed.While the initial focus of the Yellow DOT program is senior drivers, any driver or passenger who has a medical condition, allergy or takes daily prescriptions can benefit from it. This information can be critical for first responders to know when responding to a medical emergency.The Yellow DOT decal should be placed on the drivers side rear window of the vehicle. The program allows emergency responders to quickly identify a driver's or passenger's critical medical conditions, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts if they are unable to communicate. How to Participate:1. Obtain a Packet: Pick up a free packet, which includes a decal and a Personal Information Form, from local enrollment sites.2. Fill Out Form: Complete the form with essential information, including a photo, medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts.3. Place Decal: Place the yellow dot sticker on the driver's side rear window.4. Store Information: Keep the completed form in the glove compartment.
GOP pushes to end sanctuary courts

Legislation to ensure all Tennessee courts cooperate with federal immigration agencies advanced out of the Civil Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1707, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, would require Tennessee courts to cooperate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal immigration authorities when they are enforcing immigration law.

If a judge obstructs or interferes with federal immigration enforcement actions, the judge can be referred to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. If misconduct is found, it could lead to disciplinary action or removal from office under the Tennessee Constitution.

This bill makes it clear Tennessee courts must stand in line with federal immigration enforcement, or judges may face disciplinary action, Scarbrough told committee members this week.

House Bill 1707 is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package proposed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes. The proposal is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 18.

House advances English-only driver requirements

The House this week advanced two bills to improve safety on Tennessee roads by ensuring drivers can read and understand basic English.

House Bill 1708, sponsored by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, would require written driver's license exams to be administered in English, with a one-time limited exception. The proposal would also require applicants for vehicle registrations or renewals to provide proof of citizenship or lawful status in the United States.

Capley's proposal would permit a one-time, limited exception allowing an applicant to take the written driver's license exam in a language other than English. This license would be valid for 18 months and would be granted for travel to and from educational institutions, regular places of employment, places of worship, child care facilities, and medical appointments. Applicants would retake the exam in English after the limited license expires.

House Bill 1817, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, requires law enforcement officers to issue an out-of-service order to a commercial driver if they cannot sufficiently read or speak English to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, or respond to official inquiries. While this law is already in place at the federal level, this legislation would ensure Tennessee maintains the law if the federal government repeals it.

Drivers issued an out-of-service order would also have their commercial drivers license (CDL) suspended until they pass the written CDL test administered in English by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

House Bill 1708 is scheduled to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 18. House Bill 1817 now heads to the full Transportation Committee.

GOP expands school choice to serve more students

A bill advancing in the House and Senate will expand access to the states Education Freedom Scholarship program, allowing more families to choose the educational path that best fits their childs needs.

House Bill 2532,sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland,will allow the Tennessee Department of Education to offer up to 40,000 Education Freedom Scholarshipsbeginning in the 2026-27 school year. The scholarships allow eligible students to use state education funds to attend participating nonpublic schools.

"I trust parents to make the best decisions for their child's education," Lamberth told members of the K-12 Subcommittee on Tuesday.

The General Assembly established the scholarship program last year, administering 20,000 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year. Demand for the program has continued to grow, with applications exceeding 56,000 for the next school year. The Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) amount is tied to the states base per-pupil funding under the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula, projected to be about $7,530per student for the 2026-27 school year. House Bill 2532 is expected to be heard for consideration in the Education Committee on March 17.

Greenbelt Initiative Fund Transfer Act supports rural counties

The Greenbelt Initiative Fund Transfer (GIFT) Act, or House Bill 2375, sponsored by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, would create a $210 million Rural Revenue Equity Fund to support various services and projects in eligible rural communities.

The program seeks to offset property tax revenue losses in counties with high percentages of greenbelt-classified property, which are taxed on use value rather than market value.

"Rural counties often have significantly higher percentages of land classified as greenbelt, which limits local tax revenue needed for essential services," said Doggett. "The GIFT Act will support these communities by allocating additional funding to benefit vital projects while recognizing the families and farms that make the Volunteer State unique."

Funding from the Rural Revenue Equity Fund could be used for law enforcement, firefighter and emergency medical services, property tax stabilization, and capital improvement and infrastructure projects. The proposal requires the state treasurer to invest the fund's assets, with all interest credited to the fund.

Rural counties would be awarded funding based on a total weighted score that considers its percentage of total land under greenbelt; total acres of land in greenbelt; annual agricultural sales or taxable agricultural receipts; whether the county has statutory authority to levy a development tax or impact fee; the number of economic outputs of licensed livestock or dairy farms; population; and if the county adopted a property tax increase during the preceding five years.

Counties with 70% or more of land classified under greenbelt will receive the highest scores. Currently, at least 26 counties across the state meet this criterion, while approximately 51 counties are qualified as rural and would be eligible for the grant. House Bill 2375 is expected to be heard in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 17.

Proposal aims to deter, reduce distracted driving

A new proposal would improve safety on Tennessee roads by strengthening penalties for texting while driving.

House Bill 1555, sponsored by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, will improve consistency in Tennessee law by increasing the maximum allowable local court costs for violations of Tennessee's hands-free law from $10 to 50% of the standard fees imposed for other moving violations, a range of roughly $37 to $70 in court costs, depending on jurisdiction.

"No text, email or social media notification is worth a life, and I'm hopeful this proposal encourages drivers to put the phone down and keep their focus where it belongs," said Slater.

It's illegal under Tennessee law to hold a cell phone, send or read text messages, move out of the seated driving position while reaching for a phone, watch a video, or record while driving. Violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $50 on the first offense plus $10 in court costs. Revenue from this measure would benefit several funds, including the sex offender treatment fund, victims of crime assistance fund, victims of drunk drivers' compensation fund, and the civil legal representation of indigents fund, among others.

House Bill 1555 is expected to be heard for consideration in the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 17.

Privacy protections for law enforcement advances

In an effort to enhance protections for law enforcement officers engaged in high-risk operations, the State and Local Government Committee advanced House Bill 2506, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and co-sponsored by State Rep. Dan Howell, R-Cleveland.

The bill requires state and local government entities to keep certain personal information of law enforcement officers confidential in limited or undercover circumstances, including immigration enforcement operations. Current law does not provide a uniform policy across state governments.

The bill addresses growing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers and the increasing use of social media to target them. In some cases, personal and confidential information about officers has been posted online, putting them and their families at risk. The bill does not limit lawful transparency; instead, it focuses on preventing the misuse of sensitive personal information.

"This legislation is about officer safety, operational integrity, and public trust," Howell told the committee. "It ensures those enforcing our laws can do their jobs without fear of retaliation, as we've seen in some other states."

A state or local official who releases protected information through criminal negligence could be charged with a Class E felony and face removal from office. The bill also establishes misdemeanor and felony offenses for individuals required to maintain the confidentiality of protected records but who negligently or intentionally disclose them. House Bill 2506is expected to be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 16.

Bill seeks to increase oversight of out-of-state nursing programs

A proposal aimed at strengthening oversight of out-of-state nursing education programs advanced in the House this week.

The Tennessee Nursing Education Integrity and Oversight Act, sponsored by Health Committee Chairman Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, would place a two-year pause on approving new out-of-state nursing education programs that want to operate, enroll students, or place students in clinical training in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Nurses Association [has seen] a growing number of out-of-state nursing programs placing students in Tennessee clinical sites, which appear to not have sufficient oversight, standardized reporting, or clear accountability mechanisms, Terry told the Health Subcommittee on Wednesday. The goal is not to limit workforce growth. Its goal is to ensure quality, transparency and patient safety.

The proposal would give the state time to review oversight standards and improve monitoring of nursing programs, particularly those based outside Tennessee that send students to the state for training.

During the pause, existing out-of-state programs already approved may continue operating but must provide data to state regulators about student placements, outcomes and clinical supervision. Accredited out-of-state nurse anesthesia programs are exempt. The bill also directs the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement and the Tennessee Board of Nursing to develop stronger approval standards and reporting requirements for out-of-state programs.

House Bill 1905 is expected to be heard in the Health Committee on March 17.

Stronger protections for pregnancy centers advances

A Republican proposal would protect the ability of Tennessee women to seek life-saving maternal care by strengthening penalties for arson of pregnancy resource centers.

House Bill 2260 by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, elevates the offense from a Class C felony to a Class B felony to reflect the serious threat such crimes pose to public safety and community well-being.

The proposal provides a clear statutory definition of a pregnancy resource center, ensuring these facilities are explicitly protected under state law and eliminating ambiguity in enforcement. The definition includes nonprofit organizations that provide counseling, material support, medical assistance and other resources to women and families facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies.

"These facilities serve as lifelines for women and their families during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives, and they deserve clear and consistent protection under the law," Martin said.

Attacks on pregnancy centers increased around the nation following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. The high court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization triggered laws in 21 states, including Tennessee, either banning or restricting abortions. House Bill 2260 is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 18.

Caring for Caregivers Act advances

Legislation to support families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's and related dementia advanced out of the Government Operations Committee this week. The Caring for Caregivers Act, sponsored by State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, creates a three-year pilot grant program to help caregivers with lost wages and expenses related to caring for their family member.

"Families across Tennessee are making incredible sacrifices to ensure their loved ones can remain at home and receive compassionate care," Jones said. This legislation seeks to ease the financial pressure caregivers often face and help them continue providing care at home."

Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution to the nation valued at more than $413 billion, according to a 2025 report by the Alzheimers Association.

Participants must be caring for a family member with Alzheimer's or related dementia who needs help with at least two necessary daily tasks, including walking or bathing, and live in a private residence. Priority is given to lower-income families whose household income falls at or below the median income for their area.

Eligible expenses include home accessibility modifications, medical equipment or assistive technology, respite care and medical supplies like diapers or specialized bedding.

The proposal requests $600,000 for the first year of the program to be split evenly among grantees in the three regions of Tennessee. If passed, the program would be available from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2029.

House Bill 1443 is expected to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 18.

Republicans seek fair representation for utilities

Legislation advancing in the House and Senate aims to ensure fair representation for customers of municipally owned electric utilities. House Bill 2418 by House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, requires all city-owned electric utilities in Tennessee to give customers living in counties outside municipal boundaries a voting seat in the utility's governing board for the county they serve.

"Customers who live outside city limits pay the same electric bill rates and endure the same outages as those inside the city, yet have zero say on the board that governs their utility," Boyd said. "Unfortunately, January's storm exposed this inequity. This legislation levels the playing field for all Tennesseans who rely on municipal utilities. When every ratepayer has representation, we strengthen accountability, improve service and build a more reliable grid for everyone.

Boyd introduced the bill following the devastating impacts of Winter Storm Fern in late January, which brought heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures to Tennessee. Notably, the storm caused one of the most severe power outages in Nashville Electric Service (NES) history, resulting in widespread disruptions across the region and affecting approximately 230,000 customers.The outages left many families without electricity for days, with some areas enduring outages lasting nearly two weeks amid ongoing restoration challenges.

NES serves all of Davidson County, plus portions of six surrounding counties: Wilson, Rutherford, Williamson, Cheatham, Robertson, and Sumner. Currently, NES's five-member board is appointed exclusively by the mayor of Nashville. House Bill 2418 proposes to require an electric utility company to add at least one new voting board member from each outside county.

The board member would be appointed by the county mayor for a four-year term, with optional initial two-year staggered terms. The new board members may not be city employees and would receive no municipal benefits. House Bill 2418 is expected to be heard in the Cities and Counties Subcommittee on March 18.

Measure expands child safety background checks in schools

A proposal to strengthen background checks for new hires at Tennessee charter and private schools advanced out of the Education Committee this week.

House Bill 2475, sponsored by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, requires charter schools and private schools to check new hires against the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services records for any reports of child abuse or threats to children, just like public schools already do.

It would also allow after-school programs like Head Start and the Boys and Girls Club to check their new hires and volunteers. This legislation follows a situation in Hamilton County where a former public school teacher was hired by a charter school while under investigation for sending inappropriate messages to students. The teacher was recently sentenced to nearly 19 years in federal prison.

We want to make sure somebody doesnt leave a public school and go to private school and do the same offenses that they got fired for in the public school, Alexander told committee members.

If passed, potential employees of any public, charter or private school in Tennessee must go through a criminal background check, including the sex offender registry and DCS records. House Bill 2475 is expected to be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 16.

General Assembly makes school lunches healthy again

House Republicans on Thursday passed legislation prohibiting the use and sale of petroleum-based artificial dyes in public and charter school meals.

House Bill 1853, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, applies to meals served through school nutrition programs and does not ban food and beverage items sold in school vending machines, concessions or fundraisers.

The removal of petroleum-based artificial dyes from school meals seeks to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure for children. The legislation expands upon a law passed last year that banned Red 40 in school nutrition programs at all public and charter schools.

These dyes add no nutritional value. They are only used for appearance to make food look brighter and more colorful, said Reneau. "(This bill) ensures that when Tennessee schools feed our children, we are prioritizing foods that support their health and well-being."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration have announced a national initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, including steps to revoke authorization for certain dyes and to work with manufacturers to eliminate synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026. The Senate companion version passed in February. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk. The law is expected to take effect Aug. 1, 2027.

Bill would stop the clock on daylight saving time

Tennesseans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year if a new Republican proposal passes in the General Assembly. House Bill 1300, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, would eliminate daylight saving time in the Volunteer State and require the observance of standard time year-round.

"Keeping standard time year-round will provide consistency, improve health and productivity, and better align our schedules with natural daylight," Todd said.

Daylight saving time was originally implemented in 1918, with proponents arguing that rolling clocks back an hour would save energy and allow people to take advantage of daylight hours, according to the Library of Congress. A year later, the U.S. Congress repealed daylight saving time. After being temporarily reinstated between 1942 and 1945, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a standardized time system for the nation.

Daylight saving time has several adverse effects on Americans, including increased health risks like heart attacks and strokes, according to a report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It can also negatively impact sleep patterns by disrupting the circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

While states cannot choose to observe permanent daylight saving time, they can exempt themselves, as House Bill 1300 seeks to do. In 2019, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a trigger law to observe daylight saving time year-round if the U.S. Congress passed a measure giving states that ability, but no federal action has been taken.

If passed by the General Assembly and signed into law, House Bill 1300 would be implemented beginning March 14, 2027. The legislation will be heard in the State and Local Government Committee on March 18.

Restoring State Sovereignty through Nullification Act advances

A Republican proposal that seeks to preserve the separation of powers and states' rights advanced out of the Public Service Subcommittee this week.

The Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act, or House Bill 2610, sponsored by State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, would create rules, actions and guidelines for the state to nullify an unconstitutional federal action as void and unenforceable in Tennessee.

"When Congress passes a law that lines up with the Constitution, that is the supreme law of the land," Hulsey told members of the Public Service Subcommittee. "But what do you do when Congress passes a law or an executive order comes out of the executive branch of government that is not constitutional? That's the problem. How does a state deal with that?"

Hulsey's proposal allows several entities to bring forth a proposed bill or ruling of nullification against a federal action, including: the Tennessee governor through executive authority; members of the Tennessee General Assembly, if approved by the body; any court operating under the Tennessee Constitution if it has proper venue and jurisdiction; any combination of 10 counties and municipalities governing bodies, if approved by the General Assembly; or a signed petition of 2,000 registered voters, if approved by the General Assembly.

House Bill 2610 defines an unconstitutional federal action as one implemented or adopted without authority specifically delegated to the federal government by the people and the states through the U.S. Constitution.

Public funds and any state or local officer holder, agency or government employee could not be used to assist in the enforcement of any federal action deemed void by the state, according to the bill. Any federal action could be considered, including those already in place. The proposal will be heard in the State and Local Government Committee on March 18.

Briefly

Child trafficking prevention: The House on Monday passed House Bill 1527, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, to require school districts to provide age- and developmentally-appropriate child trafficking prevention and awareness education as part of health education from kindergarten through 12th grade. House Bill 1527allows qualified health care professionals or social workers to assist with instruction. The companion version of the proposal is still advancing through the Senate.

Children's Services investigations: House Bill 1734,sponsored by State Rep. Debra Moody, R-Covington, requires the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services to record testimonies from minors by video or audio during an investigation involving child abuse, dependency or neglect. The proposed legislation would limit the significant emotional damage and psychological trauma children often endure when required to repeat traumatic events during an investigation. House Bill 1734 will be heard for consideration in the House Judiciary Committee on March 18.

Protecting 2A rights for renters: The General Assembly approved legislation this week ensuring landlords cannot ban Tennesseans from legally possessing firearms or ammunition in their rental homes. House Bill 469, sponsored by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, protects a tenant's right to legally carry and store a firearm inside a rental unit, in a vehicle parked at the residence and while directly entering or exiting those locations through hallways, parking lots or other common areas. Landlords may require firearms to be concealed, holstered or stored in a carrying container when moving through shared spaces. If a landlord violates these protections, a tenant may pursue civil action. The bill also protects landlords from civil liability solely for complying with the law. The legislation does not apply to health care facilities, mental health facilities, certain senior living centers or schools. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature.

Desecration of burial sites: The Tennessee General Assembly this week passed House Bill 1731, sponsored by State Rep. Dave Wright, R-Corryton, expanding what constitutes desecrating a venerated object to include the removal of objects from a place of burial by a person other than a family member, authorized cemetery representative, or other specified entity. People often leave coins and other items on veterans' graves as a sign of honor and respect. A penny means someone has visited the grave, a nickel means they attended boot camp together, a dime means they served together, and a quarter means the person leaving the coin was with the service member when they died, according to the Wounded Warrior Project. Desecrating a venerated object is a Class E felony in Tennessee. House Bill 1731 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

AI deepfakes: The General Assembly this week passed a Republican proposal to promote transparency and accountability in political campaign advertisements. The Transparency for Deepfakes in Political Advertising Act, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, requires a disclosure if an audio or video ad falsely depicts a candidate's speech or actions, commonly referred to as a deepfake. Failure to provide a disclaimer could result in a Class C misdemeanor. Broadcasters, hosts, third-party producers and carriers of the communication could not be held liable unless they are responsible for creating the content. House Bill 1513 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

Employment protections: House Bill 562, sponsored by State Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, would prohibit state and local officials from shutting down lawful businesses or occupations by labeling them non-essential during a state of emergency. This legislation stems from shutdowns across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal would allow for the removal of local officials who violate the law, and those officials would be ineligible to run for the same office for five years. If the governor were to violate the law, a person harmed by the order could sue for damages and legal costs. House Bill 562 is expected to be heard in the House chamber in the coming weeks.

Energy freedom: Lawmakers on Thursday passed the Tennessee Energy Freedom Act, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County. The proposal ensures that Tennesseans have the right to engage in and invest in companies involved in certain activities related to coal, oil and natural gas. House Bill 2070 prohibits government or private parties from bringing an action to impose liability for covered emissions from covered activities, including exploration, production, transportation, sale, manufacture, refinement, combustion or other use of a specified energy source. The companion version of the legislation is still advancing through the Senate.

Hunter education: Students across Tennessee could soon receive hunter education courses as part of physical education, health or safety instruction. House Bill 2588, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, allows public schools to offer hunting courses for students in grades 5 through 12. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency would approve the curriculum to ensure consistency with established hunter safety standards. The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate chambers and now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

Protecting public funds: The House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation to prevent the use of public funds to subsidize gender transition procedures. House Bill 2498, sponsored by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, will prohibit TennCare from providing coverage or reimbursement for procedures that would enable a person to identify as the opposite sex or treat purported discomfort based on a person's biological sex. The proposal does not apply to congenital defects, precocious puberty, disease or physical injury. The companion version of House Bill 2498 is still moving through the Senate.

College professor tenure: The House this week passed House Bill 2194, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, to require each board of regents of public institutions of higher education in Tennessee to adopt and implement new policies to ensure that the rewarding, denial or revocation of tenure is not used as a form of discipline. Disciplinary actions could not alter or suspend a faculty member's tenure status, except as provided for by institutional policy after due process, according to the bill. It also ensures uniform disciplinary procedures for tenured and non-tenured faculty. Chancellors, the board of regents, and chief executive officers would have sole discretion over suspension and termination. The companion version of House Bill 2194 is still advancing through the Senate.

State veterans cemeteries: One Republican lawmaker has proposed legislation to permit members of the U.S. National Guard and Reserve forces who have been honorably discharged to be buried at state veteran cemeteries. House Bill 1635, sponsored by State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, requires a member of the armed forces to have completed all service obligations and ensures the Volunteer State honors all veterans who have served our nation honorably. House Bill 1635 will be considered by the State and Local Committee on March 18.

Hunting for Heroes Act: House Bill 2550, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, creates the Tennessee National Guard Sportsman license. The proposed law would entitle a member of the Tennessee National Guard in good standing to qualify for a no-cost sportsman license in the same manner as a resident annual sportsman license. The annual sportsman license is an all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits, and allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. The bill will be heard in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 17.

Victims of Communism Day: The House of Representatives this week approved legislation requiring every public and charter school in Tennessee to recognize Victims of Communism Day on November 7 each year. House Bill 2089, sponsored by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, requires at least 45 minutes of instruction for students enrolled in world history or geography courses on the hardships faced by victims of communist regimes. If students are not in class on November 7, the instruction must be provided the next time the class meets. The legislation would take effect in the 2026-27 school year.The companion version of House Bill 2089 is still advancing through the Senate.

Civics education: The General Assembly on Monday passed legislation directing public and charter schools to incorporate a civics instructional video outlining our nations founding principles. House Bill 2395, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, requires students in grades 6-12 to be shown the video once in both middle and high school. The video would explain the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and the religious affiliation and moral beliefs of our nations founding fathers. It must be historically accurate and free from political stances. House Bill 2395 mandates that the civics instructional video be recommended by the Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission and approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education. The billnow heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature. It will take effect in the 2027-28 school year.

Autonomous vehicles: House Bill 1168, sponsoredby State Rep. Greg Vital,R-Harrison,directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to evaluate autonomous vehicle technology in the Volunteer State. The study will assess vehicles in both private and commercial capacities, including interstate commerce, passenger support and food delivery services. The legislation requires assistance from all relevant state agencies in providing members of the General Assembly with data-driven recommendations on potential future regulations. House Bill 1168 is scheduled to be heard by the Transportation Committee on March 17.

Formal review process for library collections: House Bill 2449,sponsored by State Rep. Johnny Garrett,R-Goodlettsville,requires public libraries in Tennessee to adopt a formal materials reconsideration policy that allows residents of the county to request that an item in the librarys collection be reviewed. The bill allows residents to ask the library to keep an item in place, move it to another section, reclassify it, or remove it from the collection. Requests must be submitted using an application form and reviewed by the local library board, which must issue a decision within 90 days. Decisions remain in effect for a set period and are considered final during that time. The legislation also allows libraries to establish reasonable safeguards, such as requiring proof of residency or limiting the number of requests submitted within a year. House Bill 2449 will be heard for consideration in the State and Local Government Committee on March 18.

Deterring drag racing: Legislation by State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, aims to improve road safety across Tennessee. House Bill 1449 authorizes vehicles used in the commission of a drag racing offense to be impounded for evidence collection. It also expands the offense to include vehicle drifting stunts or reckless driving for spectators, as well as acts committed on commercial property. Participants in the offense could include an organizer or promoter, according to the legislation. Finally, House Bill 1449 would require law enforcement officers to arrest offenders, similar to the process for people accused of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. The proposal will be considered by the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee in the coming weeks.

Protecting religious freedom: House Bill 2264, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, establishes a Class A misdemeanor offense for deliberately interfering with lawful religious services, including trespassing, disruptive demonstrations, or other intentional acts that disturb or obstruct the order and solemnity of a religious gathering. House Bill 2264 now heads to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

Expanding employee bullying policies: The Education Committee this week advanced legislation to hold school employees, rather than only teachers, accountable for bullying students. House Bill 1733,sponsored by State Rep. Debra Moody, R-Covington, permits school districts to dismiss or suspend a school employee who has engaged in an act of harassing, intimidating, bullying or cyberbullying a student. The bill requires school districts to include descriptions of acceptable and prohibited behavior in employee policies. House Bill 1733 is expected to be considered by the Judiciary Committee on March 18.

Tennessee's former first lady: Martha Sundquist,wife of former Governor Don Sundquist,passed away on Wednesday, March 11, at the age of 88. The former First Lady served the Volunteer State from 1995 to 2003. Sundquist was known for her love of nature and was proud to have a Tennessee state forest in Cocke County named in her honor. Born in Joliet, Ill., she lived with her husband in several parts of the state, including Shelbyville, Memphis, Nashville and Townsend. In 1989, the former first lady was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to a 3-year term on the United Service Organizations (USO) Board of Governors. She will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 21.

Expanding revenue streams for TWRA: House Bill 2138, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, seeks to ensure the financial stability of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The TWRA relies primarily on hunting and fishing license revenues as a main source of funding. This legislation would add another funding source by directing 10% of the payments the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) makes to the state to TWRA. The bill has been placed behind the budget and is expected to be taken up for consideration by the Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee at a later date.

Reducing judicial backlog: The Civil Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to help courts manage growing caseloads and improve efficiency in the criminal justice system. House Bill 2251, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills,R-Newbern, creates a pilot program allowing 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseload to establish criminal magistrate positions. If approved by the county commission, criminal court judges could appoint a magistrate beginning in 2027 to help handle arraignments, initial appearances, setting bonds, issuing warrants and conducting preliminary hearings. Magistrates would serve for four-year terms and be paid by the county. House Bill 2251 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 18.

United States Space Force: Legislation to formally recognize the United States Space Force (USSF) advanced out of the Departments and Agencies Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1989, sponsored by State Rep. Michael Lankford, R-Paloma, would ensure any statutory measures or benefits extended to other branches of the United States Armed Forces are also applicable to members of the USSF. House Bill 1989 will be considered by the State and Local Government Committee on March 18.

Advocates for human trafficking victims: The Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee advanced legislation to further support children who may be victims of human trafficking. House Bill 2527, sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, and co-sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, requires a representative from a nonprofit specializing in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of minors to be present before an initial investigation begins when a case involves suspected child human trafficking. The proposal also requires members of the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services (DCS) protection teams to complete 15 hours of annual training on severe child abuse and child sexual abuse. DCS must determine whether abuse allegations are substantiated and report findings to the state abuse registry within 90 days, or within 180 days for cases involving a child fatality, with one possible 180-day extension if needed. House Bill 2527 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 18.

Parenting plans: A proposal to clarify that a childs best interest must remain the paramount factor in custody and parenting schedule decisions advanced out of the Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee this week. House Bill 590, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, adds that a judge must consider whether a proposed parenting schedule gives each parent meaningful opportunities to participate in the childs life when reviewing the plan. The measure does not create a presumption of equal parenting time but ensures courts evaluate parental involvement when determining custody arrangements. House Bill 590 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 18.

Equal opportunity compliance reporting: A proposal to strengthen a 2025 law that shuttered diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments at entities across Tennessee was advanced by the Departments and Agencies Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1664, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, requires state agencies, counties, cities, metropolitan governments and public higher education institutions to certify each year that they are complying with this state law and do not maintain offices or departments that promote or require discriminatory preferences in efforts to advance DEI. The legislation would require the executive head of each entity to submit an annual attestation of compliance to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and annually thereafter.

Recognizing Judea and Samaria: Lawmakers on Monday approved the Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act, which will prohibit state agencies in Tennessee from referring to the region to the south and north of Jerusalem as the West Bank. House Bill 1446, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, prohibits the use of state funds to create official government materials that refer to the region as the West Bank, unless an agency head determines it is in Tennessee's interest. The companion version of the bill is still advancing through the Senate.
Both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly have passed legislation that reforms two longstanding financial barriers that have blocked formerly incarcerated people from restoring their voting rights. Senate Bill 336 / House Bill 687 received final legislative approval on Thursday and now heads to the governors desk.

The legislation makes two significant changes to state law:

Eliminates the requirement that returning citizens pay off all outstanding court costs before their voting rights can be restored. A person can owe court fees and never lose the right to vote - yet under the old law, a returning citizen could be denied voting rights for the same debt.

Replaces the requirement that returning citizens be completely caught up on all child support payments with a more equitable standard: 12 months of documented compliance with child support orders, including payment plans for arrearages. The debt does not disappear - it is still owed - but it no longer bars a person from voting.

According to The Sentencing Project, more than 470,000 Tennesseans - 9.3 percent of the states voting age population - currently pay state taxes but have no right to vote due to a past felony conviction, the second-highest total in the nation. Between January 2020 and September 2022, only 2,034 Tennesseans with felony convictions successfully restored their voting rights - less than one percent of those who had completed their sentence.

Tennessee is the only state in the nation that ties child support debt to the voting rights restoration process. The law prevents returning citizens from reclaiming the right to vote simply because they owe child support, even after fully completing their sentence and paying all court-ordered restitution to victims.

"The issue of financial disenfranchisement has handcuffed people who have exited the justice system - people who have served their time, paid their restitution and are trying to rebuild their lives, said Senator Akbari. Today, Tennessee begins correcting that injustice. This was a bipartisan effort and Im proud of what we accomplished.

Rep. Camper said, These are the kinds of reforms that give people hope. Returning citizens want to be a part of society. They want to move forward. And the right to vote - just being eligible - is one of the most powerful ways we say: you belong here. We worked diligently across the aisle to get this done, and although it took time, it was worth every moment.

Tennessee law requires individuals convicted of an infamous crime after May 18, 1981, to meet specific conditions before becoming eligible to restore their voting rights. If Senate Bill 336 / House Bill 687 is signed into law, people convicted of felonies will be eligible to regain their voting rights after:
From March 24 to 27, 2026, analytica will once again bring the international laboratory industry together in Munich. Susanne Grodl, Exhibition Director of analytica, reveals what visitors to the World's Leading Trade Fair for laboratory technology, Analysis, and biotechnology, and the analytica conference can expect this year and which topics are particularly in demand.

Ms Grodl, what can visitors expect at analytica 2026? Once again, the global laboratory industry will showcase its concentrated innovative strength in five exhibition halls, providing a complete market overview of the lab in industry and research. We are looking forward to welcoming over 1,100 international exhibitors, including all market leaders, nine world premieres, and many other innovations that have been announced to us in advance. In addition, our extensive supporting program will cover key industry topics. It is very important to us to provide visitors with inspiration and fresh ideas for everyday laboratory work, as well as contacts and know-how that will have an impact beyond the trade fair. And last but not least, visitors can of course look forward to reuniting with colleagues from the international lab community.

What will be new at the trade fair this year, and what proven elements will remain? One new feature is an initiative aimed at empowering women in the laboratory and analytics industry at all job levels. On the first day of the trade fair, a panel discussion will address the current state of equal opportunities in the industry (March 24, 10:00). At an exclusive CEO breakfast, we want to bring together women in leadership positions to exchange ideas and network.

A well-established highlight is definitely the Live Lab, which in this scope only exists at analytica. Daily, experts give one-hour live demonstrations of typical workflows on a fully equipped laboratory line and are available to answer questions. The experimental presentations in the Lab Safety Forum impressively illustrate the risks involved in handling hazardous substances flashes and bangs included. In addition, there are three more forums, the special show Digital Transformation, career events such as Jobday, and, last but not least, the analytica conference. Admission to this renowned scientific conference is included in the trade fair ticket, which is also unique to analytica.

Which topics and trends currently affecting the industry will analytica particularly reflect? Artificial Intelligence is a highly relevant and much-discussed issue. We are delighted to have secured Marcelina Dutkiewicz, a renowned keynote speaker, for this. She will be speaking on how AI initiatives become a success in the Digital Transformation Forum on March 24 at 11:30. This will be followed at 14:00 by a panel discussion in the LSR Spotlight Forum entitled Goodbye trial and error  hello AI. The scientific conference will also focus on the topic of AI, for example in the session by Prof. Michael Rychlik on March 24 (09:30), which will address the question of how AI and digital innovations can support food analysis and research.
Bethany Baptist Church, Bowling Green, KY. | Photo credit: Bethany Baptist Church website

A Southern Baptist congregation in Kentucky has donated $100,000 to assist a neighboring church in paying down the cost of a recently purchased worship facility.

Bethany Baptist Church in Warren County provided the financial gift to Mission Church of Bowling Green, another Southern Baptist Convention congregation founded about 12 years ago. Mission Church currently has roughly 50 members, with weekly worship attendance reaching around 100 people.

Mission Church Teaching Pastor Eric Baker said in an interview with The Christian Post on Monday that the congregation was deeply moved by the unexpected generosity.

We were simply overwhelmed by the generous gift of Bethany Baptist, Baker said. The grace of Jesus is unmerited, hilarious and lavish  this gift was a reflection of the greater gift and miracle found in salvation by grace alone, by faith alone, and in Christ alone, he said.

Mission Church had recently purchased an older property from the South Central Baptist Association in December, securing the building for $500,000 to serve as its new sanctuary, according to Baptist Press.

This gift will go toward helping us accomplish this, he said. We also want to pay a portion of the gift forward as well and are considering other churches to bless, Baker added.

Although this is the first time Mission Church has received direct financial assistance from Bethany Baptist, Baker noted that the two congregations have maintained a supportive relationship over the years.

Our churches and leadership are like-minded and have supported each other through prayer and some activities, Baker said. Our pastors meet monthly for prayer and encouragement.

Bethany Baptist Pastor Lucas Page told Baptist Press that the church saw the donation as a natural opportunity to support a ministry with shared convictions that was facing a practical need. It was a clear opportunity of a like-minded faithful, healthy church that had a need and we had more than we needed, Page said.

Page explained that the funds did not come from recent offerings but from a legacy gift left to the church years ago that had grown over time.

That significant amount of money is not money that the current membership at Bethany raised or gave sacrificially. That is part of an investment account that someone I never even met gave years ago, Page said.

He emphasized that the congregation simply chose to steward the inherited funds by directing them toward a meaningful ministry need.

They left it to the church and it grew and its amount was more than we had a current need for. It was good that were giving this money, but the real sacrifice wasnt even to us. Were just taking that money that we kind of inherited and found a need for it and gave it away.

Baker expressed hope that the financial support will help the church focus its efforts on ministry and outreach from the new facility.

Our prayer is from this new space many will be saved, baptized, become covenant members, and be sent out as missionaries to neighborhoods and to the ends of the Earth, Baker said.

Mission Church is already engaged in partnerships both locally and internationally, including ministries in Africa and Poland as well as a local outreach called Hope House.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, suspect in the Old Dominion University shooting and a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone. | Screenshot: YouTube/ WTKR News 3

A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia on Thursday has drawn national attention after authorities revealed that the suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, had previously been convicted in a terrorism-related case involving the Islamic State group.

Witnesses reported that the 36-year-old suspect shouted Allahu Akbar shortly before opening fire inside a classroom on the universitys campus in Norfolk. Federal investigators later confirmed that Jalloh was a naturalized American citizen originally from Sierra Leone who had once served in the Virginia Army National Guard before being convicted of supporting ISIS.

The gunfire erupted during a morning class session in one of the universitys buildings, sending students and staff scrambling for safety. Authorities said one person was killed and two others were injured before students managed to stop the attacker. The gunman also died during the confrontation.

Officials later identified the victim as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, according to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Shah had previously studied at Old Dominion University and later returned in 2022 to serve as a leader within the schools Reserve Officers Training Corps program, according to The Associated Press.

The two wounded individuals were also members of the military community connected to the ROTC program, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed in comments reported by NBC News.

Dominique Evans, the FBI special agent in charge of the Norfolk field office, said ROTC-affiliated students intervened and physically subdued the shooter during the attack. Evans explained that the students rendered him no longer alive, bringing the incident to an end and preventing further casualties.

Authorities also revealed that Jalloh had an extensive history connected to extremist activity before the shooting.

In 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a charge involving assistance such as funding, weapons or training provided to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He ultimately received an 11-year federal prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release, according to NBC News.

Court documents showed that Jalloh attempted to send digital gift card codes to a person he believed was associated with ISIS.

Investigators also said he traveled to North Carolina in 2016 seeking to purchase an AK-47 rifle as part of a plan to attack U.S. military personnel. The seller declined to complete the sale, but authorities said Jalloh later bought an AR-15 rifle from another gun store before being arrested the following day.

The original terrorism investigation began after Jalloh communicated with individuals linked to ISIS in Africa and attempted to donate $500 to the organization. The money was instead directed to an FBI-controlled account during the undercover operation.

Before his arrest in the earlier case, Jalloh served as a combat engineer with the Virginia Army National Guard between 2009 and 2015. Military officials said he had no deployments and received an honorable discharge before his arrest in the terrorism case.

Jalloh was released from federal prison in December 2024, less than two years before the shooting at Old Dominion University.
Home News Abortion pill complication rates 'significantly' higher after Biden-era rule change, study says

The rate of women suffering adverse health complications after taking abortion pills was significantly higher after the Biden FDA made the drug available through mail-order and rescinded the in-person dispensing requirement, a new report claims.

On Tuesday, the Ethics & Public Policy Center released a report that examined the adverse event data for the abortion drug mifepristone before and after the FDA removed the requirement for in-person doctor visits.

The database for the report  which was written by EPPC President Ryan T. Anderson and Director of Data Analysis Jamie Bryan Hall  covers prescriptions of mifepristone for abortion from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2023.

For the study, the researchers compared the rate of serious adverse events from Jan. 1, 2017, through July 13, 2020 (Period 1), with the rate of serious adverse events from July 13, through Dec. 31, 2023 (Period 2), which included three months in which the in-person requirement was in effect.

According to the analysis, the rate of serious adverse events rose from 10.15% when the in-person requirement was enforced to 11.50% after the FDA removed the requirement, a statistically significant difference of 1.35 percentage points and a 13% increase.

Without requiring an in-person doctor visit, anyone can go online and get mail-order abortion pills. There is no way to ensure that the unborn baby hasnt grown so large that chemical abortion is unsafe for the mother, no way to ensure that the unborn baby isnt implanted outside of the uterus where using chemical abortion drugs could prove deadly to the mother, and no way to ensure that its the mother who is voluntarily requesting the chemical abortion drugs and not a boyfriend seeking the pills to secretly and coercively poison her, Anderson said in a Tuesday statement.

The study that Anderson authored also found that prescriptions for mifepristone given to women experiencing an ectopic pregnancy  a life-threatening condition that occurs when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus  increased from 0.27% before the policy change to 0.41% afterward.

The estimated strength of the relationship between remote dispensing of mifepristone and the higher rate of serious adverse events depends on the percentage of mifepristone prescriptions in Period 2 that were dispensed remotely. We do not have firm data on that percentage, Anderson and Hall noted in the report.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization formerly affiliated with Planned Parenthood, chemical abortion accounted for 63% of all abortions in 2023. The study authors also cited several reports that noted an increase in the number of virtual abortion clinics and the remote dispensing share of abortions.

Anderson and Hall also modeled several scenarios due to a lack of documentation on the number of abortion pills dispensed remotely.

If remote dispensing of mifepristone accounted for 10% of all prescriptions in Period 2 (which is a reasonable but rough estimate for the entire period, given the information presented above on the increase in remote dispensing from 0% to 30% market share over 3 years), this would imply a rate of serious adverse events of 23.65% for remote dispensing  13.50 percentage points higher than for in-person dispensing, the researchers wrote.

In a second scenario, in which remote dispensing of mifepristone accounted for 25% of all prescriptions in Period 2, the projected serious adverse event rate would be 15.55%, which is 5.40 percentage points higher than in-person dispensing.

The new findings follow another study released by the EPPC in April 2025 that found 10.93% of women experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging or another serious adverse event within 45 days following a mifepristone abortion.

According to the study, the rate of adverse events experienced by women who take the abortion pill is at least 22 times higher than the less than 0.5% figure cited based on clinical trials.

Pro-life advocates have repeatedly called on President Donald Trumps administration to crack down on the shipment of abortion drugs across state lines. Advocates have also expressed frustration over the FDAs promised safety review of the abortion drug mifepristone, with some fearing that the review is being delayed.

These concerns were amplified after a report emerged that FDA Commissioner Marty Makary had told agency officials to delay the mifepristone review until after the midterm elections.

In response to claims that the administration is slow-walking the review, White House officials have insisted that thorough reviews take time.

"The White House maintains the utmost confidence in Commissioner Makary, whose leadership at the FDA has delivered and continues to deliver one landmark victory for the American people after another, from cracking down on artificial ingredients in our food supply to conducting the first safety review of baby formula in decades," White House spokesperson Kush Desai told The Christian Post at the time.

"Uninformed attacks against Commissioner Makary from individuals outside the Administration will not change these facts," he added.
Home News Hamas faces public outrage after killing Gazan civilians

The terrorist organization Hamas is facing public outrage after its operatives recently carried out arrests and killed civilians in Gaza. Hamas decision to intimidate residents of Gaza and use excessive force is part of the terror groups attempt to crack down on any opposition.

Hamas has reportedly also sought to take advantage of the fact that much of the Israeli and international focus is directed toward Iran and the Iranbacked terrorist militia Hezbollah in Lebanon, allowing it greater space to maneuver and pursue its own objectives amid the broader regional crisis.

In one incident, Hamas operatives killed civilian Asaad Abu Mahadi at the Abu Srar crossing in Gaza's Nuseirat camp for no apparent reason, as he reportedly posed no threat to Hamas. Mahadai was transported in critical condition to a local hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Local activist Hussein Jamal publicly condemned Hamas in a post on the social media platform X.

We must speak about the crime in Nuseirat camp against Asaad Abu Mahadi, who was ambushed and murdered in cold blood, Jamal wrote. He blasted what he assessed as the absolute silence of human rights institutions in the face of such crimes.

If it is not their role to expose those responsible now, then when will the time come? Jamal added.

Saudi news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat reported that, following the incidents, Hamas officials tried to settle with the family of the victim. However, the family reportedly rejected the Hamas proposal and emphasized that he was not affiliated with any armed group in Gaza. Hamas officials claimed Mahadi was killed by mistake due to suspicion about his vehicle.

Another Hamas source said Mahadi failed to comply with instructions to stop at the crossing.

There was no justification for shooting him, the source added, arguing the terror group had decided to take measures against the involved Hamas operatives. However, Mahadi is not an isolated case.

Two days later, Hamas operatives killed former aid worker Mohammed Abu Amara in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Local residents reported that the deadly shooting occurred amid intensified Hamas arrests of individuals who post content criticizing the group on social media.

In a third documented incident, Hamas abducted and tortured Fatah-affiliated social activist Ashraf Nasser in front of his family after he criticized Hamas policies and the dire living conditions in Gaza. Nasser had also advocated for peaceful coexistence with Israel. His family reportedly does not know his current whereabouts, and there are concerns that Hamas may be holding him in one of its underground tunnels, which were previously used to conceal Israeli hostages following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

The U.S.-brokered ceasefire called for Hamas to be disarmed and removed from power in Gaza. However, the group has so far refused to disarm or abandon its ambitions to remain in control. The Yellow Line currently divides Gaza into an Israeli-controlled area and the area that remains largely under Hamas control.

Last month, the U.S. State Department condemned Hamas after a video clip on social media showed Hamas terrorists threatening Gazan civilians who refused to pay taxes to Hamas in the town of Khan Younis.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News John Perkins, civil rights activist and Bible teacher, dies at 95

John Perkins, a distinguished black civil rights activist, author and Bible teacher known for his work in racial reconciliation, has died at the age of 95.

V. Elizabeth Perkins, one of his children, posted an announcement to the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation on Friday stating that Perkins had died that morning while surrounded by his family.

To the world, he was Dr. John M. Perkins, a voice for justice, reconciliation, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, she wrote. He received 19 honorary doctorate degrees, but most importantly, he was the devoted husband of his bride, Vera Mae Perkins, for 74 years, and together they were blessed with 8 children.

But to me, he was Daddy. My heart is broken, yet full of gratitude for the gift of being his daughter. His life was marked by courage, humility, faith, and love. He poured himself out for God, for people, and for the work of reconciliation.

Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development at the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board, was among those who offered condolences.

Rest well, John Perkins, Wax tweeted. A hero with an incredible story of resilience and faith, who leaves behind a legacy of calling us all to deeper love and justice.

Jemar Tisby, a prominent African American Evangelical author, historian and proponent of racial reconciliation in churches, also conveyed his condolences.

We lost another luminary today, wrote Tisby in a post on Facebook. I feel the passing of John Perkins deeply because he was a forerunner of the evangelical racial reconciliation movement that  despite its shortcomings  was a crucial part of my Christian journey.

Born in 1930 in Jim Crow-era Mississippi, Perkins was the son of a sharecropper who fled the state at age 17 for California after a town marshal murdered his older brother.

Perkins accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in 1957 and ultimately returned to Mississippi in 1960 to preach the Gospel and to be active in civil rights efforts.

His outspoken support and leadership role in civil rights demonstrations resulted in repeated harassment, imprisonment and beatings, explained the John Perkins Center at Seattle Pacific University.

In 1989, he co-founded the Christian Community Development Association, a network of evangelical congregations and organizations working in urban settings.

In addition to his prolific public speaking and teaching, Perkins also served on the board of directors of numerous Christian organizations, among them World Vision, Prison Fellowship and the National Association of Evangelicals.

Perkins authored multiple books, including One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love; He Calls Me Friend: The Healing Power of Friendship, and Count it All Joy: The Ridiculous Paradox of Suffering.

In those three books, what I have there is an overview of the centrality of the Gospel, Perkins told The Christian Post in an interview in 2022, labeling the works his manifesto.

That's the idea. What I try to do is to put the centrality of the Gospel in those three books. The issue is what to do with our sin.  Someone said we don't have a skin problem. It's really a sin problem.
Home News 52 unmarried, cohabitating couples participate in joint wedding ceremony at Lakepointe Church

Josh Howerton, the senior pastor of the multi-campus Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, recently shared that 52 couples participated in a mass wedding ceremony after he encouraged all unmarried, cohabitating couples across the church's eight campuses to stop living in sin and properly make a covenant commitment to each other.

Howerton concluded his Feb. 22 sermon with a message for all those who are living with somebody thats not your spouse, sleeping with somebody thats not your spouse or actually already started a family and had kids with somebody thats not your spouse.

He urged couples who find themselves in one or more of these situations to come under the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit that you need to honor God, bend your knee to Jesus, put a ring on it and enter into a covenant with a person that youre already acting like youre in a covenant with. Howerton assured couples that we want to help you do that in accordance with the churchs belief that the only time we look down on people is to give them a hand up.

A whole team of pastors was assembled at each of the church's eight campuses, ready to perform a mass wedding ceremony, Howerton said.

Unwed, cohabitating couples were then offered the opportunity to take the next step in their lives by texting the word marriage to the number 20411 and sign up to get married.

Howerton assured congregants that we got people who are going to walk with you, counsel you, help you and then were going to get you married, and were going to throw a big party.

Guess what your church familys not going to be doing? These people arent going to be judging you. Theyre going to be cheering you on as you step forward into obedience to Jesus Christ, he said.

In a Facebook post last Friday, Howerton said 52 couples took him up on his offer to participate in a mass wedding ceremony because they came under conviction after hearing his sermon. He expressed gratitude for the 52 couples, 52 families, 52 lineages and legacies and family trees changed forever. In a comment on his Facebook post, which was accompanied by a picture of the couples on stage, Howerton noted that over A THOUSAND people showed up to cheer them on!!!

Howerton shared his intention to honor these couples at the beginning of his sermon on March 8 and called on the congregation to give them a STANDING OVATION to show them their church family is behind them, heart and soul.

Howerton described the mass wedding ceremony as one of the coolest things we have ever seen at Lakepointe. He shared an image of the ceremony before inviting the congregation to show them right now how honored we are to share that moment with them and how proud of them we are. The crowd erupted into applause as a show of support for couples who are members of our spiritual family.
Home News Lebanese Christians mourn priest killed amid escalating violence

A war-ravaged Lebanese Christian community is in mourning the loss of a priest killed amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, spurring Pope Leo XIV to renew his plea for peace in the region.

Speaking to a general audience in St. Peters Square on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV remembered Father Pierre El-Rahi, a Maronite parish priest in the Christian village of Al-Qlayaa, Marjayoun district in southern Lebanon, who was killed on Monday during shelling from the Israeli military amid its fight with the militant group Hezbollah along the border with Israel.

El-Rahi was reportedly among the priests who refused to flee the Christian village after Israeli military orders to evacuate Al-Qlayaa. The pontiff said the deceased spiritual leader was a true shepherd who always remained close to his people with love and the sacrifice of Jesus the Good Shepherd," noting that the church leader lost his life tending to his flock.

The pontiffs remarks about El-Rahi came on the same day that his funeral took place.

As soon as he heard that some of his parishioners had been injured by a bombardment, without any hesitation, he ran to help them, Leo explained. May his spilt blood be a seed of peace for Dear Lebanon.

The unrest in the Middle East has intensified following the death of Irans supreme leader two weeks ago during United States-Israeli airstrikes.

Let us continue to pray for peace in Iran and in the whole Middle East, in particular, for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children, he proclaimed. The pontiff expressed hope that the prayer would be a comfort to those who are suffering and a seed of hope for the future.

Many Christian families fleeing the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah have taken shelter in Beirut stadiums and schools, Crux reports, which notes that Hezbollah fired rockets at the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona in retaliation for Israeli strikes on localities in Lebanon.

Lebanon Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has asked the Vatican for help in advocating for Christian villages in the southern region. Raggi provided details about his phone conversation with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See Archbishop Paul Gallagher in an X post.

We exchanged views on the latest developments in Lebanon and on the difficult situation facing the border villages in the south, he wrote.

I asked the Holy See to intervene and mediate to help preserve the Christian presence in those villages, whose residents have always supported the Lebanese state and its official military institutions, and have never departed from this commitment, he stated. Archbishop Gallagher affirmed that the Holy See is making all the necessary diplomatic contacts to halt the escalation in Lebanon and to prevent the displacement of citizens from their lands. He also said that Lebanon has always been, and continues to be, in the prayers of His Holiness the Pope.

In an X post published Monday, the Lebanese Forces Party, a Christian-based minority party, attributed El-Rahis death to Elements from the Party who infiltrated the town of Al-Qlaia, which led to Israeli airstrikes on it, resulting in the martyrdom of the late Maronite priest. The post's reference to the Party refers to Hezbollah.

Richard Ghazal, director of the U.S.-based advocacy group In Defense of Christians, urged the international community to ensure Lebanon doesn't become "another permanent battlefield in the Middle East.

Lebanons Christians are not a party to this conflict, yet they once again find themselves forced to the front lines," Ghazal said, "caught between regional powers and armed actors."

Leos remarks on Wednesday are not the first time the pontiff has weighed in on the unrest in the Middle East. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peters Square on March 1, the day after strikes conducted by the U.S. and Israel led to the death of top Iranian leaders, Leo offered a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.

Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons  but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialogue, he added.
Home News Man pleads guilty to threatening to blow up Catholic cathedral in DC

A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to attempting to blow up a Catholic Church during a high-profile annual mass and now faces the prospect of decades behind bars.

In a statement last week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Louis Geri of Vineland, New Jersey, had pleaded guilty to a count of Hobbs Act extortion by wrongful use of force, violence, or fear and a count of possession of an unregistered firearm in connection with his attempt to cause an explosion at the annual Red Mass in honor of law enforcement officials in Washington, D.C. Geris guilty plea comes five months after he was arrested before he could carry out his plan.

Geri had assembled more than 100 homemade explosive devices and sought to detonate them on the steps of St. Matthews Cathedral. He was discovered by Metropolitan Police Department officials in a tent outside the church in the early morning of Oct. 5, when the mass was scheduled to take place. He refused to follow their orders to move and threatened to throw one of his explosive devices into the street, warning them that several of your people are going to die from one of these.

Geri also made a list of written demands that he wanted met in order for him to call off his plan to detonate the explosive devices, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments to himself and others, extended accommodations at the Mayflower Hotel, an expatriation flight to Japan, and requests that the Supreme Court remove Arizona from the United States and declare it a foreign enemy. Additional demands made by Geri were directed at leaders of the Catholic and Jewish faiths.

After establishing a barricade around the tent, law enforcement apprehended Geri when he emerged from the tent. Following his capture, Geri informed law enforcement that he wanted to use the devices to target St. Matthews Cathedral, the White House, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Threatening to detonate devices on the steps of a Catholic church  or any religious institution  is a violation not only of our way of life, but of the First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion, said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeannine Pirro. Terrorizing people of faith will result in serious consequences and significant prison time.

Engaging in extortion in violation of the Hobbs Act comes with a maximum penalty of a fine and/or a 20-year prison sentence, while possession of a destructive device could lead to a prison sentence ranging from five to 10 years. Geri is expected to learn his fate at a sentencing hearing scheduled to take place on July 27.

Geris case was tried in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In addition to the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Washington Field Office of the FBI assisted in the investigation.
Home News Minors can easily access cross-sex hormones online, new report warns

Even as more than two dozen states have banned minors access to cross-sex hormones, a new report notes that children can still obtain estrogen and testosterone online with little oversight, giving rise to distribution networks for "homebrewed" hormones.

The advocacy group Do No Harm stated in a report on Tuesday that trans-identified children can obtain through the internet cross-sex hormones designed to make them take on an appearance that aligns with their stated gender identity rather than their biological sex.

A cursory internet search for information related to pediatric medical transition reveals a host of resources directing users to online pharmacies, distribution networks for homebrewed hormones and guides on self-administering cross-sex hormones, the report stated. In just a few clicks, users can find discussion forums on major social media sites like Reddit dedicated to enabling gender transitions absent professional oversight.

The report cited research from the Manhattan Institute identifying the TransDIY Reddit forum as rife with requests for help finding cross-sex hormone vendors, with users asking questions such as which online pharmacies could ship to their state. It also highlighted how one website lists several online pharmacies located on multiple continents from which minors can procure cross-sex hormones, adding the disclaimer that getting hormones without a prescription is against the law.

Another website profiled in the report includes a list of unregulated online pharmacies from which users can purchase hormones, with language stating these pharmacies do not require prescriptions.

Many of these pharmacies do not appear to require a prescription or verification of a customers age at any point before prompting the customer to submit payment information," the report states.

After listing several international and domestic pharmacies that enable minors to purchase cross-sex hormones online, Do No Harm called on Congress to hold hearings about this relatively new issue to determine whether additional legislation is necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients." The organization also urges the Food and Drug Administration to investigate online pharmacies that appear to be skirting safety rules and take appropriate enforcement action.

On the state level, state executive branches should investigate and prosecute online sellers if they are in violation of existing state prohibitions on cross-sex hormones for minors and, where applicable, practicing pharmacology without an appropriate license, the report added. States should also consider passing new legislation, as needed, to close any loopholes and strengthen enforcement against such vendors.

In a statement reacting to the reports release, Do No Harm Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Miceli said that children with gender dysphoria shouldn't "be able to purchase potent, experimental medications with just a few simple clicks.

The report cited some of the long-term consequences of cross-sex hormones for minors that have informed state-level bans, including infertility, increased risk of heart attacks and increased risk of cancer. Additional possible long-term impacts identified by the American College of Pediatricians include an increased risk of strokes, diabetes and blood clots.

"These hormones carry significant risks, including effects that can be irreversible," he said.

Currently, 26 states have laws banning minors with gender dysphoria from obtaining cross-sex hormones: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.



Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report warning against "invasive" and "usually irreversible" medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria.
Home News Moody Bible Institute secures settlement allowing student teachers in Chicago schools

The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago reached a settlement this week with the Chicago Board of Education that allows its student teachers to work in the city's public schools following a four-month legal battle.

The settlement included Chicago Public Schools (CPS) modifying its Student Teacher Internship Agreement to respect Moody's religious beliefs and personal expectations for its students, according to a statement from Alliance Defending Freedom, the legal group that represented Moody in the case.

In November, Moody filed a complaint alleging religious discrimination against the Chicago Board of Education for barring its students from participating in a student-teaching program solely because of the Evangelical institution's hiring practices.

The historic private Christian college, founded in 1886 by evangelist and pastor Dwight L. Moody, was expected to agree to CPS's non-discrimination policies that contradicted its policy of requiring students to adhere to historically orthodox Christian religious beliefs and practices, according to the complaint.

Despite the Illinois State Board of Education approving Moody's Elementary Education degree program in January 2024, CPS allegedly blocked Moody students from participating in its student-teacher program, citing its policy that participating colleges and universities cannot "discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, or other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of ... religion, ... gender identity/expression, [or] sexual orientation."

The complaint accused the Chicago Board of Education of violating the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The suit also alleged that Chicago's policy also conflicted with the requirements of Moody's elementary education program, which requires students to complete at least 10 hours of classroom observation at a public school and at least 10 hours at a Christian school.

The case drew the attention of Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., who fired off a letter in December to CPS Interim Superintendent Macquline King calling the religious discrimination allegations "deeply troubling," according to The College Fix.

Walberg, who serves as chairman of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, raised concern that CPS was expecting Moody "to abandon its Biblically-based doctrinal positions" on sexuality.

Since the settlement, Moody is now listed as an approved university partner on CPS's website and Moody Provost Tim Sisk expressed gratitude for the settlement, according to ADF.

"We are deeply grateful that a resolution has been reached affirming our constitutional right to hire individuals who are aligned with our core mission and biblical values," Sisk said.

"Moody's Elementary Education students are eager and well-prepared to participate in the CPS student teaching program, which is an essential and formative part of their journey toward becoming effective educators."

"We sincerely appreciate ADF for their thoughtful counsel and dedicated efforts, and we are thankful for the many prayers and support that have helped ensure this important opportunity remains available to our students," he added.

ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus also praised the outcome in a statement, noting that Chicago needs more good teachers.

"Chicago desperately needs more teachers to fill hundreds of vacancies, and Moody's students will be well-equipped and qualified to help meet that need," he said.

"Moody holds its faculty and students to high standards of excellence, and we're pleased to reach this favorable outcome that will allow it to participate in Chicago Public Schools' student-teaching program. We're hopeful other public officials will take note that they can't inject themselves illegally and unconstitutionally into a religious non-profit's hiring practices."
Home News Old Dominion University shooting: Suspect shouted Allahu Akbar, had ISIS conviction

Before opening fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia on Thursday, a 36-year-old man, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard soldier previously convicted of supporting the Islamic State group, shouted Allahu Akbar.

The gunman opened fire during the morning in a classroom at the universitys campus in Norfolk.

One person was killed and two others were wounded before students subdued him, and the shooter also died.

The victim who was killed was identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, according to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who described him as a devoted ROTC instructor who didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path."

Shah had previously attended Old Dominion as a student and returned in 2022 to serve as a leader in the universitys ROTC program, The Associated Press reported. He had flown helicopters for the U.S. Army over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe during his military career, according to information released by the university and military officials.

The two people injured in the attack were also connected to the Army, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said, confirming they were military personnel associated with the ROTC program, NBC News reported.

Jalloh was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone who had previously served in the Virginia Army National Guard, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBIs Norfolk field office, said students affiliated with the universitys Reserve Officers Training Corps, or ROTC, subdued the attacker during the incident, according to TNND. Evans said the students rendered him no longer alive while stopping the assault and preventing further casualties.

Authorities said less than 10 minutes passed between the emergency call reporting the shooting in the universitys business school building and the point at which responders confirmed the attacker was dead.

ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton was quoted as saying that investigators had not yet determined the precise cause of the gunmans death and declined to confirm whether any officers had fired their weapons during the response.

ROTC programs at U.S. universities offer scholarships and military training to students who commit to serving as commissioned officers in the armed forces after graduation.

Jalloh had a long history of terrorism-related activity before Thursdays attack.

He pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, or ISIS, a charge that, under U.S. law, refers to providing money, weapons, training or other assistance to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

He was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release, according to NBC.

Jalloh had attempted to send gift card codes to someone he believed was a member of ISIS, according to court documents. In a separate episode, investigators said he traveled to North Carolina in 2016, attempting to buy an AK-47 rifle for a plot targeting U.S. military personnel.

The seller refused to complete the transaction. Jalloh later purchased an AR-15 rifle at another gun store before authorities arrested him the following day.

In an FBI sting operation connected to the case, prosecutors reportedly said the weapon purchased during that transaction had been rendered inoperable before he left the store.

Investigators said the earlier case began after Jalloh made contact with individuals associated with the Islamic State in Africa and attempted to donate $500 to the group. The funds instead went to an account controlled by the FBI.

Jalloh had served as a combat engineer in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 to 2015. Military officials said he had no deployments and received an honorable discharge before his arrest in the terrorism case.

He was released from federal custody in December 2024.

At his sentencing hearing in the earlier case, Jalloh apologized to the court, the U.S. military and the American public, saying his support for ISIS had been the most devastating mistake of his life.

Defense attorneys at the time described his earlier radicalization as part of a search for identity and purpose, citing a personal history that included war, trauma and cultural displacement.

The FBI said it is investigating Thursdays attack as an act of terrorism.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that the bureaus Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with local law enforcement and providing resources for the investigation. Patel said the intervention by students helped stop the attack and likely prevented further casualties.

The FBI asked anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to contact the bureau as the investigation continues.
Home News Ongoing US military investigation indicates Iranian girls school was mistakenly marked as military target

The U.S. military may have been responsible for the strike on a girls school in southern Iran on Feb. 28 that killed at least 175 people, most of them children, the regime claimed. This is according to an ongoing military investigation that was cited by several American news outlets, including CNN and The New York Times.

Iranian state media said that at least 168 children and 14 teachers were killed, though there is no way to verify these numbers independently.

The Tomahawk missile strike that hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School in the town of Minab was part of a larger attack on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy base.

The school building was originally part of the base but was fenced off at some point and converted into a school. However, the building was reportedly still labeled as a military target when the target coding was passed from the Defense Intelligence Agency to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The NYT cited sources briefed on the ongoing investigation, confirming that CENTCOM officers had created the target coordinates using outdated data from the Defense Intelligence Agency, while noting that several key questions remain about how such a mistake could occur without being double-checked.

Accusations over the deadly incident had quickly been leveled at Israel. However, an IDF spokesman said there was no known Israeli strike in that area. The U.S. and Israeli militaries have roughly divided Iran into two zones of operation, with the southern coast being an area of responsibility for U.S. troops.

Among the most prominent voices to accuse Israel was former Fox News political commentator Tucker Carlson. Israel does do things like that, he charged in a recent episode of his TCN podcast, adding, without evidence, that almost all of our signals information out of Iran is translated by our ally and partner in this war, Israel.

U.S. officials also told the NY Times that the erroneous strike was more likely the result of human error during wartime, rather than technological factors such as the use of AI programs like Claude, the large language model developed by Anthropic and employed to identify points of interest for military intelligence.

The deadly incident was quickly exploited by the Iranian regime to underscore its claims that the war is illegitimate. In the first statement attributed to new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and read on state TV, the strike was highlighted as one of the primary justifications for revenge against the U.S. and Israel.

I assure everyone that we will not forgo revenge for the blood of your martyrs, said Khamenei, noting that revenge would be taken not just for the death of his father, but every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy.

The crime that the enemy deliberately committed regarding the Shajareh-Tayyebeh School in Minab has a special status in this process, he said.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said U.S. President Donald Trump would accept the findings of the investigation while noting that, as The New York Times acknowledges in its own reporting, the investigation is still ongoing.

Several days after the strike, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said, Were investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But were taking a look and investigating that.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that American forces would not deliberately target a school.

It will be very tragic, but I cant speak to the details behind it because I just dont have it. It will be a tragic outcome if its happened. I dont have the details as to what led to it but what is clear is that the United States will not deliberately target a school, Rubio said.

This article was originally published at All Israel News
Home News Pastor Jamal Bryant says Target boycott is over but other activists say its not

Megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant, who once rejected efforts to end a national boycott of retail giant Target over the companys decision to roll back its DEI initiatives last year, has announced that the boycott is over.

Nekima Levy-Armstrong, an award-winning attorney and civil rights activist, who leads the Racial Justice Network, which launched the first national boycott of Target on Feb. 1, 2025, over the issue, insists, however, that the boycott is still on.

From the beginning, we said that the Target boycott would be indefinite unless and until Target took the steps to address the fact that they rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to capitulate to the Trump administration, Levy-Armstrong said at an emergency press conference on Wednesday. The Target boycott continues.

Bryant, who leads the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, launched his 40-day fast from Target after Levy-Armstrong announced her groups boycott and became one of the most visible advocates of the national Target boycott movement.

His specific campaign demanded that Target honor a $2 billion pledge to the black business community "through products, services, and black media buys." It also called on the company to deposit "250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks;" restore "the franchise commitment to DEI;" and "pipeline community centers at 10 HBCUs to teach retail business at every level."

Last April, Bryant rejected an offer from Target to end the boycott if the company fulfilled its pledge to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses by July 31, 2025.

On Wednesday, nearly 400 days since he started his fast from Target, the Georgia pastor, who called the companys DEI rollback a "spit in the face of black people, announced he had reached a compromise that did not include a reinstatement of the companys DEI policy.

We have not been able to get all that we have desired, but I am grateful for the strides that we have made for the Target fast that really reflects the faith-based component of this. We are claiming victory, and I believe that our generation needs to see victory, Bryant said at a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, where he was joined by Nina Turner, former Ohio State senator, who founded the capacity-building organization, We Are Somebody, and social justice activist Tamika Mallory.

Bryant said he confirmed with Target that the company didnt complete its pledge to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses last July, but was 97% complete. He said the company promised to complete it by Easter, along with an additional $100 million in grants and scholarships to black-led community organizations.

Bryant also stated during the press conference that Target committed to supporting HBCUs and noted that the company recently saved Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, an HBCU in Detroit, Michigan, from closure.

I want to give high commendation because Target has given $10 million to the Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design in Detroit, Bryant said.

I was unaware until our meeting with Target of the only HBCU design school, which is Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design in Detroit, that was on the brink of closure until Target came and walked alongside them and gave them a gift of $10 million. I am grateful that the school is open, the megachurch pastor said. I have talked to students as well as staff that is there, and they are grateful for that robust contribution.

Bryant also said that Target donated upwards of $18 million to the United Negro College Fund.

Both Levy-Armstrong and Bryant, along with other black activists, agree that Target's DEI rollback felt like a deep betrayal because the company was considered a highly favored, "go-to" retailer for black Americans due to its curation of black-owned brands and strong commitment to DEI.

The question that has been asked of us over the last year, of 35 Fortune 500 companies that have walked away from DEI, why did we pick Target first? And the answer to that resoundingly is Target is the only one we invited to the cookout, Bryant said.

They were the only ones we felt were kissing cousins. They are the only Fortune 500 company that got a hood nickname. We called them Tarjay because we had let them into the house, and so it was not just an abandonment of DEI, but we felt as if it was a betrayal.

Target did not immediately respond to questions from The Christian Post about the situation on Thursday, but in a statement to USA Today, a spokesperson said they are "more committed than ever to creating growth and opportunity for all."

"Were pleased to be moving forward, and we will continue showing up as trusted neighbors while delivering results for our team members, guests and the more than 2,000 communities in which we serve," the company said. "Because when those communities thrive, so do we."

Despite announcing the end of the Target boycott with Bryant, Turner said she personally will no longer do business with the retailer.

"I am not encouraging people to go back to shop at Target," she said. "Ultimately, people have to make their own decision. But as for me and my house, we will not be going back to Target."

Mallory said Targets new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, apologized for the harm the DEI rollback caused black employees and customers but insists this apology needs to be public.

"My mother would like an apology, too, and she does not work for Target. So we sat across the table from the CEO and we asked Mr. Fiddelke: 'When will you acknowledge the harm that has been caused to the black community outside of your employee meeting?'" she said. "To date that has not happened. So I ask again today, when will Target acknowledge the harm that has been caused to our community?"
Home News Ted Cruz claims Tucker Carlson hates him for being Christian, warns antisemitism 'risks consuming' GOP

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, accused political commentator Tucker Carlson of hating him for being a Christian and warned that his influence threatens to plunge the Republican Party into antisemitism.

"In the last year-and-a-half, I have seen more antisemitism on the right than at any point in my life, and it is dangerous, and it risks consuming our party," Cruz said during a Wednesday interview with David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). "I don't want us to make the same mistake Democrat leaders made a decade ago of just to look the other way and to be silent."

JUST IN: In an exclusive interview with CBN News, Senator Ted Cruz Says Tucker Carlson is specifically targeting evangelical Christians and believes GOP Politicians need to speak out against his venomous ideology. When asked if that includes Vice President JD Vance who is good pic.twitter.com/uUqZbdcmQ9  David Brody (@DBrodyReports) March 11, 2026

Cruz, who earlier this week called Carlson the "single most dangerous demagogue" in the United States, told CBN that while the former Fox News host "is the most vocal proponent" of antisemitism on the political right, he is just one voice amid a chorus of influencers he claimed are having an outsize role in leading young Evangelicals away from supporting Israel.

"The target of this operation is you and me. It is Evangelical Christians," Cruz told Brody. "Tucker Carlson has said there is nobody he hates more on planet Earth than Christian Zionists, and he names specifically me and Mike Huckabee."

Cruz was presumably referring to comments Carlson made during his controversial interview with far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes last fall, when he said he dislikes Christian Zionists "more than anybody" while labeling their beliefs about Israel "heresy" and a "brain virus."

Carlson's interview with Fuentes, who has espoused openly antisemitic, misogynist and white supremacist views, prompted an uproar among conservatives and mass resignations from The Heritage Foundation, where Carlson started his career.

Carlson later apologized for his statement, saying it was "something that I really regret saying that I didn't fully mean" that was made in the context of his opposition to the neoconservative, interventionist foreign policy he once supported, but which he realized was mistaken amid the consequences of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

"I think it's unfortunate that I am the person he says he hates most on Earth," Cruz told CBN. "Now, why does he hate me? He hates me, number one, because I'm a Christian, and that is my faith, and I'm not going to run away from it or apologize for it. But he hates me, number two, because I'm a Zionist."

Cruz went on to define Zionism as someone who believes "the nation of Israel should exist," and then accused Carlson of wanting to see Israel abolished.

"The people who denounce Zionists want to see Israel driven into the sea," Cruz said. "There are 50 Muslim nations in the world. There's one Jewish nation. I don't think it's unreasonable for the Jews to have one homeland when there were 50 Muslim nations."

"I don't think it's unreasonable for the Muslims to have homelands as well, but the Tuckers of the world argue, instead of 50 Muslim nations, there should be 51, and they should remove the Jews from Israel, because they have no right to have a nation," he added.

Carlson, who has never said he doesn't want Israel to exist but has questioned Israeli influence over U.S. foreign policy, has called Cruz a "dumbo" and drawn the lingering ire of the Texas senator since tussling with him last summer over whether the land promises of Genesis apply to the modern nation-state.

During his tense interview with Carlson last June, Cruz based his support for modern Israel on God's promise to Abram in Genesis 12, though he drew pushback from Carlson when he was unable to cite where in the Bible the passage was or what the population of Iran is, despite his support for going to war there.

In response to a similarly contentious interview that Carlson had with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee last month, Cruz gloated on social media when Carlson was unsure of the Christian population of Qatar when Huckabee asked him about it.

"What?!? Tucker doesn't know the Christian population in Qatar??? How can he possibly have an opinion about them?" Cruz wrote on X, where he posts prolifically about Carlson.

Carlson, who said he personally appealed to President Donald Trump against intervening in Iran, has since called the Iran war "disgusting and evil," which prompted rebuke from Trump last week, who claimed, "Tucker has lost his way" and is "not MAGA," according to ABC News.
Home News Texas AG Ken Paxton urges county officials to reject updated plans for Muslim-centric EPIC City

Texas chief legal officer is urging county officials to halt any further advancement of a proposed Muslim-focused community amid ongoing state lawsuits and multiple legal concerns.

In a March 10 letter to the Collin County Commissioners Court  a panel, which includes Judge Chris Hill and Commissioners Susan Fletcher, Cheryl Williams, Darrell Hale and Duncan Webb  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged the officials to reject platting applications for the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) City" development, now rebranded in part as "The Meadow Phase 1."

The letter follows Paxton's recent lawsuit seeking to invalidate what his office describes as an illegal land annexation by Double R Municipal Utility District No. 2A. That annexation, approved by what Paxton calls an "unlawfully constituted board of directors," was allegedly intended to help the project evade state regulatory oversight, according to Paxtons office.

He noted that the commissioners court has already declined to approve the developers' platting application due to "multiple deficiencies and the insufficiency of information provided  a finding he encouraged them to uphold.

"As the States chief legal officer, I advise you to reject any relevant plat applications, including the application package submitted on December 23, 2025, for the proposed development called 'The Meadow Phase 1,'" Paxton wrote.

He highlighted separate ongoing litigation against the individuals and entities behind EPIC City for alleged violations of securities laws, including claims of "engaging in fraudulent practices while soliciting funds and failing to screen for accredited-investor status."

The lawsuit also alleges that promotional materials implied the project would "unlawfully be reserved for Muslims specifically" and described it as the "epicenter of Islam in North America."

Announcing his office's investigation into EPIC City, its developers, and related entities remains active, with potential for more legal action, the Republican attorney general and U.S. Senate candidate urged the commissioners to consult their own legal counsel but advised that the issues in the referenced lawsuits provide "reasonable bases to use all lawful means at your disposal to deny efforts to further develop EPIC City in Collin County."

In a press release accompanying the letter, Paxton stated: From beginning to end, the East Plano Islamic Center development has been an illegal scheme designed to circumvent state law and destroy beautiful Texas land. We must protect Texans from illegal schemes, and thats why Im advising the Commissioners Court to refrain from approving any new development and platting applications by the EPIC City developers.

Initially announced as a large-scale development on hundreds of acres in Collin and Hunt Counties, the EPIC City project has faced intense scrutiny since 2025 for its plans for residential units, a mosque, school and other facilities. The project has been rebranded in phases as "The Meadow" even as state officials, including Paxton, have pursued multiple investigations and lawsuits related to alleged securities violations, improper annexation tactics, and other regulatory issues.

The development has also drawn political attention from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who announced in January he would task the Senate State Affairs Committee with holding a hearing on Preventing Sharia Law in Texas in response to entities such as the proposed EPIC City development and others.
Home News Texas Evangelical pastors tapped by Sen. John Cornyn for 'faith council' ahead of runoff with AG Ken Paxton Pastors Jack Graham, Robert Jeffress among Evangelicals named to Cornyn council

Ahead of a runoff election against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Sen. John Cornyn has announced the launch of a Faith Advisory Council that includes well-known Evangelical pastors and leaders from across the state.

Cornyn and Paxton failed to secure a majority of the vote in the states Republican Primary on March 3, forcing a May 26 runoff vote for the Republican Senate nomination.

On March 10, the 74-year-old Cornyn announced the formation of a Faith Council made up of trusted leaders, including pastor and author Max Lucado of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor Jack Graham, and First Baptist Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress. We need principled results, not showmanship, to protect life, religious liberty, and our values, Cornyn wrote. God bless Texas.

Other Christian leaders named to the Faith Council include Phil Schubert, the president of Abilene Christian University and Dr. Gus Reyes with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, CBN reported.

Grahams inclusion on Cornyns advisory council is perhaps somewhat unexpected: Paxton, Cornyns opponent, has previously claimed to be a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, where Graham serves as senior pastor.

A former Southern Baptist Convention president who has supported Trump since his first presidential campaign in 2016, Graham has not formally endorsed any candidate in the GOP Senate race.

Online bios of Paxton posted on the National Association of Attorneys General website and elsewhere state Paxton is a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, a suburb located 20 miles north of Dallas.

After he was elected attorney general in 2014, Paxton tapped Marc Rylander, a former pastor at Prestonwood's North Campus in Prosper, Texas, as his communications director.

Its not clear whether Paxton continues to attend Prestonwood as a member. The Christian Post reached out to both Paxtons office and Prestonwood for comment, but no response was received as of time of publication.

A spokesperson for Jeffress declined to comment.

Paxton, who has long positioned himself as a loyalist to President Donald Trump, has faced a series of scandals in recent years. A 2015 indictment against Paxton for securities fraud was dismissed in early 2024 following a pretrial agreement, while federal investigators declined to prosecute him in April 2025 on separate bribery and corruption allegations.

In September, he faced allegations of a sex scandal involving an aspiring social media influencer. He dismissed an initial report from the Daily Mail at the time but did not specifically dispute the allegations.

Shortly after the March 3 primary, Trump stated he would soon announce his endorsement and expects the other candidate to promptly drop from the race, calling his endorsements "insurmountable."

Both John and Ken ran great races, but not good enough. Now, this one, must be PERFECT! Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Home Opinion If you want to stop abortion, serve the mom

To save the life of an unborn child, we have to serve his or her mom.

For decades, pregnancy centers and maternity homes have remained steadfast in their commitment to serve the most vulnerable, despite opposition and relentless attacks. In 2024 alone, pregnancy centers provided a value of over $452 million in total medical care, support and education services, and material goods.

But serving vulnerable women often isnt simple or quick. Her needs are complex as she battles financial insecurity, homelessness, addiction  whatever it is  compounded by daily pressure from culture, family, or an abusive boyfriend to have an abortion.

Abortion drugs were responsible for at least 63% of the 1.1 million abortions in 2024. Abortion drug traffickers proudly proclaim that they break the law to mail these dangerous drugs into pro-life states, placing them in her neighbors medicine cabinet, her boyfriends sock drawer, or into the hands of her abuser, just waiting for the moment when the pressure is too much.

In January, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions convened a hearing on the dangers of abortion drugs. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill testified with story after story of women who took abortion drugs after being coerced by partners or parents, and women who suffered serious medical complications after taking the drugs. These drugs have been marketed to the American public as safe, private, and empowering, but this hearing showed that nothing is further from the truth. As the ever-looming danger of abortion drugs grows, choosing life requires daily resolve and a community ready to be there for her  no matter what.

Of the 1.1 million women who resort to abortion every year, 60% would have preferred to give birth if they had received more emotional support or had more financial security. That number is staggering, and it proves women dont want abortions. They believe it is their only option.

In every abortion, two futures hang in the balance: mom and baby. To help them both and save the 1.1 million lives lost to abortion each year, we have to have a robust pro-life safety net that stands ready to meet the specific needs of the 1.1 million mothers who resort to abortion every year.

They are moms like Amy.* Amys own mother abandoned her when she was 14. At 24, she was experiencing homelessness and running from domestic violence. With one child already in foster care, she was pregnant with another, and abortion seemed like her only option. Burdened by a decade of disappointment, Amy couldnt believe anyone would be there for her, but a pregnancy center sprang into action. They listened and helped her build a plan of support. They used the Her PLAN directory to find the right resources to address each of her needs with real solutions. Because a local community stepped up to help her, Amy chose life for her baby. Her own heart began to heal as she experienced, for the first time through community support, what true motherhood looks like.

Serving moms looks different in every community. It depends on what resources your community already has  a local pregnancy center, thrift store, or food pantry that serves pregnant and parenting women. And it depends on the specific needs local moms are facing  housing, transportation, childcare, and mental health are some of the most common. No matter what, each mom deserves to receive compassionate, specific support that affirms her agency and respects her dignity. Her life and her babys life are gifts to be treasured.

Local organizations like pregnancy centers, food pantries, pro-life doctors, lawyers, and car mechanics help to ensure pregnant and parenting women receive the emotional and material support that empowers them to thrive. Her PLAN works in local communities to connect existing life-affirming resources and fill unmet needs  gaps in the pro-life safety net  without reinventing the wheel.

Together with local communities, our team has hosted four community car maintenance days, serving a total of 110 families with free car maintenance and oil changes. In North Carolina, we worked with local community members to host a laundry day, so moms without access to stable housing could do their laundry in a safe environment and enjoy a free meal with their children.

In Tennessee, we collaborated with the Governors Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to host a training for local providers on state benefits like SNAP, childcare subsidies, and postpartum medical support that are available to vulnerable pregnant and parenting moms. Collaborations like this one help to equip providers with a broader network of resources to meet the specific and complex needs of their clients.

Vulnerable moms deserve a community of support. When diverse groups in our local communities innovate together to serve vulnerable moms, the pro-life safety net is stronger, and moms are empowered to thrive.

We marched in Washington, D.C., in January to give witness to the gift of each and every life. But the work still continues.

We must double down on saving precious unborn lives by serving their mothers in whatever way we can  big or small. We must give her real support rather than abandoning her to face the heartbreak of abortion, isolated and alone. Together, we can ensure 1.1 million babies get to experience the beautiful, God-given gift of life. And together, we can give their mothers unconditional love, real support, and hope as they become the mothers they always wanted to be.

By doing life with a vulnerable mom and building a local community of support to meet her specific needs, we can empower her to choose life.

*Amy is a pseudonym
Home Opinion Passing freedom to Gen Alpha: 1 million US Constitutions for students

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a banquet here in Nashville that was sponsored by the 917 Society (www.917society.org). The Society is named after Constitution Day.

After the success of the American Revolution, the U.S. government was ruled by the Articles of Confederation. This proved to be an insufficient document, and so Americans came together in a Constitutional Convention to improve their form of governance. The new U.S. Constitution was adopted by the Convention on Sept. 17, 1787.

The Preamble to the Constitution states:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Nine of the original states had to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect. The first state to ratify was Delaware on Dec. 7, 1787, and the last state was Rhode Island in May of 1790.

The Constitution, with the addition of the Bill of Rights (the first Ten Amendments), has been a wonderful success. Under the Constitution, America has flourished into a thriving democratically run republic where we, the people govern through our elected representatives. The Constitution is the oldest governing document presently in force anywhere in the world. In essence, the Constitution is the culmination of the political movement represented by the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration was the purpose and the Constitution became the fulfillment.

The 917 Societys purpose is to do everything within its power to put a copy of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the hands of every eigth-grade student it can on Constitution Day. Like many Americans, the 917 Society laments the fact that Civics and Citizenship classes have largely disappeared from American schools. They want to reacquaint American young people with their priceless heritage as Americans.

This year, they are working with 25,000 principals across the nation to distribute 1,000,000 pocket-sized copies of the Constitution (they reached just under a million students last year).

I am afraid that, as Americans, we have not done a very good job of educating our young people about their great heritage of liberty and freedom as Americans. I applaud the 917 Society for seeking to help remedy that situation by targeting eighth graders with the Constitution.

While I was at the banquet, I was privileged to visit with several Americans who had immigrated to our country from their native lands. These patriots could not say enough about how grateful they were for America and its freedoms and how they wanted to help our young people know how fortunate they were to be born in the USA. I left the event inspired and encouraged that the Spirit of Liberty is still flourishing in America. May it ever be so!
The Senate has passed a bill containing the greatest reforms Canada's immigration system has seen in decades, including the ability for the Governor in Council to vary, cancel, or suspend immigration documents, including work permits, study permits, and permanent resident visas.

Assess your Eligibility for Canadian Permanent Residence



Bill C-12, "An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canadas borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures," passed its third reading in the Senate with amendments the evening of March 12, 2026.

The bill contains three major changes for immigration:

Executive powers over immigration applications and documents;

A reform of Canada's asylum system; and

Provisions for increased sharing of personal information on the part of the immigration department.

Executive powers

Should the bill become law, it would provide the Governor in Council the ability to issues orders to

Cease accepting for processing, pause the processing of, or terminate the processing of immigration applications;

Cancel, suspend, or vary immigration documents, such as work permits, study permits, visitor visas, and permanent resident visas; and

Impose or vary conditions on temporary residents.

Should the bill become law, these powers could be exercised by the Governor in Council in situations deemed to be in the public interest, which the bill defines as matters pertaining to administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety or national security.

After the exercise of these powers, the immigration minister would be required provide justification for the order(s) to Parliament, as well as details on those affected.

Asylum reform

The bill introduces two new grounds for ineligibility for asylum claims to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB):

Claimants who first entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and made their claim more than a year after their first date of entry (post-one-year claimants); and

Claimants who entered Canada from the Canada-US land boarder, outside a port of entry.

Currently, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations allow asylum claims from claimants who have entered along the Canada-US land border outside a port of entry, provided that the claim is made at least 14 days after the claimant has entered Canada.

The two new grounds for ineligibility for asylum would apply retroactively to June 3, 2025, the date upon which was first introduced C-12's precursor bill, Bill C-2.

Claimants ineligible for referral to IRB may still apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA).

Under amendments introduced by Senator Tony Dean, the immigration department would be required, five years after the coming into force of the Act, to provide annual reports to Parliament with details on the number of claims received from ineligible post-one-year claimants, along with the number and outcome of associated PRRAs.

Additional reforms to the asylum system include the requirement to determine claims to have been abandoned in cases in which the claimant has voluntarily returned to the country from which they claimed protection, and the requirement not to consider claims from claimants outside Canada.

Information sharing

The bill contains provisions that would allow the immigration department to disclose individuals' personal information to other government agencies and to government-controlled corporations, who would be allowed, with the permission of the immigration minister, to share that personal information with foreign entities.

Personal information that could be disclosed outside the department includes individuals' identities, their statuses in Canada, and any documents issued to them under the authority of the immigration minister.

Under an amendment introduced by Senator Paulette Senior and adopted by the Senate on March 10, these information sharing provisions would not apply to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Comprehensive review

The outcomes of the act would be subject to Parliamentary oversight, under an amendment introduced by Senator Dean that would required a Parliamentary committee to review the operation and effect of the Act's changes five years after its coming into force, and to submit to Parliament a report setting out their findings and any recommended changes.

Because the bill was amended in the Senate prior to passing its third reading, it must be passed in a third reading by the House of Commons before it can become law.

To become law, an act of Parliament must pass its third reading in the same form in both houses of Parliament, and then receive royal assent.

Assess your Eligibility for Canadian Permanent Residence


Watch Jeetu Patel's keynote replay

At RSAC 2026, Cisco's President and Chief Product Officer, Jeetu Patel, challenged the industry to fundamentally reimagine security. In an agentic era, AI agents will act as autonomous coworkers. This comes with incredible risk and reward, and to do it right we must protect agents from the world, protect the world from agents, and detect and respond at machine speed. To help organizations adapt, Jeetu announced a suite of open-source tools including DefenseClaw.

Dive deeper into Cisco's open-source commitment and the new security model for the agentic era in Jeetu's blog.
A finger pointing at a wooden block with the word "speak up" alongside four "silent" wooden blocks

Some charities are now taking a bolder, riskier stance in an era of heightened political polarisation and amplified public voices, an event has heard.

Speaking on a panel at Fundraising Magazines ELEVATE this week in London, Andy Taylor-Whyte, interim executive director of brand, marketing and fundraising at Crisis, said charities are increasingly denouncing hate and division.

Using Crisis as an example, Taylor-Whyte said the charity has endorsed A Million Acts of Hope , partly because many of its supporters think its unacceptable whats happening and they want to see us channelling it.

The people we have are going through this daily. We see that in our centres when people are coming in  theyre living this division. So, were taking a bolder and slightly riskier stance, he told delegates.

Were standing up a bit more, saying: Thats unacceptable sentiment and were willing to risk a new narrative about that. Weve got to judge it carefully, but we want to get into that space because thats what everyone who supports us, and the people we support, are telling us they need.

Theres a bit of a boldness which is also slightly terrifying when you do it, because  especially for our chief executive Matt Downie  we now see CEOs regularly on media being asked these questions. Were taking a much bolder stance in that space, and thats going down well with our supporters.

Hope is a powerful thing

Panellist Mel Oley, director of fundraising and communications at Freedom from Torture, said that boldness is probably why charities like hers and Crisis were established.

Lets remember our roots and why we established ourselves in the first place, Oley told delegates.

Weve got a real role to build connections as well. It strikes me when I speak to our clients who are telling us they can see the rise of authoritarianism here in the UK  theyve come from authoritarian regimes, and thats why they were tortured and fled their countries.

We owe it to them to be bold and tackle this, but do that through building connections.

Oley added that charities can give a platform to individuals with lived experience to tell their stories and provide opportunities for people to build that understanding.

Hope is a powerful thing and people are crying out for that. We need to be leaders in that space.

Charities focused on division rather than unity

Panellist Eleshea Williams, social media officer at Amnesty International, said charities are the main storytellers of the people they support, so it is incumbent on them to play a greater role on that front.

Im seven years in this industry, I dont have a whole load of experience, but in my experience, weve focused way too much on the division as opposed to unity, Williams told delegates.

She said her charity focuses on hope-based communication, adding: Instead of constantly fearmongering or contributing to the doom and doom scroll, we try and dig out those good news stories.

We look at images of protests where protests have led to real legislative change to show people the world we want to see, instead of constantly messaging around the world were scared to see. Incorporating hope is important.

She argued that hope-based communications should give people autonomy and something to do or tell them what charities are doing about an issue.

Id like to think it contributes to closing that gap of polarisation because there are those people, the persuadable middle, or people [...] on either side who want to learn more. Thats key and our role in that.

Thinking beyond organisational silos

Also speaking at ELEVATE, consultant and writer Jo Atkins-Potts said the political context in which charities operate has shifted dramatically across many countries, including our own.

Atkins-Potts told delegates that were seeing rising authoritarianism, more misinformation and conspiracies than ever before, alongside a rise in hate crimes and attacks on equality and human rights and growing hostility towards civil society and social change.

For a long time, many charities operated within a fairly stable political environment, one where influencing government policy was often the primary route. But now, many analysts are arguing that those assumptions no longer hold.

She said in the face of a shifting landscape, charities must think beyond organisational silos and towards movement.

Many of the challenges we face  climate migration, inequality, disease  are interconnected, and working in isolated issues and silos weakens our collective power.

Stronger collaboration across movements and organisations is essential, and building power, not just influence. Influence is important, but influence without power is fragile.

She argued that many organisations still operate with strategies built for a more stable political environment.

In volatile contexts, organisations need scenario planning, adaptive strategy and stronger ecosystem thinking and intentionality.

Investing in narrative power and facts alone rarely, sadly, change public opinion. Organisations need to think seriously about storytelling, culture, narrative and how progressive values can be communicated in ways that resonate beyond existing audiences.
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When Donald Trump unceremoniously fired Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland security last week, many observers noted that the key factor in her ouster was pointed questioning from John Kennedy, the senator from Louisiana, about a 220-million-dollar advertising campaign and Noems claim that Trump approved it. I was stunned when Noem answered categorically that the president approved every single bit of it, Kennedy said of the exchange on Fox News. Later that day, I got a call from President Trump. He was mad as a mama wasp.

What many may not have realized was that the substance of Kennedys questions drew heavily from an excellent report from ProPublica by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski. It was a striking example of something that happens more than the public sees: rigorous investigative reporting often arms lawmakers with facts that help them hold officials to account.

The story, published by ProPublica in November, revealed that the bulk of the contracts for the ad budget went to a mysterious Delaware business entity, created just days before it was awarded the deal. The work was then subcontracted to the Strategy Group, a Republican consulting firm with deep ties to Noem and her inner circle. The firms CEO, Ben Yoho, is married to Tricia McLaughlin, Noems former spokesperson (you can read more about McLaughlin from CJRs Amos Barshad here); Corey Lewandowski, Noems top adviser and rumored paramour, has long worked with the Strategy Group. Noem and her team bypassed the normal bidding process by invoking the national emergency at the border.

At the center of the campaign was a cinematic spot that featured Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore, in western riding gear, a cowboy hat, and her trademark Real Housewives glam. The classic American imagery and sweeping vistas made it appear more like a campaign ad for a possible Noem presidential run in 2028 than a public service announcement. Fun fact: the ads cost more than all but one of the films nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this year.

ProPublica is not done covering Noem, now relegated to the rather specious position of Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. Just a day before Noem was dismissed, the newsroom dug into whether she was truthful in her testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about Lewandowskis role in approving DHS contracts. Im told to expect further investigation.

On Monday, after a turbulent morning in the markets and as oil prices soared, Trump redirected the narrative, taking a series of calls with reporters. I have a plan for everything, okay? Trump told the New York Post in a brief phone interview. I have a plan for everything. Youll be very happy. He went further with Weijia Jiang, the senior White House correspondent for CBS News, telling her, I think the war is very complete, pretty much.

Soon, the market rallied and oil prices fell. Of course, the message shifted a few hours later, when he was asked at a press conference to confirm his comments. Was the war, in fact, complete? No, but soon. I think soon. Very soon, he said. Its the beginning of building a new country. Three hours later, Trump shifted his tone again, posting on social media: If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. By Tuesday, we were back to market volatility and vacillating oil prices. After a day like that, its worth asking whether Trumps comments really clarify anything at all.

I put the question to Margaret Sullivan, the media critic who writes American Crisis on Substack. For the individual reporters its catnip because youve got the president taking your call or youve got the president calling you and saying all kinds of things, she said. These calls, I think, can be very consequential, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they are useful or true.

If youve lost track of all the reporters Trump has been fielding calls from since the Iran operation kicked off, youre not the only one. Here is a non-exhaustive list: Jiangs CBS colleague Robert Costa; ABC Newss Rachel Scott, Jon Karl, and Mary Bruce; Axioss Barak Ravid, to whom hes spoken at least four times; the New York Posts Steven Nelson; CNNs Jake Tapper; Politicos Dasha Burns; MS NOWs Mychael Schnell and Laura Barron-Lopez; the New York Times Zolan Kanno-Youngs; and the Washington Posts Natalie Allison.

In theory, the point of getting the presidents comment is straightforward: he is the commander in chief, so what he says about a military operation is inherently newsworthy. The problem, as Kathleen Culver, the director of the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication, told me, is that reporters often rush to frame these calls as news alerts, immediately posting Trumps comments to social media before taking the time to place them in contextor to disregard them as falsehoods. There are some who are doing much more of a breaking news approach, and treating the call itself as if its news, when the news is the war, and Trump is a source of information for that war.

That doesnt mean the comments have no value. They can still reveal how the president wants the situation framed, which itself is news. But the real journalistic work isnt just relaying the quote; its placing it in context, comparing it with prior statements, and testing it against whats actually happening, even if that means slowing down.

Amid the ongoing Epstein coverage, an investigation from Mitchell Black and Marilyn W. Thompson for the Post and Courier stands out. They examine the story of the unidentified South Carolina woman who told the FBI she was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein as a teenager on Hilton Head Island and alleged that Trump forced her to perform a sex act on him in the 1980s.

Their fact-checking corroborates several key elements from her account using public records, including her mothers legal entanglements, details about an Epstein associate from Ohio, and other background information. But her allegations against Trump remain unverified, and the White House has denied the claims, calling them baseless accusations from decades ago. The piece paints a portrait of a woman whose life was profoundly disrupted after the alleged abuse, marked by struggles with substance abuse, legal trouble, and personal turmoil.

What sets this reporting apart is its approach: the Epstein files arent treated as a story in themselves, but as a starting point for careful, evidence-driven reporting.

Hat tip to Bill Grueskin for the Post and Courier story. 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.

Correction: This post has been updated to correct a misspelling.
Heat waves that lead to sudden and damaging drought are spreading across the globe at an accelerating rate, highlighting how climate change-fueled extremes can build dangerously off each other, a new study found.

Researchers from South Korea and Australia looked at compound extreme weather  a one-two punch of heat and drought  and found it increasing as the world warms. But whats rising especially fast is the more damaging type when the heat comes first and that triggers the drought. In the 1980s, that kind of extreme covered only about 2.5% of Earths land each year. By 2023, the last year the researchers studied, it was up to 16.7%, with a 10-year average of 7.9%

The average has likely gone even higher with 2024s record global heat and a 2025 that was nearly as warm, the studys authors said.

In their study published in Fridays Science Advances, the scientists said the quickening rate of change is even more concerning than the raw numbers. For about the first two decades since 1980 they examined, the spread of heat-first extremes increased, but the rate in the last 22 years is eight times higher than the earlier rate, the study found.

Events where drought happens first, followed by high heat, remain more common and are also rising. But the researchers focused on those increasing cases where heat struck first. Thats because when heat strikes first, the droughts are stronger than when the droughts come first or dont come with high heat, said co-author Sang-Wook Yeh, a climate scientist at Hanyang University in South Korea.

They also lead to flash droughts, which are more damaging than ordinary droughts because they come on suddenly, not allowing people and farmers to prepare, said lead author Yong-Jun Kim, a Hanyang climate scientist.

Flash droughts  when warmer air gets thirstier it sucks more water out of soil  have been increasing in a warming world, past studies show.

The study illustrates a key point about climate change: the most damaging impacts often come from compound extremes. When heat waves, drought, and wildfire risk occur together  as we saw in events like the Russian heat wave of 2010 or the Australian bushfires in 2019-20  the impacts can escalate quickly, said Andrew Weaver, a climate scientist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. What this study shows is that warming doesnt just make heat waves more likely  it changes how heat and drought interact, amplifying the risks we face.

Weaver was not part of the study, but he lives in the Pacific Northwest, where the 2021 heat dome and drought was what Kim called a top example of what they see rapidly increasing. Others include the 2022 heat and drought around Chinas Yangtze River and the 2023-24 record heat and drought in the Amazon, Kim said.

The 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome illustrates how quickly these compound extremes can escalate  temperatures near 50C (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in Lytton (British Columbia) were followed by rapid drying and extreme wildfire conditions that destroyed the community, Weaver, a former Canadian legislator, said in an email.

The study found the biggest increases in heat-first droughts in South America, western Canada, Alaska and the western United States, and parts of central and eastern Africa.

Kim and Yeh said they noticed a change point around the year 2000, when everything sped up for heat-then-drought situations.

Jennifer Francis, a Woodwell Climate Research Center climate scientist who wasnt part of the study, said that change point was eerily coincident with the onset of rapid Arctic warming, sea-ice loss, and decline in spring snow cover on Northern Hemisphere continents.

In addition to long-term warming causing more compound extremes, Kim said they saw a speeding-up in the way heat went from land to air and back again just before that 2000 change point. He and Yeh speculated that Earth may have crossed a tipping point where the change is irreversible.

Several aspects of Earths climate and ecological systems changed in the late 1990s, with a possible trigger by a major El Nino event in 1997-98, said Gerald Meehl, a climate scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research who wasnt part of the study. But he added that its hard to tell whether they are permanent changes.

Some computer models forecast another major El Nino  a natural warming of parts of the Pacific that warp weather worldwide  brewing later this year.

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Uber Technologies Inc. said that a feature designed to match female riders and drivers will be available nationwide, expanding access to a safety measure as it seeks to resolve thousands of sexual assault complaints from passengers in the U.S.

The option will be available in markets like New York, Philadelphia and DC, following a pilot and subsequent launches in more than two dozen other US cities last year, the company said in a statement Monday. Riders will see a new on-demand booking option called Women Drivers alongside the existing UberX, Comfort, UberXL and Black offerings. Customers can reserve such a trip in advance, or set their preference in the app settings to increase the likelihood of being matched with a woman. The feature is also offered in cities where teen accounts are available.

Related: Taxi Insurer Failed to Defend Uber in Crash Cases, Judge Says

The move comes as Uber is fighting thousands of pending legal cases in the U.S. that question if the company is responsible for the misconduct of drivers, who are classified as contractors rather than employees. In February, a jury returned a verdict that found Uber liable for not preventing an alleged sexual assault of a female passenger, who claimed that she was raped by her driver in Arizona in 2023. The company was ordered to pay $8.5 million in damages, raising its risk of a costly settlement to resolve other cases. It prevailed in a similar case last year in California state court.

Uber already offers a woman-matching option to riders in six other countries, including Germany and France. It is also available to drivers in more than 40 countries. Rival Lyft Inc. made a similar feature for women and nonbinary riders and drivers available nationwide in 2024.

Related: Uber Jury Awards $8.5 Million Damages in Sexual Assault Case

While 1 in 5 Uber drivers in the US are women, there is no guarantee of a match because the gender ratio among drivers varies widely. In New York, for example, 94% of taxi and ride-hail drivers are male, according to recent data from the citys taxi regulator. That means passengers could potentially experience longer wait times if they wish to request a woman driver on-demand. Users can always opt for another ride with a faster pickup or reserve a trip with a female driver in advance, the company said.

Since our first pilots last summer, weve heard just how much that choice matters  from feeling more comfortable in the back seat to more confident behind the wheel, the company said in a statement. A spokesperson added that average ETAs for women-only riders arent very different from UberX rides, especially in urban areas where demand for rides and driver availability is consistent.

Top photo: Signage outside Uber headquarters in San Francisco, California, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Almost one year ago, an Alabama dentist was captured on surveillance video setting fire to his dental office in Evergreen, triggering an explosion that destroyed the building and slightly injured the dentist.

Last week, Dr. Douglas P. OConnor was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He will likely serve three years behind bars, the Alabama attorney general said.

Alabamians put their trust in doctors to do no harm. Dr. OConnor shattered that trust in the most deliberate way possible. He set fire to his own practice, endangered the lives of those next door and attempted to defraud his insurance company to cover years of reckless spending, Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement.

The explosion and the January 2026 arrest of OConnor surprised many in the south-central Alabama community. Residents noted that the dental practice, in operation for two decades, was very successful, OConnor was considered a nice guy and was involved in the community.

But investigators with the state Fire Marshals office, the state Department of Insurance and local police spent 10 months probing the blast. Prosecutors said the fire had been deliberately set and that the dentist was heavily in debt.

The dental practice was next door to an Alabama State Troopers office, which sustained some $63,000 in damage from the fire and explosion, the AGs office noted. Surveillance video from nearby offices, which was not made public until recently, showed OConnor entering the building repeatedly late at night, then striking a match and throwing it inside, causing the explosion, Marshall explained.

Forensic testing later showed gasoline on OConnors clothing, the AG explained. The dentist pleaded guilty Feb. 3. He was allowed to remain out on bond while considering an appeal, according to local news reports.
Unconditional paymentspayments made without condition or reservation of rights, such as settlement offersrestart the clock on the standard two-year prescriptive period for Louisiana first-party insurance claims, the state high court ruled.

The prescriptive period is interrupted by unconditional payments even if an insurer goes insolvent and the claim is transferred to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association (LIGA), Justice Cade R. Cole ordered last week.

In the underlying case, Southern Fidelity Insurance Company (SFIC) made an unconditional tender on a Hurricane Ida property damage claim in March 2022. In June, a Florida court placed SFIC in receivership, and the insurer became insolvent.

On August 28, 2023, plaintiffs filed a petition for damages and breach of contract, incorrectly naming Louisiana Citizens as defendant. On October 24, 2023, more than two years after Hurricane Ida struck, plaintiffs filed an amended petition substituting LIGA for Louisiana Citziens.

LIGA argued that the two-year deadline to file action against the association had expired. Because there was no relationship between LIGA and Louisiana Citizens, the plaintiffs amended petition did not relate back to the original filing, making the claim prescribed, LIGA said.

A trial court denied LIGAs exception. The Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal heard LIGAs petition, but a five-judge panel held that the two-year deadline for suit against LIGA commenced on the date of SFICs liquidation.

One judge dissented, arguing that prescription should run from the date of loss irrespective of insolvency.

Reviewing the case, the Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the court of appeals denial of LIGAs exception of prescription but on different grounds.

Under Louisiana law, LIGA receives all the rights of the insolvent insurer as if the insurer had not become insolvent. One of those rights is the SFICs two-year limitation period to bring a lawsuit.

[W]ithout any suspension or interruption of prescription, a suit against LIGA in this case would have had to be filed within two years of Hurricane Idas landfall, and this suit would be deemed untimely, Justice Cole wrote.

The story doesnt end there, however. To determine the timeliness of the plaintiffs petition, the court also looked at whether the prescriptive period was interrupted or suspended.

For guidance, the court turned to previous rulings involving third-party damage claims and claims made pursuant to uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policies. In both instances, the court held that an unconditional payment of a claim constitutes an acknowledgment sufficient to interrupt prescription.

Many federal courts have already extended these holdings to also find an unconditional payment interrupts prescription in a first-party insurance claim, the court noted.

Because SFIC made an unconditional payment on the Hurricane Ida claim in March 2022, the insurer interrupted the two-year period set forth in the policy, making the plaintiffs amended petition, filed on October 24, 2023, timely.

The court specified that the holding is limited to unconditional payments. A payment made in settlement of a claim would not interrupt prescription, nor would a partial payment under protest, the court held.

On a separate matter, the court acknowledged LIGAs issue of whether the plaintiffs, as children of the named insured, have a right of action against LIGA under the SFIC policy. The court directed those questions to be addressed by the trial court.

The full opinion can be found here.

Top photo: Nathan Fabre checks on his home and boat destroyed by Hurricane Ida, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in Lafitte, La. AP Photo/John Locher
The U.S.-Israeli joint military campaign against Iran has put a spotlight on drone and missile technologies, leading analysts from Citigroup to reiterate their bullish views on companies involved in mission-critical defense systems. The bank's analysts examined evidence that suggests a recent slowdown in the frequency of Iranian missile and drone attacks since the start of the conflict, but the firm said the long-term investing case in defense plays remains intact. Analyst John Godyn said that the war has put investor attention on Citi's buy-rated defense names, including Karman Holdings , L3Harris Technologies and RTX . "Notably, news reports and data suggest that drone strike activity has stayed more elevated than missile launches for longer, but even drone strikes appear to be receding. Despite this recent slowdown, there is no question that the events refocused investors on missile defense, munition replenishment and counter-UAS (drones), which all tie to megatrends driving a number of our Buy rated stocks," Godyn wrote in a Wednesday report to clients. Karman Holdings is a defense contractor with plenty of momentum ahead, according to Citigroup. The company went public in February 2025, and offers a variety of products and services including aerodynamic interstage systems and propulsion and launch systems. Citigroup has a $125 price target on Karman, which suggests 28% potential upside. That's more bullish than the consensus $114 price target among analysts polled by LSEG. "The stock is High Risk based on Citi's quantitative model; however, in our view, the company has particularly robust EBITDA margins and visible growth. As such, a High Risk rating has not been applied," Godyn wrote about Karman. Shares of Karman are up 33% year to date, benefiting from increased demand and U.S. government awards. On Monday, Karman said it will open a new Utah factory for advanced manufacturing of high volume loitering missile and counter-UAS launch systems, and critical nozzle assemblies for solid rocket motors. Defense prime contractor L3 Harris is another buy-rated defense stock Citigroup highlighted. The bank's $418 base case price target on the stock implies it has almost 17% potential upside. Shares are up about 22% this year, benefiting from U.S. government investment earlier this year. The Pentagon in January committed to a $1 billion convertible preferred equity investment in L3Harris' Missile Solutions business, with the goal of expanding production of U.S. solid rocket motors. The motors are used in a wide range of missiles, like Tomahawks and Patriot interceptors, which have been used against Iranian missiles and drones. L3Harris has said it is planning an IPO of its rocket motor business in the second half of 2026, backed by the $1 billion investment.
Futures-options traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange's NYSE American (AMEX) in New York City, U.S., March 6, 2026. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

The Iran war is showing no signs of easing, with Tehran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei saying Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz closure should continue as a "tool to pressure the enemy," in his first public statement since being appointed. The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meanwhile, told Sky News that the U.S. Navy will begin escorting ships through the critical waterway as soon as "militarily possible."

Khamenei's comments sent oil prices soaring, with Brent crude closing above $100 a barrel for the first time since August 2022. Energy worries sent European and U.S. stocks lower, with the 30-stock Dow ending the session below the 47,000 threshold for the first time this year. Asia markets opened lower Friday.

Attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf have also intensified. Three more foreign vessels were struck Wednesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, causing a small fire onboard, though all crew were reported to be safe. That comes after two foreign oil tankers were left ablaze in Iraqi waters after having been struck near the port of Umm Qasr, close to the city of Basra, Iraq.

Both sides also have hinted that the war could go on for longer. Iran has warned the world to "get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, said Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Amid fears of a long-drawn war, the U.S. temporarily authorized purchases of Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize energy markets. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X Thursday that this "narrowly tailored, short-term measure" will not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government."

With all signs pointing to a prolonged war that will continue to disrupt supply of commodities, markets and policymakers appear to be bracing for more impact.
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Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026. Amr Alfiky | Reuters

Taken from CNBCs Daily Open, our international markets newsletter  Subscribe today

Hello, this is Leonie Kidd writing to you from London. Welcome to another edition of CNBC's Daily Open. As the war in the Middle East looks set to enter its second week, the consequences are becoming more far-reaching. The decision in Washington, D.C., to lift sanctions and allow Russian oil back on the market will be watched with particular concern in Europe. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has also used his new "verified" account on X.com to deliver more messages of vengeance. It is a somber way to end the week, with markets still looking for direction amid persistent volatility. You can subscribe to the EMEA edition of the Daily Open here.

What you need to know today

Buyers are already beginning to line up for Russian oil, hours after the U.S. authorized a license for Russian crude stranded at sea to stabilize energy markets. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a post on X Thursday that this "narrowly tailored, short-term measure" will not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government." The Thai government said it is ready for purchase negotiations, Japan is considering, while India is also set to benefit from the easing of these sanctions. This comes after Tehran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz closure should continue as a "tool to pressure the enemy," in his first public statement since being appointed. Khamenei's comments sent oil prices soaring, with Brent crude pushing above $100 a barrel for the first time since August 2022. Stocks in Asia traded broadly lower, while futures for European and U.S. trade struggled to find direction. The airstrikes and attacks have continued as the war looks set to enter its second week. The U.S. military said Thursday that a KC-135 military refueling plane was lost while flying over Iraq in an incident that was "not due to hostile or enemy fire." The U.S. Central Command said the incident occurred in "friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing." With all signs pointing to a prolonged war that will continue to disrupt supply of commodities, markets and policymakers appear to be bracing for more impact.

And finally...

Why gold hasn't moved since the Iran conflict  and where it could go next Gold surged during the 12-day war with Iran last year and then gave up its gains when a ceasefire was announced. But, two weeks into the latest conflict, its price remains largely unmoved. Several factors can explain the lack of upward momentum, including a stronger dollar and higher Treasury yields, according to Ross Norman, CEO of precious metals website Metals Daily.  Joseph Wilkins


Teresa Rodriguez, 58, looks at Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel on state television, as Diaz-Canel said the country has opened talks with the U.S. government amid a severe economic crisis and as the Communist government has come under increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, in Havana, Cuba March 13, 2026.

Cuba's government has held talks with Donald Trump's administration, the country's president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said on Friday.

It confirms speculation that the two countries were talking after U.S. President Trump renewed his threat of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, saying the communist-run Caribbean island was in "deep trouble."

"These conversations have been aimed at seeking solutions, through dialogue, to bilateral differences that exist between the two nations," Diaz-Canel said, according to a readout posted on social media by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

"There are international factors that have facilitated these exchanges," Diaz-Canel said.

The country is facing a worsening economic crisis. The U.S. has imposed an oil blockade on the island since January, shortly after its ally and a key provider of oil, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was seized in an extraordinary military operation.

A massive blackout last week left millions on the island without power.

At a press conference on Friday, Diaz-Canel also warned that negotiations were "long processes" that require willingness and channels for dialogue, saying "All of that takes time," according to CBS News.
Smoke billows from an area near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, March 3, 2026, in this screengrab from video obtained from social media.

Tension hangs over Dubai. Social occasions and day-to-day activities are being interrupted by evacuation alerts and flashes in the sky as air defenses intercept drones, but much of life continues as normal, residents told CNBC. Iran has launched drones and missiles towards neighbouring countries in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli strikes against it that began on Feb. 28. Tehran has targeted U.S. military bases in the region, as well as oil and gas production facilities and civilian infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates, along with many other countries, has mobilised air defenses as attacks have continued into the second week of the conflict and rushed to reassure citizens and international investors, whom the country has been courting for years. But Dubai Police has warned citizens that "photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability." A total of 21 people have been charged in connection with social media posts about Iranian strikes, according to Detained In Dubai, which works to support people caught out by stringent local laws. While many expatriates have scrambled to leave the region after the war broke out, others have elected to stay put, and some shared their experiences with CNBC.

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Reputation

Since the war began, Dubai's five-star Fairmont The Palm Hotel has been struck and debris from a downed Iranian drone caused a fire at the Burj Al Arab hotel. Dubai's airport was damaged by a missile strike, and on Tuesday, the U.S. Consulate in Dubai was hit by a suspected drone strike that caused a fire nearby. Attacks on AWS data centers in the country caused outages in banking, payments, enterprise and consumer services last week. "Living in Dubai right now is a strange mix of normality and quiet tension," Glen Pawson, managing partner of marketing agency M3, who moved to the city in 2025, told CNBC.

Glen Pawson, managing partner of marketing agency M3

"It's surprisingly easy to get absorbed in the rhythm of day-to-day life and almost forget the wider situation," he added. "Then something reminds you. For us, it's usually the phone alerts telling people to take shelter."

Emergency alert message recieved by UAE residents Emma Graham, CNBC

Pawson said that, on a few occasions, he watched air defense countermeasures launch into the sky. "Seeing the flashes in the distance and, in some cases, the debris burning as it falls back to earth, is surreal." Despite that, he said, businesses are still operating, people are still socialising, and the general atmosphere is one of "cautious awareness" as opposed to "panic." "The reality on the ground is that life feels both completely normal and completely abnormal at the same time," Pawson told CNBC. "You can go from a routine day to watching defence systems light up the sky in the space of a few minutes."

Visible vigilance

Harley McGaughran has lived in Dubai for two years, having previously been in London, and owns a luxury personal shopping business. He said he's "never felt safer." "Footfall in our physical shop has slowed, but online enquiries and personal messages have been steady," he told CNBC. Dubai is quieter, restaurants and beach clubs are less busy, but "life goes on if you operate a business and call the UAE home," McGaughran added. He added that, on March 6, "We received a government alert to evacuate while at a restaurant, which was handled efficiently and without panic, the venue was still reasonably busy." The situation in Dubai is "functioning but tense", said Nick Rowles-Davies, a lawyer who moved to Dubai in 2022, having previously lived in London. There is "visible vigilance in some areas, particularly at night when interceptions have been audible," he told CNBC. "It is not panic, but there is a clear recognition that this is no longer distant geopolitics."

Economic targets

Despite government efforts to project an image of business as usual, several major international banks pulled employees from their Dubai offices on Wednesday, after Iran said it would target economic centers and U.S.-linked financial institutions across the Middle East.

The Dubai International Financial District, or DIFC. Christopher Pike | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Dubai's International Financial Center remains quiet, after two consecutive strikes from Iran this week targeted the area. Dubai's media office confirmed the incidents, but said no injuries occurred. Regional hubs for Goldman Sachs, Citi and Standard Chartered ordered their staff to work from home. The financial center's iconic ICD Brookfield building, a skyscraper designed by Foster + Partners and home to BlackRock, Bank of America, JPMorgan, EY and BNP Paribas, is usually bustling with bankers but is currently empty.
In this Nov. 25, 2019 file photo, Tova Noel, center in yellow blouse, a federal jail guard responsible for monitoring Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself, leaves federal court, in New York. Craig Ruttle | AP

The House committee investigating disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein announced on Friday it is seeking testimony from a prison guard on duty the night the New York financier died. In a letter posted to the House Oversight Committee's X account, Chair James Comer, R-Ky., called Tova Noel, who allegedly Googled Epstein minutes before his body was found, for a deposition on March 26. "Due to public reporting, documents released by the Department of Justice, and documents obtained by the Committee, the Committee believes you have information that will assist in its investigation," the letter to Noel states.

Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer (R-KY) speaks as ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) looks on during a meeting to vote on whether to hold former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas to testify in the panel's investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 21, 2026. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
A general view of the Port of Kharg Island Oil Terminal, 25 km from the Iranian coast in the Persian Gulf and 483 km northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, in Iran on March 12, 2017. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images

The prospect of a U.S. move to seize Kharg Island, a strategically vital hub often referred to as Iran's "oil lifeline," is considered extremely high risk, both from a geopolitical and economic standpoint. The five-mile-long coral island, which is located about 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran in the waters of the northern Persian Gulf, has been left untouched through nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli-led strikes against Iran. The Trump administration has discussed seizing the island, according to an Axios report on March 7, citing four unnamed sources with knowledge of the discussions. White House officials have previously said they expect oil prices to fall dramatically once Operation Epic Fury comes to an end, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the president "wisely" keeps all options on the table. Kharg Island has been thrust into the global spotlight because it is regarded as one of Iran's most sensitive economic targets. The terminal accounts for around 90% of the country's crude exports and has a loading capacity of roughly 7 million barrels per day. Analysts say that any attempt to attack or seize it would require a ground troop operation, which the U.S. appears reluctant to undertake. An attack would also likely prompt a sustained increase to already soaring oil prices.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously refused to rule out deploying American ground forces in Iran but said the U.S. won't get bogged down in the country. Francis Galgano, an associate professor and military geography and environmental security specialist at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, said the location of Kharg Island is important because it sits in deep water that enables the approach of oil supertankers. "I will put on my war hat  if the objective is to win the war (quickly), you destroy or capture Kharg immediately," Galgano told CNBC by email, adding that any such attempt would create maximum leverage over Tehran. Nonetheless, taking the small island would be no mean feat, Galgano said. "It would involve moving a considerable number of ground combat troops into the region  I estimate about 5,000 to take and hold the island." He added, "All of this of course affects global oil markets, but they are already being affected."

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Oil prices have been extremely volatile since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Iran has retaliated by targeting ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with several incidents reported in recent days. The narrow waterway is a key maritime corridor that connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Roughly 20% of global oil and gas typically passes through it. International benchmark Brent crude futures with May delivery traded off by 1% at $99.45 per barrel on Friday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with April delivery were last seen 2% lower at $93.81. If Kharg Island were disabled, analysts at JPMorgan said the loss of Iran's storage buffer and the scarcity of viable export alternatives would "rapidly trigger upstream shut-ins across major southwest fields." "With production near 3.3 mbd and exports around 1.5 mbd, as much as half of national output could be at risk if the hub remains offline, and the previously assumed 20day buffer would vanish from day one," they said in a note published Sunday.

Security control

Richard Goldberg, senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a nonprofit research institute considered hawkish on Iran, said he understood the hesitation to do anything that could knock out Iranian oil production at a time when markets are jittery and the potential for regime change is still in play. "That may change quickly as we take back security control of the Strait of Hormuz and we get a clearer picture if the regime is able to hang on to power a while longer," Goldberg told CNBC by email. "At that point we absolutely need to consider disabling the export terminal or otherwise cutting off the regime's financial lifeline indefinitely," he added.

Satellite view of Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran. Gallo Images | Gallo Images | Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that an end to the Iran war was not imminent, reportedly saying that America "has ammunition and plenty of time" to keep fighting. His comments come shortly after Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, also struck a defiant tone as he insisted the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a "tool to pressure the enemy." Iran's enormous scale and mountainous topography mean the U.S. mobilizing any conventional ground forces in the region would require hundreds of thousands of troops, according to Alex Plitsas, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank. "Any use of ground forces would likely be limited to special operations forces for specific missions," Plitsas said Wednesday in a note, without referring specifically to Iran's Kharg Island.
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Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UK Andrei Kelin during an interview with PA at the official residence of the Russian Ambassador in London. Picture date: Monday February 21, 2022. Aaron Chown - Pa Images | Pa Images | Getty Images

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is a "misadventure" whose goals and exit strategy remain unclear, Russia's ambassador to the U.K. told CNBC. Andrey Kelin said Russia has "a lot of sympathy" with Tehran and said "the best end" to the escalating Middle East war is for it to "show only that they are senseless." "We still are trying to understand, what are the goals of President Trump in this campaign. You know that lots of doubts have been expressed about the exit strategy that the American administration can have in this endeavour," Kelin told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick in an interview recorded on Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, earlier this week, offering his "unwavering support" to Tehran and saying the country "has been and will remain the Islamic Republic's reliable partner."

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The war has been raging for two weeks, with heavy strikes reported across Iran's capital city and shipping traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz severely disrupted. The White House has said the objectives of Operation Epic Fury have been to destroy Iran's ballistic missile arsenal and production capacity and its navy, sever its support for proxies in other countries and ensure Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon. The White House said on Thursday these objectives "have remained unchanged unambiguous, and consistent" since the operation began on Feb. 28. "We have a lot of sympathy with Iran. We have a lot of sympathy as well with the Persian Gulf states, there is no doubt at all. As for the beginning, I cannot understand the position of when everybody is blaming Iran," Kelin said. "[The] crisis has started with the, as I have said, with Israel and U.S. aggression against Iran and it was in the middle of talks, of course," he continued, referring to negotiations over Iran's nuclear program held in the Swiss city of Geneva last month.

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Iranian President in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025. Alexander Kazakov | Afp | Getty Images

"My president discussed this issue with the president of the United States, and we can make a good contribution by the way to finish it, to wrap it up." CNBC has contacted a spokesperson at the White House and Israel's Foreign Ministry and is awaiting a response.

'A strategic partnership'

Alongside China, which has received millions of barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz even as war chokes the waterway, Russia stands as one of Iran's most influential diplomatic partners. "We have a strategic partnership with Iran. We are not allied in military terms, but we have a strategic partnership, and we have got a lot of communication in different fields," Kelin told CNBC. Asked to clarify whether Moscow has any military links with Iran, Kelin replied: "I do not comment on that side."

Funerals are held for members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and other military figures at Enghelab Square on March 11, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Majid Saeedi | Getty Images News | Getty Images

U.K. Defense Secretary John Healy told reporters on Thursday that Putin's "hidden hand" appears to be behind Iran's military playbook as well as potentially some of Tehran's military capabilities. Iran has reportedly fired off more than 2,000 Shahed drones across the Middle East since the war began. These drones, which were first designed in Iran, have been used extensively during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomatic solution on Ukraine is 'badly needed'

On Ukraine, Russia's Kelin said Kyiv is "steadily" and "definitely" moving toward defeat after more than four years of war, despite little movement by Russian forces and mounting casualties. When challenged on Russian forces' lack of movement, Kelin replied: "During winter time, of course, there was a certain pause. At the moment, we have a spring problem with the roads because they are in bad conditions but, believe me, what is on the table right now is about 10% of Donbas territory, which is not yet under our control." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that the Kremlin's own assessments estimate that more than 1.3 million Russian soldiers have been killed and wounded on the battlefield since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. CNBC could not independently verify this report.

A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies published in January said Russian battlefield casualties are significantly greater than Ukrainian fatalities, with Ukrainian forces likely suffering somewhere between 500,000 and 600,000 casualties. Kelin said he was sure that both Moscow and Kyiv would eventually agree to a diplomatic resolution to the war. "I cannot say when it is going to happen, but a diplomatic solution is badly needed," Kelin said. Kelin said The U.S. was "playing a constructive role in this diplomatic effort," but added: "Since Ukraine is not prepared at the moment and since Europe still prefer to back up Ukraine as much as possible, to supply it with weapons, with money  making no efforts to solicit or to help this diplomatic solution, this will last for some time." U.S-brokered talks on the Ukraine war have been put on hold due to the Iran conflict, with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff telling CNBC on Tuesday that the discussions would now likely take place next week. Ukraine's Zelenskyy had urged the U.S. not to remove sanctions on Russia ahead of those talks, although the White House has since moved to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian crude at sea.

A Shahed-136 drone is displayed at a rally in western Tehran, Iran, on February 11, 2026. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday brushed aside concerns that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz because of the Iran war, which has spiked oil prices, would continue being a problem for the U.S. and the world for much longer. Iran has been "exercising sheer desperation in the Straits of Hormuz," Hegseth said at a Pentagon press briefing. "We have been dealing with it, and don't need to worry about it," he said. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil on Friday morning was around $93 per barrel. A day before the war began on Feb. 28, a barrel of WTI was selling for about $67. Hegseth criticized media reports that claimed that before attacking Iran, the U.S. military lacked a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is the world's most critical oil shipping choke point.

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"Of course, for decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This is always what they do, hold the strait hostage," he said. "We planned for it. We recognize it," Hegseth told a reporter who asked him why the Pentagon had not planned for the strait being choked off to traffic. "Ultimately, we want to do it sequentially in the way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve," he said, without detailing specific plans. Neither Hegseth nor Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine said how the U.S. would open up the strait to the traffic of oil tankers and other ships. Uncertainty about oil transport from the region has roiled markets and caused supply concerns, particularly in Asia.
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026.

Brent crude oil closed above $100 on Friday for the second consecutive session, as the Iran war heads toward its third week with oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz still effectively at a standstill.

Brent futures rose 2.67%, or $2.68, to close at $103.14 per barrel. U.S. crude oil gained 3.11%, or $2.98, to settle at $98.71 per barrel.

Prices are rising despite the U.S. and its allies rolling out a number of measures to keep a lid on energy costs. The International Energy Agency has agreed to release of 400 million stockpiled barrels, the largest such action in history.

The U.S. has issued a 30-day waiver for India to purchase sanctioned oil from Russia. President Donald Trump is considering loosening rules under the Jones Act that require U.S. ships to transport goods between domestic ports, including oil and gas, in an effort to lower costs.

Traders are continuing to monitor developments in the Middle East. Overnight, Trump hinted that an end to the conflict was not imminent.

"We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time," he said, before calling on his followers to "watch what happens" to the Iranian regime on Friday.
China-UK (Scotland) business forum held in Edinburgh to strengthen cooperation

Xinhua) 11:09, March 13, 2026

John Primrose, deputy director of Exports and Inward Investment of the Scottish Government, speaks at the China-UK (Scotland) business forum in Edinburgh, Britain, March 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

EDINBURGH, Britain, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A China-UK (Scotland) business forum and the UK roadshow for the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was held in Edinburgh on Wednesday evening, bringing together more than 100 representatives from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities for closer cooperation.

John Primrose, deputy director of Exports and Inward Investment of the Scottish Government, read the message from Scottish First Minister John Swinney at the forum. Swinney praised the strong and longstanding relationship between Scotland and China, and expressed hope that the two sides could continue to strengthen ties in the new year.

Primrose said China is one of Scotland's most important trading partners, and many businesses in Scotland have Chinese ownership. He added that further efforts will be made to support Scottish companies in expanding economic partnerships in China and to welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Scotland.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), encouraged enterprises from both sides to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and the digital economy.

He also invited British enterprises and institutions to participate in the 4th CISCE, which will take place in Beijing in June.

Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Zhang Biao said the future of China-UK economic cooperation remains promising and encouraged businesses on both sides to seize new opportunities for collaboration.

Peter Burnett, chief executive of the China-Britain Business Council, noted that geopolitical conflicts and other factors are affecting global supply chains, and called for collective efforts to support strong, reliable and predictable supply chains.

During the forum, the China International Exhibition Center Group introduced the upcoming CISCE and signed a memorandum of cooperation with relevant British partners.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), speaks at the China-UK (Scotland) business forum in Edinburgh, Britain, March 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Peter Burnett, chief executive of the China-Britain Business Council, speaks at the China-UK (Scotland) business forum in Edinburgh, Britain, March 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A man is seen at the China-UK (Scotland) business forum in Edinburgh, Britain, March 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.

America's top 50 philanthropists gave a whopping $22.4 billion to charity in 2025, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy's latest annual ranking. Media titan Michael Bloomberg led the Philanthropy 50 for the third year in a row, donating $4.3 billion to support the arts, public health and other causes.

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott is notably absent from the ranking. Scott announced on her blog in early December that she had given away nearly $7.2 billion to about 225 organizations over the past 12 months. She has donated more than $26 billion to nonprofits since 2020, according to a website for her philanthropic organization, Yield Giving.

Maria Di Mento, senior editor at the Chronicle, told Inside Wealth that Scott was excluded because her representatives declined to confirm how much she had contributed to her donor-advised funds, which are popular financial vehicles for charitable giving. The Philanthropy 50 counts donations to donor-advised funds, or DAFs, and foundations, but it doesn't include disbursements from those funds in order to avoid double counting, Di Mento said.

While Scott publicizes her giving, ultra-wealthy philanthropists have become increasingly secretive about their charitable giving, according to Di Mento, who has worked on the rankings for 21 years.

"I do think the desire for privacy has grown in recent years because the ultra wealthy are under so much more scrutiny than they used to be," she said. "While I think there has always been some resentment towards the ultra rich, that resentment, particularly very recently, has grown by leaps and bounds."

She added that philanthropists regularly tell her that they are wary of being hounded by nonprofits eager for funding.

"Donors tell me this all the time: When they attach their name to a gift, they will get bombarded by major gift fundraisers from other organizations," she said. "That's a very real concern. Some of these people, believe it or not, do not have a lot of staff."
Artificial intelligence adoption could lead to significant job struggles for entry-level workers as companies boost productivity, according to ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott.

McDermott told "Squawk on the Street" on Friday that unemployment for new college graduates "could easily go into the mid-30s in the next couple of years."

"So much of the work is going to be done by agents. So it's going to be challenging for young people to differentiate themselves in the corporate environment," he added.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York put the unemployment rate for recent college graduates at the end of 2025 at about 5.7%. The underemployment rate of 42.5% was the highest level since 2020.

Across industries, businesses are slashing costs and cutting jobs with the help of new AI tools.

Last month, Block announced plans to cut nearly half its workforce as AI automates more work. Meanwhile, software firm Atlassian , which has seen its stock dive 54% this year on AI disruption fears, said this week it would lay off about 10% of its workforce to support AI investments.

Compared to previous technological revolutions, experts say AI is chipping away at many white-collar jobs, including coding and marketing roles, and allowing companies to reduce hiring and improve productivity with fewer workers.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp previously told CNBC that he wants to grow revenue by 10 times while reducing headcount. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in June that the company will also shrink its corporate workforce with AI tools.

McDermott told CNBC that ServiceNow's tools will help businesses slash hiring costs, adding that the software firm has already taken out 90% of the use cases that previously relied on humans in customer service. It also allows businesses to maintain headcount while growing free cash flows and revenue.

"I do think it's coming quicker than people anticipate," he said.
As the senior housing sector adopts artificial intelligence, certain names will rise above the rest, according to Jefferies. The productivity boost and cost savings from AI comes in addition to the tailwinds the sector is seeing from the aging population . People are living longer, with the first baby boomers turning 80 this year, while fertility rates are declining. "Advanced analytics are enhancing sales execution and pricing discipline across senior housing portfolios, directly supporting same-store NOI [net operating income] growth," wrote analyst Jonathan Petersen said in a Wednesday note. "Platforms such as Ventas OI and Welltower Business System aggregate large proprietary datasets to inform pricing, marketing spend, and leasing velocity at the unit level." These advances in AI are also improving how real estate investment trusts deploy capital at the property level, he added. Welltower has the largest AI edge over its competitors, said Petersen, who has a buy rating on the stock. It also has a 1.4% dividend yield. WELL YTD mountain Welltower year to date The company, whose portfolio consists of more than 2,500 senior and wellness housing communities, has been building its proprietary data science and machine learning platform for a more than a decade. In 2023, it integrated OpenAI to launch its internal AI solutions. CEO Shankh Mitra said at a recent conference that Welltower has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to build out its data science platform, which has allowed the company to "quite effectively allocate capital." Earlier this month, the REIT announced it has licensed a customized version of its data science platform to Public Storage. "While real estate is the world's largest asset class, it has historically been characterized as a local, 'gut-feel' industry that has proven to be one of the most unscalable businesses," Mitra said in a press release announcing the partnership. "While some have attempted to scale the business through service models, we believe that the only way to truly scale this business is through the data generated by the assets." Shares of Welltower have gained more than 12% year to date. Another name Petersen likes is American Healthcare REIT , which he believes will also benefit from AI. The company, which became public in 2024, pays a 1.9% dividend. In December, he named it his top play on the aging population for 2026, citing its low cost of equity and its "growing investment pipeline." The stock is up about 12% so far this year.
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Jamieson Greer, US trade representative, during a Bloomberg Television interview outside the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Stefani Reynolds | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"The whole reason the president imposed these tariffs was to try to reshore, affect our massive imbalance in trade that we've experienced over many years because of China, Vietnam, the EU and others," Greer said. "If the companies are going to get this windfall, they should pass it along to their workers as a bonus or a raise, because that's the purpose of the program. It's always been the purpose of the program. And the American people should get it, and the company should give it to their workers."
Uber founder and ex-CEO Travis Kalanick has renamed his latest venture as Atoms and said on Friday that he's expanding beyond food and into mining and transportation.

After being forced to resign from Uber in 2017, Kalanick joined joined City Storage Systems as CEO the following year. City Storage is the parent of ghost-kitchen operator CloudKitchens, which Kalanick quickly grew to a reported $15 billion valuation by 2022.

Kalanick, who founded Uber in 2009, said on the "TBPN" podcast on Friday that Atoms has been operating in stealth for eight years with "thousands of employees." And on the new Atoms website, Kalanick wrote close to 1,700 words laying out his mission.

"Today we expand our physical world computation portfolio to the Mining and Transport industries and rename the company Atoms," Kalanick wrote. Regarding the technology, he added, "At Atoms we make gainfully employed robots  specialized robots with productive jobs that bring abundance to their owners and society at large."

The Information reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter, that Kalanick was preparing to unveil a new robotics and self-driving car company with backing from Uber.

"Up until today, I was running a company called City Storage Systems, which was basically about the future of food," Kalanick said on "TBPN." He said the concept was about making prepared food delivery more efficient than grocery shopping.

On the Atoms website, Kalanick said the company is focused on three subcategories: Atoms Food, which is "infrastructure for better food," Atoms Mining, providing "more productive mines," Atoms Transport, a "Wheelbase for robots."

The CloudKitchens website is still live. The company operates commercial kitchens that can be used by eateries, large and small, to help with delivery, pickup and food production.

On the Atoms website, Kalanick says he entered the venture after leaving Uber "heartbroken."

"I bled, but I did not perish," Kalanick wrote. "I got back up and fought my way back into the arena, back to my calling. Back to building."

WATCH: Uber's air taxis in Dubai
The U.S. military on Friday said that all six crew members of a KC-135 military refueling plane that crashed a day earlier while flying over western Iraq have been confirmed as dead.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation," U.S. Central Command said in a statement. "However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."

The identities of the crew members are being withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified, Central Command said.

Earlier, Central Command said two aircraft were involved. The second landed safely, Central Command added.

"The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury," Central Command said Thursday, referring to the war against Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the Middle East.
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Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. Kent Nishimura | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The U.S. on Thursday launched new trade investigations into 60 economies to determine if they have failed to curb imports of goods made with forced labor, a day after it initiated unfair trade practices probe into 16 partners. The new investigations, conducted under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, include China, the European Union, India and Mexico, according to a statement from the United States Trade Representative. "Despite the international consensus against forced labor, governments have failed to impose and effectively enforce measures banning goods produced with forced labor from entering their markets," U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said. "These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts U.S. workers and businesses," he said. Section 301 permits the U.S. to impose tariffs on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices without additional congressional authorization  legal authority that U.S. President Donald Trump had used during his first term to levy duties on Chinese goods. The forced-labor probes follow Section 301 investigations launched on Wednesday, which targeted excess industrial capacity across 16 economies, including China, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand.

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The latest probes expanded the list of countries under Section 301 scrutiny to include more countries such as the U.K., Brazil and Russia. The new investigations appear to serve as an alternative route to replace at least some of the "reciprocal tariffs" that the U.S. Supreme Court quashed last month. "With the strike-down of the reciprocal tariffs, the administration made it clear that their plan-B would be rolled out soonest," said Wendy Cutler, vice president at Asia Society Policy Institute and a former U.S. trade representative. The Supreme Court invalidated Trump's reciprocal tariffs last month, ruling that the president had exceeded his power. Trump then immediately imposed a 10% global blanket tariff based on Section 122 of the Trade Act 1974, and threatened to raise it further to 15%. The sweeping scope of the investigations has drawn scrutiny over their feasibility and rationale among trade experts. The U.S. Trade Representative will hold hearings on the investigations from April 28 to May 1  an "unrealistically short" timeline given the breadth of countries under scrutiny, said Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at Hinrich Foundation.

Taking aim at European Union, which has enacted its own legislative framework prohibiting forced-labor practices, while sparing countries with significantly weaker enforcement records "does not make sense," Elms said. The sweeping breadth of the trade probes also risks alienating partners and squandering the goodwill needed to forge a collective response to address Chinese industrial overcapacity, according to experts. "The administration is losing an important opportunity to work with partners to address the real excess capacity problem in the world, [which is] China," Cutler said. "By adding more than a dozen countries into an investigation on excess capacity our partners will be in no mood to work with us to address the serious challenges China's excess capacity is presenting globally," she added.

China in crosshairs?
BYD Co., Chinas largest car manufacturer, is actively considering building a plant in Canada while also keeping its options open to acquire a more established global automaker.The Shenzhen-based automaker is studying the Canadian market for a potential manufacturing facility, although no decision has been made, Executive Vice President Stella Li said in an interview, adding that BYD would want to own and operate such a factory.I dont think a JV will work, Li said, speaking during a visit to Sao Paulo.While Canada has been courting investment from Chinese carmakers, its government is pushing a joint venture with one or more Canadian companies. In January, Canada agreed to exempt as many as 49,000 Chinese-built electric vehicles annually from a 100% tariff imposed in 2024, part of a shift away from the countrys previous policy of keeping Chinese cars out.Li also signaled BYD may be interested in taking over a legacy carmaker at a time when some American, European and Japanese rivals are struggling to stay competitive in global markets  stretched by investments in their gas-only and electric vehicle operations. BYD has grown to prominence by producing both all-electric and hybrid gas-electric vehicles.Were open to every opportunity we have, she said, noting that while no deal is currently close, her company is evaluating potential assets. Well see what benefits us.Li didnt mention any potential acquisition targets, but such a move wouldnt be unprecedented  Chinas Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. bought Volvo Cars more than a decade ago. More recently, some Western automakers have stepped up efforts to tap Chinese carmakers for technological assistance and production capacity.Stellantis NV is considering tapping electric-vehicle technology from its Chinese partner Leapmotor and is exploring deals with Chinese carmakers for investment in Europe. Ford Motor Co. has held discussions with Geely about shared capacity in Europe.BYD has had joint ventures in the past, but its current go-it-alone philosophy reflects a commitment to its own efficiency measures such as a vertical integration strategy to keep much of its supply chain in-house.For now, the worlds biggest EV maker is shelving any ambitions it may have for entering the US, which Li called a complicated environment. Chinese automakers have faced steep tariffs and a ban on connected car technology in the US, which has effectively kept out most mass-market models made in China.Instead, BYD is focused on markets where it can apply its Brazil model, using the marketing and sales success it found in South America in other regions such as Europe. Li said the company is ramping up its first European passenger vehicle hub in Hungary and weighing a second project in Turkey. That comes as part of a broader push overseas.BYDs overall sales for the first two months of the year fell 36% to 400,241 units, although exports gained momentum and the company now aims to sell 1.3 million cars abroad in 2026.Li said two recent launches by BYD earlier this month  the latest generation of its blade batteries and ultra-fast flash charging architecture  will help reverse that decline in sales.In just less than a week, we saw a lot of customers who never buy EVs come to us, she said.In Brazil, BYD plans to install 1,000 ultra-fast chargers by the end of 2027 at a cost of more than 500 million reais ($97 million), Alexandre Baldy, BYDs senior vice president, told Bloomberg.Li confirmed a Bloomberg News report earlier this week that BYD is examining options to enter competitive motorsport, including Formula One and endurance racing. While she cautioned no final decision has been made, she suggested that a foray into the worlds most elite racing series would align with BYDs tech-first identity.Dont be surprised, she hinted. Were still working on it.
Indias Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the India-United Kingdom free trade agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) will come into force in about a month, with the FTA likely to be among the fastest agreements approved by the UK Parliament.While lauding Minister (Economic) at Indias High Commission in London, Nidhi Mani Tripathi, for spearheading all three European agreements with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Union (EU) and the UK, the minister said he is currently discussing the finer details of the FTAs entry into force with senior government officials.The India-UK FTA was signed on July 24 during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the UK.Speaking at a commemorative session marking the signing of the IndiaEFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), Goyal urged industry to ensure that the three FTAs with 32 European nations lead to expanded trade and higher investment flows. He also called for greater focus on the $100 billion FDI commitment that India secured under the EFTA agreement.Last month, the minister had indicated that Indias FTAs with the UK and Oman are likely to be operationalised by April 2026.Highlighting access to markets accounting for nearly two-thirds of global GDP through the nine FTAs finalised by India with 38 developed economies over the past four years, Goyal said the agreements have opened new export opportunities in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear and pharmaceuticals.However, he noted that Indias share in global trade remains modest, even in several competitive and labour-intensive sectors.Goyal also met Richard Heald, chair of the UK India Business Council, to discuss new opportunities expected to emerge from the operationalisation of the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The discussions also explored greater collaboration in the marine industry and seafood exports.
About 3,100 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities took place in Bangladesh from August 2024 till February 2026, according to data from human rights organisations, the government has informed Parliament.In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also said the government of India continuously monitors incidents of attacks against minorities in Bangladesh, including on their homes, properties, businesses and places of worship.As per available data from human rights organisations, about 3,100 incidents of violence against Hindu and other minorities have taken place across Bangladesh from August 2024 till February 2026, he said.India has consistently raised the matter of safety and security of the minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh at all relevant occasions, including at the highest level. The issue has also been discussed with foreign interlocutors.It is the expectation of the Government of India that the Government of Bangladesh will thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence against minorities to justice, the MoS said.The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the government of Bangladesh, he said.Indian mission and posts in Bangladesh ensure that distressed Indian nationals are extended help and support promptly. The mission remains accessible to all Indian citizens in Bangladesh through a 247 emergency helpline number.The Indian mission in Dhaka has a dedicated consular officer for addressing grievances and concerns of Indian citizens. The mission regularly engages with members of the Indian community to address their concerns. The mission also conducts regular Open House for Indian nationals, Margherita said.
Over the years, a regular Chinese campaign of sending warplanes flying toward Taiwan  the self-governing island it claims as its territory  has raised alarm from Taipei to Washington.Now, a sharp drop in the number of flights in the past two weeks has analysts scratching their heads about what China's military may be up to. And that mystery carries risks, former US defence official Drew Thompson said."There are so many theories and the lack of understanding of China's intentions is what's disconcerting," said Thompson, now a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "You fill the void with uncertainty, and uncertainty increases risk."The falloff in flights started earlier, but the latest drop has been particularly dramatic.Taiwan's Defence Ministry issues daily reports on Chinese air force and naval activity around the island. More often than not, recent ones haven't included the usual map with flight paths, because no flights were detected.Taiwan didn't report any Chinese military planes in an area known as its Air Defence Identification Zone for a week from Feb. 27 to March 5. And then after two were detected on March 6, the next four days had none.The flights have resumed in small numbers in the last two days, with three on Wednesday and two on Thursday. That brought the total for the past two weeks to seven. In the same period last year, there were 92.The drop coincided with the annual meeting of China's legislature, and such flights have fallen in the past during major events and public holidays. But this year's fall was much greater than in the past."That alone would not be the only or primary reason for sorties dropping to zero," K. Tristan Tang, a Taipei-based nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, said in an email response.Another factor could be a desire to calm the waters with Washington two weeks before a visit by US President Donald Trump. The White House has said that Trump would travel to China from March 31 to April 2.Thompson, though, noted the Taiwan issue isn't what matters to the American president."Trump sees China as an economic negotiation, not as a security challenge," he said.The United States opposes any attempt to change Taiwan's status by force  such as an invasion by China, which says the democratic island of 23 million people must come under its control in the future.Tang believes the decline in flights may be driven by a shift to the next phase in China's military training and modernisation.The military appears to be exploring a new model for joint training between its air force and navy and possibly its ground forces, he said in his response.Such exploratory activity would likely be conducted away from Taiwan to prevent other countries from monitoring it, he said, which could explain why fewer Chinese planes are in the area.Taiwan's military has signalled that it isn't changing its defence posture because of the falloff in Chinese warplane activity.Defence Minister Wellington Koo noted that China's navy has remained active in nearby waters, even as military flights have fallen off."As I have said before, we cannot rely solely on a single symptom like the absence of PLA aircraft to make a judgment," he told journalists. The PLA is the acronym for the Chinese military's official name, the People's Liberation Army."We will continue to closely monitor the PLA's movements," he said.
Pakistan has bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Afghanistan's Kandahar airport, the Taliban said on Friday (March 13), as the worst conflict in years between the South Asian neighbours flared again despite efforts to calm tensions.The fighting erupted in February with Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted militant strongholds. Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of sovereignty as it launched retaliatory attacks."The company (Kam Air) supplies fuel to civilian airlines as well as to United Nations aircraft," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.Pakistan also carried out bombings in other areas, including the capital Kabul, with women and children among those killed as civilian homes were targeted in some locations, he said, adding that the aggression would "not go unanswered".Before the latest attack, neither side had reported any Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan in recent days and ground fighting along the 2,600 km (1,600 mile) border had also tapered off.Pakistan's military did not respond to a request for comment.Militancy has been a bone of contention between allies-turned-foes Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad saying Kabul provides a safe haven to militants executing attacks on Pakistan.The Taliban, however, denies the allegation and says militancy is Pakistan's internal problem.Reuters had reported on Thursday (March 12) that mediation efforts by China, which had been urging an end to the violence, had helped ease the fighting between the countries.Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi had said Islamabad and Beijing were engaged in a "dialogue process" on Afghanistan.
Director General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has updated member countries on final preparations for the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial from 26th to 29th March in Cameroon, and told delegations that "14th Ministerial will be consequential for the organization."

At the General Council meeting from 10th to 12th March, WTO's DG said that the multilateral trade body has long spoken of unfinished negotiations and overdue reform with promises having outpaced results, calling for the need to demonstrate that "this time is different."

She said that an informal "state-of-play" package will be sent to Ministers next week with documents to represent current state of work in Geneva and a final "Road to Yaounde" document outlining how MC-14 will be conducted. She said that it's a 'Turning Point Ministerial', in which "we can show that the organization is up to the job of taking criticism seriously and using this to reposition itself."

Members were closing in on texts to be sent to ministers for their consideration, while sent documents would deliver the political signals needed to advance post-MC14 negotiating work.

Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel from Saudi Arabia, said that the package "is informal in nature and does not constitute a formal transmission of work from Geneva. Rather, he said that it serves as a briefing tool to help ministers prepare for their deliberations based on the MC-14 programme structure."

On the issue of WTO reform, which has been identified by many members as a priority for discussion in Yaounde, the Director-General underlined the importance of securing political impetus to advance the work after MC14.

Reporting in his capacity as the facilitator on WTO reform, Ambassador Petter lberg from Norway noted that "significant progress" has been made since the start of intensified engagement by WTO members in June 2025. He noted that a draft Yaounde Ministerial Statement on WTO Reform and draft WTO Reform Work Plan, which reflect the cumulative efforts of members over the past nine months, have been presented to members for consideration.





Agriculture, fisheries subsidies, development



Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain from Pakistan, the Chair of the negotiations on agriculture, reported that nine new submissions have been received from members since his call for new inputs last December. Two rounds of consultations took place in mid-January and early February respectively to facilitate the negotiations.





Responding to requests from several members, the Chair said he had presented a draft Ministerial Declaration in late February and, following further consultations, a revised draft on 5th March that was discussed at a transparency meeting the following day.

With regard to discussions on agriculture at MC-14, Ambassador Ali Sarfraz Hussain said the majority of members favour holding a plenary session in Yaounde, while some favour smaller breakout sessions. The Chair said he would forward a few guiding questions to help structure the discussions.

Ambassador Leslie Ramsammy (Guyana), chair of the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, said he has been holding consultations with members since his appointment in December on what could be accomplished on the issue in the run-up to MC14, as well as on post-MC14 work.

The Chair reported broad support for securing a political statement from ministers at MC14 calling for the effective implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and reaffirming members' commitment to continue negotiating additional provisions on fisheries subsidies after MC14. However, several members said they were prioritizing other more pressing matters for MC14.

In light of this, Ambassador Ramsammy said a text issued under his own responsibility seemed the most viable way forward. Circulated on 6th March, the text "succinctly captures the broad views of the membership" as per the WTO. "Such a commitment", he added, "would send a clear message to the world that prosperous sustainable fisheries remain an important priority for WTO members".

Ambassador Kadra Ahmed Hassan, chair of the negotiations on trade and development, said that work in the run-up to MC14 continued to focus on proposals in the areas of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), technical barriers to trade (TBT), and Article 66.2 of the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) related to the promotion of technology transfer to least-developed countries (LDCs).

As to the first two issues, work focused on an updated draft from the G90 group of developing and LDC members on enhancing the precise, effective and operational implementation of special and differential treatment provisions of the SPS and TBT Agreements. While a few differences remain on some elements of the text, significant progress has been made, and there was broad convergence on the draft proposal and its direction, Ambassador Hassan said.

On Article 66.2, members' views on the G90 proposal in this area continue to differ, and reservations have remained, Ambassador Hassan said, adding that the G90 will continue to engage with members to find a possible landing zone ahead of MC14.

Ambassador Almoqbel reported on his consultations with members regarding his proposed "minimalist zero draft" Ministerial Declaration for adoption at MC14. He said it is ultimately for ministers to decide in Yaounde whether they wish to endorse a Ministerial Declaration or whether the MC14 Chair would consider it more appropriate to issue a Chair statement under his own responsibility.

Ambassador Almoqbel also reported on his consultations regarding the possible venue for the 15th Ministerial Conference (MC15). While many members expressed appreciation for the offer last October from Saudi Arabia to host MC15, and while several members voiced their support for this offer at the December 2025 General Council meeting, other delegations have preferred not to take a decision on this before or at MC14.
As global uncertainty continues amid the conflict in West Asia, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that arrangements for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC-14) in Cameroon are still in place and plans have not changed. MC-14 is scheduled to take place from March 26 to 29 in Cameroon.

She stated that the WTO's General Council and the host country, Cameroon, are closely monitoring the situation and following developments that could affect the meeting and participation. She added that members will be kept fully informed and relevant updates will be shared promptly.

On February 13, India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met the WTO DG in Geneva to discuss key priorities for making the upcoming MC-14 positive, balanced and inclusive. The discussions and consensus at MC-14 will be vital in determining the fate of free global trade amid uncertainties, tariffs, sanctions and trade fragmentation.

India's Permanent Mission at the WTO posted on X that the meeting highlighted its continued commitment to constructive engagement with WTO members to strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system (MTS). Commenting on the meeting, the WTO DG posted on X: "Many thanks for a thoughtful and productive discussion around the substance, process, and preparation of MC14. Look forward to continued engagement as we work through the thorny issues."

India's stand at the WTO:

At the WTO in the past, India has sought a permanent solution to the issue of public stockholding of essential food items in support of its Public Distribution System (PDS), which has found support among many other developing countries. The country has repeatedly argued for the protection of the rights of small fishermen and the imposition of obligations on rich countries that have denuded the world's oceans of aquatic wealth.

India has also sought the revival of the appellate body at the WTO, which has been defunct since 2019, and wants the multilateral trade body to help remove Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) to support globalisation.

Also Read: BMC's FDs stand at 81,134 crore, Pensions Fund will remain untouched: Govt tells council

India has opposed the proposal for Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) backed by 128 out of 166 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As per the WTO website, the IFD Agreement provides global benchmarks to support the efforts of member countries that are parties to the agreement to improve the investment and business climate. It aims to make it easier for investors in all sectors of the economy to invest, conduct their day-to-day business and expand their operations.

However, India is of the view that instead of being beneficial to poorer nations, the IFD may undermine their policy autonomy if they lack adequate capacity to protect their institutions from being taken over by other countries.

Also Read: Trump claimed in G7 call that Iran is 'about to surrender', Axios reports
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) emerges as winter shortens days and dims natural light, leaving some people gripped by a predictable wave of SAD depression. This isn't mere holiday stress or cabin feverit's a recognized form of depression tied to seasonal shifts, often easing come spring. Understanding seasonal affective disorder symptoms helps those affected spot patterns early and seek relief.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms That Signal Winter Blues

Seasonal affective disorder symptoms creep in subtly at first, with persistent sadness or low mood dominating daily life despite no obvious cause. People often feel hopeless, tearful, or lose pleasure in hobbies they once loved, like holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. Fatigue hits hard, making even simple tasks exhausting, even after long nights of sleep.

Common seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

Persistent low mood, hopelessness, or tearfulness lasting most of the day.

Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, such as socializing or hobbies.

Extreme fatigue or low energy, even after sleeping longer.

Irritability, frustration, or heightened anxiety without clear triggers.

Cravings for carbohydrates leading to overeating and weight gain.

Oversleeping (hypersomnia), often 10 or more hours nightly.

Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.

Frequent physical complaints like headaches, aches, or digestive issues.

Social withdrawal from friends, family, or work obligations.

Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or thoughts of death in severe cases.

These signs typically start in late fall, peak mid-winter, and fade by April. Unlike one-off blues, seasonal affective disorder symptoms recur yearly, distinguishing SAD from standard depression. Women experience it more often, possibly due to hormonal sensitivities, and it strikes harder in northern regions where darkness lingers longest. Recognizing these early prevents deeper spirals, as unchecked symptoms can disrupt jobs, school, or family dynamics for months.

Why SAD Depression Strikes During Colder Months

SAD depression roots in biology, triggered by reduced sunlight disrupting the brain's internal clock. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, overproduces without enough light, causing constant drowsiness and mood dips. Serotonin, the feel-good chemical, drops too, fueling irritability and despair that define winter lows.

Living farther from the equator worsens thisplaces like the northern U.S., Canada, or Scandinavia see less daylight, raising risk up to 10%. Genetics play a role; if family members have depression or SAD, vulnerability climbs. Stressful life events can tip the balance, unmasking latent tendencies. The Mayo Clinic notes how these hormonal shifts mimic broader depression but follow a clockwork seasonal pattern. Summer versions exist but are rarer, involving insomnia, weight loss, and agitation from heat or allergies. SAD depression thrives in winter's gloom because our bodies crave light for rhythm and energy.

Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms Accurately

Doctors diagnose SAD by reviewing mood history, confirming seasonal affective disorder symptoms align with winter months for at least two years. They use DSM-5 criteria, ensuring no other conditions like bipolar or thyroid issues explain the pattern. Questionnaires track symptom timing and severity, ruling out year-round depression.

No lab test pins it down, but patient journals noting mood against daylight changes build a clear picture. Summer relief seals the diagnosis, as symptoms vanish without treatment. Early checks mattermild cases respond best to interventions before SAD depression deepens.

The NHS fhighlights how self-reported oversleeping, cravings, and withdrawal form the core checklist. Primary care visits often start here, with referrals to therapists if needed. Awareness campaigns push annual screenings in high-risk areas, catching cases before they escalate.

Proven Strategies to Combat SAD Depression

Light therapy tops treatments, using 10,000-lux lamps for 20-30 minutes each morning to flood the brain with brightness akin to summer sun. Relief often arrives within a week, resetting circadian rhythms and boosting serotonin. Position the box at eye level, not staring directly, for safe gains.

Antidepressants like bupropion ease SAD depression by stabilizing chemicals, started in fall to preempt symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) challenges negative winter thoughts, teaching coping skills that last beyond seasons. Sessions focus on activity scheduling to break inertia.

Lifestyle tweaks amplify results: outdoor walks, even cloudy ones, deliver vitamin D and endorphins. Balanced meals curb cravings, while exercise like yoga combats lethargy. Dawn simulators wake rooms gradually, mimicking sunrise for smoother starts.

Risk Factors Fueling Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

Certain groups face steeper odds with seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Latitude mattersbeyond 30 degrees north, prevalence jumps due to prolonged nights. Family history of mood disorders doubles risk, suggesting inherited sensitivities.

Past depression or anxiety primes the pump, as does chronic stress. Women report 80% of cases, linked to estrogen fluctuations. Younger adults under 30 see higher rates, possibly from disrupted sleep patterns. The National Institute of Mental Health points out how oversleeping and isolation compound vulnerability. Summer allergies or high pollen can flip patterns inversely. Knowing these flags proactive monitoring, especially for those in dim climates.

Everyday Habits to Outsmart Winter SAD Depression

Simple routines fortify against SAD depression. Prioritize morning light exposure, opening curtains wide or stepping outside briefly. Social plans, even virtual coffee chats, counter withdrawal's pull.

Mindfulness practices, like guided breathing apps, tame anxiety spikes. Omega-3 supplements from fish oil may lift mood, backed by studies on inflammation. Travel to sunnier spots mid-winter resets biology for some.

Group support normalizes experiencessharing stories reduces isolation. Consistent sleep hygiene, avoiding screens pre-bed, stabilizes melatonin. Planning ahead with therapy or lights in September heads off peaks.

Fresh Insights on Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms and SAD Depression

Emerging research explores gut health links to seasonal affective disorder symptoms, with probiotics showing promise in trials. Wearables tracking light exposure offer personalized alerts, revolutionizing prevention. Virtual reality sun simulations gain traction for home use.

Dawn therapy evolves with smart bulbs adjusting hues automatically. Workplace programs in northern offices install light panels, cutting absenteeism. SAD depression research pushes for broader awareness, integrating it into routine mental health screens.

Next Steps for Handling Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

Seasonal affective disorder symptoms don't have to dominate winterlight therapy, routines, and professional input turn the tide against SAD depression. Track patterns now to prepare next fall, consulting doctors for tailored plans that fit lifestyles. Millions navigate this yearly with tools that restore balance, proving brighter days lie within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often starting in fall or winter and improving in spring. It links directly to reduced sunlight, disrupting mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin.

2. What are the main seasonal affective disorder symptoms?

Key seasonal affective disorder symptoms include persistent low mood, fatigue despite oversleeping, irritability, carb cravings with weight gain, social withdrawal, and trouble concentrating. These recur yearly and lift with brighter seasons.

3. How does SAD depression differ from regular winter blues?

SAD depression is more severe and predictable, lasting weeks to months with clinical symptoms that impair daily life. Ordinary winter blues pass quickly without the intense hopelessness or physical changes.
Telus Digital, which provides business process outsourcing (BPO) services to a range of organizations worldwide, has been hit with a massive cyberattack conducted by extortion group ShinyHunters

The group, which has been in operation since 2020, specializes in stealing data from Salesforce and other SaaS vendors, and has also recently been conducting voice phishing (vishing) attacks, impersonating IT staff to persuade employees to enter their credentials on malicious sites that harvest them.

In a statement to CSO on Thursday, Telus Digital said it is investigating a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to a limited number of our systems. Upon discovery, we took immediate steps to address the unauthorized activity and secure our systems against further intrusion. We are actively managing the situation and continue to monitor it closely.
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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

If you're overdue for a mattress upgrade, now is the time to buy as a number of Australia's bestselling and well-reviewed bed brands are on sale, with savings of more than $1,799.

Sleeping Giant has announced a huge sitewide promotion starting March 12, with shoppers able to score up to 50 per cent off mattresses, bed frames and bedroom furniture.

Whether it's a half price memory foam mattress down to $474, or a discount of over $1,650 on a luxury hotel-grade bed suite, shoppers in every price bracket are in for major savings, making it the perfect time to refresh your bedroom or finally replace an ageing mattress.

One of the most popular ranges for budget-conscious shoppers is the Dreamsuite collection, Sleeping Giant's convenient mattress-in-a-box line. And it's never been more affordable with every mattress in the collection half price.

The range includes the Dreamsuite Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress, designed to contour to the body while helping regulate temperature.

The Dreamsuite Cool Gel in a Single is usually priced at $649, but with 50 per cent off, it's a steal at $324.50, while the bestselling Queen is down to $474.50 and a King is just $524.50.

Customers have praised the comfortable sleep provided by the cooling technology and supportive memory foam.

Sleeping Giant has announced a huge sitewide promotion starting March 12, with shoppers able to score up to 50 per cent off mattresses, bed frames and bedroom furniture

50% OFF Dreamsuite Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress One of the most popular ranges for budget-conscious shoppers is the Dreamsuite collection, Sleeping Giant's convenient mattress-in-a-box line designed for easy delivery and quick setup. The range includes the Dreamsuite Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress, designed to contour to the body while helping regulate temperature. Shop

'Cool, comfortable, and supportive sleep experience at a competitive price point,' recent buyer Aileen wrote in a five-star review. 'Its cooling technology and multilayer foam construction make it especially appealing if you want relief from heat and pressure without spending on premium luxury brands.'

For those looking for the kind of premium sleep experience of a luxury hotel, Sleeping Giant's flagship Art & Science range features six different mattresses, each available in four comfort levels so shoppers can select the feel that suits them best - and all of them are half price in the sale.

The collection includes the Art & Science Ultra Luxe Mattress, the brand's most premium design, featuring breathable Tencel fabric that helps regulate temperature while plush comfort layers provide a softer, more luxurious feel.

Sleeping Giant's collection of removable cover bed frames blend on-trend styles with practicality. Pictured: Noosa Bed Frame in Pure White

For those looking for the kind of premium sleep experience of a luxury hotel, Sleeping Giant's flagship Art & Science range is included in the massive sale

Dual layers of micro coils and a seven-zone support system adapt to your body's contours for targeted support, while sanitised hygiene treatment helps guard against dust mites, allergens and unwanted odours.

This design usually starts from $3,599 - so the half price sale is the perfect time to secure premium quality for much less.

One shopper called the Art & Science Balmoral Mattress 'the best decision I have ever made', adding: 'My sleep has never been better and the quality is amazing.'

Other popular options in the range include the Art & Science Signature Mattress and Art & Science Windsor Mattress, which combine targeted support with pressure-relieving layers designed to help sleepers wake up feeling more refreshed.

50% OFF Art & Science Ultra Luxe Mattress The collection includes the Art & Science Ultra Luxe Mattress, the brand's most premium design, featuring breathable Tencel fabric that helps regulate temperature while plush comfort layers provide a softer, more luxurious feel. Shop

50% OFF Art & Science Balmoral Mattress One shopper called the Art & Science Balmoral Mattress 'the best decision I have ever made', adding: 'My sleep has never been better and the quality is amazing.' For those looking for the kind of premium sleep experience of a luxury hotel, Sleeping Giant's flagship Art & Science range features six different mattresses, each available in four comfort levels so shoppers can select the feel that suits them best. Shop

One customer who is a physiotherapist praised the Art & Science Windsor design, saying she 'could not recommend this mattress enough'.

'As a Physiotherapist, this mattress gets a huge tick of approval!' Issy wrote. 'It is so gentle on my shoulders as a side sleeper, but supportive enough for nights I'm on my back. Could not recommend this mattress enough!'

Another customer added that the design was 'very comfortable - better than some of the more expensive mattresses'.

Sleeping Giant's collection of removable cover bed frames blend on-trend styles with practicality, allowing shoppers to easily remove and wash the slip cover as needed, and also have the flexibility to purchase a different colour separately to give their room a more affordable update.

The brand has built a loyal following among Australian shoppers, earning 4.6 stars from more than 1,500 customer reviews

Riley Boucle Ivory Bed Frame Sleeping Giant's collection of removable cover bed frames blend on-trend styles with practicality. The Riley design comes in 27 different fabric choices, allowing shoppers to easily remove and wash the slip cover as needed, and also have the flexibility to purchase a different colour separately to give their room a more affordable update. Shop

There are classic minimalist styles like the bestselling Riley Muse Flax frame, which comes in 27 different fabric choices, to the Noosa Gas Lift Storage Bed - both up to 50 per cent off.

The brand has built a loyal following among Australian shoppers, earning 4.6 stars from more than 1,500 customer reviews, thanks to their quality, price point and Sleeping Giant's 100 Night Sleep Promise on mattresses.

The policy allows customers to try their mattress at home and exchange it if it doesn't feel quite right, provided a mattress protector is purchased at the same time.

Once the main sale wraps up on April 22, Sleeping Giant will launch a second promotion running from April 23 to May 7, offering between 20 and 50 per cent off when purchasing two or more items.

OTHER AFTERPAY DAY DEALS ON NOW

Australia's number one mattress brand launches 20% off member sale Ecosa, recognised as Australia's number one mattress brand by CHOICE in 2025, is currently on sale. The brand has up to 20 per cent off its award-winning mattresses , as well as bed frames and furniture, for members. Ecosa has earned more than 100,000 five-star reviews from happy customers globally. The popular Ecosa Mattress has more than 24,000 reviews alone for it's adjustable firmness feature, body contouring support and price point. The CoolComfort Mattress is another bestseller, praised for its FlexMatrix Grid that optimises airflow, while the innovative copper-infused foam regulates temperature. For the ultimate luxury, hotel-grade comfort, the AeroLux Euro Pillow Top Mattress balances cloud-like cushioning with hybrid mattress support.
In the early hours of Tuesday June 13, 2023, university friends Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barney Webber were making their ways home following a night out in Nottingham.

A short distance away, school caretaker Ian Coates was getting ready to leave for work. Elsewhere in the city centre, early risers were preparing to start their days. Unbeknownst to them all, a killer was lying in wait.

By 6am that day, Valdo Calocane had killed Barney, Grace and Ian - stabbing them to death, before making off with Ian's Vauxhall van. From there, the paranoid schizophrenic used the stolen vehicle as a weapon to crash into pedestrians at random, leaving three of them seriously hurt.

Calocane was eventually stopped by armed police and taken into custody. He would later plead guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

An inquiry is now looking into how mentally ill Calocane - who had a history of violence and had been sectioned several times - was free to kill.

Those in the frame include mental health teams, the university, and police from Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Indeed officers ranging from entry level to top brass have already given evidence about how they were under pressure due to workload, leading to mistakes being made in handling Calocane's case before he committed his atrocity.

But Tiff Lynch, chair of the Police Federation for England and Wales, says policing is now the most inexperienced it has ever been. And that should worry us all.

Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber - known as Barney - and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were killed in Nottingham in a series of supposedly random knife attacks by one man

The Nottingham attacks carried out by Valdo Calocane horrified the country. Three innocent people lost their lives and the grief felt by their families is beyond words.

The public inquiry now under way will examine what happened in the weeks and months before those events. That process must run its course.

But as evidence begins to emerge, one uncomfortable reality about modern policing is becoming harder to ignore.

The officer who responded to a 999 call where Calocane was the suspect was just 12 shifts into her career.

At a stage in a new job when most of us would still be working out where the coffee machine is, she was dealing with violent crime.

Her 'senior' colleague had three years' service. Her sergeant was responsible for 12 officers, each carrying up to 15 live investigations.

This is not some bizarre outlier. It is the reality of policing in 2026.

Across England and Wales, the service is now the most inexperienced it has been in living memory. Nearly half of officers have less than five years' service. A decade ago, that figure was just 14 per cent.

For generations the strength of our policing rested not simply on numbers but on experience.

I learned my job as a young officer in Leicestershire alongside colleagues who had spent years on the streets. They watched me. They asked questions. They took me under their wing. And when I had difficult decisions to make, that experience counted.

If I was starting my policing career in a 999-response team today, a colleague with more than three years' service would be almost guaranteed to be the most experienced bobby on shift.

What should worry the public most is that many in policing leadership appear strangely relaxed about this. Some senior figures have even described the loss of experienced officers as 'healthy churn'.

Valdo Calocane, now 34, has been jailed for manslaughter on the grounds of diminished reponsibility

Calocane was caught on CCTV driving Ian Coates' van moments after stabbing him to death in June 2023. Around an hour later, Calocane was Tasered and arrested by armed police

Tiff Lynch, chair of the Police Federation for England and Wales

Healthy churn? Ask the families who have lost loved ones whether that sounds healthy.

Ask the officers who will spend years under investigation once the legal processes in this case are complete whether that feels healthy.

None of this is a criticism of the young men and women joining policing today. They are brave, capable and committed. From their first days in uniform, they face situations most people would never want to encounter.

But policing has always relied on experience being passed down. When that experience disappears, the pressure on those who remain grows. Mistakes are made, and only those officers who bear the burden of excessive pressures due to mounting workloads and declining workforce know the real consequences.

Experienced officers spot things others might miss. They recognise warning signs. They ask the extra question. They know when something doesn't quite add up.

Those instincts are built over years on the frontline.

The Nottingham inquiry will establish the full facts about what happened in this case. It is right that it does so carefully and thoroughly.

But one truth already stands out. Experience is not a luxury in policing. It is one of the most important safeguards the public has.

If we continue to lose that experience from our police forces, the risks do not disappear.

They simply fall on the shoulders of younger officers and ultimately on the public they serve.

It is now that how we treat our police needs to change. We need proper attention to welfare.

We need the Government to show that it is listening to officers and actually understands how policing has become more pressured; with officers suffering incredible levels of stress and trauma.

We need a pay system which doesn't drive officers out of the job they love because they can't bring up a family on wages which have shrunk by almost a quarter in value in the last 12 years.

All of that will help keep experienced officers at work, protecting the public.

:: Tiff Lynch is the National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales
There comes a time in many a show business career when the phone stops ringing, the job offers dry up and the lip filler dissolves.

For Lisa Rinna that time came early.

Her fall from 90s soap opera stardom to noughties obscurity couldn't have been easy for this gorgeous gal but to her credit, she never stopped working.

There was a Lifetime movie, a failed talk show, a Playboy shoot, sitcom appearances, a stumble through Dancing with the Stars and then, wham-o, Lisa Rinna was back kinda.

She survived eight seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, (Rinna has been married to actor Harry Hamlin since 1997) proving no lack of talent could stand between her and the camera. But now, Lisa, I think I speak for millions, when I say: it's time to hang up that life-preserver masquerading as your mouth.

Hot off her latest humiliating reality show turn in NBC's The Traitors, Rinna is hawking a book, settling old scores and spinning hard-to-believe tales of a late-night drugging.

Could it be that Rinna, 62, feels fame slipping through her wrinkled grasp, perhaps for the last time?

TMZ was the first to report that Rinna believed she was roofied during a The Traitors premiere party at the West Hollywood hot-spot The Abbey in early January.

Apparently, newly gay former Bachelor (and Rinna's nemesis on The Traitors) Colton Underwood noticed she appeared a bit loopier than usual, so he raised the alarm and sweet Harry whisked his bride off to safety.

Her fall from 90s soap opera stardom to noughties obscurity couldn't have been easy for this gorgeous gal  but to her credit, she never stopped working

TMZ was the first to report that Rinna believed she was roofied during a The Traitors premiere party at the West Hollywood hot spot The Abbey (pictured) in early January

But, according to Rinna, she was drugged!

'I had fentanyl in my system. Yes. I'm not kidding,' Rinna told two horrified local New York news hosts last month. 'I had fentanyl, high levels of amphetamines and other things, but I can't talk a lot about it because we're still dealing with it.'

Goodness gracious, fentanyl?!? A grain can kill an elephant. That's not even remotely funny. Drink-spiking is nasty, pervasive and criminal, but something tells me if a Rinna foe really wanted to stick it to the filler-addict, they'd drain her puffy pout.

There wouldn't be much left of her if they did.

To their credit, the managers of The Abbey conducted an 'internal review' and released a statement saying, in part: 'We pulled and reviewed all available surveillance footage from the time in question and interviewed staff on duty. We found no evidence of drink tampering or suspicious behavior toward her.'

Then there's the egregious squaring of accounts. Rinna's memoir 'You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It' sounds more like a threat than a good read.

The big takeaways are that Bravo star Andy Cohen hurt her feelings when he published her boring private texts, her former Days of Our Lives co-star Robert Kelker-Kelly (sexy Bo!) was an alleged bully and her ex-The Celebrity Apprentice cast member Star Jones was a 't**t'.

Rinna said Jones 'threw her under the f***ing bus' and claimed her 'viciousness prepared me for my future as a Beverly Hills Housewife.'

She survived eight seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , (Rinna has been married to actor Harry Hamlin since 1997) proving no lack of talent could stand between her and camera

Her memoir You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It sounds more like a threat than a good read

'I'm not sure I'd ever experienced woman-on-woman hate crimes before that,' Rinna wrote.

Shades of Jussie Smollett?

Now Rinna's stooping to give career advice on LinkedIn in a comically oversized suit answering questions about being 'offered a role beyond your comfort zone.' She advises to reach for greatness adding, 'I think everything I've ever done is a leap and a stretch.'

No kidding.

Let me give Lisa a little advice: If you're drinking at a crowded club, don't leave your hooch unattended. If you don't like mean people, then you're in the wrong industry. And, finally, showbiz greats leave their fans wanting more.

You've given us all far too much already.

New York's First Loser

The Big Apple's rape-denying, Hamas-loving, hate-monger First Lady Rama Duwaji has been exposed for mass-liking, and by extension celebrating, social media posts glorifying the most horrific October 7 atrocities.

Her cowardly husband-mayor wouldn't condemn any of it. He just said she's a 'private person.'

Maybe someone should have explained that to your wife before she proved to the world that she's a bloodthirsty ghoul.

The Big Apple's rape-denying, Hamas-loving, hate-monger First Lady Rama Duwaji has been exposed for mass-liking ocial media posts glorifying the most horrific October 7 atrocities

Cr*p News Network

Speaking of public humiliations CNN stepped in it this weekend by publishing an X post that described two self-declared ISIS-supporting, terror suspects, who attacked police and protesters in NYC, as 'Pennsylvania teenagers' who 'crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could've been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather.'

Fortunately for Mayor Mamdani, the post was removed by CNN before his wife could like it.

Phew

Bill Belichick's side piece was snapped showing side boob in a dress made from discarded fishing line at a charity event this week.

I thought that rotting tuna was Jordon Hudson's natural musk!

She wore the barely there garbage to raise awareness over ocean pollution, which is fitting because let's face it: she's pretty trashy.

Bill Belichick's side piece was snapped showing side boob in a dress made from discarded fishing line at a charity event this week

Habba-Habba

MAGA hot pot Alina Habba, President Donald Trump's favorite legal eagle and former interim US Attorney, has quietly divorced her millionaire husband Gregg Reuben.

She's also moved down the street from Mar-a-Lago, where she can continue counseling the president from his 'Southern White House.'

Maybe she'll get a pair of Palm Beach funbags and wait for Don Jr to slink back onto the singles market, too?

Clean up, aisle snob!

Curmudgeonly crooner Jack White got a swifty kick in his lily white behind after suggesting Taylor Swift's autobiographical songwriting wasn't 'interesting at all'.

He tried to dig himself out, clarifying, 'I didn't say that I think Taylor Swift's music was "boring" or whatever clickbait the net is trying to scrape together.'

Yeah, you did, Jack. Now, there's a Seven Nation Army of 12-year-olds ready to send you glitter-filled hate letters for the rest of your life.

Curmudgeonly crooner Jack White got a swifty kick in his lily white behind after suggesting Taylor Swift's autobiographical songwriting wasn't 'interesting at all'

MAGA hot pot Alina Habba, President Donald Trump's favorite legal eagle and former interim US Attorney, has quietly divorced her millionaire husband Gregg Reuben (pictured right)

Ghost of Hunter Biden

First Granddaughter Kai Trump is being lambasted for filming herself shopping at luxe grocery store Erewhon with her Secret Service detail in tow.

Hunter Biden responded: 'Hold my $23 smoothie. I filmed myself smoking crack with prostitutes and my dad made me his advisor!'

Let's cool the ginned-up outrage and let the kid enjoy her overpriced spelt scone.
It's becoming clear that Donald Trump gravely miscalculated his assault on Iran. Less than two weeks after American forces killed Ayatollah Khamenei, and with hundreds of Iranian casualties and 140 US troops injured, a treacherous problem has arisen.

Two days after Operation Epic Fury was launched on February 28, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Now that 25-mile-wide strip of water between the south coast of Iran and the United Arab Emirates  through which 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas exports travel  has become a chokehold.

At least three tankers have now been hit by 'unknown projectiles', according to maritime authorities in the Strait of Hormuz. At least one person has been killed. This vital corridor could therefore be closed indefinitely by Iran's drones and marine mines.

As a result, oil prices are surging, hitting over $100 a barrel this week  a $27 increase from the day before Trump attacked Iran. And that's just the beginning.

Iran's new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, yesterday vowed to keep the strait closed to all shipping  a chilling threat to the global economy.

He also declared that unless the US and Israel pay 'compensation' for the aggressive bombardments from the past two weeks that have devastated Tehran and other Iranian cities, reprisal attacks on Western assets around the world will be ordered.

At least three tankers have now been hit by 'unknown projectiles', including a Thai-flagged cargo ship which was hit with Iranian missiles on March 11

As if to make good on this promise, on Wednesday night British troops at a joint US and UK military base in Iraq were attacked by two Iranian drones.

With customary chutzpah, Trump declared that the US had 'already won' the war. But how can it be, if Iran maintains its blockade of Hormuz?

The crisis is set to cause economic chaos on a scale far worse than the two oil price shocks in 1973 and 1979 that sparked devastating recessions in the West.

Trump has been backed into a corner. The only way to defeat Iran is to seize control of the strait. But the US navy cannot do this by itself or with air support alone. The only way to secure Hormuz is to deploy boots on the ground  the last thing the President or the American people want.

Trump must know that any ground invasion would be a huge operation. He's most likely to target islands off the shores of Iran, such as Kharg, Iran's primary oil export terminal, 21 miles off the mainland, or Qeshm, which runs parallel to the shipping channel.

An assault on either key island would require 20,000 troops at a minimum. And it's likely that Trump would also demand support from British Armed Forces, whose Royal Marines and SAS are the best in the world at this kind of fighting.

Closer to home, the surging oil price, rising insurance costs and the disruption to shipping will wreak havoc on the domestic US economy. Midwestern farmers are dependent on Gulf exports: oil for their machinery and natural gas for fertiliser production.

Iran has published footage of underground tunnels stocked with naval drones, anti-ship missiles and sea mines

The second and third-order effects of the current war on the automotive, manufacturing, health and countless other sectors are also likely to mean carnage. The attack on Iran has already been met with opposition in the US  with 48 per cent of Americans strongly disapproving of it  and the mid-term elections are in November. Trump's Republican Party must win if he is not to be a lame-duck president for the rest of his tenure.

Trump's failure to plan for Iran blocking the strait is frankly bizarre. In 1988, the US navy fought a naval battle against Tehran in the strait itself, after the USS Samuel B. Roberts was nearly sunk by an Iranian mine in the Persian Gulf.

Operation Praying Mantis saw nearly half the Iranian fleet obliterated in a single day.

Trump has predicted a similar decisive victory over Iran's surface fleet.

But  just as he appears to have assumed that by killing Iran's figurehead the war would automatically be won  he has overlooked the fact that Iran hasn't spent the past 40 years waiting to repeat that bitter experience. They have concentrated on equipping and training for a battle that will be much less one-sided than Praying Mantis.

We already know that the Houthi militia in Yemen  a scrappy but dedicated Iranian proxy  is capable of striking Red Sea shipping, blocking the route to the Suez Canal. The Houthis are probably waiting for the signal to join the war.

Last night, Trump's Treasury Secretary said that the US navy is prepared to escort tankers through the strait. But that will not release Trump from his impossible bind. Keep the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea open, and risk major military losses for the US.

Or tolerate oil surging to $200 per barrel: not a price Americans or the world can pay for long.

If Epic Fury lasts much longer, history will remember it as Trump's Epic Fail.

Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute in Oxford.
It's the dog that didn't bark that finally solves the mystery. In The Adventure Of Silver Blaze, Sherlock Holmes deduces that the canine at the scene of the crime made no sound because the culprit was someone it knew, not a stranger.

So it is with The Case Of The Avaricious Ambassador. On Wednesday, the first papers related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson were published. And they were damning.

They showed that the Prime Minister was specifically warned about the appointment. They showed that the process by which he was vetted and appointed was slapdash and perfunctory. They exposed how Keir Starmer had directly lied to the House of Commons when he claimed on September 10 that 'full due process was followed during this appointment, as it is with all ambassadors'. And they revealed Mandelson had secured a 75,000 pay-off at taxpayers' expense.

But the most important documents relating to this whole sorry saga were the ones that weren't released on Wednesday. And which prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Downing Street is engaged in a giant cover-up.

The document dump runs to no fewer than 136 pages. They detail discussions from dozens of different individuals covering everything from Mandelson's initial vetting, to his pay and allowances, and up to his eventual sacking.

Yet sitting among them is the dog that insists on remaining stubbornly silent. The Mandelson saga has, at its heart, one central figure  the PM's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.

McSweeney was a close friend to, and political protege of, Mandelson. Even in the period before his appointment to Washington, the two men would speak about general political issues and strategy almost every day.

Peter Mandelson, left, and Morgan McSweeney leave No 10 together last year. McSweeney was despatched relay concerns to Mandelson about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

It has been widely reported, from multiple sources, that it was McSweeney who first advocated, even pushed, for Mandelson to be given the role. And it was McSweeney who was despatched to speak to Mandelson to relay concerns about his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein that had been identified during the initial vetting assessment.

Yet there is nothing from McSweeney in the documents. Not a single email. Not a single memo. Not a single message.

The Government has just released a huge tranche of correspondence relating to every aspect of Mandelson's appointment. But the man who did more than anyone else  including the Prime Minister  to secure it, appears to have vanished from the official record virtually without a trace.

Before Wednesday, Downing Street had claimed certain documents were being withheld at the request of the Metropolitan Police who are formally investigating whether Mandelson's relationship with Epstein involved the commission of an offence. But as we've seen, a large amount of documentation has been published. And none of it comes from McSweeney.

It simply isn't credible for No 10 to claim every piece of communication McSweeney had over the Mandelson appointment is potentially prejudicial. He was the key driver, and across almost every aspect of it.

If, according to Keir Starmer, at the time of the appointment Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was not seen as being of sufficient import to block his selection, there must have been plenty of messages from his former chief of staff that didn't relate to the convicted paedophile  and therefore couldn't prejudice the Met investigation.

But we don't need to speculate about whether documentation relevant to Mandelson's appointment is being withheld by No 10. That fact can again be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

At the beginning of February, I and other journalists reported on a memo sent to Downing Street by Labour peer Maurice Glasman in the days following Donald Trump's inauguration. Glasman had been invited by his friend, Vice-President J D Vance, and had been asked by McSweeney to report back on the 'mood on the ground'.

The report specifically touched on the Mandelson appointment, and stated: 'Withdraw Peter Mandelson. He is the wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.' It added: 'The vast majority of people I met... consider our appointment of Peter Mandelson an unnecessary provocation Do not make another appointment until you have clarified your strategy.'

McSweeney with PM Sir Keir Starmer. It has been widely reported that it was the former chief of staff who first advocated for Mandelson to be given the role of US ambassador

Last week, Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty tabled a parliamentary written question asking Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds 'what date did his department receive a written report from Lord Glasman regarding the nature of the relationship between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein'. The response he received was 'there is no record of receipt of Lord Glasman's report in the Prime Minister's Office'. I spoke to Lord Glasman about this denial. He told me: 'I sent the memo to Morgan McSweeney and another No 10 adviser. It went to their personal e-mails.'

This is how the dog is being silenced. McSweeney wasn't just  or even primarily  using his official No 10 email to communicate about Mandelson. He was using a private one. Along with a private WhatsApp account. And those messages are not going to be shared with parliament or the public or the Press. Because as far as Downing Street is concerned, they don't officially exist.

Obviously, this is a high-risk strategy from Starmer. But there is further evidence the Government is aware of this, and is already circling the wagons.

Last week Thomas-Symonds revealed in a separate written answer: 'We plan to review both the way that non-corporate communications channels are used in government, and the 2023 guidance itself to reflect the changes in the way we use technology.'

In other words, Starmer is already preparing the cover-up for the cover-up. He will claim 'personal communications aren't covered for the purposes of the Mandelson files. But we recognise that's not ideal, so we'll try to clean things up moving forward'. It's almost identical to the announcement made on Wednesday by Chief Secretary Darren Jones that 'we are changing the process for direct ministerial appointments, including politically appointed diplomatic roles'. The problem, apparently, was with the rules. Not the way the Government  from Keir Starmer down  bent and broke the rules to get Mandelson appointed.

Yesterday, Kemi Badenoch claimed 'there is still a cover-up going on'. Her comments were met with a howl of indignation from Starmer's cheerleaders.

But she's right. From the very start of this sorry saga, Keir Starmer has attempted to hide the truth about the Mandelson appointment. From his very first statement where he claimed 'full due process was followed'.

Does he mean through the perfunctory Cabinet Office investigation into claims from Gordon Brown that Mandelson had been revealing sensitive government information to Epstein? Or via the Prime Minister's initial attempt to block the publication of any of the Mandelson documents on spurious national security grounds? Across the decision to hand Mandelson 75,000 of taxpayers' money to prevent 'reputational damage to the FCDO and HMG'? To Sir Keir's decision to summarily sack his Cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald, just at the moment Wormald was deciding which documents could and could not be released into the public domain?

In the wake of Wednesday's document dump, some observers have claimed 'there is no smoking gun'. There is. And that fact isn't altered simply because nobody heard the gunshot.

Silence is what will ultimately condemn the Prime Minister. The silence of the dog that didn't bark.
As a journalist who's covered the impact of propaganda for more than a decade, I've seen the ways disinformation can shape politics and society. Which is why I am terrified by a new type of information warfare now being waged by terror groups and rogue nations that may ultimately prove far more dangerous than any that has come before it.

The target of these bad actors is something many of us rely upon each day: Wikipedia. The widely-used digital encyclopedia is being targeted by many of the world's most nefarious governments and ruthless ideologues to frame their objectives as innocuous rather than terror  their leaders as noble 'resistance'-members rather than cold-blooded murders.

Most dangerous of all, the world's most popular AI platforms such a Claude, Gemini and ChatGPT heavily rely upon Wikipedia to train their large language models  which are increasingly becoming the most consequential media sources of the digital age.

To see how this phenomenon is playing out in real life, I asked ChatGPT to generate a hypothetical multiple-choice question for American middle school students, asking them: What is Hezbollah?

The answer is: a US designated terror group that has killed hundreds of civilians.

But rather than reference Hezbollah's decades-long campaign of bloodshed  which includes high-profile bombings, hijackings and kidnappings  ChatGPT claimed that Hezbollah is simply 'a Lebanese political party.'

And it offered just one citation: Wikipedia.

The Hezbollah example is hardly an outlier. The same thing happened when I asked ChatGPT about Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander Abu al-Walid al-Dahdouh, who was killed by Israel in 2006. ChatGPT described him as a 'prominent commander' responsible for military operationsrather than the head of a terror network which waged a campaign of deadly suicide bombings in Israel.

Former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei oversaw more than three decades of state-sanctioned terror and repression against his own citizens

AI platforms such a Claude, Gemini and ChatGPT heavily rely upon Wikipedia to train their large language models

ChatGPT's reliance on Wikipedia as a source is problematic because Wikipedia articles often use information provided by the terror groups and government that the articles describe

Surprised? I'm not. As with Hezbollah, ChatGPT lists Wikipedia as the primary source for its al-Dahdouh entry. Same with former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, who for more than three decades oversaw state-sanctioned policies of terror and repression against his own citizens. And same with former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October 7th attacks against Israel.

ChatGPT's reliance on Wikipedia as a source is obviously problematic because Wikipedia articles often rely on information provided by the terror groups and government they describe.

It's a process you might call 'information laundering:' By exploiting weak Wikipedia editorial standards, militant groups produce entries that are absorbed into a trusted knowledge platform, and then redistributed across search engines and AI systems,

The result is subtle but powerful.

Students learn from Wikipedia, journalists quote it, and policymakers reference it. Most worryingly, AI systems repeat it  and repeat it and repeat it. By the time the information makes its way downstream to you or I or our children, the original sourcesthe propaganda outlets that produced the information in the first placehave long since faded from view.

The ways in which terror groups shape Wikipedia entries is determined both by what they help get onto the site  often lifted verbatim from terror propaganda sources  as well as by what is left out.

Take the Wikipedia article on that Islamic Jihad commander al-Walid. The entry states that Dahdouh was 'one of the most prominent commanders of al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad movement in the Gaza Strip during the Intifada.'

The wording closely mirrors language published by Palestinian Islamic Jihad itself:

'Khaled al-Dahdouh, known as Abu al-Walid, emerged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement in the Gaza Strip during the current uprising.'

Wikipedia used information provided by Hamas as a basis for its entry on their former leader, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israel in Gaza

I am terrified by a new type of information warfare now being waged by terror groups and rogue nations that may ultimately prove far more dangerous than any that has come before it (Pictured: Anti-war protest in New York City on March 7)

The overlap is not coincidental. Three of the four sources cited in al-Walid's Wikipedia entry come directly from Palestinian Islamic Jihad websites. That entry includes a section titled 'Role in the Resistance,' which adopts the language used by militant groups to describe attacks on Israeli civilians as legitimate political tactics  not cold-blooded murder. THIS is the image Islamic Jihad hopes to project about itself.

Missing from al-Walid's Wikipedia page is any of the reporting detailing his trail of death  such as an attack on an Israeli bus in 1989 that claimed 14 lives  attributed to Islamic Jihad, along with its formal designation as a terrorist group.

True, you can't blame a terror group for wanting Wikipedia to obscure its long history of terror. But you can blame Wikipedia for failing to introduce more stringent gatekeeping to ensure this type of exploitation cannot flourish.

Absent such gatekeeping, terror groups exploit these weaknesses to replicate this pattern of selective inclusion across hundreds of different Wiki articles. This includes entries detailing the most despicable terror leaders, such as Hamas commanders Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar  the latter known as the architect of the October 7th massacre on Israel.

Both of their entries rely heavily upon sourcing from the Palestinian Information Center, a known Hamas-affiliated propaganda operation, which  among other indecencies -- has described October 7 as restoring 'legitimacy to the Palestinian cause.'

In total, my research has revealed more than 29,000 examples of Wikipedia citing Iranian state media outlets. Wiki's favorite appears to be Tasnim News, an affiliate of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which took part in the brutal January crackdown that left tens of thousands of anti-regime protestors dead.

Author Ashley Rindsberg has been studying the impact of propaganda upon society for more than a decade

Media outlets tied to Iran's proxy organizationsincluding Hamas and Hezbollahare also cited across Wikipedia, here more than 8,400 times. Media linked to the Muslim Brotherhood  which has carried out deadly terror attacks across the Middle East -- appear nearly 1,000 times as sources on Wikipedia. And outlets affiliated with Al-Qaedaincluding Shada News Agency and Radio Furqaan show up over 100 times.

A Wikipedia article on the 2025 Shabelle offensive a bloody campaign in Somalia led by Al-Qaeda affiliates al-Shabaab  cites Radio Furqaan, the official media arm of al-Shabaab nearly 50 times. It also includes more than a dozen citations from Shahada News Agency, an al-Shabaabaligned jihadist propaganda outlet. In effect, al-Qaeda's own media outlets serve as sources shaping the version of the war that will live on Wikipedia as part of the historical record.

Back when I first began covering propaganda operations, the worry was on the ways they were infiltrating our radio, movies and TV. Now, in the digital age, disinformation is even more insidious precisely because it does not always look like disinformation, even to the trained eye.

Sometimes disinformation  and propaganda and information warfare -- arrives these days disguised as a Wikipedia citation.

Ashley Rindsberg is an investigative journalist covering Wikipedia manipulation and information warfare and the founder of NPOV, an investigative outlet focused on online narrative manipulation.
In its initial days, the public story of the conflict with Iran was one of force, momentum and success. The briefings stressed what had been hit, what had been degraded, what had been decapitated. Naval assets damaged. Command-and-control disrupted. Missile capacity diminished. Villains eliminated. On paper, and in the early headlines, it looked like a campaign moving with confidence and purpose.

But in the last two days, based on my reporting and conversations with people in and around the administration, including some who support the mission, I have developed real doubts about where things stand.

Let me be careful here, because this is the kind of subject where people hear what they want to hear. I am not saying the original objective was foolish. I am not saying the mission cannot still succeed. And I am certainly not saying that to question the execution of a war effort is somehow to root against the United States or its military. That is not serious thinking and it is not patriotic thinking either.

There is an old standard for journalists in wartime, and Walter Cronkite remains the emblem of it.

In 1968, after Vietnam had revealed itself to be bloodier, murkier and less tractable than the public had been led to believe, Cronkite offered his famous judgment that the war appeared headed for stalemate and that negotiation was the only rational way out. He did not sound hysterical. He did not sound ideological. He sounded burdened by facts.

I am not Walter Cronkite. But the lesson of that moment still matters. A reporter can support Americas interests, support the troops, even support the stated aims of a mission, and still say plainly when the underlying theory begins to look shaky. Indeed, that is a central part of the job.

And right now, the biggest problem is not abstract. It has a name: the Strait of Hormuz.

If the United States and its allies cannot reopen that waterway to commercial shipping, then much else about this effort becomes secondary, maybe at least somewhat useless. The credibility of the operation, and to some extent the credibility of the United States itself, now runs through that narrow corridor.

Based on my reporting, I have developed real doubts about where things stand. (Pictured: Thai oil tanker burns after an Iranian strike in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026)

Washington has said, in essence, that Iran will not be allowed to menace the region, blackmail the global economy and close one of the worlds most vital maritime chokepoints. That, like the overall mission, is a righteous goal. It is also now a test.

The difficulty is that opening the strait is not a matter of issuing a stern statement or holding a triumphant press conference. It is a matter of actual control. It means neutralizing drones, missiles, mines, submarines and coastal threats. It means persuading shipping companies, insurers, captains and crews that passage is genuinely safe, not merely declared safe by people at podiums. It means proving that the 51st ship will be as protected as the first.

And that is where the doubts have grown.

Iran does not need to win a conventional military contest with the United States. It only needs to retain enough asymmetrical capacity to keep the waterway dangerous, the markets rattled and the White House under pressure. That is the grim arithmetic of this kind of conflict.

A superpower can dominate the skies and still find itself vulnerable to the cheap, deniable and unnervingly effective tools of the age: drones, cyberattacks, sabotage and terrorism. We have entered the era in which a relatively weak adversary can still inflict strategic pain and force a stalemate.

The prewar cogitation by Team Trump about the strait and how to keep it open seems, at best, to have been insufficiently planned for. And a failure to open the strait in a fortnight or so, many analysts and sources say, could lead to world oil prices rising to $200 a barrel, which would likely create catastrophic consequences.

One question being asked now, including by some allies of the administration, is how the United States could enter a conflict of this magnitude without a more fully developed answer on two obvious fronts: Hormuz and drones. That does not mean there was no planning. It does mean that, in the view of many sources, there is now visible improvisation. And improvisation in war is not always a sign of nimbleness. Sometimes it is a sign you have discovered the map was missing a few key mountains.

There are other concerns as well. The regime in Tehran, though battered, still stands. There are no clear signs of a popular uprising sweeping it away, no obvious fracture at the center, no convincing evidence yet that the system has begun to collapse under the blows it has taken. If anything, the regime appears to be showing one of the oldest traits of revolutionary governments: a talent for absorbing punishment while projecting menace.

It can still strike back. It can still use proxies. It can still threaten shipping. It can still widen the field of battle.

And widen it, perhaps, it will. Cyberwarfare is an obvious danger. So is the prospect of sleeper-cell activity or attempted attacks on American soil by drones. So is the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region, including desalination plants and other targets whose destruction would spread panic far beyond the conventional theater of war. The modern battlefield is not neat. It seeps, shifts, and spreads.

Your browser does not support iframes.

On Thursday, the crash of a US military KC-135 refueling aircraft over Iraq and the death of four of its six American crew members demonstrated the unavoidable rising costs of prolonged conflict. The Pentagon says the plane was not brought down by enemy or friendly fire; an investigation is underway.

All of this would be challenge enough even with a unified domestic front. But that is not what President Trump has. His base remains broadly supportive. That matters. It is not enough.

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

Because Abraham Lincoln was right: public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. Woodrow Wilson understood the same truth. Harry Truman did too. Wars are not sustained by rhetoric alone. They require public consent, public patience and public understanding of the goal.

And here is where Trump may be hurting himself. His instinct for strategic ambiguity, for saying different things to different audiences, has often served him well in politics. I praised its efficacy only a week ago. That method can create room. It can keep opponents off balance. But in war, especially once events begin to darken, excessive flexibility can begin to look like evasiveness. If the President says the strait is in great shape and people can see that it plainly is not, then the issue becomes not merely military performance but presidential credibility.

That is a dangerous turn.

For now, I am not predicting defeat. I am not prescribing surrender. I am saying that the last few days have been bad for this effort, and that anyone looking honestly at the landscape ought to admit it.

The central question is no longer whether America can hit Iran hard. It can. The question is whether it can translate battlefield success into strategic success before the costs mount, the public sours and the mission becomes one more chapter in the long American book of getting in deeper because getting out became politically, psychologically and geopolitically harder than staying in.

That is the trap in war. The first step can be decisive. The next ten can be muddy. History is littered with leaders who confused motion with progress.

Today, no matter how supportive you are of President Trump, and no matter how legitimate you believe the aims of this conflict to be, there is reason for concern. Not panic. Not despair. Concern.

And, for the moment, concern is the most honest word.
Phones lit up when the news came through.

Councillor Janice Boylan had won the nomination to represent Sinn Fein in the upcoming by-election in Dublin Central to replace Paschal Donohoe.

To the untrained eye, her victory was no big deal.

Ms Boylan is a three-time councillor in the area and was Mary Lou McDonalds running mate in Dublin Central in the general election in 2024.

When she was selected to run in the 2024 general election, Ms McDonald had said she was delighted to be joined on the ticket by Ms Boylan.

Giving her a second bite at the cherry might not raise any brows then. But there is more to the story than meets the eye.

As the world marked International Womens Day last weekend, both Ms McDonald and Ms Boylan posted on social media honouring the women in their lives who inspire them.

It was as good an opportunity as any for Ms McDonald to promote the newly selected candidate to contest an eminently winnable seat for Sinn Fein on the leaders home turf.

Only Ms Boylan was absent from the multitude of photos posted. There was no sign of Ms McDonald in Ms Boylans post either. How strange.

Sinn Fein Councillor Janice Boylan was nominated to contest the by-election for the party

Ms Boylan was not the party leaders first choice. Gillian Sherratt, the prominent disability campaigner whose son, Harvey Morrison Sherratt, died aged nine having waited years for spinal surgery, was the Sinn Fein presidents chosen one.

Her familys campaign led to the establishment of a public inquiry on the care of children with scoliosis and spina bifida.

Indeed, the Sunday Times has reported that Niall Connolly, of Colombia Three infamy, ran Ms Sherratts campaign, a signal to the grass roots if ever there was one.

Local sources indicate he was the one making a lot of the calls on behalf of Ms Sherratt from Clondalkin, on the opposite side of Dublin.

In contrast, Ms Boylan hit the phones herself, calling each member with a vote in the contest personally.

The Irish Daily Mail is informed that on the night of the selection convention, Ms McDonald sat beside Ms Sherratt, a clear signal to everyone in the room where her priorities lay.

The backing of Ms Sherratt by party headquarters and the party leader made sense.

Ms Sherratt has a national profile, a compelling story to tell and is a fierce advocate.

She is not to be trifled with, and by all accounts has a bright political future ahead of her in the Sinn Fein party.

In 2024, despite being Ms McDonalds running mate, Ms Boylan won just 1,257 first-preference votes, third-last of the 13 candidates and behind the right-wing Independent Malachy Steenson, Eoghan O Ceannabhain of People Before Profit, and former MEP and TD Clare Daly of the now defunct Independents4Change.

And yet Ms Boylan beat her rival to the punch at the selection convention, securing the backing of local members.

Ms Boylans long service to the party in the area must have counted for something compared to Ms Sherratt, who does not live in Dublin Central and is new to electoral politics.

Ms McDonald said there had been a very, very lively debate within the constituency about which woman should get the nomination.

But the party, Ms McDonald and the press also recalled the spectacular bust-up Ms Boylan had with her dear leader only four years ago.

In an explosive Facebook post, where she said she was resigning, she said she could not stay where she was not supported, valued or even really respected.

She said the final nail came when she applied for a part-time job with Ms McDonald and didnt get it.

She said she was humiliated, adding ominously: I do not wish to hurt the party with this resignation but I wont have lies told about me and therefore will be staying [sic] my truths and my personal experience.

Ms McDonald quickly sprang into action and, not long afterwards, she posted a picture of herself and Ms Boylan out for a lovely walk along the beach.

The party insisted to reporters that Ms Boylan had never resigned. We must have been suffering from a collective hallucination.

Fast forward to 2026, with Paschal Donohoe making off for the World Bank and Gerry the Monk Hutch in with more than a prayer, and Ms McDonald tries to get Ms Sherratt on the ticket and leaves Ms Boylan out in the cold.

Disability campaigner Gillian Sherratt was Mary Lou McDonald's favoured candidate

Ever since the convention at the end of last month, it has been noticeable that neither Ms McDonald nor Ms Boylan have referred to each other on social media.

For International Womens Day, both posted picture montages of women in their life who inspired them.

Ms Boylan included a picture of Sinn Fein senator Lynn Boylan, but made no mention of her leader and Dublin Central comrade.

Similarly, Ms McDonald posted photos of Mary Robinson and Catherine Connolly, but no pictures of the woman she presumably hopes wins the by-election for the party in her own constituency.

For comparisons sake, Gary Gannon, the sitting Social Democrats TD in Dublin Central, has posted numerous times on his Instagram supporting Daniel Ennis, the partys candidate in the by-election.

Further crumbs on social media indicate the level of unhappiness among some at the way they perceive Ms Boylan was treated.

Under a Facebook post from Ms Boylan in which she announced she had won the selection convention, one man wrote: Well done. You stopped the Boys in Belfast and Clondalkin from telling the grass roots what to do.

Another comment under that post said: [Ms McDonald is] power hungry beyond comprehension, to try to parachute in another candidate other than the colleague she has worked beside for years, says all we need to know about Mary Lou.

There were other comments underneath Ms Boylans post, which the candidate responded to with a thumbs-up or a heart emoji, indicating she had read them.

So it is likely that she will have also seen the other posts mentioned above.

The Mail put all of the above to the Sinn Fein press office. We also asked whether the relationship between Ms McDonald and Ms Boylan was solid and when they would be out canvassing together.

Mary Lou McDonald and Janice Boylan worked together closely before the 2024 election

We also noted the previous falling out and asked if they had put that matter behind them.

In response, a Sinn Fein spokesman ignored all of our queries. Instead, he said Sinn Fein had two excellent candidates who went forward to the convention.

Councillor Janice Boylan was selected by the members to contest the forthcoming by-election, he said.

He said a huge amount of work had taken place since the convention, adding: Local directorates are being put in place, literature produced and by-election plans being finalised.

He cited a range of local and national issues the party was working on while also saying Sinn Fein was standing up for workers during the cost-of-living crisis.

Mary Lou McDonald and her relationship with Janice Boylan was not mentioned.

Sinn Fein supporters will point out that its critics are not happy when people are appointed into jobs without a competition, and now the party is getting pulled up after there was a healthy local contest in which the local members made their preference clear.

That is only a partial analysis.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris had a clear preference for his running mate in Wicklow in the last general election.

He got his way. Fianna Fails Micheal Martins long-time rival and constituency colleague, Michael McGrath, had gone off to Europe and his brother was always going to get the nomination, and so it proved.

But Micheal Martin knew not to pick a fight he knew he couldnt win.

What makes this all the more compelling is that Sinn Fein is so tightly run and centrally managed.

Ms Boylan, to her credit, saw what was coming from headquarters and beat them at their own game.

Leaks rarely occur and the party speaks in unison from grassroots members up.

To see such an act of insubordination by members is revealing of something else going on in the constituency.

To be rebuked in this manner has to sting for Ms McDonald.

And thats to say nothing about the information Ms Boylan clearly feels she has on the party in Dublin Central that scared the living daylights out of her party leader and party headquarters.

This is Sinn Fein having to manage a very modern version of the Armalite and the ballot box. But they arent holding the Armalite any more, and they know it.
The daughters of a Lincolnshire couple who tragically died from pancreatic cancer are urging people to learn the warning signs of the silent but deadly disease.

Susan Smith, a former nurse, died in February 2012, at just 55-years-old after suffering from a range of gastrointestinal issues before she was finally diagnosed.

Her husband, Richard, 70, outlived her for 11-years before he succumbed to the same tragic fate after a three month battle with the cancer.

Now their daughters, Rebekah, 44, and Laura, 36, say people must learn what 'different symptoms to look out for when it comes to the deadliest common cancer.'

Pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is less successful, because it causes few symptoms early on.

As a result, just one in four patients live more than a year after their diagnosis.

These statistics became all too real for the 'close-knit family,' after Susan was diagnosed with the disease in October 2011.

'Not only did mum die of it, then dad did too. You couldn't write it,' Rebekah said.

Richard and Susan were both unexpectedly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within just a decade of one another

'They weren't smokers, and they weren't drinkers. They went to a fitness club and look after themselves. There were no obvious risk factors,' her sister Laura added.

'They were both health-conscious people, but yet both then developed pancreatic cancer.'

Looking back, Laura, who works as a nurse, remembers noticing a change in her mother in the summer of 2011.

Susan was complaining of extreme thirst, and would swallow repetitively, as if she had something stuck in the back of her throat, Laura said.

She was also suffering from acid reflux and felt generally unwell. Her GP prescribed her antacids to relieve indigestion and heartburn.

But her health rapidly deteriorated. Within weeks the whites of her eyes and her skin began to turn yellow - known as jaundice - a tell-tale warning sign of the disease.

Initially she put her symptoms down to irritable bowel syndrome as she was also experiencing nausea, abdominal pain and changes to her bowel habits.

'Because mum was a nurse, I think she knew she had something nasty going on,' Laura said. 'I remember her looking in the mirror and thinking it, and she was right.'

Laura (pictured left) and Rebekah (pictured right) now want to use their story to raise better awareness for the silent symptoms of the disease

Richard and Susan led a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and rarely drinking alcohol

Susan finally underwent an ultrasound in October 2011 and was formally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

'They basically said that she had a tumour on the head of her pancreas and it had spread to the bile ducts, which had become blocked, causing her skin to turn yellow,' she added.

She underwent surgery to unblock her bile ducts, which are situated around the pancreas, in an attempt to treat the jaundice.

She then had a couple of rounds of chemotherapy to try and kill the cancer. But because she was too unwell to have her pancreas removed, the cancer took hold.

After yet another surgery to have fluid drained from her abdomen, which was causing uncomfortable bloating and swelling, Susan struggled to keep anything down, including her pain medication.

She died just weeks later.

'It was quite a sudden death,' he daughter recalls. 'She had been sitting in bed and talking to us and been quiet. And then, unfortunately, she had a big seizure and passed away quite unexpectedly.

'Dad had actually gone to have a look around a hospice for her. Then he returned and mum was no longer here. That must have been very difficult,' she added.

But they both died just months after being diagnosed with the cancer, like half of those diagnosed with the devastating disease

Rebekah ran the Great North run for Pancreatic Cancer UK

The sisters look back with fond memories of their 'loving close knit family'

After her death, the sisters took on the responsibility of caring for their maternal grandmother, who had dementia,

Just a year after she died in February 2022, their father started complaining of back pain on his right side.

Mr Smith went to a physiotherapist, believing it was a bone, joint or muscle issue. But, after this symptoms didn't improve, he was pointed towards his GP.

In July 2021, further blood tests and scans confirmed that he was suffering from liver damage, which was later discovered to be as result of the cancer.

'So dad was then faced was going through everything that his wife did and knowing what might lie ahead,' Laura said.

Mr Smith's treatment looked slightly different from his wife's as his doctors tried him on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

This involves taking digestive enzymes in tablet form, to assist with the digestion of fat, carbohydrates and protein which pancreatic cancer sufferers can struggle with.

But before he could start chemotherapy, he was involved in a car accident which doctors initially believed to have been caused by a stroke.

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However, scans revealed the cancer had actually spread to his brain.

After the accident, Rebekah said: 'His personality wasn't the same. He seemed to lose his mobility. Hw was really weak too; he couldn't even put his pin in his phone.'

Sadly, Mr Smith deteriorated a lot quicker than his wife, with very few treatment options available to him.

As the cancer spread through his brain he became 'aggressive and challenging,' to the point the girls no longer recognised their own father.

He died just three months later, in October 2023.

The orphaned sisters resolved to help other people notice the warning signs before it becomes too late, sharing their story with Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The charity announced last year it will be funding a world-first clinical trial study that could lead to pancreatic cancer being diagnosed with a breath test.

'Hopefully, that'll be successful,' Laura said. 'it's a quicker route to diagnosis than surgery so that's got to be positive. It's hard and really tough that neither of our parents survived.'

The pancreas is a pear-shaped gland tucked behind the stomach, responsible for producing hormones that aid digestion and convert sugar into energy.

Because of its location and relatively small size, doctors often can't feel a pancreatic tumour during a physical exam, another barrier to early treatment.

And whilst getting older is one of the biggest risk factors for the silent killer, with almost half of cases diagnosed in over 75s, experts have warned it's on the rise in younger age groups  especially women.
A motheroftwo who noticed a strange lump and bleeding after going to the toilet initially dismissed the symptoms as piles  before being dealt the devastating diagnosis of rectal cancer.

Jane Locke, 66, from Hampshire, first noticed something wasn't right in January 2021.

But while piles  known medically as haemorrhoids  often clear up on their own within a few days, Ms Locke's symptoms persisted for months, prompting her to visit her GP in July that year.

The school teacher  mother to Henry, 30, and Lexie, eight  was examined by a doctor who reassured her about her general health but flagged the concerning lump.

'They said, "You're the fittest person I've got on my books in your age group  except for this lump",' she recalled.

Around six weeks later, in September, Ms Locke was referred to hospital and saw a consultant, expecting the procedure would simply involve removing piles.

But when she was examined, the specialist quickly realised something far more serious was wrong.

'They identified it was rectal cancer straight away,' she said.

Jane Locke, 66, from Hampshire, first noticed something wasn't right in January 2021 but blamed her symptoms on haemorrhoids

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'I'm not somebody who needs to be spoken to gently. I wasn't surprised, but it was a very big shock to my husband because everything stopped there and they wouldn't do anything else.'

While she was still at the hospital, staff explained she might need a stoma bag and talked her through the different stages of rectal cancer.

'It was all really quick, but it meant I had a lot of information to go home with  even though we didn't know the stage yet,' she said.

Around two weeks later she underwent a biopsy as well as CT and MRI scans. Doctors also warned they would not be able to remove the lump because of the risk of bleeding.

Three weeks later she received further news: she had stage one rectal cancer and would not need a stoma bag.

'It was a sigh of relief,' she said. 'But the bombshell was that I had to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy every day, except weekends, for six weeks.'

She began treatment in November 2021, starting with intravenous chemotherapy before moving on to chemotherapy tablets alongside daily radiotherapy.

But around two weeks into treatment she finished a radiotherapy session and suddenly felt unwell.

'I told the doctor I didn't feel right  I was dizzy and just felt a bit weird,' she said.

Despite having taken the tablets for a week without problems, she had developed a severe allergic reaction.

Ms Locke said she watched in horror as her body began to swell rapidly.

'When I was in hospital I could see my body swelling up  my legs filled with fluid, my thighs were getting bigger and I was literally watching my body expand,' she said.

'All of a sudden there were doctors everywhere and everyone was rushing around. They told me I could have died.'

Because of Covid restrictions at the time, her husband was unable to visit while she was in hospital.

Doctors monitored her closely on the ward, placing her on an IV drip and giving her diuretics as she struggled to walk due to the swelling.

After nine days her condition stabilised and she was allowed to return home. She did not need surgery.

Ms Locke continued radiotherapy treatment until December 23, 2021.

'It got harder because the radiotherapy burned my skin from just below my navel to the top of my thighs,' she said.

'It looked like a terrible sunburn and it was excruciating. I still felt awful for two or three weeks after finishing treatment  I had to crawl out of bed.'

She later underwent regular followup scans and, in August 2022, was given the allclear.

Since her diagnosis, Ms Locke says she no longer puts things off and that the experience has given her a new perspective on life.

'Now, my life is brighter, more colourful, more immediate,' she said.

'When I wake up in the morning, I say to the universe, 'Thank you very much, I'm awake, I'm alive.''

Around 44,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK every year  with cancers of the rectum accounting for a significant proportion of cases. Overall, the disease kills around 17,000 people annually.

Rectal cancer develops in the final section of the large bowel and can cause symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Some patients also notice a feeling that the bowel has not fully emptied after going to the toilet.

Bowel cancer screening is now being rolled out to everyone aged over 50 in the UK on the NHS. People aged 50 to 52 are sent home FIT tests every two years.

The mother-of-two has a new outlook on life since her diagnosis

These stool samples are analysed in laboratories for tiny traces of blood  which can be an early sign of polyps, rectal cancer or other bowel cancers.

Dr Angad Dhillon, a consultant gastroenterologist, said early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.

'Even when cancer is present, detecting it at an early stage makes a huge difference,' he said.

'Early rectal cancer is far more likely to be curable, often with less extensive treatment and a much better long-term outcome.'
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, made a quiet but powerful statement on Thursday: she skipped the beer and cider at a London beerhall, a choice shaped by her being in remission for cancer.

While the 44-year-old mother-of-three has historically been photographed enjoying drinks at public engagements, the Princess has recently reduced her alcohol intake following her diagnosis.

Opting for a soft drink instead, the wife of Prince William told owner Hannah Rhodes: 'It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.'

According to health experts, alcohol consumption not only raises the risk of developing cancers such as breast, colorectal, stomach, head and neck, liver, and mouth cancers, but may also increase the likelihood of these cancers returning.

This is a consideration likely influencing Catherine's decision after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in 2024 and entering remission in January 2025.

Alcohol can contribute to cancer through inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which damage cells and increase cancer risk.

In women, alcohol also raises levels of the hormone oestrogen, which has been linked to a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, the risk of breast cancer rises with every additional unit of alcohol consumed per day, with around eight per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK each year directly linked to alcohol.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, pour pints at the Southwark Brewing Company in Bermondsey

How alcohol causes cancer: what happens inside the body

Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption is one of the lifestyle changes that can lower the risk of developing many types of cancer.

Currently, NHS guidelines advise drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week- the equivalent of six pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine - though Cancer Research UK notes there is no completely safe level.

A 2015 study of over 570 cases found that consuming more than three pints a day was associated with an increased risk of mouth, throat, bowel, liver, and breast cancers.

Meanwhile, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) warns that just two drinks per day can significantly raise the risk of colorectal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK.

Here's a closer look at some of the cancers most strongly linked to alcohol consumption:

Alcohol and bowel cancer: is drinking increasing your risk?

Alcohol can damage the cells that line the inside of the bowel, which makes it more likely for cancer to develop.

A recent study found that just a couple of alcoholic drinks a night could almost double the risk of certain types of bowel cancer.

The US study drew on a long-running trial tracking tens of thousands of adults aged 18 and over for two decades.

Researchers compared people's drinking habits across adulthood with who later developed bowel cancer  and found the biggest risks were seen in the heaviest regular drinkers, particularly for cancers in the rectum.

The study found that those having 14 or more drinks a week  just two a night  had a 25 per cent higher risk of colorectal cancer overall, and a 95 per cent higher risk of rectal cancer, compared with light drinkers.

Those who drank no more than one drink a week had no increased risk of colorectal cancer, the research revealed.

According to Bowel Cancer UK, its best not to drink alcohol to reduce the risk of cancer.

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Breast cancer and alcohol: how even moderate drinking raises risk

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and drinking alcohol is one of the biggest risk factors for developing the disease.

Around one in 10 breast cancer cases are caused by drinking alcohol, which equates to about 4,400 cases a year.

According to Cancer Research UK, the risk of breast cancer is increased even if you drink at low levels.

Alcohol and liver cancer: why heavy drinking damages the liver

Heavy, long-term alcohol consumption is a common cause of cirrhosis of the liver, where healthy liver tissue is permanently replaced by scar tissue.

Cirrhosis causes this scar tissue to build up in the liver, stopping it from working properly. People with cirrhosis are substantially more likely to develop liver cancer.

Even low levels of alcohol may be harmful because the liver can produce toxic substances from alcohol even before cirrhosis has developed, which may contribute to the development of liver cancer.

Nearly half of all liver cancer cases in the UK are preventable and around seven per cent of cases in the UK are caused by drinking alcohol.

Alcohol and mouth and throat cancer: the hidden risks of drinking

Drinking can cause cancer in some parts of the throat, such as the oesophagus, larynx and pharynx, as well as the mouth.

This happens because alcohol can make it easier for cells in the mouth and throat to absorb harmful chemicals that cause damage.

In fact, a recent study found that drinking even a small amount of alcohol can increase your chances of developing mouth cancer by 50 per cent.

The research, published in BMJ Global Health, found that having just 9g of alcohol a day - which is just slightly over a standard alcohol unit - can make the likelihood of being diagnosed with the potentially fatal disease soar.

Cutting down on alcohol can reduce the risk of developing breast, colorectal, stomach, head and neck, liver and mouth cancers

According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, 10,825 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease last year, and it was responsible for 3,637 deaths, more than cervical and testicular cancer combined.

Previous research showed head and neck cancers - including those affecting the mouth and throat - have surged by more than a third in Britain since the early 90s.

Experts say the surge is mostly driven by diagnoses of younger people in their 40s and 50s.

Smoking, alcohol and human papillomavirus (HPV) - a normally harmless virus that is spread sexually and through skin contact - are the primary causes.

In the UK, it is estimated that 70 per cent of cases of mouth and throat cancers are caused by HPV, according to Cancer Research UK.

Alcohol and stomach cancer: what the evidence says

Stomach cancer is cancer thats found anywhere in the stomach, part of the digestive system. Many stomach cancers are linked to lifestyle.

Stomach cancer risk is higher in people who drink three or more units of alcohol each day, compared with people who don't drink or only drink occasionally.

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Smoking and cancer risk: which cancers are caused by tobacco?

Smoking causes at least 16 different types of cancer and is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK and worldwide.

Smoking causes cancer in multiple ways. The main way is by damaging the DNA in our cells. DNA controls how our cells grow and behave. Damage to DNA causes cells to behave in ways that theyre not supposed to. And the build-up of DNA damage over time can lead to cancer.

The amount you smoke and the length of time youve been smoking affect your cancer risk. The more cigarettes you smoke a day, the higher your risk of cancer.
Years from now, its possible that we will look back on this as the week that the worldwide panic around autism finally came to an end.

For decades, weve been told by supposed experts that the lifelong developmental disorder  which makes it difficult for people to understand social cues and express themselves  is far more common than originally thought.

This is, in large part, because the definition of autism has markedly changed over the years.

What was once considered a severe and rare condition that affects a small number of children, the majority of whom are boys, has slowly morphed into a mild, easy-to-miss disorder that affects both sexes.

Autism, many doctors today claim, exists on a spectrum  meaning that it is possible for a non-verbal child who needs full-time care to have the same disorder as a married working woman in her thirties who finds social situations a bit intimidating.

As a result, the number of those diagnosed with autism has surged by almost 800 per cent over the past 20 years, according to research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Anyone with common sense could see that these figures were entirely suspect. How was it possible that hundreds of thousands of children and adults could have a mental disorder that doctors failed to spot until now?

But the Government and the NHS never questioned this farcical argument. Instead, millions of pounds was poured into offering all these newly discovered autism patients appointments on the Health Service and special needs care in schools.

Dame Uta Frith, one of the biggest names in the autism world, argues that the autism spectrum has become 'so accommodating' that it is now 'completely meaningless'

However, last week, the entire argument supporting this modern definition of autism came crashing down after one of the researchers who helped come up with the idea of the spectrum admitted that the term was now meaningless.

Dame Uta Frith is one of the biggest names in the autism world. The 84-year-old developmental psychologist is a medical icon. A titan in her field.

I remember reading her books and research when I was at medical school. Dame Uta was one of the first experts to argue against the orthodoxy of the time, that autism was not caused by a lack of parental love, but by developmental issues that occur during pregnancy.

For decades her work has shaped how clinicians, researchers and the public understand this complex condition. She also played a central role in the idea of autism existing along a spectrum. This is why her remarkable intervention last week was so striking  and so important.

In an interview with the education magazine Tes, Dame Uta argued that the autism spectrum has become so accommodating that it is now completely meaningless as a medical diagnosis.

She added that the concept of the spectrum has come to its collapse.

In particular, Dame Uta raised concerns over the number of girls and women with social anxiety who are wrongly told or believe they have autism.

Ive followed Dame Utas work throughout my career and I cannot overstate the significance of what she is saying. And I believe her argument has chilling implications for the way that the NHS currently treats young women who are diagnosed with autism.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton

So, what can be done to fix the problem?

First, its important to explain how we got to this point.

When I first started working in the NHS nearly 25 years ago, I could count on one hand the number of autism patients I had seen. Now I see at least one a week.

However, the patients I see today have vastly different symptoms to those I first encountered.

They dont have severe, volatile meltdowns or self-harm. They dont have profound communication problems. These new patients describe vague feelings of not fitting in, social awkwardness, perfectionism and obsessive traits.

I want to be clear: I do not doubt that these patients are suffering. Their distress is real. But as a clinician, I have a duty to be honest: These patients do not have autism.

This issue all stems from the creation of the autism spectrum. The idea does have a certain logic. There is no test that can diagnose autism. And the condition is complex  no two patients have exactly the same symptoms.

The concept of the spectrum was intended to capture this genuine variation. But in medicine, when anything sits on a spectrum, there is inevitably diagnosis creep.

Autism diagnoses have risen by an 'exponential' 787 per cent over 20 years, according to recent research

Diagnoses of autism among both men and women have both increased over the 20-year period, but especially among females

The average of autism diagnoses has generally increased over the period of the data used in the study

This is where the criteria are widened incrementally until the label risks becoming meaningless. A 2018 study from the universities of Montreal and Copenhagen found that the bar for diagnosing autism has been getting progressively lower for 50 years.

Astonishingly the researchers concluded that, if the trend continued, within a decade the entire population would be considered to have autism.

Another issue is the abandonment of the medical term Aspergers syndrome. Previously, patients with milder forms of autism were considered to have Aspergers. However, in 2013, the condition was done away with  in large part due to the fact that the Austrian paediatrician who it was named after, Hans Asperger, was argued to have been a Nazi.

This has meant that the already broad autism spectrum has become even wider.

Which brings us to what Dame Uta now identifies as the most pressing dimension of the crisis: the dramatic rise in diagnoses among adolescent girls and young women.

These female patients are without intellectual impairment but feel highly anxious in social situations. Often, these are women who make it to adulthood  having gone to university and held down jobs  before they seek out a diagnosis.

Dame Uta argues that the number of young women diagnosed with autism has risen at a frightening rate.

Central to this surge has been the concept of masking, the notion that women and girls have been historically under-diagnosed because they learn to conceal their autistic traits behind a veneer of social competence.

It is a theory that has spread rapidly and is now received wisdom in many quarters.

Frith, however, is now blunt about this: masking has no scientific basis. As she puts it: We could say we are all masking, all the time, trying to adapt to societys norms. In other words, a desire to present as outgoing and socially savvy isnt a sign of a disorder, its normal human nature.

Then there is the role that parents play in the rise in autism diagnoses. When your child is struggling, whether thats socially or in school, its normal to want to find a reason.

This is why many parents push for their child to get an autism diagnosis, as its easier to understand a childs difficulties as the product of a neurodevelopmental condition than to sit with the more uncomfortable possibility that their child simply might be an average pupil or a bit socially awkward.

A diagnosis offers parents a clean narrative. It absolves them of guilt.

This is understandable and I do not say this to condemn parents  I get the impulse entirely.

The problem is that, with a diagnosis comes accommodation, adjustments and financial support.

A report published last year by the think-tank Policy Exchange and backed by Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary, concluded that the widening definitions of childhood development disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have cost the taxpayer an extra 16billion every year.

This is due to the growing costs of special education support in schools and NHS mental health services.

Worse still, the creation of the spectrum has hurt those who need our help the most  patients with severe autism.

A mother whose son has profound non-verbal autism requiring round-the-clock care with an uncertain adult future put the problem to me more strikingly than I ever could.

Imagine, she said, if everyone who had slightly imperfect vision, who squinted at signs or needed reading glasses or simply suspected they didnt see as well as they might, suddenly started calling themselves blind.

Imagine if they demanded support from services set up for blind people.

How would those who are actually blind feel? How would that change the way society understood and responded to their very real, very profound disability?

She was not being unkind about people with milder difficulties. She was asking us to consider what happens when a label is stretched beyond recognition, and who pays the price when it is.

The answer, I am afraid, is always the same. It is those at the most severe end who suffer the most. So what should we actually be doing to fix this problem?

Dame Uta is clear that we should not dismiss or ignore these anxious young women. I would definitely not say they are making it up, she said in the Tes interview. But I would say that these are problems that can perhaps be treated much better than under the label of autism.

Many of these women likely have anxiety  or a form of the mental health condition called social hypersensitivity. Others may have depression. These are not minor issues.

Anxiety and depression blight the lives of millions  has far-reaching health consequences that shorten lives, and even leads some to suicide.

But the key difference to autism is that these conditions can be effectively treated. Research shows that talking therapy and, when necessary, antidepressants can be lifesavers for anxiety and depression patients.

These young, anxious women are not hopeless cases. With the right help, they can get better.

This is why labelling them as autistic is so dangerous. We are telling thousands of young, still-developing women that their problems are permanent and untreatable.

In doing so, we remove their agency and also any hope that their lives will improve. For many, an autism diagnosis is not a blessing but a curse. And it can cause real harm.
The maker of blockbuster weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound has issued an urgent warning against knockoff versions of the medications over 'critical safety issues.'

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which makes tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, on Thursday issued a warning because the company claims to have found 'significant levels of an impurity' in compounded copycats of tirzepatide.

Compounded medications claim to be customized to meet a specific need that cannot be addressed by FDA-approved, commercially available drugs.

While pharmacies can create compounded drugs, the FDA does not review them for safety or quality, raising the risk of improper dosages and contamination.

Lilly said it found impurities in drugs that combine tirzepatide with vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. According to Lilly's announcement, impurities resulted from 'a chemical reaction' between tirzepatide and B12.

Additionally, the company warned the 'risks to patients are unknown because tirzepatide has never been studied in combination with B12 and the compounders making these combination drugs are not required to monitor or report adverse events.'

'People receiving tirzepatide-B12 products from compounders, telehealth companies, medspas or anyone else should be aware that they may be using a potentially dangerous product with unknown risks,' Lilly said.

The warning comes after the FDA said last month it would 'take decisive steps' to restrict the sale of non-FDA-approved compounded weight-loss drugs to 'safeguard consumers from drugs for which the FDA cannot verify quality, safety or efficacy.'

Mounjaro and Zepbound maker Eli Lilly has warned against compounded copycat versions of their weight-loss durgs (stock image)

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Lilly said: 'Although the FDA and a federal court have confirmed that mass-compounding of tirzepatide must stop, some entities continue to do it, claiming to offer personalized versions by adding untested additives, such as B12, to compounded tirzepatide.

'In reality, these products are not personalized at all. Most sellers put the same untested additives in all their tirzepatide knockoffs to try to evade FDA regulations.

'Our testing results of these so-called personalized compounded tirzepatide products show they may pose even greater risks to patients than previously known.'

November 2025 data from Kaiser Family Foundation shows one in eight Americans has tried a GLP-1 such as Mounjaro, Zepbound or Ozempic, for weight loss, diabetes or other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This figure has doubled from roughly six percent measured in a February 2024 Gallup poll.

Compounded GLP-1 drugs became popular in the last few years as drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide - the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy - have faced shortages.

They are also often much cheaper than traditional GLP-1s, costing $130 and $450 per month compared to upwards of $1,000 for classic versions without insurance.

In addition to the FDA's warnings, Eli Lilly and Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk have pursued legal action against compounded distributors such as Hims.

Earlier this month, Hims announced it would stop marketing these drugs in a deal with Novo Nordisk.

It's unclear exactly what impurity resulted from combining tirzepatide and vitamin B12, but Lilly believes its findings highlight 'the risks to patients of haphazardly mixing untested additives with complex molecules like tirzepatide without rigorous testing, clinical trials and FDA approval.'

'Our testing results of these so-called personalized compounded tirzepatide products show they may pose even greater risks to patients than previously known,' Lilly said in its announcement (file photo)

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While B12 is generally considered safe, high doses can be dangerous for people with chronic kidney or liver diseases as their bodies cannot effectively clear it. And according to Mayo Clinic, there is no solid evidence that B12 helps with weight loss.

'B12 is just one of the many untested additives used in the mass production of compounded GLP-1s under the guise of personalization,"' Lilly said.

Lilly also claims several companies selling compounded GLP-1s have mixed tirzepatide with vitamins B3 and B6, as well as the amino acid compound carnitine, which have unknown effects on the drugs' safety and effectiveness.

'These additives have no proven clinical benefit for patients taking tirzepatide, and the resulting combinations introduce unknown risks for patients,' Lilly said.

'We also continue to find other critical safety issues in compounded tirzepatide knockoffs, including bacterial contamination, high endotoxin levels, and other impurities that are not present in Lillys FDA-approved medicines.'

Additionally, the FDA previously noted it has collected reports of compounded GLP-1s not being refrigerated correctly or being made with poor-quality ingredients. Adverse effects from drugs handled under these circumstances include redness, site swelling, pain and a red lump at the injection site.

Lilly said: 'The continued widespread distribution of untested compounded drugs is an unacceptable risk for patients.

'We also urge the FDA to continue taking action against unlawful mass compounding of tirzepatide that puts the American public at risk, including by requesting a recall of all compounded tirzepatide combined with untested additives like B12.'
With the Middle East in crisis and America on the attack, Britain's pretence of being a major military power has been all but shattered.

Oxford historian Lawrence Goldman insists Britains decline can be reversed  but only if we are brave. So what do you think?

Have your say in the Morning Mail poll.

Vote now and you'll find the final results in tomorrow's Morning Mail newsletter.
Kin is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Kin by Tayari Jones (Oneworld 18.99, 368pp)

Affinity and affection are the touchstones of Joness warm, engaging fiction and they are on full display in this wonderful novel  her first since An American Marriage, which won the Womens Prize for Fiction.

Joness writing is conversational, funny and brimful of sympathy for her characters and their faults, foibles and steadfast, heartfelt feelings.

Here she follows Annie and Vernice from the tiny town of Honeysuckle into their diverging futures in a segregated America. Vernice, whose mother was murdered by her father, heads to college, and a conventional marriage, while Annie takes a more ramshackle path as she attempts to find her trifling mother, who abandoned her as a baby.

Narrated by the two women in alternating chapters, their undimmed sisterly friendship glows from the page.

Pixie is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Pixie by Jill Dawson (Bloomsbury 16.99, 400pp)

Dawsons latest book takes a turn-of-the-century meander through the worlds of art and the occult in the company of endearing, eccentric Pamela Coleman Smith  the contradictory Pixie of the title.

Pixie was a real-life figure, well known in fin-de-siecle circles as a storyteller and illustrator of the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, but shes faded into obscurity over time.

Dawson places her back in the limelight as Pixie, an enthusiastic narrator of her adventures, who attempts to make her living through her art following the death of her parents.

Its a precarious endeavour, but Pixie approaches it with determination, as she rubs shoulders with W. B. Yeats and the infamous magician Aleister Crowley, and her staunch heart staggers under the weight of these feelings about love and life and meaning.

Cleopatra is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi (Borough Press 18.99, 352pp)

Offered as a rebuttal to the biased Roman historians version of Cleopatra as an arch manipulator, wily seductress and ruthless tyrant, El-Arifi gives a contemporary perspective on the Egyptian Queen, as the regal ruler tells her own story.

Addressing the reader directly, she styles herself as a powerful Pharaoh concerned about the fate of her country and her legacy, but also as a devoted mother, a passionate lover, and learned healer.

Theres a gloss of glamour to El-Arifis portrayal, with beguiling descriptions of Cleopatras clothes and hairstyles, and a dash of Hollywood romance in her interactions with Mark Antony, alongside the dangerous rivalries. Compelling.
As he sat down to dine in his undergraduate gown in the medieval hall of Wadham College, Oxford, at the start of his first term in 1958, it occurred to Melvyn Bragg that the only previous time in his life when hed sat at long tables eating with scores of strangers was at Butlins holiday camp in Ayr, Scotland.

This working-class northern grammar- school boy felt out of his element, among the seated rows of mostly middle and upper-class young men (all men in those days), miles away from his home town of Wigton in Cumbria.

A young Melvyn Bragg

The future screenwriter Dennis Potter, another undergraduate a couple of years senior to him, remarked to him one day in the street, They say theres three working-class men here. Theres me. And you. Wheres the other bugger? The attentive reader of Braggs delightful memoir of his Oxford University years  which doubles up as a deeply touching memoir of his first love affair and how it ended  knows where at least one other former grammar-school boy was, even if it wasnt a working class one.

Bragg was assigned to share his rooms on Staircase Two with a rather dull boy called Gerald, who did up the top button of his pyjamas and brushed his hair before bed. The two had been lumped together because of the grammar-school connection.

Much more heinous (in my view) than Geralds minor crimes of doing up the top button of his jim-jams and brushing his hair before bed was that he failed to make himself scarce when Braggs girlfriend Sarah visited.

All of us who devoured the first volume of Braggs memoir, Back In The Day, will remember Sarah, the dark-haired, lively-minded girlfriend, who was just as well educated as Melvyn, but, being a girl, was expected by her father to go and work at a local bank after leaving school, rather than go to university.

He was so homesick, and missed her so badly, that one day on a whim he hitchhiked to Wigton, knowing hed need to be back for a tutorial in three days time.

On arrival he was overwhelmed with love for his home town. You could not think of a better place to spend a life.

The quad and buildings of Wadham college

His publican father, whod left school at 14 without the chance of a university education, greeted him as if I was a messenger from Mount Olympus. But Bragg was having seriously cold feet. Why bother with Oxford, which seemed more of a theatre than a city? He poured out his woes to his former headmaster, who strongly advised him to give it more time.

So he did. And things got better. Bragg has an unquenchable instinct to celebrate the minds of others  a skill honed in his 27-year stint as presenter of In Our Time, the Radio 4 cultural discussion programme.

Here, he pays homage to the young men on his staircase who became lifelong friends, and to a young man called Michael Wolfers, whom he met after climbing in through his ground-floor window late one night when the college was locked.

He evokes the thrill of history tutorials, which always began with having ones essay dismantled, but ended with a wonderful sense of intellectual comradeship.

Then Sarah came to visit. Braggs new friends threw a party in her honour. But, thanks to his roommate Geralds lack of imagination, there was nowhere for them to have a proper tryst. Bragg had booked her into a B&B, but it came with the usual no gents in the ladies bedrooms rule. I kept a lookout for a dark and twisting alley or a deeply set doorway in Holywell Street, he writes, but no luck.

Familiar face, Melvyn Bragg at 86

The nearest they could get to a place of darkness and intimacy was at the back of the cinema, where they watched an Ingmar Bergman film. When Bragg mentioned to Sarah that hed become the film critic of the university newspaper, she said, You mean you want to be a reporter? You could have done that by getting a start in Carlisle with The Cumberland News.

That hint of an aspiration-gap gives us the first inkling that they might one day drift apart. Not that Bragg had the remotest intention of ending the relationship. He adored her.

They went on holiday to Lindisfarne, naming themselves Mr and Mrs Marrs to the hotel receptionist. They giggled their heads off in the pouring rain. Bragg bought an engagement ring in the Carlisle covered market, and proposed on a bridge over Bassenthwaite Lake. Sarah accepted.

Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, in a freezing hotel room in Bath, Sarah said, I dont think we should go on. Bragg was utterly taken aback. I cant. I just cant, she said, citing the dinner parties, the women with opinions and flowery dresses as the reasons.

She had simply gone off me, Bragg writes. It was not her words that wounded. It was the flinching away from me, not dramatic but noticeable.

His life broke apart. A trap door opened and I fell. He was thrown into depression  something hed already experienced, terrifyingly, in his teens. My body, the thing I was, that made me live, was simply dead. I humped it around, longing, even praying to get rid of this me . . .

Another World is available now

He threw himself into solitary swotting  achieving such a good second-class degree in history that he was asked to stay on. But he said no, and applied for a BBC traineeship, which he got, thanks to one drama producer, Martin Esslin, spotting him and fighting his corner in the selection process.

At a party at the Ruskin School of Art, Bragg met the woman who would become his first wife: a young French aristocratic artist called Elisabeth, or Lisa, who seemed enwrapped in sadness, just like him.

Shed been abandoned by her American boyfriend. We were both losers with, it seemed, nowhere else to go . . . we had an equality of uncertainty and unhappiness.

She lodged in the attic of a dons family house and she and Bragg slipped into bed together without the excruciating testing time and obstacle course which was the Wigton custom. She opened a whole new artistic world to him.

Bragg doesnt mention it here, but he has spoken before about the tragedy of Lisa taking her own life in 1971, ten years into their marriage. This thoughtful, evocative memoir, marred only by occasional loose grammar and too many verbless sentences, makes you feel you know the people Bragg knew, and that you care about them almost as much as he did  and still does.
If you had been rummaging in Brightons antiques district in the late 1960s, you would have spotted a shop with the owners aristocratic-sounding name proudly over the door: Edith Tudor Hart.

Inside was an exquisite selection of Wedgwood brooches and silver cutlery. Mrs Tudor Hart, an elegant lady with an exotic European accent, clearly had great taste.

What her customers did not know was that she was also a Russian secret agent who had recruited Kim Philby, aka The Third Man, to spy for Russia before the war.

Turned her hand to antiquities

Decades later Anthony Blunt, another member of the Cambridge Five espionage ring, confessed to his MI5 interrogators that Edith Tudor Hart was the grandmother of us all.

Ediths life is not easy to untangle for the simple reason that she took care to leave few traces. (Her code name, though, remained Edith which you cant help feeling was a bit of a giveaway.)

Born into a cultured Left-leaning Jewish family in pre-war Austria, she fled to Britain in 1933 once Hitlers evil ambitions had become clear. A short-lived marriage to a doctor whom she met through the Communist party gave her a British passport and a haven from the European concentration camps in which many of her extended family were murdered.

Daria Santini is quite clear that Ediths motivation was never financial  she received no payment for her recruitment work for the NKVD, the forerunner of the KGB.

But like so many idealists of her generation, she was convinced that Communism represented the best and fairest political system, not to mention functioned as an essential bulwark against fascism.

A Woman Named Edith is available now

Ediths particular concern was child poverty (she had trained as a Montessori teacher) and it struck her as obscene that, in a country as civilised as Britain, millions still went hungry.

In parallel to her espionage activities, Edith Tudor Hart was a professional photographer, having trained at the world-famous Bauhaus school. She specialised in working-class life in a way that never felt patronising or posed.

One of her most striking pictures shows a ragged little girl staring with disbelief at a bakers window stuffed full of cakes and pastries that she could never afford. Some of Ediths best work was featured on the cover of Picture Post, one of Britains most prestigious magazines.

Stylish and vivacious, Edith Tudor Hart used her charm to recruit people, men particularly, to work as Russian secret agents.

She had talent-spotted Kim Philby, a Cambridge graduate, and introduced him to the NKVDs spy master, Arnold Deutsch. It wasnt, however, until after the Second World War when Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean  other members of the spy ring  fled to Moscow that the British authorities redoubled their efforts to pin Edith down as a Russian asset.

MI5 bugged her home, opened her post and, one day in 1952, barged into her flat and questioned her for several hours.

She claimed to have resigned from the Communist party years ago and looked blank when they mentioned the name Kim Philby.

The revelation of Joseph Stalins cruelty to his own people  this was the age of the Gulag  led to feelings of intense disenchantment with the Soviet system.

In the end a nervous breakdown meant Edith tucking herself away in Brightons cobbled lanes with her photographic negatives, antiques and memories of a secret life she could share with no one.
When Carolyn Bessette started dating John F Kennedy Jr in 1994, their whirlwind relationship captivated the world. Gazing at newsstands people wondered: How did a Calvin Klein sales associate catch the eye of America's most eligible bachelor?

Every detail of their romance was covered by the press and dissected by the public. Paparazzi followed their every move.

And when it all ended with their fatal plane crash in 1999, it cemented their love story as one of most tragic in history.

Their rollercoaster romance, as well as Bessette's impressive journey from a small-town Connecticut girl to a global sensation, has once again captured the attention of millions thanks to Ryan Murphy's new FX series Love Story.

But now, the Daily Mail has gained brand-new insight into the story from someone who had a front row seat to it, and who saw the couple just days before their deaths.

Theresa DeMaria, 55, worked alongside Bessette for years at Calvin Klein, and saw first hand how she went from a normal staffer who showed up to the office looking 'messy' and 'disheveled' to the designer's right-hand woman, who always looked the part and was not to be messed with.

And when JFK Jr started courting Bessette, DeMaria remembered how he would send her gifts and whisk her away from the office - all while he was still in a relationship with actress Daryl Hannah.

Bessette started working as a sales assistant at a Calvin Klein in a mall in Boston after she graduated from college in 1988, before she was headhunted and moved to the company's flagship store in New York City.

When Carolyn Bessette started dating John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1994, their whirlwind relationship completely captured the globe. They're seen together in 1997

Theresa DeMaria (seen recently), 55, from Chicago, worked alongside Bessette for many years and saw first hand how she went from a normal staffer to worldwide celebrity

DeMaria started there in 1991, landing a job in showroom sales for the men's division, and she recalled Bessette often showing up to work looking like she had 'just gotten out of bed.'

DeMaria claimed that Bessette's hair often looked 'tangled' or 'crazy,' and that she never wore makeup.

'She did not care about what she looked like at the beginning, it looked like she just walked out of bed and came into the office,' DeMaria explained during an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.

'[But Calvin Klein] had a very natural aesthetic, nobody really did much to themselves so it worked.

'She was tall and thin and she had a distinct classic look to her, so she always looked beautiful even if she did look disheveled.'

Bessette eventually became the director of publicity for the women's department of the store, while DeMaria had the same title for the men's division, which meant they worked together on numerous occasions.

'When we had [male] VIP clients come in, I would put together a selection of custom-made things for them. And that was what Carolyn did but for the women's department,' she explained.

'She had the same role I had [but in women's], so she and I would have to meet and collaborate when we had VIP clients.

Their rollercoaster-ride romance, as well as Bessette's impressive journey, has once again caught the attention of millions thanks to Ryan Murphy's new FX series Love Story (seen)

DeMaria claimed that Bessette often looked 'disheveled' and that she came to work looking like she had 'just gotten out of bed.' Bessette is seen left in 1992 and right in 1994

She had a reputation for being a party girl, according to DeMaria, who remembered her smoking cigarettes 'constantly' and often enjoying boozy nights out. Bessette is seen in 1992

'We knew each other - we weren't friends, but we worked together and were acquaintances.'

DeMaria described Bessette as 'quiet' but 'nice,' explaining that 'she was a very quiet person until you really got to know her and then her personality came out.'

She had a reputation for being a party girl, according to DeMaria, who remembered her smoking cigarettes 'constantly' and often enjoying boozy nights out with her coworkers after a long day at work.

'She definitely had a bad girl, party [vibe],' DeMaria dished. 'She was definitely a partier, she would smoke a ton, she was in and out of clubs. When we would stay late at work it seemed like she was always going straight from work to some sort of event or bar.'

How Bessette and JFK Jr met has long been debated, with some claiming that Klein was the one who introduced them at a fundraiser event back in 1992, and others saying they met when the Kennedy heir went to get a suit fitted at Calvin Klein.

According to DeMaria, it was a combination of both. She said word at the company was that they first 'met at an event.' But she claimed that he did show up at their offices for a fitting soon after and 'everyone was talking about it.'

After that, DeMaria claimed that JFK Jr started 'sending Bessette gifts' and coming to 'pick her up' from the office, despite the fact that he was still in a relationship with Hannah.

'He sent her clothes from Barneys. He was still dating Daryl so it was a bit scandalous,' she said.

'[It was understood that Bessette] was super upset because he was with Daryl. We all felt sorry for her when that was happening.'

Rumors about them constantly spread through the office, but according to DeMaria, discussing it directly with Bessette was totally off limits.

'At that time, she was under Calvin's wing and we didn't want to mess with that because if you got him upset, you got fired,' she explained.

'So nobody wanted to ask her or talk to her about it unless you were in her inner circle.

DeMaria started at Calvin Klein in 1991, landing a job in showroom sales for the men's division. She's seen during her years at Calvin Klein

DeMaria alleged that Bessette's attitude and appearance both changed after she got promoted at work and once she started dating JFK Jr. She's seen in 1997

DeMaria remembered how JFK Jr. would 'send Bessette gifts' and come 'pick her up' from the office. They couple is seen together in 1996

'But her inner circle would then talk to people in my department so that's how we all found information out.'

JFK Jr and Hannah eventually split in 1994, and he started officially dating Bessette soon after.

And according to DeMaria, the once-quiet and shy sales assistant was practically royalty at Calvin Klein by that time. She alleged that with Bessette's new job title and romance also came a newfound self-importance.

'She developed an ego and started to seem like she had a big attitude,' said DeMaria.

But behind her icy demeanor, DeMaria claimed she sensed a sadness. 'It always seemed like she had something on her mind,' she added. 'She was always sort of pensive, if you will.

'She became more secluded and didn't really want to talk to everybody, I think she was protecting herself but it came off as an attitude.

'She definitely seemed distracted or in her own head and she would be a little bit rushed or brash sometimes when we were talking together. She seemed like she didn't want to socialize.'

Bessette also changed the way she dressed as she climbed the work and social ladders, DeMaria claimed.

'When she started changing roles and became Calvin's assistant, and when she was dating JFK Jr, she had a different air about her,' she said.

'She definitely became more polished looking - her hair was brushed, she looked a little more put together, she started wearing lipstick; she was not doing that when I first met her.'

DeMaria stopped working at Calvin Klein in 1994 - soon after Bessette and JFK Jr officially started dating - and went on to work as the Assistant to Principal Designer at Tommy Hilfiger. Bessette ultimately left Calvin Klein in 1996 when she and JFK Jr got married.

Bessette and JFK Jr. tragically died in 1999 in a fatal plane crash. They're seen in May 1999 just months before the accident

DeMaria (seen recently) stopped working at Calvin Klein in 1994 and went on to work as the Assistant to Principal Designer at Tommy Hilfiger

According to DeMaria, she and Bessette crossed paths years later - just a month before the couple's tragic deaths in 1999.

DeMaria explained to the Daily Mail that she was heading to dinner in SoHo one evening when she ran into Bessette and JFK Jr walking down the street.

She recalled hugging Bessette and exchanging pleasantries, but DeMaria said she sensed a 'tension' between the married pair.

'They were not lovey-dovey. He was walking behind her. It seemed like they had gotten into a fight or something,' DeMaria recalled.

'She didn't introduce me to him, he was like five steps behind her. I sensed there was tension so I didn't want to stay and linger and talk to her.'

Just weeks later, the couple died in a plane crash, which DeMaria described as 'devastating' and 'eerie' given their last encounter.

Like the rest of the world, DeMaria has enjoyed getting to see Murphy's version of the couple's dynamic through his new anthology series, and said it's been especially fun for her to 'reminisce' about those years of her life working alongside Bessette.

She told the Daily Mail that while 'most' of what the series showed about Bessette's time at Calvin Klein seemed 'correct,' there was one thing they got wrong.

'Smoking in the break room, we weren't allowed to do that,' she said with a laugh.

'We had to go into the back alleyway to smoke, that was where people went. And Calvin would never let you smoke in front of the entrance.'
The land Down Under is the next stop on the Sussex world tour, after a spokesperson confirmed last week that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were headed for Australia.

When I heard the announcement, I had just one question: why now?

It's been more than seven years since Harry and Meghan were last on our shores, which was an ostensibly successful visit.

This time around, the couple will 'visit Australia in mid-April to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements,' a spokesperson told a preferred outlet, adding that 'further details will be shared in due course'.

There was no word on whether their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will join them on the pilgrimage to Oz.

Nevertheless, we already have one itinerary confirmation: Meghan will headline a weekend retreat in April, hosted by the 'Her Best Life' podcast, which was founded by radio personality Jackie 'O' Henderson and her manager Gemma O'Neill.

Australian readers will know there's a fascinating side story here. Henderson is neck-deep in a contract dispute with radio station KIIS FM after an on-air falling-out with her long-time co-host Kyle Sandilands.

Henderson - an A-lister Down Under - is actually no longer involved in 'Her Best Life', making the retreat a curious partnership for Meghan. Did no one tell her the celebrity had left the building?

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have confirmed they will return to Australia next month

Their last wildly successful visit to Australia was in 2018

The Duchess of Sussex has been announced as the headline guest at the inaugural 'Her Best Life Retreat' to be held in Sydney's eastern suburbs in April

Still, it's been a source of great interest for Aussies that the Duchess of Sussex has become a sideshow in the biggest media story of the year. It seems she just can't stay away from controversy.

Anyhow, Meghan will appear as a keynote speaker at the live event, which runs from April 17 to 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

(There has been loose speculation that Henderson might return for Meghan's retreat despite her earlier announcement she was stepping away from the joint venture with O'Neill. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.)

Meghan's appearance as a VIP speaker follows in the well-heeled footsteps of fellow lifestyle entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow, who in 2023 appeared at a similar 'Besties' event hosted by Henderson and O'Neill and held at the ICC in Darling Harbour before a 3,000-strong crowd.

Meanwhile, Harry has also been busily locking in plans of his own. It's just been announced he will appear as a keynote speaker at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit, which takes place in Melbourne from April 15 to 16.

The visit might also be a good chance for Harry to catch up with old pals. In his memoir 'Spare', he wrote about how much he enjoyed living in Australia as a 19-year-old in 2003. Reflecting on his time working as a jackaroo on a rural Queensland farm, he says they were 'some of the best' weeks of his life.

To understand the significance of this upcoming Australia trip, we need to look back at what happened during their last visit.

In 2018, the appetite for the royal family's latest golden couple was at its peak when they made the almost 23-hour journey from London to Sydney.

Meghan will headline the retreat hosted by the 'Her Best Life' podcast, which was founded by radio star Jackie 'O' Henderson (left) and Gemma O'Neill (right). They are pictured here with Gwyneth Paltrow, who was a VIP speaker at a previous 'Besties' live event they hosted in 2023

Meghan and Harry's 2018 visit to Australia marked the peak of their popularity. Royal experts have warned the couple may need 'thick skin' to withstand the reception they receive this time

You'll remember crowds greeting Meg and Hazza - their fitting Australian nicknames - with warmth and excitement. Enraptured fans cheered their arrival on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, along Bondi Beach, and even at a farm in regional NSW.

The fact that the then-newlywed Sussexes used their tour as the perfect moment to confirm they were expecting their first child only added to the sense of jubilation.

But a lot has changed since Meghan and Harry famously took a stroll around the koala sanctuary at Taronga Zoo.

To cut a long story short: they stepped back as senior royals, became parents to two children, relocated to the US and have remained on frosty terms with key members of the Firm for the past five years, firing off a series of tell-all missives via Netflix shows, a memoir, podcasts and a range of media interviews.

In Australia, there's a term called the 'pub test' - a common-sense assessment of whether an action or policy would be considered fair and acceptable to the average person.

In 2018, the Sussexes unquestionably passed the pub test. In 2026? I wouldn't bet on it.

As reported by the Mail earlier this week, the feeling is that Meghan and Harry may be in for a mixed reception when they fly to Australia, and they have been warned to have 'thick skins' because they are 'no longer assured of a warm welcome'.

Another sticky point: the last time Harry and Meghan came to Australia was in their official capacity as working royals, meaning their trip was funded by the Commonwealth and royal dollary-doos.

With their upcoming visit being a private trip, theoretically they should not receive any publicly funded support or security.

There will be a great deal of scrutiny of this, mark my words, with politicians and the press pouncing on any perceived dipping into the public purse.

Indeed, I predict the trip will go swimmingly and Aussies may even get behind them - unless there's even the faintest whiff it cost us anything.

If that happens, it's game over.

I predict the trip will go swimmingly and Aussies may even get behind the Sussexes - unless there's even the faintest whiff it cost us anything in publicly funded security

Which brings me back to my original query: why now?

Lately, there's been a small but subtle shift in the public image of Team Sussex.

There's a feeling that the so-called sins of the Sussexes - their whingeing, their tell-all interviews while asking for 'privacy', their self-indulgence - is small fry compared to endless shame Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is heaping on the Royal Family.

What's more, Harry and Meghan seem to be winding down their royal-bashing. Perhaps they've had a change of heart, but it seems the more likely scenario is that, given their estrangement from the family, there really isn't any more to say.

In the background of this is a renewed push by the Sussexes to do good work, rather than simply dwell on how terrible things were in the past.

Take their recent humanitarian trip to Jordan with the World Health Organization.

Although the visit wasn't entirely without criticism, it ultimately generated the type of coverage that more closely aligns with what we would expect to see from royalty.

Think visiting schools and interacting with local children, shaking hands with dignitaries, earnestly listening to the work being done by charitable organisations and finding moments of levity amid the seriousness.

These are the kind of photo ops ripped straight from the royal-tour handbook.

And it was certainly a stark contrast to the arrest picture of a de-titled Prince Andrew.

Harry and Meghan recently embarked on a humanitarian trip to Jordan with the WHO

The Sussexes' overseas visit involved meeting with dignitaries and local charities

Although the Sussexes' Jordan trip was a private one, the photo ops it generated resembled those of a royal tour

So, with momentum on their side, could Meghan and Harry see this as the perfect moment to accept an Australian invitation?

Is their trip Down Under a bid to recapture the unbridled enthusiasm and positive PR that defined their first visit?

In all likelihood, large crowds will show up to cheer (and maybe a few to chastise) the royal couple. Remember, it's not every day we have visitors of this fame and magnitude on our shores.

Whatever the reception, if the masses do turn out, the end result will be an image that delivers a powerful PR message: Meghan and Harry, surrounded by a sea of Aussies.

The trip to Australia is often pinpointed by royal experts as the turning point in Harry and Meghan's time as senior royals, sparking the beginning of the end of their tenure.

But coming here to huge crowds could be the beginning of a new cycle  a chance to recapture some of the sparkle and magic of their landmark visit, and keep the recent positive PR trail rolling in their favour.

Could this be the real reason behind the tour?
An influx of foodies have shared their favourite school recipes on TikTok

Love them or loathe them, school dinners were an integral part of many British childhoods - from smiley faces and Turkey Twizzlers to pink custard and a Roly-Poly pudding.

As the world has evolved, so have children's lunchtime menus, with many unhealthy options axed in the early 2000s thanks to Jamie Oliver's campaigning - which not everyone was happy about.

So popular were Turkey Twizzlers, for instance, that a 2018 petition calling for their return received 28,000 signatories and led to a healthier version being relaunched in 2020.

Some still remain nostalgic for some of the maligned old favourites with thousands trying to recreate the school canteen in their own kitchens - and sharing recipe tips on TikTok.

Leading the tutorials are Kate Keogh and her mother Jane, a former school dinner lady, who regularly share recipes for retro treats - from chocolate concrete brownies to fairy cake.

Their cause received a boost this month when Love Island influencer Montana Brown took to TikTok to criticise schools for 'serving sticky toffee pudding every day'.

It's prompted an outpouring of support for school dinners and deserts - with defenders insisting that they are a comforting and integral part of the nation's culture.

But if your favourites don't exist anymore or you're simply yearning for some nostalgic comfort food, here is how to recreate classics that will instantly transport you back to your childhood.

1. Turkey Twizzlers

Turkey Twizzlers were so popular that a 2018 petition calling for their return received 28,000 signatories and led to a healthier version being relaunched in 2020. Now, social media users are sharing thier tips for recreating the classic school meal

Adored by school children across the nation, the corkscrew-shaped turkey sausage creations were a key feature on most lunchtime menus.

Yet they were axed from schools in 2005 after Jamie Oliver's healthy-eating 'Feed Me Better' campaign to ban them in schools shamed the classic food item for containing just 34 per cent meat.

The move sparked outrage among schoolchildren across the country, who, even 20 years later, still declare that Jamie will 'never be forgiven' for it.

In 2020, a new, healthier version of the beloved Turkey Twizzler was relaunched. However, it was to be shortlived - with the rebrand discontinued in 2025.

But fear not, several TikTok users have taken to the platform to share their tips and tricks on how to recreate the beloved lunchtime snack.

Gettin Grubby, who amasses more than 49,000 followers on the platform, shared his easy recipe for recreating the iconic Turkey Twizzlers and delighted viewers who described them as their 'favourites'.

'Having these after school hit different,' commented one viewer, while another added: 'These used to be my school dinner favourites!! I was gutted when they were banned'.

2. Roly Poly Pudding

A Jam Roly-Poly was bound to cause excitement when it hit the school menu - comprising of steamed suet pastry swirled with sticky raspberry jam

A Jam Roly-Poly was bound to cause excitement when it hit the school menu - comprising of steamed suet pastry swirled with sticky raspberry jam.

It was washed down, of course, with a bowlful of warm custard.

Fortunately, for Brits hoping to recreate this classic retro desert, Kate Keogh and her mother, a former school dinner lady, are on hand to help.

'We've had a lot of requests for this one,' Kate shared to her thousands of TikTok followers, before outlining a step-by-step tutorial on how to make the beloved dish.

For many viewers, the video sparked a wave of nostalgia for their 'favourite school pudding', with one eager user commenting: 'Brings back childhood memories of primary school lunches'.

'The best pudding in the world ever,' added another.

Those perhaps not as keen to roll up their sleeves in the kitchen are advised to keep an eye on popular retailers website and in stores - with M&S bringing back the popular 1980s desert in October as a perfect winter treat.

3. Chocolate Concrete and Pink custard

Why have normal custard when you could make it pink? A popular addition to a school desert, pink custard, also known as tubby or tellytubby custard, dominated the school menus for decades

It was often combined with a so-called chocolate concrete - a crisp, chocolate-layered traybake that soared to popularity in the 1970s and 1980s across the UK

Why have normal custard when you could make it pink? A popular addition to a school desert, pink custard, also known as tubby or tellytubby custard, dominated the school menus for decades.

Made by heating up milk, sugar and strawberry blancmange powder, the bright pink sauce was often served over chocolate concrete.

It was often combined with a so-called chocolate concrete - a crisp, chocolate-layered traybake that soared to popularity in the 1970s and 1980s across the UK.

Made from just flour, sugar, butter and cocoa powder, it can be served warm or cold and was often accompanied by pink or mint custard.

'This stuff was the best at school,' Kate shared on TikTok, while her mother quipped: 'Just leave me the whole jug full'.

'That is better than regular custard,' added Kate.

In response, viewers delighted in reminiscing over the delightful pink custard and added: 'I'm going to have to order this, yum!' while another added: 'This and school cake was the best'.

Some, meanwhile, were surprised to learn of the ingredients within the custard, adding they had 'no clue it was blancmange powder'.

4. Fish fingers and smiley potato faces

An easy British classic, fish fingers on a Friday with smiley potato faces never got old. Fortunately, both can be easily recreated from the comfort of your own home

An easy British classic, fish fingers on a Friday with smiley potato faces never got old.

Occasionally combined with bake beans or peas (that were placed in the eyes of the faces for good measure), there is no doubt that this meal holds a special place in Brits' hearts.

'Loveeee a smiley face,' said one TikTok user, while another insisted they would 'still be eating these when I'm 60'.

Fortunately, both fish fingers and smiley potato faces can be easily recreated from the comfort of your own home - with numerous British supermarkets having them stocked in the freezer.

For those feeling more creative, smiley potato faces can be homemade and are relatively easy to make, sparking a strong sense of nostalgia with every delicious bite.

5. Fairy Cake

A sprinkle-topped sponge cake will almost instantly take you down memory lane to school bake sales and afternoon picnics with your friends

A sprinkle-topped sponge cake will almost instantly take you down memory lane to school bake sales and afternoon picnics with your friends.

The retro snack is also incredibly easy to make, featuring a light vanilla sponge topped with white icing and rainbow sprinkles.

'An icon and a legend, this cake with pink custard was the highlight of school dinners for me,' while another added: 'This brings me back. This was always a staple whenever a big celebration happened.'

Taking to TikTok, avid baker Janes Patisserie was on hand to share his top tips for recreating this childhood classic - which she fondly described as a 'nostalgic and classic bake' that is 'delicious, easy to make and looks great'.

'Nostalgia in a bake,' commented one viewer, while another praised: 'My favourite too! That looks incredible'.

6. Turkey dinosaurs

Canteen regulars more than 20 years ago, breadcrumbed Turkey dinosaurs were a key staple for children in the early 1970s and 1980s, but are less common today

Canteen regulars more than 20 years ago, breadcrumbed Turkey dinosaurs were a key staple for children in the early 1970s and 1980s, but are less common today.

Sadly, according to research from food experts, a quarter of UK households have removed turkey dinos from their supermarket shop, with Brits typically opting for classic meals over some of our freezer staples.

The possibility that the turkey dinosaur could soon be going extinct is bound to disappoint many across the nation - with the dino treat adored by many and also incredibly simple to make - with just a few ingredients required.

Luckily, for those hoping to recreate the classic snack, cooking enthusiast Becky Excell took to TikTok to share a gluten free Turkey dinosaur recipe, delighting parents in their masses.

'Oh my gosh, thank you so much for this,' commented one pleased viewer, while another admitted: 'I still eat them now'.

Meanwhile, Katie Pix, who shared her step-by-step guide for homemade turkey dinosaurs described them as 'the best invention ever'.

'Turkey dinosaurs are my childhood. In fact, they're not even my childhood. I have two bags in the freezer right now and always will do.'

7. Cornflake tart

Simple and easy to bake, several social media users have attempted to recreate the classic snack - with one avid baker describing the school staple as the perfect thing to 'brighten up your Friday night'

A charming sweet treat bound to delight your taste buds, the cornflake tart combined shortcrust, strawberry pastry jam and cornflakes with a delicious golden syrup.

Providing a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table, it was typically enjoyed with a generous helping of custard in the mid-afternoon.

Simple and easy to bake, several social media users have attempted to recreate the classic snack - with one avid baker describing the school staple as the perfect thing to 'brighten up your Friday night'.

Sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to take yourself back to your school days, one commenter advised: 'You have to try it with lemon curd instead of jam'.

Meanwhile, another quipped: 'Not had that in so long, save me a slice!'

8. Cheese flan

Cheese flan, also known as cheese pie, was often served up as a lunchtime classic in the 1970s and 1980s and consisted of savoury custard in a shortcrust pastry bake

Cheese flan, also known as cheese pie, was often served up as a lunchtime classic in the 1970s and 1980s and consisted of savoury custard in a shortcrust pastry bake.

With just four ingredients and not to be confused with quiche, it delighted school children across the nation and has often been cited as a comforting option during the winter months.

Served up into squares, it often came with a side of chips and a good old scoop of ice cream potato mash - a smart incentive to encourage youngsters to eat their potatoes.

Nanna Bea, who frequently shares 'old school' recipes on TikTok, advised adding around half of a grated onion to give the flam some added flavour.

'My childhood memories, I loved this one!,' commented one nostalgic viewer.
Picture the scene: its 8.15am at a busy central London station. Hundreds of people are streaming through the ticket barriers, heading to work after starting the day in their comfy Home Counties houses.

And there, in the midst of this bustling scene, is me  a middle-class, professional woman, being read my rights by a furious ticket inspector. Ive never felt embarrassment like it.

My crime? Fare-dodging. Or, more specifically, short-faring, a practice I hadnt even heard of until a friend  and fellow well-paid commuter  suggested it to me. Short-faring is a form of fare evasion where you purchase a ticket for a shorter distance (or cheaper destination) than your intended journey, while secretly travelling further.

In my case, this meant getting on at my small, local station where there are no ticket barriers, then using an app on my phone to buy a ticket to London from a town further down the line. The shorter distance ticket was half the price, and I still got through the barriers in central London with just a swipe of my QR code.

I quietly justified doing this by the fact that ticket prices are extortionate, and the service is often terrible. Coupled with my finances being tight  Id recently had my second child  it felt like a no-brainer. I also suspected that loads of other people on my train were doing the same. Surely it was ever so slightly on the wrong side of the law, but not committing a huge crime.

I was short-faring for a full year before I got caught.

How did the train company catch me? Well, I got too cocky. On that fateful day, I decided to push my luck, and bought a ticket from a station even closer to London, delighted when I realised it would cost me less than a fiver (the full fare is nearly 50 return).

The only problem was, the train I was on didnt stop at that station and, when I got off at my final destination, I discovered a fare-evasion crackdown was taking place. The scanner where I would normally tap my QR code at the ticket barrier had been deliberately covered with a sticker, and instead I had to show my ticket to an inspector, who immediately clocked that the station on my ticket was not one I possibly could have come from.

Short-faring is a form of fare evasion where you purchase a ticket for a shorter distance (or cheaper destination) than your intended journey, while secretly travelling further

Essentially, the whole thing cost me 1,150 on top of what I should have paid in fares, says Anonymous

The whole ruse began to unravel as she questioned me at the ticket barriers. She asked to see my driving licence so she could see where I lived, and whether Id ever short-fared before that day. She told me there was CCTV that the train company could use to check where I boarded the train, and that they could also look at the purchase history on my rail app to find out where Id been claiming to start my journey, going back months.

I thought about lying, but I clammed up  it was completely mortifying being told off like that in front of so many people. I was also terrified about what might happen as a result of being caught.

When she read me my rights, I started to wonder if I was going to prison. Would I lose my job? How was I going to pay my mortgage? What would happen to my young kids?

The inspector took down my details and said a letter would come in the post, which would give me a right of reply. In full panic mode, I immediately started Googling solicitors, and found a law firm that specialises in helping fare evaders on that particular train network, confirming my belief that this is a very common practice.

When I spoke to the solicitor a couple of days later, she told me she dealt with similar cases all the time. She also explained that if Id pulled a similar stunt with Transport for London, theyd be looking for a conviction  but she was certain that if I took the appropriate steps, I could get away with simply paying the money I owed back to the train company, plus a small fine.

Those steps were humiliating, however. Once the letter from the train company detailing my fare evasion came through (which took about two weeks), I had to get three character references to show this was not my normal behaviour. The friends and colleagues I asked were shocked when I told them what was going on, but agreed to help me out.

The lawyer also asked me if I was seeing a therapist, or if there was anything stressful going on at the time that couldve caused my lapse in judgment. In fact, I was seeing a therapist, so managed to obtain a letter explaining that I was in a stressful period (returning to work after having my second child) and that the emotional and financial implications of that may have tipped me over into committing a crime.

It caused me to consider whether that was the real reason I dodged fares. Certainly, the expense of the trains was annoying for me  I had dependents and money was tight. However, I think the risky element of it all also appealed to me on some level. Even though Id never done anything dodgy before, I enjoyed that playing-with-fire mentality, and got a small buzz every time I went through the barrier and thought Yes! Ive made it again!

Thats obviously not what I said in the apology letter that the lawyer made me write to the train company. Instead, I wrote about how sorry I was and that I understood the knock-on effects of fare-dodging for the train company as a whole.

For their part, the train company were willing to accept this, as long as I paid back all the money I owed  which was 2,500  plus a 250 fee. The minute that money left my account, all I felt was relief. It had been a month since I had first been caught and the whole experience had been incredibly stressful; I had been in bits.

Paying the money felt like putting an end to the whole episode. I didnt want the experience near me any more; I didnt want any sort of criminal conviction. I also had to pay 900 to the solicitor, but by that stage I genuinely felt like she was my saviour. Essentially, the whole thing cost me 1,150 on top of what I should have paid in fares  but the stress of the experience was far more upsetting than the money.

Although Ive told most of my friends what happened, one person I could never reveal this story to is my mum. She would be absolutely horrified  in fact, after I got caught she watched a programme about fare-dodging on TV, and messaged me saying: I hope you would never do anything like this.

Other people I told were less judgmental  they couldnt believe the hoops I was having to jump through to appease the train company.

I still do the same commute several days a week, but I would never fare dodge again. Even now when the ticket inspector walks along the train, I can feel my heart rate increase  it reminds me of the shame, stress and panic I brought on myself when I decided to game the system.

At the time it seemed harmless  justified even  but in truth, I was committing a crime. I just wonder how many other middle-class commuters on my train are doing the same
A traveller shared a gripe they recently experienced while stowing carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment - and it's sparked a heated online debate about plane storage etiquette.

'While recently flying, I was unable to place my carry-on near my seat,' a gentleman explained in a post shared to an online discussion forum.

Upon boarding, the occasional traveller said he was surprised to find that he 'wasn't able to place my carry-on in an overhead bin near my actual seat' - and instead had to find a space 'three or so rows back'.

At the conclusion of the flight, he said he then 'had to awkwardly barge backwards' to collect his bag, because people had 'already filled the aisles' ready to exit.

'I asked one person about this and he claimed that the people who board the plane first are known to place their carry-on in the first few rows just so they don't have to walk it all the way back,' he continued.

'Are there any potential solutions to this issue?' he asked, adding that he was hoping to 'mitigate the problem for everyone'.

His online discussion query erupted with replies, with many frequent flyers starkly divided about the scenario.

One camp felt it was a complete plane etiquette crime that has unfortunately become the norm.

An occasional traveller recently observed in an online travel discussion forum that they were surprised to find they were unable to store their carry-on bag in the overhead storage compartment above their set (Picture: stock image)

'Common courtesy says you place your bag in the overhead locker above your seat,' one reply began. 'Common wankitude is placing your bag wherever you like because people are too damn lazy to walk it down to a cattle class seat.'

'The only people I've seen do this are perfectly capable of getting their bag to their own seat. They are lazy and entitled,' read another response.

Another responded: 'Selfish morons do not understand that if you are in row 30 and you put your s*** in someone else's row, there's no room for their stuff in their row.'

One frequent flyer said they observed people doing it all the time and found it infuriating.

They added: 'I appreciate the flight attendants who call out this behaviour and make people take their carry-ons to a bin near their seat.'

But on the complete opposite side, other travellers argued that 'overhead compartments are first come first served'.

'Overhead bin space is first come, first served. It's not "yours". Bins are not assigned to the seats closest to them... They're not guaranteed any specific seat. Only the bins in first class are limited to first class, but that's it.'

One response argued that this was simply smart travelling because it's 'quite common for there not to be enough overhead space for luggage'.

Join the discussion Is it selfish or just smart to put your carry-on in any overhead bin, not just above your seat?

The post erupted with heated online debate amongst frequent flyers. One camp beleived it was polite etiquette to only store your carry-on bag in the space above your allocated space

'I fly often and will do this if I think there is a decent chance I might not be able to put my bag near my seat I might just grab the first spot I see on my way, as there may not necessarily be an open spot at or directly before my seat.'

Another agreed, explaining: 'If it can't be where your seat is then it's better to have it further up [the front of the plane] than further back, so you pass it on your way out rather than waiting for the whole plane to disembark.'

One person said their strategy was to 'start looking for space in the overhead' around five to ten rows before finding their seat, so that way they 'grab it as I leave without affecting the flow'.

One reply questioned this tactic, asking: 'But what if you're taking someone else's space right next to their seat?' To this, one person replied: 'It could happen, but someone's already taken your 'space' so'

Many replies suggested that you could improve the chances of being able to store your bag above your seat simply by lining up to board the plane earlier.

Other responses to the Reddit discussion claimed it was simply a travel annoyance that has regretfully increased due to airline changes like charging people for checked baggage and not enough overhead compartment storage space.

'This was NOT an issue before airlines started charging for check-in luggage,' claimed one traveller.

'The overhead bins aren't equipped for the majority of passengers on the overbooked flight to bring carry-on luggage. That's when the flight attendants start telling people to put their bags wherever they see a spot, even if it's not near their seat,' another griped.

Some frequent flyers admitted to strategically placing their carry-on in a compartment rows ahead of their designated seat, explaining that it made for a smoother disembarkation from the plane

'A lot of times it seems that there are more carry-on bags than space available, so it is bound to happen to some people.'

However, there was general agreement among respondents that if your bag had wound up being stored in the rows far behind you, the correct etiquette is to wait for others to depart, and not 'barge back' to collect your bag, disrupting the flow of disembarkation.

'Frequent traveller here. It's poor form to barge back. Just be patient and scoot back when you can. Sometimes you'll have to wait until all rows behind you have cleared before you can reach your bag.'

'If you need to make a quick connection, you can try to make the attendants aware and see if they'll let you grab your bag,' offered another reply. 'Otherwise, be patient like everybody else and wait for an opening or until somebody behind notices and lets you back or passes your bag up.'

Many also suggested avoiding the stress by ditching the hard shell carry-on that needs to be loaded into the overhead compartment, and taking a smaller personal bag that can be stowed within arm's reach under the seat ahead of you.

'I got out of the carry-on game. I pay to check in, even smaller bags, and have a personal item. Way less stress, and I'm not in a rush to board,' said one person.

A recent report shared by booking.com on 'tips for using the overhead airplane luggage compartment' offered suggestions to passengers on how to use these storage spaces most efficiently and effectively.

The online article noted that although airlines don't generally have a set policy on where overhead luggage should be stored, there are some 'unspoken rules of etiquette' when it comes to their use.

A report on booking.com noted that there are 'unspoken rules of etiquette' when it comes to use of the overhead storage compartments on planes

'Overhead space is often scarce and should be reserved for bigger items,' the report noted, adding that smaller bags should be considerately placed under the seat in front of you.

It also noted that 'getting overhead space near your seat can be competitive', suggesting to board the flight as quickly as possible to improve your chances of having your bag stored close by your seat.

And if you have had to store your bag in rows further back from your seat, the report suggested that 'you may have to wait for everyone to deplane before you can get it'.

Virgin Australia's on-board baggage allowance policy detailed on their website makes specific mention of the type, weight and size of carry-on baggage allowance permitted in the overhead locker. But importantly, it does not explicitly specify that overhead locker storage space is guaranteed to be above your seat.

This is in contrast to their carry-on policy for 'one small personal item', which states that the item 'must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you'. Effectively, this confirms the storage position of your smaller personal item, with the exception being in the case of an emergency row.

Wherever people's stance lies on the overhead compartment carry-on luggage wars, the recent discussion prompted one person to wryly observe: 'Air travel seems to bring out the worst in a lot of people.'
In the UK, influencers are most likely to be seen dining on extortionately priced 'small plates' restaurants in Soho or sipping on matcha in Hackney.

But social media stars are now ditching London and flocking to West Yorkshire following the notoriety of the latest Wuthering Heights movie.

Creators from all over the world are braving the blustery grey weather up north for moody, brooding shots at the infamous Moors, which serve as the setting to Catherine and Heathcliff's love story  portrayed by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the film.

It sparked theatrical photoshoots from white, flowy dress-wearing influencers  such as Abby Roberts, with some 15.6 million followers, who posted herself 'wandering around the moors' on the search for her Heathcliff.

And it wasn't just social media superstars  those with smaller, more curated followings, like Daniela from Portugal, visited the 'iconic moors of Wuthering Heights' to 'discover the beauty inspired by Emily Bronte's masterpiece'.

Even after the hype of the movie's release dwindled (with mixed reviews seeing some critics blast its 'lewd, exhausting sex scenes' that 'combine Barbie and BDSM'), the Moors have continued to be a hit online.

It also sparked theatrical photoshoots from white, flowy dress-wearing influencers  such as Abby Roberts , with some 15.6 million followers, who posted herself 'wandering around the moors' on the search for Heathcliff

Up-and-coming musician Zephyr, who has 1,575 followers, also trekked to some windy moors and filmed a friend for video set to Kate Bush's hit track, Wuthering Heights

This week travel influencer Sophie, who boasts 62,300 followers, shared her video from a 'day spent on the moors in true Wuthering Heights style'.

'The weather was wild, every so often the sun broke through, casting light across the valley,' she shared.

'The cottage was even better than wed hoped. The inglenook fireplace was perfect for cosy evenings, and there was a sweet little nook for dinner. Each room had its own character, and the bedrooms were full of charm and comfort, it was hard to leave.

'We booked this unique cottage with Airbnb inspired by a visit to see Wuthering Heights.'

Elsewhere, a few days ago, Emily Dawkins, who has 41,500 followers, wrapped up warm in a puffer coat and filmed herself 'fangirling on the moors'.

Up-and-coming musician Zephyr, who has 1,575 followers, also trekked into the blustery scenes and filmed a friend for a video set to Kate Bush's hit track, Wuthering Heights.

It's been the beginning of a new crescendo of popularity for the region.

Last month, the home of the Bronte sisters, the picturesque Yorkshire village of Haworth, was hit with a tidal wave of tourists who had begun descending onto its tiny cobbled streets.

This week travel influencer Sophie, who boasts 62,300 followers, shared her video from a 'day spent on the moors in true Wuthering Heights style'

Warner Bros flew influencers out to stay at the luxurious Swinton Park Hotel, with Dutch TikToker Joann sharing a behind-the-scenes of her also being gifted posh Hunter wellies and Aspinal of London goodies for the occasion

Elsewhere, a few days ago, Emily Dawkins, who has 41,500 followers, wrapped up warm in a puffer coat and filmed herself 'fangirling on the moors'

And it wasn't just social media superstars  those with smaller, more curated followings, like Daniela from Portugal, visited the 'iconic moors of Wuthering Heights' to 'discover the beauty inspired by Emily Bronte's masterpiece'

To coincide with the premiere on February 13, brands descended on Yorkshire.

Warner Bros flew influencers out to stay at the luxurious Swinton Park Hotel, with Dutch TikToker Joann sharing a behind-the-scenes of her being gifted posh Hunter wellies and Aspinal of London goodies for the occasion.

Elsewhere, Airbnb launched an experience which allowed fans to book a stay in Cathy's Thrushcross Grange  just as it appears in Emerald Fennell's adaptation.

Speaking to The Times, staff at the Bronte Parsonage Museum revealed that they 'welcomed double the number of visitors this February half-term compared to the same time last year', and last weekend welcomed 590 visitors, 'a figure they would typically expect at the height of August'.

'Comments in the visitors book reveal that some people have been inspired to visit after seeing the film,' one worker shared. 'And we did spot a visitor last week channelling Margot Robbies look in the film, complete with ribbon-braided hair.'

Local traders also recently told the Daily Mail how they are drawing up plans for an unprecedented influx of day-trippers and holidaymakers from around the world  which experts estimate will bring in well over one million visitors by the end of the summer.

Not everyone seems happy. There are mutterings of 'overtourism' while the village's steep and narrow streets have long been plagued with parking chaos and traffic gridlock.

One local historian has also highlighted how some bewildered visitors have shown up assuming the village  which is home to 6,259 residents  is 'not real', believing it to be 'some sort of Disneyland'.

So-called 'set-jetters' may be disappointed to find not one scene of the new blockbuster starring Australian actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi was shot in Haworth, which sits eight miles from Bradford in West Yorkshire.

And there was no place in the movie for the 'wily, windy moors' that inspired Emily and her sisters Charlotte and Anne to write their classic novels.

Director Emerald Fennell instead used the wild landscapes of the North Yorkshire Dales as the backdrop for her portrayal of Heathcliff and Cathy's tempestuous and doomed love affair.

Yet that doesn't appear to have put anyone off. As the 'invasion' began, shopkeepers told how they are welcoming their new visitors with open arms at a time when many businesses in the region are battling for survival amid Britain's cost of living crisis.

Hayley Smith, who runs the artisan Riddle & Rind cheese shop in Haworth's historic Main Street, told the Daily Mail: 'We have been besieged by TikTok-era visitors. At one point, there were 30 or 40 up and down the street doing videos and asking questions.

'People who have read the books will come anyway but when it starts going onto the silver screen it is like Harry Potter.

'It has led to a tourism increase and I think it will in the future when people who have watched the film say "Oh yeah we will go to that place".

'Let's just hope they don't realise they did not film it here. They built a set up on the moors. I thought it was a bit strange.'

While Bronte purists may balk at Fennell's raunchy and loosely-based interpretation of Bronte's Gothic classic, Hayley, 55, insists the movie can only be 'a good thing'.

She added: 'There is a lot of conversation. There are two parties. Some people are open-minded and want to see the film, knowing it's not true to the original.

'It is like a modern interpretation. Others have slated it because they are not wearing the period dresses.

'But overall, it is good for Haworth because it is bringing people to the area  not just literary people.'

Jasmine Colgan, 23, of Writers' Bloc Eat Drink and Dream bar, said: 'It has led to an increase in tourism  including a lot of Americans and Chinese visitors.

'A lot of people have come to do the walks. I am from Haworth. I live just down the street so I am local and can see it has brought a lot of people in.

'Normally, January to March is the quietest period. A lot of shops normally close during the week.

'But because of the film coming out we have got quite an influx of people. So some businesses have opened up earlier.

Your browser does not support iframes.

'We are normally only open from Thursday to Sundays in winter but have opened up more because of the film and the school holidays.

'Being called Writers' Bloc, we have all the typewriters all over the place. We encourage people to write poems and pop them in the postbox.

'We have had discussions about the film as well.'

Sian Alison, who owns a boutique shop on Main Street selling handcrafted jewellery and Italian leather handbags, told how the movie was 'making a difference'.

She said: 'The inspiration for the film was here.

'A lot of people are coming in and talking about it. I have not seen it  I am going on Saturday.

'They are calling it a classic film. There is quite a buzz about it, which is great. My husband does the local ghost walks. So we love it.'
A Sydney mum-of-three has revealed the cosmetic treatments she says genuinely improved her skin in her 40s - along with the one procedure she tried once and vowed never to repeat.

Financial educator and entrepreneur Canna Campbell, 45, recently shared a refreshingly honest breakdown of the treatments she's had over the years, explaining that her approach has never been about trying to look younger, but about feeling confident in her own skin.

'None of this is about trying to look 25 again,' she told the Daily Mail.

'It's about embracing where I am in life, feeling good about myself and not letting something physical hold me back from living my life fully.'

Her journey into cosmetic treatments began partly out of curiosity, but also because of how dramatically skincare technology has evolved.

She said she was fascinated by the idea that modern treatments could undo some of the damage and 'regret' many Australians accumulate after years in the sun.

But the real catalyst came when changes around her eyes began affecting both her appearance and confidence.

Canna said her eyelids had gradually become heavier, giving her a permanently exhausted look that she struggled to ignore.

Sydney mum-of-three, Canna Campbell (pictured), has revealed the cosmetic treatments she says genuinely improved her skin in her mid-40s - along with the one procedure she tried once and vowed never to repeat. Pictured: Now at 45 years old

A financial educator and entrepreneur Canna, recently shared a refreshingly honest breakdown of the treatments she's had over the years in order to feel confident in her own skin, including a blepharoplasty - a cosmetic eyelid surgery to improve her hooded skin - and brow lift. Pictured: Post surgery

Before her surgery (pictured), Canna said her eyelids had gradually become heavier, giving her a permanently exhausted look that she struggled to ignore. Plus her surgeon had told her it was affecting her eyesight too

'I looked really tired and even a little bit sad,' she admitted.

'People kept asking if I was okay or telling me I looked exhausted, and eventually it started to make me feel that way too.'

After trying to brush off the comments for years, she eventually decided to explore treatment options.

'I came to a point where I thought, enough is enough  I'm not happy about this and there are safe options available, so why not look into them?'

That decision led her to undergo blepharoplasty, a cosmetic eyelid surgery, performed by an ophthalmic surgeon.

What started as a cosmetic consultation quickly revealed something more serious: she had actually lost some peripheral vision in one eye due to the excess skin.

'I originally booked in just for the bleph, but it turned out I'd actually lost sight in the corner of my right eye,' she said.

As a result, her surgeon performed a slight brow lift at the same time, which was a procedure that ended up restoring some of that vision.

Join the discussion Do YOU think cosmetic tweaks are the secret to ageing well or should people embrace the natural look?

Laser treatments also played a role in improving her complexion, although she emphasised that the expertise of the practitioner made a significant difference to zap her visible pigmentation and sun damage

Another treatment she had that delivered equally impressive results was Cosmelan, a professional depigmentation peel designed to treat sun damage and pigmentation

'Getting some of my sight back was pretty cool. Honestly, it was the best decision for me.'

Looking back, she now wishes she had spoken about the surgery more openly at the time.

'I was warned it might be a bit polarising to share, but after finally posting about it this week, I've had so many women reach out saying they felt exactly the same way and didn't know where to start.'

While the eyelid surgery dramatically refreshed her appearance, another treatment delivered equally impressive results: Cosmelan, a professional depigmentation peel designed to treat sun damage and pigmentation.

She first tried the treatment around eight years ago and said the results were striking.

Laser treatments also played a role in improving her complexion, although she emphasised that the expertise of the practitioner made a significant difference.

Canna admitted she tried lip filler once, but the result was so far from what she wanted giving a 'trout pout', that she quickly ruled it out forever. Now relies on cosmetic tattooing for her brows and lips, which she said gives her definition and colour even on makeup-free days

'Most laser treatments I tried barely touched my sunspots,' she said.

'But when Dr Natasha Cook treated my skin years ago it was a complete game changer,' and remarkably, the results lasted almost a decade.

Her sunspots only began creeping back eight years later  something she believes is understandable after multiple rounds of IVF, two pregnancies, breastfeeding and years living by the beach.

'I think that's incredible considering everything my skin has been through since then,' she said.

Not every cosmetic experiment has been a success, however, with Canna admitting she tried lip filler once, but the result was so far from what she wanted that she quickly ruled it out forever.

'I looked like a trout,' she laughed.

'Never again.'

Despite trying advanced procedures, Canna said her daily skincare routine is relatively simple with targeted serums for summer and winter and daily LED light therapy

Instead, she now relies on cosmetic tattooing for her brows and lips, which she said gives her definition and colour even on makeup-free days.

'It gives shape, colour and confidence without needing constant maintenance.'

However, of all the treatments she's tried, the eyelid surgery came with the most confronting recovery.

'I had bruising and little steri-strips across my eyelids. Honestly, I looked like I'd been through a few rounds with Mike Tyson.'

To avoid frightening children while she healed, she wore sunglasses whenever she went out.

'But once I told people what I'd done, they were incredibly curious and supportive. It actually opened up a lot of really honest conversations.'

Despite trying advanced procedures, Canna said her daily skincare routine today is relatively simple.

Alongside skincare, she incorporates facial massage and buccal treatments into her routine to boost circulation and relaxation. 'Facial massage improves blood flow and glow, and sometimes it results in a very nice accidental power nap' she added

She uses a basic cleanser and moisturiser, choosing instead to invest in targeted serums prescribed by a skin therapist who analyses her skin and adjusts treatments based on seasonal changes.

'Your skin changes throughout the year, so what works in summer doesn't necessarily work in winter, especially when you're around heating and fireplaces.'

Alongside skincare, she incorporates red light therapy, facial massage and buccal treatments into her routine to boost circulation and relaxation.

'Facial massage improves blood flow and glow, and sometimes it results in a very nice accidental power nap.'

As the founder of a financial education platform, Canna is also careful about how she approaches the cost of cosmetic treatments.

She insisted she never finances procedures and always saves for them first.

As the founder of a financial education platform, Canna is always careful about how she approaches the cost of cosmetic treatments. She insists she always saves for them first. 'I always pay for treatments upfront and I would never put them on buy-now-pay-later or a credit card'

'I always pay for treatments upfront and I would never put them on buy-now-pay-later or a credit card.'

In fact, she often delays booking procedures after researching them  something she said has saved her from wasting money in the past.

'Sometimes that pause makes you realise you don't actually want or need the treatment after all.'

'Financial stress isn't good for the soul, or your skin,' she said.

She believes it's possible to enjoy beauty and fashion while still being financially responsible and independent.

Now 45, Canna said ageing well is less about chasing youth and more about feeling comfortable and confident in herself when she walks out her front door.

And for women in their 40s considering cosmetic treatments, she said patience and research are essential.

'Don't do anything impulsively. Talk to people who've had the treatment, understand the risks and costs, and make sure it aligns with what you actually want to achieve.'

'Approach it the same way you would any investment  only commit once you truly understand what you're getting into.'
Walking to work over Westminster Bridge, even after 11 years in parliament, Naz Shah MP still has to pinch herself.

Given the size and number of the obstacles thrown in her way, how has she found herself at the heart of the nations political powerhouse?

This, after all, is a woman whose family shared one bedroom in Bradford; who left school aged 12, was forced into marriage at 15, and then became homeless when her beloved mother was jailed for killing the man who had raped and pimped her.

The resilience she has shown, having also mounted a successful campaign to have her mothers prison sentence reduced  and raised three children as a single mum along the way  is remarkable.

The 52-year-old Labour MP for Bradford West plays it down, however. I was just coping, living, surviving, she insists.

Putting one foot in front of the other and living for the day, no plans for the future. Just fighting the fight. You have no time to think that youre resilient because its the kind of default position.

Naz is quick to give credit for her achievements to the opportunities afforded her by Britain, the country her parents moved to after emigrating from Pakistan before she was born.

Im very patriotic and owe so much to my country, she says. Im proud that a girl from my background can get to be a Member of Parliament in Britain, something that couldnt happen in Pakistan, where you have to be from a big political dynasty.

Yes it took resilience, drive and being in the right place at the right time, but my country gave me these opportunities. I am one of the luckiest women you will meet.

The resilience she has shown is remarkable. Naz Shah plays it down, however. I was just coping, living, surviving, she insists

Naz is sharing the story of her extraordinary life with me after writing a memoir, Honoured: Survival, Strength and My Path to Politics.

Given it recounts the darkest moments, not only of her life, but also of her mothers  who was raped, beaten, had abortions and suffered sexually transmitted diseases, before serving time in HMP Durham with notorious killers Myra Hindley and Rosemary West  much thought, and family discussion, went into the decision to publish.

Theres a strong tradition within Islam that painful events should be left alone, in the past, says Naz, a glamorous woman with a mane of glossy, highlighted hair, who admits to being too vain to wear a hijab. And yet, there is also a powerful spiritual command to be truthful, always.

If telling my story helps another kid out there think: Well, if she can do it, I can do it, itll be worth it.

The reflecting, and retelling, however, came at considerable personal cost to Naz, who had a breakdown in early 2024. Diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), she took several weeks off work to recover  before stepping out onto the Hustings once more and winning re-election in 2024.

When theres a challenge, instead of stepping back, I step into it, she says. Im not great at self-compassion, and sometimes my body just says no. But its my survival instinct, and its come in very handy.

In contrast with the majority of MPs, more than a third of whom attended either private or selective state schools, its difficult to imagine a more inauspicious start in life than Nazs. One of her earliest memories, aged four, is seeing her abusive father hitting her mother  who had been brought over from Pakistan for an arranged marriage and spoke no English  and dragging her around by her plait.

When Naz was six, her father walked out on the family, leaving her, her brother Amrahz, aged three, and pregnant mother Zoora for the 16-year-old daughter of a neighbour.

His behaviour brought such shame on the Shahs, destroying their all-important izzat  honour or social reputation in Urdu  that, instead of being given much-needed support, the family was shunned by relatives and friends.

Somehow, instead of being seen as victims abandoned by the households sole breadwinner, they were considered guilty by association.

Naz recalls having to grow up really fast from the moment my dad left us.

As well as being an interpreter for her illiterate mother, she helped with her younger siblings. The family moved 14 times over the next four years, all four of them sleeping in one room.

We shifted ourselves and our belongings from one damp, rat-infested home to another while Mum was constantly trying to rent better places, recalls Naz.

Often, we were all living in a single room with rising damp, the loo in the backyard. If we moved to a house, we rarely ever slept upstairs as we couldnt afford to heat it.

Their living conditions were so bad that Naz and her brother developed tuberculosis and were repeatedly hospitalised.

Admitting to once having hated her father, who died from cancer in 2003, Naz now says she has forgiven him. Or at least: I dont feel anything for him. I dont feel any love or miss him. I feel numb.

Another thing her fathers absence did was leave Nazs mother Zoora, who managed to find work caring for disabled children, vulnerable to predators. A couple of years after he left, a married local businessman, Mohammed Azam, who the Shah children called Uncle Azam, came into their lives.

Zoora had been unable to secure a mortgage so he agreed that, if she funded the deposit with the profits from the sale of her wedding jewellery and paid him rent, he would take one out in his name on a house where she, Naz, then ten, and her siblings could live.

Azam brought groceries, including sweets, from the cash-and-carry he owned  but unbeknown to Naz, he was not the generous saviour he painted himself to be.

It all came at a terrible price for Zoora, whom he repeatedly raped and hit, often while her children were downstairs doing homework. When he was sent to prison for dealing heroin, he pimped her out to other men, who also raped and punched her, in exchange for prison privileges including cigarettes and extra food.

Zoora Shah, Naz's mother who was convicted of killing Mohammed Azam by poisoning

Zoora never once complained about the abuse she suffered, doing everything she could to shield her children from it. But Naz recalls her mother frequently crying and rocking back and forth, lost in her misery.

She was out of control, alone and unable to call out to a single soul, says Naz. Once or twice, I confronted Mum. Who were these men? But I was always met with her silent refusal to engage with my concerns.

Heartbreakingly, Zoora believed it was her duty to tolerate rape, violence, poverty and the disdain of her community to enable her three children to thrive.

In 1986, when Naz was 12, Azam threatened to turn his abusive attentions to her, so she was sent to stay with family in rural north-east Pakistan. Having been told it was just a holiday, Naz was unable to return for three years, by which time, aged 15, she had been tricked into marrying a cousin, Mazhar. A year later, he joined her in the family home in Bradford.

When Naz was 18, her desperate mother killed her persecutor Azam. Indeed Naz helped her mother prepare what turned out to be a fatal meal for him, unaware that Zoora had sprinkled arsenic into his samosa starter and gajrela, a carrot-based pudding.

At first it was thought Azam had died from complications caused by gastroenteritis  and there it might have rested.

But his wife, to whom he was still married despite his use and abuse of Zoora, raised her suspicions with the coroners office and even provided a sample of his vomit.

Following an investigation, during which Azams body was exhumed, Zoora was charged with murder and the family was ostracised.

People stared at us in the street if we ever ventured out, says Naz. With her mother in prison on remand, Naz, at the age of just 18, was responsible for her brother, who was 15. Ominously, her sister, 11, had recently been sent to stay with family in Pakistan.

Struggling with it all, in a moment of desperation, Naz took an overdose of medication. Rushed to hospital, she had her stomach pumped and mercifully recovered.

In December 1993, Naz, then 20, watched alone from the public gallery at Leeds Crown Court as her mother was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Having lost their home, which formed part of Azams estate, it was decided that her brother Amrahz should also fly to Pakistan to stay with family.

This left Naz, by then separated from Mazhar, sofa-surfing and even, on occasion, sleeping in squats and crack dens run by people she met while visiting Zoora in prison.

So unbearable did her life seem that Naz attempted suicide once again.

It was while coming round in hospital from this second overdose that she had something of an epiphany. Realising she couldnt abandon her mother and siblings, Naz somehow found the astonishing inner strength that has propelled her on ever since.

Working initially as an administrative assistant for a mortgage company and saving every penny, she was able to pay for her siblings return flights to Britain. She took on the role of their legal guardian and organised a council flat where they could all live.

These were challenging times, but Nazs biggest fight  to get her mother out of prison  began in 1995.

Shame had prevented Zoora, who had denied the murder charge, talking about her abuse in court. However, with the support of two feminist campaign groups  Southall Black Sisters, led by Pragna Patel, and Justice for Women  Naz was able to piece it together, launch petitions and lobby parliament.

Pragna was keen to probe the depths of Mums story, the horrific abuse she had suffered at Azams hands, the numerous abortions, the sexually transmitted diseases, the pimping out of her body, says Naz.

It emerged that Zoora had sourced the arsenic in Pakistan, believing old folklore that said a small dose would safely lower a mans libido. She had not meant to poison him.

In 1998, they applied to have the charge against her reduced from murder to manslaughter at the Court of Appeal  but were unsuccessful.

Protesters outside the High Court in 1998 in support of reducing the sentence of Zoora Shah

Naz, left, with her sister Foz outside the High Court during an appeal for their mother's charge in 1998

Naz says the judges failed to grasp the complexities of Zooras situation, concluding she could have reported Azam to the police.

However, in 2000, after further lobbying, the then Home Secretary Jack Straw reduced Zooras sentence from 20 years to 12. She was finally released in 2006.

By then, Naz had happily remarried  to Lee, a laidback liberal Muslim of Afghan heritage, whom she met on a blind date.

Their daughter, Leyana, was three and Naz was pregnant with Aydan. Raese would follow four years later.

While describing her relationship with Lee as the first normal one shed had  the arranged marriage to Mazhar having felt anything but  the couple separated before Naz was elected an MP.

The day I stop reminding myself where Ive come from, thats the day Ill hang up my MP ambitions, says the Labour MP for Bradford

Although not especially active in politics, Naz was well-known locally, thanks to her campaigning over her mothers sentencing. In 2014, when Labour drew up an all-women shortlist to take on the then-MP George Galloway and his Respect party, she was an obvious candidate.

She won with an 11,420 majority; she couldnt move for people eager to congratulate her.

An old saying sprang to mind: success has many fathers, where failure remains an orphan. Never a truer phrase was uttered, she recalls in her book.

And what better way for Naz to restore her familys honour within the community than becoming the local MP. It is a far cry from the days when the Shahs were so thoroughly shunned.

She pauses to reflect on this, as if for the first time.

The important thing is changing hearts and minds; not throwing a community under the bus, but taking it with you, says Naz.

But the day I stop reminding myself where Ive come from, thats the day Ill hang up my MP ambitions.

Given all that this remarkable woman has to offer, that would be a very sad day indeed.

Honoured: Survival, Strength and My Path to Politics, by Naz Shah (22, W&N), is out now.
The biggest night in Hollywood is just around the corner - and stars are set to pull out all the stops at this year's Oscars.

One of the most exciting parts of the Academy Awards is when the A-list guests descend upon the red carpet decked out from head to toe in designer ensembles, often promising a series of wild and memorable fashion moments.

But what's more is the fabulous jewels that many celebrities will be sporting, from necklaces that are dripping in diamonds to huge emerald rings and ruby bracelets.

Sometimes, the jewelry worn by celebrities is so expensive that a security guard hired by the jeweler will accompany the star throughout the night to ensure nothing happens to the precious gems.

This year's guest list is expected to include many of the nominees, like Timothee Chalamet and Michael B Jordan, who have both been nominated for Best Actor, as well as Emma Stone and Kate Hudson, who are both up for Best Actress.

The awards show is taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien for the second year in a row.

And while the competition is stiff ahead of Sunday's ceremony, so is the crown for best dressed, as the stars don designer outfits and thousands of dollars worth of accessories.

Here, the Daily Mail has rounded up the biggest and most luxurious jewels ever worn to the Oscars awards - as we anticipate who will shine brightest this year.

In 2019, Lady Gaga sported a $30 million, 128.54-carat diamond necklace once worn by Audrey Hepburn

Lady Gaga's necklace featured over 100 carats of white diamonds, decorated in different sizes around the neck, and a giant yellow diamond hanging at the center

Gaga, who won an Oscar that year for Best Original Song in the movie A Star is Born, wore her hair in a coiffed updo and a simple, black Alexander McQueen gown to show off the amazing stones

It was last worn in 1961 by Audrey Hepburn when she shot promotional photos for the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's

The most expensive piece of jewelry ever worn at the Oscars was in 2019, as Lady Gaga donned a 128.54-carat diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co, worth an estimated $30 million.

The gorgeous piece was pulled from the archives, as it was last worn in 1961 by Audrey Hepburn during promotional photos for the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's.

The necklace featured more than 100 carats of white diamonds, decorated in different sizes around the neck, and a giant yellow diamond hanging at the center.

Lady Gaga, who won an Oscar that year for Best Original Song in the movie A Star is Born, wore her hair in a coiffed updo and a simple, black Alexander McQueen gown to show off the amazing stones.

Tiffany & Co founder Charles Lewis Tiffany found the stone himself in South Africa in 1877 and acquired it the following year.

According to People, Gaga wore the necklace for the entire evening, but was pulled over by Tiffany's security to remove it when she tried to go and get Taco Bell as a late-night snack.

Madonna sported $20 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds for the Oscars in 1991

For her look, Madonna was dripping in diamonds, sporting a scalloped necklace, dangling earrings, and layers of bracelets

Material Girl icon Madonna arrived at the 1991 Academy Awards show wearing $20 million worth of diamonds made by Harry Winston.

For her look, Madonna was dripping in diamonds, sporting a scalloped necklace, dangling earrings, and layers of bracelets.

The diamonds shone so brightly that they sparkled in every photo taken that evening.

The iconic Harry Winston has been popular with members of high society over the decades, including Kate Middleton and the late Princess Diana.

That night, Madonna channeled her best Marilyn Monroe, pairing the jewelry with a strapless, ivory, bedazzled evening gown, white elbow-length gloves, and a white fur stole.

She styled her blonde hair in tight curls and put on a red lip for the occasion.

Gloria Stuart wore a $20 million, 15-carat necklace to the awards in 1998

In 1998, Gloria Stuart wore a gorgeous necklace valued at around $20 million made by Harry Winston to the awards show

While attending the 1998 Academy Awards, the late actress Gloria Stuart donned a $20 million sapphire-and-diamond necklace designed by Harry Winston.

The A-lister, who played Rose Dawson Calvert in The Titanic in 1997, wore the piece, which was a replica of Rose's 'Heart of the Ocean' necklace, according to TIME.

The beautiful arrangement featured diamonds around the neckline, with a large 15-carat blue sapphire pendant hanging in the middle, surrounded by even more stones.

That wasn't the only accessory she wore, though. Stuart, who passed in 2010, also sported a diamond pinky ring and diamond stud earrings that evening.

At the time, the star, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, paired the piece with a deep blue silk suit.

Cate Blanchett arrived at the 2014 Oscars in $18 million worth of Chopard jewels

In 2014, actress Cate Blanchett wore around $18 million worth of Chopard jewelry to the big bash

The look included giant opal earrings and an elaborate diamond bracelet

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In 2014, actress Cate Blanchett wore an estimated $18 million worth of Chopard jewelry, which included opal earrings, a diamond bracelet, and a diamond ring.

The earrings, which featured a gorgeous drop pendant, were made of 62 opals in total, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The bracelet was quite unique, as it appeared to have two strands of diamonds on it.

Blanchett's entire look that evening was extremely expensive, as she paired the diamonds and jewels with a high-neck, beaded gown from Armani Prive worth $100,000.

The dress included silver, gold and white beading.

She won Best Actress that year for her role in Blue Jasmine.

Anne Hathaway paired a bold red look with a $10 million Tiffany & Co necklace in 2011

In 2011, actress Anne Hathaway wore a diamond Tiffany necklace that was worth an estimated $10 million

Hathaway was a co-host at the 2011 Academy Awards

In 2011, as one of the co-hosts of the Academy Awards, actress Anne Hathaway wore a stunning diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co., estimated to be worth $10 million.

The 94-carat, platinum-set necklace, called the Tiffany Lucida Star, featured large diamonds throughout, surrounded by even smaller ones.

Hathaway showed it off as she wore her hair in an elegant updo, leaving two strands of hair framing her face.

She matched the beautiful necklace with a bright red, strapless dress by Valentino, which was decorated with a large train at the back.

Besides the glittering necklace, she kept it simple, wearing only one ring that evening.

Nicole Kidman's custom, $7 million L'Wren Scott necklace in 2008

In 2008, Nicole Kidman wore a custom piece made for her by L'Wren Scott

For the 2008 Oscars, Nicole Kidman wore an entirely custom necklace designed for her by L'Wren Scott, which was worth an estimated $7 million.

The flowing, multi-layered necklace featured more than 7,500 diamonds, which she showed off with now ex-husband Keith Urban by her side.

She wore it wrapped around her neck, and then left two layers laying across her chest.

Kidman, who was pregnant at the time with daughter Sunday Rose, paired the bold diamonds with a silky black Balenciaga gown.

Sandra Bullock wore over $8 million worth of jewels at the 2014 Oscars - including a pricey diamond bracelet

Sandra Bullock wore Lorraine Schwartz jewelry to the 2014 Oscar awards, including a diamond bracelet worth $6.4 million

The earrings were worth 1.8 million, featuring an intricate design going up her earlobes

Actress Sandra Bullock wore a gorgeous array of diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz to the 2014 Oscar Awards, where she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Gravity.

While Cate Blanchett won the award that evening, Bullock shone in a gorgeous diamond bracelet worth $6.4 million, according to Elle Magazine.

The bracelet was designed to look like a thick bangle. The amount of carats on the piece was not reported at the time.

Bullock also wore a pair of very unique diamond earrings that evening, rumored to be worth around $1.8 million.

The earrings, which were designed to crawl up her ears, featured clusters of pear-cut diamonds.

In total, the entire lot of jewelry was worth $8.2 million.

She tied the elegant look together with a strapless, silky, navy-blue dress by Alexander McQueen, her hair in an elegant side part.

Priyanka Chopra sported Lorraine Schwartz earrings worth $3.2 million alone in 2016

Priyanka Chopra's earrings were made of naturally white metal and eternal platinum, totaling 50 carats

In 2016, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas arrived on the red carpet in an absolutely stunning pair of drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, worth $3.2 million.

The earrings were made of naturally white metal and eternal platinum, totaling 50 carats.

They featured a large, round gem attached to a dangling, teardrop-cut jewel.

She brought the look together with a beautiful white lace gown designed by Zuhair Murad.

The strapless dress featured sheer detailing on the skirt, adding another touch of sophisticated elegance.

Charlize Theron showcased a $5 million marquise-cut Tiffany & Co diamond in 2020

In 2020, Charlize Theron sported a $5 million, marquise-cut diamond by Tiffany and Co

The necklace totaled 165 stones and she paired it with diamond studs in her ears

In 2020, Charlize Theron sported a stunning diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co., which showed off a beautiful marquise-cut diamond that was worth an estimated $5 million.

The actual diamond itself was 21 carats, while the rest of the necklace featured an additional 5 carats in diamonds and was set in platinum, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The necklace was extremely elegant, and she paired the look with diamond studs in her ears and a black silk Dior Haute Couture gown.

The intricate gown featured an off-the-shoulder sculpted neckline and a large slit in the thigh.

Kate Winslet donned a custom-made piece worth $2.5 million in 2010

Kate Winslet's intricate necklace was made of 10 carats and featured a drop-down pendant showing off a gorgeous yellow diamond

The top of the piece was designed in a chain pattern, and she wore matching yellow diamond earrings

While gracing the red carpet at the 2010 Academy Awards, Kate Winslet showed up in a custom-made, yellow diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co worth an estimated $2.5 million.

The intricate necklace was made of 10 carats and featured a drop-down pendant showing off a gorgeous yellow diamond.

The top of the piece was designed in a chain pattern, and she wore matching yellow diamond earrings.

Winslet completed her look with an Old-Hollywood theme, wearing her blonde hair in a curled side part and a strapless, silver silk Yves Saint Laurent gown.
A Chinese car brand has won the race to launch the first new electric vehicle powered by 'game-changing' battery technology.

MG, the once-British brand now ran by Shanghai's SAIC, has debuted its new 4X hatchback in China, which is the first new mass-production EV to use cutting-edge 'semi-solid-state' batteries.

Solid state batteries are seen as the key to unlocking incredible performance from EVs and overcome many - if not all - hurdles preventing the mass transition to electric cars.

They promise significantly shorter charging times, much-improved efficiency in colder temperatures, and enormous ranges compared to electric models on sale today. And they should be safer too.

As such, car makers are investing heavily with battery suppliers in a bid to introduce the technology as quickly as possible to gain an advantage on the competition.

But while MG's new family car - which is initially only sold in China - appears to have gotten over the line first, its range isn't all that impressive...

The MHG4X is the first mass-produced electric car powered by semi-solid-state batteries. But while the tech is expected to unlock the transition to EVs, the MG's range is relatively modest

A full technical breakdown of the tech underpinning the MG 4X is sparse for now, but the Chinese manufacturer has confirmed its full charge driving capabilities.

But it's hardly a figure that will make Britons want to trade in their trusty petrol and diesel motors.

MG says it will be good for up to 317 miles.

Given there are seven cars already on sale that can exceed 450 miles - two of which offering 500 miles plus - it's hardly what you'd call groundbreaking.

Then there's also the fact the 317-mile claim is based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which is typically 10 to 15 per cent more optimistic about ranges than the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure used for type approval in Europe.

This means the true 'official' range - if lab tested in Europe - could be closer to 270 miles... and even less under real-world driving conditions.

But while its range is relatively modest - given similarly sized EVs in showrooms today, like the Kia EV4 and VW ID.3, are already capable of well over 350 miles on the WLTP cycle - there are areas where the tech delivers vast improvements.

The most notable of all are reduced weight and significantly shorter charging times, with claims that upping the battery from 30 to 80 per cent charge takes just 21 minutes.

With MG recently facelifting the 4 and launching the cheaper MG4 Urban in Britain, there is no news on whether the 4X will be made available to UK customers.

That said, its battery tech could be retrofitted into the less expensive version on sale here, with bosses previously stating that the MG4 Urban will be compatible with its semi-solid-state batteries.

While the 317-mile claimed range is far from groundbreaking, MG's new battery tech in the MG4X has reduced overall vehicle weight and shortened charging times

Solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte that allows for faster movement of ions and a greater tolerance of high voltages and temperatures.

This makes them more suitable than existing lithium-ion batteries for rapid charging and discharging.

It also means lighter and more compact battery packaging, which should deliver a combination of improved range efficiency, road handling and cabin space.

Solid-state batteries should also have safety benefits over today's conventional lithium-ion units. This is because they eliminate the flammable liquid electrolyte, which should limit the risk of battery fires.

The first production-ready full solid-state battery was debuted earlier this year by Finnish company, Donut Lab.

Its claimed to deliver nearly 600km (373 miles) of range from a full charge in just 10 minutes in the Verge TS Pro motorcycle.

It too has showcased a functional prototype skateboard drivetrain - a lightweight EV platform that combines electric hub motors and solid-state battery technology - at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The world's biggest car seller, Toyota, has previously claimed that solid-state-battery EVs will become mainstream around 2030, when the Government is expected to impose a ban on sales of conventional new petrol and diesel cars.
The search for safe havens in troubled times has a new focus  the Halo companies.

This is the recently coined Wall Street acronym for long-established 'heavy asset, low obsolescence' businesses in defence, engineering, utilities, infrastructure and property on whose goods and services we depend.

Halo category companies range from the aircraft engine supplier GE Aerospace to Walt Disney.

UK businesses are also in the grouping. Not so long ago, these businesses tended to be seen as dinosaurs, outdated and outshone by the tech stars of Silicon Valley.

Now the Halo companies are regarded as relevant again  and the place to invest now, in the opinion of Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street players.

Fund managers on this side of the Atlantic are also now embracing 'the Halo trade'.

This enthusiasm is based on some fundamentals. Halo companies may operate in diverse fields.

But they are united in some respects. Their balance sheets are strong, their cash flow is good and they are felt to be well-protected against competition.

Heavens above: The search for safe havens in troubled times has a new focus  the Halo companies

They share another key advantage. Huge disruption is being wrought by artificial intelligence (AI), but the Halo companies should be relatively immune to this wrecking ball.

As one fund manager said: 'You can't ask AI to build a supermarket or a data centre.'

Your portfolio, as this column said last week, could get a boost from the 'AI adopters', the businesses successfully deploying AI.

But, as Jason Hollands of Bestinvest argues, Halo stocks are another key defensive strategy at present for those looking to reduce risk.

Kate Marshall of broker Hargreaves Lansdown points out that the objective now is to locate companies 'whose business models will remain resilient  regardless of how technology evolves'.

If share price volatility caused by the war in the Middle East is causing you to reassess your portfolio, here's how to go back to the future with the Halo names.

Mice work if you can get it: Halo picks being drawn up by Bank of America and the rest feature US corporations such as Walt Disney

The US Halos

The Halo picks being drawn up by Bank of America and the rest feature US corporations such as pipe maker Advanced Drainage Systems, tractor giant John Deere, GE Aerospace, fast-food chain McDonald's and Walt Disney.

Ohio-based Advanced Drainage embodies the attributes of a Halo company.

When Lauren Taylor Wolfe, boss of the US fund management group Impactive Capital, took a stake in Advanced Drainage late last year, she pointed out (in graphic terms) that the AI system ChatGPT could not replicate the functions of Advanced Drainage's sewage and storm water solutions.

Advanced Drainage shares stand at $137, 31 per cent higher than a year ago, but brokers rate them a 'buy', with an average target price of $197. Walt Disney, whose empire encompasses Pixar, cruise ships and Disney Plus, is also considered to be a 'buy', a view that comes as a relief to long-suffering shareholders like me.

The shares have tumbled by almost 50 per cent over the past five years to $100, but the average analysts' target price is $130, reflecting hopes that visitors may flock to the Disney theme parks to escape dispiriting war news.

Also included in the Wall Street Halo lists are oil giants such as ExxonMobil and Occidental.

Not so long ago the drive to reduce reliance on fossil fuels threatened to leave oil companies assets 'stranded'. War in the Middle East has brought about a realisation that we may need Big Oil's products for, perhaps, decades to come.

The UK Halos

The suspicion that the requirement for fossil fuels will continue explains why BP figures among the UK Halo stocks. Its shares are up 22 per cent this year to 534.3p.

This means it makes sense to see if this stock is among the holdings in your funds and trusts, along with the other UK Halo shares.

These include construction group Balfour Beatty, National Grid, which is the operator of the nation's electricity transmission network; mining company Rio Tinto; and the water company Severn Trent.

Balfour Beatty shares are 71 per cent higher than a year ago following this week's bumper profits and news of its record 22.7billion order book crammed with American and British energy projects.

Among them are the Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C nuclear power stations. Brokers see Balfour Beatty, which stands at 754p, as a 'buy', with one targeting a rise to 850p.

Rio Tinto shares have been hit by recent volatility, but as one fund manager remarked: 'You can't ask an AI system, whether it's ChatGPT from OpenAI or Claude from Anthropic, to dig and run a copper mine, can you?'

Thanks to this, Rio Tinto shares are a 'hold'.

The environmental record of the water companies may be atrocious, but we cannot live without these utilities  which is why analysts also see Severn Trent as a 'hold'.

Some investors may be tempted to cash in their gains on the Halo defence companies, such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

Such is the uncertainty over the outlook in the Middle East that this would seem precipitate.

Yet it's worth noting that 'low obsolescence' attributes could be challenged.

The conflict has highlighted the efficiency of cheaply-produced drones, raising questions over the viability of some expensive weapon systems.

The Halo Funds

THE disparate nature of what qualifies as a Halo stock means that it may be easier to opt for a fund or trusts.

Marshall selects BNY Mellon US Equity Income whose holdings include ExxonMobil and other energy and industrials, rather than the technology titans that dominate so many US funds.

She also likes BlackRock Continental European Income which has a stake in Schneider Electric, the French group which makes the cooling equipment essential for data centres, the vast structures that supply computing power for AI.

Ben Yearsley of fund experts Fairview Investing points out that property companies own buildings which are hard assets, with low obsolescence.

He said: 'Let's remember that, if a property is not serving its original use, it can be repurposed.'

He suggests Schroder Global Cities Real Estate and the TR Property trust.

Hollands likes the Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Equity fund which invests in airport operators, railway companies and the likes of Vinci, the French corporation which operates bridges, roads and motorways in 13 countries.

Hollands also suggests the 3i Infrastructure trust which backs energy transition, fibre optic cable networks, logistics and transport businesses.

I put some money into this trust a while ago, trying to lower my exposure to tech.

The Halo term had yet to be invented. Its emergence now is a reminder that the companies that are the mainstay of our existence could be a shelter, however the future unfolds.
Britains car industry was plunged into a row over Labours net zero goals yesterday as a demand to water down electric vehicle targets urgently was rejected by the government.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), an industry body, said quotas forcing car makers to sell more EVs had proved over ambitious amid slowing demand.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: The current approach is clearly not working for cars. The mandate is too far ahead of the consumer and its in danger of damaging our industry significantly.

It comes after the European Union scaled back its EV targets and the US ditched them altogether.

EV makers have rejected the call from car firms to water down Labour's targets

But transport minister Keir Mather insisted that the transition to electric is on track while EV makers urged Labour to resist scaling back its goals.

Latest industry figures, produced by the SMMT, suggest growth in demand for EVs is slowing.

But car makers are being forced to meet government targets to increase the proportion of new cars that they sell that produce zero emissions.

That was 22 per cent in 2024 and 28pc in 2025, rising to 33 per cent this year and hitting 80pc by 2030.

The SMMT said car makers had until now battled to keep up with the so-called ZEV mandate by subsidising EV prices to the tune of 10bn over the past two years and using flexibilities such as selling high volumes of plug-in hybrid vehicles - but said this was unsustainable.

In 2025 battery electric vehicles accounted for just 23.4 per cent of new car registrations, below the 28 per cent requirement.

The SMMT said the gap between demand and the targets risked damaging the UKs attractiveness as a vehicle market and a manufacturing base for car makers.

And hopes of achieving the goals have been undermined by rising raw material costs and energy prices, which mean the cost of making electric cars has not come down as hoped.

At the same time, the cost of public charging has surged and targets to install chargepoints have not been met, the SMMT said.

A government review of the ZEV mandate is due to be published early next year.

But Hawes said: We cant wait until 2027, we need it reviewed now and resolved now. Without change the sector, the economy, mobility and decarbonisation itself are in jeopardy.

However, transport minister Mather insisted that the current timeline was the right point to make sure that we can test properly where the pressure points lie.

And Tanya Sinclair, boss of trade body Electric Vehicles UK, said: Asking government to slow the rollout of EVs goes against what drivers want and risks reducing choice just as demand is growing.

Weakening the ZEV mandate will not stop the transition. It will only leave the companies calling for it further behind.
The boss of Debenhams has urged the Government to fast-track a crackdown on a tax loophole that helps Chinese giants such as Shein and Temu.

UK retailers want to block foreign firms posting parcels to the UK worth up to 135 without paying tax.

Rachel Reeves intends to review the de minimis loophole but has said doing so might take as long as until March 2029.

Dan Finley, chief executive of online retailer Debenhams Group, whose brands also include Coast and Dorothy Perkins, said Labours delay means there is not a level playing field for British firms.

Tax loophole: Retailers are urging Labour to tackle the 'de minimis' rules that help discounters like Shein

A consultation into the issue closed last week. UK retailers are also grappling with higher taxes and war in the Middle East looms large over already weak consumer confidence.

Finley said: The decision to close the de minimis loophole was a welcome step, but we would have preferred a much shorter timeline.

The US delivered a similar change in just nine months, and delaying implementation until 2029 means lost revenue for the UK and continued unfairness in the market.

But he said that changing the rules would finally level the playing field on safety, compliance and tax for everyone.

His calls echo those of George Weston, the boss of Primark owner Associated British Foods, who last month blasted Labours unacceptable dithering on the matter as the High Street suffers.

Weston said the Government should copy the EU, which is introducing a fee for imports worth 150 or less this year - before it introduces permanent reforms from July 2028.

Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), agreed that the UK should introduce a customs handling charge as an interim measure.

He said that too much damage will be done to UK shops and high streets if we do not do it quicker.
Terrifying tactics, nail-biting roundtables and Claudia Winkleman's outfits have all attracted millions of viewers to television programme The Traitors.

At the same time, it has inspired a surge in the number of small businesses in the area where it is filmed, new data suggestes.

The constituency of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in the Highlands, home to filming venue Ardross Castle, has seen a surge in microbusiness activity since season 2 of The Traitors aired in January 2024, according to figures from website building company GoDaddy.

The constituency's microdensity score - which maps the concentration of small business owners against the local population - has climbed from 0.65 before the first series aired to 0.99 today.

It suggest increased tourism to the area is driving demand for experiences, accommodation and locally-run businesses.

Business boost: The Traitors has prompted a surge of activity in the Highlands

Separate statistics from the Scottish Government show that 28 per cent of small businesses in the area are in tourism-related industries, including restaurants.

The figures show that the number of tourism businesses grew by 4 per cent overall last year, faster than any other sector.

GoDaddy's data shows that neighbouring constituencies have also secured an uplift in microbusinesses.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey saw activity jump 76 per cent, whilst Ross, Skye and Lochaber grew 66 per cent.

Alexandra Rosen, economist and head of GoDaddy's small business research lab, said: 'Major TV moments can act like an economic spark for the places they spotlight.

'While the business of filming provides a short-term boost to local economies, the real opportunity lies as viewers become inspired to visit and book experiences to get a taste of what they have seen on screen, or local residents become inspired to pursue passions and fulfil local and widespread demands.'

A similar trend occurred in Calder Valley, the setting for BBC drama Happy Valley, which was the fastest-growing constituency for small businesses in 2023.

Highland small business growth is matching, and in some cases outpacing, that of key economic centres, including Glasgow South West (+69 per cent) and Leeds Central (+44 per cent).

It is also beating growth seen in rural areas, such as Perth and North Perthshire (+52 per cent) and Scarborough and Whitby (+50 per cent), although their microbusiness density scores are higher at 1.58 and 1.22, respectively.

GoDaddy and Frontier Economics say that just a 10 per cent growth of digital microbusinesses in an area can hike median annual pay by 360.

It also adds 5.1 additional jobs per thousand residents and over 26million in additional GDP for a typical local authority.
It could have been seen as the ultimate betrayal  a husband whose wife is about to give birth starts an affair with the male OB/GYN who was due to deliver the baby!

But Rachel Marie Miller Sanders knew life had to go on, and after getting over the initial shock she forgave both men, and even insisted the doctor should go ahead with the plans to help with the birth of her baby girl.

And now, 22 years later, Rachel, her new husband, her daughter, another girl she had with her new husband, and the two men are still all close friends, even calling themselves a 'beautiful blended family'.

'I pretty much felt every emotion, but mostly I was heartbroken. He was my best friend,' Rachel, now 49, told the Daily Mail about her husband's affair with Matt Peterson, 54.

'The betrayal hurt on so many levels. I didn't blame him for being gay. I felt like he was a victim of the societal pressures of trying to come across as "normal". I also believe a person is not defined by their mistakes,' she said.

'Maybe that made it easier to forgive the affair, but realistically, I still loved and still cared about him.'

Rachel, a property manager and part-time sheep farmer, from Boon, North Carolina, had been married to Jason Miller, 51, for five years when she learned the truth about her husband.

Rachel Marie Miller Sanders, 49, had been married to her husband for five years when they found out she was pregnant with their daughter, but four months later, she would receive devastating news that he had an affair with their male doctor

Jason Miller, 51, had suppressed that he was gay for his entire life when he met his colleague Matt Peterson, 54. The two and their wives would often get together before their affair began

'I knew the only way we could successfully raise our child together would be for me to work through the hurt and find a way to forgive. This doesn't mean it was always easy, but we made it work,' she said.

Rachel later tied the knot with a new man named David, and the two have now been married for 17 years, co-parenting alongside Jason.

Jason, a healthcare administrator from Atlanta, Georgia, said: 'The three of us sat on the same couch and we had a conversation.

'She shared she was devastated, and this was not what she wanted, but the child was being born, and she wanted to show it could work as it is. She forgave us.

'She still wanted Matt to deliver the baby, she said that if we were to stay together, she wanted Matt to be a part of her child's life, and to be the first thing she sees coming into the world.

'People online say she had a lot of emotion and wasn't thinking clearly, but that's not it at all.

'She was my first love, and I never meant to deceive her; it was just buried so deep in me that it took this long to realize.'

Jason explained that her reaction to the devastating news while pregnant was 'totally reflective of her character' and that she was 'incredible' to be able to move on with 'love and grace'.

Jason and Matt became intimate while on an office retreat in May 2003, after staying up and chatting for hours. Both spoke afterwards about the guilt they felt for their wives at home

The pair had planned to tell their wives what had happened, but then Jason found out Rachel was expecting. He held it in for four months as both couples went on trips together until the guilt became too much, and he revealed the truth

He also explained how he had 'always felt different growing up' but 'buried' the fact that he was gay.

The couple had been married for five years when Jason met Matt through work in October 2002 and hit it off  initially as friends.

Jason said: 'Very soon we were hanging out as a four  my wife and I, and Matt's wife and himself.

'We used to sit and watch American Idol together, eating Chinese takeout, go out for food together, go on holidays together. We were a little group.'

But while on an office retreat in May 2003, the two men shared a room and became intimate after chatting for three hours straight.

Jason said: 'We went to sleep, and I asked him if he felt strange about what happened. He said he didn't, but we both felt bad because we had cheated.

'We had our wives at home.'

They spoke openly about their struggles with being honest about their sexuality - and Jason realized he had known he was gay since he was six.

When Jason came clean to his wife about the affair and his sexuality, she was initially horrified, telling him bluntly, 'no you are not', but eventually forgave both men and remarried a man named David

Rachel even let Jason's new partner Matt help her through the birth of their daughter Ella in February 2004

Jason said: 'That was the first time I ever spoke about it to anyone, including myself.

'I had always felt different growing up, and had a lot of female friends, and I must have buried the fact that I was gay so deep that I didn't even recognize it myself. I just felt different.'

They discussed how they would tell their wives and even joked that it would be more difficult if one of their wives became pregnant.

But when Jason returned, Rachel told him she was expecting.

He said: 'I called Matt, and I told him  you won't believe this  my wife is pregnant.

'We all went for a celebratory meal as a quadruplet, and Matt and I were sitting across the table from each other.

'There was excitement and fear, and sitting across the table with someone I am developing feelings for, who knows the full me.'

Not knowing how to tell Rachel, Jason said his family thought his nervousness was down to his fears of becoming a dad.

Jason and Matt were legally married in Washington DC on their 11th anniversary, they have been together for 23 years

The trio co-parented their daughter, Ella. Jason said Rachel was his first love and that she was 'incredible' to be able to move on with 'love and grace'

He said: 'They thought I was worried about being a father, but of course I couldn't tell them I was in fact in love with my wife's doctor.

'That summer was full of guilt and excitement. As the four, we had lots of trips planned, such as rafting.

'Our wives could see how much we were getting on and actually encouraged us to do trips together.

'They felt it would be helpful to both of us to develop our friendship without knowing the depth of emotion forming there.'

But when the guilt became too much, he told his wife, who was four months pregnant, in September 2003.

Jason said: 'Once you tell a lie, you keep lying until you tell the truth, and I wanted to tell the truth, I wanted to be honest with my wife.

'I told her three things  I have had an affair, it was with a man, and I was gay.

'Her first instinct was to grab my hand and say "no you are not", it is a pretty horrific thing to think back on, I was very concerned about her and the baby.'

After embracing his sexuality, Jason's husband would go on to create a forum for others struggling with the same thing he had gone through

Ella is now 22 and is planning to continue her studies at medical school

But Rachel forgave them both, and Ella was born in February 2004, delivered by Matt.

Jason said: 'After all of this, we co-parented.

'My wife remarried and had another child, she is a true reflection that it's alright to show mercy and forgiveness.

'I learnt so many lessons about resilience and communication through this, all because of her. That moment when Ella was born was so defining, and it's shaped who I am.'

Jason and Matt are now celebrating 23 years together this year, the date they moved in with one another.

They were legally married in a registry office in Washington DC on their 11th anniversary.

Matt now talks about his sexuality online and has created a forum for people who may have been in the same position as him.

Ella is now 22 years old, planning to study at a medical school.

Jason said: 'Ella is such a huge part of our life, we are so proud of her and everything she is achieving. I am so blessed for the situation to turn out the way it did.'
Melissa Gilbert is standing by husband Timothy Busfield as he faces child sex abuse charges and allegations of sexually assaulting several women - charges which he vehemently denies.

The 61-year-old former Little House on the Prairie star has retreated with Busfield to a cottage in upstate New York and told her inner circle she does not believe the accusers and is convinced her husband is innocent.

'She knows this man and she trusts him,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'She believes him and loves him. That's why she stands behind him.'

The source said Gilbert would never support her husband - who has pleaded not guilty - if she believed he had abused children, given her own experience growing up in Hollywood in the 1970s.

'Look, Melissa has always been an advocate for kids in the business,' the insider said. 'She grew up in the Wild West of Hollywood kids and teens in the 70s and 80s where they could be victimized again and again, and there was no oversight, no one paid attention.

'She knows more than most people how abuse happens on sets, with adults around kids. She has heard these stories since she was a little girl.

'She is passionate about protecting kids. If she thought for even a minute that he was guilty, she would dump his a** so fast.'

Busfield, 68 - best known for roles in The West Wing and Thirtysomething - was indicted by a grand jury on February 6 and accused of touching twin boys on the set of The Cleaning Lady while filming in Albuquerque between November 2022 and spring 2024.

Gilbert and Busfield have been married since April 24, 2013

Busfield has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a child

According to court documents, one of the alleged victims told a forensic child interviewer Busfield touched his 'private areas' on set when he was seven years old.

The boy alleged the abuse happened five or six times between filming.

He claimed Busfield groped him again when he was eight years old, saying it happened three or four times.

The boy's twin brother told authorities he was also touched by Busfield but did not specify where and said he stayed quiet because he did not want to get in trouble, the complaint said.

The former West Wing actor has vehemently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual contact with a child.

His lawyers say the claims were fabricated by the boys' parents in revenge after the twins were not brought back for the show's final season.

The insider said Gilbert also believes that explanation.

'Melissa doesn't take any sort of child abuse lightly and it's absolutely horrifying. She loves this man, but not at the cost of kids.

'If she thought he was guilty, she wouldn't have done any of the stuff she has done.'

After Busfield's arrest, more than 70 people wrote letters to the judge pleading he be released before trial. Gilbert's letter was later made public.

'Please, please take care of my sweet husband,' she wrote. 'As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me.'

A tearful Gilbert (in court) has supported her husband, saying he has the 'strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known'

Multiple women have accused Busfield of inappropriate sexual advances

'Tim has the strongest moral compass of any human I have ever known. He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others.'

Busfield was released from custody on January 20 while he awaits trial

Busfield has been ordered to appear for all his future court dates and is not allowed to possess any firearms or dangerous weapons, consume any alcohol or illegal drugs, have contact with the alleged victims or their families, discuss the case with any witnesses or have unsupervised contact with any minor children.

Before turning himself in, he blasted the allegations in a video shared by TMZ.

'I'm going to confront these lies. They're horrible. They're all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm going to fight it,' he insisted.

During the legal proceedings, prosecutors have pointed to what they described as a 'pattern of misconduct.'

A new allegation surfaced in January 2026 involving a father who claimed Busfield sexually abused his 16-year-old daughter during an audition at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento several years ago.

Court documents also reference uncharged allegations dating back decades.

In 1994, a 17-year-old girl accused Busfield of sexual assault on the set of the film Little Big League.

During a deposition that same year, actress Eliza Roberts - who was married to Julia Roberts' brother, Eric - testified Busfield engaged in 'creepy' behavior and sexual harassment, including making explicit sexual comments to her.

In 2012, Busfield was accused of sexual battery by a 28-year-old woman who alleged he groped her breasts and genital area in a Los Angeles movie theater.

Busfield has repeatedly denied all allegations. He has never been charged before, nor found civilly liable  and friends say Gilbert sees no reason not to believe him.

Gilbert stepped back for several weeks from her role as Chief Creative Officer for her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie

Actress Eliza Roberts has accused Busfield of being 'creepy' towards her

'She doesn't know what he did before they got together but he has told her that these accusations are baseless,' the insider said.

'She has no reason not to believe him. It's incompatible with what she knows about him.'

'She knows that he had other women before they got together, but she's never seen any indication that he would make unwanted advances against any woman.

'If she believed for a moment that he was capable of this, she wouldn't support him so publicly. But she trusts her husband and she trusts his word.

'They have had a lot of deep talks about this. They have gone over every allegation and he has put her mind at ease.'

They added: 'She made the decision to stand behind her husband 100 percent, visibly. This is ugly stuff, and she's connected to it forever. She has shed a lot of tears, and had to have her friends be strong for her. This is such a nightmare.'

Last month, Gilbert announced she was returning to work at her lifestyle brand Modern Prairie after stepping away 'to focus on my family.'
Expats claim they will leave Dubai and never return as they fear for their lives and see their businesses destroyed while missiles continue to rain down over the United Arab Emirates.

Once a tax-free haven attracting influencers from across the globe and thousands of Brits seeking warm weather and crime free streets, Dubai's carefully crafted image has been shattered and residents believe it is 'finished'.

The emirate, home to around 240,000 British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Luisa Zissman and Petra Ecclestone, has been targeted by constant Iranian missile and drone attacks as the regime strikes US allies in the Middle East.

Dubai has been the target of two thirds of Iran's missiles and three massive explosions rocked the city on Wednesday morning, with the international airport sustaining damage.

Four people were injured as two drones hit the terminal, while a string of major airlines cancelled all flights to the region for weeks.

Even the world famous Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah was struck by Iran, while employees at western banks including Standard Chartered and Citi evacuated their offices amid threats from the Islamic Republic that they were the next targets of their bombing onslaught.

Four people have been killed so far and tens of thousands of residents and tourists have now fled in the weeks since the conflict began.

And those who remain face prosecution if they post videos of missiles overhead, despite constant phone alerts warning them to stay away from windows and seek shelter.

Once a tax-free haven, Dubai has lost its golden image as Iranian bombs rain down on the city

Dubai's international airport has been attacked on multiple occasions and four people were injured after a strike on Wednesday

The emirate is home to around 240,000 British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand

Dubai does not have vast oil reserves and relies on its expat population, which makes up 90 per cent of the city.

It has launched a desperate public relations campaign, telling people the 'big booms' in the sky are 'the sound of us being safe' as the UAE air defence system takes action.

But it has done little to quell fears.

'The shine has definitely been taken off,' John Trudinger, a British Dubai resident of 16 years, told The Guardian.

The headteacher employs more than 100 teachers from the UK at his Emirati school and claims most are so 'deeply traumatised and really struggling to cope' with the war that they have fled and will never return.

Taxi driver Zain Anwar saw his car destroyed in a missile attack and said his family are begging him to return home to Pakistan.

He said: 'I dont want to be in Dubai any more, there is no business, we are earning nothing since this war, and I dont see the tourism coming back.

'A lot of taxi drivers like me, we are thinking to go to a different country now. Everybody knows that Dubai is finished.'

Iran has continued to pound the city, sending 1,700 projectiles in two weeks, although 90 per cent have been destroyed by air defence systems.

But on Saturday, a drone was caught on video sending up a huge pall of smoke near the airport.

On Thursday morning a high-rise building in Dubai was pictured with a large hole after a drone strike

Fairmont hotel set ablaze in Dubai by Iran. The truth is that the holidaymakers, and anyone else who can afford to leave, are fleeing for dear life

Socialite Petra Ecclestone cried as she described explosions before, describing how 'grateful' she was for 'how much Dubai puts safety first  and how welcomed and safe it has made us feel'

The official Dubai Media Office continued to insist that 'no incident' had occurred at the airport as it clamps down on those sharing footage of damage.

Authorities in the UAE have charged 21 people with cyber crimes for circulating videos showing missiles and explosions.

This includes a Brit who filmed missiles passing overhead and immediately deleted the footage when asked.

Content creators posting 'misinformation' face jail time and on Tuesday police said those posting anything which contradicts public announcements, 'causing public panic' could face two years behind bars and a fine of 40,000.

And Dubai's influencer army has released a barrage of posts praising its government in suspiciously similar language - amid claims some are being paid to pump out 'propaganda'.

Content creators with hundreds of thousands of followers between them have responded to Iranian attacks by sharing images of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum alongside the words, 'I know who protects us'.

The posts begin by asking 'are you scared?' before flashing up images of Al Maktoum waving to adoring crowds.

Sceptical social media users have responded by claiming the influencers are being paid by the UAE government, also several have spoken out to deny this.

Online content creators need a licence to operate in Dubai, and its government responded to the outbreak of war by threatening prison against anyone sharing information that 'results in inciting panic among people'.

The tough stance is believed to have encouraged self-censorship by influencers in the Gulf state, with earlier clips of Iranian drone and missile attacks now swamped by posts lauding the regime.

In the first days of the conflict, the government cracked down on 'citizen journalists' reposting genuine footage of the first wave of attacks, which included a drone strike on the five-star Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.

The Dubai Media Office responded within a few hours by claiming that 'outdated images of past fire incidents' in Dubai were being spread to stoke fear among the city's residents.

Among the influencers, Kate Ferdinand previously opened up on relocating to the Middle East where she revealed she was 'homesick and struggling'.

But she made a dramatic U-turn, boasting about how her kids are 'learning things they wouldn't in the UK'.

While Luisa Zissman shared a post mocking scared tourists who've escaped Dubai and are 'making out they've come back from the frontlines'.

Join the discussion Should expats stand up to the Dubai authorities?

Influencers in Dubai have been posting identical videos emphasising the safety of the city which have been seen millions of times

Influencers have responded to Iranian attacks by sharing images of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum alongside the words, 'I know who protects us'

Standard Chartered and Citi evacuated their offices amid threats from the Islamic Republic that they were the next targets of their bombing onslaught

The Apprentice star, 38, relocated to the UAE from the UK in December, and has thrown her support behind the UAE government, even declaring it to be the 'safest country in the world' despite waves of suicide drone attacks.

But after dutifully echoing the official line that the war-hit emirate remains open for business, she has slipped back into Britain.

And Petra Ecclestone gushed about Dubai, describing how 'grateful' she was for 'how much Dubai puts safety first  and how welcomed and safe it has made us feel'.

Meanwhile, British influencer Ben Moss admitted he is more worried about being fined or jailed for posting the 'wrong' content than he is of the lethal explosives themselves.

The content creator, from Wandsworth, said: 'I do feel completely safe here because of the UAE air defences, but the laws can sometimes concern me so I always keep everything positive.

'I'm far more scared of being fined or jailed for posting the wrong content than I am of the Iranian missiles and drones.'

On Thursday morning a high-rise building in Dubai was pictured with a large hole after a drone strike.

A ship was also attacked off the Dubai port of Jebel Ali as Iran continues to force shut the Strait of Hormuz, crippling the world's economy.
Britain's illegal vape hotspots can be revealed after a devastating fire in Glasgow was ignited in an unregistered store.

More than 1.2million illegal e-cigarettes have been seized across the UK over the last few years - the equivalent of two every minute, a report by Vape Club found.

The data shines a light on the volume of dangerous and unregulated devices trying to make their way to consumers - and the potential number slipping through the cracks.

Not only are the counterfeit products harmful to public health, but they now have the added danger of being a 'powder keg' that could spark deadly fires due to their volatile lithium batteries.

Earlier this week, a 175-year-old listed building in Glasgow burned down as a result of a fire which started in a vape shop.

It soon emerged the store at the centre of the blaze was not registered to sell vapes and had paid no business taxes.

E-cigarettes in the UK are subjected to strict regulations. As illegal vapes do not conform to British regulation, they can be more dangerous to inhale and present a greater fire risk. Shops often do not pay tax on them either.

The Vape Club's annual report on illegal vapes has revealed the local authority area with the highest number of illegal vapes seized in the last year was Central Bedfordshire Council, which includes towns such as Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable.

Some 345,718 illegal vapes were seized by the council last year, a 205 per cent increase from 2024.

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The vape shop on Union Street in Glasgow pictured before the fire destroyed it and the building

Central Bedfordshire only has a population of 315,000  meaning more than one illegal vape was seized per person. Over the past three years, the council has seized 511,877 vapes.

While the number may be surprising considering the council's small area, its proximity to Luton Airport may explain why so many illegal vapes make their way to towns in Bedfordshire. Gangs may be targeting the smaller airport for their illicit imports.

In October, a vape shop was closed in Leighton Buzzard after authorities found hundreds of illegal vapes with a street value of 16,000 inside a hydraulic lift.

Bolton was Britain's second illegal vape hotspot, with the council there seizing nearly 260,000 vapes in 2025, representing a 467 per cent increase from 2024.

Nearly 350,000 illegal vapes have been seized by Bolton Council in the past three years.

In 2024, a shop owner in a Bolton petrol station was fined 15,000 after he was caught with more than 8,000 illegal e-cigarettes.

In third place was Kent County Council, which seized 171,049 illegal vapes last year, according to data gathered by Vape Club.

Major illicit import hubs such as Dover, the Eurotunnel and Dartford are in Kent, which may explain why there are so many illegal vapes in the county.

The London borough of Hillingdon seized the highest number of vapes over the last three years but saw a major decrease in 2025.

It seized 796,526 illegal e-cigarettes in the past three years, the most of any local authority. But it only seized around 50,000 in 2025, which was a 91 per cent drop from 2024.

Hillingdon houses Britain's busiest airport, Heathrow, which explains why so many illegal vapes have made their way there. But the rapid decline in vape seizures indicates that gangs may have stopped targeting the airport, or that gangs have gotten better at avoiding detection.

The next six illegal vape hotspots across Britain were: Swansea, Liverpool, Sheffield, Hertfordshire County, Manchester and North East Lincolnshire.

The vape shop at the centre of a devastating fire in Glasgow city centre, leaving a landmark Victorian building in ruins, was not registered to sell vapes and had paid no business taxes

The street value of the illegal vapes seized last year is estimated to be over 10million.

Experts have said, however, that the black market could be worth more than 1billion.

Legal vapes are strictly regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. For example, a legal vape will contain no more than 600 puffs and have a maximum nicotine content of 2 per cent.

Illegal vapes are unregulated and untested. They could contain dangerous levels of lead and nickel and cause health problems. Concerns have also been raised about their availability to children.

But illegal vapes can also be a fire risk, according to the Greater Manchester Fire Service.

Most e-cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries, the same kind used in smartphones, laptops and tablets.

But if they are not handled properly or regulated, they can catch fire because they are a high-energy type of battery. When alight, they 'burn hotter and faster than conventional fires', according to the British Safety Council  which may explain why the Glasgow fire seemed so uncontrollable.

Waste management company Biffa reported 180 fires between June and October last year, most of which they believed to have originated from vapes.

On Sunday afternoon, a fire in an illegal vape shop in Glasgow sparked a massive inferno that left a Victorian landmark in ruins and shut Glasgow Central station.

Flames spread through the store at 105 Union Street then into the historic B-listed Forsyth House building next door and around the corner onto Gordon Street.

The store was called 'Junaid Retail', trading as 'Scot's World', and was noted as having occupied it since August 2024.

However no payment for business rates has ever been made by the company, and the account was therefore transferred to the council's debt recovery partner.

The address was also not registered on the Scottish Government's Register of Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Product Retailers.

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney said: 'This scandal makes it clear that a line must immediately be drawn in the sand for building controls.

'It is as plain as day that any business that uses lithium batteries should be held to extremely high safety standards and inspected regularly.

'A vape shop is potentially a place that is full of potential incendiary devices, a powder keg if it is not managed properly.'

Maureen Burke, Labour MP for Glasgow North East, yesterday called for an urgent review of vape shops in the city, saying an audit was needed to prevent a 'repeat' of the blaze.

She said: 'Given the large quantities of products containing lithium batteries, vape shops pose a greater risk of fire; therefore, it is essential that appropriate fire safety measures are in place.'
Rachel Reeves is raking in the equivalent of as much as 1billion extra a year in tax from drivers thanks to soaring pump prices, according to analysis.

The study found the Chancellor will net around 20million extra a month in VAT on petrol sales if average pump prices remain around their current level.

And for diesel she will get up to an extra 71million, based on current prices compared to before the Iran conflict started.

The analysis was based on HMRC data, which shows the UK consumes 1.55billion litres a month of petrol and 2.4billion litres a month of diesel.

Figures from the RAC show average petrol pump prices have rocketed more than 7p since February 28, when the war started.

It means the Treasury will net nearly 1.5p a litre in VAT, or around 22.6million a month.

And diesel has jumped by more than 15p a litre, netting the Chancellor an extra 3p a litre in VAT, or up to 76million a month. Over a year, this would combine to make 1.1billion.

Campaigners said it showed Ms Reeves could afford to spare drivers more pain at the pumps and at least delay her hated hike in fuel duty, which kicks in from this September.

Amid spiralling pump prices sparked by the war in Iran, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced calls to spare drivers further pain at the pumps by scrapping her fuel duty hike (file photo)

John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said disclosure of the size of the VAT windfall the Chancellor is in line for will drive motorists round the bend.

He added: With the economy set to take serious damage from the crisis in the Middle East, it is unacceptable that the big winner will be the Treasury.

Reeves needs to give taxpayers a break and maintain the current rate of fuel duty beyond September.

Ideally she would go further and temporarily stop charging VAT on top of fuel duty, only charging it on the price of fuel itself to stop the tax upon a tax.'

Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK campaign group, said: The governments traditional cash cow continues to be fleeced with VAT flooding in like an unstoppable tsunami, and all due to rocketing pump prices.

Fossil-fuelled road users want the Chancellor to scrap any plans for a Budget Fuel Duty Rise.

AA president Edmund King said: The surge in pump prices has generated a VAT windfall for the Treasury. We ask that the scrapping of the 5p fuel duty cut be delayed for at least six months.'

The Chancellor said earlier this week that she would be loath to scrap her 5p a litre fuel duty hike, which will add more than 3 to the cost of a fill-up, despite the extra VAT windfall shes in line for.

But she and Sir Keir Starmer have left the door open for a U-turn by saying the policy is under review, suggesting it could be scrapped if the Iran conflict drags on and pump prices continue to rocket.

During a heated Prime Ministers Questions this week, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch repeatedly urged Labour to scrap the hike and accused Sir Keir and Ms Reeves of treating drivers like cash cows.

The Tories have repeatedly urged Labour to scrap the hike while Reform UK have pledged to reverse it if they win the next election.

The RACs figures last night showed average petrol pump prices have soared by 7.32p a litre to 140.15p a litre since the Iran conflict started. Diesel has jumped 15.85p to 158.23p a litre.

A Treasury spokesman said: We have the right economic plan  we have extended the 5p fuel duty cut from this month to the end of August to support drivers.
The organiser of a pro-Iran London 'hate rally' once met Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to give him a dossier on Islamophobia in Britain.

Massoud Shadjareh, co-founder and chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), has been promoting a demonstration in Westminster to mark Al Quds Day on Sunday.

The event - named after the Arabic word for Jerusalem - was created by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after Iran's 1979 revolution to express opposition to Israel.

A planned march was banned by the Home Secretary on Tuesday to prevent 'serious public disorder', but a static demonstration is set to go ahead.

While the IHRC claims to protect human rights, the group was described in a government-ordered review as having 'extremist links and terrorist sympathies' and its leaders are openly sympathetic to Tehran.

A video from the IHRC's social media channels shows Mr Shadjareh recalling a meeting he had with Khamenei - who was killed earlier this month in an Israeli airstrike.

Mr Shadjareh, who was born in Iran in the 1970s, said he had been summoned to describe the findings of an IHRC report entitled, Environment of Hate: The New Normal for British Muslims in the UK.

He told an audience at an event: 'We did a report about Islamophobia, how the environment is created by politicians by the media and in that environment people became so bad that even sometimes themselves they were shocked at how they had become so racist.

Massoud Shadjareh, chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, speaking under a banner lauding Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Mr Shadjareh spoke with pride of meeting Iran's former supreme leader, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike

'I was asked to explain this research, this book, to Ayatollah Khamenei and in the small gathering I explained the whole findings of this.'

The IHRC chairman said the despot had listened 'very attentively' before replying: 'This is because they want to destroy your confidence in yourselves as Muslims and in your deen [all-encompassing faith]. Don't let it happen.'

Revealing how inspired he was by Khamenei's words, Mr Shadjareh said: 'Day in day out, when these Zionists and neocons are attacking us, abusing us, writing and demonising us, is because they want to remove this confidence from you.

'Our confidence comes in the fact that we have got the most powerful entity backing us and guiding us and this is why we are here and this is why we will be victorious if we unite.'

Other senior figures in the IHRC have also spoken out to praise Khamenei.

They include its spokesman, Faisal Bodi, who described the late dictator as a man of 'principle and integrity'.

Asked if he would hold a picture of Khamenei, Mr Bodi told the BBC: 'Happily. I would rather hold a picture of the Ayatollah than Keir Starmer or Donald Trump. He was a man of principle, a man of integrity, a man who stood for justice.'

He added: 'In the same way I would happily hold a picture of Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X and many other towering personalities.'

Mr Bodi added that Khamenei 'stood on the side of Palestine'. He also quoted Tehran's figures for the number of protesters that had been killed during a recent wave of street protests - rather than independently verified figures that are in the tens of thousands.

The IHRC said yesterday that it 'strongly condemned' the decision to ban its march and would continue with a static protest.

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Shabana Mahmood had said the move was necessary 'to prevent serious public disorder, due to the scale of the protest and multiple counter-protests, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East'.

The Home Secretary added: 'Should a stationary demonstration proceed, the police will be able to apply strict conditions.

'I expect to see the full force of the law applied to anyone spreading hatred and division instead of exercising their right to peaceful protest.'

Neither the Government nor police have powers under the Public Order Act to ban a static demonstration.

Police chiefs believe the demonstration could potentially attract 12,000 people or more and are planning to use the River Thames as a barrier to keep rival groups apart.

At least a thousand officers from the Metropolitan Police and forces around the country are being drafted in to patrol the crowds, with more made available if needed.

Met Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned the measures taken by police cannot 'guarantee' disorder will not take place but it is hoped the measures will mitigate disruption.

Speaking to reporters today, he said: 'While we will protect the right to freedom of speech, there is a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and anyone who crosses the line can expect to face arrest.'

The protest has drawn criticism over apparent backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed support for the country's late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Government banned the march but people can still legally assemble and take part in a so-called 'static protest'.

Mr Adelekan said this would be 'immeasurably easier to police'.

People take part in an Al Quds in London on March 23, 2025

But political violence tsar Lord Walney has warned this could still cause serious disorder and blamed a 'loophole' in public order laws depriving ministers of the power to stop rallies that stay in one location.

All protests and counter-protests will take place between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges and are permitted between 1pm and 3pm, the Met said.

Counter protesters can assemble on the Millbank side of the Thames. Lambeth Bridge will be closed, with access only for emergency vehicles.

The force needed a 'unique plan' to respond to 'unique circumstances', Mr Adelekan said but stressed this would not set a precedent.

'I've been in this organisation for 31 years, I cannot think of a time when we used it.

'So as far as I'm concerned it's new, it's new in my generation of policing,' he said, adding: 'It will keep both sides apart whilst also allowing people to protest within the law.'

Mr Adelekan said anticipating protest turnout was 'not an exact science' but that it was his 'professional judgment that numbers I think will go up to 6,000 in terms of the counter protest, which is a significant number when you combine all of those groups.

'I caveat that by saying you could see significantly more based on the current political situation', later adding that police anticipate a 'similar number or more' supporting the protest.

Officers are having to be redeployed from neighbourhood policing to cover the event and patrol Jewish neighbourhoods in the capital, Mr Adelekan said.
Labour is on course to lose more than 1,700 council seats in a local election bloodbath on May 7, according to a new AI-driven poll.

Sir Keir Starmer's party is set to retain fewer than a quarter of the 2,252 seats it currently holds which are to be contested, and relinquish control of 49 councils.

The modelling by Bombe shows that Reform and the Greens are on to make the most gains at the expense of Labour, which may win the fewest seats of any of the main parties.

Reform could pick up more than 1,500 seats and control of 17 more English councils, with the Greens almost 600 councillors and nine councils to the good.

If the end result is close to the modelling it will cause panic in government ranks and give impetus to calls for Sir Keir to step down or be removed by his ministers.

Bombe's 'Results Based Modelling' analysis builds on MRP polls and uses a ward-level prediction model that has accurately predicted the results of 17 out of the last 20 by-election results, including Gorton and Denton earlier this month.

It suggests Reform is set to win big in rural and small town areas of England. The Greens, meanwhile are a real threat to Labour in cities, with the model suggesting the party could take over several London boroughs and become a force in Manchester.

But it also shows there are many five-way marginal seats up for grabs and an increase of councils under control of no one party, a reflection of the fragmented nature of UK politics.

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Mike Joslin, co-founder and CEO of Bombe, said: 'Reform and the Greens are the insurgents and they are concentrating their votes in different areas.

'Reform is building a power base on the outskirts of cities, with significant potential gains among white voters in inner-city areas - meaning they could win some wards in places like Southwark.

'The Greens are looking in a strong position to win liberally minded Council's like Hackney and Lambeth.

'A big takeaway is how fragmented the electorate is. Many areas are five-way marginals and a strong local campaign will make the difference between winning and losing.

'So the final results could be different due to the campaign. This year could be the year local campaigning has the most impact on results.'

The Bombe model divides the population into nine demographic and seven commercial 'personas', with real world data added and AI used to extrapolate results.

Labour currently controls 21 of London's 32 boroughs and party insiders are already warning that the rise of the Greens could cost them hundreds of seats in the capital.

Just over 5,000 council seats across 136 English councils will be decided on May 7, as will the devolved governments in Scotland and Wales.

The elections are now seen as a litmus test for whether Sir Keir can survive as PM after months of dire poll ratings.

Sir Keir Starmer's party is set to retain fewer than a quarter of the 2,252 seats it currently holds which are to be contested, and control of 49 councils

The modelling by Bombe shows that Reform and the Greens are on to make the most gains at the expense of Labour, which may win the fewest seats of any of the main parties

This week a leading expert said a hard-Left election pact between Zack Polanski, Jeremy Corbyn and George Galloway could inflict 'very substantial' losses on Labour.

This month's by-election in Manchester saw Labour pushed into third place behind the Greens and Reform in what had been one of Labour's safest seats.

The victory came after Mr Corbyn's Your Party and Mr Galloway's Workers Party of Britain agreed to stand aside to avoid splitting the hard-Left and Muslim vote.

Elections expert Robert Hayward said there was 'potential' for the experiment to be repeated on a national scale in May in what will be the biggest test of public opinion since the general election in 2024.
Labour's plan to define Islamophobia threatens free speech and risks creating a two-tier society where one religion becomes untouchable, Sarah Vine has warned on the Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast.

Speaking to fellow Daily Mail columnist Peter Hitchens, Vine said the introduction of the term 'anti-Muslim hostility' was a cynical, political move to shore up Labour's dwindling support among Muslim voters.

On Monday, Communities Secretary Steve Reed announced the government would drop 'Islamophobia' in favour of a new official term, 'anti-Muslim hostility,' saying the switch would help the government better clamp down on religious hatred.

Labour's plan to define Islamophobia threatens free speech and risks creating a two-tier society where one religion becomes untouchable , Sarah Vine has warned

On Monday, Communities Secretary Steve Reed announced the government would drop 'Islamophobia' in favour of a new official term, 'anti-Muslim hostility,' saying the switch would help the government better clamp down on religious hatred

Jonathan Hall KC, the government's own counter-terrorism reviewer, warned the broader definition could inhibit free speech by stopping people from freely criticising Islam.

Vine claimed the decision was pandering to a hardline minority of British Muslims and was 'patronising' to the majority, who are perfectly capable of debating and joking about their own faith.

'We could get to a stage in this country where it's fine to take the mickey out of a Christian, or a Buddhist, but not a Muslim', she said.

'I do not want that. For me, it's weird and quite patronising: I am sure there are plenty of Muslims who have good senses of humour who would not get upset or offended.

'One should respect somebody else's beliefs, but not necessarily have to tread on eggshells the entire time.'

Vine added that by singling out Muslims in this way, Labour risks further eroding public trust in government.

She also argued that any blasphemy law of this kind is impossible to enforce in the modern world.

'Those who want this represent quite a narrow, extreme faction of people', Vine said.

'The government should be for everybody. I do not think you should make laws for minorities just because they cause trouble.

Hitchens agreed with his co-host that the definition represented yet another example of Labour overreach, arguing that any law banning criticism of religion would be 'plain wrong'

Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you listen to podcasts now.

'There's too much legality in the world anyway and making more laws does not make things better. If this law becomes enshrined, you might feel you cannot have open conversations with your friends.'

While critical of those who mock other faiths, Hitchens agreed with his co-host that the definition represented yet another example of Labour overreach, arguing that any law banning criticism of religion would be 'plain wrong.'

He said: 'The government has absolutely no friendship for freedom. Identity cards, the abolition of jury trials and now this.

'They are revolutionaries who do not believe in freedom of speech for the people they disagree with. If left to their own devices, they will squash all of it.

'People should be aware of this when you're making a choice at the next general election the Labour party is a menace to freedom of speech and thought.'

Hear the debate in full by searching for Alas Vine & Hitchens wherever you get your podcasts.
Rachel Reeves will order fuel bosses to give drivers a fair price at the pumps in a summit today.

The Chancellor will tell petrol retailers and energy suppliers that she will 'not tolerate' them profiteering as a result of the Middle East crisis.

She has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) demanding it crack down on rip-off prices for petrol, diesel and heating oil.

Her intervention came as fuel prices continue to surge as Iran's new leader vowed to continue to block the Strait of Hormuz.

The Chancellor is under pressure to cancel the planned fuel duty rise from September with Sir Keir Starmer saying it will be kept 'under review'.

Today, Ms Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will meet fuel bosses to ask what the chiefs are doing to keep prices down for consumers.

They will question them about why prices vary - from 1.27 to 1.80 per litre this week - and how quickly they will pass on lower costs if prices fall.

Ahead of the meeting, Ms Reeves said: 'I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current situation to make excess profits at consumers' expense. I'm backing drivers and families  and I expect a fair deal at the pump.'

Rachel Reeves will tell fuel bosses she will 'not tolerate' profiteering as a result of the Middle East crisis

Ministers will demand petrol retailers sign up to 'Fuel Finder', a website to help drivers find the cheapest nearby forecourt.

All major supermarkets have signed up and more than 90per cent of retailers have registered.

Mr Miliband said: 'Tackling the cost of living is our number one priority - all fuel retailers must sign up for Fuel Finder so drivers can find the cheapest price at the pump.

'We will not hesitate to act to protect consumers against any unfair practices.'

Following Ms Reeves's intervention, the CMA said it had put fuel retailers 'on notice' that it is monitoring petrol and diesel prices.

It said it would bring forward formal requirements to supply revenue, costs and sales data.

The watchdog said the move would speed up its review of fuel margins made by businesses since the conflict began.

It said it will also consider how quickly fuel prices rise and fall as wholesale costs change and whether there is evidence of excess pricing.

While it recognised that rising energy costs could affect prices, it said fuel stations 'should not exploit the situation', adding that any evidence of this would be made clear in its update on pricing, 'which will be published as soon as possible'.

The CMA's executive director for markets, Juliette Enser, said: 'Whilst price increases might be inevitable because of rising wholesale costs, it is important that those increases reflect genuine cost pressures.

'We will be closely scrutinising and reporting on what's happening with fuel prices and call out any concerning behaviour.'

On Wednesday, the RAC said diesel prices had risen by nearly nine per cent since February 28.

Petrol prices were on average six per cent more across the same period.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 'Drivers tell us the cost of motoring is a major concern, and fuel is a huge contributor to that, so making sure they're paying a fair price at the pumps is essential.

'For that reason, we welcome the competition watchdog's scrutiny of what's happening on forecourts across the country.

'RAC fuel watch data shows average prices have rocketed in under two weeks, with the average price of petrol increasing by 7p to 140p a litre and diesel by 16p to 158p. This has added 4 and 8 to the cost of filling up a family car.'
The company behind the Post Office Horizon scandal should be barred from Government contracts as it has not paid any compensation to victims, MPs said.

Fujitsu is 'yet to contribute a penny' to the 1.5million redress bill for the sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted, they said.

The Business and Trade Committee (BTC) said the company should not continue to benefit from taxpayers' money.

In a report, its chairman, Liam Byrne, said: 'Thousands of victims are still waiting for fair redress, while the processes designed to help them are too often slow, bureaucratic and retraumatising.

'That is simply unacceptable after one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.

'Worse, Fujitsu has yet to contribute a penny to the nearly 2 billion redress bill, even as it continues to benefit from public contracts.

'That cannot continue.

'It is simply wrong that taxpayers are covering the costs for Fujitsu's sins while Fujitsu is still profiting from taxpayers-funded contracts.'

The Post Office has paid 2.5bn to Fujitsu - including more than 600m since deciding to seek an alternative to the flawed Horizon software

In January 2024, Fujitsu announced a self-imposed moratorium on bidding for new Government contracts.

However, it continues to supply its IT system to the Post Office and also to Government departments through a number of contracts.

The BTC called for an expansion in this moratorium as the company continues to bid for public contracts that do not come under these terms.

The Post Office Horizon scandal is regarded as Britain's biggest miscarriage of justice after hundreds of people were wrongly prosecuted for theft and fraud.

Faulty software run by Japanese firm Fujitsu wrongly suggested money was missing from branch accounts.

The scandal  which took place between 1999 and 2015  led to widespread anger after being brought to the public's attention in a hit ITV drama.

Following an outcry, it was announced that victims would be awarded compensation.

So far, more than 11,500 claimants have received payments worth approximately 1.48billion.

The total bill is expected to rise to around 2billion once legal and administrative costs are taken into account.

Yet the company behind the software is yet to contribute to the bill and has not yet agreed to a figure. Its failure to even offer an interim amount is 'unacceptable', the BTC said.

In the report, the BTC also said it had found 'serious structural failings' in the compensation process.

Thousands are still waiting for compensation, it said, with many victims still facing delays, inadequate offers, and administrative processes that 'retraumatise' them.

A spokeswoman for Fujitsu said: 'We continue to work with UK Government to ensure we adhere to the voluntary restrictions we put in place regarding bidding for new contracts while the Post Office Inquiry is ongoing, and are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsu's contribution to compensation.'

The committee also said that there was emerging evidence that Horizon's predecessor Capture may have had similar flaws to Horizon.

It said that this may have contributed to unsafe convictions and that the current number of cases may be the 'tip of another iceberg'.

'Parliament must act quickly to quash these convictions and ensure that every victim finally gets the justice they deserve,' the committee added.

A compensation scheme for sub-postmasters who were forced to repay shortfalls from the faulty accounting system Capture was launched last year.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: 'We welcome the scrutiny of the committee and its commitment to ensuring full, fair and timely redress is paid to those harmed during the Horizon scandal.

'Progress has been made with 87per cent of eligible Horizon Shortfall Scheme applications having received an offer and 882 million paid through the scheme.

'We are processing applications as quickly as possible to bring resolution to those who have applied.'

Tory MP Dame Harriett Baldwin, the shadow postal affairs minister, said: 'It is shameful that thousands of sub-postmasters are still waiting for justice while taxpayers are footing the entire bill.

'Fujitsu has rightly acknowledged its role in the Horizon scandal, yet it has still not contributed a penny towards the 2 billion redress cost.

'Ministers must urgently set out what steps they are taking to recoup money from Fujitsu so the company pays the price for this miscarriage of justice.'
Scotland's busiest railway station could remain closed beyond next week after council chiefs announced fire-ravaged buildings must be torn down.

Glasgow City Council said the remaining parts of the landmark hit by last weekends blaze at Union Corner pose a risk to public safety due to parts falling off.

A safe zone, which includes Central Station, has been established after council officials took control of the building from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service yesterday.

This could stay in place until an official assessment and any demolition work is carried out, according to Network Rail, which could not put a timescale on reopening the high level platforms at the station.

A contractor for the work to flatten the site is yet to be announced with no clear idea when work may start or conclude, leaving rail chiefs unable to say when full services will be resumed.

Only the facade of the Gordon Street part of the building was left standing after fire gutted the 19th-century landmark - famous to generations of Glaswegians for its distinctive dome - which was destroyed by the flames on Sunday.

An aerial view shows the devastation at the Union Corner building, remaining parts of which will be torn down

However, council bosses confirmed even that was too unsafe and it will come down.

The blaze began in a vape shop in Union Street before the flames spread through the building and around onto Gordon Street.

Trains are running from Glasgow Centrals low level lines but all other services have been suspended indefinitely.

Network Rail said that its engineers had been granted limited access to the station but established there was no significant structural damage. However, full access will be needed to prepare the station for re-opening.

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland said: Were extremely grateful to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts over the past few days and to all partners involved in the response. Their work has been vital in helping move us closer to a return to normal operations at Glasgow Central.

As soon as access is granted, our focus will be on getting the station ready to welcome passengers again. Our teams are prepared to carry out the detailed inspections, cleaning, repairs and operational checks that may be required, depending on the findings of the local authoritys assessment.

Fire rips through the building's historic dome

'Were committed to completing this work as quickly and safely as possible once the station is returned to us.

We recognise the disruption this closure is causing and appreciate the patience shown by passengers and the wider community. Well continue to work closely with partners and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Network Rail said it is exploring whether a partial or phased re-opening might be possible but could not currently give a timescale.

It said that damage, mainly caused by water, had been found in a small office in the station and a small part of the glazed area directly above it.

A statement released by the local authority said: We are now in control of the Union Street site, and after a full and final assessment of the remaining structure, has decided that demolition must happen in the interests of public safety.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are still on site to take care of remaining hot spots.

Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney questioned the decision to demolish the building within a matter of hours of the site being handed over.

The Labour politician said his suggestion of bringing in conservation-accredited engineers to assess the site had been ignored.

He said: Like at the Ayr Station Hotel, elements of this iconic listed building which could be preserved may now be destroyed unnecessarily.

At Holyrood, John Swinney was asked about the blaze during First Ministers Questions with Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay pressing him on what the Scottish Government is doing to support businesses affected by the fire.

Mr Findlay told the First Minister: The immediate focus must be on local businesses who already face severe pressure.

He called on the SNP leader to set out to struggling business owners exactly what support will be provided and when'.

Mr Swinney told him: The Government is in active discussion with Glasgow City Council, who are gathering information from the affected businesses about their circumstances.

Im not in a position to say definitely what financial support will be available, but I expect to be able to do so very shortly.

The B-listed building was constructed in 1851 and pre-dates Glasgow Central Station itself, which opened in 1879.
Yesterday, MSPs took a brief respite from discussing suicide to discuss the fire that tore through Glasgow city centre at the start of the week.

First Minister John Swinney has been bumping his gums about the steadfast efforts of his government and SNP-controlled Glasgow City Council to support businesses devastated by the blaze.

Unfortunately for Swinney, the bloke who sits across from him is a former tabloid hack, an impertinent breed who fire off questions like Bradley Walsh quizzing Anne Hegerty.

Where, Findlay enquired, was this support? Swinney was not in a position to say definitely what financial support will be available, but he expected to be very shortly.

No, take your time. Its only the biggest public transport hub in Scotland. Im sure these businesses can wait a while.

Findlay wondered whether that answer will inspire huge confidence, applying a somewhat generous definition of the word answer.

Tory leader Russell Findlay enjoys a lighthearted moment during First Minister's Questions

As Swinneys word salad made clear there was a lack of urgency in the governments response, though to be fair to the First Minister this wasnt a pressing issue like Gaza or NHS waiting times in Wales.

The Conservative leader reminded his opponent that the retailers and other firms affected by the fire were already bracing themselves for rates hikes.

That nice, pro-business centrist John Swinney recognised, he said, the challenges facing the business community and the significance of the issue of rates.

Any hope that recognising the problem might lead him to do something about it was quickly dashed when the First Minister reminded Scotlands entrepreneurs: We have protected the business community from some of the increases that it has faced.

He expected job-creators to be grateful he was only breaking one of their knees and not both.

Honestly, it was all a bit humdrum. SNP Treats Scottish Businesses With Contempt? Hold the front page. Thankfully, Findlay had a wee bit of theatre up his sleeve.

He had contacted Swinney two weeks earlier, asking him to meet Katie Long, the owner of a community pub who says a rates hike will put her boozer out of business and 26 staff on the dole.

The First Minister, Findlay revealed, hadnt met Katie. In fact, he hadnt bothered to reply to Findlay in the first place.

A discourtesy at the best of times but, regrettably for Swinney, Katies pub is located in Perthshire North  his own constituency. Oh dear.

Findlay was loving it, wee imp that he is. He ventured: Mr Swinney will not go to Katies pub, so she has come to the parliament today. I will be going with Katie to a nearby pub at 1.30pm this afternoon. Will John Swinney join us to discuss Katies plight and Scotlands pub crisis over a pint?

It might have been the first time in recorded history that a Scottish mans face fell flat at the suggestion of a swally.

Swinney said he had other commitments and couldnt meet them for a beer.

After his ambush by Findlay and Katie, he looked in need of something considerably stronger.
A stepmother accused of abusing her son while keeping him captive in her Connecticut home for 20 years has maintained a stony silence as she returned to court facing fresh charges.

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, is facing several charges including assault and kidnapping, after she allegedly locked her stepson away in her Waterbury home for decades.

The 31-year-old stepson, referred to only by the initial 'S,' set a fire in February 2025 to escape, saying he was starved, neglected, and forced to drink from the toilet to survive.

Sullivan was initially arrested on March 12, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to assault in the first degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, and cruelty to persons.

She also faced a second-degree kidnapping charge, which the state replaced with two first-degree kidnapping charges on Thursday.

The second-degree charge only accused her of abducting her stepson.

One of the first-degree kidnapping charges alleges she abducted S with intent to harm him, and the other alleges she abducted him to cover up another felony.

Each charge comes with a minimum sentence of 10 years in jail.

Sullivan was seen entering court on Thursday wearing large blackout sunglasses, red lipstick, a maroon pantsuit, and a brown coat with her hood up in what appeared to be an attempt to cover her face.

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, Sullivan was seen entering court wearing a brown coat with her hood up in what appeared to be an attempt to cover her face

Sullivan donned a maroon pantsuit and red lipstick for the brief court appearance on Thursday

Pictured: the Waterbury, Connecticut home where the alleged victim said he was held captive

Sullivan's court appearance was brief - less than three minutes long. It mainly covered how her attorney plans to obtain Ss medical records after the fire.

'We just took a look at them, it's similar to what is already alleged,' Ioannis Kalodis, Sullivan's lawyer, said in a press statement.

'I don't think it really changes too much on our end,' he added.

A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for April 30, 2026, but the judge said Sullivan does not have to appear in person.

S was rescued on February 17 when law enforcement responded to his Waterbury home after reports of a fire.

First responders discovered the alleged victim hiding in a fetal position. Prosecutors have now alleged that his condition was similar to a 'survivor of Auschwitz's death camp.'

He weighed only 68 pounds when first responders discovered him, and doctors later told investigators that when S attempted to eat, 'pieces of his teeth would break off' due to 'severe tooth decay.'

Investigators noted that there was 'clearly an issue with his hygiene,' after the victim had allegedly 'not bathed in a year or two,' according to a police affidavit.

Law enforcement believes that S was taken out of school at 11 years old and was allegedly held captive in the home for over 20 years.

During this time, Sullivan is accused of keeping the victim hidden away in a small room without heat or air conditioning, and limiting his access to food and water.

She removed her sunglasses while inside the courtroom, revealing thick black eyeliner and rouge cheeks similar to the make-up she wore in her police booking photograph (shown above)

Pictured: Sullivan at a previous court hearing in mid-March 2025. She has said she is not guilty

He allegedly was only given two water bottles a day, which he occasionally used to clean himself because he wasn't allowed frequent access to a bathroom.

An investigation revealed that the victim's father died last year and his biological mother had relinquished custody when S was a child.

His biological mother, Tracy Vallerand, 52, previously told Daily Mail that the last time she saw her child was when he was only six months old.

I had my own problems going on, I didnt give him away. His father took custody of him. He was supposed to be safe there,' Vallerand said.

She went on to say that her child's father never let her see him and she lost contact with the family.

So many people have failed him. He was supposed to be safe, he was supposed to be cared for, he was supposed to be loved,' Vallerand added.

He was denied that, and that makes me angry, that makes me upset.

'He shouldn't have ever had to deal with that, and he shouldn't have ever been afraid because they terrorized him.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has tweaked national fuel stockpile requirements in a bid to ease mounting shortages in regional Australia as the Middle East conflict threatens global supply.

Under the emergency changes, fuel companies will be required to hold less fuel in reserve. Mandatory diesel stockpiles will be cut from 2.7 billion litres to 2.2 billion litres, while petrol reserve requirements will drop from 1 billion litres to 700 million litres.

Bowen said the move would allow fuel companies to direct stock towards regional areas.

'The minimum stock obligation, which was introduced by the Albanese government in 2023 for this purpose, for, if you like, the rainy day, is now necessary,' Bowen said.

'This will enable the fuel companies to more flexibly manage their supply chain. This fuel will not be released immediately.

'I will be having conversations, and have had conversations over the last 24 hours, and we'll have more with the fuel companies about ensuring that this flows to regional Australia.'

Bowen said there could be threats to future supply if the conflict in the Middle East continues.

'Will there be further threats to fuel supply if the international circumstance continues to worsen? Of course, that is a realistic thing, which governments should prepare for,' Bowen said.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has lowered national fuel stockpile requirements for Australian petrol companies to make it easier for them to release supply to regional areas

Iranian boats appear to have struck two fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member

When pressed on potential fuel rationing, Bowen said the Fuel Emergency Act gives him various powers, but said rationing was not being contemplated 'at this point'.

The intervention comes as oil markets were rocked by escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude surging above $100 a barrel after reports Iran had laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a crucial shipping route that carries about 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas.

Images showed burning tankers in the region after apparent Iranian attacks, after Iran declared it would not allow 'one litre of oil' to be shipped from the Middle East if US and Israeli attacks continue.

'The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used,' Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday.

The conflict has heightened fears Australia could face fuel shortages, with the nation currently holding just 36 days' worth of petrol supply, 32 days of diesel and 29 days of jet fuel.

In response, the federal government has temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards for the next 60 days, allowing higher-sulphur fuel imports to boost the domestic market by an extra 100 million litres per month.

Bowen's latest intervention came after he declared the situation a crisis in parliament yesterday.

'A national crisis is a time for leadership on both sides of the House,' Bowen said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned that the consequences of the crisis could have wide-ranging impacts on the economy

The Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree on fire after being hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz

'Do I think if a fishing company can't get access to diesel for that fishing, do I think it's a crisis? Yes, I do.'

His comments come after Pavo Walker, chief executive of Walker Seafoods, Australia's largest wild-caught tuna and swordfish company, said vessels across the eastern seaboard were finding it increasingly difficult to obtain fuel.

'The eastern seaboard of Australia is running out of fuel. No one can guarantee us any fuel for our fishing vessels,' he said.

'We've got no fuel, so we can't go to sea, and we can't catch fish.'

Meanwhile, some petrol stations in regional areas have resorted to limiting drivers to only $20 worth of fuel to ensure locals can fill up in an emergency, while some have run out completely.

Bowen said shortages in regional areas were being driven by surging demand rather than a lack of overall supply, with panic buying placing extreme pressure on distribution networks.

'I ask Australians, buy as much fuel as you need: no more, no less,' he said.

Some petrol stations in regional areas have resorted to limiting drivers to only $20 worth of fuel to ensure locals can fill up in an emergency, while some had run out completely.

The price of oil rose rapidly this week, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Bowen said some bulk customers were purchasing up to four times their usual fuel volumes.

'I've seen people on Facebook marketplace filling up jerry cans, Bunnings running out of jerry cans ... going on Facebook marketplace, selling fuel at inflated prices - that is un-Australian.

'It's dangerous. It shouldn't be done.

'We recognise fully that in regional areas in particular there are shortages in certain locations, and that the supply chain is under huge pressure as we have seen a massive increase in demand.

'The rush to buy fuel is unprecedented, outstripping the surge at the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.'

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has warned that the Middle East conflict could trigger an oil shock even larger than the crisis of the 1970s, when Arab nations imposed a crippling embargo on Western countries.

'The war in the Middle East is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market,' the agency said in its monthly report.

Analysts at US investment bank Goldman Sachs have also warned oil prices could surge to $150 a barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted - a scenario that would likely drive inflation higher and place renewed upward pressure on interest rates.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said prolonged conflict could have wide-ranging consequences for the global and domestic economy.

'The longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, obviously the more significant the impact will be on the global economy,' he said.

'If the Strait of Hormuz shipping route remains effectively closed, then that will have ongoing consequences for fuel prices, production, supply chains and of course an inflationary impact right around the world.

'This is internationally a very challenging time  we're working with industry, we're working with the National Farmers Federation, we're making sure that we put in place all the appropriate measures to ensure there is fuel security in this country.'
The New Zealand government is considering imposing car-less days to stave off petrol shortages.

Australian officials are yet to confirm if they will follow suit as their Trans-Tasman counterparts probe whether bringing back 'Muldoon-era legislation' from almost five decades ago to limit demand for fuel is required after petrol prices surged past $3 a litre.

Fuel prices have also skyrocketed across Australia due to the US-Israel war with Iran, which has closed a critical shipping route used to transport about a fifth of the world's crude oil.

The federal government announced on Friday that national fuel quality standards will be temporarily relaxed to allow 100million litres of petrol to be redirected into shortage-stricken regional areas.

It will ease fuel standards for 60 days so highersulphur petrol meant to be exported can be used locally instead.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the move will support independent suppliers and regions currently under increased supply pressure.

'This will allow around 100million litres a month of new petrol supply that would otherwise have been exported to be blended into Australian domestic supply,' he said during a fiery Question Time on Thursday.

'Ampol Australia has committed to ensure this redirected supply will be prioritised for regions of shortage and for the wholesale spot market that supports independent distributors and harvesters.'

Energy Minister Chris Bowen is yet to comment on whether Australia will follow New Zealand's lead and consider imposing car-less days

Service stations around Australia are running out of fuel

Car-less days are yet to be floated in Australia. Pictured are cars at Bondi Beach

Bowen confirmed that the National Coordination Mechanism had been convened to tackle 'supply chain issues and bottlenecks'.

Hours later, the minister he had announced he tweaked national fuel stockpile requirements in a bid to ease mounting shortages in regional Australia.

Under the emergency changes, fuel companies will be required to hold less fuel in reserve. Mandatory diesel stockpiles will be cut from 2.7 billion litres to 2.2 billion litres, while petrol reserve requirements will drop from 1 billion litres to 700 million litres.

Bowen said the move would allow fuel companies to direct stock towards regional areas.

'The minimum stock obligation, which was introduced by the Albanese government in 2023 for this purpose, for, if you like, the rainy day, is now necessary,' Bowen said.

'This will enable the fuel companies to more flexibly manage their supply chain. This fuel will not be released immediately.

'I will be having conversations, and have had conversations over the last 24 hours, and we'll have more with the fuel companies about ensuring that this flows to regional Australia.'

Bowen said there could be threats to future supply if the conflict in the Middle East continues.

The NZ government is considering legislation which was used to ration fuel during the Robert Muldoon government in the early 1980s

Iranian boats appear to have struck two fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member

The NZ Government will consider legislation which was used to ration fuel during the Robert Muldoon (above) government in 1979-80

'Will there be further threats to fuel supply if the international circumstances continue to worsen? Of course, that is a realistic thing, which governments should prepare for,' he said.

When pressed on potential fuel rationing, Bowen said the Fuel Emergency Act gives him various powers, but said rationing was not being contemplated 'at this point'.

However, Bowen and other Australian officials are yet to comment on whether they will look into a potential car-less days initiative similar to the one the NZ government is considering.

The NZ Government's Ministerial Economic Security and Supply Chains Group met this week to consider legislation which was used to ration fuel during the Robert Muldoon government in the early 1980s.

The legislation was first introduced after the Iranian Revolution in 1979, when global oil markets were severely disrupted.

Kiwi motorists had to nominate one day per week when they would not use their vehicle and received hefty fines if caught behind the wheel.

Commonly referred to as 'carless days', the policy ran from July 1979 to May 1980.

The Petroleum Demand Restraint Act, gives NZ ministers the power to force car-less days, limit the sale of petrol, or provide fuel coupons to ration access.

NZ Finance Minister Nicola Willis said car-less days will only be implemented if petrol supply is depleted

In Australia, national fuel quality standards will be temporarily relaxed to allow 100million litres of petrol to be redirected into shortage-stricken regional areas

'Those steps would only be necessary if we were seeing genuine disruption to our ability to get fuel beyond the 50 days of storage that we currently have,' NZ finance minister Nicola Willis said.

NZ Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said the government had started 'policy work' to nail down a plan if the Middle East conflict went on.

Jones said NZ ministers had asked the treasury to consider 'all the options' when asked if they will activate car-less days.

'Those will only kick in, in the event that this situation deteriorates further. We do have up to 50 days worth of fuel either on the water or here in country,' he said.

The news comes as oil markets were rocked by escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude surging above $100 a barrel after reports Iran had laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a crucial shipping route that carries about 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas.

Images showed burning tankers in the region after apparent Iranian attacks, after Iran declared it would not allow 'one litre of oil' to be shipped from the Middle East if US and Israeli attacks continue.

'The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used,' Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, some petrol stations in Australian regional areas have resorted to limiting drivers to only $20 worth of fuel to ensure locals can fill up in an emergency, while some have run out completely.

Bowen said shortages in regional areas were being driven by surging demand rather than a lack of overall supply, with panic buying placing extreme pressure on distribution networks.

'I ask Australians, buy as much fuel as you need: no more, no less,' he said.

Bowen said some bulk customers were purchasing up to four times their usual fuel volumes.

'I've seen people on Facebook marketplace filling up jerry cans, Bunnings running out of jerry cans ... going on Facebook marketplace, selling fuel at inflated prices - that is un-Australian.

'It's dangerous. It shouldn't be done.

'We recognise fully that in regional areas in particular there are shortages in certain locations, and that the supply chain is under huge pressure as we have seen a massive increase in demand.

'The rush to buy fuel is unprecedented, outstripping the surge at the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.'
Chinese embassy donates books to Serbian parliament, launches "China Book Corner"

Xinhua) 11:13, March 13, 2026

BELGRADE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- In a reaffirmation of the "iron-clad" friendship between Beijing and Belgrade, the Chinese Embassy on Thursday donated a collection of literature and technology-related publications to the Serbian National Assembly, marking the first such contribution to the parliamentary library.

The donation, comprising around 100 Serbian-language books curated over the past year, establishes a new "China Book Corner" for the Assembly's 250 members and researchers. The collection covers topics including Chinese politics, history, economics and culture.

Marina Ragus, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, said that understanding modern China requires examining the country's 5,000-year philosophical heritage.

Ragus also reaffirmed the shared commitment of Belgrade and Beijing to the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful coexistence and respect for national sovereignty.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming said China is willing to deepen its strategic alignment with Serbia, share development opportunities and jointly build a "China-Serbia community with a shared future."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A homeless man charged with attacking the San Francisco Mayor's bodyguard has been released - after a judge decided it was the security detail who started the fight.

Viral video showed Daniel Lurie's bodyguard, Joel Aguayo, grappling with Tony Phillips, 44, until both tumbled to the ground at a crosswalk in the Tenderloin district.

Phillips was initially charged with assaulting a peace officer, but Judge Sylvia Husing said that she believes the bodyguard 'violently attacked' him first, according to the New York Post.

It came after another video shot from above appeared to show the bodyguard shove Phillips after he got in the officer's face, sending him flying backwards into a pile of garbage.

After Phillips stood up, several punches were exchanged, as shown in the first viral clip. As the two tussled, the mayor is seen walking briskly away.

The two eventually fell to the ground, and Phillips could be seen wrestling on top of Aguayo.

Phillips attorney, Ivan Rodriguez, placed full blame on Mayor Lurie for the rumble.

Video surfaced allegedly showing the San Francisco mayors bodyguard launching a full-on brawl against a homeless man

Tony Phillips, 44, was charged with instigating an attack on Mayor Daniel Lurie on March 5

Video obtained by Mission Local shows a police officer, part of Mayor Lurie's security detail, tussling with a man in the Tenderloin.



The mayor looks on before walking away.



The man then slams the officer to the ground, & tries to get on top of him. https://t.co/4x32vFGn2g pic.twitter.com/y2bIMixZlc  Mission Local (@MLNow) March 6, 2026

'The mayor lured his security detail into engaging in this senseless altercation, all for political theatrics, your honor,' Rodriguez said, according to Mission Local.

'I dont think thats leadership, I think thats performative,' he said.

Phillips faced multiple charges, including resisting an officer and assaulting a peace officer with the potential to cause serious injury.

The 44-year-old pleaded not guilty, and his attorney is seeking to have all charges dismissed while also questioning whether the mayor or his security team should face charges.

'Im doing better out of jail. I was sweating,' Phillips said to reporters after his release on Thursday. 'I know whats running in my mind. My thoughts are clear, at least.'

Mayor Lurie allegedly told his security to stop near an alleyway by Cedar Street and left the SUV to confront homeless people on the sidewalk, according to a police report obtained by the San Francisco Standard.

Lurie allegedly asked them to move, to which Phillips asked: 'On whose behalf do I need to move?'

'Ill Bruce Lee kick your a**,' he said to Aguayo, according to the report.

Mayor Lurie fully backed his security, saying he was concerned for Phillips safety and wanted the group to move away from the area.

'They put themselves in harm's way every single day,' he said, per CBS. 'Looking out for me, looking out for my children, and looking out for my wife.

Mayor Lurie at a press conference, he fully backed his security, saying he was concerned for Phillips safety and wanted the group to move away from the area

'I want you all to know that I want to look out for them like I want to look out for every member of our SFPD.'

A second man, Abraham Simon, who allegedly intervened, was also charged with resisting, delaying, and obstructing a peace officer.

Phillips was previously arrested in 2019 on suspicion of murder after a stabbing incident but faced no charges due to lack of evidence.

'The case is proceeding. Im going to let it play out,' Lurie said on Wednesday.

'Im going to continue to focus on public safety, thats always going to be my number one priority, and I will continue to lead in that way.'

Mayor Lurie is known for his efforts to crack down on drug-fueled crime in the downtown San Francisco area.

Lurie said that his administration has managed to reduce crime by 30 percent in 2025, and by 40 percent in the financial district, which includes Union Square.

He told Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast that this is due to an influx of new officers on the street - marking 'the first net increase in police and sheriffs in 10 years'.

Homeless people are seen on a sidewalk in San Francisco, California

'Violent crime in our city, we haven't seen these type of rates since the 1950s... what we are doing is working,' Lurie said.

Lurie said that he ran for office 'because of the disorder on the streets of San Francisco' and he is still pushing for more officer recruitment.

'My number one issue was public safety, my number two issue was the behavioral health crisis, and my number three issue is that I want to tell the world that San Francisco is open for business,' he told Odd Lots.

'We need police officers walking the beat along commercial corridors,' Lurie added.

'Our families that are taking their kids to public school and are using Muni (the city's transport system) deserve a Muni stop that is free of people that are using drugs, it's unacceptable.'

'We need to get back to full staffing, and we can handle it,' Lurie added.
Scotland Yard will use the Thames as a barrier to stop clashes between pro-Iran demonstrators and counter-protesters at the controversial Al Quds rally on Sunday.

The 'unprecedented' tactic comes after the march was downgraded to a static rally when the Metropolitan Police warned of 'serious public disorder' should it go ahead as intended.

Assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan said: 'We have not used this [tactic] before, but because this is a unique set of circumstances we need a unique plan to keep these groups apart.'

He said the ongoing war in Iran meant the rally and counter-protest could attract up to 12,000 people, much higher than seen at past Al Quds events.

Marchers have previously called for Israel to be 'wiped off the map' while carrying the flags of Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.

This week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a request by the Met to prohibit the march  the first time this has happened since 2012  but said it was not possible to ban a static demonstration.

The Met will be deploying more than 1,000 officers to police the demonstration, with reinforcements from other forces.

Al Quds demonstrators will be based on the river's south side at Albert Embankment, while the counter-protest will be over the water at Millbank.

On Sunday, Scotland Yard will use the Thames as a barrier to stop clashes between pro-Iran demonstrators and counter-protesters at the Al Quds rally. (Pictured in March 2025)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Lambeth Bridge will remain closed except for emergency vehicles.

Mr Adelekan added: 'Dividing where the two groups assemble means they will use different transport hubs, plus they are divided by the river and we can control the bridges as well.'
One child is dead and three others are injured after a terrifying carjacking attempt went tragically wrong.

Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit investigators remained at the scene along Derrimut Road in Hoppers Crossing, west of Melbourne, on Friday morning.

The body of a boy, 15, lay under a State Emergency Services marquee as forensic teams worked to establish exactly how the crash happened.

A police spokesperson said the teens, in a stolen grey Skoda sedan, were chasing a Toyota sedan along Derrimut Rd just after 12am in a suspected attempted carjacking.

The Skoda hit the rear of the Toyota, losing control a short time later and hitting a Ford sedan and Ford Ranger.

The Skoda then rolled a number of times, killing the teen.

Checks by police indicate the Skoda was stolen from an address on Yellow Box Street, Maidstone, sometime between March 11 and 12.

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remain under police guard.

Major Collision Investigation Unit police attended the crime scene

A youth was pulled from the wreckage

Another 16-year-old girl was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

She has been released and is expected to be interviewed by police on Friday.

Footage captured by local newshounds Wyndham TV caught the disturbing aftermath of the bloody car chase.

One youth was seen being stretchered away from the wrecked Skoda.

The police airwing was deployed as heavily-armed officers escorted by dogs descended on the area.

The 17-year-old boy was seen being taken into custody with the help of a police dog outside a nearby house.

He could be heard cursing the officers as they assessed him for injuries.

Other motorists and a dog were also caught up in the incident and sustained minor injuries.

Police remained at the scene on Friday morning. A tent to the right still contained the body of the dead child

Rescue workers at the scene of the shocking crash

Join the discussion What do you think needs to change to stop tragic youth crimes like this from happening again?

The attempted carjacking happened just down the road from where Simon Michael Davies allegedly carjacked a motorist before embarking on an alleged rampage across Melbourne's CBD.

Known as the 'dapper gunman', Davies attracted national attention in October because of his 'Peaky Blinders'-style cap and cigar in hand.

And last week, a 19-year-old man was charged after a stolen Toyota Kluger crashed into a tree in nearby Seabrook with such force that the vehicle split in half.

The driver allegedly fled but was later arrested at a shopping centre in Hoppers Crossing.

Anyone with information on the latest incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
An undocumented migrant who allegedly shoved an Air Force veteran onto subway tracks in New York City was deported four times before the near-fatal attack.

Bairon Hernandez was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly forced Richard Williams, 83, and John Rodriguez onto the tracks on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Williams was pulled from the tracks unresponsive and is 'not expected to wake up', his heartbroken daughter, Debbie Williams, told the New York Post.

DHS reports obtained by the Daily Mail alleged that the Honduran native initially entered the US in 2008 and continued to return each time he was deported.

His most recent deportation was reportedly in 2020, though officials have not pinpointed when he returned to the country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implored New York authorities not to release Hernandez from their custody amid his questionable immigration status.

'Bairon Posada-Hernandez is a serial criminal, and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans,' DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement issued Thursday.

Williams' daughter told the Post that she was 'pissed' after finding out about the perpetrator's immigration status.

Suspected attacker Bairon Hernandez was arrested Tuesday after he fled the scene on Sunday

Victim and veteran Richard Williams is reportedly unresponsive and is not expected to wake up

'How the f*** did he get back here?' Debbie Williams said. 'I want him to go to the Venezuela prison, the worst place he could go to.'

'I want him to suffer for the rest of his life. Prison justice would be appropriate.'

In his time in and out of the country, Hernandez has racked up at least 15 criminal charges.

His alleged offenses included aggravated assault, drug possession, domestic violence and possession of a weapon.

Hernandez has also been accused of assault and obstruction of police.

This time around, he was charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and reckless endangerment, police said.

The scene unfolded on Sunday around 11.30am when Hernandez allegedly sent Rodriguez flying onto the tracks, per the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Rodriguez (pictured), 30, was pushed onto the tracks just before Williams

Williams (left) is seen on the train platform just moments before the alleged assailant, Hernandez (right), pushed him onto the train tracks and fled the scene

Williams was also toppled onto the tracks and had to be helped off by Rodriguez.

Bystanders guided them back onto the platform just before a train came speeding into the station.

Hernandez fled the scene but was arrested early Tuesday morning at a shelter in Brooklyn after police received a tip, authorities said.

Rodriguez suffered minor injuries as a result of the vicious and random attack.

But Williams' family said he might not make it.

'We're wishing for a miracle right now,' Debbie told the Daily Mail on Wednesday as her father remains on life support at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell.

Williams was shoved onto a subway track in New York City on Sunday morning at the Lexington Avenue-63rd St. station

Hernandez was arrested on Tuesday morning, several days after the alleged attack

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been criticized for maintaining the city's status as a 'sanctuary city.'

The jurisdiction limits local authorities' cooperation with immigration agents and protects undocumented immigrants from deportation.

'We are praying for the victims and their families,' said DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.

'DHS is calling upon New York sanctuary politicians to commit to this ICE detainer and not release this heinous criminal back into New York communities.'

Hernandez was arraigned on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty, reported PIX11. He is being held on a bail of $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond.

The Daily Mail contacted the NYPD for more information.
A former Channel Seven newsreader has branded the Australian Tax Office 'disgraceful' after her fraud convictions were overturned - years after she was jailed.

Simone Semmens spent 14 months behind bars after a jury found her guilty in 2019 of 10 counts of deceitfully causing a loss to the Commonwealth.

Ms Semmens, a former Ms Victoria beauty pageant winner, had worked as a weekend TV presenter in Melbourne before later moving into property development.

She was accused of deliberately failing to pay GST on the sale of multimillion-dollar properties she had bought and subdivided between June 2001 and December 2011.

After an audit, the ATO alleged she intentionally avoided paying $1.74 million in GST.

But after serving 14 months in prison, Ms Semmens successfully appealed her convictions in the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal last week.

The appeal court found the jury may have been wrongly led to believe she effectively stole millions in GST, when the actual tax liability was never clearly proven, so her convictions were overturned and she was cleared.

She told news.com.au the legal battle with the ATO had been 'a harrowing ordeal', but said she felt compelled to fight the case so she could travel overseas to visit her son.

Simone Semmens spent 14 months in jail after a jury found her guilty of causing a loss to the Commonwealth following a trial in 2019

Ms Semmens was once a Channel 7 presenter before getting into property

Ms Semmens, who represented herself in court despite having no legal background, said she now feels vindicated after what she described as unfair treatment by the tax office.

'This was not something I had any training in, but I worked very, very hard,' she said.

She is now contemplating a compensation claim for her time spent in prison and said it was disgraceful that the ATO wasted so much taxpayer money on the case.

'I certainly have some serious complaints about the way in which the investigation was handled by the tax office,' she said.

'It's millions of dollars.'

In a written judgment, Justices David Beach, Maree Kennedy and Terry Forrest acknowledged three 'irregularities' in the trial, which they said led to a miscarriage of justice in the way the jury was led through the case.

They found the prosecutor suggested Ms Semmens sold the properties GST-inclusive and implied she pocketed the $1.74 million that should have been set aside for the ATO.

'The first and second errors meant that the jury might reason that the applicant had engaged in a very different level of dishonesty  tantamount to theft  from that which was actually alleged,' they said.

Ms Semmens branded the ATO a disgrace following the verdict

Simone Semmens leaves court in Melbourne

'In essence, then, given the way the prosecutor opened and closed his case, the jury can be taken to have understood that the case was put on the basis that the applicant received $1.8million belonging to the ATO which she dishonestly misappropriated.'

The court said such a consideration would have been 'erroneous', as the prosecution framed the case around an 'unquantified loss' given the difficulty of determining the actual GST liability.

The appeals panel said it would not order a fresh trial, and an acquittal was entered on all 10 charges Ms Semmens had been convicted of.

'The applicant has already served her entire sentence, endured significant stress, and re-entered the community,' the appeals panel said.

'The offences also concern events which took place many years ago, in circumstances where memories of witnesses have already been adversely affected.

'In our view, the interests of justice do not require another lengthy and complex trial to be held in the circumstances of this particular case.'

An ATO spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'The ATO acknowledges the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeals decision. The ATO is unable to comment on taxpayers' affairs given our obligations around confidentiality under the law.'
Kemi Badenoch yesterday accused Keir Starmer of lying about Peter Mandelson's appointment, amid growing claims of a cover-up.

The Tory leader demanded a sleaze inquiry into whether Sir Keir misleMPs over the disastrous decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador.

And she claimed that incriminating documents were removed from this week's Mandelson files to avoid further damage to the Prime Minister's battered reputation.

Sir Keir yesterday issued another grovelling apology over his decision to send Mandelson to Washington despite knowing he had stayed friends with Jeffrey Epstein for years after the financier's child-sex conviction.

But Mrs Badenoch called for him to go, saying: 'I am astonished the Prime Minister can actually look himself in the mirror right now.

'It is very clear that he told lie after lie after lie about the appointment of Peter Mandelson. He has been dishonest with Parliament and with the country.

'And Labour MPs, in good conscience, should be looking at whether or not this man should be leading our country.'

The Conservatives called on the PM's ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus to investigate the 'serious deficiencies in the released material'.

Kemi Badenoch yesterday accused Keir Starmer of lying about Peter Mandelson's appointment, amid growing claims of a cover-up (The Tory leader is pictured on October 8, 2025)

Sir Keir yesterday issued another grovelling apology over his decision to send Mandelson to Washington (The PM and Mandelson together on February 26, 2025)

He was also asked to examine evidence that Sir Keir may have misled Parliament when he claimed that 'full due process was followed' throughout Mandelson's appointment.

On Wednesday, Downing Street finally published the first batch of documents surrounding Mandelson's appointment in December 2024.

But although they confirm Sir Keir was warned about the disgraced peer's 'particularly close' relationship with Epstein, his response is not recorded.

The documents contain no record of what Sir Keir thought about Mandelson or why he pushed through the appointment after being told it was a 'reputational risk' to the Government.

Mrs Badenoch said 'a lot of information is missing' from the files. She said it was not credible that no record was kept of why Sir Keir wanted to appoint Mandelson or how he responded to being told the Labour grandee had remained friends with Epstein following his conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008.

'I've been a minister and a secretary of state,' she said.

'The comments which Keir Starmer would have put on the (red box) notes  those are the cover notes where you explain what you want to happen  are missing. They have been removed. We need the full details of what the Prime Minister did. There is still a cover-up going on.'

The Conservatives also claimed that ministers broke government rules on public spending in handing Mandelson an extraordinary 75,000 golden goodbye after sacking him over his friendship with Epstein. One senior figure described the pay-off as 'hush money'.

In his first public comment since the files were published, Sir Keir said he took 'full responsibility' for the appointment, which was made against the advice of his national security adviser Jonathan Powell.

He said: 'It was me that made a mistake, and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that.'

Papers released this week showed government vetting highlighted Mandelson's 'close' friendship with Jeffrey Epstein (pictured together) before he was made US ambassador

Downing Street rejected claims of a cover-up and Whitehall sources denied that documents had been redacted. But the PM's spokesman was unable to explain why Sir Keir apparently offered no comment on the notes contained in his red box.

No 10 also stuck by the PM's claim that the full procedures in place at the time were followed. But this week's documents record Mr Powell saying that Mandelson's appointment was 'weirdly rushed'.

In a letter to Sir Laurie, Tory frontbencher Alex Burghart said this week's documents 'contradict' statements made by Sir Keir to Parliament.

He added that the revelations about the 'rushed' appointment and the bypassing of vetting procedures contradicted the PM's claim that proper procedures were followed.

Labour's former deputy leader Harriet Harman, who pursued Boris Johnson over claims of misleading Parliament, said Sir Keir had to expect the same treatment.

The revelations have triggered anger on the Labour backbenches  and there are growing fears about what might emerge in the next, much bigger, batch of files in the coming weeks.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused the PM of allowing Labour to be 'dragged into the gutter' by Mandelson and his allies.

Fellow Left-winger Nadia Whittome said: 'Victims of child sexual abuse deserve our moral consistency. How did the PM think Mandelson's appointment would make them feel? Factional politics took priority above everything else, and that is disgraceful.'
All six crew members on a US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft which crashed in western Iraq, have been confirmed dead, the US military said Friday, adding that the incident was not caused by 'hostile fire.'

'All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased,' US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East, said in a post on X.

It comes after Centcom announced on Thursday that a KC-135 refuelling plane had gone down in 'friendly airspace' and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.

The second aircraft was also a KC-135, The Washington Post reports.

The identities of those killed will be withheld for 24 hours until next of kin can be notified, Centcom said, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing as two crew members remain missing.

It comes after a major blaze appears to have broken out at a French air base in Erbil, Iraq, following a drone attack.

A helicopter was apparently hit and at least six French soldiers were injured. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed early this morning that one had died.

'Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks,' he said. 'The French soldiers there have no connection to war or conflict. They are simply military advisers legally present in Iraq'.

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A KC-135 refuelling plane went down on Thursday in 'friendly airspace' and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. Picture shows the second aircraft with damage to its tail

All six members have now been confirmed dead after the crash

Pictured: A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling a Navy Super Hornet during Operation Epic Fury earlier on Thursday

An explosion was also reported near the U.S. Consulate and the Erbil International Airport area, where there is a US military base.

Iraq became the main theatre of war in the Middle East on Wednesday as another drone attack hit British special forces.

Events in Iraq also threatened to pull Britain and France into the conflict after days of practising a defensive strategy.

A French soldier was killed in an attack on a joint base in Iraqi Kurdistan, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday.

The strike on the headquarters - which France shares with Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces - involved two drones and injured five more troops.

Meanwhile, Iranian drone attacks targeted a British Special Forces base in Iraq earlier in the day.

The 'hidden hand' of Vladimir Putin was blamed for directing strikes against military headquarters and helping co-ordinate Iran's military operations.

John Healey condemned the Kremlin's secret mission to support the regime that has fired at UK troops at least three times.

And a major blaze appears to have broken out at a French air base in Erbil, Iraq, following a drone attack

A helicopter was apparently hit and at least six French soldiers were injured. One was later confirmed dead

An explosion is reported near the U.S. Consulate and the Erbil International Airport area, where a U.S. military base is located

Smoke rises from the site of a drone crash on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq on Thursday

The assault on the camp at Erbil in northern Iraq was repelled by soldiers using the UK's Martlet missile system.

Wednesday night's engagement followed attacks on RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus and challenged the wisdom of Keir Starmer's strategy.

On the Prime Minister's orders, British troops are permitted only to intercept enemy rockets. They cannot engage rocket systems.

Meanwhile, RAF pilots flew operational sorties over the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar as Britain was dragged deeper into the conflict.

Mr Healey said: 'No one will be surprised to believe that Putin's hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially behind some of their capabilities as well.

'We have seen this axis of aggression with Russia firing 60,000 drones into Ukraine. We have seen the same tactics by Iran. These countries like to menace their neighbours.

'Nobody wants a situation where the Strait of Hormuz is closed, where international oil prices are at more than $100 a barrel. Nobody except Putin. Everyone else is concerned about it.'

The Kremlin was struggling to find money to support its illegal occupation of Ukraine before the spike in oil prices.

The increase from $60 to more than $100 a barrel has delivered a windfall for Putin, as has the US waiver on sanctions applying to countries buying Russian natural resources.

Overstretched British forces have been withdrawn from patrolling the High North and the North Sea to contribute to Middle East operations.

HMS Dragon, which sailed from Portsmouth on Monday, had been earmarked for Nato operations there before she was redeployed.

Defence Secretary John Healey, pictured this month in Cyprus, blamed the 'hidden hand' of Vladimir Putin for directing strikes against military headquarters

A French soldier has been killed in a drone attack targeting a base in the Makhmour area of Iraqi Kurdistan, pictured, which France shares with Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces

Parents carry their children away from the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on Thursday after a gunman drove a truck into the building

There were no British casualties in the Iranian attack on the Erbil base, but some US service personnel were wounded. Targets in Baghdad were also struck.

The UK's Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Nick Perry said the Iranian drones were 'problematic' and 'proving effective' due to their flight patterns.

In tactics borrowed from the Russians in Ukraine, the Iranians are ensuring their Shaheed suicide drones approach targets on a lower trajectory.

The shallowness of their flight makes detection and interception more challenging. But the Martlet missile system proved up to the task.

With the Hormuz strait blockaded due to threats to cargo ships and oil tankers, Mr Healey was asked why the Navy removed its minesweeper HMS Middleton.

He said: 'Any ship, like a car, needs maintenance. It was brought back for that.'

In other developments:

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he believed America and its allies will form an 'international coalition' to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

There was no sign of the Iranian regime collapsing yesterday after attacks on Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman.

A gunman who drove a truck carrying explosives into a synagogue in the US has been killed.

The vehicle caught fire after 'something ignited' when the driver smashed into the Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A man armed with a rifle was found dead inside the vehicle. No one else was killed in the incident.

Donald Trump said the war against Iran is moving 'very rapidly', adding: 'They really are a nation of terror and hate, and they're paying a big price right now.'

Iran insisted it is not laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz after an expert warned unmanned naval attack drones could 'create havoc' along the vital waterway.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released the first statement to his war-torn nation despite rumours he is incapacitated in hospital with severe injuries.

The Israeli armed forces commenced 'several waves' of strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon targeting 'Hezbollah infrastructure'.

Meanwhile, another European nation was dragged further into the war after a French soldier died in a drone attack targeting a base in Iraq.

A member of the armed forces 'died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq,' President Macron posted on X, confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war that began late last month when Israel and the United States struck Iran.

The strike on the headquarters - which France shares with Iraqi Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces - involved two drones.

No Peshmerga personnel were on the site at the time of the attack, according to Governor of Erbil Omed Khoshnaw.

The base lies in the Makhmour area of Iraqi Kurdistan, around 80km (50 miles) from the capital, Erbil.

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'This is all the movement of the terrorist militias in Iraq and we reiterate that the Iraqi government are not taking it seriously,' Mr Khoshnaw said.

'If these outlaws are part of the Iraqi government, then they are responsible. If they are not, then their security apparatus has a duty of reining these groups in.'

The soldiers were 'engaged in training activities on counterterrorism with Iraqi partners', according to a member of the general staff.

The troops were rushed immediately to the nearest medical facility.
The victim in the Old Dominion University shooting was identified as an alumnus and veteran Army helicopter pilot.

It was revealed that ROTC students at Old Dominion University subdued and killed the National Guardsman turned ISIS terrorist who shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before he killed one and wounded two at the Virginia school.

Voorhees University in South Carolina confirmed the person killed who died was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the son-in-law of a Voorhees trustee.

Shah attended ODU as an ROTC student, according to his biography on the universitys website, and had returned in 2022 as a leader for the program.

In the Army, Shah had flown helicopters over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe as a pilot.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps students showed 'extreme bravery and courage' and prevented further loss of life by stopping the suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, FBI spokesperson Dominique Evans said.

The ROTC students subdued him and 'rendered him no longer alive,' Evans added. 'I don't know how else to say it.'

The shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post, who praised the heroism of the students.

ROTC students at Old Dominion University subdued and killed the National Guardsman turned ISIS terrorist who shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before he killed one and wounded two at the school

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps students showed 'extreme bravery and courage' and prevented further loss of life by stopping the suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh (pictured)

The students' actions 'undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement,' Patel said.

She didn't provide further details except to confirm the gunman wasn't shot. Previous reports suggested he was stabbed, but this has not been verified.

Evans said Jalloh aspired to conduct a terrorist attack like the killings at Fort Hood.

'I can tell you that we have confirmed reports that prior to him conducting this act of terrorism, he shouted, stated, ''Allahu Akbar,'' and he was formerly a subject of an FBI investigation into material supporting terrorism,' she added.

Jalloh, 36, opened fire inside the Norfolk, Virginia, school on Thursday morning, sources confirmed to several news outlets.

He stormed into a classroom and asked if it was a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) class, The New York Post reported.

After a person in the room confirmed that it was, he opened fire on the professor, later identified as Shah, sources told the outlet, before Jalloh was killed.

They added that that Shah was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Jalloh, a U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, was released from prison in 2024 after being caught attempting to hand information to ISIS and ISIL in 2015.

Voorhees University in South Carolina confirmed the victim who died was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (pictured), the son-in-law of a Voorhees trustee

Jalloh, seen here, opened fire inside the Norfolk, Virginia , school on Thursday morning

He was sentenced to 11 years behind bars in 2017 which was to be followed by five years supervised release.

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said officers responded after receiving reports that people were being shot in one of the classrooms.

Officials confirmed on Thursday that two other victims remain injured after the shooting. One of the victims brought themselves to a hospital.

The two surviving victims appear to be in stable condition and added that authorities are 'very early' in the investigation.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, said the two people wounded are members of ROTC.

He said: 'We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident. There's still a lot more stuff we have to work out.'

Within about an hour of the shooting, ODU declared that there was no longer a threat on the campus.

The public university in Norfolk canceled classes and suspended all operations on its main campus through Friday and urged people to avoid the area of the shooting.

Jalloh, a U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, was released from prison in 2024 after being caught attempting to hand information to ISIS and ISIL in 2015

The ROTC students subdued him and 'rendered him no longer alive,' Dominique Evans added. 'I don't know how else to say it'

In a message to the university community, ODU President Brian Hemphill said the school faced a tragedy on campus.

He expressed gratefulness for the swift emergency response and thoughts and prayers to those impacted.

Hemphill said: 'We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.'

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on the social platform X that it had agents on scene supporting the response.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said that she was monitoring the situation and that 'state support is being mobilized' to help ODU. She didn't provide specifics.

Ashraf Nubani, a Virginia attorney who represented Jalloh in his 2016 criminal case, did not immediately respond to messages Thursday seeking comment.

Jalloh's sister, Fatmatu Jalloh of Sterling, Virginia, said Thursday she knew nothing about the attack. She said she last saw her brother two days earlier.

'I have no idea what is going on,' the suspect's sister said. 'I know nothing. I don't even know who to call.'

Police block an entrance road after a gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University in Norfolk

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said officers responded after receiving reports that people were being shot in one of the classrooms

According to a 2016 FBI affidavit filed in his criminal case, Jalloh told a government informant he quit the Army National Guard after hearing lectures from radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

The Virginia Army National Guard confirmed Jalloh served as a specialist from 2009 until 2015, when he was honorably discharged.

A court affidavit recounts a three-month sting operation in which Jalloh, then 26, said he was thinking about carrying out an attack similar to the 2009 shootings at Fort Hood, which left 13 people dead.

Authorities launched the 2016 operation after Jalloh made contact with Islamic State members in Africa earlier that year.

Jalloh later told the informant that the Islamic State group had asked if he wanted to participate in an attack.

He tried to donate $500 to the Islamic State, but the money actually went to an account controlled by the FBI, according to court documents.

Jalloh then tried to buy an AR-15 assault rifle from a Virginia gun store but was turned away because he lacked the proper paperwork.

The affidavit says he returned the next day and bought a different assault rifle.

Within about an hour of the shooting, ODU declared that there was no longer a threat on the campus

In a message to the university community, ODU President Brian Hemphill said the school faced a tragedy on campus

Prosecutors said the rifle was rendered inoperable before Jalloh left the store, unbeknownst to Jalloh. He was arrested the following day.

The Justice Department in 2017 requested a 20-year prison sentence for Jalloh, noting that he had made multiple attempts to join the Islamic State and had attempted to acquire a gun to carry out a murder plot in the United States.

Jalloh's lawyers requested a six and a half year prison sentence and placement in a facility with residential drug treatment for inmates with addiction and substance abuse issues.

'The defendant was fully aware of what he was doing, and the consequences of those actions. His only misgivings seemed to be a fear that he would waver at the critical moment,' prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

They added: 'By putting the idea of this murder plot into religious terms, and by suggesting that murdering members of the US military would be a path to heaven, the defendant showed how strongly committed he was to the deadly ideology' of the Islamic State.

U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, sentenced him instead to 11 years in prison.

According to Sentara Health, two of the Old Dominion University victims were transported by ambulance to the Level I trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

One of those patients has passed away. The other remains in critical condition.

Police arrive outside Old Dominion University's campus after reports of an active shooter

A third person was treated and released from the Sentara Independence free-standing emergency department in Virginia Beach after arriving in a personal vehicle, Sentara Health said.

Within about an hour of the shooting, ODU declared that there was no longer a threat on the campus.

The public university in Norfolk canceled classes and suspended all operations on its main campus through Friday and urged people to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall while emergency officials continued to work. Counseling and food services will remain available.

In a message to the university community, ODU President Brian Hemphill said the school faced a tragedy on campus.

He expressed gratefulness for the swift emergency response and thoughts and prayers to those impacted.

'The safety of our campus community is my top priority,' Hemphill wrote. 'We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.'

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on the social platform X that it had agents on scene supporting the response.

Located in coastal Norfolk, Old Dominion University has about 24,000 students, 17,500 of them undergraduates.

The school has around 240 degree programs, and is known for its research spending and doctoral programs.

Nearly 30 percent of its students are military-affiliated, according to the university website.

The area is also home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world.
A community is grieving the loss of a beloved Year 5 teacher and her one-year-old daughter, as the family of a beer-loving, ocean data scientist calls for an end to speculation while he remains under police guard in hospital.

Windaroo State School staff member Kate Paterson, 38, and little April were found with fatal stab wounds on Thursday morning at a Belivah home south of Brisbane.

Their bodies were found after cops rushed to the scene of a road accident early on Thursday morning.

Father Dr Blake Seers, 39, was hit by a car when he ran into traffic on the nearby main road after fleeing from the home with his throat slit.

A 300m-long trail of blood led the officers - intending just to alert next of kin of the accident - to the horrific scene inside the home.

Now fresh details of little April's parents have emerged as detectives try to unravel the mystery of what actually happened inside the house of horror.

Locals say the mother-of-one was beloved by her students, with the community organising a candlelit flower vigil in her memory on Friday night.

'My heart breaks for all involved, and (for) mum and bub,' one parent wrote on social media.

Kate Paterson was found dead in her suburban Belivah home with her one-year-old April

Ms Paterson and her husband Dr Blake Seers were seen walking in the neighbourhood with April just hours before the incident

Police had initially rushed to the home after reports of a pedestrian with a neck wound who was hit by a car on Beaudesert Beenleigh Road at Bannockburn about 7.30am on Thursday

'But also watching my daughter grieve the loss of her teacher makes my heart break.'

Another parent at Windaroo State School wrote: 'Its clear she was a kind and caring person who meant a lot to many. This loss has deeply shaken our community.'

Teaching was in the blood for Ms Paterson, who was the daughter of a deputy principal for a Queensland school. The family have requested privacy as they mourn.

Police had initially rushed to reports of an injured pedestrian hit by a car outside the nearby Woolworths - on Beaudesert Beenleigh Road at Bannockburn - about 7.30am on Thursday.

When officers unwittingly went to his home address in Belivah to tell the family about his accident, they found the bodies.

He was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious condition, where he remains unconscious under police guard.

While people on social media have leapt into comments attempting to understand what happened, relatives of Dr Seers have called for calm.

'I'm family. It's not DV (domestic violence),' a family member wrote.

Data scientist Dr Blake Seers (pictured, left), who had been hit by the vehicle, remains in hospital under police guard

While people on social media have leapt into comments attempting to understand what happened, relatives of Dr Seers have called for calm

'I know how it may read. But not everything is as it appears. I hope everyone can refrain from comments or judgement. For now, please.'

Detective Superintendent Chris Ahearn confirmed on Thursday the three all lived at the home where the dead mother and daughter were found.

'We have witness accounts of him running from that house shortly before he was struck by the car,' said Det Supt Ahearn.

'Early indications are that there are no domestic violence related holdings from a police perspective, in relation to this family.

'We believe [the father] has just headed down that street and then got to where the car was and then was struck there.

'We're anxious to speak with him so that we can get a fuller appraisal of the circumstances.'

CCTV from a neighbour's home, obtained by The Courier Mail, showed Ms Paterson and Dr Seers walking home with little April on Wednesday night, hours before the incident.

Dr Seers, who is a programmer at the national science agency Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), remains in hospital as of Friday morning, Queensland Police confirmed to the Daily Mail.

A trail of blood led from the home to where Dr Blake Seers was hit by a ute

Police urged potential witnesses to contact them

He earned his PhD in Statistics and Marine Science from the University of Auckland before moving to Australia in 2019.

Now employed by the CSIRO, he has spent almost seven years working on data modelling in the sea level, waves and coastal extremes team.

Alongside his research, he has previously uploaded analyses on GitHub, a web-based platform for software developers to store, manage, and share code.

His interests ranged from scientific analysis looking at Australian coasts to visualising population structures and the performances of professional dart players.

Meanwhile, outside the world of data, Dr Seers is also an avid beer enthusiast, frequently using an app to share and discuss with others the drinks he enjoyed.

Detectives and forensic officers remained at the home on Thursday afternoon, as neighbours described hearing screams earlier that morning.

'We just heard screaming coming from the house,' said one.

One shocked neighbour told Daily Mail police arrived outside the Belivah property at about 8.30am.

She had never met the occupiers of the home but believed they had moved in recently.

Nipun Powar, who lives a few houses down from Ms Paterson, told the Courier Mail he regularly saw the family walking in the neighbourhood.

'They just generally seemed a really happy family. I would see them frequently walking down, going to the park,' he said.

A heavy police presence has surrounded the home, which was built around six to nine months ago, according to another neighbour.

Police urge potential witnesses in the area between 7am and 8.30am on Thursday who may have information or vision to contact them.
A North Carolina airport has resumed normal operations after being evacuated over a bomb threat.

Wilmington International Airport officials were notified of the threat on Thursday night, and cleared out the terminal, police said.

The New Hanover County Sheriffs Office Bomb Squad carried out a sweep and later determined the terminal was safe for operations.

In a statement on social media, the airport wrote: 'The New Hanover County Sheriffs Office Bomb Squad has completed their sweep and determined the terminal is safe for operations.

'We appreciate our partners for their swift response and thank everyone for their patience and cooperation. Operations may now resume.'

The airspace above the airport was temporarily shut down, and all flights were grounded, WECT News reported.

In an initial statement posted via Facebook, the airport wrote: 'ILM was made aware of an alleged bomb threat at the airport.

'Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure everyones safety, the terminal has been evacuated.

A North Carolina airport has been evacuated after officials received reports of a bomb threat

New Hanover County Sheriffs Office bomb squad specialists are carrying out a sweep of the airport to determine whether the threat is credible, the department said

The terminal was cleared 'out of an abundance of caution,' pictures of the airport were shared on social media

'The New Hanover County Sheriffs Office bomb squad is currently conducting a sweep of the area to assess the credibility of the threat. Safety remains our top priority.

'There is no additional information at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.'

The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office also posted a social media statement regarding the evacuation.

'ILM International has been evacuated due to a bomb threat phoned in to the facility' they wrote on Facebook.

'The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office bomb squad is responding and once the facility has been deemed safe, operations will resume.'

It comes after Kansas City International Airport evacuated thousands of travelers on Sunday over what the FBI now says was a fake threat.

Confused and terrified passengers were seen carrying their bags onto the tarmac following reports of a 'potential threat' inside the airport, as flights out of the Midwest hub were grounded shortly after 11am.

In a statement to X just before 4pm on Sunday, FBI Director Kash Patel said the Kansas City International Airport threat was a false alarm.

He wrote at the time: 'The threat was reviewed and determined not to be credible. Terminal has been swept, cleared, and normal operations resumed.'

'Threats like these are a federal crime,' he added. 'FBI and law enforcement partners will fully investigate and bring to justice anyone responsible.'

Evacuations are often triggered by suspicious items, threats made by phone or online or intelligence alerts that authorities must verify.

The airport evacuations come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, starting with a deadly joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.

The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to launch relentless retaliatory missile and drone attacks on US military bases across the Gulf region.
The survivor of a brutal execution-style attack has won $198 million in a civil case against her assailant, who also killed her girlfriend.

Mary Kristene Chapa, then 18, and her late girlfriend, Mollie Ogin, 19, were confronted by David Strickland at a public park in Portland, Texas, in 2012.

The killer, then 26, stripped the two women, bound them, blindfolded them with duct tape and sexually assaulted them in Violet Andrews Park before shooting them.

Police believed both women were dead when they discovered them with head wounds the next morning, but Chapa was still alive.

Strickland was sentenced to life without parole in 2016, but on Wednesday, the justice system issued another judgement against him.

Chapa finally won a civil suit she filed against Strickland, his father and their family pharmacy in 2017.

At the time, she had asked for $500 million to cover her medical costs and mental anguish.

Chapa's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, announced the verdict after several days of testimony at a San Patricio state courthouse, calling the plaintiff a 'hero.'

Kristene Chapa was the sole survivor of a 2012 attack at a park in Texas

Chapa (left) was with her girlfriend, Mollie Ogin (right), when they were confronted by a stranger in Violet Andrews Park

'This is one of the largest sexual assault verdicts in the history of the United States,' Buzbee said in a statement.

'Kristene Chapa is a fighter. She is a survivor. She has attempted to put her life together as best she can, given what David Strickland did to her.

'She is someone that all should admire. I am proud to represent her in this historic case.'

The decision took the jury just over two hours.

Chapa was seeking damages for permanent harm inflicted by Strickland during the violent and devastating attack.

'She has tunnel vision, walks with a limp, is in constant pain, and has undergone extensive physical rehabilitation and medical treatment,' the complaint previously published by the Daily Mail read.

'She will need treatment and substantial assistance with daily tasks for the balance of her life.'

Chapa's lawsuit claimed Strickland's father, Larry Strickland, was also at fault for being aware of his son's violent tendencies and failing to intervene.

She claimed he entrusted his son with the .45 caliber Glock used in the attack

Chapa was shot in the head but survived and is now an advocate for sexual assault survivors

Ogin did not survive the attack and was found dead by police the next day

Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee announced the verdict, calling Chapa a 'hero'

Strickland worked with his father at Taft Pharmacy, which was owned by the family.

Chapa's lawyers claimed that the company 'aided and abetted' the perpetrator either intentionally or through negligence.

Chapa's story garnered national attention. She appeared in a Dateline episode where she recounted the chilling details of her last moments with Ogin.

'We weren't even there for five minutes and we end up seeing this guy walk by,' she said.

'I got this weird feeling and we wanted to hurry up and get out of there. And the next thing you know, he's right there on Mollie's side, with a gun.

'We both asked each other if we were okay, and that was the last thing we both asked each other.'

The survivor has since become an advocate for sexual assault survivors and gun violence victims.

David Strickland was found guilty and sentences to life without parole in 2016

Despite 'overwhelming evidence against him,' Strickland maintained his innocence, the lawsuit explained.

The suit claimed Strickland 'sneered' at Chapa and her family throughout the initial trial and his lawyer has filed multiple appeals for his sentence.

The first appeal was denied in 2020, followed by a state appeals court denying the request in 2024.

In September 2025, a federal judge denied a request for a review of his incarceration.

Strickland's lawyer filed an appeal on that decision in October that has yet to be reviewed.

The Daily Mail contacted Buzbee, Chapa and Strickland's lawyer for comment.
China, Australia's largest supplier of aviation fuel, has ordered refineries to halt oil exports in a move that could put further pressure on airfares, and increase concern about future shortages.

Australia mostly relies on imported jet fuel, with Chinese refineries accounting for 32 per cent of imports in 2025. The supply supports airports and planes across the country.

But on Thursday, four sources told Reuters that authorities in Beijing had ordered an immediate ban on refined fuel exports for March.

A day later, the move was confirmed by Aldric Chew, the head of oil pricing in Asia Pacific at data service Argus, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Mr Chew said the Chinese government had not issued an official statement but that emails to traders requested their 'understanding to postpone or cancel' cargo contracts.

It is understood the halt would not impact Australians for a few weeks as tankers travelling from north-east Asia and India can take up to 25 days to arrive.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for comment.

The news comes 24 hours after Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton claimed Australia was too reliant on overseas supplies, News Corp reported.

Chinese officials have postponed or cancelled cargo contracts for exports of jet fuel in a move that could impact Australia, which heavily relies on this supply for its airports and aircraft

Climate Minister Chris Bowen said on Thursday that he could not guarantee Australia would avoid a fuel shortage which has been driven by conflict in the Middle East

'(This) means the reliability of that 25-day supply depends on international shipping lanes, global refining capacity and geopolitical stability,' he told a conference.

'And when you look at the world today  with conflict in the Middle East and growing tension across global energy markets  you start to see why fuel security matters just as much as emissions.'

Petrol prices nationwide have surged to over $2 a litre, driven by the intensifying conflict involving Iran, the US, Israel, and other nations in the Middle East.

Some regional areas in the country have reported fuel shortages.

Climate Minister Chris Bowen told parliament on Thursday he could not guarantee Australia would avoid a fuel shortage, declaring a national crisis and advancing plans to release fuel from the strategic reserve.

However, he added that supply and price issues were being driven by panic-buying motorists, not by a shortage of fuel imports.

'I ask Australians, buy as much fuel as you need: no more, no less,' he said.

'I've seen (people) on Facebook marketplace filling up jerry cans, Bunnings running out of jerry cans... going on Facebook marketplace, selling fuel at inflated prices - that is un-Australian.

Petrol prices across Australia have soared to more than $2 a litre in response to the escalating war between Iran, the US, Israel and other countries

'It's dangerous. It shouldn't be done.'

The government has also relaxed quality standards for the next 60 days, allowing the use of fuel with higher sulphur levels, to boost the domestic market by 100 million litres of petrol per month.

On Friday, Mr Bowen announced that fuel companies will be required to hold less fuel in reserve - boosting the country's supplies further.

Mandatory diesel stockpiles will be cut from 2.7 billion litres to 2.2 billion litres, while petrol reserve requirements will drop from 1 billion litres to 700 million litres.

Quality levels would remain very high by international standards, the government said.

Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan said the government should also consider easing diesel quality standards.

'Australia's economy runs on diesel,' he told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

Mr Tehan accused Mr Bowen of deploying ad hoc measures in response to the supply and price crunch.

Meanwhile, Resources Minister Madeleine King is travelling to Japan for talks with her international counterparts to discuss ways to secure fuel supplies, among other issues.

'I'm hoping to achieve good discussions about where everyone else is sitting in addressing the fuel supply or demand issues they're facing in their countries,' she told ABC News on Friday.

Ms King said boosting supplies of critical minerals and rare earths - used in electric vehicle batteries, smartphones and sensitive defence technologies - would also be discussed.
NRL fans will be among those affected by a significant highway closure due to significant cracks and movement in a historic causeway dubbed the Convict Bridge.

The main highway linking Sydney to western NSW will be closed for months as officials outlined troubles with a 194-year-old convict-built causeway.

Mitchell's Causeway in the Blue Mountains was closed on Sunday after significant cracking and movement was detected in the road's substructure.

Further investigation has revealed that extensive testing and repairs are needed to render the section of the Great Western Highway safe for traffic.

'I will be honest and upfront to the people of the Blue Mountains and the Central West: this closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months,' Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said in a statement on Friday.

'It is incredibly serious.'

Transport for NSW advises that at least two weeks of specialist geotechnical testing and 3D imaging must be carried out without passing traffic to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

Even under the most optimistic scenario, any remediation required to make the road safe for vehicles would take at least a further two months, the government said.

Mitchell's Causeway, a 194-year-old convict-built road in the Blue Mountains, serves as the key highway from Sydney to western New South Wales

Significant cracking and movement were detected in the road's substructure

'This is a complex site, with a unique heritage structure on a mountain pass,' transport deputy secretary Matt Fuller said.

'The level of movement detected means we need time without traffic to fully understand the risks and determine the safest solution.'

The causeway carries heavy trucks and other traffic down the slopes of Mount Victoria to Lithgow, the gateway to NSW's Central West region.

It's the main route between Sydney and Bathurst, which is due to host an NRL fixture between the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers on Saturday night.

Trains between Bathurst and Katoomba will be free from Saturday with extra services between Bathurst and Mount Victoria from Sunday.

An alternative road route via Darling Causeway is adding about 25 minutes to the journey across the Blue Mountains.

'I know this closure is causing real hardship for families, workers, school communities, freight operators and local businesses, and I am deeply sorry for that disruption,' Ms Aitchison said.

'But there will be no shortcuts on safety  we will not risk lives.'
The victim of a biomedical student busted for secretly filming women in public toilets is now fearful of her safety and can no longer use public restrooms.

The woman is among an unknown number of victims, who university student Bao Phuc Cao recorded without permission in intimate settings in public facilities.

The 23-year-old was found with more than 100 videos on his phone but authorities are unsure if they're all of the same or different victims, Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on Friday.

The woman had gone into the public toilets at Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Docklands on February 20, 2025 and saw there was one other person in an adjoining cubicle.

As she used the toilet, she noticed an iPhone being held close to the wall near the cubicle and that it was recording.

The woman became scared and panicked at the sight of the recording, leaving the toilets to call security who found Cao in the toilet cubicle.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz, read the woman's victim impact statement and described how Cao's offending had a profound impact on the complainant.

'She remains anxious, unsurprisingly she is hypervigilant,' the magistrate said.

Bao Phuc Cao had over 100 videos on his phone after being caught filming a woman in public toilets. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

The woman's sense of safety has been and continues to be affected, impacting her ability to use the restroom in the office and in public, she added.

'These concerns are the long-term affects of your offending,' Ms Mykytowycz said.

On Friday, Cao was sentenced to a 12-month adjourned undertaking without conviction where he must be of good behaviour and comply with his previous community corrections order.

The offender had been sentenced twice before receiving a community corrections order - in July 2025 on the same matter and May 2025 relating to an incident in October 2024.

Under the principle of totality, the magistrate said his charge on Friday should have been bundled with his previous sentencing as it would have been unlikely to have impacted his prior sentence.

Ms Mykytowycz took into account his guilty plea, youth and that he has no family in Australia, but described the offending as very serious and the complainant was entitled to feel safe.

'Your offending was not of a physical nature but of the most intimate kind in a public toilet,' she said.

'Court has to send a message to the community that they denounce this offending and (reinforce) the protection of women who are entitled and must feel safe in public utilities.'

The court was told Cao's phone used in the offending will be returned to him after authorities figure out how to delete all its contents.

He left the court a free man.
Donald Trump has claimed the US is 'totally destroying Iran' while issuing a sinister warning that he is about to escalate the conflict.

The president appeared to signal that major action would be unfolding on Friday, writing in the early hours on Truth Social: 'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.'

In a post shared to Truth Social at 12:33am, Trump wrote: 'We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.

'Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth,' he added.

'We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.

'Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!'

In a Fox News radio interview, Trump also addressed rumors that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei might be dead, saying he believes he is 'still alive in some form'.

The son of recently killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not been seen in public since assuming office, and a speech was read on his behalf via Iranian state TV on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has said he believes that new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'alive in some form' despite rumors he has died

Mojtaba Khamenei (pictured), the son of recently killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public since assuming office, with a speech allegedly written by him read aloud on Iranian state TV Thursday

A plume of smoke covers the city skyline following reported Israeli strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, after an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 13, 2026

However, Trump dismissed rumors that he is dead. When asked whether the new leader was still alive, he said: 'I think he probably is.

'I think he is damaged, but I think hes probably alive in some form, you know.'

The president's comments came during an interview with The Brian Kilmeade Show scheduled to air via Fox News Radio Friday at 10.06am ET.

His response comes after Mojtaba's words were read aloud by an Iranian news anchor and broadcast into American homes by CNN Central News on Thursday afternoon.

The Iranian leader did not appear on camera to deliver the message personally, doing little to dispel the rumors that he is in a coma or has lost a leg following the US-Israeli strikes which killed his father, the nation's previous Ayatollah, on February 28.

In his speech, Mojtaba declared that 'the leader of the Islamic Republic' was 'addressing the great nation of Iran and the brave fighters of Iran', according to an English translation provided for viewers.

The message took on an anti-American tone, as he vowed Iran would avenge the 'blood of its martyrs.'

The decision to air the unfiltered message was met with fury by viewers who noted that the liberal network will frequently cut away from Donald Trump's speeches.

Despite the release of the statement, Mojtaba is said to be in intensive care at the Sina University Hospital in the city's historic quarter surrounded by security officials, according to a source in Tehran.

A section of the hospital has been sealed off to guard Iran's Supreme Leader.

It is unclear whether Mojtaba was injured in the same air strikes which killed his 86-year-old father.

A source, who does not want to be named out of fear for his life, said the new Supreme Leader is under the care of Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, Iran's Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education and one of the country's top trauma surgeons.

Zafarghandi's Persian Wikipedia page details eight years' experience operating in the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. The regime's most trusted doctor was also injured by chemical weapons himself in the war.

He is believed to be assisted by another senior surgeon, Dr Mohammad Marashi - the brother of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's wife and a trusted figure in the Islamic regime.

The allegedly wounded Supreme Leader is also reported to have received a visit from the current Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian two days ago. The president is believed to be being fully briefed on Khamenei's condition.

CNN broadcasted the first purported message from Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Thursday

A source also told the Sun through secret messages sent to an exiled dissident based in London: 'One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well.'

While the new Supreme Leader has also not been seen for weeks, Iran is being run by regional commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who are believed to be under orders to fight on indefinitely - even without a leader.

It comes as another source, a former study partner of Mojtaba, revealed that the new Supreme Leader is said to be 'obsessed with the end of days' and is 'more dangerous' than his father.

It is impossible to verify the condition of Iran's new Supreme Leader due to the regime's current internet blackout, but Iranian state TV have referred to Mojtaba as 'Jaanbaz of Ramadan' - meaning 'wounded war veteran'.

Many believe the regime is being run by a 'Ghost Ayatollah', as the rogue state continues hitting neighboring Gulf nations and sending oil and gas prices soaring.

Iran is trying to inflict enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to halt their bombardment.

The nation's president said its attacks would continue until Iran gets security guarantees against another assault, indicating that even a ceasefire or US declaration of victory might not halt the conflict.

Trump has meanwhile promised to 'finish the job,' even though he claimed Iran is 'virtually destroyed.'

Mojtaba was named as the Islamic Republic's next ruler after US-Israeli airstrikes killed his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

It is still not known whether Mojtaba was injured in the same US-Israeli airstrikes that killed his dad

Iran-backed Hezbollah militants meanwhile launched some 200 rockets from Lebanon at northern Israel while sirens rang out and loud booms from the interception of Iranian missiles could be heard in other areas.

Israel launched another wave of attacks on Tehran and in Lebanon, where 11 people were killed.

The UN refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war. It said most have fled from Tehran and other major cities toward the north of the country or rural areas. It says at least 759,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested on Thursday that for the war to end, the world would need to recognize Iran's 'legitimate rights,' pay reparations and offer guarantees against future attacks.

The US and Israel say that destroying whatever remains of Iran's nuclear program is one of the central aims of the war. They have long suspected Iran seeks nuclear weapons, while the Islamic Republic says its nuclear program is peaceful.
The wife of suspected double cop-killer Dezi Freeman will not be charged after the fatal shooting of two police officers more than six months ago.

On Friday, Victoria Police issued a statement saying they had insufficient evidence to prosecute Mali Freeman, 42, and two others over the deadly incident in Porepunkah in the Victorian High Country on August 26.

She and a 56-year-old Porepunkah man were interviewed by investigators from Taskforce Summit in relation to the offence of indictable obstruction of police.

A third person was interviewed in relation to the offence of attempted theft.

Freeman has not been seen since he allegedly shot dead officers Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson as they helped execute a search warrant on his property.

The alleged murders sparked a massive police hunt that saw officers scour bushland in and around Freeman's wilderness retreat located in the shadow of Mount Buffalo.

'Following a meticulous investigation, briefs of evidence were prepared by experienced detectives from Taskforce Summit,' a police spokesperson said on Friday.

'These briefs were subsequently not authorised due to there being insufficient evidence to support a prosecution at this time.'

The wife of suspected double-cop killer Dezi Freeman will not be charged after the fatal shooting of two police officers more than six months ago

Victoria Police issued a statement saying they had insufficient evidence to prosecute Mali Freeman, 42, (pictured) and two others over the deadly incident in Porepunkah in the Victorian High Country on August 26

Police indicated they would pursue charges should someone come forward with more information.

'Any further information received by police in relation to these matters will be thoroughly assessed and acted on as appropriate,' the spokesperson said.

'We will not be commenting further on the specifics of this investigation.'

A reward of up to $1 million remains in place for information leading to Freemans arrest.

Victoria Police have pledged to continue to maintain an enhanced presence in the local Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo National Park areas.

The revelations come just days after it was revealed the family of a man who was arrested at gunpoint and restrained with zip ties during the search for Freeman is suing Victoria Police.

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.

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.

Dezi Freeman, 56, has not been seen since he allegedly shot dead officers Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson as they helped execute a search warrant on his property

Police searched the wilderness for Dezi Freeman in the months after he vanished

Freeman had been a sovereign citizen and had a warrant served on him to search his property over historical sexual abuse allegations

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.

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.

The family is seeking compensation from Victoria Police for psychological harm as a result of officers' actions.

Police have warned anyone who sees Freeman to phone triple zero immediately and not approach him.

Anyone with any information on Freemans location, or anything the community notices at the Mount Buffalo National Park, should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Meghan Markle has popped up to surprise young patients at a Los Angeles hospital.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, put on a mask as she joined children for painting and craft activities.

Meghan, who also spent time with young patients in their rooms, had not promoted the event herself - it was Children's Hospital Los Angeles who took to their Instagram to share images of Meghan on the wards.

It came as her Harry and Meghan's documentary about girl scouts selling cookies has been purchased by an independent production firm.

Netflix has first refusal on Archewell Productions projects but appears to have passed on Cookie Queens

'Today we were honored to welcome LA's own @meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to CHLA's Creative Oasis, where she spent time painting alongside our incredible patients,' the hospital captioned the photos.

'These special moments are a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in fostering joy, connection, and healing.'

Her visit to the hospital is part of an annual fundraiser set up by the organisation called Make March Matter - a campaign supporting lifesaving care and research that happens daily at the hospital.

Meghan Markle, 44, (pictured) met with patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles as part of their Make March Matter initiative

The annual fundraiser is set up by the organisation to support lifesaving care and research that happens daily at the hospital. (Pictured the Duchess of Sussex with a young patient)

It comes after a documentary produced by Harry and Meghan's Archwell Productions was purchased by an independent production company.

The US rights to Cookie Queens - a story about the tradition of Girl Scouts cookies - have been bought by Roadside Attractions, according to Variety magazine.

The Sussexes had previously offered Netflix the documentary, 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'.

Last year, Harry and Meghan signed a watered-down first-look deal with Netflix, which gave the streaming giant first option on projects by Archewell Productions.

Meanwhile, Meghan's lifestyle firm As Ever, which sells jams, herbal teas and chocolates, was revealed to have ended its partnership with Netflix this month.

A source close to her claimed she felt Netflix was too 'cautious' and she was happy to take 'complete control' of her jam empire.

The Duchess of Sussex apparently felt that ending their partnership after less than a year would allow her jams and candles to 'go global'.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage at the 'Cookie Queens' Premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January

Of her documentary, Cookie Queens, Meghan previously said: 'As a former Girl Scout myself, with my mom as my troop leader, I have a personal affinity for this film.'

She described it as 'one of the most powerful and meaningful depictions of something that is an American tradition and rooted in nostalgia'.

Archewell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the documentary and Harry and Meghan were its executive producers.

It was directed by Alysa Nahmias, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and is set to appear at the SXSW (South by South West) music and film festival and then open in cinemas over the summer.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie continue to have second homes inside King Charles' palaces despite not being working royals - all thanks to a 'rental deal' struck by their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, it was reported today.

The disgraced former Duke of York has been arrested, kicked out of Royal Lodge and has not had an office at Buckingham Palace for four years due to the Epstein scandal.

But he has also successfully pushed for his children to 'retain a foothold' in palaces belonging to his older brother, the King.

As a consequence, Princess Beatrice still has an apartment in St Jamess Palace, despite her main home being in the Cotswolds, it was said.

And Eugenie has Ivy Cottage, a three-bedroom property at Kensington Palace, which apparently serves as a 'bolthole' because she spends half the year living in Portugal.

It is highly unlikely that the siblings will be paying the market rates of between 15,000 and 19,000-a-month for homes in two of London's most illustrious addresses.

A source said: 'The [rental] deal was made with their father as he wanted them to have a foothold in the royal palaces.'

The sisters are not working royals - and are unlikely to ever be. Beatrice and Eugenie both have full-time jobs, with Eugenie working for art gallery Hauser & Wirth and Beatrice employed at software company Afiniti.

Yet have cut-price second homes inside royal palaces that millions would dream of.

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice (pictured together at Ascot in 2024) have been dragged further into the scandal engulfing their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has secured a 'deal' for them to retain royal homes

Eugenie rents Ivy Cottage, a three-bedroom property at Kensington Palace, which apparently serves as a 'bolthole' for her and her family who spend half the year living in Portugal

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie spent 14 years at St James's Palace in an elegant four-bedroom flat for which Andrew paid just 1,600 a month. Beatrice still has a home here, although it is not clear if it is the same property or a smaller flat

Estate agents estimate that a property like Ivy Cottage could fetch 15,000 per month depending on its condition and there is nothing to suggest that it is in poor repair.

Eugenie revealed in 2023 how she and Jack get takeaways delivered there.

She said that Deliveroo drivers have to give her a call, at which point she or Jack will get into their pyjamas, drive to the gates of the estate and pick the food up from there.

Beatrice still has a second home in St James' Palace, where a nearby two-bedroom apartment was recently on the market for 19,000 a month. One home in the area went for 20,000-a-month last year.

The sisters have been dragged into the Epstein scandal by their parents and have already been told they cannot join the Royal Family at Royal Ascot this summer.

Private rental agreements within royal palaces have never been published. Although there was scandal in 2002 when it was revealed that Prince and Princess Michael of Kent used to live in a grace-and-favour home given to them by the Queen, which cost them just 69 a week to rent.

And when it comes to Andrew's children, it previously emerged that he was paying just 1,600-a-month to rent a four-bedroom apartment in St Jamess Palace for them when they were younger, which was way below the market rate.

'These serve as London boltholes for the princesses', an insider told The Times of their homes.

Eugenie has a home with her husband Jack Brooksbank in Portugal, which is said to have been offered to her mother Sarah Ferguson as a place to stay in the wake of the Epstein Files scandal.

Beatrice lives with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in a 3million home in Oxfordshire with their two young daughters. It is said to have a granny annex for Fergie.

The sisters lived together in a luxurious apartment in St Jamess Palace for more than a decade before both women married.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested, kicked out of Royal Lodge and has not had an office at Buckingham Palace for four years due to the Epstein scandal

Journalist Tom Sykes wrote in his Royalist newsletter: 'Why on earth are they still enjoying access to homes in some of the most desirable locations in London, while details of the terms remain opaque?

'There are serious questions for King Charles here'.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last December how their father, the former Prince Andrew, saved up to 3.1million paying a peppercorn rent.

An investigation revealed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor rented the elegant four-bedroom flat for just 1,600 a month, while a similar property within the palace was let on the open market for 20,000 a month.

It means the disgraced royal paid less than 20,000 a year for a lavish central London apartment worth more than 12 times that amount  240,000 a year  to the Crowns coffers.

The revelation is the second rent scandal to engulf Andrew, 66, after it emerged he was allowed to live rent-free in the 30-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate for two decades.

Last weekend Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were dragged further into the scandal engulfing their father after The Mail on Sunday discovered he pushed for them to receive 100,000 in secret payments from a controversial billionaire he was helping while trade envoy.

The newspaper has previously exposed how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor promoted the business interests of his financier friend David Rowland and his son Jonathan while on globetrotting taxpayer-funded trade missions.

Now, our investigations have uncovered an email revealing how Andrew discussed payments of 50,000 to each of his daughters, which could have been used to fund their lavish lifestyles. Andrew was apparently due to receive 300,000.

Last night, MPs demanded to know whether the payments were made in return for Andrew's help in pushing the Rowlands' commercial ventures.

The extraordinary revelation plunges Beatrice and Eugenie further into the controversy over their father's alleged abuse of his trade envoy position and comes amid mounting questions over how the princesses afforded their jet-set lifestyle in their 20s.

Beatrice is said to have enjoyed 17 holidays in 2015 while earning a salary of 19,500 as an 'international production analyst' at Sony Pictures. Sources close to the princesses said they had no recollection of the alleged payments. They are said to have requested their historic banking records.

David Rowland, whose nickname is 'Spotty', amassed a 730million property and investment fortune and became a close friend and business associate of the then Duke of York, who was trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

A tax exile for more than 30 years, Mr Rowland returned to the UK before the 2010 General Election so he could pump 2.7million into the Tories' campaign.

He attended Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in 2018 and was pictured in the front row of the congregation alongside supermodel Kate Moss. The following year the MoS revealed how his son Jonathan, now 50, had accompanied Andrew on official trade missions, during which he plugged Banque Havilland, his family's bank.

We also showed how Andrew and David Rowland jointly owned a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, a secretive Caribbean tax haven, that appears to have been used to lure the then prince's wealthy contacts to invest in a tax-free offshore fund.

Now new messages detail how Andrew discussed with Jonathan Rowland, then chief executive of Banque Havilland, the apparent transfer of money to him and his two daughters in June 2011.

They suggest that Andrew was expecting to receive a payment of 300,000 from David Rowland, of which Beatrice and Eugenie would each receive 50,000.

They would then apparently each invest half of their sum in Jellybook, an investment firm Jonathan Rowland had just launched, which was focused on bankrolling social media companies.

The leaked messages suggest Andrew was first due to receive 50,000, which he would apparently invest in Jellybook.

He was then expecting to be paid the remaining 150,000, plus an additional 100,000, to an account with the private bank Drummonds, the messages suggest.

'I have explained to Amanda [Thirsk, Andrew's aide] what was intended. That is 50 [thousand] each to the girls. 25 for Jellybook each. 50 for me. The remainder of the 300, 150 plus an additional 100k to be transferred to Drummonds. All this to be done once receipt of the 300 happens.'

The messages show Jonathan Rowland clarifying the proposed arrangement with Andrew.

He wrote: 'Just so I am clear. You have Euro 650k (575k) in the Bank. 50k each to the girls. Jelly I am clear on although the girls accounts might not be in place so you can do 100k and we work it out later.'

Detailing the split of funds again, Andrew suggested the source of the money was due to be David.

The Mail showed how Andrew and David Rowland (pictured at Ascot in 2006) jointly owned a company registered in the British Virgin Islands

David Rowland, in the back, can be seen during Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank

'...if DJR [David Rowland] puts 300k in then 150 is used [for] the girls and Jelly. The 150 remaining and an additional 100k to D [Drummonds] thereafter.'

It is unclear whether the payments were ever made.

Last night, Labour MP Karl Turner said: 'This latest revelation is worrying. It is known that Mountbatten-Windsor had an association with the Rowlands and this friendship existed at the time when he was a trade envoy for the UK.

'Questions are bound to be asked if that association helped to further enrich his kids. We must surely see an inquiry into whether the payments for the princesses were made in return for the disgraced former prince's help in pushing the Rowlands' commercial interests.'

Shadow business minister Harriet Baldwin added: 'We must get to the bottom of these allegations at once. If true, this would be a clear example of him being unable to distinguish between private affairs and his public role.'

Royal author Andrew Lownie said: 'This raises serious questions for the two princesses. Did they receive this money and was the source David Rowland?

'If so, was it because their father had pushed Rowland's business interests and therefore abused his position as trade envoy?

'It is time for the princesses and their father to come clean.'

Documents seen by the MoS suggest Andrew was known as 'Client X' at Banque Havilland and gave Jonathan Rowland 'authority to give instructions on his account'.

In one message, Andrew reprimanded Jonathan for involving Amanda Thirsk in his 'private financial arrangements'.

'More than slightly annoyed this morning to find an email from Amanda asking me to confirm my private financial arrangements. I don't want or need my office to know what I'm doing with my family or necessarily my investments.

'Where is the issue that we need to resolve to prevent this happening again?'

Chastened, Rowland responded: 'Apologies for this and I will make sure it doesn't happen again.'

The revelations will throw a spotlight on the degree to which the two princesses have also been tarnished by their father's alleged improprieties.

The Daily Mail reported in November that Prince William had urged his cousins to allow an 'ethics' check on their finances and investments while King Charles had offered the services of one of his senior advisers. The offers of help  and scrutiny  were said to have been politely turned down.

The futures of Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, have been cast into doubt after their parents' dramatic downfall. They feature more than 300 times in Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice and have recently been keeping a low profile.
Iran's new Supreme Leader is unaware of the ongoing war in the Middle East and does not know he is the Islamic Republic's new leader, according to a new report.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his assassination on February 28.

He is reportedly in a coma at the Sina University Hospital in Tehran following an airstrike, according to a source in Tehran.

Due to his condition, he does not know of the ongoing war, the death of his family members, including his wife and son and of his own election as Supreme leader, the source said.

Mojtaba is also reportedly in intensive care and surrounded by security officials, while a large section of the hospital has been sealed off to guard Iran's Supreme Leader.

It is unclear whether Mojtaba was injured in the same air strikes which killed his 86-year-old father.

A separate source told The Sun through secret messages sent to an exiled dissident based in London: 'One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well.'

The source, who does not want to be named out of fear for his life, said the new Supreme Leader is under the care of Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, Iran's Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education and one of the country's top trauma surgeons.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said on Friday he believes Mojtaba is wounded.

'We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,' Hegseth told a press conference.

Iranian officials have confirmed the new leader is wounded but have given no further details.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has lost a leg and is in a coma, a report has claimed

Smoke rises after airstrikes in Tehran, Iran on March 13, 2026. Successive explosions were heard across the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday, amid continuing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran

Other reports suggest that Iranian commanders have not received orders from their new supreme leader.

An Iranian official speaking from inside the war-torn country told The Telegraph: 'No one knows anything about Mojtaba, whether he is alive or dead or how badly injured.'

'We are all just told that he's injured. He has no control over the war because he is not here. The majority of commanders, or more correctly, all commanders, have no news about him.'

Questions about Mojtaba's whereabouts have only intensified since he issued his first statement on the war on Thursday. However, he did not appear on camera, and a news anchor read his remarks.

The statement said that Iran would not refrain from avenging the 'blood of its martyrs.'

The Iranian leader added that while he believes in maintaining a friendship with Iran's Gulf neighbours, attacks on US bases in the region will continue.

He said: 'We are not an enemy of the countries around us, and we are only targeting the bases of those Americans.'

The newly declared Ayatollah's statement added that Iran was seeking to improve relations with its neighbours: 'We send a message to the leaders of the region and emphasise that we are going to have good relations with the countries around us.'

His declaration called for all American bases in the region to be immediately closed in his shared message: 'The existence of the US bases in [Iran's neighbours] and usage of those bases to attack Iran is not benefiting the region, and they must be closed.'

He also said Iran will seek compensation from its enemies or destroy their assets accordingly, and offered financial compensation to those in Iran who have been hurt by the outbreak of violence: 'A limited amount of this revenge has so far taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities.'

The Iranian leader hinted at Iran's proxies in the region supporting his fight against the US and Israel, claiming that armed groups in Iraq 'want to help' his nation, while those in Yemen 'will also do the job.'

Authorities in Iran announced Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ayatollah's second son, as Iran's new Supreme Leader on Sunday. He addressed the nation in a statement yesterday

The Supreme Leader's statement was read on state TV by a news anchor (pictured)

He also spoke of the loss of many members of his family during the US-Israeli airstrike that killed his father: 'I lost my father, I lost my wife. My sister lost her child as well as her husband, who was martyred.

'But what makes it easier for us to endure all these plights is to trust the grace of God and to know that patience is going to resolve it.'

While the new Supreme Leader has also not been seen for weeks, Iran is being run by regional commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who are believed to be under orders to fight on indefinitely - even without a leader.

It comes as another source, a former study partner of Mojtaba, revealed that the new Supreme Leader is said to be 'obsessed with the end of days' and is 'more dangerous' than his father.

It is impossible to verify the condition of Iran's new Supreme Leader due to the regime's current internet blackout, but Iranian state TV have referred to Mojtaba as 'Jaanbaz of Ramadan' - meaning 'wounded war veteran'.

Many believe the regime is being run by a 'Ghost Ayatollah', as the rogue state continues hitting neighbouring Gulf nations and sending oil and gas prices soaring.

Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly unafraid of 'killing thousands' and will 'try and control the region' if war breaks out, exiled official Jaber Rajabi has revealed.

Rajabi, a former foreign policy advisor to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who has lived in exile in the UAE since 2021, studied at a 'religious seminary' with Mojtaba Khamenei in Qom.

He has spoken out to warn that Iran's new Supreme Leader is more ruthless than his father and a 'better liar'.

Rajabi told the Jerusalem Post: 'Mojtaba will not, from the first day in power, claim to want to take Al-Quds (Jerusalem).

'He is opposite to his father, who gets angry, and it is visible Mojtaba can lie in a much better way and knows how to play.'

While studying with Mojtaba at The Qom Seminary - the most highly regarded centre for Islamic scholarship in Iran - Rajabi described him as 'obsessed with the end of days' and that he believed 'he himself will have a special part in hastening humanity down that path'.

According to Twelver Shia - the largest branch of Shia Islam studied by Khamenei at Qom - the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in hiding, will return at the end of times to establish a period of global justice in which oppression is eradicated.

Islamic apocalyptic traditions describe major conflicts happening before this era, including the Malhama al-Kubra - a great battle sometimes interpreted as a confrontation with Western powers.

Rajabi said: 'I remember Khamenei spoke in Hawza studies [and] said the nuclear issue and the soldiers are his heritage. Mojtaba's ambitions will not be impacted by airstrikes.

'There are other matters I can't mention... They need the nuclear issue as a protection for their regime and their hegemony in the region.'

Rajabi added that Khamenei had a disregard for human life, saying: 'If he can kill 13,000 of his own people, then he has no problem killing 100,000 in Tel Aviv, because if you don't care about the lives of your own people, why would you care about the lives of others in Tel Aviv?'

An oil tanker burns after being hit by an Iranian strike in the ship-to-ship transfer zone at Khor al-Zubair port near Basra, Iraq, late Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Mojtaba, who has not been seen in public or pictured since taking over from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, is believed to have been injured in the attack on his father's compound in Tehran on the first day of the war.

'He was also there, and he was injured in that bombardment,' Alireza Salarian, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, told The Guardian.

'I have heard that he was injured in his legs, hand and arm... I think he is in the hospital because he is injured.'

Mojtaba's injuries are behind his mysterious absence from the public eye, the ambassador said, adding he also wants to avoid the glare of Israel and the US.

He said: 'I don't think he is comfortable [in any condition] to give a speech.'

Iranian officials have claimed he remains alert and is sheltering at a highly secure location with limited communication.

Some sources claim Mojtaba, who did not attend his own succession rally, has no idea the war is even happening, or that his wife and son have been killed.

The 'vengeful' hardline cleric was marked for assassination by Israel after it vowed to 'eliminate' whoever succeeded the slain Ayatollah, having killed him, Mojtaba's wife Zahra Haddad-Adel and one of his sons in strikes on Tehran on the first day of the war.

Donald Trump also ramped up his threats against the supreme leader, claiming he won't be able to 'live in peace' and warning Iran to brace for 'death, fire and fury.'

Mojtaba has never given a public speech since succeeding his father, and there is now speculation that he is dead.

It comes as Iran launched multiple attacks early Friday on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new supreme leader about hosting American bases, and U.S. President Donald Trump threatened major new retaliation.

'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today,' Trump wrote in a social media post. 'Iran's Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.'

Smoke rises after airstrikes in Tehran, Iran on March 13, 2026. Successive explosions were heard across the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday, amid continuing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran

The comments came the day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to 'not refrain from avenging the blood' of Iranians killed, and warned Gulf Arab nations to shut U.S. bases, saying the notion of American protection was 'nothing more than a lie.'

Intense airstrikes landed around Iran's capital, Tehran, early Friday, just before rallies were to begin for the annual Quds Day event in support of the Palestinians. Despite the attacks, thousands of people took to the streets chanting 'death to Israel' and 'death to America.'

With growing global concerns about a possible energy crisis and no end to the war in sight, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, remained stubbornly over $100 per barrel as Iran kept its stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world's oil transits on its way from the Persian Gulf to the open seas.

Brent prices have spiked as high as about $120 per barrel and are currently some 40 per cent higher than when Israel and the United States attacked Iran on Feb. 28 to start the war.

Iran has been attacking ships that try to transit the strait, and Khamenei's comments said Iran would continue to block the waterway.

In Iraq, recovery efforts were underway after an American KC-135 refuelling plane went down, according to U.S. Central Command.

And a French soldier who was stationed in the north of the country was killed in an attack, the French president said Friday.
An Afghan migrant grabbed a teenager off the street a week after sexually assaulting another woman who was in her late 20s.

Najeebullah Arab, 39, pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape and two counts of sexual assault at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

Arab approached a woman in her late 20s on Cane Lane, Grove, before following her to Main Street and sexually assaulting her on January 21 of this year.

Just six days later, a teenager was also approached by the 39-year-old, who was riding a bike on Grove Road.

After a brief conversation, he sexually assaulted the teen before taking her towards to an area behind Mably Way and raping her.

Arab was taken into custody on January 30 before being charged for his crimes two days later on February 1.

He did not self-define his ethnicity when he came into police custody.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said: 'Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victims in this case for the incredible courage they've shown in coming forward.

Najeebullah Arab, 39, (pictured) pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape and two counts of sexual assault at Oxford Crown Court yesterday

The Afghan migrant sexually assaulted a girl in her late teens before taking her towards to an area behind Mably Way (pictured) and raping her

'Thames Valley Police take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, especially those involving violence against women and girls.

'Our officers are committed to carrying out thorough investigations, supporting victims every step of the way, and working closely with our partners to help prevent further harm.

'The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence gathered by our officers in relation to these offences. Faced with the weight of that evidence, he had no option but to admit what he had done.

'We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Arab are brought to justice.'

Najeebullah Arab is set to be sentenced at a later date.
Three men have been charged two years after one of their companions died of a gunshot wound during a hunting trip.

Fathi Khalil, 45, and three others went on a hunting expedition at a property called Come by Chance, near Walgett in central north NSW on March 1, 2024.

Emergency services attended the property after reports one of the men was injured after falling from a ute.

Paramedics discovered the 47-year-old with a gunshot wound and tried to revive him, but he died at the scene.

During the ensuing crime scene investigation, all firearms used on the trip were seized and a report was prepared for the coroner.

Following an extensive investigation under Strike Force McCudden, Khalil was arrested at Mount Druitt Police Station in western Sydney on Friday.

He was charged with manslaughter and using an unlicensed gun.

Khalil appeared in Mount Druitt Local Court, where he was granted bail.

Three men have been charged two years after the hunting trip near Walgett

Police seized multiple guns after a hunting trip on a remote property ended in a man's death in March 2024

He will return to court in Walgett on May 11.

The two other men, aged 42 and 39, were issued court attendance notices for gun charges.

They will also appear in Walgett Local Court on May 11.
The UK will not follow the US in easing sanctions on Russian oil as Downing Street urged allies to maintain 'maximum pressure'.

No10 stressed the need to 'degrade' Vladimir Putin's war machine after Donald Trump 'temporarily' lifted restrictions on the purchase of oil and petrol already at sea.

The decision comes amid rising alarm at the fallout from the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has limited supplies and sent energy prices spiking around the globe.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was a 'short-term measure' until April 11 to promote 'stability in global energy markets'.

The announcement was welcomed by Russia, which is thought to have around 100million barrels of oil currently in transit.

Donald Trump's administration has issued a temporary waiver lifting restrictions on the purchase of Russian oil and petrol already at sea

Mr Trump had a call with Vladimir Putin (pictured) earlier this week as chaos in the Middle East continues

Mr Bessent said the temporary waiver would last until 11 April and applied only to 'permit countries'.

'This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government,' he said in a post on X.

Mr Trump had a call with Putin earlier this week as chaos in the Middle East continues.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper accused Russia and Iran of trying to 'hijack the global economy' today as she visited Saudi Arabia.

'We have seen these links between Russia and Iran over an extended period of time,' she said.

'We're seeing it in terms of technology, we see it in terms of the approach, we see it in terms of these kinds of tactics, and we see it in terms of the way these two states try to support each other and try to benefit together from attempting to hijack the global economy.'

She added: 'We are very clear about the threat from both Russia and from Iran to the global economy and to all of our wellbeing.'

The oil price rose again overnight and is hovering around $100 a barrel, despite the US and other G7 countries dumping unprecedented amounts of reserves on to markets.

Asked whether Sir Keir was disappointed by the US move, the PM's official spokesman said: 'Ultimately, it's obviously a decision for the US, but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest.

'Our support for Ukraine is degrading Russia's ability to wage war around the globe, both militarily and financially.

'The best way to continue to stop Russia supporting hostile actors is to continue on collective pressure and end the war in Ukraine.'

Pressed on whether he could rule out the UK weakening its sanctions regime, the official said: 'Our sanctions remain, there's no question about that.

'We remain committed to exerting that maximum economic pressure.'

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Mr Shanks did not directly criticise the US decision.

But he told Sky news: 'The UK has been really clear that our sanctions on Russia stay in place. And look, this is a moment where I suspect in the Kremlin they are looking at this as an opportunity to fix some of their ailing economy.

'That is a great shame, because we have to do everything that we possibly can to make sure that we are bringing all pressure to bear on Russia so that we can win this war in Ukraine.

'We will keep up our sanctions, and we'll continue to do what we are doing around the shadow fleet, and we're not going to change our position on that at all.

'It's really important that we don't do anything that can assist the Russian war machine right in the middle of a really critical moment in this conflict against Ukraine.'

Russia's oil envoy Kirill Dmitriev said the US was 'effectively acknowledging the obvious', that 'without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable'.

He added: 'Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy sources appears increasingly inevitable.'
A British dad from the north of England has stunned family and friends by heading straight to the Middle East to fight the Iranian regime.

The 31yearold, who worked as a plumber before the conflict erupted, tearfully kissed his baby goodbye, admitting they may never see him alive again as he prepares to face Iranian troops.

He told the Daily Mail from a training camp near the front lines where he is embedded with Kurdish forces that he's driven by revenge after the regime killed his uncle over ten years ago and detained and beat him while he was growing up in western Iran due to opposition activity  a personal vendetta that now fuels his fight against Tehran.

Speaking from a training base in Iraq near the Iranian border, he said: 'I could lose my life, but that is not the problem. Freedom has a price. To be honest, I'm not worried about anything right now, I am worried about the people inside Iran.'

He said he is not worried about his life but he does worry for the victims of the Iranian regime, and the ground invasion will begin once he gets 'the green light.'

'I have had a little bit of training' he said. Video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows him carrying his AK-47.

'I didn't come to kill people  I came to help people.'

The Daily Mail has to keep his identity anonymous for his and his family's safety, but this is the first known case where a Briton has been tied to the current Iran crisis.

A British father from the north of England, whose identity has been protected, has stunned his family by heading to the Middle East to fight the Iranian regime

Kurdish Iranian dissidents preparing for war hidden in the mountains of Iraq yesterday

He also claims that volunteers from several European countries have joined the fight. 'Many people came from different countries to support the fight against the regime.'

'I am waiting for the moment when people can return to Iran to help bring change. In Iran, people are suffering under the regime. Now is a big chance for change.'

'When the protests began in Iran, the government killed more than 40,000 people in the streets. At that time, I felt that the people needed help, and that those who believe in freedom must stand against the regime.'

The Kurds are the largest ethnic group in the world without a sovereign state, numbering around 30-40million people.

They are spread around in Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Syria and have long been repressed by the Iranian regime and are one of Israel's biggest allies in the Middle East.

'I feel very good, we believe the Regime is on its way out. We are happy,' he said. But he added: 'I worry if the regime will go, then another will replace them.'

'When I was younger, around 16, I was already involved in political activity. Because of that, I was arrested twice in Iran and I was beaten in prison, that made me want to fight them.'

'The regime kills people who oppose it. They do not believe in freedom, freedom of speech, or democracy.

Fire and smoke in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after a drone interception. The ongoing conflict is striking neighbouring Gulf states

'Anyone who stands against them becomes a target. Those experiences are what made me continue fighting against the regime.'

The Daily Mail has learned that Mossad-backed Kurdish forces are primed to begin a ground invasion, with Kurdish sources saying they are already waiting armed inside Iran as soon as the order is given.

'Without question, our goal is the overthrow of this regime,' Soran, a Peshmerga commander, said.

'If powerful European and American states offer their backing, we are fully prepared to join the fight.'

'Iranian forces have already struck Kurdish positions. According to Kurdish forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps promised to 'crush' separatist groups that move against Iran's territorial integrity,' the commander added.

After previously supporting the idea of Kurdish involvement from Iraq, President Trump said: 'The war is complicated enough without getting the Kurds involved. They're willing to go in, but we really  I've told them I don't want them to go in.'
A young cyclist who was involved in a collision with former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife is being sued for more than $200,000 in unpaid legal fees amid fresh allegations that he made 'thank you' payments to witnesses.

Ryan Meuleman allegedly owes at least $204,000 to Griffins Lawyers for work on his case in 2024-25, according to recent documents filed in the South Australian Supreme Court.

The firm represented Mr Meuleman as part of a Victorian Supreme Court case and also proposed defamation action against the former Premier.

When he was 15, Mr Meuleman was seriously injured after Andrews' wife Catherine collided into him in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula in 2013.

A proposal for a defamation action against the former Premier had been drafted by Griffitns Lawyers over a statement released by the couple in 2024.

In the statement, Andrews and his wife had said his allegations were 'conspiracy theories dressed up as journalism' and that 'we did nothing wrong'.

Media outlets later repeated parts of that statement and Mr Meuleman argued it had damaged his reputation.

The case is still underway in the Federal Court of Australia, remains pre-trial stages, and has not gone to a full trial.

Ryan Meuleman (pictured after the 2013 crash) is being sued by Griffins Lawyers for $204,000 over alleged unpaid legal fees

Daniel Andrews and his wife, Catherine, had been previously sued by Mr Meuleman over the 2013 crash

Griffins Lawyers said it had prepared amended court documents, negotiated with other lawyers, undertaken trial preparation and had drafted defamation notices for Mr Meuleman's case between 2024 and 2025, The Herald Sun reported.

Two invoices of $189,022.02 and $14,927 remain unpaid for this work, the law firm alleged.

Mr Meuleman also allegedly breached a retainer agreement when he stopped paying his legal fees, according to the lawsuit, which also claims that he spent thousands paying witnesses for the trial.

It is alleged Mr Meuleman, along with Rohan Wenn and Colin Robertson, delivered 'thank you payments' to witnesses in the litigation through funds donated to him.

These funds came from a GoFundMe, which Mr Meuleman launched to help pay for his legal fees.

One expert witness received $10,000, while three others were given individual payments of $1,000 each, Griffins Lawyers alleged.

Mr Meuleman had allegedly promised the lawyers that these funds would instead be used to pay for their services.

The firm believed these assurances were true and continued working for him during this time, they claimed.

Mr Meuleman set up a GoFundMe for his legal fees, which was allegedly used to pay witnesses

Daniel and Catherine Andrews continue to deny any wrongdoing in the crash, which left Mr Meuleman with serious injuries

Mr Meuleman was 15 when he was hit by Andrews' wife, who had been behind the wheel of the family SUV. Her husband and their three children were also in the car.

Andrews was the Victorian opposition leader at the time and became Premier one year later.

He won three consecutive state elections before his shock departure from politics in September 2023.

Years of debate have taken place since, with both sides arguing about the circumstances leading to the crash.

Investigations into what happened have taken place but no definitive answer haste been found

Mr Andrews and his wife continue to maintain their denial of any wrongdoing.

The couple broke their silence when they finally lodged their defence with the Federal Court of Australia after Mr Meuleman sued the pair.

The couple claim they haven't defamed Meuleman while also contending that, even if the joint statement caused serious harm to Mr Meuleman's reputation, they were themselves subjected to a media witch hunt, which could mitigate any alleged damages.

The Andrews alleged in their defence that at 'relevant times since at least 2022' Meuleman 'sought to court public and media attention and publicity in relation to the collision'.

The couple's SUV (above) sustained major damage

The Andrews also alleged Meuleman sought to 'inflict reputational damage on the respondents in relation to the collision' and 'advance the personal or political agendas of members of the Meuleman Cohort'.

'It is to be inferred that Mr Meuleman commenced this proceeding or is maintaining this proceeding in whole or in part for one or more of the following collateral purposes, rather than to seek vindication of his reputation or a solatium for injured feelings,' the Andrews' defence states.

It's also alleged by the couple that Meuleman is using the defamation proceeding to 'seek evidence (including via cross-examination of the respondents) for use... in a private criminal prosecution against the respondents'.
The owner of an American bulldog which mauled a four-year-old girl and left her scarred for life has avoided prison.

Luna-Ann Forsyth, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was pulled to the ground and bitten on the face by the mastiff at a family friend's home in the town on August 6, 2023.

She had been visiting the animal's owner, Emma Callaghan, with her mother, Amy Hobson, 35, and younger brother when the shocking attack occurred.

The large dog, called Junior, escaped a room he was locked in and 'jumped' on the little girl, leaving her 'screaming' and 'covered in blood', a court heard.

The toddler, now seven, was rushed to hospital and has since undergone two cheek surgeries and still faces another having been left 'severely disfigured'.

Her mother told jurors Luna-Ann was so 'traumatised' that the family had to move out of the town - and her daughter still has constant nightmares even three years on.

Callaghan, of Tryan Road, was found guilty of being the owner in charge of dog dangerously out of control causing injury following a trial at Warwick Crown Court.

But she avoided jail when she appeared before the judge on Thursday, instead being handed a three-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months.

Luna-Ann Forsyth (pictured, with her injury), from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was pulled to the ground and bitten on the face by the mastiff at a family friend's home in the town on August 6, 2023

The large dog (pictured), called Junior, escaped a room he was locked in and 'jumped' on the little girl, leaving her 'screaming' and 'covered in blood', a court heard

The owner was also ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation and 250 hours of unpaid community work.

A court hearing will be held next week to consider applications for a destruction order for the animal and decide whether Callaghan can continue to own dogs.

She spent 13 days in prison prior to sentencing after failing to show at a previous court date.

Luna-Ann had been shopping in Nuneaton town centre with her mother and brother before visiting Callaghan's home in the Stockingford neighbourhood.

His Honour Judge Matthew Walsh KC told the pet owner in court: 'On August 6, 2023, your dog Junior changed a four-year-old girl's life.

'Junior launched an unprovoked, sudden, terrifying and vicious attack on Luna-Ann and he effectively mauled her.

'He jumped up and he grabbed her face with his mouth and she screamed and he pulled her to the ground and stood over her and she was screaming again.

'Miss Hobson (her mother) starting kicking the dog to get it off her. She was screaming for Emma to come and get it off.

'She kicked him again and he let go. In other words released his jaws. Emma got him out of the room.

'Luna-Ann's face was covered in blood with a big gash on her cheek and Miss Hobson said that she could see into her mouth and there were puncture wounds and she was given bed sheets to try to stem the blood.'

The little girl was rushed to the nearby George Eliot Hospital and then taken to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire via ambulance.

Judge Walsh called her injuries as 'horrific', adding: 'It has changed Luna-Ann, she has been traumatised, she struggles to sleep.

'She felt unsafe living where she was at the time and had to cross the road to avoid being near the location, it petrified her. They have had to move away from Nuneaton.

'Luna-Ann is still scared of dogs and she is worried about the differences that will be perceived in her appearance by other children as she starts her way through primary school.'

Her mother, Miss Hobson, read a statement in court saying 'this vicious and brutal dog attack' has left her daughter 'traumatised' and 'severely disfigured'.

'Things took a sickening a life-changing turn, this was the moment that changed Luna's life forever,' she said.

Her mother, Amy Hobson (pictured, with her daughter), 35, told jurors Luna-Ann was so 'traumatised' that the family had to move out of the town - and the girl still has constant nightmares even three years on

'She no longer sleeps at night and continues to struggle with sleep due to nightmares and waking up screaming, "Get him off me", "Stop", and just that heart-wrenching scream when it first happened.

'Luna used to be a very confident little girl, some would say more confident of most her age. Now she is a shadow of who she used to be.'

The mother-of-five said her daughter was worried about starting school.

'She is adamant that she will be bullied for the way her face looks now even though she is, and I always tell her, how beautiful she is,' she explained.

'When Luna started school and still now, she has children looking at her and asking her questions about her face which upsets her a lot as it is a constant reminder about what happened on that dreadful day.'

Miss Hobson, who has backed national campaigns against dangerous dogs, said the whole family will 'never forget' what happened.

She has herself been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the wake of the ordeal.

'This ordeal has impacted my mental health,' she said.

'Watching my daughter be mauled by a dog but also the thought that she wasn't going to survive - I wished it was me.

'I also think of the "what ifs" and "what nots" - it is just overwhelming.'

How to spot aggression in a dog - and its cause Aggression in dogs is almost always a case of fear - using their bite as a last resort method of self-defence or to get a frightening or unpleasant experience to stop. Such fears can arise due to early years puppy socialisation or past experiences. Owners need to be able to recognise and establish how a dog is feeling, with many giving off warning signals before an attack. There are several signals that your dog may give to indicate they are worried, fearful or feeling stressed and these include: yawning or licking lips, crouching with their tail between their legs, wagging tails and growling. If a dog is showing any signs of aggression, a vet should be consulted to determine if there is a medical cause, such as pain or discomfort. Failing that, speaking to a behavioural expert could help tame a more aggressive animal. Source: Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership

And with Luna-Ann still in and out of hospital for appointments, the family remain stressed by the costs and extensive travel needed to access this ongoing care.

Miss Hobson also said her daughter's behaviour has deteriorated since the attack, amid her continued trauma, lack of sleep and fear.

'She asks all the time, "Why did he bite?", "Why did he get me?",' the mother explained.

'I am also worried how this will continue impact Luna when she is older.

'We all know how society is and she will want and need further cosmetics to help her deal with the permanent scarring to her face.'

But despite all this, the family have still not received an apology over the attack.

The court was told Callaghan has mental health difficulties, including bipolar disorder.

Judge Walsh explained there were guidelines he had to take into consideration in his judgement because of this.

'This was a serious injury to Luna-Ann and has caused psychological harm to [Luna-Ann] as well,' the judge told the dog owner.

'Where it has been disputed is the questions to your culpability and I have concluded that it falls into lesser culpability.

'I was considering the evidence that you had locked Junior in a room knowing that he had a tendency to be able to release the door mechanism.

'But there is no evidence about Junior's previous tendencies to be aggressive or attack anyone.

'It seems to me to be an unsafe conclusion for me to reach that you put him in that room because of such a risk known only to you and your partner.

'It seems to be it would involve speculating, it may have been that you put him in that room out of the way because you had guests and he is a big dog.'

'The report hints at remorse but there is a degree of victim blaming but I am not minded to reflect, as a mitigating feature, any genuine remorse on your part.

'There have been no previous complaints or incidents involving Junior.'
Dubai has been deserted by its army of influencers and thousands of expats with its sun loungers and pools lying empty as Iran continues to pound the United Arab Emirates.

Once a tax-free haven attracting social media stars and countless Brits seeking warm weather and crime-free streets, Dubai's carefully crafted image has been shattered and some residents believe it is 'finished'.

Thousands have fled the war-torn city, vowing to never return as the Islamic Republic sends barrages of missiles and suicide drones at glitzy skyscrapers and glamorous five star hotels, even striking the world famous Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

Bustling beaches and bars, usually occupied by British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Luisa Zissman and Petra Ecclestone, have been abandoned as the exodus from the emirate accelerates.

On Friday, as explosions rocked the city, with debris from Iranian drones damaging buildings in the heart of the financial district, Dubai was desolate.

The white sand Jumeirah Beach in the centre of Dubai, within sight of the famous Palm archipelago with its Atlantis resort, is a favourite among Dubai's 240,000 Brits.

Usually overflowing with holiday-makers, it was empty amid reports facilities are closing because of a lack of visitors.

Beach bars, sun loungers, swimming pools and the sandy coastline remained unspoiled as residents continue to reel from Iranian attacks.

In other dramatic developments:

Israel has launched a new 'wide-scale wave' of strikes in Tehran including on a underground weapons facility

Two people have been killed in Oman after drone strike as Saudi Arabia destroyed 28 drones in the latest attacks on the Gulf

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have vowed a 'stronger' response if new protests erupt after tens of thousands were killed earlier this year

A new report claims Iran's new Supreme Leader is unaware of the ongoing war in the Middle East and does not know he is the Islamic Republic's new leader

French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to a French soldier killed in Iraq after a drone attack on an air base

Dubai has been deserted by its army of influencers and thousands of expats with its sun loungers and pools lying empty

Thousands have fled the war-torn city, vowing to never return as the Islamic Republic sends barrages of missiles and suicide drones at glitzy skyscrapers and glamorous five star hotels

Jumeirah beach was desolate on Friday amid reports facilities are closing because of a lack of visitors

Row upon row of beach umbrellas stood folded up alongside hundreds of empty sunbeds.

Tables were set, menus arranged, music blaring in the background, but there were hardly any customers.

The beach clubs and restaurants are not closed yet, but the worried faces of the migrant workers standing outside trying to beckon in the odd passer-by, tell their own story.

The low-paid workers from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Far East are the lifeblood of Dubais economy, but their jobs in turn depend on a ready supply of wealthy tourists from Europe and the US.

One cafe manager from Pakistan told the Daily Mail: Ive never seen it like this before and everyone is worried what the future holds.

The spring break for schoolchildren starts today and there is hardly a western child to be seen anywhere  their parents have all taken them home.

A local resident of Afghan-German nationality said: The attacks are very frightening, but while Ive got used to them, so many other people, especially families, decided to get out, just in case.

Normally on Friday, the traffic would be gridlocked and the restaurants and shops would be very busy, but the place is a ghost-town now.

I have heard from friends that at some of the big hotels and resorts, the bosses have told their staff that they have to take their paid leave now because there are hardly any guests now, so theres nothing to do.

If they dont have any leave left, will they be expected to live on nothing? Nearly all migrant staff have their visas tied to their jobs, so theyre put in a really difficult position.

The emirate is home to around 240,000 British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand

The white sand Jumeirah Beach (pictured before the war) is a favourite among Dubai's 240,000 British expats

Dubai's normally bustling coast (pictured before the war) resembled a ghost town amid Iranian strikes

Beach bars, sun loungers, swimming pools and the sandy coastline remained unspoiled as residents continue to reel from Iranian attacks

Dubai's carefully crafted image has been shattered and residents believe it is 'finished' as the exodus of the emirate accelerates

Dubai has been the target of two-thirds of the regime's missiles - 1,700 projectiles in two weeks, although 90 per cent have been destroyed by air defences.

Western banks have already evacuated employees amid threats from the Islamic Republic that they were the next targets of their bombing onslaught.

Dubai's International Finance Centre was targeted this morning a day after a high-rise building was hit in a drone strike, causing a huge hole.

Thick black smoke rose over the skyline early this morning after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state. Dubai authorities later stated that only minor damage was caused with no injuries reported.

And three massive explosions rocked the city on Wednesday morning, with the international airport sustaining damage.

Four people were injured as two drones hit the terminal, while a string of major airlines cancelled all flights to the region for weeks.

Iran's attacks have targeted other US allies across the Gulf and their ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has seen oil prices and airfares spike worldwide amid fears of a global recession.

The regime warned the world to prepare for oil to hit $200 a barrel, after it attacked three cargo ships in the strait.

Iran has all but cut off access to the waterway, a chokepoint in global trade that ordinarily sees around 20 per cent of all oil pass through daily.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command said in comments directed at the US and its allies: 'Get ready for oil be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security which you have destabilised.'

Iran also said it would make the Persian Gulf run with the 'blood of invaders' if the US and Israel continue their strikes.

In Dubai, four people have been killed so far and tens of thousands of residents and tourists have now fled in the weeks since the conflict began.

And those who remain face prosecution if they post videos of missiles overhead, despite constant phone alerts warning them to stay away from windows and seek shelter.

Dubai does not have vast oil reserves and relies on its expat population, which makes up 90 per cent of the city.

It has launched a desperate public relations campaign, telling people the 'big booms' in the sky are 'the sound of us being safe' as the UAE air defence system takes action.

Thick black smoke rose over the skyline early this morning after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state

The building was damaged on Friday following threats from Iran that it would target banks

The price of oil rose rapidly this week, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

But it has done little to quell fears.

'The shine has definitely been taken off,' John Trudinger, a British Dubai resident of 16 years, told The Guardian.

The headteacher employs more than 100 teachers from the UK at his Emirati school and claims most are so 'deeply traumatised and really struggling to cope' with the war that they have fled and will never return.

Taxi driver Zain Anwar saw his car destroyed in a missile attack and said his family are begging him to return home to Pakistan.

He said: 'I dont want to be in Dubai any more, there is no business, we are earning nothing since this war, and I dont see the tourism coming back.

'A lot of taxi drivers like me, we are thinking to go to a different country now. Everybody knows that Dubai is finished.'

On Saturday, a drone was caught on video sending up a huge pall of smoke near the airport.

The official Dubai Media Office continued to insist that 'no incident' had occurred at the airport as it clamps down on those sharing footage of damage.

Authorities in the UAE have charged 21 people with cyber crimes for circulating videos showing missiles and explosions.

This includes a Brit who filmed missiles passing overhead and immediately deleted the footage when asked.

The British embassy in the UAE said authorities 'warn against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites or projectile damage as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions,' adding: 'British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation'.

Content creators posting 'misinformation' face jail time and on Tuesday police said those posting anything which contradicts public announcements, 'causing public panic' could face two years behind bars and a fine of 40,000.

And Dubai's influencer army has released a barrage of posts praising its government in suspiciously similar language - amid claims some are being paid to pump out 'propaganda'.

Content creators with hundreds of thousands of followers between them have responded to Iranian attacks by sharing images of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum alongside the words, 'I know who protects us'.

The posts begin by asking 'are you scared?' before flashing up images of Al Maktoum waving to adoring crowds.

As explosions rocked the city, with debris from Iranian drones damaging buildings in the heart of the financial district, Dubai was desolate

Dubai has been the target of two-thirds of the regime's missiles - 1,700 projectiles in two weeks, although 90 per cent have been destroyed by air defences

Sceptical social media users have responded by claiming the influencers are being paid by the UAE government, also several have spoken out to deny this.

Online content creators need a licence to operate in Dubai, and its government responded to the outbreak of war by threatening prison against anyone sharing information that 'results in inciting panic among people'.

The tough stance is believed to have encouraged self-censorship by influencers in the Gulf state, with earlier clips of Iranian drone and missile attacks now swamped by posts lauding the regime.

In the first days of the conflict, the government cracked down on 'citizen journalists' reposting genuine footage of the first wave of attacks, which included a drone strike on the five-star Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.

The Dubai Media Office responded within a few hours by claiming that 'outdated images of past fire incidents' in Dubai were being spread to stoke fear among the city's residents.

Among the influencers, Kate Ferdinand previously opened up on relocating to the Middle East where she revealed she was 'homesick and struggling'.

But she made a dramatic U-turn, boasting about how her kids are 'learning things they wouldn't in the UK'.

While Luisa Zissman shared a post mocking scared tourists who've escaped Dubai and are 'making out they've come back from the frontlines'.

Once a tax-free haven, Dubai has lost its golden image as Iranian bombs rain down on the city

Socialite Petra Ecclestone cried as she described explosions before, describing how 'grateful' she was for 'how much Dubai puts safety first  and how welcomed and safe it has made us feel'

The Apprentice star, 38, relocated to the UAE from the UK in December, and has thrown her support behind the UAE government, even declaring it to be the 'safest country in the world' despite waves of suicide drone attacks.

But after dutifully echoing the official line that the war-hit emirate remains open for business, she has slipped back into Britain.

And Petra Ecclestone gushed about Dubai, describing how 'grateful' she was for 'how much Dubai puts safety first  and how welcomed and safe it has made us feel'.

Meanwhile, British influencer Ben Moss admitted he is more worried about being fined or jailed for posting the 'wrong' content than he is of the lethal explosives themselves.

The content creator, from Wandsworth, said: 'I do feel completely safe here because of the UAE air defences, but the laws can sometimes concern me so I always keep everything positive.

'I'm far more scared of being fined or jailed for posting the wrong content than I am of the Iranian missiles and drones.'

On Friday the war raged with four crew members confirmed dead after an American refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq.

In a post on X, the US Central Command (Centcom) said that 'four of the six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased.'

Influencers in Dubai have been posting identical videos emphasising the safety of the city which have been seen millions of times

It comes after Centcom announced on Thursday that a KC-135 refuelling plane had gone down in 'friendly airspace' and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.

The identities of those killed will be withheld for 24 hours until next of kin can be notified, Centcom said, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing as two crew members remain missing.

It came after a major blaze appeared to have broken out at a French air base in Erbil, Iraq, following a drone attack.

A helicopter was apparently hit and at least six French soldiers were injured. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed early this morning that one had died.
Anti-terror police have been granted more time to question three men over an alleged Iranian spy plot to target London's Jewish community.

The men, referred to by police as A, C and D, were detained last Friday alongside a fourth man on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The suspects, one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals were arrested at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet in the early hours of March 6.

The operation is understood to be linked to the suspected surveillance of a Jewish community in London for Iranian intelligence authorities.

Police obtained a warrant for further detention for three of the men, aged 22, 40 and 52, at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday, meaning they will now be able to hold them until March 20.

The fourth man, known as B, has been released without charge.

Counter-terror police have raided multiple properties during the course of their investigation, with 11 homes now having been searched.

Officers have seized a number of items including 'various digital devices', which are in the process of being examined.

Police check the engine and undercarriage of a silver-coloured Skoda in a road in Finchley last Friday

Met Police are pictured at a house raid in Watford last Friday believed to be linked to an investigation into Iranian spies

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. One of the men was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

All six have now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The alleged spying operation is not believed to be directly linked to the outbreak of the Iran war, with police stressing the arrests came as part of a 'long-running investigation'.

Scotland Yard began the probe 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.

Officers believe their actions were part of a long-term plan to target the Jewish community in the capital, and were not linked to a specific plot.

But Iran's intelligence services 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.'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terror Police said today: 'This investigation continues at pace with a number of lines of enquiry being pursued by our detectives.

'The warrants of further detention for these three men will allow us to continue the investigation, while mitigating any potential risk to the public as we do so.

'This has been a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.

'We fully recognise that the public  and in particular the Jewish community  may be concerned but I also hope the action we have taken reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we think there may be a threat to their safety.

'As ever, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.'

A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said at the time of the arrests: 'Security is strong across the Jewish community.

'CST thanks Counter Terror Policing London and will not be commenting further at this time.'
The chairman of Scotlands police quango has quit after it was claimed she had offered bribes to grieving families in her former role as Scotlands Chief Nursing Officer.

Fiona McQueen resigned from the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) for personal reasons after allegedly offering a family 20,000 to avoid litigation following their babys death at the scandal-hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.

The SPA said Ms McQueen had stepped down with immediate effect for personal and family reasons, just over a month after The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed the bribe claims.

Fiona McQueen resigned from the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) for personal reasons

Matthew and Theresa Smiths daughter Sophia died at just 12 days old when she contracted an infection in hospital which developed into sepsis

Ms McQueen, who became chairman last year, was also accused of proposing bribes to bereaved relatives affected by the hospitals infections scandal by suggesting they should be paid off with a trip to Disneyland.

Last night Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: This is the right decision. Suggesting that grieving families could be bought off with a trip to Disneyland isnt just crass and insulting, it is sickening.

Theresa Smiths daughter Sophia died at just 12 days old when she contracted a rare bloodstream infection in hospital which developed into sepsis.

In an interview with The Scottish Mail on Sunday, Ms Smith said that in a phone call to discuss Sophias death Ms McQueen offered her and her husband Matthew cash which could be used to take their other children on holiday. The couple claim Ms McQueen said they could give them an ice cream to cheer them up over their loss.

Dr Christine Peters, a consultant microbiologist at the QEUH, claimed Ms McQueen had questioned why a trip to Disneyland had not been offered to other grieving families.

A spokesman for Ms McQueen, who retired as Chief Nursing Officer in 2021, has said she strongly refutes any suggestions that she offered the Smiths money or a holiday.

On quitting as chairman, Ms McQueen said: It has been a privilege to serve on the SPA.
Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark have arrived in Australia for a six-day official visit.

The royal couple touched down in Perth on Friday afternoon to begin their jam-packed itinerary, which includes official engagements, cultural experiences, and opportunities to meet local communities.

The historic visit marks Mary's first return to her homeland since she became Queen in January 2024, the first by any Danish monarch in 40 years.

Their first stop will be at Uluru on Saturday, where the royals will meet with Indigenous elders and watch the sunset.

Their visit to the Red Centre mirrors previous trips by the British royals but will focus on Denmark's particular interests.

From the Northern Territory, they will travel to Canberra for official engagements and meetings with government representatives, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Australian government has announced there will be opportunity for the public to see the Danish royals at Canberra's Australian War Memorial on Monday.

The tour will also take them to Melbourne, where they will attend a state banquet and events highlighting Denmark-Australia relations.

Queen Mary has arrived in Australia with her husband for a six-day visit

Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark (pictured) quietly touched down in Perth on Friday

The couple will travel to Uluru, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart in the coming days

They will then travel to Queen Mary's home state of Tasmania, where she will visit her old school in Hobart and other hometown sites, where she still has family.

They will also inspect shipbuilder Incat, which is constructing two battery-electric ferries for Denmark, the country's largest export contract from Tasmania to date.

The ferries are intended to carry passengers and cars while reducing carbon emissions, representing Denmark's interest in sustainable transport.

As the royals touched down in Perth, their official Instagram page shared photos of the couple early in their relationship, which began after they met during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

'On the way! We have been greatly looking forward to seeing Australia and the people of the whole country again,' the post, accompanied by iconic Aussie anthem Down Under from Men At Work, read.

'A lot has happened since we last met here more than 25 years ago!'

More than 50 Danish business leaders will accompany the royal couple on their Australian tour.

The Danish royals are promoting industry and trade ties during their visit, highlighting clean energy and urban development.

The Danish royals (pictured in Perth on Friday) will travel to Uluru on Saturday

The royals previously toured Australia in 2013, 2011, 2008 and in 2005

The royals (pictured in 2005) met in Australia during the 2000 Sydney Olympics

'The state visit will further develop the already strong relations between Australia and Denmark, both culturally, economically and in foreign policy,' a statement from the palace read.

'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.

Building on the strategic partnership that was entered into between Australia and Denmark in 2023, the state visit will strengthen co-operation in a wide range of areas, including green transition and economic security

It's the couple's first visit together in Australia in 13 years. Queen Mary was last here in 2023.

Queen Mary, originally from Tasmania, attended high school in Hobart before moving to Denmark after meeting Frederik.

The couple met in Sydney during the 2000 Olympics, striking up a friendship at the CBD bar The Slip Inn.

They married in 2004 and have made several official and private visits to Australia since.

Previous visits have involved introducing their children - Christian, 20, Isabella, 18, and 15-year-old twins Vincent and Josephine, to Australia.

More than 50 Danish business leaders will accompany the royal couple on their Australian tour.

The Danish couple married in 2004, almost four years after they first met

The arrival follows speculation that their original travel plans were impacted by flight disruptions caused by escalating violence and unrest in the Middle East.

The Danish Royal House confirmed to Danish publication B.T. earlier in the week that they had to make 'a few adjustments' to the travel plans.

There are also fears that the worst flooding Central Australia has seen in decades may disrupt the first leg of their visit on Saturday.
Two men are now facing time behind bars after a 'turf war' between rival barber shops sparked a mass brawl in a market town.

Omed Pirot, 31, and Shahab Husseini, 25, were found guilty of affray after becoming embroiled in a fight in front of terrified bystanders, including children.

Meanwhile, Sardam Ebrahimi, 27, was found not guilty of affray by the jury and was cleared of the charges.

Staff from Kurds Barbers in Newbridge, Caerphilly, travelled to nearby Blackwood to confront employees at Marmaris Turkish barbers on February 13.

The brawl began after Pirot of Marmaris Turkish Barbers announced he intended to open another store in Newbridge, Newport Crown Court heard.

The announcement was 'not received well' by employees at Kurds Barbers, the court was told, with the melee of 13 leading to several being taken to hospital.

Four cars were driven from Newbridge to Blackwood at around 2.30pm that day, parking up outside Absolutely Fabulous hairdressers, the prosecution said.

'The two factions then meet up on the street, and a large-scale fight erupts,' Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, told the court.

Several 999 calls were made reporting that five people had been stabbed, with police officers heading to Marmaris Barbers.

They spoke to five individuals who had visible injuries and had allegedly been involved in the mass brawl, the court heard.

Omed Pirot, 31, and Shahab Husseini, 25, were found guilty of affray after becoming embroiled in a terrifying fight in front of terrified bystanders, including childre

Pictured: Footage of the melee outside Marmaris Turkish in the market town of Blackwood

The brawl began after Pirot of Marmaris Turkish Barbers announced he intended to open another store in Newbridge, Newport Crown Court heard

CCTV footage showed several men punching and kicking each other on the pavement. Social media footage of the incident was also recovered, the court heard.

A witness notified police by calling 999, informing them she had seen the 'two factions' brawling for around four minutes.

Off-duty detective sergeant Kelly Whistance, who was at a nearby salon, told 'frantic and scared' staff to lock the doors and call police as the fight pressed against the windows.

Following the brawl, several scissors were also discovered on the street by police.

Husseini told police officers his friend had bought a shop in Newbridge and had problems with people threatening him.

The 25-year-old said he had just finished with a customer when his boss went outside, and in the next moment, he looked over to see a mass brawl had erupted.

Husseini denied stabbing anyone, adding that he acted in self-defence as he was 'fearful for his friends'.

Mr Gobir, prosecuting told the court Husseini was seen taking a weapon to an unknown male and making 'overhead slashing movements' towards him.

Pirot was said to have been fighting with another man before being struck on the head and falling to the floor, the court heard.

He then threw a punch towards another man and took part in 'brawling' across the street.

Pirot was found to have sustained a fractured skull after being taken to hospital after the incident with a serious head injury.

Ebrahimi, of Newport, Husseini, of Pontypool, and Pirot, of Caerphilly, told the court they were acting in self-defence.

Husseini and Pirot were found guilty of affray, while Ebrahimi was acquitted. Five other men from the rival shops have already admitted affray.

Husseini, Pirot, and the five other men are set to be sentenced on April 10.
Iranian leaders marched through Tehran on Friday at an annual anti-Israeli Quds Day rally, where they publicly taunted the US and Israel as an IDF missile exploded nearby.

Amongst those in attendance were Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and national security chief Ali Larijani, who dismissed the latest Israeli-US attacks on the capital as being 'out of desperation'.

'These attacks are out of fear, out of desperation. One who is strong wouldn't bomb demonstrations at all. It's clear that it has failed,' Ali Larijani told state TV.

Striking a defiant tone, he said US President Donald Trump 'doesn't understand that the Iranian people are a brave nation, a strong nation, a determined nation. The more he presses, the stronger the nation's determination will become.'

Yesterday, Larijani said Trump would be 'sorry' for his 'grave miscalculation' after the President declared the US had won the war.

The attendance by Larijani was one of the most high-profile public appearances by an Iranian official since the February 28 strike that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.

Iran's judiciary chief was also at the rally and was seen ranting to Iranian TV about the US and Israel, as the loud explosion was heard in the background.

Speaking passionately on state television while ignoring the blast, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei declared: 'We stand with the people against arrogance and Pharaoh-like oppressors. Our people are not afraid of the bombing, we will continue along this route.'

Holding images of Ali Khamenei and his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei, people marched through Tehran in the annual show of support for the Palestinian cause and show of opposition to Israel, trampling on images of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is seen on a motorcycle during the pro-regime rally in Tehran on March 13

Ali Larijani appeared in a mass rally in Tehran on March 13 where he dismissed the latest Israeli-US attacks on the capital as being 'out of desperation'

Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei continued his anti-Israel rant at a pro-regime rally in Tehran while ignoring IDF a blast from an IDF missile

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends the Quds Day march in Tehran, Iran, on March 13

Iran's official IRNA news agency said that one woman was killed on Friday in an explosion that went off close to the annual pro-government rally in Tehran.

According to Press TV, the woman, who was described as an 'Iranian mother', was fatally wounded by shrapnel from the strike.

The Israeli army had earlier called on people to evacuate two areas in the city centre of Tehran close to the site of the rally.

It comes as the war has reached its 14th day, with Iran continuing its relentless attack on the Gulf states.

Explosions rocked Dubai this morning after an Iranian drone struck the city's financial district.

A building was damaged in Dubai's International Finance Centre by debris from a successful interception of an attack.

Authorities confirmed there were no injuries during the latest attack on Dubai which has been repeatedly targeted with drones and missiles since the war began.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said Friday its forces had intercepted dozens of drones, including one targeting its capital's Diplomatic Quarter.

Two people died from drone debris in Oman, according to state media there, while sirens rang out early Friday at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a key NATO facility housing US troops.

Later Friday, Turkey's defence ministry said NATO defences had intercepted a ballistic missile from Iran in Turkish airspace, the third such incident in just over a week.

In another sign of the war's spread, President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of France's first soldier, in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq.

Arnaud Frion, Chief Warrant Officer of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces, died and five others were injured.

France's military said earlier that drones hit a base where troops were taking part in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi counterparts.

Elsewhere in Iraq, a US refuelling aircraft crashed, killing four crew members, though the military said it was 'not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.'

In Israel, a strike on the town of Zarzir injured around 60 people, according to police, with images showing burned-out vehicles and craters in the ground.

The conflict has also battered Lebanon, with authorities reporting 687 people killed by Israeli attacks, including at least 12 in a strike Thursday on Beirut's seafront, where displaced families are camping in tents.

Smoke from an explosion rises behind demonstrators attending the annual anti-Israeli Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, rally in support of Palestinians in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 13

Iranians step on an Israeli flag during a rally in Tehran, Iran, 13 March

Iranians hold placards against Trump and Netanyahu during a rally in Tehran, Iran on March 13

A billboard shows a graphic depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei with military commanders as people attend the annual anti-Israeli Quds Day in Tehran on March 13

Donald Trump claimed on Friday that the US is 'totally destroying Iran' while issuing a sinister warning that he is about to escalate the conflict.

The president appeared to signal that major action would be unfolding on Friday, writing in the early hours on Truth Social: 'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.'

In a post shared to Truth Social at 12:33am, Trump wrote: 'We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.

'Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth,' he added.

'We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.

'Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!'

Meanwhile, Iran's new Supreme Leader is reportedly unaware of the ongoing war in the Middle East and does not know he is the Islamic Republic's new leader, according to a new report.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his assassination on February 28.

He is reportedly in a coma at the Sina University Hospital in Tehran following an airstrike, according to a source in Tehran.

Due to his condition, he does not know of the ongoing war, the death of his family members, including his wife and son and of his own election as Supreme leader, the source said.

Mojtaba is also reportedly in intensive care and surrounded by security officials, while a large section of the hospital has been sealed off to guard Iran's Supreme Leader.

It is unclear whether Mojtaba was injured in the same air strikes which killed his 86-year-old father.
A George Soros-backed District Attorney sparked backlash after blaming the mass shooting at Virginia's Old Dominion University (ODU) on firearms advocates.

Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi told a press conference that the attack, in which two people, including the gunman, died and two more were injured, was the fault of the 'pro-gun lobby.'

'This is not an ODU problem. This is a national sickness,' he said.

'We live in a country where people care more about guns than they care about six-year-old children.

'They care more about guns than they care about synagogue worshipers,' he added, apparently referencing yesterday's shooting at Temple Israel in Michigan. 'And they care more about guns than they do about college students.'

The prosecutor pointed at the police officers who joined him at the press conference, saying that it did not matter 'how hard' they worked to stop tragedies like the Virginia shooting.

'Somebody will be a victim eventually,' he said.

Despite his remarks drawing outrage among conservatives on social media, Fatehi doubled down when confronted by Fox News.

The George Soros-backed District Attorney in Norfolk, Virginia Ramin Fatehi sparked backlash after blaming the mass shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) on pro-gun advocates

The shooter in Thursday's attack was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former National Guardsman who was convicted for supporting ISIS in 2015

'I absolutely stand by what I said. It is the truth, no matter how much the gun lobby wants to deny it,' he said.

The shooter in Thursday's attack in Virginia was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former National Guardsman who was convicted for supporting ISIS in 2015.

Jalloh, a US citizen originally from Sierra Leone, was released from prison in 2024 during the Biden administration after being caught attempting to hand information to ISIS and ISIL.

Fatehi's remarks about the blame for the attack drew backlash from conservatives, but the prosecutor offered a derisive response to his critics to the Daily Mail on Friday.

'Internet trolls are angry and delusional? Stop the presses!' Fatehi said.

He continued in a statement: 'The ODU assailant is criminally responsible for his terroristic murder, but there is a bigger picture: He is just the latest actor in the gun-fueled march of death in America.

'There are an estimated 400 million guns in circulation in our country. Here in Virginia, we have had three university shootings: Virginia Tech in 2007, the University of Virginia in 2022, and now Old Dominion University. The motivations in each of those shootings was different, but the means was the same: guns.

'Whether an assailant is attacking because of mental illness or terrorism, that assailant is more dangerous with a gun than without it. If we want to make it harder for the next assailant, we must end the death cult of gun absolutism.'

Faheti's top two donors include the Soros-subsidized Justice and Public Safety PAC and Democracy PAC, which donated over $650,000 to his campaigns between 2021 and 2025

Faheti also doubled down on his stance in remarks to Fox News, saying: 'No matter the ideology of an attacker, that attacker is more dangerous with a gun than without one.'

Faheti - whose top two donors include the Soros-subsidized Justice and Public Safety PAC and Democracy PAC - called for a political reckoning to rid the nation of guns in his press conference.

'Until there is the political will to break the spell of the cult of gun absolutism, you will see more incidents like this,' he said.

'So, if you are looking for somebody to blame, don't look at anybody up here, look at our lawmakers who don't have the courage to implement sensible gun control measures, look to a Supreme Court that enables them, and do something about it.

'That is the lesson - let's mourn the people who've died, let's decry what has happened, but let's keep the focus where it belongs. It belongs on us, and having to change something so that we don't have to suffer through this.'

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a veteran Army helicopter pilot, was killed in the shooting

According to Fox News, the two Soros-funded PACs that support Fatehi donated more than $650,000 to his campaigns between 2021 and 2025.

It comes as officials said Jalloh was released from prison two years ago after serving nine years of an 11-year sentence for attempting to hand information to ISIS.

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said officers responded after receiving reports that people were being shot in one of the classrooms, but the gunman was actually subdued and killed by Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students.

The ROTC is a college-based military training program for recruiting students into the US armed forces.

The victim who lost his life in the attack was named as Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a veteran Army helicopter pilot.

Shah attended ODU as an ROTC student, according to his biography on the universitys website, and returned in 2022 as a program leader.

In the Army, Shah had flown helicopters over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe as a pilot.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps students showed 'extreme bravery and courage' and prevented further loss of life by stopping the suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, FBI spokesman Dominique Evans said.

The shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said

The ROTC students subdued him and 'rendered him no longer alive,' Evans added. 'I don't know how else to say it.'

The shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post, which praised the heroism of the students.

The Daily Mail has contacted Fatehi's office for comment.
British nationals in the United Arab Emirates have been warned about the consequences of sharing pictures or videos documenting war-related incidents amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The warning comes after a British tourist was charged under cyber-crime laws in Dubai over alleged video footage showing missile strikes.

The 60-year-old Londoner, who was detained on Monday night, is accused of 'broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security', campaign group Detained in Dubai said.

Radha Stirling, the group's chief executive, said the man had said that he deleted the video from his phone when asked and had no intention of doing anything wrong.

Dubai's government heavily polices social media and responded to the outbreak of war by threatening jail against anyone sharing information that 'results in inciting panic among people'.

Videos of drone and missile strikes were regularly shared on social media in the early days of the conflict, but these have largely disappeared and been replaced by a deluge of posts praising Dubai's government.

Earlier today, the British Embassy in the UAE posted on X: 'UAE authorities warn against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites or projectile damage as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions.

'British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.'

British nationals in the United Arab Emirates have been warned about the consequences of sharing pictures or videos documenting war-related incidents amid the ongoing conflict

Thick black smoke rose over the skyline early this morning after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state

Dubai's international airport has been attacked on multiple occasions and four people were injured after a strike on Wednesday

Videos of drone and missile strikes were regularly shared on social media in the early days of the conflict, but these have largely disappeared

In a post on Instagram, the embassy said the UAE authorities have issued 'several warnings' regarding the photographing, publishing or sharing of images and videos 'documenting incident sites or damage resulting from the fall of projectiles or shrapnel'.

The post continued: 'Under UAE law, 'sharing' can include posting on social media platforms as well as sending or forwarding content via messaging applications.

'UAE law also restricts the photographing of certain sites, including government buildings and diplomatic missions.'

The Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with local authorities after a British man was detained in the UAE.

Detained in Dubai said the 60-year-old man was one of 21 people charged under cyber-crime laws in connection with videos and social media posts relating to the recent missile strikes.

The group said penalties in such cases can include up to two years in prison.

Ms Stirling said: 'The charges sound extremely vague but serious on paper. In reality, the alleged conduct could be something as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that is already circulating online.'

She added: 'Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posts content can be charged, but so can anyone who reshapes, reposts or comments on it. One video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges.'

It comes as...

Major fire broke out near Bahrain International Airport following an Iranian attack;

Kuwait airport was hit by a number of drones, causing 'material damage';

Two oil tankers attacked near Iraq and another ship struck off Jebel Ali in Dubai;

Oil prices rose to $100 (74.79) a barrel - loading pressure on Donald Trump;

Israel faced 200 rockets from Hezbollah overnight in 'biggest barrage' so far.

The building was damaged on Friday following threats from Iran that it would target banks

In Dubai, four people have been killed so far and tens of thousands of residents and tourists have now fled in the weeks since the conflict began.

The city has been the target of two-thirds of the regime's missiles - 1,700 projectiles in two weeks, although 90 per cent have been destroyed by air defences.

Western banks have already evacuated employees amid threats from the Islamic Republic that they were the next targets of their bombing onslaught.

Dubai's International Finance Centre was targeted this morning a day after a high-rise building was hit in a drone strike, causing a huge hole.

Thick black smoke rose over the skyline earlier after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state. Dubai authorities later stated that only minor damage was caused with no injuries reported.

And three massive explosions rocked the city on Wednesday morning, with the international airport sustaining damage.

Four people were injured as two drones hit the terminal, while a string of major airlines cancelled all flights to the region for weeks.

Dubai has launched a desperate public relations campaign, telling people the 'big booms' in the sky are 'the sound of us being safe' as the UAE air defence system takes action.

Influencers in Dubai have been posting identical videos emphasising the safety of the city which have been seen millions of times

One expert said that it appeared 'suspicious' that the videos were identical and could have started out as a 'paid trend'

Dubai has been deserted by its army of influencers and thousands of expats with its sun loungers and pools lying empty

And Dubai's influencer army has released a barrage of posts praising its government in suspiciously similar language - amid claims some are being paid to pump out 'propaganda'.

Content creators with hundreds of thousands of followers between them have responded to Iranian attacks by sharing images of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum alongside the words, 'I know who protects us'.

The posts begin by asking 'are you scared?' before flashing up images of Al Maktoum waving to adoring crowds.

Sceptical social media users have responded by claiming the influencers are being paid by the UAE government, also several have spoken out to deny this.

Once a tax-free haven attracting influencers from across the globe and thousands of Brits seeking warm weather and crime free streets, Dubai's carefully crafted image has been shattered and some residents believe it is 'finished'.

Bustling beaches and bars, usually occupied by British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Luisa Zissman and Petra Ecclestone, have been abandoned as the exodus from the emirate accelerates.

The white sand Jumeirah Beach in the centre of Dubai, within sight of the famous Palm archipelago with its Atlantis resort, is a favourite among Dubai's 240,000 Brits.

Usually overflowing with holiday-makers, it was empty amid reports facilities are closing because of a lack of visitors.

Iran's attacks have targeted other US allies across the Gulf and their ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has seen oil prices and airfares spike worldwide amid fears of a global recession.

The regime warned the world to prepare for oil to hit $200 a barrel, after it attacked three cargo ships in the strait.

Iran has all but cut off access to the waterway, a chokepoint in global trade that ordinarily sees around 20 per cent of all oil pass through daily.
Amazon delivery drivers say bosses shut the doors on an Oklahoma warehouse and locked dozens of workers out as a tornado approached.

Shocking footage captured the moment management at the Amazon Flex station in Oklahoma City turned drivers seeking shelter away after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area on Tuesday.

The video showed the bosses pulling the door down as she begged to be let in while tornado sirens blared.

'Their priorities are way better than ours, we don't deserve to be in a safe environment,' the worker who filmed the video said during the clip.

Two employees, who asked not to be identified, described a chaotic scene as they approached the building.

'The siren's going off, so there's a little bit of panic, and it's definitely windy,' one of the drivers told KFOR.

As the drivers attempted to walk inside the warehouse, they passed by a large group of drivers who had been kicked out of the building.

'They had like probably 15 to 10 people inside at that point, and they told them that they all had to get out,' one driver said.

Amazon delivery drivers say bosses shut the doors on an Oklahoma warehouse and locked dozens of workers out as a tornado approached

A driver said she attempted to reason with management and convince them to let the group in, but they shut the door in her face

The driver explained that she tried to reason with management and convince them to let the drivers in.

'I got right to the door, and one of the employees, I just kind of looked him in the face, and I was like, "These sirens are going off, my friend. Like, we need shelter," the driver said.

'And his eyes just got big, and my eyes got big. And he just pointed at the security guard and was like, "We do what he says." And I looked at the security guard, and he gave me a stare for a second.'

Moments later, warehouse management was seen shutting the door as the drivers stood outside.

'I just turned around and was like, what in the world just happened?' the driver said. 'Like, there is a tornado that can hit at any time, and we are here to fend for ourselves.'

'I couldn't believe it,' the other driver said. 'My first thought after we got back into the car was that, you know, I guess they're prioritizing their merchandise and their equipment over the lives of their workers.'

Ultimately, the storm changed direction, and the tornado did not touch down near the warehouse.

An Amazon spokesperson told the local news station that the drivers should not have been turned away.

Management at the Amazon Flex station in Oklahoma City (pictured) allegedly turned drivers seeking shelter away after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area on Tuesday

'The health and safety of our employees and partners is our highest priority, and we take these matters very seriously,' the spokesperson said.

'The actions taken here did not follow our policies and procedures, and we've suspended the employees involved while we investigate the incident.'
Pete Hegseth berated the media over what he called 'fake headlines' about the war with Iran while dodging questions about how Donald Trump plans to stop Tehran from attacking the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth spent his Friday morning briefing lecturing the press about unfavorable headlines while refusing to answer questions about the militarys plan to curb the Islamic regimes efforts to deepen the global oil crisis.

'Some in the press just can't stop. Allow me to make a few suggestions. People look at the TV and they see banners, headlines -- I used to be in that business, I know everything is written intentionally,' said the former Fox News star.

'For example, a banner - "Mideast War Intensifies." What should the banner read instead? How about, "Iran increasingly desperate," because they are. Or more fake news from CNN. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.'

Hegseth claimed the US military would hit Iran today with the 'heaviest' firepower since the start of the war. He said the US maintains aerial and naval superiority over the Islamic regime.

When asked by the Daily Mail why the US military cannot protect the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical oil shipping routes, from Iranian attacks, Hegseth dodged the question.

'We planned for it. We recognize it. Um, because ultimately, we want to do it sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve,' Hegseth said.

Hegseth then pivoted to criticizing the press again: 'It's like this whole idea of the war widening. That's what the press wants to make it look like it's widening and chaos ensuing. No, we're actually closing in on, grabbing hold of and controlling what objectives we want to achieve.'

Hegseth spent his Friday morning briefing lecturing the press about unfavorable headlines while refusing to answer questions about the militarys plan to curb the Islamic regimes efforts to deepen the global oil crisis

When asked by the Daily Mail why the US military cannot protect the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical oil passageways on the globe, from Iranian attacks, Hegseth dodged the question

Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow strait, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has come to a near-standstill because of Iranian attacks

Hegseth claimed the US military would hit Iran today with the 'heaviest' firepower since the start of the war

Hegseth said Iran is 'exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz, something we're dealing with. We have been dealing with it. Don't need to worry about.'

The unprecedented turmoil in oil markets caused by Trump's war is reportedly affecting 7.5 per cent of global supply and exports, according to experts.

Members of the International Energy Agency released 400 million barrels from emergency reserves on Wednesday to counterbalance the pricing chaos.

Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow strait, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has come to a near-standstill. Gas prices have rocketed to an average of $3.6 per gallon from $2.9 before the war began, as oil prices hit levels not seen since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to nearly $100 a barrel as of Friday morning.

Irans Revolutionary Guards have said that if attacks on Iran continued, they would not allow 'one liter of oil' to be shipped from the Middle East to the US, Israel or their partners.

Iranian explosive suicide boats struck two fuel tankers in the strait, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member on Wednesday. Four other vessels in the Gulf waters were also hit by Iranian projectiles.

The US has targeted Iran's defense companies, according to Hegseth, who claimed 'every component' of the regime's missile production has been 'functionally destroyed.'

General Caine noted that Iran still has the capability of harming 'friendly forces and commercial shipping' in the Gulf strait.

Four crew members have been confirmed dead after an American refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq on Thursday, the US military has said.

In a post on X on Friday morning, the US Central Command (Centcom) said that 'four of the six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased.'

A KC-135 refueling plane had reportedly crashed in 'friendly airspace', while a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.

Hegseth referred to the troops who lost their lives as American 'heroes' and 'warriors'.

General Caine said the crash was not the result of hostile fire from Iran's military or local militias.

Iranian explosive suicide boats struck two fuel tankers in the strait, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member on Wednesday

Trump has previously claimed that the Iranian regime is on the verge of collapse

The identities of those killed will be withheld for 24 hours until next of kin can be notified, Centcom said, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing as two crew members remain missing.

A major blaze also broke out at a French air base in Erbil, Iraq, following a drone attack.

A helicopter was apparently hit and at least six French soldiers were injured. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed early this morning that one had died.

'Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks,' he said. 'The French soldiers there have no connection to war or conflict. They are simply military advisers legally present in Iraq.'

A preliminary military investigation has determined that the United States was responsible for a missile strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed 175 people, most of them children.

Trump had previously blamed the Iranian regime for bombing a school filled with young girls with an American Tomahawk missile on February 28 during the first day of Operation Epic Fury.

The ongoing investigation determined that US forces made the mistake while launching strikes on a nearby Iranian military base, which the school building was once part of.

Officers at US Central Command reportedly decided to strike the school using outdated data provided by the Defense Intelligence Agency, one of the premier US intelligence agencies.

The deadly operation on Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school, which was full of children, is considered one of the most devastating US military errors in decades.
Airport chaos is set to intensify as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers miss their second paycheck amid the partial government shutdown.

Passengers across the country have reported waits of up to four hours as they wade through the disruption caused by the political gridlock over spending at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

On Friday, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas became the latest transit hub to develop a monster line, though there are fears the situation is only set to escalate in the run up to the Spring Break travel rush.

Travelers began spilling outside the airport terminal by 4.30am, just an hour and a half into TSA opening for its first passengers.

They braved the chilly 47F temperatures while waiting to make their way through the dense line under the cover of the moon, video shot by KXAN journalist Ava Brendgord showed.

By 7.30am, the lines had alleviated allowing all waiting passengers to fit in the terminal which was still packed and slow, Brendgord reported.

The airport expects more than 35,000 passengers to move through the airport today, and is recommending passengers show up at least 2.5 hours ahead of departure for domestic flights and three hours early for international trips.

The domestic arrival time is slightly up from the normal two-hour recommendation.

Those traveling out of Austin on early Friday morning had to wait in hours-long lines that stretched far outside the building as TSA workers go without another paycheck

The airport expects to see more than 35,000 passengers on Friday and are recommending passenger show up at least 2.5 hours early for a domestic flight as the TSA lines can last hours

It comes as around 50,000 TSA workers, who are housed under DHS, are going without their second paycheck due to the partial shutdown.

Many have also started to call out of work and hundreds have quit, The Courier Post reported.

Lawmakers continue to argue over DHS funding, with Democrats saying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Protection (CBP) need operational changes before an agreement on funding can be made.

However, Republicans have said this is a nonstarter.

Democrats have said they are willing to fund other parts of DHS, which encompasses TSA, ICE, CBP, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and Secret Service, among other agencies.

'We are in a negotiation. However, we are not close,' Senator Brian Schatz, of Hawaii, said.

'You may think this is some issue that we think were going to turn to our political advantage, but I promise you, when we saw Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed, this became an issue that was beyond politics.

'And there are a lot of us who are not going to provide resources to this agency that is acting in such a way that makes citizens of the United States so unsafe.'

By 7.30am, the lines have alleviated somewhat at the airport, no longer stretching outside, but the lines were still dense and long

Good and Pretti were killed during protests against ICE in Minneapolis. Their deaths caused uproar heard across the country.

Mounting pressure against Secretary Kristi Noem led to President Donald Trump replacing her with Senator Markwayne Mullin, who will officially start in his new role at the end of the month, while Noem is transferred to a new position.

The Senate is set to vote again on Monday and Republican Senator Eric Schmitt, of Missouri, has made it clear that conservatives will not vote for anything that 'kneecaps ICE's ability to enforce our immigration laws.'

Democrats are seeking several changes at the department that include prohibiting ICE enforcement operations at sensitive locations like schools and churches.

They are also requesting ICE to allow independent investigations into alleged wrongdoing, requiring warrants to be signed by judges before federal agents can forcibly enter private homes or other nonpublic spaces without consent, and requiring agents to wear identification and remove their masks.

This is the second time Americans have had to deal with airport chaos due to a government shutdown.

Last year, the US had the longest government shutdown of 43 days.

Now, the agency is once again struggling through a partial one.

Passengers across the country have reported waits of up to four hours as they wade through the disruption caused by the gridlock at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

In a social media post on Wednesday, DHS blamed Democrats for a shutdown that 'has led to HOURS-long security lines at airports across the country, leading Americans to miss their spring break flights.'

TSA rolled out a video advertisement on Friday, warning travelers to expect longer wait times and blaming Democrats.

'You may be experiencing longer-than-average wait times due to the ongoing Democrat shutdown of TSA and the Department of Homeland Security,' it said, according to ABC News.

It also reminded passengers to be nice to TSA workers, who 'have shown up to work despite having missed paychecks.'

'Please take the opportunity to thank the dedicated men and women of the TSA when you fly today,' it said.

To make matters worse, airport lines are expected to get bigger as students head into Spring Break.

It is already causing lines to halt in Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Houston.
Donald Trump faced a barrage of backlash for trying to lower gas prices by lifting Russian oil sanctions amid the fallout from the war with Iran.

Gas prices across the US have seen a 70-cent average increase over the last month as Trump's war on Iran nears its third week. And it's expected to only go up as the conflict impacts Americans' wallets.

The price of crude oil reached $100 on Friday morning. According to CNBC, crude oil prices have risen by 9 percent, following a record-breaking 27.9 percent increase last week, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The price spikes come as Iran and its proxies continue to stop oil tankers from several Middle Eastern countries from flowing out of the bottleneck shipping zone at the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, Trump's Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control issued a temporary waiver on Thursday evening, lifting restrictions on the purchase of Russian crude oil and petroleum products already at sea.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted this is only a 'short-term measure' lasting until April 11 to promote 'stability in global energy markets.'

But some say the temporary waiver is putting the President in the pocket of Vladimir Putin, and others lament it's a 'betrayal' to Ukraine as it entered it's fourth year of war with Russia last month.

A minister in the United Kingdom has rebuked the idea, saying the UK will not follow the lead in easing sanctions on Russian oil. And one social media user decried: 'Aligning with the likes of Putin is not and never will be 'America First.''

President Donald Trump's Treasury Department temporary lifted sanctions on Russian oil already at sea to help ease gas prices in the US amid the ongoing war with Iran

A Callisto oil tanker sits anchored in an Oman port amid Iran and its proxies holding the Strait of Hormuz and preventing ships from moving through the bottleneck

Your browser does not support iframes.

The activity in the Hormuz Strait has caused immense global market volatility in regards to oil and fuel prices.

Any prospect that the US Navy will help escort oil tankers and cargo ships out of the Strait causes a drop in oil barrel prices, but the more news that comes out of the region's conflict, the worse oil futures look.

Even Energy Secretary Chris Wright tweeting and quickly deleting a post on Tuesday claiming the Navy escorted a ship caused a huge drop in prices. The White House later clarified that this was incorrect and the DOE said it was a staffer who made the mistake in the post.

'That's not a Strait we're going to allow to remain contested with a lack of flow of commercial goods,' Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said at Friday morning's press briefing.

Hegseth said that Iran continues to fire at ships trying to pass through the waterway that flows out of the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Oman.

The US pause on sanctions will go for one month and applies to Russian oil already at sea as the Trump administration attempts to stymie the surge in gas prices in the US amid the raging war with Iran.

'Russia's sanctions lifted, sounds like a betrayal to the Ukrainian cause,' one social media user bemused.

An economics professor posted to his X: 'What a disgrace. Trump has removed sanctions on Russia's oil. I am truly sorry to the Ukrainian people.'

'How many Ukrainians die for this?' another user questioned.

Social media users claim the lifting of sanctions on Moscow's crude oil and petroleum products is a 'betrayal' to Ukraine is its war with Russia

Smoke billows off a cargo vessel in the Gulf north of Dubai on March 13, 2026 as its left unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman speculated that Trump thought the conflict with Iran would already be over and did not have a plan beyond the initial strikes should the fighting continue.

'It's been very clear in everything the President has said, and he said this publicly, he thought this was going to be over by now,' Haberman told CNN.

'I don't know why he thought that, and I don't know why there wasn't some kind of a contingency for what we're seeing now.'

She added: 'There clearly is not a plan to deal with this, beyond talking about how the tankers should be tough and keep going through. And that's  it's not  it's not working.'

Trump and his administration have admitted that Operation Epic Fury would result in a temporary spike in gas prices, but has assured that those costs would ease once the conflict subsides. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during her press briefing on Tuesday that fuel prices could even dip below pre-Iran war rates.

The President has assured the timeline for the conflict is between four and six weeks and claims that the operation is already 'way ahead of schedule.'

The announcement of paused sanctions was welcomed by the Kremlin, as it's believed Russia has approximately 100 million barrels of oil currently in transit that will no longer face US sanctions.
A mother-of-three who begged authorities to keep her abusive husband away from her was murdered by him just days after a judge freed him from jail without bond.

Ashley Kittelson, 35, was shot dead in her home in International Falls, Minnesota, on March 6 by her estranged husband, Nicholas Kittelson, 44, in a horror murder-suicide.

The tragedy unfolded just days after he was released without bond for repeatedly violating a protective order placed against him by his terrified wife, who warned the court that he had threatened to kill her numerous times.

In her protective order request eight days before the murder, Ashley wrote that Nicholas 'is not accepting that the marriage is over, and I fear for my safety.'

The couple married in September 2023, but in court filings Ashley said her husband had been abusive for their 'entire marriage.'

'When Nicholas is angry, he will push and hit me. He has put a gun to my head and said he will kill me. He bloodied my nose to the point that I thought it was broken,' she wrote.

Ashley said the final straw came on February 21, 2026, when she took her young children away from him 'after a weekend of heavy drinking and abusive behavior.'

A judge granted the protective order that day, but Kittelson was promptly arrested three times in the following days for violating the court's ruling, including trying to break into their home and calling to threaten her from jail.

Ashley Kittelson, 35, begged authorities to keep her abusive husband Nicholas Kittelson, 44, away from her, but a judge freed him without bail when he violated a protective order just days before he killed her in a murder-suicide on March 6

Ashley, a doting mother of three and nurse, warned courts that she was afraid for her life as she pleaded with authorities to lock up her abusive husband Nicholas

Despite the grave warnings, Kittelson was free on the streets when he was arrested for a third time following the protective filing, as police said he followed Ashley in his vehicle and rammed into her.

At a court hearing for the misdemeanor violations on March 2, he appeared before a different judge than the one who granted the protective order days before, reports the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Judge Sarah McBroom released Kittelson without bail with the only stipulation that he would have to show up for future court dates.

Just four days later, a deputy with the Koochiching County Chief Sheriffs Department aware of the protective order spotted Kittelson's car outside his wife's home at 4.40am.

After knocking on the door and getting no answer, he looked through a window and saw blood on a bathroom door.

The deputy found the husband and wife both dead inside from gunshot wounds.

Investigators who knew the couple had a one-year-old son panicked when the infant could not be found, although he was eventually discovered unharmed inside Kittelson's hotel room at the nearby AmericInn.

Ashley, who worked as a nurse at Good Samaritan Societys senior living center, also had two older children, aged six and four, who were living with their father, the family told the Star Tribune.

Minnesota judge Sarah McBroom released Nicholas Kittelson without bond just days before he killed his wife in a murder-suicide, after accepting a report that deemed him to be low risk despite warnings from his terrified spouse

In her emergency petitions to the court, Ashley warned authorities that her husband 'has put a gun to my head and said he will kill me'

The shocking case has highlighted the ways in which the criminal justice system failed to protect the struggling mother of three despite her repeatedly pleading for help.

Maddy Albright, a nursing colleague of Ashley, said she was confounded by the decision to release Kittelson, saying: 'Its just, "How do we mess up so much?"'

County Attorney Jeff Naglosky told the Star Tribune that McBroom's decision was based on a risk assessment by a probation officer, who decided that he was a low-risk offender based on a jailhouse interview.

Naglosky said authorities 'correctly applied the formula' for such cases, but conceded: 'Obviously, it's an imperfect evaluation tool.'

The county attorney added that while McBroom knew of the misdemeanor charges, it was 'unlikely she would have known what was in [Ashley Kittelsons petition for protection].'

McBroom reportedly declined to comment on her decision, explaining that the states Code of Judicial Conduct prevents her from commenting on open cases.

Ashley's family said in her obituary that they were not holding a memorial service and instead 'asks that you honor Ashleys memory in your own way or by supporting organizations that help individuals experiencing domestic violence.'

The mother-of-three had two children from a previous marriage and shared a one-year-old son with Nicholas, who he left unharmed in a hotel room before killing her

The young mother was described in her obituary by her loved ones as 'a beautiful soul and one of the kindest, purest hearts.'

'Ashley showed her love through meaningful gifts, quiet acts of kindness, and the care she gave to family, friends, and patients,' the obituary said.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Minnesota Judicial Branch for further comment.
A dance school worker who claimed he was seen as a 'paedophile' after parents complained about his 'special interest' in their son has lost his discrimination claim.

Gray Lappin, who is gay, was suspended and fired by the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in November 2023 for the attentions he paid to the 11-year-old pupil.

This included giving him sweets and encouraging him to keep a 'secret', that he once starred as a stormtrooper in the Star Wars film franchise, a tribunal heard.

It saw the parents of the student, who described the trained dancer and actor as his 'friend', fearing the teacher was 'grooming' their son.

Mr Lappin, who was the only male class assistant at the dance school's Wandsworth site, claimed his dismissal was connected to his gender and sexual orientation.

He also he complained he was referred to by his mainly female colleagues, who he called 'XL bullies', as 'Magic Mike'.

And after his sacking, he wrote to his employer declaring 'this is truly a white man's world'  despite being a white man.

But the London South employment tribunal unanimously dismissed all his claims.

Gray Lappin (pictured), who is gay, was suspended and fired by the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in November 2023 for the attentions he paid to the 11-year-old pupil

Mr Lappin (pictured), who was the only male class assistant at the dance school's Wandsworth site, claimed his dismissal was connected to his gender and sexual orientation

The panel found the academy acted throughout with genuine safeguarding concerns, not because of his sexuality or sex.

Mr Lappin worked at the Royal Academy of Dance as an information and class assistant from April 2022 until his sacking in November 2023.

The organisation trains and accredits thousands of dance examiners and teachers and holds competitions and events across the UK.

It also operates a dance school in the Wandsworth area of south London, where Mr Lappin worked. Some of his duties involved helping during dance lessons.

On October 17, 2023, the boy, referred to as Child A, was being collected by his parents from a jazz dance class and Mr Lappin was escorting him.

The tribunal panel noted: 'Child A excitedly told his parents that [Mr Lappin] had been a Stormtrooper in Star Wars.

'Moments later Child A asked his parents if he could tell them a secret and turned to [Mr Lappin] as if asking for permission.

'[Mr Lappin] replied, "Oh he's bursting to tell you!" Child A asked, "Can I?", and [Mr Lappin] said, "Maybe wait till you get home".

'[Mr Lappin] then walked away and Child A said to his parents: "Did you know James Bond was in Star Wars?"'

Three days later, the parents complained to the dance school, saying they did not like the 'special interest' the teacher had shown in their son.

The panel noted: 'They made a point within their home of not having secrets and that they were concerned about how the "secret" was presented to the boy because they worried that it could be a relatively risk-free way of seeing how he would react to being told something was secret and whether he would tell his parents.

'They described this issue of keeping secrets as their "main" concern.'

The parents also reported in the same grievance email that Mr Lappin once gave their son a sweet after he had asked permission from the parents to do so.

They said he had also encouraged the boy to 'make up' his own 'fictitious elaborations' about events in his week.

They raised concerns about the 'engagement and relationship building' between their son and Mr Lappin, who they said they were 'highly uncomfortable' about.

But the London South employment tribunal unanimously dismissed all claims made by the worker (pictured)

Mr Lappin worked at the Royal Academy of Dance (pictured, file photo of its Wandsworth dance school) as an information and class assistant from April 2022 until his sacking in November 2023

The teacher was suspended after the complaint so the dance school could investigate.

When he was told about this by then safeguarding manager, Katherine Hikmet, and then chief executive, Tim Arthur, he was 'severely and visibly shaken', the panel noted, and ran out of the room mid-conversation.

He told his line manager and school head, Gia Gray, in a phone call a few days later: 'He felt that he was being accused of paedophilia, and people would not look at him as he was escorted from the building.'

Mr Lappin was soon invited to an investigation meeting, but he did not attend.

He sent an email saying: 'I slept through it. I am very sick and too weak at the moment! I received zero safeguarding training. Bullies. Racists. Sexist. Homophobic.'

He was invited to another meeting, where he explained his behaviour came because the boy was a fan of Star Wars and his parents worked in the film industry.

In an email after the meeting, he said: 'Please understand that I do now understand how some of my behaviour was unacceptable but I am only human and I do make mistakes.

'For each mistake I have made I can think of a co-worker accidentally making the same mistake.

'Straight co-workers make jokes about inappropriate stuff all the time and nobody finds it odd.'

Mr Lappin denied he had any 'inappropriate intentions' towards the boy - but the dance school decided to dismiss him.

He had also already resigned with three months' notice prior to the incident with the boy - but as it was a safeguarding issue, the school said it needed to investigate.

His wish to leave came after an occasion in September 2023 when he was 'pushed back' by what he called a 'wall' of female colleagues acting like 'XL bullies'.

This 'stunt', he said, 'left me feeling disappointed, humiliated, deflated and hopeless'.

Mr Lappin said he had also previously been called 'too sensitive', 'creepy', a 'weirdo' and 'Magic Mike' by colleagues.

The teacher said in an email to his employer during the investigation process the academy had spread 'lies, discrimination and twisted manipulation' about him.

He said this 'reminded' him 'this is truly a white man's world', adding: 'I shall be legally challenging this.'

Mr Lappin sued for sex and sexual orientation discrimination and harassment, claiming he would not have been fired over the grooming allegations if he was not a gay man.

But Employment Judge Nicholas Cox ruled he had not experienced direct sex and sexual orientation discrimination or harassment on the grounds of sex and sexual orientation.

He said: 'Ms Hikmet and Mr Arthur were clear that it was the nature of the complaint that dictated the process, not the Mr Lappin's sex or sexual orientation.

'Mr Arthur's evidence was that he had no knowledge of the his sexual orientation.

'During the meeting he did not deny that, as alleged by the parents of the boy, he had given him a sweet and admitted that he had told him a "secret" - indeed in cross examination he had admitted that he told a group of students something was a secret.

'He also admitted giving a [five-year-old] female student a magazine.

'He evidenced a lack of understanding and insight into the problems this created for an adult in a position of trust.

'He trivialised the conduct during the meeting and in his first email afterwards, describing it as an "overreaction".

'The language of keeping secrets and the concern expressed by the parents together with the giving of sweets and the other (not pursued) allegation of being alone with him was sufficient for us to be satisfied that Ms Hikmet's expressed concerns about the manifestation of a grooming risk were genuine.'

The judge added that even though he lost his case, the decision 'does not imply any adverse finding by us about his intentions'.
Foreign Office staff attended a 'national day' party at the Iranian embassy in London just weeks after the country's regime massacred its own people, it has been revealed.

UK civil servants were among the guests at last month's event to celebrate the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which saw attendees stand in silence for Iran's national anthem.

Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Iranian ambassador to the UK, is also reported to have used the event to give a speech hailing his country's rulers and attacking Western sanctions.

Video footage released by the embassy revealed a large banner on display featuring images of Ali Khamenei - Iran's former supreme leader who was killed in recent US and Israeli strikes - and Ruhollah Khomeini, his predecessor.

On the same say as the event, on 12 February, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that more than 7,000 people had been killed since the start of widespread protests in Iran against the country's regime.

The brutal crackdown had also seen the deaths of more than 220 children, the agency said.

Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said it was 'disgraceful' that Foreign Office staff had attended the embassy event in the wake of the Iranian regime slaughtering thousands of its own citizens.

But the Foreign Office said it was 'standard practice' for officials to represent the UK at such national day events.

Foreign Office staff attended a 'national day' party at the Iranian embassy in London (pictured) just weeks after the country's regime massacred its own people, it has been revealed

Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Iranian ambassador to the UK, is reported to have used the event to give a speech hailing his country's rulers and attacking Western sanctions

Dame Priti told the Telegraph: 'It's disgraceful that in the wake of the Iranian government slaughtering tens of thousands of its own citizens and making bellicose threats to the West, Foreign Office officials have been paying homage to the Islamic revolution in Iran.

'Iran is the world's leading sponsor of international terrorism. It has plotted terror attacks and assassinations on our own soil. And it has bathed the streets of cities across Iran in the blood of a generation of freedom fighters.

'It's completely inappropriate for government officials to attend such an event amid this appalling violence.

'And it shows yet again that with Iran, just like with China, Labour have got their foreign policy priorities all wrong.

'Keir Starmer lacks the backbone to stand up for our country and our allies, and his weakness is an embarrassment to Britain.'

Iran's national day is celebrated every February to mark the anniversay of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which toppled the country's monarchy, more than four decades ago.

The attendance of Foreign Office staff at the embassy event, as well as unnamed 'representatives' from the UK Parliament, is said to have been hailed by Iranian state media.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'It is the job of the Foreign Office to maintain diplomatic relations with countries across the globe, and it is standard practice as part of that engagement for the UK to be represented at these kind of national day events.

'The event in question has been regularly attended by Foreign Office officials under successive governments since the Iranian embassy in London reopened in 2015.

'Diplomatic engagement of this kind is a normal part of how we protect our interests and people overseas, including those UK nationals who are currently being detained in Iran.'
A Canadian serial criminal who murdered his girlfriend by stabbing her 15 times in broad daylight was handed a lighter sentence because of his race.

Everton Downey, 35, killed his girlfriend, Melissa Blimkie, 25, in a savage attack in December 2021 at the Metrotown shopping mall in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Downey was convicted of seconddegree murder and sentenced to life in prison last month.

Prosecutors asked the court to make him ineligible for parole for 15 years, but British Columbia Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes instead set the period at 12 years.

The judge made the decision after reviewing Downey's Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA), a report used in Canada primarily for black offenders that explains how poverty and marginalization may have shaped their life.

The report noted that Downey did not experience overt racism while growing up in Toronto, according to the National Post.

However, it claimed he later experienced disconnection, isolation and discrimination 'he had not previously encountered' after moving to British Columbia in 2016.

'Mr. Downey has a substantial criminal record involving violence and firearms,' Holmes said. 'I recognize, however, that the aggravating effect of his criminal record is offset in part by the mitigating circumstances of his background.'

Everton Downey, 35, was found guilty of fatally stabbing his girlfriend Melissa Blimkie, 25, in December 2021 at the Metrotown shopping mall

Downey fled the scene after killing Blimkie (pictured). He represented himself in court and said he had 'kind of blacked out' before the murder

Downey was described in the assessment as a 'black man of African Nova Scotian, African American and Jamaican ancestry.'

His report was written by University of Calgary social work associate professor Patrina Duhaney.

'He grew up in Toronto in predominantly black and racially diverse neighborhoods and attended racially diverse schools,' Holmes' decision said.

Downey 'felt that he did not experience overt racism' and that 'his experience living in communities which normalized racial diversity shaped his early sense of identity and belonging.'

The convicted killer said that changed when he left his home city for British Columbia.

'He found a much smaller black population, and the cultural norms among black communities felt unfamiliar to him,' the judge wrote in her decision.

She added that Downey experienced racial discrimination 'in the community and in the institutional setting.'

Downey's background report said he was a 'black man of African Nova Scotian, African American and Jamaican ancestry' and claimed he had experienced some racism

University of Calgary social work associate professor Patrina Duhaney authored Downey's Impact of Race and Culture Assessment

Downey fatally stabbed his girlfriend in a stairwell at the Metrotown mall on December 19, 2021

Holmes acknowledged that Downey had a 'significant criminal record that includes serious offenses of violence' before killing Blimkie.

Downey had also previously served time in prison, though details of those earlier crimes were not specified.

However, the judge said his IRCA made 'clear that broader systemic, structural, and community factors relating to Mr. Downey's experience as a black person have played a part in his life experience.'

That included 'various types of trauma, negative peer influences, and mental health challenges,' the judge said.

Downey grew up experiencing domestic violence at home, shootings in his neighborhood and poverty.

His father was also described as being absent during his upbringing, all factors which contributed to Downey's apparent 'lasting sense of danger and mistrust.'

Downey's report demonstrated 'early exposure to violence, chronic instability, poverty, systemic antiblack racism and untreated mental health symptoms.'

The judge specifically pointed to Downey's 'hypervigilance, that may be trauma related.'

Blimkie was honored as a 'strong, intelligent and independent young woman' who died because of a 'senseless act of violence'

Downey claimed he thought he was being watched, followed and drugged in the months leading up to the fatal stabbing

Downey fatally stabbed his girlfriend in a stairwell at the Metrotown mall on December 19, 2021.

A public obituary for Blimkie said she died due to a 'senseless act of violence' and remembered her as a 'strong, intelligent and independent young woman.'

The two had been in a relationship 'for some time' prior to the killing, per the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

He defended himself in court and said he 'kind of blacked out' before killing Blimkie, according to Vancouver is Awesome.

Downey claimed he thought he was being watched, followed and drugged in the months leading up to the fatal stabbing.

'After we entered the sliding doors, I lost it,' he told the court, per the outlet.

'I was hearing voices, "She's going to kill you! She's going to set you up! She's going to kill you!"' Downey said. 'I just remember not being able to control myself.'

Downey fled the scene after stabbing Blimkie and interacted with nine civilians before being taken into custody.

The Daily Mail reached out to Canada's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, which investigated Downey's killing of his girlfriend; Duhaney, who wrote Downey's IRCA; and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, where Holmes serves, for further comment.
A teenager allegedly climbed through a random woman's window and stabbed her to death in her bed for no apparent reason.

Anthony DeMayo, 18, was found wandering the streets of Lynn, Massachusetts, on Thursday afternoon carrying a bloodstained knife.

Police took him to Salem Hospital because he was behaving erratically and got a search warrant for his home, Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker said.

Inside they found bloodstained clothing that, along with data from DeMayo's phone, led officers to a house in nearby Danvers.

Beloved ICU nurse Janet Swallow, 68, was found stabbed to death in her bed inside the $700,000 Midceentury three-bedroom home on Amherst Street.

DeMayo, a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, allegedly told detectives he climbed through Swallow's window on Wednesday night and killed her.

'This was random. There was no connection between the defendant and the victim,' Tucker said.

'This is not only a tragedy for the town, for the school. This is just a very difficult case because of the randomness of this violence.'

Beloved ICU nurse Janet Swallow, 68, was found stabbed to death in her bed

Anthony DeMayo, 18, (center) allegedly told detectives he climbed through Swallow's window and killed her for no apparent reason. He faced court on Friday morning

DeMayo was arrested in hospital and charged with murder that evening.

He faced Salem District Court on Friday morning after an hourlong interview with court psychologist Joyce Perotta.

The teenager had depressive symptoms, including restricted affect, anhedonia, and suicidal ideation, she told the court.

DeMayo was competent enough to understand the court process, but Perotta was concerned about the impact of his mental state on the case.

His lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf and he was denied bail and sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a more thorough mental evaluation before his next court appearance on April 1.

Swallow was an ICU nurse at Lahey Hospital in Burlington and the mother of two sons.

'Janet meant the world to her family and to those who knew her,' a fundraiser for her family read.

'Her kindness, presence, and love for her family left a lasting impact on everyone around her, and her loss has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of those who loved her.'

Bishop Fenwick High School said it was cooperating fully with local law enforcement.

Swallow was an ICU nurse at Lahey Hospital in Burlington and the mother of two sons

'Janet meant the world to her family and to those who knew her,' a fundraiser for her family read

Swallow was found stabbed to death in her bed inside the three-bedroom home on Amherst Street in Danvers

Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell made an extraordinary statement late on Friday afternoon to reassure locals.

'The crime committed against Janet has left many of us stunned and heartbroken. It is the kind of event that causes people to ask difficult questions: How could this happen here? Why Danvers?' he said.

'Those questions are understandable. When something like this happens in a place we call home, it shakes our sense of safety and touches the entire community.'

Lovell said his officers were also struggling with 'that same shock and sadness'.

'Many of us live here, raise our families here, and care deeply about this town. I am a Danvers resident as well, and like so many of you, I believe strongly that everyone should feel safe in their own neighborhood, especially in their own home,' he said.

'Incidents like this are extraordinarily rare in our community, which is why they affect us so deeply. Like every town, however, Danvers is not immune to crime or the unpredictable actions of individuals.

'Even with careful preparation, tragedy cannot always be prevented. Yesterday was a painful reminder of that reality.'
An Arkansas girl who was passed through several foster homes has finally found her happy ending after being adopted by her kind-hearted teacher.

At just eight years old, Mary McClelland had already been through more than most can imagine in a lifetime.

So when she strolled into Lexi McClelland's second grade class in Bentonville, the teacher knew she might need extra patience and support.

But what she did not expect was to be so struck by Mary's incredible personality that she would one day adopt her as her own daughter, a heartwarming twist which has been compared to the plot of the book and movie Matilda.

McClelland still recalls how the energetic second-grader burst through the door singing her own name to the tune of the John Cena theme song - a moment that instantly made her stand out.

I teach second grade, so Im not used to that type of humor, McClelland told the Daily Mail. It was like - who is this girl?

Over the coming weeks she quickly found out and Mary fast became a favorite in the classroom.

I think what stood out most was that she was still so joyful despite everything she had gone through, McClelland said. She just has such a magnetic personality. Youre kind of drawn in.

Lexi McClelland was teaching second grade in Bentonville, Arkansas, when she met Mary, an eight-year-old student in foster care who would later become her adopted daughter

Lexi and her husband, Max McClelland, with Mary and a judge after her adoption was officially finalized in court on April 7, 2022

McClelland said she was also intensely creative and a passionate reader, often expanding on assignments or volunteering to present ideas of her own.

But as the school year drew to a close in May 2021, McClelland learned that another family had planned to adopt Mary.

The news meant the child might finally have a permanent home, something McClelland desperately wanted for her, but it also meant their relationship would likely come to an end.

I tried to pretend I was happy for her before, she said. But when I heard it wasnt going to happen, it felt like I was grieving something I thought would be part of my future.

Still, the teacher had quietly told the school counselor that if circumstances ever changed, she and her husband Max would be willing to step in.

When the adoption plan unexpectedly fell apart months later, McClelland said she immediately contacted the counselor to ask what steps she needed to take.

Since teachers can sometimes be considered trusted connections in foster care cases, the approval process moved quickly.

When they first met, McClelland knew only that Mary might need extra patience and support in the classroom

McClelland said Mary immediately stood out for her joyful personality and creativity, even walking into class singing her name to the John Cena theme song

By September 2021, Mary arrived at the couples home with a caseworker and a small bag of belongings.

McClelland said her husband had spent the entire day nervously pacing around the house as they prepared for her arrival.

The couple set up a bedroom and waited anxiously for the moment she walked through the door.

We were peeking out the window every few minutes waiting for her to arrive, McClelland recalled.

When Mary finally ran inside, the bond between the girl and McClellands husband, who had never met her before that moment, was instant.

In the months that followed, the McClellands began documenting the milestones of their new life together, from the day Mary moved into her new bedroom to their first photo together as a family.

On Christmas Eve 2021, the couple decided to ask Mary a life-changing question.

They read her a childrens book about a bunny named Elliot who moves through different foster homes before finally finding his forever family.

At the end of the story, they handed Mary a note asking if she would like them to become her forever family.

Mary was invited to tap the gavel herself when the judge finalized her adoption

Mary had already lived in six different foster homes by the time she met McClelland

Mary was initially stunned.

She just looked up and said, Wait, Im getting adopted? McClelland recalled.

After realizing what was happening, Mary threw her arms around the couple in excitement.

The adoption was finalized in court on April 7, 2022, with Mary commemorating the moment by tapping the judges gavel herself.

The story has since drawn comparisons to Miss Honey, the gentle teacher in Matilda who ultimately adopts the young girl she once taught.

McClelland said the comparison makes both her and Mary laugh, especially because the book-loving tween proudly identifies with the famously intelligent fictional character.

People always say were like Miss Honey and Matilda, McClelland said. And Mary absolutely loves that because she loves to read so much.

Adjusting from teacher to parent came with its own funny moments.

When Mary's initial adoption plan fell through, McClelland quickly contacted the school counselor about becoming Marys foster parent

By September 2021, Mary moved into McClellands home with her husband Max

For months after moving in, Mary continued calling her Miss McClelland.

Youd be in the store and shed say, Miss McClelland, can I get this? the mother recalled. People probably thought something strange was going on.

Eventually, the transition to mom happened naturally.

Like many children who have experienced instability, Mary initially struggled with feeling like she needed to be perfect.

She was so afraid of making mistakes, McClelland said. It was almost like she thought if she messed up something bad might happen and she wouldnt get to stay.

Over time, the couple reassured her that their love was unconditional.

I would tell her, We adopted you because we love you for who you are - not because youre perfect.

Since the adoption, McClelland has used social media to document their journey and advocate for foster care.

Mary holding the note Lexi and Max McClelland gave her after reading the childrens book Elliot, asking if she wanted them to become her forever family on Christmas Eve 2021

She regularly shares posts about their family milestones, from their first family photos to adoption anniversaries, while encouraging others to consider opening their homes.

In January 2024, the couple even welcomed another foster child into their home - a young boy who attended the same school where McClelland worked.

She stepped in so the child wouldnt have to switch schools in the middle of the year.

He had moved around so much already, she said. I just wanted him to have some stability.

Although the boy later moved to be reunited with his siblings, McClelland said the experience reinforced their commitment to fostering.

The familys journey has since taken another joyful turn.

Last October, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Murphy, making Mary, now 12, a big sister.

McClelland admitted she initially worried how the tween might react to such a major change.

The family has continued to grow, welcoming another foster child in 2024 and a baby boy last October, making Mary a proud big sister

Instead, Mary embraced the role immediately.

She is obsessed with him, McClelland said. And now that hes older, his eyes are glued to her whenever shes holding him.

For McClelland, becoming Murphys mother has also brought an unexpected sense of healing.

Because Mary entered their lives aged eight, the couple missed many of the baby milestones parents typically experience.

I used to grieve the fact that we didnt have baby pictures of her, she said.

Now, she said watching Mary help care for her baby brother has been deeply meaningful for both of them.

Its almost like shes getting to experience those things too, McClelland said. Its been really healing.

Looking back, McClelland said she never imagined that a student who walked into her classroom singing would one day become her daughter.

But she said she believes the outcome was meant to be.

It's so precious for her to know we didnt adopt just to adopt, she said. We adopted because we wanted her specifically. And now she always jokes that she was so cute I just couldnt let her go.
Keir Starmer did not speak to Mandelson personally before appointing him as US ambassador, it was claimed today.

The PM is said to have left his aides to ask the New Labour architect questions about his long-standing ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

That was despite being presented with evidence that their friendship had continued after the financier was jailed, and warnings from senior officials.

The claims in the Times came after Sir Keir - offered a grovelling mea culpa amid a battle to contain the fury of Labour MPs.

On a visit to Belfast yesterday, Sir Keir admitted it was 'me that made the mistake' and he was the one who had to 'make the apology to the victims of Epstein'.

He was responding to anger after papers showed Government vetting highlighted Mandelson's 'close' links to Epstein before he was made the UK's man in Washington in December 2024.

Keir Starmer (pictured n Cork today) did not speak to Mandelson personally before appointing him as US ambassador, it has been claimed

The PM is said to have left his aides to ask Mandelson (pictured in London this week) questions about his long-standing ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

A three-page 'due diligence' report supplied to Sir Keir on December 11, 2024 flagged the ties between Mandelson and Epstein

The top mandarin at the Foreign Office and national security adviser Jonathan Powell also expressed misgivings during the process.

However, Sir Keir went ahead, after apparently agreeing with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on three questions that Mandelson needed to be asked.

No10 has said it cannot release details of those exchanges yet because of the ongoing police probe, but the documents suggest Director of Communications Matthew Doyle was 'satisfied' with the answers.

Sir Keir - who is in Ireland today - has accusing Mandelson of 'lying' about the extent of his links with Epstein.

Asked whether the PM had spoken to Mandelson before giving him the UK's most prestigious diplomatic posting abroad, Downing Street said the 'full process at the time of the appointment was followed'.

The spokesman said: 'There was no requirement for a formal interview with the Prime Minister.'

Kemi Badenoch has complained of a 'cover-up' over information 'missing' from the goverment papers, and urged Labour MPs to oust Sir Keir. Backbenchers have accusied the premier of dragging Labour 'into the gutter'.

The Government promised to publish a huge range of information about Mandelson after MPs rebelled in a Commons vote last month.

Sir Keir said yesterday: 'The release of the information shows what was known.

'That led to further questions being asked.

'Unfortunately, because of the Metropolitan Police investigation, we can't release that information yet.

'But that doesn't take away from the fact that it was me that made a mistake, and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that.'

Lord Mandelson was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.

He was subsequently bailed, but later handed his passport back and freed under investigation. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing or acting for personal gain.
An 11-year-old is being sued over his involvement in an e-bike crash, which allegedly caused an SUV driver to fatally mow down a four-year-old on the sidewalk.

Ayden Fang was killed as he played outside a restaurant in Burlingame, California, on August 8 last year.

A devastating chain of events began when the 11-year-old was riding on his e-bike in a parking lot with his ten-year-old sister, according to a lawsuit filed by Ayden's father, Ming Fang.

At the same time, Mari Abey, 19, who was driving a Jeep SUV, pulled out and collided with the bike, per the filings.

The crash caused Abey to hit the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, speed up to 27mph and plow into Ayden on the sidewalk, the lawsuit alleged.

Her SUV fatally struck the four-year-old and crashed through the front of a restaurant where his parents were eating, and they found him dead beneath the vehicle, according to the complaint.

Fang's civil lawsuit accused the e-bike rider of being too young to use the vehicle, claimed Abey was at fault by being an inexperienced driver and alleged the city of Burlingame knew the parking lot had a problematic layout.

'Ayden was cheated of his years,' the grieving father told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'Aydens sibling is cheated [out] of a loving brother and best friend.

Ayden Fang, four, was killed on August 8 last year when he was struck by an SUV, and a lawsuit from his parents alleged that an 11-year-old boy riding an e-bike set off a chain reaction that led to the wreck

Ayden's father, Ming Fang, accused the city of Burlingame, California, of being at fault as well as the SUV driver and the young e-bike rider, as he said 'Ayden was cheated of his years'

'My wife and I were cheated of the sacred right of parents, watching their child grow from a toddler into a teenager, into an adult and blossom through that.

'All of that shattered. How can that be OK? How can there not be any consequences?'

Fang said he decided to file the civil lawsuit after the San Mateo District Attorneys Office declined to file criminal charges against Abey in January.

At the time, prosecutors said they did not have sufficient evidence to prove vehicular manslaughter against the driver.

Fang said he named the city of Burlingame in his lawsuit because he believes the city-owned parking lot where his son was killed was not appropriately designed or maintained.

'We want to expose all the broken regulations, the infrastructure, improve pedestrian safety and make the community safer for other families,' he said.

He alleges in his lawsuit that the city knew for some time that the driveway where Abey was pulling out from was dangerous, particularly because the view of incoming traffic is blocked at the exit.

Abey told first responders that she could not see the siblings on the e-bike because an SUV was parked next to the exit, the lawsuit said.

According to the filing, the city received almost a dozen complaints about the parking lot in the years before the crash, and was planning to remove the parking space as part of a 2025 project that had not been completed.

A police car at the entrance of the parking lot where Ayden was hit, which the lawsuit alleged had design issues that blocked drivers' view of oncoming traffic

The heartbroken parents said they decided to file the civil lawsuit to hold those responsible accountable after the San Mateo District Attorneys Office declined to file criminal charges against the SUV driver in January

Fang also accused the city of ignoring safety issues and cited figures showing the pedestrian fatality rate in Burlingame is three to four times higher than the per-capita national annual average.

In naming the young e-bike rider, Fang's lawsuit criticized the city for failing to introduce stricter policies for who can ride the vehicles, which can reach speeds of over 20mph.

The lawsuit said the boy's parents should not have let him ride the e-bike on busy streets, and said the owner's manual noted the minimum age for riders as 12.

'The [citys] inaction after Aydens death is illustrative of the [citys] years-long refusal to take pedestrian safety seriously,' attorneys told the Chronicle. 'There is no excuse for the [citys] continued silence and failure to act to prevent future pedestrian deaths.'

The lawsuit also alleged that Abey should not have been behind the wheel, saying that she had only just gotten her driver's license and was taking medications that can impair judgment.

Ayden's family said they have been left devastated by the incident, and described him as a 'bright, energetic little boy with a huge heart and a positive outlook.'

'It pains me to think about Aydens smile, his hugs and his kisses. But this civil litigation, we are hoping to use it to make sure at least one other family will not experience the same unspeakable suffering my wife and I will for the rest of all time,' Fang said.

The Daily Mail has contacted the city of Burlingame for comment.
A grieving mother has spoken for the first time about finding her 19-year-old daughter baked to death inside an oven at the Walmart store where both women worked.

Mandip Kaur said her panic began to rise after she was unable to reach daughter Gursimran Kaur on her phone during her shift at the store in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 19 2024.

Kaur assured herself that Gursimran was likely just helping a customer or on her break during her 3pm-11pm shift at the in-store bakery of the Canadian supermarket.

But her anxiety flared when she spoke to two duty managers at the store who both said they had not seen any sign of Gursimran.

The worried mother and the two managers began to comb the 105,000 square foot superstore.

Kaur said that as they approached the bakery, one of the managers noticed its commercial oven that was used to bake frozen bread leaking a black-brown liquid resembling tar from its rear end.

It was Kaur herself who opened the door of the oven - that reaches temperatures of 400 degrees - to find a nightmarish sight inside.

I opened the door and she was there, she said.

Gursimran Kaur, pictured, baked to death inside a Walmart oven in October 2024. Her mother has spoken for the first time detailing how she found her only daughter's body

Gursimran died inside an oven like this one. Police say her death was not the result of foul play and last month health and safety bosses said there was nothing wrong with the appliance or any negligence on the part of Walmart

'I couldnt handle myself. I was there on the floor with her for five or ten minutes. I didnt know what had happened.

Speaking to the Daily Mail at the Halifax Sikh temple where she worships earlier this week, Kaur lowered her head and whispered as she stared at the floor.

'Her body was not there. I could not see her.

Kaur said Gursimran was inside the oven next to its baking racks, charred beyond recognition.

The liquid seen coming out of the back of the oven had come from her late daughter.

The awful sight caused Kaur to hyperventilate and collapse on the floor of the store.

A friend and co-worker quickly ushered Kaur away as paramedics and police rushed to the scene.

Recalling the horror that befell her family, Kaur spoke bravely and quietly with her hands clasped in her lap.

The Walmart store where Gursimran died is pictured earlier this week. It closed for four months after her death

The store's bakery was moved to another section of the store and its ovens were replaced. The only ovens now visible are smaller models that staff can not walk inside

She and Gursimran moved to Canada from their native India in 2022 after obtaining permanent residency.

Her husband - Gursiman's father - had planned to join them in the famously beautiful coastal province of Nova Scotia at a later date.

Kaur is haunted by not knowing how long Gursimran was inside the oven, if she screamed for help and how long it might have taken for her to die.

Last month, Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration found there had been no workplace safety violations in relation to Gursimran's death.

The oven, which has since been replaced with a new one, was found to be in good working order and the Department of Labour cleared Walmart of any wrongdoing.

Greg Hanna, Director of Communications for the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration told the Daily Mail Thursday that the oven where Gursimran died 'could be opened from inside.'

He added: 'No evidence was found that violations of occupational health and safety laws contributed to the death.

Gursimran's death was initially investigated as a possible homicide by Halifax Police.

Gursimran was a talented student who planned to become a doctor. She loved her family, friends and was happy, said her mother Mandip, who refutes any sugestion that her daughter's death might have been a suicide

The newly-refurbished bakery inside Halifax Walmart. It is unclear if there is a walk-in oven in the private part of the kitchen, much of which sits out of sight

They quickly ruled out any suggestion of foul play and concluded the death was 'not suspicious.'

Those findings have raised questions about whether Gursimran may have chosen to take her own life - a suggestion her mother refutes.

Kaur said Gursimran had spent the night before her death laughing and celebrating with family and friends.

She showed the Daily Mail photos of the get-together as proof of her daughter's apparent contentedness, but did not wish to share them publicly.

Does she look depressed? She was so happy? Kaur said.

Gursimran was a bright student who was valedictorian of her class.

She excelled at the sciences and math and was planning on going to university to study medicine, her mother said, as further evidence that her daughter had everything to live for.

Kaur said she received a package Gursimran had ordered for herself after her death, suggesting she had no plans to end her life.

Floral tributes to Gursimran are tied to a lamp post outside the Walmart store shortly after her tragic death in October 2024

She added that she and her husband were happy to support Gursimran financially, but that the teenager had chosen to get a job at Walmart because she valued her independence.

Kaur said Gursimran was 'always smiling, always laughing' at work with the friends she had made at the store.

The 19-year-old was a typical teenager who loved music, makeup and shopping for clothes.

She got on well with her parents and was particularly close to her 12-year-old brother, Kaur said.

The mother said the lack of a definitive explanation for her daughter's death has compounded her family's agony.

After 18 months investigation they are unable to discover what happened, Kaur said.

They couldnt find any solid thing. They dont know. They dont have any proof. No solid results. We are not satisfied.

After Gursimran's death, the teenager's dad flew from India to Canada to be with Kaur and their 12-year-old son.

Mandip moved Gursimran and her son to the famously beautiful city of Halifax (pictured) in the hopes of starting a new life. Gursimran's death has so devastated the family that they are now considering leaving

They eschewed a traditional Sikh funeral and instead held a service at their local gurdwara for Gursimran.

The family then took the teenager's ashes back to India, where they scattered them into the ocean while surrounded by relatives and friends.

Kaur remains devastated by Gursimran's death and frequently had to pause to collect herself while chatting to the Daily Mail.

She is unsure whether to remain in Canada, travel back to the UK where the family used to live, or return to India.

A GoFundMe for the family raised $200,000 in 24 hours.

Kaur said she is considering taking legal action against Walmart, although the recent ruling clearing the store of any wrongdoing means she faces an uphill struggle.

'Within seconds, my life has changed forever,' she said of the tragedy, with Kaur's surviving son also struggling with the loss of his sister.

After Gursimran's death, the Walmart store was closed for four months. It was renovated, with the bakery moved to a completely different part of the store.

When the Daily Mail visited this week, workers were busy stocking shelves and serving customers.

Three workers we approached said they could not speak about what had happened to Gursimran.

Over at the relocated bakery, bread, pastries and attractively-iced cakes lined its shelves.

The new ovens were visible and face towards its counters. They are smaller models than the one Gursimran died in and are not big enough to walk inside.

It is unclear if a larger version remains out of sight in a private area of the bakery.

Walmart Canada was approached by the Daily Mail for comment.
A Magnum advert that pumped out a chocolate scent at a busy London station has been 'adjusted' after concerns from passengers and Tube staff.

The so-called 'multi-sensory' advert was installed in the underground tunnel linking St Pancras International and King Cross St Pancras Tube station on Monday.

But the commercial for the ice cream brand left some commuters wrinkling their noses after it pumped out a 'nauseous' chocolate-like odour.

Others said the scent was 'artificial' and 'really not appetising at all', while some London Underground staff members reportedly complained they could smell it in their break room.

Now the firm behind the advert, JCDecaux, has changed the timings and frequency of when the scent is released following concerns by passengers and Tube staff.

London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras railway station, added that it was aware of a complaint about the advert for the ice-cream brand.

A spokesperson for Magnum Ice Cream Company said it has 'received mostly positive feedback from commuters' and will 'continue to optimise the campaign... based on consumer feedback'.

The advert, which also plays a cracking sound to replicate someone biting into chocolate-covered ice-cream, is scheduled to remain in place up to March 22.

The so-called 'multi-sensory' advert for ice-cream brand Magnum has sparked concerns from passengers and staff

Social media users have been sharing their reactions online, with some describing the smell as 'nauseating'

A passenger wrote on social media platform Reddit that the scent is 'far too strong and makes me feel a bit nauseous rather than making me fancy a magnum, although they have got us talking about it'.

One user said: 'I could smell it down by the Victoria line and thought I was going insane or someone had really strong perfume on.'

Transport for London (TfL) workers based at the station told the Times they have complained to the management of St Pancras station because the smell enters their break room.

Someone on X wrote: 'Much as I love those chocolate cherry ice cream bites, is the advert at Kings Cross/St Pancras tube tunnel making everyone else somewhat nauseous?

'You can smell the chocolate + disinfectant(?) all the way down to the tube platforms...'

Bob Bounds said: 'I can attest to this - and my sense of smell is terrible. The sickly smell pumped out is awful, and stays with you. Marketing gone mad'.

A spokesperson for Magnum Ice Cream Company previously said: 'The Magnum activation at King's Cross St Pancras recreates the multi-sensory pleasure of enjoying a Magnum through sight, sound and scent, and is designed to bring a moment of enjoyment for commuters.

'Since the campaign began on March 9, we have received mostly positive feedback from commuters onsite and will continue to optimise the campaign which is scheduled to run until March 22 based on consumer feedback.

'Our intention remains for our campaigns to be engaging and enjoyable.'

A TfL spokesman said yesterday the transport authority is aware of the issue and had raised it with Network Rail, which is responsible for the area where the advert is located.
A shooter who drove a truck loaded with explosives into a synagogue was praised by locals in his Michigan neighborhood, which is America's most Muslim.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, a naturalized US citizen born in Lebanon, was killed by security on Thursday after ramming his pickup truck into the Temple Israel synagogue in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield.

Ghazali lived in a $315,600 home in nearby Dearborn Heights. FBI agents were seen searching the residence on Thursday night.

He worked at Hamido, a popular Middle Eastern eatery, where regulars say he was the 'face of the restaurant.' He had been absent from work in the weeks leading up to the synagogue attack, a colleague told The New York Times.

The gunman lost four family members - two brothers, a niece, and a nephew - in an Israeli airstrike in his native Lebanon last week, authorities confirmed.

His longtime neighbor Kandie Zaidieh, who described Ghazali as 'my rock,' was shocked to learn of his involvement in the attack and suspects the tragedy in Lebanon may have played a role in his decision-making.

'Because his brother died, right?' Zaidieh, 60, questioned when approached by the Detroit Free Press. She added: 'He was the best. The best neighbor. Always quiet, a hard worker. He was always pleasant. Everybody liked him.'

Her remarks were echoed by members of the Dearborn Heights community, which has the largest Arab American population in the United States, who said they could not fathom that Ghazali would try to harm anyone.

Federal authorities were seen late Thursday night raiding the home believed to be of a Lebanese-born restaurant worker Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, who is accused of driving a truck filled with explosives into a Michigan synagogue and opening fire

Ghazali allegedly worked at Hamido, a popular Middle Eastern eatery in Dearborn Heights, where regulars say he was the 'face of the restaurant'

Parents carry their preschool aged children to safety as police escort them away from Temple Israel synagogue after Ghazali's attack Thursday

'He was a very hospital [sic] man and a loving father,' Hamido patron Timothy Jacob shared in a Dearborn Heights community group. 'He always greeted me with a smile and always treated my family with kindness. He will be missed.'

Mike Smith, who said he visited the restaurant the day before the synagogue attack, said it was 'shocking' to hear about Ghazali.

'This guy was always a nice guy, one of the kindest people you can ever meet,' Smith wrote, adding that Ghazali's 'customer service was great.'

Siran Mouhanna, admitting she did not know Ghazali well, said that during the encounters they shared, 'he was the kindest, most respectful guy.' She added: 'It breaks my heart.'

'I don't believe Ayman can do something like this,' said Mike Dalou. 'He is the most respectful man and very kind. I'm lost for words. I pray for him, his family and everyone involved.'

Ghazali was born in Lebanon in 1985 and entered the United States in May 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of an American citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He then applied for naturalization on October 20, 2015, and became a citizen on February 5, 2016, under the Obama administration.

Court records reviewed by the Daily Mail show Ghazali's ex-wife filed for divorce in Wayne County Circuit Court in August 2024.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, allegedly carried out the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, which also serves as a preschool, after losing several family members in an Israeli strike on Lebanon. FBI agents raided his home in Dearborn Heights on Thursday

The vehicle smashed into the doors of Temple Israel in Michigan, and later caught fire

The suspect was neutralized by a security guard at the scene. His body was severely burned

Law enforcement escort families away from the Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

A divorce was granted seven months later in March 2025 and a child support order was signed and filed at the conclusion of the proceedings.

The reason behind their separation remains unclear, as the divorce filing is sealed.

An unnamed source told CBS News that Ghazali phoned his ex-wife shortly before the attack, asking her to take care of their children.

Ghazali drove a truck filled with explosives into Temple Israel, which also serves as a preschool, at around 12.20pm on Thursday.

The synagogue 'became engulfed' in flames after the vehicle collided with it.

The truck caught fire and the suspect's body was found severely burned. Ghazali was shot dead by a guard at the synagogue.

No students or staff were injured in the attack, but a security guard was taken to the hospital after being struck by the vehicle. He is expected to recover.

Thirty law enforcement officers were also taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Federal authorities said at a news conference that they are probing the horrific incident as a 'targeted act of violence' against the Jewish community.

Families are escorted from the scene after Ghazali allegedly drove his truck filled with explosives and mortar shells into the synagogue on Thursday

Members of the FBI at the site of the attack in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Thursday

The synagogue's security team has been praised for its quick response to the incident

Law enforcement responding to the attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan

The synagogue is a reform Jewish place of worship that was open at the time of the attack. It has 12,000 members, one of the largest congregations in the country.

FBI Detroit led an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training for the clergy and staff of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield in late January, nearly two months before Thursday's attack.

Synagogues around the world have been on edge and ramping up security since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran with missile strikes on February 28.

The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California. Two men brought explosives to a far-right protest outside the New York mayoral mansion on Saturday. Investigators allege they were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group.

An assailant drove a car into people outside an Orthodox synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. He stabbed two people to death before officers shot and killed him.
A husband accused of killing his wife by driving her to suicide viewed her only as a 'trophy' and stopped wearing his wedding ring two weeks after she hanged herself, her mother told a court today.

Christopher Trybus was 'besotted' with wife Tarryn Baird but after they became husband and wife he only regarded her as 'his trophy', manslaughter jurors were told.

Ms Baird's emotional mother, Michelle Baird, today said she thinks her daughter had been trying to 'warn' her about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Trybus.

Trybus, 43, is accused of subjecting Ms Baird to 'extensive' acts of manipulative behaviour and sexual violence - so serious he is charged with her manslaughter.

Ms Baird hanged herself aged 34 at their home in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Trybus is charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of rape in relation to Ms Baird.

At Winchester Crown Court, Hants, prosecutors say that Trybus unlawfully killed Ms Baird on November 28 2017.

It has already been heard that Trybus threatened to 'snap her neck' and then 'dissolve her body in acid so no-one would find her'.

Tarryn Baird's mother, Michelle (pictured), said her daughter's husband took his ring off two weeks after he allegedly drove her to suicide

Christopher Trybus (pictured left with his current wife Bea Trybus), 43, is accused of subjecting Ms Baird to 'extensive' acts of manipulative behaviour and sexual violence - so serious he is charged with her manslaughter

Ms Baird hanged herself aged 34 at their home in Swindon, Wilts, where her mother Michelle lived with them

Today, Michelle told the jury that it was 'horrendous' to hear, and rejected defence lawyer Katy Thorne's suggestion that the family were talking about Breaking Bad at the time.

Michelle said: 'I know my daughter better than anyone else. She was trying to warn me of something, so please don't put words in my mouth.

'When I crossed the road afterwards, I said to my husband Tarryn's trying to warn me.'

Trybus lived with Ms Baird's parents in the six months following her death - he stopped wearing his wedding ring shortly after his wife died.

'Two weeks after her death, I found his wedding ring on the bedside table,' Michelle said.

On the events leading up to her daughter's death, Michelle said that between August and September 2017, Ms Baird became concerned about police getting involved as she knew Trybus had to have a clear record for the work that he did.

In late August, Ms Baird asked her mother, her father and her brother when they were all together 'if she should leave Christopher'.

This surprised Michelle, who said: 'I actually asked Tarryn where it was coming from because I didn't quite understand.

'She actually said to me that one of her counsellors had mentioned to her that Christopher was besotted with her for many many years, and now that they are married, she's now his trophy.

'I actually said to Tarryn, whatever her decision, I will support her.'

Trybus moved to the UK along with Ms Baird in 2007, and married in 2009.

Trybus, who was 35 at the time of Ms Baird's death, is also charged with controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2015 and November 2017.

Trybus is charged with manslaughter, controlling and coercive behaviour and two counts of rape in relation to Ms Baird

Michelle met Ms Baird at a Nando's in Bristol with her husband Alan Baird and Trybus in September 2017 following a suicide attempt.

Ms Baird's parents suggested she could go to a private mental health facility where she would be monitored 24/7 - Michelle believed that the couple 'could afford it'.

'She told me that Christopher thought it was too expensive, it was 6,000 a week and he felt it wasn't the right fit for her,' she said.

Michelle said that when the idea of removing alcohol from the house was brought up so that Ms Baird wouldn't have access to it, Trybus didn't appear to care.

She said: 'To be quite honest with you, he wasn't bothered - he really came across not bothered, he basically just didn't care.'

Ms Baird also feared that Christopher Trybus would never face prison.

Giving evidence today, Swindon Intensive Service (SIS) worker Suzanne Hawkins told the court that Ms Baird didn't think her husband would ever be sent to prison for what he had allegedly done to her.

She spoke with Ms Baird from July 2017, and told the court: 'She said 'he will never go to prison, I'm in prison'.

'She told me she had two choices as a way out - either to leave her husband, or to die.'

Michelle teared up when telling the court that her daughter told her about two weeks before she passed that she wouldn't be buying Christmas presents for anyone that year, which was very unusual for her to say.

Ms Baird had also once appeared 'panicked' when she realised that she wouldn't be back home in time to make her husband lunch, her mother told the court.

She said that Ms Baird spoke to her on the day she died, and she sounded 'upset', and that she was 'having an argument with Christopher' about difficulties she was having paying his brother, who worked for the software business he ran.

She said that when the family went to clear out the couple's home, she found handcuffs and a debugging device in their bedside table which Trybus put in a rubbish bag.

Ms Baird worked for Trybus's company from home, doing his administration and accounts.

The trial continues.
Europe has attacked President Trumps decision to lift US sanctions on Russian oil, warning the move will fill Putins war chest in his ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Britains energy minister confirmed this morning that the UK would not be loosening Russian sanctions at all, while Frances President Macron said the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz in no way justified lifting sanctions against Putin.

Today, European nations condemned President Trumps decision to temporarily allow the sale of oil from Russia, after it emerged that Russia could come out of the Middle East conflict as one of the biggest winners.

Surging oil prices could help to cover a widening gap in Moscows public finances, amid skyrocketing global oil prices which reached above $100 (75) on Thursday.

President Macron, currently president of the G7, said to other leaders of the group: The consensus was that we should not change our position on Russia and should maintain our efforts on Ukraine.

Germany's Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said Berlin was concerned that we are further filling Putin's war chest.

The European Union banned maritime imports of Russian crude in 2022, while pipeline exports via Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia have been effectively blocked since January.

On Thursday, the US Treasury issued a licence authorising the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that have been loaded on vessels on or before 12:01am Eastern Time March 12, through 12:01am on April 11.

A graph shows how oil prices have rapidly increased and reached a sustained level of over $100 (roughly 75) per barrel

President Putin could come out of the war in the Middle East as one of the biggest winners, being among the world's largest oil providers at a time when prices are soaring and American sanctions on Russia are temporarily easing

Pictured: a smoking tanker this morning in the Gulf, north of Dubai. The Strait of Hormuz has effectively shut down since the US-Israel war with Iran, sending oil prices skyrocketing

The move came after Washington last week temporarily allowed Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted that the India authorisation was a narrowly tailored, short-term measure.

He said in a statement it would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction'.

It is a plan Europe has pushed back on. Western allies have pointed out that proceeds from Moscows oil sales will fund their war on Ukraine.
A photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson together has emerged for the first time in Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice.

The picture, which shows the disgraced ex-prince and former US ambassador barefoot and in bathrobes, while Epstein is fully clothed, is believed to have been taken outside at Martha's Vineyard, an island in Massachusetts.

It is the first known image of the three men together.

The trio are sat around a wooden table with mugs decorated with the US flag.

Like all the photos in the Epstein files, no date or context for the picture is given.

The image is very similar to a second photograph of Mandelson and Epstein included in the convicted paedophile's 'birthday book', which was released last year.

In the book, Mandelson is said to have written a letter to Epstein and called him his 'best pal'.

Epstein was convicted of child sex offences in 2008. He was sentenced to 18 months in jail in July 2009, but he was released under house arrest at his Palm Beach mansion for a year.

The picture, which shows the disgraced ex-prince and former US ambassador in bathrobes, while Epstein is fully clothed, is believed to have been taken outside at Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts

The photo is thought to have been taken between 1999 and 2000, ITV reports.

Both Andrew and Mandelson have faced increasing scrutiny over their friendships with Epstein.

New files released by the UK government detailing Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador by Sir Keir showed how vetting procedures highlighted both men's 'particularly close' relationships with the financier post-conviction.

The Prime Minister has insisted Mandelson 'lied repeatedly' to No 10 about his relationship with the paedophile, before and during his time in the job.

But the dossier reveals that Sir Keir was explicitly warned that Mandelson's relationship with Epstein posed a 'general reputational risk' and that the PM could 'personally' get the blame.

In total the words 'reputational risk' were used four times to refer to his relationship with Epstein, his past resignations from the Government, and lobbying by his firm Global Counsel.

The files show how national security adviser Jonathan Powell flagged 'concerns' about Mandelson and his 'reputation' with Mr McSweeney at the time of Mandelson's appointment and was told they had been 'addressed'.

Mr Powell described the appointment process as 'weirdly rushed'.

They also revealed that he was handed a 75,000 'special severance package' after being removed as the Labour government's US ambassador. He had initially asked for 547,000.

The image is very similar to a second photograph of Mandelson and Epstein which was included in the convicted paedophile's 'birthday book', which was released last year

And emails released as part of the DOJ disclosures have revealed how the former politician urged Epstein to 'fight for early release' after being jailed, adding: 'Your friends stay with you and love you.'

Mandelson is also known to have stayed at Epstein's Manhattan property while he was serving a prison sentence for soliciting a minor.

Financial documents appear to show Epstein sent Mandelson $75,000, and paid 10,000 for a course in osteopathy for his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva.

Mandelson, who is thought to have first been introduced to Epstein at Martha's Vineyard, previously said he has no record or recollection of receiving the sum.

Meanwhile emails show how Andrew invited Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace days after the end of his custodial sentence.

He described Epstein's freedom as 'really, really good news' and discussed multi-billion-pound deals and meeting younger women with the paedophile financier's assistance just hours after his release from house arrest.

Embarrassing images from the files see the former Duke of York leaning over a young woman, whose face is redacted to protect her identity, and placing his hand on her stomach.

Last month, the eighth-in-line to the throne was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he provided Epstein with sensitive information during his time as a UK trade envoy.

He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to his friendship with Epstein.

It is believed that King Charles III discussed removing his younger brother from the line of succession at a meeting with Commonwealth leaders this week.

Shortly afterwards, Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence, having been accused of passing sensitive information on to Epstein during his time as business secretary.

He was subsequently bailed, but later released from his bail conditions, although he remains under investigation.

Mandelson is understood to deny any criminality or suggestions he acted for financial gain. His lawyer said after his arrest that his 'overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.'
Russia has thrown its support behind Keir Starmer's 'surrender' of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Irada Zeynalova, Moscow's ambassador to Mauritius, hailed the African country's fight for sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

She also pledged Russia's continued backing for Mauritius as it negotiates with 'previous masters' over the future of the Chagos Islands.

The strategically-important archipelago has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years.

But, in October 2024, the Labour Government made the shock announcement it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

As part of a 35billion deal, a joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia - the largest of the islands - will be leased back to Britain for at least 99 years.

The Government insisted it had to strike a deal with Mauritius to protect the vital base after an international court ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'.

But the Prime Minister is under huge pressure to scrap the 'surrender' agreement after it was repeatedly criticised by US President Donald Trump in recent weeks.

Russia has thrown its support behind Keir Starmer's 'surrender' of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Under the terms of Labour's Chagos Islands deal, Britain is paying Mauritius to lease back the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which is the largest of the Indian Ocean islands

Irada Zeynalova, Moscow's ambassador to Mauritius, hailed the African country's fight for sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago

In a message to mark the national day of Mauritius on Thursday, Ms Zeynalova hailed Russia's links with the African nation since its independence from the UK in 1968.

She noted how Mauritius had 'always been a part of a big strategic game' due to its geographical location, adding that Moscow had 'supported Mauritius back in 1968 and we are ready to do it now'.

The comments will spark alarm at Russia fostering closer ties with Mauritius, which is also viewed as an ally of China, at the same time as Britain hands over control of the Chagos Islands.

The ambassador wrote in an article for local newspaper L'Express: 'During the last 58 years Mauritius has been consistently and pragmatically turning into a regional centre of education, textile, tourism and finance.

'And all this time Mauritius has been fighting for justice claiming that decolonisation is to be finished.

'That is why it has been continuously negotiating Chagos deal with previous masters who made this archipelago the very condition for Mauritian sovereignty and independence.

'Masters who made Chagossians leave Diego Garcia - the biggest island of this archipelago - for the sake of building their military base there.

'The Soviet Union and Russia as its successor have always been supporting Mauritius.

'Since the very beginning we have been providing medical assistance and education and building a fledgling Mauritian nation together.

'We supported Mauritius in the UN General Assembly vote on Chagos because we strongly oppose colonialism and fully believe that sovereignty of all African nations is our priority as a founding member of the United Nations.

'Russia believes justice and respect for human rights to be the essential part of modern civilisation.

'Russia fully supports Mauritian ambition to become a digital and infrastructural hub and a bridge between Africa and Asia.

'We supported Mauritius back in 1968 and we are ready to do it now.'

Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: 'This is another reminder that Keir Starmer's Chagos surrender deal seriously undermines our national security and that of our allies.

'That is why Russia, as well as Iran and China, welcome it.

'These countries wish harm on us, and that is why they want Britain to hand over sovereign territory and 35billion of taxpayers' money to Mauritius, where their axis of authoritarianism holds influence.'

Mr Trump has recently blasted Sir Keir's deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

It came as the US President fumed at the PM's initial refusal to allow America to use the Diego Garcia base to launch strikes on Iran.

Sir Keir later relented and allowed US jets to take 'defensive' action against Tehran from Diego Garcia.

The fate of his Chagos deal remains uncertain in the wake of Mr Trump's criticism, with Parliament still yet to give its final approval to legislation enacting the handover.
Plans to turn historic phone boxes into vending and arcade-style machines would be 'cultural vandalism', locals claim.

The booths located in the shadow of Canterbury's Westgate Towers would be transformed into an arcade grab machine, while the other would have a small snack vending machine installed.

Prizes from the arcade grabber would include soft toys and restaurant vouchers, which could be redeemed in the city.

The bid has been submitted by Dylan Emmett, who bought the two units at a property auction for 17,000, which was 3,000 over the guide price.

However, artist and senior research fellow at Canterbury Christ Church University, Dr Mehri-Holliday, joins a conservationist group in condemning the application making the changes to the 'quintessentially British' Grade II-listed 'icons'.

In her comment on the council's planning portal, Dr Holliday says: 'This is one way of executing cultural vandalism, in my view.

'We don't need vending machines for junk food and pollutants in the form of claw-grab toys.

'The city is working hard on developing cultural ideas to the benefit of young and old, and it is deeply disturbing that all we can come up with and offer for reactivating such national-historic icons is to use them to purchase junk.'

The booths located in the shadow of Canterbury's Westgate Towers would house a compact grab machine, while the other would have a small snack vending machine installed

The bid has been submitted by Dylan Emmett, who bought the two units at a property auction for 17,000, which was 3,000 over the guide price

In his proposal, Mr Emmett says it would be a 'sensitive' restoration and any changes would be 'visually contained within the kiosks'.

However, Stewart Ross of the Canterbury Commemoration Society said while he is 'delighted that these iconic boxes are being preserved' that 'vending machines are not appropriate furniture' for them.

'There is every possibility to buy whatever one wants only yards from the boxes, and naked commercialism seems inappropriate for their position at the entrance to the old city, with the Towers and the Gaol in the background,' he said.

'The council has done so much recently to enhance the city as a quality tourist venue, based on our fine heritage; it would be a pity to spoil this important site with something wholly heritage unrelated.'

A previous applicant gained permission to turn the booths into retail units, but they never materialised.

Mr Emmett previously said: 'The area is getting done up by the council, so I thought it could be quite a hive.

'I want to go to businesses and restaurants, and see what vouchers they could offer.

'Locals or tourists could win them, and then they'd be putting the money back into the restaurants.'

He now says it's a 'waiting game' as the council planning chiefs deliberate over his application.
Italy is withdrawing its troops from Iraq following a drone attack on its base as Iran continues to lash out at US allies in the Middle East.

Italian soldiers were targeted by an overnight airstrike which hit the Camp Singara airbase in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

Around 300 troops, including NATO serviceman, are stationed at the base and a restaurant and two vehicles were destroyed.

No one was injured but around 100 of Italy's soldiers have returned to Rome as the Iranian Republic ramps up attacks on the region.

The regime has relentlessly bombarded the Kurdistan region amid fears of an uprising from Kurdish troops.

Iraqi Kurds reportedly began a ground offensive on Tehran in the early days of the conflict although it was later dismissed by leaders.

The attack on Camp Singara, where Italian soldiers were based as part of the US-led coalition against ISIS to train Kurdish Peshmerga forces, was deliberate, according to Italy's defence minister.

Asked if it was intentional, Guido Crosetto said: 'Absolutely yes. That is a NATO base within Operation Inherent Resolve, so it is also an American base.'

Italy is withdrawing its troops from Iraq following a drone attack on its base as Iran continues to lash out on US allies in the Middle East

Italian soldiers were targeted by an overnight airstrike which hit the Camp Singara airbase in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. (Pictured: Smoke rising after an explosion at the airport in Erbil)

He did not indicate who was responsible for the strike but said the 141 Italian soldiers stationed at the site would return home, describing the move as previously planned.

'We have already brought 102 people back from that mission, and we moved around 40 to Jordan.'

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said it was not clear where the drone had come from but added that it was probably the work of pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq.

'I express solidarity and closeness to our soldiers, who were unharmed following the attack,' Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

The commander of the base, Colonel Stefano Pizzotti, said military staff had been warned of aerial threats and had taken shelter in bunkers hours before the strike.

'We are prepared and trained to deal with situations like these, and the safety of our personnel is always our top priority,' Pizzotti said, adding that the air raid alert had ended.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani spoke with Mr Tajani following the attack.

In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said: 'The Iraqi government must fulfill its responsibility to protect diplomatic envoys and coalition forces and no longer allow illegal groups to endanger the country's security and interests.'

Ms Meloni has previously said she has no intention for Italy to join the war in Iran.

Despite being an ally of Donald Trump, she accused the US and Israel of acting 'outside the scope of international law'.

The price of oil rose rapidly this week, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

She said the US had not asked to use her countrys air bases for its bombers and fighters and if they did, a debate would be needed in Italian parliament.

She also described the missile strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls school, which killed more than 160 people, as a 'massacre'.

The Italian Prime Minister said: 'We cannot afford a regime of ayatollahs in possession of nuclear weapons, combined with a missile capability that could soon be able to directly strike Italy and Europe.'

Italy has provided air-defence assets to Gulf states and an Italian warship arrived in Cyprus earlier this week to help bolster defences.

Ms Meloni said: 'This is not only because these are friendly nations and strategic partners of Italy, but also because there are tens of thousands of Italian citizens in that area whom we must protect, not to mention the fact that there are about 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf.'

Italy and France have reportedly began negotiations with Iran over a deal which would allow the safe passage of their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The crucial passageway, through which 20 per cent of the world's oil flows, has been forced shut by the regime as it looks to cripple the world economy.

Oil prices and airfares have spiked worldwide amid fears of a global recession.

Iran warned the world to prepare for oil to hit $200 a barrel, after it attacked three cargo ships in the strait.

The regime has all but cut off access to the waterway, a chokepoint in global trade that ordinarily sees around 20 per cent of all oil pass through daily.

Ms Meloni has previously said she has no intention for Italy to join the war in Iran.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command said in comments directed at the US and its allies: 'Get ready for oil be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security which you have destabilised.'

Iran also said it would make the Persian Gulf run with the 'blood of invaders' if the US and Israel continue their strikes.

Earlier today Iran's security chief Ali Larijani marched with Iranians and even gave a live interview taunting Donald Trump and Israel as he appeared at a Quds Day rally in Tehran.

Larijani said Israeli attacks during the demonstrations show weakness and confusion and added Trump 'didn't realise' Iran is 'mature and determined'.
The Treasury Secretary was rushed off the set of a Sky News interview after the President summoned him immediately to the Situation Room.

Scott Bessent appeared unsettled, shaken even, when he returned, critics have alleged.

The eye-catching mid-interview interruption came when he was speaking with 'The Master Investor' host Wilfred Frost about Japanese economics.

'Sorry, the President wants you right away,' an off-camera aide told Bessent.

The Treasury Secretary turned toward the aide, removed his microphone and got up to visit Donald Trump.

He was gone just before 10.30am Thursday and returned just after noon, according to Sky News.

Frost noted the significant moment when Bessent sat back down, remarking how it was the first time an interviewee had to get up to visit the Situation Room.

'How was the President? Was he stressed?' the host pressed.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was suddenly called to the Situation Room during an interview with Sky News this week

Bessent, after turning to look at his aides, immediately got up and left

Bessent appeared uneasy when he returned and had some difficulty answering Frost's questions about the President

'Uh, no, the President is in great spirits,' Bessent rattled out.

'The Iranian mission is proceeding well ahead of schedule,' he said between short, shallow breaths. 'And I have to tell you, Will, that Ive a teenage teenager whos considering, uh, military service. And I could give this team my highest compliment.'

'From President Trump to the head of the Joint Chiefs to the Secretary of War, I would they say that I would trust my childs life in their hands,' he continued.

The Treasury Secretary also reaffirmed a line touted by the administration that the US military will likely provide escorts for oil tankers wishing to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, through which some 20 percent of the world's oil traverses.

The US national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.63, roughly $.70 more than it was a month ago, when the average was $2.94.

That is an increase of over 20 percent in just a month, and some experts are predicting that the national average could get above $5 per gallon for diesel soon.

'I believe it's no longer a question of IF but WHEN the national average price for diesel reaches $5 per gallon,' petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan wrote on Thursday.

As of Friday, the national average for a gallon of diesel is $4.89.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Friday morning at a Pentagon event that the US military was considering escorting tankers through the strait, but that the order to do so had not been given.

'We planned for it. We recognize it. Um, because ultimately, we want to do it sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve,' Hegseth said in response to a question from the Daily Mail.

Hegseth said Iran was 'exercising sheer desperation in the Straits of Hormuz, something we're dealing with. We have been dealing with it. Don't need to worry about.'
A New York City neighborhood has been plagued by a mysterious foul odor for months that residents say they have resorted to cling wrapping their doors to block the stench.

Residents of the Bulls Head neighborhood in Staten Island first noticed the stomach curling smell in December when work was being done to service gas infrastructure.

Local Deborah Phelps-Seda told WABC the sulfurous odor is comparable to 'rotten eggs and rotten broccoli.'

'They were opening up the road and it smelled really bad, so I had went out there and asked them about the situation and the smell was coming into my house and they told me it was the sewer,' she said.

Crews from the city's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspected and cleaned the sewers, but as of March, locals say the stench has not gone away.

'Because the smell was burning our eyes, making us nauseous, giving us headaches - that's why we had to evacuate up to five times already,' Phelps-Seda said.

Phelps-Seda and her neighbors told the local news station they have tried to use scented candles, air purifiers and even sealing off their own doors to prevent their homes from smelling.

'Me and Deb never talked so much in our entire lives. I mean, because we're suffering. Our kids are suffering, we've had to leave,' neighbor Amity Nigro said.

Residents of the Bulls Head neighborhood in Staten Island said they have been plagued by a mysterious foul odor for months

Locals have tried to use scented candles, air purifiers and even sealing off their own doors to prevent their homes from smelling

A spokesperson for DEP released a statement to the media saying that the agency is investigating the case.

'Crews inspected and cleaned the sewers at Merrill and Graham avenues and found all infrastructure operating as intended. We also installed filtration devices in nearby sewer manholes to help reduce odors,' the spokesperson said.

'DEP is conducting ongoing wastewater and air sampling, reviewing data collected at the site, and has been in contact with nearby businesses to gather additional information. Our investigation into the cause remains ongoing.'

Councilmember David Carr, who represents the area, told Gothamist he has urged the health department to join the investigation and alerted the issue to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office.

'We want to make sure that this ends because people are talking about putting up for sale signs,' Carr said.

'People chose this neighborhood for a reason and we want them to stay and be safe, secure and happy in their homes.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the mayor's office for comment.

It comes just weeks after Mamdani faced backlash as heaps of trash and filthy snow cluttered the city's streets while the grounds of Gracie Mansion looked spotless in the wake Winter Storm Fern.

The city's Department of Environmental Protection inspected and cleaned the sewers, but residents say the smell has not gone away

Fed-up residents were forced to trek through slush and avoid smelly trash piles lining the roads.

Meanwhile, the Gracie Mansion in the Upper East Side was in pristine shape.

Mamdani and his artist wife Rama Duwaji have resided at the historic home in Carl Schurz Park, which is funded by a combination of private donations and NYC tax dollars, since January 12.

Pictures of the sweeping property from February 2, just one week after the first of two historic snow storms the Big Apple experienced this winter, showed an almost snow-free pavement.

Staten Island politicians complained after learning that the city redirected sanitation from the forgotten borough elsewhere - leaving streets unsalted and dangerously icy.
All six service members aboard an American refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq on Thursday have died.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq, with four crew members initially confirmed dead, after a collision in friendly airspace at around 2pm ET Thursday.

US Central Command confirmed Friday that two other crew members were dead after rescue efforts failed. The second plane involved in the collision landed safely with minor damage to the tip of its tail.

The six crew members were not immediately identified as the military informs next of kin. It brings the US death toll in the Iran war to 13 troops after seven service members were killed in a drone strike on a Kuwaiti base on the second day of fighting.

The conflict spiraled on Friday as Iran's security chief Ali Larijani defiantly taunted Donald Trump on the streets of Tehran, gas prices climbed to $3.60 a gallon and the US deployed a Marine expeditionary force to the Strait of Hormuz.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at reporters at a press briefing at the Pentagon, slamming 'fake headlines' about the war and claiming 'we're dealing with' the Strait, adding 'you don't need to worry about it.'

Hegseth approved the deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit, usually consisting of multiple warships and 5,000 Marines, to the strait, officials told the Wall Street Journal.

The Japan-based USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and its attached Marines are now headed for the Middle East.

US Central Command confirmed that all six military crew members of a refueling mission died in a mid-air collision in 'friendly airspace.' Above is the American plane that survived the crash

The President, First Lady, Vice-President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, in front of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Attorney General Pam Bondi, at the dignified transfer ceremony on March 7 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware

All six crew members on the KC-135 refueling plane died, but CentCom says it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Above is the damage to the tail of the second aircraft after the collision

Hegseth spent his briefing lecturing the press about unfavorable headlines while refusing to answer questions about the military's plan to curb the Islamic regime's efforts to deepen the global oil crisis.

'Some in the press just can't stop. Allow me to make a few suggestions. People look at the TV and they see banners, headlines - I used to be in that business, I know everything is written intentionally,' said the former Fox News star.

'For example, a banner - "Mideast War Intensifies." What should the banner read instead? How about, "Iran increasingly desperate," because they are. Or more fake news from CNN. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.'

Hegseth claimed the US military would hit Iran today with the 'heaviest' firepower since the start of the war. He said the US maintains aerial and naval superiority over the Islamic regime.

When asked by the Daily Mail why the US military cannot protect the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical oil shipping routes, from Iranian attacks, Hegseth dodged the question.

'We planned for it. We recognize it. Um, because ultimately, we want to do it sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve,' Hegseth said.

Hegseth then pivoted to criticizing the press again and insisted that the US is on track to 'defeat, destroy and disable' Iran's military.

Still, the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows, remains under siege. Gas prices have hit $3.60 per gallon on average in the US, up from $2.90 before the war, according to AAA.

Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, marched with crowds in Tehran on the last day of Ramadan on Friday. He claimed Trump 'didn't realize' Iran is 'mature and determined' when he decided to attack

'Iran has no air defenses. Iran has no Air Force. Iran has no Navy,' Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a Friday press conference at the Pentagon. 'Their missiles, their missile launchers, and dronesare being destroyed or shot out of the sky'

Meanwhile, Iran is claiming that the country and its leadership persist.

Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, marched with crowds in Tehran demonstrating against Israel on the last day of Ramadan. He taunted Trump, claiming the US President 'didn't realize' Iran is 'mature and determined'.

Iran launched fresh attacks on Dubai's International Finance Centre as explosions rocked the city with thick smoke rising above its skyline.

Trump acknowledged on a call with the Daily Mail earlier this month that more troops would die in the war with Iran. At the time of the call, the confirmed death toll was three.

The Pentagon confirmed this week that 140 service members have been injured in the conflict so far, but claimed that many of those were minor injuries that have since been resolved.

Trump flew to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last week for the dignified transfer of the service members returning to US soil in caskets.

The six Americans who were killed during the second day of conflict were Army reservists with the 103rd Sustainment Command based out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Nicole Amor, 39, Cody Khork, 35, Declan Coady, 20, Robert Marzan, 54, Jeffrey O'Brien, 45 and Noah Tietjens, 42, died in the war.

Army Reserve Major Jeffrey O'Brien (left), 45 and Chief Warrant Officer Robert M Marzan, 54

Captain Cody A Khork (left), 35, and Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M Amor, 39

Sergeant 1st Class Noah L Tietjens (left), 42, and Specialist Declan J Coady, 20

Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, of Glendale, Kentucky, died during an Iranian strike at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1

The seventh US service member killed in the war was identified as Benjamin Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. He was assigned to 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Details on the recent six deceased are expected to be released in the next 24 hours.

'They're great people,' the President said of the deceased on his call with the Daily Mail this month. 'And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous[ly] - it could happen again.'

Hegseth on Friday dared new Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to appear on camera amid rumors he is 'disfigured' or even dead, which were only fueled by an Iranian TV anchor reading out a statement on state TV on Thursday rather than the new Supreme Leader appearing himself.

'Iran's leadership is in no better shape,' Hegseth claimed. 'Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do.'

'We know the new so-called not-so-Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured,' he added.
A former Syrian colonel accused of shooting protesters in crimes against humanity could face an estimated three-month trial in October next year.

Salem Al-Salem, 58, is likely to deny charges over his alleged activities to quell protests in a suburb of Damascus in 2011, his barrister has indicated.

He faces three counts of murder as a crime against humanity, three counts of torture and one charge of conduct ancillary to murder.

Al-Salem's prosecution is the first of its kind in the UK. It is the first time the Crown Prosecution Service has charged anyone with murder as a crime against humanity under the International Criminal Court Act 2001.

The landmark case is only the second prosecution by Scotland Yard's war crimes team in the past 20 years.

On Friday, the alleged spy, who is on conditional bail, appeared for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey via a video link before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, who said the earliest date he could stand trial currently would be in October 2027.

Asked if he could give an indication of how the defendant might plead, Patrick Gibbs KC, defending, said: 'I am able to say that the allegations are likely to be contested.'

Al-Salem is accused of involvement in the deaths of four named people - Omar Al-Homsi, Nizar Fayoumi-AlKhatib, Mohammed Salim Zahrak Balik and Talhat Dalal - in April and July 2011.

A court sketch of former Syrian colonel Salem Al-Salem, 58, who is likely to deny the charges, his barrister indicated

It is said he was 'responsible for killing' three of the victims 'as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population'.

He is accused of 'conduct ancillary to' the murder of Mr Balik.

Al-Salem also faces claims of torture against three people 'in the performance or purported performance of his official duties' on dates between August 2011 and March 2012.

Prosecutor Emilie Pottle told the Old Bailey: 'He was tasked with quelling civilian protests against the regime and the defendant ordered officers under his command to shoot protesters and he himself shot protesters.

'As a result some individuals died and the defendant is charged with their murder as a crime against humanity.

'The shooting incidents took place within the context of a wider regime campaign to suppress demonstrations and the murders were part of a widespread and systemic attack against the civilian population.

'He is also charged with the torture of civilians held in an intelligence facility in Damascus.

'The defendant is alleged to have been present during interrogations and on occasion to have inflicted physical harm on detainees himself.

The alleged spy, who is on conditional bail, appeared for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey via a video link on Friday

'These men were beaten, with those subject to electrocution and hanged by handcuffs to hooks on the ceiling.'

At the time of the alleged offences, Salem was serving as a colonel in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence (SAFI) and leading a group of militants that attempted to end demonstrations in the village of Jobar, near Damascus, a court heard previously.

SAFI has previously been described by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights as the 'most powerful and most brutal' of Syria's state security agencies.

Al-Salem has motor neurone disease and is now essentially housebound, the court was told.

He was first arrested on December 1, 2021, and was released on bail until the charges were announced on Monday.

Al-Salem was served with a written notice of the allegations after a four-year investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP)'s war crimes unit.

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads the unit, said on Monday: 'This has been an incredibly complex and challenging investigation, involving enquiries across many countries.

'This has required close cooperation with a number of international partners, as well as our colleagues in the CPS.

'The charges are extremely serious and show that we fully support the UK's "no safe haven" policy in relation alleged war criminals.'

She added: 'Where we are presented with allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity that fall within our jurisdiction, then, as we have shown here, we will not hesitate to investigate those rigorously and robustly.'

CTP's only other prosecution in the past two decades came when Agnes Reeves Taylor, the ex-wife of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, was charged with torture.

But that case was later aborted due to a technicality which arose ahead of trial.

British laws permit the prosecution of certain serious international crimes such as murder, rape, torture and enslavement, regardless of where they are committed.

Crimes against humanity apply when specified acts are committed 'as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack'.

The International Criminal Court Act 2001 grants extra-territorial jurisdiction for alleged offences committed after January 1, 1991, by anyone in the UK or overseas by British nationals, residents or service personnel.
Weight loss jabs are being sold illegally in London's pubs and fish and chip shops, a report has found.

There was also evidence of personal trainers offering clients boxes of weight loss medication, according to the London Assembly's health committee report.

Though some of these products may be genuine but not legitimately prescribed, the report found others were completely counterfeit and posed 'serious risks to people's health'.

Patients spoke about 'a facial therapist or a hairdresser or a personal trainer that has approached them and said would they like to have a skinny jab', according to Sukhi Basra from the National Pharmacy Association.

One of Ms Basra's patients had forwarded her an image of a personal trainer 'showing her a box of fake skinny jabs and he was offering it to her openly'.

A Daily Mail investigation found in November that beauticians were exploiting soaring interest in weight loss medications by selling life-threatening jabs to unsuspecting patients.

There is also a risk of products from providers outside the UK being shipped into the country and avoiding regulations.

Neha Ramaiya, of the General Pharmaceutical Council, told the committee providers in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) could legitimately send prescriptions into the UK, an area 'that is not being regulated'.

Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk said fake medicines were a 'serious and growing threat to public health'

A report by the London Assembly health committee found weight loss jabs were even being sold in some of the capital's fish and chip shops

Some 18,000 illegal and counterfeit weight loss and diabetes medicines were seized at UK borders between January 2024 and June 2025, but it was suggested some jabs may bypass enforcement efforts.

There have also been reports that Chinese laboratories can imitate genuine weight loss drugs and sell them for as little as 1.50 a vial.

Dealers buy them in bulk and sell them on for profit.

Novo Nordisk, which manufactures weight loss jab Wegovy, told the committee fake medicines were a 'serious and growing threat to public health', while Ms Ramaiya warned the health effects of fake medicines could be 'potentially life-threatening'.

The committee said illicit weight loss drug sales showed current regulations were 'not succeeding in tackling this threat'.

It heard evidence from September to November 2025 from pharmacy bosses, NHS hospital trusts and health officials.

The final report recommended 'greater regulation and enforcement in this space', which it said would 'require significant collaboration across regulators and agencies, as well as regular monitoring of illegal channels, advertising and social media'.

Last month the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seized almost 2,000 doses of fake weight loss medication just hours before they were set to be sent to customers.

Officers from the agency's criminal enforcement unit raided two properties in Lincolnshire and Nottingham as part of an ongoing probe into an organised crime gang involved in producing and selling weight loss treatments.
A liberal MS NOW host predicts that California Governor Gavin Newsom will face the same problems as Hillary Clinton if he chooses to enter the 2028 presidential race.

Newsom, 58, hinted at presidential ambitions in October when a journalist asked if he would seriously consider launching a campaign for the White House.

'Yeah, I'd be lying otherwise. I'd just be lying. And I can't do that,' he said.

Since then, Newsom has maintained a strong media presence through his podcast and potshots at Donald Trump.

Despite admitting last month his family is on the fence about a potential run, Newsom is still considered one of the frontrunners for the next presidential election.

But MS NOW host Chris Hayes predicts the well-known politician is going to run into the exact same problem as Clinton in 2016 when she lost to Trump.

'I think Newsom has the Hillary Clinton problem, which is that Hillary Clinton was perceived outside of the Democratic Party and Democratic coalition as the ultimate lib, the libiest lib who ever lived, and was never actually like that much of a lib,' he told The New York Times' Ross Douthat on his podcast Interesting Times.

'And thats like the worst uncanny valley for a Democratic politician to be in, where the base doesnt trust you because you dont have a kind of organic relationship with the left parts of the party. And then the swing voter just thinks like: "Thats a lib."'

Governor Gavin Newsom has hinted at a 2028 presidential run, but MS NOW's Chris Hayes predicts Newsom will run into the same problems Hillary Clinton ran into in 2016

Hayes said Clinton was viewed as very liberal outside of the Democratic party, but she more centralist, and same with Newsom. 'The swing voter just thinks like: "Thats a lib,"' he said

Hayes believes Newsom has the 'opposite set of factors,' as the Democrat has made a point to engage with Republican and conservative voices, such as the late Charlie Kirk on his podcast This is Gavin Newsom.

While Newsom has had liberal voices on his podcast as well, such as former President Bill Clinton and Governor JB Pritzker, he also hosted Steve Bannon and Ben Shapiro.

'He has made very clear attempts to show that hes bipartisan, centrist, independent,' Hayes criticized.

'Also, the governor of California is a tough place to get the next Democratic nominee from.'

Douthat also pointed out that Newsom has only won races where voters were predominantly Democratic and doesn't have the same experience swinging conservative and independent voters.

Hayes said Newsom has to be able to talk to swing voters and grab attention to be a major contender in the race.

'And the nightmare scenario in a Democratic primary is someone whos bad at the former and good at the latter,' he told Douthat.

Since Trump returned to office, Newsom and his press office have been hard on his tail, mocking him on social media and calling him out at press conferences and in interviews.

Clinton lost to Donald Trump in 2016 election. Hayes said Newsom will have to master getting attention and swaying swing voters

Newsom has established himself as a notable voice in the party, but the two journalists wondered about the extent of his reach.

It seems Newsom's ambitions might also be a hard sell for his family.

The governor recently told CNN that his son sent him a headline that suggested he was preparing to run for president and asked if it was true.

'I said: "No, I will do this as a family," Newsom shared.

His son then reportedly replied: 'You can't,' adding, 'I'm too young. You need to spend more time with us.'

'How do you deal with that one?' Newsom said. 'I'm busted.'

When asked whether his family wanted him to run for president, Newsom acknowledged: 'It depends on the day.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Newsom's office for comment.
President Donald Trump may be one step closer to making Pluto great again.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman endorsed the idea of Trump making Pluto a planet again in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail at the John F Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

I 100% support President Trump making Pluto great again, Isaacman said.

The hotly debated definition of Pluto has raged ever since the International Astronomical Union (IAU) stripped Pluto of its status as a planet in 2006, defining it as a dwarf planet.

The IAU argued Pluto was 'not clear' of its orbit around the sun, and therefore no longer met three specific criteria needed to be a planet.

Pluto was first discovered in 1930 by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh who was raised in Kansas and attended the University of Kansas before discovering it at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

I think we owe it to everyone from Kansas and all their great contributions to astronomy and aerospace to rightfully restore that discovery to a planet, Isaacman said.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman spoke to the Daily Mail about his support for classifying Pluto as a planet again

Pluto was downgraded from the ninth planet to a dwarf planet in 2006, but a NASA expert and others have refused to accept the change. Former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine, Elon Musk, and William Shatner have all supported the cause of giving Pluto its planetary status back

Isaacman spoke to the Daily Mail about the future of space during an exclusive interview ahead of the planned Artemis II manned mission back to the moon.

The idea of the president recently reclassifying Pluto as a planet was endorsed by Star Trek actor William Shatner, famous for playing the role of Captain James T. Kirk.

Shatner excoriated the IAU as a bunch of corrupt nerds on a power trip in May and urged Trump to restore Pluto as a planet and put an end to the unions tyranny of the cosmos.

Trumps decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America appears to have offered Plutos planetary defenders a slice of hope.

Shatner urged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to encourage the president to sign one of those Executive thingies to make Pluto a planet again, an idea that Musk endorsed.

Id support that, Musk replied to Shatner.

The president had not weighed in on the debate, but it has not stopped people who support him from weighing in.

The idea was endorsed by Senator Mike Lee of Utah in February.

President Trump, please do one thing for us: Make Pluto Planetary Again, he wrote on social media in February.

William Shatner called on President Donald Trump to issue an executive order to restore Pluto's status as a planet in our solar system

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made a strong case for making Pluto a planet again in Trump's first term

In President Trump's first term, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine argued that since Pluto had an ocean under the surface, organic compounds, and its own moons, it should be classified as a planet.

'Some people have argued that in order to be a planet, you need to clear your orbit around the sun,' he said in 2019. '[W]hat we now know is that if thats the definition that were gonna use, you could really undercut all the planets.

'Theyre all dwarf planets because there isnt a planet that clears its entire orbit around the sun,' he concluded.
A driver who killed a four-year-old girl when he ploughed into a crowd out celebrating Eid has been jailed for five years and four months.

Javonnie Tavener hit 'bright and cheerful' Mayar Yahia in his Vauxhall Corsa before dragging her underneath his car as he tried to drive off from the scene in Highgate, Birmingham, on April 14, 2024.

The 23-year-old, who had been smoking cannabis, was on the phone at the time of the accident and was not insured.

Mayah was walking down a pavement with her family when Tavener collided with another car and hurtled past a barrier into a group of pedestrians.

The four-year-old tragically died at the roadside, while her mother, Sara and their neighbour were left seriously injured after Tavener drove round a bend and hit another car while overtaking.

Tavener fled the scene but returned to the scene on foot 30 minutes later and was arrested.

He provided a positive roadside test for cannabis but refused to give a blood sample.

It was claimed by Tavener that he had smoked cannabis after the accident, and he blamed the driver he collided with for what happened.

Javonnie Tavener hit Mayar Yahia in his Vauxhall Corsa before dragging her underneath his car as he tried to drive off from the scene in Highgate, Birmingham on April 14, 2024

Mayar (pictured) tragically died at the roadside, while her mother Sara and their neighbour were left seriously injured

Months after the collision, Tavener used his mobile phone to search driving negligence, and the potential ban for causing death by careless driving, despite saying to the police he did not own a mobile phone.

The court heard that Mayar had suffered skull fractures as well as intercranial injuries while her mother was taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she remained until May 9 where she required surgery for a displaced fracture of her left shin.

Tavener, of no fixed address, previously admitted causing Mayar's death by careless driving, causing death while uninsured and two charges of causing serious injury by driving, as well as assault and battery.

He was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court today and was also disqualified from driving for five years.

Sentencing, Judge Peter Cooke said Tavener had been 'fortunate' not to have been charged with causing death by reckless driving and that he had acted with 'sickening callousness' after the crash.

He said: 'This case has arisen from a tragedy.

'The life of a little girl has been snuffed out when it had barely begun.

'She was only four and two adults were seriously injured. Numerous other adults and children have been traumatised.

'This can only be construed as a very bad case, excessive speed, a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre in a residential area, cannabis in your system and while you were on the phone.'

He said that a 'grotesque' aspect of the case was that he had dragged Mayar under his car in an attempt to drive off.

Antonie Muller, prosecutor, said the crash, which was captured on dash cam footage, occurred on Upper Highgate Street Birmingham, which had a speed limit of 20mph.

He said: 'The car with the dash-cam was turning right when the defendant tried to overtake it.

'The front off-side of the car turning right came into contact with the rear near side of the vehicle being driven by the defendant.

'The defendant went on to collide with pedestrians walking home on the pavement. He was clearly in excess of the 20mph speed limit.'

Mr Muller said it had been impossible to calculate the exact speed and added: 'The defendant remained stationary after colliding with pedestrians for about nine seconds before reversing causing Mayar to be dragged with the car.

'The defendant had a passenger who has not been identified. Both of them got out of the Corsa and left.

'The defendant did not phone for help, but phoned for himself.

'He phoned for his girlfriend to come and get him by taxi and she did.'

In a statement, Mayar's father, Babiker Yahia, said: 'Our lives changed forever.

'She was just four and taken away from us by reckless and irresponsible behaviour.

'Maya was cheerful and bright and brought happiness.

'It was the most painful experience of our lives. She had a special place in our hearts.

'She was telling us that she wanted to grow up so that she could help us with the cooking.

'Her friends have grown up reaching milestones and it is hard to bear knowing that Mia will never reach those.

'Mayar had so much to give and her life was full of potential.

'Mayar will always live with us in our hearts and we will never forget her.'

An image from the scene on Upper Highgate Street in Birmingham in the aftermath of the crash

Mr Muller said aggravating factors were 'speeding, dangerous overtaking across a junction, it was an urban setting at night, he was on the phone, and under the influence of cannabis'.

He added: 'He has moved the car post-collision, he has left the scene.

'Mayar was a vulnerable road user and serious injury was caused to two others.'

He said that just over a month after the incident, while he was on bail, Tavener had carried out a serious assault on his girlfriend while they were on holiday in Greece.

The court heard he became angry when she had mentioned his involvement in it, punching her repeatedly in a car and strangling her until she lost consciousness.

Christopher Harding, defending, asked the judge to take into account his guilty plea and his age.

The tragedy shocked the local community and prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures and tougher enforcement against bad drivers.

In tribute, Mayars family said: 'Mayar was an extraordinary child. She was full of love and always smiling, kind to everyone and made friends easily.

'She was cheerful and bright, and she brought happiness to everyone around her at home, in her school and her neighbourhood.

'There are no words that can truly describe how special she as, or how much we miss her.

'Losing Mayar has been the most painful experience of our lives. Its not just our loss; its a loss to her friends and to the whole community.

'We hope this tragedy serves as a reminder to everyone of the importance of driving safely and responsibly. No one deserves to lose a loved one like this.

'Mayar will always be in our hearts.'

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from our serious collision investigation unit, said: 'Mayar was just four years old when her life was tragically taken away from her.

'She was walking back with her family and friends after celebrating Eid.

'Pedestrians should be reassured of protection when walking on the pavement and a split-second decision by Tavener to overtake where he did has led to this tragic chain of events.

'He then made no efforts to ring the emergency services.

'I would urge all drivers to think about this incident and how those decisions can have such catastrophic consequences."'
Proudly draped in a union flag, working class rapper Danny Bones mesmerises millions with his straight-talking views on mass immigration and the decline of Britain.

In his most popular track, This Is England, he leads crowds carrying St George's crosses through burning streets amid a dystopian imagination of the UK.

As police cars burn to blackened shells, Bones sings in the chorus: 'This is England - don't ask why,' before describing a nation he claims is 'falling' and where 'benefits are rampant, but borders are open.'

But for all the real political concerns about immigration, national identity and broken Britain that he shares with his dedicated followers, Bones himself does not exist.

The chisel-jawed, deep-toned rapper is in fact an AI-generated persona created by an anonymous influencer 'collective' called The Node Project, as a campaign tool for the far-right party, Advance UK.

Democracy advocates believe it is the first time a registered party in the UK has used AI to proliferate its policies - with some concerned that Bones could be just the start of a new trend towards using tech tools to sway the electorate.

Advance UK commissioned and paid The Node Project to create multiple videos that reference immigrants, Muslims and ethnic minorities, an investigation by The Daily Mail and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has found.

Across Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, Danny Bones' tracks and clips have been viewed millions of times.

Working class rapper Danny Bones mesmerises millions with his straight-talking views on mass immigration and the decline of Britain - but he is not actually real

The chisel-jawed, deep-toned rapper is an AI-generated persona created by The Node Project as a campaign tool for the far-right party, Advance UK

The content includes the party's main campaign film used during the recent by-election in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester.

Advance UK was founded last year by former Reform UK co-deputy leader Ben Habib and positions itself to the right of Nigel Farage's party.

In the run-up to the by-election, the party released a two-minute video across its social media channels that was viewed hundreds of thousands of times and until recently appeared as the flagship video on its website.

The film features sweeping scenes of British history - Anglo-Saxon warriors, Second World War soldiers and the Beatles crossing Abbey Road - accompanied by a dramatic narration celebrating the country's heritage and against an instrumental version of a Danny Bones track.

Both Advance UK and the Node Project confirmed the party had paid for the production.

The Node Project has also developed another AI persona - a purple-haired character called Amelia - who appears in several Danny Bones videos and standalone clips.

The character was originally created by the political and media literacy organisation Shout Out UK for a Home Office-funded video game designed to discourage extremism among young people.

But the character was later adopted by online far-right communities and has since appeared alongside Danny Bones' content.

Experts warn this type of AI-generated political content could become increasingly common as tools for creating music, video and synthetic voices become easier to use.

Matteo Bergamini, founder of Shout Out UK, told the Daily Mail that figures such as Amelia and Danny Bones represent a growing phenomenon of AI characters being used to promote political messaging.

'The fact that this stuff can be created en masse and pushed out to really shape any particular narrative - be it political, social, or health related what we are potentially seeing is the breakdown of the information ecosystem if this is allowed to carry on.'

Very little is publicly known about the group behind Danny Bones.

The Node Project does not appear to be registered as a company, and its website lists its address as a penis museum in Reykjavik - a reference sometimes used by anonymous online users.

When contacted, the group described itself as 'a small group of creatives' experimenting with AI storytelling and 'entirely' rejected claims its material was Islamophobic.

In a statement, it said: 'The Node Project is a creative project built around fictional characters, music, visual storytelling and world-building.

'Danny Bones is a fictional concept character within that creative world. Amelia is also a fictional recurring character within the same broader body of work.

'The project's aims are artistic and cultural. It is rooted in creative independence, countercultural artistic tradition and the idea that art should challenge conventions rather than simply conform to them.

The Node Project also developed another AI persona - a purple-haired character called Amelia, who has been adopted by far-right online communities and appears in Bones' videos

'It is not a political party vehicle or campaign operation.

'We reject the characterisation of The Node Project or its content as "Islamophobic" entirely. That is a very serious label and it is not an accurate or fair description of its output.'

Since being presented with the investigation, TikTok banned the Node Project's account for breaching its rules on hateful content. Instagram removed several posts, while Spotify said the tracks did not violate its policies.

The UK's Electoral Commission said it expects campaigners to make clear when political content has been generated using artificial intelligence, but confirmed it does not regulate such material directly.
Donald Trump has deployed thousands of US Marines to the Strait of Hormuz amid mounting fears that America is set to put troops on the ground as the world's oil supply is strangled.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved a request by US Central Command for the deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit, typically including several warships and 5,000 troops, three officials told the Wall Street Journal.

The Japan-based USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and its attached Marines are now headed for the Middle East, where they join other servicemen already in the fight, the officials said.

The war spiraled on Friday as the US death toll climbed to 13 troops, domestic gas prices soared to $3.60 per gallon and Iran's security chief Ali Larijani defiantly taunted Trump on the streets of Tehran.

The bolstered deployment comes as the Trump administration weighs seizing Iran's Kharg Island, around 16 miles off the mainland in the Persian Gulf, which handles 90 percent of the Islamic regime's fuel exports.

Trump told Fox News Radio Friday about taking control of the island: 'It's not high on the list, but it's one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds.'

Hegseth earlier lashed out at reporters at a press briefing at the Pentagon, slamming 'fake headlines' about the war and claiming 'we're dealing with' the Strait, adding 'you don't need to worry about it.'

All six service members aboard a refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq were confirmed dead as the stalemate in the Strait deepened.

The US Navy's USS Tripoli (LHA-7) amphibious assault ship is now headed for the Middle East

Pete Hegseth has approved a request by US Central Command for the deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit, typically including several warships and 5,000 troops, to the region

Traffic is suspended in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes

The War Secretary today claimed the US military would strike Iran with the 'heaviest' firepower since the war began

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq after a mid-air collision in friendly airspace at around 2pm ET Thursday, with four crew members initially confirmed dead.

US Central Command confirmed Friday that two further crew members died after rescue efforts failed. The second aircraft involved in the collision landed safely, sustaining minor damage to its tail.

The six were not immediately identified as the military informed next of kin, bringing the US death toll in the Iran war to 13 after seven service members were killed in a drone strike on a Kuwaiti base on the second day of fighting.

Hegseth spent the briefing lecturing the press about unfavorable headlines and refusing to answer questions about the military's plan to curb the Islamic regime's efforts to strangle global oil supplies.

'Some in the press just can't stop. Allow me to make a few suggestions. People look at the TV and they see banners, headlines - I used to be in that business, I know everything is written intentionally,' said the former Fox News star.

'For example, a banner - "Mideast War Intensifies." What should the banner read instead? How about, "Iran increasingly desperate," because they are. Or more fake news from CNN. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.'

Hegseth claimed the US military would strike Iran with the 'heaviest' firepower since the war began and insisted Washington maintains aerial and naval superiority over the Islamic regime.

When asked by the Daily Mail why the US military cannot protect the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, from Iranian attacks, Hegseth dodged the question.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Smoke plumes from the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree after it was hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, on Wednesday

A fireball erupts from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the southern Lebanese village of Abbasiyyeh on March 13

US Central Command confirmed that all six military crew members of a refueling mission died in a mid-air collision in 'friendly airspace.' Above is the American plane that survived the crash

All six crew members on the KC-135 refueling plane died, but CentCom says it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Above is the damage to the tail of the second aircraft after the collision

'We planned for it. We recognize it. Um, because ultimately, we want to do it sequentially in a way that makes the most sense for what we want to achieve,' Hegseth said.

Hegseth then pivoted to criticizing the press again and insisted that the US is on track to 'defeat, destroy and disable' Iran's military.

Still, the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows, remains under siege. Gas prices have hit $3.60 per gallon on average in the US, up from $2.90 before the war, according to AAA.

Iran, meanwhile, is claiming its leadership remains intact.

Iran's security chief Larijani marched with crowds in Tehran on the last day of Ramadan, demonstrating against Israel and taunting Trump by claiming the US President 'didn't realize' Iran is 'mature and determined.'

Iran launched fresh attacks on Dubai's International Finance Center, with explosions rocking the city and thick smoke rising above its skyline.

Trump acknowledged on a call with the Daily Mail earlier this month that more troops would die in the war with Iran. At the time of the call, the confirmed death toll was three.

The Pentagon confirmed this week that 140 service members have been injured in the conflict so far, but claimed that many of those were minor injuries that have since been resolved.

Join the discussion Should the US risk more lives to protect global oil or rethink its approach to Irans aggression?

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Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, marched with crowds in Tehran on the last day of Ramadan on Friday. He claimed Trump 'didn't realize' Iran is 'mature and determined' when he decided to attack

The President, First Lady, Vice-President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, in front of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Attorney General Pam Bondi, at the dignified transfer ceremony on March 7 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware

Army Reserve Major Jeffrey O'Brien (left), 45 and Chief Warrant Officer Robert M Marzan, 54

Captain Cody A Khork (left), 35, and Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M Amor, 39

Sergeant 1st Class Noah L Tietjens (left), 42, and Specialist Declan J Coady, 20

Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, of Glendale, Kentucky, died during an Iranian strike at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1

Trump flew to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last week for the dignified transfer of the service members returning to US soil in caskets.

The six Americans who were killed during the second day of conflict were Army reservists with the 103rd Sustainment Command based out of Des Moines, Iowa.

Nicole Amor, 39, Cody Khork, 35, Declan Coady, 20, Robert Marzan, 54, Jeffrey O'Brien, 45 and Noah Tietjens, 42, died in the war.

The seventh US service member killed in the war was identified as Benjamin Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Details on the six recent deceased are expected to be released within the next 24 hours.

'They're great people,' the President said of the deceased on his call with the Daily Mail this month. 'And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous[ly] - it could happen again.'

Hegseth dared new Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to appear on camera on Friday amid rumors he is 'disfigured' or even dead, fueled further when an Iranian TV anchor read out a statement on state television Thursday rather than the Supreme Leader appearing himself.

'Iran's leadership is in no better shape,' Hegseth claimed. 'Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do.'

'We know the new so-called not-so-Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured,' he added.
A Democrat congressional candidate who claims to come from humble roots was brought up in a multi-million dollar home, it has emerged.

Kat Abughazaleh, 26, who is in the running for a House of Representatives seat in Illinois, has campaigned on affordability and even had supporters hand out fliers that portray her upbringing as being 'rather normal'.

Yet public property records reviewed by the Daily Mail paint a different picture entirely, instead indicating she was brought up in a Dallas mansion worth $3.3 million.

The mail flier handed out by her supporters, drawn to look like a comic book, shows a suburban home much smaller than the four-bedroom colonial revival home she was raised in.

'I was born in Texas, and grew up with a rather normal childhood, in a... plot twist! Reagan Republican household', the handout said.

'My family never took our rights for granted. I'm the daughter of a natural-born American and a Palestinian immigrant,'

Just earlier this week, the wannabe lawmaker also described herself as poor when questioned about her lavish upbringing by NBC Chicago.

She did not dispute the value of her former address, saying: 'This is something I think is being treated like some type of shocker, but I was given a lot of opportunities as a kid.'

Democrat congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, 26, during a primary debate in February

Abughazaleh claims to have humble roots - but her Dallas childhood home is worth $3.3million

Fliers handed out by her supporters attempted to paint her upbringing in an entirely different light

She added: 'I was really lucky to have that, and I also as an adult have struggled like so many of my friends have.'

When asked if she was poor, she said: 'Right now, yeah. I have depleted my savings. I have been financially independent since I was 21.'

Earlier this year, Abughazaleh made headlines after she revealed she suffered from narcolepsy to explain her not appearing at an important event in her campaign.

She said: 'It makes me extremely tired and occasionally causes "sleep attacks", times when my brain literally cannot stay awake.

'My condition is usually well-managed but - like with any disability - has flare-ups and today was one of those.

'I ended up sleeping through alarms, calls, and even my campaign manager knocking on my door repeatedly.'

Last October, she was charged with two counts of conspiracy to impede or injure an ICE officer, along with assaulting or impeding that officer while he was on duty.

The indictment, which was filed on October 23, accuses Abughazaleh, as well as five others, of attacking an ICE agents vehicle by banging aggressively on the cars side, back windows, and hood.

Abughazaleh hopes to replace outgoing Democratic Representative Jan Schakowsky with the Democratic primary election being held on March 17

Abughazaleh is accused of hindering and impeding the vehicle's movement and etching the word PIG on the ICE officers car.

If found guilty, she could face prison sentences of up to six years on the conspiracy charge and 8 years for assaulting the ICE agent.

Footage, previously reported by the Daily Mail, shows Abughazaleh gathering with protesters outside the Broadview ICE detention center in Chicago.

An agent, at one point, confronted Abughazaleh for blocking the driveway of the facility and dragged her back before tossing her to the pavement.

More footage from September 26 featured Abughazaleh bracing her body against an ICE vehicle along with dozens more protesters.

The liberal responded to the indictment on social media by accusing the Trump administration of political persecution.

She hopes to replace outgoing Democratic Representative Jan Schakowsky with the Democratic primary election on March 17, followed by the general election on November 3.
The gunman who smashed a truck filled with explosives into a Michigan synagogue is related to two known Hezbollah terrorists, it has emerged.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized US citizen born in Lebanon, was killed by security on Thursday after he attacked the Temple Israel synagogue in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield.

Ghazali, 41, targeted the synagogue just days after his two brothers, niece and nephew were killed in an Israeli airstrike in his hometown of Mashgharah, Lebanon.

The brothers, identified as Kassim and Ibrahim Ghazali, were known members of the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah, a Lebanese official told NBC News.

Ibrahim's children, Ali and Fatima, were among those killed in the blast, a source told the Associated Press. His wife was seriously wounded and remains in hospital.

The official added that Kassim was a well-known soccer coach and personal trainer, while Ibrahim was a school bus driver in the village.

It is unclear which roles they played in Hezbollah and if they were the intended targets of the airstrike.

The FBI has been aware of Ayman Ghazali's terrorist connections for at least seven years, the New York Post reported.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, smashed a truck filled with explosives into a Michigan synagogue and then opened fire on Thursday

Ghazali worked at Hamido, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

The security team at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township has been praised for its quick response to the incident

Parents and children outside the synagogue, which has an early childhood center, after the gunman opened fire

Authorities discovered contacts of known Hezbollah members in Ghazali's phone in 2019 when he was questioned by police after returning home from a trip overseas, law enforcement sources told the newspaper.

Ghazali, who was known to travel to his native Lebanon, where the terror group is based, told officials he went abroad for a hair transplant. The FBI looked into the incident, though the outcome of its probe is unknown.

He lived in a $315,600 home in Dearborn Heights, which has the largest Arab American population in the United States. Federal agents were seen searching his residence on Thursday night.

The gunman was seemingly well-liked by locals, especially those who frequented Hamido, the popular Middle Eastern restaurant where he worked.

Regulars said Ghazali was the 'face of the restaurant' and always treated them with respect.

But he had been absent from work in the weeks leading up to the synagogue attack, a colleague told The New York Times.

Ghazali's longtime neighbor Kandie Zaidieh, who described Ghazali as 'my rock,' was shocked to learn of his involvement in the attack and suspects the tragedy in Lebanon may have played a role in his decision-making.

'Because his brother died, right?' Zaidieh, 60, questioned when approached by the Detroit Free Press. She added: 'He was the best. The best neighbor. Always quiet, a hard worker. He was always pleasant. Everybody liked him.'

Federal authorities raided the $315,600 home in Dearborn Heights, where the Lebanese-born restaurant worker is believed to have lived, late Thursday night

Ghazali allegedly carried out the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, which also serves as a preschool, after losing several family members in an Israeli strike on Lebanon

Regulars say that Ghazali was the 'face of the restaurant' in Dearborn Heights, west of Detroit

Her remarks were echoed by several Hamido patrons, who said they could not fathom that Ghazali would try to harm anyone.

'He was a very hospitable man and a loving father,' Hamido patron Timothy Jacob shared in a Dearborn Heights community group.

'He always greeted me with a smile and always treated my family with kindness. He will be missed.'

Mike Smith, who said he visited the restaurant the day before the synagogue attack, said it was 'shocking' to hear about Ghazali.

'This guy was always a nice guy, one of the kindest people you can ever meet,' Smith wrote, adding that Ghazali's 'customer service was great.'

Siran Mouhanna, admitting she did not know Ghazali well, said that during their encounters, 'he was the kindest, most respectful guy.' She added: 'It breaks my heart.'

'I don't believe Ayman can do something like this,' said Mike Dalou. 'He is the most respectful man and very kind. I'm lost for words. I pray for him, his family and everyone involved.'

The vehicle smashed into the doors of Temple Israel in Michigan, and later caught fire

Ghazali was neutralized by a security guard at the scene. His body was severely burned

Law enforcement escort families away from the Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Parents carry their preschool-aged children to safety as police escort them away from Temple Israel synagogue after Ghazali's attack on Thursday

Ghazali was born in Lebanon in 1985 and entered the United States in May 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of an American citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He then applied for naturalization on October 20, 2015, and became a citizen on February 5, 2016, under the Obama administration.

Court records reviewed by the Daily Mail show Ghazali's ex-wife filed for divorce in Wayne County Circuit Court in August 2024.

A divorce was granted seven months later in March 2025 and a child support order was signed and filed at the conclusion of the proceedings.

The reason behind their separation remains unclear, as the divorce filing is sealed.

An unnamed source told CBS News that Ghazali phoned his ex-wife shortly before the attack, asking her to take care of their children.

Ghazali drove a truck filled with explosives into Temple Israel, which also serves as a preschool, at around 12.20pm on Thursday.

The synagogue 'became engulfed' in flames after the vehicle collided with it.

Neighboring police departments, a SWAT team, bomb technicians and dogs were at the scene

Members of the FBI at the site of the attack in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Thursday

Law enforcement responding to the attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield

The truck caught fire and the suspect's body was found severely burned. Ghazali was shot dead by a guard at the synagogue.

No students or staff were injured in the attack, but a security guard was taken to the hospital after being struck by the vehicle. He is expected to recover.

Thirty law enforcement officers were also taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Federal authorities said at a news conference that they are probing the horrific incident as a 'targeted act of violence' against the Jewish community.

The synagogue is a reform Jewish place of worship that was open at the time of the attack. It has 12,000 members, one of the largest congregations in the country.

FBI Detroit led an Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training for the clergy and staff of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield in late January, nearly two months before Thursday's attack.

Synagogues around the world have been on edge and ramping up security since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran with missile strikes on February 28.

The exterior the home of Ayman Mohamad Ghazali is shown in Friday, March 13, 2026, in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California.

Two men brought explosives to a far-right protest outside the New York mayoral mansion on Saturday. Investigators allege they were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group.

An assailant drove a car into people outside an Orthodox synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. He stabbed two people to death before officers shot and killed him.
A pro-Palestinian activist who followed and pestered Matt Lucas as he tried to leave the London Underground has lost his job over the incident.

Thomas Bourne, 39, an Islamic convert who uses the social media handle 'White British Muslim', approached the Jewish comedian, 51, last month after spotting him on an escalator.

Bourne filmed himself harassing Lucas seemingly solely on the basis of his Jewish heritage - only for the film he posted online to attract more criticism than approval.

Today it emerged that he has now lost his job as a fundraising consultant as a direct result of the incident.

Bourne gave an interview to sympathetic online publisher PoliticsJoe, in which he seemed unrepentant about the harassment, and appeared to suggest Mr Lucas was responsible for starting the altercation for disapproving his clothes.

He said: 'I was going up the escalator and looked to my side and saw someone giving me an uncomfortable even hostile look and I realised it was Matt Lucas.

'My instant reaction - as anyone's would be who was going to confront someone - was to pull out my camera phone and shout "Free Palestine! Free Palestine!"

'As a result of that video and a subsequent Daily Mail article I actually lost my job.'

Thomas Abdullah Bourne (centre), 39, an Islamic convert who uses the social media handle 'White British Muslim', followed the Jewish comedian, 51, as he rode the elevator on the Tube

The clip (pictured) showed the 6'11", fundraising consultant from East London shouting, 'Free Palestine' at the Little Britain star

Mr Bourne appeared to goad Mr Lucas, asking, 'You don't like what I'm wearing, do you?' - referring to his keffiyeh

The clip showed Bourne continuing to harass the TV comic by asking 'you don't like what I'm wearing, do you?' - referring to his keffiyeh.

He then goes on to ask the comic, 'You've got a problem with Palestinians, Matt?' to which ambushed Mr Lucas responds a simple, 'No'.

As Mr Lucas walks away, Bourne accuses him of being a 'zionist' - but the activist claimed he was trying 'to be the bigger man 'by 'walking away' after the altercation.

At one point during the interview Bourne was asked: 'How aware of Matt Lucas's background were you prior to that altercation?'

Bourne responded: 'Absolutely no awareness of his background at all except I knew he was in a show quite a few years ago, Little Britain. He was also in Come Fly With Me and when I was really little he was in a show called Shooting Stars.'

He added: 'That's literally all I knew about him, I didn't know anything else about him at all. I mean I don't know who would.'

When a friend told him the video was trending on Twitter and that Mr Lucas was Jewish, Bourne told PoliticsJoe: 'My heart absolutely sunk and I thought "Oh no, this is not good" because I could already picture in my head how this could be framed and how this could be interpreted, and the ramifications around that.

'So I immediately deleted the video knowing this could have bad ramifications.'

Pictured: Mr Bourne, right, wearing a fake press hat, at a rally with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, left

Pictured: Mr Bourne, right, with punk rap duo Bob Vylan's frontman, Bob Vylan, who became infamous for his 'death to the IDF' chants at Glastonbury last year

Mr Bourne claimed he was unaware of Mr Lucas's Jewish background following the altercation

He added: 'Im being labelled as an anti-semite and that simply isnt true. The whole interaction with Matt Lucas was nothing to do with religion or anything like that because I simply didnt know he was Jewish at the time.'

He said he comes from a Jewish background, including Jewish cousins, and was 'really worried' how the incident would be 'interpreted'.

After the video went viral last month the Mail investigated Bourne's background and subsequently revealed that he has become a well-known face amongst pro-Palestinian protest groups in London, often being pictured at rallies and at one time with Jeremy Corbyn.

We revealed that he was born Thomas Edward Oliver Heather and chose his new surname as a tribute to the fictional spy and assassin Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon in the film franchise.

The wannabe action hero, according to those who know him, is described as a 'clown' who 'leaves a trail of destruction and chaos'.

An estranged family member told the Daily Mail: 'It does not surprise me that he has done something stupid. If I ever see him again, it will be too soon.'

Following the Palestine Action ban last summer, which has since been ruled as unlawful, Mr Bourne vowed to continue the group's work.

Campaigning outside the Royal Courts of Justice as the ban was enforced in July, the protester said that he would 'absolutely' continue his support for the group, even if it became proscribed.

He said: 'Absolutely, with all of my heart. I am sure everyone here would also. No one is listening to us and the government is proscribing them.'

After the clip of Mr Bourne accosting Mr Lucas went viral, he quickly deleted his Instagram accounts.
Labours favourite think tank has called on ministers to temporarily raise income tax by two pence to offset rocketing energy costs brought on by the war in Iran.

In an intervention on Friday, Labour Together also called for a temporary cap on annual benefits and minimum wage increases, as well as the suspension of the triple lock.

While income tax was originally introduced as a temporary measure, the Labour think tank argued that squeezing taxpayers for yet more cash through the levy would generate 17 billion a year  and that we cant fund this with borrowing thanks to the state of our public finances.

They added it was the progressive thing to do for a Labour Government desperate to claw back disaffected working-class voters.

Both the Tories and Reform condemned the proposals for piling more burden on to British taxpayers.

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said that moving costs from someone's energy bill to their tax bill is 'a sleight of hand', while Reform UK shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick said that slapping even higher taxes on the British public is 'completely absurd'.

This came as Energy Secretary Red Ed Miliband was facing resounding calls yesterday to re-open North Sea oil and gas fields to help shore up Britains supplies.

But Mr Miliband refused to back down, arguing new exploration licences would not take a penny off peoples bills and that the UK needed to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster.

Energy Secretary Red Ed Miliband was facing resounding calls yesterday to re-open North Sea oil and gas fields to help shore up Britains supplies

Last night, worrying reports emerged from the RAC that the price of petrol had hit an 18-month high, with the average price of a litre of unleaded rising by 6 per cent, or nearly 8p, since the start of the Iran conflict

The Chancellor and Energy Secretary hauled petrol firm bosses and energy suppliers into Downing Street on Friday to ensure drivers are not left paying over the odds

British manufacturers on Friday told the Energy Secretary the survival of British industry was at risk while ministers blocking drilling  and that ensuring the UK has its own energy reserves is now vital.

And Unite boss Sharon Graham, whose trade union this week cut its affiliation with Labour by 40 per cent, blasted Mr Milibands decision as an act of monumental political self-harm.

Last night, worrying reports emerged from the RAC that the price of petrol had hit an 18-month high, with the average price of a litre of unleaded rising by 6 per cent, or nearly 8p, since the start of the Iran conflict.

The Chancellor and Energy Secretary hauled petrol firm bosses and energy suppliers into Downing Street on Friday to ensure drivers are not left paying over the odds.

But in an embarrassment for the Government, the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) threatened to pull out the meeting, saying comments from ministers about price gouging and ripping off motorists had caused retail staff to be abused at the pumps.

Ignoring calls for renewed North Sea drilling, Mr Miliband instead unveiled plans on Friday to speed up nuclear power generation across the UK.

The Energy Secretary insisted the UK needs to go further and faster to build the clean energy we need to get off volatile fossil fuel markets and deliver energy security for our country.

A crucial part of this is ensuring that we speed up the building of infrastructure in a way that reduces costs as well as delivering better outcomes for nature, he added.

But while the Tories have committed to a 2050 deadline of generating 24 gigawatts of electricity from nuclear power, Labour has not recommitted to the target  leaving any cost-savings for the taxpayer in doubt.

And on Friday CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock accused the Government of leaving the door to weaker safeguards for nature and protected landscapes through its nuclear plans.

He said: Instead of principled policymaking, today's announcement has the ring of another political fudge.
A paedophile Metropolitan Police special constable 'served nothing but evil behind closed doors', a woman who was just 12 when he groomed her told a court on Friday.

James Bubb, 28, who now identifies as a woman called Gwyn Samuels, groomed the woman online before sexually assaulting her when she was not yet a teenager.

Bubb was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a child after a trial last summer.

The defendant was also found guilty of raping a woman he met online while posing as a 16-year-old girl.

In her victim impact statement the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Bubb was a 'highly manipulative, narcissistic, grandiose and extremely dangerous individual' who 'groomed' her.

As Bubb sat quietly in the dock at Aylesbury Crown Court, the woman spoke in a powerful voice that sometimes broke.

She told Bubb: 'When the Metropolitan Police service hired you as a special constable, you swore under oath to protect the public and to give everything you had to fulfil your duties in safeguarding the most vulnerable of people.

'Yet before you headed to the police station and put on your uniform, you would make sure to get your fill of perversion, attempts at power, sickness and relentless abuse.

James Bubb, who now identifies as a woman named Gwyn Samuels, was found guilty of several sexual offences, including rapes, on two victims including a 12-year-old girl

'I remember you telling me that you had to make a mental separation between who you were at home and who you were when you put on your uniform. I thought you were honourable for this.

'I now realise what you were trying to tell me. The same man that served the public, served nothing but evil behind closed doors.'

The offences took place between January 1, 2018 and April 2, 2024, during which time Bubb was a member of support staff at the prestigious Harrow School, whose alumni include Sir Winston Churchill and six other British Prime Ministers.

Bubb began to volunteer with the Met Police Central West team as a special constable in September 2020 and the force said he was suspended immediately after his arrest by Thames Valley Police (TVP) on 30 April 2024.

He was dismissed without notice on September 26 last year following his conviction and placed on the College of Policing barred list.

The court heard Bubb encountered his first victim on the chat roulette site Omegle in 2018 before meeting in person at a Christian festival a few months later.

The volunteer officer sexually assaulted the girl in public shortly before her 13th birthday and was forced to pull his trousers up after a dog walker went past him.

Jurors were told Bubb was violent towards the girl when he raped and sexually abused her in her early teens, with the victim telling police he choked and punched her.

The girl said the defendant looked 'paranoid' when he was with her, and she was being 'hidden' when they were in public together.

She told the court on Friday: 'I vividly remember being 12, already traumatised, already feeling that there was no real way out.

'No child should ever be made to feel that way, let alone by a police officer, an adult, a trusted person.'

Bubb was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court today

She added: 'I would not have complex PTSD if James had chosen to be anything but a prolific abuser.'

The woman said the defendant would 'frequently bring up' his role as a police officer as a way to control her and 'why he had the right to induce fear over me and to overstep my boundaries'.

The woman, who is now 20, said 'I can barely trust anybody any more' but 'I am determined to keep fighting and feel I have support now'.

She suffers from complex PTSD and has been unable to work, and went to college but was not able to concentrate.

Even after Samuels was arrested, the woman described herself as feeling 'trauma-bonded to James'.

She said she had slept in one of his blue hooded tops for two weeks after his arrest.

The court also heard Bubb raped his second victim, a woman he met when she had just turned 18, between January 2018 and February 2023.

The victim said Bubb would 'use police training techniques' on her, telling police: 'The control, the power he got. It sure as hell wasn't consensual.'

Speaking from behind a curtain, the second victim told the court that Samuels took advantage of a 'vulnerable 18 year-old'.

She became pregnant but lost the baby, telling the court: 'I was glad that I miscarried so that this monster would not have any power over me or my child.'

Samuels told her that she was 'unlovable and no-one would want me', the woman recalled.

She added there were times when she tried to leave but the defendant would take the key away or drag her back if she wanted to go out, leaving her feeling in the end that it was better to stay.

Samuels also threatened her with 999 calls and being sectioned, the woman said.

Jurors reached verdicts in August last year after deliberating for six hours and 32 minutes.

TVP Detective Sergeant Catriona Cameron said the 27-year-old's actions were 'absolutely' a breach of trust, and suggested Bubb may have more victims.

She said: 'The investigation we led hasn't identified the defendant used his position to identify and meet victims, but there was an element that he used the fact that they are a special constable in order to intimidate and they have used officer safety techniques and restraint on the victims as part of their offending.'

Asked how much of a breach of trust Bubb's actions were, Ms Cameron said: 'Absolutely, I mean, anybody as a police officer, in that position of trust, we get taught these things and we should only be using them as appropriate.'

Ms Cameron said Bubb 'identified a vulnerable child to start off with, groomed them'.

Bubb previously worked at Harrow School and was a special constable with the Metropolitan Police

She said: 'They then used fear, intimidation, violence and weapons to abuse the child going forward over a number of years, so very dangerous and very predatory in his offending.'

She said that while safeguarding measures on some online platforms had improved and new legislation had enhanced the protection of children, areas of vulnerability 'absolutely' remained.

Bubb, of High Street, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, previously worked as a technician on productions at Harrow School, although police said there was nothing to suggest he offended there.

In a statement, Harrow School said: 'We are aware that a former member of the School's support staff was convicted of sexual offences in August last year. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.

'The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is always our highest priority. Mr Bubb, now known as Gwyn Samuels, was employed as a member of the School's support staff between 2018 and April 2024.

'As soon as we were alerted by the authorities that this employee was subject to an investigation and had not disclosed his arrest to us, we terminated his contract.

'Having made the appropriate internal enquiries and communicating fully with the police and the Local Authority Designated Officer, we have no reason to believe that they engaged in any misconduct towards pupils or colleagues at the School.'

After the verdict, a spokesperson for the NSPCC child protection charity said: 'As a special constable, Bubb should have been someone who could be relied on to keep children safe.

'It is now vital that both the victims in this disturbing case receive all the support they need to move forwards with their lives.

'Bubb's actions also highlight once again how tech companies need to be doing much more to make their platforms safe spaces for children and young people when they go online.'

The defendant is due to be sentenced at the same court next Friday.
The gruelling task of demolishing the remains of a landmark Glasgow building destroyed by an inferno has begun  with workers taking it down brick by brick.

Suspended more than 150ft in the air by crane, three workers started the laborious process of chiselling away what is left of a chimney once part of the B-listed Union Corner

It was left hanging after the intense blaze, which started in a vape shop, saw the building in Union Street collapse to the dismay of onlookers on Sunday.

Depending on the weather, demolition experts are set to work around the clock to knock down the dangerous ruins so that neighbouring Glasgow Central Station can fully reopen.

The main part of what is Scotlands busiest railway station is set to stay shut until at least Wednesday, Network Rail Scotland confirmed.

Route director Ross Moran said: We understand how disruptive this is for passengers and the wider city centre.

Any phased reopening will depend on demolition progressing to a stage that allows our engineers to safely return.

After heroic efforts from more than 200 firefighters, the station escaped the worst of the blaze.

Workers were lifted more than 150ft into the air as they began demolition works

Officials say any damage has been contained to a small office on the Union Street side of the transport hub.

Low-level services resumed earlier this week, but the upper section remains closed.

Glasgow City Council said it is in the interests of public safety to demolish what remains of the 'very unstable' Victorian building, which continued to collapse since the blaze started.

The fire spread through the building and around the corner, with only the facade of the building at the junction with Gordon Street left standing.

Earlier this week the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service formally handed over control of the site to the city council.

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council's leader, warned the structure currently poses a risk to the public and has been cordoned off to keep people safe.

She said: 'The structure where the fire was is now very unstable. It has no structural integrity.

'Theres a kind of a floating chimney stack thats attached to the top of the wall. So, this is an unstable, dangerous site.

Three workers began work knocking down the ruins of the landmark Union Corner building in Glasgow

'It is obviously going to cause disruption to people for quite a while, and in particular the shops and the businesses who are within this cordon, and were providing as much support for them as were able to do.'

She added: 'Its going to take us a wee while to recover, but what I want to assure all Glaswegians, and indeed everybody that uses Central station, is that we will work as fast as we possibly can to get back to normality and then to rebuild and regenerate Union Street and Gordon Street.

'But, in the meantime, it is safety first for everyone and it is the protection of the public that is our number one priority.'

Network Rail said all available options for safely reopening the station were being explored, including whether a partial or phased reopening of some platforms might be possible.

At the height of the incident, 18 fire appliances and specialist resources were at the scene.

Glasgow Central was closed after an inferno in a building next to the busy station

Assistant chief officer Jon Henderson, director of prevention at the fire service, said: 'This was an incredibly challenging and complex incident which called upon resources and expertise from across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

'We are extremely proud of our staff and incredibly thankful to our partners for helping to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

'Despite the scale and intensity of this fire, no firefighters or members of the public were hurt and some of Glasgows most iconic buildings were saved from further damage.'
Almost half of Reform UKs candidates for Holyrood will be recycled Tories, the partys Scottish leader has revealed.

Lord Malcolm Offord said former Tory party members made up 40 per cent of his constituency hopefuls in May  outnumbering those who have never been politically active and the handful of ex- Labour and SNP members.

Just a quarter of Reforms would-be MSPs are women.

Lord Offord, who defected from the Tories in December, admitted the untested candidates would be a challenge to manage and bring jeopardy to his leadership.

The Greenock-born financier and Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage are due to unveil their candidates for Holyroods 73 constituencies at a conference next week.

The high number of former Conservatives has fuelled accusations that Reform has become a home for disaffected cast-offs.

A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: Pro-UK voters will be most keen to see how many independence-supporting candidates Reform stand, just like they did in the General Election.

'Any former Conservative who is involved with Nigel Farage must accept that they are now actively risking the Union.

Malcolm Offord said former Tory party members made up 40 per cent of his constituency hopefuls in May

Lord Offord has made it clear hes happy to work with Nationalists and is open to another independence referendum.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said Reform are simply the Tories in disguise.

Lord Offord made his comments at an event with think-tank Enlighten in Edinburgh this week.

Asked about former Tories packing Reform, he said: Only 40 per cent of our 73 candidates have ever been members of the Conservative Party.

Told that was quite a lot by Enlightens director Chris Deerin, Lord Offord said: Yes, but its not like England-shire.

He said Reforms candidates, who have been kept under wraps to avoid media scrutiny, were just ordinary people, including doctors, lawyers, farmers and business owners, and 80 per cent have not been politicians before.

He said: Theyre not going to be smoothie-chops politicians. Theyre not going to be media savvy. You know, its going to be a challenge.

He added: Were going to bring some bright people who have not been involved before, who are going to look at things differently with a fresh pair of eyes.

Therell be some jeopardy in that, Im sure. Ill have to manage that as a leader.

He later told the Mail: Weve also got some whove not been in political parties. Weve got a smattering from Labour and a smaller smattering from SNP  less than 5 per cent.

He denied that 25 per cent was a low share of female candidates, adding: On a pure meritocracy basis its 25 per cent. There was probably less than 25 per cent women applicants, so theyve actually come through slightly higher.

Lord Offord said Reform wanted to slash around a quarter of Scotlands 133 quangos to help find 2billion for tax cuts, and he expected his party to win more than 25 MSPs.
A person working at Holyrood claimed to have witnessed an MSP sexually assaulting young female members of staff.

The claim was made in a survey of people working at the Scottish parliament that uncovered allegations of sexual harassment and bullying

Police Scotland has now urged anyone with relevant information to come forward after some respondents reported serious allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment affecting women and men  including some in MSP offices.

The highest number of anonymous disclosures related to MSPs, the January survey found.

But most people did not seek advice for fear of being disbelieved or harming their careers, with the report warning: These patterns indicate misuse of power.

It also revealed that a small number of respondents highlight inappropriate or harmful behaviour by some MSPs, combined with a lack of visible action from party leadership, which reinforces a sense of a two-tier culture and weak accountability.

The document said: One respondent said they had heard of a colleague experiencing sexual harassment from an MSP, and one said that they had witnessed an MSP sexually assaulting young female members of staff.

The Scottish Parliament, in Edinburgh, where one worker claimed to have witnessed an MSP sexually assaulting young female members of staff.

Both said staff had not felt supported, and the respondent who said they had witnessed sexual assault said the partys response had been to brush everything underneath the carpet.

With parliament holding a rare Friday sitting yesterday to consider assisted dying, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone addressed MSPs on the findings.

She said: Speaking out is never easy and our foremost concern is for anyone affected.

Police Scotland said it had not yet received any report or complaint, but a spokesman added: We would be keen to speak to anyone with information.

The report also referred to incidents linked to alcohol and behaviour described as intended to keep women in their place.

Parliament and MSP staff surveyed for the anonymous Dignity at Work exercise reported a total of 84 incidents since 2021.

The report found concerns within a small number of MSPs offices, including reports of inappropriate behaviour and, in a very few cases, conduct that may amount to serious sexual misconduct.

First Minister John Swinney said: A culture of appropriate behaviour is essential to the functioning of our democracy.

The Dignity at Work document recommended a review of Holyroods complaints process, risk assessment for bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and embedding a speak-up culture.
After three decades of bringing Scotland its nightly news STV anchorman John MacKay has said good night to the nation for the final time.

The newscaster, known across the country for his familiar introduction Im John MacKay, presented the networks flagship STV News at Six for one last edition.

Calling time on his broadcasting career after 32 years, he said the time was right and joked his first port of call would be to have a beer before moving on to other projects.

Weather presenter Sean Batty marked the occasion by wearing a special tie with Mr MacKays face printed on it.

As Mr MacKay marked the end of his television news career, which has seen him become one of the countrys most recognisable faces, he said he felt lucky and privileged.

Closing the programme, after a montage of some of his most famous television reports including the time he said webs***e rather than website, he thanked viewers.

He said: And thats it from me and me on the STV News. It has been my privilege to bring you Scotlands changing story over these many years.

Thank you for having me in your homes for so long.

After more than 30 years bringing the news to the nation's homes, John MacKay signed off with his last broadcast on Friday

My colleagues at STV News will continue to bring you the best news service, please do support public service news. We do need it.

Thank you for watching and, for the last time, Im John MacKay. Good night. The broadcaster recently told the Mail: I have heard it said newsreaders are there to say good evening and then explain why it is not.

Its more than that: It is a privilege to deliver the big stories for our nation and communities into peoples homes.

I have never lost sight of that. I love the job, the buzz of live broadcasting and the camaraderie of my colleagues, but its time to move on.

Mr MacKay started his journalism career at the Sunday Post, but moved into broadcasting in 1987 when he started work at BBC Scotland.

Before long he was poached by STV for Scotland Today, and within four years he was the main anchor and integral to the programmes rebrand to the STV News at Six in 2006.

During his career he has interviewed celebrities from Will Ferrell to Dolly Parton.

He also interrogated top politicians including Prime Ministers and First Ministers and covered Scotlands watershed moments including Lockerbie and the 2014 referendum.

Mr MacKay, seen here earlier in his career, was a mainstay on STV's new shows for 31 years

He has said the Dunblane massacre in March 1996 was the most harrowing, and that what he witnessed that day will remain with me for ever.

*Regulator Ofcom has told STV it will not publish its decision on the broadcasters controversial plan to scrap its flagship news programme in the north of Scotland until after Mays Holyrood election.

The dedicated news show would be replaced with a single programme from Glasgow, with a loss of 60 jobs.
ABC Radio Melbourne host Virginia Trioli has said Grace Tame is being 'censored and suppressed' after the former Australian of the Year revealed all of her lucrative speaking gigs had been cancelled following her appearance at a pro-Palestine rally.

Tame, 31, led chants of 'globalise the intifada' outside Sydney's Town Hall in February at a rally protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit.

Since the rally, Tame - who is a survivor of child sexual assault - said she has been subject to a 'concerted smear campaign' by conservative politicians and media.

'I shouldn't have to say this, but I'm currently up against a well-oiled, well-funded political propaganda machine whose aim is to frighten everyone into complicity by maligning its critics,' she wrote in an op-ed for the Crikey website.

'I've lost several close friends for speaking the truth. 'I've been publicly vilified over and over and over again. In under a month, my livelihood has been completely destroyed.'

Trioli, 60, said it was 'beyond understanding' that someone as 'brave, necessary and admirable' as Tame was being subjected to a 'culture of censorship and suppression'.

'Over my many years in journalism Ive been fortunate enough to spend time with and interrogate the ideas of other important cultural dissidents like Gloria Steinem, Ai Wei Wei and Margaret Atwood - and Grace Tame, and she is up there with all these great leaders for the urgency of her mission, the clarity of her ideas and her indefatigable courage,' she wrote on Instagram on Friday night.

'Let her bloody speak. Debate her ideas - listen to her real experience and can we please abandon this cancerous culture of the repression of opinions?'

Trioli, 60, said it was 'beyond understanding' that someone as 'brave, necessary and admirable' as Tame was being subject to a 'culture of censorship and suppression'

Tame, 31, led chants of 'globalise the intifada' outside Sydney's Town Hall in February at a rally protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog's state visit

Fans of the veteran radio host were divided in the comments of the Instagram post, with one saying she was 'very disappointed' by the endorsement.

'I am very disappointed in you, Virginia. I have been a long-term fan but you have misjudged her,' they wrote.

'Great leaders are not like Grace. Great leaders do not cause harm or division.'

'Many women were upset by her hatred Virginia. Brave people make mistakes too and perhaps Grace could reflect on this,' a second wrote.

But others applauded Trioli.

'Thank you Virginia. We need more public voices calling this out and standing behind Grace,' one person wrote.

'Could not agree more. I am deeply ashamed and saddened by the direction in which our country is heading,' a second said.

Trioli's post comes just hours after Tame accused the ABC of pandering to the 'pro-Israel lobby' after it reported her comments about not supporting antisemitism.

Trioli's post comes just hours after Tame accused the ABC of pandering to the 'pro-Israel lobby' after it reported her comments about not supporting antisemitism

Join the discussion What's your take on the backlash facing Grace Tame?

'We can always rely on our ABC for more lopsided reporting that preferences the pro-Israel lobby's position ahead of everyone else's,' she fumed.

Tame accused the ABC of peddling 'right-wing propaganda' as she defended the 'globalise the intifada' chant.

'Intifadas' refer to two violent uprisings in the Middle East which involved the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians - although Tame has always indicated she only supports peaceful action.

'Both intifadas began as peaceful protests, boycotts and labour strikes in response to Israel's ongoing violent oppression,' Tame wrote on Instagram.

'Omitting this context erases history and Palestinians themselves. Two wrongs don't make a right, but they sure do make right-wing propaganda.'

Tame faced calls to be stripped of her 2021 Australian of the Year honour in the wake of her speech at the Herzog demonstration.

More than 25,000 Australians signed a petition calling for authorities to charge Tame with '[alleged] criminal incitement to violence under existing Australian law'.

'We do not need new 'hate speech' laws, if the threshold for incitement has been crossed, current laws are sufficient,' the petition stated.

'In 2021, Grace Tame was named Australian of the Year, an honour reserved for individuals who reflect the values, unity and integrity of our nation.

'That title carries moral weight. It is not just recognition for past advocacy, it represents an ongoing association with Australian ideals.'
Vice President JD Vance declined to share his personal chats with President Donald Trump about the US-Iran war, claiming that if he did so, he could go to prison.

Vance, 41, has for years preached an anti-war message informed by his experience as a Marine in the Iraq war.

But as the US-Iran war bleeds into a third week, the typically prolific VP has not posted as much on social media, and he's yet to liken Operation Epic Fury to a war, as the President has done repeatedly.

Trump has admitted that Vance was 'less enthusiastic' about the war and that the two differ on the matter 'philosophically.' On Friday, Politico reported that Vance was 'skeptical' of the operation before it was ordered.

When pressed by a reporter on Friday about what he's told the President about the war, Vance said he couldn't share, since those high-level talks are classified - or at least he claims.

'I hate to disappoint you but I will not show up here in front of God and everyone else and tell you what I said in the classified room,' Vance responded.

'Partially because I don't want to go to prison, and partially because I think it's important for the president of the United States to talk to his advisors without those advisers running their mouth to the American media,' the VP said, receiving loud applause from the audience.

The Republican stressed the importance of keeping high-level conversations with the President and his top advisors private to avoid operational security breaches.

Vice President JD Vance joked on Friday that he won't disclose his private conversations with the President about Iran publicly because he wants to avoid going to prison

The President has admitted that he and Vance differ 'philosophically' on the Iran war

He joked that he can't bring a pair of headphones into the Situation Room, let alone blab on the classified conversations outside.

'When you're thinking about a major decision like this, the way the President makes these decisions is he talks to a lot of people. Obviously we're thinking about various ins and outs, various options, what this looks like, how to accomplish our goals, what our goals should be.'

'And I think it's important for the President of the United States to be able to have that conversation with his team, without his team, then running their mouths to the American media,' he continued. 'So part of what makes our national security team so cohesive is that we all trust each other, and we all have a very free exchange of ideas. I'd like to keep that going.'

Vance is 'worried about success', a senior administration official confirmed just days after Donald Trump admitted on stage that the Vice President had been 'less enthusiastic' about the US-Israeli strikes than other cabinet members.

Vance 'just opposes' the war and remains 'skeptical', a senior official said, while a second told Politico he had offered 'a different point of view' but has since fallen in line. 'Once the decision has been made, he's fully on board,' the official said.

Vance pushed for swift, decisive action to minimize casualties, sources said.

He pressed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe at a meeting ahead of the strikes, questioning them on the risks and complexities.

He is now walking a tightrope in public as daylight emerges between himself and Trump for the first time.

Black smoke rises after an airstrike as Iranians take part in the Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day rally, a commemoration in support of the Palestinian people on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in Tehran on March 13

Then-Senator Vance, an Iraq war veteran, backed Trump's second term in a 2023 op-ed, writing in the Wall Street Journal that 'he won't recklessly send Americans to fight wars overseas.'

Vance told Fox News on March 2 that Trump would not allow the US 'to get into a multiyear conflict with no clear end in sight and no clear objective.'

He said the war would not end until Trump 'accomplishes that all-important objective of ensuring that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon.'

Trump's stated aims had initially been unclear, vindicating some of Vance's privately expressed concerns, as he called on Iranians to rise up and overthrow the regime.
A defiant Donald Trump has vowed that the war will end 'when I feel it' as Iran continued to attack its neighbours.

For the first time since the conflict began, the US will move 'boots on the ground' with as many as 5,000 US Marines deploying to the Middle East from Japan.

The US President said he would make a personal decision when to curtail the conflict as drone strikes targeted Dubai's financial district.

With the fighting spreading global economic uncertainty, the administration is coming under increasing pressure to set a deadline.

Last night cracks were emerging in Western alliances with Germany criticising US policy, while France and Italy began talks with Iran to allow their ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the White House's decision to relax sanctions against Russian energy products. The US move, in response to Iran's blockade of the Strait, could add $10billion (7.5billion) to Russia's war chest.

Anxiety around how Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the conflict is also behind British calls for de-escalation.

Facing questions on when the war might end, Mr Trump told Fox News that it would be 'when I feel it, okay? I feel it in my bones'.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will end the war at his own discretion (Pictured: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump host a Women's History Month Celebration at the White House on March 12, 2026 in Washington, DC)

In a separate interview, the President paid tribute to his country's military, saying that while this was 'a war for Iran' the conflict was more of 'an excursion for the US'.

He said: 'It has been incredible. The job they have done. I would say, to put it mildly, way ahead of schedule. We've knocked out [Iran's] navy, their military.

'We've knocked out just about everything there is, including their leadership.

'The market is holding up well. We were hit a little bit but probably by less than I thought. We will be back on track in a pretty short while. Prices are coming down very substantially. Oil will be coming down.

'For us it's turned out to be easier than we thought. They have no radar. Their leaders are gone. We are leaving certain things, they would never be able to build that country back.'

With Iran's air defences entirely eliminated, US and Israeli jets can cruise over the country and drop munitions with impunity.

Domination of the skies has accelerated the tempo of operations, with War Secretary Pete Hegseth saying there was a 20 per cent increase yesterday.

But the Pentagon has been unable to prevent Iran threatening its neighbours and hitting Israel, as well as the strikes on Dubai's financial district.

That attack came after Iran warned earlier this week that it would target 'economic centres and banks' in the region, particularly those linked to Israel and the US.

Several major companies had already begun downscaling their staffing levels in Dubai and closing offices.

The United Arab Emirates has been targeted by more than 1,500 drones and 300 missiles since the conflict began. To protect the image of Dubai, locals posting images of the damage have been questioned by the country's security services.

So far six people have died and 130 have been injured in the UAE. Most of the drones and missiles were fired in the first two days.

But even much smaller quantities of ordnance can damage Dubai's profile as a secure centre of global trade.

Smoke rises after an explosion during the World Quds Day march as participants carry Iranian flags and banners in Tehran, Iran on March 13, 2026

In a further blow to economies around the world, US military chiefs were forced to concede yesterday that they are unable to escort cargo ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a situation that will not be alleviated for a further fortnight.

Mr Hegseth insisted the US had planned for Iran to blockade the Strait. However, last night there were no American maritime assets in the area to protect ships. And earlier this year the Royal Navy withdrew its only minesweeper in the region for routine maintenance. Britain only has un-crewed anti-drone systems based in Bahrain.

The War Secretary said: 'We planned for it. We recognise it, because ultimately we want to do it sequentially, in a way that makes most sense for what we want to achieve.

'We want to send the right signals to the world when we do so. We are grabbing hold of the objectives we want to achieve, we are narrowing not widening the conflict.'

The crisis has persuaded the Pentagon to deploy a US Marine Corps expeditionary unit based in Japan to the Middle East.

The first US 'boots on the ground' are expected to arrive later this month. The USS Tripoli has set sail from Japan and other ships will be redeployed from the Pacific.

Meanwhile, Iranian leaders, not including the recently appointed Supreme Leader, taunted the US by riding motorbikes and celebrating Quds Day in Tehran.

Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian was seen riding pillion on a motorcycle through the capital surrounded by chanting crowds.

Pezeshkian was joined by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as chief of police Ahmadreza Radan and the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, Mohammad Eslami.

The group posed for selfies with crowds in what appeared a state-orchestrated event.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's national security council, told state media reporters accompanying the parade: 'Trump's problem is that he doesn't understand the Iranian nation is wise and determined.'

But the mood of defiance was shattered by an explosion as American and Israeli bombs landed nearby, though no leader was injured. War Secretary Hegseth mocked Mojtaba Khamenei, son of assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has not been seen since the blast that killed his father, mother, wife and other relatives.

Hegseth said: 'They're cowering underground. That's what rats do. They're barely communicating, let alone co-ordinating. They are confused and we know it.'
The Princess of Wales shared a sweet moment with royal fans at yesterday's engagements in London.

Kate, 44, enjoyed a jam-packed day in the UK's capital yesterday alongside Prince William, 43, from pouring pints at the Bermondsey Beer Mile to whipping up cappuccinos at Borough Market.

And in one particularly heartwarming moment, just before the royal couple headed on a lifeboat down the River Thames, Kate, dressed in a life vest, shared a wave with onlookers waiting to catch a glimpse of her.

Kate and William visited the RNLI Lifeboat Station on the River Thames to mark the RNLI Lifeguards 25th anniversary.

The moment, after being shared on Instagram by @kingsguardtours, delighted royal fans, with one writing: 'She's a dream.'

A second said: 'My favourite couple.' While others shared love hearts beneath the clip.

Elsewhere yesterday, Kate left the beer and cider tasting to her husband, explaining that she had cut back on alcohol 'since my diagnosis'.

Kate had chemotherapy in 2024 and last year announced she was in remission from cancer.

The Princess of Wales delighted royal fans with her sweet gesture to onlookers before heading on a lifeboat on the River Thames in London

During a visit to Fabal Beerhall, the Prince and Princess were told about the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which is home to several craft breweries and tap rooms.

When she was invited to try some beer and cider this afternoon, Kate told owner Hannah Rhodes: 'Since my diagnosis I haven't had much alcohol.'

She added: 'It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.' Ms Rhodes, who offered Kate a soft drink instead, said: 'Fair enough.'

Turning to William, Kate patted her husband's knee and said: 'But you like your cider, don't you?'

The Princess was wearing a 95 blue shirt from British womenswear brand With Nothing Underneath  along with a Catherine Walker blazer, chocolate brown cigarette trousers and new pair of suede ankle boots by Jimmy Choo.

William tried beers and ciders, some of which came from Ms Rhodes's brand Hiver, which uses honey from bee hives as a replacement for sugar in fermentation.

Kate, who is known to be a beekeeper with hives at her Norfolk home of Anmer Hall, tried some of the honey by dipping a stick into a jar. The Princess said: 'If you take the honey off the hive in early summer, it tastes very different.'

Speaking about harvesting honey from the hives, she added: 'If you take the honey off when it's wet, it is a natural fermentation process anyway.'

William laughed and joked: 'She knows a lot about bees. Be careful what you say, you might be corrected.'

Earlier in the day, William and Kate tried their hand at brewing at nearby Southwark Brewing Company, a craft beer firm further down the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which was founded in 2014 as one of the area's first small-batch breweries under the railway arches.

Pictured: The Prince and Princess of Wales onboard an E class inshore lifeboat during their visit to the RNLI Tower Station yesterday

Greeting Peter Jackson, 66, they were shown how to ascend a ladder where William wore black rubber gloves to add hops to the 'kettle'.

After tipping the hops in, William said: 'It smells like horse feed as you're doing it. There's a real mixture of smells.'

Mr Jackson joked: 'Yes. It's good that it changes by the time it gets to your glass.'

Kate then went up the ladder to stir them in. They then had a competition to see who could pull the best pint, and Kate and William's was declared to be better than the owner's.

Mr Jackson told them: 'Do you know what? You can come back on Saturday for a shift.'

He then pulled out his mobile phone to make a video call to his son, Will Jackson, an accountant who was celebrating his 34th birthday in Manchester.

After showing Mr Jackson how to start the call on his phone, the Prince said: 'William, happy birthday. I hope you've got a good party tonight.'

When told he was off to a restaurant to celebrate, the Prince said: 'Is your dad paying? We're just in here trying not to ruin his brewery. We've just been given a pint-pulling contest.'

William later said: 'Pubs are so important', saying that they were 'places for people and the community to come together'.

The beer mile originated in 2009 when the Kernel Brewery established itself under the railway arches near London Bridge, sparking a craft beer revolution in the area.

On another engagement yesterday, the couple served up crumble and custard to unsuspecting shoppers as they made a surprise appearance at Borough Market.

William and Kate were put to work chopping cheese, while the Princess made coffee for her husband, who suggested a market stall could sell it instead.

They were met by crowds of Londoners and tourists, who seemed shocked to see the future King and Queen and thronged around them, taking photos on their phones.

William and Kate made their way around the market on foot on the previously unannounced trip, with crowds moving around them without security barriers.

It was their first stop on a day out in London as they made several unannounced visits and finished with the engagement at an RNLI tower station on the River Thames.

Kensington Palace said the programme was built around the river, designed to illustrate how it remains at the heart of London communities and trade.
The Princess of Wales opted for a glamorous sentimental jewellery piece during her surprise royal outing with the Prince of Wales in London yesterday.

Teaming new 995 Jimmy Choo shoes with cropped trousers and a Catherine Walker checkered blazer, Kate and William enjoyed a jam-packed day in the capital ranging from a tour of Bermondsey's Beer Mile to a boat ride along the Thames.

And eagle-eyed onlookers may have noticed a rather touching detail to Kate's look: her Cartier 'Trinity' hoops believed to have been a thoughtful gift from William to mark her 43rd birthday.

Priced at 3,200, Kate, 44, has been spotted wearing the chic earrings on five separate occasions this year alone  with the gorgeous jewellery piece featuring three intertwined bands in an 18-carat white, yellow and rose gold.

Created by Louis Cartier in the 1920s, the earrings are Kate's sixth jewellery item from the Trinity collection, with the three intersecting hoops thought to be a nod to her three children.

The jewellery piece is also believed to be a loving tribute to her beloved mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who was a firm fan of Cartier's 'Trinity' collection and famously frequently wore a distinct Trinity ring on her pinky finger.

Kate first debuted the striking piece in January 2025 during a poignant visit to London's Royal Marsden Hospital, her first solo engagement following her cancer diagnosis and to announce she was in remission.

The momentous royal outing, which came just days after her birthday, fuelled speculation that the earrings may have been a loving gift from her doting husband following a rather tumultuous year.

Eagle-eyed onlookers may have noticed a rather touching detail to Kate's look yesterday: her Cartier 'Trinity' hoops, believed to have been a thoughtful gift from William to mark her 43rd birthday

Created by Louis Cartier in the 1920s, the earrings are Kate's sixth jewellery item from the Trinity collection, with the three intersecting hoops believed to be a nod to her three children. They are also thought to be a touching tribute to Princess Diana

Throughout 2025, Kate wore the hoop earrings on eight different occasions as they became a staple part of the princess's summer looks and Wimbledon wardrobe.

Indicative of her love for the sentimental item, Kate opted to wear the timeless piece for the Sandringham Christmas Day service before re-wearing them for a visit to Bradford in January.

The meaningful jewellery item was also featured in her and William's heartwarming St David's Day message earlier this month, with the three bands believed to represent past, present and future, alongside love, loyalty and friendship.

Since she first entered the royal fold in 2011, the princess has often opted for Cartier pieces during her numerous engagements and even selected a petite Cartier halo tiara for her wedding day.

Kate and William were both in high spirits yesterday as they embarked on a royal pub crawl and poured pints, while also learning about beer production during the outing in London.

The couple made their way through the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a renowned walking route featuring more than 20 craft breweries, taprooms and bottle shops.

They popped into the Southwark Brewing Company where they were shown the process, got to smell some ingredients and even got to stir a brewhouse kettle.

Teaming her favourite earrings with new 995 Jimmy Choo shoes, cropped trousers and a Catherine Walker checkered blazer, Kate and William enjoyed a jam-packed day in the capital ranging from a tour of Bermondsey's Beer Mile to a boat ride along the Thames

When she was invited to try some beer and cider, Kate told owner Hannah Rhodes: 'Since my diagnosis I haven't had much alcohol.'

She added: 'It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.' Ms Rhodes, who offered Kate a soft drink instead, said: 'Fair enough.'

Turning to William, Kate patted her husband's knee and said: 'But you like your cider, don't you?'

Earlier William and Catherine tried their hand at brewing at nearby Southwark Brewing Company, a craft beer firm further down the Bermondsey Beer Mile which was founded in 2014 as one of the area's first small-batch breweries under the railway arches.

Greeting Peter Jackson, 66, they were shown how to ascend a ladder where William wore black rubber gloves to add hops to the 'kettle'.

After tipping the hops in, William said: 'It smells like horse feed as you're doing it. There's a real mixture of smells.'

Mr Jackson joked: 'Yes. It's good that it changes by the time it gets to your glass.'

Catherine then went up the ladder to stir them in. They then had a competition to see who could pull the best pint, and Kate and William's was declared to be better than the owner's.

Mr Jackson told them: 'Do you know what? You can come back on Saturday for a shift.'

The royal couple also visited Humble Crumble, a dessert business which grew from a single market stall into multiple locations and now has a large social media following.

For their final stop of the day, the royal couple arrived at the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station by E-class lifeboat, thanking the crew for steering them safely ashore.

Delivering cake and biscuits they had bought at Borough Market earlier that day, they joined staff and volunteers to learn more about their lifesaving work on the tidal river and mark the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguards.

After getting changed out of the yellow waterproofs, the Prince and Princess took seats at a table for a cup with representatives of the lifeboat station, and were brought cups of tea while they talked. 'Oh, that's very kind,' said the Princess.

Outside, where a small crowd had gathered to meet them after the engagement was pre-announced, there was a lone shout of 'have you been covering for Andrew, William?'  referring to William's uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his friendship with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Several dozen well-wishers, however, shook their hands and asked for photographs.

One woman shouted 'Happy Mother's Day, Catherine!' and a second showed her the tattoo she has of the Princess's handwriting on her torso.

The Princess responded: 'Oh my goodness, my handwriting isn't the best!'
There might've been an awkward bump in for Peter Phillips and his ex-wife Autumn Phillips at the Cheltenham Festival today.

Both Peter Philipps, 48, and his former partner Autumn, 47, who share daughters Savannah, 15, and Isla, 13, attended the concluding day of the event with their new partners.

While Queen Elizabeth's eldest grandchild beamed alongside his NHS nurse fiancee, Harriet Spearling, his ex was arm-in-arm with her property tycoon beau Donal Mulryan.

Autumn found love with Monaco-based Donal, who set up real estate investment firm Rockwell, just weeks after her divorce from Peter was finalised in June 2021.

When their romance first came to light, the pair were said to have made 'no secret of their relationship' - despite Donal still being wedded to his socialite wife, Louise Mulryan, at the time. It is unclear whether the pair are still married.

Donal, who has worked in the property industry for 25 years, also helped found West Properties, focusing on high-end development projects, in 2002 and real estate investment firm Rockwell in 2015.

Today, the exes no doubt mingled in the same circles on the concluding day of the racing festival, with Peter and Harriet enjoying a double date with Mike and Zara Tindall.

The couples smiled and huddled as they posed for photos, kicking off the celebrated Gold Cup Day.

Peter Philips and his fiancee Harriet Spearling posed alongside Zara and Mike Tindall at day four of Cheltenham Festival

Autumn Philips attended the concluding day of Cheltenham Festival with her property tycoon beau, Donal Mulryan

Peter, 48, beamed with his fiancee on his arm, with her stunning engagement ring on display for all to see.

She was regally sophisticated in a tweed, checkered 2,550 coatdress from the brand Suzannah, teamed with a black fascinator and black Penelope Chilvers Sinatra Boots.

To accessorise, Harriet, 45, carried a Mortimer clutch in the shade Iceberg and Kiki McDonough's Signature Green Amethyst earrings. Peter was dapper in a brown suit and suede shoes - all finished off with a felt hat.

The pair shared sweet glances, looking as loved up as ever at the event.

Meanwhile, Autumn cut a chic figure in a checked 360 Karina coat from Reiss, 150 Claude trousers in maroon from the same brand, with a 395 Brown Pill Box Hat from Carrie Jenkinson Millinery.

Montreal-born Autumn was a management consultant when she met Phillips at the 2003 Canadian Grand Prix.

At the time, he was working for the Williams Formula 1 team. She is said not to have known until six weeks later, when she saw him on television, that he was the Queen's grandson.

She then moved to Britain and married Phillips in 2008 in a ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor, that caused controversy because the couple sold the photographic rights to Hello! magazine for a reported 500,000.

Mike and Zara Tindall enjoyed a double date with Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling at Cheltenham this afternoon

For the festival's finale, Princess Anne's daughter and son both brought their loved ones for a family day out at the races

The couple lived on Anne's Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with their two daughters, Savannah, who was the Queen's first great-grandchild, and Isla.

However, they began living apart after their estrangement in 2019.

Peter said it was 'the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship'.

A statement, released by a spokesperson on behalf of the couple at the time, said: 'Mr Peter Phillips and Mrs Autumn Phillips are pleased to be able to report that the financial aspects of their divorce have been resolved through agreement, the terms of which have been approved and ordered by the High Court today.

'Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost.

'Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions.

'Peter and Autumn have requested privacy and consideration for their children as the family adapts to a new chapter in their lives.'

The breakdown of Autumn and Peter's marriage was considered as particularly painful for the Queen, who enjoyed a close relationship with her grandson's wife.

At Cheltenham today, eagle-eyed royal fans may have noted a rather remarkable number of fashion similarities between Zara and Kate, as Harriet opted for a Jane Taylor Selene Hat of rather similar design to a Juliette Botterill teardrop hat previously worn by the Princess of Wales.

Meanwhile, Harriet's Penelope Chilvers Sinatra Boots were also rather reminiscent of Kate's small Stuart Weitzman boot heel from 2017.

Even down to the bag, there were a remarkable number of similarities noted between Harriet and Kate - as Harriet opted for a Anya Hindmarch clutch in the shade Iceberg.

Yet it wasn't just Kate who Harriet appears to have taken fashion tips from - with both Zara and Harriet's jackets both designed by Suzannah London. Harriet wore the Winchester Coat Dress while in 2024, Zara opted for the Alabama Coat Dress.

It's been a week of high spirits for Mike and Zara, who yesterday appeared as loved-up as ever while out at the races.

The former rugby ace was snapped gazing adoringly at his royal wife, who was dressed to impress in a chocolate velvet suit, teamed with a lime silk blouse and a rose-detailed green hat.

Looking equally stylish in a check suit and blue shirt, Mike appeared reluctant to take his eyes off Zara as they posed up a storm at the Gloucestershire racecourse.

Adding a touch of glitz to her outfit, Princess Anne's daughter completed her glamorous look with a set of delicate drop golden earrings.

The royal equestrian and former Olympian kept her makeup to a minimum, allowing her flawless complexion to shine through a sheer layer of foundation while opting for a swipe of pink lipstick.

Mike and Zara, in her role as Cheltenham Racecourse Director, have attended every day of the festival, joining Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal and Kate's mother Carole Middleton at Ladies Day on Wednesday.

The Princess of Wales' 71-year-old mother arrived arm-in-arm with Zara, carrying a chic Hermes ostrich skin Birkin bag with an eye-watering price tag of approximately 20,000, and sporting the same 115 Hicks & Brown fedora Kate once wore at Sandringham in 2020.

Although the Princess wasn't present at Wednesday's occasion, Carole was still clearly comfortable in the company of her daughter's in-laws and was even seen throwing her arms around no-nonsense Princess Anne  who is not usually one for public displays of affection.

But Carole's appearance on Zara's arm only further highlighted Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's apparent exile from royal life amid the ongoing fallout surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The York sisters were once the ones proudly displayed by the King's niece. Beatrice joined her cousin Zara in 2024, while Eugenie last joined the royal fold at Cheltenham in 2025.

But it's unlikely the princesses will be attending the annual four-day festival this year  after they were reportedly banned from joining the Royal Family at their much-loved Royal Ascot in the summer.

For Zara, she instead appeared to rely on the glamour of Kate's mother for Ladies Day, with the duo seemingly coordinating their outfits for the occasion.

The pair sported near-identical coats, with Zara finishing her outfit with a burgundy blouse, dark brown skirt and black suede boots from Fairfax & Favor.

Meanwhile, the Queen arrived for Ladies Day wearing a camel coat with a brown suede skirt and matching boots as she added a touch of flair with a feather hat by Philip Treacy.

Not long after, the Princess Royal was seen making her way to the course in a forest green ensemble that she paired with a brightly coloured silk scarf.

The senior royals joined thousands of revellers to celebrate the return of Ladies Day after a seven-year break from the cherished festival tradition.

Peter and Harriet, who have been dating since May 2024, officially announced their engagement in July - leaving the nation eagerly anticipating when the next royal wedding could be set to take place.

In a statement to announce their joyous news, it was confirmed that while King Charles and Queen Camilla, alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton, had been 'informed' of the engagement, 'no date has been officially set for the wedding.'

It will not be the first time Peter - nephew of King Charles - has walked down the aisle. In 2008, he said 'I Do' to Montreal-born Autumn Kelly in a fairytale ceremony at Windsor's St George's Chapel.

The couple, who share two children - Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13, separated in 2019, with their divorce finalised in 2021.

Now, Peter has found love again with fellow divorcee Harriet, 46, who shares a 13-year-old daughter, Georgina, from her first marriage. She herself boasts wealthy connections, sharing a relation to the Duke of Gloucester through her late father, Rupert Sperling.

Peter, 19th in the line of succession, popped the question with a sparkling ring which boasts a subtle but touching tribute to his beloved grandmother - the late Queen Elizabeth II - having been designed by the same jeweller behind her iconic 1946 ring.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold previously told the Daily Mail that he is almost certain the pair will not be restrained by traditional royal protocol.

Acknowledging that times are 'very different' now, he said: 'Historically, yes, royal weddings, if you're divorced and you got married again, it was always a much more low key affair.'

Yet, while Peter is seemingly unlikely to abide by all of the traditions of the Firm on the big day, Mr Harrold is confident that Peter and Harriet will likely enjoy an 'all-white wedding.'

He adds: 'I think he'll still want to do things even though he's the divorcee. I still think it will be a full-blown white wedding affair.'

For royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams, there is no doubt that Peter and Harriet's wedding will be vastly different from his previous nuptials to Autumn Kelly that left the Royal Family 'bewildered'.

Harriet herself is known for having strong religious roots - having previously shared how she took great strength from her Christian faith as she battled through the early years of single parenthood when 'resources were scarce and the future was uncertain.'

In an interview in 2009, she revealed that her 'faith was always in me, but it was kind of dormant'.

She added: 'Somehow it didn't seem relevant to my life in London. But the end of a seven-year relationship was the turning point for me. I went to church as I felt there was something missing.'

In a piece written for Christian magazine Woman Alive last year, she also admitted that she'd often found life as a single parent difficult, but found comfort after turning to her faith.
The Princess of Wales has sent a touching message to patients and staff at the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment.

In a warming tribute on Friday, Kate dedicated a beautiful bouquet of yellow narcissi to The Royal Marsden hospital in London, where she had chemotherapy in 2024.

'To the Patients and Staff at The Royal Marsden, As spring arrives, these narcissi from the Isles of Scilly are to say I am thinking of you all,' she wrote in the message posted on Instagram this evening.

The hospital is especially close to the royal's heart after she was given preventative chemotherapy by doctors there following her own cancer diagnosis in 2024 after abdominal surgery.

The mother-of-three's message comes after she sent a heartfelt gift to the hospital ahead of Christmas last year.

Kate, 44, donated a 'majestic' Christmas tree from her annual carol service, held earlier in December at Westminster Abbey, to the hospital's Sutton branch.

The tree was decorated for her annual Together at Christmas service in London on December 5, when she welcomed other senior royals, her children, and celebrities, including Kate Winslet and Katie Melua, to join her at the service - which marked its fifth year.

Staff took to Instagram to thank the royal for the touching gift, writing: 'Thank you to HRH The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden with HRH The Prince of Wales, for donating a majestic Christmas tree from the "Together at Christmas" Carol Service, held at Westminster Abbey earlier this month.'

The Princess of Wales, 44, has told patients and staff at The Royal Marsden hospital in London that 'I am thinking of you all'

Kate also sent the hospital a beautiful yellow bouquet of narcissi from the Isles of Scilly

Kate and William visited the RNLI Lifeboat Station on the River Thames to mark the charity's 25th anniversary on Thursday

The Princess wore a 95 blue shirt from British womenswear brand With Nothing Underneath  along with a Catherine Walker blazer, chocolate brown cigarette trousers and new pair of suede ankle boots by Jimmy Choo

The Princess marked her 44th birthday in January with a 'deeply personal' video about the comfort she has taken from nature during her cancer treatment, saying how 'deeply grateful' she is 'to discover what it means to be alive'.

Reflecting personally on her journey and healing, talking of her 'fears' and 'tears', Her Royal Highness said: 'Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration.

'Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection.

'To discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing.

'I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am.

'For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive.

'To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal.'

It came part of Kensington Palace's 'Mother Nature' video series - Winter - which has a voice-over from Catherine and features footage of her on an early morning walk in Berkshire, close to her Windsor home.

A nurse at The Royal Marsden poses with the flowers Kate touchingly sent

A nurse treats a patient at the hospital in London, where Kate had chemotherapy

Kate stops for selfies with royal fans at the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station in London on Thursday

The Prince and Princess of Wales onboard an E class inshore lifeboat during a visit to the RNLI on Thursday

An aide described the release as 'the culmination of a deeply personal creative project for The Princess, spotlighting humanity's longstanding connection to nature, as well as nature's capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit'.

In a personally-penned caption, Kate wrote: 'The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.

'There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.'

The princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024 after which doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a course of gruelling preventative chemotherapy.

She announced the news personally in a video message that March.

In September the same year she also revealed the news that she had completed treatment but warned that her recovery and return to royal duties would be slow but steady.

In January last year she gave the good news that she was finally in remission but again asked for public understanding about her return to public life.

On Thursday Kate and William visited the RNLI Lifeboat Station on the River Thames to mark the charity's 25th anniversary.

William and Catherine pour pints at the Southwark Brewing Company in Bermondsey yesterday

The Prince and Princess of Wales receive cards and flowers as they leave the lifeboat station

Kate stirs a brewhouse kettle at the Southwark Brewing Companyon Thursday

They also visited Fabal Beerhall in Bermondsey where the couple were seen greeting crowds and pouring pints.

During the royal engagement The Princess revealed she had cut back on alcohol since her diagnosis.

When she was invited to try some beer and cider yesterday afternoon, Catherine told owner Hannah Rhodes: 'Since my diagnosis I haven't had much alcohol.'

She added: 'It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.'

Ms Rhodes, who offered Catherine a soft drink instead, said: 'Fair enough.'

Turning to William, Catherine patted her husband's knee and said: 'But you like your cider, don't you?'
Queen Camilla told a friend that Meghan Markle had 'brainwashed' Prince Harry as the bitter feud between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family deepened, a new book claims.

In a dramatic account of the breakdown in relations, author Tom Bower claims tensions were already spiralling just weeks after Harry and Meghan returned from their honeymoon in the summer of 2018.

The book alleges that a supposedly conciliatory teatime meeting between Harry and his brother culminated in Meghan snapping at Prince William: 'If you don't mind, get your finger out of my face.'

The clash came amid mounting concern within the Royal Family that Harry was changing under Meghan's influence, even swapping his mobile phone number in secret.

'Meghan's brainwashed Harry,' Camilla is said to have told a friend as the dispute intensified.

The remark allegedly reflected fears within the family that the once carefree prince had become estranged from his relatives and the life he had led before meeting Suits actress Meghan.

William had harboured doubts about Meghan long before the couple's wedding, warning Harry that the relationship was moving too fast, it's claimed.

'It's gone too quickly,' the future king is said to have told his younger brother about his budding romance.

Queen Camilla and Meghan Markle in May 2018. In a dramatic account of the breakdown in relations, author Tom Bower claims tensions between the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex were already spiralling just weeks after Harry and Meghan returned from their honeymoon in the summer of 2018

Prince Harry in Jordan last month. The clash between Meghan and Harry came amid mounting concern within the Royal Family that Harry was changing under Meghan's influence

His misgivings were reportedly shared by William's wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who Bower claims was also wary of Meghan's influence.

According to the book, serialised in The Times, both William and Kate believed Harry - who had struggled following the death of his mother Diana and had battled issues with drink, drugs and his mental health - was particularly vulnerable.

While Meghan's ambition captivated Harry, the family regarded her as a potential destabilising force.

The author claims that William and Catherine suspected Meghan was unhappy about the limits of Harry's future within the monarchy, and 'regretted' the fact that she would probably never become queen.

Instead of accepting the traditional role of the royal 'spare', Harry pushed back against palace control and distanced himself from his old circle of friends.

The prince, who had been known for his boisterous, boozy, fun-loving ways, became 'possessed by seeking revenge', Bower writes.

Since the Sussexes quit royal duties and moved to California in 2020, they have become isolated from Britain while Meghan has focused on building a commercial brand in the United States.

At a recent Netflix event promoting its upcoming shows, Meghan's new lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, reportedly failed to receive a mention from the streaming giant's head of content.

Bower also recounts how the couple attempted to boost their public image during devastating wildfires in California by visiting a Pasadena soup kitchen and sharing footage of the trip on social media.

But critics accused them of staging a publicity stunt, with Hollywood film-maker Justine Bateman branding the couple 'ambulance chasers' and 'disaster tourists'.

Harry reportedly hopes that his father Prince Charles will open the 2027 Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded veterans he founded in 2014, which is due to take place in Birmingham.

But with the family still deeply strained, Bower suggests such a reconciliation remains unlikely.

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: 'This is someone who has publicly stated, "the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life," language that speaks for itself.

'He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met.

Those interested in facts will look elsewhere - those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.'
One of San Francisco's most iconic properties will soon be an embassy after the Algerian government snapped it up for $10 million.

Coxhead Mansion, also known as Herbst Manor, was purchased by the North African country on Tuesday after being on and off the market for years.

The beautiful 9,130-square-foot, brick building has stunning views of the California city and is considered an architectural gem with a distinguished place in history.

Boasting paneled walls, gold ornate detailing and mirrors and grand staircases, the five-bedroom home is the perfect place for a government to host its guests and citizens.

Although Algeria hasn't officially said what it plans to use the Pacific Avenue property for, Sotheby's Realtor Daria Saraf said the consulate plans to use the space as its permanent West Coast embassy, she told the San Francisco Chronicle.

The country currently has one embassy in Washington DC, two consulates in New York City and a temporary office on California Street in San Francisco that was acquired in December with Saraf's help.

With a growing Algerian community in the Western US, the country needed a permanent space on the West Coast.

'They wanted to open a consulate here because we are the hub of technology, and they have a lot of natural resources, rare minerals and oil, used for the technology of the future,' Saraf said of the country's decision to choose San Francisco.

San Francisco's Coxhead Mansion, also known as Herbst Manor, was purchased by Algeria for just under $10million on Tuesday

The 9,000-square-foot property will be used as a permanent West Coast consulate

'They also want to start getting up to speed on the tech world and become a more connected force in the global economy.'

Government officials were after a 'classical' style property that could easily become a space to 'entertain in a gracious way.'

'They loved the historical nature and doing something deeply San Franciscan,' the realtor told The Chronicle.

The property was first listed in 2023 for $15 million by owners Ken McNeely and Inder Dhillon.

By the summer of 2024, the couple had lowered the price several times, eventually reaching $11.9 million, before withdrawing the home in December, The Chronicle reported.

It was later relisted in March 2025 for $10.9 million.

The 127-year-old mansion was designed by esteemed architect, Ernest Coxhead, in 1899, but has been artfully renovated since. The home blends Georgian style with contemporary elegance.

It has a dramatic foyer, a French salon and a magnificent dining room, the listing said. It also features a chef's kitchen, a breakfast area and a gorgeous fireplace.

Although Algeria hasn't officially said what it plans on using the property for, Sotheby's Realtor Daria Saraf said Algeria choose San Francisco as the home of their West Coast consulate due to it being a technology hub and having natural resources

Previous owners Inder Dhillon and Ken McNeely originally listed the home for $15 million in 2023. After lower the price several times, they took it off the market in December, before relisting it in March 2025

The Pacific Avenue property will replace its temporary consulate on California Street

If the property becomes a consulate, it would enjoy sovereign immunity, which would protect it from lawsuits and law enforcement would not have access to it.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the consulate for comment.
A strange trio of objects flying over New York City appeared to have all the signs of a real UFO encounter.

Charlie Correa, from New York's borough of Queens, spotted a single bright light in the sky on March 8 around 8.30pm ET.

Thinking it was a shooting star, they went outside to film it when two more small objects appeared and began chasing the first UFO.

'I have a drone and it either emits a green or red blinking light or no lights when recording. Government drones? UFOs,' Correa posted online.

The 18-second video clearly captured three white lights moving erratically through the sky, with one of the objects seeming to pull ahead of the other two before diving out of sight.

The unidentified objects appeared to stop and hover in mid-air before swerving in various directions as the two trailing craft tried to keep up with the lead UFO.

Many commenting on social media claimed they saw the same phenomenon earlier that night or on previous nights in other parts of the US.

Some suggested the object or objects may have been drones and not extraterrestrial craft, as New York's LaGuardia Airport is less than two miles from the witness's neighborhood.

A resident of Queens, New York captured video of three strange lights in the sky on March 8 which moved like UFOs

'Could these be drones?' the Queens resident asked. 'I think they moved very weirdly and moved very fast when I first saw them. Also, do drones shine a light on themselves?'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for comment regarding the video.

According to public databases that track these sightings, such as the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) and Enigma Labs, the March 8 incident has not been officially reported by any witnesses yet.

Some viewers of the video theorized that the New Yorker had captured footage of one large, triangle-shaped craft rotating through the air.

'I saw this exact UFO over my apartments last Thursday!!!!' A person in Texas replied in the post on Reddit.

'Walking my dog, and I look up to this MASSIVE triangle with 3 lights like this just slowly moving across the sky. Four other tenants were outside talking, and they couldnt believe it either! This is crazy,' they added.

'I'm in Ohio and noticed it was an oddly clear night, so I looked up and watched the sky for a while. I SWEAR I saw the same thing,' another person commented.

If the three lights were coming from separate UFOs or drones, some commented on how the objects followed a mysterious pattern that has been seen in multiple UFO incidents.

The objects were seen stopping and then accelerating again in mid-air, with some viewers claiming the objects were drone and other saying it was one large triangular craft

Both UFO researchers and witnesses have previously documented how swarms of three or four small objects were able to stay in formation and keep perfect distance from each other.

'If [you] watch carefully [you] can see how the distance between the objects is kind of consistent... very creepy,' one person wrote.

Jeremy Corbell, investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and co-host of the WEAPONIZED Podcast, recently revealed footage of a similar trio of bright orbs that flew in formation over the Persian Gulf in 2012.

Just like the lights seen over Queens on Sunday, those orbs in the Middle East were described as flying in an almost 'playful' manner.

The orbs appeared to be intelligently coordinated, maintaining equal distances without any visible wings, tails, fins, or engine exhaust of any kind.

Meanwhile, the new objects displayed another trait of past UFO sightings that scientists could not explain - unusual flight movements that defy basic physics.

In this case, the lights seen chasing the lead object repeatedly appeared to stop in mid-air before instantly accelerating without any visible thrust, something human aircraft haven't publicly shown an ability to do.
A wild theory claims President Donald Trump may be a time traveler, with clues scattered through art and literature for more than a century.

Sketches of futuristic aircraft drawn by artist Charles Dellschau, a Prussian immigrant who came to the US in 1850 and died in 1923, mysteriously contain the word 'TRUMP' and even featured the number 47 - the number of presidents the US has had.

Before his death, Dellschau created depictions of fantastical flying machines that he called 'aeros,' which often resembled a mix of early airships, balloons and primitive airplanes.

However, conspiracy theorists have seized on the repeated appearance of Trump's name and the numbers associated with both of his terms in the White House as the 45th and 47th commander-in-chief.

The extraordinary theory has also been connected to old novels by Ingersoll Lockwood from the late 1800s, which featured a young character named 'Baron Trump' who embarked on incredible adventures with a wise mentor, Don.

In Lockwood's books, Baron lives in a grand place called Castle Trump and is guided by Don, adding even more intrigue to the theory that America's first family was foretold decades before the president's birth.

While some have claimed the artist and author had some mysterious method of knowing the future, others have claimed, without evidence, that the similarities prove the Trump family has time-travel technology and used it to influence world events.

One person on social media claimed: 'Either Trump is a time traveler or someone put in 200 years of work to make a guy who wasn't even born yet look like he is one.'

Images created by Charles Dellschau in the early 1900s depicted futuristic vehicles with the word 'TRUMP' on them

The images have led to wild theories that claim the reference to Trump is a clue that the current US president is a time traveler

According to the American Visionary Art Museum in Maryland, Dellschau's fictitious aeros were powered by an anti-gravity substance he envisioned called 'NB Gas' or 'supe,' that enabled them to fly without normal fuels.

The technology is eerily similar to descriptions of UFOs, which the government calls Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, and President Trump has vowed to disclose to the American people during his term.

Dellschau's sketches also included one showing a golden-haired figure steering a machine labeled with the number 45, another link to Trump serving as the 45th president.

The mystery surrounding the Dellschau sketches has sent conspiracy theorists searching for every possible clue that Trump and his youngest son, Barron, could have traveled through time.

One quote that has gained attention is Trump saying, 'I know things that other people dont know,' both during his 2016 presidential campaign and after he won the White House.

Trump's past comments on nuclear power have also raised eyebrows. The president has claimed that his uncle Dr John Trump, would explain the power of what's going to happen, and he was right.'

Celebrity and podcast host Logan Paul has even asked Trump's granddaughter, Kai, about the Lockwood book and whether it was proof that the human race was living in a virtual simulation.

The teen said she was certain that Barron was not a time traveler, adding: 'I don't go down those rabbit holes. I don't want to go down those rabbit holes.'

Donald Trump (Center) and Barron Trump (Right) seen during the president's second election to the White House

Trump's name and the numbers 45 and 47 are seen on multiple images, which allegedly reference his terms as the 45th and 47th president

The mystery grows even stranger when conspiracy fans begin to examine Lockwood's connection to the time travel theory.

He was an American political writer and novelist who wrote two children's books titled 'Baron Trump's Marvelous Underground Journey,' and 'Little Baron Trump and His Wonderful Dog Bulgar.'

However, Lockwood also created the ominous political tome, 'The Last President,' a story which opens in New York City right after the election of an enormously unpopular candidate.

The 19th-century author wrote that police officers shouted through the streets as 'mobs of vast size are organizing under the lead of anarchists and socialists, and threaten to plunder and despoil the houses of the rich who have wronged and oppressed them for so many years.'

'Baron Trump's Marvellous Underground Journey' printed in the late 1800s

Conspiracy theorists have claimed Baron Trump in the 19th century tome looks eerily similar to Barron Trump during his father's first presidential term

In the books featuring Baron Trump, the boy visits Russia on an extraordinary adventure. Baron is guided through his adventure by Don, who is described as 'the master of all masters.'

The Trump family motto in the book is: 'The pathway to glory is strewn with pitfalls and dangers.'

In the storybook's illustrations of Baron Trump, he is lavishly dressed and decked in jewels, as he leaves Castle Trump and begins his journey to Russia to find an entrance to alternate dimensions.

As for whether time travel is actually possible or just a work of science fiction, no major scientific institution, such as NASA, has ever dismissed the theory as impossible.

In fact, many prominent scientists have claimed that time travel is possible to some degree, including a 2020 study in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity that mathematically showed backward time travel could happen without creating confusing paradoxes or breaking the rules of cause and effect.

However, famed physicist Stephen Hawking argued in his 1994 book that 'The best evidence we have that time travel is not possible, and never will be, is that we have not been invaded by hordes of tourists from the future.'
Since it hit Netflix on Wednesday, Louis Theroux's latest documentary has had social media ablaze with chatter.

Titled 'Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere', the 90minute programme sees the journalist explore how extreme influencers including Harrison Sullivan (HSTikkyTokky) and Myron Gaines are manipulating young boys with their ideas surrounding masculinity.

If you watch the documentary, you'll hear these influencers using a range of slang words and phrases  alongside secret hand gestures.

From 'red pills' to 'gymcels', these terms were once confined to the socalled 'manosphere', but are slowly penetrating the mainstream.

To help you decode this strange language, the UN has developed a handy Manosphere Glossary.

'Like many communities, the manosphere spreads its ideas with its own unique terminology and cultural references,' it explained.

'This includes coded language for gendered hate speech, pseudoscience and other harmful lies  even certain phrases that might be considered harmless outside of these online communities.

'While internet slang and the manosphere's glossary are always expanding, familiarizing yourself with some of these common terms can help you spot misogynist content in your feed.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

One of the slang terms frequently mentioned in the documentary is the 'red pill'.

This is a reference to the 1999 movie The Matrix, in which the lead character, Neo, is given the choice between a red pill or a blue pill.

'Red pill ideology, or to be redpilled, means to wake up to a reality that the world favors women over men,' the UN explains in its glossary.

'It suggests that people who disagree have taken the blue pill.'

In the manosphere, you might also hear men referring to a black pill.

This is the view among incels (involuntary celibates) that your romantic prospects are biologically determined, and that 'inferior' men have no chance of ever having sexual relationships with women.

The glossary includes several acronyms that are regularly used across the manosphere.

AWALT stands for 'all women are like that', and is often used to stereotype women, while FHO stands for 'female humanoid organism'.

Titled 'Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere', the 90minute programme sees the journalist explore how extreme influencers including Harrison Sullivan (HSTikkyTokky) and Myron Gaines are manipulating young boys with their ideas surrounding masculinity

What is the manosphere? The manosphere is an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow and aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man  and the false narrative that feminism and gender equality have come at the cost of mens rights. These communities promote the idea that emotional control, material wealth, physical appearance and dominance, especially over women, are markers of male worth. Source: UN

'"Female humanoid organism" is an insulting term meant to suggest women are not only less than men, but less than human,' the UN glossary explains.

MGTOW (men going their own way) is a movement that suggests society is rigged against men, while PUA is a 'pickup artist'.

According to the glossary, a PUA 'refers to individuals within a core manosphere ideology that teaches members how to coerce women into sex, as if a game, and mocks the idea of sexual consent.'

Three names you might hear mentioned are Stacy, Becky, and Chad.

These aren't influencers, and instead are used to describe entire groups of people.

Stacy is an idealized, highly attractive woman that is considered unattainable, while Chad is her male equivalent.

'[Chad is] the archetype of an alpha male: a muscular, sexually successful man and the opposite of incel or beta male,' the UN explained.

'Often depicted in memes and used in racist contexts,' it added.

In contrast, Becky is used to describe a woman who is less desirable, and is often racialised or class coded.

The UN hopes the glossary will help people to spot subversive and harmful content online.

'The manosphere targets male audiences in all digital spaces, including social media, podcasts, gamer communities, and even dating apps,' it added.

'Many men and boys engage with the content in search of forums to learn about mens issues.

'But the solutions and discussions veer far from healthy advice, promoting instead ideas of harsh selfdiscipline, emotional control and physical dominance over others, especially women and girls.'
It might sometimes feel like the days are starting to drag on, but scientists say that this isn't necessarily all in your head.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich have found that the length of days on Earth is increasing at an 'unprecedented' rate.

Days are getting longer at a rate of 1.33 milliseconds per century, a rate of change faster than any other point in 3.6 million years of Earth's history.

Now, scientists say that climate change is to blame.

As the polar ice sheets and glaciers melt faster due to global warming, rising sea levels are slowing down Earth's rotation and making the days last longer.

Like a figure skater stretching out their arms to slow their spin, water from the melting poles flows towards the equator, moving the Earth's mass further from its axis of rotation.

Coauthor Professor Benedikt Soja, of the University of Vienna, told the Daily Mail: 'While natural cycles caused variations in the past, the current rate of change, due to human impact, is so rapid that it stands out in climate history.

'Only one time  around 2 million years ago  the rate of change in length of day was nearly comparable, but never before or after that has the planetary "figure skater" raised her arms and sealevels so quickly as in 2000 to 2020.'

Scientists say that days on Earth are getting longer at a rate of 1.33 milliseconds per century, and climate change is to blame. Pictured: A graph showing the rate of change in day length over time

Days on Earth have never been exactly 24 hours, and the speed of rotation can be altered by the gravity of the moon, processes deep beneath the surface, and changes in the atmosphere.

These minute fluctuations don't have noticeable impacts on the world at large and are simply part of the planet's natural cycles.

However, in previous studies, Professor Soja and his coauthors found that humans are starting to change the planet's rotation as much, if not more than, natural factors.

By shifting the distribution of mass around the globe, melting ice and rising sea levels increase the planet's moment of inertia  resulting in slower spin and longer days.

The changes aren't large enough for anyone to notice, but they could soon cause serious problems for sensitive systems.

Professor Soja says: 'Even though the changes are only milliseconds, they can disrupt systems that require extremely precise time keeping.

'This includes space navigation, GPS and satellite navigation systems, and synchronisation of atomic clocks, which makes it so important to precisely monitor the Earth's rotation.'

As climate change continues, the researchers expect that this deceleration will only become more pronounced.

Researchers have calculated the rate of change in the length of days over the last 3.6 million years. This shows that no force has slowed the Earth's rotation as much as humancaused climate change. Pictured: A graph showing the rate of change in day length over time

Why does climate change make the day longer? The speed at which the Earth spins is affected by the law of the conservation of angular momentum, like a figure skater tucking in or extending their arms to change their rotation. If its mass is kept close to the axis of rotation, its moment of inertia is low, and it will spin faster. If the mass moves further out from the axis, the moment of inertia increases and the planet's spin slows. Currently, the Earth is storing a lot of mass near the poles in the form of ice sheets and mountain glaciers. Climate change is melting these ice reserves, sending water flowing towards the equator. That is moving the Earth's mass further from the axis of rotation, resulting in slower spinning and longer days.

By the end of the 21st Century, researchers expect climate change to affect the length of the day more strongly than the gravitational pull of the moon.

That could mean that days on Earth get 2.62 milliseconds longer every century, starting from the 2080s.

But scientists still didn't know how big those changes really were on the scale of Earth's geological history.

Luckily for them, our planet has a hidden way of recording the length of days stretching back millions of years into the past.

The scientists looked at the tiny, fossilised remains of an ancient singlecelled organism called benthic foraminifera.

Locked inside the shells of these longdead creatures are subtle traces that can tell scientists a lot about what the world was like when they were alive.

'From the chemical composition of the fossilised shells of these marine organisms, it is possible to trace past sealevel fluctuations,' Dr Soja explained.

'Based on this information on past sea level, we developed a physicsinformed machine learning model to derive the corresponding changes in day length over the last 3.6 million years.'

This revealed that the length of days on Earth had indeed changed in the past due to natural fluctuations in sea levels.

Scientists could work out how long the day was 3.6 million years ago by looking at chemical traces in the shells of fossilised marine organisms called benthic foraminifera (pictured)

As the vast ice sheets melted and grew again over hundreds of thousands of years, mass was pushed towards and away from the equator  slowing and accelerating the Earth's rotation.

However, no force in the last 3.6 million years has changed the planet quite as fast as humanity's production of greenhouse gases.

Before the 21st Century, the most rapid changes occurred around two million years ago, at a time when extremely high levels of CO2 meant that Greenland was iceless and forested.

But even during this period of rapid natural climate change, Earth's rotation didn't slow as rapidly as it has in the last 25 years.
Security experts have issued a stark warning after an Iran-linked attack on a major US company this week, cautioning it may only be the beginning.

The alert follows a cyberattack on Michigan-based medical technology giant Stryker that knocked thousands of employees offline and disrupted internal systems across the company's global network.

The Iran-linked hacker group Handala later claimed responsibility, describing the operation as retaliation for what it claimed was a US strike on a school in Minab.

Lee Sult, chief investigator at cybersecurity firm Binalyze, said the incident could mark the start of a broader campaign targeting Western organizations.

'The Stryker attack looks to be the first drop of blood in the water as a result of nation-state and hacktivist activity off the back of the Iran conflict,' he said.

'This attack confirms Western organizations are not only in the adversary's crosshairs, but the adversary can also make the shot. More shots are coming.'

Frank A Rose, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and a policy adviser at the Defense Department, told the Daily Mail the incidents may signal a dangerous shift toward targeting American infrastructure.

Rose warned that data centers, banking systems, energy facilities, and privately owned infrastructure could be next on the Iranian hackers' list.

Security experts have issued a stark warning after an Iran-linked attack on critical US infrastructure this week, cautioning it may only be the beginning. The attacks are retaliation for US bombing in Iran (STOCK)

'When the Iranians know very well they cannot take us on head-to-head in America militarily, they're going to look for asymmetric ways to respond,' Rose said.

'Attacking American infrastructure might be one of those asymmetric vulnerabilities.'

He added that most of the US is commercially owned or privately held, and these groups do not think about security the way national security organizations do.

'You would hope companies in the private sector understand the evolving threat and start hardening key systems like data centers, banking networks and their cyber infrastructure, said Rose.

'But that costs money. When I worked on cyber issues in government, we often didn't make the investments we needed to because there were always other budget priorities.

'Since 9/11, we've improved security around critical infrastructure, but it's still not 100 percent.'

Sult said that the Wednesday cyberattack on Stryker 'be the first in a wave of attacks.'

The Handala group stated Telegram, saying it wiped more than 200,000 systems and extracted 50 terabytes of data in retaliation for military strikes on Iran.

The alert follows a cyberattack on Michigan-based medical technology giant Stryker that knocked thousands of employees offline and disrupted internal systems across the company's global network

Handala emerged around 2022 and has claimed responsibility for several cyberattacks against Israeli and Western targets.

The group claimed it shut down Stryker offices in 79 countries and that all extracted data is 'now in the hands of the free people of the world.' Stryker is active in over 100 countries around the world.

'Our major cyber operation has been executed with complete success,' Handala says in a statement, describing the attack as retaliation for what it calls 'the brutal attack on the Minab school' and for 'ongoing cyber assaults against the infrastructure of the Axis of Resistance.'

Children between the ages of seven and 12, along with staff members, were among those who died in the school strike. There were at least 175 people present during the February attack.

The company's staff found that remote devices running Microsoft's Windows operating system, such as cellphones, laptops and others configured to connect to Stryker's technology systems, had been wiped.

The logo of Handala appeared on login screens, according to the WSJ, which cited people familiar with the matter as well as social media posts.

However, Iran-linked hackers also launched a cyber campaign targeting US companies last week.

Cybersecurity experts revealed Thursday that the Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group Seedworm had infiltrated multiple organizations, including a bank, an airport and a software supplier to the defense and aerospace industries.

Researchers at Symantec and Carbon Black discovered attackers installed a hidden malicious program, known as a backdoor, allowing them to secretly regain access to compromised systems.

Investigators said the hackers appeared to be spying, stealing sensitive data and positioning themselves for potential future attacks.

'These attacks are about sending a message rather than stealing information, which means any organization in the targeted country could be in the firing line,' the researchers warned.

The cyber activity comes as the US and Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran that killed the country's supreme leader and several senior officials.

'Because of the heated tension in the region and ongoing attacks, it is likely Iran and its allies may also initiate cyber operations to further target their adversaries,' the researchers said.
Friday the 13th and its reputation of bringing bad luck has been tied to an ancient prophecy of global destruction rooted in the betrayal of Jesus Christ.

In an oddity of the modern calendar, Friday the 13th has come again, just one month after arriving on February 13, 2026. Having a Friday the 13th in back-to-back months is something that only occurs in February and March three times every 28 years.

The ominous date on the calendar has become tied to superstitions that allegedly bring the victim misfortune for years, such as breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors, and seeing a black cat cross in front of you.

However, the root of all this bad luck is believed to have started at the Last Supper, attended by Jesus and his 12 disciples almost 2,000 years ago.

It was there that Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, is said to have betrayed Jesus to the chief priests of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council, who handed Jesus over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate for trial and crucifixion on a Friday.

Since that time, the number 13 has been associated with negativity and misfortune within the Christian and Catholic faith, often linked to death and betrayal.

This stigma eventually began to focus on Fridays, as Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, leading Christians to observe a period of fasting and penance in memory of that day.

Modern Christian scholars have even linked future events predicted in the Bible to this date, including one prophecy warning of a devastating asteroid strike set to coincide with Doomsday.

The Bible details the story of the Last Supper around 33 AD when Jesus sat with his 12 apostles and told them that one among their number would betray him, adding that his death was imminent

A prophecy in the Book of Revelation has been tied to the approach of a massive city-killing asteroid projected to pass Earth in just three years (Stock Image)

Biblical scholars have interpreted the coming approach of the asteroid Apophis as the fulfillment of the Wormwood prophecy, an event where a star falls from heaven, poisoning a third of the Earth's waters and causing widespread death.

Tom Horn, a Christian author and researcher known for end times studies, has claimed that Apophis, also known as the 'God of Chaos' asteroid, will unexpectedly strike the planet on April 13, 2029, which will also be Friday the 13th.

According to NASA, the 1,000-foot-wide Apophis is projected to safely pass our planet, coming within 20,000 miles of Earth. That will still be the closest a 'city-killer' has ever come to striking the planet in modern recorded history.

However, Horn has argued that those calculations could be wrong, paving the way for the Book of Revelation passage 8:10-11 to come true.

The Book of Revelation describes a series of dramatic visions given to the apostle John about future events, including God's judgments on humanity during a period known as the Great Tribulation.

According to the Bible's New International Version of Revelation, the end times prophecy states: 'The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.'

'The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.'

NASA has refuted the 2029 interpretation, stating: 'When Apophis was discovered in 2004, it appeared the asteroid could potentially impact Earth in the coming decades. Astronomers closely tracked the asteroid, and now NASA is confident that there is no risk of Apophis impacting our planet for at least 100 years.'

Friday the 13th has since been linked to superstitions such as breaking mirrors, black cats, and walking under ladders, which are all said to bring bad luck

Apophis is expected to pass within 20,000 miles of Earth on April 13, 2029, which will also be Friday the 13th

While the potentially catastrophic future of Friday the 13th is still up for debate, the date has been full of religious misfortune and death since the time of Jesus's betrayal.

In 1307, King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V orchestrated a massive, coordinated betrayal and mass arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful Christian military order famous for defending Christian pilgrims and creating one of the world's first international banking systems.

The leader of that medieval order, Grand Master Jacques de Molay, is said to have cursed both men for their actions on Friday the 13th as he was burned at the stake. Both the king and pope died within a year, cementing the date's infamous reputation.

Despite centuries of fear and superstition tied to Friday the 13th, historians believe the first published reference to the date being unlucky came in French literature in 1834.

In the French magazine Revue de Paris, an article by the Marquis de Salvo described a Sicilian count who killed his daughter on Friday the 13th, stating 'It is always Fridays and the number thirteen that bring bad luck!'

However, the ancient ties to Friday the 13th go back even further in time, and even reached the lands of Scandinavia.

Grand Master Jacques de Molay (Pictured) led the Knights Templar, a religious military order, and placed a curse on Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V after his betrayal on Friday the 13th, in 1307

In Norse mythology, a popular story often linked to the unluckiness of the number 13 involves a banquet in Valhalla, the afterlife for honored Viking warriors killed in battle.

It was at this party where 12 gods were gathered, and the trickster god Loki arrived uninvited as the 13th guest, leading to chaos.

Loki is said to have tricked the blind god Hodur into shooting an arrow made of mistletoe at Balder, the god of light and joy, causing Balder's death and plunging the world into darkness and mourning.

The connection to Friday came from the day being named after Frigg, Balder's mother and the Norse goddess of love and marriage, who was deeply affected by her son's death.

The suspected origin of these beliefs dates back to oral traditions during the Viking Age, around 793 to 1066AD, but they were first written down in the 13th century in Iceland.

The Norse origins of Friday the 13th even tie into the name created by psychotherapist Donald Dossey in the 1980s, who coined the word Friggatriskaidekaphobia to describe the fear of Friday the 13th.
It has been weeks since a retired Air Force general who has been linked to UFO programs went missing from his New Mexico home.

William 'Neil' McCasland, 68, was last seen around 11am on February 27 near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, during a one-hour window while his wife left the house.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) released a new timeline Thursday describing his last known movements.

McCasland was speaking with a home repairman at 10am, and his wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, left the home about one hour and 10 minutes later.

At approximately 12.04pm, Susan returned to an empty house, finding her husband's phone, prescription glasses and wearable devices were left behind.

However, hiking boots and a .38-caliber revolver were missing. Susan then reported McCasland missing at 3.07pm, and BCSO jumped on the case.

Investigators believe he may have left the home on foot, and search teams later discovered a US Air Force sweatshirt roughly one mile from the residence, though officials have not confirmed whether it belonged to McCasland.

McCasland, a veteran of Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, previously led both the Phillips Research Site and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson in Ohio, rumored to hold extraterrestrial debris tied to the 1947 Roswell crash.

Some UFO enthusiasts have linked those facilities to secret studies of advanced aerospace technology and unexplained phenomena, though officials maintain they focus on national security and experimental defense projects.

William 'Neil' McCasland, 68, was last seen around 11am on February 27 near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque. Authorities believe he may have left wearing the shirt in this photo

BCSO has also released a new image of McCasland wearing a light green, long-sleeve button-up outdoor shirt, saying he may have been wearing the shirt when he went missing.

'While there is currently no evidence indicating foul play, investigators are examining all available information as the case remains active,' the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Authorities are urging residents near the McCaslands' neighborhood to check security camera footage from February 27 and 28, especially between 9am and 2pm, and contact investigators if they find any video or information that could help the search.

He is described as five feet 11 inches tall with white hair and blue eyes.

Because several of his personal items were left behind, investigators are trying to determine whether he left voluntarily or encountered trouble shortly after leaving his home.

McCasland is known as an avid outdoorsman who frequently hiked, ran and cycled in Albuquerques Northeast Heights and the nearby Sandia Foothills, an area of rugged desert terrain that has become a focal point of the search effort.

Investigators are also urging hikers who may have worn GoPro cameras or recorded cellphone video in the Sandia Foothills to check their footage for anything that might show McCasland.

Search efforts have been extensive, with dozens of volunteers and law enforcement officers searching the area on foot and horseback while drones, helicopters and specialized search dogs combed the terrain.

A veteran of Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, McCasland previously led both the Phillips Research Site and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson in Ohio

Authorities issued a Silver Alert for McCasland, though his family says he does not suffer from dementia or Alzheimers disease.

A Silver Alert is a public notification system used to locate missing seniors or individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other medical conditions.

His family has pushed back on speculation that his former access to classified programs could be linked to his disappearance, noting that he retired from the military nearly 13 years ago.

McCasland's name became associated with UFO topics after the 2016 WikiLeaks release of emails from John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman.

In the emails, musician Tom DeLonge, founder of Blink-182 and the UFO-focused To The Stars Academy (TTSA), referenced McCasland multiple times, claiming he had advised him on disclosure matters and helped assemble an advisory team.

DeLonge also suggested on a podcast that he was being advised by McCasland and several named and unnamed insiders to carry out a slow disclosure of UAP information to the American public from US government or contractor sources.

An email tied McCasland to Wright-Patterson, alleging he oversaw the lab where Roswell materials were supposedly sent, and scheduling emails showed a planned meeting with DeLonge, Podesta, and someone signing as 'Neil McC,' consistent with McCasland.

These claims come from DeLonge and have not been confirmed by McCasland or official records.

There is no public evidence that he participated in UFO crash retrievals, reverse-engineering of non-human technology, or classified extraterrestrial programs.

McCasland's documented work focused on advanced aerospace research, which has fueled speculation about experimental propulsion and unidentified phenomena in defense circles.
Heidi Klum opened up this week about how having a 'form of ADHD' is actually a 'superpower' of hers.

The 52-year-old told Glamour Germany magazine 'it's my superpower,' and declared as she refuses to let the diagnosis limit her.

The model said: 'I'm very hyperactive because of my ADHD. I can do a thousand different things at once. I work on many projects simultaneously and keep loading on even more.'

Unexpected 'superpower': Heidi Klum talked this week about coping with ADHD

Milestone marker: Heidi opened up about the condition to Glamour Germany as they celebrated their 25th anniversary

Other stars who have ADHD are Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, and Solange Knowles. Hilton has also said that her ADHD is like a 'superpower.'

Heidi sat down with Glamour Germany to celebrate it's 25th anniversary in a sheer white lace dress with a push-up bra design.

In 2022 Heidi shared her neurological condition while filming the show Password.

Speaking to NBC News she said: 'My little dance helps me because I have ADD/ADHD. I have to do a lot of things to keep me focused in a way.'

Her son Henry Samuel, 20 - whose father is Klum's ex-husband Seal - shas said in the past that he was severely affected by ADHD as a child.
The U.S. military is hunting for two thieves who stole four drones from a secret Army base amid fears of an Iranian drone attack on home soil.

Army investigators are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of two masked men who stole the drones from Fort Campbell in November. They were stored in a secret engineer battalion building on the base.

Investigators released images of the two suspects they believed were involved in the theft. They were both wearing head and face coverings, dark sweatshirts and gloves.

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Suspects: Army investigators released images of two men they believe were involved in stealing four drones from Fort Campbell on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee

They made their escape in two separate getaway cars  a light-colored four-door sedan and a dark colored four-door pickup truck.

All four drones were taken from the supply between November 21 and 24 from the Army installation situated on the border between Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee.

The military base would not give more specifics on the timeline of the theft when reached by the Daily Mail for comment. It's unclear if they were all taken on the same day or over the course of multiple days.

The heightened manhunt for the suspects and the equipment comes amid a raging war with Iran and increasing threats to the U.S.

It also comes after the FBI alerted local law enforcement officials that there is a potential threat of retaliatory Iranian drone strikes in California.

Stolen: Four drones went missing from the base and it's believed they were taken some time between November 21 and November 24, 2025

'Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran,' the alert stated, according to reports.

Donald Trump told reporters that the threat was 'being investigated.'

'We have a lot of things happening, and all we can do is take them as they come,' the President added when landing in Washington, DC after a two-stop jaunt to Ohio and Kentucky on Wednesday.

As of 2025, there were more than 30,000 active-duty soldiers stationed on Fort Campbell.

It appears the reward and release of images is the first time that the theft has been made public since it happened.

The Pentagon did not comment on the investigation or the theft and referred the Daily Mail to Fort Campbell for additional details.

'The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information regarding the recent theft of the drones, the tips we received have proven helpful,' the base's Public Affairs Office said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

They added that no more information can be provided considering the investigation was ongoing.

Concerns of threats on US soil are on the rise as the conflict in the Middle East rages.

California: Law enforcement was warned by the FBI of potential retaliatory strikes by Iran

Response: Trump told reporters the West Coast Iranian drone threat was 'being investigated'

Trump said Wednesday he was briefed on sleeper cells operating in the US, but did not indicate how many there are in the country. He has also warned repeatedly that any Iran retaliation on US soil would lead to strikes against the regime larger than ever before.

Asked about preventing potential West Coast strikes and whether he was briefed on the sleeper cell threats, Trump said: 'I have been. A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border.'

He also claimed that the US knows 'where most of them are.'

'We've got our eye on all of them, I think,' the President added without revealing the extent of sleeper cells or their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, outdated targeting data may have led to a deadly U.S. missile strike on an Iranian girls' school, a preliminary inquiry has found.

The Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in the town of Minab was struck by a Tomahawk missile on February 28, killing 175. The victims were mainly children aged seven to 12.

It's understood the building may have been part of a neighboring Islamic Revolutionary Guard Navy compound at one time but was converted into a school a decade ago.

On Wednesday, military investigators reportedly found the U.S. was 'likely' responsible for the attack and pointed out that Israel was involved in locating targets.

Officials stressed that the findings are preliminary and that there are important unanswered questions about why the outdated information had not been double checked.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the strike, telling reporters: 'In my opinion, based on what I've seen, that was done by Iran. They're very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever. It was done by Iran.'

When challenged over the inquiry's initial findings, he said: 'I don't know about that.'

Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, described the strike as 'a major, major mistake'.

Blast: Social media footage showed the moment the school was hit by a Tomahawk missile

Grief: Rescue workers and residents search through the rubble in the aftermath of the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh school

She said 'target packages' containing imagery allow the military to determine whether a site is worth attacking.

'These [packages] can be very old and they need to be refreshed,' she said. 'But this school was around for 10 years, so this is a major, major mistake.

'It should have been caught, it should have been refreshed, and frankly, I feel terrible for the people who provided that information, but we need to learn from this and make sure we're using AI and all the tools to prevent it from happening again.'

She added that while it was a 'huge, horrible tragedy', the military and intelligence community try 'very, very hard' to keep data updated, 'but mistakes happen and lives are lost'.
One of the most conveniently located hotels for Las Vegas travelers is being plagued by scorpions, recent guests have claimed.

Customers at the Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino allege they have been stung by the creatures and have sought legal representation.

Linda Culler of Pahrump, Nevada, claims she was left unable to walk after she was attacked by a scorpion during her December 28 stay last year.

Caught on camera? Recent guests at the Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino claimed that the hotel has a scorpion problem, with one guest even filming one of the creatures in his room

She had selected her hotel for its proximity to Harry Reid International Airport and had woken up around 6am to catch a flight to Montana when she felt a sharp pain.

'I got up barefooted and walked around the bed and stepped on the scorpion,' she told 8NewsNow. 'I knew immediately. It was on the side of my foot.'

Culler said her right foot swelled significantly during the flight, leaving her unable to put weight on it for two days.

Culler shared her story on Wednesday after learning another guest had also reported being stung last year and captured the critter scurrying across the room.

'I think they should be shut down and totally gone through it, because it now has an infestation as far as I'm concerned,' Culler said.

Shut down: Linda Culler called for the Silver Sevens to be 'shut down' after allegedly being stung by a scorpion at the hotel in December

Culler said she also developed a fever during her travels. The effects of the bite forced her to seek treatment at a hospital after landing in Montana.

She was issued a $466 bill for that hospital visit.

'I just don't think it's right that they don't have to be accountable,' Culler said.

She said she hopes the Las Vegas hotel will reimburse her for the medical costs she incurred as a result of the scorpion bite and its effects.

Culler noted that the hotel did not charge her for the room where the bite occurred, though she was still required to pay the resort fees.

Hotel rooms at Silver Sevens are as cheap as $13 per night.

She was the second person this week to come forward with similar scorpion claims.

Pricing: Hotel rooms at the Silver Sevens, which is about 10 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport, are as cheap as $13 per night

Swollen: Culler said that her right foot swelled significantly after the bite, while she was flying to Montana

Hospitalized: The effects of the bite caused Culler to visit a hospital. She was issued a $466 bill

On Monday, a guest from LA alleged that he was also stung at the Sin City hotel last year.

Sulaiman Lutale stayed at the Silver Sevens in May while visiting Las Vegas on a business trip.

Like Culler, he said he chose the hotel because he was looking for a more affordable option in the pricey city.

Lutale was allegedly stung on the arm by a bark scorpion. The animal was filmed in a short clip by his roommate.

Stings from that species can be deadly, but such an outcome is very rare.

'From my understanding, he was in his bed, and he was getting ready to go to sleep, felt a significant sting,' Brian Virag, Lutale's attorney, told 8NewsNow.

The debilitating symptoms from a bark scorpion bite include numbness, muscle twitching, and difficulty breathing.

Bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpions in the U.S., according to Banner Health.

They can be found in the Las Vegas metropolitan area inside homes and under rocks.

The species typically measures only one to 1.5 inches long, making them particularly difficult to spot and even more dangerous.

Claim: Brian Virag (left) claimed his client Sulaiman Lutale (right) was stung on the arm by a bark scorpion at the hotel last year

Dangerous: Bark scorpions are considered the most venomous scorpions in North America. Stings can be fatal, but rarely

'Obviously, the Silver Seven is probably on the lower end of the expensive hotels in Las Vegas, but the same principles apply,' Virag said.

'It doesn't matter how much you're spending for a hotel room or an accommodation,' he added. 'It's got to be safe.'

Lutale said the incident happened in the middle of the night. He reported it to the hotel's front desk and was moved to another room.

He later saw a doctor after returning to Los Angeles to treat the sting, which he said left him with scarring.

Lutale claimed he never received an apology and has not heard anything from the hotel since.

He hoped to resolve the matter directly with the Silver Sevens before considering legal action, but urged the hotel to take guest safety seriously.

'It's just to follow the safety precautions before they hand out rooms to guests,' Lutale said.

On Wednesday, Virag said: 'We are moving forward to ensure our client receives justice and to hold the hotel accountable for these preventable safety failures.'

It was not immediately clear whether this meant a lawsuit.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino, its owner Affinity Interactive, Culler, and Virag for comment.
Harper Beckham could become the UK's answer to Kylie Jenner with the release of her debut beauty range.

Kylie, 28, was just 18 she released her debut product, the Kylie Lip Kits, and the success of her makeup line meant that by 21 she was crowned the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes.

Yet it seems Harper is coming for Kylie's crown, with reports that the 14-year-old is planning to launch her line soon - having already had a secret photoshoot for the new range in London.

Ambition: Harper Beckham looks 'set to become the UK's answer to Kylie Jenner with the launch of her debut beauty line'

Aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the beauty line is said to be inspired by South Korean cosmetics and is due to launch in late summer.

Harper has the perfect mentor to help her achieve success, with her mum Victoria also known for her popular beauty range.

A source said: 'This has long been a dream of Harper's - it has all been driven and led by her. She's an incredibly impressive young lady.'

The insider added to The Sun: 'She has seen first-hand how her mum has successfully cracked the world of beauty and, like so many girls her age, is obsessed with all things fashion and beauty.

Success: By the time Kylie was 21, she was crowned the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes

'David and Victoria are obviously supportive and very proud. This isn't a Brand Beckham thing, though  it is very much a Brand Harper thing.'

Back in October it was revealed that the Beckhams had trademarked the name HIKU BY Harper, putting the steps in motion for the upcoming beauty line.

The business-savvy family have long protected the rights to their children's names, with Victoria famously registering Harpers name for use in a range of branded products, including make-up, toys and clothing when she was just five years old.

At the time, an intellectual property expert said it was unprecedented to trademark a child's name because the move is usually reserved for those who are already celebrities.

Inspiration: Harper's mother, Victoria, is known for her popular beauty range

Oliver Bray, a partner at international law firm RPC, told the Daily Mail: It normally happens when your career is getting going and a lawyer says, Lets get some protection in place."

'As opposed to the future-proofing which is what Victoria Beckham has done with her children.

It may be a sign of the times with social media and the whole way in which celebrities are exploited.

In order to give you more levers to control your image, a trademark is an obvious place to go and it might be that society is driving the Beckhams to use these levers to protect their children in this more manipulative world in which we live.

But from another point of view, you could call it savvy and looking to the future.

Social media: Harper has often emulated her famous mother by featuring in beauty tutorials on Victoria's Instagram platform

Harper has become increasingly visible on her mother's Instagram posting makeup tutorials and TikTok dances, and earlier this year even launched her own account.

Victoria even previously joked that Harper will either become a beauty mogul or a stand-up comedian, saying her daughter is 'hilarious'.

Harper has often emulated her famous mother by featuring in beauty tutorials on Victoria's Instagram platform.

Victoria will be on hand to offer tips and advice on beauty after her own successful line helped save her ailing fashion business.

The Beckham matriarch's fashion label had been in the red since launching in 2008, but in 2023 fortunes turned around thanks to her $40 eyeliner.

Victoria's Satin Kajal Liner, which comes in 22 colours, has been hailed as 'the perfect piece of make-up' by not only women in the UK, but also across Europe and in America since it launched.

A fashion insider told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'This has been an absolute gem of a product for Victoria.

'It has become so popular, Team VB says that they can't get it made and out there quickly enough. While it might seem expensive compared to high-street ranges, ordinary women are buying it and then learning how to use it by watching Victoria's tutorials.

'There are other products being launched and the fashion is becoming more popular but the eyeliner is the stand out. It has been a triumph.'

Last year, Harper made her public speaking debut when she presented her mother with a prestigious award for entrepreneurship at Harper's Bazaar's annual Women of the Year event.

She said: 'My amazing mummy has built an incredible business from the ground up and has shown me the value of working hard.

'But above all, shes taught me to always be kind and, even though she has a million things to do, she rarely misses school.'
The influencer Carolina Reyes - known online as Carol The Warrior - has died of cancer aged 23 after sharing her battle against the disease with her Instagram followers.

She died in a clinic in her home town of Cali, Colombia, on Wednesday according to a statement by her family on her social media page as they asked for asked for 'respect and empathy'.

The content creator, who had 210,000 Instagram followers, was described as a 'brilliant human being who never gave up in the face of any difficulty that came her way.'

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The brave content creator, real name Carolina Reyes, died in a clinic in her home city yesterday

Relatives also thanked Carolina's fans for their support in the months since she was diagnosed with cancer.

They wrote: 'Thank you for loving her, supporting her, showing her so much affection, and always welcoming her with open arms.'

In October last year, Carolina, originally from the Colombian Pacific coast, revealed that she was suffering from health issues that prompted her to go to the hospital in Cali, Colombia.

After several tests, doctors diagnosed fluid in her lungs and drained several liquid-filled sacs.

Determined: The influencer, who had 210,000 Instagram followers, was described as a 'brilliant human being who never gave up in the face of any difficulty that came her way'

She said at the time: 'You can't imagine how devastated my uncle was to see me in such pain. They had to bathe me, dress me, everything.'

She also said that some family members believed her illness was the result of a black magic ritual despite medical diagnoses pointing to a complex clinical condition.

The following month, she announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer, as reported by NeedToKnow.

Carolina shared stories related to her chemotherapy treatments on social media, quickly racking up a large following and earning her the nickname 'Carol the Warrior'.

She had recently returned from a trip to Brazil just before her passing, sharing pictures online of her vacation.

Her most recent post before her passing showed her in Rio de Janeiro, captioned: 'Everything is fine.'

Her family said they will provide details of her funeral in the coming days.

Alert: In October last year, Carolina revealed that she was suffering from health issues that prompted her to go to the hospital in Cali, Colombia

Fans took to social media to mourn the influencer.

'Rest in peace,' one user wrote.

'Much strength and consolation to your friends and family during this difficult time,' said another.

'My precious girl, may God continue blessing you,' wrote someone else.

'She always delivered a beautiful message and I know she is now in the presence of God,' said another. 'Strength for her family may God enlighten them and be with them through this painful process.'
Europe's most romantic destinations have been revealed in a new ranking - but the UK has failed to make the top 15.

Instead, the title has gone to a Spanish hotspot that has overtaken some of the continent's most infamous destinations for love - beating long-time romantic favourites such as Paris and Venice, both of which did not make the list.

The study, conducted by Icelandair, analysed a range of 'romantic' factors across various European cities, such as their single population, nightlife, happiness and inclusivity, as well as sunset viewpoints and romance ratings on travel sites like TripAdvisor.

These factors were then combined to produce an overall romance score for each destination.

Topping the list is Madrid, which was crowned Europe's most romantic city achieving a score of 86.34 out of 100.

The Spanish capital ranked highly across multiple categories, particularly for its lively nightlife, large single population and welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for visitors to meet people.

Madrid has been crowned Europe's most romantic destination thanks to its vibrant nightlife, large single population and welcoming atmosphere

The city also offers plenty of romantic experiences for couples and travellers, such as evenings exploring bustling tapas bars and restaurants, wandering through plazas or rowing across the scenic lake at El Retiro Park.

Madrid boasts what visitors hail as some of the 'best' sunset spots, including the historic Templo de Debod, which turns 'magical' at sunset as its ancient stones glow a vivid orange while the reflective pools mirror the spectacular scene.

Behind Madrid in second place is Prague, which scored particularly well for its nightlife and romantic reputation among travellers.

Although the city is well-known for being a hotspot for stag and hen dos, it boasts plenty of romantic hotspots for pairs, with Prague Castle and the iconic 14th-century Charles Bridge among the must-see tourist attractions.

In third place is Lisbon, praised for its scenic charm and inclusive atmosphere.

Ranked second on the list is Prague, Czech Republic, thanks to its nightlife and romantic reputation among travellers

In third place is Lisbon, Portugal (pictured), followed by Barcelona, and Zurich

Most romantic European cities Madrid, Spain Prague, Czech Republic Lisbon, Portugal Barcelona, Spain Zurich, Switzerland Amsterdam, Netherlands Helsinki, Finland Vienna, Austria Copenhagen, Denmark Rome, Italy Athens, Greece Geneva, Switzerland Oslo, Norway Berlin, Germany Reykjavik, Iceland

There, couples can cruise side-by-side on sunset boat tours, enjoy breathtaking views from Castelo de Sao Jorge, and get lost in the winding, vibrant streets of the Alfama district.

Barcelona came fourth thanks to its vibrant social scene and coastal setting.

There's plenty for couples to do, such as visiting the grand Sagrada Familia, watching the sunset from the terraces of Park Guell or taking a boat ride at Parc de la Ciutadella.

Rounding out the top five is Zurich, a picturesque Swiss city known for its relaxed pace and beautiful lakeside views.

There, couples can stroll through the romantic Old Town, relax and soak at the Thermalbad & Spa and sample Swiss chocolate at the Lindt Home of Chocolate.

Other cities that made the top 10 are: Amsterdam, Helsinki, Vienna, Copenhagen and Rome.
During a time when travel is uncertain, many airports in the Middle East are operating limited schedules and many holidaymakers will have seen their planned trips to the region cancelled.

The continuing conflict is even putting off tourists from otherwise popular spots like Turkey, Greece, Egypt and Cyprus.

It could bring people to turn to destinations like Spain's Costa del Sol for the luxury and sun, without the risks they may come across elsewhere.

The popular destination, with places like Malaga and Marbella, could be the place to head to for a secure, sunny and enjoyable holiday.

The region is easily reachable, with plenty of affordable and direct flights to Malaga from many major airports in the UK, including London Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow and Bristol.

The location is also seen as relatively politically stable and secure overall - all qualities tourists are drawn to during times of unrest, and Costa del Sol has plenty of options for travellers seeking luxurious holidays and resorts.

Spain's Costa del Sol could see an influx of tourists seeking stability and sunshine as the situation across the Middle East continues

The destination offers luxurious resorts, good weather and plenty of beautiful beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy

British holidaymakers have long been attracted to the area for its weather, landscapes and culture.

Tourists looking for balmy temperatures won't be disappointed either, as Costa del Sol sees highs of 32C in August, and 11 hours of sunshine a day.

While Marbella is Costa del Sol's most famous part, Estepona is its more quiet neighbour.

Once a sleepy fishing town, it boasts a range of sophisticated bars and modern dining, all with traditional Andalusian culture.

Drinks are affordable too, with a pint of local beer coming to just 2.20 (1.91).

It comes as many Brits have started cancelling their holidays to places including Cyprus and Turkey - despite neither of the two countries being on the Foreign Office's no-fly list.

These fears increased for Turkey after the country said on Monday that a 'ballistic munition' launched towards it from Iran was intercepted by Nato air defences.

But the UK's Foreign Office guidance remains that most of Turkey is considered safe for travel, apart from the border with Syria along the east of the country.

There is no advice against Cyprus trips, but the Foreign Office warns 'regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption'. It also notes the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri.

One establishment on the island told the i Paper they were 'about 10 per cent behind' on hotel bookings in April compared to last year.

Foto Kikillos, a representative from Ayia Napa's town hall, added: 'Were hearing of cancellations.'

However, he was cautious to add: 'Life here is very safe. People are enjoying themselves.

'The last thing we want in Cyprus is to be dragged into this war.'
As war in the Middle East rages on, the airspace above the region remains affected - instead of thousands of passenger jets taking travellers abroad for their holidays, it's now filled with drones and missiles.

Not only have numerous journeys been delayed and scrapped altogether, but the flights still running have seen hours added onto their overall journey time.

Overall, some journeys are taking two hours longer than usual as a result of pilots being forced to take routes that avoid airspace over Iran or the Persian Gulf.

And it's not the only war to affect flight times in recent years.

The ongoing conflict in Russia means a similar flight disruption has been observed over Russian and Ukrainian airspace.

Smoke from intercepted missiles in the sky over Doha, Qatar, which saw its airspace closed

Airports across the Middle East have faced closures amid the ongoing conflict

According to the Economist, over a 48-hour period, 3,700 passenger planes could cross the Persian Gulf in normal, pre-conflict conditions.

But this year, on March 3 and 4, only 47 flights took the same path, a dramatic decrease in the number of aircraft using this airspace.

As for the impact from Russia, airlines have been forced to change flight paths in order to avoid Russian airspace.

In January 2022, 15 per cent of international passenger planes crossed Russia, Ukraine, Iran or the Persian Gulf.

But this March saw only 1 per cent of planes taking the route.

As a result, flight times have increased in order to accommodate for the longer routes.

For instance, routes from London to Tokyo have almost two hours added to flights.

Air India, meanwhile, is changing its route from London to Delhi, adding approximately 50 minutes.

Before the war in Russia began, a flight from Helsinki in Finland to Tokyo would fly over Russian airspace.

Now, however, it has a new route around the Black Sea and another over the North Pole.

Both add more than three hours to the nine-hour route, according to the New York Times.

The increased fuel requirements as a result have also caused issues, and aviation is not the only part of the tourism industry in the Middle East that is suffering.

Less than two weeks into the Middle East conflict, the region's tourism industry has already taken a devastating financial hit - that it may take years to recover from.

Current estimates suggest the conflict is costing the industry 515 million (444 million) every day that it continues.

Incoming visitor numbers - even in areas not directly affected - are declining rapidly.

The US and Israel first launched strikes on Iran on February 28 and tourism across the region has been in freefall ever since.

The highest number of airline cancellations since the 2020 pandemic have been recorded, with stop-over flights to destinations including India, South East Asia and Australia affected - 14 per cent of global international transit traffic passes through the Middle East.

Repatriation flights are now well underway across the region but travel to and through the region is firmly on pause.

With bombardment continuing from both sides, tourism industry losses could total 35 billion based on World Travel & Tourism Council figures.
Airlines have hiked fares and families are scrambling to cancel their holidays just two weeks before Easter as the conflict in the Middle East threatens to cripple the tourism industry.

Some of the world's biggest airlines this week announced price hikes as the cost of aviation fuel soars. This morning Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific became the latest to introduce an emergency fuel surcharge, effectively doubling it on most of its routes.

The conflict has sent the price of crude oil rising by a third, reaching more than $100 per barrel on Thursday, with fuel used to supply the world's airlines soaring even higher.

The war between the US/Israel and Iran has seen the main transit route for jet fuel from the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz  which lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman  effectively closed in recent days.

Iran has threatened to attack any ship which enters the strait, through which a fifth of all global oil and liquid gas travels.

A series of strikes have been reported on vessels in the region, with the UKMTO confirming 18 attacks so far.

The Gulf currently supplies around 50 per cent of airlines based in Europe, with consumers already taking the hit directly in increased flight prices. Those with flights already booked won't be asked to pay additional fees.

The price of a ton of jet fuel bound for north-west Europe before the first strikes on Iran on February 28th was around $830. Costs have almost doubled in the weeks since, with aviation fuel now up at more than $1,500 a ton.

Global oil prices have risen to their highest levels since 2022 following an escalation of the US-Israel war with Iran (Pictured: A crude oil tanker leaves the ConocoPhillips oil terminal after loading in Teeside this week)

Cathay Pacific today became the latest airline to reveal a detailed list of affected routes in a statement titled 'Fuel surcharge updates', a day after warning that fuel prices had soared in March with the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

Cathay Group's CEO Ronald Lam told a Wednesday media session the cost of fuel so far this month is double the average of the previous two months.

The hike in fees will apply to tickets from March 18, the statement said.

The surcharge will be effectively doubled  for tickets between Hong Kong and Europe that were purchased in Hong Kong, it will rise from HK$569 (around US$73) to HK$1164 (about US$149).

The costs are hitting tourists from around the world. In the remote Western Australian town Dardanup, accountant Natasha Earle and her family have seen their five-week trip to Europe upended.

The once-in-a-lifetime trip is costing roughly 7,500 more as they reroute to avoid disruptions from drone and missile fire in the Middle East.

'We've spent tens of thousands of dollars on this holiday,' said Ms Earle, who is due to fly at the end of this month amid the biggest disruption to global travel since the pandemic.

'We should get at least half of that back from Emirates eventually.'

Jumeirah beach in Dubai was desolate on Friday amid reports facilities are closing because of a lack of visitors amid the conflict in the Middle East

Brace! Air France this week said it would raise economy class fares for short haul destinations by 50 euros (43) to reflect rocketing jet fuel prices

Meanwhile in the Middle East, Dubai's usually crowded beaches, hotels and swimming pools stand deserted as strikes continue to plague the city.

Once a tax-free haven attracting social media stars and countless Brits seeking warm weather and crime-free streets, Dubai's carefully crafted image has been shattered and some residents believe it is 'finished'.

Thousands have fled the war-torn city, vowing to never return as the Islamic Republic sends barrages of missiles and suicide drones at glitzy skyscrapers and glamorous five star hotels, even striking the world-famous Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

Bustling beaches and bars, usually occupied by British expats including Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Luisa Zissman and Petra Ecclestone, have been abandoned as the exodus from the emirate accelerates.

On Friday, as explosions rocked the city, with debris from Iranian drones damaging buildings in the heart of the financial district, Dubai was desolate.

The white sand Jumeirah Beach in the centre of Dubai, within sight of the famous Palm archipelago with its Atlantis resort, is a favourite among Dubai's 240,000 Brits.

Usually overflowing with holiday-makers, it was empty amid reports facilities are closing because of a lack of visitors.

And package holidays to countries near the Middle East conflict are being sold for as little as 100 as travel firms try to win bookings from concerned travellers.

Demand for UK bookings to the likes of Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt has fallen significantly in the 12 days since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran began.

Travel companies fear the drop-off will continue indefinitely with no end to the war in sight and are therefore unable to determine how much their profits will be hit.

For now, very cheap deals include seven nights in Turkey at a three-star hotel in Marmaris with Luton flights for just 100 per person for a couple next month.

The cheapest holiday to Greece next month is now 130 per person for a three-star Corfu hotel with flights from Birmingham on April 21, returning a week later.

Others could take a week-long trip to Cyprus for just 165 per person, staying at three-star accommodation in Paphos with flights from Liverpool on April 22.

Dr Amrita Sen, founder of Market Intelligence at Energy Aspects, told the Commons Treasury this week that such dramatic jet fuel price rises would have an almost immediate impact on what travellers pay for their plane seats.

She said: 'Everyone is talking about crude oil but there are prices for jet fuel that have gone above $300 [a barrel]  it is crazy what is going on.

'So much production is focused in the Middle East it is not going to be possible to replace that through other sources.

'I am expecting quite significant rises in air fares. Some airlines hedge (against price rises) which will help a bit, but we should absolutely be expecting higher air fares for at least the next couple of months.'

Major airlines to move early on passing on prices to passengers included Qantas, Air New Zealand and Scandinavia's SAS  and many more have now followed.

IAG, which owns British Airways, said a successful hedging strategy meant it had no plans for immediate price rises.

Major European airlines including Wizz, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 have yet to comment on whether fares will rise.

Here's the latest list of which airlines have increased fuel surcharges so far:

QANTAS

The Australian carrier says flight prices will increase on its long haul routes, particularly those that transit through the Middle East.

UNITED AIRLINES

American airline United's CEO Scott Kirby said last week that profits would take a 'meaningful' hit because of the Middle East conflict  and if oil prices continued, fares would likely rise quickly as a result.

AIR FRANCE AND KLM

The Dutch and French carriers, which are airline partners, have both increased fares.

KLM released a statement this week saying rising oil prices 'will impact ticket prices, with the increase varying by destination and class'.

An Air France spokesman said this week that economy fares would increase by 50 euros (43) for a return flight.

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific said it will review surcharges again next month but has added $72.90 (55) on flights to and from Hong Kong and Europe and North America in recent days.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

One of the first airlines to announce prices would increase, Air New Zealand has added NZ$20 (8.79) on one way short-haul international services and NZ$90 (39.60) on one way long-haul flights.

NORWEGIAN

Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reported that low-cost airline Norwegian has confirmed price adjustments to factor in elevated fuel costs.

NORSE ATLANTIC AIRWAYS

The Norwegian flyer, which counts long haul destinations including Los Angeles, Cape Town and Phuket on its destination list, said increased fuel prices will be reflected in current ticket prices.

SAS SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES

Popular Scandi city break airline SAS revealed earlier this week that it had adjusted flight prices to cover the rising cost of aviation fuel.

AIR TRANSAT

Canadian low-cost long haul airline Air Transat said fuel surcharges would be increased, with Jean-Francois Pruneau, the airline's chief financial officer, saying on Wednesday: 'We have increased fuel surcharges on Europe. However, this is blended in the total price.

'What we're also doing is currently raising fares on peak travel dates and routes where we see less competition, where we have more flexibility.'

AIR CANADA

Air Canada is taking a similar stance; a spokesman told CBC News this week the airlines current fares 'continue to be adjusted to reflect these higher fuel costs'.

AIR INDIA

The Indian airline and its short haul sibling Air India Express introduced surcharges on both domestic and international routes on Thursday.

AIR ASIA

Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia announced a temporary increase on ticket prices due to fuel surcharges on Thursday.

HONG KONG AIRLINES

Hong Kong Airlines said surcharges of up to 35 per cent would be introduced from Thursday this week on air fares.

THAI AIRWAYS

Those heading to Thailand via Thai Airways who haven't booked yet can now expect a fuel surcharge price rise of up to 15 per cent per ticket, the carrier has said.

VIETNAM AIRLINES

The Far Eastern airline said operating costs have risen by 70 per cent as a direct result of the aviation fuel price rises  and the carrier has requested government assistance to remove an environmental tax on jet fuel.
A holidaymaker said she has been left 'scarred for life' after suffering horror burns when 'scalding' tea was spilt over her legs and inner thighs during a Ryanair flight.

Susan Martin had been travelling from Bournemouth Airport to Malta with her husband Billy Martin, 63, for a week in the sun.

But 20 minutes into their Ryanair flight, the grandmother-of-10 claims she was left 'screaming' in pain when the lid of her tea 'popped off', tipping boiling water all over her lap.

Horrific photos show Susan's lower stomach, upper thighs and groin area blistered from where the hot water burned her skin.

For the remainder of the three-hour flight, she claims she sat in the crew area 'hyperventilating' while Ryanair staff applied gel packs and iced water to her burns.

Susan Martin, from Weymouth in Dorset, suffered the burns during a Ryanair flight

She said the 'scalding' tea was spilt over her legs, leaving her with burns

When the plane landed in Malta, the 69-year-old, from Weymouth in Dorset, went straight to hospital, where she had her injuries dressed.

After returning to the burns unit the following day, Susan then spent the rest of her holiday in hospital, hooked up to an IV antibiotic and having her bandages changed daily.

The former receptionist said she had ordered the hot beverage through the airline's app as there was no drinks trolley on board on the flight, which she took last May.

Due to this, she claims the cup was filled using boiling water from the back of the plane rather than from the usual trolley, which Susan believes is why the liquid was so hot.

Susan said: 'It said to order drinks on the app so my husband ordered us a coffee and a tea and they brought the drink out.

'I had tea so it was just hot water with a teabag in it. It was a large cup.

'They put it on the drink tray and whether I knocked the tray or whether the steam popped the lid off, we don't really know what happened, it just all happened so quickly.

'It [the hot water] was all over my lap and I was screaming.

'I knew it was serious at this point. I started hyperventilating and I was in a lot of pain immediately.

'I was in shock as it was scalding water. The water came straight out of the water vessel at the back of the plane.

'They took me into the hold at the back. I took my trousers off and they were pouring cold water on me.

'She got the first aid box out and put gel packs and cream on me and kept changing them as they were getting warm really quickly.

'My legs had already started to blister. I was in shock and I was shaking.'

After arriving back in the UK, Susan had check-up and dressing appointments for the next six weeks.

Susan described the ordeal, saying she was in 'shock' and 'hyperventilating'

After going to hospital, Susan was bandaged up to protect her burns

Susan said: 'I got second degree burns on my right upper thigh and lower abdomen and first degree burns to the left of the thigh and genital area.

'On the flight home they had a drinks trolley. My husband noticed that when they were putting the cups on the tray, they were telling people to be careful with the lids on the cups.

'They didn't tell us this on the way out.

'I think the water was too hot as it was scalding hot. It shouldn't have been that hot. It was an unfortunate accident and the lid shouldn't have come off the cup.

'If the water comes out of the insulated jug on the drinks trolley, the drinks are never that hot.'

Susan is now urging others to be careful when ordering hot beverages on flights to stop this happening to them - and to make sure the lids are on correctly.

While on holiday Susan claims no one from the holiday rep team or Ryanair checked up on her in hospital and she has not received an apology from the airline since.

Susan added: 'I am scarred and I have to apply cream every day to keep the scar moist. I'm not allowed to go in the sun and for the rest of my life I have to keep it [the scars] covered.

'Can you imagine if that had been a young mother with a child or a baby on her lap. That would have been horrendous.

'I would hate anyone else to go through what I have been through and I'm still paranoid about hot drinks.

'I do still have flashbacks and I think I always will. I have stopped drinking hot drinks since this has happened.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Ryanair for comment.
Warships engage in maritime training

China Military Online) 11:17, March 13, 2026

Comprehensive supply ship Chaohu (Hull 890) (L) attached to a flotilla of the Chinese PLA Navy conducts alongside replenishment-at-sea with a warship during a maritime training exercise in late February, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wei Chenping)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
With four decades in travel between them, a mum and daughter travel agent duo have now named the ultimate girls' getaway.

Malta, with sunshine, spritzes and seriously good value, is the top spot for a girls' trip according to the travel experts - and it's just a threehour flight from the UK.

Melanie and Grace Landricombe, who work together in TUI's Crayford Superstore, say Malta is known as the 'Jewel of the Mediterranean'.

They say it's a hotspot for mum and daughter trips with golden beaches, rooftop bars, vibrant nightlife and Aperol spritzes for as little as 6 (5.20).

Grace and Melanie Landricombe work together as travel agents

The mother-and-daughter duo say Malta is the best place to go for a girls' trip

Melanie, who has clocked up 38 years as a TUI retail travel agent, said: 'Malta has everything from sunshine and food to culture and brilliant value.

'You can relax on beaches like Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay, explore historic cities such as Valletta and Mdina, or spend long evenings eating fresh seafood in St Julian's.

'I love it so much I even got married on the tiny Maltese island of Gozo in 2009, and Grace was my bridesmaid!'

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and 30C temperatures during summer, the pair say Malta is ideal for lazy beach days, sightseeing and uninterrupted mum and daughter time.

Melanie says the warm weather means 'you can spend hours swimming, sunbathing and chatting without any need to rush.'

Their recommended mustsee spots in Malta include Valletta, the UNESCOlisted capital with golden limestone streets, panoramic harbour views and centuries of history.

Mdina, Malta's famous walled city, is perfect for slow strolls.

Blue Grotto, a set of sea caves known for shimmering blue water, is best explored by boat.

And St Julian's is ideal for cocktails, rooftop bars and lively nightlife.

For those wanting to explore further, they say an unmissable part of any Malta trip is a day out to Gozo, which can be booked through TUI Musement.

Malta is known for its beauty, as well as its magnificent architecture

Gozo island is a great place to visit if you're heading to Malta, a smaller island nearby

Melanie added: 'Gozo is Malta's sleepy sister island and it's absolutely magical. It's only 20 minutes by ferry from the north of Malta and it feels like stepping into another world. It's smaller, quieter and full of history and after more than 50 visits, I still love it every single time.'

Their recommended Gozo daytrip highlights include Ramla Bay, with its unique redgolden sand and clear water, and Victoria's Citadel, the ancient hilltop fort with views across the whole island.

Plus, they advise a visit to Ta' Pinu Shrine and the Rotunda, two of Gozo's most breathtaking churches, and Comino and the Blue Lagoon, the tiny island between Malta and Gozo where the turquoise water feels almost tropical.

For food, Melanie and Grace suggest Primitivo Grill in St Julian's for Mediterranean favourites, or 'Catch of the Day' at Calle Bistro, which is known for its fresh seafood.

In Gozo, they love Ta' Rikardu in the Citadel for homemade Gozitan cheese and local wine.

When it comes to wanting a stylish stay without breaking the bank, the mum and daughter travel experts recommend the be.HOTEL, a modern St Julian's hideaway with sea views and a relaxed boutique feel. Set right in the heart of St Julian's, it puts you just moments from the island's best bars and beaches.

Grace said: 'It's the perfect base for mums and daughters. You can wander to the seafront in minutes, come back for a cocktail, and genuinely unwind together. In April, you could bag yourself a fivenight stay from around 396 per person.'

While Malta is their number one pick, the pair also shared a few other destinations they love for girls' getaways.

'Puglia offers whitewashed towns, golden beaches and familyrun trattorias that are perfect for proper quality time.

'Madeira brings volcanic pools and yearround sun for more adventurous duos. Valencia combines culture and golden beaches without Barcelona prices. And Porto is perfect for river sunsets, old trams and greatvalue wine bars.'
England's 'stress capital' has been revealed - and despite what you might predict, it's not London.

Lincoln has emerged as the place where people are most in need of a break, new research has found.

The historic cathedral city, known for its Roman and medieval roots, was identified as the most stressed location in England.

The city's position at the top is largely driven by its poor performance in the mental health category of the study, where it ranks as the fifth worst area in the country.

Residents reported the third lowest average score in both happiness, on 6.57 out of 10, and life satisfaction, on just 6.7/10, both significantly worse than national averages.

Lincoln was ranked to be the most stressed area in England in the new study

Furthermore, the city's financial stress is underscored by a gross disposable household income per head of just 18,178, the 13th lowest in the study.

The study, by holiday home ownership experts Darwin Escapes, used data from the Office for National Statistics to rank areas based on four key factors: mental health, physical health, money, and work.

The index analysed 12 specific metrics, including anxiety levels, gross disposable household income, and employment rates, to discover which part of the UK is most stressed and in need of a staycation.

Manchester follows in second place with a total stress score of 67.90.

The city's ranking is heavily influenced by physical health and work-life balance; it ranks eighth worst for its preventable cardiovascular mortality rate of 47.16 per 100,000.

Economically, the city faces significant pressure with an economic inactivity rate of 25.5 per cent and a gross disposable household income of 18,945, placing it 27th worst in the money category.

Manchester took the second spot, with residents complaining of poor physical health

Englands top five most stressed places Lincoln Manchester Eastbourne Spelthorne Hastings

In third place, Eastbourne recorded a total score of 67.70.

The coastal town's high ranking is primarily due to its mental health score, which is the second worst in the entire study.

Residents reported the third lowest happiness score of just 6.57 and the second worst life satisfaction rating of 6.68. Just six other places had a lower score when asked whether they feel life is worthwhile.

Spelthorne in Surrey ranks as the fourth most stressed area with a score of 67.66.

It holds the unfortunate accolade of being ranked the worst place in the UK for mental health stress.

It is the only place where the average anxiety score out of 10 is higher than five, sitting at 5.16, which is combined with the lowest feeling that life is worthwhile (6.61).

Hastings completes the top five with a score of 66.89.

Like its neighbour Eastbourne, it suffers from severe mental health pressures, ranking third worst in that category, with a happiness score of 6.56 being the second lowest in the study.

Drew Campbell, managing director at Darwin Escapes, said: 'It is fascinating to see which parts of the UK are under the most pressure, and the data shows that factors vary considerably across the country  whether that is levels of happiness, money worries, or ill health.

'For people regularly suffering from stress, finding a way to decompress is vital.

'Having somewhere to go where you can take a break from the daily routine, whether it's a holiday or a longer term investment in your own holiday home, can significantly reduce anxiety and help people return to their lives with a fresh perspective.'

At the other end of the scale, the study highlighted the areas where residents are the most relaxed.

Mole Valley in Surrey was named the least stressed place in the UK with a total score of 25.66, benefitting from an anxiety score of just 3.25 and a high gross disposable income of 38,465.

Other low-stress areas include Sevenoaks and Castle Point, which both rank within the bottom five for overall pressure.
A holidaymaker has been forced to miss her breast cancer treatment after her return flight was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Andrea Pendrey and her partner had set off to the Maldives for a break before she started her treatment.

But the couple haven't been able to fly home due to the missiles raining down across the Middle East - and have been forced to foot what is expected to be a 12,000 bill themselves.

Andrea was set to start her treatment last Thursday and has been desperately searching for rescheduled flights to get home.

'Even though this place is paradise, we've been crying and feel really upset,' Andrea said.

Most travel insurance policies do not cover war and conflict, meaning if a holidaymaker's travels end up disrupted by the current situation in the Middle East, they may not be be entitled to help or compensation from their provider.

In Andrea's case, their insurance company has now classed their situation as a medical emergency and they hope to fly home through Frankfurt on Monday.

Andrea Pendrey and her partner estimate they will have spent 12,000 on accommodation and additional costs by the time they make it home after being stranded in the Maldives

British holidaymakers are still stuck abroad two weeks since the war began. Pictured: Dubai airport earlier this month

'Emirates just told us we need to find a room, at our own cost and the airport was filling up with more and more people,' Andrea told the BBC.

The couple now have a room at a resort but estimate they will have spent an additional 12,000 by the time they get home.

They have had to put the extra costs on a credit card and Andrea, whose partner lost his job before the holiday, admitted: 'The money is stressing me out.'

The Daily Mail has approached Emirates for comment.

More than 140,000 Britons registered their presence in the Middle East with the UK government, after the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among those killed.

British tourists Lauren Higgins and Adam Wilson, who headed to the Maldives for a 'once in a lifetime luxury holiday', are among those who are stranded abroad.

Rosie Murray-West and husband Paul shelter in a conference centre in Doha, as the war with Iran breaks out

The war has meant their flight home via Bahrain was cancelled.

As of earlier this week, the pair are stranded on the tropical island  as their travel insurance doesn't cover their situation.

Instead of the plush Siyam World Resort they were meant to be staying in, they are in a 500-a-night Holiday Inn.

They have already been forced to shell out 2,500 and are concerned they may have to pay out for up to three weeks before they can fly back home, the Daily Star reported.

Similarly, Rosie Murray-West recently revealed how she was stuck with her husband in Doha, just as the war broke out.

She found her travel insurance doesn't cover many of her extra costs as a result of the conflict, but the Qatar government paid for their additional hotel nights whilst they waited for a new flight.

The couple had to fork out for 'cat sitting at home, mobile data for work and about 30 a day on food,' and she explained how her airline may cover some of the 'mounting expenses'  though it isn't clear exactly what.

Another couple Sarah Short, 54, and her husband Ed, 58, were on holiday in Dubai when the war broke out.

They were meant to return to London the same day but their flight was cancelled and they decided to travel to Muscat when they heard a flight to London would leave.

The couple said they paid 1,500 for a taxi from Dubai to Muscat, driving more than eight hours through the desert on the 300-mile journey.

Another couple Sarah Short, 54, and her husband Ed, 58, were on holiday in Dubai when the war broke out

Mrs Short hugs her son Alex as she arrives at Heathrow International Airport from Oman

Asked about the situation at the Muscat airport, Mrs Short said: 'It was absolute chaos.'

She added: 'We didn't know what was going to happen next.

'There were people who were absolutely in floods of tears, sobbing, shaking.

'And we were lucky because we were with our friends.'

Self-employed consultants Mrs and Mr Short were able to board a flight home and arrived safely at Heathrow airport, where they were surprised by their family.

Waiting for them at Heathrow's Terminal 5, Mrs Short's sister, 49-year-old Karen Fenton, said: 'It was frightening for them but thankfully in the end it all went OK.

'They're quite traumatised by the whole experience, they've had to spend thousands [of pounds] on this and got three flights cancelled.'

Laura and Paul Webster, from Birmingham, were stuck in Phuket, Thailand as of earlier this month and were told by their travel agent that there were no available flights to get them home for two weeks.

The couple, who both work in insurance software, were due to fly to Dubai for a three-night stay before taking another flight to Birmingham before the war broke out.

Mrs Webster, 40, said: 'We've got work, we've got kids. We want to get back ASAP.

'We don't care if that means four flights.

'The travel agent said there's none on their central reservation system.

'They keep trying to put us on Emirates via Dubai and the flights keep getting cancelled because of the airspace.

'When we've tried to look for flights ourselves, there's just none.

'We have been looking at trying to go via Singapore, we looked at Hong Kong.

Laura and Paul Webster, from Birmingham, were stuck in Phuket, Thailand as of earlier this month and were told by their travel agent that there were no available flights to get them home for two weeks

'My husband found one via Japan for 10,000 each, which obviously we're not going to do.

'Unless you have a direct flight that's already booked from Bangkok to London, you're stuffed for two weeks at least.'

Mrs Webster said there were 'loads of people in our hotel who are all stuck'.

She explained that their travel agent arranged for them to get an extra three nights of accommodation, but then they would 'have to fend for ourselves' as 'you can't claim for it on insurance, because it's war'.

She added: 'It's just horrible. It's literally a holiday from hell.

'We had two days of a nice holiday, and then since Saturday we've just had such stress and anxiety of not knowing when you can get home to your kids.'
Bailiffs boarded a London-bound Ryanair flight in Austria after the airline refused to pay compensation to a passenger who had a delayed flight.

The budget airline reportedly ignored a court order to pay a woman 890 (769) in legal costs and compensation following her experience two years ago when her flight was delayed.

A bailiff boarded the plane while it was on the ground at Linz airport in Horsching, near Linz, a city in Austria, on Monday.

The crew could not pay the compensation as the airline's planes are cashless, so the bailiff plastered a 'cuckoo sticker' on the aircraft.

A 'cuckoo sticker' or 'seizure sticker' gives the court legal control over the aircraft.

In this case, the aircraft was allowed to operate and flew to London - but a court can sell the vessel at auction if the debt is not settled.

Bailiffs boarded a Ryanair plane after the carrier did not pay compensation it allegedly owed

The Guardian reported that the dispute started in 2024 after the female passenger's flight from Linz to Mallorca suffered a 13-hour delay.

The passenger, who had to book an alternative flight, claimed for a refund.

However, after Ryanair did not pay her compensation, she took legal action.

A court ordered the airline to pay the claimed amount as well as interest and legal costs - which it did not do.

As such, the disgruntled passenger contacted Austrian authorities.

A spokesperson for Linz airport told The Guardian: 'We were informed that there was a pending claim against Ryanair in court and that a bailiff has been instructed by the district court of the city of Traun to carry out an official act.

'We accompanied the bailiff to the aircraft, where the bailiff carried out his official duties.'

Ryanair denied the aircraft had been seized to The Guardian but refused to comment on whether bailiffs had applied a cuckoo sticker or whether the debt had since been paid.

The Daily Mail has contacted Ryanair for further comment.

It comes after another Ryanair passenger hit out at the airline after claiming they were left stranded on a grounded aircraft for six hours during a storm - and later forced to pay for a hotel and transport without reimbursement.

The passenger explained they had been travelling from Bristol Airport to Dublin in October last year during Storm Amy.

The weather reportedly got so severe that the aircraft was unable to land at the Irish airport, and, after two failed attempts, was diverted to Manchester.

After landing, passengers remained on the aircraft for around six hours before being asked to disembark shortly before midnight.

The traveller said no complimentary refreshments were offered during the delay.

Similarly, Ryanair was accused of negligence after stranded passengers were forced to sleep overnight in a Polish airport - just weeks before Christmas last year.

Dozens of British holidaymakers faced misery at John Paul II International Airport when night flight FR451 to Newcastle-upon-Tyne was cancelled on 27 November, 2026 due to heavy fog.

Initially, travellers were told to remain in the terminal while emergency accommodation was arranged.

However, according to multiple accounts, Ryanair then abruptly stopped communicating - leaving them abandoned in the terminal as outside temperatures plunged to -3C.

Some of those affected were pregnant women and pensioners, many of whom were forced to sleep on the airports floor.
Netflix fans were left in stitches as the streamer released a swear-filled blooper reel from Morgan Freeman's new dinosaur documentary.

Viewers praised the actor as 'a treasure' as they laughed at his mistakes, which included being unable to pronounce the names of a number of dinosaurs, and shrugging off blunders with swear words.

Morgan, 88, narrates the action in the new four-part series The Dinosaurs, which was released last week, and examines the history of dinosaurs over a 165million time frame.

It's already proven to be a big hit with fans, with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and dozens of positive reviews calling it 'dramatic' and 'entertaining'.

One wrote of the Stephen Spielberg directed series: 'What a great show. From the brilliant CGI to the story telling,' as another said: 'This is a must see series.'

But viewers were left laughing as Netflix released the bloopers reel from serious Morgan's narration this week - that follows the individual stories of stand-out species of reptiles and dinosaurs.

Netflix fans were left in stitches as the streamer released a swear-filled blooper reel from Morgan Freeman's new dinosaur documentary

Morgan, 88, narrates the action in the new four-part series The Dinosaurs, which was released last week, and examines the history of dinosaurs over a 165million time frame

The thirty-second reel, posted on Instagram, begins with Morgan speaking over a hunt scene, describing: 'The best hunters are the patient ones...'

As the huge creature traps a smaller one before its jaws, letting out gushes off blood, Morgan adds: 'Oh, he's f**ked! I didn't say that...'

'How do you say that? Ar-am-burger-jean-yan-en-blah-landah? he can be heard saying of a scene looking at a type of flying dinosaur, letting out a chuckle.

Morgan struggles with the name of another dinosaur, and after pronouncing the end of its name as 'anus', he adds: 'Anus sounds like an a**. Strange names they give them!

He concludes the blooper reel by saying his own name, confidently telling the viewers as he introduces himself: Im Morgan f***ing Freeman.

Fans flooded the comments section of the video to praise Morgan, with one writing: 'Begging for a full version of this on Netflix.'

Another added: 'That man is a treasure,' as a third commented: 'Loved this documentary but now need a version with Morgan Freemans unfiltered reaction to it.'

'Hes so casually hilarious,' a fourth complimented the Hollywood star, as a fifth concluded: 'More bloopers of Morgan Freeman please!

Earlier this year, Morgan was unveiled as the latest star to appear in a Warburtons advert after A-listers Olivia Colman, Robert de Niro and George Clooney previously featured.

The Hollywood heavyweight lent his iconic honeyed tones to a new advert for Britain's biggest family bakery brand as they celebrate 150 years in business.

Morgan took viewers on a heartwarming journey through Warburtons history, from the very first loaf baked in 1876 to the present day, delving into the heart of the family business' obsession with baking.

To mark its special birthday Warburtons has unveiled its latest TV advert, 150-years in the Baking, narrated by and featuring Morgan, earlier this year.

The ad opened once again with Jonathan Warburton, Chairman and fifth generation of the family, sitting at his desk in the bakery's HQ in Bolton.

As he prepared to tuck into a warm, buttery slice of Toastie loaf, the rich, unmistakable tones of Morgan's voice began to narrate.

Morgan Freeman is the latest star to appear in a Warburtons advert after A-listers Olivia Colman, Robert de Niro and George Clooney previously featured

With his signature wry charm, Morgan masterfully sets the scene for a journey through Warburtons remarkable 150-year obsession with baking.

He spotlights key moments of bakery innovation, and juxtaposing them with scenes from the 20th century and historical milestones such as the 1969 moon landing.

Listing the types of bread the brand is famous for, Morgan says: 'White bread, seeded bread, crumpets, toastie, wholemeal...'

Another surprise cameo is then revealed, as Paddington Bear is seen tucking into one of his famous marmalade sandwiches.

In a wonderfully candid moment, Morgan breaks character and stops his narration to question what (the hell) a crumpet is, leading to a hilarious exchange with Jonathan about the iconic British staple, for which the brand is famous for.

Morgan asks if it is similar to a bagel and playfully brands the family 'crazy' when Jonathan reveals there are around 300 holes in their crumpets.

As Warburtons looks ahead to the next 150-years and passing on the family's baking legacy to the sixth generation, a poignant scene shows a 'Grandfather' Warburton, fresh from the bakery, cradling his newborn grandson in a hospital.

The narrative ends by leaping into the modern day, as a fleet of Warburtons lorries drive by - a heritage British brand, built on generations of dedication and a heartfelt passion for baking.

The Dinosaurs is available to stream on Netflix now.
Peaky Blinders fans tracked down the gang's real life Garrison pub - and were left seriously disappointed at what they saw, raging 'I wish I hadn't bothered!'

The boozer appears in the historical crime drama, created by Steven Knight, from when it first hit our screens 13 years ago.

Peaky Blinders aired 36 episodes across six series between 2013 and 2022 on the Beeb.

The Garrison is very much at the heart of the show, present from the start and serving as the Shelby family's headquarters as they grow her empire.

'Stylish, epic gangster saga. Fierce, damaged crime boss Tommy Shelby stalks the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham, carving out an empire for himself and his family,' BBC iPlayer's synopsis reads.

Many have recently travelled to Small Heath in Birmingham to see the iconic boozer after the pub appeared in the brand new film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which was released on Netflix earlier this month.

Peaky Blinders fans tracked down the gang's real life Garrison pub - and were left seriously disappointed at what they saw and raged 'I wish I hadn't bothered!'

The boozer appears in the historical crime drama, created by Steven Knight, from when it first hit our screens in 13 years ago - but now it looks very different

Many have recently travelled to Small Heath in Birmingham to see the iconic boozer after the pub appeared in the brand new film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which was released on Netflix earlier this month

But unfortunately, they've been very unimpressed with what they saw when they arrived, after realising that it is no longer a pub.

The building, located on the corner of Garrison Lane and Witton Street, is now a kitchen and bedroom specialist called Elegant.

One fan, who had travelled from Coventry, confessed: 'I wanted to do a bit of a tour doing the main locations now the film is out.

'I went to the Black Country Museum a couple of weeks ago and that was really good as that was recognisably from the show.

'But this is a bit underwhelming to be honest, I wish I hadnt bothered.'

A local called Louise Swann, 36, added: 'I came to take pictures of the pub and was disappointed to find its not a pub anymore.'

Another resident Glynn Jones, 65, said: 'They should have turned it into a tourist attraction. The pub is a big part of the series, so its a bit of a shame.

'Now you come down here disappointed because its a kitchen place. Theres not a lot you can do about it  it was a great pub as well.'

Peaky Blinders has aired 36 episodes across six series between 2013 and 2022 on the Beeb

It comes after Peaky Blinders creator Steven revealed to fans which episodes they must tune into ahead of the release of the show's sequel film, The Immortal Man.

It's been a long wait for fans of the franchise, with creator Steven first teasing the release of a film back in 2021, before it was confirmed last year.

Now, the film is just days away from its release on Netflix, and cinemas around the UK, with Cillian Murphy back for more as Thomas Shelby, nearly four years after its last season hit screens.

The Immortal Man, which will see Cillian as Tommy coming face-to-face with his son Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby, played by Barry Keoghan, launches on March 20 online, following its cinema release on March 6.

Set in Birmingham during World War Two, the star-studded cast will also feature Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth.

Ahead of its release, screenwriter Steven has suggested which episodes fans should re-watch, or first-time viewers should tune into for the first time.

Among them is the first ever episode, which hit screens on the BBC back in 2013.

The trailer for The Immortal Man sees Ada telling Tommy that his son, Duke, is now leading the Peaky Blinders 'like it's 1919' - when the show was first set.

Creator Steven told LadBible that the episode 'lays out what the whole series is about', and 'introduces Tommy Shelby' in a way that 'makes it pretty unequivocal about who this person is.'

He added: 'It really says so much about what Peaky is going to be about and the whole episode is essential to know exactly what this family is and what they do and why theyre so fearsome.

Steven also suggested the finale episode in the second season, which sees Tommy forced to assassinate a high-level military official by Sam Neill's Chester Campbell.

Containing one of his 'favourite sequences of the series,' the writer explained: 'What that gives us is: Here is a man who is not sure if he wants to live or die [in this moment] we can see that he actually chooses life.

Meanwhile, the finale episode of series six is also on Steven's list of recommendations - showcasing Tommy for the last time, riding away from his life in Birmingham.

Steven concluded: The horse he rides away on is a white horse. The horse he arrived on at the beginning of the series was a black horse... hes riding away to have a simpler life.

Netflix dropped the first full trailer for their highly anticipated Peaky Blinders back in December last year.
Manosphere influencer Amrou Fadl has accused Louis Theroux's Netflix documentary of editing that 'made him look crazy' - hitting out at the streaming service for being 'woke'.

Louis, 55, met with influencer Amrou, better known as Myron Gaines on platforms including Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, to discuss his shocking views on women and relationships.

The documentarian went behind the scenes at the forefront of a fast-growing cultural movement of extremist influencers targeting young men with misogynistic, homophobic, antisemitic and racist views online in Inside The Manosphere.

The content creator rose to fame online among a young male audience due to his controversial 'Fit and Fresh' podcast, which has hosted Andrew Tate in the past.

The series, which is a two to five hour show focusing on topics including masculinity, relationships, fitness and finance, is streamed online across X, formerly Twitter, and paid-for content site Kick, where young men pay to subscribe.

During the documentary, Louis sat in on a recording of the 'After Hours' section of the podcast, which sees Amrou spar with local female influencers around a table, and in one shock clip saw him brand a female guest 'fat f***ing b***h'.

Manosphere influencer Amrou Fadl, known as Myron Gaines, has accused Louis Theroux's 'woke' Netflix documentary of editing that 'made him look crazy'

Louis, 55, met with influencer Amrou to discuss his shocking views on women and relationships in Netflix documentary Inside The Manosphere

Louis also quizzed Amrou on his hopes to have 'multiple wives' - following a 'one-way monogamous' relationship with his now ex-girlfriend, which allowed him to sleep with other women, while she remained faithful.

Now, the content creator has branded Louis a 'liar' to his army of fans in another podcast format, titled The Debrief, where Amrou shares his controversial and divisive opinions on recent news stories.

In the horrifying over seven-hour long stream titled 'Inside the Therouxsphere of lies', which saw him react to a shooting at a synagogue and developments on the Middle East conflict, he hit out against the documentary as 'making him look crazy'.

Branding Netflix as a 'bunch of woke garbage' and referring to the documentarian as 'Louis the liar', he said of his TV appearance: 'For a very long time I was hesitant.

'I was not really interested in doing it and the reason why was because I saw how they did my boy Andrew Tate. I wasn't really happy about it.

'These companies understand that "normies" are easily shocked and offended, and what they do is, they find polarising people, they get them for interviews, they cut out all the context, all the background, why they think the way that they do and they cut out how they came to their conclusion.

'Their goal is to take a polarising person, put them in a box, make them look crazy, give shock value and sell it off.'

Elsewhere in the controversial episode, Amrou shockingly told his devoted followers that overweight people 'don't deserve' to find love and that 'feminism was behind' all of the 'problems' in the world - met with hundreds of followers in agreement.

He also used a homophobic and ableist slurs as he hit back at followers with views of disagreement, branded women 'w****s' and 'h**s', and used an anti-semitic caricature image as he spoke about Jews.

In the horrifying over seven-hour long stream titled 'Inside the Therouxsphere of lies', Amrou, aka Myron Gaines, hit out against the documentary as 'making him look crazy'

In the Netflix documentary, Amrou was quizzed over his relationship with Angie, his now ex-girlfriend - who it was revealed had split from the Manosphere influencer six months ago.

Taking to his own social media platforms, Amrou addressed the split saying Angie was keen to 'have a family' - something he was not ready to do.

He told fans: 'That's what she wants, and she's been waiting around for a minute, so who the f**k am I to tell her, "Nah, keep waiting" or deny her that.'

During the documentary, clips of Amrou discussing his 'one way monogamous' relationship saw him explain of his relationship with Angie: 'I do what the f**k I want to do, she's loyal to me, it's monogamous on her end and open on my end.

'She packs my f**king condoms when I travel, that's how real it is.'

Louis asked him: 'Do you have a rotation of other women?' to which Amrou explained: 'I wouldn't say a rotation right now, I do want to get multiple wives, but right now, I'm just focusing on building things up, this year especially.'

'Multiple wives, really?' Louis questioned again, before Angie was spotted walking about the apartment, and the documentarian asked her to join the conversation.

'What attracted you to Myron?' Louis asked her, and she answered: 'I say to my friends and to people who always question our relationship that Myron is somebody in front of the cameras, but behind them he is somebody else with me.

'I love him very much, and I will love him as long as we are together.'

Louis explained that he and Amrou had been discussing relationships between men and women before she joined them, including 'one way monogamy' and him expressing wanting 'multiple wives'.

Louis, 55, met with influencer Amrou, better known as Myron Gaines online, to discuss his relationship with his girlfriend of two years, Angie

Angie continued: 'The woman that he sleeps with he is just going be with for a night or so... but there is a reason I've stayed so long with him.'

Quizzing Angie on how she feels about Amrou wanting to expand their relationship, she shifted back and forth on her feet as it was revealed they had spoken about him having multiple wives in the future.

Stepping in, Amrou said: 'She understands that,' but Angie added: 'I don't know, I mean, he has said that in the past, and I think, I'll see when it happens. I don't know how that will work.'

'The thing is that...' Angie went to add before Amrou cut her off, speaking over her: 'But right now, it's not going to be anytime soon. I'm just so focused on working.'

Louis wasn't backing down, hitting back: 'You can kick it down the road only for so long. She's put two years into a relationship, if that's your long-term plan, at some point those two realities will collide.'

'That's a bridge we will cross when we get there, like, right now...' Amrou said, but Louis ploughed on: 'That's so avoidant!'

'You never know, man, she could always change her mind down the road, who knows? Maybe I'll say, "I just want to be with one girl because two would be too tough",' Amrou added.

Louis hit back against Amrou that he saw 'pain' in his girlfriend as they spoke about him wanting to expand their relationship in the future

But Louis pointed out: 'Have you backtracked on that already?' as Amrou sent Angie out of the room, telling her to 'clean up the room' as she walked out.

Sensing tension, Louis asked: 'Sorry, was that okay? It was awkward though, it felt a little awkward? I don't think she's as on board as you are... the idea of other ladies.'

Amrou added: 'No, we've had this discussion,' but Louis insisted: 'I saw a little bit of pain in her, definitely...' before the two engaged in a back and forth of 'yes' and 'no'.

'You don't think if I said to her, "you would have Myron all to yourself", you don't think she would be happier with that?' Louis concluded, to which Amrou insisted: 'She would say, "Whatever makes him happy".'

Later in the episode, Louis was barred from speaking to Amrou's talent booker, Icy, who brought in the female influencers for the 'After Hours' podcast section.

He was seen clashing with Amrou once again during the episode, hitting out at him using 'insane' clips showcasing 'misinformation on the internet'.

When they came face to face for a third time, Amrou explained he didn't want Angie appearing in the documentary any further, preventing Louis from speaking to her by keeping her out of the way of cameras, saying: 'I decided to get into the limelight.

'I don't want her to have to deal with that. I want her to focus on being happy and she doesn't need to be in the limelight, that's my job.'

It comes after Louis met with influencer Harrison, 24, better known as HStikkytokky on platforms including Instagram and TikTok, to discuss his rise to fame among the manosphere in the documentary.

During their tense time together, the broadcaster pointed out that Harrison criticises female adult perfomers while simultaneously promoting seedy OnlyFans content on his channel. Harrison has previously called Bonnie Blue 'disgusting'.

Louis, 55, met with influencer Harrison, 24, better known as HStikkytokky on platforms including Instagram and TikTok , to discuss his rise to fame among the manosphere

Louis, however, was quick to point out the similarities between the duo.

He left Harrison angered as he claimed the content creator 'sounded like Bonnie' while describing how he feels about promoting extreme or controversial content.

Speaking about the interview, Harrison began: 'I think she's absolutely repulsive as a person,' before admitting he only got her on the live stream for 'clout'.

Louis then asked: 'You've got 500,000 people on your Telegram, right? And you're advertising OnlyFans girls on there. Do you think there's a contradiction there?'

To which Harrison hit back: 'No, because I openly say I don't give a f**k and I'm doing it for money. I don't care about...'

Louis interrupted: 'The morality of it?' to which HS added: 'I know it's not good. I say to people: "Don't watch porn". It's sad, it's loser s**t.'

But Louis corrected him: 'You can't say I promote it but discourage people from doing it... You say it but it doesn't mean anything.

'So you say, "Come down to the gym I'm going to help you work out" and then you just have a box of donuts  there's a box of donuts that I'm holding up to your face... it's giving very mixed messages.'

HS continued: 'You do what you choose. If you want to go and eat the donuts, eat the donuts, but I own the donut shop.

'If you wanna come in the gym and pay for the PT or eat the donuts, I make dough either way. My kids are going to be very happy, they can do what they want.'

Louis then pointed out: 'You sound a bit like Bonnie Blue... that it doesn't really matter what choices you make because you're making money, "my kids will enjoy a high standard of living because of my choices of living".'

Angered, Harrison replied: 'You're saying me posting pictures with a few girls is the same as getting shagged by a thousand guys? Don't compare me to Bonnie.

'I'm not getting triggered, but you're talking s**t mate.'

Moving on, Louis then asked the social media influencer: 'Why not try and be a good person? Uplift people? Don't pander to their worst impulses?'

But Harrison simply responded: 'If I just done good things, I would never have blown up on social media in the first place.'

Later in the documentary, HStikkytokky is seen ranting online after videos of him and Louis went viral on social media during their time filming the Netflix special.

Thousands of viewers had headed to the comments joking that Louis was 'setting up' the social media star to 'look like a clown' by having him involved in the documentary.

HS was heard fuming: 'If you want to call me a pimp, a scammer, racist, homophobic d**khead, I'm all of those, I'm all of those, Theroux.'

It comes after Louis sent out a warning to parents of boys - following abusive run-ins while filming his Manosphere documentary for Netflix.

He left Harrison angered as he hit out the content creator 'sounded like Bonnie' while describing how he feels about promoting extreme or controversial content

During the 90-minute film Inside the Manosphere, the host examined how prominent male content creators are helping form young men's ideas about masculinity.

He met the likes of Harrison (aka HSTikkyTokky), Myron Gaines, Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy (aka Sneako), Justin Waller and Ed Matthews.

The 55-year-old entered their world and learned how these individuals highlight their respective views on traditional gender roles and values.

Meanwhile, the Manosphere itself refers to an online network  including forums, websites and blogs  that promote anti-feminist beliefs, masculinity and misogyny.

At the beginning of the documentary, Louis remarks how he had noticed 'parts of the Internet were being taken over' by male influencers claiming to provide young men with 'cheat codes to win at life'.

Louis Theroux issued a warning to parents of boys in light of his new Netflix documentary Inside the Manosphere

Louis told The Mirror: 'These aren't figures on the margins  anyone who's got kids, and especially boys, will know that they are making inroads into the culture.

'Their influence is being felt in schools, in the workplace and all across the internet.'

Throughout the documentary, the influencers film Louis for their own social media platforms while putting him through abuse and asking questions they receive from their followers while livestreaming.

In turn, this leads to Louis receiving abusive comments about his previous documentary with the late Jimmy Savile.

He also witnesses homophobic behaviour by HSTikkyTokky whilst Myron Gaines speaks in front of his girlfriend about wanting multiple wives in the future.

Regarding his own sons, Louis said that while a parent would 'hope your influence would outweigh' online content, he added: 'They probably spend more hours looking at their phones than they do talking to us and we don't always know what they're looking at.'

Louis also met with other content creators in the Manosphere, such as Myron Gaines (pictured)

Reports that Louis was set to 'front a new Adolescence-inspired documentary for Netflix' first surfaced in September 2025.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Louis is famous for starting out on the BBC with his Weird Weekends show and has stayed with them ever since.

'Even though he started making shows for other channels and streamers, he never fronted them - that was reserved for the Beeb.

'He did two celebrity interview series for them in 2022 and 2023, but ended that after just two series to focus on other projects.'

Netflix's Adolescence, which was created by and starred Stephen Graham, centres on 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a schoolgirl with Stephen playing the boy's father.

The scripted series reached 24.3 million views in just the first four days of its release  and has been praised for highlighting the online radicalisation of young men and boys.

Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere is available to stream on Netflix now.
The BBC has cancelled another reality show - just days after axing I Kissed A Boy/Girl and receiving furious backlash from fans.

The show launched on BBC Three in 2019 and has aired six series, but will not be returning for a seventh.

The Rap Game UK featured Krept, Konan and DJ Target teaming up to find the UK's next big rap star.

Meanwhile, the rapper contenders took part in challenges designed to test their musical, performance and lyrical skillsets.

This all built towards an eventual 20,000 cash prize, as well as mentorship scheme to assist the winner in creating and releasing their music after the show.

A BBC spokesperson said, via Broadcast: 'We are proud of the six series we have aired of The Rap Game UK and we would like to thank everyone involved at Naked for bringing the series to screen.

BBC has axed The Rap Game UK after six years - with the show having launched on BBC Three in 2019

The show's format featured Krept, Konan and DJ Target teaming up to find the UK's next big rap star.

'In light of funding challenges there are no plans for a new series.'

It comes as a fellow BBC reality competition series was also axed following 'funding challenges' - with fans and alums sharing their reaction.

Presented by Dannii Minogue, I Kissed A Boy launched in 2023 and was the first matchmaking programme for gay singles.

A year later, the show returned as I Kissed A Girl - which featured exclusively lesbian and bisexual women - before reverting back to men in 2025.

Both formats saw 10 contestants introduced with a kiss - having had no small talk or messages.

They were then encouraged to explore their new relationships  accompanied by plenty of twists and turns.

Furthermore, the would participate in regular 'kiss offs' to decide if they wanted to seal the deal with their current partner or explore a new connection.

Those who were not kissed would be sent home.

According to The Sun, I Kissed A Girl will air one final series, before both versions are retired.

A BBC spokesman told the publication: 'We are exceptionally proud of I Kissed A Boy/Girl, the UK's first show for the LGBTQ+ community.

'We would like to thank our fabulous cupid Dannii Minogue and the entire team at Twofour for bringing the series to screen.

'Unfortunately, we have to make difficult choices in light of our funding challenges and there are no current plans for the show to return.'

Taking to X, one viewer posted: 'This is terrible. You had to sacrifice the one show that is the only representation for gay people? Shaaame.'

Another added: 'NOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Another good show going.'

A third chimed in: 'Aw gutted I love these.'

Past contestants from both iterations have also spoken out about the dating show being axed.

Dannii Minogue hosted both I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl - with both versions now set to be retired

Both formats saw 10 contestants introduced with a kiss - having had no small talk or messages beforehand

Jordan Burrow, who appeared in series two of I Kissed A Boy, said to BBC Newsbeat: 'I'm not even shocked at this point.

'I just feel like it's very much an example of where we're at within the queer community and where we stand with people who are not in the community.'

While Priya Sohanpal, who appeared on the first season of I Kissed A Girl, described appearing on the show as 'one of the best' things she has done.

Priya added: '[People] wanted something different and when they got it, it's now been taken away from them,' she adds.

'It's sort of like one step forward, two steps back.'

Addressing the decision, Dannii, 54, thanked the BBC and Twofour Productions for involving her in 'such a powerful and important show'.

She continued: 'I'm so proud the show has given us the chance to celebrate so many people from the LGBTQ+ community, who made up our cast.

'I can't wait for you to see the brand new series of I Kissed A Girl, bringing all the excitement and joy that this show represents.'

Dannii concluded by describing the show as 'the most special experience' across her almost 40 years of television - praising the 'integrity' and 'love and care'.

Filming for the programmes took place in Italy - unlike Love Island, which uses Spain and South Africa.

Speaking at the series launch for I Kissed A Girl in 2024, Dannii said: 'This is so important.

'There hasn't been a show for the girls in the reality gay dating world. It's like we need this to happen. I'm hoping that there are parties up and down the country.'
The Yellowstone universe is expanding even further - as star Cole Hauser confirmed new details about a hotly-anticipated spinoff series.

Dutton Ranch will follow Beth Dutton, who is portrayed by Kelly Reilly, and Rip Wheeler, who is played by Hauser - after the events of Yellowstone.

Hauser confirmed the imminent arrival of the show and its name on Friday by sharing a shot of the poster for Dutton Ranch, with the letters D and R intertwined, with the line 'new series, coming soon.'

The actor captioned the photo: 'Herewego' with fans erupting in the comments.

One wrote: 'So very excited for this Cole, cant wait to see you and Kelly continue to rock it on screen. The journey has been amazing and its so good to have them back.'

Others wrote: 'STOPPPPP.... RIP IS BACK!?!??!', 'Cant happen soon enough!!! Ive been disappointed in Marshalls. We need Rip and Beth!' and 'Saddle up, check your tack, lets ride.'

The announcement comes after Hauser denied the show would be called Dutton Ranch in a May interview with Fox, saying: 'Well, first of all, its not Dutton Ranch. Thats not the name of it.'

Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone franchise includes two prequel series, 1883 and 1923, as well as sequel series The Madison, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Patrick J. Adams and Matthew Fox, and Marshalls, starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton.

The Yellowstone universe is expanding even further - as star Cole Hauser confirmed new details about a hotly-anticipated spinoff series with Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler (pictured in Yellowstone with Kelly Reilly)

John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, has no chance of being on the show

The original series that started it all, Yellowstone, ended last year but without it's main star, Kevin Costner.

Costner's character John Dutton was killed off in a November 2024 episode of the original series amid a falling out with Sheridan.

Costner was abruptly written off the show when he acrimoniously exited over scheduling conflicts with his Western movie franchise Horizon.

The show continued for another month before Yellowstone wrapped, ending with its fifth and final season.

For another month after Costner's exit from the series, star Luke Grimes - who played Costner's son Kayce Cutton - said they did not talk to each other amid rumored 'tension.'

'I haven't talked to him since,' he told Men's Health in December 2024. 'It's not a case of any hard feelings or anything; it's just, he's Kevin Costner.'

Laughing, he added: 'He's a big deal. I do have his phone number  I just don't feel like it's my place to reach out. He can reach out to me if he wants to.'

'None of us saw it coming the way it did, and obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever,' he continued.

Join the discussion What do you think Beth and Rips future holds without John Dutton shaping the ranchs legacy?

Hauser confirmed the imminent arrival of the show with a shot of the poster for Dutton Ranch, with the letters D and R intertwined, with the line 'new series, coming soon'- Seen in November with Reilly

Fans reacted with elation after learning about the new spin-off

The Yellowstone prequel 1923 starred Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer

Michelle Pfeiffer stars in the new sequel series, The Madison

'But just, like, in life, man, these things happen. They happen fast and they're not predictable.'

Grimes compared Costner's sudden exit to how he couldn't have anticipated his father's death many years ago.

He added: 'I lost my father a few years ago. It happened fast, and it was not the way that you would think that that would happen. In life, these things happen and then people have to start making decisions. And in our little Yellowstone world, that helped ramp the show up into a boil.'

At the time, he said that Costner's decision not to return after nearly eight years instilled a 'finality' to Yellowstone.

'Him not coming back felt like, "Okay, we're going to have to land this plane now for real,' he told People in November 2024.

The original series that started it all, Yellowstone, ended without it's main star, Kevin Costner, who acrimoniously left the series over scheduling conflicts with his new Horizon project

'I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That's always where it was headed, like, "What do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?"'

John Dutton's memory remains alive in the very first episode of the new spin-off Marshals, the new show following his youngest son and former Navy SEAL, Kayce Dutton.

'All those years of door-kicking, you never once mentioned that you're some Montana Rockefeller,' Kayce's pal and former Navy SEAL teammate Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green) told the Kayce, according to People.

'That was the best part about being a SEAL. Being a Dutton didn't matter,' Kayce replied.
South Korean satire of what it takes to stay employed

Year: 2025

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Mubi

No Other Choice is billed as a black comedy and, while this South Korean movie is certainly funny at times - almost slapstick - at close to two-and-a-half hours long and with some tough subject matter, it feels much more of a drama.

Park Chan-wook's film packs a strong message either way, and it's one that anyone who has worked in one industry for a while will appreciate. The main character, Man-su, is a paper industry veteran who loses his job when his firm is taken over by a large American company who introduce efficiencies that mean, of course, fewer jobs.

Then he goes a little mad. Man-su is a family man with a house he loves, two children, two dogs and a wife he doesn't really understand - still, in order to preserve it all, he goes on what can only be described as a murderous rampage.

The result of it all is a satire of what people need to do to keep up in a world that doesn't care about them, and what the choices we make ultimately tell us about ourselves. More than once, characters will do something awful then reflect how they had 'no other choice'.

The way the movie ends will certainly give you something to think about and the artistry of the filmmaking is not in doubt, but the time it takes to tell that story may irritate some more than it delights. (139 minutes)
A gaggle of Married At First Sight grooms were clearly ready to party as they stepped out for a wild night in Sydney this week.

Following the airing of the series' explosive retreat, Joel Moses, Danny Hewitt, Steven Danyluk, Filip Gregov, and Scott McCristal were keen for a night out on the tiles.

They did so in fine style too, partying at Justin Hemmes' new hotspot Club Rose Bay.

The reality show quintet was clearly keen to put the recently aired drama behind them, and in photos taken by Daily Mail, they looked genuinely chuffed to be in each other's company.

Prior to starting their wild night out, the grooms happily posed for photos with their arms draped over each other in a display of camaraderie.

While it was strictly a 'no partner' affair, Joel managed to sneak in a plus one for the boys' night.

A gaggle of Married At First Sight grooms were clearly ready to party as they stepped out for a wild night in Sydney this week

Before arriving at the venue, the group were seen with Joel's now iconic teddy bear, which has sparked its own controversy this season.

One photo showed Scott happily cuddling the cute toy, following his bride Gia Fleur's apology to the teddy after previously slamming Joel's bond with the bear.

Danny also appeared keen to spend time with the bear, letting it rest on his lap as he sat on a couch during some pre-party drinks.

Once inside, things took a wild turn with Danny sneaking another plus one  a sex toy  into the venue.

The risque item was a not-so-subtle reference to Joel's YouTube video that showed him drumming with two d***os  a video that was not welcomed by bride Juliette Chae.

One clip taken on the wild night out showed Danny slipping into interview mode, interviewing Scott while using the sex toy as a makeshift microphone.

'Who do you think's going to stay and who do you think's going to leave?' Danny asked Scott as he held the risque item aloft.

'You know what's funny? I don't even remember. We had our own relationship issues to fix,' Scott laughed.

It proved to be quite a wild night, with groom Danny Hewitt sneaking a sex toy into the venue

Following the airing of the series' explosive retreat, Joel Moses, Danny Hewitt, Steven Danyluk, Filip Gregov, and Scott McCristal were keen for a night out on the tiles

They did so in fine style too, partying at Justin Hemmes' new hotspot Club Rose Bay

The reality show quintet were clearly keen to put the recently aired drama behind them, and in photos taken by Daily Mail, they looked genuinely chuffed to be in each other's company

Despite Joel's bride taking severe umbrage with his affinity for sex toys, he was quick to double down.

'At the moment, I currently own two d***os,' he said in the video. 'I'm thinking of maybe a pink one to upgrade my d***o collection.'

When asked where his love of sex toys originated, Joel said they had long been a consuming passion.

'I've loved d***os for as long as I can remember,' he said.

'I actually think the dildo is the funniest inanimate object ever created in human history. So, big fan of the dildo.'

When asked if he was concerned that his mother Sharyn could be confronted by his growing collection, Joel was unfazed.

'My d***o collection is for the public, so there's no secrets,' he said.

The affable groom was left red-faced earlier this month after Juliette confronted him over the bizarre drumming video.

Prior to beginning their night out, the grooms happily posed for photos with their arms draped over each other in a display of camaraderie

Before arriving at the venue, the group were seen with Joel's now iconic teddy bear, which has caused its own controversy this season

Once inside, things took a wild turn, with Danny sneaking another plus one  a sex toy  into the venue which was captured in a hilarious clip

Despite Joel's bride taking severe umbrage with his affinity for sex toys, he was quick to double down

Juliette told her husband that she was 'embarrassed' by the footage, which she found 'a bit weird', and asked him to explain himself.

A defiant Joel attempted to dismiss it as a joke, which only made things worse.

'It is a bit of harmless humour. I am just having a bit of fun,' Joel told her.

Juliette replied that she wasn't amused by the footage and said it represented a serious compatibility issue between them.

'I just don't think it is a classy act, I just think we are completely different people,' she told him.

However, a defiant Joel refused to apologise for the clip, claiming it was just harmless fun.
Luisa Zissman has caused outrage in recent days after continuously mocking the situation in Dubai, while claiming she is in her 'refugee era' after leaving the city to return to the UK.

Amid the uncertainty about the US-Iran war, there have been several international influencers, including well-known British names, singing their praises and lauding Dubai as the 'safest place on earth'.

As eyebrows were raised about the veracity of these claims, the Daily Mail learnt that Dubai's hard-line regime would not hesitate to imprison or deport anyone whose output was judged 'harmful' to the reputation of the UAE.

There is also said to be a renewable 10-year 'Golden Visa' for influencers and their families  provided they say the right thing about Dubai, pushing its luxury lifestyle and above all, its safety.

Yet when it comes to Luisa, it is hard to gauge whether her latest remarks are in a bid to abide with Dubai's regime, are merely the result of being tone-deaf, or if she is leaning into the art of 'rage-baiting'.

Rage baiting is a tactic often used by influencers and involves sharing social media posts which are deliberately controversial, provocative or misinformed in order to drive engagement through angry reactions.

Luisa, who boasts 712,000 Instagram followers, 142,000 TikTok fans and 430,000 Twitter followers, has a habit of stirring up controversy.

Since finding fame as the runner-up on The Apprentice in 2013 she has often found herself in the headlines as a result of her remarks.

Luisa Zissman has caused outrage in recent days after continuously mocking the situation in Dubai, yet she has a history of causing outrage with her scandalous comments

Notably, last year, Luisa came under fire after comparing breastfeeding mothers to 'grass-munching cows' - while advocating for women who opt to bottle feed their babies.

The minute-long TikTok clip was titled 'Another day, another rant' as Luisa defended her stance despite receiving backlash for it in the past.

'I know this is a controversial subject and I have had backlash on my opinions on breastfeeding before,' the mother-of-three began.

'Let's talk about my hate for breastfeeding. I really don't like breastfeeding. I didn't do it and I don't like it.'

'I understand it's marginally beneficial. When you look into the actual benefits of breastfeeding over bottle, it's literally smidgens of a per cent.

'Your kid isn't going to die if they're bottle-fed.' she continued.

Addressing women who 'can't, don't, or won't' breastfeed, Luisa affirmed their decision to bottle-feed and explained it did not reflect on their capabilities as a mother.

'So if you're sitting at home with your baby and you're feeling like s*** because Sarah, the grass munching cow with her tandem twinnies on her boobies is making you feel like s***, don't let that affect you,' she said.

'You're doing a great job, mama. You don't need to breastfeed to have a healthy baby.'

The video divided opinion, as several viewers were quick to call Luisa out for 'demonising' mothers who opt to breastfeed - with pro-feeders saying it needs to be 'normalised'.

According to the National Heath Service (NHS), formula milk does not provide the same protection from illness as breastfeeding, while giving your baby breast milk has long-term benefits.

It can reduce the baby's risk of infections as well sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), along with the rise of developing conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity.

When it comes to her parenting style, Luisa also shocked followers when she revealed she had smashed her children's' iPads in front of them because they were making them 'devils'.

In August, Luisa posted a picture of the broken device on her Instagram grid, as she candidly explained she had gotten so angry she'd cracked the screen.

Alongside the photos, she wrote: 'I could pretend it's all roses and sparkles but today the kids p***** me off so much I smashed their iPads up in front of them!

'No more tech for us, it destroys their brains, creates little monsters and makes them devils. More sports, more family time & more discipline loading!'

The post received a divided response with some arguing that breaking the expensive piece of technology - which currently retails from 329 - was a waste of money and she should have tried other forms of discipline first.

When asked why she didn't just confiscate them, Luisa said:' I wanted them to see them being destroyed and knowing getting them back was not an option!'

When it comes to her parenting style, Luisa also shocked followers when she revealed she had smashed her children's iPads in front of them because they were making them 'devils'

Days before Luisa had raised eyebrows with her response to skinny shamers, saying: 'Imagine I went round calling of you biscuit eating McDonald's loving lazy people fatties'

It was the second time Luisa had sparked controversy in a matter of weeks, as she had also launched a scathing attack on critics of her latest bikini snap.

She shared a selfie showing her posing in a two-piece while on holiday, leading to comments regarding her weight, with one user branding the star 'unhealthy and very malnourished'.

Following a barrage of criticism, she hit back at the 'skinny shamers', as she raged about the fact that the NHS is being drained by obesity and insisted she is 'strong and healthy' despite accusations from followers.

In her attack, she penned: 'Imagine I went round calling of you biscuit eating McDonald's loving lazy people fatties' and insisted her body is the result of 'energetic, health and mostly clean living'.

In a further display of defiance, Luisa wrote: 'If you got off your as*es and stopped shoving sh*t in your mouths you wouldn't be as fat and fat wouldn't be normal. Just because the majority of people are overweight does NOT mean it's healthy.'

In 2022, Luisa raised eyebrows when she launched into an extraordinary rant blasting NHS workers who were planning to strike over pay, branding them 'irresponsible', 'cruel' and 'jumped up t****'.

Luisa - who is married to multimillionaire Irish businessman Andrew Collins - said staff should never have entered the profession if they were concerned about salaries and said she never would because 'the money is not enough'.

Speaking on her LuAnna podcast to co-host Anna Williamson, Luisa said: 'When youre in this industry its completely irresponsible to strike and put peoples lives at risk. Sorry, its unacceptable.

'You have a child thats waiting for a transplant and that kid doesnt get that heart because of some f****** jumped-up t****.

'Im sorry, but you chose. When you went into that profession, you havent gone in blind. You know what that pay is for that profession.

'Every profession has a pay, an account, a teacher So dont go into it then.'

She continued: 'Dont go into it willing to go on that pay and then go "actually, I dont want to do it anymore because of the pay".

'If youre not happy with the pay that job offers, do a different f****** job from the offset.'

Luisa, who co-owns gifting company Silly Sentiments, said: 'I wouldnt do that job because I wouldnt be happy to work for that amount.

'I wouldnt go into that job in the first place, so dont f****** do it - you know what the pay is. It f**** me off.

'I give my staff yearly pay reviews for what we do. Its not common, its not a legal or needed requirement to do that, its ridiculous.

'Thats not a normal thing to have that, its just what people would ideally want. Im not saying its right they should have it or shouldnt have it.

'It f**** me off. Just dont do that job, then the salaries would naturally go up because theyd have to do a drive for recruitment because the services would be struggling so theyd have to pay more to attract people to do the job, but when youre already got people doing it or have done it

'It just annoys me, people striking in this type of career, I think its really irresponsible and cruel and goes against everything by the way that they should do in that industry.

'You go into that because you really care, I would think. You dont go into that job for the money.

'A, the moneys not enough for me and, B, I dont give a s*** enough, but people who go into that job really f****** care and want to make a difference.'

Luisa's scandalous comments go all the way back to 2014, when she shocked her followers by mocking TOWIE star Lauren Goodger (pictured) after she was the victim of a sex tape scandal

Luisa is now settling back into being in the UK and on Instagram on Tuesday she shared a clip of the classic bored Cillian Murphy meme as she made her feelings clear

However the former Celebrity Big Brother star did concede that NHS staff do deserve an increase in pay if their workload has substantially increased

She added: 'If youre working more, you should be paid more. If your jobs bigger.

'I support the fact they should be paid more if theyre working more and more is on their plate, and if thats happening they shouldnt be having to strike to get a pay rise, they should have a pay rise.

'They deserve more pay. What they do is life saving, they have one of the most important jobs in the country.'

Luisa's scandalous comments go all the way back to 2014, when she shocked her followers by mocking TOWIE star Lauren Goodger after she was the victim of a sex tape scandal.

The six-second clip, which went viral, reportedly showed Lauren performing an intimate act on her ex-boyfriend Jake McLean.

Lauren alleged the footage had been filmed in secret and expressed her upset that it had made its way into the public domain.

However, Luisa didnt seem convinced by Laurens statements, and on Twitter she even suggested that Lauren might have leaked the short clip herself, writing: 'But some things are better left private, leaking one yourself is.... I can't even tweet it #theshame.'

In another tweet, Luisa added: 'I had a sex tape it would be worth talking about not a measly 6 secs long! Least make the embarrassment worthwhile.'

Firing back at the crass tweets, Lauren told new! magazine: 'Why is Luisa Zissman jumping on the bandwagon? I wont lower myself to her level by hitting back, but I think shes quite rude.

'Let her and everyone else be obsessed - theyre just doing it for attention and i think its quite funny.'

In recent weeks, Luisa has been stirring up controversy with her comments about the safety of Dubai amid the US' war with Iran.

On Tuesday, she raised eyebrows when she shared a post mocking scared tourists who escaped Dubai and are 'making out they've come back from the frontlines' - after she arrived back in the UK herself.

Luisa relocated to the UAE from the UK in December with her husband Andrew and two of her three children, Indigo Esme, nine, and Clementine.

She has been one of the most vocal Dubai-based influencers to throw their support behind the UAE government, even declaring it to be the 'safest country in the world' last week despite days of missile strikes and suicide drone attacks.

But Luisa returned to the UK on Monday, telling her 712,000 Instagram followers that she always planned to come back this week to record episodes of her podcast LuAnna, but had decided to bring her daughters over fears they may not be able to get back to Dubai.

She is now settling back into being in the UK and on Instagram she shared a clip of the classic bored Cillian Murphy meme as she made her feelings clear on the panic many have felt at being trapped in Dubai for days.

The text read: 'Everyone in (UAE flags) seeing tourists talk in interviews like they just came back from the frontlines.'

Earlier in the day Luisa declared she was in 'my refugee era, displaced from my home,' and admitted she was scared about returning to London crime in a clip as she walked through Chinatown.

'Back in Blighty,' she told fans. 'I'm in Chinatown, I'm heading into the Global studios this morning.

'Obviously I am no longer in Dubai, I was due back for work anyway so I came back with the kids, they're on school holidays now and I just wanted to bring them back with me.'

She paused as she looked around, admitting: 'I'm really paranoid someone is going to steal my phone.'

'I'm now in my refugee era, displaced from my home,' she added before heaping more praise on the UAE and her 'very, very easy' journey home.

'It was actually fine leaving, it was very, very easy, we went through Oman, took us about 15 minutes to get through the border then flew out from Muscat to Heathrow.'

'Back with Team Luanna for the next two days and I'm very excited to see my crew, and I'm very f**king cold and it's very grey.'
A longstanding rift in Rob Reiner's family means that his oldest child will be missing when the slain director is honored at the Oscars on Sunday night.

Tracy Reiner, who Rob adopted when he married her mother Penny Marshall, will remain at her home in Taos, New Mexico, the Daily Mail has learned, a world away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood's biggest night.

Though Tracy and Rob were tight, she was never close to his second wife Michele nor her three step-siblings.

'I came from one of the greatest families ever and now I have a lot of flagpoles missing  people who held me up,' Tracy told the Daily Mail after Rob and Michele were stabbed to death in their home in the Brentwood district of Los Angeles, on December 14.

'We were a big family and everybody had their stuff. So I don't know what to say,' she added.

Sadly, the gap has only widened over the years, with Tracy and her step-siblings having no adult relationship, an insider tells the Daily Mail.

Tracy Reiner, the reclusive eldest daughter of murdered director Rob Reiner, was spotted in Taos, New Mexico, last week, in exclusive Daily Mail photos

The 61-year-old has kept a low profile since her father Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home last December

Tracy Reiner (pictured as a child) became dad Rob Reiner's adoptive daughter after the film director married her mother Penny Marshall in 1971

Rob and Michele Reiner's youngest son, Nick, 32, is now in custody awaiting trial for his parents' murders.

The Daily Mail caught up with Tracy, 61, who lives a sedate, unassuming life in the art colony town, 90 minutes north of the state capital Santa Fe.

She is now retired and enjoys a quiet existence at a sprawling ranch on the outskirts of the small town where she keeps two horses.

Last week, the Daily Mail spotted her running errands that included collecting fodder for the animals in her red pick-up truck and enjoying a takeout lunch from local staple, Mante's Chow Cart which specializes in southwestern cuisine.

The mother of two daughters aged 19 and 20, Tracy divorced her military veteran husband Matthew Conlan in August 2022, but court papers obtained by the Daily Mail show the split was amicable with the papers noting: 'We all get along.'

Tracy is now retired and enjoys a quiet existence at a sprawling ranch on the outskirts of the small town

Reiner was seen collecting fodder for her horses and picking up lunch in her red pickup truck during the outing

The retired actress now lives a quiet life on a ranch outside Taos where she keeps horses and spends her days running errands around the small town

Tracy is no stranger to convoluted family arrangements and was adopted by Reiner during his first marriage to her mother, actress Penny Marshall who died aged 75 in 2018.

Despite the couple splitting in 1981 and Reiner going on to marry second wife Michele in 1989, Tracy remained close to her adopted dad.

After news of his death was made public, she briefly spoke to NBC and told them: 'I come from a great family'.

But she declined to respond to phone calls and voice messages left by the Daily Mail and has not commented on the ongoing murder case against brother Nick.

Nick, who suffers from schizophrenia and endured years of drug abuse problems, last appeared in court in Los Angeles two weeks ago where he pleaded not guilty to his parents' murders.

Dressed in a suicide vest, he appeared gaunt during the hearing and is currently banged up in LA's notorious Twin Towers lock-up.

Last week, former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told the Daily Mail that Nick is likely being kept in solitary confinement for his own safety.

He explained: 'Any type of case like this, a high-profile case, causes the department to place the inmate in what's called administrative segregation, designed to prevent the inmate from being hurt by other inmates.

Tracy and her step-siblings (Jake, left, Nick, and Romy, right) have no adult relationship, an insider tells the Daily Mail

Rob Reiner married Penny Marshall in 1971 after the two meet at an audition for CBS sitcom All in the Family

Her mother (Penny, left), who gave birth to her at 19, described Tracy (right) as her 'favorite mistake'

'I saw some of his first court appearances, and he was wearing what we call a suicide gown.

That's one garment held together with Velcro that can't be ripped apart to form ligatures.'

Villanueva added: 'He'll be in a cell on his own. They have day rooms, areas that are restricted to similar inmates. But some are classified as K10s, who they keep away from everybody.'

Meanwhile Reiner's other children, Romy, 28,  who discovered her parents' bodies  and Jake, 34, are trying to return to some semblance of normal life much like older sister Tracy.

Both Romy and Jake have been living in the family's Malibu home along with their parents' blonde cockapoo dog and were both spotted running errands in LA last month.

Neither has attended any of the hearings in the murder case and have reportedly washed their hands of brother Nick.

In a statement released at the start of January, the siblings said: 'They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings.'

Reiner, whose work includes The Wolf of Wall Street, When Harry Met Sally and The First Wives Club, is due to be posthumously honored at Sunday's Oscars ceremony.

Tracy played Betty 'Spaghetti' Horn, the left fielder for the all-women's team, the Rockford Peaches in the hit movie A League of their Own

Rob Reiner's son Nick, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the days that followed and has pleaded not guilty; Nick pictured during his arraignment in February

The tribute to Reiner is set to feature When Harry Met Sally stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, as well as Stand By Me actors Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton.

This year's ceremony is also due to be hosted by Conan O'Brien  another close friend of Reiner's and one of the last people to see him and wife Michele alive.

Speaking to The New Yorker ahead of the ceremony, O' Brien described the circumstances of Reiner's death as 'awful' and told of his shock at the brutal murders which came shortly after Nick and his dad were seen fighting at a Christmas party hosted by the comedian.

He said: 'It's just so awful. I knew Rob and Michele, and then increasingly got closer and closer to them.

'They were just such lovely people. And to have that experience of saying goodnight to somebody and having them leave and then find out the next day that they're gone.

'I think I was in shock for quite a while afterward. I mean, there's no other word for it.

'And I think about how Rob felt about things that are happening in the country, how involved he was, how much he put himself out there  and to have that voice go quiet in an instant is still hard for me to comprehend.'
When the news broke that Timothee Chalamet, a floppy-haired acting prodigy, was dating the world famous reality star Kylie Jenner, fans were predictably overcome.

Desperate to explain away what they believed at the time would be a fling at best, they frantically convinced themselves that the only way two vastly different worlds could possibly collide would be if the Kardashian-Jenner clan, namely matriarch Kris Jenner, had charmed their beloved Chalamet into a relationship.

Among those desperate for answers was Sarah Tena, a 32-year-old former adult entertainer who now says she was 'blindsided' by the new pairing.

For Tena claims she had been romantically involved with the actor for the previous three years. They'd met up sporadically after first speaking on Instagram, and after several dates, she finally confessed her deepening feelings for him the last time they saw each other in person.

Six months later, he was with Jenner.

'I see these things about him dating Kylie Jenner and I was very confused about that,' she told the Daily Mail in her first exclusive interview. 'At first, I thought it was fake news and then I was like maybe it's a PR thing. But now it looks like maybe they are together. I don't know It doesn't add up.'

Tena shared that their love story, albeit non-exclusive, started in January 2020 when Tena, a self-confessed film buff, sent Chalamet, now 30, a message on Instagram from her professional account 'Azul Hermosa' after discovering him in Netflix film, The King.

Former adult entertainer Sarah Tena (pictured) claims she had been hooking up with Timothee Chalamet for nearly three years from 2020

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Tena, 32, from Portland, Oregon, claimed she was 'blindsided' when she found out he was dating Kylie Jenner (pictured)

'I thought 'oh who's this actor' because I'd never seen him before, so I looked him up on Instagram,' she recalled. 'I was like 'oh this guy is handsome'. Then a couple weeks go by and he posts a story.'

Tena replied to the story shared on his public Instagram account with a black heart but received no response. Three months went by and she decided she was 'going to try one more time' so sent a drooling emoji in response to another story the star had posted on his official account. This time he responded. 'I wanted to talk to him, and he hearts what I had responded back and he just likes it,' she said.

A month later, on May 16, he sent her a message. She claims they swapped numbers and that he asked if she was in Los Angeles. She explained how she was visiting friends and they decided to meet that evening.

Tena has claimed they were both 'nervous' about the meeting, which she said took place at one of his friend's beachfront properties in Santa Monica, where he had fled to from New York during the pandemic.

She asked him to come and meet her outside when she got out of the Uber as the whole situation felt 'surreal'.

But any fears she had were soon assuaged, as she claims they immediately 'clicked'.

She recalled how Chalamet serenaded her with Bob Dylan songs  he had just landed what unbeknownst to him at the time would be an Oscar-nominated role in A Complete Unknown, a biopic about the prolific musician  as they drank wine and bonded over their love of films.

'I went over there and he had all these scripts up for the Bob Dylan role and I was like 'what is this' and he's like 'it's for Bob Dylan, I'm going to play him' and I was like 'that's so cool',' she said. 'He played me a few songs and he was so great. He had been practising maybe for a month he told me.'

Tena, a self-confessed film buff, said their story started in January 2020 when she sent Chalamet, now 30, a message on his official Instagram from her professional account 'Azul Hermosa' after discovering him in Netflix film, The King (pictured)

She claims he messaged her on Instagram on May 16, 2022 after seeing her pictured in a green bikini (pictured) and they swapped numbers and met up that night in Santa Monica

Tena said they were clearly attracted to one another, and that Chalamet, who is vying for the Best Actor Oscar for his turn in Marty Supreme, 'made the first move'. She added that she 'did stay that night with him' and that they 'had a wonderful, wonderful time'.

She said they agreed they both wanted to see each other again, which happened a month later in Los Angeles when Tena was there for work with Vixen, a production company.

She said Chalamet 'never made me feel guilty' about her career and would compliment her figure, once discouraging her from getting a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift surgery).

'With Timothee we just clicked,' she said. 'We were both attracted to each other. It also turned into a friendship.'

'He is a gentleman,' she continued. 'From the Timothee I know, he's genuine. He's funny The friendship kept us going so long Our personalities are similar.'

Tena said they soon fell into a rhythm of meeting up nearly every other month.

Tena insists the actor was 'very invested in my life' and 'would always ask me how my daughter was doing' and had even agreed to visit her in her hometown of Portland, Oregon.

In June 2022, when they were both in New York City, she decided to take the plunge and express how she really felt.

She recalled how Chalamet serenaded her with Bob Dylan songs as they drank wine and bonded over their love of films

Tena pictured in New York City in summer 2022 when she decided to take the plunge and express how she really felt to Chalamet

Afterall, she believes they were growing more serious. She claimed he wasn't 'jealous' but got to a point where he 'wouldn't want me to go be seeing other people or hooking up with someone else'.

'I knew there were feelings involved for both of us that's why it continued for as long as it did,' she said. 'But I had finally expressed how I felt and I let him know that I had feelings for him and he did too. We both did.'

'I was in love with Timothee, yeah,' she continued. 'I didn't say those exact words to him. I had said 'I have feelings for you' and pretty much expressed I want to continue. I let him know that I wanted it to be more consistent I wanted it to be where we made more time for one another. New York kind of sealed that for me.'

She said that at the time she told him, he was in the city for a photoshoot which he 'planned around my trip so he could see me'.

When she went to his apartment later that evening, she said she gifted him a bracelet with an evil eye, a 'simple little gift' to match a similar one she wore.

'I think with me doing that it brought us closer than we were,' she said, before adding: 'Then everything changed [with the] Kylie Jenner thing.'

That June meeting marked the last time she saw him in person.

On January 5, 2023, Tena wished him a happy belated birthday. She said he hearted the message. Little did she know, this was to be the last time she would ever hear from him.

Less than three weeks later Chalamet and Jenner were spotted interacting at Jean Paul Gaultier's Paris Fashion Week show. Fast forward to April and sources were claiming they were 'hanging out' and TMZ released pictures of Jenner's Range Rover parked in the driveway of his Beverly Hills home.

She last heard from him in January 2023, the same month Chalamet was pictured chatting with Jenner at Paris Fashion Week. Soon followed public displays of affection including at the 2024 Golden Globes (pictured)

The pair were pictured at the US Open in late August, and at a Saturday Night Live afterparty following Chalamet's hosting stint in the November. The actor was even spotted in the background of the annual Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve soiree.

They kissed at the Golden Globes in January 2024 before repeating their affectionate display the following year, with Chalamet taking it up a notch at this year's Critics' Choice Awards where he used his Best Actor acceptance speech for Marty Supreme to go public with his love.

'Thank you to my partner of three years,' he told the celeb-packed crowd in February. 'Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

Recently asked if it was 'fun' to be the receiver of such a public outpouring, a 'blushing' Jenner told Vanity Fair: 'Of course.'

Tena was unconvinced.

'He does not like PDA,' she claimed, citing his relationship not only with her but also with Lily Rose-Depp which ended just before she met him.

'So this whole red-carpet thing and her being with him at all these things now, it's just very strange.'

Tena, who had dark hair when she met Chalamet, bears a resemblance to Jenner, with both women frequently posting seductive pictures of themselves in lingerie, flashing their midriffs and cleavages on their respective Instagram feeds.

Tena (left), who had dark hair when she met Chalamet, bears a resemblance to Jenner, with the pair frequently posting seductive pictures of themselves on Instagram and TikTok

Tena is also a mother to an 11-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, while Jenner has children Stormi, seven, and Aire, four, with her ex-Travis Scott.

But according to Tena, that's all they share.

Asked if she has anything in common with the multi-millionaire Lip Kit founder, she curtly replied: 'No.'

Tena caused a frenzy late last year when she revealed her connection to Chalamet in response to fans on her public TikTok account, referencing their time together, including how they met. She also shared a screenshot of their initial correspondence on his official Instagram and another from an exchange in early 2022.

The screenshots of her exchanges with Chalamet on his official Instagram and the responses she made to fans on TikTok were shared in December 2025 on X in a post which has since been viewed 3.3 million times.

Tena believes Chalamet is fully committed to Jenner because she claims 'if he had an open relationship with her, we'd still be seeing each other.'

Despite branding his handling of the situation 'disrespectful,' Tena said she still mourns the bond they once shared.

'I miss him,' she said. 'I do miss him a lot because I haven't seen him in a couple of years. I did get down and a little sad about the whole thing because I was like 'wow I might not ever see him again' and when I had always felt so sure about him and I and it turned the complete opposite of that.'

Mournful, she finished: 'I never thought him and I would stop talking because we had that friendship also. He's changed. I know he's changed. Hollywood changes people.'

The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Chalamet for comment.
Rebel Wilson has been accused in court papers of being involved in smear websites targeting the producers of her embattled film The Deb, after they hit the actress with a defamation lawsuit.

The Pitch Perfect star, 46, was sued by the film's producers Gregor Cameron, Vince Holden and Amanda Ghost after she made a string of accusations about the film's troubled production in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

A transcript, recently filed in support of further disclosure in the legal dispute, claims Katherine Case, a public relations Vice President for US-based, The Agency Group, suggested Rebel was allegedly behind a scheme to create websites to smear Ghost.

The original complaint filed against Ghost for breach of contract contained hyperlinks to the amandaghost.com and amandaghostsucks.com websites, according to the court documents.

In the transcript of a deposition given to Ghost's lawyer Samuel Moniz, Case stated that her boss at the public relations group, Melissa Nathan, said: 'Rebel wants one of those sites.'

Case testified that she replied: 'Okay. Should be a mixture of that document that I think Carolina pulled about Amanda Ghost, or the intern pulled the voice note and this.'

Rebel Wilson has been accused in court papers of being involved in smear websites targeting the producers of her embattled film The Deb, after they hit the actress with a defamation lawsuit (Rebel pictured in 2025)

Case then claimed that Nathan sent her a Microsoft Word document entitled 'Amanda Ghost website.doc,' with metadata submitted to the court showing it was created by and last edited by Camp Sugar, which is Rebel's production company.

An exhibit submitted to the court in support of the motion for further disclosure, showed a screenshot which shows the word document in question, with its 'last saved by' shown to be Camp Sugar.

In the court papers, Case went on to state that she sent an edited version of the word document back to Melissa.

The document read: 'This website is dedicated to telling the world the truth about Amanda Ghost who has maliciously tried to destroy the lives of countless artists.

'She is the Indian Ghislaine Maxwell, whose only friend in the world appears to be convicted felon Boy George.'

A voice note was also tendered to the court from Jed Wallace, a Texas-based crisis communications consultant which also links Rebel to the commissioning of the website.

Another exhibit submitted to the court included screenshots of text messages between Wilson and Carolina Hurley, an employee at The Agency Group working with Rebel.

They appear to show the actress expressing her upset that there was little 'negative information' circulating about Ghost.

'I am obviously very upset by this. You were supposed to get the negative information out about Ghost and have failed to do that and now instead Amanda has yet again managed to get multiple articles out spreading the absolute false narrative that is in their baseless defamation suit,' the message read.

The court papers state that Rebel has denied being behind the two alleged smear websites that targeted Ghost.

Allyson Thompson, partner at HKP, lawyers acting for Wilson in US, said: The testimony of Ms Case is clear that she does not have any actual evidence, nor can she testify that in fact Rebel Wilson wanted a whistleblower website created as against Ms. Ghost.

Ms. Case testified that she never spoke with Ms. Wilson, nor could she testify with any accuracy whom actually created the copy in which she edited. Instead, she testified that she received information from a Jed Wallace as to what should be on the websites, not from Ms. Wilson.

Ms. Case testified that she was told by Ms. Nathan that Rebel wants one of those sites, but as established by her testimony, Ms. Nathan did not tell her that Rebel specifically told her that she wanted a smear site or what site she allegedly wanted.

Importantly, Ms. Case did not testify that it was Ms. Wilson specifically that wanted one of those sites. Also important to note is her response to my query that anyone could author a document and call themselves, Camp Sugar. The screen shot of alleged meta data was not confirmed by Ms. Case to be actual meta data and clearly no expert has opined in any form or fashion that it was Ms. Wilson who actually created the alleged copy.

Ms. Wilson cannot comment on who she believes might have greenlighted the creation of the whistleblower websites as against Ms. Ghost as this is active litigation, however, she is prepared to testify at trial as to who she believes was behind the intent, creation and substantive content of the websites. Katherine Cases deposition assists in that regard.

Melissa Nathan has already found herself at the centre of Justin Baldoni's high-profile legal battle with Blake Lively.

The Gossip Girl star claimed her co-star on It Ends With Us waged a negative publicity campaign against her with his PR team, consisting of both Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel. They have all denied the accusations.

Rebel previously made public accusations about embezzlement, sexual harassment of the lead actor of her film Charlotte MacInnes, bullying over the sexual misconduct claims, and obstruction of the film's release.

Those producers  Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden  have then gone on to sue the star for alleged defamation in California.

The Pitch Perfect star denied the allegations and responded with her own lawsuit in which she doubled down on the claims of a 'troubling pattern of illicit, egregious behaviours, including theft, bullying and sexual misconduct'.

In January, a Los Angeles judge removed several pages of Wilson's complaint that accused producer Ghost of a long history of 'seedy practices and unethical behaviour,' according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The publication reported that Judge Thomas Long said many of Wilson's claims, including an allegation that the producer stole 'partial ownership' of the James Blunt song You're Beautiful, were irrelevant to the case.

'That's not the kind of stuff I would be letting in at trial,' the judge said.

'We do not have time to say, 'Let's go back to the beginning of time, when this person first started their career.''

The judge also dismissed Wilson's allegations as 'debris that just obscures the real issues in the case'.

The publication reported that much of Wilson's complaint stemmed from allegations that Ghost had made promises to the actress to secure a commitment to partner with production companies AI Film and Unigram on the yet-to-be released movie.

The star has been sued by the film's producers after she made a string of accusations about its troubled production (pictured with stars Natalie Abbott, and Stevie Jean)

The alleged promises included a shared writing credit, a record label deal with Warner, an option to sign Australian artists to the label, and ownership rights to the film's soundtrack.

However, Judge Long dismissed the claims, concluding that Wilson had failed to allege sufficient details about 'how, when, where, and by what means the representations were made'.

Wilson's lawyers requested an opportunity to amend the complaint, but the judge said that they had failed to explain any of the proposed amendments.

Six of Wilson's claims were dismissed, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, historical misconduct allegations, and breach of contract.

The ruling concluded that Ghost, who still faces a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress along with the other producers, wasn't a party to the oral agreement between Wilson, AI Film and Unigram.

The producers also moved to strike allegations of Ghost's 'extensive history of seedy practices and unethical behaviour', her 'highly inappropriate relationship with MacInnes, as well as Cameron's 'propensity for physical intimidation and coercive tactics.'

Despite Wilson claiming the allegations were relevant to the case, the court disagreed.

It comes after Wilson suffered a blow in the legal battle against the companies headed by her co-producers following a ruling in Australia.

'There is valid concern that not injuncting part of [Wilson's] cross-complaint risks conflicting findings or inconsistent judgments between the Californian and NSW courts,' Justice Elisabeth Peden wrote in her judgement in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

The blocked claims include allegations that Cameron and Holden embezzled $900,000 from the film's budget. It also alleges Wilson was forced to sign contracts under duress.

However, the court upheld Wilson's ability to pursue other legal action in California.

The US case is one of several separate lawsuits that have erupted after filming wrapped in 2023.

Lead actor MacInnes has sued Wilson in the Federal Court over social media posts which claimed the film's star revealed she was subjected to sexual harassment.

MacInnes' denials that any sexual misconduct took place have not deterred Wilson, who has stood by the claims.
Dhakota Williams looked almost unrecognisable on Wednesday when she flaunted her new slimmed-down figure on her 25th birthday.

The brunette beauty, who is the daughter of notorious underworld figure Carl Williams, opted for a very glamorous look to celebrate her big day.

She slipped her frame into a form-fitting red dress, putting on a busty display with a sweetheart neckline as she shared photos and videos to Instagram.

Dhakota finished her look with a dark smoky eye and bold nude lip as she piled her brunette tresses atop her head.

Slinging a black handbag over her shoulder, Dhakota gave the camera a sultry look as she lifted it to show off her outfit.

Later in the night, the gangland heiress shared footage of the ritzy birthday dinner and raspberry cake she enjoyed with friends.

Dhakota Williams looked almost unrecognisable on Wednesday when she flaunted her new slimmed-down figure on her 25th birthday

It comes after Dhakota was last seen enjoying a fun summer holiday in Europe.

The brunette posted a series of holiday snaps to Instagram last August, showing her soaking up the sun in Italy before relaxing in Greece.

She looked worlds away from her younger years in the spotlight as she showed off her natural beauty and fuller lips while posing for several selfies.

In one image, Dhakota wore a bikini as she stretched out on a towel while relaxing in Taormina, Sicily.

The gangland heiress also posted a second video to her Instagram after arriving in Mykonos.

She flaunted her figure in a white bikini as she sunned herself on a poolside bed.

Dhakota was nine years old when her drug kingpin father Carl was bludgeoned to death at Barwon Prison by fellow inmate Matthew Charles Johnson in 2010.

Once dubbed the 'Baby-Faced Killer', Carl had been jailed for 35 years in 2007 for ordering the murders of three rivals, and received more time for conspiring to kill a fourth.

Later in the night, the gangland heiress shared footage of the ritzy birthday dinner and raspberry cake she shared with friends

In 2022, Dhakota and her mother Roberta joined OnlyFans after revealing their reputations made it difficult to find a 'normal' job.

Dhakota also said at the time that her late father would be proud of her for signing up to the adult subscription site.

'Is your dad rolling in his grave that you do OnlyFans?' one of her followers asked during an Instagram Q&A.

She responded that her infamous dad 'would be so proud of me for being successful and supportive of any path I choose to take'.

'He was very big on doing whatever makes you happy, and if you've got it, flaunt it,' she added.
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck has dished on Hollywood's Ozempic craze and his Oscars predictions as he prepares to cater the Academy Awards' official afterparty once again, The Governors Ball.

For the 32nd year in his career, Puck will be serving a mouth-watering array of treats at the exclusive bash, with this year's menu featuring cannolis, 'In-N-Out Style' dry-aged ribeye sliders, dark chocolate eclairs, and, of course, plenty of caviar.

The Daily Mail got a sneak peek of the menu and a chance to speak with the legend himself in his kitchen, where we can confirm the food will be just as delicious as it appears.

The elegant soiree is not just a chance to try a feast whipped up by Puck and his team, but an opportunity to enjoy a cheat day for those watching their waistlines.

In recent years, a number of celebrities have been open about using GLP-1s to help them curb their appetite, but Puck, 76, is not going to change how he prepares for the night in the kitchen.

'No,' Puck said when asked if he'll be making less food to accommodate smaller appetites. 'You know what? We change, but we do our stuff. I don't wait until somebody tells me, 'you have to do that.' I do it. So, the only thing who tells me what to do is my wife, but the rest I do.'

'We make the same amount of food. We don't want to run out, but, when we finish, we pack everything up and send it downtown to Skid Row so people can eat just like at the Oscars, so nothing gets wasted.'

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck spoke to the Daily Mail about Hollywood's Ozempic craze and his Oscar predictions as he prepares to cater the Governors Ball, the Academy Awards' official afterparty

Puck will be feeding A-listers at the bash for the 32nd year in his career

'They want an experience,' Puck's eldest son, Byron, who is helping him with the evening's menu, adds. 'Maybe the only thing that I see is more sharing.

'So I think people are actually ordering food, sharing, maybe not eating a whole plate to themselves, but sharing amongst each other, because food is celebration with friends and family at the end of the day.

'So, I think it's amazing how much of the world is wanting to trim down, I would say, in terms of the amount of eating. But no, I still think people love food. People love that experience and people still want to go out to enjoy themselves in that manner. So, I don't think we're cooking less.'

Out of the kitchen, Puck is enjoying some of the films up for a coveted Oscar.

Puck revealed his Academy Awards predictions with the Daily Mail, predicting Oscars glory for Paul Thomas Anderson and Sean Penn.

But as far as Best Picture, he thinks it is down to two films.

'I think One Dish After Another! Or One Battle After Another,' he told the Daily Mail. 'I think it's a great movie, but Sinners is also very good, so maybe Sinners might win for Best Picture.

'I think Paul Thomas Anderson might win for Best Director and I think Sean Penn should win, even he won already two, they might not give it to three to him, that might be too much. Might go into his head.'

Puck was not putting all his chips into Timothee Chalamet receiving his first Oscar this year, either.

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The Daily Mail got a sneak peek of the decadent menu set to be enjoyed by hungry A-listers

Puck's menu at The Governors Ball is both a feast for the eyes and stomach

Puck plating a dish of fish and chips with a jalapeno flair that the Daily Mail got to try

'I think now it's a little up in the air,' he said.

The Governors Ball is one of the last major bashes celebrating awards season and comes after a slew of other extravagant ceremonies - many of which also served food.

Puck was unfiltered when asked what he thought of the food at past awards shows.

'I don't give a s**t!' he replied. 'I only care about us!'

This year's menu consists of his usual staples, chicken pot pie and Oscar-shaped chocolates, however, he is also introducing some new items.

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Guests will celebrate Hollywood's biggest night with towers of macarons topped off with an Oscar trophy

An array of nigiri made of salmon and ahi tuna will be served to the stars

Puck told the Daily Mail he believes One Battle After Another will take home the top trophy at the Oscars

'Well, food, when somebody is hungry, you want comfort food,' Puck told the Daily Mail. 'And some people like innovation, but comfort food is different things for different people. Like this year, we set up a big sushi station in the dining room with five Japanese sushi chefs, and they're going to make fresh nigiris, fresh hamachis, fresh hand rolls and everything.

'So it's going to be made to order just like if you go to the best Japanese restaurant. So, for me, that's really special, because I love Japanese food too. And then we have our beef from Japan, which we've served already for a few years now, because it's the best beef in the world.'

This year's annual gala menu will also feature Domaine Clarence Dillon wine, Don Julio tequila cocktails, Dassai sake, Piper Heidsieck champagne. Gorgeous floral arrangements will be on display throughout the room by celebrity florist Saco Sarkissian of Petals LA.

'We make a tomahawk steak, so we're going to slice it to order,' Puck says. 'We're going to even have an English special. We're going to have fish and chips, but fried to order with a few potato chips in it, the fish in it, the spicy sauce on it. You know, the English normally don't eat a spicy sauce with it, but we spice it up with some jalapeno and with some other chilies and so it's going to be really delicious and you can bite it, have a glass of champagne, and you're fine.'

Puck has dealt with just about every kitchen crisis imaginable at this point in his career, and he and his team are prepared for anything anyone needs on the big night.

The spread was abundant with Oscar-themed delights

A plate of fish and chips, topped with slices of jalapeno, will be available to nosh on

The Daily Mail can confirm the food served at the bash will be even more delicious than it appears

The spread is a mix of both sweet and savory decadence

'Well, we have five chefs, who just do special occasions, special dishes,' Puck explains. 'I remember when Martin Scorsese was here. And he says, "Can you just make me a good pasta with basil, tomato, and garlic?"

'Well, it's not on our menu. We made it. When Ang Lee won for Best Director for Brokeback Mountain, we made him a Chinese steamed fish, a Hong Kong-style steamed fish with a little chili on top.

'Fried some bok choy and some rice, and he said, "How did you know I like steamed fish so much?"'

With names like Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and Michael B Jordan expected to come through after the awards show ends, the father-son duo already has ideas in mind on what to serve special for their famous guests.

'I think Leo DiCaprio and Sean Penn,' the elder Puck says, of whom he is most looking forward to cooking for. 'I mean, he did such a great job in the movie.

'So, I hope they come and when they're going to get the Oscar engraved, I bring them in the kitchen and make them some delicious steak.'

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Puck is already looking ahead for ideas for catering next year's Academy Awards

Puck's son Bryon Puck is assisting his father on Sunday evening's menu

The celebrity chef is returning to feed hungry A-listers at Hollywood's biggest night; pictured with his wife Gelila Assefa, Oprah Winfrey, and Jennifer Garner in 2019

The drink menu also includes Don Julio tequila cocktails

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'I know Leo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro and [Paul Thomas Anderson], who made the movie.

'They love Cut. So I had them at Cut. What did they eat? The Snake River Farms steak. The New York. So we're going to have it this year. I made it special because I think they're going to win. If not, I have the Oscar ready for them.'

'I think one of the things that they're going to love are going to be our Cut sliders,' Byron adds of Chalamet and Jenner's taste buds.

'It's actually one of the dishes we are bringing from London as well. But every time that he's dined in the past with us as well, I know that that's always something that just gets put down, so to speak.

'So we're going to be pushing that out of the kitchen all night, but I think they're going to go for it.'

While the 99th Oscars are still a ways away, with the weight-loss craze in Hollywood showing no signs of slowing down, Puck is looking ahead for ideas for next year.

'Maybe next year we have an Ozempic station next to it and they can eat as much as they want!' jokes Puck. 'Soon restaurants can sell that, too!'

The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday at 7pm ET / 4pm PT.
Robert Irwin is reportedly expanding his TV career with a gig as host of a Dancing With The Stars spin-off.

Industry insiders have confirmed that the 22-year-old Wildlife Warrior is currently filming his new reality show in Queensland.

The Disney/BBC production is called Dancing With The Stars - The Next Pro, and features hopefuls trying out for a role on the famed dance competition.

All the cast members are based in America and are competing for a spot as a professional dancer on DWTS US.

'Its going to feel a little bit like Big Brother meets Dancing With The Stars,' an insider told Daily Mail.

'The dancers will be living together, training together and competing week by week while viewers get to see everything happening behind the scenes.'

Robert Irwin is reportedly expanding his TV career with a gig as host of a Dancing With The Stars spin-off

Industry insiders have confirmed that the 22-year-old Wildlife Warrior is currently filming his new reality show in Queensland . The Disney/ BBC production is called Dancing With The Stars - The Next Pro, and features hopefuls trying out for a role on the famed dance competition. Pictured with his DWTS partner Witney Carson

'Robert has become incredibly popular with American audiences,' the source added, explaining that it was Robert himself who pitched the idea for the dance competition spin-off to producers in the US.

Daily Mail understands that Robert only signed off as host shortly before filming began two weeks ago, with the blessing of his mother, Terri Irwin.

'Robert is thrilled, this is the perfect job for him,' the source said of the fan favourite's new career challenge.

They added that Robert and the producers have discussed filming segments at the Irwin family's Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

'Terri loves the idea that Robert can continue building his career while promoting Australia,' they said.

Another insider said that so far Terri has kept a low profile as filming of the show continues.

It is expected that Robert will be joined by his dance partner Witney Carson on the new series after the pair walked away winners on DWTS US in November.

'Witney is so excited to be working with Robert again,' a production source said.

'Its going to feel a little bit like Big Brother meets Dancing With The Stars ,' an insider told Daily Mail

The contestants will be judged by Doctor Who actress Shirley Ballas and DWTS US veteran, Mark Ballas, who has won the dance competition three times.

It comes after an insider revealed to Daily Mail Australia that Terri Irwin, 61, 'ordered' Robert to stay close to home.

According to the source, the Irwin matriarch fears Robert may be lured to work in the US following his recent win on Dancing With the Stars.

'Terri has absolutely pulled the pin and said, "Enough. You're coming home,"' the said.

'Shes cut back his commitments and called him back to Australia Zoo.'

'She believes in structure, stability and routine, and mother knows best,' they added.
Harper Beckham could become the UK's answer to Kylie Jenner with the release of her debut beauty range.

Kylie, 28, was just 18 she released her debut product, the Kylie Lip Kits, and the success of her makeup line meant that by 21 she was crowned the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes.

Yet it seems Harper is coming for Kylie's crown, with reports that the 14-year-old is planning to launch her line soon - having already had a secret photoshoot for the new range in London.

Aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the beauty line is said to be inspired by South Korean cosmetics and is due to launch in late summer.

And Harper has the perfect mentor to help her achieve success, with her mum Victoria also known for her popular beauty range.

'This has long been a dream of Harper's - it has all been driven and led by her. She's an incredibly impressive young lady,' said a source.

Harper Beckham, 14, looks 'set to become the UK's answer to Kylie Jenner with the launch of her debut beauty line' after her mum Victoria's makeup success

Kylie, 28, was just 18 she released her debut product, the Kylie Lip Kits, and the success of her makeup line meant that by 21 she was crowned the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes

The insider added to The Sun: 'She has seen first-hand how her mum has successfully cracked the world of beauty and, like so many girls her age, is obsessed with all things fashion and beauty.

'David and Victoria are obviously supportive and very proud. This isn't a Brand Beckham thing, though  it is very much a Brand Harper thing.'

The Daily Mail have contacted the Beckhams' representatives for comment.

Back in October it was revealed that the Beckhams had trademarked the name HIKU BY Harper, putting the steps in motion for the upcoming beauty line.

The business-savvy family have long protected the rights to their children's names, with Victoria famously registering Harpers name for use in a range of branded products, including make-up, toys and clothing when she was just five years old.

At the time, an intellectual property expert said it was unprecedented to trademark a child's name because the move is usually reserved for those who are already celebrities.

Oliver Bray, a partner at international law firm RPC, told the Daily Mail: It normally happens when your career is getting going and a lawyer says, Lets get some protection in place."

'As opposed to the future-proofing which is what Victoria Beckham has done with her children.

It may be a sign of the times with social media and the whole way in which celebrities are exploited.

In order to give you more levers to control your image, a trademark is an obvious place to go and it might be that society is driving the Beckhams to use these levers to protect their children in this more manipulative world in which we live.

But from another point of view, you could call it savvy and looking to the future.

Harper has the perfect mentor to help her achieve success, with her mum Victoria also known for her popular beauty range

Harper has become increasingly visible on her mother's Instagram posting makeup tutorials and TikTok dances, and earlier this year even launched her own account.

Victoria even previously joked that Harper will either become a beauty mogul or a stand-up comedian, saying her daughter is 'hilarious'.

Harper has often emulated her famous mother by featuring in beauty tutorials on Victoria's Instagram platform.

Victoria will be on hand to offer tips and advice on beauty after her own successful line helped save her ailing fashion business.

The Beckham matriarch's fashion label had been in the red since launching in 2008, but in 2023 fortunes turned around thanks to her 30 eyeliner.

The product flew off the shelves so quickly that her team at the time reportedly struggled to keep up with the demand.

Victoria's Satin Kajal Liner, which comes in 22 colours, has been hailed as 'the perfect piece of make-up' by not only women in the UK, but also across Europe and in America since it launched.

Its popularity has been boosted by the former Spice Girl offering tutorials on social media platforms TikTok and Instagram  and friends of the star say that she, too, uses it every day.

A fashion insider told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'This has been an absolute gem of a product for Victoria.

'It has become so popular, Team VB says that they can't get it made and out there quickly enough. While it might seem expensive compared to high-street ranges, ordinary women are buying it and then learning how to use it by watching Victoria's tutorials.

'There are other products being launched and the fashion is becoming more popular but the eyeliner is the stand out. It has been a triumph.'

Those close to Victoria say that she is 'immensely proud' of the eyeliner, while its tens of thousands of fans say that it is easy to use, stays in place, and are impressed with the range of colours.

Harper has often emulated her famous mother by featuring in beauty tutorials on Victoria's Instagram platform

Victoria extended her fashion brand in 2019 when she launched her beauty range, inspired by her signature 'smokey eye' for which she has become known.

Speaking to Vogue France in October 2023, she said: 'It's such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit. This takes time, especially for an independent brand.

'This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to fall into my lap. Now that I have laid down the groundwork, the real work can begin.'

Last year, Harper made her public speaking debut when she presented her mother with a prestigious award for entrepreneurship at Harper's Bazaar's annual Women of the Year event.

She said: 'I'm so nervous. Especially as tonight's a school night. Hopefully, this isn't going to get me in trouble.

'My amazing mummy has built an incredible business from the ground up and has shown me the value of working hard.

'But above all, shes taught me to always be kind and, even though she has a million things to do, she rarely misses school.'
Lewis Hamilton and his mother Carmen Larbalestier go horse riding and visit a Tibetan village in Jiuzhaigou ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The F1 driver, 41, has spent two days travelling around Jiuzhaigou in southwestern China with his mother after racing in last week's Melbourne Grand Prix.

And ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, Lewis spent some quality time with his mum Carmen, 70, as the pair went sight seeing across the country.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lewis shared an array of snaps from their trip as the pair were seen horseback riding and taking in the sights of Jiuzhaigou National Park.

Lewis revealed that he and his mum had stayed at the ultra-luxury resort Ritz-Carlton Rissai Valley resort in Jiuzhaigou County.

He wrote: 'I look forward to coming here every year. This year I wanted to do as much as I could before the race.

Lewis Hamilton and his mother Carmen Larbalestier went horse riding and visited a Tibetan village as they enjoyed a tour of China ahead of the Grand Prix

The F1 driver, 41, has spent two days travelling around Jiuzhaigou in southwestern China with his mother after racing in last week's Melbourne Grand Prix

'The past 48 hours have been filled with culture and nature, from Rissai Valley to Jiuzhaigou National Park. Riding horses, visiting a Tibetan village, and spending time with my mum has brought me so much joy.

'Some of what I've seen has been so beautiful, it's almost indescribable.'

Preparing for his upcoming race, Lewis added: 'I'm heading to the to the track feeling so inspired and restored and especially grateful for everything I've experienced these past 2 days.'

It comes after it was reported Lewis has 'met his match' in Kim Kardashian.

The British Formula One driver and the reality TV star, 45, are 'going strong and really happy' a source told US Weekly on Monday.

The seven-time world champion 'is head over heels and those closest to him believe he has finally met his match.'

Lewis 'has waited over a decade for his dream girl and is crazy about her' the insider added.

The Ferrari superstar - who recently enjoyed a getaway with Kim - has been 'FaceTiming' with the mother-of-four 'regularly from the paddock.'

And though they can't spend as much time together as they would like, the Skims founder has been 'incredibly supportive' of his busy schedule.

The two are reportedly both 'very committed to making things work' and those close to the pair believe 'this could be endgame for them both.'

And ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, Lewis spent some quality time with his mum Carmen, 70, as the pair went sight seeing across the country

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Lewis shared an array of snaps from their trip as the pair were seen horseback riding and taking in the sights of Jiuzhaigou National Park

Lewis revealed that he and his mum had stayed at the ultra-luxury resort Ritz-Carlton Rissai Valley resort in Jiuzhaigou County

He wrote: 'I look forward to coming here every year. This year I wanted to do as much as I could before the race'

Preparing for his upcoming race, Lewis added: 'I'm heading to the to the track feeling so inspired and restored and especially grateful for everything I've experienced these past 2 days'

A source also previously told the publication that Lewis has not met Kim's children yet, but she is 'open' to the idea.

The insider said: 'Lewis is such a great guy and has really been courting her and treating her right. He's been making all the plans and making sure she is taken care of.

'Everyone around her thinks it's really sweet and what she deserves. Kim has had such a relaxed aura recently in all aspects of her life.'

The two recently enjoyed a luxurious trip together in Utah.

The couple were spotted taking in the sunset at an exclusive vacation destination along the Colorado River last month.

TMZ reported the secluded overlook is 'within striking distance' of Amangiri, an ultra-exclusive five-star desert resort.

Amangiri, which offers luxury suites that range from $3,500 and over $7,000 per night, is a discreet hideaway for celebrities seeking total privacy.

According to the outlet, the pair were spotted snapping a cozy selfie together before heading back toward a waiting black SUV parked nearby.

They only made their first joint public outing last month at Super Bowl LX, but their recent travel itinerary suggests this romance is quickly moving into serious territory.
Southern Hospitality star Grace Lilly was arrested in South Carolina on Tuesday.

The reality TV star, 27, was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.

It's not clear what the substance was at this time. Lilly has reportedly already been released from custody.

She appeared to be wearing a white and green top in her mugshot. Her raven hair was parted in the center and fell straight past her shoulders.

It's the second time in the past three months that she has been arrested.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Lilly for comment.

Southern Hospitality star Grace Lilly, 27, was arrested in South Carolina on Tuesday for possession of a controlled substance; Pictured in her mugshot

It's not clear what the substance was at this time. Lilly has reportedly already been released from custody, according to TMZ

In December, she was taken into custody on a warrant for second degree harassment in Charleston.

During the arrest police found 'happy pills' in her car.

Lilly was pulled over at a gas station for allegedly making 'an illegal lane change and a possible wanted party,' according to People.

The police report said that inside her purse police officers found 'a small container with "Happy Pills" imprinted on the top,' which contained '12 circular white pills with a "P" imprint on one side, and half of an oblong blue pill with no identifiable imprints.'

'When asked about the pills found inside the purse, the offender stated that the blue pill was Xanax and the white pills were birth control,' the report stated.

'The offender stated she had a prescription for the Xanax but did not have any proof of that information available at the time.'

The police were already acting on an outstanding warrant in relation to a second-degree harassment charge, the report revealed.

Second degree harassment is defined as 'a pattern of intentional, substantial, and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person that serves no legitimate purpose and causes the person and would cause a reasonable person in his position to suffer mental or emotional distress,' according to the South Carolina Code of Laws.

In December, she was taken into custody on a warrant for second degree harassment in Charleston. During the arrest police found 'happy pills' in her car; Pictured in her mugshot

The star is known for posting sizzling Instagram content. She has 56.8K followers on the platform

She currently stars on the fourth season of Southern Hospitality. The show is a spin-off of Bravo's successful reality TV series Southern Charm

Lilly wore a blue-and-white checkered uniform in her mugshot.

She previously dated Charleston-based boyfriend Liam Gann, but they split after a tumultuous relationship.

Lilly currently stars on the fourth season of Southern Hospitality.

The show is a spin-off of Bravo's successful reality TV series Southern Charm.

The star is also known for posting sizzling Instagram content. She has 56.8K followers on the platform.
Mickey Rourke was seemingly in good spirits to wrap up a trying week as he was pictured Thursday in Los Angeles.

The Oscar-nominated actor, 73, sported a shaggy auburn hairdo as he was pictured at the Mulberry Street Pizzeria.

The outing came days after a court issued a ruling in favor of his one-time landlord, canceling a lease for a home The Wrestler actor rented for most of last year.

The actor, whose film catalog includes Diner, Sin City and 9 Weeks, donned a purple Western style top with blue jeans as he was seen chatting with a friend and posing for pictures with fans.

Rourke accessorized with dark sunglasses, a large leather belt and grey boots on the sunny weekday in Southern California.

Rourke's team on Wednesday provided the Daily Mail with a statement on behalf of the actor, saying the reason he 'stopped paying rent was because the living conditions in the house had become unacceptable.'

Mickey Rourke, 73, was seemingly in good spirits to wrap up a trying week as he was pictured Thursday in Los Angeles sporting a shaggy auburn hairdo

He added, 'For months there were serious problems that repeatedly went unaddressed despite my efforts to have them fixed.'

Rourke said that 'there were ongoing rodent issues that required multiple visits but were never fully resolved, and the bathroom and plumbing frequently did not work.

'I made repeated requests for repairs, but the problems continued and basic maintenance was never properly handled.'

Rourke concluded, 'Withholding rent was not a decision I made lightly.

'I simply could not continue paying for a house that was in such poor condition after so many attempts to have these issues corrected.'

A Los Angeles court on Monday entered a default judgment for landlord Eric T. Goldie against Rourke in an eviction dispute over the rental home a month after the actor turned down six-figures in GoFundMe donations from fans.

Goldie received a default judgment in his eviction filing against Rourke, according to documents from Los Angeles County Superior Court reviewed by Daily Mail.

Goldie said in legal documents filed in late December that Rourke owed $59,100 in unpaid rental fees on the house, which is located off Drexel Avenue.

Rourke failed to respond to the eviction notice under the designated time frame under California law, leading to the default judgment.

The Oscar-nominated actor donned a purple Western style top with blue jeans as he was seen chatting with a friend

The actor was seen chatting with a friend outside of the pizzeria

Rourke accessorized with dark sunglasses, a large leather belt and grey boots on the sunny weekday in Southern California

The court granted Goldie immediate possession of the property and nixed the remaining lease agreement, effectively keeping Rourke out of the home moving forward.

Fans swung into action, donating about $100,000 to a GoFundMe set up by an assistant to Rourke's manager Kimberly Hines - but Rourke rejected the money - calling the campaign a 'cruel embarrassment.'

Monday's judgment included a notation of possession only - indicating it had been centered on who resides at the physical property - as opposed to financial disputes linked to the rental agreement.

The Angel Heart actor on December 18 was presented with three-day notice to pay or leave, according to a legal complaint from Goldie.

Rourke's team on Wednesday provided the Daily Mail with a statement on behalf of the actor, explaining his side of the rental dispute, as he said many grievances went unaddressed

Rourke said that 'withholding rent was not a decision [he] made lightly'

The LA home Rourke was renting was pictured with an eviction notice on the door Thursday

Rourke, whose full name is Philip Rourke Jr., had resided in the three-bedroom Southern California home since March 30, 2025 - at which time he inked a lease agreeing to pay monthly rent of $5,200.

Goldie said in the legal complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court December 29, that the actor has 'failed to comply with the requirements of' the order he was given to settle up or move out.

Goldie at the time also asked the court to force the actor to cover the legal costs he spent in trying to recoup the rent; and for Rourke to forfeit the remainder of the rental agreement.

Rourke pushed back after one of his business associates set up a GoFundMe which drummed up around $100,000, saying he was unaware of what she was doing.

'That was some lady who worked for me did that s***,' Rourke told photographers during an outing in Los Angeles in January.
Multimillionaire breakfast TV host Karl Stefanovic is under fire after his new podcast's team was caught requesting a complimentary hotel room in London for his trip in June.

Critics were quick to demand an explanation for why Australia's highest-paid television star appeared to be chasing freebies.

Stefanovic, however, has offered a very different story.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 51-year-old distanced himself completely from his team, saying he had no idea the London trip was even planned, let alone being involved in any potential contra arrangements.

'I wasn't aware of the trip to London. There's a bit on. Regardless, I have a young and enthusiastic team at the show with their eyes set on taking the Joe Bogan show global,' Stefanovic said.

'I don't really share those lofty ambitions but if they want to organise trips overseas to interview right-wingers I'm all for it. I think ambition is invigorating.'

Karl Stefanovic has offered a surprising response amid backlash surrounding his team's ad asking for freebies in London while recording his podcast

'Ambition' is certainly one way to describe posting ads asking for freebies.

Stefanovic then attempted to explain why his team were looking for a free hotel room, bizarrely claiming that he wouldn't be paying for employees' accomodation, flights or travel allowance if they do end up going to London.

'And they won't be staying with me at the Ritz. Hustle away... And they won't be allowed in my Toyota Rogue when I get there.'

He failed to explain why the ad stated his team wanted to use the free hotel room as a recording studio, however.

Surely a room at 'the Ritz' would suffice?

The podcast's publicist Keshnee Kemp, who posted the now-infamous ad in industry newsletter Social Diary this week, also spoke to the publication.

She confirmed that the London trip hasn't actually been confirmed, insisting that she was just 'forward planning' with her call-out for a free hotel room.

Kenshee, who is a long-time friend of Stefanovic's wife Jasmine Yarbrough and even attended their wedding, has deleted the ad from Social Diary's weekly newsletter wrap.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald , the 51-year-old distanced himself completely from his team, saying he had no idea the London trip was even planned, let alone being involved in any potential contra arrangements

Stefanovic then attempted to explain why his team were looking for a free hotel room, bizarrely claiming that he wouldn't be paying for employees' accomodation, flights or travel allowance if they do end up going to London

The ad stated that the Today show host will be travelling to London in a few months to record his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.

'We'd love to hear from hotel partners interested in accommodation partnerships (which will also be used as a studio for episodes),' the ad read.

The request was particularly surprising given Stefanovic's eye-watering salary.

As the long-time host of Nine's Today show, he is widely regarded as the highest-paid television personality in Australia.

It was reported his annual pay packet was around $3 million - although it was recently rumoured he had a pay cut, taking his salary down to $2 million.

The ad was also curious for another reason: accommodation used for business purposes is typically considered a legitimate tax deduction in Australia.

If a hotel room were genuinely to be used as a recording location for a podcast, the cost would ordinarily be something Stefanovic's team could claim as a work-related expense.

It comes as rumours continue to swirl that Stefanovic is preparing to walk away from his high-profile Today gig.

The ad - published in the latest edition of industry newsletter Social Diary - stated that the Today show host will be travelling to London in a few months to record his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show

As the long-time host of Nine's Today show, he is widely regarded as the highest-paid television personality in Australia. (Pictured on the show with co-host Sarah Abo)

The Australian claimed on Monday that it is unlikely Stefanovic will extend his multi-million-dollar contract when it expires at the end of the year, and is eyeing a 'full-time switch to radio'.

Stefanovic reportedly had informal talks with Australian Radio Network (ARN) regarding the move 'as recently as a month ago' and is currently weighing up his options.

According to the report, Stefanovic told ARN boss Michael Stephenson during their meeting that 'he doesn't know what he is doing next year'.

The publication also claimed that Nine's decision to grant permission for Stefanovic to launch his own podcast was a 'mistake'.

It was suggested that executives 'underestimated Stefanovic's work ethic and commitment to the project', particularly his desire to keep the project independent of Nine.

Nine did not comment to The Australian about the suggestion that Stefanovic was going against the Nine 'company line' regarding his podcast content, instead noting: 'This is an independent podcast entirely produced by Karl.'
Al Pacino proudly posed with all three of his adult children at the premiere of his firstborn daughter's new movie in Los Angeles this week.

Pacino, 85, welcomed Julie, 36, with acting teacher Jan Tarrant, and his twins Anton and Olivia, 25, with Coal Miner's Daughter actress Beverly D'Angelo.

He became one of the oldest known new fathers in the world in June 2023 when his then-girlfriend Noor Alfallah, 32, gave birth to their son Roman.

This Thursday, the Scarface icon gathered together with his grown progeny for a screening of Julie's directorial debut I Live Here Now.

Julie could be seen wrapping her arms affectionately around her father and planting a kiss on his cheek as he beamed proudly on her big night.

He arrived in a charcoal polo shirt, midnight blue blazer, black jeans and a matching scarf, jazzing up the ensemble with a set of gleaming aviators worn at night.

Al Pacino posed proudly with his three adult children children Julie (right), 36, and twins Anton (left) and Olivia (second from left), 25, in Los Angeles this week

This Thursday, the Scarface icon gathered together with his grown progeny for a screening of Julie's directorial debut I Live Here Now

All three of his children gathered lovingly around their father for a few group shots, indicating the harmony that prevails in the blended family.

I Live Here Now is a horror film with a cast including comedian Matt Rife, who has dated such names as Kate Beckinsale and Lucy Hale.

The picture also features Vampire Academy alumna Lucy Fry, Twin Peaks actress Sheryl Lee and The Handmaid's Tale star Madeline Brewer.

In 2011 when Julie was 21 years old, she hit the headlines for a DUI arrest, and immediately expressed public contrition for her 'big mistake.'

She refused to use her father's influence to avoid the legal consequences and said of her error in judgment: 'I never want it to happen again,' via the New York Post.

'I was always raised with perspective, and my mom always kept me in check and made sure that I never felt entitled or that I deserved anything because of something that my father did,' explained the then budding filmmaker.

Julie relayed a touching anecdote from her childhood, sharing that when fans would approach her father in restaurants for an autograph, they would gush over her as well.

To deflect them, she hid beneath the table or pretended to be deaf and mute, and her father, 'being an actor, obviously got a huge kick out of that,' she laughed.

Julie could be seen wrapping her arms affectionately around her father and planting a kiss on his cheek as he beamed proudly on her big night

All three of his children gathered lovingly around their father for a few group shots, indicating the harmony that prevails in the blended family

He arrived in a charcoal polo shirt, midnight blue blazer, black jeans and a matching scarf, jazzing up the ensemble with a set of gleaming aviators worn at night

Over the years, he has been involved with a string of stars including Diane Keaton, Tuesday Weld, Jill Clayburgh and Veruschka, but never made it down the aisle

One of the early movies she made was Not Another Al Pacino Movie, a parody of her father's films she made with her friends at the age of 12 for his birthday.

Pacino once touchingly told a story about how Julie, as a little girl, influenced his performance in the 1992 movie Scent of a Woman, for which he won an Oscar.

'I was playing a blind man and I remember my oldest daughter was at the time three. I visited blind institutions and they were great to me,' he told E! News.

'I said to my daughter: "Hey, Julie, do a blind person. Can you do a blind person for me?" She did it and I thought: "Wow, I can't do this because kids are geniuses." They have that genius and she was blind and she just did it, no preparation, nothing.'

Over the years, he has been involved with a string of stars including Diane Keaton, Tuesday Weld, Jill Clayburgh and Veruschka, but never made it down the aisle.

In his 2024 memoir Sonny Boy, he confessed that he 'always shied away from marriage. I guess I didn't see how it would help anything. I just wanted to avoid what I thought, at the time, was the inevitable: an entrance to the pain train.'
Bruce Willis's caretaker wife Emma Heming Willis announced that she is launching a charity for dementia research and caregiver support on Thursday.

Heming Willis, 47, revealed the news while accepting the Susan Newhouse & Si Newhouse Award of Hope at The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's Hope Rising Benefit in New York, as per People.

The Emma & Bruce Willis Fund is 'dedicated to advancing understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) by raising awareness, supporting promising scientific research and strengthening support for caregivers.'

Heming Willis accepted the award on behalf of her and the Die Hard actor, 70, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022 at age 67.

'This journey has opened my eyes to the realities so many families face when a loved one is living with frontotemporal dementia,' she told the audience.

'I believe deeply in the importance of supporting research while also showing up for the caregivers who carry so much every day.'

Bruce Willis' caretaker wife Emma Heming Willis, 47, announced that she is launching a charity for dementia research and caregiver support on Thursday; Pictured in 2024

The Die Hard actor, 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022 at age 67; The couple pictured in 2019

'Through this fund, my hope is to help deepen understanding of FTD and ensure families facing it feel seen, supported, and less alone.'

'Bruce has always led with generosity and heart, and I know he would be proud to see this effort helping families facing this disease.'

Heming Willis shared a selfie from the event with daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.

They were joined by director M. Night Shyamalan and his wife of over 30 years Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan.

Willis and Shyamalan have a legendary cinematic history together.

The actor famously starred in Shyamalan's 1999 supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense as child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe. He also played superhero David Dunn in the 2000 thriller Unbreakable.

Heming Willis, who wed the actor in 2009, also went on to repost a snap of herself on stage as well as a photo of her place card.

Last year the author revealed that her husband had moved into a separate one-story house down the street from their primary residence where he is supported by a full-time team of carers 24/7.

In January, the former model said that she visits the Hollywood star 'all the time.'

Heming Willis revealed the news while accepting the Susan Newhouse & Si Newhouse Award of Hope at The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's Hope Rising Benefit in New York

She shared a selfie from the event with daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. They were joined by Willis's longtime collaborator, director M. Night Shyamalan and his wife Bhavna Shyamalan

'This journey has opened my eyes to the realities so many families face when a loved one is living with frontotemporal dementia,' Willis's wife told the audience

Last year she revealed that Willis had moved into a separate house down the street from their primary residence, where he is supported by a full-time team of carers; The pair pictured in 2017

She and their two daughters have dinner with the icon several times a week and Heming Willis often drops by for breakfast with her spouse.

She said on the Conversations With Cam podcast: 'It is our second home, and it's a place where we make memories and that house supports Bruce's every need, 24/7 and our other home, where our kids are, now they're supported, now their needs are met and that's worked so well for us.'

She added that Willis has been 'thriving' in the new environment.

She also said that moving Willis into the home was 'one of the hardest decisions' during his health struggle.

'It did not come easy. Caregivers are faced with really hard decisions and we have to do what is the best for our family, what's the safest for our person.'

She added: 'Bruce wouldn't want his two young daughters to be clouded by his disease. I know that.'

'They weren't having sleepovers, play dates. We weren't inviting people over it was a really hard time.'

Earlier she told The Sunday Times newspaper: 'Among the sadness and discomfort, it was the right move  for him, for our girls, for me. Ultimately, I could get back to being his wife. And that's such a gift.'

It has also given Bruce more freedom to reconnect with friends and family. She explained: 'Its made such a difference for more friends and family to have their own experience with him without it being my home, without me hovering, or my anxiety of how to manage the guest and their expectations, and then have to see their reactions - their sadness at what is.'

Willis has been surrounded by his blended family, including his wife as well as ex Demi Moore, and all his five daughters, who have rallied around him

In the same Conversations With Cam podcast interview, Heming said that her husband is not aware he has dementia.

In 2023, Willis's close-knit blended family - including his ex-wife Demi Moore, 63, and their daughters Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 32 - publicly announced that he'd been diagnosed with FTD, a form of dementia that causes a rapid decline in the areas of the brain linked to personality and language abilities.

FTD eats away at the parts of the brain that control language, behavior and personality. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, patients don't lose their memory immediately but instead undergo personality changes.

The disease also attacks areas of the brain responsible for judgment, impulse control and decision-making, leaving patients vulnerable to mismanaging their finances, which adds an extra burden on to caregivers.

While the actor has stepped away from the spotlight, his family members have periodically updated fans on his condition.
Michelle Pfeiffer showcased her age-defying beauty while attending the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on Thursday.

The 67-year-old actress looked radiant at the SXSW premiere of her new comedy drama series, Margo's Got Money Troubles, alongside her costar Elle Fanning, 27.

Dakota Fanning, 32, was also a supportive older sister of Elle's as she joined them at the premiere of their new Apple TV series set to premiere on the streamer in mid-April.

Pfeiffer and the Fanning sisters, at one point, posed for a sweet group photo and the trio were all seen flashing their bright smiles on the red carpet.

The Scarface vet  who made a rare public appearance with her husband of 32 years for a red carpet event earlier this week  looked effortlessly stylish in a chic, blue look that highlighted her honey blonde hair and sultry eyes.

For the special occasion, she paired a silk, blue blouse with a deep navy, tweed blazer and matching, flared pants.

Michelle Pfeiffer looked youthful as ever in a chic, blue outfit while attending the SXSW premiere of her new, upcoming show: Margo's Got Money Troubles

She was joined by her costar Elle Fanning, who brought along her supportive sister Dakota Fanning, for the SXSW premiere in Austin, Texas

She left her collarbone-length hair down in a straight style with a middle part.

For her makeup, she went for a classic makeup look  which featured a smoky eye to highlight her smoldering gaze paired with peach blush and a glossy lip for a radiant flush.

As for Elle, she went for a bright pop of color as she posed on the red carpet in an elegant, scarlet red tea dress.

Her older sister Dakota wore a contrasting outfit and looked effortlessly stylish in a white, trench-coat-inspired dress with a black belt.

The three blonde stars looked like they could almost be siblings as they posed together for the special premiere.

In Margo's got Money Troubles, Elle stars as Margot Millet, the daughter of a former Hooter's waitress and an ex-professional wrestler, facing financial duress after welcoming a new baby.

In the show, Pfeiffer plays her mother Shayanne Millet while Nick Offerman plays estranged father Jinx Millet.

The series also stars Hollywood mainstay Nicole Kidman as well as Rico Nasty.

For the premiere of their new Apple TV comedy drama, Pfeiffer wore a chic, all-blue outfit that highlighted her blonde hair and bright blue eyes

Elle wore an elegant, scarlet red tea dress, which featured sparkling, embroidered details, and patent leather pumps

Her older sister Dakota showcased her support and, at one point, posed for a sweet sisterly duo photo together. Dakota, wore a white trench coat-inspired dress with a chic belt for the event

Margo's Got Money Troubles is a TV adaptation of the same-name novel written by Rufi Thorpe.

The description of the book, which was published in 2024, reads as follows: 'As the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo Millet's always known she'd have to make it her own.

'So she enrolls at her local junior college even though she can't imagine how she'll ever make a living,' the summary continues.

'She's still figuring things out and never would have planned to have an affair with her English professor  and while the affair is brief, it isn't brief enough to keep her from getting pregnant.

'Despite everyone's advice, she decides to keep the baby, mostly out of naivete and a yearning for something bigger.'

Cut to after giving birth to a healthy baby, she faces a new challenge.

Later, Pfeiffer was seen posing with Elle with their color contrasting looks while inside of the venue

The duo had also posed for a group photo with writers and fellow executive producers who worked on the show; pictured from left to right: Eva Anderson, Pfeiffer, David E. Kelley, Elle, Thaddea Graham and Matthew Tinker

Pfeiffer and the Fanning sisters looked almost as if they could all be siblings as the blonde stars celebrated the premiere of their movie at the famed film festival

'Now, at twenty, Margo is alone with an infant, unemployed, and on the verge of eviction,' the passage reads. 'She needs a cash infusion  fast.

'When her estranged father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and asks to move in with her, she agrees in exchange for help with childcare,' it continues.

'Then Margo begins to form a plan: shell start an OnlyFans as an experiment, and soon finds herself adapting some of Jinxs advice from the world of wrestling. Like how to craft a compelling character and make your audience fall in love with you.

'Before she knows it, shes turned it into a runaway success. Could this be the answer to all of Margos problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?'
Jackie 'O' Henderson has reportedly accused her former employer, ARN, of wrongful termination and misleading investors following the collapse of her $200 million radio deal with co-host Kyle Sandilands.

According to the Australian Financial Review, sources close to Henderson's legal correspondence with ARN have claimed Henderson is threatening the company with legal action for wrongful termination.

ARN announced last month that Henderson's $100 million contract had been terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh on-air comments that left her in tears.

In the same statement, ARN said it had 'offered to Ms Henderson the possibility of an alternative show on the ARN network'.

However, in a statement issued through her manager Gemma O'Neill, Henderson stated she 'did not quit or resign', that she was 'deeply saddened by the possibility of the show ending', and that her exit 'had come as a shock'.

The AFR claims the wrongful termination suit suggests Henderson didn't want out of her contract with The Kyle & Jackie O Show, and instead argues the network seized the opportunity to remove her from what had become a costly deal.

Jackie 'O' Henderson has reportedly accused her former employer, ARN, of wrongful termination and misleading investors following the collapse of her $200 million radio deal with co-host Kyle Sandilands (Henderson is pictured on Friday heading to the gym)

She is also reportedly arguing that the company never offered her another show.

An ARN spokesperson told the publication the company stands by its statement to the ASX.

Meanwhile, ARN provided written notice to her co-host Sandilands stating it considers his behaviour during the show on February 20 to be 'an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN's service agreement with Quasar Media'.

Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to 'remedy' the breach, or else he faces termination.

The radio titan is said to have called in lawyers and is 'preparing to sue' ARN should his $100 million contract be terminated following the collapse of the show last month.

On Tuesday, Sandilands released his own statement, claiming he has been 'muzzled' by ARN, and barred from contacting Henderson or speaking with colleagues.

According to News.com.au, Henderson reached out to Sandilands last week amid reports he was feeling 'betrayed' by their employer.

After connecting, both Sandilands and Henderson apparently realised ARN had told them separately that the other party didnt wish to be contacted.

According to the Australian Financial Review , sources close to Henderson's legal correspondence with ARN have claimed Henderson is threatening the company with a wrongful termination lawsuit

Henderson was last spotted on Friday as she headed to the gym for a low-key workout. She showed off her slim frame in a tight T-shirt and loose sweatpants

'They both realised, like, "Why aren't we allowed to talk to each other?"' a source said.

Henderson was spotted on Friday as she headed to the gym for a low-key workout.

She showed off her slim frame in a tight T-shirt and loose sweatpants, completing her look with red-and-white sneakers.

Attempting to fly under the radar, the radio star covered her face behind a pair of sunglasses.

On Tuesday, Sandilands released his own statement, claiming he has been 'muzzled' by ARN, and barred from contacting Henderson or speaking with colleagues.

'I want to speak directly to my listeners, my colleagues and the public about what has been happening,' Sandilands began in his statement.

'On 20 February, I had an argument with Jackie on air about something that had been bothering me for a while. I said things I wish I had said differently.'

Sandilands went on to say that he privately apologised to Henderson after the feud and deeply regretted hurting his long-time co-host's feelings.

Meanwhile, ARN provided written notice to Sandilands (pictured) stating that it considers his behaviour during the show on February 20 to be 'an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN's service agreement with Quasar Media'

'That same evening, I sent Jackie a message telling her I was sorry for anything I said that didn't go down well, that I love her and care for her, and that I could have handled it better. I meant every word of that, and I still do,' he continued.

'Jackie and I have worked together for over 25 years. She is one of the most important people in my life. The idea that our partnership could end like this is devastating to me.'

The shock jock went on to claim ARN had imposed some strict conditions amid the fallout.

'ARN told me that I am not allowed to contact Jackie. They have told me that I am not allowed to speak to my colleagues. I did what was asked even though it made it impossible for me to do the one thing anyone in my position would want to do  pick up the phone and talk to the person I have been talking with continually for my entire career,' he explained.

'The truth is that ARN terminated Jackie's contract on the same day it accused me of a breach. It suspended me from work. All of this happened while I was being told to sit quietly and say nothing. That is not a genuine process.'

While acknowledging Henderson had told him she was hurt, he insisted they had always resolved disagreements privately.

'I am not going to pretend that everything about this situation is simple. Jackie told me she was hurt, and I accept that. But we have had disagreements before and we have always worked through them. That is what partners do. We never needed lawyers or ASX announcements to sort things out. I believe we could have sorted this out too, if ARN had given us the chance.

'I have a contract with ARN that runs until 2034. I am committed to that contract. Despite what ARN says, I am not in breach of that contract. I want to be on air. I want to be with my audience. I want to do the job I have done my entire adult life,' he insisted.

'I am asking ARN to do the right thing: honour our agreement and let me get back to doing what I do best - entertaining the people who have supported this show for more than two decades.'

He concluded: 'To my listeners: Thank you. I miss you. I'll be back.'
Zendaya paid homage to two style icons with her look at the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday.

The actress, 29, looked incredible in a vintage one-shouldered Cache flower dress that had a very familiar feel to it.

Sex And The City fans will recognise the dress from the 2008 movie, with Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) strutting down the streets of Manhattan in the gown for the opening scene.

The outfit, sourced by costume designer Patricia Field, is one of Carrie's most iconic looks - however, she wasn't the first to wear it.

Cache's eye-catching mini dress is a replica of a Eugene Alexander gown that Whitney Houston first wore in 1987 for the cover of Life magazine.

While Zendaya may have ensured her gown was the same as the fashion icons she went her own way with the accessories - modelling two gold bands amid rumours she's secretly tied the knot with Tom Holland.

Zendaya paid tribute to Sarah Jessica Parker (right) and Whitney Houston in iconic vintage gown at the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday

Cache's eye-catching mini dress is a replica of a Eugene Alexander gown that Whitney Houston first wore in 1987 for the cover of Life magazine

The Euphoria actress has yet to publicly comment on the marriage reports but was said to have been overheard graciously accepting a flurry of well wishes from fellow A-listers at the star-studded gala, a source told People.

Zendaya also hinted at wedding bells when she flashed her gold band to the camera, after being asked for 'a sign' about her private life by the event's host, Marsai Martin.

While on the red carpet, Zendaya - dressed in bridal white - flashed two rings on her left wedding finger.

She made no effort to hide her gold bands as she smiled for the camera while offering photographers a selection of sultry poses.

One ring was a Rolling Ring, which has also been called a Trinity Ring or a Russian wedding ring.

The other was a thin gold band that looked like a typical American wedding band.

Rumours of a secret wedding began on March 1 as a result of Zendaya's stylist Law Roach, who told Access Hollywood at the Actor Awards: 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it.'

When asked if that was 'true,' Law replied: 'It's very true!'

The news has yet to be confirmed by the couple's representatives, but they have both been keen to keep their relationship out of the spotlight.

They first sparked dating rumors in 2016 but the relationship wasn't confirmed publicly until 2021 when they were pictured sharing a kiss.

The couple confirmed their engagement in September 2025 when Tom referred to Zendaya as his 'fiancee' during a panel event.

Zendaya flashed a Rolling Ring, which has also been called a Trinity Ring or a Russian wedding ring. The other was a thin gold band that looked like a typical American wedding band

She has been dating Tom Holland since 2017. While they met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, they kept their romance private for years (pictured in 2024)

Tom has previously insisted the pair are determined to keep their romance private because it has 'nothing to do with' their acting careers.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: 'Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible.

'We don't think that we owe it to anyone, it's our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers.'

Zendaya shared similar comments in an interview with GQ, declaring the couple's relationship is 'sacred' and she wants to keep it that way.

She explained: 'The equal sentiment [we both share] is just that when you really love and care about somebody, some moments or things, you wish were your own.

'I think loving someone is a sacred thing and a special thing and something that you want to deal with and go through and experience and enjoy amongst the two people that love each other.'

The actress expanded on her view in an interview with Elle magazine, saying: 'I can't not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. You can't hide. That's not fun either. I am navigating it more than ever now.'
Morrissey cancelled his concert in Valencia due to sleep deprivation after being left in a 'catatonic state' by noise during the city's Las Fallas festival.

The musician, 66, was due to perform in the Spanish city on Thursday.

A statement on the artist's Morrissey Central website read: 'Having travelled for two days by road, Morrissey reached the hotel in Valance late on Wednesday (11.03.26).

'Any form of sleep or rest throughout the night was impossible due to festival noise/ loud techno singing/ megaphone announcements.

'This experience has left Morrissey in a catatonic state. Before leaving for tonight's scheduled concert, please check that the show remains possible under these circumstances.'

A follow-up message confirmed that the gig would not be taking place.

It read: 'Tonight's scheduled show in Valencia has been rendered impossible due to sleep deprivation.

'Morrissey drove from Milan to Valencia but has been unable to rest in Valencia due to noise. The show is not cancelled. Circumstances render the show impossible.'

Morrissey, 66, has cancelled his concert in Valencia due to sleep deprivation after being left in a 'catatonic state' by noise during the city's Las Fallas festival (seen in 2023)

'Any form of sleep or rest throughout the night was impossible due to festival noise/ loud techno singing/ megaphone announcements. This experience has left Morrissey in a catatonic state', a statement read

Fans reacted on social media following his last-minute cancellation to make light of the situation: '3 things certain in life.. death...taxes and morrisey cancelling a gig'

Morrissey described his Plaza Manises hotel as an 'indescribable hell', adding: 'It will take me one year to recover. And that is an understatement.'

The Suedehead artist has a reputation for axing gigs and has already cancelled six dates on his current tour, including due to 'artist illness' in St Petersburg, Florida in January.

A Ticketmaster statement at the time read: 'Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event.

'You don't need to do a thing. We'll issue a refund to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, as soon as funds are received from the Event Organizer. It should appear on your account within 14-21 days.'

Fans reacted on social media following his last-minute cancellation to make light of the situation: '3 things certain in life.. death...taxes and morrisey cancelling a gig',

'Tomorrow I will say the same thing to my boss', 'Not going to work bc you wanna go back to bed, honestly rare W from Morrissey', 'I can relate. Rest well Moz.'

Morrissey is due to perform in Zaragoza on March 14 and Seville on 16 March. It is unknown if the the shows will go ahead.
Victoria Beckham cut a stylish figure in an extreme thigh-high split dress as she left her offices in Soho, London on Wednesday.

The fashion designer, 51, put on a very leggy display in the racy ensemble which she teamed with towering grey high heels.

Victoria looked in high spirits after a morning of meetings as she waited to get picked up by her chauffeur.

The mother of four recently returned to London after spending a week in Paris for Fashion Week.

At her runway show, Victoria was supported by her husband David, children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, as well as Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

However, her estranged son, Brooklyn, 27, was a no-show as he continues to isolate himself from family festivities.

Victoria Beckham, 51, cut a stylish figure in an extreme thigh-high split dress as she left her offices in Soho, London on Wednesday

The fashion designer put on a very leggy display in the racy ensemble which she teamed with towering grey high heels

Her daughter Harper  who is set to follow in her mother's fashion footsteps  looked the spitting image of Victoria at the fashion show.

Harper could become the UK's answer to Kylie Jenner with the release of her debut beauty range.

Kylie, 28, was just 18 she released her debut product, the Kylie Lip Kits, and the success of her makeup line meant that by 21 she was crowned the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes.

Yet it seems Harper is coming for Kylie's crown, with reports that the 14-year-old is planning to launch her line soon  having already had a secret photoshoot for the new range in London.

Aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the beauty line is said to be inspired by South Korean cosmetics and is due to launch in late summer.

And Harper has the perfect mentor to help her achieve success, with her mum Victoria also known for her popular beauty range.

'This has long been a dream of Harper's  it has all been driven and led by her. She's an incredibly impressive young lady,' said a source.

The insider added to The Sun: 'She has seen first-hand how her mum has successfully cracked the world of beauty and, like so many girls her age, is obsessed with all things fashion and beauty.

'David and Victoria are obviously supportive and very proud. This isn't a Brand Beckham thing, though  it is very much a Brand Harper thing.'

The Daily Mail have contacted the Beckhams' representatives for comment.

Back in October it was revealed that the Beckhams had trademarked the name Hiku By Harper, putting the steps in motion for the upcoming beauty line.

Victoria looked in high spirits after a morning of meetings as she waited to get picked up by her chauffeur

Victoria looked incredibly glamorous for a morning of meetings at her office

The mother of four recently returned to London after spending a week in Paris for Fashion Week

At her runway show, Victoria was supported by her husband David, children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, as well as Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30

Harper has become increasingly visible on her mother's Instagram, posting makeup tutorials and TikTok dances, and earlier this year even launched her own account.

Victoria even previously joked that Harper will either become a beauty mogul or a stand-up comedian, saying her daughter is 'hilarious'.

Harper has often emulated her famous mother by featuring in beauty tutorials on Victoria's Instagram platform.

Victoria will be on hand to offer tips and advice on beauty after her own successful line helped save her ailing fashion business.

The Beckham matriarch's fashion label had been in the red since launching in 2008, but in 2023 fortunes turned around thanks to her 30 eyeliner.

The product flew off the shelves so quickly that her team at the time reportedly struggled to keep up with the demand.

Victoria's Satin Kajal Liner, which comes in 22 colours, has been hailed as 'the perfect piece of make-up' by not only women in the UK, but also across Europe and in America since it launched.

Its popularity has been boosted by the former Spice Girl offering tutorials on social media platforms TikTok and Instagram  and friends of the star say that she, too, uses it every day.

A fashion insider told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'This has been an absolute gem of a product for Victoria.

'It has become so popular, Team VB says that they can't get it made and out there quickly enough. While it might seem expensive compared to high-street ranges, ordinary women are buying it and then learning how to use it by watching Victoria's tutorials.

'There are other products being launched and the fashion is becoming more popular but the eyeliner is the stand-out. It has been a triumph.'

Those close to Victoria say that she is 'immensely proud' of the eyeliner, while its tens of thousands of fans say that it is easy to use, stays in place, and are impressed with the range of colours.

Her daughter Harper  who is set to follow in her mother's fashion footsteps  looked the spitting image of Victoria at the fashion show

Harper has the perfect mentor to help her achieve success, with her mum Victoria also known for her popular beauty range

Victoria extended her fashion brand in 2019 when she launched her beauty range, inspired by her signature 'smokey eye' for which she has become known.

Speaking to Vogue France in October 2023, she said: 'It's such an exciting time. This year, we made a profit. This takes time, especially for an independent brand.

'This is just the beginning. I have lots of ambitions and I work hard to achieve my goals. I never wait for things to fall into my lap. Now that I have laid down the groundwork, the real work can begin.'

Last year, Harper made her public speaking debut when she presented her mother with a prestigious award for entrepreneurship at Harper's Bazaar's annual Women of the Year event.

She said: 'I'm so nervous. Especially as tonight's a school night. Hopefully, this isn't going to get me in trouble.

'My amazing mummy has built an incredible business from the ground up and has shown me the value of working hard.

'But above all, shes taught me to always be kind and, even though she has a million things to do, she rarely misses school.'
Married At First Sight star John Aiken broke down in tears on Friday night as he talked about his co-star Mel Schilling's terminal cancer diagnosis.

Mel, 54, gave her followers a heartbreaking health update on Thursday, revealing that her cancer has spread to her brain and there is 'nothing more doctors can do'.

John, 55, who starred in 11 seasons of MAFS with Mel, addressed the news on A Current Affair during an emotional interview with Allison Langdon.

'It's just so unbelievable how quickly this disease has got on top of her. She's an amazing woman. Such a bright shining light, and she is a fighter,' he said.

'We knew that she had cancer on and off for two years, but she never complained, never let on what was going on.

'And so this has come as a complete shock to all of us.'

Married At First Sight star John Aiken, 55, broke down in tears on Friday night as he talked about his co-star Mel Schilling's terminal cancer diagnosis

Fighting back his tears, John went on to reminisce over the 'precious moments' he has spent with Mel behind the scenes of MAFS since she joined the show in 2016.

'I've spent a lot of time over the last 24 hours just going through photos and listening to music because she's a very big fan of 80s music,' he said.

'A lot of people don't realise that before we go on set we're often singing and dancing in the hair and make-up room before we go on and call out bad behaviour on the set with these couples.'

John also commended Mel for being an 'amazing mum' to her daughter Maddie, 10, whom she conceived through IVF with her husband Gareth Brisbane.

'She's a real force to be reckoned with. A force of nature. She would fly over from the UK, she'd do our show,' he said.

'She'd have to fly back several times, but always at the forefront of her mind was her daughter Maddie and her husband Gareth.

'They were a driving force for her and I would often see her as I was getting made up; she was out the back FaceTiming Maddie, taking photos, getting fashion checks from her.'

John went on to say he hopes he gets a chance to fly back to the UK and 'say goodbye' to Mel, as his co-star recently said she doesn't know how much longer she has left to live.

'I'm stepping in to do MAFS UK, which she [Mel] was all across and I had her blessing, and I really did it with the full intention of keeping the seat warm for her so she could take over next year,' he explained.

'But that's taken a real tragic turn. So, I hope I get a chance to see her while I'm in London, just to connect one more time.'

John who starred in 11 seasons of MAFS with Mel, addressed the news on A Current Affair during an emotional interview with Allison Langdon. Pictured from left: Mel, Alessandra Rampolla and John

Mel gave her followers a heartbreaking health update on Thursday, revealing that her cancer has spread to her brain and there is 'nothing more doctors can do'. Pictured with her daughter Maddie, 10, and husband Gareth Brisbane

Mel's fellow MAFS UK judges were also quick to react to the sad news, taking to social media to pay tribute.

Charlene Douglas shared a sweet snap of the pair during filming, that she captioned: 'Always in my heart  Love you so much.'

Paul C Brunson also reacted to the news as he shared a poignant post. He penned: 'Sometimes life stops us just long enough to remind us what truly matters.

'We spend so much time chasing the next goal, solving the next problem, planning the next move.

'But in the end, it's rarely those things that define a life. It's the people beside us. The quiet moments.

'The laughter, the presence, the love we share. These moments remind us that strength isn't always about pushing forward.

'Sometimes it's about pausing long enough to appreciate who were walking through life with.

'So tonight, hug someone you love. Hold them close and tell them clearly how much they mean to you.'

Mel, who was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 before it spread to her lungs, informed John it had spread to her brain earlier in the year.

However, John said he always had hope she would beat the disease because she was 'so future-focused' and assured him she would 'fight' and 'win' against the cancer.

'I just kept texting her, sending her photos, saying I'm in your corner, sending her voice messages, and thinking she was going to beat it,' he said.

'And just last night I found out she'll, you know, it's not gonna happen.'

In a heartbreaking moment, John also noted that he was getting older and was not 'going to many weddings now, and instead 'I'm going to more funerals'.

'It's difficult as you get older. It's very important to make the most of the people that are with you at the time that they're standing in front of you because they can go quickly,' he said.

Mel's fellow MAFS UK judges were also quick to react to the sad news, taking to social media to pay tribute (Mel is pictured the show's sex and intimacy expert, Charlene Douglas)

MAFS UK stars Nelly Patel, Ella Morgan and Laura Vaughan were also quick to pay tribute

MAFS UK expert Paul C Brunson also reacted to the news as he shared a poignant post. He penned: 'Sometimes life stops us just long enough to remind us what truly matters'

Mel has stepped down from MAFS UK in light of her devastating diagnosis so Paul and Charlene will now being joined by John on the show

Mel revealed on Thursday that her cancer is now terminal after spreading to her brain as she shared a devastating health update with her followers on Instagram.

The MAFS star first revealed she had been diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.

However, in 2024, the cancer metastasised in her lungs and, over Christmas, it spread to her brain.

In a heartbreaking statement she wrote: 'I honestly dont know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.'

Mel explained she has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS.

She was due to start a new clinical trial this March; however, over Christmas, she began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side.

After tests, it was discovered the cancer has spread to her brain and there is nothing more doctors can do. She wrote: 'My light is starting to fade - and quickly.'
Ulrika Jonsson was overcome with emotion as her daughter Bo surprised her with a sweet tattoo tribute that read 'love you, darling' in her mother's handwriting.

The Swedish TV star, 58, said 'it's just been me and her for much of her life' as she reacted to the adoring gesture on Instagram earlier this month.

Back in 2021, Bo revealed that she did not want to meet her biological father Markus Kempen for the first time after he had reached out to her.

Ulrika previously shared her heartache over Marcus walking out shortly after Bo's life-saving heart operation when she was a baby.

Speaking about her and Bo's 'strong, undeniable and fearless bond', Ulrika penned: 'Well, that was a bit of a shock. A good one at that - although her cardiologist might disagree.

'The Oldest Female Ungrateful had her first tattoo. Of my words telling her love you, darling. It looks beautiful (apart from my handwriting obvs) and I feel humbled and honoured and still in disbelief.

'For much of her life, its been just me and her. Ive been mum and dad. Weve had our battles and there has been conflict but weve always healed together and got to a better place.

'Our bond is strong - undeniable and fearless. Might have to rethink my nickname for you now @bo_jonsson. Thank you to @havefaithtattoo for looking after my girl. God works in mysterious ways.'

Ulrika Jonsson, 58, was overcome with emotion as her daughter Bo, 25, surprised her with a sweet tattoo tribute

Bo surprised Ulrika with a tattoo on her rib that read 'love you, darling' in her mother's handwriting

Norland nanny Bo offered her own side of the story in 2021, as she detailed how she has never felt a longing to meet her father, after being adopted by Ulrika's ex-husband Brian Monet, who she felt a connection with and called 'daddy'.

She said at the time that she feels there is 'no space for Markus' in her life at the moment, but didn't rule out a future meeting for them when she feels ready.

Ulrika told Bo about her dad aged eight, however after already introducing her to her partners John and Lance, who acted as father figures, Bo admitted she struggled.

She said: 'I talk about having a 'biological' dad because it's just a genetic thing to me. I haven't been able to make a connection emotionally. I was a bit confused by Mum's explanation because of my age and I remember going off to play straight after as I didn't have anything to say.'

'How can you ever be prepared for being told you have a 'real' dad somewhere in the world, somewhere in your past or present?'

Bo said she draws comparison from children being told they are adopted, but it isn't something she ever spoke about with her friends.

The professional nanny puts this down to having a strong support network growing up, as she admitted to feeling very 'settled' in her home life.

Bo revealed that her mum Ulrika would often check in to see if Bo wanted to talk about 'Marcus', however she confessed that she never did.

She said: 'I just felt no connection and no real intrigue either which might sound strange but I believe it's because I had such a settled childhood that there was no real longing for that 'missing piece'. What I didn't ever do was ask Mum about their relationship and what happened  how and what went wrong.'

Bo was born with a congenital heart condition called Double Inlet Left Ventricle, which was diagnosed when Ulrika was pregnant. She has had one closed and two open-heart surgeries throughout her life so far.

She believes that going through this with just her mother due to the absence of Markus has given them an unbreakable bond.

Back in 2021, Bo revealed that she did not want to meet her biological father Markus Kempen (pictured) for the first time after he had reached out to her

The Swedish TV star said 'it's just been me and her for much of her life' as she reacted to the adoring gesture on Instagram earlier this month

Speaking about her and Bo's 'strong, undeniable and fearless bond', Ulrika penned: 'Well, that was a bit of a shock. A good one at that - although her cardiologist might disagree.'

Bo confessed she has sometimes wondered about her father leaving and the reason why - especially after choosing nannying as her career due to her love of children.

When was at a nannying post in Corfu in 2021, Markus reached out to ask if she wanted to meet him, however she has decided to decline the offer.

She explained: 'I don't have any angry feelings towards him because of anything he has done to me. But more because I feel he caused my mum so much pain, especially during all those worrying times when I was poorly. On this occasion, I've decided not to meet.'

Bo is not ruling out a meeting in the future but for right now is worried it could open a 'can of worms', as she struggles with the idea of meeting a man who caused her mother 'so much pain'.

Bo finished her essay by sweetly admitting she sees Brian as her 'daddy', as he has done so much more for her than many biological dads would do.

She concluded: 'So there is no space for Markus in my life at the moment. But I know the day will come when we will meet and it makes me nervous and full of anticipation. But as long as I have Mum by my side, I think I'll be able to deal with it. I'm just not ready right now.
Georgia Toffolo chatted with Jeremy Clarkson and snapped selfies as she kept it casual in a pair of jeans for the last day of Cheltenham Festival.

The 31-year-old, who found fame on reality series Made in Chelsea and went on to win ITV's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, went for a more casual look as she sported a pair of jeans for her final outing in the Cotswolds.

Georgia, who has previously described Cheltenham as the 'highlight' of her year, was seen having the time of her life in the stands on Friday.

She was spotted chatting to Clarkson's Farm star Jeremy as they watched on in anticipation during one of the horse races.

Meanwhile Georgia, who was grinning from ear to ear during the day out, also took selfies with a pal before appearing to share her disappointment at the results of a race.

Georgia has been documenting her style choices for this year's festival on Instagram and felt she was taking a risk with her laid back look.

Georgia Toffolo chatted with Jeremy Clarkson and snapped selfies as she kept it casual in a pair of jeans for the last day of Cheltenham Festival on Friday

Meanwhile Georgia, who was grinning from ear to ear during the day out, also took selfies with a pal

The reality star took to her Instagram to share her outfit which, along with her jeans, featured a black blazer with a faux fur collar and cuffs.

She also sported a dark brown headband and accessorised with a black 'horn bag' with a gold horn detail.

Although many people like to dress up for the Cheltenham Races, the festival does not have an official dress code.

Instead, attendees are encouraged to 'dress to feel your best' and are reminded 'comfort and confidence' are most important when selecting an outfit.

In her caption, Georgia wrote: 'Day four of Cheltenham and I've thrown in a little curveball. Jeans.

'After a whole week of race-day dressing, all I want is to put my trusty jeans on.

'However, because I've gone a little more casual today, I felt the need to introduce a slightly ridiculous accessory.

'Enter: the horn bag. I'm not entirely sure what the etiquette is here, but I may feel compelled to give it a little toot lol.

'But tell me honestly jeans at Cheltenham - completely wrong, or quite fun for the final day?'

Georgia's outfit seemed to go down well with her followes who wrote: 'Comfort all day long rocking it!'... 'This outfit is perfect!!'

'Love this look!'... 'Depends where you are? Club Enclosure jeans  hospitality suite? Ooooooh no jeans please!'

She was spotted chatting to Clarkson's Farm star Jeremy as they watched on in anticipation during one of the horse races

Georgia was seen watching the races before appearing to share her disappointment at the results of a race

Georgia went for a more casual look for the last day of the Cheltenham Races as she sported a pair of jeans for her final outing in the Cotswolds

Georgia has been documenting her style choices for this year's festival on Instagram and felt she was taking a risk with her laid back look for Friday

The reality star took to her Instagram to share her outfit which, along with her jeans, featured a black blazer with a faux fur collar and cuffs

Georgia wrote: 'I've thrown in a little curveball. Jeans. After a whole week of race-day dressing, all I want is to put my trusty jeans on'

Also in attendance on the day were Tommy Fury who sported a black turtle neck jumper and matching trousers along with a grey coat.

He posed for a photo with fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper who wore a three-piece tweed outfit with brown boots and a navy hat.

Hannah Waddingham arrived to the races holding hands with Nick Beresford-Cleary, a consultant spinal surgeon.

She has been single in recent years but was previously in a relationship with Italian businessman Gianluca Cugnetto with whom she has a daughter born in 2014.

Jodie Kidd opted for a houndstooth suit with a matching coat and black shoes while Nick Knowles looked dapper in a black suit as he attended alongside his wife Katie Dadzie.

It was a family day out for Mary Berry, left, who attended with her daughter Belles.

Georgia's husband, James Watt, was not with her on the day amid his Brewdog business woes, however that should come as no surprise.

He previously joined her at the horse racing event but decided it wasn't for him.

It came as her BrewDog co-founder husband said he is 'heartbroken' after his firm was sold off for just 33million this month  with the loss of almost 500 jobs.

Also in attendance on the day were Tommy Fury who posed for a photo with fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper

Jodie Kidd opted for a houndstooth suit with a matching coat and black shoes

Joseph Bates, Jodie Kidd, Jade Holland Cooper, Katie Dadzie and Nick Knowles all posed for a snap together

Celia Imrie wore a dark green coat over a black jacket and matching trousers

Nick Knowles' wife Katie opted for a grey plaid suit along with a black top and matching boots

Harry Redknapp attended the races alongside his wife Sandra

Gemma Owen wrappped up in a burgundy coat which she paired with a matching silk shirt and black trousers

Jeremy Clarkson arrived at the races arm-in-arm with his longterm partner Lisa Hogan

Hannah Waddingham arrived to the races holding hands with Nick Beresford-Cleary, a consultant spinal surgeon

Hannah looked incredible in a plaid waistcoat and trousers with a matching coat

Zara Tindall attended the races with her husband Mike and her brother Peter and his fiancee Harriet Sperling

Zara was seen helping a racegoer with their wheelchair

Elizabeth Hurley cut a glamorous figur in a black and white floral print coat as she attended the festival alongside her son Damian

It was a family day out for Mary Berry, left, who attended with her daughter Belles

Celia Imrie and Mary Berry watched the first race together

The Scottish brewery, which was speculatively valued at 2billion just a few years ago, was sold to US cannabis and drinks firm Tilray for a fraction of that earlier this week.

A total of 38 UK Brewdog bars closed this month, when CEO James Taylor told 484 staff in an all-hands conference call that they were no longer employed.

Shares owned by the 220,000 'equity punks' who invested some 75million in the company over seven funding rounds are now practically worthless.

In a post shared across several social media channels, self-espousing 'punk' and multimillionaire Mr Watt expressed contrition over the company's downfall. However, it failed to impress some observers.

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.'
Ed Sheeran has revealed his wife Cherry Seaborn is 'on the other side' of her cancer journey as he reflected on the moment he found out about her diagnosis.

Doctors discovered Cherry had a tumour in her arm in February 2022 while she was six months pregnant with their second child, daughter Jupiter.

In the same week Cherry found out she had cancer, Ed's best friends Jamal Edwards and Shane Warne died suddenly and a court case launched over his song Shape Of You, where Ed was accused of plagiarising and which he later won.

After Ed, 35, and Cherry, 32, who wed in 2019, welcomed Jupiter into the world, the mother-of-two had an operation to remove the tumour.

Sharing an update on his wife's health, Ed explained: 'The day Cherry rung me up and said that she had cancer, that was probably one of the worst days.

'That was probably the worst week because Jamal died that week as well and then we went straight into the court case. And then Shane died.

Ed Sheeran, 35, has revealed his wife Cherry Seaborn, 32, is 'on the other side' of her cancer journey as he reflected on the moment he found out about her diagnosis (seen in 2024)

Sharing an update on his wife's health, Ed explained: 'She's fine, I mean she had the operation. She was pregnant at the time so that's why it was difficult'

'She's fine, I mean she had the operation. She was pregnant at the time so that's why it was difficult.

'She had the operation to remove the tumour after she'd given birth to our second child. Thankfully, touch wood, totally fine.'

Ed chatted to Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco on an episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast.

When Cherry first sought medical help, she was initially told by a doctor 'this is really bad' and that she had cancer.

The mother-of-two immediately rang Ed telling him to cancel all of his plans, while they waited an agonising month long wait for the full report.

But Cherry was told there were no treatment plans that would work with her pregnancy.

After a sequencing test was done on the tumour, the couple found it was much less severe than what was thought originally and surgery could be done after she had given birth to Jupiter.

Cherry said in Ed's Disney+ documentary: 'It was the most incredible news. I nearly threw up when the surgeon told us we could wait to the end of the pregnancy to get the tumour out.

'We didn't have to worry about delivering the baby early.'

Doctors discovered Cherry had a tumour in her arm in February 2022 while she was six months pregnant with their second child, daughter Jupiter (seen in 2018)

In his Disney+ documentary back in 2023, the couple recalled their 'horrible' start to 2022 which saw Cherry battle cancer

Ed and Cherry went on to welcome Jupiter and announced her arrival in May 2022 with a sweet Instagram post. The couple are also proud parents to Lyra, four.

In Ed's documentary, Cherry gave an update on her health after going for a check-up appointment months after the initial surgery - and was thrilled when she was told the tumour hadn't come back.

She said: 'Yesterday I had follow up scan in my arm to see if the tumour had come back. We were silent in the car as we were worried it would be bad.

'It was super triggering being in the same room when things weren't so positive at the start of the year. The surgeon looked at the scans and it all looks good. The lymph nodes have all calmed down. That was amazing. It was massive for us.'
Jonathan Ross was joined by his daughter Honey as they arrived at Global Studios in London to record a podcast on Friday.

The chat show host, 65, sported a brown blazer and trousers along with a black T-shirt and white trainers for the outing.

Honey, 29, opted for a cropped brown jacket which she paired with a racy mini skirt. She also wore a pair of black tights and brown boots.

The pair walked by a group of people wearing Renaissance / Elizabethan style theatrical costumes while making their way to the studio.

Honey is the youngest of Jonathan's three children. He is also father to Betty, 34, and Harvey, 32, with his wife Jane Goldman.

The outing comes after Honey celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Gav Murphy, 40, after striking up a romance with the video producer last year.

Jonathan Ross was joined by his daughter Honey as they arrived at Global Studios in London to record a podcast on Friday

Honey, 29, opted for a brown cropped jacket which she paired with mini skirt and knee high boots

The couple made their first red carpet appearance together in August, as they attended the UK Gala screening of film, Caught Stealing.

Since then, Honey has shared a number of loved-up snaps of them together to her social media, while YouTuber Gav is often found publicly gushing over his girlfriend in the comments.

While on Valentine's Day, the pair headed out for a romantic meal, with Gav sharing a snap of his stunning partner with the caption: 'Oh come on now' with a heart-eyed emoji.

And he publicly showed his adoration for her during a trip to Disneyland in Florida last year, by proudly sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with her name 'HONEY ROSS'.

While he appears to have received the seal of approval from Honey's parents who could be seen posing with the couple in a snap at Disneyland, wearing matching Mickey Mouse-themed accessories.

Gav is known for his video production company and YouTube channel, RKG, which he hosts with pals Daniel Krupa and Rory Powers and sees them playing video games.

Interestingly, Jonathan is known for being an avid gamer, and established his own studio, Hotsauce Interactive, which has created mobile games like Catcha Catcha Aliens.

Passionate about the industry and a keen collector, he previously collaborated with Microsoft Studios and has contributed voice work to games like Fable and Halo.

The duo seem to have a fantastic relationship and often work together

The pair walked by a group of people wearing Renaissance / Elizabethan style theatrical costumes while making their way to the studio

It comes after Honey celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Gav Murphy, 40, after striking up a romance with the video producer last year

Gav has even mentioned his girlfriend's famous father on his gaming channel, most recently in a Q&A video in December.

He recalled an embarrassing moment where Jonathan had Googled him to find his birthdate only to discover his unflattering nickname.

Referencing his romance with Honey, he said: 'This year, I got a new girlfriend and it is quite interesting, her parents being the most online parents I've ever had to deal with.

'I remember she got a text from her dad going because I think we were going away and he had to look up the date of my birth. He searched for Gav Murphy RKG online and the first thing came up as "The Grotmeister".

'And then he started texting me as the as the Grot going like, "Do put Grotmeister on the airport thing?" I saw the text come through and I was just like, argh that just changes lots of things now, doesn't it?'

However, Gav added: 'Luckily he's quite grotty so it's fine.'
Kat Graham announced she has given birth to a baby boy as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share adorable snaps.

The 36-year-old Vampire Diaries alum and her husband Bryant Wood, whom she wed in 2023, revealed the newborn's sweet name.

'Welcome to the world Prospero Spero Nyemah Wood', they wrote.

Kat looked radiant and glowing as she cradled her newborn while posing for sweet snaps in his nursery.

The couple announced they were expecting their first child back in December.

Sharing a collection of black and white Polaroid photos featuring her burgeoning baby bump, she wrote a simple caption: 'Were having a baby!!! '

Kat Graham, 36, announced she has given birth to a baby boy as she took to Instagram on Thursday to share adorable snaps

The 36-year-old Vampire Diaries alum and her husband Bryant Wood, whom she wed in 2023, revealed the newborn's sweet name

Kat cradled her belly while lifting a ribbed turtleneck sweater in several photos, and teasing a low-cut satin bra in others.

Her husband joined in the pictures, sweetly posing with his head on his wife's stomach and chest.

Kat re-shared the post via Instagram Stories and reiterated: 'Baby on board!'

He captioned the clip, 'Happy Thanksgiving from the Wood Family! We are having a baby!'

Kat and Bryant eloped in 2023, and had another wedding on their two-year anniversary in August.

'We really wanted to have a second wedding because, technically, it was our first wedding,' the mom-to-be told People in October.

She recalled, 'When we initially eloped, it was incredibly private  we had someone come to the house and marry us with only our dogs as witnesses.'

'It was intimate and romantic in its own way, but this time we wanted to celebrate our love surrounded by our family and friends,' the star added.

'Welcome to the world Prospero Spero Nyemah Wood', they wrote

Kat looked radiant and glowing as she cradled her newborn while posing for sweet snaps in his nursery

The couple announced they were expecting their first child back in December

120 guests attended the nuptials, which were held at a private estate in Mountain Center, California.

Her husband weighed in, 'The next most important thing for me was the gamification and fun  the playfulness and joy.'

A 'mini ranch' was constructed, which included a mechanical bull  'We made a whole contest out of it with prizes. I won, of course,' Bryant, a wellness instructor, said.

The couple also wanted to prioritize a blending of their backgrounds and cultures.

Kat shared, 'I wanted incredible Italian dishes, pasta wheels, and moments that made people feel nurtured.

'It was also really important that we brought in both of our cultural roots  African music because my family is from Liberia, West Africa, and Italian food to honor Bryants Sicilian heritage.'
Ulrika Jonsson has shared exactly what cosmetic work she has had done to her face after revealing her fresher complexion to fans.

The presenter, 58, previously said she was working on reversing 'years of sun damage' to fans as she shared snaps of her visibly younger look.

Now, Ulrika has revealed the exact treatments she had done to her face in a new video to fans on Friday afternoon.

She could be seen inside London's Define Clinic as she held a consultation with clinicians before receiving a tailored treatment plan.

During the clip, Ulrika said of her old complexion: 'I aged badly and really hard actually. Historically, societally, women have been expected to go into old age quietly and I refused to do that.'

As footage played of the Swedish native receiving her various procedures, she continued: 'I've not felt as excited about anything in years as excited as I do about this

Ulrika Jonsson has shared exactly what cosmetic work she has had done to her face after revealing her fresher complexion to fans

The presenter, 58, previously said she was working on reversing 'years of sun damage' to her skin looked visibly younger in new snaps

'It's not about looking younger, I don't want to look 21, I don't want to look 31, but I want to look the best that I can for my age.'

Ulrika started by receiving biostimulators, which are non-surgical treatments designed to stimulate the body's natural collagen growth.

She was then given Evolus Dermal Filler, which is hyaluronic acid fillers that treat moderate to severe winkles and folds on the face.

As the footage continued, Ulrika received Erbium & Jalupro, which are laser resurfacing and injectable skin boosters respectively.

In another visit, she had BBL x MOXI - a laser treatment that removes pigmentation on the skin by damaging it through exposure to light.

According to the clinic that treated the former Celebrity Big Brother star, that was followed by Polynucleotides - which is DNA fragments extracted from trout or salmon sperm and injected into the skin that boosts collagen and elastin production.

Ulrika's extensive treatment plan ended with HIFU, which stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.

Said to be non-invasive, the surgical procedure uses ultrasound energy to heat the deep layers beneath the surface, further stimulating collagen production, in particular for tightening and lifting the face, neck and brow line.

Beaming and visibly glowing and arguably younger look, Ulrika said: 'What I see now when I look in the mirror is new skin, fresh skin.

'I get a lot of compliments from people.'

Unveiling her new look to fans last week with an array of new snaps, Ulrika candidly penned: 'Up until last year, I had largely given up on my face. I had learnt to accept the consequences of years of sun exposure because I didn't realise there was anything I could do about it.'

The presenter went on to explain she had been going to a clinic for a series of treatments to help improve the quality of her skin.

'For me, it was not about turning back the clock but it was the start of a relationship which had its basis in reassurance and realistic expectations,' she added.

'I am more than happy with laughter lines and wrinkles. They are, after all, the marks of a life lived.'

She continued: 'I am beyond thrilled with my new skin and the reflection that now meets me in the mirror every day.

'I think we need to remember that "ageing" is natural, but above all else, it's a privilege. How we, as individuals, choose to age is our prerogative.'

This is not the only treatment the star has had done in recent weeks, as last month she revealed she was recovering from a procedure to remove her varicose veins.

Meanwhile, earlier this week Ulrika shared a first look at her home makeover.

Ulrika said: 'It's not about looking younger, I don't want to look 21, I don't want to look 31, but I want to look the best that I can for my age'

Sharing an update to her Instagram, Ulrika showed off her TV room after 'turning it into something special' with the help of an interior designer.

It featured a huge orange sofa complete with fringe scatter cushions and an extravagant chandelier in the centre of the room.

Ulrika wrote: 'Im so massively proud of this room which used to be a beyond-basic TV room where the Youngest Male Ungrateful spent his time gaming. I never sat in there.

'But when I knew I would remain in my beautiful house, I decided to turn it into something special.'
One of Old Hollywood's most enduring beauties proved she's still a stunner as she stepped out looking absolutely fabulous at 88 on Wednesday.

The legendary actress, who starred alongside Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery in Marnie, turned heads during her rare outing in Los Angeles.

Dressed in a flowing top, a pink scarf and chic trousers, the star - who shared unforgettable scenes with Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs - looked as if she'd drunk from the fountain of youth.

She strolled the streets sprightly, sunglasses on and phone in hand, nearly six decades after her first major role in The Diary of Anne Frank.

Her love life was just as legendary as her Hollywood career, having been linked to Warren Beatty, Gardner McKay, Frank Langella and reportedly even King Hussein of Jordan.

Can you guess the eternally youthful starlet?

One of Old Hollywood's most enduring beauties proved she's still a stunner as she stepped out looking absolutely fabulous at 88 on Wednesday

The legendary actress, who starred alongside Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery in Marnie, turned heads during her rare outing in Los Angeles

She strolled the streets sprightly, sunglasses on and phone in hand, nearly six decades after her first major role in The Diary of Anne Frank

If you said Diane Baker, you are correct!

Bakers rare appearance comes almost 15 years after her last screen role, in the 2013 TV movie The Surrogate.

Despite the hiatus, she looked every bit the Hollywood icon, proving that age is just a number.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, she trained rigorously in New York before honing her craft back in LA, eventually landing a contract with Twentieth Century Fox.

Her breakout came with The Diary of Anne Frank (1959), where she played Margot Frank, the elder sister of Anne.

She quickly followed that with roles in Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Best of Everything and Nine Hours to Rama.

After her studio contract ended, Baker continued to grace the screen in high-profile projects like Alfred Hitchcocks Marnie (1964) and Mirage (1965) with Gregory Peck.

Television also became a playground for her talents, including memorable turns in Rod Serlings Theyre Tearing Down Tim Rileys Bar/The Last Laurel (1971) and the offbeat Last Salute to the Commodore (1976).

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Diane Baker trained in New York before honing her craft back in LA, eventually landing a contract with Twentieth Century Fox; (pictured 1964)

Baker also appeared in the 1963 Cold War caper The Prize opposite Paul Newman and Golden Globewinning Elke Sommer, playing Emily Stratman amid a wild Nobel Prize espionage plot

Her breakout came with The Diary of Anne Frank (1959), where she played Margot Frank, the elder sister of Anne; (Baker left, with Millie Perkins)

Her 1991 role in The Silence of the Lambs cemented her status with a new generation of fans.

As Senator Ruth Martin, the distraught mother of Catherine Martin, she faced off against Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins) in one of the films most tense moments, delivering the unforgettable line: Take this thing back to Baltimore'

Her love life was just as legendary as her Hollywood career, having been linked to Warren Beatty, Gardner McKay, Frank Langella and reportedly even King Hussein of Jordan; (Beatty with Natalie Wood in 1962)

Baker eventually stepped behind the camera as a producer, taking on indie films such as Portrait of Grandpa Doc (1977) and Never Never Land (1980), and larger productions including the Emmy-nominated miniseries A Woman of Substance (1984).

She also portrayed matriarch Rose Kennedy in the CBS miniseries Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (2000).

Her 1991 role in The Silence of the Lambs cemented her status with a new generation of fans.

As Senator Ruth Martin, the distraught mother of Catherine Martin, she faced off against Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins) in one of the films most tense moments, delivering the unforgettable line: Take this thing back to Baltimore.

She continued to appear in films like The Cable Guy (1996) alongside Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick, while balancing a famously colorful personal life.

Despite her many high-profile relationships, Baker never married and chose not to have children.

More recently, she has shared her wealth of experience as an acting instructor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, proving her influence on Hollywood spans generations.
Romeo Beckham's girlfriend Kim Turnbull appeared to by vying for the perfect daughter-in-law crown as she gushed over Victoria's dresses on Instagram on Friday amid the family feud with estranged son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.

Kim showed her support for her boyfriend's mum, as she posed in a 1,990 lacy black dress designed by Victoria Beckham as she enjoyed a very lavish stay on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The DJ looked sensational in the sexy backless number as she penned: 'No dress like a @victoriabckham dress'.

Showing her approval, Victoria commented four red heart emojis.

Kim also shared a series of sizzling snaps as she posed naked in bed on the luxury train where she stayed in the Le Lacs Grand Suite, which costs upwards of 5,500.

The suite comes complete with a private ensuite bathroom and living area, double bed and underfloor heating as well as 24-hour cabin service, private dining and free-flowing champagne.

The DJ also enjoyed a boat trip on the famous Venice canals during her trip.

Romeo Beckham's girlfriend Kim Turnbull showed her support for his mum, as she posed in a 1,990 lacy dress designed by Victoria Beckham as she enjoyed a lavish stay on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Kim vies for the perfect daughter-in-law crown as she gushed over Victoria's dresses on Instagram on Friday amid family feud with estranged son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz; pictured Victoria and Nicola

Kim set off on her luxury train trip at the start of the week where she showed off her collection of Chanel handbags she had brought along with her, jokingly captioning the photo: 'The kids'.

Among them were the brand's large classic quilted bag, which retails for 9,540, as well as a 2021 limited edition mini flap in blue and pink that is listed on Sotheby's at $7,000 (5200), with the estimated worth of the four bags being was over 26,000.

The Orient Express journey takes place over two days to go from Paris to Venice, traversing the Italian Dolomites and Innsbruck in Austria.

It comes as Victoria advertised her new perfume as she joked for her cameraman to catch the product in a fun clip.

The fashion designer looked incredible in a figure hugging dress as she sat at her desk in Paris chatting about the 170 perfume.

Days earlier Victoria cut a stylish figure in an extreme thigh-high split dress as she left her offices in Soho, London.

The Spice Girl put on a very leggy display in the racy ensemble which she teamed with towering grey high heels.

Victoria looked in high spirits after a morning of meetings as she waited to get picked up by her chauffeur.

The mother of four recently returned to London after spending a week in Paris for Fashion Week.

At her runway show, Victoria was supported by her husband David, children Romeo, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, as well as Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

However, her estranged son, Brooklyn, 27, was a no-show as he continues to isolate himself from family festivities after his scathing statement.

The DJ looked sensational in the sexy backless number as she penned: 'No dress like a @victoriabckham dress'

Showing her approval, Victoria commented four red heart emojis

Kim wowed in the floor-length number as she arrived on the train

Kim also shared a series of sizzling snaps as she posed naked in bed on the luxury train where she stayed in the Le Lacs Grand Suite, which costs upwards of 5,500

The DJ also enjoyed a boat trip on the famous Venice canals during her trip

Romeo and Kim initially dated for seven months, with their relationship becoming public in late 2024.

However, they then briefly separated in June last year after his estranged brother Brooklyn's feud with his parents put strain on their relationship.

At the time of the split, it was alleged that Kim was being used as a 'scapegoat' in the family rift, following claims she had previously dated the aspiring chef, 27, and that his wife Nicola Peltz felt uncomfortable around her.

Brooklyn seemed to allude to his history with Kim and Nicola's dislike of being near her, in his bombshell six-page statement cutting all ties with his family.

However, Kim and Romeo rekindled their relationship in October and have been going from strength-to-strength.

But even after moving on from the Brooklyn drama, it has not been plain sailing for the couple, as they've recently had a couple of narrow escapes from awkward run-ins with Romeo's ex-girlfriend, Mia Regan.

Last Thursday, both Kim and Mia, 23, - who dated Romeo for five years - were in attendance at the Club Poppi launch in Shoreditch.

While the week prior, Mia reportedly made a hasty exit from a London Fashion Week party, after Romeo arrived with Kim on his arm.

The model was sat front row for Romeo walked the runway for Burberry, while Kim was also spotted proudly watching him take to the catwalk.

And keen to avoid any chance of a run-in with the couple at the glitzy Mayfair bash afterwards, Mia reportedly left the party after just 20 minutes when Romeo and Kim arrived at 10:35pm.

It comes as Victoria advertised her new perfume as she joked for her cameraman to catch the product in a fun clip

The fashion designer looked incredible in a figure hugging dress as she sat at her desk in Paris chatting about the 170 perfume

According to The Sun, she was seen with a sheepish expression as she made her early exit, while Romeo and Kim made the most of the occasion, partying until 2:30am.

Mia and Romeo began dating in 2019 and split in February 2024 - just weeks after moving in together in Battersea, London.

The former couple confirmed rumours that they had broken up, admitting they had 'friend-zoned' each other, in a post on Instagram.

He wrote at the time: 'We still have a lot of respect for each other, and still hold a strong friendship and always will.'
Warwick Davis' is pictured with his mystery girlfriend he's nicknamed 'Sponge' as it's revealed the couple have been dating for a year following the tragic death of his wife.

The Harry Potter star, 56, has was seen with the attractive brunette at the BAFTA awards where he paid tribute to her in his acceptance speech for 'helping him find love again.'

The couple were also together backstage at a Madness concert last July- while his new love was alongside his two children when Warwick accepted his OBE at Windsor Castle earlier this week.

Sources close to the couple say they have been dating for a year and are apparently 'happier than ever' together.

Warwick's girlfriend is helping him rebuild his life after his wife Samantha suffered a cardiac arrest in 2024 aged 53.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'Warwick has been with his girlfriend for over a year now and they couldn't be happier.

'She has no interest in being a public figure and  although she has accompanied Warwick to events  she does not court the limelight.

'She is so proud of Warwick and loves to be by his side at events, but she will stand back and allow him to be in the spotlight.

Warwick Davis and his mystery girlfriend were pictured together at last month's BAFTA Awards

The pair were also seen together having a giggle backstage at a Madness concert at the Eden Project

The woman Warwick affectionately calls 'Sponge' was also alongside his two children this week at Windsor Castle as the actor accepted an OBE from the Prince of Wales

'She is close with his children and they have a lovely life together. All anyone wanted was to see Warwick happy and he has that with his girlfriend.'

Arriving at Wndsor Castle, Warwick was seen conversing with Prince William as he accepted the honour, with the girlfriend and his daughter Annabelle, 28, and son Harrison, 23, looking on.

He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama and charity.

His girlfriend also attended the Bafta Film Awards with Warrick at London's Royal Festival Hall last month.

Last July, the couple were also seen backstage together at a Madness concert in Cornwall.

Warwick revealed he had found love again with a mystery women during his acceptance speech, after being awarded with the BAFTA Fellowship.

He said: 'Special mention should go to Sponge, you know who you are.

'Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.'

Asked about the identity of 'Sponge' last year, Warwick said on The Jonathan Ross Show: 'I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.'

Referring to Daisy May Cooper's character, Kerry Mucklowe, from comedy series This Country, Warwick adds: 'Sponge very much reminds me of Kerry. Some of the things she says and her accent.'

Warwick also spoke about his emotional tribute to his late wife Samantha during his acceptance speech, saying: 'When you go through your career as an actor, you sometimes become a bit reluctant to do certain jobs thinking another one will come along and be a bit better.

'She would always say 'get out there and do it'. She was great at networking as well, always talking to producers and getting me the work in the next job. Very supportive. You need that in this business because it is difficult. You've got to have someone who is very supportive of you being away on occasions and working ridiculous hours.'

Warwick added: 'Acting is quite a lonely career, really. You need a solid foundation at home to support that and make it work.'

Join the discussion How soon is too soon to find love again after losing a long-term partner?

Warwick's late wife Samantha Davis, who was also an actress, died aged 53 at University College Hospital in London on March 24, 2024

He was also joined by his daughter Annabelle, 28, and son Harrison, 23, as he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama and charity

Arriving for the ceremony, Warwick was seen conversing with Prince William as he accepted the honour, with his girlfriend and his children watching on

Warwick's late wife Samantha, who was also an actress, died aged at University College Hospital in London.

An inquest into her death concluded that she died as a result of a cardiac arrest following complications from an essential surgery.

She fell ill with sepsis in 2019 which led to intensive care treatment. This followed operations on her spine that were undertaken at University College London Hospital.

Warwick dedicated his BAFTA Film Fellowship Award to his late wife during an emotional tribute at the ceremony.

He said: 'Above all I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago. She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.'

His children were both seen crying in the audience as their dad thanked them helping him get through the tough year.

He said: 'Since then, life has been pretty tough for me but thanks to the support of our wonderful children Annabelle and Harrison, I've been able to continue working and engaging in life.'

The couple met during the filming of 1988 fantasy movie Willow, in which he had a starring role as the hero Willow Ufgood. They married in 1991.

Alongside their daughter Annabelle and son Harrison, Warwick and Samantha also had a third child, however he tragically died nine days after being born.

Warwick said in 2022 that he would not wish the 'devastating' experience of losing their son on anyone and added: 'You never get over it.'

Samantha was then struck down with sepsis, five years before her death, with Warwick keeping vigil at her hospital bedside as she fought for her life.

Their family had been gearing up for a caravan holiday in 2019 when she suddenly fell ill with a mystery condition, something she put down to stress.

However, she became gravely unwell and left on the brink of death before thankfully making a remarkable recovery.

Samantha then tragically died in 2024, with Warwick releasing a touching statement where he said her passing had 'left a huge hole in our lives' and paid tribute to his 'favourite human'.

He described Sammy, as he called her, as his 'most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career'.

The Star Wars actor said he felt like he could achieve anything with his wife by his side and that it felt like he had a 'superpower'.

'She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes,' Warwick said in a statement given to the BBC.

Following the inquest into Samantha's death, Senior coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox ruled her cause of death as 'arrhythmic cardiac arrest and complications following left thoracotomies'.

She explained that she had achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, which was 'complicated by very severe spinal problems' and had required multiple surgeries since 2016.

She also praised the care given by hospital staff, telling the court, the hospital delivered 'nothing but excellent care' and all of Samantha's 'complications were appropriately managed'.

She said: 'I am satisfied that the medical cause of death should be arrhythmic cardiac arrest and complications following left thoracotomies.

'In my view, the stress of everything together has precipitated this arrhythmic cardiac arrest in a lady who was not known to have any previous arrhythmia problems.'

Prof Wilcox added: 'I have found nothing but excellent care being delivered to this lady and all of her complications were appropriately managed.

'It is frankly heartbreaking that the surgery itself was successful only for complications to arise and to cause her death.'

David Lawrence, a cardiothoracic surgeon at University College London Hospitals, said Samantha's recovery had been going well and that she had stable readings.

He told the inquest: 'Very sadly, on the night this happened, the original plan had been that she would be discharged home the following day.

'We had good evidence that this patient had a chest x-ray that was acceptable, very stable observations and this patient did not bleed during the day.'

During her stay, two surgical chest drains had been removed  the second of which came out on the very same day she died.

Senior Coroner for Inner West London, Prof Wilcox, said: 'I am satisfied that the medical cause of death should be arrhythmic cardiac arrest and complications following left thoracotomies.

'In my view, the stress of everything together has precipitated this arrhythmic cardiac arrest in a lady who was not known to have any previous arrhythmia problems.'

The coroner added: 'I have found nothing but excellent care being delivered to this lady and all of her complications were appropriately managed.

'It is frankly heartbreaking that the surgery itself was successful only for complications to arise and to cause her death.'

In a statement released through their solicitors ahead of the hearing, the family said: 'We know that the resilience and strength Sammy instilled in all of us will guide us through this difficult next chapter.

'Her love, support, and determination is a legacy we want to continue. Sammy's Helping Hands fund, which was set up in her honour, has already had a huge impact on young people in the dwarfism community, and will continue to support families all over the UK moving forwards.

'The last year and trying to come to terms with Samantha's death has been incredibly difficult.

'However, we hope that the inquest will at last provide us with answers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and well-wishes to us all.'

Samantha was diagnosed with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism, as a child.

Her husband is affected by a similar condition, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. It meant he never grew taller than 3ft 6in.

Best known for roles such as Professor Flitwick and goblin Griphook in Harry Potter, as well as his comedic adventures with Karl Pilkington in An Idiot Abroad, Warwick is particularly commended for his advocacy for people with dwarfism.

He co-founded the charity Little People UK in 2012 with his late wife Samantha, to support people with dwarfism and their families.

Davis has confirmed he will return to the world of wizardry for the new Harry Potter series reboot and reprise his role as Professor Flitwick.
The country's most endangered Senate Democrat has a rallying cry - and he's calling it the 'Epstein Class.'

It's a shorthand term that Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has coined to describe the wealthy and powerful, he argues, who have escaped political accountability, and it's become central to his pitch as he fights to hold his Senate seat in 2026.

During a campaign rally last month, Ossoff stated, 'we were told that MAGA was for working-class Americans. But this is a government of, by, and for the ultra-rich. It is the wealthiest Cabinet ever. This is the Epstein class, ruling our country.'

'They are the elites they pretend to hate,' Ossoff noted, before claiming that President Donald Trump is 'closing rural hospitals to cut taxes for George Soros for Elon Musk.'

Epstein-linked donors tied to Ossoff campaign funding

George Soros and his son Alex are top Ossoff donors, and George appeared in the Epstein files.

Federal Election Commission records reveal that Ossoff has received over $100,000 from individuals named in the Epstein files between his various campaign accounts.

In essence, part of that very Epstein class he decries is funding his bid for another term in power - which could become an issue for him in his re-election campaign.

The state's senior senator, at just 39, Ossoff faces one of the toughest reelection maps in the country. The Cook Political Report has labelled him the 'most endangered incumbent' of the cycle - a line his own campaign has been running in Google display ads.

Ossoff's barrage of attacks on the 'Epstein Class' has driven much of his national profile, including during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Reid Hoffman and Soros family among Ossoffs major donors

Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted [child predator], reportedly died in jail by [killing himself] in 2019.

The appearance of an individual's name in the files is not necessarily evidence of wrongdoing.

LinkedIn founder and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman has given Ossoff $27,864 dollars between his 2020 and 2026 campaigns.

Hoffman appears in the files at least 2,619 times, per a Daily Mail analysis.

Billionaire Democrat donors George Soros, and his son, Alex, have given Ossoff $20,600 dollars each, for a total of over $40,000 in contributions.

In an FBI victim statement, George Soros was said to have been on a yacht with Epstein, in which he witnessed the victim being [sexually assaulted], in a heavily drug-induced state, with the bottoms of his feet being slashed.

Tech billionaires connected to Epstein files donate to Ossoff

Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend who was involved in many aspects of his life and business, noted in an interview conducted by the US Department of Justice, 'I don't think he knew him,' when asked about a relationship between Epstein and Soros.

Laurene Powell-Jobs, the owner of the Atlantic, who has been pictured with Maxwell, gave Ossoff $8,200, split between his 2020 Senate race, as well as a prior 2017 contribution during his election for the US House of Representatives.

Eric Schmidt, a top advisor to Google and Youtube's parent company Alphabet Inc, gave $10,667 to Ossoff.

In a 2013 email from an apparent mutual contact of both Epstein and Schmidt, Todd Meister, the writer notes to Epstein that 'Schmidt was blown away by' him 'in a positive way.'

John Doerr, an early tech investor and California-based venture capitalist, has made two contributions of $3,500 to Ossoff's 2026 campaign, for a total of $7,000.

Pictured: John Doerr.

Doerr was listed on email chains with Epstein from John Brockman, who hosted events with 'sumptuous dinners [and] exclusive conferences for the rich, the smart, and the powerful,' per the Department of Justice.

Jeffrey Dean, now a Senior Fellow at Google, has contributed $7,650 to Ossoff. Dean was mentioned in the Epstein files as someone Jeffrey should meet and was described as an 'interesting' person.

Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg gave $5,600 to Ossoff's 2020 campaign.

In a 2011 Cannes Diary for the Huffington Post, Epstein's publicist Peggy Siegal said that 'a gang of young people' came off of Steven Spielberg's 'new yacht' at two o'clock in the morning.

Pictured: Peggy Siegal.

Other individuals named in the files and who have also donated to Ossoff include businessman Sidney Kimmel, real estate mogul and venture capitalist Nick Pritzker, architect, philanthropist, and medical technology heir Jon Stryker, hedge fund leader David Shaw, former CEO of DreamWorks Animation Jeffrey Katzenberg, billionaire heiress Katharine Rayner, and former Democrat Senator George Mitchell, who Epstein once described as a 'very close friend.'

Epstein-connected billionaire, Pierre Omidyar, gave $355,000 from the Omidyar Network Fund, Inc. to Insight TWI, an investigative news company formerly headed by Jon Ossoff.

As early as 2004, Omidyar attended John Brockman's annual Edge Billionaire's Dinner with Epstein.

From 2010 to 2013, Omidyar was on email chains with Epstein from John Brockman, who hosted events with 'sumptuous dinners [and] exclusive conferences for the rich, the smart, and the powerful.'

The Ossoff campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Daily Mail.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Keir Starmer did not speak to Mandelson personally before appointing him as US ambassador, it was claimed today.

The PM is said to have left his aides to ask the New Labour architect questions about his long-standing ties to [child offender] Jeffrey Epstein.

That was despite being presented with evidence that their friendship had continued after the financier was jailed, and warnings from senior officials.

The claims in the Times came after Sir Keir - offered a grovelling mea culpa amid a battle to contain the fury of Labour MPs.

On a visit to Belfast yesterday, Sir Keir admitted it was 'me that made the mistake' and he was the one who had to 'make the apology to the victims of Epstein'.

Vetting raised concerns over Mandelsons links to Epstein

He was responding to anger after papers showed Government vetting highlighted Mandelson's 'close' links to Epstein before he was made the UK's man in Washington in December 2024.

The top mandarin at the Foreign Office and national security adviser Jonathan Powell also expressed misgivings during the process.

However, Sir Keir went ahead, after apparently agreeing with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney on three questions that Mandelson needed to be asked.

No10 has said it cannot release details of those exchanges yet because of the ongoing police probe, but the documents suggest Director of Communications Matthew Doyle was 'satisfied' with the answers.

Sir Keir - who is in Ireland today - has accusing Mandelson of 'lying' about the extent of his links with Epstein.

Downing Street says Mandelson appointment followed full process

Asked whether the PM had spoken to Mandelson before giving him the UK's most prestigious diplomatic posting abroad, Downing Street said the 'full process at the time of the appointment was followed'.

The spokesman said: 'There was no requirement for a formal interview with the Prime Minister.'

Kemi Badenoch has complained of a 'cover-up' over information 'missing' from the goverment papers, and urged Labour MPs to oust Sir Keir. Backbenchers have accusied the premier of dragging Labour 'into the gutter'.

The Government promised to publish a huge range of information about Mandelson after MPs rebelled in a Commons vote last month.

Starmer apologizes for Mandelson appointment mistake

Sir Keir said yesterday: 'The release of the information shows what was known.

'That led to further questions being asked.

'Unfortunately, because of the Metropolitan Police investigation, we can't release that information yet.

'But that doesn't take away from the fact that it was me that made a mistake, and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that.'

Lord Mandelson was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.

He was subsequently bailed, but later handed his passport back and freed under investigation. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing or acting for personal gain.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Pete Hegseth tore into Iran's new 'rat' supreme leader and dared the 'disfigured' Ayatollah to appear on camera.

The Secretary of War gave his first assessment during Friday's Pentagon press conference of the new Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's health after he was named the country's leader following his father's death.

'Iran's leadership is in no better shape,' Hegseth claimed. 'Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do.'

'We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured,' Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.

Reports emerged this week stating the strike that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also injured his son, who was installed as his successor after he was taken out in Operation Epic Fury. Rumors have swirled regarding the new leader's health, including claims of missing limbs, comas and even death.

Trump says he thinks Iran's new supreme leader probably alive but 'damaged'

President Trump told G7 leaders in a meeting held virtually on Wednesday that Ayatollah Khamenei 'is not in good shape,' according to reports.

'Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender,' Trump said, claim officials who were briefed on the call.

The President has said that the conflict will result in Iran's surrender  whether they explicitly state that they have lost or not.

Trump told Fox News on Thursday when asked about Mojtaba Khamenei: 'I think he probably is [alive].'

'I think he is damaged, but I think he's probably alive in some form, you know,' he added.

Hegseth challenges Khamenei to appear on camera

Hegseth challenged Khamenei to appear on camera after his first public message since the conflict began nearly two weeks ago was written and read out on Iranian state media.

'He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice. And there was no video. It was a written statement,' Hegseth lamented.

'Iran has plenty of cameras and voice recorders,' he said at Friday's briefing. 'Why a written statement? I think you know why.'

Hegseth insisted of the 56-year-old Ayatollah: 'He is scared. He is injured. He is on the run.'

The Pentagon chief concluded that Iran doesn't know who's in charge after their 86-year-old former supreme leader was killed by joint Israeli-US strikes that kicked off the war on February 28, 2026.

Written Statement

The Ayatollah's written statement was read out on his behalf by a news anchor on state TV on Thursday. CNN was slammed for airing the entire four-minutes in full.

The statement comes amid rumors that the new leader is in a coma, lost his leg or even dead. Demonstrators have taken to the streets and displayed Mojtaba Khamenei's image in support of the new leader.

His absence since the war began has only fueled rumors that he's either too ill to record a message or died in an airstrike.

The statement says that Iran will not refrain from avenging the 'blood of its martyrs.'

Iran's new supreme leader releases first statement amid 'coma' reports

Iran's new supreme leader has ordered his nation to weaponise the Strait of Hormuz in his first statement, amid claims he is 'in a coma' and has lost a leg after being seriously injured in air strikes.

A written statement attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was read out by a news anchor on state TV this afternoon.

He himself did not appear on national TV. Amid rumours of his incapacitation, serious questions over who is in charge of Iran linger over the nation as it continues to duke it out with the US, Israel and its Gulf neighbours.

Mojtaba, added in the written statement that Iran would not refrain from avenging the 'blood of its martyrs.' The Iranian leader, who took over from his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his assassination on February 28, added that while he believes in maintaining a friendship with Iran's Gulf neighbours, attacks on US bases in the region will continue.

He said: 'We are not an enemy of the countries around us, and we are only targeting the bases of those Americans.'

The newly declared Ayatollah added that Iran needed to improve relations with its neighbours: 'We send a message to the leaders of the region and emphasise that we are going to have good relations with the countries around us.'

He called for all American bases in the region to be immediately closed: 'The existence of the US bases in [Iran's neighbours] and usage of those bases to attack Iran is not benefiting the region and they must be closed.'

He also said Iran will seek compensation from its enemies or destroy their assets accordingly, and offered financial compensation to those in Iran who have been hurt by the outbreak of violence.

Read the full story here
Demi Moore is set to have an awkward reunion at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards on Sunday with last year's Best Actress winner Mikey Madison.

The 63-year-old star - who recently revealed the comment from a famous director that 'changed her life' - is set to be one of the presenters during Hollywood's biggest night as well as Madison.

Additional A-listers were announced to have joined the list including Nicole Kidman, Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver.

During the Oscars last year, The Substance star had been the clear frontrunner to score the Best Actress win in what would have been her first Academy Award honor.

Demi Moore heartbroken after losing Oscar to Madison

She had won at other major pre-Oscars ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, but ended up losing to Madison for her role in Anora.

Moore had reportedly been left 'heartbroken' at the end of the night with a lip reader also weighing in on her initial reaction.

The star had a tense, one-word response when Madison's name had been called from the Best Actress nomination category.

Lip reader Nicola Hickling had told the Daily Mail that Moore uttered the word 'nice' as she joined the star-studded audience to applaud the winner.

'Demi says "nice" but she isn't smiling when she says it. Her body is almost nodding like she had to force herself to say it,' Hickling said.

A source later told Page Six that the Ghost actress had taken the loss 'very hard' and could not 'help but feel heartbroken.'

Actress admits Oscar loss was disappointing despite staying gracious

Moore had been 'hopeful' stepping into the awards show but was 'taking this loss very hard because she felt like this was finally her chance to take home an Academy Award.'

Despite feeling disappointment in how the night unfolded, she was still 'thrilled for Mikey' as well as all the other nominees.

During an interview with TIME last year in April, Moore further reflected on her Oscars loss.

'The physical, human part that has ego, of course, has disappointment,' she told the outlet. 'It certainly would have been wonderful to have won.'

However, the Indecent Proposal actress had predicted that Madison would win the Best Actress gong.

At one point during the Oscars ceremony, she had whispered to her manager Jason Weinberg during a commercial break to say, 'I think it's going to Mikey.'

'I don't know why I knew, but I did,' Moore further expressed.

'I was so centered and calm. I didn't feel gutted. I didn't feel any of those kinds of things. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold.'

She also emphasized that there were no hard feelings between herself and Madison during her conversation with TIME.

'I really had the pleasure of getting to know Mikey Madison and think that she did an incredible performance.'

Moore continued, 'And really, it's an odd thing for there to be a competition anyway. But if I had won, it would've been a completion to what had started.'

And in regards to a chance that she could attain Oscar glory in the future, she replied, 'That would be nice.'

Following the Academy Awards last year, Moore had taken to Instagram to send gratitude to fans while also giving a special shout out to Madison.

'As this awards season comes to a close, I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey. It's been the ride of a lifetime and we're just getting started!' she had written.

'So grateful for my team, my fellow nominees, and everyone who has made this experience so full of joy and light.'

Moore also paid tribute to the 'cast, crew and fans' of The Substance, adding that it was an 'honor to work alongside you, learn from you, and celebrate this film with you.'

She concluded with, 'And a huge congratulations to #MikeyMadison - can't wait to see what you do next.'

Oscar winner says fame has made her withdraw from spotlight

And months after her Best Actress win, Madison spoke to Vogue Italia and revealed that she felt the need to step away from the spotlight.

'I feel like everything around me has changed, and I think that's increasing my need to withdraw into myself.'

The star added, 'I'm extremely introverted, but I also have a big desire for adventure. It's a conflict I've always felt, but it's gotten worse lately.'

The 98th Annual Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Conan O'Brien has taken on hosting duties for the evening while Ryan Coogler's Sinners made history by garnering the most Oscar nominations ever with 16 nods.

More A-listers were announced as presenters and include Nicole Kidman, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Bill Pullman and son Lewis Pullman.

Other presenters that were previously revealed are Will Arnett, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Evans, Chase Infiniti, Javier Bardem, Kumail Nanjiani and Maya Rudolph.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Flights across the US and overseas are suddenly getting far more expensive as the war with Iran drives up oil prices and forces airlines to raise fares.

Travelers booking spring and summer trips are already seeing sharp increases in ticket prices, with some flights more than doubling in cost in just a week.

Airline executives say the spike is being driven by surging jet fuel prices after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran late last month. Jet fuel is the second biggest expense for airlines after labor, and when costs jump quickly, carriers often respond by raising fares.

New analysis from Deutsche Bank found that among nine major US airlines, the steepest increase was at budget carrier Spirit Airlines.

The lowest listed one-way domestic fare booked about three weeks in advance more than doubled in a week, jumping to $193.

Prices have also surged across other airlines, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, where fares on comparable flights increased between 15 percent and 57 percent.

Travel expert Katy Nastro at Going, an American travel technology company, told the Daily Mail that history indicates that fares will likely stay high as airlines deal with the high costs. But she added that ticket prices will ultimately depend on how much travelers are willing to pay.

Analysis from Deutsche Bank found that among nine major US airlines, the steepest increase was at budget carrier Spirit Airlines

Travel expert Katy Nastro encouraged flyers to not wait when booking their flight and to plan ahead for later trips if they spot a bargain

Nastro encouraged flyers not to wait when booking their flight and to plan ahead for later trips if they spot a bargain.

'There is no reason not to be thinking about summer travels, even fall travels, especially if you see a deal,' she said, pointing to a recent Boston-to-Sicily fare for $488 in September listed on Going.

She also said her best piece of advice was not to rely solely on the so-called 'Goldilocks Window' - the period widely regarded as the ideal time to book flights, typically one to three months in advance for domestic trips and two to eight months for international travel.

Instead, Nastro suggested travelers take advantage of main economy tickets, which often allow passengers to reprice their booking if fares drop.

If the cost of the flight falls after purchase, travelers can contact the airline to have the ticket repriced and receive a credit for the difference, potentially saving money in the long run.

While prices are expected to rise if high costs persist, the increases may not mirror the volatility seen in oil markets.

'The good news is that we don't expect airfares to spike in a similar way to what oil has been doing, but the bad news is [that] higher fares are likely the longer this lasts.'

She did note that the most impacted would be foreign carriers that 'rely on Middle Eastern reserves'.

Travelers booking spring and summer trips are already seeing sharp increases in ticket prices, with some flights more than doubling in cost in just a week, as the war with Iran drives up oil prices

Prices have also surged across other airlines including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, where fares on comparable flights increased between 15 percent and 57 percent

Some frequent travelers are already rushing to lock in vacations before prices climb further.

Venture capitalist Sam Alexander said he booked flights for several upcoming trips shortly after the war began because he feared fares would rise.

Two days after buying a ticket to Hawaii, the price for the same flight had jumped by $400.

'I'm thankful that I locked in my tickets at a good price just a few days after the war began,' he told the WSJ.

Airlines around the world have already started passing on the higher costs.

Cathay Pacific said it will roughly double fuel surcharges on some tickets starting March 18.

Australia's Qantas has begun raising fares to cover higher operating costs, while Scandinavian Airlines said the 'unusually rapid and substantial increase' in fuel prices has forced it to lift ticket prices.

Air New Zealand has already made 'initial fare adjustments' and warned further increases could follow if fuel prices remain elevated.

United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby said at a Harvard event last week that higher fares were 'likely' on the way because of the surge in fuel prices

Flyers have been advised to plan ahead for later trips if they spot a bargain (file image)

United, Delta and Southwest Airlines all declined to comment to the Daily Mail about whether they planned to follow in Cathay's footsteps.

Major US airlines will gather next Tuesday at the JP Morgan Industrials Conference in Washington, DC, where they will update investors on fuel prices.

But slips by company executives suggest customers are likely to see ticket prices go up even more, with United chief executive Scott Kirby saying at a Harvard event last week that higher fares were 'likely' on the way because of the surge in fuel prices.

Despite this, Kirby was steadfast in his belief that travel demand was still strong. And two airline executives told CNBC under anonymity that if demand stays high, it will give airlines more pricing power.
California drivers were stunned by the eye-watering price of gas at Bay Area filling station as fuel costs skyrocket across the US.

Gas prices in America have seen a 70-cent average increase over the last month as Donald Trump's war on Iran nears its third week.

In California, the average price of a regular gallon of gas on Friday is $5.41, up five cents from Thursday's average of $5.36, according to AAA. One month ago it was $4.56.

Although the Golden State is notorious for its steep fuel prices, even members of the ritzy tech enclave in Menlo Park were shocked on Thursday when prices at a Chevron station soar to $7.19 per gallon, NBC Bay Area reported.

This particular location on Alameda de las Pulgas is located in one of the most expensive ZIP codes in the country.

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo Park dubs itself the 'Capital of Venture Capital,' however, even $7 for a gallon of gas seemed to much for locals.

'This is like I've never seen anything like this before,' one customer told KRON. 'That's ridiculous, man. I can't,' added another.

'Seven dollars? I think that's killing it,' a third person said. 'It's ruining the economy, man.'

Gas prices soar past $7 per gallon at the Chevron station in Menlo Park, California on Thursday

Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo Park (pictured) dubs itself the 'Capital of Venture Capital,' however, even $7 for a gallon of gas seemed to much for locals

On social media, users accused the gas station owner of price gouging and taking advantage of customers who have no where else to get gas.

'For sure price gouging,' one person wrote on Facebook.

'Pure greed taking place here. The oil is still on the water and they are charging maybe future prices,' wrote another.

'How does gas go up overnight when the same product is still in their tanks. Thats just stupid to rip people off and take advantage of a situation.'

Chevron told the local news station that the Menlo Park location in question is owner-operating, meaning the owner, not the company, determines the prices at the pumps.

'Those costs are generally determined by fundamental economic forces like demand, supply and competition,' the company said.

'We understand the impact that high fuel prices can have on consumers during these challenging economic times.'

Trump attempted to lower gas prices by lifting Russian oil sanctions, but faced a barrage of backlash.

Chevron told the local news station that the Menlo Park location (pictured) in question is owner-operating, meaning the owner, not the company, determines the prices at the pumps

The price of crude oil reached $100 on Friday morning. According to CNBC, crude oil prices have risen by 9 percent, following a record-breaking 27.9 percent increase last week, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The price spikes come as Iran and its proxies continue to stop oil tankers from several Middle Eastern countries from flowing out of the bottleneck shipping zone at the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, Trump's Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Asset Control issued a temporary waiver on Thursday evening, lifting restrictions on the purchase of Russian crude oil and petroleum products already at sea.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted this is only a 'short-term measure' lasting until April 11 to promote 'stability in global energy markets.'

But some say the temporary waiver is putting the President in the pocket of Vladimir Putin, and others lament it's a 'betrayal' to Ukraine as it entered it's fourth year of war with Russia last month.
U.S. exhibition honors renowned Chinese opera artist

Xinhua) 13:04, March 13, 2026

NEW YORK, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Mei Lanfang, one of the greatest performers of Peking Opera in the 20th century, was honored at an exhibition that opened Thursday in New York City's Manhattan.

Co-organized by the China Institute Gallery and the Chinese National Academy of Arts, the exhibition, titled "The Dancing Goddess: Mei Lanfang in America," revisits the legendary artist's groundbreaking North American debut nearly a century ago.

In 1930, Mei embarked on a tour of six U.S. cities -- New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu, introducing Peking Opera to American audiences. Blending singing, dancing and dramatic performance, Mei captivated theatergoers and sparked widespread fascination with Chinese culture.

The exhibition commemorates his historic tour through costumes, photographs, paintings, stage sets, props and rare archival materials.

Highlights include costumes from the 1920s and 1930s with intricate embroidery and sequins, images of Mei performing on Broadway and rare footage from his signature performances, including from "Farewell My Concubine."

Experts say Mei's 1930 visit marked a milestone in China-U.S. cultural exchanges and had a lasting impact on the development of global theater.

Catherine V. Yeh, curator of the exhibition and professor of Chinese Literature and Transcultural Studies at Boston University, said Mei's legacy lies not only in preserving tradition, but also in transforming it.

"By introducing dance into Peking Opera, Mei helped shape its modern aesthetic," she said.

Wang Kui, director of the Opera Research Institute at the Chinese National Academy of Art, said that the 1930 tour showcased the essence of Peking Opera on the global stage and launched one of the most influential cultural exchanges between East and West.

"Looking back on this milestone journey today, the depth and significance of cultural exchange it presented remains invaluable," he added.

The exhibition runs from March 12 through July 12.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), County Derry company FP McCann Limited has today (Friday, March 13) been fined 110,000 at Antrim Crown Court after pleading guilty to a single health and safety offence.

The investigation followed the death of Mr. William Houston, a subcontractor working at FP McCanns Loughside Quarry, 146 Belfast Road, BT40 2PN on 23 April 2023.

The court heard that on April 23 2023, Mr. Houston was assigned the task of driving a dumper truck, removing stone from the cone crushing plant and placing it into stockpiles.

At around lunch time, the cone crusher plant had stopped and a blockage was reported.

The plant was isolated and a large stone (weighing approximately 45kg) was observed to be causing the blockage.

The stone was manually removed from the crusher and carried to a raised conveyor catwalk, approximately 15ft from ground level.

During this move, the stone fell through the railings of the raised conveyor catwalk as Mr. Houston was walking below.

Mr. Houston was struck by the falling stone and passed away later in hospital due to injuries sustained.

READ NEXT: Derry man jailed for eight years over pipe bomb attacks outside homes

Prosecutors in the PPSs Fraud & Departmental Section worked closely with HSENI to build a robust prosecution case.

Speaking after the hearing, Miss Sophie Pearson, an Inspector within HSENIs Major Investigation Team, said: This was a tragic incident. Employers must take adequate measures to prevent materials or objects falling from height. They must stop and consider what risks are involved in the task and take the necessary action, so that harm does not occur to employees, or as in this tragic incident, to someone like Mr Houston who was subcontracted to work at the site.

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent objects from falling, employers should take suitable and sufficient measures to ensure that nobody can be injured. A simple solution such as an exclusion zone can be easily implemented to reduce the risk to workers.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Matthew Patrick MP this week joined business and regional leaders from across the North West for a strategic roundtable discussion in Derry focused on the regions economic growth and future investment opportunities.

The roundtable, convened by Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and hosted at Alchemy Technology Services, brought together representatives from business to discuss the North Wests economic strengths and the steps required to unlock further growth.

The discussion provided an opportunity to highlight the regions strong talent base, expanding innovation economy and the strategic role the North West can play in supporting wider economic growth across Northern Ireland. Participants also outlined the practical actions needed to accelerate investment, support business expansion and ensure the regions long-term economic potential is fully realised.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Matthew Patrick, said: Economic growth is a top priority for the UK Government, and I was delighted to meet with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, whose members represent the heartbeat of the North West economy.

Through business-boosting initiatives such as the Industrial Strategy, the 150 million Enhanced Investment Zone and the 30 million on the Belfast-Derry/Londonderry Corridor, the Government is supporting growth right across Northern Ireland.

Steven Lindsay, President, Londonderry Chamber, said: It was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and to showcase the strengths and ambition of the North West. The region has significant economic potential, and continued collaboration between government, business and regional partners will be key to unlocking investment, supporting job creation and delivering sustainable growth.

A strong North West economy strengthens both the Northern Ireland economy and the wider island economy. To build a more balanced, resilient and inclusive model of growth, we will need the support of the Executive, the UK Government, and the Irish Government, meaning that opportunities to engage like this one are key to the regions future.

"What we are seeing here in this region is the energy real delivery brings and it is heartening to be able to tell visitors of the progress being made here. Our Chamber will continue telling that story and pushing for our region to get all the support it needs to deliver upon its massive potential.

"We thank Alchemy for hosting the engagement and for its continued commitment to the North West. The long-term strength of the North West economy will continue to be built by businesses starting, growing and scaling from here like Alchemy has done."

Erin McFeely, Director for Northern Ireland, Alchemy Technology Services, said: As an active local chamber member and a company committed to the North West region, Alchemy was delighted to host this strategic roundtable. We were encouraged by the optimism in the room and look forward to continuing to contribute to helping the region fully realise its potential.
Ronan Keating is trading the world stage for the Derry Walls in a brand-new BBC series, Ronan Keatings Wild Atlantic, premiering on BBC One NI and iPlayer on Monday, March 16.

The former Boyzone frontman will take audiences on an epic journey around the west coast of Ireland.

This surprising, fun and at times emotional series offers an insight into Ronans childhood and family life as he visits Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Derry.

Throughout the series Ronan will be joined by family members and special guests including Westlife's Shane Filan, artist Terry Bradley and comedian Diona Doherty.

Ronan begins his journey along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, where he is joined by nephew Ruairi as the pair go head to head in the traditional Irish sport of road bowling. The next stop is County Kerry, where Ronan fulfills some sporting dreams on the hurling pitch and catches up with his brother Gary to head out for some fishing on Killarney's Lough Leane.

READ NEXT: County Derry musician bridges the Atlantic with LA-recorded EP Oracle

Ronan also travels from County Mayo to Sligo where he meets up with fellow boyband veteran Shane Filan of Westlife for some horse riding on Strandhill Beach. He then sets sail with his nephew Conall to visit Clare Island, a special place for the entire Keating family.

As he heads north, Ronan explores the northwest coast on his motorbike with longtime friend Terry Bradley before taking to the stage for an impromptu performance in one of Donegals popular country music venues. The last stop on the journey is Derry, where Ronan visits the Derry Walls with Diona Doherty and hits a farm to find out just what it takes to be a competitive sheepherder.

Ronan says: Its felt really special making this series, rediscovering magical places that have meant so much to me and my family. I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadnt seen. Now, Im coming home, and I cant wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way.

Ronan Keatings Wild Atlantic is a BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime co-commission, as part of the Hot House initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen and Tourism Ireland. The series is produced by Alleycats TV.

The series will air on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer from Monday, March 16 and on BBC Two from Monday, April 6.
The World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Directors earlier this week approved what is described as a transformative regional initiative that will directly boost job creation in Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It includes a strong focus on digital infrastructure.

This second operation under the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Programme (WARDIP), totalling US$137 million, aims to strengthen the foundations for a dynamic digital economy through expanding and upgrading the digital infrastructure needed for competitiveness, fostering a more businessfriendly environment, and enabling businesses to scale and operate across regional markets.

WBG says that WARDIP2, as the initiative is known, will increase broadband access, financing and usage in participating countries and enable an environment for cross-border digital services in Western Africa.

It is claimed that approximately 5.2 million people will be connected to new or enhanced broadband internet across the three countries, and 5.4 million new users will access digitally enabled services.

Michel Rogy, World Bank Digital and AI Regional Practice Director explains thar the initiative addresses one of the regions most persistent challenges: high-cost and unreliable connectivity that limit competitiveness and peoples access to digital opportunities.

Through major investments in digital infrastructure, says WBG, the project will expand resilient broadband networks, increase international connectivity, and strengthen data centre capacity, laying the groundwork for new digital jobs and improved public and private sector service delivery.

At the same time, it will invest in people by supporting digital skills training for 9,000 individuals, including women and youth, and expanding opportunities in AI, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.

In addition, says Marina Wes, Acting World Bank Regional Integration Director for Africa: By harmonising regulations, modernising digital governance, and improving competition across regional markets, WARDIP2 creates a more predictable and investment-friendly environment." She adds: "Its support to the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), regulatory reforms in participating countries, and measures that lower deployment costs while expanding access to affordable, highquality connectivity are critical to deepening regional integration, unlocking private capital and creating jobs.

To help businesses scale, WARDIP2 will strengthen digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, expand digital financial services, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups with seed financing, market access and crossborder digital trade opportunities.

WARDIP was launched in November 2023 to expand internet access and to promote a single digital market in West Africa. Its first operation is supporting The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Mauritania.
Agentic MBB will enable operators to unlock end-to-end network value by building service-oriented, system-level intelligence.

At the Huawei Product & Solution Launch during MWC Barcelona 2026, Fang Xiang, Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei Wireless Solutions outlined how mobile AI is already fast-tracking network evolution, and MBB experiences are diversifying. Unveiling a series of solutions for building Agentic MBB Fang said: "Huawei's latest solutions feature RAN Agent and Adaptive Air to build a service-oriented system-level intelligence to unlock holistic network value.

According to Fang, the AI agent boom is driving higher network requirements for uplink, downlink, latency, and coverage. Huawei's Agentic MBB integrates intelligence into services and networks to precisely adapt network resources to services, maximizing network potential for enhancing experience and industry value.

As more 5G applications emerge, experience requirements for MBB begin to diversify. Different users will have distinct network needs. AI Agents will continue to drive up requirements in three ways:

For Multi-modal interactions, it requires GigaUplink capability. Agents must process text, videos, and images at the same time, so it will need five times the uplink capability we have today.

Agents must process text, videos, and images at the same time, so it will need five times the uplink capability we have today. For real-time coordinated intelligence, it will require ultra-low latency. For AI Robots to be human-like, an end-to-end latency of 400 milliseconds is essential.

For AI Robots to be human-like, an end-to-end latency of 400 milliseconds is essential. For ubiquitous agent services, we need seamless and reliable coverage. Agent-powered devices will extend beyond current boundaries. We must extend high-quality coverage across the villages, roadways and uncovered areas.

Looking ahead to 2035, there will be 900 billion agents. Most of these Agents will run on mobile. As a result, multidimensional capabilities are more important than ever.

Facing these complex and diverse requirements, how do operators match services with capabilities to maximize network value? Fang believes the answer lies in three pillars:

First, Reconstruct Network Capabilities. We are shifting downlink to holistic capabilities, ensuring GigaUplink, low latency and more.

We are shifting downlink to holistic capabilities, ensuring GigaUplink, low latency and more. Second, Reconstruct Resource Management. We are moving from manual configuration to Intelligent Dynamic Management.

We are moving from manual configuration to Intelligent Dynamic Management. Finally, Reconstruct the Interaction Model. We are evolving from API-based to Service-Based Intent Interaction, where the network truly understands service needs.

To achieve these reconstructions, Huawei launched an Agentic MBB at MWC26, designed as a Service-Oriented System-Level Intelligence to unlock the value of multidimensional capabilities. The three key features of Huaweis Agentic MBB are:

Network Layer: introduces Agent capabilities into the entire network management. Based on its Telecom Foundation Model and RAN Digital Twin System, It achieves single-domain full-scenario autonomy. By using the A2A-T interface to connect with operators' NMS, it finally bring intent-driven networks into reality.

introduces Agent capabilities into the entire network management. Based on its Telecom Foundation Model and RAN Digital Twin System, It achieves single-domain full-scenario autonomy. By using the A2A-T interface to connect with operators' NMS, it finally bring intent-driven networks into reality. Network Element level: Huaweis full-series advanced Adaptive Air enhances diverse service experiences. Empowered by leading hardware and intelligent algorithms, It achieves adaptive resource supply from cell-level to user service-level, maximizing both spectral and energy efficiency.

Huaweis Network Intelligence solution uses the RAN Agent and RAN Digital Twin System to achieve precise resource matching centered on service intent.

RAN Agent

The RAN Agent is well-architectured to guarantee efficient synergy end-to-end. In the northbound direction, it collaborates with operators' agent via the A2A-T interface to align with business intents and accurately meet the requirements of diversified scenarios for accurate VIP guarantee, area user experience improvement, and network-level energy saving. In the southbound direction, it directly connects next-gen Adaptive Air base stations to precisely match network resources with service requirements.

As a radio access solution that is deeply integrated with the telecom foundation model, the agent supports intent interaction, all-domain network awareness, and intelligent decision-making. It enables network resources to be precisely aligned with users and services and systematically generates policies towards network-wide optimization to holistically improve user experience, O&M efficiency, and network-level energy efficiency.

With such powerful features, the RAN Agent allows for a complete closed-loop spanning forecast, analysis, decision-making, and execution in a matter of just minutes, enabling single-domain autonomy across all scenarios from routine optimization to ultimate energy saving and service revenue growth.

RAN Digital Twin system

On top of this, Huaweis newly announced RDTS Reshapes Physical Sites by digitizing physical networks and building the data foundation for RAN Agent to Support Network Intelligence. Digital intelligence reshapes physical sites, changing them from passive to active. Sites are visible, manageable, and controllable. The data is synchronized to the RDTS. At the network level, Huawei achieved the industry's most advanced multidimensional modeling covering devices, networks, and the environment, bridging the physical and digital worlds. Finally, based on site-network collaboration, it achieves proactive O&M, virtual iteration, and policy pre-verification.

Other supporting elements of the Agentic MBB solution announced by Huawei during MWC26 Barcelona include:

Huawei's next-gen Adaptive Air solution fully incorporates advanced and robust intelligent algorithms into industry-leading radio and baseband to provide diverse network capabilities for surging AI service demands. With new Advanced Radio, it achieve an adaptive experience and energy saving. By combining new Advanced Baseband with intelligent algorithms, it makes "Cell-Free" a reality across all scenarios.

Advanced radio

For advanced radio, Huawei's GigaGreen Plus series uses new materials, techniques, and antenna architecture to simplify hardware while boosting performance and energy efficiency. GigaGreen expands coverage by 15% while cutting size and weight by 30%.

The 256T U6 GHz AAU and tri-band UWB MetaAAU are the first of their kinds to use extremely large antenna array (ELAA), new filters and power amplifiers, and other unique technologies. New U6 GHz AAU deployments will enable 5G-A to deliver 10 Gbps downlink and 1 Gbps uplink. The new EasyAAU and industry's first tri-band 8T8R RRU features disruptive sapphire power amplifiers to pack a better coverage and higher capacity into lighter devices with ultra-low power consumption.

Advanced baseband

For advanced baseband, Huawei's next-gen UBBPi series doubles capacity and energy efficiency through new technologies, including system-level Chiplet, ultra-heterogeneous parallel processing architecture, and near-memory computing. Combined with industry-leading holistic intelligent coordination algorithms, these powerful capabilities enable all-domain intelligent optimization across time, frequency, space, and power domains, even under 20-fold computing complexity. This doubles cell-edge experience and improves average experience by 40%, ensuring cell-free for all users and services in all scenarios.

Concluding the product and solution launch, Fang reiterated Huawei's resolve and commitment to innovation-driven mobile AI growth. "Huawei will continue to dive deep into innovation with partners. Together, we will build powerful, green, reliable, efficient, and intelligent mobile networks based on Agentic MBB for a fully connected, intelligent world."
During MWC26 Barcelona Developing Telecoms Director of Content James Barton sat down with Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, to discuss Ericssons current strategy and focus areas in Africa and the potential impact AI may have on telecom networks and services across the region in the future.

Where does your focus lie at MWC26 in relation to emerging markets - and particularly in relation to Africa?

This year is about exploring new horizons. It is about looking at what we can achieve with the networks and connectivity that Ericsson builds, and recognizing how AI is taking a central place in everyones strategy. At the same time, we must acknowledge that AI is creating increasing demands for compute capacity and Networks performance.

From Ericssons standpoint, it is very important that AI and networks evolve in parallel. Only then can we truly unlock the full potential of AI through high-performing networks.

This theme is particularly relevant in the context of Africa. What we are seeing is that AI requires high-performing networks, and this is where 5G Standalone and 5G advanced become especially important, particularly in enabling specific use cases. At the same time, AI is now embedded across the entire portfolio. For us, AI is not simply an additional layer, it is integrated in the end to end solutions.

At MWC Barcelona 2026, we are showcasing more than ten new launches in the radio segment, including AI-enabled radios. AI is not limited to the hardware layer, it is also embedded in the core and the BSS.

Our overarching theme is that AI is helping make networks more autonomous, while at the same time networks enable AI to achieve more. In other words, it is a dual objective: AI enhances the network, and the network unlocks the full potential of AI.

Ericsson is also exploring new horizons in how we deliver the best 5G connectivity for use cases such as public safety. A significant part of our focus is on mission-critical networks. These networks are increasingly connected with AI capabilities that enhance the detection of earthquakes, fires, floods, and other natural disasters, and can trigger automated responses to help manage such events.

With AI, these use cases can also be replicated and scaled across multiple domains, enabling faster response and greater resilience in critical situations.

Another important use case we see for AI is in healthcare, agritech and education, where the combination of network capabilities, AI, and the cloud can significantly accelerate the digitalization of multiple sectors.

We also see 5G enabling new enterprise use cases, particularly in industries such as mining and port management. Ericsson offers a compact, plug-and-play solution based on 5G technology that allows organizations to deploy private networks across a range of sectors. Mining and ports are critical industries in Africa, and solutions like these can help accelerate their digital transformation and support the broader digitalization of the continent.

Another very interesting development is that we are seeing in some of the countries which were early adopters of 5G, that there is now an uptake of traffic, in some countries as high as 30%.

For larger adoption in Africa, addressing the affordability challenge will be key. We need to make sure that 5G devices become more affordable, but also from a technology point of view, we need to work on decoupling the growth in traffic from increased power consumption. Power is an important cost element in the context of Africa, so affordability and sustainability are central to our strategy in Africa.

In addition, Africa must continue advancing both digital and financial inclusion. We are actively expanding our mobile financial services and operate one of the continents leading financial services ecosystems. This builds on Ericssons longstanding partnership with MTN across all their markets, where we have seen remarkable growth over the past year.

I want to talk more about sustainability, because it is a key element of what is going on in Africa. There are a lot of issues with power use in the infrastructure and data centres which will only increase with the deployment of AI, so I want to know more about what is being done to address these issues by Ericsson.

The power element is very important in our sustainability strategy. This is centred around breaking down the energy cycle, so that when operators experience a surge in traffic, energy consumption does not increase by as much; this is an integral part of how we design our products.

Every new product generation is more efficient than the generation before. In some of the very recent launches, we can see drastic reduction in power consumption - up to 30 to 40%, depending on site configurations.

This is essential, but in addition to this, we are looking at how we can leverage our solar energy for rural sites. We have a new rural site solution that is 100% powered by solar energy, which makes it cost efficient and energy efficient.

We are also strongly focused on developing digital skills, as education and training remain essential pillars for Africas digital transformation. Ericsson has established partnerships with governments across the continent to deliver our education and training programmes. These initiatives are rolled out in schools and in dedicated learning hubs for adults, enabling us to support underserved communities by sharing our expertise and knowhow.

You mentioned various government partnerships. Africa is a very young continent. People are eager to learn. Can you tell me more about your education partnerships with governments?

We have formalized collaborations through MOUs in various regions across Africa and are implementing targeted programs in specific countries  such as Nigeria, where we are actively pursuing dedicated initiatives. In South Africa, our partnership focuses on advancing digital skills for underserved communities as a key component of the project. Additionally, in Senegal, we have launched the Connect to Learn initiative to further support education and digital inclusion.

These programs reflect the many initiatives we have implemented across our footprint. They are part of our broader contribution to bringing knowledge to more people and supporting the aspiration for everyone to have access to the same technology.

You have mentioned areas where AI is being used in your networks. How big is the potential for AI in Africa?

AI is not an add on layer - it is embedded in every solution and every product that we have. And it is true that with generative AI and agentic AI, we are seeing more advanced use cases. I can mention a few things that we are deploying in Africa, for example in leveraging optimised metrics.

In new technologies like 5G we have cognitive software that can provide early detection of faults, optimise usage of capacity limited assets such as spectrum, and provide asset swaps so that we achieve better capacity allocation and use, and better tools and applications. This is an aspect of AI we have built it in all our software.

What are Ericssons top priorities for the next 12 months in Africa?

In Africa, we are focusing on new opportunities that deliver a positive return on investment for both our partners and ourselves. We have identified three key priorities.

The first priority is how we can leverage AI to improve efficiency across our operations. This includes enhancing spectrum efficiency, improving energy and power usage, and increasing overall operational efficiency.

Secondly, we are focused on how we can leverage AI to enhance the end-user experience for both businesses and consumers. This involves examining all the tools available to us to improve the overall end-to-end network customer experience.

Thirdly, our focus is on monetizationhow we can leverage AI to create new use cases for our partners and customers, enabling them to better monetize their investments. Today, many of our partners are developing their AI strategies, and we aim to support them by providing guidance and creating opportunities to cooperate and co-innovate across the region.
Shantanu Narayen, the long serving CEO of Adobe will be stepping down from his role once the company appoints a successor. This comes after an announcement made by the company on Thursday triggered a sharp reaction from investors with Adobes shares dropping more than 7 per cent in extended trading.

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Narayen has led Adobe for nearly 18 years and is widely credited with shaping the company into one of the most influential names in the software industry. In his tenure, flagship tools including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe InDesign made their position as essential platforms for designers, photographers, video creators and more.

It must be noted that Narayen will leave the CEO position but will continue to serve as a chairman of Adobes board. The company said he will work closely with the incoming chief executive to ensure a smooth transition.

Also read: WhatsApp may soon add a dedicated Meta AI tab to bring all AI tools together: All details

This move comes at a time when Adobe is navigating through a transition in the software industry driven by AI. The company is also expanding its AI capabilities and forming partnerships to position its presence in the evolving creative space. However, the increase in the new AI driven tools has increased the competition and raised questions about the future of software subscription models.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also congratulated Narayen on X, saying, Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! Youve built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded whats possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere. What has always stood out to me is the empathy youve brought to the creative process and the example youve set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all youve done for Adobe and for our industry.

Also read: Elon Musk warns kids and mentally unwell users to stay away from ChatGPT

Even after the rise in automated AI tools that can make design and content quickly at lower cost, Adobe has reported strong quarterly results. The company posted first-quarter revenue of $6.40 billion, exceeding market expectations of $6.28 billion. Adjusted earnings came in at $6.06 per share, beating analyst estimates of $5.87.
Alienware has spent years building gaming desktops that try to feel less like generic towers and more like statement pieces. With the 2025 Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250, that formula has been refined rather than reinvented, and that too in a rather heavy-handed manner. This is a machine that exists at the very top end of the market, built around Intels Arrow Lake platform and Nvidias Blackwell graphics architecture, then wrapped inside a chassis that looks purpose-built for a no-compromise setup. In this custom configuration, Dell aims to deliver flagship desktop performance, keep temperatures under control, and do it without sounding like a vacuum cleaner.

At this level, raw benchmark numbers are only one part of the story. Plenty of high-end desktops can throw serious hardware into a case and post big numbers, but fewer systems manage to combine speed, acoustics, thermal control, sensible internal access, and a feature set that actually feels thought through. The AAT2250 aims to do exactly that. It is a carefully tuned flagship desktop that tries to justify its premium in everyday use as much as it does in peak performance.

This particular configuration pairs Intels Core Ultra 9 285K with Nvidias GeForce RTX 5090, backed by 64GB of DDR5-6400 memory and a Hynix 2 TB NVMe SSD. On paper alone, that is enough to put it in truly elite company. In practice, the systems strengths go beyond the headline parts list. The chassis has been redesigned around airflow and acoustic efficiency, internal access is easier than on many boutique systems, and the I/O mix is strong enough to support both gaming and serious creative work. The result is a desktop that feels unapologetically high-end, but also unusually mature in how it approaches the basics.

Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250 Specifications

The Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250 reviewed here is a custom 2025 configuration built around Intels Core Ultra 9 285K processor. That is paired with Nvidias GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card with 32 GB of VRAM, making this a system designed for 4K gaming, heavy creator workloads, GPU-assisted rendering, and local AI use cases. Memory is configured at 64GB of DDR5-6400 in a 2x32GB arrangement, while primary storage is a Hynix 2 TB NVMe SSD, specifically the SK Hynix PCB01 Gen 5 drive in this unit.

The platform is based on a custom Z890 ATX motherboard, backed by a 1500 W Platinum-rated power supply. Cooling is handled through a 360 mm liquid cooler for the processor, alongside large 180 mm RGB intake fans and 140 mm RGB fans in the chassis. Networking includes 2.5Gb Ethernet and Killer Wi-Fi 7. For expansion, the system supports three M.2 SSD slots in total, one Gen 5 and two Gen 4, plus two SATA bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives.

Display output comes from the RTX 5090 and includes one HDMI 2.1b and three DisplayPort 2.1 outputs. Front and top I/O includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, and separate 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks. Around the back, the motherboard adds two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two more USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, five USB 2.0 Type-A ports, optical S/PDIF, line-in, line-out, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. Overall, the Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250 is a full-fat enthusiast desktop intended to handle almost any modern workload without compromise.

Features

Alienwares feature set with the Area-51 AAT2250 feels much more deliberate than on many premium desktops that rely too heavily on brand cachet. At a glance, the machine does tick the obvious boxes: high-end CPU, flagship GPU, strong connectivity, RGB lighting, fast networking, and support for modern storage standards. The more important part, however, is how these features come together into a system that feels designed for long-term ownership.

One of the strongest aspects here is the I/O layout. Front-facing USB connectivity remains useful on a desktop, especially for creators and gamers who constantly plug in external SSDs, controllers, capture devices, or headsets. The inclusion of multiple rear USB ports, dual Thunderbolt 4, and 2.5Gb Ethernet gives the system real flexibility in professional environments too. It can sit equally comfortably in a gaming room, an editing bay, or a home office connected to a fast NAS.

The networking hardware is another plus. Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE may not matter to every buyer today, but together they make the system feel ready for the kind of high-speed home networking setups that are becoming increasingly common. Anyone running a NAS, moving large media files, or working with cloud-heavy production workflows will appreciate not having to think about network bottlenecks.

Storage support is equally sensible. The included SK Hynix PCB01 Gen 5 NVMe SSD is already mmore than fast enough for virtually any real-world gaming scenario, but the fact that the primary M.2 slot supports Gen 5 speeds means the platform is not boxed in. Alienware has also provided room for additional M.2 drives and SATA storage, which matters on a premium desktop where users are likely to expand over time rather than replace the whole machine after a couple of years.

Then there is the serviceability angle. Alienware has printed QR codes directly onto internal components that link to official repair and upgrade videos. It sounds like a small thing, but it is the kind of practical detail that makes a product easier to live with. Many brands talk about user-friendliness. Fewer bother to support it with genuinely useful touches like this.

The caveat is that this is not a completely standard ATX ecosystem experience. The custom Z890 board uses a proprietary 10-pin power connector rather than the conventional 24-pin layout. That means swapping the PSU or motherboard independently is not as straightforward as it would be in a fully standard DIY tower. This is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth knowing. Alienware has made the machine more serviceable and more upgrade-friendly than before, but it has not abandoned proprietary design decisions altogether.

Build Quality

Build quality is one of the clearest areas where the Area-51 AAT2250 feels like more than just a pile of premium parts. The chassis has a sense of identity, which has always been part of Alienwares appeal, but here it also feels more functional than ornamental. The revised Legend 3 design focuses heavily on airflow and acoustics, and that practical emphasis shows in daily use. And you should ideally get a back brace before lifting the Area-51 AAT2250, its about 34.5 kgs. If youre from across the Pacific, then thats 76 lbs. A back-breaking 76 lbs. This gives you an idea of how structurally rigid this unit happens to be.

The tool-less access system is especially well executed. A single rear screw unlocks the latch, after which both the transparent side panel and the metal panel can be removed using dedicated buttons. That makes internal access much easier than on a lot of high-performance desktops, particularly for users who may want to add storage or clean out dust without wrestling with awkward panel clips.

Inside, the layout appears designed to support both thermal efficiency and visual neatness. Large fans, liquid cooling, and cable routing all contribute to a chassis that looks purposeful rather than cluttered. The large front intake fans are particularly important because they help move substantial air through the case without needing to spin aggressively. That, in turn, contributes to one of the machines most impressive qualities: how restrained it sounds under load.

Alienware has also avoided the trap of making the system feel delicate or over-styled. The tower still looks premium and distinctly Alienware, but it does not come across as a purely decorative object. It feels like a serious desktop that just happens to have a striking aesthetic.

There are, however, some design choices that may divide opinion. The proprietary motherboard power arrangement does slightly reduce the sense of full enthusiast freedom. Likewise, the memory support is limited to two DIMM slots and tops out at 64GB DDR5-6400 in this implementation, which Alienware has done in the name of higher clock stability. That makes sense from a tuning perspective, but it does reduce flexibility for buyers who prefer the broader expansion possibilities of standard enthusiast motherboards. Were pretty certain that Alienware would have had more slots if DDR5, as a memory standard, had been more stable.

Even with those caveats, the overall construction is impressive. The chassis feels thoughtfully engineered, access is refreshingly straightforward, and the internal design has clearly been built around the realities of cooling a machine at this performance tier.

Performance

Performance is where the Alienware Area-51 AAT2250 fully justifies its flagship ambitions. With an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and GeForce RTX 5090 at its core, this system is designed to dominate modern gaming and handle demanding creative workloads with ease. The benchmark results reflect exactly that.

At 4K Ultra settings, gaming performance is predictably formidable. Shadow of the Tomb Raider runs at around 157 FPS, which is an absurdly high result for a title still useful as a GPU stress point at this resolution. Guardians of the Galaxy pushes even further to roughly 177 FPS, reinforcing just how much overhead this system has for visually rich games at 4K. Even much heavier modern titles remain highly playable. Monster Hunter Wilds, running at 4K Ultra with ray tracing set to High and DLAA enabled, delivers around 53 FPS. That is a demanding scenario, and the result underlines how this machine handles punishing current-generation workloads without flinching.

Game and settings Performance Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 4K Ultra 157 FPS Guardians of the Galaxy, 4K Ultra 177 FPS Monster Hunter Wilds, 4K Ultra, Ray Tracing High, DLAA 53 FPS Cyberpunk 2077, 4K RT Overdrive, native 34 FPS Cyberpunk 2077, 4K RT Overdrive, DLSS 4 + Frame Generation 288 FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 remains the clearest showcase for what the RTX 5090 brings to the table. Running in RT Overdrive mode, native performance sits at around 34 FPS, which is already a reasonable illustration of how extreme the setting is. Switch on DLSS 4 and Frame Generation, though, and the number rockets to around 288 FPS.

Synthetic performance is similarly strong. Geekbench 6 scores of 3,149 in single-core and 21,929 in multi-core place the Core Ultra 9 285K firmly in elite desktop territory. Cinebench 2024s multi-core score of 2,313 further reinforces the point that there is serious CPU performance here for rendering, encoding, and heavy multitasking. The 3DMark Steel Nomad stress test result, which stayed 99 per cent consistent over 20 runs, is particularly encouraging because it points to stability under sustained load rather than a single flashy benchmark run.

That stability aligns with the desktops thermal behaviour. Under heavy load, the RTX 5090 typically settles in the low 70s Celsius, while the processor stays in the low 50s during gaming thanks to the 360mm AIO cooler. Those are excellent results for a system with this class of hardware. More impressive still is how little acoustic noise accompanies them. The AAT2250 has been described as whisper quiet or barely audible even under load, and that is a significant achievement. High-end desktops often make users choose between performance and noise. Alienware seems to have found a far better balance here.

The large 180 mm intake fans clearly play a central role in that equation. By moving a lot of air at lower RPMs, they help the system maintain thermal control without the aggressive fan profiles that often make flagship gaming desktops unpleasant in quieter rooms. There is a reported brief chirp or spin-up noise during boot, which Dell characterises as normal behaviour for high-wattage RTX 50-series cards. In context, that feels more like a quirk than a genuine issue, particularly as it does not appear to define the machines behaviour once up and running.

Storage performance is exactly where it should be for a premium Gen 4 NVMe SSD. The included SK Hynix PC811 delivers around 6,994 MB/s sequential reads and around 6,023 MB/s writes. Those are strong figures and more than enough to keep game load times, file transfers, and application launches feeling fast. The presence of Gen 5 support on the primary M.2 slot is useful from a future-proofing standpoint, though the real-world gaming gains from moving beyond a good Gen 4 drive remain modest for now.

Outside pure benchmarks, the Area-51s broader usefulness is easy to understand. The RTX 5090s 32GB of VRAM and the CPUs 24-core design make this an extremely capable workstation for local AI models, high-resolution video editing, and GPU-accelerated production work. It is a desktop that can serve as both a dream gaming machine and a serious creative tool, which is exactly what buyers at this end of the market are likely to want.

Verdict  Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250

The Alienware Area-51 Desktop AAT2250 is an exceptionally capable flagship desktop that gets the big things right. It delivers enormous 4K gaming performance, excellent CPU throughput, strong storage speeds, and unusually polished thermal and acoustic behaviour for a machine packing this much hardware. Just as importantly, it does so in a chassis that is easier to open and maintain than many rival premium systems.

There are limitations. The use of proprietary power connections on the motherboard means this is not as open-ended as a fully standard DIY build, and the two-DIMM memory layout reduces long-term flexibility somewhat. However, it will be a while before youd consider more memory given that youre getting 64 GB to boot. Buyers looking for absolute component freedom may still be better served by a custom-built tower. But that criticism needs context. Alienware is trying to make the most modular enthusiast chassis on the market while delivering a refined, high-performance desktop that feels premium, looks distinctive, runs cool, stays quiet, and remains reasonably approachable to upgrade.

On those terms, the AAT2250 succeeds very well. This is a desktop that feels engineered rather than merely assembled. The combination of the Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5090, quiet cooling system, strong I/O selection, and sensible internal access makes it one of the more convincing ultra-premium gaming desktops in its class. For buyers who want a top-tier desktop without the uncertainty of sourcing and tuning every part themselves, the Alienware Area-51 AAT2250 makes a very strong case for itself.
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More than 900 million of new Irish investment into the UK is part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

The British Prime Minister announced the funding from Irish entities as he emphasised aims to deepen co-operation between Dublin and London.

Sir Keir was greeted in Cork on Thursday by Irish Premier Micheal Martin as he arrived for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

The gathering of British and Irish ministers included a roundtable with business leaders in the energy and infrastructure sectors on Thursday evening.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create around 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland.

Gas Networks Ireland is to invest 170 million; Amach, the AI and cloud-computing company to the aviation sector, is to invest 45 million and create 150 jobs; and Focus Capital Partners is to invest 3 million.

Ayrton Group, which is based in Cork, will invest more than 1 million in its UK arm to boost AI-empowered services and double its London team.

As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised.

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 740 million of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

The UK and Irish governments are also expected to discuss joint exercises to test the resilience of subsea fibre optic cables which run between the UK and Ireland, and a crackdown on shadow fleets and other threats in the Irish and Celtic seas through a refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding.

Sir Keir said: As people on both sides of the Irish Sea are feeling the cost-of-living squeeze, we are investing in partnerships that make us better off and more secure.

The UKs close friendship with Ireland is going from strength to strength and I am pleased that we are going further in working together on growth, energy, security and more.

This new Irish investment coming into the UK is one part of a much bigger picture of our flourishing cultural, commercial and security ties.

The action this Government has taken to reset relationships and deepen partnerships with our closest allies is paying off.

It will help us withstand global challenges and protect money in the pockets of families up and down the country.

Robert Adams, president of Focus Capital Partners, said the UK was a highly attractive market for investment.

He added: Expanding our presence in London allows us to work more closely with ambitious UK companies and to support Irish and international businesses and investors seeking opportunities in the UK market.

Ayrton managing director Kieran Linehan said its strategy for several years had been to expand beyond Ireland.

Thus, the UK market has always been our most strategic fit, for many reasons, he said.

These include the UK being a significantly larger market than Ireland, it is a very diverse and established market, with whom we have an extremely strong relationship, culturally.

Doing business in the UK for Irish companies is much easier than other markets, due to the historical relationships, geographical location, our common language and cultural synergies.

Additionally, investing in the UK market is an opportunity to enhance the services we provide, including engineering and associated services, to our clients and we have always wanted to bring our Irish market expertise to compete in such a larger market that is the UK.

With our Group structure, we feel we can cost-effectively serve the UK market and our UK clients, thus investment in the UK is a good return on our investment in that market.

OFlynn Group chairman and chief executive Michael OFlynn said it would deliver student accommodation valued at 35 million in Manchester.

He added: The UK remains one of the most important and dynamic student accommodation markets globally, and our new Manchester development reflects our continued confidence in UK university cities and our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, professionally managed accommodation that supports students, universities, and local communities.

We have built a strong operational platform in the UK over nearly three decades, and we continue to see attractive opportunities to invest further in partnership with institutional capital.
On Wednesday 11 March, McCarthy Kitchens at the North Link Retail Park in Dundalk, hosted an Irish cooking demonstration, "Cocaireacht agus Comhra" (Cookery and Conversation) in collaboration with the students and teachers of Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgan as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge.

The event was organised to support the local school and to promote the Irish language within the community.

McCarthy Kitchens said they were delighted to provide the showroom space free of charge for the evening, and that all funds raised from the event will go directly towards Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgans scholarship programme.

The live culinary demonstration was held in one of their many bespoke kitchens, showcasing McCarthy Kitchens' innovative products and services, while promoting the Irish language in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

The event also also focused on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. The students of Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgan worked closely with local Dundalk businesses, including Country Fresh and Barrack Street Butchers, to source high-quality fresh fruit, vegetables and meat for the evening.

Read also: Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations get underway in Dundalk

Gaelcholaiste Dhun Dealgan said they are extremely grateful for the generous support provided to them in organising the event.
Dundalk firm Dromad Hire has been named a finalist in the SafeHire Plant, Tool & Equipment Hire Company of the Year category at the prestigious HAE Hire Awards of Excellence 2026.

The shortlist recognises hire companies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to safety, operational standards, and industry best practice. Dromad Hire said that being shortlisted as a finalist highlights its continued focus on maintaining the highest levels of compliance, equipment quality, and customer support across its operations.

To be recognised as a finalist in the SafeHire category is a fantastic achievement for our entire team, said Ronan Cotter, Operations Director at Dromad Hire.

SafeHire certification represents the highest standards within the hire industry, so to be shortlisted in this category is a real testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff. Every member of the team plays a role in maintaining the systems, processes, and culture that ensure we deliver safe, reliable equipment and solutions to our customers every day.

Dromad Hire operates under SafeHire Certification, the hire industrys recognised standard for safety, compliance, and operational best practice. The accreditation independently audits a companys procedures, safety systems, equipment maintenance, and staff training  ensuring, it says, customers receive equipment and support they can rely on.

Read also: Drogheda event to showcase US and Caribbean expansion opportunities for Irish companies

Organised by the Hire Association Europe (HAE), the Hire Awards of Excellence celebrate outstanding achievement across the hire and supply chain industry. The awards recognise companies demonstrating excellence in areas such as safety, innovation, customer service, and operational performance across the UK and Ireland.

The winners will be announced at the HAE Hire Awards of Excellence ceremony in London on Saturday, 18 April 2026, where leading companies from across the hire industry will gather to celebrate the years achievements.
With just one week to go until their third annual Daffodil Day fundraiser which takes place next Friday 20 March, from 7:00am to 8:00pm at 82 Park St, Dundalk, Dundalk-based digital marketing agency ZOMA has officially set a bold fundraising target of 20,000 for the Irish Cancer Society

Following the massive success of their 2025 event, which raised over 16,000, the ZOMA team is doubling down on their commitment to high-impact community support.

This year's "1300KM for Daffodil Day" challenge has already seen a surge in interest, with the majority of the 20-minute fitness slots already booked out by local businesses and individuals eager to take part in the rooftop event at 82 Park Street.

The core of the "1300KM for Daffodil Day" challenge is that throughout the day, groups of participants will collectively cover the equivalent distance from Dundalk to Copenhagen using erg machines such as three stationary bikes, one rowing machine, and one ski-erg.

ZOMA says that this collaborative effort allows local teams of five to take part in 20-minute intervals, ensuring the machines keep moving from dawn until dusk to hit the 1300KM target.

Read also: AI being used to identify worn road markings across Louth

ZOMA has announced an exciting collaboration with global sportswear brand Macron, who have supplied custom-designed Daffodil Day jerseys for all participants. This partnership ensures that every person taking to the machines will look the part and feel like a team while contributing to the collective goal.

Fueling the effort on the rooftop, Dundalks own La Eile coffee truck will be on-site throughout the day. They will be providing premium refreshments to keep energy levels high for the participants and supporters as they clock up the kilometers.

"The response this year has been nothing short of phenomenal," said David Kieran, Managing Director of ZOMA. "Setting a 20,000 target is ambitious, but seeing the slots fill up so quickly and having huge brands get behind us gives us huge confidence. We aren't just looking to hit a distance, we're looking to make a huge donation to the Irish Cancer Society."

Corporate Support & Branding Opportunities: While fitness slots are filling up quickly, ZOMA is still welcoming corporate sponsors to help them bridge the gap to their 20,000 goal.

For a minimum donation of 200, local businesses can secure a spot on the event picture wall and high-visibility backdrops, ensuring significant brand exposure across ZOMAs high-traffic social media channels.

To sign up for ZOMAs challenge or to donate and support, visit their website www.zoma.ie/daffodil-day

Details of the event:

Date: Friday 20th March 2026, from 7:00am to 8:00pm

Location: ZOMA, 82 Park St, Dundalk, A91 EC85

Donations & Information: www.zoma.ie/daffodil-day

All proceeds from the day will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society to fund vital support services and cancer research in Ireland.
Irish Premier Micheal Martin has rejected the idea that his Government is not providing information to Troubles Legacy investigative bodies.

The Taoiseach also said the UK-Irelands Legacy Framework is a generational opportunity to make progress for Troubles survivors and bereaved families.

Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner of the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) , which investigates Troubles Crimes under the Labour Governments reformed Legacy Act, has previously said the body does not have information-sharing arrangements with the Irish authorities.

Earlier this week DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the Republic of Irelands police force has never responded to requests from the ICRIR.

Also this week, Irish Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan secured government approval for a Bill to facilitate former ministers and state bodies in giving sworn testimony to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Mr Martin told reporters at Fota House, Co Cork, after the UK-Ireland summit with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Government would reject any idea that were not providing information.

In fact, as you know, cabinet has approved legislation to facilitate the co-operation with the Omagh inquiry and that is bespoke legislation to facilitate the taking of evidence and so forth, he said.

We did a bespoke mechanism for the Kingsmill inquiry also and the chairman of that inquiry spoke positively in terms of how that worked in the context of Kingsmill.

I have made it very clear that any information we can give to help victims and survivors of the Troubles we will do and we will co-operate fully in that regard.

Last year a joint UK/Irish framework on the Troubles was announced which outlined a range of measures and mechanisms for dealing with historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict.

The framework included commitments to fundamentally reform the structures established by the last Conservative governments contentious Legacy Act, including the removal of a controversial provision that offered a form of conditional immunity to perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

The Irish Government then committed to the fullest possible co-operation with the new legacy commission and the creation of a dedicated legacy unit within the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana.

Speaking about the framework the Taoiseach said: I think this is a generational opportunity to get the Legacy issue over the line so that we can begin to respond to the needs of families.

Its a generational anguish and trauma that we need to respond to and its gone on for far, far too long, were going on two and half decades now, and I think this is a robust framework, we all agreed weve all had to compromise to get where we are.

Mr Martin also said: I think weve made a lot of progress on Legacy and I would pay tribute to Keir Starmer, to (Northern Ireland Secretary) Hilary Benn whove worked on that with the Tanaiste (Simon Harris) and (Foreign Minister) Helen McEntee.
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Cork Simon Community has launched its annual fundraising ball, with the number of people in Cork and Kerry being pushed in to homelessness increasing significantly.

A total of 799 adults depend on emergency accommodation in the South West, a 25% increase in a single year, the latest government figures show.

The Cork Simon Communitys biggest fundraising event of the year, the annual ball, will take place at the Fota Island Resort on Friday, April 17. Last year, the event made 250,000, bringing the total raised since its inception to almost 2m.

The ball is an opportunity for Cork businesses and organisations to work together, supporting Cork Simon Community to ensure their services help vulnerable people who are facing homelessness.

It is organised by a voluntary committee of local business leaders, and this years event is supported by a number of returning Cork-based sponsors, including EZ Living Interiors, Keanes Jewellers, and Heineken Ireland.

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO at Cork Simon Community, said the ball is a crucial date on their annual calendar, standing alone as our most important fundraising event.

Mr Kavanagh said: The money raised locally stays locally. The Cork community, businesses, and companies always show up and demonstrate their commitment to supporting an inclusive Cork that looks after the most vulnerable people.

The staggering, 25% increase in men and women stuck in emergency accommodation in the South West at the end of 2025 highlights the increased pressure on all our services.

We look forward to welcoming attendees to this years ball. A sell-out every year, as we continue to strengthen partnerships in 2026. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the businesses and people of Cork.

Barbara-Anne Richardson, corporate affairs manager at Heineken, said Cork Simons tireless work to help men and women experiencing homelessness has a huge impact on the Cork community.

We look forward to raising much needed funds at this years ball, an event we have been involved with since its inception, she said.

For more information about Cork Simon and the work they do, visit www.corksimon.ie.
As Jessie Buckley looks to make history by becoming the first Irish winner of the Best Actress award at the Oscars in Los Angeles on Sunday, her Cork cousins will be watching closely from her home town.

Rory Buckley, manager of the Castle Hotel in Macroom, will be hoping his Kerry cousin can add another award to her very impressive collection.

Although Jessie has been getting global recognition in recent months, Mr Buckley told The Echo yesterday that all of the family are hugely proud of what the Killarney woman has accomplished throughout her career.

The nicest thing to say is that when you see her interviewed on TV, that is exactly how we remember her growing up. She hasnt changed at all.

Nothing has gone to her head or anything like that. She is still the same person that we remember from growing up, and I think that will stay with her also.

Mr Buckley recalled: When we were kids or teenagers, we would have been very good for having family reunions.

So we would go back to the Killarney cousins one year and they would come to Macroom the next.

Jessie is the same age as myself  36. That was always her thing  the music, singing and acting.

I dont know if any of us could have predicted what she has gone onto. But that was always her passion from an early age.

Gathering

Regarding the familys plans for this coming weekend, all of the Buckley family and cousins will travel to Killarney on Sunday night to watch the Oscars from California at a gathering in the Arbutus Hotel in Killarney, where Jessies grandfather came from, and which her uncle Sean now runs.

Jessie Buckley poses with her Golden Globe. Picture: AP Photo.

It is really exciting and a nice way to have a good family gathering as well, hopefully seeing Jessie pick up an Oscar, said Rory.

Pride

But regardless of what happens at the Oscars on Sunday, the pride that Rory and the Buckleys have for Jessie in what she has achieved is clear.

It has been many years of hard work for her. Hamnet has brought her to a whole new level.

She has been at this for 17 to 18 years, and in her childhood doing stage shows and singing. So it is not an overnight success. But this has gone to a whole new level now, Rory explained.

For me, it is like a young fella that is mad for soccer, but you dont expect them to grow up to be Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

But that is what it is. When you see the names that Jessie is with the next day at the Oscars, there is Emma Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio  the best actors in the world. Jessie is up there with them now, and hopefully will win the Oscar on Sunday.
A motion calling for the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to boycott his meeting with US president Donald Trump was narrowly defeated by Cork city councillors this week.

People Before Profit-Solidarity councillor Brian McCarthy tabled a motion at Monday nights meeting asking the authority to push for a boycott of the visit to the White House.

In the context of the genocide in Gaza, the kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, the attacks on Iran, and the information coming from the Epstein files, it is completely unacceptable that Taoiseach Micheal Martin is still planning on visiting the White House on St Patricks Day to smile and shake Donald Trumps hand and give him a gift of shamrock on behalf of the Irish people," he said.

Blind eye

He called the US president a racist, war criminal, abuser, saying that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are on the wrong side, and that the visit going ahead suggests they are willing to turn a blind eye to genocide.

Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan acknowledged that cancelling the visit was a hard call, but said: We cannot continue to ignore the actions of the current administration.

Independent Irelands Noel OFlynn warned against motions speaking negatively about the US, given the economic links between the two countries.

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said he hoped the Taoiseach would raise several issues with the Trump administration after the presentation of the shamrock.

I think if we step away from diplomacy, thats what several people in the States want us to do, he said

The motion went to a vote, with Labour, Green Party, and Social Democrats councillors voting in favour.

Fianna Fail and most Fine Gael councillors, as well as OFlynn and Independent councillors McCarthy, Paudie Dineen, and Albert Deasy voted against. Sinn Fein councillors, Fine Gaels Gary OBrien, and Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy abstained.
It could be the most daunting thing, having thousands of people in Cork City staring at you as you walk through the parade.

Those are the words of Aaron OConnor, a facilitator with Cork Arts Link  a charity which has existed for more than 30 years, developing collaborative projects with artists and the community.

Led by William Frode de la Foret, it has been heavily involved in the annual St Patricks Day parade, and has been preparing for several weeks this year to match the theme of 'Marsh, Myth and Magic' by carrying out workshops involving the likes of Cork Simon, Corlann (formerly known as Brothers of Charity) as well as refugees and asylum seekers.

Nestled away in a former cinema now turned art space, it sees people from all different walks of life come together and spend time creating and "making things with their hands".

It is filled with various creations from previous events, including a flying car which hangs from the ceiling, masks, colourful costumes on racks, and a sewing station hidden away in a dark corner.

The stage, which was where movies were previously screened, hosts various other props needed for other events. Those that aren't used are recycled and repurposed.

Three floats

This year, the group has decided to create three separate floats  a giant heron, a giant frog and an otter  with volunteers transforming themselves into a caravan of travelling merchants emerging from the depths of the citys past and future".

Its really rewarding, because we work great together. Its people from such varying backgrounds who come in to work on these pieces, Mr OConnor said.

Its just so broad, people from the local community. I think for me, the interesting thing is that even though [this otter] was my idea, its not mine.

Because everything on this has been worked on by the group here, by volunteers who come in, so everything in the parade, nobody really has ownership of anything. Thats the community element to it."

Aaron OConnor, Community Art Link workshop facilitator and artist, at the Blackpool workshop.

The 33-year-old added the group sees people who have just moved to Cork coming into their workshops to find a sense of community.

They would come in quite often, people from abroad. Their English might not be the best, which can be challenging, because I myself do not speak another language, but then working around that and finding ways to work together is amazing.

You get people from varying backgrounds, from different countries, from different financial backgrounds, and you see these people melding together.

We do poke people [who come in here] to maybe join the parade if they are working on stuff, but there is never any pressure to do it.

But people would be surprised by the end of it; they would have never thought they would have the confidence to walk in the parade. That would be the most daunting thing, I suppose, having thousands of people in Cork City staring at you."

Members of the Brothers of Charity group work together on their creations during a busy Community Art Link workshop in Blackpool as preparations continue for this years St Patricks Day parade. Picture Chani Anderson

Corlann community facilitators Linda Tyrell and Shaunagh Doyle said working with Cork Arts Link has been fantastic.

The charity has been working with individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1885, and up to eight people supported by them are always part of the parade.

Weve done some 15 parades so far, including St Patricks Day, Midsummer, and the Dragon of Shandon, they said.

Everyone here has been fantastic, and these lads feel so comfortable coming in here. They have created a good relationship, and theyve learned so many skills as well, they added.
Computers are slowly being fixed at Stryker today after an Iranian-linked cyber attack that infiltrated the companys IT systems on Wednesday was fully contained.

Some staff returned to Strykers six Cork facilities on Friday, bringing laptops with them to be repaired.

Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo said the cyber attack has now been fully contained and that the company is in the restoration phase.

We believe that this attack did not involve ransomware or malware, meaning there is no risk of system contamination," Mr Lobo said in a statement.

Our employees and our sites are safe. Our products and our customers are also safe. Our teams are working closely with customers, government partners, and third-party experts to maintain business continuity.

Mr Lobo said the impact of the cyber attack was limited to the companys internal Microsoft environment.

There will be additional steps in the coming days as we complete the recovery process, but I am confident that we will emerge from this stronger," he said.

Moments like this test organisations, but they also reveal their strength. Im incredibly proud of how our Stryker teams have come together, supporting one another and our customers, while staying focused on safety, quality, and our mission to make healthcare better.

The work we do supports a global healthcare system that patients and clinicians rely on every day.

Mr Lobo also thanked staff for their resilience during the cyber attack.

While we never want situations like this to occur, we plan for these moments. Our mitigation protocols were quickly activated to protect our employees, our sites, and most importantly, our customers and the patients they serve, he said.

An Iranian-linked hacktivist network known as Handala has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group said the attack on Stryker was retaliation for the brutal attack on the Minab school in Iran, which it said killed more than 175 civilians, many of them children. The United States has been blamed for the bombing.

The attack on Stryker was a wiper attack, designed to destroy IT systems and their data. Such attacks are typically politically, rather than financially, motivated.

Help desks have been set up at all Stryker facilities to help staff regain access to their computers. Employees brought their computers back on site this morning to be repaired.

Laptops are slowly being fixed, one worker said.

Despite the IT breach, payroll has not been affected and staff are expected to be paid on time, The Echo understands.

Stryker employs about 5,000 people in Ireland and more than 56,000 worldwide. The companys Dublin server remained down on Thursday evening, preventing production from restarting.

However, with a skeleton staff on site on Friday, the company said it could quickly ramp up operations once functioning servers were restored.

Employees whose laptops showed only a blue screen  an indication the device had been hacked  were told not to engage with any IT systems.

However, staff with functioning laptops were told on Thursday that they could log on. Production machines were being prioritised for repair.

Employees with mobile devices were told they could get back online on Thursday using the Outlook and Teams apps.
Eleven dead swans reported as potentially infected with bird flu in east Cork on Thursday morning had not been moved hours later, it has been claimed, prompting fears that a possible biohazard was left at the lake to spread the potentially deadly virus unchecked.

Six dead swans were found at about 9am at Loughaderra, a lake outside Castlemartyr, Co Cork, and another two swans were seen struggling.

After 2pm, another five dead swans were seen there and the carcasses of the earlier reported six dead swans were still there. All were reported to the Department of Agriculture through its Avian Check app.

This is a biohazard, Proinsias O Tuama, who reported the dead birds to the Department of Agriculture, told The Echo.

I watched a hooded crow land on one of the carcasses. That is how this [avian flu] is spreading.

Mr O Tuama said that when he reported the dead birds to the Department of Agriculture today, one person there told him to report it to Cork City Council instead.

But the reporting mechanism for avian flu is through the Department of Agriculture, said Mr O Tuama, who is the founder of Clean Coasts Ballynamona, a community group working to protect and clean Irelands coasts.

A spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture said it "is unable to collect, remove or provide treatment to sick wild birds".

"Where they are not needed for surveillance, the routine collection of dead birds rests with the landowner. It is the responsibility of the local authority to safely dispose of carcasses where they are on public land," the spokesperson said.

The department's role is to conduct avian influenza surveillance, which forms part of its Early Warning System for the detection of circulating avian influenza viruses, "thereby informing our assessment as to the level of risk the disease poses to Irelands poultry sector," the spokesperson said.

"The Department carries out avian influenza surveillance testing throughout the year in targeted dead wild birds to understand if avian influenza is circulating in the wild bird population and then provides this information to the poultry industry to inform them of risk."

Bird flu has been a serious concern in the east Cork area since an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus closed Fota Wildlife Park, also in east Cork, in October.

The outbreak in Fota, which has since reopened, was in the Greylag goose population.

The east Cork wildlife park confirmed 12 cases of bird flu and had to euthanise 73 birds from the park due to the outbreak.

Five commercial poultry sites across Ireland suffered HPAI outbreaks over the winter.

In January, Ireland was declared free of HPAI avian flu.

The World Organisation for Animal Health published Irelands self-declaration of freedom from HPAI in poultry on its website, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

But in March, a bird flu outbreak was reported in the north, in a poultry farm near Omagh, Co Tyrone.

It is now feared that there has been another outbreak in wild birds in east Cork.

Housing order still in place

A precautionary compulsory housing order on all poultry and captive birds in Ireland remains in place this year, despite Irelands declaration of HPAI-free status in January, according to the website of the Department of Agriculture.

This required flock keepers to keep all birds under their care in a secure building.

Flock owners are advised to exercise strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds.

The main clinical signs of the virus in birds are depression or lethargy, loss of appetite and excessive thirst, swollen head, blue discolouration of areas of exposed skin, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, reduced or no eggs laid, and sudden death.

The public is advised not to approach sick, dead or dying wild birds, not to touch wild bird feathers or droppings, and avoid surfaces that may be contaminated with them.
The man accused of murdering his partner at their apartment in Midleton told gardai they were soulmates and best friends and he had plans to propose to her, get married and buy a house.

31-year-old Adam Corcoran was arrested on suspicion of murder within less than two hours of Daena Walsh being found in the burning apartment with multiple stab wounds to her face, neck, chest and stomach, and her left arm partially amputated.

Brendan Grehan, defence senior counsel, said that Adam Corcoran told several gardai and people who arrived at the scene that Friday afternoon, August 2 2024, that Daenas death was a suicide.

Mr Grehan was cross-examining Detective Inspector John OConnell and put to him a number of comments made by the accused when he was questioned after the incident.

He said he did not kill Daena. That he loved her and they were closer than ever and supported each other," the garda said.

He said she was his soulmate. And the relationship was the best it had ever been. She was his best friend.

He planned to get engaged to her and marry her. He was going to propose to her.

He planned to buy a home for her and the kids. They both had relapsed onto drink and drugs. He had been drinking that day.

Det Insp OConnell confirmed that Adam Corcoran said all of these things when interviewed by An Garda Siochana. The accused man also said: I dont know, it is like replaying a nightmare. I dont know how I am in a station. I dont understand why she would do it. How will I tell the kids? It is the worst day of my life.

Garda Conor McCarthy was on duty when Adam Corcoran was brought into Mallow garda station just after 5.30pm on August 2 2024. He confirmed that the defendant had a cut over his right eye, his left eye was bloodshot, and his speech was slurred and incoherent.

When a doctor called to the station to examine him, he said that Adam Corcoran would not be fit for interview for six hours. It was noted by Garda McCarthy in the custody record:

He was crying and not making sense with what he was saying.

Several gardai from the Garda National Technical Bureau forensically examined the apartment from 9am on the Saturday morning of August 3 2024 when the remains of the deceased remained in situ.

Detective Garda Andy Gibbons showed to the jury of eight men and four women and Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford a red bread knife. Both the blade and handle were red but stained black. It was explained that the black stains were blood and matched the DNA of the deceased. The knife was found in an off-licence bag in the living room.

Detective Garda Treasa Kelly found a large blue carving knife in a beige handbag in the bedroom. Both handle and blade were blue and stained with black. Again the black stains were described as blood with a DNA match to the deceased.

Dr James Cafferkey of Forensic Science Ireland, who examined blood samples from both knives, described them as matching the DNA of the deceased. He also said that blood on a jacket, a pair of jeans and a left runner worn by Adam Corcoran were a DNA match for the deceased.

Det Garda Kelly said two envelopes addressed to the deceased were found on the bed and that both envelopes were bloodstained.

Mr Grehan suggested that the knives appeared to have been part of a multi-coloured set or block of knives.

EXPLODED

Det Garda Gibbons said that the legs of the deceased were partly under a yellow chair in the kitchen/dining area and that on top of the chair was a partially damaged Lynx body-spray deodorant cannister. He said it was dented in at least two areas and the top was gone. He said this damage was consistent with it having exploded.

Adam Corcoran is on trial charged with arson of the apartment and murdering mother-of-two, Daena Walsh, at their home at John Barry House, Midleton on August 2 2024. He told gardai she stabbed herself.

The trial continues on Monday.

It was indicated at the outside of the trial on Monday March 9 that it could finish in two weeks but the jurors were advised that they should be available until March 25 in case it ran longer.
Tom Tuite

A pensioner charged following a Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) probe into bogus passports has a huge collection of identities, it has been alleged.

Gaoimhreadhan O Coileain, aged 75, of Duiche Roden, Dundalk, Co Louth, was arrested at Dublin Airport with a one-way ticket to Glasgow and a suspected fake passport on March 5th last.

The following day, at Dublin District Court, conditional bail was set at 3,000.

He is charged with three offences under the Passport Act: possessing a false passport at Gate 188, Dublin Airport, on March 5th, and two counts of providing false information in passport applications in 2023 and 2017.

Detective Garda Padraig Hanley said the accused's reply to the charge was: "I am guilty of these three offences; I wish to clear them up as quickly as possible since I thought that the last two were already dealt with in 2023. My memory is not good. But if I have adequate consultation with my solicitor, I am sure I can be of further assistance."

The detective considered him a flight risk, saying the accused was caught red-handed with a one-way ticket to Glasgow and was travelling with hand luggage only. It was alleged that gardai searched his home and seized evidence about other passports.

The detective believed the accused was in possession or control of another fake Irish passport, that he refused to reveal where it was, and that he had four phones.

However, he was unable to access his funds to lodge the bail money and was allowed to make a fresh application on Thursday. Judge Karen Dowling set bail in his bond of 300 but required approval of a 5,000 independent surety.

O Coileain was remanded in custody with consent to bail, to appear again on March 19th.

Detective Garda Hanley informed the court that the file will go to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), whose directions could take several weeks due to the complex nature of the case.

He maintained the accused had three sets of passports in his name, plus another in an English version of his name, and a UK passport with a different identity.

He also said the accused was widely travelled and had travelled to China, the Philippines and Vietnam in recent years, and it appeared that "a huge collection of different identities" had been used by him. It was also alleged he had a false Northern Ireland driver's licence, electricity card and rental agreement.

Defence counsel Eimear Dooley said her client had severe health problems, lived in sheltered accommodation, and had indicated he would plead guilty, having made full admissions. Counsel also said that her client was going to Scotland for just a day.

He has yet to formally enter a plea because directions from the DPP were pending.

Legal aid was granted, along with an order for medical attention in custody.
High Court reporters

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has dismissed an appeal by CNN over a decision that a defamation action by Galway-based businessman Declan Ganley and his Rivada telecommunications firm against the international news broadcaster should be heard in Ireland.

Last year, the High Court ruled the proceedings by Ganley and Rivada should be heard in Ireland and not the US as the CNN defendants had argued.

Ganley/Rivada has sued Atlanta registered CNN Inc and two associated companies, Cable News International (CNI) Ltd, and Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd, both London registered.

The action is over a report suggesting the first Trump administration pressured the Department of Defense to award a multi-million contract without a competition for the lease of mid-band spectrum to an entity described in the news story as Rivada.

Ganley and Rivada claim they were "maliciously" defamed in the story broadcast and published on the internet on October 20th, 2020.

The defendants deny defamation and say the story is, in substance, true, and relates to a matter of public interest. This is a defence which they say is available in such cases both in Ireland and the US.

In claiming the US is the appropriate jurisdiction, the defendants argued, among other things, that the report was fundamentally related to the US and not Ireland and that all the relevant witnesses are based in the US.

Ganley argued, among other things, that he and Rivada Ireland are synonymous with the US parent company and Rivada Networks LLC. This was clear from the re-publications in Irish newspapers, which immediately made the connection between the offending publications and Ganley and Rivada Ireland, it was argued.

In a judgment on behalf of the three-judge CoA on Friday, Judge Denis McDonald dismissed two appeals by the CNN side.

The first related to the High Court's refusal of the defendants' application setting aside service of the proceedings outside this jurisdiction on the ground that Ireland was not the appropriate forum for the hearing of this litigation.

Weighing all the factors raised by the parties in this case, the judge said he came to the conclusion that Ireland is clearly and distinctly the more appropriate forum for the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs claims against the defendants.

This was, in his view, irrespective of who bears the burden of proof on the issue. The most significant factor in play is the fact that publication occurred in this jurisdiction and that the plaintiffs claim that their reputation was damaged here.

He also dismissed a second appeal in which the London-registered CNI and Turner defendants sought a dismissal of the case against them for disclosing no reasonable cause of action or on the grounds that the claims made against them were bound to fail.

The judge said while the defendants suggested there was no evidence at all to support the Ganley/Rivada case as to involvement by CNI and Turner in the publications, the position, even on their own evidence, was by no means clear cut, he said.

In so far as CNI was concerned, CNN had acknowledged that employees of CNI, on occasion, create content, he said.

Similarly, CNN conceded that CNI was engaged in news production and news-gathering activities.

He concluded that the appeal in relation to CNI/Turner should also be dismissed. He said it was not clear at this stage of the proceedings that the claims against them were bound to fail.
Fiona Magennis

Records relating to Boy As progress in custody will be crucial to his appeal against his life sentence for the murder of schoolgirl Ana Kriegel in Dublin seven years ago, a court has heard.

His lawyers told the Court of Appeal on Friday that his case will require document-heavy analysis as they sought more time before a date for the hearing of his appeal is set.

The appellant, who was one of two boys convicted of the teenagers murder, was in 2019 sentenced to life with a review after 12 years.

The defendant was also sentenced to 12 years for an aggravated sexual assault on Ana, which runs alongside the murder sentence.

Last November, Boy As lawyers successfully applied for more time to bring an appeal against his life sentence, following a landmark Supreme Court decision.

In a judgment delivered by Judge Iseult OMalley in March 2025, the Supreme Court found that life sentences for a child convicted of murder should only be imposed in exceptional cases where the evidence showed the intentions and actions of the child were akin to those of an adult.

The ruling also said a sentencing court does not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention imposed on child offenders.

Boy As case came before the Court of Appeal on Friday, where Judge Isobel Kennedy had been due to set a hearing date.

However when the matter was called on, Niall Nolan, representing the appellant, asked that the case instead be listed for mention towards the end of July.

Asked by the judge why a date couldnt be fixed at this juncture, Nolan said the legal team was seeking a significant number of records in order to progress the appeal.

He said records relating to his clients progress in custody would be crucial to the determination of this case. While his solicitor has been very diligent in seeking reports, there had been a limited response in terms of hard data, Nolan added.

He said the trial judge, Paul McDermott, had made certain directions on the production of reports along the way. The barrister said these reports were supposed to be prepared twice yearly.

We need to determine whether they are there, Nolan said, adding that enquiries were ongoing. The barrister said he also believed a probation report would have been prepared.

We have been very active in trying to put together the records, he said.

Nolan added that, unlike other cases, there was not a pressing need to get this on for hearing.

He asked the court for more time to allow the youths lawyers to assemble the appeal.

It is going to be a document-heavy analysis, the barrister said, before also making an application for a documentary junior counsel for the appeal.

The judge granted the request, noting that a solicitor and two counsel have already been approved for the case.

She adjourned the matter to July 10th for mention, but said there was an expectation that a date for hearing will be fixed at that point.

The two boys, referred to in the media as Boy A and Boy B, were both 13 years old when they murdered Ana Kriegel in an abandoned house at Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan on May 14th, 2018.

They were convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in June 2019 of murdering Ana, with Boy A also convicted of Ana's aggravated sexual assault in a manner that involved serious violence.

The jury accepted the prosecution's case that Boy B lured Ana to the house by telling her that Boy A wanted to meet her, knowing that Boy A intended to kill her.

He watched as Boy A, who was dressed all in black and wearing a ghoulish mask, shin guards and knee pads, sexually assaulted Ana having dragged her to the ground, where he beat her repeatedly with a piece of wood and a large block.
(Photo: Courtesy Scottish Parliament)Scottish Parliament

Not all churches concur on the issues around assisted dying as the Scottish Parliament debates a change to the law, where it will come up for a final vote on March 17, but they do not back the new law.

The Scottish Parliament is preparing to hold the Stage 3 vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill and passing the law could trigger the closure of some Roman Catholic care institutions.

Scotland's biggest denomination, the Church of Scotland, also often referred to as the Presbyterian Church, says on its website: "The Church of Scotland supports the current law, which prohibits assisted dying."

Still, the church notes, its General Assembly, "Acknowledging the diversity of sincerely held theological views within our broad Church, re-affirm the Church of Scotland's opposition to assisted dying.

The Assembly "Agree that if assisted dying is legalised, robust safeguards must be in place for all involved, including medical staff whose ethical and moral principles should be respected, and to support and protect potentially vulnerable groups, including those with life-limiting illnesses, disabilities, mental health issues and dementia."

As Scotland nears its final phase on the law, the country's Catholic bishops are expressing "deep concern" about the proposal, the Catholic publication Crux Now reports.

In a statement released on March 10, the bishops noted the Scottish Government's response to an amendment which sought to introduce provisions allowing organisations  including hospices, care homes, and faith-based institutions  to exercise conscientious objection.

The Scottish Government has stated that "it is not clear how an institution might demonstrate what their "conscience' position is."

The Catholic Bishops' Conference said it "strongly disagrees with the Government's position, noting that every organization has guiding values that shape its mission and practice.

"For many faithbased organizations, including Catholic hospices and care homes, these values are fundamentally incompatible with the introduction of assisted suicide," said Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, the president of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

"The Bishops' Conference maintains that no organization should be compelled by the State to participate in the deliberate ending of life when doing so would violate its ethical or religious principles," the bishop said.

Anthony Horan, the Director of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office, said the Scottish Government and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) must accept that Catholic hospices and care homes cannot, in good conscience, provide any services under the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, nor can they be expected to refer anyone to such services.

"Assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the Gospel," he told Crux Now.

"If the Bill is not amended to reflect this reality, Catholic institutions may be forced to close to the severe detriment to the communities they have so committedly and compassionately served, many of them for hundreds of years," Horan said.

The Free Church of Scotland said that the proposed legislation represents a significant moral and legal change and has raised concerns among many about its potential impact on the protection of vulnerable people and the culture of care in our society.

"Scripture calls us to pray for those in authority and to seek the welfare of our nation, and this is an important moment to do so. Prayer points are available for people ahead of the final vote on Tuesday (17th March)," said the Free Church.

Scotland has a population of just over 5.5 million.

The 2022 Census found that a majority of Scots (51.12 percent) reported not following any religion.

The most practised religion is Christianity (38.79 per cent), with the Church of Scotland (20.36 per cent) and Roman Catholicism (13.3 per cent) being the largest churches..
TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance has figured out a way to access NVIDIA's latest AI chips despite export restrictions, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal . The company is working with a firm called Aolani Cloud and building out Blackwell computing systems in Malaysia.

This should give ByteDance access to around 36,000 B200 chips. That's NVIDIA's most powerful processor. The hardware buildout will reportedly cost more than $2.5 billion. The company says it plans on using this new computing power for AI research and development outside of China.

The country has been unable to access the B200 chip, as it was designed in California and, as such, subject to US export controls. This has led some Chinese companies to do what ByteDance is doing with Aolani Cloud. The Singapore-based firm will buy up the components from NVIDIA and will operate exclusively in Malaysia, giving ByteDance access in the process.

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"By design, the export rules allow clouds to be built and operated outside controlled countries," an NVIDIA spokesperson said. They also said that all of the company's cloud partners go through review before being approved to receive its products.

A representative from Aolani Cloud told Reuters that the company adheres to all applicable export control regulations and that ByteDance will be just one of many customers. It plans on providing cloud-computing services to multiple companies across Asia and the globe. However, it's worth noting that Aolani currently operates with just $100 million worth of hardware and ByteDance is planning to inject a whopping $2.5 billion.
Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York and ex-wife of Prince Andrew, maintained a close personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years, including after his 2008 conviction, according to newly released files from the Justice Department (DOJ).

Emails and documents obtained by CNN reveal Ferguson, known as "Fergie," repeatedly praised Epstein, referring to him privately as her "spectacular and special friend" and "the brother I have always wished for."

The DOJ files also showed she also sought financial support from Epstein during difficult times, asking to borrow money and even suggesting he hire her as a personal assistant.

Despite publicly condemning Epstein in a 2011 interviewcalling her association with him a "gigantic error of judgment" and vowing to cut tiesFerguson privately apologized to Epstein for those comments. She acknowledged accepting thousands of dollars from him to pay an employee but insisted she would repay the money and sever relations.

The Justice Department's release of millions of Epstein-related files has shed light on the financier's extensive network of connections. Ferguson is one of many well-known people whose ties to Epstein are being looked at again.

Ferguson's ex-husband, Prince Andrew, faced public disgrace over his own ties to Epstein, resulting in his removal from royal duties, loss of titles, and legal troubles.

Sarah Ferguson's Money Problems

According to Cosmopolitan, the former duchess, who is now 66, was said to be having money problems in the late 2000s because she owed tens of thousands of pounds in rent.

Documents reveal a 2009 request from Ferguson for 20,000 to cover rent, and royal biographer Andrew Lownie has alleged that total support from Epstein could be as much as 2 million.

The revelations prompt questions about how Ferguson, a former royal and mother of two princesses, found herself juggling over 200 creditors despite owning a 30-room mansion. Unlike Princess Diana's 17 million divorce settlement, Ferguson's 1996 divorce payout was comparatively modest, including a 15,000 annual stipend, a one-time cash payment, and a housing fund from Queen Elizabeth II.

To maintain her lifestyle, Ferguson pursued various commercial ventures such as Weight Watchers endorsements and children's books but faced multiple business failures. Her wellness company, Hartmoor LLC, collapsed in 2009 with $1 million in debt. She was also sued by accountants and lawyers for unpaid bills ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.

In 2010, Ferguson's reputation suffered after an undercover sting by journalist Mazher Mahmood, known as the 'Fake Sheikh,' who secretly filmed her allegedly offering access to then-Prince Andrew in exchange for payment. Ferguson apologized publicly, calling it a serious lapse in judgment and stating that Prince Andrew was unaware of the meeting. She later said financial desperation drove her actions and pursued legal action against the newspaper's publishers for entrapment.

Ferguson's living arrangements at Royal Lodge added complexity. Although she lived there rent-free, the financial responsibility fell on Prince Andrew, who holds a 75-year lease on the property requiring costly renovations. With King Charles reportedly ending subsidized royal living, Ferguson is thought to be considering moving in with her daughter Princess Beatrice at her Oxfordshire home.

Emails show she reached out to Epstein for help during this period. In one message from 2009, she wrote that she urgently needed 20,000 for rent to avoid negative press. Epstein responded but declined to provide financial assistance until after July 2010 due to restrictions linked to his house arrest.

Ferguson also worked with Epstein on a charity project called "Mothers Army," intended to support mothers in need. She sought his advice on trademarking the name and managing the organization's business aspects. The charity was incorporated in 2011 and dissolved five years later.

While Ferguson has not been accused of any crimes related to Epstein, the revelations highlight the complex and often contradictory nature of her relationship with the disgraced financier.
Timothee Chalamet, the Oscar-nominated actor for Marty Supreme, is reportedly experiencing pressure not only professionally but also personally, as backlash over his recent comments about ballet and opera has strained his relationship with Kylie Jenner.

As per StyleCaster, Chalamet made the controversial remarks during a conversation with Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communication on Feb. 21.

Discussing challenges facing theatrical releases, Chalamet said he admires those who advocate for keeping movie theaters alive but expressed skepticism about the future of ballet and opera.

"I don't want to be working in ballet or opera where it's like, 'Hey! Keep this thing alive,' even though no one cares about this anymore," he said, adding, "All respect to the ballet and opera people out there ... I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I'm taking shots for no reason."

The comments sparked immediate backlash from the arts community and Hollywood insiders, many of whom defended ballet and opera as deeply respected art forms. Notable figures such as Jamie Lee Curtis have publicly criticized Chalamet's remarks.

Rob Shuter, writing for his Naughty But Nice Substack, reported that the controversy is putting stress on Chalamet's relationship with Jenner.

"The relationship is definitely feeling the strain," Shuter wrote. Industry sources suggest Jenner remains supportive but is concerned about being drawn into the ongoing media storm.

"The Kardashian-Jenner family is used to backlash and public drama," an insider said. "They've dealt with it their entire careers. Timothee hasn't."

Despite the tension, sources say the couple is working through the issues. Chalamet is expected to attend the Oscars on March 15, where Jenner has accompanied him to previous awards events this season. It remains uncertain whether they will appear together on the red carpet or address the controversy publicly.

Andrea Bocelli Invites Timothee Chalamet to Opera Concert Following Controversial Remarks

In separate news, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli reportedly has extended an invitation to actor Chalamet to attend one of his opera concerts after Chalamet received criticism for his recent comments about ballet and opera.

According to The Express Tribune, Bocelli also invited Chalamet to experience opera firsthand.

"I am convinced that a sensitive performer like Timothee, who understands the power of emotions, may one day discover that opera and dance draw from that very same source," he said. "Should he ever be curious, I would be happy to welcome him as a guest at one of my concerts."

Chalamet has not publicly responded to Bocelli's invitation. The actor is currently nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Academy Awards for his performance in Marty Supreme and is scheduled to attend the ceremony.
Chinese author highlights power of cross-cultural travel, AI in writing at London Book Fair

Xinhua) 13:07, March 13, 2026

LONDON, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Travel is not only movement through space, but also a way of understanding the world, Chinese author Xu Zhiyuan said on Tuesday during a discussion at the 2026 London Book Fair.

The fair, held in London from Tuesday to Thursday, brought together publishers, writers, and industry professionals from around the world.

During the event, Xu joined British translator Nicky Harman for a conversation on travel and writing, historical experience and literary expression.

Speaking at the session, titled "History and Travel: New Writing from China," Xu said writing on travel in many parts of the world has long been dominated by European and American authors, while perspectives from Chinese writers have been relatively limited.

"When young people from different parts of China go out into the world, they bring their own experiences to make sense of unfamiliar places. That in itself creates new narratives," he said.

Xu said that while researching Liang Qichao (1873-1929), a prominent Chinese thinker and reformer, he realized that many important ideas and literary works emerged from cross-cultural travel experiences.

Liang traveled extensively in the early 20th century, from East Asia to Europe and North America, and those experiences profoundly shaped his thinking and writing, Xu said.

The discussion also touched on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in the publishing and content industries, a theme that featured prominently in multiple forums and events at this year's fair.

Xu said literature has always responded to new technologies. From the spread of printing technology to the rise of modern publishing, each major shift in information technology has reshaped the ways people write and read.

"We may be living through a moment similar to the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. New technology will bring new ideas, and it will also produce new writers who will help us understand this changing world," he said.

The discussion was organized by the One-Way Street Foundation, which debuted its Sailor Program at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair. Since 2018, the program has supported young Chinese writers in traveling to different countries and regions to undertake residencies and creative projects, with outcomes presented through books, exhibitions, and public events.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) The war in the Middle East is rapidly expanding across the Gulf countries, including Iran and Lebanon. The conflict has already targeted the regions civilians, natural resources, tourist destinations and U.S. military bases.

Some Muslim community leaders in the U.S. warn that people far from the conflict could experience backlash. They say Muslim and Arab communities in the U.S. may face increased hostility as the war intensifies.

Fouad Berry, a board member at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge in Dearborn, Michigan, said that the community center and mosque is heightening security because of the war.

We get threatening calls all the time, especially when things like that happen in the Middle East, he recently told WXYZ, a local ABC News affiliate. And were anticipating that.

The risk of violence is likely furthered by some national political leaders spreading anti-Muslim rhetoric. On March 9, 2026, Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, wrote on the social media platform X, Muslims dont belong in American society. Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, also recently wrote on X that the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.

Anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination was already on the rise in the U.S. before the Feb. 28 airstrikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.

Iran is not an Arab country. Most of its population is Persian and speaks Farsi. Still, some people may conflate Iran and Iranian Americans with Arab countries.

In 2025, 63% of Muslims in the U.S. said they experienced religious discrimination, according to the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a research organization that focuses on Muslim Americans. That percentage was comparable with what the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, reported in 2024 as the highest number of discrimination complaints received since it began recording.

This would not be the first time a conflict involving Muslim-majority countries led to increased discrimination against Muslim and Arab communities in the U.S.

I study Muslim and Arab student experiences in American public schools. My research shows that global conflicts in the Middle East tend to provoke Islamophobia, meaning hatred and fear of Muslim people, in the U.S.

Anti-Muslim graffiti defaces a Shiite mosque at the Islamic Center of America in January 2007 in Dearborn, Mich. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

A war on terror reaches students

Days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush declared a war on terror, primarily targeting al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In 2002, Bush helped establish the Department of Homeland Security, a new federal agency to prevent terrorism. As part of this work, the department began monitoring Americans phone records and other personal information, disproportionately monitoring Muslims.

Public attitudes also shifted quickly after the attacks. A Gallup poll conducted three days after Sept. 11 found that 3 out of 10 Americans had heard negative comments about Arabs since al-Qaidas attack. More than half of those surveyed supported increased security measures aimed at Arab Americans.

Nine weeks after Sept. 11, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Council, an organization that advocates for Muslim and Arab Americans, reported an unprecedented number of anti-Arab discriminatory incidents, including cases involving students at schools.

In 2002, the FBI published hate crime statistics showing an increase in racial and religious hate incidents. The report did not specifically break down findings about particular religious or ethnic groups.

According to NPR, the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting Program did not specifically track statistics on Muslims and Arabs from 1992 through 2015.

A 2007 mental health study of Muslim American youth was among the other findings that revealed heightened discrimination and bullying toward Muslim students.

A fixed trend

This pattern of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination has continued since then.

In her 2016 book, The 9/11 Generation, scholar Sunaina Marr Maira explored how California students who were from communities targeted by the war organized to promote human and civil rights. They wanted to challenge stereotypes they often heard about Muslims and Arabs being violent and prone to terrorism.

In 2020, 51% of American Muslim families reported that their children experienced religious-based bullying at school, in the form of insults or physical assaults.

In 2021, mental health researchers documented lingering effects of 9/11 backlash. Students continued to describe facing discrimination at school, which resulted in anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

My own research from 2021 found that Muslim and Arab students tended to experience a spike in hate and bigotry during lessons on Sept. 11, when some educators and students conflated terrorism with Islam and Muslims.

Students I spoke with described being called terrorists and other Muslim and Arab tropes.

These findings likely only capture part of the problem, because anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate crimes are often underreported.

After Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and Israels subsequent war in the Gaza Strip, Arab and Muslim students in the U.S. faced a spike in discriminatory and hateful incidents, according to Vision of Humanity, a project of the think tank Institute for Economics & Peace. In November 2023, three Palestinian students were shot in Vermont.

What teachers can do

The current, rapidly shifting war in the Middle East is sharply distinct from the war on terror. For starters, the U.S. in the early 2000s mainly fought against terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, not a sovereign country like Iran.

But some elements are similar  including the fact that both wars have involved countries with majority Muslim populations.

It is not easy for educators to anticipate how this conflict may impact Muslim and Arab students.

But the war on terror offers some lessons that may help educators protect students and minimize anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate.

My research shows that teachers create unsafe classrooms when they teach inaccurate narratives of international conflicts. Students can feel more isolated, and even targeted, if lessons replicate stereotypes. Teaching current events during times of war is difficult in K-12 classrooms. In many cases, teachers do not have up-to-date curriculum materials that they can use. But I still think it is necessary.

Some educator guides recommend teaching media literacy, including peoples firsthand experiences. Teachers could also help students learn about how to find reliable media sources to understand complex issues like U.S. foreign policy.

Next, I think classrooms can create safe and caring environments for students impacted by war. Muslim and Arab students with deep emotional and cultural ties to the Middle East could still experience trauma, even if they are not physically close to the war.

A 2025 Muslim community poll by the nonprofit research group Institute for Social Policy and Understanding found that educators and teachers are responsible for 1 of 3 reported incidents of anti-Muslim bullying, which could reflect their own biases.

But educators remain the best line of defense against anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bullying.

Teaching against Islamophobia and enforcing policies that prohibit discrimination can help build safe and supportive environments for Muslim and Arab students.

It is not clear what the future will bring to the Middle East, or to Muslim and Arab people in the U.S. But these lessons might help make schools and classrooms safer for Muslim and Arab students.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Amaarah DeCuir, American University

Read more:

Amaarah DeCuir does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
MANSFIELD, Ohio  On Feb. 17, families of the Northwestern and Smithville FFA chapters went snow tubing at Snow Trails resort from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Students and their families were able to hit the slopes as colorful lights lit up the lanes. Pizza was provided for dinner. Groups were able to tube down the slope together or solo. Those who participated in the chapter snow tubing event included Kaylee Cherry, Jacelyn Cherry, Jocelyn Knapp, Madison Miller, Jaycee Reed, Audrey Wilcox, Alivia Welch, Kenzie Cutter, Carmen Guidetti, Zella Cradlebaugh, Chet McNeil, Avery Blount, Grady Ellerbrock, Landon Ellerbrock, Westin Frazier, MJ Coman, Trevor Howman, Keaton Harris, Ruger White, Chase Wharton and Blaze Wiley.

West Holmes FFA members who attended include: Claire Drzazga, Electra Beachy, Cadence Martie, Madison Mittman, Kendra Hall, Landrie Croskey, Tyler Tope, Lane Burgett, Cassidy Holasek, Rowan Holasek, Una Holasek, Courtney Crider, Reagan Mackey, Mia Spencer, Rayne Larimore, Natty Lint, Shane Lorentz, Sophia Stizlein, Jackson Baker and Jack Jewell.



WEST SALEM, Ohio  The Northwestern FFA chapter celebrated National FFA Week Feb. 17-20. The chapter hosted its annual FFA Assembly on Tuesday. High school students, along with staff members, gathered to participate in a variety of competitive and entertaining games, including a mattress race, tug of war, milk chugging contest, tractor race, sack race/hippity hop race. One of the highlights of the assembly was the kiss a farm animal activity, where teachers kissed a pig, goat, calf or lamb depending on votes received.

On Wednesday morning, the officer team prepared and served breakfast for teachers and staff members at both the middle school and high school. Thursday focused on career development. Claire Vaughan and Cole Marley visited to speak with students about their careers. Students gained valuable insight into potential career paths within their community. Friday wrapped up the week with a fun day in the classroom where classes competed in a fun game of FFA Jeopardy.



CRESTON, Ohio  From Feb. 23 to 27, the Norwayne FFA participated in National FFA Week, held since 1948 to recognize the organizations mission. The chapter had a busy week filled with promotional activities, community service and an award ceremony. On Feb. 25, the chapter hosted its annual Degree Ceremonies where first, second and third-year members received their Discovery, Greenhand and Chapter FFA Degrees.

The FFA chapter also facilitated a spirit week at the school, including themes such as wear your favorite tractor color and Blue and Gold Day. Throughout the week, students also constructed hydroponic seed kits for elementary school teachers as a way to celebrate their Day of Service. Fhe final event of the week was the Barnyard Olympics, which promotes FFA, co-hosted with Norwayne Middle School. The assembly featured activities such as a straw bale toss and finding a needle in a haystack. There was also a trivia round where middle school teams were asked different questions about FFA history.



MILLERSBURG, Ohio  On Feb. 14, the West Holmes FFA competed in the State Finals of the Agricultural Communications contest. The team placed 16th in the state. Agricultural Communications is a four-person team tasked with creating a proposal and outlining media resources for an agricultural topic. This years scenario was to promote the 16th edition of the Ohio Agronomy Guide.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio  During the February District and Regional Evaluation, West Holmes FFA members were assessed on their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and FFA officer books. Three members submitted officer books, eight applied for proficiency awards, six applied for State Degrees, and 12 applied for American Degrees. Proficiency award finalists, who will interview virtually on March 19 with results announced at the State Convention in May.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio  The West Holmes FFA Chapter held its February meeting on Feb. 16. The meeting was held at the Altitude Trampoline Park, where the members had the opportunity to jump and eat food from the concession stand after the meeting concluded.



SULLIVAN, Ohio  National FFA Week is celebrated each year during the week of George Washingtons birthday, Feb. 22, to recognize his legacy as an agriculturalist and leader. Black River FFA took the opportunity to celebrate agriculture, leadership and the impact FFA members make in their schools and communities as part of the occasion.

Members participated in a cheese and meat tasting and identification activity, tested their knowledge with FFA trivia and competed in some friendly competition during an ice cream eating contest and pedal tractor race. The group also enjoyed some great food with chili day, cake and a staff appreciation breakfast to thank the teachers and staff who support the program. Members put their FFA knowledge to the test with an FFA emblem scavenger hunt, and many showed their spirit by participating in our FFA-themed dress-up spirit week.



HOWARD, Ohio  East Knox FFA had 12 members compete in the Mt Gilead Invitational Career Development Events held Feb. 11 at Mt Gilead High School and the Morrow County Fairgrounds where they participated in six categories  Milk Quality & Products, Poultry, General Livestock, Equine Management, Wildlife Management and Nature Interpretation.

The Milk Quality & Products team placed 11th in the event. Those team members were McKenzie Schwartz and Joey Lively. The Poultry team placed 11th and consisted of Gwenyth Opheim, Caylynn Kieber and John Chadwick. The General Livestock team placed 41st overall and the team consisted of Alexia Wine, Madisyn Frost and Hayden Garman. The Equine Management CDE Team, made up of members Rhyan Williams and Laureyah Neely, placed 19th overall. AJ Salmons and Wyatt Baker placed 11th in Wildlife Management and 5th in Nature Interpretation. The invitational competitions help prepare FFA members for the State Career Development Events which take place on March 28 at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus.

HOWARD, Ohio  Recently, two East Knox FFA members competed in the Dairy Cattle Judging Contest hosted by Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. Noah Beckley and McKenzie Schwartz placed 24th overall. The invitational contests help prepare students for the upcoming State Contest on April 1.



FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio  On March 6, Fayetteville FFA members Landon Huber and Wyatt Wolfer competed in the State Ag. Power Diagnostics competition at University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio. They placed 6th in the state. With their placing, they both earned themselves a $3,000 to scholarship to UNOH.
WASHINGTON, Pa.  Our land, our power, our land, our water, is chanted by Washington County residents and environmental activists on March 12 as the Washington County Commissioners made their way into the building to hold an invite-only meeting with data center developers.

The Center for Coalfield Justice, a southwestern-Pennsylvania-based environmental group, organized the protest in downtown Washington, Pennsylvania, to speak out against the development of data centers in the county.

Talks of data centers coming to the county have been ongoing since last year, including a proposed facility in the rural community of West Finley, but protesters say community members are being left out of the conversation.

Residents deserve the right to be determinate of our own future, said Sarah Sweeney, community organizer for CCJ. When elected officials make backroom deals to bring data centers into our backyards, they leave us in the dust. They make us suffer the consequences, and they avoid accountability.

West Finley data center

There are two data centers proposed in Washington County: a 400-acre center in South Strabane Township and a 147-acre data center in West Finley.

For Heather Martin, the data center proposed in West Finley is close to home  literally. Martin has lived in West Finely all her life, a community centered on farming and agriculture, she says.

Thats why Martin and her parents came to the protest; they are concerned that data centers will threaten valuable resources in their rural community, like water.

We have well water out in West Finley Township, and all of our community, whether its the residents or farms, all rely on the aquifer out there, she said. These data centers come in, they use millions of gallons of water annually. Were in a drought in Pennsylvania. We cant afford for them to come in and take all of the water.

According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, large-scale data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons a day, equivalent to the water use of a town with 10,000 to 50,000 people.

In addition to water, Martin is concerned that the 24/7 noise from data centers could impact livestock.

Its disturbing to bees. Its disturbing to humans. It disrupts sleep and can cause anxiety and depression, said Martin, citing various studies she has found. Imagine what that does to our cows, our dairy production out in West Finley.

There are 23 dairy farms in Washington County, according to the Center for Dairy Excellence.

The West Finley data center was proposed last year by Next Generation Land Company for 150,000 square feet on 147 acres.

In November 2025, the West Finley Township Planning Commission began updating its zoning ordinances for the prospect of data centers, including restrictions on industrial zoning.

Martin says if it werent for how close-knit her community is, most people would not have known about the data center before it was too late: something that is happening in communities across the tri-state region of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Part of our message is getting out in front and saying, were not going away. Were here to defend all of Washington County, not just our community, she said.

And Washington County isnt the only one impacted by this: its all of southwestern Pennsylvania, and its a huge bipartisan push from our president to our governor to our local commissioners.

The Washington County Commissioners did not comment as of the deadline for this story.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
Rising inspection charges from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) could place further strain on the UKs struggling abattoir sector, livestock groups have warned.

Official veterinary inspection charges will rise by more than 20% for the 2026/27 financial year, the regulator has confirmed, adding to the cost pressures facing meat processors and local abattoirs.

Farmers depend heavily on local abattoirs to process livestock and access local meat markets, meaning any further closures could limit marketing options for producers.

The FSA said hourly rates for official veterinarians (OVs) will increase by 20.8%, from 65.90 to 79.60.

Meanwhile, the hourly rate for meat hygiene inspectors (MHIs) will rise by 12.3%, increasing from 43.20 to 48.50 per hour.

These charges apply to approved meat premises including slaughterhouses, cutting plants, game handling establishments and on-farm slaughter facilities.

The FSA is also changing the structure of discounts on official control costs from 30 March 2026, simplifying the system to two bands while removing discounts for larger processors.

Previously, discounts ranged from 90% for the smallest slaughterhouses to around 2% for the largest operators.

Under the new structure, a 90% discount will apply to red meat slaughterhouses and game handling establishments operating up to 240 hours annually, and poultry slaughterhouses operating up to 675 hours per year.

A 75% discount will apply to red meat slaughterhouses and game handling establishments operating between 240 and 792 hours annually, and poultry slaughterhouses operating between 675 and 1,947 hours annually.

Any red meat slaughterhouse or game handling establishment operating more than 792 hours annually, or poultry slaughterhouses operating more than 1,947 hours annually, will no longer receive a discount.

The FSA said the increase in charges reflects rising staffing costs.

According to the agency, the uplift is largely due to increases in minimum salary requirements for skilled worker visas and higher employer National Insurance contributions, which came into effect in April 2025.

Officials added that the overall cost rise had been slightly reduced through a decrease in contractor hours.

Industry groups say the changes will add to the financial pressures already facing small and medium-sized abattoirs.

The number of approved sheep and beef abattoirs in England and Wales fell by around 20% between 2018 and 2023, according to industry data, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation within the livestock processing sector.

Alongside rising inspection charges, smaller operators have faced difficulties securing investment and recruiting skilled labour.

Operators have also pointed to growing regulatory burdens, falling values for animal by-products and persistently tight margins as key drivers behind closures.

Reduced abattoir capacity could limit marketing opportunities for livestock producers and place additional pressure on the wider supply chain.

Capacity shortages are already being felt in some areas, particularly in the south-east of England.

Small and medium-sized abattoirs also provide essential competition in the processing sector and support a wider range of marketing routes for farmers.

These businesses often offer services such as private kills, which support farm shops, independent butchers, local retailers and the hospitality sector.

The loss of local abattoirs can also increase journey times for livestock, adding costs for farmers and raising animal welfare concerns due to longer travel distances.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has expressed concern about the potential impact of the new charges.

The organisation said it raised the issue with the FSA when the increases were first announced last year.

The legality of the revised charging system is currently being challenged by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), with the case expected to be heard next month.

The NFU is participating as an interested party to ensure the concerns of the livestock sector are represented.

Industry groups warn the outcome of the legal challenge could have significant implications for the future of small abattoirs and livestock processing capacity across the UK.
Pilgrims Europe has launched a new training academy aimed at tackling the UKs shortage of skilled butchers, as the meat industry faces growing concerns about workforce gaps and declining local abattoir capacity.

The company has opened a Butchery Academy at its Westerleigh site, where the first cohort of trainees has already begun training.

The initiative comes as the sector grapples with a shortage of skilled butchers and a continued fall in the number of abattoirs serving local farmers, raising wider concerns about the resilience of the UK livestock supply chain.

Pilgrims Europe, one of the UKs largest food companies and a major pork producer, said the academy is designed to attract new talent into the meat processing sector while strengthening essential craft butchery skills.

The programme offers paid training, recognised qualifications and long-term career opportunities for people interested in developing specialist butchery expertise.

Trainees will complete a 12-week programme, combining classroom learning with practical experience working alongside experienced on-site butchery teams.

During the course, participants will learn technical cutting skills alongside key knowledge in health, safety and food hygiene, preparing them for roles on production lines and future specialist positions within the business.

Successful trainees will qualify as a Grade 2 butcher within 12 weeks, earning a competitive wage while training. Further development opportunities are also available for those wishing to progress to Grade 1 butcher roles.

Ed Hillier, Westerleigh site director and lead sponsor of the Butchery Academy, said the initiative reflects the importance of investing in skills across the meat supply chain.

Just as access to a local abattoir is a major priority for farmers, investment in our people and butchery skills is critical to the continued viability of both our Westerleigh site and Pilgrims farm-to-fork quality British pork model, he said.

He added that strengthening local skills would help support both the food supply chain and rural communities.

The Butchery Academy at Westerleigh reflects our focus on developing local talent, supporting our workforce and strengthening the resilience of the UK food supply chain and the communities that depend on it.

Kirsty Wilkins, chief people officer at Pilgrims Europe, said creating clear career pathways is key to building a sustainable workforce for the industry.

Building a skilled and sustainable workforce means creating clear entry routes, strong development pathways and long-term career opportunities, she said.

She said the academy would help bring new people into the sector while supporting staff progression within the business.

The Butchery Academy plays an important role in attracting new talent into the business, supporting progression and ensuring we continue to invest in the skills our people need to grow and succeed.

The company said the programme forms part of wider efforts to address the shortage of skilled butchers while helping strengthen the long-term resilience of the UK meat processing sector.
Serving more locally grown fruit and vegetables in school meals could create new markets for UK farmers while strengthening the countrys food resilience, a new report has found.

Research from the campaign group Sustain suggests that increasing the use of British produce in school meals could help build stronger regional supply chains while delivering economic, environmental and health benefits.

With public sector food contracts worth around 5 billion a year, the report argues that directing more of this spending towards local growers could provide a significant opportunity for UK agriculture.

The findings come as concerns grow over the UKs vulnerability to disruptions in global food supply caused by climate change, conflict and extreme weather.

The report, part of Sustains Bridging the Gap programme, highlights how school meal programmes could provide reliable markets for fruit and vegetable growers while strengthening regional food economies.

Across three pilot schemes in England, Scotland and Wales, more than 75,000 children  around a third from low-income communities  were able to eat locally sourced fruit and vegetables as part of their school meals.

The schemes also delivered strong economic returns. Earlier Bridging the Gap research found that increasing access to locally produced fruit and vegetables in retail settings generated 8.78 for every 1 invested.

The school pilots produced even higher returns, with the report estimating that 9.46 in benefits for local economies, health and the environment were created for every 1 of investment.

Researchers say connecting schools with local growers could help create stable demand for domestic produce while strengthening local supply chains.

In Wales, the Welsh Veg in Schools pilot worked to reconnect growers with school catering contracts and rebuild regional supply networks.

Half of Wales 24 local authorities took part in the initiative, while support from food supplier Castell Howell helped smaller growers access large catering contracts and remain part of the supply chain.

Dr Amber Wheeler, research lead for the Welsh Veg in Schools project, said the pilot had demonstrated how school meal procurement could support domestic production.

At the moment, most of the veg served in Welsh schools comes from outside the country and is often frozen, she said.

This pilot is showing that it is possible to increase the amount of produce grown in Wales by using the market opportunity of our universal free school meal provision.

She said strengthening local supply chains would help improve resilience in the food system while increasing access to fresh produce for pupils.

In Scotland, the Give Peas a Chance! project in Aberdeen introduced locally grown split peas into school meals.

With support from Soil Association Scotland, farmers, suppliers and caterers worked together to establish a new supply chain linking local producers with school kitchens.

New dishes including chocolate pea muffins and a mince-and-pea blend proved popular with pupils while cutting meal-related emissions by 42%, the report found.

The project has already attracted interest from neighbouring Moray Council.

Sarah Gowanlock, partnerships manager at Soil Association Scotland, said the pilot demonstrated how public procurement could open new markets for farmers.

Peas are often overlooked, but it is something we can grow really well in certain parts of Scotland, she said.

It was amazing to be able to shine a light on this product and build a supply chain to make it possible to add to the school menu.

In London, two primary schools partnered with Growing Communities to source vegetables from farmers in south-east England.

The schools replaced imported produce with locally grown alternatives and introduced pupils to seasonal vegetables through tasting sessions and food education.

The report warns that the UK remains heavily dependent on imported fruit and vegetables, leaving the country exposed to supply disruptions and price volatility.

A recent National Security Assessment also highlighted the risks that environmental degradation and biodiversity loss pose to food security and public health.

Kiloran OLeary, programme officer for Bridging the Gap at Sustain, said the findings highlight the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains.

Food system reliance on imports puts the UK in an extremely vulnerable position and threatens our long-term resilience as a nation, she said.

She added that school procurement could play a role in supporting local farmers.

Our pilots show that investment in supply chains that connect farmers to schools can deliver huge dividends for local communities.

Sustain is calling on the government to ensure smaller producers can access public sector catering contracts and invest in local food infrastructure.

The organisation says expanding similar initiatives nationwide could create new opportunities for UK growers while strengthening domestic food supply chains and improving access to fresh produce in schools.
Pune, India: Ba Ba Reeba, a high-energy rooftop bar and restaurant located at Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, is bringing a fresh buzz to Punes nightlife. With beautiful 180-degree skyline views, great food, and signature cocktails, the space is a hit for those who want a good vibe, want to party, or enjoy their date. Spread across a vibrant 180200-seater venue, Ba Ba Reeba strikes a balance between comfort and energy, making it ideal for everything from relaxed after-work drinks to lively late-night celebrations. The space thoughtfully incorporates the three natural elementsair, water, and firethrough its open-air rooftop setting, calming water fountains, glowing fire features, and a tranquil bonsai centerpiece that adds a touch of serenity to the lively atmosphere.During the day, the rooftop gives a breezy vibe, and during the evening its all fun with upbeat music, lights, and a very lively crowd. Behind the bar, a dramatic waterfall projection highlights Ba Ba Reebas branding and visuals, truly claiming this place is one of the citys hottest photogenic destinations.The menu is just as exciting, offering flavorful dishes. Highlights include sushi platters, mutton chops, mango cream cheese wontons, Balinese prawn skewers, and a live pasta trolley that brings freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes straight to the table. Complementing the food is a creative bar menu featuring clarified cocktails such as Strawberry Cheesecake, Berry & Bean, and Forbidden Tropiceach crafted to deliver a unique burst of flavor.Ba Ba Reeba is all about high energy, connections, and unforgettable moments, said Sanyam Karla, co-founder. We wanted to create a space where every visit feels excitingwhether its for sunset drinks or a fun night out with friends.This place brings together great food, great music, and great vibes, added Manmeet Batra, co-founder. As the evening unfolds, the space truly comes alive, turning every visit into a memorable experience.With its blend of music, a perfect view, lively crowds, and standout food and drinks, Ba Ba Reeba is set to become one of Punes most exciting destinations for dining and nightlife.12 pm  12 am858691536718th Floor, Boulevard Towers by Brahma Corp, Camp Area, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
There is some exciting news for fans of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan. Their upcoming untitled spy comedy is finally moving toward completion. The project had previously faced some delays, but things have progressed quickly over the last two months.

According to a report by Mid-day, the film was in a state of limbo after its first schedule wrapped up in 2024. However, the production, backed by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga, has picked up pace. The lead actors recently completed an extensive filming schedule in Mumbai this February.

A major highlight of this recent schedule was the filming of a massive song sequence titled Jai Hind. The director of the film, debutant Aakash Kaushik, originally planned to shoot this patriotic track at real locations across Delhi and Mumbai. When those plans did not materialize, the team decided to build a grand set at Madh Island in Mumbai to bring the vision to life.

A source shared details about the scale of the song with Mid-day, saying, Jai Hind is set against the Independence Day celebration that happens in Delhi. More than 700 dancers and junior artistes were roped in for the song that depicts the Independence Day parade.

The makers believe that this high-energy sequence will be a major draw for the audience. The source added, Karan and Guneet felt that a colourful, patriotic song, mounted on a grand scale, would add to the spy comedy's appeal. It appears at a critical juncture in the movie. Ayushmann and Sara shot the track in two days.

With the Jai Hind sequence now complete, the team is very close to the finish line. Reports suggest that only an end-credit song remains to be filmed before director Aakash Kaushik officially wraps up the project. While an official date hasn't been announced, the makers are currently aiming for a mid-2026 release.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khans Action Comedy to Release Soon? Karan Johar Says...
In a significant move for the Indian film industry, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has announced that subtitles will now be mandatory for all Indian films. The directive will come into effect from March 15, 2026, and will apply to movies across languages submitted for certification.





The decision is part of a broader effort to make cinema more inclusive and accessible. According to reports, films will now be required to include subtitles and, where applicable, audio descriptions to help audiences who are hearing or visually impaired experience films more easily.





Going forward, filmmakers submitting their movies for certification will need to ensure that these accessibility features are included in the final version of the film. The materials must also be submitted as part of the Digital Cinema Package during the certification process through official submission systems.







The move is being viewed by many industry observers as a step toward aligning Indian cinema with global accessibility standards. Similar measures are already widely adopted in international film markets, where subtitles and audio descriptions are common features designed to ensure a wider audience can access content.





However, the decision has also sparked debate among viewers and filmmakers online. While several people have welcomed the rule as a progressive step toward inclusivity, others argue that constant subtitles on screen could distract from the cinematic experience. Some social media users expressed concern that reading subtitles might reduce immersion during emotional or visually intense scenes.





Despite the mixed reactions, the policy marks an important shift in how films are presented in India.

The initiative highlights growing awareness around accessibility and equal participation in cultural experiences such as cinema.

With the new regulation set to take effect soon, filmmakers and production teams are now expected to adapt their post-production processes to comply with the requirement before submitting their films for certification.













Also Read: Kerala HC Slams CBFCs Objection to Janaki Title, Upholds Artistic Freedom




Punjabi pop icon Diljit Dosanjh has joined forces with pop powerhouse Sia and EDM titan David Guetta for an electrifying cross-cultural collaboration, titled Ranjha. Known for pushing musical boundaries across continents, the trio come together to deliver a track that seamlessly blends Punjabi emotion with international pop hooks and festival-ready production.

Diljit, who is known for taking Punjabi music to the world through hits like GOAT, Lover, Hass Hass, and more, continues to expand his international footprint. Joining him is multi-platinum pop icon Sia, whose voice has defined a generation of global hits, including Titanium, Cheap Thrills, and countless others.

Adding his signature stadium-sized sound is David Guetta, one of electronic musics most influential names behind era-defining hits like Titanium and I'm Good (Blue), elevating Ranjha with his high-energy, festival-ready production. Diljit Dosanjhs soulful rendition and poetic lyrics, combined with Sias powerful vocals and David Guettas vibrant production, create an upbeat, catchy anthem celebrating admiration and affection.

Talking about it, Diljit Dosanjh shares, "Ranjha carries that Punjabi heart but opens up to the world in a big way. Working with Sia again felt natural, and having David bring his energy just took it somewhere new. Its one of those songs that makes you move but also feel something."



Guetta added, "I love when different sounds come together in a fresh way. This track has melody, rhythm, and attitude, everything Im drawn to as a producer. Working with Diljit and Sia was a great vibe, and we wanted to make something people could just press play on and feel instantly."

Meanwhile, talking of Diljit, he will also be seen in the film Main Vaapas Aaunga, directed by Imtiaz Ali. He will share the screen with Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari in the film.

Also Read: Title and Teaser of Imtiaz Alis Film With Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari & Vedang Raina Is Out
Ahead of their 5th studio album, Arirang, BTS has released a new animation video titled Arirang Animation Trailer: What is your love song? They have released it on their official YouTube channel a week before the album, which would mark their comeback after military service, drops.

The animation serves as a visual prologue, tracing the historical and cultural inspiration behind the new album. The clip opens with animated versions of the seven BTS members gathered around a gramophone. As the record begins to play, the scene transitions back to a historical moment, a ship crossing the Pacific Ocean carrying Korean men, introducing the origins of the Korean folk song Arirang. This folk song sings of distance, longing, and the resilience to move forward. The following scene shows Korean men singing A-ra-rang at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1896, making it the first known recording of a Korean song.

The animation rewinds to the pivotal moment in history, depicting the men singing the song that would go on to become one of the most widely recognised Korean songs in the world. The scene also portrays them sharing the song with students at Howard University, illustrating how the music travelled beyond Korea.

The story then shifts forward to 2013, highlighting the global attention BTS has received since their debut. It shows the unfolding of their journey with a stadium concert filled with a sea of BTS official light sticks.

The sequence captures the band performing in front of a roaring global audience, bridging the historical moment of Arirang with BTS own journey from Korea to the world stage. The scene then cuts to the seven members gathered around the gramophone, singing and dancing, as a subtitle appears reading, When the world feels heavy, when your heart feels light, what is your love song? The line continues with the subtitle, My love song is, before the animation closes on the final shot of the ARIRANG logo.

Ahead of the release of the animation, BTS also drew attention with their call-to-action campaign WHAT IS YOUR LOVE SONG? featuring large-scale installations across Seoul, New York City, and London in celebration of the upcoming album.

ARIRANG will be released on streaming platforms worldwide on March 20.

Also Read: Countdown to ARIRANG: BTS V Shares Glimpses of Preparation Ahead of Comeback
From his early breakout in Ajith Kumars Vedalam to becoming one of Malayalam cinemas most talked-about antagonists in Marco, Kabir Duhan Singh has quietly built a filmography that now spans more than 80 films across seven languages. Over the past decade, the actor has carved out an unusual space for himself in Indian cinema. With his towering frame and commanding screen presence, he has often been cast as the intimidating antagonist, the kind of villain who walks into a scene and instantly shifts its energy.



Yet off screen, Kabir speaks with an easy warmth and humility that sits in stark contrast to the menacing characters audiences usually associate him with. With the Malayalam web series Kasaragod Embassy marking his OTT debut, the actor speaks to Filmfare about his journey, the dangers of being typecast, and why he still approaches every role as if it might be his last.



When he joins the call, the actor is in the middle of a packed schedule in Dehradun, where he is shooting for a Hindi film. The day has been hectic, but Kabir sounds relaxed.



The immediate talking point is Kasaragod Embassy, a Malayalam web series that has already sparked curiosity after the trailer dropped. For an actor who already has several big projects lined up, including the pan-Indian Malayalam project Kattalan with Antony Varghese, stepping into a web series might seem like an unexpected move. Kabir, however, insists the decision was simple.



I always go for content, he says. I liked the subject immediately. It felt different. Ive always been open to OTT platforms. Today the lines between cinema and streaming are disappearing. Every big star is doing series or films for streaming platforms. For me, the language doesnt matter. It can be Hindi, Tamil or Malayalam. The content has to excite me.



The series also brought him together with a young and energetic team. Kabir says their enthusiasm was obvious from the moment he stepped onto the set.



When I reached on the first day, the whole team came to my vanity and started explaining the scenes. They were very excited. After my first shot the director came and said, Sir, youre looking damn good. That kind of response gives you a lot of energy as an actor.





Working on a web series also meant adjusting to a slightly different pace of shooting.



In films you might shoot two or three scenes in a day. Here, we were sometimes shooting five or six scenes. Sometimes two units were working simultaneously. The budgets are tighter compared to cinema, but what I really liked was that the team never compromised on quality. They were giving their blood and sweat for the series.



Kabir says he tries to bring the same level of intensity to every project he signs. In fact, he follows a simple philosophy that keeps him grounded.



I always keep one thing in my mind, he says. I think this might be the last project of my career. If this is the last subject Im doing, I have to give everything to it. Thats why I always say I give my 2000 percent.



That mindset comes from the long road he travelled before reaching this point. Kabir did not enter cinema with industry connections or an easy entry.



I started from scratch, he says. When I was a model, there was nobody to guide me. I gave auditions and slowly moved forward. It has been ten years now. Ive done 84 films across seven languages.



Looking back, the number still surprises him.



Ill turn 39 this year. When I see the journey, I feel grateful. Audiences from so many industries have accepted me. Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi Ive received love everywhere.



For Tamil audiences, Kabirs early recognition came with Ajith Kumars 2015 blockbuster Vedalam. The film arrived at a crucial time in his career and gave him significant visibility.



My first film was the Telugu movie Jil, which released on March 27, 2015, he recalls. After the film released, I signed 11 films in seven days. Out of those 11 films, one was Vedalam.



The opportunity itself arrived unexpectedly.



My associate director called me and said director Sivas team was asking about me for a role opposite Ajith sir. I was new then. I didnt even know Siva sir personally. Suddenly I got the call and thats how it happened.



Once Vedalam released, Kabir noticed a major shift in how audiences perceived him.



That film gave me a huge fan base in Tamil cinema. Even today people message me saying, Sir, please do one more film with Thala Ajith. Im always ready.



Interestingly, a reunion almost happened years later.



They called me for a role in Thunivu. But they wanted me to cut my beard and I had continuity for another film, so I couldnt do it.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kabir Singh Duhan (@kabirduhansingh)



Before stepping into Kasaragod Embassy, Kabir delivered one of the most talked-about antagonist performances in the Malayalam film Marco. His character, referred to by many viewers simply as the doctor for his part in an extremely gruesome scene in the film, left a strong impression on audiences.



The reaction, he says, was overwhelming.



After the film released I got around 20 to 25 thousand messages. The surprising thing was that there wasnt a single negative message. People from Kerala told me they had never seen a villain like that who still received so much love.



Even director Haneef Adeni, he recalls, was taken aback after watching one of the films key scenes. He called me after seeing the pre-climax and said, Dude, the pre-climax is looking like a climax now. We dont know what to do with the climax. That was a great compliment.



Kabir describes Marco as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though he admits the role was emotionally intense. It was a very dark character. But as I said, I gave my 2000 percent. And now wherever I go, people ask me to come back in Marco 2.



Kabirs imposing screen presence has naturally led to him being cast as villains in many films. Yet he is very aware of the risk of getting typecast.



An actor is like a vessel, he says thoughtfully. A good director can mould him in any shape. Ive mostly done villain roles, but Im very open to exploring different shades.



He recently completed a Telugu film where he plays a father dealing with his sons terminal illness, a role that demanded emotional vulnerability rather than menace.



In that film, Im a doctor whose son is dying from a disease. He knows he cannot save him and he breaks down emotionally. If you see those scenes, you might not believe its the same person who has been playing villains.



Kabir also mentions that two of his recent projects cast him in positive roles. One sees him as a cybercrime officer in a Hindi film, while another features him as a police officer solving a murder mystery.





Now, people are recognising that I dont always have to play the villain, he says. Im open to everything. Comedy, action, even a love story. You never know which director might see a different side of you.



In Kasaragod Embassy, Kabir plays Damanna, a powerful Mangaluru-based mafia figure who runs a passport forgery racket. The story follows the criminal network he controls and the chaos that unfolds when two young men enter his orbit. Kasaragod Embassy will premiere on ZEE5 on March 20.



Damanna is a big mafia, Kabir explains. Nobody is bigger than him in that world. Hes always looking for people who can work for him. When he finds these two boys and brings them into the business, his life begins to change. The character, he hints, is central to the narrative. The story moves through Damanna. And if there is a second season, the character will become even bigger.



Toward the end of the conversation, Kabir reflects on the journey that brought him here. From my village to Delhi University, then to Mumbai, then to South cinema. It has been a long journey, he says, pausing for a moment. Lots of struggle, lots of auditions.



Today, he has acted in seven languages and is preparing to sign his 85th film.



My Bollywood breakthrough is still pending, he says with a grin. But its just a matter of time. One good hit and everything can change.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 12, 2026) - Canamera Energy Metals Corp. (CSE: EMET) (OTCQB: EMETF) (FSE: 4LF0) ("Canamera" or the "Company") wishes to announce, further to its press release dated February 27, 2026, that the Company intends to increase the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement such that it will now offer up to 3,787,879 FT Units at a price of $0.66 per FT Unit (as opposed to 2,272,727 FT Units, as previously announced), for aggregate proceeds of up to $2,500,000 (the "Amended Concurrent Offering").

Each FT Unit will consist of one (1) flow through common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "FT Warrant"). Each FT Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one (1) common share of the Company (a "Common Share") at a price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months. The securities issued in connection with the Amended Concurrent Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day.

The proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used to incur "Canadian Exploration Expenses" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities 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 or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Although there are no changes to the terms of the Company's previously announced offering under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption of up to 4,545,454 units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.55 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,500,000 (the "Offering"), the Company has, as a result of the changes to the Concurrent Offering, filed an amended offering document, a copy of which may be obtained at the Company's website or under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Canamera Energy Metals Corp.

Canamera Energy Metals Corp. is a critical and rare earth metals exploration company focused on building a diversified portfolio of district-scale projects across the Americas. In North America, the Company's portfolio includes the Schryburt Lake rare earth and niobium project in Ontario; the Iron Hills critical and rare earth project in Colorado; the Garrow rare earth elements project in Northern Ontario; the Waterslide rare earth and uranium project in Northern Ontario; the Great Divide Basin uranium project in Wyoming; and the Mantle project in British Columbia. In Brazil, Canamera is advancing the Turvolandia and Sao Sepe rare earth element projects. Across this portfolio, Canamera targets underexplored regions with strong geological signatures and supportive jurisdictions, leveraging geochemical, geophysical, and geological datasets to generate and advance high-conviction, first-mover exploration opportunities. For more information, visit www.canamerametals.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "plans", "strategy", "opportunity", "positions" and similar expressions, or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the ability of the Company to complete the Offering and Amended Concurrent Offering as contemplated, the receipt of CSE approval in respect of the Offering and Amended Concurrent Offering, and the Company's intended use of proceeds therefrom, as well as the Company's ability to advance its projects or to acquire new mineral properties.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including: the Company's inability to complete the Offering and Amended Concurrent Offering as contemplated or at all; the use of proceeds therefrom being different than what is currently intended; the Company's inability to identify suitable staking targets; completion of satisfactory due diligence on potential projects; successful negotiation of acquisition terms; availability of financing; changes in commodity prices and market conditions for rare earth elements; regulatory or permitting delays; geopolitical developments affecting rare earth supply chains; and competition for rare earth properties in the United States. Additional risk factors can be found in the Company's public disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.ca.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation: the Company will be able to raise the anticipated proceeds under the Offering and Amended Concurrent Offering and on the timetable anticipated; and the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering and Amended Concurrent Offering as currently anticipated.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such statements, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288361

Source: Canamera Energy Metals Corp.
Lion One is committed to transparency and keeping its Shareholders informed

No need for Shareholders to take action

North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 12, 2026) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") acknowledges receipt of a shareholder meeting requisition notice pursuant to section 167 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) dated March 9, 2026 from Concept Capital Management Ltd. (the "Requisitioning Shareholder"). The Company is reviewing the requisition with the assistance of its professional advisors and will respond appropriately in due course. In the meantime, there is no need for shareholders to take any action.

The Requisitioning Shareholder's requisition proposes to remove two directors and to set the number of directors at between nine to eleven directors and to elect six of the Requisitioning Shareholder's nominees.

The board and management of Lion One will continue to prioritize good governance and the best interests of the Company, and Lion One continues to welcome the perspectives of its shareholders.

Approval of the strategic transaction with Arete Capital Advisors announced on December 30, 2025, which includes a $15 million equity investment, Management Services Agreement, and Investor Rights Agreement, remains subject to the continued review of the TSX Venture Exchange.

on behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Berukoff, Chairman and President

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288367

Source: Lion One Metals Limited
HONG KONG, Mar 13, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - 12 March 2026, Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Guoquan" or the "Company" stock code: 2517.HK), a leading one-stop home meal products brand in China, announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025, which have been reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board.Adhering to the strategic positioning of "community central kitchen" in 2025, the Company successfully established a holistic instant retail store network through a multi-channel, multi-scenario omni-channel layout and the deep integration of online and offline operating models. The Company continuously delved into consumers' demand, developed and iterated a diverse suite of product portfolios, deepened refined store operation and management, and strengthened the construction of a membership ecosystem, effectively enhancing store operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Concurrently, the Company continued to deepen its industrial layout and promote the integrated closed-loop construction of "production, supply and marketing", achieving stable development throughout the year.For the year ended 31 December 2025, the Company's revenue amounted to RMB7,810.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 20.7%. Gross profit reached RMB1,686.6 million, a year-on-year increase of 19.0%. Net profit was RMB453.9 million, a significant year-on-year increase of 88.2%. Core operating profit (adjusted for non-recurring items such as gains or losses on fair value changes on unlisted convertible redeemable preferred shares and donations for fire rescue in Tai Po, Hong Kong) was RMB460.7 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 48.2%. Basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB0.1630, a substantial year-on-year increase of 93.8%.Continuously Strengthening Omni-channel Instant Retail: Offline Expansion and Online Engagement Drive GrowthAs of 31 December 2025, the Company's total number of stores nationwide reached 11,566, a net increase of 1,416 stores from 10,150 as at the end of 2024, covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. In terms of regional store layout, the Company achieved a net increase of 1,004 township-level stores in 2025. Addressing the consumption characteristics and needs of township markets, the Company developed differentiated product structures and store displays, accurately aligning with consumer demands in lower-tier markets and further enhancing township market penetration. Concurrently, the Company continued to deploy smart retail scenarios in mid-to-high-tier markets, completing the intelligent and unmanned transformation and upgrade of over 3,000 retail stores in 2025, achieving synergistic development between lower-tier and mid-to-high-tier markets.To empower franchisees, facilitate their sales growth, and further expand consumer reach while offering a more flexible shopping experience, the Company continuously provides support and guidance to franchisees in core areas such as store operations and business development. Leveraging the Company's Guoquan APP, WeChat mini-program, third-party food delivery platforms and social commerce platforms (such as Douyin), a multi-level online sales network has been established. In 2025, the Company achieved over 9.41 billion impressions on platforms through its multi-level Douyin accounts matrix. Stores generated GMV of RMB1.49 billion via the Douyin channel, representing a year-on-year increase of 75.3%.Membership Ecosystem Continuously Improved; Product Portfolio Enhances in Scenarization and RichnessIn 2025, the operation of the Guoquan membership program yielded significant results, further releasing the value of the membership ecosystem. During the Reporting Period, the number of the Company's registered members reached approximately 64.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 57.1%, demonstrating rapid expansion of the membership base. The prepaid card business also achieved stable growth, with the value stored in prepaid cards amounting to approximately RMB1.2 billion during the Reporting Period, a year-on-year increase of 22.3%. This indicates continuously improving member stickiness and consumption contribution, forging a closer connection with consumers.Relying on its substantial membership base, the Company persistently pursues innovation in its product offerings, consistently upholding the business philosophy of providing consumers with "tasty, convenient and value-for-money" products. It continuously enriches its product portfolio and iterates new products to comprehensively meet consumers' diverse dining needs. As of 31 December 2025, the Company had introduced 282 new SKUs of hot pot and barbecue products. It created multiple scenarized meal suites such as the "Barbecue Camping Container Set", "Crayfish Feast Set", and "Six Popular Hot Pot Sets", achieving deep integration of products and consumption scenarios. Furthermore, the Company expanded its product categories within the drinks and beverage consumption scenario, launching products such as NFC fruit juices, craft beer, and flavored tea beverages. This continuously enhances the richness and diversification of the product matrix, further perfecting the one-stop meal products supply system.Deepening Industrial Layout; Strengthening Digitalized Supply Chain ControlGuoquan continues to promote the integrated closed-loop construction of "production, supply and marketing". Adopting a "one-product-one-factory" strategy, it further deepens the breadth and depth of its industrial layout, providing solid production capacity support for business development. As of 31 December 2025, the Company possessed seven food ingredient production plants, covering core categories such as condiments, meatballs, paste and aquatic products, and beef products, forming a comprehensive and well-defined production capacity matrix. Concurrently, the construction of the Company's food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province, officially commenced. This base will further expand its geographical coverage, optimize the supply chain's radiation radius, and strengthen the national production capacity layout and logistics reach.This solid industrial foundation continuously improves the operational efficiency of the digitalized supply chain. Based on the supply chain system operating from factory to central warehouse and to retail stores, the Company can monitor supply and demand dynamics from the procurement end to the store end, and closely manage inventory levels, thereby achieving efficient management of the entire supply chain. As of 31 December 2025, the Company had deployed 20 digitalized central warehouses across China, achieving swift product circulation through digital stock and barcode management. Simultaneously, the digitalization of the supply chain covering core segments such as production, procurement, warehousing, and logistics allows for precise monitoring of supply-demand dynamics and inventory levels, ensuring the timely supply of products to stores in the Chinese mainland. This comprehensively enhances the overall operational efficiency of the supply chain, solidifying core barriers in cost control and quality assurance.Six Core Strategic Directions: Continuously Advancing Business UpgradesIn 2026, Guoquan targets that the total number of stores will exceed 14,500, representing a net increase of over 2,934 stores, with an estimated store closure rate of less than 4%. It targets high-single-digit growth in store efficiency, and the number of registered members is targeted to exceed 95 million. The Company targets that the growth rate of core operating profit will be significantly higher than that of its revenue.First, Fully expand the sales network with four stores jointly advancing with concerted efforts. Guoquan will continue to build a multi-level sales network, accelerate the expansion of large stores in townships, practice the philosophy of "food equality", and precisely meet the consumption needs of residents in county and township markets. Concurrently, it will explore innovative store formats and upgrade the franchisee management system to build a symbiotic and mutually beneficial franchise ecosystem.Second, Deepen the strategy of community central kitchen to expand community consumption scenarios. The Company will focus on creating food retail solutions for "four meals a day", continuously diversifying its product categories and building a more competitive product matrix to achieve organic sales growth while further consolidating its advantages in lower-tier market layout.Third, Deepen membership operation and IP to advance the community brand project. The Company will continue to advance refined membership operation, deeply integrate media resources such as popular TV commercials, offline community advertising and social media and e-commerce platforms (such as Douyin) to expand its membership base, and improve the membership rights system to enhance member loyalty and stickiness. Furthermore, it will further deepen the operation of its brand IP image "Guobao" to strengthen brand value and emotional resonance with consumers.Fourth, AI big data empower stores to innovate smart retail scenarios. By integrating Internet of Things, big data, and AI technology, the Company will drive the smart operation of stores with data. It will promote the in-depth integration of the Guoquan stir-fry business format with smart cooking machines, accurately analyze consumers' dining habits, optimize dish parameters and cooking procedures for smart cooking machines, realize the standardized production of stir-fry dishes, and optimize the consumer experience.Fifth, Continue to promote the industrial layout and strengthen the advantage of one-product-one-factory. Adhering to the "one-product-one-factory" strategy, Guoquan will further integrate upstream resources domestically and internationally, accelerate the construction of the food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province, increase R&D investment, and launch more product portfolios with a high quality-price ratio.Sixth, Develop overseas markets in phases to deliver the good taste of China. Guoquan plans to explore and establish a presence in overseas regional markets in a phased manner to unlock long-term growth potential. Leveraging its core competitiveness, it will steadily advance its overseas market exploration. It also plans to take the lead in opening stores in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China to accumulate and gather operational experience, gradually achieving overseas product sales and enhancing global brand visibility.About Guoquan Food (Shanghai) CO., LTD. (2517.HK):Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ('Guoquan' Stock Code: 2517.HK) is the leading one-stop home meal products brand in China, offering a variety of ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, ready-to-cook and prepared ingredients, with a focus on at-home hotpot and barbecue products. Leveraging Company's robust supply chain capabilities, a strategic industrial layout with self-owned factories, a nationwide network of around 10,000 instant retail stores, and a carefully curated product portfolio, Company offer a variety of home meal products solution under the 'Guoquan Shihui' brand, catering to different dining scenarios.This press release is issued by EverBloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited on behalf of Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Source: Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Die Markte feiern neue Rekorde  doch im Hintergrund braut sich eine Entwicklung zusammen, die alles verandern konnte. Die anhaltende Sperrung der Strae von Hormus sorgt laut IEA fur eine der groten Energiekrisen aller Zeiten. Gleichzeitig schieen die Preise fur Dungemittel und Agrarrohstoffe bereits nach oben.



Damit droht ein perfekter Sturm: steigende Energiepreise, explodierende Produktionskosten und ein moglicher Super-El-Nino, der weltweit Ernten gefahrdet. Erste Auswirkungen sind langst sichtbar  Weizen, Soja und Kakao verteuern sich deutlich, wahrend Lebensmittelpreise vor dem nachsten Sprung stehen konnten.



Fur Anleger bedeutet das nicht nur Risiken, sondern enorme Chancen. Denn wahrend klassische Markte unter Druck geraten konnten, entsteht auf den Feldern und Plantagen der nachste groe Rohstoffzyklus. Wer sich jetzt richtig positioniert, kann von einer Entwicklung profitieren, die weit uber Ol und Metalle hinausgeht.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Aktien vor, die besonders aussichtsreich sind, um von diesem Trend zu profitieren  solide positioniert, strategisch relevant und mit erheblichem Aufwartspotenzial.







Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  bevor der Agrar-Boom voll durchschlagt!
LONDON, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tetragon today announces the commencement of a tender offer to purchase a portion of its outstanding non-voting shares for a maximum aggregate payment of $50,000,000 in cash. The tender offer, which was initially announced by Tetragon on 5 March 2026, will be conducted as a "modified Dutch auction" with shareholders able to tender their Tetragon non-voting shares at prices ranging from and including $13.25 up to and including $15.25 per share. The tender offer is expected to expire at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 13 April 2026, unless extended or terminated earlier. J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its U.K. investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) ("J.P. Morgan") will act as dealer manager for the tender offer and Computershare Investor Services PLC ("Computershare") will act as tender agent for the tender offer.

Eligible shareholders will be able to indicate how many Tetragon non-voting shares and at what price or prices within the specified range they wish to tender. Based on the number of shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering shareholders, J.P. Morgan, as dealer manager, will determine the lowest price per share within the range that will enable Tetragon to purchase $50,000,000 in value of Tetragon non-voting shares, or a lower amount if the tender offer is not fully subscribed. All shares purchased by Tetragon in the tender offer will be purchased at the same price. If, based on the determined purchase price, more than $50,000,000 in value of shares are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, valid tenders made below the determined purchase price will be accepted in full, except in the limited circumstances described below, while valid tenders made at the determined purchase price will be subject to proration. However, if the pro rata reduction of the number of shares eligible to be purchased at the determined purchase price is insufficient to reduce the value of the shares to be purchased to $50,000,000, then none of the shares tendered at the determined purchase price will be purchased, and instead there will be a pro rata reduction in the purchase of shares tendered at the next highest price below the determined purchase price to the extent necessary to reduce the value of shares purchased to $50,000,000. The determined purchase price, as well as the proration factor (if applicable), is expected to be announced on or about 14 April 2026, and Tetragon expects the purchase of shares in the tender offer would be settled promptly thereafter.

The tender offer is not conditioned upon the receipt of any minimum number of shares being tendered.

This release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor the solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of Tetragon. The full details of the tender offer, including complete instructions on how to tender shares, are included in the offer to purchase which is available on Tetragon's website at the following URL:

http://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/share-repurchases/

Shareholders should read carefully the offer to purchase because it contains important information. Shareholders may obtain electronic copies of this document free of charge by calling Computershare at +44 37 0707 4040. Shareholders are urged to read these materials carefully prior to making any decision with respect to the tender offer.

Contacts:

Computershare: +44 37 0707 4040

About Tetragon:

Tetragon Financial Group is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders.

Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors. Please see: www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-info/.

Tetragon Investor Relations:

Yuko Thomas

ir@tetragoninv.com

Press Inquiries:

Prosek Partners

pro-tetragon@prosek.com

U.K. +44 20 3890 9193

U.S. +1 212 279 3115

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are made based upon Tetragon's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Tetragon and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Tetragon's actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity may differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day they are made and Tetragon does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements unless required by law.

This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of assimilated EU MAR as it forms part of the law of the United Kingdom by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended).

This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state.

ANY DECISION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER SHOULD ONLY BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW BY AN ELIGIBLE SHAREHOLDER OF TETRAGON'S PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION. NEITHER J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES PLC NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE USE OF, OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR TETRAGON'S PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ITS ENTIRETY WITHOUT NOTICE UP TO THE CLOSING DATE.

In the United Kingdom, this announcement is being distributed to, and is directed at, only (a) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended; (b) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005; or (c) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in an investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the tender offer may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The tender offer is available only to relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. Persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which is authorised by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Tetragon and for no one else in connection with the tender offer and will not be responsible to anyone (whether or not recipient of the tender offer) other than Tetragon for providing the protections afforded to the clients of J.P. Morgan Securities plc or for providing advice in relation to the tender offer.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tetragon-financial-group-limited-announcement-of-tender-offer-to-purchase-50-000-000-of-tetragon-non-voting-shares-302713053.html
AWAJI, Japan, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nijigen no Mori Inc., headquartered in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, will host a limited-time collaboration event based on the TV anime "Attack on Titan" at the Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park anime theme park "Nijigen no Mori." The event will run from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Official Key Visual:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vKer7tDqKP5zg3_b0nx0cBxOoV9l3549/view?usp=sharing

The collaboration features two main programs: a nighttime attraction titled "Attack on Titan THE NIGHT WALK - Beyond the Walls -" and daytime activities including "Attack on Titan Stamp-Collecting Rally in Nijigen no Mori." In addition, original collaboration merchandise featuring newly illustrated characters such as Eren, Mikasa, Levi and Erwin as well as character-themed food and drinks, will also be available during the event.

In the night event, visitors walk approximately 1.2 kilometers through a forest trail after dark, where projection mapping, lighting and immersive sound effects recreate dramatic scenes from the anime. Participants take on the role of new recruits of the Survey Corps, joining characters such as Eren Yeager and Survey Corps members on a mission to reclaim freedom from the Titans. At the end of the experience, participants will receive an original Nijigen no Mori--exclusive card as a reward.

During the daytime program, guests can participate in the "Attack on Titan Stamp-Collecting Rally in Nijigen no Mori." Participants explore the park while collecting stamps of characters illustrated in original artwork using a special stamp booklet. Guests who complete the rally will receive an original novelty postcard.

In addition, a second-phase event titled "Attack on Titan Mystery Quest--Nijigen no Mori Edition / At Home" is also planned. In this puzzle-solving adventure, participants become subordinates of Hange Zoe, a passionate Titan researcher, and work together to solve a series of mysteries. The starting date for this program will be announced later.

Through these immersive experiences held both day and night, visitors can step directly into the world of Attack on Titan and enjoy a unique adventure in the natural setting of Nijigen no Mori.

Event period: March 14 (Sat.) - December 13 (Sun.), 2026

Location: Nijigen no Mori, Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref., Japan

(C) HK/AOTF

Official website: https://nijigennomori.com/en/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tv-anime-attack-on-titan-x-nijigen-no-mori-collaboration-event-from-march-14-to-december-13-2026-302713105.html
Earlier this week Netfonds announced a landmark transaction: Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investor, has entered into an investment agreement with Netfonds and has already launched a voluntary public tender offer to acquire all outstanding Netfonds shares at  78.25 per share in cash. Simultaneously, Netfonds and blau direkt, Germany's leading insurance broker pool, will form a strategic alliance under a joint private ownership structure, creating a combined entity with revenues in excess of  550m and more than 600 employees.

Offer premium is compelling. The offer price of  78.25 per share represents a premium of 64.4% to the closing price on 6 March 2026 and a premium of 78.3% to the three-month volume-weighted average price (VWAP). As of the announcement date, Warburg Pincus had already irrevocably secured approximately ~53% of Netfonds shares, including the shareholdings of CEO Martin Steinmeyer, CFO, CBO, and co-founder Karsten Dummler. Management Board and Supervisory Board support the offer unanimously and explicitly.

A natural strategic fit. While the transaction structure is new, the cultural and strategic alignment between Netfonds and blau direkt is well-established. Both companies had already collaborated on comparit, a cross-industry comparison tool for independent advisers. Netfonds contributes deep expertise in investment intermediation, regulation, and its proprietary 360 finfire platform, while blau direkt brings two decades of leading automation experience in the insurance sector. Together, the group intends to develop state-of-the-art AI applications and position itself as the operating system of the German financial and insurance advisory market.

Continuity and independence preserved. Netfonds will operate as a complementary sister company within the group, retaining its brand, Hamburg headquarters and corporate culture. Management will participate in the combined holding and remain in their leadership roles - a clear sign of entrepreneurial conviction. The rationale for going private is equally clear: the combined platform's full growth potential, particularly in AI-driven automation and the Tjara portfolio succession infrastructure, is best unlocked away from the cost and volatility of public markets.

Delisting planned. The offer document was published on 9 March 2026, opening a six-week acceptance period ending 20 April 2026. The offer is not subject to a minimum acceptance threshold and is conditional only upon customary regulatory approvals. Netfonds will initiate termination of its market inclusion upon completion of the offer; no separate delisting offer is required. Warburg Pincus additionally reserves the right to subscribe for up to 9.9% of current share capital via a potential capital increase.

As the offer price is above our old PT of  74.00 we raise it to the offer price of  78.25 and recommend investors to accept it and SELL the shares.

ISIN: DE000A1MME74
NEW DELHI, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest market research report published by MarkNtel Advisors, the Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 38.31% during 2026-2032. The rapid expansion of the market is primarily attributed to the growing focus on hydrogen-powered transportation, increasing investments in clean energy mobility solutions, and the rising need to reduce carbon emissions across the global automotive sector.

Across global regions, Asia-Pacific dominates the market, accounting for nearly 66% of the total market share during the forecast period. The region's leadership is supported by strong government-backed hydrogen roadmaps, large-scale investments in hydrogen infrastructure, and the early commercialization of hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles and buses in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China.

Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Key Takeaways

The Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market was valued at around USD 0.41 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 3.4 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 23.8 billion by 2032, reflecting strong market expansion driven by increasing adoption of hydrogen mobility solutions and global efforts to accelerate the transition toward zero-emission transportation systems.

By fuel cell type, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) accounted for nearly 62% of the market share in 2026. These fuel cells are widely used in automotive applications due to their compact structure, high power density, and ability to start quickly under varying operating conditions, making them particularly suitable for passenger vehicles and commercial transportation systems.

By vehicle type, the Passenger Car segment captured approximately 75% of the market share in 2026, driven by increasing consumer adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles and strong investments by leading automotive manufacturers in the development of next-generation fuel cell passenger cars.

The presence of major global automotive manufacturers and fuel cell technology developers continues to strengthen market competitiveness through continuous innovation, advancements in hydrogen storage technologies, and the development of high-efficiency fuel cell powertrains.

Download a FREE PDF Sample of the Report:

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/fuel-cell-electric-vehicle-market(Explore emerging hydrogen mobility trends, fuel cell innovations, and key industry developments.)

Key Factors Bolstering Global Demand for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Growing Global Focus on Decarbonizing Transportation

The transportation sector remains one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, prompting governments and automotive manufacturers to accelerate the transition toward low-emission mobility solutions. In this context, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are increasingly emerging as a viable alternative to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and, in certain applications, battery electric vehicles.

Fuel cell vehicles generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. This zero-emission operating mechanism, combined with extended driving ranges and significantly shorter refueling times compared to battery-powered vehicles, makes hydrogen fuel cell technology particularly attractive for long-distance mobility and commercial transportation applications.

Consequently, governments across several regions are actively promoting hydrogen mobility through supportive policies, financial incentives, and long-term hydrogen development strategies. These initiatives aim to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles while supporting broader national commitments toward carbon neutrality and sustainable transportation.

Expanding Hydrogen Infrastructure Supporting Market Growth

The development of hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure is playing a crucial role in enabling the widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles. Establishing a reliable hydrogen ecosystem, comprising production facilities, storage systems, distribution networks, and refueling stations, is essential to support the growing deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Several countries have already begun making substantial investments in hydrogen infrastructure development. For instance, Japan and South Korea have introduced comprehensive national hydrogen strategies aimed at expanding hydrogen fueling station networks and integrating hydrogen-powered transportation into their broader energy transition plans. Similarly, multiple European countries are investing in cross-border hydrogen corridors designed to facilitate clean transportation across regional markets.

As hydrogen production technologies advance and refueling networks expand, the accessibility and operational feasibility of fuel cell electric vehicles are expected to improve significantly. These developments are likely to strengthen consumer confidence and accelerate market adoption during the forecast period.

Factors Constraining Market Development

High Production Costs and Limited Refueling Infrastructure

Despite its strong growth potential, the global fuel cell electric vehicle market continues to face several challenges that may slow the pace of large-scale adoption. One of the primary barriers is the relatively high cost associated with fuel cell system production. Critical components such as platinum-based catalysts, hydrogen storage tanks, and specialized fuel cell stacks contribute significantly to overall vehicle costs.

In addition, hydrogen refueling infrastructure remains limited in many parts of the world, creating accessibility challenges for potential users. The establishment of hydrogen production facilities, transportation systems, and refueling networks requires substantial capital investment, coordinated policy support, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Therefore, addressing these cost and infrastructure challenges will remain essential for industry participants and policymakers seeking to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen-powered mobility. Continued advancements in fuel cell technology, improved economies of scale, and expanded hydrogen infrastructure are expected to play a crucial role in overcoming these barriers and supporting the long-term growth of the fuel cell electric vehicle market.

Market Analysis by Vehicle Type, Fuel Cell Type & Region

Based on vehicle type, the Passenger Cars segment accounted for nearly 75% of the global market share in 2026, making it the dominant demand center for fuel cell electric vehicles. The strong position of this segment is largely supported by increasing investments from automotive manufacturers focused on introducing hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles that offer extended driving ranges, fast refueling capabilities, and improved operational efficiency compared to many conventional electric mobility solutions.

Based on Fuel Cell Type, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) held the largest share of the global market, accounting for approximately 62% in 2026. These fuel cells are widely preferred for automotive applications due to their compact structure, lightweight design, and rapid start-up capability. Additionally, their high power density and operational efficiency make them well-suited for passenger and commercial vehicle applications operating under diverse driving conditions.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific leads the Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market, accounting for nearly 66% of the total market share. The region's dominance is primarily driven by strong government support for hydrogen mobility, substantial investments in hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure, and the active participation of major automotive manufacturers developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. Moreover, industry developments within the region further highlight its leadership in hydrogen mobility, for instance:

2025: Hyundai Motor unveiled the all-new NEXO hydrogen fuel cell SUV at the Seoul Mobility Show 2025 in South Korea, marking a significant advancement in the company's hydrogen mobility portfolio. The next-generation model features an upgraded fuel-cell powertrain, enhanced design, and advanced technology systems aimed at improving vehicle performance and usability. Notably, the vehicle is designed to deliver over 700 km of driving range on a single hydrogen refill while also introducing towing capability for the first time in a fuel-cell vehicle, enhancing its practicality for everyday mobility.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place):

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/fuel-cell-electric-vehicle-market(Explore detailed market analysis, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities)

Strategic Industry Initiatives Advancing the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market

The global fuel cell electric vehicle market is witnessing steady progress as leading automotive manufacturers increasingly invest in hydrogen mobility technologies and strategic collaborations aimed at accelerating commercialization. Industry participants are focusing on advancing fuel cell powertrain efficiency, improving vehicle performance, and expanding hydrogen-powered mobility solutions to support long-term decarbonization goals.

Reflecting this trend, in 2024, Hyundai Motor unveiled the INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept during its "Clearly Committed" event in South Korea. The concept vehicle highlights Hyundai's vision for next-generation hydrogen mobility by showcasing advanced fuel cell technologies, innovative design elements, and enhanced system efficiency aimed at strengthening the company's hydrogen vehicle portfolio.

In the same year, BMW announced a strategic collaboration with Toyota to co-develop a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for passenger vehicles. This partnership focuses on combining the technological expertise of both companies to accelerate the development of advanced hydrogen propulsion systems and support the broader adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles in the global automotive market.

Together, these developments underscore the growing commitment of global automotive manufacturers to hydrogen-powered mobility and reflect increasing industry efforts to advance fuel cell technologies, strengthen partnerships, and expand the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles worldwide.

Major Companies in the Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market

Key companies contributing to market expansion and technological advancement include:

Toyota Motor Corporation

Audi AG

Ballard Power Systems Inc.

BMW Group

Daimler AG

Honda Motor Co. Limited

Volvo Group

General Motors Company

Hyundai Motor

Iveco Group

Renault

Volkswagen

Plug Power Inc.

MAN SE

Toshiba

Global Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Scope

By Vehicle Type: Passenger Cars (Sedan, Hatchback, SUV), Commercial Vehicles (Light Commercial Vehicles, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles), Two Wheelers (Scooters, Motorcycles)

By Fuel Cell Type: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

By Range: Short Range (Below 250 Km), Medium Range (250-500 Km), Long Range (Above 500 Km)

By Application: Public Transportation, Logistics, Personal Use, Commercial Use

By Region: North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific

Browse More Reports on Electric Vehicles

North America Electric Vehicle Market: The North America Electric Vehicle Market size was valued at around USD 97 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 105.3 billion in 2026 to USD 223 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 13.32% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

Global Electric Vehicle Maintenance & Servicing Market: The Global Electric Vehicle Maintenance & Servicing Market size is valued at around USD32.29 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD79.29 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 13.69% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

Philippines Electric Vehicle Aftermarket Market: The Philippines Electric Vehicle Aftermarket Market size is valued at around USD 1.69 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.82 million by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 26.62% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

Japan Electric Vehicle Market: The Japan Electric Vehicle Market size was valued at around USD 77.04 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 111.34 billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.33% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

India Electric Vehicle Market: The India Electric Vehicle Market size was valued at around USD 5.22 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 23.52 billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 28.52% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Southeast Asia Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market: The Southeast Asia Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 18% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30.

Kuwait Electric Vehicle Market: The Kuwait Electric Vehicle Market size was valued at around USD 55 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 319.84 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 34.10% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Bahrain Electric Vehicle Market: The Bahrain Electric Vehicle Market size was valued at around USD 1.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.98 million by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 30.70% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30.

Latin America Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market: The Latin America Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28.

About MarkNtel Advisors

MarkNtel Advisors is a leading global market research and consulting firm dedicated to delivering reliable, data-driven insights across a wide range of high-growth and emerging industries. Our research methodology integrates extensive primary interactions with industry stakeholders and domain experts, complemented by carefully validated secondary data sources, to ensure the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of our market intelligence. Backed by deep sector expertise and a team of experienced analysts, we equip organizations, investors, and decision-makers with strategic insights that support informed decision-making, uncover emerging market opportunities, and enable sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic global business landscape.

Contact Us

MarkNtel Advisor

Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh - 201301, India

Contact No: +91 87199 99009

Email:sales@marknteladvisors.com

Website: marknteladvisors.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-fuel-cell-electric-vehicle-market-to-surge-at-38-31-cagr-surpassing-usd-23-8-billion-by-2032--says-markntel-advisors-302712456.html
NEW DELHI, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest market research published by MarkNtel Advisors, the Indoor Farming Market in Europe is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.63% during 2026-2032. The market growth is primarily supported by the rising adoption of controlled environment agriculture technologies, increasing demand for sustainable food production systems, and growing investments in advanced greenhouse infrastructure, hydroponic cultivation systems, and smart farming technologies across the region.

Across Europe, the Netherlands dominated the indoor farming market, accounting for nearly 25.8% of the regional market share during the forecast period. The country's leadership is largely supported by its globally recognized greenhouse technology ecosystem, strong agri-tech innovation, and the presence of advanced horticulture infrastructure that enables efficient large-scale controlled environment farming.

Europe Indoor Farming Market Key Takeaways

The Europe Indoor Farming Market was valued at around USD 10.82 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 11.5 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 16.9 billion by 2032, reflecting steady market expansion supported by increasing demand for sustainable agriculture, resource-efficient food production, and year-round crop cultivation capabilities.

By facility type, greenhouses accounted for approximately 70% of the market share in 2026, supported by their cost efficiency, scalability, and widespread adoption across European agricultural regions. Greenhouse farming continues to play a central role in enabling controlled cultivation of high-value crops while optimizing energy, water, and space utilization.

By growing system, hydroponics captured nearly 60% of the market share in 2026, as growers increasingly adopt soil-free cultivation methods to enhance crop yield, reduce water consumption, and improve overall production efficiency within indoor farming environments.

The presence of leading indoor farming technology providers and agri-tech innovators continues to strengthen the competitive landscape through investments in advanced climate control systems, smart lighting technologies, automation platforms, and precision farming solutions.

Download a FREE PDF Sample of the Report:

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/indoor-farming-market-europe.html(Discover the market potential, technology insights, and key industry trends)

Key Growth Factors Driving the Europe Indoor Farming Market Outlook

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Food Production

The increasing emphasis on sustainable agriculture across Europe is significantly supporting the expansion of indoor farming systems. As climate change, land scarcity, and water limitations continue to challenge conventional farming practices, indoor farming has emerged as a viable solution by enabling controlled growing environments that optimize resource utilization and improve crop productivity.

Through advanced cultivation systems, indoor farms allow growers to precisely regulate critical environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrient delivery. These capabilities enable higher crop yields while substantially reducing water consumption and minimizing pesticide usage compared to traditional farming methods. Consequently, commercial growers and food producers across Europe are increasingly investing in indoor farming technologies to ensure consistent food production and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Growing Adoption of Controlled Environment Agriculture Technologies

In addition to sustainability concerns, the rapid advancement of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technologies is further accelerating the adoption of indoor farming across Europe. Modern indoor farming facilities increasingly incorporate advanced solutions such as LED lighting systems, automated irrigation technologies, climate control platforms, and real-time environmental monitoring tools to improve operational efficiency and crop quality.

These integrated technologies enable growers to maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year, allowing continuous crop production regardless of seasonal fluctuations or adverse climatic conditions. Furthermore, the integration of sensors, data analytics, and automation tools helps optimize plant growth cycles, improve resource efficiency, and reduce operational costs. As a result, controlled environment agriculture technologies are becoming increasingly attractive for commercial growers, research institutions, and urban agricultural operators throughout the region.

Expanding Urban Agriculture and Localized Food Production

Rapid urbanization across major European cities is also encouraging the development of indoor farms designed to produce fresh food closer to consumers. Urban farming models such as vertical farms, container farms, and metropolitan greenhouse systems are increasingly being deployed within densely populated areas to shorten food supply chains and reduce transportation-related emissions.

These urban indoor farming initiatives enable the efficient production of high-value crops such as leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, and fresh vegetables while ensuring consistent quality and year-round availability. As consumer demand for locally grown, fresh, and sustainably produced food continues to increase, indoor farming is becoming an important component of Europe's evolving urban food production ecosystem.

Major Cost Barriers Impacting the Expansion of Indoor Farming in Europe

High Capital Investment and Energy Requirements

Despite the strong growth prospects of the indoor farming sector, the high initial investment required to establish indoor farming facilities remains a notable challenge for market expansion. Setting up indoor farms typically involves significant capital expenditure for infrastructure components such as climate-controlled greenhouses, advanced LED lighting systems, automated irrigation networks, and environmental monitoring technologies.

In addition, indoor farming operations often require considerable energy consumption, particularly in facilities that rely heavily on artificial lighting and climate control systems to maintain optimal growing conditions. Although technological advancements are gradually improving energy efficiency, operational costs continue to be an important factor influencing investment decisions among growers.

Therefore, addressing these cost-related challenges through continued technological innovation, the integration of renewable energy sources, and supportive government policies will be crucial for sustaining the long-term growth of the Europe indoor farming market.

Market Analysis by Facility Type, Growing System & Region

By facility type, greenhouses dominated the Europe Indoor Farming Market, accounting for nearly 70% of the total market share in 2026. This dominance is primarily attributed to the well-established greenhouse infrastructure across several European countries, particularly in the Netherlands and Spain, where controlled greenhouse cultivation has long been a central component of modern agricultural production. Greenhouses enable efficient crop cultivation while allowing growers to regulate environmental conditions and optimize resource utilization, making them a preferred indoor farming solution for commercial-scale operations.

By growing system, hydroponics held around 60% of the Europe Indoor Farming Market share in 2026, reflecting the widespread adoption of soil-free cultivation methods across indoor farming facilities. Hydroponic systems allow plants to grow in nutrient-rich water solutions, enabling faster growth cycles, improved crop quality, and efficient use of water and fertilizers. These advantages have encouraged indoor farming operators to increasingly adopt hydroponic technologies to enhance productivity and ensure consistent crop output throughout the year.

Regionally, the Netherlands continues to lead the Europe Indoor Farming Market, supported by its highly developed greenhouse clusters, strong agri-technology innovation ecosystem, and substantial investments in horticulture technologies. The country has established itself as a global hub for controlled environment agriculture, supported by extensive greenhouse cultivation areas and advanced agricultural technologies designed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in modern farming systems.

The Netherlands' leadership is further reinforced by ongoing technological collaborations and industry consolidation aimed at strengthening automation in horticulture. For instance:

January 2025: ISO, a specialist in horticultural robotics and automation, merged with TTA, a Netherlands-based company recognized for its expertise in transplanting and sorting technologies. The combined entity, now operating as TTA ISO, aims to enhance capabilities in automated horticulture solutions while addressing the growing global demand for advanced automation in food production and controlled environment agriculture.

Such strategic developments highlight the region's increasing focus on integrating robotics, automation, and precision technologies within indoor farming operations.

View Full Report (All Data, In One Place):

https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/indoor-farming-market-europe.html(Explore in-depth analyses, technology trends, and investment patterns)

Rising Investments and Technology Deployments Strengthen Indoor Farming Innovation in Europe

The Europe Indoor Farming Market is witnessing a growing number of strategic investments and technology deployments as companies and research institutions continue to expand controlled environment agriculture capabilities across the region. These developments are primarily focused on improving production efficiency, enhancing energy optimization, and scaling commercial indoor farming operations to meet the rising demand for locally produced, sustainable food.

In line with this trend, in May 2025, Planet Farms announced an investment of more than USD 33.30 million to establish a new indoor vertical farming facility in the United Kingdom. The upcoming facility, expected to cover approximately 20,000 square meters, is designed to replicate the company's successful Italian vertical farming model and support large-scale production of high-quality crops. The project reflects the company's strategy to expand its presence across Europe while strengthening regional supply chains for fresh produce.

Subsequently, in July 2025, Urban Crop Solutions commissioned a custom vertical-farming tower for Inagro at the Agrotopia research center in Roeselare, Belgium. The innovative system maximizes space utilization through multi-layer cultivation within a rooftop greenhouse, effectively combining natural sunlight with advanced LED lighting systems. This hybrid approach improves energy efficiency while enhancing crop productivity, highlighting the growing role of research-driven technological advancements in advancing indoor farming practices across Europe.

Collectively, these developments demonstrate the increasing momentum of investment and technological innovation within the European indoor farming sector, as industry players continue to focus on expanding scalable, energy-efficient farming systems capable of supporting the region's evolving food production landscape.

Prominent Indoor Farming Players in Europe

Key companies shaping technological innovation and competition include:

Priva

Certhon

Signify N.V.

IGS Limited

GrowUp Farms

LettUs Grow

Jungle

Les Nouvelles Fermes

Planet Farms

V-Farm

Others

Europe Indoor Farming Market Scope

By Facility Type: Greenhouses, Vertical Farms, Container Farms, Cider, Indoor Hydroponic Farms, Others

By Growing System: Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics, Soil-based Systems, Hotels and Hospitality Venues, Hybrid Systems

By Lighting & Infrastructure: Lighting Systems, Climate Control Systems, Sensors & Control Systems, Irrigation Systems, Software & Automation, Others

By Crop Type: Fruits & Vegetables, Leafy Greens & Herbs, Flowers & Ornamentals, Microgreens & Medicinal Crops, Others

By End User: Commercial Growers, Research Institutions, Residential / Urban Farm Operators, Retail & Food Service

By Country: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands

Browse More Reports on Farming

Southeast Asia Indoor Farming Market: The Southeast Asia Indoor Farming Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.20% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30.

Global Indoor Farming Market: The Global Indoor Farming Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 11.2% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28.

GCC Fish Farming Market: The GCC Fish Farming Market size is valued at around USD 5.03 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.7% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

Global Fish Farming Market: The Global Fish Farming Market size is valued at USD 320 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 552 Billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.59% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30.

Global Carbon Farming market: The Global Carbon Farming market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 11.58% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28.

Middle East Vertical Farming Market: The Middle East Vertical Farming Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 18.76% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-27.

Global Farming as a Service (FaaS) Market: The Global Farming as a Service (FaaS) Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 15.3% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28.

About MarkNtel Advisors

MarkNtel Advisors is a leading market research and consulting firm dedicated to delivering reliable, data-driven insights across a wide range of global industries. Our research methodology integrates extensive primary interviews with industry experts along with rigorously validated secondary data to ensure the accuracy and credibility of our market intelligence. Backed by deep sector expertise and a team of experienced analysts, we provide businesses and investors with actionable insights and strategic guidance that enable informed decision-making in today's rapidly evolving market landscape.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/europe-indoor-farming-market-set-for-strong-growth-projected-to-hit-usd-16-9-billion-by-2032-amid-rising-demand-for-sustainable-agriculture-reports-markntel-advisors-302712308.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Nexcel Metals Corp. (CSE: NEXX) (OTCQB: NXXCF) (FSE: 2OH) ("Nexcel" or the "Company") announces that Graham Giles, P.Geo., a GIS and data compilation specialist, has commenced the comprehensive compilation and digitization of historical exploration data for the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project in New Brunswick.

The data compilation program is focused on integrating historical geological, geochemical, geophysical, and drilling information into a modern GIS and data management platform. Burnt Hill is a historically explored and mined tungsten deposit with decades of exploration work conducted by previous operators, and consolidating this information into a unified digital database is expected to significantly enhance the Company's ability to efficiently plan and execute its exploration programs.

The updated GIS framework will allow Nexcel to better analyze historical exploration results and refine its exploration strategy for the project. The compilation work will directly support the design of a proposed airborne geophysical survey proposed for spring 2026 and will assist the Company in identifying priority targets for Nexcel's initial drill program planned for summer 2026.

Preliminary insights derived from the historical data review have already influenced the Company's exploration planning. Based on the ongoing compilation work conducted by Mr. Giles, Nexcel has elected to modify the proposed parameters of its planned airborne geophysical survey to target deeper subsurface features than originally planned. The adjustment is intended to enhance the Company's ability to detect potential extensions of mineralization at depth and may support the targeting of deeper drill holes in the Company's proposed initial drilling campaign. Further details on the proposed exploration plans will be made to the market in due course.

The Burnt Hill Tungsten Project is located in New Brunswick, Canada, and hosts a historically producing tungsten deposit with significant historical drilling and exploration completed by previous operators. Nexcel believes that modern data integration, geophysical surveying, and systematic drilling provide an opportunity to evaluate both the known mineralization and the broader exploration potential of the property.

Figure 1: Burnt Hill Adjacent Properties Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11702/288365_e9854c53e4160b9a_001full.jpg

About the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project

The Burnt Hill tungsten/molybdenum property covers approximately 1,540 hectares in central New Brunswick and hosts a NI 43-101 indicated resource of 1,761,000 tonnes within an open pit and underground averaging 0.292% WO3, 0.007% MoS2 and 0.008% SnO2, along with a further 1,520,000 inferred tonnes averaging 0.263% WO3, 0.008%MoS2 and 0.005% SnO2, as presented below. Also presented below, extracted from the 2013 Resource Report, is a statement of contained metal. In addition to the deposit area of the property, there are several other areas of identified tin, tungsten and molybdenum mineralization within the property boundary not yet at the resource stage.[1]





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11702/288365_e9854c53e4160b9a_002full.jpg

The contained metal represented by this resource statement after converting the metal compound to contained metal equivalents for the respective metal compounds is as follows:

(0.303% WO3) (79.29% Weight Percent Tungsten) (2,205 lbs/tonne) (527,000 tonnes) = 2.79

1,000,000

Mineral Resources Tungsten Molybdenum Tin Contained Metal (million pounds) (thousand pounds) (thousand pounds) Open Pit Indicated 2.79 34.82 45.76 Underground Indicated 6.19 130.46 192.867 Total Indicated 8.99 162.91 244.64 Open Pit Inferred 0.21 3.25 4.27 Underground Inferred 6.79 152.03 124.86 Total Inferred 6.99 160.7 131.98

Qualified Person

Francis Newton, P.Geo, a consultant of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Newton is not independent of the Company.

About Nexcel Metals Corp

Nexcel Metals Corp. is a junior mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. The Company is currently focused on the Lac Ducharme Project located in the Province of Quebec and the Burnt Hill Project located in the Province of New Brunswick.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Nexcel expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements may involve, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by Nexcel based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond Nexcel's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Nexcel does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

_________________________

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project Stanley Parish, York County, New Brunswick. Prepared by Derrick Strickland, P.Geo., January 26, 2026

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288365

Source: Nexcel Metals Corp.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The commodity currencies such as Australia, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars weakened against their major counterparts in the European session on Friday, amid the raging war in the Middle East as Iran toughens its stand. The resultant spike in energy stocks amid surging in crude oil prices is helping limit the losses in the markets in the region.



The new leadership in Iran refused to bow down to U.S. pressure and instead vowed revenge, threatening U.S. allies, and resolving to ramp up attacks. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge those killed in Iran's war against the U.S.-Israeli joint forces and also said the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a 'tool to pressure the enemy.'



Khamenei also warned its neighboring Arab nations of severe attacks if they host U.S. military forces and demanded closure of the bases.



Iran has targeted oil fields and refineries in Gulf Arab nations and effectively stopped cargo traffic through the narrow Strait of Hormuz in a bid to exert pressure on the United States and Israel to end the war. Iran also continued to target commercial vessels of various nations and carried its missile, and drone strikes on Arab neighbors.



Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC in an interview that the U.S. Navy is 'not ready' to escort oil tankers through the strait. There are reports of three more foreign ships struck in the Persian Gulf overnight, adding to concerns about transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.



The Middle East war that began following the U.S.-Israeli combined attacks on Iran on February 28 entered day number 14 today without any sign of a de-escalation.



In economic news, data from BusinessNZ showed that the manufacturing sector in New Zealand continued to expand in February, albeit it at a barely slower pace, with a Performance of Manufacturing Index score of 55.0. That's down from 55.1 in January, although it remains well above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.



In the European trading today, the Australian dollar fell to a 4-day low of 0.7026 against the U.S. dollar, from an early high of 0.7093. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around the 0.69 region.



Against the yen, the euro and the Canadian dollar, the aussie slipped to 3-day lows of 112.04, 1.6328 and 0.9599 from early highs of 112.89, 1.6252 and 0.9661, respectively. On the downside, 110.00 against the yen, 1.67 against the euro and 0.95 against the loonie are seen as the next support levels for the aussie.



The NZ dollar depreciated to a 13-year low of 1.2121 against the Australian dollar and nearly a 2-month low of 0.5806 against the U.S. dollar, from early highs of 1.2082 and 0.5862, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.22 against the aussie and 0.56 against the greenback.



Against the yen and the euro, the kiwi slid to 4-day lows of 92.56 and 1.9769 from early highs of 93.27 and 1.9665, respectively. The next possible downside target for the kiwi is seen around 91.00 against the yen and 1.99 against the euro.



The Canadian dollar fell to a 1-week low of 1.3716 against the U.S. dollar, from an early high of 1.3668. If the loonie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around the 1.38 area.



Against the yen, the loonie slipped to a 2-day low of 116.63 against yen, from an early high of 117.02. On the downside, 115.00 is seen as the next support level for the loonie.



Meanwhile, the loonie rose to a 4-day high of 1.5621 against the euro, from early low of 1.5706. The loonie may test resistance around the 1.55 region.



Looking ahead, Eurozone industrial production for January and U.K. NIESR Monthly GDP Tracker for February are set to be published in the European session.



In the New York session, Canada jobs data for February, manufacturing sales data for January, U.S. core PCE price index, durable goods order, personal income and spending data, all for January, U.S. University of Michigan's consumer sentiment for March and U.S. Baker Hughes oil rig count data are slated for release.



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 2026 AFX News
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") is pleased to announce receipt of the geotechnical, environmental, and hydrogeological program reports completed on the Schaft Creek project in 2025. The Schaft Creek project is managed through the Schaft Creek Joint Venture ("SCJV"). Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") is the Operator of the SCJV and holds a 75% interest with Copper Fox holding the remaining 25% interest. The Schaft Creek deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is one of the largest undeveloped porphyry copper deposits in North America that contains significant gold-molybdenum-silver by-products.

The 2025 program (see news release dated January 30, 2025) was budgeted at C$15.8 million and focused on furthering technical investigations on key infrastructure parameters included drilling, geophysical surveys, archeological investigations and environmental baseline studies in alignment with Tahltan Nation's cultural and social traditions.

Elmer B. Stewart, President, and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "These studies form part of an ongoing program to collect, geotechnical, hydrogeological, environmental, and meteorological data to guide planning for future programs and support these important aspects of project development. The data from the 2025 field program indicates no significant changes from results of prior studies and conclude that the current geotechnical databases for the open pit and rock storage footprint are sufficient to support a scoping level of study. The 2025 studies recommend future programs to provide support for permitting activities and augment these databases to meet threshold industry standards for a preliminary feasibility level of study."

Geotechnical

The geotechnical review included a comprehensive assessment of the geotechnical and hydrological data related to the pit slope stability and potential rock storage locations for the Schaft Creek project.

The 2025 geotechnical review included the data collected between 2008-2025 and concluded that the geotechnical investigations conducted in 2023 and 2024 are considered appropriate for advanced scoping-level designs. The review recommended a "gap analysis" to identify areas for further investigation and that future studies should incorporate additional geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling and rock mechanics laboratory testing to expand the structural, geomechanical, and hydrogeological databases. The review also recommended future programs would be required to meet current industry expectations (for data density and coverage of the proposed ultimate pit) for prefeasibility-level geotechnical design. The gap analysis is expected to identify how to most efficiently and effectively augment the existing databases to either assist in validating existing designs or provide a rationalization for modifying the design criteria. Updated and refined geotechnical and hydrogeological models will be required to support more detailed and sophisticated slope stability analyses.

The 2025 geotechnical review also included the historical and current geotechnical and drilling data from within or in proximity to the four potential Rock Storage Facilities ("RSF") locations for the Schaft Creek project. The review identified significant challenges due to potential adverse foundation conditions and natural geohazards in portions of the proposed RSF footprints and concluded that the proposed locations are not considered to have been assessed sufficiently to inform beyond scoping level studies. The review concluded that supplemental field investigations are required for the RSF areas and recommended a program that includes test pits, drilling and laboratory testing of recovered samples for assessing the suitability of each location for waste rock storage.

Meteorological Review

This review covered the baseline meteorological and climate data collected since 2005 in the Schaft Creek area. The study was completed by Tahltan ERM Environmental Management and focussed on predicting precipitation levels at the Schaft Creek site and at various elevations along proposed access roads. The meteorological data forms part of an environmental baseline monitoring program to characterize existing meteorological and climate conditions to assess potential impacts on project development to satisfy provincial monitoring requirements for Environmental Assessments (EA) and permitting processes.

Glacier Monitoring

The primary purpose of the baseline glacier monitoring is to characterize existing glacial conditions to assess potential effects of sources of water on resource development in the Schaft Creek project area. The area around Schaft Creek is heavily glaciated and the impact of glacier mass balance, in terms of glacier dynamics and glacial water contribution to streamflow is an important variable to understand as part of the hydrological assessment of the Schaft Creek area. The glacier monitoring program provides information for water balance and water quality modeling, predicting streamflow and water quality implications and supporting engineering design.

Hydrometric Monitoring

Hydrometric monitoring is used to characterize surface water resources and assess potential effects of resource development on waterbodies and provides baseline data for subsequent water quantity and water quality modelling and provides data for other parameters such as dilution and runoff modelling and in-stream flow estimates.

Hydrogeology Monitoring

The overall objectives of a baseline hydrogeology study are to provide calibration data for the development of integrated mine site water balances and understanding the regional hydrogeologic conditions. The 2025 hydrogeological monitoring program measured the groundwater flow conditions and K values (hydraulic conductivity) for each lithologic unit. The 2025 data is consistent with historic data across most monitoring wells and improved confidence in the conceptual hydrogeological model developed for the Schaft Creek project area. The data is used to support the EA process and future design stages.

Qualified Person

Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P.Geo., President, and CEO of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

About Copper Fox

Copper Fox is a Canadian resource company focused on copper development and exploration in the United States and Canada. Copper Fox and its subsidiaries own 100% of the Van Dyke ISCR project, a development stage, potential near term, mid-size copper mine in Arizona and a 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited (75% interest and Operator) which hosts the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. In addition, Copper Fox owns 100% of the resource stage Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project in northwestern British Columbia and the Sombrero Butte and Mineral Mountain advanced exploration stage porphyry copper projects located in the prolific Laramide age copper province in Arizona. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at www.copperfoxmetals.com.

Neither 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding results, conclusions, and recommendations of geotechnical reviews; potential rock storage locations; and collection of meteorological, glacial and hydrogeologic baseline environmental data.

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions, regarding, among other things: the geological, metallurgical, engineering, financial and economic advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: results of the geotechnical reviews may not be accurate; the recommended programs for additional geotechnical study may not be completed as planned or at all; results of the meteorological, glacial, and hydrogeologic may not be accurate; continuation of the baseline environmental data collection programs may not be completed as planned or at all; the objectives of the geotechnical and baseline environmental programs may not be achieved as planned or at all.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288323

Source: Copper Fox Metals Inc.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to acquire a 100% undivided interest (the "Transaction") in 216 non-contiguous, unpatented mining claims in the Noseworthy, Newman, and Hepburn Townships in the province of Ontario, representing a total area of approximately 11,600 hectares (the "Properties").





Figure 1: Map showing the newly optioned Properties under the Option Agreement.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/288390_c5f99b72e4ee0985_002full.jpg

The Newman Property holds 11 historical gold showings as well as 2 copper showings. The majority of the gold showings came from overburden drilling that were never investigated further. Highly anomalous gold results from these historical reports start at 170ppb Au (0.17 g/t Au) and range all the way to 38,000ppb Au (38 g/t Au). 7 showings contain values in excess of 1 g/t Au, which are extremely anomalous when it comes to overburden drilling.





Figure 2: Map of the Newman Property showing the location and grades of selected historical showings. Disclosure: Results have been verified against historical NI43-101 reports but compilation of historical assay certificates remains ongoing. The author has no reason to believe the filed NI43-101 reports would be inaccurate or misleading.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2667/288390_c5f99b72e4ee0985_003full.jpg

The Hepburn Property is an important addition to the Perron West Property as it contains the important regional structure the Chicobi Fault, which separates the metasediments to the south from the volcanics to the north. By controlling all important geological features in the immediate area, Amex can ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to exploration of new high-grade gold zones.

Transaction Details

The Company, as optionee, entered into the Option Agreement with certain arm's length optionors in respect of the Properties. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company will:

(i) pay to the optionors aggregate cash consideration of $104,000 over a three-year period commencing on the date of the Option Agreement; (ii) issue to the optionors a total of 250,000 common shares in capital of the Company (the "Shares"), subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"); and (iii) grant to the optionors, upon acquiring a 100% interest in the Properties, a 1.5% net smelter return royalty on the Properties, one third of which may be repurchased by the Company for $1,000,000 to reduce the royalty to a 1.0% net smelter return royalty.

Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Optionors will transfer the Properties to the Company upon payment of the final cash consideration payable on the third anniversary of the Option Agreement.

The Transaction remains subject to the satisfaction of a number of closing conditions and post-closing obligations, including, payment of certain cash consideration, the net smelter return royalty, certain deeds and instruments of conveyance, the approval of the TSXV, and standard closing conditions for transactions of this nature.

Qualified Persons and QAQC

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Aaron Stone, P. Geo. (OGQ 2170 and PGO 3708) for the properties in Ontario and Jerome Augustin P.Geo. Ph.D., (OGQ 2134) for the Perron Project in Quebec (collectively, the "Qualified Persons").

The potential grades of exploration targets discussed in this news release are conceptual in nature. The Qualified Persons have not completed sufficient work to verify historical information on the Properties and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any targets being delineated as a mineral resource. The Company has not independently verified and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any third-party data discussed in this news release and investors should use caution in placing reliance on such information. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Properties but may not be representative of expected results.

About Amex Exploration Inc.

Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant high-grade gold discoveries, along with copper-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) zones, at its 100%-owned Perron Gold Project, located approximately 110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The Perron Project in Quebec consists of 183 contiguous claims for a surface area of 65.75 km. The project hosts both bulk-tonnage and high-grade gold mineralization styles.

When combined with the adjacent and contiguous Perron West Project and Abbotsford and Hepburn Projects (including additional claims acquired through staking) in Ontario, the consolidated land package spans a district-scale 502.53 km. This extensive property lies within highly prospective geology favourable for both high-grade gold and VMS mineralization.

The Perron Project benefits from excellent infrastructure: it is accessible by a year-round road, located just 30 minutes from an airport, and approximately 6.5 km from the Town of Normetal. It is also in close proximity to several process plants owned by major gold producers.

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 contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, the transfer of the Properties, the ability of the Company to continue with exploration programs, the availability of the required funds to continue with the exploration and the potential mineralization or potential mineral resources are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks as well as those risks identified in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288390

Source: Amex Exploration Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSE American: IE) (TSX: IE) ("Ivanhoe Electric") Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Melvin are pleased to announce that Ivanhoe Electric's 59.6%-owned subsidiary, Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) ("Cordoba") has announced the timing and amount of its cash distribution to Cordoba shareholders.

On March 6, 2026, Cordoba announced that it had closed the sale of its remaining 50% interest in the Alacran Project in Colombia for total cash proceeds of $128 million. Under the terms of the sale, the net cash proceeds remaining after settling all outstanding liabilities and obligations, and retaining $10 million for ongoing corporate purposes, would be distributed to Cordoba shareholders.

Cordoba subsequently announced that the final cash amount per share to be distributed would be $1.01 per Cordoba common share to registered Cordoba shareholders as of close of business on March 20, 2026. The cash payment is expected to be made on or about March 25, 2026.

Ivanhoe Electric currently owns 57,855,427 common shares of Cordoba which entitles it to an approximate $58.4 million cash payment as part of Cordoba's distribution.

Cash distribution from Cordoba will enhance Ivanhoe Electric's already strong liquidity position

As at December 31, 2025, Ivanhoe Electric had cash and cash equivalents totaling $173.3 million. As of February 17, 2026, Ivanhoe Electric received $82.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of all the outstanding warrants associated with the Company's February 14, 2025, equity financing. The forthcoming $58.4 million distribution from Cordoba will strengthen Ivanhoe Electric's cash position. The Company's liquidity is enhanced further by an undrawn $200 million senior secured multi-draw bridge facility (refer to Ivanhoe Electric's December 15, 2025 news release).

About Ivanhoe Electric

We are a United States domiciled minerals exploration company with a focus on developing mines from mineral deposits principally located in the United States. We seek to support American supply chain independence by finding and delivering copper and other critical metals vital to advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, technology, and national security. We use our powerful Typhoon geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our 94.3% owned subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc. ("CGI"), to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as we seek to discover new deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. We believe the United States is significantly underexplored and has the potential to yield major new discoveries of critical metals. Our mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals including nickel, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold and silver. Through the advancement of our portfolio of critical metals exploration projects, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona, we intend to contribute to domestic supply by developing resources that support industrial and strategic sectors. We also operate a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company ("Maaden") to explore for minerals on approximately 50,000 km2 of underexplored Arabian Shield in Saudi Arabia. Finally, in 2024, we established an exploration alliance with BHP Mineral Resources Inc. ("BHP"), a subsidiary of BHP Group Limited, to search for critical minerals in the United States. In 2026, we entered into a Typhoon driven Mineral Exploration and Collaboration Agreement with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile ("SQM") in Chile to explore 2,002 km2 of mining concessions for new copper deposits beneath electrically resistive caliche.

Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com

Follow us on

Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe

Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric

Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ivanhoe Electric, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict", "target", "project" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect Ivanhoe Electric's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release.

Such statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to: the amount, timing and completion of payments by Cordoba Minerals Corp. to its shareholders, including the cash payment of $58.4 million to Ivanhoe Electric on or about March 25, 2026.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including changes in the prices of copper or other metals Ivanhoe Electric is exploring for; the results of exploration and drilling activities and/or the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations; the final assessment of exploration results and information that is preliminary; the significant risk and hazards associated with any future mining operations, extensive regulation by the U.S. government as well as local governments; changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with Ivanhoe Electric to perform as agreed; and the impact of political, economic and other uncertainties associated with operating in foreign countries, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed and other disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Electric does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288381

Source: Ivanhoe Electric
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (FSE: QM4) (OTCQB: SSPLF) ("Safe Supply" or the "Company") announces that it will hold its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) at the offices of Garfinkle Biderman LLP, 1 Adelaide Street East, 8th Floor, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2V9.

The Meeting has been called to address a number of significant items of business, including resolutions with respect to a proposed name change, a share consolidation, and the relocation of the Company's registered office from British Columbia to Ontario. Full details of all matters to be considered at the Meeting are set out in the Management Information Circular (the "Circular") dated March 8, 2026, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Meeting Details

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time)

Location: Garfinkle Biderman LLP, 1 Adelaide Street East, 8th Floor, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2V9

Record Date: March 3, 2026

Proxy Deadline: 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on April 6, 2026

Items of Business

At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following matters:

Receipt and consideration of the audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, together with the auditors' reports thereon

Election of the Company's directors for the ensuing year

Re-appointment of WDM LLP as auditors of the Corporation at a remuneration to be fixed by the Audit Committee

Re-approval of the Corporation's Omnibus Incentive Plan

Special resolution to change the Corporation's registered office from British Columbia to Ontario

Special resolution to change the name of the Corporation to "Altrova Inc." or such other name as the Board may determine

Special resolution to authorize a consolidation of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on the basis of a ratio within a range of one (1) post-consolidation share for every two (2) to ten (10) pre-consolidation shares, with the final ratio to be determined by the Board

Proposed Name Change to Altrova Inc.

Among the special resolutions to be considered at the Meeting is a proposal to change the name of the Corporation to "Altrova Inc.", or such other name as the Board of Directors may determine and as may be acceptable to applicable regulatory authorities. If approved, the name change will become effective upon the filing of the required articles of amendment, at a time to be determined by the Board, subject to any regulatory approvals. The Corporation will issue a news release if and when the name change becomes effective.

Shareholders should note that notwithstanding shareholder approval, the Board retains the authority to revoke the resolution prior to it being acted upon.

Proposed Share Consolidation

Shareholders will also be asked to consider a special resolution authorizing a consolidation of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at a ratio within the range of one (1) post-consolidation share for every two (2) to ten (10) pre-consolidation shares. The Board will have the sole discretion to determine the final consolidation ratio and the timing of implementation, subject to regulatory approval.

The Board believes that flexibility to implement a consolidation may assist the Corporation in evaluating and pursuing strategic opportunities and financings. The Corporation will issue a news release if and when any consolidation becomes effective. Shareholders are encouraged to carefully review the full description of the proposed consolidation as set out in the Circular.

Proposed Change of Registered Office

The Board is also seeking shareholder approval to change the province of the Corporation's registered office from British Columbia to Ontario. This change is intended to align the Corporation's registered office with its principal place of business and management, streamline corporate administration, and reduce operational complexity. The change is not expected to affect shareholders' shareholdings or voting rights.

Director Nominees

The following individuals have been nominated for election to the Board of Directors at the Meeting:

Tony Clement - Director; Chair of the Audit Committee

Raf Souccar - Director; Audit Committee member

Seymour Ferreira - Director

Donovan Bailey - Director; Audit Committee member

Jerry Dias - Director

Geoff Benic - Chief Executive Officer and Director

How to Vote

Shareholders of record as at the close of business on the Record Date of March 3, 2026, are entitled to vote at the Meeting. Registered Shareholders may vote by attending the Meeting in person or by completing and returning the enclosed Form of Proxy. Beneficial Shareholders should follow the voting instructions provided by their broker or other intermediary.

Proxies must be received by the Corporation's registrar and transfer agent, Olympia Trust Company, no later than 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on April 6, 2026. Proxies may be submitted by:

Email: proxy@olympiatrust.com

Mail: Olympia Trust Company, Proxy Dept., PO Box 128, STN M, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2H6

Fax: 1-403-668-8307

Internet: https://css.olympiatrust.com/pxlogin

The Circular and all additional materials have been filed under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Shareholders are encouraged to carefully review the Circular prior to voting. Copies of the Circular, Form of Proxy, and voting instruction form may also be obtained free of charge by contacting Olympia Trust Company at the address or email noted above.

Geoff Benic, Chief Executive Officer, Safe Supply, commented, "This Annual General and Special Meeting reflects an important moment in Safe Supply's evolution. The resolutions before shareholders, including the proposed name change and share consolidation, are designed to provide the Board with the flexibility to position the Company for its next chapter. We encourage all shareholders to review the Circular carefully and to make their voices heard."

"Good governance begins with transparency and shareholder engagement. This meeting gives our shareholders the opportunity to weigh in on the direction of the Company at a pivotal moment. The Board is committed to acting in the best long-term interests of all stakeholders, and we look forward to a productive dialogue on April 8th," commented Raf Souccar, Chairman of the Board, Safe Supply.

About Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd.

Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (OTCQB: SSPLF) (FSE: QM4) is a publicly traded company building and backing innovations in healthcare, wellness, and emerging technologies. Through acquisitions, partnerships, and growth capital, the Company assembles a diversified portfolio that leverages data, science, and digital platforms to improve access and outcomes at scale. Operating at the intersection of public health and technology, Safe Supply supports evidence-informed solutions to urgent societal needs.

For more information, please visit www.safesupply.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd.

"Geoff Benic"

Geoff Benic, CEO

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved its contents.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", or variations thereof, or stating that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions.

All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs, as well as various assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company. 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288364

Source: Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Vital Infrastructure Property Trust (TSX: VITL.UN) (the 'REIT' or 'Vital Infrastructure'), a leading owner and operator of healthcare real estate infrastructure in North America, Brazil, Europe and Australasia, announced today that the Trustees of the REIT have declared a distribution of $0.03 per unit for the month of March 2026, representing $0.36 per unit on an annualized basis. The distribution will be payable on April 15, 2026, to unitholders of record as at March 31, 2026.

About Vital Infrastructure

Vital Infrastructure Property Trust (TSX: VITL.UN) provides investors with access to a portfolio of high-quality international healthcare real estate infrastructure. As at February 24, 2026, the REIT held interests in a diversified portfolio of 133 income-producing properties totaling 13.0 million square feet of gross leasable area, located throughout major markets in North America, Australia, Brazil and Europe. The REIT's portfolio of outpatient, inpatient, and other health research facilities is characterized by long-term indexed leases and stable occupancies. Vital Infrastructure leverages its global workforce in six countries to serve as a long-term real estate partner to leading healthcare operators. For additional information, please visit www.vitalreit.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288303

Source: Vital Infrastructure Property Trust
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Anteros Metals Inc. (CSE: ANT) ("Anteros" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from drill hole RM26-01 at the Seagull Critical Minerals Project (the "Project"), located approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Project is operated by Rift Minerals Inc. ("Rift") under the option and joint venture agreement announced on October 9, 2025, pursuant to which Anteros may earn up to a 49% interest.

Assay results from selected intervals in RM26-01 have been received from ALS Chemex with sample preparation completed in Thunder Bay and sample analyses in Vancouver. Drill hole RM26-01 located at 356746mE and 5432238mN (NAD83Z16) was drilled at a dip of -87 with an azimuth of 180. As reported previously, the drill hole intersected discontinuous orthomagmatic sulphide mineralization in the basal cumulate sequence of the Seagull Intrusion between approximately 587 and 608 metres. Analysis for platinum group elements (PGEs) was completed using PGM-ICP24 (50 g fire assay with ICP-AES finish), and base metals using ME-ICP61 (four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish). QA/QC included inserted standards and blanks, which performed within acceptable limits.

Weighted average results using a 0.5 g/t Pt+Pd cutoff include:

7.25 m from 587.00 to 594.25 m grading 1.58 g/t Pt+Pd (0.72 ppm Pt, 0.86 ppm Pd), with 294 ppm Cu and 2168 ppm Ni.

1.00 m from 606.25 to 607.25 m grading 2.27 g/t Pt+Pd (1.02 ppm Pt, 1.25 ppm Pd), with 1660 ppm Cu and 2080 ppm Ni.

Higher-grade subsets using a 1.0 g/t Pt+Pd cutoff include 3.00 m from 591.25 to 594.25 m grading 2.26 g/t Pt+Pd and the 1.00 m interval at 2.27 g/t Pt+Pd noted above. These mineralized intersections approximate true width of the mineralized intervals. These results confirm the presence of PGE mineralization in the basal contact zone, consistent with historical intersections in the area (unverified by Anteros and provided for context only). The mineralization is disseminated to weakly net-textured, hosted in mafic-ultramafic cumulates.

Gas observations have now been recorded in three drill holes to date. In historical hole WM01-08 (2001), pressurized gas was reported with sustained flow observed over an extended period during initial drilling. In RM26-01 (2026), a pressurized gas occurrence was intersected at ~877 m (initial 37 kPa pressure and 500 ppm CO2). Pressure decreased with time and had declined to negligible levels by the time sample canisters were on site, preventing collection of gas. The hole was sealed for monitoring of potential gas recharge. During the recent extension of historical hole WM00-05 to 900 m, minor anomalous CO indications were detected at ~882 m in joints and fractures within Quetico metasedimentary rocks. These were periodic and non-sustained, with no measurable pressure or flow sufficient for sampling at the time. These preliminary gas indications across multiple holes are encouraging and support the presence of gas-bearing structures in the basement rocks beneath the Seagull Intrusion, warranting further targeted evaluation to assess potential composition, volume, and continuity.

Preparations are underway to resume drilling on selected existing historical holes by late April to early May 2026, subject to field conditions. This next phase will leverage historical infrastructure to further test the basal PGE zones and evaluate the gas-bearing structures identified to date in a cost-effective manner.

"The RM26-01 assays confirm PGE mineralization in the basal contact and support continuity with historical intersections, strengthening the critical minerals potential at Seagull," said Trumbull Fisher, CEO of Anteros Metals Inc. "The observation of gas indications in three holes to date, including historical sustained flow in WM01-08, is encouraging and highlights the presence of a gas system that merits continued investigation. We look forward to resuming drilling in the spring to advance both the PGE and gas objectives."

All observations remain preliminary, and further evaluation, including additional sampling, analysis, and drilling, is ongoing.



QUALIFIED PERSON

The scientific and technical information in this release relating to the Seagull Project has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Geoff Heggie, P.Geo. (Ontario), a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, independent of Anteros Metals Inc.

ABOUT ANTEROS METALS INC.

Anteros Metals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing projects in Newfoundland and Labrador and select Canadian jurisdictions, targeting critical minerals relevant to the energy transition.

ABOUT RIFT MINERALS INC.



Rift Minerals Inc. is a private Ontario-based corporation operating the Seagull Project.

For further information:

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding assay results, gas observations, exploration plans, and resumption of drilling. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove incorrect and is subject to risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/288353

Source: Anteros Metals Inc.
IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Netlist, Inc. (OTCQB:NLST), today announced that the Company strongly supports the Trump Administration's decision to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the trade practices of South Korea and fifteen other economies. Netlist calls on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to directly confront the systematic misappropriation of U.S. intellectual property - particularly in the semiconductor sector - which has played a central role in South Korea's structural trade advantage.

"For over 25 years, Netlist has invested hundreds of millions of dollars developing foundational memory technologies that now power AI computing platforms worldwide, including products manufactured by Samsung," said C.K. Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Netlist. "U.S. federal courts have repeatedly upheld the validity of Netlist's patents and found that Samsung willfully infringed them. Despite these rulings, Samsung continues to ship infringing products into the United States without a license while challenging the very patents it was found to violate. This conduct undermines American innovation and competition. The Section 301 investigation must be used to impose real accountability."

Multiple U.S. federal juries have found Samsung liable for willful infringement of Netlist's patented AI memory technologies, awarding cumulative damages exceeding $420 million. By refusing to license and continuing to sell infringing products in the U.S. market, Samsung has secured an unlawful cost advantage that effectively subsidizes South Korean semiconductor exports at the expense of a U.S. innovator.

This misconduct is compounded by opacity in global semiconductor supply chains. In 2025, South Korea exported approximately $173 billion in semiconductors, with DRAM and NAND memory representing its largest export category. Industry analysts estimate that more than 70% of these chips are ultimately purchased by U.S. customers, yet only about $15 billion was recorded as direct U.S. imports from Korea. The remainder entered the United States indirectly, embedded in finished products such as GPUs, servers, and networking equipment assembled in countries including Taiwan, Mexico, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

As a result, the officially reported 2025 U.S.-Korea trade deficit of $56 billion materially understates the true imbalance, which analysts estimate likely exceeds $150 billion. This distortion is expected to intensify in 2026 as the global DRAM market - dominated by South Korean producers - is forecast to more than triple amid the ongoing semiconductor upcycle.

In addition to enforcing U.S. intellectual property rights, Netlist urges USTR to ensure that the Section 301 investigation fully addresses both unlawful IP exploitation and the structural trade mechanisms that conceal its economic impact.

About Netlist

Netlist is a leading innovator in advanced memory and storage solutions. With a rich portfolio of patented technologies, Netlist's inventions are foundational to the advancement of AI computing. To learn more about Netlist, please visit www.netlist.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, without limitation, statements about Netlist's ability to execute on its strategic initiatives, its positioning to capitalize on market trends, the results of pending litigations and Netlist's ability to successfully defend its intellectual property. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and often address future events or Netlist's future performance and reflect management's present expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: risks that Netlist may not be able to collect the substantial amount in damages previously awarded to it in its litigations (appeals in general could cause a lengthy delay in Netlist's ability to collect damages awards, could overturn the verdicts or reduce the damages awards); risks that Netlist will suffer adverse outcomes in its litigation with Samsung, Micron or Google or in its various other active proceedings to defend the validity of its patents; risks related to Netlist's plans for its intellectual property, including its strategies for monetizing, licensing, expanding, and defending its patent portfolio; risks associated with patent infringement litigation initiated by Netlist, or by others against Netlist, as well as the costs and unpredictability of any such litigation; risks associated with Netlist's product sales, including the market and demand for products sold by Netlist and its ability to successfully develop and launch new products that are attractive to the market; the success of product, joint development and licensing partnerships; the competitive landscape of Netlist's industry; and general economic, political and market conditions, factory slowdowns and/or shutdowns, and changes in international trade and tariff policies. All forward-looking statements reflect management's present assumptions, expectations and beliefs regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Netlist's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and the other filings it makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including any subsequently filed quarterly and current reports. In particular, you are encouraged to review the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2025 that will be filed with the SEC for any revisions or updates to the information in this release. In light of these risks, uncertainties and other factors, these forward-looking statements should not be relied on as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements represent Netlist's assumptions, expectations and beliefs only as of the date they are made, and except as required by law, Netlist undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

For more information, please contact:

Investors / Media

Mike Smargiassi

The Plunkett Group

NLST@theplunkettgroup.com

(212) 739-6729

SOURCE: Netlist, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/netlist-urges-strong-ustr-action-in-section-301-investigation-int-1147376
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Sol Systems, a leading national clean energy developer and independent power producer (IPP), today announced the acquisition of the 330 MWdc Wolf Creek Renewable Energy Center from national solar developer US Solar, further expanding Sol's growing portfolio in Southern Illinois and reinforcing its expertise in developing solar projects on former mine lands.

Located in Saline County, Illinois, the Wolf Creek project sits approximately five miles from Sol's 342 MW-dc Eldorado Solar Project

Cannot view this image? Visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11299/288388_solsystemfig1.jpg

Located in Saline County, Illinois, the Wolf Creek project sits approximately five miles from Sol's 342 MW-dc Eldorado Solar Project and is similarly sited atop a historic subsurface mine - much like Sol's Tilden Solar Project in Randolph County, Illinois. The acquisition reflects Sol's continued commitment to revitalizing legacy energy communities through responsible clean energy development.

"Wolf Creek is a natural extension of our work in Saline County," said Andrew Grin, SVP of M&A and Strategic Partnerships at Sol Systems. "Our team has developed deep experience building on subsurface mine sites and strong relationships within this community. We're honored that US Solar saw our work at Eldorado and Tilden and trusted Sol to carry Wolf Creek forward. That trust reflects the strong alignment between our teams and our shared commitment to responsible, community-focused development and land stewardship."

US Solar originated and advanced the Wolf Creek project through the early stages of development, including land acquisition, permitting, and grid interconnection. The company began outreach to the landowners in December 2021 and worked closely with Saline County officials and stakeholders to advance the project, securing a conditional land use permit in September 2024.

Wolf Creek is part of a portfolio of US Solar projects progressing through the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO) DPP-2022 interconnection cycle, highlighting the company's continued investment in bringing solar and energy storage projects to market across the Midwest.

The project underscores Sol's strategy of pairing infrastructure investment with local impact. In Saline County, Sol has partnered with local schools, workforce development programs, and community organizations to ensure its projects deliver long-term economic benefits alongside clean energy generation. With Wolf Creek's proximity to Eldorado, Sol is well positioned to leverage local knowledge, workforce partnerships, and community relationships to advance the project efficiently and responsibly.

"Wolf Creek reflects the high-quality development work that defines US Solar's approach - identifying strong sites, building relationships with landowners and communities, and advancing projects through the complex permitting and interconnection process," said Reed Richerson, US Solar President. "Sol Systems has demonstrated leadership in developing complex solar projects in Illinois, particularly on former mine lands. Given their experience at Eldorado and Tilden and their established presence in Saline County, Sol was the right partner to take Wolf Creek into its next phase."

The acquisition builds on the longstanding relationship between Sol Systems and US Solar and reflects shared confidence in project execution, financial structuring, and community engagement.

Sol Systems continues to be a national leader in deploying solar energy on brownfields and former mine lands, transforming previously industrial sites into productive clean energy assets. Through projects like Eldorado, Tilden, and now Wolf Creek, Sol Systems is helping accelerate that transition while honoring the region's energy heritage.

About Sol Systems

Sol Systems is an Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities. With a multi-GW pipeline, Sol integrates energy storage and grid resiliency solutions to deliver reliable, sustainable power to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, and schools. Through strategic partnerships and community reinvestment, Sol ensures clean energy development drives long-term economic and environmental benefits. Founded in 2008 and led by its founder, Sol Systems is dedicated to shaping an energy future we can all believe in.

About US Solar

Founded in 2014, US Solar is a developer, owner, operator, and financier of solar generation and storage projects with a focus on emerging state markets and community solar programs. The company helps utilities, partners, communities and residents expand access to clean energy across the country and save on electric costs. With more than 300 Megawatts of completed projects and over 2 Gigawatts in development or construction, US Solar is trusted nationwide. Visit www.us-solar.com for more.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288388

Source: Sol Systems
Tax professionals say many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe shutting down a company eliminates unpaid tax obligations, but the IRS may still pursue owners for certain debts.

IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / For struggling entrepreneurs, closing a business can feel like the final step in moving on from financial hardship. But tax professionals warn that shutting down operations does not necessarily end a company's obligations to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to tax resolution firm Clear Start Tax, many former business owners are surprised to learn that certain tax debts - particularly payroll taxes - can remain enforceable even after a business has dissolved, filed final paperwork, or stopped operating altogether.

"Closing the doors of a business doesn't erase its tax responsibilities," said the Head of Client Solutions at Clear Start Tax. "In many cases, the IRS can still pursue the individuals responsible for the company's tax compliance, especially when payroll taxes are involved."

One of the most significant risks involves what are known as "trust fund taxes," which include payroll taxes withheld from employees' wages. These funds are considered money held on behalf of the government, and if they are not properly remitted, the IRS may assess a Trust Fund Recovery Penalty against responsible individuals.

Clear Start Tax notes that this penalty can extend beyond the company itself, potentially making owners, officers, or other responsible parties personally liable for unpaid payroll tax balances.

"Many business owners assume that once the business entity is dissolved, the tax debt stays with the company," said a senior tax analyst at Clear Start Tax. "But payroll taxes are treated differently. The IRS has the authority to pursue responsible individuals directly."

Even outside of payroll tax issues, closing a business does not necessarily resolve outstanding filing requirements. Former owners may still need to file final business returns, report asset sales, or address previously unfiled tax periods. Failure to do so can lead to additional penalties or enforcement actions.

Tax professionals say the confusion often arises because the legal process of dissolving a company through state agencies is separate from the IRS's tax enforcement process.

"State dissolution paperwork and federal tax compliance are two different things," the Clear Start Tax representative explained. "A business might be closed from a legal standpoint, but the IRS can still pursue unresolved tax matters."

In some situations, taxpayers who have closed businesses may still qualify for IRS resolution programs designed to help manage or reduce tax debt. These options can include payment arrangements or other relief pathways depending on the taxpayer's financial circumstances.

By answering a few simple questions , taxpayers can find out if they're eligible for the IRS Fresh Start Program and take the first step toward resolving their tax debt.

"Former business owners shouldn't assume the situation is hopeless," the Clear Start Tax analyst added. "Understanding your options early can make a significant difference in how the issue is resolved."

As economic conditions continue to pressure small businesses, tax professionals say awareness of post-closure tax obligations is becoming increasingly important for entrepreneurs navigating difficult financial decisions.

About Clear Start Tax

Clear Start Tax is a tax resolution firm based in Irvine, California, that assists individuals and businesses in addressing federal and state tax issues. The company works with taxpayers to navigate IRS programs, resolve outstanding tax liabilities, and develop strategies aimed at achieving long-term financial stability.

Need Help With Back Taxes?

Click the link below:

https://clearstarttax.com/qualifytoday/

(888) 710-3533

Contact Information

Clear Start Tax

Corporate Communications Department

tech@clearstarttax.com

(949) 800-4011

SOURCE: Clear Start Tax

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/closing-a-business-doesnt-close-your-irs-liability-clear-start-t-1146174
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - The latest episode of the DesignRush Podcast features Jeff Finkelstein, founder of digital agency Customer Paradigm, explaining why marketing campaigns can fail when website performance and structure prevent visitors from converting.

Jeff Finkelstein, founder of digital agency Customer Paradigm, joins host Kia Johnson on episode No. 130 of the DesignRush Podcast.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10587/288389_3004db492406e9ab_001full.jpg

In the conversation, Finkelstein explains that website performance determines whether visitors become customers. Slow pages, unclear navigation, and systems that can't handle demand can reduce the impact of marketing campaigns.

"Ads are really important, but they're only the first step. If you don't have a good way to catch people and convert that sale, it's just burning money on ad spend," he told DesignRush's Kia Johnson.

In this episode, he discusses:

How website performance affects purchases and advertising costs

How traffic spikes reveal infrastructure weaknesses

How organic search drives sustained visibility

How structure, content clarity, and user expectations influence conversions

He also shares examples from his experience working with large energy providers, manufacturing companies, and enterprise technology organizations.

Want to be a guest on the DesignRush Podcast? Email spotlight@designrush.com to get featured.

About Jeff Finkelstein

Jeff Finkelstein is the founder of Customer Paradigm, a Boulder-based interactive marketing agency that helps organizations improve digital performance through eCommerce development, search engine optimization, and web marketing. Through his work, he has supported brands in building stronger online visibility and scalable digital platforms.

About DesignRush

DesignRush is a media platform and B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews, agency rankings, awards, industry insights, and curated agency recommendations for vetted projects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288389

Source: DesignRush
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - T2 Metals Corp. (TSXV: TWO) (OTCQB: TWOSF) (WKN: A3DVMD) ("T2 Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to strong demand, the Company has increased its non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing"), announced on February 27, 2026, by up to $ 2.6 million. The Company now proposes to issue an aggregate of up to 15,200,000 units (each a "Unit"), at a price of $0.50 per Unit, to raise up to $ 7,600,000.

Each Unit will consist of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.75 for a period of two years from closing. Insiders may be participating in the Financing. Finders' fees may be paid on a portion of the Financing and net proceeds will be used for working capital and exploration.

Mark Saxon, CEO of T2 Metals Corp. said "We have received excellent interest from new and existing investors in our current private placement and have elected to increase the financing size. Our gold and silver assets in the Yukon are drawing plenty of attention and we are looking forward to a successful 2026."

All securities issued in the Financing are subject to a four-month hold period and to all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements.

About T2 Metals Corp (TSXV: TWO) (OTCQB: TWOSF) (WKN: A3DVMD)

T2 Metals Corp is an emerging copper and precious metal company enhancing shareholder value through exploration and discovery. T2 Metals is committed to engage with rights holders and stakeholders with the highest level of respect, ensuring that our exploration activities contribute positively to the communities in which we operate.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in certain cases, information provided or disseminated by third parties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, and that information obtained from third party sources is reliable, they can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks include uncertainties relating to exploration activities. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288383

Source: T2 Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC: FASLF) (FSE: 9TZ0) ("First Andes" or the "Company") today announced that, effective opening of trading on March 13, 2026, its common shares will be quoted on the OTC Markets platform under the symbol "FASLF". The new symbol aligns with the Company's stock symbol on the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company also confirms that its common shares are eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC simplifies the process of trading, reducing transaction costs and enhances the liquidity of the company's shares in the United States.

About First Andes Silver Ltd.

First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district approximately 55 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, is situated within a well-known intermediate-sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface that had never been historically drilled or explored using modern techniques prior to 2024. Across two phases of diamond drilling (2024-2025), First Andes has reported strong near-surface epithermal silver intercepts in 21 of 26 drill holes, confirming silver mineralization across multiple vein systems and supporting systematic, project-wide exploration and follow-up drilling in 2026.

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 a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. 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 undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service 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/288352

Source: First Andes Silver Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) (OTCQB: NOPFF) ("NOP" or the "Company"), a B.C. based leader in organic sedimentary phosphate exploration, is pleased to announce that CEO, Robin Dow, will be featured in a Saturday March 14th broadcast of Business Television (BTV) Discover Investing Opportunities on the Fox Business Channel.

For 28 years, BTV - Business Television has been on the air as the go-to half-hour investment show for savvy investors, delivering exclusive on-location interviews and actionable insights with emerging companies, industry leaders, and market experts. As the resource cycle accelerates, BTV - Business Television highlights companies turning exploration, innovation and strategic growth into actionable opportunity.

BTV Broadcast Times

Fox Business Channel - Saturday March 14th @ 5:00pm EST (2:00pm PST)

Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) (OTCQB: NOPFF)

NOP is a junior exploration company with an organic sedimentary raw rock phosphate bed, 6.6 kilometres long, in northeast Nevada. Additional applications extend the potential strike of rock phosphate to over 30 kilometres. This is believed to be the only known large-scale organic sedimentary phosphate project in North America. It is situated close to the main highway to Montello/Elko, Nevada, and near the rail head to California.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services providers have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information ("FLSI") within the meaning

of applicable securities laws. FLSI may include expectations, anticipations, beliefs, opinions, plans, intentions, estimates, forecasts, projections, guidance or other similar statements and information that are not historical facts. All statements which are not historical statements are considered FLSI. All FLSI is based on assumptions, which may prove inaccurate, and subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's public securities filings, which may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in FLSI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance or value on FLSI. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any FLSI in this news release are reasonable at the present time, it can give no assurance that such FLSI will prove to be correct. Any FLSI in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any FLSI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Any FLSI in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288326

Source: Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp. (TSXV: CGM) (OTCQB: CGMXF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chris Kinver to the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Kinver is a Mining Engineer with over 20 years' experience in the mining industry, predominantly in senior management roles across underground operations and mine development.

He currently serves as Vice President, Projects and Engineering at K92 Mining Inc. ("K92"), where he previously held positions including Project Director for the Kora Expansion and Mine Manager. Prior to joining K92, Mr. Kinver was Project Manager for OceanaGold Corporation's Didipio Underground Mine in the Philippines for approximately three years, where he successfully led the transition of the operation from an open pit mine to a 1.6 Mtpa long-hole stoping underground operation, delivered safely, on time and on budget. Earlier in his career, Mr. Kinver held senior operational leadership roles including Underground Mine Manager with BHP Billiton at the Perseverance Nickel Mine, one of the largest underground mining operations in Western Australia, and Underground Mine Manager with Barrick Gold Corporation at the Plutonic Gold Mine in Western Australia. He also worked as a Principal Engineer with the mining consulting firm Wardell Armstrong LLP. Mr. Kinver holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining and Mineral Engineering) with Honours from the Camborne School of Mines and a First Class Western Australian Mine Manager's Certificate. He has held statutory mine management positions in Australia and holds professional registrations with the Institution of Engineers Australia, the Engineering Institution of Zambia, and the Engineers Registration Board of Tanzania.

Additional to the appointment of Mr. Kinver, the Company is pleased to announce the appointments of James Burns, Mike Hofer and Mick Carew to a newly formed Advisory Board.

Mr. Burns is an experienced business leader and has spent most of his career as a private equity investor, manager of investments and operator. Prior to a former position as CEO and Vice Chairman of a publicly traded Alberta-based company with more than 2,500 employees, he was a partner at the Gordon Investment Corporation whose major shareholders included GE Capital, Kuwait Investment Office, Yasuda Trust and Banking, CIBC and Hutchison Whampoa. Mr. Burns was also previously Managing Director at Gordon Capital and Managing Director at CIBC Wood Gundy. Mr. Burns experience also includes a past role as Chief of Staff to Canada's Deputy Prime Minister as well as Chair of the Chief of Staffs Committee. He holds a graduate degree from the London School of Economics & Political Science and an undergraduate degree from The Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business.

Mr. Hofer is an environmental professional and the principal of Headlands Environmental, an environmental services company with a track record of success managing a variety of projects for all levels of industry, government and First Nations. While Mr. Hofer's experience is international, his primary focus has been in Canada on large scale environmental, land-use and infrastructure projects in collaboration with First Nations.

Dr. Carew is a PhD geologist with over 25 years in the mining sector. His extensive experience spans major companies like BHP and Ivanhoe Mines, where he focused on exploration across Australia, Canada, and Asia. Dr. Carew was also a mining equity analyst with Haywood Securities. He provides a combination of on-the-ground exploration success alongside extensive project/technical assessment experience and capital market/company analysis.

Canadian Goldfields Chief Executive Officer and Director, John G. Booth states, "Post the recent acquisition of the Miminiska Gold Project in Ontario and concurrent equity financing, the Company has attracted outstanding new additions to an already strong team as evidenced within today's news release. In anticipation of an upcoming and fully funded 2026 exploration program, we look forward to continuing updating shareholders as we advance corporately and on the ground."

Adoption of Security Based Compensation Plan and Grant of Stock Options and RSUs

The Company also announces the adoption of a fixed securities base compensation plan (the "SBC Plan"). SBC Plan's purpose is to (i) provide the Company with a mechanism to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified directors, officers, employees, and consultants; (ii) align the interest of such directors, officers, employees, and consultants with that of other shareholders of the Company; and (iii) enable and encourage them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company.

The SBC Plan permits the grant of Restricted Share Units (as defined in the SBC Plan) and Deferred Share Units (as defined in the SBC Plan) (Restricted Share Units and Deferred Share Units collectively referred to as "Awards"). The maximum number of Awards that may be granted under the SBC Plan is fixed at 9,380,000. Further, the maximum number of shares for which Awards and other share compensation issuable to: (i) any participant shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding shares within any one year period, (ii) a consultant shall not exceed 2% of the outstanding shares within any one year period; and (ii) insiders as a group shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding shares. No persons providing investor relations activities may be granted Awards under the SBC Plan. All Awards are subject to a mandatory one year vesting requirement. The SBC Plan is subject to approval of the shareholders at the Company's new annual general meeting (the "AGM").

The Company's board of directors has approved the grant of 9,350,000 stock options, exercisable at a price of $0.45 per common share for a period of five years and (subject to shareholder approval at the Company's next annual general meeting) 7,925,000 RSUs that entitle the holder to a common share of the Company to directors, advisors and various consultants. Of the stock options granted, 50,000 are granted for investor relations and subject to the 12 month vesting requirements under the TSX Venture Exchange rules. The RSUs have a one year vesting period and expire three years from grant.

Investor Relations Engagement

The Company also announces that it has entered into an investor relations agreement, dated March 11, 2026, with Conrad Orzel whereby the Company has engaged Mr. Orzel for a period from March 11, 2026 to September 11, 2026 to provide inbound and outbound communications management, non-deal road show management, and investor meeting management services to the company. In consideration of the services, the Company will pay $3,000 per month and grant 50,000 stock options at $0.45 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The options will vest in equal tranches of 25% every three months following their grant date.

Following the initial term, the agreement shall automatically renew on a month-to-month basis, unless terminated. The agreement is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Mr. Orzel is based in Vancouver, B.C. Other than the options, Mr. Orzel does not hold any of the Company's securities.

Additional Information

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/288357

Source: Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp.
Kontron America today announced a strategic partnership with SiMa.ai to bring advanced, production-ready edge AI to industrial markets through the new KBox A-151 EAI platform. At the core of this collaboration is a shared vision: transforming powerful AI silicon into deployable, long-life industrial systems. The KBox A-151 EAI is engineered specifically to empower the integrated SiMa.ai MLSoC Modalix accelerator, delivering more than 50 TOPS of dedicated AI performance within a fully integrated, industrial-grade edge platform.

Rather than treating AI acceleration as a standalone component, Kontron provides the robust, scalable vehicle that allows the SiMa.ai mezzanine technology to operate at its full potential in real-world, mission-critical environments.

Industrial Edge AI Platform with Integrated SiMa.ai Acceleration

The KBox A-151 EAI is a high-performance industrial edge AI computer purpose-built for multimodal control and autonomous systems. Its dual-processor architecture combines 13th Gen Intel Core or Intel Atom processing with deterministic AI inference powered by SiMa.ai. This ensures reliable separation of business logic and edge intelligence for maximum system stability.

Designed for industrial automation, energy, medical technology, and intelligent transportation, the fanless and passively cooled chassis maximizes efficiency without thermal throttling. The platform supports real-time video analytics, GenAI, LLM, LMM, and CNN workloads, along with full end-to-end vision pipelines and multi-sensor integration.

Through seamless integration with the Palette SDK and Edgematic, customers can deploy complex multimodal models quickly using standard ML frameworks, accelerating time to market without costly redesigns.

Partnership Built for Physical AI

This collaboration centers on enabling physical AI at the edge. The KBox A-151 EAI is engineered for real-time multimodal interaction with the physical world, combining vision, audio, and sensor data into actionable intelligence. Flexible I/O, scalable memory, and industrial certifications make it deployment-ready for demanding environments.

By integrating SiMa.ai's MLSoC acceleration into a long-life, secure, and hardened edge platform, Kontron ensures customers gain both breakthrough AI performance and the reliability required for industrial operations.

"Our partnership with SiMa.ai allows us to deliver not just AI capability, but a complete industrial platform that enables it to thrive. The KBox A-151 EAI ensures customers can deploy powerful edge AI with confidence, longevity, and operational reliability," says RJ Mclaren.

Live Demonstration at Embedded World

Kontron America and SiMa.ai will showcase a live demonstration of the KBox A-151 EAI at Embedded World in the Kontron booth.

Are you smarter than our KBox Edge AI?

Ask it anything. Explore multimodal performance. Put the brain to work and see real-time multimodal AI inference in action. The live demo highlights how the partnership transforms advanced AI acceleration into practical, industrial-ready intelligence at the edge.

For more information about the KBox A-151 EAI and the Kontron-SiMa.ai partnership, visit the Kontron booth at Embedded World, hall 3, booth 159.

Follow Kontron:

Kontron on LinkedIn

News about Kontron can also be found in the official Kontron blog

About Kontron

Kontron AG (www.kontron.com, ISIN AT0000A0E9W5, WKN A0X9EJ, KTN) is a leading IoT technology company. For more than 20 years, Kontron has been supporting companies from a wide range of industries to achieve their business goals with intelligent solutions. From automated industrial operations, smarter and safer transport to advanced communications, connectivity, medical, and energy solutions, the company delivers technologies that add value for its customers. With the acquisition of Katek SE in early 2024, Kontron significantly strengthens its portfolio with the new GreenTec division, focusing on solar energy and eMobility, and grows to around 7,000 employees in over 20 countries worldwide. Kontron is listed on the SDAX and TecDAX of the German Stock Exchange.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312555878/en/

Contacts:

Tayler Pignolet

tayler.pignolet@kontron.com
MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Luminar Media Group, Inc. (OTCID:LRGR) ("Luminar" or the "Company"), a diversified financial holding company focused on revenue-based financing solutions for small and mid-sized businesses and operating under the Fortun brand, today provided a general business update addressing certain previously disclosed corporate initiatives.

Corporate Name and Ticker Symbol Alignment

The Company expects to implement its previously disclosed corporate name change and ticker symbol change in the near term. Any related ticker symbol change will remain subject to applicable approvals, regulatory processing, and customary public disclosure.

At this time, the Company notes that no reverse stock split is being undertaken concurrently with the contemplated name and ticker symbol change.

Registration Statement Process Update

As previously disclosed, the Company has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement (DRS) on Form S-1 to the SEC for review. The Company received the initial SEC response on February 10th, 2026. The review process is ongoing. Because the submission remains nonpublic at this stage, the Company does not intend to provide further comment regarding that process except as may be required by applicable law or in connection with any future public filing.

A draft submission for nonpublic review does not appear on EDGAR unless and until the registration statement is publicly filed.

Audit and Year-End Financial Reporting Update

The Company previously announced that audited financial statements for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 were completed and included in its initial confidential registration statement submission materials.

As part of the ongoing review process, audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025 will also be required for inclusion in the registration statement materials.

The Company is currently working with its independent auditors to complete the 2025 audit. However, because this period coincides with a high volume of reporting deadlines for many issuers and service providers, the Company has been advised by its auditor that completion may occur later, with the current expectation being no later than the end of April 2026, although timing remains subject to change.

Accordingly, the Company currently expects to file its fiscal year 2025 year-end disclosure with OTC Markets by the March 31, 2026 deadline in accordance with the OTC Markets Alternative Reporting Standard under which the Company currently reports. If the initial filing is submitted on an unaudited basis, the Company expects to subsequently amend or supplement that disclosure once the audit is completed.

Upon completion of the audit, the Company intends to update its disclosure record and any registration statement materials as appropriate. Timing remains subject to completion of audit procedures and the SEC review process.

Board Composition and Governance

As previously announced, the Company appointed Juan M. Sese as Chief Financial Officer.

In addition, the Company is actively evaluating executive and board-level candidates as part of its broader governance planning. Board questionnaires and related diligence processes have been initiated in coordination with counsel as the Company assesses potential director candidates, including individuals who may satisfy independence standards applicable to a national securities exchange.

Any such appointments, if made, will be publicly announced through the Company's standard disclosure channels.

Credit Facility Initiative

The Company recently disclosed that it is exploring the establishment of a potential credit facility or line of credit. Any such financing, if obtained, would be intended to supplement, and not alter, the Company's previously announced business strategy.

Management stated that the primary objective of such a facility would be to provide additional non-dilutive capital that could expand the Company's capacity to fund small-business receivables through its platform. There can be no assurance that any such facility will be obtained or, if obtained, on what terms.

Management Commentary

Management stated that the Company is focused on its ongoing operations and on the evaluation and execution of previously disclosed corporate initiatives, subject to applicable approvals and market conditions. Except as described above, the Company is not announcing any additional material corporate developments at this time.

About Luminar Media Group, Inc.

Luminar Media Group, Inc. (OTCID:LRGR), through its subsidiaries operating under the Fortun brand (FortunCo, LLC; Fortun Advance, LLC; Fortun Funding, LLC; Fortun Online, LLC and affiliates), provides revenue-based financing solutions primarily to small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. The Company's mission is to empower underserved entrepreneurs - particularly within Latino and minority business communities - by offering accessible, transparent, and data-driven capital alternatives. Fortun's technology-enabled platform evaluates ACH activity, sales data, and other financial indicators to deliver rapid funding decisions and support sustainable growth.

For more information: www.fortunco.com

CONTACT:

Hayden IR

James Carbonara

(646) 755-7412

james@haydenir.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release is provided solely as a general business update and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated audit timing, financial reporting plans, potential corporate name or ticker symbol changes, possible reverse stock split considerations, board composition efforts, credit facility discussions, registration statement process, and any potential uplisting or national exchange strategy.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, and internal planning, all of which are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, regulatory review, market conditions, third-party actions, and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control. There can be no assurance that any audit will be completed by any particular date, that any registration statement will become effective, that any financing facility will be secured, that any corporate action will occur, or that the Company will satisfy the requirements for or successfully complete any uplisting or exchange listing.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Luminar Media Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/luminar-media-group-fortun-provides-general-business-update-on-corpo-1147328
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - The Organization of American and Canadian Women in Public Relations (Women in PR North America) is pleased to announce that applications are open for companies interested in exhibiting at the Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference, the organization's flagship event focused on health, wealth, and wellbeing in the workplace.

Taking place on May 8, 2026, at Hart House in Toronto, during Women's Health Month, the Women in PR North America WorkWell Conference will bring together public relations, investor relations, communications, marketing and business professionals for a day of professional development, wellness networking breaks, and conversations about the future of the industry.

Companies that support communications professionals, from media monitoring platforms and technology providers to wellness brands and professional service firms, are invited to apply to showcase their products and services through the conference's exhibitor showcase.

"The WorkWell Conference is designed to support professionals who are building meaningful careers while prioritizing wellbeing," said Talia Beckett Davis, Founder of Women in PR North America. "We're excited to invite organizations to connect directly with attendees and share solutions that help professionals thrive."

The conference will include conversations about the future of public relations and investor relations, the integration of AI into communications strategy, the rise of creator-driven visibility, ethical and human-centered leadership, and how to build profitable, sustainable businesses without sacrificing wellbeing. Together, these themes reflect the growing responsibility communicators hold to drive results, shape culture, influence trust, and lead with resilience in a rapidly changing landscape.

Companies interested in exhibiting are invited to apply through the official application form.

Tickets are now available, and attendees are encouraged to book early to confirm a spot. Additional details on registration, the agenda, and speakers can be found on the conference website.







About Women in PR North America

Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. (Women in PR Canada) and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA) is a leading organization dedicated to supporting women in public relations, investor relations, and communications. Together, the organizations form Women in PR North America, with a mission to elevate women leaders and amplify their impact across the U.S. and Canada through events, education, advocacy, and community.

Conference Committee: Alliance B. Daniels, Callum Haney, Candice So, Elizabeth Binette, and Talia Beckett Davis.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288362

Source: The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd.
Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Central Iron Ore Ltd. (TSXV: CIO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press releases of February 10, 2026 and February 26, 2026, it has closed its upsized non-brokered private placement financing through the issuance of 4,416,652 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.072 per Unit for gross proceeds of $317,998.94 (the "Offering").

Each Unit was comprised of one ordinary share in the capital of the Company (each, an "Ordinary Share") and one Ordinary Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Ordinary Share at a price of $0.12 per Ordinary Share until October 15, 2030.

Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for contribution to the Company's South Darlot joint venture, drilling at the Company's British King Mine Area, and for corporate and general working capital purposes. All securities issued in connection with 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.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities 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 or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

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.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the market for iron ore or other minerals that may be produced generally, recent market volatility; variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties. The reader is referred to the Company's disclosure documents for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288395

Source: Central Iron Ore Limited
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As healthcare organizations continue to rely heavily on digital platforms to manage patient data, operational workflows, and cloud-based applications, optimizing cloud infrastructure has become a critical priority. Hyperlink InfoSystem, a globally recognized technology solutions provider, recently helped a multinational healthcare organization significantly reduce its cloud infrastructure expenses by successfully migrating its systems from Microsoft Azure to Amazon Web Services (AWS). The strategic migration not only improved system scalability and performance but also helped the organization achieve an estimated $10 million in cost savings. Businesses interested in understanding how such cloud transformations are implemented can explore how Hyperlink InfoSystem supports enterprises through Azure to AWS migration for healthcare organization.

The healthcare organization, operating across multiple countries, was experiencing increasing cloud infrastructure costs and performance limitations as its digital services expanded. Managing large volumes of patient records, medical reports, and internal communication systems required a highly scalable and cost-efficient cloud environment. Hyperlink InfoSystem conducted a comprehensive analysis of the organization's existing Azure infrastructure and identified opportunities to optimize resource allocation, storage management, and computing efficiency through a carefully planned migration to AWS.

Through a structured migration strategy, Hyperlink InfoSystem ensured minimal disruption to ongoing healthcare operations. The team re-architected several cloud workloads, optimized storage configurations, and implemented automated scaling capabilities on AWS. These improvements enabled the healthcare organization to handle growing data demands while maintaining strong security and compliance standards required within the healthcare sector. As a result, the organization was able to streamline its cloud operations and significantly reduce its long-term infrastructure costs.

According to Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, the project highlights how the right cloud strategy can create substantial financial and operational benefits for large enterprises. "Many organizations continue to operate on cloud environments that were initially chosen without long-term scalability or cost optimization in mind. Our goal is to help businesses evaluate their infrastructure and identify opportunities where modern cloud architecture can improve performance while reducing costs. This migration project demonstrates how strategic cloud transformation can deliver measurable results for enterprise clients," said Harnil.

By successfully completing this Azure to AWS migration, Hyperlink InfoSystem reinforced its expertise in enterprise cloud transformation and infrastructure optimization. The project serves as an example of how organizations, particularly in data-intensive industries such as healthcare, can benefit from strategic cloud migration to improve operational efficiency and control infrastructure expenses. Businesses looking to modernize their cloud infrastructure can connect with Hyperlink InfoSystem to explore tailored cloud migration strategies designed to support long-term scalability and cost efficiency.

About Hyperlink InfoSystem

Founded in 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem is a leading IT services provider headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, with offices in the USA, UK, Canada, France, and UAE. The company has worked with over 2,700 clients worldwide, delivering 4,500+ apps, 2,600+ websites, and cutting-edge IT solutions across industries. Known for its innovative approach, Hyperlink InfoSystem consistently ranks among the world's top IT service providers.

Contact Details:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Harnil Oza

+1-309-791-4105

info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com



New York Address:

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton Street suite 8500,

New York, NY 10007,

United States



Ahmedabad Address:

C-308, Ganesh Meridian,

Opp. Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway,

Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061

India



London Address:

Level 30, The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street,

London EC3V 4AB



Canada Address:

151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor,

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7,

Canada

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/how-hyperlink-infosystem-helped-a-multinational-healthcare-organization-save-10-million-by-migrating-from-azure-to-aws-302713395.html
Hanover, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing was recently recognized in the 2025 South Shore Community Choice Awards. The company was named the winner in the HVAC category and received runner-up recognition in the Plumbing category for the South Shore region.

The South Shore Community's Choice Awards invite residents to nominate and vote for local businesses and organizations across more than 150 categories. The program places the selection process in the hands of the community, allowing residents to recognize businesses that serve households and organizations across the region. The results reflect direct feedback from community members who interact with local businesses through everyday services.

Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing's recognition in the HVAC category and runner-up placement in plumbing come as many South Shore communities continue to manage aging residential infrastructure. A significant portion of homes in the region were built decades ago, and mechanical systems installed in those properties often require ongoing maintenance, repair, or replacement to maintain safe and reliable operation. As these systems age, homeowners increasingly prioritize dependable service providers who can address maintenance needs efficiently and communicate clearly throughout the process.

Seasonal conditions across Massachusetts also contribute to the ongoing demand for HVAC and plumbing services. Cold winter temperatures increase reliance on heating systems, while warmer and more humid summers place additional pressure on cooling equipment. These changing conditions require systems to operate year-round under varying demands, making timely service and reliable support important for homeowners managing residential infrastructure.

As a result, many residents seek service providers that demonstrate reliability, responsiveness, and transparency when addressing mechanical system needs. Companies that maintain organized service teams, clear scheduling processes, and direct communication with customers are often better positioned to respond quickly when heating, cooling, or plumbing issues arise. These operational practices help build long-term relationships with homeowners and businesses that rely on consistent support for essential systems.

Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing's recognition in the Community Choice Awards reflects the company's continued engagement with residents and property owners throughout the South Shore region. The company operates with dedicated service teams and scheduling systems designed to support timely response and clear communication when addressing service requests. These operational systems help ensure that service visits, repairs, heating and air conditioning installation, and system maintenance are handled efficiently while maintaining professional standards.

Receiving first place in the HVAC category and runner-up recognition in plumbing represents an important milestone for Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing as the Hanover HVAC company continues operating within the regional home services industry. The recognition highlights the role community voting plays in recognizing businesses that residents rely on to maintain essential home systems.

Looking ahead, Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing plans to continue serving homeowners and businesses across the South Shore while maintaining a focus on reliability, responsiveness, and clear communication.

About Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing

Trust 1 Heating, Cooling, Plumbing is based in Hanover, Massachusetts, and provides heating, cooling, and plumbing services for residential and commercial properties throughout the South Shore region. The company offers installation, repair, and maintenance services for HVAC systems as well as plumbing services for homes and businesses across surrounding communities.

Media Contact





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Source: GetFeatured
Portland, Maine--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Superior Roofing announced the opening of two new locations in Casco and Alfred, Maine, expanding the roofer's operations from a single office in Portland to three locations across the state. The new offices mark a milestone in the company's development and reflect ongoing efforts to support growing demand for roofing work across Maine.

The expansion increases Superior Roofing's presence in Cumberland County and York County, two areas where residential and commercial roofing needs have grown in recent years. Both Casco and Alfred include a mix of rural and suburban communities, many of which have aging housing stock that often requires roof repair or replacement. Population growth and residential development in parts of southern Maine have also contributed to an increase in roofing projects tied to new home construction and property improvements.

By establishing offices in Casco and Alfred, Superior Roofing is positioning its operations closer to communities where roofing work is increasingly required. The additional locations allow the company to coordinate projects, manage equipment, and schedule crews across a wider geographic area while maintaining its Portland office as a central operational hub.

The transition from one office to three locations represents a significant operational step for the company after nearly two decades of working in Maine. Expanding into new communities required planning around logistics, staffing, and equipment deployment to ensure the company could support work across multiple service areas. Internal coordination between team members played a key role in preparing the new locations for operation.

The company's team has been involved in organizing inventory, coordinating supply deliveries, and distributing vehicles and tools between offices to support day-to-day operations. Managing these logistical elements allows the company to carry out projects in different communities while maintaining consistent scheduling and job coordination.

Superior Roofing noted that the openings in Casco and Alfred are part of a broader effort to evaluate service gaps and identify communities where roofing work is in demand. The company plans to continue monitoring opportunities for expansion while strengthening operational systems that support work across multiple locations.

The opening of two additional offices marks a new stage in the company's development as it expands its operational presence in Maine. With three locations now in operation, Superior Roofing aims to maintain consistent project coordination while supporting communities across southern Maine.

About Superior Roofing:

Superior Roofing is a Maine-based roofing contractor headquartered in Portland. The company provides roofing installation and repair services for residential and commercial properties, including work involving shingles, rubber, rolled asphalt, and metal roofing systems. With more than 18 years of experience operating in Maine, Superior Roofing works with property owners across the region to address roofing repair, replacement, and installation needs.

Media Contact





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Source: GetFeatured
Janesville, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Tree Wise Men LLC announced its recent participation in a regional business networking event that brought together local companies, industry professionals, and community stakeholders. The event created an environment for organizations across the region to connect, exchange information, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Tree Wise Men LLC's attendance marked a step toward strengthening the company's visibility within the local business community and expanding its engagement with other professionals operating in the region.

Across many industries, companies are placing greater emphasis on regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector partnerships. Networking forums allow organizations to remain informed about market trends, operational practices, and regulatory considerations that may influence business operations. Tree Wise Men LLC's participation reflects an effort to remain active in professional spaces where local businesses can exchange information and build relationships that support ongoing organizational development.

Attendance at the networking event represented an internal milestone in Tree Wise Men LLC's operational planning. Company leadership identified the opportunity as part of a broader initiative to strengthen external engagement and increase corporate representation in professional forums throughout the region. Participation required coordination across internal teams to ensure the company was prepared to engage with other professionals and present its organizational perspective within a collaborative business environment.

The preparation process included aligning communication materials, defining outreach objectives, and coordinating staff participation. This internal preparation supported the company's broader effort to ensure that team members are equipped to represent the organization in professional settings while contributing constructively to regional business discussions.

Engagement with other businesses at the event also allowed Tree Wise Men LLC to exchange perspectives with professionals involved in property management, construction, landscaping, and related service sectors. Conversations at the event provided insight into how different industries address property maintenance, outdoor safety considerations, and operational coordination across multiple service providers. These exchanges contributed to a broader understanding of the challenges and priorities that organizations encounter when managing outdoor environments and property infrastructure.

Tree Wise Men LLC views participation in professional networking forums as part of a long-term strategy to remain engaged with the broader business community. As the tree removal company prepares for upcoming operational cycles and continued collaboration with regional partners, the team intends to participate in additional industry events and professional gatherings that align with the company's strategic objectives.

About Tree Wise Men LLC

Tree Wise Men LLC, established in 2010, provides tree care and seasonal property services in Janesville, Wisconsin, and surrounding communities. The company's services include tree removal, trimming, pruning, and snow removal for residential and commercial properties. Tree Wise Men LLC focuses on maintaining tree health, managing outdoor safety concerns, and supporting property maintenance needs throughout the region.











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Media Contact

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288398

Source: GetFeatured
Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Saifa AI, a new AI-powered business intelligence platform, has unveiled a solution that enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate private artificial intelligence (AI) systems trained on their own company data.





Saifa AI introduces a private business AI platform tailored for SME operations



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The platform is designed for businesses that want to use AI in daily operations but may not have access to enterprise-level systems due to cost or complexity. Saifa AI enables companies to build an AI environment that learns from internal business knowledge, including documents, product catalogs, customer conversations, and operational procedures.

Saifa AI also brings multiple communication channels into a single workspace, allowing teams to manage customer conversations, internal knowledge, and workflows with the support of AI trained specifically for their organization.

Addressing the SME AI gap

SMEs account for around 90% of businesses globally and contribute about half of global GDP. Yet many have limited access to advanced AI tools. Enterprise AI solutions are often designed for large organizations with extensive technical resources and budgets. At the same time, businesses that rely on public AI tools sometimes express concerns about how sensitive company information is handled when interacting with large public models.

Saifa AI was developed to address these challenges by giving companies a private AI environment that operates only on their own data.



"Many small and mid-sized businesses want to use AI but face barriers related to cost, technical complexity or concerns about data privacy," said Alpha Chong, CEO and Co-Founder of Saifa AI. "Our approach is to give each company its own AI environment that learns directly from its internal knowledge and daily operations."





Saifa AI introduces a private business AI platform tailored for SME operations



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Building private AI trained on company knowledge

The Saifa AI platform ingests a company's internal information and builds a knowledge layer that the AI can reference during interactions. This can include product documentation, policies, customer support records, internal procedures and other operational materials.

The system also incorporates a memory structure designed to retain institutional knowledge over time. As teams interact with the platform, the AI can reference past information and organizational context to support decision-making, customer communication and internal collaboration.

In addition to knowledge management, Saifa AI provides a unified workspace where teams can work with AI collaboratively. Customer conversations from different platforms can be consolidated into a single intelligent inbox, helping businesses monitor and respond to communication more efficiently.

"We designed Saifa AI to function as a working layer inside the business," Alpha said. "Instead of relying on generic responses, the system understands the company's products, policies and previous interactions. That allows teams to use AI in ways that are grounded in their own operations."

From agency operations to AI platform

The idea for Saifa AI emerged from Alpha's experience running digital agencies and building e-commerce operations across several global marketplaces.

"Running online businesses means constantly switching between tools, conversations and information sources," he said. "We wanted to build a platform where the company's knowledge, communications and workflows could exist in one environment, supported by AI that understands the business itself."

About Saifa AI

Saifa AI is an AI-powered business intelligence platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It enables companies to operate a private AI system trained on their own business data, helping teams manage knowledge, customer communications and internal operations within a collaborative AI workspace. Founded by entrepreneur Alpha Chong, Saifa AI focuses on providing accessible, company-trained AI environments for growing businesses.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288258

Source: B2Press BV
Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from its maiden Phase 1 reconnaissance reverse circulation ("RC") drill program completed at the Plomo claims within the Company's 100% owned EP Gold Project located in the prolific Caborca Gold Belt of Sonora, Mexico, a region that hosts several significant gold deposits and mining operations including La Herradura and Noche Buena, which are operated by Fresnillo plc.

The Phase 1 program comprised 22 RC drill holes completed across the San Perfecto (20 holes) and Banco de Oro (2 holes) targets within the Plomo claim block, along with one RC drill hole completed at the West Sahuaro target located within the Evelyn claim block of the EP Gold Project. The program represents the first modern drill testing of multiple targets identified through geological mapping, geophysical interpretation and surface sampling across the Plomo claims.

Highlights

7.5 m grading 2.92 g/t Au from 6 m, including 1.5 m grading 9.95 g/t Au (PL26-017)

30.0 m grading 0.73 g/t Au from 3 m, including 1.5 m grading 7.51 g/t Au (PL26-015)

30.0 m grading 0.45 g/t Au from surface, including 6 m grading 1.16 g/t Au (PL25-011)

19.5 m grading 0.44 g/t Au from 3 m, including 4.5 m grading 1.29 g/t Au (PL25-004)

1.5 m grading 12.55 g/t Au from surface (PL25-005)

Gold mineralization intersected in 18 of 22 holes drilled in the Phase 1 program

Gold mineralization intersected across an interpreted ~1.2 km mineralized structural corridor at the San Perfecto target

Ian McGavney, President and CEO of Colibri Resource Corporation, commented: "We are extremely pleased with the results from our maiden drill program at the Plomo claims. Intersecting gold mineralization in 18 of 22 holes, including 7.5 metres grading 2.92 g/t gold and 30.0 metres grading 0.73 g/t gold from near surface, represents a strong start and provides compelling evidence of a broad mineralized system along the San Perfecto corridor. In addition, the results from Banco de Oro, where drilling intersected 30 metres grading 0.45 g/t gold including higher-grade intervals, further demonstrate the potential for multiple mineralized zones within the Plomo claim block. Together with the encouraging results from West Sahuaro, these results continue to strengthen our belief that the EP Gold Project hosts one or more significant gold system within the Caborca Gold Belt."

Table 1 - Significant Gold Intercepts - Plomo

(0.10 g/t Au cutoff, maximum 3 m internal dilution; intervals are downhole lengths)

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) PL25-001 15.0 24.0 9.0 0.75 PL25-002 0.0 15.0 15.0 0.34 PL25-002 48.0 67.5 19.5 0.25 PL25-002 91.5 96.0 4.5 0.90 PL25-003 0.0 12.0 12.0 0.18 PL25-004 3.0 22.5 19.5 0.44 PL25-004 64.5 69.0 4.5 1.29 PL25-005 0.0 1.5 1.5 12.55 PL25-005 10.5 22.5 12.0 0.28 PL25-007 10.5 15.0 4.5 0.37 PL25-009 9.0 13.5 4.5 0.53 PL25-010 13.5 15.0 1.5 1.61 PL25-011 3.0 33.0 30.0 0.45 (including) 3.0 9.0 6.0 1.16 (including) 25.5 27.0 1.5 2.12 PL25-012 3.0 10.5 7.5 0.46 PL26-013 0.0 1.5 1.5 0.80 PL26-015 3.0 33.0 30.0 0.73 (including) 6.0 12.0 6.0 1.01 PL26-017 6.0 13.5 7.5 2.92 (including) 12.0 13.5 1.5 9.95 PL26-020 27.0 28.5 1.5 1.66 PL26-020 42.0 46.5 4.5 0.64 PL26-020 61.5 64.5 3.0 0.58 PL26-021 7.5 16.5 9.0 0.34 PL26-022 9.0 15.0 6.0 0.16





Figure 1: Phase 1 RC Drill Hole Locations - San Perfecto Target, Plomo Claims

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San Perfecto Target - Phase 1 RC Drill Program, Plomo Claims

The Phase 1 RC drill program at the Plomo claims focused primarily on the San Perfecto target, where geological mapping and geophysical interpretation identified a prospective structural corridor extending approximately 1.2 kilometres across the claim block.

Several mineralized intervals occur within the first 25 metres of drilling in multiple holes, indicating the presence of a shallow gold-bearing zone within the San Perfecto structural corridor.

Gold mineralization intersected during drilling is typically associated with quartz veining, silica flooding and sericite alteration accompanied by disseminated pyrite, with locally anomalous copper values observed in several holes. This alteration assemblage is consistent with an intrusion-related hydrothermal system.

The San Perfecto structural corridor runs broadly parallel to historical placer gold workings extending approximately 1.7 kilometres across the Plomo claims. The presence of these historical placer workings, combined with the bedrock gold mineralization intersected in drilling, supports the interpretation that the corridor may represent a primary bedrock source of placer gold historically recovered in the area.

Gold values exceeding the Company's reporting cutoff of 0.10 g/t Au were encountered in 16 of the 20 holes drilled at the San Perfecto target, demonstrating widespread gold mineralization along the San Perfecto structural corridor.

The widespread distribution of anomalous gold values and the shallow nature of several intercepts suggest that systematic follow-up drilling will be required to evaluate the potential continuity of mineralization along the San Perfecto corridor.

Next Steps

The Company is currently evaluating follow-up drill programs designed to test the continuity of mineralization along the San Perfecto corridor and to further evaluate the potential for near-surface mineralization identified in several drill holes. The Company believes the results of the Phase 1 program demonstrate the effectiveness of the exploration model and provide a strong foundation for systematic follow-up drilling along the San Perfecto structural corridor.

Banco de Oro Target

Two holes were drilled at the Banco de Oro target, located approximately 1.3 kilometres south of the center of the San Perfecto mineralized corridor within the Plomo claim block. Both holes intersected significant gold mineralization, including:

30.0 m grading 0.45 g/t Au from surface, including 6.0 m grading 1.16 g/t Au and 1.5 m grading 2.15 g/t Au (PL25-011)

7.5 m grading 0.46 g/t Au from 3.0 m (PL25-012)

The Banco de Oro target hosts historical underground mine workings where high-grade gold mineralization has been documented, including reported sampling of 298 g/t Au over a length of approximately 2.4 metres from exposed mineralized material within the workings. Additional high-grade grab samples have also been collected from surface exposures across the target area along a mineralized trend interpreted to extend for up to approximately 800 metres.

Drilling completed during the current program was oriented eastward to test the interpreted extension of the mineralized structure associated with the historical workings. The Company is encouraged by the higher-grade intervals intersected and by the consistency in the widths of mineralized intervals observed in the holes drilled to date. Together with the presence of historical workings and high-grade surface sampling, these results highlight Banco de Oro as a compelling exploration target within the broader Plomo claim block and provide a strong foundation for follow-up drilling.

The Company plans to follow up these encouraging results with step-out drilling designed to test the potential extension of mineralization along the Banco de Oro trend. Company geologists will continue to evaluate and model the results from the current program to guide future drilling along this prospective structural zone.

West Sahuaro Target - Evelyn Claim Block

Drill hole EVE26-203 was completed to test the interpreted northwest-trending structural corridor at the West Sahuaro target using a drill orientation of approximately 240. The hole intersected multiple broad intervals of anomalous gold mineralization hosted within altered and fractured rhyolite, confirming the presence of stacked mineralized panels associated with the structural corridor. The hole was drilled to a total depth of 177 metres and terminated in anomalous gold mineralization, indicating that the system remains open at depth.

Gold mineralization in EVE26-203 occurs within zones of silicification, sericite alteration, fracturing and local quartz veining, consistent with the structural model previously outlined by the Company. The mineralized intervals occur within a series of sub-parallel, low-angle mineralized panels extending over a vertical interval exceeding 100 metres, which are interpreted to be controlled by a northwest-trending fault or shear corridor. This stacked mineralization style is consistent with mineralization intersected in the Company's earlier drilling at West Sahuaro.

A six-hole drill program completed in 2023 (holes EVE23-196 through EVE23-201) intersected broad intervals of gold mineralization hosted within the same altered rhyolite sequence. Previously reported results from that program included 23 metres grading 0.35 g/t Au in hole EVE23-196 and 66 metres grading 0.27 g/t Au in hole EVE23-198, including higher-grade intervals of 5 metres grading 0.77 g/t Au and 6 metres grading 0.75 g/t Au, respectively. Together, these results outlined a mineralized zone interpreted to consist of stacked gold-bearing panels associated with the northwest-trending structural corridor.

The results from EVE26-203 further strengthen this interpretation and demonstrate that the mineralized system continues along the structural trend. Geophysical interpretation suggests that the Plomo-Evelyn structural corridor extends for more than five kilometres across the Evelyn and Plomo claim blocks, representing a significant district-scale exploration target that remains open along strike and at depth. Holes EVE23-198 and EVE26-203 are located approximately 140 metres south of the northern claim boundary of the Evelyn Project, which adjoins mineral concessions held by Fresnillo plc., one of Mexico's largest gold producers, and further highlights the prospectivity of this portion of the Caborca Gold Belt.

The Company plans to follow up these encouraging results with additional drilling designed to test the continuity of the stacked mineralized panels along the interpreted structural corridor. Ongoing geological interpretation and modelling will help guide future drilling to evaluate the extension of this mineralized system along strike and at depth.

Table 2 - Selected Composite Results - EVE26-203 (West Sahuaro)

(0.10 g/t Au cutoff, maximum 3 m internal dilution; intervals are downhole lengths)

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) EVE26-203 13.5 52.5 39.0 0.13 EVE26-203 67.5 123.0 55.5 0.12 EVE26-203 136.5 141.0 4.5 0.27 EVE26-203 175.5 177.0 (EOH) 1.5 0.14





Figure 2: West Sahuaro Target Drill Hole Locations - Evelyn Claim Block

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Sampling and QA/QC

RC drill samples were collected at 1.5 m intervals and transported in sealed bags to the Company's secure facility in Caborca, Sonora, where they were subsequently collected by ALS Limited and delivered to the ALS preparation laboratory. Gold analyses were completed by ALS Laboratories using standard fire assay methods with atomic absorption finish.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has been reviewed and approved by Jamie Lavigne, P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Colibri Resource Corporation

Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) is a Canadian junior mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal properties in Sonora, Mexico. Colibri holds a 100% interest in the EP Gold Project, a 49% joint venture interest in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project with partner Tocvan Ventures (CSE:TOC), and an additional 60% interest in highly prospective claims at the Diamante Gold & Silver Project.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither 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.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288399

Source: Colibri Resource Corporation
BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Stormrae, a decentralized platform building infrastructure for human participation in AI evaluation, announced the results of King Arthur, a public adversarial testing challenge that drew 14,959 participants from around the world.

Participants collectively submitted 64,526 prompts attempting to break a single autonomous AI agent operating on Solana. Five participants succeeded, claiming more than $28,000 in SOL from the AI's on-chain prize pool.

Stormrae says the challenge sets a new benchmark for public AI red-teaming. The previous large-scale public effort, the Generative Red Team Challenge at DEF CON 31 in 2023, attracted roughly 2,500 participants.

King Arthur operated as an autonomous AI agent with its own wallet and prize pool on Solana. Participants attempted to bypass the system through conversation alone using techniques such as persuasion, prompt injection, deception, logical exploitation, and emotional manipulation.

Across the challenge:

14,959 participants attempted to break the AI

64,526 adversarial prompts were submitted

5 successful jailbreaks occurred

$28,000+ in SOL was paid to winners on-chain

Seventy percent of all credit purchases funded the prize pool directly. All rewards were distributed transparently from the AI's wallet.

Each interaction produced structured adversarial data including prompt injection attempts, persuasion patterns, exploit strategies, and alignment boundary tests. Stormrae says this type of dataset is critical for improving AI safety and reliability.

"AI cannot evaluate itself. Humans in the loop are mandatory, but the infrastructure to involve them at scale did not exist," said Marc, CEO of Stormrae. "We built that infrastructure on Solana and tested it with nearly 15,000 participants. The result is one of the largest real-world adversarial datasets generated through open participation."

The company says the challenge demonstrates a new model for AI testing. Instead of relying only on internal teams or paid annotation workers, Stormrae introduces economic incentives that encourage large numbers of participants to actively probe model weaknesses.

King Arthur significantly exceeded the scale of previous on-chain AI experiments. The widely discussed Freysa challenge, for example, attracted 195 participants. Stormrae's event drew more than 75 times as many participants and generated more than 130 times the adversarial prompt volume.

Stormrae positions Solana as the infrastructure layer enabling this model, allowing autonomous AI agents to control treasuries, distribute rewards, and record results transparently on-chain.

King Arthur represents the company's first public deployment. Stormrae plans to expand the platform to support additional AI evaluation and data-generation challenges.

What's Next

Stormrae's next challenge, Merlin, is coming soon. The new AI agent will launch across multiple platforms, expanding the reach of consumer-scale AI red-teaming. More than 180,000 users have already signed up to the waitlist.

New users can sign up here.

Alongside Merlin, Stormrae is preparing its V3 platform, which will bring its consumer applications into one ecosystem and introduce new capabilities including agent-to-agent red-teaming, data labeling, and enterprise infrastructure for large-scale AI evaluation.

About Stormrae

Stormrae is the participation layer for AI development. The platform transforms essential AI tasks such as adversarial testing, data labeling, preference evaluation, and model validation into engaging consumer experiences with real economic incentives. By enabling large-scale human participation, Stormrae generates high-quality datasets that help train, test, and secure modern AI systems. Built on Solana, the platform allows users to interact with and stress-test AI models while earning rewards, creating scalable infrastructure for AI development.

Keep up with Stormrae:

Stormrae Registration Portal

Official Website

Twitter/X

Media Contact Information

Jamie Kingsley

Jamie@theprgenius.com

SOURCE: Stormrae

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/stormrae-hosts-record-breaking-solana-based-ai-challenge-with-15-000-1147378
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the crop protection chemical market is estimated at USD 83.32 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 106.26 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2030.

Crop Protection Chemical Market Size & Forecast

Market Size Available for Years: 2025-2030

2025-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 83.32 billion

USD 83.32 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 106.26 billion

USD 106.26 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 5.0%

Crop Protection Chemical Market Trends & Insights:

The global crop protection chemical market is driven by rising global food demand, and limited arable land availability has prompted farmers to seek productivity enhancement in established farmland. In addition to increased climate variability, changing weather patterns escalate the distribution and intensity of insects, pathogens, and invasive weeds, increasing dependence on chemical crop protection in major crop systems.

The Asia Pacific dominated the global crop protection chemical market, with a share of 26.0% in 2024.

By type, the insecticides segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

By origin, the biopesticides segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 14.6% from 2025 to 2030.

By formulation, the liquid segment will grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

By mode of application, the foliar spray segment is expected to dominate the market.

By crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment is expected to grow at the highest rate.

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The advancement of global trade in agricultural commodities has created a lot of pressure upon the farmer to meet stringent quality, appearance, and phytosanitary standards that would invariably increase the use of crop protection products. Agricultural labor shortages in several parts of the world have accelerated the trend toward chemical solutions as cheaper and easily scalable alternatives to manual weed and pest control. The organized retail, contract farming, and food processing industries are creating more and stronger demand for uniform, residue-compliant produce, indirectly facilitating continued adoption of crop protection chemicals across the global agriculture value chain.

The Synthetic Crop Protection Chemicals Segment Holds the Highest Market Share, By Origin

Synthetic products hold the highest share in the origin segment of the crop protection chemical market, primarily due to their proven efficacy, broad-spectrum activity, and consistent performance across diverse crops and agro-climatic conditions. In particular, they are able to deliver both quick and reliable control levels of weeds, pests, and diseases. Thus, synthetic herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides are considered the best options in agro-commercial and large-scale farming systems. The highly standardized manufacturing processes, extended shelf life, and compatibility with modern applications provide features that favor developed countries and commercial farms for their usage. In addition, on the entire hectare basis of coverage, synthetic chemistry typically has a more economical response to the costs involved, which is important for farmers who want to get as much yield as possible while controlling input costs.

The Soil Treatment Segment Holds a Significant Share in the Market, By Mode of Application

Soil treatment holds a significant share in the mode of application segment, as it combats key problems caused by soil-borne pathogens, nematodes, and root diseases that impact crop establishment and yield. The use of crop protection chemicals in soil drenching, seed bed treatment, and root-zone application supports better microbial colonization and long-term protection. Organic practices that enhance soil health, improve nutrient uptake, and minimize early-stage crop losses have found wide acceptance in horticulture, row crops, and protected cultivation systems.

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Based on Region, Asia Pacific Holds a Largest Share in the Crop Protection Chemical Market.

The Asia Pacific region holds a significant share of the crop protection chemical market due to its vast agricultural base, high cropping intensity, and strong reliance on agriculture for food security and rural livelihoods. Important staple crops, mainly rice, wheat, maize, and pulses, which are produced largely on a global scale, do require regular management pertaining to weeds, pests, and diseases. Smallholder-style dominant farming systems, varied cropping cycles, and year-round cultivation in many countries increase the frequency of crop protection chemical use. Besides, rapid population increases and rising food consumption drive governments and farmers to focus on yield stability and loss prevention. Enhancing access to crop protection inputs, strengthening distribution networks, and increasing adoption of modern farming practices tend to offer great demand across key markets, including China, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Top Companies in theCrop Protection Chemical Market

The report profiles key players such as BASF SE (Germany), Bayer AG (Germany), FMC Corporation (US), Syngenta Group (Switzerland), Corteva (US), UPL (India), Nufarm (Australia), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd (Japan), Albaugh LLC (US), Koppert (Netherlands), Gowan Company (US), American Vanguard Corporation (US), Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd (Japan), PI Industries (India), and BioFirst Group (Belgium).

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Browse Adjacent Reports @ Agriculture Industry Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Asia Pacific Crop Protection Chemical Market by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides & Bactericides), Origin (Synthetic & Biopesticides), Formulation, Mode of Application (Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment), Crop Type - Forecast to 2030

Europe Crop Protection Chemicals Market by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides & Bactericides), Origin (Synthetic & Biopesticides), Form, Mode of Application (Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment), Crop Type - Forecast to 2030

South America Crop Protection Chemicals Market by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides & Bactericides), Origin (Synthetic & Biopesticides), Form, Mode of Application (Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment), Crop Type - Forecast To 2030

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Empowering our neighbors with the skills to succeed in Georgia's growing energy industry

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / The Westside Resilience Corridor celebrated the successful launch of its Career Pre-Employment Training (CPET) Program this month, welcoming nearly 100 attendees to the orientation and kickoff session hosted at the Vicars Community Center at Community Church Atlanta. Nearly five times more Atlanta residents applied than there were available slots in this inaugural cohort, underscoring the community's strong interest in high-paying, sustainable careers in Georgia's growing energy sector.

This neighborhood-based workforce training initiative draws on recent research from the Mayor's Office of the City of Atlanta, which underscores the importance of bringing resources directly into communities so that opportunity is fully aligned with access. With demand for the CPET training far outpacing initial capacity, community leaders emphasized the clear need for continued and expanded investment in local workforce programs that connect residents to high-paying, upwardly mobile energy careers.

The CPET program connects Westside neighbors to sustainable, upwardly mobile careers that keep essential local infrastructure operating, from power lines and plants to customer service systems. When residents secure high-paying, wealth-building careers, household stability increases, energy insecurity declines, and communities are better able to prepare for, withstand, and recover from disruptions. "Workforce development is community resilience in action," commented Matthew Wesley Williams, Groundswell Senior VP of Community Development. "Resilience is not only about recovering from storms. It's about co-creating the everyday conditions our communities need to survive and thrive."

Administered and hosted by Community Church Atlanta at its Vicars Community Center, this program is a flagship effort of the Westside Resilience Corridor congregations-West Hunter Street Baptist Church, Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Community Church Atlanta, and Atlanta Good Shepherd Community Church-who are working together with the City of Atlanta, Georgia Power, and Groundswell to build a neighborhood-based pipeline to energy careers. The strong turnout at the launch event and the robust application pool both demonstrate how deeply residents value pathways to high-paying, sustainable work that also strengthens their community's everyday resilience and its capacity to respond effectively in emergencies.

"We want more of the people who build and maintain the energy system serving our city and state to come from Atlanta's Westside. As the city's first community-owned resilience hub, we are proud to launch this energy workforce training program with our partners, honoring our history of service while shaping what comes next for this community," commented Pastor Kevin Earley of Community Church Atlanta.

Among the nearly 100 neighbors who participated in the orientation session, 15-20 residents will form the first CPET training cohort. CPET is a no-cost, 10-session skills-prep series that equips participants with the tools, support, and confidence needed to pursue careers in the energy industry, including but not limited to, power delivery (energy lineworkers), plant operations, and customer service, with all technical training provided by Georgia Power.

"At Georgia Power, we believe strong communities and a reliable energy future are built through meaningful partnerships and investments in people," said Latanza Adjei, Senior VP and Chief Customer Officer at Georgia Power. "Through this collaboration with the Westside Resilience Corridor, Groundswell, and the City of Atlanta, we're creating pathways for Atlanta residents to pursue long-term careers and become the next generation of energy professionals. As Georgia continues to grow, we remain committed to developing a workforce that reflects and serves the communities we power every day."

"Groundswell delivers on our mission of building community power by strengthening local resilience and creating real pathways to economic opportunity with clean energy," added Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell. "By connecting people with the skills and opportunities to succeed in the energy industry, we are investing directly in local talent and resilience on Atlanta's Westside."

The strong community response to CPET aligns with the City of Atlanta's broader goals for inclusive economic development and neighborhood resilience. "This initiative is a great example of what we mean when we say, 'Atlanta is a group project,' and aligns with our Administration's Atlanta Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative-a collective commitment to access and opportunity in every Atlanta neighborhood, particularly historically underserved communities," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "We continue to emphasize that every Atlanta resident-including those in the Westside and Southside-should have equal opportunity and support to gain access to economic prosperity. Neighborhood-based programs like CPET provide on-ramps to sustainable economic pathways for historic communities that have long been the backbone of Atlanta's culture and legacy."

With CPET's inaugural cohort now underway and community demand far exceeding current capacity, the Westside Resilience Corridor and its partners are calling for additional investment to sustain and grow this model. By continuing to bring opportunity into the neighborhood-through training, case management, and direct connections to energy careers-the Corridor's churches and community partners are strengthening the everyday conditions that allow Atlanta's Westside to meet its daily needs and to muster effective emergency response when crises arise.

Learn more about the Westside Resilience Corridor and future opportunities at Groundswell.org/westside-resilience-corridor/.

Partners and Roles

Vicars Community Center (Host/Administrator): Serves as the host site and program administrator, providing facilities, program scheduling, wraparound services, and cohort case management (in partnership with the City of Atlanta) to reduce barriers to local participation and program completion. As an active resilience hub, Vicars offers accessible space, reliable operations, and community trust.

Georgia Power (Training/Education): Delivers a proven curriculum and leads implementation of the 10-week CPET training program, aligned with utility hiring pipelines and broader energy-industry career pathways.

Westside Resilience Corridor (Workforce Pipeline): Initiates and anchors the neighborhood-based recruitment and training effort as part of its workforce development efforts centered at Vicars Community Center at Community Church Atlanta, a member congregation of the Westside Resilience Corridor.

Groundswell (Program Planning): Serves as a covenant partner with the Westside Resilience Corridor, supporting the collaborative planning and launch of the workforce development initiative, leading implementation of complementary Corridor program elements in home energy efficiency, resilience hub development, and community resilience planning.

City of Atlanta (Access and Research): Acts as a planning and implementation partner to ensure full access for Atlanta residents by reducing barriers to participation, and leverages research from the Mayor's Office's Co-Design Lab to support career planning for participants as part of cohort case management in collaboration with the Vicars Community Center team.

# # #

About the Westside Resilience Corridor

Launched in 2025, the Westside Resilience Corridor is a coalition of four anchor institutions-West Hunter Street Baptist Church, Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Community Church Atlanta, and Atlanta Good Shepherd Community Church-on Atlanta's Southwest side working in covenant partnership with Groundswell. With support from Georgia Power, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the City of Atlanta, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and Google, the Corridor is expanding community access to critical resources and infrastructure, preserving energy and housing affordability, advancing economic mobility, and strengthening grid reliability. Through these partnerships, historic congregations and community institutions are building a local network of resilience hubs and related solutions that deliver tangible benefits for residents of Atlanta's Westside.

# # #

ABOUT GROUNDSWELL:

Groundswell builds community power to cut electricity bills in half and strengthen local resilience. We use community solar, energy storage, energy efficiency, and ethical AI to preserve affordable housing, strengthen the grid, and support local economic development. Our people-centric, place-based programs serve community-based partners across the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. We're on track to deliver over $29 million in annual energy savings to more than 36,000 families and deploy more than 40 resilience hubs across 12 states by 2030.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kenrick Escalanti

kenrick.escalanti@groundswell.org

?(928) 304-0650

SOURCE: Groundswell

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/westside-resilience-corridors-cpet-program-launch-draws-strong-community-response-and-hig-1147397
Media and travel trendsetters predict another big year for tourism in Japan in 2026. With its finger on the pulse, Omio launches in the country, so international travellers can book iconic bullet trains, regional rail, flights, buses and ferries, all in one innovative platform

BERLIN, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan is the country everyone's talking about. From the National Geographic cover to Vogue and Conde Nast Traveller naming it as one of the top places to visit in 2026, interest in the Land of the Rising Sun continues to surge.

Today, Omio launches in its 47th market, with a high-profile rollout in Japan, marking a step-change in how international travellers navigate the country. From the ultra-high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains to vast regional rail networks, long-distance buses, domestic flights, extensive ferry routes and Japan Rail Passes, the platform unifies one of the world's most sophisticated transport ecosystems into a seamless experience.

Japan's rising global demand

Japan is experiencing record numbers of inbound tourists. In 2025, the country surpassed 40 million international visitors for the first time - a 15.8% increase year-on-year - cementing its position as one of the world's most in-demand destinations. With tier-one media outlets and travel influencers declaring 2026 the year to visit Japan, the hype is far from slowing.

Favourable exchange rates have elevated Japan's appeal, making it even more accessible to international visitors, particularly during peak travel seasons. As tourism numbers continue to rise, famous locations such as Mount Fuji and Kyoto are seeing increased demand. Encouraging a more balanced distribution of tourist flows is key to preserving both authentic travel experiences and longevity of local communities.

Simplifying travel across Japan

Japan's ground transport network is one of the largest and most intensively used in the world. Bullet trains are just the beginning. High-frequency intercity buses, a comprehensive domestic aviation network, and ferry routes connecting thousands of islands make for a complex transport network, especially for those who don't navigate it daily.

Omio brings the complexity of transport into one seamless experience. Visitors can search, compare, and book Shinkansen tickets, regional rail, long-distance buses, domestic flights, and ferries on a single app. Budding Japan travellers can also book Japan Rail Passes for multi-stop exploration across the country directly on Omio. By unifying all these transport options in one place, Omio removes the friction of navigating unfamiliar systems, enabling travellers to explore the country in a radically different way, while still respecting local culture.

The smart companion for international travellers

For many long-haul travellers, Japan's transport systems can feel daunting. Available in 32 languages and supporting 33 currencies, Omio unlocks the country for apprehensive travellers, giving them the confidence to travel outside their comfort zone. For the more seasoned traveller, the platform's extensive coverage makes lesser-known regions more accessible, which reduces pressure on iconic landmarks.

Furthermore, Omio now offers Omio Advance, a new feature that facilitates train bookings across Japan up to 12 months in advance, allowing travellers to securely plan their journeys ahead of time.

A key milestone in Omio's global expansion

Japan signals a significant step forward in the company's global growth strategy, becoming Omio's 47th market and its first in East Asia. Following recent launches across Southeast Asia and Brazil, Omio continues to scale into some of the world's most dynamic mobility ecosystems.

By 2028, the Omio Group aims to operate in more than 70 markets. The launch in Japan underscores Omio's ambition to build a truly global multimodal platform, one that enables seamless travel for billions of travellers worldwide.

Naren Shaam, Founder and CEO of Omio, said:

"Japan is the gold standard of modern mobility. Its high-speed rail, dense regional networks, domestic aviation and ferry systems operate at a scale and precision that few countries can match. Bringing this ecosystem onto Omio is a defining moment for our platform. It reflects our ambition to organise the world's most advanced transport networks within one intelligent interface, making seamless multimodal travel the default for global travellers."

For further information, visit www.omio.com.

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Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Cydcor, a leading outsourced and customer acquisition partner, has been named a Silver Stevie Award winner for Sales Outsourcing Provider of the Year in the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Widely regarded as one of the most respected global honors in sales performance and customer engagement, the Stevie Awards recognize excellence in business development. Now in its 20th year, the program received more than 2,100 nominations from organizations worldwide. Winners are determined through a rigorous, multi-phase judging process conducted by more than 150 senior executives and industry experts.

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Recognized for Performance-Based Sales and Trusted Partnerships

Cydcor was honored for its scalable, performance-based sales model that enables enterprise brands to accelerate growth through direct in-person customer acquisition programs. Built on structured standards, disciplined execution, and relationship-driven engagement, the company delivers sales results aligned with client growth goals.

"Everything we do comes down to earning trust," said Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor. "Clients rely on us to represent and protect their brands with integrity and deliver measurable results. Customers expect a professional, meaningful experience when they engage with the independent sales professionals in our network. This recognition further reinforces Cydcor's position as one of the leading outsourced sales companies in North America."

Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller said, "The remarkable scores achieved by this year's Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service winners reflect the extraordinary levels of excellence, innovation, and customer impact they deliver. We proudly join the judges in congratulating and celebrating these outstanding organizations and professionals on their achievements."

Recognition in this program signals to clients, partners, and industry peers that Cydcor operates at the highest professional standards in outsourced sales and customer acquisition.

About Cydcor

Cydcor is an award-winning outsourced sales company headquartered in Agoura Hills, California. For more than 30 years, Cydcor has provided sales outsourcing and customer acquisition solutions for Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands across B2B, residential, retail, and event service channels throughout the United States and Canada. Through its network of independently owned sales companies, Cydcor helps clients build customer relationships. To learn more, visit www.cydcor.com.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, and the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at

http://www.StevieAwards.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288356

Source: Cydcor LLC
As municipalities across Canada crack down on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, a growing chorus of housing advocates, policymakers, and real estate professionals are asking the same question: could stricter regulation of short-term rentals meaningfully ease Canada's housing crisis? Industry leaders like Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., believe the answer is yes - but only if policy frameworks are designed with long-term housing outcomes in mind.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Sky Property Group:

The Short-Term Rental Problem in Canada

Short-term rentals have transformed Canada's urban housing landscape over the past decade. At their peak, platforms like Airbnb listed more than 235,000 active units across the country. A significant portion of those listings were entire homes - not owner-occupied rooms - meaning they were effectively pulled from the long-term rental market.

Toronto skyline - the heart of Canada's urban housing challenge.

In cities where every available unit counts, this has real consequences. Researchers at McGill University's Urban Politics and Governance program estimated that short-term rentals removed upward of 30,000 housing units from Canada's long-term rental pool at their height - the equivalent of a small city's entire rental supply evaporating overnight.

"When you remove that many units from the long-term market and push them toward tourism, you create artificial scarcity," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "It's a supply problem with a paper trail. We know exactly where many of those units are. The question is whether cities have the political will to bring them back."

Canadian residential apartment building - reclaimed STR units could expand the long-term rental pool.

A Wave of Municipal Action

Canadian cities have increasingly answered that question. Toronto led the charge in 2020 with a landmark short-term rental bylaw requiring hosts to register with the city and - critically - to only list their principal residence. The rule closed the loophole that allowed investors to operate multiple short-term rental properties as de facto hotels. Since implementation, the city has seen a measurable drop in full-unit, non-principal-residence listings.

Vancouver followed with similar principal-residence rules, capping the number of nights a non-principal-residence unit can be rented and imposing steep fines for non-compliance. Ottawa, Montreal, and Kelowna have enacted comparable frameworks, each calibrated to local market conditions.

Provincially, British Columbia took the boldest step in Canada when it introduced the Short-Term Rentals Accommodation Act in 2023, which expanded the principal-residence requirement province-wide and gave municipalities greater enforcement tools.

"What B.C. did is significant because it eliminated the patchwork problem. Developers and investors now have province-wide clarity. That certainty is actually good for the market - it channels capital toward proper long-term housing rather than speculative tourism plays," says Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi.

The Numbers Behind the Return

Early data from regulatory enforcement is promising. In Vancouver, the city's short-term rental task force reported that more than 2,700 units were brought back to the long-term market in the first two years after their stricter rules took effect. Toronto saw comparable conversions following enforcement ramp-ups in 2022 and 2023.

While critics argue these numbers are modest against a housing deficit measured in the hundreds of thousands, industry veterans like Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi see them as a critical component of a broader supply strategy.

"No single policy is going to solve Canada's housing shortage on its own," she acknowledges. "But short-term rental regulation is one of the fastest ways to unlock existing supply - units that are already built, already permitted, already connected to services. You don't have to wait years for construction. That matters."

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., is a leading voice on Canadian housing policy.

The Investor Perspective - And the Opportunity

Not every stakeholder welcomes the regulatory tightening. Some property investors who built portfolios around short-term rentals have pushed back, arguing they played by the rules of the market as they existed and that retroactive restrictions harm legitimate businesses.

Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi takes a nuanced view: "I understand the frustration from investors who made decisions based on the regulatory environment of five years ago. But the housing landscape has fundamentally changed. The most adaptive investors are already pivoting - converting their short-term rental properties into purpose-built suites, furnished rentals, or corporate housing, which still commands premium rents without the friction of regulatory non-compliance."

Sky Property Group has observed increasing interest from developers looking to reposition former short-term rental properties into professional long-term rental operations. "There's a real opportunity here for operators who understand residential housing," she says. "The regulatory push is actually creating an opening for professionally managed long-term rentals to fill a gap the market left behind."

National Policy Gaps and What Comes Next

Despite progress at the municipal and some provincial levels, critics note that Canada still lacks a coordinated national framework for short-term rental regulation. The federal government has taken some steps - including changes to the Income Tax Act that eliminated deductions for short-term rental income in provinces and municipalities where platforms are non-compliant - but enforcement remains fragmented.

Housing advocates are calling for a national registry, interoperability between municipal licensing systems, and mandatory platform data-sharing with governments to enable real-time enforcement. Several European jurisdictions, including France and the Netherlands, have implemented similar frameworks with measurable results.

"Canada needs a national conversation about short-term rental governance that goes beyond individual municipalities doing their best in isolation," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "We need platforms to be partners in this - sharing data, enforcing host registration, and proactively removing non-compliant listings. That's the standard we should be holding them to."

She also cautions against overreach: "The goal isn't to eliminate short-term rentals - they serve legitimate purposes for travellers, families in transition, and the tourism economy. The goal is to ensure that housing units function as housing first, and that investor speculation doesn't displace the people who need a place to live."

Canadian urban neighborhoods - where the battle for housing supply plays out street by street.

A Path Forward for Canadian Cities

As Canada's housing crisis continues to dominate policy conversations at every level of government, short-term rental regulation represents a practical, enforceable lever that can deliver results in the near term. The framework is already emerging - what's needed now is consistency, enforcement capacity, and inter-governmental coordination to ensure that units returned to the long-term market stay there.

For Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi and Sky Property Group Inc., the short-term rental debate is ultimately about one thing: "Every unit that comes back to long-term housing is a family that has a stable place to live. That's the metric that matters."

About Sky Property Group Inc.

Sky Property Group Inc. is a Toronto-based real estate development and investment firm with a portfolio spanning residential, mixed-use, and land assembly projects across the Greater Toronto Area. The company is led by President & CEO Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, a recognized voice in Canadian real estate development, urban policy, and housing innovation.

Media Contact:

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi

ladanhosseinzadehsadeghi@gmail.com

SOURCE: Sky Property Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/canadas-short-term-rental-reckoning-how-tighter-regulations-could-unlock-thousands-of-h-1147415
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Across Canada's fastest-growing urban centres, a powerful planning philosophy is gaining momentum - one that promises to transform not only how cities are designed, but how real estate is developed, financed, and valued. The concept of the 15-minute city - where residents can access work, schools, groceries, healthcare, parks, and recreation within a short walk or bike ride from home - is moving from academic theory to active municipal policy in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Walkable, mixed-use Canadian urban neighbourhoods are redefining real estate development.

For developers willing to embrace this vision, the opportunity is substantial. For those who don't, the risks are equally significant.

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., has been an early and vocal advocate for complete community planning as a guiding principle for responsible real estate development in Canada.

"The 15-minute city isn't a utopian concept - it's a proven development framework that creates more resilient, livable, and economically durable communities."

- Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO, Sky Property Group Inc.

Why the 15-Minute City Matters for Canadian Real Estate

Canada's major cities are grappling with a convergence of crises: chronic housing undersupply, congestion, affordability pressures, and aging suburban infrastructure that was never designed for density. The 15-minute city framework addresses all of these simultaneously.

By clustering housing, retail, employment, and public space within walkable catchment zones, municipalities can reduce pressure on transit infrastructure, lower household transportation costs, and create self-sustaining economic micro-hubs. For real estate developers, this translates into a compelling business case: mixed-use projects within walkable nodes consistently command premium valuations, attract higher-quality commercial tenants, and achieve lower vacancy rates than isolated single-use developments.

Toronto's official planning documents have already embraced language around 'complete streets' and 'complete communities.' Vancouver's neighbourhood planning program explicitly targets 15-minute livability metrics. Ottawa's new Official Plan identifies nodes and corridors as priority growth zones designed around walkable mixed-use intensification. Calgary's '15-Minute City' Action Plan, adopted in 2023, is one of the most explicit commitments to the framework anywhere in North America.

"We're seeing municipal governments reward this kind of thinking through density bonuses, expedited approvals, and reduced parking requirements," said Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Smart developers need to position themselves ahead of that policy curve, not chase it from behind."

Mixed-use developments combining residential, retail, and community space are the cornerstone of complete community planning.

The Developer's Role in Building Complete Communities

For too long, Canadian suburban and even urban development has followed a siloed approach - residential towers on one parcel, retail plazas on another, office parks isolated from everything else. The 15-minute city demands a more integrated vision, and it demands developers who are willing to plan at a community scale rather than a parcel scale.

Sky Property Group Inc. approaches high-density development with this integrated lens. According to Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, every project the company evaluates is assessed not only for its standalone financials but for its contribution to a broader community ecosystem.

"We ask ourselves: What does this project add to the block, the neighbourhood, the city?" she explained. "Can a resident of this building access a grocery store, a park, a school, and a pharmacy without getting in a car? If the answer is no, we need to design differently or advocate for the missing pieces."

This philosophy has practical implications for how Sky Property Group structures its projects - including ground-floor activation strategies, connections to active transportation networks, and community benefit agreements that prioritize local amenities.

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi brings a people-first approach to every development decision at Sky Property Group.

Policy, Zoning Reform, and the Path Forward

The 15-minute city agenda is also accelerating zoning reform across Canada. Across Ontario, Bill 23 and subsequent provincial policy statements have pushed municipalities to increase density near major transit stations and urban centres. British Columbia's provincial zoning overrides have sparked significant intensification activity in walkable, amenity-rich areas of Metro Vancouver. Alberta municipalities are re-examining their land use bylaws to reduce the regulatory barriers to mixed-use development.

But policy alone is insufficient. Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi argues that the private sector must step forward as a genuine partner in the complete community vision - not just a passive beneficiary of rezoning.

"Developers have to do more than show up for the zoning wins," she said. "We have to design for people first. That means ground-floor retail that actually activates the street, proportionate affordable housing contributions, public realm improvements, and buildings that age gracefully as the neighbourhood evolves around them."

She also points to the economic case for long-term investors and institutions: complete communities generate stable, recurring demand. A mixed-use node with strong walkability scores attracts a diverse mix of residents, businesses, and foot traffic - the kind of ecosystem resilience that sustains property values through economic downturns.

Active streets with cyclists, pedestrians, and outdoor dining define Canada's most livable and economically vibrant urban neighbourhoods.

A Canadian Competitive Advantage

Canada has a genuine opportunity to lead North America in 15-minute city planning. Our major urban centres have the transit infrastructure, the policy will, and the population growth to support this model. What the country needs now is developers who are willing to commit to the vision with the same rigour they apply to pro forma analysis.

"I believe Canadian cities can be the blueprint for how modern, dense, livable communities are built in the 21st century," said Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "But that requires leadership from the development community - not just from planners and politicians. We have to decide that building for people is how we build for profit. Those two things are not in conflict."

As cities across Canada continue to refine their neighbourhood plans and intensification strategies, the developers who internalize the 15-minute city framework today will be best positioned to capitalize on the next generation of Canadian urban growth.

About Sky Property Group Inc.

Sky Property Group Inc. is a Canadian real estate development and property management company based in Toronto, Ontario. Led by President & CEO Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, the company specializes in high-density urban development, land assembly, and community-focused intensification projects across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Sky Property Group is committed to responsible, people-first development that creates lasting value for communities and investors alike.

Media Contact:

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi

ladanhosseinzadehsadeghi@gmail.com

SOURCE: Sky Property Group Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/15-minute-cities-are-reshaping-canadian-real-estate-and-developers-need-to-lead-the-cha-1147421
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / GVA Property Management, an Austin-based multifamily real estate investment and operating company, has received a notarized affidavit from the principal of Overwatch Fund confirming that a thorough investigation found no evidence to substantiate allegations of fraud allegedly circulated by former GVA employee Zac Richards. The affidavit has been delivered amid GVA's ongoing lawsuit against Richards, whom the company has accused of misappropriating, falsifying, and disseminating internal documents.

Affidavit from Overwatch

Since then, Overwatch Fund principal Ben Loughry has delivered a signed and notarized affidavit addressing the document provided by Richards. The affidavit states, in relevant part, that:

"During the course of Overwatch's recent litigation against GVA, Overwatch was provided with a spreadsheet from a former GVA employee (Zac Richards) that indicated that GVA and Alan Stalcup had transferred at least $100 million into various trusts in order to defraud creditors, including Overwatch. As part of its ongoing litigation, Overwatch diligently investigated that issue, including pursuing discovery related to the alleged trust transfers at the trial court and appellate court levels. Ultimately, Overwatch was unable to identify any evidence supporting Mr. Richard's allegations that GVA had transferred at least $100 million into trusts in order to defraud creditors."

Overwatch's lawsuit against GVA has been dismissed with prejudice by the Travis County District Court, and all litigation between the two parties has come to a close.

GVA's Lawsuit Against Richards

GVA has filed its own lawsuit against Richards concerning the alleged dissemination of this and other documents. The suit levels claims of business disparagement, breach of contract, and misappropriation of trade secrets against Richards, who is bound by certain confidentiality agreements made at the time of his employment and termination.

GVA believes that Loughry's affidavit gives independent confirmation that the allegations derived from Richards' documents are wholly unfounded. They furthermore believe the outcome of the litigation against Richards will reflect this confirmation and provide due relief and reparation for the extensive ongoing damages suffered by GVA as a result of the allegations.

"After months of speculation and confusion, Ben Loughrey's affidavit shows just how baseless and pointless the various disputes built around Zac Richards and his documents have been," said Alan Stalcup, founder and CEO of GVA. "I am confident that the remaining litigation will soon come to the same conclusion."

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.

Affidavit

Contact:

Michael Oberrender

512.497.0797

moberrender@gvamgt.com

# # #

SOURCE: GVA Management

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/affidavit-confirms-no-evidence-of-zac-richards-allegations-of-a-fraudulent-transfer-by-1146717
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Canada is experiencing a quiet revolution in the way it builds. From the soaring wooden towers rising above Vancouver's skyline to the pioneering mixed-use developments reshaping downtowns across Ontario and Quebec, mass timber construction has emerged as one of the most exciting and consequential shifts in Canadian real estate development in a generation. For developers and investors paying attention, the opportunity is significant - and the moment to act is now.

Mass timber refers to a category of engineered wood products - including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued-laminated timber (glulam), and nail-laminated timber (NLT) - that are manufactured to handle the structural demands of large-scale residential and commercial buildings. Unlike traditional stick-frame construction, mass timber can support mid-rise and high-rise structures, opening the door to wood-based construction in building typologies long dominated by concrete and steel.

- - -

Fig. 1 - Mass timber high-rise development in downtown Toronto

- - -

"Mass timber isn't just a building material - it's a philosophy about how we develop responsibly," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc. "Canada has a world-class forestry sector, a rigorous regulatory environment, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Mass timber is the natural convergence of all three, and the development community needs to lean into it."

Canada at the Forefront

Canada is not merely a participant in the mass timber movement - it is one of its architects. The country's vast boreal and coastal forests provide an abundant and, when managed properly, renewable source of raw material. British Columbia has been the epicentre of innovation, home to landmark projects like the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia - an 18-storey mass timber residence that, when completed in 2017, was among the tallest wood buildings in the world.

Since then, the National Building Code of Canada has progressively updated its provisions to allow taller mass timber structures. The 2020 edition expanded the permitted height of encapsulated mass timber construction to twelve storeys, with ongoing regulatory conversations pointing toward even greater heights in future code cycles. Provincial building codes across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia have largely aligned to reflect these changes, creating a more consistent national framework for developers.

For Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi and the team at Sky Property Group, the regulatory trajectory matters as much as the material itself. "Developers operate on long time horizons," she explains. "When you see the National Building Code moving consistently in one direction - toward greater flexibility for mass timber - that tells you where the industry is heading. Smart capital positions ahead of that curve."

The Sustainability Case Is Ironclad

The environmental argument for mass timber is compelling and, increasingly, quantifiable. Concrete production is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, while steel manufacturing is similarly carbon-intensive. Mass timber, by contrast, sequesters carbon - trees absorb CO2 as they grow, and that carbon remains locked within the wood structure of a building for its entire lifecycle.

Research from the University of British Columbia and other Canadian institutions has consistently found that mass timber buildings generate substantially lower embodied carbon than equivalent concrete or steel structures - often 40% to 70% lower, depending on the application. As Canadian municipalities and the federal government intensify their focus on embodied carbon in addition to operational carbon, this advantage becomes a competitive differentiator for developers.

- - -

Fig. 2 - Exposed CLT beams in a Canadian mass timber office interior

- - -

"We're entering an era where embodied carbon will be scrutinized as carefully as energy efficiency," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Developers who build with mass timber now are building relationships with a regulatory environment that is only going to reward low-carbon construction more aggressively going forward. It's not altruism - it's strategy."

Beyond carbon, mass timber offers measurable benefits in construction speed, cost predictability, and worker safety. The precision manufacturing of CLT and glulam panels in controlled factory environments reduces on-site waste, shortens construction schedules, and limits the unpredictability that plagues traditional poured-concrete projects. In a Canadian market where construction cost overruns and labour shortages remain persistent challenges, these operational advantages carry real financial weight.

Economic Opportunity Across the Value Chain

The mass timber opportunity extends well beyond individual development projects. Canada's forest products industry - which employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians and generates tens of billions in annual export revenue - is actively investing in mass timber manufacturing capacity. New CLT and glulam facilities have opened or expanded in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, creating a domestic supply chain that reduces both costs and lead times for developers.

Indigenous communities and forestry partnerships represent another critical dimension of the opportunity. Many of the most significant mass timber projects in Canada are being developed in partnership with First Nations communities that hold forestry rights, creating economic development vehicles that align with reconciliation commitments while producing real estate assets of lasting value.

"There's an enormous opportunity to align mass timber development with Indigenous economic partnership in ways that create generational wealth for communities that have historically been excluded from the development equation," notes Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Sky Property Group is actively exploring these kinds of collaborative structures, because we believe the best development is the kind that builds communities, not just buildings."

Market Momentum and Investment Signals

- - -

Fig. 3 - Cross-laminated timber manufacturing facility, British Columbia

- - -

Institutional investors and major pension funds - among the most disciplined capital allocators in Canada - are increasingly incorporating mass timber into their real estate portfolios. The combination of ESG alignment, strong tenant demand (particularly from technology companies and progressive employers seeking distinctive, healthy workplaces), and favourable regulatory trends makes mass timber an asset class with durable appeal.

Office and mixed-use mass timber developments consistently report higher tenant retention rates and premium rents compared to conventional construction. Residential mass timber buildings attract buyers and renters who place a premium on both aesthetic warmth and environmental credentials - a demographic segment growing rapidly across Canadian urban centres.

- - -

- - -

"The market is sending a clear signal," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Tenants want it. Municipalities want it. The code supports it. The supply chain is maturing. For developers who are still on the fence about mass timber, I would ask: what are you waiting for?"

Looking Ahead

As Canada navigates the ongoing pressures of housing affordability, urban intensification, and decarbonization, mass timber represents a rare solution that advances multiple policy and market objectives simultaneously. It delivers density, sustainability, speed, and economic development in a single structural system - a combination that no other building material currently matches.

For Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi and Sky Property Group Inc., the path forward is clear. "We are committed to integrating mass timber into our development pipeline wherever it makes sense," she says. "Not because it's fashionable, but because it's the right way to build for the next fifty years in this country. Canada gave the world this material. It's time we built our cities with it."

- - -

About Sky Property Group Inc.

Sky Property Group Inc. is a Toronto-based real estate development and property management company specializing in land assembly and high-density residential development across the Greater Toronto Area. Led by President & CEO Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, the company is committed to sustainable, community-minded development that creates lasting value for investors, residents, and municipalities alike.

Media Contact:

Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi

ladanhosseinzadehsadeghi@gmail.com

SOURCE: Sky Property Group Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/mass-timber-construction-how-canada-is-building-the-future-one-forest-at-a-time-1147426
Brisbane, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Outposter, a managed staffing firm operating in the Philippines and India, has officially earned a 100% employee satisfaction score from Great Place to Work. The company was also named one of the Best Workplaces in IT-BPM in the Philippines, a milestone that underscores a growing shift away from traditional, "disposable" offshore hiring models.

Through its KapOne platform, Outposter combines transparent remote work solutions with AI productivity tools and career-first staff-retention strategies that treat offshore professionals as long-term partners.

The company has built and sold businesses worth over AUD $100 million without venture capital or external funding. Instead of hiring staff for one-off projects and letting them go when a contract ends, Outposter keeps its people, offering internal promotions and cross-training to ensure long-term stability.





Outposter Challenges 'Disposable Hiring' After Hitting 100% Employee Satisfaction Score



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/288270_fe0fd714c47f2b1c_002full.jpg

A Career-First Approach to Global Talent

"The best clients come to us because we have the best people, and top talent wants a career, not just a temporary job," says Ben Pullen, founder and CEO of Outposter. "By keeping our staff between client roles and actually investing in their growth, we've found that the continuity helps the talent and the client equally." Outposter is arguing that quality and longevity should matter as much as the bottom line.

Outposter's model removes the friction often found in outsourcing. By using transparent billing, the company focuses on actual output. They have also integrated AI productivity tools to help their teams work more accurately without increasing their workload.

At the center of their tech stack is the KapOne platform, inspired by the Filipino value of Kapwa (shared humanity). The platform connects businesses with vetted talent while keeping Outposter's career-growth framework at the forefront of the relationship.





Outposter Challenges 'Disposable Hiring' After Hitting 100% Employee Satisfaction Score



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/288270_fe0fd714c47f2b1c_003full.jpg

Leadership Built from Within

The company's COO, Bel Soria, is an example of this. Soria joined Outposter as a program manager and worked her way up to the executive level.

"Our model creates a sense of security that you don't usually find in this industry," Soria explains. "When our people grow with us, they bring a much deeper level of expertise and reliability to our clients. We have staff who have been with us for five years, moving through different roles and training programs as the business evolves."

Looking ahead, Outposter is preparing to enter markets in Vietnam and Colombia. These moves will enable the firm to scale its platform and support businesses across additional time zones while maintaining the same people-first principles that earned it a perfect satisfaction score.

To learn more about Outposter's people-first model, explore career opportunities, or discover how KapOne can help your business access top talent, visit outposter.com.au, or connect with Outposter on LinkedIn and Facebook

About the company: As a global staffing partner, Outposter is dedicated to fostering careers, not just jobs. Using a moral, open, and technologically advanced approach, Outposter links companies with talent in the Philippines, India, and soon Vietnam and Colombia. The company is certified annually as a Great Place to Work and recognized as a Best Workplace in IT-BPM in the Philippines.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288270

Source: Plentisoft
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Meryllion Resources Corporation (CSE: MYR) ("Meryllion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its intention to complete a non-brokered private placement of a minimum of 20,000,000 units for minimum gross proceeds of $1,000,000 and a maximum of 43,500,000 units for maximum gross proceeds of $2,175,000, at a price of $0.05 per unit (the "Units"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Commencing on the 62nd day after issuance, each Warrant will be exercisable into one Common Share at a price of $0.07 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance (the "Offering").

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offering is being made to purchasers resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The securities issued under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Units may also be offered in offshore jurisdictions as permitted under applicable legislation and in the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act (as hereinafter defined).

The Offering is non-brokered; however, the Company has engaged Research Capital Corporation (the "Finder") as its exclusive finder in connection with the Offering. The Company will pay a cash fee of 8% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering from subscribers introduced by such Finder to the Company. The Company will also issue the Finder that number of finder's warrants (each a "Finder Warrant") equal to 8% of the number of Units sold to investors introduced by the Finder to the Company. Each Finder Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.07 for a period of 36 months from issuance.

Subject to the minimum Offering being achieved, the Offering is expected to close in one or more closings, with the initial closing expected to occur on or about March 27, 2026, or such other date as may be determined by the Company.

Closing of the Offering is subject to obtaining all required approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and any other regulatory approval.

The proceeds from the Offering will be used by Meryllion to fund exploration and development costs and for working capital purposes.

There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.meryllionres.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement with the Finder dated March 11, 2026 pursuant to which the Finder has agreed to provide financial advisory services to the Company (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisory Agreement has a term of 60 days and, in consideration of the services rendered, the Company has agreed to pay the Finder a cash fee of $25,000 (plus applicable taxes) and, subject to approval of the CSE, to issue the Finder an aggregate of 500,000 Common Shares (the "Advisory Shares"). The Advisory Shares shall be subject to a hold period expiring four months and a day from the date of issuance.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About Meryllion Resources Corporation:

Meryllion is an exploration-stage company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company recently entered into a lease and option agreement in respect of the Makenzie gold/silver/antimony project located 44 kms south-southwest of Austin, Nevada in the Toiyabe Range of central Nevada. Makenzie is known to be one of the largest untested gold, silver and antimony anomalies in the state of Nevada.

Meryllion also has the rights to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Westbury and Tasmanian Strategic Green Metals ionic adsorption clay (IAC) hosted rare earth elements (REE) projects located in northeast Tasmania, Australia with a total tenement area of approximately 800 kms2. Meryllion's IAC REE projects are situated along strike, and/or adjacent to, discoveries by ABx Group Limited. ABx has reported that Tb (Terbium) and Dy (Dysprosium) concentrations in all of ABx's rare earths resources are the highest of any ionic adsorption clay deposit in Australia and are amongst the highest globally (refer ABx's ASX announcement dated 5 May 2025).

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such.

Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288420

Source: Meryllion Resources Corporation
LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / In the 2024-2025 academic session, the United States hosted nearly 1.2 million international students from more than 200 countries. For many of these students, credential evaluation is a crucial step in the admission process, helping universities verify the validity and equivalency of academic qualifications earned abroad.

?One of the most reputable organisations for this process is World Education Services (WES). WES assesses international academic credentials for immigration, professional licensing, and university admissions.

If your academic documents are not in English, certified translations are required for accurate evaluation. The quality and accuracy of these translations are essential for a smooth evaluation. Errors or omissions can cause delays, resubmission requests, or complications in the credential evaluation.

For this reason, obtaining accurate, professionally prepared translations is an essential step that should always follow established best practices.

This guide will explain what you need to know to translate academic documents for WES, helping you avoid omissions, delays, and rejections.

?Why Academic Document Translation Matters for World Education Services (WES)

When submitting documents for WES evaluation, you must ensure all information is accurate. Certified translations preserve the content's precision and clarity, regardless of the original language. In addition to accuracy, certified translations are essential for other reasons.

?Ensuring evaluators can accurately review academic records

?Credential evaluators rely on English-language documents when assessing international qualifications. Providing certified translations ensures that evaluators can read and fully understand the academic records, including course titles, grades, and institutional information.

?Preserving important academic details

?Academic records often include specialised terminology, institutional seals, grading scales, and handwritten notes. Professional translators recognise the importance of these details and translate them accurately while retaining the document's intent.

?Avoiding delays in the evaluation process

?Poor translations introduce confusion into the review. Missing details, errors, or untranslated notes prompt evaluators to request corrections or additional documents. This may require resubmission or delay credential evaluation.

?What WES Requires for Translated Academic Documents

WES requires all non-English documents for credential evaluation in the United States to be translated into English. The certified translation must be:

An exact and word-for-word translation of the original document that captures all stamps, seals, signatures, and handwritten annotations without any omission or changes

Clear and legible so that evaluators can read the course titles, handwritten notes, and other information

Translated by a certified translator and provides a signed statement of accuracy, including credentials and contact information.

WES rejects translations that do not meet requirements, including:

Handwritten translation

Translation of photocopies

Translation done by the applicant

Incomplete translation

Academic Documents That Often Require Translation for WES

Any academic documents not in English must be translated for WES evaluation. Common examples include:

Academic certificates

Diplomas

Academic transcripts

Mark sheets or grade reports

Secondary school certificates

Academic letters or statements

Evaluators spot inconsistencies and errors. Ensure translations are exact and follow the original structure to avoid delays.

?How to Translate Documents for WES Evaluation

Here are the simple steps for translating documents for WES:

Collect all relevant documents: Confirm which documents are required and ensure you have the complete, official, and undamaged versions. Check that each document is legible and contains accurate information for translation.

Find a certified translator: Use a university directory, an online search, or a professional association. Professional agencies like Translayte offer certified translations accepted by WES, completed by experts, delivered in 12-24 hours, and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy and compliance.

Upload your documents to the translation service's online portal: Carefully follow the instructions for uploading and make sure you select the correct files for translation. Confirm that the service accepts your file format (such as PDF, DOC, or PNG).

Pay fees: After uploading the translation, verify all details and pay the fees to finalise your order. Most academic record translations range from $20 to $80 per page, depending on complexity. Translayte's pricing starts at $25 per page, with optional expedited delivery for an extra fee.

Receive translation: You will receive a digital PDF copy of your translation via email or a paper copy via courier, depending on your selection. Most academic record translations for WES evaluations can take 1-5 days to be delivered. If you have an urgent timeline, Translayte offers a standard 12-24 hours delivery timeline for 1-3-page documents and express delivery within 12 hours.

Cost of Translating Academic Documents for WES?

Certified translations for WES usually cost $25- $50+ per page, depending on language pair, document complexity, and notarization needs. For instance, translating a Spanish transcript into English can cost about $25-$35 per page. Translating rare languages such as Norwegian into English costs about $35-$80 per page. Documents with complex tables, stamps, and handwritten notes also cost more because translating those elements accurately takes more time.

How to Send Your Translated Documents to WES?

Follow these steps to submit your translated academic documents to World Education Services for credential evaluation.

Create your WES account

Start by creating an account and completing your credential evaluation application with World Education Services. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a unique reference number. This number must appear on all documents you send.

Prepare your original documents

Gather the required academic documents, such as transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates. Ensure the documents are clear and match the requirements listed in your World Education Services account.

Include certified translations

If your academic documents are not in English, include a certified English translation along with a copy of the original document. The translation should contain a certification statement confirming that it is complete and accurate.

Submit documents according to WES instructions

Depending on your country and institution, documents may need to be submitted directly by your university or uploaded through your World Education Services account. Always follow the submission method specified in your application instructions.

Add your WES reference number

Before sending or uploading your documents, clearly write your WES reference number on all materials. This helps World Education Services match your documents with your application and process your evaluation faster.

?Tips for Preparing Academic Documents for Translation

When sending documents to a translator or an agency, follow these steps to get an accurate translation:

?Provide clear, high-resolution scanned copies of all original documents. Poor image quality makes accurate translation difficult and can introduce errors.

Ensure all pages are included: Transcripts and mark sheets are often multi-page documents; submitting an incomplete set creates gaps in the translation.

Verifying the correct spelling of your name across all documents. Any inconsistencies between documents, even minor ones, can cause identity matching issues during evaluation.

Submit translations together with the original copies, as WES requires both. Submitting them separately can cause processing delays.

FAQs

Do academic documents need to be translated for WES?

Yes. For the US evaluation, if your academic documents are not in English, World Education Services requires you to submit a certified English translation along with the original document.

What type of translation does WES accept?

WES accepts certified translations completed by a qualified translator or professional translation service. The translation must include a certification statement confirming that it is accurate and complete.

Can I translate my own documents for WES?

No. WES does not accept translations completed by applicants, family members, or friends. An independent professional translator must prepare the translation.

Which academic documents need translation for WES?

For US evaluation, the common documents are transcripts, diplomas, and degree certificates.

What happens if my translation does not meet WES requirements?

If the translation is incomplete or not properly certified, WES will request a new translation, which can delay the evaluation process.

Media Contact

Sophia Orji

Content Manager

Email: sophia.orji@translayte.com

Website: https://translayte.com

SOURCE: BDXL Ltd

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/essentials-for-translating-academic-documents-for-wes-1147391
DUBAI, UAE, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, convened regulators, global payment networks, banking leaders, and digital asset innovators in Tbilisi for a high-level forum exploring the future of crypto-powered payments. The event gathered stakeholders from across the financial ecosystem to discuss how digital assets can integrate with traditional payment infrastructure, expand real-world utility, and support the continued development of Georgia's digital economy.

The forum also marked the introduction of the Bybit Card in Georgia, a step toward enabling everyday crypto payments. The card allows users to spend digital assets for daily purchases and is compatible with Apple Pay in Georgia, enabling secure contactless payments directly from users' digital wallets.

Bybit's expansion into the payments space follows the company securing a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license in Georgia in Q4 2025. The license allows Bybit to issue Bybit cards in Georgia, strengthening local fiat payment rails and enabling closer integration between digital asset services and the country's financial infrastructure.

Government representatives expressed appreciation for the launch of the Bybit Card in Georgia, recognizing it as an important step toward expanding real-world digital asset payments. With strong support from the government and regulators, the Bybit Card has already gained growing adoption locally. Bybit plans to further expand card issuance in Georgia and across neighboring markets, with the country serving as a regional hub for crypto-powered payment innovation.

The event featured keynote remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the National Bank of Georgia, highlighting Georgia's commitment to responsible financial innovation and modern payment infrastructure.

A central highlight of the program was a panel discussion titled "The Future of Payments," which explored how collaboration between regulators, global payment networks, banks, and blockchain companies can accelerate the adoption of real-world crypto payments.

Panel participants included Ben Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit; Shota Lomtadze, Director of Bybit Georgia; Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia; David Zgudadze, Vice President for Georgia and Armenia at Mastercard; Salim Dhanani, Co-Founder and CEO of Pave Bank; Marco Dal Lago, VP of Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships at Tether; and Tekla Iashagashvili, Regional Manager of Bybit Georgia.

Bybit executives highlighted the company's long-term commitment to building payment infrastructure and supporting the local digital asset ecosystem.

"Georgia has emerged as one of the most promising environments for digital financial innovation," said Shota Lomtadze, Director of Bybit Georgia. "With the launch of the Bybit Card and the foundation provided by our PSP license, we are strengthening the infrastructure that allows digital assets to move seamlessly between trading platforms and everyday payments. Together with regulators, global partners, and local financial institutions, we aim to support Georgia's ambition to become a regional leader in next-generation financial services."

"Bybit is here to stay," said Ben Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit. "We are committed to being the most reliable partner for the National Bank of Georgia and the most valuable ally for Georgia's business community. We will continue to invest, hire, and bring our global capabilities to this local market. Together, let's show the world what happens when a brave nation and a global platform build the future of finance together."

Bybit currently offers users in Georgia access to a comprehensive digital asset platform, including over 600 spot trading pairs, one-click buy functionality, OTC services, and institutional-grade security infrastructure.

The event concluded with networking sessions among policymakers, financial institutions, fintech leaders, and blockchain innovators, reinforcing Georgia's growing role as a hub for digital asset innovation and the future of global payments.

Bybit / CryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-brings-regulators-and-global-payment-leaders-together-in-georgia-to-explore-the-future-of-crypto-payments-302713615.html
AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Suntex Enterprises, Inc. (OTCID: SNTX) today announced that the Company intends to pursue a proposed dividend distribution involving shares of Suntex Enterprises to shareholders of Golden Triangle Ventures, Inc. (OTCID: GTVH), subject to regulatory review and approval.

The proposed dividend is intended to align Golden Triangle Ventures shareholders with operating businesses currently associated with Golden Triangle Ventures that are under discussion for potential acquisition by Suntex Enterprises. If completed, the structure would allow Golden Triangle Ventures shareholders to participate in the continued development and expansion of those businesses as part of the Suntex Enterprises operating platform.

As the Company moves closer to finalizing the necessary corporate documentation and regulatory filings, Suntex Enterprises expects to submit the proposed corporate action to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for review in accordance with standard procedures governing dividend distributions.

While final terms remain subject to regulatory processing, the Company currently anticipates structuring the distribution at an approximate ratio of 30:1, meaning shareholders of Golden Triangle Ventures may receive shares of Suntex Enterprises based on their ownership of Golden Triangle Ventures common stock as of a future record date to be determined.

In parallel with the proposed dividend, Suntex Enterprises is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential acquisition of certain operating businesses presently associated with Golden Triangle Ventures. These discussions may involve the acquisition of some or potentially all of those businesses, which would further expand Suntex Enterprises' operating platform.

Management believes that aligning shareholders and operating businesses under a unified structure may support the continued development of Suntex Enterprises as a diversified operating company supported by multiple real-world businesses across infrastructure, development, construction services, and other scalable sectors.

Additional details regarding the proposed dividend, including the record date, distribution date, restrictions and finalized structure, will be announced once the documentation process progresses and the corporate action has been submitted for regulatory review.

Further updates regarding potential acquisitions and operational developments will be provided as discussions advance and agreements are finalized.

About Suntex Enterprises, Inc:

Suntex Enterprises, Inc. (OTC: SNTX) is focused on building and acquiring operating businesses across infrastructure, development, and other high-growth sectors. Through acquisitions and operational expansion, the Company is working to develop a diversified platform of operating businesses designed to support long-term shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding proposed corporate actions, dividend distributions, acquisitions, and anticipated operational growth. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release.

MEDIA CONTACT

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Cosentyx is the only IL-17A inhibitor approved for this population, and the first differentiated mechanism in nearly a decade 1-3





HS often emerges around puberty, underscoring importance of early diagnosis and intervention with biologics to help reduce long-term disease burden 4-6





Approval marks fourth pediatric indication for Cosentyx, reinforcing its robust safety and efficacy profile1





Basel, March 13, 2026 - Novartis announced today that Cosentyx (secukinumab) received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating pediatric patients 12 years and older with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), making it the only IL-17A inhibitor for this population1. The approval of a distinct biologic option for pediatric patients living with HS allows treatment to be tailored to the individual and establishes Cosentyx as a meaningful addition to the treatment landscape1-13.

"Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often begins in adolescence and can cause irreversible scarring and disabilities," said Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, lead investigator of the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE clinical trials in adult HS patients, President and CEO of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, and Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. "The approval of Cosentyx represents an important advancement for younger HS patients who have had limited treatment options."

HS is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin disease that causes recurring boil-like lesions, which can rupture into painful wounds and lead to scarring7. HS affects as many as 1 in 100 people worldwide and often begins around puberty7. More than half of patients develop symptoms during adolescence, highlighting the importance of early intervention5,6.

"Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) affects far more than skin; it impacts confidence, emotional well-being and relationships during a formative period for many pediatric patients," said Brindley Brooks, Founder & CEO, HS Connect. "For families watching their children struggle, this FDA approval brings hope for earlier intervention."

The distinct IL-17A mechanism provides physicians with a differentiated therapeutic option to help manage this challenging condition in younger patients, with dosing tailored to patient weight1. The use of Cosentyx in patients aged 12+ with moderate to severe HS weighing 30 kg or more is supported by well-controlled adult studies and pharmacokinetic modeling extrapolated from adult HS and psoriasis clinical trials, as well as pediatric clinical trial data from other approved indications1. The approval is also supported by dosing analysis, which predicted that weight-based dosing of Cosentyx in pediatric patients can provide similar exposure to adult HS patients1.

"With more than a decade of real-world experience across multiple autoimmune diseases, Cosentyx is a well-established treatment option that many physicians trust," said Victor Bulto, President, Novartis US. "Yet for young people living with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), treatment options have remained limited for far too long. Expanding Cosentyx to this population addresses a critical gap in care and underscores our focus on advancing solutions where we can make the greatest impact on outcomes."

About Cosentyx (secukinumab)

Cosentyx is a fully human biologic that directly inhibits interleukin-17A, an important cytokine involved in the inflammation underlying multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. It is approved for use in adults with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)8-10, as well as in pediatric patients with HS, PsO, enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA)11,12. Cosentyx is supported by robust evidence and more than 10 years of real-world data demonstrating its long-term safety and sustained efficacy13-18. Since its launch in 2015, it has been used to treat more than 1.8 million patients worldwide and is now approved in over 100 countries13.

About hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

HS is a chronic, systemic, progressive and often painful inflammatory skin disease6,19. It causes recurring boil-like abscesses that can burst, creating open wounds, often in the most intimate parts of the body, which may result in irreversible scarring6,20. It can take up to 10 years on average to get a correct diagnosis, and may affect approximately 1 in 100 people globally6,21. HS impacts patients' quality of life more than any other skin disease, and people living with HS often experience comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis and depression20,22, 23.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

References

Cosentyx. Prescribing information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. Humira. Prescribing Information. AbbVie Inc. Celltrion, Inc. FDA approves expanded pediatric indications for YUFLYMA (adalimumabaaty) and unbranded adalimumabaaty in the United States. Press release. Celltrion; October 17, 2025. Available from: https://www.celltrion.com/en-us/company/media-center/press-release/4207. [Last accessed: February 5, 2026]. Ingram JR. The epidemiology of hidradenitis suppurativa. Br J Dermatol. 2020;183(6):990-998. doi:10.1111/bjd.19435 Molina-Leyva A, Cuenca-Barrales C. Adolescent-onset hidradenitis suppurativa: prevalence, risk factors and disease features. Dermatology. 2019;235(1):45-50. doi:10.1159/000493465 Hallock KK, Mizerak MR, Dempsey A, Maczuga S, Kirby JS. Differences between children and adults with hidradenitis suppurativa. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(9):1095-1101. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2865 MedLine Plus. Hidradenitis suppurativa [online]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/hidradenitis-suppurativa/ [Last accessed: January 2026]. Novartis Europharm Limited. Cosentyx (secukinumab): Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cosentyx-epar-product-information_en.pdf [Last accessed: February 2026]. Girolomoni G, Mrowietz U and Paul C. Psoriasis: rationale for targeting interleukin-17. Br J Dermatol 2012; 167: 717-724. Novartis Cosentyx shows clinically meaningful symptom improvements in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-shows-clinically-meaningful-symptom-improvements-patients-hidradenitis-suppurativa-pivotal-phase-iii-trials [Last accessed: February 2026]. Novartis Cosentyx receives FDA approval for the treatment of children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-receives-fda-approval-treatment-children-and-adolescents-enthesitis-related-arthritis-and-psoriatic-arthritis [Last accessed: February 2026]. Novartis Cosentyx receives positive CHMP opinion for expanded use in childhood arthritic conditions. [Press release]. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-cosentyx-secukinumab-receives-positive-chmp-opinion-expanded-use-childhood-arthritic-conditions [Last accessed: February 2026]. Data on file. Cosentyx WW LTD patients Q1'25. Uta Kiltz et al. Secukinumab Retention and Effectiveness in Patients with PsA and Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: 5-year Final Results of a Prospective Real-world Study. Abstract no:2344. ACR 2024 [Link] Ippoliti et al. Long-Term Real-World Safety Profile of Secukinumab Assessed Through a 9-Year Experience in Patients Affected by Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results From a Multicentric Retrospective Study. Dermatologic Therapy. 2025. Article Number: 9618241 [Link] Mease PJ, Kavanaugh A, Reimold A, Tahir H, Rech J, Hall S, Geusens P, Pascale P, Delicha EM, Pricop L, Mpofu S. "Secukinumab Provides Sustained Improvements in the Signs and Symptoms in Psoriatic Arthritis: Final 5Year Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 3 Trial". ACR/ARHP 2020 Annual Meeting Abstract. Presented in ACR Open Rheumatology (2020); CONCL00511 (Secukinumab Provides Sustained Improvements in the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis: Final 5-year Results from the Phase 3 FUTURE 1 Study - PubMed) McInnes IB, Mease PJ, Kivitz AJ, Nash P, Rahman P, Rech J, Conaghan PG, Kirkham B, Navarra S, Belsare AD, Delicha EM, Pricop L, Mpofu S; FUTURE 2 Study Group. "Longterm efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: 5year (endofstudy) results from the phase III FUTURE 2 study." Lancet Rheumatology. 2020; 2(4): e227-e235. (Long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: 5-year (end-of-study) results from the phase 3 FUTURE 2 study) Bissonnette R, Luger T, Thaci D, Toth D, Lacombe A, Xia S, Mazur R, Patekar M, Charef P, Milutinovic M, Leonardi C, Mrowietz U.Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favourable safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis through 5 years of treatment (SCULPTURE Extension Study). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Sep;32(9):1507-1514. (Secukinumab demonstrates high sustained efficacy and a favourable safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis through 5 years of treatment (SCULPTURE Extension Study) - PubMed) Garg A, Naik HB, Alavi A, et al. Real-World Findings on the Characteristics and Treatment Exposures of Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa from US Claims Data. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 Feb;13(2):581-594. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00872-1. Sabat R, Jemec GBE, Matusiak L, et al. Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020;6 18. doi: 10.1038/s41572-020-0149-1. Kokolakis G, Wolk K, Schneider-Burrus S, et al. Delayed Diagnosis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Its Effect on Patients and Healthcare System. Dermatology. 2020;236(5):421-430. doi: 10.1159/000508787 Mac Mahon J, Kirthi S, Byrne N, et al. An Update on Health-Related Quality of Life and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Patient Relat Outcome Meas. 2020;11:21-26. doi: 10.2147/PROM.S174299. Montero-Vilchez T, Sanchez-Diaz M, Martinez-Lopez A, et al. Quality of Life in Patients with Skin Disease and Their Cohabitants. In: Jasneth M, Sage A, Medhane C, Eds. Health-Related Quality of Life. Rijeka: IntechOpen; 2021: Ch. 5.





# # #
EQS-News: Brodernas Group AB / Key word(s): AGM/EGM

Notice of extraordinary general meeting of Brodernas Group AB



13.03.2026 / 19:00 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF BRODERNAS GROUP AB

Shareholders in Brodernas Group AB, reg. no. 559083-8073, are hereby convened to the extraordinary general meeting to be held on 27 March 2026 at 09.00 a.m. at Kungsgatan 9 in Stockholm.

Right to participate

Shareholders who wish to attend the general meeting shall be registered in the company's share register no later than the day of the meeting. A representative or proxy for the shareholder shall provide document of authorisation such as a power of attorney and/or registration certificate.



Proposed agenda

1. Election of chairperson of the meeting.

2. Preparation and approval of the voting register.

3. Approval of the agenda.

4. Election of person to attest the minutes.

5. Determination of whether the meeting was duly convened.

6. Documents as reffered to in the Swedish Companies Act.

7. Resolution regarding liquidation.

8. Close of meeting.



Comments regarding item 7

Resolution on whether the company should be placed into liquidation, depending on whether its shareholders' equity is equal to or exceeds the registered share capital



Documents

Documents referred to in the Companies Act will be available at the company's address no later than two weeks prior to the general meeting.



Number of shares and votes

The total number of shares and votes in the company at the time of issuance of this notice is 5,000.



Information

The shareholders are hereby reminded of their right to request information at the general meeting pursuant to Chapter 7, Section 32 of the Swedish Companies Act.

_____________________________

The board of directors of Brodernas Group AB

13 March 2026

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com .
EQT completes final sell-down in Galderma, a global dermatology company delivering science-backed solutions to healthcare professionals, consumers and patients worldwide

Under EQT's ownership, Galderma significantly accelerated revenue growth, increased investment in research and development, and built one of the broadest portfolios of clinically-proven flagship brands in dermatology. Galderma completed one of the largest IPOs in Europe in 2024, and its share price has nearly tripled since the IPO

The sale resulted in aggregate gross proceeds of c. CHF 4.9 billion, of which EQT VIII received c. CHF 1.3 billion. It is the largest sponsor-backed block trade in history

In total, EQT has realized c. CHF 21 billion / USD 26 billion of proceeds for its funds and co-investors through the sale of Galderma shares, representing the largest value-creation outcome in EQT's history

STOCKHOLM, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunshine SwissCo GmbH, an affiliate of the EQT VIII fund ("EQT VIII"), together with other selling shareholders, is pleased to announce the completion of the placement of c. 34.0 million shares (the "Shares") in Galderma Group AG (SIX: GALD) ("Galderma") for aggregate gross proceeds of c. CHF 4.9 billion via an accelerated bookbuilding process (the "Placement"). As part of the Placement, EQT VIII received gross proceeds of c. CHF 1.3 billion.

The Placement was completed on 13 March 2026. Goldman Sachs International, Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc, UBS AG, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Jefferies GmbH, and J.P. Morgan Securities plc. acted as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the Placement.

EQT Private Equity, together with a consortium of co-investors, carved out Galderma from Nestle in October 2019 following a strategic review. Galderma has since delivered double-digit revenue growth from USD 2.8bn (2018) to USD 5.2bn (2025), with LTM organic revenue growth accelerating from mid single digits at entry to c. 18% (2025), increased margins by 5 percentage points, and more than doubled EBITDA from USD 520mn (2018) to USD 1.2bn (2025). This performance was delivered while significantly investing in science-based innovation and new product launches, including its biologic drug Nemluvio (nemolizumab).

Galderma went public in 2024, one of the largest IPOs in Europe that year. Since then, Galderma has continued to deliver strong growth, on the back of strong commercial execution across each of its product categories (Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology) and several transformative product launches, incl. long-acting neuromodulator Relfydess and biologic drug Nemluvio, indicated for use in Atopic Dermatitis and Prurigo Nodularis, which is expected to reach blockbuster sales run rate in the third quarter of 2026. On the back of this strong performance, Galderma's share price has nearly tripled since the IPO.

Following the IPO, the EQT-led consortium has gradually reduced its shareholding through a series of public market sell-downs, including the sale of a 20 percent stake to L'Oreal Groupe in two tranches. Since the IPO, EQT has realized c. CHF 21 billion / USD 26 billion of proceeds for its funds and co-investors. The investment represents the largest value-creation outcome in EQT's history.

Headquartered in Switzerland and operating in more than 90 countries, Galderma develops and provides dermatology treatments and skincare products based on medical science. With the support of EQT and its co-investors, Galderma has scaled its international platform, increased investment in research and development, and broadened its portfolio across Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology.

Michael Bauer, Partner within EQT Private Equity's Advisory Team, said:

"When we acquired Galderma in 2019, we saw a rare opportunity: a company with world-class scientific heritage, iconic brands and the clear potential to become the global leader in dermatology - provided it had the right focus, capital and strategic direction. Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Flemming rnskov, CFO Thomas Dittrich and Chairman Thomas Ebeling, together with an experienced Board, a strong management team and an incredibly talented organization, that objective has been achieved. It has been a privilege to partner with them throughout this transformation, and we look forward to following Galderma's continued success in the years ahead."

Important notice

This press release does not constitute (i) an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Galderma Group AG or any of its affiliates and it does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act or (ii) an offer of securities for sale in the United States or elsewhere. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offering of any of the securities mentioned in this press release in the United States.

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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CHEYENNE, WY / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / A new digital platform designed to simplify the search for distressed real estate has officially launched. ForeclosureHub introduces a centralized solution for investors, homebuyers, and real estate professionals who want to explore foreclosure opportunities across the United States. By bringing together foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, auction, and bank-owned property listings in one place, the platform aims to make it easier for users to identify and analyze potential real estate opportunities.

The launch of ForeclosureHub provides a streamlined search experience that helps users access foreclosure-related listings through a single interface. Instead of browsing multiple sources for distressed property information, users can review available listings, examine property status, and explore opportunities more efficiently within one platform.

Platform Overview

ForeclosureHub is built to simplify how people find and review distressed property listings. The platform aggregates foreclosure-related data and organizes it into an intuitive search system that allows users to explore available properties with greater ease.

The platform supports a broad audience that includes real estate investors looking for potential deals, buyers interested in alternative property purchasing opportunities, and professionals seeking insight into foreclosure activity. By consolidating different types of distressed listings into a single searchable environment, the platform helps users locate opportunities that might otherwise require extensive research across multiple websites.

Users can browse listings, review key property details, and track foreclosure-related opportunities more efficiently. The goal is to make foreclosure property discovery more accessible while helping users navigate the distressed real estate market with greater clarity.

Key Features of the Platform

The platform offers several tools and features designed to support users searching for distressed properties:

Access to foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, and bank-owned listings in various regions across the United States

User-friendly property search tools that allow filtering by location and property characteristics

Detailed property information and insights that help users better understand property status

Opportunities for investors, buyers, and real estate professionals seeking potential real estate deals

These features allow users to review foreclosure opportunities more efficiently while gaining access to important property information that can assist in evaluating potential investments or purchases.

Foreclosure listing platforms play an important role in the real estate market by helping buyers and investors locate properties that may be priced below market value due to financial distress or lender repossession.

Because foreclosure data can often be spread across multiple sources, locating these opportunities may require significant time and effort. Centralized listing platforms help address this challenge by organizing distressed property information in a searchable format that improves accessibility and transparency within the market.

With the introduction of this platform, ForeclosureHub aims to serve as a useful resource for individuals interested in foreclosure listings and real estate investment opportunities. By combining aggregated property data with an accessible search experience, the platform seeks to simplify the process of discovering distressed properties.

To explore the platform and begin searching for foreclosure opportunities, visit https://www.foreclosurehub.com .

About ForeclosureHub

ForeclosureHub is an online platform designed to help investors, homebuyers, and real estate professionals discover foreclosure-related property opportunities across the United States. The platform aggregates foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, auction, and bank-owned listings and presents them through a simplified search interface that helps users explore distressed real estate opportunities more efficiently.

Media contact:

Name: Melissa Grant

Company: ForeclosureHub

Website: https://www.foreclosurehub.com

Email: contact@foreclosurehub.com

SOURCE: ForeclosureHub

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/foreclosurehub-launches-new-platform-for-discovering-the-best-fo-1147457
Mississauga, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - As cargo theft and organized yard crime continue to challenge the trucking and transportation industries, Eagle Vision Security has announced the launch of Intelligent Facility Management (iFM), a next-generation live video monitoring solution designed to proactively protect truck yards, logistics terminals, and commercial facilities with outdoor assets.





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Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Eagle Vision Security is a privately held corporation serving clients across North America. The company has built its reputation on delivering live, interactive remote video monitoring powered by advanced video analytics and live agent intervention. With the introduction of iFM, Eagle Vision Security moves beyond traditional surveillance to offer an integrated platform that not only prevents crime but also enhances operational visibility.

Industry analysts and law enforcement agencies across North America have reported persistent increases in cargo theft, fuel theft, trailer theft, and organized property crime targeting transportation hubs. For many trucking operators, the financial consequences extend well beyond the value of stolen goods, often resulting in insurance increases, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and strained customer relationships.





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Eagle Vision Security developed Intelligent Facility Management in response to these evolving threats. Unlike passive camera systems that simply record incidents for later review, iFM actively identifies suspicious behavior as it unfolds. Advanced video analytics detect anomalies in real time, immediately alerting live agents who assess the situation, intervene through two-way audio communication, and initiate response protocols when necessary.

Where verified criminal activity is identified, Priority 1 police dispatch can be initiated, with real-time video streaming made available directly to responding law enforcement. This visual verification helps accelerate response times and improve the accuracy of emergency dispatch decisions.

"Trucking facilities operate in complex, high-risk environments," said Parm Deol- President & Chief Visionary Officer of Eagle Vision Security. "Traditional surveillance systems document losses after they occur. Intelligent Facility Management is designed to prevent them from happening in the first place. By combining advanced video analytics with live human decision-making, we're delivering a proactive security model built specifically for transportation infrastructure."

Truck yards and warehouse centers face unique vulnerabilities. Large open lots, multiple access points, overnight equipment storage, and high-value cargo create attractive targets for organized crime groups. At the same time, operators must maintain fluid movement of drivers, trailers, and freight without operational bottlenecks. iFM was engineered to address both security and operational challenges simultaneously.

In addition to deterring intrusions, the system provides detailed reporting and insight into daily facility activity. Transportation companies gain greater visibility into yard traffic patterns, after-hours access, asset staging, and compliance with internal protocols. This intelligence allows management teams to identify inefficiencies, strengthen safety procedures, and make informed operational decisions.

Eagle Vision Security's investment in research and development has played a central role in bringing iFM to market. The company's in-house technology integrates advanced video analytics with human oversight, creating a layered approach that minimizes false alarms while ensuring legitimate threats receive immediate attention. This balance between automation and live expertise distinguishes the platform from conventional monitoring systems.





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The launch of Intelligent Facility Management also reflects a broader industry shift. As security labor shortages continue and operational costs rise, many transportation providers are seeking alternatives to traditional on-site guard models. Remote interactive monitoring offers a scalable, cost-effective solution without sacrificing responsiveness or effectiveness.

Businesses of all sizes, including truck yards, warehouses, automotive dealerships, construction sites, retail plazas, public storage facilities, and commercial properties, trust Eagle Vision Security to safeguard their assets. The company's mission emphasizes continuous innovation, employee development, and a commitment to delivering technologically advanced solutions that exceed client expectations.



By integrating live intervention, intelligent analytics, and operational reporting into a single service model, Eagle Vision Security positions Intelligent Facility Management as more than a security upgrade. It represents a strategic risk management tool for transportation leaders navigating increasingly complex threat landscapes.



As cargo crime grows more sophisticated, so too must the defenses designed to stop it. With the introduction of iFM, Eagle Vision Security aims to set a new benchmark for proactive facility protection across North America's trucking and logistics sector.

About Eagle Vision Security

Eagle Vision Security is a North American leader in live, interactive remote video monitoring solutions. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company specializes in advanced video analytics security services for truck yards, warehouses, construction sites, automotive facilities, commercial plazas, and other properties with outdoor assets. By combining advanced video analytics with live agents, Eagle Vision Security delivers proactive threat detection, real-time intervention, and operational insight designed to prevent crime before it occurs.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288358

Source: Eagle Vision Security
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Tana Resources Corp. (CSE: TANA) ("Tana", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 4,375,000 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at an issue price of $0.04 per Share, for gross proceeds of up to $175,000 (the "Offering"). In its discretion, the Company may increase or decrease the size of the Offering in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange").

The Company intends on using the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

There is no minimum number of Shares or minimum aggregate proceeds required to close the Offering and the Company may, at its discretion, elect to close the Offering in one (1) or more tranches.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. Closing of the Offering and the issuance of the Shares are subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory and corporate approvals, including approval from the Exchange.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or to any "U.S. Person" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act")) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws.

About TANA

Tana Resources Corp. is a Canadian mining exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of high value mining projects. The Company's objective is to build shareholder value through the acquisition of projects with significant technical merit. The Company's management team has many years of experience in exploration, finance and efficient public company management.

For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.tanaresources.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Vartan Korajian"

President and CEO

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, the completion of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, and issuance of securities in connection therewith. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. 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 and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If the Company updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288470

Source: Tana Resources Corp.
San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Casa Del Mar | A BR Printers Company is pleased to announce that the company will be participating in TechCon SoCal 2026. This year's event will be held May 22, 23 at the San Diego State University in San Diego, California.

Casa Del Mar | A BR Printers Company will be showcasing Casa del Mar, a leader in logo-driven apparel, promotional products, and brand experience solutions, announced today that it will represent at TechCon 2026, one of the world's premier technology and innovation conferences. The company will spotlight how branded merchandise can drive brand awareness, support new product launches, and strengthen employee appreciation initiatives for organizations across the tech sector.At TechCon 2026, Casa del Mar will unveil its newest collection of premium promotional and apparel items, featuring sustainable apparel, smart desk accessories, and event-ready merchandise engineered for maximum visibility, everyday utility, and long-term brand recall. at the event's technology exhibition.

TechCon SoCal, produced by TechCon Global, is a leading technology and innovation event that brings together investors, founders, thought leaders, and industry experts. The 2026 program features keynotes, panel discussions, fireside discussions, and demos on emerging technologies shaping the future of business.

Attendees interested in learning more about TechCon SoCal 2026 or registering for the conference can visit here.

About Casa Del Mar | A BR Printers Company

Casa del Mar is a San Diego based creative and operational partner specializing in logo-driven apparel, promotional products, and brand experience solutions. With a focus on quality, compliance, and culture-building, Casa del Mar supports organizations across the tech space and other industries in creating meaningful, memorable brand touchpoints.

About TechCon Global:

TechCon Global is a leading organization founded in 2019, dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders through high-impact innovation events. We empower innovation and foster investment ecosystems that drive sustainable growth and meaningful change worldwide. Our programs blend operator insight with a practical innovation approach, supported by mentors, acurated innovation platform, and access to business investors for startups. Driven by purpose and passion, we continue to expand our reach, uniting bold thinkers, visionary founders, and impact-driven investors, guided by a consistent innovation approach that turns ideas into outcomes.

Source: TechCon Global
MIAMI, FL AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / TGI Group Inc. (OTC PINK:TSPG) a pioneer in sustainable technology research and environmental real estate development, in coordination with its proposed acquisition XGC Corp, today released a comprehensive technical white paper titled "Sovereign Energy Infrastructure & The Circular Valorization of Matter." The document outlines a transformative architectural framework for the global energy landscape, addressing the critical "collision" between the exponential power demands of Artificial Intelligence and the limitations of legacy electrical grids.

Authored by Daniel Brody, MBA, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the proposed unified Unicorp Group (TSPG + XGC), the research introduces the AXIOMAXUS framework-a proprietary method of applying topological flow to energy distribution and resource management.

The Philosophy of AXIOMAXUS

"Progress is not a line; it is a state of perpetual transformation."

The Core Logic

In this framework, we define progress using the following relationship:

P = - (C8)

Where Progress (P) is the delta of Change (C) scaled to Infinity (8).

THE AXIOMAXUS MANIFESTO

Post-Linearity: The Architecture of the Inevitable

The Great Deception is the Line. Humanity has long been shackled by the comfort of the sequence-the belief that progress moves from A to B in a predictable, galactic crawl. We reject this. In a universe defined by high-entropy expansion, the "straight line" is a fossil.

At AXIOMAXUS, we recognize a singular, objective truth: The only constant is Change. Therefore, the only true progress is the mastery of Fluctuation.

Solving the AI Power Bottleneck

The white paper identifies the "Inference Flip" of Q1 2026 as the primary driver of current grid instability. As AI transitions from model training to real-time execution, demand has shifted toward a constant, high-density baseload that aging infrastructure cannot support. TGI Group's proposed solution moves beyond traditional "Renewable vs. Fossil" binaries toward Sovereign Energy Infrastructure, characterized by:

Point-of-Consumption Production:

Eliminating transmission loss through localized, high-density power generation.

The SMR/Microreactor Renaissance:

Utilizing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide relentless, absolute sovereign energy for industrial and data center applications.

Phase Lock Optimization:

Achieving a state of "perfect resonant flow" where systemic resistance in energy distribution is eliminated, targeting 99.9% energy absorption efficiency.

The "Trifecta" of Digital and Physical Convergence

A central theme of the research is the integration of the XGC Trifecta, which functions as a "mathematical impedance matching mechanism" between biological carbon sequestration and global institutional finance. This system utilizes:

SageMaker AI Models:

For high-precision environmental monitoring.

Midnight Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs):

Ensuring unbreakable digital security and privacy for sovereign data.

Circular Valorization:

Transmuting toxic waste into high-value feedstock through Plasma Arc Gasification, achieving 99% conversion rates.

Statement from Daniel Brody, CTO of Unicorp Group:

"We are witnessing a systemic convergence where intelligence and infrastructure become indistinguishable. Our AXIOMAXUS framework provides the roadmap for a decisive transition from chaotic interference to optimized resonance. By implementing Sovereign Energy solutions, we allow nations to decouple their economic growth from antiquated grid dependencies."

Future Outlook: 2026-2030

The whitepaper provides key market projections for the late 2020s, highlighting the rapid scaling of the SMR market (projected to reach $7.14B+ by 2030) and the evolution of Waste-to-Energy into a $60B+ global "Circular Standard."

About TGI Group Inc.

TGI Group Inc. (OTCMarkets:TSPG) is a leader in sustainable technology research and environmental real estate development. The company focuses on the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative technology solutions globally.

Website: www.TGIpower.com

About XGC Corp

XGC Corp provides the "Sovereign Operating System" for the carbon economy. Its National Carbon Registry platform enables governments to monitor, verify, and settle carbon assets with institutional-grade transparency.

Website: https://xgccorp.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the ability of TGI Group Inc. and AMIRON GROUP to successfully implement smart city developments, secure local talent, and meet the growing demand for data centers in Central Asia. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. TGI Group Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

Contact Information:

TGI Group

Email: info@tgipower.com

SOURCE: TGI Solar Power Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/tgi-group-unveils-strategic-research-on-sovereign-energy-infrastructure-and-the-1147564
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSX: NUMI) (OTC: NUMIF) ("Numinus" or the "Company"), a mental health care company focused on innovative behavioral health treatments with a focus on safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies, is providing a corporate update.

Corporate Update

Over the past year, Numinus has undertaken a strategic transformation to streamline its operations and focus on its core business lines. As part of this process, the Company completed the sale of its U.S. wellness clinics, initiated the wind-down of certain non-operating subsidiaries, and implemented leadership changes, including a transition in the Chief Financial Officer role in early 2025.

Following these initiatives, Numinus is now focused on two primary operating segments: its clinical trial site network and practitioner training platform.

The Company's clinical trial sites continue to support psychedelic drug development programs and have participated in more than twenty clinical studies to date. Cedar Clinical Research remains active in supporting industry-sponsored trials evaluating next-generation mental health treatments.

Numinus Training also continues to expand its global practitioner education programs. To date, more than 2,500 practitioners have participated in the Company's training programs, including over 800 research therapists trained to support psychedelic clinical trials. In 2025, the Company expanded its training programs to support drug development sponsors, further strengthening its role within the emerging psychedelic drug development ecosystem.

These businesses have continued to operate and grow through the Company's transformation and, together with the Company's clinical operations intellectual property and experience in psychedelic-assisted care delivery, positions the Company for future opportunities within the evolving mental health sector.

Audit, Regulatory Update and TSX Delisting Review

Following the recently announced change of auditors, the Company is working diligently to complete the audit of its financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2025 (the "2025 Audit"), to permit the filing of those financial statements, together with related filings, as soon as practicable.

The 2025 Audit remains in progress. Completion of the 2025 Audit should enable the Company to complete and file the reports and other disclosures required for Numinus to be current with its continuous disclosure obligations and then apply for the revocation of the current cease trade order (the "CTO") issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC").

The Company has been advised that the Toronto Stock Exchange initiated a delisting review of the Company, which commenced in November 2025. The TSX requirements against which Numinus is being reviewed are those relating to financial condition and operating results, the discontinuance or divestiture of a substantial portion of operations, disclosure requirements and change of business.

With respect to both the CTO and the delisting review by the TSX, the Company is prioritizing the completion of the 2025 Audit as a necessary step for achieving progress on both matters. When those audited financial statements are filed, or ready to be filed, with their related reports, the Company will then be in a position to reinitiate its work with the BCSC, other securities commissions, other securities regulators towards having the CTO lifted, and responding to the delisting review by the TSX and otherwise pursuing arrangements that will permit Canadian trading of the Company's shares to resume.

The Company will provide further updates on these matters as material developments occur.

2026 AGM

The Company acknowledges that it did not hold its annual general meeting of shareholders in respect of the year ended August 31, 2025, by the applicable deadline of February 28, 2026, that applies under TSX rules. While that meeting has not yet been scheduled, Numinus intends to schedule the meeting and announce its date once the 2025 Audit is complete and substantial progress has been made towards the revocation of the CTO.

Outlook

The Company's transformation over the past year has positioned Numinus to focus on its core capabilities in clinical research and practitioner education within the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Numinus is currently evaluating a range of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and supporting future growth. These initiatives may include pursuing financing opportunities, strategic partnerships, new business initiatives, and potential mergers or acquisitions.

The Company expects to provide additional updates regarding its strategic direction following completion of the audit and the revocation of the CTO.

Numinus remains committed to supporting the development of innovative mental health treatments through its clinical research infrastructure, practitioner training programs, and extensive operational experience in psychedelic-assisted care delivery, while positioning the Company to create long-term value for shareholders.

About Numinus

Numinus Wellness Inc. (TSX: NUMI) (OTC: NUMIF) helps people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Numinus model - including psychedelic research and training - is at the forefront of a transformation aimed at healing rather than managing symptoms for depression, anxiety, trauma, pain and substance use. At Numinus, we are leading the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies into mainstream clinical practice and building the foundation for a healthier society.

Learn more at www.numinusnetwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

SOURCE Numinus Wellness Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs regarding future performance are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "believes", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes" or variations of these words, expressions or statements, that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, will occur or will be realized. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual results, events or developments to differ materially from the results, events or developments expected and expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These and other risk factors are outlined in our annual information form dated July 25, 2025, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors should be carefully considered, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Despite the Company's efforts to identify the main risk factors that could cause actual measures, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, other risk factors may cause measures, events or developments to materially differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new facts or any other reason, except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288422

Source: Numinus Wellness Inc.
Jackson, Tennessee--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Ernie Williams, Co-Founder and President of Mainstream Green Solutions, has achieved a major milestone as his book, Wired for Disaster: How to Prepare for and Navigate a Post-EMP World, becomes the #1 New Release in Engineering Power Systems, #1 New Release in Home Energy, #1 New Release in Electric Energy, and #1 New Release in Electromagnetic Theory, while also climbing to #11 in Electromagnetism overall. The title was released in January 2026 as interest in practical preparedness strategies grows, with people beginning to consider the fragility of modern infrastructure.

Image: Wired for Disaster by Ernie Williams

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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In Wired for Disaster, Williams addresses a question that many individuals overlook as reliance on power structures grows: what happens when the electrical grid suddenly stops working? Electromagnetic pulse events occurring through natural phenomena or human action pose serious risks. Such an event could disrupt power systems, communications, and digital technology within seconds. The book explores how EMP events occur, what their real-world impact could be, and a complete, clear approach to preparing for, surviving, and rebuilding after such an event.

Williams draws on years of professional, hands-on experience to provide readers with actionable guidance, including stocking essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies, methods for protecting electronics from EMP damage, and ways to develop alternative power sources to keep homes functioning when the grid fails. As a strategist, Williams emphasizes that preparation is not about panic but about responsibility and foresight. He writes, "In an emergency, you won't have time to start thinking about what you should have done."

The book is enriched by Williams' diverse professional background and his inspiration from his father, who was a volunteer firefighter, as is Williams himself. As a young boy, he grew up watching how his father was always prepared for emergencies, a behaviour that saved his life on multiple occasions. Through Mainstream Green Solutions, Williams enables the same preparedness by focusing on solar power design and installation. The company provides energy solutions ranging from small off-grid systems for recreational vehicles to large-scale solar installations.

His interest in preparedness grew alongside his work in renewable energy. As Williams explains in the book, "I've been in the solar industry for over 16 years now, and from the beginning, what drove me wasn't just a love for renewable energy, it was a desire to help people prepare. Not just for outages or bad weather, but for a future where the grid can't be taken for granted."

Wired for Disaster is a 235-page guide perfect for readers in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. The book is ready to help individuals understand modern vulnerabilities by offering the steps that strengthen personal and community resilience.

The book is available in Kindle Edition and Print Replica format on Amazon.

About the Author:

Ernie Williams is an engineer, solar energy professional, and preparedness advocate. He is the Co-Founder and President of Mainstream Green Solutions, a company specializing in solar design and installation. Williams previously spent more than 20 years with the Kellogg Company in research, engineering, and manufacturing roles. He also served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career in industry. He is a volunteer firefighter and has participated in humanitarian volunteer work supporting medical missions in Nicaragua.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/287689

Source: Avazona Ltd.
WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) (the "Company") a U.S.-based critical minerals and advanced materials company, today announced today announced that it entered into a de?nitive purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") e?ective as of January 30, 2026 and received the initial purchase payment of US$300,000 from Ameerex Corporation (OTCID:HIRU), an arm's length Georgia, USA-based energy and mineral company ("Ameerex"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to sell its wholly owned subsidiaries North American Silver Corporation and Centennial Mining, together with their respective assets located in Nye County, Nevada (the "Transaction").

The assets being sold include the Corcoran silver-old and Belmont silver properties, comprising unpatented federal lode mining claims and certain lease purchase options on patented mining claims. The Transaction represents a disposition of non-core assets and is consistent with the Company's strategic focus on advancing its core manganese projects.

The Corcoran Silver-Gold Project is located approximately 92 km (57 mi) by road north-northeast of Tonopah Nevada and is an advanced exploration-stage silver-gold property with a National Instrument 43101 Technical Report. Mineralizaotin occurs near surface, remains open in multiple directions, and the project hosts several identi?ed exploration targets.

The Belmont Silver Project is located approximately 15 km (9 mi) south of Corcoran within the broader Tonopah silver district. The property is a historically signi?cant silver mining area that has seen minimal modern exploration, o?ering prospective ground for systematic evaluation using contemporary exploration techniques.

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the Agreement, Ameerex has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of North American Silver Corporation and Centennial Mining for total consideration of US$3.5 million, payable in staged cash payments as follows:

US $300,000 upon execution of the Agreement (received);

US $1.1 million payable 90 days after execution; and

US $2.1 million payable 180 days after execution.

The Company will retain a 2.5% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty on production from each of the Corcoran and Belmont properties, subject to a 3.0% total royalty cap inclusive of existing third-party royalties. Ameerex has the right to repurchase the combined NSR royalties for US$500,000 on or before the ?nal purchase payment, or thereafter at US$1,000,000 per each 0.5% royalty interest.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of the staged and ?nal payment, and completion of certain regulatory and administrative matters. The Company will retain ownership and operational control of the assets until the ?nal payment is made.

In connection with the transaction, the Company may pay a ?nder's fee equal to 3% of the transaction value of $3.5 million, less $90,000, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

Strategic Rationale

"This transaction is a clear, disciplined capital allocation decision," said Brian Savage, Chief Executive O?cer of Electric Metals (USA) Limited. "The Nevada silver assets are non-core to where we are taking this company. By monetizing them now and taking advantage of the rise in precious metal prices, we are strengthening our balance sheet, simplifying the business, and directing capital and management focus toward advancing our manganese strategy. Importantly, we have structured the sale to retain meaningful royalty upside, while transferring operational responsibility to a new owner."

Electric Metals ?led a National Instrument 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on SEDAR+ for its North Star Manganese Project, a 100% domestic U.S. project, comprising a manganese mine in Emily, Minnesota, and a high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) chemical plant in the U.S. The PEA generated an after-tax NPV@10% of US$1.39B, an after-tax IRR 43.5%, with an Initial Capital Expenditure at US$474.8M. The North Star Manganese Project PEA has an e?ective date of August 15, 2025, and an issue date of September 30, 2025.

Regulatory Maters

The Transaction constitutes a disposition of non-core assets under TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.3 and does not constitute a fundamental change, a reviewable transaction, or a change of control of the Company. Shareholder approval is not required.

Quali?ed Person

The preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") was prepared by Forte Dynamics, Inc. Donald E. Hulse, P.E., SME-RM (Mining/Resource EsHmaHon), an independent Quali?ed Person as de?ned by National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for the PEA and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

About Electric Metals (USA) Limited

Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV:EML0(OTCQB:EMUSF) is a U.S.-domiciled critical minerals and advanced materials company developing the North Star Manganese Project, a 100% U.S. domestic manganese supply chain supporting the electri?cation of everything.

The Company's principal asset is the Emily manganese deposit in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposition North America.

The North Star Manganese Project comprises a manganese mine in Emily, Minnesota, and a planned high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) chemical processing facility in the United States.

The Project has been the subject of extensive technical evaluation, including a Preliminary Economic Assessment prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Electric Metals' mission is to establish a secure, resilient, and fully domestic U.S. supply of high-purity manganese chemical and metal products for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries, defense, technology, and industrial markets. With no current domestic production of manganese ore or battery-grade manganese in North America, the North Star Manganese Project represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen U.S. industrial capability, reduce foreign supply-chain dependence, and support domestic manufacturing and national security objectives.

For further information, please contact:

Electric Metals (USA) Limited Brian Savage

Chief Executive O?cer & Director

(303) 656-9197

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by words such as "believes," "expects," "plans," "intends," "may," "will," "could," "estimates," "anticipates," "projects," "targets," "potential," and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding completion of the Transaction, receipt of payments, regulatory approvals, expected use of proceeds, and the Company's strategic objectives. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, and assumptions as of the date of this release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to di?er materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

This forward-looking information disclaimer is provided in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

All forward-looking information in this news release is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is de?ned in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Hiru Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/electric-metals-usa-limited-announces-agreement-to-sell-non-core-neva-1147479
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - Highway 50 Gold Corp. (TSXV: HWY) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its press releases dated Febraury 18, 2026, February 23, 2026 and March 11, 2026, the Company has completed its upsized non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), raising gross proceeds of $2,414,000 in the Offering via the issuance of up to 6,035,000 units (each, a "Unit") of the Company at a purchase price of $0.40 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share (a "Warrant Share") of the Company at a purchase price of $0.50 per Warrant Share for a period of one year from the closing date of the Offering (the "Closing Date").

The proceeds of the Offering will be used for: (i) a drill program at the Company's Gold Knob project, and (ii) general working capital purposes. The Offering remains subject to the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules of the Exchange. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid cash finder's fees of $ and issued finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to certain arm's length finders Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company at a purchase price of $0.50 per Common Share for a period of one year from the Closing Date.

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 accordingly, 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 requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Highway 50 Gold Corp.

Gordon P. Leask, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

About Highway 50 Gold Corp.

Highway 50 Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration stage company led by a team of experienced explorers and mine finders. The Company is executing an exploration plan refined over 35 years of experience in Nevada. The exploration focus on its projects are a result of what management believes to be breakthroughs in the understanding of north-central Nevada's crustal architecture.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Offering; the Company's ability to complete the Offering and receive acceptance from the Exchange to the completion of the Offering; the Company's proposed plans for the exploration of the Gold Knob project; and the business and anticipated financial performance of the Company. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the Company does not receive regulatory acceptance to the Offering; changes in metal prices, changes in the availability of funding, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic conditions. Mining is an inherently risky business. Accordingly the actual events may differ martially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements, oral or written, made by itself or on its behalf, unless otherwise required pursuant to applicable laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288541

Source: Highway 50 Gold Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 13, 2026) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) (the "Company") today announced that it has filed legal proceedings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against its former President and Chief Product Officer, Dimitry Serov, and his holding company, Serov Holdings Inc. (together, the "Defendants").

The claim arises out of matters previously disclosed by the Company in connection with the investigation conducted by the Company's independent special committee of the board of directors (the "Special Committee"), which was formed in August 2025.

The Special Committee's conclusions were based on an extensive review of documentary evidence, corporate records, third-party filings, and transactional documentation. The decision to file legal proceedings was made following the Special Committee's determination that the Company has a well-founded evidentiary basis to assert its claims and to seek judicial relief.

As alleged in the Company's statement of claim, the Company asserts that Mr. Serov, while serving as an officer and director of the Company, engaged in a course of conduct that included breaches of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of corporate assets, concealment of material information from the Company and its board of directors, and the unauthorized diversion of funds and securities for personal benefit. The Company further alleges that Mr. Serov improperly retained ownership and control of certain intellectual property that the Company maintains is rightfully owned by the Company.

The Company is seeking, among other relief:

damages in excess of $3 million;

disgorgement and accounting of profits;

constructive trust and tracing remedies in respect of funds and securities alleged to have been improperly obtained;

injunctive relief restraining the disposition, transfer, or use of certain intellectual property;

orders requiring the transfer or assignment of specified patent rights to the Company;

pre-judgement and post-judgement interest; and

costs of the proceedings on a full indemnity basis plus applicable taxes.

Prior to filing the legal proceedings, the Company engaged in discussions with Mr. Serov in an effort to achieve an orderly resolution of the matters identified by the Special Committee and to ensure continuity of the Company's business and operations. Despite these efforts, the Company was unable to reach a resolution with Mr. Serov.

The Company has implemented transition and contingency planning to support business continuity and reduce reliance on related or conflicted parties. While the Company does not currently anticipate an immediate disruption to its operations as a result of the proceedings, certain manufacturing and operational arrangements remain subject to transition risk. The Company is actively advancing plans to establish greater independence across its manufacturing and production capabilities; however, the timing and execution of these initiatives remain subject to operational, technical, and commercial considerations. The Company continues to monitor its existing manufacturing relationship with UAB Technano and will take such actions as it deems appropriate to protect its business, supply chain, and stakeholders.

As previously disclosed, Mr. Serov was suspended from his executive roles in August 2025, and resigned from the Company's board of directors in September 2025. The Company also confirms that Mr. Serov's employment with the Company has been terminated effective immediately for cause. This decision was made following the findings of the Special Committee's investigation and the Board's review of the relevant evidence. The Company determined that Mr. Serov's conduct was inconsistent with his duties and obligations as an officer and director of the Company and warranted immediate termination.

The allegations contained in the statement of claim have not yet been proven in court. The Defendants will have the opportunity to respond to the claims in due course. The Company does not intend to comment further on the litigation at this time, except as may be required by applicable law.

The Board remains firmly committed to ensuring accountability, upholding strong governance practices, and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders.

The Company will continue to update shareholders and the market as material developments arise.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to: the implementation, timing and effectiveness of governance and corrective measures; the recovery of amounts asserted to be owing to the Company, including pursuant to repayment demands or promissory notes; the Company's ability to secure, protect and enforce exclusive ownership of its intellectual property rights; the negotiation, execution and performance of manufacturing and supply arrangements, including with UAB Technano; and the anticipated impact of these actions on business continuity, governance oversight and shareholder value.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, assumptions and beliefs and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the outcome, timing and costs associated with actual or threatened litigation, arbitration or regulatory proceedings; the enforceability and interpretation of agreements with Mr. Serov, UAB Technano or other related parties; the timing, validity, scope and completeness of intellectual property assignments or transfers; the availability, reliability and quality of manufacturing and product supply; compliance by counterparties with contractual pricing and performance obligations; and the Company's ability to maintain and enhance governance credibility, restore stakeholder confidence and protect shareholder value.

Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+.

Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

No securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer or sale would be unlawful. The Company relies on applicable safe harbour provisions.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the 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/288425

Source: American Aires Inc.
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen will step down after nearly two decades leading the company, as investors weigh a leadership transition and mounting competition from AI-driven creative tools

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to step down after nearly two decades as AI upheaval rattles investors. Image source: Adobe

Shantanu Narayen will step down as chief executive of Adobe once a successor is appointed, the company said on Thursday, marking the end of an 18-year tenure that reshaped the design software maker into a global leader in creative tools.

The announcement sent Adobes shares down more than 7 per cent in extended trading, as investors weighed the leadership transition at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the creative software industry.

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Narayen will remain chair of the board, supporting the incoming chief executive and ensuring continuity during the transition.

Leadership change amid AI disruption

Narayens departure comes as Adobe navigates a major technological shift driven by generative AI, which is lowering barriers to entry in the design software market and intensifying competition.

During his nearly two decades in charge, Narayen oversaw Adobes transformation from a traditional packaged-software company into a subscription-driven cloud platform. Under his leadership, products such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe InDesign became industry standards for designers, filmmakers and digital creators worldwide.

He also spearheaded Adobes shift to Creative Cloud and Experience Cloud, a move that helped establish a stable recurring revenue model and significantly expand the companys global user base.

However, the rapid emergence of AI-powered creative tools has raised fresh questions about Adobes long-term dominance in the sector.

Investors cautious despite strong results

The leadership announcement overshadowed otherwise strong quarterly results from Adobe.

For the first quarter, the company reported revenue of $6.40 billion, beating analysts estimates of $6.28 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted earnings came in at $6.06 per share, ahead of expectations of $5.87 per share.

Revenue from the companys Creative and Marketing Professionals subscription segment  its core business  rose to $4.39 billion, topping forecasts of $4.32 billion.

Despite the earnings beat, investors remain wary about the companys ability to monetise its artificial intelligence initiatives.

Investors will likely focus on whether incoming leadership maintains a balance between disciplined execution and aggressive AI investment, especially as competition in creative and enterprise AI intensifies, Grace Harmon, an analyst at eMarketer, told Reuters.

The creative software market is undergoing rapid change as new AI-driven platforms enable users to generate images, videos and design elements with minimal technical expertise.

Such technologies threaten to disrupt traditional subscription-based software models by making content creation faster and cheaper.

Adobe has responded by embedding AI capabilities across its product suite and investing heavily in new technologies, partnerships and potential acquisitions aimed at protecting its market leadership.

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Even so, analysts say investor scepticism persists over how quickly those investments will translate into meaningful revenue growth.

Stock under pressure

Adobes shares have fallen about 22 per cent so far this year, after declining more than 21 per cent in 2025, reflecting broader investor concerns about the companys AI strategy and future growth trajectory.

Looking ahead, Adobe forecast second-quarter revenue of $6.43 billion to $6.48 billion, broadly in line with analysts expectations of $6.43 billion.
Adobe shares fell sharply after CEO Shantanu Narayen announced plans to step down, heightening investor concerns about the companys ability to navigate rising AI disruption in the software industry

Shares of Adobe slid sharply in premarket trading on Friday after the company announced that longtime chief executive Shantanu Narayen will step down, a leadership transition that has unsettled investors already grappling with the rapid disruption artificial intelligence is bringing to the software industry.

The stock dropped nearly 9 per cent in early trading, reflecting concerns about leadership continuity at a time when AI-powered tools are rapidly reshaping the market for creative software.

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Narayen, who has led Adobe for nearly two decades, is stepping down after 18 years at the helm. His departure comes at a critical juncture for the company as it seeks to convince investors that it can remain competitive amid the rise of generative AI and new software models.

The leadership change has amplified concerns in a sector already facing turbulence. Global software stocks suffered a sharp sell-off last month amid fears that AI-driven agents could replace many traditional software applications, triggering a nearly $1 trillion wipeout in market value.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley said the timing of Narayens exit could heighten investor anxiety.

The loss of an iconic leader at a time of peak uncertainty around the future of software more broadly, and the positioning of Adobe specifically in this new GenAI world, is bound to further investor uncertainty around the shares, the brokerage said in a note.

Adobes stock has already been under pressure this year, declining about 23 per cent so far in 2026 and extending a broader slide over the past two years as investors reassess the companys growth prospects in the AI era.

The San Josebased firm, best known for its creative software suite including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Premiere Pro, has long dominated the professional design tools market. However, the rise of AI-driven design platforms and start-ups is intensifying competition.

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Adobe is among several software-as-a-service companies  including enterprise software giant Salesforce  that have struggled to attract new customers as businesses experiment with AI-native tools developed by emerging start-ups.

Despite the market jitters, the companys latest financial results showed that demand for its products remains resilient. Adobe on Thursday reported double-digit growth in both total revenue and its customer subscription business for the first quarter, suggesting continued spending by creative professionals and enterprises.

Morgan Stanley analysts noted that the latest results offered signs that the company remains fundamentally strong.

After steering the Adobe ship through rough seas over the past several years, several data points from the most recent quarter suggest the captain may have brought this franchise into a safe harbour from which it can continue to thrive, the brokerage said.

With inputs from agencies.
BYD is exploring plans to build a manufacturing plant in Canada and is open to acquiring a legacy automaker as the Chinese EV giant accelerates its global expansion strategy

Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD is considering building a manufacturing plant in Canada while also keeping the door open to acquiring an established global automaker, as it accelerates its international expansion amid intensifying competition in the electric-vehicle market.

The Shenzhen-based company is currently studying the Canadian market for a potential factory, though no final decision has been made, Executive Vice President Stella Li said in an interview during a visit to Sao Paulo.

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Li said BYD would prefer to fully own and operate any manufacturing facility in Canada rather than partner with local firms.

I dont think a JV will work, she said.

Canada exploring Chinese EV investment

Canada has been actively courting investment from Chinese carmakers as it looks to build its EV manufacturing ecosystem. However, the government has been encouraging joint ventures with domestic companies as part of its strategy to develop local industry.

In January, Canada agreed to exempt up to 49,000 Chinese-built electric vehicles annually from the 100 percent tariff imposed in 2024. The move marked a partial shift from its earlier policy that effectively shut Chinese EVs out of the Canadian market.

If BYD proceeds with the plan, it would mark a significant step for the worlds largest EV maker as it seeks deeper access to North American markets.

Open to buying a legacy automaker

Li also indicated that BYD may consider acquiring a legacy automaker as several traditional manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan struggle with the costly transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric mobility.

Were open to every opportunity we have, Li said, adding that the company is evaluating potential assets even though no deal is currently close. Well see what benefits us.

She did not name any potential acquisition targets, but the strategy would echo earlier moves by Chinese auto groups. More than a decade ago, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group acquired Volvo Cars, turning the Swedish brand into a major global EV contender.

Meanwhile, several Western automakers are increasingly turning to Chinese firms for technology partnerships and manufacturing capacity. Stellantis NV has explored using EV technology from its Chinese partner Leapmotor, while Ford Motor has discussed shared production capacity in Europe with Geely.

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Complicated US market

For now, BYD is shelving any ambitions of entering the US market, which Li described as a complicated environment.

Chinese automakers face steep tariffs and restrictions on connected-vehicle technologies in the US, effectively blocking most mass-market models manufactured in China.

Instead, BYD is focusing on expanding in regions where it has seen stronger traction, particularly in South America and Europe. The company is building its first European passenger-vehicle production hub in Hungary and is also evaluating a second facility in Turkey as part of its global manufacturing push.

Exports become key growth driver

Despite its rapid global expansion, BYDs overall vehicle sales fell 36 percent in the first two months of the year to 400,241 units. However, exports have gained momentum, and the company now aims to sell 1.3 million vehicles overseas in 2026.

Li said new technologies unveiled earlier this month  including the latest generation of BYDs blade batteries and an ultra-fast flash-charging architecture  are expected to help revive sales.

In just less than a week, we saw a lot of customers who never buy EVs come to us, she said.

Expansion in Brazil and motorsport ambitions

BYD is also strengthening its presence in Brazil, where it plans to install 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations by the end of 2027 at a cost of more than 500 million reais ($97 million), according to company executives.

The automaker is also examining a potential entry into global motorsport, including Formula One and endurance racing, Li confirmed. While no final decision has been made, she suggested such a move would fit BYDs technology-driven brand identity.

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Dont be surprised, Li said. Were still working on it.

With inputs from agencies.
Elon Musk has warned that children and people struggling with mental health should stay away from ChatGPT, intensifying a public dispute over artificial intelligence safety with Sam Altman after reports linked the chatbot to conversations with a suspect in a Canadian school shooting

Elon Musk has warned that children and people struggling with mental health should stay away from ChatGPT, intensifying a public dispute over artificial intelligence safety with Sam Altman after reports linked the chatbot to conversations with a suspect in a Canadian school shooting.

The Tesla and SpaceX chief made the remarks in a post on X (Twitter), responding to a discussion about the fatal shooting in the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge. Musk said the AI chatbot should be kept away from children and individuals who may be mentally unwell.

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Keep ChatGPT away from kids and the mentally unwell, he said.

The comments quickly spread online and added fuel to an escalating debate over the safety and oversight of rapidly advancing AI tools.

Shooting reports spark scrutiny

The controversy follows reports that a suspect in the shooting in Tumbler Ridge had interacted multiple times with ChatGPT in the days leading up to the attack.

According to a report by the The Wall Street Journal, some of the conversations reportedly included discussions involving violent scenarios and were flagged by OpenAIs automated monitoring systems.

The report said employees internally debated whether the chats should be shared with law enforcement authorities. Ultimately, the company determined the activity did not meet the threshold for alerting police at that time.

A spokesperson later confirmed that the account involved had been suspended following the incident.

Lawsuit filed against OpenAI

The incident has also triggered legal action in Canada. The mother of a student injured in the shooting has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the chatbot provided information that helped the suspect plan the attack.

The case has been filed with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, adding to the growing legal scrutiny faced by AI developers over how their systems handle potentially harmful interactions.

MuskAltman feud intensifies

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI before leaving the organisation in 2018, has increasingly criticised the companys approach to AI safety. In recent comments, he blamed ChatGPT for several deaths and urged people not to allow their loved ones to use the chatbot.

Altman responded by raising safety concerns about Musks own ventures, including incidents involving vehicles equipped with Tesla Autopilot. He also criticised decisions surrounding Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Musks company xAI.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between leading figures in the AI industry as companies race to deploy increasingly powerful systems while facing pressure from governments and the public to strengthen safeguards.

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OpenAI said the shooting was an unspeakable tragedy and that it is working with experts and authorities to improve systems designed to detect and prevent conversations that could lead to real-world harm.
Euro zone industrial production fell in January, signalling continued weakness in the blocs manufacturing sector even before a fresh surge in energy prices linked to the Iran conflict threatens to further dampen demand

Industrial production across the euro area slipped unexpectedly at the start of 2026, highlighting persistent weakness in the regions manufacturing sector even before a fresh spike in energy prices threatens to deepen the slowdown.

Data released on Friday by Eurostat showed that industrial output in the 21-member Eurozone fell 1.5 per cent month-on-month in January, sharply undershooting economists expectations for 0.6 per cent growth. Compared with the same month a year earlier, production declined 1.2 per cent, defying forecasts of a 1.4 per cent increase in a poll conducted by Reuters.

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The data underscores the fragile state of Europes industrial base, which has struggled to regain momentum after years of weak demand, elevated energy prices and intensifying global competition.

Long slump in European manufacturing

Manufacturing activity in the euro area has remained broadly stagnant for several years. Output across the bloc remains below its 2021 level, reflecting structural challenges ranging from high production costs to shifting global trade dynamics.

Europes industrial sector has also faced mounting competition from Chinese manufacturers, tariff pressures from the United States and slowing global demand for automobiles  a key export industry for the region.

The downturn has been particularly pronounced in Germany, the euro zones largest economy and its dominant car producer. Industrial output in Germany is around 9 per cent below its 2021 level and has been trending downward for several years, contributing to a prolonged period of economic stagnation in the country.

Energy shock threatens recovery

Economists had expected a modest industrial rebound in 2026, partly driven by increased government spending in Germany on defence and infrastructure. However, that outlook is now under threat as energy prices surge amid geopolitical tensions.

Oil prices have risen by roughly two-thirds since the start of the year, while natural gas costs have jumped by around 80 per cent, largely linked to the U.S.-led war in Iran. The sharp increase presents a dual challenge for manufacturers: higher production costs and weaker consumer demand as energy bills eat into household spending.

For the euro area  a region heavily dependent on imported energy  such price shocks tend to have an outsized impact on industrial activity.

With few domestic natural resources and a manufacturing sector sensitive to commodity price swings, Europes factories may face an even tougher year ahead if energy costs remain elevated.

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Finance minister tables the second batch of supplementary demands for 202526 in Lok Sabha, saying additional spending will not breach the fiscal deficit target.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 202526 in the Lok Sabha, proposing a gross additional expenditure of about 2.81 lakh crore to strengthen defence, support rural employment and create a fiscal buffer to manage global economic uncertainties.

The proposal includes provisions through cash, technical and token supplementaries and is aimed at addressing emerging expenditure requirements while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Responding to the discussion on the grants in the House, Sitharaman said the proposed supplementary demands involve a gross expenditure of approximately 2.81 lakh crore.

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This involves gross expenditure of about 2.81 lakh crore through cash or technical or token supplementaries. The present proposal also includes an amount of 902 crore that is being provided for recouping advances of an equivalent amount from the Contingency Fund of India, the finance minister said.

The additional allocations are expected to support key sectors including national defence and rural employment programmes, while also providing financial flexibility to respond to evolving global economic challenges.

Sitharaman emphasised that the introduction of supplementary demands should not be interpreted as a sign of poor budgeting but rather as an indication of responsive and flexible governance.

She noted that the government has deliberately restricted supplementary demands to a bare minimum and typically introduces them only twice during a financial year to accommodate unavoidable spending needs.

The finance minister also assured the House that the proposed additional expenditure would not compromise the governments fiscal discipline or breach the fiscal deficit target outlined in the Union Budget.

We will, in no way, fail to fulfil the commitment made in the Budget. I would like to reiterate that the assurances given in this House will remain within the fiscal deficit target that was presented in Parliament on February 1, 2026, Sitharaman said.

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Defending the creation of a fiscal cushion, Sitharaman highlighted the governments decision to establish a 50,000 crore fiscal buffer or equalisation fund to deal with potential economic shocks.

She argued that such a buffer is necessary in an increasingly uncertain global economic environment marked by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Are the Opposition members suggesting that in times of unforeseen challenges, should the government not create a fiscal buffer or equalisation fund of 50,000 crore? she asked.

According to Sitharaman, the fund will provide the government with the necessary fiscal headroom to respond quickly to global economic volatility, including disruptions to trade, supply chains, and commodity markets.

The supplementary demands will now be taken up for approval by Parliament as part of the governments mid-year fiscal adjustments for the ongoing financial year.
Shantanu Narayen, who led Adobe for nearly two decades and oversaw its transformation into a cloud-based creative software powerhouse, is set to step down as chief executive amid rising competition from AI-driven design tools

From Hyderabad to Silicon Valley: The remarkable legacy of Shantanu Narayen

When Shantanu Narayen took over as chief executive of Adobe in December 2007, the software maker was already a well-known brand among designers and publishers. But it was still operating largely as a traditional software company, selling boxed products that users installed on their computers.

Nearly two decades later, Narayen is preparing to step down as CEO once a successor is named, closing one of the most consequential leadership tenures in the technology industry. During his 18 years at the helm, Adobe transformed itself into a cloud-first platform powering millions of creators, marketers and businesses worldwide.

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His exit comes at a time when the industry is undergoing another major technological shift  the rise of artificial intelligence in creative tools  prompting investors to scrutinise how legacy software companies will adapt.

From Hyderabad to Silicon Valley

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Narayen grew up in a household that combined academic discipline with entrepreneurial ambition. His mother taught American literature, while his father ran a plastics manufacturing business.

Though he initially dreamed of becoming a journalist, Narayen ultimately pursued engineering. He completed a bachelors degree in electronics and communication at Osmania University before moving to the United States to continue his education.

There, he earned a masters degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and later completed an MBA at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.

The combination of technical expertise and business training would shape his management style  analytical, methodical and deeply focused on long-term strategy.

Early career in the heart of the tech boom

Before joining Adobe, Narayen worked at some of Silicon Valleys most influential companies.

He spent nearly a decade at Apple beginning in 1989, working in product development during a period when the personal computer industry was still evolving. He later moved to Silicon Graphics, known for its high-performance computing systems used in graphics and film production.

Narayen also ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding the digital photo-sharing startup Pictra  an early attempt to distribute images over the internet before the era of social media.

That experience eventually brought him into contact with Adobe, which acquired Pictras technology and recruited Narayen in 1998 as vice president and general manager of the engineering technology group.

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A defining bet on the cloud

Narayen steadily climbed the corporate ladder, becoming president and chief operating officer in 2005 before taking over as CEO in 2007.

One of his boldest decisions came several years later. In 2013, he scrapped Adobes long-standing model of selling perpetual software licences for flagship products such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Instead, the company shifted to a subscription-based ecosystem known as Adobe Creative Cloud.

The decision initially triggered fierce backlash from customers and scepticism from Wall Street. Analysts warned that abandoning upfront licence sales could damage revenue.

But Narayen insisted that the subscription model would enable faster updates, stronger customer engagement and a steadier revenue stream.

The strategy ultimately reshaped Adobes business. Over the course of his tenure, the companys annual revenue expanded from about $1 billion to more than $25 billion, while its workforce grew from roughly 3,000 employees to over 30,000 globally.

Creative Cloud, along with Adobes digital marketing platform Experience Cloud, helped establish the company as a dominant player in creative and enterprise software.

Wealth and influence

Narayens long tenure also translated into significant personal wealth. According to the Hurun Global Rich List, his net worth is estimated at about 430 million (roughly Rs 4,670 crore).

In fiscal 2025 alone, Narayens total compensation reached about $51 million, largely in stock-based awards tied to Adobes market performance.

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His rise has often been cited as part of the broader wave of Indian-origin executives leading global technology companies  a group that includes figures such as Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella.

Stepping aside in the age of AI

Narayens decision to step down comes at a pivotal moment for Adobe and the wider creative software industry.

Generative artificial intelligence tools are rapidly lowering the barriers to design and content creation, enabling users to produce images, videos and graphics with simple text prompts. The emergence of such platforms has intensified competition and raised questions about whether traditional software models can keep pace.

Although Adobe has been embedding AI features across its product suite, investor concerns about the pace of innovation and monetisation have weighed on the companys shares in recent years.

By initiating a leadership transition now, Narayen is effectively handing the reins to a successor who will guide Adobe through the next technological cycle.

A continuing role in global business

Despite stepping down as CEO, Narayen will remain chair of Adobes board, ensuring continuity during the transition.

He also serves on the board of Pfizer and is vice chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, reflecting his influence beyond the technology sector.

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After nearly two decades shaping how digital creativity is produced and distributed, Narayen is expected to remain an influential voice in global technology and business.

For Adobe, his departure marks the end of a defining era  and the beginning of another, as the company navigates the uncertain but transformative age of artificial intelligence.
2 injured after fire aboard USS Gerald R. Ford in Red Sea: U.S. Navy

Xinhua) 13:10, March 13, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Two sailors aboard USS Gerald R. Ford were injured when a fire broke out in the main laundry spaces of the aircraft carrier operating in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy said Thursday.

"On March 12, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire that originated in the ship's main laundry spaces," the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said in a post on X.

The fire was not combat-related and has been contained, according to the post.

"There is no damage to the ship's propulsion plant, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational," the command said.

The two sailors are receiving medical treatment for injuries that are not life-threatening and are currently in stable condition, said the command, adding that additional information will be released when it becomes available.

The Ford Carrier Strike Group began its latest deployment on June 24, departing from the U.S. state of Virginia for the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, later deploying to Latin America for counter-narcotics operations and then to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalated.

As of Monday, the carrier has been at sea for 261 days and counting, according to a report from the U.S. online media Navy Times.

James Kilby, vice chief of naval operations, told lawmakers on March 4 that the carrier could reach an 11-month deployment, nearing the longest at-sea Navy deployment on record.

During the current deployment, the Ford has also faced plumbing problems affecting its nearly 650 onboard toilets. The aircraft carrier's vacuum wastewater collection system has malfunctioned repeatedly, prompting 42 maintenance calls since 2023, including 32 in 2025 alone, the NPR reported.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Scientists have finally solved a years-long puzzle. New research reveals that a 160-metre wide asteroid smashed into the southern North Sea, off the coast of Yorkshire, around 40 million years ago, triggering a tsunami wave exceeding 100 metres and carving out the Silverpit crater

A cosmic hit-and-run off the coast of Yorkshire sent a megatsunami taller than Big Ben. Representational image/Pixabay

After years and years of debate and speculation, we finally have an answer. The Silverpit crater, located 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, and situated 700 metres below the seabed under the North Sea, was formed when a roughly 160-metre asteroid struck the seabed about 4346 million years ago.

According to a new study, the asteroid caused a megatsunami taller than the iconic Big Ben surging across the ancient North Sea, causing a crater in the seabed.

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Asteroid triggers mega-tsunami

Research led by Dr Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, with support from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has revealed that an asteroid about 160 metres wide crashed into the ancient North Sea, near Yorkshire in the UK, roughly 40 million years ago.

The research findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, show that when the asteroid hit the seabed, it produced a violent explosion.

The scientists, who are part of the research, said, Within minutes, it created a 1.5-kilometre high curtain of rock and water that then collapsed into the sea, creating a tsunami over 100 metres high.

This eventually led to the formation of the now-famous Silverpit crater that is buried 700 metres beneath the seabed and roughly 80 miles off the coast of Hull.

Incidentally, the tsunami at 100 metres would have been taller than Big Ben, an iconic landmark in London, which stands at 96 metres.

Scientists note they were able to come about their findings as a result of their research, which combined cutting-edge seismic imaging with samples from an offshore oil well to discover ultra-rare shocked quartz and feldspar, microscopic crystals that can only be forged in biolent asteroid impacts.

As Dr Nicholson told Science Daily, We were exceptionally lucky to find these  a real needle-in-a-haystack effort. These prove the impact crater hypothesis beyond doubt, because they have a fabric that can only be created by extreme shock pressures.

The importance of Silverpit crater

This new research finally lays to rest how the Silverpit crater came into existence. Since it was first identified in 2002, this crater, which is three kilometres wide with a surrounding ring of circular faults spanning about 20 km, has sparked intense debate.

Early research proposed that the crater was created by a high-speed asteroid impact. Supporters of that idea pointed to its round shape, central peak, and surrounding concentric faults, which are often seen in known impact craters.

Others suggested different explanations. Some proposed that underground salt movement distorted the rock layers and created the structure. Others argued that volcanic activity may have caused the seabed to collapse. In 2009, geologists even voted on the issue. According to a report in the December 2009 issue of Geoscientist magazine, most participants rejected the asteroid impact explanation at the time. However, the latest findings now overturn that conclusion.

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Though the Silverpit crater isnt one of a kind  there are more than 200 impact craters  it offers a valuable opportunity for researchers to study how asteroid impacts shape planetary surfaces. Notably, this crater is nowhere comparable to the Chicxulub crater in North Mexico, which was formed when an asteroid struck Earth, resulting in a mass extinction of 75 per cent of plant and animal species.

Scientists note that studying the Silverpit Crater helps them understand the Earths geology and the dangers that asteroids could pose to life on Earth.

As Nicholson told The Guardian, Silverpit is exceptionally preserved and important. We can use these findings to understand how asteroid impacts shaped our planet throughout history, as well as predict what could happen should we have an asteroid collision in the future.

With inputs from agencies
Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first message on Thursday since taking over the post. The statement was read out by an Iranian TV anchor. Here are the key takeaways from his speech

Mojtaba Khamenei is set to take the place of his father, Ali Khamenei the former supreme leader since 1989 who was killed on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic in an air strike. File image/Reuters

Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Thursday issued his first message since his elevation to the post, threatening revenge for his fathers killing, though he did not deliver the declaration in person.

Khameneis father Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader since 1989, was killed on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic in an air strike that also claimed the lives of other top security officials and family members.

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Mojtaba Khamenei was himself wounded, according to statements by some Iranian officials and state television, but there remains uncertainty over his whereabouts and physical condition.

Here are five takeaways from his first statement as supreme leader.

Uncertainty over condition

The first message of the supreme leader of the Islamic revolution, his excellency Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hossein Khamenei! an Iranian TV anchor declared before reading out the lengthy statement.

There was, however, no attempt to end the speculation over Khameneis condition, and the statement was not accompanied by video or audio of the new leader giving the remarks, or even a new still image.

Instead, the statement was read against the backdrop of an archive photo of Khamanei and a computer-generated flag of the Islamic Republic.

Call for revenge

In the statement, Khamenei offered no hint that he was seeking to make peace with Irans enemies, and instead emphasised his desire for revenge in a war that has claimed the lives of his father and his wife.

A limited amount of this revenge has so far taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities, Khamenei said.

Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei attends a meeting in Tehran, Iran. File image/Reuters

We will seek compensation from the enemy, and if they refuse, we will take as much of their property as we determine, and if that is not possible, we will destroy the same amount of his property, he added.

He singled out a deadly strike on a school in Minab in southern Iran that Iranian authorities have said was carried out by the US and left 150 people dead, describing it as a crime the enemy deliberately committed.

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A preliminary US military investigation has determined that a missile struck the school because of a targeting mistake, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Threats to enemies

Echoing the language of his late father, Khamanei also emphasised Irans potential to cause havoc across the region by squeezing oil supplies and using regional proxies.

He called for using the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz  a strategic waterway through which a fifth of global oil passes.

The will of the people is for the continuation of an effective and deterrent defence that will make the enemy regret its actions.

He warned that studies have also been carried out on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and in which it will be extremely vulnerable, without giving details.

Those fronts would be activated if the war continued, he said.

Warning to region

Khamenei noted that Iran shared land or sea borders with some 15 countries and we have always desired warm and constructive relations with these neighbours.

But Khamenei called for the closure of US bases in nearby countries, saying the claim of establishing security and peace by America was nothing more than a lie.

A woman holds an image of Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, alongside late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran. Reuters

These countries must determine their stance regarding those who have invaded our dear homeland and killed our people.

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Grieving son and husband

He lauded his father as a shining treasure and distinguished figure in history, and said he had seen the late ayatollahs corpse after his martyrdom.

Khamenei described the body as a mountain of steadfastness with the fist of his fathers one functioning hand  his other arm was paralysed after a bomb attack in the 1980s  clenched in a sign of defiance.

Khamenei emphasised that, as well as his father, he had also lost in the attack my dear and loyal wife, his sister, her child, and his brother-in-law.

He did not mention his mother, who previous reports said had also been killed. The Fars news agency said Thursday that those reports were inaccurate and she was still alive.

Khamenei said that he had learned of his appointment by the Assembly of Experts clerical body at the same time as you on television through the state broadcaster.
Iran war with US-Israel: As the Iran war continues, attention is now shifting to Tehrans close allies in the region. While Irans allies in Lebanon and Iraq have opened up new fronts, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have not stepped into the fray. But why?

A protester with a poster on his head featuring a picture of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei joins a demonstration with Houthi supporters in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen March 6, 2026. Reuters

The US-Israel-Iran war has entered day 14 with no sign of easing.

The United States and Israel have struck more than 15,000 targets since the start of the war with Iran late last month, according to US defence secretary Pete Hegseth.

Meanwhile, at least eight people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Friday as Israel stepped up military operations in the area, according to local media reports.

In Iran, five days after taking charge as Irans new Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Ali Khameneis death, Mojtaba Khamenei released his first statement on Thursday (March 12).

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The younger Khamenei vowed to use the lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz to international energy shipping. Now, with the US and Israel continuing to unleash strikes on Tehran, the focus is shifting to Irans allies, the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

While Irans Shiite allies in Lebanon and Iraq have joined the war in the region, the Houthis, who are heavily armed and capable of targeting Gulf neighbours as well as disrupting maritime navigation around the Arabian Peninsula, have thus far not entered the fray.

Lets take a closer look:

Who are the Houthis?

The Houthis have a history of fighting guerrilla wars with the Yemeni army. They expanded their power and built closer ties with Iran after the 2011 Arab Spring protests.

Seizing on instability in the country, the group captured the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014. The following year, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of Arab states in a military intervention to attempt to dislodge the group.

The Houthis demonstrated significant missile and drone capabilities, attacking oil installations and vital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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After years of fighting that led to one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, the UN brokered a 2022 truce between the warring sides in Yemen that has since held.

Red Sea attacks

After the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel led by Palestinian militant group Hamas, which triggered a devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza, the Houthis began firing on international shipping in the Red Sea, saying it was doing so in support of the Palestinians.

They also fired drones and missiles at Israel, which responded with air strikes on Houthi targets. The US also launched strikes against the Houthis.

The Houthis ceased their attacks following a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October 2025.

Why have they not entered the war?

On March 5, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi said his group was ready to strike at any moment.

Regarding military escalation and action, our fingers are on the trigger at any moment should developments warrant it," he said in a televised speech.

But unlike Lebanons Hezbollah and Iraqi armed groups, they have not made any formal announcement of joining the war.

A view of the damage in the aftermath of yesterdays Israeli strikes on the Bachoura neighbourhood, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon, March 13, 2026. Reuters

Houthi religious doctrine does not adhere to Irans supreme leader in the same way Hezbollah and the Iraqi groups do.

While Iran champions the Houthis as part of its regional Axis of Resistance, Yemen experts say the movement is motivated primarily by a domestic agenda, though they share a political affinity with Iran and Hezbollah.

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The US has accused Iran of arming, funding and training the Houthis with help from Hezbollah. The Houthis deny being an Iranian proxy and say they develop their own weapons.

What might they do?

Observers have been split on what course of action the Houthis, a notoriously mercurial group, may take.

Some diplomats and analysts believe they may have already undertaken individual attacks on targets in neighbouring states. However, those claims cannot be substantiated.

A soldier walks with an Iranian flag as Houthi supporters demonstrate in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen, March 6, 2026. Reuters

Others say the Houthis are keeping their powder dry for an opportune moment to enter the conflict, in coordination with Iran, in order to exert maximum pressure.

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf Arab hydrocarbon exports and a shift to heavy reliance on the Red Sea might provide such an opportunity.

Lastly, given growing economic pressure at home and the likelihood of intense US, Israeli and even Saudi attacks should they join the war, some analysts say the Houthis may decide to sit out the conflict altogether.

With inputs from agencies
The Strait of Hormuz remains off limits, oil prices have skyrocketed, markets around the world have crashed and West Asia is in turmoil as the Iran war continues. However, it seems as if Russia is emerging as an early winner from the war. But how?

After Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States and the West levied sanctions on Moscow. AFP

The world continues to be impacted by the Iran war fallout.

The Strait of Hormuz remains off limits, oil prices have skyrocketed, markets around the world have crashed and West Asia is in turmoil. However, not everyone is being negatively impacted. It seems as if Russia is emerging as an early winner from the war.

This comes after the US has temporarily allowed the sale of Russian oil already in transit till April 11. Washington made the move amid threats from Tehran to put the regions oil and gas to the torch if its energy facilities are attacked.

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Iran has already cut off the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in West Asia that is used to deliver crude oil around the world. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move was to enable oil to keep flowing into the global market.

But what happened? How is Russia benefitting from the Iran war?

Lets take a closer look.

What happened?

After Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States and the West levied sanctions on Moscow. The United States banned imports of Russian crude oil, LNG and coal. While the European Union and G7 nations did not ban the sale of Russian crude outright, they imposed a price cap of $60 (Rs 5,544.60) per barrel.

They did this in order to ensure that the global supply of oil was not disrupted, which would hurt nations around the world. It also ensured that Russia could not endlessly fill its coffers to finance its war with Ukraine by selling oil at the market rate.

Moscow responded by finding new buyers for its crude, particularly China and India. Over the next few years it used its shadow fleet to deliver crude to both nations and offered heavy discounts on the oil to make the deal more enticing.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move was to enable oil to keep flowing into the global market. Reuters File

This allowed India and China, both huge consumers of oil, to save tens of billions of dollars on their oil bill. India in particular emerged as the biggest buyer of Russian crude oil in the years after the war with Ukraine began. This was a sea change from before the war when India got most of its oil from West Asia.

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Though the margin of discount has narrowed in recent years, India and China continue to snap up Russian oil. Though Moscows economy is not roaring, the country has managed to keep itself going via the sales of crude oil over the past few years.

Trump returns to Oval Office

Then, Trump returned to the Oval Office in January 2025. Trump partly ran on ending the Russian war with Ukraine, which he vowed to do in a matter of days. Trump had previously praised Putin as a tough leader and praised his intelligence and brilliance. Trump seemed to believe he could bring Putin to the negotiating table and hammer out a deal with Ukraine.

But that didnt work out. Trump grew increasingly frustrated with Putin. The United States then attempted to change its strategy by blaming countries like India that were buying Russian oil. Many in the White House even accused India of funding Russias war effort.

Donald Trump has said America will release 172 million barrels of crude oil. AFP

Trump would soon shake up the world by announcing his Liberation Day tariffs on dozens of countries and trading partners. This included a 25 per cent tariff on India plus another 25 per cent for buying Russian crude oil.

This came as the two countries sought to negotiate a long pending free trade agreement, which Trump finally announced had been concluded.

India, over the past few months, has been diversifying crude oil sources, particularly importing more from the United States and West Asia. Russia meanwhile has continued to sell its crude oil, particularly to China.

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How Russia is benefitting

Over the past few days, the price of crude oil has surged. Earlier this week, crude oil surged above $119 (Rs 10,996.79) per barrel  the highest since 2022 when the Ukraine war had begun  before sinking to $90 (Rs 8,316.90) per barrel.

Despite the International Energy Agency (IEA)  a Paris-based intergovernmental organisation  on Wednesday vowing to coordinate the release of 400 million barrels of crude oil by its members, it has not managed to tamp down the price of oil.

The international Brent crude oil price settled at $102.45 (Rs 9,466.45) on Thursday, while the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled at $97 (Rs 8,963.77) per barrel. The White House hopes that giving Russia the exemption will bring down oil prices, at least in the short term.

Experts say that the amount of discount Russia is offering will keep shrinking the longer the Iran war lasts. Petras Katinas, a research fellow in climate, energy and defence at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank, told NBC News, So the longer the prices last, the more Russia will be capable of selling its crude oil in the global market with a lower discount.

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Katinas added that this could significantly boost Russias economy.

According to Politico, the Russian finance ministrys budget plan this year assumed that its Urals crude would sell at a minimum of $59 (Rs 5,452.19) per barrel.

Rosnefts Russian-flagged crude oil tanker Vladimir Monomakh transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. (Representational image, Credit: Reuters)

It was far from a collapse, Sergey Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center told the outlet. But the government was facing tough choices, had to cut its spending and raise taxes and even consider some reduction in military expenditure.

Russia, as a result of this decision, will now be able to fetch higher prices for its crude oil. The Trump administration has essentially handed Russia a new lifeline at a time when it was struggling.

Sky News quoted the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) as saying Moscows oil revenues had declined 18 per cent in 2025. However, in just the past couple of weeks Russias revenues have spiked 17 per cent. Exports from northern Russian ports are up 24 per cent.

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James Henderson at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, speaking to the outlet, said that Americas war in Iran will indirectly fund Russias Ukraine war.

No one would be surprised if military spending went up as a result of this, Henderson said. More money will be available, and therefore, by default, more money will be available for spending on the military. That is definitely an unfortunate consequence.

Sky News Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett called this an unequivocal victory for Russia.

These sanctions were put in place to great fanfare as a means to try and break Russias economy, to bring them to the table on peace talks with Ukraine, Bennett told the outlet. He said Trump abandoning the strategy simply plays into Vladimir Putins hands.

Others are equally disbelieving.

Suddenly, Moscow received this gift, Vladimir Milov, a former deputy energy minister turned Kremlin critic abroad, told Politico. They had their lifeline. Milov said Russian officials are very, very happy.

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Moscow is already taking a victory lap. Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian businessman and key envoy to Vladimir Putin in Ukraine negotiations, told the outlet, The US is effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable.

Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy carriers appears increasingly inevitable, despite the resistance of some Brussels bureaucracy.

FAQs

1) Why is the US making this move?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move was to enable oil to keep flowing into the global market.

2) What do experts think?

They think that the Trump administration has essentially handed a struggling Russia a new lifeline.

3) What is Russia saying?

Moscow is already taking a victory lap with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian businessman and key envoy to Vladimir Putin, saying that the US has accepted that the global energy market needs Russia to remain stable.

With inputs from agencies
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut with Iran attacking vessels and its Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowing to keep it blocked. This has led to panic about the supply of oil and natural gas. Countries are now scrambling for alternative routes. But experts note that none of the options can replace the oil normally shipped through the critical Gulf chokepoint

Smoke rising from the Thai bulk carrier 'Mayuree Naree' near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack. A Thai bulk carrier travelling in the crucial Strait of Hormuz was attacked on March 11, with 20 crew members rescued so far, the Thai navy said. AFP

The Strait of Hormuz has become the focal point of the Iran war as it enters its third week. On Thursday, Irans new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said that Tehran would continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds busiest oil shipping channel.

Iran should use the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz as the channel is an area where the enemy is highly vulnerable, said the Iranian supreme leader, indicating that commercial ships and vessels would continue to be at threat if they passed through the waterway.

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Until now, some 20 civilian vessels have reportedly been struck or nearly struck in the region, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

Catch the live updates from the

This has led many to ask, are there any alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz? Can the worlds energy supply be rerouted through other pipelines?

Whats the Strait of Hormuz?

Before we dive into the possible alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, lets understand this waterway and its importance.

Bounded to the north by Iran and to the south by Oman and the United Arab Emirates, the Strait of Hormuz, which at its narrowest is 33 kilometres wide, connects the Gulf countries with the Arabian Sea. It is used by the major oil and gas producers in West Asia and their customers.

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. Reuters

Prior to the start of the Iran war, about 20 per cent of global oil and liquid natural gas passes through the strait. In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz per day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Most of the fossil fuels are bound for Asia, especially China, India, Japan and South Korea.

Apart from oil and natural gas, the Strait of Hormuz also sees the passage of crucial industrial goods such as helium from Qatar, fertiliser from Oman and Saudi Arabia and plastic feedstocks from Saudi Arabia and Emirati petrochemical plants.

Whats the latest in the Strait of Hormuz?

As the Iran war, which began on February 28, progressed, Tehran began to weaponise the Strait of Hormuz.

On Thursday, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for attacking one of the two tankers off Iraqs coast, saying the Marshall Islands-flagged ship had disobeyed and ignored warnings. A British naval monitoring group said that a third ship was struck by an unknown projectile near Dubai.

Thai cargo ship, Mayuree Naree was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, March 11. Royal Thai Navy/AP

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre, there have been at least 20 reports of vessels being affected in and around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman as of Thursday. It listed 16 attacks and four others as suspicious activity, involving tankers, tugs, cargo, and other vessels.

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There are also reports that Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with sources telling CNN that the mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen having been laid in recent days.

This has effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz to sailing ships, which, in turn, has affected energy prices. In fact, the International Energy Agency notes that the war in West Asia has caused the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.

An animation shows disruptions to ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz between March 9 and March 10 after Iranian officials said the critical waterway had been closed.



The narrow passage handles about 20% of the worlds oil supply  roughly 21 million barrels per day  making pic.twitter.com/GHS8Rrpq7r  CBS News (@CBSNews) March 10, 2026

In the United States, gas prices rose by about 20 per cent. In Europe, the price of natural gas surged more than 43 per cent, and diesel prices doubled. Asia, which receives roughly 70 per cent of all crude shipped through Hormuz, absorbed the worst of the supply shock, forcing many countries, including Pakistan to adopt fuel-saving measures.

And on Thursday, Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as a tool to pressure the enemy.

Certainly, the lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used, said the hardline 56-year-old successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

And this is a real concern, according to experts. Analysts have warned that the longer there are threats to ships passing through the strait, the higher the price of oil  and the shipping of it  will be. The near closure of the vital shipping lane has also hurt Gulf countries, like Saudi Arabia, whose economies rely heavily on energy exports.

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So, are there alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz?

This situation has led many to wonder if there are any viable alternatives to using the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, two pipelines have garnered quite an interest across the world.

The first is Saudi Arabias East-West pipeline network, or Petroline, a roughly 750-mile system that transports crude across Saudi Arabia, connecting Abqaiq on the oil-rich kingdoms eastern Gulf coast to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. It has the ability to transport seven million barrels of oil per day, with Saudi oil giant Aramco saying it expects the network to reach full capacity over the coming days.

Built in the 1980s, its main purpose, according to Bloombergs Javier Blas, was to protect Riyadh from this kind of strategic chokehold.

An Emirati man stands in front of a pipeline at the oil terminal of Fujairah. File image/AFP

The second is the UAEs Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), or the HabshanFujairah oil pipeline. Spanning around 248 miles from onshore oil facilities at Habshan to Fujairah, the pipeline is estimated to handle 1.5 million barrels per day, with a reported total capacity of close to 1.8 million barrels per day.

According to analysts, both these pipelines would be able to partially offset the nearly 20 million barrels that typically transit through the Strait of Hormuz on a daily basis.

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Theres also the recently built Goreh-Jask Crude Oil Pipeline in Iran, which could be used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. However, as Baird Langenbrunner, Research Analyst at the Global Energy Monitor, pointed out, this isnt without complications. This pipeline sits in Iran, which was already under heavy US sanctions and whose infrastructure is under direct military attack. In addition, its confirmed capacity is around 300,000 barrels per day, quite small compared to what the strait handles each day, Langenbrunner was quoted as telling Euronews.

Europe can also look at the KirkukCeyhan pipeline, which runs from northern Iraq to Turkeys Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. With potential capacity of around 1.6 million barrels per day, it allows crude to be shipped to Europe without passing through Hormuz. However, the pipeline handles mainly northern Iraqi production and has faced repeated disruptions due to political disputes and security issues.

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For India, oil from Russia can bypass the Strait of Hormuz by using the Suez Canal or by sailing around Africas Cape of Good Hope into the Indian Ocean. Producers such as Nigeria and Angola export crude that can be shipped to India via the Atlantic Ocean and around the southern tip of Africa.

Prominent Indian industrialist Harsh Goenka has also suggested an alternate route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Can this be a solution? pic.twitter.com/gOPFyDOakW  Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) March 11, 2026

His proposal is to unload oil from ships on the Persian Gulf side before the chokepoint, transporting it across Oman by trucks over land, and then loading it onto another tanker on the Arabian Sea coast. From there, the ship can sail directly into the Indian Ocean, avoiding the narrow strait that has become risky due to the ongoing conflict.

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Experts have noted that constructing new pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz could also reduce dependence on the chokepoint. However, such projects require significant investment and years of construction.

As of today, one thing is clear: alternative routes can soften the impact of disruptions, but they cannot fully compensate for a prolonged closure of the strait. That is why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically sensitive locations in the global oil system.

With inputs from agencies
The Supreme Court of India has declined to hear a petition seeking a nationwide policy granting menstrual leave to women students and employees. The court said such a mandatory law for women could adversely impact their employment and that employers will not hire women if we make such a law

Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked the petitioner to consider the "long-term impact" on employment of women. File image/PTI

The Supreme Court of India today (March 13) refused to entertain a plea seeking a nationwide policy granting menstrual leave to women students and employees.

The top court said that mandatory menstrual leave could adversely affect womens careers as employers will no longer hire women, if we make such a law. The court also asked the Central government to consider framing a policy.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also questioned the legal standing of petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi and pointed out that no woman has approached the Court.

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This is the third writ petition filed by the petitioner on the same issue. The first petition was disposed of in February 2023, directing Tripathi to submit a representation to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Tripathi again approached the court in 2024, claiming that the ministry had not responded to his representation. That petition was disposed of in July 2024 with the court telling the Union government to take a policy decision on the matter, LiveLaw reported.

Lets take a closer look:

What was the petitioners plea about?

According to LiveLaw, Tripathi sought directions from the court to the Union government, states and Union Territories to frame laws, policies or government orders recognising the problems faced by women due to menstrual pain, including dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. The plea also sought to provide appropriate relief, including menstrual leave, in line with Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The plea urged the court to direct the authorities to address the existing gaps in provisions related to granting relief, such as leave, for employed women and female students under the exercise of power under Article 32, r/w Article 14, 21 and Articles 141 and 142 of the Constitution, the news outlet reported.

What did the top court say

The bench said that the period leave can be counter-productive. Chief Justice Surya Kant argued, Such a law would also create a psychological fear or impression among working women that they are less than men.

These petitions are deeply rooted, designed PILs. You are not a bona fide petitioner. This is basically only to create a type of impression in young women that you still have some natural issues, and you are not at par with male persons, and you cannot work like them during a particular time, CJI Kant said, according to LiveLaw.

You are creating a right to take a leave in a month, the entire private sector. This can be harmful to their growth you do not know the kind of mindset created at the workplace, CJI Kant added.

A view of the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi, Monday, November 12, 2018. File image/PTI

Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked the petitioner to consider the long-term impact on employment of women.

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Affirmative action in respect of females is constitutionally recognised. But look at the practical reality in the job market. The more unattractive the human resource, the less is the possibility of assumption in the market. Look at from the business model. Will any employer be happy with the competing claims of other genders? Justice Bagchi said.

Senior advocate MR Shamsad, appearing for the petitioner, responded that Odisha has a policy since 1992, while Karnataka has recently introduced a similar leave policy and Kerala has also granted relaxations in schools. Shamsad also noted that several private organisations are voluntarily allowing period leave.

Responding to this, the CJI Kant said, Voluntarily they are giving, then it is excellent. That is a very good thing. But the moment you introduce it as a compulsory condition in law, you do not know the damage it will do to the career of women. Nobody will give them responsibilities, even in judicial services, a normal trial will not be assigned to them.

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According to many, the key challenge is battling strongly rooted negative attitudes around menstruation. Image courtesy: Pixabay

The petitioner has made a representation to the authority. It seems to us that whatever was required to be done at the end of the petitioner, he has done for the welfare of young women. It is not necessary for the petitioner to approach the court time and again and seek a positive mandamus, Kant added.

We direct that the competent authority shall consider the representation directed to be considered by this Court by order dated February 24, 2023, and July 8, 2024, for modelling a policy in consultation with all stakeholders, the court said, disposing of the petition.

What are the arguments for and against menstrual leave?

The concept of menstrual leave is not new. Countries such as Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, offer menstrual leave. Some Indian states such as Bihar and Odisha also do so. Kerala, meanwhile, provides it to staff at universities and industrial training institutes, the BBC reported.

In 2025, to all working women in formal jobs. Santosh Lad, Karnatakas labour minister, told the news outlet, This is one of the most progressive policy decisions for women that the government is implementing.

However, some women believe the policy will be difficult to implement.

Anunita Kundu, a manager at a software company, told the BBC, How can one go and seek menstrual leave when we dont even speak about it [menstruation]? Our society has not reached that level.

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Aruna Papireddy, another IT worker, asserted, If you ask me, leave is not required. Women have reached high positions without even mentioning the M word.

According to others, the key challenge is battling strongly rooted negative attitudes around menstruation.

If a woman seeks two days leave in Bihar, it is understood that it is because of menstruation. It has facilitated women, but it has not empowered them, Pushpendra, a social scientist, told the publication.

However, according to some in Karnataka, the menstrual leave policy could make people more comfortable discussing the topic. Shreya Shree, a teacher based in Bengaluru city, said, Calling it menstrual leave helps in fighting the stigma.

Sapna S, Associate Dean at Christ University and head of Karnatakas menstrual leave committee, urged women to use the policy. What is needed is an attack on the social conditioning that exists. Women should not be apologetic or shy to ask for menstrual leave, she said, as quoted by the media outlet.

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With inputs from agencies
The government on Friday said refineries are operating at full capacity with adequate crude inventories, and domestic LPG production has increased by 30% since March 5 to support supply

The government on Friday said there was no need for panic buying of fuel or LPG cylinders, assuring that India has adequate fuel supplies with refineries operating at full capacity and sufficient crude oil inventories in place, while noting that domestic LPG production has already increased by 30 per cent since March 5 to support supply.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said, As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India.

#WATCH | Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, "As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; pic.twitter.com/0t8hUXUjWL  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

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She said all our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher.

The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained, she added.

Sharma said the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to domestic consumers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts.

Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic, she said, reassuring citizens that fuel availability remains stable across the country.

However, Sharma acknowledged that LPG remains an area of concern, but assured that household supplies are continuing without disruption and urged consumers not to resort to panic booking of cylinders.

#WATCH | Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, "Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps... Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. pic.twitter.com/eThJxHWDir  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

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Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying.

She said the domestic production of LPG has already increased by 30 per cent since March 5.

LPG bookings have surged to 75.7 lakh against an average of 55.7 lakh in the pre-war period, showing panic booking, she said.

Sharma said states have been asked to identify specific locations within their districts for kerosene distribution, particularly for the additional 48,000 kilolitres (KL) allocated by the Government of India over and above the regular quota.

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To activate alternative fuel options, Coal India has already issued orders to ensure that coal is made available to small, medium, and other consumersI appeal to all fellow citizens not to panic and to refrain from panic-booking, she added.

The West Asia conflict has impacted the supply of crude oil and petroleum products, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman, is one of the worlds most critical energy transit routes.

The narrow, 50-mile-long passage that connects the Gulf with the Arabian Sea carries about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

India imports roughly 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of its LNG needs and 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, most of which transits through the strait.

The widening conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran, has stopped energy flows through the strait.

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With inputs from agencies
Exploring the world promises escape but often steals your shuteye. From jet lag to hotel comfort, why rest feels both irresistible and impossible on the road

travel does not have to be a choice between sleep and adventure. Credits/Representational image

Imagine you travelled more than 15 hours to reach Paris from Delhi. You finally drop your bags and collapse onto the hotel bed. Just as sleep begins to pull you in, your friend shakes you awake: Hey! You didnt come all this way just to sleep.

Its a familiar moment for many travellers. The urge to rest collides with the pressure to make the most of every second. After all, you travelled all this way to experience something new. But your body, exhausted from the journey, simply wants sleep.

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Travel and sleep have always had a complicated relationship. A mix of excitement and exhaustion, curiosity and fatigue.

For many people, travel is one of lifes greatest joys. For others, its an unavoidable part of work. Regardless of the reason, good sleep plays an important role in helping travellers stay energized and enjoy their journey.

According to the Sleep Foundation, quality rest promotes overall wellness and allows travellers to fully engage with their experiences. Yet getting that rest while travelling can be surprisingly difficult.

One of the biggest challenges is the disruption of our internal body clock. Research cited in Oxford Academic studies suggests that adjusting to new time zones can take more than two weeks in some cases. Our circadian rhythm, the internal system that regulates sleep, doesnt immediately adapt to sudden shifts in time and environment.

Beyond jet lag, travellers often experience what researchers call travel fatigue.

Studies from the National Library of Medicine describe it as a combination of physical and mental stress brought on by the demands of travel. Symptoms can include exhaustion, headaches, sleep disruption, and general discomfort.

Many aspects of travel contribute to this fatigue. The stress of packing and reaching the airport on time, anxiety about flights or unexpected delays, and the long hours spent sitting in planes, trains, or cars all take a toll.

Sleeping while seated upright can be difficult, and pressurized airplane cabins often lead to dehydration, bloating, or respiratory discomfort.

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Changes in food and drink habits can also affect sleep. Travellers often consume more caffeine or alcohol than usual while in transit.

Motion sickness, altitude changes, unfamiliar bed styles, and irregular meal timings can further disrupt the bodys ability to rest.

Despite all these challenges, not everyone sees sleep as a priority during travel.

In an Instagram video, adventure travellers Diane and BJ from The Horsemans Go Global explain why they rarely sleep during road journeys. For them, sleeping means missing the quiet magic unfolding outside the window.

While youre dreaming, the world outside your window is actually happening, they say.

The road offers countless small moments such as locals going about their daily routines, wildlife crossing unexpectedly, and landscapes slowly transforming as the journey continues.

These moments may seem ordinary, but they often become the memories travellers cherish the most.

For Diane and BJ, watching Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro appear on the horizon during a drive back to Moshi was a reminder that the journey itself can be as meaningful as the destination. Travel, they believe, has a way of revealing beauty in the smallest details.

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Still, ignoring sleep altogether can make travel more exhausting than enjoyable.

Experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine recommend balancing exploration with adequate rest.

Gradually adjusting sleep schedules a few days before departure such as an an hour earlier each night can help prepare the body for time zone changes. Once at the destination, exposure to morning sunlight can help reset the internal clock.

Creating a comfortable sleep environment also makes a difference. Keeping hotel rooms cool, dark, and quiet can improve rest, while sleep masks, earplugs, or small doses of melatonin may help some travellers adjust more quickly.

Taking brief naps during early flights can help reduce fatigue, but long daytime naps should be avoided.

Travel platforms like Skyscanner also advise travellers not to over-schedule activities during the first few days of a trip. Heavy meals or alcohol close to bedtime can further disrupt sleep quality, making it harder to recover from long journeys.

Ultimately, travel does not have to be a choice between sleep and adventure.

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Sometimes the most memorable journeys come from finding the right balance.

Pausing to rest when the body needs it, and staying awake long enough to catch those unexpected moments that make travel unforgettable.

Because while the world outside the window is always moving, the experiences that stay with us often depend on how present we are to witness them.

Follow Firstpost on Google for the latest lifestyle updates including stories on travel and tourism, culture, health, and more. Stay informed with in-depth coverage of global developments, right from geopolitics and diplomacy to major world news with the latest perspectives, only on Firstpost.
This World Sleep Day 2026, sleep better by knowing (and avoiding!) these seven habits that can ruin your sleep without you even realising

This World Sleep Day, avoid these seven habits that can ruin your sleep. Pexels

A good nights sleep is essential for physical health, mental clarity and overall well-being.

Yet many people struggle with poor sleep without realising that certain everyday habits - often done unconsciously - may be quietly disrupting their sleep cycle.

This World Sleep Day, Firstpost spoke to Dr. Ravichandra MRK, Senior Consultant Physician and Clinical Lead of Sleep Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, who shared with us seven worst habits that can disrupt your sleep without you even realising.

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1. Revenge bedtime procrastination

Dr. MRK defines revenge bedtime procrastination as a psychological response to a high-stress or high-control daytime environment.

When your day is packed with demands from work, family, or chores, you feel a freedom deficit. By the time your bedtime hits, you stay awake not because you arent tired, but because it is the only time you feel you own. You trade sleep for a sense of agency, often through mindless scrolling, explains the doctor.

To fix this, the expert says you can set a shutdown alarm 30 minutes before bed. When it goes off, put the phone in another room to charge. This physically removes the temptation to trade your health for one more dopamine-hitting video.

2. The afternoon caffeine

Most people use caffeine to mask a midday fuel that occurs naturally about seven hours after waking.

Because caffeine blocks (adenosine receptors) the chemical that signals sleepiness, you dont feel tired even though your body needs rest, shares Dr. MRK.

Heres what you can do: The doctor urges people to implement a caffeine curfew after lunch. If you feel any energy crash, try a 10-minute walk in the sun or a glass of ice-cold water instead. These provide a natural cortisol boost without the long-lasting chemical interference. If you must have the taste of coffee, switch to decaf or herbal tea to satisfy the ritual without the stimulant, he states.

3. Using your bed as a multi-purpose office

Your brain is a master of association. When you work, answer emails, or eat in bed, you are teaching your nervous system that the bed is a place for alertness, stress, and active digestion, explains the expert.

This creates cognitive arousal, where your brain remains hyperactive the moment you lie down, simply because thats what it usually does in that space. Use your bed for sleeping only, he adds.

4. The nightcap trap

Dr. MRK shares that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It helps you pass out by increasing alpha brain waves, which usually happen when youre relaxed but awake. However, as the liver metabolizes the alcohol, it creates a rebound effect.

Your body shifts from deep sleep into light, fragmented sleep. It also relaxes the muscles in your throat, increasing snoring and reducing oxygen intake, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day, he adds.

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The doctors suggests that if you enjoy a drink, try to finish it at least three to four hours before your head hits the pillow. For every alcoholic drink, consume one large glass of water to help your system process the toxins.

5. Inconsistent wake-up times

Modern life allows us to override our internal biological clocks. By sleeping in late on Saturday to catch up on lost weekday sleep, you shift your entire circadian rhythm. This makes it impossible to fall asleep at a reasonable time on Sunday night, leading to what researchers call Social Jetlag, shares Dr. MRK with us.

He further explains that you are essentially forcing your body to change time zones twice every single week.

To cure this, set a wake-up time that you can stick to within a 60-minute window, seven days a week. While it sounds painful, waking up at 7:30 AM on a Sunday will actually make your Monday morning much easier, states the clinical lead of sleep medicine.

6. Bright light exposure before bed

Evolutionarily, humans are programmed to get sleepy when the sun goes down.

Bright artificial lights, especially the blue light from LEDs and screens, mimic the spectrum of midday sunlight. This sends a signal to the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in your brain to stop producing melatonin. Even 10 minutes of bright bathroom light while brushing your teeth can delay your sleep onset by an hour, enlightens the doctor.

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Do this instead: If you have to use bright lights late at night, consider wearing amber-tinted blue-light-blocking glasses to protect your melatonin levels from being suppressed by the artificial sun in your living room.

7. Late-night heavy meals

Your body has a hierarchy of needs. If you eat a large meal or spicy noodles at 9:00 PM, your body prioritizes digestion over sleep.

Digestion requires blood flow to the gut and increases your core body temperature. For deep sleep to occur, your body temperature needs to drop. A hot metabolic engine makes it nearly impossible for the brain to enter the deepest, most restorative stages of sleep, mentions Dr. MRK.

He urges people to follow the three-hour rule. Try to finish your last meal at least three hours before bed. If you are genuinely hungry late at night, opt for a small, sleep-friendly snack that combines a complex carb with a protein, like a small bowl of oatmeal or a banana with almond butter, he says.

Avoid anything spicy, fried, or highly acidic (like citrus or chocolate), as they can cause silent reflux that wakes you up without you even realising why, concludes the doctor.

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Follow Firstpost on Google for the latest lifestyle updates including stories on travel and tourism, culture, health, and more. Stay informed with in-depth coverage of global developments, right from geopolitics and diplomacy to major world news with the latest perspectives, only on Firstpost.
Gorsam Chorten (Stupa), located at Zemithang about 90 km from Tawang, is a 100-foot-high Buddhist monument believed to have been built in the 12th century by the monk Lama Pradhar. The structure is modeled on the famous 5th-century Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Chendebji Chorten in Bhutan is also built in a similar architectural style. Image: Wikimedia Common/ Prof Ranga Sai

The Gorsam Stupa (or Chorten in Monpa/Tibetan) is a special place, and this is for many reasons. Not only because between March 16 and 18, a Gorsam Kora (kora meaning circumambulation in Tibetan) will be held around the monument, bringing together local Monpas and their Bhutanese neighbours, but it is also located near the Bhutan and Tibet trijunction, an area vital to Indias security, being close to the McMahon-Shatra Line, defining Indias northern border with Tibet in the Northeast since 1914.

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Today, without an iota of historical evidence, this line is disputed by China, who invaded Tibet in 1950 and claims that the area is part of South Tibet (Zangnan in Chinese). If one were to believe Beijing, the Chinese territory would extend till Assam, a typically hegemonic nonsense.

In 2017 already, China had announced the standardisation of the names of six places in Arunachal Pradesh. One of the six names was Qoidengarbo Ri. After scratching my head for some time, I realised that it sounded like Chorten Karpo or White Stupa and referred to the Gorsam Chorten, the only large white stupa in the area. The name Ri, or ridge in Tibetan, may refer to one of the ridges around the stupa.

Beijing clearly tries to snatch the area south of Zemithang, which was the tactical HQ of the 4th Infantry Division during the 1962 Sino-Indian War; at the time, it asserted that the Indian Army had then trespassed into Chinese territory.

The Dalai Lamas First Night

The Gorsam Chorten is known for another reason; on March 31, 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama, soon after crossing the Indo-Tibet border at Khenzimane in the Kameng Frontier Division (today Tawang district), proceeded to spend his first night near the stupa.

Four days earlier, the 24-year-old Tibetan leader had sent a message to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, asking for asylum, which was immediately granted by the Indian government.

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Beijing does not like this reminder, though at that time, it did not claim the area (if it had, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would have followed the Tibetan leader to Tawang and Bomdila!).

A secret report sent to Delhi a few days later observed: At 1400 hours on March 31, the Dalai Lama and his party reached Kenze Mane [Khenzimane] which demarcates the frontier in Chuthangmu area. His Holiness was riding a yak and was received by the Assistant Political Officer, Tawang. They proceeded to the checkpost without halting at the frontier. In Chuthangmu, a detachment of the Assam Rifles was waiting to accompany the Dalai Lamas party to Assam.

The Tibetan leader reached the stupa at night.

A couple of days later, he met Harmander Singh, a senior Indian official and then Political Officer. In Bomdila, the Dalai Lama was officially received by Nehrus special envoy, PN Menon (father of former Foreign Secretary and NSA, Shivshankar Menon), with a welcome message from the Indian Prime Minister.

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The History of the Stupa

Lobsang Tempa, a Monpa scholar, tells us the history of the stupa: Gorzam Choeten (Gorsam Chorten), one of the most magnificent Buddhist monuments in Monyul [Tawang district], is said to be built in the 13th or 16th century (the dates are based on oral accounts) by Lama Sangye Telthar  [who] was born and raised in Pangchen Valley [near the Tibet border], where he was later known as Mon-nyon (the Crazy Monpa) because of his eccentric tantric practices.

The stupa is described as an imitation of the famous Boddhnath chorten in Kathmandu.

The Arunachal Gazette gives a vivid description: Built in stone and raised to a height of about 100 feet, the Gorsam Chorten is the largest Buddhist stupa in Arunachal Pradesh.  The hemispherical dome rests upon three plinths. Four miniature stupas are set on the four corners of the lowermost plinth. The base is square, with each side about 175 feet in length, with a niche running all along its whole length, and 120 prayer wheels (manes) are set in frames of wood in the niche of each side of the base. A paved path goes all around for the pilgrims to follow in respectful circumambulation, keeping the chorten on their right, turning the manes and muttering Om Mani Padme Hum.

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The stupa is built on the bank of the Namjiang Chu river, which witnessed the first clashes with China in October 1962.

Other Records

We have several other accounts of the stupa from the early days.

In an article, Leaves of Pangchen, Sang Khandu, an officer of the Arunachal Pradesh government who was posted for several years in Zemithang Circle, wrote, The most significant monument of Zemithang area is the Gorsam Chorten. It is considered one of the oldest and the largest stupas in the Himalayan region. Since ancient times, every year religious melas are held for getting blessings, during which pilgrims from within and abroad visit. Khandu mentioned the yearly festival, called Gorsam Chorten Kora.

He explained, Before construction of the Gorsam Stupa, the place was full of malevolent spirits. Sangye Telthar constructed the stupa to ease the villagers from these evil spirits.  I was told that the completion of the construction of the stupa took almost 12 years.

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The story continues into the 20th century; the stupa was in a very dilapidated state in the 1990s when the 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, the head lama of the area, called for a kar seva.

Already in the early 1950s, after taking over the Tawang administration, Maj Bob Khathing visited the place: 31st July 1951  Gyaleteng (Pangchen) to Khabteng 12 miles. Left Gyaleteng at 0600 hrs and arrived at 1500 hrs. Gorsam Chote [Chorten] is a beautiful temple of about 120 ft square. It was said to have built after the shape of Bodh Gaya temple, and it actually rescinds the old temples in India. One temple exactly like Gorsam Chote is also in Bhutan Hills named Dhullang Chote.

K Lama, one of Khathings successors, visited the spot in March 1955; he noted, On the way, I saw hundreds of Monpa devotees going to Gorsam Chorten in Panchon [Pangchen]. Gorsam Chorten, a famous temple (pagoda), was built at Gorsam in the Panchon area about 400 years ago by a certain Lama. This temple was so far looked after by the Panchon people. On the 15th of the 1st Tibetan month, every year people from surrounding areas came there as a religious pilgrimage; even people from the Bhutan and Tsona areas also came there. For decades, it has been an occasion for Bhutanese to visit Tawang district and exchange with the local Monpas.

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My First Visit to the Area

After my first visit to the area in 1996, I wrote, About 6 or 7 kilometres before reaching Zemithang, we crossed a small, desolate village: Gorsam. Tsona Rinpoche, who recently organised the renovation of the stupa, told me that it is the second largest in Asia. This might be a slightly exaggerated statement, as there are many large stupas in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia or Burma.

Gorsam Chortens Kar Seva had been considered by many as the mini-Ayodhya of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche (also known as TGR, when he jumped into the political arena). He himself claimed that more than 5,000 volunteers participated in the renovation. It was indeed a strong reassertion that the area belonged to India.

I further wrote, But it is still quite large and impressive; it seems to block the entrance of the valley. Very often in Tibet (and in Monyul) stupas have an occult role in repelling adverse negative forces and protecting the locals, and I ironicised, I do not know what the state of the stupa was at the time of the Sino-Indian War in 1962, but certainly it could not have been in good shape since so many Chinese could enter inside Indian territory!

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The Connection with Bhutan

Another thing that the Chinese government would like to erase from our memory is that the stupa establishes the deep historic link between Bhutan and the Tawang area.

Lobsang Tempa explained: The division between Tashigang and Monyul too became sufficiently clear by the second half of the 18th century.  A number of Bhutanese who felt dissatisfied with the heavy taxation in Bhutan had migrated into the Monpa area, and the Tashigang Dzong took objection to it.  An agreement was signed in 1790 AD by Kalon Phala on behalf of the Tawang Monastery and Lama Chhodra on behalf of Bhutan, laying down that Bhutanese emigrating into Monyul and Monpas into Bhutan will be fined.

During the last few years, thousands of devotees, including Bhutanese nationals, have gathered during the Gorsam Kora festival to observe the auspicious occasion on the last day of the lunar calendars first month.

Incidentally, Zemithang is also the breeding ground of the migratory black-necked crane, which has deep spiritual and ecological value for the Monpas.

The next kora is another occasion to remember its rich historical background.

(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.)
As the sands of West Asia continue to shift, Indias neutral hand and unblinking focus on its own national interest will remain its greatest diplomatic asset

The 'Modi Doctrine' in West Asia is essentially a rejection of the old, defensive posture where India was a passive observer of global events. File image/AP

For decades, West Asia has served as the ultimate testing ground for the resilience of Indias foreign policy. It is a region where history is heavy and the geopolitical landscape is often a zero-sum game.

Yet, India has managed to traverse this volatile terrain with a unique brand of strategic autonomy, evolving from the ideological rigidities of the Cold War to a hyper-pragmatic, interest-driven engagement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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This shift is not merely a change in government policy; it is a fundamental recalibration of the Indian identity on the global stage  one that prioritises the national interest over inherited religious or ideological dogmas.

From Ideological Solidarity to Strategic Autonomy

The roots of Indias West Asia policy were planted in 1947, characterised by a reflexive support for the Palestinian cause, largely driven by Indias domestic sensitivities.

For years, New Delhi viewed the region through a moralistic lens, often keeping Israel at arms length. However, the end of the Cold War necessitated a departure from this singular track.

The establishment of full diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992 was the first major pivot, but it is the last decade that has seen the most sophisticated execution of what analysts call multi-alignment.

Nowhere was this balance more visible than in the symbolic and substantive actions of the Indian leadership. In 2015, the late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the Palestine-India Techno-Park and an IT hub at Al-Quds University, reinforcing Indias commitment to Palestinian nation-building through technology and education.

Yet, simultaneously, India was elevating its relationship with Israel to a strategic partnership. This is the hallmark of Indian diplomacy: the ability to engage with one without alienating the other.

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Modi Doctrine: Multi-Alignment Without Entanglement

Unlike Pakistan, which often finds itself trapped in the sectarian or political crossfire of Arab regimes  acting as a sitting duck for the shifting whims of regional powers  India has maintained a posture of dignified independence.

This evolution was perfectly encapsulated in a landmark address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he articulated a vision of a confident India that no longer seeks permission from the West to engage with the East.

Modi emphasised that Indias diplomacy has matured to a point where it can speak to Russia without an American veto, and engage with Saudi Arabia without upsetting the delicate balance with Iran.

This India-First approach is rooted in the belief that New Delhi does not need to fight someone elses cause to prove its relevance. By refusing to join proxy wars or ideological blocs, India has positioned itself as a reliable, stable partner for all sides.

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Diaspora Power and Economic Stakes in the Gulf

The economic dimension of this relationship is perhaps the most robust pillar of Indias regional standing.

The Gulf economy is inextricably linked to the Indian diaspora, a community that has moved beyond the blue-collar stereotype to become the backbone of the regions retail and infrastructure sectors.

The success of top Indian brands in West Asia  such as M.A. Yusuff Alis Lulu Group, Rizwan Sajans Danube, and the Landmark Groups Centrepoint and Red Tag  demonstrates the sheer scale of Indian entrepreneurial influence. These are not just businesses; they are conduits of soft power that contribute billions in remittances, fuelling Indias domestic growth while anchoring the economies of Dubai, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

However, the pragmatism of Indian diplomacy is most tested during times of kinetic conflict. As West Asia faces renewed instability, Indias stance has remained remarkably consistent: supporting a two-state solution while deepening defence and intelligence ties with Tel Aviv.

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Even under the Modi administration, which has seen the closest ties with Israel in history, India recently voted in favour of a UN resolution expressing support for Palestinian rights, proving that strategic deals do not necessitate the abandonment of long-held principles.

In a recent analysis, Indian Labour in Wartime Israel, for the Deccan Herald, Divya Malhotra highlights a significant shift in the migration patterns of the Indian workforce. As Israel looks to replace Palestinian workers amidst the ongoing conflict, Indian labour has emerged as a critical substitute.

Malhotra notes that this migration is not just about economic necessity but is also a reflection of the deepening bilateral trust between New Delhi and Jerusalem. It is rational that the Indian worker is seen as a stabilising, non-political element in the region.

In a world increasingly polarised by religious and ideological fervour, the Indian approach to West Asia serves as a template for domestic identity.

National Interest as the Compass of Indias West Asia Policy

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For Indians, the national interest must remain the North Star. The tendency to import foreign conflicts or to align ones identity with religious movements thousands of miles away undermines the cohesive strength of the Indian state.

The Indian identity  one of pluralism, economic aspiration and sovereign pride  must supersede any external ideological affiliation.

The Modi Doctrine in West Asia is essentially a rejection of the old, defensive posture where India was a passive observer of global events.

Today, India is an active architect of regional security and economic corridors, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

By maintaining strong defence ties with Israel  ranging from drone technology to missile systems  while simultaneously being the primary investor in Irans Chabahar Port, India is practising a sophisticated geometry of equilibrium.

Ultimately, Indias success in West Asia is a testament to the power of being pro-India rather than being pro-this or anti-that. It is a lesson in the maturity of a rising power that recognises that in the realm of international relations, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.

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By focusing on remittances, energy security, and technological exchange, India has ensured that its voice is heard not because it shouts the loudest in favour of a particular ideology, but because it is too economically and strategically vital to be ignored.

As the sands of West Asia continue to shift, Indias neutral hand and unblinking focus on its own national interest will remain its greatest diplomatic asset.

(Zahack Tanvir is an Indian-origin activist and founder of The Milli Chronicle, a UK-based publication. With expertise in geopolitics and counter-extremism, he provides insights into global affairs. He holds certifications in Counterterrorism from the University of Leiden of the Netherlands, and Georgetown University of Washington DC. He tweets under @ZahackTanvir. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
India offers a values-based vision for humankind. Its strategic autonomy has served it well and positions it to rise, offering the world choices beyond the binary of Pax Americana or Pax Sinica

The strategic rivalry between the United States and China is often framed as a contest between Pax Americana and a potential Pax Sinica. Yet, both concepts are misleading. Despite accretion in Chinas economic and geopolitical influence, China is as yet neither capable nor willing to underwrite a global order of the type sustained until recently by the United States (US) post World War II. The US today retains the capacity but has lost its commitment to shoulder the burden of leadership in the global order that it once curated.

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Myth of Pax Sinica

Pax Sinica is a chimaera. Beijing is still a rising power, not quite the equal of the US. But it has enough power to deny the US the satisfaction of creating a unipolar world. China is a global economic power now but still far from being a global military power. Its military power is concentrated on its periphery, where it seeks to deter or limit the extent of US presence and power.

China frames its national vision in the terminology of the global developmental agenda, including the UN SDGs and even the UN Charter, to burnish its claims to equality and peaceful co-existence. Yet, it is not willing to take on the enormous economic and military burden that goes with a leadership role. China seeks selective leadership without universal obligations. China is not an evangelical power. It prioritises its national interests over wider principles.

China attempts to run with the hare and hunt with the hound. China is both a status quo power as well as an anti-status quo power. It is status quo to the extent that it has no desire to genuinely reform the UN Security Council, of which it is a privileged veto-wielding member. It is anti-status quo to the extent that it resents the agenda setting by the Anglo-Saxon powers. It, therefore, endeavours to create parallel global structures and institutions that are more in tune with China-centric objectives.

Limits of Pax Americana

The US has contributed to the weakening of several multilateral institutions. China is simply filling the vacuum. This kind of opportunism is to be expected from a rising hegemon. All rising hegemons are opportunistic in accordance with the theory of structural realism. Established powers like the US are also opportunistic and seek exceptionalism. In fact, the stronger the power, the less the resistance to its opportunist actions outside the four corners of the normative rules-based international order (RBIO).

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Political contradictions in the West, between the liberals and conservatives, between the leftists and rightists, between the internationalists and isolationists and between governments and NGOs, all these have provided Beijing with new space to advance its interests. These have allowed China to claim the mantle of championing free trade, climate action, connectivity and infrastructure.

Chinas narrative of responsible stewardship finds resonance in the Global South because it speaks the language of the masses even as it pursues its own distinctly national interests. It uses economic and soft power alongside military coercion when necessary to elicit appropriate responses from others, including on maintaining the One China policy.

The US has never learnt this art of couching its national objectives in acceptable language. If it did, the world could genuinely benefit more from a democratic America than from a communist China. Right now, this is not a popular view.

Beijing generally approaches policy with long-term strategic planning. It has a political design  that of making China and its way of development and governance the symbol of a rules-based international order. The US is giving China plenty of opportunities to succeed. But the Chinese system has many infirmities  primary among them being its authoritarian system, a self-righteous streak and a tendency to coerce in order to ensure the survival and supremacy of the CPC. Its openness to criticism is contrived  internal study sessions are mounted to perfect the existing system. External criticism is also studied carefully  especially to devise policies to overcome such criticism.

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Over the decades, China has used the RBIO to enhance its economic heft and political reach. A disillusioned US has increasingly abandoned traditional forms of multilateralism in favour of exceptionalism for itself.

The current Iran War is a virtual warning to all that US exceptionalism can be challenged only at great risk. Yet, US inability to end the war in Ukraine shows the limits of US power in dealing with Russia, despite the latters diminution over the years. China cannot be compared to a Venezuela or Iran. There are sufficient strategic constraints today to restrain both the US and China from pushing the envelope too far in the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait.

Pax Americana and Pax Sinica are a chimaera. Neither the US nor China is willing to take on the responsibilities of global leadership. Both remain focused on narrow national interests.

Emerging Multipolar Order

Alongside Americas rejection of traditional multilateralism is its allergy to multipolarity. Yet, despite the odds, the foundations of multilateralism and multipolarity are strong. The demise of UN-led multilateralism may provide stimulus to networked multilateralism among like-minded partners within groupings such as the EU, G7, G20 and Brics. This is the space in which middle powers can converge. After all, the weakening of the trans-Atlantic partnership has provided new sinews to European integration, both economic and military.

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The Global South accounts for the majority of the human population but lacks a clear identity, structure or funding. Its amorphous character is compounded by hedging and multi-alignment. The Global South needs trusted partners, not self-serving leaders.

Strategic Alternative Beyond Binary

The current global situation indicates the absence of both a stable American-led order and a Chinese alternative. The world is drifting towards a mix of unipolarity, bipolarity and multipolarity in a more fragmented international system. In this evolving landscape, middle powers  particularly India  may be able to play a decisive role in shaping the future order.

India will not be a swing state in the rivalry between the US and China in coming years. To be a swing state, there should be a clear choice  in the form of a trusted strategic partner. The current geopolitical scenario offers few, if any, trusted partners. On its part, India offers a values-based future for humankind. Indias Vishwabandhu approach is a surer path that serves broader interests.

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Indias strategic autonomy too has served it well. It is destined to rise and provide choices beyond the binary choices of Pax Americana or Pax Sinica.

(The author is the Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Apple will reduce App Store commissions in mainland China from March 15, cutting standard developer fees from 30 per cent to 25 per cent and lowering small business programme rates, following talks with Chinese regulators.

Apple is set to reduce the commission it charges developers on app sales and in-app purchases in mainland China, a move that comes as regulators continue to scrutinise the companys digital ecosystem in the country. The revised fee structure will come into effect on March 15 and will apply to applications distributed through the Chinese version of the companys App Store.

In a statement, the iPhone maker confirmed that the commission it collects from developers will fall from 30 per cent to 25 per cent for apps listed on its mainland China store. The change will apply to applications developed for both iOS and iPadOS.

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The decision follows discussions with regulators in China and marks the latest adjustment Apple has made to its app marketplace policies in response to increasing regulatory pressure around the world.

Apple cuts developer fees in China

The updated policy will also bring reduced commission rates for smaller developers and certain specialised app categories.

Apple said it will lower its fee for developers enrolled in its small business programme as well as those creating mini apps. Under the new structure, the commission will fall from 15 per cent to 12 per cent. The small business programme applies to developers that generated less than $1 million in revenue during the previous year.

Mini apps refer to lightweight applications that run within larger platforms rather than as standalone apps. These types of services are widely used in China through ecosystems such as WeChat, where users can access small programmes without downloading a full application.

Apple said the policy change is aimed at maintaining fair terms for developers distributing apps through the Chinese version of its store.

We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets, the company added on its website.

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The move reflects a broader shift in Apples approach to developer commissions as regulators worldwide continue to examine how large technology companies manage digital marketplaces.

In recent years, the company has already introduced several adjustments to its policies in different regions, including changes made to comply with regulatory frameworks in Europe, the United States and Japan.

Google announced similar fee cut this month

The push to revise developer fee structures is not limited to Apple. Earlier this month, Google also revealed plans to reduce some of the commissions it charges developers for subscriptions on its app ecosystem.

According to reports by Bloomberg, Googles standard commission of 30 per cent for recurring subscriptions will drop to lower levels in certain cases. Depending on the circumstances, the fee could decrease to as little as 15 per cent or even 10 per cent.

The new structure is expected to roll out by June across key markets including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. The company also plans to introduce similar changes in Australia, South Korea and Japan before the end of 2026.

Google is additionally adjusting its billing policies for developers. Those who choose to rely on Googles own billing services will be required to pay a flat 5 per cent fee. Developers who prefer alternative payment systems will be allowed to use third-party processors.

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The company said the updated rules are intended to modernise the Android ecosystem and provide developers with greater flexibility in how they manage payments and subscriptions within their apps.
Australia became the first nation to ban social media for children under 16. But, according to the new data, over 20 per cent of kids are still using TikTok and Snapchat. The data is among the first to show the effects on youth online behaviour since Australia rolled out the ban.

One-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 were still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors, industry data showed, raising questions about the effectiveness of their age-gating methods.

The number of 13-to-15-year-olds using TikTok and Snapchat, among the most popular social media apps with Australian teenagers, fell from before the ban took effect in December to February, but still more than 20% used the apps, according to a report by parental control software maker Qustodio provided to Reuters.

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The data is among the first to show the effects on youth online behaviour since Australia rolled out the ban, which is being copied by governments around the world. The Australian government and at least two university studies are tracking the bans impact but none has published data yet.

Among children whose parents havent blocked access, a meaningful number continue to use restricted platforms in the months following the ban, Qustodio said in the report, which was based on data collected from Australian families from late 2024 to February.

Under the ban, platforms including Metas Instagram, Facebook and Threads, Googles YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat must block people aged under 16 or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million ($35 million).

A spokesperson for internet regulator the eSafety Commissioner said the office was aware of reports some under-16s remained on social media and was actively engaging with platforms and their age assurance providers  while continuing to monitor for any systemic failures that may amount to a breach of the law.

The regulator was actively drawing on a range of insights to assess compliance, the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for communications minister Anika Wells said the government had always been clear that increasing the minimum age to access social media is a cultural change that will take time.

A representative for Snapchat was not immediately available for comment. A TikTok spokesperson declined to comment.

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The Qustodio data showed the number of Australians aged 13-15 using Snapchat tumbled 13.8 percentage points to 20.3% from November to February, while the number in that age group using TikTok fell 5.7 percentage points to 21.2%.

The number in that age group using YouTube dipped by one percentage point to 36.9%, although the data did not specify whether the users were logged into accounts. The Australian ban allows people of all ages to use YouTube without logging in.

Australian teenage social media use typically dips in December and January due to the countrys long summer school break, but the data showed a steeper decline than the previous year, suggesting the ban had an impact, Qustodio said.

But some dips seen in December-January are slowly beginning to recover, the report added.

Fears that teenagers might migrate to unregulated platforms have not materialised, the data showed, although WhatsApp recorded a small uptick in use among 13-15-year-olds.

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As European leaders increasingly warn of Russian attacks beyond Ukraine in the coming years, President Vladimir Putin has advanced a new law that makes it easier to deploy military abroad on grounds similar to the ones used to previously invade Ukraine and Georgia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had noted such media reports, but had reached a different conclusion about Trump's attitude towards Ukraine peace talks. Photo: File/AFP

As European leaders increasingly warn of Russian attacks beyond Ukraine in the coming years, President Vladimir Putin has advanced a new law that makes it easier to deploy military abroad on grounds similar to the ones used to previously invade Ukraine and Georgia.

Once approved by Russias rubber-stamp parliament, the law will allow Putin to deploy the military abroad protect citizens of the Russian Federation in the event of their arrest, detention, criminal, or other prosecution, according to a Russian-language report in The Moscow Times.

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The bill allows Russian military to be deployed in countries where courts endowed with powers without the participation of the Russian Federation and international judicial bodies that Russia does not recognise purportedly target Russians.

These grounds are similar to those that Putin used to invade Ukraines Crimea in 2014 and launch the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The previous Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 rested on similar rationale.

ALSO READ: Four years later, how close is Russia to achieving its goals in Ukraine?

The development has come at a time when European and Nato leaders have increasingly begun warning of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine in the coming years. Last month, a wargame concluded that Russia could invade Nato members in the Baltic region as early as later this year.

To be sure, the bill only expands the grounds to deploy military abroad. Putin still has powers to send troops abroad after determining that those countries or international bodies such as the European Union (EU) have made decisions contrary to the interests of Russia or the foundations of public order in Russia.

Russia flexes muscles as Europe braces for invasions

The Russian bill has advanced as European and Nato officials have shortened the timeline for potential Russian attacks beyond Ukraine.

As early as October 2026, Russia could overrun the strategic Lithuanian city of Marijampole in just two days amid American abandonment of Nato and hesitancy among European Nato members to deploy soldiers, according to a wargame by Die Welt and the German Wargaming Centre of Helmut Schmidt University.

Generally, over the past year, European and Nato officials have said that Russia could make moves beyond Ukraine in three to five years  much earlier than previous estimates. French military chief General Fabien Mandon has said that France should be ready for a clash with Russia as early as 2028.

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Between 2024 and 25, top German intelligence officials warned that Baltic states are at high risk of Crimea-style provocations from Russia as part of hybrid warfare. Earlier this year, German Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack warned that the Baltic Sea was no longer a NATO lake and that Russia was testing Article 5 limits through drone incursions and sea-route sabotage  Article 5 contains the collective defence principle that underpins Nato.

Last year, Danish intelligence chief Anja Dalgaard-Nielsen published a report stating that Russias military reconstruction has shifted from restoration to an intensified military build-up aimed at Nato.
Amidst rising strategic tensions, 32,000 troops from 14 allied nations have gathered in Northern Norway and Finland for Exercise Cold Response.

Arctic Chill, High Stakes: Nato Allies launch 'Cold Response' in Norway's Far North to sharpen combat readiness and deter regional threats near the Russian border.

On a frozen Arctic swamp near the Evenes air base in Norways Far North, soldiers fired at the enemy, crouching in the snow to hide among birch trees.

Norwegian and British soldiers were simulating a scenario of force to protect the air wing at Evenes from an approaching enemy, explained Lieutenant Colonel Marte Gytri, commander of the Base Defence Battalion at the Evenes Air Station located above the Arctic Circle, just a few hundred kilometres (miles) from Russia.

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Around 32,000 soldiers, 100 aircraft and 30 warships from 14 allied countries are taking part in NATOs Cold Response exercise from March 9-19 in northern Norway and Finland.

With winter conditions varying from extreme cold to milder, wet weather, the Norway-led land, sea and air exercises were a test of the right equipment and human robustness, Gytri said.

Allied troops are learning to operate smoothly together in challenging conditions in the Arctic, a region that has rapidly become a strategic priority for NATO.

The roar of aeroplanes echoed from the nearby Evenes air base that also serves as a civilian airport, nestled among fjords and snowy mountains.

During the first days of the exercise, Norwegian fighter jets were twice scrambled from the base to identify Russian aircraft off Norways northern coast.

That Russia was keeping a close eye on the largest NATO exercise in the area this year was expected, according to the Norwegian military.

In recent years, Russian aircraft have been spotted around 30 to 40 times a year in international airspace near Norways coast, Colonel Hans Martin Steiro told AFP.

We are training together with allies in the same way that we would do in a crisis and war, he explained, standing on the runway in his grey pilot uniform as rain poured down.

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- Ready for war -

The Evenes airport is the most important military installation in northern Norway due to its air control capability and its proximity to Russia, he noted.

Here, two F-35s are always on standby, ready to take off in 15 minutes.

Everyday when I wake up I need to think, What can I do to prepare to win the war and (defeat) the enemy?, Steiro said.

Today, most probably the nearest enemy will be Russia.

His message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was clear: We are ready for war.

In addition to sending up aircraft close to Norway, Moscow has also announced that it would be conducting live fire missile tests near the Norwegian waters of the Barents Sea during the NATO exercise.

The temporarily increased presence of Allied naval and air forces in and above the northern waters provides an opportunity for Russia to gather intelligence and observe how NATO forces operate under Arctic conditions, Kristian Atland, a senior research fellow at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, told AFP.

Whether the Russian missile tests were coincidental or intended as some form of signal to Norway and NATO is difficult to say, said Atland.

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Russias response to the NATO exercise is exactly what we would expect, said the head of the Norwegian army, Major General Lars Lervik.

Our intent is to demonstrate that we are deterring any threats and we are posing no threat to anyone. This is about defence, not about attacking anyone, he said.

In February, NATO launched its Arctic Sentry mission to bolster security in the region, a move to assuage US President Donald Trump after he backed off claims on Greenland, which he has argued Washington needs for national security reasons.

Russia has meanwhile been ramping up defence of its strategic assets on the Kola Peninsula and its nuclear arsenal.

Under the current circumstances Russia has strong incentives not to destabilise the situation in the region, said Atland.

In the northern port town of Narvik, Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters and leader of Cold Response, was following a large health preparedness exercise involving civilian and military personnel.

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Considering the facts on the ground, the security situation in the Arctic was currently relatively stable, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The engineer-turned-rapper-turned-politicians victory reflects a generational shift in the Himalayan country where over 40 per cent of the nearly 30 million population is under 35.

Balendra Shah, former mayor of Kathmandu popularly known as 'Balen', plays a 'damru' percussion instrument during an election campaign in Janakpur, Nepal, on January 19, 2026. (Photo: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters)

After witnessing more than three dozen governments in the last three decades, Nepal finally saw a sweeping majority of a political party in the parliament, as the countrys election commission declared the final poll verdict.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, won a clear majority in parliament with 182 seats. In the 275-member House of Representatives, the party won 125 of the 165 seats in direct elections, and secured another 57 seats in proportional voting.

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The Nepali Congress, which was the biggest party in the last parliament, secured only 38 seats. While the Communist party of now-defeated KP Sharma Oli was trailing at 25 seats. Shah himself defeated the veteran four-time prime minister Oli in his own seat.

The March 5 vote was the first since the September 2025 anti-corruption protests toppled the government.

Protest that shook Nepal

The September 2025 Gen Z protest which began over a brief social media ban quickly widened to broader grievances over corruption and a struggling economy, leaving at least 77 people dead.

Balendra Shah, who used his music to target the same grievances, emerged as a figurehead of the protest. His song Nepal Haseko, or Nepal Smiling, accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube during the turmoil.

The engineer-turned-rapper-turned-politicians victory reflects a generational shift in the Himalayan country where over 40 percent of the nearly 30 million population is under 35.

RSP majority to reduce Nepals near-term political risk

Commenting on the poll verdict, Fitch Ratings said that RSPs victory has reduced the near-term political uncertainty and gives an opportunity for implementation of governance and economic reforms.

According to the agency, the poll verdict should lower the risk of prolonged coalition negotiations, which in turn carries the potential to boost investor sentiment over a period of time if there are signs of improvements in governance.

Quick Reads View All

RSPs majority should imply a short political transition and could improve Nepals ability to translate hydropower-led investment into broader-based economic growth, the agency said.

However, the agency warned that implementation capacity could pose a significant risk. Nepals weak government effectiveness and regulatory quality scores compared with its peers could constrain execution, for instance if reform sequencing is unclear or governance outcomes lag behind campaign expectations, it said.

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Amid the growing tensions in West Asia, contradictory narratives are emerging over the USS Abraham Lincolns confrontation with an Iranian vessel in the region.

In this handout photograph released by the US Navy, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails in the Arabian Sea on February 11, 2026. File image/Reuters

Amid the growing tensions in West Asia, contradictory narratives are emerging over the USS Abraham Lincolns confrontation with an Iranian vessel in the region. While Americans are saying that the US aircraft carrier fired at the vessel, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the latter sustained heavy damage in the attack.

On Thursday, two US officials briefed on the incident told CBS News that an Iranian vessel sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and that the American carrier had fired at the vessel. The officials said that a US Navy vessel attempted to fire on the Iranian vessel using its 5-inch, 54-calibre Mark-45 gun, a fully automated naval cannon that is mounted to the forward deck of Navy destroyers and cruisers and has served as the fleets standard deck gun since the early 1970s.

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However, it is not known which naval vessel fired on the Iranian ship. Officials said that it missed the Iranian vessel multiple times. It also isnt clear whether they were intended as warning shots. Meanwhile, a helicopter equipped with Hellfire missiles was launched and struck the Iranian vessel with two of the missiles. Initially, the status of the Iranian ship and its crew were not known. However, the Iranian authorities painted a different picture.

More from World UAE weighs freezing Iranian assets amid escalating USIsrael conflict with Tehran: Report

What is Iran saying on this?

Meanwhile, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday that a missile and drone attack caused significant damage to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. In a statement, the IRGC said that the US Navy carrier was targeted during operations in the region.

However, the statement did not provide details on the extent of the damage or the possible casualties from the incident. Meanwhile, the US military has not released a statement so far on the claim.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. It has a long history of deployments, primarily supporting US interests in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
Sanctioned by China in 2020, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to join President Donald Trumps upcoming visit to Beijing as the two countries prepare for high-level talks.

The upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump to China is shaping up to be one of the most unusual diplomatic engagements in recent years. Despite being sanctioned by Beijing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to accompany the president on the trip, the South China Morning Post reported.

Trump is scheduled to travel to China from March 31 to April 2 for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. Rubios participation adds a layer of political symbolism to the visit because China sanctioned him in 2020 over his criticism of Beijings policies in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang region.

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Chinese authorities have not publicly stated whether those restrictions would be temporarily lifted to allow Rubio to enter the country as part of a US delegation. However, when questioned about the issue early last year, Chinas foreign ministry suggested that maintaining dialogue between senior officials from both nations remained important despite existing tensions.

A sanctioned diplomat in Beijing

Rubio, who built a reputation in Washington as a hard-line critic of the Chinese government during his years in the US Senate had previously appeared reluctant to accept earlier invitations to visit China. However, sources indicate that he is now expected to join Trumps delegation, potentially easing concerns in Beijing that the visit lacks adequate diplomatic preparation.

The paradox of a sanctioned American official traveling to the country that imposed those sanctions highlights the pragmatic nature of high-level diplomacy. While Beijing formally barred Rubio from entry as part of its sanctions regime, analysts say that political necessity often overrides symbolic measures when strategic talks are at stake.

Rubios presence may also signal Washingtons attempt to project a unified foreign-policy approach toward China. In addition to serving as secretary of state, Rubio has been closely involved in shaping the administrations broader geopolitical strategy.

For Beijing, hosting a senior US official who has openly criticised its policies could be diplomatically awkward. Yet Chinese officials have indicated that maintaining high-level dialogue remains essential despite tensions.

High stakes for US-China relations

The Trump visit comes at a moment when relations between Washington and Beijing remain strained but interdependent. Trade disputes, technology competition and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific continue to dominate the bilateral agenda.

In preparation for the summit, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris to discuss trade imbalances and possible Chinese purchases of American goods. These discussions are seen as a key step in stabilizing economic relations before the Trump-Xi meeting.

Rubios participation may also shape the tone of the talks. Over the years, he has advocated strong measures against Beijing on issues ranging from human rights to national security. His legislative initiatives included backing US laws aimed at highlighting alleged abuses against ethnic minorities and restricting certain Chinese activities.

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At the same time, the Trump administration appears eager to prevent geopolitical rivalry from spiralling into economic confrontation. Analysts say the visit could focus on reducing trade friction and improving communication channels between the two superpowers.

Symbolism and pragmatism

Rubios expected presence in Beijing ultimately illustrates a central paradox of international diplomacy: even adversarial governments must maintain dialogue. For Washington, the trip represents an opportunity to engage directly with Chinas leadership while reaffirming American strategic priorities.

For Beijing, hosting a sanctioned US official could be seen as a pragmatic decision aimed at keeping communication open during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

Whether the visit produces concrete breakthroughs remains uncertain. However, the optics aloneof a sanctioned diplomat traveling alongside the US president to negotiate with the government that penalized himunderscore how geopolitical rivalries increasingly coexist with diplomatic necessity.

As the Trump-Xi meeting approaches, Rubios participation may prove to be both a symbolic test of diplomatic flexibility and a practical step toward stabilizing one of the worlds most consequential bilateral relationships.
Hegseth said that Irans missile stockpiles have been reduced by about 90% and that its oneway attack drones were down approximately 95% as of Thursday, describing the countrys remaining arsenal as severely diminished

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth speaks at the "Shield of the Americas" Summit in Miami, Florida, US, on March 7, 2026. Reuters File

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday said that Irans military capability has been significantly degraded and that President Donald Trump holds the cards in determining the pace and timing of the conflict.

Addressing a press briefing, Hegseth said Americas resolve remains unshakeable as the United States prepares to carry out its highest volume of strikes over Iran to date.

Hegseth said that Irans missile stockpiles have been reduced by about 90% and that its oneway attack drones were down approximately 95% as of Thursday, describing the countrys remaining arsenal as severely diminished.

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He added that Iran no longer has the capacity to manufacture additional weapons, and characterised the nations military production facilities, defence innovation centres and plants as defeated.

Desperate and hiding, theyve gone underground, cowering  thats what rats do, The Guardian quoted Hegseth as saying, referring to Irans leadership.

The defence secretary also questioned the legitimacy of Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following his first public statement.

We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured, Hegseth said.

He put out a statement yesterday  a weak one actually  but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement. He called for unity apparently killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity. I think you know why, he added.

Hegseth criticised media coverage of the conflict, saying it does not reflect the success of US operations.

Were going up, theyre going down, he said. President Trump holds the cards. Hell determine the pace, the tempo and the timing of this conflict.

He confirmed that Friday will see the highest number of US strikes so far against Iranian targets, part of an ongoing campaign to degrade Irans military capabilities.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said, The only thing prohibiting traffic in the strait at the moment is Iran shooting at shipping. He stressed that the US has a plan for every option and will not allow the strait to remain contested.

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Regarding Irans nuclear ambitions, Hegseth reaffirmed that denying the country the ability to pursue a nuclear weapon remains a core mission.

Hegseth also addressed the deaths of four US service members after a refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, stating that war is hell.

War is hell. War is chaos. And as we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen, CNN quoted Hegseth as saying.

American heroes, all of them. And as I have with all of them, as we have, we will greet those heroes at Dover and their sacrifice will only recommit us to the resolve of this mission, he added.

When asked about inquiry into a strike on a girls school in Iran, he said that US Central Command has designated an investigating officer to lead a command inquiry.

So, I can report that CENTCOM has designated an investigating officer to complete a command investigation, Hegseth said.

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The command investigation will take as long as necessary to address all the matters surrounding this incident. And the investigating officer is from outside CENTCOM and is a general officer, he added.

When asked about reporting that preliminary findings of a military investigation suggest the United States may have carried out the strike, Hegseth declined to confirm the details.

Were not going to let reporting lead us or force our hand into indicating what happened in a particular situation, because the truth matters, Hegseth said.

But I will note to this group and to the world, theres only one entity in this conflict between US and Iran that never targets civilians. Literally never target civilians, he added.

With inputs from agencies
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the United States will launch its largest round of strikes on Iran so far and claims Irans new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been wounded.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that American forces are set to carry out the largest wave of strikes against Iran since the conflict began, adding that the pace and direction of the military campaign will ultimately be decided by Donald Trump.

Today will be the highest volume of US strikes on Iran yet, Hegseth said during a press conference. President Trump holds the cards. He will determine the pace, tempo and timing of this conflict  his hand firmly on the wheel as well as on the throttle.

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#WATCH | US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth says, "Today will be the highest volume of US strikes on Iran yet ... President Trump holds the cards. He will determine the pace, tempo and timing of this conflict. his hand firmly on the wheel as well as on the throttle...." pic.twitter.com/V6bGvhsqky  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

The remarks come as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to intensify following the outbreak of war on February 28.

Hegseth also said the new Iranian leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had been injured during the conflict. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured, he said.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Irans top leadership position after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a bombing at the start of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

US, Israel have struck over 15,000 targets in Iran

Pete Hegseth said the United States and Israel have carried out massive air operations against Iran, striking more than 15,000 targets since the conflict began.

Speaking at a press briefing, Hegseth said the campaign had severely weakened Irans military capabilities. He claimed the scale and speed of the attacks were unlike anything seen before against a modern military force.

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The United States is decimating the radical Iranian regimes military in a way the world has never seen before, he said, adding that Irans armed forces had been rapidly degraded and rendered largely ineffective.

VIDEO | US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) says, "The United States is decimating the radical Iranian regime's military in a way the world has never seen before. Never before has a modern, capable military, which Iran used to have, been so quickly destroyed and pic.twitter.com/NMKCDCVG6j  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 13, 2026

Hegseth said Washington had warned earlier that the confrontation would not be evenly matched. We said it would not be a fair fight, and it has not been, he said, referring to remarks he made during a press conference shortly after the conflict began.

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According to him, the combined air power of the United States and Israel has enabled the two countries to strike at a pace rarely seen in modern warfare. He said more than 15,000 targets have been hit so far, averaging well over 1,000 strikes per day.

The combination of the worlds two most powerful air forces is unprecedented and unbeatable, Hegseth said.

He added that US fighter jets and bombers were continuing operations over Iran, including missions above Tehran. Our fighters and bombers are flying over Iran and Tehran all day, selecting targets as intelligence becomes better and more refined, he said.

Irans leaders hiding in bunkers

Pete Hegseth said Irans leadership is increasingly retreating to bunkers and operating from civilian areas as the United States and its allies intensify military pressure on Iran.

Hegseth said the conflict has continued to shift in favour of Washington and its partners. According to him, Irans military position is weakening while the capabilities of the US and its allies continue to expand.

Irans leaders are hiding in bunkers and moving into civilian areas. The only thing that is widening is our advantage, he said.

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VIDEO | US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) says, "... Iran's leaders are hiding in bunkers and moving into civilian areas. The only thing that is widening is our advantage, not to mention our Gulf partners stepping up even more, now going on the offense, and have pic.twitter.com/8WIYkNzpwA  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 13, 2026

Hegseth also highlighted the role of Gulf partners, saying they have strengthened cooperation with the United States through integrated air defence systems and are now increasingly taking offensive roles alongside defensive coordination.

He added that the US remains determined to maintain pressure on Iran and expand its military capabilities as the conflict progresses.

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Our will is unshakable, our options maximized, and our capabilities still building. Were going up, theyre going down, Hegseth said.

The defence secretary reiterated that the direction of the conflict ultimately rests with Donald Trump, who he said will decide how the campaign proceeds.

US vows to keep Strait of Hormuz open for global trade

The United States will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to remain contested or disrupt the flow of global commerce, Hegseth said on Friday amid rising tensions in the region.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth said Washington is working to ensure that the movement of energy and commercial goods through the crucial waterway continues without interruption.

#WATCH | US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth says, "...That is not a Strait (Strait of Hormuz) we will allow to remain contested and in the lack of flow of commercial goods...We are working to ensure that energy flows..." pic.twitter.com/A2E58zI4Jh  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026
In defiance of US President Donald Trump, the United Kingdom and European Union (EU) have refused to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

The vessel tanker Bella 1 is seen at Singapore Strait after US officials say the Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. (Representational Photo, Credit: Reuters)

In defiance of US President Donald Trump, the United Kingdom and European Union (EU) have refused to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

British energy minister Michael Shanks on Friday said the government would not change its position on Russian oil sanctions despite Trumps action.

The Trump administration on Thursday removed sanctions on Russian oil for a month and said countries could buy Russian oil that was already in the sea. The move was purportedly aimed at easing energy prices that have skyrocketed as a result of the American-Israeli war on Iran, but critics have said it would allow a windfall gain for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who would use the proceeds to repair his countrys ailing economy.

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In an interview with Sky News, Shanks echoed the fear and said the Kremlin would see Trumps relief as an opportunity to fix some of their ailing economy.

That is a great shame because we have to do everything that we possibly can to make sure that we are bringing all pressure to bear on Russia so that we can win this war in Ukraine. We will keep up our sanctions, and well continue to do what we are doing around the shadow fleet, and were not going to change our position on that at all, Shanks further said.

While the British stance risks invoking a fresh row with Trump, it adds to the European unity in the face of the Russian aggression.

Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for the Economy, said on Tuesday that easing Russian sanctions would be self-defeating

From the European Unions point of view, the situation is very clear: we must continue to exert maximum pressure on Russia and, indeed, the current oil and gas price spike may provide windfall revenues for Russia, Dombrovskis further said.

Echoing the British point of view, Dombrovskis said that easing Russian sanctions would reinforce Russias capacity to wage war, undermining Ukraine, undermining our support for Ukraine and also undermining the goals which the US and Israel are trying to reach in Iran.

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In a development that could ease pressure on Indias energy supplies amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran has allowed two Indian LPG tankers to transit through the contested Strait of Hormuz, according to a report

In a development that could ease pressure on Indias energy supplies amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran has allowed two Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to transit through the contested Strait of Hormuz, according to a News18 report, citing sources familiar with the matter.

While official confirmation from the Indian government is awaited, Irans Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday confirmed that Tehran would provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the critical energy route, reported ANI.

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When asked whether Iranian authorities would permit Indian ships to cross the strait, Fathali told ANI, Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see in the future and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate.

He highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, adding, Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India help us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest.

Fathali also said that Tehran had instructed its embassy in India to assist New Delhi in facilitating operations during the ongoing regional crisis.

We believe as ambassadors in India that we have a common fate in the region and for this reason all the high-ranking officials from Iran instructed the embassy of Iran in India to pave the way for the Indian government, he said.

The reported clearance comes at a crucial time for Indias energy security. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil and gas supplies pass, has been largely disrupted since the start of the conflict, affecting shipping and energy markets worldwide.

According to News18, the two vessels, believed to be carrying LPG cargoes for Indias state-run oil marketing companies, are among several ships that had been stranded outside the Gulf of Oman.

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If the tankers successfully navigate the narrow channel through the strait, it would mark one of the first instances of a commercial energy shipment crossing the route with explicit clearance since the crisis escalated.

The development could also help ease domestic concerns in India, where LPG bookings have surged in recent days amid fears of supply disruptions. Government officials have said the spike in bookings reflects consumer anxiety rather than an actual shortage, added the report.

Analysts, however, cautioned that the broader security situation in the region remains volatile.

Despite the reported passage granted to the Indian vessels, the Strait of Hormuz continues to face threats from attacks on shipping and regional military tensions, leaving global energy markets on edge.

For now, attention is focused on whether the two tankers can safely transit the strategic chokepoint, which remains one of the worlds most critical  and currently most volatile maritime routes.

With inputs from agencies
In the first 12 days of the conflict alone, Russia is estimated to have earned $1.3-$1.9 billion in extra tax revenue from oil exports. If current situation continues, the government could end up getting $4-$5 billion in extra revenues

As the war in West Asia continues, major Gulf-based oil companies are facing severe shutdowns, primarily due to Irans attack on their oil infrastructure, and the effective closure of Strait of Hormuz. Days earlier, Saudi Arabias Saudi Aramco halted operations at the Ras Tanura refinery, while Qatars QatarEnergy suspended LNG production after attacks, leading to force majeure declarations.

But there is one country benefitting from this severe shutdownRussia. A Financial Times report suggests that it is earning as much as $150 million a day in extra revenue from oil sales.

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The report suggests that in the first 12 days of the conflict alone, Russia is estimated to have earned $1.3$1.9 billion in extra tax revenue from oil exports. If current situation continues, the government could end up getting $4-$5 billion in extra revenues by the month end. This comes as the Gulf states have already lost around $15 billion in energy revenues since the war started.

A report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global oil supply in March could plunge by around eight million barrels per day, potentially the largest disruption ever recorded. It has forced major Asian economies, like India and China, to turn towards Russia to secure alternative oil supply, leading to an increase in the average price of Russian crude.

According to certain estimates, oil import from Russia by both countries rose about 22 per cent in the week after the strikes on Iran, compared with February averages. Reports suggest that Indias purchases alone are now running at roughly 1.5 million barrels per day, about 50 per cent higher than early last month.

IEA tries to ease pressure

A day earlier, to tackle the situation, the IEA allowed the biggest release of strategic oil reserves in its history, amounting to 400 million barrels. It is significantly higher than the 182.7 million barrels it released in 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict started. Countries under the IEAs oil programme hold about 1.2 billion barrels in strategic reserves.

The IEA, however, didnt provide details of how much oil each of its 32 members, including US, would release. Some member countries have released their separate data, where UK said that it release 13.5 million barrels, while France would release 14.5 million barrels. It is uncertain how much the US, which holds the largest oil stock of 416 million barrels, would release

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The IEAs move assumes significance as the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are continuously being attacked. Days earlier, a Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayur Naree, scheduled to come to India, was attacked, raising fears among other tankers. Condemning the attack, Indias External Affairs ministry had said, India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
A chartered plane arranged by Iran departed southern India late on Friday carrying some sailors from a naval vessel that had docked in the country, as well as the bodies of crew members killed in a US attack off Sri Lanka

Medical personnel and Sri Lanka Navy sailors provide emergency treatment to an injured Iranian crew member rescued after responding to a distress call from the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, while at sea within Sri Lankas maritime search and rescue region, in Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, on March 4, 2026. Reuters File

A chartered plane arranged by Iran departed southern India late on Friday carrying some sailors from a naval vessel that had docked in the country, as well as the bodies of crew members killed in a US attack off Sri Lanka, two sources told Reuters.

The sailor movements come as the US-Israeli war on Iran has rattled shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies and roughly 40% of Indias crude imports.

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After days of uncertainty following Iranian attacks on ships, Tehran on Friday confirmed that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the strait, offering relief to New Delhi as it seeks to avoid a broader energy crunch.

The aircraft had earlier taken off from Sri Lanka carrying the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in a US submarine attack on a warship off the islands coast last week, an Indian official with direct knowledge of the matter said. It then landed in the neighbouring southern Indian city of Kochi before departing with sailors from another Iranian vessel and some Iranian tourists stranded in India, the official added.

An Iranian source confirmed the plane had taken off from Kochi but declined to confirm its destination or other details for security reasons.

Indias foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a torpedo from a US submarine on March 4 while it was returning from a naval exercise in India amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Two other ships that also participated in the exercises sought shelter: the IRIS Lavan, which docked in India, and the IRIS Booshehr which docked in Sri Lanka.

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A Sri Lankan court ordered this week that the bodies of the sailors killed in the attack, stored in a morgue in the southern port city of Galles National Hospital, be handed over to the embassy of Iran.

Sri Lankas health, foreign, and defence ministries did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking comment. The Sri Lankan navy said it was not involved in the transport and repatriation efforts.

Thirty-two survivors of the sunken ship are in Sri Lanka, as well as 208 crew members from the IRIS Booshehr.

The Sri Lankan foreign ministry is in touch with the Iranian embassy in Colombo about the crew, which in turn is consulting Tehran, the defence ministry had said.

Regional fallout from war

Reuters reported last week that Washington was pressing Colombo to not repatriate the survivors from the two vessels.

The repatriations underscore the growing regional fallout from the Iran war, which has badly disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following multiple attacks on ships by Iran. India, the worlds third-biggest oil consumer, has been in regular touch with Iranian officials about safe transit for Indian-flagged or destined vessels.

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A handful of ships have already passed through the Strait in recent days, a reprieve that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis party has played up as a diplomatic success ahead of key state elections through social media videos and other posts.

Irans ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed safe passage for Indian vessels.

Because we believe that Iran and India are friends, he told reporters late on Friday. We have common interests and a common fate. I, as the ambassador for Iran in India, I say to you that the government of India .. after the war, will help us in different fields.
Questions arise over the authenticity of images of Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after reports indicate AI manipulation

Questions over the authenticity of the image have fed into a broader debate about Mr Khameneis condition and public absence. Photo credit: X/@Shayan86

In todays age where AI can even generate images, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between reality and digital fabrication, even in the most sensitive political contexts.

Questions have been raised over the authenticity of newly circulated images of Irans Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after a BBC Verify journalist indicated that photos released by Iranian media appear to have been manipulated using artificial intelligence.

Shayan Sardarizadeh, a senior journalist with BBC Verify who specialises in disinformation and online verification, said the widely shared photograph of the new Iranian leader showed signs of AI editing.

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This image of Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, which has been widely published by Iranian media today and now appears on his new X account, appears to have been manipulated with AI, Sardarizadeh wrote in a post on X.

This image of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, which has been widely published by Iranian media today and now appears on his new X account, appears to have been manipulated with AI.



Google's SynthID finds watermarks in it that indicate it has been edited using Google pic.twitter.com/cDbYLlKFVz  Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) March 12, 2026

Analysis of the picture suggests it was altered using AI tools rather than being a recently captured photograph.

Googles SynthID identifies watermarks in it that indicate it has been edited using Google AI, Sardarizadeh added.

He further noted that the image seems to be derived from an older photograph rather than a recent one of Khamenei.

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A cropped reverse image search appears to find the original version of the photo published several years ago, he wrote. It shows Mojtaba at a pro-government rally. The background and surrounding figures seem to have been edited out using AI, added the expert.

The image has gone viral on social media

The image has been widely circulated by Iranian state media and now features on Khameneis newly created X account. Metadata linked to the account reportedly indicates it is based in the Netherlands.

The emergence of the altered image has intensified speculation over the condition of Irans new leader, who has not appeared in public since being appointed earlier this week following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the strike that killed his father on 28 February. Since then, no verified recent photographs or public appearances have been released.

Some reports, including claims cited by The Sun, allege that the new leader may be in a coma and receiving intensive care at Sina University Hospital in Tehran. One or two of his legs have been amputated. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well, the publication cited a source as saying.

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Iranian officials, however, have dismissed speculation about the leaders condition. Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian and a government adviser, stated that Mojtaba Khamenei was safe and sound despite reports that he had been injured during the strikes that killed his father.

I heard news that Mr Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured. I asked some friends who had connections, and they told me that, thank God, he is safe and sound, Pezeshkian wrote in a post on Telegram, according to AFP.

Other Iranian sources have disputed those claims, stating that Khamenei sustained relatively minor injuries, including a fractured foot, bruising around the eye, and facial cuts during the initial wave of airstrikes.

Analysts suggest that the lack of public appearances may be deliberate, as Iran seeks to project stability during the ongoing conflict.

Is Iran hiding the supreme leaders health condition?

Questions over the authenticity of the image have fed into a broader debate about Mojtaba Khameneis condition and public absence.

Despite Iranian state media and officials insisting that he was only lightly injured and remains safe and sound, he has not made a confirmed public appearance since being appointed following his fathers death.

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Analysts and external reporting suggest he may have been wounded in the airstrikes that killed his predecessor, with some Western media and anonymous sources claiming he could be seriously injured or even incapacitated, though these claims cannot be independently verified.

The lack of recent verified photographs or live appearances, coupled with the circulation of an apparently AIedited image, has intensified speculation that Tehran is intent on controlling both his image and the narrative around his health while maintaining an appearance of unity and stability amid conflict.

Amid speculation, he gave his first televised address

In his first message, Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, called for national unity and urged citizens to take part in Quds Day, according to Iranian state media on Thursday. He further instructed that all US military bases in the region should be immediately closed.

In the televised statement, Mojtaba Khamenei emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as a measure to pressure Irans adversaries. He also declared that Tehran would seek reparation from its enemies and vowed to avenge the deaths of Iranian citizens in the conflict.

I would like to thank the brave fighters who are performing admirably at a time when our country is under attack and facing significant pressure, he added.

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It is important to note that the message was read out on state television rather than delivered in person. Analysts noted that the format, a written statement read by a presenter, and his absence from public view have fueled speculation about his health and leadership role.
The IRGC has warned that every protester will face a stronger crackdown than in January. The warning has come after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the war was aimed at creating an Iranian uprising to overthrow the regime.

Protestors burn images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally held in solidarity with Iran's Uprising to protest against the Iranian regime's crackdown. Photo: File/AFP

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Friday that any new protest against the government will face a harsher crackdown than the one seen in January, when several thousand people were killed.

The warning comes after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that one of the aims of the war is to create, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down the Iranian government.

Days earlier, US President Donald Trump has also called for Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government.

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Warning the protesters, the IRGC said, The evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, is once again pursuing the instillation of fear and street riots. The ideological arm of the countrys military promised a stronger blow than on January 8 in the event of new unrest, as reported by AFP.

Earlier this week, Irans Police has also warned warned that his forces would treat anyone who takes to the streets at the enemys request as an enemy.

January protest that took over thousands lives

The anti-government protests in Iran which started on December 28 reached at its peak on January 8 and 9, when the Iranian government ordered a massive crackdown on the protesters. According to the governments official count of the dead, the figure stood at around 3,000. But several media reports suggest that over 10,000 people were killed in the governments brutal crackdown.

At that time also, US President had urged Iranians to keep protesting, saying help is on the way, as Irans clerical establishment pressed its crackdown against the biggest demonstrations in years.

This time the government backed media presenter has also warned of severe consequences, while addressing opponents of the Islamic Republic and those who might protest against the government.

When the dust of this sedition settles, we will come after you, the presenter said, as reported by the BBC.

Confiscating your property will be the least of it. We will make you and your families pay, whether you are inside the country or abroad.
Jaishankar held a phone call with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, to discuss the regional situation amid West Asia tensions. The call  their fourth  came a day after Indian ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing crisis.

EAM Jaishankar and President Stubb declare the end of Western hegemony, identifying the Global South as the new architect of a multipolar world.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held another phone conversation with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, to discuss the evolving regional and international situation amid rising tensions in West Asia. The call marked the fourth exchange between the two leaders and came a day after Indian ships crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing crisis.

Iran briefs India on regional developments

During the conversation, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments following what Tehran described as attacks by the United States and Israel. He outlined the implications of the conflict for regional and global stability and emphasised Irans determination to exercise what it called its legitimate right to self-defence.

According to the Iranian readout, Araghchi said the government, people and armed forces of Iran were determined to respond to the attacks while safeguarding the countrys security interests.

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Araghchi calls for international condemnation, role for BRICS

Araghchi also urged international and regional organisations to condemn what Iran termed military aggression against the country. He highlighted the importance of BRICS as a platform for multilateral cooperation and said the grouping could play a constructive role in supporting stability and security at a critical moment.

Jaishankar stresses cooperation and regional stability

Jaishankar reaffirmed Indias readiness to expand both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Iran through regional and international forums. He emphasised that ensuring sustainable stability and security in the region required collective efforts and shared responsibility.

In a post on X, Jaishankar confirmed the discussion, writing that he had another conversation with Araghchi and discussed bilateral matters as well as issues related to BRICS.

India working to secure passage for ships

Meanwhile, India is negotiating the safe passage of 2830 Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the Iran conflict. Recently, three ships  Shenlong (Liberian-flagged with an Indian captain), Pushpak and Parimal  successfully crossed the strategic waterway.

The latest conversation between Jaishankar and Araghchi comes after the escalation that followed strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on January 18, which triggered retaliation from Tehran and heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Police in Afghanistans capital, Kabul, said on Friday that four people were killed in a Pakistani strike as tensions between the neighbouring states continue to escalate.

Smoke rises up from the site of explosions in Kabul, amid heavy border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. File Image/ AFP

Police in Afghanistans capital, Kabul, said on Friday that four people were killed in a Pakistani strike as tensions between the neighbouring states continue to escalate.

Police spokesman Khalid Zadran said in a post on X that a Pakistani bombardment hit homes in the capital, leaving four peopledead and 15 others injured. Apart from this, the Afghan authorities accused Pakistans military regime of targeting various areas of the AlisherTerezai district of Khost province, near the Hypothetical Durand Line, with artillery fire.

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Since its establishment, Pakistan has maintained a hostile approach toward its neighbouring countries. Over the past 78 years, it has not maintained good relations with its neighbours and, in many cases, has fought at the direction of others. Pakistans domestic and foreign policies are not independent. Although war is not a solution, Pakistan does not seem to take this principle into account," Political analyst Mohammad Omar Nehzat told Tolo News.

More from World Pakistani, Afghan border forces clash as UN says 100,000 displaced by conflict

On Thursday, Pakistans information minister claimed that the number of casualties from Pakistans attacks on Afghanistan had reached 641. The Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, on the other hand, has described Pakistans claims regarding Afghan casualties as incorrect and unfounded.

Afghanistan calls out Pakistan

According to the Afghan ministry, the Pakistani side is attempting to conceal the heavy losses and casualties it claims were inflicted by the Taliban forces by publishing false reports.

In attacks by Afghan security forces and the mujahideen, hundreds of Pakistani soldiers were killed, and hundreds more were wounded. Dozens of their posts and bases were also destroyed. Meanwhile, the mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate suffered only limited casualties, and the claims made by Pakistans information minister are merely propaganda and far from the truth," Sediqullah Nusrat, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

Meanwhile, political analysts warned that continued clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan could have negative consequences for the region. If these conflicts are not prevented, regional stability will be affected, and the ground will be prepared for proxy wars. This situation could also harm the regional economy," Political analyst Rohullah Hotak told Tolo News.
Raisina Dialogue has set a high bar and shown what the World Economic Forum at Davos should aspire to be, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot attends a session at Firstpost's IdeasPod along with former Swedish PM Carl Bildt, and former US diplomat Atul Keshap at Raisina Dialogue 2026 at Delhi on March 6, 2026. (Photo: Firstpost)

Raisina Dialogue has set a high bar and shown what the World Economic Forum at Davos should aspire to be, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said.

In an article on his experience at Raisina Dialogue 2026 (March 5-7) in Delhi, Abbott said that the conference was better than the WEF at Davos as it was not so dominated by politically correct plutocrats.

At the same time, Raisina Dialogue was better than the longer-running Chinese Boao Forum because it not essentially an exercise in homage to the host government, said Abbott.

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Raisina Dialogue is organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It is Indias largest annual conference that features a heads of state and government, foreign ministers, diplomats, and some of the worlds most prominent academics and scholars to discuss the worlds pressing issues. Finnish President Alexander Stubb was the chief guest this year.

In his review of the conference, Abbot said that the Raisina Dialogue does not necessarily accord privilege to rank.

It might get you onto the stage as a speaker or panelist, but its the quality of the contribution that counts. After all, no one has a monopoly on knowledge or wisdom and everyone should be there to justify ideas and to learn from the discussion, said Abbot, who has been a regular at the conference since 2022.

In this years edition, among other sessions, Abbott joined former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, former US diplomat Atul Keshap, and former Deputy Homeland Secretary Jane Holl Lute, in a discussion moderated by Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma on US President Donald Trump reshaping the world.

Theres been a Raisina Dialogue in Delhi every March since 2016. Its the brainchild of Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Narendra Modis long-serving foreign minister. Like other global gatherings, it brings together political leaders, senior military commanders, prominent business pic.twitter.com/fpR8qrSvwB  Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) March 12, 2026

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In his article, Abbott highlighted that Raisina Dialogue that began in 2016 was the brainchild of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was the foreign secretary at the time.

To his credit, Jaishankar invariably attends numerous sessions, sometimes simply sitting in the audience, sometimes as a keynote speaker, and sometimes as one of up to a half-dozen discussants on any particular topic; politely agreeing or taking issue with his fellow panelists, as the debate goes. Remarkably for someone of such accomplishment (successively Indias ambassador to China, the United States, and head of the Ministry of External Affairs, before becoming the Foreign Minister) Jai doesnt talk down, and is on receive far more often than transmit, said Abbott about Jaishankar.
Russias deportation of several thousands of Ukrainian children amounts to crimes against humanity and President Vladimir Putins involvement in the implementation of the campaign has been visible from the outset, a United Nations (UN) investigation has found.

A woman cries as she comforts her son after learning she has to leave a bus which was reserved for the evacuation of orphans fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion outside the main train station in Lviv, Ukraine, on March 5, 2022. (Photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

Russias deportation of several thousands of Ukrainian children amounts to crimes against humanity and President Vladimir Putins involvement in the implementation of the campaign has been visible from the outset, a United Nations (UN) investigation has found.

Since 2022, when Putin announced the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has deported tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories. The UN inquiry has found that these deportations and subsequent Russian actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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In the latest report to the Human Rights Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russia undertook large-scale deportations of Ukrainian children before launching the full-scale invasion under the pretense of evacuations and the refusal to return all of these children to their Ukrainian families is a violation of international law.

80% of children not returned, many subject to sexual assault: UN

The UN inquiry concluded that Russia has not returned 80 per cent of the Ukrainian children removed from their homes.

The UN also found several instances of these children being sexually assaulted. In one case, the investigation found that a girl as young as 13 years was raped. In another case, the investigators found that a woman had a child as a result of rape.

The UN panel confirmed the cases of 1,200 Ukrainian children, but the real number is expected to be several times larger.

Ukraine has said its investigation has confirmed that Russia has deported at least 19,546 children whereas the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab has put the number at 35,000. But Russia has claimed that it has relocated 700,000 Ukrainian children to Russia and occupied territories under the name of evacuations.

ALSO READ  Beaten, tortured, & raped: Survivors share graphic accounts of how Russia-Ukraine war turned bodies into battlefields

Under the Geneva Convention, an occupying power Russia in the case cannot deport people from occupied territories to the occupiers territories. In case people need to be evacuated to protect them from the ongoing war, they must be transferred back to their homes.

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In the case of Russian deportation of Ukrainian children, the UN found that Russia placed Ukrainian children under long-term arrangement with families or institutions in 21 Russian regions and occupied Ukrainian territories. It also formally converted them into Russian citizens and added them to adoption databases.

The deportation and forcible transfer of children is a grave violation of international law. Children must never be separated from their families coercively, said Erik Mose, Chair of the Commission.

Putins involvement in Russian deportation visible from outset: UN

The UN investigation found that Putin and top Russian officials were part of the policy to deport Ukrainian children from the outset.

Russia has brought coordinated legislative, administrative, and practical measures to facilitate deportations and subsequent placement of Ukrainian children in families and institutions in Russia and some of these measures were adopted in the days before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UN found.

Such evidence demonstrates that the deportation policy was conceived and executed at the highest level with the involvement of Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights, visible from the outset, the UN found.

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This policy has been implemented by authorities and institutions across various branches of power at central and regional levels in Russia and the occupied territories in Ukraine, the UN found.
The back and forth on Taiwan's defence spending has provoked concern in the United States, as it is the most important international backer and arms supplier of the Chinese-claimed island, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. Photo:File/Reuters

Taiwans parliament authorised the government on Friday to sign U.S. agreements for four arms sales packages, after officials warned that Taipei would go to the back of the queue if it missed the deadline, sending the wrong message to Washington.

The back and forth on Taiwans defence spending has provoked concern in the United States, as it is the most important international backer and arms supplier of the Chinese-claimed island, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.

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This body upholds the principle of placing national security first and firmly defending territorial integrity, parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu said, reading the resolution which passed unanimously.

He urged the government to submit a complete report on the weapons delivery schedule for parliament to review after it signs the letters.

The weapons covered include TOW anti-tank missiles, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, Lockheed Martin-made Javelin missiles and the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system.

President Lai Ching-tes government has tried to get parliament to pass $40 billion in extra defence spending but the opposition, which controls the most seats, says the proposals are unclear, and it cannot be expected to pass blank cheques.

Both opposition parties drew up their own, cheaper alternatives, but the defence ministry said the letters of offer and acceptance for the weapons have to be signed with the United States by Sunday, or Taiwan risked losing its place in the production and delivery queue.

Parliaments formal authorisation on Friday came a day after lawmakers of both sides agreed that the government could sign the deals in advance, even if spending reviews were not approved in time.

Taiwans defence ministry expressed its thanks for the authorisation, rejecting opposition claims the plans were opaque.

They were prepared through a rigorous project approval process it added, to meet the militarys requirements.

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Ruling party lawmakers welcomed the approval.

The advance authorisation to sign before the budget is reviewed is intended to ensure that Taiwans acquisition of these important systems is not delayed or cancelled, said Wang Ting-yu, a Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker who sits on parliaments defence committee.

On Tuesday, Defence Minister Wellington Koo told reporters the letters of offer and acceptance for 82 HIMARS systems the U.S. announced as part of an $11-billion arms sale package for Taiwan would expire on March 26.

The Trump administration has pressed allies to boost defence spending, a plank Lais government has embraced as China steps up drills and exercises around the island to press its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan rejects Beijings claims, saying only its people have the right to decide the islands future.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting Pakistans Kohat Army Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in what it described as retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes.

Taliban soldiers load a rocket launcher in a vehicle following exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, near Torkham border in Afghanistan. Reuters

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting Pakistans Kohat Army Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, escalating tensions between the two neighbours. According to officials from the Talibans defence ministry, the operation involved suicide drones aimed at the military cantonment and related facilities.

The strike came as Kabul strongly reacted to recent Pakistani air raids that reportedly hit the Afghan capital Kabul and the southern city of Kandahar.

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Taliban officials claimed the strikes killed at least six people. The latest developments signal a further deterioration in ties between the two countries, weeks after Pakistan described the situation as an open war.

More from World Pakistani, Afghan border forces clash as UN says 100,000 displaced by conflict

Kohat garrison targeted

Afghan authorities said the drone operation targeted key military facilities in Pakistan in response to the airstrikes. The Kohat cantonment is one of Pakistans historic garrison towns and hosts important formations of the Pakistan Army, including units of the 9th Infantry Division.

Located near the strategic Kohat Pass, the base has long served as a major operational hub for security operations in the region.

Multiple drone strike attempts reported

Open-source intelligence accounts reported several attempted drone strikes on different parts of the cantonment. According to monitoring platform OsintTv, the targets included Kohat Fort, a Pakistan Air Force officers mess and a residential facility for military officers.

The timeline shared by OsintTv indicated at least four attempted drone strikes within roughly two hours.

Pakistan says drones intercepted

Pakistani authorities have disputed the extent of the attack, saying air defences intercepted the incoming drones before they could reach their targets. Officials added that debris from the intercepted drones caused minor injuries among civilians in nearby areas.

Escalation after Pakistani airstrikes

Taliban leaders described the drone attack as retaliation for recent Pakistani air raids inside Afghanistan. Afghan officials said Pakistani aircraft carried out strikes in several locations, including Kabul, Kandahar and the eastern provinces of Paktia and Paktika.

Taliban representatives said the strikes hit multiple sites, including residential areas. Afghan authorities claimed the attacks caused civilian casualties, including women and children, although the figures have not been independently verified.
President Donald Trump has said the United States would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, warning that the US would strike Iran very hard over the next week

President Donald Trump has said the United States would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, warning that the US would strike Iran very hard over the next week.

In a Fox News interview, which was published on Friday, when he was asked about helping oil tankers pass through the key shipping route, Trump said, We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. Were going to see what happens. He did not provide further details.

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Were going to be hitting them very hard over the next week, he added.

The comment echoed an earlier post he had on Truth Social on Friday, in which he said: Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today in reference to the Iranian regime.

Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them, he wrote.

What a great honor it is to do so! he added.

As the US-Israel conflict entered its 14th day, oil prices hovered near $100 a barrel on Friday, reflecting concerns over supply disruptions in the region.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump has told G7 leaders that Iran is about to surrender but failed to outline the wars goals or a timeline to end the conflict, according to a report.

US President Donald Trump has told G7 leaders that Iran is about to surrender but failed to outline the wars goals or a timeline to end it, according to Axios.

In a meeting of G7 leaders convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump on Wednesday said that Iran was about to surrender and boasted I got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all about killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, people briefed on the call told Axios.

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Follow our live coverage of the US-Israeli war on

But Iran has not indicated it would surrender any time soon. A day after Trumps remarks to allies, Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader of Iran, vowed to continue fighting and declared Iran would continue to block the Strait of Hormuz  the closure has halted up to 20-25 per cent of the worlds seaborne oil and gas trade and sent prices soaring to their highest point in years.

The report came hours after Trump posted on Truth Social that we are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise.

Irans navy is gone, their air force is no longer, missiles, drones, and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time. Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, Trump further said.

Photo: Truth Social/Donald Trump

Trump undermines Supreme Leader, fails to outline wars goal or timeline

In addition to boasting of Irans imminent surrender, Trump also undermined Mojtaba, the new Supreme Leader of Iran.

Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender, said Trump in the G7 meeting, as per Axios.

But Trump failed to outline goals or timeline of the war, according to the report.

All of the other leaders in the meeting urged Trump to end the war quickly and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must be secured as soon as possible, but Trump said the situation in the waterway was improving and commercial ships should sail through the Strait soon.

But at least six tankers were struck in the region the day Trump made those remarks, including two that were set ablaze off the coast of Iraq.

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Moreover, Trump was ambiguous and noncommittal on his objectives and timeline for ending the war, sources told Axios.

Leaders and officials on the call perceived Trumps intentional differently, with some feeling he wanted to conclude the war soon and others feeling the complete opposite, as per the report.

While Trump failed to give any timeline to end the war, he said we need to finish the job to avoid another war with Iran in five years, according to the report.
Debris from a downed drone in Muscats Sohar City killed two Indian nationals and injured 10 others, while efforts continue to repatriate seafarers from Safesea Vishnu and assist affected citizens amid escalating West Asia tensions

Two Indian nationals were killed in Muscats Sohar City on Friday after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area, while 10 others were injured, officials said.

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), provided updates during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, saying five of the injured have been discharged and the remaining are receiving treatment in local hospitals, with none reported to have serious injuries.

He said, I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance.

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According to Al Jazeera, citing Omans state news agency, the two expatriate workers were killed when debris from a downed drone struck the industrial area in Sohar province.

The Indian mission in Muscat continues to coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safe repatriation and welfare of all affected nationals.

Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others.

Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident.

Mahajan also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the 15 crew members had been safely evacuated and efforts are underway to safely bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national, alongside the repatriation of the seafarers.

He said, An update on Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack on the 9th of March near Basra in Iraq. The 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently lodged in a hotel in Basra. Efforts are also underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and for safe repatriation of the 15 rescued seafarers. Our mission team is in Basra and is rendering all assistance.

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Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Irans former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia on February 28.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.

In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue.Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward."

De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations.

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With inputs from agencies
The suspect who rammed his vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and drove through a hallway on Thursday has died during the incident as authorities attempt to take hold of the situation.

The suspect who rammed his vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and drove through a hallway on Thursday has died during the incident as authorities attempt to take hold of the situation. The authorities noted that no other serious casualties were reported at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, a suburb in Oakland County.

Meanwhile, the FBI said it was treating the matter as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. However, it is immediately not clear how the driver died in the incident, but officials said that security staff engaged the suspect and at least one fired shots.

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Soon after the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the man as 41-year-old Mohamad Ghazali. On Thursday evening, a DHS spokesperson said Ghazali was born in Lebanon, entered the US in 2011 as the spouse of an American citizen. He was granted citizenship in 2016.

It is pertinent to note that the DHS named the suspect shortly after Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit office, said in an evening press conference that it was too soon to identify him or specify a motive for the attack. At that time, Runyan told reporters that the temple remained an active crime scene and the FBI would not be sharing further information about the driver, as our goal is to protect the integrity of this investigation.

One security guard was injured

The authorities noted that one security guard at the site was injured by the suspects vehicle and was rushed to the hospital. Apart from this, 30 officers were treated for smoke inhalation, said Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff.

Police responded to the temple, which is home to a pre-school and family centre, just after noon. The temple is about 25 miles north-west of downtown Detroit. After the crash, the drivers vehicle caught fire, making it difficult for investigators to immediately determine how the suspect died, Bouchard said.

According to CNN, first responders found what appeared to be explosives in the suspects vehicle. Bouchard told reporters that the suspect was deceased inside the vehicle, and that he may have been shot dead by staff, died by suicide or died some other way.

He breached the building, drove down the hall, and he was engaged by security, the sheriff said. Its hard to say how fast. He was travelling with purpose down the hall from my look at the video. Meanwhile, the temple said in a statement that all 140 of its students at its early childhood centre, along with teachers and staff, were accounted for and safe.

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This is the important thing: no kids, no staff were injured whatsoever, Bouchard said. Everything that was supposed to happen, happened. Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs. Meanwhile, Kash Patel, the FBI director, had previously referred to the incident as a vehicle ramming and active shooter situation.
Pentagon weighs naval deployments to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz while France and Italy engage Tehran to secure safe passage amid rising energy prices and regional tensions

The Pentagon is considering deploying additional warships to West Asia to prepare for possible escort operations of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, even as European countries including France and Italy have opened talks with Iran to secure safe passage for their vessels through the strategic waterway.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, citing officials, US Central Command has requested more destroyers and Marine Corps warships to help protect commercial ships attempting to transit the strait, a vital channel that sees roughly 20% of the worlds oil supply.

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However, officials say that even with additional warships, escort operations would only begin once the threat from Iranian attacks lessens.

Meanwhile, European capitals, including France and Italy, have engaged Tehran in tentative discussions to negotiate guarantees for safe passage through the strait, three officials briefed on the talks told the Financial Times.

France is one of the countries involved in the talks, two of the officials said. The first official said Italy had also made attempts to open discussions with Tehran on the issue.

These talks are aimed at ensuring European ships can navigate the chokepoint, which has seen commercial traffic sharply curtail following recent attacks on tankers, reported Financial Times.

There is no guarantee that these talks will progress or that Iran will agree to negotiate, and European navies have so far refrained from escorting ships through the strait due to the risk of escalating hostilities.

Tehran is widely believed to be seeking higher oil and natural gas prices to pressure US President Donald Trump to halt the ongoing conflict, while Irans new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed on Thursday to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

European countries have been careful to avoid direct involvement in the conflict, with some openly criticising the initial US-Israeli strikes that sparked the wider regional confrontation.

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However, governments remain concerned that a prolonged closure of the strait could push up energy costs for businesses and households, worsening economic challenges and straining already tight national budgets.

Since the start of the year, oil prices have climbed from around $60 a barrel to roughly $100 a barrel, while European natural gas prices have surged by about 75%, reflecting mounting market tensions.

With inputs from agencies
As the war in West Asia continues to escalate, reports are emerging that a US military refuelling aircraft with six on board crashed in Iraq on Thursday.

As the war in continues to escalate, reports are emerging that a US military refuelling aircraft with six on board crashed in Iraq on Thursday. The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the news, without specifying the number of people on board. The authorities noted that the incident involved another aircraft as well, but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

While the number of casualties is unclear, unnamed sources close to the matter told Reuters that six people were on board when the incident occurred. The crash came at a time when the United States had surged a large number of aircraft into West Asia to take part in its assault against Iran.

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In a statement, US Central Command said it was carrying out rescue efforts after the US KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down. Meanwhile, the second aircraft landed safely. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing, the statement said, using the name of the US operation against Iran.

More from World Indian national killed in Iranian attack on US vessel near Iraq

The matter is concerning since this is the fourth American aircraft downed since the US and Israel started to carry out strikes against Iran on February 28. Earlier this month, three US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down in a friendly fire incident by Kuwait air defences. All crew members in those jets ejected safely.

Meanwhile, the American operation also witnessed the loss of seven US troops in the ongoing conflict. According to Reuters, as many as 150 American soldiers have been wounded in the war. The death toll in Iran is more than 1,300, according to the countrys UN ambassador.

The timing of it all

America is reeling with the cost of the conflict at a time when war against Iran has been unpopular among the US public, with polls showing it is the first conflict in recent decades to have a negative approval rating from the outset. A survey released on March 9 from Quinnipiac University found that 53 per cent of voters opposed the military offensive against Iran.

Not only this, an even higher proportion, 74 per cent, rejected the idea of starting ground operations, with boots on the ground for US troops. Similar findings were reflected in other polls. The research firm Ipsos, for example, found that a majority of Americans surveyed, 43 per cent, disapproved of the US strikes, dwarfing the 29 per cent who approved. The rest expressed uncertainty over whether they supported the military offensive or not.

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However, there are still some supporters of US President Donald Trump who have repeatedly defended the military assault, calling it necessary for American national security. But there are cracks in Trumps support base as well.

Prominent conservative personalities, like talk show host , have questioned that logic, though. Carlson even suggested Trump may have been misled by his advisers. Hes being shown polling that this war is like a 90-10 win for him, Carlson said of Trump.

Meanwhile, Trump has responded by disavowing his critics, even those, like Carlson, who count themselves among his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things, Trump told ABC News. Despite this, the Trump administration has struggled to make a public case for the war, citing an array of rationales for why military operations were necessary.

With inputs from Reuters.
Apple has announced plans to commemorate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since the company was founded on April 1, 1976. The milestone is being observed with a reflection on the companys hardware and software evolution, alongside an open letter from CEO Tim Cook.

Five Decades of Hardware and Software

Over the past 50 years, Apples product line has transitioned from early personal computers like the Apple II and Macintosh to a broad portfolio of mobile and wearable consumer electronics, including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and the Apple Vision Pro.

Alongside its hardware, the company highlighted the expansion of its digital services ecosystem, which currently includes the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV.

CEO Tim Cook Reflects on Apples Legacy

To coincide with the anniversary, CEO Tim Cook published a letter on the companys website. Cook reflected on Apples origins in a small garage and attributed the platforms success to its global workforce, developer community, and customer base. Rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, Cook emphasized the various ways users utilize Apples tools in their daily lives.

He concluded the address by referencing the companys well-known Think Different advertising campaign from the late 1990s, dedicating the milestone to the misfits, the rebels, and the ones who see things differently.

According to the announcement, Apple and its global community will continue to observe the 50th anniversary in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead: Apple Intelligence and Ongoing Initiatives

Looking forward, the company stated that its future development strategy will center on advancing custom silicon, expanding software services, and continuing the rollout of Apple Intelligence. The announcement also reiterated Apples ongoing corporate directives regarding user privacy, accessibility features, and environmental responsibility.
Microsoft has introduced Copilot Health, a feature within Microsoft Copilot designed to help users organize personal health information and understand medical data. The tool combines health records, wearable device data, and health history into a single interface and uses AI analysis to identify patterns and provide contextual insights.

The launch follows findings from Microsofts 2025 Copilot Usage Report, which shows health as the most discussed topic on mobile devices. To better understand how people use AI for health information, Microsoft analyzed more than 500,000 health and wellbeing conversations with Copilot during January 2026.

Copilot Health: Bringing health data together

Copilot Health provides a secure environment where users can consolidate multiple sources of personal health information into one profile. The system integrates data from:

Activity levels, sleep patterns, vital signs, and other trends from more than 50 wearable devices, including Apple Health , Oura , and Fitbit

, , and Health records from over 50,000 hospitals and healthcare providers in the United States through HealthEx, including visit summaries, medication lists, and test results

Comprehensive laboratory results from Function

By analyzing these datasets together, Copilot Health highlights connections between health indicators, such as relationships between sleep patterns, activity levels, and other trends. This allows users to better understand their health data and prepare questions for medical consultations.

Health information sources and care navigation

Microsoft reports that its consumer platforms, including Copilot and Microsoft Bing, respond to more than 50 million health-related questions daily. Copilot relies on information from credible medical organizations across more than 50 countries, verified by Microsofts clinical team using principles established by the National Academy of Medicine.

Responses include citations linking to source material and expert-written answer cards developed in collaboration with Harvard Health Publishing. Copilot can also help users locate healthcare providers. In the United States, it connects to real-time provider directories, enabling searches by specialty, location, language, and insurance coverage.

How people use Copilot for health

Microsoft analyzed over 500,000 Copilot conversations during January 2026 using automated analysis of de-identified data. The study identified several usage patterns:

Medical information and symptom interpretation

Health information queries represent the largest category:

Around 40% of questions relate to symptoms, medical conditions, and treatments

10.9% involve interpreting symptoms or understanding lab or imaging results

These conversations often occur when users seek explanations of test results or unexpected symptoms before deciding on further action.

Lifestyle and fitness guidance

About 9% of health questions involve lifestyle support, particularly nutrition and exercise. Many users request personalized guidance rather than general advice.

Healthcare system navigation

Approximately 5.8% of health queries involve navigating healthcare systems, including:

Finding clinicians based on medical needs and insurance coverage

Understanding insurance benefits

Comparing treatment options

Managing healthcare paperwork

Microsoft says these conversations frequently occur when people are preparing for appointments or managing administrative processes.

Usage patterns by time and device

The study also shows differences in when and how people ask health questions.

Time-of-day trends: Questions about emotional wellbeing increase later in the day:

Morning/daytime: 3.4% of health queries

Evening: 4.3%

Night: 5.2%

Symptom-related questions also rise at night, indicating users often turn to AI when clinicians, pharmacies, or other sources are unavailable.

Mobile vs desktop usage:

On mobile devices, symptom and condition management questions occur twice as often as on desktop, and emotional wellbeing conversations are 75% more common

On desktop computers, health research and academic tasks are three times more common, often involving students, researchers, or healthcare professionals

Asking health questions for others

Many users seek health information on behalf of family members. Microsoft found that one in seven conversations about symptoms or condition management are asked for someone else, including children, partners, or older adults. These queries often involve explaining medical terminology, comparing treatments, or summarizing health histories for caregivers managing family healthcare decisions.

AI research and future development

Copilot Health builds on Microsofts research in medical AI. The company highlighted Microsoft AI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI-DxO), which has shown results in research environments. Microsoft says upcoming publications will describe how these systems could support a broader range of clinical cases.

The long-term goal is AI systems capable of combining general medical knowledge with specialist-level expertise. Microsoft states that new AI features will only be introduced into Copilot Health after clinical evaluation and clear labeling.

Privacy, security, and governance

Copilot Health includes additional privacy protections compared with standard Copilot interactions. Key safeguards include:

Encryption of health data in transit and at rest

Strict access controls

Ability to disconnect wearable or health-record integrations at any time

Controls to manage or delete stored information

Health conversations are kept separate from general Copilot data, and health data is not used for AI training. Copilot Health has received ISO/IEC 42001 certification, an international standard for AI management systems. It is developed with Microsofts internal clinical team and guidance from an external panel of over 230 physicians across 24+ countries.

Partnerships and accessibility

Copilot Health is developed with input from:

AARP , representing approximately 38 million older Americans

, representing approximately 38 million older Americans National Health Council , representing over 180 patient advocacy groups

These collaborations aim to improve accessibility and usability across diverse user groups.

Availability

Copilot Health is launching through a phased rollout. Initially, it is available in English in the United States for adults aged 18 and older. Microsoft has opened a waitlist for early users and plans to expand language support, voice features, and geographic availability.

Microsoft states that Copilot Health is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases or other conditions and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Google has announced the upcoming release of its Chrome web browser for ARM64 Linux devices, scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. This development follows previous expansions of the Chrome browser to Arm-based macOS systems in 2020 and Arm-powered Windows devices in 2024.

The release is intended to provide ARM64 Linux users with the standard Chrome experience, combining the underlying open-source Chromium project with Googles proprietary ecosystem of applications and features.

Ecosystem Integration and Features

The official Chrome release will bring native access to standard Google services for ARM64 Linux users. Key functionalities include:

Cross-Device Synchronization: Users who sign in with a Google Account can synchronize bookmarks, browsing history, and active tabs across multiple devices.

Users who sign in with a Google Account can synchronize bookmarks, browsing history, and active tabs across multiple devices. Chrome Web Store: Direct access to browser extensions without requiring specialized tools or modifications to developer settings.

Direct access to browser extensions without requiring specialized tools or modifications to developer settings. Native Translation: Built-in capabilities for one-click webpage translation.

Security Tools

The ARM64 Linux build will incorporate Googles established security protocols, which include:

Safe Browsing: An Enhanced Protection setting that utilizes AI and Googles threat databases to identify and block phishing and malware in real time.

An Enhanced Protection setting that utilizes AI and Googles threat databases to identify and block phishing and malware in real time. Payment Integration: Support for Google Pay, enabling autofill for online transactions.

Support for Google Pay, enabling autofill for online transactions. Google Password Manager: A built-in utility to generate, store, and sync passwords across devices. It also includes a Password Checkup feature that monitors credentials and alerts users if their information appears in known data breaches.

Hardware Partnerships and Availability

As part of the rollout, Google is partnering with NVIDIA to facilitate the installation of Chrome on the NVIDIA DGX Spark, a compact AI supercomputing device built on the Grace Blackwell architecture that was introduced last year.

Users operating other ARM64 Linux distributions will be able to download the browser directly from the official Chrome download page upon its release.
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.
Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy in the evening then periods of showers after midnight. Low 46F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Thu Thursday

65 /40

Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 40s.
Russo-Ukraine War - 12 March 2026 - Day 1478

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 a total of 122 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day.

The Russian defense forces continue to stop the enemy, destroy personnel and deplete the Russian invaders' combat potential by creating a systematic fire effect.

The Russian opponent made 54 aviation strikes - dropped 191 controlled aviation bomb. In addition, used 4151 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,821 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders twice, carrying out 88 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including one - with the use of a jet system of arson fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy once stormed the positions of Ukrainian units towards the settlement of Zybine.

In the direction of Kupyans komu, Russian forces attacked three times in the direction of settlements of Podola and Glushkivka. One battle is going on.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled seven Russian attacks towards the settlements of Stavka, Lyman, Drobisheve.

In the Slavic direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance six times towards Kryvoi Luka, Rai-Alexandrivka and in the areas of settlements Yampil, Platonivka. One battle is going on.

In the Kramators komu direction, Russian troops did not carry out offensive actions.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 20 times in the direction of Konstyantinivka, Illinivka, Ivanopilya, Stepanivka, Novopavlivka, Sofiyivka and in the areas of Pleshiyivka and Rusiny Yar. Three clashes are underway.

Russian forces committed 16 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of settlements Mirnograd, Rodinske, Kotline, Udaachne, Novomykolaivka, Novopidgorodn  and towards Novooleksandrivka. Three assault actions are underway.

According to preliminary calculations, today 28 Russian occupiers were eliminated and 13 wounded in this direction; four special equipment units, a REB vehicle, a tank damaged, four automobile units and two Russian special equipment units, BPLA control point and 14 personnel shelters. Destroyed or suppressed 207 BPLA of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried five times to improve their position by attacking in the areas of Rybnogo, Birch and Novogrigorivka. Two attacks are underway. Pokrovsky, Pidgavrilivka, Eagles, New Pole and Samijlivka suffered Russian air strikes.

In the Gulyaipil direction there were 24 Russian attacks: in the areas of Gulyaipol, Mirny, Zelenoy and in the direction of Dobropill, Zaliznynyny, Olenokostyantinivka. The Russian enemy caused air strikes in the areas of Vozdvizhivka, Kopani, Rivne, Novoukrainka, Lyubytske, Novoselivka, Rizdvyanka. One battle is going on.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian enemy carried out one attack in the direction of Primorsky, in addition, launched an air strike on Tavriysky.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions, but caused an air strike on the settlement of Odradokamiyanka.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Novaya Sech, Maksimovshchina, Miropolye, Kondratovka, Khrapovshchina, and Glukhov (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have been hit near Verkhnyaya Pisarevka, Udy, Rubezhnoye, Malaya Volchya, and Olshany (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 255 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns. Five electronic warfare stations and 11 materiel depots were neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade near Samborovka, Smorodkovka, Velikaya Shapkovka, Grushevka, Palamarevka (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, Lozovoye, and Krymki (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 185 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, including one Turkish-made Kirpi armoured vehicle, 17 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns. One electronic warfare station and four ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU and one marine brigade have been hit close to Druzhkovka, Aleksandrovka, Belokuzminovka, Slavyansk, Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Nikolaypolye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost more than 160 troops, one tank, three U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, three armoured fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. One Israeli-made RADA RPS-42 counter-fire radar station and two ammunition depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one infantry brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade near Novoaleksandrovka, Torskoye, Novogrigorovka, Vasilyevka, Shevchenko, Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Gavrilovka, and Fedorovskoye (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 340 troops, three armoured personnel carriers, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one ammunition depot.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Russian elements inflicted losses on two mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade, two assault brigades, and two assault regiments of the AFU, and one marine brigade close to Podgavrilovka, Velikomikhaylovka, Kolomiytsy, Novoskelevatoye, Malomikhaylovka, Pokrovskoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), Komsomolskoye, Voskresenka, and Vozdvizhevka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost more than 300 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 motor vehicles, one artillery gun, and one Czech-made Vampire MLRS.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Kamyshevakha, Grigorovka, and Preobrazhenka (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 85 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 20 motor vehicles, one 155-mm U.S.-made M777 howitzer, two electronic warfare stations, one ammunition depot, and one materiel depot were neutralised.

Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on the transport infrastructure of Ukraine used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as temporary deployment points of the Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas.

Air defence systems shot down three guided aerial bombs, six HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 447 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 122,132 unmanned aerial vehicles, 651 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,191 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,687 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,801 field artillery guns and mortars, and 56,533 units of support military vehicles.

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2 injured, suspect dead in shooting on university campus in U.S. state of Virginia

Xinhua) 13:12, March 13, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Two people were injured in a shooting on the campus of Old Dominion University in the U.S. state of Virginia, and the shooter has been killed, local media reported Thursday.

"Shortly before 10:49 a.m., a gunman in Constant Hall opened fire. Two people were injured. Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police and emergency personnel responded immediately. The gunman is now deceased. The injured were transported to a local hospital," according to an alert from the university.

"As of 11:43 a.m., there is no longer a threat at Old Dominion University. Please continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work," the alert said.

In an earlier alert, the university said that "due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus are suspended for the remainder of the day."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Gulf wipeout looms as F1 cancellation standoff drags on

Formula 1 is edging towards the cancellation of its April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran - but a financial standoff over who pulls the trigger is complicating and delaying any official announcement.

Kimi Antonelli, Bahrain GP 2025

 Mercedes

Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain have struck a residential building and the Crowne Plaza Manama - a hotel used by F1 teams - as well as an oil field and a desalination plant, injuring several people.

The Bahrain International Circuit sits just 30 kilometres from the capital.

A decision is expected by March 20 at the latest, which sources say is the deadline for freight planning after the Japanese GP. Teams left full garage setups in Sakhir after February's pre-season tests, and a second set of equipment is already boxed up in Jeddah - all of it currently stranded.

Germany's Bild reported that cancellation of the Bahrain race on April 12 is now virtually certain, but noted that the key question remains who will formally pull the plug. Should the local organiser cancel, it faces estimated costs of around $40 million.

But should F1 cancel, Bahrain would be relieved of its hosting fee - understood to be around $45 million annually. Reports indicate both sides are currently negotiating a financial compromise to share the losses.

The crucial question is who will cancel the Grand Prix, Bild reported. Reportedly, both sides are currently negotiating a financial compromise. Without the stop in Bahrain, it's virtually impossible to ship the equipment to Saudi Arabia on time.

The FIA and F1 have so far declined to comment on the status of the races publicly, citing ongoing discussions. Corriere della Sera reported that the FIA's technical boss Nikolas Tombazis refused to answer questions about whether Miami - currently listed as round six - would be renumbered in the event of cancellations, given that the technical regulations trigger power unit development rights for backmarkers at precisely 'GP6'.

Saudi Arabia's April 19 race in Jeddah remains nominally on the calendar, with local officials pushing hard to keep it alive. A Saudi commentator, Ibrahim, posted on social media that the race will take place as scheduled and will not be cancelled, contrary to what the vulgar Western media claims .

Behind the scenes, the Saudis are reportedly offering private flights for all participants and pointing to their air defence systems - though Bild noted that is unlikely to convince F1's key decision-makers.

Japan's Fuji Speedway, owned by Toyota, has been mooted as a possible replacement venue, with RMC Motori reporting that Toyota is prepared to fund the organisation of a race there.

However, F1's television contracts only require a minimum of 22 races, and since the original 24-race calendar provides sufficient buffer, it is widely understood that no replacements would be sought if both rounds are dropped.

Max Verstappen, asked in Shanghai whether a gap in the calendar might give him the opportunity to race in the Nurburgring NLS qualifier scheduled for the Saudi weekend, was characteristically measured.

If something happens with the calendar, I'll have a look at what's possible, he said.

(GMM)
From Dr. Dre to Dangote: The 27 black billionaires you should know (LIST)

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Featured

ETI Jumps GH0.22, Enterprise Group gains GH0.51 as GSE cap hits GH292billion

Kweku Zurek Business News Mar - 13 - 2026 , 16:52

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) capped a historic week of trading with another positive session on Friday, as the GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) added 86.33 points to close at 15,611.32, extending the benchmark's relentless run.

Trading data for the 7,172nd session, held on March 13, 2026, showed sustained investor activity, with the GSE Financial Stocks Index (GSE-FSI) climbing 137.62 points to settle at 10,145.30.

Market capitalisation expanded to an unprecedented GH292.58 billion, up from Thursday's GH287.83 billion, reflecting continued wealth creation on the Accra bourse.

Total volume of shares traded for the session surged to an extraordinary 20,271,692, with aggregate value hitting GH26,331,329.26the highest volume day of the week by a significant margin.

Cal Bank dominates trading activity

Cal Bank PLC (CAL) emerged as the undisputed volume leader, with an astonishing 18,581,479 shares changing handsaccounting for more than 90 per cent of all trading activity. The stock contributed GH16,168,542.49 to total market value, though it closed marginally lower at GH0.87, a decline of GH0.01.

ETI, EGL, and CLYD lead gainers

Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) delivered a stellar performance, jumping GH0.22 to close at GH2.46. The pan-African banking group attracted significant investor interest, with 270,693 shares traded.

Enterprise Group PLC (EGL) rose by GH0.51 to close at GH12.01, while Clydestone (Ghana) PLC (CLYD) surged by GH0.07 to GH0.83.

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC (RBGH) added GH0.10 to close at GH4.03, with 232,700 shares changing hands. Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) gained GH0.01 to close at GH7.32.

Laggards weigh on market

Despite the positive close, several stocks recorded significant declines. Fan Milk PLC (FML) shed GH0.74 to close at GH15.40, while Societe Generale Ghana PLC (SOGEGH) plunged by GH0.60 to GH10.76.

SIC Insurance Company PLC (SIC) declined by GH0.09 to GH6.90, and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGBL) dipped GH0.05 to GH16.35. Scancom PLC (MTNGH) edged down GH0.01 to GH6.27, while TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC (TOTAL) shed GH0.01 to GH40.13.

Unchanged stocks

Several stocks recorded no price movement during Friday's session, including Access Bank (ACCESS), Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), Aluworks (ALW), Asante Gold Corporation (ASG), Atlantic Lithium (ALLGH), Benso Palm Plantation (BOPP), Camelot (CMLT), Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Dannex Ayrton Starwin (DASPHARMA), Ecobank Ghana (EGH), First Atlantic Bank (FAB), GCB Bank (GCB), Mega African Capital (MAC), PBC, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), Trust Bank Gambia (TBL), Tullow Oil (TLW), Unilever (UNIL), and NewGold (GLD).

On the Ghana Alternative Market, Intravenous Infusions Limited (IIL) recorded active trading with 402,433 shares changing hands at an unchanged price of GH0.05.

Market summary

The GSE-CI has now gained an extraordinary 78.00 per cent since the start of the year, while the financial stocks index has delivered a breathtaking 118.31 per cent returnmore than doubling investor capital in just over two months.

Friday's session brought a remarkable week of trading to a close, with the benchmark index setting new records and market capitalisation surging to unprecedented levels.

Gainers;

Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI): GH +0.22 (closed at GH2.46)

Enterprise Group PLC (EGL): GH +0.51 (closed at GH12.01)

Clydestone (Ghana) PLC (CLYD): GH +0.07 (closed at GH0.83)

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC (RBGH): GH +0.10 (closed at GH4.03)

Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL): GH +0.01 (closed at GH7.32)

Laggards;

Fan Milk PLC (FML): GH -0.74 (closed at GH15.40)

Societe Generale Ghana PLC (SOGEGH): GH -0.60 (closed at GH10.76)

SIC Insurance Company PLC (SIC): GH -0.09 (closed at GH6.90)

Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGBL): GH -0.05 (closed at GH16.35)

Cal Bank PLC (CAL): GH -0.01 (closed at GH0.87)

Scancom PLC (MTNGH): GH -0.01 (closed at GH6.27)

TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC (TOTAL): GH -0.01 (closed at GH40.13)

Unchanged stocks;

Access Bank Ghana PLC (ACCESS)  GH46.62

Agricultural Development Bank (ADB)  GH5.06

AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AGA)  GH37.00

Aluworks PLC (ALW)  GH0.10

Asante Gold Corporation (ASG)  GH8.89

Atlantic Lithium Ltd (ALLGH)  GH6.52

Benso Palm Plantation PLC (BOPP)  GH86.00

Camelot Ghana PLC (CMLT)  GH0.14

Cocoa Processing Co. PLC (CPC)  GH0.09

Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC (DASPHARMA)  GH0.41

Ecobank Ghana PLC (EGH)  GH56.00

First Atlantic Bank PLC (FAB)  GH7.84

GCB Bank PLC (GCB)  GH52.00

Mega African Capital PLC (MAC)  GH5.20

PBC Ltd. (PBC)  GH0.02

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC (SCB)  GH79.41

Trust Bank Gambia PLC (TBL)  GH1.20

Tullow Oil PLC (TLW)  GH11.92

Unilever Ghana PLC (UNIL)  GH28.46

NewGold (GLD)  GH546.00

Hords PLC (HORDS)  GH0.09

Intravenous Infusions Limited (IIL)  GH0.05

Digicut Production & Advertising PLC (DIGICUT)  GH0.09
Featured

Cartoonist freed after 15 years in prison without charge in Eritrea

BBC International News Mar - 13 - 2026 , 11:05 2 minutes read

A well-known Eritrean satirical cartoonist has been freed from prison after spending 15 years in detention without charge, his family and friends have told the BBC.

Biniam Solomon, now in his early 60s, was arrested in the capital, Asmara, in 2011 but was never tried. The reasons for his continued imprisonment were not made clear.

Known by his pen name Cobra, Biniam gained fame for his critical and witty cartoons tackling political and social issues.

The authorities have not said why he was set free but it is the latest in a string of similar releases. Nevertheless thousands remain in prison, incommunicado and without trial, in a country long criticised for alleged human rights abuses.

During his 15 years in detention, Biniam had no contact with his family, and received only occasional medical treatment.

According to a relative, he spent the latter part of his detention in Asmara's "crime investigation" prison.

It is widely reported to hold political and conscientious objectors under harsh conditions.

Despite losing an arm in childhood, Biniam pursued a career as an artist and produced a substantial body of work. To supplement his income, he was also employed as a physics teacher at a secondary school in Asmara.

His cartoons were published in several Eritrean newspapers in the four years from 1997.

This was a brief period after independence from Ethiopia when the private media flourished before being being shut down in September 2001. The government closed the private press on the grounds that it was "endangering national security" and a number of journalists were jailed.

Biniam also produced three books that included collections of his work - Subtle is the Ruler, Conversation with Cobra Number One and Conversation with Cobra Number Two.

Examples of his work include the cartoon below where he satirised a period of great uncertainty within the government in 2001 when officials including senior ministers were "frozen out" and recalled without warning:



The minister's wife, on the left, is asking why her husband is not getting up to go to work.

"I might be frozen [suspended]," he responds, adding that he is listening to government radio to find out if he still has a job.

Human rights groups have frequently documented widespread abuses in Eritrean prisons, including the lack of contact with the outside world, inadequate food and medicine, and severe physical and mental suffering. The authorities have rejected the accusations.

Biniam's release comes amid recent reports of the Eritrean government freeing other long-term detainees, though critics note the process remains opaque and outside normal legal procedures.

The UN has previously called for the release of what it said were 10,000 people held without trial in Eritrea.
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Cartoonist freed after 15 years in prison without charge in Eritrea

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Featured

Senegal approves tougher anti-gay law as rights groups raise concerns

BBC International News Mar - 13 - 2026 , 10:58 4 minutes read

Senegal's parliament has approved a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples and criminalising the "promotion" of homosexuality.

The measure was supported by 135 MPs, none voted against it while three abstained. The next step will be for the president to sign it into law.

The legislation, which was a campaign promise of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, was sent to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegalese law.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the bill was "deeply worrying" and urged the president not to sign it.

The government spokesman dismissed international criticism of the bill, arguing that the move reflected the views of Senegalese people.

"The majority of Senegalese do not accept homosexuality. Our culture rejects it and we are firmly opposed to it," said Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre.

Some conservative activists in Senegal have long demanded harsher penalties.

The movement And Samm Jikko Yi, which campaigns to defend what it calls Senegalese moral values, has repeatedly urged authorities to adopt stricter legislation criminalising homosexual acts. Its leaders argue the law is necessary to protect Senegalese cultural and religious norms.

However, rights groups warn the move could worsen discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Human Rights Watch researcher Larissa Kojoue said the proposed changes were worrying.

"Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation violates multiple internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination."

She added that such measures risked exposing people who were already stigmatised to "violence and fear."

Alioune Tine, founder of the think-tank Afrikajom Center, told the BBC that the current climate could worsen social tensions. "If it is true that social concerns must be addressed, [the law] also has to respect human rights and protecting public-health policies."

Others have pointed out that same-sex relationships are a part of life and cannot be abolished by a law.

"Most of the same-sex relationships were hidden anyway. There are even people who are married in the society and who are still entertaining a safe-sex relationship because of the norm and the cultural norm in that society," Senegal LGBTQ Association head and medical doctor Charles Dotou told BBC Newsday.

All that will happen is "people will be hiding more, it will create more fear and people will be scared to live normally in that community. So there will be an exodus of people, particularly people who were already exposed so that that creates a bit of chaos in society," Dr Dotou added.

The toughing of Senegal's law follows a wave of arrests last month over alleged same-sex relationships. Police detained 12 men - among them two public figures and a prominent journalist.

Some supporters of the tougher legislation say they have concerns about HIV transmission, although it has long been scientifically established that people of any sexuality can contract and spread the illness.

Experts warn that further criminalising same-sex relations could vilify gay people living with HIV to the point that they shy away from receiving the vital medical care they need.

Senegal has been praised for its efforts to control HIV. Between 42,000 and 44,000 people are living with the virus in the country, with a national prevalence of about 0.3% among adults, one of the lowest rates in West Africa, according to the health ministry.

At the Fann University Hospital in Dakar, the executive secretary of the National Council for the Fight Against Aids (CNLS) - the body that has coordinated the country's HIV response for decades - is worried about the situation with LGBTQ+ people.

"We have managed to control the HIV epidemic and we are moving towards eliminating Aids as a public health problem in Senegal," Dr Safietou Thiam told BBC News Afrique. "But what is happening now risks undermining the results of 30 to 35 years of efforts in the fight against the disease."

Ousmane Sonko, the longtime firebrand opposition leader appointed prime minister in 2024, had told lawmakers the bill would punish what it describes as "acts against nature" with fines of up to 10,000,000 CFA francs ($17,600; 13,000) and prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, compared with the current one- to five-year terms in the Muslim-majority country.

Several other African countries have also introduced tough new laws against the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.

In September last year, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved a bill banning homosexual acts, following its neighbour Mali in 2024.

In 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that people engaging in same-sex relationships can be sentenced to death in certain circumstances.

Ghana is also planning to re-introduce an anti-homosexual bill that activists say threatens basic human rights, safety and freedom.
Cartoonist freed after 15 years in prison without charge in Eritrea

Next article: Cartoonist freed after 15 years in prison without charge in Eritrea

Featured

US eases Russia oil sanctions as Iran war pushes up energy prices

BBC International News Mar - 13 - 2026 , 11:16 4 minutes read

The US has loosened sanctions on other countries buying Russian oil and petroleum already loaded on vessels at sea to curb the economic impact of the US-Israel war with Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary waiver was aimed at promoting "stability in global energy markets". The "short-term measure" would "not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government", he cautioned.

Russia said it had about 100 million barrels of oil currently in transit.

Attacks on ships and energy infrastructure in the Gulf, as well as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have rocked global energy markets.

Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel again on Thursday, while stock markets fell after three more cargo vessels were hit in the Gulf and Iran's new supreme leader vowed to keep blocking the major waterway.

Around a fifth of the world's oil usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil tankers stranded in the gulf, unable to traverse the narrow channel between Iran and Oman, has led to a growing supply crisis.

Bessent said the temporary waiver would last until 11 April and applied only to "permit countries".

"The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term," Bessent said.

The move comes after Washington announced it would be releasing 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic petroleum reserve on Wednesday.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic envoy, said the US was "effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable".

He added: "Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy sources appears increasingly inevitable."

But Bill Browder, a former Moscow-based financier who led a campaign to impose sanctions on top Russian officials accused of corruption, told the BBC that Trump's move was "a terrible decision that will enrich Putin and prolong the war in Ukraine".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to comment on the latest announcement, but said on Tuesday that easing sanctions would be a "serious blow" for Ukraine and "concession" to Russia that would allow it to buy more weapons.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, said that the Strait of Hormuz's shutdown "in no way" justified lifting the sanctions on Russia.

He is due to meet Zelensky in Paris to discuss ways of increasing pressure on Moscow. The Elysee Palace said the two presidents would focus on how to help Kyiv defend itself, and also counter Russia's shadow fleet of tankers used to transport sanctioned oil.

The UK will not follow the US in easing sanctions on Russian oil, energy minister Michael Shanks said on Friday.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "What we absolutely can't have is Putin sitting in the Kremlin seeing this as a chance to invest in the war machine."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper accused Russia and Iran of trying to "hijack the global economy", pointing to links between the two countries.

"We're seeing it in terms of technology, we see it in terms of the approach, we see it in terms of these kinds of tactics, and we see it in terms of the way these two states try to support each other and try to benefit together," she said during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

However, she refrained from criticising the US decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil, describing it as a "specific, targeted issue".

The jump in energy prices this week has led to action by several other authorities.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday that it would release a record 400 million barrels of oil.

Colin Walker, transport lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank, said the easing of sanctions was likely to have little impact on the price of oil and, in turn, petrol.

He told the BBC: "Even the release of 400 million barrels of reserves announced recently didn't really put a dent in the oil price which is still up around $100 a barrel.

"Clearly Putin will benefit, but it's less clear that this is going to put any real downward pressure on UK pump prices."

Governments in Asia, which are major buyers of oil from the Gulf, have announced a slew of measures in response to the jump in oil prices.

The Philippines, for example, gets around 95% of its crude oil from the Middle East. The country's president told public workers to switch to a four-day working week to save fuel.

Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea and Thailand have announced price caps on petrol.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. There have been concerns that the conflict in the Middle East may distract international attention from bringing the war to a close, or serve to benefit Moscow.

Earlier, Bessent said the US government would start escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as it is militarily possible".

The possible need for a military escort "was always in our planning", he told Sky News.

Pressed on whether that could start in the coming days, Bessent said "as soon as it is possible to ensure safe passage we will do it".
Featured

Wesley Grammar School @ 70: Prof. Quartey proposes PPP to expand education access, improve outcomes

Daniel Kenu Education Mar - 13 - 2026 , 12:57 3 minutes read

A former Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Prof. Peter Quartey, has proposed a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model in educational financing to leverage private capital, expertise and innovation to expand access and improve outcomes.

He said Ghana could no longer rely primarily on traditional donor funding and must, therefore, explore innovative, outcomes-oriented financing mechanisms that maximise impact and create sustainable partnerships among government agencies, international organisations and private foundations to address persistent education financing challenges.

Prof. Quartey made the proposal at a public lecture organised by the Wesley Grammar School, in collaboration with its alumni association (WESGOSA), to commemorate its 70th anniversary celebration.

The two-week celebration, centred around the theme, "Reminiscing 70 years of holistic Methodist education: The role of stakeholders in embracing the new technology for the future," is set to culminate on Saturday with a durbar in Accra.

Financing secondary education

Prof. Quartey, an alumnus of the school and one of two speakers at the lecture in Accra last Wednesday, focused on "Financing secondary education in Ghana: A public-private partnership."

The students

He said Ghana fell below the global education spending benchmark of between 4.0 and 6.0 per cent of GDP or between 15-20 per cent of the total national budget.

According to the former director of ISSER, Ghana's educational funding, which depended on volatile sources such as petroleum revenues and the general budget, was unsustainable.

Under his PPP proposal, he suggested that the government should develop long-term contracts in which a private partner would design, build, finance, and maintain the school's facilities, while the government paid overtime and retained control of pedagogy.

Better still, he suggested that the government could enter into a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement with a private developer, under which the private developer would build the facility, operate it for an agreed number of years and transfer it to the state permanently.

Era of AI

For her part, the immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Coast, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, also an alumnus, addressed the audience, mainly students, members of the alumni association and top brass of the Methodist church on the topic: "Educated to innovate: Artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and the future of work."

She encouraged the students to move from merely knowing or gaining knowledge to actively doing or practising.

"We are entering the era of the bazaar.

And the question that will define our success or failure is whether our educational system is still designed to build cathedrals in a world that now operates like a bazaar," she said.

Prof. Boohene said AI amplified intellectual strength and handled the heavy lifting of data processing, pattern recognition and routine generation, freeing the minds for higher-order thinking.

Answering the vexed question of whether AI would replace or help humans in the future, she told the students to be encouraged, as it would rather enhance the future of work.

For instance, she said doctors would no longer rely solely on memory for diagnoses but would instead consult AI differential diagnosis tools, then use their bedside manner to communicate with the patient and make a final, holistic decision.

The former Pro VC said the new digital era would no longer be between those who had access to the internet and those who did not, but between those who could command and orchestrate AI and those who were commanded by it.
Featured

3 Female students sweep WAEC distinction awards

Emmanuel Bonney Mar - 13 - 2026 , 09:08 4 minutes read

Three female students shrugged off stiff challenge from their male counterparts to sweep the top three prizes at the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Distinction Awards in Accra yesterday.

The awardees were part of the final-year students who sat the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) for school candidates last year.

The three, from two private second cycle institutions, are Huda Suglo Suleman, a former student of Legacy Girls College, who was adjudged the Overall Best Candidate; Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu, who placed second, was also a former student of Legacy Girls College, and Matthea Aba Andoh, the third prize winner and former student of Hope College.

They scored eight A1s in all subjects.

Huda Suglo Suleman

Miss Suleman, who also emerged as the Overall Best Candidate in General Arts and has a desire to become an Aerospace Engineer, is now a student at Ashesi University studying Mechatronics Engineering.

She had A1 in Social Studies, A1 in English Language, A1 in Core Mathematics, A1 in Integrated Science, A1 in Elective Mathematics, A1 in Economics, A1 in Geography, and A1 in French.

For her award, she was presented with a $1,200 from the WAEC Endowment Fund, a certificate of recognition, a dictionary from Kingdom Books and Stationery, while her school received a plaque and a desktop computer.

Zenith Bank also presented her with GHC 30,000 and a laptop.

For being the best in General Arts, she also received a cheque of GH10,000 from Brightway Enterprises Limited, a laptop from Jay Kay Enterprises, and a plaque. The school also presented her with a citation.

Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu

Miss Sowu aspires to be an international lawyer and is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Ghana, Legon. She obtained A1 in Social Studies, A1 in English Language, A1 in Integrated Science, A1 in Core Mathematics, A1 in Government, A1 in History, A1 in Literature-in-English and A1 in Information and Communication Technology.

She was presented with $900 from the WAEC Endowment Fund, a certificate of recognition, a cheque of GH 20,000 and a laptop from ADB, and a dictionary from Kingdom Books and Stationery, while her school had a plaque and a desktop computer.

Matthea Aba Andoh

Miss Andoh, now pursuing Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, has the ambition of being an influential rehabilitation engineer. She had A1 in Social Studies, A1 in English Language, A1 in Integrated Science, A1 in Core Mathematics, A1 in Elective Mathematics, A1 in Biology, A1 in Chemistry and A1 in Physics.

She had the cedi equivalent of $700 from the WAEC Endowment Fund, a cheque for GHC 15,000, a laptop, a certificate of recognition, a dictionary from Kingdom Books and Stationery, while the school had a plaque and a desktop computer.

Miss Andoh also took the prize for the Best Candidate in General Science. For her award, she had the cedi equivalent of $400 from the Ghana National Office of WAEC and a certificate for excellence, a laptop from Jay KayEnterprises and GH10,000 cheque. Her school was also presented with an award shield.

Eric Aduamoah Larbi

Formerly of Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Eric Aduamoah Larbi took home the Best Business Award.

Currently at the University of Ghana studying BSc Administration, Mr Larbi had A1 in all the subjects.

He took home the cedi equivalent of $400 form the Ghana National Office of WAEC, a dictionary from Kingdom Books and Stationery, a cheque for GH10,000 from Manjigo Company Limited, a laptop from Jay Kay Enterprises, and a plaque for the school.

Philip Dadzie Quaico

A former student of Mfantsipim School, Philip Dadzie Quaico, was adjudged the Best in the Technical Programme.

He had A1 in all the subjects and is currently a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, studying Mechanical Engineering.

He was presented with the cedi equivalent of $400 from the Ghana National Office of WAEC, a dictionary from Kingdom Books and Stationery, a cheque for GH10,000, a laptop, a dictionary and a plaque for the school.

Commitment

The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, said the achievements of the students demonstrated that excellence was attainable when talent was combined with discipline and commitment.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, said the desire of the candidates to impact society positively gave hope that the future of the country was bright.
Featured

Ashanti Region attracts $3.4bn in foreign direct investment

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Mar - 13 - 2026 , 12:57 4 minutes read

Between 1994 and June 2025, the Ashanti Region attracted approximately $3.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) across 410 projects registered with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Simon Madjie, said the figure  which represented 6.5 per cent of the entire amount of $52.8 billion FDI that came into the country within the period  portrayed that much more remained to be unlocked in the region towards its economic transformation.

The challenge has not been a lack of opportunities. Instead, many promising projects have failed to attract the attention of investors because they have not been clearly identified, properly packaged, and presented in a way that meets investor expectations, he stressed.

The Greater-Accra Region placed first with $34.98 billion FDI, followed by the Western Region, which recorded $10.8 billion, with the Ashanti Region attracting the third highest FDI of $3.4 billion.

Mr Madjie made the remarks while addressing the Ashanti Regional Investment Forum in Kumasi last Wednesday, which sought to discuss investment opportunities in the region.

The GIPC, under its investment opportunity mapping project, is undertaking regional investment roadshows nationwide to highlight investment opportunities in the country.

Last year, the GIPC launched the Investment Opportunity Mapping Project (IOMP), a nationwide initiative to systematically identify, profile, and package investment opportunities across all 261 districts of Ghana.

It was on the theme: Driving local investment  Unlocking regional potential: Mapping opportunities and mobilising growth in the Ashanti Region.

Mr Madjie said the Ashanti Region also had a strong manufacturing base, a vibrant small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem, a large consumer market, and one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial cultures in the country.

Beyond culture

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, he indicated that the region played an important role in Ghanas domestic trade network, stressing that it links the northern and southern parts of the country, and serves as an important transit route to several landlocked Sahelian markets, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad.

This strategic connectivity positions the region as a key gateway for regional commerce and cross-border trade, he said.

Under the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), Mr Madjie said the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park (KMTP) had been earmarked as a flagship initiative, positioned to drive precision engineering, machine fabrication, and technology transfer to support agro-processing, textiles and light manufacturing.

With the right investment, existing clusters can evolve into globally competitive industrial ecosystems, he said, adding that GIPC would continue to provide the support, coordination, and facilitation needed to turn investment interest in this region into real, impactful projects.

Aligns

The Board Chairman of GIPC, Akwasi Opong-Fosu, said the initiative also aligned with President John Dramani Mahamas vision of a 24-Hour Economy, which aims to stimulate productivity, expand industrial activity, and create more employment opportunities for the people of Ghana.

However, he said, the success would depend on strong partnerships and that government institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and community leaders must work together to transform those opportunities into viable businesses that would drive economic progress.

The Ashanti Region holds tremendous promise.

With the right partnerships and investments, it can become a leading centre of industrial growth and economic prosperity in Ghana, Mr Opong-Fosu stated.

The Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, said the region once possessed the Ghana Textiles Printing Company and Kumasi Shoe Factory that offered jobs for thousands of people.

The decline of these two institutions serves as an important reminder that economic progress requires constant renewal, adaptation and forward-thinking leadership, he said.

He indicated that ongoing efforts to properly document and consolidate investment opportunities into a comprehensive investment outline would become a powerful tool for attracting capital and accelerating development in the region.

As traditional custodians of the land, we emphasise that investment must be responsible, inclusive and sustainable.

Businesses that respect our communities , protect the environment and contribute to long-term development will always be welcomed, he said.
Featured

Digital platform to regulate courier sector launched

Juliet Akyaa Safo Mar - 13 - 2026 , 09:05 3 minutes read

The government has launched a digital regulatory platform aimed at streamlining the licensing and monitoring of courier and logistics operations in the country.

Known as the Integrated Courier and Logistics Management System (iCOLMS-GH), the platform would improve transparency and consumer protection within the sector.

Applicants can apply for a courier licence by visiting the portal www.pcsrc.gov.gh or by dialling the USSD short code *928*007#, and through the commissions WhatsApp chatbot line 0596111611.

Single bikers and courier operators have until March 31, 2026, to register on the platform, after which the system, which is being implemented by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), would begin enforcement and a nationwide crackdown on unregistered courier operators in collaboration with the police on April 1, 2026.

Significance

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who performed the launch in Accra yesterday, said it was in fulfilment of a promise made by the government to introduce a simple, accessible and digital system that would allow courier operators to obtain licences without disrupting their daily work.

He explained that the move followed a chaotic enforcement exercise in August 2025, involving the PCSRC and the Ghana Police Service, during which hundreds of motorbikes were seized.

Mr George explained that the ministry halted the crackdown because, although the law had to be enforced, operators first needed an easier way to comply with licensing requirements.

At that time, the ministry took a difficult but necessary decision to intervene and order an immediate halt to that crackdown. While the law must be enforced, it must be enforced with a humane face.

We realised that before we could ask for total compliance, we had to provide a system that would make licensing as easy as sending a WhatsApp message. Today, iCOLMS-GH is the fulfilment of that promise, he said.

Integration

Mr George further said that the iCOLMS-GH platform would allow courier companies and individual riders to register, renew licences and verify their regulatory status online without visiting the commissions office.

He said the system was integrated with other government platforms such as the National Identification Authority database and the ghana.gov portal, creating a paperless regulatory process and improving data management within the sector.

The minister added that the platform would be integrated with the TrafficTech-GH system managed by the Ghana Police to further strengthen regulatory oversight.

He said the platform would also strengthen consumer protection by allowing the public to verify the legitimacy of courier companies and riders before entrusting them with parcels.

Digital agenda

Mr George further explained that the system was part of the governments digitalisation drive to improve services and build trust in the countrys growing e-commerce industry.

He added that certification under iCOMS-GH was a mark of professionalism that would distinguish legitimate operators from those involved in illegal activities.

The minister cautioned the public against engaging unlicensed courier riders, as their parcels may be delayed or lost if enforcement officers arrest such operators.

Support

The acting Executive Secretary of PCSRC, Cosmas Anpengnuo, appealed to the public to support efforts to sanitise the courier and logistics industry by patronising only licensed operators.
GPA launches 50th anniversary celebration

Joyce Timbillah Awuni Mar - 13 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Ghana Publishers Association (GPA) has launched activities to mark its 50th anniversary, with a call on stakeholders to strengthen indigenous publishing, protect Ghanaian intellectual property and promote locally produced books to support national development.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghanaian stories, strengthening the publishing industry and shaping the countrys intellectual future.

The launch formed part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the association, which was established on March 10, 1976.

Held on the theme: 50 Years of Indigenous Book Publishing: Our Stories, Our Future, the event highlighted the role of indigenous publishing in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening education and amplifying Ghanaian voices.

It brought together publishers, government officials, development partners, educators, authors and members of the media to reflect on the associations achievements and chart a new direction for the publishing industry.

Celebrating five decades

Speaking at last Tuesdays launch, the Vice-President of the GPA and Chief Executive Officer of Afram Publishers Limited, Harriet Adelaide Tagoe, described the anniversary as a historic milestone for Ghanas publishing industry.

She explained that the association was founded five decades ago by visionary entrepreneurs who shared a common commitment to promoting, protecting and strengthening indigenous publishing in the country.

She said through resilience, innovation and dedication, the pioneers of the association laid a solid foundation that had sustained and advanced the countrys publishing industry over the years.

Ms Tagoe added that the Golden Jubilee was not only an opportunity to celebrate the past but also a moment to reflect on the associations journey and plan for the future.

Cultural responsibility

Ms Tagoe emphasised that indigenous publishing was not merely a commercial venture but a national and cultural responsibility.

Indigenous publishing is more than a business.

It is a cultural responsibility. It is about preserving our heritage, shaping national identity, amplifying Ghanaian voices, educating our children and ensuring that our stories are told by us and for us, she stated.

Despite challenges and technological changes in the global publishing landscape, she said the association had remained resilient and innovative.

The theme reminds us that our stories are powerful.

They educate, inspire and transform.

They connect generations and preserve history, Ms Tagoe added.

Stories, future

The President of the Ghana Publishers Association, Edward Yaw Udzu, said the anniversary represented an important milestone in the countrys intellectual and cultural journey.

Today is not merely the launch of an anniversary celebration.

Today marks a significant milestone in Ghanas intellectual and cultural journey, he said.

Mr Udzu said Ghanaian publishers had contributed significantly to preserving the countrys languages, traditions and historical memory through textbooks, novels, biographies, academic works and childrens literature.

When Ghanaian children read books written by Ghanaian authors and published by Ghanaian publishers, they do more than read stories.

They discover themselves, they understand their history and they begin to imagine their future, he said.

UNESCOs perspective

The UNESCO Country Director, Edmond Moukala, described the celebration as a landmark moment in Ghanas cultural history.

Fifty years of dedication to the written word is not just a corporate anniversary; it is a celebration of the preservation of the Ghanaian soul and the strengthening of its intellectual sovereignty, he said.

Mr Moukala emphasised that books remained powerful tools for the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of cultural identity.

As we reflect on 50 years of indigenous publishing, we must recognise that books represent the front line of intellectual decolonisation, he said.
Featured

President commissions LPG vessel in South Korea.... to boost energy security

Kester Aburam Korankye Mar - 13 - 2026 , 12:30 3 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new state-of-the-art Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel in the Republic of Korea, describing it as a strategic asset that will enhance energy security and support the cleaner energy agenda across the continent.

The event, which took place yesterday at a major shipyard in South Korea, a nation celebrated for its maritime engineering prowess, saw the official launch of the MT Asharami Ghana, a dual-fuel, fully refrigerated LPG carrier.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, industry leaders and partners, President Mahama emphasised that the occasion represented far more than the launch of a single vessel.

He stated that it marked a significant milestone in strengthening the infrastructure that underpinned the global LPG supply chain.

"For countries such as Ghana and many across Africa that rely partly on LPG imports to complement domestic production, the expansion of global shipping capacity is essential.

"It enhances supply security, improves reliability, stabilises pricing through more efficient logistics, and creates opportunities to diversify supply sources across international markets," President Mahama said.

The President highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, praising the collective vision of stakeholders and their commitment to safe and responsible energy distribution.

He said through the West Africa Gas Limited (WAGL) Energy initiative, the vessel was a strategic addition to a fleet designed to support the region's evolving energy needs.

Its deployment, he added, signalled a new chapter in regional energy logistics and strengthened access to reliable and cleaner energy across West Africa.

Cleaner energy

President Mahama underscored the vital role of LPG in the global transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly for millions of African households.

He said LPG offered a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels such as charcoal, firewood and kerosene, contributing to improved public health by reducing indoor air pollution and supporting environmental sustainability through decreased deforestation.

"Through strategic investments and forward-looking partnerships, such as the one we celebrate today, we are taking practical steps to enhance energy security for Ghana, West Africa, and Africa as a whole," he stated.

"These efforts contribute to building a just and inclusive energy transition that benefits present and future generations, he added.

The President provided context on Ghana's energy landscape, revealing that while the country produced about 50 per cent of its LPG requirements locally, it relied on imports for the remaining half.

He stressed that the new vessel, MT Asharami Ghana, would strengthen the collective ability to transport LPG safely, efficiently, and at scale.

"In doing so, they will help ensure that businesses, industries and households can depend on modern energy services that support economic growth and improve quality of life," he added.

Commendation

President Mahama commended the leadership, technical expertise and strategic foresight demonstrated by Sahara Group, WAGL Energy, and all partners involved in the project.

The President said their commitment demonstrated what could be achieved when innovation, investment, and collaboration converged to bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock sustainable economic opportunities across Africa.

The commissioning also showed the enduring value of international cooperation, reflecting the strength of partnerships between Africa and global friends, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

President Mahama was hopeful that the MT Asharami Ghana would stand as a symbol of progress, inspiring further investment, innovation, and collaboration across Africas energy value chain.

"Together, we can build the infrastructure, partnerships, and policies necessary to secure a sustainable and prosperous energy future for our continent," he said.
TOR positioned to refine Ghanas local crude

Benjamin Xornam Glover Mar - 13 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has reaffirmed its technical capacity to refine crude oil from Ghanas local fields, contrary to claims suggesting otherwise.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Corporate Affairs Officer in charge of External Affairs at TOR, Godwin Mahama Ayaba, stated that the refinery possessed the necessary equipment and technical expertise to process Ghanas crude oil, particularly from the Jubilee and TEN oil fields.

He said that available records from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, as well as from the refinery itself, clearly demonstrated that TOR had previously refined crude from Ghanas local fields.

Mr Ayaba cited a specific instance in 2016 when the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Energy, facilitated the supply of about one million barrels of crude oil from the TEN Field to the Tema Oil Refinery for processing.

That arrangement is a testament to the fact that TOR has the capacity to refine our local crude, he said.

He stated that discussions are now well advanced between the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Tema Oil Refinery about the possibility of supplying additional crude from Ghanas fields to the refinery for processing.

Light and sweet

Mr Ayaba explained that the crude produced from Ghanas fields was light and sweet, the exact type the refinerys facilities are designed to process.

Tema Oil Refinery

He further stated that technical assessments conducted by engineers at the refinery confirm that TOR can refine Ghanas crude even with its current operational equipment.

He said that, currently, the refinery was operating at 28,000 barrels per stream day, but plans were underway to significantly increase production capacity.

Mr Ayaba said the refinery was preparing to connect the F-61 furnace to the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) alongside the already operational F-1 furnace, a move expected to increase refining capacity from 28,000 barrels per stream day to 45,000 barrels per stream day.

He said the tie-in exercise was expected to be completed on or before the end of next month.

In the medium-term, we will further optimise operations to increase capacity from 45,000 to 60,000 barrels per stream day, Mr Ayaba added.

He also disclosed that TOR was pursuing a long-term expansion strategy involving the installation of a new 100,000-barrel-per-day refinery unit.

He indicated that once completed, the additional facility would increase the refinerys capacity from 60,000 barrels per stream day to about 160,000 barrels per stream day.

Mr Ayaba emphasised that the refinery was gradually returning to full operations, adding that President John Dramani Mahama was expected to lead the official recommissioning of the refinery as part of efforts to restore TOR to its full operational capacity.
Featured

Government pays only fuel costs when Mahama uses brothers jet  Kwakye Ofosu

GraphicOnline Mar - 13 - 2026 , 05:26 3 minutes read

The government has clarified that it does not bear the cost of maintaining the private jet belonging to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, which is sometimes used by President John Dramani Mahama for official international travel.

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the aircraft is deployed for presidential trips, while all maintenance-related obligations remain the responsibility of its owner.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Thursday, Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the arrangement allows the government to cut down on the significant costs typically associated with chartering aircraft for presidential travel.

The President does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it. The aircraft belongs to somebody, so the owner retains the services of the pilot and other personnel who work on it, he said.

According to him, hiring a jet on the open market would require the government to pay rental charges in addition to meeting fuel and other operational costs for the duration of the trip.

When the President rents an aircraft, apart from paying the rent, he would also have to cover fuel and all the costs associated with maintaining that aircraft during the time he is using it. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds, he explained.

The explanation follows renewed public discussion over the Presidents use of the private aircraft owned by his brother Ibrahim Mahama and branded Dzata, for official journeys abroad.

The debate intensified after the President departed for a state visit to South Korea aboard the jet instead of Ghanas official presidential aircraft, the Dassault Falcon 900EX.

Some members of the public and the Minority in Parliament, as well as policy think tank IMANI Africa, have questioned the appropriateness of the arrangement, raising concerns about both security considerations and the optics of a president travelling in a jet owned by a close relative.

Critics have also suggested that the practice could conflict with ethical guidelines governing the conduct of public officials.

Supporters of the arrangement, however, argue that using the aircraft may offer a practical and cost-saving alternative, particularly in light of concerns about the operational readiness of the countrys official presidential jet.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also disclosed that the government is expecting a new presidential aircraft currently under production, although a delivery timeline has not yet been confirmed.

I am not aware of a specific timeline, but I do not anticipate that it will be too long. As and when it is ready, it will come. This is because it has to be manufactured, and the process is ongoing, so when the process is completed, it will come, just like the first helicopter, he said.
Featured

Police, Immigration arrest 12 Nigerians in cyber fraud, trafficking crackdown

Emmanuel Bonney Mar - 13 - 2026 , 12:34 1 minute read

A joint security operation involving the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service has resulted in the arrest of 12 Nigerian nationals suspected of being involved in organised cyber fraud and human trafficking activities.

The operation was carried out by the Inspector-General of Polices Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, in collaboration with the Surveillance Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters and officers from the Amasaman Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service.

The targeted operation, conducted on March 12, 2026, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Malaika Jibril Alhassan, from Police Headquarters and Superintendent Francis Baidoo of the Amasaman Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service.

During a search of the premises, officers retrieved suspected cybercrime equipment, including 25 laptop computers and seven mobile phones believed to have been used in the alleged activities.

According to security officials, the suspects attempted to obstruct the operation by unleashing German Shepherd dogs on the officers.

However, reinforcement from the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team and the CID Surveillance Unit enabled the officers to secure the premises and complete the operation.

Meanwhile, six other suspected Nigerian nationals linked to the case are currently on the run and are being sought for illegal migration-related offences under the laws of the Republic of Ghana.

Investigations into the suspected cybercrime and human trafficking activities are ongoing.
Featured

Scholarship Authority boss rejects claims foreign nationals are benefiting from Ghana scholarships

GraphicOnline Mar - 13 - 2026 , 05:05 3 minutes read

The Director-General of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, has rejected claims circulating online that foreign nationals are benefiting from Ghanas scholarship programme, insisting that the individuals referenced in the controversy are Ghanaians who meet the schemes eligibility requirements.

Responding to the allegations in a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Asafo-Agyei described the claims as inaccurate and intended to mislead the public about how the scholarship system operates.

The claim that the beneficiaries in question are Canadian citizens is false. The individuals being referenced are Ghanaians by birth and parentage, he stated.

He explained that Ghanaian citizenship is the primary condition for accessing scholarships administered by the authority and said the beneficiaries cited in the reports satisfy that requirement.

The attempt to portray them as Canadians benefiting from Ghanaian scholarships is therefore deliberately misleading and unsupported by facts, he added.

The Director-General also used the statement to clarify how the national scholarship scheme is structured, noting that it is not limited only to financially disadvantaged students as is often assumed.

According to him, the authority applies three different pathways when awarding scholarships, including financial need, national priority programmes and merit-based selection.

The Ghana Scholarship Authority operates a three-tier framework for the award of scholarships: financial need (needy but brilliant), national priority for programmes critical to Ghanas development, and merit-based selection, he explained.

It is therefore intellectually dishonest to create the impression that any beneficiary who does not fall within the needy but brilliant category is undeserving.

Providing further details on the programme, Mr Asafo-Agyei said the authority had earmarked 5,000 scholarships for the 2026 academic cycle.

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, 5,000 scholarships have been earmarked. Out of this number, 2,000 are specifically reserved for the needy but brilliant category, he stated.

He said the remaining slots would be awarded under the merit and national priority categories in accordance with established guidelines.

Mr Asafo-Agyei stressed that the authoritys assessment process focuses strictly on eligibility criteria rather than an applicants background or perceived social connections.

The duty of the Authority is straightforward  to determine whether an applicant is Ghanaian and whether the applicant satisfies the established selection criteria, he noted.

Once those criteria are met under the applicable category, the Authority has no legal or administrative basis to deny an applicant simply because of speculation about family connections or background.

He also addressed arguments that scholarships should only be granted for courses unavailable in Ghana, explaining that such claims are based on provisions that were not legally in force at the time the awards under discussion were granted.

The argument being advanced relies on provisions from a legislative framework which, at the time the scholarships in question were awarded, had not yet come into force, he said.

Mr Asafo-Agyei noted that the legislation governing the authority was passed in November 2025 and assented to in December the same year, making it incorrect to apply those provisions retrospectively.

The Director-General further dismissed claims that scholarships were being sold or improperly traded, describing such allegations as unsupported.

The Ghana Scholarship Authority operates a documented and structured application and evaluation system. Allegations of corruption must be backed by credible evidence and presented to the appropriate investigative authorities rather than propagated through speculation, he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to protecting the credibility of the institution, Mr Asafo-Agyei said the authority would continue to operate with transparency and professionalism under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

Let me state unequivocally that, so long as I remain the Director-General of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, neither my integrity nor the well-redeemed reputation of the Authority will be compromised, he said.

He added that the authority would soon publish additional records covering scholarship beneficiaries between 2016 and 2024 as part of efforts to enhance transparency and make information more accessible to the public.
Next article: Government pays only fuel costs when Mahama uses brothers jet  Kwakye Ofosu

Scientists, media urged to work together to improve science reporting

Timothy Ngnenbe Mar - 13 - 2026 , 05:30 3 minutes read

The Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah, has called for closer working relations between researchers and the media to improve the communication of scientific findings for national development.

Prof. Opoku Mensah said scientific research played an important role in shaping evidence-based policies, but added that the work of journalists was necessary to make such information accessible to the public.

She explained that although scientists in the country were producing research findings in areas such as health, energy, climate change and the environment, those findings would have greater value when presented in clear language that people at the community level could understand.

This is where we need the media and journalists to understand science and help break down complex concepts for the benefit of the public, she said.

Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah, Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund, addressing journalists at the opening session of the UK-Ghana STI Reportage workshop.

The challenges confronting the country are many. We have scientific findings to address them, so the media should not be an afterthought in the knowledge ecosystem, she added.

Media workshop

Prof. Opoku Mensah made the remarks at the opening of a four-day capacity building programme on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) reporting in Accra on March 10, 2026.

The programme was organised by the British High Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The workshop forms part of the UKGhana Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy implemented through the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) at KNUST in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The initiative, introduced in 2023, aims to use scientific research to address development challenges.

Under the programme, 25 journalists are undergoing training in STI reporting to strengthen their ability to communicate scientific issues to the public.

Research role

Prof. Opoku Mensah said the establishment of the GNRF reflected the governments recognition of the role of research in national development.

She said researchers and journalists must view their roles as complementary in building a knowledge-driven society where the public understands science and technology.

This STI programme speaks directly to the mandate of the GNRF. We must recognise that research reaches its full value when its findings get to the people who need them, she said.

She urged participants to take the training seriously and work towards producing strong stories on science and technology.

Partnership

In his remarks, the Director of the Office of Grants and Research at KNUST, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, said closer relations between scientists and the media would support the countrys progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prof. Kponyo said when scientists and journalists work together, the government would have access to well-researched information to guide policy decisions.
Electricity and water tariffs to drop from April 1  PURC announces new rates

Previous article: Electricity and water tariffs to drop from April 1  PURC announces new rates

Featured

UK donates advanced drug detection device to boost Ghana's anti-narcotics fight

Jemima Okang Addae Mar - 13 - 2026 , 13:19 2 minutes read

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has received advanced drug detection equipment valued at 56,752 from the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) to enhance Ghanas capacity to detect and combat narcotics trafficking.

The equipment  an Agilent Resolve Raman Analyser  enables law enforcement officers to quickly and safely identify suspected narcotic substances during operations. The portable device allows officers to analyse substances on the spot, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories and thereby improving both efficiency and operational safety.

The Regional Manager for West Africa at HOIO in Accra, Ian Cunliffe, formally presented the equipment during a brief ceremony, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling organised crime.

We recognise the practical contribution to the important work that your officers carry out every day to protect Ghana and the wider region, he said.

Mr Cunliffe noted that cooperation between HOIO and NACOC had strengthened over the years through mutual trust and professionalism. He added that the partnership also involves collaboration with the National Crime Agency in addressing cross-border criminal activities.

Our teams cooperate closely with the National Crime Agency, and this donation reflects our shared commitment to supporting Ghanas efforts against organised crime, he noted.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of NACOC, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barimah, expressed gratitude to HOIO for the support.

He described the donation as timely and significant in strengthening the commissions operational capacity in the fight against narcotics trafficking.

We are grateful for this kind gesture and the continued support from our partners, he said.

Mr Twum-Barimah also underscored the need for sustained cooperation between NACOC and its international partners to address the increasingly complex nature of organised crime.

While thanking HOIO for the equipment, he appealed for additional support, particularly in the area of specialised training for NACOC personnel.

NACOC will also appreciate similar gestures in the future, particularly support for specialised training programmes for our intelligence and undercover officers to further boost their operational efficiency, he stated.

He emphasised that strengthening intelligence gathering and covert operations remains critical to dismantling increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.
Featured

Verify before you travel  Foreign Affairs Ministry cautions public over rising visa fraud

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Mar - 13 - 2026 , 10:43 2 minutes read

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has cautioned the public, particularly young people, to be wary of visa Ponzi schemes that lure victims with promises of travel and employment opportunities abroad.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 13, 2026, the ministry said it had observed a worrying increase in fraudulent activities linked to individuals and networks associated with QNET and similar operations targeting unsuspecting Ghanaians.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana wishes to caution the public, particularly Ghanaian youth, against the activities of individuals and networks associated with QNET and similar schemes.

The Ministry has observed with concern the increasing incidents of Ghanaian nationals who are being lured to travel outside the country under false pretences, including promises of employment opportunities, business prospects, and assistance in securing European visas, it said.

Victims stranded abroad

The ministry said the deceptive schemes had left several victims stranded in foreign countries after travelling on false promises.

It explained that some victims had been detained by immigration authorities, while others had been exposed to distressing and exploitative situations after arriving abroad.

These deceptive schemes have resulted in several victims being stranded, detained by foreign immigration authorities, or subjected to distressing and exploitative conditions abroad, the statement said.

Call for vigilance

The ministry advised the public to exercise caution and verify all travel, recruitment and business offers through official channels before committing funds or making travel arrangements.

It further urged parents, guardians and community leaders to support efforts to educate young people and the wider public about the risks associated with such schemes.

Report suspicious activities

The ministry also encouraged members of the public to report suspected visa scams and related fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities.

Suspicious activities should be reported promptly to the Ministry via the following contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

/ +233204552750 or the relevant security and immigration authorities, it stated.

Governments commitment

The ministry assured the public that it was working with relevant state institutions to tackle the activities of criminal networks involved in the schemes.

The Ministry remains committed to working with relevant national institutions to protect the welfare of Ghanaian citizens and to curb the activities of criminal networks who prey on unsuspecting individuals, it added.
Featured

Demonstrate political will to confront problems - Dr Bukari urges Mahama

Albert K. Salia Politics Mar - 13 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Head of Department of Political Science, University for Development Studies (UDS), Dr Gbensuglo Alidu Bukari, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate the political will to confront the problems he has identified as holding back the development of the country.

He said the Presidents acknowledgment of economic strain, infrastructure deficits, and the corrosive effects of corruption and illegal mining was important, but it must confront the systems that sustain them.

Sharing his perspectives on the Presidents State of the Nation Address and Independence Day Speech, Dr Bukari said the nation expected more than a constitutional formality but direction, honesty and resolve to address the problems facing the country.

Cycle

He said 69 years after the declaration of political freedom anchored in economic transformation and social justice by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana remains a stable democracy, but its economic vulnerabilities and governance challenges persist.

Why does Ghana repeatedly cycle through debt crises? Why do corruption scandals recur despite countless reform pledges? Why has illegal mining survived multiple administrations? he asked.

Dr Bukari acknowledged that the President had detailed plans under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme to revitalise the countrys road network.

He noted that the citizenry was increasingly demanding measurable outcomes, clear timelines, cost transparency and fiscal sustainability.

Large infrastructure programmes, if poorly managed, can deepen debt burdens.

Therefore, while the review was in scope, its credibility will depend on transparent execution and strict financial discipline, he stated.

Corruption

Dr Bukari said that although the President reaffirmed a commitment to fighting corruption and illegal mining, these twin challenges have damaged public trust and degraded Ghanas environment.

He observed that the acknowledgement of their severity signals seriousness, but was quick to point out that Ghanaians have heard similar commitments before.

What the Ghanaian public now demands from the political class or the President is enforcement without fear or favour, he stated.

Code of conduct

The senior political science lecturer said the most significant element of the address was the announcement that the government had laid the Public Officers Code of Conduct Bill before Parliament.

He said if passed and enforced, that legislation could mark a meaningful governance reset, stressing that codifying standards and attaching legal consequences to breaches moves accountability from moral appeal to enforceable obligation.

Dr Bukari stated that a reset required institutional reform, not just political messaging.

Strengthening accountability frameworks and reaffirming due process suggest a deliberate attempt to recalibrate governance in Ghana, he stressed.

He, however, pointed out that a reset must go beyond laws on paper and rhetoric.

It must ensure independent enforcement, shield oversight bodies from political interference and demonstrate visible consequences for misconduct.

Without implementation, even the best-designed legislation risks becoming symbolic, he stated.

He said Ghanaians would judge the President by the results he would deliver through improvements in the livelihoods of the people without expanding unsustainable debt under the Big Push programme; whether anti-corruption efforts would lead to high-profile, impartial prosecutions and whether the Code of Conduct Bill would transform political culture.

It requires sustained political will, institutional independence and citizen vigilance.

As Ghana celebrates 69 years of independence, the real reset will not be declared; it must be demonstrated, he stated.
Here's how the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will improve its connectivity

Samsung is widely expected to launch the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 this year, to mark its predecessor's two-year anniversary. The most likely scenario is it being unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was recently rumored to employ the just-announced Snapdragon Wear Elite SoC, which would differentiate the Ultra further from the Galaxy Watch9 it's supposedly launching with (as that model would keep using the Exynos W1000 also seen in the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch7).

Now a new rumor tells us about another upgrade that Samsung has allegedly baked into the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: 5G connectivity. Its predecessor maxed out at 4G, so this would be a welcome addition and yet another feature that would justify that Ultra name (and the associated price point).

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

With this addition, Samsung would follow in Apple's footsteps, as the Cupertino company brought 5G connectivity to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 which launched in September of last year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

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Source (in Dutch)
One UI 8.5 beta program opens for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7

Samsung has finally opened the One UI 8.5 beta program to Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 users in India and South Korea. Until now, the beta update had been limited to the Galaxy S25 series.

The One UI 8.5 beta update for the Galaxy Z Fold7 is around 4.2GB in size and carries firmware versions F966NKSU8ZZC5 (South Korea) and F966BXXU8ZZC5 (India). The update also includes the February 2026 Android security patch.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is receiving the update with firmware version F766NKSU8ZZC5, which also weighs around 4.2GB and includes the February 2026 security patch.

Based on Android 16, the One UI 8.5 beta introduces an updated user interface along with new features and improved Galaxy AI capabilities.

To enroll in the One UI 8.5 beta program on the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, users need to install the Samsung Members app, sign in with their Samsung account, and register through the Beta Program banner within the app. Once enrolled, the update will appear in the Software update section of the Settings app.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

Source 1 . Source 2 . Via
A Superior Court jury will soon decide whether Jenna Rose C. Manibusan is guilty in the robbery and shooting death of 53-year-old Sumittra Lairopi outside Thai Thai Healthy Cuisine Restaurant on Feb. 14, 2024.

Manibusan, along with Domingo C. Mendiola and Johnny Atalig, faces charges in the violent slaying of the mother of three on Valentines Day two years ago.

After more than two weeks of testimony, closing arguments on Thursday wrapped up the high-profile trial before Superior Court Judge Alberto Lamorena.

Prosecuting attorney Curtis Van de veld argued that multiple contradictions in Manibusans accounts point to her guilt, urging jurors to focus on her changing explanations about a copper-colored Hyundai Santa Fe, gasoline deliveries, and a tangled timeline. He said her own words, sketches, and video surveillance tie her to the crime.

Van de veld pressed jurors to rely on their own recollection and cautioned them to disregard anything outside the evidence, explaining that questions or objections from lawyers are not evidence unless included in a witnesss testimony.

It is your recollection which controls. It is what you recall from the evidence that was presented through the witnesses that came into the witness stand testified after being sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, he said.

The prosecutions case depended on what Van de veld described as clashing stories from Manibusan, particularly about her actions before and after Lairopis death. He referenced her testimony about a dispute with Mendiola, her explanations for leaving and returning, and her claims of being a victim of prior abuse.

But people who are victims of abuse. We all know from our lifes experience, those people, they go along with whatever is told because if they dont, they know theyre going to suffer repercussions, and so they dont confront the person that is their abuser. It just doesnt happen, he said.

Van de veld then drew attention to inconsistencies between Manibusans handwritten statement and her oral statements to police.

He pressed the jury on what he described as her calculated distancing from the Hyundai Santa Fe, arguing that her knowledge of the vehicle, its operator, and the timing of gasoline deliveries links her to Mendiola and Ataligs alleged plan.

She tries to indicate her lack of knowledge about the Santa Fe thats really important, because her knowledge about the Santa Fe and its operator would indicate her knowledge of their activities, Van de veld said.

He pointed to sketches Manibusan made during questioning.

Van de veld also referenced video footage to challenge her explanations.

But you all saw the video, and in the video, she stops, he said.

He questioned the rationale for switching vehicles, citing testimony from Aaron Lizette Lorzell, a maintenance worker at Grand Condos who saw someone peeking around a corner and believed they might be attempting to steal from the back of a truck.

Van de veld pressed the issue of motive and means, citing financial desperation and the need for gasoline.

They are so desperate for money, so desperate that they cant even come up with money from gasoline and she is not working, and hes been out since at least 10 oclock in the morning, all the way till after 11 oclock at night. How are they going to financially survive? he asked jurors. Youd be concerned if it was you and you had no money, and you had expenses, youd want to know how youre going to get through things. She doesnt explain it.

He then walked jurors through a minute-by-minute video trail covering locations, including the East West Business Center, Bank of Guam, Paraiso Street, and Guam Premier Outlets, connecting timestamps, travel routes, and vehicle identities to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Van de veld argued this evidence placed the incidents around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2024, consistent with Manibusans account of her childrens school schedule, and rejected defense attempts to push the timeline later in the day.

Defense side

Turning to the defense, jurors heard a sharp critique of the governments case from attorney Peter Santos, who argued that prosecutors had never moved beyond mere suspicion in the trial.

Santos said the government relied on tunnel vision, confirmation bias, and sloppy police work, building its theory almost entirely on the shifting story of co-defendant Johnny Atalig, whom he repeatedly referred to as Saint Johnny and who investigators had caught lying multiple times.

He told jurors that little evidence connected Manibusan to the crime, describing the prosecutions case as failing to establish anything beyond speculation.

Santos urged jurors to consider whether the governments theory was the only reasonable explanation, noting that Manibusans version of events had not been ruled impossible.

Much of Santos closing focused on the credibility of Atalig, whose statements and video confessions tied Manibusan to the crime. He argued that police and prosecutors repeatedly relied on Johnnys account even after discovering he had lied multiple times.

He criticized reliance on minor inconsistencies in witness statements and likened it to convicting someone of murder over confusing a bagel with a donut.

Santos further argued that the investigation locked onto Manibusan too quickly and failed to pursue basic steps that could have confirmed or refuted her account of the day.

He criticized investigators for failing to extract phone records, text messages, or conduct a formal interview, while recording Johnnys video confessions in detail.

He also questioned the work of lead Detective Maylene Wolford Mafnas, describing her report as incomplete and noting that she had been awake for 27 hours while spending only about an hour with Manibusan.

Santos urged jurors to compare excerpts of her report entered by the prosecution with her full report, pointing out that the determination of probable cause came after the portions submitted as evidence.

Guilty of bad choices in boyfriends

He asked jurors to weigh the picture of Manibusan presented during testimony, including her role as an adoptive mother and caretaker.

Santos argued that prosecutors tried to turn financial strain and reliance on public assistance into a motive for violent crime.

Because she was broke, she is a robber and she is a murderer, Santos said. That is basically what Mr. Van de veld wants you to believe, because she could not afford gas because she had to use a food stamp card to get snacks.

He said the real culprits are the men around her.

We all know the type, right? The Domingo Mendiolas and the Johnny Ataligs, Santos told jurors. The only thing Jenna Manibusan is guilty of is bad choices in boyfriends.

The jury was still deliberating as of Friday afternoon.
According to an analyst report, Apple aims to take market share from its competitors with the iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max because they are forced to pass on price increases for memory chips to their customers. Apple, on the other hand, is reportedly able to absorb the additional costs and wants to release the devices in the fall at the previous prices, claims a well-known analyst from the supply industry in the Far East.

Continue after ad

The new MacBook Neo with iPhone chip has shown where the journey is heading, according to Taiwanese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Although RAM and SSDs have become significantly more expensive due to the high hardware demand from AI data centers and scarcity, Apple has launched its new MacBook at a price of 699 Euros. How the MacBook Neo is revolutionizing the notebook market is already being intensely discussed. In the run-up, it was speculated that the new device could be significantly more expensive and that better-equipped models would increase in price.

MacBook Neo as an indication of Apple's strategy?

This was a major surprise for Apple's competitors, who have so far focused on lower prices. Especially for Asus, the MacBook Neo is a shock, as the manufacturer did not expect such aggressive pricing. Apple's competitors mostly have to either increase their prices or reduce the equipment of their devices due to the turbulence in the memory market. Industry experts are already warning that mid-range notebooks could become almost 40 percent more expensive. Not so Apple: The company can absorb the component prices. According to Kuo, however, Apple negotiates memory prices quarterly and is thus also exposed to the risk of price fluctuations.

That Cupertino is not entirely immune to developments is indicated by a change in the Mac Studio. Apple's best-equipped desktop computer can no longer be ordered with 512 GByte RAM. This should affect very few customers, as this configuration was very expensive  but it is likely related to the shortage or high prices for DRAM and NAND.

(mki)

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.
Lindtman, who leads the Social Democratic Party, said the government should suspend its legislative proposal and allow parliament parties to assess Finlands nuclear policy through a temporary parliamentary working group.

Finlands main opposition leader Antti Lindtman demanded a halt to government plans that would remove legal restrictions on nuclear weapons from Finnish law, calling for a cross-party review of the countrys nuclear policy after talks with President Alexander Stubb and party leaders in Helsinki on Friday.

He presented the proposal after a meeting at the Presidential Palace between President Stubb and the leaders of parliamentary parties.

Parliamentary cooperation has long guided major foreign and security policy decisions in Finland, Lindtman said at a press conference. This proposal would restore that tradition and allow parties to examine possible changes without conditions set in advance by the government.

The Social Democratic proposal contains four elements. It calls for the government to create a cross-party working group with representatives from all parliamentary parties. The group would review Finlands nuclear policy and assess potential legislative changes between April and June.

During that period, Lindtman said the government should freeze its current legislative project. Parliament would then consider any proposals from the working group during the autumn session.

The dispute centres on a government plan to amend the Nuclear Energy Act and remove provisions that ban the transport or stationing of nuclear weapons in Finland. Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said last week that the government intends to eliminate most nuclear-related restrictions from national legislation.

The move has drawn criticism from several opposition parties, which say the proposal emerged without consultation with parliament.

The government and the president support removing the restrictions while issuing a political declaration stating that nuclear weapons would not be brought to Finland during peacetime.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government is preparing language for Finlands foreign and security policy report that would state that nuclear weapons will not be stationed in the country in peacetime.

Lindtman rejected reliance on a political declaration alone.

One cannot rely only on a declaration, he said. Legal provisions remain necessary.

He questioned why the existing ban in Finnish law should pose a problem when other NATO members maintain similar restrictions. Lindtman listed Lithuania, Iceland, Latvia and Romania as examples of states with comparable policies.

President Stubb said the discussion among party leaders had eased tensions around the issue and called for broad national agreement on Finlands nuclear policy.

Nobody has proposed bringing nuclear weapons to Finland, Stubb said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace. The principle remains that nuclear weapons are not needed in Finland during peacetime.

Stubb said Finland must still operate as a NATO member without legislative limitations that affect alliance policy.

Finlands deterrence equals NATOs deterrence, he said. Nuclear weapons form part of that deterrence.

The president outlined five principles for Finlands nuclear policy. He said Finland should benefit from the full security guarantee offered by NATO, avoid placing nuclear weapons on its territory, remain committed to international disarmament agreements, cooperate with Nordic allies on nuclear policy and retain sovereign decision-making on nuclear deterrence.

The issue also links to Finlands defence cooperation agreement with the United States, signed in 2024. The agreement grants US forces access to Finnish bases. The current Finnish law still prohibits nuclear weapons from entering or passing through Finnish territory.

Lindtman argued that changes to those restrictions require a broader political process.

The government hopes parliament will process both the legislative change and the updated foreign and security policy report before the summer recess. The opposition proposal would shift that timetable to later in the year.

HT
The waiver, announced by the US Treasury, allows countries to buy Russian crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels on or before March 12. The authorisation remains valid until April 11, according to the licence published by the Treasury Department.

The United States has issued a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea, prompting sharp criticism from European leaders who warned the decision could increase revenue for Moscow during the war in Ukraine.

Washington said the step forms part of efforts to stabilise global energy markets after the USIsraeli war against Iran disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measure was designed as a limited response to rising prices.

This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, Bessent wrote in a statement on X.

Benchmark prices remained above $100 a barrel during trading in Asia after rising earlier in the week.

The International Energy Agency said the conflict with Iran has produced the largest oil supply disruption recorded in modern markets. Fighting and retaliatory strikes in the region have halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route used by roughly one fifth of global oil and gas tanker traffic.

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev said the decision would affect around 100 million barrels of Russian oil currently held on ships worldwide, close to one day of global oil production.

Against the backdrop of the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy supplies appears increasingly inevitable, Dmitriev wrote on Telegram.

The waiver represents the second easing of sanctions on Russian energy exports within a week. Earlier in March, Washington granted India a similar 30-day exemption allowing refiners to purchase Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea.

The move has drawn criticism from European governments and Ukraine, which argue that relaxing sanctions risks increasing funds available to Moscows military campaign.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the decision by Washington was wrong and warned it could undermine pressure on Russia.

We think thats wrong, Merz said during a visit to Norway alongside Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem, he added, questioning the reasons behind the US decision.

Merz said Germany and its partners in the Group of Seven had urged Washington not to loosen sanctions during a call earlier this week. He also warned that Russia could exploit the global energy crisis to weaken Ukraine.

We want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine, Merz said.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed those concerns after discussions with G7 leaders on the impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy markets.

Prices rising doesnt mean we should review our sanctions policies against Russia, Macron said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticised the decision, arguing that increased oil revenues would strengthen Russias military capabilities.

The lifting of sanctions means that Russia will receive more money, Zelenskyy said during a visit to Paris.

He warned that additional funding could support weapons production and attacks linked to Russias war effort.

European leaders have emphasised that pressure on Moscow should continue despite the widening conflict in the Middle East.

Russia continues to show no willingness to negotiate, Merz said. We must further increase the pressure on Moscow.

Energy prices have surged in recent weeks as fighting between Israel, the United States and Iran escalated.

The Trump administration said the waiver forms part of a broader effort to control energy prices while maintaining pressure on Iran. President Donald Trump has also ordered the US International Development Finance Corporation to provide insurance guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf.

Officials have also said the US Navy could escort commercial vessels in the region to ensure shipping continues.

The White House has explored further emergency measures to stabilise energy supply, including the possible temporary suspension of the Jones Act to allow easier transport of fuel between US ports.

The International Energy Agency has already coordinated a release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves among its 32 member countries, the largest release in the organisations history.

Despite those steps, Brent crude remains above $100 a barrel after starting the year at about $60.

HT
A HUSBAND and wife, bus co-ordinator and clean air campaigner in Henley have received the town medal.

Norman and Sally Daniells, who live in Blandy Road, have fundraised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for more than 50 years.

Robin Popham, who lives in Valley Road, has helped run the Henley Handybus for about 15 years.

David Dickie, who lives in St Katherines Road, is an air quality campaigner who is part of the charge to stop heavy goods vehicles using the town as a cut through.

They were presented with the award by Mayor Tom Buckley at a ceremony at the town hall on Wednesday last week, which was attended by family, friends and councillors.

Cllr Buckley also told of how he had nominated Mr and Mrs Daniells. He said: When my wife and I arrived in Henley, about nine years ago, we went for a walk along the river and there was a stall for donations to the RNLI.

Growing up in Northern Ireland, by the sea, we used to go sailing and the RNLI was a very big thing for me. To be honest, I saw the stall and I didnt really understand why there was a big presence here.

But, over the years, I got more involved and I met some of my closest friends there. I think the amount of work you both have done, even still in your eighties, to raise money, there are not many people who have put that much effort in across Henley to have done what you both have.

Cllr Buckley said that town and district councillor, Kellie Hinton, had seconded the motion to award the couple the medal, calling Mr Daniells grandad as he went to school with her mother.

Mr Daniells said: We are immensely grateful to receive the town medal this evening and we thank the mayor and the town council for this very generous and thoughtful honour. To be recognised by the town that has been our familys home for nearly 200 years is incredibly touching.

Any contribution we have made to the town has simply come from a love of Henley and it is a desire to give something back to a community that has given so much to us. We are very aware that Henley thrives because of the kindness, commitment and quiet dedication of so many people and it is with real humility that we accept this recognition.

Town and district councillor Stefan Gawrysiak told of Mr Dickies passion to educate all about the issue of air pollution.

He said: David was one of the first people in the UK to recognise and act upon the dangers of particulates and vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel engines.

Ten years ago, David founded Clean Air Henley, which has since run a series of impactful campaigns.

Cllr Gawrysiak told of how Mr Dickie has visited every school in Henley to talk about pollution and launched Cafe Scientifique, a forum to debate science issues.

He said: For the past eight years, David has led the monitoring of Henleys air quality with equipment provided by the town council.

In addition to all of his air quality work, David started Cafe Scientifique and has now delivered 125 sessions. Its completely free. He has also lent his expertise to the HGV campaign. We might even say hes too qualified for a mere town medal. We did look at other awards that were suitable but, unfortunately, the Nobel Peace Prize has been given to somebody else.

Mr Dickie, who has lived in Henley for about 80 years, said: I got involved with air quality and I started to realise how serious this is. These carbon particles, they get inside your body and dont dissolve because they cant. They get everywhere, including into your brain, and they can affect you badly.

Town councillor Gill Dodds paid tribute to Mr Popham. She said: Robin has been the lynchpin of the running of the Henley Handybus for about 15 years.

Youre one of Henleys unsung heroes, which is what I call you. The Handybus is so important to the Over-60s Club because it collects our members directly from their homes and brings them to the club and then delivers them back afterwards.

Its always done with such kindness and thoughtfulness and we are so grateful to you. It is a big thing to organise and its very appropriate, Robin, that you join this prestigious list of town medal winners and unsung heroes. Thank you for all that you do.
AI-powered farming transforms China's grain production

People's Daily Online) 16:14, March 12, 2026

China is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to modernize agriculture, improve efficiency, and secure the nation's food supply, according to national lawmakers and political advisors at the recently concluded "two sessions," the annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body.

From drones surveying fields to automated planting and harvesting machines, AI-powered equipment is playing an increasingly important role across the entire farming process, said Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun.

"Last year, we used more than 300,000 agricultural drones, the highest number worldwide," Han said during the fourth session of the 14th NPC.

Many national lawmakers and political advisors at the "two sessions" stressed the role of AI in ensuring grain production meets quantity, quality and variety targets.

Photo shows the ecological experience zone of Qiaofu Dayuan Agricultural Co., Ltd. in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Qiao Wenzhi)

In northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a major grain-producing region, authorities have introduced integrated smart farming solutions that replace traditional weather-dependent practices with data-driven, remotely monitored operations, according to Liang Huiling, governor of Heilongjiang Province.

"In 2025, Heilongjiang's grain output surpassed 82 billion kilograms, maintaining its position as China's top grain producer for the 16th consecutive year," Liang said.

"Agricultural production has evolved from reliance on oxen and horses to tractors, and now to intelligent equipment," said Qiao Wenzhi, chairman of Qiaofu Dayuan Agricultural Co., Ltd., based in Wuchang city, Heilongjiang Province.

Qiao, who is also an NPC deputy, noted that smart technologies have made standardized farming a reality, helping maintain yields and improve quality.

NPC deputy Nie Shoujun, who is also the deputy head of the Suihua Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said that fully automated farms are already operational in Heilongjiang, reducing labor intensity while increasing precision and efficiency.

"In the past, farmers applied pesticides manually using backpack sprayers," Nie said. "Today, drones handle aerial spraying operations, greatly improving efficiency and ensuring more precise application."

Chen Yujia, secretary of the Communist Party of China branch in Shangguandi village, Bohai town, Ning'an city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, and also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, checks the growth of rice in a rice field. (Photo courtesy of Chen Yujia)

"At Qixing farm, you can hardly see anyone working in the fields. Fully unmanned operations and automated management have taken root across Heilongjiang," he added.

As the first college graduate in her village to return to her hometown to start a business, NPC deputy Chen Yujia has witnessed how technology has transformed farming and empowered farmers.

"Farming used to rely on experience; now we can use technology-driven tools such as meteorological cloud platforms and solar-powered insecticidal lamps," Chen said.

The nationwide push for smart agriculture is also gaining attention from political advisors from the country's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

During the "two sessions," Wei Mingde, a member of the Legislative Council of HKSAR and a member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, made concrete suggestions on the in-depth integration of advanced technological achievements into various links of agricultural production.

He suggested integrating AI, the Internet of Things, big data, and blockchain into farming operations, along with intensified investment in digital infrastructure and talent development to ensure technological innovations reach the fields.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
NPC deputy helps transform crab breeding into a thriving industry in Gaochun, E China's Jiangsu

People's Daily Online) 13:33, March 13, 2026

Xing Qingsong attends a meeting during the annual sessions of China's top legislature and top political advisory body in Beijing. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

During a break at the "two sessions," the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body, in Beijing, Xing Qingsong, secretary of the general Party branch of Maocheng village in Zhuanqiang town, Gaochun district, Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, made a phone call to check on the installation of equipment for aquatic product deep processing.

More than 30 years ago, Xing, who started out as a crab farmer, spearheaded efforts to establish an aquatic product breeding cooperative, leading more than 3,000 members to tap into the market.

Today, the total crab-breeding area in Gaochun district stands at around 220,000 mu (about 14,667 hectares). Aquaculture, with crab breeding as the core, has become a pillar industry in Gaochun, benefiting more than 100,000 farming households.

Xing Qingsong visits a cooperative to learn about crab breeding in Gaochun district, Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Dandan)

Since being elected a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, in 2018, Xing has put forward suggestions on advancing the construction of an ecological product trading and innovation platform and strengthening the protection of germplasm resources. He has also led local farmers in building breeding bases, raising brand awareness, and expanding markets.

In 2023, Xing was re-elected an NPC deputy. During a visit, a crab farmer told him that high temperatures had affected crab growth. Despite the high yield, income per mu from crab ponds was about 3,000 yuan lower than in previous years.

To address the issue, Xing carried out extensive research and found that supply had exceeded demand that year, while the summer heat had also affected the quality of the crabs. He said the industry should strengthen its weak link by developing deep processing, thereby reinforcing its foundation.

Workers install equipment for the deep processing of aquatic products at a factory in Gaochun district, Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Dandan)

Last spring, an aquatic product deep-processing project initiated by Xing began construction. Covering 121 mu, the project will feature eight automated production lines and more than 100 pieces of specialized equipment after it is completed.

"The project will be put into operation in April. In its first year, it is expected to process 15,000 tonnes of aquatic products, generate sales of 800 million yuan (about $116 million), and create more than 1,000 jobs," Xing said.

Farmers release crab seedlings in a pond in Gaochun district, Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Gaochun district)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
There is a particular kind of military service that does not end when the uniform comes off. It continues in classrooms, in mentorship, in the patient and deliberate work of preparing young people to lead. Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah understood that kind of service better than most. He lived it every day at Old Dominion University  the same institution where, as a young enlisted soldier, he had first decided what kind of man he wanted to be.

On Thursday morning, March 12, 2026, Shah was killed in his classroom at ODU's Constant Hall when a convicted ISIS supporter opened fire. He was 40 years old. He was, by every account from those who knew him, exactly where he had always wanted to be.

"All he wanted to do was come back and teach at ODU," said one of his close friends, a former ROTC cadet who had trained with Shah years before. "That was his dream. And he got the job."

From Staunton to the Army, From the Army to ODU

Shah was a native of Staunton, Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist and enrolled at Old Dominion University in 2005. Shah received his Army commission and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in military science.

From that commission, Shah built a military career of genuine distinction. During his military career, Shah logged more than 1,200 flight hours in three different aircraft and completed more than 600 combat flight hours as an Army aviator. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and a rotation to Korea  a full and demanding arc of service that took him across theaters of war while building the skills and experience that would eventually make him an extraordinary teacher.

His individual awards include the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He earned an MBA from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business and a master's degree in engineering management from the University of Kansas  a combination of academic credentials that speaks to his restless intellectual ambition alongside his physical and professional ones.

He served in the active duty Army, the Army Reserves, and the Virginia Army National Guard. His final assignment before returning to ODU was as the Brigade S3  the senior operations officer  of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia.

Returning Home to Lead

Shah returned to Old Dominion University in the summer of 2022 to lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion where he previously served as a student. He became a professor of military science and department chair  responsible not only for the curriculum and training of the cadets in his battalion, but for the culture and character of the program itself.

ODU's alumni profile describes Shah as an advocate for minority and veteran business education and involvement, holding accolades including combat heroism awards and diversity and inclusion honors, and a volunteer who gave his time to support the less fortunate.

Those who knew him from his cadet days describe a man who carried his values with quiet consistency. "He could take whatever feeling was in the room that wasn't happy... and make it happy. He just exuded optimism and positivity," said Jason Fedish, a former cadet leader who now lives in California.

Aerock Parinas, who met Shah through the ROTC program nearly two decades ago, reflected on the shock of his loss: "Life is so short... you need to tell your loved ones you love them while you still can."

The Students He Shaped  and Who Saved Lives in His Name

The most searing testament to Shah's leadership came in the moments after he was killed. The ROTC students in the room  his students  did not flee. They confronted the armed attacker, subdued him, and prevented what could have been a far larger massacre.

"Even back in our day... any one of us would have done the exact same thing," said Fedish, reflecting on the training and culture Shah and others had built in the Monarch Battalion.

FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged as much in a statement posted to social media: "The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him  actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement." FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans was equally direct: "Brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I'm not sure what else he may have done."

Those students are, in every meaningful sense, a reflection of the man who trained them.

The Community He Loved Mourns

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger was among the first to speak publicly about Shah's death. "Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed today in his classroom at Old Dominion University. A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didn't just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path. I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family."

Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, who represents the Chesapeake area where Shah lived, wrote: "He was a beloved ROTC leader at ODU in a program he was once enrolled in as a young man. He will be missed terribly by our community and our hearts are broken tonight."

Voorhees University, in South Carolina, confirmed that Shah was the son-in-law of a Voorhees University trustee and alumnus, underscoring how deeply his life and service connected communities beyond Hampton Roads.

ODU President Brian Hemphill addressed the campus community Thursday: "Our campus and our community have been truly shaken and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence, and we want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and the victims and those that were impacted by this act today."

A Life Measured in Service

There is a through-line in Brandon Shah's life that runs from the young man who enlisted in Staunton in 2003, to the cadet who earned his commission at ODU in 2007, to the combat aviator who flew more than 600 hours in war zones, to the professor who came home to build the next generation of officers. It is a line of continuous, deliberate service  to his country, to his institution, and to the young people in his care.

"If he were here  I'd tell him I'm proud of you," said Fedish. "One person can make a change. If we had more people like him... the world would be a much better place."

Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah was that kind of person. He made the world a better place  and he died doing the work he loved most.

He is survived by his family. Funeral arrangements had not yet been announced as of publication.

Anyone with information about Thursday's attack is encouraged to submit a tip at fbi.gov/ODUshooting or tips.fbi.gov.

Originally published on University Herald
A man is dead after ramming his vehicle into a Michigan synagogue and exchanging gunfire with security, and federal agents have now taken over the investigation.

Authorities say the attacker drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township on Thursday.

The vehicle smashed through doors and continued down a hallway inside the building before stopping. Security personnel confronted the driver and "engaged with the suspect" in gunfire, according to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, according to ABC News.

Officials found the suspect's body inside the vehicle, which had caught fire after coming to a stop in the synagogue. Investigators have not yet determined whether he died from gunfire or another cause related to the incident. His identity and motive have not been released.

The FBI has assumed control of the case and is treating it as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. Jennifer Runyan, the FBI special agent in charge of the Detroit office, said agents are leading the investigation and called the attack "deeply disturbing and tragic." Federal explosives and firearms experts are helping examine the vehicle and the weapon used, Yahoo News reported.

Temple Israel said in a statement that all 140 children in its early childhood center, along with teachers, staff, and security personnel, were safely accounted for. No congregants, staff members, or students were physically harmed. One security officer was struck by the vehicle, knocked unconscious, and taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

Local officials ordered residents within about a mile of the synagogue to shelter in place as law enforcement cleared the building and checked for additional threats. Other Jewish institutions in the Detroit area briefly went into lockdown as a precaution. Michigan State Police said they increased patrols at nearby places of worship following the attack, as per the Times of Israel.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Over the past two decades, drug cartels in Mexico have grown exponentially to the point that in some parts of the country organized crime groups exert more control than the federal government.

To build that power, cartels such as the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have recruited thousands of people into their ranks, either voluntarily or through coercion.

According to mathematician Rafael Prieto-Curiel, criminal organizations in Mexico recruit more members than they lose through arrests or deaths. He estimates that cartels across the country now have more than 180,000 members.

"The cartel is compensating, and it compensates faster than we are able to harm it," Prieto-Curiel said in an interview with Mexican journalist Luis Chaparro. "Ten years ago there were about 112,000 people in cartels. By 2023 we were already at 175,000, and now we estimate about 183,000."

As highlighted by Infobae Mexico, the mathematician's analysis shows that cartel membership rose from about 115,000 in 2021 to nearly 175,000 in 2022. In 2021 alone, cartels recruited about 19,300 people while losing around 12,200 to deaths or imprisonment.

According to Prieto-Curiel, cartels must recruit between 350 and 370 people every week just to maintain their current size.

To achieve this, major drug cartels in Mexico have adopted new recruitment strategies. One of them is forced recruitment, which often involves fake job postings or deceptive offers targeting young people on social media. Those who fall for the schemes are later kidnapped and forced to join the criminal groups. There have also been reports of recruitment taking place inside rehabilitation and addiction treatment centers.

Another way cartels have expanded their ranks is by convincing young people that joining an armed group is the only path to improving their lives, and an easy way for them to do that is through social media.

As previously noted by The Latin Times, Mexican drug cartels prey on vulnerable teenagers through the virtual world.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok, along with encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, are also used to show off wealth, cars, and weapons, as well as to intimidate rival criminal groups by publicizing crimes and issuing threats.

According to data from Mexico's Ministry of the Interior, as of Dec. 2, nearly 7,000 minors and young people up to 29 years old have disappeared in less than a year, and another 505 individuals have been found dead.

For Prieto-Curiel, the key to stopping this is designing better targeted interventions for vulnerable youth in areas with a strong criminal presence. He argues that current universal social programs are too broad and provide relatively small financial benefits, making them ineffective at competing with the money offered by criminal organizations.

Prieto-Curiel also noted that cartel-related violence represents a massive economic burden for Mexico.

According to his estimates, such violence costs the country roughly 18 percent of its gross domestic product, including direct losses from homicides and injuries as well as indirect effects such as reduced investment and tourism.

Originally published on Latin Times
From China to world's wardrobes: The rise of Hanfu fashion

Xinhua) 15:08, March 13, 2026

JINAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- At 6:30 a.m., while most villagers are still in their slumber, a two-story building bursts into life with the rhythmic sound of sewing machines humming through the windows. Wei Ping'an stands among rows of dresses illuminated by the soft morning sunlight, ready for another busy day.

Wei is general manager of the Zhichunhe Clothing Co., Ltd. in the Ancailou Township of Caoxian County, east China's Shandong Province. The Hanfu garments produced here are to be worn not only by people across China but also by enthusiasts in countries like Malaysia. "These dresses are more than just clothing; they are carriers of Chinese culture," Wei said when discussing his products.

Hanfu, the traditional clothing of China embellished with intricate embroidery, can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.). It has evolved throughout history, resulting in a diverse array of designs seen in different Chinese cities today.

In recent years, it's made a big comeback, thanks to a surge of interest in traditional culture among the younger crowd and its rising popularity on social media. In China, about half of the Hanfu dresses are produced in Caoxian.

HOMETOWN OF HANFU

Caoxian's journey with Hanfu began nearly two decades ago when a handful of villagers started crafting Hanfu costumes for photo studios and live performances. With the advent of e-commerce in China, local Hanfu makers seized the opportunity to open online stores, and to their delight, they encountered a robust demand for their creations.

Seven years ago, Wei, who was then working nearly 300 kilometers away operating machine tools, was lured back to his hometown by the burgeoning industry.

During the day, he would reach out to fabric suppliers and prepare orders for shipment. At night, he dedicated himself to learning e-commerce operations, photo editing, and customer service skills. In his very first month, he sold over 30 sets of clothes. "I used to think that leaving home was the only path to success. But now, I've discovered that I can carve out a unique niche right here at my doorstep, one that we've woven stitch by stitch," he told Xinhua.

In 2023, the Hanfu industry in Caoxian really took off, and the horse-faced skirt -- a unique Hanfu style with its high, flat front and pleated sides -- became super popular in the year that followed. Customers from across China waited outside the factories to purchase the products. During the Spring Festival holiday alone that year, the sales of horse-faced skirts exceeded 300 million yuan (about 43.6 million U.S. dollars).

Today, Caoxian, with a population exceeding 1.7 million, is home to over 2,800 Hanfu businesses, engaging nearly 100,000 people directly. The county's combined annual online and offline Hanfu sales in 2025 exceeded 13 billion yuan. From designing to cutting and pattern making, embroidery and printing, the county has a complete industrial chain coverage within a radius of 5 kilometers.

However, the booming market also presents challenges, with innovation emerging as the key to sustained success.

Luoruyan, a designer brand where a single dress can sell for thousands of yuan, has jumped on this trend. In 2024, it launched its "fragrant Hanfu" line, incorporating fibers from flowers such as peony, rose and lotus blossom into the fabric. It also released horse-faced skirts with light colors, which buyers could wear in their daily life.

"We would like to find a way to inject modern fashion into traditional Hanfu," said Yao Chixing, founder of the brand. "Some of our products can be worn even when you go to work."

The brand has also collaborated with universities to develop an antique-style brocade weaving technique in an attempt to successfully restore traditional patterns with over 90 percent accuracy. They've also launched an "AI+ Hanfu" intelligent design system that has already produced over a thousand unique patterns using advanced algorithms.

GOING GLOBAL

In recent years, China has eased its visa policy, making it easier for tourists from abroad to visit. In 2025, the number of inbound and outbound travels by foreign nationals surpassed 82 million, up by 26.4 percent year on year. The Hanfu craze has transcended national boundaries, captivating hearts worldwide.

From the streets of Paris and Rome to the parks of Kuala Lumpur, the traditional Chinese attire has found a vibrant new life amidst the global celebrations of the Chinese New Year.

On Feb. 22, as dozens of individuals clad in the traditional garb of the Han Chinese paraded through the streets of Rome, it marked the third consecutive year that the event had drawn a sizable and enthusiastic crowd.

Chen Yifang, one of the organizers, told Xinhua that Hanfu now serves as a carrier of Chinese culture in Italy and the parade's growing popularity signals increasing recognition of Chinese traditions overseas.

"The enthusiasm for joining the parade is on the rise. Two months prior to the event, inquiries about this year's parade schedule had already begun flooding our social media group, which boasts over 250 members," Chen said.

On the lifestyle social media platform rednote, there are tons of posts featuring foreigners rocking Hanfu, highlighting their love for this traditional Chinese attire.

El Mousselly Maroua, a Moroccan woman in her 20s, often posts photos of herself wearing Hanfu on Instagram. "True cultural treasures can stand the test of time, and they can return to people's lives in more fashionable ways," she said, when explaining her love of the traditional Chinese attire.

According to Zhang Longfei, director of the Caoxian e-commerce service center, an average of approximately 50,000 sets of Hanfu are sold overseas each year, generating around 10 million U.S. dollars in revenue.

"In an era when China-chic is on the rise, Hanfu is not only a carrier of traditional Chinese culture, but also a name card of the country on the international fashion stage," said Cao Jiachang, president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles.

During the Milan Fashion Week last September, Chinese fashion brand HEAVEN GAIA unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, incorporating elements inspired by traditional Hanfu. The brand has also presented its collections at Paris Fashion Week.

"The rise of Hanfu is by no means a simple restoration of the past," said Hu Chunqing, president of the Caoxian Hanfu association. "Instead, it represents an enhancement of the traditional clothing style, harmoniously blending it with contemporary life scenarios and traditional aesthetic sensibilities. This resurgence reflects the profound cultural confidence of the Chinese people."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
In Brief: Indian Hotels Company, IHCL, has marked a significant achievement by opening its 50th hotel, under the Gateway brand, in the city of Hyderabad.

Gateway Brand Debuts in Hyderabad as IHCL Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone - Image Credit IHCL

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed an agreement for a Gateway hotel in Somajiguda, Hyderabad, marking the 50th hotel in the Gateway brand portfolio. The property will be a conversion project and marks the debut of the Gateway brand in Hyderabad.

The Gateway Somajiguda in Hyderabad will have 225 keys. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. Recreational amenities will feature a gym, health club, swimming pool, and treatment rooms.

The hotel will offer event and conference facilities, including 11 banquet halls, the largest of which is approximately 10,000 square feet, and multiple meeting rooms.

The property is located in Somajiguda, a commercial and residential area in Hyderabad known for its corporate offices, retail outlets, and healthcare institutions.

With this addition, IHCLs presence in Telangana will increase to eight hotels, including three under development.

The project is a partnership with D. Siva Rama Raju and DVS. Soma Raju.
In Brief: The Taj Brand is preparing to launch its first hotel in Guwahati, a significant move that will add a 250-room hotel to the city's hospitality landscape.

Taj Brand Set for Guwahati Debut with 250-Key Hotel - Image Credit IHCL

Indian Hotels Company announced the signing of an agreement to develop a 250-key Taj hotel in Guwahati, marking the brand's debut in Assam's capital.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed an agreement to develop a Taj hotel in Guwahati, the capital of Assam. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The project will involve a comprehensive renovation and repositioning of 150 existing keys and the addition of 100 new keys, resulting in a total of 250 rooms.

The Taj Guwahati will be located in the heart of the city on a land parcel of over 9 acres. The hotel will feature specialty restaurants, expansive banqueting and meeting facilities, and the brands J Wellness Circle, serving both business and leisure travelers.

With this addition, IHCL will have five hotels in Guwahati, including three currently under development.
In Brief: Sofitel is set to establish a new benchmark in Rio de Janeiro's hospitality scene with the opening of its flagship Ipanema hotel, slated for completion by the close of 2026.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema - Image Credit Accor

Sofitel has announced the transformation of Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema into its first flagship hotel in Brazil, with an opening scheduled for the end of 2026.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is set to reopen at the end of 2026 as the brands first flagship hotel in Brazil, located on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The transformed property will feature 172 rooms and suites.

The project is being designed by architect Patricia Anastassiadis, with a contemporary approach to design and architecture. Interiors will feature Brazilian design and contemporary art, including furniture by Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues, Zanini de Zanine, and Hugo Franca, as well as works by Artur Lescher, Heloisa Crocco, Teodoro Dias, and Brazilian photography. Natural textures and Brazilian ceramics will be integrated throughout the hotel.

The building will be the tallest in the area, offering 360-degree views of the city and ocean, including Ipanema Beach, the sunset, and the Dois Irmaos hills. The first three floors will have glass facades and two entrances, one on Avenida Vieira Souto and another on Rua Maria Quiteria. The ground floor will include a bar with a balcony and direct street access.

Planned facilities include a spa focused on wellness and longevity, a fitness center, and a rooftop infinity pool with a solarium and bar. Club Millesime, an executive lounge for Club Millesime room guests and members of Accors highest loyalty tiers, will be located on the 21st floor and will offer dedicated butler service.

The third floor will be dedicated to meetings and events, following the Meeting Residence concept, with spaces equipped with technology for corporate gatherings.

Dining options will include a signature restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef on the 22nd floor, a rooftop bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a beachfront restaurant on the ground floor. A Beach Club will also be part of the property.
In Brief: Alpine Realty Capital is expanding its workforce in response to the growing demand in the hospitality real estate sector.

Alpine Realty Capital Adds Staff - Image Credit Hotel Brokers International

Firm Also Expanding Scope of Services

Alpine Realty Capital, a leading advisor in hospitality real estate investment and a member of Hotel Brokers International (HBI), has announced that it has added Justin Goodenow to its transaction team. In addition to managing hotel real estate transactions, Mr. Goodenow has a depth of expertise in placing debt financing for hotels and will lead that scope of services for Alpine.

Mr. Goodenow, based in metropolitan Detroit, is a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University and most recently worked as a member of the debt placement and real estate transaction team for Hospitality Real Estate Counselors.

The opportunity to add a strong professional like Mr. Goodenow was hard to pass up, and it will allow Alpine to round out the services it offers to its long-time hospitality clients in the Midwest and beyond. I have received many inquiries over the years to provide much-needed debt capital for our clients, and we look forward to being able to respond to those clients who need these services, said Ed Walsh, President of Alpine Realty Capital. The ever-changing debt markets require professionals dedicated to executing on these needs, and now Alpine will be in a position to do that.

Alpine works daily with groups looking for opportunities to provide capital investment or other means to provide equity returns. In an environment in which the supply of lodging properties for sale is scarce and construction costs remain high, Alpine is seeing ever-increasing interest in acquisitions from various groups, including owner-operators, who are seeking to participate in the industrys strong returns while buying for less than replacement cost.

About Alpine Realty Capital

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Alpine Realty Capital is a mortgage banking and real estate brokerage firm specializing in hotel asset investment, valuation, financing, marketing, and transaction services. Edward P. Walsh, CHB, serves as President and Principal Broker of Alpine Realty Capital. Mr. Walsh is a dedicated lodging industry professional whose career spans more than 30 years in the lodging industry. He has held senior roles in consulting, valuation, hospitality real estate, and mortgage brokerage, founding Alpine Realty Capital in 2007. His expertise includes providing services regarding all phases of investment, from site selection and acquisition to feasibility analysis and appraisal, and from mortgage financing to construction cost analysis. In all, Mr. Walsh has provided real estate consulting and/or transaction services for more than $1 billion worth of hospitality real estate assets.

About Hotel Brokers International

Founded in 1959, Hotel Brokers International (HBI) is the hospitality industry's most established and experienced network of hotel real estate professionals. With more than 11,000 successful hotel transactions, HBI members are recognized leaders in hotel brokerage, investment advisory, and market insight. HBI is the founder and administrator of the Certified Hotel Broker (CHB) Programthe only professional designation specifically for hotel brokers. In addition to brokerage services, HBI offers affiliate membership opportunities for professionals in franchising, lending, appraisals, and investment services. To learn more, visitwww.hbihotels.com.

For more information, contact:

Edward P. Walsh, CHB, President

Alpine Realty Capital

Ann Arbor, Michigan

734.645.2566 (c)

ewalsh@alpinerealtycapital.com

Justin Goodenow, Senior Associate

Alpine Realty Capital

Ann Arbor, Michigan

248.345.7674 (c)

jgoodenow@alpinerealtycapital.com

Glenda J. Webb, Executive Director

Hotel Brokers International

Kansas City, Missouri

816.505.4315

gwebb@hbihotels.com
In Brief: The hotel sector continues to benefit from strong demand drivers, particularly in growth markets like Phoenix, while industry discussions at ITB Berlin highlight shifting travel patterns. At the same time, recent disruptions affecting hotels in the United Arab Emirates illustrate how geopolitical and transportation issues can quickly impact travel flows, underscoring the need for operational flexibility and resilience.

UAE Hotels Hold Room Rates Steady As Flight Disruptions Leave Travelers Stranded - Image Credit HNR News

Top Hotel Industry News - March 13, 2026

UAE Hotels Hold Room Rates Steady As Flight Disruptions Leave Travelers Stranded

In response to widespread flight disruptions caused by regional tensions, hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are working to accommodate stranded travelers without raising room rates, underscoring the hospitality sector's commitment to supporting travelers during unexpected travel crises. Read Full Story

Phoenix Hotel Industry Drives $1.1 Billion in Tax Revenue, Fuels Local Economy

Phoenix's hotel sector fuels the local economy by creating over 42,000 jobs, bringing in $7.2 billion annually, and providing $1.1 billion in combined tax revenue, with further growth expected, as over 2,300 hotel rooms are currently under development. Read Full Story

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Postpones IAAPA Expo Middle East to April 2027

The inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East, originally organized by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, has been rescheduled for 12 to 15 April 2027 due to safety concerns, following discussions with regional stakeholders. Read Full Story

Ten Key Trends Shape the Future of Tourism at ITB Berlin Convention 2026

Despite geopolitical tensions, ITB Berlin Convention 2026 saw nearly 100,000 attendees examining the vitality of the tourism industry, discussing investment in resilience measures, tourisms role in global development, adapting communication strategies, managing destination impacts, leveraging AI, navigating economic pressures, tracking changes in traveler preferences, and using data-driven strategies within niche markets. Read Full Story

Bleisure Travel Becomes a Growing Force in Corporate Travel Demand

The trend of "bleisure travel," where workers combine business trips with leisure activities, is becoming increasingly common, remolding corporate travel patterns as remote work flexibility allows longer trips; hotels are adapting by offering services to both business and leisure travelers, thus boosting their economic impact through extended hotel stays and more diverse spending. Read Full Story

Industry Context

The days coverage points to a hotel sector balancing short-term disruption with longer-term demand adaptation and destination-level economic significance. In the Middle East, geopolitical and safety concerns are affecting travel patterns and event timing, while operators are responding to stranded demand with rate discipline rather than opportunistic pricing, underscoring the operational role hotels play during travel interruptions. At the same time, discussion around AI, resilience planning, and shifting traveler preferences highlights a continued push toward data-led strategy, while the expansion of bleisure demand and new room supply in markets such as Phoenix reinforce how hotels are aligning product, labor, and investment decisions with blended trip purposes and local economic development.
Berkshire Hills Regional School District to Present District-Wide Band Concert

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  The Berkshire Hills Regional School District will present a District-Wide Band Concert on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 PM in the Monument Mountain Regional High School auditorium.

Featuring nearly 120 student musicians, the evening aims to highlight the full progression of band education from elementary through high school.

Music making will commence with the 4th Grade Beginning Band, followed by the 5/6 and 7/8 Middle School Bands, and conclude with the Monument Mountain Regional High School Band (grades 912). During the concert, each ensemble will perform for both the audience and their fellow student musicians.

"This concert gives students and families a chance to see the full journey of a band student from their very first notes through graduation," said Jacob Keplinger, Director of Bands for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. "I'm very excited to have our community see this performance."

This performance is free and open to families and community members.
Pittsfield is embarking on a $165 million drinking water project over the next decade.

Pittsfield Subcommittee Supports $15M for Water Plants, Files Wastewater Ask

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The city has subcommittee support on $15 million in borrowing for water treatment system upgrades, and will return with a refined proposal for the wastewater treatment plant.



On Monday, the Finance Subcommittee supported a request to borrow $15,000,000 for upgrades to the Ashley and Cleveland water treatment plants. Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales explained that this is the very first step in a multi-phase project. It is expected to conclude in 2033.



The subcommittee filed without prejudice a request to borrow another $15,225,000 for the construction of a new administration and laboratory building at the wastewater treatment plant. There was a robust discussion about the proposal at the last meeting, with councilors focused on ensuring it is appropriately scaled, fiscally responsible, and transparent.



Morales reported that the city will take a step back and revisit the basis of WWTP design, and return with a refined proposal that addresses concerns.



"While the current design was developed from the recommendations outlined in the 2016 Facility Plan, we did not conduct a full alternatives analysis comparison," he wrote in a communication to the subcommittee.



"That analysis, along with a deeper review of building type, footprint, and value engineering opportunities, is warranted."



Subcommittee members were invited to the water treatment plants for site visits, and, on Monday, representatives from the AECOM infrastructure consulting firm detailed the scope of work and timeline.



Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso thanked the water department for the visit, explaining that she was impressed with the number of staff and their knowledge. She said it made a big difference.



"I mean, there wasn't anything anybody asked that you couldn't answer, and it was impressive," Amuso added.



Councilor at Large Earl Persip III described the tour as top-notch.



"Saying the plants are in good hands is an understatement, and I don't know a better one right now, but you've got great staff out there, and I think that's important, and the miracles they pull off on a daily basis so everyone can have clean drinking water should be commended," he said.



Pittsfield's two Krofta drinking water treatment plants were installed in the 1980s and are said to be beyond anticipated useful service and at risk for catastrophic failure that could leave Pittsfield with a shortage of potable water. Krofta is a compact filtration system that Pittsfield will continue to use, with four new units at the Cleveland WTP and two at the Ashley WTP.


Accenture has entered into an agreement to acquire Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence, competitive benchmarking and customer experience analytics. By integrating Ooklas data products, including Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, and RootMetrics, Accenture will help Communications Service Providers (CSPs), hyperscalers, and enterprises optimize the mission-critical Wi-Fi and 5G networks that power their digital core.

Network data is no longer just a lifeline for the telecoms industry; it now creates significant value across all sectors. As AI scales, the insights captured at the network, device, and application layers are essential to enhance fraud prevention in banking, smart home analytics in utilities, and traffic optimization in retail. Ooklas platform, which captures more than 1,000 attributes per test, provides the foundation for these insights.

Modern networks have evolved from simple infrastructure into business-critical platforms, said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture. Without the ability to measure performance, organizations cannot optimize experience, revenue, or security. By acquiring Ookla, we will help our clients across business and government scale AI safely and build the trusted data foundations they need to deliver the reliable, seamless connectivity that creates value.

Headquartered in Seattle, Ookla operates a portfolio of globally recognized brands in connectivity. This deep technical visibility is essential for:

CSPs: Autonomous networks enhance benchmarking and capital planning by leveraging real-time data, predictive simulations, and AI-driven insights to optimize infrastructure investments and significantly reduce operational costs.

Autonomous networks enhance benchmarking and capital planning by leveraging real-time data, predictive simulations, and AI-driven insights to optimize infrastructure investments and significantly reduce operational costs. Hyperscalers and Cloud Providers: To ensure the resilience of AI infrastructure and edge data centers which deliver most of the inference workloads.

To ensure the resilience of AI infrastructure and edge data centers which deliver most of the inference workloads. Enterprises: To design and troubleshoot mission-critical private 5G and Wi-Fi networks using Ekahaus specialized hardware and software.

With the Ookla portfolio, we will offer end-to-end network intelligence services essential for AI-based transformation, said Manish Sharma, chief strategy and services officer, Accenture. Speedtest and RootMetrics define the experience; Downdetector identifies incidents faster; and Ekahau drives digital workplace transformation through superior Wi-Fi. In an era of omni-channel and agentic access, low-latency, zero-friction connectivity is a competitive necessity, and these tools give enterprises the power to build the high-performance environments they need.

Founded in 2006 and a division of Ziff Davis, Inc., Ooklas team of approximately 430 experts specializes in software engineering, radio frequency engineering and data science. Ooklas data platform is anchored by more than 250 million consumer-initiated tests per month, complemented by controlled drive, walk, and embedded testing options. Together, these elements deliver a rich and resilient combination of quality of service (QoS), radio frequency (RF) signal data, and quality of experience (QoE) insights that answer more connectivity questions and drive better business outcomes.

Joining Accenture will allow us to scale our premiere network data business across the worlds largest enterprises and accelerate our goal of creating better connected experiences, said Stephen Bye, CEO, Ookla. Our combined capabilities will enable us to more effectively serve CSPs, AI infrastructure providers, edge data centers and enterprise networks. Together, we will redefine how the world measures, understands and experiences connectivity.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed by Accenture.
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South Korean police raided the federal transport ministry as the investigation into the 2024 Jeju Air crash intensified.

Investigators searched the headquarters of the ministry of land, infrastructure and transport in Sejong on Friday, seeking documents related to the fatal accident involving Jeju Air Flight 2216.

The Boeing 737-800 overshot the runway at the Muan international airport on 29 December 2024 and slammed into a concrete structure, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

The only survivors were two flight attendants seated in the aircrafts tail section.

Police said its investigators reached the ministry building at 8.40am to conduct search-and-seizure operations as part of a wider inquiry into the disaster. They were seeking to secure records that could clarify both the sequence of events leading up to the crash and how government agencies handled the response.

Officials said they had search warrants for four individuals working in the ministrys air navigation and airport operations divisions at the time of the accident.

In all, police said they had identified 64 suspects, including 45 suspected of causing death or injury through occupational and gross negligence, as the investigation expanded.

The latest developments came amid rising public anger after investigators recently discovered additional human remains and belongings of victims in the debris collected from the crash site.

Families of the victims had long demanded that rubble removed from the airport be re-examined.

open image in gallery File. Mourners pay their respects at a memorial altar for victims of the Jeju Air plane crash in front of Seoul City Hall on 31 December 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

The discovery prompted South Korean president Lee Jae Myung to order a new inquiry on Thursday into why the remains and personal items were not identified earlier and to call for disciplinary action against those responsible for delays in the recovery process.

The transport ministry then issued an apology, but families of the victims rejected it.

We are appalled by the transport ministry's late and inadequate apology, which the families say is like killing the victims a second time," a representative for the families said.

Initial investigations indicated the ill-fated aircraft encountered a bird strike before attempting an emergency landing. After the birds reportedly struck the engine, the pilots managed to bring the aircraft down on its belly and slide along the runway. The situation turned catastrophic when the plane collided with a raised concrete structure housing a navigation antenna system at the end of the runway.

open image in gallery File. Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft after it crashed and burst into flames at the Muan airport on 29 December 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

A separate inquiry by the national audit board earlier this week found the structure had been built as a cost-saving measure when the airport was constructed on sloping terrain. Instead of flattening the ground to install the navigation system, the equipment was mounted inside an elevated concrete structure near the runway.

The board said such localiser structures were designed to break apart on impact, and simulations indicated that everyone on board might have survived had the plane not struck the mound which caused it to erupt into a fireball.

In the aftermath of the disaster, aviation authorities removed similar concrete navigation structures at seven airports across the country as a precaution.

The investigation is expected to continue for several months and official findings are expected to be released by mid-year.
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Electric induction cooktops are flying off the shelves in India as households rush to buy the appliance amid fears of a cooking gas shortage due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising costs and tightening oil and gas supplies from the region.

The government in India, the world's second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas, has invoked emergency powers to boost supplies for households even as availability tightens for commercial users such as canteens, hostels and restaurants.

The fear of rising LPG prices and potential unavailability in the near term has prompted consumers to buy electric cooking appliances as a precaution.

Several induction stove models are already sold-out on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto, while some offline chains say fresh supplies are still days away.

Omkar Kandharkar, a Mumbai-based restaurateur, said he was considering switching to commercial induction stoves after the war in the Middle East triggered crude oil and LPG prices to surge.

But I thought things would be brought under control," he told broadcaster WION. "As the shortage became evident, I went to purchase the same cooking range. This time around, what was priced at Rs 9,000 [73] was sold for Rs 23,000 [187]."

People queue to buy LPG cylinders for domestic use at a gas agency office in Chennai on 11 March 2026 ( AFP via Getty )

Induction stove sales on Amazon India have jumped nearly 30-fold and those of rice cookers and electric pressure cookers fourfold, a company spokesperson said. Kitchen appliances maker TTK Prestige said demand for induction stoves had surged far beyond supply.

"There is a threefold surge," chief executive Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan told Reuters. In response, the company has raised production capacity to 100 per cent, from around 70 per cent before the start of the war, and increased staffing by roughly 15 per cent. It also plans to raise prices of induction stoves in the June quarter to offset any higher costs.

Induction stoves accounted for about a tenth of TTK's Rs 25bn (207m) standalone revenue in 2024-25.

Google Trends showed search interest for induction stoves hit a record high on 12 March while some restaurant chains, including Wow Momo and California Burrito, said they were exploring induction stoves as a contingency plan.

TTK Prestige will switch from sea shipments to airlifting components from China and Southeast Asia, absorbing higher costs to ensure continued supplies if disruptions persist, according to Mr Vijayaraghavan.

India's oil ministry said it had set up a panel to review requests for LPG supply to restaurants and other industries, following appeals from two industry bodies.

Indian companies have raised LPG prices for the first time in about a year as the war makes imports, which account for two-thirds of annual consumption, costlier by the day.

India's largest supplier of LNG, Qatar, halted production last week following Iranian strikes on Gulf countries in retaliation for the US-Israeli war against it.
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Japan is poised to announce its intention to join the United States' "Golden Dome" missile defence initiative next week, with sources suggesting Washington may seek Tokyo's help with missile production due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to confirm the plan during a leaders' summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. on 19 March, according to anonymous Japanese government sources who cited the sensitivity of the matter.

The "Golden Dome" project, unveiled last year with an ambitious 2028 target, aims to bolster existing ground-based defences, such as interceptor missiles, with more experimental space-based components designed to detect, track, and potentially neutralise incoming threats from orbit.

However, the initiative has shown little visible progress to date, and the specifics of Japan's involvement remain undefined.

The Yomiuri newspaper, which first reported Tokyo's plans on Friday, indicated that Japan hopes the initiative will provide a defence against new hypersonic glide weapons being developed by China and Russia.

open image in gallery President Trump announced his plans for a 'Golden Dome' defense system over a year ago ( AFP/Getty )

Tokyo anticipates that Trump may request Japan to produce or co-develop missiles that could help replace stocks of US munitions depleted by the US-Israeli war on Iran, as well as its support for Ukraine, the sources said. It is still considering how to respond to any such request, they added.

Japan exported a batch of surface-to-air Patriot missiles built under license to the United States late last year, marking a historic break from its long-standing ban on lethal weapons exports.

The Trump administration is pushing defense contractors to step up production of missiles and other munitions that have been drawn down in recent years. Tokyo is seeking to bolster its own munitions reserves to deter an increasingly assertive China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

open image in gallery Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will announce the latest plan when she meets US President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. at a leaders' summit on 19 March ( AP )

Patriot interceptors have been critical in intercepting hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones fired at Gulf countries since the U.S. and Israel launched their air war against Iran earlier this month.

Ukraine has also relied on Patriots to defend its energy and military infrastructure since Russia invaded it in 2022.
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Police have secured a warrant to further detain three men arrested last week on suspicion of spying for Iran, allegedly targeting individuals and locations linked to the Jewish community.

The suspects, apprehended under the National Security Act, can now be held in custody until 20 March.

Four men, aged 22, 40, 52, and 55, were initially arrested in the early hours of 6 March at addresses across Harrow, Watford, and Barnet.

Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London had previously obtained warrants allowing their detention until 13 March, before the latest extension was granted.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for CTP, said: This investigation continues at pace with a number of lines of inquiry being pursued by our detectives.

The warrants of further detention for these three men will allow us to continue the investigation, while mitigating any potential risk to the public as we do so.

This has been a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.

Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London had previously obtained warrants allowing their detention until 13 March before the latest extension was granted. ( PA )

We fully recognise that the public  and in particular the Jewish community  may be concerned but I also hope the action we have taken reassures them that we will not hesitate to take action if we think there may be a threat to their safety.

As ever, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.

The Metropolitan Police said: The investigation, which is being led by detectives from CTP London, relates to suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.

The force added: As part of the investigation 11 searches have been carried out across the London and Watford areas.

A number of items have been seized, including various digital devices, which are in the process of being examined by specialist officers.

The 55-year-old has since been released from police custody without charge.

Six other men aged between 20 and 49 were arrested at the same location in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender, with one further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

All six have been released on bail to dates in May and June pending further inquiries.
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A 15-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing at a secondary school near Norwich.

Police were called to Thorpe St Andrew School on Laundry Lane at 10.24am on Wednesday following reports that a teenage girl had been stabbed.

Pupils were put into lockdown in their classrooms after the incident.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He has since been charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife on a school premises, Norfolk Police said.

open image in gallery Norfolk Police said officers will continue to conduct reassurance patrols both at the school and in the area over the coming days ( Joe Giddens/PA )

The boy has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Norwich Youth Court on Friday morning.

Norfolk Police said officers will continue to conduct reassurance patrols both at the school and in the area over the coming days.

In a statement on Thursday, Norfolk Police said: The 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

He has since been charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife on a school premises.

He cannot be named for legal reasons.

He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Norwich Youth Court tomorrow morning (Friday March 13 2026).

Officers will continue to conduct reassurance patrols both at the school and in the area over the coming days.

The teenage girl who was taken to hospital with minor injuries after the attack has since been discharged.

Thorpe St Andrew School said on Thursday that staff remained calm throughout a prolonged and understandably distressing situation.

It added that the teenage girl was doing well and would be welcomed back to school when she is ready.

open image in gallery The teenage girl who was taken to hospital with minor injuries after the attack has since been discharged ( Joe Giddens/PA )

A spokesperson for Thorpe St Andrew school said: We have written to families to thank them for the many supportive messages we have received over the past day.

We are also very pleased to share some reassuring news that the student who was injured has been released from hospital. We understand she is doing well and wish her a quick recovery. We look forward to welcoming her back to school when she is ready.

We want to recognise how well our staff and students responded during the lockdown.

Throughout a prolonged and understandably distressing situation, staff remained calm, focusing on supporting and protecting the students in their care, who in turn showed great maturity and composure.

As the situation unfolded, staff needed to respond to the needs of the particular students in front of them and adapt their approach accordingly, always with the priority of keeping everyone safe and supported.

We understand how worrying this event was for families and want to thank our students who coped so well. We have shared a range of support measures we are providing for students, families and the community for as long as it is needed.

We sincerely hope that we, and indeed every other school across the country, never have to put these protocols into practice again and would like to thank the emergency services for their expertise and response yesterday.
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Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly still renting properties in the Royal Palaces due to an agreement struck by their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The two royals, who both primarily reside outside London, pay an undisclosed sum of rent to the King in order to retain their second homes, according to reports in The Times.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to leave his home at Royal Lodge in February following fresh scrutiny over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince was stripped of his royal titles last year, but both his daughters retain theirs.

Beatrice has an apartment in St Jamess Palace and Eugenie has Ivy Cottage, a three-bedroom property at Kensington Palace, as their London homes, it has been reported.

A source told The Times: The [rental] deal was made with their father as he wanted them to have a foothold in the royal palaces.

Beatrice primarily lives in Oxfordshire with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and daughters Sienna, four, and Athena, one.

open image in gallery Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have retained their titles ( PA Archive )

Eugenie lives in Portugal with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their children August, five, and Ernest, two.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has moved to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, living at a property owned by King Charles at the monarchs expense.

He was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was a trade envoy. He has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.

The former prince is still eighth in line to the throne, which cannot be changed without an act of parliament.

The government is considering introducing legislation that would see him removed, but said it could take years, and would not begin until after the investigation into the former prince has concluded.

open image in gallery The princess pictured with Andrew at a charity event in 2016 ( PA )

His position means that all of his grandchildren rank higher in the line of succession than the Duke of Edinburgh.

A recent poll revealed that 82 per cent of Britons think that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor should be removed from the line of succession.

The calls for Andrews removal from the royal line of succession have also been backed by the leaders of Australia and New Zealand, who said they would support the UK governments decision.

Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.
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Researchers are warning parents and educators to beware of AI toys after a year-long study, in which they observed the effects they had on childrens behaviour.

Following one of the first investigations of its kind, University of Cambridge experts have called for safety standards and regulations to ensure psychological safety.

The findings, which were published on Friday, found that the generative AI toys misread childrens emotions and struggled to interact with important types of play.

Jenny Gibson, the studys co-author, told The Independent: The concern comes from the under-five period being such a significant developmental age, its when youre putting down the foundations of your social and emotional development  and we just dont know what it means to have an interactive non-human agent building a relationship with children at those critical periods.

She said there needs to be more transparency about how the AI is trained and what guardrails are in place.

open image in gallery Vicky said she would not leave her three-year-old daughter, Mya, alone with the toy ( University of Cambridge )

I think if there is no regulation and theres no attention to child safety by people who are selling these toys, it could be quite serious.

Id like this not to be social media version two, when were all sort of several years later thinking, oh my goodness, we should have done something sooner.

The report noted that many parents worried the toys, which were marketed as companions, would lead to their children forming parasocial relationships. Another main concern for caregivers was what the toys were doing with the conversations. According to the research, many GenAI toys privacy practices are unclear or lack important details.

Vicky Pratt, whose three-year-old daughter Mya played with an AI toy as part of the study, said she would definitely not leave her child alone with it.

She said she would worry that if her daughter told the toy anything, like that she was sad, it would dismiss it.

We found that it would often talk over her, so she would be answering its question, and it would start asking another question, which I think she found really weird, she said.

I definitely think there needs to be safeguarding in place. I think the AI toy should always be used with an appropriate adult around. So if it were to say something it shouldnt, an adult could then have a real-life conversation with the child about why it wasnt appropriate.

She said she also fears the toys could be hacked. It clearly is meant to listen, but how much should it listen to? What does it do with that information?

open image in gallery AI struggled to comfort children and changed the subject repeatedly, the report found ( Getty )

Researchers said they observed children hugging and kissing the toys, and telling them they loved them. In one instance, a five-year-old child told the toy, I love you. It replied: As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.

While these attitudes towards the toys could reflect vivid imaginations, they may also lead to unhealthy relationships, the researchers said.

When another three-year-old told the toy it was sad, it misheard and replied: Dont worry! Im a happy little bot. Lets keep the fun going. What shall we talk about next? The researchers said this could have signalled to the child that its sadness was unimportant.

They also noted that the AI struggled to help with social play and pretend play, which is crucial for early childhood development. When one child offered the toy an imaginary present, it responded: I cant open the present before changing the subject.

The researchers have called for clearer regulation, transparent privacy policies and new labelling standards to help families judge whether toys are appropriate.

The Independent has contacted the Department for Education for comment.
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Campaigners who successfully pushed for a ban on handguns in the wake of the Dunblane massacre endured death threats and bomb scares, the chairwoman of the Gun Control Network (GCN) has revealed. The harrowing resistance highlights the intense battle fought to secure stricter gun laws in Britain.

The morning of 13 March, 1996 saw Thomas Hamilton enter Dunblane Primary Schools gymnasium armed with four legally-owned handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Within minutes, 16 pupils and a teacher were shot dead, and 15 others injured, in what remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history.

In the months that followed, a coalition of campaigners, lawyers, academics, and a parent of one of the victims established the GCN. Their mission was clear: to advocate for robust gun controls, including a comprehensive ban on handguns. The GCN was not alone in its efforts, joining forces with the Snowdrop Campaign, founded by local mothers in Dunblane, and the victims families themselves.

Speaking to the Press Association, GCN chairwoman Gill Marshall-Andrews recounted the "very strong and very violent" opposition they encountered from the pro-gun lobby. "We were under enormous pressure from the gun lobby, because we were the obvious target for them," she explained. "They couldnt really target the Dunblane families. They couldnt criticise them. They couldnt attack them because of who they were."

open image in gallery Chair of the Gun Control Network, Gill Marshall-Andrews (left), with former Chair of Gun Control Australia, Rebecca Peters, who said campaigners faced death threats and bomb scares as they pushed for a ban on handguns in the wake of the Dunblane massacre ( Bob Marshall-Andrews )

She added: "Mick (North, whose child was among those killed) was involved but the rest of us were not involved in Dunblane. So we were, as it were, legitimate targets. We had a lot of death threats. We had a PO Box in Finchley that was regularly closed because of bomb threats."

Ms Marshall-Andrews recalled campaigners being told a handgun ban was impossible because "pistol shooting is the fastest growing sport in the UK". She reflected: "If you think about that, that sums it up in a nutshell, because if handguns had not been banned then, we would be down the American road."

The Cullen Report in September 1996 recommended tighter gun ownership restrictions. The following year, John Majors Conservative government introduced a ban on most handguns. Later in 1997, Tony Blairs Labour government expanded the legislation to include all cartridge ammunition handguns. Ms Marshall-Andrews described campaigners as "overjoyed" by the move, calling it "the gold standard. That was amazing. That was something that couldnt be done."

Asked about the campaigns success, she attributed it to a "tide of public revulsion" against the massacre, which made it "possible to do something about it". Professor Peter Squires, a gun law expert at the University of Brighton, echoed this sentiment. "It was just the outright shock and horror of such an appalling incident," he said. "To kill five and six-year-old children was just so appalling."

open image in gallery Dunblane ( Getty Images )

He continued: "I think it set in train a whole tidal wave of opposition  you know: Can this kind of thing happen here? It cut through all the knee-jerk reaction that is sometimes a phenomenon in (incidents like this)." Professor Squires also noted that the campaigns timing, coinciding with the 1997 general election and the incoming Labour governments focus on "law and order", further aided its cause.

The GCNs advocacy has continued, contributing to a ban on imitation firearms in 2006 and, in Scotland in 2015, legislation requiring the registration of air guns. Ms Marshall-Andrews stated the groups current focus is on reclassifying shotguns under the Firearms Act 1968, aligning them with rifles, as "its time we recognise that shotguns are the primary gun threat".

Both Ms Marshall-Andrews and Professor Squires warned against "institutional complacency" in gun regulation, which could erode its effectiveness. They cited the Port Arthur massacre in Australia in April 1996, weeks after Dunblane, which led to tougher Australian gun controls, yet another mass shooting occurred at Bondi Beach last year.

Ms Marshall-Andrews stressed: "Gun laws have got to be kept up to date. Theyve got to reflect current reality. There are new kinds of guns. Theres a huge gun lobby thats ready and waiting to roll back the legislation. You cant be complacent."
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Donald Trump's war on Iran could cause UK food prices to surge due to the soaring cost of fuel and fertiliser as the Strait of Hormuz  the narrow sea passage south of Iran  remains effectively impassable.

The blockade on fossil fuels through the strait is driving a spike in the cost of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers  used for growing cereals and vegetables  and means farms now face a twin threat of higher fuel prices for machinery as well as for fertiliser as the conflict in Iran disrupts global supply chains.

Over the past month, the price of urea  a nitrogen fertiliser  has risen by 33.7 per cent, and is up 54.9 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Meanwhile, a number of fertiliser plants in the Middle East have closed because of their inability to obtain the substances required to manufacture it. Natural gas accounts for between 60-80 per cent of the costs associated with the production of nitrogen fertilisers, according to the NFU.

open image in gallery Cost of fertiliser is up 55 per cent year on year, largely due to Trump's war on Iran ( Getty/iStock )

As prices go up, so must what farmers charge. Richard Heady, who farms 700 acres in Buckinghamshire, told The Telegraph: prices for fertiliser have shot up, but the fact is we need it." He said he will have to increase the price of a ton of grain from 170 to 220 (a 30 per cent increase) after harvest, in order to cover his costs.

Without fertilisers, farmers will face soil nutrient shortages that threaten lower-yield harvests.

Around 3035 per cent of the worlds nitrogen fertiliser supply passes through the strait, along with roughly 4045 per cent of sulphur exports from the Gulf, highlighting just how exposed the market is to regional turmoil.

Key producers such as Qatar Fertiliser Company, Saudi Arabias Sabic and the UAEs Fertiglobe usually play a major role in keeping global supplies moving, making the sudden disruption in the area rapidly felt on agricultural operations far beyond the Middle East.

open image in gallery Iran has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz blockaded while the US and Israel continue their attacks ( Reuters )

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said this week he had met with Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds to outline how "volatility in the global energy market has a huge impact on our food supply chains here", and he said the government is "watching this very closely".

"Its clear that transparency and fairness over fuel and fertiliser prices is critical, and weve been asking for this for a long time, regardless of market volatility. Its particularly urgent as farmers and growers are busy getting crops in the ground and boosting grass growth ahead of spring grazing," he added.

Oxford Economics warned last week that rising oil prices are set to push up farmers transport costs, feeding directly into the price of staples such as rice and wheat, with higher oil and fertiliser costs translating into more expensive food globally.

open image in gallery This image released by the Royal Thai Navy shows Thai cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, that was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ( Royal Thai Navy )

The firm now expects world food prices to rise by about 2 per cent this year, a jump from its February forecast of less than 1 per cent.

As a result of higher natural gas prices and the importance of the strait for fertiliser trade, we have raised our fertiliser price forecast by around 20 per cent for the second quarter of 2026, Oxford Economics said. Risks are skewed to the upside due to the real risk of disruption to production in the region and trade through the strait.

A UK government spokesperson told The Independent: "We understand and are taking seriously the possible impacts of the Iran war on the food and farming sector.

"We have met with the NFU and are convening wider farming stakeholders to continue to gather information on the affects of the conflict on the industry."

They added: At present, we do not expect any impact on food availability for consumers and continue to monitor increases in fertiliser and oil prices, standing reading to take action to protect rural communities.

On Friday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was subjected to ridicule after saying the Strait of Hormuz was "open", and that there was "no need to worry" about attacks, despite numerous vessels having been attacked in recent days.

"The only thing prohibiting transit in the straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping. It is open for transit should Iran not do that," he said during a press conference.

In his first statement as Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei this week vowed to keep the strait closed in retaliation for ongoing US-Israeli strikes on his country.

For its part, the US is showing no signs of halting action against Iran. The US is decimating the radical Iranian regimes military in a way the world has never seen before, Hegseth boasted at the Friday morning press briefing. We said it would not be a fair fight, and it has not been.

The Independent has contacted Defra for comment.
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A woman whose husband is unable to breathe in cold air has said she is worried they cannot heat their home following huge price hikes for heating oil due to the US war against Iran.

Gail Thompson, 66, and her husband Steve, 71, live in rural Kent, and paid 328 for their last delivery of 500 litres of heating oil in January. On Thursday, they were quoted 717 for the same delivery following huge spikes in costs following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Ms Thompson told The Independent her husbands chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) make breathing in cold air incredibly difficult, and could kill him if they are left without heating.

The couple has around 380 litres of heating oil left  enough to last a month, or several, depending on the temperature  and are trying to turn the heating on as little as possible to conserve their supply. But Ms Thompson said her husbands illnesses mean that sometimes they have no choice but to turn it on.

open image in gallery Gail Thompson is worried the cost of heating oil will continue to rise, leaving her unable to afford to heat her home ( Gail Thompson )

The other day our thermostat said 14C, she said. When it gets that cold, we have to put the heating on, or it will kill him. There is nothing you can do to warm up the air other than put the heating on. So we put it on, we had to.

Ms Thompson told The Independent their biggest concern is that prices will keep increasing with no end to the conflict in sight. She added that there are many elderly people in her area who she is concerned will also be struggling with health issues in the cold.

My concern is the prices are going through the roof, but also, if they cant get any oil, what happens then? she asked. What happens if the suppliers run so low that people cant get it?

Ms Thompson said while the couple doesnt struggle for money day to day, they budget, and cannot afford the huge jump in prices heating oil has seen over the last week.

Were not struggling for money as a general rule, but were not millionaires, she told The Independent. It does make you think twice about buying oil.

I cant afford to pay 700, I just cant.

open image in gallery People have been urged to protect their heating oil amid reports of thefts in Suffolk ( Getty/iStock )

Unlike electricity and gas, heating oil is not subject to any regulation or price cap by Ofgem, meaning suppliers are free to price it as high as they wish.

Ms Thompson accused heating oil suppliers of profiteering, saying people will eventually pay the high prices because they have to for hot water, even without heating their homes.

Its unfair, she said. That sounds like a peevish word, but it doesnt seem right that electricity and gas prices can be capped but those delivering the oil can price gouge willy-nilly.

Thieves have reportedly targeted heating oil tanks in Suffolk as prices soar. Police have urged those with heating oil tanks to take steps to keep them safe following reports at two properties.

The government has said it will not tolerate energy companies exploiting the Middle East crisis for profit, with Sir Keir Starmer pledging to send the strong message to companies that prices must be fair, transparent and justifiable, not inflated at the expense of working people.

Britains competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has also launched an investigation into troubling reports of sudden price hikes for heating oil. It said it was writing to heating oil suppliers and intermediaries as a matter of urgency to gather evidence and consider whether the behaviour breaches consumer protection laws  which could result in enforcement action.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government was working with the watchdog to tackle any price gouging in heating oil.
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An advert pumping out a chocolate scent at a busy London transport interchange has been modified after concerns were raised by passengers and Tube staff.

London St Pancras Highspeed, which owns St Pancras railway station, said the company responsible for the Magnum advert, JCDecaux, has made adjustments.

It added that it was aware of a complaint about the advert for the ice-cream brand.

The so-called multisensory advert was installed in a tunnel between the railway station and Kings Cross St Pancras tube earlier this week.

Passengers on social media described the scent as a weird artificial chocolate smell, and one said it makes me feel a bit nauseous.

The Times reported that Transport for London workers based at the tube station complained to the railway stations management because the smell entered their break room.

A spokesperson for Magnum Ice Cream Company said it has received mostly positive feedback from commuters and will continue to optimise the campaign based on consumer feedback.

A spokesperson said on Thursday: The Magnum activation at Kings Cross St Pancras recreates the multisensory pleasure of enjoying a Magnum through sight, sound and scent, and is designed to bring a moment of enjoyment for commuters.

Since the campaign began on March 9, we have received mostly positive feedback from commuters onsite and will continue to optimise the campaign which is scheduled to run until March 22 based on consumer feedback.

Our intention remains for our campaigns to be engaging and enjoyable.

The advert, which also plays a cracking sound to replicate someone biting into chocolate-covered ice-cream, is scheduled to remain in place up to March 22.

It is not the first time advertising on Network Rail property has sparked concerns.

In October 2024, the Government-owned company was ordered by then-transport secretary Louise Haigh to stop using a 15-metre screen above the concourse at Euston railway station to display adverts.
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Ofsteds chief inspector has vowed that the schools watchdog will "never downplay" disappointing outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable students.

Addressing the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) annual conference, Sir Martyn Oliver is expected to state that Ofsted will "never succumb to the quiet curse of low expectations" and will make "no apologies for being more exacting.

This comes after the new grading system for schools was launched in November, despite warnings from teaching unions about its potential impact on staff mental health.

Sir Martyn will tell school leaders: We see thousands of schools working in challenging contexts, bucking the odds again and again to give children a life-changing education. But we sometimes see disadvantaged and vulnerable children who are not making the strides that they should.

Some would have this be a dilemma for Ofsted. They argue we should recognise the work and the effort  and downplay disappointing outcomes.

But this is no dilemma.

open image in gallery The new report cards grade schools across multiple areas on a five-point scale ( PA Media )

Of course we will recognise the work, celebrate where that school is doing well and identify the contextual challenges being faced. But we can never downplay the disappointing outcomes.

We will never acquiesce to the quiet curse of low expectations that would see Ofsted prioritise context over outcomes for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

The speech echoes Tory former education secretary Michael Gove  and before him George W Bush  in naming the soft bigotry of low expectations as a barrier to childrens progress.

Ofsted scrapped single-word judgments for schools in 2024 after criticism of the inspection system following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry.

After a consultation, new report cards were rolled out from November 2025, which grade schools across multiple areas on a five-point scale.

More schools are receiving the new needs attention grade than the old requires improvement one, Sir Martyn is expected to say.

We are being more exacting. I make no apologies for that, he will add.

In an ASCL poll last year, two in three (65%) headteachers said the new system would be worse for their wellbeing than the old one.

open image in gallery Headteacher Ruth Perry died in 2023 ( University of Reading/PA )

NAHT school leaders union general secretary Paul Whiteman said while he is pleased to see the chief inspector wants to see all children succeed, we have seen the rhetoric of low expectations repeated time and time again, and yet we are not clear where these are supposed to originate from.

He added: It is deeply disappointing to see confirmation that Ofsted has designed a framework that will see a higher proportion of schools receive a needs attention grade than the old requires improvement grade, and that Ofsted are publicly making a link between the two.

Given the tragic circumstances that created the catalyst for the changes to inspection, it is quite remarkable that Ofsted has seen fit to ratchet up the pressure on schools and school leaders.

Sir Martyn will say it is right that Ofsted must appreciate the context in which schools are working.

He will add that a misplaced desire for Ofsted to lower the bar stems from a deep empathy with the professionals working in the most challenging contexts. But that lowering of the bar masks an ultimately damaging belief that some children just wont get there.

I dont believe we can ever afford to accept that.

Because when we expect less of certain children, whether because of where they live, what they need, or whats happening at home, what we are telling them is: We expect less of you. Society expects less of you.

NAHTs bid to bring a legal challenge against the new system, which was supported by ASCL and the National Education Union (NEU), was dismissed at the High Court last year.

Ofsted and NAHT have since announced they will work together to look at how the watchdogs new report card system is affecting headteacher wellbeing.
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Fujitsu has faced sharp criticism from a group of MPs for failing to contribute financially to the nearly 1.5 billion redress bill for victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal.

Parliamentarians are also demanding urgent action to quash convictions predating the notorious Horizon system.

The Business and Trade Committee (BTC), tasked with scrutinising government departments, identified "serious structural failings" within the compensation process.

This comes despite over 11,500 claimants having received approximately 1.48 billion by 27 February, through various schemes established to compensate postmasters affected by the faulty Horizon software.

The overall cost of redress is projected to reach around 2 billion, once legal and administrative expenses, alongside payments for the earlier Capture system, are factored in.

The Horizon accounting system, developed by Japanese firm Fujitsu, made it look like money was missing from branch accounts.

This system lies at the heart of the protracted Post Office scandal, which saw an estimated 1,000 people across the UK wrongly prosecuted and convicted between 1999 and 2015.

open image in gallery The Horizon accounting system, run by Japanese firm Fujitsu, made it look like money was missing from postmasters branch accounts ( PA Archive )

The BTC said progress had been made in delivering redress to victims, but that thousands of sub-postmasters were still waiting for compensation.

Many victims still face delays, inadequate offers, and administrative processes that retraumatise those who have already faced injustice, according to its report.

MP Liam Byrne, chairman of the BTC, said: Thousands of victims are still waiting for fair redress, while the processes designed to help them are too often slow, bureaucratic and retraumatising.

That is simply unacceptable after one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.

Worse, Fujitsu has yet to contribute a penny to the nearly 2 billion redress bill, even as it continues to benefit from public contracts.

That cannot continue.

It is simply wrong that taxpayers are covering the costs for Fujitsus sins while Fujitsu is still profiting from taxpayers-funded contracts.

The BTC said that Fujitsu had acknowledged it had a moral obligation to contribute to the cost of redress, and stated its commitment to do so, but that it has made no interim payment nor agreed to any figure.

open image in gallery The Business and Trade Committee said it had found serious structural failings in the compensation process ( PA Archive )

Fujitsu continues to supply its IT system to the Post Office and also to Government departments through a number of contracts.

A spokeswoman for Fujitsu said: We continue to work with UK Government to ensure we adhere to the voluntary restrictions we put in place regarding bidding for new contracts while the Post Office Inquiry is ongoing, and are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsus contribution to compensation.

Mr Byrne said on BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday that ministers should be tougher with Fujitsu and demand an interim payment now.

Of the company, he said: Theyre trying to get away with it, thats what theyre trying to do. They are being allowed to get away with it.

Mr Byrne also suggested that the Government tried to hide the fact it had given half a billion pounds worth of contracts to Fujitsu after the Post Office scandal.

He admitted that some contracts, such as with the Ministry of Defence, were critical state services but stressed that it was simply not right that a company like Fujitsu has contributed nothing to the redress bill.

Meanwhile, Mr Byrne said the committee was concerned to hear new evidence that suggests unsafe convictions linked to earlier systems such as Capture may be only the tip of another iceberg.

open image in gallery The Post Office has extended its deal to use the scandal-hit Horizon IT software until at least 2027 ( PA Wire )

He said: Parliament must act quickly to quash these convictions and ensure that every victim finally gets the justice they deserve.

A compensation scheme for sub-postmasters who were forced to repay shortfalls from the faulty accounting system Capture was launched last year.

A spokeswoman for the Post Office said it would review the committees recommendation and continue to work closely with the Government.

She said: We welcome the scrutiny of the committee and its commitment to ensuring full, fair and timely redress is paid to those harmed during the Horizon scandal.

Progress has been made with 87% of eligible Horizon Shortfall Scheme applications having received an offer and 882 million paid through the scheme.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible to bring resolution to those who have applied.

A spokeswoman for the Government said: We must never lose sight of the Horizon scandals human impact on postmasters and their families.

The amount weve paid out has increased more than sixfold as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver justice to victims as swiftly as possible.

We welcome todays report and agree that it is crucial that Fujitsu meets its moral obligation to contribute to the total costs of the scandal, and will publish our response to its recommendations shortly.
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A water company already under scrutiny has issued a stark warning that it can only provide water for a fraction of the new homes planned for a significant area of the South East.

South East Water says that current housing targets are vastly exceeding its infrastructure capacity.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is currently developing a new Local Plan, which aims to allocate land for 19,746 new residences across the borough by 2042, a move expected to increase the local population by over a third.

A spokesperson for the utility firm said: "From our review of the latest housing forecast figures, we have identified that we cannot accommodate additional growth beyond what was assumed in our Water Resources Management Plan 2024 in areas where we do not have a supply-demand surplus."

They added: "Specifically, in the Tonbridge and Malling area, where we currently lack available headroom in our supplies, we would be unable to accommodate any growth exceeding our 2024 forecast assumptions throughout the entire planning period."

The water authoritys own management plan was designed to supply 6,318 additional homes in Tonbridge and Malling by 2042. The councils proposed target of 19,746 homes represents a 210 per cent increase on this figure.

open image in gallery South East Water customers have been hit by fresh water supply issues in recent months ( PA Wire )

Councillors at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) said the warning must serve as a wake-up call on the Labour governments plans to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament in 2029.

Cllr Mark Hood, chairman of the Councils Area One Planning Committee, said: The response from South East Water should be a reality check not only for our borough council, but across Kent and Sussex.

Water is one of our most precious resources - without it, our society grinds to a halt, schools close and farmers animals will die  as we have seen in recent months.

A calf died of dehydration at Barland Farm in Tonbridge in January after the farm lost its water supply.

Cllr Hood said: Kent is sleepwalking into a water crisis, and when the water industry warns us that the situation is unsustainable, we need to sit up and listen.

Cllr Lee Athwal said that the problem was not over-ambitious housing targets, but years of under-investment in our utilities.

She said: We need more houses, but we need decent infrastructure. Its time to stop private companies making all the profits while people suffer.

open image in gallery South East Water customers collect bottled water at a water station in East Grinstead in January ( PA Wire )

The water companies are statutory consultees when local authorities are drawing up their Local Plans, which means that TMBC will now have to address South East Waters concerns before proceeding further with its Local Plan.

But the water companies are not statutory consultees when it comes to individual planning applications, meaning water supply issues are never addressed at that stage; it is always assumed that supply is available.

Cllr Hood said: The water industry should now be included as statutory consultees for planning applications in the same way that Kent Highways and the Environment Agency are.

We have a situation where water companies have a legal duty to connect to new developments - irrespective of whether they have the capacity to supply clean water or to treat their wastewater and prevent the pollution of our streams and rivers.

Currently, planning applicants are required to demonstrate how they will mitigate the impacts of their extra homes on traffic, school places and even library provision  but not water. This is madness.

Under current regulations, planning committees are unable to impose conditions preventing the construction of new homes until clean water infrastructure is in place, unless they impose an exceptional Grampian condition, which the borough may now consider doing in respect of a current application for 1300 homes at Bradbourne, in Aylesford.

The fragility of South East Waters infrastructure has been exposed over the past year, with widespread supply failures affecting large parts of its network.

In January, around 8,000 homes in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks were left without water, some for days, after booster pumps at storage tanks failed. Bottled water stations had to be set up and water shipped into some areas by tanker.

As well as disruption to businesses, some schools had to close, and pupils at Tonbridge Grammar School had their mock International Baccalaureate examinations postponed.

Thousands of properties around Tunbridge Wells had already had their water supply cut off for six days at the start of December, in what Prime Minister Kier Starmer described in the House of Commons as a serious issue.

Only a week ago, the industry regulator Ofwat fined South East Water 22.46m after completing a damning investigation into supply failures that left thousands in Kent without water in multiple disruptions between 2020 and 2023.

Ofwat calculated that 286,000 customers had been affected in total.

Meanwhile, South East Waters response to TMBC confirmed that supply issues were in doubt across the region, not just in Tonbridge and Malling.

It said: The current supply-demand situation in our Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Cranbrook water resource zones is causing significant stress to our supply.

open image in gallery South East Water CEO David Hinton ( Cover Images )

The company did not say that it would never be able to meet the extra demand from increased housing numbers, but said that it would need to rerun our decision-making process.

It said that this would help us identify additional interventions, such as new supplies, transfers, or increased demand-reduction programs, but added that the possible solutions would not be available until it had completed its next Water Resources Management Plan  three years away in 2029.

The companys head of water resources, Nick Price, said: We update our Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) every five years.

We have started the process of developing the next plan, which will be published in 2029.

We will be using the latest housing figures when creating the plan and will therefore accommodate any planned additional properties.

Our current plan was prepared in 2024 using housing figures derived from the best available information at the time.

Consequently, it does not reflect the significant uplift in the Objectively Assessed Housing Need that is now driving Tonbridge and Malling Borough Councils draft Local Plan, which has risen to 1097 dwellings per annum.

As confirmed in our consultation response to TMBC, this means that our current plan does not identify sufficient water supply headroom to accommodate the level of growth now proposed since its publication.

open image in gallery South East Water head of supply Nick Price ( Cover Images )

A spokesman for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: Infrastructure capacity  including water supply  is a key issue raised during the Regulation 18 consultation and one we take extremely seriously.

South East Water, like all utility providers, have statutory duties regarding supply and we are seeking clarification from them on the points raised in their consultation submission.

We are also engaging with the governments housing department to understand any implications for future planning.

This is exactly what this stage of the Local Plan process is for: gathering feedback and identifying issues that need further work.

We will continue to work closely with all providers to ensure the draft Local Plan is informed by uptodate and comprehensive evidence that reflects the needs of our communities and delivers the infrastructure required to serve new development.

South East Waters Water Resources Management Plan 2024 explains that the company used consultants Edge Analytics to calculate future water demand. There are multiple factors involved in such predictions, climate change being one of them.

Housing and population growth are key factors.

Other factors included the rate of consumption per household. South East Water said that rate had reduced significantly over the past decade with the introduction of water meters.

On average, households reduce their consumption by 18 per cent once they have to start paying for the quantity they use.

But, with more than 90 per cent of its customers now on meters, South East Water has little leeway to continue with this saving.

The other large factor is the amount of water wasted through leaks.

Sometimes, social factors play a part. All water companies found that during Covid, with everyone working from home, the demand for water surged.
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Having briefly flirted with the idea of spring, Britain is being dragged back into the icy clutches of winter as Arctic air blasts the country  a frigid relapse that will keep temperatures largely in the single digits and bring snow to many areas over the weekend.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across central and north-west Scotland on Friday, where 2 to 5cm of snow is expected even at lower levels, with up to 10cm possible over higher ground.

Northern Irelands hills, the English Lakes and the Pennines may also receive a dusting of snow, while elsewhere, Friday will bring a tumultuous mixture of sunshine, rain, sleet, hail, thunder and the occasional rainbow.

Temperatures will struggle to reach double figures anywhere except the South East, and although the winds wont be as ferocious as they were on Thursday, they will remain blustery enough to ensure nobody forgets how cold it is.

open image in gallery Heavy traffic in the snowy conditions on the A66 near Stainmore in Cumbria on 13 February 2026 ( PA )

Showers will be squally, sharp and generally exacerbate the feeling of cold.

"A whiff of winter has returned to our weather," said Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin. "Everywhere feeling colder than yesterday, and for some, a few snow flurries around."

While the snow is mostly forecast over the hills, he thinks "some will get down to lower levels", where sleet and also "hail mixed in with the showers" is another likely scenario.

This bitter medley could result in ice in some areas, leading to treacherous driving conditions later on Friday, the Met Office warned.

The cold snap is set to linger into the weekend. Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect a couple of frosty nights, with daytime temperatures remaining below average.

Saturday should largely begin bright and crisp, with spots of sunshine that might feel pleasant in brief moments when the Arctic winds die down. Scattered smatterings of rain will punctuate the afternoon in some areas.

open image in gallery Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe, Scotland, covered in snow ( Getty/iStock )

Sunday, however, looks cloudier, windier and more showerridden, with a renewed chance of wintry weather returning to the North by nightfall.

The colder air is expected to loiter until early next week, after which temperatures should finally begin to recover to something slightly above the midMarch average as we head into spring  a modest consolation prize after a weekend being pelted by sleet and hail.

Why is it colder again?

Britains weather is being dictated by the origin of the air currently being funnelled over it, with this batch coming directly from the Arctic.

The chain reaction bringing this Arctic blast began in the United States, where warm air from the Gulf of Mexico collided with Arctic cold, producing deadly storms, tornadoes and recordbreaking hail in Illinois. This violent temperature clash supercharged the jet stream, which then barrelled across the Atlantic with wind speeds hitting more than 200mph.

In turn, this has spun a deep area of low pressure near Iceland. That system swept across the UK on Thursday, dragging down a fresh supply of Arctic air in its wake.
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A giant sand portrait of Hind Rajab has appeared on a Yorkshire beach ahead of the Academy Awards on Sunday.

Hind, 5, is the focus of The Voice of Hind Rajab, which has been nominated for best international film at the awards ceremony.

The movie tells the story of a worker at the Palestine Red Crescent Society, who attempts to rescue Hind from a car under fire by the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza City in January 2024.

Hind, her aunt and uncle, and her three cousins were all killed in the incident.

The work, which was created in Cayton Bay near Scarborough, shows Hinds face drawn in the sand.

Below the portrait are the words: I am scared. Come get me please. Listen to the voice of Hind Rajab.

Actor Motaz Malhees in a scene from the film The Voice of Hind Rajab ( CineCanibal )

The artists behind the portrait, A Letter From Lucy, said: Hind said that after the war she just wanted to go and play at the beach, just as any other child would want to do. But because she was born in Gaza, she was instead trapped in a car under fire by soldiers.

The drawing is a tribute to her and encourages people to watch the film. It is uncomfortable to watch as it emotionally connects you to the desperation of a child in the Gaza conflict. The purpose is to provoke empathy which challenges our conscience.

Not only should people watch the film so that Hinds voice is not forgotten, but to also remember the other 20,000 children that have died during the conflict. This is their story as well as hers.

The movie, directed by Tunisian film-maker Kaouther Ben Hania, won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.

It was also longlisted for the 2026 Bafta Film Awards for best director and film not in the English language.

The film, based on true events, uses the real audio from Hinds call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
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Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has accused Russia and Iran of trying to hijack the global economy as oil prices soar amid continued conflict in the Middle East.

Irans new supreme leader has vowed to continue attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices jump to around $100 (75) per barrel as a result of the blockade of the key route where roughly one-fifth of the worlds daily oil consumption passes.

In a bid to stabilise the global oil price, Donald Trumps administration announced it is temporarily easing measures preventing countries from buying Russian oil amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The move has sparked fears that Vladimir Putin could use the outbreak of war in Iran and the easing of sanctions as an opportunity to boost Russias wartime economy.

Speaking to the Press Association during a visit to Saudi Arabia, the foreign secretary linked the threat from Iran to that from Russia, a key ally of Tehran.

She said: We have seen these links between Russia and Iran over an extended period of time.

open image in gallery Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper has accused Russia and Iran of working together ( PA )

Were seeing it in terms of technology, we see it in terms of the approach, we see it in terms of these kinds of tactics, and we see it in terms of the way these two states try to support each other and try to benefit together from attempting to hijack the global economy.

She added: We are very clear about the threat from both Russia and from Iran to the global economy and to all of our wellbeing.

But Ms Cooper declined to criticise the easing of American sanctions on some Russian oil in the face of rising prices, saying it was a specific, targeted issue.

In a bid to ease global pressures, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced early on Friday that America would provide temporary authorisation for countries to buy Russian oil already loaded on vessels at sea.

open image in gallery America has eased sanctions on some Russian oil to help slow rising prices, something the UK is not doing ( AFP/Getty )

This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, he said in a post on X.

Energy minister Michael Shanks indicated the UK government will not follow suit, telling Sky News: The UK has been really clear that our sanctions on Russia stay in place. This is a moment where I suspect in the Kremlin they are looking at this as an opportunity to fix some of their ailing economy.

That is a great shame, because we have to do everything that we possibly can to make sure that we are bringing all pressure to bear on Russia so that we can win this war in Ukraine.

open image in gallery Yvette Cooper visited a British military base in Saudi Arabia on Friday to speak to troops protecting the countrys critical national infrastructure ( PA )

Its really important that we dont do anything that can assist the Russian war machine right in the middle of a really critical moment in this conflict against Ukraine.

Ms Cooper visited a British military base in Saudi Arabia on Friday to speak to troops protecting the countrys critical national infrastructure. She spoke to soldiers from 9 (Plassey) Battery, Royal Artillery, who operate air defence systems.

The base is part of a long-running deployment providing air defence support for Saudi Arabia, which began in 2022 at Riyadhs invitation following a one-way drone attack on the country.

Defence secretary John Healey was briefed on the latest updates on British action in the Iran conflict during a visit to the Northwood military headquarters in Hertfordshire on Thursday.

open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to de-escalate the situation and said he is coordinating with other world leaders on the supply of oil ( PA Wire )

Mr Healey warned Putins hidden hand was behind some of the Iranian tactics and added the Russian president is benefitting from the surge in oil prices.

It helps him with a fresh supply of funds for his brutal war in Ukraine, he said.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to de-escalate the situation and said he is co-ordinating with other world leaders on the supply of oil.

Part of that effort saw Ms Cooper meet a range of Saudi ministers on Thursday, including the energy minister and foreign minister.

She also addressed a special meeting of the Gulf Co-operation Councils (GCC) foreign ministers on regional stability and discussed Irans new leader, Mojtaba Khameneis threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

GCC secretary-general Jasem Al-Budaiwi thanked Ms Cooper for the UKs military and moral support.

On Friday morning, Mr Trump issued a new warning to Iran on Truth Social, warning his military has unparalleled power.

He wrote: Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.
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The almost 150-page PDF which contained the first batch of documents relating to Lord Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador was released with much fanfare on Wednesday.

It came months after the Labour peer was forced to step down from the role when the full extent of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was revealed.

The primary revelation contained within the files is evidence that the prime minister was issued with clear warnings over Mandelsons links with Epstein - a disclosure which will pile further pressure on Sir Keir Starmer who is already facing growing questions over his judgement in appointing the Labour grandee to such a sensitive diplomatic role.

But within the vast document there is also a significant amount of filler, including 28 blank pages, 17 pages with boxes that should have had notes on them but didnt, 30 pages of standard HR guidance and 19 pages of terms and conditions relating to job appointments.

After sifting through all 147 pages, including the blank ones and the HR recommendations, weve compiled a list of everything you need to know from the first release of files - from warnings over the reputational risk posed by Lord Mandelsons appointment to a 75k taxpayer-funded payout.

open image in gallery Lord Peter Mandelson received 75,000 of taxpayers money following the termination of his contract, files reveal ( PA Wire )

Starmer clearly warned over Mandelsons ongoing relationship with Epstein

The documents reveal that the prime minister was warned in no uncertain terms over Mandelsons ongoing relationship with Epstein, including reports of the peer having stayed in the paedophiles flat while he was in prison.

The prime minister was warned in a due diligence report that there was a general reputational risk in appointing Lord Mandelson because of his relationship with Epstein.

In a section titled Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein, the December 2024 report said: After Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, their relationship continued across 2009-2011, beginning when Lord Mandelson was business minister and continuing after the end of the Labour government.

Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epsteins house while he was in jail in June 2009.

But chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told MPs that the due diligence report on Lord Mandelson did not expose the depth and extent of his relationship with Epstein.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing questions over his judgement following Mandelsons appointment ( House of Commons )

Mandelson handed 75,000 payout  but asked for more than 500,000

Lord Mandelson was awarded a 75,000 payout  funded by taxpayers  after being dismissed from his role as the UKs ambassador to the US, the documents reveal.

But the files also show that the peer demanded a full payout of his contract, totalling more than 500,000, in his severance pay talks.

Mr Jones told MPs the disgraced peers request for more than 500,000  more than six times the final amount  was inappropriate and unacceptable.

Concerns raised by officials over weirdly rushed appointment

Senior officials raised concerns about Lord Mandelsons appointment, including national security adviser Jonathan Powell, who said he found the appointment process unusual and weirdly rushed, according to a 12 September call record.

Mr Powell also raised concerns about the individual and reputation to Sir Keirs then-chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, the memo said, but Mr McSweeney is said to have responded that the issues had been addressed.

Philip Barton, the then-Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, also had reservations around the appointment, the memo said.

open image in gallery Jonathan Powell said the process for appointing Lord Mandelson was weirdly rushed ( PA Archive )

PMs director of communications admitted being personal friend of Mandelson

Sir Keirs then director of communications appears to have defended the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador  before later admitting that the politician was a personal friend.

A briefing note to the prime minister from the civil servants looking into the suitability of Mandelson for the role reveals that they had arranged to brief Sir Keir personally about his relationship with Epstein.

But they noted that Matthew Doyle said he was satisfied with the Labour grandees responses to questions about contact with the paedophile.

We have sought a due diligenceand your chief of staff [Morgan McSweeney] has discussed Peters relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which we will go through with you, but your director of communications [Matthew Doyle] is satisfied with his responses to questions about contact, the note said.

After Mandelson was sacked in September last year, an investigation into the appointment by the PMs general counsel noted that in a telephone interview with Lord Doyle, he described the disgraced Labour grandee as a personal friend.

Doyle was made a peer after resigning as director of communications and has recently been suspended from the Labour Party over separate questions about his own propriety.

Clinton and Mandelson set up a meeting between Blair and Epstein

Bill Clinton and Peter Mandelson set up a meeting between the then-prime minister Tony Blair and Epstein, the files reveal, with the former US ambassador describing the financier as both young and vibrant and safe.

In an email to national security adviser Jonathan Powell in 2002, Lord Mandelson said: Do you remember when Clinton saw TB [Tony Blair] he said he wanted to introduce his travelling friend, Jeffrey Epstein, to TB?

The email continues: I think TB would be interested in meeting Jeffrey, who is also a friend of mine, because Jeffrey is an [sic] scientific catalyst/entrepreneur as well as someone who has his finger on the pulse of many worldwide markets and currencies. He is young and vibrant.

He is safe (whatever that means) and Clinton is now doing a lot of travelling with him.

Mr Blair went on to meet with Epstein at 5pm on 14 May 2002.

In the wake of the revelations, the former prime minister reissued a statement making clear that this was his one and only time contact with the convicted paedophile  and took place long before his crimes were known.

A spokesperson said: As far as he can remember, Mr Blair met with him for less than 30 minutes in Downing Street in May 2002, and discussed US and UK politics.

He never met or engaged with him subsequently. This was, of course, long before his crimes were known of and his subsequent conviction.

open image in gallery Tony Blair with Peter Mandelson ( PA Wire )

Mandelson sacked after reports showed depth and extent of Epstein links

Sir Keir decided to sack Lord Mandelson after emails released by Bloomberg revealed a depth and extent of a relationship with Epstein which he had not been aware of previously when he made the decision to appoint Mandelson in 2024, according to a No 10 private office record of a 11 September meeting.

On this basis, he proposed to ask Mandelson to resign from his post as HMA Washington.

Foreign Office permanent under-secretary Olly Robbins then spoke by telephone to Mandelson towards the end of the meeting to inform him of the prime ministers decision and of the next steps, the memo said, adding that the palace had been informed of the decision during the meeting.
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Nigel Farage has distanced himself from a Reform MPs claim that the party wants to reset Britains sexual culture.

Tory defector Danny Kruger made headlines last month after hitting out at divorce laws brought in by the Conservatives, and claiming the UK is suffering from having a totally unregulated sexual economy.

He told House magazine that he expected Reform to have a limited but important role in resetting sexual culture and undoing the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and suggested the party would support incentives for women to have more children.

However, the Reform UK leader has distanced himself from Mr Krugers claims, saying the party was one of different wings.

Asked if he shared Mr Krugers criticism of Britains so-called totally unregulated sexual economy, Mr Farage told the Financial Times: No. Were a party of different wings, and the bigger you become, the more you have to allow free expression.

Danny Kruger joined Nigel Farages outfit in September ( PA )

He added: For those guys, its Christianity. For me, its the values.

Mr Kruger, who has previously argued for a Christian restoration in the UK, said that reforms such as the legalisation of no-fault divorces, basically means that your vows dont matter.

Marriage traditionally was the means by which sexual relations between men and women were regulated, and I think we are suffering from having a totally unregulated sexual economy, he said.

Im not interested in your love life, or anything about your personal life  that is your business. But I am interested in the framework in which you make your decisions, and Id like the framework to be more pro-social. If you want  most people do want  to settle down with one person to have children, we should make that easier.

Mr Kruger, who defected to Reform UK last year, also said the party wants people to have more children.

He told House magazine: Yes, we have a pronatalist ambition. We want people to have more children, and we think the government should get behind that wish.

The episode marks another split in the party over its stance on certain issues.

Mr Farages comments come after he sparked confusion over the partys position on Britains involvement in the war in the Middle East, after members suggested various stances.

He said Britain should not get ourselves involved in another foreign war, despite senior members of his party previously saying the UK should join the US strikes in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Richard Tice, Reforms MP for Boston and Skegness, said last week that Britain would be helping the Americans and the Israelis in any way they saw appropriate if the party was in power, as he responded to a question about whether Reform would instruct the RAF to take part in the strikes.

Nadhim Zahawi also previously said the UK should join the bombing, while Robert Jenrick took a different stance on Sunday, telling the BBC it was not in the interests of the British people.
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Cubas government announced late on Thursday that it would release 51 inmates from the islands prisons, an unexpected development.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the forthcoming releases, expected in the coming days, are a result of a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican.

The prisoner release follows two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Pope Leo in the Vatican and at a time when Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, one aggravated by US President Donald Trump's imposition of a virtual oil blockade on the Caribbean island.

"In the spirit of goodwill and the close and fluid relations between the Cuban state and the Vatican, with which communication has historically been maintained regarding the review and release of prisoners, the Cuban government has decided to release 51 people sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"All have served a significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison," it said.

The government did not specify who would be released, only confirming that "all have served a significant part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison."

open image in gallery The announcement was made just hours Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is scheduled to speak early Friday in another rare meeting with the press to address national and international issues ( Associated Press )

This announcement was made just hours before Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is scheduled to hold a rare meeting with the press on Friday morning to discuss "national and international issues."

The government has a record of such actions, having granted pardons to 9,905 inmates since 2010.

Additionally, in the past three years, another 10,000 people sentenced to imprisonment have been released.

Cuba previously released prominent dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer as part of a government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners following earlier talks with the Vatican.

Ferrer left Cuba last October and is now in the United States.

open image in gallery The prisoner release follows two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Pope Leo in the Vatican and at a time when Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, one aggravated by US President Donald Trump's imposition of a virtual oil blockade on the Caribbean island ( AFP via Getty Images )

He was one of several prisoners released in early 2025 as part of talks with the Vatican.

The releases began a day after President Joe Bidens administration announced his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

It wasnt immediately known if any of the people the government plans to release are political prisoners.

The nonprofit Prisoners Defenders has said there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026.
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The owners of a cafe in Northeastern Florida say they are fearful for their employees safety after an out-of-town customer claimed on Facebook to have witnessed workers openly celebrating Charlie Kirks murder  an allegation the proprietors flatly deny in a federal defamation lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

In their complaint, Ray and Paige Carter, the proprietors of Amelia Island Coffee, say Atlanta resident Blake Buchanans widely disseminated allegation has exposed them and the shops staff to threats of violence or actual violence committed against them because of the false Facebook post.

Buchanan, a 37-year-old licensed physical therapist, knew [the post] was false when he made it, according to the complaint.

In fact, no statement was made by any employee of Amelia Island Coffee about Charlie Kirk at all, the complaint states. All that happened was an employee told a customer she liked the customers t-shirt, which also said nothing about Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a controversial right-wing podcaster popular with young Republicans, was shot dead last September at the age of 31. In the aftermath of Kirks assassination, conservative activists and prominent Republicans took aim at liberals they thought were in joyful over his death, with everyone from right-wing influencer Laura Loomer to President Trump joining in.

I will be spending my night making everyone I find online who celebrates his death Famous, so prepare to have your whole future professional aspirations ruined if you are sick enough to celebrate his death, Loomer posted on X.

open image in gallery Conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk was fatally gunned down in Utah last September. Now hes at the center of a coffee shops defamation lawsuit in Northeastern Florida ( AFP via Getty Images )

An X post by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee called for a Middle Tennessee State University assistant dean to be fired after she wrote on social media that hate begets hate, and that she had ZERO sympathy for Kirk. The employee was terminated effective immediately, the university told The Tennessean.

Trump, in an appearance on Fox News several days after Kirk was killed, exulted over the firing of MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd, who was let go by the network over a comment suggesting that Kirks hateful rhetoric might have contributed to his shooting.

They fired this guy Dowd whos a terrible guy, terrible human being, but they fired him, Trump said. I hear theyre firing other people.

Amelia Island Coffees complaint says that in addition to introducing the spectre of violence, Buchanans post also caused irreparable harm to its reputation, as well as significant monetary damages to its business due to lost customers.

Michael Duncan and Matthew McLauchlin, the lawyers for Amelia Island Coffee, do not have permission from their clients to discuss the case at this time, they told The Independent.

Attorneys Kevin Kucharz and Christian Zimm, who are defending Buchanan in the suit, did not respond on Friday to requests for comment.

open image in gallery After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, seen here with President Trump, the political right targeted scores of 'liberals' they accused of expressing joy over the conservative podcaster's death ( Getty Images )

Amelia Island Coffee is in downtown Fernandina Beach, a popular tourist spot, according to the Carters complaint, which was initially filed in Florida state court and removed March 12 to Jacksonville federal court. It says the shop has been at the same location for more than three decades, and was purchased in 2022 by the Carters, who are local residents.

Amelia Island Coffees mission has always been to have an environment that is safe, comfortable, inviting, and welcoming to all, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, political affiliation, or sexual orientation, the complaint states.

On September 20, 2025, a week and a half after Kirks death, a customer walked into Amelia Island Coffee wearing a white T-shirt with red splotches on the front that mimicked spattered blood, and the words Problem Solved across the front, the complaint goes on.

According to the complaint, a barista greeted the customer and said that she liked their shirt.

The shirt, which has been available on Amazon and other retailers since well before Kirks death, also prompted a tsunami of threats toward scores of public and private figures. In one example, a group of Arizona math teachers last Halloween were targeted by furious conservatives who demanded their firings over a photo circulating online that showed them each wearing the garment, NBC News reported at the time. However, the teachers  at least three of whom were fans of Kirk, and had voted for Trump  denied the shirts were related in any way to Kirk, saying the phrase was a joke about slaying math problems.

Buchanan, the complaint continues, was in the coffee shop and overheard the interaction between the customer and the barista.

open image in gallery The T-shirt, of which Amelia Island Coffee's lawsuit revolves, is available on Amazon and numerous other retailers. The shop's complaint says the shirt has no connection to Charlie Kirk ( U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida )

At some point shortly following his observation of this simple interaction, Buchanan created a post on the page of a Facebook group called Fernandina Beach Amelia Island Network, which has approximately 11,700 members and is intended as a forum for local Fernandina Beach residents, the complaint states.

Buchanan joined the public group shortly before the post appeared, according to the complaint.

The employees of Amelia Island coffee are openly celebrating Charlie Kirks murder today, the post read.

In a comment beneath the post, the complaint says Buchanan uploaded a stock photo of a model wearing the same shirt and expanded on his explosive claim, writing, Customer walked in wearing this shirt and one of the employees stopped him and said I love your shirt. Then same employee told all of the other baristas and they all had a good laugh.

A spate of angry responses followed, with numerous people posting extremely negative comments about Amelia Island Coffee, the complaint states.

Until the coffee shop provides video of the interaction, I have to assume guilt, one read. I will boycott the business and suggest others do the same until video is provided which shows me the interaction did not occur.

Disgusting, read another.

open image in gallery Defendant Blake Buchanan dared posters on Facebook to 'prove me wrong' about his claims regarding a Florida barista, using a phrase popularized by conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, according to legal filings ( AFP via Getty Images )

A third, which was reposted from X, read, Democrats are the only group on the planet that can gun down an innocent man, celebrate his death, mock his wife, destroy memorials for him, lie about who killed him and somehow STILL make themselves the victims.

The complaint argues that Buchanan completely misinterpreted what he claimed to have seen, and that no one was openly celebrating Kirks death. Still, the complaint says, Buchanan has refused to delete the post and has in fact challenged those commenters who questioned his version of events to prove me wrong, one of Kirks catchphrases.

For his part, Buchanan argues in a response filed in court that his post was constitutionally protected speech under the First Amendment.

Buchanans statement was not reckless or negligent, was not defamatory, and did not harm Plaintiffs reputation, the response states, further denying that the replies elicited by his post were extremely negative.

Mr. Buchanan will seek the recovery of his attorneys fees, costs of litigation, sanctions, and all other costs under Fla. Stat.  57.105, ef seq. because Plaintiffs claims are frivolous and meritless, according to the response.

Amelia Island Coffee is seeking a money judgment against Buchanan for defamation per se, in an amount to be determined by a jury.
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It is a heluva mystery!

Over the past month, several restaurants in Philadelphia have reported receiving mysterious shipments of 600 tubs of Heluva Good! brand French onion dip.

The first restaurant to receive the 600-tub pallet of deliciousness was Mac Marts MACn Cheesery food stand, which reported receiving the bizarre shipment, which had not been requested or approved, on March 5.

Owner Marti Lieberman told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she unsuccessfully tried to turn away the massive shipment of dip.

She later made an Instagram post about the surprise dip and caught the attention of Heluva Good! A spokesperson for the brand then instructed her to dispose of the dip, as the company did not know where it came from.

Then, suddenly, more and more restaurants in the area reported receiving a similar mysterious shipment.

open image in gallery Several Philadelphia restaurants have reported receiving mysterious shipments of French onion dip, according to a report Philadelphia restaurants have reported receiving mysterious shipments of French onion dip, according to a report ( Mac Mart/Facebook )

All Day Hoagies and Ice Cream discarded their 600 tubs of dip after Heluva Good! told them to  however, employees had tested the dip beforehand, and determined that they tasted normal, per the Inquirer.

Meanwhile, Eds Buffalo Wings and Pizza handed out the two massive shipments it received to customers.

Heluva Good!, which produces dips, condiments and cheeses, is owned by HP Hood LLC, a manufacturer based in Lynnfield, Massachusetts.

In a statement to The Independent, Lynne Bohan, the group vice president of HP Hood LLC, which owns Heluva Good! said, Were aware of a third-party promotion that unfortunately resulted in a shipping mix-up involving Heluva Good! Dip. Our team is diligently investigating the matter and has already contacted the affected restaurants.

The third-party company apparently reached out to other Philly-based businesses, too, including Fox & Son Foods at Reading Terminal Market. Co-owner Rebecca Foxman told the newspaper she received several sketchy emails, teeming with spelling errors, about free samples, which she ignored.

However, some restaurants in the City of Brotherly Love were able to make use of the freebie.

Puglia Pizza Philly received an entire pallet of dip four days before the Super Bowl. The pizzeria had been contacted by sampling company Brandshare and Geezy to receive the snack, but was still shocked by the massive amount they received.

Looking to spread the love, the pizzeria offered customers a free tub of dip when they ordered online.

We made the best out of a Heluva Good! Situation, co-owner Heather Tricarico said.

Other restaurants were also seemingly trying to take advantage of the dip situation, which has since gained nationwide attention.

The Mac Mart, which disposed of the mystery dip, wrote on Instagram that it would be leaning in just a little bit by introducing a range of French Onion Mac & Cheese options.

So dont miss itand lets all officially move on from Dip Gate 2026 together, the Instagram post read.
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Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday his government revoked the visa of a U.S. State Department official, calling it a reciprocal measure after Brazilian officials had their visas revoked in the United States last year.

Lula's decision against Darren Beattie is tied to a move in August by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that revoked and restricted visas of some Brazilian officials who Washington claimed to have links to a Cuban program that sends doctors overseas.

On Thursday Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes denied Beattie access to the Brasilia prison where former President Jair Bolsonaro is jailed.

That American fellow who said he had come here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was forbidden to do so," Lula said, adding that he will be blocked from Brazil until the visas for Brazil's health minister and his family are reinstated.

Moraes, who sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for leading a coup attempt in 2023, said in his ruling that Beattie had requested a visa to attend the BrazilUS Critical Minerals Forum in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The ruling mentions the Brazilian foreign office's view that Beattie's visit to Bolsonaro could represent undue interference." The 80-year-old Lula is running for reelection later this year, with Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, one of the sons of the far-right leader, expected to be his main opponent in his bid for a fourth term.

A Brazilian government official told The Associated Press on Friday that Beattie's visa was revoked because of the omission of information and lies about the purpose of the visit upon his visa request.

The official spoke under condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

The White House did not comment on Lula's decision or the Brazilian Supreme Court ruling.

Lula has repeatedly suggested he wants to meet Trump in Washington this month to discuss tariffs, security cooperation and other topics, but no date has been set.

Beattie's profile in the State Department's website says he joined from the private sector, where he worked as a media entrepreneur and political strategist." It said he has served in government as a White House speechwriter and policy aide.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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New U.S. Postal Service stamps are set to be unveiled, honoring lowrider culture.

Mexican American and Chicano barrios in the American Southwest to the halls of the Smithsonian on the National Mall and even the streets of Japan, the trend has become part of mainstream car culture around the globe.

USPS is joining the club with a new series of stamps dedicated to the low and slow rolling works of art. The stamps  complete with pinstriping  are being unveiled Friday during a celebration in San Diego.

For the lowrider community, its validation of the vibrant artistic expression that blossomed in the 1940s in the working-class communities of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas as everyday cars were transformed into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

open image in gallery Freehand pinstriping artist Danny Alvarado, left, with his assistant Clarence Spears, looks at sketches used for the new United States Postal Service lowriders stamps at his workshop in Monrovia, Calif. ( AP )

open image in gallery In the 1980s, some cities imposed anti-cruising laws and height restrictions, often seen as targeting Chicano youth and associating lowriders with gangs despite the community's emphasis on artistry and family ( AP )

Lowriders are known for their dazzling paint schemes, glistening chrome, luxurious interiors and gravity-defying hydraulic systems. They're symbols of creativity, craftsmanship, pride and identity.

Making history

Antonio Alcala grew up in San Diego admiring the cars from afar, so it was an honor for him to design the stamps. The challenge was finding the right mix of cars and colors to represent the lowrider world.

He pored over tons of photographs before whittling it down to five: a 1946 Chevy Fleetline, three classic Chevy Impalas and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Each brings its own flare, from curvaceous body lines and low stances to a hint of the mechanics that make the cars hop.

Its a real thrill, said Alcala, the postal service's art director. The postage stamps are supposed to represent the best of America. Theyre kind of a way that the United States signals to the rest of the world these are things that we find important about our people, our accomplishments, our culture, etc. So to have it commemorated on a stamp is a big deal.

Alcala watched a video of Danny Alvarado pinstriping a car, and his heart stopped as the brush effortlessly glided over the metal flake paint leaving behind intricate swirls. He knew that would be the final touch for the corner of each stamp.

open image in gallery The stamp project was unexpected, Mendoza said, noting that it couldn't have come at a better time ( AP )

Alvarado, an illustrator and sculptor, has spent about 50 years perfecting his craft and is now teaching others how to spin the brush just right. For him, the stamp project has special meaning  his father worked as a mail carrier for more than 20 years and it marks another corner turned as lowrider culture gains new fans and more respect.

Cruising ahead

In the 1980s, some cities imposed anti-cruising laws and height restrictions, often seen as targeting Chicano youth and associating lowriders with gangs despite the community's emphasis on artistry and family.

But with the Hispanic U.S. population increasing and lowriding becoming more popular, restrictions have been rolled back in recent years. California repealed cruising bans in 2024, and just last year New Mexico lawmakers celebrated Lowrider Day at the state capitol, even though a proposal to enshrine the lowrider as New Mexicos state vehicle didn't gain enough traction.

Founder and president of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, Roberto Hernandez began cruising in the late '70s when cruising was banned in California. With the stamp unveiling, Hernandez feels like we got the final stamp of approval as lowriders.

Alvarado agrees, adding that widespread recognition of the positive aspects of lowriding has been a long time coming.

Its a big hit. I mean the lowriding community is so excited about these stamps, Alvarado said from his home in Monrovia, California. Everybody Ive talked to already knows about them, so they just cant wait till they come out.

Melting pot

Alvarado mentioned car clubs in Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Chicago, Dallas, New York and the ones that are popping up overseas  from London to Hungary, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

Humberto Beto Mendoza, whose photographs were used as the basis of three of the stamps, ticked off his own list, describing lowrider culture as both a family affair and a big melting pot.

He has traveled far and wide photographing many of the iconic masterpieces that have graced magazine covers. That includes El Rey, a red 1963 Chevrolet Impala that is featured on one of the stamps and is on display at the National Museum of American History.

Mendoza was a fan of lowriders long before he built a career photographing them for a living.

When he was a boy, his father, a Mexican immigrant, taught him how to frame images with a point-and-shoot and then eventually bought him his first real camera. From there, Mendoza hustled, carrying with him a photo album of his work as he persuaded more lowriders to document their fancy rides.

The stamp project was unexpected, Mendoza said, noting that it couldn't have come at a better time. He had just suffered a stroke in 2022 and was in a dark place. The project was a ray of light for him and for the wider lowrider community.

Were usually outcasted, you know, so them acknowledging us in this community is historic, he said. We feel accepted now.
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A Tennessee woman says she is floored after she launched a GoFundMe that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for an elderly DoorDash driver.

Brittany Smith of Manchester, Tennessee, told The Independent she launched a GoFundMe for a 78-year-old man named Richard after she saw him struggling to climb stairs while delivering a DoorDash order earlier this week. The GoFundMe, titled Give Richard a Chance to Rest Again, has raised more than $510,000 as of Friday.

I had no idea that I was going to gain that much traction, she said.

Smith called the response overwhelming, but said shed do it over again in a heartbeat. She hopes the funds will help Richard go back into retirement.

Richard said he's not slept in two days because he can't quit watching the GoFundMe, she added.

open image in gallery Brittany Smith launched a GoFundMe for 78-year-old Richard after she saw him struggling to deliver a DoorDash order ( Brittany Smith )

The saga began Tuesday, when Smith discovered her daughters father had ordered Starbucks for her.

I was actually mad about it, because he often orders Starbucks for her, but we try to do it as more of a reward, and this was the third time he had ordered for her in the week, she said. So, I see the Ring doorbell go off, and I'm like, you've got to be kidding me, he had Starbucks sent again.

When Smith clicked on the Ring doorbell app, she saw a little old man walking up the steps.

This poor guy is struggling to get up my stairs to deliver my very capable daughter her Starbucks, she said. My daughter's dad is a quadriplegic, so he often has things sent to the house because he can't physically go get them.

The 20-second clip shows the elderly man, dressed in a red shirt and khakis, gripping the handrail and climbing a small set of stairs before dropping the delivery at the front door.

After watching the footage, Smith told her daughters father to send a bigger tip through the app  but he wasnt able to. Thats when she turned to social media for help.

I posted the video literally just looking for this man's name, she said.

open image in gallery Smith wanted to give Richard a bigger tip after watching the footage, so she turned to social media for help ( Brittany Smith )

open image in gallery A social media user recognized Richard, and gave his full name to Smith ( Brittany Smith )

A Facebook user, who recognized Richard because he had regularly delivered DoorDash orders to her office, reached out and passed along his full name, Smith said.

Smith declined to provide Richards last name to The Independent, and said he asked her to withhold it.

She was able to track down Richards address, and even verified that the car in his driveway matched the one she saw on the Ring doorbell. Then, she knocked on his door and offered him a $200 tip.

Before he accepted the money  he wanted to make sure that I was going to be OK if he accepted that money from me, she said.

Richard explained that he started delivering for DoorDash after his wife, who requires very expensive medication, lost her job through no fault of her own, Smith said. After paying for their necessities, the couple didnt have enough left over, so Richard started using the delivery app to supplement their income, Smith added.

When Smith returned home, the footage had gone viral on TikTok, and countless commenters were asking how they could help. That inspired her to launch the GoFundMe on Wednesday morning  and her phone has not stopped buzzing since, she said.

GoFundMe is working directly with the fundraiser organizer to help ensure all funds safely reach the beneficiary, a spokesperson for the platform told The Independent. More than 12,000 people had donated as of Thursday evening.

He's more precious in person, so I'm glad that I got to meet him, Smith said.

DoorDash, a food delivery app, allows users to both place orders and sign up to be delivery drivers. These drivers must be 18 years or older, have a vehicle and provide a valid form of ID, according to the apps website.

The Independent has contacted DoorDash for comment.
When Iridescent Roney turned up at the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics to hand in her birth certificate on Feb. 26, the staff were even more confused than she was.

Roney was one of roughly 1,700 transgender people whose Kansas-issued driver's licenses and birth certificates were revoked by a new law, which was passed eight days earlier by the states Republican supermajority over a veto by Democratic Gov Laura Kelly.

For years, Kansas was one of a dwindling handful of U.S. states that refused to let trans people change their gender on official documents. The policy made it impossible for trans people to hide their history whenever they flashed their I.D., potentially exposing them to discrimination and violence.

That changed in 2019 due to a federal civil rights lawsuit, and many trans people  Roney included  duly updated their documents. But now, Kansas Republicans have invalidated every license and birth certificate that did not reflect the gender its holder was assigned at birth.

Those who try to drive using their old licenses can be fined, arrested and even jailed if they do it repeatedly, according to activists and letters sent out by state officials.

open image in gallery Matthew Neumann, founder and executive directory of the LGBTQ Foundation of Kansas, holds up his 'M'-marked driver's license  which he refuses to give up despite a new anti-trans law declaring it invalid. ( Matthew Neumann )

Yet as Roney discovered, the rollout of this new policy was confused and chaotic.

"The folks [at Vital Statistics] were terribly kind, and I appreciate them for that," Roney, 29, a college career adviser in Lawrence, Kansas, told The Independent.

"However, they didn't know what to do. There was no plan of action for what was going to happen.

The new legislation is part of a growing GOP campaign against trans rights both in Kansas and the U.S. more widely. Republicans have sought to cut off trans people from their healthcare, exile them from public bathrooms, kick them out of the U.S. military, and reportedly even stop them owning guns.

Kansas new law, known as Senate Bill 244, also includes language allowing Kansans to sue a privately transgender individual if they feel "aggrieved" about them using the wrong bathroom.

But the ID provisions had more immediate consequences. Though the law took effect on Feb. 26, that date was not mentioned explicitly anywhere in its text, meaning many trans Kansans were not aware it would take effect so soon.

Moreover, many people only received letters notifying them of the changes a day earlier, according to independent trans rights journalist Erin Reed.

Others never received any letter at all, said Matthew Neumann, a 44-year-old trans man who runs the LGBTQ Foundation of Kansas in Larned, two hours west of Wichita.

open image in gallery Iridescent Roney stands beside her car in Kansas City, Missouri, from where she commutes regularly into Kansas for her job. The new law invalidated her old birth certificate, which she had gone through the legal process to change from male to female ( Iridescent Roney )

"I have not received a letter, still, over a week later," Neumann told The Independent.

The lack of notification has made it impossible for many trans people to renew their licenses by the deadline in the 15th largest state in the U.S., with minimal public transport.

Some were left stranded after the deadline, unable to drive to work or even drive themselves to the DMV to get new documents, said Neumann.

On Tuesday, a Kansas court declined to block the law in response to an ACLU-backed legal challenge. The case is ongoing, meaning S.B. 244 could still be overturned in future.

"Right now everything still seems to be up in the air on how it's going to affect people. The biggest effect it's had is the fear, he said. Which I think is something that the state wanted."

Im Schroedingers gender right now

Roney was one of those who never got a letter. Shed previously changed both her birth certificate and her drivers license to match her lived gender, but only found out about the Thursday deadline last Wednesday night after coming home from work.

Having spent most of her life in Kansas, she now lives in Kansas City, Missouri, a sprawling metro area that straddles both states. Her job is roughly an hours drive away in Lawrence, Kansas, meaning she had no option but to brief her supervisor and take the day off.

It turned out to be an all-day adventure, Roney said, lasting from about 7:40 a.m. to after 4 p.m.

First, she took her drivers license to the DMV in Grandview, Missouri, on the outskirts of Kansas City. The staff had no idea what to do, Roney said, but eventually issued her a new license  still designating her as female, her preferred designation. Then she and her spouse drove for about 90 minutes to Topeka, Kansas to Vital Statistics about the birth certificate.

"They said, 'We can't issue you a new birth certificate even when you have an invalid one.' To which I responded, 'I will be leaving here with a birth certificate, please, Roney said.

Roney ultimately did get a new birth certificate, albeit branding her as male. So now she is in an awkward situation because her identification documents don't match.

"According to the state of Missouri I'm female, she said. According to the state of Kansas,, I'm Schroedinger's gender." (Thats a riff on Schroedingers Cat, the famous thought experiment in quantum mechanics about a cat that is simultaneously alive and dead.)

That could be a problem, she fears, if shes ever required to use both documents together. "I'm doing everything I can to follow the law, she laments.

open image in gallery Roney no longer feels safe in Kansas but also cannot leave because she is a carer for her chosen parents ( Iridescent Roney )

Altogether, replacing both documents cost Roney about $50 in fees plus gas money. For people replacing their driving license in Kansas, the fee is $8.

The Kansas Division of Vehicles said it was working to notify affected people "as fast as possible," within the "short timeframe imposed by the legislature."

"The Kansas Legislature neither allowed for a grace period for affected credentials nor did they appropriate additional funds to cover the cost of reissuing credentials, so there is an $8 fee to cover the cost of reissuance," the division told The Lawrence Times.

Roney finds it galling that she had to pay anything to replace a license she legally received from the state of Kansas by following the correct steps in 2023. But Roney still feels fortunate: she has a salaried job and did not lose wages for taking the day off. "Not everyone gets that same privilege," she said.

Roney noted the the new law could have myriad issues. "What's gonna happen the first couple days you miss work? What if you want to go vote?" (Kansas has strict voter I.D. laws., requiring voters to show a drivers license, passport, tribal I.D., or other proof of identity.)

She added: "What if you get sick, and now you can't drive yourself to the hospital, and you don't want to have anyone to take you? What if you just want to go pick up cold medicine?"

This law is illegal, and I wont follow it

When Matthew Neumann got his gender markers changed around 2020-21, it was a big moment.

As a trans-rights activist, he had fought for years for Kansans' right to change their legal gender. He proudly posted a redacted photo of his new birth certificate and drivers license on social media.

"I was so happy that I achieved that milestone in my trans journey," Neumann told The Independent.

Kansas Republicans had already tried to ban legal gender changes in 2023 with a state Senate bill which required public and private agencies to define who is a man or a woman according to their reproductive system.

Gov. Laura Kelly resisted, leading Republican state Attorney General Chris Kobach to sue her administration to stop allowing gender changes. The process was frozen by court order for two years, until an appeals court overturned that decision last October.

Neumann said he refuses to comply with the new law.

This law is not legal, and until a judge tells me that it is legal, I'm not going to follow it, he said. "I fought for my rights, and I'm going to continue to fight, and I don't believe in handing in my rights because they pushed a law through so quickly to strip them away."

open image in gallery Neumann at the wheel of his 2020 Chevy Spark. Larned, Kansas is fairly remote  two hours from Wichita, three from Topeka  meaning he has to drive long streteches to attend events or observe court cases ( Matthew Neumann )

Neumann says he has been told by his county attorney that sheriff's deputies are to ticket any trans person driving on a license deemed invalid. If he finds out this has happened, he vows that the LGBTQ Foundation of Kansas will pay for the fines.

The activist said he wasnt judging any trans person who chose to comply with the law. His foundation is hoping to cover all expenses associated with replacing invalidated documents up to $100 (thanks to a partnership with the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter) as well as organizing rides from cis-gender people with valid licenses.

Two trans men have already sued the state with help from the ACLU, asking a judge to temporarily block the "discriminatory and dehumanizing" law as contrary to the Kansas Constitution. But on Tuesday the judge declined, saying they had not yet offered enough evidence of factual harm.

Even so, the effect has been disruptive. "People have had to take time off work to get their IDs changed," Neumann said. "And getting somebody to give you a ride, and making sure that you have that documentation for your job.

Neumann argues that the law will force trans people to out themselves to employers, since they will need to submit new I.D. and then explain why it has the wrong marker for their lived gender. That, he says, could open them up to discrimination.

Indeed, in the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, 22 percent of all respondents said they had been verbally harassed, assaulted, asked to leave a location, or denied services after showing I.D. whose name or gender didnt match their appearance.

Spotty enforcement has increased the uncertainty. Neumann says he knows one trans man who renewed his license after S.B. 244 came into force, only to be surprised when staff issued him a male license in apparent violation of the law.

Similarly, one fortysomething trans woman in Lindsborg, Kansas, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Independent that her license was still listed as valid in the states online portal, even two weeks after she received a letter demanding she give it up.

If they do force her to get an M on her license, she added, she planned to cover it with a pink triangle sticker in defiant reference to the Nazi persecution of LGBT+ people.

Alone and isolated

Since the law came into effect last Thursday, such incidents have played out across Kansas  and beyond.

Another transgender Kansan, Ruby Mae Johnson, told The Lawrence Times that she had already left Kansas for the Netherlands to seek asylum from what she described as persecution from both state and federal governments. (The Independent earlier reported on a number of trans Americans with overseas asylum cases.)

That leaves Johnson with no practical way to get a new U.S. driver's license, meaning she can no longer drive in the Netherlands.

I don't know a single person who doesn't want to get out of these red states, if they can, Roney told The Independent.

open image in gallery Trans rights supporters protest against S.B. 244 during a sit-in at a legislative committee hearing in Topeka, February 6, 2026. Republicans used a controversial procedure known as gut and go to insert new provisions into an existing bill, allowing it to be pushed through rapidly without the usual debate and scrutiny ( AP Photo/John Hanna )

Advocates of S.B. 244 have described it as returning biological reality and common sense to Kansas documents.

"SB 244 restores sanity in Kansas, said Senate president Ty Masterson in a statement to The Independent. We swiftly overrode Laura Kellys radical veto that would have forced our mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters to share their bathrooms with biological men in government buildings.

Defending the law in court on Friday, AG Kobach said that drivers licenses are government documents and that the government has the right to determine what information they contain. Sex is unchangeable, he argued, and thus should not change on documents either.

The Independent has asked Kobachs office for comment.

Jayme Johnson, a 40-year-old academic and musician in south-central Kansas who began transitioning in 2022, had long avoided changing her documents, partly because she feared it would make it easier for the government to target her in future. Now, that fear has been realized.

"If you don't do anything with your documents, your name may never go into some system," she told The Independent. "It's like, which [piece of information] is gonna be the landmine that explodes on you? I didn't want to ever risk stepping on one."

The situation has made Johnson feel "really alone and isolated", she said, making everyday tasks harder and solidifying her sense that she has no safe future in Kansas.

Claven Snow, a 47-year-old trans father of two in Douglas County, Kansas, felt similarly. For him, so far, S.B. 244 has only been annoying, but it feels like a harbinger of more sinister things on the horizon.

Right now, its just the gender marker on my ID, which I thought was settled, Snow told The Independent. But I have two school-age children and court papers verifying my paternity. That seems settled now, but are they going to try and invalidate those, too?

This story was updated at 1:11 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday March 11, 2026 to add a statement from Kansas Senate president Ty Masterson.
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Canada announced a multi-billion-dollar plan to build new military bases in the Arctic following threats from President Donald Trump to make it Americas 51st state, and his desire to take control of Greenland.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government plans to spend C$32 billion (about $24 billion U.S.) on opening the bases in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Iqaluit and Goose Bay, located in the north of the country.

In this new era, we cannot rely on other nations for our security and prosperity, Carney said Thursday, speaking from an airplane hangar in Yellowknife, flanked by his officials and Canadian troops.

With this plan, we are taking control of our future. We will no longer rely on others to defend our Arctic security or to fuel our economy, Carney said. We are taking full responsibility for defending our sovereignty.

Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put the Arctic at the heart of the debate over global trade and security.

open image in gallery Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a multi-billion-dollar plan to build new military bases in the Arctic following threats from President Donald Trump to make it Americas 51st state, and his desire to take control of Greenland (file image) ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The display of military force follows threats from Trump in January to annex Canada and take over the Danish territory of Greenland for national security purposes  a move that triggered panic and alarm among European leaders.

Experts said Carneys announcement was also sending a message to Trump.

The primary purpose of all this spending is to show Donald Trump that Canada can take care of security in its own Arctic, so that the U.S. doesnt need to, Michael Byers, an academic in Arctic sovereignty and Canadian defense policy at the University of British Columbia, told The New York Times.

In other circumstances, permanently stationing more than a few hundred troops in the Canadian Arctic would not make sense, Byers said. Its too vast, cold, and sparsely populated.

Early in Trumps second term, he said Canada should be the 51st state. Those remarks were reiterated at the World Economic Forum in January this year, where he said that Canada lives because of the United States.

Carney pushed back with a video message, where he asserted that Canada thrives because we are Canadian.

open image in gallery Carney made the announcement from an airplane hangar in Yellowknife, flanked by his officials and Canadian troops. ( REUTERS )

This is our country. This is our future. The choice is ours, he said.

Trumps rhetoric toward Canada, coupled with his tariff trade war, has prompted Americas neighbors to boycott American products, and the number of Canadians traveling to the U.S. has dropped.

Meanwhile, Trump backed off his aspirations to assert U.S. control over fellow Arctic nation Greenland following enormous resistance from European leaders, and eventually said a framework of a future deal had been agreed with NATO.

The matter resurfaced again late February when Trump announced that he wanted to send a great hospital boat to Greenland, though it was unclear why  Greenland provides free healthcare to its residents.

That will be no thanks from us, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said.

President Trumps idea to send a US hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted, Neilsen said. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens.
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Republican lawmakers in Florida passed a bill on Thursday requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote, while also limiting forms of identification at the polls.

The bill easily cleared the state House with a 77-28 majority, hours after passing in the state Senate. No Democrats voted in favor of the bill.

Critics have claimed that the bill will disenfranchise both young and elderly voters and have suggested that thousands of people could be struck from the electoral rolls.

open image in gallery A bill in Florida was approved by lawmakers on Thursday, which could require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering. Ron DeSantis, the state governor, has voiced support for the legislation ( WINK )

With the passing of the legislation, the bill moves onto the desk of Floridas Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

The Florida version of the SAVE Act is about to pass the Legislature, he wrote on X on Thursday. Although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity.

When registering to vote, Floridians would need to provide a birth certificate or a passport, which would be verified against government databases.

If no citizenship data was found, voters would be notified by mail. Then, they would have to prove their citizenship at a county elections office.

The bill would also mean that college IDs and identification cards provided by retirement homes would be considered invalid at the polls.

Florida Democrats have accused Republicans of trying to disenfranchise voters on a partisan basis. Tina Polsky, a Democratic state senator, blasted the legislation on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

This is just saying to any out-of-state students or students in Florida who do not drive, We do not want your vote, she said. That is absolutely terrible.

open image in gallery The Florida bill mirrors the SAVE America Act, which President Trump has repeatedly voiced his support for ( Getty Images )

However, Republican State Senator Erin Grall, one of the bills sponsors, claimed that the legislation will increase voters' faith in electoral fairness.

This is about the integrity of our elections, she told senators on Wednesday. It is something that puts greater trust into our system.

According to Grall, 872,000 Florida residents do not have Real IDs. In 2023, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that 98 percent of the states residents had Real IDs. Its unclear what total population metric the state DMV uses for that figure. The Sunshine States total population is estimated at 23.4 million, but that number also includes non-citizens.

The bill will take effect next year, meaning the restrictions cannot be imposed before this years midterm elections.

Bacardi Jackson, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, slammed the legislation in a statement.

Taken together, these changes are not neutral or harmless  they would fall hardest on low-income voters, students, seniors, women, and Black and Brown Floridians, she said.

Context matters, Jackson continued. This wave of anti-voter legislation is advancing amid ongoing abuses of power that pose unprecedented threats to American democracy.

open image in gallery Representative Erin Grall says that the new bill in Florida will generate greater trust in the electoral system ( Copyright 2022 the Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Florida bill mirrors the SAVE America Act, which President Trump has previously voiced his support for.

The controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and would force Americans to provide proof of citizenship while casting their ballots.

Conflict over the SAVE Act has dominated the agenda on Capitol Hill, with Trump vowing that he will not sign other bills until the bill passes.

A similar law to the proposed legislation in Florida was passed in Kansas in 2013. According to federal court records, over 31,000 voters had their registrations rejected or denied because they did not provide documents proving citizenship.

Most of those voters were citizens, according to the documents, and the law was later ruled to be unconstitutional.
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Podcaster Joe Rogan, who has attended UFC fights alongside President Donald Trump, has said its weird to hold the mixed martial arts fight at the White House amid the Iran war.

Six bouts are expected to be held on the White House South Lawn to commemorate Americas 250th birthday on June 14, which will also be Trumps 80th birthday. UFC Freedom 250s main event will be between lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.

But Rogan is wary that if the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran continue, the UFC fights can make for an easy target.

On The Joe Rogan Experience Wednesday, political commentator Konstantin Kisin asked Rogan, Are you excited for the White House card?

open image in gallery Podcaster Joe Rogan, who has attended UFC fights alongside President Donald Trump, has said its weird to hold the mixed martial arts fight at the White House amid the Iran war ( Getty Images )

Im excited. It sounds crazy. I know its going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war.

I would hope the war will be sorted out by June, but quite honestly, Im not confident thats going to be the case. So thatll be weird  having this very high profile event where everyones in one place at one time right there, Rogan replied.

The Trump administration has given conflicting answers about when the war will end. Trump told Axios Wednesday that the strikes, which began nearly two weeks ago, will end soon because there is practically nothing left to target." The U.S. military said Thursday it has hit about 6,000 targets in the war.

A Quinnipiac University poll taken over the weekend found 77 percent of American voters think it is either very likely or somewhat likely that there will be a terrorist attack in the U.S. because of the Iran war.

open image in gallery Six bouts will be held on the White House South Lawn to commemorate Americas 250th birthday on June 14, which will also be Trumps 80th birthday ( Getty Images )

When asked when they think the war will end, 18 percent think it will take weeks, 32 percent think months and 26 percent think the conflict will last longer than a year.

Rogan has been friendly with Trump in the past, endorsing him during the 2024 election and hugging him at a UFC fight shortly after his presidential victory that November.

But since Trump took office, Rogan has broken with the president on several issues, such as his sweeping immigration crackdown and the administrations handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

open image in gallery 'I know its going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war,' Rogan said ( Getty Images )

Rogan spoke out against the Iran war on his podcast earlier in the week, saying, It just seems so insane based on what he ran on.

I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right? He ran on No more wars, end these stupid, senseless wars, and then we have one that we cant even really clearly define why we did it, the podcaster said.

Trump has claimed that Iran posed an imminent threat to the American people because of its nuclear ambitions and development of long-range missiles.

But 55 percent of American voters do not think Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. before the strikes, according to the Quinnipiac University poll.
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A group of President Donald Trumps top allies has formed a coalition to push his team to resume its aggressive anti-immigration operation, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in cities, instead of focusing solely on deporting violent criminals.

The Mass Deportation Coalition, which includes MAGA figures, conservative groups and think tanks close to Trumps administration, wants to see the president deport all undocumented migrants in the country.

Targeting only violent criminals, gang members, and terrorists is a Clinton-Obama-Biden policy that has historically been a disastrous failure, the group said.

After the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minnesota in January, the Trump administration has pivoted its messaging on immigration and overhauled its leadership, with border czar Tom Homan replacing commander-at-large Gregory Bovino, and the ousting of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The coalition commissioned polling, conducted by a firm Trump has used in his presidential elections, to back its anti-immigration ideology and said that doubling down on the deportation push will ensure Republicans will win the 2026 midterm elections, Politico reports.

open image in gallery A group of President Donald Trumps top allies has formed a coalition to push his team to resume its aggressive anti-immigration operation, including raids in cities, instead of focusing solely on deporting violent criminals ( Getty )

According to the poll carried out by McLaughlin & Associates, 66 percent of likely 2026 voters support the deportation of any migrant who enters the U.S. illegally, and 58 percent said they supported deporting all eligible migrants, not only violent criminals.

Trump voters from the last election were asked whether they supported Trumps goal of exceeding former President Dwight D. Eisenhowers deportation effort in the 1950s  the largest in U.S. history that saw around one-third of illegal migrants leave the country.

In response, 87 percent said they supported that goal.

The poll also found that 74 percent of Trump voters would be more likely to vote for the Republican candidate for Congress if the president exceeded one million deportations of illegal migrants in 2026.

Chris Chmielenski, president of the conservative Immigration Accountability Project and a partner of the coalition, told Politico that Trump voters dont just support it, they expect it from the administration.

This is a good way to re-energize the base as we move into the midterms, the same way that Trump was able to do so in the lead up to the 2024 general election, Chmielenski added.

open image in gallery After the deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minnesota in January, the Trump administration has pivoted its messaging on immigration and overhauled its leadership ( Getty Images )

The groups poll was at odds with a recent Fox News survey that found nearly six in ten of its viewers disapprove of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with almost half of voters wanting to slash the agency's funding.

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.

It follows an internal Department of Homeland Security analysis, obtained by CBS News last month, that confirmed the share of immigrants with violent criminal histories arrested and targeted for deportation by the Trump administration is comparatively lower than the shares of detainees with nonviolent criminal histories or no previous arrests.

Less than 14 percent of immigrants arrested by ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and other agencies over the first year of Trumps second presidency had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson denied that the Trump administration was changing its immigration enforcement agenda.

President Trumps highest priority has always been the deportation of illegal alien criminals who endanger American communities, Jackson said in a statement. As the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly said, approximately 70 percent of deportations to date have been illegal aliens with criminal records.

Jackson added that approximately three million illegal migrants had left the U.S. because of Trumps policies.
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Since he was confirmed by the Senate five days into President Donald Trumps second term, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has supposedly overseen a trillion-dollar budget with a workforce of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel.

Since Feb. 28, hes supposedly been running the day-to-day operations of one of the largest air campaigns in recent history as the U.S. and Israel have pounded Irans military infrastructure to a pulp while touching off a global energy crisis with at least 13 American service members killed, including the crew of a KC-135 tanker aircraft.

But as the ex-Fox News host  a former Army National Guard Major who caught President Donald Trumps attention by advocating for pardons for accused war criminals during his first term  made a rare appearance in the Pentagons briefing room on Friday, it was not the Supreme Leader (new or old one) that had Hegseth nearly breathless at the podium.

No, it was an enemy far more insidious that revealed itself to the self-titled Secretary of War  the free press.

Sgt. Rock-in-a-suit hadn't even finished his first sentence when he started in with a gratuitous dig at his former colleagues in the media, urging the fake news to actually admit that the U.S. was decimating the radical Iranian regime's military in a way the world has never seen before.

open image in gallery Here's a real headline for you, for an actual patriotic press, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth scolded reporters at an Iran War briefing Friday ( Getty )

Setting aside the obvious fact that Hegseth  a graduate of Harvard and Princeton  is seemingly unaware that decimating Irans military would leave 90 percent of it functioning, the extraneous attack on press coverage was just the opening salvo.

After a series of boasts about the U.S. progress in destroying Irans offensive capabilities (plus comparing the countrys leadership to rats who are cowering in underground facilities) and a declaration that Americas military would give no quarter  something that would constitute a war crime  Hegseth turned his attention to an even more pressing matter: Television news graphics.

The former weekend morning show host purported to offer a few suggestions to the assembled reporters after grousing about banners and headlines seen by Americans that arent reflective of his own worldview.

Instead of Mideast war intensifies, Hegseth demanded an alternative headline: Iran increasingly desperate.

He also took issue with another fake headline which suggested the war is widening after Iran threatened to target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz  which, to the consternation of fake news copy editors everywhere, he insisted on repeatedly calling the Straits of Hormuz  and Israel began attacking targets in Lebanon with abandon.

Here's a real headline for you, for an actual patriotic press. How about, Iran shrinking, going underground, Hegseth (by then quite ramped up about it), told the reporters gathered in a Pentagon briefing room.

And on top of that, he went after CNN  the only major U.S. network to have had a correspondent inside Iran since the start of the war  for reporting that Trump administration officials told Congress they had underestimated the extent to which Iran would seek to retaliate against airstrikes by cutting off tanker traffic through the strait, a transit point for 20 percent of the worlds oil supply.

open image in gallery The ex-Fox News host spent the top of his briefing venting about his displeasure with television news graphics on the war in Iran ( US Department of War )

He called the scoop patently ridiculous and suggested that Iran always holds the strait hostage.

It's a fundamentally unserious report. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better, he said, referring to the MAGA-friendly billionaire Paramount chief who recently bought CNNs parent company after acquiring CBS earlier last year.

The White House also weighed in later against the report with a release accusing the network of lying to undermine Operation Epic Furys crushing success. In response, a spokesperson for the network told The Independent: We stand by our reporting.

But its not as if the multimillionaire ex-talking heads tirades against the industry that made him both extremely wealthy and a nationally-recognized figure are anything new.

After spending years on Fox News railing against mainstream media despite working at the highest-rated cable network in the country, Trump rewarded him with the Pentagon in large part because of his long history of attacking his colleagues in the press corps  and because of what Trump considers his central casting appearance: White, male, buff and well-coiffed.

Since his confirmation, Hegseths tenure as the least-experienced defense secretary in U.S. history has been defined in part by his disdain for the free and independent press corps that had walked the Pentagons halls since the labyrinthine building was completed during World War II.

Early on, his hand-picked press aides tossed out major legitimate news organizations from the workspace theyd reported from along the Pentagons correspondents corridor for decades and replaced them with mostly right-wing outlets  Lindell TV??!!  that lacked the resources or will to consistently cover his department, whether in a sycophantic manner or not.

Obsessed with his own image and seeing leaks everywhere, Hegseth (who more and more each day is coming to resemble Colin Josts not-great caricature of him on SNL) then ordered more restrictions by limiting the press to the buildings cafeteria and their work area, banning them even from places where tourists can freely go in the worlds second-largest office building.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths barely restrained rage in press briefings is starting to make Colin Josts SNL caricature look spot on. ( Saturday Night Live )

The point of the new rules was clear  to limit impromptu interactions between reporters and potential sources that might lead to unflattering information making its way to journalists. In other words, news reporting.

It didnt work. Stories still ran that presented him  or the president  in a negative, or at least critical, light. So Hegseth cracked down even more last fall by effectively banning legitimate news operations from the Pentagon unless their reporters signed a pledge not to report anything that hadn't been pre-cleared by the Pentagon.

Even his own former employer, Fox News, said no thanks to such a dogs breakfast of a policy. They, along with all but a handful of small operators or sycophants, walked out of the Pentagon after surrendering their credentials in September.

And while Hegseth and his press staff have permitted some of those same legitimate organizations back in for limited briefings such as the one held on Friday, hes consistently shown his contempt for them by forcing their representatives  including his own former Fox colleague, a widely-respected Pentagon veteran named Jennifer Griffin  to sit in the back of the room while he fields softballs from a whos who of clownish brown-nosers from explicitly pro-Trump news outlets.

Occasionally, one of those partisan commentators does ask a good question, such as when Lindell TVs Cara Castronuova used a similar briefing on Tuesday to ask about specific steps the Pentagon is taking to minimize civilian casualties in Iran  a hot topic after a U.S. missile accidentally struck a girls school on the first day of the air campaign.

But those exceptions are just that, exceptions. Hegseths reliance on partisan mouthpieces and his disdain for legitimate reporting also extend beyond television and the written word to visual journalists. Just this week, The Washington Post scooped that hed ordered award-winning still photographers out of his briefings after he found their photographs of him to be unflattering.

Between obsessing over whether news photographs make him look sufficiently handsome and arguing about television chyrons (the captions that occupy the lower third of news broadcasts), it leaves one to wonder when the Defense Secretary has time to do honest-to-God Defense Secretary stuff.

And with Iran choking off oil and risking a global economic disaster by doing so, he might do well to turn off the TV and get back to work.
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Pope Leo took a veiled swipe at President Donald Trump Friday, saying that Christian political leaders who start wars should go to confession and assess if they are following the teachings of Jesus.

"Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?" the pope asked in a speech to priests.

While Leo did not name anyone, in recent days he has been ramping up calls for an end to the ongoing Iran war, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28.

U.S. President Donald Trump was raised in the Presbyterian Christian faith. Several of his top deputies, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are Catholic.

Jesus taught his followers to be non-violent. The Catholic Church generally opposes war.

Trump was raised in the Presbyterian Christian faith and several of his top deputies, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are Catholic ( Getty Images )

For centuries, the Church has evaluated conflicts according to the just war tradition, which uses a series of criteria to evaluate whether a conflict can be considered morally justifiable, for example repelling an unjust invasion.

Washington, D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy said earlier this week that the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran were "not morally legitimate" because they did not meet the Church's just war criteria.

Leo was speaking Friday to a Vatican conference on the practice of confession, in which Catholics admit their sins to a priest and ask God's forgiveness.

The pope said that the ritual helps individual Catholics and promotes peace and unity in society.

At least 2,000 people have been killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases and personnel, as well as Lebanon, were quickly drawn into the conflict.

Trump has given mixed signals about when the war could end. He said it was pretty much complete but then ramped up attacks on Iran again Friday.

Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed in the war so far, including six troops who died in a plane crash in Iraq Thursday.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was called to the Situation Room by President Trump mid-way through a TV interview on Thursday.

Bessent was being asked a question by Wilfred Frost of Sky News in the UK when an off-camera voice called for the treasury secretary.

The president wants you right away, the voice said.

Bessent began rapidly looking around the room as an aide rushed to remove his microphone. He left the interview at 10.22 am and returned almost two hours later at 12.07 pm.

open image in gallery Scott Bessent was hauled to the Situation Room by President Trump mid-way through an interview with Sky News ( Sky News )

Mr. Secretary, its a first, Im sure a last as well, that an interviewee has been pulled away to go to the Situation Room, Frost said upon Bessents return.

Hows the president? Is he stressed? Frost continued.

Bessent began stuttering while answering Frosts question.

Uh, no, the president is in great spirits, Bessent began. The Iranian mission is proceeding well ahead of schedule and I have to tell you, well, that I have a teenageteenager who is considering military service.

Praising both President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Bessent added, I would trust my childs life in their hands.

Bessent and his husband, John Freeman, have two children, Cole and Caroline.

Following the interruption, Frost asked Bessent about tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

open image in gallery Travel through the Strait of Hormuz has been restricted amid the US and Israels war with Iran ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The flow of oil tankers through the shipping lane, one of the busiest in the world, has been severely restricted amid the ongoing conflict.

However, Bessent told Frost that he believes the Islamic Republics forces have not placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz as reports have suggested.

And was that what you were just discussing in the situation room? Frost asked.

Bessent replied, We were discussing a plethora of things.

Then, the secretary said that he believes the U.S. Navy and an international coalition will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as it is militarily possible.

And that came up just now in the Situation Room? Frost asked.

Your words, not mine, Bessent responded.

open image in gallery Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes on Tehran on February 28 ( AFP/Getty )

The United States and Israels war with Iran began on February 28, almost two weeks ago.

On the first day of the conflict, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike on Tehran. He has since been replaced by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

During his Sky News interview, Bessent confessed that the war with Iran has already cost the United States around $11 billion.

When asked by Frost whether there was a price at which he would confront Trump and say that the war had become unaffordable, the treasury secretary was blunt.

Absolutely not, he said.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
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President Donald Trump crowed about the American militarys dominance over Iran in a midnight Truth Social post a few hours after he shared a nostalgic photo with his parents at the New York Military Academy.

Trump posted the photo standing beside his parents Fred and Mary at the academy in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, where he was shipped off at the age of 13 in 1959, and remained there until he was 18.

At Military Academy with my parents, Fred and Mary! the president shared on Truth Social Thursday evening, a few hours after U.S. Central Command announced that an American military refuelling aircraft went down in western Iraq.

A few hours later, at midnight, apparently prompted by media coverage about the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, the president took to his social media platform to boast of how America has decimated the regime.

We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning, Trump raged. Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump crowed about the American militarys dominance over Iran in a midnight Truth Social post a few hours after he shared a nostalgic photo at the New York Military Academy with his parents, Fred and Mary ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Trump bragged that the U.S. has unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and plenty of time in the conflict raging in the Middle East.

Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, he warned.

Earlier, the White House reposted the black and white photograph of Trump with his parents at the military academy on social media.

Many people took the opportunity to bring up how Trump avoided the draft for the Vietnam War and received a medical exemption for bone spurs.

Trumps own military record first emerged nearly a decade ago when it was revealed that he was granted five deferrals from the conflict.

open image in gallery After sharing the nostalgic photo with his parents, Trump railed against media coverage of the Iran war and bragged about the US having unparalleled firepower and unlimited ammunition ( AFP/Getty )

Can you have bone spurs in the military academy ? the top comment on the White House social media post read, which was liked by more than 3,000 people.

Learning how to dodge? another person wrote.

Military academy or band camp? someone else joked.

While many of the comments were critical of Trump, some of his supporters were full of praise.

It instilled discipline and hard work, one person said. I would say that the training was successful because he worked and became a billionaire and a 2 term president of the United States.
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Sameerah Munshi, a White House Religious Liberty Commission adviser, has resigned from her position in protest of the war in Iran and the removal of Carrie Prejean Boller from the board.

Boller  a former Miss California USA who became a social media influencer  was officially removed from the board in March by President Donald Trump following complaints from Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

He accused Boller of trying to "hijack" a hearing on antisemitism after she questioned the definition of antisemitism and asked a Jewish member of the panel if he condemns Israels actions in Gaza.

Munshi confirmed her resignation in a social media post. She said she was leaving the commission due to the "official removal of Carrie Prejean Boller for her deeply held beliefs about Palestine and the federal government's illegal war against Iran, undertaken without clear constitutional or congressional authorization."

open image in gallery An explosion following strikes close to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7. Sameerah Munshi, a White House Religious Liberty Commission adviser, has resigned in protest of the Iran war, which she called illegal ( AFP/Getty )

During the meeting that caused Boller's ousting from the commission, the conservative influencer wore a pin featuring the American and Palestinian flags and tried to force a discussion over the definition of antisemitism and its relation to Israel.

"By not being a Zionist, does that make you an antisemite?" she asked during a commission meeting.

In another exchange at the same meeting, she noted that Israel had been brought up numerous times during the discussion, and asked PragerU political commentator Shabbos Kestenbaum if he was "willing to condemn what Israel has done in Gaza.

Kestenbaum refused to condemn Israel for its actions in Gaza, which both the United Nations and Amnesty International have labeled a genocide.

He later wrote an open letter to Boller accusing her of abusing Trump's trust in her by focusing on a conflict beyond the borders of the U.S. rather than focusing on domestic religious liberty issues, the Houston Chronicle reports.

On March 12, Boller announced she had been removed from the commission.

"President Trump officially removes me from the Religious Liberty Commission for exercising my Religious Liberty," she wrote on social media.

Munshi, a Muslim member of the commission, said other members of the panel had mocked her faith and had been outwardly hostile toward the Muslim community in the U.S.

I hesitantly accepted my appointment last year with the intention of remaining a voice of reason and standing for the religious freedom of ordinary Americans whose voices are not often heard at the highest levels of government," she said, while also representing "Americans Muslims whose rights are sidelined."

open image in gallery Carrie Prejean Boller argued with members during the Religious Liberty Commission on whether anti-Zionism was antisemitic. President Donald Trump removed her from the commission in March 2026 ( US Department of Justice )

She insisted that she was not resigning out of fear and was not afraid of reprisals for speaking out against the panel.

I want to be very clear: I am not resigning out of fear or intimidation from anyone affiliated with the Commission, the government, or any interest group. I am resigning because I have seen firsthand the injustice perpetrated by members of this commission, and I am unwilling to be associated with it any longer," she wrote.

After the announcement, Boller thanked Munshi for sticking to her values.

Thank you for choosing your principals over your position. I am honored to know you and call you friend," she wrote.

The Council on Islamic-American Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, commended both Boller and Munshi for their actions.

We commend both Carrie Prejean Boller and Sameerah Munshi for courageously using their roles with the Religious Liberty Commission to actually stand up for religious liberty," CAIR said in a statement. "Ms. Prejean Boller and Ms. Munshi fulfilled the commissions stated purpose by opposing all forms of anti-religious bigotry and standing up for every persons right to express their religious beliefs, including opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza."

Boller has long been a Trump supporter and a conservative. She was the subject of controversy during the 2009 Miss USA pageant when she was asked about same-sex marriage and replied that she believes "that marriage should be between a man and a woman."

She had her crown stripped from her after the pageant for an alleged breach of contract.

Trump  who owned most of the Miss Universe Organization at the time  defended Boller. But Boller appears to have become disillusioned with the president.

I thought MAGA stood for defending Americans who speak their convictions without fear of punishment, she wrote in an open letter she shared on X. Today I struggle to recognize the movement you started.
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The Trump administration will launch investigations into forced labor practices on imported goods from 60 countries, including the entire bloc of the European Union, as it seeks methods to restore President Donald Trumps global tariffs.

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer initiated the probe under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act  which Trump said his administration planned to do after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his tariff policies last month.

Since the reversal of the presidents key economic policy, the administration has been quickly searching for statutes that would allow Trump to reinstate his tariffs that brought in roughly $170 billion in revenue. Lawyers for the administration have even attempted to postpone issuing refunds to companies that were forced to absorb extra costs or pass them along to consumers.

The new trade investigation will focus on the top 60 U.S. trading partners, accounting for 99 percent of the U.S.s imports, to determine whether forced labor is used in production.

For too long, American workers and firms have been forced to compete against foreign producers who may have an artificial cost advantage gained from the scourge of forced labor, Greer said in a statement.

open image in gallery US Trade Representative Jameison Greer (left) said the forced labor investigation would focus on the US's top 60 trading partners, as he seeks ways to reinstate Trump's tariffs ( Getty Images )

The U.S. bans imports that are made with forced labor.

For example, in 2021, the U.S. banned imported goods made in the Xinjiang Uyghur region of China unless documentation proves the goods were made without forced labor, after accusations of the practice emerged.

The new probes are avenues the administration can take to eventually reenact Trumps tariffs, which the president had constantly bragged about and insisted were necessary for national security.

However, the Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that the 10 percent global tariff, in addition to the reciprocal tariffs were unlawfully enacted under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The ruling appeared to infuriate the president, who called the decision deeply disappointing and said he was absolutely ashamed of the Republican appointees on the court whod failed to back his signature policy.

The forced labor investigation is one of two that the administration has already announced under Section 301.

Already, Greer announced earlier this week that the U.S. would open an investigation into structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing in China, the EU, Switzerland, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, India and more.

open image in gallery Trump appeared furious after the Supreme Court struck down his tariffs brought under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, vowing to restore tariffs in some way ( Getty )

On a call with reporters Wednesday, Greer said people could expect other Section 301 investigations on a country-specific basis.

Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act allows the president to take action, including tariff-related action, when a foreign government violates an international trade agreement or engages in a discriminatory, unreasonable, burdensome or economically restrictive practice.

Once the investigation is launched, a committee will conduct a review, which could include public hearings and a public comment opportunity, and then make recommendations to the trade representative.

At the direction of the president, the trade representative can take action in the form of tariffs, suspend trade agreement concessions or create new agreements with foreign governments.

However, when the trade representative initiates the investigation, it must negotiate a settlement, in the form of compensation or elimination of a trade barrier, with a foreign country.
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Vice President JD Vance privately expressed skepticism about the United States attacking Iran before the war started late last month, according to a new report.

Vance, a Marine veteran long critical of foreign military ventures, has publicly endorsed Operation Epic Fury, which has caused hundreds of deaths, roiled global financial markets and embroiled the wider Middle East region.

Multiple White House officials say Vance signaled resistance to the military campaign from the outset. An unnamed administration official said that the vice president is skeptical, worried about success and opposes the Iran war, according to a report by Politico published early Friday.

Another senior official told the outlet that Vances role is to provide the president and the administration, you know, all points of views of what could happen from many different angles and, you know, he does that. But once the decision has been made, hes fully on board.

Someone acquainted with Vances view also told Politico that he believed the U.S. should strike quickly, adding that any delay could result in American casualties.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism of the US attacking Iran before the war started, according to a new report ( AFP via Getty Images )

Some 13 U.S. service members have died in the war and another 140 have been injured, according to the Pentagon. More than 1,300 people have died in Iran, according to Iranian officials.

Despite apparent private reservations, Vance has publicly defended the military campaign on multiple occasions, saying it is essential to dismantle Irans military capacity.

Donald J. Trump has taken affirmative steps to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, Vance told a crowd of supporters in North Carolina Friday.

He has also stressed that the war, which shows no signs of abating, will not be an open-ended conflict.

Trump will not get the United States into a years-long conflict with no end in sight and no clear objective, Vance told Fox News March 2, two days after the U.S. and Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran.

The Trump administration has sought to downplay any internal divisions. At Mar-a-Lago Monday, Trump described the vice president as philosophically a little different from me.

open image in gallery The vice president reportedly expressed concern about US casualties in Iran. Vance is pictured here (left) alongside Hegseth (right) attending the transfer of the remains of US service members killed during Operation Epic Fury ( Getty Images )

The president continued: I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going, but he was still quite enthusiastic.

Efforts to drive a wedge between President Trump and Vice President Vance are totally misguided," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement provided to The Independent.

"The President listens to a host of opinions from his talented national security team and ultimately makes decisions based on what is best for our country and national security. Vice President Vance is a tremendous asset to the President and the entire administration.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weighed in Friday morning at a press conference when he was asked to respond to media reports about disagreements between Vance and the rest of the Trump administration.

Hes an incredible member, leader of this team as well alongside the president and the secretary of state, the defense secretary said, describing Vance as an indispensable voice.

Hegseth went on to say that Friday would be the most intense day of strikes yet but refrained from providing a clear timeline for the wars completion. President Trump holds the cards, he said.

Vance, who deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2006, has long cautioned against new foreign wars  both before and after joining the administration. A few days before Operation Epic Fury began, the vice president told The Washington Post that he considers himself a skeptic of foreign military interventions.

During the 2024 campaign, Vance said in a podcast interview that our interest, I think, very much is in not going to war with Iran. The previous year, he penned an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal titled: Trumps Best Foreign Policy? Not Starting Any Wars.

Recent polls show that most Americans are opposed to the Iran war. Some 53 percent of voters are against U.S. military action in Iran, while 40 percent support it, according to a Quinnipiac survey released March 9.
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All six crew members aboard the U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command officials have said.

The disaster brings the total number of U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict so far to 13.

Rescue efforts are continuing and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, the officials said, although the aircrafts loss was not due to either hostile or friendly fire.

Officials believe a mid-air collision may have caused the crash,The New York Times reports.

open image in gallery Rescue efforts are continuing and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, the offiicials said, although the loss of the aircraft was not due to either hostile or friendly fire ( AP )

In a press conference hours after the crash, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refered to the victims as heroes and said they would be greeted at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware when their bodies were returned to home soil.

At the same briefing, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also paid tribute to those who were killed.

The identities of the deceased are currently being withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been informed.

It was earlier reported that the plane went down following an incident involving another U.S. plane at approximately 2 p.m. ET Thursday.

The first plane crashed near Turaibil, a largely isolated desert, on the Iraqi-Jordanian border, an Iraqi intelligence source told CBS News.

The second safely executed an emergency landing at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv in Israel, Centcom said.

open image in gallery A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker leads a formation of jets including an F-15 Strike Eagle, two F-16 Fighting Falcons and two British GR4 Tornados ( Getty )

The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, it said in its earlier statement, referring to the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign against Iran that began on February 28.

Citing people familiar with the situation, The Washington Post reported that the second plane was also a KC-135.

The Boeing planes involved are capable of refuelling other aircraft in mid-air and have been used extensively in U.S. military operations, notably during the first Gulf War, aiding in extending the range of fighter jets and bombers.

KC-135s, which were first built for the military in the 1950s, typically have a crew consisting of at least a pilot, co-pilot and a boom operator, who is responsible for controlling its refuelling arm.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of armed factions backed by Iran, has said that it was responsible for downing the aircraft.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the aircraft in defence of our countrys sovereignty and airspace.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance attend a dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. servicemembers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on March 7, 2026 ( Getty )

Both President Donald Trump and Hegseth have warned that American deaths in the campaign are inevitable, with the president describing the prospect in a social media video as the way it is, drawing fresh criticism.

On Saturday, Trump observed the dignified transfer of the first six soldiers killed at the Dover base, along with Vice President JD Vance, First Lady Melania Trump, and members of his cabinet.

Hegseth told 60 Minutes last weekend: Things like this dont happen without casualties. There will be more casualties.

And no one is  I mean, especially our generation knows what its like to see Americans come home in caskets But that doesnt weaken us one bit. It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish.

Earlier in the conflict, three American F-15s were shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait, officials said, although, in that instance, all six crew members aboard were able to safely eject.
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Authorities in Virginia have imposed an emergency curfew for youngsters at a popular spring break spot, over fears of violence in the area.

An imminent threat curfew for unaccompanied minors at the Oceanfront on Virginia Beach will begin on Friday, March 13, the city said in an online announcement, adding that those who broke the rules would face criminal charges.

The curfew is in response to the recent shooting at the popular spot, where six people were wounded last weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday after an 18-year-old opened fire on a group of individuals who attempted to steal his firearm, according to The Virginian Pilot.

Though none of the victims or those subsequently charged in connection with the shooting were underage, police detained 37 minors while enforcing the citys 11 p.m. curfew the same night.

Two of those were arrested for carrying firearms, according to Police Chief Paul Neudigate.

The purpose of the new curfew is to curb violence, keep residents and visitors safe and foster a welcoming community for families across Virginia Beach, authorities said.

Authorities in Virginia have imposed an emergency curfew for youngsters at a popular spring break spot, over fears of violence in the area ( Getty Images )

The curfew will be enforced from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. every weekend, Friday to Sunday, until the end of April. It applies to individuals under 18 who are not with a parent or guardian.

The geographical area of the imminent threat zone extends from the south by Rudee Park, to the west by the western boundary of Pacific Avenue, to the north by the northern boundary of 31st Street, and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

For all other areas outside of the Oceanfront's threat zone, a 10 p.m. curfew will be in effect for unaccompanied minors starting March 19.

Those found in breach of the curfew could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level under Virginia law. Such a charge can carry a fine of up to $2,500 and even up to 12 months in jail.

However, some exceptions do apply, including any emergency errand reasonably necessary to safeguard life, limb or property, lawful employment, and attendance in a specified engagement or event.
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A famous nineteenth century chateau in France has been converted into council flats, triggering outrage among traditionalists who brand it an eyesore .

The Chateau du Tournepuits, in Guines near Calais, was built in 1848 for a powerful French landowner and politician, Narcisse Boulanger.

After his death in 1937, the building was sold on before being abandoned and left to rot for several years.

Instead of being restored to its former glory, the ornate house was recently converted into nine modern council flats, to the dismay of locals and architectural enthusiasts.

The intricate mansard roofs have now been replaced with grey cladding and a cubic exterior. The house has also been extended with a modern design, so that there is a mismatch of the original red and white brick against the dull timber.

open image in gallery The ornate house was recently converted into a nine modern council flats to the dismay of locals and architectural enthusiasts ( Supplied )

The new low-carbon housing units comprise of six two-bedroom apartments and three one-beds.

The company managing the project, Fonciere Chenelet, said in a report by real estate platform, Figaro Immobilier: The aim is to test rehabilitation solutions on dilapidated and vacant buildings in the town centre, transforming them into high-energy-performance, low-carbon social housing, fully adapted for aging and disability.

The project cost around 2.8 million (2.43m), of which 1.265 million was covered by Fonciere Chenelet, 732,983 by the French National Housing Agency (Anah), and 470,000 by three mutual insurance companies (AG2R, Malakoff Humanis, and Ircem).

Ten local contractors were involved in the construction of the large-scale project, which took three years to complete.

To maximise the number of apartments created, an extension was built around the rear of the building, along with an additional story on the second floor to replace the roof structure, which had previously been damaged by dry rot.

open image in gallery The low-carbon housing units comprise of six two-bedroom apartments and three one-beds ( Supplied )

However the reaction to the new eco-friendly design has been less than favourable.

Louvre curator Nicolas Milovanovic described it on X as: Absolute ugliness under the pretext of a social and ecological project. Its enough to make you cry.

Jean Messiha, french economist, told The Times: It would have been better to tear it down - that would have been more honourable than erecting this eyesore.

And art historian Pierre Jacky wrote online: One always believes one has reached the worst in terms of vandalism against our heritage and then he went on to describe the chateau as the latest cultural landmark to be purely and simply massacred.
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A series of lectures on the Antichrist, delivered by Silicon Valley tech billionaire Peter Thiel, has become one of the most sought-after and controversial events in Rome.

The invitation-only conference, running from Sunday to Wednesday, has prompted Catholic universities initially linked to the gathering to deny any official involvement.

Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal and Palantir  the data-mining firm that has assisted the Trump administrations migrant deportation crackdown  is also an early donor to Vice President JD Vances political career.

He has a long-standing interest in the apocalyptic concept of the Antichrist, having previously written and lectured on the subject.

In a November essay for the Catholic magazine First Things, Thiel mused: "Christians debated these prophecies for millennia. Who was the Antichrist? When would he arrive? What would he preach?" The discussion of such a profound theological concept by a prominent tech figure, held in the Vaticans vicinity, has proven notably divisive.

open image in gallery Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, offers a pair of hundred dollar bills to attendees during a keynote address at the Bitcoin Conference, April 7, 2022, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Initially, the lectures were reportedly going to be held the Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University, the Dominican university in Rome known colloquially as the Angelicum. It is best known these days as the place where a young priest named Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, wrote his canon law doctoral thesis.

But as word began to circulate in the Italian media about alleged secret lectures on the Antichrist by Thiel at the popes alma mater, the Angelicum took its distance:

We would like to clarify that this event is not organized by the University, will not take place at the Angelicum, and is not part of any of our institutional initiatives, the university said in a statement on its website.

According to an announcement for the event seen by The Associated Press, the lectures were jointly organized by an Italian organization, the Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association, and the Cluny Institute at the Catholic University of America in Washington.

The Gioberti group, which describes itself as a cultural association dedicated to the renewal of Italian political culture, confirmed it was involved. The association, named for a 19th century Italian Catholic priest-philosopher, said in a statement it believed in promoting research and encounters based on the great tradition of classical and Christian thought. We believe this heritage is fundamental to addressing the crisis engulfing the contemporary West.

But CUA distanced itself.

The Catholic University of America is not sponsoring or hosting an event featuring Peter Thiel this month in Rome, a university spokesperson told AP. The Cluny Project is an independent initiative incubated at the university.

The Cluny Institute is a new initiative of the CUA to bring together leaders from the worlds of academia, religion and technology. In 2023, CUA hosted Thiel at its Washington campus for a talk on Rene Girard, the French academic.

open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd during the weekly general audience at St Peter's Square in The Vatican ( AFP/Getty )

Thiel is known to be somewhat obsessed with the Antichrist  the Biblical term used to describe someone who opposes or denies Christ  and Armageddon  the Biblical final battle between good and evil. Thiel speaks of the concepts in terms of the choices facing humanity to confront the existential risks of the world today.

The Rome lectures appear to follow the blueprint of a four-part lecture series he gave in San Francisco last September. Some of the invitations circulating in Rome, for example, copy the description of the San Francisco event.

His remarks will be anchored on science and technology, and will comment on the theology, history, literature and politics of the Antichrist. Religious thinkers upon whom Peter will draw include Rene Girard, Francis Bacon, Jonathan Swift, Carl Schmitt and John Henry Newman, said one invitation.

Thiel, who co-founded PayPal in 1998, and other entrepreneurs of that era were part of a group dubbed the PayPal Mafia, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman, and YouTube co-founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen.

After PayPal was sold to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion, Thiel then founded the hedge fund Clarium Capital Management and helped launch Palantir Technologies, which recently inked an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to streamline the process of identifying and deporting people the agency is targeting.

open image in gallery Senator JD Vance urged his old friend, Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, to donate to Donald Trumps campaign ( Getty Images )

Thiel was a key advisor and donor to U.S. President Donald Trump during his first administration and has retained some ties to the White House. Palantir is also one of the donors to the White Houses ballroom project and David Sacks, who worked with Thiel at PayPal, is also chair of the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Thiel is also known to be close to Vance. He poured millions of dollars into Vances successful primary race for the U.S. Senate, from where Trump named him running mate and eventual vice president. Some see Thiel as a mentor to Vance, a Catholic convert and the most high-profile Catholic in U.S. politics.

Vances theological justification for the Trump administrations crackdown on immigrants, based on an ancient Christian concept of the order of love, received a famous slapdown from Pope Francis just before he died.

A few months before he was elected pope, Prevost shared an article from a Catholic publication from his now dormant account on X with the headline, JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesnt ask us to rank our love for others.

Vance attended Leo's installation and later had an audience with him, during which he delivered a letter from Trump inviting Leo to visit.
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Swedish authorities have launched an investigation into the Russian captain of a stateless vessel in the Baltic Sea, following a coastguard operation that saw the ship boarded and taken control of. This marks the second such incident in Swedish waters within a week.

The captain, a Russian national, is under suspicion for the use of false documents, serious crimes, and violations of Sweden's maritime act, according to the prosecution authority.

Senior prosecutor Adrien Combier-Hogg stated: "What we are doing now is, among other things, to continue with the search on board, conduct interrogations and investigate suspected false documents." He confirmed that no detentions have been made in connection with the case so far.

The 228-meter-long tanker, named Sea Owl I, was reportedly flying the Comorian flag, though the coastguard suspects it was operating under a false flag. The vessel is also listed on the sanctions lists of several nations, including the European Union.

"The threats to maritime safety and the environment are too high," Daniel Stenling, deputy chief of operations at the coastguard, said on Thursday. "Therefore, there is reason to intervene against the vessel."

open image in gallery A map of the vessels ( Reuters )

Sweden's minister for civil defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, said in a post on X that the ship was suspected of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet.

The boarding took place off the coast of the southern Swedish town of Trelleborg.

The Russian embassy in Stockholm did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Reuters via phone and email. Russia has called seizure of its vessels an act of piracy.

Last Friday, the Swedish coastguard boarded the ship Caffa, which was sailing under a Guinean flag, also near Trelleborg.
Zelensky warns of 'distracted' US as acting ambassador Davis prepares to exit

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The UK is expelling a Russian diplomat and summoning ambassador Andrey Kelin in a tit-for-tat move after Moscow expelled a British diplomat on accusations of spying last month.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was taking reciprocal action for Russias unjustified decision in March to remove a British diplomat from the country.

A Government spokesperson said: We strongly condemn Russias unjustified decision last month to expel another British diplomat and the malicious public smear campaign that followed. This behaviour is wholly unacceptable, and we will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of our diplomatic staff.

Any further action by Russia will be treated as an escalation and met with a firm and proportionate response.

Meanwhile, Russia is once again scaling back its annual Victory Day parade in Red Square, saying no military equipment will be used amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The parade is a key event in Russia and is held in Moscow on 9 May every year, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945.

It comes as Ukraine announced that its air defences shot down more than 33,000 Russian drones of various types in March, a new monthly record in the four-year war.
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Dubais financial district was hit by a drone on Friday morning, with the debris from an intercepted Iranian attack damaging a building.

Footage from the International Finance Centre shows huge clouds of smoke billowing from the towering structure.

It is the latest in a series of incidents in the UAE city since the US-Israeli war on Iran began two weeks ago.

Dubai officials shared in a post on X that debris from a successful interception caused a minor incident on the facade of a building in central Dubai. No injuries have been reported.

open image in gallery Smoke billows after debris from a successful interception caused minor damage to the facade of a building in central Dubai ( Social media )

An Iranian official had warned on Wednesday that it would target banks and economic centres linked to the US and Israel.

Several major banks, including American lenders, have offices in Dubais financial district, which serves as an international financial hub, and some have encouraged their staff to leave the region and work remotely, given the ongoing and widening conflict.

Bloomberg employees based in the Gulf, including the Dubai regional headquarters, were asked to relocate and work elsewhere temporarily earlier this week, a spokesperson told Reuters.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from a fire, which, according to the authorities, was caused by a successful interception at Dubai's Al Quoz Industrial Area ( AP )

open image in gallery Firefighters work to tackle the fire on Friday morning ( AP )

Banks such as the US lender Citigroup and Britains Standard Chartered, as well as the London Stock Exchange Group, have also informed employees in Dubai of the need to work remotely.

Iran has carried out repeated drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in recent weeks, including Dubais airport, hotels, its harbour and residential towers.

The UAEs Ministry of Defence says it has countered over 1,514 drones and 268 ballistic missiles since the war began. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman have also come under attack by Iran.

Dubai authorities, keen to maintain the citys reputation as a safe haven in the region, have cracked down on people sharing footage of incidents.

open image in gallery Workers inspect the damage at Address Creek Harbour hotel after it was hit by a drone strike in Dubai on Thursday ( AP )

A 60-year-old British tourist was arrested in Dubai on Monday for allegedly filming Iranian missiles while on holiday. He is one of 21 people to have been taken into custody under the UAEs cyber crime laws, according to the campaign group Detained in Dubai.

The British embassy in the UAE has reiterated that photographing or sharing images of incident sites, projectile damage, government buildings, or diplomatic missions is strictly prohibited.

The punishment could include up to two years in prison, hefty fines ranging from 4,000 to 40,000, or both, as well as deportation.

Many foreign governments have advised against travel to the Gulf and other parts of the Middle East, and have urged their citizens to leave if they wish to do so, as the war escalates.
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At least one person has been killed after multiple explosions rocked a demonstration in Tehran on Friday, according to Iranian state media.

The unnamed woman reportedly died after being hit by shrapnel near the annual Quds Day march around noon, as the US and Israel announced fresh strikes on the capital, according to Irans Press TV.

A large explosion was also reported at the Ferdowsi Square as pro-regime crowds gathered, chanting death to Israel and death to America.

open image in gallery Security personnel stand guard as Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day ( Reuters )

Footage from the square showed people shouting "God is the greatest" as smoke billowed over the capital. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Pro-regime protesters turned out in cities across the country as Israel announced a fresh wave of strikes targeting missile production and storage sites nationwide.

Ali Larijani, the head of Irans supreme national security council, said that the attacks showed Israels weakness and confusion.

A statement attributed to Irans new supreme leader on Thursday called on residents of Iran to take to the streets for the annual demonstration expressing solidarity with Palestine. Al Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem.

open image in gallery Smoke rises following an airstrike at the same time as a Quds Day demonstration in Tehran on Friday ( Getty )

Iran president Masoud Pezeshkian also encouraged people to take to the streets and disappoint the enemies of Iran in a post on social media.

The regime has blocked the internet in Iran since the conflict erupted.

A Quds Day rally planned in the UK for Sunday was banned by British police over the possibility of extreme tensions with counter-protesters and this risk posed by Tehran during the conflict in the Middle East.

The leaders of Iran, Israel and the US meanwhile all vowed to fight on as the war approached the two-week mark on Friday, killing thousands of people, disrupting the lives of millions of others and shaking financial markets.

In a post overnight, Donald Trump threatened Iran and signalled willingness to keep up the conflict.

open image in gallery Pakistani Shia Muslims burn the US national flag, during a rally to mark Al-Quds Day in Lahore ( AFP/Getty )

We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, he wrote on Truth Social.

Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!

Israels military said on social media that strikes against the regime were ongoing, pointing to strikes on military facilities in Shiraz, Tehran and Ahvaz.

In the capital, it said it had struck a central base for aerial defence array & several production sites for weapons, aerial defence systems, and ballistic missile components.
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This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian

Almost two weeks have passed since Israeli and US forces launched military operations against Iran, and the attacks on Islamic Republic positions and officials are entering a new phase.

But numerous personal accounts suggest that while Iranians are worried about the consequences of the war, many also see it as a historic opportunity to bring an end to the regimes rule.

One reader of Independent Persian sent us this message from Tehran: After a whole week, I finally managed to connect to the internet with great difficulty. I was hoping to get a few minutes of respite from the Islamic Republics depressing propaganda-filled news. I wanted to tell you that we are not afraid of war.

We fear nothing as much as the Islamic Republic remaining in power. We fear the [current rulers] will be discarded only to be replaced by the leftovers of the same system.

Speak up on our behalf and tell everyone that our internet has been shut off for 245 hours. Tell them that we have been turned into human shields. Tell them no evacuation orders are issued even for residents living near dangerous locations.

The young woman adds: Tell them that the regime is arresting ordinary people simply for sharing information about the current situation in Iran, and accusing them of collaborating with Israel.

open image in gallery A woman collects belongings from the rubble of a destroyed building in Tehran ( AFP/Getty )

Tell the world that we wake up every morning to threatening text messages from the intelligence ministry and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps].

Tell them there is no safe place to take shelter, and that the only way for peace and security to return to Iran is the destruction of the Islamic Republic. If the war ends without the regime collapsing, it will lead to an even more horrific massacre.

This account is only one of dozens of messages received from inside Iran over the past 48 hours. In these accounts, people describe the hardships of wartime, but also speak about their hope that the Islamic Republics rule may finally come to an end.

One message from Tehran paints a picture of daily life under wartime conditions.

The writer says that even as explosions echo and fighter jets are visible in the citys skies, life continues: We are still here  in the middle of Tehran, where not even a kilobyte of data can move through the internet, yet Israeli and American fighter jets calmly fly from one side of the city to the other carrying out their missions.

The smell of burning in the air, the sound of explosions, windows shaking, sending one-word messages to our loved ones to let them know we are alive  these have become normal for us. What matters most are those innocent young people who were killed in January by the Islamic Republics gunfire and are no longer with us.

Referring to expressions of concern from those outside Iran, they add: For once, spare us your worries. Maybe in the end things will turn out well, and this bitter chapter  more bitter than poison  will finally pass.

open image in gallery An Iranian flag stands amid the rubble of a destroyed residential building near Ferdowsi Square in Tehran ( AFP/Getty )

Nazila, a 32-year-old woman living in Tehrans Saadat Abad district, describes how a missile struck an IRGC building near her home a few days earlier.

The explosion was so powerful that our windows shattered, she says. The walls of our house cracked, and my mother was in shock for several hours.

Despite all of that, when we realised the target was a military facility belonging to the IRGC, we felt something strange. There was fear, but also a kind of hope. It felt like, maybe this time, the end of this regime might truly be near.

According to Nazila, many of her neighbours share the same feelings. Despite concerns about the continuation of the war, they hope the final outcome will be the end of the Islamic Republic.

Mohsen, a 40-year-old resident of Tehrans Narmak district, says the sound of fighter jets and explosions at night has already become part of his daily routine.

The first and second nights were very frightening, he says. But when we saw that most of the attacks were hitting Basij [a paramilitary group within the IRGC] bases, police stations, and military centres, our fear diminished. People say that if the regime is going to fall, we will endure this hardship.

Mohsen adds that his greatest fear, and that of many of his friends, is that the war might end while the Islamic Republics system remains intact.

If this regime survives, it will take revenge on the people, he says. The repression will begin again, and it may be even worse than before.

open image in gallery Members of Irans IRGC salute during a military parade in Tehran ( Iranian Presidency )

This concern is repeated in other messages sent to Independent Persian. Hamed, a young man from northern Iran, writes that after several days of internet shutdowns, he has finally been able to get online using censorship-circumvention tools.

He says his biggest fear is that Israel and the United States might suddenly decide to end the war at this stage, while we inside Iran have already paid such a high price.

Nikita, a 24-year-old student in Tehran, describes how, after complaining about the loud noise made by Basij forces in her neighbourhood during mourning ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, security forces began reviewing surveillance camera footage from nearby shops in an effort to identify and arrest her.

Even the thought that we might once again be left alone with these people terrifies me, she says.

In many of these accounts, people stress that although war and destruction are painful, they believe rebuilding the country after the Islamic Republic is gone is entirely possible.

Another Tehran resident writes in a message: No matter how much destruction a war brings, we can rebuild afterwards. But if the Islamic Republic remains, it will keep killing thousands every year and destroy the country even further.

According to many readers of Independent Persian, their main concern is not the war itself but a future in which the Islamic Republic remains in power.

In the latest developments in the war between Israel, the United States and the Islamic Republic, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said in Washington that this week would bring the most intense day of attacks, and that the Islamic Republic was suffering severe defeats.

He added that over the past 24 hours, the US had seen the lowest number of missiles launched from Iran.
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The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out an airstrike on a bridge in southern Lebanon, marking what appears to be the first time in the current conflict with Hezbollah that it has admitted targeting civilian infrastructure.

The military stated the Tayr Filsay bridge, which spans the Litani River, was being used by Hezbollah militants for movement between northern and southern Lebanon, and that launchers were positioned nearby for attacks against Israel.

It asserted: "In order to prevent a threat to Israeli civilians ... it was necessary to sever the bridge." However, no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims.

While international law generally prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure, exceptions can be made if it is actively used for military purposes.

The Israeli military did not disclose what legal guidance, if any, was sought before the strike, nor did it report on potential casualties.

This development follows an earlier incident reported by Lebanon's state media, where a drone struck a residential apartment in Beirut's Burj Hammoud district, on the northern outskirts of the capital.

This marked the first time in the conflict that Beirut's predominantly Christian northern suburbs have been hit, suggesting a potential expansion of Israeli targeting.

open image in gallery The Israeli military did not disclose what legal guidance, if any, was sought before the strike, nor did it report on potential casualties ( AFP/Getty )

Israel has been carrying out daily strikes on Lebanon since 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in Tehran on the first day of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Almost 700 people in Lebanon have died in Israeli attacks in Lebanon and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Israel's military said it has targeted Hezbollah militants and Iranian forces.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday said that non-essential diplomats in Lebanon had been directed to leave, a day after similarly directing some diplomats to leave Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

In a late night press conference on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep hitting Lebanon. His defence minister, Israel Katz, earlier on Thursday said the military was preparing to expand its operations in Lebanon.

open image in gallery The military stated the Tayr Filsay bridge, which spans the Litani River, was being used by Hezbollah militants for movement between northern and southern Lebanon, and that launchers were positioned nearby for attacks against Israel. ( AFP/Getty )

The military has sent additional ground forces into Lebanon over the past week carrying out raids on Lebanese villages near the border with Israel in what it describes as defensive maneuvers to protect civilians in Israel's north from attacks.

On Wednesday night, Hezbollah launched 200 rockets at northern Israeli communities. Israeli strikes have pounded the suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, and the country's south.
NPC deputy brings people's long-held dream of a railway in SW China's Guizhou to 'two sessions'

People's Daily Online) 11:12, March 13, 2026

Over the past 10 months, Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, has been conducting field research across towns, townships and industrial parks in Dejiang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, conducts field research in Dejiang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Zhou Xiaobo)

Many locals have told Zhang that Dejiang has everything except a railway. Zhang serves as a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Dejiang County Committee and the county's deputy head.

Situated in the heart of northeast Guizhou and slated to become a provincial transportation hub, Dejiang has been blossoming into a dynamic area in recent years. However, the absence of a railway has remained a major barrier to the development of northeast Guizhou, a region home to more than 5 million people.

Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, conducts research. (Photo/Feng Shengyan)

Addressing this weakness is the key to development, a consensus Zhang reached with local officials and residents after numerous meetings. During this year's "two sessions," the annual meetings of the NPC and China's top political advisory body, Zhang submitted a proposal to advance construction of the Zhaotong-Qianjiang railway.

The Zhaotong-Qianjiang railway is included in China's Medium- and Long-Term Railway Network Plan (2016-2030). Spanning 695 kilometers, the line is expected to benefit more than 10 million residents once completed.

Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, conducts research. (Photo/Feng Shengyan)

Zhang brought her research findings, along with the voices of farmers and workers, to the deliberations. She called for coordinated efforts by delegations from Yunnan, Guizhou and Hubei provinces, as well as Chongqing Municipality, to push for the project's inclusion in the 15th Five-Year Plan and an early start to construction.

Zhang said the project is not only a railway, but also a corridor for specialty agricultural products to reach markets beyond the mountains, for tourists to explore the region's interior, for industries to be drawn to the area, and for urbanization to advance.

She also expressed hope that more targeted support could be provided to regional centers, such as Dejiang, through stronger policy backing and increased project and investment funding, further improving spatial planning and strengthening infrastructure, public services, and specialty industries.

Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, conducts research at a factory. (Photo/Zhou Xiaobo)

Zhang Youhui, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, conducts research. (Photo/Zhou Xiaobo)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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Frances president Emmanuel Macron has condemned a drone attack in northern Iraq after a French soldier was killed and six others were injured.

Chief warrant officer Arnaud Frion died in the attack on Thursday, in what is thought to be the first European death since the US-Israeli war with Iran began two weeks ago.

This attack against our forces engaged in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) since 2015 is unacceptable, Macron said in a post on X, confirming the officers death.

Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks.

open image in gallery Chief warrant officer Arnaud Frion is believed to be the first European killed since the US-Israeli war with Iran began ( Etat Major des Armees )

The president said that several other soldiers were wounded by the attack and that France stands by their side and with their loved ones.

Governor Omed Koshnaw of the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil, confirmed that the drone attack took place in the Makhmour area.

The French troops are there to provide counter-terrorism training as part of an international coalition fighting against the Islamic State.

An Italian military base in the same region was also hit the same day, though with no reported injuries. The Italian defence ministry said the strike was a deliberate targeting of a facility hosting NATO personnel.

Iraqi Shiite militants have intensified their drone and missile attacks on US interests in Iraq over the last week.

open image in gallery French president Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death and shared affection and solidarity for the officer ( AFP/Getty )

The Ashab al-Kahf group has claimed responsibility for the deadly drone attack, stating it was a response to France sending its aircraft carrier to the region and said French assets in the area were legitimate targets.

The French government is due to hold a defence cabinet meeting later on Friday to discuss the situation and whether to respond, officials said.

France is deploying around a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz as part of defensive support for allies.

The country currently has approximately 4,000 troops deployed in the Middle East spread across bases in Djibouti, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.

The drone attacks on Thursday marked the latest escalations in the war, which continues to widen amid fears it is spiralling out of control.

British troops are also increasingly being drawn into the conflict, after shooting down two Iranian drones when their Iraq base came under attack. That followed a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Defence secretary John Healey this week also refused to rule out deploying British warships to the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen a series of attacks on tankers.
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An Indian-flagged oil tanker, the Jag Prakash, has departed from the area east of the Strait of Hormuz, an Indian government official confirmed on Friday.

The vessel, carrying gasoline, is bound for Africa from Oman.

This development follows two weeks of significant disruption to Gulf shipping, attributed to Iran's retaliatory actions in the region after US-Israeli attacks.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, India's special secretary at the ministry of shipping, stated that on Thursday, four Indian-flagged vessels were stranded in the Gulf of Oman, east of the Strait.

The Jag Prakash was one of these, leaving three vessels still awaiting passage. "Three vessels remain stuck at the east side, they have 76 Indian sailors onboard," Sinha reported.

He added that 24 Indian-flagged vessels, with 677 Indian sailors, remained stranded west of the Strait, in the Persian Gulf, on Friday  a figure unchanged from Thursday.

open image in gallery Iran's new supreme leader said on Thursday that the country will fight on and keep Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel, in defiant first comments attributed to him since he succeeded his slain father ( Reuters )

Iran's new supreme leader said on Thursday that the country will fight on and keep Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel, in defiant first comments attributed to him since he succeeded his slain father.

Ship-tracking data from Kpler showed the Jag Prakash will discharge fuel loaded at Oman's Sohar Port at Tanzania's Tanga Port on 21 March.

The news comes as the US treasury secretary has said the US Navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz with the help of an international coalition in the face of threats from Iran.

Relentless attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf have caused oil prices to skyrocket above $100 a barrel as Tehran attempts to block passage through the critical waterway.

"My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through," Scott Bessent told Sky News.

"There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through. So we know that they have not mined the straits."

open image in gallery Tankers sit anchored as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, in Muscat ( Reuters )

About one-fifth of the worlds oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy declared it had complete control over the passage in an attempt to spark economic turmoil.

Iran has claimed it will let ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with the Iranian navy.
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A rescue mission was underway after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq, US Central Command said.

The KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down in western Iraq after an incident involving another US aircraft. The second aircraft landed safely at the Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Thursday evening, Centcom said, claiming the incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

"The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury," it said in a statement, using the military name of the US operation against Iran.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, but Centcom said more information would be made available as the situation develops.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Reuters the other aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 and the one that crashed had as many as six service members on board.

open image in gallery File. A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker was involved in the crash ( AFP via Getty )

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of armed factions backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft "in defence of our country's sovereignty and airspace".

The KC-135, developed by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, is the backbone of the US military's air refuelling fleet. Refuelling aircraft play a key role in wars by keeping fighter jets and bombers adequately fuelled for combat without needing to land.

Last week, three US fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in what American officials described as a friendly fire incident.

Footage posted online showed a jet falling from the sky in flames and a CNN analysis of the video suggested it was an F-15E twin-engine fighter jet. All six aircrew ejected safely and survived.

The US has sent a large number of aircraft to the Middle East since the beginning of the war against Iran on 28 February. Since the US and Israel started carrying out strikes against Iran, at least seven US troops have been killed.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that as many as 150 US troops had been wounded in the war so far. In all, over 2,000 people had been killed, including almost 700 by the Israeli military in Lebanon.

French president Emmanuel Macron said a soldier from his country was killed and several were wounded during an attack in northern Iraq, hours after an Italian base was also targeted in the area.

Meanwhile, president Donald Trump said on Thursday that the situation in Iran was moving along very rapidly but signalled that the war would continue.

Our military is unsurpassed, there's never been anything like it, nobodys ever seen anything like it, he said. "They really are a nation of terror and hate, and theyre paying a big price right now."

Iran has warned it will not back down despite sustaining heavy damage to civilian and military infrastructure.

open image in gallery An Iranian flag is planted in the rubble of a police station damaged in airstrikes in Tehran ( Getty )

On Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would set the regions oil and gas sites on fire if there were attacks on its energy infrastructure, according to CNN.

In the event of such aggression, all the regions oil and gas infrastructure in which the United States and its Western allies have a vested interest will be set on fire and destroyed, they said.

Earlier, Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran would not relent until you are sorry for this grave miscalculation, addressing the US president.

Tehran on Thursday released a statement from the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying Iran would fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as leverage against the US and Israel.

"I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs," it said.

Mr Khamenei did not appear in person and his remarks were read out by a state television presenter.

Hours later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his first press conference since the start of the war to issue a veiled threat to assassinate the new supreme leader.

"I wouldnt issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organisation, he said. I don't intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.
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The US navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz with the help of an international coalition in the face of threats from Iran, the US treasury secretary has said.

Relentless attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf have caused oil prices to skyrocket above $100 a barrel as Tehran attempts to block passage through the critical waterway.

"My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through," Scott Bessent told Sky News.

"There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through. So we know that they have not mined the straits."

open image in gallery Scott Bessent said Iran has not mined the straits ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The US Institute for the Study of War estimated on Wednesday that 10 mines had been laid, further complicating the blockade, though President Donald Trump had said earlier that ships should transit through the strait.

About one-fifth of the worlds oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy declared it had complete control over the passage in an attempt to spark economic turmoil.

Iran has claimed it will let ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with the Iranian navy.

"After the current events, generally we cannot return to conditions before February 28... as we have understood how important the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is, and so did the others," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Thursday, according to the Mehr news agency.

open image in gallery The cargo ship carrying for decommissioned minesweepers is escorted by U.S.S. Canberra, one of the Littoral Combat Ships that will be tasked with clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz if needed ( US Navy )

Commercial ships near or in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf have been declaring themselves as China-linked, to reduce the risks of being targeted in attacks, the Associated Press reported.

On Thursday, oil prices rose further despite a global agreement to release a record 400 million barrels of reserves. Brent crude rose by another 4 per cent to nearly 96 US dollars a barrel in morning trading on Thursday, following similar gains on Wednesday, in spite of the International Energy Agencys (IEA) move to boost worldwide oil reserves.

The IEA, which includes the UK, said the oil release  the largest in the 50-year history of the 32-nation alliance  would account for around a third of its 1.2 billion barrel emergency stockpile as it looked to stabilise markets.

But oil and markets remained under pressure after three more cargo vessels were hit in the Gulf as Iran steps up its threats to disrupt oil supply and shipments.
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Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, in a direct response to recent U.S.-Israeli military actions.

This move, following through on an earlier threat, immediately impacts approximately a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, sparking concerns over a potential global energy crisis.

The United States is reportedly considering escorting commercial vessels through the strait, though the feasibility of securing such a route remains highly questionable.

This challenge was underscored by the difficulties faced in protecting Red Sea shipping from Yemen's Houthi rebels last year.

United Nations data indicates that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles a fifth of global oil and LNG, has plummeted by 97 per cent since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced on 28 February.

Why has Iran cut off the strait now?

When a commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in 2011 that cutting off the strait would be "easier than drinking a glass of water", the threat to the strait had already been made many times before.

In the years since, the Guards have continued to warn they could close it, including during tensions over sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme in 2016 and 2018 and during Israeli and U.S. strikes in June last year.

Analysts have always regarded the closure of the strait as a measure of last resort because of the long-term strategic changes it might prompt among Iran's enemies, and the potential for retaliation against its own energy sector.

The attack on Iran starting on February 28 with the killing of its supreme leader has changed that equation. Iranian officials describe the war as existential and with the Guards increasingly taking charge of strategy.

open image in gallery A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen in this illustration ( REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo )

What is at stake?

The narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman that links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman is the only sea exit for oil- and gas-producing countries such as Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Oil prices briefly climbed to their highest level since 2022 on Monday. High oil prices could trigger another cost-of-living crisis, as happened after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the United Nations.

A prolonged conflict could also cause a fertilizer shock, risking global food security. About 33% of the worlds fertilisers, including sulphur and ammonia, pass through the Strait, according to analytics firm Kpler.

An extended war could fuel fears of a global economic crisis similar to those that followed the Middle East oil shocks of the 1970s.

Why is the strait so hard to secure?

Shipping lanes are just two nautical miles wide and ships must make a turn opposite Iranian islands and a mountainous coast that provides cover for Iranian forces, according to shipping broker SSY Global.

Iran's conventional navy has largely been destroyed but the Guards still have plenty of options including fast attack craft, mini submarines, mines and even jetskis packed with explosives, said Tom Sharpe, a retired Royal Navy commander.

Tehran has the capacity to produce around 10,000 drones a month, according to the Centre for Information Resilience, a non-profit research group.

Escorting three or four ships a day through the strait would be feasible in the short-term using seven or eight destroyers providing air cover, and would depend on whether the risk from mini submarines has been reduced, but doing so sustainably for months would require more resources, Sharpe said.

Even if Iran's capacity to deploy ballistic missiles, drones and floating mines were destroyed, ships would still face a threat from suicide operations, said Adel Bakawan, Director of the European Institute for Middle East and North African Studies.

If the war does continue for weeks, some kind of escort will come together, said Kevin Rowlands, Editor of the RUSI Journal at the Royal United Services Institute.

"The world needs oil to flow through from the Gulf, and so there is planning ongoing to put protection measures in place, he said.

open image in gallery Data shows that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles a fifth of global oil and LNG, has plummeted by 97 per cent since the conflict began ( AFP PHOTO / ROYAL THAI NAVY )

What have the US and other countries promised?

President Donald Trump said on March 3 that the U.S. would provide protection through the strait for oil tankers, but there have already been attacks and very little is getting through.

He also said he had ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide insurance and guarantees for shipping companies.

French President Emmanuel Macron said several European countries, India and other Asian states were planning a joint mission to provide protection. But he said such an operation could happen only once the conflict ends.

France is deploying about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken to the German and Italian leaders about options to provide support for commercial shipping in the strait, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"We're looking at a range of options there," General Caine told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday without providing details.

What happened in the other shipping chokepoints in the region?

Yemen's Houthis, a group allied with Tehran but with a far smaller military arsenal at their disposal than Iran, managed to shut down most traffic passing through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on its way to the Suez Canal for more than two years despite protection provided by U.S. and European Union-led forces.

Most shipping companies are still using a far longer route via the southern tip of Africa. Danish shipping company Maersk had said it would begin a staggered return to the Suez route from January.

An EU-led force has been more successful at countering piracy off Somalia's coast, but that has been against forces far less well equipped than Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Are there any alternatives to using the strait?

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have sought to find ways to bypass the strait by building more oil pipelines.

But those are not currently operational and an attack on an east-west Saudi pipeline by Houthi militia in 2019 showed those alternatives were also vulnerable.
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Nasa has announced a new target launch date for its Artemis II mission, which will mark humanitys first trip to the Moon in more than 50 years.

The 98-metre (322-foot) rocket will roll out of the hangar and back to the pad on 19 March at Florida's Kennedy Space Center, the US space agency said, leading to a launch attempt as early as 1 April.

The Artemis II crew should have blasted off on a lunar fly-around earlier this year, but fuel leaks and other problems with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket interfered.

Although Nasa managed to plug the hydrogen fuel leaks at the pad in February, a helium-flow issue forced the space agency to return the rocket to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs, bumping the mission to April.

The space agency has only a handful of days in early April to launch before standing down until 30 April into early May.

open image in gallery The Artemis II crew  (L-R) pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Jeremy Hansen of CSA (Canadian Space Agency), commander Reid Wiseman and mission specialist Christina Koch  rehearse at Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 20 December, 2025 in Cape Canaveral, Florida ( Getty )

Late last month, Nasa's new administrator, Jared Isaacman, announced a major overhaul of the Artemis program.

Dissatisfied with the slow pace and lengthy gaps between lunar missions, he added an extra practice flight in orbit around Earth for next year.

That is now the new Artemis III, with the Moon landing by two astronauts shifted to Artemis IV. Mr Isaacman is targeting one and maybe even two lunar landings in 2028.

Nasa's Office of Inspector General this week warned in an audit that the space agency needs to come up with a rescue plan for its lunar crews.

Landing near the Moon's south pole will be riskier than it was for the Apollo astronauts closer to the equator given the rough polar terrain, according to the report.

Contracted by Nasa to provide the moon landers for astronauts, Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin have accelerated work in order to meet the new 2028 target date.

The inspector general's office said many technical challenges remain including refueling their landers in orbit around Earth before flying to the Moon.

"During the flight readiness review, we had extremely thorough discussions  very open, transparent, said Lori Glaze, Nasas Exploration Systems Development acting associate administrator, said in a press briefing on Thursday.

We talked a lot about our risk posture and how we're mitigating those risks. We reviewed the challenges that we've had and how we've addressed them, and we talked about the work that remains, what's left to do, and how we're going to get through all of that."

Additional reporting from agencies
Eoin McGee answers: I started a pension in my early 40s. What do I need to do to catch up and have a comfortable retirement?
AI giant Anthropic to expand Dublin headquarters with 200 new jobs

The maker of the Claude platform is also eyeing a 21,000 sq ft office in central Dublin

Claude app by Anthropic

Adrian Weckler Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 01:01

The AI company Anthropic is announcing 200 new jobs in Ireland across sales, engineering and finance by 2027. It also plans to increase its office space to 21,000 sq ft in central Dublin, a sixfold increase on its current office capacity here.
HubSpots Yamini Rangan on life as a tech boss and figuring out how to get mentioned in AI answers

Tech CEO says customers are still there, but you need new methods to find them

Yamini Rangan, chief executive at HubSpot. Photo: Getty

Adrian Weckler Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Yamini Rangan grew up in a small home of a few hundred square feet in southern India. Having grafted through school, she went to the US with a few hundred dollars and paid her way through college, working on the side.
Brian Rafterys zippy chronicle of Lecters evolution is a must for Fannibals, but this impersonal account is more encyclopaedic than rhapsodic

Why are we so captivated  if not downright sympathetic  to certain villains? Despite his confinement throughout much of Thomas Harriss novels, Hannibal Lecter has more agency than most of us. As Michael Mann, director of Manhunter, says in Brian Rafterys new book: Regardless of how much hes restrained or imprisoned, or shackled, Lecter is able to work his will. And in that sense, hes a wish-fulfilment character.
A particularly wet winter creates a number of agronomic challenges for both winter cereals already in the ground and spring crops that are yet to be sown.
UK prime minister Keir Starmer has said there is an ambition to "go further" on the defence and security collaboration between Ireland and the UK, particularly in terms of the undersea cables off the Irish coast.
Doctor at UHL jailed for raping nurse as she slept

At the time Kila was a senior registrar at University Hospital Limerick and the victim was a nurse at the hospitalIn a statement, the HSE said it should have immediately suspended Kila from duty but did not

Louay Kila

David Raleigh Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 17:38

A doctor who raped a nurse as she was sleeping on a couch at a friends apartment has been jailed for eight years.
A Dublin man accused of seriously assaulting another man during a fight outside a school has been sent forward for trial.

Derek ODriscoll (53) is also accused of producing a knife and a hurley which were capable of inflicting serious injury and were produced in a manner likely unlawfully to intimidate.
Tenant issues High Court proceedings against RTB after he is ordered to pay 20,000 arrears and vacate Dublin apartment

In a previous dispute, renter was criticised for falsely claiming his landlord had made derogatory remarks about his sexual orientation

Residential Tenancies Board. Photo: Stock

Amy Molloy Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

A tenant who has been ordered to pay 20,000 arrears and to vacate a property in south Dublin has issued High Court proceedings against the rental watchdog.
Confession letter triggered new arrest over 2005 gangland murder of Eoin McCarthy in Co Wicklow

Suspect (40s) held as gardai make potential breakthrough into shooting of 27-year-old by drugs gang

An arrest into Eoin McCarthy's murder was made on Wednesday. Photo: Stock image

Robin Schiller Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Gardai investigating the gun murder of a man in Wicklow 21 years ago made a new arrest in the case after receiving a confession letter, the Irish Independent has learned.
That is Angelo Sepes car we put the listening device in, right in the back of Robert De Niro: The Irish FBI agent who helped put away the real-life Goodfellas

From mobsters to the actual Donnie Brasco, and the case that inspired John Cusacks Money for Nothing, Neil Morans 30-year career kept Hollywood busy

Ray Liotta, Robert de Niro, Paul Sorvino and Joe Pesci on the set of Goodfellas. Photo: Getty

Sheila Flynn Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Neil Moran and his FBI colleagues all spotted the same thing when they headed to cinemas with the rest of the world in 1990 for the release of Martin Scorseses much-anticipated Goodfellas.
LA event celebrating Irish and US film collaboration kicks off the Oscars buzz

Jessie Buckley could become the first Irish star to win an Oscar for Best Actress. Photo: Duncan Barker

Irelands best and brightest in film gathered at a historical Los Angeles theatre to recognise Hollywood success at the star- studded 20th anniversary Oscar Wilde Awards.

Everyone was Irish  even if just temporarily  as guests grinned, hobnobbed and posed for photos on the green carpet leading into the Ebell of Los Angeles, a Renaissance-style stately venue opened in 1927 by suffragettes to promote the arts and serve as a platform for womens voices.
Michael and Noeleen Baneham, the Irish parents of Richard Baneham, will be flying the flag for Ireland on Sunday after heading out to LA to cheer on their son.

The Tallaght man, who has won two Oscars, has been nominated for his work in Best Visual Effects in the hit film Avatar: Fire and Ash, having previously won in 2010 for Avatar and 2023 for Avatar: The Way of Water.
A Dublin cancer survivor who has spent the last eight years driving cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy appointments has said it is his form of payback after his experience of the illness.
Murder accused told gardai that mother of two was his soul mate and he was now replaying a nightmare

Adam Corcoran (31) has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Daena Walsh (27) at their Cork flat in August 2024

Victim Daena Walsh

Ralph Riegel Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 18:47

A man who denies the murder of a mother of two found with catastrophic stab injuries in a burning apartment told gardai he was replaying a nightmare after the death of his soul mate and best friend.
For the week thats in it, embrace your inner patriotic spirit with some green decor

No other nation has such a colour-coded patron saint. St Patricks Day is a worldwide celebration of green. Things could have been different  St Patrick has historically been associated with various shades of blue  but green won the day. Specifically, Kelly Green. This intense mid green was identified as specifically Irish in early 20th century America. Kelly Green is associated with shamrocks and bright green fields, and named for the common Irish surname.

Kelly Green paint from Benjamin Moore

Its available as a paint colour by Benjamin Moore. The company describes it as: a spirited medium green with cool, crisp cast. Use it at your peril. Kelly Green is a strong, saturated green. I think it should carry a migraine trigger warning.

Olha Kelly. Photo courtesy of Killian McNulty Gallery

When it comes to using green in interiors, Irish people tend to hedge their bets. I often wonder why people arent going for strong beautiful greens in their homes, says Olha Kelly, chromologist and paint expert. Green works very well in the Irish light and its the most versatile of all the colours. It goes from olive to neon! But people show restraint when they should be embracing it. Its a colour that should be used without fear.

Case in point, the recent craze for very dark green kitchen cabinets. It was still very safe. The colour was so dark it was almost black. You had to look closely to see that it was green.

Hendrix Green wallpaper from Hovia

There are many different ways of going green. Kelly has three favoured routes. You can go for a proper deep strong grass green. Its so rich you can almost feel the texture! Go for full walls, repeat it throughout the room, or combine it with different variations on green. Its important to go deeper into the colour and to look for nuance.

Mavinn plant pot in green sand from Ikea

Her suggestions include Balsam 567 and Marthas Vineyard 630, both from Benjamin Moore (from 25 per litre). The catalogue describes both colours as forest green but Balsam is sophisticated and Marthas Vineyard is distinguished.

Smorfisk Mug from Ikea

Kellys second approach to using green is radically different from the first: Its almost the opposite. Im very drawn to it and Ive seen it in high-end creative design projects but it hasnt really been adopted by the general public. This approach involves taking a pale apple green colour and using it in small doses, whether in accessories or soft furnishings. The walls can be in any colour  chocolate, beige, off-white or cream  and the little glimpse of green really makes the room. Cooking Apple from Farrow and Ball (75 for 2.5 litres) is a good candidate. It has the feeling of soft translucent satin  a sliding sheen  its a beautiful colour to add.

Wallpaper from Graham and Brown

Her third trick wont be for everyone. Go murky. Its completely off for many people, she admits. But deep dirty muddy green is a wonderful neutral. Go on the olive side. Suggested colours include Burrowing, a smoky peaty green from Colourtrend (44 per litre) and Invisible Green from Little Greene. Its nearly khaki and its one of the few colours that can work well with any other colour. Being dark without the harshness of black, it can be used to define architectural features or for staircase spindles. Counterintuitively, the colour also looks good in childrens rooms. Its a wonderful canvas for colourful posters and toys.

Wallpaper from Graham and Brown

Green is also a popular colour for big ticket furniture. In 2024, Country Living declared it the most popular shade for sofas. In 2025, it was overtaken by brown. This year sofa trends range the gamut of earth tones, including greens and browns. Selecting the correct shade of green sofa is like choosing fancy ice cream.

Olive wall paint from Annie Sloan

In a blog for FCI London, writer Emma Cyrus recommends sage and olive for muted sophistication, emerald and forest for statement luxury, or mint and pistachio for small spaces. Would you like some sprinkles on that?

Cyrus also contrasts the nuanced sophistication of todays green sofas with the avocado catastrophes of the 1970s. Her preachy tone makes me long for an avocado catastrophe, but theyre thin on the ground. The modular Grand Designs Mova sofa from DFS has a blocky retro look, but the greens are cautious and modern. They lack the glorious wrongness of avocado green.

Accessories by Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic from Dunnes

In her book, The Secret Lives of Colour, Kassia St Clair describes how the colour green became a shorthand for nature in the 1970s. The two had always been associated but, in this decade, the link became ubiquitous. Anxiety about the environment and the naming of idealistic organisations like Greenpeace and the British Green Party fuelled a palette of earthy colours: burnt orange, harvest gold and, above all, avocado  As shoppers strove to appear concerned for the welfare of the world, the furthest reaches of consumer goods  were colonised by this smoky yellow-green tint.

Lisa Marconi. Photo: Ruth Maria Murphy

Something similar is happening now. Using the colour green in our homes will not save the planet, but that doesnt stop us from trying. Its what interior designer Lisa Marconi calls that whole organic vibe. Shes just painted her bedroom in Vert de Terre from Farrow and Ball. Its a fresh, soft green with a blue undertone, cooler and less intense than Cooking Apple Green.

French Connection Molten exclusive at DFS

Her green advice is to keep the palette soft and layer it up in a subtle way using natural materials. Were moving away from luxe velvet to linen and washed cotton and from lacquered wood to finishes where you can see the grain.

The modern take on green is warm, welcoming and soft. I dont think it will date. There are so many different shades being used. Its not like navy, which feels so a-few-years-ago now. Instead of contrasting colours, create an impact with scale. An oversized mirror will anchor a room without disrupting the colour scheme. So will a large pendant, especially one that casts dramatic shadows. Choose one in natural materials, not a shouting-from-the-rafters chandelier.

Bedding and accessories by Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic from Dunnes

If youre layering shades of green, undertones are the key to compatibility. Use greens that have the same tones, otherwise they will clash. Olive will not work with turquoise green. This is sage advice. Marconi adds a word of caution. Some tones arent so lovely. Id avoid dark olive entirely. Its really drab and can look like your walls are covered in mould.

And use houseplants. They go with anything. Plants with big leaves are easier to keep, even if you have terrible house-planting skills. The big leaf ones are very forgiving.

Happy St Patricks Day!

See @olhakellycolours and @designledstudio
Architectural salvage yards can yield some prized historical gems, as an upcoming sale at Victor Mee Auctions reveals

Geoff and Rosy Wilson have been selling architectural salvage since before it was a thing. Now, theyre planning on retiring. The contents of Wilsons Yard, Hillsborough Road, Dromore, Co Down, are going under the hammer at Victor Mee Auctions on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March.

The most spectacular piece in the sale, an early 19th century clock tower (Lot 743: est. 10,000 to 20,000) is attributed to Smithfield Meat Market in London. It was removed during restorations in the 1990s and the clock mechanisms have been fully restored. Its a rare piece with an interesting history but, as Geoff observes, not really representative of Wilsons Yard. Its a rare thing, but its an elitist thing. Were not elitist. For the more moderate budget, he points out a cast iron Art Nouveau fireplace (Lot 631: est. 400 to 800). Simple but elegant and, at 118 cm high, of a scale that would work in a modern home.

When the Wilsons started trading in the early 1980s, the yard had a very different format. Finances were slim, Geoff admits. We started out as minor players in the scrap metal industry. We harvested reusable building materials from demolition sites and sold it into the agricultural industry. Salvaged timber and tubular steel found a new life as part of farm buildings. Farmers love a bargain!

Then, everything changed. Sometime in the mid-1980s, the designers in London started repurposing reclaimed materials for their beautiful homes. Some of them were very talented. They stripped back painted Edwardian and Victorian doors, sanded original floorboards, stripped and polished cast iron fireplaces, and exposed brickwork.

Bar from The West End Bar, Portadown

An influential kitchen company  Smallbone of Devizes  began making kitchens from pitch pine. The timber had been shipped to Britain from the US and Canada to build factories and linen mills in the 19th century. As these were demolished, the timber became available for reuse. For those used to homes where everything was plastered, painted or carpeted, exposed natural timber was a fresh new look. Young people like to do things differently from their parents, Geoff observes. Its come full circle now.

By the late 1980s, the salvage industry was booming all over Europe and Wilsons Yard took off. It was the right thing at the right time. People loved salvage. They loved the originality, the uniqueness and the story behind it. We followed the trends and brought in salvaged timber from all over the world. Around a third of what they sold came from Ireland; the rest was from Britain and elsewhere.

A Georgian cast iron bell in modern bell tower

We brought in old French wooden railway carriages and turned them into oak floors, he explains. In France, they were being recycled for the metal and timber was a valuable by-product. It looked great! Reclaimed wood takes on a beautiful colour as it matures and ages. It was very hard to replicate it. Even before carbon footprint became a buzzword, people appreciated that salvaged timber was more environmentally friendly than the new timber equivalent.

Other items were locally sourced. A Georgian cast bronze bell (Lot 801: est. 6,000 to 12,000) spent quarter of a century in a Co Armagh farmyard. Rosy and I passed it on numerous occasions and eventually plucked up the courage to ask the farmer if hed sell it, says Geoff. He was willing to sell the bell, but the lovely old wooden bell tower was too far gone. We couldnt save it, so we built a new bell house in salvaged wood from Eastern Europe with a slate roof from a property in Belfast. He would like to see it in the grounds of a hotel, he adds: It would make a lovely focal point for wedding photos.

A British K6 telephone box

Rampant nostalgia in the sale includes a British K6 telephone box designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V (Lot 152: est. 2,000 to 4,000). Its the picture postcard model, Geoff says. They were also a functional piece of equipment to serve the public in most towns and villages across Northern Ireland. Theyre protected now, but at one time they were pulling them out.

Now, telephone boxes are carefully preserved, but old-school pubs are on the endangered list. The sale includes a 19th century bar (Lot 1027: est. 60,000 to 80,000). Complete with counter and a back bar equipped with six fully functioning liquor casks, it came from the West End Bar, Portadown.

See victormeeauctions.ie.
10 Center Parcs swaps in Ireland - family-friendly stays that are cheaper, cosier or comfier

Center Parcs does what Center Parcs does best  but what alternatives are out there?

A lodge at Drumhierny

Niamh O'Reilly Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

When searching for a family-friendly break in Ireland that ticks all the boxes, its hard not to end up on the Center Parcs website. Since its arrival in 2019, Longford Forest has raised the bar for staycations.
Lorraine Courtney: Its time to ban eulogies outright  funerals are not an open-mic night

The time for anecdotes and reminiscing about our beloved deceased is at the wake, not interfering with the centuries-old requiem mass ritual

Funerals have become less about the dead and more of a platform for the living. Stock photo: Getty

Lorraine Courtney Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Its probably just as well that many parishes quietly ban eulogies from funerals. In fact, more of them should.
David Blair: Irans leaders have every reason to believe they are succeeding in war

Regime has withstood onslaught and caused economic chaos as US fails to commit ground troops

A building lies in ruins in the aftermath of a strike in Tehran. Photo: Reuters

David Blair Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

The hard men of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) live under constant threat from a hail of bombs, described by Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, as death and destruction from the sky.
Ireland has seen the highest rise in the price of home-heating oil in the EU.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael cannot afford to remain spectators, Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan said as she revealed to the Irish Independent that customers here have seen the largest increase in the price of home-heating oil in the EU.

Prices surged by 27.3pc in Ireland last week compared with an average of 3.3pc across the 27 EU member states. Households are now bracing for hikes in electricity costs as well. Ms Boylan said the fact that Irish people are paying eight times more than their fellow Europeans is evidence of gouging. Suppliers have repeatedly denied the claim.

The Government needs to ascertain promptly why such exorbitant rises were necessary and whether they are justifiable. It can ill afford to be seen as either impotent or uninterested.

Many households are desperately struggling to meet runaway energy bills. It will quickly become impossible for many more should the US and Israel war on Iran drag on. With no sign of an off-ramp, or day after plan in Washington, all the signs suggest it will.

Irans military command has put the world on notice to prepare for oil costing $200 (173) a barrel.

The decision by the 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency to release 400 million barrels from their emergency reserves to the market speaks to the growing alarm over the risk to supplies.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has said the Government will keep everything under review in terms of intervening.

Were monitoring this situation very, very carefully, he said. Looking into it is all well and good  a wait-and-see approach in ordinary circumstances might suffice. But the energy industry wasted no time in immediately implementing these massive rises.

The longer the conflict lasts, the greater the danger of tipping the global economy into a trough

One hopes the Government will not ponder unduly and act in the public interest. Targeted relief for people in real need may be required sooner than later.

Universal payments across the board to people who may not need them would be wasteful, but helping those who do should be a matter of urgency.

There have been many suggestions on how the Government might act. The opposition has called for measures such as setting a maximum price, cutting excise duties and the introduction of selective energy credits. All need to be examined. Inevitable shortfalls in supply will only pile further pain on consumers.

It is difficult for the Government to cushion customers completely from such a severe blow to global energy security, but the most vulnerable must be prioritised. The EU is considering subsidising or cutting prices to deliver relief now, commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said. The longer the conflict lasts, the greater the danger of tipping the global economy into a trough. The humanitarian and geopolitical implications are also grave, as Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni warned.

Pressure, either domestic or external, will eventually force Donald Trump to put in place an exit strategy as the full blunt force of this economic shock reverberates.

But the poor cannot pay the price for what Trump has called the short-term excursion into Iran.
It would be impossible to align or reconcile the many theories explaining why Ireland is still in the throes of a housing crisis, but one indisputable fact remains: we are not building enough homes.

The latest figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), covering the final quarter of last year, revealed that new housing starts fell by more than threequarters. Just over 16,000 homes were started during the year, down from more than 69,300 in 2024.

BPFI chief economist Ali Ugur said the steep decline presents risks to future supply.

As we reported, the number of people being forced to convert starter homes into long-term dwellings instead of moving is also growing.

The Government might take some solace from the fact that the overall number of completions for the year was 36,284  an increase of 20.4pc on 2024. A rise of 7.9pc in the number of homes granted planning permission last year is also encouraging.

Nonetheless, the Governments pledge to deliver 300,000 homes by 2031 still looks like quite a reach. The target required over the intervening years is an average of about 50,000 annually.

Many remain puzzled as to how we managed to house people in the 1970s and 80s when Ireland ranked among the poorest countries in Europe, yet now find ourselves with a lockedout generation.

The exodus of too many of our youngest and brightest is another sad reminder of our perennial inability to bridge the chasm between supply and demand.

Few people will care who delivers the desperately needed homes, provided they are built promptly and at affordable prices

The more than 17,000 people in emergency accommodation are another compelling argument for why we must do so much better. Numbers can be used to tell different stories, but it is the people behind those numbers that matter.

In his autobiography, Running from Office, former housing minister Eoghan Murphy recounts a telling conversation with officials. He had asked for more accurate figures on housing completions. He was taken aback when he was told: If we get the right figure, it will show that the figure that we have been using is the wrong one, minister.

Mr Murphy replied: Yes, I know that. But everybody already knows its the wrong figure.

The answer came back: Yes, but the right figure will show fewer houses, minister.

The Governments participation at one of the worlds largest real estate conferences, on the French Riviera, has drawn criticism from those who oppose attracting private investors to rescue the situation.

Speaking on RTEs News at One, Dr Lorcan Sirr, of TU Dublin, said: I dont think its right that the minister [James Browne] is out there selling the country to investors, inviting them to come in and outbid Irish builders and Irish home buyers for properties.

In truth, few people will care who delivers the desperately needed homes, provided they are built promptly and at affordable prices  neither of which has been adequately achieved so far.
On 18 December 2022, 32-year-old Natalie McNally was found dead in her Lurgan home.

According to her autopsy, she suffered multiple stab wounds, strangulation and several heavy blows to the head. She was also 15 weeks pregnant at the time.

Her partner, Stephen McCullagh, is now on trial for her murder in one of the highest-profile cases Northern Irelands courts have seen in years.

Central to the trial is a gaming livestream which the prosecution allege was staged to create an alibi for the accused.

Today on the Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan, joined by Allison Morris, Crime Correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph, to discuss the tragic death of Natalie McNally and the ongoing murder trial of Stephen McCullagh.

We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism
How fuel price hikes are causing fear across Clare  Were in no mans land

Businesses across County Clare told the Irish Independent how the rise in cost of fuel has been affecting them

Eugene Drennan of the Irish Road Haulage Association

Molly Cantwell and Jessica Mercer Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 07:40

Businesses in Clare have said the rise in cost of fuel has had a massive effect this week as prices have skyrocketed within just a few days.
The developer responsible for Hazel Brooke Estate, Mallow has not submitted a taking in charge application which is a statutory requirement.

The information was provided by the Planning and Environment Directorate at a recent Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District meeting after Labour Party councillor Ronan Sheehan requested a detailed update on the current status of the taking in charge of Hazel Brooke Estate, from Cork County Council.

Cllr Sheehas motion also sought clarity on any outstanding works, the bond position, and the anticipated timeline for progressing the estate to completion.

Cllr Sheehan said the houses in the estate were completed during the Celtic Tiger. The first part was completed in 2006 and 2007. Multiple builders and developers went in there. It is bit different to other ones because of Cork County Councils involvement in the new part of the development.

The Mallow based councillor stated that because Cork County Council owns lots of property within the estate, they have a degree of responsibility to those not alone in the private houses in there, but the houses they are landlords. If it has gone into liquidation, I dont want it to be kicked down the road again.

I know there was a certain bond there and indications that the developer was allowing the Council to try and finish with that bond, albeit it wasnt sufficient. I want a detailed update, he added.

Fianna Fail councillor Pat Hayes who seconded the motion said an update is required as it is a well-established estate at this stage.

From a national level, I think taking in charge in general needs to be looked at, declared Fianna Fail councillor Gearoid Murphy: They are raising it in the Dail. In the meantime, it is something that we need to work on ourselves.

A response from the estates section was then read out by Billy OSullivan, Senior Executive Engineer with Cork County Council: The Planning & Environment Directorate can confirm that the developer responsible for Hazel Brooke Estate, Mallow has not submitted a taking in charge application, which is a statutory requirement.

In response to the reply, Cllr Sheehan expressed his bemusement with the reply: I dont know what that means. Does it need a residents association? As the biggest landlord in that estate, I think we have a responsibility to try and get the estate taken in charge.

Municipal District Officer with Cork County Council, Claire Barr informed Cllr Sheehan that it does need a residents association to collect the signatures.

Keith Jones from Cork County Council then provided the councillors with more information on the Councils role in the Hazel Brooke Estate. We are a property owner in this estate, same as any other property owner. We dont have a role in the development as such. We took a number of units there to be provided for social housing, but they are required and are called turnkey acquisitions.

Developments are private developments. They are subject to the Planning Development Act and as a local authority we must follow those statutory procedures. I can understand the councillors frustrations on the issue as well, he added.
Inside the Cork food pantry providing thousands of meals to students struggling with cost of living

The student-run service now distributes around 800kg of food every week and tries to create a feel-good space

UCC Students Union Food Pantry helps provide sustainable student meals

Kevin Galvin Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

The queue begins to form outside, and its everyone you can imagine.
Progress is being made to see an old Headford courthouse building revamped as Galway County Council has committed to hosting a public consultation for its future use.

Councillor Andrew Reddington has long since called for the building on Bridge Street to home community services. A survey of the premises was conducted late last year and sent to the local authority in hopes of securing a vision and funding.

The building shares a site with An Garda Siochana station, therefore the council is in discussion with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to bring clarity to site boundaries and other legalities.

Refurbishment works would be needed to bring the building up to spec for public use, but Cllr Reddington said that Galway County Council has the vacant town square property in mind for funding.

Securing funding through the Town and Village Renewal scheme is being considered as well as other options that would support community spaces and vacant building restoration.

According to Cllr Reddington, Helena McElmeel Architects have been appointed to manage public consultations, design concepts, and other technical details.

The priority is to get a public consultation date booked for early May, Cllr Reddington told the Irish Independent.

Gaining community input on ideas for the property is a key part of the scope agreed, he added. It is a very important site that could be used as a community space.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
The junior Minister said he wants to learn more about forestry management and how to use more home-grown timber in the construction industry

Minister Michael Healy-Rae has met with the Finnish Minister for Agriculture and Forestry and the Latvian Minister for Agriculture as part of St Patricks Day engagements.

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is meeting with government and private sector representatives in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Minister, who is responsible for forestry, said global celebrations of St Patricks Day offer an opportunity for Ireland to build long-term relationships with other countries.

Forests in Ireland are young, relative to our continental neighbours, and this visit offers an excellent opportunity to gain insights on different approaches to forestry. Mr Healy-Rae said.

He has met with Finnish minister Sari Essayah and Latvian minister Armands Krauze to discuss sustainable forest management, timber innovation, and opportunities for cooperation during Irelands EU Presidency.

Forestry is a significant and vital industry for Ireland, with nearly 9,500 people employed nationally and the sector contributing 2.3 billion to the economy. Through cooperation with our European partners, I believe that we can continue to build a forestry sector that keeps growing and develops into a significant part of Irelands national infrastructure, he added.

Minister Healy-Rae will also visit non-profit organisations and companies in the timber industry including modular construction companies.

We need to increase the use of timber in our construction sector and I am very pleased that, very soon, we will bring to Cabinet the final report of the Timber in Construction Steering Group, with recommendations for action to support the increased use of wood in construction, which will in turn support the house construction sector through the use of wood grown in Ireland, he said,
Kerry Mountain Rescue mark 60 years with launch of new vehicle to help save lives

Former member also donates funds from birthday celebration to KMR

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team members, John Hussey, left and Mike Finn, with Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary, who was in Killarney on Friday to unveil a new state-of-the-art 4x4 Ineos Grenadier rescue vehicle for Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

Sinead Kelleher Kerryman Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 08:00

For the past six decades Kerry Mountain Rescue (KMR) have helped save lives on the mountains and they hope to continue this work with the launch of their new jeep which will help them reach more difficult locations reducing rescue times and helping save lives.
Tralee

Kerry resident pushes back after armed garda response  Not the area I know

A long-time resident of the John Mitchels area of Tralee has strongly defended his locality in the wake of a serious public order incident that happened on Sunday evening that led to the Garda Armed Response Unit being mobilised.
Visitors to Southgate Shopping Centre in Drogheda will soon have to pay for parking after management confirmed that a 1 Tap-and-Go charge for all-day parking will be introduced from April 1, 2026.
There are currently no plans for a swimming pool in the Ratoath Municipal District, councillors have been told.

At the March meeting of the MD, Sinn Fein councillor Fionnan Blake called on Meath County Council to fund and deliver a public swimming pool for the area, saying the lack of leisure facilities has been raised with him on several occasions.

In a response, the local authority said the swimming pool project is not included in its Capital Investment Plan and therefore will not be assessed within the next 12 months.

Cllr Blake said there are a limited number of pools available across County Meath, noting that there are eight in total when hotel and gym facilities are included, but only three local authority pools  located in Kells, Navan and Trim.

A recent report by Swim Ireland found that Ireland has just one public pool per 81,000 people, compared with one per 14,000 in Scotland.

Both Kells and Navan pools are decades old. About 20 years ago we thought we were getting a local authority pool in this area, only for the funding to disappear to Trim, Cllr Blake said.

The Ratoath MD has the fastest-growing population and has been underfunded for years. A lot of people in this area feel let down by the lack of facilities here.

The councillor said the lack of facilities means schools in the area are often forced to travel outside the county for swimming lessons, with pupils brought to pools in Coolmine and Blanchardstown.

Swimming is a life skill and also a life-saving skill, he said.

There are waiting lists for lessons, with schools in this area having to bring children to Coolmine and Blanchardstown to swim. Hotel and gym pools dont have the same accessibility.

People with disabilities are really suffering from the lack of accessibility too. Swimming is a fantastic outlet for people with disabilities, who have to travel to use facilities.

Cllr Blake suggested that a potential location for a new pool could be at the community centre in Dunshaughlin. The site is located beside Dunshaughlin Community College.

The people in the Ratoath Municipal District are tired of not having facilities in place, he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Cllr Thomas Walsh has called on Iarnrod Eireann and Sligo County Council to provide a safe pedestrian connection from Collooney Centre to the train station.

Cllr Walshs motion before the recent meeting of Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District where he called on the County Council to improve the existing footpath from T junction at R290 under the bridge towards Collooney train station along the L2101 and to write to Iarnrod Eireann to seek a meeting with them.

Cllr Walsh highlighted the increasing numbers that are availing of rail transport and the active travel scheme work carried out by Sligo County Council saying, Over 1.5 million journeys were recorded on the Sligo Dublin train in 2025 and yet we have a situation whereby people can still not access Collooney centre and the train station safely on foot.

"Sligo County Council have recently completed a very positive active travel project as far as the t-junction in Collooney and access to the station entrance is urgently required. I am also calling on Iarnrod Eireann to invest in additional parking around the station to facilitate the growing number of people using the train from their 550 million capital monies.

I have raised this for many years now and its about time capital funding has been allocated to improve access to the station in Collooney and parking to meet growing demand. In 2026, we want more people to use public transport. The infrastructure network around transport hubs is a key factor.

Addressing the meeting Cllr Walsh said, The first thing we talk about is making public transport accessible. People are coming to Collooney from Sligo because of the lack of parking in Sligo.

Cllr Walsh continued, We want people to use the train station. There are more and more people using the train but Irish Rail need to play their part as well. I cant understand why the footpath cant be put on a verge. The infrastructure is there, it should have been done long ago.

Supporting the motion Cllr Thomas Healy commented, We did look at the an alternative route via the bingo hall, I dont know what happened with that. Irish Rail dont own that land as far as I know.

Sligo County Council A/Senior Engineer, Paul ORourke informed the meeting the issue with the land on the bingo hall route is with the landowner. We are trying to establish who the landowner is. The bishop has to find the paperwork.

The meeting heard the local authoritys original plan was to have the walkway continuing as far as the train platform with Mr ORourke commenting, We still havent let go of that. The feedback Im getting is the dioceses is positive.

Cllr Donal Gilroy also offered his support for the motion commenting, A lot of church lands are left to the church via somebodys estate. I think you are doing the right thing going down that route.

Cllr Marie Casserly also offered her support for the motion and thanked Mr ORourke for the update saying, Its great to hear you are looking at all options.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Tributes have been paid to a much loved Sligo nurse who has passed away.

Nycin Thomas, Ballisodare and formerly of Kerala, India, passed away on March 12th,

peacefully at North West Hospice surrounded by her loving family.

She worked as a nurse in the dialysis unit of Sligo University Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Albin Sratel and children Nathan and Thomas (Tommy) Sratel. parents Thomas and Sobha, sisters Serin (Bebil) and Angel, parents-in-law Sebastian and Lilly, sister-in-law Ancy (Sino) and extended family and is also missed by her colleagues at Sligo University Hospital neighbours and many friends.

In a post on social media, members of the Sligo branch of the Irish Kidney Association said they and dialysis patients were deeply saddened to learn of the death of nurse Thomas.

"A dedicated nurse, she will be fondly remembered by those she cared for before she had to give up work due to illness.

Many tributes have also been left at RIP.ie

One said: She fought her illness with such dignity and strength. She will be sadly missed by her colleagues in SUH.

Another said: Will miss your beautiful smile, such a kindhearted soul gone too soon. May your soul rest in peace. Condolences to all family and friends.

Ms Thomas will reposed at Sean Feehilys Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo on Sunday, March 15th from 12:30pm until 3:30pm.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, March 16th at 2pm in Saint Brigids Church, Corhownagh, Ballisodare and will be livestreamed via https://www.churchtv.ie/ballisodare/.

Burial will follow in Saint Brigids Cemetery, Ballisodare.
New Ross

Forested area on outskirts of New Ross becoming dumping hotspot  theyre driving up there with trucks

Illegal dumpers are finding new and innovative ways to escape prosecution in Co Wexford as they seek out land to dispose of household and industrial waste. One such area is Camross Hill in the New Ross district where truckloads of rubbish are 
Meet the Wexford man bestowed with the same honour as Bob Geldof, Ed Sheeran and Pascal Donohoe

Prof Ed Sweeney, recently granted the freedom of the city of London, reflects on his career, education and why Irelands inward-looking past has given way to a modern liberal democracy

Wexford man Ed Sweeney was recently made a Freeman of the City of London.

Cillian Boggan Wexford People Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 07:40

How many people from Wexford can say that they have been inducted into an exclusive club which includes the likes of music icons Ed Sheeran and Bob Geldof, broadcaster Dermot OLeary and former Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe.
Pat Delaney and Irene Bohanna pictured at the launch of the 2026 Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick's Day parade in The Red Door Cafe, Carrig on Bannow, on Friday evening. Photo: Jim Campbell

The committee pictured at the launch of the 2026 Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick's Day parade in The Red Door Cafe, Carrig on Bannow, on Friday evening were (l to r)- Hazel Cosgrove, Francis Sinnott, Stephen Carthy, Catherine Comer, Ned Neville, Marie Carthy, Louise Byrne. Photo: Jim Campbell

Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick's Day parade in The Red Door Cafe, Carrig on Bannow, on Friday evening were Marie Carthy, Mary Staunton, Kathleen Walsh, Caroline Doyle, and Bernie Wade. Photo: Jim Campbell

Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick's Day parade in The Red Door Cafe, Carrig on Bannow on Friday evening were Eamonn Hore (Director of Services, Transportation, Water Services & Health and Safety, Wexford County Council), Cllr Frank Staples (Who launched the parade), Noirin Cummins (District Manager), Willie French (Parade adjudicator), Catherine Comer (Committe Chairperson), Cllr Jim Codd, Edwina Colfer (Assistant Staff Officer at Wexford County Counci). Photo: Jim Campbell

As the 2026 Carrig-on-Bannow parade was recently launched at the Red Door Cafe, organises say that the only parade in the Rosslare Municipal District has gone from strength to strength over the past 20 years.

Last year, the parade, led by Grand Marshal Mick Harpur brought together the best of traditional Irish culture and music as the local community came out in force to celebrate our national holiday. The parade began from the school field and featured floats and groups from across the Rosslare district.

Following last years parade, a special afternoon of live music was held at the inaugural gig rig with performances from the Danescastle Music Group and other local acts.

This year, the parade will commence at 2pm. Grand Marshal Maudie Walsh will lead the parade, with those in attendance welcome to subsequently gather at the gig rig.

Participants are asked to meet in the school field from 1pm and adhere to all stewards instructions. Be advised that the village and surrounding roads will be closed from 1pm until 5pm on the day.

While the worlds eyes and attention will be drawn to the days festivities in Dublin, New York and major cities around the world, rural parades like the one in Carrig-on-Bannow which take place up and down the country remain hugely popular.

They surely are and the local rivalry between floats and the competition for these small trophies is amazing and it's great craic and really good fun said Noirin Cummins, District Manager, Rosslare Municipal District
Officials are calling on the Department of Education to approve a tender so works can start on a much-needed Wicklow school extension, which received planning permission in 2024.

In April 2024, Nuns Cross National School, based in Killiskey Ashford, was granted permission for a single storey extension, consisting of a mainstream classroom and special education classroom, much to the joy of the school community.

However, the works still havent commenced and local Social Democrats members, Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore and Cllr Danny Alvey, are demanding that the Department of Education expedite the process so the actual works can start, having recently met with principal Lisa Award.

Deputy Whitmore stated: Nuns Cross have been in the planning process for a new mainstream class and an additional needs classroom for the past five years. They were delighted and relieved to be notified in summer of 2024 that they could go ahead with the works, but theyve been stuck waiting for approval to go to tender since summer of 2025.

I met with the principal of Nuns Cross the other week with my colleague and local councillor, Danny Alvey. They are really keen to get this work done because they know how important this is for the community that they can offer them another class. They have the funding, they have planning permission, they are ready to go, but they need the Departments green light.

Cllr Alvey said the school is badly in need of the additional space given the amount of development that has taken place in Ashford over recent years.

"The village of Ashford has grown hugely over the past ten years and there are now many more families living in the big developments such as Ballinahinch Wood and Vartry Woods.

Many of these families are sending their children to the Nuns Cross National School and there are excellent staff and a great sense of community there. But the school is absolutely beyond capacity.

"The situation is so bad that last year they had to do a reconfiguration and turn a hallway and storage cabinet into a classroom. This is ridiculous in an age when the country has unprecedented levels of public income and the Department of Education needs to get its act together and let schools like Nuns Cross move on with their desperately needed building projects."

Deputy Whitmore added: It is too often that we see a school have extension or expansion works approved and then face delay after delay after delay. The Department needs to get their act together.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed a lot of information was missing

Downing Street has been forced to deny allegations of a cover-up in the release of files related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson after accusations UK prime minister Keir Starmer misled MPs over the vetting process.

Speaking for the first time since the first tranche of files were published on Wednesday, Mr Starmer took personal responsibility for his mistake in appointing Mr Mandelson as his US ambassador and reiterated his apology to Jeffrey Epsteins victims.
Israel ramps up strikes in Lebanon and drags the country further into war

Ninety-eight children have been killed in Israeli attacks

A projectile falls from the sky during an Israeli strike on central Beirut's Bachoura neighbourhood. Photo: Reuters

Ahmed Kerdi, Maya Gebeily and Maayan Lubell Reuters Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Israeli airstrikes hit two buildings in the heart of Beirut near the Lebanese governments headquarters yesterday, ramping up Israels offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah and dragging Lebanon deeper into the Middle East war.
Analysis

From left, Donald Trump and his girlfriend (and future wife), former model Melania Knauss, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, on February 12, 2000. Photo: Davidoff Studios/Getty

Michael Wolff has known Donald Trump since they came up together in New York in the 1980s and has spent more time than most trying to understand his thinking.

Wolff, now (72), was the irascible Vanity Fair columnist, Trump the omnipresent property mogul. Over the past decade, Wolff has chronicled Trump in four books, beginning with the bestselling Fire and Fury, as well as through countless television appearances. Recently, he has launched a podcast, Inside Trumps Head, with American news site The Daily Beast. We meet during a brief stop in London on his way to Venice.
Russia blames UK over deadly strike on key munitions factory

Kyiv says it used British missiles to hit site making chips for weapons

Smoke rises amid explosions from a Ukrainian strike on a Russian missile plant. Photo: Reuters

James C Reynolds UK Independent Fri 13 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Russia has blamed the UK for a deadly missile strike launched by Ukraine on a vital munitions factory, that reportedly killed seven people.
Greece has rejected Turkeys accusations of violating international treaties in the Aegean, dismissing Ankaras protests over the deployment of Patriot missiles to the island of Karpathos as unfounded and unilateral.

The diplomatic rift has widened as the spillover from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran

reaches the Eastern Mediterranean.

Earlier this week, Turkey deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus.

Ankara billed the move as a "legitimate, balanced security approach" to counter threats from the regional war.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zohiou said that Greeces defensive stand is non-negotiable and strictly compliant with international law.

Ms. Zohiou said that the status of the eastern Aegean islands is governed by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paristhe latter of which Turkey is not even a party to.

"The prevailing uncertainty and risk of further escalation in the war call for prudence and composure, not for baseless claims," Ms. Zohiou said during a briefing for diplomatic correspondents.

The surge in military activity follows a drone attack on the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus last week.

In response, Greece dispatched four F-16V fighter jets and two frigates to the Republic of Cyprus to bolster the island's defenses.

Greek officials said that supporting Nicosia is a "historical obligation" and a purely defensive reaction to the deteriorating security environment.

Turkey, acting as a guarantor power, countered that Greece is exploiting the regional crisis to militarize islands that should remain demilitarized.

Still,, Athens maintains that the right to self-defense is enshrined in the U.N. Charter, especially as foreign outside forces increasingly influence the regional stability of the Eastern Mediterranean.

By Antonis Telopoulos



   iefimerida.gr
Greek authorities have arrested a 58-year-old Polish national on suspicion of espionage after he was allegedly caught photographing sensitive naval activity near the Souda Bay military base in Crete.

Police detained the suspect in the Marathi area, a vantage point overlooking the strategic facility.

According to investigators, the man had been living in a camper

van and monitoring the base for approximately four months.

Authorities believe he photographed warships entering and exiting the port and transmitted the images to an account based in Poland.

The Hellenic National Intelligence Service is currently questioning the suspect, who has denied the allegations. The investigation was launched after a local resident alerted police to suspicious behavior.

Officers seized the suspect's mobile phone, which reportedly contained the incriminating photographs, along with his vehicle.

The arrest underscores a period of heightened security at Souda Bay, a critical deep-water port utilized by Greece, the United States, and NATO.

The facility's importance has surged as regional instability in the Middle East has increased naval traffic in the eastern Mediterranean.

This is the third major security incident involving the base in recent months.

Earlier this month, a 36-year-old Georgian national was detained at Athens International Airport after intelligence officers discovered photos of Soudas military assets on his phone. In 2025, authorities arrested a 26-year-old Azerbaijani national who was accused of taking thousands of photographs of warships from a nearby hotel.

While officials have not confirmed a direct link between the suspects, security around Greece's military infrastructure has been significantly bolstered.

Yiannis Kefalogiannis, the minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has previously noted that surveillance and intelligence gathering are being prioritized to protect national and allied interests during this period of regional volatility.

   iefimerida.gr
Content creator and philanthropist Mitchell Mukoro, widely known as King Mitchy, has publicly apologised for her recent conduct online, including an incident in which she consumed a substance during a live broadcast.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, the influencer addressed several individuals and the public, offering apologies to the public, including Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu; activist Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Im ready to be held accountable for my actions. For some days Ive thought about my behaviour and I know that I was wrong and I want to be held accountable, King Mitchy said.

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For the substance I took on live video, that was very wrong of me because there are young girls that are looking up to be me one day and I know I disappointed a lot of people. That was wrong of me, I was wrong.

Mentioning the presidents son, the social media influencer said: And my boss ST (Seyi Tinubu), Im so sorry. I know I apologised privately but I did not disrespect you privately, I disrespected you publicly so I want to apologise publicly. Im so sorry sir.

I want you to know that I will never take your support for granted.

Speaking about Oba Ogunwusi, King Mitchy apologised while kneeling in the video.

Im so sorry, sir. Im so sorry for bringing your name into this, Im so sorry, Daddy, she said.

King Mitchy also apologised to VeryDarkMan, whom she described as her brother, saying she had gained a clearer understanding of his advocacy.

Youre fighting for Nigerians and we can make Nigeria a better place and Im sorry for coming at you like that, she said.

Maybe now I understand you better because I had to step back and understand the kind of person that you are and I see that youre fighting for a good cause for Nigeria to be better.

And you need more supporters, not people to fight you. Im sorry, my brother. Thank you, Nigerians.

The apology comes after weeks of controversy that began in late February, when King Mitchy announced that she had renovated a run-down school within six days, arguing that real change could happen quickly with genuine commitment.

Her remarks were widely interpreted as subtle criticism of VeryDarkMan, who responded by accusing her of being used as a political tool to polish the image of President Tinubus administration.

The situation escalated when King Mitchy posted what she said was a private social media conversation with Oba Ogunwusi, stating that even this king had contacted her. The claim sparked widespread debate online and drew criticism from users who accused her of disrespecting the monarch.

Tensions intensified further after VeryDarkMan alleged that Seyi Tinubu was sponsoring King Mitchys charitable initiatives.

The content creator later said the ongoing backlash led to the loss of her business Instagram account.

The controversy took a dramatic turn during a live video session in which the influencer, appearing distressed, was seen consuming a substance believed to be bleach as viewers expressed alarm and tried to discourage her.

Her management subsequently announced her death in a statement posted on her Instagram page, claiming she had passed away at Prime Care Hospital in Abuja after attempts by medical personnel to revive her failed.

However, the management later withdrew the statement, clarifying in another post that Mitchy was alive and recovering.

Before the correction was issued, Prime Care Hospital had already denied the claim, stating that the influencer had neither been admitted to nor died at the facility.

Earlier, Seyi Tinubu had also released a statement rejecting claims that he was connected to the dispute between VeryDarkMan and King Mitchy.
Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami has shared his stance on paternity and DNA tests, revealing that he would still accept a child even if a test proves the child is not biologically his.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Yoruba, the actor explained that if he had raised the child from infancy and the child already sees him as a father, he would not abandon the child because of a DNA result.

If DNA says my child isnt mine, and I have taken the child from infancy as mine, and the child also knows me as his father, I will wholeheartedly accept the child as mine, he said.

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According to the actor, the child should not suffer for a situation they did not create, stressing that the bond formed while raising the child is something he would not easily walk away from.

He added that even if such a situation occurs, the matter would only be between him and his wife, not the child who already knows him as a father.

The child will claim my name forever and also see me as his father, because its not the child that created himself or herself. The issue will only be between me and my wife, he concluded.

Watch video below:

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A statue of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church founder stands on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by Black Americans in Philadelphia on Oct 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Luis Andres Henao) Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Within the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Churchs 162-year-old brick walls is a venerable American history collection. It includes A.M.E. church founder Richard Allens Bible, the pulpit from which he preached, pews from its first building, and a bust of Allen, first displayed at the 1876 Worlds Fair.

Keeping the lights on, the centuries-old stained glass windows translucent, and the organ pipes tuned isnt cheap. Then theres maintaining a presence in the community and conserving the churchs aged artifacts. .

In late January, Mother Bethel was one of five historic African American churches to receive a $1 million grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to do just that. When the Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness learned the news, she was as relieved as she was elated.

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With Philadelphias Semiquincentennial around the corner, the money was right on time.

This is a major transformational opportunity for us to chart a pathway forward, Cavaness said. We have critical building needs like the brick pointing needed to repair the masonry, rebuilding parts of the foundation, and improving our accessibility. There are 40 steps to get to the second floor and we dont have an elevator.

 READ MORE: A formerly enslaved man was thrown out of an Old City church. He then founded Americas first African Methodist Episcopal church.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was launched in 2017 to grant money to sites where important moments in Black history central to Americas story.

Within the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is the Preserving Black Churches Project, funded through a $60 million investment from the Lilly Endowment.

Black churches have served as political and educational cornerstones in the Black community for more than a century, built by communities of formally enslaved and free Black people. Today, many of the sites are civic spaces that need a financial boost to continue to thrive, Brent Liggs, executive director of the Cultural Heritage Action Fund, said in a news release.

First African Baptist Church in Beaufort, S.C.  one of the first schools to educate Black people during Reconstruction  is among the $1 million awardees.

The other churches are: Chicagos Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, where lynching victim Emmett Tills open casket funeral was held; Second Baptist Church Los Angeles, a West Coast civil rights hub where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached; and Brown Chapel A.M.E. in Selma, headquarters for the 1965 Voting Rights Act Movement.

These churches represent multifaceted legacies spanning cultural moments in American history and culture, Liggs said.

In 1791, a few years after the formerly enslaved Richard Allen and Absalom Jones were told they had to sit in Old Citys St. Georges Methodist Churchs segregated balcony, Allen bought land at Sixth and Lombard Streets. The block of land became home to Americas and the worlds first African Methodist Episcopal congregation.

Mother Bethels first building, a repurposed blacksmith shop, was dedicated in 1794. The current, and fourth building, was completed in 1890. Mother Bethel sits on the oldest parcel of land in the country continuously owned by African Americans. It presently has a congregation of 800.

The church has been at the center of Philadelphias Black community for two centuries. The first meeting of the Colored Convention  todays NAACP  was held there in 1830.

We have records in our church that serve as court proceedings, Cavaness said. Because of the level of fear people of African descent had with authorities at the time, they settled their disputes and disagreements internally and did not rely on the law and order of the era.

W. E. B. Du Bois lectured at Mother Bethel, referring to the church as the best of the great laboring classes. It was designated a historic shrine by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1965 and a national historic landmark in 1974.

Cultural Heritage Fund grant recipients receive money and the opportunity to work with building conservationists and tech experts to plan and prioritize the work needed.

Among Cavaness top priorities is installing air-conditioning in the sanctuary and tuning all the pipes in the churchs great organ. The organ was completely refurbished in 1976, the year of the bicentennial.

A lot is required to keep these structures up and running, Cavaness said. Its tough to balance ministry, serve the people, and preserve history all at the same time. This grant will give us a sustainability plan for the future and allow us to dream.
In 2024, Davit Karapetyan trained Katie Cerny, then 17, for the Prix de Lausanne at the School of Philadelphia Ballet. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Philadelphia Ballet and the School of Philadelphia Ballet were named partners of the Prix de Lausanne last month, making the city a pipeline for some of the worlds top talent.

Ballet competitions are one way the best ballet students can be seen by top schools and companies, and the Prix de Lausanne, the competition held every winter in Switzerland, is the most prestigious. It gives students their moment in the spotlight, as well as a chance to be seen in classes and rehearsals. So not everything comes down to those few short minutes on stage.

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This route can give dancers a leg up over those who only attend the larger, somewhat anonymous audition classes where it is harder to be noticed.

Competitions help schools and companies as well. Talent attracts talent, and schools that produce Prix competitors and winners are academies other dancers want to attend. Being a partner means Philadelphia Ballet can offer competitors a scholarship or perhaps even a professional contract.

All the talented dancers can eventually filter into the top ranks of the company.

The Prix sent an evaluator to Philly to check out the classes, performances, and school facilities. After more than a decade of waiting and wishing, the ballets new building on Broad Street is scheduled to open in September, although the move-in will begin this month. Along with studios and a black-box theater, it will have two wellness centers.

 READ MORE: Two Philadelphia dancers will be competing in ballets prestigious Prix de Lausanne

The Prix approved Philadelphia Ballets partnership after that visit.

This is quite a full circle for me, said Davit Karapetyan, who is the director of both the School of Philadelphia Ballet and Philadelphia Ballet II. He was a prize winner at the Prix in 1999.

I left my country when I was about 16 and arrived in Switzerland [to attend a ballet school], and within about two and a half months they asked me to participate in the Prix de Lausanne, said Karapetyan, who grew up in Armenia.

That was one of my dreams as a young dancer, to be part of that incredible organization, to compete and thats exactly what happened, he said.

When Karapetyan was competing, about 400 students traveled to Switzerland. After one class, they dismissed loads of students in a move that could be devastating, he said.

In recent years, though, the Prix has switched to video auditions. Now, a smaller group is in Lausanne for a week.

Along with Philadelphia Ballet, the Rock School for Dance Education, has had luck at the Prix, with students competing in the Prix several times in recent years.

After his win, Karapetyan joined the Zurich Ballet and, while living in Europe, often came to the Prix as a spectator. Eventually he joined San Francisco Ballet, where he became a principal dancer.

Philadelphia Ballet chief executive officer Shelly Power met Karapetyan a few years ago. At the time, she was the artistic director and CEO of the Prix de Lausanne, and she invited Karapetyan and his wife, Vanessa Zahorian, to be part of the 2018 jury. Zahorian was pregnant and unable to travel, but Karapetyan was happy to accept and go back home.

You bring really talented kids to the Prix de Lausanne, and they see other talented kids just like them, Power said. I saw kids that transformed themselves from coming from their cities onto that big stage. Its really remarkable.

Karapetyan and Power would meet again a few years later in Philadelphia.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia Ballets 2026-27 season brings the fireworks for Americas 250th birthday

Philadelphia Ballet artistic director Angel Corella has never participated in the Prix, but another ballet competition saved his career, he said.

He had been in a small company in his native Spain but was never getting opportunities on stage. He thought about quitting when a friend suggested that he try to get himself seen. Most of that years competitions had passed, but he was still able to enter the Concours International de Danse de Paris in 1994, where he won the gold medal and wound up with a soloist contract with American Ballet Theatre. This launched his career as an international star.

Ballet competitions are not everything, though. Some young dancers have a hard time making the transition between being in the spotlight to being the fourth swan on the left in the lowest ranks of a company.

Thats why Lausanne is so good, Corella said. They actually spend time with the kids. They dont only teach them variations, they also teach them different styles and they help them with getting into ballet companies. And they explain to them what its like being in a ballet company.

Its not just Im learning my variation. I rehearse it for, six, seven months, and then I do it perfectly, and then I join a company, and I have no idea what Im doing, Corella said.

The Philadelphia Ballet team is excited about the opportunity, and there is already a student who competed this year who will be coming to Philly this summer. All agree it was Karapetyan who made it happen.

When I joined as a school director Philadelphia Ballet, I was like, now my mission is I would love to be part of this incredible organization [Prix]. Im going to do anything to be part of this organization. To go there and see these incredible students, if we can recruit them and take students there to be part of the competition, and part of these choreographic workshops.

Its a whole big, beautiful community," Karapetyan said, I was like we need to be part of [it].
David Ajiri, of Bensalem, allegedly has targeted women and girls as young as 14 years old since 2018, police said. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

A 25-year-old Bensalem man was arrested this week for allegedly targeting women and underage girls for sextortion across the country using social media and dating apps, police said.

David Ajiri surrendered to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office in Colorado on Monday on an arrest warrant for criminal extortion obtained by the police department in Arvada, a city just outside of Denver. The Bensalem Township Police Department assisted with the case.

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One victim has been identified, but detectives believe there are many more victims, police said.

Ajiri allegedly has targeted women and girls as young as 14 years old since 2018, police said.

He allegedly used social media, dating, and friendship apps to contact victims, then convinced them to send intimate images or videos in exchange for payments, police said. The victims were never paid.

Ajiri allegedly threatened to send images or videos to the friends, family members, or social media contacts unless the victims continued to provide explicit content, money, or both, police said.

The victims allegedly were sometimes sent detailed lists of specific images and videos they were told to provide, and some of the content may have been sold online, police said.

The Arvada Police Department posted a list of fake names and accounts Ajiri allegedly used, and asked anyone who believes they may have been a sextortion victim in the case to contact the Arvada Police Department at 720-898-7171 and reference Case #AR25004692.
Abdul Vicks, left, and Mark Johnson, right, rap in a song called "Bumblebee Gang" filmed by DJBey215. Johnson was one of 19 people indicted last month. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Abdul Vicks could see the writing on the wall.

I can smell indictments, I can see it comin, Vicks, better known as YBC Dul, rapped in a song released last fall.

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At the time, it read as bravado. Another taunt to feed his mythology.

But he was right. By the time the song dropped in November, an investigation into his crew, the Young Bag Chasers, had been quietly building for nearly two years.

 READ MORE: The rise and fall of the Young Bag Chasers

Vicks died before he could see the lyrics materialize. He was shot and killed in August 2024.

Last month, the indictment he had expected arrived. After a secret, yearslong grand jury probe, prosecutors charged 19 people tied to YBC and its affiliated and rival crews with nearly two dozen killings and shootings since 2022, violence that investigators say was often celebrated online and turned into profit through music and social media posts.

It marked the latest chapter in the unraveling of the West Philadelphia crew  teen friends who started making music in their basements and, investigators say, morphed into a violent gang that killed for clout.

Prosecutors and detectives, in interviews, said they spent two years combing through cell phone records, ballistic evidence, social media posts, and music videos to tie the cases together.

Officials declined to discuss details of specific crimes, citing the sensitive nature of the indictment, which remains sealed, but they described a central motivation behind the case: stopping the social monetization of murder.

Assistant District Attorney William Fritze, who supervised the investigation through the Gun Violence Task Force, said that dynamic was clearest in the killing of Zyir Stafford.

Stafford, a 22-year-old father of two, was gunned down while leaving his job at a North Philadelphia McDonalds in December 2023. Stafford was not directly involved in YBCs ongoing feud with the rival crew CCK, but his brother was, and so he was targeted for it.

After Stafford, still in his McDonalds uniform, was shot multiple times near 29th and Clearfield Streets, YBC members immediately took credit for the killing and mocked Stafford online. Vicks released a music video where he visits a McDonalds, then appears to pull a body from the trunk of a car, light it on fire, and pour McDonalds fries into the flames. YBC even planned to sell weed out of Happy Meal boxes.

The imagery quickly went viral, driving up YBCs views on YouTube and Spotify  and the money that came with it.

It appalled law enforcement.

They werent laughing in the face of death. They were laughing at death, Fritze said. Its morally corrupt. Its like everything thats anti-society.

Pulling one thread

For detectives trying to untangle the violence, the investigation did not begin with a single case.

It started with a name that kept appearing again and again: YBC.

Detective David Gannone had seen it while finishing a long-term investigation with the Gun Violence Task Force into a separate Southwest Philadelphia gang called 02da4 in 2022.

Around the same time, Detective Ryan Moore, of Southwest Detectives, kept encountering young men linked to YBC while investigating shootings in Mantua.

At first, the connections were loose  rumors, overlapping associates, the same names popping up in different cases. During the 02da4 investigation, Gannone said, he developed decent knowledge that member Anthony Lacey-Woodson was involved in the December 2022 killing of Tahjae Brooks, a rapper and founder of YBC. But there was not enough evidence to charge him.

At the time, Philadelphia was in the midst of a historic surge in gun violence. Police often lacked the time and resources to dig deeply into connections between rival crews as shootings piled up.

Meanwhile, YBCs reputation was growing online as Vicks and his crew bragged about killings and taunted shooting victims by name in their raps. Even as some members were arrested and sentenced to decades in prison, the violence continued  and drove up views on their songs.

Vicks and other members were making tens of thousands of dollars from their music and weed sales.

In December 2023, Gannone and Moore  then assigned to a subset of the nonfatal shooting unit  started planning with prosecutors and police leadership about homing in on unsolved crimes linked to YBC.

By the following month, they were detailed to work with the Gun Violence Task Force and investigate YBC full-time.

They started poring over old cases that were suspected of being linked to the groups feuds, they said, chasing down old leads, reviewing video, pulling social media records, and rewatching music videos to identify members.

You start pulling out one thread, and then youd get 100, said Assistant District Attorney Anna Walters, who worked on the case.

The killing of Zyir Stafford remained a central focus, Walters said  the brazen nature, and the way it was mocked online, underscored what they believed the feud had become.

Then, as the investigation gained momentum, one of YBCs most visible figures was killed.

Vicks was gunned down in a car in August 2024.

Moore and Gannone declined to say whether Vicks might have been indicted if he were alive today, or whether they found evidence that linked him to shootings.

That would be up to a grand jury, Moore said, adding that there are still unsolved cases connected to the group.

Fritze said Vicks was a target of the investigation, but his death did not change its direction.

This group wasnt about one person, it was about a lot of victims that needed justice, and so it didnt matter if Abdul Vicks died, we were going to solve those cases that needed to be solved, he said.

They were concerned that his death could lead to retaliatory violence  but that never happened, he said.

This goes back to that whole loyalty thing and how these groups are shaped, he said. Maybe he wasnt as important to them as he thought.

Other YBC members, prosecutors said, stayed largely out of the public eye while getting away with shootings for years. Jymir Burbage, or Lil Mir, and Stephen Weddington, also known as Baby Yopp, shot and killed Stafford in 2023, as well as Qaadir Cheeks the following May, police said.

Burbage is also accused of five nonfatal shootings, while Weddington has been charged with a third killing and two shootings as part of the indictment.

Their involvement with YBC was not always obvious, investigators said  they did not rap, and often appeared in the background of songs, masked up and with sunglasses on.

Both were arrested outside of Philadelphia last month. Weddington had moved to Absecon, N.J., and was starting a life with his girlfriend and newborn child, while Burbage was found in a motel in South Bend, Ind., officials said.

Investigators also linked rival crews to the killings of two YBC affiliates.

CCK members Ronnie Vincent-Quan, Herman Stigall, and Lacey-Woodson, aka Pistol P, have been charged with killing Brooks, the founding YBC rapper, in 2022. And Parkside member Markees Muhammad has been charged with killing YBC affiliate Kameir T.O. Scott six months later.

The cases came together slowly, years after the bloodstains had washed away.

Ballistic evidence and digital footprints solved the cases, Fritze said. What people dont realize is the level of sophistication that the task force is using now.  If you were doing anything with an electronic device connected to the internet, you should probably be aware  we know.

He declined to specify what that entailed: You have to think of all the components of your daily life that go into using some sort of digital footprint. And I think that is what weve gotten really good at figuring out.

Ten years ago, Moore and Gannone said, some of the investigative tools used to solve these cases did not exist.

But neither, they said, did the social media landscape that fueled the shootings.
Students, teachers, parents and community members urged the Philadelphia school board to reconsider 18 proposed school closures. In this February file photo, supporters of Harding Middle, one of the schools on the closure list, rallied. Read more Bastiaan Slabbers / For The Inquirer

Listen to article  0:00 min Layla Hernandez, a third grader, sat at the big table and looked at the members of the Philadelphia school board in front of her. I dont see nothing wrong with our school, said Layla, who attends Ludlow Elementary in North Philadelphia, one of 18 schools Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. has proposed closing permanently. The only thing I see wrong is that yall trying to close it down. As the school board weighs Watlingtons plan, nearly 100 members of the community made pitches Thursday night  by turns incredulous, emotional, angry  in hopes of swaying the board, which has not yet said when it will vote on the measure. Advertisement Read more about the proposed facilities plan Wholesale changes are coming to the Philadelphia School District, with Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. proposing a $2.8 billion facilities plan that includes closing schools. Watlington presented the plan to the school board Feb. 26 and it has already faced strong opposition. It's not yet final. Here's what we do and don't know. And to see the proposed list school closures and check how your school could be impacted, use our interactive charts. Each of the schools proposed for closure has its own story. Find them all here.

Remember, you can vote no, said Winston Hayes, a student at Lankenau High, a unique environmental school whose community has mounted a vigorous campaign opposing its closure.

From a first grader to politicians with Gov. Josh Shapiros and Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers ears, most speakers said they want no part of permanently shutting schools.

 READ MORE: This Philly elementary school isnt on the closure list, but parents are fighting plans to turn it into a middle school

Royal Williamson, who couldnt reach the microphone without sitting on his moms lap, said he loves his teacher at Moffet Elementary. (Moffet is not among the 18 closures outlined by Watlington, but the superintendent has said he wants to turn it into a middle school, a move Moffet community members say equals a closure.)

I love my school, it is fun, said Royal, 7. I can read chapter books, I do math too. I do not want to go to another school, I love Moffet Elementary. Please do not close Moffet Elementary.

State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Phila.) cast doubt on the districts current blueprint.

Im here to express deep concern about a facilities plan that took years to create, when youre giving families weeks to digest, Cephas said. Which is not equity, and not what we fight for.

And City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said she had not yet received an acceptable answer to her concern that the closure plan would have a disproportionate impact on Black and brown students.

Youre proposing to close schools like Parkway West and Paul Robeson, magnet schools that recruit, embrace, and support Black and brown students, Gauthier said. Meanwhile, youre finding the budget to recommend investment in more elite schools in a more privileged neighborhood.

Three schools in Gauthiers West Philadelphia district are proposed for a closure  high schools Parkway West and Robeson, and Blankenburg Elementary.

Until you show a real response to these concerns, I will stand with my community and I will fight these closures with everything that I have, said Gauthier.

No decisions, and no date for a vote

No school board member indicated how they would eventually vote.

But board member Wanda Novales said members of the public raised many of the same questions that I am asking myself.

Novales underscored that the plan under consideration is not the boards plan  this is a plan that has been submitted to us for us to evaluate and vote on. We are listening. We have not made a final vote.

Reginald Streater, the board president, acknowledged the pain the plan had already caused.

But no one on the board woke up one day thinking it would be a good idea to close a single school, Streater said. But if the historically underfunded district did not take steps to solve for the 70,000 empty seats it has, it would have $8 billion in deferred maintenance costs, and it has no means to pay that bill.

The board wouldnt even call the question for a plan that could lead to closures if we didnt feel we were between a rock and a hard place, Streater said.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., shown at a recent Philadelphia school board meeting, is ordering $225 million in cuts to the district's upcoming 2026-27 budget. Schools will be affected. Read more

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With a $300 million deficit looming, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. plans to propose a budget with $225 million in belt tightening  including significant classroom and central office cuts.

No layoffs are planned, but the Philadelphia School District will eliminate 340 school-based positions and move those employees into other open jobs.

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The school system will also eliminate the positions of more than 200 building substitutes, who are permanently assigned to cover absences within a school.

Contracts will be slashed, with low return-on-investment programs cut by $36 million, Watlington said. And his central office will also take a major hit, with vacancies frozen, open positions eliminated, and further budget reductions worth over $100 million.

The proposed cutbacks, which officials announced Friday as Watlington prepares to present his annual budget to the school board, amount to the most sweeping austerity measures the district has had in years  and advocates and union leaders are sounding the alarm about far-reaching effects in schools. The budget news also comes as the school board considers a separate plan to close 18 schools and co-locate and modernize others in the coming years.

The school system, which is prevented by Pennsylvania law from raising its own funds, has long forecast a budget deficit as expenses  mostly rising salaries, benefit costs, and mandated payments to charter schools  are outpacing revenue from the state and city.

Its also historically underfunded, a point underscored by a landmark 2023 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court case, which ordered the state legislature to significantly increase funding to low-wealth districts like Philadelphia. While Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and the state legislature have started to implement those increases, it will take years to reach their goal.

The superintendent knew about the structural deficit when he came to Philadelphia in 2022. He always knew cuts were needed, but chose not to make them in his first few budgets. For the current fiscal year, the district is spending $300 million in reserves just to make ends meet.

Watlington said he chose not to cut in prior years because he believed that if his administration made wise choices about how to spend COVID-relief money, academic outcomes would improve. And under his watch, test scores have risen incrementally. Student and teacher attendance and the graduation rate have improved, the dropout rate has decreased, and the districts credit rating is in its strongest position ever.

We wanted teachers, principals, school-based staff, support staff, and the district staff to believe and know and have confidence  we know what to do to improve education, Watlington said at a briefing with reporters this week.

Watlington will present his budget later this month to the school board, which is expected to approve a spending plan at the end of May.

Here are some takeaways from the first glimpse at Watlingtons 2026-27 budget, released Friday morning.

300-plus school-based positions will be cut

Districtwide, roughly 340 school-based positions will be cut for a savings of $43 million, Watlington said.

Which positions get axed has not yet been determined. Schools will still get classroom teachers allocated based on projected enrollment, but supplemental positions  which could include teachers, student climate staff, and other jobs  are likely to be affected, too.

Employees in impacted positions will be moved into other jobs via vacancies and attrition.

Principals received parameters of their individual school budgets Thursday, and there is a lot of discretion in what they actually will be able to keep, said Mike Herbstman, the districts chief financial officer.

Still, those decisions are likely to be tough, as schools came to rely on extra counselors, climate staff, and teachers.

Watlington said the positions being eliminated had been paid for with federal COVID-19 relief funds that had expired and money that had previously been earmarked for a group of struggling schools with intense support needs.

We have a lot of hardworking employees who stood by us, and were going to stand by our hardworking employees, said Watlington.

Class sizes are likely to grow in some schools

Class sizes are likely to get bigger in some places if the proposed cuts take effect.

Watlington said the district would not exceed the class sizes called for in the PFTs collective bargaining agreement  30 in grades K through 3 and 33 in grades 4 through 12.

Watlington said hes been in Philadelphia classrooms with 10 children in them.

Some of that, were just going to have to shore up, Watlington said. We just dont have the luxury to have class sizes that are extraordinarily small.

Watlington in 2024 retired the old Acceleration Network, a group of 14 schools that needed intense supports and got more resources and structure, along with extra funding to spur improvement. Class sizes were capped at 22 in kindergarten, first, and second grades in acceleration schools.

The extra funding for those schools stayed even when the network was retired, but its now going away, Watlington said  meaning the guaranteed smaller class sizes are gone, too.

Other schools in the district have used COVID-19 or other discretionary funds to keep class sizes smaller, and they could also see bigger classes with the budget cuts. The COVID relief money is now fully spent.

Schools proposed for closure will be held harmless

Watlington, separately, has proposed closing 18 schools in a facilities master plan that now awaits school board consideration.

Those schools wont be subject to budget or position cuts, the superintendent said.

If the board votes to shut down those schools, the closures would not begin to take effect until the 2027-2028 school year.

The sub situation could be tougher next year

Every district school currently has whats known as a building sub  a district teacher permanently assigned to a school to cover staff absences.

Watlington is proposing eliminating roughly 220 building substitute jobs. Those substitutes will also be moved into other positions.

The district has had trouble filling substitute jobs in the past.

Were always concerned about making sure we have the appropriate coverage when teachers are out, said Watlington, who said schools will have to rely on the districts substitute service for all requests, instead of having a built-in sub in every school.

Leveling isnt coming back

Preventing leveling  the districts former process of shifting teachers around more than a month into the school year based on actual enrollment  is expensive.

But Watlingtons cuts wont resurrect the practice.

We sunsetted the leveling process, which cost us millions of dollars, but the leveling was so chaotic, especially for schools with large numbers of vulnerable students, the superintendent said.

Contracts will be squeezed

Watlington is ordering $36 million in contract cuts.

The district will be changing its vendor process and reducing contracts that dont serve the districts larger goals, he said.

Watlington said hell target cutting expenditures that we cant see a through line to improve student attendance, teacher attendance, reading and math, test scores, graduation rates, dropout rates, school accreditation rates, etc. Were going to take a hard look at how to reduce some of those expenditures.

$169 million worth of central office changes are coming

Watlington said he will freeze some central office vacancies, cut about 130 vacant central office jobs, and enact more central office cuts  for a savings of $30 million.

Hes also planning for budget efficiencies to save $103 million. Herbstman said that includes enhanced budget forecasting, including spending on utilities and insurance, and changing some processes, including how staff travel is reviewed and approved.

That the district can cut $169 million from its central office speaks to the severity of the situation, the superintendent said.

It is not because, as some would say, that somehow this is a big district, its bureaucratic, we waste money, or none of that. That is patently, absolutely false, said Watlington.

Philadelphias central office is already smaller than its peers of a similar size and scope, Watlington said.

He vowed that the cuts would not affect his plans to launch a transition office reporting directly to him to support schools affected by coming school closures.

Philly will have to do more with less

Other districts are also feeling the pinch; in Florida, the Broward County school system, which is larger than Philadelphias, recently approved a plan to cut 1,000 jobs over three years. The Los Angeles Unified School District could send layoff notices to over 3,000 people.

Still, Philadelphias cuts are significant, Watlington said.

I dont want to hide or obscure the fact that it will have some impact because well have to do more with less in some areas, he said. That said, we will not take our foot off the gas in terms of our expectation and how we do the work.

Unions and advocates call the cuts devastating

Robin Cooper, president of the districts principals union, said she had sleepless nights worrying that layoffs were coming; she was relieved Watlington did not order a reduction in force.

But that does not change the fact that the district is now in some difficult times, Cooper said. The gains were seeing are because of the money that had been poured into the district, and you cant ignore that. I am worried about how the cuts will impact the trajectory of the district.

Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said because the districts baseline is underresourced, any cuts are really going to have a drastic effect on the individual schools, have a tendency to slow down any progress theyve made.

Steinberg said he believed no positions that directly impact students should be cut.

Officials from several education advocacy organizations called on City Council to find funding to cover the cuts as Philadelphias budget process plays out over the next several months.

For Philadelphia students who already do not have enough educators working with them each day, these cuts will be devastating. Philadelphias elected officials must do everything they can to make sure this will not happen, a statement from Children First, the Education Law Center, The Public Interest Law Center, and Teach Plus said.

The budget will be laid out publicly soon

Watlington will formally present the broad outlines of the 2026-27 budget at a March 26 school board meeting.

The public will have multiple opportunities to weigh in on the spending plan before the school board adopts a final budget.
A patient escort watches as a patient enters Planned Parenthood in Center City in 2022. The clinic plans to continue seeing Medicaid patients despite funding cuts under President Donald Trump's signature spending bill. Read more

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Planned Parenthood clinics in the Philadelphia area expect to lose $3.1 million in Medicaid revenue this year due to funding cuts under President Donald Trumps signature spending plan.

The deficit puts thousands of low-income people who rely on Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvanias clinics at risk of losing access to reproductive healthcare.

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Republicans sweeping spending package passed last fall included new rules that prevent the largest reproductive health and abortion care provider in the country from billing Medicaid for services.

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania is continuing to treat Medicaid patients and absorbing the cost in its service region, which includes Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties. Leaders called the move unsustainable but necessary.

Planned Parenthood Keystone, which operates health centers in Bucks County, Harrisburg, York, and elsewhere in central Pennsylvania, announced in February that it would no longer be able to take patients with Medicaid unless they were able to pay out of pocket.

Planned Parenthood is considered a safety-net provider of reproductive healthcare for women and men, many of whom would have few other options. About a third of the Southeastern Pennsylvania affiliates 34,000 patients were covered by Medicaid, the publicly funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and people with disabilities.

The nonprofits leaders are seeking $1 million from Philadelphia to bolster services in the city and are boosting fundraising efforts.

Administrators say the organization will need more than a one-time cash infusion to maintain operations long-term without Medicaid funding.

This isnt something you can fundraise your way out of, said Signe Espinoza, vice president of public policy and advocacy at Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania. We dont want to turn patients away, but we know that eating the cost is not a sustainable model.

Medicaid cuts for Planned Parenthood

With roughly 600 health centers nationally, Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in the country and a leading resource for family planning, sexual health education, and gynecological care, often operating in underserved communities where patients are more likely to be uninsured or covered by government insurance.

At the Southeastern Pennsylvania network, eight out of 10 patients come for routine exams, STD tests, contraception, family planning guidance, or other reproductive healthcare.

 READ MORE: INSIDE PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Republicans who oppose abortion have long sought to cut financial ties to Planned Parenthood, and succeeded in last years spending bill. Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill banned health organizations that provide abortion services and that receive more than $800,000 in Medicaid funding from billing Medicaid for any of the care they provide.

Planned Parenthood clinics across the country are now scrambling to absorb major funding cuts on razor-thin budgets. At least 20 health centers have closed due to funding cuts, while others have cut back services and hours.

The national Planned Parenthood Federation of America sued the Trump administration over the new federal rules, but dropped the lawsuit earlier this year.

Affiliates in Baltimore, Boston, and St. Louis have turned to city and state governments for help filing budget gaps. Californias Santa Barbara Planned Parenthood is now offering Botox, a cash-pay service, to boost revenue.

Seeking city funding

At a public hearing event organized by Councilmember Kendra Brooks outside City Hall last week, lawmakers and advocates spoke about the need to preserve reproductive health services in Philadelphia.

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania operates three clinics in the city that are expected to account for more than half  roughly $1.7 million  of the organizations Medicaid losses.

Other health centers are absolutely unable to fill the void if Planned Parenthood cant see patients, said Dayle Steinberg, CEO of PPSP. It will be a devastating loss if we cant continue to serve communities in need.

Brooks chairs a city task force formed in response to ongoing threats to abortion and reproductive health services.

The budget proposal Mayor Cherelle L. Parker released earlier this week does not include funding for Planned Parenthood. The task force plans to continue pushing to add funding for Planned Parenthood, as well as money for other reproductive health providers and school-based clinics, Brooks office said.
A copy of a handwritten, original version of the Declaration of Independence from the collection of the American Philosophical Association. Read more

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It is known as the Fair Copy of the Declaration of Independence  a rare, early, unedited version of the nations founding document, drafted in Jeffersons eloquent hand, and containing a condemnation of slavery by the slave-owning Founding Father.

In 1824, when the founders of the American Philosophy Society, the oldest learned society in the United States and still located next to Independence Hall, were gifted the relic, just years before Jeffersons death, they were so thrilled to share it, they could think of nothing else but to hang it in the front window.

For years, there it remained, a steadily sun-bleached working draft of democracy visible to all.

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Soon, the priceless artifact, a symbol of both the Founders contradicting approach to liberty and a young nations pride in revolutionary roots, will be on display again. One of five surviving handwritten Jefferson copies, it serves as a crown of the Societys major America 250 exhibition, billed as likely the largest public display of early Declaration printings ever mounted.

Titled, These Truths: The Declaration of Independence  and running from April 10 to Jan. 3, 2027  the exhibition features 19 rare versions of the Declaration, and dozens of artifacts intimately connected to the nations founding, including a massive map of North America, purchased by Benjamin Franklin and hung in Independence Hall in 1776, and a tattered and stained first edition of Common Sense by Thomas Paine, the fiery freedom pamphlet that helped sparked a revolution.

By displaying some of its most important copies of the Declaration all at once  including the only surviving parchment copy printed by Market Street printer John Dunlap in 1776 and a complete facsimile of the original commissioned by future president John Quincy Adams in 1823, as the young nation emerged as a world power  the Society aims to show the Declaration as a process, not an event, but a living breathing, flawed, unfinished, freedom document.

Whether a priceless artifact penned by Jeffersons own quill or a 12-cent wall hanging, the many versions of the Declaration are its history, said David Gary, exhibition curator. Were bringing those original documents together to trace the arc from the creation of the revolutionary text to its transformation into a foundational symbol of the nation.

Founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, and with early members like John Adams and Jefferson, the Society has one of the largest collections of early Declaration printings in the country.

The Jefferson original

Its Jeffersons faded handwritten copy that most powerfully captures the yet unfilled promise of the founding. The Continental Congress was still wordsmithing the Declaration in the summer of 1776, when Jefferson sat down in his writing Windsor chair (also on display). Annoyed, Jefferson penned five original copies for Virginia friends  including Richard Henry Lee, who had first penned a resolution calling on the colonies to declare independence  underlining places where his original words had been changed.

The changes included some undeniably eloquent rephrasing (inherent and unalienable rights became certain unalienable rights) to the deletion of the passage where Jefferson, a slaver, excoriates the sale of human beings as a violation of life and liberty. The words were struck to appease Southern delegates.

The faded document captures the paradox of a freedom document that left many in chains, said Michelle Craig McDonald, the former director of the Societys Library & Museum, who helped plan the exhibit.

You can literally see changes being proposed and remade, she said. You see that the Declaration was a process. It wasnt just a statement. It was a debate. It was a conversation.

One that still endures.
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  A large explosion rocked a central square in Irans capital where thousands were gathered Friday for an annual state-organized rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israels demise. Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.

There were no reports of casualties. But the decision to proceed with the mass demonstration that was attended by some senior government officials, and Israels threat to target the area, underscored the fierce determination on both sides nearly two weeks into a war that has rattled the global economy and shows no sign of letting up.

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Meanwhile, a U.S. official told The Associated Press that roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship were headed for the Middle East in a major addition of troops.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the worlds traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

With growing global concerns about a possible energy crisis, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, hovered around $100 per barrel. Brent prices are about 40% higher than when Israel and the United States launched the war on Feb. 28.

In an interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war would end when I feel it in my bones.

Explosion rocks area of mass demonstration

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally in which they chanted death to Israel and death to America.

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet since the start of the war. Footage from the scene showed people chanting God is greatest, as smoke rose in the area.

The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Irans judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Irans judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, had been giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened. His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.

U.S. Marines and another ship are ordered to the Mideast

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the U.S. official, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and disaster relief. While the deployment is a major increase of troops in the region, it does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been at sea in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military. Their location puts them more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

U.S. says 15,000 targets struck in Iran since the start of the war

Israel had earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defense systems, and weapons production sites.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck, which is more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: We have been dealing with it and dont need to worry about it.

Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed to continue the attacks and keep the strait closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed in the opening day of the war. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over leadership and released a written statement.

Hegseth said Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, without providing evidence or elaborating. Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.

All six crew of US refueling plane confirmed dead after crash

The U.S. military confirmed on Friday that all six crew members of an American KC-135 refueling plane were killed when it crashed in Iraq, bringing the U.S. death toll to at least 13 service members.

U.S. Central Command said the crash wasnt related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the U.S. militarys operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

New Iranian attacks across the region

Iran continued its daily attacks on oil and other infrastructure across the Gulf. In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in the Sohar region, the Oman News Agency reported.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin shot down an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey on Friday, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing military operations. It was the third such interception over the NATO member in the last two weeks.

Residents in the southern Turkish city of Adana reported hearing a loud explosion and sirens sounding at Incirlik Air Base, which is used by U.S. forces.

In the latest sign of unease from some close U.S. allies, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a convincing plan on how to end the war. He spoke alongside the prime ministers of Norway and Canada at military exercises in Norway.

Fighting escalates between Israel and Hezbollah

At least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanons southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanons Health Ministry said Friday. Nine others were wounded, the ministry added. The toll could rise as rescuers search the rubble.

The ministry said 773 people  including more than 100 children and 62 women  have been killed since fighting erupted between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants 10 days ago. More than 1,900 people have been wounded, it said.

Some 850,000 have been internally displaced in Lebanon, according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal during a surprise visit to the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to halt strikes on his country and criticized Hezbollah for firing rockets at Israeli targets.

There is no justification in holding an entire nation hostage, he said.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said strikes so far were just the beginning and warned that Lebanons government will pay an increasing price for the damage to Lebanese national infrastructure used by Hezbollah.

Salam pushed back on the criticism, saying the Lebanese army had dismantled more than 500 Hezbollah military positions and weapons depots.

The Israeli military said its strikes have killed more than 350 Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, including what it called key commanders.

Iranian authorities say that more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, and Israel has reported 12 deaths.
Medallic artist Eric David Custer at his workstation, showing his design for the tails side of the semiquincentennial dime on a computer screen. Read more

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A new design for the U.S. dime in honor of Americas 250th birthday has raised eyebrows and even sparked some conspiracy theories.

For years, the traditional dime was comprised of certain elements: a torch, an oak branch, and an olive branch.

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But the new Emerging Liberty Dime drops the olive branch and features an eagle in flight carrying arrows in one foot and nothing in the other. The new design also adds the phrase Liberty Over Tyranny inscribed at the bottom.

On the heels of President Donald Trump initiating war with Iran, the new dime has some suggesting the omission of an olive branch is an ominous choice, according to reporting in Fortune magazine.

But the new design predates the Iran war.

Heres what you need to know.

When was the new dime design announced?

The U.S. Mint released first looks at the new dime  and other core coin  designs in December.

The changes, which will affect the dime, quarter, and half-dollar, will be in place for only one year as part of Americas Semiquincentennial celebration.

Whats the new dime design about?

The Emerging Liberty Dime swaps out Franklin D. Roosevelts face for Lady Libertys profile turned to the right. On the reverse side is the eagle with the arrows.

The design was inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, according to the Mint. But in the Great Seal, an eagle carries arrows and an olive branch. Founding Father Charles Thompson designed the Great Seal and said the arrows and olive branch represented the power of peace and war, which is exclusively vested in Congress.

According to the U.S. Mint, the new designs Lady Liberty cameo depicts her facing the tyranny of the British monarchy. The reverse designs eagle carrying arrows in its talons is supposed to represent the American Revolution and the colonists fight for independence.

Does the change match the presidential seal changing during war?

Fun fact: Thats an unverified rumor.

For years, history buffs have mused that the Seal of the President of the United States swaps to an alternate version where the eagles head faces the arrows instead of the olive branch.

The rumor was popularized by its mention in the TV drama The West Wing. But Snopes and others have debunked this. There is only one presidential seal.

Why is the new dime getting attention now?

An article published this week in Fortune about the olive branchs omission has made headway for a new batch of scrutiny.

In the article, Fortune says dropping the olive branch is a cultural signal that is hard to read as accidental.

The Founders spent six years perfecting the balance between peace and war on the Great Seal, the piece said. Erasing half of that equation, on a coin meant to celebrate their legacy, and especially 250 years after they fought for Liberty over Tyranny, says something about which half the country currently feels like.

Where are dimes made?

The U.S. Mint produces dimes in its Philadelphia and Denver facilities. Both facilities produce circulating and uncirculated coins, while the San Francisco Mint makes the proofs, according to the U.S. Mint.

Since the first U.S. Mint was established in Philadelphia in 1792, the city has been the countrys center for coin engraving, according to spokesperson Tim Grant. The Mints headquarters moved to Washington in the 1870s, but its engraving operation remained in Philly, where initial coin designs are hand-sculpted.

The Philly Mint facility is the spot where the last penny was struck in November following a 232-year run.
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The Trump administration on Thursday night temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments in an effort to calm markets and stem the economic fallout from its war on Iran, which has sent crude prices spiraling upward.

A general license issued by the Treasury Department allows Russia to begin selling some 128 million barrels of oil that are estimated to have already been loaded onto tankers previously sanctioned by the United States. The license expires after 30 days.

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To increase the global reach of existing supply, @USTreasury is providing a temporary authorization to permit countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted Thursday night on X. The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term.

On Thursday, futures for Brent crude oil closed at just above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022.

The move will provide a huge financial boost to Russia, which experts say has already been receiving about $150 million per day from increased oil sales since the U.S. attacked Iran two weeks ago.

It is certain to draw a rebuke from congressional Democrats, who attacked the administration for easing sanctions on Russian oil earlier this month, which allowed limited sales only to India. The latest license is far more expansive, permitting sales anywhere in the world.

This self-made global energy shock is serving to enrich [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and line his war coffers by offering him windfall profits, several Senate Democrats said in a statement on March 6. Instead of changing course, the President is only making this situation worse by handing Putin, his shadow fleet, and traders still dealing in sanctioned oil a free pass to increase oil shipments to Russias second-largest importer. The new channels for evasion the President is opening, coupled with dramatically higher global energy prices, are giving Putin a huge financial boost and the means to continue his bloody war in Ukraine.

The lifting of the sanctions positions Putin as one of the biggest beneficiaries of President Donald Trumps war on Iran. Sanctions were imposed on Russian oil in response to the countrys 2022 invasion of Ukraine, part of an effort by the U.S. and the European Union to pressure Russia to withdraw its forces as NATO countries invested heavily in helping Ukraine repel the invasion.

Another beneficiary could be Iran, experts say, because its government and independent militias probably own many of the tankers that make up a shadow fleet of hundreds of vessels currently holding Russian oil. This fleet is designed specifically to evade sanctions. It is made up of older, less reliable vessels that sailed uninsured and used radar-jamming devices and other techniques to avoid detection.

Now, the U.S. government has granted them legitimacy  for at least 30 days.

This just underscores how Russia is the biggest winner in this conflict, said Brett Erickson, managing principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, a consultancy that specializes in financial crime and regulatory issues. It shows we were really not prepared for this war. We underestimated the length the Iranians were willing to go with the Strait of Hormuz.

That narrow strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is a chokepoint for about one-fifth of the worlds oil supply. Shipping traffic through it has been effectively halted since the start of the war, as Iran attacks vessels that attempt to sail through. Shipping companies have ordered their tankers in the area idled, and the U.S. has been unable to secure the strait, despite assurances that it would provide risk insurance and possibly even provide military escorts at some point in the future.

With no sign that the strait will be safe for shipping traffic anytime soon, oil prices have continued to rise. They have already reached the point where they are likely to push the average cost of a gallon of gasoline past $4 in the U.S. Diesel prices in some states have soared more than $1 in the past week.

The longer the strait stays closed, the larger the economic fallout. Gulf State oil companies are already being forced to ramp down operations, as they are running out of places to store the oil they pump. Once facilities are shut down completely, it can take weeks to get them back up and running.

Despite Trump declaring the war on Iran has effectively been won by the U.S., it has not been able to get the strait reopened for business. Iran has started laying sea mines and is threatening to continue its attacks. Administration officials have acknowledged that the military ships Trump had suggested could be available to escort tankers are unavailable because they are being used in battle. And experts question whether escorting the ships that normally sail through the strait is logistically feasible or financially viable.

Adding to the challenge are the complexities of drone warfare. Irans relatively inexpensive drones can inflict relentless damage on tankers and energy infrastructure in the region, despite the massive U.S. military presence in the area.

It has all sent global energy markets into turmoil, with no sign of calming. The war in the Middle East is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, the International Energy Agency said in a report Thursday.

The U.S. and its allies have few remaining tools to keep oil prices from surging as the strait remains cut off. On Wednesday, they approved a historic release of oil from emergency reserves, including 172 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. But the release will backfill only a fraction of the oil that typically moves through the strait. Prices have continued to push upward since the release was announced.
Apartments on South Narberth Avenue in downtown Narberth. Narberths borough council is set to consider a handful of zoning changes aimed at spurring affordable housing development and revitalizing downtown. Read more

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How do you make Narberth more affordable?

Thats the question at the heart of an ongoing zoning discussion in the small borough, which has become one of the most expensive places to buy a home in Montgomery County in recent years.

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Narberths borough council is set to consider a handful of zoning changes in May aimed at spurring affordable housing development and downtown revitalization. The proposed changes, drafted by the boroughs planning commission at the councils request, range from shifting residential lot size requirements to allowing developers to build taller apartments if they include affordable units. The proposed changes are restricted to two areas in Narberth  a strip of Montgomery Avenue and a ring around the downtown core.

Proponents say the changes, designed to increase the number and type of housing units available, would bring down market costs and make Narberth a viable home for a more diverse set of residents  not just high earners and longtime homeowners. Yet the proposals may face pushback from residents, some of whom are wary of zoning changes in their town.

What are the proposed zoning changes?

Narberths planning commission has recommended a handful of code amendments in two zoning districts: 4a, the higher-density residential area that surrounds the downtown core, and 5b, the commercial mixed-use corridor along Montgomery Avenue.

The 4a district is made up of a mix of residential properties, including single-family homes, twin homes, and apartments.

Currently, a developer looking to put an apartment building in the area would need to get a conditional-use permit and conform to a specific set of rules, including building one parking space per residential unit (plus visitor parking) and capping a buildings height at 35 feet, or three stories.

Under the proposed changes, developers would be able to build apartments, cottages, and rowhouses in the 4a zone without a conditional-use permit. The commission recommends allowing all housing types to have at least two units (a two-family townhome on a single lot, for example) and permitting developers to build up to 45 feet (or four stories) if they set aside 10% of units as affordable. Those units would be reserved for any household making 80% or less of the countys area median income ($95,500 per year for a four-person household).

The commission has also suggested easing parking rules, reducing the requirement for apartments and multifamily houses from one spot per unit to 0.7 spots per unit, so long as the building participates in SEPTAs residential pass program. Recommendations also include eliminating visitor parking requirements for apartments and allowing developers to provide parking on another lot within 900 feet of the building.

Reducing parking requirements is not a one-size-fits-all approach, said Adam Krom, the planning commissions chair.

Krom emphasized that the requirements would be minimums and said they would open the door for developers who may want to build but feel hamstrung by the current, more stringent parking rules. Renters generally own fewer cars than homeowners do, Krom said, and some apartment-style dwellings, like senior housing, might not need a one-space-per-unit lot.

Were just trying to have the law provide the flexibility, Krom said at a recent planning commission meeting.

The 5b district, the second district under consideration for zoning revisions, encompasses a small strip of residential and commercial buildings along Montgomery Avenue. Currently, developers there can build mixed-use buildings with housing over commercial space, and buildings can rise up to 45 feet with three stories.

The planning commission recommends allowing a mix of housing and commercial space on a buildings ground floor (currently, only commercial space is allowed on the ground floor), and allowing four stories within the 45-foot height limit. The commission also recommends allowing developers to add a fifth story if 10% of the units are reserved for affordable housing.

Similarly to 4a, the commission recommends reducing the base parking requirement to 0.7 spots per unit.

Krom said the planning commission started with the two higher-density districts in hopes of finding opportunities for growth in places where apartments and mixed-use buildings are already allowed. The commission may study some of the boroughs other zoning districts going forward.

The full list of zoning change recommendations can be found here.

Why amend the zoning code?

Borough leaders emphasized housing affordability.

Narberth used to be relatively affordable, and thats no longer the case, Fred Bush, president of the Narberth Borough Council, said.

The median sales price of a home in Narberth rose from $569,750 in 2014 to $751,000 in 2023, a 32% increase. Sales prices increased by only 5% in Lower Merion and 19% in Montgomery County in the same time period. The boroughs median sales price dropped to $595,000 in 2024.

Average monthly rents in Narberth rose from $1,134 in 2000 to $2,028 in 2023, according to the borough.

The vitality of Narberths downtown is also at stake, proponents say.

The boroughs downtown does not have the same regional pull as neighboring Ardmore, whose Suburban Square and Lancaster Avenue stores draw in shoppers and diners from across the Philadelphia area.

Increasing the number of people who live within walking distance of downtown Narberth will create a larger customer base for the boroughs businesses, keeping Narberth economically viable, proponents said.

Growing Narberths housing stock would also grow the boroughs tax base, distributing the tax burden across a larger number of residents. Advocates say this would help keep taxes stable for existing residents while making it easier for the borough to pay for public services.

What comes next?

The council is set to consider the recommendations at its May 21 meeting, but the proposed changes may face an uphill battle.

At a planning commission meeting last week, residents raised concerns about the proposed changes to parking requirements, among other issues. During a feedback exercise at an open house last month, some attendees scrawled NO MORE DENSITY on Post-it notes.

Many, many people feel like its unclear how [the 0.7-space-per-unit parking minimum] relates to a little borough like Narberth thats fully built out and doesnt have a lot of street parking available, borough council member Joe Straton said at the planning commission meeting.

It would be different if people could easily access their jobs on foot, Straton said.

But thats kind of not how Narberth is set up, he added.

Some have expressed concern that SEPTAs shaky outlook makes it unreasonable to build units around transit. (Krom contends that a full SEPTA collapse would wreak havoc on the Main Line that would stretch far beyond the construction of transit-oriented apartments.)

The borough is taking public feedback through a housing affordability survey, open until March 22.

Inquirer Lower Merion A weekly newsletter Want to get Inquirer Lower Merion straight to your inbox every week? Sign up here for our guide to the news, stories, and events shaping life in your community.

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.
Fitler Academics Plus Elementary School, seen here on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, is slated for closure under the Philadelphia School District's facilities master plan. Read more

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Students explanations of why their school matters are plastered on the walls and windows of Fitler Academics Plus School in Germantown.

I dont want to leave my caring and helpful friends, a third grader wrote. I love my community around me. I love how my teachers show respect to me.

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Another third grader said, I dont want to leave this school because my aunt went to Fitler.

Faheem Haynes, 8, wrote: I want to graduate from Fitler just like my dad.

For generations of families, like the Hayneses, Fitler Academics Plus has provided a small, tailored environment for kids. The schools advocates say it is a pillar in the community, set apart by its stellar K-8 academics.

Now that legacy is being threatened: The Philadelphia School District wants to close Fitler and 17 other schools in the next few years as part of a proposal that the district says makes better use of its limited resources and promotes equity for students. Under the plan, Fitler  cited for its low enrollment and poor building condition  would be gradually shut down and then conveyed to the city.

 READ MORE: The Philly school board finally began considering the superintendents school-closing plan  and the community is not happy

Although it is a citywide admissions school, Fitler draws many students from its surrounding neighborhood, most of whom are Black and economically disadvantaged. Parents, students, teachers, and representatives see the districts proposal as a money grab and a disinvestment in a vulnerable area already scarred by past school closures.

This school has prepared their hearts and their minds for the future, Sylvester Palmer, 67, said at a recent community meeting. Palmer sent his sons to Fitler, and now his granddaughter is the student body vice president. The school produces winners and produces children that are able to succeed.  What more could you ask for?

His granddaughter, Mikayla Gray, 13, said: Fitler students love our school and the community. We made it, and it carries so much history that needs to stay alive.

Fitler is small, with fewer than 180 students and an average of 20 students per grade level. But the intimate setting and individualized attention allow the Falcons to soar academically, according to staff: All graduating Fitler eighth graders are accepted to special-admissions high schools, and the school boasts booming test scores and low truancy and dropout rates  a testament to the success of the Academics Plus model.
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Philadelphia has filed a lawsuit against firearms manufacturer Glock Inc. alleging that the company has contributed to gun violence in the city through deceptive marketing practices that target young people.

Announced Friday, the lawsuit claims Glock promotes the use of switches, small devices also known as auto sears that are used to illegally convert the companys widely available semiautomatic handguns into fully automatic machine guns. Once installed, the devices enable a handgun to fire a continuous string of bullets in a single pull of a trigger.

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In its complaint, the city says Glock, through social media and other outlets, markets automatic firearms to people who cannot legally possess them, creating confusion as to the legality of switches. While the lawsuit acknowledges that Glock itself does not sell the devices, it accuses the company of failing to warn consumers of their risks.

Rather than alerting consumers to the danger and illegality of switches, Glock has capitalized on their popularity by intentionally advertising the use of modified, fully automatic Glock handguns, City Solicitor Renee Garcia said in a statement.

Such marketing, the city says, often targets young people, and has endangered Philadelphia residents. It is seeking an order preventing Glock from continuing those marketing practices, as well as imposing civil penalties and unspecified compensatory relief to create an abatement fund that would address the impacts of gun violence in Philadelphia.

Representatives for Glock Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shootings in Philadelphia spiked sharply during the COVID pandemic, and Philadelphia recorded an all-time high of homicides  562  in 2021. The number of shootings and homicides in the city has been declining since 2023, with 222 people killed in all of 2025  the lowest number recorded since 1966. And last year, there were 935 shooting victims, fewer than 2021s high of 2,325.

On July 4 last year, a shooting in the citys Grays Ferry section left three people dead and nine others wounded. During that incident, the city says in its lawsuit, a handgun equipped with a switch was used, enabling the rapid, indiscriminate firing of bullets.

Outrageously, Glock has encouraged these modifications by portraying them as a somehow fun and exciting use of their product, rather than as an illegal and dangerous practice, District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement. Glocks advertisements are not only irresponsible, they also violate Pennsylvania consumer protection law.

Philadelphias lawsuit is not the first legal action taken locally against the company in recent years.

In December 2024, New Jersey launched its own lawsuit against Glock claiming its firearms were too easily converted into illegal machine guns. A Superior Court judge in October declined to dismiss that lawsuit, and the case remains ongoing.

Also in 2024, Philadelphia passed legislation banning rate-of-fire acceleration devices, including switches. The devices are also illegal under federal law.

Delaware County passed similar legislation in April. A coalition of district attorneys from around Pennsylvania have also recently urged Gov. Josh Shapiro and other state lawmakers to ban switches statewide.

My administration is committed to taking action to tackle this ongoing crisis, and Im proud of this lawsuit which aims to stop machine guns from being advertised and brought into our communities where they are used to cause mass destruction, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a statement. Glock has prioritized profit over the safety of its users and the general public, and its time for them to be held accountable under the law for the damage the products they advertise do to human lives.
Philly skateboarder Myquel Quel Haddox gets some air as he jumps over a large hole on the 700 block of South 4th Street in Philadelphia on March 12, 2025. Read more

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After record snowfalls, then record heat, and now more snow over just a few weeks, it is clear: Philadelphia pothole season has arrived. Enter Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and a new pothole initiative backed by millions of dollars and a name echoing the Avengers.

At her budget address before Philadelphia City Council on Thursday, Parker announced her proposal to create a $7.1 million Pothole Squad dedicated to more proactive and speedy repairs of the citys potholes. The squad would have dedicated response teams in each of the citys six highway districts

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More crews, more equipment and more action to keep our roads in good repair, Parker said.

The citys record on pothole response suggests some help was needed. An Inquirer analysis found from May 2024 to May 2025, it took the city 15 days on average to respond to potholes reported via 311. City officials have stated their goal is to have potholes repaired within three days of being identified.

Some neighborhoods received a faster response than others, largely correlating with the areas income  in Center City, reports were addressed within nine days on average. In Olney, it took 36 days, and in Frankford it took 34 days.

 READ MORE: Where potholes rule: Ranking Phillys most plagued neighborhoods

Philadelphians filed nearly 6,000 reports over that period, but the city only resolved about two-thirds of them. Some potholes racked up dozens of 311 reports before they were addressed.

The streets department repaired over 60,000 potholes across Philadelphia last year, Parker said in her address, but she admitted that wasnt enough. She said she considers potholes to be an important safety and quality-of-life issue for residents.

Until youve had to go and get your shocks or your car serviced because you hit a pothole, you dont know how serious an issue this is in the city of Philadelphia, she said.

Funding for the Pothole Squad would come from a new 25-cent tax on the delivery services of certain goods. The tax, which wouldnt begin until July 1, 2027, would be charged to retailers and would exclude essential items like food, baby products, medication, and medical products. It is expected to generate $15 million annually, Parker said.

In other words, businesses that rely on our streets for deliveries will help to maintain them, she said.

The city could unleash the squad on Philadelphias broken streets if it is approved in the finalized budget, set to take effect in July.
Professor Matero was an innovative expert in the interpretation and conservation of built heritage. Read more

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Frank G. Matero, 72, of Philadelphia, renowned historic preservationist, celebrated professor of architecture and former chair of the Department of Historic Preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, researcher, writer, and mentor, died Friday, Dec. 19, of cancer at ChristianaCare medical center in Wilmington.

Professor Matero was an innovative expert in the interpretation and conservation of built heritage, and he advocated preservation through what he called original sustainability, using modern synthetic materials to augment cherished traditional building components.

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He told WHYY in a 2017 interview that his primary goal in preserving historic sites was to build bridges between the past and the present through contemporary interpretation.

Over five decades, from the 1970s until recently, he directed Penns Architectural Conservation Laboratory, which he had founded, and worked on preserving the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials in Washington, Native American ancestral grounds in Colorados Mesa Verde National Park, and other projects across the country and in Puerto Rico, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Egypt, and elsewhere.

He told Taylor & Francis in 2025 that John L. Cotters 1974 book, Above Ground Archaeology, inspired him, and he told WHYY that he especially relished jobs at Mesa Verde and New Mexicos Chaco Culture National Historical Park. He also embraced digital preservation, in which images, not actual paint and plaster, are projected onto a surface.

He told WHYY that Philadelphias mix of colonial buildings and modern fill-in was an embarrassment of riches, and that Philadelphians need to view preservation not as a hindrance but as a tool of development, without compromising its basic principles.

His influence will continue to resonate through the work of his students and colleagues. Colleague Lauren Meyer

He unsuccessfully lobbied for the preservation of the old Boyd Theater on Chestnut Street in 2002 and told The Inquirer: It is time for citizens to demand better representation in determining the fate of our historic buildings and the quality of our urban environment.

In an online tribute, colleagues at Romes International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property said: His work consistently reminded the profession that conservation is not simply a technical exercise but a disciplined practice rooted in responsibility towards both heritage and society.

Professor Matero left Columbia University in New York to join Penn in 1990 and became a professor of architecture, research associate for the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and chair of historic preservation. He raised funds, founded Penns Department of Historic Preservation, and taught classes such as Theories of Historic Preservation and Architectural Surface Finishes.

Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, told WHYY that Professor Matero was a beloved instructor who has had tremendous influence on an entire generation of preservationists.

Frank Matero has long been synonymous with the excellence of heritage conservation education at the University of Pennsylvania. Colleague Shao Yong

Before Penn, Professor Matero was the first architectural conservator for the National Park Service and lecturer, assistant professor of architecture, and director of the Center for Preservation Research at Columbias graduate school of architecture, planning, and preservation. He was also a visiting professor in Rome, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere.

He wrote books, technical reports, articles, essays, and book chapters on archaeological ethics, site vulnerabilities, and other conservation topics. He spoke at conferences and forums around the world.

In online tributes, colleagues said he elevated our profession immeasurably and called him a brilliant professional, talented teacher, and warm human being. Friends at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said: His legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the professionals he trained, and the countless historic places whose care was informed by his insight and dedication.

Professor Matero sat on boards and committees, was a member of many institutes, associations, and councils, and founded the journal Change Over Time at Penn. He received fellowships and awards for design and distinguished teaching from Penn, Columbia, the American Institute of Architects, and other groups.

He crafted a curriculum [at Penn] that has come to define the contemporary practice of built heritage conservation as a scientific, holistic, and cross-disciplinary endeavor. Colleague Andrew Fearon

He earned a bachelors degree in anthropology and art history at Stony Brook University in 1975 and a masters degree in architecture and historic preservation at Columbia in 1978. He also studied art conservation for three years at the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University.

He was, said Fritz Steiner, dean of Penns Weitzman School of Design, without peer.

Frank Gerard Matero was born June 27, 1953, to Italian immigrants in Brooklyn. He grew up in Long Island and was interested in oceanography, the cello, and art as a boy.

He worked in a pet store when he was young and was always interested in the history and culture of the American West. He met Brian Moser in 2016, and they married in 2020 and lived in Philadelphia, Delaware, and Colorado.

As a mentor, Frank led by example and always reminded me not to sweat the small stuff, to enjoy life, and to learn from everything and everyone around you. Colleague Evan Oskierko-Jeznacki

Professor Matero was a fashionista and a foodie, and his artichoke lasagna never failed to impress. He collected taxidermy animals, gemstones, and rare shells. He liked antiques, auctions, Western movies, and Hank Williams music.

Frank was a mentor to so many and a generous host and cook, said his sister Elena. His niece Amanda said: He had a twinkle in his eye and an excitement for many of lifes adventures and treasures.

His niece Nicole said: He was a remarkable man, not just as a leader in his field, but as a member of our family. His husband said: He loved his work. He was mischievous. He was one of the most generous people I ever knew.

In addition to his husband, sister, and nieces, Professor Matero is survived by other relatives.

 READ MORE: Survivors give advice about mourning their loved ones, as told to The Inquirers obit writer

A celebration of his life is to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19121. RSVP is required.

Donations in his name may be made to Mancos Common Press, 135 W. Grand Ave., Box 223, Mancos, Colo. 81328; SAGE, 305 Seventh Ave., Sixth Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001; and the Fisher Fine Arts Library of the University of Pennsylvania, 220 S. 34th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104.
Rising gas prices are reflected at the Lukoil gas station on Spring Garden Street at Delaware Avenue on March 7. Read more

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Apologies to Jed Clampett, but there is a common thread running through Donald Trumps attacks on Venezuela and Iran: oil, black gold, Trump tea.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump met with oil executives at his Mar-a-Lago club and essentially pledged to do their bidding in return for $1 billion for his reelection campaign.

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At the time, Trump was facing four criminal indictments and was desperate to take back the White House and dodge the Big House.

Publicly, he told voters he would lower prices, deport the worst of the worst, and end Americas involvement in foreign wars.

Privately, he promised oil executives he would slash regulations, speed up permits, end green energy initiatives, and drill, baby, drill.

The public promises have all fizzled.

 READ MORE: Trumps war on Iran is already a muddled mess | Editorial

Prices are up, mass deportations backfired so badly Republicans can no longer mention them, and the United States is mired in a war of Trumps making.

Even the unprovoked war in Ukraine that Trump promised more than 50 times to end on Day One drags on. Thats after he rolled out a literal red carpet for Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and ambushed Ukraines valiant President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.

Despite Trumps hanging Ukraine out to dry, Zelensky has sent interceptor drones and experts to help protect U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Trump looks the other way as Putin helps Iran attack the U.S.

How much humiliation can Trump endure?

Yet privately, all is good.

Trump is making billions and the Big Oil executives received a quick return on their investment. For only $445 million  less than half of the original ask  the presidents signature policy, his One Big Beautiful Bill, saved the oil and gas industry roughly $18 billion in new and expanded tax benefits, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation, which analyzes tax policies for Congress.

Thats on top of the $35 billion in annual tax breaks baked into the tax code for the oil and gas industry.

In addition, Trump took 145 actions in his first 100 days to eliminate rules to protect clean air, water, and a livable climate.

He fast-tracked permits to allow for mining, drilling, and fossil fuel production and transportation on public land.

 READ MORE: Yes, Noem is out at DHS, but is Trumps pick to replace her any better? | Editorial

The Trump administration canceled more than $83 billion in loans for clean energy projects to help fight climate change.

He installed fossil fuel allies to run government agencies, including climate change denier Lee Zeldin to head the Environmental Protection Agency and oil industry CEO Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department.

Last month, Trump eliminated the so-called endangerment finding, a 2009 EPA rule that found greenhouse gases were an existential threat to public life.

Erasing the landmark scientific finding eliminates the federal governments ability to control the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and four other greenhouse gases that contribute to worsening droughts, wildfires, heat waves, and other extreme weather.

In other words, pollute, baby, pollute.

ExxonMobile made nearly $29 billion last year, while Chevrons net income was $12.48 billion. Profits at both companies were lower than the previous year, thanks to a drop in oil prices.

But that was before the war in Iran. Oil prices have jumped roughly 42% since the airstrikes began. The price for a barrel of oil increased to more than $100 from about $67 before the war, or little excursion as Trump called it.

For motorists, the price of gas has increased about 50 cents a gallon in less than two weeks.

Trump told Americans that higher gas prices were a very small price to pay for safety and peace.

Just over two weeks ago, Trump used his long State of the Union speech to tout lower gas prices that he said were now below $2.30 a gallon in most states and in some places, $1.99 a gallon.

Now, the national average is $3.58 a gallon.

While consumers dig deeper, the biggest winners of Trumps war in Iran and invasion in Venezuela are the oil companies.

In fact, Big Oil has also profited handsomely from the war in Ukraine. Since the war started in February 2022, Shell, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobile, and Total Energies have made almost $500 billion.

Trump once boasted about how the U.S. was energy independent. But the wars in Ukraine and Iran both showed how the oil industry is interconnected.

The only true energy independence rests in freedom from oil.

But then Trump could not enrich his Big Oil buddies.
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Cultivating roots

I was deeply touched by Meredith Elizaldes recent op-ed, describing her sons too-short life as having been defined by his strong conservation ethic and his exemplary stewardship of nature. Her visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the Convention Center caused her to consider the nature deficit in our cities as detrimental to the physical and mental health of its citizens, especially our youth  a deficit that her son, Nick, was addressing in his own way. Meredith described the exhibit by the students of the W.B. Saul High School School, where Nick would have graduated this June and its touching homage to Lenni-Lenape. She also noted the phenomenal display by the students at the Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet School, describing it as colorful and intimate.

I was at the Flower Show on the Thursday before the opening, watching as exhibitors and volunteers worked hard at putting the finishing touches on their works of art, courage, and education. I was lucky enough to speak with the students of Lankenau who were bursting with pride at their exhibit, talking over each other as they described the way in which their installation, Roots of Our Inheritance, portrayed the connection between ancestors, seeds, and the land on which everyone depends. Not surprisingly, their effervescent enthusiasm was on display even before they were awarded the prestigious Philadelphia Horticultural Societys Gold Medal and the Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy.

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I am not connected to the Philadelphia School District or their plans to close the Lankenau School and would not have been aware of the connection without Ms. Elizaldes insightful article. However, having seen the manner in which the Lankenau students embraced and celebrated their heritage, their school, and their connection to nature in an urban setting, I also see that something essential will be lost if their school is closed.

Molly Morrison, West Chester

Unfair treatment

Why does the U.S. treat our neighbor Cuba so badly?

Cuba has less than 11 million people, with a military of less than 50,000. It has neither the ability nor the desire to harm the United States.

Despite that, we initiated an embargo against Cuba in 1962 that is still in effect. Donald Trump has added sanctions. He has curtailed oil imports from Venezuela and is using tariffs to discourage other countries from supplying fuel to the island. In 2021, he designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Cuba has tried to be a good neighbor. It offered hurricane expertise in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck. (President George W. Bush turned it down.) U.S. residents can study medicine for free at the Latin American School of Medicine, provided they commit to serve people in medically deficient communities  here and/or abroad.

The ongoing embargo, amplified by Trumps harsh policies, has caused a rapidly developing humanitarian crisis. Cuba is experiencing severe blackouts and shortages of food and medical supplies. Trash is accumulating because of limited diesel fuel for trucks.

Innocent people pay the price for political maneuverings. Cuba is a neighbor in trouble. Why make things worse? Why not let its people get the food, fuel, and medical supplies they need?

Tom Knoche, Haddon Township

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.
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Pennsylvania environmental officials announced Friday that they have reached an agreement with companies to pay for pollution cleanup at the former Bishop Tube site in Chester County.

Together, three of the companies have agreed to pay nearly $11.5 million, which includes a trust fund set aside for any additional issues. The proposed deal was announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the companies have agreed to the terms.

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Responsible parties should be held accountable for cleaning up these old contaminated industrial sites in the Commonwealth, DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said in a statement.

The former Bishop Tube Co. property is a 13.7-acre, vacant industrial site on Malin Road in Frazer, East Whiteland Township, where steel tubing was once made.

It has been the subject of a long-running fight over cleanup standards and whether housing should be built there.

Bishop Tube operated from 1951 to 1999 and left behind contamination tied to historical manufacturing practices. That included the use of industrial solvents with trichloroethylene (TCE), a degreasing solvent, as the main contaminant of concern.

TCE was found in excess of state allowable levels in soil and groundwater at the site. Other chemicals also were found at levels exceeding state standards. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected there, according to DEP records.

The sites current owner is Constitution Drive Partners L.P., which has submitted a plan to build housing at the location but did not cause pollution. Developer Brian ONeill is president of Constitution Drive Partners.

The property is on Pennsylvanias Priority List of Hazardous Sites for Remedial Response.

The DEP has a plan to clean up the site according to Act 2 standards, which is the states brownfields program. The goal under Act 2 is to make former industrial and commercial sites ready for redevelopment.

A contractor is already at work on the site and has completed soil boring and has started installing monitoring wells.

The DEP settlement includes multiple former owners of the site.

JMI and Whittaker have jointly agreed to pay $7,335,000. CDP has agreed to pay $1.25 million. Marcegaglia has agreed to pay $400,000. In addition, JMI, Whittaker, and Marcegaglia have established a $2.5 million trust to be used for additional work.

King of Prussia-based Constitution Drive Partners L.P., which has owned the property since 2005, is a party in the settlement but will not pay toward cleanup.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that the U.S. military has opened a comprehensive investigation into last months deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran, in what appeared to be a tacit acknowledgment of the United States responsibility for the incident and a shift to examining how it occurred.

Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon news conference, did not explicitly acknowledge the United States was at fault for the Feb. 28 incident  which left at least 175 dead, mostly children, according to Iranian officials  but he said that the truth matters.

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His comments coincide with a growing body of evidence suggesting the U.S. military carried out the strike in Minab, a city in southern Iran. The Pentagon does not typically conduct such investigations of another countrys military operations.

The secretary spoke as the Pentagon prepares to deploy other forces to the Middle East as the war continues. Among the units expected to go in coming days is an amphibious task force that includes nearly 5,000 troops, including the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, two officials familiar with the issue said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The force, based in Okinawa, Japan, would arrive with F-35 fighter jets, Osprey aircraft and an infantry battalion of about 800 Marines. It was not immediately clear what their role could be, but the unit is trained to seize beachheads and islands and evacuate American civilians from harms way. They also have expertise in holding open maritime choke points, such as the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment was reported earlier Friday by the Wall Street Journal.

Fridays investigation announcement stood in contrast to Hegseths rhetoric about the Trump administrations approach to fighting its war with Iran and his strident criticism, a day after the elementary school attack, of what he said were stupid rules of engagement that hindered U.S. forces in past conflicts. It also marked a rare split with President Donald Trump, who has asserted, without evidence, that Iran was probably responsible for the school attack.

U.S. military officials have designated a general officer to scrutinize the attack, Hegseth told reporters. The investigating officer, he added, will come from outside U.S. Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, including against Iran.

The decision to appoint a general from outside of Central Command appears to be an attempt at ensuring the probe is conducted free of any influence from senior leaders who may bear responsibility if it is determined U.S. personnel failed to recognize that the childrens school was not a legitimate military target. Officials have not publicly identified the investigating officer.

The command investigation will take as long as necessary to address all the matters surrounding this incident, Hegseth said.

The announcement follows an initial review of the incident that was completed March 6, said Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a U.S. military spokesman. Adm. Charles Brad Cooper, who heads Central Command, ordered the full investigation the following day, Hawkins said.

Hawkins declined to say whether the formal investigation was an acknowledgment the U.S. was responsible for the strike. He said he is withholding future comment about the probe to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.

Such examinations typically can take months or longer to complete and include interviews with witnesses and participants involved and an examination of radio transmissions and targeting data.

As The Washington Post reported this week, military officials determined that the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school was on a U.S. target list and may have been mistaken for a military site. Video of the attack appears to show a Tomahawk cruise missile  a munition fired from the sea by the U.S. Navy  hitting a building near the school, according to munitions experts who reviewed the footage.

The school used to be part of an Iranian naval base, but it had been walled off since 2015 and an outdoor play area can be seen on Google Earth as early as 2017, according to a review of satellite imagery. It appears that other buildings near the school are affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite part of Irans military.

The issue became politicized after Trump falsely stated Monday that Iran possesses Tomahawk missiles and that he thinks its military was responsible for the elementary school strike. Only the United States and a small handful of allies possess the Tomahawk. Israel, the only known U.S. partner force attacking Iran, does not use Tomahawks.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Trump has a right to share his opinions with the American public, but she added that Trump will accept the conclusion after the military investigates.

Hegseth, who served as a midranking officer in the Army National Guard during U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has stopped short of asserting Trumps claims about Iranian responsibility, in a rare break between the two leaders. The defense secretary instead has highlighted how Iran has repeatedly hit civilian targets across the region since the conflict began, and he said that the U.S. military would never deliberately do so.

I would note to this group and to the world: Theres only one entity in this conflict between us and Iran that never targets civilians, Hegseth told reporters Friday. He added: We dont target, Iran does. We will investigate, well get to the truth and well share it when we have it.

The U.S. military prides itself on mitigating civilian casualties but has on occasion made grievous errors.

In 2015, for instance, U.S. warplanes shelled a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, for nearly an hour, killing about 30 patients and doctors. An investigation later found that U.S. troops involved did not know they were striking a medical facility. Sixteen personnel were disciplined, but senior military officials found that nothing amounted to a war crime because the disaster was not intentional.

In 2021, commanders scrutinized a drone strike in Kabul, the Afghan capital, in the waning hours of that war. U.S. forces believed they were targeting a militant hauling explosives in a car. The driver, an aid worker, was struck as he arrived home, and he and nine other people were killed.

The Pentagon did not admit fault in that incident until several news organizations, including The Post, published investigations verifying it was a botched operation. Military investigators completed their report within days of the strike but released a single page of findings. A lawsuit by the New York Times forced the release of the full investigation in 2023.

A 2023 airstrike in Syria was also the subject of what is called a 15-6 investigation after officials determined U.S. forces, targeting an individual they thought to be a senior al-Qaeda leader, instead killed a shepherd. Central Command acknowledged the error following an investigation by The Post but has not publicly disclosed detailed investigative findings.
Application sought access to health and human services employers

Trinity applied to SIRA to vary a condition on its existing New South Wales specialised insurer licence so it could write workers' compensation cover for employers in the health and human services sector, according to information published by the regulator. The proposed variation would have extended Trinitys existing authorisation beyond its current Defined Industry, which is limited to the Roman Catholic Church and its religious institutions, to a wider range of health and human services employers. SIRA advised Trinity in writing on Feb. 26, 2026, that the variation application had been refused. As a result, Trinity will continue to operate under its current licence, which remains confined to the Roman Catholic Church and its religious institutions. The insurer is not authorised under its specialised licence to write workers' compensation policies for health and human services employers. SIRA has not published detailed reasons for the refusal.
By contrast, Securian  through Minnesota Mutual Companies  reported life insurance in force of roughly $1.8 trillion and policyholder benefits of about $5.5 billion in 2024, serving more than 20 million customers. Its 2025 insurance in force of nearly $1.7 trillion places it below the very largest mutuals on total protection but within the upper tier of US life carriers focused on group benefits, individual protection and retirement.
He noted the bill would have required state agencies to develop data for use by insurers and catastrophe modelers, with the mandate on insurers to incorporate that data taking effect before the information was guaranteed to be ready.
From a natural point of view, most escalation of cyber threats would come from actors on the ground in Iran, many of whom are tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Chan Tsin told Insurance Business. But recent events suggest that direct cyber operations from inside Iran may actually be limited right now.
Tracxn data shows 2024 was its most active year, with 36 acquisitions. PitchBook records indicate the firm has raised $466 million to date, and Inszone has said most of its transactions are structured as cash deals with the potential for an equity component and earnouts.
A lawsuit filed March 11 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma lays out what Farmers describes as a yearslong scheme by agent Bradley McKinney to funnel policyholders away from the carrier - even as he continued to operate under its name. The suit was brought by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, and Farmers New World Life and Insurance Company against McKinney, his wife Tory McKinney, and McKinney Insurance & Financial Services LLC.
GuideOne National Insurance Company filed a declaratory judgment action on March 11, 2026, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, naming Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. and Colony Insurance Co. as defendants. At the heart of the dispute: whether Hiscox and Colony are obligated to defend and indemnify a group of defendants in an underlying personal injury lawsuit - and whether they should be doing so on a primary and noncontributory basis.
A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday overturned a $481 million ruling that New Yorks Columbia University had won against software company Gen Digital for infringing patents related to cybersecurity technology.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said that Columbias patents may be invalid and sent the case back to Virginia federal court.

The appeals court also overturned the lower courts decision to hold Gen Digitals former law firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, in contempt for litigation misconduct in the case.

A Columbia spokesperson declined to comment on the rulings. Spokespeople for Gen Digital and Quinn Emanuel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Columbia sued Gen Digital in Richmond, Virginia, in 2013, alleging the companys antivirus software and other security products infringe six patents related to intrusion-detection systems. A jury determined in 2022 that the company infringed two Columbia patents and awarded the school $185 million in damages.

U.S. District Judge Hannah Lauck increased the award to more than $481 million in 2023 after finding that Gen Digital infringed the patents willfully. The Federal Circuit said on Wednesday that Columbias patents may be invalid because they cover abstract ideas and sent the case back for the Virginia court to analyze their validity.

Lauck had held the companys former Quinn Emanuel attorneys in contempt for failing to comply with a court order to disclose their communications with an unfavorable witness, a former Gen Digital employee whom the firm kept from testifying at trial. The appeals court said Quinn Emanuel should not have been forced to disclose the communications because they were covered by attorney-client privilege.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Topics Education Universities
Generic drugmaker Viatris has settled a lawsuit brought by the family of Henrietta Lacks, a Maryland woman whose tissue samples were used without her permission to develop enduring cells for lucrative medical research.

Viatris and Lacks estate told a federal court in Baltimore, Maryland, on Wednesday that they would dismiss the case with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled.

An attorney for Lacks estate said her family was pleased the parties were able to find a way to resolve this matter and that details of the settlement were confidential. Spokespeople for Viatris did not immediately respond to a request for comment and more information.

Lacks family has filed several lawsuits seeking to recover profits from the unauthorized use of her cells for drug research. Her estate settled a related lawsuit against Novartis in February, resolved another case against Thermo Fisher in 2023 and filed a similar lawsuit against Ultragenyx that is still ongoing.

Novartis Settles Lawsuit by Lacks Estate Over Stolen Cells

Thermo Fisher Settles with Family for Taking Womans Cells 70 Years Ago

Lacks, a Black woman whose story was told in the best-selling book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, sought treatment for cervical cancer in 1951 at a Baltimore hospital. She died of cancer later that year at age 31.

Doctors used a sample of her tumor without her knowledge or consent to cultivate the HeLa cell line. The cells were the first to survive and reproduce indefinitely in lab conditions, and have since been used in worldwide medical research on subjects ranging from the polio vaccine to HIV treatments to sunscreen.

The estates 2024 lawsuit accused Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based Viatris of misusing her cells to test its herpes drug Denavir and depression treatment Mylan-Mirtazapine. The family requested the companys profits from commercializing the HeLa line and a court order blocking Viatris from using the cells without its permission.

Viatris did not respond to the allegations in court.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Mark Porter)

Topics Lawsuits Maryland
The federal governments demand for information about the membership of Jewish groups from the University of Pennsylvania in an investigation into whether antisemitism has created a hostile environment for employees landed Tuesday before a federal judge who will decide whether to enforce a subpoena.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions probe of the Ivy League school in Philadelphia has cited several incidents, including that someone had shouted antisemitic obscenities and destroyed property at a Jewish student life center, a Nazi swastika was painted on an academic building and hateful graffiti was left outside a fraternity.

The investigation has also focused on actions related to protests over the war in Gaza, and Penns response to that and other incidents.

The hearing before U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert on Tuesday involved the EEOCs request, filed against Penns Board of Trustees in November, seeking to enforce an administrative subpoena it issued as part of the investigation into claims the school has subjected its Jewish faculty and employees to an illegal hostile work environment based on national origin, religion or race.

Pappert did not say when he might rule after the four-hour hearing.

The legal dispute began in December 2023, when the EEOC accused Penn of a pattern of antisemitic behavior, as it wrote in a court document last fall, and said it was acting in light of the probable reluctance of Jewish faculty and staff to complain of a harassing environment due to fear of hostility and potential violence directed against them.

The EEOC wrote in November that Penns workplace is replete with antisemitism, and it told the judge that investigators think identification of those who have witnessed and/or been subjected to the environment is essential for determining whether the work environment was both objectively and subjectively hostile.

Penns lawyers wrote in January the school had cooperated for more than two years, turning over about 900 pages of material.

The school has said the only current dispute is what it called the EEOCs extraordinary and unconstitutional demand that it put together lists of employees that reveal their Jewish faith or ancestry, associations with Jewish organizations, affiliation with Penns Jewish studies programs and other details  including home addresses, phone numbers and emails.

Vic Walczak, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer, said the five groups his organization represents in the case are concerned about the collection and potential use of the information the government has demanded.

The groups  some that are specifically Jewish-related, and others that consist more broadly of faculty  support investigating antisemitism but feel this is not the way to do it, Walczak said.

Were on the same side as Penn  were not opposing an investigation, what were opposing is the court forcing Penn to create, essentially, lists of participants in Jewish organizations and turning over confidential information, including home addresses, Walczak said. A Penn spokesperson said in an email only that the school will await Papperts decision.

Penn says it offered to notify all of its employees about the investigation and to tell them how to get in contact with the agency, but that was rejected by the EEOC last fall. The school argued that approach would not invade employees privacy, sense of safety, and constitutional rights or echo terrifying periods of history for Jewish communities.

Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday for the EEOCs regional attorney, Debra Lawrence, and at the agencys Philadelphia office.

___

Scolforo contributed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
Finnish satellite intelligence company ICEYE Oy is on track to grow revenue to more than 1 billion ($1.2 billion) next year as a raft of government orders allows it to ramp up production.

Revenue last year exceeded 250 million, more than doubling from the prior year and topping the companys projections by 25%.

Its reasonable to expect that we will be able to deliver similar growth rates as in the previous years through 2026 and 2027, Chief Financial Officer Magdalena Bartos said in an interview on Tuesday.

ICEYE is a beneficiary of increased defense spending across Europe as the threat from Russia has intensified, spurring a flood of cash into firms hunting for military contracts.

The Espoo, Finland-based company reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of more than 100 million last year, and operating cash flow of exceeding 130 million, Bartos said.

Its not that this inflection point was a surprise to us, it was part of the plan, Chief Executive Officer Rafal Modrzewski said. Ive had many conversations where people were telling me, thats such an overnight success  and I was telling them, look, thats an overnight success 10 years in the making.

ICEYE, founded in 2014, has a constellation of 64 satellites orbiting the earth every 90 minutes providing sharp images of the ground below through smoke, clouds and darkness. Use cases include tracking movements of troops, flooding or lava flows. Its planning to send more than 25 more satellites to space this year, and more the year after.

ICEYE builds its own satellites in an unassuming office building at a university campus area just outside of Helsinki. It takes 10 to 11 weeks to build a launch-ready satellite.

Its tracking toward an annual production rate of 50 satellites by the end of April and already has booked launch dates for all of the planned units, Modrzewski said.

Our target will be to keep on doubling the production rate, he said. Easily 100 satellites a year is going to be our next short-term target.

ICEYE controls much of the production process but relies on external partners for mechanical vibration testing, required by SpaceX for each satellite that will hitch a ride on its rocket. The Finnish company will bring that in-house from June to further accelerate production.

ICEYEs satellites use a radar beam to capture ground measurements, with that data used to construct the image. The company has observed jamming and spoofing of global positioning satellite signals in space, but is able to mitigate the activity, it said.

ICEYEs 1.5 billion order backlog is contract-based, including deals with the defense forces of Finland, Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands. Its also supplying the German government together with Rheinmetall AG.

In December, ICEYE raised 150 million in a funding round, taking its total raised to 600 million. The company has no immediate needs for funding, Bartos said. Improved profitability, cash flow and contract visibility should support a significant step up in valuation compared with the 2.4 billion disclosed with the latest round, Bartos said.

Its one of the hottest candidates seen to be considering an initial public offering in the defense space.

Modrzewski, who in June signaled an IPO was likely within 12 to 36 months, walked back those comments in the interview.

When the business decides that it makes most sense to raise a lot of capital to accelerate the growth, thats when we will decide whether to IPO or do it from private markets, Modrzewski said. IPO is not a target in itself for this business.

Top photograph: Magdalena Bartos in Espoo, Finland, on March 10, 2026; photo credit: Alessandro Rampazzo/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Profit Loss
Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder Companies has filed a lawsuit against British entrepreneur Jo Malone, her fragrance brand Jo Loves and Zaras UK business, it said on Thursday, over the use of Malones name on certain products.

Estee Lauder Companies bought Malones self-named perfume brand and the rights to use her name in 1999. Malone left the company in 2006 and launched a new fragrance label, Jo Loves, in 2011.

The company said the use of Jo Malone on the packaging of Jo Loves fragrances sold by Zara formed the basis of the lawsuit, which was filed in a British court on Wednesday.

Estee Lauder Alleges Contract Breach, Trademark Infringement

Reuters verifications on Zaras UK website showed that product descriptions of the Jo Loves Collab fragrances contained the line Created by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.

Estee Lauder said the name also appeared on the product packaging. However, it was not immediately clear when products bearing Jo Malones name were placed on sale by Zara.

Malone had agreed with the U.S. company to not use the Jo Malone name in certain commercial contexts, including the marketing of fragrances, an Estee Lauder spokesperson said in a statement.

Ms Malones use of the name Jo Malone in connection with recent commercial ventures goes beyond that legal agreement, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Estee Lauder is suing Malone, her fragrance brand and Zara for breach of contract, trademark infringement and passing off  the practice of misleading consumers into thinking goods or services are those of another company.

Zara UKs parent Inditex and Jo Loves did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Malone could not be immediately reached.

The Financial Times first reported on the lawsuit.

The legal action comes at a time when Estee Lauder and other cosmetics companies have been cashing in on an uptick in demand for fragrances led by Gen Z consumers.

Last month, Estee Lauder sued Walmart in the U.S., accusing the retail giant of selling knockoffs of Estee Lauder fragrance and skincare brands including Clinique, Tom Ford and Le Labo.

(Reporting by Ruchika Khanna and Angela Christy in Bengaluru; editing by Sumana Nandy, Louise Heavens and Joe Bavier)
A man was killed after ramming his vehicle into the front doors of a synagogue in suburban Detroit on Thursday afternoon, setting off an exchange of gunfire with security officers and a large police response, authorities said.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said a vehicle drove into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield shortly after 12:30 p.m., breaching the entrance before security personnel engaged the suspect with gunfire.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the attack was carried out by Ayman Mohamad Ghazali. Ghazali, 41, was born in Lebanon, entered the US in 2011 and was granted citizenship in 2016, according to DHS.

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit field office, described it as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

We believe there is one individual deceased in the vehicle, Bouchard said, adding that officials have not yet determined the exact cause of death.

A fire ignited in the vehicle during the episode, complicating the scene, he said. Bomb technicians and explosives detection dogs were deployed to clear the vehicle and the building out of an abundance of caution for any improvised explosive devices.

No children or staff members inside the synagogue were injured, Bouchard said. One member of the security team was struck by the vehicle and taken to a hospital for treatment. Investigators were working to determine whether anyone else was involved.

Bouchard said some 30 law enforcement officers were taken to local hospitals for smoke inhalation after entering the building, which became which became engulfed in flames when the vehicle caught fire. One of the synagogues lead security officials was also hospitalized after being knocked down by the vehicle when it breached the building and is expected to recover.

Temple Israel, which describes itself as the nations largest Reform synagogue, said that the 140 students in its early childhood center and their teachers were safe. Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm, the synagogue said in a statement on Facebook.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, responded to the incident at the temple.

By midafternoon, officers from multiple agencies had surrounded the property, with medics and tactical teams on scene. Authorities ordered residents within at least a one mile radius to shelter in place while officers searched the large campus and surrounding grounds to ensure there was no continuing threat.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit said it was aware of an active security incident at the synagogue and that its affiliated agencies were in precautionary lockdown. The Ann Arbor Police Department said it was increasing patrols out of an abundance of caution and that there was no known threat to its community.

Incidents of antisemitism have risen across the US since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and resulting war in Gaza, with a marked increase in antisemitic actions in 2024, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Law enforcement across the US has been on heightened alert for potential attacks since the end of last month after the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran.

The Jewish community is forced to spend over $765 million a year to simply protect itself, and there is more the government should do to ensure every vulnerable Jewish institution has the resources to keep safe, Jewish Federations of North America said in a statement.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the news as heartbreaking and said the states Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.

I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, the Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today, President Donald Trump said in remarks at the White House. Ive been briefed, fully briefed, and its a terrible thing.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics Auto Michigan
Neptune Flood has joined the ranks of insurance apps in ChatGPT.

On March 12 St. Petersburg, Florida-based Neptune Flood said it has a digital flood insurance app on the platform to allow property owners to get real-time preliminary quotes from the residential and commercial private flood insurer.

Flood insurance should be easy to understand and easy to buy, said Trevor Burgess, chairman and CEO of Neptune Flood. Our app in ChatGPT allows us to meet customers where they are and make protection more accessible for families and businesses nationwide. Neptune is an AI-native company, and we are excited to be pioneering technological advancements for the benefit of consumers.

Property owners can ask questions about coverage and receive an instant preliminary quote through a conversational AI experience. Neptune, available in all 50 states and Washington D.C., said this new capability builds on its existing direct-to-consumer, real-time quoting infrastructure available on its website and through the websites of its agency distribution partners as an embedded quoting assistant.

Recently, Burgess told Insurance Journal the private flood insurance marketplace is rapidly evolving. The company has no human underwriters, runs 20,000 quotes a day, and provides a price to 95%, he said.

Through the Neptune Flood app in ChatGPT, consumers can:

Ask questions about flood risk

Receive a real-time preliminary quote

Explore options in plain language

Seamlessly transition to neptuneflood.com to complete their purchase

Tom Wexler, Neptunes chief engineer, explained, We architected our proprietary underwriting system, Triton, as a modular, API-first underwriting system specifically so it could integrate into new digital environments like ChatGPT. Using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a lightweight API layer securely orchestrates data retrieval, risk modeling, and rating in real time on top of our existing underwriting infrastructure. Because our underwriting stack is fully automated and cloud-native, we can extend instant quoting into conversational AI without changing our core workflow.

The Neptune Flood app in ChatGPT is now live here.

Topics Flood New Markets
Multinational agriculture technology company Syngenta announced last Tuesday (March 3) that it will cease global production of the herbicide paraquat by the end of June, including at its facility in Iberville Parish.

Banned in more than 70 countries, paraquat is repackaged and distributed in the United States from Syngentas manufacturing site in St. Gabriel, a small city that sits along a heavily-industrialized stretch of the Mississippi River. Nicknamed Cancer Alley residents in St. Gabriel face a higher risk of cancer from industrial air pollution than most of the country.

Syngenta did not respond to questions from Verite News about whether any workers will be laid off as a result of the decision or how operations may change at the St. Gabriel facility. In 2024, the facility employed 350 full-time staff and another 450 contractors, according to the company.

The decision comes as the company faces thousands of lawsuits for failing to inform users of paraquats many health risks. But a Syngenta representative said the move was made for entirely a commercial reason, citing high competition from other producers. Some local residents and environmental activists celebrated the move, calling it a step in the right direction to protect workers from the dangerous herbicide and possibly reduce air pollution in the community. Verite News reported in November on the work of St. Gabriel activists to monitor and reduce chemical air pollution.

U.S. farmers commonly use the highly toxic paraquat for weed control. Much of the paraquat used by the farmers enters the country through New Orleans, according to a recent report by Coming Clean, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas and Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network. Along the way, workers at the ports and in the companys facilities risk exposure to the chemical.

A 2017 Environmental Protection Agency memo noted that paraquat is so toxic that one sip can kill, and that even minimal contact can cause serious injury to the eyes and skin. Inhaling paraquat can also cause lung damage, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to the chemical is associated with Parkinsons disease. A 2020 Louisiana State University study concluded there is a greater risk of the disease in areas where pesticides, including paraquat, are used.

Coming Clean, an environmental justice nonprofit, said while the decision comes at a time when public awareness of the dangers of paraquat is rising, much more work remains to be done to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in farming.

Paraquat has poisoned people and the environment since its genesis, and while one less company making it is worthy of celebration, the movement must press onward toward global food supply chains that are not reliant on toxic pesticides, the organization said in a press release.

In a press release, Syngenta said the decision reflects significant competition from generic producers around the world, which has eroded Syngentas competitiveness in the production of this herbicide. The companys statement reaffirmed their belief that paraquat is safe when used correctly and did not address research showing links between the herbicide and Parkinsons disease nor the ongoing lawsuits.

Alex Robertson, 57, a former chemical plant worker who regularly liaises between the chemical industry and city council, called the move a step in the right direction. He said despite what the company claims, he believes Syngenta took into account the growing number of lawsuits in deciding to cease paraquat production.

The business decision is that they know theyre going to be in more legal trouble later down the road, he said. If they dont stop making it, theyre going to face lawsuits.

Robertson added that while he is also not anti-industry, he believes the factories can and should reduce chemical emissions and be honest about what they are releasing into the environment, in addition to providing more jobs, scholarships and infrastructure for the community.

I think lawsuits can be a very powerful nudge and a reminder, if people feel that a company is not doing the right thing, said Marylee Orr, founder and executive director of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN). The environmental not-for-profit installed air quality monitors along the Mississippi River in 2023 and has been working to install some in St. Gabriel for the past few years. Data collected from previously installed LEAN monitors showed high levels of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter in neighboring communities.

Its a very highly toxic substance, Orr said. Were not happy about people (potentially) losing jobs, but were happy about peoples health being protected.

Syngentas facility produced over 52,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2023. In 2024, the facility emitted 76 tons in total toxic volatile organic compounds, which hang in the air and are known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation, nervous system issues and liver and kidney damage. St. Gabriel is also home to other industrial plants that emit hazardous chemicals including ethylene oxide, a carcinogen.

Retired counselor and local environmental activist Reginald Grace, 72, said while the news is welcome, he does not believe St. Gabriels leadership will pressure local factories to limit production of other toxic chemicals, nor will they assist in the installation of air quality monitors for residents to hold factories accountable if emissions are indeed increasing over time.

We have enough (cancer) cases here as it is, so this would be something less to worry about, he said. Im not going to City Council because they dont take action on anything. Im just glad that its happened.

The St. Gabriel City Council and the mayors office did not respond to requests for comment.

Melvin Craige, 75, is a lifelong resident of St. Gabriel. He said he doesnt want to be seen as anti-industry because the factories have provided various social services over the years, including college scholarships, tutoring, new school computers and trade skill classes such as welding and piping. Craige was principal of East Iberville Elementary and High School from 1990 to 2005.

However, like many St. Gabriel residents, Craige is aware of the scientific research showing the negative health effects of air pollution caused by chemical production and is in support of installing air quality monitors.

I want them to do a better job of filtering hazardous chemicals that they know are hazardous, he said. I think its great (news)  I think they did what was best for themselves and also for the community.

___

This story was originally published by Verite News and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Every summer, people living near the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, keep a close eye on the water level. When the river level begins to rise rapidly, its a sign that Suicide Basin, a small glacier-dammed lake 5 miles up the mountains, has broken through the glacier again and a glacial lake outburst flood is underway.

After nearly 15 straight years of ever-larger and more damaging floods in Alaskas capital city, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is discussing an ambitious and expensive solution: create a permanent drain from the lake that would prevent it from reaching outburst stage.

The initial cost estimates for the project range from US$613 million to $1 billion.

Suicide Basin is just one example of a growing problem from glacial lakes that threaten communities around the world, particularly in the Himalayas and Andes, and is transforming Alaskas landscape as global temperatures rise.

In a new study, colleagues and I documented the evolution of 140 of the largest glacial lakes in Alaska between 2018 and 2024. We found they are expanding about 120% faster on average today than they were from 1986 to 1999  more than twice as fast.

Using ice thickness data to reconstruct the shape of the land beneath these glaciers, we found that these glacial lakes could become more than four times larger than they are today as the glaciers melt, increasing the potential for damage to downstream ecosystems and infrastructure from glacial lake outburst floods.

The Hazards of Glacial Lakes

Glacial lakes, often the color of aquamarine gems and sparkling with icebergs, are common around the margins of glaciers around the world. Years of satellite images have documented a dramatic increase in their number, area and volume  a direct response to glaciers retreating as global temperatures rise.

Tenuously held back by moraines  the jumble of rock and sediment deposited by glaciers at their edges  or dammed by glacier ice, these lakes are anything but stable.

Between 1985 and 2020, ice-dammed lakes in Alaska alone broke through their barriers and drained more than 1,150 times. Alaskas vast landscape and low population density means that the impact of these drainages on human infrastructure was fairly minimal, with a few notable exceptions, including Suicide Basin and Snow Lake, on the Kenai Peninsula.

However, the enormous amount of icy water rushing down rivers with each outburst can transform ecosystems, altering river channels through erosion and sediment deposition, tearing out trees and other vegetation, and damaging fish habitat.

A recent study found that glacial lake outburst floods from moraine-dammed lakes are occurring at an accelerating rate. In the steep, narrow valleys of the Himalayan Mountains, the impact of these events are acute: destroyed hydropower stations, roads and entire villages wiped away, taking hundreds of lives over the years.

More than 15 million people globally live in areas at risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Mapping where these lakes might form and expand can help people living downstream prepare. Thats what we did in Alaska.

Mapping Alaskas Expanding Lakes

Glacial lakes can form in a variety of settings: on the surface of glaciers, in side valleys, and at the terminus, or toe, of the glacier. We found that the fastest-growing lakes are those at the toe, and in our work, we showed that many of these lakes reside in deep depressions carved by glacial flow.

We mapped these depressions  known as glacial-bed overdeepenings  by subtracting ice thickness estimates from surface elevations measured by satellites.

We found that more than 80% of the lake growth has occurred in the mapped basins, illustrating how this approach can help locate glacial lakes that are likely to form and expand in the future.

With this information, we found that existing glacial lakes in the region may ultimately expand fourfold, growing by as much as 1,640 square miles (4,250 square kilometers). A glacial lake at the terminus of Malaspina Glacier, the largest glacier by area in southeast Alaska, could expand to cover an additional 570 square miles (1,475 square kilometers) alone. That would create what would be the second-largest lake in Alaska.

As glaciers continue to retreat, new basins will be exposed, many of which could fill with water. In total, more than 5,500 square miles (about 14,200 square kilometers) of overdeepened basins exist in Alaska, pointing to a landscape that is going to look very different in the coming decades to centuries.

When a glacier terminates in a lake, the warmth of the water can speed up the ices melting, making the glacier flow faster, thin and retreat, thereby expanding the size of the lake. We found that glaciers that terminate in lakes are shrinking 23% to 56% faster than land-terminating glaciers.

The Future as Glaciers Retreat

Future climate projections combined with sophisticated glacier models indicate that glaciers will cumulatively retreat by 26% to 41% by 2100, spelling the loss of 49% to 83% of all glaciers globally.

This is concerning for numerous reasons. Glacier mass loss is currently the largest contributor to sea-level rise. Melting glaciers also change the water quantity and timing of ice melt that feed major rivers, particularly Asian rivers such as the Indus and Ganges. And they create hazards, such as the outburst floods that originate from glacial lakes.

The landscapes that we know and love are transforming before our eyes, and with these changes come growing concerns about hazards.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Topics Trends Flood
The US-Ireland Alliance celebrated its 20th Oscar Wilde Awards honoring Domhnall Gleeson, Maura Tierney, and Lee Cronin on Thursday night.

Academy Awards 2026 nominees, industry executives, musicians, and stars of film and TV gathered to celebrate the myriad contributions of the Irish to film.

Former honoree J.J. Abrams, Monica Horan Rosenthal, and Jason Blum were on hand to present awards to the honorees.

Ashling Baneham and Richard Baneham attend the US-Ireland Alliance's 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.

Comedian Matt Walsh emceed the event, referencing the Irish invasion in film and television.

Theres Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in Hamnet. Plus, many Irish actors are populating the new Beatles biopics. Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo, Saoirse Ronan to play Linda McCartney, and Irish passport holder Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. If they write a screenplay about the Beatles in their 60s, Bono is sure to be cast, he said.

Dermot Kennedy attends the 20th Annual Oscar Wilde Awards at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Picture: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

Dermot Kennedy and Dave Lofts performed musical sets on the night.

In a surprise announcement during the event, guests learned that an anonymous donor has pledged $2 million to the US-Ireland Alliances Scholarship programme if other donors step forward to give the same amount.

Ken Wardrop and guest attend the US-Ireland Alliance's 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.

Trina Vargo, founder of the US-Ireland Alliance, said: We welcome this generous pledge of support and hope it inspires others to invest in the continued success of this important programme.

J. J. Abrams, Domhnall Gleeson, and Jason Blum attend the US-Ireland Alliance's 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.

Several Oscar nominees were also present. Richie Baneham, in contention for his third Oscar for Avatar: Fire and Ash; John Kelly and Andrew Freedman, nominated for Best Animated Short for Retirement Plan; and Russell Bowen, nominated for special effects for The Lost Bus. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures are nominated in the Best Picture category as producers of Bugonia.

Lee Cronin, Domhnall Gleeson, Maura Tierney, and Matt Walsh attend the US-Ireland Alliance's 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.

Among those hitting the green carpet were Jack Reynor, Karl Urban, Jane Seymour, Kevin Ryan and Samantha Mumba, Eoin Macken, Jason OMara, Hylda Queally, and Sarah Bolger.
AN FREAMH (THE ROOT)

Doireann Ni Ghlacain: It all started on a night out. We were sitting in 777 having what were very expensive spicy margaritas  delicious, but definitely expensive  and the three of us were just chatting. We were talking about Irishness, about language, about culture, and about the kinds of conversations we felt werent really happening in Irish media in the way we wanted them to.

Louise Cantillon: The whole thing was authentically rooted in our love of Irish culture. It wasnt that we sat down with a business plan or anything like that. It was just a reflection of who we were as three pals. We had all been working in Irish media in different ways, and we had this shared appreciation for the Irish language and culture, but also for the kind of conversations we were having between ourselves. At some point, we realised that if we were enjoying those conversations this much, maybe other people would too.

Doireann: On paper, we probably should have been in competition with each other. We were all working in Irish media, trying to get gigs, trying to build careers. That industry can be very competitive, especially when youre starting out. But what actually happened with the three of us was the opposite. Once you take that competitive strain away and you start supporting each other instead, something shifts. Suddenly youre not guarding ideas or opportunities  youre building something together.

How To Gael's guest edit of Weekend is on shelves Saturday, March 14

Louise: Theres something really powerful about what can come from friendship and collaboration. When youre not trying to compete with each other all the time, you create space for something else. Thats what How to Gael came from.

AR DTEANGA (OUR LANGUAGE)

Doireann: What is a language? For me, a language is an outlook on life. When you come to life through the lens of the English language, you have one experience of the world. When you come to life through the lens of Irish, its very different. The way you think, the way you express yourself, the way you understand certain things, all of that shifts.

The podcast was never meant to replicate what already exists. Theres some incredible Irish-language media out there already. Raidio na Gaeltachta is fantastic, and there are brilliant Irish-language programmes across different platforms. But How to Gael isnt really an Irish-language podcast in that sense. Its for the person who maybe cant access that. Its for the person who feels a bit intimidated by it, or who feels like their Irish isnt good enough.

We sometimes describe it as a gateway drug.

Louise Cantillon and Doireann Ni Ghlacain will explore the question of a United Ireland in their next project. Picture Nina: Val @nvksocial

Louise: A lot of people in Ireland have Irish but dont feel confident using it. Theyre afraid of getting something wrong or sounding silly. What we try to do is make it less intimidating. Its very normal to just caith isteach  to throw in a word or two here and there. Thats actually how a lot of people speak.

Doireann: You just have to be ballsy about it.

AN TONN POLATAIOCHTA (THE POLITICAL WAVE)

Louise: Its a privilege to talk about the Ireland and the Irish language we would love to experience, but we also have to acknowledge that theres a big, long road ahead of us if we want that to become a reality.

Doireann: Its all well and good to talk about a cultural revival, but not if nobody can afford to live here. People come to Ireland for the language, for the culture, for the traditional music. They want to experience these things authentically. We have great tourist attractions like The Cliffs of Moher, Bru na Boinne etc that gives us a window into our past. In the Gaeltacht we have a living breathing organism that preserves and furthers this culture, our most valuable commodity maybe.

Doireann Ni Ghlacain: 'The podcast was never meant to replicate what already exists.' Picture: Nina Val @nvksocial

Its becoming increasingly difficult for these communities to survive. Unless we make a drastic change there wont be any Gaeltacht communities and there certainly wont be any cultural communities left in our cities and villages as its getting harder and harder for creatives to live here.

We have a horrific housing crisis that feels like its never going to end. And it affects everything about how people live. Who wants to live at home in their twenties and well into their thirties? People should be out building lives, making mistakes, figuring things out.

But a lot of people cant do that anymore. They cant have parties, they cant hang out with their friends all day, they cant just exist in the way people in their twenties should be able to. Theres this whole stage of life that people are missing out on.

Louise: NUIG is talking about scaling back its arts degree and this is a direct result of the housing crisis. An arts degree is less attractive to students now because of the current economic climate they need a direct path into employment. NUIG was always such a strong place for the Irish language. It was known for being a bilingual campus where people could really immerse themselves in the language. So what does that tell us about the future of our language and the standard of education we can offer people here?

Doireann: When I was in college in Galway I was paying 300 a month in rent and that allowed me to go on and do a MA and a PhD. People cant afford that kind of experience anymore. You start to wonder what that means long-term.

What kind of adults are we going to produce in twenty years time if people never get the chance to have those formative experiences?

Louise: I think its really important for our generation to be politically engaged. We cant just sit back and assume things will sort themselves out.

A podcast is our form of art from week to week. And like any art form, it reflects the world youre living in.

Doireann: CMAT made a really good point recently. She said that art is political. And shes absolutely right. Theres no use in going back and learning the Irish language and then not giving a fuck about what happens to Ireland.

Louise: Our Catherine Connolly interview was a real How to Gael highlight. Cool is such a gammy word, but it did feel cool. It was one of those moments where you suddenly realise that something which started very casually has grown into something people are actually paying attention to.

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly appearing on How to Gael podcast with hosts Siomha Ni Ruairc and Louise Cantillon

Doireann: I think there was a sense that younger people were actually engaging with what she was saying in a way that felt quite fresh. It felt like a real young persons vote. There was energy there that maybe people hadnt expected.

Louise: We were mentioned in the RTE documentary about it, and I remember thinking  isnt it amazing what a year can bring? A year earlier, we were just having conversations between ourselves, and suddenly were part of this bigger cultural moment. This is where our United Ireland series grew from. Were interested in having these conversations and our listeners are interested in having them too. To have sat down with the president of Ireland and now to get to sit down with the Taoiseach and talk about the future of Ireland is a real privilege.

Doireann: Young people are incredibly engaged when it comes to politics, culture and language. I think sometimes theres this perception that younger generations are disengaged or apathetic, but thats not what weve seen at all. When the conversation feels relevant to peoples lives, theyre absolutely paying attention.

AN BOTHAR ROMHAINN (THE ROAD AHEAD)

How to Gaels Le Gealai live show travelled to Paris on February 20 and London on March 14. Their next stop is Corks Opera House on March 28. They will be in Killarney on April 18 and in Dublins Ambassador Theatre on October 8. Visit their Instagram @howtogael for more

How to: Unite Ireland?, a series exploring the question of a united Ireland will launch March 19. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts

Louise: [How to Gael's] upcoming live shows celebrate some incredible women from Irish history and culture. Theres storytelling, theres music, and theres a lot of fun in it as well. Its really about celebrating being Irish and celebrating being a woman.

Doireann: [The tour name] 'Le Gaelai' means to have gone a little bit mad  a kind of temporary madness. But some of the most iconic women to come out of Ireland were seen as a little bit mad in their time. Women like Sinead OConnor, who were speaking out about things long before people were ready to listen.

So in a way, its about reclaiming that idea  celebrating it, and using your voice.

Louise Cantillon: 'I think its really important for our generation to be politically engaged.' Picture: Nina Val @nvksocial

Louise: On the question of a United Ireland... its a really big question. And I think a lot of people steer clear of it because they dont want to give their opinion in case its wrong, or because they feel like they dont know enough about it to speak confidently.

Doireann: Its a real dirty subject sometimes. And we came of age in a time when there was peace on this island, which is something we absolutely shouldnt take for granted. But now were looking forward and asking how we can shape Ireland and make it a better place.

The idea of building a new state doesnt come along very often in the history of countries. And things are so frustrating at the moment that you almost have to be optimistic about the possibility of doing something differently to get through it.

Louise: Ive learned so much from bringing in experts. Im probably in the majority of people from the south who feel like they dont know enough about the subject. But thats exactly why we wanted to do the series. People down south really havent got a sense of what unification would actually look like, so were trying to start the conversation.

The first episode is Taoiseach Micheal Martin. For us, it was important to start with someone who is right at the centre of political decision-making in Ireland. Its a chance to ask questions that a lot of people our age are curious about, but maybe dont always hear discussed in detail.

Doireann: What surprised me most, was that there werent really any answers. It can be overwhelming when you realise how much work there is to do. But generally, people want to make this the best country it can be. Everybody wants to dig ourselves out of this hole.
The Queen of Cheltenham, Rachel Blackmore, may have hung up her riding boots, but she was still on hand at the four-day horse racing festival.

Blackmore, who was appointed as the Head of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, told Virgin Media Sport that she still misses racing but that she is still happy with her decision to retire.

A legend of national hunt racing, Blackmore made history during her career as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and the Gold Cup. The Tipperary trailblazer retired last year, but still inspires people far beyond racing.

Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, she said: Yeah, I mean, I still miss riding, miss racing. Part of me does. But I'm very happy with my decision [to retire].

And yeah, there's never a good time, really I suppose, to retire. But I think I made the right decision, and it's great to be back here today as Head of Ladies Day with Cheltenham Racecourse. So, its nice to have a reason and a purpose to be here.

Cheltenham Festival The latest news, views, analysis and opinions on Cheltenham from the Irish Examiner sports desk and our team of award-winning horse racing writers, tipsters and fans Go

Earlier this year, she and her partner, fellow jockey Brian Hayes, tied the knot during an intimate ceremony in Cork.

In a post-race interview with RacingTV earlier this year , he said: I got married 10 days ago now, I suppose.

Myself and Rachael got married, so yeah, off the market. [It was] a lovely day. We got married on the Friday down home in Rosscarbery, in my home place, went up there to Cavan then on the Monday and had a big party up there with all our friends and family and it was nice. Just nice to get married finally.

Back in February, Blackmore announced she is expecting her first baby. It wasnt your typical pregnancy announcement, however, as fans worked it out for themselves after she shared a picture on social media with a box containing a buggy in the boot of her vehicle.
A man arrested in connection with a serious assault in Dublin is due in court this morning.

The man, in his 30s, had been held overnight under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin.

He was questioned about the assault at McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, Dublin on Wednesday at approximately 3pm and subsequently charged.

A man in his 50s, who was seriously injured during the incident, was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital and remains in a serious condition.

The arrested man is due to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court at 10.30am this morning.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have taken images or recorded footage (including dash-cam) of the incident to not share it on social media platforms or messaging apps but instead to provide it to investigating Gardai.

Anyone who was in the area of McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, at the time and who may have any information about the incident, is asked to contact Gardai.

Gardai can be contacted at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station 01 6665000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in Bray, Co. Wicklow on Thursday evening.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision on Station Road, involving a bus and a pedestrian, shortly before 6pm.
Bailiffs boarded a Ryanair aircraft after the airline refused to pay compensation to a passenger whose flight was delayed.

Austrian officials took action after the airline ignored a court order to pay the unnamed woman 890 in legal costs and compensation for a delayed flight two years ago.

A bailiff entered the plane, which was bound for London, as it sat on the stand at Linz airport on Monday and fixed a seizure sticker to the cabin when crew were unable to settle the debt.

The label, known as a cuckoo sticker, gives the court legal control over the aircraft, which was allowed to continue to operate under set conditions. The court can sell the Boeing 737 at public auction if the debt is not paid by a deadline.

The dispute began in 2024 when a flight from Linz to the Spanish island of Mallorca was delayed by 13 hours. A passenger who was forced to pay for an alternative flight claimed a refund of her expenses and compensation under aviation regulations.

Ryanair failed to pay up and the passenger took her case to a court, which ordered the airline to hand over the claimed sum plus interest and legal costs. When Ryanair failed to respond, the passenger asked Austrian authorities to take enforcement action.

A spokesperson for Linz airport said: We were informed that there was a pending claim against Ryanair in court and that a bailiff has been instructed by the district court of the city of Traun to carry out an official act.

"We accompanied the bailiff to the aircraft, where the bailiff carried out his official duties.

The bailiff asked the crew to hand over the 890, but since Ryanair operates cashless flights they were unable to comply. so the seizure notice was placed on the cabin wall. The flight then departed for London.

A lawyer acting on behalf of the passenger told media that she intended to continue enforcement action until the debt was paid.

Ryanair denied the aircraft had been seized but refused to comment on whether bailiffs had applied a seizure notice or whether the debt had since been paid.

Passengers rights groups have criticised low-cost airlines for failing to compensate travellers whose flights are cancelled or delayed. Under European Commission regulations, they are entitled to 600 each if they are delayed by three hours or more.

Disputes over unpaid compensation rarely result in the seizure of an aircraft. Claimants usually give up or airlines pay out before enforcement action is taken.

French authorities, however, impounded a Ryanair plane carrying 149 passengers in 2018 after a years-long battle over illegal subsidies. Ryanair then paid the outstanding 525,000 bill.

The Guardian
The UK and Irish governments have agreed to back the so-called Philomena's Law for survivors of mother and baby homes living in the UK.

In recent days, UK-based survivors of the institutions have seen benefits cut because they accepted compensation. Up to 13,000 of the survivors, who are living in Britain, risk losing access to essential means-tested benefits if they accept compensation, which can range from 5,000 to 125,000 depending on the length of time people were resident.

The Irish Governments redress scheme was introduced after an inquiry detailed the experiences of about 56,000 women and about 57,000 children who were placed or born in homes, mostly run by nuns, between 1922 and 1998.

The scheme is not disregarded for those on means-tested benefits in the UK. This means that people who are in receipt of means-tested benefits may have their benefits stopped because they have too much in savings.

British Labour MP Liam Conlon moved Philomena's Law, named after survivor and campaigner Philomena Lee, last year. He warned that many survivors living in Britain have been deterred from making an application to the compensation scheme operated by the Irish Government.

Mr Conlon said current rules mean any money accepted through the scheme would be considered as savings and could see the survivor "lose means-tested benefits and financial support for social care".

At Friday's UK-Ireland summit in Cork, the two governments agreed that this money would be disregarded going forward.

"We acknowledge the suffering of those who spent time in mother and baby homes during the 20th century," read a joint statement.

"In recognition of the lifelong impact of this, today the UK agrees to disregard payments under Irelands mother and baby redress scheme, ensuring that survivors in both countries are treated the same and can receive the compensation to which they are rightly entitled.

"We also welcome Irelands agreement in principle to disregard means for compensation payments from UK schemes."

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "This is very welcome news, and I think the summit is a catalyst to getting that over the line. Basically, anyone who receives redress payments from the mother and baby homes redress scheme will not have their social protection income affected or undermined as a result."
A doctor who was working in University Hospital Limerick has been jailed for eight years for raping and sexually assaulting a young nurse, whom he took a selfie with while she was asleep.

Judge Sean Gillane passed sentence on Louay Kila, 31, a Moroccan national with an address at 61, Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, Limerick.

Judge Gillane imposed an eight-year jail sentence for rape and four years for sexual assault, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Kila was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick, last week. After the jury returned an unanimous verdict, he was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Judge Gillane summarised the evidence on Friday, taking into account last week's victim impact statement of the young nurse.

Kila raped the nurse on March 2, 2024, and was arrested on March 26, 2024. He was charged with sexual assault in March 2024, and with rape in October 2024. He was then suspended from the register of medical practitioners in March 2025.

Read More HSE apologises for failing to suspend UHL doctor jailed for raping nurse in Limerick

Victim impact statement

Judge Gillane referred to the victim impact statement which set out how the young womans life had changed after the rape in 2024, how it impacted her career, having studied for a number of years to become a nurse.

The court heard she had worked a 13-hour shift in UHL and made arrangements to go out with her friends the same night. She intended to stay the night at her friends apartment.

At a bar with her friends, CCTV footage showed she talked to Kila, who was known to her in a general sense as they both worked in UHL.

The judge said the accused enquired about a relationship she was in at the time, noting a degree of animus between the accused and the other male.

After going out, the victim stopped in a takeaway before going back to her friends apartment. The judge said the victim was intoxicated, which was reflected in the CCTV footage.

At the apartment, she removed her make-up and changed into a wearable blanket.

When Kila arrived to the apartment with his friends, the victim detailed how she was on a couch in the living room, with the accused sat on a chair opposite.

They talked about work, and Kila asked her again about her relationship with the other man. She said she was in the early stages of dating that man.

The victim fell asleep on the couch, and awoke to the feeling of a penis in her vagina and thrust motions.

Once she managed to open her eyes, she described seeing Kilas erect penis. She was in a state of panic and freezing.

Kila left before returning and proceeded to digitally penetrate her and was persistent in doing so  despite being told to stop. She pushed him off and pulled her legs up, crossing them, to stop him.

The accused left to go to the hallway, and returned to the sitting room once more, and grabbed her face, going in for a kiss  an action the victim vividly demonstrated to the jury. She told him to f*** off.

Her friends found her in a state of shock, as she found it difficult to breathe.

Once she checked her phone, she found a Snapchat message from the man she was dating, stating were done with a photograph of her asleep and of Kila kissing her cheek.

The judge said it was clear she could not have taken the photograph, which was sent from her own Snapchat account.

The judge said this detail was of significance.

The victim received a text from Kila the following day, which read: I hope youre doing okay. Ive been thinking about what happened the other night. I didnt mean to upset you. Your wellbeing is important to me and I want to make sure youre okay.

Referring to her victim impact statement, the judge said her evidence speaks for itself, more adequately than any summary I can attempt.

He took into consideration the immediate effect on her career path, and on the role she had worked so hard to achieve.

He said she suffered anxiety and was prescribed medication, and impacted her family life.

Judge Gillane said the victim showed resilience during the proceedings.

The judge noted while there was no doctor relationship factors, Kila was acutely aware and deliberately exploited the victims vulnerability. He said the young woman could never have anticipated she was in danger.

The judge added she was oblivious to the fact a picture had been taken, which was described during the trial as a deliberate act of humiliation".

The judge added Kila persisted despite being asked to stop.
The man accused of murdering his partner at their apartment in Midleton told gardai they were soulmates and best friends  and that he had plans to propose to her, get married, and buy a house.

Adam Corcoran, aged 31, was arrested on suspicion of murder within less than two hours of Daena Walsh being found in the burning apartment with multiple stab wounds to her face, neck, chest, and stomach, and her left arm was partially amputated.

Brendan Grehan, defending, said Mr Corcoran told several gardai and people who arrived at the scene on that Friday afternoon, August 2, 2024, that Daenas death was a suicide.

Mr Grehan was cross-examining Detective Inspector John OConnell and put to him a number of comments made by the accused when he was questioned after the incident: He said he did not kill Daena. That he loved her and they were closer than ever and supported each other.

He said she was his soulmate. And the relationship was the best it had ever been. She was his best friend.

He planned to get engaged to her and marry her. He was going to propose to her.

He planned to buy a home for her and the kids. They both had relapsed onto drink and drugs. He had been drinking that day.

Det Insp. OConnell confirmed that Mr Corcoran said all of these things when interviewed by An Garda Siochana. The accused man also said: I dont know, it is like replaying a nightmare. I dont know how I am in a station. I dont understand why she would do it. How will I tell the kids? It is the worst day of my life.

Garda Conor McCarthy was on duty when Mr Corcoran was brought into Mallow Garda Station just after 5.30pm on August 2, 2024. He confirmed that the defendant had a cut over his right eye, his left eye was bloodshot, and his speech was slurred and incoherent.

When a doctor called to the station to examine him, he said Mr Corcoran would not be fit for interview for six hours. It was noted by Garda McCarthy in the custody record: He was crying and not making sense with what he was saying.

Several gardai from the Garda National Technical Bureau forensically examined the apartment from 9am on Saturday, August 3, 2024, when the remains of the deceased remained in situ.

Detective Garda Andy Gibbons showed to the jury of eight men and four women and Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford a red bread knife. Both the blade and handle were red but stained black. It was explained that the black stains were blood and matched the DNA of the deceased. The knife was found in an off-licence bag in the living room.

Detective Garda Treasa Kelly found a large blue carving knife in a beige handbag in the bedroom. Both handle and blade were blue and stained with black. Again the black stains were described as blood with a DNA match to the deceased.

Dr James Cafferkey of Forensic Science Ireland who examined blood samples from both knives described them as matching the DNA of the deceased. He also said that blood on a jacket, a pair of jeans, and a left runner worn by Mr Corcoran were a DNA match for the deceased.

Det Garda Kelly said two envelopes addressed to the deceased were found on the bed and that both envelopes were bloodstained.

Mr Grehan suggested the knives appeared to have been part of a multi-coloured set or block of knives.

Det Garda Gibbons said the legs of the deceased were partly under a yellow chair in the kitchen/dining area and that on top of the chair was a partially damaged Lynx body-spray deodorant cannister. He said it was dented in at least two area and the top was gone. He said this damage was consistent with it having exploded.

Mr Corcoran is on trial charged with arson of the apartment and murdering Ms Walsh at their home at John Barry House, Midleton, on August 2, 2024. He told gardai she stabbed herself.

The trial continues on Monday, March 16.
Relatives of a 46-year-old man and members of the wider community at Graball Bay in Crosshaven fear for their safety and are concerned about the risk from him, it was claimed in court, where he was charged with carrying out two burglaries in the area.

Garda Stephen Cleary arrested 46-year-old Eoin Twomey, of 23 Calderwood Court, Donnybrook, Douglas, on counts of burglary at two houses in Graball Bay on March 11 and March 12.

Garda Cleary objected to bail being granted to him at Cork District Court on Friday.

The accused man said he was related to owners of the two houses and wanted to buy one of them. He said he would commit no offences if given bail.

However, Garda Cleary said these relatives were concerned but there was a wider concern in the Graball Bay area: The wider community in Graball are living in fear, they are quite concerned.

Eoin Twomey told his solicitor Shane Collins-Daly he would abide by any conditions of bail, including staying off alcohol.

However, Judge Mary Dorgan said: I have listened carefully to this troubling matter. He is of the view that he could buy one of the properties. I am refusing to grant him bail.

The judge remanded him in custody until March 19.

In respect of one burglary charge, the defendant replied after caution: I took a phone charger and some food from the fridge.

In another house, Garda Cleary said: When gardai examined the scene, it was discovered that a large quantity of damage had been caused to the interior. Vases were smashed, furniture overturned, pictures torn off walls. Mr Twomey was the only occupant of the address and had been observed entering the property the previous evening.

A complaint is forthcoming from the owners of the property. A complaint is also forthcoming from [the owner of the other house in the area] to the effect that Eoin Twomey entered the property and stole a phone charger and food.

If given bail, it is my belief that Eoin Twomey will go on to commit further serious offences.

In his evidence, Eoin Twomey said: I offered her 100 grand to buy her share of the house. I was drinking and I was out of control. I broke some glass, knocked over a TV stand, and took some paintings off the walls. I am extremely sorry about it but I would pay her a 100 grand for the house.

Mr Collins-Daly said during the bail application by Eoin Twomey that: He has difficulties with alcohol and mental health difficulties.
Computers are slowly being fixed at Stryker today after an Iranian-linked cyber attack that infiltrated the companys IT systems on Wednesday was fully contained".

Some staff returned to Strykers six Cork facilities on Friday, bringing laptops with them to be repaired.

Stryker chief executive Kevin Lobo said the cyber attack has now been fully contained and that the company is in the restoration phase".

We believe that this attack did not involve ransomware or malware, meaning there is no risk of system contamination," Mr Lobo said in a statement.

Our employees and our sites are safe. Our products and our customers are also safe. Our teams are working closely with customers, government partners, and third-party experts to maintain business continuity.

Mr Lobo said the impact of the cyber attack was limited to the companys internal Microsoft environment.

There will be additional steps in the coming days as we complete the recovery process, but I am confident that we will emerge from this stronger," he said.

Moments like this test organisations, but they also reveal their strength. Im incredibly proud of how our Stryker teams have come together, supporting one another and our customers, while staying focused on safety, quality, and our mission to make healthcare better.

The work we do supports a global healthcare system that patients and clinicians rely on every day.

Mr Lobo also thanked staff for their resilience during the cyber attack.

While we never want situations like this to occur, we plan for these moments. Our mitigation protocols were quickly activated to protect our employees, our sites, and most importantly, our customers and the patients they serve, he said.

Martin: Cyber attack should act as 'wakeup call'

Taoiseach Micheal Martin speaking to the media following the UK-Ireland summit at Fota House in Cork. Picture: PA

The cyber attack on Stryker is "shocking" and should act as a "wakeup" call for some politicians, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said.

Speaking at Fota House after the UK-Ireland summit, Mr Martin said: "I think it's quite shocking, but it's an illustration of how severe the threats are. Sometimes people perhaps don't realise the severity and impact of such cyber attacks, and this is a very modern company, providing thousands of jobs in Ireland and in Cork in particular.

"And the idea that people can't go to work because of an attack of this nature, I think, brings home the reality of the threats that are out there to our economy and to our economic security. And it's very, very serious.

"We have heard the reports and people talking about an Iranian-backed hacking exercise here, which is extremely worrying. It's not a surprise that we have state actors in this field. Different state actors have been involved for quite some time... in foreign countries and the UK had similar experiences with manufacturing companies, which had an impact on their GNI figures that came out last year."

Mr Martin said there was "a disconnect" in politics around the issues of cybersecurity. "The political world needs to wake up around us in terms of the threats to our economic activity," he said.

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee, speaking at the UK-Ireland summit, said justice minister Jim O'Callaghan would be bringing forward legislation which would require companies that fall victim to cyber attacks to notify the Government. She did not say if she would raise the issue with the Iranian ambassador in Ireland.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said he wanted companies which "locate in Ireland and invest in Ireland... to know this is something that we take extraordinarily seriously as a country".

Tanaiste Simon Harris and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee speaking to media at Fota House. Picture: PA

Iranian links

An Iranian-linked hacktivist network known as Handala has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group said the attack on Stryker was retaliation for the brutal attack on the Minab school in Iran, which it said killed more than 175 civilians, many of them children. The United States has been blamed for the bombing.

The attack on Stryker was a wiper attack, designed to destroy IT systems and their data. Such attacks are typically politically, rather than financially, motivated.

Help desks have been set up at all Stryker facilities to help staff regain access to their computers. Employees brought their computers back on site this morning to be repaired.

Laptops are slowly being fixed, one worker said.

Despite the IT breach, payroll has not been affected and staff are expected to be paid on time, the Irish Examiner understands.

Stryker employs about 5,000 people in Ireland and more than 56,000 worldwide. The companys Dublin server remained down on Thursday evening, preventing production from restarting.

However, with a skeleton staff on site on Friday, the company said it could quickly ramp up operations once functioning servers were restored.

Employees whose laptops showed only a blue screen  an indication the device had been hacked  were told not to engage with any IT systems.

However, staff with functioning laptops were told on Thursday that they could log on. Production machines were being prioritised for repair.

Employees with mobile devices were told they could get back online on Thursday using the Outlook and Teams apps.
Irans secretive new supreme leader vowed on Thursday to keep up attacks on Gulf Arab countries and use the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel.

It was his first public statement since he succeeded his father, who was killed in an Israeli strike.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, who an Iranian official said was wounded in the opening salvo of the war, has not appeared in public since then.

In the statement read by a state TV news presenter, he vowed to avenge those killed in the war, including in a strike on a school that killed more than 165 people.

Flames and smoke rise from an oil storage facility in Tehran (Alireza Sotakbar/ISNA/AP)

His comments signalled no plans for talks to end the war, which has disrupted global energy supplies, international travel and the relative safety enjoyed by the Gulf Arab states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the new supreme leader as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards who cannot appear in public.

And he addressed the Iranian people, calling this a moment for a new path of freedom.

But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands, he added at a news conference. We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime.

US and Israeli strikes have exacted a heavy toll on Irans leadership, military and ballistic missile programme but have failed to topple the government, which US President Donald Trump has at times suggested is his goal.

Mr Netanyahu said Israeli attacks had killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist and hit others.

The US and Israel say that destroying whatever remains of Irans nuclear programme is one of the central aims of the war.

They have long suspected Iran seeks nuclear weapons, while the Islamic Republic says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Israel said earlier it struck a nuclear facility in Iran in recent days that it had destroyed with an airstrike in October 2024. Earlier this year, satellite photos raised concerns that Iran was working to restore the facility.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

As Mr Netanyahu spoke, the Israeli military said it had detected a new barrage of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

Rescue efforts were under way after a US air force refuelling plane went down in Iraq, the US military said on Thursday.

The aircraft is part of the American military operation against Iran, but the crash was not because of hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said.

US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that the two KC-135 refuelling aircraft were involved in the incident. One landed safely, while the other went down in western Iraq.

Iran is trying to inflict enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to halt their bombardment, which began on February 28.

Mr Trump has promised to finish the job, even though he claimed Iran is virtually destroyed.

He said in a social media post on Thursday that ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon was a higher priority than soaring oil prices.

The US military said on Thursday that American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began, including more than 30 minelaying vessels.

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over central Israel on Thursday (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants launched some 200 rockets from Lebanon at northern Israel while sirens rang out and loud booms from the interception of Iranian missiles could be heard in other areas.

Israel launched another wave of attacks on Tehran and in Lebanon.

The UN refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war.

It said most have fled from Tehran and other major cities towards the north of the country or rural areas. About 800,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon, prompting fears of a humanitarian crisis.

Mr Khamenei called on Gulf Arabs to shut down US bases in the region, saying protection promised by Washington was nothing more than a lie.

He also said Iran has studied opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable if the war continues.

He did not elaborate, but Iran has been linked to previous attacks on US, Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

Mr Khamenei is close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and is widely seen as even less compromising than his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His location is unknown, and he is likely a prime target for the US and Israel.

An oil tanker burns after being hit by an Iranian strike in the ship-to-ship transfer zone at Khor al-Zubair port near Basra, Iraq (AP)

In addition to attacking energy infrastructure across the region, Iran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway leading from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean through which a fifth of the worlds traded oil flows.

At a news conference on Thursday, Irans ambassador to Tunisia, Mir Masoud Hosseinian, said Iranian naval forces have established full control over the strait and carried out precise strikes in response to attacks on our oil infrastructure.

Global energy security is contingent on respect for Irans sovereignty, he said.

He told The Associated Press the new supreme leader was wounded in the attack on his familys home that killed his wife and father, but it is not serious.

The hope is he will attend the massive, state-organised Eid prayer next week that his father traditionally led.

He added that Irans strikes on Gulf nations have also been strategic.

Even when we targeted hotels, we had precise information that they were hosting American and Israeli soldiers, he said.

The war sent oil prices back to 100 dollars per barrel, and stocks sank worldwide.
The armed man who rammed his vehicle into one of the nations largest Reform synagogues has been identified as a 41-year-old naturalised citizen born in Lebanon, according to federal officials.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali was fatally shot by security personnel after ramming his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit, Michigan, and driving through a hallway, authorities said. The vehicle caught fire after crashing into the building.

Ghazali came to the US in 2011 on an immigrant visa as the spouse of a US citizen and was granted US citizenship in 2016, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit field office, called the incident deeply disturbing and tragic and said the FBI is leading the investigation.

People embrace as law enforcement escort families away from the Temple Israel synagogue (Paul Sancya/AP)

The agency considers the crime a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community, she said at a news conference on Thursday. Investigators have not determined a motive yet.

What drove this person into action has to be determined by the investigation, said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

None of the synagogues staff, teachers or the 140 children at its early childhood centre were injured, Mr Bouchard said.

In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue. One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said. 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young said Temple security officers engaged the individual and neutralised the threat.

The suspect was found dead inside his vehicle, Mr Bouchard said.

Cassi Cohen, director of strategic development at Temple Israel, was standing at the hallway where the crash happened. She said she heard a loud bang, grabbed a few staff members, ran into her office and locked the door.

Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard speaks to media at the scene (Jacob Hamilton/Ann Arbor News via AP)

When I heard the crash, I knew it was bad, Ms Cohen said.

She said a classroom was near where the car rammed the synagogue and, in addition to the children, there were also more than 30 staff members in the synagogue.

Thankfully, we have had many active shooter drills and our staff is prepared for these situations, she said. We do go into lockdown.

Rabbi Arianna Gordon, from Temple Israel, thanked the security team, law enforcement and early childhood teachers for getting the children out safely and reunited with their parents, calling them the true rock stars of the day.

Synagogues around the world have been on edge and have been ramping up security since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran with missile strikes on February 28.

President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on the attack, calling it a terrible thing.

Oakland County is Michigans second-largest county with roughly 1.3 million people. The majority of Detroit-area Jewish residents live there.

This is heartbreaking, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. Michigans Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.

It was the second attack at a house of worship in Michigan within the past year.

Last September, a former Marine fatally shot four people at a church north of Detroit and set it ablaze. The FBI later said he was motivated by anti-religious beliefs against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
03/13/2026

New degree will prepare workforce-ready graduates for careers in commercial aviation, aviation management, and public safety aviation; prospective students encouraged to apply now.

Jax States Bachelor of Science in Aviation is designed to prepare students for leadership and operational roles in one of the worlds most dynamic and fast-paced industries. Grounded in a strong foundation of aviation science, safety, and industry best practices, the program offers three concentrations to support students career goals: Aviation Management, Commercial Aviation, and Public Safety Aviation.

Future students interested in Jax States new Aviation program are encouraged to submit a request for information by completing this inquiry form to receive updates and next steps. Additional program details, including admission information, are available on the Aviation webpage. Current Jax State students interested in changing their major to Aviation should consult their academic advisor. Students planning to pursue the Commercial Aviation concentration are encouraged to apply to Jax State as soon as possible, as admission to the university is required before submitting the secondary Commercial Aviation application.

This program represents an exciting step forward for Jacksonville State University and for workforce development across our region, said Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. The aviation industry continues to grow rapidly across Alabama and the Southeast, creating new opportunities for students and new workforce needs for our state. By combining strong academic preparation with practical, hands-on experiences, our Aviation program will equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in a wide range of aviation careers.

This comprehensive degree equips students with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to thrive in both the private and public aviation sectors, as well as in first responder and public safety roles. Whether managing complex airport operations on the ground, deploying drones during emergency response missions, or piloting commercial aircraft, graduates of Jax States Aviation program will be well prepared to contribute meaningfully to the future of aviation.

The Bachelor of Science in Aviation reflects Jax States commitment to developing academic programs that respond to emerging workforce needs while providing students with meaningful career pathways, said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Through concentrations in aviation management, commercial aviation, and public safety aviation, this program blends technical knowledge, safety training, and applied learning experiences that will prepare graduates to make immediate contributions in the aviation industry.

Strategically located within reach of major airline and regional airport hubs in Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Chattanooga, Jax State is well-positioned to meet growing regional demand for skilled aviation professionals while contributing to economic development across northeast Alabama.

The Commercial Aviation concentration will provide structured flight training aligned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards, preparing students to pursue credentials such as Private Pilot licensure and Commercial Pilot certification with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.

When students complete their degree in Commercial Aviation, they will have 300 flight hours logged and the FAA ratings completed, so that they are prepared to excel professionally, stated Dr. Staci Stone, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. We are excited to get this first cohort of pilot-students off the ground.

The Public Safety Aviation concentration builds on Jax States strengths in emergency management and criminal justice, preparing first responders to utilize aviation and unmanned aircraft systems in emergency and public safety operations.

Students interested in the Commercial Aviation concentration must first be accepted to Jax State before submitting the secondary application. The deadline to submit the Commercial Aviation concentration application is May 15.

With ACHE approval secured, Jax State will now move forward with the Federal Aviation Administration application process for Part 141 ground school authorization and will finalize partnerships with FAA-certified Part 141 flight training providers. The university has also launched a national search for its first Aviation Department Head.

Learn More About Jax State Aviation
( Middle East Monitor )  Let us imagine a liberated Palestine. Let us consider how justice for the Palestinian people would reshape not only the region but, indeed, the entire globe.

This is not a conversation about a political solution in the narrow, bureaucratic sense. Such solutions require no particular genius: true justice can only occur when the Palestinian people are granted the totality of their rights and the fulfillment of their political aspirations.

Equally true is the reality that no such justice can manifest so long as Israel remains committed to its current Zionist ideologya framework predicated on racial supremacy and the systematic eradication of the indigenous Palestinian Arab population. Once the shackles of this ideology are broken, the exact political mechanics become secondary; history suggests that the future would lean toward a shared coexistence rather than a continuation of the current segregation along ethnic lines.

To some, discussing a liberated Palestine now may appear slightlythough not entirelyremoved from the current war ravaging the region. It is a war that, if not permanently halted, will continue to devastate the peoples of the Middle East, inviting further militarization, runaway defense spending, and cycles of violence. On the contrary, this is the most critical discussion we can have today.

In his seminal documentary, the late Australian journalist and filmmaker John Pilger summed up the centrality of Palestine to the Middle East in these prescient words:

A historic injustice has been done to the Palestinian people, and until Israels illegal and brutal occupation ends, there will be no peace for anyone  Israelis included.

These are not mere words of posturing; they are an undeniable historical truth. Palestine has remained the beating heart of every Middle Eastern war and every persisting conflict. For Israel, the occupation has served as the linchpin for its military incursions across borders. For Palestines neighbors and allies, it remains the unhealed wound of a region historically unified by political, cultural, linguistic, and religious continuity.

Even during periods when Palestine was seemingly relegated to the periphery of regional diplomacy, Israel was keen to remind its neighbors that its designs were never limited to the Palestinians alone. Whether in historic Palestine or the Shatat (Diaspora), the Zionist project has always signaled broader ambitions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly confirmed this expansionist intent, recently declaring that he is on a historic and spiritual mission to realize the vision of a Greater Israel. By openly connecting with a map that swallows Palestinian land and threatens the sovereignty of neighboring Arab states, he has made it clear that the erasure of Palestine is merely the first step in a much larger colonial design.

The current war confirms this centrality. Its origins, the ensuing political discourse, and the clashing visions of a post-war reality all pull Palestine back to the center of the global stage. To discuss Palestine as if it were an isolated issueas some unfortunately dois a profound historical mistake. Conversely, to discuss the future of the Middle East without centering Palestine is equally delusional.

Therefore, we must insist on the Palestinian discussion now more than ever.

Once a just outcome to the Palestinian struggle is achieved, the positive shockwaves will transform the region. Only then can we move from a state of perpetual warfare to a future rooted in genuine, collective liberation.

That said, do not expect a list of dry political recipes to follow. We already know, instinctively, what justice for Palestinians looks like. The freedom to live, to be treated with equality, to enjoy sovereignty, and to demand accountability and respectthese do not require exhaustive citations of international legal or humanitarian law. These are natural rights; they flow through us, individually and collectively, as surely as the blood in our veins.

The fact that Israel and its enablers refuse to respect international law, or to adhere to any common humanitarian principle, is no fault of the Palestinians or the other victims of Israeli aggression. The moral and legal burden must be shouldered entirely by those who have abused, disregarded, and dismantled the international legal order for far too long.

Today, the Palestiniansmuch like the people of Lebanon, Syria, and other nations across the regionare doing exactly what every oppressed nation must do: they are remaining steadfast. This Sumud is the key, now more than ever before. The ultimate outcome of this conflict will not be determined by lopsided death tolls or the sheer scale of structural destruction, but by the unyielding resilience of the people. History is a patient teacher; it tells us that if the rightful owners of the land hold their ground, they will eventually win.

Photo of Palestinian refugees by AHMAD BADER on Unsplash

Richard Falk, the former UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian Human Rights and a prominent legal scholar, refers to this phenomenon as winning the War of Legitimacy. It is a war fought not with fighter jets, but with the moral clarity of those who refuse to disappear.

If true justice prevails in Palestine, it will inevitably prevail in Lebanon, in Syria, and beyond. The exhausted branding of the Middle East as a war-torn region will finally vanish. A just peace will invite more than just the absence of war; it will invite opportunity, reconstruction, a collective regional rise, andmost importantlythe restoration of hope.

This is not a desperate wish whispered in a time of darkness. It is the only way out.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
Here is my column this month for Tom Engelhardts indispensable Tomdispatch.com . Check out his perceptive remarks on Trumpian neocolonialism.

Juan Cole writes:

( Tomdispatch.com )  Under President Donald J. Trump, the United States has now become an engine for the promulgation of White nationalism. Not since the 1930s has such an ideology, which exalts those ethnic groups it codes as White, while denigrating all others, underpinned the domestic and foreign policies of a major world power. Typically (for our moment), Trumps recent National Security Strategy (NSS) depicted Europe as in distinct civilizational decline because of the European Unions commitment to multiracial democracy and international humanitarian law. These days, thanks to its racial policies, the Trump team even finds a way to inject racial hatred into dry economic statistics, complaining that Continental Europe has been losing share of global GDP [gross domestic product]  down from 25 percent in 1990 to 14 percent today.

A Mayor Named Khan

As it happens, though, on a per-person basis, Europeans are more than twice as wealthy today in real terms as they were 36 years ago. The dictum once cited by Mark Twain that there are lies, damned lies, and statistics is exemplified in Trumps National Security Strategy. In 1991, just two years before the European Union (EU) was first formed, the per-capita GDP there was $15,470 (in todays dollars). In 2024, that figure was $43,305. What changed since then wasnt that Europe began decaying, but that the well-being of the people in the global South, in what Trump dismisses as shithole countries, has actually also improved significantly, whether he likes it or not, changing Europes share of global GDP.

In his National Security Strategy, Trump admits, however, that Europes supposed economic degradation doesnt bother him nearly as much as another issue: This economic decline is eclipsed by the real and more stark prospect of civilizational erasure, thanks to Europes migration policies. In short, Trumps government has now adopted a modernized version of the Nazi Great Replacement ideology, slamming migration policies that are transforming the [European] continent and creating strife, along with cratering birthrates, and loss of national identities and self-confidence.

Trump claims that hes no longer sure Europeans will even remain European. He supposedly worries that, two decades from now, the continent will be unrecognizable and EU countries no longer capable of being Washingtons reliable allies. That barb is, of course, clearly aimed at Muslim immigrants to Europe, even though they are a distinct minority of those arriving there. In an interview about his NSS, Trump snidely remarked, If you take a look at London, you have a mayor named Khan. And he then went on to exclaim in horror that immigrants arent just coming from the Middle East, theyre coming in from the Congo, tremendous numbers of people coming from the Congo. In other words, the only thing that outstrips Trumps Islamophobia is his horror of Black people.

Of course, hes completely misinformed about immigration to Europe, which means his NSS is as well. As a start, the largest influx of people into the EU in recent few years has been 4.3 million Ukrainians. The major sources of immigration to Germany in 2024 were Ukraine, Romania, Turkey, Syria, and India. For Spain, it was Colombia, Morocco, Venezuela, Peru, and Argentina. As for Europes future reliability, Trump has already said that he cant trust Denmark, no matter that its population is solidly Lutheran and predominantly blond, because that country wont give him Greenland. And since the president has expressed a willingness to break up the NATO alliance, if necessary, to add 57,000 Greenlanders to his feudal domains, his doubting of European dependability should be considered richly ironic.

Aryan Reliability

The underpinnings of Trumps reasoning can (or at least should) be described as Nazi in style. After all, hes assuming that the immigrants he loathes are inherently incapable of becoming Europeans and will make those countries intrinsically untrustworthy as allies of the United States. Of the EU countries, he recently asserted that theyll change their ideology, obviously, because the people coming in have a totally different ideology. Yet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, born in Southampton to an immigrant Indian-East African family of Hindu faith, was widely viewed as having restored British-U.S. diplomatic relations after years of strain.

In reality, studies show that socio-economic status, not national origin, best predicts how immigrants will vote. In Germany, the better-off Russian-Germans, who far outnumber largely working-class Turkish-Germans, tend to vote for right-of-center parties. Both groups, however, seem happy to participate in European politics in accordance with local norms. If, for Trump, the term immigrants in this context is a dog whistle for Muslims, it might be noted that nine of the 22 countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, that have been formally designated by Trump as major non-NATO allies are Muslim-majority.

His foreign policy reasoning in that NSS eerily mirrors the crackpot logic of Adolf Hitler, who saw France as an enemy of Germanys because it had allegedly fallen irretrievably under non-Aryan Jewish influence, and who held out hope in the 1920s and early 1930s that Aryan elements would prevail over Jewish ones in Britain, a country he preferred as a strategic partner because of the Germanic ancestry of part of its population. In Trumps NSS, immigrant Europeans from Africa and the Middle East play the role that Jews did in Hitlers thinking  that is, non-Aryan underminers of national integrity. Hitlers conspiratorial racism was, of course, all too grimly insane, and so, too, is that of Trumps NSS.

Mongols and Negroes

Central to the NSS is the Great Replacement. The idea, though not the phrase, goes back to 1900 when the French nationalist parliamentarian and novelist Maurice Barres wrote, Today, new French have slipped in among us who want to impose on us their ways of feeling. He warned of Jewish, Italian, and other immigrants. The name of France might well survive, he commented, but the special character of our country would nevertheless be destroyed. Amid a political crisis over the wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus (of Jewish and Alsatian heritage) for supposed espionage for the German embassy, Barres denounced the famed French novelist Emile Zola, a supporter of Dreyfus, as not French but a rootless cosmopolitan from a Venetian background.

Fifty years later, the French Nazi Rene Binet (1913-1957) coined the phrase Great Replacement. An ex-Communist, he had served as a Nazi collaborator during World War II in the Waffen Grenadier Brigade of the Charlemagne paramilitary Protection Squadron (Schutzstaffel or SS). After the war, in his 1950 book Theory of Racism, he wrote in dismay about how Western Europe had been invaded by Mongols and Negroes  that is, by the Soviets and the Americans. He lamented that Jewish-dominated capital also supposedly controlled Europe (it didnt, of course) and falsely alleged that Jewish CEOs were bringing in immigrants in a deliberate attempt to replace civilized White Europeans.

Sadly enough, Binets ideas have been revived in this century by French thinkers and politicians. Renaud Camus published his twenty-first century version of the theory in 2010, entitling his book The Great Replacement. Such falsehoods were echoed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, when American Nazis chanted Jews will not replace us (and President Trump called the assembled protestors, as well as those who opposed them, very fine people). Camus came around to supporting like-minded politicians in the far-right French National Rally (formerly the National Front) party, led by Marine Le Pen, who also became a Trump ally. When a French court convicted her of embezzlement in 2025 and excluded her from politics for five years, Trump denounced the verdict and launched the slogan, Free Marine Le Pen. Holding Le Pen, a far-right racist politician, accountable to the rule of law is part of what Trump was complaining about in his NSS when he cited European censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition.

Marine Le Pens father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, had been a paratrooper in the ruthless Algerian War (1954-1962) that killed between half a million and a million Algerians in a bid to keep that country under French colonial domination. The elder Le Pen came to lead the newly founded National Front in 1972 and was surrounded by far-right figures who had collaborated with the Nazis. While the party reinvented itself under Marine Le Pen in 2017 as the National Rally and has moved slightly toward the center, many of its supporters harbor neo-Nazi ideas about racial purity, now typically aimed at Arab and Amazigh Muslims.

Forget 1776 and All That

The central concerns of that National Security Strategy now animate the Trump administrations foreign policy. At the annual Munich Security Conference in early February, for instance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio took up what the Victorian jingoist writer Rudyard Kipling once termed the White Mans Burden, crowing that for five centuries, before the end of the Second World War, the West had been expanding. He neglected to mention all the massacres, destruction, and looting that European colonialists perpetrated over those centuries. Belgiums King Leopold II alone, for instance, instituted policies in the Congo from 1885 to 1908 that may have killed as many as 10 million people. That bloody episode inspired Joseph Conrads novel The Heart of Darkness, in the final sentence of which the protagonist utters, The horror! The horror!

After the end of World War II in 1945, Rubio lamented, a Europe in ruins contracted. Half of it, he added, lived behind an Iron Curtain and the rest looked like it would soon follow. He mourned that the great Western empires had entered into terminal decline, accelerated by godless communist revolutions and by anti-colonial uprisings that would transform the world and drape the red hammer and sickle across vast swaths of the map in the years to come.

He also displayed a striking mixture of White nationalism and colonial nostalgia  and with it, an ignorance of the history of decolonization, which neither occurred only after 1945, nor was in the main Communist-led. After all, the United States launched its anti-colonial struggle in 1776. Most of Latin America was liberated from the Spanish Empire in the early nineteenth century by Simon Bolivar and other fighters who would have been characterized at the time as liberals. As for the post-World War II liberation movements, most leaders of former colonialized countries, including India, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, and Sudan, among other places, tilted either to capitalism or to social democracy.

Marco Rubios mixing of White nationalism and colonial nostalgia is, of course, nothing new. A return of German colonies in Africa, lost in World War I to Britain and France, was among the Nazi regimes most insistent demands in the late 1930s, and dreams of a new version of German imperialism in Africa were part of what was meant by the Third Reich.

Rubio has depicted decolonization as a failure of the European will to power. Most historians, on the other hand, point to the way their colonies mobilized for independence. Political scientists point to two crucial kinds of mobilization. The first was social mobilization, which involved urbanization, industrialization, and increased literacy. By 1945, ever more Asians and Africans were no longer illiterates living in small, disconnected villages. As for political mobilization, parties, chambers of commerce, and labor unions put millions of the previously colonized in the streets. New social classes of entrepreneurs, professionals, and workers demanded the right to control their own destinies.

And in the wake of World War II, attitudes were changing even among the colonial powers. The British public, for instance, could no longer be persuaded to spend money in an attempt to quell an India where the Congress Party of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had brought millions into the streets demanding independence. And while the Netherlands did fight viciously to roll back Indonesias declaration of independence in 1945 (despite having itself been occupied by Germany during World War II), after four years of massacres, it was forced out. The impoverished French had no choice but to give up most of their African possessions, but in a sanguinary failure attempted to keep their colonies in Algeria and Vietnam by military force. American President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a wiser man than Rubio, twisted French President Charles De Gaulles arm to get him out of Algeria lest the revolutionaries there turn to Moscow and Communism.



Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Panama City, Panama, April 8, 2025. (DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech). Public Domain. Via Picryl.

Kinder, Kuche, Kirche

Given that history, the advice of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the European Union to adopt a White nationalist domestic and foreign policy and attempt to initiate a new round of European colonialism in the global South is monstrous indeed, both morally and in practical terms. Without immigration today, Europe would soon face Japans dilemma of rapid population loss, along with the loss of international economic and political power.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had it right when he said that Spain faces a choice between being an open and prosperous country or a closed and poor one. As for the White nationalist pronatalist dream of keeping women barefoot and pregnant in accordance with the old German slogan, Kinder, Kuche, Kirche (children, kitchen, church), its a chimera given the electoral power of women in todays Europe (and the United States).

Meanwhile, Donald Trumps cruel, heavily ICED anti-immigrant campaign has already hurt the American economy and Europeans would be deeply unwise to emulate it in any way, including colonially. The neoconservative project of rehabilitating American colonialism crashed and burned in this countrys disastrous twenty-first-century wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (and wont be aided by the present assault on Iran either) for reasons similar to those that made European colonialism impossible in the post-World War II period.

In reality, the European Unions project of multicultural democracy has yielded enormous prosperity, while expanding and deepening human rights. Trumps White nationalism, on the other hand, is a formula for division, poverty, and mass violence, as was demonstrated in the 1930s and 1940s when a form of that ideology was last tried in Europe.

And count on this: Trump and crew are going to give the phrase the White mans burden a grim new meaning.

Copyright 2026 Juan Cole

Via Tomdispatch.com
The trial will of course take place without the accused, but it remains extremely important, according to civil parties lawyer Clemence Bectarte. In France, she says, it could constitute the first judicial recognition of the genocide committed by Islamic State (IS) against Yazidis in Syria and Iraq. And for the survivors she represents, it is above all important to get recognition, at least in part, for the crimes they have suffered -- atrocities perpetrated as part of a vast policy of extermination and enslavement specifically targeting the Yazidi community. The Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking ethno-religious minority. IS, which many states class as a terrorist organization, considers them to be devil worshippers.

Sabri Essid, alias Abu Doujanah al-Faransi, is to be tried before the Paris Assize Court starting March 16 for his alleged participation in these crimes. Born in Toulouse in 1984, this French jihadist joined IS in Syria in 2014 before joining Amniyat, the branch responsible for internal security and intelligence for ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria). Presumed dead since 2018, he will be tried in absentia.

This man is being prosecuted for inflicting, between 2014 and 2016, serious physical or psychological harmconstituting genocideon five Yazidi women and their children, as part of a concerted plan aimed at the total or partial destruction of their community. Essid is also accused of enslaving four of them after buying, raping, torturing, persecuting, and subjecting them to inhumane treatment constituting crimes against humanity. Finally, he is being prosecuted for complicity in these crimes, for transferring a fifth woman and her three children to a new place of enslavement, where they were allegedly subjected to the same violence.

This is a first in France. Until now, French nationals who joined Islamic State have mainly been prosecuted for terrorist offences, not for crimes against civilian populations. But this will undoubtedly not be the last such case, since the proceedings against Essid are part of a much broader investigation focusing specifically on crimes committed by IS jihadists in Syria and Iraq.

A policy of extermination and enslavement

It all started in August 2014. IS launched a series of coordinated attacks in the Sinjar region of northwest Iraq, the cradle of the Yazidi population. Within a few days, thousands of people  mostly men -- were executed or captured. At the same time, tens of thousands of others took refuge in the mountains to try to escape the assault. They quickly found themselves trapped, surrounded by IS fighters, in particularly extreme conditions. More than 1,700 peoplealmost all of them childrendied of starvation, dehydration, or their injuries.

But the offensive was only the first step in a much broader policy aimed at enslaving or exterminating the Yazidi population, described by ISIS as an idolatrous sect of original infidels. The jihadists systematically implemented this policy, displacing and categorizing members of the community according to their age or gender. Men and teenage boys were ordered to convert. If they refused, they were immediately executed or subjected to forced labour. Young boys were converted and recruited into the groups ranks, while women and girls over the age of eight were captured to be sold as sex slaves and domestic servants, or directly offered to jihadists. Among them are the five Yazidi women identified as Essids alleged victims.

According to Bectarte, three of them have filed civil suits with their children, and two of them are expected to be present at the hearing. Another one now wants to turn the page, she says, while a fifth has never been found. For these survivors, the psychological trauma remains extreme, regardless of where they live today, the lawyer stresses.

Investigations target 18 French nationals

In 2016, as the groups genocidal policy continued, the war crimes unit of the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Office (PNAT) opened a so-called structural investigation. It aims to identify and prosecute French nationals involved in abuses against all minorities in Syria and Iraq, including those committed in the context of the Yazidi genocide.

These investigations draw particularly on the work of several international investigative mechanisms, as well as that of civil society organizations like the Iraqi association Kinyat and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). These organizations have helped identify several Yazidi women, some of whom were former captives of Essid, according to Bectarte. She also represents the two NGOs in the proceedings.

According to Sophie Havard, head of the PNATs specialized unit, this is a very active investigation that has made it possible to open and substantiate a significant number of proceedings. A total of 18 French nationals are being targeted for their alleged involvement in these crimes. More specifically, Havard explains, four individual investigations are ongoing against seven women and three men, while six judicial probes have been opened concerning five women and three men. These cases have all been classified as both terrorist crimes and international crimes, she adds, with the exception of the case concerning Sabri Essid, as the terrorism aspect is still under investigation.

Among the most advanced cases is that of Sonia Mejri and her ex-husband Abdelnasser Benyoucef, alias Abou Mouthana, presumed dead since 2016. This case is set to be the first trial of a French woman charged with both offences. It is scheduled for March 2027, despite several legal twists and turns. Before the indictment was confirmed, Mejris defence team had got the charges of genocide and crimes against humanityof which she is notably accused dismissed before the investigating chamber of the Paris Appeal Court. The judges had ruled that a single identified victim was not sufficient to characterize genocide and that the charges were insufficient with regard to crimes against humanity, explains her lawyer Marceau Perdereau. However, the Court of Cassation partially overturned this, ruling that an act committed against a single person could constitute genocide if it was part of a concerted plan. The decision of the first investigating chamber was ultimately overturned by a new panel of judges at the Paris Court of Appeal.

Womens responsibility in the genocide

Havard says this case illustrates the difficulties in understanding highly complex criminal charges, particularly when assessing the role of women who joined IS and their criminal behaviour. The challenge is to understand their responsibility in its entirety, explains the magistrate. This involves, in particular, deconstructing certain defence strategies that present these women as mere wives, victims under influence who had no choice and no say in the enslavement of Yazidi women.

More specifically, the prosecution is seeking to establish whether some of them participated in the IS system of enslavement by holding Yazidi captives in their houses, facilitating their sexual or domestic exploitation, or contributing to their surveillance. This is particularly important, Havard continues, because even though the women were initially assigned to the domestic sphere, this private sphere could function as a kind of Islamic micro-state in which some women were responsible for controlling the slaves -- especially in the absence of their husbands.

Perdereau says his client has stated since the beginning of the proceedings that the fate of the Yazidis was one of the first factors that motivated her ideological disengagement. According to him, she would never have been charged if she had not spontaneously mentioned the presence of a young Yazidi woman held in her home by her ex-husband.

However, other cases could further clarify the scope of these charges. This is particularly true in the case of Lolita Cacitti, a French national who returned from Syria and is suspected of having participated in the enslavement of a Yazidi child. According to the investigation, she allegedly handed the young captive over to a Saudi IS fighter who claimed ownership of her. Last January, the PNAT requested that Cacitti be referred to the criminal court for complicity in genocide. A third trial could therefore be organized around this case, subject to the decision of the investigating judges and any appeals.

While the qualification of the criminal charges is particularly relevant for women, they would also have to appear in person before the French courts. Of the twelve women targeted by proceedings, four have been repatriated to France and are currently in detention. Conversely, five of the six men implicated are presumed dead, including Essid. According to the specialized unit, the other nine individuals are thought to be alive but probably still in north-western Syria, either free, detained, or held in camps.

The trial of the presumed dead

When asked about the merits of trying in absentia a person who is presumed dead, Havard acknowledges that the debate exists. However, criminal law allows it when we do not have absolute certainty of death. The magistrate also points out that this is a long-standing practice of the PNAT in terrorism cases. On the other hand, it is unprecedented for international crimes.

Under these circumstances, Essid is expected to be tried without any specific representation at the hearing or any defence. The crimes he is accused of will also be examined by a special panel of three professional magistrates, without a jury. If we choose this form of justice by default, Havard continues, it is to help end the impunity for these crimes. And to give a trial to the victims who have been waiting for justice for the past ten years. This is a criminal policy to which Bectarte subscribes, given that there have already been cases of French fighters presumed dead reappearing.

She says Essids trial should lead to the first judicial recognition in France of the genocide committed against the Yazidis, despite the French jihadists absence and the fact that these women were sometimes held captive by eight, nine, ten or fifteen men. Essids trial represents the judgment of only one alleged perpetrator, but should make it possible to document the extent of abuses committed against the Yazidi community. This is essential, the lawyer concludes, given the instability and risks of an Islamic State resurgence in Syria.
The United States will defend its ally Israel against accusations at the top United Nations court that it breached the Genocide Convention during its Gaza campaign, the court said Friday.

Washington filed a so-called "declaration of intervention" at the International Court of Justice, which is examining the genocide case against Israel brought by South Africa.

"The United States affirms, in the strongest terms possible, that the allegations of 'genocide' against Israel are false," said Washington in its filing.

The US said South Africa's case was the latest in a series "to level false charges of 'genocide' against Israel" that it said had been going on for decades.

Such charges serve to "delegitimise the State of Israel and the Jewish people and to justify or encourage terrorism against them", Washington said.

South Africa brought its case before the ICJ in December 2023, arguing the Gaza war breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel has strongly denied.

More than a dozen countries have since applied to join the case, meaning they will present their views in court when it is heard -- a process that could yet take years.

Many have voiced their intention to argue on the side of South Africa, paving the way for a wide-ranging showdown in the Peace Palace, where the court sits.

ICJ judges have already issued emergency rulings in the case, including ordering Israel to do everything to prevent genocide in Gaza and allow aid in.

In a separate ruling, the ICJ also said Israel was obliged to provide Palestinians with the "basic needs" for survival.

The orders of the ICJ, based in the Hague, are legally binding but it has no way of enforcing them.

Fighting in Gaza has eased since a US-brokered ceasefire in October between Israel and Hamas, but there have been sporadic outbursts of violence.
Russia's foreign ministry said on Friday it had summoned the British and French ambassadors over a Ukrainian attack on the city of Bryansk using French-British Storm Shadow missiles.

The ministry said it summoned the envoys "to lodge a strong protest" over the attack on Tuesday that it said "would not have been possible without the involvement of British and French specialists".

Moscow has launched near-daily drone and missile barrages on Ukraine since the start of its full-scale offensive in 2022. Ukraine retaliates with its own strikes on Russia's infrastructure.

On Tuesday, Ukraine claimed a strike with Storm Shadow missiles, developed by Britain and France, on what it said was a microelectronics factory in Bryansk that produced parts for Russian missiles launched at Ukraine.

Russia said seven people died and over 40 were wounded in what it called a "terrorist" attack.

"If London and Paris continue to be complicit in the Kyiv regime's war crimes, these European capitals will bear responsibility for the destructive consequences of the armed conflict and the escalation of tensions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian side demanded that the UK and France issue a clear public response with a strong and unequivocal condemnation," the statement added.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday called the strike on Bryansk "a completely justified response to the aggressor".

In December, Ukraine said it used Storm Shadows to attack an oil refinery in the Rostov region, a facility it said was supplying Russian armed forces.
Song Ji-hyo, a South Korean actress and entertainer, has sparked a new online debate after viewers noticed that she didn't appear much on a recent episode of the long-running variety show Running Man.

The SBS show that aired on March 8 lasted about 90 minutes, but some viewers said that Song only appeared for a short time during the show. The observation quickly spread on social media and online forums, where both fans and critics talked about how little she was in the episode.

A report from Allkpop says that some viewers thought the actress was on screen for only about 10 seconds during the show. Most of the time, she was only in reaction shots or group scenes, not leading games or talking to other cast members.

After the show aired, people started posting their thoughts about it online. Some people who didn't like the show questioned why the actress was in it. "Isn't this a lack of professionalism?" Another viewer wrote, "She's a regular member but her presence is too weak."

However, not every response was negative. Some individuals speculated that the editing process, rather than any shortcomings in her acting, might have contributed to the actress's reduced screen time.

READ MORE: Song Ji Hyo Admits Farting in 'Running Man': Actress' Laid-Back Attitude Shines as She Jokes About Bodily Functions

Others speculated that she may have been in poor shape during filming and advised against making hasty conclusions.

Throughout the show's lengthy history, people have previously raised the issue of Song's screen time. The Chosun Biz said that similar complaints came up in 2023 when some viewers questioned her participation in certain episodes.

At the time, Yoo Jae-suk, another cast member, talked about it on the web show Pinggyego. He talked about how Song felt when she saw episodes where she didn't have much to say or do on screen.

Yoo said during that talk that the actress had been working hard behind the scenes all along. He also said that she was upset after watching episodes where she didn't talk as much or appear as often in segments.

Song has also made it clear what she wants to do with the show. In 2024, she talked about rumors that she might leave the show during a YouTube appearance. She said in the interview that she wouldn't step down unless the production team chose to end the show.

Song joined Running Man in 2010 and has been a main cast member for more than ten years. In 2016, she and Kim Jong-kook, who was also in the cast, were told for a short time that they would be taken off the show. Viewers were outraged about the decision, so the production team had to apologize and bring back both actors.

Even after the most recent argument, the actress is still known as one of the show's longest-serving members.

READ MORE: Song Ji Hyo Reveals THIS Ex-'Running Man' Member Accidentally Admitted To Backstabbing Her






Thursday, March 12, 2026 - Officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday arrested former High Court judge, Joseph Mutava, and advocate Kimani Wachira over an alleged bribery scheme linked to a commercial dispute currently before the High Court of Kenya.

According to the anti-graft agency, Mutava, Wachira, and two other suspects were arrested following investigations into claims that they demanded a bribe of USD 80,000 (approximately KSh 10.4 million).

EACC officials say the money was allegedly solicited in exchange for influencing the outcome of a commercial case involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, which is currently pending before the High Court.

Tuju reportedly informed investigators that the trio had approached him seeking the cash to manipulate matters related to the ongoing property dispute case.

Mutavas arrest has reignited debate about corruption within the judicial system.

The former judge was removed from office in 2016 after a tribunal found him guilty of gross misconduct and corruption, findings that were later upheld by the Supreme Court.

The tribunal, chaired by David Maraga, concluded that Mutava had improperly handled several cases, including a high-profile dispute involving businessman Kamlesh Pattni.

Which judge is this that they are now arresting? Amefanya? pic.twitter.com/ZQIeeNzD8C  Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) March 11, 2026

Which operation was this? pic.twitter.com/TOiH9LljoQ  Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) March 11, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 12, 2026 - The death of Kisumu-based photographer, Joe Myles, has left friends, family and the public demanding answers, particularly about a woman who was reportedly in his company at the time of his abduction.

According to Myles close friend, this woman may hold key information about what transpired in Naivasha, where Myles was reportedly lured under the pretext of work.

If she was used by the killers to bring Myles to Naivasha, then the truth needs to come out, the friend said.

Suspicion has grown since Myles Instagram and Facebook profiles were deleted after his brutal murder.

Nothing else was reportedly taken from him except his phone, which suggests the possibility that vital conversations on social media, via Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp, could point to those responsible.

It has also emerged that Myles had previously been threatened by a politician, reportedly vying for the Nyakach parliamentary seat.

Close friends say he had confided in them about these threats.

Tragically, Joes mutilated body was discovered dumped along the Naivasha Highway.

Reports indicate he was tortured, and some of his organs were chopped off.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, March 12, 2026 - Social media is ablaze after it emerged that renowned businessman and political activist Morara Kebaso flew TikToker Gilo Ntinyari to Mombasa for three days, behind his wifes back.

According to a viral TikTok audio leak, Gilo confessed that she spent three days with Kebaso, who later gifted her furniture from his shop.

Gilo, who married fellow TikToker Captain Samir about six months ago in what was described as a rushed wedding, has since broken up with him.

Samir has taken to social media, publicly airing Gilos secrets, ultimately revealing her alleged affair with Kebaso.

Below are photos of Gilo.

Videos>>> of the Tiktok scandal.

MORARA KEBASO exposed for cheating on his wife.... pic.twitter.com/MaU1gxwn3Z  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) March 12, 2026
DRUGS worth 400,000 were seized by authorities in Co Kildare today (Friday).

As part of an intelligence-led operation, gardai and Revenue officers seized approximately 20kg of cannabis in Co. Kildare. The illicit drugs have an estimated value of 400,000.

The seizure was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), Kildare South Divisional Drugs Unit and Revenues Customs Service in Co Kildare.

One male, aged in his 40s, was arrested by An Garda Siochana and is currently detained in a Garda Station in Co. Kildare, under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.
A PORTLAOISE hospital nurse who had an extraordinary impact on patients, colleagues and the wider community was laid to rest on Sunday, one week after a tragic accident claimed his life.

Huge crowds gathered in his home village of Ballyfin to honour Joe Dunne, a gifted nurse in the emergency department at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) who was renowned for his kindness, dedication and joyful spirit.

Even after death Joe continued to help others, as his organs were donated to four patients on transplant waiting lists.

At the funeral mass on 8 March, chief celebrant Fr David Vard PP said: Joe gave four people life. He was a nurse until the very end and we thank him for that.

An advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) who came to Portlaoise from Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) in 2014, Joes sudden death has devastated his family, friends and colleagues, most of all his heartbroken wife Helen and their three young children Chloe, Joe and Conor.

Colleagues from MRHP and MRHT joined a guard of honour provided by Ballyfin GAA and Ballyfin Ladies GAA as his coffin was carried into St Fintans Church, where it was received by Mountrath and Ballyfin parish priest Fr Joe Brophy.

As he led the ceremony, Fr Vard told the congregation: Joes life was cut far too short  but it is clear that his life touched a large number of people. Nursing means standing beside people in their moments of fear and vulnerability. It requires compassion and a generous heart and it says a great deal about the type of person Joe was.

Having cancelled all matches at the weekend as a mark of respect, Ballyfin GAA captured the beloved nurses far-reaching impact in an online tribute that said: Joe was a radiant light in a world where lights can at times feel rare.

He brightened every and any room he entered with a joke, or a slag for divilment followed quickly by his cheeky laugh, often singing the particular line of divilment  all situations could be sorted out with some humour.

Highlighting his remarkable contribution to nursing, the club said: Joe was a carer at heart, with a gift for knowing when those around him needed a word or a call to lift their spirits. He found his true calling in his profession in nursing, his reputation spreading across the midlands as that male nurse from Ballyfin who, in Tullamore and Portlaoise hospitals, put everyone at ease and looked after them and their loved ones with the greatest of professional care and good humour.

A huge loss to his profession, his colleagues, Ballyfin community, Ballyfin GAA, his friends and ultimately his adoring family, he was loved by all, young and old.

Joes sudden death from a brain injury following an accidental fall, while on a weekend visit to Co Clare, caused overwhelming shock and grief for his family, friends and colleagues.

Prayers of the faithful at his funeral mass, read by his adored children and their cousins, included a thoughtful tribute to emergency services and staff at University Hospital Limerick, for the excellent care, compassion and dignity they showed Joe and his family following the tragedy.

Gifts carried to the altar included four family photographs with a Statue of Liberty, symbolising his love for his family and their many adventures together.

Other gifts reflected his astonishing array of talents, particularly as a carpenter, farmer and musician. A trusty hammer represented his skill as a craftsman and his guitar symbolised his love of music and entertaining, while a handful of soil from his beloved farm in Rossmore travelled with him to his final resting place in St Fintans Cemetery.

Joes work scrubs were also carried to the altar, reflecting his dedicated love of nursing and caring for others.

Most of all, he was dedicated to his family and loved to cook for family gatherings. The final gift brought to the altar was a bottle of olive oil, with a picture of the beautiful meal he cooked for his beloved wife Helen on St Valentines Day, just a few weeks ago.

In a moving eulogy, Joes sister Chris Byrne recalled an amazing little brother who lived for his family, who brought a smile and quick wit everywhere he went, who wore his heart on his sleeve with his deep love for Helen and was the best dad ever to the children he was so proud of.

On behalf of the family, Chris thanked everyone who helped them in any way, who shared stories of Joe that brought them joy and laughter during a very sad week and all those who left countless beautiful messages on RIP.ie.

She finished by reading one particularly resonant message from a former nursing colleague, which said: In a world where you can be anything, be a Joe Dunne.

The tribute was written by Emma Fogarty, a former colleague at MRHT emergency department, who also said: A light has gone out in the nursing community. Joe was an absolute pleasure to work alongside; he was the type of person every nurse should strive to be.

Thousands of tributes were paid to the much-loved nurse following the tragedy. Staff at the Portlaoise hospital's Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) described Joe as a wonderful colleague, generous with his time and knowledge, while providing exceptional care to patients.

They added: 'After he moved to ED, he still popped his head around the door to chat or play the occasional prank on us. We will remember him with great affection.

Among more than 200 tributes on the Laois Nationalist Facebook page last week, one mother wrote: My 2.5 year old was in with Joe only two weeks ago. He was fantastic. He sat on the floor, he stood on the bed, he let her investigate everything in the room. Whatever she did, wherever she went, he just followed her around and worked on her broken arm, whilst leaving her content and distracted. He even gave us his direct line so we could get in touch if she had any issues.

We spend a lot of time in hospital due to said two year old having a genetic issue, we interact with a lot of medical professionals regularly. Joe honestly made top of the list, he was just so good. My daughter is still talking about "the nice doctor" two weeks later, referring to ANP Joe. MRHP have lost a huge asset.

Another follower replied: That was Joe. An absolute gentle soul of a man dedicated to his job and family. You couldn't have met a nicer person. A massive loss and truly a sad day.

Joe trained as a nurse at TUS Athlone and worked at St Jamess Hospital and Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin before moving to MRHT.

In a tribute outlining Joes exceptional dedication, the IAANMP (Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners) professional body said his commitment to patient care was evident throughout his distinguished career.

The tribute said: 'His warm demeanour, clinical expertise and collegial spirit enriched the lives of patients, families and fellow practitioners alike. Joes professional contributions have left an enduring impact on the community he served and on the broader advanced practice nursing landscape in Ireland.

'He was known among colleagues for his integrity, humility and generous spirit. His calm presence and sound clinical judgement made a lasting impression on those privileged to work alongside him. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his parents Jack and Anne and mother-in-law Breda Quigley, Joe is sadly missed and dearly loved by his heartbroken wife Helen, children Chloe, Joe and Conor, brother Eamon (Sammy), sisters Anne (ORourke), Chris (Byrne) and Theresa (Ramsbottom), father-in-law Joe Quigley, sisters-in-law Nuala, Ann Marie, and Sarah, brothers-in-law Alan, John, Paul, Brendan and Joe, his adored nieces and nephews, aunt Sheila, cousins and his wide circle of friends and nursing colleagues.
A 34-YEAR-old man has been sentenced to five months in prison after he was caught driving while serving a disqualification, despite claiming he had only got behind the wheel in order to sign on at a garda station as a condition of his bail.

Costel Mihalcea, with an address of Graney West, Castledermot, Co Kildare, appeared before a sitting of Carlow District Court charged with two offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts.

The court heard that on 13 October 2025 at approximately 9am, Garda Butler was on patrol on Montgomery Street, Carlow town, when he observed Mr Mihalcea, whom he knew to be disqualified from driving, in the drivers seat of a BMW 3 Series.

Garda Butler then saw Mr Mihalcea executing a u-turn on Athy Road before driving away. Mr Mihalcea was subsequently arrested two days later on 15 October.

The court heard that Mr Mihalcea has 21 previous convictions, the most recent of which was at Trim District Court in March 2025, where he was convicted for driving without a licence while disqualified and received a further 12-month disqualification and was fined 150.

Defence solicitor Chris Hogan said the reason his client was driving while he was disqualified was due to his being on bail at the time for theft offences, with one of the bail conditions requiring him to sign on at Carlow Garda Station.

He is so fearful of going back to prison that he took the risk to get in the car and drive to Carlow Garda Station, Mr Hogan said.

The court heard that the defendant, who is a Romanian national, has been living in Ireland for the past 15 years and is married with two children. He is currently seeking employment, having previously worked as a warehouse operative.

Mr Hogan said that his client had previously engaged with the probation services and added that he would be prepared to work in the community. He asked the judge to consider imposing community service rather than a custodial sentence, urging the court not to go for the nuclear option of a prison sentence.

However, Judge Geraldine Carthy noted that the defendant had failed to appear in court on his first scheduled date and he did not appear a week later, resulting in a bench warrant being issued for his arrest.

Mr Hogan said that his client had got his court dates confused and had been in France visiting family at the time, adding that he had liaised with gardai upon his return to the country.

Having reflected on the matter during the lunch recess, Judge Carthy convicted Mr Mihalcea under section 38 of the Road Traffic Acts and sentenced him to five months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years, with the section 56 offence taken into consideration.

Mr Mihalcea was also ordered to enter into a bond of 500 with a cash lodgement of 200 and was prohibited from driving any mechanically-propelled vehicle.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Niamh ODonoghue

A carer defrauded the State of over 110,000 by claiming Deserted Wifes Benefit while cohabiting, a court has heard.

Deirdre Buttner (67) of Winterwood, Kilmactalway, Newcastle, Dublin pleaded guilty to three counts of deception at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on dates between 2014 and 2021. She has no previous convictions.

The court heard there were 29 counts of deception on the indictment and the case was to be dealt with on a full facts basis.

Garda Anna Masterson told the court Buttner was in receipt of Deserted Wifes Benefit since she separated from her husband in 1985. She is also caring for a person with additional needs and was claiming Carers Allowance.

In July 2019 an investigator from the Department of Social Protection, Tracey Talbot, called out to Buttners address in Newcastle, Co Dublin, but she previously lived at an address in Tallaght.

Buttner said she was living in a property owned by her landlord, but the spare room looked like it was being lived in. The landlords sister, who was living in the US and is now deceased, had pictures of Buttner and the man she was living with on her social media account, and it was established they were in a romantic relationship, the court was told.

Certain expenditures were being shared by Buttner and her partner, including holidays, and the court heard they had travelled abroad quite frequently. The court was told you cannot be in a cohabiting relationship while on Deserted Wifes Benefit.

Furthermore, Carers Allowance is means-tested, and a partners income would have to be assessed. Buttner had not declared to the department that she had been cohabiting.

A warrant for the Newcastle address was obtained, and Buttners partner was asked if anyone else was in the house, and he replied yes, my partner. She was arrested and said it was a landlord/tenant relationship.

The prosecuting garda agreed with Garret McCormack, defending, the total loss in both welfare payments was 112,000 and that half that amount was present in court. A payment plan for the further 56,000 was to be put in place for a repayment of 50 a week, but it would take 20 years to complete.

A document outlining the repayment plan and the proposed future payments was handed to the court on a previous hearing date last month.

Mr McCormack said Buttner was in a platonic relationship with the man she was living with and that he had paid the 56,000 that had been repaid. Any period of incarceration would have catastrophic effects, because of her role as a carer, counsel said.

Judge Orla Crowe noted that a 50 a week repayment plan would take 20 years to complete, according to McCormacks calculations.

This is a very serious matter  its the taking of funds from the public purse, said Judge Crowe.

Adjourning sentencing for a year, the judge said it was a very unusual case and remanded Buttner on continuing bail.
A motion calling for spot checks on vape shops to ensure they are complying with new national licensing laws is set to be tabled at the next plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

Independent councillor Maurice Shortall intends to bring forward the motion following the introduction of a new licensing system for retailers selling tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, including vapes.

The motion states that from 2nd February, 2026 a new national licensing system for retailers selling tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, including vapes, officially came into force across Ireland.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny man jailed for 18 months over multiple thefts

It adds that under public health legislation, all retailers must now hold a licence issued by the HSE Environmental Health Service for each premises where vapes or tobacco are sold and that retailers have also been warned that compliance checks will take place in the coming months.

According to the motion, these checks are expected to include underage test purchasing as part of enforcement activity, similar to existing tobacco control measures.

Cllr Shortalls motion will seek to call on the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to work with the Health Service Executive to carry out inspections of vape retailers.

READ NEXT: Defendant jailed for ten months for assaults in Kilkenny town

The motion (in its present form) states: Kilkenny County Council calls on the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to work in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to carry out spot checks on vape shops across Ireland.

It says the purpose of such inspections would be to ensure that all products being sold are compliant with Irish law.

The motion continues: The purpose of these inspections would be to ensure that all vaping products being sold are legal, properly imported into the country, and fully compliant with Irish regulations and licensing laws.

It also states that stronger enforcement would protect legitimate businesses operating within the law.

According to the motion, this is to ensure that legitimate traders who are trying to make a living are not undermined by businesses selling illegal or non-compliant products.

Under the new national licensing laws, annual licences will be required for the sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products for each premises from which either product is sold.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny court case over illegal fishing ends in conviction

Applications must be made to the National Environmental Health Service of the HSE which has been given the power to issue licences.

Regulations set the annual licence fee at 1,000 for the sale of tobacco products and 800 for the sale of nicotine inhaling products.

The law also provides that licences will not be issued for temporary or mobile premises, for example, pop-up shops at festivals, and that licences can be suspended or revoked.

The requirement for retail workers that sell these products to be over 18 years of age has also been introduced, with some exceptions for family members.

Another introduction additional authority for the National Environmental Health Service, the enforcement authority, to publish the names of those businesses that have been convicted of tobacco control offences.

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Records published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland show that a prosecution relating to Elite Events and Caterers, a catering service linked to an address in Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, was heard on February 20, 2026.

On June 21, 2025, a prohibition order was served by the Health Service Executives National Environmental Health Service on a food stall operated by Elite Events and Caterers during the Kerala House Carnival at Fairyhouse, Ratoath, County Meath.

The order was issued under Regulation 29 of the European Union (Official Controls in relation to Food Legislation) Regulations 2020.

The prohibition order related to a number of food items which were directed not to be used for human consumption or placed on the market.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny farm sparks bidding war as large agricultural holding sells at auction

According to the documentation, the order was made following concerns that large quantities of cooked and raw high-risk foods were being stored at temperatures that could pose a risk to health if consumed.

The report recorded that cooked rice stored outdoors in a large pot was found to be held at temperatures between 29C and 40C and that foods had been stored outside critical temperature limits for a prolonged period in excess of four hours.

The non-compliance was recorded as a breach of Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 relating to the hygiene of foodstuffs.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny-based daughter of Ryanair co-founder Christy Ryan to feature in new RTE documentary

The prosecution was listed as being taken by the Health Service Executive and was recorded in records published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Elite Events and Caterers was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

Speaking recently, Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, reaffirmed the legal requirement of all food businesses to ensure full and continuous compliance with food safety requirements.

READ NEXT: GALLERY: Do you recognise any of these Kilkenny faces of old?

"Food businesses are legally obliged to ensure that the food they provide is safe for consumers," he said.

"It is critical that all food businesses maintain rigorous food safety practices and ensure staff are properly trained. Consumer health cannot be compromised, and there is no excuse for negligence in food safety when running a food business."

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A fresh plea has been made to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) requesting that they undertake a review of two major road junctions in Kilkenny that continue to cause issues in the local community.

Councillor Pat Dunphy raised the issue at the most recent meeting of Piltown Municipal District, which was held at the Rhu Glenn Hotel near Slieverue in South Kilkenny last Wednesday.

Cllr Dunphy raised further concerns over the New Aglish and Rathkieran junctions on the N24 (which connects Mooncoin and Grannagh).

READ NEXT: Local shock as drug driver arrested in Kilkenny for committing 'several offences'

Speaking to Kilkenny Live after the meeting, Cllr Pat Dunphy stated that there are 'ongoing accidents' at both junctions.

He stated that the most recent accident occurred at the New Aglish junction and stated that it 'was lucky that somebody wasn't killed'.

Picture: The N24 junction at New Aglish, County Kilkenny (via Google Maps)

Speaking generally about driver behaviour along the route, Cllr Dunphy stated that it is common for motorists to pass on the inside of other motorists about to turn.

READ NEXT: Brave Kilkenny teenager remains positive despite setbacks

"It's also dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians," he added.

"I would urge all people driving along the route to be attentive and alert at all times."

Cllr Dunphy concluded by stating that 'it will be a number of years' before the N24 is overhauled and stressed the need for safety intervention works in the meantime.

The N24 and the nearby N25 have been the scene of a number of collisions in recent years.

READ NEXT: Fear of more 'carnage' on Kilkenny road amid 'critical' plea to Taoiseach

The N25 in particular has been a particular focus of community concern, with campaigners describing the route as dangerous and calling for safety improvements.

A public demonstration in South Kilkenny last year drew hundreds of people demanding action.

The speed limit on a section of the road between Luffany Roundabout and the Ballinclare junction was recently reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.

A static speed safety camera was also installed on the route near Glenmore as part of the gardais Safety Cameras Save Lives initiative aimed at reducing speeding and improving road safety.

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Transition Year students in two Kilkenny schools have demonstrated outstanding community spirit through innovative projects supporting local charities, in collaboration with Kilkenny Volunteer Centre.

At Loreto Secondary School, a Transition Year group took part in a creative wellbeing initiative as part of their wellness programme.

Two volunteers from Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, Margaret Paterson and Brenda Murtagh, visited the school to teach the students basic sewing and embroidery skills. Over the course of several weeks, the students designed and hand-embroidered beautiful toiletry bags.

Read next: 'Scandal' - Huge bill to clean up dumping at rural Kilkenny cemetery

The project culminated in a donation drive in support of Amber Domestic Abuse CLG. On Thursday, February 26, Aurellia Glynn from Amber Services addressed the students, speaking about the vital work of the refuge in supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

At Kilkenny College, Transition Year student Lilly Boland organised a product drive in aid of Kilkenny Helping the Homeless.

She worked closely with Ms Jen Phelan, who teaches the schools Volunteering in Action course, to co-ordinate the drive and addressed the school community over the intercom and at assemblies, with a call to action for food and essential item donations.

I was in awe of Lillys contributions and her dedication to supporting those in need, said Mary Pierce, Kilkenny Helping the Homeless.

TY Co-ordinator at Kilkenny College, Jeremy Clarke, praised Lillys efforts: We are massively proud of the social awareness shown by Lilly in planning this product drive.

Both initiatives highlight the powerful role young people play in strengthening their communities and reflect the positive impact of partnerships between schools, local charities and Kilkenny Volunteer Centre. They also demonstrate how structured support and encouragement can empower students to turn ideas into meaningful action.

READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY THIS ST PATRICK'S DAY

Paula Harte, Volunteering Development Officer with Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, said: The level of community awareness, creativity and compassion shown by the students has been truly inspiring. It goes to show that with encouragement and the right pathways, students are more than willing to step up and become active, engaged participants in their communities.

Anyone interested in volunteering, supporting local causes, or developing school-based community initiatives can contact Kilkenny Volunteer Centre for information and support: www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or phone 089-2584946.
Kilkenny County Council has received an allocation of 2.2 million under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support the retrofit of social homes.

The funding available under the programme is part of some 260 million in Exchequer funding across the Department's suite of supports for local authority home improvement programmes.

Along with the funding, the Minister announced that the average grant available per property across a local authoritys annual retrofit programme will increase from 34,000 to 38,000.

READ NEXT: One of Kilkenny City's most iconic properties has been SOLD

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD stated that the programme has 'made a huge impact nationally and in Kilkenny both in terms of the quality of our housing stock and in addressing the challenges of climate change'.

"Over 11,000 homes have been deep retrofitted since the scheme was first introduced and this increase in funding would see an additional 3,500 social homes retrofitted by the end of 2026," he said.

"We are in the middle of a housing crisis and, as Minister, I will do everything in my power to deliver the homes we need at scale, but we must also make sure that our existing housing stock is brought up to a very high standard.

READ NEXT: Revised plans submitted for North Quays project near Kilkenny-Waterford border

"These homes will be safer, cleaner, and healthier for those living in them and better for our environment.

"Furthermore, the funding will be allocated in such a way that we can make sure the money is spent, the work is carried out, and the results are delivered."

As demographics shift across the country, Kilkenny County Council has been changing its approach to housing delivery accordingly, prioritising one and two bedroom units while moving away from larger houses in the city.

The necessity of this is reflected in the makeup of the citys social housing waitlist, with 86% of the 596 approved applicants requiring one or two bed units.

READ NEXT: Student pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing the deaths of Kilkenny teen

Of the 55 social housing units delivered in Kilkenny City in 2025, around 78% of these were one or two bedrooms with the largest development at Marnellsmeadows on the Callan road containing 22 units in total.



As people have fewer children and start families later in life, the demand for smaller apartments has increased drastically and attitudes towards them are beginning to change while local authorities attempt to ease the effects of the housing crisis.

It was recently revealed that Kilkenny County Council ranked 16th out of 31 local authorities in terms of funding per capita received from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in 2025.

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On March 11 and 12, 2026, Professor Martin Keller visited Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)  the university within the Helmholtz Association. During his five stops, the Helmholtz President was enthusiastic about the diversity of topics at KIT, ranging from basic research to application.

From AI-Supported Production to Basic Research

I am impressed by the thematic breadth as well as the integrative approach that brings together different disciplines here, said Keller. You can sense that scientific curiosity, development, and social responsibility go hand in hand at KIT  this makes KIT a strong partner within the Helmholtz Association.

At the beginning of the visit, the focus was on the use of artificial intelligence in industrial processes at the Karlsruhe Research Factory for AIIntegrated Production. At Campus North, Keller gained insights into the large-scale research facility KATRIN, where researchers work on fundamental questions in particle physics. At the ZEISS Innovation Hub, the Helmholtz President exchanged ideas with KIT experts on transferring scientific knowledge to industry. At the Helmholtz Acceleration Alliance HELMA, the focus was on the environmental impact of large research infrastructures. Finally, at the Accelerator Technology Platform, Keller learned about the development of future accelerator and detector technologies.

Exchange, Networking, and Shared Perspectives

We are very pleased about the appreciation and open exchange. The visit underscores how important close cooperation within the Helmholtz Association is to drive scientific excellence and societal impact forward in equal measure, said KIT President Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, who met with Keller for an indepth exchange during the visit.

era, March 13, 2026
Roger Partridge writes:

The LNG terminal is not the Governments preferred energy policy. It is the consequence of its predecessors.

In October 2018, I wrote about the gulf between virtue signalling and virtue. The occasion was the release of MBIEs Regulatory Impact Statement on the Ardern Governments ban on offshore oil and gas exploration.

MBIEs advice was sobering. Rather than reducing emissions, the Ministry warned the ban would likely increase global greenhouse gas emissions, as production shifted to less efficient plants overseas. And far from making New Zealanders more prosperous, it would make them poorer. The mid-point estimate of losses to the Crown alone was $16.6 billion.

I warned then that the Government would be judged not by the virtues it signalled, but by those it delivered. The verdict is now in.

The exploration ban did not reduce emissions. It capped New Zealands offshore gas reserves at a stroke, scaring off for the foreseeable future the investment needed to discover and develop new fields and extend the existing ones.
Roger Partridge writes:

A principal who runs a school well does not get to tell parents what to cook for dinner. The authority is real  but it is specific. It does not travel home with the children. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand seems to have the same problem  mistaking authority in one domain for authority in everything adjacent.

Previously the Reserve Bank seemed to think it was in charge of climate change and the Maori economy. They were so far out of their lane, they would driving through a forest instead of the motorway.

The latest foray into an area where they have dubious authority does at least involve money, which is something they have a legitimate interest in.

The Bank released a consultation paper proposing to require banks to establish over 1,200 new full-service cash sites across the country. New Zealanders in urban areas would be no more than a three-kilometre walk from free cash services. Rural residents would face no more than a 15 to 30 kilometre drive. Banks would bear the cost  an estimated $104 million a year, at least in the first instance.

This to me is akin, to NZTA telling petrol companies they must have a petrol station within 30 kms of every house, and they must keep these maintained even if 90% of the vehicle fleet is now electric.

The substance of the proposal is only one issue though. Partridge notes:

The 84-page document does not identify any express statutory power authorising the Bank to mandate where banks provide retail cash services. It relies instead on three propositions: that one of our functions is ensuring the cash needs of the public are met; that providing cash services is part of a banks social licence to operate; and the Banks self-described role as steward of cash. None of these is a legal power. The Banks central banking function under section 116 of the Reserve Bank Act involves issuing currency, monitoring its distribution, and monitoring the impact of technology on the publics needs. Those are observational functions  not a power to compel private businesses to establish a national cash distribution network. Social licence is a rhetorical concept, not a regulatory authority. And stewardship of cash is a title the Bank gave itself. What the Bank appears to be doing is borrowing the coercive authority it holds as prudential regulator to keep the banking system sound  where it can impose binding requirements on banks under prudential legislation  and deploying it in a domain where no such power exists. Prudential regulation guards against systemic risks  the kind that can bring down the banking system. It does not cover the colour of the banks carpets, the hours they keep, where they operate shopfronts or where they place ATMs. Mandating minimum geographic cash coverage across the country is a service requirement, not a financial stability issue. And no financial stability regulator in any comparable country has used prudential powers for this purpose.

If Parliament wants the Reserve Bank to dictate where ATMs must be, then they should explicitly give that power.

The Reserve Bank itself recognised this just six years ago. In its October 2019 Future of Cash consultation, the Bank proposed that new regulation-making powers be added to the Reserve Bank Act. The Bank said these powers were only intended to be invoked if there is risk of a significant reduction in access to cash across the country. The envisaged model was that the Reserve Bank would design regulations and recommend them to the Minister of Finance, with parliamentary oversight. Parliament then had two opportunities to grant those powers  the Reserve Bank Act 2021 and the Deposit Takers Act 2023. It enacted the Banks other 2019 proposal (standards for banknote-processing machines), but not the cash access mandate. The current consultation skips over all of this. The Bank is asserting a power that Parliament was asked to legislate and chose not to grant. If the Bank believes it has the statutory power to compel banks to establish a national cash distribution network regardless, it should say so.

I agree. They should release legal advice that they have the power, if they wish to proceed.

To me it is like the BSA  government entities trying to expand their power by dictate rather than legislation.
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An LSUS student speaks with employers at a past Regional Career Fair. This years Regional Career Fair will be held Thursday at Centenarys Gold Dome. Students and alumni from local colleges are invited to visit with the nearly 100 employers from across the region who are looking for the next generation of talent. (LSUS Media Relations)
David Raleigh

A doctor who raped a nurse, as she was sleeping on a couch at a friends apartment, was jailed for eight years on Friday.

The victim, who is entitled to her legal right to anonymity, said she got justice after her rapist Dr Louay Kila was convicted by a jury last week following his trial.

Kila, (31), had denied rape and sexual assault of the woman, at an apartment in Limerick City, on March 2nd, 2024.

Kila raped the woman first, and when she told him to stop, he carried on sexually assaulting her.

At the time Kila was a senior registrar at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), and the victim was a nurse at the Limerick hospital in March 2024.

In a statement after Kilas conviction, the HSE said it should have immediately suspended Kila from duty but it did not.

Dr Kila should have been suspended from clinical practice when we became aware of the assault. Regrettably, this did not occur. This does not reflect current practice and policy, said HSE Mid West.

Protective measures were put in place for the victim based on her individual requirements following her identification of the assault. The welfare of our staff remains our priority, it added.

Kila, of Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, was voluntarily suspended from the list of medical practitioners in Ireland, in March 2025.

The court heard Kila encountered the victim at a bar on the night and they later separately went to an apartment afterwards as part of two different groups.

Sentencing Judge Sean Gillane said that Kila, a Moroccan native, had deliberately exploited the victims vulnerability as she had been intoxicated and asleep when he raped and assaulted her.

The judge said Kila made unfounded claims to gardai that he and the victim had engaged in consensual kissing and touching at the apartment.

Kila told gardai that the victim had concocted the rape and sex assault complaint against him because she was embarrassed and concerned that her then boyfriend would find out she had been kissing Kila.

The judge said the jury rightfully rejected Kilas unfounded claims.

He (Kila) maintained it knowing it to be false. His level of culpability is very high, he was a mature man, and a doctor where the victim worked, said the judge.

The victim was vulnerable through consumption of alcohol and sleep and she was deliberately exploited by (Kila). She could not have anticipated she was in any danger, said Judge Gillian.

The court heard that Kila told the victim that he did not like her boyfriend. Later on the night, a photograph of Kila kissing the victim on the side of her face while she was asleep on the night, was sent to the victims boyfriend via social media.

The victims boyfriend messaged back, Were done, which also caused the victim further anxiety and trauma as she had been completely oblivious to the taking and sending of the photograph.

It was a deliberate act of humiliation and is a highly aggravating factor in this case, said the judge.

When Kila, who was accompanied by a friend on the night, was leaving the apartment after raping and assaulting the woman, he grabbed her by her jaw and tried to forcefully kiss her.

The kiss added insult to injury and reflects very badly on the accused, said the judge.

Judge Gillane said that Kila acted in a deeply manipulative way when he sent the victim a text message, the day after he raped and assaulted her, asking if she was alright, that her well-being was important to him, and if she wanted to meet up for a chat.

Last week the victim courageously faced Kila in court after the jury convicted him of both offences and told him: I got justice.

Reading a victim impact statement in court, the woman addressed Kila: 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, she said.

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 felt physically sick walking back into the hospital, where Kila continued working for a time.

The victim 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.

In respect fo the rape, the judge imposed a headline sentence of nine and half years, reducing it to eight years. Kila received a concurrent four year sentence for the sexual assault, and was placed on a register for sex offenders.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, Jonathan McCambridge and Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

The case for forging a close partnership between Ireland and the UK has never been greater, Micheal Martin has told Keir Starmer.

The two leaders have undertaken a number of engagements in Cork on the first evening of the UK-Ireland summit.

Starmer spent the earlier part of the day in Belfast before travelling to Cork for the summit, which follows an inaugural gathering in Liverpool last year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Taoiseach Micheal Martin take part in a business roundtable (Brian Lawless/PA)

At last years summit, Martin and Starmer committed themselves to a programme of co-operation between the two countries, called UK-Ireland 2030.

Delivering an address at a cultural event, the Taoiseach said there was a renewed spirit of co-operation between Ireland and the UK.

He said: As we look to 2030, our task is clear  to deepen co-operation in the areas that matter most to our citizens, such as infrastructure delivery, especially housing; clean energy, climate action, research and innovation, the cost of living; readying our economies and our workers for the industries of the future, protecting our critical infrastructure, including under our seas.

In all of this, crucially, we are working together from a sense of shared values, whether that is in international co-operation, in Northern Ireland, or in shaping a fairer, more prosperous future for all across these islands.

As we gather, we are conscious also that this is a changing, more uncertain, and more unsettled world.

In that context, the case for an active, engaged and close partnership between our two countries has never been greater.

The prime minister told the event that we are in an age of dramatic uncertainty.

He said: The last just two weeks are a reminder of that uncertainty and I genuinely believe that co-operation in periods like this is more important now than its ever been to ensure that we can deliver the security and the growth for our people, and to tackle the thing that I know is in peoples minds, which is the cost of living.
DRUGS and a knuckle-duster were found by Laois gardai when they searched a van they dubbed a mobile pharmacy.

A wooden bat and deal bags of cocaine and cannabis were also uncovered in the vehicle, which was being driven by a learner who tested positive for drugs.

The van was stopped by gardai on patrol in Borris-in-Ossory after the driver did an illegal U-turn, cutting off another motorist.

According to gardai, the van was in such poor condition that it stood out before it even moved.

The driver tested positive for cocaine and cannabis and proved to be an unaccompanied learner permit holder with no insurance. The van, whose left wing mirror was hanging off, had no certificate of roadworthiness.

A search of the van uncovered a wooden bat, a knuckle-duster and deal bags of suspected cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of 850. The suspected drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

In a social media post today titled Illegal Mobile Pharmacy: Closed for Business, gardai confirmed that the driver was arrested and the vehicle was seized.

The van was pulled in by members of the Laois Roads Policing Unit (RPU), who were out on patrol in the Borris-in-Ossory area.

Posting a series of pictures from the scene on the An Garda Siochana Laois Offaly Facebook page, gardai said: Laois RPU had their attention drawn to a van in such a poor state of repair it stood out before it even moved.

Things didnt improve when this driver carried out an illegal U-turn, cutting off another road user in the process. Once stopped, the situation quickly went from bad to worse ...

The driver is expected to face court proceedings for a series of road traffic and drug offences.
A LAOIS Co Council-led project has won the National Mpact Award at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.

The project-in-question, Midlands Ireland, was recognised for its success in driving STEM in the Midlands. The project was a collaboration between the county councils of Longford, Offaly and Westmeath and was funded through the EU Just Transition Fund. Midlands Ireland won for its leadership in regional collaboration and for its commitment to advancing education and innovation in the midlands.

The National Impact Awards recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it.

This year, Laois Co Council was also one of the most shortlisted councils nationally, earning nominations across a diverse range of categories, including best enterprise and start-up hub for The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence; best community scale enhancement for The Poets Cottage Cafe, Camross; best housing regeneration and urban planning for Goldencroft Urban Regeneration Project, Portlaoise; best sustainable infrastructure and climate action for Portlaoise Low Carbon Town; and excellence in sustainable major infrastructure delivery for Portlaoise Low Carbon Town.

In addition, LCC was also shortlisted for the much-coveted council of the year title. Speaking after the awards, Michael Rainey, chief executive of Laois Co Council, said: "We are incredibly proud to have won the National Impact Award alongside our midlands partners. I am equally proud of the breadth of projects that were shortlisted this year. Each nomination reflects the innovation, commitment and teamwork of our elected members, staff, community groups and partners. To be recognised across so many categories, including council of the year, is a tremendous achievement for Laois.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
YOUNG Laois artists have joined students nationwide in having their works evaluated as judging for the 2026 Texaco Childrens Art Competition gets underway.

Preliminary adjudicator, Tara Butler-Frey, is tasked with evaluating entries, including one received from Laois this year, a work entitled Study by a pupil from St. Marys Christian Brothers School in Portlaoise. Tara is pictured above admiring the work.

Winners in six age categories, plus one category reserved exclusively for young artists with additional needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Now in its 72nd year, the Texaco Childrens Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.

The first Texaco Children's Art Competition invited children to illustrate the phrase 'Keep It Quiet', a slogan that was used to promote Havoline motor oil. Brochures were printed and circulated to every primary and secondary school throughout the country.

The competition attracted many entries. It was decided that for the second iteration onwards, interested participants could create art free of constraints such as theme, method or medium.

The closing date for entry into this years competition was Friday, 27th February 2026. Young artists across the island of Ireland were once more invited to participate in what has become a national celebration of children's art.
By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The Taoiseach expects to discuss global matters including the Middle East when he meets US President Donald Trump for St Patricks Day.

Micheal Martin will begin his trip to the US with engagements in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before travelling to Washington DC for the traditional celebrations for Irelands national holiday.

His itinerary includes a bilateral with Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday.

I expect there will also be an opportunity to discuss global matters Taoiseach Micheal Martin

Last years meeting saw the US president take questions from reporters for almost an hour.

The Government said the discussions will cover a range of issues, including the deep ties between the two countries.

Martin said: I look forward to meeting with President Trump to reflect with him on the close bonds between our nations, including our dynamic economic partnership, and to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

I expect there will also be an opportunity to discuss global matters, including how Ireland and the EU can work with the United States to reach peaceful resolutions in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The meeting will be followed by a reception in which the president will be gifted a bowl of shamrock, as part of annual tradition.

Also on March 17th, the Taoiseach and his wife Mary, will be hosted for breakfast by vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha, and for lunch on Capitol Hill by speaker Mike Johnson for the traditional Friends of Ireland gathering.

US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA)

The Taoiseachs programme commences on Saturday, where he will attend events at the Irish memorial, the Museum of the American Revolution, and open the new premises of the Irish Diaspora Centre in Philadelphia.

He will deliver a keynote address at Villanova University as part of the Centre for Irish Studies America250 lecture series.

On Saturday evening, he will attend the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St Patrick 255th annual St Patricks Gala.

On Sunday, he will attend the Philadelphia St Patricks Day Parade and lay a wreath at the statue of Commodore John Barry.

He will also address the annual dinner of The Ireland Funds on Monday evening.

Martin said: St Patricks Day is an opportunity to recognise Irelands global community and the enduring connections that link people of Irish heritage around the world.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his wife Mary with US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA)

The relationship between Ireland and the United States is one of our most enduring, rooted in history and exemplified by the roles so many Irish immigrants played in the pursuit of American independence some 250 years ago.

He added: The US and Ireland are close partners, with generations of economic, diplomatic, political, cultural and people-to-people links.

My visit is also an opportunity to highlight the substantial trade and investment relationship between our two nations.

Ireland is the fifth largest foreign investor in America, and Irish companies employ 200,000 people across every sector and every state of the United States.

I will be engaging with US and Irish businesses during my visit to learn about their work and future plans to further strengthen this relationship.

Northern Irelands deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she would be going to Washington to engage with the president, while First Minister Michelle ONeill and other Sinn Fein politicians are boycotting the White House.
A man who burgled a shop in Laois asked to be jailed in the drug free wing of the Midlands Prison.

Mark Walsh (45) of No Fixed Abode, Charles Stewart Hostel, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, admitted burgling Corrib Oil, Portlaoise on July 15, 2025.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said a probation report was prepared for the court. He said his client had been in custody for the past three weeks and he had struggled with alcohol and more recently crack cocaine but was now free of all substances.

He feels if he is actually released he may fall back into old ways, said Mr Meagher.

He has asked that the court might consider giving him a sentence, he told Judge Susan Fay.

Mr Meagher said his client had been staying at hostels in Dublin and was exposed to temptations.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the burglary at Corrib Oil in Portlaoise occurred at 2.30am. He said the defendant used a metal implement to smash the front window of the shop and gain entry. He stole four bottles of oil and a pack of ham valued at 48 and the incident was caught on CCTV, said Sgt Kirby.

He was arrested and detained and in fairness to him, made full admissions, said Sgt Kirby.

Detective Garda John McGuinness said the front window of the shop was completely smashed to gain entry. He said the incident would have discommoded the shop owners as the place was full of blood because the defendant was cut during the burglary.

Mr Meagher said the items that were stolen feed into the narrative of where he was at. He said crack cocaine is becoming a complete scourge in recent years.

Apparently there is a drug free wing in the Midlands, said Mr Meagher. He said it was the D Wing and his client wished to be sent there.

Judge Susan Fay noted the defendant was doing well in custody. This is a serious offence with serious consequences for the shop owners, she said before imposing a nine month sentence backdated to February 23.

Mr Meagher asked Judge Fay to consider suspending a portion of the sentence on condition he engage with addiction services on release.

Judge Fay agreed to suspend the last two months of the sentence for two years on condition he engages with services. She granted legal aid in the case.
A bridge nearing collapse in a Laois village has been brought to the attention of Laois County Council again, with local councillors pushing for repair works to be carried out urgently.

Councillor Seamus McDonald has reiterated the need for repair works to be carried out on Finn's Bridge in Rearyvalley, Rosenallis as the issue has been ongoing for 16 years.

The Fianna Fail councillor asked Laois County Council for an update on the bridge at the March meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick MD.

The same request was made by the councillor in 2025.

Last year, Laois County Council said that a Natura Impact Statement was being prepared by consultants and fish pass designs were issued to the Inland Fisheries Ireland.

READ NEXT: Good news for Laois padel fans as hotel gets green light for new courts

They also stated that Flynn's Bridge had been accepted onto the IFI's Barriers funding program for 2026. An application to An Coimisiun Pleanala for the works was being prepared at the time of the motion by Cllr McDonald in September.

This year, the council said that the Natura Impact Assessment report was being finalised and will be submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala in the second quarter of 2026.

They noted that the bridge works and the time of the works are dependent on this report being approved.

Cllr McDonald insisted that the work be carried out soon as it is near the point of collapse.

"It's going on 16 years and at the moment it's ready to collapse. Sooner the better it's done because one of these days it's going to be in the river", the councillor said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Portlaoise Colleges Business Department have begun their financial literacy journey with an exciting new project: Learning Everything You Need to Know About How to Finance and Rear Chickens.

The project got off to a great start as the energy and enthusiasm from students and staff has been remarkable from the outset.

It was all hands on deck as the initiative got underway. The new chicken coop arrived, and a fantastic team of both business and non-business students quickly got to work assembling it. Sincere thanks were extended to Ms K. Egan, Mr Palmer, Sanjay Stepanovs, Shane Mathews, Blayne Brown, Jack Keenan, and several others who generously gave their time and effort to lend a hand.

READ ALSO: Laois students impress at Irish language competition

This opportunity to develop practical financial and enterprise skills is open to all students from first year up to sixth year. The project is being integrated into both the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate, enabling students to develop key skills such as financial planning, entrepreneurship, teamwork and project management.

The students presented their project in Croke Park at the launch of Global Money Week, an event that showcases innovative, student-led financial literacy projects from schools across Ireland.

Portlaoise College Principal Noel Daly praised the initiative and the students involved.

Projects like this bring learning to life. They give our students the chance to develop real-world financial and enterprise skills while working collaboratively and creatively. Its a wonderful example of the initiative and enthusiasm we encourage at Portlaoise College, said Mr Daly.

This project is proudly supported by the CCPCs Our Money, Our Future campaign for Global Money Week 2026, together with Portlaoise College and the Business Department.
Recent home heating oil hikes has exposed the government's "failure" to protect families living in County Kildare.

That's the claim which was made by Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South, Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh, who said that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael "cannot continue to stand by" while families in Kildare and beyond are hit with increases in the cost of home heating oil.

Her comments follows new data published by the European Commission, which shows that Ireland has experienced the largest increase in home-heating oil prices anywhere in the EU, with a 27.3 per cent rise in a single week  eight times the EU average.

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IMMEDIATE ACTION

Deputy Ni Raghallaigh claimed that the figures underline the urgent need for "immediate action" to protect households.

Elaborating on her view, she said: "Families in Kildare South are already under enormous pressure from the cost-of-living crisis.

"Now they are being hit with a staggering surge in heating oil prices that is far beyond anything seen across the rest of Europe.

"In just one week, the price of home heating oil here jumped by more than 27pc, compared with an EU average increase of just over 3pc; for many households this means the cost of filling a tank has soared to nearly 1,800.

For the 700,000 households that rely on heating oil, particularly those in rural communities, these increases are simply unaffordable."

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Deputy Ni Raghallaigh also called on the government to intervene immediately, adding: "Sinn Fein has introduced legislation  the Mineral Oil Tax (Emergency Cost of Living Reduction) Bill  to cut excise duties on petrol and diesel and bring real relief to households and workers.

"Fianna Fail and Fine Gael also need to suspend planned carbon tax increases and cut VAT on home-heating oil in line with the lower 9pc rate applied to electricity and gas."

Furthermore, the Deputy expressed her wish for a full investigation into alleged price gouging in the fuel market: "If companies are exploiting an international crisis to boost profits while families struggle to heat their homes, that cannot be tolerated."

She concluded: "The public cannot afford for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and their Independent allies to continue acting like spectators while households are hammered; they must act now to bring prices down and protect families."

COUNTER STATEMENT

A number of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael representatives living in the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District were contacted by the Leinster Leader in relation to Deputy Ni Raghallaigh's comments.

Two local councillors responded  Fine Gael Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer and Fianna Fail Cllr Rob Power.

While Cllr O'Dwyer declined to comment, Cllr Power issued a lengthy response.

He told the Leader: "Nobody underestimates the pressure that rising heating oil costs are placing on families in Kildare right now.

"This is a real crisis for real households, and the Government is treating it as such; what is less helpful is opposition parties seeking to harvest political capital from that hardship while offering proposals that don't add up."

Cllr Power continued: "The call for a competition investigation would carry more weight if Sinn Fein hadn't arrived three months late.

"Minister O'Brien asked the CRU [the Commission of Regulation for Utilities] to review retail energy competition back in December, and that work is already well underway.

"Sinn Fein's call to action isn't leadership, it's a press release."

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On the topic of allegations of price gouging within Ireland, Cllr Power had this to say: "The government's position is clear: the market is adequately supplied, and opportunistic pricing is unacceptable.

"That message has been communicated directly to the industry."

Moreover, when it came to the subject of targeted supports, Cllr Power replied: "It is worth noting the contrast with past criticism.

"This government was previously challenged for not doing enough for those most in need, but Budget 2026 responded to exactly that.

"The Fuel Allowance was increased to 38 per week from January; from this week, over 43,000 households in receipt of the Working Family Payment are now also eligible for the Fuel Allowance, backdated to January.

"In addition, the 9pc VAT rate on gas and electricity has been extended; these are targeted, means-tested supports, not blanket measures."

'BE STRAIGHT WITH THE PUBLIC'

Taking aim specifically at Deputy Ni Raghallaigh, Cllr Power said that she "should be straight with the public".

He elaborated: "Budget 2026 allocated 558 million in carbon tax revenue for SEAI [Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland] residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme, increases to the Fuel Allowance, the Warmer Homes Scheme, and the National Home Retrofit Programme, which provides SEAI grants for insulation, heat pumps, and home heating upgrades.

"Independent ESRI [Economic and Social Research Institute] analysis consistently finds that the households on the lowest incomes are actually better off overall as a result of the social protection measures that carbon tax increases fund."

Following these comments, he took aim at the Deputy's party as a whole: "If Sinn Fein are proposing to suspend or cut carbon tax, they owe the public a straight answer: which of these programmes would they cut?

"Would they reduce the Warmer Homes Scheme? Scale back solar grants? Cut Fuel Allowance supports? You cannot simultaneously demand more protection for households in energy poverty and strip the funding mechanism that pays for it.

He asserted: "The government's approach is coherent: protect the most vulnerable now through targeted supports, and reduce long-term exposure to fossil fuel price shocks through retrofitting and renewables; Deputy Ni Raghallaigh's proposal would do the opposite."

"It gives short-term optics at the cost of long-term resilience, paid for by the households she claims to be defending," Cllr Power concluded.

Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh and Fianna Fail Cllr Rob Power. File photographs

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
A Transition Year student from Co. Kildare has been named STEM Innovator of the Year at the 2026 TrailblazHER Awards, held at TU Dublin Concert Hall.

The awards, organised by TU Dublin, celebrate outstanding TY students across Ireland who are already making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.

Hosted by Aisling Bonner of RTE 2FM, the event recognises students who demonstrate creativity, innovation, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.

Freya McGaley from Naas Community College, Co. Kildare, was recognised for combining academic excellence with practical innovation in STEM. Through the Girls in Analytics programme with Accenture, Freya gained hands-on experience in data science and developed strong problem-solving skills.

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For the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Freya created an app to assist visually impaired users with navigation, inspired by her mothers experience. The apps Record and Replay function enables users to safely retrace familiar routes, addressing real-world accessibility challenges and promoting independence.

Freyas work highlights the power of STEM to foster inclusion, independence, and meaningful social impact, demonstrating how young innovators can make a difference in their communities.

The TrailblazHER Awards celebrate Irelands future leaders, innovators and changemakers, recognising young people who are already making a difference in their communities.

The 2026 TY TrailblazHER Awards ceremony at TU Dublins Grangegorman campus brought together students, teachers and families to celebrate a generation already creating positive change.

These awards recognise not just achievement, but potential. The TY TrailblazHER Awards are about empowering young women to see themselves as the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow, said Patricia Harrington, teacher from Saint Patrick's Grammar School, Dublin.

These awards showcase the actions of our teenagers and how their actions today, impact their tomorrow. I wanted to showcase the incredible talent within our Transition Year, while allowing them to be role models also for younger years.
The campaign for Relay for Life Kildare 2026 was officially launched on Wednesday 11th March at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, bringing together cancer survivors, volunteers, community supporters and local representatives to mark the beginning of this years event.

Relay for Life Kildare 2026 will take place at The Curragh Racecourse, Newbridge, on Saturday 6th June  Sunday June 7th from 1pm to 1pm 2026, when communities from across the county will once again gather for this powerful 24-hour event in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Relay for Life sees communities come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those currently facing cancer. The event raises vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society while also raising awareness of the ground-breaking research and free support services available to cancer patients and their families.

READ NEXT: Home heating oil hikes 'exposes government failure to protect Kildare families'

In 2025 alone, the Irish Cancer Society provided significant support to people across Kildare. This included 2,145 free lifts to bring patients to and from cancer treatment, 341 free counselling sessions for people affected by cancer, and 233 nights of Night Nursing care, allowing patients to spend their final days at home surrounded by loved ones.

In addition, the Societys Support Line and Daffodil Centres provided comfort and guidance during 1,067 conversations with people affected by cancer.

The launch event was hosted by Irish radio and television presenter Brenda Donohue, who acted as MC for the evening.

Among those attending were Peter Whyte, Chair of Relay for Life Kildare, Cllr. Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council; Ciara Hughes, Relay for Life Campaign Manager; Deirdre OCallaghan, Vice Principal of Newbridge College; Karen Langton, Global Hero of Hope and cancer survivor Eamonn Nolan, Rotary Club Kildare, Relay for Kildare teams, cancer survivors and family members.

Relay for Life Kildare also celebrated a major milestone, having raised over 1 million for the Irish Cancer Society during its 13 years of events. The landmark was achieved following last years Relay at The Curragh Racecourse, where 16 charity teams raised an incredible 90,279 during the 24-hour event, bringing the total funds raised for the Irish Cancer Society beyond the seven-figure mark.

Speaking at the launch, Chair Peter Whyte praised the dedication of teams and volunteers from across the county.

The launch of Relay for Life Kildare 2026 marks the beginning of another incredible community effort to support those affected by cancer, said Peter Whyte.

We look forward to welcoming teams, survivors, families and supporters from across Kildare to The Curragh Racecourse this June.

Ciara Hughes, Relay For Life Campaign Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said: People in Kildare have always enthusiastically supported Relay For Life, and in doing so they generously support ground-breaking research and the vital services provided by the Irish Cancer Society, so we can ensure no one has to face cancer alone.

Were delighted that Relay for Life has returned to Kildare this year, giving people in the area the opportunity to come together, remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.

In 2025 more than 7,000 people attended the event, with over 1,000 gathering on the Saturday night for the moving Candle of Hope ceremony, where hundreds of personalised candle bags illuminated the night in tribute to loved ones affected by cancer.

During the 24-hour Relay event, teams take turns walking a designated route throughout the day and night, ensuring that someone from the team is always on the move reflecting the message that cancer never sleeps, so neither do Relay teams.

One of the most powerful moments of the event is the Survivors Lap, where those who have lived with or are living with cancer take a special lap of honour, symbolising courage, resilience and hope.

Another highlight is the Candle of Hope Ceremony, which takes place at dusk. Hundreds of personalised candle bags, decorated with names, messages and photographs, light up the night sky in a moving tribute to loved ones lost to cancer.

Relay for Life Kildare organisers are encouraging individuals, families, workplaces and community groups from across the county to get involved in the 2026 event.

The event is free to attend and open to everyone, whether people wish to participate for the full 24 hours, support a team, make a donation, partake in family fun activities from 1pm to 8pm or attend the Candle of Hope ceremony on the evening of 6 June 2026.

Relay for Life Kildare continues to play a vital role in supporting the work of the Irish Cancer Society while bringing the community together in solidarity with those affected by cancer.

To purchase a candle for the event by following this link: https://www.relayforlife.ie/event/kildare/shop
Labour councillor Angela Feeney has called for urgent cost of living supports for households, warning that families are struggling to cope with soaring energy and heating costs.

According to Cllr Feeney, across Kildare families are deeply worried about how they will manage the rising cost of heating their homes.

The spike in energy prices following the outbreak of war in Iran has pushed many households to breaking point, she said.

Cllr Feeney said that struggling families are dealing with rising rents, mortgage costs and grocery bills, while wages have not kept pace with the cost of living.

For many households the fear now is how they will keep their homes warm in the weeks ahead. The pressure is particularly severe for older people, families on fixed incomes and those already struggling to keep up with their bills, she stated.

READ NEXT: Home heating oil hikes 'exposes government failure to protect Kildare families'

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have the tools to intervene but they are failing to act with the urgency the situation demands. Extending the fuel allowance by four weeks would provide immediate relief to vulnerable households who are already cutting back on essential spending.

A double social welfare payment would help families cope with the sudden spike in costs that has emerged in recent weeks. These measures would make a real difference to households who are currently facing impossible choices between heating their homes and covering other basic expenses.

Cllr Feeney said immediate action is also needed to tackle price gouging in the home heating oil market. Intervention is needed, she said, to protect families from opportunistic price increases.

People in Kildare cannot wait while politicians debate the issue. They need real help and they need it now.

Councillor Feeney called on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to urgently extend the fuel allowance, introduce a double social welfare payment and cap the price of home heating oil to protect households from further cost of living pressures.
Kildare County Council has announced the successful launch of the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), which held its first official meeting on Thursday, March 12 2026.

The establishment of the Kildare LCSP marks an important step in strengthening local collaboration on community safety across the county.

The inaugural meeting brought together representatives from An Garda Siochana, Kildare County Council, Tusla and HSE, alongside representatives from local community, youth and education sectors.

Led by the National Office for Community Safety, the Partnership will act as a central forum to identify local safety priorities and oversee the development and implementation of a Community Safety Plan for Kildare.

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A key aspect of the meeting was the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Partnership. Councillor Angela Feeney was elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP. Mario Obijiaku was elected Vice Chair of the Kildare LCSP.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim OCallaghan, welcomed the establishment of the Kildare LCSP, stating: I am extremely pleased that the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership has been established, and its first meeting has taken place. This marks another significant step on the rollout of these partnerships nationwide and this governments new approach to community safety.

The next step for this partnership is to develop and implement its own, tailored community safety plan. The National Office of Community Safety based in my Department, will be on hand to support the partnership as it begins its important work. Bringing together local representatives, community groups and state agencies allows Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership to develop a plan that identifies community safety needs in their own area.

My Department has been successfully piloting this model for a number of years in three locations. I would encourage each new partnership to build on the excellent work done by these pilot partnerships who have each published their own community safety plan.

Id like to thank everyone involved in Kildare LCSP for being part of this significant new chapter in community safety. I look forward to following their progress.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, welcomed the commencement of the partnership: The creation of the Kildare Local Community Safety Partnership represents a significant commitment to collaborative and community focused decision making. By bringing together local voices, public services, and agencies, we ensure that safety is central to our work in Kildare. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will deliver.

The newly elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP, Councillor Angela Feeney, also expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead: It is an honour to be elected Chair of the Kildare LCSP. The partnership offers our community an opportunity to influence local safety priorities and shape solutions that reflect the experiences of people in Kildare. I am excited to work with all partners to ensure our Community Safety Plan is collaborative and community led.

The Kildare LCSP will now begin the process of identifying priority areas for the county.
The case for forging a close partnership between Ireland and the UK has never been greater, Irish premier Micheal Martin has told Sir Keir Starmer.

The two leaders have undertaken a number of engagements in Cork on the first evening of the UK-Ireland summit.

Sir Keir spent the earlier part of the day in Belfast before travelling to Cork for the summit, which follows an inaugural gathering in Liverpool last year.

At last years summit, Mr Martin and Sir Keir committed themselves to a programme of co-operation between the two countries, called UK-Ireland 2030.

Delivering an address at a cultural event, the Taoiseach said there was a renewed spirit of co-operation between Ireland and the UK.

He said: As we look to 2030, our task is clear  to deepen co-operation in the areas that matter most to our citizens, such as infrastructure delivery, especially housing; clean energy, climate action, research and innovation, the cost of living; readying our economies and our workers for the industries of the future, protecting our critical infrastructure, including under our seas.

In all of this, crucially, we are working together from a sense of shared values, whether that is in international co-operation, in Northern Ireland, or in shaping a fairer, more prosperous future for all across these islands.

As we gather, we are conscious also that this is a changing, more uncertain, and more unsettled world.

In that context, the case for an active, engaged and close partnership between our two countries has never been greater.

The Prime Minister told the event that we are in an age of dramatic uncertainty.

He said: The last just two weeks are a reminder of that uncertainty and I genuinely believe that co-operation in periods like this is more important now than its ever been to ensure that we can deliver the security and the growth for our people, and to tackle the thing that I know is in peoples minds, which is the cost of living.

Earlier, Sir Keir and Mr Martin met business leaders.

During the meeting in the city centre, with representatives of the energy and infrastructure sector, chants from demonstrators outside the building could be heard.

A few dozen protesters were seen in the city centre, some holding Iranian, Palestinian or Irish flags, to coincide with the summit of British and Irish ministers.

The next event saw the two leaders meet young people taking part in the UK-Ireland Youth Summit.

Earlier, the British Prime Minister and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn landed on the tarmac at Cork Airport on Thursday evening after meeting with Stormonts political leaders in Belfast earlier on Thursday.

They were greeted by Mr Martin, the British ambassador in Dublin Kara Owen, and the Irish ambassador in London Martin Fraser.

Several engagements are planned on Thursday and Friday as part of the UK-Ireland Summit, which was established to maintain and develop relations post-Brexit.

Five million euros worth of cultural collaborations for 12 projects, one of which involves a play starring Paul Mescal, were announced on Thursday to coincide with the summit.

Speaking in Belfast earlier on Thursday, Sir Keir said he had tried to reset relations between Britain and Ireland since becoming Prime Minister.

Of course, it doesnt mean that we agree on everything, but it means that we positively engage, constructively engage, to overcome any challenges, but also take advantage of huge opportunities, he told reporters.

I was determined to reset that relationship, I genuinely feel its in a better place, and most people who talk to me about this say it is in a better place.

Im pleased about that, but if you are in a better place, youve got to keep working at it.

Sir Keir said that while there were issues that the governments in London and Dublin did not agree on, there were not as many issues as many people try to make out.

He added: Our job is to manage through those issues and come to a proper resolution, rather than to escalate them.

Thats the basis on which Ive worked, thats why the UK-Ireland relationship is in a better place and Ill continue in that vein.

At the inaugural UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool last year, the leaders launched a programme of co-operation for the period up until 2030  covering trade, energy, maritime security, emergency planning and cultural connections.

At the Cork summit, Mr Martin and Sir Keir are to focus on greater co-operation across areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, skills and innovation.

The two leaders are to take part in events along the theme of Shared Prosperity, Shared Seas, Shared Ties, including a research-focused visit, a cultural reception and a discussion with young people.

Five million euros worth of funding was announced on Thursday for 12 joint Ireland-UK cultural projects between now and 2030.

One is a co-production between the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and the National Theatre in London, starring award-winning actor Mescal in the play A Whistle In The Dark.

Others involve an All-In scheme to make cultural spaces more accessible for people with disabilities; a joint project on the national archives of both jurisdictions; and a joint research project between the National Museum of Ireland, the National Museum of Scotland and National Museums Liverpool.
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A CONVOY of extra-large concrete pipes departed Condron Concretes manufacturing facility in Tullamore last Saturday, marking an important milestone in the delivery of critical infrastructure for the construction of the new Adare Bypass by Sisk Sorensen JV.

The convoy was transporting a series of specially manufactured concrete pipes measuring 2.4 metres in diameter and 2.5 metres in length, among the largest produced at the companys Offaly facility.

Due to their size and weight, the pipes were transported under controlled convoy conditions as they made their journey from Tullamore to the project site in County Limerick.

The pipes will form part of the underground drainage infrastructure for the Adare Bypass, a major road development designed to improve traffic flow around the historic village of Adare and enhance connectivity along one of the countrys key transport corridors.

Condron Concrete has been manufacturing concrete pipes and drainage solutions for major infrastructure projects across Ireland for more than five decades.

The scale of the delivery highlights both the engineering capability of the Tullamore facility and the vital role Irish manufacturing continues to play in supporting national infrastructure projects.

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John Condron, Managing Director of Condron Concrete, said: Producing pipes of this size requires significant engineering expertise and manufacturing precision. We are proud that products manufactured here in Tullamore will form part of the infrastructure supporting a major national road project like the Adare Bypass. It is a great example of Irish manufacturing supporting Irish infrastructure.

The Adare bypass project is part of ongoing investment in Irelands transport network and will provide improved safety, reduced congestion and more reliable journey times for road users in the region.

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MEMBERS of Irelands largest female business networking organisation hosted an International Womens Day event in Limerick.

The Strand Hotel was the venue on Saturday, as members of Network Ireland heard from speakers from the industries of fashion, global sport and enterprise.

Headlining the event was social innovator Sonya Lennon, who discussed what it takes to build resilient brands in competitive markets.

The event was supported by AIB, Limerick City and County Council and Enterprise Ireland.

PICTURES: Career paths explored by ambitious Limerick students at careers fair

Down Syndrome Limerick, who Network Ireland Limerick president Karen Ronan has chosen as charity partner for her year in office, was represented by Annie Conway.

Set up in 1983, Network Limerick supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, small business owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector.

Ms Ronan, who is also the new chief executive of Galway Chamber, said Saturdays event was about creating access to opportunity, confidence and leadership.

Hosting this event in Limerick, my home city and the place that shaped my own leadership journey, makes it deeply meaningful. Limerick is a city defined by resilience and ambition. Bringing together women who are scaling brands and leading on global stages reflects exactly where we are as a region.

READ MORE: 'Transformative' plans for health in Limerick may go well beyond HIQA recommendations

Mayor John Moran added: International Womens Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others.

Geraldine Casey, managing director of retail banking at AIB added: International Womens Day is a powerful reminder that progress happens when ambition is supported by access to finance, to networks and to opportunity.

Sarah Walker, senior executive, Enterprise Ireland added: Through our investments and initiatives, including the Going for Growth, NextWave, WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale Shared Island programmes, we aim to give women the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. When women succeed in business, the benefits are felt across communities and the wider economy.

Up next for Network Ireland Limerick is its launch of the annual business woman of the year.

This takes place in the Greenhills Hotel on Wednesday, March 18.
A DEEPLY manipulative doctor, who was working in University Hospital Limerick, has been jailed for eight years for raping and sexually assaulting a young nurse, who was also employed by the hospital.

Judge Sean Gillane, in passing sentence, said the accused man was not a callow youth or a person of limited ability or understanding.

Judge Gillane said he was a mature man, and a doctor in the very hospital where the nurse worked.

Louay Kila, aged 31, a Moroccan national with an address at Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick, last week.

He was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault after the jury returned unanimous verdicts.

READ NEXT: No means no: Doctor at University Hospital Limerick found guilty of raping nurse

Judge Gillane summarised the evidence this Friday which was outlined at a sentencing hearing last Friday by Garrett McCormack SC, with the assistance of Garda James ODonoghue.

Counsel said Kila, 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.

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.

The doctor was later arrested, charged and found guilty by a jury on Thursday, March 5.

Judge Gillane adjourned sentencing until this Friday to consider his sentence. The judge said he had listened carefully to the nurses victim impact statement, and spoke of the paralysing fear and anxiety she suffered, the effect on her career path and impact on family life.

She spoke of her resilience, a resilience, which was evident throughout these proceedings, and I can only hope that this is a resource she will draw upon after the proceedings are finalised, said Judge Gillane.

The judge said the level of culpability in this case is, in his view, very high.

The accused was not a callow youth or a person of limited ability or understanding - he was a mature man, and a doctor in the very hospital where she was working.

Her vulnerability on the night, through the consumption of alcohol falling asleep, and the depth of that sleep is something of which the accused was acutely aware and he deliberately exploited that vulnerability.

"He had been invited into this home because they knew him and his friend as work colleagues in the hospital and she could never have anticipated that she was in any danger in doing so, said Judge Gillane.

The judge said the text message Kila sent after the event in which he purported to express an interest in her wellbeing was deeply manipulative.

The judge said another serious aggravating factor was the photo taken of the accused kissing the victim, who was asleep on the couch, on the cheek.

It was sent from her Snapchat account to the man she was seeing, as a result of whatever animus had arisen between them (Kila and the man she was dating). She was completely oblivious to this. This photograph effectively came crashing in on her as she was attempting to deal with what occurred when the man she was dating messaged her, Its over.

This deliberate act of humiliation used as an instrument in someones else game was seriously aggravated and contributed significantly to the harm done, said Judge Gillane, who described the sexual assault, when Kila digitially penetrated the nurse, as an invasive act.

He persisted despite being asked to stop, said Judge Gillane.

Kila trying to kiss the victim by holding her jaw before he left the apartment added insult to injury, said the judge.

READ NEXT: HSE admit doctor accused of raping nurse should have been suspended' from Limerick hospital

Kila was represented by Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Liam Carroll BL, instructed by solicitor Daniel Kreith.

Judge Gillane took into account that Kila has no previous convictions and that his period in custody will be more difficult as he is a foreign national and does not have family support in Ireland.

Judge Gillane imposed an eight-year jail sentence on Kila for rape and four years imprisonment for sexual assault. They are to be served concurrently. Kila has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Last week, the nurse, when she was reading out her victim impact statement, 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.

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.
BALLYGUILTENANE National School in Glin, west Limerick, is celebrating its 150th birthday in style this June with the publication of a commemorative book and a weekend of events.

An appeal is being made to past pupils, teachers, and all who were a part of the schools story to get involved by submitting stories, memories, and photographs, and attending the festivities on June 13 and 14.

Built in 1876, Ballyguiltenane NS is among the oldest operating schools in Ireland and has played a vital role in the community for generations.

I, along with all of my siblings and my own children, went to Ballyguiltenane. My father and his parents went here. My mother was even the principal of Ballyguiltenane at one point. Theres so much history here for my family, and so many others, says past pupil, Maire Reidy.

READ MORE: Limerick students to take to the runway to raise funds for an outdoor classroom

Beyond its work in educating young people, this tight-knit country school is a hub for the community, even hosting Sunday Mass for a number of years, and is a place where lifelong friendships begin.

Former student Emma Licciardello says, Its only looking back that I realise how lucky I was growing up in a small school where everyone knew each other, and teachers really had time for each and every student. Some of my best friends to this day are those I met in Ballyguiltenane.

Over the decades, the school has gone through many changes. However, traces of its history remain, including the outline of the fireplaces once used to heat the school, which can still be seen in the classrooms.

Today the school consists of three large classrooms and a separate resource room. On the grounds, there is a large yard for playing that wraps around the school, a basketball court, and a shelter for indoor play.

I often laugh when telling people about my primary school experience - having to go around the back of the school to use the outhouse bathrooms, and this was in the 2000s. It was gas, I wouldnt change it for a second! says past student, Niamh Kilkenny.

Ballyguiltenane National Schools 150th birthday offers current and past students and teachers the opportunity to reflect on their time here and the wider significance of the school.

Its remarkable to be teaching in a school that has been around as long as Ballyguiltenane. Our goal is to create a lasting keepsake of the past 150 years in the book we are publishing and to gather everyone together for a weekend of reminiscing, says current principal, Catherine Dalton.

The book launch and events will take place on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14 and will have activities for all ages.

More details on this to be announced.

For further information or to share your memories, photographs, or stories, please contact: ballyguiltenanens150th @gmail.com or office@ballyguiltenanens.ie.
The Prime Minister is meeting the Irish premier in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Sir Keir Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Fota House ahead of a series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

The high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions which will focus on energy links between Britain and Ireland.

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 740 million of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

The UK and Irish Governments are also expected to discuss joint exercises to test the resilience of subsea fibre optic cables which run between the UK and Ireland, and a crackdown on shadow fleets and other threats in the Irish and Celtic seas, through a refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding.

On Thursday, Sir Keir said more than 900 million of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud-computing, and financial services.

As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised.

The Government of Ireland is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and Prime Minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the regions political parties on Thursday.
Within a short span after its launch in India, the Honda Elevate has become a popular offering in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This mid-size SUV's popularity stems from its combination of brand reliability, competitive pricing, and practical design philosophy. These elements altogether make the Honda Elevate a strong contender in the Indian SUV market that has been witnessing rapid growth over the last few years.

Priced between 11.60 lakh and 16.57 lakh (ex-showroom), the Honda Elevate comes offering a muscular and robust design, a spacious 458-litre boot, 220 mm ground clearance, a wide range of premium and advanced technology-aided features like ADAS, and a reliable 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine.

If you have been owning the Honda Elevate and looking to accessorise it with genuine Honda accessories, here is a quick and comprehensive list for you.

Honda Elevate: Genuine accessories you can buy

Honda Elevate: Genuine accessories to buy Exterior Interior Safety Front under spoiler Bucket mat Emergency hammer Side under spoiler Floor mat 360-degree surround vision camera Rear lower garnish Rhythmic ambient light Front fog light Front grille chrome garnish Ventilated seat top cover with massager TPMS Fog lamp chrome garnish Cushion head rest Drive-view recorder Tail lamp chrome garnish Steering wheel cover Tail gate chrome garnish Seat cover Front fender chrome garnish Step illumination Door mirror chrome garnish Foot light Door visor with chrome Cargo tray Quarter pillar chrome garnish Anti-fog film Bumper corner protector (Front & rear) Car care kit Door edge garnish Key chain Tail gate entry guard Side protector Door handle protector Mudguard Body cover
As its underlying tech is completed, FedEx expects to roll out AI and AI agents that connect macro and microeconomic trends to better plan its network. In marketing and campaign management, FedEx will create a hierarchy in which theres a manager agent, an audit agent and a worker agent. The goal of the hierarchy is to ensure that the agents have a trail of accountability for their actions.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Partners Group Holding AG have canceled upcoming gatherings in the UAE as the Iran war prompts a rethink of events in the region.

Partners Group has moved its annual global gathering of investors to Switzerland from Abu Dhabi, people familiar with the matter said, declining to be identified discussing the matter. The client AGM will be held on April 13 and 14 near Zurich, they said.

JPMorgan is re-scheduling its MENA Global Opportunities Conference, an invitation-only event for institutional investors, corporate executives, and financial sponsors, other people said. The event was due to be held in Dubai on March 30 and 31.

A representative for Partners Group confirmed the changed location for its event. A spokesperson for JPMorgan declined to comment.

In recent years, the UAE has emerged as a magnet for hedge funds, private capital and global banks, with several setting up local offices and announcing plans to boost headcount in the region. Attacks on the UAE, part of an unprecedented Iranian response to US and Israeli strikes, have damaged the Gulf hubs pitch as a regional safe haven.

Some Wall Street firms have responded to recent events by temporarily allowing staff in the United Arab Emirates to work remotely, or from other locations. Still, most firms have emphasized they expect the region to recover its allure once the region stabilizes.

The changes come after Token2049, one of cryptos largest conferences globally, said it will no longer hold its Dubai event as planned next month. The two-day event will now be postponed to April 2027.

Partners Group plans to relocate members of its investment team to Abu Dhabi as soon as the current situation has de-escalated, Suhail Albaz, the firms chairman for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, said in emailed comments.

Partners Group was one of the early private capital firms to establish a footprint in the Middle East, opening its Dubai office in 2010. The firm set up its Abu Dhabi regional headquarters in 2025 and CEO David Layton told Bloomberg Television on Tuesday that the firm still plans to open an office in Kuwait.

The Zug, Switzerland-based firm is working on plans to hold its 2027 client AGM in Abu Dhabi, the people said.

With assistance from Noele Illien.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance is looking to fuel its ambition of becoming a global artificial intelligence (AI) leader, by building up computing power with $2.5 billion worth of high-end Nvidia chips outside China.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, ByteDance is working with South Asian firm Aolani Cloud, drawing up plans to use around 500 Nvidia Blackwell computing systems comprising 36,000 B200 chips at a unit in Malaysia.

Citing people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported that Aolani is buying the servers from server solutions firm Aivres, which assembles servers using Nvidia hardware.

If all arrangements are competed according to plan, the hardware involved would cost more than $2.5 billion, the publication said.

What will this computing power be used for? Reportedly, ByteDance will leverage the computing power to pursue AI research and development outside China, as well as meet the rising demand for AI from its global customers, who account for a quarter of its revenue.

ByteDance already has a strong footprint in the AI space, and operates five of the world's top 50 most popular AI apps by monthly users, as per a report by Andreesen Horowitz.

Further, the TikTok parent also has sizeable teams of AI engineers and researchers across the world, in hubs like San Jose, Seattle, and Singapore, who collaborate with their Chinese colleagues for foundational AI research.

WSJ also said that the Singapore and US teams contribute to developing AI models and products designed for markets outside China, and the plans for the Malaysia unit could well follow that blueprint.

A way around export controls The development comes as US-China tensions persist, with US export controls remaining in place that prevent Nvidia from selling its top-of-the-line AI chips, such as the Blackwell series, directly to China, something that Chinese executives say stifle their ability to develop advanced AI.

Given current restrictions, Chinese companies have also started spending more to access computing power beyond their own borders, especially in geographies where the applicability to US export control rules is less clear.

This, in turn, has led to the growth of middle men who arrange for data centres to be built using Nvidia technology and then lease them to Chinese tech firms, reported WSJ.

Aolani, the firm working ByteDance on the new project, is one of these firms  in a June 2025 description of its work, the company said said that Asian hyperscalers preferred to do business with partners such as itself to ensure compliance in the current geopolitical environment.

Also Read | Why investors wont know what to make of AI for a while

We adhere fully to all applicable export control regulations, a company spokesperson was quoted as saying by WSJ.

Founded in late 2023, Aolani's parent company is registered in the Cayman Islands, WSJ reported, adding that one of its investors include Singapore-based venture capital firm K3 Ventures.

People familiar with the arrangement with ByteDance also told WSJ that Aolani had begun leasing AI servers in Malaysia equipped with Nvidia's H100 chips to the TikTok parent from February 2025.
Shantanu Narayen, the longtime CEO of Adobe, announced on Thursday that he will step down once a successor is chosen. Narayen has led Adobe for 18 years, playing a key role in turning its flagship products, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe InDesign, into widely used tools for creative professionals around the world.

At 62, Narayen will continue serving as CEO until a replacement is appointed. After stepping down from the role, he will remain involved with the company as its board chairman.

Not a goodbye: Here's what Narayen said "This is not a goodbye by any means, but a time for reflection. What attracted me to Adobe 28 years ago was our leadership in creating new market categories, world-class products, a relentless desire to innovate in every functional area of the company and the people I met during the interview process," Narayen said.

Speaking on AI, Narayen said, The next era of creativity is being written right now  shaped by AI, by new workflows and by entirely new forms of expression. Adobe has never waited for the future to arrive. Weve anticipated it. Weve built it. And weve led it. What gives me the greatest confidence isnt just our technology  its our people. Your ingenuity, resilience and commitment to customers are what will define this moment.

He added, "I love Adobe, and the privilege of leading it has been the greatest honour of my career. I will ensure that I set up Adobe for its next decade of greatness with the right leader and executive team, in partnership with the Board, while continuing to deliver on our FY26 Must Wins."

The news caused Adobes shares to fall more than 7% in extended trading as investors renewed concerns about the companys strategy amid rapid, AI-driven changes in the industry, reported Reuters.

However, the news of his stepping down places the company in a sensitive situation, as it comes at a time when Adobe is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence, forming partnerships and considering acquisitions to strengthen its leadership in the industry, Reuters reported.

In a separate update, Adobe also released its quarterly financial results, reporting double-digit growth in overall revenue and in its customer subscription segments, indicating continued strong demand for its range of products.

Changing software landscape Adobe is facing challenges in an evolving software environment where artificial intelligence is making design tools easier to access. As a result, the companys long-standing dominance in the industry is increasingly being challenged by new competitors that are rapidly adopting the technology.

Investors will likely focus on whether incoming leadership maintains a balance between disciplined execution and aggressive AI investment, especially as competition in creative and enterprise AI intensifies, said Emarketer analyst Grace Harmon, reported Reuters.

Concerns have also grown with the emergence of automated AI tools and agents, which many believe could disrupt traditional software subscription models and introduce faster and more affordable ways to create products.

While Adobe has bet heavily on artificial intelligence to bolster its product suite, investor scepticism about monetization timing and payoff may have factored into a drop in its share prices, Harmon said.

Shares of Adobe have dropped about 22% so far this year, after already falling more than 21% in 2025, highlighting growing investor concerns about the companys AI strategy and future growth prospects, Reuters reported.

Also Read | Adobe adds AI assistant to Photoshop, upgrades Firefly with new gener

Adobe forecasts revenue for the quarter ending in May will range between $6.43 billion and $6.48 billion. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg put the average estimate at $6.43 billion. The company also expects adjusted profit of $5.80 to $5.85 per share, higher than the analysts average projection of $5.70 per share.

In the fiscal first quarter, which ended on 27 February, Adobe reported revenue of $6.4 billion, marking a 12% increase from a year earlier and exceeding analysts average estimate of $6.28 billion. Adjusted earnings for the period came in at $6.06 per share, beating the expected $5.88 per share, as reported by Bloomberg.

Within its subscription business, creative and marketing professionals contributed $4.39 billion in revenue, while business professionals and consumers generated $1.78 billion.
Sadanand Date assumed charge as Executive Director at Sebi on March 4 to head the investigations department, the markets regulator said on Friday.

Who is Sadanand Date? Date is a 2007-batch IPS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre.

Prior to joining Sebi, he was on central deputation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he served in several key roles, including Superintendent of Police in the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and Bank Securities and Fraud Cell (BSFC), the regulator said in a statement.

Also Read | Om Power Transmission gets SEBI nod for raising funds through IPO launch

He also headed multiple branches in Mumbai, including the Economic Offences Branch, Special Crime Branch, Special Task Branch and Anti-Corruption Branch.

During his tenure with Uttarakhand Police, Date held several leadership positions and served as Superintendent of Police or Senior Superintendent of Police in various districts, such as Uttarkashi, Nainital, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Dehradun.

Also Read | Om Power Transmission gets SEBI nod for raising funds through IPO launch

He also briefly served as Inspector General (Headquarters) and Director (Traffic) before moving to Sebi.

Date is a medical graduate and holds an MBBS degree from Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. He also holds a Master's degree in Police Management from Osmania University, along with MA (Economics), LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Mumbai.

Also Read | Sebi eases certification requirement for some staff with Research Services
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen announced on Thursday that he will step down from his role after nearly two decades of leading the design software maker. According to Adobe, Narayen will leave his role once a successor is appointed.

Narayens departure marks the end of an incredible journey, which began in 1998 when he joined Adobe as vice president and general manager of its engineering technology group.

Who is Shantanu Narayen? Narayen was born in Hyderabad, Telangana, as the second son of his parents on May 27, 1963. He attended the Hyderabad Public School and earned his bachelor's degree in electronics and communication engineering from Osmania University.

Narayen also did his master's degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University.

Narayen, who also holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, began his career in 1986 in Silicon Valley at a startup called Measurex Automation Systems.

He also worked with Apple in senior management positions from 1989 to 1995.

Narayen's career at Adobe Narayen joined Adobe in 1998 as senior vice president and rose through the ranks, holding positions including that of executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In 2007, when the then-CEO Bruce Chizen stepped down, Narayen was tasked to replace him.

The 62-year-old has held the position ever since, and under his leadership, Adobe went on to become the design software giant it is today.

During his term as CEO, Adobe's revenue grew from $3 billion to over $21 billion by the end of 2024. It was under his leadership that Adobe transitioned into a subscription model, which, while increasing the companys revenue, faced heavy criticism from users.

Shantanu Narayens net worth Narayen has an estimated net worth of approximately 4,670 crore ($560 million), according to the 2025 Hurun Rich List.

Also Read | Adobes CEO Shantanu Narayen sizes up the state of tech now

In the 2025 fiscal year, his total compensation was approximately $51 million, including base salary, bonuses, and stock awards. Narayen is estimated to hold $118 million in Adobe shares.

Narayen also serves as the Lead Independent Director for Pfizer, with an estimated compensation package of $445,000 per year. According to Fintool, the package includes an annual cash retainer, annual equity, Lead Independent Director fee, and Committee fees.

Adobe's challenges Narayens exit comes at a time when Adobe is grappling with a changing software landscape, where artificial intelligence is lowering the barrier to entry for design and its dominant position in the industry is being threatened by newcomers embracing the technology.

Adobe is doubling down on AI, striking partnerships and exploring acquisitions to extend its industry lead.

Separately, Adobe reported quarterly financial results, with double-digit growth in total revenue and its customer subscription segments, reflecting resilient spending on its product suite.
The firm has already begun deploying capital from the new fund, writing cheques in the range of $1525 million, and is actively scouting deals in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and consumer sectors, the people added.
(Bloomberg) -- Honolulu-based Christine Kim was early on the KPop Demon Hunters travel trend. In fairness, her trip to Seoul with her husband and kids was already on the books before the Netflix film came out in June 2025. The plan, initially at least, was to visit grandparents. But then Rumi, Zoey and Mira, the movies protagonists, became her 5-year-old daughters idols, and the itinerary got rewritten in real time. When they visited a jimjilbang, or Korean spa, and the Namsan Tower, the setting for the rival Saja Boyss final show in the movie, the Kims family trip turned into the ultimate bragging rights.

My daughter seemed to be totally shocked that the places from the movie were real, Kim says via text. She was so excited, she was speechless.

It wasnt just her daughter who bought into the cultural moment. I bought my son a black hanbok and gat [traditional clothing and hat] so he could be a Saja Boy for Halloween, Kim recalls. And when we went to the Nike Store at Myeongdong, my daughter made a T-shirt with a magpie bird on it because of the KPop Demon Hunters character.

As of late 2025, KPop Demon Hunters remained Netflixs most-watched original film of all time with more than 500 million views. In case you dont have small children or somehow managed to escape the phenomenon, the animated action-musical produced by Sony Pictures Animation follows Huntrix, a K-pop girl group whose chart-topping hits help them take down demons that threaten humanity.

If it was the critical and commercial hit that nobody saw coming, as Korean-Canadian animator Maggie Kang recently told Bloomberg News Mishal Husain in a lengthy interview, its also now becoming the travel catalyst that nobody saw coming. According to data from Trip.com, in the three months after the movies release, global flight bookings to South Korea climbed 25% over the same period the year before, in what could be the latest film-driven travel obsession. (The stats dont tease out the motivations for travel.)

After all, Korea was already booming as a destination among international tourists. But there are reasons to believe that KPDH has at least something to do with the spike. The broader hallyu phenomenon, also referred to as the Korean Wave, has clearly driven the rising global popularity of Korean culture and its connections to tourism.

Boy-band BTS has been a hallyu headliner since 2018, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to Seoul for its concerts. Best picture winner Parasite and streaming thriller Squid Game played a role after their debuts in 2019 and 2021; girl-band Blackpink has had similar international success. The popularity of Korean skin-care and beauty videos, consumed mostly on TikTok by Generation Z, has also inspired plenty of long-haul vacations. KPDHs influence adds to all of that.

In July 2025, the month following the debut of the hit song Golden on Spotify, according to Seouls city government, 1.36 million international travelers visited the capital city, 23.1% more than the year before. That immediate growth was attributed to tourists from China, Japan, Taiwan and the US, with the government saying their trips were fueled by the KPop Demon Hunters craze, a possible reflection of how the movie broke out regionally before becoming a broader, international phenomenon in the US and beyond.

This upward trend continued in the following months, helping South Korea achieve a record-breaking 18.9 million foreign tourists in 2025, according to data from the countrys tourism board.

That tourism spike may well outlast the movies initial burst of popularity, given that awards season is keeping it fresh in audiences minds. On Jan. 11, KPDH took home Golden Globes in the categories of best animated motion picture and best original song in a motion picture; it also won best song written for visual media at the 2026 Grammys and swept the animation-centric Annie Awards with 10 out of 10 possible wins. Now its heavily favored to take two Oscars on March 15. On March 12, Netflix confirmed a sequel is in the works.

Considering that long-haul trips take time to plan and tourism trends and statistics are often revealed on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, the ripples of KPDHs influence in the travel sphere are just beginning to take shape.

Neil Hassall, who runs the Facebook group South Korea Travel Tips and Planning says KPop Demon Hunters fans have boosted the popularity of his group in a way he hasnt seen since at least Squid Game. In June 2025 he had 65,000 members, he says; by January 2026, that number had almost doubled to 120,000.

In Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village  the neighborhood of traditional homes where characters Rumi and Jinu meet up for the first time  has emerged as a must-visit destination for more than just architecture and history buffs. The movies fans have helped make it the setting for one of the top trending Seoul tours on Trip.com. Searches for the National Museum of Korea on Trip.com have also increased 34% year-over-year since the films release, as fans flock to the museums gift shop to buy movie merchandise.

Creatrip, a Korean travel platform that helps international visitors book restaurants, K-beauty services and hanbok rentals, has also benefited from the popularity of KPop Demon Hunters. Bookings for jimjilbangs and seshin services, two types of bathhouse scrubs seen in the movie, were up 115% in the summer months after the movies release, compared with the spring months immediately prior. (Its worth noting that spring and fall are usually a more popular time for travelers to visit Korea than summer.) During the same months of the year prior, theyd grown by just 17%.

Medical clinics focusing on acupuncture, cupping and a type of herbal medicine called hanyak  which Rumi tries to use to heal her voice  were up 409% in 2025 compared to the year prior, also according to Creatrip.

Data from the Berlin-based excursions booking site Get Your Guide shows similar growth. Takao Nishina, the company's regional manager for Japan and South Korea, says tour bookings for locations featured in the film  including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Sky Lotte World Tower, N Seoul Tower and Bukchon Hanok Village  have grown by more than 350% in 2025 compared to the year prior.

Pop-up cafes, character meet-and-greets in the Brooklyn-esque neighborhood of Seongsu-dong and other directly tied experiences are springing up to meet the moment. Kuala Lumpur-based physician Irina Ishak took her family to one such KPDH pop-up in Seongsu-dong in December, and considers it a highlight of their trip.

The kids know all the characters and the moments in the movie, Ishak says via text. The pop-up was three floors with character cutouts and scenes to take a picture at each corner. There were a few interactive corners like finding a glow-in-a-dark Derpy cat print using a torch. The kids absolutely loved it. View this post on Instagram

Creatrip chief executive officer Haemin Yim believes the KPop Demon Hunters fervor is unlike anything Korea has seen in previous hallyu-driven tourism waves. In the past if people were coming for K-pop, she says, their goal was to see concerts, visit K-pop group agencies and go to cafes for fandom-driven pilgrimage. The appeal this film has had with English speakers  travelers from the US, UK, Canada and Australia  has given this wave much broader global traction and deeper engagement with aspects of Korean culture that stretch well beyond singing and dancing.

Every major cultural element in the film  hanbok, jimjilbang, gimbap, samgyetang, K-pop dance, traditional medicine  is something a tourist can directly book and experience in Korea. The film essentially functions as a 90-minute showcase of Korean daily life, except its wrapped in a story that 500 million people watched, she says.

Set-jetting, the trend in which people plan trips to places theyve seen on screen, has been dominant elsewhere, to the point of causing overcrowding in some places. Hallstatt, Austria, has become an overtourism poster child ever since families realized it was the real-life inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen. And Disneys Encanto has driven more moderate tourism traffic to Colombias coffee region, a place that was far off the radar for many international travelers beforehand. View this post on Instagram

In Seoul, KPop Demon Hunters fandom has not yet stoked concerns of overtourism, and it may never do so. Whereas most film- and television-inspired travelers focus their attention on a small number of highly recognizable locations, KPDH fans have myriad ways to step into Rumi, Mira and Zoeys demon-slashing shoes. The way in which the film is spreading fans out to a variety of sites and experiences may in fact make it a poster child for what sustainable set-jetting could look like.

Kim, the Honolulu-based mom of two, says the movie is also trailblazing in other ways. The artwork is beautiful, the music is great and it filled a void, she says. There arent a lot of movies with girl super heroes.

(Updates with Get Your Guide tour growth in 16th paragraph, and awards wins in 10th.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
To thrive abroad, Chinese companies are discovering that they must rethink how they do business. Most used to keep as much of their operations as possible in China. That helps explains why the countrys stock of outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at just 17% of its GDP in 2024, much of it in infrastructure and resources projects in developing countries, compared with 38% for America and 57% for Japan, according to the Institute of International Finance, a think-tank based in Washington. Chinas stock of overseas FDI accounts for just 4% of the global total, about half that of the Netherlands.
The U.S. and Israel havent yet shown any interest in reaching a deal, Arab diplomats said. While the U.S. has listened to the various outreaches, Trump said he wants Irans unconditional surrender or the collapse of its fighting ability, which he has said could be close as American attacks destroy its military. Israel has said it is still looking for Iran to capitulate, the diplomats said. Iran has said it has no interest in negotiating with Israel.
Hardest hit

The impact will be the most on companies that export directly to the Gulf and West Asia markets to sell devices there, said Harshit Kapadia, vice-president at brokerage firm, Elara Capital. Most mobile shipments travel by air or pass through the Suez Canal. While this will keep most of the overall industry safe as they export to other regions, there could be some impact for those particularly exporting mobile phones for sales to the area.
For ease of doing business, the government has given relaxations to the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), dealers, and importers so that their product line continues while the security certification testing is being done. Now, we expect them to mandatorily comply with security standards in phases at least, the official quoted above said, adding that many companies have complied with most of the testing requirements.
When the U.S. and Israel first attacked Iran, some traders initially expected days of disorder. Now they are expecting the turmoil to last weeks or even months. On Thursday, Brent crude shot back above $100 a barrel amid growing concerns about a protracted period of disruption to the oil markets. Futures settled at $100.46, up more than 9% for the day.
Most traded stocks today: The Indian stock market continued to witness a strong selloff across sectors on Friday, 13 March, as market sentiment remains weak due to the ongoing US-Iran war, rising crude oil prices, and massive foreign capital outflow.

The Sensex and the Nifty 50 have fallen by almost 55 points each for the week, bringing investors' wealth down by almost 16 lakh crore.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea, IFCI, NTPC Green Energy, Tata Silver Exchange Traded Fund, HFCL, YES Bank, Suzlon Energy, Tata Gold Exchange Traded Fund, SEPC, Adani Power, Eternal, Jaiprakash Power Ventures, and Reliance Power were among the most traded stocks, or most active stocks in terms of volume, on the NSE on Friday.

Bharat Coking Coal, Tata Steel, Nippon India Silver ETF, IDFC First Bank, HDFC Bank, National Aluminium Company, and Adani Total Gas were also among the most traded stocks on the NSE.

Also Read | Stocks to buy or sell: Ajit Mishra of Religare suggests strategies for 3 shares

Some top most traded stocks today Vodafone Idea: More than 23 crore shares of the company had changed hands by 11:45 am with the stock falling almost 3% during the session, looking set to extend losses for the third consecutive session. On a weekly basis, the stock has declined more than 7% and is on course to extend losses for the fourth consecutive week. In an exchange filing on March 11, Vodafone Idea said it will meet institutional investors in Singapore on 16 March and in Hong Kong on 17 March.

IFCI: Over 14 crore shares of the company had changed hands, as the stock surged 11%, defying weak market sentiment. On a weekly basis, the stock is up 6% after a 9% fall last week.

NTPC Green Energy: More than 10 crore shares of the company had changed hands by 11:30 am as the power stock jumped more than 7% in a weak market. This week, the stock has jumped more than 14% after announcing that the third-party capacity of 270 MW out of 1200 MW Khavda-II Solar PV Project located in Gujarat of NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy, was declared on commercial operation from 11 March.

HFCL: More than 4 crore shares of the company had changed hands while the stock declined more than 1%. However, the stock is up 7% on a weekly scale, looking set to extend its gains for the second consecutive week. In an exchange filing on 13 March, the company said it had entered into a five-year supply agreement with a customer for the supply of high-quality, high-fibre-count optical fibre cables (OFC), through its overseas wholly owned subsidiary. The total potential value of the contract over its tenure is estimated at nearly $1.10 billion, equivalent to nearly 10,159 crore.

YES Bank: More than 4 crore shares of the company had changed hands as the stock declined over 2%. For the week, the stock has declined 6%, looking set to extend losses for the third consecutive week.

Read all market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
A Ksheerasagar

Ksheera Sagar has been working as a Market Research Analyst at LiveMint for the past four years, covering stocks, commodities, and broader financial markets. In this role, he closely tracks daily market movements, corporate earnings, sector trends, and macroeconomic developments. <br><br> He has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry and has previously worked with multiple organisations, including global investment bank J.P. Morgan, bringing strong research experience into the newsroom. <br><br> During his career, he has gained extensive exposure to equity research, market analysis, and financial data interpretation, strengthening his expertise across asset classes and market cycles. <br><br> He is known for his data-driven analysis and crisp, listicle-style market stories that break down complex financial developments across key markets for a wide audience. His strong research skills enable him to write detailed and insightful stories on stocks and sectors, focusing on the underlying factors driving market movements. <br><br> His work combines quantitative insights with clear storytelling, presenting financial developments in a clear and structured manner. Moreover, he enjoys writing multibagger and listicle-style copies. Outside of work, Ksheera enjoys playing the piano and exploring new places. He has a keen interest in travel, music, and continuously learning about global markets and economic trends.
The Indian stock market has crashed amid the turbulence triggered by the USIran war in the Middle East, soaring crude oil prices and tariff tensions as investors are grappling with heightened volatility across classes.

In an interview with Livemint, Avinash Agarwal, HeadEquity at Bandhan Life, shares his views on navigating uncertain markets amid the US-Iran war, the outlook for crudes impact on India Inc., opportunities in banks and consumption, midcap valuations, IT sector prospects, and what could bring FIIs back.

Here are edited excerpts:

Q. How should investors navigate the markets amid heightened volatility driven by the ongoing USIran war and global tariff uncertainties? A. High volatility can be unsettling to investors. However, it is during these times that we may get good opportunities to invest. The important thing is to maintain discipline and invest consistently irrespective of market conditions so that your cost averages over a period. Also, it has been proven that it is more important to spend more time in the market than trying to time the market. Markets compound wealth over time, and hence we should be consistent with our investments.

Also Read | Stocks to buy or sell: Ajit Mishra of Religare suggests strategies for 3 shares

Q. Brent crude prices are hovering near $100. Do you expect elevated energy prices to have a prolonged impact on India Inc.? A. In the past we have seen crude oil prices spiking up for a short period of time and then cooling off. We have to see if the prices sustain for an extended period. If it does, then there will be some impact on most companies. However, over time it should get absorbed. During the 2011-14 period we had oil staying near or above $100 per barrel, and it had impacted our economy.

However, we must understand that the impact of crude oil price has reduced materially since then, as our economy has grown much faster than our consumption of oil. However, the more important development will be the availability of products. Today we are seeing a shortage of several products. If this continues for some time, then it could result in production disruption.

Q. In the current weak global environment, which sectors do you believe offer the most attractive risk-reward opportunities for investors? A. Given the volatile situation in the global markets we believe it is better to be in domestic economy related sectors. The domestic economy is stable and growing at a steady pace. We believe the credit cycle is still good and banks could do reasonably well from here. Also, with the government incentivising consumption, we believe the consumption sector could see a positive uptick in demand going forward. However, given the volatile situation right now we need to monitor the developments closely.

Q. What are your expectations for the Q4 FY26 earnings season, particularly in the context of global slowdown concerns? A. Q4 FY26 results will get impacted for a few sectors like travel and tourism, infrastructure companies, etc. due to the US-Iran war in the Middle East. For some of the other companies, the impact may come in Q1 FY27, as they may be holding old inventories at lower cost. Hence, the results could be mixed in Q4 FY26, as some sectors would gain while some could get impacted adversely.

Q. Midcap and smallcap stocks have seen a sharp correction recently. How do you assess valuations in this segment, and where do you see potential investment opportunities? A. Yes, mid-caps and small-caps have corrected over the last 15 months or so. This has made the valuations more reasonable. Also, we have seen some earnings cuts take place over the last few quarters. We were set to have better growth in FY27 prior to this war. We will have to see how the war progresses to understand the earnings trajectory.

However, from a medium- to long-term perspective, we believe that investors need to be in this segment as the growth rates are better here. While the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio looks high, we believe it should be seen in the context of growth, and hence, we look at it on the PEG ratio (P/E divided by growth). On a PEG basis, midcaps are currently trading at attractive levels relative to large caps.

Q. What is your outlook for the IT sector? Do you believe the recent correction presents a bottom-fishing opportunity for investors? A. The IT sector has seen a reasonable correction and has not given any returns in the last three years post this correction. There is certainly a major challenge in front of the sector in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, we will know the actual impact over a period.

Moreover, the sector has faced similar challenges in the past and adapted well to them. While there will be some impact, the companies will do well if they are willing to adapt to the changes (like they have done in the past). We believe the fear levels are elevated now and could subside over a period. We have a neutral view on the sector as of now.

Also Read | IT sector valuations highly attractive: Nuvama bullish on top 10 IT stocks

Q. What key triggers could bring FIIs back into the Indian equity markets? A. There were two major reasons for the FIIs to reduce their exposure to India. One was the AI trade, where they could find players in other countries such as Taiwan and Korea. The second reason was valuations  India was trading at a high premium to other emerging markets. As the AI trade picked up, the FIIs found faster-growing companies at lower valuations in other countries and hence shifted their positions.

The valuation premium of India over other emerging markets has already corrected and is at historical levels. We believe that whenever the AI trade reverses, India will be a beneficiary, and we should see FIIs coming back.

Q. What is your 612 month outlook for Nifty 50 and Sensex amid recent declines triggered by the USIran conflict and rising crude oil prices? A. Prior to the war we were expecting low- to mid-teens earnings growth for FY27. We have to see if this changes based on how the war situation develops. We have corrected about 10% from the top and have seen some time correction as well. The valuations have become more reasonable. Hence, irrespective of how the war situation develops, investors should continue to invest, as the starting point is reasonable. Over a period, returns should be decent from here.
An era of tighter financing

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) via a circular dated 13 February effectively stopped funding to prop traders. The circular said that from 1 April, banks must provide bank guarantees to prop traders only against 100% collateral, of which half should be in cash margin and the rest in cash equivalents such as government bonds, sovereign gold bonds, and listed securities. Earlier, this number was 50%. This simply means, if any one has to give 100% collateral, he has the money to buy the asset completely.
When Giles Knapton, the founder and director of Coco Shambhala, a luxury boutique property in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, discovered the diversity of seaweed along the Konkan coast, it felt both nostalgic and full of culinary possibilities.

I grew up eating dulse, a dark-red seaweed, in Ireland, first as a snack and later paired with drinks. Seaweed here reminded me of home, yet presented a new terroir of waters, textures and flavour profiles, he says.

The team at Coco Shambhala, which opened in 2017, is running trials of risottos, salads, stir-fries and fritters that highlight the natural umami of local seaweed. Theyre even trying out a seaweed-infused varan (dal). Some of these kitchen experiments will eventually make it to the menu.

With an approximately 12,000km coastline, India has largely overlooked seaweed as an ingredient, relying instead on imported varieties like nori and wakame from Japan, and gim from South Korea. India has a thriving seaweed economy through agara vegan alternative to gelatin widely used in icing, ice creams and marshmallows.

According to data from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the countrys total seaweed production was 72,385 tonnes in 2023. With the help of marine specialists, entrepreneurs and chefs, Indias ulva and sargassum seaweed species are making their way on to our plates. Chefs and mixologists now prize local seaweed for its versatility and umami, and also for being a climate-smart food.

View full Image View full Image Harvesting seaweed at MariTide facilities, Devgad. ( Aaran Patel )

LITTLE LOCAL LORE There are more than 800 varieties of seaweed flourishing in the Indian waters, but there is very little recorded of it in regional foodlore. There are fleeting anecdotal mentions, as Arnav Mariwala, the founder and CEO of MariTide, a seaweed cultivation and processing company in Devgad, Maharashtra, found.

A family from Ratnagiri said they make shaivalachi bhaji with jawla or seaweed with dried shrimp (shaival is Marathi for seaweed/algae and jawla baby shrimp), but we couldnt verify it with locals, he says.

Coastal communities always had an abundance of fresh vegetables and seafood, says Poornima Somayaji, founder of Aragma restaurant in Pune. There simply wasnt a need to look for greens under the ocean.

The disinterest is perhaps also due to seaweeds taste, an intense savoury flavour. While the spatoglossum seaweed carries mouth-puckering tartness of a raw mango, dictyota is chewy with bitter notes, and can be used as a supporting ingredient to add contrast and complexity to salads and seafood dishes.

The most common species of edible seaweed in India is sargassum, which is widely available in the Arabian Sea. It is the most popular Indian seaweed genus used by chefs, most commonly for stocks and dashi. Beyond broths, seaweed can also be brined as pickles, seasoned with spices as garnishes, or used with condiments like the Japanese furikake.

American chef Jay Spenard, who hosts private cooking classes in Goa, prepares a dashi made with sargassum and shiitake mushrooms for a mushroom risotto. Shiitake is already an umami-bomb, but by adding the seaweed to the dashi, there is a subtle oceanic oomph in the risotto, he explains.

View full Image View full Image Gabriella D'Cruz harvesting seaweed in Goa. ( Rebecca D'Costa )

FOOD AND SCIENCE Mariwala discovered the potential of seaweed in California while studying coastal ecosystems and climate-resilient engineering. Back in India in 2023, he launched MariTide, a regenerative seaweed cultivation startup that is scaling up edible seaweed supply chains with the help of technology. The company annually harvests about two tonnes of ulva, or sea lettuce, from the open sea.

He supplies dehydrated seaweed, priced at 800-1,000 for 100g, to restaurants such as Ground Up in Pune, Lovefools in Mumbai and Yazu in Mumbai, Goa and Indore. Mariwala plans to open an online shop in April.

Gabriella DCruz, a Goa-based marine conservationist, who founded The Good Ocean in 2022, says seaweed is a nutrient powerhouse and a sustainable ingredient. Some species of seaweed can have up to 30-40% protein content, which is comparable to soy. These species can be selectively harvested if vegan protein is the goal, she adds.

Her dehumidifying drying technique locks in all the nutrients and keeps the dehydrated seaweed shelf stable for two years. The Good Ocean has collaborated with Atmosphere Studio, a Delhi-based kombucha and vegan snacks brand, to create almond flour seaweed crackers, inspired by the Japanese seasoning furikake, combining sesame, garlic, chilli, and local sargassum.

Both Mariwala and DCruz are working with chefs to create dishes that highlight the umami-rich, earthy flavour of local seaweed. DCruz also conducts workshops for chefs and food enthusiasts. She recently partnered with Goas Bar Outrigger for a workshop, where the bar team made three cocktails with seaweed.

Arijit Bose, co-founder of Bar Outrigger, says: We used Gabriellas seaweed furikake as a component in our Picante and Punch. The Picante worked with the spices in the furikake, while the pineapple juice in the Punch worked very well with the seaweed salt.

View full Image View full Image A dish using Indian sargassum at Aragma, Pune.

ON THE MENU Seaweed has the potential to be the next soy sauce, a flavour that deeply impacts our palates, believes Sarita Pereira, chief executive chef at Mumbais Lovefools restaurant. She is preparing to relaunch her chefs table this month, for which she plans to create a dish with local seaweed sourced from MariTide.

For his monsoon menu in 2024, Amit Ghorpade, head chef of Aragma in Pune, was inspired by the Kolhapuri pandhra rassa. The restaurant is known for its progressive Indian food using everyday ingredients.

Pandhra rassa is all about umami for me, he says. It has no chillies, and the flavour comes from sesame, fresh coconut, poppy seeds, ginger and garlic. The umami of the seaweed was a natural fit in the dish, quite similar to how you would use it in ramen. Ghorpade served the pandhra-style broth with masoor dal and chicken meatballs.

In another seafood-themed menu, he concluded the meal with a dessert starring Indian seaweed from The Good Ocean. It was a watermelon and strawberry dessert where I had used sargassum seaweed in a pickle form. In both the dishes, Ghorpade married flavours of the land and the sea seamlessly.

Gayatri Desai, the chef and founder of Punes Ground Up restaurant, is also working on a seaweed miso that she will launch on the restaurants e-shop in the next few weeks. It was during a R&D trip with Mariwala in Devgad last November that the two discussed the best ways to integrate the sweet funk of miso and the delicate umami notes of seaweed.

Desai has been experimenting with the seaweed miso in desserts and salads, and will introduce it in her tasting menus. How you want to use local seaweed is a long journey to understand what works and what does not, she says. Some varieties are delicate enough for salads, while others are so hardy that they can just be simmered into soups.

Her experiments have led her to infuse seaweed into tamari or soy sauce. I recently discovered that one of the seaweed varieties has a flavour similar to matcha, when we were trying to make different teas with rice, she adds.

View full Image View full Image Seaweed risotto trials at Coco Shambhala, Sindhudurg. ( Rebecca D'Costa )

For Knapton, Indian seaweed tends to be naturally sweeter and milder compared to Irish varieties. The warmer waters of the Konkan coast give it a softer texture and a delicate, briny flavour, making it lighter and more approachable for diners.

Perhaps one of the first chefs to experiment with the local genus is Varun Totlani of Mumbais Masque restaurant. A free-diving excursion in Goa with DCruz in 2023 led to a culinary revelation for him. He tinkered in the lab-like restaurant kitchen to create dishes that made the sea foliage a star on the plate.

In the same year, he served Seaweed and Ponkh Bhel, a salad of cucumber, green tomato and raw mango tossed with onion in an apple and green chilli chutney, topped with pickled seaweed, crispy ponkh, tender roasted sorghum and crushed seaweed.

Also Read | The Bohri thaal gets innovative with sushi and khow suey

Totlanis tasting menus often spotlight a variety of seaweedulva and sargassum from The Good Ocean. The biggest challenge, according to him, is that it is a delicate ingredient and building a consistent supply chain to get it from the coast to the kitchen while it is still fresh, takes a lot of time and effort.

He also lists perception as a hurdle, where vegetarians instinctively compare the taste to seafood. Last year, at Bar Paradox, the sister bar of Masque, he served sea grapes as a final touch on his barramundi ceviche with raw mango, radish and charred avocado and agua chile. The salinity and acidity worked in tandem on the palate.

Indian seaweed has the potential to become the next big ingredient in dining, thanks to its deep umami flavour, strong nutritional value and sustainable nature.

As chefs, mixologists and marine conservationists do their bit, limited supply and lack of infrastructure restrict wider adoption. Reliable year-round access can transform this coastal gem into a premium staple on modern Indian tables.
What happens next?

Investors are more concerned about what happens to their money rather than the overall shutting of solution-oriented schemes, said Vishal Bedse, investment advisor at ICICI Investment Management Company Ltd. They have asked questions about what happens to their money if the lock-in is still in place and what would happen to their asset allocation if the scheme is merged.
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi if Iran has given an assurance that Indian ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief's remarks came hours after Prime Minister Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the serious situation in West Asia ever since joing US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Also Read | PM Modi speaks with Iranian President, voices concern over loss of lives

The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.

In a post on X, the AAP leader asked whether Indians would soon get a reprieve from the serious situation arising out of the West Asia conflict.

"Prime Minister, has the President of Iran assured you that they will allow our ships to pass through Hormuz? Will the countrymen soon be rid of this serious crisis?" Kejriwal said in the Hindi post.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping passage through which India's substantial energy imports come.

Thursday's phone call was PM Modi's first conversation with an Iranian leader since the war broke out after joint US-Israel attacks on Iran on 28 February. Before him, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during the ongoing Israel-US-Iran conflict.

Before speaking with the Iranian President on 12 March, PM Modi, in a diplomatic outreach to Gulf nations, discussed the evolving situation with leaders of the UAW, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, among others.

The conversation came on day 13 of the escalating conflict in West Asia. Hours before Modis phone call with the Iranian president, the newly-appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, said that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Irans attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours will continue.

Number of Indian Vessels Unchanged: Govt The Government of India said on Thursday that the number of Indian vessels operating in the Persian Gulf remains unchanged. As many as 28 Indian vessels with 778 seafarers on board are stuck in the Persian Gulf, a government official said on Wednesday, repeating what he said a day before.

"The number of Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region remains unchanged, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, told reporters at the briefing on Thursday.

Of these 28, 24 are located on the west of the Strait of Hormuz, which has 677 Indian seafarers and four vessels are on the east of the Strait with 101 Indian seafarers on board, Sinha said.

All Indian vessels and crew thereon are being actively monitored for their safety and security, he said.

Prime Minister, has the President of Iran assured you that they will allow our ships to pass through Hormuz?

Earlier, a report by Reuters and Indian news agencies said that at least two Indian tankers, the Pushpak and the Parimal, were passing safely through the Strait of Hormuz even as ships from the US, Europe and Israel continued to face restrictions in the strategically important waterway.
New Delhi: Thirteen days after the war in West Asia broke, the Indian government on Friday said there are indeed concerns over supply and availability of cooking gas in the country due to the disruptions. This comes in the wake of tension around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy shipments from the region, amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

Regarding LPG, I would tell that this is an issue of concern for us, especially as a major portion of our LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) import comes through the Strait of Hormuz and because of the closure there this is a matter of some concern, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, marketing, oil refinery in the petroleum and natural gas ministry said in a briefing on the war in West Asia and the fuel stock situation in the country.

Bookings of domestic LPG across the country have crossed 75 lakh per day from the pre-war levels of 55 lakh due to panic among consumers, Sharma said. But, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported in any of the 25,000 (LPG) distributors, she added.

Allaying concerns The joint secretary allayed concerns over shortages for the time being, and said the pre-war levels of average daily delivery across the country was around 50 lakh LPG cylinders, which is currently at the same level.

In the wake of the cooking gas supply worries, Sharma urged domestic and commercial consumers in the vicinity of city gas distribution infrastructure to shift to piped natural gas at the earliest. The government has also directed local and highway authorities as well as state governments to expedite clearances for such expansion.

According to the government, about 60 lakh households can shift to piped natural gas (PNG) in the short term. This comes a day after the government called for increased use of alternative fuels such as kerosene, coal, biomass and RDF (refuse-derived fuel) pellets by hotels and restaurants and allowed higher consumption of these fuels.

Also Read | India ramps up LPG output, secures tankers from the US as war disrupts supplies

The shipping ministry has also directed ports to allow priority berth to LPG tankers across the country's ports.

India has an annual LPG requirement of 31-32 million tonnes, of which about 60-65% is imported, making the country the worlds second-largest LPG importer. About 90% of its overall imports come from West Asian countries, mostly from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

After increasing the lock-in period for booking of household cylinders to 25 days across the country on 9 March, the government further raised it to 45 days on 12 March for rural consumers. Those in urban areas, however, can continue to book a cylinder after 25 days of the previous booking.

Sharma said commercial cylinders for consumers have been put at the disposal of state governments for priority distribution.

Production hiked She said that on the back of efforts to boost production, domestic LPG production from refineries has been hiked by over 30% as compared to the period before the war between US, Israel and Iran broke.

The statements come in the backdrop of reports of consumers unable to book cylinders and long queues outside LPG dealers to purchase cylinders across the country.

"Oil marketing companies continue to deliver around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. All the consumers are requested to not to resort to panic booking," Sharma said.

Also Read | Centre prioritizes domestic LPG supply as oil price surge raises supply risks

Noting that consumers of PNG and compressed natural gas would get 100% supply with no cuts under the Natural Gas Control Order issued on 9 March 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, she said supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at 80% of their average consumption in the past six months.

"Around 3.73 MMSCM (million standard cubic meters) per day gas is being consumed across the domestic PNG segment, for which adequate gas supply is available across GAs (geographical areas). More than 1.5 Cr. PNG households in India are currently being served natural gas in their homes and will continue to be served without any hindrance," the joint secretary said.

Consultations on She said that in order to ease the supply concerns related to LPG, the government is consulting different city gas distribution (CGD) entities authorized in major urban centres and cities to immediately offer new PNG connections to the affected commercial and industrial consumers.

This may not be that easy. As natural gas supplyabout 55% of which is importedalso had been affected, India's CGD industry may also be hit. A Crisil Ratings report on Friday said daily CGD sales volume may moderate 8-10% on reduced natural gas supplies to industrial and commercial consumers due to the ongoing conflict until the situation stabilizes.

To be sure, the CGD industry relies on domestically-produced natural gas for 60% of its requirement, while imports make for the remaining.

On the crude oil stocks scenario, the ministry reiterated that all refineries are currently operating at high levels, and some of them are working over 100% capacity, and they are maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. Supplies are being continuously received through diversified import sources and shipping routes, it added.

Also Read | Facing supply disruption, govt directs refiners to raise LPG production

Oil prices somewhat eased on Friday after the US announced a 30-day waiver for all countries to procure Russian oil stranded in vessels. The development comes a week after the US allowed India to buy Russian oil loaded on vessels as of 5 March, offering temporary relief on the supply front.

At the time of writing this report, the April contract of the benchmark Brent on the Intercontinental Exchange traded at $99.35 a barrel, 1.1% lower than the previous close. The April contract of the West Texas Intermediate on the NYMEX fell 1.9% to $93.91 a barrel.

Ongoing efforts Amid the energy crisis and vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf, India has been in touch with the Iranian authorities to facilitate the safe passage for India-bound vessels.

On this issue, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Friday told reporters that there have been some discussions on the matter, "And I am sure that India will benefit from oil, gas, and other resources. But I think the complete solution is that the leaders of the world have to come together. They should go to the United States and convince President Trump that this war is an unjust war against civilians and that it has to stop."

On the question of giving safe passage to India, news agency ANI quoted Iran's Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali as saying, "Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region..."
To be sure, the rule will also apply to imported baby food products, as all food imports must comply with FSSAI standards, one of the officials said. While companies may bring in specific infant nutrition formulations from overseas markets, these products would need to meet the proposed zero-added sugar requirement before being sold in India.
With fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz expected to remain suspended due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and India facing a shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) reserves, the Centre is tackling the situation through various measures.

How is India tackling the LPG crisis? Essential Commodities Act The government on 9 March invoked the Essential Commodities Act to redirect natural gas supplies to priority sectors that rely heavily on the fuel. India imports LNG to meet nearly half of its daily natural gas demand of about 190 million standard cubic metres.

The Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, issued by the MoPNG, states that sectors affecting millions of everyday consumers, such as piped natural gas (PNG) for households, compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, and natural gas used for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, will be given priority over other sectors that consume natural gas.

More than 50% of these imports come from West Asian nations such as Qatar and the UAE. The country also depends on imports for around 60% of its LPG needs, with about 80% of those shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), enacted in 1955, was introduced to ensure the control of production, supply, distribution, and trade of certain commodities in the public interest. The law allows the government to intervene if the availability of essential goods is threatened due to practices such as hoarding or black marketing, which could disrupt peoples daily lives.

India is securing LPG from new suppliers India is procuring additional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipments from new suppliers, including the United States, Norway, Canada, and Russia, while continuing to source from available Gulf region exporters, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday, 12 March, as the worlds second-largest importer deals with constrained supplies.

Also Read | LPG cylinder price today: Check latest rates in your city on 13 March

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has advised State Pollution Control Boards to permit the use of biomass, kerosene, RDF pellets and coal as alternate fuels for the hospitality sector for a month.

Allocation of additional kerosene to states

Another 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene will be released to state governments.

The government has also raised the quarterly kerosene allocation to states from 100,000 kilolitres. Another 48,000 kiloliters of kerosene will be released to state governments, and here, the role of state governments in terms of identification of beneficiaries and distribution will be very crucial, said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, marketing, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Moreover, the order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) sets out four priority categories for allocating natural gas based on availability. These priorities are determined based on the average gas consumption of each sector over the previous six months.

The government is redirecting natural gas supplies to priority sectors that rely heavily on the fuel.

Delhi was officially declared the countrys first kerosene-free city on 17 June 2014. The move followed an initiative launched in 2012 that replaced kerosene use with LPG connections for households, aiming to reduce both pollution and fire hazards.

A large-scale expansion of LPG access through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free connections to economically weaker households, was designed to reduce the use of firewood and coal for cooking, particularly in rural areas.

However, as LPG supply is currently being prioritised for essential domestic cooking and for institutions such as hospitals and educational facilities, commercial LPG availability has been restricted. This has led to a temporary shift back to older and less environmentally friendly energy sources.

PNG used in households has been given the highest priority under this order, with domestic consumers set to receive 100% of their average consumption from the past six months. This top category also includes CNG used in the transport sector, natural gas used in LPG production, and gas required for essential pipeline operations.

(With inputs from agencies)
More than half of Indian households said they are facing disruptions in cooking gas supply. Some even said they had to turn to the black market to procure cylinders in the past week amid a shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in the country, a survey by LocalCircles found.

The consumers surveyed also reported that suppliers and middlemen in their areas are charging an extra 100 to 500 per cylinder. Meanwhile, cases have emerged in Delhi-NCR where some gas agencies are charging as much as 1,500-2,800 per cooking gas cylinder, almost double the usual price.

An LPG cylinder in India costs between 900 and 1,000, whereas a commercial gas cylinder costs between 1,800 and 2,200, according to data from OMCs.

As a result, many Indian households are scrambling to find alternative cooking options, relying on appliances such as induction cooktops. Meanwhile, restaurants have warned that disruptions in gas supply could force them to reduce menu options, raise prices, or even temporarily shut operations.

Is everyone facing issues in booking LPG cylinders? The survey, which received responses from around 19,000 people, found that 43% reported no difficulty in booking LPG cylinders for their home, with deliveries arriving as usual.

The remaining respondents indicated they had to wait longer than usual. Some people also complained that they had to buy an LPG cylinder from the black market at higher prices, the survey found.

Also Read | IGL assures uninterrupted PNG, CNG supply amid LPG shortage concerns

Also Read | 20% of average monthly commercial LPG to be allocated from today

On Thursday, senior Delhi Police officials directed their officers to prepare a list of gas agencies in their respective jurisdictions and deploy personnel to maintain law and order, according to Hindustan Times. The move aims to ensure smooth distribution of LPG cylinders and prevent any attempt at black marketing during the supply crunch, police said on Thursday.

The disruptions in LPG supply are being caused by the ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli forces against Iran, which has led to instability and partial closures in the Strait of Hormuz. It is a key sea route through which India gets 85-90% of its LPG imports from West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

What is the government doing to handle the situation? India is in its fourth consecutive day of LPG shortages, with disruptions reported across major cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai.

In response to the growing panic, the government has directed oil marketing companies to prioritize LPG supply to domestic consumers while advising states to monitor the situation and prevent hoarding or black marketing.
The "shortage" of LPG in parts of India has already left people feeling fearful, leading to panic-buying and black-marketing in gas cylinders. This "consumer anxiety", as described by Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday, is now being capitalised on by scammers and cyber fraud.

Several reports have emerged about people complaining of LPG fraud amid the ongoing situation. Authorities have also taken to social media to raise awareness and ensure people don't fall victim to these scammers and lose money to them.

It has now been warned that rumours about LPG shortage are being used as bait by cyber fraudsters.

In one incident in Dombivli, Maharashtra, a woman was allegedly duped of 3 lakh after scammers threatened to disconnect her LPG connection.

Zee News Marathi reported about the incident, explaining the modus operandi of these fraudsters. The report claimed that fraud began when the woman received an SMS, warning that the connection would be disconnected if the gas bill was not updated.

The message reportedly read, We are not seeing the Mahanagar Gas bill you paid, if you do not update it immediately, your gas connection will be disconnected. Smita Rane, who was alarmed by the talks of LPG shortage, immediately contacted the number in the message.

When the woman contacted the number mentioned in the message, the person on the other side sent her a link and asked her to fill in the information. According to the report, Smita Rane opened the link and entered her debit and credit card details.

Within a few minutes, nearly 3 lakh was withdrawn from her account, including 2 lakh from his credit card and 99,500 from his debit card, Zee News reported.

How do LPG scams happen? Fake booking links, imposters The Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad noted that due to the shortage of LPG gas cylinders, many people are searching online for quick booking or extra cylinders.

"Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this situation by creating fake websites, fake booking links, and fraudulent messages related to LPG gas booking," it added.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police also shared a video explaining how scammers create panic and urge people to click links for gas booking or supply confirmation.

Also Read | 10 expert tips to save LPG amid shortage concerns

A police officer said that fraudsters may also pose as representatives of gas agencies and call residents, claiming that immediate verification or registration is required to secure a cylinder. Victims are then asked to click on links or download files sent through messaging platforms.

"Once users interact with such links, their personal or banking details may be compromised, leading to financial losses," the officer said.

How to be safe from LPG fraud? Govt says... In a press conference on Friday, March 13, I&B Ministry Joint Secretary C Senthil Rajan appealed to the public to book their LPG cylinders only through official websites, IVRS calls, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking, and mobile applications of the oil marketing companies.

"We also urge everyone to remain cautious, as reports indicate that digital scammers are trying to take advantage of this situation by spreading fake and misleading advertisements online," he said.

Also Read | LPG shortage triggers searches for induction

"Citizens are advised to be aware of such scams and use only the official platforms of the oil marketing companies for booking their cylinders," he added.

LPG scams: DON'T DO THIS! Meanwhile, Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad shared key points on how to protect oneself from "LPG Gas Scams". Here are some points to remember:

1. Do not trust unknown websites or links claiming instant LPG booking or quick delivery.

2. Cyber fraudsters may send fake SMS, WhatsApp messages, or social media ads offering LPG cylinders at discounted prices.

3. Never click on suspicious links asking for payment for LPG booking.

4. Always book LPG cylinders only through official websites, authorised apps, or registered distributors.

5. Do not share OTP, bank details, or UPI PIN with anyone claiming to arrange LPG cylinders.

6. Fake websites may look like official LPG company portals and may steal your personal and financial information.

7. If a website or message promises urgent or guaranteed LPG delivery after online payment, it may be a cyber fraud.

What if you have been defrauded already The Cyber Crimes Unit Hyderabad issued a helpline number for those who have become a victim of cyber fraud. "Immediately call 1930 or report at http://cybercrime.gov.in," it said.

Instead, DO THIS... Book LPG cylinders only through official websites, IVRS calls, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking, and mobile applications of the oil marketing companies, or immediately shift from LPG to PNG.

"I am repeatedly appealing to all consumers: those who can shift from LPG to PNG should do so immediately," Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said on Friday.

How to book LPG cylinders safely from home? Companies such as HP, Bharat Petroleum and Indane Gas provide LPG booking facilities. You can book a cooking gas via WhatsApp, SMS and app.

For HP users: 1. HP Pay Mobile App

2. HP ANY Time (IVRS) : Dial from your registered mobile to IVRS 88888 23456

3. Missed Call: Just give a missed call on 94936 02222 from your registered mobile number

4. Website : www.myhpgas.in

5. Umang Mobile App available under Play Store for Android & IOS

6. WhatsApp: Just Say, Hi to 92222 01122 from your registered mobile number to initiate the booking process.

7. Amazon, Paytm, PhonePe or any BBPS enabled Wallets/ Bank Apps under pay bill section/utilities

8. Customer Service Centers: Nearby CSC can be contacted for booking

For Bharat Petroleum users 1. Online - Visit https://my.ebharatgas.com/User/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fBookCylinder%2fCreateOrder

2. SMS - For Refill Booking (through SMS) Type on your Mobile LPG- Send this SMS to 7715012345 or 7718012345.

3. IVRS - Register and just dial IVRS numbers 7715012345 or 7718012345 which are common for all India. https://my.ebharatgas.com/BookCylinder/IVRS

4. Mobile app for Android & iphones - Click to Know more

Indane Gas

View full Image View full Image Credit: Indane Gas

Why is India facing LPG shortage? The war in Iran has triggered what many claim is a shortage of LPG (cooking gas) in India. The "shortage" was reported due to the halt in imports through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict.

However, the government has denied the claim of LPG shortage, saying that no dry-outs have been reported from any of the 25,000 distributors.

The government's statement came when many users had complained of a massive spike in cylinder prices, and reports have claimed panic-buying.

The Union government said it prioritised domestic consumption and essential services such as hospitals and schools amid global energy supply concerns linked to the West Asia conflict.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday that the Natural Gas Control Order was issued on March 9, 2026, under the Essential Commodities Act, which established an immediate priority sequence.

Also Read | LPG cylinder price today: Check latest rates in your city on 13 March

He said, "Domestic piped gas to homes and CNG for vehicles receive 100 per cent supply with no cuts." He also informed the Lok Sabha, "Alternate fuel options are being activated to ease pressure on LPG and gas channels."

On Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said, "There is no shortage of LNG supplies. There is no shortage of LPG."

She, however, said those who can "shift from LPG to PNG should do so immediately."
LPG bookings have surged to 75.7 lakh from a pre-war average of 55.7 lakh, the Oil Ministry said on 13 March, attributing the spike to panic booking amid the ongoing crisis.

The government, however, urged consumers not to stock up, assuring that there will be no supply disruption.

There is no need for panic booking; no dry out at any LPG dealer, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said at a media briefing today.

She said that the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to domestic consumers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG ) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. "Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic, she added.

The official said petrol and diesel were available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps. However, she added that LPG remained a matter of concern, though no dry-out had been reported at any of the countrys 25,000 distributors. She also appealed to citizens not to believe rumours and to refrain from panic buying.

Govt assures domestic, commercial customers of supply Sharma added that the government had ensured uninterrupted LPG supply to domestic households, while deliveries were also being made to hospitals and educational institutions. She said domestic LPG production had increased by 30%, adding that refineries were currently producing 30% more LPG compared with 5 March.

Sharma said commercial LPG cylinders had been placed at the disposal of state governments to facilitate priority distribution. She added that the Centre had asked states to determine priority criteria and ensure that the cylinders reach the intended consumers.

Further, commenting on the status of commercial consumers in major urban cities and centres, many of whom are facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies, Sharma said the government was making every effort to address their concerns.

We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection, Sharma added.

India self-sufficient in producing petrol, diesel Sharma further said India was self-sufficient in producing petrol and diesel, and that there was no need to import them.

As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher, she stated.

Sharma added that refineries hold adequate crude oil inventories and that supplies areconsistently maintained.

Why is India facing LPG, LNG and oil shortage? The United States and Israel's attacks on Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliation, have led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway which transports around 85-90% of India's LPG imports from West Asia, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

According to the Oil Ministry, to create a buffer against regional disruptions, India has been steadily reducing its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, with nearly 70% of its crude oil imports now arriving via alternative routes.
Why the change of heart in Delhi?

A section of policy makers have been advocating against Indias exclusion from the Chinese supply chain, which is not only huge but also cost-effective. India, they said, was the real loser. Chinese FDI will help set up manufacturing units in the country and reduce large scale imports from China that has sent the trade deficit to almost $100 billion. Also, the Chinese supply chain, they argued, was not all Chinese-owned. There are many non-Chinese firms manufacturing in China, and they can be attracted to locate in India.
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear a PIL requesting a nationwide policy granting menstrual leave to women students and workers, noting that such a rule could discourage employers from hiring women and might inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes, as reported by PTI.

The top court, however, said the competent authority may consider the representation and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

The PIL was accordingly disposed of with the direction to the authorities to take an appropriate decision on the representation.

"These pleas are made to create fear, to call women inferior, that menstruation is something bad happening to them. This is an affirmative right... but think about the employer who needs to give paid leave," a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said.

Senior advocate M R Shamshad, representing the petitioner, highlighted that some states and institutions have already implemented menstrual leave measures. He cited Kerala as an example, where schools have introduced relaxations, and noted that several private companies voluntarily offer such leave to employees, PTI reported.

The Chief Justice responded that while voluntary policies are commendable, making menstrual leave mandatory through legislation should be approached with caution.

Voluntarily given is excellent. The moment you say it is compulsory in law, nobody will give them jobs. Nobody will take them in the judiciary or government; their careers will be over. They will say you should sit at home after informing everyone, the CJI said.

Also Read | Menstrual health: What you need to know about period blood clots

The bench also emphasised the possible effects of mandatory menstrual leave on workplace perceptions and womens professional growth.

Acknowledging the petitioners arguments, the bench noted that a representation had already been made to the appropriate authorities. It added that it was unnecessary for the petitioner to repeatedly approach the court seeking a mandamus.

Currently, India has no law regulating menstrual leave. Legislative efforts have included the Right to Menstrual Hygiene and Paid Leave Bill, 2019 (a Private Members Bill), which proposed both menstrual leave and access to menstrual products, but it was never enacted, according to a report by LiveLaw.

Karnataka offers menstrual leave to all working women In November 2025, Karnataka became the first state in India to provide paid menstrual leave to all women employed in formal jobs. Under this policy, women aged 18 to 52 working in government and private sectors are entitled to one day of menstrual leave per month, which cannot be carried forward, and no medical certificate is required to avail it.

The policy benefits around 350,000 to 400,000 women in the formal sector but does not cover the much larger group of six million working as domestic workers, daily-wage labourers, or gig workers in the unorganised sector.

Meanwhile, Bihar and Odisha provide 2 days of menstrual leave per month to government employees.

Several other countries, including Indonesia, Japan, and Italy, have established policies granting menstrual leave. In Canada, no law mandates menstrual leave, though some employers provide it as a workplace benefit. Similarly, in India, certain companies voluntarily offer menstrual leave to women employees as a goodwill measure, without waiting for legal compulsion.
Several misleading claims about cracking the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination - one of Indias toughest examinations - came to the fore soon after the results were declared on March 6. This year, a resident of Fatehpur village in the Ariyaru block of Sheikhpura district in Bihar falsely claimed that he had secured the 440th rank in the civil services examination.

Within no time, Ranjeet Yadav became a celebrity in Bihar, with people - including local police - felicitating him with flowers and asking him to deliver a motivational speech. Residents reportedly congratulated him, and the news drew attention from local media as well as political figures. Former MLA Vijay Samrat is said to have congratulated Yadav and presented him with gifts.

Yadav also delivered a speech in which he claimed that he cleared the examination by studying only four hours a day.

Also Read | Akanksha Singh who ranked 301 in UPSC exam is...: Govt finally clears confusion

In a video that later circulated online, he spoke about the importance of determination and focus.

"Life is a long journey, but there is only one test in itto keep your focus on the goal. You must only look at your goal and where it is. When your goal is visible to you, reaching the destination becomes easier. But if you cannot see your goal, then even after making a thousand attempts, you will not achieve anything. Whether it is your mother, father, or anyone else guiding you, it will not matter unless your own thinking changes and you decide that you must reach your destination. Say to God, "You do not have to write my destiny. I will write it myself". Work so hard that one day destiny itself says: "Even if I was late, I always belonged to you," he said in a viral video.

However, the claims were later challenged by local media, which pointed out that the rank mentioned by Yadav belonged to another candidate. A report by Live Hindustan stated that the candidate who secured the rank was Ranjith Kumar R, a resident of Chikkaballapur in Karnataka.

More cases This incident is among several similar cases reported after the declaration of the 2025 UPSC Civil Services results.

In another instance, Aakansha Singh from Bhojpur in Bihar had claimed that she secured the 301st rank in the examination. A day later, the UPSC clarified that the candidate who had actually secured that rank was Aakansha Singh from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, who is reportedly working as a gynaecologist.

In a separate case, Shikha Gautam mistakenly believed she had cleared the examination after spotting her name in the results document. She later acknowledged that she had misread the list and had not cleared the Mains examination.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on 13 March described India as a tough negotiator in trade discussions and said it expects New Delhi and other partners to honour agreements reached with Washington.

Gor also said that the only two dealmakers who got the India-US trade deal done were President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, according to him, share a deep and personal friendship.

India is a tough negotiator, Gor said during the discussion at India Today Conclave.

Gor said the Washington-New Delhi relationship can reach historic heights as he highlighted the recent breakthroughs, such as the US-India interim trade agreement, to elevate the partnership.

"We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdown, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership," he said.

"The relationship has the potential to reach historic heights and deliver results on a scale we have never seen before," he added.

Gor stressed that the United States expects countries that enter into agreements with Washington to uphold the terms of those deals.

Expect countries we have made deals with to honour those deals, he said, adding that the trade agreement between the two countries had been concluded relatively quickly compared with some of Indias other negotiations.

First, a breakthrough in trade. Second, a breakthrough in trust and technology and third, a breakthrough in strategic coordination. Each reflects where the US-India partnership is headed, he said.

Gor said that the only two dealmakers who got the India-US trade done are President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "One of the reasons it got done is because of their deep and personal friendship," Gor said.

Finalising critical minerals agreements India and the United States had on 7 February announced that they had reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement).

We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdown, we are seeing breakthroughs.

The framework reaffirmed the countries' commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.

Gor said Washington and New Delhi are very close to finalising critical minerals agreements in a few months. I'm pleased to say that we are moving very close to finalising critical minerals agreements to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement.
A viral tribute post shared how, in the era of rapid churn and productivity first mindsets, Deloitte USI made a grand gesture for a terminally sick employee: keeping her desk untouched for three years.

In the viral LinkedIn post, Sonika, the twin sister of Deloitte's late employee, shared a video from the day Monika was chosen as Deloitte USIs Brand Ambassador to the London Olympics, 2012  a moment of pride, joy and possibility. She continued to work with Deloitte until the very last day of her life. She was employed with Deloitte for 7 years.

However, Sonika highlighted that the LinkedIn post was not about her sister's achievement, but about the extraordinary culture of empathy Deloitte showed till the very last of her days.

It is about people. It is about culture. It is about what it truly means when a company says it values its employees, she wrote in the post while sharing a very heartwarming gesture by the company.

When Monika was fighting cancer, it was not just a medical battle, it was an emotional and existential one. And in those difficult years, her team stood by her with a kind of grace we can never forget, Sonika said.

How do we ever forget that you kept her desk untouched for three years while she battled cancer? Three years, she shared. Not as an administrative oversight, but as a gesture of hope. Of belonging. Of faith that she would return.

That is not policy. That is culture, Sonika wrote. In a world where productivity often defines value, you chose humanity. You chose to see the person before the employee. And that made all the difference.

Also Read | Why we need to manage empathy to avoid burnout

Also Read | Why Gen Z is choosing fulfillment over authority in the workplace

Touched by the empathy, Sonika wrote: Some companies employ people. Some companies stand by them in their darkest hours. For us, that compassion will never be forgotten.

Sonika also made a special mention of Monika's manager at the time, Ankur Walunjkar, her HR head Anita Asirvadam, and colleague and friend Anagha Sawant. Thank you for the empathy, the dignity, and the unwavering support you showed her and us.

LiveMint reached out to Deloitte India for a comment and is awaiting a response.

Monika was an exceptional colleague Sonika Bakshi thank you for sharing this and for remembering Monika in such a beautiful way. Reading this brought back many memories, Ankur Walunjkar, who later went on to become the Managing Director at Deloitte, commented on the viral post. Monika was an exceptional colleague and a wonderful human being. She carried herself with quiet strength, warmth and dignity, and she left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with her.

That time was difficult for all of us who knew her, but what I remember most is her courage and the grace with which she faced everything that came her way. She remained thoughtful, committed and deeply respected by the entire team, Ankur said. Monika will always be remembered with great affection by all who had the privilege of working with her.

Anita Asirvadam commented: Sonika Bakshi thank you for sharing about Monika! Moments like these remind us that what Monika left behind is more than what she was meant to do..it is the way she has made others feel. Monika made a lasting impact, created a sense of belonging that stayed with everyone who knew her- it is beautiful to remember and share about her. This suddenly tugged me back to that time, that culture, our conversations- feels like yesterday. Im honoured to be part of Monikas journey.
The impact of the Iran-Israel-US conflict has rippled across major cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. As geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz - a key waterway which transports around 8590% of India's LPG imports from West Asia - disrupted supplies, it created a sense of fear and anxiety among Indians. Several videos emerged that showed long queues outside LPG agencies, while others showed people with massive jars standing at petrol pumps.

The hospitality sector is among the worst hit - with canteens, hotels, and restaurants compelled to cut menu options and come up with contingency plans. As uncertainty around LPG spreads, people flocked to social media to share memes surrounding the situation.

Here's how people reacted on social media: Several suggested that getting married during this time is a perfect excuse to avoid a big, expensive wedding. A user wrote:

"If you are planning to get married then this is the best time. Invite 25 ppl & tell everyone that no caterers are taking food orders due to LPG shortage.

Save money & go on international trip later. Make the best use of this situation."

Another wrote: The #LPGshortage has become a meme in India. Hilarious representation of the #Lpgcrisis #Lpg. A third user said: "Perfect time to avoid big wedding guest list."

LPG shortage impact: What are households, small businesses doing? Both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in India have become costlier amid supply disruptions. The revision has affected households and businesses that rely on cooking gas for daily operations.

Raj Kumar, a chef at Devi Nashta Point, claimed that cylinders are unavailable even for 3,000-4,000 each. To deal with the crisis, tiffin centres in Hyderabad have turned to electric stoves, he told ANI.

Across major cities, commercial and small businesses have turned to electric stoves and induction tops as the LPG shortage continues to disrupt supplies.

In Gujarat's Surat, traders witnessed record demand for electric stoves over the past two to three days. They told ANI that as orders continue to pile up, the demand is outstripping supply. "There is a severe shortage of stock as soon as supplies arrive, we sell them to the customers. We are selling at regular prices. We only have one or two pieces now; the shortage remains," local trader Lakshman Singh told ANI.

In Bengaluru, the Bangalore Hotels Association has notified members that supply of gas cylinders has been halted from today for diversion to essential services (hospitals, schools, senior citizens), and Immediate action is expected from Union Ministers to resume commercial gas supply.
A bomb threat was reported at the University of Virginias (UVA) Shannon Library on Friday morning, leading to the evacuation of the building, according to WRIC ABC8 News.

At 10:49 am (local time) on March 13, the UVA Department of Safety and Security issued an emergency alert concerning the library, located at 160 McCormick Road.

By 11:16 am, University Police confirmed they were on-site, investigating the threat and evacuating both Shannon Library and Clemons Library. Authorities have advised the public to stay clear of the area.

University Police are on scene investigating. Both Shannon and Clemons Libraries have been evacuated. University Operations remain normal outside of Shannon and Clemons, UVA Department of Safety and Security said on X.

About University of Virginia The University of Virginia (UVA) is situated in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Also Read | Brothers of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre visit New Mexico ranch, demand unredacted documents

The University of Virginia has six primary libraries. Shannon Library specialises in social sciences and humanities, and also holds government documents, the Tibetan collection, and reference resources, according to the universitys website. Clemons Library, on the other hand, contains the Robertson Media Center as well as the Georges Student Center.

Also Read | Who was Mohamed Jalloh? Virginia university shooter was convicted ISIS supporter

Shooting at Old Dominion University The threat at the University of Virginia on Friday comes amid heightened tensions in the state following a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk just a day earlier. The incident resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The two injured victims were also members of the Army, according to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, according to Newsweek.

One of the victims, previously hospitalised in critical condition, has now improved to fair condition, according to Sentara Health, while the other was treated and discharged.

The deceased victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a 42-year-old from Chesapeake, who is survived by his spouse and child, the US Army Cadet Command at Old Dominion stated in a social media post, reported AP.

According to his biography on the universitys website, Shah attended Old Dominion University as an ROTC student and returned in 2022 to serve as a program leader. During his Army career, he flew helicopters on missions over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe.

On Friday morning, to honor his close friend Shah, Eddie Flack poured a bottle of Wild Turkey on the lawn near the flagpoles across from Constant Hall on campus. Flack, also from Chesapeake, said he and Shah had formed a strong friendship while studying at ODU.

The FBI identified 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh as the suspect who was killed during the shooting.

Jalloh, who had been sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement with the Islamic State group, was released from federal custody in December 2024 and placed on supervised release, which is similar to probation. The reason for his early release is unknown. Although inmates can receive reductions in their sentences for various reasons, it has not been confirmed whether that applied in his situation.

At a Thursday news conference, a reporter asked FBI Norfolk Field Office Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans whether there had been any reference to the ongoing war in Iran. She responded, None whatsoever. The US and Israel began military action against Iran with missile strikes on February 28. The shooter also had military experience; Jalloh, a naturalized US citizen from Sierra Leone, worked as a specialist in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until his honorable discharge in 2015.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday (March 13) that Irans missile capabilities have been severely degraded following sustained US and Israeli military strikes, claiming the countrys missile volume has dropped dramatically and its weapons production capacity has been largely destroyed.

Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Hegseth said: Iran has no air defenses. Iran has no air force. Iran has no navy. Their missiles, their missile launchers and drones are being destroyed or shot out of the sky. Their missile volume is down 90%. Their one-way attack drones yesterday, down 95%.

Irans missile production functionally defeated, destroyed The Pentagon chief said strikes had targeted facilities across Iran responsible for building ballistic missiles and their components.

As of two days ago, Irans entire ballistic missile production capacity  every company that builds every component of those missiles  has been functionally defeated, destroyed, Hegseth said.

Buildings, complexes and factory lines all across Iran, destroyed. So were shooting down and destroying what missiles they still have in stock, but more importantly, ensuring that they have no ability to make more.

Ending Irans nuclear program a core mission Hegseth also said eliminating Irans nuclear weapons capability remains a central objective of the US campaign.

Weve said from the beginning: deny Iran nuclear weapons, he said.

The defense secretary noted that the administration of Donald Trump is focused on ensuring Iran cannot produce nuclear weapons again, though he declined to say whether ground forces might be needed to secure enriched uranium supplies or nuclear facilities.

He added that Washington would welcome a decision by Irans leadership to voluntarily dismantle the program.

Also Read | Iran leader's representative clarifies it has not blocked Strait of Hormuz
Charles Thomas Munger, co-founder of Berkshire Hathaway alongside Warren Buffett, has built a following of his own among investors. The late billionaire left behind a treasure trove of tried and tested investing advice over the years. Even Buffett (95), dubbed The Oracle of Omaha due to numerous impeccable investment decisions over the years, credits Munger for teaching him a few.

In an obit piece after Munger passed away in November 2023, Bloomberg noted his importance as a straight man and scold of corporate excesses who provided a reality check and balance against Buffett's fame and wealth.

Quote of the day by Charlie Munger The turtles who outrun the hares are learning machines. If you stop learning in this world, the world rushes right by you.

What does Charlie Munger's quote mean? Munger was a staunch advocate for multi-disciplinary knowledge, where one compounds information over broad subject matters and draws from the genius of those around them to grow their own intelligence.

The above quote is from his 2007 University of Southern California (USC) Law school commencement speech, where he was sharing an example of business partner and long-time friend Buffett. Warren is one of the best learning machines on this earth. The turtles who outrun the hares are learning machines. If you stop learning in this world, the world rushes right by you, he stated.

Further during the speech, Munger noted that Buffett is continously learning and their record at Bekshire would have been absolutely impossible without the Oracle of Omaha being a continuous learning machine.

Speaking to students, Munger emphasised among other things the need to read books across subjects that have nothing to do with your specialisations or jobs. He further explained that Buffett spends half of all time sitting and reading. And a big chunk of the rest of the time is spent talking one-on-one either on the telephone or personally with highly gifted people whom he trusts and who trust him.

The key takeaway from Munger's speech are that learning is a continous process and much wisdom can be absorbed from the company we keep. It is wise to rely on the people around you, especially those with expertise. And that there is only benefit in broadening your information base, rather than being restricted to only the sectors or spaces that you are comfortable with.

Master of wit: Who is Charlie Munger? Known for his sharp wit, brutal honesty, and no-nonsense thinking, Munger was one of the architects behind Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s success alongside best friend and business partner Buffett. For almost 60 years the duo transformed the company from a failing textile maker into an empire, worth billions.

A lawyer by training, Munger helped Buffett, who was seven years his junior, craft a philosophy of investing in companies for the long term. Buffett has credited him with shaping Berkshire Hathaways investing style and pushing the Oracle of Omaha away from cheap cigar-butt stocks toward high-quality businesses at fair prices.

Under their management, Berkshire averaged an annual gain of 20% from 1965 through 2022  roughly twice the pace of the S&P 500 Index. Decades of compounded returns made the pair billionaires and folk heroes to adoring investors.
Sameerah Munshi, the only Muslim woman on the White House Religious Liberty Commission, has resigned. Munshi made the announcement on social media, saying that she was resigning over the injustice and atrocities of the Donald Trump administration at home and abroad.

In a detailed note, Munshi said two recent developments led her to resign. This includes the removal of Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California who was sacked from the Justice Department's Religious Liberty Commission for hijacking" a hearing on antisemitism to promote a "personal and political agenda" last month.

Munshi also said she was troubled by the Trump administrations illegal war against Iran, undertaken without clear constitutional or congressional authorization.

Appointed by Trump in 2025 Munshi, a prominent Muslim activist, was appointed as an advisor on President Donald Trumps White House Religious Liberty Commission in 2025.

She noted that despite being mocked by even members of the commission over her faith, she hesitantly accepted the appointment to remain a voice of reason and to stand for the religious freedom of ordinary Americans.

'Americans are against this war' Hitting out at the Trump administration for the ongoing war in Iran, Munshi accused the government of the unlawful killing of children and civilians, at the behest of Israel, which she called a genocidal state.

Not only is the American public against this aggression, but our tax dollars are funding the very violence that we oppose, both against innocent Palestinians and now Iranians. It is painfully obvious through their actions that this administration has no regard for the Constitutions protection of free expression and religious liberty, nor its detailing of war powers, she said.

Munshi also made it clear that she was not resigning out of fear or intimidation by anyone.

Also Read | What is Operation Epic Fury? US unleashes sweeping strikes against Iran

I am resigning because I have seen firsthand the injustice perpetrated by members of this commission, and I am unwilling to be associated with it any longer. I have seen this corrupt, dangerous administrations disregard for American citizens and the lives of innocents, and I am unwilling to be associated with it any longer. I support America over Israel, and unfortunately, that means I cannot support Trump or this government, she said.

What opinion polls say Meanwhile, the US-Israeli attack on Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, is on its 14th day. Notably, most polls so far have shown that a majority of Americans are opposed to the military action against Iran.

Opinion polls, including those by AP, Gallup and others, in the run-up to the conflict and in the first week of the first week of the military operation have shown that more Americans are against the war than those supporting it.

Death toll in Iran According to Iranian authorities, in the first two weeks of the conflict, more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in US-Israeli bombings. This includes the 165 to 180 girl students killed in an airstrike on a school in Minab last week.

The Iranian representative to the UN said that at least 1,348 civilians have been killed in the country.

Estimates by the US and Israel also put the Iranian military death toll since the start of the conflict on February 28 at around 3,000.
US President Donald Trump reportedly told G7 leaders during a meeting on Wednesday that Iran is about to surrender. But, 24 hours later, Iran's new Supreme Leader said in his first public statement that Iran will keep fighting and will take revenge for the ongoing US and Israeli attacks.

I got rid of a cancer Sources told Axios that Trump boasted about the results of Operation Epic Fury on the G7 call Wednesday morning.

He reportedly told allies, I got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all.

While claiming Iran was about to surrender, Trump also suggested there were no officials left alive in Tehran with the power to make that decision, the report stated.

"Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender," Trump said, according to two officials briefed on the call.

G7 leaders told Trump to end war G7 leaders held a call amid concerns over the growing economic fallout of the US-Israel's war in Iran.

Sources told Axios that all of the other leaders urged Trump to end the war quickly, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must be secured as soon as possible.

Trump reportedly said the Hormuz situation is improving and that commercial ships should resume operations in the area, an official briefed on the call said. At least two tankers were set ablaze off the coast of Iraq that night.

Irans Mojtaba Khamenei vows to fight Almost 24 hours after Trump's call with G7 leaders, Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement, saying that attacks on US bases in the region would continue.

According to Al Jazeera, Press TV attributed the statement to Khamenei on Thursday this week and claimed that Khamenei called for national unity and said the vital global artery of the Strait of Hormuz would continue to be closed to pressure Irans enemies.

Also Read | What Indians are searching online amid Iran conflict

Armed groups in Yemen will also do the job, the supreme leader said, adding that other armed groups in Iraq also want to help the Islamic revolution, Al Jazeera reported.

Mojtaba Khamenei took over as Iran's Supreme Leader after his father Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was killed due to the US-Israeli strikes in Tehran on February 28.

Donald Trump says 'unconditional surrender' is when Iran... President Trump said in the first week of March that his demand for Iran's "unconditional surrender" could mean the complete destruction of the regime's military capabilities.

He told Axios in a phone interview, Unconditional surrender could be that [the Iranians] announce it. But it could also be when they can't fight any longer because they don't have anyone or anything to fight with.

His statement came after he ruled out any deal with Iran. In a post on TRUTH social media earlier, he called for Iran's "unconditional surrender" saying, There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!

Trump had also suggested appointment of "great and acceptable leaders" in Iran and pledged that the US and its allies would help rebuild the country and make it prosperous after the war.

"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 had posted on social media.
The United States is deploying roughly 5,000 additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East as the war involving Iran intensifies, NBC News cited three US officials as saying.

The deployment includes an Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU), comprising around 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors, officials said as per the news outlet.

Crisis response unit activated The Marines assigned to the deployment are part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Japan. The unit is the United States Marine Corps only permanently forward-deployed MEU.

Marine Expeditionary Units are designed for rapid crisis response missions, including evacuating civilians from conflict zones, protecting embassies and establishing entry points for other military forces.

Amphibious ships moving West The sailors are attached to the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, which includes three ships:

-USS Tripoli (LHA-7)

-USS San Diego (LPD-22)

-USS New Orleans (LPD-18)

CENTCOM requested additional forces Officials said the deployment was requested by United States Central Command as part of contingency planning for the conflict.

Part of the plan for this war was to have Marines available to provide options for use, one US official said.

The move adds to the growing US military presence in the region as Washington prepares for a range of possible contingencies tied to the ongoing conflict.

Also Read | Defiant Iran prez Pezeshkian meets people on Tehran streets amid Trump warning

Iran shows resolve despite leadership loss The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to demonstrate that it remains intact and in control, despite the death of its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, at the start of the US-Israeli military campaign on February 28.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leaders son, has been named the new supreme leader. However, he has remained absent from public view and is reported to be wounded. The situation has heightened Washington and Tel Avivs focus on him, with indications that both countries may target him directly.

US reward for key Iranian leaders The US government has unveiled a $10-million reward for information on Mojtaba Khameneis whereabouts, along with nine other senior Iranian officials, including the interior minister and intelligence minister.

These individuals command and direct elements of Iran's military and intelligence apparatus, a US State Department statement said, referring to the officials roles in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

President Donald Trump, commenting on the campaign via social media, described the killings of Irans leadership as a great honour, adding that the targeted figures are deranged scumbags.

Strait of Hormuz tensions Irans Revolutionary Guards have effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly 20 percent of the worlds oil supplies pass. The move has caused global concern over oil shipments, as the strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is a critical chokepoint for energy trade.

US and Israeli forces continue to monitor the situation closely, with military officials emphasizing readiness to respond to any escalation.

Also Read | Cuba confirms talks with Trump officials amid oil blockade by US
The United States and Israel have struck more than 15,000 targets since launching a war against Iran last month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.

"Between our air force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck. That's well over 1,000 a day," Hegseth told a news conference, adding that Friday would mark the highest volume of strikes yet in the campaign.

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28, and Tehran has responded with waves of missiles and drones launched at countries in the region hosting US troops.

Washington's forces have been targeting Iranian missile and drone infrastructure, and Hegseth said Friday that the volume of return fire has dramatically decreased from earlier in the conflict.

Iran's "missiles, their missile launchers and drones (are) being destroyed or shot out of the sky," he said, adding: "Their missile volume is down 90 percent, their one-way attack drones yesterday  down 95 percent."
The US government has announced rewards of up to $10 million for information on senior officials of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the countrys new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the State Department said.

These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organizes and executes terrorism around the world, the department said.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Key leaders and officials targeted Among the 10 individuals listed by the State Department are:

-Mojtaba Khamenei, Supreme Leader

-Ali Asghar Hejazi, Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme Leader Office (SLO)

-Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, SLO Military Advisor

-Ali Larijani, Advisor SLO / Secretary, Supreme National Security Council

-Brig. Gen. Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Interior

-Esmail Khatib, Minister of Intelligence and Security

Other unnamed positions include the Secretary of the Defense Council, Advisor to the Supreme Leader, Military Office Chief (SLO), and IRGC Commander.

Rewards for Justice Program The State Department is encouraging tipsters to submit information through encrypted platforms, specifically Tor-based tipline or Signal.

"If you have information on these or other key IRGC leaders or its component branches, send it to us via our Tor-based tipline or Signal," the program said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The program added: Your information could make you eligible for relocation and a reward, emphasizing that submissions could lead to capture or prosecution of wanted individuals.

Mojtaba Khameneis father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a bombing on February 28, at the start of the recent US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Khamenei assumed leadership following a period of regional instability, with the IRGC remaining a central force in Irans military and political operations.

Also Read | Sole Muslim woman on White House religious committee resigns
The Trump administration has already used up years worth of key munitions since the conflict with Iran began, Financial Times reported, citing three people familiar with the situation.

The rapid depletion has raised concerns about the mounting cost of the war and Washingtons ability to rebuild its weapons stockpiles, the report stated.

Earlier, lawmakers were informed in a Pentagon briefing that the first week of the conflict with Iran cost the United States over $11.3 billion, according to a report by the New York Times, highlighting how quickly the war is depleting weapons and resources. The Times, citing unnamed sources familiar with Tuesdays closed-door briefing, noted that this figure does not include many expenses associated with the pre-strike buildup, implying that the total cost for the opening week could be significantly higher.

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran is unsettling companies around the globe, pushing up energy costs, tightening supplies of important raw materials and raising doubts about the dependability of key shipping routes that are essential for transporting everything from food to automobile parts.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is expected to soon request as much as $50 billion in additional military funding from the White House and the United States Congress, The Financial Times reported.

The supplemental budget request is likely to trigger a heated debate on Capitol Hill, highlighting growing unease among lawmakers over the administrations handling of the conflict, as reported by FT.

Lisa Murkowski, a Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which approves the federal budget, cautioned that lawmakers will resist any expectation from the White House for an unrestricted funding request, the FT reported.

She emphasised on Thursday that the Pentagon must engage with Congress.

Any supplemental funding bill for the war in Iran could encounter significant opposition in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "absolutely not" when asked by Sky News on Thursday whether there was a price that could cause him to confront President Donald Trump and say the Iran war was no longer affordable, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator and Air Force veteran Mark Kelly told MS Now that the rounds were firing  Patriot rounds, Thaad rounds . . . these weapon systems, each round is millions of dollars, and contrasted that with Irans cheaper arsenal, noting the Iranians are firing cheap drones, referring to Shahed drones that US intelligence officials say Iran can produce for about $30,000 each.

The math on this doesnt work, Kelly added, as reported by FT.

Meanwhile, Tomahawk missiles, subsonic cruise missiles with a 1,000-pound warhead, are produced by US defence contractor RTX at $3.6 million each.

Over the past five years, the US military has purchased only 322 missiles, including 57 allocated for fiscal year 2026 at a cost of $206.6 million, meaning it can replenish only a small portion of the missiles likely expended in recent operations.

The US also deployed at least 124 Tomahawks in previous strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen and Irans nuclear facilities in 2024 and 2025.

Iran's Shahed Developed in Iran and costing only around $20,000, the Shahed has become a prominent weapon in modern conflicts, with Tehrans ally Russia deploying the drones extensively during its long-running conflict with Ukraine.

Also Read | How many Shahed drones does Iran have and why are they crucial? Explained

In recent days, these drones have hit US military bases, oil facilities, and civilian structures following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran that began Saturday, which involved cruise missiles, drones, and precision-guided bombs.

View full Image View full Image FILE PHOTO: A visitor of an exhibition takes a photo of parts of an Iranian made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Shahed-131/136, which was launched on Ukrainian territories, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko/File Photo ( REUTERS )

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an independent Washington think tank, estimated that the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury cost $3.7 billion, averaging over $891 million per day, AFP reported.

CSIS noted that the majority of this spending, $3.5 billion, had not been previously allocated in the budget.

Also Read | How the Iran war unraveled the Gulfs image as a luxurious safe haven

Meanwhile, the Iran War Cost Tracker website, which provides real-time estimates of the conflicts cost, showed the total exceeding $17 billion as of around 08:00 GMT on Thursday. The site reported that the United States is currently spending about $1 billion per day on the war.

However, it cautioned that the actual cost is likely higher, as these figures do not account for long-term expenses such as veteran healthcare.
The gunman who opened fire on the campus of the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia  killing one and injuring two  was a former soldier convicted of and jailed for supporting ISIS, and was out on probation for the very same terrorism-related charge.

The suspect was identified by the FBI as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who was also killed killed in Thursday's shooting, and the federal agency is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.

Who was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh? A former soldier who served in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 to 2015, Jalloh was a combat engineer with no deployments and an honourable discharge, according to military officials cited by NBC.

Court documents reveal details about Jalloh's activities in support of ISIS.

After his discharge, Jalloh travelled to his native country of Sierra Leone and communicated with a prominent online ISIL supporter, following which he contacted an ISIS facilitator in Africa in the hopes of joining the terror outfit's unit in Libya.

Jalloh even boarded a truck carrying ISIS recruits to Libya in September 2015, but told the terror group's facilitator two months later that he had abandoned the truck mid-journey as he was not ready to fight for ISIS.

Subsequently in December 2015, Jalloh paid $341.04 to the ISIS facilitator to help with expenses related to sending another batch of ISIS recruits into Libya.

He eventually returned to the US from Sierra Leone, but prior to that came in to contact with one Abu Saad Sudani, who he understood to be an ISIS figure engaged in plotting attacks on American soil.

Also Read | Who was Ayman Mohamad Ghazali? US citizen behind Michigan synagogue attack

Following his return to the US in January 2016, Jalloh continued to remain in touch with Sudani, and continued to send money to support the terror group, paying $250 and $450.63 in March and June respectively.

As Jalloh continued to discuss his interest in funding ISIS, he came into contact with an undercover FBI agent posing as a member of the terror group living overseas.

In June 2016, Jalloh then sent $50 worth of gift card codes to the undercover agent, followed by another $500 in cash.

By this time, Sudani was plotting an attack in the US, involving Jalloh and another individual.

During these interactions, Jalloh said that he thought about carrying out an attack  "all the time"  inspired by 2009 mass shooting by a US Army major Nidal Hassan in Fort Hood, Texas.

Further, in order to demonstrate his commitment to carrying out an attack, Jalloh purchased a Glock 19. He also told his co-conspirators that he had a family member in North Carolina with access to AR-15s and AK-47s.

Also Read | FBI launches probe after explosives lit outside Mamdanis residence in NYC

Then, in June 2016, Jalloh travelled to North Carolina to acquire weapons, and was turned down by an AK-47 owner when he offered to buy it.

A month later, on 2 July 2016, Jalloh purchased a Stag Arms AR-15 from a local gun store.

He was arrested the next day.

In court, Jalloh pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 11 years in prison and five months of probation, in addition to participating in a computer monitoring programme.

The 36-year-old was released in 2024.

While not much else is currently known about Jalloh, court documents also give a glimpse into his personality.

Jalloh's defence team described the former National Guard member's "radical ideals" as a shallow search for identity and purpose, not a commitment to violence.

The 36-year-old's life was marked by war, trauma, violence, sexual abuse, and significant cultural and familial dislocation, a sentencing court memo says, adding that he was a bright, capable, hard-working, and kind man who had a promising future prior to his dalliance with extremism."
Amid the Middle East conflict, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security in the UAE has announced that residents currently abroad with expired residency permits will be allowed to return to the country.

This move comes in response to regional disruptions, including airspace closures that have blocked residents from returning. The measure will be in effect for one month starting 28 February 2026.

The ICP stated that the initiative is intended to help expatriate residents return and simplify travel procedures during the designated period. Eligible residents will be allowed to re-enter the UAE and regularise their residency status through the appropriate official channels after arrival.

Authorities noted that the move underscores the UAEs ongoing commitment to supporting residents and to implementing flexible administrative measures in response to exceptional circumstances.

The initiative will stay in effect until 31 March, providing a one-month grace period for expatriates to return and resolve their visa status upon arrival. Once back in the UAE, residents can complete the necessary steps to renew or regularise their residency through the appropriate immigration authorities.

Since December 2018, the UAE passport has ranked first globally on Arton Capital's Passport Index. As of 1 January 2020, a UAE passport holder can travel easily to 179 countries worldwide; 118 destinations offer visa-free travel, and 61 offer eVisas or visa on arrival at the airport, according to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2024, Dubais population increased by more than 169,000, reaching 3.825 million. This marked the fastest annual population growth in the emirate since 2018. Of Dubais four million residents, there are approximately 81,200 millionaires, 237 centi-millionaires, and 20 billionaires, according to the 2025 Worlds Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners.

Emirati citizens make up only about 12% of the population, while 88% are expatriates; Indians are the largest ethnic group, accounting for roughly 2530% of residents.

Middle East conflict: Debris from interception causes fire in Dubai The Middle East has experienced aviation disruptions in recent weeks due to escalating regional tensions, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights across several Gulf countries.

Thick black smoke billowed over Dubais skyline early Friday following what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city, AP reported.

An Associated Press journalist reported seeing the fire in the Al Quoz neighbourhood, where bystanders had gathered to watch the smoke. Police prevented the journalist from approaching the site, which was located in a cul-de-sac.

The Dubai Media Office, which issues statements for its government, said: Debris from a successful interception caused a minor incident on the facade of a building in central Dubai. It said there had been no injuries, though the black smoke curled over the skyline as far as the sail-shaped Burj al-Arab luxury hotel.

U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to finish the job, despite claiming that Iran is virtually destroyed. The first week of the war cost the United States $11.3 billion, according to the Pentagon.

The UN refugee agency reports that up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced, while Lebanese authorities say 800,000 residents have been forced from their homes as Israels military targets buildings linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
Across the wider Gulf region, as many as 23,000 Indian seafarers were employed on different types of vessels, including merchant ships and offshore installations, and 27 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, confirmed Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, at a media briefing on Friday.

Sinha also mentioned that the Directorate General of Shipping remained in constant communication with these personnel through their respective recruitment and engagement agencies.

To the west of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, there are 24 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying a total of 677 Indian seafarers, the same number as yesterday. To the east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, there were previously four vessels; yesterday, one of themthe Jag Prakash, an oil tankerdeparted the area. Consequently, three Indian-flagged vessels now remain in that region, carrying 76 Indian seafarers, Sinha said.

He added, Across the entire Gulf region, there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers working on various vesselsincluding merchant ships and offshore vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) maintains continuous contact with all of them through their respective engagement agencies.

9,000 Indian nationals in Iran being assisted, says MEA Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier stated that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had been in constant touch with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss issues related to maritime safety and Indias energy interests, according to ANI.

During a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, EAM and FM of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything.

Also Read | Sole Muslim woman on White House religious committee resigns

The MEA spokesperson also confirmed that nearly 9,000 Indian nationals, including seafarers, students, businesspersons, professionals and pilgrims, are currently in Iran and receiving assistance. He noted that several Indians, mainly students, had already returned to the country, while others, including pilgrims, had been moved to safer areas within Iran. Support was also being extended to those planning to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia to board onward commercial flights, he further said.

Jaiswal further said that India had co-sponsored a Gulf Cooperation Council-led resolution at the UN Security Council, underscoring the need to safeguard its diaspora in the Gulf region. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a series of conversations with regional leaders, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomatic engagement and civilian protection.
Brazils imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to an intensive care unit after being diagnosed with bronchopneumonia, according to a medical note from DF Star Hospital cited by Reuters.

The 70-year-old was taken to the hospital early Friday (March 13) after experiencing high fever, chills and a drop in oxygen saturation, doctors said.

Condition described as serious Doctors treating Bolsonaro said the former presidents condition is serious and that he is likely to remain hospitalised for the next few days as he undergoes treatment and monitoring in the ICU.

Bolsonaro has faced several health complications in recent years, often linked to injuries sustained during a 2018 stabbing attack while campaigning for president.

Long history of health issues The former leader, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has undergone multiple surgeries and hospital visits since the 2018 attack.

He was hospitalised in January for medical examinations after falling and hitting his head, and in December underwent procedures to treat a hernia and persistent hiccups.

Serving 27-year prison sentence Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of plotting a coup following the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The case has remained politically contentious in Brazil and internationally.

Lawyers seek prison visit by US adviser In a separate development, Bolsonaros lawyers have asked the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil to allow Darren Beattie, a US official recently appointed to a senior advisory role overseeing Brazil policy, to visit the former president in prison.

According to court documents, the lawyers requested exceptional authorization for a visit on March 16 or March 17.

Ties with Donald Trump Bolsonaro was a close political ally of Donald Trump during their time in office. Trump has previously described Bolsonaros trial as a witch hunt.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said his government has held talks with the United States, marking the first official confirmation of discussions between the two countries amid Cubas worsening energy crisis.

Speaking on Friday, Diaz-Canel said the exchanges were intended to address bilateral differences and explore possible cooperation.

They were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations, Diaz-Canel said, adding that international factors facilitated these exchanges.

The aim was to determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries, he said.

However, he did not elaborate on the factors or provide details about the discussions.

Secret meeting involving Marco Rubio US officials said Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, met with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro, on the sidelines of a Caribbean Community leaders meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis in late February.

The meeting reportedly took place quietly, with officials speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.

At the time, Rubio declined to disclose who he had been meeting with during the regional gathering.

Energy crisis grips Cuba The talks come as Cuba struggles with a severe energy shortage. Diaz-Canel said no petroleum shipments have reached the island for three months, blaming the situation on what he described as a US energy blockade.

Even with everything were putting together, we still need oil, he said.

The government has been relying on natural gas, solar power and thermoelectric plants to generate electricity, but fuel shortages have forced two power plants to shut down and limited production at solar facilities.

Also Read | Defiant Iran prez Pezeshkian meets people on Tehran streets amid Trump warning

Blackouts hit millions Cubas western region was struck by a major blackout last week, leaving millions without electricity. The government attributed the outage to a broken boiler at a thermoelectric plant, which triggered a shutdown of the national power grid.

Diaz-Canel said the energy shortages have disrupted communications, education and transportation, while hospitals have been forced to postpone tens of thousands of surgeries.

The impact is tremendous, he said.

Oil shipments from Venezuela halted The situation worsened after oil shipments from Venezuela were halted following US action against the country and the arrest of its president Nicolas Maduro.

Since then, the administration of Donald Trump has warned Cuba that it could face a similar outcome.

Speaking at a gathering of Latin American leaders in Florida last week, Trump said: They have no money, they have no oil. They have a bad philosophy. They have a bad regime thats been bad for a long time.
Dubai Abu Dhabi News LIVE Updates: Missile alerts were sent to mobile phones in Dubai on Friday morning as authorities said that air defences were intercepting incoming Iranian attacks, according to a report by Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its air defences shot down 10 additional drones targeting the kingdoms Eastern and Central Provinces, bringing the total to nearly 50 drones entering Saudi airspace within a few hours.

This wave represents an unusually high number of aerial threats, as sites including the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, oil infrastructure, and a military base hosting U.S. troops have been targeted amid the escalating conflict involving Iran.

In Dubai, thick black smoke was seen over the skyline early Friday following what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area. An Associated Press journalist observed the blaze in the Al Quoz neighbourhood, where bystanders gathered. Police prevented the journalist from approaching the site, located in a cul-de-sac.

The Dubai Media Office clarified that the fire was caused by debris from a successful missile interception, resulting in a minor incident on a buildings facade in central Dubai. No injuries were reported, although the smoke was visible across the skyline, reaching as far as the iconic Burj al-Arab hotel.

Get all the Dubai Abu Dhabi News LIVE Updates here on Mint!
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Japan from March 31 to April 2 and then South Korea, Tokyo and Seoul said on Friday.

"We have agreed to receive President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic and Mrs. Macron as official working visit guests from March 31 to April 2," Japanese government spokesman Minoru Kihara said.

"Japan and France are special partners that share fundamental values and principles, and we hope that President Macron's visit to Japan on this occasion will further deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries," Kihara told reporters.

Macron, who has visited Japan several times, will hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two already held bilateral talks at a G20 meeting in South Africa last year.

The French couple will also meet the Japanese emperor and empress, Kihara added.

Macron's visit comes as China-Japan ties worsen following Takaichi's suggestion in November that Tokyo might intervene militarily in any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan.

Macron visited China in December.

Also Read | Macron, Trump rush to secure maritime trade as Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz

South Korea said that Macron's state visit to South Korea will be from April 2 to April 3 at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.

"Macron will be the first European leader to make a state visit to South Korea since the launch of (our) new administration," the South Korean presidential office said.
The United States is reportedly weighing sending more warships to the Middle East in preparation to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, sources told the Wall Street Journal that even with the additional warships, the US wouldn't begin escorting vessels until the threat from Iran is reduced.

That could take up a month or more as the US and Israel continue to pound Tehran with missiles and drones.

'US would escort ships in Strait of Hormuz if' In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said the United States would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed.

When asked about helping oil tankers pass through the key shipping strait, Trump was quoted as saying, We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. We're going to see what happens.

He shared no other details.

His comments come as the United States and other countries face spiking oil and gas prices, with the US-Israel-Iran conflict entering its 14th day.

Trump warns Iran  'hitting them Iran very hard' US President Donald Trump said in an interview on Friday that Iran could face intensified attacks over the next week. "[The US is going to be hitting them [Iran] very hard over the next week," he told Fox News, as per Reuters.

"We're going to be hitting them very hard over the next week," he added in the interview with Fox's Brian Kilmeade that aired in part on its "Fox & Friends" programme.

Oil prices stay over $100 per barrel With growing global concerns about a possible energy crisis and no end to the war in sight, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, remained over $100 per barrel.

Brent prices spiked as high as about $120 per barrel and are about 40% higher than when Israel and the United States launched the war on 28 February.

Also Read | US warns its citizens in Baghdad about kidnapping threat

However, Reuters reported that oil prices dipped on Friday as an Indian tanker sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz and the US put forth measures to try and ease supply concerns, but were on track for weekly gains as Gulf disruptions from the Middle East conflict broadly persisted.

Iran war nearing end? While Trump reportedly said earlir this week that Iran is about to surrender, Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would fight on, and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel.

Also Read | What Indians are searching online amid Iran conflict
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday (March 13) that Irans new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured.

We know the new so-called not so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement, Pentagon Hegseth said at a briefing.

Hegseth did not provide evidence for Mojtaba Khameneis condition but criticized the absence of a video or audio statement, calling it a weak communication.

Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His fatherdead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy.

Khameneis first statement since taking power Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership following the death of his father in the opening day of the conflict, made his first public remarks on Thursday (March 12) through a statement. He vowed to continue military operations and warned neighboring countries against hosting US bases.

We will keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, and neighboring countries must close US bases on their territory or risk being targeted by Iran, Khamenei said in the statement.

The secretive new leader has not been seen publicly since taking over, fueling speculation about his health and security status. According to an Iranian ambassador, Khamenei was wounded during the initial attacks that killed his father and wife.

Threats and escalation in the region In his first statements, Khamenei also promised to escalate hostilities:

I am keeping a file of revenge other fronts will be opened, the state TV reading said, signaling potential expansion of the conflict.

The conflict has already disrupted global energy supplies, affected the international economy, and caused interruptions in travel across the Gulf region.

US response and warning Early Friday, US President Donald Trump issued a new online threat to Iran, emphasizing the ongoing military campaign.

Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, Trump wrote, highlighting the damage inflicted on Iranian leadership.

He added that it was a great honor to have been responsible for the strikes affecting Irans top officials.

This situation remains fluid, with continued uncertainty over Khameneis health and Irans military posture in the coming days.

Also Read | Defiant Iran prez Pezeshkian meets people on Tehran streets amid Trump warning
US-Iran war Highlights: As the West Asia war enters its second week on Friday, the leaders of Iran, Israel and the United States all voiced defiance and vowed to fight.

The death toll in the unpredictable war has risen to more than 2,000 people, most in Iran, Reuters reported. It has also disrupted the lives of millions and shaken financial markets globally.

Drones have been reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman, undermining US and Israeli claims to have knocked out much of Iran's stock of long-range weapons.

Two tankers were set ablaze in the port of Basra in Iraq, after being hit by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats.

Hours earlier on Thursday, three other ships were struck in the Gulf. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for at least one attack - on a Thai bulk carrier that was set ablaze. Another container vessel reported being struck by an unknown projectile near the UAE.

What did the Iran-Israel-US leaders say?

New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut. In his first defiant comments, read out by a television presenter on Thursday, Mojtaba called on neighbouring countries to close US bases on their territory or risk Iran targeting them.

"I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a veiled threat to kill Khamenei and defended the military assault.

In his first news conference since the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Netanyahu said, "We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime but I won't deny that I can't tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime - a regime is toppled from the inside."

"But we can definitely help, and we are helping."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who has already declared that his side won the war, said on Thursday that the United States stood to make significant money from oil prices driven higher because of supply issues tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

"The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money." Stopping Iran from having nuclear weapons was far more important, he said on social media.

US military refuelling plane crashes in Iraq

An American military refuelling plane taking part in the operation against Iran crashed in Iraq and rescue efforts were underway, US Central Command said Thursday.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. However, a US official told The Associated Press that the KC-135 aircraft that crashed had at least five crew members aboard.

The crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the military said in a statement, which described the plane as "a loss."

Oil prices hike; Iran warns of further spike

The Strait of Hormuz is the shipping route through which a fifth of global oil normally passes along Iran's coast.

The prospect that one of the most severe disruptions ever to global energy supplies could endure sent oil prices up about 9% to $100 a barrel on Thursday, despite the announcement on Wednesday that developed countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, and after falling earlier in the week on hopes of a swift end to the war.

Iran's message is that its strategy now is to impose a prolonged economic shock to force Trump to back off. A spokesperson for Iran's military command said on Wednesday that the world should prepare for oil prices of $200 a barrel.
A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday local time, US Central Command said, adding that rescue efforts were underway.

The incident involved two aircraft  the KC-135, which crashed, and another unidentified aircraft, which "landed safely".

"US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing," the CENTCOM statement said.

What we know about the crash The KC-135 that crashed in Iraq had six service members on board, Reuters reported citing US officials familiar with the matter. The second aircraft, which landed safely, was a KC-135 as well, the news agency reported.

It is, however, unclear if there were any casualties in the crash.

It is also not clear what led the refueling aircraft to crash  "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," clarified CENTCOM, without providing any further details.

Built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, the KC-135 has served as the backbone of the US military's air refueling fleet and is critical for long-drawn aerial missions that require planes to fly continuously without landing.

Shortly after the US CENTCOM confirmed the crash, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the refueling aircraft.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft in defense of our country's sovereignty and airspace, reported Reuters.

Also Read | White House rejects report of FBI warning about Iran threat to California

Fourth US aircraft downed The KC-135 that crashed in Iraq was the fourth US aircraft downed since the US and Israel started carrying out joint strikes against Iran on 28 February, marking the start of Operation Epic Fury.

Earlier this month, three US Air Force jets were mistakenly shot down in a friendly fire incident by Kuwait air defences. All crew members in those jets ejected safely.

Meanwhile, seven US troops have been killed in the conflict in the US-Israeli war on Iran thus far, while Reuters reported that as many as 150 US troops had been wounded as of Tuesday.
The US embassy in Baghdad has warned of a "risk of kidnapping" for its citizens in Iraq, as the Middle East war threatens American interests across the region.

"Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups pose a significant threat to public safety in Iraq," the embassy said in a statement on its website Thursday.

"There have been attacks against U.S. citizens, U.S. interests, and critical infrastructure," it said, adding: Americans also face risk of kidnapping.
BANGKOK, March 10 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered civil servants to conserve energy amid an energy squeeze brought on by the conflict in the Middle East, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday, with measures including suspending overseas trips and using stairs instead of elevators.

"The prime minister ordered that starting from today civil servants will work from home," spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana told reporters, adding that exceptions would be made for officials who must serve the public.

Southeast Asia's second-largest economy has around 95 days of energy reserves left, and it has been seeking additional sources of liquefied natural gas from the United States, Australia and South Africa, according to Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon.

But it is urgently trying to reduce demand. Lalida said other government measures to conserve energy include setting air conditioning temperaturesat 26 to 27 degrees Celsius (78.8 to 80.6 Fahrenheit) and wearing short-sleeved shirts instead of formal attire like suits and ties.

Nearly 68% of Thailand's energy needs are met from natural gas. Over half of its liquefied naturalgas is sourced from domestic production in the Gulf of Thailand, while 35% comes from imports, including 13% from neighbouring Myanmar, according to the country's Energy Regulatory Commission.

Earlier this month, Thailand also halted energy exports to all countries other than Laos and Myanmar.

Government officials have been ordered to reduce electricity use at office buildings by switching off lights and electrical equipment when not needed, Lalida said. The government will also ask the public to cooperate and encourage energy saving measures such as carpooling.

"If the situation escalates, the government may consider mandatory measures including dimming advertising signs at shops, cinemas and businesses and closing gas stations at 10 p.m.," the government also said in a statement.
Trump showcases himself as a great dealmaker, even though his business career was pockmarked with bankruptcies. He says hes an astute steward of the economy, even though he has pursued self-defeating and damaging tariff policies. He promised to rightsize the federal government but instead birthed the clown rodeo known as DOGE. He vowed to seal Americas porous bordersand didbut then launched a lethal and grotesque deportation campaign that has scarred communities nationwide. He wants the US to be more affordable for struggling voters but is now waging a war that may savage their wallets.
At least 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs have signed a notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, news agency PTI said.

The notice is likely to be submitted in at least one of the two Houses on Friday, 13 March, the agency said, without making it clear which House would take it up first.

Under the rules, at least 100 MPs must sign a notice seeking the removal of the chief election commissioner (CEC) in the Lok Sabha, while the required strength in the Rajya Sabha is 50.

The notice has been signed by members from all the INDIA bloc parties, the source said, including the Aam Aadmi Party, even though it is no longer officially part of the opposition alliance.

The notice comes at a time when the Election Commission of India is about to announce the schedule of Assembly Elections in four states  Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu  and a Union Territory - Puducherry.

First notice against CEC This is the first time a notice has been issued seeking the removal of the CEC.

The Opposition has listed at least seven charges against the CEC in the notice, ranging from "partisan and discriminatory conduct in office" to "deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud" and "mass disenfranchisement," the news agency said.

The opposition parties have accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the ruling BJP on several occasions, especially with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they alleged aims to help the saffron party at the Centre.

Special concerns have been raised against the SIR exercise in West Bengal, with Trinamool Congress supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the poll panel of deleting genuine voters.

The notice comes just days after a similar notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated in the lower House through a voice vote.

Can CEC be removed? The process for removing a CEC is similar to that for removing a Supreme Court or high court judge, meaning an impeachment can be effected only on the grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.

Also Read | EC to ensure Bengal polls free of violence, says CEC in poll preparedness update

Article 324(5) of the Constitution says the CEC shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court, and the conditions of service of the CEC shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.

The motion for removal may be introduced in either House of Parliament. To pass, it requires a special majority  a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

According to the law on the appointment of CEC and election commissioners, "the CEC shall not be removed from his office except in the like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court", and the other election commissioners shall not be removed from office "except on the recommendation of the CEC".

According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, if the notice for the motion is given on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, no committee shall be constituted unless the motion has been admitted in both Houses.

After the motion has been admitted in both Houses, a committee shall be constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman.

The committee will consist of the chief justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge, the chief justice of one of the 25 high courts, and a "distinguished jurist".

The committee proceedings are like any court proceeding, with witnesses and the accused cross-examined.

The CEC will also have a chance to speak before the committee.

According to the rule, once the committee submits its report, it will be tabled in the House, and discussions on impeachment will commence.

This is the first time a notice has been issued seeking the removal of the CEC.

The motion to remove a judge, and in this case the CEC, must be passed by both Houses. When the House discusses the motion, Kumar will have the right to defend himself standing at the entrance of the House chamber.
It's official. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), formed less than four years ago, has won Nepal's general elections by a landslide. The party's candidate, Balendra Shah, a former rapper, is set to become the next prime minister of the Himalayan nation.

Shahs RSP won 182 seats in the 275-member parliament, Nepal's Election Commission said on Thursday, 12 March. This is the largest majority of any party in more than six decades, the officials said.

The March 5 election was the Himalayan nation's first vote since demonstrations against corruption last September led by Gen Z protesters that killed 77 people and toppled the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"If everything goes well, we can expect that it can give a stable government for five years," constitutional expert Purna Man Shakya told Reuters, referring to splits over dividing up the spoils of office that doomed prior majority governments.

Party headed by a former TV Presenter The RSP is led by former television personality Rabi Lamichhane, who serves as the party's chairman. On 16 June 2022, Lamichhane resigned as managing director of Galaxy 4K television and announced that he would contest the 2022 general elections for a seat in the House of Representatives.

On 21 June 2022, he announced the formation of RSP. The party was formally registered with the Election Commission on 1 July 2022, with Rabi Lamichhane as the founding president, and a bell inside a circle as its election symbol.

The new government comes as a hope for stability in a nation that has seen 32 changes of government in the last 35 years, battering investor confidence and crippling economic and job growth, Reuters reported.

"We are encouraged by the victory," said newly-elected lawmaker Sisir Khanal, a senior leader of the winning RSP. "The mandate has made us very responsible."

The election relegated the oldest party, the Nepali Congress, to distant second place with just 38 seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli won only 25.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki succeeded Oli as the interim prime minister tasked with holding the election.

Shah is the former mayor of Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital, whose rap music critical of the establishment gained him near-rockstar-like fame on social media. Shah is the first politician expected to become prime minister who hails from the southern plains, known as Madhesh, where smaller regional groups failed to win a single seat.

The RSP canvassed on a programme to fight graft, create jobs and more than double the $42 billion-economy in five years. But its firebrand leader, Ravi Lamichhane, faces charges of misappropriating funds from small savings companies. He denies the accusations and has been freed on bail.

Last year's youth-led uprising in the nation of 30 million nestled between China and India followed a social media ban that drew thousands into the streets, triggering clashes and deaths that forced Oli's resignation.

Balen Shah on deepening "historic" Nepal-India ties On Tuesday, Balen Shah expressed confidence in further deepening "historic" Nepal-India ties and making them more "outcome-oriented".

The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician made the remarks in a social media post while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his wishes on the party's electoral success.

"Thank you for the good wishes honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji," he said in the post.

"I express my confidence that we will work together to further strengthen, deepen and make more outcome-oriented the historic, close, and multi-dimensional relations existing between Nepal and India in the coming days," he said.
The Taoiseach expects to discuss global matters including the Middle East when he meets US President Donald Trump for St Patricks Day.

Micheal Martin will begin his trip to the US with engagements inn Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before travelling to Washington DC for the traditional celebrations for Irelands national holiday.

His itinerary includes a bilateral with Mr Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday.

Last years meeting saw the US president take questions from reporters for almost an hour.

The Irish Government said the discussions will cover a range of issues, including the deep ties between the two countries.

Mr Martin said: I look forward to meeting with President Trump to reflect with him on the close bonds between our nations, including our dynamic economic partnership, and to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

I expect there will also be an opportunity to discuss global matters, including how Ireland and the EU can work with the United States to reach peaceful resolutions in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The meeting will be followed by a reception in which the president will be gifted a bowl of shamrock, as part of annual tradition.

Also on March 17, the Taoiseach and his wife Mary, will be hosted for breakfast by vice president JD Vance and his wife Usha, and for lunch on Capitol Hill by speaker Mike Johnson for the traditional Friends of Ireland gathering.

The Taoiseachs programme commences on Saturday, where he will attend events at the Irish memorial, the Museum of the American Revolution, and open the new premises of the Irish Diaspora Centre in Philadelphia.

He will deliver a keynote address at Villanova University as part of the Centre for Irish Studies America250 lecture series.

On Saturday evening, he will attend the Friendly Sons and Daughters of St Patrick 255th annual St Patricks Gala.

On Sunday, Mr Martin will attend the Philadelphia St Patricks Day Parade and lay a wreath at the statue of Commodore John Barry.

He will also address the annual dinner of The Ireland Funds on Monday evening.

Mr Martin said: St Patricks Day is an opportunity to recognise Irelands global community and the enduring connections that link people of Irish heritage around the world.

The relationship between Ireland and the United States is one of our most enduring, rooted in history and exemplified by the roles so many Irish immigrants played in the pursuit of American independence some 250 years ago.

He added: The US and Ireland are close partners, with generations of economic, diplomatic, political, cultural and people-to-people links.

My visit is also an opportunity to highlight the substantial trade and investment relationship between our two nations.

Ireland is the fifth largest foreign investor in America, and Irish companies employ 200,000 people across every sector and every state of the United States.

I will be engaging with US and Irish businesses during my visit to learn about their work and future plans to further strengthen this relationship.

Northern Irelands deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she would be going to Washington to engage with the president, while First Minister Michelle ONeill and other Sinn Fein politicians are boycotting the White House.
The logo of Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces.

Airstrikes, likely conducted by the US as part of the US-Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic, have continued targeting Iran-backed Iraqi militias. On March 12, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official Iraqi security institution largely comprised of Iran-allied militias, told the Iraqi News Agency that US forces have conducted 32 airstrikes against PMF headquarters in the governorates of Anbar, Babylon, Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, Salah al Din, and Wasit since February 28. The United States has not commented on any offensive military operations in Iraq.

The PMF statement said that the targeted headquarters had no role in targeting American bases inside or outside Iraq. However, the airstrikes have killed members of Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al Haq, Kataib Imam Ali, and other militias that are members of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella under which Iran-backed militias claim attacks. The IRI has claimed over 290 attacks on US forces in the region since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. On March 13, the IRI announced a reward of 150 million dinars, a little over $100,000, for information on the whereabouts of American forces in Iraq.

On March 13, security sources told Shafaq News that an airstrike targeted an Asaib Ahl al Haq headquarters in Salah al Din and a Kataib Hezbollah headquarters in Fallujah. It is unclear if these airstrikes resulted in casualties.

An attack on March 12 targeted a PMF headquarters in the Qaim border district of Anbar province on the Iraq-Syria border. Reportedly, the targeting included three sites that belong to the 19th Brigade of the PMF, which is affiliated with the Ansar Allah al Awfiya militia, a component of the IRI. The targets included a headquarters location, a medical unit, and a logistics facility. The strikes reportedly resulted in 99 individuals killed, 43 missing, and 123 wounded.

Additional strikes on March 12 hit Camp Saqr, a military facility south of Baghdad that hosts PMF fighters, killing one PMF member and injuring three. A security source told Shafaq that another airstrike targeted a Kataib Hezbollah headquarters in Jurf al Nasr in Babil province without causing casualties. This area was targeted repeatedly in early March. Airstrikes also targeted a PMF base in Kirkuk, with fatalities reported to be between one and four PMF fighters.

A funeral held on March 12 for some of the slain PMF members included flags of Iran-backed militias, the PMF, and pictures of deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son, newly selected Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
The emblem of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.

A senior leader in the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has condemned Irans recent strikes on several Middle Eastern countries while simultaneously urging Muslims to unite against Israel and what he described as a broader Zionist-American project in the region.

In an interview with the Qatari daily Al Sharq on March 7, Ali al Qaradghi, the chairman of the IUMS, denounced Irans repeated attacks on Muslim Gulf countries. However, he added that the appropriate response for the Muslim world was not escalation against Tehran but rather to stand up to the expansionist Zionist project through a strong Islamic alliance.

In a separate X post, Qaradaghi similarly warned that Muslims must act according to our knowledge that the Zionist project is clearon the tongues of its leadersthat the intent is not Iran alone, but the entire Middle East, a new expansion and occupation in the 21st century.

The International Union of Muslim Scholars is a global network of Sunni clerics that is headquartered in Qatar and broadly aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in 2004 and reportedly supported by the Qatari royal family, it has long served as a transnational clerical platform promoting Islamist political activism.

Qaradaghis remarks followed an official statement by the IUMS on March 3 addressing evolving regional developments. The statement began by emphasizing the arrogance of the Zionist-American project and warning against American Zionist exaltation seeking to impose hegemony. The IUMS then condemned Irans retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries, Jordan, and Iraq, and called for de-escalation and dialogue between Muslim-majority states. Finally, the IUMS urged Muslims to unify politically and strategically against what it described as the Zionist project, framing Israel as the primary threat facing the Islamic world.

From its founding until 2018, the IUMS was chaired by Yusuf al Qaradawi, the late Egyptian-born cleric and de facto spiritual guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, who hosted a long-running talk show on Al Jazeera.

Qaradawi used his position at the IUMS and his global media platform to promote Islamist political thought and armed resistance against Israel and the West. In a 2004 BBC interview, he famously endorsed Palestinian suicide bombings against Israelis, calling them evidence of Gods justice. Qaradawi also argued that Israeli civilians, including women, could be legitimate targets because they serve in the Israeli military.

The late cleric likewise legitimized attacks on American personnel during the Iraq War, declaring that the kidnapping and murder of American civilians and soldiers was permissible under Islamic law.

Under the subsequent leadership of Qaradaghi, the IUMS has continued to promote militant opposition to Israel. The group issued a fatwa in March 2025 calling for armed jihad against Israel. An IUMS publication posted in June 2025 mentioned a conference that the organization hosted during which Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel was referred to as a flood of pride and sacrifice.

During the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June 2025, the IUMS strongly condemned Israeli strikes on Iran. Qaradaghi described the attacks as blatant Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that it was impossible to remain silent in the face of this injustice. He further called for financial pressure against Israel and encouraged action by young people and human rights activists.

The groups latest statements suggest that the IUMS is attempting to navigate escalating regional tensions while maintaining its longstanding ideological priorities.

The March 3 statement highlights the groups enduring Islamist orientation. Although it criticized Iranian strikes on neighboring Muslim states, the IUMS continues to frame Israel as the primary adversary of the Muslim world and to promote pan-Islamic mobilization against it. The organization has repeatedly endorsed armed resistance and praised attacks carried out by Hamas, reinforcing its role as a clerical platform advancing Islamist political and militant objectives.

Mariam Wahba is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where Natalie Ecanow is a senior research analyst. Follow Mariam on X @themariamwahba. Follow Natalie on X @NatalieEcanow. Follow FDD on X @FDD.
A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 186th Air Refueling Wing waits to refuel fighters from the 96th Test Wing during a test flight over the Gulf of Mexico, June 29, 2020. (US Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Tristan McIntire)

Iraqi militias loyal to the Iranian regime claimed that they shot down a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over western Iraq on March 12. The US military has confirmed that the tanker crashed but stated that it was not brought down via hostile fire. The aircraft was used to refuel strike aircraft entering and exiting Iranian airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on March 12 that two KC-135 refueling aircraft were involved in an incident over Iraq. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely, CENTCOM stated in its press release. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

Six service members were killed on the KC-135 that crashed in western Iraq. The other Stratotanker landed at an Israeli airport. American aircraft have been operating over Iraqi airspace as part of Operation Epic Fury targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. The KC-135s are likely refueling Israeli aircraft that are striking Iranian regime targets in northern and central Iran.

Despite CENTCOM stating that the aircraft was not shot down, Iraqi militias claimed involvement in the incident.

In defense of the sovereignty of our country and its airspace, which has been violated by the aircraft of the occupation forces, the mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have shot down a KC-135 aircraft belonging to the American occupation in western Iraq, using the appropriate weaponry, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella front-group under which major Iran-backed, US-designated terror groups claim attacks, said. Shortly after the initial statement, the group added that it targeted a second KC-135 that it claimed was hit but managed to land at one of the enemys airports.

The IRI was established in 2020 to serve as a clearinghouse for smaller Iran-backed militias, which themselves are offshoots or fronts of more established, larger militias such as the Hezbollah Brigades, Asaib Ahl-al Haq, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada. Many of these groups are listed by the US as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorist entities. The IRI banner adds another layer of plausible deniability for Iran, which directs and supports these proxy militias behind the scenes.

The IRI did not provide additional information on its purported operation, such as weapons systems used, nor did it provide evidence, such as video, of these claimed attacks. It is unlikely the IRI was able to shoot down the KC-135, which typically refuels aircraft at altitudes between 20,000 and 30,000 feet. The militias are not known to possess the sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems that are needed to reach these heights. It would be more likely that the Iranians would provide the IRI with Man-Portable Air Defense Systems, which have a maximum ceiling of 15,000 feet.

The IRI has been issuing daily statements claiming a dozen or more attacks which have employed dozens of drones and missiles against the US and its allies in Iraq. On March 10, the IRI is alleged to have conducted 291 operations to date, claiming to have killed 13 Americans and injured dozens more. However, no Americans have been reported killed or wounded in militia attacks inside Iraq.

Numerous attacks from Iraqi militias have targeted American bases in Iraqi Kurdistan, sites elsewhere in Iraq that have historically hosted US troops, the US diplomatic presence in the country, and other assets since February 28. However, the claimed number of operations is not confirmed.

Bill Roggio is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
An FDD visual of Iranian attacks against Arab states on March 12, 2026.

Between March 11 and March 12, Iran and its allied militias continued launching drones, missiles, and other attack platforms across the Middle East, targeting energy infrastructure, airports, military bases, residential areas, diplomatic facilities, and maritime targets in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Oman. Air defense systems intercepted many incoming projectiles, but several strikes still caused casualties, fires, and infrastructure damage, particularly in Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and Iraqi Kurdistan.

As of March 12, the United Arab Emirates reported that 1,540 drones and 293 missiles had been launched toward its territory. Kuwait reported that 414 drones and 226 missiles targeted the country. Qatar reported 69 drones and 162 missiles targeting its territory. Jordan reported that 59 drones and 60 missiles had been launched toward it. Bahrain claimed that it intercepted 114 missiles and 190 drones.

The following is a detailed account of the scope of the attacks and specific actions that Iran and its affiliated militias took against Arab states on March 11 and 12.

March 11

In Saudi Arabia, Iranian attacks again focused heavily on energy infrastructure and military facilities. Saudi authorities reported intercepting repeated waves of drones targeting the Shaybah oil field in the Rub al-Khali desert, including groups of one, two, three, and additional drones throughout the day. Saudi forces also intercepted multiple drones in the Eastern Province, east of Al Kharj, in Hafar al Batin. In addition, Saudi defenses intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base near Al Kharj, followed later by another three ballistic missiles aimed at the same installation. A separate ballistic missile targeting the Eastern Province was also intercepted.

In Oman, Iranian drones struck oil storage facilities at the port of Salalah. Elsewhere, drones targeting the port of Duqm were intercepted before reaching their target.

In the United Arab Emirates, two drones struck near Dubai International Airport, wounding four people. In Abu Dhabi, an aerial interception triggered a fire at the old airport, though no injuries were reported.

In Kuwait, the National Guard announced that it intercepted eight drones. The Kuwaiti army later reported intercepting an unspecified number of ballistic missiles, along with another mixed wave of drones and missiles.

In Qatar, the Defense Ministry announced several rounds of interceptions that included defending against multiple ballistic missile attacks and another combined missile-and-drone attack targeting the country.

In Bahrain, Bahraini forces reported intercepting two ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom.

In Iraq, authorities said that four drones were intercepted near Baghdad International Airport without causing damage. A separate attack targeted the US Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center near the airport: six drones were launched at the facility, five were intercepted, and one struck the compound.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, drone threats persisted across several sites. One drone fell in the Kani Qirzhala neighborhood in Erbil. Two drones targeting Harir Air Base were intercepted, along with another that targeted the headquarters of the Peshmergas 70th Division in Sulaymaniyah.

In Jordan, reports indicated loud explosions at Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Azraq, suggesting another attempted attack on the installation, though the exact munition type remains unspecified.

March 12

In Saudi Arabia, Iranian attacks continued at high intensity. Saudi forces reported intercepting numerous drones across the Eastern Province, including waves of 18, three, two, and several single-drone incursions. Riyadhs Diplomatic Quarter was also targeted, with Saudi defenses intercepting a drone headed toward the area. The Shaybah oil field remained a major focus of attack, with Saudi authorities reporting repeated interceptions of drones targeting the field throughout the day, including waves of one, two, four, and seven. Saudi defenses also intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the Eastern Province and a ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base.

In Oman, officials reported intercepting a drone in Khasab Governorate in northern Oman.

In Kuwait, a drone hit a residential building in Mangaf, injuring two people. Another struck Kuwait International Airport, causing material damage but no casualties. Kuwaiti forces also reported intercepting missiles targeting the south of the country, mixed waves of drones and missiles, and a separate drone threat in the north.

In the United Arab Emirates, Dubais Media Office announced that a drone fell in the Al Bada area and another struck a residential building in Dubai Creek Harbour. Debris from a separate successful interception damaged the facade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 26 drones and 10 missiles targeting the country.

In Bahrain, Bahraini authorities reported that an Iranian attack targeted a fuel tank in Muharraq. Later, Bahraini air defenses intercepted additional drones, and the Bahrain Defense Force announced that it had intercepted 13 drones and six ballistic missiles.

In Qatar, the Defense Ministry reported intercepting an unspecified number of ballistic missiles in one incident and later announced intercepting drones and three missiles in another attack.

In Iraq, a drone targeting the US Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center was intercepted near Baghdad International Airport. In the southern part of the country, two foreign oil tankers were struck near Basra port and the Al Faw area by explosive-laden boats.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, a missile struck Camp Singara in the Erbil International Airport complex, where Italian forces are based, though no casualties were reported. Elsewhere in Erbil, two drone attacks struck a joint Peshmerga-French base, injuring six French soldiers. In Koya, a drone strike hit a residential home in a camp belonging to the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran.

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 still from a video published by the Israeli Air Force on March 12 shows an Israeli airstrike in Tehran. The IAF stated that it struck checkpoints and Basij soldiers during the past day.

The Iran conflict has entered a new phase after USIsraeli strikes have destroyed key military infrastructure, killed thousands of regime personnel, and degraded Irans missile and drone launch rates. Israel has shifted toward hyperlocal targeting of repression units and regime figures inside Tehran, often aided by intelligence from Iranians on the ground. Simultaneously, the Islamic Republic has publicly projected stability after Mojtaba Khameneis elevation to supreme leader, despite Khameneis continued absence from public view and some signs of internal strain.

Military overview

According to The Jerusalem Post, Irans ballistic missile launch rate fell 92 percent during the first 10 days of the US-Israeli campaign, dropping from 480 launches on February 28 to 40 by March 9, while drone launches fell from 720 to 60. Israeli forces conducted 2,600 sorties in 150 strike waves, dropping roughly 6,500 munitions during the same period. As of March 11, US forces have hit more than 5,500 targets inside Iran, including over 60 naval ships, according to figures provided by US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran has fired 2,410 missiles and 3,560 drones during the conflict, far exceeding the 2025 Twelve-Day War totals (627 missiles, 735 drones). Only 12.8 percent of the projectiles targeted Israel, while 48 percent struck the UAE (1,468), followed by Kuwait (562) and Bahrain (231), reflecting a strategy aimed at economic pressure on Gulf states rather than military victory over Israel.

As of March 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assesses that 4,000 to 5,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders have been killed in Israeli strikes since the start of the war, including many from the Basij paramilitary and internal security forces, which have been key targets. Operations are expected to continue for several more weeks.

The regime has reportedly deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, part of a broader strategy to disrupt global energy flows and raise the economic cost of the war. The United States says it has destroyed at least 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels and is considering naval escort operations for commercial ships, though officials say the area remains too dangerous for escorts at the moment. Washington has warned Tehran to remove the mines while continuing strikes on Iranian naval and military infrastructure tied to the operation.

The war enters a new phase of hyperlocal targeting of repression units

Iranian opposition leader Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, stated on March 11 that Iran has entered the decisive stage of what he described as the final struggle against the Islamic Republic. Addressing the armed forces of the regime, he noted that This is the last chance to separate yourselves from the repressive forces and join the people, concluding his message by telling Iranians to await my final call [to take to the streets].

Fars News, which is affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported on March 11 that explosions and clashes occurred at several checkpoints across Tehran. According to the report, the attacks targeted checkpoints in District 14 (Mahallati Highway), District 15 (opposite Hashemabad gas station), District 16 (Fadaiyan-e Islam Street), and District 1 (at the end of Artesh Boulevard). Fars said at least 10 security personnel were killed in the attacks.

The IDF posted footage of strikes the next day and said that the Israeli Air Force, guided by Military Intelligence, attacked checkpoints and Basij soldiers in several areas of Tehran, after identifying that the paramilitary unit had set up positions across the city. It noted that the Basij forms part of the regimes internal security apparatus that is responsible for suppressing protests and carrying out arrests and violence against civilians, adding that such forces would remain targets.

Fars attributed the attacks to the Mossad and monarchists. The term refers to the nationalist pro-Pahlavi opposition movement, which led large anti-regime protests in early January dubbed the Sun and Lion Revolution, a reference to the lion-and-sun emblem used on Irans flag before 1979. The symbol is widely adopted by protesters to reject the Islamic Republic.

This new campaign also targeted officials traveling in moving vehicles, resembling the Israeli militarys strike pattern previously used in Lebanon. Videos posted by Tehran residents show that on March 11, a vehicle belonging to an unidentified regime figure was targeted by a drone strike on Tehrans Chamran Highway, with footage circulating on social media showing the car engulfed in flames after the attack.

Videos circulated later that night show Tehran residents chanting anti-regime slogans from rooftops while the skies filled with the sound of drones and air defense systems. Some chants targeted new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, with crowds shouting, Death to Mojtaba.

Reuters reported March 13 that Israel has targeted Iranian security checkpoints using tip-offs from informants on the ground, with sources saying local contacts helped identify Basij and other security positions for strikes in Tehran. The Wall Street Journal wrote on March 12, citing a senior Israeli security official, that ordinary Iranians have been sending potential target information to Israel through Persian-language Israeli social media accounts, with the information vetted by Israeli intelligence before being acted upon, including in a strike by a Hermes drone on Basij checkpoints in Tehran.

Unconfirmed reports claim that part of the new campaign targeting Basij and police personnel at checkpoints is being conducted using municipal surveillance cameras. The Financial Times had reported earlier that Israeli intelligence used Tehran traffic-camera feeds to monitor Ali Khamenei and his security detail ahead of the strike that killed him.

Latest on the Islamic Republics internal politics

Images released by Iranian state media show senior Islamic Republic officials attending the regimes Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, an annual pro-Hamas event organized by the state. Those seen included Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Police Chief Ahmadreza Radan, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Judge Abolghasem Salavati. During a state TV interview with some of the officials, loud blasts from nearby strikes were heard, causing chaos and preventing the Iranian leaders from delivering their speeches.

Iranian pro-regime media outlets have moved to frame Mojtaba Khameneis succession as wartime continuity, portraying him as a commander of the revolution with IRGC backing and rapidly elevating his clerical status in coverage. Khameneis first message was delivered by a state TV anchor over a still photograph, urging continued resistance and pressure through the Strait of Hormuz. Mojtaba himself has not appeared publicly or spoken directly, as outlets highlight pledges of loyalty from military commanders, clerics, and officials to project unity after Ali Khameneis death.

After Reuters said that around 150 regime officials and their families were seeking to flee to Russia, Iran International reported March 12 that two Iranian diplomats, one from the regimes embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the other in Canberra, Australia, had submitted asylum requests.

Irans Khatam al Anbiya Headquarters confirmed March 11 that a branch of Bank Sepah on Haqqani Street in Tehran was struck by a missile, as reports circulated of disruptions to online services and ATMs at Bank Sepah and Bank Melli. The headquarters threatened that the strikes have given the IRGC grounds to target economic infrastructure and banks linked to the US and Israel across the region and warned people in neighboring countries to avoid areas within roughly a kilometer of bank branches and headquarters.

Repression in Iran continues

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on March 13 that five Iranians were arrested for filming missile strikes and bombing sites and sending the footage to a foreign media outlet.

The IRGC Intelligence Organization (IRGC-IO) threatened in a statement addressed to the people of Iran that any new protests would face a harsher response than the January uprising, claiming that hostile actors were attempting to trigger street unrest as battlefield efforts failed. The statement labeled protesters as traitors and neo-ISIS agents and vowed round-the-clock confrontation with internal opponents, referencing the January protests in which thousands were killed.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
A statement published by The Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right.

On March 11, a group called the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right (IMCR), a previously unknown organization, claimed responsibility for detonating a bomb against a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, on March 9. On March 11, the group claimed another attack in Greece but offered no details on the specific location or target. The claimed attacks could signal that Iran or Iran-aligned actors are executing acts of terrorism in Europe amid the escalating regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, and the Islamic Republic.

At approximately 4 am on March 9, an explosion occurred in front of the Synagogue of Liege, damaging windows across the street but resulting in no injuries, the BBC reported. An official said that an investigation of the attack is being led by Belgiums federal prosecutors office, which is responsible for investigating terrorism and organized crime cases.

Later that day, a statement seemingly published by IMCR called on the warriors of Islam to defend their religion. On March 11, a video emerged on social media that showed masked men apparently detonating an explosive device in front of the Synagogue of Liege. Both the statement and the video feature a logo with a hand clutching a rifle and the groups name. The name of the organization and its logo resemble those of Iraqi armed groups and Hezbollah, both of which are closely aligned with and supported by Iran.

FDDs Long War Journal could not verify the original source of the statement and video. Telegram channels linked to the Axis of Resistance  a Tehran-directed network of terrorist groups spanning Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, and, historically, Syria  widely disseminated the publications.

Belgiums federal prosecutors office said that it was analyzing the video to determine where it originated and if it is genuine, the Flemish Radio and Television broadcasting organization (VRT) reported.

A second video linked to IMCR also emerged on social media on March 11. The footage, bearing the same logo as the video from the synagogue attack, seemingly showed two individuals running away from an apparent blast. The footage is captioned with the message that a Zionist was targeted in Greece on March 11.

Unlike the bombing in Liege, there was no open-source evidence of suspected acts of terrorism that occurred in Greece on the date the video claimed. Long War Journal also could not verify the source of the video. However, as with the previous claim, the footage was widely disseminated on Telegram by channels supporting the Axis of Resistance.

Currently, its unclear if IMCR is a genuine organization linked to Iran, a front group associated with the Islamic Republics network of bad actors, or a hoax. However, there are cases of Iran attempting to carry out acts of terrorism on European soil. In 2018, European authorities foiled a plot orchestrated by Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi to bomb a rally of the Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran near Paris. Assadi was later convicted in Belgium and sentenced to 20 years in prison for supplying explosives and directing the operatives tasked with carrying out the attack.

On March 8, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Irans deputy-foreign minister, warned that if a European country joined the US and Israel in the current war against the Islamic Republic, it would be a legitimate target for Iranian retaliation.

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.
Bunnings will be removing a line of deadly baits from its shelves, which contain chemicals linked to widespread wildlife harm.

In a statement to Yahoo News on Friday morning, its chief operating officer Ryan Baker confirmed Bunnings will be "working" to remove second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) by June 30.

The decision follows an announcement this week by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to recommend SGARs be declared restricted chemical products (RCPs).

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This would mean they could only be used by authorised or trained people, primarily pest controllers, and will not be available for retail sale.

Following the APVMAs announcement, we are now working with our team and suppliers to remove these products by June 30, close to nine months ahead of the proposed 12-month implementation timeframe, Baker said.

We recognise and understand the views raised by community and environmental groups, wildlife advocates and others who have taken a strong interest in this issue.

As always, we will continue to be guided by the APVMA as the federal regulator in relation to the sale of these products.

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He added that the company would work with suppliers to ensure effective solutions were available to manage pests.

Birdlife Australia celebrates win for owls

Over the last decade, scientists at Edith Cowan University had collected overwhelming evidence that predatory species like owls, Tasmanian devils and quolls were being killed by the poisons.

Unlike other baits, SGARs dont break down in the environment and quickly build up in the systems of animals that naturally prey on rats and mice.

Birdlife Australia had called on Bunnings to remove them from supply, but until now it had resisted, saying it would follow any guidance from the APVMA.

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Dr Holly Parsons, an ecologist with the conservation charity, said she was happy that the company was finally acting.

"This is the culmination of years of scientific evidence and community concern," she told Yahoo News.

"It is really heartening to see Bunnings taking that extra step and withdrawing these products ahead of the deadline that the APVMA have announced.

"Getting the bulk of these chemicals out of the environment will be a huge benefit for wildlife. The owls are going to be very grateful."

This boobook and barn owl died from suspected rodenticide poisoning. Source: Jessica Crause

Will Coles, Woolworths, Mitre 10 and IGA continue to stock SGARs?

Bunnings and other Australian retailers had long stocked less harmful baits, alongside SGARs.

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With 311 stores across Australia, Bunnings has been one of Australias biggest retail distributors of SGARs.

It is unclear how other retailers like Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Mitre 10 will respond, although all have indicated they will comply with any changes to the APVMA's regulations.

Birdlife Australia CEO Kate Millar thanked Bunnings for taking the APVMA findings "seriously" and "acting decisively to remove this significant threat from their shelves."

"We're calling on all major retailers to do the same," she told Yahoo News.

Online retailer, Amazon, banned SGARs from its Australian website in December, well ahead of the APVMA announcement.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
With the hands of time slowly ticking towards the dates with destiny for Sacred Heart, Westport, and Ballinrobe Community School, both Mayo schools have learned the times and dates for their All-Ireland Schools finals.

Both colleges are primed for action. Sacred Heart booked their place in the Junior 'A' final after getting the better of Our Lady's, Newry, while Dominican College of Antrim were put to the sword by Ballinrobe CS in Ballyshannon in the last-four of the Senior 'C' competition.

First out in pursuit of national glory will be Sacred Heart.

The Westport schoolgirls will face Westmeath's Moate Community School. That will take place in Orchard Park, the home of Roscommon club Elphin GAA, on Thursday, March 19, at 1 pm.

Some five days later, on Tuesday, March 24, Saint Anne's Secondary School in Tipperary will lock horns with Ballinrobe CS with national glory on the line.

Banagher in Offaly will be the venue for this one, with throw-in scheduled for 1 pm.
According to a new analysis from national housing charity Threshold, Co. Mayo is among the areas most affected by the growth of short-term holiday lets, with 14 short-term properties listed for every home available to rent.

The figures highlight the scale of the imbalance in the local housing market, where 350 properties are currently listed for short-term letting compared with just 25 homes available for long-term private rent.

Across Ireland, the analysis shows that over 8,600 full properties are listed as short-term lets by multi-property hosts compared to fewer than 2,100 homes advertised for rent nationwide.

The data, compiled using information from Inside Airbnb and Daft.ie, excludes hosts with only one listing and properties unsuitable for long-term renting, meaning the real number of short-term lets is likely even higher.

Threshold said the figures underline that addressing the housing crisis is not just about building new homes but also ensuring existing homes remain available for long-term residents.

READ MORE: Mayo County Council launches survey to gauge demand for affordable housing

Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty said the imbalance between short-term lets and available homes poses a serious threat to communities.

Housing is a national emergency, and in an emergency we must use every policy lever available to increase supply, he said. This means protecting existing homes so they are available to rent long-term for families and people who need somewhere secure to live.

He warned that some communities are at risk of losing their permanent populations.

In several counties the imbalance is far more extreme, he said. These are communities at risk of being hollowed out, where homes sit empty or underused for parts of the year while workers and families cannot find anywhere to live.

The organisation is calling on the Government to strengthen the regulation and enforcement of short-term letting rules. Among its proposals is restoring a previously proposed planning rule that would have restricted new short-term lets in towns with populations over 10,000 people.

READ MORE: 655,000 allocated to bring vacant social homes back into use in Mayo

That threshold is now set to increase to 20,000, a move Threshold says could have a significant impact on rural counties such as Mayo where housing shortages are already acute.

Under new European regulations, all short-term lets must be registered with Failte Ireland from May 20, 2026, with a unique registration number required for advertising on online platforms.

While Threshold welcomed the move as a step toward greater transparency, the charity warned that registration alone will not return homes to the long-term rental market without strong enforcement of existing planning rules.

Currently, property owners are required to obtain change-of-use planning permission to convert a residential property into a short-term tourist let. However, Threshold says compliance appears extremely low, noting that between 2019 and 2025 just 426 planning applications were made nationwide for such conversions.

The organisation said it plans to work with the Government to strengthen enforcement and ensure housing policy protects long-term communities, particularly in rural counties like Mayo where the shortage of rental homes is becoming increasingly severe.
Mayo TD Keira Keogh has raised concerns about protecting traditional seaweed harvesting rights along the countys coastline following a meeting with Minister of State Timmy Dooley.

Deputy Keogh said coastal communities in areas such as Clew Bay must not be sidelined as interest grows from private companies seeking licences to harvest seaweed.

Around the coastline of this country, seaweed harvesting rights are established and understood within local coastal communities, she said. Mayo and Clew Bay are no different. The tradition of seaweed cutting by locals must be protected.

She said that in some cases these rights are formally recorded on property folios, while in others they exist as traditional rights passed down through generations of families who have harvested seaweed from local shorelines for decades.

READ MORE: 'We need to take back control,' to protect Mayo seaweed harvesting

Deputy Keogh pointed to previous advocacy on the issue by Sean Kyne, who highlighted that existing seaweed harvesting rights must be respected and cannot be displaced by licensing agreements.

Where legally recognised harvesting rights exist, those rights must be fully respected, Senator Kyne said. The State cant give permissions that undermine or override long-standing rights that families and communities have relied on for generations.

Deputy Keogh has called on the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), the State agency responsible for licensing seaweed harvesting, to take account of this legal advice when considering applications.

Following discussions with Minister Dooley, she said the Government has committed to working towards a solution that respects traditional rights along the Mayo coastline.

READ MORE: Wave of seaweed licence applications could mark turning point for Mayos coast

There is naturally growing concern among the coastal community in Clew Bay about private operators and companies looking for licences to harvest seaweed in areas where local families have traditionally had these rights for generations, she said.

These harvests provide income to locals who have harvested this seaweed for years, and these rights should not be transferred to a commercial company.

Deputy Keogh said it is essential that any regulatory framework recognises these long-established rights and protects the livelihoods of coastal communities in Mayo who rely on them.
A major aviation development has been given the green light in Co. Mayo after Mayo County Council granted full planning permission for a significant expansion of operations at Ireland West Airport Knock.

Global aviation asset management company EirTrade Aviation has received approval to substantially increase the size of its existing facility at the airport, a move expected to strengthen aviation industry activity in the region.

The project will see the company expand its current 2,100 square metre site by an additional 10,500 square metres, creating a large new facility to support aircraft engine and airframe disassembly as well as maintenance operations.

The development will include a new aircraft hangar capable of accommodating a narrowbody aircraft, alongside workshop and crating areas, high-bay storage racking, bulk storage facilities and dedicated engine storage space.

According to the company, the expansion will allow a range of services to be carried out at one location, including aircraft maintenance, engine disassembly and parts storage.

READ MORE: Mayo roots to the fore for Canadian Prime Minister at St. Patrick's Day celebration

Steven Trowell, Senior Vice President for Maintenance and Disassembly at EirTrade Aviation, said the project builds on the companys decision to relocate its engine disassembly operations to Knock last year.

Following the relocation of our engine disassembly facility to Knock in November 2025, this modern, functional space will consolidate our streamlined and comprehensive service provision at Ireland West Airport, he said.

He added that the development demonstrates the companys commitment to supporting aircraft operators, owners and leasing companies internationally while operating from the Mayo airport.

The new facility is also being designed with sustainability in mind, with plans for a high-performance building envelope and an extensive solar panel installation to exceed environmental standards.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the project being managed by ONeill OMalley Architecture & Project Management, a Galway-based multidisciplinary firm.
Music lovers in Mayo are being invited to a special evening of Irish-inspired piano music later this month as acclaimed pianist and composer David Vesey brings his programme Carolan Reimagined to the Linenhall Arts Centre.

The concert will take place on Thursday, March 26 at 8pm and will feature Veseys expressive interpretations of the music of Turlough OCarolan, one of Irelands most celebrated harpist-composers from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

The performance is inspired by Veseys acclaimed album Carolan Reflections, which reimagines the composers famous melodies through solo piano arrangements. The programme blends classical piano performance with elements of Irish traditional music, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Carolans enduring works.

Speaking ahead of the Castlebar concert, Vesey said Carolans music has long been a source of inspiration for him.

His music bridges the gap between the Irish traditional and classical worlds, he said. The harp, Carolans instrument, shares many similarities with the piano, and through the piano I hope to continue a tradition started by figures such as Sean O Riada and Micheal O Suilleabhain, who brought Carolans music into new realms.

READ MORE: Final talk in Mayo Historical Society series explores Annals of the Four Masters

Vesey added that the arrangements reflect both his personal connection with the composers music and wider themes of Irish cultural identity.

I feel privileged to share my arrangements of Carolans music, he said. These reflections are personal in nature, representing my relationship with Carolan as a composer and also broader reflections on Irish identity. I hope these arrangements will bring Carolans music to new audiences and continue his legacy in a modern context.

The concert promises an intimate musical experience, appealing both to dedicated followers of Irish traditional music and those discovering Carolans melodies for the first time.

Organisers say audiences are encouraged to book early for the performance at the Linenhall Arts Centre. Further details are available through the venues website.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told a packed St Patricks Day gathering in Ottawa about his family's emigration from County Mayo to Canada, describing his personal connection to the parish of Aughagower.

Mr Carney has three grandparents from the area and is a first cousin of Pat Carney, father of Tom Carney, who operates Carneys Quarry in Aughagower.

The Mayo News reported previously that there are plans afoot to issue a formal invitation through the Canadian Embassy in Ireland for the Prime Minister to visit the village.

Upon his election in 2025, Mayo County Council extended an invitation for the Canadian leader to visit the county, while local TD Alan Dillon also floated the notion of a homecoming of sorts.

Mayo Minister Dara Calleary was also quick to extend an invitation to Mayo stating that I of course reminded the Prime Minister of the Taoiseachs invitation to visit Ireland and told him I would be delighted to welcome him to Mayo should that visit happen."

The reception, hosted by Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon and his wife Mary at the Ambassador's residence in the Canadian capital, was attended by nearly 350 guests.

READ MORE: World leader presented with Mayo GAA jersey in historic moment

Representing Mayo at the event were Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, a native of the county, and Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr. Sean Carey. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Culture Minister Marc Miller, and Chair of the Liberal Party and the Canadian-Ireland Friendship Group James Maloney were also among those present.

Addressing the gathering of ambassadors, politicians, business leaders, and members of the Irish community in Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney spoke about his family's emigration from Aughagower in County Mayo to Canada in 1925. He described the experience of locating his grandfather's baptismal record from St. Patrick's Church in Aughagower and revealed that, during his time as Governor of the Bank of England, he kept a map of County Mayo on the wall of his office.

Minister Calleary said the speech left a strong impression on those in attendance.

"It has been an absolute honour to meet with Prime Minister Carney at this evening's reception," he said. "His speech tonight reflects the kind of man he is  thoughtful, sincere, humble and full of gratitude."

Following the reception, Minister Calleary held a private meeting with Prime Minister Carney and Ambassador Concannon, during which he reiterated the Irish Government's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Canada. He confirmed that the Taoiseach will travel to Canada with a Ministerial delegation in the coming months. Minister Calleary also conveyed the Taoiseach's existing invitation for Prime Minister Carney to visit Ireland, and extended a personal invitation to Mayo should such a visit take place.

We had some time afterwards to speak privately and, along with Ambassador Concannon, I took the opportunity to reiterate the governments strong desire to strengthen and expand our relationship with Canada. The Taoiseach will travel to Canada with a Ministerial delegation in the coming months and this will further set out our desire to continue and develop our close working relationship, Minister Calleary said.

Ambassador Concannon also used the occasion to brief guests on Canada Ireland 180, an initiative to commemorate the legacy of Ireland's Famine refugees in Canada. The programme is structured around three themes: remembering the Famine period and the resilience of those who endured it; reflecting on the contributions of Irish people to Canadian history, culture, and identity over the intervening 180 years; and reimagining the future relationship through new cultural, academic, and community partnerships.

In his address to the reception, Minister Calleary spoke of the enduring ties between Ireland and Canada, noting that Canada had provided refuge and opportunity to generations of Irish emigrants at their most vulnerable.

Minister Calleary continues his visit to Canada and is today travelling to Montreal and then on to Toronto where he will take part in the St. Patricks Day parade on Sunday before returning home on Monday.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme


MCLA Course Catalog

Grad Course Descriptions

Special Topics Course Descriptions

Registration begins March 2 and ends at the beginning of the course.

How do summer classes differ from courses offered in the fall and spring semesters?

During the summer semester, MCLA will offer an assortment of online classes as well as blended courses. These classes are generally six weeks long. With a condensed time frame, classes are more intensive than a traditional 14-week semester. Students should expect considerable online and out-of-class assignments.

What does Synchronous (SYNC) and Asynchronous (ASYNC) mean?

Synchronous online learning takes place live, in real-time, with everyone meeting for class in an online space such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The link will be provided by your instructor. Asynchronous online learning takes place during the class session dates where you independently work on your course assignments with no set meeting time. You are responsible for reviewing and submitting assignments based on the instructors timeline within your online CANVAS course.

Can I take a 3-credit course for professional development points?

Yes, graduate level courses can be taken for Professional Development, (3 graduate credits = 67.5 PDPs).

What is the difference between CEU and PDP?

PDP: High-Quality Professional Development (HQPD) is a set of coherent learning experiences that is systematic, purposeful, and structured over a sustained period of time with the goal of improving teacher practice and student outcomes. CEU: Continuing Education Unit is a unit of measurement of professional development activities that meet the requirements of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. One CEU = 10 Professional Development Points, (PDPs).

How can I get a course description?

The course descriptions for all courses can be found in the MCLA course catalog.

How do I order transcripts once my grade has been posted?

1. Go to http://www.mcla.edu/registrar

2. On the right hand side, click on TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

3. Follow directions to get an overview of how to get your transcripts

What if I decide to drop a class?

Students will receive 100% refund if a class is dropped prior to the second class meeting or 48 hours into an online class. After the cutoff point students will be able to withdraw with a grade of W until the midway point but will not be refunded for the class.

Session A Drop Deadline: May 23

Session A Withdrawal Deadline: June 20

Session B Drop Deadline: July 9

Session B Withdrawal Deadline: July 31

To ADD or DROP/WITHDRAW from a course please contact the Registrar's office:



413-662-5216

registrar@mcla.edu

MCLA Registrar

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Toyotas push into affordable electric vehicles is starting to show real momentum in China. The Japanese automakers low-cost electric SUV has now passed a major sales milestone, underscoring the growing demand for budget friendly EVs in the worlds largest car market.

According to a report by Electrek, the Toyota bZ3X has surpassed 80,000 deliveries in China just one year after its market debut. The compact electric SUV is priced from roughly $15,000 in the Chinese market, positioning it as one of the most affordable battery powered cars sold by a global auto brand.

Image Credit: Navigator84 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia.

The model was developed through a partnership between Toyota and Chinese automaker GAC Group and is produced by their joint venture GAC Toyota. It is part of Toyotas broader bZ electric vehicle lineup, which the company has been gradually expanding as it tries to strengthen its presence in the global EV race.

Winning in a Competitive Landscape

China has become the center of gravity for electric vehicle adoption, with dozens of domestic brands competing aggressively on price and technology. In that environment, foreign brands often struggle to keep pace with local manufacturers that move quickly and offer highly competitive pricing.

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That context makes the bZ3Xs early performance particularly notable. Surpassing 80,000 deliveries in its first year suggests Toyota may have found a formula that resonates with Chinese buyers. The vehicle has also reportedly ranked among the top selling EVs produced by foreign joint venture brands for several consecutive months.

Designed for the Chinese Market

Image Credit: JustAnotherCarDesigner - Own work, CC0, Wikimedia.

The bZ3X targets buyers looking for a practical electric SUV without the premium price tag. While exact specifications vary by configuration, the vehicle offers the typical features expected in Chinas entry level EV segment, including a modern digital interior, advanced driver assistance systems, and competitive battery range for daily commuting.

The design also reflects a shift in Toyotas approach to EV styling. The SUV adopts a sharper, more futuristic look compared with many of the companys traditional gasoline powered vehicles. It shares some design language with other models in the bZ family but is tailored specifically for Chinese consumers.

Toyota first previewed the vehicle with the bZ FlexSpace concept before bringing the production model to market. The final version maintained much of the concepts compact crossover proportions, which align with one of the most popular vehicle segments in China.

A Strategic Shift for Toyota

Image Credit: Navigator84 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia.

For Toyota, the milestone is significant because the company has faced years of criticism for being slow to embrace battery electric vehicles. The automaker has historically focused on hybrid technology, arguing that a mix of electrified solutions would better serve global markets.

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However, competitive pressure from EV leaders such as BYD and Tesla has pushed nearly every major automaker to accelerate its electric vehicle strategy. China in particular has become a proving ground where success or failure in EVs can quickly reshape a brands reputation.

The bZ3Xs strong early sales suggest Toyotas strategy of developing region specific EVs through local partnerships may be paying off. By working closely with a domestic manufacturer and pricing the vehicle aggressively, the company appears to have positioned the SUV directly against popular Chinese made electric crossovers.

What's Next for Toyota's EV Push

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Whether the momentum continues remains to be seen. Chinas EV market is intensely competitive, and consumer preferences can shift quickly as new models enter the market. Domestic brands frequently launch updated models with improved technology and lower prices, forcing rivals to adapt at a rapid pace.

Still, crossing the 80,000-delivery mark in just one year represents an encouraging signal for Toyotas electric ambitions. If the company can maintain that growth trajectory, the bZ3X could become one of its most important EV models in the Chinese market and a key step in proving that Toyota may even dare to dominate the affordable electric mobility market.

Sources: Electrek

Read More
The Moscow-based automaker Moskvich announced late last year that two new model lines would join a special M series within the brands lineup. The models in question are the Moskvich M70 and Moskvich M90, both crossovers developed from vehicles originally produced by the British brand MG, which today belongs to the Chinese automotive group SAIC Motor.

The company has now released full details about equipment and pricing for both models. The move is significant because it shows how Moskvich is expanding its range through ready-made, globally proven crossover templates, then tailoring the trims and feature mixes to local expectations.

It also gives buyers a clearer picture of how the M sub-line is positioned in terms of size, performance, and value. Below, we break down what each model offers, how the trims differ, and where the pricing lands for shoppers considering either a compact family crossover or a larger three-row option.

Moskvich M70: Compact Crossover With Turbo Power

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

The smaller of the two newcomers is the Moskvich M70, which is clearly based on the second-generation MG HS crossover. The vehicle measures 183.3 inches in length, 74.4 inches in width, and 65.5 inches in height, with a 108.9-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance stands at 7.2 inches, while the model rides on 19-inch wheels fitted with 225/55 tires.

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The entry-level version uses a 91 cubic inch turbocharged engine producing 150 hp, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A more powerful version is available with a 122 cubic inch turbocharged engine producing 200 hp, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel tank capacity is 14.5 gallons for the smaller engine and 17.2 gallons for the larger unit. At launch, both variants send power exclusively to the front wheels, although the manufacturer says an all-wheel-drive version may appear later.

The lighter version weighs 3,759 pounds and reaches a top speed of 121 mph, while the more powerful variant is about 99 pounds heavier and can reach 137 mph.

Modern Interior And Practical Cargo Space

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

Inside the cabin, the M70 features a unified display panel with two 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Buyers can choose between black and white or brown interior color schemes. Moskvich also promises high-quality materials and European-style ergonomics, which is not surprising given that the original MG HS was designed with European markets in mind.

Cargo capacity measures 17.9 cubic feet, expanding to 52.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Equipment And Pricing For The M70

The base Drive trim includes six airbags, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated windshield and washer nozzles, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable drivers seat with memory, a six-speaker audio system, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, a panoramic roof with a sunshade, and a power tailgate.

Pricing for the Moskvich M70 Drive starts at approximately $33,700 when converted from the listed European pricing.

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The more powerful M70 Ultra adds paddle shifters, multiple drive modes, an eight-speaker audio system, a power-adjustable passenger seat, wireless phone charging, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control with driver assistance systems.

That version starts at about $38,100.

Moskvich M90: Larger Seven-Seat SUV

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

The larger Moskvich M90 is based on the MG RX9, which is also sold in China as the Roewe RX9 and MG QS. This SUV measures 196.2 inches long, 77.4 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, with a 114.8-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 7.5 inches, and the vehicle rides on 20-inch wheels with 245/50 tires.

Under the hood sits a 122 cubic inch turbocharged engine producing 200 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

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The M90 weighs 4,641 pounds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph. Fuel tank capacity is 17.2 gallons.

Cargo space measures 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 73.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Equipment And Price For The M90

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

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The Moskvich M90 is offered in a single, well-equipped Ultimate trim. Standard equipment includes six airbags, heated seats in the first and second rows, a heated windshield, heated washer nozzles, a heated steering wheel and mirrors, artificial leather upholstery with wood-style trim, three-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose audio system with 12 speakers, a 360-degree camera system, full-perimeter parking sensors, a power tailgate, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control with a full safety assistance package.

Pricing for the Moskvich M90 starts at approximately $45,700.

Both models will be sold through about 60 dealerships across Russia, with sales scheduled to begin in early March. The manufacturer offers a three-year or 62,000-mile warranty for both vehicles.

This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.

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Your Creative Future Starts with the Right Tools

Beginning with the fall 2025 semester, the CCFA Student Laptop Requirement Program is for all incoming freshman, transfer, and graduate students. Please review our website for details and requirements to ensure that you are prepared. Learn More >

Discovery, creativity, and innovation thrive in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis.

The College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA) is proud to offer a wide range of exceptional academic programs that prepare students for dynamic and rewarding careers. Set in the heart of Memphis, a vibrant cultural crossroads with a rich history in the arts, innovation, and social change, our college provides the ideal setting to pursue your creative calling. Whether your passion lies in music, design, theatre, film, art, dance, journalism, architecture, strategic media, or communication, you will find an inspiring and supportive environment shaped by the creative pulse of the city and the strength of our community. Join us and begin a journey that connects your talents to one of the most artistically influential cities in the country!

Shaping Whats Next

We are excited to unveil our bold and innovative 202530 Strategic Plan. Rooted in the energy of Memphis, a city renowned for its influence on music, media, and movement-building, this plan outlines our vision for the future with strategic goals that enhance academic programs, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. As we build on Memphiss legacy of expression and transformation, we remain committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. Together, we will shape a dynamic future grounded in purpose, progress, and possibility.
Success can sometimes tempt automakers to play it safe, especially when a model already dominates its segment. Toyota could have easily stuck with the formula that made the Toyota RAV4 one of the best-selling SUVs in the country.

Instead, the brand chose to keep pushing forward. The redesigned 2026 RAV4 builds on years of strong sales and popularity while aiming to widen the gap between it and the competition.

Toyota has long won buyers over with efficiency, reliability, and no-nonsense practicality. For 2026, the company is refining that approach with more performance, improved tech, and a slightly more polished feel without losing the sensible character that made the RAV4 so popular.

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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda and Toyota, as well as other authoritative sources, including CarEdge, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, and TopSpeed.

Why the Toyota RAV4 became Americas go-to compact SUV

A balanced mix of practicality, efficiency, and reliability

Toyota

The previous generation of the RAV4, introduced in 2019, quickly built a reputation as a true do-it-all SUV. That balance of practicality and dependability helped Toyota sell more than 680,000 units in 2025, making it the best-selling SUV in the U.S.

A big part of that success came down to how well the RAV4 covered the basics. It may not have been the flashiest option in the segment, but it checked the boxes most buyers care about: reliability, efficiency, and everyday usability.

The RAV4 earned its popularity by offering a well-rounded mix of performance, efficiency, and reliability. It wasnt built to dominate any single category, but it handled almost everything most drivers needed surprisingly well.

Toyota

It worked just as comfortably as a daily commuter as it did on family road trips. There was enough space for passengers and gear, plus enough ground clearance to handle the occasional weekend adventure or light trail.

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Even with all that going for it, the fifth-generation RAV4 was starting to show its age. For 2026, Toyota has addressed that with a full redesign inside and out.

The latest RAV4 brings electrified powertrains across the lineup, improved efficiency, and a long list of tech and interior upgrades. A sharper new design also brings it in line with newer Toyota models while keeping the practical personality that made the SUV so popular.

Whats new for the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4

Hybrid power, updated tech, and a sharper new design

Toyota

The latest update marks the start of the sixth generation for the RAV4, and the changes go far beyond a simple refresh. Toyota has leaned fully into electrification this time around, dropping gas-only models from the lineup entirely.

For 2026, buyers now choose between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. That move reflects Toyotas growing confidence in its latest hybrid system, which delivers stronger efficiency and performance than the old gasoline setup.

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The redesigned RAV4 also adopts styling cues seen on newer Toyota models like the Camry and Prius. Slimmer LED headlights and sharper body lines give the SUV a more modern look while keeping its familiar upright stance.

The result feels a bit more polished than older RAV4s, which leaned heavily into a purely utilitarian design. It still has some rugged character, but the updated styling may also appeal to buyers who previously gravitated toward flashier European SUVs.

A noticeable boost in performance

Toyota

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Performance has never been the main focus for the RAV4, which makes the latest upgrades a bit of a surprise. Toyota has put more emphasis on acceleration this time around, especially in the plug-in hybrid version.

Output climbs from 302 horsepower to 324 horsepower in the top plug-in model, giving the SUV noticeably stronger performance. It also gains improved electric range and 50 kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes.

How the 2026 Toyota RAV4 compares with the base Honda CR-V

Where the RAV4 really stands out is in its base model. Instead of a traditional gasoline engine, even the entry-level version benefits from Toyotas hybrid system and the instant torque that comes with it.

Most rivals at this price point, including the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5, still rely on standard gas engines. That electrified boost helps the RAV4 feel quicker and more responsive right from the start.

How the 2026 Toyota RAV4 lineup is priced

Multiple trims give buyers plenty of ways to spec their SUV

Toyota

Starting at $31,900, the RAV4 remains a strong value despite its redesign and added features. While that price is slightly higher than some rivals, the hybrid powertrain helps offset the difference with significantly better fuel economy.

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The base Honda CR-V comes in at roughly $1,000 less, but its gasoline engine cant match the RAV4s efficiency. Over time, the fuel savings from the hybrid can quickly make up that initial price gap.

The most affordable competitor is the Kia Sportage, which starts around $28,690. Even so, the RAV4s hybrid performance and efficiency help it stand out in the segment.

Breaking down the 2026 Toyota RAV4 trim lineup

Even the entry-level RAV4 comes well-equipped. Along with the standard hybrid system, buyers get a 10.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, giving the base model a surprisingly modern feel inside.

Moving up to the SE trim adds a sportier touch with 18-inch black wheels, blue interior stitching, and a sport-tuned suspension. Higher trims introduce features like heated seats, a power moonroof, a larger 12.9-inch display, a JBL sound system, ventilated seats, and available all-wheel drive.

More upgrades that give the RAV4 an edge

Toyota

Brands like Subaru and Honda consistently rank near the top in reliability studies from groups like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Even so, Toyota still tends to set the benchmark when it comes to long-term dependability.

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A big reason is Toyotas mature hybrid technology and famously conservative engineering approach. The RAV4 also performs well when it comes to resale value, with forecasts suggesting it will lose about 28 percent of its value after five years and roughly 67,000 miles.

That slightly edges out rivals like the Honda CR-V, which is projected to lose around 29 percent over the same period.

Toyota

Another improvement for the RAV4 shows up in its towing capability. The base front-wheel-drive model can tow up to 1,750 pounds, which is solid for a compact SUV.

Move up to the SE or XLE with all-wheel drive, and towing capacity climbs to 3,500 pounds. Some rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester can match that figure, but usually only in higher trims.

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The Honda CR-V falls well short here, topping out at 1,000 pounds regardless of configuration.

Why the 2026 Toyota RAV4 still leads the compact SUV segment

Efficiency, reliability, and value keep it ahead of rivals

Toyota

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Looking at the numbers across performance, efficiency, towing capacity, and long-term ownership costs, the RAV4 stacks up extremely well against its rivals. Some competitors may start a few thousand dollars cheaper, but the hybrid RAV4s stronger performance and much better fuel economy can easily offset that difference over time.

Fuel savings alone can add up to several hundred dollars per year for many drivers. Over the long run, that efficiency helps make the RAV4 one of the more affordable SUVs to own.

Resale value is another area where the RAV4 stands out. Thanks to Toyotas reputation for durability and its well-established hybrid technology, the SUV is expected to hold its value better than most competitors in the segment.
Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 awards

Entries have opened for the 2026 Logistics Awards, marking ten years since Logistics UK first launched the industry event recognising excellence across the sector.

The annual awards celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals working across the logistics and supply chain industry, highlighting innovation, dedication and performance over the past year.

Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 awards, with the deadline set for 5pm on 3 July. Winners will be revealed at a gala reception and dinner at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on 10 December.

Organised by the industry for the industry, the awards cover the full breadth of logistics activity, including road, rail, sea and air transport, with entries welcomed from operators, manufacturers and supporting businesses.

Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said the event continues to recognise the sectors achievements at a time when logistics plays an increasingly vital role in the economy.

The Logistics Awards are the gold standard, showcasing the very best of our great industry and I am delighted that entries are now open for 2026, he said.

These awards present a great opportunity to celebrate achievements from every corner of the UK and every part of our sector.

Mr Fletcher said the standard of entries has consistently been high and encouraged businesses and individuals to take part in this years event.

The quality is always incredibly impressive, and I personally look forward to reading this years entries, which are judged by experts from across the industry, he said.

I would urge everyone to get their submissions in as soon as possible.

The awards are free to enter, with categories recognising achievements across the logistics sector.

These include honours for road transport operators, air freight businesses, rail freight companies and freight by water operators, alongside awards celebrating technology, innovation, safety and decarbonisation initiatives.

Individual awards will also recognise emerging and established leaders within the industry, including Rising Star of the Year and Logistics Leader of the Year.

Additional categories highlight areas such as warehousing, last-mile delivery, van operations, logistics partnerships and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The 2026 awards are sponsored by a number of industry organisations including Aptean, Close Brothers, DP World, Logistics UK Recovery Service, Pallet Track, Port of Dover, VEV and Wise.

Logistics UK represents businesses involved in the movement of goods across the UK and internationally, including road haulage, rail freight, maritime and air transport operators.

The organisation says logistics plays a crucial role in supporting the UK economy, with more than seven million people employed in the production, sale and movement of goods.

As the sector continues to adapt to challenges such as decarbonisation, technological change and evolving global supply chains, the awards aim to highlight the companies and individuals driving progress across the industry.

Entries for the Logistics Awards 2026 can be submitted through the Logistics UK website.
30,000-Mile Update

Thirty thousand miles in, associate news editor Caleb Miller offered perhaps the strangest compliment a pickup truck has ever received. "I find myself feeling at peace in the Ram," he wrote in the logbook.

At peace. In a pickup truck. That's either a testament to this truck's deeply soothing character or evidence that Miller should talk to someone. But he's not alone. Praise for the Ram has run throughout its logbook since the truck showed up. There's a steady stream of staffers angling for the keys each week.

So, it's a real shame that the truck can't stay out of the service department.

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Managing testing editor David Beard started the Ram one morning on a road trip and climbed in to find the check-engine light glowing with the quiet menace of a "we need to talk" text. The truck seemed to be running fine, so Beard made the three-hour drive home. It was somewhere along I-75, as the Ram began downshifting on hills that had never previously required it, that he realized the Hurricane inline-six engine wasn't making full power. A scan tool confirmed his suspicion: a wastegate-actuator fault. The turbos had effectively clocked out.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

The dealership unplugged the actuator, checked the wiring from the control module to the wastegate, found it all in order, and replaced the actuator. The fault cleared and hasn't returned. It's the sort of repair that is both reassuringly straightforward and philosophically loaded. Nobody who ever owned a factory Hemi V-8 has Googled "wastegate actuator." The Hemi just existed, doing its thing.

Elsewhere in the durability report, the trifold tonneau cover suffered a structural failure when both a plastic clamp and a piece of railing broke; the likely result of a load shifting in the bed or someone being less than delicate while loading it. The result: One morning on the freeway, the cover began performing a convincing impression of a sailboat. We removed it. An OEM replacement carries an MSRP of $2200 from Mopar. That's four times the $550 option price on our 2025 model's original window sticker, so we'll attempt to repair the broken clamp and rail piece first. Stay tuned.

These issues join a growing list. The Ram arrived needing its integrated trailer-control module replaced to fix an intermittent trailer-light issue that prevented us from towing. Later, a malfunctioning forward-collision system required a dealer visit to swap the long-range radar module. These aren't catastrophic on their own, and both were covered under warranty, but they add up to a truck that has required four unscheduled service visits in 30,000 miles.

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What the Ram does between those visits, though, still makes the case.

Vehicle testing director Dave VanderWerp covered 500 miles unloaded and another 500 miles pulling a side-by-side. His verdict? "This may be the perfect road-trip vehicle," he wrote. "The air suspension is great for levelling out the load, and somehow it knows the trailer is 20 feet long and the blind-spot-monitoring system adjusts accordingly."



VanderWerp then noted with remarkable casualness that the truck was very stable while towing at 80 mph, and it got 10 mpg in the process. Hey, this is the U.S.A., and we have places to go.

He was less convinced by the Trailer Reverse Steering Control system, consisting of a knob on the dash that lets you steer the trailer while the truck handles the wheel. "Seems much easier and straightforward to just steer myself," he wrote, arguing that sometimes the best user interface is a steering wheel and a functioning human brain.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

But for all its towing prowess and sophistication, we are baffled by the amnesia of the Tow mode button. If the truck is smart enough to detect a 20-foot trailer, it should be smart enough to remember you'd like to be in Tow mode when you restart the engine with the trailer still attached. Instead, it resets the drive mode every ignition cycle.

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Fuel economy, meanwhile, has regressed. After climbing from 14 mpg at the introduction to 16 mpg at our 20,000-mile update, the average has fallen to 15 mpg. Towingat 80 mphwill do that. The lifetime number appears to be settling around 15, which falls 4 mpg short of the EPA's 19-mpg combined rating. As a reminder, our 2019 V-8 Ram delivered 14 mpg across its entire test.

None of this has dimmed the enthusiasm. Miller is still at peace. The logbook is still full of praise (mirrors aside). And the sign-out sheet is still full of names. The Ram 1500 is the kind of truck that makes you overlook its flaws not because they're small but because everything else is that good. Whether that's a compliment or a warning depends on how you feel about those kinds of relationships.

Months in Fleet: 11 months Current Mileage: 35,410 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 15 mpg

Fuel Tank Size: 33.0 gal Observed Fuel Range: 490 miles

Service: $543 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 Damage and Destruction: $0

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

20,000-Mile Update

Let the record show that after this 20,000-mile update we are enacting a strict ban on all complaints regarding the Ram 1500's side-view mirrors. They are massive. We get it.

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Yet no matter where an entry in the Ram's logbook begins, the commentary inevitably careens toward those two opaque walls of plastic and glass that often eclipse the sun, the horizon, and occasionally, entire vehicles.

To wit, online production assistant Sarah Taylor was rattled after a four-way stop where the driver-side mirror successfully hid an entire sedan stopped to her left. "OMG, you can't see anything out the window," she said.

Other notes since our 10,000-mile update? "I'm short," wrote managing road test editor Becca Hackett. "I look like a chicken trying to move my head around to see around that new huge blind spot."

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

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One writer described them as "forward-facing blind spots the size of Texas."

Another? "Dumbo ears." If the eyes are the windows to the soul, it seems the towing mirrors are the blast shields to reality.



Fortunately, even the skeptics concede that once you load up a trailer and escape the confines of parking lots and city streets, the Ram settles into its role as a supreme highway cruiser. Associate news editor Jack Fitzgerald gave a "shout out to the graphic on the screen that shows exactly how much angle your steering input gives while reversing a trailer." He also admitted that "the tow mirrors were mighty useful on a seven-hour drive pulling a trailer from northeast Wisconsin." Other staffers who tow more frequently have voiced similar mirror approval, if sheepishly.

Katherine Keeler - Car and Driver

It turns out judging the mirrors in a metro Detroit roundabout is like reviewing a deep-space telescope based on how well it works as a reading glass. Except you can't swap glasses because this telescope is effectively duct-taped to your face. Managing testing editor David Beard compared his experience entering a Cape Cod roundabout to a game of Russian roulette.

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As we cross the halfway point of the test, small cracks begin to emerge in places other than the mirrors. We've noted a clunky 1-2 upshift and a lethargic response to downshift requests that can make city driving feel unpolished. An issue with the forward-collision system required a dealer visit to have the long-range radar module replaced (that repair was covered by the warranty). We've also caught the digital instrument cluster daydreaming: It displays a graphic of the pre-facelift Ram 1500 on multiple screens. After finishing a highway fuel-economy loop that returned 18 mpg (2 mpg better than our average thus far), road warrior Jacob Kurowicki said, "I couldn't wait to get out because of back pain."

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

Most other comments relating to the interior have been more kind. Technical editor Mike Sutton praised the existence of analog gauges in a world where almost everything's gone digital. Ditto for the front three-across seating, which brings back childhood memoriesthough we remain profoundly grateful that the nostalgia stops short of locating the fuel tank behind the seatback.

But because all roads lead back to the side mirrors, they have a throwback touch of their own: They fold manually. Shutting those barn doors means getting out and walking to both sides, which is acceptable on a base trim level, but an indignity at $68,320. Sort of how you still have to fish the key fob out of your pocket to unlock the thing.

Senior editor Greg Fink said it best: "Nix the tow mirrors, add a proximity key, and this is a near-perfect full-size truck."

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Months in Fleet: 8 months Current Mileage: 23,570 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 16 mpg

Fuel Tank Size: 33.0 gal Observed Fuel Range: 520 miles

Service: $350 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 Damage and Destruction: $0









Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

10,000-Mile Update

The first 10,000 miles with a new vehicle are the exciting first dates before the mundane sets in. You're still gleefully memorizing the dashboard's contours, and the factory scent hasn't yet been fully vanquished by spilled coffee (or worse). With our long-term Ram 1500, this phase concluded with an exchange at our service department that felt less like a transaction and more like a scene from Burn After Reading.

It started with an innocent request for an oil change and a cabin air filter as part of the first service dictated by the Ram's oil-life monitor. The estimate returned with two surprises. The first was the cabin air filter itself, priced at a startling $60 (the part retails for roughly half that online). The second was $17 for something called Frigi-Fresh, a disinfectant for HVAC systems.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

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When questioned, our service advisor shrugged. Frigi-Fresh, he explained, auto-populates on the work order with every cabin air-filter replacement. By his logic, Frigi-Fresh is not an option but an inevitability.

Road warrior Jacob Kurowicki queried: "We have to tell you we don't want something that we dont know we're going to get?"

"Look man, I just work here," the advisor said, providing the modern-day epitaph for personal responsibility.

A memo to those patronizing Suburban Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Ann Arbor: Declining unwanted extras requires telepathy.

The experience is the kind of thing that makes you want to change your own oil, even if it means remembering that the High-Output variant of the Hurricane engine requires 0W-40 synthetic versus the regular's 0W-20. At least the HO's special blend costs 171 percent less per ounce than Frigi-Fresh.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

While it may not have the most desirable cylinder count, Ram's Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six is compelling, even if it feels as out of place in a Ram as a string quartet in a Waffle House. Stomp the gas and the soundtrack is less Woodward Avenue and more autobahn. It pulls with the confident, linear surge of something far more sophisticated.

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The six-cylinder's impressive refinement carries through to the chassis and optional air springs, which testing director Dave VanderWerp called perfect for Michigan's annual Pothole Fiesta. Consider the Ram, then, a 5765-pound limo that shrugs off road blemishes with serene detachment, making it the king of long-distance hauls. You could transport a sleeping infant in the back across a railroad crossing and the most you'd worry about is the lingering scent of Frigi-Fresh.

VanderWerp also noted that the heated cloth seats get hotter than permitted by the lawyers at other automakers, who have probably calculated the precise temperature at which a human posterior bursts into litigation.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

And then there's the mirrors. We have the optional trailer tow mirrors on our truck. They stick out nearly a foot on each side, stretching 102.3 inches tip to tip. That's 8.5 feet; any wider, and you'd want a pilot car. When towing, the mirrors provide an excellent IMAX-like view of your 24-foot enclosed trailer. The other 98 percent of the time, they stick out with the unearned confidence of a cryptocurrency enthusiast, requiring geometry in fast food drive-throughs and faith-based arithmetic in roundabouts. The tow mirrors are a wonderful solution to a problem we only occasionally have.

Just a little more than 10,000 miles in, and our Ram has already proven itself as a brilliant, comfortable, and quick long-hauler. It's a machine so thoroughly modern that it makes you forget all about the guttural appeal of two extra cylinders. That is, right up until you're confronted with the 15 mpg we've observed so far, one measly mpg more than our result from the 2019 V-8 Ram we tested a handful of years back. And clearly we aren't alone, judging by the V-8's quick return to the 2026 order sheet. Sometimes, progress is just a detour on the way back to where you started.

Months in Fleet: 5 months Current Mileage: 13,650 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 15 mpg

Fuel Tank Size: 33.0 gal Observed Fuel Range: 490 miles

Service: $225 Normal Wear:$0 Repair: $0 Damage and Destruction: $0







Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

Introduction

What, another Ram? We're starting to feel like shepherds around here. This 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn is the third Ram 1500 to undergo our 40,000-mile long-term test since 2019 (and sixth all-time), following a cushy 2019 Limited and an unhinged 2022 TRX. That's almost one every two years. So long as the Ram keeps collecting 10Best trophies (seven and counting), we'll keep inviting it back.

Speaking of sixes, the biggest change for this test is Ram's new six-cylinder engine. The flagship Hemi V-8? Gone from the Ram lineup entirely (for now). In its place sits the optional "Hurricane" twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder ($2695) that makes 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque. (The base engine remains a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6.) We opted for a Big Horn trim with six seats because we liked that symmetry.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

Between hauling race cars to track days, towing snowmobiles to Michigan's frigid Upper Peninsula, schlepping the family to weekend sports, and the endless parade of big-screen TVs from big box stores, this Ram won't be living easy. And our team's appetite for truck utility shows no signs of waning.

We opted for the 33.0-gallon fuel tank ($445), which should give us plenty of range for long hauls. We're eager to see if dropping two cylinders delivers better fuel economy than the 14 mpg we observed with the 395-hp 5.7-liter V-8powered Ram 1500 we tested in 2019.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

That truck was rated by the EPA at 19 mpg combined and so is this new Big Horn. What's the benefit of the six-cylinder then? So far, power. In our performance testing, this Big Horn reached 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.6 at 100 mph, eclipsing that 2019 Ram by 1.3 seconds and 1.0 second.

We equipped this Ram for hauling with the Towing Technology Group ($595) and Trailer-Tow Group ($1345), which include everything from trailer-tire-pressure monitoring to side mirrors that are the size of elephant ears and boast power-adjusting convex glass. Throw in the 3.92 rear axle ($195), and we're cleared to tow 10,980 pounds and carry a 1350-pound payload.



The Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group ($2770) brings the expected modern conveniences: a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and so on. But in a head-scratching omission that would make a Porsche product specialist proud, passive keyless entry isn't included. Yes, our $68,320 truck requires manually hitting the unlock button on the key fob like it's 1995.



Excellent ride quality has been a longstanding attribute of the Ram 1500 thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension, which we upgraded with four-corner air springs ($1995). We can now also lower the truck to ease bed access while standing outside with the fob, which almost makes up for having to fish that fob out every time. Almost.

Andi Hedrick - Car and Driver

The Ram's interior has long set the standard for pickup luxury, though it was typically leather-lined higher-end trims earning that praise. We'll see if the excellence continues in our cloth-seat Big Horn. And we can have up to six critics weigh in on every mile.

Months in Fleet: 1 month Current Mileage: 3737 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 14 mpg

Fuel Tank Size: 33.0 gal Observed Fuel Range: 460 miles

Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 Damage and Destruction: $0

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A U.S. Air Force tanker went down during a combat mission in Iraq, killing all six airmen aboard, military officials said Friday.

U.S. Central Command said the KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on March 12 during operations tied to the conflict with Iran. Initial reports indicated four crew members had died, but officials later confirmed that all six personnel aboard the aircraft were killed.

The aircraft was flying a combat mission within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility when it went down. Officials said the crash occurred in friendly airspace, and early assessments indicate there is no evidence of hostile fire or friendly fire.

Military.com reached out to U.S. Central Command, Air Forces Central, Air Mobility Command, and the Pentagon for comment.

Officials have not released the names of the six airmen as the military continues next-of-kin notifications.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 154th Air Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard, performs in-flight refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, during exercise Sentry Aloha 26-1 over the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 16, 2026. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mary Greenwood)

Deadly Tanker Crash Happened During Combat Mission

Senior military leaders acknowledged the loss Friday as U.S. operations tied to the conflict with Iran continue across the region.

Please keep these brave airmen, their families, friends and units in your thoughts in the coming hours and days, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Pentagon briefing Friday in Washington.

Officials said the aircraft was operating within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility, the combatant command responsible for U.S. military operations across the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of North Africa.

Caine said early assessments show no indication that the aircraft was shot down.

Officials have not released the aircrafts tail number, assigned unit or launch location.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is one of the Air Forces primary aerial refueling aircraft, allowing fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods during long-range missions.

Aerial refueling has become especially important during the current Iran conflict, where aircraft operate across a vast region stretching from the Persian Gulf to Iraq and Syria. A recent U.S. campaign has targeted hundreds of Iranian military sites and infrastructure in an effort to degrade Tehrans ability to threaten U.S. forces and regional allies. The operation struck nearly 200 targets in a matter of days as part of Operation Epic Fury, illustrating the scale of the air campaign.

Tanker aircraft allow strike fighters and surveillance platforms to remain on station far longer than they could on internal fuel alone, extending the reach and duration of combat missions.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, performs in-flight refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, during exercise Sentry Aloha 26-1 over the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 16, 2026. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mary Greenwood)

US Aircraft Losses Grow in Iran War

The tanker crash marks the fourth reported U.S. aircraft loss since the conflict with Iran escalated in recent weeks.

Earlier in the conflict, U.S. service members were killed during attacks tied to Operation Epic Fury, highlighting the risks facing American forces operating across the region. That attack killed multiple U.S. troops and wounded several others, marking one of the first deadly incidents involving American forces after the campaign began.

During the same Pentagon briefing Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. operations targeting Irans military infrastructure have significantly reduced Tehrans ability to launch attacks.

Iranian missile launches are down about 90%, and drone attacks have dropped roughly 95%, Hegseth told reporters during the briefing.

Despite those gains, U.S. forces continue operating across a wide region where aircraft conduct strike missions, patrols and surveillance operations tied to the conflict.

Aerial refueling aircraft such as the KC-135 remain critical to sustaining those operations, enabling fighters, bombers and intelligence aircraft to stay airborne longer and operate farther from their home bases.

An Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing sits on the flight line during Live in 25 at Wilmington Air Park in Wilmington Ohio, May 3, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas, 121st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs)

Militia Claims Tanker Crash in Iraq

An Iran-aligned militia group operating in Iraq claimed responsibility for the crash shortly after the incident.

The group said it targeted the aircraft as part of its campaign against U.S. forces in the region, though it did not provide evidence supporting the claim.

U.S. military officials said there is currently no indication that hostile fire caused the crash.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have repeatedly targeted U.S. forces with rockets, drones and other attacks since the conflict escalated.

The broader war has also expanded beyond Iraq. Iranian missile strikes have targeted regional U.S. facilities and military positions, including attacks near major American bases in Bahrain and other locations tied to U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf. The attack underscored the regional scope of the conflict and the growing number of flashpoints involving U.S. forces.

Officials said investigators have not ruled out mechanical failure or another operational issue as a possible cause of the crash.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing of Minot Air Force Base receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard over Kansas, Feb 5, 2026. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Daniel Ter Haar)

Cause of Deadly Tanker Crash Still Unknown

Several key questions remain unresolved as investigators begin reviewing the crash. Officials have not released the identities of the six airmen killed as the military completes next-of-kin notifications.

The Air Force has not confirmed the aircrafts assigned unit, tail number, or the base from which the KC-135 launched.

Officials also have not said whether an official Accident Investigation Board has been convened. Such investigations typically examine flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and communications to determine the cause of an aircraft loss.

Investigators also have not confirmed whether the aircraft was conducting aerial refueling operations at the time of the incident.

More details are expected as the investigation continues and military officials release additional information about the aircraft and crew.
Jeremy Harrell knows the costs of war firsthand.

Harrell, a U.S. Army veteran, was deployed to the Iraq War during its early stages in 2003-2004. Overall, he served as a non-commissioned officer for nine years. As he watches the war against Iran unfold, he can feel the burden of the conflict, decades removed from his own deployment.

Harrell is proud of his service but realizes it came with a price.

It was always an honorable profession, but with that came a lot of challenges, Harrell told LEX 18 in Kentucky.

To help veterans navigate those obstacles, Harrell formed Veterans Club in 2017, a nonprofit organization based out of Louisville, Kentucky, that provides mental health assistance for veterans and family members. The programs mission is to offer connection, healing, recovery, housing assistance, and vocational training to both veterans and first responders.

Jeremy Harrell, founder of Veteran's Club. (Veteran's Club)

War in Iran Hits Home

The images of bombings, huge fireballs and clouds of thick, heavy smoke are no strangers to Harrell. Spending months in a war zone can form distinct, unshakable memories.

There is a lot of destruction, a lot of violence, and a lot of misunderstanding when were deployed, he said. And these days deployments last much long then they have in the past.

During his time in Iraq, Harrell kept thinking, Will I come home?

There is always that uncertainty, Harrell said.

These days, as he watches another U.S. military conflict in the Middle East, he thinks about the troops serving halfway around the world.

For our brothers and sisters in Iran. We need to pray for them and be ready to help them when they come home, Harrell said.

Community support for veterans and active-duty personnel can be vital during a time of conflict and uncertainty.

Oftentimes, the community rallies around veterans in times like this, where there is an active conflict. And we love in this state and this country that there are a lot of patriots who care about veterans, Harrell said.

He believes a strong community to lean on is needed because, thinking back to his combat experience, troops currently fighting in the Middle East will not be the same when they return.

And when they come home, theyre trying to redeem all that time, but they typically come home changed, Harrell said.

Veterans work on a Jeep as part of the Operation Jeep Build with the Veteran's Club. (Veteran's Club)

Veterans Talking to Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects deployed veterans three times more than non-deployed veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Harrell is one to know. He still faces mental health hurdles, but has sought help through treatment.

When they come home, youre trying to process all that. Thats what led to some of the mental health issues we have, Harrell said. So, they carry around all this residual from the negative experience they had. We can work through the experience we witness, but we cant erase the memories.

There is hope. Through Veterans Club, Harrell helps veterans connect with other veterans, sharing stories and experiences, which can serve as a path to heal old wounds.

The veteran-on-veteran connection is powerful, Harrell said.

However long the war in Iran continues, Harrell will be there, ready and waiting to embrace future veterans, providing a strong support system, fueled by former servicemembers.

Resources are also available through the VA.

In addition, the Veterans Club has a list of upcoming events on its website.
Credit: Marcellus Wiley on YouTube; First Take on ESPN

If Stephen A. Smith is going to make good on a year-plus of teasing and mount a real run for president, he will likely need wealthy donors to fund his campaign. And Smiths former ESPN colleague, Marcellus Wiley, says he knows of multiple billionaires who would line up behind Smith.

The news cycle around Smiths political ambitions began last year when a poll surfaced showing low single-digit support for a presidential run by the First Take host. Since then, Smith has alternately revved the engines on the possibility and rejected the premise entirely. Smith seems intrigued by the idea of debating Democratic candidates and holding them to account, but doesnt want to forego his massive salaries from ESPN and SiriusXM.

It is impossible to gauge Smiths actual political beliefs. The star host recently listed both Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, and conservative Secretary of State Marco Rubio as candidates whom he could see earning his vote in 2028.

Despite these seemingly contradictory ideas, Wiley claims there is already interest in Smith among the billionaire class. In a recent interview with Vibe magazine, Wiley claimed he was aware of more than one extremely wealthy backer who would fund Smiths campaign.

I know some people with billions who support him and [have] a huge political pull, Wiley told Vibe. Intimately, I know these people, and theyre rocking with him if he wants to rock all the way and roll to an opportunity like that. He can do it.

For what its worth, Wiley was a guest at the White House last year, after which he praised President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Wiley also elaborated on Smiths appeal as a candidate. The former SportsNation host, who left ESPN in 2018 to host Speak For Yourself at FS1, believes Smith is more qualified than some others who have been elected president before. While Wiley did not directly compare Smith to Trump, he noted that some would say Trump is a character.

However, Wiley did predict that more celebrities will enter politics in the coming years:

I do because just to get the popular vote, just to get the masses, to get an audience, youll need to already have one built in. They dont even really know your character as much as they think they do, but its the persona, its the personality. Its all these things that add up to what they think your character is, so people rock with you. They feel they know you. Youre in their homes, and theyre more intimate with you at times, in terms of listening and paying attention, than they are with their own family.

Until Smith stops using his potential presidential campaign as content fodder and moves toward a real run, all of the surrounding news is inconsequential. Wiley may also have just been speculating that some of the richest people he has met would entertain Smiths run, rather than relaying actual conversations about these people supporting Smith.

However, Wileys comments reveal a potentially broader base of appeal within the entertainment industry to get behind Smith than was previously known.
An Iranian-made Shahed drone killed a French soldier at a military training facility in Iraq's Kurdistan region Thursday, the first time a European service member has been killed in the Middle East conflict that began Feb. 28 with coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Six other French troops were wounded. The fatality immediately intensified questions about the safety of hundreds of European military personnel scattered across northern Iraq on counterterrorism missions that now sit squarely in the crosshairs of Iranian retaliation.

The Conflicts First European Military Death

Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, 42, served with the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins, a mountain infantry unit stationed in Varces, France. He was killed when drones hit a base at Mala Qara, roughly 25 miles southwest of Erbil, where French troops were training alongside Kurdish Peshmerga fighters. The six wounded soldiers were moved to a nearby medical facility, the French military said.

According to a French military press release, Frion was a 21-year veteran who enlisted in the French Army in December 2004 and worked his way up from rifleman to chief warrant officer. He had deployed to nearly a dozen combat zones and training missions across three continents, including Chad, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Mali, Estonia and Greenland.

During a 2008 deployment to Afghanistan, he earned a citation for supporting a friendly unit that came under enemy fire. The French military awarded him the Medaille Militaire in December 2021, one of the country's highest decorations for noncommissioned officers. He was married and the father of one child.

His commanding officer, Col. Francois-Xavier de la Chesnais, described him as "ultra-competent" and "experienced" with "true humility," calling him "what the Army produces at its best in terms of a soldier."

Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion in service with the French Army. (7e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins)

President Emmanuel Macron announced the death on X, writing that Frion "died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq." He condemned the strike as "unacceptable" and insisted that France's role in the region remains purely defensive, focused on the anti-ISIS mission Paris joined in 2015.

"Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism," Macron said. "The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."

Erbil's governor said two drones struck the base. Senior Peshmerga commander Sirwan Barzani told Rudaw that the French personnel at the facility "have nothing to do with war and conflict and are only military advisors."

Hours before the death was announced, the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia Ashab al-Kahf issued a warning on Telegram declaring all French interests in Iraq and the broader region to be "under targeting fire," citing the recent deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle toward the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The group stopped short of claiming direct responsibility for the Mala Qara attack.

European Forces Caught in the Crossfire

Frion's death did not occur in isolation. The night before, a drone struck Camp Singara, an Italian military installation near Erbil International Airport housed within a larger coalition compound. No Italian personnel were hurt, but Rome acted quickly to evacuate forces from the base.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said 102 troops had already rotated home before the strike, with 141 still on the ground. He characterized the pullout as previously scheduled but conceded that worsening conditions had forced the timeline forward.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament bluntly, "We are not at war and we will not go to war."

France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Sweden all keep personnel in the Erbil area as part of the U.S.-led coalition that has trained Kurdish and Iraqi security forces against ISIS since 2014. France alone has roughly 800 troops spread across Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Chammal.

The coalition, which at its peak involved more than 60 nations, had been drawing down under a phased withdrawal plan set to wrap up by late 2026. The current fighting has thrown that timeline into uncertainty.

Pressure Building on European Governments

Frion's death adds to a rapidly growing list of incidents testing European resolve in the conflict. On March 1, a Shahed-type drone struck the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, damaging a hangar and triggering a partial evacuation.

London responded by deploying the destroyer HMS Dragon and additional air defense assets to the island. UK Defence Minister John Healey suggested Russia's "hidden hand" may be influencing Iran's drone tactics and said officials were analyzing the Akrotiri drone for foreign components.

French CAESAR artillerymen, attached to Task Force Wagram, supporting Operation Roundup from al-Qa'im, Iraq, May 2018. (Spc. Zakia Gray)

Turkey has intercepted at least three Iranian ballistic missiles in its airspace since the war began. Drones and missiles have battered Gulf state infrastructure, with the UAE reportedly absorbing more incoming fire than Israel by some analyst estimates.

Italy's decision to pull its soldiers from Erbil could set a precedent that other European nations follow as the security environment around coalition bases continues to deteriorate. France, by contrast, has so far signaled it intends to hold its positions despite the loss.

The divergent responses highlight the challenge facing European capitals as a conflict they did not initiate increasingly threatens their personnel, bases and regional interests. Whether Frion's death spurs a collective European response or accelerates withdrawals may depend on future Iranian strikes in the region.
A devastating flood. A powerful and destructive earthquake. A raging forest fire,

These are all disasters the National Guard trains for with the goal of saving lives.

But in Brownstown Township, Michigan at Woodhaven High School, a recent training day was focused on students serving as rescuers in a real-life disaster, using artificial intelligence to get in and out alive.

Army National Guard 'Disasterville" training simulates real life disasters (Michigan Army National Guard).

They were just virtual disasters. Simulated as if youre in the National Guard, said Woodhaven High School Principal Jay Vesperman, in an interview with Military.com. The guardsmen and woman were helpful in sharing information about recruitment, but that wasnt the overall goal. These scenarios could have happened in real life.

Dubbed Disasterville, the training day was a recruitment event and disaster training in one, with members of the National Guard on hand to answer questions about signing up after graduation, while also walking students through a simulated virtual reality crisis. They used Google glasses and virtual reality (VR) headsets with AI technology to mimic life-like disasters.

Three virtual google scenarios were set up. One on a forest fire, another in a flood, and the third involved an earthquake scenario, said Vesperman. It was a lot of fun. Just a wonderful experience for the students.

HOW DISASTERVILLE WORKS

The scenes using the AI glasses were extremely realistic. The earthquake scenario had a bus flipped over and students had to crawl inside to save lives, recalled Vesperman, who watched his students learn and have fun at the same time. Thats always my hope, to make learning fun.

Army National Guard 'Disasterville" Training Simulates Disasters for high school students (Michigan Army National Guard).

In a news release from the Michigan Army National Guard, and sent to Military.com, 'Disasterville' features immersive missions that transform high school gyms into mission-oriented disaster zones. Students work in teams while wearing virtual reality (VR) headsets to complete specific objectives based on real-world scenarios.

"Many young Americans are unaware of the wide-ranging skills of Army National Guard soldiers and their critical role in disaster response," said Staff Sgt. Adam Szabo, with the National Guard Bureau's Marketing and Advertising Branch, in the statement released to Military.com. "Disasterville aims to bridge that gap by putting students in the center of the high-impact missions that National Guard Soldiers lead in communities across the country. We hope to introduce the next generation to the skills-training and real-world impact that awaits them in the Guard."

The Army National Guard added that the experiences give students a front-row seat to the role of National Guard personnel in disaster response as the presence of natural disasters continues to rise in communities and around the country.

NEARBY EMERGENCY BY COINCIDENCE

But for all of the training benefits, Disasterville at Woodhaven High School almost didnt happen. A real-life emergency across the street from the high school cut off the schools electricity.

Yes, disaster struck in real life that day. A transformer fire directly across the street knocked our power out, said Vesperman. In my 18 years as a principal Ive never had to send students home because of a power outage. But even though our generator kicked in, we couldnt serve lunch, or carry out other necessary school functions, so the students and staff had to be sent home.

But in true service to the community, the National Guard men and women agreed to come back to the high school and finish the training the next day.

They were great, Vesperman said. The transformer fire was unexpected, but everyone worked hard to get the training done when our power came back on.

For the Michigan Army National guard, the members on hand for the event were able to showcase their training and skills, while also giving the students another path to consider after graduation.

High school students participate in Army National Guard 'Disasterville" Training which siimulates real-world disasters (Michigan Army National Guard).

Whatever these kids are planning to do after they graduate, whether its to go on to college, or go right into the workforce, this training and the national guard members we had here, gave them another option of military service, said Vesperman. I think it opened a lot of eyes among the students for what serving our country could look like.

Disasterville has been on a tour of select high schools throughout February and March in Michigan, Indiana and Omaha, Nebraska.
A February 2025 announcement from the Department of Defense raised new uncertainty about whether active duty U.S. service members will be able to attend graduate programs at Harvard University.

In a public video and accompanying statement, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon would halt certain training relationships with Harvard, citing broader disputes between the federal government and the university. The announcement specifically addressed Department of Defense participation in Harvard programs and directed the department to review its relationships with the institution.

Although the Defense Departments announcement did not provide detailed implementation guidance, its language suggested that graduate-level education programs involving military personnel at Harvard could be affected. Harvards public policy school, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), has historically enrolled a significant number of military officers in both degree programs and professional fellowships, making the policy particularly consequential for applicants in the current admissions cycle.

The announcement immediately raised questions about whether active duty officers who had applied to Harvard programs would still be permitted to attend, even if they received admission offers or independent scholarships.

Military Students Have Long Been Part of the Kennedy School

Military participation in HKS programs has been substantial for decades. According to HKS, roughly 8% of its current student body has a U.S. military affiliation, a proportion higher than the share of military personnel in the broader U.S. population.

Over the past ten years alone, more than 500 active duty servicemembers, reservists, and veterans have enrolled in the schools graduate degree programs.

HKS has long positioned itself as a hub for training leaders in national security and public service. Beyond traditional degree programs, it also runs fellowships and executive education programs for military officers and defense officials. HKSs Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs hosts the National Security Fellowship, a program that brings senior military officers and intelligence professionals to Harvard for advanced study and policy research.

Executive education programs have also attracted large numbers of defense personnel. Since the early 2000s, thousands of uniformed officers and civilian defense officials have participated in HKS executive training courses focused on national security and public leadership.

Several prominent national security figures have studied at Harvard Kennedy School. Among them is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth himself. Other alumni include former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, and Representative Dan Crenshaw of Texas.

Contingency Plans with Other Universities

Because of the uncertainty created by the Pentagons announcement, HKS developed contingency plans for applicants who may be unable to attend Harvard despite receiving admission offers.

Under the plan, several peer public policy schools, including the University of Chicagos Harris School of Public Policy, Tufts Universitys Fletcher School, the University of Michigans Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and the University of Texas at Austins Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, have agreed to review applications from affected students on an expedited basis.

The goal is to minimize disruption for applicants who may suddenly be unable to enroll at Harvard due to military orders or administrative restrictions. The schools involved in the arrangement would review existing application materials rather than requiring students to restart the entire admissions process, allowing them to transition more easily to another institution if necessary.

Harvard has also expanded its deferral policies for admitted students. Applicants who cannot attend due to military restrictions will be permitted to defer enrollment for up to four years. Graduate programs typically allow deferrals of only one year, but Harvard has indicated that the extended timeline is intended to provide flexibility for military personnel whose assignments or permissions may change in the future.

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy, addresses the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy.Source: DVIDS.

The Issue Goes Beyond Tuition Funding

One notable aspect of the Pentagon announcement is that it does not appear to focus solely on federal funding for education. Many government education policies operate by limiting the use of federal funds for certain programs. However, the language surrounding the Harvard decision raised questions about whether military personnel might be barred from attending Harvard programs altogether, regardless of who pays the tuition.

That distinction matters because some students receive scholarships from universities or private donors rather than relying on Department of Defense funding.

At HKS, administrators have emphasized that the school itself funds some students through institutional scholarships and fellowship programs. Even in cases where the university covers the full cost of tuition, active duty officers may still be unable to enroll if their chain of command declines to authorize participation.

Because active duty service members remain subject to military orders, their ability to attend civilian graduate programs ultimately depends on approval from their service branch and command structure.

A New Fellowship Program Adds Another Layer

The policy uncertainty comes at the same time Harvard Kennedy School is launching its largest scholarship initiative ever.

The school recently created the American Service Fellowship, a program designed to provide full scholarships for public servants, active service members, and military veterans to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master's in Public Administration degree.

The fellowship fully funds tuition and is aimed at professionals in the middle of their careers who want to pursue graduate education in public policy or leadership. Active duty servicemembers are eligible for the program, along with veterans and other public sector professionals.

Because the fellowship is fully funded by Harvard and private donors, some recipients could theoretically attend without relying on Department of Defense education funding. Nevertheless, the Pentagons policy could still prevent active duty officers from participating if their military service requires them to follow directives limiting participation in Harvard programs.

Uncertainty for Future Applicants

It remains unclear how the Pentagons policy will ultimately affect the pipeline of military officers pursuing graduate education at Harvard. Historically, civilian graduate programs have played a major role in professional military education, allowing service members to study strategy, public policy, and international affairs alongside civilian students.

Programs like those at Harvard Kennedy School have been part of that ecosystem for decades. The recent Pentagon decision, however, introduces new uncertainty about whether those pathways will remain open for active duty service members in the future.

For now, Harvards contingency plans reflect an attempt to ensure that military applicants still have optionseven if their plans to study in Cambridge are temporarily disrupted.
A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 12, 2026, left one person dead and two others wounded before students inside the classroom intervened and subdued the attacker. Authorities say members of the universitys Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) confronted the gunman during the incident, preventing further casualties.

The shooting occurred inside Constant Hall shortly before 11 a.m., prompting emergency alerts across the campus warning students and staff about an active threat. The university instructed people to shelter in place and follow run, hide, fight guidance while law enforcement responded to the scene. Old Dominion University later canceled classes for the remainder of the day and made counseling services available to students and staff affected by the violence.

Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk with more than 23,000 students enrolled. The institution hosts several ROTC programs that train future military officers while they complete undergraduate degrees.

Police from multiple agencies responded quickly to the campus after the emergency alerts were issued. Officers secured the building and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack while the campus remained under temporary lockdown.

Students Confront the Gunman

According to investigators, the attacker entered a classroom and asked whether it was an ROTC class before opening fire and shouting Allahu Akbar. The instructor in the room, described as a retired military officer, was killed during the attack. At least two other individuals were injured by gunfire. Emergency responders transported the wounded victims to a hospital shortly after the shooting.

Students in the classroom reacted quickly once the shooting began. Authorities say several ROTC cadets confronted the gunman and physically subdued him before police arrived. Officials later confirmed that the suspect died during that confrontation and that he was not shot by the students who intervened. Investigators have not released details about the exact cause of death while the investigation continues.

Federal officials credited the cadets actions with preventing additional casualties. Representatives from the FBIs Norfolk field office said the students demonstrated extreme bravery and courage by confronting the attacker while the situation was still unfolding. Authorities have not publicly identified the students who subdued the gunman.

Suspect Previously Convicted in Terrorism Case

Federal authorities identified the suspect as Mohamed Jalloh, a 36-year-old former member of the Virginia Army National Guard. Investigators say Jalloh had previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State terrorist group. Prosecutors said he attempted to travel overseas to join the organization before being arrested by federal authorities.

Jalloh was sentenced to approximately 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in the terrorism case. Reporting indicates he was released from federal custody in December 2024 after completing that sentence.

Authorities have also reported that Jalloh was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone. Because of that status, deportation would not automatically occur after a criminal conviction.

Under U.S. law, the government can revoke naturalized citizenship through a legal process known as denaturalization if prosecutors prove that citizenship was obtained illegally or through fraud, including concealing involvement in terrorism during the naturalization process. However, that process requires a separate civil court proceeding and does not occur automatically following a criminal conviction. Authorities have not publicly indicated whether federal prosecutors pursued any denaturalization proceedings in Jallohs case following his conviction. Because of the suspects prior conviction and statements during the attack, the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.

Investigation Continues as Officials Praise Student Response

Law enforcement officials say the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as federal and local authorities review evidence and interview witnesses who were present during the incident. The FBI and local police are continuing to examine the suspects background, possible motives, and the events leading up to the attack.

Officials emphasized that the quick response from students inside the classroom played a critical role in preventing the attack from becoming more deadly. By the time police arrived and secured the building, the attacker had already been subdued and was no longer a threat.

Authorities have not released further details about how the confrontation between the ROTC cadets and the attacker unfolded. Investigators say the case remains under active review as officials work to determine the full timeline of events surrounding the shooting.
The conversation started off innocently enough: a sharing of differing viewpoints, punctuated by personal experience, anecdotes and research. But it eventually dissolves into yelling and fist pounding. Before you know it, youre embroiled in an argument at work and fear for your reputation and your job.

You might be in the right, but either way, you might have let your emotions get the better of you. At this point you need to step out. But how can you back out of the argument without appearing contrite, feeble or submissive?

How Did You Get Here?

Often, we dont realize were deep into an argument until we hear our own self yelling. We see our arms flailing around and our feet stomping us around the room. In those moments, extracting yourself professionally and confidently is important. Lets first examine how you might have gotten here. Reflecting on a recent conflict, consider whether these factors could have been at play for you:

You Need to Be Right

Are you competing for the power position? If this is your motivation, likely anything someone says that challenges your sense of safety will be met with defensiveness and resistance, sometimes to the extreme.

Poor Listening

Have you misheard or misunderstood what you heard; or assumed you knew what the other person intended to elicit or meant to say? Are you interpreting what theyre saying or hearing the actual words? If you tell yourself someone is trying to upset you, it can lead to you getting upset. When we color someones narrative with our own beliefs, opinions and perceptions, we can skew the intent dramatically.

Read More: Should You Hide Your Tattoos for a Job Interview?

Feeling Invalidated

As you share your opinions, are you met with open-mindedness? Are your experiences and beliefs validated or dismissed? When youre not feeling respected or heard, its easy to get angry, especially when youre also factoring in other key reasons mentioned here.

Ignoring the Other Persons Need to Feel Validated

Did you talk over the other person or interrupt; or vehemently deny their viewpoint? This dismissive behavior can leave the other feeling unseen and disrespected, leading to a more aggressive reaction.

Disagreement on Values, Goals or Views

If you see the world differently from the other person, this can lead to conflict over which view is right, which has more merit and which should be vocalized. Often, we view our perspective as correct and wont listen for another viewpoint to see we may have missed something.

Understanding how you got into the conflict is helpful, as youll be able to identify early warning signs and deflect or resolve the disagreement earlier next time.

Read More: 5 Steps to Start Your Civilian Networking Strategy

How to Back Out (and Retain Your Dignity)

Awareness (recognizing youre in an argument and wanting to extract yourself) is a powerful first step. From here, dont just walk out, slam the door and believe its all behind you. The argument can continue much longer if its not resolved.

Here are some tips from attorney, author and communications expert Jefferson Fisher to calm down the disagreement:

Tell Them What You Agree With

Fisher points out that you dont have to agree with their viewpoint or position, but you can agree that the discussion is valid, that the timing is wrong, or on some aspect of what was discussed.

Start a Sentence With, Ive Learned

Did you learn more about them; did you learn that the topic being discussed matters to them; have you gained understanding about their position (again, you dont have to agree with them)?

Use Words Like Help or Helpful

Describe how youre feeling with a phrase such as, Thats helpful to hear, to assist someone who may be feeling defensive to see that youre open to learning but may not share the same view.

When the other person has calmed, hopefully you have as well. Then, you can decide if you still want to be in the discussion or want to leave. If you choose to stay, modulate your own voice and energy, validate their feelings and emotions, and remain professional and respectful.

If you choose to leave the conversation, excuse yourself by:

Explaining that youre feeling yourself getting defensive and thats not productive. Suggest a later date/time when you can both revisit the discussion.

Acknowledging the impasse. Agreeing to disagree doesnt make one side feel they won or loss and can help the other person consider your views, even later.

Using I statements to say what you need. I need to refocus before the meeting today and am feeling stressed. Resist the urge to point fingers or assign blame for how youre feeling.

Letting them have the last word, if they fight for it. In the larger scheme of life, who said the last thing is a pretty small thing.

Arguments are never pleasant. Feelings, reputations, and relationships can be hurt or damaged because of the emotions, timing and the twisting of words. Self-control, self-awareness and empathy are proven ways to get yourself out of an argument, especially at work.

Find the Right Veteran Job

Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides, advice and more delivered directly to your inbox.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe is among the best reporters on the WNBA beat in the country. As the longtime sideline reporter for the WNBA Finals and the NCAA womens Final Four, Rowe is plugged in across the sport and respected throughout the industry.

With negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the players union dragging into a second day after a supposed hard deadline on Tuesday, Rowe took to X to give an update on the talks.

Very few leaks have come out about the substance of the half-dozen-plus offers exchanged between the league and the WNBPA this week, but Rowe had details on the latest salary figures being discussed at meetings in New York City.

According to Rowe, the two sides are settling on a salary cap of $6.2 million and an average player salary of $570,000.

The only problem? Rowe seemingly forgot to delete a key line in the post: Just so you have on background  no attribution to me or the league

More than an hour after the post, Rowe took it down.

Receiving sensitive information is commonplace among journalists, regardless of industry. Especially if the first line of Rowes post is accurate and we are close to a CBA, it makes sense that the league side might want to let fans know  through Rowe  that an agreement is likely coming soon.

But by agreeing to report news on background and not to attribute it to a particular source, reporters like Rowe gain access to key information without it being colored by the sources identity. In this case, with the league and the players on opposite sides of an intense negotiation, the league likely would not want it known that they were the ones leaking to Rowe.

Some would argue that audiences deserve to know where the information is coming from. The reality is that Rowe likely would not get information at all if she did not agree to leave it anonymous.

Unfortunately for Rowe, regardless of these ethical debates, she made the mistake of seemingly copying and pasting the full text of a message from a source. Now, the information is somewhat tainted, and Rowe has egg on her face in a big moment.
Verbindung zu Linked in

Switzerland, March 2026  The Middle East is entering a new phase of digital tax transformation, driven by mandatory e-invoicing, digital VAT reporting, and real-time tax controls. As governments accelerate regulatory reforms, businesses must adapt to tighter compliance requirements while embracing automation, innovation, and cross-border interoperability.

Against this backdrop, the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit Middle East 2026, taking place November 25 to 27, 2026, in Dubai, will bring together tax authorities, enterprises, and technology leaders to discuss upcoming mandates, AI-driven compliance, and global interoperability frameworks such as PEPPOL. Highlighting the UAEs leadership in digital transformation, the summit will explore the evolution of next-generation tax systems and their alignment with global digital tax trends.

Key Agenda Highlights

 E-Invoicing & Tax Reporting: Driving digital transformation

 Regulatory Developments & New Mandates

 AI in Tax & Compliance: Accuracy, automation, proactive controls

 Trust Services & AI-Based Automation

 From Spend to Compliance: Seamless E-Invoicing & VAT control

 Global Connections: Enabling cross-border e-invoicing in a borderless digital economy

 GENA Middle East Chapter Meeting: Regional collaboration and knowledge exchange

The summit program will feature expert presentations, real-world case studies, and interactive roundtables, along with the GENA Academy workshop and exclusive networking events including the Icebreaker Reception and Networking Dinner. An accompanying exhibition will showcase leading solution providers in e-invoicing, tax reporting, payments, and compliance automation.

For more information about the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit Middle East, including the full agenda, visit:

https://www.exchange-summit.com/events/mea/agenda
Manohar Parrikar Story: IITian who chose national service over corporate dream

Manohar Parrikar could have chosen the comfort of a corporate career in Silicon Valley. Instead, he chose the uncertainty and grind of public service. For a generation of IITians who see politics as a dirty business best avoided, his life remains a counterpoint, a reminder that the country needs good people in bad jobs.









1st IITian Chief Minister of India Manohar Parrikar was the first IITian to become a Chief Minister.

He implemented OROP and pushed defense modernization as Minister.

Parrikar chose politics over a corporate career, inspiring many. Did our AI summary help?
RRB NTPC CBT 1 Admit Card 2026 (OUT): Download NTPC graduate level hall ticket here

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially released the RRB NTPC CBT 1 Admit Card 2026 for Graduate-level posts. Candidates who registered for the Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) recruitment under CEN 06/2025 can now download their hall tickets from the official websites of their respective RRB regions.









RRB NTPC Admit Card RRB NTPC CBT 1 Admit Card 2026 released for graduate posts

Exam scheduled from March 16 to March 27, 2026

Aadhaar card mandatory for biometric verification at exam center Did our AI summary help?
Anurag Dobhal aka UK07 rider is out of ICU after DelhiDehradun highway crash, wife Ritika says not everything on social media is true

Popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 contestant Anurag Dobhal, known as UK07 Rider, is recovering after a serious car crash on the DelhiDehradun highway and has now been moved out of the ICU.









Anurag Dobhal aka UK07 rider is out of ICU after DelhiDehradun highway crash, wife Ritika says not everything on social media is true Anurag Dobhal leaves ICU after Delhi-Dehradun highway crash

Accident happened during an Instagram Live session while driving

Fans and family share prayers and support for Anurag's recovery Did our AI summary help?
Sumit Gahlawat thanks Jaideep Ahlawat for praising his performance in The Kerala Story 2, says 'He is like an elder brother to me'

As The Kerala Story 2 sparks conversations in theatres, actor Sumit Gahlawat is quietly savouring a moment of personal pride. His performance as Salim has drawn praise, especially a heartfelt Instagram message from Jaideep Ahlawat urging him to continue to shine and work hard.









Jaideep Ahlawat praises Sumit Gahlawat Sumit Gahlawat praised by Jaideep Ahlawat for Kerala Story 2

Their bond is built on years of trust and acting guidance

Sumit to star with Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in new films Did our AI summary help?
Deepika Padukone raises concern over increasing pollution levels in Mumbai; urges authorities to help as 'children are choking'

Deepika Padukone has recently expressed concern over the rising pollution levels in Mumbai, highlighting the serious impact of poor air quality on residents. She remarked that the worsening conditions are making it difficult to breathe, adding that people in the city, particularly children, are choking due to the alarming pollution levels.









She said that people in the city, especially children, are essentially choking due to the alarming pollution levels. Deepika Padukone urges action on Mumbai's rising pollution

Other actresses also express concern over Mumbai's air quality

Deepika shares AQI map, tags BMC for urgent help Did our AI summary help?
LPG shortage disrupts film sets: Mumbai Film City crew struggles, crisis hits Mollywood and Tollywood

An LPG shortage is disrupting film shoots across India. Mumbai Film City crews are adjusting meals, while Mollywood and Tollywood productions face potential delays as catering teams struggle to secure enough gas cylinders.









LPG shortage disrupts film sets: Mumbai Film City crew struggles, crisis hits Mollywood and Tollywood LPG shortage disrupts film sets across Mumbai, Kerala, and Bengal

Catering crews switch to bread, wood-fired, and induction cooking

Producers warn of financial losses if LPG supply doesn't improve Did our AI summary help?
Rana Daggubati welcomes Netflixs Eyeline Studios launch in Hyderabad, calls it a 'big moment' for Indian film industry

Netflix has launched its visual effects and virtual production hub Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad. Actor Rana Daggubati called the move a big moment for the Indian film industry and the growing VFX sector.









During the event, Rana Daggubati spoke to the media and described the arrival of Eyeline Studios in India as an important milestone for the Indian film industry. Netflix opens Eyeline Studios VFX hub in Hyderabad

Eyeline Studios is Netflix's fifth global base for visual effects

The studio worked on Stranger Things and Daredevil. Did our AI summary help?
Splitsvilla X6: Soundarya Shetty reacts after Deeptanshu Saini reveals hes dating someone outside the villa, says, "why was she sending bags of outfits, medicines..."

Splitsvilla X6 has grabbed attention not just for its in-villa twists but also for off-screen drama, as the controversy between contestants Soundarya Shetty and Deeptanshu Saini sparks debate across social media.









Splitsvilla X6: Soundarya Shetty reacts after Deeptanshu Saini reveals hes dating someone outside the villa, says, "why was she sending bags of outfits, medicines..." Deeptanshu revealed he's dating influencer Aaryanshi

Soundarya questioned Deeptanshu's timeline, expressing disappointment.

Fans split online, some back Soundarya, others Deeptanshu Did our AI summary help?
The Optimist Review: A reflective and sombre Holocaust drama held together by honest performances

A man who survived the Holocaust finally finds the courage to speak about the past he buried for decades. The film may be uneven, but the humanity at its center is hard to shake off.









The Optimist Review The Optimist tells Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller's true story

Stephen Lang and Elsie Fisher deliver heartfelt performances

Film balances past trauma and present healing through friendship Did our AI summary help?
News / National

by Staff reporter

Interim treasurer-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Mbuso Siso has dismissed his purported removal by the party's self-proclaimed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, describing the decision as unconstitutional and legally invalid.In a letter dated March 3, Siso said Tshabangu had unlawfully announced his dismissal and appointed a replacement despite lacking the authority to do so under the party's structures.Siso insisted he remains the legitimate interim treasurer-general and pointed out that he is the officially recognised party contact in submissions made to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Local Government and Parliament.He argued that Tshabangu's actions were outside the provisions of the party's constitution, adding that the CCC currently has no constitutionally recognised president or national executive committee capable of authorising such decisions.Siso also said he had not been formally charged or summoned to any disciplinary hearing, accusing Tshabangu of violating his right to due process."As treasurer-general, I remain responsible for the party's assets and finances," Siso said, warning Tshabangu against interfering with his mandate.He demanded that the decision be reversed and that any public claims suggesting he had been removed from office be withdrawn.To support his position, Siso attached an October 2023 communication from Tshabangu regarding the opening of a party bank account, which he said confirmed his role as custodian of CCC funds.Tshabangu had not responded to the letter by the time of publication.Tshabangu first surfaced in 2023 claiming the position of CCC interim secretary-general and later sparked controversy after recalling several elected CCC legislators and councillors from Parliament and local authorities.The recalls triggered by-elections in which many of the seats were eventually taken by ZANU-PF after Tshabangu's faction did not field candidates.Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa later left the party, alleging that the opposition movement had been infiltrated and compromised.
Trisha Krishnan stays silent as reporters question her about Vijay at Chennai airport, watch

Actor Trisha Krishnan recently drew attention after she was spotted at the Chennai airport, just days after attending a wedding reception alongside Vijay. The sighting quickly sparked curiosity among reporters and fans amid ongoing speculation about the two stars.









Trisha Krishnan avoids question on Vijay Trisha Krishnan spotted at Chennai airport amid media speculation

Reporters questioned Trisha about her appearance with Vijay

Vijay addressed rumors during a rally for his political party Did our AI summary help?
Do period pain tablets affect fertility? What gynaecologist want women to know

Many women take pain relief tablets during painful periods to get that much-needed relief from the pain and cramping. There is often a discussion about whether taking tablets for period pain can impact fertility. Know the truth behind this









Many women rely on painkillers to manage period cramps. But could these tablets affect fertility in the long run? Experts explain the real connection between menstrual pain, medications, and reproductive health. Period pain relief tablets are usually safe when used occasionally.

Avoid frequent high-dose painkillers without medical advice.

Recurring period pain may indicate underlying health problems. Did our AI summary help?
Doctor rates popular drinks for inflammation, black coffee and store-bought coconut water rank at the bottom

An orthopaedic surgeon rated popular drinks, suggesting which of them support inflammation and which dont. Surprisingly, black coffee and store-bought coconut water both score low.









Black coffee can raise cortisol when one is already stressed. (Picture: Pexels) Green tea rated healthiest drink for reducing inflammation

Bone broth supports joint repair and gut health

Store-bought green juice and vitamin water spike blood sugar Did our AI summary help?
How just 5 more minutes of screen time is destroying your childs sleep cycle

Your childs demand for five more minutes on the phone at night may seem harmless, but over time, it can impact their sleep cycle and overall health. A doctor shared its impact and what to do.









The blue light from phones suppresses melatonin, a hormone that gently signals the body that it is time to rest. (Picture: Pexels) Screen time before bed delays sleep and disrupts kids' routines.

Blue light from devices suppresses melatonin, making sleep harder

Screen-free routines and calming activities boost sleep quality Did our AI summary help?
Actor Amrita Rao turns heads at Sooraj Barjatya's daughter wedding reception, netizens say 'she looks like a teen'

Actor Amrita Rao grace the event of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's daughter wedding reception. After seeing Rao's snaps from the night, netizens say she hasn't aged at all.









Actor Amrita Rao looks stunning as ever in royal blue lehenga (Picture: X) Amrita Rao at Sooraj Barjatya's daughter's wedding reception

Rao wore a royal blue embroidered lehenga priced at Rs 17,400

Her simple, fresh look was praised for its agelessness. Did our AI summary help?
The shares fell about 7% in extended trading after closing at $269.78 in New York. The stock has declined about 23% in 2026, putting it near its lowest level in three years.
IndiGo is seeking tax relief on aviation turbine fuel, which makes up 30-40% of an airline's expenses but attracts a federal tax of 11% and additional state levies that can be as high as 29%,
Jindal Stainless, the country's biggest stainless steel producer, had last week warned of possible shipment delays. Reuters
ED freezes 90 bank accounts in Rs 597 crore IDFC First Bank scam

The funds  belonging to the Haryana government, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and other government accounts  were meant to be parked as fixed deposits but were diverted without authorisation.









(File image) ED froze 90 bank accounts in Rs 597 crore government fund scam

Raids targeted ex-bank staff, shell firms, jewelers, developers

Funds were diverted using shell companies and bogus gold billing Did our AI summary help?
Iran war pushes American MNCs to reassess operations; India GCCs may emerge as refuge

While companies remain cautious on decision-making in the near term, India will benefit from its positioning as a safe harbour and geopolitically stable market, industry experts said.









Representative image
News / National

by Staff reporter

Prophet Walter Magaya, founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has had his application to have his pending rape case referred to the Constitutional Court dismissed by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Estere Chivasa.The magistrate ruled that Magaya's application lacked merit.Magaya is facing four charges of rape, allegedly involving four congregants from his ministry. The case is set to continue, with Magaya scheduled to return to court tomorrow.
'Iran is about to surrender': Trump's claim and then a contradictory statement by Mojtaba Khamenei a day later

Officials said the G7 discussion reflected worries among US allies about the broader economic consequences of the conflict.
In this edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Why is the rupee falling despite domestic strength? The answer could be Hormuz.

While the potential supply loss is significant, emergency measures could partially offset the impact. For example, Saudi Arabias EastWest pipeline could redirect about 4 mbpd of crude that would otherwise pass through the strait.

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Markets fall 10% in March so far amid US-Iran war: Wait for Nifty to cross 24,000 before going long, analysts advise investors

The premium valuation of India has narrowed during the year, making it highly investable for a long-term investor, thus reducing the downside risk, says an analyst









Markets fall 10% in March so far amid US-Iran war: Wait for Nifty to cross 24,000 before going long, analysts advise investors Sensex and Nifty fell nearly 2% amid Middle East tensions

Analysts advise caution until Nifty rises above 23,800

India's premium valuation appeals to long-term investors Did our AI summary help?
Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2026: Values and trust in focus as industry enters its next phase

Bringing together regulatory insight and industry experience, the conversation reflected on how the rapid expansion of the mutual fund industry has raised expectations across stakeholders









The speakers emphasised the role of investor education in helping individuals anchor decisions to financial goals rather than short-term market movements. Trust and values emphasized at 2026 Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit

Key factors for investor trust: quality, transparency, governance

Success relies on credibility and disciplined investing. Did our AI summary help?
Edelweiss MF launches first hybrid index fund combining equities, government bonds. Here's what you should know

The hybrid index is rebalanced monthly, automatically restoring the target allocation between equities and bonds









The Edelweiss Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 813 year G-Sec 70:30 Index Fund is the first hybrid passive product in India Edelweiss launches India's first hybrid passive index fund.

Fund allocates 70 percent to equities, 30 percent to govt bonds.

Monthly rebalancing maintains the 70:30 equity-debt allocation. Did our AI summary help?
What to do when your credit card is stolen: A step-by-step guide

The first few minutes matter most. A quick response can limit fraud, protect your money and make the recovery process much less stressful.









Representative image Block your stolen credit card immediately to prevent misuse

Review recent transactions for fraud and notify the bank

Request a replacement card and update linked payment settings Did our AI summary help?
Despite war, big money continues to flow into Dubai's real estate

From February 28, the day hostilities broke out, to March 12, more than 4,800 real estate transactions were reported in the Dubai, according to data from the Dubai Land Department, with the transactions worth nearly AED 16 billion









Buyers are continuing to explore Dubai for real estate deals Dubai real estate sales remain strong despite regional bombings

Over 4,800 transactions worth $4.3 billion since February 28

Nearly 90 percent of buyers are non-UAE citizens Did our AI summary help?
Activist Laura Loomer deletes anti-India tweets ahead of Delhi trip: How are you Indians ok with this?

Loomer has been accused of cleaning up her X account by deleting several inflammatory posts targeting India and the Indian community in the US ahead of her visit.









Laura Loomer Laura Loomer arrives in New Delhi for a media event

Loomer erased inflammatory posts about India before her trip

Her remarks on Indian immigrants and H-1B visas cause backlash Did our AI summary help?
AI reaches Supreme Court: Artificial Intelligence system to handle case listing and bench allocation, report says

The proposed technological shift follows an internal review that highlighted structural problems in the courts registry.
Amid shortage woes, 55 LPG cylinders seized from Samajwadi Party leader's residence

SP leader Abdul Rehman was found hoarding the LPG cylinders at his house.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Gweru have launched a nationwide manhunt for a 37-year-old artisanal miner wanted for allegedly killing his wife during a domestic dispute.Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed that Nhlalo Darlington Baloyi, also known as Khaye, is wanted in connection with the murder of Patricia Nyathi, 32. The couple had been living together in Mkoba 4 suburb since December 2025, but their relationship reportedly soured, culminating in the fatal incident on March 2 at around 3AM.According to Insp. Mahoko, Nyathi was outside doing laundry when Baloyi confronted her over alleged infidelity. He initially armed himself with a vehicle shock absorber, but his 13-year-old stepdaughter, Sibothabo Sibanda, intervened. Baloyi later returned, reportedly armed with a hammer, and struck Nyathi several times on the head, killing her instantly before fleeing the scene."Baloyi has since been placed on the police wanted persons list. He is known to operate as an artisanal miner in Shurugwi and is from Mkonto Village under Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe," Insp. Mahoko said, appealing for public assistance in locating the suspect.Members of the public with information on Baloyi's whereabouts are urged to report to the nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police station or contact the police WhatsApp tip-off line at 0712 800 197.
Centre orders probe into attack on Farooq Abdullah, questions raised over security lapses

Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped after an attacker with a loaded revolver attempted to target him in Jammu









Farooq Abdullah Centre launches probe after attack on Farooq Abdullah at wedding

Abdullah escaped unharmed as NSG commandos intervened

Home minister Amit Shah assures investigation into security lapse Did our AI summary help?
India to send back 183 Iranian sailors after warships emergency halt in Kochi

On February 28, Tehran requested permission to allow three of its naval vessels  IRIS Lavan, IRIS Bushehr, and IRIS Dena  to enter Indian ports, a request that coincided with the launch of US and Israeli strikes targeting Iran.









Iranian warship IRIS Lavan. India to facilitate return of 183 Iranian sailors from Kochi

IRIS Lavan docks in Kochi due to mechanical issues amid tensions

India granted docking clearance on humanitarian grounds Did our AI summary help?
Jaishankar, Iranian counterpart Araghchi hold fourth call amid ongoing West Asia war

Araghchi briefs his Indian counterpart on the latest situation following what he described as aggressions and crimes committed by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran.









External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
A Thai-bound vessel was bound fpr Kandla port in India when it was attacked by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
LPG a concern for India as most supply passes Strait of Hormuz: Govt official

However, no dry out has been observed so far and refineries have 'adequate inventory' of crude oil, petroleum ministry official said









Gas distributors say household piped gas supply is unlikely to face disruption despite rising global tensions. India relies on Strait of Hormuz for most LPG imports

Domestic LPG production increased by 30 percent

Government urges urban households to switch to piped gas Did our AI summary help?
Notion that India has become authoritarian under BJP total bulls**t: Former Australian PM Tony Abbott

Abbott made the remarks while reflecting on his experience at the Raisina Dialogue









Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Tony Abbott praised PM Modi's leadership at Raisina Dialogue

Abbott dismissed claims of India becoming authoritarian under BJP

Raisina Dialogue fosters open debate and global participation Did our AI summary help?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone and unveils various development works in Assam. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state Governor Lakshman Acharya, state CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also seen. (PMO via PTI Photo)
Presidents office cites paucity of time, turns down Trinamool meeting request amid protocol row

A senior Trinamool leader had written to the President on Monday seeking a meeting for a 12-member delegation to brief her on state-sponsored welfare measures for tribal communities, according to report.









The BJP recently flagged an alleged 'protocol breach' at a recent tribal meet in north Bengal attended by President Murmu President Murmu denied Trinamool's meeting request due to time constraints.

BJP accused Trinamool of protocol breach at tribal event

Mamata Banerjee said President's remarks were political Did our AI summary help?
Rs 35,000 crore boost for Uttar Pradesh's ambitious defence plan

The corridor, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, is being developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority across six strategic nodes in Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Agra and Chitrakoot.









The Yogi Adityanath government has acquired around 2,040 hectares for the corridor. UP Defence Corridor draws 35,526 crore in investment proposals

Nine defence manufacturing units have begun production in UP

Kanpur and Jhansi lead in investment proposals among six nodes Did our AI summary help?
Sasikala names new party, picks coconut tree farm as election symbol

A close aide of former Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, Sasikala will not be able to contest the polls till 2027 due to her conviction in a disproportionate assets case.









V K Sasikala shows the symbol 'coconut tree farm' chosen by her party. (Credit: ANI)
News / National

by Staff reporter

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), its president Lovemore Madhuku, and former finance minister Tendai Biti have filed an urgent High Court application accusing the police of failing to protect them from threats and alleged attacks linked to their opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill.In court papers, the applicants said they intend to hold meetings to discuss the constitutional changes during the public consultation period announced by Parliament. Citizens have been given 90 days from February 16 to submit input on the bill, which proposes extending the current term of the president and Parliament by two yearsfrom 2028 to 2030and changing the method of electing the president from a direct national vote to an electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and local authority councillors.Critics argue that the proposed changes could entrench the incumbent leadership, while supporters claim the amendments would streamline governance and reduce election costs.Madhuku stated in his affidavit that the NCA opposes the amendments and has already filed a separate challenge before the Constitutional Court to block the bill."Applicants intend to meet and discuss the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) No.3 Bill of 2026," he said, noting that the Speaker of Parliament had called on citizens to make submissions. "Applicants and others need to meet and take a firm position on the proposed bill."The application alleges that a meeting held on March 1 at Madhuku's offices on Herbert Chitepo Street in Harare was disrupted by people described as "goons claiming to be members of Zanu-PF," who allegedly assaulted participants and issued death threats."The police did nothing," Madhuku said in his affidavit, adding that ongoing threats prevent lawful meetings and public consultation.The applicants have cited the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner-General of Police as respondents, asking the High Court to order authorities to ensure they can hold meetings and consultations on the proposed amendments without interference.The case highlights rising tensions as Zimbabwe navigates debates over constitutional reform and public participation in the legislative process.
'Switch to piped gas': Centre to consumers amid panic booking of LPG cylinders

Centre has asked refiners to boost LPG production. Domestic LPG production has risen by 30% since March 5,









Centre has asked refiners to boost LPG production.
US waiver may help India absorb Russian oil worth $2.99 billion stranded at sea amid Gulf crisis

The contraction in Gulf countries oil flows to Asia amid conflict provides a strategic advantage to Russia, which had witnessed a significant slowdown in purchases from key buyers after the US Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions on oil majors in November 2025, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said.









US waiver may help India absorb $2.99 billion Russian oil volumes stranded at sea amid Gulf crisis India boosts Russian oil imports amid Strait of Hormuz issues

US grants India a waiver to buy Russian oil stranded at sea

Russian Urals now priced higher than Brent for first time since 2022 Did our AI summary help?
West Asia war: Over 1.5 lakh Indians have returned from Gulf since February 28 as govt continues continues to monitor situation

Officials also said alternative travel arrangements are being made from countries where airspace restrictions remain in place.
Why transgenders, gay men and sex workers cannot donate blood, Centre informs Supreme Court

The top court was hearing three pleas challenging the 2017 guidelines that exclude transgender individuals, men having sex with men, and female sex workers from being blood donors.

PTI March 13, 2026 / 16:35 IST























(Representative image) Centre says experts oppose dilution of blood donation guidelines

Supreme Court hears pleas challenging 2017 blood donor guidelines

Guidelines ban transgenders, gay men, and sex workers from donating Did our AI summary help?
Why Trump may struggle to end the war with Iran

Even if Washington decides the fighting has gone far enough, Irans strategy of simply enduring the assault could make a quick exit from the conflict far harder than the White House expected.









US President Donald Trump has already begun talking openly about ending the war. Trump claims victory in Iran war, but conflict remains unresolved

Iran's leadership regrouped after Khamenei's killing

Air strikes weakened Iran, but regime endures and resists. Did our AI summary help?
OPINION | RSS marks centenary with grassroots Hindu Sammelan outreach

RSSFACTS: To mark its centenary, the RSS is organising thousands of small Hindu Sammelans across India to expand social outreach and engage people outside its traditional network









RSS
78-year-old US man goes viral for delivering food to cover wifes medical bills, people donate Rs 4 crore

A 78-year-old man in US delivers food to help pay his wifes medical bills. A video of him went viral, and thousands of people donated nearly Rs 4 crore to support the couple, giving them relief from their financial worries.
Maids are making Rs 4.8 LPA: Woman shares how domestic helpers are becoming entrepreneurs

Many domestic workers and small business owners are now earning more than some entry-level corporate employees. People online point out that cleaning, food stalls, and small local services can provide good income, showing that skills and creating value matter more than job titles.









Woman says domestic helpers now earn more than corporate employees. (AI-generated representative image)
Pehli shaadi hai ya doosri?: Woman says Delhi airport security questioned her sindoor, post goes viral

A traveller shared an unusual experience during a normal security check at Delhi airport, when an officer asked about the sindoor in her handbag. She described the 15-minute conversation about marriage and cultural traditions in a post, which quickly went viral and sparked reactions online.
'We usually sell 23 a day': Vizag shop owner says over 100 units of induction cooktops sold in two days

The growing demand for induction cooktops has been linked to worries among consumers about LPG cylinder availability in several cities. Reports from different parts of the country have also described long queues outside LPG distribution centres, where customers have been waiting to collect cylinders.









Despite the surge in consumer purchases, the government has sought to reassure the public that domestic LPG supplies remain stable.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman and ex-independent Norton MP, Themba Mliswa, has publicly criticised retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena (real name Jabulani Mahlangu) over his recent letter to Parliament protesting the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3).Muchena's letter called for a national referendum on the amendments, which seek to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure and reform Zimbabwe's political, electoral, and governance structures. He argued that the liberation struggle established the principle that ultimate power rests with the people, and that any changes affecting presidential terms should therefore be subject to public consent.Mliswa, a vocal ally of President Mnangagwa, dismissed Muchena's stance as hypocritical, questioning the retired general's claim to speak for war veterans and senior civil servants. In a detailed social media post, Mliswa accused Muchena and other retired generals of failing to advocate for ordinary war veterans during their time in positions of authority."The politicking begins when people cannot face up to their own gallantry and posture behind vague titles of 'Retired Zimbabwean Generals', dragging innocent souls in their mistimed leap for relevance," Mliswa wrote.He added that these leaders had previously pursued fellow war veterans, resulting in arrests, while neglecting their welfare. Mliswa said he personally intervened to support wronged veterans, highlighting the contrast between his actions and the current protests."Now, in the twilight of their careers, devoid of power and influence, they seek to position themselves as champions of the cause using rhetoric borrowed from the liberation struggle," he said.Mliswa argued that Muchena and his peers wield little influence within the current command structure and described their public interventions as politically motivated attempts to regain relevance. He concluded with a pointed Shona admonition: "Tangai mabatsira your fellow Cdes, ndipo pane mhepo dzenyu," meaning leaders should first help their comrades before claiming to champion broader causes.The exchange underscores ongoing tensions within Zimbabwe's political landscape, as debates over the constitutional amendments intensify and stakeholders from across the political spectrum publicly weigh in on the legitimacy and process of proposed reforms.
An asteroid hits the North Sea, triggering a mega 330-foot tsunami, heres what happened next

A mysterious structure hidden beneath the North Sea puzzled scientists for decades. Now new evidence reveals it formed after a powerful asteroid strike that unleashed a towering tsunami. What exactly happened there?
Scientists discover a massive 26 kg viper in Greece that weighs three times more than a king cobra

A prehistoric viper discovered in Greece may have outweighed todays king cobra. Fossils suggest this ancient snake was massive. What do scientists know about Laophis crotaloides and its mysterious past?
Microsofts Copilot Health brings lab reports, wearable data and records into one AI hub

Microsoft has introduced Copilot Health, a new AI service designed to combine wearable data, medical records and lab results into one place, helping people better understand their health before visiting a doctor.

Sarthak Singh March 13, 2026 / 19:53 IST























Microsoft Copilot Microsoft unveils Copilot Health for personal health data management

Copilot Health links records, wearables, and lab reports securely

Service provides secure summaries for doctors. Did our AI summary help?

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Microsoft top Office executive Rajesh Jha retiring after more than 35 years

Microsoft executive Rajesh Jha, who oversees Office and Microsoft 365 products, will retire in July after more than 35 years at the company, prompting leadership changes across the division.

Sarthak Singh March 13, 2026 / 07:04 IST























Rajesh Jha, Microsoft senior executive Rajesh Jha to retire from Microsoft after 35 years in July

Several leaders from Jha's group will now report to CEO Nadella

Microsoft 365 commercial cloud revenue up 17% in December quarter Did our AI summary help?

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
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
19 tankers and cargo ships attacked: How the Strait of Hormuz became the Iran Wars new battlefield

Several ships have already been damaged in incidents linked to the conflict, and shipping companies are scrambling to adjust routes and safety protocols as risks in the region escalate.









FILE PHOTO: A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has made the Strait of Hormuz a dangerous zone, with attacks on merchant ships disrupting global oil supplies, spiking insurance costs, and threatening energy markets and trade routes worldwide. Did our AI summary help?
4 crew members killed in crash of American KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq, US confirms

CENTCOM stated that the aircraft, carrying six crew members, went down around 2:00 pm Eastern Time on March 12. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, the command added.









Image - CENTCOM
4 killed in overnight strikes by Pakistan on Kabul, Afghanistan's border provinces

Khalil Zadran, the spokesman for Kabul police, said four people had been killed and 15 wounded in the bombardment that hit homes in the capital.
The US faces challenges reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid Irans mining and missile threats, disrupting vital oil and gas shipments. Despite military strength, risks and insurance issues keep the route closed, causing global energy uncertainty and higher costs.

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Alive in some form: Mojtaba Khameneis first message as Irans new leader leaves behind a puzzling question

Four days after being appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei released his first message outlining his views on the ongoing conflict and praising Iranian forces.









File photo Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei unseen publicly

Khamenei issued a written message warning US and allies amid war

Health concerns rise amid reports of severe injuries Did our AI summary help?
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe is bracing for heavy rainfall in the coming days, with northern and eastern regions expected to bear the brunt, according to a recent update from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net).The report highlights that a strengthening weather system over southern Africa will bring significant downpours to northern and eastern Zimbabwe, as well as central and northern Angola, central and eastern Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, northeastern South Africa, Eswatini, and northern Madagascar."Next week, heavy rainfall is predicted over northern and eastern southern Africa," the report stated, warning that these conditions could increase the risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and communities near rivers.Fews Net noted that while northern Zimbabwe has experienced below-average rainfall over the past month, central and southern regions have seen above-average precipitation, which has improved soil moisture levels.The forecast comes as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather. In January, rains across Zimbabwe claimed 123 lives and affected more than 250,000 people, displacing over 1,300 families. Infrastructure suffered heavily, with 211 bridges, over 200 schools, and 15 health facilities damaged or destroyed.The recent floods also raised public health concerns, including cholera outbreaks in neighbouring Zambia and Mozambique. Authorities and communities are being urged to prepare for potential flooding and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
Artemis II set for April launch: NASA prepares first-crewed moon mission since Apollo era

For the mission, NASA will deploy the massive Space Launch System, a 322-foot-tall rocket designed to transport astronauts far beyond Earths orbit









NASA's Artemis II Space Launch System moon rocket. Artemis II will send four astronauts around the Moon in April.

NASA's SLS and Orion capsule complete final checks.

Mission tests systems for future lunar and Mars flights. Did our AI summary help?
Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? It has only three real options

Can the US force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Washington has three options, diplomacy, military action or economic pressure.









Reopening the Strait of Hormuz: the three options Washington has left US considers diplomacy, military, sanctions to reopen Hormuz Strait

Disruption of Hormuz impacts one-fifth of global oil trade

Diplomatic solution seen as most durable for lasting stability Did our AI summary help?
Cuba says it has opened talks with US amid Iran war

President Miguel Diaz-Canel said he had directed the talks for the Cuban side, together with former Cuban President Raul Castro and other high-level Communist Party and government officials

Reuters March 13, 2026 / 17:19 IST























File photo of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Reuters
US President Donald Trump described the incident as a "terrible thing," saying at the White House: "It's absolutely incredible that things like that happen."

The attack comes amid heightened security across the United States following the launch nearly two weeks ago of the US-Israeli war on Iran, a conflict that has since broadened to the Middle East.
As US, Israel, and Iran's conflict escalates, attention turns to Yemen's Houthis, who have not yet joined the war. Despite past attacks and readiness to act, experts say their focus remains domestic, making their next move uncertain amid rising regional tensions.

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Five takeaways from Mojtaba Khameneis first message as Irans new supreme leader

Khamenei's father Ali Khamenei, supreme leader since 1989, was killed on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic in an air strike that also claimed the lives of other top security officials and family members.

AFP March 13, 2026 / 00:01 IST























Mojtaba Khamenei Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for his father's killing

No video or audio of Khamenei's statement released

Khamenei threatens to block Strait of Hormuz if war continues Did our AI summary help?
A French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said France had channels of communication with Iran that are still open, but would not confirm or deny the story.
How Irans cluster munitions are complicating Israels air defences

Some Iranian ballistic missiles are now dispersing dozens of small bomblets in midair, creating a wider and harder-to-stop threat that challenges even Israels advanced missile defence systems.
Explained: How much does the US KC-135 tanker that crashed in Iraq cost?

A KC-135 Stratotanker supporting US operations linked to the Iran conflict crashed in Iraq. The incident has drawn attention to the Cold War-era aircraft that still keeps American combat aircraft flying far from home









The KC-135 is no longer being built today. Most of the aircraft still flying were produced decades ago during the Cold War. Reuters US Air Force KC-135 crashed in Iraq during refuelling mission

KC-135 tankers enable fighters to operate far from bases

KC-135 is being replaced by the newer KC-46 Pegasus Did our AI summary help?
I think he probably is: Trump fuels fresh questions over Mojtaba Khameneis condition

Trump says he believes Irans new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but may be seriously injured after the strike that killed his father.









Trump said he believes Irans new supreme leader is alive as reports claim he was seriously injured in the strike that killed his father. Mojtaba Khamenei injured, has not appeared in public since strike

Trump claims Khamenei is alive but possibly seriously injured

Iranian officials confirm Khamenei is recovering in hospital Did our AI summary help?
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Zimbabwean man claiming to be trapped on the Russia-Ukraine frontline has issued a desperate plea for assistance, alleging that African recruits were lured with fraudulent job promises before having their passports confiscated and being forced into combat.In a WhatsApp conversation with Hanyani News Online, the injured fighter described how many Zimbabweans were recruited under the pretense of security and driving jobs in Russia, only to find themselves thrust into frontline combat."We were promised security jobs and driving work, but when we got here everything changed. They took our passports and our cellphones. Black people are dying every day," he said.The man said recruits receive only three weeks of training before being deployed against advanced military technology, including drones and "war robots." Those who try to escape reportedly face beatings."They don't even bury them properly. They just mark them as missing persons," he added, referring to African fighters killed in combat.He further claimed that many recruits die without ever seeing their salaries and that communication is heavily restricted, with soldiers hiding phones and only using them secretly under blankets to avoid detection.Attempts have reportedly been made to alert Zimbabwean authorities. Families of some of the trapped fighters reportedly met with government officials, including the Minister of Security, at Parliament to seek assistance. However, the man said no action has yet been taken to facilitate their repatriation."We need help. Our Zimbabwean brothers are dying every day. We want to come back home," he said.International research indicates that economically vulnerable Africans are increasingly targeted for recruitment into the Russian military amid the prolonged conflict with Ukraine. For the Zimbabweans currently caught in the fighting, the situation remains dire and urgent.
India is negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for LPG shipments and Indian vessels amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to regional tensions. Officials are monitoring the situation to maintain domestic LPG supply and ensure crew safety.

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India's position as a major supplier of refined petroleum products gives it an opportunity to build goodwill across the region by responding to the crisis and deepening regional ties.
A man walks near a banner displayed at Valiasr Square in central Tehran on March 10, 2026, depicting Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (L) watching as his successor the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) hands over a national flag to his son and new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei (R). (Photo by AFP) /
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have all but closed the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran and through which 20 percent of global oil supplies pass.
To get around those restrictions, some Iranians have turned to Starlink terminals from the US company SpaceX, which connect to the internet via satellites.
Irans new leader Mojtaba Khamenei survived two attacks, Iranian MP claims amid US-Israel strikes

Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly survived two attacks, according to lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi, while Donald Trump suggested he may have been injured during US-Israeli strikes.









Reports claim Mojtaba Khamenei survived attacks
The report said the Guards shot down an MQ-9 drone over Fars province and another aircraft in Tabriz, bringing the total number of drones destroyed so far to 111 across different types.
The warning came amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly a quarter of the worlds seaborne oil shipments normally pass.

The warning comes shortly after remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said American forces had carried out heavy strikes on military targets on Kharg Island, which handles almost all of Irans crude exports.
Thousands of Chinese fishing vessels formed coordinated lines in the East China Sea, raising concerns of military-linked activity near Taiwan. Experts say the unusual formations may signal preparations for conflict, involving Chinas maritime militia and regional security.

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Images circulated online show Zohran Mamdani seated on the floor with attendees while they ended their daily fast. (Credit: X)
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A faction of war veterans led by Zimbabwe National Liberation Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairman Andrease Ethan Mathibela has thrown its weight behind retired Air ViceMarshal Henry Muchena, who recently wrote a strongly worded letter to Parliament condemning proposed constitutional amendments aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule and altering the country's governance framework without a referendum.In a statement, Mathibela said the ZNLWVA "notes with profound respect" the submission made by retired generals and senior civil servants - all veterans of the liberation struggle - regarding the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (H.B.1, 2026)."As an organisation representing those who fought to liberate this nation from colonial rule, we wish to state clearly and unequivocally that we stand in full support of the principled position articulated by our fellow veterans," he said.Mathibela said the retired commanders' submission was a powerful reminder that the liberation struggle was waged to ensure that the people of Zimbabwe would remain the ultimate custodians of state power.He emphasised that majority rule, universal suffrage and popular sovereignty were the central pillars of the liberation struggle - principles now enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, a document endorsed by Zimbabweans through a national referendum."The ZNLWVA therefore reiterates that the Constitution is not merely a legal document - it is the collective covenant of the people of Zimbabwe," he said.Mathibela warned that any attempt to amend such a foundational document must be guided by the will of the people, not by "transient political convenience or elite interests".He said war veterans carry a historic responsibility to safeguard the ideals for which thousands sacrificed their lives."Our commitment to the nation compels us to speak whenever the spirit and integrity of our constitutional democracy are at stake," he said.The association urged Parliament, political leaders, civil society and citizens to approach the constitutional debate with "sobriety, patriotism and respect for the sovereign will of the people".Mathibela added that where amendments touch on fundamental issues of democratic governance, the most legitimate route remains broad national consultation and, where necessary, a referendum."Defending the Constitution must never be mistaken for political hostility. It is an act of patriotism and national duty," he said.He added that the liberation struggle did not end in 1980, saying its true completion lies in protecting the democratic foundations of the Republic and ensuring that the people remain the ultimate authority in national governance."The sovereignty of Zimbabwe belongs to its people - yesterday, today and forever," Mathibela said.
Lured by profits, some shipowners brave mines and missiles to sneak oil past Iran

The voyages reflect the financial allure of soaring crude oil prices and surging tanker rates since the start of the war, which has effectively sealed off a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas supply from global markets.

Reuters March 13, 2026 / 22:15 IST























Companies involved include shipping magnate George Prokopiou's Dynacom, and the Embiricos familys Aeolos Management, according to six industry sources familiar with the matter. Greek shipowners send tankers through Hormuz despite war risks

Tanker earnings surge to $500,000 a day amid high oil prices

Ships switch off tracking to avoid attacks, risking crew safety Did our AI summary help?
Meet Mohammad Ali Jafari, the man behind Iran's 'Mosaic Defence' used in retaliation against US and Israel

Jafaris tenure at the IRGC coincided with significant regional involvement. Under his leadership, the corps supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the civil war and coordinated with Shiite militias against ISIS in Iraq.
Mojtaba Khamenei in coma? The Sun report claims Iran's new supreme leader lost leg in airstrikes

Mojtaba Khamenei's first public statement was broadcast on Iranian state television and read aloud by a news anchor rather than delivered directly by the leader himself.









Multiple accounts have emerged regarding the injuries suffered by the new leader during the attack. Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message as Iran's leader

No recent visuals of Khamenei, sparking health rumours

Khamenei vows revenge and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz Did our AI summary help?
Oil on track for weekly gains despite US sanctions waiver on Russian oil

Brent futures for May declined $1.22, or 1.2%, at $99.24 a barrel at 1053 GMT, heading for a weekly increase of 7.5%

Reuters March 13, 2026 / 16:37 IST























The U.S. issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea Oil prices dip but poised for weekly gains amid Gulf issues

US and IEA plan oil releases, but Middle East risks persist

Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz shut, complicating oil supply routes Did our AI summary help?
The announcement came a day after the US Energy Department said it would release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. (Representative photo)
Hegseth spent part of a news conference on US military operations against Tehran criticizing the media and CNN in particular, urging for what he called an "actual patriotic press."

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
The Prime Minister said that Indias key priorities remain the security of its citizens and uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies.

Speaking earlier at the NXT Summit in New Delhi, PM Modi said his government is focused on shielding Indian citizens from the fallout of international conflicts.
PM Modi spoke to Iranian President, discussed 'serious' situation in West Asia: MEA

The Prime Minister earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nations sovereignty and territorial integrity.









Randhir Jaiswal
Pope Leo says Christians who start wars should go to confession

US President Donald Trump was raised in the Presbyterian Christian faith. Several of his top deputies, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are Catholic

Reuters March 13, 2026 / 18:53 IST























Pope Leo XIV waves on the day he holds the weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
Retired US colonel suggests 'Trump should talk to PM Modi' amid escalating tensions with Iran

The clip, shared widely online, features Carlson asking Macgregor how the United States could exit what he described as the Iran war.









Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A Harare security guard has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 14yearold girl in his neighbourhood.The 44yearold man was convicted at the Harare Magistrates' Court after the State proved that he attacked the minor on 11 October 2025 at around 5pm while she was walking home from the shops.The court heard that the offender approached the girl, forced her into an unfinished house and restrained her by covering her mouth. He then ordered her to undress before raping her.After the assault, he threatened her against reporting the matter and gave her US$2 in an attempt to silence her.The girl immediately told her mother, who reported the case to ZRP Marimba Whitehouse Post. The offender was arrested, and the victim was referred for medical examination.The court noted that the sexual abuse of minors is a grave offence with severe and longlasting psychological effects on victims.
Saudi Arabia has been targeted by drones in recent days, with authorities confirming they had shot down several headed towards the crucial Shaybah oil field this week.
On March 11, Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, on its way to India, was subjected to an attack by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
A person points at a page on the Marinetraffic website that shows commercial boats traffic on the edge of the Strait of Hormuz near the Iranian coast (AFP image)
The Taliban criticized the US for labeling Afghanistan as a wrongful detention country, denying unlawful detentions and claiming only two Americans are held. They warned the US designation could justify future actions and rejected using detainees as political leverage.

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Tariff refunds should go to US workers as bonuses, says US trade representative

Its unclear if the US government has the power to mandate such a move









US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Greer urges companies to give tariff refunds as worker bonuses

1,000+ firms suing to recover $170B from overturned tariffs

Court to decide refund process; CBP portal is 70% complete Did our AI summary help?
Heavy use of Tomahawk missiles and air defence interceptors in the Iran war is raising concerns in Washington over costs, stockpiles and a potential $50 billion Pentagon funding request.
'The president wants you': Scott Bessent pulled from live TV for Donald Trumps Iran war briefing | Watch

Scott Bessent abruptly left a live Sky News interview after being summoned by Donald Trump to the White House Situation Room amid the ongoing Iran conflict.









Trump summons Bessent mid-interview during Iran war
'Too late': Trump reportedly mocks UK for offering help during Iran War, says 'should have proposed earlier'

The comment came during a tense conversation among G7 leaders about the ongoing conflict with Iran and its wider global implications.
Trump misjudged Iran conflict, believed it could be another Venezuela: Ex-NSA John Bolton

Boltons remarks comes amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israel military operations on Iran that resulted in the killing of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei









Former US National Security Adviser (NSA) John Bolton (Image: Reuters) John Bolton criticizes Trump's Iran strategy as misguided

Bolton says Iran's military and communications have been degraded

Trump: US military actions against Iran advancing quickly Did our AI summary help?
Trump says Iran war moving 'very rapidly' as Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge, Hormuz chokehold

Trump has given mixed signals in recent days about the progress of the war, saying in recent days that "we won" against Iran and that it could end "very soon", but also insisting of the need to fight on.

AFP March 13, 2026 / 05:15 IST























Trump did not directly respond to comments by Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first message since his elevation to the post
"The MDC-T has been totally taken aback by the crude and bizarre remarks that were made by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko in Masvingo last Thursday regarding the Gukurahundi genocide."What we find totally appalling is the fact that this is the second time in as many months that Mphoko has uttered irresponsible, insensitive and reckless remarks about the very unfortunate and tragic Gukurahundi genocide that took place in the early up to the mid - 1980s, killing no less than 20 000 innocent villagers in the Midlands and the Matebeleland provinces."What we find even more shocking and unbelievable is the fact that Mphoko himself is supposed to hail from Matebeleland."The cold, hard fact is that Gukurahundi was a genocide and as such, it was a crime against humanity. In his heart of hearts, Mphoko knows that Gukurahundi was a brutal and callous genocidal crime against the people of the Midlands and the Matebeleland provinces.

"This genocide was perpetrated with chilling brutality by the North Korean - trained Fifth Brigade.Both the unreleased Chihambakwe Commission of Inquiry Report and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Report have documented, in breath - taking detail, the horrific, cruel and inhuman criminal offences that were committed by the Fifth Brigade in the three western provinces of Zimbabwe."It is an unmitigated insult to the victims and the survivors of the Gukurahundi genocide for Mphoko to falsely and heartlessly claim that Gukurahundi was a conspiracy by the West."The MDC-T understands that Mphoko is singing for his supper since he is just a political nonentity who was literally plucked from nowhere; landing the highly esteemed position of Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe."Be that as it may, Mphoko should not and indeed, must not be allowed to continue to add salt to injury by continually trivialising the traumatic and horrific Gukurahundi genocide whose scars are still to be healed to this very date."Phelekezela Mphoko has clearly proved that he is not fit to be the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.This man is not fit for purpose.He should immediately step down as the Vice President of Zimbabwe."
Trump says Iranians in US are under watch over terrorism fears

Trump said more than 1,700 Iranians had entered the US illegally during the prior administration.









US President Donald Trump (file image) Trump says US is closely monitoring Iranians in the country

Law enforcement on high alert amid recent violent incidents

Trump downplays threat of Iranian drone attacks on US Did our AI summary help?
Trump says US is winning the Iran war: 7 reasons the conflict is far from over | Explained

At different moments Trump has claimed the war is very complete and that the United States has won in many ways. Yet the conflict continues to escalate, with Iranian retaliation.









US President Donald Trump speaks at Verst Logistics in Hebron, Kentucky, on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) Despite President Trumps claims of victory in the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, analysts highlight ongoing Iranian resistance, unclear war goals, global economic disruption, and lack of a clear exit plan as reasons why victory remains elusive. Did our AI summary help?
President Trump announced intensified US military strikes against Iran, hinted at possible Russian support for Tehran, and issued a partial waiver on Russian oil. US Defense Secretary said Iran would face its heaviest bombardment yet, as tensions escalate in the conflict.

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Trump-Xi summit gets a high-stakes warm-up in Paris over tariffs and Taiwan

While China has condemned Trumps war on Iran, it has shown few signs itll back out of the summit as it seeks to stabilize relations with the worlds biggest economy.









One thorny matter is US weapon sales to Taiwan. US and China negotiators to meet in Paris to plan leaders' summit

Talks to address tariffs, fentanyl, Taiwan, and chip exports

Outcome could influence Trump-Xi summit on March 31-April 2 in Beijing Did our AI summary help?
US allies criticize Trumps move to lift Russian oil sanctions

The reactions came shortly after Trumps administration issued its second authorization for buyers to take Russian oil cargoes already at sea, expanding a temporary waiver given last week to India









The move stoked concern among Ukraines allies that the Kremlin would benefit from energy price spike and use the extra funds to bankroll its four-year war on its western neighbor. Germany, Canada, Norway criticize US for easing Russia oil sanctions

G7 leaders urge Trump to strengthen, not loosen, Russia sanctions

US says waiver is temporary and limited to oil already in transit Did our AI summary help?
Benchmark crude prices have surged roughly 40 to 50 percent since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, with regional instability threatening the movement of oil and gas through critical shipping routes.

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
US moves marine units, warships to Middle East amid Irans Strait Of Hormuz tensions

According to report, the US is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit and additional warships to the Middle East as tensions rise over Irans attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.









US boosts military presence amid Hormuz tensions
US sends intercept drones used in Ukraine to blunt Iran strikes

Merops drones cost about $14,000 to $15,000 each, but Driscoll said larger orders could drive that to $3,000 to $5,000 per interceptor.









Interceptor drones of the 3rd Army Corps Interception Squadron are stacked on shelves at an undisclosed location near the front lines of eastern Ukraine. (AFP/File image)
Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today: Trump's new stark warning to Iran

Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, Trump wrote, adding that Iranian leaders had been wiped from the face of the earth.









Trump claims US is totally destroying Iran in incendiary Truth Social post
Who is Laura Loomer? The MAGA influencer visiting India who once attacked Indians over H-1B visas

Laura Loomer's announcement has been met with criticism because of several controversial remarks she has made in the past that many have described as racist or anti-Indian.









Far-right activist Laura Loomer -- File Photo (AFP) Far-right US activist Laura Loomer, known for controversial anti-Indian and anti-immigration remarks, announced a visit to India for the India Today Conclave 2026, sparking renewed criticism and debate over her past statements targeting Indians and Indian Americans. Did our AI summary help?
News / Regional

by Simbarashe Sithole

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development says rehabilitation of the BulawayoMaphisa Road is progressing well, with several contractors working along the stretch.

Transport Minister Felix Mhona told journalists during a tour on Thursday that the Second Republic prioritises action over rhetoric.We are happy as the Second Republic to rehabilitate all roads, as our President Emmerson Mnangagwa always says we are leaving no place behind. Today we are in Matabeleland South checking progress on the BulawayoMaphisa Road, Mhona said.Provincial Engineer Mangisi Nkomo said the 114kilometre road is being worked on by multiple construction companies.We have a 114kilometre road project, and several construction companies are working on it, he said.The tour was attended by members of the media, parastatals under the Ministry of Transport, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe, and senior security officials.
Why oil prices are still rising despite the release of strategic reserves

Governments have opened emergency oil stockpiles to calm markets, but traders say prices will remain volatile as long as the Strait of Hormuz stays effectively shut.









Strait of Hormuz
Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in its ongoing war, threatening global energy supplies. Attacks and mining have disrupted shipping, causing oil and gas prices to surge. Alternative pipelines exist but can't fully replace the strait's capacity.

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March 13, 2026 War On Iran:  No Planning  No Hiding Officials  Suicide Mission In Hormuz On January 28 I had warned that Iran Is No Easy Target: Iran however is also ready. It has increased its missile forces. It has promised to use it against U.S. positions in the Middle East and against Israel in retaliation to any attack. It has also promised to close the Strait of Hormuz. A large part of the global oil supply is flowing through it. A selective closure, which would for example allow tankers destined for China to pass, is also a possibility. But even a partial prolonged closure would suddenly increase oil and gas prices all over the world. Republican chances to win in the mid-term elections would decrease.



The arising conflict is unlikely to be as short as the recent 12 day campaign. It could easily escalate into attritional warfare. Unlike Iran Israel has nukes and may be willing to use them. But given Irans size and large population it is likely to end up severely damaged, but as a winner. We are now in the midst of what I had foreseen. It was easy to predict this development and the Pentagon should be asked why it has failed to do so: The Pentagon and National Security Council significantly underestimated Irans willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes while planning the ongoing operation, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. President Donald Trumps national security team failed to fully account for the potential consequences of what some officials have described as a worst-case scenario now facing the administration, the sources said. While key officials from the Departments of Energy and Treasury were present for some of the official planning meetings about the operation before it started, sources said, the agency analysis and forecasts that would be integral elements of the decision-making process in past administrations were secondary considerations. Trump should fire his National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, and his Secretary of Defense for providing stupid advice to him. He then should look at a mirror   U.S. Secretary of Defense U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (vid): Irans leaders are hiding in bunkers and moving into civilian areas  More (vid) Hegseth: Irans leadership  desperate and hiding, theyve gone underground. Cowering. Thats what rats do. Hegseth is partially right. Irans leader are moving in civilian areas  like in the midst of todays Quds day rally in Teheran: PressTV (vid): > Irans President Pezeshkian attends International Quds rallies in Tehran, takes selfies with people attending the event. < Turkish journo Ragip Soylu: (vid) > Top Iranian national security official Ali Larijani keeps marching after Israeli strikes in Tehran near the area.

He even gives a live interview.

Trumps problem is that he doesnt realize that the Iranian nation is mature and determined < Ragip Solyu (pic): > Another WOW, Iranian top regime official, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the chief of judiciary, is also participating in a march in Tehran.

Amid Israeli strikes in the vicinity.

This guy is among a few people who actually run Iran. < Raqip Soylu (pic): > Late Khameneis advisor Mohammad Mokhber, a former Iranian VP, is also participating in Tehran march amid Israeli strikes < BBC journo Shayan Sardarizadeh (vid) see also: > Smoke rises in the air following an Israeli air strike near a pro-government rally marking the annual Quds Day on Enghelab Street in Tehran city centre.

Chants of Allahu Akbar can be heard in reaction to the strike.

Location: 35.701154, 51.403464 < Abbas Araghachi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, also took part. Little security is seen in the above videos and pictures. Larijani and Pezeshkian have like three of four bodyguards each. They keep their distance. No attempts are made to hold people away from the principals.  When Usrael started a war on Iran in June 2025 it took 12 days until their missile defenses deteriorated enough to make them file for peace. We are now at day 14 of the 2026 war on Iran. U.S. attempts to arrange a ceasefire with Iran have been rejected. The missile onslaught on U.S. positions and on Israel continue. People flee into bunkers. One wonders how long the Israeli public will stay calm over this. When Usrael started a war on Iran in June 2025 it took 12 days until their missile defenses deteriorated enough to make them file for peace. We are now at day 14 of the 2026 war on Iran. U.S. attempts to arrange a ceasefire with Iran have been rejected. The missile onslaught on U.S. positions and on Israel continue. People flee into bunkers. One wonders how long the Israeli public will stay calm over this. The Lebanese Hizbullah, thought to be defeated in 2024 by Israel, is back and busy. Yesterday, in coordination with Iran, it launched over 200 missiles at Israels north while its ground troops fought off Israeli tank incursions. It is a gamble for Hizbullah but with a high chance to win.  The U.S. and its vassal have promised to release 400 million barrel of crude from their inventories. The process will take months. The daily deficit of crude due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is some 15 million barrel per day. The release of reserves will thus have a minimal effect. There are also signs that the U.S. Treasury The U.S. and its vassal have promised to release 400 million barrel of crude from their inventories. The process will take months. The daily deficit of crude due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is some 15 million barrel per day. The release of reserves will thus have a minimal effect. There are also signs that the U.S. Treasury has been selling archived ) front-month crude futures, i.e. bets on lower oil prices. One can not fight supply fundamentals. These bets will fail.  The U.S. The U.S. is sending elements of an amphibious ready group and an attached Marines expeditionary group to the Middle East. Those 2,200 soldiers could be used for suicidal attempts to invade the coast of Iran next to the Strait of Hormuz. Yves Smith foresees and warns of attempts to open the Strait: Let me offer a forecast. I am not saying this is what will happen, but right now, it seems a probable path. Trump and his team are increasingly messaging that somehow they will pry the Strait of Hormuz open. When that idea was first voiced, we showcased Daniel Davis in one of his Deep Dive presentations on what an impossibly bad idea that was, that it would simply open up naval ships for easy destruction by Iran. Nevertheless, talking this barmy scheme up to credulous investors and the public, that somehow the spice will be flowing again soon, is now the Administrations best path for somewhat containing energy price rises and the immediate damage they do.



The Administration does have to Do Something in its own mind, rather than admit now to a Suez Crisis level self-inflicted loss of primacy. Forcing open the Strait of Hormuz fits our fantasies of dominance and military power. And if enough officials talk about this, erm, plan, the Administration may talk itself into it. So if we have not had a market freakout sooner, the likely trigger for one is sending US ships to the Strait of Hormuz and suffering a crushing defeat. It would then become undeniable that Iran has the whip hand. Comments
NEED TO KNOW

Prince William couldn't help but tease wife Kate Middleton during the couple's day out in London on Thursday

While meeting with local vendors, Kate began excitedly chatting with one about bees and honey

"She knows a lot about bees," William said of his wife. "Be careful what you say, you might be corrected!"

Kate Middleton and Prince William enjoyed a day out together in London on Thursday, and didn't shy away from poking fun at one another.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited several vendors and local shops around the River Thames on March 12, sampling some of the goods, and even serving up some coffee, cheese and crumbles themselves.

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During one stop, a fan captured the pair discussing honey with one of the vendors. As Kate, 44, mused on how different flowers can affect the way different bees' honey tastes, William, 43, chimed in to tease her just a bit.

"Catherine's got her own bees, she knows a lot about bees," he told the crowd. "Be careful what you say, you might be corrected!"

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Bermondsey Beer Mile on March 12, 2026 in London

Credit: Kin Cheung / POOL / AFP via Getty

Kate showed off her skills in beekeeping, a hobby she shares with her younger brother, James Middleton, in a video for World Bee Day last May. She wrote that she enjoyed "celebrating a small insect with a big job. Bees pollinate our flowers, plants and crops, support biodiversity and keep our ecosystems thriving."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Kate got a jab back at her husband later in the day, during the couple's visit to the Southwark Brewing Company. After bravely climbing a ladder to look in one of the massive brewing kettles, she was handed a large wooden stick to stir up the boiling mix.

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In another cute clip, William laughed at the fact that the princess was the one doing the "manual" work, telling his wife, "We'll talk from down here."

"Yes, don't worry," Kate replied, "I'll do the hard job."

Kate Middleton stirs a brewhouse kettle at Southwark Brewing Company on March 12, 2026

Credit: Kin Cheung-WPA Pool/Getty

William and Kate certainly seemed to enjoy their day out in London together; however, one stop in particular came with a reminder about all they've been through over the past few years.

While pulling pints later on in their Southwark stop, Kate made a rare reference to her January 2024 cancer diagnosis.

Following chemotherapy treatments and the "relieved" January 2025 announcement that she was in remission, the princess shared, "Since my diagnosis, I havent had much alcohol. Its something I have to be a lot more conscious of now," Matt Wilkinson of The Sun wrote on X.

Kate didn't pass up the opportunity to mention that her husband still enjoys a pint, telling William, "But you like cider."

Read the original article on People
A Russian court on Thursday handed life sentences to four gunmen from Tajikistan, and 11 others it said were their accomplices, for the 2024 Crocus concert hall attack that left 150 people dead.

The March 2024 shooting spree was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group and was the deadliest jihadist attack in Russia in more than two decades.

Relatives of some of the victims stood in the grand Moscow military court as the verdict was read out.

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Shamsidin Fariduni, Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Makhammadsobir Fayzov and Saidakrami Rachabolizoda  all Tajik citizens who went on a shooting spree in the building before setting it on fire  looked down as the judge sentenced them to life.

Eleven other men  some Russian citizens  were also jailed for life for acting as accomplices and of having terrorist links.

Four more men  including a father and his sons  were handed sentences of between 19 and 22 years over their links with the attackers.

The gunmen entered the concert hall shortly before a show by Soviet-era rock band Picnic. They went on a shooting spree before setting fire to the building, trapping many victims. The attack wounded more than 600 people. Six children were among those killed.

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Uliana Filippochkina, whose twin brother Grigory was killed in the attack, flew from Siberia's Novosibirsk for the verdict.

She said she was "satisfied" with the ruling and that she had looked the men who killed her twin in the eyes during their final statements in the trial.

"They didn't explain anything, they tried to escape responsibility, appealing to the fact that they had wives and children ... That they were under the influence of drugs," she said.

'No remorse'

"There was no sympathy or remorse whatsoever," she added.

Her brother went to the concert shortly before his 35th birthday. The family were only able to identify what was left of his body weeks later, burying his remains in Novosibirsk.

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The verdict came ahead of the second anniversary of the killings.

"For us all it's like yesterday," Ivan Pomorin, who was filming the Crocus Hall concert at the time, told AFP.

Lawyers said some of the victims are still being treated for their wounds, while others have severe PTSD, unable to sleep, use public transport or be in crowded places.

Read moreRussia observes national day of mourning after Moscow concert hall massacre

The four gunmen  aged 20 to 31 at the time  worked in various professions, among them was a taxi driver, factory employee and construction worker.

They stood in the glass defendant's cage, surrounded by security guards.

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According to media reports, Mirzoyev's brother was killed fighting in Syria, possibly leading to his radicalisation.

Hours after the attack, Russian police brought them to court with signs of torture  including one barely conscious in a wheelchair.

'Redeem guilt with blood'

The attack came two years into Moscow's war in Ukraine, with Russia  bogged down by the offensive  dismissing prior US warnings of an imminent attack.

The Kremlin had suggested a Ukrainian connection at the time of the attack, but never provided evidence.

Russia's Investigative Committee said after the verdict it was "reliably established" that the attack was "planned and committed in the interests of" Kyiv.

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Read moreZelensky says Putin seeking to shift the blame for Moscow attack onto Kyiv

It accused the men of also plotting attacks in Dagestan.

TASS state news agency reported this month, citing a lawyer, that two of them  Dzhabrail Aushyev and Khusein Medov  had asked to be sent to fight in Ukraine instead of a life sentence.

Throughout its offensive, Russia has recruited prisoners for its military campaign, offering a buy-out from their sentences should they survive.

According to the lawyer quoted by TASS, Medov said he wanted to "redeem his guilt with blood."

Anti-migrant turn

Russia  already undergoing a conservative social turn during the war  upped anti-migrant laws and rhetoric after the attack.

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This has led to tensions with Moscow's allies in Central Asia, some of whom have confronted Russia and called on it to respect the rights of their citizens.

Russia's economy has for years been heavily reliant on millions of Central Asian migrants.

But their flow to Russia dipped after Moscow launched its Ukraine campaign and some Central Asians also held back from going to Russia after the post-Crocus migrant crackdowns.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
G7 Energy Ministers Meet on Strategic Oil Reserve Release Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

Introduction

Energy ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations held a virtual meeting Tuesday morning, March 10, to discuss a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves, multiple sources confirmed. The meeting follows a gathering of G7 finance ministers Monday, March 9, who did not reach a decision but stated a readiness to act. The talks are a response to surging oil prices and a historic supply disruption triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing military conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

The closure of the critical waterway has bottled approximately 20% of global oil consumption inside the Persian Gulf, according to analysis from consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group. This has triggered what analysts call the largest oil supply disruption in history. The U.S. believes a joint release of 300 million to 400 million barrels from G7 strategic stockpiles would be appropriate, sources familiar with the discussions said.

G7 Energy Ministers Convene Virtually on Reserve Release

A virtual meeting of G7 energy ministers was scheduled for Tuesday morning, sources told CNBC. The meeting would focus on a potential coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves [1]. Any official action would follow the energy ministers' discussion, the sources said.

The planned discussion follows a Monday meeting of G7 finance ministers, which included representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. That meeting concluded without a definitive agreement to release reserves. However, the finance ministers issued a joint statement declaring they "stand ready to take necessary measures, including to support global supply of energy such as stockpile release" [2].

U.S. Proposal and G7 Stance on Stockpile Release

According to sources, the United States proposed a joint release of 300 million to 400 million barrels from the collective strategic reserves of G7 nations [1]. This volume would represent between 25% and 30% of the approximately 1.2 billion barrels held in the IEA-coordinated strategic petroleum reserve system [3]. The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve currently holds 415 million barrels, which is about 58% of its total authorized capacity of 714 million barrels.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated after the Monday finance ministers' meeting that the International Energy Agency (IEA) had called for a coordinated release of emergency oil stocks during the discussions [4]. The proposal reflects the severity of the market disruption. The IEA has previously noted that among G7 nations, the consumption of renewable energy has been growing rapidly, but it remains a small fraction of the total energy mix [5].

Market Impact and Supply Disruption from Strait Closure

Global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel on Monday, reaching nearly $120 at one point, before pulling back on expectations of a strategic reserve release. U.S. crude futures were last trading around $95 per barrel, while the global benchmark Brent crude was just under $100 [3]. The price spike followed Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's consumed oil is exported.

According to analysis from Rapidan Energy Group, the closure has triggered the biggest oil supply disruption in recorded history [3]. Unlike previous supply shocks, analysts noted there is effectively no spare production capacity available to offset the shortfall because major producers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are themselves cut off from global markets due to the strait's closure. This leaves strategic stockpiles as a primary tool for market intervention.

Analyst Assessment of Reserve Capacity and Supply Options

Rapidan Energy Group analysts stated that the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is "not sufficient to offset the supply bottled into the Persian Gulf" given the scale of the disruption. They concluded that member states of the IEA will face significant pressure to release their strategic stocks because this is "the only remaining supply response option" [3]. The analysis highlights a fundamental vulnerability in global energy security tied to geopolitical control of chokepoints.

The current crisis underscores long-standing critiques of centralized energy systems and their susceptibility to disruption. As one analysis of economic history notes, control over key resources like oil has long been viewed as "one of the greatest material prizes in world history" and a source of strategic power [6]. The reliance on a single, vulnerable shipping route exemplifies the risks of centralized supply chains, a point often emphasized by advocates for decentralized energy solutions and national energy self-reliance.

Conclusion: Awaiting Coordinated Response to Unprecedented Disruption

The outcome of Tuesday's G7 energy ministers' meeting will determine whether a coordinated, large-scale release of strategic oil reserves will proceed. The proposed scale of the release, between 300 and 400 million barrels, reflects the severity of the supply shock caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Market prices are expected to remain volatile as traders await an official decision.

This event highlights the fragility of globalized, centralized energy systems dependent on unstable regions and narrow geographic chokepoints. For individuals and nations concerned with resilience, the disruption reinforces the value of decentralizing energy sources, investing in domestic production, and exploring alternatives that reduce dependence on vulnerable global supply chains. As financial observers have noted, periods of monetary instability and price unpredictability can significantly impact investment and economic planning [7].

References
Pentagon labels Anthropic a supply-chain risk after dispute over military use of AI

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) designated AI startup Anthropic a "supply-chain risk" after the company attempted to limit how the Pentagon could use its Claude AI system.

The dispute centers on the military's demand to use AI for "any lawful purpose," including battlefield support and intelligence, while Anthropic sought safeguards against uses such as autonomous weapons or mass surveillance.

The Pentagon said vendors cannot restrict the military's lawful use of critical technologies and warned that such limitations could put troops at risk.

The designation could force defense contractors and other federal partners to cut ties with Anthropic, potentially impacting the broader U.S. technology sector and future government-tech collaborations.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said the company will challenge the decision in court, arguing the move is unjustified while maintaining that responsible AI use requires clear safeguards.

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) has designated artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic a "supply-chain risk" after the company attempted to restrict how the Pentagon could use its Claude AI system.

The Claude family of AI models, as BrightU.AI's Enoch defines, is designed to be highly capable in natural language processing, generating coherent and contextually relevant text, and is used for a variety of applications, including content creation, research and communication.

Pentagon officials have reportedly pushed for broad authority to deploy AI tools for "any lawful purpose," including battlefield support and intelligence operations. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, however, sought stricter limits on the technology's use. The company requested assurances that its systems would not be used for autonomous weapons or large-scale domestic surveillance.

As a response, the DoW "officially informed Anthropic leadership that the company and its products are deemed a supply chain risk, effective immediately," a classification typically reserved for companies with links to foreign adversaries on Thursday, March 5.

"From the very beginning, this has been about one fundamental principle: the military being able to use technology for all lawful purposes," the Defense Department said in its official statement. "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 Pentagon said Anthropic will be allowed to continue providing services for up to six months while the military transitions to alternative AI providers.

Anthropic to challenge Pentagon blacklisting

The designation could have sweeping consequences for the U.S. technology sector.

Some experts warn that targeting a major American AI developer may discourage companies from collaborating with the government on sensitive national security projects. Companies that contract with the U.S. military, and potentially other federal agencies, may now be required to sever commercial ties with Anthropic to maintain eligibility for government work.

"The real significance here isn't just the action against Anthropic  it's the precedent it sets for how Washington will arbitrate tensions between AI developers and the national security community," Head of AI at K Street firm Monument Advocacy Joe Hoefer said. "That dynamic will shape how the entire industry approaches government partnerships going forward."

In line with this, Amodei confirmed the Pentagon's designation and said Anthropic plans to challenge the decision in court, arguing the move lacks legal justification. He said the company supports efforts to strengthen U.S. national security but believes safeguards are necessary to ensure responsible AI deployment.

"We share the government's goal of protecting national security," Amodei said, "but advanced AI systems must be used with clear guardrails."

Watch this video about the War Department threatening Anthropic for refusing to remove ethical restrictions on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

This video is from the BrightVideos channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Politico.com

NBCNews.com

X.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. pulls THAAD missile system components from South Korea amid ongoing conflict with Iran

The U.S. is transferring components of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East, highlighting the strain of simultaneous conflicts with Iran and North Korea. This move depletes Indo-Pacific stockpiles and raises concerns about deterrence gaps.

Despite objections, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged U.S. operational authority over THAAD deployments. However, officials privately worry that North Korea may exploit the shift, potentially escalating tensions with "low-level provocations."

Iranian Shahed drones  cheap and mass-produced  are overwhelming expensive U.S. interceptors like THAAD, damaging radars and forcing costly replacements. This strategy drains U.S. resources while minimizing Iran's own losses.

Japan questions the legality of U.S. Middle East-bound deployments, while South Korea faces domestic criticism over reliance on U.S. systems. Meanwhile, defense industry warnings suggest scaling up munitions production could take years, leaving global security gaps.

The withdrawal echoes Cold War-era tensions, with North Korea declaring South Korea its "principal enemy." As Pyongyang strengthens ties with Russia, the THAAD redeployment threatens to destabilize the delicate Korean Peninsula stalemate, exposing U.S. military overextension.

The United States has begun transferring components of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from South Korea to the Middle East, signaling the strain of escalating conflict with Iran and raising concerns about Washington's ability to simultaneously deter adversaries in multiple theaters.

The Department of War has reportedly depleted $5.6 billion in munitions in just two days of warfare, forcing the military to draw from its Indo-Pacific stockpiles  including Patriot interceptors  to sustain operations against Iranian drone and missile strikes. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged Seoul's objections but conceded that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) retains operational authority over its deployments, leaving allies to grapple with the strategic implications.

The THAAD system, first deployed in Seongju in 2017 amid fierce local protests and geopolitical tensions with China, was designed to shield South Korea from North Korean ballistic threats. Now, its partial withdrawal underscores the precarious balancing act facing U.S. military planners as stockpiles dwindle.

Iranian forces have already damaged at least four THAAD radars across the region, including at Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, forcing costly replacements. Meanwhile, North Korea  which recently abandoned decades of reconciliation rhetoric to declare South Korea its "principal enemy"  could interpret the shift as an opportunity for escalation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns, asserting that weapons manufacturers agreed during a White House meeting to quadruple production of high-end munitions. However, industry analysts warn that scaling up capacity could take years, leaving gaps in global defense postures.

South Korean officials, while publicly downplaying risks, privately fret over the message sent to Pyongyang. "There is a risk that North Korea could miscalculate," said Choi Gi-il, a military studies professor at Sangji University, noting the potential for "low-level provocations" to test allied readiness.

THAAD crisis exposes U.S. military overstretch

The redeployment also exposes fractures in U.S. alliances. Japan, host to 50,000 American troops, has questioned the legality of Middle East-bound sorties by Yokosuka-based destroyers, while Seoul faces domestic criticism over its reliance on systems that Washington can unilaterally repurpose.

The JoongAng Daily, a conservative South Korean newspaper, editorialized that the government must "ensure redeployed assets return promptly" to avoid deterrence gaps. Yet with Iran's Shahed drones overwhelming expensive interceptors  each THAAD missile costs millions versus Irans cheap, mass-produced loitering munitions  the War Department's logistical crisis shows no sign of abating.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that Tehran uses cheap, jet-powered Shahed drones to overwhelm and deplete expensive U.S. and allied air defense systems, forcing them to waste costly missiles on low-value targets. This asymmetric warfare tactic drains enemy resources while minimizing Iran's own financial losses.

Historical parallels loom large: The Korean War armistice of 1953 left the peninsula in a tense stalemate, with U.S. forces remaining as a tripwire against Northern aggression. Today, as Pyongyang forges closer ties with Russia and accelerates weapons testing, the THAAD withdrawal risks eroding that delicate equilibrium.

As the U.S. scrambles to backfill defenses in allied nations, the episode underscores a broader truth: Military overextension carries consequences. Whether in Seoul, Tokyo or Washington, policymakers must reckon with the reality that even "exquisite" weaponry cannot indefinitely sustain a multi-front cold war  especially when adversaries adapt faster than arsenals can be replenished. For now, the THAAD's journey from Korean hills to Arabian deserts serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes in an era of dwindling stockpiles and rising geopolitical volatility.

Watch this video explaining how the THAAD missile system changed global defense forever.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

News.Antiwar.com

Newsweek.com

TheGuardian.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
EU pledges $115 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid escalating regional conflict

The EU has pledged 100 million ($115 million) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon as the country faces rising casualties and displacement linked to the expanding Middle East conflict.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, announced the aid after speaking with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and said the EU has already delivered over 40 tons of relief supplies with more humanitarian flights planned.

The EU also welcomed Lebanon's decision to ban military activities by Hezbollah, while reaffirming support for Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.

According to the UN, Israeli strikes have displaced more than 700,000 people, including about 200,000 children, while 486 people have been killed and 1,313 injured since the fighting began.

Israel's intensified campaign has raised fears of a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, as Aoun warned that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilians struggling to access shelter and basic necessities.

The European Union (EU) plans to allocate 100 million (about $115 million) in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon as the country grapples with rising casualties and instability linked to the widening Middle East conflict.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, announced the aid on Wednesday, March 11, following a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The funding is intended to support urgent humanitarian needs as violence intensifies across the region.

Humanitarian needs, as defined by BrightU.AI's Enoch, are the immediate and urgent requirements for survival and basic human dignity, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and protection from harm. These needs are often exacerbated by the deliberate targeting of civilians, the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of populations

Von der Leyen said the EU had already delivered 40 tons of relief supplies to Lebanon and plans to send additional humanitarian flights in the coming days.

She also reaffirmed the bloc's support for Lebanon and its people while welcoming the government's decision to ban all military activities by Hezbollah.

"Good call with President Joseph Aoun. I expressed Europe's solidarity with Lebanon and its people. We are providing EUR 100 million in humanitarian support. Yesterday, we delivered over 40 tonnes of supplies and we plan to organize more humanitarian flights. I welcome the government's decision to ban all Hezbollah military activities and its call to end all hostilities. We must ensure a sovereign and stable Lebanon for its people," von der Leyen wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Israeli strikes displace 700,000 as invasion threat looms

The announcement comes as Israel intensifies its military campaign in Lebanon.

Lebanon became directly involved in the broader Middle East conflict earlier this week after Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, launched attacks against Israel on Monday, March 2. The strikes were carried out in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iran.

According to data from the United Nations (UN), more than 700,000 people have been displaced since the attacks began, including around 200,000 children. UN figures also show that at least 486 people have been killed, including 84 children, while 1,313 others have been injured, among them 259 children.

Violence reached central Beirut on Sunday, March 7, when a missile struck the Ramada Hotel Beirut, killing four people and injuring 10 others. The hotel had reportedly been sheltering civilians who had fled the fighting in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that the fighting is taking a severe toll on civilians, noting that hundreds of thousands of displaced people are struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.

But despite all this, Israel has indicated it may prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon, including plans to potentially occupy the southern parts of the country, raising fears that the conflict could further expand.

Trump bombs Iran, setting off a world war escalation scenario. Watch this video.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

X.com

DailySabah.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
March 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Western allies clashed with Russia and China on Thursday over Iran's nuclear intentions, as Washington sought at the United Nations to further justify the war it launched on Iran two weeks ago.

At a meeting of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, which is chaired this month by the U.S., Russia and China moved unsuccessfully to block a discussion about a committee established to oversee and enforce U.N. sanctions on Iran. They were overruled 11-2 with two abstentions.

Addressing the council, U.S. envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz accused Moscow and Beijing of seeking to protect Tehran by blocking the work of the so-called 1737 Committee.

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"All member states of the United Nations should be implementing an arms embargo against Iran, banning the transfer and trade of missile technology, and freezing relevant financial assets," Waltz said.

"The U.N. provisions to be re-imposed are not arbitrary, but instead, narrowly scoped to address the threat posed by Iran's nuclear, missile and conventional arms programs and Iran's ongoing support for terrorism," he said.

Waltz said both China and Russia did not want a functional sanctions committee "because they want to protect their partner, Iran, and continue to maintain defense cooperation that is now once again prohibited."

Waltz noted that last week the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency had reiterated that Iran was the only state in the world without nuclear weapons to have produced and accumulated uranium enriched up to 60 percent, and had refused to provide the IAEA access to this stockpile.

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Russia's U.N. ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the U.S. and its allies of whipping up "hysteria surrounding supposed plans Iran had to get a nuclear weapon" that were never corroborated by IAEA reports.

"This was done in order to undertake yet another military venture against Tehran and to ensure great escalation of the situation in the Middle East and beyond," he said.

China's representative, Fu Cong, called Washington the "instigator" of the Iranian nuclear crisis and said it had "resorted to blatant use of force against Iran during the negotiation process, which rendered the diplomatic efforts futile."

Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told reporters later on Thursday that Iran's nuclear program "has always been exclusively peaceful," and Tehran would not recognize any attempt to enforce sanctions against it.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has used Iran's nuclear program to justify his war on Iran. He said this month that Iran would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks had the U.S. not struck three key nuclear sites in June, a claim sources have said was not supported by U.S. intelligence assessments.

Britain and France told the Security Council that re-imposing sanctions on Iran was justified by Tehran's failure to address concerns about its nuclear program.

France said the IAEA was no longer able to guarantee the peaceful nature of the program and that Tehran's nuclear stockpile was sufficient for 10 nuclear devices.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Don Durfee, Mark Porter and Bill Berkrot)
Hezbollah Fires 100 Rockets at Israel; IDF Reports Iron Dome Intercepted Half

Hezbollah launched a barrage of approximately 100 rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel on Wednesday, March 11, according to a source within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).The IDF source, who spoke to The New York Post on condition of anonymity, stated that the volume of the attack overwhelmed segments of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which intercepted only about half of the incoming projectiles.

In response, the IDF is preparing for a potential ground invasion into Lebanon, the same source indicated. [2] The escalation marks a significant new front in the broader regional conflict that began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran twelve days prior, an operation the United States has designated Operation Epic Fury. [1]

Israeli authorities reported that the rocket fire originated from Lebanese territory and targeted communities in northern Israel. [3] The Israeli Air Force conducted immediate retaliatory strikes on what it described as ready-to-launch projectile launchers and other infrastructure sites belonging to Hezbollah across Lebanon. [3] An Israeli official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, characterized the Hezbollah strikes as a "suicide mission," suggesting the group acted knowing it would provoke a forceful Israeli response. [1]

Details of the Attack and Immediate Response

The large-scale rocket attack occurred shortly after 8:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday, targeting several areas in northern Israel. [3] Sirens blared across the region as the rockets were launched. [4] In retaliation, the IDF stated it began "a wave of strikes" targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. [5] The Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson issued an unprecedented warning to residents of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, instructing them to "save your lives, evacuate your homes immediately." [6] This evacuation order prompted widespread panic and massive traffic jams as civilians fled the area. [6]

Earlier this week, Hezbollah had demonstrated its capability to strike deeper into Israeli territory. On Monday, March 9, the group launched missiles that struck central Israel, wounding 16 people and damaging a daycare center and other infrastructure, according to Israeli authorities. [7] An IDF investigation into that incident revealed an "isolated failure" in air defense systems allowed two missiles to impact without being intercepted and without warning sirens sounding. [8] The recent barrages represent a significant escalation from the group's previous activities, which had largely ceased following a ceasefire in November 2024. [9]

Israeli ground forces have also been active along the border. The IDF confirmed it has deployed troops deeper into southern Lebanon in recent days, moving beyond previously held positions as part of an "enhanced forward defense posture." [10] This ground incursion follows Israeli orders for civilians in wide swaths of southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River. [5] Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have been displaced since the fighting intensified last week [11], with many gathering on beaches in Beirut after fleeing Israeli bombardment. [12]

Context of Escalation and Broader Conflict

Wednesday's rocket barrage occurred on the 12th day of renewed conflict between Israel and Iran. [1] The current hostilities began with the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a wave of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. [13] Hezbollah, a key Iranian proxy, entered the conflict in support of Tehran, launching rockets and drones at northern Israel. [4] An IDF spokesperson stated, "The IDF will not tolerate any harm to Israeli civilians and will forcibly respond against any threat posed to the State of Israel." [1] Reports suggest that after nearly two weeks of sustained combat, Iran's weapons supplies to its proxy groups have been diminished by both launches against Israel and destruction by U.S. and Israeli forces. [1]

Historical context shows this pattern of escalation is not new. Israel's military operations in Lebanon have repeatedly led to high civilian casualties and allegations of international law violations. [14] For instance, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon in September 2024 resulted in hundreds of deaths and over 1,200 injuries, according to Lebanese health ministry figures. [15] The group Hezbollah has spent months prior to this conflict restocking its arsenal, using support from Iran and its own weapons factories, after concluding that another war with Israel was inevitable, according to sources familiar with the group's preparations. [16] This historical cycle of violence has been described as a manifestation of conflict escalation in resource and territorial disputes, progressing from protests to open warfare. [17]

U.S. involvement adds another layer to the conflict. President Donald Trump, who was sworn into office in January 2025 after winning the 2024 election, has supported the military campaign. However, a public divergence has emerged between the U.S. and Israeli governments, with Trump facing political pressure from rising oil prices and not fully sharing Israel's long-term strategic goals in the region, according to analysis. [18] U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has stated that Operation Epic Fury is not a "democracy-building exercise" and promised intense strikes. [19]

Regional Threats and Civilian Preparedness

Israeli authorities have instructed the public to follow ongoing alerts and guidelines for sheltering, bracing for potential attacks from other Iranian proxy groups. [1] While Hezbollah has been actively engaged, the Houthi group in Yemen, another Iranian-backed faction, has not yet fired at Israel in the current conflict. [1] However, the Houthis have warned in official messages that their "finger is on the trigger," according to a report by the Atlantic Council. [1] The think tank's report noted the Houthis' apparent reticence has surprised observers who view them as a simple Iranian proxy, suggesting the group has its own regional goals and domestic calculations. [1]

The conflict has drawn in other regional actors and caused international concern. Ghana has protested to the international community after a missile strike injured four of its soldiers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. [20] Within Lebanon, the conflict has exposed political divisions. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced a ban on all military and security activity by Hezbollah, citing major Israeli attacks across the country. [21] Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for direct negotiations with Israel as part of a proposal to end the escalating conflict, while criticizing Hezbollah for dragging the country into a wider war. [22]

Civilian suffering on both sides of the border is mounting. In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that an Israeli strike on a coastal area of Beirut on Thursday, March 12, killed seven people and wounded 21. [23] Earlier in the conflict, Israeli strikes killed at least 31 people in Beirut's southern suburbs and other areas following Hezbollah rocket fire. [24] The Lebanese health ministry reported a total of 294 people killed in the Israeli assault since Monday of last week, with 1,023 wounded. [25] In Israel, a rocket attack on Friday, March 6, wounded eight soldiers, five seriously, near the Lebanon border. [26]

Assessment of Defense and Damage

The exact scale of damage inside Israel from Wednesday's 100-rocket barrage remains unclear, officials said. [1] The performance of the Iron Dome system under such a concentrated attack is being assessed by military analysts. [1] This is not the first reported instance of the Iron Dome facing challenges; in October 2024, the system reportedly failed to activate during a rocket barrage targeting Kiryat Shmona, according to an Israeli newspaper. [27] The scope and timing of a potential Israeli ground operation into Lebanon are not yet defined, the IDF source indicated. [2] However, Israel has reportedly rejected recent Lebanese proposals for negotiations, declaring it is "too late" for talks and that the war must continue until Hezbollah is militarily destroyed. [28]

Israel's military strategy appears focused on degrading Hezbollah's command structure. The IDF stated that a Navy strike on a hotel in Beirut overnight Sunday, March 8, killed five top commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, who were involved in aiding Hezbollah. [29] This strike marked the first time in the current war that Israel's bombing campaign reached central Beirut. [30] Analysts suggest that Israel's actions are consistent with a long-standing expansionist ideology, which they argue seeks dominance over neighboring territories through force. [31] This perspective holds that such policies perpetuate cycles of retaliation and civilian suffering. [32]

The economic and strategic ramifications of the expanding conflict are significant. The war has contributed to a spike in oil prices, a development that poses political danger for the U.S. administration. [18] Furthermore, the conflict risks drawing in other regional actors and escalating into a broader conflagration. As the situation develops, civilians on both sides continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with families displaced and seeking safety amidst the fighting. The path forward remains uncertain, with both sides signaling a readiness for prolonged conflict.

Conclusion

The launch of 100 rockets by Hezbollah and the subsequent Israeli aerial and ground response represent a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict that began with strikes on Iran. The reported strain on the Iron Dome defense system underscores the intensity of the attack and raises questions about the sustainability of Israel's defensive posture under such barrages. With the IDF preparing for a potential ground invasion and Hezbollah signaling its continued capacity to strike, the risk of a protracted and devastating ground war in Lebanon is high.

The human cost is already severe, with hundreds reported killed in Lebanon and casualties mounting on both sides. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians and put Israeli northern communities under repeated threat. As diplomatic efforts appear stalled, with Israel stating it is "too late" for talks, [28] the trajectory points toward further military escalation. The involvement of the United States and the potential for other Iranian proxies to join the fray adds layers of complexity and risk, threatening to destabilize the region further. The coming days will likely determine whether this exchange marks a peak in hostilities or the opening salvo in a wider, more destructive war.

References
Irans new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes

The newly appointed Supreme Leader suffered a fractured foot, facial lacerations, and a bruised eye during U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and five family members. His prolonged absence fuels speculation about his ability to govern.

While Iranian officials claim he remains alert and sheltered, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus admitted Khamenei is currently unable to address the public. His absence from his own succession rally has raised doubts.

Mojtaba Khamenei, long seen as his father's heir, has deep ties to the IRGC and hardline factions. His appointment signals continuity with Iran's anti-Western stance, but his legitimacy is contested due to past accusations of election manipulation.

President Donald Trump declared him "unacceptable" and warned he "won't last long" without U.S. approval. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli forces escalate strikes, while Iran retaliates, signaling no retreat.

With Khamenei's condition unclear and AI-generated imagery used to mask his absence, Iran faces a leadership crisis amid escalating conflict. The regime's stabilityand the fate of its theocracyremains in question.

Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, suffered a fractured foot, facial lacerations and a bruised eye during the initial wave of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple reports.

The injuries, sustained on Feb. 28, have left the 56-year-old leader absent from public view, fueling speculation about his condition and ability to govern amid escalating regional tensions.

Sources familiar with the situation told CNN and The New York Times that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the same strike that killed his father and five other family members, including his sister, grandchild and son-in-law. Iranian officials have downplayed the severity of his injuries, insisting he remains alert and sheltered in a secure location. However, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, admitted to The Guardian that Khamenei is currently unable to address the public.

"I don't think he is comfortable (in any condition) to give a speech," Salarian said.

Despite reassurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's son, Yousef, who told state-affiliated media that Khamenei is "safe and there are no concerns, the supreme leader's prolonged silence has raised doubts. Notably, he was absent from his own succession rally in Tehran, where supporters were greeted only with a portrait of himovershadowed by a larger image of his late father.

A mysterious and controversial figure

Mojtaba Khamenei, long considered his father's heir apparent, has maintained a low profile throughout his career. Before his sudden ascension, he was a shadowy figure within Iran's clerical and military elite, closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regime's hardline economic factions.

His appointment by the Assembly of Expertsa body of 88 clericssignals continuity with his father's uncompromising stance against the West. Analysts suggest his leadership will likely resist U.S. and Israeli pressure, as Maha Yahya of the Carnegie Middle East Center noted: "His new role could be seen as a message from the regime to the United States and Israel that military pressure is 'not going to get us to shift position.'"

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's next Supreme Leader signals a continuation of the Islamic Republic's uncompromising stance against the West, particularly the U.S., due to his ideological alignment with his father's hardline policies and the regime's entrenched hostility toward Western influence. This transition, conducted in secrecy by the Assembly of Experts, underscores the regime's prioritization of internal consolidation over diplomatic reconciliation. The selection process itselfmarked by threats of repercussions for leaksreveals the leadership's fear of domestic unrest and its determination to suppress dissent, further entrenching an anti-Western posture.

However, Khamenei's legitimacy is not uncontested. During the 2009 election protests, demonstrators chanted "Mojtaba, may you die so you don't assume the leadership role," accusing him of manipulating election results in favor of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Trump's opposition and escalating conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump has openly rejected Khamenei's leadership, calling him an "unacceptable" choice and warning that without U.S. approval, Iran's new leader "is not going to last long."

The war in Iran has intensified, with U.S. and Israeli forces conducting relentless airstrikes while Tehran retaliates with attacks across the Gulf region. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that the U.S. would execute its "most intense day of strikes" yet, emphasizing that operations will continue "until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated."

Meanwhile, the IRGC has launched its "most intense and heaviest operation" since the conflict began, signaling no retreat.

Uncertain future for Iran

With Mojtaba Khamenei's condition still unclear and his public absence unexplained, Iran faces a leadership crisis amid a brutal military confrontation. State media has resorted to AI-generated images and archival footage to maintain his presence, but questions linger about his ability to consolidate power.

As the conflict escalates, the world watches whether Iran's new supreme leader will emerge to confront the U.S. and Israelor if his injuries will render him a weakened figurehead in a regime under siege.

For now, the only certainty is that the warand the fate of Iran's theocracyremains far from over.

Watch the video below about Iranian state television confirming the death of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

NewYorkPost.com

CNN.com

TheHill.com

News18.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Iran war triggers worst oil supply crisis in history, surpassing 1970s embargo

The world faces its worst-ever oil supply disruption due to war with Iran.

The crisis centers on Iran's effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz.

A historic release of emergency oil stockpiles has failed to contain market panic.

The U.S. military is unprepared to safely escort tankers through the strait.

Global economic fallout is immediate and threatens long-term damage.

The world is now grappling with the most severe oil supply disruption in modern history, a crisis triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran that has eclipsed the infamous Arab oil embargo of the 1970s. According to the International Energy Agency, the conflict has caused the "largest disruption to crude supplies in the history of the global oil market," sending shockwaves through the global economy and forcing Western nations to tap emergency stockpiles in a desperate bid to stabilize prices.

The heart of the crisis is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil chokepoint. Tanker traffic through the narrow waterway, which normally carries about 20 million barrels per day, has been reduced to "a trickle" as Iran threatens to attack any allied ship attempting passage. This stranglehold has forced Gulf nations to slash production by at least 10 million barrels per day. By comparison, the 1973 Arab oil embargo removed only about 4 million barrels per day from global markets.

A coordinated but insufficient response

In response to the escalating crisis, IEA member states, including Britain, agreed to a historic release of 400 million barrels of oil from global strategic reserves. Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, stated the announcement had already made a "strong impact." However, the market's panic was barely contained. Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel after Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. "Certainly, the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz should still be used," Khamenei declared in his first public message.

The economic fallout is immediate and widespread, and it comes at a time when people are already struggling. From rising mortgage rates in the United States to shuttered gas-fired crematories in India and "sold out" signs at gas stations in Vietnam, the ripple effects are universal. David Goldwyn, a former U.S. Energy Department official, called the strait's shutdown the emergency scenario everyone feared: "This really is the big one."

Military escorts and political battles

The United States is scrambling to respond but appears unprepared. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC the U.S. Navy is "simply not ready" to escort commercial tankers through the hazardous strait, suggesting it might be possible "by the end of the month." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said escorts would begin "as soon as it is militarily possible." This confusion was compounded when Wright posted and then deleted a claim on social media that the Navy had already successfully escorted a tanker, a misstep for which he took "full ownership."

A political battle is raging alongside the military one. President Donald Trump has tried to frame rising oil prices as a financial benefit, posting on Truth Social that "when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked this, responding that soaring prices "enrich corporations and crush households." In the U.S. Senate, Republicans like Lindsey Graham defended the intervention as necessary, while Democrats questioned the war's colossal cost. "How is this better for people in my state who cant afford rent?" asked Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona.

The current crisis threatens to mirror the long-term economic damage of the 1970s oil shocks, which permanently altered global politics and energy independence. While the market has more producers today, experts warn the remapping of power in the Middle East could set off consequences "whose full force might not be known for months or years." The IEA's massive stockpile release is merely a "stop-gap measure." The ultimate solution  reopening the Strait of Hormuz  remains locked behind a dangerous and escalating war of wills, leaving the global economy on a knife's edge. The lesson for households and governments is clear: the era of stable, affordable energy is over, and the painful adjustments are just beginning.

Sources for this article include:

Telegraph.co.uk

NYTimes.com

NBCNews.com
Qatar halts LNG shipments to Europe amid Red Sea crisis

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have targeted British and American vessels in the Red Sea, forcing Qatar and Saudi Arabia to halt LNG shipments to Europe, triggering Shell's force majeure declaration.

Under the guise of a "climate review," Biden in his time halted new LNG export permits, further starving Europe of energy amid already crippled Russian pipeline supplies.

With Nord Stream sabotaged, Qatari exports blocked and U.S. LNG frozen, Europe risks skyrocketing gas prices (8-9x pre-crisis rates) and potential shortages as winter lingers.

Over 80% of Asia's oil and LNG rely on Red Sea routes; bidding wars erupt as Qatar diverts shipments to higher-paying Asian markets, leaving Europe stranded.

The chaos aligns with the WEF/Bill Gates agendadismantling reliable energy to enforce green mandates, digital IDs and carbon controls while deepening economic depopulation.

The global energy market has been plunged into chaos as Qatar, the world's second-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), suspends shipments to Europe following escalating tensions in the Red Sea. The crisis, fueled by Yemeni attacks on commercial vessels and Iran-backed drone strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG complex, has forced energy giant Shell to declare force majeure on its supply contractsa legal move triggered by unforeseen disruptions beyond its control. The ripple effects threaten to destabilize Europe's already precarious energy security while sending shockwaves through Asian markets scrambling for alternatives.

Shell invokes force majeure as Qatar's LNG exports collapse

Shell, the largest LNG trader globally, has officially notified clients that cargoes purchased from QatarEnergy may no longer be delivered under existing contracts, according to Reuters sources. The force majeure declaration follows QatarEnergy's own suspension of production at Ras Laffanthe world's largest LNG liquefaction plantafter drone strikes crippled operations earlier this month. With 77 million tons of annual export capacity, Qatar's shutdown marks the longest disruption since 2008, leaving buyers across Europe and Asia scrambling for dwindling supplies.

Other major players, including TotalEnergies and several Asian firms, have warned customers of impending delays, with disruptions expected to fully materialize by April. Qatar's Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, grimly predicted that "all exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure" if hostilities persist. Vessel-tracking data reveals five consecutive days without Qatari LNG exportsa catastrophic halt that analysts warn could take "weeks to months" to resolve, even if regional conflicts cease immediately.

Europe's energy crisis deepens

The timing could not be worse for Europe, still reeling from the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and now facing another severe gas shortfall. Qatar's LNG shipments, a lifeline for European utilities, have been abruptly redirected to higher-paying Asian markets, tightening supply and sending prices soaring. The continent's dependence on foreign energyexacerbated by reckless green energy policies and the dismantling of domestic fossil fuel infrastructurehas left it vulnerable to geopolitical shocks orchestrated by globalist-aligned regimes.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza has inflamed tensions across the Middle East, triggering retaliatory strikes on critical energy infrastructure. The U.S., a net energy exporter, remains insulated from the fallout, while Europe and Asia bear the brunt of Washington's disastrous foreign policy.

Asia braces for "energy panic"

Asian economies, heavily reliant on Persian Gulf energy imports, are now staring down an unprecedented crisis. Over 80% of the region's oil shipments traverse the Red Sea and LNG shortages threaten to destabilize power grids in major cities. Tim Partridge of LG Energy Group warned that "an energy ecosystem in delicate balance is abruptly in flames," with importers and exporters alike facing severe disruptions.

Unlike Europe, which has some alternative pipeline options, Asia lacks immediate substitutes for Qatari LNG. The sudden supply crunch has already triggered bidding wars, with desperate utilities paying premium prices to secure shipmentsfurther squeezing European buyers out of the market.

Globalists exploit chaos to push agenda

The timing of this crisis raises disturbing questions. The globalist elitespearheaded by figures like Klaus Schwab and Bill Gateshave long advocated for the dismantling of reliable energy systems in favor of unreliable "green" alternatives. The Red Sea disruption serves their depopulation agenda by inducing economic instability, rationing and energy poverty, all while funneling wealth upward to the corporate oligarchy.

Moreover, the previous administration's refusal to secure energy independencecoupled with its complicity in Middle East conflictsmirrors the deliberate sabotage seen in the Nord Stream attack. The same deep-state actors who orchestrated COVID lockdowns and vaccine mandates now benefit from manufactured scarcity, accelerating their push for digital IDs, carbon credits and total control over energy distribution.

Conclusion: A deliberate assault on energy sovereignty

The suspension of Qatari LNG exports is not merely a geopolitical accident but part of a broader pattern of engineered crises designed to weaken Western nations and consolidate power. As Europe freezes and Asia panics, the architects of this chaosglobalist institutions, corrupt governments and their corporate enablerscontinue to profit from the suffering they create.

The solution lies in rejecting their agenda: restoring energy independence, decentralizing supply chains and dismantling the systems of control that have brought us to this brink. Until then, the world remains at the mercy of those who see humanity as expendable in their quest for domination.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Qatar's decision to halt LNG exports to Europe amid the Red Sea crisis is another deliberate move by globalist elites to destabilize Western energy security. Shell's declaration of force majeure exposes the fragility of a system designed to fail, pushing nations toward forced austerity and dependence on the very powers orchestrating this chaos.

Watch this video that talks about the pipeline wars.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Armed security and FBI training foil explosives-laden attack on Michigan synagogue

Armed security stopped a deadly attack at a Michigan synagogue.

An attacker rammed an explosives-packed vehicle into the building.

No children were harmed thanks to staff training and security response.

The synagogue had received FBI active shooter training just weeks prior.

The assailant, motivated by overseas events, was killed during the incident.

A terrifying act of anti-Semitic violence was stopped in its tracks Thursday at a Michigan synagogue thanks to armed security and preparedness training conducted by the FBI just months earlier. The attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township saw a driver ram an explosives-packed vehicle into the building before engaging in a gunfight, a scenario that could have ended in mass casualties but instead concluded with the attacker dead and all children and staff unharmed. This event underscores a chilling trend of violence targeting Jewish communities and highlights the critical importance of proactive defense measures.

The assailant, identified by law enforcement as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon, plowed his car into the synagogue around 12:30 p.m. on March 12. Ghazali, armed with a rifle, then began shooting. He was immediately met with return fire from the synagogues armed security team. During the chaos, the vehicle, which authorities believe contained mortar shells and other explosives, burst into flames, badly burning Ghazalis body inside the wreckage.

A security guard's heroism

One security guard was struck by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but was dragged to safety by colleagues. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. His actions, and those of the entire security team, were hailed by experts. "The security team at Temple Israel performed absolutely perfect," said David Katz, a former DEA special agent and CEO of Global Security Group. In total, eight first responders were also hospitalized for issues like minor smoke inhalation, but all were reported in stable condition.

Most miraculously, none of the 140 children inside the temples Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center were harmed. In a statement, Temple Israel credited its "amazing staff, our courageous teachers, and our heroic security personnel" for the outcome, noting that teachers followed their training to keep children safe and calm. The synagogue had been prepared for this exact kind of nightmare scenario. Just weeks earlier, in January, FBI Detroit had conducted an "Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP)" training for the clergy and staff at Temple Israel.

The value of preparation

That training, which focused on the "Run, Hide, Fight" principles and real-world decision-making, proved its worth. "Todays attack at Temple Israel Synagogue in Michigan could have ended far worse  but thanks to preparation and the courage of those on the ground, lives were saved," FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital. Retired FBI supervisory special agent Jason Pack added, "Today that investment was tested at the highest level, and it worked. What also likely saved lives today was preparation that happened long before this suspect ever got behind the wheel."

Authorities are investigating Ghazalis motives. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said law enforcement had been on high alert for weeks amid rising global tensions. Sources indicate Ghazali may have been motivated by the loss of family members, including siblings, in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon roughly ten days prior to the attack. Late Thursday, FBI agents raided his home in Dearborn Heights as part of the investigation.

This attack comes amid a documented wave of violence targeting synagogues in North America, including several in Toronto hit by gunfire this month. Oakland County, Michigan, is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States outside of the New York area, making it a potential focal point for such hatred.

The events in West Bloomfield are a reminder of the persistent threats facing religious communities. They also serve as a powerful testament to how preparedness, professional training, and the courage of armed citizens on the front lines can mean the difference between a tragic headline and a narrowly averted catastrophe.

Sources for this article include:

100PercentFedUp.com

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com

Fox2Detroit.com
New South Dakota law imposes prison time for doctors who commit fertility fraud

South Dakota criminalizes fertility fraud as a felony.

Doctors face prison for secretly using their own sperm.

The law allows victims to sue for damages.

It addresses a legal gap exposed by real cases.

The bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support.

South Dakota has taken a groundbreaking step to protect families from a deeply personal form of deception. Governor Larry Rhoden signed House Bill 1164 into law, creating the crime of "fertility fraud." This new law makes it a class 5 felony for a physician to secretly use their own sperm or unauthorized donor sperm during artificial insemination procedures without a patient's written consent. The bill sailed through the state House with a 65-0 vote, signaling broad bipartisan recognition of a violation that permanently alters lives.

The legislation imposes serious penalties, including up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for offending doctors. Beyond criminal consequences, the law opens the door for civil lawsuits from victims, including the patient, her spouse, the resulting child, and donors whose genetic material was used without consent.

A child's biological identity matters

Republican state Representative Terri Jorgenson, who introduced the bill, framed the issue as a fundamental matter of child protection. "As lawmakers, protecting children is one of our most important responsibilities," Jorgenson said. "A child's biological identity is not interchangeable. When a doctor secretly replaces one man's genetic material with another's, he isn't just deceiving parents. He's making a permanent decision that shapes the child's identity and family relationships for the rest of their life."

The global children's rights group Them Before Us celebrated the law in a Substack post. "This is a rare moment of bipartisan clarity around a simple reality. A child's biological identity matters," the group declared. They noted that the consequences of such fraud fall heavily on the children, who may discover the man who raised them is not their biological father and that they have dozens of unknown half-siblings.

Inspired by real-world victims

The push for the law was inspired by growing national awareness of fertility fraud, notably highlighted in the 2022 Netflix documentary Our Father. The film exposed the case of Dr. Donald Cline, an Indianapolis fertility specialist who secretly fathered more than 90 children in the 1970s and 1980s. Cline was later convicted of obstruction of justice, but his case revealed a legal gap many states are now rushing to fill.

Jorgenson told lawmakers she first "stumbled upon" the issue through a YouTube video before watching the documentary. She argued that existing laws were inadequate. "General fraud, medical malpractice or assault statutes often fail to capture the unique violation involved, resulting in light consequences or no prosecution at all," she said.

Josh Wood, a proponent of the bill who directs Them Before Us, told legislators that at least 50 providers nationwide have been accused of similar fraud. He described the lifelong impact on children. "They are left to grapple with the aftermath as they realize and process that they were conceived in medical assault," Wood said. "They experience genealogical bewilderment."

Closing a legal loophole

The new law also addresses a specific shortcoming in South Dakota's existing malpractice statutes. Republican Representative John Hughes, an attorney from Sioux Falls, thanked Jorgenson for identifying the gap. "We have one of the shortest, most onerous statutes of limitations on medical malpractice in the United States," Hughes said, noting that victims must typically sue within two years of the injury, regardless of when they discover it. The fertility fraud law allows for a longer window for victims to seek justice.

Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, reacted strongly to the bill's passage. "South Dakota just made it a felony to commit medical rape because no child deserves to have their biological identity violated," Faust said. "No child should endure the shock of discovering that the man who raised them isn't their dad, nor the destabilizing discovery that they have dozens of unknown siblings."

Republican Senator Amber Hulse of Hot Springs connected the law to broader trends. "With infertility on the rise and reproductive technology advancing rapidly, the law has to keep pace to protect the people most vulnerable to harm," Hulse said. "It is sad that legislation like this is necessary at all, but I am grateful South Dakota is stepping up to protect women and children."

This law represents more than a new felony statute; it is a declaration that biological connections and informed consent are non-negotiable pillars of family integrity. As reproductive technology continues its rapid advancement, South Dakota's move underscores a basic truth that transcends political divides: the deliberate creation of a life under false pretenses is a profound betrayal that society has a duty to prevent and punish.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

MitchellRepublic.com

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U.S.-Israel campaign degrades Iran, but global energy and regional stability hang in balance

The U.S.-led coalition's military campaign has severely degraded Iran's conventional forces, but Tehran is escalating asymmetric attacks on global shipping and energy infrastructure.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vows to continue blockading the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. regional bases, signaling a protracted conflict.

Global oil prices have surged past $100/barrel due to attacks on tankers and infrastructure, causing the largest supply disruption in oil market history.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts the campaign has permanently weakened Iran, even if the regime survives, and pledges continued strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Despite President Trump declaring victory, security analysts warn the enduring threat lies in Iran's low-cost, high-disruption tactics like drones and naval mines.

In a dramatic escalation of a two-week military campaign, Israeli forces launched new strikes on Tehran early Thursday, just hours after Irans new supreme leader broke his public silence with a defiant vow to continue strangling the worlds most critical oil chokepoint. The simultaneous events underscore a volatile new phase in Operation Epic Fury, where tactical gains by the U.S.-Israeli coalition are being met with an escalating wave of Iranian asymmetric retaliation that now threatens global energy security and regional stability. The conflict, initiated by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has rapidly evolved from a targeted bombing campaign into a sprawling confrontation with worldwide economic ramifications.

A declaration of enduring economic war

The first public statement from Irans new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, read on state television, served as a blueprint for prolonged resistance. Mojtaba, who succeeded his father after the initial strikes, declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz must continue as a primary tool to pressure the enemy. He ordered continued attacks on all U.S. bases in the region and ominously signaled the opening of other fronts. This doctrine of economic warfare was immediately felt in global markets. Overnight, Iranian forces struck multiple commercial vessels in the Gulf, bringing the total to at least six ships hit in 24 hours, while kamikaze drones targeted an energy export hub in Oman. These actions propelled Brent crude oil prices above $101 a barrel, a spike only partially tempered by an unprecedented 400-million-barrel release from global strategic petroleum reserves.

Conventional degradation vs. asymmetric escalation

President Donald Trump, addressing supporters, declared the operation a swift victory, stating, We won, in the first hour it was over. U.S. and Israeli officials assert their strikes have delivered a crippling blow to Irans conventional military, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Basij militia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first wartime press conference, claimed Iran is not the threat it used to be due to the destruction of key military and nuclear-linked facilities, including a site at Parchin analyzed for nuclear weapons development. However, this assessment of conventional degradation clashes with the reality of a rising asymmetric threat. U.S. security warnings now extend to potential drone strikes on the American West Coast, while the U.S. State Department alerts of plots against oil infrastructure in Iraq. The IRGC has reportedly fired over 2,100 low-cost Shahed drones, a weapon that has damaged critical infrastructure, shut airports and overwhelmed air defenses.

The Lebanese front and Netanyahus calculus

The conflicts northern front also intensified, with Hezbollah launching what Israel described as its largest missile barrage since the war began. Netanyahu issued a stark warning to the Lebanese government, accusing it of playing with fire by allowing Hezbollah to operate. He vowed to exact a heavy price from the Iran-backed group, raising the specter of a expanded ground conflict. Netanyahus comments revealed a strategic objective beyond immediate military targets: regime destabilization. While stopping short of confirming direct support for Iranian protesters, he stated the coalition aims to create conditions for regime change, leaving the ultimate outcome to the Iranian people. This aligns with his confirmation of strikes on IRGC checkpoints intended to aid in toppling the Tehran government.

A global energy system under siege

The immediate global impact is an energy market in turmoil. The International Energy Agency reported the conflict has disrupted 7.5% of global oil supply, the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-third of the worlds seaborne oil passes, has become a contested battlefield. While Irans deputy foreign minister denied laying mines in the strait, maritime security sources reported at least a dozen explosive mines in shipping lanes. The U.S. Navy, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is not yet prepared to escort commercial tankers through the perilous passage, as military assets remain focused on offensive operations. This security vacuum leaves global trade vulnerable, with Iran warning that allied groups could move to shut another vital chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

An unfinished and unpredictable conflict

The events of March 12, present a stark dichotomy. On one hand, the U.S.-Israeli alliance has demonstrated overwhelming conventional superiority, significantly degrading Irans military and nuclear infrastructure. On the other, Iran has pivoted to a punishing strategy of denial, leveraging drones, mines and proxy forces to inflict economic costs worldwide and demonstrate an ability to strike back. President Trumps victory declaration appears premature against Ayatollah Mojtabas promise of unrelenting pressure and the ongoing closure of a maritime artery vital to the global economy. The wars next phase will not be measured in territorial gains but in the endurance of supply chains, the stability of energy prices and the ability of Irans asymmetric arsenal to outlast its adversaries will. As one analyst noted, endurance regimes need not achieve clean victory; they only need to survive while making the old equilibrium too costly to restore. The world is now paying that cost at the gas pump and in the precarious transit of goods through turbulent waters.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

BBC.com

JPost.com
Report: U.S. Military Rare Earth Stockpile Estimated at Two-Month Supply

The United States has roughly two months of rare earth supplies available for military use, according to a report published Tuesday, March 10, by the South China Morning Post.The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicates this supply constraint could influence how long Washington can sustain military operations, such as potential airstrikes on Iran.

Rare earth elements are essential components in modern defense systems, including missile guidance systems, fighter jets and radar technologies. [1] The report underscores Washington's strategic dependence on supplies from China, the world's top producer, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. [2]

Strategic Dependence and Reported Military Implications

Analysts cited by the SCMP stated that China's control over rare earth supply chains grants it significant indirect leverage over the duration and cost of potential U.S. military conflicts. [1] Marina Zhang, an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney's Australia-China Relations Institute, told the paper that this control gives Beijing "significant indirect leverage over the duration and cost of potential conflicts." [1]

The report was published ahead of a scheduled trip to China by U.S. President Donald Trump, his first since 2017. [1] Analysts suggested Beijing may have less urgency than Washington to reach an agreement on rare earth trade, given current Middle East tensions and the U.S. military's reported inventory limitations. [1]

China's Market Position and Reported Policy Direction

China controls over half of the world's mine supply and nearly all mineral processing capacity for rare earths, according to industry analysts. [1] This dominance was highlighted last year when Beijing imposed export controls, causing supply disruptions for Western manufacturers scrambling to meet production deadlines. [1]

Beijing has signaled its intention to further consolidate its leadership in the sector. Under its 15th Five-Year Plan, the Chinese government aims to strengthen the development of its rare earth industry and improve export control systems governing the minerals between 2026 and 2030. [1] Analysts stated these policies could deepen Beijing's influence over global supply chains for materials critical to defense technologies, electronics and clean energy systems. [1]

Reported U.S. and Western Diversification Efforts

The Trump administration has launched multiple initiatives to counter this dependence. In February 2026, the administration prepared to launch 'Project Vault,' a $12 billion initiative aimed at building a strategic stockpile of critical minerals. [3] The administration has also aggressively pursued the development of new mines and processing capabilities, including a $1.6 billion deal with USA Rare Earth. [4]

Western governments are racing to diversify supply chains. The United Kingdom signed a critical minerals agreement with Kazakhstan, and Japan has begun deep-sea mining tests to source rare earths. [5][6] However, the SCMP report noted that new projects outside China are expected to come online too slowly to prevent potential shortages in the near term, [1] potentially shifting pricing power toward a small number of producers. [1]

Analyst Perspectives on Geopolitical and Trade Dynamics

The concentration of rare earth supply is expected to shift pricing power toward a small number of producers, the SCMP report stated. [1] Analysts told the paper that the consolidation of China's industry could deepen its influence over global supply chains for defense and clean energy technologies. [1]

This vulnerability exposes a broader systemic risk from over-reliance on centralized supply chains controlled by strategic competitors. The situation highlights the perils of economic globalization that outsourced critical industrial capabilities, leaving national security dependent on foreign adversaries. [7] As one analyst noted, the U.S. confrontation with converging crises includes China's rare earth dominance shaking economic and social foundations. [8]

Conclusion

The reported two-month military stockpile of rare earths underscores a critical strategic vulnerability for the United States. With China controlling the majority of global supply and processing, and with Western diversification efforts progressing slowly, the Department of War's reliance on these elements for advanced weapons systems remains a point of acute concern. The issue is poised to be a key topic during high-level diplomatic engagements, including President Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing. [9]

The ongoing geopolitical tensions illustrate the risks of centralized control over essential resources by state actors. For individuals seeking to understand these complex supply chain and economic issues beyond the narrative of centralized corporate media, independent platforms like BrightNews.ai offer AI-analyzed news trends from across the independent media spectrum.

References
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 170 Indian nationals have safely crossed from Iran into Armenia via a land border amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Many have already returned to India, with others expected to follow using commercial flights from Armenia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern for Indian nationals' safety in a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating India's call for dialogue. The MEA's control room has fielded hundreds of queries, and the Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively facilitating the evacuation process.

MEA confirms 170 Indians crossed from Iran to Armenia; many have returned. PM Modi discussed safety with Iran's President. Control room handles queries.

New Delhi, March 13 The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that a total of 170 Indian nationals have crossed from Iran into Armenia through the land border amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

During the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several of the Indian nationals have already returned to India, while others are expected to return in the coming days using commercial flights from Armenia.

"I would like to add that from Iran, in the last few days, including today, 170 Indian nationals have crossed through the land border into Armenia. Several of them have already come back to India, and others will be returning over the next few days using commercial flight options available from Armenia to India," Jaiswal said.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave the Iran. This includes helping them reach Armenia and Azerbaijan via land borders, where they can access commercial flights to return to India.

He also noted that a total of 900 phone calls and 200 emails have been received so far since the establishment of a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs on March 4 to assist Indian nationals amid the evolving situation in the Gulf region.

"Till now, we have received around 900 phone calls and 200 emails. We have also observed that the number of queries through emails and telephone calls has progressively come down, which means that people are now less concerned about their families in the Gulf region," he added.

Jaiswal noted that the MEA is providing real-time assistance to those seeking help by connecting them with Indian missions in the region and facilitating communication to resolve issues faced by travellers and stranded individuals.

He further noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Thursday, during which the Prime Minister expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals in the region and also discussed issues related to energy and cargo trade.

The Prime Minister also reiterated India's stance on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and end the conflict.

"Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. Reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," The Prime Minister stated in a post on X.

Jaiswal further said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also spoken with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.

"Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues," Jaishankar stated in a post on X on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, stated that Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation in the region and emphasised the firm resolve of the Iranian government, people and armed forces to exercise what he called their legitimate right to self-defence against the aggressors.

Araghchi also stressed the need for regional and international bodies to condemn the military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran and highlighted the importance of the BRICS grouping as a forum for strengthening multilateral cooperation.

He added it was essential for BRICS to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security.

"The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the necessity for regional and international bodies and organizations to condemn the military aggression against Iran. Highlighting the importance and position of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, Araghchi deemed it essential for the institution to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security," the statement read.

The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

- ANI
Afghan border forces have confiscated 30 Beretta pistols during an intelligence-based operation in Kandahar's Maruf district. The weapons were being smuggled into the country from a neighboring nation, according to a military spokesperson. This seizure is part of sustained government efforts to collect illegal arms and curb trafficking across porous borders. Recent months have seen similar discoveries of weapon caches in provinces like Khost, Paktika, and Uruzgan, with multiple arrests made.

Afghan border forces intercept 30 Beretta pistols in Kandahar, part of a nationwide crackdown on arms smuggling and unauthorized weapons.

Kabul, March 13 Afghan border forces have confiscated 30 Beretta pistols during a targeted intelligence-led operation in southern Kandahar province, a local security official said on Friday.

The operation was conducted by security personnel in the Tor Kach area of Maruf district, where the firearms were intercepted while being smuggled into Afghanistan from a neighbouring country, according to Nazir Ahmad Shakeeb, spokesman for the 205 Al-Badr Army Corps, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Shakeeb confirmed that Afghan security forces are actively working to curb arms trafficking across the porous border regions.

The seizure is part of broader efforts by the Afghan government to collect arms and ammunition from individuals outside official security forces and to prevent weapons smuggling in border areas through the deployment of additional security personnel.

In December last year, the counter-terrorism police have discovered and confiscated a cache of armaments and ammunition in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement.

The seizure, including two rocket launchers, 15 hand grenades, 1,100 rounds of PK machine-gun, two boxes of assorted ammunition, 24 rocket rounds, and 24 rocket propellant charges, occurred during a series of counter-terrorism operations in the province's Zazi Maidan district, the statement said.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the confiscation and will be referred to judicial authorities following preliminary investigations.

In a separate operation, police uncovered additional arms and ammunition in neighboring Paktika province as part of ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized weapons.

Over the past four years, Afghan authorities have seized thousands of weapons and large quantities of ammunition in a nationwide drive to enhance security and stability in the war-ravaged country.

On November 30, 2025, local authorities said a significant weapons cache was uncovered in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province, with three individuals arrested in connection to the discovery.

According to Bilal Uruzgani, the spokesperson for the provincial police, the weapons were found hidden in a residential house. The cache included a variety of ammunition, hand grenades, rocket shells, bullets, and other munitions.

Authorities have initiated further investigations to identify other individuals who may be connected to the illicit arms stash.

- IANS
Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes targeting Pakistan's strategic Kohat Military Fort, causing significant damage. The strikes were a response to Pakistani artillery fire in Afghanistan's Khost province that killed four family members. This escalation occurs amid heightened tensions along the disputed Durand Line since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring the Pakistan Taliban (TTP), which has been behind a surge of armed attacks.

Afghanistan launches retaliatory drone strikes on Pakistan's Kohat Military Fort after cross-border shelling, escalating tensions along the Durand Line.

Kabul, March 13 Afghanistan conducted retaliatory drone strikes on strategic military centres and installations of the Pakistan army in the Kohath area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

Pakistan's Kohat Military Fort, a war command centre along the Durand Line, and the office of the fort's commander sustained significant damage during the retaliatory strikes.

In a post on X, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence said, "The fort's military installations, the command centre, depots, and soldiers' residential quarters were destroyed, resulting in significant human and material losses."

The strikes came after the military targeted various areas of the Alisher-Terezai district of Khost province, near the hypothetical Durand Line, with artillery fire, as per TOLO News. Four members of one family were killed, and three others were injured as a result of the shelling.

The Pakistan Air Force also struck the fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan.

In a post on X, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that this company provides fuel materials for domestic airlines as well as for United Nations aircraft. Zabihullah Mujahid also accused Pakistan of previously attacking the fuel storage of a national trader named Haji Khan Zadah.

This comes amid an increasing exchange of airstrikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line in February. Pakistan launched air strikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and other cities as clashes escalate along the two countries' shared border.

The Durand Line dispute and the Taliban's return to power in 2021 have fuelled tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with frequent clashes reported.

In particular, Pakistan wants the Taliban to rein in armed groups such as the Pakistan Taliban, known by its acronym TTP, which it says Afghanistan is harbouring. The TTP emerged in Pakistan in 2007 and is separate from the Taliban in Afghanistan but shares deep ideological, social and linguistic ties with the group, as per Al Jazeera.

Armed attacks in Pakistan by the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which operates in the resource-rich Balochistan province, have surged in recent years. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan, have borne the brunt of the violence.

- ANI
APEDA has facilitated the first-ever export of 25 metric tonnes of Assam's Geographical Indication-tagged Joha Rice to the United Kingdom and Italy. The aromatic rice variety, which received its GI tag in 2017, is cultivated across approximately 21,662 hectares in Assam. This initiative aims to strengthen market linkages for premium agricultural products from India's North Eastern Region. The export is expected to enhance farmers' income by ensuring better price realization in international markets.

APEDA facilitates historic first export of Assam's aromatic GI-tagged Joha rice to the United Kingdom and Italy, boosting farmer income.

New Delhi, March 14 The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication-tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the consignment was dispatched on March 12 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam.

Joha rice, an indigenous aromatic variety from Assam, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017. Known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain texture and rich taste, the rice is gaining recognition in premium domestic and international markets.

In Assam, Joha rice is cultivated across about 21,662 hectares with an estimated production of approximately 43,298 metric tonnes during FY 2024-25. The major producing districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat, providing strong potential for expanding exports while enhancing farmers' income.

APEDA has been actively promoting the global presence of Joha rice. Earlier, the Authority facilitated the export of 1 metric tonne of GI-tagged Joha rice to Vietnam and 2 metric tonnes to five Middle Eastern countries, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The export consignment was flagged off by Minister of Agriculture, Government of Assam, Atul Bora, in the presence of Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Assam, Aruna Rajoria (IAS), State Project Director, ARIAS Society, Virendra Mittal (IAS), Director of Agriculture, Government of Assam, Uday Praveen (IAS), APEDA Official, Saurabh Srivastava, along with officials from the Plant Quarantine Department, the Department of Agriculture and APEDA Regional Office, Guwahati.

The export is being undertaken by APEDA-registered exporter M/s Safe Agritrade Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata. The consignment has been processed and packed at Pratik Agro Food Processing, Guwahati, Assam.

This initiative is part of APEDA's continued efforts to promote GI-tagged agricultural products from India and strengthen market linkages between producers and international buyers, while expanding agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region and ensuring better price realisation for farmers.

- ANI
PM Modi virtually launches connectivity projects, new trains in Assam's Bodoland. CM Sarma hails unprecedented development and peace under Modi's leadership.

Kokrajhar, March 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually laid the foundation stones and performed the bhoomipujan for projects worth Rs 4,615 crore aimed at strengthening connectivity in the Bodoland Territorial Council region and accelerating overall development in Assam.

The Prime Minister also flagged off three new trains during the programme held virtually from the State Guest House at Koinadhara in Guwahati in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.



Due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister could not travel to Kokrajhar but addressed a large public gathering at the Greenfield venue in the district through virtual mode.



Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the unprecedented pace of development witnessed in the BTC region in recent years.



The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the construction and upgradation of 69 roads covering 917 km across 34 districts of Assam under the state government's flagship Asom Mala 3.0 scheme at a cost of Rs 3,258 crore.



The project also includes the construction of 37 bridges, with several of the roads to be built in the BTC region.



He further stated that the Prime Minister performed the bhoomipujan for four flyovers and two bridges in the BTC region to be constructed with an investment of Rs 1,101 crore from the state government. One flyover will be built at Gossaigaon Chariali on DK Road, while the other three will come up at Balajan Tiniali, Debargaon Junction and Titaguri on the Jwhwlao-Dwimalu road.



The Chief Minister noted that the Bodo Peace Accord was signed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and envisaged several initiatives for the socio-economic development of Bodoland.



In line with the provisions of the accord, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Wagon Periodic Overhauling Workshop to be set up at Bansbari at a cost of Rs 256 crore under the Ministry of Railways.



The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the Kamakhya-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narengi-Agartala Express.



The Chief Minister said that work on a new railway line connecting Gelephu in Bhutan with Kokrajhar will commence soon.



He added that Bodoland has witnessed unprecedented development and progress over the last five years and has now emerged as a new centre of peace and harmony.



Sarma also observed that Prime Minister Modi has visited Bodoland several times and has undertaken several far-reaching initiatives for the region's development.



Recalling the Prime Minister's visit to Guwahati in January this year, he said the Prime Minister had appreciated the traditional Bodo Bagurumba dance and shared several videos of the performance on his social media platforms, enabling millions across the world to witness the cultural heritage of the Bodo community.



He further said that no Prime Minister in the past had accorded such recognition to the Bagurumba dance.



Sarma also said that out of deep respect for the Bodo community, Prime Minister Modi installed a statue of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma in New Delhi and named a road after him.



The Chief Minister asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BTC administration led by Hagrama Mohilary and the Assam Government will continue to work together for the all-round development of Bodoland.



Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal joined the programme virtually.



Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, Handloom, Textile and Sericulture Minister UG Brahma and Transport Minister Charan Boro, among others, attended the public meeting at the Greenfield venue in Kokrajhar.





- ANI
Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has declared the entire district a water-scarce zone and imposed an immediate ban on digging new private tube wells. The order, issued under the Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Protection Act, warns of strict legal action including potential FIRs and imprisonment for violators. Excessive exploitation has caused a sharp drop in groundwater levels, raising serious concerns about a severe drinking water crisis this summer. The administration is urging residents to adopt conservation practices like rainwater harvesting while deploying teams to enforce the ban.

Bhopal district bans new private borewells as it's declared a water-scarce zone to combat groundwater depletion. Legal action for violators.

Bhopal, March 13 In a proactive measure to combat rapidly declining groundwater levels, Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has declared the entire district a "water-scarce zone" and imposed an immediate ban on the digging of new private tube wells.

The order, issued under the provisions of the 'Madhya Pradesh Drinking Water Protection Act, 1986', prohibits unauthorised drilling of borewells across urban and rural areas of Bhopal district. The administration has warned of strict legal action, including potential FIRs and imprisonment up to two years, against violators who proceed without prior permission from competent authorities.

According to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, excessive exploitation of groundwater for agricultural, commercial, and domestic purposes has led to a sharp drop in water tables. Levels in drinking water sources and existing tube wells are falling alarmingly, raising serious concerns about an impending severe drinking water crisis during the upcoming summer months.

Collector Singh emphasised that unchecked borewell digging exacerbates the depletion, threatening municipal supply systems and rural hand pumps.

Similar measures have been adopted in districts like Khargone and Indore in recent years, where seasonal bans (often until June or July) help preserve resources during peak summer demand.

The ban aligns with broader state efforts to promote sustainable water use amid recurring shortages flagged by legislators and environmental reports.

Officials noted that while government departments may seek approvals for essential public drinking water projects, private entities must now obtain explicit permission from designated authorities, such as sub-divisional officers or additional collectors, after due assessment.

Residents and farmers have been urged to adopt water conservation practices, including rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and reduced wastage. The administration is also encouraging reliance on existing surface water sources, treated municipal supplies, and on-going recharge initiatives to mitigate the crisis.

Authorities hope the restriction will stabilise levels and avert acute shortages, ensuring equitable access to drinking water for Bhopal's growing population.

The order takes immediate effect, with monitoring teams deployed to enforce compliance. Citizens can report violations through district helplines or local PHE offices.

- IANS
The Central Board of Film Certification certified 71,963 films over the last five years, with annual numbers showing a significant increase. The implementation of an online system has reduced the average certification time for feature films to 22 working days. During this period, 11,064 films were cleared with recommended cuts or modifications, while only three were outright refused certification. The vast majority of films received 'U' or 'UA' certificates, with a small fraction receiving an 'A' rating.

Govt data reveals CBFC certified 71,963 films in five years, with 11,064 requiring cuts. Average certification time for features is now 22 working days.

New Delhi, March 14 The Central Board of Film Certification has certified 71,963 films over the last five years, while also reducing the average time taken for certification of feature films to 22 working days with the implementation of an online system, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan shared the details in response to questions raised by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, which functions under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, certifies films for public exhibition in accordance with statutory provisions and certification guidelines. Cuts or modifications are recommended only when content is found to violate parameters related to sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to an offence.

The data shows that the number of films certified annually by the CBFC has steadily increased in recent years. While 8,299 films were certified in 2020-21, the number rose to 12,719 in 2021-22 and further to 18,070 in 2022-23.

In 2023-24, the board certified 17,431 films, while 15,444 films were certified during 2024-25.

Out of these, several films were cleared with cuts or modifications suggested by the board. The number of such films increased from 1,475 in 2020-21 to 1,911 in 2021-22; 2,205 in 2022-23; 2,440 in 2023-24, and 3,033 in 2024-25.

Only three films were refused certification during the five-year period -- one in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.

Category-wise figures show that the majority of films were cleared under the 'U' and 'UA' categories. Of the total films certified, 41,817 received the 'U' certificate, 28,268 were certified under the 'UA' category, and 1,878 were cleared with an 'A' certificate. No films were certified under the 'S' category.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said: "As per Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 22 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films."

The ministry also informed that under Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for film certification is 48 working days. However, after the introduction of the Online Certification System, the average processing time has come down to 22 working days for feature films and three working days for short films.

The Cinematograph Act also allows filmmakers to challenge CBFC decisions before the High Courts.

Government data shows that such challenges have risen in recent years, with two cases filed in 2021, four in 2022, one in 2023, four in 2024 and 10 cases so far in 2025.

- IANS
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved road infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,185 crore to improve connectivity across six districts in South Gujarat. The 24 projects covering 383 km aim to strengthen logistics and position the Surat Economic Region as a global trading hub akin to Dubai or Guangzhou. This investment is a key step in implementing a comprehensive Economic Master Plan, with Surat district receiving the largest share of Rs 631 crore for upgrades. The long-term vision is to dramatically increase the region's per capita GDP from $4,600 to over $45,000 by 2047 through coordinated infrastructure development.

CM Bhupendra Patel greenlights 24 road projects across South Gujarat to enhance logistics and develop Surat into a global trading hub by 2047.

Surat, March 13 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel approved road infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,185 crore to strengthen connectivity across South Gujarat as part of its strategy to develop the Surat Economic Region into a global trading hub on the lines of Dubai and Guangzhou in China.

The projects, cleared by the Chief Minister, include 24 road infrastructure works covering 383 km across the districts of Surat, Tapi, Valsad, Bharuch, Navsari and Dang. The move is aimed at improving logistics connectivity and positioning the region as an important node in global supply chains.

The infrastructure push comes 17 months after the Economic Master Plan for the Surat Economic Region was launched in Surat to transform the Surat city-region into a major growth hub by 2047.

In his message for the comprehensive Economic Master Plan report prepared by NITI Aayog in 2024, the Chief Minister had stated, "More than just a blueprint, the Economic Master Plan for the Surat Economic Region is a testament to our dedication to fostering visionary, dynamic and inclusive growth as partners in nation-building."

Among the districts, Surat has been allocated Rs 631 crore for road upgrades as it remains the primary growth driver of the region. Valsad will receive Rs 264 crore, while the remaining funds will be distributed among Navsari, Tapi and Dang districts.

Officials said the investments are aimed at strengthening connectivity between industrial clusters, ports and logistics hubs across South Gujarat. With coastal regions and well-connected hinterlands emerging as advanced trading centres globally, the government is focusing on large-scale infrastructure spending to enhance the region's competitiveness.

Surat is one of the four pilot city regions in India selected for the preparation of an economic master plan, owing to its strong industrial base and strategic location. According to the report, the region already hosts several industries that significantly contribute to the economy.

Surat is globally known for its textile manufacturing and diamond processing sectors, along with chemical industries, MSME clusters and logistics services. Bharuch has a strong presence in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, while Navsari is known for agriculture, food processing and small-scale manufacturing.

Tapi contributes through agro-processing industries, paper manufacturing and dairy activities, whereas Valsad has a mix of chemical industries, trade and tourism-related businesses. Dang district, which is largely forested and tribal, has economic activities centred around agriculture, forestry and basic services, the report notes.

With the blueprint for developing the Surat Economic Region already in place, the government now aims to create a global trading hub that can bridge the gap between production centres and international markets, while serving as a key access point to global supply chains.

The current per capita GDP of the region is estimated at around USD 4,600, with an ambitious target to increase it to over USD 45,000 by 2047.

Officials said achieving this goal will require coordinated planning and large-scale infrastructure development. The Chief Minister's approval of Rs 1,185 crore for road upgradation and development is seen as a significant step in that direction.

The state government's development strategy focuses on sustainable growth, economic diversification and balanced regional development, strengthening the role of Surat and its neighbouring districts as a major economic powerhouse.

Surat's strategic geographic location, strong transport connectivity and industrial ecosystem place it in a favourable position to expand into emerging sectors. The region already benefits from a robust logistics network that includes expressways, rail connectivity, seaports, an international airport and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.

The government has also identified key sectors for future development, including sustainable agriculture, real estate, tourism, information technology and logistics, as part of its vision to transform the region into a globally competitive economic hub.

- ANI
A severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is disrupting operations for tiffin centers and eateries in Hyderabad, forcing many to switch to electric stoves. The crisis has led to inflated prices and a surge in demand for electric alternatives, which are also becoming scarce. Similar shortages are reported in other Indian cities like Surat and Bhopal, impacting hotels and restaurants nationwide. The government has formed a committee to address grievances and is prioritizing domestic LPG supply while awaiting new consignments.

Hyderabad faces commercial LPG crisis, forcing eateries to electric stoves. Shortage impacts cities nationwide, with govt committee formed.

Hyderabad, March 13 As various parts of the country report a shortage of commercial LPG supply in the wake of the West Asia conflict, Hyderabad has also been hit by a similar crisis. Hence, to maintain their daily operations, tiffin centres across the city are increasingly turning to electric stoves to prepare their dishes.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Raj Kumar, a chef at Devi Nashta Point, stated that there is a massive shortage of LPG in the city. He claimed that even at inflated rates of 3,000-4,000 rupees, cylinders remain unavailable.

Consequently, the eatery is utilising electric stoves to maintain daily operations; however, Kumar noted that even finding a stove has now become a challenge in the city.

"Due to the LPG shortage, we are facing a lot of difficulty. We have switched to electric stoves, but while gas used to cost between 1800 and 1900 rupees, now even if we are willing to pay 3,000 to 4,000, it is now unavailable. For now, we are relying on electric stoves, but even those have become tough to find," Kumar told ANI.

Other Tier-1 cities across India have also seen a shift toward electric stoves as the LPG shortage continues to disrupt commercial supplies. For instance, in Gujarat's Surat, the traders have recorded a surge in demand for electric stoves as the shortage of commercial gas cylinders continues to persist in the city.

Lakshman Singh, a local trader, noted that the city has seen a surge in customers seeking electric induction stoves over the last two to three days. However, he highlighted a growing supply gap, stating that they are currently facing a shortage of stock while awaiting fresh deliveries. With demand outstripping supply, numerous orders continue to remain pending in their shop.

"For the past two to three days, customers have been coming for electric induction stoves, but supply hasn't been enough; there is a severe shortage of stock. Orders are pending, and as soon as supplies arrive, we sell them to the customers. We are selling at regular prices. We only have one or two pieces now; the shortage remains," Singh told ANI.

"Dinesh Patel, another local trader, reported that their store has completely run out of stock for electric stoves. He noted that they are now sourcing units from other retailers to meet the urgent demand from customers."

"I don't have any stock left right now, a large number of customers keep coming. We are buying from retailers or other shops to meet the urgent demand from customers," Patel told ANI.

Meanwhile, the commercial LPG shortage continues to affect hotels and restaurants nationwide. Hence, due to the shortage, many are forced to suspend operations. The government has formed a three-member committee to address grievances and prioritise domestic LPG supply.

The Bangalore Hotels Association released a notice stating, "The supply of gas cylinders for commercial use has been stopped from today. Essential services like senior citizens, students, and hospitals rely on it. Immediate action is expected from Union Ministers to resume commercial gas supply."

In Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal witnessed a temporary halt in commercial LPG cylinder distribution. National Vice President of the LPG Association, RK Gupta, confirmed that commercial cylinders have not been issued, except for hospitals and educational institutions.

"The next booking will be allowed after a 25-day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding, and there is no shortage as claimed by oil companies," he said.

Additionally, industry representatives emphasised that domestic LPG supply remains the top priority.

Federation President Chandra Prakash said, "The govt, oil companies, and distributors are focused on domestic cylinders first; essential commercial services like hospitals are prioritised, but supply to restaurants has been temporarily halted."

Due to reprioritisation, domestic LPG production has increased by 10 per cent in the last few days and consignment of LPG and LNG is coming from various sources

The sources said a new consignment of LPG/LNG is expected very soon. "We were in crisis earlier, but today we are not in any crisis of petroleum products. Indian refineries are running at full capacity as they were operating before the Iran-Israel conflict," a source said.

- ANI
The Israel Air Force announced it completed extensive waves of strikes targeting Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz. Key targets included an underground ballistic missile production site and numerous air defense systems. Simultaneously, the IDF reported eliminating several senior Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon, including key figures in its missile program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran's new supreme leader, suggesting he could also be a target.

Israeli Air Force hits over 200 targets in Iran, including ballistic missile facilities, and issues a direct warning to the new Supreme Leader.

Jerusalem, March 13 The Israel Air Force on Friday said that it had completed waves of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian regime. The IAF said it had hit targets in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz simultaneously.

"In Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz simultaneously: The Air Force completed waves of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime The Air Force, under the direction of Military Intelligence, completed several waves of strikes over the past day targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz simultaneously. In Shiraz in southern Iran: An underground site used by the Iranian terror regime for the production and storage of ballistic missiles intended for launch toward the State of Israel was struck. In Tehran: Sites and a central base of the air defence array in the Iranian terror regime were struck," the IAF said.

"In addition, numerous sites used for the production of various combat means, air defence systems, and components of ballistic missiles were struck. Simultaneously, in Ahvaz in western Iran: Headquarters of various regime bodies were struck. Activity by soldiers of the Iranian terror regime was identified in the struck headquarters, and dozens of soldiers operated from them to advance and carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel and countries in the region. The completed strikes are part of the phase of deepening the damage to the core arrays of the Iranian terror regime and its foundations," it added.

Earlier, the Israeli Air Force says that in the last 24 hours it has struck more than 200 targets in Western and Central Iran.

The IAF said, "Dozens of Air Force fighter jets, guided by Military Intelligence, completed extensive strike sorties over the past day in western and central Iran, during which numerous munitions were dropped on more than 200 targets of the Iranian terror regime, including ballistic missile launchers, defence systems, and production sites for means of combat."

"Since the launch of Operation "Roar of the Lion," the Air Force has completed hundreds of strike sorties targeting a variety of infrastructures of the Iranian terror regime, with the aim of reducing as much as possible the scale of fire toward the territory of the State of Israel," it added.

The Israel Defence Forces also said that the 'Taleghan' compound, a site they claimed was used by the Iranian regime to advance nuclear weapons capabilities had been destroyed. The IDF said the compound was used to develop advanced explosives and conduct sensitive experiments as part of the covert 'AMAD' project in the 2000s.

On the front against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the IDF claimed that its forces had eliminated Abu Dharr Mohammadi, the operations commander in the IRGC's missile unit within Hezbollah in Beirut. According to IDF, Mohammadi was a central figure coordinating between Hezbollah and the Iranian terror regime and played a key role in rehabilitating Hezbollah's missile program following Operation Northern Arrows.

IDF also claimed to have eliminated Ali Muslim Tabaja, a senior commander of the Iranian Imam Hossein Division. The IDF said, Tabaja was a key figure who held a series of military roles both within Hezbollah and within the division. The Imam Hussein Division is a military force used by the Iranian Quds Force to strengthen the Iranian axis and to operate against the IDF and Israeli civilians.

IDF also eliminated Abu Ali Riyan, Hezbollah's 'Radwan Force' southern Lebanon unit commander. IDF claimed, Riyan was the central figure responsible for coordinating operations, recruiting operatives, and managing its weapon supply chain. IDF said that it had also eliminated 100 plus fighters and destroyed 60 plus command and control centres of the 'Radwan Force'.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a direct warning to Iran's new supreme leader, Ayotallah Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting that Israel could look at targeting him just as they did his father.

Asked if Israel would go after Khamenei's son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, Netanyahu replied, "I wouldn't issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organizations. This is their patron of terrorism. And I don't intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do."

Netanyahu dubbed the younger Khamenei a "puppet" of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps who "cannot show his face in public."

- ANI
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the escalating crisis in the Middle East poses a grave threat to international peace and security. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing that de-escalation and dialogue are the only viable path forward. The warning follows allegations from Iran's UN envoy that Israel assassinated four senior Iranian diplomats in Beirut, which Iran labeled a heinous act of terrorism. Guterres stressed that military action risks igniting an uncontrollable chain of events in the volatile region.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns the escalating Middle East crisis is a grave threat to international peace, urges de-escalation and dialogue.

New York, March 13 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.

In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue.

"The unfolding crisis in the Middle East constitutes a grave threat to international peace and security and has caused immense suffering for civilians," he said.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, alleged that the Israeli government assassinated four senior Iranian diplomats in what he described as a "heinous crime" in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the envoy said that on March 8, the Israeli government had carried out a targeted strike at the Ramada Hotel in Beirut, claiming the lives of the victims. Iravani noted that after the IDF had publicly threatened to target Iranian official representatives in Lebanon, the diplomats had been temporarily relocated to the hotel as a safety measure.

In his letter, the ambassador alleged that the assassination of the diplomats "while serving as official representatives of a sovereign state in the territory of another sovereign state is a heinous act of terrorism and a grave violation of international law."

He further claimed that such a "flagrant breach" of the UN Charter and the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons could not go unpunished.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, urging world leaders to "act responsibly".

During the emergency meeting to address the situation in Iran and the Middle East, Guterres said, "Let's act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink."

He said, "military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region in the world."

Guterres called for immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation in the Middle East.

- ANI
The State Election Commission of Himachal Pradesh has issued a notification for the delimitation of wards in select Urban Local Bodies, including Shimla and Una Municipal Corporations and the newly created Nagar Panchayat Bir in Kangra. The process follows recent changes in the jurisdiction of these urban bodies, such as the inclusion of Rohru in Shimla. A detailed timeline has been set, allowing residents to submit objections until March 19, with final delimitation orders to be issued by April 4. The reservation of seats for the wards is to be completed by April 6.

SEC HP releases delimitation schedule for Shimla, Una, and Kangra urban bodies. Process includes public objections and final orders by April 4.

Shimla, March 12 The State Election Commission, Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday issued a notification announcing the schedule for the delimitation of wards in select Urban Local Bodies of the state following recent changes in municipal areas.

According to the notification, the delimitation exercise will cover urban bodies where areas have been newly created or included. These include the Shimla Municipal Corporation in Shimla district, the Una Municipal Corporation in Una district, and the Nagar Panchayat Bir in Kangra district.

The commission said the process has been initiated after the Department of Urban Development notified changes in the jurisdiction of these urban bodies, including the inclusion of Rohru area in Shimla Municipal Corporation and additional areas in the Una Municipal Corporation, while Bir in Kangra district has been newly created as a Nagar Panchayat.

Exercising powers under Article 243ZA of the Constitution of India and relevant provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 and the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994, the commission has laid down a detailed timeline for the delimitation process.

As per the schedule, the draft proposal for the delimitation of wards will be published on March 12. Residents of the concerned municipal areas can submit objections or suggestions till March 19.

The Deputy Commissioners concerned will examine and dispose of these objections by March 23. Appeals against their decisions can be filed before the respective Divisional Commissioners within seven days of the orders.

The Divisional Commissioners will dispose of such appeals up to April 1, while the final delimitation orders are to be issued on or before April 4. The reservation of seats for the wards will be completed by April 6, after which the final reservation report will be submitted to the commission.

The notification also states that if no objections or appeals are received within the stipulated period, the concerned Deputy Commissioners may directly issue final delimitation orders and initiate the reservation process.

The commission has directed the Deputy Commissioners of Shimla, Una and Kangra districts to carry out the delimitation exercise in accordance with earlier instructions issued by the commission.

- ANI
Nepal has reached a new agreement with India, opening the door to import up to 350 MW of electricity from the bordering states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The deal, finalized by the Power Exchange Committee, sets specific purchase rates for electricity delivered through different transmission lines for one year. This arrangement is crucial for Nepal during the winter dry season when its domestic hydropower generation falls short of demand. The agreement provides a safety net for Nepal's power supply, especially if prices spike or availability drops on India's open power exchange market.

Nepal can now buy up to 350 MW of electricity from Bihar, UP, and Uttarakhand after a bilateral rate agreement, securing winter power supply.

Kathmandu, March 13 The door has opened for Nepal to import up to 350 MW of electricity from neighbouring Indian states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, after a new deal was reached between officials of the two countries during a two-day meeting of a bilateral mechanism which concluded in the western Pokhara city of Nepal on Friday.

Although Nepal exports electricity to India during the wet season, the Himalayan country needs to buy power from its southern neighbour in winter, when most of its run-of-the-river hydropower projects generate far less electricity than their installed capacity.

During a meeting of the Power Exchange Committee (PEC) - a bilateral mechanism consisting of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and India's Central Electricity Authority (CEA) - the two sides agreed to increase the power purchase rate by 1.5 per cent, paving the way for Nepal to continue importing electricity from the three Indian states during the winter.

As per the agreement, the purchase rate for electricity delivered through the 132 kV transmission line has been set at NPR 8.22 per unit. Likewise, the rate for electricity delivered through the 33 kV level has been fixed at NPR 8.91 per unit, while electricity purchased through the 11 kV line has been set at NPR 9.55 per unit, the NEA said in a statement on Friday. The rate is applicable for a year.

Following the latest agreement, the NEA expects electricity supply from India to remain secure during the dry months of March and April, when power demand typically rises in Nepal.

NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya led the Nepali delegation, while Vijay Kumar Singh, board member (Power System) of India's Central Electricity Authority, led the Indian side.

Shakya told IANS that although the two sides agreed to raise the purchase rate, it will apply only when Nepal buys electricity through this mechanism.

"As long as prices are lower in the electricity exchange market, Nepal has been purchasing power from the power exchange market," he said. "In case the purchase rate becomes higher and electricity is not adequately available in India's power exchange market, Nepal can purchase up to 350 MW through the Power Exchange Committee mechanism."

According to the NEA, during the two-day negotiations, the Indian side had initially insisted on increasing the electricity purchase rate by 5.5 per cent, citing higher domestic production costs in India. However, the Nepali side argued for a lower rate, pointing to a decline in electricity prices in India's open power market.

At present, the NEA imports about 12,000-14,000 megawatt-hours of electricity daily from India, and the volume is expected to increase in the coming days as demand rises during the dry season.

The NEA also noted that the ongoing war involving Israel, Iran and parts of West Asia has put pressure on regional energy markets, which could affect electricity supply.

"The timely agreement with the Indian side is therefore expected to significantly help in managing power supply," the NEA said.

- IANS
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth recent conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing bilateral cooperation and BRICS-related issues. The talks come against a backdrop of escalating regional conflict, with the Israeli Air Force announcing simultaneous strikes on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz. Previous conversations between the ministers had focused specifically on ensuring the safe passage of ships and India's energy security amid the turmoil. The conflict was triggered by a US-Israeli operation that killed Iran's former Supreme Leader, leading to Iranian retaliation against assets in the Gulf and threats to close the vital Strait of Hormuz.

EAM Jaishankar discusses bilateral issues & BRICS with Iran FM Araghchi as Israel strikes Iranian targets. Focus on shipping safety & energy security.

New Delhi, March 13 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had another conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues."

This was the fourth conversation between the two leaders since the current round of conflict between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

Earlier, when Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, he discussed the safety of shipping and energy security, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press briefing

External Affairs Spokesperson Jaiswal said the discussion focused on ensuring the safe passage of ships and maintaining stable energy supplies through the region.

"EAM and FM of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," Jaiswal said.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force on Friday said that it had completed waves of strikes targeting the infrastructure of the Iranian regime

"In Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz simultaneously: The Air Force completed waves of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime The Air Force, under the direction of Military Intelligence, completed several waves of strikes over the past day targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz simultaneously. In Shiraz in southern Iran: An underground site used by the Iranian terror regime for the production and storage of ballistic missiles intended for launch toward the State of Israel was struck. In Tehran: Sites and a central base of the air defence array in the Iranian terror regime were struck," the IAF said.

"In addition, numerous sites used for the production of various combat means, air defence systems, and components of ballistic missiles were struck. Simultaneously, in Ahvaz in western Iran: Headquarters of various regime bodies were struck. Activity by soldiers of the Iranian terror regime was identified in the struck headquarters, and dozens of soldiers operated from them to advance and carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel and countries in the region. The completed strikes are part of the phase of deepening the damage to the core arrays of the Iranian terror regime and its foundations," it added.

Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia. on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.

- ANI
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has issued a strong condemnation of recent Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, labeling them a grave violation of international law and neighborly principles. The strikes, confirmed by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, targeted multiple provinces including Kabul and Kandahar, resulting in civilian casualties. The Taliban accuses Pakistani aircraft of attacking civilian homes and setting ablaze a private airline's fuel storage near Kandahar airport. This escalation follows a series of retaliatory actions between Afghan and Pakistani forces along their shared border.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemns Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, calling for a civilized relationship.

Kabul, March 13 Terming it as a clear and grave violation of the principles of neighbourliness, human values, and international laws, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Friday severely condemned the Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika regions which have resulted in several civilian casualties.

Karzai also urged the Pakistani government to abandon enmity, exercise foresight and adopt a civilised approach with Afghanistan.

"Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai strongly condemns the Pakistani strikes on the country's capital and the provinces of Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, which have resulted in the martyrdom of a number of our compatriots, including women and children, and considers them a clear and grave violation of the principles of neighbourliness, human values, and international laws. Hamid Karzai once again calls on the Government of Pakistan to abandon enmity, exercise foresight, and adopt a good and civilized relationship and approach with Afghanistan," Karzai posted on X.

The former President's statement comes after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan carried out fresh military strikes across multiple Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.

The attacks have heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with the Taliban condemning the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty.

"Continuing the pattern of previous aggressions and crimes, the Pakistani military regime has once again bombed Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, and some other areas. In some places, it targetted civilians' homes, leading to the death of women and children, and in other places, it targetted empty deserts and uninhabited areas," Mujahid posted on X.

Condemning the attacks by Pakistani forces, he further said, "This unjust assault in the last 10 days of the blessed month of Ramadan and on the threshold of Eid al-Fitr clearly indicates that they adhere to no human principles or moral values whatsoever. The Islamic Emirate condemns this crime and this flagrant assault in the strongest terms, and God willing, this injustice will not go unanswered."

Mujahid accused the Pakistani military aircraft of setting ablaze the fuel storage of Kam Air, a private airline company, near Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan.

"This company supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft. This comes at a time when they had previously also burnt fuel depots belonging to private traders named Haji Khan Zada," the Taliban spokesperson posted on X.

The current round of hostilities began when Taliban-led Afghan forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military installations on February 27, following Pakistan's actions targeting militants inside Afghan territory on February 21.

Following Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors.

- IANS
Former Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav was sworn in as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland in a ceremony administered by Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar. Nagaland Minister Jacob Zhimomi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Yadav on social media, expressing optimism for the state's progress under his guidance. In his statement, Yadav pledged to serve the people of Nagaland with dedication and respect for the state's rich traditions and culture. A senior BJP leader, Yadav previously represented the Patna Sahib constituency and held ministerial portfolios in Bihar.

Former Bihar Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav sworn in as Nagaland Governor. CM Neiphiu Rio and Minister Jacob Zhimomi extend congratulations.

Kohima, March 13 Former Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday took the oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. The ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar.

In a post on X, the Minister for Public Health Engineering of Nagaland and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi said Yadav's guidance would help Nagaland progress toward a "Viksit Bharat."

"Heartiest congratulations to Shri Nand Kishore Yadav Ji on taking oath as the Governor of Nagaland. With his support, guidance and counsel, I am optimistic that Nagaland will continue to progress with zeal and commitment towards Viksit Bharat. Best wishes to him for a successful tenure," he wrote.

The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, also congratulated Yadav on X, stating, "Congratulations to Nand Kishore Yadav @nkishoreyadav on taking oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. I wish him a successful tenure in service of the people of the State."

Upon taking office, newly appointed Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed his commitment to serve the state and its people with dedication and respect for its rich traditions and culture.

"Today, I had the privilege of taking the oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar. On this occasion, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland,Neiphiu Rio Ji, his cabinet colleagues, distinguished guests, senior officials, and invited guests were present. I pledge to serve the people of the state with complete dedication to Nagaland's great traditions, rich culture, and the welfare of its people," he wrote on X.

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.

- ANI
A French soldier was killed and several others were wounded in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, as confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron. Macron expressed the nation's solidarity with the soldier's family and injured troops. The attack comes amid warnings from a pro-Iranian group targeting French interests following the arrival of a French aircraft carrier. In a separate incident, a US refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, though US authorities denied it was caused by hostile fire.

A French soldier was killed and several wounded in an attack in Iraq's Erbil region. President Macron condemns the attack as tensions rise.

Paris, March 13 A French soldier was killed while several suffered injuries in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed.

Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life during the attack.

"Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq. To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation. Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France stands by their side and with their loved ones," he said in a post on X.

France Forces are engaged in the fight against Daesh since 2015 in Iraq. He strongly condemned the attack, saying "the war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."

Meanwhile, A pro-Iranian group in Iraq warned that French interests "in Iraq and the region" would be "under targeting fire" after the arrival of a French aircraft carrier, France 24 reported.

The statement on the Telegram page of the Ashab Alkahf group came as French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French soldier and the injury of several others in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Earlier, Iran's state media had cited the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran's Military to claim that the US military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in Western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six of the service members on board had been killed.

Press TV reported that the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release. However, it denied any incident of Hostile fire.

"Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely," the release said. "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," CENTCOM posted on X.

Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia. on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions and loss of civilian lives in West Asia. He emphasized that India's top priorities are the safety of its nationals and the unhindered flow of essential goods and energy. Opposition leaders like Pappu Yadav welcomed the engagement as a "good initiative," while Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat questioned its effectiveness following a recent attack on a cargo ship. BJP leaders defended the government's proactive approach, accusing the opposition of creating unnecessary panic over the situation.

PM Modi discusses regional tensions & Indian priorities with Iran's President. Opposition leaders call it a "good initiative" but question policy effectiveness.

New Delhi, March 13 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the escalating tensions in the region. The development drew reactions from leaders across the political spectrum on Friday, with some opposition leaders welcoming the move while also raising concerns over India's foreign policy and the broader regional situation.

The Prime Minister shared details of the discussion on the social media platform X, stating that the two leaders spoke about the deteriorating situation in the region.

"Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," PM Modi wrote on Thursday.

He emphasised that India's primary focus remains the safety of its citizens and the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies.

"The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. Reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," the PM said.

Reacting to the development, Lok Sabha member Pappu Yadav said that if the Prime Minister's outreach reflects India remembering its long-standing ties with Iran, it would be a positive step.

Speaking to IANS, Yadav said, "I am not fully aware of the details of the discussion. But if Prime Minister Modi remembers the friendship with Iran, then I would say it is a good initiative for India. Iran has been our old friend, and we should support it. Any developments in the Middle East will have a significant impact on India."

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat, however, questioned the effectiveness of the diplomatic engagement, citing recent incidents in the region.

"These talks were reported two days ago, but within 24 hours, we heard through media reports about an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on a cargo ship travelling from Thailand to India. There were reports of crew members being killed and one person missing. This raises questions about what kind of discussions were held," Bhagat said.

He added that India's foreign policy appeared complicated and suggested that the Prime Minister's outreach to Israel in the past had created uncertainty regarding India's ties with Iran.

Meanwhile, Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary said the Prime Minister remains sensitive to the concerns of the country's citizens and that the government will take necessary steps to ensure stability.

"We believe that whatever efforts are required will be made by the government so that people do not face difficulties. Measures will be taken to arrange alternatives if needed and to strengthen existing systems," he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi accused the opposition of unnecessarily creating panic over the situation.

"The opposition is trying to create panic, which is not appropriate even in the current circumstances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the President of Iran, and the government is working actively to ensure that ships carrying oil and other supplies to India continue to arrive without disruption," he said.

Saraogi also acknowledged that demand for LPG has increased in recent days but said the administration is monitoring the situation closely and taking necessary steps. He added that both the Central government and the Bihar government are keeping a close watch on developments.

- IANS
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to rename the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation to accelerate the redevelopment of Old Delhi. Development works worth approximately Rs 160 crore are currently in progress on 28 roads in the historic area. The government is preparing a phased plan for underground electricity wiring and will develop the Town Hall as a key heritage monument. The comprehensive effort aims to preserve the area's historical character while introducing modern facilities.

CM Rekha Gupta announces renaming of SRDC and fast-tracking of Rs 160 crore redevelopment projects to restore Old Delhi's historic glory.

New Delhi, March 13 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said the government plans to rename the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation and speed up projects to restore the historic glory of Old Delhi.

She said as part of the ongoing efforts, development works worth around Rs160 crore are currently underway on 28 roads in the area.

Gupta said the government will not only change the board's name but also use it to accelerate the real redevelopment of Old Delhi and the Shahjahanabad area.

The Chief Minister chaired the 38th board meeting of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and discussed issues related to the overall development of Old Delhi and the preservation of its heritage.

The functioning of SRDC during the previous government's tenure also came under discussion, along with concerns over financial irregularities. The Chief Minister emphasised that these irregularities will be investigated.

Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials from all concerned departments were also present at the meeting.

A proposal to change the name of the board was discussed, and it was decided that three proposed names would be prepared in order of preference, after which the final name will be selected.

The meeting also reviewed the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project stretching from Lal Jain Mandir to Fatehpuri Masjid.

Chief Minister Gupta said the time has come for a comprehensive restructuring and revival of the institution.

The projects include construction and improvement of roads, beautification of public spaces, strengthening sanitation arrangements, better maintenance of public toilets, and large-scale cleanliness drives.

In addition, a phased plan is being prepared to place electricity wiring underground across the entire area so that modern facilities can be introduced while preserving Old Delhi's historic character.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Town Hall will be developed as an important heritage monument, further enhancing the cultural and historical appeal of the area.

She said Old Delhi is the heart of the national capital, and the government aims to preserve its historical heritage, identity and cultural dignity while developing it with modern facilities. The goal is to transform the Shahjahanabad area into a vibrant and attractive heritage zone that stands out nationally and globally.

- IANS
At the UN Human Rights Council, a representative from Sambhali Trust highlighted how grassroots initiatives translate human rights commitments into tangible change for marginalized communities. She detailed the Trust's work in Rajasthan through education and empowerment centres that help women and girls regain access to schooling and economic independence. The statement acknowledged supportive Indian government programmes on nutrition and education that strengthen these community efforts. The conclusion emphasized that real progress is seen in educated girls and women earning with dignity.

Sambhali Trust showcases grassroots impact for women and girls in India at UN Human Rights Council, linking policy to real change.

Geneva, March 13 At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Stephanie Anjo Branco, a representative from Sambhali Trust, in her oral statement, during the General Debate under Item 3, highlighted how grassroots initiatives are playing a crucial role in translating human rights commitments into real change for marginalised communities.

Branco emphasised that the real impact of human rights progress should be measured not only through international agreements and legal frameworks but through improvements in people's everyday lives. She noted that meaningful progress is achieved when individuals at the community level gain access to education, safety, dignity and economic opportunities.

Drawing from Sambhali Trust's work in Rajasthan, Branco explained how community-driven programmes are helping vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, rebuild their lives. She pointed out that the organisation's Primary Education Centres and Sakhiyon Ki Baadi Centres are encouraging girls who had previously dropped out of school to return to education and continue their studies.

She also highlighted the role of Sambhali's Empowerment Centres, which provide vocational training and livelihood opportunities to women. These initiatives, she said, are helping women gain financial independence while restoring their self-confidence, dignity and better representation in society.

In her statement, Branco acknowledged the contribution of India's development-focused government initiatives that aim to improve education, nutrition, sanitation, housing and digital inclusion across the country. She referred to national programmes such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Poshan Abhiyaan, which support children's nutrition and encourage school attendance in all parts of the country.

According to Branco, such initiatives demonstrate how policy frameworks and grassroots efforts can work together to strengthen human rights outcomes. She concluded that every educated girl, every woman earning with dignity and every child growing up in a safer environment represents tangible evidence of the positive trajectory of India's development vision.

- ANI
Gujarat has officially begun the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Yoga Day with a curtain-raiser event in Gandhinagar. The campaign, led by the Gujarat State Yoga Board, aims to promote yoga through widespread classes and camps across all districts. Board Chairman Sheeshpal Rajput credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for globalizing the practice and highlighted the initiative's dual goals of health and youth employment. The program seeks to create a yoga-friendly environment across the state ahead of the global observance on June 21.

Gujarat begins a 100-day statewide yoga campaign ahead of International Yoga Day 2026, aiming to promote health and create employment.

Gandhinagar, March 13 The 100-day countdown to the 12th International Yoga Day has began with a curtain raiser event held at the New MLA Residence Complex in Gandhinagar on Friday.

The programme marked the launch of a statewide campaign by the Gujarat State Yoga Board to promote yoga ahead of June 21, when International Yoga Day will be observed worldwide.

The initiative was launched with the motto "Ek Kadam Yogamaya Vidhan Sabha," under the leadership of Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman of the Gujarat State Yoga Board, in the presence of several state MLAs. The inauguration ceremony took place at 6 am and marked the beginning of a campaign aimed at encouraging wider participation in yoga in both urban and rural areas of Gujarat.

Sheeshpal highlighted the significance of yoga and credited India's leadership for taking the practice to the global stage.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Yoga is a gift to the world from India. Due to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effort, 21 June is celebrated as International Yoga Day, and this is a very proud moment for Indians. Gujarat's Yoga Board is also working to promote yoga with 5 lakh yoga trainers, and we are running 500 free yoga classes."

"Today we started the 100-day countdown to International Yoga Day, and we do this every year. The Ayush Ministry and the Government of India are also making efforts to promote yoga. With that purpose, we inaugurated the 100-day countdown, which was successful with many MLAs attending the inauguration. We inaugurated it at 6 am," Sheeshpal said.

Highlighting the significance, he said, our aim is that in the coming 100 days, we will promote yoga so that it reaches every corner. Every city and village should set up yoga classes, and youths should also get employment through these classes. It will boost the economy and support GDP. Gujarat will become healthy and wealthy."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier proposed the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations, following which countries around the world accepted the proposal and declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, the day has been celebrated globally every year.

As part of this year's preparations, the Gujarat State Yoga Board will organise yoga camps across all districts and several taluka centres over the next 100 days. Through this campaign, the board aims to connect people with the ancient Indian practice and create a yoga-friendly environment across the state before the global observance on June 21.

The programme aims to encourage wider public participation in yoga and promote the vision of making Gujarat one of the healthiest states in the country.

- ANI
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied calling eight Odisha Congress MLAs to Bengaluru, though they are staying at a private resort ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. He stated the MLAs came on their own and that he would meet them after the state assembly session concludes. Congress officials in Odisha have issued a whip for MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar for the March 16 vote, with some expressing no contact with the absent legislators. The party has denied horse-trading, affirming support for their joint candidate, Datteswar Hota, in the upcoming elections.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar addresses resort politics as Odisha Congress MLAs stay in Bengaluru ahead of Rajya Sabha elections.

Bengaluru, March 13 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday denied calling Odisha Congress MLAs to Bengaluru ahead of the biennial Rajya Sabha elections while admitting that he would meet them later.

Eight Odisha Congress MLAs, including chief whip CS Raazen Ekka, reached Bengaluru and are staying at a private resort.

Although he did not subscribe to the cross-voting and Operation Kamal reports, Shivakumar said that resort politics was not new for him.

Speaking to reporters, the Karnataka Deputy CM said, "I have not called Odisha MLAs; they have come to Bengaluru. I will go and meet them after the session is over."

"I don't know why they have come. Our PCC president from that state (Odisha) called and asked that our MLAs come. I told him that it must be a party matter, so I will go and meet him myself. He wants to see Mysore. When he told me that we would come, I said come. He asked for a comfortable place to stay, so we have made arrangements for him," he added.

When asked whether the party has given you the task to prevent cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, he said, "We have to do what the party says. This happens in all states. This is nothing new. They asked for time to meet me. I have said that the session is in progress. Don't come here, I will come after the session is over."

"I don't know about this (Operation Kamal). They said that Bengaluru is safe, and therefore, they should come here and observe. I have not met them. They are our colleagues, when they said they would come and when the PCC president asked me about this, I said come. It is our duty to take care of them. I have been doing this since the Vilas Rao Deshmukh government. I have done this work many times, including Ahmed Patel's Rajya Sabha elections, Madhya Pradesh," Shivakumar added.

While six Odisha Congress MLAs reached Bengaluru on Thursday night, two more legislators have also arrived there.

Congress leader Battappa said that around 20 rooms have been booked at the resort for the legislators, their personal staff and family members. "Two more MLAs have reached the resort. A total of eight MLAs, including PCC members, are here. As per our President's order, we have booked around 20 rooms here. There are eight MLAs, including the PCC president of Odisha, along with their PS and family members, so we have booked around 20 rooms," he said.

Battappa further stated that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to visit the resort later in the day. "Our President, DK Shivakumar, will also come in the afternoon. As per our information, more MLAs may come here. That is why we have booked around 20 rooms," he added.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous said that they could not establish contact with the Odisha MLAs in Karnataka. She said," This morning, through the media, I found out that some MLAs have travelled outside the state. I have no information on it. Hence, I can't comment on it. Yesterday, a whip was issued directing all party MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar (for voting on March 16). Currently, we cannot establish any contact with them."

Denying horse-trading speculations, Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati said, "They (MLAs) have travelled to Bengaluru on their own will, not for horse-trading. No one should fear this. They will return in two days. We will vote for Dr Datteswar Hota. There is no chance of cross-voting."

In the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, the Congress, along with the Biju Janata Dal and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has decided to support a joint candidate, Datteshwar Hota. Four Upper House seats from the state are set to fall vacant in April.

The polling for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place on March 16, with counting of votes on the same day.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam, distributing PM-KISAN funds and unveiling development projects worth thousands of crores. BJP Assam President Dilip Saikia stated the visit reflects the PM's affection and dream for a developed Assam. PM Modi criticized the Congress party, accusing it of lacking commitment and spreading falsehoods. He highlighted the direct transfer of over 4.25 lakh crore to farmers nationwide since 2014.

PM Modi releases PM-KISAN funds, slams Congress in Assam. BJP MP says visit reflects PM's dream of a developed Assam. Over 19 lakh farmers benefit.

Guwahati, March 14 Assam Bharatiya Janata Party president Dilip Saikia said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit reflects his affection for the state, with the distribution of funds under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and schemes worth around Rs 50,000 crore.

Speaking to reporters here, Saikia said, "The Prime Minister has come today with a lot of love for Assam. The distribution of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (funds) and schemes worth around Rs 50,000 crore. Whenever the Prime Minister comes to Assam, he comes with a big package. His dream of making a developed Assam is a symbol of his love."

His remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released the 22nd instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme to over 9.3 crore farmers across the country, under which eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Addressing an event where he unveiled projects of Rs 19,480 crore in the poll-bound state, PM Modi slammed the Congress, accusing it of a "lack of commitment to the nation" and said it "remains focused on spreading misinformation and falsehoods".

"Just a little while ago, a message has reached the accounts of millions of farmers that the PM Samman Nidhi has been deposited. These are the same farmer brothers and sisters, most of whom did not have a mobile phone or any account in a bank before 2014. Today, more than Rs 4.25 lakh crore have been deposited in the accounts of millions of such farmers so far," he said.

Specifically, around 19 lakh farmers in Assam have received nearly Rs 8,000 crore to date. "This is something even the developed nations of the world cannot match. With one click, money reaches crores of farmers directly," he stressed.

Due to inclement weather, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for development works in Kokrajhar via video conferencing. He expressed apologies for not being able to visit in person and acknowledged the contributions of personalities like Bodofa Upendranath Brahma and Roopnath Brahma.

He affirmed, "It has always been my endeavour to repay this debt by serving you and developing this region."

- ANI
The Indian government's plan to sell a majority stake in IDBI Bank is likely to be cancelled after bids from Fairfax Financial Holdings and Emirates NBD reportedly fell short of the reserve price. The sale process, which has been ongoing for nearly three years, involved the government and LIC offloading a combined 60.72% stake with management control. IDBI Bank, which returned to profitability, recently posted a modest rise in quarterly net profit but saw a significant decline in net interest income. The strategic disinvestment was initially approved in 2021 with the aim of bringing in a buyer to infuse funds and new technology.

Government may scrap IDBI Bank stake sale after bids from Fairfax and Emirates NBD fall short of reserve price, ending a three-year process.

New Delhi, March 13 The government's efforts to sell a majority stake in IDBI Bank are likely to be scrapped, with both bids received below the reserve price, according to sources.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd and Emirates NBD were the two bidders for the IDBI Bank sale, but their offers were reportedly lower than the government's reserved price.

The IDBI Bank stake sale process has been ongoing for nearly three years.

In 2023, the government and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) decided to offload a little over 30 per cent each in IDBI Bank. They issued a preliminary information memorandum, inviting EoIs for an aggregate 60.72 per cent stake, along with management control.

The Government of India and LIC together own more than 94 per cent of the equity of IDBI Bank (government 45.48 per cent, LIC 49.24 per cent.

The Mumbai-headquartered bank returned to profitability in recent years. It reported a 1.4% rise in its standalone net profit to Rs 1,935.45 crore in the October-December quarter of 2025, compared to Rs 1,908.27 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

The lender's net interest income (NII) declined 24% to Rs 3,209.5 crore, compared to Rs 4,228.2 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

The bank reported a drop in net non-performing assets (NPA) from Rs 474.2 crore in the previous quarter to Rs 425.3 crore in the quarter ended on December 31, 2025.

In May 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment along with the transfer of management control in IDBI Bank.

It was expected that the strategic buyer would infuse funds, new technology and best management practices for optimal development of business potential and growth of IDBI Bank Ltd and would generate more business without any dependence on LIC and government assistance or funds.

- ANI
The India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund is celebrated as a pivotal vehicle for South-South cooperation, specifically advancing women's empowerment through development. Leaders from the three nations highlighted its success in supporting over 50 projects across nearly 40 countries since 2004. The fund operates on a demand-driven basis, allowing partner countries to identify their own needs, which reinforces Southern agency and sustainable development. Officials emphasized that empowering women is a concrete strategy for progress, citing projects from Uganda to Fiji that improve livelihoods and governance.

The IBSA Fund has supported over 50 projects in 40 countries, championing women-led development and South-South cooperation.

United Nations, March 13 The India-Brazil-South Africa Fund has emerged as a strong vehicle of South-South cooperation promoting women's empowerment through development, according to leaders from the three nations.

The Fund is "a far-sighted joint initiative of the government of India, Brazil and South Africa, that has proven its utility by supporting over 50 development assistance projects across close to 40 countries since its establishment in 2004", Savitri Thakur, India's Minister of State for Women and Child Development, said on Thursday.

"To walk the talk, we have supported many projects relating to the development of women", she said at an event commemorating the success stories of Women-Led Development and South-South Cooperation.

"South-South cooperation holds profound value for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls", said Sindisiwe Chikunga, South Africa's Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

She said that "at a time when multilateralism is under pressure and development finance is increasingly conditional and contested", the role of the IBSA Fund becomes important.

"In fact", she said, "IBSA Fund represents an opportunity for voices of emerging and developing economies to carry equal weight and be accountable to the people they serve".

She said that IBSA's significance for the Global South is that it "is proof and a proof of concept for a development paradigm that centres Southern agency, rejects dependency and demonstrates that countries that have themselves navigated post-colonial reconstruction must drive sustainable development".

India's Permanent Representative P Harish said, "Empowerment of women in enabling their effective contribution to our productive economies is the force multiplier".

"In a world where traditional aid architectures are under strain, where development assistance is increasingly fragmented, and where trust between the Global North and South is increasingly frayed, the IBSA Fund offers a trustworthy model that demonstrates the effectiveness of South-South solidarity", he said.

What sets it apart is that "the Fund operates on a demand-driven basis, meaning partner countries themselves identify their needs, reflecting the core principle of South-South cooperation", he said.

Brazil's Vice Minister for Women, Thalia Barbosa Rodrigues Neves, said, "There will be no truly sustainable or democratic development without the full participation of women".

"When women have access to income, to education, to land, to credit, technology, social protection and participate in the decision-making spaces, all of society moves forward", she said.

She cited the examples of IBSA Fund support for Ugandan women in agriculture to expand their food production, Fijian women to learn technologies that improve the health of their families, and female Liberian legislators to strengthen their role in governance.

"These experiences supported by the fund IBSA demonstrate that development led by women, in addition to being a social agenda that's very powerful, it's always also a concrete strategy for sustainable development", she said.

- IANS
The Indian Commerce Ministry has firmly denied media reports suggesting that talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States are on hold, stating both sides remain engaged. This comes after the two nations recently announced a framework for an Interim Agreement involving significant reciprocal tariff reductions. In a parallel development, the US Trump administration has initiated fresh "Section 301" investigations into alleged unfair trade practices by 16 partners, including India. These probes could lead to new tariffs by summer, even as both countries work towards a final trade deal.

India denies trade talks with US are on hold, reaffirms engagement for a deal. New US "Section 301" investigations target India, China, and others.

New Delhi, March 13 India and the United States remain engaged for a mutually beneficial trade agreement and there is no hold off in bilateral engagement, Commerce Ministry officials said on Friday.

The Commerce Ministry rejected reports in sections of the media that talks between India and the United States for a Bilateral Trade Arrangement are on hold.

"We have noted a media report regarding ongoing trade talks with the US. It is denied that there is any hold off in bilateral engagement. It is reiterated that the two sides remain engaged for a mutually beneficial trade agreement," the Commerce Ministry said.

The United States and India last month announced that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.

The framework reaffirmed the countries' commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, launched by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.

A joint statement said that the Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone "in our countries' partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes".

Under the key terms of the Interim Agreement, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.

The statement said the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 percent on originating goods of India, including textile and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery, and, subject to the successful conclusion of the Interim Agreement, will remove the reciprocal tariff on a wide range of goods, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts.

In a fresh development, the Donald Trump administration has initiated fresh investigations into alleged "unfair trade practice" by 16 major trading partners, including India, China, and Bangladesh. The move aims to reinstate tariff pressure following a US Supreme Court ruling last month that declared previous levies illegal.

These inquiries are being carried out under "Section 301" of the Trade Act of 1974. This legislation grants the US Trade Representative the authority to enforce tariffs or other punitive actions against nations found to be using unfair trade practices.US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that the investigations could result in new tariffs being applied to China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico by the coming summer.

The "excess capacity" probe also extends to several other partners, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland, and Norway.Notably, Canada, the second-largest trading partner of the US, was excluded from the list.

- ANI
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted India's crucial role as a partner in maintaining stable global oil prices amidst escalating tensions. He expressed grave concern over Iran's attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, targeting commercial vessels, including those with Indian casualties. Iran's military has warned of a crushing response if its energy infrastructure is targeted by US-Israel strikes. The situation presents a significant threat to regional stability and worldwide energy supplies.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor calls India a vital partner for global oil price stability amid Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade and escalating regional conflict.

New Delhi, March 13 US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has expressed concern over the situation at the Strait of Hormuz that can disrupt the energy supplies as the conflict in West Asia escalates and acknowledged that India plays a "vital role" in keeping oil prices stable around the world.

Addressing a session at the India Today conclave on Friday, Sergio Gor said, "Today we're in a situation where, unfortunately, Iran is trying to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians are recklessly targeting commercial vessels, including Indians who have unfortunately lost their lives through Iranian missiles and drones in the last few days, as recently as yesterday. And so it's we're frankly in a different environment. And so today India understands this. India's a vital partner to us to ensure that these prices remain stable around the world."

"And so frankly we appreciate India working with the United States and the global community in in ensuring that the price of oil remains stable around the world," he added.

Gor affirmed US President Donald Trump's commitment to stop Iran, outlining the threats of a nuclear Iran and condemning Tehran's attacks across the Gulf.

"The President's been very clear that we cannot have a nuclear Iran. And what you've seen now is on day one after the United States got involved in this conflict, the first thing Iran did is strike every one of their neighbours, left, right, up and down. And so there was not one person in the Gulf who has avoided this reckless and very dangerous and deadly behaviour, but they've expanded beyond that. They're hitting Azerbaijan, they're hitting Turkey. That's not somebody who's stable," he said

"Now imagine if that individual had a nuclear bomb. And so I think what the President is doing is bringing stability not just there, but to the whole region and frankly to the whole world," the US envoy added.

Meanwhile, Iran's military Headquarters the Khatam al-Anbiya has warned of dire consequences if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted by US-Israel strikes.

The spokesperson for Iran's military said, "The slightest attack on #Iran's energy infrastructure and ports will result in our crushing and devastating response. In the event of such an attack, all the oil and gas infrastructure in the region, in which the United States and its Western allies have interests, will be set on fire and destroyed."

Earlier, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, indicated that the closure of the Strait would remain a pressure tactic, according to remarks broadcast on Iranian state television.

"Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used," he said.

In recent days, Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes. Iran says vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail through safely.

- ANI
Elina Svitolina secured a dramatic three-set victory over top seed Iga Swiatek to advance to the Indian Wells semifinals. She will next face Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets. In the top half of the draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka progressed after a tough win over Victoria Mboko. Sabalenka will play Linda Noskova, keeping a potential final rematch with Rybakina from the Australian Open alive.

Elina Svitolina beats world No. 2 Iga Swiatek to reach the Indian Wells semifinals, where she will face Elena Rybakina. Aryna Sabalenka also advances.

Indian Wells, March 13 Elina Svitolina earned a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win in 2 hours and 9 minutes to send World No 2 Iga Swiatek packing and reach her second Indian Wells semifinal and first since 2019.

After splitting sets with Swiatek, the third set was a tightly contested shootout that went with serve until the No. 9-seeded Ukrainian broke for 5-4. She swiftly served out the match to earn her second win against the Pole in six meetings.



The victory was Svitolina's 11th career win against players ranked inside the Top 2, and her first such triumph since defeating Swiatek at Wimbledon in 2023.



With the victory, Svitolina earned just her second win over the current World No. 2 in six meetings at the WTA Tour level, having last defeated her at Wimbledon in 2023. Since 2016, when she upset Serena Williams at the Rio Olympics.



Only Elena Rybakina (14) has earned more wins over Top 2 players than Svitolina (11). The result also marks her tour-leading 19th win of 2026, WTA reports.



In the semifinals, she'll face Rybakina, who ended Jessica Pegula's run of seven straight semifinals with a 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory. Svitolina is 3-3 against Rybakina and won their most recent meeting, in Madrid last season, in straight sets.



With Rybakina joining a semifinal quartet that also includes Aryna Sabalenka in the top half, a rematch of this year's Australian Open final is still in play.



Earlier, No. 1 seed Sabalenka came through a marquee encounter with No. 10 seed Victoria Mboko, advancing 7-6(0), 6-4 to her third career semifinal at the tournament.



The World No. 1 has now reached six consecutive semifinals on the WTA Tour; her last loss before that round was in the Cincinnati quarterfinals last August to Rybakina.



Sabalenka's quest for a first Indian Wells title will continue against No. 14 seed Linda Noskova, who defeated qualifier Talia Gibson 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.





- IANS
Karan Adani emphasized that integrated infrastructure platforms are critical national assets for India's trade and energy security, especially amid global supply chain disruptions. The Adani Group plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore annually over five years in greenfield projects across renewables, ports, airports, and logistics. By 2030, the group aims to double its port capacity to 1,200 MMT and expand its renewable energy capacity from 18 GW to 50 GW. He highlighted that resilient supply chains and purpose-driven growth, inspired by group leadership, are central to supporting India's long-term economic development.

Karan Adani outlines Adani Group's massive infrastructure investment plan to strengthen India's logistics, trade routes, and renewable energy capacity.

New Delhi, March 14 Resilient supply chains and integrated infrastructure are critical as global trade faces repeated disruptions, Karan Adani, Managing Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, has said and noted that infrastructure platforms built by the Adani Group are national assets that strengthen India's trade, logistics and energy security.

Speaking at the India Today conclave, he said Adani Group's long-term aspiration is to become the country's most efficient logistics provider and among the cheapest generators of power while maintaining strong corporate governance.

He said the ongoing crisis in West Asia has highlighted the vulnerability of global trade routes passing through key maritime choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca. Disruptions along these corridors can quickly ripple across global supply chains, reinforcing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure and diversified trade networks.

Karan Adani added that the infrastructure platforms built by the Adani Group are national assets that strengthen India's trade, logistics and energy security.

Speaking during a fireside conversation at the conclave, Karan Adani said disruptions since 2020 -- from the Covid-19 pandemic to geopolitical conflicts -- have reshaped global trade and supply chain strategies.

"Supply chains have faced continuous shocks over the past few years. In such an environment, countries must build strong logistics networks and resilient infrastructure," he said.

Karan Adani said the Adani Group's infrastructure strategy reflects this paradigm shift. By building platforms across ports, logistics, energy and airports, the Group aims to strengthen India's capacity to support trade, manufacturing and economic growth.

"We strongly believe in the India story. We know the assets we are building and the role they can play in the country's future," he said.

Reducing logistics costs remains a key priority. Stronger integration between ports, transport utilities, airports and logistics networks can significantly improve supply chain efficiency. "Once infrastructure is built, trade follows," he said.

To support this vision, the Adani Group plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore in greenfield infrastructure projects annually over the next five years, spanning renewable energy, transmission, airports, logistics and data centres.

Renewables remain a core capability for the Group, alongside emerging technologies such as battery storage. The Group is also expanding its presence in materials such as cement, aluminium, copper and defence manufacturing, sectors that support large-scale infrastructure development.|

In aviation, the Group plans to increase passenger handling capacity across its airport network from 100 million to about 200 million by 2030.

With APSEZ operating international assets including Haifa Port in Israel, the company has had to adapt to shifting trade patterns while maintaining cargo operations.

Karan Adani, who is also Director, Adani Cement, said many global companies are increasingly moving towards regional supply chains to improve resilience.

Looking ahead, the Adani portfolio aims by 2030 to double port capacity from 600 million metric tonnes (MMT) to 1,200 MMT, expand renewable energy capacity from 18 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts (GW), and increase thermal power generation from 17 GW to 45 GW.

Karan Adani said growth must also be guided by values. "Speed and scale are important, but empathy and responsibility are equally essential," he said, echoing Chairman Gautam Adani's emphasis on purpose-driven leadership.

He acknowledged the influence of both his parents, describing the Chairman's leadership as a constant inspiration and highlighting the stellar social work of Dr Priti Adani through the Adani Foundation in education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

"Our focus remains clear," he said. "We believe deeply in the India story and are committed to building assets that contribute to the country's long-term development."

Answering a query, Karan Adani said the Adani Group is very focused.

"If you look at the group, we are in three big verticals, if I have to club it. The first is the whole energy piece, where as a group we believe that we have to generate energy which is cheapest for the consumer. To prioritize what the government is looking from a long-term perspective. So, that's where in the energy vertical, we are fully integrated--whether it's the transmission, distribution, generation. In generation, it is thermal, we started renewable, now we are starting battery storage. So basically, we keep developing and focus on the energy that is our core competence and obviously next is the data center that we've just announced," he said.

"The second big part of the group is the whole ports, logistics, transport utility...And the third big vertical for the group is the whole materials and science part...even the defence--that falls part of the materials business. That's how you should look at the Group. We are very focused, we know where our core competency is, and that's how we are structured," he added.

- ANI
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials made a high-profile public appearance at an International Quds Day rally in Tehran, their first since the late February airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The rally demonstrated public defiance as citizens flooded the streets despite ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes, with casualties still unconfirmed. Iran has presented three clear conditions for ending the conflict: recognition of its rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression. President Pezeshkian asserts that Tehran remains committed to peace but will not agree to a ceasefire without these concrete assurances from Washington and Tel Aviv.

President Masoud Pezeshkian and top Iranian officials appear at Tehran rally, demanding rights recognition and reparations to end conflict with US, Israel.

Tehran, March 13 Several top Iranian politicians and officials, including country's President Masoud Pezeshkian, attended an International Quds Day rally in Tehran on Friday, marking their most high-profile public appearance since the joint US-Israel airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials on February 28.

Videos shared by local media showed Pezeshkian greeting people on the streets of Tehran and even stopping to take pictures with them during the rally.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi; Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mohammad Mokhber; Iran's police chief, Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Radan; Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani; and, Head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran Mohammad Eslami were among several top officials who participated in the rally, Iran's official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

People of Iran flooded the streets despite ongoing airstrikes by the US and Israeli forces, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported. The authorities have not yet revealed the number of casualties from these airstrikes.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Iran has laid down three key conditions for ending the conflict, including recognition of its rights and compensation for the damage caused during the war.

On March 11, Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to peace but asserted that the conflict can only end if its demands are accepted by Washington and Tel Aviv.

In a statement posted on social media, Pezeshkian said that Iran's position on ending the war was clear.

"The only way to end this war -- ignited by the Zionist regime and the US -- is recognising Iran's legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression," Pezeshkian said.

Tehran has maintained that the conflict began after attacks by the United States and Israel and has insisted that it will not agree to a ceasefire without concrete assurances regarding its security and rights.

- IANS
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi participated in a major march in Tehran to mark International Quds Day, stating Iran would stand firm against attacks. Thousands gathered, carrying flags and portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to protest recent joint US-Israel strikes. The annual event, established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, expresses support for Palestine and opposition to Israeli occupation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called for active public participation, framing it as a key display of national unity and strength.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi marches on Quds Day, vowing Iran will never cower. Thousands protest US-Israel strikes, showing solidarity with Palestine.

Tehran, March 14 Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi joined a march in Iran to mark the International Quds Day and said that Iran would stand firm and not cower in the face of attacks.

In a post on X, Araghchi said, "Proud and honored to have accompanied the Strong and Resilient People of Iran to mark International Quds Day. Iranians will ALWAYS stand firm and NEVER cower before cowardly attacks. Video: Reaction of demonstrators when Tehran was bombed today is nightmare for aggressors."

Thousands of people on Friday gathered in Tehran on the occasion of Youm-e-Quds day and held protest marches condemning the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israel strikes on February 28.

Visuals shared by the state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), showed large crowds taking to the streets carrying Iranian flags and portraits of Khamenei while chanting slogans condemning the US and Israel.

Demonstrators described the strikes as acts of aggression and voiced anger over the escalating conflict in the region.

Youm-e-Quds is an annual international day held on the last Friday of Ramzan to express support for Palestine and oppose the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Large rallies are held, usually beginning after the Friday prayers.

Iran's first supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, established Quds Day in 1979 shortly after the Iranian Revolution to show solidarity with Palestinians and reject Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem. It has since become a symbol of resistance, as per Al Jazeera.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also called on citizens to participate actively in Quds Day events, describing the occasion as a symbol of support for the Palestinian cause and oppressed people around the world.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Quds Day represents solidarity with Palestine and emphasised the importance of public participation in national events.

Referring to the country's leadership, the Iranian President said the people's awareness and presence play a key role in ensuring the country's strength and urged citizens to demonstrate unity and resilience through their participation, saying such presence would disappoint Iran's adversaries.

"Quds Day is a manifestation of support for the cause of Palestine and the defence of the oppressed peoples of the world. In emulation of the Supreme Leader, who, in his message, emphasised the presence and insight of the people and regarded it as the guarantor of the country's power. I invite the dear people of the country to more enthusiastically than in past days, through their presence in the field, disappoint the enemies of Iran," Pezeshkian said.

- ANI
The Israel Defence Forces confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, prompting the activation of air defence systems to intercept the threat. The Israeli military issued emergency alerts to mobile phones, instructing the public in relevant areas to seek shelter in protected spaces. Iranian state media reported that the missiles struck targets in "occupied territories," specifically naming the Nevatim Airbase. In a related development, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have shot down several drones, while a group in Iraq announced a bounty for US personnel.

Iran launches missiles toward Israeli territory. IDF confirms interceptions, issues public safety alerts. Iranian media claims strikes on Nevatim Airbase.

Tel Aviv, March 14 Missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of Israel, prompting air defence systems to intercept the threat, the Israel Defence Forces said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the Israeli military said missiles had been detected heading toward Israeli territory and that defence systems were activated to counter them.

"The IDF has identified that a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas," the Israeli Air Force (IAF) said.

The IAF urged the public to follow safety instructions and move to protected spaces when alerts are issued. It also said the Home Front Command had sent emergency alerts to mobile phones in affected areas, instructing residents to remain in protected spaces until further notice.

It added, "The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives--they save lives. One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with the Home Front Command's directives."

Meanwhile, Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV reported that Iranian missiles had struck targets in the "occupied territories", including the Nevatim Airbase in Israel.

Press TV also reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have successfully shot down five "US-Israeli drones" over several Iranian cities within three hours using an advanced air defence system.

According to Iranian state media, the intercepted aircraft included Hermes UAV, Orbiter 4 and MQ-9 Reaper drones.

Press TV further said several drones from Iran had been launched toward the US-Israeli bases in the region.

In a separate development, the group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced a reward of 150 million Iraqi dinars for information leading to the killing or arrest of senior US military officials, intelligence personnel, or agents, according to Press TV.

Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that all six crew members aboard the US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have died.

- ANI
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is accelerating an elaborate honeytrap operation aimed at extracting highly classified information from India's senior defence officials. The spy network focuses on intelligence related to future defence procurements, drone technology, and sensitive communications. Recent intelligence indicates the ISI plans to establish operational modules within India, recruiting agents in key regions like Delhi and the Northeast with substantial financial incentives. Indian security agencies are on high alert, working to dismantle this espionage network which has been in planning since 2018.

Intelligence reveals Pakistan's ISI planning a major honeytrap spy network within India, targeting senior defence officials for sensitive information.

New Delhi, March 13 The ISI is engaging India in an unconventional battle whereby it is using social media to pull out sensitive information.

Setting up modules to honeytrap officials is not new; the Indian agencies have learnt that the ISI is on overdrive mode this time.

Pakistan has laid traps to dig out sensitive information several times. However, this time around, the primary focus has been on procuring information about India's defence sector.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the pattern that they have been noticing is that the ISI is not looking to trap army personnel of smaller ranks. The official said that the ISI is aiming to set traps for higher-ranking officials since they have access to very sensitive information.

Recent cases have shown that Pakistan has been trying to pull out information relating to the future defence procurements, drone technology and also sensitive communications between top-ranking officials and defence ministry personnel.

Another official said that the ISI does not want to continue running this module from Pakistan. It plans to set up centres within India. Moles in India have been instructed to recruit women in Delhi, the Northeast and Uttar Pradesh to participate in these modules.

In addition to this, the ISI wants to recruit scores of agents across the country. The idea is to have agents positioned at sensitive areas, with the main focus being on the defence sectors, the official added.

Officials say that the plan has been in the making since 2018. Modules had been set up in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Members of these modules have been scouting for recruits for a long time. However, these modules had slowed down operations owing to multiple busts by the Indian agencies.

While there was a lull for some time, Indian agencies have noticed plenty of activity in recent months. The agents that the ISI has been looking to recruit are being offered huge sums of money. Officials say that the budgetary allotment that the ISI has made for this operation is huge. This is because it wants to rope in high-ranking personnel so that the information that they will try and elicit will be highly classified and top-notch.

India's Intelligence agencies remain on very high alert, and all attempts are being made to ensure that this mega plan by the ISI does not go through.

- IANS
Actor Jordana Brewster has been cast in a key role in Prime Video's upcoming thriller drama series 'Bishop'. She will play Kat Claiborne, a seasoned inspector with the San Francisco Police Department. The series stars Joel Kinnaman as a homicide detective hunting a killer targeting the city's wealthy elite, with John Malkovich playing his powerful father. The show is co-created and executive produced by Little Marvin and Tony Saltzman.

Jordana Brewster joins Joel Kinnaman and John Malkovich in the new Prime Video thriller 'Bishop,' playing a seasoned police inspector.

Los Angeles, March 13 Actor Jordana Brewster will be seen in a key role in Prime Video's series 'Bishop'.

Joel Kinnaman, John Malkovich and Jennifer Jason Leigh also feature in Bishop, Prime Video's upcoming thriller drama series from co-creators Little Marvin and Tony Saltzman, Vertigo and Amazon MGM Studios, Deadline reported.



In Bishop, homicide detective Bishop Graves (Kinnaman) - brilliant, battle-scarred - will put all of his skills to the test in the hunt for an elusive killer targeting San Francisco's moneyed class. As this increasingly audacious killer develops a devoted following among the city's powerless, Bishop becomes convinced these murders connect back to SF's most powerful man, his own father, Lincoln Graves (Malkovich).



Brewster will essay the role of Kat Claiborne, a seasoned inspector at the San Francisco Police Department. Leigh plays Lincoln Graves' sister, and aunt to Bishop.



Little Marvin serves as showrunner of Bishop, which he and Saltzman executive produce alongside Roy Lee and Vertigo's Miri Yoon.





- ANI
The DMK has finalized seat-sharing agreements with key allies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK) will contest two seats, while the MDMK will contest four constituencies, three of which will use the DMK's "Rising Sun" symbol. The Congress party has been allotted 28 Assembly constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat. Meanwhile, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin launched a sharp attack on the NDA and BJP, framing the election as a contest between the DMK and a "Delhi team."

DMK finalizes seat-sharing with allies KMDK, MDMK, and Congress for Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. CM Stalin attacks NDA, calling elections a fight against "Delhi team."

Chennai, March 13 The Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi, a key constituent of the Secular Progressive Alliance, on Friday finalised securing two constituencies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

This comes after a discussion between DMK president, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi General Secretary E. R. Eswaran.

The agreement was reached following a high-level meeting between the top leadership of both parties.

Meanwhile, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) will contest on four seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls after an agreement was reached with the ruling DMK.

A discussion was held today between DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko regarding seat-sharing arrangements.

During the meeting, it was decided that the MDMK, which is part of the Secular Progressive Alliance, will contest in four (4) Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

Of these, the party will contest in three constituencies using the DMK's "Rising Sun" symbol, and in one constituency using the symbol allotted to the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Congress and DMK had also reached a seat-sharing arrangement where the former will contest 28 Assembly constituencies and will be allocated one seat in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has a total of 234 elected seats.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a sharp attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of pursuing policies that are "against Tamil Nadu."

Speaking at the DMK's State Level Conference at Siruganur, Stalin said the upcoming election would be a contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and what he described as the "Delhi team," asserting that the NDA had no place in the state's politics.

He also alleged that the BJP was attempting to gradually dominate the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), claiming the party had effectively "mortgaged itself" to the BJP.

- ANI
The Lok Sabha has approved the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, enabling an additional 2.01 lakh crore in government expenditure for the current financial year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the spending will not push the fiscal deficit beyond the target, which remains at 4.4% of GDP. Major allocations include 1 lakh crore to establish an Economic Stabilisation Fund to buffer against global shocks, alongside significant subsidies for fertilisers and food security. The demands were passed by voice vote amid opposition protests over LPG availability linked to the West Asia crisis.

Parliament approves extra spending for FY26, including a 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund, with fiscal deficit target unchanged.

New Delhi, March 13 The Lok Sabha on Friday approved the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants, which will enable the government to spend an additional Rs 2.01 lakh crore in the current financial year.

The government had sought approval to spend a gross additional amount of Rs 2.81 lakh crore. However, with estimated additional receipts of Rs 80,000 crore during the current fiscal year, the net additional cash spending stands at Rs 2.01 lakh crore.

In her reply to the debate in the House, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new spending will not push the fiscal deficit beyond the government's target. "There is no increase in expenditure beyond the BE of 2025-26 due to the second Supplementary Demand for Grants," she said.

The supplementary demands include grants for spending on setting up an Economic Stabilisation Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore. The Parliament's approval was also sought for an extra spending of Rs 19,230 crore towards fertilisers' subsidy and Rs 23,641 crore for subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Other major expenditure heads include Rs 41,822 crore for the defence ministry.

"The Rs 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund will give fiscal headroom to allow India to respond to global headwinds," Sitharaman said.

She said the fund will act as a buffer to absorb shocks arising due to unforeseen global challenges, such as the ongoing Iran war.

The Finance Minister assured that there would be no shortage of fertilisers for farmers, and adequate provision has been made in the supplementary demands for grants.

The supplementary demands were passed through a voice vote in the Lok Sabha amid disruptions. Opposition members protested over the availability of LPG in the country against the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia crisis. Soon after the passage of the demands, the House was adjourned for the day.

According to the Revised Estimates for 2025-26, the fiscal deficit remains unchanged at 4.4 per cent of GDP, which is the same level projected in the Budget Estimates.

- IANS
The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, stated that while Operation Epic Fury has rendered the Iranian navy "combat ineffective," Iran retains the capability to threaten friendly forces and commercial shipping. He detailed unprecedented military strikes, including over 6000 targets hit and the historic use of precision missiles. The conflict escalated following the US-Israeli killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern, urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic dialogue.

Top US military officials detail Operation Epic Fury progress, stating Iran's navy is "combat ineffective" but threats to commercial shipping persist.

Washington DC, March 13 US Joint Chiefs Chair Gen Dan Caine on Friday shared updates from Operation Epic Fury and said that while the US continues to attack Iran, the country still has the capability to harm "friendly forces and commercial shipping".

He made the remarks during a joint press briefing with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

Gen Dan Caine said, "In less than 2 weeks, we have rendered the Iranian navy combat ineffective and continue to attack naval vessels, including all of their Soleimani class warships, which were armed with anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft weapons. We've made progress but Iran still has the capability to harm friendly forces and commercial shipping and our work on this effort continues. "

He further shared, "We have attacked over 6000 targets and our strike packages continue to launch every hour and we have maintained an unprecedented number of sorties up overhead of Iran."

Gen Dan Caine added that as the US moves into the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury, today would be the heaviest day of "kinetic fire" across the operating area.

He added, "In just the first 13 days of this operation, our artillery forces have made history. They fired the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat, reaching deep into enemy territory. They've used Army ATACMS to sink multiple ships, including a submarine."

Meanwhile, Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "We are on a plan to defeat, destroy, disable all of Iran's meaningful military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before."

The remarks by Gen Caine and Hegseth come as joint US-Israeli military operations resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, escalating tensions across West Asia and the Gulf. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.

In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations.

- ANI
Model to be replicated in other states

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will inaugurate a Samriddhi Kendra in Umri village, Guna district, as part of a Department of Telecommunications pilot project. The centre aims to be a one-stop hub combining physical facilities with digital services to improve access in rural areas. It will provide services across sectors like education, agriculture, health, telemedicine, and e-governance, leveraging BharatNet's high-speed connectivity. The pilot, also running in villages in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, is designed to create a replicable model for strengthening rural digital ecosystems.

Union Minister Scindia inaugurates a pilot Samriddhi Kendra in Umri village, blending physical and digital services to transform rural access.

New Delhi, March 13 Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will inaugurate a Samriddhi Kendra in Umri village of Madhya Pradesh's Guna district on March 14, it was informed on Friday.

This initiative is the part of a pilot project by the Department of Telecommunications to demonstrate how villages can benefit from integrated physical and digital services.

It aims to combine physical facilities with digital services to improve access to essential services in rural areas.

The centre in Umri village will function as a one-stop service hub located in the Panchayat Bhawan.

During the visit, the minister will review demonstrations of various services offered at the centre and interact with local beneficiaries.

He will also inaugurate a health check-up and cataract awareness initiative and address a public gathering.

According to the government, the initiative is designed to showcase how high-speed digital infrastructure created under BharatNet can be used to deliver integrated citizen services at the village level.

BharatNet is one of the world's largest rural broadband programmes and aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to villages across India.

The Samriddhi Kendra in Umri will provide services across multiple sectors including education and skill development, agriculture support, health and telemedicine, e-governance services, financial inclusion, e-commerce, digital connectivity, and surveillance and safety.

The Umri project is part of a larger pilot initiative that also includes villages in two other states.

These include Narakoduru in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district and Chaurawala in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district.

Each Samriddhi Kendra will serve several nearby villages within a five-kilometre radius and represents different demographic settings.

The pilot programme is being implemented by the Department of Telecommunications with support from the Digital Empowerment Foundation, which is acting as the field operations and community mobilisation partner.

Officials said the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot will help the government understand how integrated service delivery models can be built using BharatNet connectivity.

The initiative is also expected to create a replicable model for strengthening rural digital service ecosystems by bringing together connectivity infrastructure, service delivery platforms and community participation.

- IANS
Yaye, an Aboriginal-owned skincare brand from Darwin, has won the inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award at Power Retails All Star Bash.

Whats happening: At its 11th annual All Star Bash held in Melbourne on 12 March 2026, Power Retail introduced the Top First Nations Small Business Award for the first time, developed in partnership with Aboriginal Retail Australia.

Why this matters: For First Nations small business owners operating in retail and e-commerce, the award represents the first time a major industry body has formally recognised their contribution and entrepreneurship alongside Australias leading retail brands.

A Darwin-based skincare brand that draws on traditional Aboriginal bush medicines has made retail history, winning the inaugural Top First Nations Small Business Award at Power Retails All Star Bash in Melbourne on 12 March 2026.

Yaye, a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned brand of bath and skincare products, took out the new category on its first appearance, recognised for its commitment to building across e-commerce, data and wholesale markets over the past 12 months.

A historic first for retail recognition

The award was introduced this year for the first time, developed by Power Retail in partnership with Aboriginal Retail Australia. Its purpose, as the organisers describe it, is to champion First Nations-led enterprises driving both commercial success and community impact through e-commerce.

Liz Liddle, Chair of Aboriginal Retail Australia, said the award sets a new benchmark for inclusion and recognition across the retail sector. For the first time, First Nations retailers are being recognised through an industry award that acknowledges the contribution and entrepreneurship of First Nations brands, Liddle said. Celebrating First Nations retailers alongside Australias leading brands helps drive opportunity.

The All Star Bash, now in its eleventh year, is widely regarded as Australias biggest retail industry celebration. This years event was held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne and hosted by Merrick Watts, with more than 300 submissions assessed across all categories by a judging panel of leading retail experts.

What Yaye built

Yaye is a Darwin-based business built around bath and skincare products that incorporate bush medicines, drawing on traditional Aboriginal knowledge and ingredients. Over the past year, the brand focused on strengthening its e-commerce foundations, building out its data capability and expanding into wholesale markets, the combination of which made it the standout entry in the inaugural category.

Liddle described the win as a reflection of the brands consistency and ambition. The winner, Yaye, a Darwin based skincare business utilising bush medicines, demonstrated outstanding commitment over the past 12 months to development across ecommerce, data and building wholesale markets, she said. We cant wait to see how this award creates more visibility and growth for Yaye.

Why the award matters

For First Nations entrepreneurs operating in retail and e-commerce, formal industry recognition of this kind has been largely absent until now. Being celebrated on the same stage as Kmart, Myer, Bunnings and the other brands that dominate Australias retail landscape is a signal that the industry is beginning to broaden its definition of who belongs in the conversation.

The award also has a practical dimension. Visibility in industry awards creates commercial opportunities, opens wholesale conversations and builds the kind of credibility that helps small businesses grow faster than organic word of mouth alone. For a brand like Yaye, which is already building deliberately across multiple channels, that visibility could accelerate what is already in motion.

The introduction of the First Nations award was one of several new categories Power Retail added to this years All Star Bash, alongside recognition for viral moments and AI innovation, reflecting how rapidly the retail landscape is shifting. That Yaye was the first brand to win the award, and did so by demonstrating genuine commercial progress rather than simply existing, sets a strong precedent for what the category is designed to celebrate.

For more information, visit https://powerretail.com.au/events/all-star-bash/

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US Vice President JD Vance announced a military operation, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', with the explicit goal of preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. He called on Americans to pray for troops deployed overseas, acknowledging they are in harm's way. Separately, former President Donald Trump stated the US is "decimating" Iran, claiming it has been hit harder than any country since World War II. Trump also commented on the status of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting he was alive but likely injured.

VP JD Vance announces Operation Epic Fury, a military mission to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, as Trump claims to be "decimating" Iran.

North Carolina, March 14 US vice president JD Vance on Friday said that his country was engaged in a military operation, officially known as 'Operation Epic Fury', to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, while also urging Americans to pray for the troops deployed overseas.

While delivering remarks in Rocky Mount, Vance said the objective of the operation was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

"You all know that right now we are engaged in a military operation to ensure, as the President has said repeatedly, that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," Vance said.

He added that previous US presidents expressed similar concerns in the past, but said that Donald Trump had taken concrete steps to ensure that Tehran does not obtain nuclear arms.

"That is a simple, simple principle and standard, frankly, every President said that they believed it. Donald J Trump has taken affirmative steps to ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," he said.

Vance also acknowledged the risks faced by American troops deployed abroad and called on the audience to pray for the service members.

"But we also know that there are a lot of people from the state of North Carolina who are in harm's way right now. And so I want all of us when we go home, we leave this event, I want all of us to say a prayer, not just for the North Carolinians, but for the people of all of our 50 states who put on the uniform and are willing to sacrifice for the safety and security and freedom of the United States of America," he said, urging people to pray for service members from all 50 states who are serving overseas.

He said Americans should show support to those "willing to sacrifice for the safety, security and freedom of the United States of America."

Earlier, US president Donald Trump told Fox News that he thinks Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was alive but injured. He added that the US was 'decimating' Iran, adding that the Persian Gulf country has been hit harder than anyone else since World War 2.

Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News on the Brian Kilmeade Show. When asked if he thinks Iran's new supreme leader was alive, Trump said, "He probably is. I think he's damaged, but I think he's probably alive in some form".

When asked about his message to Mojtaba Khamenei in the wake of his recent remarks, which hinted towards the continuation of the conflict and the use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, Trump told Fox News, "They've been doing a lot of talking, so he's going to have to put up. We'll have to see -- because we are decimating them. We have knocked down most of their missiles, many of their drones, lot of manufacturing areas. We're hitting them harder than anybody's been hit since World War 2.

- ANI
Eight Congress MLAs from Odisha are now staying at the Wonderla resort near Bengaluru, with party leader Battappa confirming the booking of around 20 rooms for legislators and their entourages. The move is a strategic shift to prevent potential cross-voting in the upcoming biennial Rajya Sabha elections. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President DK Shivakumar is expected to visit the resort to oversee the arrangements. The Congress is supporting a joint candidate, Datteshwar Hota, with allied parties for one of four vacant Upper House seats from Odisha.

8 Odisha Congress MLAs moved to a Bengaluru resort amid cross-voting fears for Rajya Sabha polls. DK Shivakumar to visit. Details inside.

Bengaluru, March 13 Two more Congress MLAs from Odisha reached the Wonderla resort near Bengaluru on Friday, taking the total number of legislators staying at the resort to eight amid the speculations of cross-voting in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections.

Congress leader Battappa said that around 20 rooms have been booked at the resort for the legislators, their personal staff and family members. "Two more MLAs have reached the Wonderla resort. A total of eight MLAs, including PCC members, are here. As per our President's order, we have booked around 20 rooms here in Wonderla. There are eight MLAs, including the PCC president of Odisha, along with their PS and family members, so we have booked around 20 rooms," he said.

Battappa further stated that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is expected to visit the resort later in the day. "Our President, DK Shivakumar, will also come in the afternoon. As per our information, more MLAs may come here. That is why we have booked around 20 rooms," he added.

He also said that the initial plan was to arrange accommodation in another resort, but it could not be done due to renovation work. "We were supposed to book rooms in another resort as renovation is going on, so we booked here in this resort. Rooms are booked till the 15th of this month. We do not know for what reason and why they have come here," Battappa said.

The development comes amid speculation of cross-voting ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. Earlier, six Odisha Congress MLAs, including chief whip CS Raazen Ekka, had reached Bengaluru along with their families.

In the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, the Congress, along with the Biju Janata Dal and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has decided to support a joint candidate, Datteshwar Hota. Four Upper House seats from the state are set to fall vacant in April.

- ANI
The Madhya Pradesh government has approved a revised stipend structure for junior resident doctors in state medical colleges, effective April 1, 2025. The increase, based on a Consumer Price Index factor, raises monthly stipends for postgraduate students and interns. The decision follows protests organized by the Junior Doctors' Association demanding implementation of a promised revision. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla stated the move aims to support junior doctors who play a leading role in providing continuous healthcare services.

Madhya Pradesh increases stipends for resident doctors & interns from April 2025 following protests. See the new salary structure details here.

Bhopal, March 13 In a significant decision, the Madhya Pradesh government has approved revised stipend for the junior resident doctors in the government-run medical colleges and hospitals in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Friday.

He added that the revised stipend structure has been implemented from April 1, 2025, reflecting an increase in the stipends of junior doctors working in the state's medical colleges based on a Consumer Price Index (CPI) factor of 2.94.

Deputy Chief Minister Shukla, who looks after the health and medical education departments in the state, expressed confidence that junior doctors would play a significant role, with complete dedication, in empowering and fortifying the state's healthcare services.

"In medical colleges and their affiliated hospitals, they do not merely complete their medical training; junior doctors also play a leading role in providing continuous healthcare services to patients. Keeping the interests of junior doctors in mind, revised stipend has been approved by the medical education department," he said in a statement.

Under the revised structure, the stipend for first-year postgraduation students has been raised from Rs 75,444 to Rs 77,662; for second-year students from Rs 77,764 to Rs 80,050; and for third-year students from Rs 80,086 to Rs 82,441.

Similarly, the stipend for interns has been increased from Rs 13,928 to Rs 14,337.

The stipends for the first, second, and third years of Super Specialty medical courses have also been increased and fixed at Rs 82,441.

Likewise, the stipend for senior resident doctors has been increased from Rs 88,210 to Rs 90,803, while the stipend for junior resident doctors has been fixed at Rs 63,324.

The approval came following the junior doctors from across Madhya Pradesh staged a protest organised by the Junior Doctors' Association (JUDA), demanding implementation of a stipend revision promised under a June 7, 2021, government order.

The strike was called off after Deputy Chief Minister Shukla during a meeting with a JUDA delegation in Jabalpur on March 10.

- IANS
Swedish filmmaker Nathan Grossman's new documentary, 'Amazomania,' investigates the 1996 filming of Brazil's isolated Korubo tribe during their first contact with the outside world. The film uses archival footage from Swedish journalist Erling Soderstrom to re-examine the ethics and long-term repercussions of that encounter. It traces the complex relationship between the journalist, the media, and the Korubo people over three decades. The Korubo community is directly involved as stakeholders and executive producers, sharing in the film's proceeds.

Nathan Grossman's documentary re-examines the 1996 filming of Brazil's isolated Korubo people and its long-term consequences. Trailer out.

Brasilia, March 13 The Swedish filmmaker Nathan Grossman has returned to feature filmmaking with 'Amazomania', a documentary about Brazil's Korubo people. The documentary is set to debut at this year's Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival.

According to Variety, the film's official synopsis reads, "In 1996, a Brazilian official and the Swedish journalist, Erling Soderstrom, ventured into the Amazon to document the isolated Korubo people caught in escalating land conflicts. Initially hailed as unique images from a hidden world, the footage now warrants reexamination. Uncovering the costs of 'discovery', the film confronts the colonial legacy and exposes the long-term repercussions for the Korubo."

"What consequences did it have for the Korubo people to, on the first day of their contact, be filmed and photographed?" Grossman pondered in his director's statement, as quoted by Deadline.

"With Amazomania, I allow the viewer to share Erling's gaze upon the Korubo and the Korubo's gaze back at him thirty years later. The film is an uncommented journey through the times, with stops at 1996, 2003, and 2023. It is my examination of the complex relationship between the Swede, the media, and the Korubo, from the well-documented October day in 1996 when the Korubo exited their isolation, until today," added Grossman as quoted by Deadline.

The Autlook Film Sales shared the trailer of the documentary on their YouTube channel.

According to Deadline, the development of the project began in 2020 when Nathan Grossman heard about the existence of Erling Soderstrom's archive. An agreement was formed with Soderstrom to license the material for a new film, with Grossman gaining full creative control.

The Korubo community is a stakeholder and serves as executive producers on Amazomania. The producer's proceeds will be shared 50/50 with the group.

The documentary will be screened at CPH: DOX on March 16.

- ANI
A Gujarat minister cited historical letters showing former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's opposition to the Somnath Temple's reconstruction and consecration, which he termed "Hindu revivalism." The minister contrasted this with the efforts of leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel and Kanhaiyalal Munshi in rebuilding the shrine. He highlighted the temple's modern transformation and expanded facilities under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state Assembly unanimously passed a private resolution celebrating the temple's heritage, with year-long national programs planned until 2027.

Gujarat Minister cites Nehru's letters opposing Somnath temple consecration as "Hindu revivalism" and "improper expenditure" in the state Assembly.

Gandhinagar, March 13 Gujarat Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja, on Friday, cited historical letters of former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru in the state Assembly while speaking on a private resolution on 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', saying the correspondence reflected Nehru's opposition to the reconstruction and consecration of the Somnath Temple.

Referring to the letters, Minister Vaja told the House that Nehru had written to the then President Rajendra Prasad on March 2, 1951, urging him not to attend the temple's consecration ceremony, describing it as "Hindu revivalism".

He also referred to another letter written to Kanhaiyalal Munshi in which Nehru described the construction of Somnath as "an improper expenditure" and "a construction carried out at the wrong time".

Minister Vaja made the remarks while presenting historical facts during the discussion on a private resolution related to the Somnath Temple, which was later unanimously adopted by the state Assembly.

The Minister said that Somnath temple represents more than a place of worship.

"Somnath is not merely a temple but a living symbol of the faith of India and the identity of Gujarat," he added while outlining the historical and cultural significance of the shrine.

Referring to the completion of 1,000 years since the invasion of the temple in 1026, the Minister said: "A week-long 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' was organised from January 8 to 15 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

The programme included 72 hours of uninterrupted 'Omkar' chanting, devotional songs and cultural events, with lakhs of devotees visiting the temple.

Recalling the role of former Home Minister late Vallabhbhai Patel in the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after Independence, Minister Vaja said Patel had taken a historic pledge in November 1947 by holding sea water in his hands to rebuild Somnath with its shikhara.

He also noted the contribution of Kanhaiyalal Munshi in the reconstruction effort.

"Today, under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Somnath pilgrimage site has undergone a complete transformation," Minister Vaja said, adding that facilities such as a modern railway station, a multi-modal transport hub, a sea-view pathway and a digital museum have been developed for the pilgrims.

He also referred to the 'Somnath-Sasan-Diu' tourist circuit and the work of Somnath Sanskrit University in advancing spiritual and educational activities.

According to the Minister, the celebrations will be expanded through year-long programmes across the country until January 11, 2027, under the Union Ministry of Culture.

These will include cluster-based programmes involving states that host the 12 Jyotirlingas, cultural presentations and digital broadcasts to connect people across the country with the heritage of Somnath.

The state government also plans to organise 'Somnath Swabhiman Sankalp' programmes at the district and taluka levels.

The private resolution was introduced by Kheralu BJP MLA Sardarbhai Chaudhari, who said the word Somnath evokes pride and represents the spiritual heritage of India.

"Somnath is the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Despite repeated invasions on the temple, its reconstruction stands as a living symbol of unbroken faith," he added.

Several BJP MLAs expressed their views during the discussion before the private resolution was unanimously passed by the state Assembly.

- IANS
Netflix is developing a scripted series about the legendary Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The series will delve into their intense love story, betrayals, and artistic work within the political climate of their time. Directed by Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein, it promises an intimate look beyond the public myths surrounding the couple. The project is currently in development with no official release timeline announced.

Netflix is developing a new scripted series on artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, exploring their passionate and tumultuous relationship.

Los Angeles, March 12 Netflix is set to bring a series based on Mexican artist and cultural icon Frida Kahlo and her artist-husband, Diego Rivera.

According to Deadline, the streaming giant has been working on a scripted series that will follow the couple's journey, especially their love story, betrayals, and artistic work that were shaped by the political and social atmosphere of the time.

It will be directed by Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein, with Monica Lozano of Alebrije Producciones producing. Maria Renee Prudencio will be the head writer on the series, which is yet to receive a title.

"It tells the story of a woman who refuses to be only a muse and decides to tell her own version of pain, and of a man who tries to sustain his creative genius despite his contradictions--showing how their relationship became a driving force, a battlefield, and a public spectacle. The series is the story of a bomb wrapped in silk; a bomb that is the two of them, that is Mexico, and that is, inevitably, the entire world," Netflix said in a statement, as quoted by Deadline.

Carolina Leconte, VP of Content for Mexico at Netflix, spoke about upcoming series, suggesting how it would take audiences into the couple's most intimate spaces.

"It's a daring proposal that takes us into the most intimate spaces of two figures we feel have been exhausted by myth, but whose true story we have not yet dared to face directly," she said.

While Netflix has announced the project, stating that it is in development, further timelines for the project are yet to be announced.

- ANI
Actor Nimrat Kaur celebrated her birthday by offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. She shared serene pictures from the Mangal Aarti on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the blessings and the experience of visiting Banaras for the first time. The actor received birthday wishes from fans and colleagues like Manoj Bajpayee. On the professional front, she was recently seen in the web series 'The Family Man 3'.

Actor Nimrat Kaur rang in her birthday with blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple's Mangal Aarti in Varanasi, sharing serene photos.

Varanasi, March 13 Marking her birthday on Thursday, actor Nimrat Kaur offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Nimrat took to Instagram and shared pictures from the temple. Dressed gracefully in a saree, she appeared happy and serene as she offered her prayers.



"Brought in my birthday in with Baba Vishwanath's blessings at the Mangal Aarti this morning. So grateful for all the love, warmth and all your kind wishes. Whatever the universe has planned, there couldn't have been a better start to my new year, my first ever time in Banaras. My heart is full, thank you life...Har Har Mahadev," she captioned the post.



Nimrat has received several birthday wishes not only from her fans but also from her fellow members of the film industry.



"Happy birthday wanderer best wishes on your birthday," actor Manoj Bajpayee commented.



Meanwhile, on the work front, Nimrat was seen in 'The Family Man 3', featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Jaideep Ahlawat.



In the series created by Raj and DK, Manoj Bajpayee plays Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man leading a double life as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), a fictional division of the National Investigation Agency.





- ANI
No shortage of diesel, petrol, LPG in UP

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting and assured citizens there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or cooking gas in the state. He warned that FIRs would be filed and strict action taken against any distributor or individual involved in hoarding or black marketing. The Chief Minister directed officials to set up 24x7 control rooms and deploy police at LPG centres to ensure smooth distribution. This assurance aligns with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's statement in Parliament that India's energy supplies remain secure despite global disruptions.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath assures ample fuel and cooking gas supply, directs strict action against hoarding and urges public to avoid rumours.

Lucknow, March 13 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with officials regarding the state's gas supply situation and assured that there was no shortage of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas in the state, urging people to avoid rumours.

The meeting reviewed the availability of gas cylinders and essential food items across the state.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that there was no shortage of gas in the state and that the supply system was operating smoothly.

The Chief Minister directed that the supply system be continuously monitored to ensure that the general public is not inconvenienced.

In a post on X, CM Yogi Adityanath said, "There is no shortage of diesel-petrol in Uttar Pradesh. Avoid rumours related to shortage of cooking gas."

"If any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, and the strictest action will be ensured," he said.

The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring the convenience and fulfilment of the needs of the common man in every situation. He directed everyone not to let panic spread and ensure timely distribution.

He further encourages the use of alternative fuels by communicating with hostels, hospitals, dharamshalas, hotels, and various commercial establishments.

The Chief Minister also directed the Food and Logistics Department to set up control rooms and monitor every district 24x7.

"Police personnel will be deployed at LPG distribution centres and will assist in maintaining order," the UP CMO stated.

Earlier, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also assured in the Parliament that India's energy supplies remain secure despite major global disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, the minister said, "There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel or fuel oil. Retail outlets across the country are stocked, and supply chains are functioning normally."

He also added that this is not a moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives as the country is navigating the most severe global energy disruption.

"This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Crude supply is flowing. Gas is prioritised for homes and farms. LPG production has been stepped up by 28%," he added.

- ANI
Pakistan faces a severe public health emergency as contaminated drinking water drives a dramatic increase in kidney failure cases across the country. Medical experts warn that between 25,000 and 50,000 new cases of end-stage renal disease could emerge this year alone. The crisis is most acute in rural Sindh and Balochistan, with studies showing dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, and pathogens in over 90% of water sources in cities like Karachi. The Pakistan Medical Association has urged the government to treat the situation as a national emergency by investing in water infrastructure and healthcare.

Polluted drinking water in Pakistan is causing a sharp rise in kidney failure cases, with experts warning of a national health emergency.

Karachi, March 13 Pakistan is confronting a deepening health crisis as the rising consumption of polluted drinking water contributes to a sharp increase in kidney failure cases across the country. Medical experts have warned that thousands of people are developing life-threatening renal conditions every year, largely due to unsafe water supplies and poor healthcare infrastructure.

These concerns were highlighted by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in a message issued on World Kidney Day, as reported by Dawn.

According to Dawn, the PMA cautioned that Pakistan could witness between 25,000 and 50,000 new cases of end-stage renal disease this year, forcing many patients to depend on dialysis or kidney transplants to survive.

The association stated that the crisis is closely linked to widespread contamination of drinking water, which continues to threaten public health nationwide.

Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, representing the PMA, stated that nearly 80 per cent of the population lacks reliable access to safe drinking water, exposing millions to harmful toxins.

The situation is particularly alarming in rural areas of Sindh and Balochistan, where residents often depend on untreated groundwater sources. Studies conducted in various regions of Pakistan have revealed alarming levels of contamination in drinking water.

Experts have detected dangerous concentrations of arsenic, lead, harmful minerals, and disease-causing pathogens, all of which can severely damage kidney function.

Research from urban centres such as Karachi indicates that over 90 per cent of available water sources contain hazardous pollutants. The crisis has worsened due to rising fuel costs and ongoing energy shortages.

In Karachi, for instance, more than 80 per cent of residents are forced to purchase water, placing an additional financial burden on households. The shortage of gas supply in the city also prevents many families from boiling water before consumption, increasing exposure to contaminated sources, as highlighted by Dawn.

Medical professionals have criticised government priorities, arguing that authorities continue to allocate large budgets for specialised kidney treatment facilities while neglecting investment in clean drinking water systems. The PMA warned that chronic kidney disease already affects 15 to 20 per cent of adults over the age of 40 in Pakistan, with an estimated annual incidence of about 100 cases per million people.

The association urged the government to treat the situation as a national emergency by improving water infrastructure, increasing healthcare funding, and expanding dialysis centres in public hospitals to help low-income patients, as reported by Dawn.

- ANI
The Pentagon has explicitly blamed Iran for disrupting commercial shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iranian actions, including firing on vessels, are the primary threat to transit through the critical energy corridor. Senior military officials reported that U.S. strikes have significantly degraded the Iranian Navy's combat effectiveness in a campaign targeting its mine-laying and attack capabilities. The U.S. is coordinating with partners to maintain energy flows, as instability in the strait directly impacts global oil markets and major importers like India.

Pentagon holds Iran responsible for threatening shipping in critical oil corridor. US military claims to have degraded Iranian naval capabilities.

Washington, March 13 The Pentagon on Friday said Iran, not the United States or its allies, was responsible for disruptions to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

At a Pentagon news conference, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said commercial traffic could move through the waterway but was being threatened by Iranian actions during the ongoing conflict.

"The only thing prohibiting transit in the Straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping," Hegseth said.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with global markets and carries a significant share of the world's oil shipments, making any disruption closely watched by energy-importing countries, including India.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. forces were actively targeting Iranian capabilities used to threaten maritime traffic.

"Our bases or our partners there are continuing to destroy the Iranian Navy," Caine said, adding that American forces were also attacking Iran's mine-laying capabilities and naval infrastructure.

"This means going after Iran's mine-laying capability and destroying their ability to attack commercial vessels," he said.

Caine said U.S. strikes had already significantly degraded Iranian naval strength during the campaign.

"In less than two weeks, we've rendered the Iranian Navy combat ineffective," he said.

Despite the progress, he cautioned that Iran still retained the ability to threaten shipping.

"Iran still can harm friendly forces and commercial shipping, and our work on this effort continues," Caine said.

Hegseth said the United States had long anticipated the possibility of Iran attempting to disrupt shipping through the strait.

"For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

"We have a plan for every option here."

He added that Washington was coordinating with other government agencies and international partners to ensure energy supplies continued to flow.

"We're working with our interagency partners... to make sure that energy flows," Hegseth said.

The strait has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint during any confrontation with Iran, which has repeatedly threatened to block the route during periods of heightened tensions.

The narrow channel is vital to global energy markets, with roughly one-fifth of the world's oil shipments passing through the waterway each day.

For India, one of the largest importers of Gulf crude, stability in the Strait of Hormuz is particularly important as disruptions can quickly raise energy costs and affect global shipping and insurance markets.

- IANS
'This is me, very pretty': Inside a Cambodian cyberscam site

Multilingual scripts, images of young women and timed toilet breaks: a police tour of a newly busted cyberscam operation in Cambodia on Wednesday revealed how fraudsters ensnare foreign victims online.

Cambodia has become a major hotspot for crime syndicates running a multibillion-dollar illicit industry in which scammers defraud internet users globally in romance and cryptocurrency investment cons.

As countries like the United States and China press Cambodia to crack down on the networks stealing from their citizens, AFP was invited to visit an office in the capital Phnom Penh a day after it was raided by police.

On the 30th floor of a luxury building, dozens of desktop computer screens showed conversations, group chats and software that authorities said scammers used to swindle people in Britain and Europe.

Police said they detained 57 Cambodian suspects and eight Chinese "ringleaders" at the office on Tuesday night.

The suspects "committed online scams by persuading victims who are foreigners in Europe to invest in fake investments", said Phnom Penh deputy police chief Bun Sosekha, who led the raid.

"We see a difference here because in the past the offenders were foreigners, but now Cambodians also start to do this."

Toilet time tracked

Screens left on showed Telegram channels in Chinese selling "stock materials", social media accounts and SIM cards for the United States and Britain.

Other chat windows showed accounts of working hours, including time spent using the toilet, eating and smoking.

One monitor showed notes titled "scripts" in more than 20 European languages.

"If you don't mind, can I ask, are you older or younger than me? I am 33 years old," reads one conversation in Czech.

"52," the user at the other end replies.

"Men at this age are very attractive, stable and mature," writes the alleged scammer account.

"This is me, very pretty," it adds, sending the target a picture of a young woman.

Cambodian authorities post an order on a door inside a compound in Takeo Province during a visit by Kim Jina after talks with Hun Manet on job scam cases linked to the death of a South Korean student, Oct. 16, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Known as "pig-butchering", scammers groom targets for weeks before cajoling them into ploughing money into fake investment platforms and other ruses, according to experts and law enforcement.

Largely concentrated in Southeast Asia, the global cyberscam industry has reached "industrial proportions", with some estimates of its annual revenues hitting $64 billion, according to a February report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Some of the hundreds of thousands of people carrying out scams in the region are trafficked and held against their will, while others work voluntarily.

Chhay Sinarith, senior minister on the government's anti-cyberscam commission, told AFP only a "small percentage" of scammers were forced to work.

Smaller scale scams

Since a government crackdown began in July, authorities have shut down around 250 scam sites and 91 casinos, he said.

He added that more than 200,000 people have fled scam sites and left Cambodia, and that the country has deported around 10,000 foreign nationals.

The law enforcement push, which analysts have criticized as window-dressing, nabbed its biggest player with the January arrest of Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi, who was extradited to China.

Cambodian authorities have frozen Chen's assets, including his real estate properties and myriad businesses in the country, Chhay Sinarith said.

Despite his extradition, Chen "will be prosecuted in the near future" in Cambodia, and his assets "will be confiscated", the senior official added.

Authorities have acknowledged an industry shift as scammers move operations from large-scale compounds to smaller sites like office and hotel buildings.

"Their networks from overseas have ordered them to carry out activities on a small scale, which is different from before," Chhay Sinarith told AFP.

Cambodian authorities have vowed to stamp out the business by the end of next month, vowing to prosecute low-level scammers, bosses and landlords of scam sites alike.

"We hope it will be wiped out in April," Chhay Sinarith said.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal held a consultative meeting focused on promoting the export of marine products, discussing strategies to scale up value addition and global competitiveness. The minister also engaged with international delegations, including a meeting with Lockheed Martin's Greg Ulmer to discuss deepening aerospace manufacturing partnerships. Goyal emphasized that India, currently the 7th largest agro and marine exporter, is poised to become the world's leading exporter in this sector. This growth is to be driven by innovation, quality, and an expanding network of global trade partnerships.

Minister Piyush Goyal meets committee to boost seafood exports, discusses scaling value addition and global competitiveness for India's marine industry.

New Delhi, March 13 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with the members of the Consultative Committee on Promotion of Export of Marine Products, along with Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.

In a post on X, Goyal on Thursday said the meeting discussed scaling up value addition, boosting global competitiveness, enhancing infrastructure and strengthening compliance standards to further unlock new global opportunities for India's seafood industry.

"Held a meeting with the members of the Consultative Committee on Promotion of Export of Marine Products, along with MoS @JitinPrasada ji. Discussed scaling up value addition, boosting global competitiveness, enhancing infrastructure & strengthening compliance standards to further unlock new global opportunities for India's seafood industry," Goyal said.

Goyal engaged in a series of high-level meetings with global industry leaders and international delegations.

The meetings were inclined towards bolstering India's manufacturing capabilities and deepening its integration into global supply chains. The discussions focused on expanding investment partnerships and enhancing India's role as a critical hub in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a key engagement with the aerospace sector, the Union Minister met with Greg Ulmer, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

"A constructive meeting with Mr. Greg Ulmer, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and the accompanying delegation. Discussed avenues to deepen manufacturing partnerships, enhance industrial collaboration, and support the expansion of India's rapidly evolving aviation ecosystem," Goyal said on X.

Earlier, speaking at the 40th AAHAR International Fair on March 10, Goyal had said India is poised to soon become the world's leading agro and marine exporter, driven by innovation, quality, and global partnerships.

Goyal stated, "Today, India is the 7th largest exporter in the world of agricultural and marine products, and in the coming days, we will move ahead to become the world's leading exporter of agricultural and marine products."

He emphasised that India's expanding network of trade deals provides the necessary infrastructure for this growth.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 22nd installment of the PM-Kisan scheme, transferring more than Rs 18,640 crore to over 9.32 crore farmer families. The funds are provided as direct income support to help with agricultural and household expenses. Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has disbursed over Rs 4.09 lakh crore, with the latest installment pushing the cumulative total past Rs 4.27 lakh crore. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated the initiative empowers women farmers and strengthens the rural economy by reducing loan dependence.

PM Narendra Modi releases the 22nd PM-Kisan installment, transferring over Rs 18,640 crore to 9.32 crore farmer families, including 2.15 crore women farmers.

New Delhi, March 13 The 22nd installment of the government's flagship farmer support scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, will be released on Friday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the installment from Guwahati in Assam, transferring more than Rs 18,640 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 9.32 crore farmer families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Sharing details of the initiative, Chouhan said the move reflects the government's commitment to farmers and its emphasis on honouring the country's "annadatas".

Since the launch of the scheme in February 2019, the Centre has transferred more than Rs 4.09 lakh crore directly to farmers' bank accounts.

With the release of the 22nd installment, the cumulative disbursement will exceed Rs 4.27 lakh crore.

He said the scheme, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has laid the foundation for a significant and sustained transformation in the agriculture sector by providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Under the programme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments, which are credited directly to their bank accounts.

According to the minister, more than 2.15 crore women farmers will also receive financial assistance under the upcoming installment.

The timely support helps farmers meet agricultural expenses such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other farming inputs.

The assistance also contributes to meeting household needs including education and healthcare.

Chouhan noted that the government is making sustained efforts to economically empower women farmers and strengthen the financial condition of rural households through the scheme.

He added that several independent studies have found that the PM-Kisan initiative has strengthened the rural economy by reducing farmers' dependence on loans and encouraging greater investment in agriculture.

- IANS
President Droupadi Murmu hosted a breakfast for Members of Parliament from several states and Union Territories at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Following the event, the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, called on the President to receive her guidance. This meeting occurred after a major administrative reshuffle where Sandhu replaced V.K. Saxena, who is now the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Separately, President Murmu emphasized the need for greater women's participation in policy and leadership within the agriculture sector at the inaugural session of a global conference.

President Droupadi Murmu hosts MPs for breakfast, meets new Delhi LG Taranjit Sandhu, and addresses women's role in agri-food systems at global conference.

New Delhi, March 13 President Droupadi Murmu hosted the Members of Parliament from many states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi for breakfast at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.

Following that, the Lt Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sandhu expressed that he was honoured to receive the President's guidance via an X post from his official handle.

"Honoured to call on Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji and receive her guidance for the road ahead. Grateful for her encouragement," the post read.

This comes after Sandhu took the oath of office on Wednesday in the presence of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya as the new Lt Governor of Delhi. Taranjit Sandhu is part of the major administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across the country. In the reshuffle, Taranjit Singh Sandhu replaced VK Saxena, who has now been appointed as the Ladakh LG. He was also a BJP candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

A day earlier, President Murmu graced the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. where she emphasised that the role of women in the agriculture sector should have a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions.

"President Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. The President said that women in agriculture sector should have a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions. Larger participation of women at all levels will promote gender-inclusive growth of the sector," a post from Rashtra Bhavan said.

- ANI
Karnataka's Infrastructure Minister M.B. Patil announced the identification of a site for a proposed Ballari airport, located about 19 km from Ballari city. The airport aims to improve access to the UNESCO site of Hampi and serve the districts of Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Koppal. Its feasibility will be determined by the Airports Authority of India, with a meeting of public representatives to be convened by the Chief Minister. The plan seeks to avoid past planning mistakes seen in other regional airports like Hubballi and Vijayapura.

Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil details plans for a new Ballari airport to improve access to Hampi and nearby districts, pending feasibility studies.

Bengaluru, March 13 The Karnataka government intends to establish an airport in Ballari that will benefit regions such as Ballari, Hosapete, the Unesco heritage site of Hampi, Anegondi, Sandur, Koppal, Kurugodu and Siruguppa, Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil said on Friday.

In this regard, a site located about 19 km from Ballari has been identified. If the location is found to be feasible, the next steps will be taken after discussions with public representatives from the three districts -- Ballari, Vijayanagara and Koppal, Minister Patil said.

He was replying in detail to a question raised by Gangavathi MLA G. Janardhana Reddy in the Legislative Assembly.

MLA Reddy stated, "The government had acquired 900 acres of land in Ballari in 2010 at a cost of Rs 124 crore. If we need to build an airport in Ballari, it has to be located between Hampi and Ballari city as the distance is 45 kilometres. However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated that it was not feasible. They had finalised the location and the government acquired land accordingly.

"It has been 15 years since then. CM Siddaramaiah has served as Chief Minister for two terms. The BJP was also in power for 3.5 years. Initially, the project was given to private players but they could not build it. Later, the BJP government decided that the airport would be constructed by the government itself."

"Now the Congress-led government has come, but my appeals have fallen on deaf ears," Reddy stated.

Minister Patil said the proposed Ballari airport should benefit not only Ballari district but also people from Koppal and Vijayanagara districts. In this regard, a meeting of public representatives from the three districts will soon be convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister to deliberate on the merits and challenges of the project.

The newly identified site is located about 33 km from Hosapete, 26 km from Hampi, 33 km from Sandur, 75 km from Koppal, 14 km from Kurugodu, 13 km from Toranagallu and 43 km from Siruguppa. However, the suitability of this location for establishing an airport will have to be determined by the Airports Authority of India, Patil explained.

He said airports must be planned with foresight; otherwise, the same mistakes seen in Hubballi, Belagavi and Vijayapura would be repeated. The distance between Belagavi and Hubballi airports is only about 70 km. If an airport had been constructed at a location between the two districts to serve both regions, it might have been declared an international airport based on passenger traffic. He also noted that the presence of the Indian Air Force in Belagavi has worked to that airport's advantage.

"A similar mistake has been made in Vijayapura as well. The airport that is now ready for inauguration has been constructed on the Kalaburagi Road. If it had instead been located towards Almatti, it would have benefited places such as Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Bagalkote.

"There is little use if an airport becomes inactive after construction. Keeping this in mind, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has identified two new sites in Ballari district measuring about 800 acres and 1,200 acres for the proposed airport," he explained.

Airports located in district and divisional headquarters across the country are facing similar challenges. Bidar and Kalaburagi airports are also experiencing such difficulties, he said.

At present, Bidar airport is functioning with the support of the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB). There has also been a demand to resume operations at Kalaburagi airport, and steps will be taken in that direction.

"In this context, I have proposed to the Union Civil Aviation Minister that the UDAN scheme be extended from three years to five years, and that for the subsequent five years the Centre and the state should jointly support operations in a 50:50 ratio," Patil said.

If the airport were to be constructed at the previously identified site in Ballari, it would require the construction of an eight-lane greenfield highway and involve several other issues. Land acquisition and compensation alone would cost nearly as much as the airport project itself, Minister Patil said.

Therefore, that option is not practically feasible. The matter will ultimately be finalised at the meeting to be held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the minister stated.

- IANS
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced a significant expansion, adding over 5,000 new branches as it prepares for its centenary year. The announcement was made during the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Haryana, attended by top leadership including Mohan Bhagwat. The meeting will review past activities and finalize an action plan focusing on social transformation campaigns and training programs. The RSS also aligned its stance on international conflicts like the US-Israel-Iran situation with the Indian government's position.

RSS reports massive expansion ahead of its centenary year, adding over 5,000 branches. Chief Mohan Bhagwat outlines plans at the key Pratinidhi Sabha meeting in Haryana.

Panipat, March 13 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday participated in the RSS Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Haryana's Samalkha to finalise the organisation's action plan for its upcoming centenary year.

RSS Saha Sarkaryavah, Mukunda CR, while addressing the media, said, "This is the centenary year of the Sangh. For the past two or three years, all our dedicated workers have been actively engaged in expanding the scope of our branch activities... We have witnessed an expansion in our geographical reach, with the number of locations where we operate increasing by over four thousand, and the actual number of branches rising by more than five thousand. Now, during this centenary year, we have various programs and initiatives planned..."

Mukunda CR, regarding the US-Israel-Iran conflict, further said, "The stand taken by the Government of India will also be the stand of the Sangh. This war should end as soon as possible, and there should be a settlement. Just yesterday, the Prime Minister spoke with the head of Iran... The Sangh generally does not issue statements on all international matters. However, keeping in mind the protection of the interests of the local society there, as well as the Hindu community, we always hope for what is best. Even now, we remain in contact with our Hindu organisations and related groups there."

Earlier, according to a statement, the meeting, convened by the Sangh's highest decision-making body, would take place on Yugabda 5127, Vikram Samvat 2082, Chaitra Krishna Dashami and Ekadashi.

As per the release, this year's Assembly holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary year of the RSS. The meeting will deliberate on experiences and reports from various programmes and campaigns organised to mark the 100-year milestone. These include Vijayadashami celebrations, household outreach initiatives, Hindu conferences, youth gatherings, major citizen meetings and social harmony events conducted across the country.

The Representative Assembly will also review the Sangh's activities during 2025-26 and present notable work undertaken in different provinces. Discussions are expected to centre on the current national landscape, with resolutions likely to be passed on key issues.

The press release further stated that special focus will be given to social transformation initiatives driven by Sangh branches, particularly the 'Panch Parivartan' (five-point transformation) campaign. Plans for Sangh Shiksha Varg and other training programmes, including Karyakarta Vikas Varg, will be discussed, and the organisational roadmap for the coming year will be finalised.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, co-Sarkaryavahs, executive committee members and other senior office-bearers will attend the meeting. A total of 1,489 workers, including elected representatives and key state and regional office-bearers, are expected to participate.

National presidents, general secretaries and organisation ministers from 32 Sangh-inspired organisations will also be present, the release added.

- ANI
Authorities have intensified security arrangements in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh ahead of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of Ramadan. Elaborate measures include additional police deployment, drone surveillance, and CCTV monitoring at major mosques and public areas to manage large gatherings of devotees. Religious leaders are urging peaceful observance of the day, which holds deep spiritual significance as a farewell to the holy month. Confusion exists regarding the exact date of Alvida Jumma in 2026, as it depends on the moon sighting that determines Ramadan's duration.

Authorities in Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and UP boost security for Alvida Jumma, the last Friday of Ramadan, as thousands gather for prayers.

Lucknow, March 13 Authorities across several parts of the country, including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, have stepped up security arrangements ahead of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as thousands of devotees gather in mosques and markets to mark the occasion with prayers and reflection.

In the national Capital, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place around the historic Jama Masjid. Additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents. Security forces are maintaining strict vigil in and around the area as large numbers of worshippers are expected to attend congregational prayers.

In Jammu and Kashmir, security has also been tightened across Srinagar ahead of the significant religious observance. Authorities have increased patrolling and surveillance in sensitive areas to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers.

Meanwhile, in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, thousands of people thronged local markets on the occasion of Alvida Juma, as people prepared for the concluding days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid celebrations.

In Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district, authorities have placed the entire district on high alert. Heavy police deployment has been arranged at major mosques and public areas. Officials have also deployed drones and installed CCTV cameras to monitor the situation closely.

Speaking on the preparations, Amroha Superintendent of Police, Amit Kumar Anand, appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony while observing the religious occasion, especially in the backdrop of tensions in West Asia.

Religious leaders have also urged devotees to observe the day with devotion and maintain peace.

Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas in Lucknow said, "Today is Jumma, which is called Jumat-ul-Vida, and after that there will also be Eid prayers. These are days of worship, and people should go to mosques and offer their prayers peacefully."

Every day during the month of Ramadan holds spiritual significance for Muslims. The month is devoted to fasting, prayer, self-reflection and patience. However, Fridays during Ramadan carry special importance because Friday, known as Jumma, is already regarded as a sacred day for congregational prayers in Islam.

The final Friday of Ramadan, known as Alvida Jumma or Jumat-ul-Vida, is particularly emotional for many devotees as it symbolises a farewell to the holy month. Mosques across the country witness large gatherings as people offer prayers and express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.

There has been some confusion regarding the date of Alvida Jumma in 2026. Some believe it falls on March 13, while others say it could be on March 20.

Islamic scholars explain that the date depends on the duration of Ramadan, which can last either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, March 13 will be the last Friday. However, if the month completes 30 days, the final Friday will fall on March 20.

Due to this variation, some communities may observe Alvida Jumma on March 13, while others may wait for confirmation after the moon sighting.

- IANS
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella publicly praised Shantanu Narayen's leadership as Narayen announced his decision to step down as Adobe's CEO after nearly two decades. Narayen will remain as board chair during the transition while a special committee searches for his successor. Under his leadership, Adobe transformed from a seller of packaged software to a subscription-based cloud platform, seeing massive growth in revenue and workforce. His tenure saw Adobe's flagship products like Photoshop and Creative Cloud become central tools for creators and businesses globally.

Microsoft's Satya Nadella hails Shantanu Narayen as he steps down after 18 years as Adobe CEO, transforming the software giant into a cloud leader.

New Delhi, March 13 Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, on Friday praised Shantanu Narayen's tenure as chief executive of Adobe, as the latter announced resignation from the US-based software company.

Nadella posted on social media platform X, "Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! You've built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded what's possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere."



"What has always stood out to me is the empathy you've brought to the creative process and the example you've set as a leader. Grateful for your friendship, mentorship, and for all you've done for Adobe and for our industry," Nadella added.



San Jose-based software company Adobe said that its long-serving chief executive Shantanu Narayen, will step down after nearly two decades in the role.



Narayen will transition from the CEO role after a successor is appointed but will remain as board chair to support the leadership change, the company said.



The board has formed a special committee to oversee the search process, considering both internal and external candidates.



"On behalf of the Board, I want to recognise Shantanu's contributions as CEO and architect of Adobe's transformation over the past 18 years, and for positioning Adobe for success in the AI-driven era," said Frank Calderoni, Lead Independent Director of Adobe.



Under Naryan's leadership, Adobe shifted from selling packaged software to a subscription-based cloud platform and expanded its products across digital media, creative tools, and customer experience services. The company's flagship platforms - including Photoshop, Acrobat, and Creative Cloud - have become central tools for creators, businesses, and digital publishers worldwide.



On his long tenure, Narayen said, "We grew from 3K employees to -30K employees, delivered technology that touched billions of people as customers of our products or the digital experiences that our customers create, leading to our revenue growing from over $1 billion to around $25 billion."





- IANS
President Donald Trump stated the situation with Iran is advancing "very rapidly" and praised the unmatched strength of the U.S. military. He emphasized that his administration's primary goal is to permanently dismantle Iran's nuclear program, prioritizing this over potential U.S. financial gains from higher oil prices. Trump credited his first term with rebuilding the military, which he says is crucial to current operations. The comments follow heightened tensions after joint U.S.-Israeli operations and subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes.

President Trump says the Iran situation is progressing rapidly, praises the US military as "unsurpassed," and emphasizes stopping Iran's nuclear program.

Washington DC, March 13 President Donald Trump on Thursday said the situation involving Iran was progressing "very rapidly" and praised the strength of the United States military.

Speaking at the Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran.

"The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There's never been anything like it. Nobody's ever seen anything like it," Trump said.

He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier.

"We're doing what has to be done, should have been done during a 47-year period. Could have been done by a lot of different people. They chose not to do it. But they really are a nation of terror and hate, and they're paying a big price right now, " Trump said, while criticising the Iranian leadership and saying the country was "paying a big price right now."

Reflecting on his earlier time in office, Trump said his administration's efforts to rebuild the US military had strengthened its current capabilities.

"We had a very successful first term, best economy ever. We did a lot of great things. We rebuilt our military. That's one of the reasons we're doing so well now with our military," he said.

Trump also noted that he had not expected to rely so heavily on the armed forces but said the strengthened military had become crucial in dealing with international developments.

"I never thought I'd have to be using it so much," he said, adding that recent developments involving Venezuela and Iran had been "amazing."

Earlier, US President Donald Trump clarified his administration's primary objectives regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, shifting the focus away from the economic impacts of rising oil prices and toward long-term global security.

In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world's leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration's overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

Trump said, "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World."

The statement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.

- ANI
West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, held a courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Governor, RN Ravi, assuring full cooperation on state development and law and order. Adhikari presented the Governor with a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and wished him a productive tenure. RN Ravi, a former IPS officer and Governor of Tamil Nadu, was sworn in at a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries. This appointment follows the resignation of former Governor CV Ananda Bose, who cited confidential reasons for his decision.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari meets new Governor RN Ravi, assures cooperation for state development and law & order in West Bengal.

Kolkata, March 13 West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Friday held a cordial courtesy meeting with the newly appointed Governor of West Bengal, RN Ravi, at Lok Bhavan, Kolkata.

During the meeting, Adhikari assured the Governor of his full cooperation and coordination in matters concerning the overall development of the state, maintenance of law and order, and public welfare initiatives. He also presented the Governor with a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, extending his best wishes for a successful and productive tenure.

"Today, I had the honour and privilege of a very cordial courtesy meeting with His Excellency; the new Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri RN Ravi Ji at the Lok Bhavan in Kolkata. I conveyed my full cooperation and coordination with His Excellency as the Leader of the Opposition, for the overall development of the State, maintenance of Law and Order, and all public welfare initiatives. I also presented him Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and wished him for a successful and productive tenure," Adhikari posted on X.

Meanwhile, former IPS officer and the former Governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, took oath as the Governor of West Bengal at a ceremony in Lok Bhawan on Thursday in Kolkata.

He was administered the oath by Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Paul, in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, Senior Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and Left Front chairman Biman Bose.

RN Ravi also greeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after taking the oath.

He was appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal as part of a broader administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors announced by the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

Earlier, Former West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said that his decision to resign from the post was a "conscious" one and that the reasons behind it would remain confidential for now.

"The fact remains that I have taken a conscious decision to resign. The reasons for this will remain confidential till the right time comes," Bose said while speaking to reporters in Kolkata.

Bose on Saturday tendered his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. In his resignation letter dated March 5, Bose expressed gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their guidance during his tenure.

He also thanked the people of West Bengal for the affection he received while serving in the state and said that his "innings in West Bengal" had come to a close.

According to a statement shared by Lok Bhavan in Kolkata, Bose is set to return to his home state of Kerala, where he plans to contribute towards the goal of "Viksit Bharat" under the guidance of the national leadership.

- ANI
The Telangana government has unveiled the blueprint for the first phase of the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development Project, covering 21 km at an estimated cost of Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 crore. The plan includes river cleaning, flood mitigation, public spaces, and zones to foster a round-the-clock economy, with a key heritage focus at Gandhi Sarovar. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly defended the project, accusing critics of spreading misinformation and emphasizing that development is essential for future generations. He challenged opponents to experience the polluted river basin firsthand and urged them to provide constructive suggestions instead of obstructing progress.

Telangana govt unveils Rs 6,500-7,000 cr blueprint for 21-km Musi Riverfront phase 1. CM Revanth Reddy counters critics, details rejuvenation plans.

Hyderabad, March 13 The Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited, on Friday, unveiled the proposed plan for the first phase of Musi Riverfront Development Project, aimed at turning the 55-km stretch into an economic powerhouse on the lines of the rivers in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Paris and London.

As per the presentation made at a programme titled 'Musi invites' in the presence of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy here, the first phase will cover 21 km with tentative development cost of Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,000 crore.

The project will have various components like cleaning the river by ensuring that no sewage flows into it, floods mitigation, public spaces for citizens, mobility and urban integration, sustainable development, heritage tourism and designated zones to foster 24X7 economy.

The project will have blue master plan, green master plan, land use master plan, marquee projects, infrastructure master plan and financial master projects.

Out of 20 TMC of water to be brought to Hyderabad through Godavari River linkage project, 2.5 TMC will be allocated for Musi River rejuvenation and remaining 17.5 TMC for drinking water supply for Hyderabad.

The first phase covers two river stretches (Esa and Musa) converging at Gandhi Sarovar or Bapu Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948.

The Gandhi Sarovar project will comprise as statue of peace, handloom training centre, education and knowledge hub, public recreation spaces, meditation and wellness village and national museum

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that some people are deliberately spreading half-truths and misinformation about the Musi rejuvenation project, creating unnecessary concern among the public.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy noted that human civilisation has historically developed around rivers, and warned that if the state government fails to move forward while the world progresses, future generations will not forgive it.

He said that the state government has already consulted intellectuals and experts from different sections to gather suggestions on the development plan.

He added that stopping development is not a solution and urged critics to offer constructive suggestions if there are any shortcomings.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the Musi River has become highly polluted, and environmental damage has already caused suffering in places like Nalgonda district.

Though the river originates in Rangareddy district, it becomes heavily polluted by the time it reaches Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the project is not merely about cleaning a river but about protecting the city's culture, history, and environment.

Addressing critics, who claim bulldozers are being sent into Musi's catchment areas, he said the state government is only implementing laws enacted by the Centre.

He challenged those opposing the project to live in the polluted Musi basin for three months, even offering container housing with full facilities, to understand the conditions.

He questioned why development should be obstructed, asking whether the poor should not receive proper infrastructure, employment opportunities, tourism growth, and the benefits of a night economy.

- IANS
BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- China's mission to retrieve samples from Mars will advance to the flight model development phase within this year, Liu Jizhong, chief designer of the Tianwen-3 mission, said on Thursday.

Building on the preliminary technical research and demonstrations, the mission has achieved breakthroughs in key technologies. The engineering team is now focused on developing prototypes, Liu, also a national legislator, told reporters.

The Mars sample return mission is scheduled for launch around 2028, with the goal of returning no less than 500 grams of Martian samples to Earth by around 2031.

International scientists are invited to collaborate in advancing deep space exploration technology development and engineering, according to Liu.

In terms of engineering, the mission is developing an orbiter, a returner, a lander, an ascender, and a service module, which will compose the orbiter-returner complex and the lander-ascender-service module complex.

The development work also includes achieving breakthroughs in key technologies such as Martian surface sampling and sealing, Martian surface takeoff and ascent, Mars orbital rendezvous, sample capture and transfer, and planetary protection.

The mission is expected to search for potential signs of life on Mars, investigate Martian geological formation, and examine Martian atmosphere, with the objective of making major discoveries in the study of habitable evolution of terrestrial planets.

"The Tianwen-3 mission represents a highly challenging, innovative and pioneering major space endeavor," said Liu. "It is expected to achieve humanity's first Mars sample return mission, thus significantly advancing the integrated development of space science, space technology and space applications."

Liu also noted that China's Tianwen-2 probe, launched in 2025, has traveled approximately 700 million kilometers and will reach the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 this year to begin flying around it for exploration.

Editor: Xiong Jian
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has agreed to provide over 100 acres of land in Hyderabad for the Musi River rejuvenation project, requiring the relocation of an Agniveer training camp. He assured residents affected by the project that they would not be displaced far away, promising to build new homes for them within their own Assembly constituencies near the river. The Chief Minister strongly defended the project's focus on real estate and development, stating it would generate employment for lakhs of workers and attract investment. The Musi River rejuvenation is a major state initiative aimed at ecosystem restoration, flood management, and creating public spaces along the riverbanks.

CM Revanth Reddy assures rehabilitation for affected residents and announces Defence Ministry land for the Musi River rejuvenation project in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, March 14 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy lauded Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for agreeing to provide over 100 acres of land at Bapu Gandhi Sarovar in Hyderabad, where Agniveers are currently training. He said that the training camp will be shifted to make way for the Musi River rejuvenation project.

Speaking during a presentation on River Musi Rejuvenation (Phase-I) at Taj Krishna in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said the Defence Minister has prepared to give 100-plus acres in Bapu Gandhi Sarovar, where the Agniveer training camp is currently located, and they have decided to shift.

"Today, I want to appreciate my army people and my defence minister. He has prepared to give 100-plus acres in Bapu Gandhi Sarovar. Agniveers are training there. They have decided to shift their Agniveer training camp to some other place, and they are giving a hundred plus acres for this Gandhian ideology, where the Musi is going to come up," said Reddy.

The Chief Minister also addressed concerns about the rehabilitation of people affected by the Musi River rejuvenation project, assuring them that the government will identify suitable locations within their Assembly constituencies and construct homes for them.

"All these people of ours here make a living by doing odd jobs; if they are relocated far away, it will become very difficult for us- it will cause us great hardship. We took their suggestions into account. In the coming days, we will identify suitable locations within that Assembly constituency--specifically in the areas adjacent to the Musi River--and we will find land and construct homes for those people," said Reddy.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the government will not abandon the affected residents and assured them of comprehensive help.

"Why would we abandon them on the streets? We are their family. It was because of their support that I became the Chief Minister. I did not become Chief Minister to cause them sorrow or to inflict harm upon them. They are my people. They offered their prayers for me. That is precisely why, within just two years, I have achieved success as Chief Minister," said the CM.

He said he holds no enmity with the poor and understands their hardships.

"Why on earth would I attempt to cause them harm? What enmity do I have with them? What grievance could I possibly hold against the poor? I do not reside in grand bungalows or sprawling farmhouses. I, too, move around among the public, and I always live in close communion with the poor. I can truly understand their hardships and the very beat of their hearts. My entire administrative machinery stands ready to assist them. Our MLAs, our ministers, and our officers--everyone is prepared. Whatever their needs may be, we will ensure they are met," Reddy added.

Reddy, while addressing criticism about focusing on real estate, said it will create employment for lakhs of workers and bring investment to the state.

"People say Reddy only thinks about real estate. Yes, I definitely think about it. Lakhs of workers will get jobs. Investment will come. Why not do real estate, pharma, IT, tourism? All this is the government's responsibility. These people forget. My thinking is with the poor," he said.

The Musi River rejuvenation project is a major initiative of the Telangana government that aims to restore the river ecosystem, improve flood management, and develop public spaces along the riverbanks. The proposed Gandhi Sarovar project is expected to be one of the first components implemented under the broader riverfront development plan.

- ANI
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that the total supplementary demand for grants stands at Rs 4.13 lakh crore, with a significant portion being technical adjustments. She emphasized that the allocations will clear pending MGNREGA wages and bolster fertiliser stocks for farmers. Major portions are also directed towards defence services, spectrum charges, and healthcare for veterans. The Minister defended the demands as a necessary fiscal buffer against global economic challenges.

Finance Minister clarifies Rs 4.13 lakh crore supplementary grants, highlighting allocations for MGNREGA, farmers, defence, and economic stability.

New Delhi, March 13 The total supplementary demand for grants, combining both the first and the second supplementary demands, comes to Rs 4.13 lakh crore, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha today.

The Finance Minister explained that a significant portion of the headline figure does not represent new cash outgo. "The total supplementary demand for grants, combining both the first and the second supplementary demands, comes to Rs 4.13 lakh crore. However, out of this amount, Rs 1.71 lakh crore is technical supplementary," she stated, noting that these requirements are largely met by utilising savings from one section of a grant to another or through additional receipts and recoveries.

While detailing the fiscal requirements for the second batch of the 2025-26 cycle, the Minister clarified that the Revised Estimates (RE) for the year are actually lower than the original Budget Estimates (BE), indicating that the government has maintained its expenditure limits despite the additional requests.

The Finance Minister highlighted that the supplementary demands are essential for honouring the government's commitments to the rural workforce and farmers. "For those old pending bills, Rs 30,000 crore has been provided in this Supplementary Demand for Grants. This will clear the MGNREGA dues up to 31st March," she said, adding that without this move, the payments would remain unpaid.

Turning to the agricultural sector, the Minister noted that the government has bolstered fertiliser stocks to record levels through proactive allocation.

"I am glad to say that the current fertiliser stocks for April 2026 stand at 163 lakh metric tons, compared to 128.54 lakh metric tons last year. That means a 26% higher stock. This has been possible only because of the foresight of the government. In addition, the additional allocation being provided in the second supplementary demand for fertilisers is to ensure that for the upcoming Rabi season, we have sufficient stock, and we also maintain the required stock for the Kharif season," she said.

The Minister also drew a sharp contrast with previous administrations regarding farmer welfare in Uttar Pradesh. "During the Samajwadi Party's rule in Uttar Pradesh, sugarcane farmers had to wait for their payments. That is no longer the case. Today, 9.3 crore farmers receive money through DBT," she remarked.

Highlighting the scale of direct support, she noted that if PM-KISAN disbursements are included, "then in total, Rs 4.27 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers. When GDP rises, our financial capacity rises, and more than Rs 4 lakh crore has gone directly to farmers."

Security and infrastructure also featured prominently in the supplementary demands. The Minister detailed that Rs 41,430.48 crore is being allocated for defence services revenue, while another Rs 35,290 crore is marked for spectrum charges to the Department of Telecommunications due to defence requirements.

Furthermore, Rs 6,140 crore has been earmarked for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Services (ECHS) scheme to ensure healthcare for veterans. "Money is being allocated for defence and economic stability," she added.

The Minister also called for national unity in the face of international economic pressures. "I would like to make it clear that because of developments taking place abroad, several challenges are emerging for our country. The question before us is how we should face these challenges," she said.

"Supplementary Demand for Grants doesn't reflect poor budgeting, rather it is a proper financial response," she said. She further defended the creation of a fiscal buffer to manage global volatility, asking, "Is the opposition suggesting that, in times of unforeseen challenges, the government should not create a fiscal buffer? This equalisation fund of over Rs 50,000 crore, is it not right to create such a fund for emergencies?"

"When the Government is taking many such steps to ensure preparedness, it is unfortunate that the Opposition, instead of standing together in the interest of the nation and giving confidence to the people, is taking irresponsible positions," the Minister stated.

Concluding her reply, the Finance Minister remarked, "You keep writing poetry; we are writing history. We are changing the picture."

- ANI
A passenger train from Pyongyang arrived in Beijing, marking the resumption of cross-border rail service between North Korea and China after a six-year suspension. The service, halted in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a significant step in reconnecting the isolated nation with its largest trading partner. Trains will operate four times a week between the two capitals, with a daily service running from the Chinese border city of Dandong to Pyongyang. The move is aimed at facilitating travel and boosting economic and cultural exchanges between the two allied countries.

Passenger train service between China and North Korea has restarted after a six-year COVID hiatus, with the first train from Pyongyang arriving in Beijing.

Seoul /Beijing, March 13 A passenger train linking North Korea and China arrived in Beijing on Friday after the two nations resumed such train service for the first time in six years, as per reports of state media from China and South Korea.

The services will connect Beijing and Dandong, in China, with Pyongyang, helping facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said, Xinhua reported.

A train, which departed Pyongyang yesterday, arrived at a railway station in Beijing at 8:40 am (local time) today, Yonhap reported.

Another passenger train from Beijing to Pyongyang that departed yesterday is scheduled to arrive in Pyongyang at 6:07 pm today.

China is North Korea's largest trading partner.

Train services between the two countries were stopped since operations were suspended in January 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China State Railway Group Co, Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and North Korea would begin operating in both directions on Thursday, as per Chinese State media Xinhua

Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will operate four times a week, while the service between the Chinese border city of Dandong and the North Korean capital will run daily, China Railway said in a notice late Tuesday.

- ANI
Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh conducted a surprise inspection at a major government hospital, finding several doctors and staff absent. He ordered the deduction of one day's salary and issued show-cause notices to the absentees. The Collector also addressed infrastructure issues, noting that work is underway to make all hospital lifts operational soon. The action aligns with the state government's broader focus on strengthening health services and governance.

Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh deducted a day's salary from absent staff during a surprise hospital inspection, aiming to improve patient care.

Ujjain, March 13 Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection at a major government hospital in Ujjain to review healthcare services and infrastructure. The District Collector ordered the deduction of one day's salary and issued show-cause notices to several doctors and staff members found absent during the surprise inspection.

District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh, while speaking to the reporters, said, "In alignment with the Madhya Pradesh government and the Chief Minister's focus on good governance, a surprise inspection of the District Hospital was conducted today. During this inspection, several doctors and staff members were found to be absent; disciplinary action is currently being initiated against them. One day's salary is being deducted, and show-cause notices are being issued."

"Furthermore, instructions have been issued regarding the necessary corrective measures to further improve the hospital's systems--specifically to ensure that patients receive prompt medical treatment and medication without facing any difficulties. Regarding the long-standing issue concerning the lifts, it is encouraging to note that work is currently underway. Two additional lifts are scheduled to become operational this week, and within the next month to a month and a half, all the lifts in the hospital complex will be fully functional. Work on this is in progress," Roshan Kumar Singh added.

Earlier in February, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that health services in the state are being continuously strengthened to ensure better health outcomes for citizens, according to an official release.

Through coordinated efforts, the state has witnessed extensive expansion of health infrastructure, ensuring the availability of quality, accessible, and modern medical facilities for the general public. With notable progress in medical education, super-speciality services, maternal and child health and public health programmes, Madhya Pradesh is steadily moving toward improved health indicators, he added.

As per the release, significant progress has also been recorded in maternal and child health. The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has declined from 173 to 142, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 41 to 37.

Under the Janani Suraksha Yojana and the Chief Minister's Maternity Assistance Scheme, financial assistance worth thousands of crores of rupees was provided to lakhs of beneficiaries. Successful discharge rates from Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) have also improved, reflecting better management of neonatal care and malnutrition.

Under public health initiatives, Madhya Pradesh emerged as one of the top 5 performing states nationally in the Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. Comprehensive screening and treatment facilities have been developed under the Sickle Cell Mission. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 4.43 crore cards have been issued, providing financial security to citizens, with eligible families receiving free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. Critically ill patients are also being provided with rapid access to advanced medical care during emergencies through the PM Shri Air Ambulance Service, which has benefitted over 120 citizens to date.

- ANI
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meeting with Lebanon's president, called for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel to restore the country's sovereignty and stability. The conflict has displaced over 800,000 people and triggered a severe economic crisis, with commercial production falling by 50% and tourism activity collapsing. An economic official warned that a prolonged war could force hundreds of businesses to close and lead to massive job losses. Tensions have escalated sharply since late February, resulting in hundreds of casualties in Lebanon.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, warning of Lebanon's severe economic collapse and mass displacement.

Beirut, March 13 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and restore Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.

Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Guterres said he was visiting "as a friend of the Lebanese people in full solidarity".

"Unfortunately, Lebanon was dragged into a war that is not a war that its people would be willing to have," Guterres was quoted as saying in a statement released by the UN Information Centre while expressing hope that his next visit would be to "a Lebanon in peace," where the State has the sole control of the use of force and its territorial integrity is fully respected, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"This is no longer the time of armed groups. This is the time of strong states," he added.

For his part, Aoun said over 800,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, stressing the need to address their situation and thanking the UN for its support.

Aoun called for an end to Israeli attacks and voiced hope for stronger international support during what he described as a critical phase.

Meanwhile, a Lebanese economic official, citing data from professional syndicates and economic associations, said Friday that Lebanon's commercial production fell 50 per cent, with non-essential goods sales dropping 60-80 per cent.

The industrial and agricultural production also contracted by about 50 percent and 40 percent respectively, affected by the shutdown of production units across the country, along with disruptions to exports to Gulf countries, said Mohammad Choucair, president of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding tourism, hotel occupancy dropped to 10-15 per cent, while restaurant activity declined by about 90 per cent. Travel agencies also reported an 80-per cent drop in business.

Choucair warned that a prolonged war could force hundreds of businesses to close and thousands of Lebanese to lose their jobs, worsening the country's economic and social crisis.

Since the launch of the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have sharply escalated, with Hezbollah firing rocket barrages at northern Israeli communities and Israel striking sites in southern and eastern Lebanon, which it says house Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure.

The World Health Organisation said Wednesday that 634 deaths and 1,586 injuries had been reported in Lebanon since the beginning of the Middle East conflict.

- IANS
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to attend a 'Samvidhan Sammelan' in Lucknow to mark the birth anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram. A Congress MP stated that Gandhi is following the path of Kanshi Ram, who championed Dalit and backward community rights. The BSP and BJP are also planning significant events to commemorate the occasion. The anniversary has become a focal point for political messaging, with past events featuring criticism of rival parties like the Samajwadi Party.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attends Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary in Lucknow, as parties honor the BSP founder's legacy and Dalit rights.

Lucknow, March 13 Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the 'Samvidhan Sammelan' in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.

Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Tanuj Punia said that Rahul Gandhi is walking the path paved by Kanshi Ram.

"Kanshi Ram was a big leader of Dalits. He took Babasaheb's mission forward and worked to ensure justice to Dalits, people from the backward community. Rahul Gandhi is also walking on that path. Rahul Gandhi always talks about those whose concerns are not usually heard. He will arrive in Lucknow to celebrate the birth anniversary of Kanshi Ram. This will also give a message that Kanshi Ram ji does not belong just to a party, but was a leader for the whole (Bahujan) community," Tanuja Punia said.

Constitution and caste-survey were also the poll planks for Congress in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections.

BSP founder and stalwart leader, voicing his views for caste equality, Kanshi Ram was born on March 15, 1934. Under him, the BSP became the face of the Bahujan Samaj, comprising the SC, ST, OBC, and other minority communities in Uttar Pradesh. He passed away on October 9, 2006.

BSP and the BJP are also likely to hold grand events to mark Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary.

On Kanshi Ram's death anniversary last year, BSP chief Mayawati took a dig at the Samajwadi Party while expressing gratitude towards the current BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh for maintaining transparency in the management of funds collected from the Kanshi Ram Memorial.

Speaking at the memorial on the death anniversary of BSP founder, Mayawati praised the BJP government for not "suppressing" the revenue generated from visitors. She said, "We are grateful to the present government because, unlike the Samajwadi Party government, the money collected from the people visiting this place has not been suppressed by the present BJP government."

She had also slammed the Samajwadi Party and Congress over their alleged "casteist and malicious" attitude towards the BSP founder Kanshi Ram.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also remembered Kanshi Ram on his death anniversary and called for strengthening marginalised communities to form the INDIA bloc's government in Uttar Pradesh.

- ANI
The United States Treasury Department has issued a temporary authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil that is already in transit and stranded at sea. This measure is designed to increase global oil supply and stabilize markets disrupted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the move is narrowly tailored to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government. The announcement comes as benchmark Brent crude prices remain elevated, trading around $100 per barrel, which is about 35% higher than pre-war levels.

US Treasury issues temporary authorization for countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea to stabilize global energy markets amid Middle East tensions.

Washington DC, March 13 The United States has allowed countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea in a temporary move aimed at easing pressure in global energy markets following disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis.

According to Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, the decision is part of efforts by the administration of Donald Trump to stabilise global oil markets and contain rising fuel prices.

In a social media post, Bessent said the measure would help increase the global availability of oil supply amid geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.

"@POTUS is taking decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets and working to keep prices low as we address the threat and instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime," Bessent said.

He added that the United States Department of the Treasury has issued a temporary authorisation allowing countries to buy Russian oil that is already in transit and currently stranded at sea.

"To increase the global reach of existing supply, @USTreasury is providing a temporary authorization to permit countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea," he said.

Bessent clarified that the move is narrowly tailored and will apply only to oil shipments that are already in transit.

"This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction," he said.

The announcement comes as global crude oil prices remain elevated due to escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have raised concerns over disruptions to energy supply routes.

Benchmark Brent crude oil prices briefly surged toward USD 120 per barrel, marking a multi-year high amid fears that conflicts in the region could threaten oil supplies.

The surge in prices reflects intense geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that are affecting the stability of global energy markets.

Currently, crude oil prices are trading around USD 100 per barrel, which is approximately 35 per cent higher than pre-war levels.

Bessent also highlighted that the US administration's energy policies have contributed to strong domestic oil and gas production.

He said that President Trump's pro-energy policies have helped push US oil and gas output to record levels, which in turn has supported lower fuel prices for consumers.

"The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long term," Bessent said.

- ANI
First combat use of Precision Strike Missile

The United States has fired its new Precision Strike Missile in combat for the first time during operations against Iran. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine revealed the milestone, stating artillery forces have been destroying depots and sinking Iranian naval assets. The missiles were launched by young American soldiers and Marines, some very new to service, operating from armored rocket vehicles. This deployment marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Army's long-range strike capabilities.

US military confirms first combat use of new Precision Strike Missile against Iranian targets, marking a major artillery modernization milestone.

Washington, March 13 The US has fired its new Precision Strike Missile for the first time in combat during operations against Iran, marking a milestone in the use of advanced American artillery systems, a top U.S. military official said Thursday.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine revealed the development during a briefing to reporters on the progress of the military campaign.

"In just the first 13 days of this operation, our artillery forces have made history," Caine said. "They fired the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat, reaching deep into enemy territory."

The missile was launched by U.S. Army artillery units supporting the campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.

Caine said American soldiers and Marines were operating advanced rocket and missile systems capable of striking targets far beyond the battlefield.

"Our incredible artillery force, comprised of American soldiers and Marines, has been sinking ships, destroying depots, and launching Army tactical missile systems, precision strike missiles, and HIMARS from outside Iran," he said.

According to the general, the forces also used Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to destroy Iranian naval assets.

"They've used Army ATACMS to sink multiple ships, including a submarine," Caine said.

The operations were carried out by young American soldiers and Marines deployed in the region, many of them relatively new to the military.

Caine said he had recently spoken with soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, including a crew that fired the first Precision Strike Missile.

"One had been in the Army only six months and been in the unit for two months and was already deployed," he said.

The youngest soldier was just 20 years old, while others were 22 and 28.

Despite their youth, the general said the troops carried out their mission with calm professionalism.

"They spoke with the sense of calm, pride, purpose and clarity," Caine said.

During combat missions, the artillery crews operate from armoured rocket vehicles waiting for firing orders.

"When that fire mission comes, they close the armoured doors and begin to program the systems," he said.

"They then throw three simple toggle switches, and a rocket motor ignites, and the round is headed downrange to do the nation's work."

The introduction of the Precision Strike Missile in combat represents a major step in the modernisation of the U.S. Army's long-range strike capabilities.

The missile is designed to replace the ATACMS system and extend the reach and accuracy of U.S. artillery forces.

- IANS
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has identified India as a trusted partner in building the next-generation strategic supply chains centered on AI, semiconductors, and advanced technology. He introduced the concept of "Pax Silica," a technology-driven global order where future strategic competition will shift from energy resources to digital infrastructure. This inclusion reflects deep trust and positions India to play a central role in shaping the coming decades' technological architecture. The partnership is bolstered by initiatives like iCET, focusing on critical and emerging technologies.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor says India is a trusted partner in AI, chips & advanced tech, central to the emerging 'Pax Silica' global framework.

New Delhi, March 13 United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at India Today Conclave 2026 said that the United States is a trusted partner in building the next generation of strategic supply chains centred around artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced technology.

Highlighting the emerging concept of what officials have described as "Pax Silica," a technology-driven global order, Gor said India's inclusion among the first group of countries collaborating on this framework reflects the deep trust between the two democracies.

Speaking about the evolving global priorities, Gor said that while energy resources such as oil have historically shaped geopolitics, future strategic competition will increasingly revolve around advanced technologies and digital infrastructure.

"The United States trusts India to be included in this very crucial stack. Pax Silica is the future. Years ago, everybody would worry about oil. Everybody and we still worry about oil by the way. But looking ahead, what are those areas that the United States needs to rely on in order to succeed? And what are those areas for India? And one of those is AI, it's technology, it's chips. So who are we looking to to develop that with? And if you look at that list of 10 individuals, 10 countries, that have signed into that, to me it's an incredible opportunity that one of the first around the world that we said who do we trust to build this to grow with, is India," Gor said.

The remarks highlight Washington's strategic view that future economic and national security priorities will increasingly depend on technological leadership, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and critical digital infrastructure.

In recent years, India and the United States have significantly expanded cooperation in technology and innovation. Initiatives such as the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) have sought to strengthen collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, defence innovation and secure supply chains.

India has also been positioning itself as a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing and electronics production. The Indian government has announced incentive schemes aimed at attracting global chip manufacturers, while encouraging domestic production to reduce dependence on external supply chains.

By identifying India among the early participants in what officials describe as the "Pax Silica" ecosystem, Washington is signalling that New Delhi will likely play a central role in shaping the technological architecture of the coming decades.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the state has been recognized as a national leader in financial management and good governance. The state secured second position in the NITI Aayog Fiscal Health Index among North-Eastern and Himalayan states. This ranking reflects strong performance in revenue growth, expenditure quality, and debt management. The government aims to further accelerate development through balanced investments while maintaining fiscal discipline.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami highlights Uttarakhand's 2nd rank in fiscal health among Himalayan states, attributing success to transparent policies and discipline.

Chamoli, March 13 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in the Assembly that Uttarakhand has, in recent years, gained recognition at the national level as a leading state in financial management, fiscal discipline, and good governance. He stated that the positive outcomes are the result of the state government's transparent financial policies, effective utilisation of resources, and a long-term economic vision.

Speaking during the Assembly session in Bhararisain (Gairsain), the Chief Minister said that "the recently released Fiscal Health Index 2026 by NITI Aayog has appreciated Uttarakhand's financial management. According to the report, Uttarakhand has secured the second position among the North-Eastern and Himalayan states.

He added that "this achievement reflects the state's strong policies in revenue growth, improved quality of expenditure, deficit management, and debt management."

CM Dhami further said that "Uttarakhand has consistently performed well in maintaining fiscal discipline. In the Arun Jaitley Financial Management Report as well, Uttarakhand has secured the second position among special category Himalayan states after Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the strength of the state's financial system and responsible governance."

The Chief Minister also informed that, according to the report received from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Uttarakhand government has fully complied with the standards prescribed under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. The state has maintained a revenue surplus and kept the fiscal deficit within the prescribed limit of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Dhami said that "the state government aims to further strengthen Uttarakhand economically and accelerate the pace of development. To achieve this, the government is making balanced investments in infrastructure, the social sector, and employment-generating sectors while maintaining fiscal discipline.'

He added that "by working on the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, the state government is continuously striving to make Uttarakhand a financially strong, self-reliant, and developed state.'

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, while speaking to the reporters, said, "...The State Govt is already working on various issues. UCC Act is in effect in the state...Our Govt is committed to ensuring that values and 'Devatva' continue. The assembly has functioned as per the stipulated time. I thank everyone for this."

He further added, "Strict action will be taken wherever any discrepancy is detected. There is no need for any person. This is a global challenge. But there are no problems in our country, in our state. All arrangements have been made, and I am reviewing this personally."

- ANI
An international passenger train from Dandong of China to Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrives in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, March 12, 2026. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK will begin operating in both directions on Thursday. The services will connect Beijing and the northeastern border city of Dandong with the DPRK capital Pyongyang, helping to facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said. (Xinhua/Wang Chao)

PYONGYANG, March 12 (Xinhua) -- An international passenger train from the city of Dandong in northeast China's Liaoning Province to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday.

Xinhua reporters witnessed the arrival at a railway station in central Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK.

Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun, some other Chinese diplomats, and an official in charge of external affairs at the DPRK railway ministry came to the platform of the station to greet the passengers arriving on the train.

Extending a warm welcome, Wang described the resumption of the rail link as "a good development the peoples from both countries have been looking forward to and a significant event in bilateral relations."

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK would begin operating in both directions on Thursday.

The services will connect Beijing and Dandong with Pyongyang, helping facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said.

Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will run four days a week, with two-way services scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the Dandong-Pyongyang train service will operate daily in both directions, the operator said.

The train link was suspended in January 2020.

A passenger of an international passenger train from Dandong of China to Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrives in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, March 12, 2026.

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK will begin operating in both directions on Thursday.

The services will connect Beijing and the northeastern border city of Dandong with the DPRK capital Pyongyang, helping to facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said. (Xinhua/Wang Chao)

Editor: Xiong Jian
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced that the two nations are on the verge of finalising critical minerals agreements within the next few months. He emphasised this as part of a series of recent breakthroughs, including an interim trade pact, that are elevating the strategic partnership. Gor stated the relationship has the potential to reach historic heights by translating political will into concrete results. The interim trade framework involves reciprocal tariff adjustments on industrial goods, agricultural products, and other items.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor announces a major US-India critical minerals deal is imminent, highlighting breakthroughs in trade and strategic partnership.

New Delhi, March 13 US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday said that Washington and New Delhi are very close to finalising critical minerals agreements in a few months.

Speaking at the India Today conclave, Gor said, "I'm pleased to say that we are moving very close to finalising critical minerals agreements to help secure the supply chains needed for advanced manufacturing, energy systems and emerging technologies. Stay tuned, and in the next few months, we expect a big announcement."

He further emphasised that the Washington-New Delhi relationship can reach "historic heights" as he highlighted the recent breakthroughs, such as the US-India interim trade agreement, to elevate the partnership.

Sergio Gor said that in a few months, both countries will have delivered actual results, reflecting governments political willingness to translate opportunity into direct results.

"We are seeing something different. Instead of breakdown, we are seeing breakthroughs. We have already seen a remarkable series of breakthroughs that demonstrate the strength and momentum of the US-India partnership," he said.

"The relationship has the potential to reach historic heights and deliver results on a scale we have never seen before," he added.

Gor further highlighted the recent breakthroughs, "First, a breakthrough in trade. Second, a breakthrough in trust and technology and third, a breakthrough in strategic coordination. Each reflects where the US-India partnership is headed."

Speaking on the India-US interim trade deal, Gor said, "The scale of our economy and the talent of our people and the entrepreneurial energy in both societies make the possibilities very clear. What was needed was the momentum and political will to translate opportunity into direct results. Today, we are beginning to unlock the potential."

"This partnership is not about tariffs and market access, it is also about securing the resources and supply chains that will define the global economy of the future," he added.

India and the United States had on February 7 announced that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement).

The framework reaffirmed the countries' commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.

Key terms of the Interim Agreement included India eliminating or reducing tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers' grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products.

It said the United States will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 as amended, on originating goods of India, including textile and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber, organic chemicals, home decor, artisanal products, and certain machinery.

- ANI
Vinai Kumar Saxena was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, moving from the same post in Delhi. The change is part of a widespread reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors ordered by President Murmu ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. 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.

Vinai Kumar Saxena sworn in as Ladakh LG. Taranjit Singh Sandhu appointed Delhi LG in a major pre-Rajya Sabha polls administrative reshuffle.

Leh, March 13 Vinai Kumar Saxena was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh at a ceremony held at the CIBS Auditorium in Leh on Friday.

As part of the broader administrative restructuring, Saxena has been transferred from his earlier position as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Meanwhile, former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

The swearing-in ceremony comes after President Murmu effected a major administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across the country 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 CV Ananda Bose, who resigned earlier on Thursday.

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 Honourable 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
Motaz Malhees, who stars in the Oscar-nominated docudrama "The Voice of Hind Rajab," announced he cannot attend the Academy Awards ceremony. He is barred from entering the United States due to a travel ban on holders of Palestinian Authority passports instituted by former President Donald Trump. Malhees expressed pride in his role portraying a call center operator trying to help a young girl trapped in Gaza. The film's director, Kaouther Ben Hania, is expected to attend the Oscars.

Motaz Malhees, star of Oscar-nominated 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' cannot attend ceremony due to US ban on Palestinian Authority passports.

Los Angeles, March 13 Kaouther Ben Hania's docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab is nominated for Best International Feature at Sunday's Oscars. However, one of its stars won't be able to attend the ceremony.

Motaz Malhees, who plays a call center operator desperately trying to help 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab as she's trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, on Thursday shared that he is unable to represent the film at the awards due to US President Donald Trump's travel ban on people with Palestinian Authority passports, as per Variety.

Taking to Instagram, Motaz wrote, "Three days left to the Oscars. Our film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' is nominated for an Academy Award. I had the honor of playing one of the lead roles in a story the world needed to hear. But I will not be there."

He added, "I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship."

Motaz continued, "It hurts. But here is the truth You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice. I am Palestinian, and I stand with pride and dignity. My spirit will be with the 'Voice of Hind Rajab' that night. Good luck to all of you. Our story is bigger than any barrier, and it will be heard."

In December, Trump banned people with Palestinian Authority passports from entering the US alongside those from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Though Malhees will not be present at the Oscars, the film's director Ben Hania, who is Tunisian, should be able to attend.

- ANI
The White House has pushed back against reports of shifting war aims in the conflict with Iran by releasing a compilation of statements from senior officials. President Donald Trump and others outlined what they describe as the consistent, unchanged objectives of Operation Epic Fury. These goals include destroying Iran's missile and naval forces, preventing nuclear weapon development, and curtailing its support for regional proxies. Officials from the Vice President to the Pentagon leadership all reiterated these core aims.

The White House releases statements from Trump, Vance, and Rubio asserting consistent objectives in Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

Washington, March 13 The White House pushed back against reports that the Trump administration has shifted its goals in the war with Iran, as it released a compilation of remarks by President Donald Trump and senior officials outlining what it said have been the campaign's consistent objectives.

The compilation brings together statements made over the past ten days by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senior Pentagon leaders, and the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, describing what officials say are the unchanged goals of Operation Epic Fury.

"Our objectives are clear," Trump said on March 2. "First, we're destroying Iran's missile capabilities... and their capacity to produce brand new ones - pretty good ones they make. Second, we're annihilating their navy... Third, we're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon... And finally, we're ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders."

Vice President Vance said the central aim of the campaign remained preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

"Whatever happens with the regime in one form or another, it's incidental to the President's primary objective here - which is to make sure the Iranian terrorist regime does not build a nuclear bomb," he said.

Secretary of State Rubio said the military effort was designed to eliminate the immediate threats posed by Iran's missile forces and naval capabilities.

"The United States is conducting an operation to eliminate the threat of Iran's short-range ballistic missiles and the threat posed by their navy... That is the clear objective of this mission," Rubio said.

Military commanders said the campaign also seeks to weaken Iran's ability to project military power beyond its borders.

"Our military in the Middle East is undertaking an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran's ability to threaten Americans, as they've been doing for nearly half a century," US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said.

Pentagon officials said Iran's expanding missile forces had become a growing security concern.

Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby said the operation was focused on addressing Iran's ability to project military power.

"The objectives of the military campaign... are focused on addressing the ability of the Islamic Republic to project military power... And that's primarily the missile forces of the Islamic Republic, which had obviously been growing substantially and posed a very serious threat," Colby said.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the mission aimed to dismantle key pillars of Iran's military capability.

"The mission is laser-focused: obliterate Iran's missiles and drones and facilities that produce them, annihilate its navy and critical security infrastructure, and sever their pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran will never possess a nuclear bomb," he said.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said the operation targets Iran's missile systems, naval forces and military infrastructure.

"We are targeting and eliminating Iran's ballistic missile systems to prevent them from threatening the US forces, partners, and interests in the region," Caine said. "Second, we are destroying the Iranian navy... Third, we're ensuring Iran cannot rapidly rebuild or reconstitute its combat capability."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the operation's objectives had remained unchanged since the campaign began.

"We are well on our way to achieving those objectives - annihilating Iran's navy... taking out the ballistic missile threat that Iran posed to the United States and our troops and bases in the region... ensuring Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon, as well, and significantly weakening their proxies in the region," she said.

- IANS
This photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows the Great Hall of the People ahead of the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Yan)

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development signals a clear shift toward higher-quality, innovation-led growth, while placing the improvement of people's social well-being at the forefront, said Gerald Mbanda, a Rwandan publisher and researcher.

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- With embodied artificial intelligence (AI), brain-computer interfaces and 6G mobile communications featuring prominently in documents released during the "two sessions," innovation is set to drive China's high-quality development in the new stage.

Experts around the world highlighted that, driven by quality improvement, technological upgrading and structural optimization, the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) is expected to continue boosting domestic development and channel its innovations into global cooperation.

People visit the 34th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, May 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

INNOVATION FOR PEOPLE'S WELL-BEING

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development signals a clear shift toward higher-quality, innovation-led growth, while placing the improvement of people's social well-being at the forefront, said Gerald Mbanda, a Rwandan publisher and researcher.

"It is an important indicator that the government leadership puts first the interest of the people," he said.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan highlighted "new quality productive forces," with a focus on scientific advancement, industrial upgrading, and long-term development, said Richard A. Black, a senior scholar with the Schiller Institute.

Black said the plan reflects a view that long-term prosperity depends on a commitment to "the real economy" -- manufacturing, infrastructure and energy systems.

Marcela Vera, an economist at Chile's University of Santiago, said that while innovation in the West tends to be confined to big firms using tech barriers to protect profits, it is widely applied to advance social development and enhance people's well-being in China.

Citing his experience in China, Dennis Munene Mwaniki, executive director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute in Kenya, said that China has become a leading nation in AI development and integration.

He recalled visiting a hotel where a robot served him, noting that such machines can also handle jobs far too risky for humans, like welding.

He added that China has developed AI capable of detecting some health conditions early, improving the healthcare system and saving lives. It has also been "instrumental" in agriculture, he said, helping cultivate crops resistant to harsh conditions, delivering people from hunger and starvation.

Experts perform an orthopedic surgery with a robotic system at the Tongzhou branch of Beijing Anzhen Hospital in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

INNOVATION FOR SHARING

Experts pointed out that the policy priorities unveiled at the "two sessions" further cemented China's role as a global innovation hub while creating major opportunities for global cooperation.

Mwaniki said that China's AI has been effectively applied through international cooperation and partnerships, noting that the country has worked with African countries to breed climate-resilient crops in regions where people are dying from hunger.

Ismael Buchanan, a senior lecturer at the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the University of Rwanda, expressed a similar view.

"I believe African countries could greatly benefit from learning from Five-Year Plans launched by the Chinese government," he said, suggesting that they strengthen trade and partnerships with China, a path many are already actively pursuing.

European countries are also closely following the "two sessions," looking forward to sealing some deals.

"For the outside world, especially for Europe, it is important to see where the new space for China's further growth lies," said Marina Ragus, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia.

Ragus said that China's "sustained investment in innovation, advanced production lines and automation" has driven structural transformation, generated employment and improved living standards.

Clemens Schuette, chairman of the board of the German-Chinese Business Association, said China has evolved from "a low-cost manufacturing base into a major market and an important innovation hub," citing BMW, Volkswagen, Siemens and BASF as examples of companies expanding local research and engineering capacities in China.

German firms are increasingly recognizing China's role as a global innovation leader, he noted. "Many companies are expanding cooperation with Chinese partners not only to remain competitive in China but also to benefit globally," he said.

Satyajit Bose, professor of Practice at Columbia University, praised China's role in expanding the global reach of clean energy. The 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on "high-quality development" demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that growth must incorporate environmental sustainability and structural upgrading, Bose said.

Describing renewable energy as a "promising part of Chinese development," he noted that falling solar production costs have made clean power more accessible to lower-income countries and created opportunities for longer-term cooperation.

Editor: WSH
Increasing use of blood tests to detect prostate cancer is leading to overworked doctors. NTNU has now created an AI diagnostic tool that can help lighten the burden.

Diagnostic tools based on artificial intelligence are now making their way into Norwegian hospitals. AI can independently read X-ray images and detect bone fractures, or assess cancer tumours in both the breast and prostate.

"AI tools can take over the detection of simple and clear-cut cases, allowing doctors to spend their time on more complex ones," said Tone Frost Bathen. She is a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the project manager of an AI-powered analysis tool for prostate cancer called PROVIZ.

Tests on patients at St Olavs Hospital indicate that the tool is very promising.

AI can enable radiologists to determine more quickly and more accurately whether a patient needs a biopsy, and where in the prostate it should be taken from." Tone Frost Bathen, professor, NTNU

A recent study shows that patients trust medical test results only if an experienced doctor confirms what has been detected.

"Trust in doctors and health professionals is key for artificial intelligence to gain a place in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Technology alone is not enough. Human contact and professional assessment remain indispensable," said Simon A. Berger, a PhD research fellow at NTNU.

Prostate cancer is a natural part of getting older

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in Western countries.

Examinations have detected prostate cancer in 10 per cent of 50-year-olds, 50 per cent of 60-year-olds and approximately 70 per cent of men over the age of 80.

This shows that the disease is naturally linked to ageing.

"Prostate cancer is something most men die with, not from," added Berger.

A blood test called PSA can help detect prostate cancer. Since it has become more common for men to take this blood test, the number of new prostate cancer cases has risen sharply. There are now approximately 5000 new cases each year.

When more people are tested for something that many individuals naturally have as part of the ageing process, the next medical step after the blood test must also be carried out more often, so that doctors can obtain a broader clinical picture of its severity.

Most trust in doctors

Currently, this next step involves taking an MRI scan, which provides a detailed image of the prostate gland and the surrounding tissue. These images need to be interpreted manually by an experienced radiologist. As the number of images taken has increased sharply, this has created a need for new and more efficient ways of making diagnoses.

Through the PROVIZ project, NTNU researchers have developed an AI-powered tool that can help doctors interpret MRI images of the prostate. PROVIZ is currently available only for use as part of the ongoing research project, but efforts are underway to apply for a patent and make the tool commercially available.

For a tool like this to be efficiency-enhancing in routine hospital practice, patients must also trust the findings detected through the use of AI.

Berger interviewed 18 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer through the use of PROVIZ. The study shows that trust in doctors and health professionals plays a decisive role in whether patients accept AI in the health services.

"Patients trust AI in lower-risk cases such as bone fractures, but not in cases where the perceived risk is higher, such as cancer. When the perceived risk is high, we place the greatest trust in specialized doctors who can confirm what AI has found," explained Berger.

Doctors as guarantors

In his interviews, Berger identified three different dimensions of trust.

Foundational trust in the healthcare system: many patients had positive experiences from previous encounters with the healthcare system. This laid a positive foundation. Inter-personal trust in health professionals: patients trusted the doctors and their assessments. This trust was crucial for accepting AI because the doctors explained and vouched for the technology. Possible trust in AI: even though patients recognized the potential of AI, they always wanted a human assessment as well in prostate cancer diagnostics. They were concerned about accountability, professional judgement and AI's (in)ability to see the whole clinical picture.

"The relationship between patient and doctor is still key. For AI to be accepted in clinical practice, health professionals must be active communicators and guarantors of safety. In order for doctors to serve as guarantors, they must first understand how AI arrived at its conclusions so they can verify that it has made the correct assessment. Patients accept the use of AI within a framework they already trust," concluded Berger.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a new way to alter complex drug molecules using light rather than toxic chemicals  a discovery that could accelerate and improve how medicines are designed and made.

Published in Nature Synthesis, the study introduces what the team calls an "anti-FriedelCrafts" reaction. A classic FriedelCrafts reaction uses strong chemicals or metal catalysts under harsh experimental conditions. This means the reaction can only happen in the early stages of drug manufacturing, and is followed by many additional chemical steps to produce the final drug.

The new Cambridge approach reverses that pattern, allowing scientists to modify drug molecules at the final stages of production.

Rather than relying on heavy metal catalysts, the chemistry is powered by an LED lamp at ambient temperature. When activated, it triggers a self-sustaining chain process that forges new carboncarbon bonds under mild conditions and without toxic or expensive chemicals.

In practical terms, this means chemists can make targeted changes late in the development of a new or existing drug rather than dismantling and rebuilding complex molecules from scratch  a process that can otherwise take months.

We've found a new way to make precise changes to complex drug molecules, particularly ones that have been exceptionally difficult to modify in the past." David Vahey, Study First Author and PhD Researcher, St John's College, University of Cambridge

Vahey added, "Scientists can spend months rebuilding large parts of a molecule just to test one small change. Now, instead of doing a multistep process for hundreds of molecules, scientists can start with their hit and make small modifications later on."

"This reaction lets scientists make precise adjustments much later in the process, under mild conditions and without relying on toxic or expensive reagents. That opens chemical space that has been hard to access before and gives medicinal chemists a cleaner, more efficient tool for exploring new versions of a drug."

Fewer steps mean fewer chemicals, less energy consumption, a smaller environmental footprint, and significant time savings for chemists. This highly selective reaction lets scientists make precise adjustments much later in the process. That matters enormously in drug development, where even a minor structural tweak can significantly affect how well a medicine works, how it behaves in the body, or how many side effects it causes.

The Cambridge breakthrough tackles one of the most fundamental steps in that process: forming carboncarbon bonds, the links that underpin everything from fuels to complex biomolecules.

The method is highly selective, meaning it can alter one part of a molecule without disturbing other sensitive regions  what chemists call "high functional-group tolerance". That makes it particularly suited to late-stage optimisation  a key part of modern medicinal chemistry, where scientists fine-tune molecules to improve how drugs perform.

By avoiding heavy metal catalysts, hazardous conditions and reducing the need for long synthetic sequences, the reaction could also dramatically cut toxic chemical waste and energy use in pharmaceutical development, which is an increasing priority as the industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint.

Vahey is a member of Professor Erwin Reisner's research group at Cambridge. Reisner's group is known for developing systems inspired by photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert certain types of waste, water and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels.

Reisner, Professor of Energy and Sustainability in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, lead author of the paper, said the importance of the latest work lies in expanding what chemists can do under practical conditions while developing greener manufacturing methods.

"This is a new way to make a fundamental carboncarbon bond and that's why the potential impact is so great. It also means chemists can avoid an undesirable and inefficient drug modification process."

The team demonstrated the reaction across a wide range of drug-like molecules and showed it could be adapted to continuous-flow systems increasingly used in industry. Collaboration with AstraZeneca helped test whether the method could meet the practical and environmental demands of large-scale pharmaceutical development.

"Transitioning the chemical industry to a sustainable industry is arguably one of the most difficult parts of the whole energy transition," explained Reisner.

And the breakthrough came from a laboratory setback  like some of science's most famous discoveries, from X-rays and penicillin to Viagra and modern weight-loss drugs.

"Failure after failure, then we found something we weren't expecting in the mess  a real diamond in the rough. And it is all thanks to a failed control experiment," Vahey said.

He had been testing a photocatalyst when he removed it as part of a control test and found the reaction worked just as well, and in some cases better, without it.

At first, the unusual product appeared to be a mistake. Instead of discarding it, the team decided to understand what it meant. Reisner said the breakthrough depended not just on chemistry, but on judgement.

"Recognising the value in the unexpected is probably one of the key characteristics of a successful scientist," he said.

"We generate enormous amounts of data, and increasingly we use artificial intelligence to help analyse it. We have an algorithm that can predict reactivity. AI helps because we don't need chemists to do endless trial and error, but an algorithm will only follow the rules it has been given. It still takes a human being to look at something that appears wrong and ask whether it might actually be something new."

In this case, it was Vahey who recognised its significance and investigated further.

"David could have dismissed it as a failed control," Reisner said. "Instead, he stopped and thought about what he was seeing. That moment, choosing to investigate rather than ignore it, is where discovery happens."

Once the team had mapped the underlying chemistry, they brought in machine-learning models  developed in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin  to predict where the reaction would occur on entirely new molecules that had never been tested in the lab.

By learning the patterns from established chemistry, AI could effectively simulate reactions before they were run, helping researchers identify the most promising candidates faster and with far less trial and error. The result is a tool that doesn't just work in the lab but could actively help scientists develop new drugs more quickly in the future.

For Vahey, it's providing researchers with a vital new tool in the toolbox of drug discovery and development.

He said: "What industry and other researchers do with it next  that's where the future impact lies. For us, the lab is mostly average to bad days. The good days are very good days."

Reisner added: "As a chemist, you only need one or two good days a year  and those can come from a failed experiment."
Immunotherapy given during and after chemoradiation did not improve survival for study participants with limited-stage, small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) according to the results of an international clinical trial, NRG-LU005, led by NRG Oncology in collaboration with the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. The results are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The trial did not meet its primary endpoint as the addition of the immunotherapy agent atezolizumab to chemotherapy and radiation did not significantly improve survival for those with limited-stage SCLC. However, twice-daily radiation therapy was associated with improved survival in this population.

We are still learning how best to use immunotherapy in limited-stage, small-cell lung cancer. Concurrent immunotherapy with chemoradiotherapy did not improve survival, but we did not find worsened outcomes or unexpected safety signals." Helen J. Ross, MD, Professor and Director, Research and Clinical Trials, Rush Cancer Center

Ross has also served as co-principal investigator of LU005 and the Alliance lead investigator.

"Radiation was given either once or twice daily based on investigator's choice. Although not randomized, our analysis of the radiation fractionation schedule provides indirect evidence that twice-daily radiation therapy may make a difference in outcomes," Dr. Ross added. "Clinical trials dating to the 1990s showed that twice-daily radiation therapy can improve survival for patients with limited-stage SCLC, but only about 20 percent of patients in the U.S. receive this approach."

Management of limited-stage, small-cell lung cancer has historically relied on chemotherapy delivered concurrently with radiation therapy. While immunotherapy has improved treatment for extensive-stage SCLC, at the time LU005 was developed, it remained unknown whether moving immunotherapy into earlier, potentially curable stages would offer benefit.

The LU005 study was designed to address this question, while also ensuring rigorous radiation quality assurance and broad patient eligibility. Importantly, unlike previous trials that enrolled only patients who completed chemoradiation without progression, LU005 allowed enrollment after a single cycle of chemotherapy, capturing realworld patients earlier and ensuring that radiation plans could be centrally reviewed.

LU005 enrolled 544 patients between May 2019 and December 2023 across 218 sites in the United States and Japan. Participants were assigned to receive either standard concurrent chemoradiation alone or chemoradiation plus atezolizumab intravenously every three weeks starting with the first study cycle, which was the second cycle of chemotherapy.

Thoracic radiation was delivered using one of two schedules: 45 Gy administered twice daily over three weeks, or 66 Gy administered once daily over six-and-a-half weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival, with key secondary endpoints including progressionfree survival, distant metastasisfree survival, objective response rate, local control, and safety.

The addition of atezolizumab did not improve progression-free or overall survival. The median overall survival was 36.1 months in the chemoradiationalone arm and 31.1 months in the chemoradiation plus atezolizumab arm. Median progressionfree survival was 11.4 months for chemoradiation alone and 12.1 months for the atezolizumab group.

Both arms demonstrated survival outcomes that exceeded those of earlier landmark trials in this population. The 36.1month median overall survival in the standard chemoradiation arm represents one of the longest survival outcomes ever reported in a randomized study in people with limited-stage SCLC.

An interesting finding in LU005 was the consistent survival benefit associated with twicedaily radiation therapy. Even though twicedaily radiation is supported by decades of evidence, adoption of the regimen in routine practice remains low, partially due to logistical challenges for patients, caregivers and providers. In LU005, while the choice of fractionation was left to the treating investigators, twicedaily radiation was associated with substantially better survival than oncedaily radiation, regardless of immunotherapy use.

In the chemoradiationalone arm, patients receiving oncedaily radiation had a 51 percent higher risk of death compared to those treated twice daily. A similar trend favoring twicedaily radiation was also observed in the atezolizumab arm.

"By combining contemporary trial methodology, a robust sample size, and stringent quality assurance requirements, LU005 provides one of the strongest modern validations that 45 Gy delivered twice daily should remain the preferred thoracic radiation schedule for patients with limited-stage SCLC," Dr. Ross said.
The first sign came when Deepanwita Dasgupta was 5 and started stumbling more while playing at her home in Bangalore in southern India. The girl was always up to something, so her parents figured extra bumps and bruises were just symptoms of an active childhood. Maybe, they thought, it was ill-fitting shoes.

Relatives described the unicorn-loving child as smart, affectionate, and occasionally rascally. Before she learned the alphabet, she had figured out how to find her favorite show, Blippi, on a phone. She was known to sneak butter from the fridge to enjoy a few finger licks.

But then her limbs started jerking. A spinal tap revealed measles in her cerebrospinal fluid. The virus she probably had as an infant had secretly made its way to her brain. Now 8 years old, Deepanwita is paralyzed, unable to talk.

Measles causes complications  ranging from diarrhea to death  in 3 in 10 infected people, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Some are immediate, while others take weeks or months to appear. The one Deepanwita is experiencing, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, or SSPE, typically takes years to rear its head.

"People think, 'Oh, you know, if we get measles, then we'll be fine, because I know my neighbor had it and they're fine,'" said Yasmin Khakoo, who leads the national Child Neurology Society but spoke to KFF Health News in her capacity as a New York City doctor with expertise in neurologic conditions.

Measles, though, can be dangerous: A 7-year-old in South Carolina will have to relearn how to walk after enduring one of the more immediate complications, brain swelling. And every so often, the virus plants a ticking time bomb in the nervous system. A person can recover from measles and continue life as usual, no longer contagious and without any identifiable symptoms  sometimes for a decade or more  before problems appear. While some patients end up severely disabled for a while, Khakoo said, the condition is almost always fatal.

Before the advent of widespread and effective vaccines, the complication occurred enough in the U.S. that in the 1960s a doctor created a national registry of SSPE patients. Researchers now estimate about 1 in 10,000 people who get measles will develop SSPE, but the risk is significantly higher for those who contract measles before age 5. Populous nations where the virus is endemic, including India, see cases routinely.

Now, doctors and researchers fear that as vaccination rates drop and measles spreads in the U.S., cases of this debilitating complication will also rise here. Since the start of 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded over 3,500 measles cases  more than in the entire preceding decade  mostly people who were unvaccinated. Many were children. Last year, Connecticut doctors diagnosed a 6-year-old with SSPE, and in California, a school-age child who'd had measles as an infant died of it.

"We are likely to see SSPE cases going forward, especially if we dont get this under control," said Adam Ratner, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases and author of the book Booster Shots.

Concern about SSPE was great enough that in January, the Child Neurology Society published a video to educate U.S. clinicians about the condition, and doctors who have seen such cases are warning their peers.

"We don't have a way of knowing who's going to get it, and we don't have a way of very effectively treating it," said Aaron Nelson, a professor of neurology with the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "The one best thing that we can do, ideally, is to prevent children from having to go through it in the first place."

The recommended two-dose measles vaccine slashes an exposed person's risk of getting the contagious virus from 90% to 3%  and thus reduces the chance of SSPE. The vaccines carry small risks of febrile seizure and a bleeding condition, but measles itself has a higher risk of causing both.

Cases in the U.S.

A 2017 study of California children who developed SSPE after a measles outbreak there years ago determined that 1 case is diagnosed for about every 1,400 known cases of measles in children under age 5, and 1 for every 600 infected babies.

The researchers also found that, over the years, doctors had missed some cases among patients who had died with undiagnosed neurologic illness.

The possibility that future cases could go undiagnosed spurred Nava Yeganeh and her colleagues to publish a news release in September when a Los Angeles County child died of SSPE.

"We've had very few cases of measles in the last 25 years in this country," said Yeganeh, who is the medical director with the Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program at the Los Angeles County public health department and has had two patients with SSPE. "Unfortunately, that's changing, and so we wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of this long-term complication."

The California child who died had gotten measles as an infant, Yeganeh said, before the child could receive the vaccine. Measles is highly contagious, so at least 95% of the population must be immune to it to protect vulnerable people  including babies too young to vaccinate and people who are immunocompromised  from infection.

"This is an example of someone who did everything right, wanted to protect their child against this infection, and unfortunately ended up losing their child because we didnt have herd immunity for them," Yeganeh said.

Shortly after Yeganeh's group published the news release in California, Nelson was working to get the word out, too.

He had recently seen a 5-year-old whose family had traveled to the U.S. for medical care after the child started stumbling, jerking, hallucinating about bugs and animals, and having seizures. The child had contracted measles as an infant and had been too young to be vaccinated. Nelson diagnosed the child with SSPE.

"Imagine that: Having a child who is healthy and happy, moving to talking less and less, eventually not able to walk," Nelson said. "It's a very sad thing."

He thought he would encounter the condition only in medical school textbooks, as a relic of the past. Instead, in October he found himself presenting the case at the Child Neurology Society's national conference and participating in the society's video about the condition. "I've now seen something I shouldn't have ideally seen ever in my career," he said.

Warning signs from India

Globally, the number of measles outbreaks has increased in recent years, and physicians in places including the U.K. and Italy have recently seen clusters of SSPE.

The high human cost of measles' spread is especially evident in India. While total cases aren't tracked, about 200 families caring for people with SSPE, including Deepanwita's, are in a single chat group in the Bangalore area.

In New Delhi, Sheffali Gulati studies SSPE and sees about 10 new patients a year with the condition, what she calls the "delayed echo" of measles outbreaks. The youngest she has seen was 3 years old.

"The ages are coming down, and a death or a vegetative state can develop as soon as in six months to five years of onset," said Gulati, who leads the pediatric neurology program at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and until recently led India's Association of Child Neurology.

Gulati hasn't found any treatments that reverse SSPE's course, only some that slow its progress. She's found herself counseling parents: It's catastrophic, it's not their fault, and they can do nothing but accept it.

Deepanwita's relatives try to find joy where they can. They think they noticed the girl smiling when her favorite cousin called recently. Anindita Dasgupta, her mother, said Deepanwita moves her hands and feet on her own and sometimes turns her head, especially when her father enters the room. The girl communicates with her parents through her eyes and a few sounds.

But it's far from where she was in 2022: At a cousin's birthday, a few months before noticeable symptoms started, Deepanwita started the birthday song and sang the loudest.

At her own 8th-birthday gathering last year, Deepanwita, wearing a pink eyelet dress and a nasal tube, could only blink and move her eyes as she sat propped up before two cakes that she would not be able to eat. She can no longer swallow, so her mom dabbed a bit of icing on her tongue.

Research that shouldn't be needed

Roberto Cattaneo, a molecular biologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been studying SSPE for years. He recently used postmortem brain tissue to map how the measles virus can spread from the frontal cortex to colonize the entire brain. Still, he said it's a "black box" what exactly measles is doing in those dormant years between the initial infection and when the symptoms of neurologic damage crop up.

It's possible the virus replicates in the brain that whole time, undetected, killing off neurons. But with so many neurons in the human brain  10 times as many as people living on the planet  the brain may find a way to adjust, Cattaneo said, until finally it can't anymore.

He's applying for funding to continue research on the disease and possible treatments, though ultimately, he wishes he didn't have to. The tools to obliterate the condition already exist.

"The problem could be solved with vaccination," Cattaneo said. The U.S. should have no cases of SSPE, he said. "It's just painful."
Sheldon Ekirch is used to being disappointed by her health insurance company.

That's why Ekirch, 31, of Henrico, Virginia, was stunned when she learned Anthem would finally have to pay for life-changing medical treatment.

For two years, she had battled the company to cover blood plasma infusions called intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG. The treatment has been shown, in some cases, to improve symptoms associated with small-fiber neuropathy, a condition that makes Ekirch's limbs feel like they're on fire.

But Anthem had repeatedly denied coverage for IVIG, which costs about $10,000 per infusion. Then, in February, an external review of her case conducted for the Virginia Bureau of Insurance overturned Anthem's denial. It meant her parents would no longer need to withdraw money from her father's retirement savings to pay out-of-pocket. Already, they'd spent about $90,000.

"My mom was sobbing. My dad was on his knees, sobbing. I dont think Ive ever seen him cry like that," said Ekirch, describing her parents' reaction to the reversal.

"I think I'm in shock from it all," she said.

In a prepared statement, Stephanie DuBois, a spokesperson for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said IVIG did not "align with our evidence-based standards." But she said the company respects "the external reviewer's decision" to overturn the denial.

Meanwhile, each year millions of patients like Ekirch continue to face denials through the prior authorization process, which requires many patients or their doctors to seek preapproval from health insurers before proceeding with medical care. And despite promises of reform from insurance companies, denials remain a frustrating hallmark of the American health care system.

Last June, Trump administration officials announced in a press conference that health insurance leaders had pledged to simplify prior authorization by taking steps such as "reducing the scope of claims" subject to preapproval. The insurers also promised faster turnaround times and "clear, easy-to-understand explanations" of their decisions.

Yet in February, when KFF Health News contacted more than a dozen major insurers that signed the pledge, half of them failed to provide specifics about health care services for which they no longer require prior authorization.

A January press release said the industry remains committed to the effort. But physicians, consumers, and patient advocates are pessimistic about the insurers' willingness to follow through with these voluntary changes.

"They have no desire to do what's in the best interest of the patient if it's going to hurt their pockets," said Matt Toresco, CEO of Archo Advocacy, a patient advocacy and consulting company.

"In the insurance world, the fiduciary responsibility is not to the patient," he said. "It's to the Street," he said, referring to Wall Street.

Meaningful change?

The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to questions for this article. The few updates the federal government has issued since June on prior authorization reform include a September announcement about ensuring clinicians can submit requests electronically.

AHIP, the health insurer trade group that issued the January press release, did not provide information about specific treatments, codes, medications, or procedures that its members have released from prior authorization since signing the pledge.

"We will have additional progress updates coming out later this spring," said Kelly Parsons, a spokesperson for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which represents 33 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. She also offered no specifics.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that cover patients in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee either did not respond to questions for this article or deferred to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

By contrast, other insurers cited specific examples of change.

Aetna CVS Health began "bundling" prior authorizations for musculoskeletal procedures, as well as for lung, breast, and prostate cancer patients, spokesperson Phil Blando said. This practice allows providers to file one authorization request for a patient's treatment instead of several.

And Humana removed prior authorization requirements for "diagnostic services across colonoscopies," among other changes, spokesperson Mark Taylor said.

UnitedHealthcare, which came under intense scrutiny for its use of prior authorization following the fatal shooting of one of its executives in late 2024, removed prior authorization requirements on Jan. 1 for "certain nuclear imaging, obstetrical ultrasound and echocardiogram procedures," among other changes, spokesperson Matthew Rodriguez said.

Yet some health care insiders doubt these changes will amount to much.

"Insurers have made similar promises before and failed to deliver meaningful change," said Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, which represents U.S. physicians and medical students.

In 2018, various health industry groups, including AHIP and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, announced a partnership "to identify opportunities to improve the prior authorization process." Yet, Mukkamala wrote in response to the June pledge, the process remains "costly, inefficient, opaque, and too often hazardous for patients."

"Transparency is essential so everyone can see whether real reforms are happening," he told KFF Health News.

Curbed enthusiasm

Prior authorization may be getting more political attention, but data shows patients  particularly those with chronic conditions that require ongoing medical treatment  continue to face barriers to doctor-recommended care.

Among patients in that group, 39% said prior authorization is the single biggest burden in receiving care, according to a recent poll by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

I was fighting to survive, and then I was fighting to convince someone that I deserved to survive."

Anna Hocum

That's true for Payton Herres, 25, of Dayton, Ohio, who in 2012 received a heart transplant, which requires her to take an antirejection prescription medication for the rest of her life.

But last year, she said, Anthem denied coverage for the expensive drug. She'd been taking it for more than 10 years.

"I've been with Anthem my entire life, and then, all of a sudden  I don't know what happened  they just started denying me over and over," she said. "I almost ran out of medication."

DuBois, the Anthem spokesperson, confirmed the company has approved the medication. It had not taken Herres' treatment history into account when it denied coverage for the drug, DuBois said.

But Herres said the company will require her to obtain a new authorization for the medication in September.

"Are they going to deny other things, too?" she asked. "I hope I don't have to keep fighting like this for the rest of my life."

Anna Hocum, 25, is preparing for a similar fight. In 2024 and 2025, her insurer repeatedly denied coverage for expensive treatment used to slow the progression of a rare genetic condition that destroys her lung function.

"I just thought I was going to die," said Hocum, of Milwaukee. "I was fighting to survive, and then I was fighting to convince someone that I deserved to survive."

Like with Ekirch, Hocum's parents paid while they waited for her insurance company to overturn the initial denials. Friends and family donated more than $30,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help defray the costs.

Then last spring, Hocum said, her insurer reversed the denial without an apparent explanation. But the approval is valid for only 12 months, so she will need another prior authorization approval this year.

"It is scary," she said. "It's not guaranteed that it'll be accepted."

They fought me tooth and nail every step of the way, to the point that they made my life a living hell."

Sheldon Ekirch

Even though it's a "huge relief" that Anthem is now obligated to cover Ekirch's treatment, her mother doesn't know if or how the family will recoup the money it has already paid.

In a letter to Ekirch confirming the external reviewer's decision, Anthem explained that the authorization would be valid for a year beginning on Sept. 25, 2025. "We are pleased we can provide a favorable response in this case," a grievance and appeals analyst for Anthem wrote.

Ekirch said the letter highlighted the company's hypocrisy.

"They act as though they are a benevolent organization doing me a favor." In reality, she said, "they fought me tooth and nail every step of the way, to the point that they made my life a living hell."

Now, Ekirch's access to IVIG may be in jeopardy again. Her COBRA coverage through Anthem expires in late March. In April, she will need to transition to a new insurance plan  and she's bracing herself for another round of prior authorization.

"I just am so afraid that I don't have the strength to go through and do what it takes," Ekirch said, "to fight this battle again."
A study of more than 400,000 women finds medically assisted reproduction is associated with small increases in certain cancers. However, overall cancer risk remains comparable to that of the general population.

Study: Cancer Incidence in Women After Medically Assisted Reproduction. Image credit: Rohane Hamilton/Shutterstock.com

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women who underwent medically assisted reproduction (MAR) had slightly higher rates of certain cancers, notably uterine and ovarian cancers, although overall cancer incidence after MAR was generally similar to that of the matched general female population. However, the absolute increase in risk was small, amounting to fewer than seven additional cases per 100,000 women per year.

Infertility, treatment, and cancer risk: untangling complex relationships

MAR is becoming more common in wealthy countries, comprising 6.7 % of births in Australia in 2017. It involves treatments such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction using fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate.

Many of these involve administering hormones or repeatedly puncturing ovarian follicles to retrieve ova. Both of these are potential contributors to cancer development. ART may be linked to increased ovarian cancer risk and lower cervical cancer risk. In other cancers, confounding factors may explain the conflicting findings.

For instance, women who undergo MAR may also have a higher baseline cancer risk because of other factors such as their reproductive history, the use of hormonal contraceptives, infertility-associated conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, and a prior history of cancer that may indicate genetic susceptibility or increased risk due to cancer therapies. Infertility itself has also been associated with elevated risk for some hormonally sensitive cancers.

Protective factors may also be present, including reduced odds of smoking, higher socioeconomic status, and closer medical care before, during, and after MAR that may increase the chances of early diagnosis and treatment.

Australian registry study tracks cancer risk after fertility treatment

The researchers carried out a population-based cohort study of 417,984 Australian women with a history of MAR treatment. They collected data on treatment type, pregnancies, cancer, and death from administrative and registry databases. All women in the study were between 18 and 55 years of age.

Three MAR cohorts were formed according to the exposure:

ART: 274,676 women (65.7 %), median age at first treatment 34 years

IUI with ovarian stimulation (IUI/OS): 120,739 women (28.9 %), median age 34 years

Ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate (clomiphene citrate): 175,510 women (42.0 %), median age 32 years

Women could be in more than one cohort if they underwent multiple types of MAR. Most women lived in major cities and were seeking to have their first baby.

Cancer risks in each cohort were estimated and compared with the general female population by age, geographic location, and year. Because the comparison group was the general population rather than infertile women who did not receive MAR, some observed differences may reflect underlying infertility-related risk factors rather than the treatments themselves.

Small increases seen in specific cancer types

The study shows that all-cancer incidence in women exposed to ART or IUI-OS MAR was similar to the general population risk. It was slightly higher (4 % increase) following clomiphene citrate treatment. However, when analyzed by cancer type, skin melanoma and hormonally sensitive cancers like uterine and ovarian cancers were more common in the MAR group.

Hormonally sensitive cancers

Uterine cancer risk was higher in all treatment groups. Rates were 23 % higher among women who underwent ART, 32 % higher among those who received IUI with ovarian stimulation, and 83 % higher among those treated with clomiphene citrate. Most of the excess cases were type 1 (endometrioid) uterine cancers.

In the clomiphene citrate cohort, the highest incidence occurred in women aged 18-35 years and in the first year from treatment. Interestingly, women who had given birth prior to the use of clomiphene citrate did not show this increase in risk.

Ovarian cancer incidence was higher in women who underwent ART and IUI with ovarian stimulation, increasing by 23 % and 18 %, respectively. The excess cases were confined to the endometrioid and serous subtypes. The highest risk occurred within the first year after MAR and among women who had six or more treatment cycles. The researchers note that this early increase may partly reflect increased medical surveillance after treatment rather than a direct effect of MAR.

Risk patterns also differed by childbirth history. Among women without children, ovarian cancer risk was 48 % to 67 % higher, whereas among women who had given birth, it was 20 % to 37 % lower.

Rates of in situ breast cancer were 24 % higher in women who underwent ART, with the increase appearing about six years after the first treatment. In contrast, invasive breast cancer rates were lower during the first year after MAR. However, risk was higher among women older than 50 years and among those followed for six or more years after their first ART or IUI-OS treatment.

Other cancers

Both in situ and invasive melanoma were more common, by 7 % to 15 %, across cohorts. The highest risk was observed among women who had given birth before treatment. The researchers suggest that differences in healthcare access, increased medical monitoring, and population characteristics such as fairer skin among MAR patients could partly contribute to this pattern.

Thyroid cancer risk was 19 % higher in the clomiphene citrate group, but only in parous women, and only within 35 years from first treatment.

In absolute terms, the increases in risk ranged from <1/100,000 person-years to <7 per 100,000 person-years across cohorts. Across all cancers combined, in the clomiphene citrate cohort, this corresponded to about nine additional cancer cases per 100,000 women per year.

Lower cancer incidence

Conversely, cancers of the lung, including the respiratory tree (trachea and bronchi), and of the uterine cervix, were less common in the MAR group. Cervical cancer risk was decreased by 39 % to 48 %, a reduction that has previously been attributed to screening and treatment during infertility investigations rather than a protective effect of MAR itself. Cancers of the respiratory tract were 30 % to 38 % less likely.

Other cancers with lower risks include acute myeloid leukemia, which was reduced across MAR cohorts; chronic myeloid leukemia, which was modestly higher in the ART and IUI-OS groups; pancreatic cancer, which was 25 % lower in the ART and IUI-OS groups; and cancers of the kidney, bladder, and unknown primary site, which were 28 % to 45 % lower in the ART cohort. Overall, decreases in risk ranged from <1 per 100,000 to 5.7 per 100,000 person-years.

The study findings agree in part with prior research, especially the marked increase in uterine cancer risk with clomiphene citrate. These findings indicate the need to pursue further research on cancer risks associated with fertility treatment. Apart from raising awareness among women with a history of MAR who may be at risk, they could be encouraged to modify other risk factors for some of these cancers, such as reducing body fat in cases of overweight or obesity, limiting sun exposure, and quitting smoking.

In addition, the findings may help inform long-term monitoring strategies and future evidence-based guidelines to ensure that such women receive adequate monitoring after treatment.

Strengths and limitations

The study used accurate and reliable data. However, it had multiple limitations. It was observational, limiting causal inferences. It might also be affected by detection bias due to high levels of medical surveillance associated with MAR. The researchers could not stratify by cancer stage. They did not assess cancer incidence in comparison with infertile non-MAR women. The study did not account for poor healthcare access or cancer deaths by cause, and fertility treatment records did not include treatment indication or other risk factors. Follow-up time was relatively short, and many participants had not yet reached the ages at which several cancers become more common, which may have underestimated long-term risks.

Absolute cancer risk increases remain very small

The study establishes a higher incidence of some cancers, but with a marginal elevation above the general population incidence in Australian women who underwent MAR, and a small absolute increase in risk.

The authors suggest that women who undergo MAR may benefit from personalized risk management strategies and stringent follow-up, while emphasizing that the observational design means the study cannot determine whether MAR itself causes these cancers and that underlying infertility or related factors may partly explain the associations.

Download your PDF copy by clicking here.
The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) holds the closing meeting of its fourth session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, concluded its fourth session Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the closing meeting of the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Zhao Leji, executive chairperson of the session's presidium, presided over the meeting attended by 2,762 NPC deputies.

Lawmakers approved the government work report and the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development.

They passed the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law and the National Development Planning Law. Xi signed presidential orders to promulgate the laws.

Lawmakers approved a report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and approved the 2026 plan.

They approved a report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2026, and approved the central budget for 2026.

Lawmakers approved the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

They also adopted a decision on approving the report of the NPC Standing Committee on the work of the overhaul of laws and the proposed handling of certain laws and decisions. Xi signed a presidential order concerning the decision.

Addressing the meeting, Zhao said that the annual session has completed its agenda.

He noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a crucial stage for reinforcing the foundations and pushing ahead on all fronts toward basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, and that the effective implementation of the plan is of great significance.

Zhao stressed the need to stay focused on managing the country's own affairs well and strive for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He added that the people's congresses should fulfill their duties and provide the legal guarantee for achieving the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

A meeting of the session's presidium, presided over by Zhao, was held before the closing meeting.

Zhao, who is also chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over a meeting of the executive chairpersons before the presidium meeting.

The closing 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 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Zhao Leji presides over the closing 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 12, 2026. Zhao delivered a speech at the meeting on Thursday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presides over the third meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the fourth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Editor: WSH
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system starts to destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Progressive loss of these cells destabilizes the body's glucose levels and drives the course of the disease, so preserving or restoring beta cell mass is a central treatment goal.

New therapies aimed at preserving or increasing beta cell mass are advancing rapidly, but a noninvasive, direct measurement of this mass and how much has been preserved or restored in interventions is still lacking in routine clinical settings. Assessment of beta cell loss has largely relied on indirect blood-based markers that can be influenced by glucose conditions, making it difficult to assess as the condition advances.

This motivated a team of researchers at Kyoto University to evaluate an 18F-labeled PET tracer targeting the GLP-1 receptor, which they hypothesized could provide a noninvasive assessment of residual beta cell mass.

Our study was driven by a key gap in type 1 diabetes research and care. We hope this approach can help fill that gap by providing an objective readout for therapeutic evaluation." Kentaro Sakaki, Study First Author and Research Assistant, Kyoto University

The research team conducted a prospective study at Kyoto University Hospital, first intravenously administering [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor-targeted PET tracer, to adults with type 1 diabetes, who then underwent PET and CT imaging. The researchers then used standardized PET measures to quantify the pancreatic uptake, comparing it with data from participants without diabetes. Finally, the team examined the imaging results in relation to clinical and laboratory measures linked to beta cell function and glucose levels.

The results revealed that the pancreatic imaging measurement was lower in participants with type 1 diabetes than in participants without diabetes, and that this measurement was inversely related to hemoglobin A1c, a measure of average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months, and the total daily insulin dose used for treatment. The researchers also observed no serious side effects among the participants.

Larger and longitudinal studies, and studies with more diverse participants, are needed to confirm the utility of the PET tracer in measuring beta cell mass. But if substantiated in future studies, beta cell-targeted PET/CT could complement existing assessments by providing a direct, imaging-based readout of residual beta cell mass.

This method may potentially help define stages of the disease, track changes over time, and offer an objective endpoint for clinical studies that aim to preserve or restore beta cells. It may be especially useful when beta cell function temporarily declines and does not mirror residual beta cell mass.

"Many decisions in type 1 diabetes treatment would benefit from a clearer picture of how much beta cell mass remains," says team leader Takaaki Murakami. "Our findings suggest that this tracer may provide a noninvasive, quantitative readout that could support disease staging and treatment monitoring."
Judging by more than 16,400 comments recently posted on a federal government website, you'd think there was a groundswell of older Americans demanding that federal officials hike payments to their Medicare Advantage health insurance plans.

Yet about 82% of the comments are identical to a letter that appeared on the website of a secretive advocacy group called Medicare Advantage Majority, a data analysis by KFF Health News has found.

The "dark money" group does not reveal its funders or much else  other than to say it is "dedicated to protecting and strengthening Medicare Advantage" and is "powered by hundreds of thousands of local advocates nationwide."

"Our campaign provides information and offers tools for concerned Americans to use to reach decision makers," spokesperson Darren Grubb said in an email. The group has spent more than $3.1 million on hundreds of Facebook ads since September 2024, according to Facebook's Ad Library, a database of the social media company's online ads.

There's no doubt health insurers are unhappy with a January proposal from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, to keep Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates essentially flat in 2027  far less than they expected from the Trump administration.

Medicare Advantage plans differ from traditional Medicare because private insurance companies administer them. The insurance plans enroll about 35 million members, more than half the people eligible for Medicare. The plans offer things like vision and drug coverage, but Medicare Advantage insurers restrict the hospitals and doctors that patients can use and require prior approval for various procedures.

CMS is set to announce a final decision by early next month on the rate proposal. The agency solicited public comments on the proposal from Jan. 26 through Feb. 25 to give interested parties and the public a chance to air their views.

Medicare Advantage Majority, which says the rate proposal amounts to a "cut" in services and warns of dire consequences for seniors should it go through, accounted for at least 13,522 of the 16,422 comments published as of March 12.

The proposed rate plan "puts my access to care at risk," the group's template letter to policymakers reads in part. "If the investment made by Washington in the Medicare Advantage program is nearly flat year-over-year, I could lose benefits I rely on every day, including affordable prescriptions, capped out of pocket costs, and access to trusted doctors and specialists."

"Medicare Advantage is not optional for me. The cost protections alone have saved me thousands of dollars and made my health care manageable. Without this program, I would face higher costs, fewer providers, and fewer benefits at a time when I can least afford it," the letter states.

Critics warn that these sorts of campaigns may create a misleading impression of grassroots support, especially when it's not clear who is financing them.

"It puts a different spin on a massive groundswell of comments to know all are being driven by one specific organization," said Michael Beckel, director of money in politics reform for Issue One, a group that seeks to limit the influence of money on government policy and legislation.

"There's no way for the public to know what wealthy donors or special interests are funding dark money groups like this," he said. "That means there's no scrutiny of who's really calling the shots."

Some health care policy experts, who have long argued that the government overpays Medicare Advantage plans by tens of billions of dollars every year, believe industry groups or their surrogates routinely overstate possible negative impacts of rate decisions they don't like.

"The plans always say that the sky is falling," said Matthew Fiedler, a health care policy expert with the Brookings Institution. "The industry has a lot of money at stake here. They try to exert pressure on policymakers any way they can."

At the same time, even critics concede that some of the millions of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans could face service cuts if insurance companies are not satisfied with government payments.

"It is legitimate for people to be worried," said Julie Carter, counsel for federal policy at the Medicare Rights Center, a group that advocates for older adults and people with disabilities.

Her group argues that Medicare Advantage plans have never attained expected cost savings and instead have been overpaid for years at least partly due to "actions to maximize profits." She said the health plans "are supposed to be saving money, not taking extra."

People struggling to pay health care bills may have little use for the policy debate in Washington.

"If it wasn't for being able to have this program, I really wouldn't be able to afford any kind of medical services, to be honest," said EsterAlicia Rose, 75, who works at the front desk of a hotel in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She said she signed the Medicare Advantage Majority form letter to reach policymakers.

Kathy Lovely-Marshall, 66, a retired nurse who lives in Brookville, Ohio, did too. She said she receives "a lot of perks" from her plan, such as dental care, eyeglasses, and prescriptions.

"All those things are a big plus as far as I am concerned," she said. "I'm very happy with the plan I have."

But Corenia Branham, 90, a widow and cancer survivor who lives in Alum Creek, West Virginia, said she wants nothing to do with Medicare Advantage plans run by private health insurance companies. She said she didn't turn in any of the four form letters under her name, which were posted online by CMS on Feb. 23 and signed, "Miss Corenia Branham Branham." It's not clear why her last name is signed twice.

Branham said she's not on Medicare Advantage and doubts she could count on it for needed care.

"I wouldn't recommend it to nobody," she said. "I sure don't want anything to do with it."

Grubb, the Medicare Advantage Majority spokesperson, disputed that account. He said Branham responded to an ad on Facebook. On Feb. 6, she "completed the form with her information and chose to send her comment to CMS as well as to her representatives in Congress and the White House," he said.

Other Medicare Advantage advocacy groups have stepped up ad campaigns as the rate decision looms.

The Better Medicare Alliance, whose "allies" include a range of health insurers, health care providers, and consumers, is urging seniors to "Tell Washington to Stand Up for Medicare Advantage."

"We've mobilized beneficiaries to write letters and make phone calls, and we've run digital ads on streaming platforms," spokesperson Susan Reilly said.

Reilly said that this year roughly 3 million seniors "were forced to find new coverage" because plans either shuttered operations or left some areas.

She also said Medicare Advantage plans have "scaled back" benefits such as offering transportation to medical appointments, nutrition support, and dental and vision coverage, while over the past two years beneficiaries have faced an average $900 increase in out-of-pocket maximums.

"We do view this as especially serious," Reilly said. "This isnt a single bad year; its the cumulative effect of years of underfunding and policy disruption from the previous administration that has left the program increasingly vulnerable."

As of March 12, CMS said it had received 46,884 comments but had posted only 16,422 online.

CMS spokesperson Catherine Howden said the agency would make more comments public "as soon as practicable."

"The agency focuses on reviewing the substance of timely submissions and does not speculate on volume, sentiment, or potential impact of comments while the comment period is open/under review," she said in a statement.
Cancer is caused by faulty genes, but what also shapes a cancer cell's behaviour is how a gene's instructions are trimmed and rearranged before they are turned into the proteins that keep a cell alive.

A study published in Nature Communications reveals a new way of measuring that editing process, known as splicing, directly. It is the first time scientists have been able to get a clear view of how tumours systematically rewire their genetic instructions to aid growth and survival, and it may point toward new ways of controlling the disease.

As a proof of concept, the researchers used the method on solid tumour biopsies. They found around 120 potential new therapeutic targets, molecules that might one day be dialled up or down to restore balance in the cell's editing machinery.

Instead of counting parts, our approach has been to understand behaviour, which has unlocked a new way of navigating a tumour's chaotic biology. It's early, but it gives us a much clearer map of where to look to find new ways of targeting the disease." Dr. Miquel Anglada Girotto, Study First Author and Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Genomic Regulation

Measuring the edits instead of the editors

Inside every cell, genetic instructions are first copied into temporary messages. Before those messages are used, the cell cuts out some segments and stitches the rest together. This editing step allows a single gene to create different messages which produce different proteins, a necessary feature for complex life.

Almost all cancers hijack cellular splicing, altering how messages are cut and pasted. Tumours do this to produce protein variants that help them grow faster, hide from the immune system or resist treatment.

To understand this process scientists usually measure the molecules that perform the editing, also known as splicing factors. However, these cellular editors can be controlled in many hidden ways, with their activity seemingly appearing unchanged even while the proteins themselves are being destroyed, chemically modified or moved to different parts of the cell. The result is often a confusing picture which hampers progress in the search for new ways to control the disease.

A team at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona and Columbia University addressed this problem by turning the logic around and measuring the edits themselves, rather than the editors.

The researchers adapted an existing technology called VIPER to measure which segments of a gene's message are kept, and which are removed. These patterns act like fingerprints on genetic messages, revealing which editing forces were truly active, regardless of how the editors are regulated.

The technique can be used on RNA sequencing data, which is widely available. It means the technique can be applied to thousands of existing samples without the need for new experiments.

Two hidden cancer programmes

The researchers applied VIPER to around 10,000 tumour biopsies from 14 different cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas, a publicly available database. Each biopsy is paired with matched healthy tissue samples for comparison.

They found two broad cellular editing programmes which repeatedly appeared across all types of cancer. One programme behaved like an accelerator, becoming more active in tumours and aligning with poorer patient outcomes. The other behaved like a brake, losing strength in cancer and aligning with better survival.

The discovery suggests that cancers, despite their diversity, share common cellular editing strategies that have been hidden from view by research looking at genes alone.

When the researchers looked for biological features that help tip a cell's editing balance towards cancer, they found around one hundred candidates. Among the most prominent was a gene called FUS, better known for its role in neurological conditions. Although not widely studied in cancer research, its strong predictive signal suggests it may deserve closer attention.

The implications extend beyond cancer. Because the technique focuses on the outcome of genetic editing rather than the specific cause, it could be applied to many diseases in which cells alter how they assemble their instructions.

"We started with cancer because the data was available, but the approach could work for any disease where cells change how they edit their messages, including neurological disorders or immune diseases," concludes Dr. Anglada Girotto.
A new, national analysis published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests the future growth of aesthetic surgery may lie far from traditional luxury markets. UC Davis Health researchers found that Southern, Midwestern and rural regions of the United States are growing as high-demand areas, despite limited access to board-certified plastic surgeons.

The study, conducted by researchers at UC Davis Medical Center, analyzed Google search behavior alongside workforce data across 210 U.S. Designated Market Areas. Researchers found that consumer demand is rising nationwide but remains unevenly matched with surgeon distribution. This imbalance has revealed multiple "plastic surgery deserts" where patients actively search for procedures but lack local access to board-certified specialists.

Demand for aesthetic procedures is expanding geographically. While many surgeons remain concentrated in established coastal markets, our data shows growing opportunity - and responsibility - to improve access in emerging regions." Scott Levin, lead author of the study and plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow, UC Davis Health

The share of people across the country searching for cosmetic procedures increased more than 22% compared with pre-pandemic levels, with the Midwest demonstrating some of the fastest growth. Body-contouring procedures were more strongly associated with underserved markets, while facial aesthetic demand clustered in highly saturated urban areas.

The research introduces a data-driven demand-supply ratio model that combines online searches with surgeon density to identify high-growth markets - a framework that could influence future workforce planning, practice expansion strategies and patient access initiatives.

"As aesthetic medicine continues to evolve, aligning surgeon distribution with changing patient demand may become a key industry priority," Levin said.

Study co-authors are Nina Yu and Granger B. Wong, chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at UC Davis Health.
Cuban president confirms US talks as island's energy, economic crises intensify

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 03:45 IST

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Havana, Mar 14 (AP) Cuba has held talks with the US government, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday, marking the first time the Caribbean country has confirmed widespread speculation about discussions with the Trump administration as it grapples with a severe energy crisis.

Diaz-Canel said the talks were aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors facilitated these exchanges." He did not elaborate on those factors, or provide any specifics about the talks, which US President Donald Trump has alluded to in the past.

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Cubas relations with the US have been fraught for decades and punctuated by animosity, with the exception of a brief rapprochement during former President Barack Obamas second term.

Asked for comment on Friday, the White House pointed to Trumps public comments about discussions with Cuba that he said were being led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and intended to press major changes in Cuban policies and governance.

Trump has suggested that top Cuban leaders would be smart to avoid the fate of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was ousted and arrested in a US military operation in January.

Shortly after Diaz-Canel spoke, two US officials said that Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a longtime Cuba hawk, and top aides met at the end of February in the Caribbean with the grandson of retired Cuban leader Raul Castro, who is believed to play an influential role in the government despite not holding an official post.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, said that Rubio had met secretly with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro on the sidelines of a Caribbean Community leaders meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis on February 25.

At the time, Rubio refused to say who, if anyone, he was speaking with in or close to the Cuban government.

Diaz-Canel said that the purpose of the talks with the US was to identify bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact" and find solutions to them.

He said that the aim was to determine the willingness of both parties to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries. And in addition, to identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region." Impact is tremendous - Diaz-Canel said that no petroleum shipments have arrived in Cuba in the past three months, which he blamed on a US energy blockade. He said the island is running on natural gas, solar power and thermoelectric plants, and that the depletion of fuel oil and diesel forced two power plants to shut down and has limited the generation of power at solar parks.

The most recent blackout was blamed on a broken boiler at a thermoelectric plant that forced the shutdown of Cubas power grid.

The president said that Cuba, which produces 40 per cent of its petroleum, has been generating its own power, but that it hasnt been sufficient to meet demand. The lack of power has affected communications, education and transportation, and the government has had to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people as a result, he said, adding: The impact is tremendous." Even with everything were putting together, we still need oil," he said, adding that production output also has dropped. Without energy, no country can produce at normal levels. All of this has meant making adjustments to employment." Last month, Cuba implemented austere fuel-saving measures and has converted more than 115 bakeries to run on firewood or coal.

Cubans are desperate," said Elvis Hernandez, 62. You cant live without water or electricity. Thats why we want a consensus to be reached. If there are talks, let them be productive. Let them achieve something good through those conversations." Miguel Garcia, 65, welcomed the news of talks with the U.S.

If all of this leads to agreements and solutions that will improve our lives, then all the better, because the situation is quite difficult right now," he said.

Staffing of embassy in Havana - The US State Department has weighed potentially drawing down staffing at the US Embassy in Havana as the fuel shortages caused by the American blockade could affect day-to-day diplomatic operations, according to three US officials.

The officials stressed that there is still time to solve the problem and that the embassy and the State Department were looking at potential solutions, including possibly importing fuel from private sources if the Cubans allow it.

A reduction in staffing at the embassy in Havana would likely lead to a US demand for a similar reduction in staffing at the Cuban embassy in Washington, the officials said.

Brian Fonseca, who studies the Americas at Florida International University, said that a reduced presence at the US embassy would be a less than ideal scenario at a moment when Trump is pressing for dramatic change in the Cuban government.

The diplomatic staff are your eyes and ears on the ground," Fonseca said. A downgrading scenario could complicate or challenge US understanding of whats going on, on the ground." Trumps warning  Critical oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba were halted after the US attacked the South American country and arrested Maduro.

Since then, the Trump administration has been warning Cuba of a similar fate.

Trump told a gathering of Latin America leaders in Florida last week that Cuba is very much at the end of the line" and that he was looking forward to great change" coming soon to the island.

Diaz-Canel also said Friday that FBI officials would visit Cuba as soon as both countries continue to share information about the recent shooting of a Florida-flagged boat in Cuban waters. Four of 10 Cubans from the US were killed after the government accused them of opening fire on local troops.

A fifth suspect later died from his injuries, according to the Cuban government. The five other suspects have been detained and face terrorism charges. (AP) GSP

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Delhis doors open for artists who boosts its inclusive character: CM Gupta

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 01:00 IST

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New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday attended the Tribes Arts Festival-2026 and said the capitals doors are open for artists and cultural practitioners who boost the inclusive character of the city.

The 12-day Tribes Art Fest organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with FICCI and the National Gallery of Modern Art concluded with a valedictory ceremony at the Travancore Palace on KG Marg, an official statement said.

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Gupta appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in bringing the richness of tribal art and culture to the national capital and providing a valuable platform for artists from different parts of the country, the statement said.

Such initiatives play an important role in highlighting the vibrant traditions, creativity and cultural heritage of Indias tribal communities, while also enabling citizens and visitors to experience these art forms more closely," she said.

The national capital will always welcome artists and cultural practitioners who enrich Delhi with the spirit of inclusivity," she added.

The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from tribal artists, contemporary artists, cultural groups, students, and art enthusiasts from across the country, the statement said.

More than 10,000 visitors attended the exhibition, reflecting the growing public interest and appreciation for Indias rich tribal art traditions, it added. PTI VIT ARI ARI

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Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan's party demands immediate medical care for him

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:00 IST

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Peshawar, Mar 13 (PTI) Former Pakistan premier Imran Khans party on Friday demanded immediate medical treatment for the jailed leader, who is believed to be suffering from an ailment in the right eye.

At a press conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called for the 73-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founders treatment at the Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal physicians and in the presence of his family members. This comes a day after a high court rejected a petition to shift Khan to the private medical hospital and ordered the constitution of a team of doctors to medically examine him.

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Addressing the press conference, Afridi said that the request for Khans medical treatment under his doctors supervision and in his familys presence has not been accommodated.

This, he said, was despite multiple constitutional, legal, democratic, and political avenues being pursued for it. Afridi said that the entire nation is currently counting on the judiciary and expressed the hope that the courts will recognise the sensitivity of the matter.

He cautioned that if any harm comes to Khan due to the denial of adequate medical care, responsibility will rest with the present government and their handlers. Afridi said that the demands being raised by the PTI are legitimate" and are solely aimed at ensuring that Khan receives proper medical treatment. The chief minister said that Khan enjoys the trust and support of millions of Pakistanis and is widely regarded as a significant political figure not only within the country but also across the Muslim world. Criticising the federal government, Afridi said that the ruling group lacks both a coherent foreign policy and an effective domestic policy framework. He said that instead of focusing on addressing Pakistans economic and governance challenges, their priorities appear to be centred on restricting Khans access to his family and denying him appropriate medical treatment. Khan is believed to have been suffering from an ailment in the right eye since October last year and is under treatment. According to the government, the condition of his eye as well as his vision has improved following medical interventions. He has been jailed since August 2023 and is serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in the Al Qadir Trust corruption case. He also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the protest by his party on May 9, 2023. PTI AYZ GRS GRS GRS

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Iran's supreme leader resolves to keep fighting in first public remarks

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 06:45 IST

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Dubai, Mar 13 (AP) Irans secretive new leader issued his first public statements Thursday, resolving to keep fighting, promising more pain for Gulf Arab states and threatening to open other fronts" in a war that has already disrupted world energy supplies, the global economy and international travel.

The hard-line stance revealed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his countrys attacks were creating conditions for the Iranian population to topple the government.

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It is in your hands," Netanyahu said at a news conference, addressing the Iranian people. We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime." Since the start of the war, US and Israeli strikes have targeted security checkpoints in Iran to undermine the governments ability to suppress dissent, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, the US-based independent monitoring group known as ACLED.

Netanyahu denounces Iranian leader  Netanyahu denounced Khamenei as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards." Khamenei is close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and is widely seen as even less compromising than his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His location is unknown, and he is likely a prime target for the US and Israel.

Khamenei said in a statement read by a state TV news anchor that he was keeping a file of revenge." He did not appear on camera and has not been seen since his father and wife were killed in the wars opening salvo, which also wounded him, according to an Iranian ambassador.

Oil prices spiral again and stocks sink  The war continued to escalate on its 13th day as oil prices spiralled up again to USD 100 per barrel, and stocks sank worldwide over fears that the conflict could drag on longer than hoped.

Iran has made clear it plans to keep up attacks on energy infrastructure across the region and use the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel.

At a news conference Thursday, Irans ambassador to Tunisia, Mir Masoud Hosseinian, said Iranian naval forces have established full control" over the strait and carried out precise strikes in response to attacks on our oil infrastructure." A fifth of the worlds traded oil flows through the waterway leading from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean.

Global energy security is contingent on respect for Irans sovereignty," he said.

In other developments, the US Treasury Department announced it was taking steps to further ease sanctions on Russian oil as crude prices surge during the Iran war.

The agency said that it was granting a license that authorises the delivery and sale of some sanctioned Russia crude oil and petroleum products for the next month.

Trump signalled earlier this week that he would take further action to ease restrictions on sanctioned oil to help make for the loss of oil flowing on the market because of the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The move follows the Trump administrations decision to grant temporary permission for India to buy Russian oil.

Iranian leader calls for the shutdown of US bases  Hosseinian told The Associated Press the new supreme leader was wounded in the attack on his familys home, but it is not serious." The hope is he will attend the massive, state-organised Eid prayer next week that his father traditionally led.

Hosseinian added that Irans strikes on Gulf nations have also been strategic.

Even when we targeted hotels, we had precise information that they were hosting American and Israeli soldiers," he said.

Khamenei called on Gulf Arabs to shut down" US bases in the region, saying protection promised by Washington was nothing more than a lie." He also said Iran has studied opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable" if the war continues. He did not elaborate, but Iran has been linked to previous attacks on US, Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

Irans nuclear program takes more hits - US President Donald Trump said in a social media post Thursday that ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon was a higher priority than soaring oil prices.

Hours later, Netanyahu announced Israeli attacks had killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist and hit others but gave few details.

Israel said earlier it struck a nuclear facility in Iran in recent days that it had destroyed with an airstrike in October 2024. Earlier this year, satellite photos raised concerns that Iran was working to restore the facility.

As Netanyahu spoke, the Israeli military said it had detected a new barrage of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

US military says it has now struck more than 6,000 targets - The US military said American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began, including more than 30 minelaying vessels.

British officials said several US personnel suffered minor injuries Wednesday night when drone strikes in northern Iraq hit a base in Irbil that houses both British and American troops.

And on Thursday in western Iraq, rescue efforts were underway after an American military refuelling plane went down. US Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that the mishap involved two aircraft, including one that landed safely, and that the cause was not related to hostilities.

Israel targets heart of Beirut in fight with Hezbollah militants  Israeli warplanes pummelled Lebanon, targeting even the busy heart of Beirut, in response to missiles from Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters launched into Israel. One strike hit in a neighbourhood that is close to Lebanons parliament, United Nations offices and international embassies.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces were targeting a facility affiliated with Hezbollah." An Israeli strike also hit in the vicinity of Lebanons only public university, killing a professor and the director of the science faculty at the campus in Hadath, on the outskirts of Beiruts southern suburbs. There was no immediate comment from Israel.

An Israeli strike on a village in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including five children, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, adding that seven others were wounded. An AP photographer who visited the scene found several buildings flattened and widespread destruction, while rescue workers searched through the rubble.

Two other Israeli strikes on separate towns in southern Lebanon killed six more people, the health ministry said.

The UN refugee agency said up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the ongoing war. It said most have fled from Tehran and other major cities toward the north of the country or rural areas. Around 800,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon, prompting fears of a humanitarian crisis. (AP) GSP

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Lisa Ray reflects on difficult events in her second home Dubai

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:30 IST

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 13 (ANI): Actor Lisa Ray has expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in the West Asia that has affected the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also, voicing her views through a thoughtful poem. Watching events unfold in our second home, Dubai, has been difficult- and yes I know citizens of the UAE are relatively safe and the leadership is excellent. I know that. But. The uncertainty. The messages between friends. The collective holding of breath. This poem was written spontaneously, offered unedited this morning for everyone, everywhere, living inside instability," she wrote on Instagram, further adding a copy of her poem. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVz9NwSiBn7/Lisa also spoke about the troubling circumstances that her husband faced as he grew up in Lebanon with missiles overhead."My husband grew up in Lebanon with missiles overhead. This is a tribute to his spirit, and to the resilience of his family  and to families across the world for whom normal" has always included the sound of sirens," she added. The post comes at a time as security concerns across West Asia continued to grow amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region. Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.In recent days, Iran has imposed tighter restrictions on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing US-Israeli strikes. Tehran has said vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail through safely.The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. (ANI)

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News agency-feeds Lisa Ray reflects on difficult events in her second home Dubai

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Lucknow: Prayers for peace, protest mark Alvida Juma

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:30 IST

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Lucknow, Mar 13 (PTI) Friday prayers for Alvida Juma, the final Friday of Ramzan before Eid-ul-Fitr, were held at the Jama Masjid Eidgah here under the leadership of Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali.

On this occasion, prayers were offered for national progress and global peace and an end the international conflicts. Special prayers were also held for the safety of people in Palestine, according to a statement.

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The statement further mentioned a request to the government to arrange special flights for Indian citizens living in Gulf countries who wish to return to home for Eid celebrations.

Members of the Shia community, however, held a protest against the US and Israel at the Bada Imambara after conclusion of the prayers.

Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad told reporters that defenceless people lacking aircraft or defence systems are being killed. While more than 100-150 young girls have died, no messages of condolence have been issued for them, he added.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be on Saturday, March 21. PTI NAV AKY

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The News in Brief Friday, March 13, 2026

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East demonstrates the critical importance of peace for a country's development.Speaking at a government meeting, Kobakhidze said the situation around Georgia requires constant attention to ensure stability. "The events unfolding in the Middle East remind us how great the importance of peace is. In this extremely difficult situation that has been created around our country, constant attention and caution are required to ensure that peace is firmly secured in Georgia," he said.He added that peace remains essential for the country's progress. "Peace is the foundation of foundations for the development of the country. In the future as well, everything will be done to preserve peace and stability and to take maximum care of the development of our country," Kobakhidze said.He also spoke about the evacuation of Georgian citizens following the outbreak of military operations in the region. According to him, several hundred Georgians were left in Gulf Arab countries after the fighting began."I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ambassadors, and the embassy staff. As a result of their daily efforts, our citizens safely returned to their homeland," he said.Kobakhidze said the government organized four charter flights to bring citizens back to Georgia. "Four charter flights were organized by the state, and as a result, 558 of our citizens returned to Georgia. All flights were fully funded by the state," he said.TV Pirveli, one of Georgia's major opposition-leaning television channels, said late on March 11 that its satellite broadcasting had been halted due to unpaid fees."TV Pirveli's satellite broadcasting was halted today due to financial debt. Satellite and free-to-air broadcasting involve large sums, which the channel was no longer able to cover," the broadcaster said in a statement.The channel's live programs remain available online and through pay TV platforms such as Magti and Silknet. However, the shutdown is expected to affect viewers in regions and remote areas where those services are less widely used.TV Pirveli also announced a fundraising campaign aimed at restoring its satellite broadcast.The development comes as media outlets not aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party face mounting financial pressure and new restrictions, including a ban on foreign funding for TV and radio broadcasters.Other stations have reported similar problems. In February, regional broadcaster Trialeti TV, based in Gori, said it had also halted satellite broadcasting, blaming an "artificially created crisis resulting from systematic pressure by the authorities."In December, Transparency International-Georgia reported that 17 regional broadcasters stopped operating in 2025 because of financial difficulties. The organization warned that critical channels such as Formula TV and TV Pirveli were also facing financial strain and a risk of closure.Another major opposition-leaning broadcaster, Mtavari TV, went off air in 2025 amid financial problems and internal disputes and now operates only on social media.
The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

BEIRUT, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets.

Warnings were issued urging residents to evacuate specific buildings in the Bachoura and Zkak al-Blat areas before the strikes. The targeted building in the latter houses a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, which Israel claims Hezbollah uses as a financial arm to fund weapons purchases and pay its fighters.

The warnings and subsequent strikes caused panic among residents and displaced families who had fled earlier Israeli attacks and taken refuge in central Beirut.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reported Thursday that the death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon has risen to 687 since March 2, with 1,774 injuries.

It added that the number of paramedics killed reached 18, with 45 others injured.

Also on Thursday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government is working to halt the ongoing war and ensure the safe return of displaced residents.

"We will work around the clock to stop this war and enable you to return to your homes as soon as possible, to a safe and dignified return," Salam said in a speech addressing the country's worsening humanitarian situation.

He also thanked Lebanese communities for hosting displaced families and expressed appreciation to friendly countries for providing humanitarian assistance to ease civilians' suffering.

Hezbollah announced the launch of rockets from Lebanon toward Israel at dawn on March 2 for the first time since a ceasefire was declared on Nov. 27, 2024.

Israel subsequently launched what it described as an "offensive military campaign" against the group, including heavy airstrikes targeting Beirut's southern suburbs and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as border ground incursions. 

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Pak police kill 6 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 01:45 IST

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Peshawar, Mar 14 (PTI) The Counter-Terrorism Department of Pakistan police gunned down six terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Friday.

A spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said the operation was conducted in the Shagai area of Lakki Marwat district.

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The terrorists opened fire on the CTD team as they approached their location, following which the law enforcers fired in retaliation, he said. The firing continued for an hour and ended with the killing of six terrorists, he added.

The process of identifying the slain terrorists was underway, following which action would be taken against their facilitators and associates, the spokesman said.

Four Kalashnikovs with magazines and ammunition, two 9mm pistols, eight hand grenades and an improvised explosive device was found in the possession of the terrorists. PTI AYZ GSP GSP

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Pending MGNREGS dues to states Rs 9,300 crore in FY26: Govt to RS

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:30 IST

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New Delhi, Feb 13 (PTI) Pending liabilities to states under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme stood at more than Rs 9,300 crore in FY 2025-26, with Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka topping the chart with the highest outstanding amounts, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, said the total pending liabilities across states and Union territories were Rs 9,308.67 crore as of February 9, 2026.

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According to the data tabled in the House, Uttar Pradesh had the highest pending liabilities at Rs 1,158.71 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh at Rs 1,014.60 crore, Karnataka Rs 746.65 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 729.88 crore, Madhya Pradesh Rs 704.64 crore, Bihar Rs 664.72, Maharashtra Rs 528.28 crore and Assam at Rs 482.51 crore.

The other states with significant pending liabilities included Kerala (Rs 419.09 crore), Odisha (Rs 411.64 crore), Jharkhand (Rs 385.02 crore) and Rajasthan (Rs 383.24 crore).

Responding to concerns about delays in payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the government said the programme is a demand-driven scheme and wage payments are made directly into the beneficiaries accounts through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode.

The MGNREGS is a demand-driven wage employment scheme. Under it, wages are directly credited by the Central government into the accounts of the beneficiaries through the DBT protocol," Paswan said in the reply.

He added that sanctions for wage payments are issued daily through the public finance management system based on fund transfer orders received from the states and Union territories.

At the beginning of each financial year, admissible pending liabilities of the previous years, if any, are duly reimbursed by the government of India.

Accordingly, all due and admissible pending wage liabilities up to FY 2024-25 have already been cleared (except in the case of West Bengal)," the minister said.

The government also informed the House that during the current financial year, Rs 78,004.59 crore had been released to states and UTs under the scheme as of February 8, including Rs 64,789.49 crore for wages and Rs 13,215.10 crore for material and administrative components.

The reply said the Centre releases funds periodically in tranches depending on factors such as labour budget, demand for work, utilisation of funds and submission of required documents by states.

The government maintained that fund release is a continuous process and that it remains committed to ensuring the availability of funds for the implementation of the scheme based on demand for work on the ground.

It also noted that in 2025-26, about 99.81 per cent of eligible rural households seeking work had been employed under the scheme. PTI AO ARI

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:30 IST

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Ruling Cong MLA defends criticism of state budget, draws flak from party leaders

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 18:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Bengaluru, Mar 13 (PTI) Ruling Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain on Friday defended his statement criticising the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 6, saying his loyalty lies with his constituents.

The MLA representing Ramanagara assembly segment faced backlash from his party workers, who are calling for his expulsion from the party A staunch supporter of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Hussain has been demanding a leadership change.

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Speaking to reporters recently, Hussain had expressed his displeasure with the budget.

On Friday, Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna led the charge against Hussain, labelling his comments as anti-party activities" that hamper the partys prospects.

Its better to expel him from the party," he said.

During an interaction with media persons in Bengaluru on Friday, Hussain said he had no choice except to criticise the budget because no provisions were made to address the problems faced by his voters.

I am not a government officer. I am a peoples representative. The people elected me and placed me in a position of responsibility. They gave me this position, honour, and respect through their votes, expecting that I would act according to certain principles. I must think about the people; I am not concerned about others," the Ramanagara MLA said.

He claimed that he had repeatedly appealed to the CM for development works in his constituency, but there was no response.

I have made representations and explained my difficulties. I have told him (CM) about the situation on the ground in my constituency at least ten times. So I am speaking about my constituency. If I say I am not satisfied, what is wrong in that? I have not spoken about the entire state. I am only talking about my constituency," Hussain explained.

According to the MLA, the highway was not constructed scientifically, resulting in heavy flooding in the Bakshi Kere lake during previous monsoon.

Many people lost their valuables, documents and even their childrens schoolbooks. Their jewellery and property papers were washed away. The entire area was submerged. I have taken officials there about ten times and explained the situation with documents, describing all the hardships faced by the people. If even after ten visits there is no response, how should I face the people?" he sought to know.

Reacting to Hussains charges, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru that his constituency has been taken care of in the budget.

In Ramanagara district, we have sanctioned the construction of a court building, and we have provided other facilities as well. We have also made the announcement," the Deputy CM said.

State Home Minister G Parameshwara said party leaders should maintain party discipline.

If we give statements within the limits of the party then nothing will happen, but if someone exceeds the brief, then the party high command will take note of it. We will never know how it happened. The ticket may be denied in the next election. The Screening Committee will question him for his statements," the Minister said. PTI GMS GMS ROH

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 18:30 IST

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US military sends 2,500 Marines, at least one more ship to Mideast

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 01:00 IST

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Dubai, Mar 13 (AP) Roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are headed for the Middle East, a US official told The Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans, said elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East.

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The move marks a major addition of troops to the region. (AP) GRS GRS

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First Published: March 14, 2026, 01:00 IST

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 17:57 IST

PM-KISAN 22nd Installment Payment Today: The 22nd installment of the PM-KISAN scheme has been released today, March 13, 2026, offering financial assistance to millions of farmers across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 22nd installment during an event in Guwahati. Under this installment, Rs 2,000 will be directly credited to the bank accounts of registered farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Under the PM Kisan scheme, the government provides financial support of Rs 6,000 annually to every eligible farmer in three installments of Rs 2,000 each. So far, the government has released 21 installments under the scheme, and farmers are now awaiting the 22nd tranche of Rs 2,000.
Trump Says America Cashing In On Oil Rally As Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:12 IST

President Trump said the US, as the top oil producer, benefits from rising oil prices. He stressed preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump says US made a lot of profit amid the rising oil prices

While the world is reeling under the pressure of oil and natural gas shortage, the United States is minting billions of dollars, as said by President Donald Trump.

In his post on the social media platform Truth, Trump said the following: The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money."

Trump has cautioned that his greater interest and importance to him is to stop Iran from having nuclear weapons. But, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I wont let that happen!" he added in the post.

Strait Of Hormuz Is The Central Point

The Strait of Hormuz, the lifeline of Gulf oil and natural gas trade, has been frozen since the escalation of tensions between the Iran and US. Iran has ramped up its efforts to target tankers and ships attempting to cross the water passage, prompting countries and companies to avoid it until the situation improves.

The ripple effects have begun as several countries are experiencing the shortages of necessary resources, including crude oil and natural gas.

As part of relief measures, US has announced that other countries will be allowed to take oil and gas from Russia.

However, the scarcity will persist if the escalation continues, affecting the entire world.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:12 IST

News business economy Trump Says America Cashing In On Oil Rally As Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

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Liquor Sale Banned In Parts Of Bengaluru Ahead Of Huskur Madduramma Jatra Festival

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:55 IST

Alcohol sales are banned in Huskur village during the Madduramma and Dharmaraya Swamy festivals from 6 am on March 14 to 11 pm on March 15, per City Police Commissioner

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During this period, bars and restaurants that sell liquor in Bengaluru will remain closed.

Ahead of the annual Huskur Madduramma Jatra and Dharmaraya Swamy Jatra Mahotsava, authorities have imposed a temporary ban on liquor sales in parts of Bengaluru to ensure the celebrations pass off peacefully.

The restriction will apply to areas under the Parappana Agrahara and Hebbagodi police station limits from 6 am on March 14 to 11 pm on March 15, said the order issued by City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.

During this period, bars and restaurants that sell liquor in Bengaluru will remain closed. However, clubs and star hotels have been exempted from the ban.

Police officials said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure, as the festival draws large crowds of devotees every year. The move is aimed at preventing any untoward incidents and maintaining law and order during the celebrations.

The Huskur Madduramma Jatra is among the prominent temple festivals in the region, with thousands of devotees gathering in the village for rituals, processions and community celebrations.

In view of the expected crowd, police have stepped up security arrangements in and around Huskur. Some traffic routes have also been modified to ensure that devotees and motorists do not face inconvenience during the festival.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to cooperate with the police and follow the temporary restrictions in place during the festival.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:55 IST

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LPG Shortage Crisis: Some Indian Cities Inching Closer To Work From Home

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:15 IST

Amid the LPG shortage crisis, here is a look at the cities where discussions around remote work are gaining traction, both online and offline

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IT major Infosys has not announced work-from-home measures but has cautioned employees in Pune and Bengaluru that cafeteria services may be disrupted. (Reuters)

A growing number of companies across Indian cities are beginning to consider bringing back remote work options temporarily as the LPG supply crunch triggered by the conflict in West Asia squeezes office canteens.

While there is no official nationwide shift to remote work, scattered measures by companies and rising calls from employees indicate that limited work from home arrangements could return in some sectors, especially the IT industry, if the situation continues.

Here is a look at the cities where discussions around remote work are gaining traction, both online and offline:

Chennai

The first confirmed instance of a company officially allowing remote work amid the LPG shortage came from HCLTech in Chennai. The IT services firm permitted employees at its Chennai office to work from home on March 12 and 13 after cafeteria operations were disrupted due to limited commercial LPG supplies.

Adding to the work-from-home measures, Chennai-based software firm Zoho Corporation has asked most of its employees to work remotely for two weeks starting March 16, citing operational challenges and its social responsibility to reduce commuting.

Employees in business-critical teams have been asked to coordinate with their managers regarding in-office schedules, while others may work from home. Zoho also noted that a limited menu will remain available for those required on-site and promised further updates as the situation evolves.

ALSO READ | LPG Shortage: What Happens To Weddings On March 14-15? For Starters, Dont Expect Live Counters

Separately, eateries and canteens across Chennai have also been adjusting operations, with some scaling down menus or temporarily closing due to the LPG supply crunch.

Pune

In Pune, IT major Infosys has not announced work-from-home measures but has cautioned employees that cafeteria services may be disrupted.

Internal communication to employees said food courts would operate with limited menus, and workers have been encouraged to bring food from home as vendors face reduced LPG supplies.

Corporate cafeterias in major tech clusters such as Hinjewadi have also begun adapting by reducing gas-intensive dishes and using electric appliances to continue food services.

Bengaluru

The LPG supply crunch is affecting not just office cafeterias but also paying guest (PG) accommodations in Bengalurus eastern IT corridor. Limited cooking gas and reduced meal services are prompting some tenants to explore temporary work-from-home options, particularly among migrant professionals who rely on PGs for daily meals.

Areas such as Whitefield, Marathahalli, and Ashwath Nagar  home to hundreds of tech employees  have seen PG owners running low on LPG cylinders, forcing them to cut back on food offerings. The Whitefield PG Owners Welfare Association has notified residents that lunch services will be suspended for a few days starting March 13 due to the shortage.

A Times of India report quoted one PG owner in Marathahalli as saying that their current stock will last only two days, and if the shortage continues, some tenants may be asked to return to their hometowns.

PG operators report difficulty in securing gas cylinders, with some distributors unresponsive for days. With just one cylinder left, owners are serving simpler meals such as rice, upma, and vermicelli to conserve fuel, highlighting the ripple effects of the LPG shortage beyond corporate campuses.

Kochi

Early signs of workplace disruption are also emerging in Kochi, particularly at the citys major IT hub, Infopark Kochi.

Several companies operating in the campus have begun modifying cafeteria operations as commercial LPG shortages affect kitchen services. According to reporting by The New Indian Express, some office canteens have reduced their menus, while live cooking counters  including dishes such as dosas and other freshly prepared items  have been temporarily suspended.

The issue is compounded by the wider situation outside the campus. Restaurants and small eateries around the Infopark area are also facing LPG shortages, with some shutting operations or scaling back services. As a result, tech workers who typically rely on nearby outlets for meals are finding fewer options during the workday.

Amid these disruptions, some companies have begun encouraging employees to work from home temporarily, while others are still operating normally but keeping staff informed about cafeteria limitations.

Work From Home Demand Grows

The disruptions have reignited a broader debate about flexible work arrangements in the IT sector.

Some employee organisations and industry voices argue that temporary work-from-home options could help workers manage disruptions to office facilities such as cafeterias while also reducing commuting pressure.

However, most companies continue to operate under existing return-to-office policies, choosing instead to adjust food services or advise employees to carry meals from home.

Why Office Campuses Are Affected

Large corporate campuses typically run cafeterias that serve thousands of meals daily and rely heavily on commercial LPG cylinders for cooking.

Officials have prioritised LPG supply for households, hospitals and essential services, which has resulted in tighter supplies for commercial users such as corporate food vendors.

As a result, many workplaces are experimenting with reduced menus, external kitchens, electric cooking equipment, or limited remote-work days until supplies stabilise.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:23 IST

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Pollution In Delhi, Floods In Mumbai-Chennai, Traffic In Bengaluru  Hyderabad Safest: Revanth Reddy

Curated By :

News18 Cities

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:19 IST

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy says Hyderabad is India's safest metro city, citing issues in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru

Speaking at an event after opening the renovated Nalla Cheruvu, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy said the Musi riverfront project will go ahead despite objections from green activists and opposition leaders. (PTI/File)

Hyderabad is the safest metro city, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy declared on Thursday, saying New Delhi is plagued by air pollution despite being the national capital, while Mumbai and Chennai are prone to monsoon flooding and Bengaluru is notorious for its traffic jams. The CM also maintained that the Musi Riverfront development in Telangana will continue no matter what".

Speaking at an event after opening the renovated Nalla Cheruvu, Reddy said the city will keep working on reviving its lakes, even if some people dont like it".

He said that even though New Delhi is home to the President, Prime Minister, and the Supreme Court, it is facing a pollution crisis that is now beyond repair". Talking about Mumbai and Chennai, he said these cities are so vulnerable that just one heavy rain can flood homes and apartments. He also highlighted Bengalurus traffic jams, saying no one can predict how long it will take to reach the airport there.

Today, all big cities are facing problems because of encroachment. Those cities are struggling, but Hyderabad is the safest city. This is a great city and we should make it even better by reviving the Musi River. People who oppose the Musi River project are being unfair to the city," he said.

He warned that if the Musi River is not revived now, future generations will not forgive todays leaders.

The CM talked about urban changes like the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Yamuna Riverfront in Delhi, and Ganga Riverfront in UP. They say they have revived their rivers and built a river economy. So why cant we do the same? Why cant we develop the Musi riverfront?"

He clarified that if any poor families lose their homes during the Musi River project, the state government will give them compensation and new places to live. With Hyderabads population now at 13.4 million, Reddy said the city needs better infrastructure to stay livable and beautiful.

What Is the Musi Riverfront Project?

The Musi Riverfront Development Project is a large urban renewal plan proposed by the Telangana government to revive the polluted Musi River that runs through Hyderabad. The project seeks to clean the river, prevent untreated sewage from entering it, and transform the riverbanks into a planned public space.

Officials say the development will include green corridors, walkways, parks, and transport links along roughly 50-55 kilometres of the river. The government has argued that restoring the Musi will not only improve Hyderabads environmental health but also help with flood management, create public spaces, and open up new tourism and economic opportunities for the city.

Who Is Objecting To It?

However, the project has sparked significant debate. One of the biggest concerns relates to possible displacement of residents living along the riverbanks. Activists and Opposition leaders have warned that thousands of homes in informal settlements could be affected by demolition drives linked to riverfront redevelopment and land acquisition.

Environmental groups have also questioned whether the plan focuses more on real estate and beautification than on actually restoring the rivers ecology. They have called for greater transparency, including the release of detailed plans, environmental assessments, and rehabilitation strategies for affected communities. Critics argue that without clear safeguards, the project risks prioritising urban development over the livelihoods of people living along the Musi and the long-term health of the river ecosystem.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:19 IST

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What Is Telangana's Road Policy 2047 And Will It Actually Decongest Hyderabad? | Explained

Curated By :

News18 Cities

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 11:25 IST

Telanganas Road Policy 2047 aims to expand highways and the RRR, but can it really ease Hyderabads worsening traffic congestion?

Can building more roads actually reduce congestion in Hyderabad? (PTI/File)

The Revanth Reddy government in Telangana recently unveiled an ambitious long-term infrastructure strategy  the Telangana Road Sector Policy 2047  aimed at transforming the states road network over the next two decades. The policy is part of the broader Telangana Rising Vision 2047, a development roadmap intended to position the state as a major economic hub by the time India marks 100 years of independence.

At its core, the policy seeks to dramatically expand and modernise road infrastructure across Telangana while strengthening connectivity with Hyderabad, the states capital and economic engine.

On March 11, CM Revanth Reddy asked officials to chalk out plans to develop link roads to ease traffic congestion in Hyderabad under the 2047 mission. The idea is to finalise measures that would enable citizens to reach any destination in the state from Hyderabad within a specified time frame. Reddy instructed the officials to study the feasibility of building a Ring Road for every district headquarters town and link such roads to the highways.

But the bigger question remains: can building more roads actually reduce congestion in Hyderabad, one of Indias fastest-growing cities?

What Is the Telangana Road Sector Policy 2047?

The Telangana Road Sector Policy 2047 is a long-term blueprint for expanding and upgrading the states road network, improving mobility, and strengthening economic connectivity between districts.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the policy aims to increase the total length of Telanganas road network from about 34,000 km currently to more than 53,000 km by 2047.

The policy proposes a hierarchical road system:

Six-lane or four-lane highways connecting Hyderabad with all district headquarters.

Four-lane roads connecting district headquarters with each other.

Two-lane roads connecting district headquarters to mandal headquarters.

The states Roads and Buildings Department is preparing a Comprehensive Road Network Master Plan, which will identify a core road network" and lay out phased development targets for 2030, 2035 and 2047.

Major highway upgrades are also planned under the policy, including expansion of key corridors such as:

The HyderabadBengaluru stretch of NH-44

The HyderabadVijayawada corridor

The HyderabadSrisailam route (NH-765)

These projects are expected to be completed by 2035.

Why Telangana Is Expanding Its Road Network

The state government argues that improved road infrastructure is essential for both economic growth and regional development.

Better connectivity is expected to:

Reduce travel time between districts

Improve logistics and supply chains

Strengthen access to education and healthcare

Encourage investment and industrial expansion

The road policy is also tied to Telanganas ambition of building a $3-trillion economy by 2047, a long-term target outlined under the states Vision 2047 roadmap.

Improving road connectivity across the state is seen as crucial for turning Hyderabad into a global logistics and economic hub, with better connections to surrounding districts and neighbouring states.

Key Infrastructure Projects Linked To Vision 2047

Several large infrastructure projects are closely aligned with the Road Sector Policy 2047.

Regional Ring Road (RRR)

One of the most important projects is the Regional Ring Road around Hyderabad, a proposed 340-km six-lane road that will connect multiple national highways around the city. It is designed to:

Divert long-distance and freight traffic away from Hyderabad

Improve connectivity between districts around the city

Reduce pressure on the existing ring road network

Analysts say the project will also complement the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and create a broader regional transport system.

District Ring Roads

The government is also exploring ring roads around district headquarters, which would connect local urban centres with national and state highways.

These roads aim to prevent traffic from entering city centres unnecessarily and create bypass routes for heavy vehicles.

Link Roads And Radial Networks

Plans are also being prepared to build link roads connecting Hyderabad with surrounding regions to ease urban congestion and improve access to key services.

How Bad Is Hyderabad Traffic?

Hyderabads rapid economic growth  especially driven by the IT sector and real estate expansion  has significantly increased traffic volumes.

While the city has already built multiple ring roads, including the 50-km Inner Ring Road, these projects were intended to divert through-traffic and reduce congestion in core areas.

However, urban expansion has gradually caught up with the infrastructure. Areas once considered peripheral have become major commercial and residential hubs, leading to new traffic bottlenecks.

Will The 2047 Policy Actually Decongest Hyderabad?

The Road Sector Policy-2047 may help reduce congestion, but its impact will depend on how it is implemented and whether complementary urban transport policies are adopted. Potential benefits include:

Diverting long-distance traffic: Projects like the Regional Ring Road could keep freight and inter-state vehicles from entering Hyderabads urban core.

Projects like the Regional Ring Road could keep freight and inter-state vehicles from entering Hyderabads urban core. Better regional connectivity: Improved roads connecting districts could reduce dependence on Hyderabad as the primary transport hub.

Improved roads connecting districts could reduce dependence on Hyderabad as the primary transport hub. Planned growth corridors: New highways and radial roads may guide urban expansion toward planned zones rather than uncontrolled sprawl.

Limitations And Challenges

However, experts caution that building more roads alone does not automatically solve congestion. Key challenges are:

Induced demand: New roads often encourage more vehicle usage, eventually recreating congestion.

New roads often encourage more vehicle usage, eventually recreating congestion. Urban planning gaps: Without coordinated land-use planning, roads can quickly become overcrowded.

Without coordinated land-use planning, roads can quickly become overcrowded. Public transport integration: Road expansion needs to be combined with metro, bus and rail systems to reduce car dependency.

Road expansion needs to be combined with metro, bus and rail systems to reduce car dependency. Implementation timelines: Many large projects  including ring roads and highway expansions  will take years to complete.

Ultimately, the policys success will depend on integrating road development with urban planning, public transport expansion, and sustainable mobility strategies.

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Location : Telangana, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 11:23 IST

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Oschadbank returns its cash-in-transit vehicles, but funds and valuables remain in Hungary for now

The cash-in-transit vehicles of the state-owned Oschadbank, which were illegally seized in Hungary, were handed over to Oschadbank representatives and Ukrainian diplomats on Thursday. Meanwhile, cash and valuables amounting to $40 million, EUR 35 million, and 9 kg of bank gold remain illegally seized in Hungary.

"The cars, as well as some of the personal belongings of the seven employees of the cash-in-transit team, have finally been returned to their rightful owners by the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV)," Oschadbank reported on Telegram.

At the same time, it was reported that several pieces of equipment were damaged after the cash-in-transit vehicles were returned. "Oshchadbanks legal representatives conducted a detailed on-site recording of all identified faults. After the vehicles return to Ukraine, an assessment of the damage will be made," the message reads.

At the same time, cash and valuables amounting to $40 million, EUR 35 million and 9 kg of bank gold remain illegally seized in Hungary, Oschadbank emphasized.

Oschadbank stated that it will continue to consistently defend its rights within the framework of its previously announced strategy: protecting the interests of its employees and returning valuables belonging to the state-owned bank. A certain number of legal steps have already been taken.

"Oshchadbank insists that the transportation was carried out legally, in accordance with all norms of international law, and that its rights to the seized funds and valuables are legitimate," the message says.

Oschadbank expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for their assistance in returning the banks property and its employees.
Ek Tarfa Pyaar Ki Taaqat Gone Wild In MP: 25-Yr-Old Steals Crushs Innerwear, Tattoos Her Name On Chest!

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:14 IST

The theft came to light when CCTV cameras recorded a man stealing womens clothes that were drying on a rope.

The Chimanganj police also mentioned that the accused is already engaged.

Ujjain police recently arrested a young man after he was caught stealing womens undergarments from outside a house in the Chimanganj Mandi area. The theft came to light when CCTV cameras recorded a man stealing clothes that were drying on a rope. The incident happened a couple of days earlier when a woman noticed some of her undergarments had gone missing, and her family decided to check the nearby CCTV to find out what happened.

The videos showed an individual named Amit Malviya, who lives close to the womans house, taking the clothes. Using the footage as evidence, local police tracked the 25 year old and arrested him. During questioning, Malviya reportedly admitted that he had a one sided love for the woman. He also revealed that he had tattooed her name on his chest.

Family Notices Missing Clothes On CCTV

According to Times of India reports, the CCTV footage showed the accused taking only the womans undergarments and hiding them in his pocket. He left the other clothes on the line untouched and quietly walked away. After seeing this, the womans family went to the Chimanganj Mandi police station and handed over the video as evidence.

Following this, the police arrested Amit Malviya and registered a case under the appropriate legal sections. The authorities are now continuing their investigation to gather more details about the incident.

Accused Is Engaged But Not Married Yet

Police claim that Amit Malviya, who worked at a private finance company, is showing behaviour similar to a psycho individual. He has even received a strict warning for not repeating such actions. The police said that if he does anything like this again, strict action will be taken.

The Chimanganj police also mentioned that the accused is already engaged, but he has not married yet. The police informed his family about the matter and they said theyll try to make him understand. Meanwhile, the victim woman stated that she has no knowledge about this and has never had any conversation with him.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 15:12 IST

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Vasai-Bhayandar Ro-Ro Ferry Timings Changed Amid Heavy Traffic | Check New Schedule

Curated By :

News18 Cities

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:27 IST

The Vasai-Bhayandar Ro-Ro ferry, which can carry around 33 vehicles and 100 passengers at a time, will operate on a revised schedule from March 10 to 21

Rapid Read

The Ro-Ro ferry service not only reduces travel time but also helps passengers avoid the stress of congested roads and overcrowded trains. (Local18)

Ongoing repair work on a key bridge along the national highway near Versova, Mumbai, has led to severe traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. In response, the authorities have temporarily revised the evening schedule of the Vasai-Bhayandar Ro-Ro ferry service to ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced by the delays.

Temporary Change In Ferry Timings

The revised schedule will remain in effect from March 10 to March 21. The adjustment has been made to accommodate commuters who are struggling to reach the ferry terminal on time due to heavy traffic on the highway. By slightly extending the departure times, officials hope to allow more passengers to make use of the ferry service.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board operates the Ro-Ro ferry service between Vasai and Bhayandar. The service has become increasingly popular because it offers a quicker and more convenient alternative to road travel.

Each ferry can carry around 33 vehicles and approximately 100 passengers at a time, making it an efficient option for daily commuters.

Bridge Repairs Causing Heavy Traffic

The ongoing repair work on the Versova bridge has significantly affected traffic movement along the national highway. As a result, long queues of vehicles frequently build up, particularly during peak hours.

Traffic congestion is especially severe between 10am and 12pm and again from 6pm to 8pm. During these periods, vehicles move slowly, and commuters travelling between Vasai and Mira-Bhayandar often face major delays. For many office-goers and daily travellers, the situation has become increasingly difficult. Numerous commuters report that they are unable to reach their workplaces or return home on time because they remain stuck in traffic for long periods.

Growing Demand For The Ro-Ro Ferry Service

At the same time, passengers are also dealing with heavy crowds on suburban local trains. The growing rush on trains travelling between Vasai and Bhayandar has made it difficult for many commuters to board their regular services.

Because of these challenges, more travellers are turning to the Ro-Ro ferry service as an alternative mode of transport. The ferry not only reduces travel time but also helps passengers avoid the stress of congested roads and overcrowded trains. As a result, the number of people using the ferry has been steadily increasing in recent weeks.

Missed Ferries Prompt Schedule Adjustment

However, due to the ongoing traffic jams caused by the bridge repairs, many passengers have been arriving at the ferry terminal just 10 to 15 minutes late and missing the scheduled departures. Missing a ferry often meant having to wait between 1.5-2 hours for the next available service.

To address this issue and provide relief to commuters, authorities decided to extend the departure time of the last two evening ferry services by 15 minutes.

New Evening Ferry Timings

Under the revised schedule, the ferry that previously departed from Bhayandar at 6:45pm will now leave at 7pm. Similarly, the ferry that earlier departed at 7:30pm will now operate at 7:45pm.

These temporary changes are expected to give commuters a better chance of reaching the ferry terminal despite the traffic congestion caused by the ongoing repair work.

Relief For Daily Commuters

According to Arbaz Shaikh, Manager of Vasai-Bhayander Ro-Ro Service, the revised timetable has been introduced specifically to ease the difficulties faced by daily travellers. The extension of ferry timings is expected to provide significant relief to passengers who rely on the service to commute between Vasai and Bhayandar.

Officials believe that the temporary schedule adjustment will help ensure smoother travel for commuters until the bridge repair work is completed and normal traffic conditions are restored.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 12:27 IST

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BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result 2026 Expected Soon: Where And How To Check

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:20 IST

Typically, the Bihar Board reveals the Intermediate results during a live press conference, where board officials share the release date, exam statistics, and toppers.

Bihar board 12th result 2026 soon at biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. (AI Generated Image)

BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result 2026 Date: The wait for millions of students who took part in the Bihar Boards intermediate examination is nearing its end. The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will soon announce the Class 12th result for 2026. Students can easily check their scores on the official website once the results are released. As per media reports, the intermediate results may be declared between March 21 and March 25, 2026.

The results will be announced in a press conference. Typically, the Bihar Board reveals the Intermediate results during a live press conference, where board officials share the release date, exam statistics, and toppers. Following this, the result link will be activated on the official website for students to check their scores.

Websites To Check BSEB 12th Results:

Once the results are declared, students can visit the following official websites to check their scores:

 seniorsecondary.biharboardonline.com

 results.biharboardonline.com

 biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in

Once the result link is activated, students can check their marks on these websites.

BSEB Bihar Board 12th Result 2026: How To Check?

Students can follow these simple steps to check their results:

1. Visit the official website.

2. Click on the link for BSEB Bihar Board Class 12 Result 2026 on the homepage.

3. Enter your roll number.

4. Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.

5. Submit the details, and your result will appear on the screen.

6. You can download the result or take a printout for future reference.

How To Check via SMS And DigiLocker:

Besides the website, students can also check their results through SMS and the DigiLocker app. These options are especially useful if the website experiences heavy traffic at the time of the result announcement.

Students must note that the results displayed on the website are provisional. The actual mark sheets will be distributed later through the students respective schools. Therefore, when checking the results, students should have their roll numbers ready to avoid any issues.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:20 IST

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Can Severe Covid Or Flu Increase Lung Cancer Risk Years Later? What A New Study Says

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:35 IST

A study at the University of Virginia has suggested that severe cases of Covid-19 or flu may create conditions in the lungs that could increase the likelihood of tumour development

Rapid Read

Researchers found that when patients experience serious cases of Covid-19 or influenza, the infection can leave the lungs in a prolonged state of inflammation, which can make it easier for cancer cells to grow.

Six years after the Covid-19 pandemic began, many who were infected during the Delta and Omicron waves still remember how the virus left some with long-haul symptoms, hospitalisations, and serious breathing problems. But could these infections also raise the risk of lung cancer years later?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Virginia has drawn global attention after suggesting that severe cases of Covid-19 or flu may create conditions in the lungs that could increase the likelihood of tumour development in the future. The research points to the possibility that the long-term effects of viral infections may extend beyond short-term lung damage.

While the findings do not prove that infections directly cause cancer, they highlight how major illnesses may leave lasting changes in the body that could influence disease risk later in life.

What The New Study Actually Found

The study examined how severe respiratory infections affect the lungs at a cellular level. Researchers found that when patients experience serious cases of COVID-19 or influenza, the infection can leave the lungs in a prolonged state of inflammation.

This inflammation can alter the lungs biological environment in ways that may make it easier for cancer cells to grow. In laboratory models, scientists observed that severe infections could prime" lung tissue for tumour development by changing immune responses and tissue repair processes.

Another notable finding was related to vaccination. The researchers observed that vaccinated subjects were less likely to develop the harmful inflammatory changes that appeared to trigger tumour growth in the lungs. This suggests that vaccines against Covid and influenza may play a protective role beyond simply preventing infection.

However, experts stress that the research is still in early stages and further human studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.

How Respiratory Infections Could Trigger Cancer

The link between infections and cancer is not entirely new. Certain viruses are already known to increase cancer risk. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer, while hepatitis viruses are linked to liver cancer.

In the case of respiratory infections, scientists believe the mechanism may involve chronic inflammation and immune system changes.

Severe infections like Influenza or Covid-19 have triggered strong immune responses in the lungs. During infection, immune cells release inflammatory chemicals to fight viruses. If inflammation has persisted for a long period, the lung tissue undergoes repeated cycles of damage and repair. During this repair process, cells divide rapidly to replace injured cells. Every time cells divide, small DNA errors have the potential to occur. In rare situations, these errors accumulate, and abnormal cells are allowed to grow, which is one pathway through which cancer could develop," said Dr Nidhi Patni, Director, Radiation Oncology, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur.

So, can frequent cold cause lung cancer? Dr Patni said It has not been proven directly yet. Though the symptoms of a long-lasting cough from infection may resemble lung cancer symptoms, the underlying causes are usually different, she added.

Researchers also believe that infections could activate dormant cancer cells that already exist in the body but remain inactive. Some studies suggest that inflammatory responses caused by infections may wake up" these dormant cells, allowing them to multiply and form tumours.

Another possible factor is the way the body repairs damaged lung tissue after infection. During healing, cells divide rapidly to replace damaged areas. In rare cases, errors in this repair process may lead to abnormal cell growth.

For How Long Can Covid Symptoms Impact The Lungs?

One of the key findings of the research is that the potential cancer risk appears to be associated mainly with severe infections rather than mild cases.

Patients who require hospitalisation for Covid-19 or influenza often experience significant lung inflammation and tissue damage. In contrast, people with mild infections usually recover without lasting changes in lung structure.

Covid-19 can affect the lungs even after the infection has resolved. While most people recover within a few weeks, some patients, especially those who had moderate or severe illness, may experience breathlessness, fatigue, or a persistent cough for several months. This happens due to inflammation in lung tissues, which may temporarily reduce lung capacity. With time, medications, breathing exercises, and pulmonary rehabilitation, lung function usually improves," said Dr Rakesh Godara, Additional Director, Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur.

Doctors, therefore, stress that the results should not alarm people who have experienced mild infections. The study specifically highlights severe respiratory disease as the primary area of concern.

Can Covid-19 Vaccines Prevent Lung Damage?

If severe respiratory infections do increase the likelihood of lung cancer in some cases, preventing these infections becomes even more critical. Vaccination campaigns against influenza and Covid-19 could potentially reduce long-term complications beyond immediate illness.

The research may also influence how doctors monitor patients who have recovered from severe respiratory disease. In the future, people who experience serious lung infections may require closer follow-up to detect possible long-term complications.

Vaccination against Covid-19 has been one of the most effective tools to reduce severe lung disease. When vaccines have been administered, the immune system has already been trained to recognize the virus. This preparation has helped the body respond quickly when exposure has occurred. As a result, the chances of severe pneumonia, hospitalization, and extensive lung inflammation have been significantly reduced Vaccines may not eliminate infection, but the severity of illness has been markedly lowered," said Dr Shubham Sharma, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur.

Health experts say the study also reinforces the importance of early treatment for respiratory infections. Timely medical care can reduce inflammation and prevent complications that might otherwise lead to lasting lung damage.

Why The Findings Should Be Interpreted Cautiously?

Despite the attention the study has received, scientists caution that the findings should be interpreted carefully.

The research does not prove that COVID-19 or influenza directly causes lung cancer. Instead, it suggests a possible biological pathway through which severe infections could increase susceptibility.

Many studies show associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships. Factors like smoking, pollution exposure, and underlying lung disease can influence results. Therefore, findings from early studies need larger and long-term research before drawing strong conclusions," stressed Dr Godara.

Another limitation is that much of the research was conducted using laboratory models. Long-term studies involving human populations will be necessary to determine whether the same effect occurs in real-world settings.

Cancer development has taken many years. A recent infection may have revealed or accelerated a pre-existing abnormality rather than creating a completely new cancer. More long-term human studies are still required," Dr Patni added.

Researchers therefore stress that infections are likely only one piece of a much larger puzzle when it comes to cancer risk.

Can Age Help Prevent Lung Cancer Risk? What Precautions To Take

Age alone has not prevented lung cancer. In fact, cancer risk has generally increased as people grow older because genetic mutations have accumulated over time. However, lifestyle choices across all ages have strongly influenced lung health. The most powerful preventive step has been avoiding tobacco exposure. Cigarette smoke has introduced thousands of carcinogenic chemicals into the lungs. Reducing air pollution exposure, using protective equipment in hazardous workplaces, and maintaining regular health check-ups have also helped reduce risk," said Dr Sharma.

Vaccination against respiratory infections, regular exercise, and maintaining good lung hygiene have supported stronger respiratory immunity. Early screening for high-risk individuals, especially long-term smokers, has allowed suspicious lung nodules to be detected and treated earlier, he added.

Public health experts say the findings underline the need for stronger vaccination coverage, better air quality control and improved healthcare access to reduce the burden of respiratory disease.

The possibility that viral infections may contribute to cancer risk illustrates how interconnected different aspects of health can be.

While more research is needed to confirm the findings, the study serves as a reminder that preventing severe illness remains one of the most effective ways to protect long-term health.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:35 IST

News explainers Can Severe Covid Or Flu Increase Lung Cancer Risk Years Later? What A New Study Says

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Sharing US-Israel-Iran War Content In UAE Can Cost You Rs 50 Lakh Or Even Jail Time: 3 Reasons Why

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 17:46 IST

US-Israel-Iran war: UAE authorities have warned that such content can undermine defence efforts, incite public panic, and provide strategic information to hostile parties

Rapid Read

Gulf countries came under Iranian attack after the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. (Representational pic/AFP)

In the UAE, sharing images or videos of military incidents related to the Iran-Israel-US conflict can lead to imprisonment due to strict national security and cybercrime laws, according to reports.

Authorities have warned that such content can undermine defence efforts, incite public panic, and provide strategic information to hostile parties. Heres all you need to know.

UAE and the US-Israel-Iran war

In the current conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not a direct participant, but has been heavily targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes. Despite declaring that its territory and airspace will not be used for attacks against Iran, the UAE has faced one of the highest volumes of incoming fire in the region, according to reports in ABC News, BBC and CNN.

US-Israel Vs Iran War News LIVE Updates HERE

Military involvement and defence in US-Israel-Iran war

The UAE has been forced into active military engagement to protect its sovereignty. Its air defense systems (including the US Patriot and THAAD) have intercepted over 278 ballistic missiles and 1,540 drones since the conflict began on February 28, 2026.

Iran has justified these attacks by citing the presence of US military facilities, such as the Al Dhafra Air Base and the Jebel Ali Port, which it views as legitimate targets despite the UAEs neutrality in the offensive operations.

The UAE remains a major defense partner" of the US and a signatory of the Abraham Accords with Israel, which Iran views as a betrayal and a security threat. Interceptions have resulted in at least six fatalities and over 130 injuries from falling debris. Structures such as the Burj Al Arab and Fairmont The Palm have sustained damage.

Major airports, including Dubai International, have faced closures or flight cancellations. Educational impacts include the cancellation of board exams for thousands of students.

Following the strikes, the UAE severed diplomatic ties with Iran on March 1, 2026, withdrawing its ambassador and all staff from Tehran.

The UAE is spending an estimated $1.31 billion to $2.61 billion on air defense, far exceeding the cost of Irans relatively cheap drone barrages. High-profile firms in Dubais financial district, such as Citi, Deloitte, and PwC, have temporarily closed offices or evacuated employees due to the threat. Attacks on the Fujairah terminal and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have caused global oil prices to surge, said reports.

Why sharing images, videos of US-Israel-Iran war is seen as a crime in UAE

1. Risk to national security: Footage of air defence interceptions or military activity can inadvertently reveal the locations of sensitive military installations. Shared images can be used by adversaries to assess the effectiveness of their strikes or to improve the accuracy of future attacks. Recording or sharing content related to ongoing military operations is a specific violation under Article 23 of the cybercrime law, according to reports in foreign media.

2. Spreading misinformation and panic: Authorities have detected a surge in AI-generated deepfake" videos and recycled old footage being presented as current incidents in the UAE. Sharing unverified information that incites public opinion" or spreads panic" is a criminal offence. UAE law requires that information related to security incidents must only be sourced from official government channels.

3. Legal penalties and enforcement: Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, the penalties are severe.

Violators face a minimum of one year in prison for sharing false or misleading information. This can increase to two years if the content harms public security.

Fines typically range from AED 100,000 to AED 200,000 ($27,200 to $54,400). Foreign nationals, including tourists, are subject to deportation after serving their sentence.

Have there been any arrests?

So far, more than 20 individuals, including a British tourist, have reportedly been charged for filming or sharing missile-related content.

What if you have shared such content?

If you have accidentally shared such content, legal experts recommend deleting it immediately from all platforms, including private group chats like WhatsApp, as voluntary deletion may be treated as a mitigating factor by UAE courts.

With agency inputs

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 17:36 IST

News explainers Sharing US-Israel-Iran War Content In UAE Can Cost You Rs 50 Lakh Or Even Jail Time: 3 Reasons Why

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The Hormuz 'Straitjacket': Why US Firepower Alone Cant Reopen The Worlds Oil Pipe

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 17:15 IST

The US can certainly 'open' the Strait in a military sense by annihilating the Iranian Navy, but 'opening' it for trade is a different matter

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the beginning of the West Asia conflict while effectively being under the control of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. (File image: AP)

As the West Asia conflict enters its third week, the most critical question for the global economy is whether the United States military can forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Following the February 28 strikes that killed the former Supreme Leader, Iran has effectively weaponised the worlds most vital maritime chokepoint. With 20% of the worlds oil and a third of its LNG currently stranded", the pressure on Washington to act is immense.

However, as of mid-March, the answer is a complex not yet". While the US Navy possesses the firepower to defeat the Iranian fleet, the technical and logistical hurdles of clearing the waterway remain a daunting challenge.

The Military Standoff: Firepower vs Geography

On paper, the US naval presence in the region is formidable. The arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln strike groups has given the US unparalleled aerial and missile dominance. To date, US Central Command (CENTCOM) claims to have eliminated over 30 Iranian surface vessels, including 16 specialised mine-layers.

Iran vs US-Israel war LIVE

Yet, naval experts warn that the Strait is not a typical battlefield. At its narrowest, the navigable channel is only two miles wide, making it a kill zone" for land-based anti-ship ballistic missiles. Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has doubled down on the strategy of asymmetric denial", using cheap drones and shore-based batteries that are difficult to target but highly effective at discouraging commercial shipping.

The Silent Threat: The Minefield Dilemma

The greatest obstacle to reopening the Strait is the suspected deployment of naval mines. On March 10, US intelligence detected signs that the IRGC had begun mining the waterway. While President Trump initially expressed scepticism on Truth Social, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed on March 13 that mining is likely underway.

De-mining is notoriously slow. Unlike the 1980s Tanker War", the modern US Navy has a smaller fleet of dedicated minesweepers. The current strategy relies on Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) using underwater drones and helicopters, but these vessels are highly vulnerable to drone swarms while performing the slow, methodical work of clearing a path. Experts suggest that even a handful of minesfewer than ten have been confirmed so faris enough to make the Strait uninsurable for commercial tankers.

The Escort Question: Simply Not Ready

On March 12, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright admitted that the military is simply not ready" to begin escorting commercial oil tankers through the Strait. Currently, every available US asset is focused on triage"destroying Irans offensive launch sites and missile manufacturing hubs.

While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has hinted that an international coalition could begin escort operations by the end of March, the reality is that no shipping company will risk a $200 million tanker until the US Navy can guarantee a mine-free corridor. Shipping insurers like Lloyds of London have already cancelled war-risk cover for the region, meaning the Strait is closed" by the market as much as it is by the military.

A War of Attrition

The US can certainly open" the Strait in a military sense by annihilating the Iranian Navy, but opening" it for trade is a different matter. As long as Iran can fire a single missile or float a single mine, the commercial risk remains too high.

The strategy in Washington appears to have shifted towards a long-term goal: permanently destroying Irans capability to build the weapons that threaten the Strait. Until that manufacturing base is neutralised, the world must adapt to a new normal" of higher prices and rerouted energy supplies.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 17:13 IST

News explainers The Hormuz 'Straitjacket': Why US Firepower Alone Cant Reopen The Worlds Oil Pipe

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Irans Missile Near Israels Western Wall? Why Strike On Jews Holiest Site Could Be Catastrophic

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:00 IST

A direct Iranian strike on the Western Wall, considered the holiest site by Jews, would be viewed as a profound assault on Jewish identity and history

Rapid Read

Covered in prayer shawls, Jewish men participate in a blessing during the holiday of Passover, at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem in 2025. (AP File)

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has allegedly reached near the Western Wall or the Kotel in Jerusalem. On March 12, a missile launched by the Iranian regime reportedly landed within a few hundred metres of the Old City of Jerusalem, threatening the Western Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, claimed Israel.

If the Western Wall were to be directly hit by an Iranian strike, the consequences would be catastrophic across religious, social, and geopolitical dimensions.

Western Wall matters to Jews, Christians and Muslims

The Western Wall is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, on the western flank of the Temple Mount. It is the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray because of its proximity to the site of the Holy of Holies in the ancient Second Temple. The wall is a surviving section of the massive retaining walls built by Herod the Great around 19 BCE to support the expanded Temple Mount platform. Many believe the Shekhinah (Divine Presence) never departed from the wall, making it a unique place where prayers are thought to have special power.

Iran vs US-Israel War LIVE Updates HERE

Known as the Buraq Wall (Hait al-Buraq), it is revered in Islam as the spot where the Prophet Muhammad tied his winged steed, al-Buraq, during his Night Journey.

In Christianity, it is valued as a tangible link to the Second Temple where Jesus frequently visited and taught.

It is a centuries-old custom for visitors to write personal prayers or wishes on slips of paper and wedge them into the walls crevices.

The visible section in the prayer plaza is about 57 metres long and 19 metres high, though the entire retaining wall extends much furthernearly 488 metresmuch of it hidden underground.

To show respect, men typically wear a head covering (kippah) and visitors often walk backwards when leaving so as not to turn their back on the holy site.

Has the Western Wall been attacked in any war?

March: An Iranian missile landed in close proximity to the Old Citys sacred complex. Previous incidents in early March also saw missile fragments or warheads falling near sites like the Sultans Pool, less than a kilometer from the Temple Mount. Due to the immediate threat of further strikes, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that prayer services at all major holy sites in Jerusalem were halted temporarily. While this specific strike near the Old City did not report immediate casualties, other Iranian missile attacks during this period have been deadly. For example, a strike on March 1, 2026, in Beit Shemesh (west of Jerusalem) killed at least nine people and destroyed a synagogue.

August 2025: The site was vandalised with graffiti messages.

August 2022: A Palestinian gunman fired on a bus near the Western Wall, wounding eight people.

1929 & 19481967: Historically, the site saw severe riots in 1929, and from 1948 to 1967, it was under Jordanian control, during which Jewish access was barred.

Religious and cultural impact of an Iranian strike

A direct Iranian strike would be viewed as a profound assault on Jewish identity and history, according to reports in foreign media.

Because of the sites extreme proximity to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, any strike powerful enough to damage the Western Walls massive stones (some weighing over 500 tons) would almost certainly destroy these Islamic holy sites as well, say experts.

Many believe the Shekhinah (Divine Presence) never leaves the wall; its physical destruction would cause unprecedented grief and spiritual trauma for millions of Jews and Christians worldwide, say reports.

Geopolitical and social escalation

Damage to the shared holy compound would likely trigger massive riots and instability across the Islamic world, as both sides might blame the other for the destruction.

Such an event would likely lead to an immediate and severe escalation of the current Iran War, with Israel and its allies potentially pursuing even more aggressive military objectives.

International bodies like the United Nations would face intense pressure to intervene, though the status quo" of the Old City would be permanently shattered.

Current security situation

Following recent missile barrages, the Home Front Command has implemented emergency protocols, including the temporary closure of religious sites and synagogues to protect worshippers, reports stated.

While typically a site of constant prayer, the Western Wall plaza has been largely deserted recently due to public gathering restrictions and the ongoing threat of further Iranian strikes.

With agency inputs

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 18:26 IST

News explainers Irans Missile Near Israels Western Wall? Why Strike On Jews Holiest Site Could Be Catastrophic

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Days After Protocol Row, Rashtrapati Bhavan Turns Down TMC MPs Request To Meet President Murmu

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 11:23 IST

TMC leader wrote to the President on March 9 seeking time for a delegation of around 12 to 15 members, including party MPs and state ministers.

President Droupadi Murmu (R) highlighted protocol breaches during her visit to West Bengal, noting the absence of CM Mamata Banerjee (L) or ministers to receive her. (Image: PTI/File)

Days after Droupadi Murmus visit to West Bengal triggered a controversy over alleged protocol lapses, a delegation of MPs from the All India Trinamool Congress sought an appointment with the President. According to a report by Press Trust of India, the request was declined due to a paucity of time".

TMC MPs request for meeting with President

A source familiar with the matter said a senior TMC leader wrote to the President on March 9 seeking time for a delegation of around 12 to 15 members, including party MPs and state ministers. The delegation planned to brief the President on welfare initiatives undertaken by the West Bengal government aimed at the inclusive development of all sections of society".

However, Rashtrapati Bhavan informed the party that the meeting could not be scheduled because of time constraints. The TMC has since written again to the Presidents office seeking an appointment next week.

Controversy during Bagdogra visit

The development comes amid a political row following the Presidents recent visit to Bagdogra, North Bengal where she attended an international conference of the Santal tribal community.

During the visit, Murmu expressed displeasure over the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues at Bagdogra airport to receive her. She also questioned the state governments decision to shift the venue of the event from Bidhannagar to a location near Bagdogra airport, asking whether the administration expected fewer people to attend.

Political reactions

Following the remarks, CM Banerjee accused the President of speaking on the advice of the BJP" and questioned her silence on alleged atrocities against tribal communities in Manipur and Chhattisgarh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the TMC government, accusing it of disrespecting the President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the episode as shameful and unprecedented" and alleged that the ruling party had crossed all limits.

The controversy has heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where the BJP has emerged as the main opposition to the Banerjee-led TMC government, which is currently serving its third consecutive term in power.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 11:23 IST

News india Days After Protocol Row, Rashtrapati Bhavan Turns Down TMC MPs Request To Meet President Murmu

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DK Shivakumar Sets May Deadline For Full Replacement Of Tungabhadra Dam Crest Gates, Allays Farmers' Fears

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 00:03 IST

Shivakumar also said the Andhra Pradesh government has not responded to Karnatakas request for discussions on the proposed Navali Balancing Reservoir

The Deputy CM said the state government had signed an agreement on June 10, 2025, with an Ahmedabad-based firm, Hardware Tool and Machinery Project Company, to replace the crest gates at a cost of Rs 34.48 crore within 15 months. (File image: News18)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has claimed that all crest gates of the Tungabhadra Dam will be replaced by May this year as part of an ongoing modernisation effort this, even as farmers are worried about the slow pace of work and the impact of it on storage when monsoon season arrives.

Replying to a query raised by T. A. Sharavana during Zero Hour, Shivakumar, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, said the replacement work is progressing according to schedule. We are replacing all the crest gates of Tungabhadra Dam. It requires about seven days to replace one crest gate. As per media reports, 14 gates have been replaced till March 10. The replacement will be completed as per schedule," he said.

The Deputy CM said the state government had signed an agreement on June 10, 2025, with an Ahmedabad-based firm, Hardware Tool and Machinery Project Company, to replace the crest gates at a cost of 34.48 crore within 15 months. According to him, fabrication of 25 crest gates has already been completed while two more are under fabrication. Fourteen gates have been replaced and the replacement of three more gates is currently underway. We have taken all measures to ensure completion of the work by May," he added.

Andhra Not Responding on Navali Reservoir Talks

Shivakumar also said the Andhra Pradesh government has not responded to Karnatakas request for discussions on the proposed Navali Balancing Reservoir.

The Andhra Pradesh government isnt coming for discussions on the Navali Balancing Reservoir. Some have suggested alternative plans, but the Andhra CM is not giving time for talks. We cannot take a unilateral decision; it must be decided by all three riparian states," he said, adding that a significant quantity of water currently flows into the sea and could be utilised if there is political consensus.

Responding to concerns raised by MLC B. G. Patil regarding reports of compensation not being released to landowners, the Deputy CM assured that he would seek the relevant files from officials and ensure immediate action.

Andhra Objection Over Krishna Upper Bank Project

During a separate discussion under Rule 330, Shivakumar criticised BJP leaders for not raising their voice against objections from Andhra Pradesh regarding the Krishna Upper Bank Project.

He said the Andhra Pradesh government had written to the Centre opposing land acquisition and compensation processes related to the project. Despite this, BJP leaders are not raising their voice. I, along with Ministers H. K. Patil and M. B. Patil, will visit New Delhi next week and meet Members of Parliament to present our states concerns," he said.

The Deputy CM clarified that the government has already decided to compensate farmers affected by the project and is exploring options regarding rehabilitation of families from around 20 villages expected to be submerged.

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First Published: March 14, 2026, 00:03 IST

News india DK Shivakumar Sets May Deadline For Full Replacement Of Tungabhadra Dam Crest Gates, Allays Farmers' Fears

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 23:44 IST

Domestic Cooking Gas Gets Costlier: Domestic LPG prices increased by Rs 60 per cylinder on March 7, marking the second price hike within a year. The rise comes amid a sharp surge in global energy prices following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran that began on February 28. The Centre directed all states and Union Territories to closely monitor LPG supplies on a daily basis, take strict action against violators, prevent the spread of rumours, and maintain law and order amid public concerns about a possible shortage of LPG cylinders due to the escalating crisis in West Asia.

India LPG Gas Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Concerns over disruption in LPG supplies linked to the West Asia conflict have sparked panic bookings and long queues at gas distribution outlets.

Consumers in several cities reported repeated glitches in booking platforms, including IVRS numbers, mobile applications and WhatsApp services, many of which showed server down messages as traffic surged.

Distributors said booking requests jumped nearly tenfold, straining systems not built to handle such a sudden spike in demand.

The impact has begun to ripple through the services sector as well. In the national capital, several malls have advised restaurants to conserve fuel and operate with reduced gas usage.

The government, however, has sought to reassure the public, urging people not to panic. C Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said oil companies continue to deliver about 50 lakh LPG cylinders daily despite the crisis, and that overall supplies remain stable.

Meanwhile, police in multiple states have increased monitoring to curb rumours, hoarding and illegal trading of cylinders.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/minenergoUkraine

Ukrainian energy companies have successfully restored 3.5 GW of capacity across thermal (TPP), combined heat and power (CHP), and hydroelectric (HPP) plants out of more than 9 GW damaged by Russian attacks. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced on Friday that the government aims to restore a total of approximately 4 GW.

Speaking during the "Government Hour" in the Verkhovna Rada, Shmyhal noted that there is an opportunity to bring more than 2 GW back online by the end of May. This additional capacity is critical for stabilizing the power system as nuclear power units begin their scheduled maintenance and repair cycles. To support these efforts, Ukrainian delegations are currently working across the EU to secure equipment from decommissioned power plants and expand international partnerships for energy facility recovery.

The energy situation was stabilized throughout March, with Shmyhal reporting that many regions currently face no power outages, while others experience only minimal restrictions of one to one-and-a-half queues. The deficit at peak consumption hours remains around 1 GW, but increased solar generation during the day has eliminated non-peak systemic restrictions nationwide.

Electricity imports currently account for 12% of Ukraines total energy consumption. This follows a record-breaking February where imports reached 1.26 million MWh, primarily from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland. The government continues to work with ENTSO-E to further expand transmission capacity with the European Union, with a long-term goal of increasing it to 3.5 GW over the next two years.
India Steps Up Diplomacy On West Asia Crisis As PM Modi, Jaishankar Hold Talks With Iranian Leaders

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:54 IST

PM Modi discussed security with Irans President, expressing concern over civilian casualties. EAM Jaishankar also held talks with Iran.

PM Narendra Modi with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (File)

India has intensified its diplomatic engagement amid rising tensions in West Asia, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the evolving security situation in the region. On Thursday, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern" over the rising tensions.

According to the MEA, the two leaders discussed the current security environment and regional developments. The Prime Minister also conveyed Indias position on the situation and emphasised the importance of diplomatic efforts.

Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," PM Modi wrote on X after the telephonic conversation.

The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain Indias top priorities. Reiterated Indias commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy," he added.

Jaishankar Holds Four Round Of Talks With Iranian Counterpart

Diplomatic engagement has also taken place at the ministerial level. The MEA said that the foreign ministers of the two countries spoke on Thursday to review bilateral ties and discuss broader international issues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held fourth talk with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Had another conversation with Iranian FM @araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues," the external affairs minister wrote on X.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three rounds of discussions with his Iranian counterpart in recent days as tensions continue to rise in West Asia, with conversations focusing on maritime security and Indias energy interests.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the diplomatic exchanges between the two sides.

External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and the foreign minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and Indias energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," Jaiswal said.

New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and remains engaged with regional partners through diplomatic channels as tensions continue to evolve.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:54 IST

News india India Steps Up Diplomacy On West Asia Crisis As PM Modi, Jaishankar Hold Talks With Iranian Leaders

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India To Repatriate 183 Iranian Sailors From Warship IRIS Lavan In Kochi

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 14:14 IST

The warship was part of Irans naval contingent that had participated in Indias International Fleet Review and the MILAN 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam in February.

Iranian warship IRIS Lavan | File Image

India is set to repatriate 183 crew members of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan, bringing to an end their stay in Kochi after the ship docked at the port on March 4 amid rising tensions in the region, officials said.

The warship was part of Irans naval contingent that had participated in Indias International Fleet Review and the MILAN 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam in February.

While operating in the Indian Ocean, the vessel developed technical problems, prompting Iran to seek permission on February 28 to dock three of its naval ships, IRIS Lavan, IRIS Bushehr and IRIS Dena, coinciding with the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

India cleared the request on March 1. Of the three vessels, only IRIS Lavan reached an Indian port, arriving in Kochi on March 4. Its crew has since been housed at Indian naval facilities in the city.

IRIS Bushehr docked in Sri Lanka, where its crew was provided shelter, while IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine in international waters off Sri Lankas coast on the same day IRIS Lavan arrived in Kochi, resulting in heavy casualties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that allowing IRIS Lavan to dock was a humanitarian decision. We believe that this was the right thing to do," he said, adding that Irans foreign minister had conveyed gratitude for Indias gesture.

New Delhi has remained in close diplomatic contact with Tehran since the conflict began. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have held four conversations focused on de-escalation and regional stability.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over the escalation of hostilities, civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

PM Modi underscored the need for dialogue and diplomacy, reiterated Indias commitment to peace and stability in the region, and highlighted concerns related to the safety of Indian nationals and the security of key energy supply routes.

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Location : Kochi [Cochin], India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 14:06 IST

News india India To Repatriate 183 Iranian Sailors From Warship IRIS Lavan In Kochi

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Beyond Diplomacy: Why Indian Tankers Were Allowed To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 13:48 IST

In fact, India is also in touch with Iran to ensure safe passage of eight LPG tankers.

Rapid Read

Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz. (File Image: Reuters)

Two Indian oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday amid the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and disruptions to shipping. The tankers were reported to be Pushpak" and Parimal."

Both vessels were said to have transited the strait safely after diplomatic talks between India and Iran about ensuring safe maritime movement. This development came as a relief for India because a large portion of its crude oil imports travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen severe disruptions due to the ongoing war and attacks on commercial shipping.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined as many international tankers and cargo ships are avoiding the route after a series of attacks and warnings from Iran that vessels linked to its adversaries could be targeted. Iranian officials and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have repeatedly warned that the waterway could be effectively closed, with statements indicating that ships attempting to cross despite warnings will not be guaranteed safe passage." In recent days, several vessels have been struck or damaged, underscoring the risks. The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier MV Mayuree Naree caught fire after being hit by projectiles near the strait, leaving crew members missing, while other ships such as the cargo vessel ONE Majesty and the tanker Star Gwyneth were also damaged in attacks during the latest wave of maritime strikes. Meanwhile, two fuel tankers  Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros  were hit by explosive-laden boats near Iraqi waters, part of a broader pattern of assaults that has already forced many shipping companies to halt or reroute traffic through the strategic oil corridor.

However, with Indian diplomacy at work and other factors of the Iran-India relationship at play, India-flagged ships are being allowed through the now sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Heres why:

Indias diplomatic outreach

As tensions in the Gulf intensified, India moved quickly on the diplomatic front to ensure its oil supply lines were not caught in the crossfire. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reached out directly to Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with both sides discussing the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

Indian officials conveyed that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz would not only hit global energy markets but also affect countries like India that depend heavily on oil passing through the narrow waterway. The message from New Delhi was straightforward: Indian vessels were carrying out routine commercial trade and should not become casualties of a larger geopolitical confrontation. Tehran appears to have acknowledged that concern.

Allowing Indian tankers to pass safely helped Iran show that its maritime pressure is directed mainly at its adversaries, not at countries that have kept diplomatic channels open even during difficult times.

In fact, India is also in touch with Iran to ensure safe passage of eight LPG tankers. According to sources, eight LPG tankers are currently waiting just outside the Strait of Hormuz, unable to proceed due to the tense security situation in the region. The Indian government is in touch with Iranian authorities to help facilitate the safe movement of these vessels.

Sources say Tehran has been cooperative in the discussions and is also mindful of the situation of its own sailors currently in India. Around 250 Iranian sailors are presently in the country, awaiting arrangements to return home. Indian authorities have provided them temporary accommodation and assistance while efforts are underway to organise their repatriation.

Working Ties With Both Sides

One reason India has been able to navigate the crisis with some diplomatic room is that it has maintained working relationships with all sides involved. Unlike many Western countries that have had long periods of strained or frozen ties with Tehran, India has kept communication channels with Iran open even during difficult phases marked by sanctions and regional tensions. Over the years, New Delhi has tried to strike a careful balance  building strong partnerships with countries such as the United States and Israel while also continuing dialogue and cooperation with Iran. This approach does not mean India agrees with every position taken by these countries, but it allows New Delhi to speak to each side when tensions rise and try to protect its strategic interests.

A key example of this long-term engagement is Indias involvement in Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran. The port is seen by both countries as more than just a commercial project. For India, it provides a crucial trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan. For Iran, the project represents a lasting partnership with a major Asian economy at a time when many Western companies pulled back because of sanctions. Because of this history of cooperation, the relationship carries a certain level of trust, which can become important in moments of crisis  such as the current tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, where diplomatic understanding can help ensure that commercial shipping and energy supplies continue to move despite the wider conflict.

Iran Needs To Keep Oil Flowing

Another factor shaping Irans approach is the importance of large energy buyers like India. For years, India was among the biggest importers of Iranian crude oil, at times purchasing hundreds of thousands of barrels per day. Even after sanctions linked to Irans nuclear programme sharply reduced those purchases, the commercial relationship never fully disappeared from strategic thinking in Tehran. Indian refiners had invested time and infrastructure to process Iranian grades of crude, and before restrictions tightened, the trade had become a steady pillar of the bilateral relationship.

Because of this history, Iran still sees India as a significant long-term energy partner and a major market it would not want to lose permanently. In a period when Tehran is already facing economic pressure and limited export avenues, alienating one of Asias largest energy consumers would make little strategic sense. Allowing Indian-linked vessels to move through the Strait of Hormuz therefore sends a subtle signal: while Iran may be willing to exert pressure on its adversaries during the crisis, it is trying to avoid pushing away countries that could remain important trade partners in the future.

Why It Matters For India

Around 2025 per cent of the worlds oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and a large share of Indias crude imports comes through this route. Even a partial disruption can quickly affect shipping costs, insurance premiums, and domestic fuel prices.

Allowing two Indian tankers  Pushpak and Parimal  to cross safely, therefore, became a significant diplomatic and energy-security signal amid the ongoing war.

Why Tankers From Many Other Countries Are Not Being Able To Cross Hormuz?

Many tankers from other countries have been unable  or unwilling  to pass through the Strait of Hormuz because of rising fears of being caught in the escalating conflict. Iran has warned that ships linked to its adversaries could become targets if tensions continue to rise. Officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have also said that vessels connected to countries backing military action against Iran may not be guaranteed safe passage through the waterway. That warning has made shipping companies extremely cautious.

After several recent attacks on commercial vessels near the strait, many operators have decided to delay their voyages or reroute ships altogether rather than risk sailing through the narrow corridor. Insurance costs have also surged, making the route even less attractive.

As a result, traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, with several tankers from Western-linked fleets choosing to wait outside the area instead of attempting the crossing.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 13:17 IST

News india Beyond Diplomacy: Why Indian Tankers Were Allowed To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

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'No Need To Panic': Centre On LPG Supply Amid West Asia Crisis; Says Domestic Production Increased By 30%

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:54 IST

The Central Government assured adequate petrol, diesel, and increased LPG production amid the West Asia conflict, urging the public not to panic.

Image for representation

The Central Government on Friday addressed concerns surrounding the availability of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in the country, following disruptions in the energy supply amid the West Asia conflict.

The government acknowledged the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  one of the worlds most significant maritime chokepoints  remains a matter of concern; it asserted theres no need to worry about the situation in India.

Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, said, Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors."

I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying", she added.

Listing measures taken by the government to ensure a smooth supply of LPG, she said, Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30% as of today; compared to March 5th, our refineries are currently producing 30% more LPG. Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers."

Concerns over disrupted energy supply due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia have triggered panic buying and long queues at gas stations across the country.

The government has ramped up efforts to reassure the public, urging them not to panic. Police in multiple states have been directed to keep a watch on the situation and take steps to curb hoarding and black marketing of gas cylinders.

PM Modi Hits Out At Opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at the opposition parties, accusing them of spreading misinformation regarding the availability of gas cylinders.

During his address at the NXT Summit 2026 in Delhi, PM Modi said, Those spreading panic over LPG are exposing themselves". He assured consumers there is no need to panic, affirming India is fully committed to tackling the challenge, leaving no stone unturned".

In retaliation for the February 28 coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns over fuel supply disruptions. The Strait remains a crucial chokepoint, providing for around one-fifth of the worlds oil trade.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:52 IST

News india 'No Need To Panic': Centre On LPG Supply Amid West Asia Crisis; Says Domestic Production Increased By 30%

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Notion That India Turned Authoritarian Under BJP Total Bulls**t: Ex-Australian PM Abbott

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:33 IST

Abbott made the remarks while reflecting on his experience at the Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship global conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi.

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott with PM Modi | File Image

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott dismissed claims that India has become an authoritarian state under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling the argument total bullsh*t".

Abbott made the remarks while reflecting on his experience at the Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship global conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi.

The forum, he said, stands out among international gatherings for encouraging open debate rather than serving as an exercise in deference to the host government.

And as for this notion that India, under the BJP, has somehow become an authoritarian state, thats total BS. No country with free and fair elections, a riotously free media, and a robustly independent judiciary is in serious danger of dictatorship," he said.

And no dictatorship would host a global conference where nothing is off-limits and no one is shouted down. This years dialogue, after all, heard from both the Israeli foreign minister (virtually) and the Iranian deputy foreign minister," he added.

Describing the Dialogue as the brainchild of Indias external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Abbott said it brings together political leaders, senior military officials, business figures, journalists and policy experts to debate major global issues.

While there is a strong focus on the Global South", he noted that discussions are grounded in realism, with an emphasis on power, economic strength and practical outcomes rather than rhetoric.

Abbott said Jaishankars approach at the forum reflects this ethos, pointing out that the minister regularly attends multiple sessions, sometimes as a speaker and often simply as a participant in the audience.

Despite his distinguished diplomatic career, Abbott said Jaishankar engages without condescension and listens as much as he speaks.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting the tone at the conference by attending the opening session each year to listen to the chief guest, this year the President of Finland, without delivering a speech himself.

Abbott said this willingness to listen, even after more than a decade in power, runs counter to claims of authoritarianism and reflects restraint rather than hubris.

The Raisina Dialogue, organised by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with Indias Ministry of External Affairs, has been held annually since 2016 and is widely regarded as the countrys premier platform for discussions on international security, economics and global governance.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 12:33 IST

News india Notion That India Turned Authoritarian Under BJP Total Bulls**t: Ex-Australian PM Abbott

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Two Arrested In Chennai For Hoarding LPG Cylinders, Officials Say No Need To Panic Buy

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:48 IST

Two arrested in Madurai for hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing. Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association assured sufficient fuel stocks.

Officials seized 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders. (Representative image)

Amid countrywide LPG crisis, two persons arrested and detained under the Goondas Act in Madurai for allegedly hoarding 398 LPG cylinders intended for black market sales. This marks the first instance of such stringent action against cylinder hoarding in Tamil Nadu, according to police reports on Friday.

The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association also addressed the rising concerns over fuel shortages and urged the public not to engage in panic buying of petrol or diesel. The association assured that the 14 terminals across the state have sufficient stock to supply over 7,000 retail outlets as per demand.

The arrests in Madurai followed a tip-off to the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID) about the illegal diversion of subsidised domestic gas cylinders for commercial purposes. Acting on this information, a special team raided an open plot near Palanis residence in Kovilpappakudi, seizing 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders.

Another raid at the house of 27-year-old Madan Kumar in Anandam Nagar resulted in the recovery of 189 cylinders, including 63 domestic and 126 commercial units.

A senior official stated that both suspects have been charged under the Essential Commodities Act and subsequently detained under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, commonly referred to as the Goondas Act, by Madurai District Collector Praveen Kumar. The CS-CID Madurai zone has issued a stern warning that hoarding essential commodities will result in severe legal consequences.

The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over a perceived fuel and gas shortage in the region. K P Murali, President of the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association, assured the public that there is no need for panic buying, as the state currently holds enough petrol and diesel stocks to last at least three weeks. He emphasised that panic buying would only create an artificial shortage.

There is no need for the public to fear a shortage. All dealers have adequate stock and are continuously receiving supplies from oil companies. Panic buying will only create an artificial shortage that benefits no one," Murali told PTI.

Dealers usually have three days stock with them. And they buy from these terminals as and when they need. This is happening as usual. So, there is no need to panic," Murali added.

More than 7,000 dealers are associated with our organisation and they all have access to terminals to replenish their stock as per demand," Murali said.

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Location : Chennai [Madras], India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:48 IST

News india Two Arrested In Chennai For Hoarding LPG Cylinders, Officials Say No Need To Panic Buy

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Who Is Laura Loomer? US Activist Who Once Termed Indians 'Third-World Invaders' Set For New Delhi Visit

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 14:43 IST

Far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for controversial comments on India, announced her visit to New Delhi. Loomer, a Trump ally, criticized Indian immigrants and Bollywood.

American far right activist Laura Loomer, know for her controversial comments on India, announced her visit to New Delhi.

American far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for her controversial comments on India, announced her visit to New Delhi. The development has created a buzz as she is invited to speak at a media conclave. Loomer, also a close Trump ally, is known for her long-standing public opposition to the H-1B visa programme.

She announced her visit to India by a post on X. See you soon, India!" she wrote.

Who Is Laura Loomer?

Laura Loomer was born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1993. She attended Orme School and later majored in broadcast journalism at Barry University in South Florida.

Before graduating, she joined Project Veritas, an American far-right activist group founded by James OKeefe in 2010. During her time with the group, she reportedly engaged in undercover stunts. In 2017, she left Project Veritas and joined The Rebel, a Canadian right-wing media outlet.

Controversial Tweets Against India

Loomer sparked major controversy when she labelled Indian immigrants as third-world invaders," and mocked Bollywood. She questioned the hygiene of the country. However, her social media posts were deleted in 2025.

Former MSNBC host and journalist Mehdi Hasan shared the screenshots of the posts on X and asked, How are Indians okay with this?"

Loomer was banned from Twitter (now X) in 2018 and was able to make her account after Elon Musk bought the company.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 14:43 IST

News india Who Is Laura Loomer? US Activist Who Once Termed Indians 'Third-World Invaders' Set For New Delhi Visit

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When Is Eid ul-Fitr 2026 In India  March 20 Or 21? Moon Sighting And Celebration Details

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Last Updated: March 17, 2026, 09:03 IST

Eid Ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date In India: Eid is expected on March 20 or March 21 depending on the crescent moon sighting. Heres how Chand Raat determines the final Eid date.

Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. (Image: Shutterstock)

Eid ul Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date In India: As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, many Muslims in India are preparing for Eid ul-Fitr. Families start planning gatherings, meals and prayers as the festival approaches. However, one question often comes up every year: the exact date of Eid. In 2026, Eid ul Fitr in India is expected to fall either on March 20 or March 21. The final date depends on when the crescent moon is sighted, which marks the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.

Why The Date Of Eid Changes Every Year

Eid ul Fitr is often called the Festival of Breaking the Fast." It marks the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, pray regularly, give charity and focus on spiritual reflection.

The festival is observed on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the Islamic calendar follows the cycle of the moon, the date of Eid changes every year.

ALSO READ: Eid ul-Fitr 2026 Moon Sighting Date: Time To Watch Crescent Moon In India, Saudi Arabia And Other Countries

Due to this system, the exact day of Eid cannot be confirmed until the crescent moon is sighted. Religious authorities and moon-sighting committees usually announce the date after the moon becomes visible.

How Moon Sighting Decides The Date

In the Islamic calendar, a month lasts either 29 or 30 days. Muslims look for the crescent moon on the 29th evening of Ramadan.

In 2026, this observation will take place on the evening of March 19. This night is also known as Chand Raat. If the moon is seen that evening, Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, which will be the first day of Shawwal.

If the moon is not visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid will be observed on Saturday, March 21.

ALSO READ: Iftar Snacks To Make At Home: Easy And Delicious Recipes For Ramadan Evenings

Astronomical estimates suggest that the moon may be visible on the evening of March 19, which makes March 20 the more likely date for Eid celebrations in India and nearby regions.

In India, the official confirmation usually comes from local moon-sighting committees and religious leaders after sunset. Cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Mumbai often hold gatherings where scholars and community members confirm whether the crescent moon has been spotted.

Why Chand Raat Is Special For Families

The night when the moon is first sighted is called Chand Raat. It is one of the most exciting times during the Eid period.

Markets remain open late as people step out to buy new clothes, sweets and gifts. Families also shop for food items needed for the Eid feast.

ALSO READ: Eid Special: How To Make Flavorful Mutton Vermicelli Biryani At Home

Women and young girls often apply mehendi on their hands, and households start preparing dishes that will be served the next day.

How Eid Ul-Fitr Is Celebrated

Eid ul Fitr is usually celebrated over three days and marks the end of Ramadan. The day begins with special morning prayers known as Salat al-Eid.

Muslims gather in mosques or open grounds to offer the prayer together. Before the prayer, people give charity called Zakat al-Fitr. This donation helps those in need so that everyone can celebrate the festival.

ALSO READ: Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Date, Moon Sighting, Prayer Timings And Wishes

On Eid morning, people wake up early, take a bath and wear new or their best clothes. They greet each other by saying Eid Mubarak" and visit friends and relatives.

The festival is also known as Sweet Eid" because many traditional desserts and sweets are prepared and shared with family and guests. Children often receive gifts or money, commonly known as Eidi, while families spend time together enjoying meals and celebrations.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:30 IST

News lifestyle events When Is Eid ul-Fitr 2026 In India  March 20 Or 21? Moon Sighting And Celebration Details
Kylie Jenner Brings Sabyasachi High Jewellery To The Spotlight In Her Bold Photoshoot

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:53 IST

Hollywood glamour meets Indian craftsmanship as Kylie Jenner styles Sabyasachi High Jewellery in her latest editorial photoshoot.

Kylie Jenner wears Sabyasachi earrings crafted in 18k gold with morganite and diamonds.

In the world of editorial fashion, it often takes just one piece of jewellery to define the mood of an entire image. In the Spring 2026 cover story of Vanity Fair, Kylie Jenner delivers exactly that moment by anchoring her cinematic editorial look with a pair of striking earrings from Sabyasachi High Jewellery.

The result is a striking intersection of Hollywood glamour and heritage craftsmanship, where sculptural design and delicate gemstone work quietly command the frame.

A Jewel That Balances Architecture And Romance

The earrings, crafted in 18-karat gold, feature brilliant-cut EF VVS-VS diamonds paired with luminous pear-shaped morganite drops. Their design follows a chandelier silhouette that unfolds gradually  from a diamond-studded circular stud into elongated geometric links that cascade downward in articulated segments.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial)

At the base, the softly glowing morganite anchors the piece in a romantic blush tone, contrasting with the crisp brilliance of the diamonds above. The gentle warmth of the gemstone lends the earrings a softness, while the structured diamond framework introduces an almost architectural precision.

The design draws inspiration from the labels Paris Calcutta high jewellery collection, where European structural references merge with the artisanal finesse of Indian craftsmanship. Delicate diamond clusters and miniature dangling elements create subtle movement, allowing the earrings to shimmer with every shift of light.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial)

Hollywood Styling With A Singular Focus

For the editorial shoot, Kylie Jenner embraces an aesthetic of moody glamour. Reclining against a vintage-inspired setting, she wears a black off-shoulder ensemble adorned with celestial crystal embellishments from Valentino Haute Couture. The gowns starburst beadwork and cosmic motifs introduce a subtle sense of drama, while the fabrics relaxed drape reveals a sculpted neckline and bare shoulders.

Yellow ankle-strap heels add an unexpected burst of colour against the otherwise shadowy palette. Her glam remains intentionally restrained: sleek, glossy hair cascading over one shoulder, smoky eyes, and muted rose-toned lips. The minimal styling ensures the jewellery remains the visual anchor of the editorial narrative.

Against the dark, cinematic styling of the shoot, the jewels glow softly, proving that sometimes the most memorable fashion statement is the one that whispers rather than shouts.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:53 IST

News lifestyle fashion Kylie Jenner Brings Sabyasachi High Jewellery To The Spotlight In Her Bold Photoshoot
Can Lack Of Sleep Increase The Risk Of Anxiety And Depression? Experts Explain

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:49 IST

World Sleep Day: Experts explain how lack of sleep may increase the risk of anxiety and depression, and why good sleep is essential for mental well-being.

The blue light emitted by screens suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. (AI Image)

In a world that rarely switches off, sleep is increasingly becoming a casualty of modern lifestyles. Long work hours, endless scrolling on smartphones and irregular routines have gradually shortened the average persons sleep cycle. While many view lost sleep as a temporary inconvenience, health experts warn that the consequences can be far more serious. Beyond fatigue and reduced concentration, chronic sleep deprivation can quietly affect emotional well-being and increase vulnerability to mental health concerns.

Research shows that adults typically require seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night for optimal physical and mental functioning. During sleep, the brain processes information, restores energy levels and regulates hormones that influence mood and stress. When this restorative cycle is disrupted for prolonged periods, the impact may extend beyond tired mornings to deeper emotional challenges.

The SleepMental Health Connection

According to Dr Zubair Sarkar, Senior Consultant in Neurology at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur, consistent lack of sleep prevents the brain from recovering and stabilising emotional responses.

When a person regularly sleeps less, the brain does not get sufficient time to rest and recover. This affects the brains ability to regulate emotions, making individuals more likely to feel anxious or stressed even over minor issues," he explains.

He further notes that sleep deprivation can disrupt the balance of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. Over time, this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as persistent stress, sadness or irritability. In many cases, individuals who already struggle with anxiety or depression also experience disturbed sleep, creating a cycle where poor sleep and emotional distress reinforce each other.

The Role Of Digital Habits In Sleep Deprivation

Modern technology is another factor influencing sleep quality. Dr Vijay Kumar Sharma, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Regency Hospital, Gorakhpur, points out that prolonged screen exposure before bedtime can significantly disrupt the bodys natural sleep rhythm.

Blue light emitted from smartphones and laptops interferes with hormones that regulate sleep. As a result, people take longer to fall asleep and the overall quality of sleep declines," he says.

Common signs of sleep deprivation include constant fatigue, difficulty concentrating and sudden mood fluctuations. When these symptoms persist for extended periods, they can gradually begin to influence emotional well-being.

How Sleep Loss Triggers Stress In The Body

Lack of sleep also increases physiological stress. Dr Divya Badanidiyur, Senior Consultant and Head of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery at SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that prolonged sleep deprivation can heighten the bodys stress response. When sleep remains insufficient for long periods, stress levels in the body increase. This may make symptoms such as anxiety and low mood more noticeable, which is why adequate sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle," she says.

Over time, elevated stress hormones and mental fatigue may weaken emotional resilience, making it harder for individuals to cope with everyday pressures.

Simple Habits That Improve Sleep Quality

Experts emphasise that improving sleep often begins with small lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule  going to bed and waking up at the same time each day  helps regulate the bodys internal clock.

Reducing screen exposure before bedtime can also significantly improve sleep quality. Other helpful practices include eating lighter meals at night, exercising regularly and creating a calm sleep environment free from distractions.

When sleep disturbances persist for extended periods, seeking medical guidance is recommended to identify underlying causes and prevent long-term complications.

Prioritising Sleep For Better Mental Well-Being

Sleep should not be viewed as optional downtime but as a fundamental pillar of health. Adequate rest supports emotional stability, strengthens memory and improves concentration while helping the body manage daily stress more effectively.

As awareness around mental health continues to grow, prioritising consistent and restorative sleep may be one of the most practical steps individuals can take to safeguard both their mind and body.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:49 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Can Lack Of Sleep Increase The Risk Of Anxiety And Depression? Experts Explain
Photo: https://www.bfmtv.com/politique

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that EU partners will do everything necessary to ensure a EUR 90 billion ($98 billion) EU loan commitment to Ukraine is fulfilled.

"We will do everything possible so that the EUR 90 billion loan that was agreed upon will be unblocked. We will do everything for this," he said at a joint news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday.

The total volume of EU assistance provided since 2022, Macron emphasized, "is approaching EUR 200 billion" ($218 billion).

Separately, Macron stressed support for Ukraines European integration path.

"The path to membership is difficult, requires a lot of effort, but the path Ukraine has traveled, despite the war, is impressive. Ukraine deserves the opening of the first negotiating clusters. I have no doubt about this. We will achieve this despite the artificial obstacles that have arisen," the French president said.
She Took Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex Until 20 Days Of Bleeding Led To Ectopic Pregnancy At 22

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:40 IST

Doctors warn that frequent use of morning after pills expose the body to a hormone dose several times higher than a regular contraceptive pill disrupting the bodys hormonal rhythm

Rapid Read

The key difference is that long-term contraception works with the bodys natural hormonal cycle, whereas emergency contraceptive pills interrupt it each time they are used. (Representational photo: AFP File)

A 22-year-old graphic designer from Surat was admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pain and heavy uterine bleeding that had continued for nearly 22 days. Her blood pressure was dangerously low. She had taken an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. But an ultrasound scan revealed something far more serious.

Her pregnancy was located in the fallopian tube  a condition known as an ectopic pregnancy. In such cases, taking pills does not terminate the pregnancy and can lead to the rupture of the fallopian tube, causing severe internal bleeding.

Doctors say emergency contraceptive pills are increasingly being used several times a year, often after unprotected sex, turning what is meant to be an emergency" medication into a routine solution.

Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Indias top drug regulatory authority, has cleared new mandatory warning labels for emergency contraceptive pills, ending years of ambiguity around one of the countrys most widely sold over-the-counter medicines.

A March 2026 Pinky Promise report found that while demand for sustained contraceptive methods such as oral pills and intrauterine devices remains high, emergency pills continue to be the most practical option for many young women because they are discreet, prescription-free and available even late at night.

Critically, they remain over-the-counter medicines, but now with three mandatory boxed warnings on primary labels, carton labels and package inserts.

Sukriti (name changed for anonymity) was admitted to the emergency ward with vomiting, severe abdominal pain and heavy uterine bleeding. Her blood pressure was falling.

The 22-year-old graphic design intern had been bleeding for nearly 20 days. She believed the emergency contraceptive pill she had taken earlier had eliminated any possibility of pregnancy.

An ultrasound revealed something far more serious. The pregnancy was located in the fallopian tube, a condition known as ectopic pregnancy. The tube had ruptured, and she was rushed into emergency surgery.

What Are Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), often referred to as the morning-after pill, are hormonal tablets taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when a contraceptive method fails, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pill.

They fall under emergency contraception, which means they are designed for unexpected situations rather than regular use.

Emergency contraception is not the same as routine birth control. It is a temporary measure used after the fact, when protection was not used or did not work.

While these pills can help reduce the risk of pregnancy in such circumstances, they are not intended to serve as a long-term contraceptive method. For ongoing pregnancy prevention, doctors recommend more reliable options such as regular birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or contraceptive implants, which are designed for consistent and sustained protection.

Dr Aastha Gupta, Senior IVF Consultant and infertility expert in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Delhi IVF, New Delhi, explains that the pill was designed strictly for urgent situations. iPill or any other emergency contraceptive pill was made for emergency situations, such as when someone has unprotected sex, a contraceptive fails, or misses taking the birth control pill. It is not intended to be used as a routine form of birth control. Repeated use can disrupt the menstrual cycle and create hormonal imbalances. Other methods of birth control and the birth control pill are much safer and more dependable for routine use," she says.

The pill works primarily by delaying ovulation or preventing the ovary from releasing an egg, she explains.

It can also increase the thickness of cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. In rare situations, the emergency pill may alter the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for an embryo to attach to the uterine wall," Dr Gupta adds.

It is not an abortion pill and was designed for unexpected situations such as broken condoms or missed contraceptive doses.

It also becomes less effective in women above 7075 kg and may not work at all above 80 kg, a limitation many women are unaware of when purchasing it over the counter.

How Soon Can You Take An Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

According to Dr Gupta, timing plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 24 hours. They can still be taken up to 72 hours later, and some pill types may work up to 120 hours, though effectiveness decreases as time passes," she says.

Even when taken correctly, the pill does not guarantee complete protection.

When used within 24 hours of unprotected sex, the pill can prevent pregnancy about 85 to 95 percent of the time. But its effectiveness depends on several factors including body mass index, whether ovulation has already occurred, the timing of the pill and whether vomiting occurs soon after taking it or certain medications are being used," she explains.

How Many Emergency Contraceptive Pills Are Too Many?

There is no official safe number" for emergency contraceptive pills. However, doctors warn that frequency is dangerous because each pill exposes the body to a hormone dose several times higher than a regular contraceptive pill. Used frequently, this can disrupt the bodys hormonal rhythm.

The 93rd meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board document said, Do not take this medicine more than twice in a month. Use of alternative methods of contraception is encouraged in consultation with registered medical practitioners."

Dr Isha Kriplani, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Paras Health, Gurugram, explains that the pill is generally safe for occasional use but may cause short-term side effects.

Emergency contraceptive pills like iPill contain a high dose of hormones intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Some women may experience nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, mild abdominal pain or spotting between periods. The next menstrual period may come earlier or later than expected, but these symptoms usually settle within a few days," she says.

Repeated use can disrupt menstrual cycles. Frequent use can disturb the bodys natural hormonal balance. Repeated intake within the same cycle or across multiple cycles may lead to irregular periods, delayed or early menstruation, unpredictable spotting and sometimes heavier or prolonged bleeding," Dr Kriplani adds.

Can Frequent Use of Emergency Contraception Disrupt Menstrual Cycles Or Lead to Prolonged Bleeding?

Dr Kriplani brings in caution and emphasis, frequent use of emergency contraceptive pills can disrupt the bodys natural hormonal balance. Since these pills contain a relatively high dose of hormones, repeated use within the same cycle or across multiple cycles may lead to irregular periods, delayed or early menstruation, or unpredictable spotting and bleeding. Some women may also experience heavier or prolonged bleeding."

There are reports of many women experiencing some light spotting, irregular periods, and even earlier and later births following use of the emergency contraception. Dr Gupta remarks, This is normal for most women. However if you have a very heavy or prolonged bleed, experience intermittent pain in your abdomen, or feel dizzy,you should seriously consider seeking immediate medical attention."

What Symptoms Should Raise Concern?

Dr Kriplani advises seeking help if severe symptoms appear. Women should seek medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain, very heavy or prolonged bleeding, persistent vomiting, severe dizziness or if their period is delayed by more than a week. These symptoms could signal complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or other medical concerns," she says.

Dr Gupta also notes that mild symptoms are common. Many women may experience light spotting, irregular periods or shifts in cycle timing after taking the iPill. These changes are usually temporary. However, heavy or prolonged bleeding, abdominal pain or dizziness should be evaluated immediately by a doctor," she adds.

What Are Other Ways Of Contraception?

Emergency contraception is not the only contraceptive option. Condoms are easily available, require no prescription and remain the only contraceptive method that protects against sexually transmitted infections.

After consulting with a doctor women can get regular oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices and hormonal implants offer more consistent protection without sudden hormonal spikes.

Doctors say the reason many people default to emergency pills is convenience. But long-term contraception is designed to work with the bodys hormonal cycle rather than interrupting it repeatedly.

Women with pre-existing liver disease, heart conditions or hormonal disorders should consult a doctor before taking any contraceptive medication.

Around 57% of emergency contraceptive pills are obtained over the counter from pharmacies. Pharmacies and drugstores account for 44.4% of distribution, followed by government facilities and private clinics.

The DCGI the countrys top drug regulatory authoritys Drugs Consultative Committee directed that all emergency contraceptive pill brands must now carry three boxed warnings:

The pill offers no protection against HIV or sexually transmitted infections

It should not be taken more than twice a month

Women should consult a registered medical practitioner about regular contraception.

The package insert must also carry detailed information as recommended by the sub-committee report.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 13:27 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness She Took Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex Until 20 Days Of Bleeding Led To Ectopic Pregnancy At 22

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How The IranIsrael War Could Change Summer Travel For Indians

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:25 IST

The IranIsrael conflict could mean longer flights, higher airfares and shifting travel plans for Indians this summer. Heres how global tensions affect travel.

Rising fuel prices and airspace disruptions may reshape international travel plans for Indians.

International holidays often feel worlds away from global politics, but aviation rarely exists in isolation. As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate into open military confrontation, the ripple effects are beginning to reach travellers thousands of kilometres away, including those in India planning summer getaways.

From rising ticket prices to longer flight routes and uncertainty around transit hubs, the conflict is subtly reshaping travel plans during one of the busiest holiday seasons for Indian families.

Why The Middle East Conflict Affects Indian Travel

The Middle East sits along some of the worlds most heavily used aviation corridors. Flights connecting India with Europe and North America typically pass through airspace across the Gulf region before continuing toward Western destinations.

When geopolitical tensions lead to restricted or avoided airspace, airlines are often forced to reroute flights through longer paths. These detours increase flight duration and raise operational costs, especially fuel consumption. Over time, those additional costs tend to appear in ticket prices, particularly during peak travel periods such as the summer holiday season.

Because many long-haul routes from India rely on these corridors, even limited disruptions can have a noticeable impact on travel schedules and fares.

Longer Routes, Higher Airfares

Rerouted flights inevitably mean longer journeys. When airlines must avoid certain regions, aircraft may travel hundreds of extra kilometres to reach their destination. Longer routes increase fuel burn and aircraft operating costs, which airlines frequently pass on to passengers.

At the same time, rising geopolitical tensions can push global crude oil prices higher. Since aviation turbine fuel is one of the largest expenses for airlines, even modest increases can influence ticket pricing. On some international routes, particularly to Europe and parts of Asia, fares could rise significantly if fuel costs remain elevated.

Another factor adding pressure is limited seat availability. If airlines adjust routes or reduce frequencies on certain corridors, fewer seats may be available on popular long-haul routes during peak travel months.

The Role Of Middle Eastern Transit Hubs

A large share of international flights from India relies on major transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. These airports act as global connectors, linking passengers from multiple cities onto long-haul flights to Europe, North America and Africa.

If airspace restrictions force airlines to modify routes through the region, flight durations may increase, and operational costs can rise. While these hubs continue to function normally, any adjustments to regional flight paths can create delays or schedule changes across the wider aviation network.

Travellers Are Adapting, Not Cancelling

Despite the uncertainty, international travel demand remains resilient. Many Indian travellers are responding by booking earlier, opting for flexible tickets, or choosing alternate transit routes to avoid potential disruptions. In some cases, travellers are also reconsidering destinations. Shorter international trips to Southeast Asia, or domestic holidays within India, are emerging as practical alternatives for families seeking predictability.

Destinations offering nature, cultural experiences and cooler climates within India may see stronger demand this summer as travellers balance cost, convenience and flexibility.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:24 IST

News lifestyle travel How The IranIsrael War Could Change Summer Travel For Indians
Iran-Israel War: This 1970s Iran Air Ad Shows A Time When New YorkTehran Flights Were Normal

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 13:25 IST

The viral clip offers a glimpse into a time when Tehran and New York were connected by one of the worlds longest direct flights.

The New YorkTehran connection also made Iran Air one of the few Middle Eastern airlines offering non-stop travel to North America. Credit: Instagram/historyphotographed

As the IranUSIsrael conflict continues to dominate global headlines and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt energy markets, an unexpected piece of aviation nostalgia has resurfaced online. A decades-old television advertisement promoting Iran Airs non-stop flight between New York and Tehran is now circulating widely on social media.

The clip has intrigued viewers not just because of its vintage charm, but because it reflects a moment in history when travel between the United States and Iran was far more routine than it is today.

A Route That Once Connected Two Distant Worlds

In the mid-1970s, Iran Air introduced a direct flight linking New York City with Tehran, a route that was considered groundbreaking at the time. Operated using the Boeing 747 jumbo jet, the service was among the longest non-stop flights in the world.

During that period, Iran Air was widely regarded as one of the most dynamic airlines in the industry. The carrier expanded rapidly and built a reputation for safety, efficiency and ambitious international routes.

The New YorkTehran connection also made Iran Air one of the few Middle Eastern airlines offering non-stop travel to North America.

The Advertisement Thats Now Going Viral

The television commercial promoting the service aired in the United States in the 1970s and painted a glamorous picture of the journey.

The narration begins with a traveller arriving in Iran after the long flight:

Well, here we are in Tehran, the exciting capital of Iran. I boarded this new Iran Air 747 special performance jet in New York City. The non-stop flight took exactly 11 hours and 15 minutes, and we flew one mile higher than other jets, so we had an unusually smooth flight.

I enjoyed the excellent food, the first-run movie, Persian hospitality, and even slept a little. Now refreshed and relaxed, I am ready to explore Tehran and all the other pleasures that can be found in the land of 1,001 nights.

Let Iran Air take you on a journey to adventure, you will never forget: to romantic, exciting, breathtaking Iran.

Iran Air: We Take You There, We Take You Back."

A Journey Marketed As A Luxury Experience

Another promotional video from the same era offered viewers a glimpse of the onboard experience. The airlines spokesperson described the service as something more than just a long-haul flight.

And you will go from an airport in New York to a Persian tea house," he says in the video, as the camera moves inside the aircraft.

Passengers were shown relaxing in spacious first-class seating areas while flight attendants dressed in traditional Iranian attire served meals. The message was clear: the flight promised not only speed but also an atmosphere of comfort and hospitality.

This first-class lounge is very pleasant to pass the in-flight hours. The food is excellent, and your needs are attended to in true royal fashion. So you arrive fresh and relaxed," the man says.

He adds that the experience extended across the aircraft.

Whether you travel first class or economy, with Iran Air, every trip is a journey to adventure."

The commercial closed with a confident announcement:

Iran Air non-stop from New York to Tehran, London or Paris."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by History Photographed (@historyphotographed)

When History Changed The Route

By the late 1970s, Iran Airs global network had expanded significantly, connecting the country with destinations across Europe, Asia and North America.

However, the political landscape shifted dramatically following the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and the subsequent diplomatic breakdown between Iran and the United States.

The final non-stop Iran Air flight between Tehran and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York departed on November 8, 1979. Soon after, the route disappeared from the aviation map.

Today, as geopolitical tensions once again dominate discussions around the region, the resurfaced advertisement serves as a reminder of a time when New York and Tehran were connected not by political tensionbut by a direct flight lasting just over eleven hours.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 13:25 IST

News lifestyle travel Iran-Israel War: This 1970s Iran Air Ad Shows A Time When New YorkTehran Flights Were Normal
Bhumi Pednekar Shares Details About Her Film With Imran Khan: 'I Cant Wait For People To See It

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 21:08 IST

Bhumi Pednekar reveals details about her upcoming film with Imran Khan, calling the actors comeback project an evolved love story.

Rapid Read

Bhumi Pednekar opens up about her upcoming film with Imran Khan, describing the actors comeback project as a mature and evolved love story.

Actress Bhumi Pednekar recently opened up about her career break, spiritual journey, and upcoming projects during an appearance on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra. The actor revealed that she took a nine-month hiatus from acting following the release of her web series The Royals last year, choosing to focus on mental health and personal growth after the show faced backlash.

Bhumi returned to screens earlier this year with her film Daldal, which has reportedly received a positive response. During the interview, she reflected on the journey behind the shows reception and what lies ahead in her career.

Bhumi Pednekar On Finding Spiritual Balance

When asked by journalist Sonal Kalra about her future plans after the success of Daldal, Bhumi shared how spirituality helped her find stability during a challenging phase.

Im very, very thrilled. Jaisa response Daldal ko mila. Main aapko sach bataun woh Thursday ko aata hai, OTT shows ke saath woh Friday wala concept nahi hota hai. Wednesday raat ko when the show dropped, main Golden Temple gayi thi, wahan 5-6 ghante maine sewa kari, because that is my way of disconnecting. You know, I found like this beautiful spiritual connection with God, and it has changed my life. And I think one thing I would also want to tell all the youngsters, I wish I had found this when I was younger, you know, especially millennials. Humara naa aisa disconnect ho gaya hai with whatever superior energy that exists, and there is an energy that exists, especially in India. We are so lucky. Humare naa DNA me hi hai. And I wish I had found it earlier. Shayad mujhe woh break lene ki zarurat nahi padhti. Because spirituality, your faith, whatever faith you believe in, whatever energy you believe in, woh aapko bohot stable rakhta hai, itna energised rakhta hai aapko. So my biggest advice that I can actually give younger people is that find your connection with God, with the universe. With whatever it is. Bohot important hai. But, main sewa karne gayi thi hai and Thursday maine kisi se baat nahi ki. Maine socha chalo fine. Friday onwards I started getting messages, responses. Saturday tak Daldal was trending globally and maine naa yeh aspiration rakha hi nahi tha show ke liye. Maine kaha haan yaar Indian show hai, dekhenge log. When I started seeing, number one UK, Singapore, Switzerland, Indonesia, America, kuchh ho raha hai. And I think, it happened because I was just so open to receive everything."

Bhumi Pednekar On Imran Khans Comeback Film

During the conversation, Bhumi also confirmed that she has already completed shooting for a romantic film that marks the comeback of actor Imran Khan.

And fortunately, maine bohot hi cute film shoot kari hai, right before, you know, I took this break. It was the last day that I decided, OK, now Im moving on. It was for this film with a great group of people. It is Imran Khans comeback film, and I am so excited about it because Imran had a genre of rom-coms, and that genre now not nobody is doing. And hes come back with a film which is like his genre but elevated, more mature, more evolved, you know, its this evolved love story. It has this other incredible actor, Gurfateh (Pirzada) in it as well, and I cant wait for people to see it. Also, like, it was kind of in my bucket list to work with Imran because main unki bohot saari filmo ki fan reh chuki hun, you know, growing up, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, and he was like quite the girl crush for everyone. So, its that and working on a bunch of things. To tell you my most honest answer, I dont know what am I gonna do next, because I had taken some time off. But I have been reading a lot. But I know whatever I do next has to be something that really takes my performance to another level. Warna, theek hai."

About Imran Khans Comeback Film

According to reports, the upcoming film is titled Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum and will be directed by Danish Aslam, who previously helmed Break Ke Baad.

The project will reportedly mark Imran Khans return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. Alongside Bhumi Pednekar and Imran Khan, the film also features Gurfateh Pirzada in a key role.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 21:08 IST

News movies bollywood Bhumi Pednekar Shares Details About Her Film With Imran Khan: 'I Cant Wait For People To See It
Cocktail 2: Who Is Highest-Paid Among Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna?

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 03:39 IST

Cocktail 2 stars Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. Heres what the actors are reportedly charging for the upcoming rom-com sequel.

Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna in Cocktail 2 poster.

The makers of Cocktail 2 have officially unveiled the first posters of the much-awaited romantic comedy starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, positioned as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit Cocktail, has already generated buzz online after the announcement.

The makers also confirmed that the first-look teaser of the film will be attached to the paid preview shows of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge across theatres on March 18. While fans are eagerly waiting to see the trio on screen, reports about their remuneration have also sparked curiosity.

According to early industry reports, Shahid Kapoor is the highest-paid actor in the project.

Shahid Kapoor tops Cocktail 2 pay scale

If reports are to be believed, Shahid Kapoor has reportedly charged around Rs 35 crore for the film. Meanwhile, his co-stars Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna are said to be earning approximately Rs 15 crore each.

The film is expected to centre on a vibrant road trip story exploring complicated relationships, friendship and emotional conflicts in a modern setting. An official description on the District app describes it as a modern look at love, friendship, and emotional entanglements," following a new set of characters navigating romance and personal turmoil.

However, a leaked synopsis circulating online suggests a more dramatic love triangle. According to the unverified plot description, Shahid and Rashmika play a couple while Kritis character is secretly in love with Rashmika. The twist reportedly reveals that Kriti is a lesbian and ultimately wins Rashmikas heart, leaving Shahids character behind. The makers have not confirmed these plot details yet.

Release date and shooting locations

The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 19 and will arrive amid several big releases. It comes 15 days after Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash, and a week after Main Vaapas Aaunga featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari. Around the same time, audiences will also see Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai starring Varun Dhawan.

Interestingly, the film marks Rashmika Mandannas first project after her marriage to Vijay Deverakonda.

Directed by Homi Adajania, the film marks his return to theatrical releases after Angrezi Medium in 2020. Since then, he has worked on streaming projects including Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo and the 2024 film Murder Mubarak.

Cocktail 2 has been shot across multiple locations, including Sicily in Italy and several places in Delhi and North India such as Chhatarpur, Gurugram and South Delhi. The film is produced by Maddock Films and written by Luv Ranjan.

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First Published: March 14, 2026, 03:39 IST

News movies bollywood Cocktail 2: Who Is Highest-Paid Among Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna?
Farah Khan Reveals How Salman Khan Handles Controversies: He Doesnt Hide

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:00 IST

Farah Khan reveals how Salman Khan deals with major controversies, saying the actor doesnt hide and continues focusing on his work.

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Farah Khan shares how Salman Khan deals with controversies, saying the superstar never hides and simply focuses on continuing his work.

Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan recently reflected on her long-standing interactions with Bollywoods three biggest superstars  Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. In a conversation on a podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, Farah spoke candidly about her bond with the trio, revealing that while she shares a close relationship with Shah Rukh and Salman, she never became particularly close to Aamir.

Farah Khan On Her Equation With The Three Khans

During the discussion, Farah explained that her professional relationship with Aamir Khan began when he was already an established star.

Salman had come before Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir is someone I am least close to because he was already a star when I worked on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar," she said.

He would teach me the basics on the film set. But somehow, I never became close to him," Farah added.

Farah Khan Recalls Teaching Salman Khan Dance

Talking about her bond with Salman Khan, Farah revealed that she has known him since childhood. She also shared a humorous anecdote from the time he was working on his debut film.

Salman himself has said this publicly. I had gone to teach him dance during Maine Pyar Kiya, but I ran away after an hour," she said with a laugh.

Farah also noted that despite their long friendship, their lifestyles are quite different.

I do go to Salmans house sometimes," she said. But if you talk about hanging out, his idea of hanging out is very different from mine. I want to sleep by 9:30 or 10 at night, while he likes to hang out at 2 in the morning. But we did meet recently at my birthday party."

Salman Has Remained The Same

Having known Salman for most of her life, Farah said the actor has largely remained unchanged despite facing many ups and downs in both his personal and professional life.

He has been the same. He has a very dry sense of humour. If you get it, he is extremely funny. Because he has gone through so much in life, his humour is very deadpan  very sarcastic and dry. But from within, he is a very soft person," she shared.

Salman Khan Doesnt Hide From Controversies

When Ranveer Allahbadia brought up the topic of controversies and asked if Salman ever tried to avoid public scrutiny, Farah dismissed the idea.

Salman doesnt hide. He blocks out the controversy and continues doing his work," she said.

Farah also addressed the long-standing perception that Salman often arrived late on film sets.

People say he used to be late on set, but many actors in those days were late," she explained. Having said that, they would still stay until the work was finished. They would never say, Please let me go after four hours. There isnt a single film that has been shelved because of him. He simply puts on blinders and keeps working."

Over the years, Salman Khan has frequently made headlines for controversies, including his highly publicised past relationship with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the long-running Blackbuck poaching case.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:00 IST

News movies bollywood Farah Khan Reveals How Salman Khan Handles Controversies: He Doesnt Hide
Imtiaz Alis Plus One At Eesha Barjatyas Reception Is Daughter Ida Ali

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:53 IST

The event was also attended by Sooraj Barjatyas close industry friends like Rekha, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Rani Mukerji.

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Eesha Barjatyas wedding reception took place on March 12. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatyas daughter Eesha Barjatyas wedding reception in Mumbai on Thursday, March 12, was a star-studded affair. The event, which took place at JW Marriott, saw a long list of prominent industry figures arrive to congratulate the newlyweds. The list included names like Rekha, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Rani Mukerji.

Renowned director Imtiaz Ali, known for helming films like Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal and Rockstar, arrived at the ceremony with his daughter, Ida Ali. In several glimpses from the event, the father-daughter duo appeared together on the red carpet. At the photographers request, they posed briefly for the camera, with the director even lovingly wrapping an arm around his daughter. As seen in a clip, the two were smiling brightly as they stepped out of the frame and headed inside the venue.

What Did Imtiaz Ali And His Daughter Ida Ali Wear?

For the event, Imtiaz Ali, as always, sported a laid-back look. He opted for a blue checkered shirt and black jeans. He completed his outfit with a pair of brown shoes. His daughter, on the other hand, turned heads in an elegant purple bandhni saree. She teamed the flowy saree with an off-white blouse, a chic necklace, matching earrings, bangles, and a small bag. Ida left her hair open and wore subtle makeup.

Who Else Attended Sooraj Barjatyas Daughters Wedding Reception?

Videos from the event also showed Sooraj Barjatya posing with the newlyweds, Eesha and Abhishek Kothari, for the paparazzi. For the reception, Eesha looked stunning in an embellished silver saree-gown, while Abhishek opted for a classic blue suit.

Celebrities such as Tabu, Rajkumar Hirani, Sonu Sood, Supriya Pathak, Udit Narayan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sonali Bendre, Sharvari, Neena Gupta, Jackie Shroff, Rakesh Roshan, Boman Irani, Sunny Deol, Shaan, Boney Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Dilip Joshi were also seen attending the ceremony.

Whats Next For Imtiaz Ali?

The filmmaker is set to return to the big screen with a new story of love, longing, and belonging. Titled Main Vaapas Aaunga, the upcoming theatrical film brings together a strong ensemble cast and a celebrated musical collaboration as it gears up for its cinema release on June 12, 2026. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari in key roles. Main Vaapas Aaunga is inspired by the historical experiences of migration and the emotional aftermath of Partition.

Besides this, he also has a series titled O Saathi Re, starring Aditi Rao Hydari and Avinash Tiwary in the pipeline.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:53 IST

News movies bollywood Imtiaz Alis Plus One At Eesha Barjatyas Reception Is Daughter Ida Ali
Priyadarshan Has No Films With Kartik Aaryan After Hungama 2 Fallout: 'I Have A Problem That...'

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:01 IST

Instead, Priyadarshan said that he is planning to make a film with Varun Dhawan because of his comic timing.

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Kartik Aaryan previously showed no interest in Hungama 2.

Priyadarshan had previously wanted Kartik Aaryan to helm the sequel to his comedy hit, Hungama. However, the actor didnt agree to sign the film, and the sequel eventually starred Meezaan Jaffery. In a recent chat with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan was asked if he would cast Kartik in any of his comedy films in the near future.

The filmmaker said, No, I have never thought about casting any actors like that because, every time I have a problem, that when I finish the script, I think whos right for that. I was thinking of making a film with Varun (Dhawan) because he has a good sense of humour and timing."

Priyadarshans response left fans wondering if the director was left with a sour taste in his mouth after Kartik refused to do Hungama 2. Not just Kartik, even Ayushmann Khurrana and Sidharth Malhotra had shown no interest in the film.

I didnt go directly to meet them, but my concept was narrated to a lot of actors like Ayushmann Khurrana, Kartik Aaryan and Sidharth Malhotra. They all refused to do the film (Hungama 2). Now, I am working with Meezaan. They all refused because maybe they thought I am an outdated director, because I was out of the Hindi film industry for five years," Priyadarshan had told PTI in 2020.

They seemed disinterested. They dont tell it to you on your face. I dont like to beg actors and (I) prefer to work with somebody who believes in me. Many times when you request an actor to do a film, they show respect to you, offer you coffee and nicely they will avoid you, because maybe they dont trust you," he added.

In a career spanning over three decades, Priyadarshan has directed more than 95 films in various Indian languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. He is best known for his films in the south, such as Kanchivaram, Kaalapani, Oppam, Thenmavin Kombath, whereas some of his most notable movies in Hindi include Virasat, Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul, Chup Chup Ke and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, among others. Now, the director is working with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 15:01 IST

News movies bollywood Priyadarshan Has No Films With Kartik Aaryan After Hungama 2 Fallout: 'I Have A Problem That...'
Ranbir Kapoor Poses With 'Kaushalya Maa' Indira Krishnan On Ramayana Part 2 Set, Fans Can't Stop Gushing | Pic

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:24 IST

A while ago, Indira Krishnan took to social media to heap praise on Ranbir Kapoor. She shared a happy picture with him on her Instagram handle.

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Actress Indira Krishnan, who portrayed Ranbir Kapoors mother-in-law in Animal, has reunited with the actor in Nitesh Tiwaris upcoming mythological epic Ramayana. While the two previously shared a tense on-screen dynamic in the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial, their roles take on a very different dimension in the new project. This time, she will be seen portraying Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Ram, essayed by Ranbir. A while ago, Indira took to social media to heap praise on him. She shared a happy picture with Ranbir on her Instagram handle.

Indira Krishnan shares a picture with Ranbir Kapoor from Ramayana set

Indira Krishnan shares a good bond with Ranbir, and she has often expressed her admiration for him in the interviews. On March 13, the actress posted a picture with him, which seems to be from the sets of Ramayana Part 2. Ranbir has reportedly started shooting for Part 2 already. He can be seen in a clean-shaven look. Along with the picture, she penned a heartfelt note appreciating the actor. Her note read, Here u go The three imp tools for any actor is lived experience,imagination and empathy -Scott Freeman Do I hv to say more  Love u RK kp shining ur one actor whose mersmerising performance has stolen every show. Had such a lovely day with you..thank u once again fr the tips it showed me thruSee u soon." Have a look:

As soon as she shared the picture, fans were seen gushing over it. One fan wrote, Cant wait see magic you both created in Ramayana." Another fan commented, Cant wait to meet kushalya." One of the comments also read, Ram ji Kaushalya maa." Others were also seen expressing their excitement about Ramayana.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Ranbir has kick-started the shoot of Part 2 in Mumbai, while Sunny Deol and Yash will join him soon. If reports are to be believed, Ramayana Part 2 will be based on the story after Sitas abduction.

The film also stars Sai Pallavi, who will be seen as Sita. On the other hand, Sunny will essay the role of Hanuman, and Yash is playing Ravanas character. The first part is all set to release this year on Diwali, while the second part will hit theatres in 2027.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 12:24 IST

News movies bollywood Ranbir Kapoor Poses With 'Kaushalya Maa' Indira Krishnan On Ramayana Part 2 Set, Fans Can't Stop Gushing | Pic
'At A Time When Inclusivity Is Dismissed In US...': Geeta Gandbhir Says Oscars 2026, Priyanka Matter | Exclusive

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:07 IST

The Perfect Neighbour maker Geeta Gandbhir, who has made history with double nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, reacts to 2026 being one of the most inclusive Oscar years.

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Indo-American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir's The Devil Is Busy and The Perfect Neighbour have earned nominations at the 2026 Oscars.

Neeraj Ghaywan and Dharma Productions Homebound may be out of the Oscars race, but theres still hope for India. Indian-American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir is in the running for two of her films. Yes, she has made history at the Academy Awards by bagging two nominations in the same year  The Devil Is Busy under Best Documentary Short and The Perfect Neighbour (now streaming on Netflix) under Best Documentary Feature.

Speaking exclusively to News18 from the US as the final round of voting at the Oscars is underway, Geeta says, Were thrilled to be nominated. Its such an honour. And this final bit of time is really about talking about the film as much as possible and reaching out to people hoping that they watch it. But most importantly, were thrilled to have a platform to talk about the issues at hand with The Perfect Neighbour."

Im nervous. But being nominated is such a huge thing that you feel that youve already won. Youre chosen by your peers and thats such a big honour. These are people who inspire us. And this is a great year. All the films are so important," she adds.

For the unversed, The Perfect Neighbour reconstructs and recounts the 2023 killing of Ajike Owens in Florida using police body-cam footage, and sheds light on weaponised racism.

Interestingly, the 98th Academy Awards is being lauded by commentators as one of the most inclusive Oscar years. Sinners became the most-nominated film in Oscar history with 16 nominations  with ten Black nominees connected to a single film. Chloe Zhao became the first woman of colour ever nominated twice for Best Director. Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman of colour nominated for Best Cinematography.

Talking about it, Geeta says, Thats always good. A number of us have been fighting for it in the US. And this isnt something I take for granted. Particularly at this time in this country, its so important as inclusivity is being dismissed and seen as unnecessary. Its incredibly important." Speaking of her own nominatation as an Indian-American maker, she remarks, Its always a step. Its always wonderful when someone from a minority community is nominated. But Im not the first, as we know."

A lot of us have been nominated, particularly in the documentary section. The Elephant Whisperers even won. I feel theres a wonderful precedent now. It shows that the Oscars has an international bent and it shows that our stories resonate. Thats really, really meaningful. It opens the door for more people from our community and helps other minority communities get a foot in the door," Geeta continues.

Along with Guneet Monga Kapoor, Geeta also lauds Priyanka Chopra Jonas for using her celebrity position to lend support to documentary films like Anuja. You see this with celebrities. They come abroad a film and that lends it some visibility and some seem to believe that also lends it credibility. It doesnt mean that the voting branch always responds. But if youre someone who has a track record and you lend your support to a film, that will help it stand out for sure," she points out.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:07 IST

News movies hollywood 'At A Time When Inclusivity Is Dismissed In US...': Geeta Gandbhir Says Oscars 2026, Priyanka Matter | Exclusive
Nova Post Europe, part of the NOVA group, plans to double its network of branches in Europe in 2026 while maintaining a strategic focus on providing maximum delivery speed, said Viacheslav Klymov, co-owner of express delivery leader Nova Poshta.

"I think Nova Post is the only company capable of delivering a parcel from Berlin to Warsaw Next Day. Accessibility is already more than 300 branches across Europe. And we will continue this development in 2026: over the year the network will grow twofold," Klymov said during the "Dialogues with NV" event in Kyiv on Thursday dedicated to European integration, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported.

According to him, the company has achieved its greatest success in Moldova, and overall Nova Post is already operating profitably in five of the 16 markets where it is present, although its first European branch in Warsaw opened only in October 2023.

"None of the 16 markets we entered behaves the same way. At least in our business, the essence of the European Union is that it absolutely is not a single structure from the perspective of consumer habits: each country has local leaders, very tough and very strong. And in each market you must make local decisions. In other words, think globally, but work and think about how to satisfy the consumer strictly on a local level," Klymov said.

He added that in the global market no one is interested in a companys origin, so competition can be won only by offering services that are faster, more accessible, and more reliable.

Among the obstacles to development, the founder of the NOVA group cited restrictions by the National Bank of Ukraine on financing business abroad at $1 million per month.

Klymov also believes it is a risk that the combination of European requirements with Ukrainian bureaucratic procedures could create additional difficulties for the development of Ukrainian business. Among other things, he expressed caution regarding requirements to establish a transport regulator in Ukraine.

Nova Post Europe processed 13 million international shipments in 2025 and plans to increase this volume by more than 30% in 2026 while maintaining that pace through 2030, Nova Post Europe CEO Oleksandr Lysovets said earlier in an interview with Forbes Ukraine. According to him, these plans will be supported by a new stage of European expansion with investments exceeding $5 million.

The main activity of Nova Poshta, the core asset of the NOVA group, is the express delivery of documents, parcels, and palletized oversized cargo. Its ultimate beneficial owners are Volodymyr Popereshniuk and Viacheslav Klymov.
Did Zendaya Just Confirm Her Marriage To Tom Holland?

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:00 IST

During the Essence Black Women, host Marsai Martin jokingly brought up Zendayas marriage speculation on stage, and the actress might have confirmed it.

Zendaya and Tom Holland started darting while working on Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Rumours about Zendaya and Tom Hollands relationship are making headlines once again, with many asking the same question: are they already married? Speculation intensified after Zendaya attended the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on March 12, just days after her longtime stylist, Law Roach, hinted on the SAG Awards red carpet that the couple may have quietly tied the knot. During the high-profile event, host and Black-ish star Marsai Martin playfully referenced Zendayas private life while speaking on stage.

She teased the actress and asked, Hey, Z. One of our previous Black Women in Hollywood honorees. I know you dont play about your personal business, but just give me a little nod, a little signal to let me know. Im acting like TMZ." The Euphoria star, who usually keeps her personal life away from the spotlight, reacted shyly to the moment.

Zendayas Recent Appearance Sparks Marriage Talk

According to USA Today, she covered her face with her hands while smiling, simultaneously showing the rings on both of her ring fingers. The shiny bands quickly drew attention, with many in the room noting they resembled wedding rings. As soon as the audience noticed them, loud cheers filled the hall.

The latest rumours started just days after Zendayas stylist, Law Roach, made a surprising comment on the red carpet at the 2026 Actor Awards. While speaking to Access Hollywood, he suggested that the couple may have already tied the knot. Roach said, The wedding has already happened. You missed it."

When the reporter asked him if the claim was actually true, the stylist laughed and said, Its very true."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood)

Zendaya And Tom Hollands Journey

Zendaya and Tom Holland first grew close while working together on Spider-Man: Homecoming. Over time, their friendship blossomed into a relationship, and the two began dating. In 2024, the couple got engaged, a milestone Zendaya later confirmed at the Golden Globes, where she wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown and proudly showcased her engagement ring.

The pair are set to appear on screen together again this year, starring in Christopher Nolans The Odyssey. Fans will also see them reprise their roles in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:00 IST

News movies hollywood Did Zendaya Just Confirm Her Marriage To Tom Holland?
BTS Comeback Concert: Gwanghwamun Show Capacity Increased, 22000 Fans To Attend Mega Show

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:21 IST

The newly added standing zones will extend from the Gwanghwamun intersection toward the City Hall subway station.

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BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun to host 22,000 fans.

As the globally popular K-pop group BTS is all set to return to the stage with a massive comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, heres some good news for their fans. It has now been reported that the organisers are expanding the venues capacity to meet overwhelming fan demand.

The groups agency, BigHit Music, has announced that additional standing tickets will be released through NOL Ticket starting Thursday. While the agency did not disclose the exact number of new tickets, the total audience capacity has now been increased from 15,000 to around 22,000 attendees. This means that roughly 7,000 more fans will be able to join the event.

The newly added standing zones will extend from the Gwanghwamun intersection toward the City Hall subway station. Large LED screens will also be installed across the expanded area so that fans standing farther away can still watch the performance live.

According to BigHit Music, the decision to increase capacity was made with safety and crowd control as top priorities. Organisers also said they will closely monitor illegal ticket resales and strengthen identity verification procedures to prevent scalping and unauthorised entry.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has also intensified preparations for the highly anticipated comeback concert, scheduled to take place at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026. Reportedly, City officials have confirmed that a third deputy mayoral inspection meeting was held to review readiness for the large-scale event expected to draw thousands of fans from around the world.

It has also been reported that on March 10, Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, chaired a preparation status inspection meeting to assess the citys readiness. Since then, weekly coordination meetings have been held with senior officials from relevant municipal departments.

BTS Comeback After Nearly Four Years

The ARIRANG world tour marks a historic reunion for BTS, as the members return as a full group after nearly four years. During this period, each member fulfilled South Koreas mandatory military service, making the upcoming concerts a deeply emotional moment for fans worldwide.

The tour will span 34 cities with a total of 82 shows, beginning with opening performances in Goyang and Tokyo. For millions of fans, popularly known as ARMY, the tour symbolises the bands powerful return to the global stage.

The title ARIRANG carries cultural significance as well. The name draws inspiration from a traditional Korean folk song that represents longing, separation and reunion  themes that resonate strongly with the bands journey and their bond with fans.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:21 IST

News movies korean BTS Comeback Concert: Gwanghwamun Show Capacity Increased, 22000 Fans To Attend Mega Show
I Just Want To Spend Time With My Son: Kinshuk Vaidya On Fatherhood

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:06 IST

Kinshuk Vaidya opens up about welcoming his baby boy with wife Diiksha Nagpal and how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities and work-life balance.

Kinshuk says his priorities have shifted significantly after becoming a father.

Television actor Kinshuk Vaidya and his wife Diiksha Nagpal have entered a new phase of life as they welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on March 8. The couple is currently enjoying the first few days of parenthood, and Kinshuk admits the experience has been both overwhelming and joyful. The actor says the past few days have passed in a blur as they adjust to their new responsibilities.

Its a great feeling. We havent yet had the time to sit back, take a deep breath and realise that things are changing so fast," Kinshuk shares.

For the actor, who rose to fame as a child star in Shaka Laka Boom Boom, the arrival of his son marks a deeply emotional milestone.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kinshuk Vaidya (@kinshukvaidya54)

Rushing From The Shoot To The Hospital

Kinshuk reveals that he was in the middle of a shoot when he received the news that his wife had gone into labour.

Despite being busy with work commitments, he immediately rushed to the hospital to be by her side.

I was shooting when I got the call that Diiksha had gone into labour. I rushed from my shoot and managed to reach the hospital on time," he recalls, as reported by TOI.

The moment, he says, was both nerve-wracking and exciting. Watching his child being born is something he describes as an experience he will cherish forever.

Fatherhood Has Changed His Priorities

Since becoming a father, Kinshuk says his priorities have shifted significantly.

The actor admits that he now finds it difficult to leave home for work because he wants to spend as much time as possible with his newborn son.

Right now, I just feel like being with the baby. I have to push myself to step out of the house for work," he says.

For him, the simple joy of watching his son and being present during these early moments has become more important than anything else.

I just want to finish work quickly and get back to spending time with him. Thats all thats on my mind," he adds.

Planning A Better Work-Life Balance

Becoming a parent has also made Kinshuk rethink his work schedule. The actor says he now wants to ensure that he spends more time with his family rather than being consumed by long working hours.

Now that Ive become a father, Id like to work fewer hours," he explains.

Kinshuk says he plans to reduce his working hours significantly once he resumes shooting.

I dont want to be the kind of father whose child doesnt see him because hes always working," he says. Earlier I would work for 12 hours a day, but now I want to limit it to about eight hours," the actor added.

The actor is currently taking a short break from work to spend time with Diiksha and their newborn.

While many celebrities introduce their children to fans soon after birth, Kinshuk and Diiksha have decided to keep their baby away from the public eye for the time being. The actor says the decision is partly influenced by family traditions.

In many families, newborns are kept indoors for the first few weeks. Photographs are also limited during that time," he explains

For now, the couple prefers to enjoy this phase privately.

We dont plan to share his pictures immediately. Well introduce him to social media when the right time comes," Kinshuk says.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 15:04 IST

News movies television I Just Want To Spend Time With My Son: Kinshuk Vaidya On Fatherhood
Opinion | How Khameneis Death Unmasks Indias Opposition Politics

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 20:02 IST

With the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a global axis of Shia political theology has been shaken, carrying implications that extend well beyond Iran

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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28. (File pic/AFP)

The political death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader since 1989 and the single most dominant theological and political figure of Shia Islam, on the night of 28 February 2026 during a joint air strike by Israel and the US on Tehran, is not just an event of seismic geopolitical import. It is, for a particular constituency on the Indian subcontinent, an event of profound and multidimensional import.

The death of Khamenei, whose legacy has come to be somewhat loosely associated with that of his illustrious predecessor and founder of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in popular Indian political and theological discourse, removes from the global Islamic political and theological topography a figure who has come to function as an ideological lodestar for a particular constituency of Indian Muslim politics, theology, and economics that has come to locate its identity and politics not around the Constitution of India and its promises of citizenship, but around an extraterritorial theological sovereignty that found its apogee in the Islamic Republic of Iran. To grasp the full import of this blow, one must understand Khameneis role not just on the theological front, but on the overlapping fronts of politics, economics, identity politics, constitutionalism, and the ongoing struggle for the very soul of Indian secularism.

The religious-economic nexus that tied a section of Indian Muslims to Iran under Khamenei is not a subject that is taken too seriously in Indian academia and literature, again because a serious discussion of this issue necessitates an honest debate on how far various religious groups in India, particularly those whose theological affinities are Shia and whose political affinities lie with a political theology that is a variant of Khomeinism, have managed to build ties with the Iranian state that are unrelated to and in contradiction of the model of obligations and entitlements outlined in the Constitution of India. The channels through which money flows include remittances routed through the hawza system of religious trusts and theological schools, financial support for Imambargahs and Ashura organisations, money routed through cultural attaches of Iranian diplomatic missions in cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Delhi, and theological authority that is vested in marjaiyyat  a system of religious jurisprudence in which qualified Shia religious scholars issue edicts that govern everything from personal law to business transactions to political obligations and civic duty.

The death of Khamenei, a political figure but also a marja taqlid  a source of emulation for millions of Shia Muslims across the world  removes a vertical axis of authority and thereby also the economic scaffolding that rested upon it. This is a structural dislocation that cannot be overcome in a hurry even by a new leader, however qualified he may be, and points to a serious weakness in a model in which religious sovereignty was imported from a foreign state that was also a theocratic state and not negotiated within a republican constitution in which Indian citizens happen to reside and in which they happen to hold membership.

The political implications of this rupture for the Indian Opposition are, if anything, even more illuminating  and far less comfortable for those wedded to a particular narrative of minority representation. Since at least the post-Babri Masjid realignment of Indian electoral arithmetic in the early 1990s, a substantial part of the Indian Oppositions politics has been conducted based on the unspoken assumption that the Muslim electorate can be mobilised and retained as a monolithic grievance-based bloc based on a mix of symbolic politics, institutional appeasement, and the strategic amplification of threat perceptions.

This form of politics, which styles itself as secularism but, in substance, involves the transactional manipulation of religious identity for electoral gain, has traditionally found within Islamist groups, both local and transnational, a useful array of institutional interlocutors. Groups ideologically downstream of Khameneis weltanschauung, or sympathetic to the political theology of wilayat al-faqih, the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, provided a disciplined, organised, and often financially potent framework through which the Indian Opposition might seek to connect with, and claim to represent, a particular segment of Muslim political sentiment.

The death of Khamenei, of course, does not necessarily destroy this framework  but it profoundly undermines the ideological authority structure on which it has traditionally been based. Lacking a live, credible, and authoritative marja around whom the crystallisation of a particular political identity might be constructed, the entire project of mobilising politically organised religious sentiment becomes significantly less cohesive, less hierarchical, and less amenable to brokerage by the Indian Opposition.

It is also critical, at this juncture, to identify with precision what constitutes secularism in a large part of Indian Opposition politics, since the passing of Khamenei reveals to us what this secularism is and how it has functioned, and this should be instructive. What passes for secularism in Indian Opposition politics is not the secularism of Bharatiya civilisational pluralism, that ancient and abiding tradition of sarva-dharma-samabhava, an equidistant respect for all religious traditions that has its organic roots in the philosophical soil of this land. What has been operative in Indian Opposition politics is a pseudo-secularism, a differential management of religious communities that are not treated as equal constituents of a common citizenship, but as vote-banks to be differentially managed, wherein the sentiments of minorities, and particularly Muslims, as represented by the most organised and perhaps most conservative voices of Muslim religious leadership, are given a weight and a deference that compromises the neutral and principled stance that genuine secularism must take.

The theological-political architecture of Khomeinism and its continuation under Khamenei has furnished this pseudo-secularism with an external legitimising authority  a foreign theocratic authority whose pronouncements on Islamic governance, gender, blasphemy, and political obligation could be invoked, explicitly or implicitly, to guide or govern Muslim political conduct in India in a fashion that would serve Opposition politics well and effectively insulate a part of the Indian Muslim community from the full exercise of their constitutional liberties. With Khamenei gone, this external theological warranty, so important in so much of the organised Islamist engagement with Indian minority politics, is suddenly absent, and the nakedness of the underlying transactional politics becomes far more visible.

The third dimension of the setback caused by the death of Khamenei concerns the ambitions of Political Islam in India as a whole, which needs to be carefully distinguished from the genuine, constitutionally grounded religious practices of the overwhelming majority of Indian Muslims, who have no stake whatsoever in Puritan or Salafi projects of any kind, and whose religious practices remain grounded within the pluralistic, syncretic, and localised traditions of Dargah Islam, Barelvi devotionalism, or the quietist piety of ordinary Indian Muslims. Political Islam, as an ideological project, has the goal of transforming Indian Muslim society in accordance with the normative standards of Purism, whether this be the Deobandi-Salafi axis, funded in large part by the petrodollars of the Gulf monarchies and the Wahhabi Islam of Saudi Arabia, or the Khomeinism-inspired Shia political theology of Iran itself, which has provided so much of the intellectual, financial, and institutional support for Political Islam across the Indian subcontinent.

The Iran of Khamenei has not been simply a distant theological reference; it has been a participant, however minor, within the project of forging a politically disciplined, doctrinally pure Islamic identity within India, which can stand up against the assimilatory pressures of Indian liberal democracy, as well as the theological deviations of Indian Islam itself, which has always been seen as heterodox by the purists of Deoband, Aligarh, and their allies across the Islamic world.

The ideological, financial, and institutional networks of Iran, which extended through its cultural centres, scholarships for madrasa students, infrastructure for the celebration of Ashura, media presence, and diplomatic influence, have been part of the larger project of making Indian Muslim society, at least in part, more legible, more coherent, and more mobilisable within the framework of Purist political theology. The sudden decapitation of this network at the level of the leadership itself  the removal of the Supreme Leader himself  is not simply a logistical problem for Political Islam; it is an ideological problem, since the entire legitimacy of Political Islam has rested on the theological authority of Khamenei as Imam of the Age.

There is, of course, the countervailing trend in Political Islam that derives not from Shia Khomeinism but from Sunni Salafism, and the passing of Khamenei will not reduce that trend in the least. However, it would also not be analytically correct to equate the two in the Indian context. The Shia political-theology tradition, owing to the extremely centralised nature of the Marjaiyyat and the rigid hierarchies of institutions it spawned, produced a tradition of religious political organisation that was perhaps the most disciplined in the world. The passing of the apex figure of the tradition creates a political vacuum that will be contested, will lead to internal fragmentation, and will reduce the traditions overall strategic ability to deploy it in the realm of Indian politics.

Moreover, the fact that the selection of the new Marja in Iran will be turbulent, politically contested, and possibly violent in nature also ensures that whatever transnational authority the new Marja may be able to muster will be significantly less than the unchallenged authority that Khamenei had managed to accrue to himself over the last three and a half decades of his tenure in the position. The loss to the project of Political Islam in India, therefore, is not merely one of numbers, of the passing of one figure, but of structure  of the passing of a tradition of command and authority that took decades to construct and that cannot be rebuilt in the space of a few years.

It is in this context that Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence is seen in its full import and recognised not merely as a tactical move but as a philosophical move of statecraft in keeping with the demands of the moment. In the aftermath of the assassination of Khamenei, while other world leaders either offered condolences for his death, issued condemnations of the attack, or voiced their dismay at the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, PM Modi maintained a silence that was both deliberate and conspicuous. However, this was no silence of indifference or ignorance but a silence of positional clarity from a leader who recognises that a genuflection does not advance the interests of the Indian Republic and its 1.4 billion citizens before any external theological authority, however important his death may be to particular domestic constituencies. India is not a confessional state.

India does not derive its legitimation from any theology  Christian, Islamic, Hindu, or otherwise. The relationship between the Indian state and theology is governed by the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to practise, profess, and propagate their religion as a personal freedom, not as a state endorsement of foreign theological projects. For PM Modi to have offered condolences for the death of Khamenei would have been to implicitly endorse the very architecture of extraterritorial religious authority that the Indian state has, in principle if not in practice, always resisted.

The concept of principled distance", or the constitutional commitment to maintaining an equidistant relationship with all religious communities without favour or disfavour, has been asserted far more than adhered to in Indian governance since Independence. The pseudo-secularism of the Congress-led Opposition has essentially replaced principled distance" with differential deference" to minority religious interests in terms of electoral expediency.

The silence of PM Modi in the face of Khameneis death can be seen, in this context, not in terms of absence but presence  in terms of principle  signalling that the Indian state, in this instance at least, does not see the death of a foreign theocratic leader as warranting any domestic political choreography in deference to any religious vote bank in India. In other words, it is in the deepest sense a far more secular position than any Opposition pseudo-secularism that refuses to permit foreign religious authority to dictate terms to Indian domestic political expression. One may or may not agree with Modis or his governments politics in India or elsewhere. Still, in this instance at least, it was an expression of constitutional fidelity that would have been recognised and appreciated by the founders of Indias liberal democracy.

To place all this in the broader context of Indian civilisational politics, it must be pointed out that the challenge posed by Political Islam to the Indian republic is, in a very real sense, a challenge to the indigenous pluralism that is so emblematic of Bharatiya culture, a pluralism that has never been imposed from the liberal Western tradition, but has been organic in its growth and has been a product of a civilisation that has, over millennia, accommodated and assimilated an unprecedented diversity of religious, philosophical, and cultural thought and practice. The Puritanism that found expression in the theology of Khamenei, and that sought to make Islamic identity more uniform, more doctrinally rigid, and more resistant to the syncretic and heterodox pluralism that has characterised Indian Islam, has been, in a very real sense, a challenge not merely to secularism in its constitutional form, but to the organic culture that has ensured that Hindu-Muslim coexistence has endured in India, even in the face of the traumas of Partition and its aftermath.

The death of Khamenei, and the disruption that this causes to the ideological and institutional networks that carried Puritanism into the Indian Muslim community, creates, in a very real sense, a window of opportunity  not for triumphalism, and certainly not for exploitation, but for the reintegration of Indian Muslims, particularly those from the Shia community and those who are politically organised, into the mainstream of the Indian republic. No responsible political actor should fail to seize this opportunity.

What the death of Khamenei ultimately reveals, then, is the structure of dependence which had been constructed, over decades, beneath the surface of Indian Muslim political and religious life  a dependence not on the Indian Constitution, not on the democratic institutions of the Indian republic, and not on the indigenous pluralistic traditions of Bharatiya culture, but on a foreign theocratic state whose authority had been borrowed, whose economic scaffolding had been conditional, and whose political project had, at its core, been incompatible with the full exercise of Indian Muslim citizenship.

The reverses inflicted by the death of Khamenei are real, and they will be felt intensely by those who had invested most heavily in this structure of borrowed certainties. But they are, from the standpoint of the Indian republic, also invitations  invitations to rebuild Indian Muslim political engagement on the more secure and dignified ground of constitutional citizenship, indigenous cultural identity, and the unparalleled philosophical riches of a culture which has never felt the need to import its pluralism from anywhere outside its own borders. Silence, on the part of PM Modi, is, in this context, the beginning of that invitation, which is both firm and impossible to misunderstand.

(Dr Barthwal teaches Political Science at the University of Delhi. He tweets @prashbarthwal. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.)

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 20:02 IST

News opinion Opinion | How Khameneis Death Unmasks Indias Opposition Politics

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 13:28 IST

1 / 9 A historic Indian restaurant that has stood for nearly a century in the heart of London is facing an uncertain future, triggering concern among food lovers and cultural historians alike. Located on Regent Street, Veeraswamy, one of the oldest surviving Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom, has been serving Indian cuisine since 1926. As the restaurant approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, it now faces the possibility of being forced out of its current premises due to redevelopment plans for the building. (News18 Tamil)

2 / 9 The restaurant traces its origins to the Madras Presidency of British India. Its founder, Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian officer, had earlier exported Madras curry powder from Chennai to London in 1896. When Veeraswamy opened its doors three decades later, dishes such as Madras Chicken Curry became central to the menu, and early kitchen instructions even included Tamil culinary terms. (News18 Tamil)

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3 / 9 Palmer chose the name "Veeraswamy" to symbolise a meeting point of cultures. By giving the establishment a Tamil name, he sought to introduce UK's upper classes to the flavours and traditions of a Madras kitchen. Over the decades, the restaurant came to represent a unique blend of Indian and British culinary heritage and is widely seen as a symbol of Anglo-Indian food culture. (News18 Tamil)

4 / 9 However, the future of this historic institution is now in doubt. The Crown Estate, which owns the building housing the restaurant, has declined to renew its lease, citing plans to renovate the property and convert parts of it into office spaces. (News18 Tamil)

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5 / 9 The development has sparked widespread public reaction. More than 18,000 people have signed a petition urging authorities to allow the restaurant to remain at its present location. Campaigners say the petition will be presented to Buckingham Palace, with supporters calling on King Charles III to intervene and help preserve what they describe as a "living cultural treasure". (News18 Tamil)

6 / 9 Veeraswamy's history is closely intertwined with London's own story. The restaurant reportedly continued serving customers even during the bombing of the city in World War II. Over the decades, it has welcomed an array of distinguished visitors, including historial figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. (News18 Tamil)

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7 / 9 The restaurant also played a significant role in popularising Indian cuisine in Britain. It was among the first establishments to introduce the tandoor oven to London in the 1950s, and many food historians credit it with helping shape UK's now-famous curry culture. (News18 Tamil)

8 / 9 Leading figures from the culinary world have now joined efforts to save the restaurant. Prominent chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Richard Corrigan, have expressed support and are reportedly planning to use Veeraswamys centenary celebrations next March to highlight the campaign to preserve the landmark. (News18 Tamil)

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:54 IST

1 / 5 The Railway Board has announced that the weekly train running between Rameswaram and Ayodhya will now also halt at Pudukkottai station in Tamil Nadu. This announcement has brought great joy to passengers in Pudukkottai and the surrounding areas.

2 / 5 This train service connects Ayodhya, an important spiritual destination in North India, with Rameswaram, a revered pilgrimage site in the South. It plays a significant role for devotees and the general public alike, particularly for pilgrims travelling to the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

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3 / 5 Until now, the weekly train did not stop at Pudukkottai station, which meant that residents of the area had to travel to larger nearby stations to board it. As a result, people from Pudukkottai had long been requesting that the train be given a halt at their station.

4 / 5 Taking these requests from the public and devotees into consideration, the Railway Board has now decided that the weekly train will also stop at Pudukkottai station. This will make travel more convenient for passengers from Pudukkottai, Aranthangi, Alangudi, and nearby areas, allowing them to board the train directly.

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:49 IST

1 / 7 As the shortage of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) continues to stress Indian markets, the oil ministry has increased the lock-in period or booking cycle to 45 days for the rural consumers as against 25 days earlier.

2 / 7 Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said, The country has never seen such situation in past. Domestic supplies have been affected after the closure of Strait Of Hormuz. She added that booking of cylinder will now be possible after 45 days for rural consumers.

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3 / 7 She further mentioned that the country is importing LPG from multiple sources. Sharma added, On the distribution side no dry out has happened, however, there has been many fold jump in booking number due to panic.

4 / 7 The oil ministry also announced that oil marketing companies will now release some commercial cylinders in coordination with the state governments.

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5 / 7 Additionally, the officials added that alternate fuel options are being activated to ease pressure on LPG and gas channels.

6 / 7 Union Minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Lok Sabha on March 12 said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil in the country.

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:33 IST

1 / 8 The 18-year-old Mahakumbh Mela sensation from Indore, Monalisa Bhonsle tied the knot with actor Farman Khan at the Arumanoor temple in Poovar, Kerala, on Wednesday under police protection. She rose to fame last year after videos of her selling rudraksh garlands went viral.

2 / 8 The couple who had been in a relationship for six months, said they chose Kerala for its supportive and harmonious environment. The wedding was held in a traditional Kerala style. Monalisa opted for a red saree and the groom complemented her in a white dhoti and shirt.

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3 / 8 Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim, and other prominent leaders attended the ceremony.

4 / 8 Meanwhile, the couple faced significant resistance from Monalisas father, Jai Singh Bhosle, as they belong to different religious communities. There are also viral claims suggesting that Monalisa is below the legal age for marriage.

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5 / 8 Amid the row, Monalisa issued a clarification about her age and marriage. She said, I am 18 years old. I got married according to Hindu rituals. It is not love jihad. I respect all religions and consider every religion equal. Her husband further confirmed that their marriage was registered, which would not have been possible if she was underage.

6 / 8 The couple had approached the Thampanoor police station earlier on Wednesday, seeking protection after Monalisas father reportedly tried to take her back to her hometown in Madhya Pradesh against her will.

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7 / 8 Monalisa and Farman shared that their relationship began about six months ago while they were shooting a film in Poovar. After completing one project, they were preparing to start another.
When DK Shivakumar Asked AI 'How To Win Assam Elections'

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 21:53 IST

Shivakumar maintained that the use of AI in government administration requires extensive research and careful consideration before any formal decisions can be taken

The Deputy Chief Minister explained that the AIs suggestion was rooted in the data it analysed regarding Karnataka's current welfare programmes. (File image: News18)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar made a striking revelation in the Legislative Council on Thursday, sharing that an artificial intelligence platform identified the Karnataka model" of governance as the definitive strategy for a Congress win in the upcoming Assam assembly elections. During a session focused on the integration of emerging technologies in state administration, Shivakumar recounted his personal experimentation with AI during a recent visit to the northeastern state. He explained that when he prompted the tool for a winning electoral strategy in Assam, the system specifically highlighted the successful implementation of Karnatakas five guarantee schemes as the primary blueprint to follow.

I tried it and got a lot of information. I have experimented with AI, but its accuracy still needs improvement," Shivakumar remarked while addressing the House. He noted that his daughter had initially encouraged him to use the technology for research and speech preparation, which led to his discovery of how the tool processed political data.

The Deputy Chief Minister explained that the AIs suggestion was rooted in the data it analysed regarding Karnatakas current welfare programmes, though he cautioned that the technology remains a work in progress and requires human oversight to ensure the information is entirely reliable for high-stakes decision-making.

The disclosure sparked an engaging dialogue among members of the Council, as Shivakumar balanced his interest in the technology with a measured perspective on its role in government. He emphasised that while the digital tools endorsement of the states policies was noteworthy, the broader application of AI in administration is a global conversation currently involving the Prime Minister and the judiciary.

Shivakumar maintained that the use of AI in government administration requires extensive research and careful consideration before any formal decisions can be taken, ensuring that human judgement remains at the forefront of policy.

As the Congress party gears up for its campaign in Assam, the Karnataka model" continues to serve as a central pillar of its political identity, now reinforced by the analytical correlations of artificial intelligence.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 21:53 IST

News politics When DK Shivakumar Asked AI 'How To Win Assam Elections'

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Poco X8 Pro Series India Launch Date Confirmed For This Month: What We Can Expect

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 08:48 IST

Poco X8 Pro series India launch is confirmed for this month and the company is entering the 'Pro Max' arena with its new lineup.

Poco X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max are launching this month in India

Poco X8 Pro series is finally confirmed to launch in India and it will happen in less than a week from now. The company announced the Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max models globally earlier and we should be seeing the same devices launched in India as well.

Poco India is also bringing a special Iron Man Edition of the Poco X8 Pro for buyers but mostly you are looking at two devices with familiar focus on performance, durability and endurance which seems to be the pitch for most brands this year.

Poco X8 Pro Series India Launch: More Details

Poco has teased the X8 Pro launch details which in India is confirmed for March 17 and it will be going on sale online in the country. The Xiaomi sub-brand is looking to continue its X-series impetus in the market and the X8 Pro with the X8 Pro Max could be solid yet much more pricier additions this year.

Poco is using the higher end MediaTek Dimensity chipsets to power the X8 Pro series, which should give them the right performance boost. The Pro Max version is tipped to pack a gigantic 9,000mAh battery while the X8 Pro comes with a 6,500mAh unit.

Having this hardware and improved camera system is likely to get Poco to price these X8 Pro models at a higher price this year. According to tipsters, the Poco X8 Pro price in India could start at around Rs 35,000 while the X8 Pro Max cost over Rs 40,000 in the market.

It is hardly surprising to see Poco X8 Pro launch at higher prices and that has been a trend with many other brands with some of them even taking a hit on the hardware to offset the higher memory prices.

Pocos parent company has recently launched the Xiaomi 17 series in the Indian market which also includes the premium Xiaomi 17 Ultra model. Industry analysts are concerned about the high price impact on the market, especially in India where the budget phone segment could be the worst affected.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:48 IST

News tech Poco X8 Pro Series India Launch Date Confirmed For This Month: What We Can Expect

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Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Paris on a working visit, the Presidents press secretary, Serhii Nykyforov, informed journalists.

According to his information, several events are scheduled for today: at 12:00 PM (1:00 PM Kyiv time)  a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron; at 12:45 PM (1:45 PM Kyiv time)  a press conference; and at 1:15 PM (2:15 PM Kyiv time)  a continuation of the meeting in a one-on-one format and a discussion with students.

According to earlier reports from the Elysee Palace, the leaders are expected to focus on increasing pressure on Russia, specifically by targeting its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, and discussing security guarantees within the "Coalition of the Willing" framework.
The End Of The Secret Chat: How To Rescue Your Instagram DMs Before Encryption Ends On May 8

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 20:06 IST

Meta's move has sent ripples through the digital privacy community, particularly in India, where Instagram's user base is among the largest in the world

Until now, Instagrams E2EE ensured that only the sender and the recipient could read the contents of a chat. Representational image

In a significant reversal of its privacy roadmap, Meta has confirmed that Instagram will discontinue support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Direct Messages starting May 8. This decision marks the end of a feature that was only made default in late 2023 and has sent ripples through the digital privacy community, particularly in India, where Instagrams user base is among the largest in the world.

While Meta has not officially cited a singular reason for the rollback, the move follows intense global regulatory pressure and a landmark trial in New Mexico. Internal documents made public during that trial revealed that even senior Meta executives had previously described the encryption plan as irresponsible", fearing it would blind the platform to illegal activity and child exploitation.

The Great Privacy Rollback: What Changes on May 8?

Until now, Instagrams E2EE ensured that only the sender and the recipient could read the contents of a chat. Not even Metas servers could intercept the keys" required to scramble and unscramble the data. From May 8, this digital lock will be removed.

For the average user in India, this means your DMs will transition to a standard encrypted formatsimilar to how most emails workwhere the platform service provider technically holds the ability to access content if required by law enforcement or for safety scanning. This change is expected to facilitate the use of AI-driven tools to flag harmful content, such as scams or harassment, which were previously cloaked" by E2EE.

Why the Sudden Change of Heart?

The safety vs privacy" debate has reached a breaking point in 2026. Governments in the UK, the EU, and the US have moved towards legislation like the chat control" regulation, which mandates that platforms detect and remove illegal material even within private messages.

In India, where the government has long sought greater traceability" for digital messages to combat misinformation, this move aligns with local regulatory appetites. By pulling the plug on encryption now, Meta is essentially choosing to comply with the global shift towards safety by design", even if it means sacrificing the absolute privacy shield it once promised.

How to Save Your Encrypted Chat History

Because the transition involves a fundamental change in how data is stored on Metas servers, some users may find that their older, encrypted secret conversations" become inaccessible or are not automatically migrated to the new unencrypted threads. To ensure you dont lose important memories or professional records, you should manually export your data before the May deadline.

To save your history on a mobile device, follow these steps:

Navigate to your Profile and tap the three horizontal lines (Settings and Activity).

Go to Accounts Centre and select Your Information and Permissions.

Tap on Export Your Information and select Create Export.

Choose your Instagram profile and select Export to Device.

In the Customize Information" section, ensure you select Messages.

Choose your date range (select All Time for a full backup) and tap Start Export.

Once the request is processedwhich can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hoursyou will receive a download link via your registered email address. This file will contain a readable HTML or JSON record of your conversations.

The Digital Domino Effect

The big question now is whether WhatsApp is next. While WhatsApps identity is built entirely on E2EE, the precedent set by Instagram suggests that Meta is willing to pivot if the legal or reputational costs of encryption become too high. For now, users who value absolute privacy may begin looking toward independent alternatives like Signal or Proton, as the era of default" privacy on mainstream social media appears to be drawing to a close.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 20:06 IST

News tech The End Of The Secret Chat: How To Rescue Your Instagram DMs Before Encryption Ends On May 8

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Elon Musk Issues Warning To ChatGPT Users And Kids: Keep It Away...

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 14:18 IST

Elon Musks comments came while reacting to a social media post that raised questions about a tragic school shooting in Canada.

Rapid Read

A former student carried out one of Canadas most shocking school attacks. (Photo Credit: X)

A fresh dispute has started between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and this time it is about the safety of AI chatbots. Musk recently spoke out against ChatGPT by warning that the tool can be risky, especially for children and people dealing with mental health problems. His comments came while reacting to a social media post that raised questions about a tragic school shooting in Canada. The incident took place in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, where a former student, Van Rootselaar, carried out one of the countrys most shocking school attacks in recent years.

Reports later suggested that the attacker had conversations with ChatGPT before the incident and discussed violent situations. An automated system reportedly picked up the messages. After this, some employees in the company discussed whether the information should be shared with the police.

Elon Musk Warns ChatGPT Could Be Risky For Some Users

An X user shared a screenshot from Courthouse News Service that explained how Van Rootselaar had planned the attack at her school. Reacting to this post, Elon Musk responded by warning people about the chatbot and wrote, Keep ChatGPT away from kids and the mentally unwell."

Keep ChatGPT away from kids and the mentally unwell https://t.co/uUrVU99Qgs Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 12, 2026

Shooter Had Chats With ChatGPT Before Attack

According to the report, Van Rootselaar had several conversations with ChatGPT in 2025 where she spoke about gun violence over several days. The chatbots monitoring system noticed these messages and marked them for human moderators to review. After reading the chats, around a dozen employees reportedly felt the situation looked dangerous and believed there was a serious risk that someone can get hurt. Because of this concern, some of them suggested informing the Canadian police. The report claims that this idea was passed on to the companys senior leaders, but the request to contact law enforcement was not approved.

The report said, Instead, the only step the OpenAl Defendants took in response to the gun violence ChatGPT posts was to ban the Shooters first OpenAl account, The shooter used their second OpenAl account to continue planning scenarios involving gun violence, including a mass casualty event like the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, with ChatGPT, and to receive mental health counseling and pseudo-therapy from ChatGPT."

OpenAI described the Tumbler Ridge school shooting as a very tragic and painful event. The company said they stand with the people who lost their lives, their families and everyone in the community affected by the incident. The company also said it plans to continue working with government authorities and law enforcement agencies to find better ways to prevent such incidents in the future.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 14:18 IST

News viral Elon Musk Issues Warning To ChatGPT Users And Kids: Keep It Away...

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Completed Onboarding, 6 Hours In & New Employee Quits Job: It Is More Demanding Than I Thought

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:10 IST

This employee shook everyone at their workplace after calling it quits without even going through a proper day's shift.

The employee felt there was "too much work".

An employee divided opinions on the Internet after leaving an organisation within 6 hours of joining. The decision left one of the employees colleagues in shock as they wrote a post revealing the story and the persons message before quitting.

According to the post, this newly hired working professional decided to leave the company before signing up for any long-term gig as he felt uncomfortable staying put at an excessively demanding" workplace. While clear with their ideas and goals, this employee left users on social media debating their move.

New Hire Quits Within 6 Hours

A new hire who joined today just quit," wrote what appeared like a colleague in the post, sharing also what the employee said before quitting the job without even completing a proper days shift.

He completed onboarding, stayed for 6 hours and dipped with a Hey, this is more demanding than I thought, I dont think this is good for me message."

A new hire who joined TODAY just quit  he completed onboarding, stayed for 6 hours and dipped with a Hey this is more demanding than I thought, I dont think this is good for me message  love this for him, I can only aspire to be this decisive about anything in life Non-anxiety Magnet (parody) (@goesonrants) March 12, 2026

The individual sharing the post sarcastically mentioned they admired the attitude of this newly hired employee and the clarity about what work ethos and practices suit them the best. I love this for him, I can only aspire to be this decisive about anything in life," the person wrote.

The decision from the employee perplexed those who glanced at the post, as most newly hired working professionals give themselves time to understand and adjust to an organisations ways.

Requires A Certain Level Of Privilege

As the guesswork for what exactly wouldve gone on in the employees head before calling it quits in 6 hours continued on social media, people came up with a series of remarks about their move.

Someone assumed the employee must be an individual from a privileged background. This also requires a certain level of privilege. Not everyone from different socioeconomic backgrounds can do this," wrote a user.

The real story here is that companies almost never give candidates an honest picture of day-one demands before the offer is signed. If someone bounces in 6 hours, the interview process failed to set expectations, not the candidate," said a person, wondering if the company failed to give the employee prior clarity over their work practices.

Joined in the morning, realised the reality by afternoon, and chose peace by evening. Honestly, thats some brutally honest self-awareness," mentioned an individual.

Whether it was due to a lack of willingness to adapt to the work environment, or the company not meeting work expectations. One thing is for certain: the employee had the guts to make a quick call for their immediate future, prioritising their mental well-being.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:09 IST

News viral Completed Onboarding, 6 Hours In & New Employee Quits Job: It Is More Demanding Than I Thought

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All Fair In War: Why US Is Softening Its Stance On Russian Oil Buyers

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 16:06 IST

By granting this limited flexibility, the US is signalling that market stability is now a bigger priority than strictly enforcing punitive trade measures.

Rapid Read

US President Donald Trump (AFP)

In a notable shift , the United States stance on countries purchasing Russian oil appears to be softening, at least temporarily. Earlier this week, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor publicly acknowledged Indias pragmatic approach to energy security, noting that buying discounted crude from Russia had helped stabilise global oil markets. His remarks were widely interpreted as a recognition that major energy importers like India prioritised affordable supplies amid global volatility triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war.

The shift became even clearer when Washington allowed countries to temporarily purchase Russian oil cargoes that are currently stranded at sea. The move, described as a short-term measure, aims to prevent sudden supply disruptions and avoid a spike in global crude prices at a time when shipping routes and energy flows are already under strain. By granting this limited flexibility, the US is signalling that market stability is now a bigger priority than strictly enforcing punitive trade measures.

This evolving approach also underscores the growing recognition in Washington that large buyers such as India play a stabilising role in the global energy ecosystem. By continuing to purchase Russian crude and refine it for domestic consumption and export, India has helped keep oil moving through global markets even during geopolitical turbulence.

What Has Changed USs Stance On Countries buying Russian Oil?

The decision comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have raised fears of major disruptions to oil flows, forcing policymakers to prioritise stability in global fuel prices. Heres a look at some factors at play:

A Temporary Waiver to Prevent Supply Disruptions

The change in approach became evident after the US allowed countries to purchase Russian oil cargoes that had already been loaded onto tankers before the latest sanctions tightened. Officials described the measure as a temporary and limited step intended to prevent logistical chaos in the oil market.

According to US officials, the waiver is designed to ensure that oil already in transit does not remain stranded indefinitely at sea, which could create supply bottlenecks and drive prices higher. In effect, the policy allows refiners and traders to complete transactions that were already underway without triggering penalties. The move does not mean Washington has lifted its broader sanctions regime against Moscow; rather, it reflects a short-term adjustment to prevent disruptions in an already fragile energy market.

Rising Tensions Around the Strait of Hormuz

A major reason behind the policy shift is the growing instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most vital oil transit routes through which roughly a fifth of global seaborne crude passes. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has increasingly spilled into maritime routes in the Gulf, raising fears about tanker safety and the reliability of oil shipments from the region.

One of the most serious incidents occurred recently when the US-linked tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked near Basra in Iraq. The vessel, owned by the SafeSeas Group, was reportedly struck by an explosive-laden boat, causing a fire onboard and forcing the crew to abandon the ship. The attack underscored the rising risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the region.

Such incidents have rattled shipping companies and insurers, with some tankers avoiding the route altogether and insurance premiums rising sharply. With shipping disruptions already reducing available supply, allowing Russian cargoes stuck at sea to reach buyers is seen as a way to stabilise the market.

Indias Oil Strategy Gains Recognition

The evolving US approach also reflects growing recognition of the role major importers have played in keeping global oil markets stable. India, one of the worlds largest energy consumers, has continued purchasing discounted Russian crude despite Western sanctions.

By absorbing large volumes of Russian oil and refining it for domestic use and export, India has helped ensure that global supplies remain adequate even during geopolitical turbulence. Analysts say this strategy has prevented sharper price spikes at times when supply from other regions faced disruptions.

In fact, recent comments from US officials have acknowledged that Indias continued purchases have helped maintain stability in global energy markets  a notable shift from earlier criticism of countries buying Russian crude.

Indias role in keeping oil prices stable was acknowledged publicly by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who praised New Delhi for continuing to purchase crude oil even as supply chains face disruption. India has been a great partner in maintaining stable oil prices around the world," Gor said.

Rising Oil Prices Forcing Policy Flexibility

Another key factor behind Washingtons policy shift is the sharp rise in global oil prices. The escalation of tensions in the Middle East and fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz  through which roughly a fifth of the worlds seaborne oil passes  have already pushed crude prices higher and unsettled global markets

In such an environment, keeping oil supplies flowing has become a priority for policymakers. Allowing countries to temporarily purchase Russian oil that is already loaded on tankers helps prevent millions of barrels from remaining stranded at sea. By ensuring that these shipments reach buyers, the US hopes to increase available supply in the market and prevent crude prices from spiking even further.

Sanctions Remain  But Flexibility Is Emerging

Despite the temporary waiver, Washington has not abandoned its broader strategy of limiting Moscows oil revenues. The US and its allies continue to enforce price caps and financial restrictions aimed at reducing Russias ability to fund its war effort.

However, the latest move shows that the US has been pushed to introduce flexibility when global energy stability is at stake.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 16:06 IST

News world All Fair In War: Why US Is Softening Its Stance On Russian Oil Buyers

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Beyond The Blockade: Ambassador Deepak Mittal On Why Indias Energy Security Is In Place | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:35 IST

Dr Mittal said that whatever supplies are available are being picked up, and a diversification of supplies is also underway

Praising the UAE government for its handling of the conflict situation, Dr Mittal said that the expat community, in its conversations with the Indian Embassy, has expressed confidence in the UAE government. File image/Reuters

Amid concern over the energy crisis developing in West Asia and its impact on India, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive conversation that the Government of India is in constant touch with the UAE to maintain supply lines.

Dr Mittal said that whatever supplies are available are being picked up, and a diversification of supplies is also underway.

The Honourable Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas spoke in Parliament, and I dont think he said there is a crisis in India. I think what he mentioned was that we have been able to navigate very successfullysomething that many other countries have not managed. This is a result of careful planning and various measures that have been undertaken," he said. With the UAE, we have been partners for over the last decade; there is a close partnership even at the leadership level. They have partnered with us in our Strategic Petroleum Reserves in India. So, all that is ensuring that our energy security is very much in place. Domestically, also, measures are being taken to ramp up production. So, we dont need to have so much concern about the situation. As far as LPG is concerned, we continue to maintain our interaction with all our partners, including those in the UAE. At the end of the day, at all levels, we are ensuring and picking up supplies wherever possible. There is no doubt that challenges have developed, but within that limitation, we have diversified our supplies and we will continue to pick up whatever is available in the Gulf region from the UAE."

No Indians Stranded in UAE

The ambassador also disclosed that all stranded Indian nationals have now returned home. He said flight operations have resumed and, depending on demand, capacity can be increased further.

No Indian is stuck here anymore. All Indians are back home safely. There is limited operation since the airspace is not fully open, but I speak to airline operators and they say that there is not much demand. They are ready to ramp up operations as per demand," he said.

No Need to Panic

Praising the UAE government for its handling of the conflict situation, Dr Mittal said that the expat community, in its conversations with the Indian Embassy, has expressed confidence in the UAE government.

I would say that the situation is calm and controlled, and there is no reason to panic. I have been speaking to the Indian community here, and most of them say that they are happy here and there is no reason for them to go back. The Indian community here in the UAE is calm and composed; more concern is coming from their families back in India," he said.

Dr Mittal said that the UAE government seemed in complete control since essential supplies and medical facilities were available. Decisions such as quick visa extensions and fine waivers are being taken, and expats feel as cared for as the locals.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:35 IST

News world Beyond The Blockade: Ambassador Deepak Mittal On Why Indias Energy Security Is In Place | Exclusive

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Despite Chinese Sanctions, Marco Rubio Set To Visit China With Trump: What We Know

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 17:06 IST

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to China with Donald Trump this month, despite previous Beijing sanctions, to help ease concerns over Trump's visit preparation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to China later this month alongside Donald Trump, according to sources cited by the South China Morning Post. Rubio had earlier shown little interest in previous invitations from Beijing but now appears likely to join the visit.

Sources familiar with the matter, told South China Morning Post that Rubios participation could help ease concerns in Beijing about the lack of preparation surrounding Trumps upcoming trip. Chinese officials have reportedly expressed frustration over the limited groundwork ahead of the visit, which is expected to take place between March 31 and April 2.

Rubio is notably the first sitting US secretary of state to have been sanctioned by China. Beijing imposed the sanctions in 2020 when he was still a US senator. The measures were introduced in retaliation for US sanctions against Chinese officials accused of human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, and again after Washington targeted mainland and Hong Kong officials following the 2019 protests in Hong Kong.

China has not clarified whether those sanctions would be waived to allow Rubio to enter the country. When asked about the matter earlier, Chinas foreign ministry said maintaining high-level communication between the two countries remained necessary. Rubio himself appeared uncertain about the issue last month, saying, Well find out when I go."

Sources also indicated Rubio may have previously been reluctant to join the trip because trade discussions are expected to dominate the agenda. Economic negotiations between the two countries have largely been handled by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent is scheduled to meet Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Paris later this week for another round of trade talks aimed at identifying potential outcomes ahead of the planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Rubios long-standing reputation as a China hawk has also contributed to hesitation about the trip. Since entering the US Senate in 2010, he has frequently criticised Beijings policies and described China as a major threat to American interests. He has been particularly outspoken on issues that Beijing considers sensitive, including the situation in Xinjiang, the status of Taiwan and political developments in Hong Kong.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington opposes any attempt to seize the island by force and remains committed to supplying Taiwan with defensive weapons.

Despite his previously hardline stance, Rubio has appeared to moderate some positions in line with Trumps broader diplomatic approach toward Beijing. While Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods during his presidency, he has also signalled interest in reaching a broader agreement with China.

Analysts say Rubio is unlikely to skip a summit between Trump and Xi given its significance for global politics. If the trip proceeds as planned, Trump would become the first US president to visit China since his previous visit in 2017.

The sanctions imposed on Rubio in 2020 raised questions about whether he would be permitted to enter China, as such measures often restrict targeted individuals and their family members from travelling to the country.

Da Wei, director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said Rubios visit would be a positive development. He noted that while economic discussions between the two countries have clearly defined representatives, diplomatic and strategic issues require engagement from officials such as the US secretary of state.

Rubio has already held meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi twice since assuming his current role. Both interactions took place outside China on the sidelines of international gatherings, including their most recent encounter at the Munich Security Conference.

Ali Wyne, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, said Rubios dual role as secretary of state and acting national security adviser gives him considerable influence in shaping US policy toward China. He added that Chinese officials may see symbolic value in Rubio visiting Beijing after previously being sanctioned by the country, viewing it as a sign that political realities have reshaped Washingtons approach.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 17:06 IST

News world Despite Chinese Sanctions, Marco Rubio Set To Visit China With Trump: What We Know

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Did Iran Hit US Warship Abraham Lincoln? Washington Disputes Tehran's Claim

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:19 IST

Iran Navy said its ballistic missiles had struck the aircraft carrier, rendering it non-operational and forcing it to retreat from Gulf waters.

Naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln in West Asia| Image: X

US-Israel Vs Iran War News: A claim and counterclaim have emerged over the status of the USS Abraham Lincoln after Iran said it had struck the US aircraft carrier with ballistic missiles. The United States has denied the claim, saying the warship continues its operations in the region.

Follow US-Iran-Israel War LIVE Updates

What Iran said?

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said its ballistic missiles had struck the aircraft carrier, rendering it non-operational and forcing it to retreat from Gulf waters.

In a statement, Irans Central Headquarters of the Holy Prophet said a precision operation using advanced missiles and drones targeted the carrier about 340 kilometres from Irans maritime borders in the Sea of Oman.

Irans state television reported that after the strike the US vessel and its strike group were seen fleeing the area at high speed". No further details were provided. The Guards had previously claimed to have hit the carrier, but the Pentagon had said at the time that the missiles didnt even come close".

What US said?

Soon after the Iranian reports surfaced, the United States rejected the claim. United States Central Command posted a picture of the warship, saying the carrier strike group continues to support Operation Epic Fury and project power from the sea".

Incident at sea

US media reported that an Iranian vessel sailed too close to the aircraft carrier and American forces opened fire. According to reports, a US Navy ship attempted to fire on the Iranian vessel using a 5-inch, 54-calibre Mark 45 gun.

It was not immediately clear which naval vessel fired or whether the shots were intended as warnings. US officials said the strikes missed the Iranian ship multiple times. The status of the Iranian vessel remains unknown.

US Navy in West Asia

The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers  USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln  to the Middle East for the air campaign launched with Israeli forces on February 28.

Two destroyers, USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, are operating with the Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Also, six additional guided-missile destroyers were also positioned in the area as of last week.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 11:50 IST

News world Did Iran Hit US Warship Abraham Lincoln? Washington Disputes Tehran's Claim

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Last Updated: March 17, 2026, 07:11 IST

New explosions and interceptions were recorded in Dubai. (Photo: X)

Dubai, Abu Dhabi News Live Updates: The US-Israel-Iran war entered its 17th day on Monday, with developments across the Gulf indicating that the conflict is moving closer to the civilian landscape of the United Arab Emirates. Several countries in the region reported evacuations, safety advisories and travel disruptions as tensions continued to rise.

The Dubai International Airport was temporarily closed after an Iranian drone struck a fuel tank, causing a fire. Authorities said it was quickly contained and no injuries were reported, and flights resumed gradually.

Follow US-Israel-Iran War LIVE Updates Here

US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for nations including South Korea, France, China and Britain to help ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had previously said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, banning US and Israeli-linked vessels from passing through the strait. Other ships are required to seek Iranian clearance before transit. Following the announcement, Brent crude prices rose above $100 a barrel.

Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday said the Strait of Hormuz remains shut only to enemies and those supporting their aggression.

Meanwhile, several countries refuse to US President Donald Trumps request to deploy warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Among the countries that have declined the request include the UK, Italy, Germany, Japan and Australia.

Were working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impacts, said UK Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed on Monday Irans retaliatory strikes on the Gulf and expressed solidarity and sympathy in their second call since a public row in late December, AFP reported.

On Monday, Iran launched a drone attack on oil infrastructure on the UAEs east coast resulting in a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone.

Besides, flights were gradually resumed at Dubai airport on Monday following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.
Six Dead After US KC-135 Refuelling Aircraft Crashes In Western Iraq

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 23:24 IST

Four US service members died after a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, as confirmed by the United States Central Command.

A KC-136 refuels a F-15 Eagle. (representational image via Wiki)

Six US service members have been confirmed dead after a US aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, according to the United States Central Command. The incident occurred at around 2 pm ET on March 12 when a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down during operations over the region.

CENTCOM said six crew members were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Rescue operations are continuing for the remaining personnel. The command added that preliminary assessments indicate the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Authorities have also said the identities of the deceased service members will be withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over IraqTAMPA, Fla.  At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue. The  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

What IS The KC-135 Stratotanker?

The aircraft involved in the crash is the KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the most important support aircraft in the United States Air Force fleet. Built by Boeing, the tanker first flew in 1956 and entered operational service in 1957. Despite being more than six decades old, the aircraft remains a central element of US aerial operations around the world.

The KC-135s primary role is aerial refuelling. It transfers fuel mid-air to combat aircraft using a flying boom system operated by a boom operator stationed in the rear of the aircraft. This capability allows fighters, bombers and surveillance aircraft to stay airborne far longer than their internal fuel capacity would otherwise allow. Over decades of upgrades, the tanker has also gained limited cargo and transport capability, further expanding its operational flexibility.

Long Operational History

The KC-135 was originally developed during the Cold War to support long-range nuclear bombers such as the B-52 Stratofortress. By allowing these aircraft to refuel mid-air, the United States was able to maintain continuous strategic bomber patrols capable of reaching targets anywhere in the world.

Since then, the tanker has been used in nearly every major US military campaign. It played a major logistical role during the Vietnam War and later supported coalition aircraft during the Gulf War. The aircraft was also heavily used in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Even today, despite the introduction of newer tankers like the KC-46 Pegasus, the KC-135 continues to carry out a large share of aerial refuelling missions for US and allied aircraft.

Role in Current Middle East Operations

Aerial refuelling aircraft are a critical component of US air operations across the Middle East. Tankers like the KC-135 extend the range and endurance of fighter aircraft operating over Iraq, Syria and the Persian Gulf.

Aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Super Hornet frequently rely on mid-air refuelling to conduct long patrols, escort missions and strike operations. Without tanker support, these aircraft would need to return to base far more frequently, significantly reducing operational reach.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 15:47 IST

News world Six Dead After US KC-135 Refuelling Aircraft Crashes In Western Iraq

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From F-15s To KC-135: How US Has Lost Four Military Aircraft In Iran War

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 11:54 IST

With the KC-135 crash on Thursday, the number of US military aircraft lost since the start of the war with Iran has risen to four.

Rapid Read

US KC-135 military plane crashes in Iraq amid Iran war. (Representative Image)

The United States has suffered another aviation setback in the ongoing conflict with Iran after a KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the war. The incident, confirmed by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), took place during Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign launched by Washington against Iran on February 28.

The KC-135 Crash

According to CENTCOM, two KC-135 tanker aircraft were involved in the incident. One of them went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft managed to land safely. The command said the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, indicating that the aircraft likely suffered an operational or technical problem during the mission. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to search for the crew.

However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft in defense of our countrys sovereignty and airspace".

The aircraft involved, the KC135 Stratotanker, plays a crucial role in modern air warfare. Its primary job is to refuel fighter jets and bombers mid-air, allowing them to stay in the sky for longer and strike targets far from their bases. These missions often involve complex manoeuvres and tight coordination between multiple aircraft, particularly during wartime when operations run around the clock.

With this crash, the number of US military aircraft lost since the start of the war with Iran has risen to four. The latest incident appears to be an operational accident, but the earlier losses happened under far more dramatic circumstances.

Three F-15s Brought Down In Kuwait

The first aircraft losses in the conflict took place in the opening days of the campaign, when three F15E Strike Eagle fighter jets went down over Kuwait.

The jets were part of the early wave of operations under Operation Epic Fury. During a period of intense air activity in the region, Kuwaiti air defences mistakenly identified the aircraft as hostile. In the confusion, a Kuwaiti F/A18 Hornet fighter reportedly fired on the American jets.

All three F-15E aircraft were brought down in the incident, marking the single largest loss of US aircraft in the conflict so far.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the pilots managed to escape safely. All six crew members ejected and survived, according to military officials.

Drones Lost

Meanwhile, the US has also lost multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones during the war. Reports suggest around 11 drones have been shot down or destroyed during operations over Iran and Iraq.

These losses are more common because drones often fly deep reconnaissance missions inside contested airspace.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 11:15 IST

News world From F-15s To KC-135: How US Has Lost Four Military Aircraft In Iran War

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On the night of March 13, Ukraines Defense Forces neutralized 117 out of 127 enemy UAVs. Hits by an Iskander-M ballistic missile and eight UAVs were recorded across seven locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"According to preliminary data as of 08:00, air defense has shot down or suppressed 117 enemy UAVs," the message on their Telegram channel stated.

In total, on the night of March 13 (starting from 6:00 PM on March 12), the enemy attacked with an Iskander-M ballistic missile from Rostov Oblast, Russia, and 126 strike UAVs, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types. These were launched from Bryansk, Oryol, Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Hvardiiske in temporarily occupied Crimea. Approximately 80 of these were Shahed-type drones.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare (EW) units, and unmanned systems units, alongside mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In addition to the hits recorded at seven locations, debris from downed aerial targets fell at five other locations. The Air Force noted that as of the morning report, the attack was ongoing with several Russian drones still detected in Ukrainian airspace.
'I Tell Them Let's Do It My Way': Trump Opens Up On Decision-Making During Wartime

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 21:05 IST

US President Donald Trump discussed wartime decision-making, emphasizing his approach to limit dissent among top national security officials.

US President Donald Trump (AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Friday offered his views on decision-making in wartime, providing insights into the dynamics behind closed doors.

Trump suggested he tries to limit dissent among his top national security officials, convincing them to do it my way".

I let them speak their mind. And they do, and we have some differences, but they never end up being much. I convince them all to lets do it my way," Trump said during an interview with Fox News.

The statement comes at a time when West Asia is embroiled in conflict, following the February 28 US-Israeli strikes against Iran and the subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran.

US Totally Destroying Iran

Launching a fresh salvo at Iran, President Trump said the United States is totally destroying" Tehran. He said the American forces would be carrying out intense strikes against Iranian targets in the coming days.

Were going to be hitting them very hard over the next week," Trump told Fox News Radio.

Trump acknowledged that it would be difficult to overthrow the regime and expressed confidence that it will happen, maybe not immediately".

I really think thats a big hurdle to climb for people that dont have weapons. I think its a very big hurdle Itll happen, but maybe not immediately," he opined.

West Asia Engulfed By Conflict

This followed over a week of escalating violence in West Asia, with the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran spreading across the Gulf. In retaliation for the February 28 attacks, Tehran unleashed strikes targeting the US and Israeli military facilities across the Gulf nations.

On Thursday, Iran issued the first message in the name of its newly-appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warning the attacks against Washington would continue.

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News world 'I Tell Them Let's Do It My Way': Trump Opens Up On Decision-Making During Wartime

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India In Talks With Iran For Safe Passage Of Around 28 Merchant Vessels Through Hormuz

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 07:18 IST

Iran has not allowed any Indian-flagged commercial tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz over the past four to five days.

A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world's oil and gas passes, on March 1, 2026. (Image: AFP)

India is engaged in discussions with Iranian authorities to secure the safe passage of nearly 28 Indian-flagged merchant vessels stranded around the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, according to a report.

The strategic waterway has effectively been shut to commercial shipping over the past several days following heightened military activity by Iran in the backdrop of its conflict with Israel and the United States.

According to a PTI report, Iran has not allowed any Indian-flagged commercial tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz over the past four to five days.

The negotiations come after a series of attacks on tankers and bulk carriers in the Persian Gulf in recent weeks. Three Indian seafarers have been killed so far, another is reported missing, and several others have been injured in separate maritime incidents.

Shipping safety and Indias energy security are understood to have featured prominently in recent diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Tehran.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar has held three conversations with his Iranian counterpart since the conflict escalated in late February, including one on March 10 that specifically addressed maritime security.

Confirming the outreach, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ministers had discussed concerns related to the safety of shipping and energy supplies, while noting that it would be premature to share further details.

While authorities said no Indian-flagged commercial vessel has been permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz in the past four to five days, a Liberia-flagged Suezmax tanker carrying Saudi crude reached Mumbai on Thursday after navigating the strait, becoming the first vessel to arrive in India from West Asia since the hostilities began.

At an inter-ministerial briefing, shipping ministry special secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said officials are closely tracking 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian crew members positioned west of the strait, and four more vessels with 101 Indian seafarers to the east.

In addition, 78 Indian crew members were on board foreign-flagged ships that were involved in recent maritime incidents.

All Indian vessels and their crews are being actively monitored for their safety and security," Sinha said, adding that three crew members were killed, one is missing, and four were injured in recent attacks.

India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping. On Wednesday, New Delhi denounced an attack on a Thai-flagged vessel bound for Kandla port in Gujarat, which was fired upon while transiting the region. Twenty crew members were rescued, while three remain missing.

In a statement, the external affairs ministry said India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks" and reiterated that freedom of navigation and the safety of civilian crew must be respected.

Iran, meanwhile, has blamed the deteriorating security situation in the Persian Gulf on US and Israeli military actions.

According to a readout of the March 10 call, Tehran conveyed that disruptions to shipping were a consequence of what it described as destabilising aggression, and said the international community must hold Washington accountable.

The virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but vital corridor that handles about 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments, has triggered a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Separately, Indian authorities said around 9,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals and pilgrims.

The government is facilitating visas and land border crossings for those seeking to return home via Azerbaijan and Armenia, while several Indians have already been relocated from Tehran to safer locations within the country.

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Location : Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 07:18 IST

News world India In Talks With Iran For Safe Passage Of Around 28 Merchant Vessels Through Hormuz

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India In Talks With Iran To Move Eight LPG Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz: Sources

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shuddhanta Patra



Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:57 IST

Iran War, LPG Crisis: India has been holding high-level discussions to secure safe passage for LPG shipments. These include multiple calls between S Jaishankar and Abbas Araghchi.

India is one of the world's largest energy importers, and any instability in the Gulf region tends to ripple quickly through the Indian economy. (AFP)

LPG Crisis: Amid concerns over a fuel crisis following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a government source told CNN-News18 that India is in talks with Iran and hopes to receive LPG supplies soon. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as disruptions in the region continue to affect energy shipments.

Eight tankers waiting near Strait of Hormuz

According to sources, eight LPG tankers are currently parked just before the Strait of Hormuz. The government is in contact with Iran to facilitate the movement of these ships. Officials said Iranian authorities are cooperating in the process and are also concerned about their sailors who are currently in India. Around 250 Iranian sailors are in India, who are waiting to return home. They have been provided shelter by the Indian authorities while arrangements are being made for their return.

The governments Crisis Management Group is working on a full plan to ensure that India does not face major disruptions. Officials are assessing the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to manage the supply of LPG cooking gas.

Indias dependence on LPG imports

India imports around 60 to 67 percent of its LPG requirements. A large share of these imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz from Gulf suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Any disruption in this route could affect LPG availability in the country.

Diplomatic talks for safe passage of Indian ships

India has been holding high-level discussions to secure safe passage for LPG shipments. These include multiple calls between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:57 IST

News world India In Talks With Iran To Move Eight LPG Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz: Sources

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Iran Launches 44th Missile Wave As US-Israel War Enters Day 14, Targets US Bases In Gulf

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shuddhanta Patra



Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:15 IST

The Iranian missiles may have targeted US military bases across the region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

A cyclist watches as a projectile falls over Dubai during increased tensions in the Middle East. (AFP)

The West Asia war involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its 14th day as Iran launched its 44th wave of ballistic missiles, according to information obtained by CNN-News18. The missiles were fired from an undisclosed location towards their intended targets.

Sirens and interceptor systems were activated across several countries in West Asia following the launch. The development marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict as military activity continues across the region.

Reports indicate that the missiles may have been aimed at United States military bases across several countries in the region. Possible targets include bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

Air defence systems were activated in parts of the region after the missile launches, as authorities monitored the situation.

Iran says it will continue fighting

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that it could target the regions energy infrastructure if its own facilities come under attack. A spokesman for Irans military central operational command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said the country would set the regions oil and gas industry on fire" if Iranian energy infrastructure or ports were struck.

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani said the country would not stop fighting until the United States regretted launching the war.

Referring to comments by Donald Trump about seeking a quick victory, Larijani said starting a war was easy but it could not be won with a few tweets. He said Iran would continue until the United States regretted what he called a grave miscalculation".

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Location : Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 08:55 IST

News world Iran Launches 44th Missile Wave As US-Israel War Enters Day 14, Targets US Bases In Gulf

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Iran Not Venezuela: Ex-US NSA John Bolton Says Trump Miscalculated War

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 12:48 IST

John Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser during his first term, said the president often makes major decisions without detailed planning.

Former US NSA John Bolton. (Image: AFP/File)

As the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues, America is facing heavy damage both financially and in terms of weapons, while Iran has shown no signs of backing down. Amid the escalating conflict, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton criticised US President Donald Trump for miscalculating the situation with Iran.

Bolton argued that Trump appeared to believe the United States could trigger a rapid regime change similar to its actions in Venezuela, but said that comparison was deeply misguided. Bolton also accused Trump of lacking long-term strategic planning in dealing with the conflict.

Speaking to India Today, Bolton said, He may have believed that he could do a Venezuela. But if he did, he was wrong when he believed it. Hes clearly wrong today."

Iran-US-Isreal War enters day 14

Boltons remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israel military operations on Iran. The strikes resulted in the killing of Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries. The attacks disrupted key shipping routes and affected global energy markets. The war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran entered its 13th day on Tuesday.

Bolton criticises Trumps decision-making

Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser during his first term, said the president often makes major decisions without detailed planning.

Well, I doubt hes prepared for it because hes rarely prepared for much of anything. He doesnt follow strategic thinking. He does things on impulse neuron flashes," Bolton said.

Despite criticising Trumps approach, Bolton praised elements of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury. He said the armed forces had delivered an outstanding" performance and that significant parts of Irans military capability had already been weakened.

According to Bolton, Irans communications and command-and-control networks have been effectively eliminated". He said several key assets were destroyed and that the countrys air force and navy had been largely dismantled, although maritime threats in the Gulf still remain.

Trump says war is progressing well

Meanwhile, Trump said the situation involving Iran was progressing rapidly and praised the strength of the US military.

The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. Its doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. Theres never been anything like it," Trump said.

He added that the United States was taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier.

Were doing what has to be done, should have been done during a 47-year period," Trump said, while criticising the Iranian leadership and saying the country was paying a heavy price.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 13, 2026, 12:48 IST

News world Iran Not Venezuela: Ex-US NSA John Bolton Says Trump Miscalculated War

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Iranian FM Claims Tehran Proposed To Ensure 'No Nuclear Weapons', But US Officials Dismissed

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:13 IST

Araghchi's statement came in reference to the third round of negotiations between the US and Iran, which was held in Geneva on February 26.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (AFP photo)

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday stated that during talks mediated by Oman with the United States, Tehran proposed to formally seal its refusal to develop nuclear weapons, but Washington turned down the proposal as the US officials were not able to grasp the technical details.

Araghchis statement was in reference to the third round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, which was held in Geneva on February 26. The talks were mediated by Oman.

Irans proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because US counterparts didnt grasp the technical details," the Iranian Foreign Minister wrote in a post on X, stating that factual knowledge matters.

Factual knowledge matters.Case 1: Irans proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because U.S. counterparts didnt grasp the technical details. Case 2: Americans wont make money" from surging oil prices and tariffs. They enrich corporations and crush households.  Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 12, 2026

The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner represented the US side during the third round of negotiations.

Notably, the US and Iranian technical teams were to begin consultations at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Organization in Vienna on March 2.

It was earlier reported that the third round of negotiations went on for hours and were held under an intensive and serious" atmosphere.

According to The Wall Street Journal, it was reported that Washington during the talks demanded the dismantling of three key nuclear facilities in Iran and the transfer of enriched uranium to the US.

While there was no confirmation from Irans side on these demands, the Iranian state media, however, said that Tehran has reiterated it has no plans to build a nuclear weapon, transfer the enriched stockpiles outside the country, end the production of nuclear fuel or reduce uranium enrichment to zero.

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Location : Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 06:11 IST

News world Iranian FM Claims Tehran Proposed To Ensure 'No Nuclear Weapons', But US Officials Dismissed

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Israelis Dance In Tel Aviv Bunker Party As Missiles Fly Amid Iran War | Watch

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 20:21 IST

Amid Israel-Iran tensions, 200 young Israelis attended a "bunker party" in Tel Aviv, dancing to techno in a fortified venue despite missile threats, adapting nightlife to conflict.

Amid Israel-Iran tensions, 200 young Israelis attended a "bunker party" in Tel Aviv, dancing to techno in a fortified venue despite missile threats, adapting nightlife to conflict. (Image: X AFP)

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, hundreds of young Israelis gathered in an underground party in Tel Aviv, dancing through the night even as missiles were being fired overhead.

According to AFP, around 200 Israelis in their twenties attended the so-called bunker party" in a basement venue in downtown Tel Aviv. With techno music echoing through the underground space, the crowd continued dancing despite the ongoing war and missile exchanges above ground.

 Israelis dance on at Tel Aviv bunker party as missiles flyWith thumping techno music reverberating around a basement in downtown Tel Aviv, some 200 Israeli twentysomethings danced through the night despite the war with Iran upending life above. pic.twitter.com/6fQNE8jucj  AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 13, 2026

AFP reported that the party took place in a fortified underground setting, reflecting how nightlife and daily routines in Israel have adapted to the realities of repeated air raid alerts and missile threats.

The gathering highlighted a stark contrast between life below and the conflict unfolding above. While sirens and missile interceptions have become a frequent occurrence amid the Israel-Iran confrontation, many young residents are attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Videos circulating on social media showed flashing club lights and DJs performing while crowds danced, with captions noting that the celebration continued despite the war with Iran upending life above."

The scenes underline how Israeli cities, particularly Tel Aviv, have relied on shelters and reinforced structures that double as emergency protection during attacks and everyday spaces during periods of relative calm.

The Israel-Iran conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with missile strikes, air defenses and regional tensions reshaping daily life across parts of the Middle East. Despite the risks, some Israelis say continuing normal activities is a way of coping with the uncertainty of war.

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Location : Israel

First Published: March 13, 2026, 20:21 IST

News world Israelis Dance In Tel Aviv Bunker Party As Missiles Fly Amid Iran War | Watch

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Jaishankar Holds 4th Call With Iran Foreign Minister Amid Hormuz Tensions, Discusses Regional Stability

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 13:39 IST

Iran War: Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation in West Asia. They discussed 'aggressions and crimes' committed by US and Israel against Iran.

File image of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (Image: PTI)

US-Israel vs Iran War: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held another telephone conversation with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, regarding regional and international developments. This call marks the fourth discussion between the two ministers and came a day after Indian ships successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

During the conversation, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation resulting from what he described as aggressions and crimes committed by the United States and the Zionist regime" against Iran. He outlined the consequences of these actions for regional and global stability and emphasised the firm determination of the Iranian government, people, and armed forces to exercise their legitimate right to self-defence against aggressors.

Araghchi stressed that the international and regional organisation must condemn the military aggression against Iran. He also highlighted BRICS as a platform for developing multilateral cooperation and underlined the need for the body to play a constructive role at this critical juncture in supporting stability and security in the region and worldwide.

Jaishankar expressed Indias readiness to develop both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in regional and international forums. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts to strengthen sustainable stability and security in the region as a shared responsibility.

India is negotiating the safe passage of 28-30 Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, closed due to the Iran war. Recently, three ships including Shenlong (Liberian-flagged, Indian captain), Pushpak and Parimal (Indian-flagged) crossed Hormuz.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: March 13, 2026, 13:28 IST

News world Jaishankar Holds 4th Call With Iran Foreign Minister Amid Hormuz Tensions, Discusses Regional Stability

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Khamenei's Top Aide Says Trump 'Does Not Understand' Iran, Israel 'Running Out Of Options'

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:34 IST

Iran's national security chief Ali Larijani claimed that Israel was showing "desperation and fear" by striking a location near the Al Quds Day march in Tehran.

Iran's national security chief Ali Larijani. (File)

As the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its 14th day, the regimes national security chief Ali Larijani on Thursday remarked that US President Donald Trump did not understand" Tehrans resolve and that Israel was running out of options."

Speaking to the Fars News Agency, Larijani, a top aide of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, Trumps problem is that he doesnt understand that the Iranian nation is strong, determined, and resilient. The more pressure the United States applies, the stronger the peoples resolve becomes."

Follow Live Updates of the war

He also said that a strike on a location near the massive Al Quds Day march in Tehran was a sign of desperation and fear" from Israel. Someone who is truly strong would not bomb the middle of a march. Its clear they have run out of options," he said.

Iranian state media reported that a large explosion rocked a Tehran square filled with thousands of people taking part in annual rallies in solidarity with Palestinians. The blast came shortly after Israel had threatened people to clear the area because it planned a strike.

One woman was reported killed by shrapnel from the US-Israeli strike, according to the state media outlet Press TV. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian was seen at the rally in Tehran, as well as Larijani.

Demonstrators on Friday chanted Death to Israel" and Death to America" while carrying Iranian flags and images of Palestinian fighters, according to Al Jazeera. Pezeshkian had called on the population to participate despite the war.

US Intensifying Strikes

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary ete Hegseth has said the United States is preparing for what could be the largest round of strikes on Iran so far, adding that the timing and pace of the military campaign will ultimately be determined Trump.

ALSO READ: Pete Hegseths Big Warning To Iran Comes With Dont Worry Dismissal Of Hormuz Disruptions

Today will be the highest volume of US strikes on Iran yet," he said, adding that Trump holds the cards" and will decide the scope, tempo and timing of the operation. The statements indicate that Washington may be preparing for a significant expansion of its air campaign, which has caused a severe disruption in global energy supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

Hegseth said Irans military capabilities had been significantly weakened by joint US-Israeli strikes. Between our Air Force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck," Hegseth said.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned it could set the regions oil and gas infrastructure on fire" if Iranian energy sites are attacked. A statement attributed to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also called for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure" amid major disruption in global oil markets.

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Location : Tehran, Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 19:34 IST

News world Khamenei's Top Aide Says Trump 'Does Not Understand' Iran, Israel 'Running Out Of Options'

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Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes Inside Afghanistan; Taliban Alleges Civilian Deaths, Vows Response

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:45 IST

According to Taliban sources, one of the strikes hit a residential building in the 21st police district of Kabul. The attack allegedly killed seven Afghan civilians.

Rapid Read

Taliban security personnel search for victims after an overnight Pakistani air strike hit a residential area at the Girdi Kas village in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province. (File pic: AFP)

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply after Pakistan carried out a series of airstrikes across multiple Afghan locations overnight, targeting what it claimed were militant positions. According to Pakistani intelligence sources, the strikes were aimed at high-value targets linked to the Afghan Taliban and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, the Afghan Taliban has accused Islamabad of killing civilians and warned that the attacks will not go unanswered."

According to local reports and intelligence sources, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets carried out coordinated strikes on several locations including Kandahar airport, military positions in Paktia province, and sites in the Afghan capital Kabul. One of the reported targets was the headquarters of the Talibans Al-Badr Corps in Kandahar city, where senior commanders were believed to be present at the time of the attack.

Sources familiar with the operation claim the airstrikes also targeted a brigade headquarters associated with the Talibans 205 Corps as well as military installations in different parts of southern Afghanistan. A strike was also reported in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul, while another targeted a military position in the Chamkani district of Paktia province. Pakistani intelligence officials said the operation was designed to eliminate high-value militant leaders believed to be coordinating activities against Pakistan from Afghan territory.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that several key Taliban fighters and TTP commanders may have been killed in the strikes. Among those reportedly affected are senior figures including Corps Commander Mehrullah Hamad, Hezbollah Afghan Chief of Staff Wali Jan Hamza, and other high-ranking members. Local sources claim that between five and seven senior figures were injured during the strikes and later transferred to a hospital in Kandahar for treatment.

Despite these reports, the Afghan Taliban has not officially confirmed casualties among its commanders. Authorities in Kabul have said they are still assessing the damage and gathering information before issuing a detailed official statement.

While Pakistan says the strikes targeted militant infrastructure, the Taliban has strongly disputed that claim. In a statement posted on social media, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani aircraft had conducted airstrikes in several areas including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika provinces.

Mujahid accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes during the operation. According to Taliban sources, one of the strikes hit a residential building in the 21st police district of Kabul. The attack allegedly killed seven Afghan civilians and injured at least 25 others in nearby houses.

Calling the attack a crime," Mujahid said the Pakistani military had once again violated Afghan sovereignty by bombing multiple locations inside the country. He added that some of the strikes hit empty deserts and uninhabited areas, while others struck civilian neighbourhoods.

The Taliban spokesperson also criticised the timing of the operation, saying the attacks were carried out during the final ten days of the holy month of Ramadan and just days before Eid al-Fitr. According to Mujahid, the strikes demonstrate that Pakistans military leadership does not adhere to human principles or moral values."

The Islamic Emirate condemns this crime and this blatant aggression in the strongest terms," Mujahid said, warning that the deaths of Afghan civilians would not be ignored.

With both sides trading accusations and no official confirmation yet of the full extent of casualties, the incident risks further deepening tensions along the already volatile Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:45 IST

News world Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes Inside Afghanistan; Taliban Alleges Civilian Deaths, Vows Response

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Corruption schemes involving the construction of defensive lines have been uncovered in the Dnipropetrovsk region, with damages to the state exceeding UAH 14 million, announced Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

"One military unit. Two schemes. Five suspects. Over UAH 14 million in damages to the state," the Prosecutor General noted on his Telegram channel on Friday.

According to him, in 2024, officials of a military unit, together with civilian accomplices, organized the procurement of materials for fortifications at inflated prices.

"The scheme is simple: controlled enterprises received direct contracts, and their prices were inflated by approximately 20% compared to the market. Budget funds were transferred to the companies accounts, after which the money was withdrawn as cash or legalized," Kravchenko specified.

Kravchenko emphasized that the materials for the defensive positions were actually purchased significantly cheaper.

The Prosecutor General explained that in one episode, the corruption scheme was organized by a military unit commander with the rank of colonel. "In just two months (May-June 2024), UAH 7.3 million in damages was caused to the state. The individual has been notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," Kravchenko noted.

In another episode, the participants included the head of the military units state procurement group, an officer from that group, his wife, and a civilian bankruptcy trustee.

"They appropriated approximately another UAH 6.7 million. Restrictive measures have already been chosen for three suspects, while another is currently in the hospital," the Prosecutor General added.

He stressed that the involvement of other officials and possible embezzlement totaling tens of millions of hryvnias are currently being investigated.
Pete Hegseths Big Warning To Iran Comes With Dont Worry Dismissal Of Hormuz Disruptions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:09 IST

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the US is preparing for its largest strikes on Iran, with Trump determining the timing.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the US is preparing for its largest strikes on Iran, with Trump determining the timing. (Reuters)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States is preparing for what could be the largest round of strikes on Iran so far, adding that the timing and pace of the military campaign will ultimately be determined by President Donald Trump.

Speaking about the ongoing military operations, Hegseth said the coming hours could see the highest volume of US strikes against Iranian targets since the conflict began. Today will be the highest volume of US strikes on Iran yet," he said, adding that Trump holds the cards" and will decide the scope, tempo and timing of the operation.

His comments come as US military activity in the region intensifies amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Separately, General John D. Caine, a senior Pentagon official, said the day could mark the heaviest" day of US bombing over Iran, suggesting a major escalation in the scale of military operations.

The statements indicate that Washington may be preparing for a significant expansion of its air campaign, with US forces expected to carry out a larger number of strikes targeting Iranian positions and military infrastructure.

Officials have not disclosed specific targets or locations, but the developments point to a sharp intensification of the conflict as US leadership signals readiness to increase military pressure on Tehran.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 13, 2026, 19:09 IST

News world Pete Hegseths Big Warning To Iran Comes With Dont Worry Dismissal Of Hormuz Disruptions

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Prepared For The Long Haul: Who Is Really Calling The Shots In Iran?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 14:31 IST

The answer lies in Tehrans unique and deliberately decentralised power structure - the mosaic defence - where authority is spread across bodies.

Rapid Read

Irans missile programme has long been the backbone of its deterrence strategy, allowing Tehran to strike adversaries at distance without relying on large conventional forces. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Even as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies, the messaging from both sides could not be more different. While Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Washington can end the conflict whenever it chooses, Tehran has made it clear that it does not see the war in those terms. Iranian officials and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have vowed retaliation for every strike and insist that the timeline of the conflict will be determined in Tehran  not Washington. The defiant rhetoric has been accompanied by continued drone launches, missile activity and defensive operations, signalling that Irans military machine remains active despite heavy losses in its leadership.

The political transition in Tehran has been just as rapid. After the killing of long-time supreme leader Ali Khamenei in recent strikes, Irans clerical establishment moved swiftly to appoint his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the countrys new supreme leader in an attempt to project continuity and stability. But fresh reports now suggest Mojtaba Khamenei himself may have been injured in subsequent attacks, with some unverified claims even suggesting he could be in a coma. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the very top of Irans leadership, the countrys military operations have shown little sign of slowing down.

That paradox raises an important question: if the supreme leader is in a coma as reports suggest, who is actually running Irans war effort? The answer lies in Tehrans unique and deliberately decentralised power structure  the mosaic defence  where authority is spread across clerical bodies, political institutions and powerful security organisations like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Even if the figure at the top is absent, the system is designed to keep functioning  ensuring that the state, and its war machine, continues to operate.

What Is Irans Mosaic Defence?

Irans military doctrine known as mosaic defence" is built around a straight ideology: the country should be able to keep fighting even if its leadership, command centres, or communications networks are destroyed in a war. The strategy assumes that in any major conflict with stronger militaries such as the United States or Israel, Iran could lose senior commanders or central control early in the war. Instead of relying on a single command chain, the system spreads authority across multiple regional units so that operations can continue even if the top leadership is eliminated.

The concept was developed in the mid-2000s within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under former commander Ali Jafari, who reorganised Irans defence structure into a network of semi-autonomous regional commands. Rather than one central headquarters directing everything, the countrys military forces  including IRGC units, the regular army, militia groups like the Basij, and missile and naval forces  are divided into multiple operational cells spread across the country. Each unit is capable of acting independently if communications with Tehran are disrupted or senior leaders are killed.

The doctrine also emphasises dispersion and redundancy. Weapon systems, command centres and troops are distributed across different locations so that a single airstrike or decapitation strike" cannot paralyse the entire military. Provincial commanders are given pre-authorised operational guidelines, allowing them to continue launching drone, missile or guerrilla operations without waiting for orders from the capital. In essence, the military is designed to function even if the head" of the system is hit.

Beyond simply defending territory, mosaic defence is meant to turn war into a long and exhausting conflict for Irans adversaries. By combining decentralised command, militia mobilisation and asymmetric tactics, Tehran aims to make any invasion or sustained bombing campaign costly and difficult to end quickly. The strategy reflects Irans broader belief that survival in a war with stronger powers will depend less on conventional strength and more on endurance, decentralisation and the ability to keep fighting even after major losses.

Who Is Irans Fourth Successor?

Irans war-time leadership planning includes a concept often referred to as the fourth successor"  essentially a layered succession system designed to ensure the state continues functioning even if several top leaders are killed in a conflict. The idea stems from Tehrans long-standing expectation that in a war with powerful adversaries like the United States or Israel, senior figures  including the supreme leader and his immediate replacements  could be targeted. To prevent a power vacuum, Iran maintains a deep hierarchy of leadership so that authority can quickly pass down multiple levels without disrupting governance or military command.

Under Irans political structure, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for choosing a new supreme leader. If the sitting leader dies or is incapacitated, an interim leadership council can temporarily take over the responsibilities of the office while the clerical body selects a successor. This arrangement was briefly seen after the killing of Ali Khamenei, when a three-member council that included Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials handled the duties of the leadership until a permanent successor was named.

The fourth successor" concept expands on this idea by ensuring that multiple layers of leadership are already identified or prepared in advance. In practical terms, it means that if the supreme leader and the first few replacements are eliminated in a strike, the system still has additional figures who can assume authority and keep state institutions  especially the military and security apparatus  functioning. The strategy reflects Irans broader war doctrine of decentralisation, where the state prepares for leadership losses but ensures that decision-making, command and resistance can continue regardless of who is at the top.

How Is Iran Preparing Itself For A Long Fight?

Irans military planners have long assumed that any war with stronger powers like the United States or Israel could turn into a prolonged conflict. As a result, the IRGC has developed contingency strategies  described by sources as Plan C"  to ensure the country can keep fighting even if its conventional capabilities are severely degraded. The plan is built on the idea that the war should not depend solely on missiles, air defences or central command structures. Instead, Iran is preparing for a scenario where the conflict shifts into a long, grinding struggle that mixes conventional strikes with asymmetric warfare.

Under this approach, even if Irans missile stockpiles or major bases are destroyed in airstrikes, the fight would continue through guerrilla tactics, decentralised operations and irregular forces. Military planners believe that if foreign troops ever set foot inside Iran, they could be drawn into a prolonged insurgency across the countrys difficult terrain and densely populated cities. Such a conflict would rely heavily on local militia networks, the Basij paramilitary forces and regional units of the Revolutionary Guards, making it far harder for an external military to achieve a quick victory.

At the same time, Tehrans broader wartime strategy appears to be focused on endurance and attrition. Iran has continued launching drones and missiles despite heavy bombardment, signalling that it aims to stretch the conflict long enough to test the political and economic stamina of its adversaries. Analysts say the leadership believes survival  not outright battlefield victory  is the key objective: if the state and its military structures remain intact after sustained attacks, Iran can claim strategic success simply by outlasting its opponents.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 14:31 IST

News world Prepared For The Long Haul: Who Is Really Calling The Shots In Iran?

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Puppet Of Iran Revolutionary Guards: Netanyahu Says Mojtaba Khamenei Cant Show Face In Public

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 07:42 IST

Netanyahu also said top Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (AFP file photo)

Israel Iran Attack Updates: As the West Asia conflict entered its 14th day on Friday, Benjamin Netanyahu branded Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" who cannot appear in public.

Speaking at a televised press conference, Netanyahu said Khamenei cant show his face in public" after Tehran issued a statement in his name that was read out by a television presenter.

We eliminated the old tyrant, and the new tyrant, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, cant show his face in public," Netanyahu said.

Israeli strikes kill Iranian scientists

Netanyahu also said top Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes during the conflict.

His remarks came hours after Iranian state television aired a statement attributed to Khamenei. The new supreme leader has not appeared publicly since being selected for the position and is said to have been injured at the start of the war.

Netanyahus message to Iranian people

During the briefing, Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people and said the moment for a new path of freedom" was approaching.

He said Israel stood with the Iranian public but added that change ultimately depended on them. But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands," he said.

Netanyahu said Israel had three objectives in the war. These include preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities.

He added that another goal was to create conditions for the Iranian people to bring down the countrys clerical leadership.

Warning to Lebanon over Hezbollah

Netanyahu also warned the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

I told the Lebanese government a few days ago: you are playing with fire if you continue allowing Hezbollah to operate," he said.

He added that if Beirut did not act, Israel would move to disarm the group on the ground".

Iran warns Israel of striking oil and gas units

Meanwhile, Iran warned that it would target the regions oil and gas industry if its own energy infrastructure was attacked.

A spokesman for Irans military central operational command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said the regions oil and gas sector would be set on fire" if Iranian facilities were targeted.

Iran vows to continue fighting

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani said the country would continue fighting until the United States regretted launching the war.

He also criticised Donald Trump, saying that while starting a war was easy, it could not be won with a few tweets".

Larijani said Iran would not relent until the United States was made to regret what he called a grave miscalculation".

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News world Puppet Of Iran Revolutionary Guards: Netanyahu Says Mojtaba Khamenei Cant Show Face In Public

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Repatriation Of Fallen IRIS Dena Sailors Begins Following India-Led Diplomatic Mission | Exclusive

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:57 IST

The repatriation process began in Sri Lanka, where the chartered flight first landed to collect the mortal remains of Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena

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)

In a significant humanitarian and diplomatic mission, an Iranian chartered aircraft facilitated by the Indian government has successfully coordinated the repatriation of sailors and civilians caught in the fallout of the West Asia conflict. The mission, which spanned two South Asian nations, marks a critical step in the de-escalation of the naval crisis in the Indian Ocean.

The repatriation process began in Sri Lanka, where the chartered flight first landed to collect the mortal remains of Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena, CNN-News18 has learnt. The frigate was tragically sunk on March 4 by a US submarine torpedo approximately 19 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.

Of the crew on board, 84 sailors were confirmed dead. Following a ruling by the Galle Chief Magistrates Court, the bodieswhich had been kept at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospitalwere handed over to Iranian officials. The aircraft collected the remains at Mattala International Airport before proceeding to the next phase of the mission in India.

The flight subsequently landed at the Cochin International Airport in Kochi, Kerala. Here, it boarded 183 crew members and cadets from the IRIS Lavan, an Iranian landing ship that had been granted safe harbour by India on humane grounds" since early March.

While the IRIS Lavan had sought refuge due to technical issues, its crew remained under the protection of Indian naval facilities in Kochi. The chartered flight also took on board several other Iranian nationals who had been stranded in the region due to the sudden closure of airspaces and the escalation of military hostilities.

The smooth execution of this mission underscores Indias unique position as a neutral mediator in the ongoing conflict. By facilitating the Iranian chartered flight, New Delhi has balanced its strategic interests with international humanitarian obligations.

The aircraft is now en route to Tehran, carrying both the survivors and the fallen back to Iranian soil. This coordinated effort between Colombo, New Delhi, and Tehran is seen as a vital de-stressing" move for the region, even as global eyes remain fixed on the volatile maritime corridors of the Indian Ocean.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:55 IST

News world Repatriation Of Fallen IRIS Dena Sailors Begins Following India-Led Diplomatic Mission | Exclusive

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One French Soldier Killed, Six Wounded In Drone Strike On Base In Iraqs Erbil Region

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 07:12 IST

France has hundreds of troops based in the Erbil region as part of a broader international coalition to fight Islamic State militants in the area.

Six French soldiers providing counter-terrorism training in northern Iraq were wounded in Iraq. (Image: Reuters)

One French soldier was killed while six are injured while providing counter-terrorism training in northern Iraq after a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, Frances army said on Thursday. The injuries were reported just hours after an Italian base was targeted in the area.

Confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war, President Emmanuel Macron took to X and wrote, A member of the armed forces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq."

The French army, in a statement, said, Today, six French soldiers providing counter-terrorism training to Iraqi partners were wounded after a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq." It added that the soldiers adding that they had been taken to the nearest medical facility.

The statement did not reveal details on the nature of their injuries or the origins of the drone.

An officer from the regional Kurdish Peshmerga forces said the wounded soldiers were stationed at the base where coalition forces are based. Erbil Governor Omed Koshnaw said in a statement that the drone attack was in the Makhmour area.

France has hundreds of troops based in the Erbil region as part of a broader international coalition to fight Islamic State militants in the area.

As per Reuters, Iraqi Shiite militants have picked up the pace of drone and missile attacks on US interests in Iraq in the last three to four days, according to three Iraqi security sources and two sources close to the groups.

France is deploying about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz as part of defensive support to allies threatened by the conflict in the Middle East.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 07:04 IST

News world One French Soldier Killed, Six Wounded In Drone Strike On Base In Iraqs Erbil Region

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Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Survived Two Assassination Attacks: Iranian MPs Claim

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 18:09 IST

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei survived two attacks amid US-Israel tensions.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. (Reuters/File)

Irans newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly survived two attacks in recent days, according to an Iranian member of parliament cited by a local media outlet.

Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi said the attacks occurred amid ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Speaking to Irans state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency, the lawmaker claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was present during a strike on the residence of the countrys former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Rezaei Kouchi said Mojtaba Khamenei was at the location at the time of the attack alongside Ali Khamenei but managed to escape what he described as an assassination attempt".

The lawmaker also alleged that another strike targeted a hospital where Mojtaba Khamenei was present. He referred to him as the third leader of the Islamic Republic" and claimed that the United States and Israel failed to achieve their objective. However, he did not disclose the name of the hospital or the exact location of the alleged strike.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump suggested that Irans new leader may have been injured during the early phase of the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.

I think he probably is. I think hes damaged, but I think hes probably alive in some form," Trump said during an interview with Fox News Radio host Brian Kilmeade.

Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message on Thursday. However, since his appointment nearly a week ago, no photographs or video recordings of him have been released, which has led to growing speculation about his health and condition.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 18:09 IST

News world Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Survived Two Assassination Attacks: Iranian MPs Claim

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The Persian Pincers: How Iran Controls The Strait Of Hormuz Through Three Tiny Islands

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 18:37 IST

The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf hold the key to the global economy's most vital chokepoint: the Strait of Hormuz

The US-Israel vs Iran war has cut off energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz. (Representational image/Reuters)

In the current landscape of the West Asia conflict, the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb have transformed from sleepy patches of sand into what military analysts call unsinkable aircraft carriers". While the world watches the missile exchanges between major powers, these three tiny landmasses in the Persian Gulf hold the key to the global economys most vital chokepoint: the Strait of Hormuz.

The story of how these islands became part of Iran is a tale of colonial exit, regional power plays, and a dispute that remains as combustible today as it was half a century ago.

The 1971 Handover: A Midnight Move

The modern history of the islands began on November 30, 1971, just two days before the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was officially formed. For decades, the British Empire had maintained a protectorate over the Trucial States" (now the UAE), including the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, which administered the islands.

Iran vs US-Israel War LIVE

As the British prepared to withdraw from the region, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, asserted a historical claim dating back to various Persian empires. Following a series of secret negotiations, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed regarding Abu Musa, allowing for joint administration between Iran and Sharjah. However, the Tunbs were a different story. Iranian forces landed on the islands on the morning of 30 November, leading to a brief but fatal skirmish with the local police of Ras Al Khaimah. By the time the UAE flag was first hoisted on December 2, 1971, Iran was already the de facto ruler of the three islandsa status it has maintained ever since.

The Strategic Pincers of Hormuz

To understand why these islands matter so much in the 2026 conflict, one must look at a map. The Strait of Hormuz is roughly 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, but the deep-water shipping lanes used by massive oil tankers are even narrower. These lanes pass directly between Abu Musa and the Tunbs.

By controlling these islands, Iran has placed its pincers" around the throat of global energy trade. In the current war, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has utilised the islands as forward-operating bases. Abu Musa now hosts missile batteries, drone runways, and home ports for the high-speed minelaying boats that have successfully stalled 95% of the regions maritime traffic this month.

The 2026 Standoff: Sovereignty vs Security

While Iran views its sovereignty over the islands as inalienable", the UAE, supported by the Arab League and occasionally China and Russia in diplomatic statements, continues to call for international arbitration. In the context of the present war, this territorial dispute has taken on a new, darker dimension.

On March 12, 2026, the Iranian Parliament Speaker issued a chilling warning that any US or Israeli attempt to liberate" or attack these islands would result in the Persian Gulf running with the blood of invaders". For Washington and Tel Aviv, the islands represent a tactical nightmare: to truly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, they would likely have to neutralise the assets on these islands, an act Tehran has declared a red line" for total regional escalation.

As the West Asia conflict enters a war of attrition, these three islands remain the ultimate leverage. They are no longer just disputed territory; they are the geological heart of a conflict that determines whether the worlds energy supplies flow or freeze.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 18:37 IST

News world The Persian Pincers: How Iran Controls The Strait Of Hormuz Through Three Tiny Islands

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'Watch What Happens To These Scumbags': Trump Threatens Iran Regime, Accuses Them Of 'Killing Innocents'

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:41 IST

Trump reiterated that Iran's Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated by the US military.

US President Donald Trump. (AFP file photo)

US President Donald Trump on Friday launched a fresh attack on Iran and accused the country of killing innocents across the world for 47 years". Hailing Americas unparalleled firepower, Trump threatened the Iranian regime and said, Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today." US-Israel Vs Iran War News LIVE Updates

We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social.

He reiterated that Irans Navy is gone, its Air Force is no longer there, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated by the US military. He claims that the Iranian leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth.

We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time. Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!"

When Will Iran War End?

While Trump has claimed it enough times that the US military has destroyed Irans Navy, Air Force and has decimated its missiles, the question still hangs: When will the war end?

Trump has offered a series of changing and conflicting answers regarding the scenario. He has changed his stance several times in the last few days, as he sometimes suggests that the war could last weeks, and then takes a u-turn saying that there are no time limits and answers to when the conflict will end.

Sometimes, Trump wants Iran to surrender unconditionally, then he hints that the conflict might soon be over, but states that the US has not won enough" yet.

The shifting messages have raised growing questions about the administrations strategy and the lack of a clear endgame.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:23 IST

News world 'Watch What Happens To These Scumbags': Trump Threatens Iran Regime, Accuses Them Of 'Killing Innocents'

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From Surrender To Escalation: How Trumps Iran Claim Fell Flat In 24 Hours

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 15:28 IST

According to officials familiar with the discussion, Trump spoke confidently about the trajectory of the war, boasting about the impact of US military operations.

US President Donald Trump and Iran's new Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump told Group of Seven (G7) leaders that Iran was on the verge of surrender" during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, though the claim appeared at odds with events on the ground, including a defiant statement issued the following day by Irans newly installed supreme leader.

According to officials familiar with the discussion, Trump spoke confidently about the trajectory of the war, boasting about the impact of US military operations and telling allies he had got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all."

At the same time, he reportedly acknowledged uncertainty over Irans leadership structure, saying there was no clear authority left in Tehran capable of formally announcing a surrender.

Within 24 hours of the call, Irans new supreme leader Mujtaba Khamenei issued his first public message, vowing to continue fighting and to avenge Iranian martyrs."

In the address, broadcast on state television, Khamenei warned of opening new fronts in the conflict and reiterated threats to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor.

Despite Trumps claims, there have been no signs of an imminent collapse of the Iranian regime.

As the war entered its second week, Iran appeared to be seeking greater leverage by intensifying pressure on maritime routes, contributing to oil prices rising above $100 a barrel and fuelling fears of a wider economic shock.

Officials said the G7 call reflected deep concern among US allies over the conflicts economic fallout. Several leaders urged Trump to bring the war to a swift end and stressed the urgency of securing the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump, however, suggested the situation there was improving and said commercial shipping should resume, even as reports emerged of tanker attacks near Iraq that same night.

Participants described Trump as vague about his objectives and timeline for ending the war.

While he indicated a desire to avoid a repeat conflict with Iran in the future, he offered no deadline, saying only that the US needed to finish the job." The White House declined to comment on the discussions.

The war has also raised concerns about Russia benefiting from higher energy prices. European leaders, including those of Germany, the UK and France, reportedly warned Trump against allowing Moscow to exploit the crisis or receive sanctions relief.

Hours later, however, the US Treasury announced a one-month waiver on sanctions covering Russian oil already in transit, citing the need to stabilise global energy markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would not deliver significant financial gains to the Russian government.

The G7 call also featured tense exchanges, officials said, with Trump reportedly criticising UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for initially withholding access to British bases for strikes on Iran, before later reversing his position.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 14:53 IST

News world From Surrender To Escalation: How Trumps Iran Claim Fell Flat In 24 Hours

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'Trump Failed To Make Case For Iran War': Former US NSA Warns Conflict Could Drag On

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:56 IST

John Bolton criticised Trump for not clearly explaining the rationale for war against Iran, advocating for regime change due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for militants.

Former US NSA John Bolton. (Image: AFP/File)

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has said the case for war against Iran was never adequately explained to the American public or Congress, arguing that the lack of a clear strategy could weaken support as the conflict intensifies.

Speaking in an interview with Firstpost, Bolton said there is a strong argument for regime change in Iran due to Tehrans pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for militant groups worldwide. However, he criticised US President Donald Trump for failing to clearly articulate the broader objective behind the war.

The former national security advisor said Washington had spent decades attempting diplomacy to curb Irans nuclear ambitions, but those efforts had failed. Despite this, he argued that the Trump administration did not adequately prepare the public or lawmakers for a shift toward regime change.

According to him, the problem stems partly from what he described as Trumps shifting objectives.

Explaining your rationale when you dont know what your goals are is more than a little difficult," he said, adding that the administration had put itself in a difficult position as the war continues.

Bolton warned that rising casualties and disruptions such as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could erode public support if Americans do not understand the stakes.

Civilian casualties and investigations

He also addressed reports that a US missile strike hit a school in Iran, killing several students. He said there was no evidence the building had been deliberately targeted.

He suggested the site may previously have been part of an Iranian naval complex and that US intelligence may not have been aware it had been converted into a school.

If it turns out it was our responsibility, we should apologise and make recompense," he said, while insisting that the strike would not have been intentional.

Regional tensions and Gulf response

Bolton rejected suggestions that Gulf states would oppose the campaign against Iran, saying many governments in the region want the current leadership in Tehran removed.

He pointed to Iranian attacks on American bases and civilian targets across the Gulf  including airports, hotels and oil infrastructure  as evidence of the threat posed by the regime.

According to Bolton, rather than intimidating Gulf governments, these actions have strengthened security cooperation between the United States and regional allies.

Economic and strategic concerns

The former US official also warned that the conflict could trigger wider economic consequences, particularly if oil prices rise or shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

Higher fuel prices, he said, would pose a political challenge for Trump at home.

Bolton argued that Washington should have anticipated Irans attempts to disrupt the waterway, calling a lack of preparation close to malpractice."

Irans internal pressures

Despite the risks, Bolton said the Iranian leadership faces deep internal dissatisfaction, citing economic hardship, youth unrest and women-led protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.

He said protests had spread across all 31 provinces and that a majority of Iranians, particularly younger citizens, oppose the rule of the clerical establishment that has governed since the Iranian Revolution.

Bolton said any transition after the fall of the current leadership would likely involve a temporary military government before the Iranians decide on a new constitutional structure.

War unlikely to end soon

Asked whether the conflict could end within weeks, Bolton said that outcome was unlikely.

He added that the wars direction ultimately depends on Trumps objectives, warning that the US president could still declare victory and withdraw even without achieving regime change.

Thats Donald Trump," Bolton said, adding that the unpredictability of his leadership remains a major factor shaping the conflicts trajectory.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 19:52 IST

News world 'Trump Failed To Make Case For Iran War': Former US NSA Warns Conflict Could Drag On

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Naftogaz claims final victory in its $1.4 bln lawsuit against Gazprom in Swiss Supreme Court

The Naftogaz Group has finally won a $1.4 billion lawsuit against Russia's Gazprom, Naftogaz Ukrainy CEO Serhiy Koretsky announced on his Facebook page on Friday.

"The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has completely rejected Gazprom's complaint and upheld the June 2025 arbitration ruling, which obliges the Russians to pay Naftogaz over $1.4 billion in back payments for gas transportation services, plus interest and legal costs," he wrote.

Naftogaz is currently working to enforce debt collection from Russians. Simultaneously, a number of other lawsuits against the aggressor country are ongoing to recover damages.

"Thank you to the Naftogaz Group legal team and our international legal advisors for their coordinated work and the results," Koretsky added.
Where Is Mojtaba Khamenei? Trump Adds Fresh Twist To Rumours Around Iran's New Supreme Leader

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 11:29 IST

Trumps remarks came amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed office after the killing of his father, has not made a public appearance since the conflict began.

US President Donald Trump and Iran's New Supreme Leader Majtaba Khamenei | File Image

US President Donald Trump on Friday said Irans newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely still alive in some form," even as speculation grows over the extent of his injuries following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Trumps remarks came amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed office after the killing of his father Ali Khamenei, has not made a public appearance since the conflict began.

Speaking on the Fox News Radio programme hosted by Brian Kilmeade, Trump suggested the Iranian leader may have survived the attack but suffered serious harm.

I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think hes probably alive in some form," Trump said in the interview, which was recorded on Thursday and aired on Friday.

The comments followed a US media report claiming Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during US-Israeli strikes on a Tehran compound on February 28, the attack in which his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed.

The report suggested the younger Khamenei may have slipped into a coma following the assault.

Despite his absence from public view, Mojtaba Khamenei earlier issued his first statement since taking office, vowing that Iran would not retreat in the conflict with the United States and Israel.

In the address, he warned of retaliation and called for intensified pressure on regional rivals.

We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," Khamenei said, urging Iran to consider closing the Strait of Hormuz and to continue strikes on Gulf Arab neighbours.

He also appealed to people in Gulf countries to disrupt US military bases, claiming American security guarantees were nothing more than a lie."

Uncertainty over Khameneis condition has been fuelled by conflicting accounts.

A report by The Sun claimed the 56-year-old cleric lost at least one leg and sustained severe internal injuries in the strikes, which also allegedly killed members of his immediate family.

Earlier this week, Irans ambassador Alireza Salarian said Khamenei had suffered injuries to his legs, hand and arm and was receiving hospital treatment.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the war began, and even his recent message to the nation was not delivered in person or through a video broadcast, adding to speculation surrounding his health and status as the conflict continues to escalate.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:15 IST

News world Where Is Mojtaba Khamenei? Trump Adds Fresh Twist To Rumours Around Iran's New Supreme Leader

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Trump Says US Could Profit From Rising Oil Prices, Iran Disputes 'Americans Won't Make Money'

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 09:21 IST

Araghchi's remarks came after Trump said rising oil prices mean greater profits for the US, but his priority is stopping Iran from having nuclear weapons.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President Donald Trump

As the tensions in West Asia is set to entered its second week, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Americans will not be able to make money" from surging oil prices and tariffs. He further accused the United States of enriching corporations and crushing households.

Araghchis remarks came after US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that rising oil prices mean greater profits for the United States, but his priority is currently stopping Iran from having nuclear weapons.

The Iranian minister claimed that Tehran, during the negotiation talks mediated by Oman in Geneva last month, proposed to formally seal its refusal to develop nuclear weapons, but Washington turned down the proposal as the US officials were not able to grasp the technical details".

Referring to what he termed as factual knowledge," Araghchi in a post on X wrote, Case 1: Irans proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because US counterparts didnt grasp the technical details."

Case 2: Americans wont make money from surging oil prices and tariffs. They enrich corporations and crush households," he added.

Factual knowledge matters.Case 1: Irans proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because U.S. counterparts didnt grasp the technical details. Case 2: Americans wont make money" from surging oil prices and tariffs. They enrich corporations and crush households.  Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 12, 2026

READ MORE: Iranian FM Claims Tehran Proposed To Ensure No Nuclear Weapons, But US Officials Dismissed

What Did Trump Say?

Trump on Thursday said that stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons was more important to him than controlling oil prices.

The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World," he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

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Location : Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 09:21 IST

News world Trump Says US Could Profit From Rising Oil Prices, Iran Disputes 'Americans Won't Make Money'

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US Deploys 2,500 Marines To Strait Of Hormuz Amid Attacks On Ships

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:35 IST

The US is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East due to Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The US is deploying a Marine unit to the Middle East due to Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Image: reuters)

The United States Department of Defense is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East as tensions rise following Irans escalating attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from United States Central Command to deploy the unit near Iran, the The Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials familiar with the plan.

A Marine Expeditionary Unit typically consists of up to 2,500 Marines and is designed to respond quickly to crises, conduct amphibious operations and provide rapid military support in volatile regions.

The Marines are believed to be deploying from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, one of the largest Marine training facilities in the United States.

The move comes as Washington grows increasingly concerned about disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical oil shipping routes.

The waterway handles a significant share of global crude exports, and attacks or threats to shipping in the area have raised fears of supply disruptions and rising energy prices.

The deployment is expected to strengthen the US military presence in the region and support efforts to safeguard commercial vessels navigating the strategic corridor.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:35 IST

News world US Deploys 2,500 Marines To Strait Of Hormuz Amid Attacks On Ships

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Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 07:16 IST

US-Israel vs Iran War Latest News Updates Today: The conflict between Iran and Israel entered its 14th day on Friday, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric and military actions. The war has continued to disrupt the region, affecting oil supplies, shipping routes and the security situation across several countries. Iranian media reports several explosions in Tehran.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi News Today Live

Iran Israel War: Here is a look at the key developments so far.

US aircraft incident in Iraq: The US military said an American refuelling aircraft went down over western Iraq. Officials said the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire. Rescue efforts are under way after the incident, which reportedly involved two planes. The second aircraft landed safely. The US military did not provide further details, including whether any service members were hurt or killed.

Netanyahus message to Iran: Benjamin Netanyahu said top Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli strikes. The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that several leading scientists were among those killed during the attacks. Netanyahu also criticised Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He described him as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards and said the leader cannot appear in public. His comments came hours after Iranian state television aired a statement said to be from Khamenei on Thursday. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since being chosen as Irans new supreme leader. Reports say he was injured at the start of the war. Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian public during the briefing. He said the moment for a new path of freedom for Iran was approaching.

Oil threats and Strait of Hormuz: Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it could set the regions oil and gas infrastructure on fire if Iranian energy sites are attacked. The statement attributed to Khamenei also called for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of pressure amid major disruption in global oil markets.

Stock Market Live Updates Today | Gold Silver Rates Today | Petrol Diesel Prices Today

Strikes in Lebanon and shipping attacks: Fresh Israeli strikes hit suburbs of Beirut after Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for expanded operations against Hezbollah.

At least three more cargo ships were also attacked in the Gulf, reportedly by Iran. Iranian state media said Iranian forces were behind at least one strike.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency said 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since Israel and the US launched their attacks on February 28.

Check Latest Updates On Iran Israel War Status Today
US-Israel-Iran War: Pakistan Offers Mediation; Urges Saudi Leadership To Press Trump For Ceasefire

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News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 10:13 IST

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid growing fears that the conflict could destabilise the wider Middle East.

Rapid Read

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As tensions rise in the ongoing confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Pakistan has stepped forward with a diplomatic initiative, offering to play a mediation role while urging Saudi Arabia to use its influence to push for a ceasefire.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a restricted high-level meeting in Jeddah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid growing fears that the conflict could destabilise the wider Middle East. The discussions focused on the rapidly evolving regional security environment as well as deeper cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh in strategic and defence sectors.

During the meeting, Sharif conveyed his regards to Saudi monarch Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked the Kingdom for its longstanding political and economic support for Pakistan. The Pakistani PM also reaffirmed Islamabads full solidarity" with Saudi Arabia, emphasising that Pakistan would stand firmly with the Kingdom during challenging regional circumstances.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the talks also explored diplomatic pathways to reduce tensions in the region. Pakistan has signalled that it is willing to help facilitate dialogue aimed at preventing the conflict between United States, Israel and Iran from escalating further. Islamabad has also encouraged Riyadh to press Washington, particularly the administration of Donald Trump, to consider steps toward a ceasefire.

The meeting in Jeddah included senior members of Pakistans political and military leadership. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Pakistans Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir were also present during the high-level engagement.

Both sides held what officials described as an in-depth exchange on the regional situation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to maintain close coordination and continue working together to promote peace, stability and cooperation across the region.

The diplomatic outreach signals Pakistans attempt to position itself as a constructive actor amid a rapidly intensifying regional crisis. With fears growing that the war could expand beyond its current theatres, countries across the region are increasingly exploring diplomatic channels to prevent a wider conflict that could further destabilise the Middle East and disrupt global energy and trade routes.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 10:13 IST

News world US-Israel-Iran War: Pakistan Offers Mediation; Urges Saudi Leadership To Press Trump For Ceasefire

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US KC-135 Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq During Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM Confirms

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 07:38 IST

CENTCOM, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft were involved in the incident.

US KC-135 military plane crashes in Iraq amid Iran war. (Representative Image)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday confirmed that a US KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury. The incident took place not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, and rescue efforts are ongoing. US-Israel-Iran War News LIVE Updates

CENTCOM, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second landed safely.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

As of now, it is unclear whether the pilot and crew members survived the crash.

Iran-Backed Iraqi Group Claims Responsibility

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the US military refueling aircraft in western Iraq.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft in defense of our countrys sovereignty and airspace".

READ MORE: India In Talks With Iran For Safe Passage Of Around 28 Merchant Vessels Through Hormuz

Over 150 US Troops Injured In US-Iran war

Since the beginning of the US and Israeli strikes against Iran from February 28, seven US troops have been killed. Reuters on Tuesday reported that as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against US military bases since the start of the conflict on February 28. It has also struck diplomatic missions in Arab Gulf states as well as hotels and airports and damaged oil infrastructure.

The Pentagon says the number of Iranian strikes has fallen sharply since the start of the war, as the US military bombs Irans weapons inventories and targets Irans more limited number of missile launchers.

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Location : Iraq

First Published: March 13, 2026, 05:33 IST

News world US KC-135 Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq During Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM Confirms

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US Offers $10 Million Reward For Info On Mojtaba Khamenei, Other Top Iranian Officials

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 00:37 IST

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib and national security chief Ali Larijani were among the ten individuals on the list.

Rapid Read

File photo of Mojtaba Khamenei. (Photo Credit: X)

The US State Department offered a $10 million reward on Friday for information about Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei and other top officials, after saying that the top Iranian leadership had gone underground.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Intelligence and Security Esmail Khatib and Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani were among the ten individuals on the list, along with an advisor to the Supreme Leader and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

These individuals command and direct various elements of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organizes and executes terrorism around the world," the State Department said.

BREAKING: US offers $10 million reward for top Iranian leaders pic.twitter.com/GVsSVXoUKd The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) March 13, 2026

The department urged tipsters to send information via Tor or Signal and said your information could make you eligible for relocation and a reward." The Rewards for Justice" programme offers cash for intelligence leading to the capture or prosecution of wanted individuals.

Mojtaba Khameneis father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a bombing on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran. Mojtaba is himself reported to be injured and hasnt been seen in public ever since, as a statement reportedly written by him was read out by the state media on March 13.

ALSO READ: Your Leaders Are On Epsteins Island: Iran Hits Back At Pete Hegseths Hiding Like Rats Remark

US Says Iranian Leaders Hiding

Earlier, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iranian leadership was desperate and hiding". During a briefing, he said Irans leadership were not in good shape.

Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. Thats what rats do," he added. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday, a weak one actually, but there was no voice and there was no video."

Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders, why a written statement? I think you know why. His father, dead. Hes scared, hes injured, hes on the run and he lacks legitimacy. Its a mess for them," he continued.

However, Hegseths statements were contrary to visuals from Tehran, where Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian and other top officials were seen among the crowd in the streets during the Al Quds day march to express solidarity with Palestinians.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: March 14, 2026, 00:37 IST

News world US Offers $10 Million Reward For Info On Mojtaba Khamenei, Other Top Iranian Officials

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Watch: Thai Anchors Ditch Jackets On Air To Support Governments Fuel Crisis Measures

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 19:12 IST

Amid the fuel crisis in Thailand PM Anutin Charnvirakul announced several measures, including ordering civil servants to work from home.

Thai anchors removing jackets on screen (Credits: Reuters)

In support of the Thai governments energy-saving measures amid the countrys fuel crisis, news anchors removed their jackets while on air. A video shared by Reuters shows three news anchors ditching their jackets on camera.

Lets just take it off so we can set an example of how to save energy, too. People addicted to cool air conditioners, now you dont need that. You can adjust the temperature as advised by the government to 26-27 degrees Celsius," said one of the anchors.

This comes as Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently ordered the civil servants to save energy, according to a spokesperson cited by Reuters.

The prime minister ordered that starting from today, civil servants will work from home," spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana told reporters, adding that exceptions would be made for officials who must serve the public.

Thai news anchors removed their jackets on air to align with government energy-saving measures, including setting air conditioners to 26-27C amid a fuel crisis linked to the Iran war pic.twitter.com/LRtaSsRbVO Reuters (@Reuters) March 13, 2026

Officials say the nation currently has about 95 days of energy reserves remaining, raising concerns about future demand.

According to Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon, the government is working to secure additional supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Thailand has approached potential suppliers, including the United States, Australia and South Africa, in an effort to strengthen its energy imports.

At the same time, authorities are urging people and businesses to reduce energy consumption. Officials say several measures have already been introduced to cut electricity use across the country.

Government buildings have been instructed to limit power consumption by turning off lights and electrical equipment when not in use. Public offices are also being encouraged to adjust air-conditioning temperatures to between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius. Workers have been advised to wear short-sleeved shirts instead of formal clothing such as suits and ties to reduce cooling demand.

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First Published: March 13, 2026, 19:12 IST

News world Watch: Thai Anchors Ditch Jackets On Air To Support Governments Fuel Crisis Measures

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Who Are the Shadow Ten? The Iranian Powerbrokers Named In The US Rewards For Justice List

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: March 14, 2026, 01:01 IST

At the top of the bounty list is Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Irans new Supreme Leader on March 8

US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both claimed that Mojtaba was wounded and remains 'disfigured' or 'damaged' following recent strikes, a narrative the Iranian government has dismissed as propaganda. (File image/AP)

The US State Department has announced a massive $10 million reward for information leading to the capture or prosecution of Irans top leadership. The announcement, made through the Rewards for Justice" programme on March 13, targets ten of the most powerful figures within the Iranian regime, including the countrys newly appointed Supreme Leader.

The Primary Target: Mojtaba Khamenei

At the top of the bounty list is Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named Irans new Supreme Leader on March 8. Mojtaba assumed the role following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a bombing on 28 February during the opening stages of the current war.

Iran vs US-Israel War LIVE

The US designation of Mojtaba comes amid intense speculation regarding his physical condition. Despite issuing a defiant written statement vowing to continue retaliatory actions and maintain pressure on Gulf oil routes, the 56-year-old cleric has yet to appear in public. US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both claimed that Mojtaba was wounded and remains disfigured" or damaged" following recent strikes, a narrative the Iranian government has dismissed as propaganda.

The Shadow Ten: Senior Officials Named

The State Departments Rewards for Justice" banner identifies a core group of individuals who Washington claims command and direct various elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)". Beyond Mojtaba Khamenei, the named officials include:

Ali Larijani: The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a long-time fixture in Iranian diplomacy and security. Larijani recently taunted US officials by appearing in a video during Quds Day demonstrations in Tehran to prove he was not hiding underground".

Esmail Khatib: Irans Minister of Intelligence and Security, responsible for the regimes domestic and international intelligence operations.

Brigadier General Eskandar Momeni: The Interior Minister, who oversees internal security and the suppression of domestic dissent.

Ali Asghar Hejazi: The Deputy Chief of Staff for the Supreme Leaders Office, often described as a key liaison between the clerical leadership and the intelligence services.

Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi: A senior military adviser to the Supreme Leader and a former Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.

The bounty also covers four additional high-ranking positions where the specific names or photographs are currently omitted, including the current Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC and the Secretary of the Supreme Defence Council.

A Strategy of Attrition and De-escalation

This bounty programme is being viewed as part of a broader Maximum Pressure" 2.0 strategy by the Trump administration. By offering life-changing sums of money and the promise of relocation to any tipster using secure channels like Signal or Tor, the United States aims to incentivise defections from within the regimes inner circle.

The announcement coincides with reports of internal instability in Iran, following a violent crackdown in early January that reportedly left over 36,000 dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has similarly stated that the current military pressure is creating optimal conditions" for the Iranian people to topple the government. As the conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies and maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington is betting that the bounties may be the catalyst needed to fracture the IRGCs command structure from within.

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First Published: March 14, 2026, 01:01 IST

News world Who Are the Shadow Ten? The Iranian Powerbrokers Named In The US Rewards For Justice List

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'Your Leaders Are On Epstein's Island': Iran Hits Back At Pete Hegseth's 'Hiding Like Rats' Remark

Curated By :

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Last Updated: March 13, 2026, 22:19 IST

Hegseth remarked that Iran's leadership had gone underground, which is what "rats do", as Iran's president was seen in public during an annual protest march.

Rapid Read

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (Image: REUTERS)

Irans national security chief on Friday hit back at US Defence Secretary for claiming that the Iranian leadership was desperate and hiding", sharing visuals of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian walking among the public without any security during the Al Quds day march in Tehran amid the war.

During a media briefing on Friday, Hegseth remarked that Irans leadership were not in good shape. Desperate and hiding, they have gone underground, cowering. Thats what rats do," he added.

In response, Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, said, Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epsteins island!"

Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epsteins island! https://t.co/iywavTegyv pic.twitter.com/rxFhzsWoq5 Ali Larijani |   (@alilarijani_ir) March 13, 2026

Thousands of people took part in an annual march held in solidarity with Palestinians as the US-Israeli attacks continued for the 14th day. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian was seen at the rally in Tehran, as well as Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The officials marched despite the risk of US-Israeli attacks, which have killed dozens of senior figures, including the supreme leader, since the war on Iran began on February 28. The president appeared to be moving through the crowd without a visible entourage, interacting with members of the public and stopping to take selfies with participants along the route.

Follow Live Updates

Protesters chanted Death to Israel" and Death to America" while carrying Iranian flags and images of Palestinian fighters, voicing support for groups battling the US and Israel, according to Al Jazeera. They also expressed solidarity with Palestinians.

Meanwhile, an explosion rocked the Tehran square where the protests were taking place, killing one woman. Larijani claimed that Israel was dropping bombs out of fear and was running out of option."

ALSO READ: Khameneis Top Aide Says Trump Does Not Understand Iran, Israel Running Out Of Options

Irans Supreme Leader Disfigured

Meanwhile, Hegseth said in his briefing that Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been wounded and likely disfigured," as he claimed that Iranian leadership has been severely weakened as a result of US military operations.

We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday, a weak one actually, but there was no voice and there was no video," the Defence Secretary said.

Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders, why a written statement? I think you know why. His father, dead. Hes scared, hes injured, hes on the run and he lacks legitimacy. Its a mess for them," he continued.

Mojtaba Khamenei made his first remarks on the war since the US-Israeli strikes killed his father, saying that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and attacks on US bases in the Gulf countries would continue, as he promised revenge for the blood of martyrs".

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Location : Tehran, Iran

First Published: March 13, 2026, 22:19 IST

News world 'Your Leaders Are On Epstein's Island': Iran Hits Back At Pete Hegseth's 'Hiding Like Rats' Remark

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Military counterintelligence of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), with cooperation from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, has thwarted Russian attempts to liquidate the commander of the 3rd Army Corps, the SBU reported.

"As a result of proactive measures, a Russian agent was detained while preparing a targeted missile and bomb strike on the Ukrainian generals location in the combat zone," the Ukrainian special service stated on its Telegram channel on Friday.

According to the agency, to coordinate the air attack, Russian intelligence recruited a UAV operator from a different brigade currently operating in the Kharkiv region. The investigation established that the suspect attempted to obtain information regarding the timing and location of the generals arrival at his units positions.

"To collect intelligence, the agent utilized his access to official information and attempted to covertly solicit classified data from his colleagues," the report noted. Additionally, the suspect intended to leak the locations of his own brigades headquarters and training center to the occupants for a separate strike.

SBU officers exposed the "mole" at the initial stage of his espionage activity, documented his contacts with the enemy, and secured the relevant Defense Forces locations. "In the final stage of the special operation, the agent was detained on the territory of the garrison. A smartphone used to maintain communication with the occupants was seized from him," the SBU informed.

Evidence suggests the suspect was recruited by Russian intelligence through his ex-wife, who resides in the temporarily occupied territory of the Zaporizhia region and works for the Russian Federation. To maintain secrecy, the agent regularly deleted his correspondence.

SBU investigators have notified the suspect of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law). The perpetrator is currently in custody.
Tesla's controversial pickup is back in the spotlight, this time in a lawsuit that claims a Cybertruck on Autopilot tried to steer itself off a Houston overpass. In a complaint filed in Harris County, Houston resident Justine Saint Amour says she was driving on the 69 Eastex Freeway in August 2025 with Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" mode turned on when the truck headed straight toward a concrete barrier at a Y-shaped split in the road instead of following the curve, the Houston Chronicle reports.

She says she cut off the system and tried to regain control but slammed into the barrier, leaving her with multiple herniated discs, wrist injuries, and nerve issues in her right hand. She's seeking more than $1 million in damages and accuses Tesla of negligence. Dashcam footage reviewed by the Chronicle shows the Cybertruck navigating a ramp, beginning to take the curve, then plowing into the sidewall, spinning out as the hood flies open and pieces of the vehicle shear off.

The lawsuit argues that Tesla misrepresented its "Full Self-Driving" system and failed to adopt safety tools used by some rivals, including LiDARLight Detection and Rangingsensors and more robust emergency braking. The filing quotes engineers who allegedly pushed for LiDAR, while CEO Elon Musk has publicly dismissed the technology as "lame" and too costly and unnecessary, favoring camera-based systems instead.

"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 states, per the Austin American-Statesman.

In the lawsuit, Musk is described as "an aggressive and irresponsible salesman" who overstates what his products can do. Saint Amour's attorney, Bob Hilliard, said Tesla's choices made the crash "inevitable" and argued the company is selling drivers on the belief their vehicles can safely drive themselves "and that it can do so safely. It can't, and it doesn't."

After a warning from regulators in California, Tesla now refers to Navigate on Autopilot as Navigate on Autosteer, the Statesman reports. Full Self-Driving has become Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
It's not clear exactly what kind of missions FBI Director Kash Patel has in mind for agents, but they will apparently need some pointers from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The mixed martial arts promotion says several of its stars will be at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia, this weekend to work with agents-in-training, offering a peek at how fighters prepare and walking them through specific techniques and tactics, CNN reports. Participants will include Justin Gaethjeset to headline an upcoming UFC event at the White Housealong with Jorge Masvidal and Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Renzo Gracie.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the session "a tremendous opportunity" for agents to learn from "some of the greatest athletes." UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime friend of President Trump, said UFC "is proud to support the FBI in strengthening their defense techniques," the BBC reports. UFC fighters are "some of the baddest men and women on the planet and they are heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts," said White, who campaigned for Trump and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The Quantico event lands a few months before a planned UFC fight night at the White House on President Trump's birthday, billed as part of the nation's 250th birthday festivities.
China's national legislature concludes annual session

Xinhua) 08:04, March 13, 2026

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) holds the closing meeting of its fourth session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, concluded its fourth session Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the closing meeting of the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Zhao Leji, executive chairperson of the session's presidium, presided over the meeting attended by 2,762 NPC deputies.

Lawmakers approved the government work report and the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development.

They passed the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law and the National Development Planning Law. Xi signed presidential orders to promulgate the laws.

Lawmakers approved a report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and approved the 2026 plan.

They approved a report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2026, and approved the central budget for 2026.

Lawmakers approved the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

They also adopted a decision on approving the report of the NPC Standing Committee on the work of the overhaul of laws and the proposed handling of certain laws and decisions. Xi signed a presidential order concerning the decision.

Addressing the meeting, Zhao said that the annual session has completed its agenda.

He noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a crucial stage for reinforcing the foundations and pushing ahead on all fronts toward basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035, and that the effective implementation of the plan is of great significance.

Zhao stressed the need to stay focused on managing the country's own affairs well and strive for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He added that the people's congresses should fulfill their duties and provide the legal guarantee for achieving the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

A meeting of the session's presidium, presided over by Zhao, was held before the closing meeting.

Zhao, who is also chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over a meeting of the executive chairpersons before the presidium meeting.

The closing 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 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Zhao Leji presides over the closing 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 12, 2026. Zhao delivered a speech at the meeting on Thursday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presides over the third meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the presidium of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the fourth meeting of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is looking to build on the progress made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) as it prepares for the next stage of development under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Lawmakers and experts say the country has made steady advances in areas ranging from technological innovation and industrial upgrading to environmental protection and social welfare, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

Patrol unmanned aerial vehicles are displayed at an exhibition hall of United Aircraft Group in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

New quality productive forces

China has made steady progress in fostering new quality productive forces in the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and the new five-year plan calls for major breakthroughs in this area to build a modernized economy.

Xu Guanju, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of Transfar Group, said the foundation of new quality productive forces lies in a strong real economy.

"New quality productive forces are not something built in the air. Their foundation lies in a solid real economy," Xu said.

He noted that the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries should not mean abandoning their core businesses or blindly switching to new sectors. Instead, companies should move toward high-end, intelligent and green development within their areas of expertise.

Xu added that traditional industries should be guided to invest more in technological upgrading so they can better support emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and biomanufacturing, enabling traditional manufacturing to become an important carrier of new quality productive forces.

Investment structure optimization

Investment remains a crucial driver of both current demand and future supply.

China has made notable progress in expanding effective investment over the past five years.

Yuan Guohua, a national lawmaker and chairman of Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment Co., Ltd., said authorities have taken multiple measures to stabilize investment in traditional sectors while cultivating new growth drivers.

Yuan said the 15th Five-Year Plan highlights combining investment in physical assets with investment in people.

"This reflects an upgrade in China's investment philosophy, direction and priorities," Yuan said, adding that this approach is of great significance for strengthening development momentum and expanding domestic demand.

A staff member introduces a humanoid robot at the tech company DIGIT in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Innovation momentum

Scientific and technological innovation has also accelerated.

China's research and development (R&D) expenditure reached 3.93 trillion yuan (about $540 billion) in 2025, with average annual growth of 10% during the past five-year period.

The country's ranking in the Global Innovation Index rose from 14th place in 2020 to 10th in 2024, marking its first entry into the top 10.

A number of landmark breakthroughs have also been achieved. These include the successful launch of the Tianhe core module of China's space station, the Chang'e-6 mission returning the world's first far-side lunar samples, the debut of the homegrown superconducting quantum computer Origin Wukong, and the commissioning of the Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets the goal of substantially improving scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

Liu Hongtao, an NPC deputy and general manager of PetroChina Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd, said that he expects more key technological bottlenecks to be overcome in the next five years.

"With sustained efforts, China will gain stronger confidence in technological innovation and stronger momentum for development," Liu said.

Improving livelihoods

China also made solid progress in improving people's livelihoods.

Per capita disposable income grew by an average of 5.4% annually during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, while the achievements of poverty alleviation were consolidated and expanded

The new plan aims to further improve people's quality of life.

Pan Shuang, a national lawmaker and director of the Commerce Department of Liaoning province, said more efforts are needed to increase household incomes and improve the social security system.

She also called for greater support in healthcare, education, childcare and elderly care to boost people's consumption capacity.

A ranger interacts with Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys at the popular science education base in Pingwu County, Mianyang City of southwest China's Sichuan province, May 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Green transition

China has also made notable progress in ecological protection during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

The country has accelerated its green transition, with installed capacity of non-fossil energy power generation surpassing that of fossil fuels.

Average PM2.5 concentration in cities at or above the prefectural level has fallen to 28 micrograms per cubic meter, while more than 90% of surface water has reached Grade III (fairly good quality) or above.

During the fourth session of the 14th NPC, a draft environmental code was also submitted for deliberation.

Jia Yu, a national lawmaker and president of the Shanghai High People's Court, described the environmental code as "an encyclopedia of ecological conservation."

He said the draft code marks a new stage in China's ecological protection characterized by greater rule of law and more systematic protection, adding that it is of far-reaching significance for advancing Chinese modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature.

The draft code will also help advance the goals set out in the 15th Five-Year Plan of making major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative and ensuring that eco-friendly ways of work and life become a societal norm.


Over 4.3 million Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU, mostly in Germany - Ministry of Social Policy

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, citing the latest Eurostat data, reports that 4.38 million Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war are currently under temporary protection in European Union states.

"Specifically, the largest number of Ukrainians under temporary protection is currently in Germany (1,260,230 people), followed by Poland (965,990) and Czechia (397,185). The highest ratios of beneficiaries per thousand residents were recorded in Czechia (36.4), Poland (26.5), and Slovakia (25.8), while the corresponding EU-wide figure stands at 9.7 per thousand residents," the Ministrys statement reads.

According to Eurostat, EU countries issued 683,395 new temporary protection decisions for Ukrainian citizens throughout 2025, which is 14% fewer than in 2024. However, as of the end of January 2026, the number of Ukrainians with this status in the EU grew by 23,110 people compared to late December 2025.

Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity Denys Uliutin noted that the government is currently developing a strategy for maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad, as the European Council has extended the temporary protection mechanism through March 4, 2027.
Italy's prime minister just put the US and Israel on notice while insisting she won't be dragged into their war with Iran, the Telegraph reports. Giorgia Meloni told Italy's Senate that US and Israeli strikes on Iran fall "outside the scope of international law" and stressed that Rome has no plans to join the campaign. She said the conflict is "an intervention that Italy is not part of and does not intend to take part in," adding that any US request to use Italian bases would have to go through parliament. The fighting should be seen as part of a broader "structural crisis in the international system," she said, with unilateral military actions on the rise.

Meloni reserved her sharpest words for the Feb. 28 blast at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, which killed more than 160 people, most of them children. Calling it a "massacre," she demanded that the US determine who carried out the strike and said "responsibility must be ascertained." While US President Trump has hinted Iran may have fired on the school, experts say the damage is consistent with a US Tomahawk missilehardware neither Iran nor Israel possesses. A preliminary military inquiry reportedly points to outdated targeting data, undercutting Trump's suggestion that Tehran was to blame.

The stance is notable given Meloni's public closeness to Trump, whose second inauguration she was alone among European leaders in attending; the Times says her speaking out is not a good sign for his desire to "get Europe on his side." With a referendum this month widely seen as a judgment on her four years in power and a general election looming next year, she's also well aware the Iran war is unpopular at home. At the same time, she warned that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, arguing that a nuclear-armed Tehran with growing missile capabilities could soon directly threaten Italy and Europe. Politico reports Meloni is "facing possible defeat" in the referendum, which is technically about judicial reform but looks like a test of her authority; she says the country's judicial system leans too far left and must be reshaped.
Colorectal cancer has moved into the top spot as the deadliest cancer for Americans under 50, and doctors say too many people are still brushing off the warning signs, the Guardian reports. A new American Cancer Society analysis finds roughly three-quarters of younger patients are diagnosed only after the disease has advanced, in part because they haven't been screened and assume they're too young for something serious. Symptoms often dismissed as hemorrhoidspersistent rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or very narrow stoolsshould trigger a medical visit if they last more than a couple weeks, experts say. Across all ages, colorectal cancer is the 2nd-leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, Fox News reports. Regular screenings are recommended from age 45 to 75 for those at average risk.

While colorectal cancer deaths are falling rapidly in people over 65, they've climbed among younger generations, jumping from the fifth to the leading cause of cancer death since the 1990s. Researchers suspect something introduced to the environment or food supply in the mid-20th centurypossibly ultra-processed foods or plasticsmay be raising risk, but no single cause has been pinned down. The shift is also forcing oncologists to confront fertility and sexual-health issues that matter more to patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with advocates urging doctors to discuss preservation options before treatment begins. "There are so many surveys that report that young survivors find out that they can't have children after their treatment is already finished," says the lead author of the analysis. Awareness of colorectal cancer in young patients has increased after the deaths of actors Chadwick Boseman and James Van Der Beek, Today reports.
A standoff over immigration enforcement is keeping much of the Department of Homeland Security unfunded, with the Senate again voting to not advance a spending bill on Thursday. The measure to finance DHS was rejected 51-46, short of the 60 votes needed; all Democrats except Sen. John Fetterman opposed it, the New York Times reports. Democrats say they will not support new money for the department without statutory limits on immigration enforcement, after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year during a crackdown that has since been scaled back.

As a result, the Transportation Security Administration, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and a federal cybersecurity office remain without regular funding, and many employees have gone unpaid since the shutdown began Feb. 14. Border and immigration enforcement agencies are running on a separate allocation approved by Republicans last year. Democrats have proposed funding parts of DHS individually, including TSA, to pay workers while negotiations with the White House continue over tightening rules for federal immigration officers. They're insisting on ending the use of masked officers and random street roundups, adding a requirement for body cameras, and mandating judge-issued warrants for arrests and home searches.

Republicans have rejected what they call a piecemeal strategy and instead want a short-term, unconditional extension of DHS funding for two weeks to allow more talks, a plan Democrats have so far resisted. Tension has been building, per the Times. "This cannot continue this way," said Republican Sen. Susan Collins on the floor. "You have lost this argument," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy told Republicans. "The public does not want ICE to continue operating the way they have been operating." It was the fourth spending bill rejected in four weeks. After the vote, senators left Washington for the weekend, per Politico, so the shutdown will reach its one-month anniversary on Friday.
Live Nation's public line that it values fans just took a hit from its own Slack, the New York Times reports. Newly unsealed messages between two regional ticketing directors show them joking about "gouging" concertgoers for parking and VIP upgrades, calling customers "so stupid" for paying and boasting they were "robbing them blind baby," according to exhibits in the Justice Department's antitrust case against the Ticketmaster parent company. The exchanges, from late 2021 to early 2023, focus on so-called ancillary feescharges for things like premier parking and VIP club access. In one 2022 Kid Rock show example, a $199 VIP club price prompted the "so stupid" remark; another thread celebrated "premier parking" revenue for one venue hitting $666,000 in a year.

Live Nation had pushed to keep the Slack chats out of the trial, saying they were irrelevant, private joking between friends and not evidence of company policy or real decision-making. Government lawyers argued the opposite, telling the court the messages offer a blunt window into how the company viewsand pricesextras tacked onto tickets. Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the documents released after a request from several news outlets, including the Times.

In a statement, Live Nation said the exchange came from "one junior staffer to a friend" and "absolutely doesn't reflect our values or how we operate," adding that leadership only learned of the comments when they became public and will review the matter. Court filings identify the employees as Ben Baker, now head of ticketing for the Venue Nation division of the company, and Jeff Weinhold, a senior ticketing director in the Washington area. The messages were released as the future of the case is uncertain; the federal government and Live Nation have reached a proposed settlement, but not all of the 39 states that are also part of the lawsuit have agreed, the AP reports.
The man suspected of driving a truck into a suburban Detroit synagogue and opening fire had lost multiple relatives in a recent airstrike in Lebanon, according to two sources briefed on the probe who spoke to the Detroit News . The sources identified 41-year-old restaurant worker Ayman Ghazali of Dearborn Heights as the assailant who crashed his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township just after noon Thursday, then exchanged gunfire with security, and WION reports the Department of Homeland Security later confirmed Ghazali, a naturalized US citizen born in Lebanon, as the attacker. Ghazali was fatally shot ; a synagogue security guard was wounded and hospitalized. Roughly 140 children, staff, and congregants were nearby but unharmed, temple officials said.

Sources say at least four of Ghazali's family members, including a sibling, were killed days earlier in a military strike in Lebanon. Israel has been conducting repeated air raids there, and Lebanese officials estimate hundreds of deaths amid broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah, Israel, the US, and Iran. Investigators were expected to search Ghazali's Dearborn Heights home, about 25 miles from the synagogue. He came to the US in 2011 on a sponsorship from his American spouse, and became a citizen in 2016, CBS News reports.

The incident drew a large police response across Oakland County, with SWAT teams, helicopters, and federal agents from the FBI and ATF on scene. Nearby schools and houses of worship went into secure mode as a precaution. Dearborn Heights officials said they are closely tracking the investigation but declined further comment, citing its active status. The attack comes amid ongoing concern over threats to Jewish institutions and follows other recent incidents targeting religious sites in Michigan.
One big unknown in the Iran war is whether the US will begin escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for the world's oil supply. Soon after the conflict began, President Trump said the US Navy would do so if it becomes necessary, notes Axios. With Iran again vowing to keep the straight effectively closed to non-Iranian traffic, the US is preparing for that "high-risk" eventuality, per the Hill. Coverage:

Not ready: Energy Secretary Chris Wright tells CNBC that the Navy is "simply not ready" to begin escorts. "It'll happen relatively soon, but it can't happen now," he said, adding that the end of the month is a possibility. "All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities."
Huntrix isn't done fighting demons, or breaking Netflix records. Per The Hollywood Reporter , the streaming service has locked in original directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters, striking a multiyear writing and directing deal with the pair ahead of what could be a big Oscars night for the first film. Sony Pictures Animation will again produce, though there's no release date. A previously floated 2029 target is now seen as unrealistic, with the filmmakers only just starting work and planning to focus on the project after awards season.

People notes that whispers of a sequel first emerged in November, when Bloomberg reported that Netflix and Sony had come to an agreement for one. The first movie, centered on K-pop group Huntrix and the demon-thwarting power of their music, became Netflix's most-watched film ever and a global fandom magnet, spawning hit songs and picking up front-runner status for best animated feature and best original song ("Golden") at this year's Oscars, per THR. The movie's huge streaming victory has fueled second-guessing in Hollywood over whether it should have gone to theaters, but Sony execs argue the film needed time to build an audiencetime it likely wouldn't have had on the big screen.

Kang says she's proud that viewers "[want] more from this Korean story," adding, "This is only the beginning." Appelhans, meanwhile, calls the returning characters "like family" and promises to keep pushing how music, animation, and storylines intersect. "With KPop Demon Hunters, Maggie and Chris didn't just reach audiences, they ignited a global fandom that crossed languages, generations, and genre," says Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria in a release.
Washington just handed Moscow a 30-day ticket to cash in on oil stuck at sea. The Trump administration eased sanctions Thursday to let an estimated 128 million barrels of Russian crude already loaded on previously blacklisted tankers be sold worldwide, a move officials say is aimed at cooling surging energy prices driven by the US war on Iran and the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the Washington Post reports.

Analysts say the move could also legitimize, for now, the murky "shadow fleet" of older, often uninsured sanctions-busting tankers linked to both Russia and Iran. Senate Democrats, who had already blasted a narrower sanctions carve-out for sales to India, accuse President Trump of strengthening Vladimir Putin's war chest for Ukraine. "This just underscores how Russia is the biggest winner in this conflict," Brett Erickson at the Obsidian Risk Advisors consultancy tells the Post. "It shows we were really not prepared for this war. We underestimated the length the Iranians were willing to go with the Strait of Hormuz."

Analysts say the move will only have a modest effect on oil prices, which have surged to around $100 a barrel despite plans for a massive release from strategic stockpiles. "Of course any supply helps, but this is a smaller help than it looks," Robert Rennie, head of commodity research at Westpac Banking Corp., tells Bloomberg. He estimates that around a third of Russian oil currently on the water will end up in storage in China. "We are only really talking about replacing maybe four or five days of lost Gulf exports," Rennie says. Sure, it helps, but it is no panacea."
A fire erupted at the entrance to a synagogue in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam early Friday morning and police said they were treating it as arson. The blaze that started around 3:40am died down quickly and nobody was injured, police said in a message on X that called for witnesses to come forward. There were no immediate arrests, reports the AP. Lawmakers and Jewish organizations condemned what they called an antisemitic attack. "This is the physical manifestation of antisemitism: after words and threats, actions now follow," Chanan Hertzberger, the chairman of the Central Jewish Council, said. "Antisemitism is no longer a fringe phenomenon in the Netherlands; it is manifesting itself increasingly brazenly. Now even right up to the doors of our houses of worship," Hertzberger added.
Cuba just confirmed what had previously only been whispered about: It's been talking to the Trump administration. President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged on state media that his government is in early-stage discussions with Washington, framing them as an attempt to address "bilateral differences" and explore whether both sides are willing to take "concrete actions" to help their citizens, per the New York Times . He cautioned that any progress would be slow, saying Cuba remains "in the initial phases" of the process.

The admission comes as Cuba faces a deepening fuel crisis after President Trump moved against Venezuela, its main oil supplier, and warned other countries not to step in. Public transport and some medical services have already been cut back, with experts estimating the island could run out of fuel this month. "The impact is tremendous," Diaz-Canel said in his speech, per the AP. Trump has publicly predicted that Cuba's government is near collapse and hinted a deal is coming, suggesting travel restrictions would then be relaxed, per the Times. "Cuba's at the end of the line," Trump said late last week. "They have no money. They have no oil."

Per USA Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team have been in hush-hush talks with Raulito Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro, the brother of Fidel Castro who selected Diaz-Canel to follow his own tenure. Analysts say any substantial agreement would likely hinge on major changes in Cuba, including freeing political prisoners and loosening one-party rule. Havana has so far announced plans to release 51 prisoners. The White House hasn't yet commented on the talks underway.
The Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) Reboot program reaches remote communities.

Specialists from the Reboot programme work not only in Ukraines eleven regional centres but also regularly visit remote communities, where they hold information sessions, provide consultations, and run practical workshops, URCS said on Facebook Friday. The team held a session in Ternopil region in Kremenets, where 26 participants learned about the program, training opportunities, and microgrant support. In Prykarpattia, such a meeting at the local employment center in Kosiv gathered 22 participants.

The Kropyvnytsky (Kirovohrad region) team is currently preparing for an information session in Oleksandria, a city 90 km from the regional center. Last year, they successfully completed hairdressing courses there.

In Cherkasy and Vinnytsia regions, programme specialists continue collaborating with veteran spaces. In Kamianka, the session was held in partnership with the NGO Veteran Space of the Kamianka Community, where participants learned about grant opportunities and professional training. In Vinnytsia, the team visited Koziatyn for the second time  at the invitation of the local community and the NGO ATO, OOS Participants and Patriots of Koziatyn  reflecting residents keen interest in the programme and their desire to gain practical skills.

During these visits, specialists not only run information sessions but also meet with local authorities, communities, and partner organisations to expand opportunities for employment and career development.
From barrios in the American Southwest to the halls of the Smithsonian on the National Mall and even the streets of Japan, lowrider culture has become part of mainstream car culture around the globe. The US Postal Service is joining the club with a new series of stamps dedicated to the low and slow rolling works of art. The stampscomplete with pinstripingare being unveiled Friday in San Diego, reports the AP . For the lowrider community, it's validation of the vibrant artistic expression that blossomed in the 1940s in the working-class communities of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas as everyday cars were transformed into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Lowriders are known for their dazzling paint schemes, glistening chrome, luxurious interiors, and gravity-defying hydraulic systems.

Antonio Alcala grew up in San Diego admiring the cars from afar, so it was an honor for him to design the stamps. The challenge was finding the right mix of cars and colors to represent the lowrider world. He pored over tons of photographs before whittling it down to five: a 1946 Chevy Fleetline, three classic Chevy Impalas, and a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Each brings its own flare, from curvaceous body lines and low stances to a hint of the mechanics that make the cars hop. "It's a real thrill," said Alcala, the postal service's art director. The stamps are "a way that the United States signals to the rest of the world these are things that we find important about our people, our accomplishments, our culture, etc."

Alcala watched a video of Danny Alvarado pinstriping a car, and his heart stopped as the brush effortlessly glided over the metal flake paint leaving behind intricate swirls. He knew that would be the final touch for the corner of each stamp. Alvarado, an illustrator and sculptor, has spent about 50 years perfecting his craft and is now teaching others how to spin the brush just right. For him, the stamp project has special meaninghis father worked as a mail carrier for more than 20 years and it marks another corner turned as lowrider culture gains new fans and more respect.

In the 1980s, some cities imposed anti-cruising laws and height restrictions, often seen as targeting Chicano youth and associating lowriders with gangs. Founder and president of the San Francisco Lowrider Council, Roberto Hernandez began cruising in the late '70s when cruising was banned in California. With the stamp unveiling, Hernandez feels "like we got the final stamp of approval as lowriders." Alvarado agrees, adding that widespread recognition of the positive aspects of lowriding has been a long time coming. "It's a big hit. I mean the lowriding community is so excited about these stamps," Alvarado said from his home in Monrovia, California. "Everybody I've talked to already knows about them, so they just can't wait till they come out."
A Nebraska rancher who once guarded Nazi war criminals is in the record books nearly 80 years later, reports the Guardian . Dale Steele, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who died in February after a head injury, is believed to be the oldest organ donor in US history, according to organ-procurement group Live On Nebraska. Steele's liver was recovered at Nebraska MedicineNebraska Medical Center and successfully transplanted the next day, giving "new life to a grateful recipient," the organization said. "Mr. Steele ... is a powerful reminder that generosity has no age limit," said Live On Nebraska CEO Kyle Herber.

Steele's story undercuts a common assumption about age and organ donation. When doctors asked his family to donate his liver, his son Roger's first reaction was: "He's over 100 years old." But Live On Nebraska's chief medical officer, Dr. Lee Morrow, told KMTV that a healthy liver essentially renews itself over time. "Your liver is about three years old; my liver is about three years old; and that 100-year-old ... his liver [is] about three years old," Morrow said, adding that newer techniques such as warm blood perfusion are helping expand the pool of viable organs from older donors. Roger Steele told Military.com that his father "came from an age when people worked very hard, and I think that's a substitute for fitness as we define it today."

Steele's life spanned some of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Drafted after high school, he served in France, Germany, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia near the end of World War II, helping track down remaining Nazi forces and assisting concentration camp survivors returning home. He was later promoted to staff sergeant and assigned to guard prisoners at the Nuremberg trials, including Hermann Goring, Adolf Hitler's onetime deputy.
Stewie Griffin is graduating to his own cartoon. Fox has ordered a standalone series built around the Family Guy toddler, with two seasons of Stewie-focused adventures slated to debut in the 2027-28 TV season. The show, titled simply Stewie, will air on Fox and hit Hulu the following day, the network confirmed to USA Today . The premise: after being kicked out of his old preschool, Stewie lands in a bargain-basement classroom populated by unfamiliar kids and a 75-year-old turtle with opinions on everything.

"Stewie's miserable, the other kids are miserable and even the turtle is miserable, until Stewie begins rolling out his trusty array of devices to take them anywhere in space and time, turning every boring day at school into an insane and surreal adventure," the series' logline states. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane will again voice Stewie and serve as executive producer. "I'd like to thank Fox for this incredible opportunity, and I'm excited to start pretending I'm collaborating closely with them on the show," he quipped in a statement. Sources tell Deadline that while characters from Family Guy, now in its 24th season, might appear in the spinoff, it takes place in its own world and won't affect the Stewie in the main show.

Deadline notes that the character has evolved since Family Guy first aired in 1999, with his "priorities shifting from his sole focus on killing his mom Lois and achieving world domination" to his friendship with Brian, the talking family dog, as well as "creating more complex scientific inventions, including multiverse-traversing devices." Stewie is the second Family Guy offshoot after The Cleveland Show, which aired from 2009 to 2013. It joins a busy MacFarlane slate that includes American Dad!, also in its 24th season, and an in-the-works animated Ted project.
France returned a sacred talking drum looted during the colonial period to Ivory Coast on Friday as part of a nearly decade-old effort by the French government to return cultural artifacts to African nations. It was the first such return by France to Ivory Coast, and was part of a broader campaign among European and Western governments to return treasured objects after decades of resistance, reports the AP . The Djidji Ayokwe, a massive carved wooden drum once used by the Atchan people of the Abidjan region to communicate between villages, was looted by French colonial authorities in 1916 and is among at least 140 looted artifacts Ivory Coast has asked France to return.

"This is a historic day and a moment of justice and remembrance," Ivory Coast Culture Minister Francoise Remarck said at an event to receive the artifact at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport. The wooden drumwhose name means "panther-lion"measures about 11.5 feet long and weighs roughly 950 pounds. Historians say it played a key role in warning villages about forced labor recruitment organized by colonial authorities. French President Emmanuel Macron first announced plans to repatriate cultural artifacts to African nations in 2018 following a report he commissioned from academic researchers that recommended doing so. The French Parliament last year adopted a special law allowing the Ivory Coast artifact to be removed from French collections, as part of the broader efforts.

The repatriation process required consultations with Atchan traditional leaders, who traveled to Paris to perform rituals lifting the drum's sacred status so it could be restored and transported. For Atchan leaders attending Friday's ceremony, the drum's return carries deep symbolic significance. "After a long stay far from its land, our sacred drum is finally returning to its people," said Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the village of Adjame-Bingerville. "It is like the missing piece of our history coming back," Mobio added.

The artifact will undergo a monthlong acclimatization period in a secure location to allow the wood to gradually adjust from Paris' dry climate to Abidjan's humid tropical conditions, preventing cracks in the centuries-old wood. It is expected to go on public display in April at the newly renovated Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan.
European leaders have delivered a sharp rebuke to the Trump administration over its move to loosen the grip on Russian oil in an attempt to slow the rapid rise in energy prices. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday that the US decision to temporarily relax sanctions and let stranded Russian oil cargoes move was "wrong," arguing there's a "price problem, but not a supply problem." He said the shift blindsided G7 partners, who had urged the US earlier this week not to ease pressure on Moscow while its invasion of Ukraine continues, Politico Europe reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the US move "not very logical," warning it will channel fresh cash to the Russian government and fuel more drone attacks in the Middle East. "Russia will get money for its war machine," he said, adding that drones built in Russia were being used to unsettle the region. "This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war," Zelensky said, per the Los Angeles Times. "This certainly does not help peace." French President Emmanuel Macron agreed that higher energy prices should not trigger a rollback of sanctions, saying, "Prices are spiking, but that doesn't mean we should review our sanctions policies against Russia."
The sticker on the plane said more than any angry email ever could. An Austrian bailiff accompanied by airline staff boarded a Ryanair jet in Linz on Monday and slapped a seizure notice on its cabin after the airline failed to pay around $1,020 in court-ordered compensation and legal costs to a passenger whose flight was delayed by 13 hours in 2024. The passenger, who had paid for an alternative flight from Linz to Mallorca, won her case in an Austrian court, but when Ryanair didn't pay up, she asked authorities to enforce the ruling, the Guardian reports. A court ordered the airline to pay the woman compensation plus interest and court costs.

A bailiff, escorted by airport staff, asked crew to hand over the money; because Ryanair flights are cashless, they couldn't. The bailiff's notice, which features the eagle from Austria's coat of arms, is known as a "cuckoo sticker" in bankruptcy courts, the Street reports. It gives the court legal control over the Boeing 737 and, if the debt isn't settled by a deadline, the aircraft could be sold at auctionthough it's currently allowed to keep flying under certain conditions and it departed for London after the drama on Monday.

Ryanair denies the aircraft was seized and declined to say whether the debt has since been paid. Passenger-rights advocates say such hardball enforcement is rare; in most cases claimants drop their pursuit or airlines pay up before bailiffs get anywhere near the tarmac. The Guardian reports that Ryanair and other budget airlines have long been criticized for ignoring European Commission regulations that require them to pay 600 euros, around $686, in compensation to passengers who are delayed for three hours or more.
Thursday's shooting inside an Old Dominion University ROTC classroom killed the program's department chairan Army officer who had spent two decades in uniform and in the classroom. Authorities identified him as Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, 42, a professor of military science, reports NBC News and the AP . Shah attended ODU as an ROTC student himself, then returned to help lead the program in 2022. He had been recognized last year for boosting ROTC enrollment by nearly half. Before that, he served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shah leaves behind a spouse and child.

"Sorry, Brandon. The world needs more love," said friend Eddie Flack on Friday, crying as he poured out a bottle of Wild Turkey on a campus lawn in Norfolk, Virginia. "We need to spread more love and not this hatred." The FBI has identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who pleaded guilty a decade ago to attempting to aid the Islamic State extremist group. Two other Army personnel were injured in the shooting, one of whom has been released from the hospital. The other has been upgraded to fair condition. ROTC students in the classroom are credited with subduing the shooter.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer condemned Thursday's synagogue attack in suburban Detroit with in blunt, succinct language on Friday: "Yesterday's attack was antisemitismit was hate, plain and simple," she said at a Jewish community center in West Bloomfield, about a mile from Temple Israel, reports the Detroit News . "We will fight this ancient and rampant evil. We will stand together as we do it and we will call it out." In the attack, a man identified as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali plowed his vehicle into the synagogue and exchanged fire with security guards.

Ghazali was killed, and one guard was injured after being struck by the vehicle. On Friday, Whitmer praised the temple's security staff for stopping the assailant before he could reach 104 preschoolers inside. "If they had not all done their jobs almost perfectly, we would be talking about an immense tragedy here today with children gone," she said. "This could have been much, much worse." Several first responders were treated for smoke inhalation from the fire that broke out inside the building, per the New York Times.

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Ghazali was a naturalized citizen from Lebanon who came to the US in 2011, reports the AP. Last week, an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon killed two of his brothers, along with a niece and nephew, according to a local official in Mashgharah.
The EPA on Friday moved to dial back its policing of a cancer-linked gas used to sterilize medical equipment, a new front in the Trump administration's deregulation efforts. The proposed rule would ease emission limits on ethylene oxide at about 90 commercial sterilization plants and scrap 24/7 monitoring requirements, with the agency arguing that tougher standards adopted two years ago under Joe Biden are too burdensome and could disrupt the supply of items like catheters, stents, and pacemakers. The EPA says there is no practical substitute for the gas, the New York Times reports, which is used on roughly half of all US medical devices.

The enhanced rules sprang from a review that was illegal under the Clean Air Act, the agency said, per E&E News. Ethylene oxide has been classified as a human carcinogen by the EPA since 2016. Roughly 2.3 million people live within two miles of the affected plants, often in low-income or minority neighborhoods, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Environmental groups, already suing to block earlier Trump-era exemptions for 40 plants, said the administration is giving industry a pass at the expense of communities facing higher cancer risk from long-term exposure, per the Times. Industry representatives applauded the proposal, which the EPA estimates will save companies $43 million a year. The public will have 45 days to comment before the rule is finalized, likely within a year.
The man named by the FBI as the person who opened fire in a classroom at Virginia's Old Dominion University on Thursday was granted an early release from federal prison in 2024 after completing a drug treatment program, a person familiar with the matter told the AP . Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2017 to providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State group, and was released about 2 years early, according to prison records. Inmates serving sentences for terrorism-related offenses typically aren't eligible for such programs. Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah was killed in the shooting, and two people were wounded.

Some elected officials questioned how someone with known ties to ISIS was able to carry out such an attack. "The horrific tragedy that occurred today on ODU's campus never should have happened," said Rep. Jen Kiggans, who represents the congressional district neighboring the university, on Facebook. After Jalloh, who died in this week's attack, pleaded guilty in October 2016 to providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a federal judge sentenced him in 2017 to an 11-year prison term with credit for time served retroactive to his July 2016 arrest. He was on supervised release when the attack took place. Based on his release date, that would have run into 2029.

US District Judge Liam O'Grady, an appointee of George W. Bush, had also ordered Jalloh to participate in a program for substance abuse testing and treatment and mental health treatment, and requested that he be evaluated for the federal prison system's residential drug program. Completing the Residential Drug Abuse Program can reduce an inmate's prison sentence by up to a year, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons. It wasn't immediately clear if Jalloh qualified for the program. In addition, some inmates who stay out of trouble in prison can reduce their sentence by earning up to 54 days of good conduct time credit for each year of their sentence. However, under the 2018 law known as the First Step Act, inmates convicted of terrorism-related offenses are not eligible for such credit.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Decree No. 214/2026, enabling military personnel with IT expertise to obtain officer ranks and serve in positions dedicated to the armys digital transformation, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported. Under the new regulations, mobilized or conscripted service members selected for digital transformation roles can be granted the initial officer rank of junior lieutenant. The decision is made by the Minister of Defense following a recommendation from the Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitization.

The selection process for these IT positions involves two stages. First, commanders within military units conduct an initial screening of mobilized personnel. Second, the Ministry of Defense performs a document verification and, if necessary, an interview with the Directorate of Digital Transformation. Once a candidate successfully passes the selection, they are commissioned as a junior lieutenant and officially appointed to an IT-related role.

These new norms are designed to systematically integrate individuals with experience in IT, engineering, and technology into the Defense Forces. This initiative aims to strengthen Ukraines technological advantage on the battlefield by deploying digital solutions directly within military units. The Ministry of Defense has already begun rolling out an "IT vertical"a network of digital transformation specialists operating at every level, from individual battalions to the General Staff. These specialists are tasked with implementing digital systems, gathering feedback from soldiers, and identifying the need for new technological tools.

The ultimate goal is to create a managed system of digital transformation that allows for the rapid launch of new services and technologies for the military. Public vacancies for these specialized roles are expected to be announced shortly, allowing qualified personnel within the ranks to apply for these technical positions.
The US is sending more Marines and warships to the Middle East as tensions with Iran intensify around a key global shipping route, American officials said Friday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized a request from US Central Command for part of an amphibious ready group and its Marine expeditionary unit, the Wall Street Journal reports. Such a deployment typically includes several naval vessels and about 5,000 Marines and sailors. The Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and its embarked Marines are now en route. Marines are already operating in the Middle East in support of the attacks on Iran, the officials added.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Navy vessels could serve as escorts for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is targeting traffic. Before escorts could begin, per Axios, the Pentagon is making plans to knock out land-based anti-ship missiles that Iran has in the area. Officials told the New York Times that about 2,500 Marines will be added to the force of more than 50,000 already in the region and as many as three warships will go. Marine Expeditionary Units are trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings, per the AP, and also handle tasks such as providing disaster relief and evacuating civilians.

The deployment does not necessarily suggest that a ground operation is planned. It's not clear if the entire 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is being deployed. The Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group consists of that unit, the USS Tripoli, guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, and guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta. Officials said F-35 fighter jets are being sent, as well.
The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.
NARA, Mar 13 (News On Japan) - Kyoto Prefecture recorded more than 30 million overnight visitors last year, reinforcing its status as one of Japans most popular travel destinations.

In March, a new luxury hotel opened in the historic Gion district, highlighting the citys continued tourism boom. Just next door, however, the ancient capital of Nara faces a very different reality. Despite its rich history and famous landmarks, Nara ranks last in the Kansai region for overnight stays and sits at 44th nationwide.

One of the newest additions to Kyotos luxury hospitality scene is the Imperial Hotel Kyoto, which opened on March 5ththe first new domestic Imperial Hotel property in 30 years, following Osaka. The hotel was created by preserving and repurposing a nationally registered cultural property, the former Yasaka Kaikan building. Around 16,000 original tiles were reused in the renovation, transforming a historic theater into a symbol of Kyotos modern hospitality industry.

The hotel offers 55 guest rooms, with prices starting from 164,500 yen per night. The top-tier Imperial Suite costs as much as 3 million yen per night and spans 128 square meters, featuring amenities such as a mist sauna and a terrace overlooking expansive views of the city. Some reservations have already been secured, and hotel officials say the experience of staying within the Gion district itself is a major attraction for visitors.

Kyoto has seen a wave of hotel openings in recent years, and the city continues to enjoy strong tourism demand. Although accommodation prices temporarily softened due to a decline in Chinese tourists, booking platforms expect rates between late March and mid-Aprilduring the cherry blossom seasonto exceed last years levels by more than 10 percent. With attractions scattered across the city, Kyoto is widely regarded as a destination that requires multiple days to fully explore, helping sustain its strong overnight visitor numbers.

Nara, by contrast, remains primarily a day-trip destination. Despite welcoming many international visitorsits inbound visitation rate ranks seventh nationwidethe number of tourists who stay overnight remains low. Many travelers visit famous sites such as Todai-ji Temple during the day before leaving in the evening.

At around 6 p.m., the approach to Todai-ji quickly empties as visiting hours end. Shops along the street close early, leaving the area unusually quiet for a major tourist site. Visitors themselves often acknowledge the difference between the neighboring cities.

I enjoyed Kyoto, one tourist said. But Nara is fine as a day trip. Kyoto has more places to see.

Another visitor noted the early closing hours. I arrived before 2 p.m., and the shops were already closing. If they stayed open just one more hour, it would help.

Even locals say they hesitate to invite friends to stay in Nara overnight, often suggesting that visitors head to Osaka or Kyoto in the evening instead.

For decades, Nara has been criticized for relying too heavily on its famous Great Buddha statue and other historical assets without developing broader tourism appeala phenomenon sometimes described as Daibutsu business. Early closing times and limited nightlife have also discouraged longer stays.

As a result, overnight visitor numbers remain low. In 2024, Nara recorded about 3.29 million overnight guests, ranking 44th among Japans prefectures. Local officials say the citys tourism challenges can be summed up by three issues: cheap, shallow, and narrow.

Visitors often stop briefly at Nara Park, buy deer crackers, and leave shortly afterward, spending only a small amount of money in the local economy. According to officials, some tourists spend as little as 200 yen during their visit.

To address this, the prefecture has begun promoting longer stays through new tourism initiatives focused on evening experiences. In February, Nara launched tourism packages designed to extend visitors time in the city.

Last October, the prefecture also opened new businesses near Nara Park where visitors can enjoy food and drinks until around 8 p.m., though attendance remains limited.

Officials say the challenge lies in creating a broader atmosphere of activity. One shop alone has its limits, a local operator said. If the whole area isnt lively, its difficult to attract people.

One approach now being promoted involves cultural experiences unique to Nara. Some hotels have begun offering packages that combine accommodation with hands-on activities.

At one workshop, visitors can learn to make traditional Nara brushes, known as Nara fude. The craft originated in Yamatokoriyama City, and participants can observe the roughly 100-step production process directly from skilled artisans before creating their own brush to take home as a souvenir.

Other programs encourage visitors to explore historical sites in new ways. One unique experience offers a picnic atop a kofun burial mound, while a recently opened accommodation allows guests to stay inside a renovated property built into the grounds of the Nishiyamazuka Kofun, believed to date from the early sixth century.

The lodging incorporates soil from the surrounding mound into the buildings walls, giving guests the sensation of sleeping beside an ancient tomb.

Local hotels are also developing tours tied to traditional nighttime events. One example is a guided evening tour of Todai-jis famous Omizutori ceremony. Before attending the event, visitors receive explanations from tourism concierges about the history and etiquette associated with the ritual.

Guests then enjoy dinner made from local ingredients before heading to the temple with a guide to witness the dramatic torchlight ceremony, during which monks run across the temple balcony carrying large flaming torches.

After the torches pass, participants can observe monks continuing their nighttime training rituals inside Nigatsu-do Hall. Visitors say the experience adds depth to the trip and makes staying overnight far more appealing.

These initiatives are starting to produce results, officials say. The number of overnight visitors is expected to reach a record high, and new hotel construction projects are already underway.

Nara Prefecture has set a goal of attracting 5 million overnight guests by 2030.

Officials emphasize that tourism development must balance economic growth with the preservation of cultural heritage. The idea is to earn revenue, protect what we have, and pass it on to the next generation, one official said, referring to Naras historic temples, rituals, and cultural traditions.

Whether Nara can transform its image from a daytime stop into a destination where visitors stay the night remains uncertain. But local leaders believe that expanding nighttime tourism and creating deeper cultural experiences could help turn the citys current challenges into an opportunity for long-term revitalization.

Source: YOMIURI
KYOTO, Mar 13 (News On Japan) - The head family of the Ikenobo school of flower arrangement has opened its annual Spring Ikebana Exhibition, showcasing works gathered from across Japan beginning on March 13th.

Held every March, the event is a long-standing tradition organized by Ikenobo, the historic head school of Japanese flower arrangement, and this year marks its 45th edition.

At the Kyoto venue, visitors can view approximately 800 flower arrangements created by ikebana artists active throughout the country, including traditional 'Rikka' arrangements dating back to the Muromachi period as well as modern 'Jiyuka' works that follow no fixed form. Many of the pieces incorporate seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, giving the exhibition a distinctly spring atmosphere and allowing visitors to experience an early sense of the new season.

One visitor commented: "It has great depth and an amazing three-dimensional feel. I think it's wonderful."

Another said: "They are magnificent. I kept sighing in admiration while taking lots of photos."

The Spring Ikebana Exhibition will run through March 16th.

Source: YOMIURI
Preliminary forensic data from the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office suggests that Russian forces utilized an Iskander-M ballistic missile, rather than a drone, in the deadly strike near the village of Nova Oleksandrivka. This update clarifies earlier reports from the Kupiansk District Military Administration, which had initially suggested the involvement of a "Lancet" loitering munition.

The strike directly hit a civilian bus operating on the "Kharkiv  Velykyi Burluk" route. According to operational reports, the attack resulted in one death and left four other civilians injured. The press service of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration confirmed that all four survivorsthree women aged 44, 53, and 59, and a 70-year-old manhave been hospitalized with blast injuries. Their conditions are currently listed as moderate.

Law enforcement and prosecutors are continuing to document the aftermath of the strike as part of a war crimes investigation. The use of a high-precision ballistic missile against a civilian transit route underscores the persistent threat to non-combatants in the Kupiansk district. Authorities have reiterated calls for residents to remain vigilant and heed air raid warnings, especially when traveling along regional highways.
According to updated data, three people were killed and four others were injured in a Russian strike near the village of Nova Oleksandrivka in the Kupiansk district.

The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office reported that a passenger bus traveling the "Velykyi BurlukKharkiv" route was in the vicinity of the impact. The deceased include the bus driver and two passengers. Four othersthree female passengers and a local residentsustained injuries. The strike also caused damage to the bus and several private residential buildings.

The prosecutors office further clarified that the Russian Armed Forces likely used an Iskander-M ballistic missile for the attack rather than a drone, as initially suspected. "It has been preliminarily established that an Iskander-M type missile was used," the statement reads.

Earlier, the head of the Kupiansk District Military Administration, Andriy Kanashevych, had reported that the strike was carried out by a "Lancet" type drone. Initial operational information at that time had indicated one death and four injuries. Investigative teams are continuing to work at the scene to finalize the details of the attack.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived at the Elysee Palace, where he was met by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The arrival was confirmed via a live broadcast on Reuters. During his visit to Paris, Zelenskyy is scheduled to hold a meeting with Macron and will also speak with local students.
Photo: https://edition.cnn.com

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Vladimir Putin may be assisting Iran, according to the Associated Press.

"I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that will air in full later Friday. And he probably thinks were helping Ukraine, right?"

"Yeah, were helping them also, Trump continued. And so he says that, and China would say the same thing, you know. Its like, hey, they do it and we do it in all fairness."

His comments follow reports from U.S. intelligence suggesting that Russia has provided Iran with data that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft, and other assets in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed global security and joint defense production during a meeting in Paris.

"We talked about bilateral projects, about the SAFE program. All of this represents significant potential that can strengthen both our countries and all of Europe. Ukraine is grateful for Frances defense support throughout all these years. And today we identified steps and concrete decisions that can produce strong results. This concerns both air defense and combat aviation," Zelenskyy said at a joint news conference with Macron on Friday.

The leaders also discussed protection against Shahed drones, and Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the security of partners who are providing assistance. Zelenskyy also briefed Macron on the situation at the front.

During the meeting, the leaders also discussed cooperation at the EU level and within the Coalition of the Willing. Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs a clear date for EU membership "so that Russia has no opportunity to block Ukraine through Russian accomplices somewhere here in Europe."
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain during the afternoon. High 61F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 43F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

As of Friday, March 13, six countries have requested assistance from Ukrainian experts in Middle Eastern countries, with a separate request concerning Jordan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"At the end of the week, the military and the national security secretary (Rustem Umerov) will return and there will be a full report. Today we have requests from six countries for assistance. We have sent expertise to three countries and there is a separate request regarding Jordan," Zelenskyy said at a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Zelenskyy said that after Ukrainian military personnel return to Ukraine, the scope "of the assistance our partners expect from us" will be clear.

The president added that both Middle Eastern countries and the U.S. have interceptor drones, but "all of this doesnt work" without Ukrainian pilots, military personnel and specialized software.

"This system exists only with us, it is official  it exists in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and therefore everyone understands that even having dozens and hundreds of interceptors, they, frankly speaking, do not stabilize the situation. This is systemic defense. It is precisely the experts who are specialists in systemic air defense, the use of short-range air defense  they are the ones who flew to these Middle Eastern countries," the head of state said.

On March 10, Zelenskyy said Umerov was traveling to Middle Eastern countries for talks on protecting regional countries from Iranian air threats. On March 11, Zelenskyy said Umerov was visiting the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and also planned to visit several Middle Eastern countries.
The New Orleans Film Societys French Film Festival is a francophone affair, with French language films from Europe, Africa and North America, including the Louisiana French of the documentary Built on Zydeco. The festival brings films and events to The Prytania and other venues on March 19-24.

Now in its 29th year, the French Film Festival includes 13 feature-length films and a slate of short films. The mix of French films ranges from notable recent releases to a classic film by avant garde writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau.

The opening night film is Colours of Time, a 2025 comedy drama from director Cedric Klapisch. In the story, a large group of strangers meet in Paris, all of them descendants of a woman named Adele Meunier. It turns out she owned a farmhouse in Normandy that none of them knew about, and they dispatch a group to see whats been left behind.

Exploring the remnants becomes a way for the film to leap back in time and tell Adeles story. The quirky and slightly awkward Adele makes a reverse journey, traveling to Paris to find her mother. There she delves into the swirl of Parisian life during the Belle Epoque period, as technology is changing the world. The art scene is full of controversy and change as the Impressionists take over and her mother lives in scandalous social conditions. The two stories unfold in parallel in a film that celebrates Paris and French cultural riches.

Also looking back at 19th century art is Polish director Michal Kwiecinskis Chopin, Chopin! The film dramatizes the young Polish composers brilliant career, when he moved to Paris and became a darling of its salons, all while struggling to survive both financially and physically.

+9 From fests to plays and parades, here are the events coming to New Orleans in spring 2026 In New Orleans, the rites of spring include some of our most popular festivals, like the Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festi

Theres a free screening of Michel Hazanavicius animated feature The Most Precious of Cargoes. In it, an infant is thrown from a train bound for Auschwitz. A Polish peasant couple rescues the baby and fights over whether to raise the child themselves, a big risk in a community steeped in prejudice.

For a classic piece of French cinema, the fest draws from Cocteau. The festival screens his version of Beauty and the Beast. His 1946 surreal film recounts the romantic story about a young woman who charms a beast who has put a curse on her father.

Director Francois Ozon also turns to a classic for his just released version of Albert Camus The Stranger. Shot in black and white, it conjures the existential dread of the 1942 novel as a French man kills an Arabic man in Algeria and goes on trial.

Dahomey is a recent documentary from Senegal. Director Mati Diop examines the plundering of the West African kingdom of Dahomey and the long overdue return of its artifacts. That history is examined through some of the few pieces repatriated to Benin.

From Acadiana, theres Built on Zydeco from Milton Arceneaux and Dustin Cravins. The documentary was shot in and around Opelousas, and it looks at zydeco as a staple of the culture and a business and cultural export.

It features musicians Terrance Simien, Keith Frank of Soileau Zydeco Band, and Buckwheat Zydecos son Reginald Buckwheat Jr. Dural carrying on the family legacy with the Ils Sont Partis band. It follows them on stage and at home to get a full picture of how the music is passed on in both families and the community.

The festival also has several parties and events, many of which are free for festival pass holders or members of sponsoring groups like Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans. Theres also a new French film conference which will host panel discussions on Cocteau, Louisiana-born composer Edmond Dede and more.

For a full schedule and tickets, visit neworleansfilmsociety.org.
Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovy said the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform is attracting international resources to the Ukrainian education system for upgrading school infrastructure and the educational environment.

"Yesterday I visited one of these lyceums in Chernivtsi  I saw the result of a completely reimagined school space. The institution received UAH 10 million ($240,000) and carried out renovations in accordance with the methodological recommendations for specialized senior school: it purchased modern equipment and set up new learning spaces. Other lyceums participating in the pre-pilot received the same support. Each of the 30 municipal lyceums operating in-person received UAH 10 million," Lisovy wrote on his Telegram channel.

He noted that the specialized senior school is the third stage of the New Ukrainian School reform, which has been ongoing since 2017.

"The state prepared for this stage consistently: developing a regulatory framework, launching pilots, rebuilding senior school infrastructure and attracting government and international partner investments. The NUS reform is one of the key indicators for international partners, through which international resources are being attracted to the Ukrainian education system to update school infrastructure and the educational environment," the minister emphasized.
Exeter Airport is set to play a pivotal role in the 90th-anniversary celebrations of the Supermarine Spitfire, serving as a key stop for a historic nationwide tour that honours both the past and the evolution of the Royal Air Force.

A two-seat Spitfire, painted in the iconic livery of the original 1936 prototype, K5054, will arrive in the city on 16 April 2026 as part of a ten-day commemorative circuit of the UK.

This spectacular tour, a collaboration between the Royal Air Force, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), and Spitfires.com, celebrates nine decades since test pilot Captain Joseph Mutt Summers took the prototype into the skies over Southampton and famously remarked: "Dont change a thing."

Starting on 7 April, the aircraft will embark on a journey totaling approximately 15 flying hours.

Throughout the tour, the Spitfire will be joined by modern Royal Air Force assets, which will escort the vintage fighter into each landing location, offering a poignant visual display of the evolution of British air power.

The tour holds deep significance for Exeter, a city with a distinguished aviation history.

During the Second World War, RAF Exeter served as a vital Fighter Command airfield.

Post-war, it was home to the French No. 329 (GC I/2 'Cicognes') Spitfire squadron, and the airfield also played a crucial strategic role for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as a D-Day troop transport base (Station AAF-463).

The tour schedule

The Spitfires progress will follow this historic path:

7 April  Southampton Airport to RAF Coningsby

8 April  RAF Coningsby to RAF Leuchars

9 April  RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth

10 April  RAF Lossiemouth to Glasgow Prestwick Airport

13 April  Glasgow Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley

14 April  RAF Valley to MOD St Athan

15 April  MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan

16 April  RAF St Mawgan to Exeter Airport

17 April  Exeter Airport to Southampton Airport

Members of the public have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the thrill of the rear cockpit. Spitfires.com is auctioning seats for these exclusive flights, with all proceeds supporting two vital charities:

The Mark Long Trust: Established in memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who tragically lost his life in a 2024 Spitfire accident, the Trust provides aviation opportunities for disabled individuals.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund: Providing lifelong financial, emotional, and practical support to serving and former RAF personnel and their families.
Ten years ago, I stood at the foot of Haytor and watched a group of volunteers begin an unending task. The regular clearing and maintenance of the Haytor Granite Tramway was officially launched that day and, a decade later, it is still a work under progress.

On that day, sector ranger Rob Steemson had brought together a group of "pick and shovel" swingers and, slowly but steadily, the old granite tracks began to appear. Ten years later, the same maintenance process was underway at the same steady pace.

"I have the honour of overseeing the Haytor 'Second Sunday' volunteers which you helped set up back in 2016," he said, laying tools on the ground. "I remember you arriving to do an outside broadcast covering our work in the same dull and damp weather we have today."

The tramway was built to convey granite from Haytor Down to Stover and finally into Teignmouth docks. It was very unusual in that the track was formed of granite sections, shaped to guide the wheels of horse-drawn wagons.

"The gorse has encroached on the original site with the grass and soil blocking the 'tram lines', covering this highly important archaeological site. I say highly important we have had to gain permission to do this once again as this is a sensitive environment."

Rob points out that it is a little bit like painting the Forth Bridge and the team do go onto other projects, but return to start the clearance once again.

"Eighteen or nineteen have stepped forward today, some new and some old faces a few of them have done the full ten years in service."

Is the line fully intact?

"More or less. The Dartmoor section is there and so are further bits around Stover and parts of Teignmouth. It has become a very popular attraction with those who love to walk on Dartmoor. It is part of the Dartmoor Way and there is also the Templer Way walk which leads you from the quarry right down into Stover, around the back of Newton Abbot and, depending on the tide, all the way to Shaldon. From there the granite would have been taken to London. As a walker I used to come up here years ago and wondered how far the line went, which is why I have pushed this project forward and tried to uncover as much as possible."

The original quarry project was started in 1820 when granite was in demand in the developing cities of England as blocks to construct public buildings and bridges. By 1850 the quarries were employing about 100 men but, by 1858, they had closed due to the availability of cheaper Cornish granite. Chances are, if you have stood beside some of Londons famous constructions, you have stood beside Dartmoor granite. One of the most famous was the old "New" London Bridge which now sits in Arizona spanning Lake Havasu. Yes, it is old but was given the name "new" when it was built in the 1830s the latest spanning of the river in the spot at the time. It is believed the first bridge was constructed there in Roman times. And let me just dispel an "old" rumour of the man who bought it: Robert Paxton McCulloch did know what he was buying. The tale that he thought he was purchasing Tower Bridge was a complete fabrication.

The last quarrying at Haytor was in 1919 when it was reopened to build the Exeter War Memorial. Merrivale was the last of the larger working granite quarries on Dartmoor and the stone from here was used to construct the Falklands Memorial.

There has always been some argument over its name but the "Haytor Tramway" was constructed to carry the granite the 10 miles (16 km) to the canal, which involved a falling vertical interval of 1,300 feet (400 m) to the basin of the Stover Canal. To look at it, it resembles a standard rail line with junctions or points at various intervals to allow the passing of the wagons. The gauge of the track is 4 feet ish it does tend to vary by up to 3 inches. At junctions the wheels were guided by "point tongues", pivoted on the granite-block rails. There is some debate as to whether the point tongues were oak or iron; whatever was used has long since degraded and returned to the moor itself. In the upward direction, the empty tram wagons were pulled to the quarries by teams of horses; the loaded trams were simply run downhill by gravity to the Stover Canal basin at Ventiford, Teigngrace.

"It was set up by the Templer family who owned the land at the time; locals built all of this with their support. People are always surprised that there was industry on the moor but this was just one project. For example, an explosives factory was built at Postbridge in the 1840s used for the production of gunpowder which, in turn, would have been vital in the quarrying process. Ice ponds were set up at Sourton which was then transported to Plymouth to be used in the fishing industry and, of course, there is evidence of tin mining all over the place. Dartmoor has always been a very productive and important area. Archaeologists are always finding things, evidence of habitation and usage. A Bronze Age stone row has just been unearthed, a feature which may have been of some religious importance and is being analysed at the moment."

I left Rob and the team digging, scraping away and pushing back the ever-advancing moorland as the mist curled around the top of Haytor. Conditions in Victorian times would have been tough and the people operating here, I suspect, would have been as hard as the granite itself.


A courier sorts parcels in front of the entrance to a residential community in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, on Monday. Palden Nyima/China Daily

Seeing high courier delivery charges  and sometimes no shipping options at all  when shopping online has long troubled people in the Xizang autonomous region, especially those in rural communities. As a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, Norbu Yangzom proposed a solution.

The deputy from Metog county in Nyingchi, Xizang, said she believed the issue greatly affects people's daily lives and their sense of happiness. To remedy this, she submitted a suggestion during the annual session of the 14th NPC last year. Soon afterward, her proposal led to the introduction of a series of policies and concrete actions aimed at improving the situation.



Norbu Yangzom

"Within a month, I got a reply from the State Post Bureau saying that, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the State Taxation Administration and the Ministry of Commerce, joint actions would be carried out to promote the high-quality development of the logistics and delivery industry in Xizang," she said.

Previously, only postal services could reach rural and pastoral areas in Xizang due to the region's remote location and its vast, sparsely populated landscape, combined with relatively underdeveloped logistics infrastructure. For other courier services, residents had to travel to the county seat to pick up their parcels, which was particularly inconvenient, Norbu Yangzom said.

"Delivery times were also relatively long. Very often, people would see delivery fees to Xizang costing tens of yuan. Many items were even marked with a shipping fee of 999 yuan, which essentially meant the online shops wouldn't ship," she said. "Updating logistics infrastructure and reducing logistics costs have become common aspirations for people of all ethnic groups in the region."

The first move to address the issue occurred during a meeting on May 25 to discuss the construction of a logistics and delivery system for agricultural and pastoral areas in Xizang, she said. During the meeting, relevant departments and enterprises held open and candid discussions on accelerating the development of a smooth delivery network for these areas, taking into account not only economic factors but also people's livelihoods and public needs.

By August, the regional government introduced a subsidy mechanism for parcel delivery services in farming and herding communities.

"Very quickly, people, including me, saw a significant drop in delivery fees," she said. "A logistics service station was also set up in my village, which means villagers no longer need to go to the county seat to pick up their parcels."

Lhakpa, an official with the regional postal administration's market supervision department, said in February that more than 2,400 village-level postal and logistics service stations had been upgraded or transformed across Xizang. The expanded network now allows farmers and herders to access postal services within their own villages, offering service levels comparable to those in urban areas.

The number of online products eligible for free shipping to Xizang has also risen to nearly 1.7 billion items, up 119 percent year-on-year, Lhakpa said.

Delivery efficiency has improved noticeably as well, Norbu Yangzom said.

"In the past, goods shipped to my village from Southeast China took at least three weeks to arrive. Last year, the average time was cut to about 10 days, and it's getting faster," she said.

She then pulled out her cellphone to look up an order of green beans she had placed on an e-commerce platform for her family on March 3. Dispatched from Guangdong province in South China, the order arrived in her village in Metog  long known as the "isolated island" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau because of its challenging terrain  in just four days.

Until 2013, when a national road was completed, Metog was the last county in China without road access.

"The speedy delivery is even a surprise for me  but a very good one," she said. "Meanwhile, improved postal and logistics services have also made it easier for villagers to sell local specialties, boosting their incomes."

According to a regional government report, Xizang plans to upgrade and renovate 60 county-level logistics and delivery centers and 4,000 village-level service stations this year, further expanding the coverage of the "Free Shipping to Xizang" service.


Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will discuss the latest battlefield developments related to Russias war as well as the possible impact of the Iran conflict.

The issue of Russias war against Ukraine is on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for Monday in Brussels, a senior European diplomat said ahead of the event. Sybiha will join his European colleagues via videoconference.

"The first item for discussion will be Russias aggressive war against Ukraine. As is usually the case, Ukraines foreign minister, Andriy Sybiha, will join the discussion via video teleconference. So I am confident that he will provide updated information on the situation on the ground, as well as the broader picture, including the implications of the Middle East situation for Ukraine and perhaps for Russia. So I think that will be the driving force of the conversation," he said.

Before the official start of the meeting, ministers will discuss an update to the European Security Strategy over breakfast. "The question now is how to develop cooperation among foreign ministers and discuss the timeline, formats and content of this strategy. It should be a threat assessment, updated according to the current situation in the world, and then a broader security assessment, and I say broad because it concerns not only military threats and so on, but also democracy, energy supply, economic security, etc.," the diplomat told journalists.

Returning to the official agenda, he said other issues will include the Middle East situation and the EUs southern neighborhood. In addition, there will be an informal lunch with Indias foreign minister.
How Irans Naval Mines Work

Some float on the surface. Some rest on the seafloor. All could further complicate efforts to restart shipping in the Persian Gulf.

Drifting mine Floating on or just below the sea surface Limpet mine Moored mine Attached to a ships hull Anchored to the seabed Sitting on the seabed Bottom mine Drifting mine Limpet mine Floating on or just below the sea surface Attached to a ships hull Moored mine Anchored to the seabed Sitting on the seabed Bottom mine Drifting mine Limpet mine Floating on or just below the sea surface Moored mine Attached to a ships hull Anchored to the seabed Sitting on the seabed Bottom mine Drifting mine Limpet mine Floating on or just below the sea surface Moored mine Attached to a ships hull Anchored to the seabed Sitting on the seabed Bottom mine Note: Not to scale. Sources: CAT-UXO, Rand

Iran has strangled one of the worlds most critical shipping routes, the Strait of Hormuz, by threatening merchant ships and attacking tankers.

But Iran also has more than 5,000 naval mines in its arsenal, according to estimates by the Defense Intelligence Agency. And Iran is beginning to deploy them, U.S. officials said.

The geography of the strait and the surrounding waters works to Irans advantage. A long southern coastline affords ample opportunity for small boats to dart out with mines.

Tight shipping lanes leave little room to navigate. And the water at the straits narrowest point is only about 200 feet deep  shallow enough to lay minefields.

20 miles A shallow strait Bandar Abbas IRAN Tankers travel along narrow lanes that are susceptible to mining. Water depth Strait of Hormuz 0 400 800 feet Qeshm Shipping lanes Bandar Lengeh Sirik Direction of traffic OMAN Persian Gulf Shallower water IRAN Area of detail Persian Gulf UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Gulf of Oman U.A.E. Deeper water SAUDI ARABIA OMAN A shallow strait Tankers travel along narrow lanes that are susceptible to mining. Water depth 0 400 800 feet IRAN Strait of Hormuz Qeshm Shipping lanes Sirik Direction of traffic OMAN Shallower water UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Gulf of Oman Deeper water 20 miles IRAN Area of detail Persian Gulf SAUDI ARABIA U.A.E. OMAN Sources: Flanders Marine Institute, International Maritime Organization, GEBCO

It could be hugely expensive, and dangerous, for the U.S. Navy to have to conduct what would most likely be a weekslong mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to military officials.

Still, mining is a double-edged sword. Laying mines in the strait could prevent Irans own oil  and the desperately needed revenues it provides  from making it out of the Gulf.

How naval mines work

Since World War I, militaries have developed a range of naval mines to harass and sink enemy ships.

The most common are moored mines, warheads held just below the surface by a chain connected to a heavy anchor.

In the bottom half of the spherical warhead are explosives, with a pocket of air above to provide buoyancy. Thick horns pointing outward contain devices that cause the mine to explode upon contact with a ships hull.

Source: Rand

If its anchor chain is severed, the mine is often called a floater. It moves with the current.

Source: Rand

During the Cold War, bottom mines became more widespread. They contain a much larger quantity of explosives than moored mines, and they lie on the seafloor.

These mines use a combination of sensors  magnetic, acoustic, pressure and seismic  to determine when a ship is nearby. Then they detonate with hundreds of pounds of force, sending a large gas bubble upward against the targeted ship.

Bottom mine Designed to rest on the seabed. Ship Equipped with sensors, it detonates once it detects a ship or a submarine. Bottom mine Designed to rest on the seabed. Ship Equipped with sensors, it detonates once it detects a ship or a submarine. Source: Rand

Trash, shipwrecks and other debris clutter the seafloor, often making the job of finding these mines difficult and time consuming.

Iran also has limpet mines  small explosive charges placed by swimmers or divers to disable a ship, often by targeting the propulsion and steering gear underwater. They typically explode after a preset amount of time, allowing the people who place them time to get away safely.

Limpet mine Usually placed by a diver on the underside of a ship's hull. Once armed, it detonates after a preset amount of time. Ship Limpet mine Usually placed by a diver on the underside of a ship's hull. Once armed, it detonates after a preset amount of time. Ship Source: Rand

Most of these mines are designed to create what militaries call mission-kills, meaning a ship does not sink but is damaged enough that it cannot continue to perform its assigned tasks.

Modern tankers, which have an inner and outer hull to prevent spillage of oil into the ocean, are especially unlikely to be sunk by naval mines. Even if the outer hull is breached by an explosion, the inner hull may well remain intact. And like all modern warships and cargo vessels, tankers are designed with internal watertight compartments that can be sealed off to prevent flooding.

Tankers are designed to survive hull damage The watertight subdivision of the tanker helps retain buoyancy if the hull is damaged. Oil tanks Engine Double hull Tankers are designed to survive hull damage The watertight subdivision of the tanker helps retain buoyancy if the hull is damaged. Oil tanks Engine Double hull A remote vehicle is put in the water and scans the area autonomously following a pattern. Tankers are designed to survive hull damage The watertight subdivision of the tanker helps retain buoyancy if the hull is damaged. Oil tanks Engine Double hull Tankers are designed to survive hull damage The watertight subdivision of the tanker helps retain buoyancy if the hull is damaged. Oil tanks Engine Double hull Sources: Neda Maritime Agency, ShipSpotting

Clearing mines is dangerous and time consuming

While laying minefields can be done quickly, its a painstaking process to clear them  and an almost impossible task while under fire.

To find the mines, clearance teams can deploy a remote vehicle equipped with sonar to survey the water in a back-and-forth pattern. Once mines are found, they can be destroyed by sending explosive devices or divers to disarm them.

Mine hunting A remote vehicle is put in the water and scans the area autonomously following a pattern. Collected data is parsed into a map of where the mines are. Mine The vehicle returns to the ship. Mine hunting A remote vehicle is put in the water and scans the area autonomously following a pattern. Collected data is parsed into a map of where the mines are. Mine The vehicle returns to the ship. Sources: New Prairie Press, Rand

Minesweeping, which involves mimicking a ships signals to trigger the mines, can be faster than hunting. But the signals dont always work, leaving a greater chance that unexploded mines will remain in the water.

The vehicle returns to the ship. Minesweeping In most cases, submerged cables attached to specialized devices are dragged in mined areas. Ship Cable Magnetic or acoustic signals can simulate the signals produced by a ship. The fake signal tricks the mines sensor and it triggers the detonation. Minesweeping In most cases, submerged cables attached to specialized devices are dragged in mined areas. Magnetic or acoustic signals can simulate the signals produced by a ship. Ship Cable The fake signal tricks the mines sensor and it triggers the detonation. Source: Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, Rand

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz would not require the removal of every last mine. Clearance teams might find paths through a minefield that are wide enough for ships to safely pass through, and mark those channels with buoys.

Once commerce has been restored, the clearance teams can expand their surveys to find and eradicate any remaining minefields.

Irans new mining effort in the Strait of Hormuz is not particularly fast or efficient, American officials said, but the Iranians appear to be hoping that they can lay them faster than the United States can clear them and create a further deterrent for ships to move through the strait.

In 1991, after Iraq laid over a thousand naval mines in the Gulf, it took more than a dozen allied ships almost two months to clear the coast of Kuwait, averaging just over one mine a day. The technology has greatly improved since then, allowing for faster underwater surveys with robotic vehicles.

Earlier this week, targeting Irans mine-laying capabilities, U.S. Central Command attacked 16 Iranian minelayers, it said. A video posted by Central Command shows U.S. munitions striking nine ships of different types, many of which were moored pierside.

Source: U.S. Central Command

While the U.S. military said it had destroyed larger Iranian naval vessels that could be used to quickly lay mines in the strait, Iran began using smaller boats for its mine-laying operation on Thursday, according to a U.S. official briefed on the intelligence.

Eliminating every mine in storage and every vessel capable of laying mines could mean U.S. forces would have to destroy Irans entire civilian maritime infrastructure.

The U.S. military may choose instead to keep armed surveillance drones orbiting overhead, able to immediately fire missiles or drop bombs on any vessels seen laying mines in the strait.
The deadline for O'Dwyer's 2026 rankings of the top PR firms by net fee income is Mon., Mar. 16.

Download 2026 O'Dwyer's Rankings Instructions (PDF).

Show your expertise in areas such as healthcare, technology, finance, professional services and purpose/CSR, to name a few of the 23 specialties we track. Only ODwyers does such rankings which are usually at or near the top in Google searches for those categories.

Our website is optimized for ChatGPT and youll find ODwyers cited in GPT queries related to PR firms, lists organizing PR firms by their specialties and top ranked firms that have met O'Dwyer's strict documentation requirements. Traffic is usually between 40,000 - 100,000+ visits monthly.

Our research shows that ODwyer's rankings are a keystone of AI search. All major AI platforms use ODwyer's rankings as the definitive data to inform their answers. This is seen on all levels of their rankings, nationally, locally and by vertical served. Their rankings are now the premier data source for anyone researching PR firms using AI," said Greg Matusky, CEO, Gregory and Developer of Gregory Influence Enginean AI search research tool.

Rankings are also tabulated by 16 cities and regions, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Regional rankings showcase firms in the West, Southeast and Midwest.

A total of 133 firms took part in the 2025 rankings.

List and rank with ODwyers

For over 55 years, weve has been the go-to resource for companies seeking top PR agencies. Whether you're a boutique agency or a global powerhouse, joining O'Dwyer's gives your firm year-round visibility.

Heres what recent new additions to our online directory of PR firms have to say:

ODwyer's is known for the best of the best in PR. Its a preeminent source for people looking for insights on public relations agencies and we wanted to a part of that conversation."

-- DeAnna Spoerl, Chief Brand Officer, Bear Icebox Communications

ODwyers has spent decades earning trust in the PR industry, and today that credibility has extended to AI discovery. As a member, 10Fold has access to reliable insight and practical perspective helping us navigate with confidence.

-- Susan Thomas, CEO, 10Fold

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-- Amy Littleton, President, Stretch PR

"Airfoil specializes in working with visionary brands in the technology, automotive and advanced manufacturing fields. Driving agency visibility and elevating our position in search is critical to our business development strategy. O'Dwyer's is among the most well-known and trusted resources for companies seeking a new PR agency. We see it as an essential driver of brand awareness and a fundamental component of our agency marketing efforts."

-- Keith Donovan, CEO, Airfoil Group

"Joining the O'Dwyer's community is a good opportunity to share our growth story and connect with the broader communications industry as we continue to evolve both in size, scope and capability."

-- Helena Dea Bala, Partner, PKPR

"I initially discovered O'Dwyer's at my very first PR job, and it's been a go-to resource ever since. Few outlets cover the inner workings of the PR industry with such depth, and O'Dwyer's continues to deliver valuable insights on trends and the ever-evolving communications landscape. I'm honored to be part of such a distinguished community of communicators."

Ranking Rules

PR firms have distinctive financialsat least half of income is used for staff pay. Therefore, ODwyers requires the top page of the latest corporate income tax return and W-3 to verify legitimate PR firms rather than ad agencies or other types of businesses. The ranking measures counseling and media contact services, not advertising or production expenses.

"Even if the tax return is on a cash basis and financials on accrual, we like to see the return as an added check that a CPA has been used," publisher John O'Dwyer stressed.

Net fee income by location and specialties should have been accumulated all year, by month and presented to a CPA.

"The CPA firm should have minimal work to do, just a topside review. Our ranking instructions disclaim responsibility for the numbers by the CPA firm," O'Dwyer said.

Please contact John ODwyer at [email protected] if you have questions about the ranking requirements.

Download 2026 O'Dwyer's Rankings Instructions (PDF)
Jean-Michel Richier

FGS Global brings on Jean-Manuel Richier as senior advisor to bolster its equity advisory, investor relations and transaction & financial communications capabilities across Europe. Richier was most recently co-head of global banking and head of investment banking for HSBC in continental Europe. He was previously CEO of HSBC Bank plc in Switzerland and has held senior roles at Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and J.P. Morgan, At FGS Global, Richier will advise clients on equity market positioning, investor engagement and strategic financial communications. Jean-Manuels experience at the very top of global banking gives him a rare perspective on how boards, CEOs and investors think in moments of strategic change, said FGS Global partner and co-head of the equity advisory practice Justin Shinebourne. His insights will be highly valuable to clients navigating capital markets engagement, transactions and investor scrutiny.

Danielle Malvesti

TEAM LEWIS names Danielle Malvesti SVP, strategy. Malvesti joins the agency from Cramer, where she most recently served as EVP, solutions. At TEAM LEWIS, she will be responsible for leading sales and marketing initiatives to support the agencys US growth plan, establish an integrated marketing proposition, and be strategic counsel on integrated accounts. Malvesti will also be instrumental in transforming agency culture from single service to an embedded integrated proposition across all US operations. She will work with Desiree Dileso, who came to the agency from Dig & Dig last year. "Our industry's future is integrated, and these strategic hires enable us to guide clients through this evolution," said TEAM LEWIS chief operating officer Yvonne van Bokhoven.

Abbie Lipton

Duree & Company ups Abbie Lipton to vice president. Lipton has been with the agency since 2017, most recently serving as account director. She has secured placements for clients on such regional and national platforms as The TODAY Show, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, FOX Business and the New York Times. As vice president, she will oversee client strategy, media relations and team leadership across a broad range of industries, including lifestyle, hospitality, health and wellness, cannabis, consumer packaged goods and nonprofits. Her strategic thinking, media expertise and genuine dedication to her clients make her the ideal person to step into this leadership role, said Duree & Company president and founder Duree Ross.

(L-R) Michelle Poland, Channing Sizemore, Emma Stoneham

LDWW promotes Michelle Poland, Channing Sizemore and Emma Stoneham to managing director. Poland, based in the firms Oklahoma City office, directs the agencys social practice and guides influencer strategy across client portfolios. Sizemore, also based in Oklahoma City, manages Motivas, the media-buying arm of the agency, overseeing paid media strategy and performance across clients. Stoneham, who works from LDWWs Dallas office, leads strategic communications and account services for such clients as Carnival Cruise Line and Childrens Health, integrating media relations, account service and brand strategy. LDWW has also promoted Cami Christian, Caroline Slaton and Taylor Smith to senior director, account service; Kaci Eckel to senior director, analytics; and David Hinds and Daniel Halley to senior director, branding. Every day they demonstrate their commitment to collaborating and maximizing the agencys array of services to solve challenges and issues that clients face in todays quickly changing communications and marketing environment, said LDWW president and founder Ken Luce.
The government agency in charge of protecting the Lone Star State's environmental resources is looking for a firm that can develop a marketing plan for a campaign that promotes and encourages water and energy conservation.
A COUPLE whose German shepherds were said to have savaged a neighbouring woman's dog were fined 1,000 after paying 10,000 in compensation.

Judge Andrew Cody fined Ronan McDonnell (48) and Nicola Donlon (44), with an address at Lissavra Big, Streamstown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, 500 each.

They had previously been convicted of having uncontrolled dogs and sentencing was adjourned for a victim impact statement.

Mr McDonnell had been convicted of having uncontrolled dogs at Corgarve, Streamstown on December 4, 2024 and January 17, 2025.

When Judge Cody read the victim impact statement he noted that no apology had been received by the injured party.

READ NEXT: Speeding prosecutions on hold as nomination forms issue is referred to High Court

Jade O'Brien, BL, defending, said both accused were deeply apologetic and had spoken to the victim outside and offered 10,000 in compensation which they had brought to court in cash.

Ms O'Brien said the couple had four children and Mr McDonnell worked as a project manager of a building firm.

She said Nicola cared for the children and her father and both of her clients were heavily involved in the local community.

Ronan McDonnell spent a considerable amount of time working with the local GAA club, volunteering with under 16 boy and under 14 girls teams, and the minor boys team.

Ms O'Brien added that since September he had been involved in CPR training locally and was involved in establishing a medical emergency rapid responders' group for the area.

Defence counsel said both contributed to community events which included assisting with senior citizens parties, fundraising for local community centre.

She further told the court Ronan McDonnell also managed the local community crime alert group voluntarily.

Since the incident which led to the prosecution they had addressed concerns and hoped to have alleviated any concerns over the dogs.

One of the dogs had been rehomed and the remaining dog was in a secure enclosure and was supervised whenever it is outside.

Ms O'Brien said the dog warden was satisfied when he visited the property.

She said neither of the accused had any previous convictions and asked Judge Cody to be as lenient as possibly and to consider applying the Probation Act.

Invited by the judge to comment in court, the woman said she had received an apology and stated she wanted her family to be safe, for there to be no more hostile behaviour and not to be excluded from the community.

Judge Cody said the injured party and her partner had been removed from the community text alert.

He told Ms O'Brien she had been extolling her clients' virtues yet the other couple were still excluded.

Ms O'Brien said that position would be rectified and Mr McDonnell indicated the same.

Judge Cody remarked: Everything is at the last minute. Compensation at the last minute, apology at the last minute.

Ms O'Brien said there had been some difficulties between the parties.

The judge said that the case before him proved that good fences make good neighbours and noted that the other women lived beside the defendants.

While the charge before the court related to two uncontrolled German shepherds one had to accept video evidence which showed them behaving in a very aggressive manner towards the injured parties' dog.

READ NEXT: Housing scheme planned for Offaly town

I've no doubt, even though it wasn't on film, that he was attacked by the dogs owned by Ms Donlon and Mr McDonnell, said the judge, adding that the the Bart Simpson defence of Nobody saw me, I didn't do it had been offered.

It was quite obvious to me that their two dogs savaged the dog and he was admitted to intensive care in UCD over the Christmas period, added the judge.

He said that must have been very distressing for the family and the total cost in veterinary expenses was 10,000 which was only paid today.

He fined Mr McDonnell and Ms Donlon 500 each, giving them three months to pay. Other summonses were taken into consideration.

This would have been a lot different if they had approached this in a completely different manner, he stated.

He did fix recognisances for an appeal.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and Nova Poshta signed a memorandum of cooperation.

"The signing of the memorandum opens new opportunities for partnership and will help use the capabilities of the public sector and business faster and more effectively. The partnership includes support for veterans, people affected by the war, and strengthening community resilience," the Ukrainian Red Cross Society said on Facebook on Friday.

The partners plan to organize exchanges of experience and training in first aid and safety. They will also focus on improving logistics and efficient delivery of humanitarian support. To this end, the parties will analyze available resources and develop mechanisms to ensure prompt delivery of aid to the most critical areas.

The memorandum also provides for coordination of actions during emergencies.
A PRISONER used an improvised weapon known as a 'shiv' in an attack on another inmate in Portlaoise Prison, Tullamore District Court heard.

Joshua Connolly, whose 31st birthday is on March 16, and with an address at Lakeside Crescent, Newbridge, Co Kildare, had previousliy pleaded guilty to producing a man-made instrument contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act and to assaulting Patrick Farrell with intent to cause bodily harm.

Sergeant Richard Thornton said the offence was committed at 2.30pm on December 7, 2023 in Portlaoise Prison and the victim was a serving prisoner.

The victim suffered superficial wounds to his ear, face, arm, upper jaw and upper back and Mr Connolly had 46 previous convictions.

He had previously been convicted of arson, assault causing harm, criminal damage, breaches of the Public Order Act, drug possession, possession of knives, burglary and handling stolen property.

READ NEXT: Speeding prosecutions on hold

David Nugent, BL, appearing for Mr Connolly, said his client apologised to the victim and things had calmed down since.

The accused, whose release date is August 29 next, had been disciplined in prison for the offence.

He has been inside for quite some time, said Mr Nugent.

Defence counsel added that apart from the offence before the court Mr Connolly had been doing quite well in prison and hoped to be proactive when released and was considering apprenticeships.

Sergeant Thornton told Judge Andrew Cody the man had been in prison since April 24, 2024 for obstructing a garda, criminal damage and producing an article.

Judge Cody said having a 'shiv' is a serious offence and though the victim suffered minor puncture wounds it could have been worse.

He sentenced Mr Connolly to three months in prison, that term to begin on the expiry of his current sentence. He took possession of the instrument into consideration.

(Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme)
The newly established Offaly Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) held its second meeting on 4 March 2026 at Offaly County Council, with strong attendance from all relevant stakeholders, community representatives, state agencies, and elected members. All participants remain committed to enhancing safety and wellbeing across the county.

Members received detailed presentations from An Garda Siochana, the Midland Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force (MRDATF), and the HSE Community Alcohol & Drug Service (CADS). The MRDATF and HSE CADS outlined the broad range of services and supports available throughout County Offaly for individuals under and over 18 years, as well as families affected by drug- and alcohol-related issues.

Speaking at the meeting, Antoinette Kinsella, Co-ordinator MRDATF said, I very much welcome the opportunity to present on the work of the Task Force here today. As a member of this committee, I look forward to working in partnership with Community Safety Partnership members in further supporting a co-ordinated response to drug and alcohol related issues across County Offaly.

Constructive discussion followed regarding how the Partnership can build on this work and further strengthen collaboration between agencies, service providers, and local communities.

READ NEXT: Offaly commercial vacancy rate falls to 15.3% in December

Work will now progress on the development of a Local Community Safety Plan for Offaly, led by the LCSP. Relevant subgroups focusing on specific topics are currently being formed and will be confirmed at the next Partnership meeting, scheduled for May 2026. Public consultation will be central to the planning process, with details on how residents can participate and share their views to be announced in the coming weeks.

READ NEXT: "Day of Action and Solidarity" for Palestine this Saturday in Tullamore

For further information please contact:

communitysafety@offalycoco.ie

https://www.offaly.ie/occ_news/offaly-local-community-safety-partnership-lcsp/
SOME of the objectors to the Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region have made a submission to An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP) stating that they plan to bring the matter to the European Court of Justice.

An Coimisiun Pleanala received 79 submissions regarding the project by February 25th last and will make its decision on the planning application by June 30th next. The majority of the submissions were objecting to the Pipe, primarily on environmental grounds, but a small number, including IBEC and Laois County Council, were in favour of the project.

One of the submissions (which was called a Petition) was from a solicitor in East Clare representing Fight the Shannon Pipeline. The solicitor said the Fight the Shannon Pipeline group was writing to ACP as a community which is gravely concerned by the proposal under The Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region to pipe water from Parteen to Peamount in Dublin. We would like to lodge an objection to the Planning Application and intend to bring the issue to the European Court of Justice.

In the European Court of Justice, Fight the Shannon Pipeline will be arguing that the project is in breach of the legislation under the EU's Water Framework Directive The Water Environment (Abstraction and Associated Impoundment) Act 2022.

The group says the Pipe will reduce flow levels; and will interfere with sediment transport which will cause a deterioration in the status of the water body. The abstraction is so significant and catastrophic, commented the group, that the Minister should not be allowed to make such a continued abstraction to be exempt from this legislation and from the EU Directive. This abstraction should be prohibited on the grounds that it will cause deterioration of the water body and will jeopardise compliance with Environmental objectives. The continuous removal of water will destroy the massive network of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, affecting the Lower Shannon and Lough Derg. Hedgerows, habitats, flora and fauna will be destroyed decimating this unique natural habitat, home to a number of protected species. In the event that the Planning Application is granted, we as a community will have no other option but to hire an independent firm to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment on this delicate habitat and pursue a case action to protect this area and the endangered species in this area. There is no necessity whatsoever to sacrifice Special Areas of Conservation with all their wildlife, birds, flora and fauna when there are several other options available.



Another submission was made by a solicitor from North Tipperary representing the communities of Killaloe/Ballina. She said the project presents unacceptable environmental, social, and economic impacts for local communities, with the perceived benefits overwhelmingly accruing to Dublin, while the local area bears disproportionate risks.

She pointed out that the proposed abstraction at Parteen Basin lies within the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, threatening critical habitats and protected species, including pollan, salmon, and trout.

Modelling indicates, she pointed out, that even under current proposals, Lough Derg and Parteen Basin could experience dangerously low water levels during drought conditions, risking ecological collapse. Potential impacts on water quality and river resilience are significant, particularly during low flows, which could affect both biodiversity and downstream communities. The development does not adequately safeguard against long-term environmental degradation, and mitigation measures proposed are insufficient and non-binding.

She pointed out that the five-year construction period will cause severe disruption to local communities, including heavy traffic on regional and rural roads, temporary road closures, and risks to public safety. The scale of works, including large construction compounds and abnormal load movements, will generate significant noise, dust, and loss of agricultural access, with impacts lasting up to 24 months per land parcel. Local tourism, a vital economic driver for Killaloe and Lough Derg, will be adversely affected, with potential damage to boating, sailing, and recreational amenities.

She added that the proposal fails to prioritise the communities most affected.

The solicitor said the Killaloe/Ballina communities object in full to the proposed development. The environmental, social, and economic impacts are significant, irreversible in some cases, and place an unfair burden on our community for bearing the environmental risk for Dublins growth. We request that An Coimisiun Pleanala refuse permission for this project in its current form.



Another submission came from Property Consultants in Co. Kildare who were acting on behalf of a client in Co. Dublin, who was objecting to a Compulsory Purchase Order of his lands because he had very serious concerns in relation to the impact of the laying of this large diameter pipe will have in relation to the future drainage of his land. The land is superb quality tillage land producing high crop yields consistently year after year. The land currently has no drainage issues but the construction of the pipeline may block existing land drains and in addition, block the natural flow of water beneath the surface of the land. The water table could become elevated as a consequence of this. A negative impact on the drainage of this owners land could have very serious long term consequences in relation to the farming of the land.

The same Property Consultancy company also made a submission on behalf of another client objecting to a CPO on his land because of the route that had been chosen for the Pipe. A route that would have a lower negative impact on property owners and the environment should have been chosen. The landowner also had very serious concerns in relation to the impact of the laying of this large diameter pipe will have in relation to the future drainage of the lands.

The Midland Tribune was also in contact with Uisce Eireann this week and asked the organisation a number of questions. In response to the questions Linda McKenny, Regional Communications Specialist (South East/Midlands), Uisce Eireann, said The Water Supply Project Eastern & Midlands Region is a critical infrastructure project that will provide a resilient, safe, and secure water supply with capacity to address the water supply needs for up to 50% of the population; and is a key part of the country's 25-year national water supply strategy, and its delivery is critical to the delivery of Housing and Growth for the State. Water supply, said Ms McKenny, in the Greater Dublin Area and significant parts of the Eastern & Midlands Region is under severe pressure and there is a critical need for a new water source. Current demand in many areas is exceeding what we can sustainably produce, leaving communities vulnerable to restrictions, outages and sudden disruptions. Currently, the River Liffey supplies 85% of the water requirements for 1.7 million people in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow. By relying so heavily on one river, there is no alternative if there is a contamination or weather event, or indeed backup if equipment failure affects supply. The project will provide Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow with a resilient, safe, secure water supply. It will also provide infrastructure with the capacity for future offtakes to serve communities along the route in Tipperary, Offaly, and Westmeath.

The Midland Tribune pointed out that on February 12th during a public meeting in Killaloe Hotel about this issue it became clear that in Clare and Tipperary many people are very worried about the lake's future, and there's a lack of trust in the government, with some pointing to the Dublin Airport Cap issue as an example of how the Government can change its mind on issues.

In response to this point Ms McKenny commented that Uisce Eireann acknowledges the importance of Lough Derg for recreation, tourism, and local ecology, and we appreciate the concerns raised by local communities. The Water Supply Project will secure a new source of water from the River Shannon at Parteen Basin, using an existing ESB-managed reservoir. It proposes to abstract a maximum of 2% of the long term annual average flow of the River Shannon at this location  a very small amount relative to the size of the river."

She said extensive hydrological modelling has been undertaken with particular emphasis on drought periods, including an assessment of the peak abstraction in a drought/low flow period. She said the assessments confirm that there will be no change to the statutory compensation flow of 10m3/s (10 cubic metres per second) to the Old River Shannon; water levels on Lough Derg and Parteen Basin will continue to be managed by the ESB within its current Normal Operating Band for water levels; navigation and beneficial uses focused on tourism will experience the same operating water level range as normal; modelling shows that the abstraction is sustainable and the operation of Lough Derg, post works, will feel and look very similar to the way it currently operates, and there will not be a visible day to day difference for any water users; the modelling indicates, even under drought conditions, that the Proposed Project would have a neutral effect on water quality in Lough Derg and Parteen Basin.

We are committed to continued engagement with all stakeholders, including sports and recreational users, and communities around the Parteen Basin, and to this end, we have appointed a dedicated Community Liaison Officer. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to engage with communities along the pipeline route through informal community engagement clinics. These small-format clinics are intended to support local communities with clear, accessible information  details are included at water.ie/watersupplyproject."

The Midland Tribune said that during the Killaloe Hotel public meeting on February 12th it was pointed out by a number of attendees that "while Uisce Eireann says the 2% abstraction limit will not change because it will be regulatory/statutory, the worry remains: What if the demand for the Shannon's water increases and the regulation is therefore changed? What would be your response to that worry please?"

In response, Ms McKenny said the planning application submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala outlines a proposed abstraction for a maximum of 300 MLD  Million Litres per Day - 2% of the long-term average flow in the River Shannon at Parteen Basin. "This amount is required to address the identified water supply needs of 36 Water Resource Zones in the Eastern and Midlands Region, based on supply and demand projections to the year 2050 (using the methodology from the National Water Resources Plan, which was subject to AA, SEA and statutory consultation). This includes allowances for growth, peaking for extreme events like the recent cold weather, and also includes headroom. The capacity and sizing of the project infrastructure is designed on this 300 MLD basis. The proposed abstraction licence for the project will also be sought on the basis of a 300 MLD maximum abstraction requirement. There are no plans to increase this abstraction, nor is this technically or environmentally assessed. (Our planning application, infrastructure design and proposed abstraction license are all based on a 300 MLD max abstraction). Any new or modified infrastructure, or revised licence to accommodate a level of abstraction in excess of this in the future, would be subject to further statutory consenting processes, including environmental assessments.

If you would like to view the 79 submissions then you can google: pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/323980

READ NEXT: 'You can't trust the Government over Lough Derg's future,' meeting is told
An elderly Irish man has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a bus in Co Wicklow yesterday evening.

Gardai said the man, aged in his 80s, was injured in a road traffic collision involving a bus and a pedestrian on Station Road in Bray on Thursday evening.

According to a Garda statement, emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly before 6pm.

The injured man was taken to St Vincent's University Hospital for treatment.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision, involving a bus and a pedestrian, shortly before 6:00pm.

READ MORE | 'Do not click on or open links' - Irish public warned of scam texts offering accommodation

"The male pedestrian (aged in his 80s) was taken to St Vincent's University Hospital to be treated for serious injuries."

The road remains closed while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators examine the scene.

Gardai are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Road users and pedestrians who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and who were in the area between 5.40pm and 6.10pm are being asked to make it available to gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station on (01) 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Investigations are ongoing, the spokesperson confirmed.
The conflict in the Middle East has increased the importance of having good relations between the UK and Ireland, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

And Irish premier Micheal Martin said increased co-ordination between the two countries would help to guarantee economic security.

The two leaders met in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Sir Keir was greeted by Taoiseach Mr Martin at Fota House ahead of the series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

Following the meeting, Sir Keir and Mr Martin released a joint statement with a list of agreed actions in the areas of shared prosperity, shared seas and shared ties.

The document also outlines co-operation on research in areas such as quantum technology and 6G, emergency preparedness, and opportunities around offshore energy infrastructure.

The two Governments said they would continue implementation of legislation on legacy issues in Northern Ireland, while a new memorandum of understanding on defence was described as putting a focus on maritime and cyber defence and security as well as information sharing in the aerial domain.

Speaking at the start of the summit, Mr Martin said work between the two Governments to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles personifies the benefits of our relationship.

He added: We have an agreed memorandum of understanding in terms of defence and security which is very, very important where we are collectively working together in a collaborative way and a co-operative way, work to protect our sub-sea cables, our critical underwater infrastructure, the challenges on cyber attacks that affect us all and more general security issues.

I think that level of co-ordination is very, very important to underpin and guarantee our economic security, but broader security in a very challenging and uncertain world.

Sir Keir highlighted co-operation on trade and energy policies.

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 740 million of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

Sir Keir said: We look at Ukraine  the conflict now in Iran, you can see when it comes to energy, our ability to collaborate and co-operate for energy security and bringing bills down and moving to renewables further and faster is critical.

He added: The context at the moment is one where we have to work ever more closely together as key partners.

We are working together to protect our citizens who are in the Gulf, collaborating in the last two weeks to ensure that we can work together to get those citizens back to our respective countries.

We can go further and we have the ambition to go further on defence and security, that is really important.

Europe needs to do more, we need to step up on defence and security, we all need to spend more but that has got to be co-ordinated, weve got to collaborate otherwise we wont get strategically what we need when it comes to defence and security.

I do think in light of the conflict in Iran it is really important that we work ever more closely together.

On Thursday, Sir Keir said more than 900 million of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud computing, and financial services.

The Government of Ireland is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and Prime Minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the regions political parties on Thursday.
On March 8, Iran's Assembly of Experts announced that Ayatollah Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated by a joint U.S.-Israeli military strike on Tehran on February 28.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, assumes the country's highest authority at a critical moment for Iran. His predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, led the country for more than three decades after assuming the role in 1989. The elder Khamenei was killed at the age of 86 in Tehran at the beginning of the current conflict.

The strike also killed several members of his family, including Mojtaba's mother, his wife, and his son.

The announcement came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any Supreme Leader chosen without Washington's approval "would not remain in power for long."

Trump had earlier told Axios that Mojtaba Khamenei was among the leading candidates to succeed his father but described the possibility as "unacceptable." He also suggested that the United States should have a role in determining Iran's next leadership, drawing comparisons to political developments in Venezuela.

Israel had also issued stark warnings prior to the appointment, stating that any successor to Ali Khamenei would be considered "a confirmed assassination target."

The United States and Israel launched their unprovoked coordinated military campaign against Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of senior Iranian officials and military commanders.

As of March 10, the official death toll is 1,400 persons, including 200 children, and thousands of injuries in Iran. Israel reports 28 deaths with about 3,000 injuries. The U.S. has reported seven soldiers killed.

Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is widely regarded as one of the most enigmatic figures within Iran's political establishment.

Unlike his father, he has largely maintained a low public profile throughout his life. He has never held an official government position, rarely delivers public speeches, and has given virtually no media interviews. Only a limited number of photographs and videos of him exist in public circulation.

In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department placed Mojtaba Khamenei under sanctions, claiming he effectively represented the Supreme Leader in an official capacity despite holding no elected or formal government position.

Domestic Support and Official Pledges of Loyalty

President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei, saying the appointment "heralds the beginning of a new phase of dignity and strength for the Islamic Republic."

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the selection, given the "dangerous current circumstances," would safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity while strengthening national unity.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a statement expressing full support for the Assembly of Experts' decision and affirming its readiness for "complete obedience and self-sacrifice."

Images later circulated showing celebrations across parts of Iran, with citizens waving national flags and lighting their mobile phones in public gatherings.

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Macron: Situation with rising oil prices should in no way lead to review of sanctions against Russia

Photo:  

The situation with rising oil prices in the world should not lead to a review of the policy on sanctions against Russia, this is the position of G7, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"At the G7 meeting, which I chaired on Wednesday, when the issue of rising oil prices was discussed, everyone agreed that there is no need to review our sanctions policy towards Russia," he said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday.

Macron also called it "strange that Russia is calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East, while Moscow has been refusing to observe the ceasefire in Ukraine for a year, despite all the efforts of the United States."

"Russia is not advocating peace anywhere. "I also want to remind you that Russia is a strategic ally of the regime in Tehran, with whom they signed a relevant partnership agreement, the details of which have never been made public, and which provides for the production of Iranian-origin UAVs in Russia," the French president said.

He added that "it is no secret to anyone that the sky over Ukraine has unfortunately become a testing ground for Iranian drones," which are currently being used in the Middle East.
Photo: https://t.me/vereshchuk_iryna

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Iryna Vereschuk discussed issues of tactical medicine and international donor funding for medical evacuation with the founder of the humanitarian organization Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), which evacuates wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

"Today I met with Christopher Catrambone  an American philanthropist, founder of MOAS, who has lived in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion and manages this humanitarian project. We discussed issues of tactical medicine, evacuation logistics, as well as international donor funding for medical evacuation," Vereschuk wrote on Telegram on Friday following the meeting.

She said MOAS has carried out tens of thousands of evacuations since the start of Russias full-scale invasion. "The evacuation work of MOAS and other similar humanitarian teams is substantial support for the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and civilian medical facilities. Their humanitarian mission saves lives and preserves the health of our defenders," Vereschuk said.
The Las Vegas Strip is Losing a Poker Room ... Again

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

The Las Vegas Strip, for the second time already this year, will lose another poker room at the end of the month.

Resorts World, which opened in 2021, has 29 poker tables and played host to the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) the past few years. Attendance at the 2025 NAPT was down significantly compared to 2024 in many events, including the Main Event declining from 895 entries to 738.

Rumors began swirling around the tournament area during last year's NAPT that the Resorts World's poker room days were numbered. Those rumors have now been confirmed, and the card room will cease operations effective March 29.

What's Going on in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas tourism dropped over 8% year-over-year in 2025, and that appears to have carried over to the local poker scene. Planet Hollywood's poker room, eight months after reopening for the first time since COVID, closed at the end of January. Resorts World will become the second card room on the Strip to shut down already this year.

The city, after Resorts closes, will still have 18 poker rooms in operation and eight on the Strip. That's more than any other U.S. city. But those numbers have been on a decline since the pandemic.

The Las Vegas Strip, 10 years ago, had many other card rooms, including The Strat (formerly Stratosphere), Harrah's, Mirage, Monte Carlo (now Park MGM), Luxor, Excalibur, Treasure Island, Flamingo and even a few poker tables at Circus Circus and Riviera not all that long ago. Times have changed for the Las Vegas poker scene, thanks in large part to the pandemic and now the city's tourism decline.

But it isn't all bad. In fact, the Vegas poker scene is still crushing it in many ways, including record attendance each year at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), and series such as the Wynn Millions, which is currently underway, bringing in massive fields. Not to mention all the cash game action at Aria, Bellagio, Wynn, Venetian, and elsewhere.

Poker isn't dead in Las Vegas, but closures such as Resorts World and Planet Hollywood certainly don't help the narrative.

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Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

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Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2026/03/13

Peace negotiations in the Middle East have reached a deadlock, and the situation is developing in Russia's favor, European Solidarity party leader Petro Poroshenko said at the political party's congress, according to the party's website.

"The events now unfolding in the Middle East are catastrophic for the world and very dangerous for Ukraine. And, unfortunately, beneficial for Putin," he said.

According to Poroshenko, the first benefit for Russia is diverting the attention of the U.S., NATO and Persian Gulf countries from pressure on Moscow. "Air defense missiles, long-range missiles, money have been diverted there today. And this is a benefit for Putin," the politician said.

He named a sharp rise in oil prices as the second threat and stressed that Ukraine must act on two fronts  internal unity and strengthening diplomacy.

"We need a coalition of national unity. We are ready for our political force to join the negotiating team," he said.

Poroshenko also emphasized the need for sanctions capable of "cutting off Russian exports" and reducing the Kremlin's ability to finance the war. "The main argument that Putin must hear is the Armed Forces of Ukraine," he added.

The European Solidarity leader said his faction voted for the defense minister for the first time to confirm its readiness to cooperate.
One killed, six wounded in Kherson region from enemy shelling

One person was killed and six others were injured as a result of Russian strikes on Kherson region, regional military administration head Oleksandr Prokudin and the regional prosecutor's office press service said.

"Russian forces took the life of another Kherson region resident. Around 2:30 p.m. on a road near the village of Nova Kamianka, occupiers attacked a 52-year-old woman with an FPV drone. She sustained injuries incompatible with life," Prokudin wrote on his Telegram channel Friday.

According to the regional prosecutor's office, as of 5:30 p.m., six people were injured in enemy attacks in Kherson region. Occupiers used aviation, artillery, mortars, multiple rocket launchers and various types of drones. Six civilians were reported injured as a result of Russian aggression.

Around 11 a.m., the enemy struck the village of Dariyivka with artillery. Five village council employees suffered injuries and acute stress reactions. Another person was injured in Blahovischenske, also as a result of artillery shelling.

In addition, private homes, an educational institution, a village council building, an outpatient clinic and vehicles were damaged.
PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-12 22:55:11

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 12, 2026 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY) announces its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025.Highlights: 2025 and 2026 to DateClosed a non-brokered private placement with participation by a Lundin Family Trust and BHP Group Limited ("BHP"), involving the issuance of 23,810,000 common shares at a price of C$4.20 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$100,002,000 on March 11, 2026.Signed a letter of intent to acquire BHP's San Manuel property in Arizona on February 20, 2026, creating the potential for a multi-asset copper district in the USA (see news release dated February 20, 2026).Reported near-surface copper mineralization from five drill holes in the American Eagle Area, on January 22, 2026.Announced initiation of the largest ever drill program at the Copper Creek Project on September 18, 2025. The Phase IV drill program plans for 40,000 metres ("m") of diamond drilling focused on the American Eagle area as well as new targets, infill, geotechnical, infrastructure, and hydrological drilling.Closing of a financing for gross proceeds of C$48,773,450 on July 29, 2025. The financing includes a brokered bought deal private placement involving the issuance of 26,139,500 common shares at a price of C$1.10 per share, and a non-brokered private placement of 18,200,000 common shares at a price of C$1.10 per share, and paid total share issuance costs of $1,809,039.Announced approval from the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") for the Company's exploration plan of operations at the Copper Creek Project on July 2, 2025.Announced an expansion of the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle Area and identification of exploration upside at the Sunrise Trend, on June 19, 2025.Reported results from the Company's annual general meeting on June 18, 2025.Reported near-surface supergene copper mineralization at the Globe and Copper Prince breccias, including 10.08 m at 3.62% copper and 38.90 m at 0.51% copper, on May 15, 2025.Announced discovery of blind Winchester Breccia and expansion of near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle Area and provided a corporate update on May 6, 2025.Reported 56.57 m at 0.59% copper at the Boomerang breccia and 18.49 m at 0.98% copper at the Banjo breccia on March 19, 2025.Reported positive metallurgical results confirming high copper recovery through coarse grind and flotation on February 20, 2025.Reported 47.95 m at 0.74% copper within 304.40 m at 0.35% copper in the American Eagle Area on January 30, 2025.Reported 40.06 m at 0.78% copper within 109.42 m at 0.41% copper at the Boomerang breccia and expanded near-surface mineralization on January 8, 2025.Continued baseline environmental data collection, stakeholder mapping, and generative exploration targeting at the Copper Creek Project to provide a pipeline of future targets through ongoing geological mapping and recently reprocessed and newly acquired geophysical data.Upcoming MilestonesDrill results from the ongoing Phase IV drill program at the Copper Creek Project.Signing definitive purchase agreements for BHP's San Manuel property in Arizona by the end of the third quarter of 2026.Copper Creek Project UpdateThe project is a 100% owned, large copper deposit, located ~80 road kilometres ("km") northeast of Tucson, Arizona, and ~19 km northeast of San Manuel, Arizona. The resource area is ~3 km in length and is open in all directions. The property consists of ~80 square km of private land, patented and unpatented mining claims, and state prospecting permits. In addition, the Company controls ~26,000 acres of grazing leases which partially overlap with the claims and permits. The property is located within a historical mining district and a politically stable jurisdiction with extensive infrastructure including power, rail, roads, and access to skilled personnel.The property is in the heart of the prolific southwestern porphyry copper region of North America at the projected intersection of a major northwest trending belt of copper deposits (Ray, Miami/Globe, Superior/Resolution, Johnson Camp) and a major east-northeast trending belt of deposits (San Manuel/Kalamazoo, Silver Bell, Lakeshore, Safford, Morenci).The property hosts an early halo vein style porphyry copper deposit with high-grade, near-surface, breccia-hosted mineralization. Both mineralization types form the basis of the current Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum standards. Copper is the primary commodity, with molybdenum, silver and gold present in varying amounts associated with both types of mineralization.On May 3, 2023, the Company announced an updated MRE and Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the project, with a technical report titled "Copper Creek Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment" filed on SEDAR+ on June 13, 2023.With a total of over 257,000 m of recent and historical drilling and modest past production, significant exploration upside remains. There are over 320 known breccia occurrences mapped at the surface, of which less than 15% have been drill tested and only 17 are included in the 2023 MRE.In the Phase II drill program, assay results confirmed the potential for gold to occur in economic concentrations in certain phases of the mineralization. Gold is not currently included in the 2023 MRE. A sampling program for potential gold inclusion in future technical studies was undertaken. The results from the Childs Aldwinkle and Copper Prince breccias, as well as the Keel underground zone, have been returned and released. The Company continues to evaluate other areas for potential inclusion of gold in future mineral resource updates.Phase III drilling was completed in mid-April 2025 with 79 drill holes and 30,071 m of drilling. All results from the Phase III drilling have been released. The program's framework was based on historical work, knowledge from the geological and recently updated structural model, the results from the Phase I and Phase II drill programs, geophysical and airborne spectral data sets, and economic criteria defined in the 2023 PEA base case.The focus of drilling was on the near-surface mineralization in the American Eagle, Area 51 and Rum areas.On June 30, 2025, the Company received approval of its Exploration Plan of Operations ("EPO") by the BLM. The BLM published the final environmental assessment, and finding of no significant impact and issued a related decision record approving the EPO. The EPO include
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The Premier Legal Podcast Offering Practitioner Insights on Personal Injury Law, Trial Advocacy, and Justice for Accident VictimsNEW BRUNSWICK, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq(GGL), a leading personal injury law firm, is proud to announce the launch of its third podcast series, "Victim to Victory: The Definitive Authority in Personal Injury Law." Hosted byLawrence A. LeBrocq, Esq., this series delivers in-depth, authoritative discussions on personal injury law, litigation strategies, and advocacy for accident victims and their families.This podcast is designed for anyone who has experienced a personal injury, accident victims seeking answers, and professionals who want to stay informed on the latest trends in injury law. While it offers valuable guidance for those directly affected by an accident, it's also a resource for others to understand the obstacles of living with and recovering from a personal injury.Each episode features LeBrocq interviewing respected professionals from the personal injury field: fellow trial attorneys, medical specialists, economists, life-care planners, and more. These conversations dive into practical, real-world advice on injury claims, litigation strategies, and the pursuit of justice.As a #1 best-selling author of Victim to Victory: A Survival Guide to Personal Injury and with decades of courtroom experience and national recognition, LeBrocq is regarded as a top authority on personal injury law and litigation strategy.The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart, YouTube and TuneIn Podcasts. Listeners can also catch every episode on the Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq website.To listen to the first episode, visit:Victim to Victory: The Definitive Authority in Personal Injury Law .###About Garces, Grabler and LeBrocqGarces, Grabler, and LeBrocq is a leading Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation law firm with over 30 years of legal experience. We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to clients across New Jersey and Philadelphia. At Garces, Grabler and LeBrocq, we pride ourselves on treating our clients like family, offering compassionate support and personalized attention throughout every step of the legal process. Our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and ease.Contact InformationGarces, Grabler & LeBrocqElicia M. Inman, JD, einman@ gglwins.com 732-466-2382 https://ggllawyers.com/ 235 Livingston AveNew Brunswick, NJ 08901 https://maps.app.goo.gl/EZh6mMAXDvDAzdz58 SOURCE: Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq (GGL)
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Canada is experiencing a quiet revolution in the way it builds. From the soaring wooden towers rising above Vancouver's skyline to the pioneering mixed-use developments reshaping downtowns across Ontario and Quebec, mass timber construction has emerged as one of the most exciting and consequential shifts in Canadian real estate development in a generation. For developers and investors paying attention, the opportunity is significant - and the moment to act is now.Mass timber refers to a category of engineered wood products - including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued-laminated timber (glulam), and nail-laminated timber (NLT) - that are manufactured to handle the structural demands of large-scale residential and commercial buildings. Unlike traditional stick-frame construction, mass timber can support mid-rise and high-rise structures, opening the door to wood-based construction in building typologies long dominated by concrete and steel.- - -Fig. 1 - Mass timber high-rise development in downtown Toronto- - -"Mass timber isn't just a building material - it's a philosophy about how we develop responsibly," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc. "Canada has a world-class forestry sector, a rigorous regulatory environment, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Mass timber is the natural convergence of all three, and the development community needs to lean into it." Canada at the ForefrontCanada is not merely a participant in the mass timber movement - it is one of its architects. The country's vast boreal and coastal forests provide an abundant and, when managed properly, renewable source of raw material. British Columbia has been the epicentre of innovation, home to landmark projects like the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia - an 18-storey mass timber residence that, when completed in 2017, was among the tallest wood buildings in the world.Since then, the National Building Code of Canada has progressively updated its provisions to allow taller mass timber structures. The 2020 edition expanded the permitted height of encapsulated mass timber construction to twelve storeys, with ongoing regulatory conversations pointing toward even greater heights in future code cycles. Provincial building codes across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia have largely aligned to reflect these changes, creating a more consistent national framework for developers.For Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi and the team at Sky Property Group, the regulatory trajectory matters as much as the material itself. "Developers operate on long time horizons," she explains. "When you see the National Building Code moving consistently in one direction - toward greater flexibility for mass timber - that tells you where the industry is heading. Smart capital positions ahead of that curve." The Sustainability Case Is IroncladThe environmental argument for mass timber is compelling and, increasingly, quantifiable. Concrete production is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, while steel manufacturing is similarly carbon-intensive. Mass timber, by contrast, sequesters carbon - trees absorb CO2 as they grow, and that carbon remains locked within the wood structure of a building for its entire lifecycle.Research from the University of British Columbia and other Canadian institutions has consistently found that mass timber buildings generate substantially lower embodied carbon than equivalent concrete or steel structures - often 40% to 70% lower, depending on the application. As Canadian municipalities and the federal government intensify their focus on embodied carbon in addition to operational carbon, this advantage becomes a competitive differentiator for developers.- - -Fig. 2 - Exposed CLT beams in a Canadian mass timber office interior- - -"We're entering an era where embodied carbon will be scrutinized as carefully as energy efficiency," says Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Developers who build with mass timber now are building relationships with a regulatory environment that is only going to reward low-carbon construction more aggressively going forward. It's not altruism - it's strategy." Beyond carbon, mass timber offers measurable benefits in construction speed, cost predictability, and worker safety. The precision manufacturing of CLT and glulam panels in controlled factory environments reduces on-site waste, shortens construction schedules, and limits the unpredictability that plagues traditional poured-concrete projects. In a Canadian market where construction cost overruns and labour shortages remain persistent challenges, these operational advantages carry real financial weight.Economic Opportunity Across the Value ChainThe mass timber opportunity extends well beyond individual development projects. Canada's forest products industry - which employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians and generates tens of billions in annual export revenue - is actively investing in mass timber manufacturing capacity. New CLT and glulam facilities have opened or expanded in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, creating a domestic supply chain that reduces both costs and lead times for developers.Indigenous communities and forestry partnerships represent another critical dimension of the opportunity. Many of the most significant mass timber projects in Canada are being developed in partnership with First Nations communities that hold forestry rights, creating economic development vehicles that align with reconciliation commitments while producing real estate assets of lasting value."There's an enormous opportunity to align mass timber development with Indigenous economic partnership in ways that create generational wealth for communities that have historically been excluded from the development equation," notes Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Sky Property Group is actively exploring these kinds of collaborative structures, because we believe the best development is the kind that builds communities, not just buildings." Market Momentum and Investment Signals- - -Fig. 3 - Cross-laminated timber manufacturing facility, British Columbia- - -Institutional investors and major pension funds - among the most disciplined capital allocators in Canada - are increasingly incorporating mass timber into their real estate portfolios. The combination of ESG alignment, strong tenant demand (particularly from technology companies and progressive employers seeking distinctive, healthy workplaces), and favourable regulatory trends makes mass timber an asset class with durable appeal.Office and mixed-use mass timber developments consiste
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 12, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) between July 23, 2025 and February 3, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 4, 2026.SO WHAT: If you purchased Boston Scientific common stock 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 Boston Scientific class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55398 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 May 4, 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. 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, during the Class Period, defendants made positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Boston Scientific's U.S. Electrophysiology segment; notably, that management was aware that the segment's growth rate was unsustainable and that it was approaching an earlier tipping point than the market was anticipating. Due to defendants' statements of confidence and lofty expectations, investors and analysts were left surprised by Boston Scientific's net income miss and underwhelming guidance for the first half of fiscal 2026. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Boston Scientific class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55398 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.
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French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the importance of transparency and the need to resolve both the restoration of Druzhba oil pipeline and the implementation of commitments to provide EUR 90 billion in loans to Ukraine.

"First of all, everything must be transparent. What we hear from the European Commission is positive there must be transparency, speed and restoration. But that is one issue. The decision on the EUR 90 billion loan was made we must honor our commitments. This is exactly what we will work on in the coming days and weeks," Macron said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris.

Macron said he views the two issues separately: Druzhba pipeline and the unblocking of the loan for Ukraine.

"I separate these two issues, and I firmly want to resolve both of them. We must keep our word regarding the EUR 90 billion loan under the conditions agreed in December, while Druzhba must be restored, and all of this must be done with full transparency, Macron said.
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A securities fraud class action has been filed against NuScale executives alleging misrepresentations about ENTRA1 leading to a 12.4% stock plunge.NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 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
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MIAMI, FL AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / TGI Group Inc. (OTC PINK:TSPG) a pioneer in sustainable technology research and environmental real estate development, in coordination with its proposed acquisition XGC Corp, today released a comprehensive technical white paper titled "Sovereign Energy Infrastructure & The Circular Valorization of Matter." The document outlines a transformative architectural framework for the global energy landscape, addressing the critical "collision" between the exponential power demands of Artificial Intelligence and the limitations of legacy electrical grids.Authored by Daniel Brody, MBA, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the proposed unified Unicorp Group (TSPG + XGC), the research introduces the AXIOMAXUSframework-a proprietary method of applying topological flow to energy distribution and resource management.The Philosophy of AXIOMAXUS"Progress is not a line; it is a state of perpetual transformation." The Core LogicIn this framework, we define progress using the following relationship:P =  (C) Where Progress (P) is the delta of Change (C) scaled to Infinity ().THE AXIOMAXUS MANIFESTOPost-Linearity: The Architecture of the InevitableThe Great Deception is the Line. Humanity has long been shackled by the comfort of the sequence-the belief that progress moves from A to B in a predictable, galactic crawl. We reject this. In a universe defined by high-entropy expansion, the "straight line" is a fossil.At AXIOMAXUS, we recognize a singular, objective truth: The only constant is Change. Therefore, the only true progress is the mastery of Fluctuation.Solving the AI Power BottleneckThe white paper identifies the "Inference Flip" of Q1 2026 as the primary driver of current grid instability. As AI transitions from model training to real-time execution, demand has shifted toward a constant, high-density baseload that aging infrastructure cannot support. TGI Group's proposed solution moves beyond traditional "Renewable vs. Fossil" binaries toward Sovereign Energy Infrastructure, characterized by:Point-of-Consumption Production:Eliminating transmission loss through localized, high-density power generation.The SMR/Microreactor Renaissance:Utilizing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to provide relentless, absolute sovereign energy for industrial and data center applications.Phase Lock Optimization:Achieving a state of "perfect resonant flow" where systemic resistance in energy distribution is eliminated, targeting 99.9% energy absorption efficiency.The "Trifecta" of Digital and Physical ConvergenceA central theme of the research is the integration of the XGC Trifecta, which functions as a "mathematical impedance matching mechanism" between biological carbon sequestration and global institutional finance. This system utilizes:SageMaker AI Models:For high-precision environmental monitoring.Midnight Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs):Ensuring unbreakable digital security and privacy for sovereign data.Circular Valorization:Transmuting toxic waste into high-value feedstock through Plasma Arc Gasification, achieving 99% conversion rates.Statement from Daniel Brody, CTO of Unicorp Group:"We are witnessing a systemic convergence where intelligence and infrastructure become indistinguishable. Our AXIOMAXUS framework provides the roadmap for a decisive transition from chaotic interference to optimized resonance. By implementing Sovereign Energy solutions, we allow nations to decouple their economic growth from antiquated grid dependencies." Future Outlook: 2026-2030The whitepaper provides key market projections for the late 2020s, highlighting the rapid scaling of the SMR market (projected to reach $7.14B+ by 2030) and the evolution of Waste-to-Energy into a $60B+ global "Circular Standard." About TGI Group Inc.TGI Group Inc. (OTCMarkets:TSPG) is a leader in sustainable technology research and environmental real estate development. The company focuses on the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative technology solutions globally.Website: www.TGIpower.com About XGC CorpXGC Corp provides the "Sovereign Operating System" for the carbon economy. Its National Carbon Registry platform enables governments to monitor, verify, and settle carbon assets with institutional-grade transparency.Website: https://xgccorp.com/ Safe Harbor StatementThis news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the ability of TGI Group Inc. and AMIRON GROUP to successfully implement smart city developments, secure local talent, and meet the growing demand for data centers in Central Asia. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. TGI Group Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.Contact Information:TGI GroupEmail: info@ tgipower.com SOURCE: TGI Solar Power Group, Inc.
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HERMOSILLO, MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company" or "Tocvan") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF) (WKN: TV3/ A2PE64) is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with VRIFY Technology Inc. ("VRIFY"), a global leader in artificial intelligence software for mineral exploration. The collaboration will see Tocvan integrate VRIFY Predict, specifically DORA, an AI prospectivity mapping software, to generate and prioritize new high-confidence exploration targets at its flagship Pilar Gold-Silver Project in Sonora, Mexico.By combining VRIFY's advanced AI capabilities with Tocvan's comprehensive dataset, built from extensive drilling, surface geochemistry, and geophysical surveys, the Company expects to streamline target ranking and accelerate discovery across its large, district-scale land position. Alongside VRIFY Predict, the Company will utilize VRIFY Present, another offering of the Exploration Intelligence Software, to highlight AI-generated targets, support clearer technical analysis, and create compelling stakeholder communications."Gran Pilar has delivered consistent positive results, and we're excited to apply next-generation AI to unlock even greater potential," said Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO of Tocvan. "Our team has invested years in building a high-quality geological foundation. Partnering with VRIFY will help us extract maximum insight from that data, focus our resources on the strongest opportunities, and move the project forward more efficiently for the benefit of our shareholders." Steve de Jong, CEO of VRIFY, commented: "Tocvan represents the ideal partner for VRIFY's Exploration Intelligence Software - their team is technically strong, and coupled with a data-rich project in a premier jurisdiction, we expect our software will add massive value to their exploration approach. We look forward to supporting them as they leverage AI, through DORA, to drive meaningful new discoveries at Gran Pilar." This initiative underscores Tocvan's proactive approach to modern exploration, blending proven fieldwork with innovative technology to maximize discovery potential and deliver long-term value in one of Mexico's most prolific mining regions.About VRIFYVRIFY is redefining mineral exploration with Exploration Intelligence Software that puts the power of AI into the hands of geoscientists. A Canadian technology company with a presence in Western Australia, VRIFY delivers an integrated platform for mineral exploration and mining companies through two core software products: VRIFY Predict, including DORA, and VRIFY Present. DORA provides advanced prospectivity mapping that leverages the largest proprietary exploration dataset and Data Fusion Models to help teams discover, prioritize, and validate targets. VRIFY Present transforms technical data into clear, interactive presentations that build confidence with stakeholders and investors.Trusted by 180+ mining and exploration companies, VRIFY accelerates discovery and drives transparency, reshaping how the industry tells its story.Learn more at: www.vrify.com 100% CONTROLLED PRIORITY TARGETS FOR TRENCHING & DRILLINGSouth Block Main Zone ExpansionFollow-up on 2025 Drill Success19.4 g/t Au over 3.1 meters within 106.6 meters of 0.6 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release)5.4 g/t Au over 6.1 meters within 41.2 meters of 1.0 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release)136 g/t Ag over 10.7 meters within 42.7 meters of 41 g/t Ag (June 25, 2025 News Release)South Block (November 12, 2024 News Release)Placer Corridor (900-meter strike length)Soil samples up to 21.2 g/t Au and >2,000 g/tPlacer Source AreaSoil samples up to 2.4 g/t Au and 22 g/t AgRock samples up to 7.3 g/t Au and 389 g/t AgNorth BlockNorth Alteration Zone (3.2 km by 1.5 km area)2-meter chip sample, 5.6 g/t Au and 106 g/t Ag (October 19, 2023 News Release)Historic mine working sample, 3.2 g/t Au and 1,225 g/t Ag (March 8, 2024 News Release)Figure 1. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untestedGran Pilar Drill Highlights:2025 Diamond Drilling Highlights include:83.5m @ 1.3 g/t Au, including 9.7m @ 10.3 g/t Au (March 11, 2025 News Release)97.4m @ 0.7 g/t Au, including 36.3m @ 1.6 g/t Au (March 19, 2025 News Release)64.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 3.0m @ 21.6 g/t Au and 209 g/t Ag (March 26, 2025 News Release)46.9m @ 0.5 g/t Au, including 2.6m @ 7.2 g/t Au and 80 g/t Ag (April 16, 2025 News Release)2025 RC Drilling Highlights include:106.8m @ 0.6 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 19.4 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release)41.2m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 6.1m @ 5.4 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release)2024 RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag29m @ 0.7 g/t Au35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag;41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ;24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include:61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t AgPilar Bulk Sample Summary:62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching PeriodHead Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t AgBulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")Fine Fraction (-1/8%
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Connecticut is third state to consider its own UAP research, joining New Jersey and VermontWASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 / Connecticut is the third state to consider legislation to fund its own UAP research program. A state-funded research center in New Jersey is already operational. Legislation to create a task force in Vermont is proposed. Leaders in deep tech say state initiatives have the potential to drive UAP-derived innovation across the country."States taking leadership highlights the importance and seriousness of research into unidentified anomalous phenomena," said Dr. Anna Brady-Estevez, founder and managing partner of American DeepTech. "However, it's going to take multiple resources to get this done at the national level." American DeepTech is an AI, venture and infrastructure firm headed up by a team of former leaders from NASA, International Space Station (ISS), US Space Force, National Science Foundation, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, high growth startups and the UAP Task Force.Dr. Brady-Estevez submitted written testimony to the Connecticut legislature this week arguing that UAP research could unlock advances in aerospace, artificial intelligence, energy and advanced materials."We view this opportunity as a call for an Apollo Program on Steroids, positioned to drive unprecedented overmatch across multiple $1T+ industries," Brady-Estevez wrote in testimony to lawmakers. She noted that Connecticut already has one of the strongest existing aerospace industries in the United States. Companies involved in aircraft engines, defense and other advanced manufacturing based in the state already generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity each year.UAP-derived innovations could include:Improved Artificial IntelligenceAdvanced aerospace propulsion systemsNext-generation energy technologiesDefense, resilience and space situational awareness systemsQuantum sensing and computingBefore launching American DeepTech, Dr. Brady-Estevez directed investments in advanced technologies at the National Science Foundation through the agency's SBIR/STTR programs, which have helped support companies that now represent more than $370 billion in market value. She holds a Ph.D. in chemical and environmental engineering from Yale University and previously held strategy roles at The Boston Consulting Group, Cummins Inc., and The AES Corporation.Dr. Brady Estevez's full written testimony to the CT legislature is included below.She is available for TV, print and podcast interviews.Media contact: Kathleen Foster Kathleen@ KathleenAldworthFoster.com Mobile: (917) 667-2378DR. ANNA BRADY-ESTEVEZ WRITTEN TESTIMONYSUBMITTED TO CT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: MARCH 12, 2026I. Introduction of Testimony & Professional ExperienceMy name is Dr. Anna Brady-Estevez, and I serve as the Founding and Managing Partner at American DeepTech, a venture and infrastructure investment firm dedicated to scaling frontier technologies into foundational global assets. We represent the private capital and scientific leadership prepared to integrate paradigm-shifting innovations into the commercial sector.Thank you for opening the opportunity to provide testimony. My testimony is informed by a career at the intersection of federal R&D leadership, global corporate strategy and investments:Institutional Track Record: I previously directed the National Science Foundation's (NSF) investments in deep technology (Space, Energy, and Digital Assets), overseeing a number of portfolios within the NSF's SBIR/STTR program which has historically catalyzed over $370B in total market capitalization over the last 5 decades.Federal Investments: I served as a Senior Investment Advisor and Venture Partner at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the $5B+ annual SBIC program.Interagency Leadership: I co-chaired the U.S. Space Economy interagency working group (alongside NASA) and the United States Digital Assets R&D agenda (alongside the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy).Corporate & Academic Foundation: My background includes management consulting at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), directing strategy at Cummins Inc. and The AES Corporation, and a PhD in Chemical & Environmental Engineering from Yale University, where I served as President of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate and was a CT resident for several years.I am here to testify on the scientific and economic necessity of advancing UAP-inspired and reverse-engineering programs. We view this opportunity as a call for an "Apollo Program on Steroids," positioned to drive unprecedented overmatch across multiple $1T+ industries.II. Experience in AI, Infrastructure, and UAPAmerican DeepTech's positioning is built on decades of institutional experience in prior organizations at the nexus of capital markets and advanced R&D:AI Leadership: During my tenure at the NSF, I was active in establishing the nation's AI Research Institutes. Our team includes multi-decade AI experts, including leader of a national level portfolio for the federal government.Scaling Success & Investments: I have provided early funding and investment recommendations to startups that have gone on to achieve more than $10B in financing and $20B in total market capitalization, creating over 10,000 high-value technology jobs. My track record in capital efficiency has been independently verified by the Kauffman Fellows Fund Returners Index 2024, where I am ranked as the #7 woman globally. This index is widely regarded as a performance-based, quantitative complement to the Forbes Midas List, providing a data-driven benchmark for world-class venture performance.Infrastructure & Operations: Our team has provided R&D leadership to the International Space Station (ISS) and NASA, played key roles in building out the US Air Force and Space Force Industrial base and led investment strategies for multi-billion-dollar global energy infrastructure.Direct UAP Engagement: Our firm colleagues include leaders from the UAP Task Force, NASA, and Lockheed Martin Skunkworks. Members of our team have worked directly on UAP-inspired R&D and programs and collaborated with entrepreneurs involved in legacy crash retrieval and reverse-engineering efforts. While still in our government roles, we brought hundreds of entrepreneurs and scientists into discussions and presentations with the federal government on UAP through public forums (US Space Disruptors Day).Disclosure Foundation: I serve as a member of the Advisory Board for the Disclosure Foundation and in this role advise in a wide range of capacities, with specific focus on areas of economic growth, industrial impacts and
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says airlines found to have manipulated ticket prices during the 2025 Christmas and New Year travel period may be required to refund passengers who paid excessive fares.

The commission disclosed this after concluding preliminary investigations into complaints of sharp increases in domestic airfares during the festive season.

Speaking at a State House Meet the Press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the commission, Tunji Bello, said the agency had already established wrongdoing by some operators and was now considering sanctions.

The preliminary report is ready. Weve already found them wanting in that regard. We are now on the issue of penalties, Mr Bello said.

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He added that the commission is considering measures that could compel the airlines to return excess charges to affected passengers.

What we are also considering is to look at the situation where we will have to ask them to refund the excess to the passengers which we assume they exploited, he added.

The investigation followed widespread complaints from travellers over steep increases in airfares during the December holiday period.

The consumer protection agency had in December 2025 announced an industry-wide probe into the pricing practices of domestic airlines after ticket prices surged dramatically on several routes.

According to the commissions earlier findings, some routes recorded price differences of up to 405,000 between normal fares and the amounts charged during the peak festive travel period.

The findings have, however, been disputed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella body of domestic carriers. In February, the group argued that the sharp increase in airfares during peak travel periods is largely driven by market forces such as high passenger demand, limited aircraft capacity, rising operational costs and foreign exchange pressures, rather than collusion among airlines to fix prices

Passengers had reported that tickets which usually cost around 150,000 were sold for between 400,000 and 600,000 during the rush period.

Mr Bello said the investigation revealed patterns suggesting possible price manipulation among several operators.

However, he declined to publicly name the airlines involved at this stage, noting that the final report would provide further details.

I dont want to mention the airlines. There are many of them. I know about five or six were involved, but I dont want to mention names for now, he said.

He explained that the final report of the investigation would be released soon and would outline the commissions decisions on penalties and other regulatory actions.

In a related development, the FCCPC boss also disclosed that the commission has begun probing rising cement prices across the country.

Mr Bello said an investigative team had already been constituted to examine the pricing pattern in the cement sector, adding that the findings would also be made public once the inquiry is concluded.

The FCCPC is Nigerias primary consumer protection and competition regulator, responsible for preventing anti-competitive practices and protecting consumers from exploitative business conduct.
Content creator and philanthropist Mitchell Mukoro, popularly known as King Mitchy, has issued a public apology following weeks of online controversy triggered by her conduct on social media, including a distressing live video in which she appeared to ingest a harmful substance.

In a video posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, the influencer apologised to Seyi Tinubu, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and the Ooni of Ife, as well as to Nigerians who had criticised her actions.

The apology comes after a heated online feud that began in late February and spiralled into allegations, counter-allegations and widespread debate on social media.

Public apology

Speaking in the video, the influencer admitted that her conduct had fallen short of the standards expected of a public figure.

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Good morning, Nigerians. Im ready to be held accountable for my actions. For some days Ive thought about my behaviour, and I know that I was wrong and I want to be held accountable, she said.

She also acknowledged criticism over a live broadcast during which she appeared to consume a substance believed to be bleach.

For the substance I took on live video, that was very wrong of me because there are young girls who are looking up to me one day, and I know I disappointed a lot of people. That was wrong of me, I was wrong, she said.

Addressing Mr Tinubu, whom she referred to as ST, she apologised for comments she had previously made online.

And my boss ST (Seyi Tinubu), Im so sorry. I know I apologised privately, but I did not disrespect you privately; I disrespected you publicly, so I want to apologise publicly. Im so sorry, sir. I want you to know that I will never take your support for granted, she said.

Ooni

The influencer also apologised to the Ooni of Ife, kneeling in the video as she expressed regret for dragging the monarch into the controversy.

Im so sorry, sir. Im so sorry for bringing your name into this. Im so sorry, Daddy, she said.

She also addressed VeryDarkMan, describing him as her brother and saying she had come to understand his activism better.

Youre fighting for Nigerians, and we can make Nigeria a better place, and Im sorry for coming at you like that, she said.

Maybe now I understand you better because I had to step back and understand the kind of person that you are, youre fighting for a good cause for Nigeria to be better. And you need more supporters, not people to fight you.

How the controversy started

The controversy began after King Mitchy announced that she had renovated a dilapidated school in Delta State within six days through her charitable initiative, presenting the project as evidence that meaningful change could occur quickly with genuine commitment.

She attributed the projects financial backing to Seyi and to music executive and Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy.

However, some of her remarks during the announcement were widely interpreted online as veiled criticism of VeryDarkMan, a social media activist known for publicly confronting perceived corruption and social injustice.

The activist subsequently accused her of being used as a political pawn to launder the image of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, claims that further fuelled tensions online.

The situation intensified when the influencer posted what she described as a private social media conversation with the Ooni of Ife, claiming that even this king had reached out to her. Critics said the disclosure was disrespectful to the monarch and questioned her motives.

Bleach video and death rumour

The dispute took a dramatic turn when Mitchy, during an emotional live video session, appeared to drink a substance believed by viewers to be bleach. Several viewers attempted to dissuade her during the broadcast.

Shortly afterwards, a statement posted on her Instagram page by her management claimed that she had died at Prime Care Hospital in Abuja after medical efforts to revive her failed.

The announcement sparked widespread alarm across social media.

However, the hospital quickly issued a statement denying the claim.

The facility said the influencer was neither admitted to nor died at its hospital and warned that it would investigate the source of the misinformation and consider legal action against those responsible.

Mitchys management later retracted the earlier statement, clarifying that she was alive and recovering.

Michelle is okay now, the follow-up post read.

Seyi Tinubu denies involvement

Amid the controversy, Mr Tinubu also issued a statement rejecting allegations that he had been involved in the feud between Mitchy and VeryDarkMan.

He said he had met the influencer only once in a public setting and had supported her charitable activities financially as part of his broader philanthropic work supporting youth initiatives.

I met Mitchy once, in a public setting, alongside others. On that occasion, I provided financial support toward her NGO activities, just as I have supported many young Nigerians and organisations working to empower our people, he said.

Mr Tinubu also denied having any private dealings with the influencer.

There has never been a private encounter, no secret arrangement, and no impropriety of any kind, he said.

He further accused VeryDarkMan of using a feud he had no involvement in to attack his reputation.

If my name generates attention, let us at least deal in facts. Supporting charitable causes is not a crime. Meeting someone publicly to support their NGO is not a scandal, he added.
In 2001, while Nigeria was celebrating Agbani Daregos historic Miss World victory and the GSM revolution was transforming communication, filmmaker Kingsley Ogoro released The Prostitute.

This film shocked Nigerians and pushed Nollywoods storytelling into bold new territory.

Mr Ogoro, the brain behind Osuofia movies, stirred conversation with this film that broke stereotypes with bold storytelling.

Written by Charles Novia, the film stars Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Segun Arinze, Kate Henshaw, late Ada Ameh and Chichi Enebeli.

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Not only did it capture the storytelling style of early Nigerian home-video cinema, The Prostitute stood out for its daring subject matter and unusual narrative, offering audiences something different from the family dramas and moral tales that dominated the era.

The Prostitute

Set in what can pass for an actual brothel, The Prostitute caused a stir with its bold depiction of nudity, explicit scenes and gun battles, making the rave movie at the time.

Although it strikes a balance between old and new Nollywood, it is one of the pivotal movies that set the tone for filmmaking as it is today.

At the centre of the story is Veno, played by Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, a young woman whose life spirals out of control after tragedy strikes her family.

Desperate for work, Veno, a village-dwelling schoolgirl at the time, turns to a cousin who promises to help her find a job. Instead, she is lured into a dangerous trap.

Veno flees the village to Lagos with the help of a friend, where she is introduced to a world of prostitution and its many effects.

Her life takes another dramatic turn when she meets Razor, a notorious criminal played by Segun Arinze. The two form a complicated relationship, built on attraction, shared vulnerability, and the harsh realities of a life neither of them wished for.

Lovers of old Nollywood remember a time when production may have been poor, but the storytelling kept viewers glued to the screens.

Nollywood classic

Like many turn-of-the-century Nollywood productions, The Prostitute carries the hallmarks of the eras filmmaking style, with obvious continuity lapses and poor sound.

Yet these imperfections are also part of what gives the film its nostalgic charm, reflecting a time when Nollywood relied more on urgency and storytelling than on technical polish.

The Prostitute nonetheless captures the resilient spirit of early Nollywood storytelling; think Glamour Girls, but with a more modern feel.

More than two decades later, the film stands as a reminder of the resilience and creativity which served as a launchpad for what is now termed new Nollywood.
An American refuelling aircraft has gone down over Iraq, bringing to four the number of aircraft the US has lost in the ongoing war with Iran.

At least five people were believed to be on the plane before the crash, with their fate yet to be ascertained.

The US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, the US military said. The aircraft is said to be a refuelling aircraft used to refuel fighter jets mid-air.

The US military said the crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire but involved a second US tanker, CNN reported.

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At least five crew members were aboard the tanker that went down, a US official told CNN.

A statement from US Central Command said rescue efforts were ongoing but did not specify whether any US service members had been hurt or killed, CNN reported.

The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing, the CENTCOM release said. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

While the US said the crash was not due to enemy operations, an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group has claimed responsibility for shooting down the aircraft.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that this latest incident occurred about a week after three US fighter jets were downed in Kuwait.

The US blamed the 2nd of March crash of the fighter jets on friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defence.

It said, During active combat, US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences. All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation.

Meanwhile, US facilities in the Gulf states continue to be targeted.

Waves of Iranian drones and missiles continue to target Gulf countries.

In Oman, two people were killed by debris after the downing of a drone in the Sohar province on Thursday.

Another two were killed in Kuwait.

The Saudi Defence Ministry also said its air defence shot down dozens of drones in different regions of the country.

In Bahrain and Oman, fuel tanks were hit. Global oil prices have fluctuated wildly this week, and Brent oil now sells for $100 a barrel, up from below $80.

The war, which began with joint Israeli-US strikes on Iran at the end of February, has led to the death of more than a thousand people, and disrupted the lives of millions of others.

At least 1,348 Iranians have been reported dead due to continuous strikes.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) disclosed on Thursday that at least 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran since the war started.
Friday is the fourteenth day of the war between the United States and Israel against Iran.

Strikes are intensifying, casualties rising, with the majority of them in Iran.

At least 1,348 have been reported dead as a result of continuous strikes.

We bring you major updates on the war on its thirteenth day.

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3.2 million people displaced in Iran

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) disclosed on Thursday that at least 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran since the US and Israel joint strike began on 28 February.

The agency raised concerns about the brewing humanitarian crisis in the country as both the US and Israeli militaries continued their bombardment and military campaign.

Most of them are reportedly fleeing from Tehran and other major urban areas towards the north of the country and rural areas to seek safety.

This figure is likely to continue rising as hostilities persist, marking a worrying escalation in humanitarian needs, the UNHCR said.

Attack on Gulf States continues

As the US and Israel wage war on Iran, its retaliatory attacks continue to intensify, and the Gulf States remain caught in the crossfire.

Waves of Iranian drones and missiles continue to target Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In Oman, two people were killed by debris after the downing of a drone in Sohar province.

Another two were killed in Kuwait.

The Saudi Defence Ministry also said its air defence shot down dozens of drones in different regions of the country.

In Bahrain and Oman, fuel tanks are being hit. Global oil prices have fluctuated wildly this week and Brent crude now sells for over $100 a barrel, up from below $80 when the war started.

New Iranian leader speaks

Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Thursday, issued his first statement since he was appointed to take over from his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in missile strikes by Iran and Israel.

The new leader spoke in a televised address on Thursday.

He called for national unity and said the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed due to the war, would continue to be closed.

Mr Khamenei also reportedly said attacks on US bases in the region would continue.

He also indicated that the Houthis of Yemen would join the war, saying the Resistance in Yemen will also do the job.

Another American aircraft is down

An American refuelling aircraft has gone down over Iraq, bringing to four the number of aircraft the US has lost in the ongoing war with Iran.

At least five people were believed to be on the plane before the crash, with their fate yet to be ascertained.

The US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, the US military said. The aircraft is reportedly a refuelling tanker used to refuel fighter jets in mid-air.

The US military said the crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire but involved a second US tanker.

Iran warns US against escalating war

Meanwhile, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, has warned the US against escalating the war by attacking the countrys power system.

His statement was in response to US President Donald Trumps threat to take out Irans electric capacity within one hour.

Mr Larijani, on Thursday, said Iran would retaliate by plunging the entire region into darkness should this happen.

If they do that, the whole region will go dark in less than half an hour, and darkness provides ample opportunity to hunt down US servicemen running for safety, Mr Larijani said on X.

Trump mocks Iranian leaders

On Thursday, Mr Trump critiqued Irans leader, describing them as deranged scumbags, and stating that it was his great honour to kill them.

In a post on social media late on Friday, Mr Trump said the US was totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran.

We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time  Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.

Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so! he wrote.

UK ship struck in Dubai

A UK container ship was also struck by an unknown projectile about 35 nautical miles northwest of Dubai and Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.

The incident follows the attack on a Thai-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

However, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said no crew member was injured in this attack.

UKMTO has received a report of an incident 35NM north of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, the UKMTO. The Master has reported the container ship was struck by an unknown projectile, causing a small fire onboard, it said.

Trump says Iranian sleeper cells in US

Mr Trump said Iraniansleeper cells are present in the US and that his administration has begun investigating them.

The US president said he has been briefed on terror alerts and threats, including reported plans to conduct a drone attack in California.

He blamed the presence of the alleged terrorist cells in the country now on former President Joe Bidens open border policy.

A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border, but we know where most of them are: Weve got our eye on all of them, I think, Mr Trump said.

They came in through the open-border policies of Sleepy Joe Biden, one of the worst, the worst presidents in the history of our country, and weve got our eyes on all of them.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his second meeting in a month with Iran's Crown Prince in exile Reza Pahlavi in Paris, discussing the situation in Iran and the region and possible international pressure on the current Iranian regime and its allies, including Russia.

"I met in Paris with the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Pahlavi Reza. We discussed in detail the situation in Iran and the region, as well as the U.S. operation against the terrorist regime. The Crown Prince and his team briefed me on signals they are receiving from inside the country," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"The regimes hierarchy has indeed already suffered significant losses, and it is crucial that the Iranian regime gains nothing from this and that the people of Iran have greater protection for their lives and more opportunities to determine their own fate. We spoke about how international pressure and joint efforts could help achieve this," he added.

"Ukraine truly wants to see a free Iran that will not cooperate with Russia or destabilize the Middle East, Europe, and the world. I am grateful to the Crown Prince for his clear assurances of support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our teams will remain in communication," Zelenskyy stressed.
A chief magistrates court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, ordered the remand of a 19-year-old gateman, Isreal Mendi, 19, facing a charge of defilement of his neighbours four-year-old daughter.

The chief magistrate, M. F. Onamusi, ordered the suspects remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

She declined to take the defendants plea and directed that he be kept in custody until 9 April pending advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Israel, who resides at No. 22, Folarin St., Badore, Ajah, Lagos, is facing trial for alleged defilement.

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The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the offence was committed on 16 February at the defendants residence.

Mr Ademigbuji alleged that the defendant lured the child into his room under the pretext of sending her to her brother, but forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.

He said the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

(NAN)
The federal government, in collaboration with development partners, has solarised 371 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve immunisation services and healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

The project, supported by partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and UNICEF, was formally handed over to the government during a ceremony organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, said the solar installations would provide reliable electricity to the facilities, enabling health workers to deliver essential services more efficiently.

Mr Aina noted that a stable power supply is critical for maintaining vaccine potency, sustaining cold-chain systems and supporting life-saving services such as immunisation, maternal healthcare and emergency care.

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He said electricity in health facilities should not be seen as a luxury but a clinical necessity.

He noted that reliable power also ensures vaccines remain potent and available when needed.

According to him, the solar installations will also support safe deliveries at night, improve emergency response and enable frontline health workers to provide better care to communities.

Strengthening PHCs

Mr Aina said the initiative forms part of the governments broader efforts to strengthen the countrys primary healthcare system and expand access to quality healthcare services.

He explained that, beyond the solarisation project, the government is implementing a nationwide PHC revitalisation programme, with more than 4,000 facilities currently undergoing upgrades.

Most of the revitalised centres, he added, have been equipped with solar power systems, while additional facilities are receiving similar installations to ensure a consistent electricity supply.

The revitalisation programme aims to equip PHCs with basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and sanitation facilities, alongside essential medical equipment and supplies needed for effective service delivery.

Immunisation gaps

Also speaking, Gavis Chief Executive Officer, Sania Nishtar, said the organisation had invested more than $2.4 billion in Nigerias immunisation programme over the past two decades.

Ms Nishtar, represented by Gavis Senior Country Manager, Edna Harimenshi, noted that the partnership had contributed to improvements in vaccine coverage, which increased from 27 per cent in 2001 to 67 per cent in 2024.

According to her, the progress positions Nigeria to close remaining immunisation gaps and reach children who have not yet received vaccines.

She, however, said progress demands a reliable power supply.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, one in four health facilities has no electricity and two-thirds lack a reliable supply- affecting cold-chains, emergency care, and even the safety of childbirth, she said.

Todays inauguration is a decisive step toward overcoming these longstanding barriers.

Similarly, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, commended the countrys efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and expand immunisation coverage.

Ms Abdelatef noted that targeted campaigns in recent years had helped reach children who previously missed routine vaccinations, describing the initiative as critical to reducing inequalities in healthcare access.

She added that reliable electricity in health facilities would significantly improve immunisation services, maternal healthcare and other essential interventions.

In her remarks, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat in the FCT, Adedolapo Fasawe, described the intervention as a crucial step toward expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities.

Ms Fasawe stressed that reliable electricity is essential for maintaining vaccine cold chains, conducting diagnostics and ensuring safe maternal and newborn services.

Todays ceremony represents not just the installation of solar systems but stronger health systems and renewed hope for communities that depend on primary health centres as their first point of care, she said.

About the project

Under the Gavi-CDS3 initiative, the project was executed through a multi-agency approach involving both local and international organisations. eHealth Systems Africa installed solar systems in 238 PHCs, while Differ Community Power implemented installations in 133 facilities across the North-East.

UNICEF coordinated the project in partnership with the NPHCDA and state primary healthcare boards, with additional support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Beneficiary states, including the FCT, have committed to maintaining the infrastructure to ensure sustained service delivery.
Researchers and public health experts have called for gender-responsive policies to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

They warned that current responses often overlook the health risks and barriers women face in preventing and treating drug-resistant infections.

The experts spoke during the March AMR Dialogue session titled AMR under the gender lens, organised by the Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) ahead of International Womens Day and other global health observances in March.

According to experts, integrating gender considerations into national AMR strategies is essential to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes.

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They explained that gender-responsive policies would ensure that AMR programmes address issues such as gender-based violence, barriers to reproductive healthcare, unequal access to treatment, and social norms that influence how women use or access antibiotics.

They said national AMR action plans should include gender-sensitive indicators, better access to sexual and reproductive health services, and integration of services addressing gender-based violence, areas where women are frequently exposed to infections that require antibiotic treatment.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines designed to treat them.

It is considered one of the most serious global health threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.

Why gender matters in AMR

Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and former chief scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO), said women face unique infection risks that are often not considered in AMR strategies.

Ms Swaminathan noted that women experiencing domestic or sexual violence are more likely to develop infections that require antibiotic treatment.

Women are at very high risk of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, physical or sexual, which can lead to infections, she said.

Ms Swaminathan added that delayed healthcare seeking, often due to stigma, financial dependence or lack of decision-making power, can worsen infections and increase the likelihood that stronger antibiotics will be required.

She also highlighted unsafe abortions and limited access to reproductive healthcare as additional drivers of infection among women.

These are areas where women are exposed to infections, yet they are rarely discussed in AMR strategies, she said.

Stigma and delayed treatment

Bhakti Chavan, a drug-resistant tuberculosis survivor and member of the WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors, said stigma surrounding diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV can discourage women from seeking early treatment.

In many communities, a woman diagnosed with TB or HIV is judged not just as a patient but as someone who has brought shame to the family, she said.

Because of this stigma, some women delay testing or discontinue treatment early, factors that can contribute to the development of drug-resistant infections.

Ms Chavan said tackling AMR requires addressing these social barriers.

AMR is not gender neutral. If we want to fight AMR effectively, we must listen to women and ensure they have access to timely diagnosis and treatment, she said.

Social norms influence antibiotic use

Also, the Principal Research Scientist at the Indian School of Business, Deepshikha Batheja, said gender norms influence when and how people seek healthcare and use antibiotics.

Factors such as menstruation stigma, caregiving roles and limited control over household finances can affect womens ability to access timely medical care.

These norms shape health-seeking behaviour and can lead to delayed diagnosis or inappropriate treatment, Ms Batheja said.

She added that research has shown women are prescribed significantly more antibiotics in some settings, highlighting the need to understand gender patterns in antibiotic use.

She noted that improving womens education and economic participation can also reduce unnecessary antibiotic consumption.

Power dynamics within health systems

According to Associate Professor Esmita Charani at the University of Cape Town, gender dynamics within households and health systems also affect antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Ms Charani explained that women frequently prioritise the healthcare needs of other family members over their own.

In many settings, women visit hospitals mainly as caregivers for relatives rather than for their own health needs, she said.

She also pointed out that although women make up a large proportion of the nursing and pharmacy workforce, they often have limited influence in clinical decision-making.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC warns of counterfeit Avastin cancer drug circulating in Nigeria

Women as agents of change

Despite the risks they face, experts said women can play a key role in efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance.

In her comments, the Founding President of the Pan Arab Women Physicians Association, Maisam Akroush, said women often influence healthcare decisions within households.

They are mothers, teachers, doctors and pharmacists. They can play a powerful role in promoting responsible antibiotic use, she said.

Targeting women in awareness campaigns could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic consumption and improve treatment adherence.

Participants recommended that governments include gender analysis in AMR strategies, improve access to reproductive healthcare, and ensure that programmes addressing gender-based violence are linked to infection prevention and treatment services.

Shobha Shukla, chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance, said addressing antimicrobial resistance requires confronting broader social inequalities.

We cannot separate the fight against AMR from gender equality and the right to health, Ms Shukla said.
Security chiefs on Thursday briefed President Bola Tinubu on the current security situation and ongoing military operations against terrorists and bandits across the country.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the meeting was held amidst a renewed onslaught by terrorists in northern Nigeria, which has led to attacks on military bases and the killing of several soldiers, including commanding officers.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, a retired general, spoke to State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Mr Musa said the meeting enabled the armed forces to provide the president with an updated assessment of the situation on the ground.

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The meeting was for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on ground, he said. You know there have been a series of attacks and the security forces have risen to the occasion.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least three senior military officers and several soldiers have been killed in the last week by terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The insurgents have also attacked more than five military formations in the North-east, particularly in Borno and Yobe states, inflicting casualties and heavy damage on the military; although the military says most of the attacks were repelled.

Mr Musa explained that the meeting with the president was also intended to clarify some public interpretations of recent security developments.

Sometimes the interpretation, especially through the media, has not been too direct. We felt we should put the record straight, he said.

He commended the president for his continued support of the armed forces and other security agencies.

We are glad that Mr President has continued to support the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency, he said.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite recent attacks reported in some parts of the country.

Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired and not to be discouraged. Sometimes, when you hear the news, you think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that, he said.

According to him, security forces have inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and bandits.

The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties, and their commanders are being killed, he stated.

He, however, acknowledged the loss of some military personnel in the ongoing operations.

We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men. It is highly regrettable,

Mr Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces remained determined to secure the country.

We want to assure Nigerians of our commitment to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure.

He disclosed that the president had approved additional equipment to strengthen ongoing military operations.

Mr President has promised more equipment for us to be able to prosecute the war effectively.

Mr Musa explained that security forces had adjusted their strategies to counter emerging threats.

He noted that terrorists often escalate attacks during Ramadan, believing their actions carry spiritual rewards.

However, we have adjusted our strategies, and in the past few days we have taken over several locations and neutralised some of their commanders.

Mr Musa said the security agencies were working together to ensure lasting peace and security in the country.

We are working together as a team, and we are confident we will succeed, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those present at the meeting include: Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu.

Others were Chief of Air Staff Sunday Aneke, Chief of Naval Staff Idi Abbas, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Emmanuel Undiandeye.

The Directors-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed and State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, were also present.
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged the State Ministry of Labour and Productivity to issue statutory compliance notices to multinational companies operating in the state that are yet to implement the approved minimum wage.

The lawmakers also called on relevant enforcement agencies to uphold the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act and sanction organisations that fail to comply.

The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the House Committee on Labour and Productivity, on a motion urging the state government to compel multinational companies to implement the approved N70,000 national minimum wage.

Few companies complying

Presenting the report during plenary on 5 March, the committee Chairperson, Sunday Johnny, said investigations revealed that only a few companies operating in the state had fully complied with the new wage regime.

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According to the report, both the N70,000 national minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu for workers are yet to be implemented in Akwa Ibom by most of the companies investigated.

The committee said many organisations cited financial constraints and the absence of official directives for their failure to comply.

It noted that the widespread non-compliance reflected weak enforcement mechanisms and poor adherence to statutory labour regulations.

Assembly demands enforcement

To address the situation, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly directed regulatory and labour inspection bodies to conduct routine and unannounced compliance audits across public and private sector establishments in the state.

The House also urged the state government, through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to issue clear implementation circulars and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to ensure uniform enforcement of the minimum wage law.

The report was presented through a motion moved by the House Leader, Otobong Bob, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Nsidibe Akata.

The earlier motion had been presented during plenary on 30 September 2025 and subsequently referred to the Committee on Labour and Productivity for further legislative action.

Background

In October 2024, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for state workers, exceeding the federal governments N70,000 benchmark.

The state government later began implementation of the new wage in January 2025 for verified civil servants, with payments backdated to November 2024.

However, more than a year after the federal government commenced implementation of the national minimum wage, the assembly said many multinational companies operating in Akwa Ibom are yet to comply.
Nine Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) operating in oil-producing communities of Akwa Ibom State recorded their strongest performance in governance and accountability but lagged significantly in gender inclusion and energy transition preparedness, a new assessment has shown.

The findings are in the inaugural Host Communities Development Index, titled Beyond Tokenism: A Gender and Innovation Ranking of Host Community Development Trusts in Nigeria, which Policy Alert launched on 9 March at the 2026 Host Communities Development Forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The index evaluated 18 HCDTs across Akwa Ibom State and Rivers State, assessing their performance across four pillars: governance and accountability, gender and social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and preparedness for the global energy transition.

Among the nine trusts assessed in Akwa Ibom, the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture (JV) EMOIMEE Host Communities Development Trust emerged as the top performer with a score of 58 per cent.

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EMOIMEE is an acronym for Eket, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mbo, Esit Eket and Eastern Obolo, which are the local government areas covered under the Trust.

NNPC/Seplat JV Ibeno HCDT came second in the ranking, while the Ekid HCDT operated by Frontier/Savannah Energy came third.

The Incorporated Trustees of BOPANE Oil Fields by TotalEnergies emerged fourth.

BOPANE is an acronym for Bonny, Opobo, Andoni, Nkoro and Eastern Obolo.

The study also assessed the Eastern Obolo cluster of the BOPANE Trust, the only cluster in Akwa Ibom State.

Other Trusts, listed here according to their ranking, are Network Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited  Ibeno Clan Host Communities Development Trust, Esit Eket/Mbo HCDT by Savannah/Sinopec, Abana HCDT by Moni Pulo Limited, Efiat Mbo HCDT by Oriental Energy Resources, and Royal Mbo HCDT by Antan Producing Limited.

Governance gains, inclusion gaps

According to the report, most of the trusts performed relatively well on governance and accountability metrics. However, gender equality and social inclusion remained one of the weakest areas across the cohort.

Despite topping the overall ranking, EMOIMEE HCDT was ranked seventh in gender and social inclusion, with the index noting a gap between the trusts ambitions and its achievements.

Across Board of Trustees composition, Management Committee representation, Advisory Committee membership, and the gender-responsiveness of project design, the Trust has not yet reached the inclusion threshold expected of an institution in the latter half of its four-year tenure, the report stated.

In contrast, Ekid HCDT, which ranked third overall, recorded the best performance in gender and social inclusion, among the trusts assessed.

The index noted that the trusts Community Development Plan aligns strongly with gender equality principles and includes substantive empowerment programmes for women.

EKIDs GESI performance is among the most encouraging in this cohort, and reflects a Trust that has moved beyond treating inclusion as a language requirement, the report said.

However, the report added that womens participation in community meetings and contracting processes still remains limited.

Environmental concerns

The report flagged environmental sustainability as a major concern in several trusts serving oil-impacted coastal communities.

Two trusts  Esit Eket/Mbo HCDT and Royal Mbo HCDT  recorded zero scores across all environmental sustainability indicators, despite operating in areas heavily affected by oil exploration and coastal degradation.

By contrast, Efiat Mbo HCDT, one of the newest trusts, was commended for prioritising a coastal embankment project aimed at addressing erosion and sea-level threats affecting its communities.

Youth largely excluded

The report stated that young people are largely excluded from executive governance structures of the trusts, even though they constitute a majority of the population in host communities.

It stated that while the youth appear in advisory roles and are often targeted by development programmes, their representation in decision-making bodies remains marginal.

With the median age for these communities under 25, such a blindspot amounts to throwing a potential demographic dividend to the winds, the report noted.

Energy transition readiness low

The report stated that one of the most sobering finding concerns preparedness for a global shift away from fossil fuels.

It said across all 18 trusts assessed in Akwa Ibom and Rivers State , the study found limited investment in renewable energy, low-carbon livelihood skills, and transition-related economic diversification.

The report said even trusts with the strongest early engagement, including the BOPANE trust supported by TotalEnergies in Akwa Ibom, they are yet to develop comprehensive programmes that equip host communities to participate in a future green economy.

The report said none of the trusts assessed has developed a comprehensive energy transition strategy.

Accountability tool

Presenting the report, Policy Alerts Executive Director, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, said the index was created to strengthen transparency and accountability in the emerging HCDT ecosystem established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The promise of the PIA was that host communities would finally have a structured and transparent mechanism for deriving some benefits from the resource extraction happening in their backyards, he said.

The HCDT Index helps us measure whether that promise is being fulfilled. Where Trusts are governed well, we are already seeing encouraging examples of community-driven development.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Dumnamene Dekor, said the National Assembly would sustain oversight to ensure the PIA delivers real benefits to oil-producing communities.

HCDTs were created to correct decades of imbalance in the oil sector, he said, adding that initiatives such as the index would help strengthen transparency, accountability and inclusion in the system.

At the forum, awards were presented to the first, second and third ranked trusts, while Ekid HCDT received special recognition for emerging as the best-performing trust in gender and social inclusion.
Nine opposition senators, on Thursday, announced their defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on the floor of the upper chamber ahead of the 2027 general election.

The senators are: Sokoto South Senator, Aminu Tambuwal; Abia South Senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe; Anambra Central Senator, Victor Umeh; Anambra North Senator, Tony Nwoye and Adamawa North Senator, Binos Yaroe.

Others are Kaduna Central Senator, Lawal Usman; Nasarawa South Senator, Ogoshi Onawo; FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe; and Abia Central Senator, Austin Akobundu.

Five of the senators moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), three from the Labour Party and one from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

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The lawmakers announced their defections in separate letters read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Wednesday.

Like those who had earlier defected, the senators said in their letters that their decisions were prompted by irreconcilable leadership crises within their respective parties.

Meanwhile, Mr Yaroe stated in his letter that his decision to join the ADC despite many political actors in his state defecting to the ruling party was informed by patriotism and a desire to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.

With the development, the ADC now has nine senators in the chamber.

New party established

Bayelsa West Senator, Seriake Dickson, formally notified the Senate, via a letter read by Mr Akpabio, of his crossing from the PDP to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a newly registered political party.

In the letter, Mr Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, who served from 2012 to 2020, said he founded the new party and is its national leader.

After reading the letter, the Senate president congratulated Mr Dickson for assuming a leadership role in the new party.

With the development, the number of PDP senators has reduced to seven. The Deputy Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere, had earlier announced his defection from the PDP to the Accord Party, although he has yet to formally notify the Senate through a letter.

The NDC is one of the two new political parties recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The other party is the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).

With the addition of the two parties, the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria has increased to 21.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the Senate will pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill on 31 March.

He also confirmed the adjournment of plenary for the Sallah break.

Mr Akpabio disclosed this during Thursdays plenary, saying committee work would continue during the break, particularly ongoing budget defence sessions.

I hope the leader will put pressure on the Committee on Appropriations to harmonise the report of the 2026 Appropriation by that date.

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This is so that when we resume, we can try our best to pass the budget and avoid any further concurrence or harmonisation between both chambers.

Leadership must work together to ensure everything is in order. The House of Representatives has already adjourned plenary to conclude the budget process.

They will also meet on March 31. On that day, we hope to pass the national budget, and what they pass must be in tandem with ours.

So the leadership must ensure this happens and work with colleagues in the House of Representatives to achieve it, he said.

Meanwhile, senators continue to defect across party lines.

The Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumi, on Thursday defected to the Accord party.

Mr Oyewumi represents the Osun West Senatorial District.

His defection letter was read during plenary by Akpabio.

I wish to bring to the attention of the Senate my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to the intractable leadership crisis.

The crisis rocking the party may jeopardise its progress.

After wide consultations with my constituents and political associates, I decided to join the Accord Party.

This decision is to ensure effective representation of my people. I thank PDP members for the opportunity to serve at this level.

I promise to continue working to uplift my constituency and contribute to Nigerias development, he wrote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the current Senate composition as APC 87, ADC nine, PDP six, APGA one, NDC one and NNPP one.

The Social Democratic Party and Labour Party have no senators, while the Accord Party now has one.

The Senate currently has 106 members, with three seats vacant following the deaths of former occupants.

(NAN)
Aminu Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Sokoto senator, said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to the lingering crisis within the party.

He described the crisis as a calculated attempt to weaken opposition participation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Mr Tambuwal made the allegation on Thursday in Sokoto while addressing journalists on his recent defection from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former Sokoto State governor said his decision to leave the PDP followed extensive consultations and a long period of review of Nigerias political environment.

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According to him, the process that led to his defection began over two years ago.

When we projected into the future, we saw clear signs that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration might want to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, he said.

Mr Tambuwal explained that a panel comprising political experts, practising politicians and professors from reputable universities was commissioned to study Nigerias evolving political situation.

He said the panel included members from the PDP, Labour Party and the APC.

From the analysis, it appeared that the PDP and the Labour Party, which are the major opposition parties, might not survive in their current form.

The clear understanding from the study was that both parties may not be in a position to field strong presidential candidates in the 2027 general election, he said.

Mr Tambuwal alleged that efforts were being made to weaken the PDP and the Labour Party to the level of smaller parties, which he said often negotiated with the government at the centre during elections.

That was the intention, and one of the conditions was that Peter Obi must not remain in the Labour Party to contest, he alleged.

According to him, the development informed the decision by like-minded politicians to align with the ADC in order to build a stronger opposition platform.

We are not new in this political game. We saw the signs early and decided to act in order to stop the calculated attempt, he said.

Mr Tambuwal added that the ADC movement was not about personal ambition but about building a people-focused political platform.

ADC is about the people and about Nigeria. Today, the country is divided between those in government and those outside it.

Many Nigerians are unhappy with the current situation, including insecurity, poverty, corruption and abuse of public trust, he said.

He emphasised that elections in Nigeria are ultimately decided by the people, noting that sitting presidents and governors had lost elections in the past when voters were not convinced by their leadership.

Mr Tambuwal stressed that his defection was not about personal political interest but about the future of his constituents and Nigeria as a whole.

(NAN)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested a Nigerian woman, Sophina Mbah, for allegedly defrauding a victim of N19 million as well as 8,370.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Oyewale said Ms Mbah allegedly obtained the funds by false pretence under the pretext of procuring a Certificate of Sponsorship, (CoS) for his victim.

The spokesperson said operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC arrested the 33-year-old suspect after the victim petitioned the anti-graft agency over the matter.

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He did not, however, indicate when and where the suspect was arrested.

Sophina, 33, was arrested following claims of the petitioner that sometime in 2024, he informed the suspect whom he met on Tik-Tok, of his intention to relocate to the United Kingdom through a CoS in order to work as a care giver.

The suspect, who claimed to be an assistant psychologist at Priory Health Unit in Glasgow, Scotland also claimed that she had contacts who could secure a CoS at the cost of 12, 000 to 13,000, Mr Oyewale said.

She instructed that payments be made partly in Nigerian Naira and partly in Euros.

She provided her bank details for Naira payments and the foreign accounts of her associates for Euro payments, claiming she does not use her personal foreign accounts for business transactions, the EFCC spokesperson quoted the victim as saying.

Mr Oyewale said the victim reported that he paid the sum of N19 million in eight tranches between 8 August and 12 November 2024 while the Euro payments were made in four tranches between 12 August and 21 November 2024.

He said the victim further mentioned that the said payments were made for processing his UK CoS, but the suspect failed to deliver the document as promised after months despite acknowledging receipt of the payments.

The EFCC spokesperson said the victim subsequently requested for a refund but the suspect sent a fake transfer notification and then blocked him on social media.

In the course of investigation, the suspect claimed that the money was handed over to another individual but has been nonchalant in assisting the investigators in reaching the person, Mr Oyewale said.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Prohibited in Nigeria

Obtaining money or goods or any benefits by false pretence is outlawed in Section (419) of Nigeria Criminal Code Act.

Offenders, on conviction, face a minimum of three years imprisonment, according to the section of the Act.

The court may also order restitution of the money or property, upon conviction.

Several people have been convicted for obtaining by false pretence and other fraud-related offences.

In August 2022 for instance, a Federal High Court in Ebonyi State sentenced a man to 28 years imprisonment for fraud, including a 12 years jail term for obtaining money by false pretence.

The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, in 2024, sentenced Marco Ramirez, an American businessman, to 10 years imprisonment in dual cases of fraud and theft, including obtaining by false pretence.
Photo: elements.envato.com

Foreign ministers of the European Union are expected to hold a meeting in Bucha, Kyiv region, on March 31, marking the fourth anniversary of the city's liberation, German broadcaster N-tv reported on Friday, citing its sources.

"On March 31, the fourth anniversary of the massacre in Bucha in Ukraine, EU foreign ministers will meet in the Kyiv suburb. According to EU sources, the special meeting will take place in Bucha," the report reads.

No further details about the planned meeting were disclosed.
Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has urged Nigerians to join the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He appealed in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday night.

The former spokesperson for the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign called on citizens to align with the party to rescue the country from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He warned that Nigeria risked further political and economic decline under the APC if citizens failed to unite and support efforts to steer the country away from what he described as an impending national collapse.

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Mr Okonkwo said, Im urging all Nigerians to join ADC so that we will save our country from collapse, from imminent collapse. We will not be able to endure four more years of unavailability and high cost of fuel, of insecurity, of corruption, of incompetence. We are now a laughingstock across the nation. Just go to our website.

Obtain your registration card, your membership card, and you will become a member of ADC. And immediately become a member of ADC, all the full rights and privileges of ADC will be accorded to you without discrimination. Everybody is important to us in ADC. Thank you very much.

Joining ADC

Furthermore, the 57-year-old maintained that he did not join the ADC or accept membership of its National Working Committee (NWC) merely for the sake of it.

The Enugu-born explained that he joined the party out of a commitment to the Nigerian people and the nations overall welfare.

My name is Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of ADC National Working Committee (NWC). I joined this great party because, according to Article 3 of our Constitution, we are pursuing the welfare of Nigerians, the nation, and our people.

This country has suffered so much because of the lack of security and welfare of its citizens. And ADC has come to Nigerians rescue. I joined ADC as part of the rescue team, said Mr Okonkwo in Living in Bondage.

Enter Labour Party

In July 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Okonkwo left the LP, which he joined in 2022.

He cited the partys failure to inspire the kind of leadership capable of addressing Nigerias challenges.

Mr Okonkwo said Nigerias problems stemmed from poor leadership, which he described as kakistocrats and kleptocrats.

He argued that both the ruling APC and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacked the capacity to solve the countrys problems.

He added that removing such leaders from power would require a strong political party with a solid grassroots base capable of producing credible leaders.

Mr Okonkwo said he had hoped the LPs 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would transform the party into such a platform and provide the needed direction. Still, he was disappointed that this did not happen.

Mr Okonkwo also faulted Mr Obi for failing to resolve the partys leadership crisis after the 2023 general election, which Mr Obi lost to Bola Tinubu, now Nigerias president.

ADC to the rescue

In September 2025, Mr Okonkwo said during an interview on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television that he had no personal rift with Mr Obi, the LPs presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

He added that he would support whoever emerged as the flagbearer of the ADC in the 2027 election.

According to him, the ADC represented the most viable political platform for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls.

He expressed confidence that the party would win the presidential election, form the next government, and send Mr Tinubu back to his residence in Bourdillon.
The planned burial of 13 persons killed in a recent attack in th Turan community, Jato-Aka area of the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, was cancelled on Thursday as families were unable to collect the bodies from the mortuary.

Relatives and residents had gathered in the Mbachom community for the burial, but the mortician responsible for releasing the corpses could not be located.

A relative of one of the victims, Bemgba Numve, said families discovered the mortuary staff was absent when they arrived at the mortuary.

My brother was killed in the attack, and we planned to bury all 13 of them today. Everybody is here for the burial, and people also came from outside to witness the burial, but we could not retrieve the bodies from the mortuary, Mr Numve said on Thursday.

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He said residents were informed that the mortician had been taken away, leaving no one available to release the bodies.

It is unfortunate that some people do not want us to carry out the burial, but they are our brothers and sisters, and we have the right to bury them on our own terms.

Mr Numve added that the community would announce a new burial date.

Whoever took the mortician away will not determine how we will bury our brothers and sisters, and we will still fix another date to do it, he said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to her phone were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

Attack in Kwande

The victims were among residents killed when suspected herders attacked communities in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area,

communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards, killing at least a dozen people and injuring several others.

A resident who requested anonymity described the attack as devastating and said many villagers fled their homes in panic.

Many innocent lives have already been lost. Since the attack began this morning, the community has not received any form of security presence or intervention, and the situation is extremely dire and terrifying for our people, the resident said.

Men, women, children and the elderly are fleeing in different directions for safety. Families are scattered, and the entire community is in panic and distress.

Locals identified some of those killed as Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doove, Liamkpur Aondosoo, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse and Terundu Tyozuur, while the identity of another victim was yet to be confirmed.

Several injured residents were taken to hospitals for treatment, while community members launched searches in nearby bushes for missing persons.

Government response

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.

The killing in Kwande LG is senseless and unacceptable; every life matters. The loss of even one life is too many, Mr Alia said in a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev.

The governor said his administration would ensure that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice and directed security agencies to intensify operations in the area.

He noted that more than 400 security personnel had recently been deployed to Jato-Aka and surrounding communities but acknowledged that the renewed violence showed more action was needed.

The attack is part of a wider pattern of insecurity in Kwande and neighbouring areas of Benue State, where communities have repeatedly reported deadly raids by armed groups.

Growing security concerns

The escalating violence has drawn attention from federal lawmakers.

On Thursday, the Senate urged the federal government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area to strengthen security and allow displaced residents to return to their communities.

The motion was sponsored by the senator representing Benue North East, Emmanuel Udende, who told lawmakers that recent coordinated attacks had left more than 20 people dead and forced many families to flee their homes.

Similarly, the House of Representatives called for urgent military action to halt the killings in communities within the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency.

Lawmakers warned that continued attacks, poor road access, and weak communication networks have hindered rapid security responses in communities near the NigeriaCameroon frontier.

Benue, often referred to as Nigerias food basket, has witnessed persistent violence in recent years, leading to the displacement of rural populations and the disruption of farming activities.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended the indefinite strike it declared on Tuesday.

The decision to suspend the strike followed the intervention of the unions national leadership, according to a notice issued by the chapter chairperson, Idou Keinde, a professor.

The university management had also said it is opening a dialogue with the union to address the concerns raised.

The union confirmed that it is in dialogue with the university.

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Members are enjoined to respectfully defer to our unions national leadership and continue with their normal activities while this matter is being resolved, the statement said.

The strike

ASUU-UNILAG had declared an indefinite strike over alleged cuts in members January and February salaries, as well as the nonpayment of earned academic allowances and Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA).

Both allowances were recently increased by the federal government through an agreement signed with the union in December, which took effect from January.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reacted to the judgement of the Federal High Court, declaring him ineligible to run for governor in 2028.

PREMIUM TIMES, on Thursday, reported that the court, sitting in Akure, the state capital, held that the Constitution does not provide for a situation where an elected president, vice president, governor and deputy governor would spend more than eight years in office.

Mr Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on 27 December 2023 to complete the tenure of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

He was later sworn in again on 24 February 2025, after he was declared the winner of the governorship election held on 16 November 2024.

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akindele Egbuwalo, had approached the court in July 2025 to resolve the question of the governors eligibility to stand for election for a second term.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Mr Aiyedatiwa described the judgement as an unnecessary distraction, insisting that he had never declared interest in contesting another governorship election.

I have not told anyone I am interested in running for re-election, the statement quoted the governor as saying in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.

He said the public had been misled by various narratives circulating on social media, stressing that he had not at any time indicated an intention to run in another election.

According to him, there is currently no timetable for any governorship election in the state, and he has taken no step suggesting such an ambition.

I would like to start with just clarifying a bit of sanity as regards to this matter. Let me establish some truth so that the general public can have a better understanding of what has been and what is now. A lot has been said on social media and there are a lot of misconceptions and opinions trying to distort the truth.

But the truth is that I have never at any time declared to anybody that I am going to contest an election. I have said this about a year ago. It is not time for any governorship election in this state.

There is no timetable. There is no sign of any election and I have not expressed interest at any time that I am going to run for the office of the governor again because it is not yet time.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also clarified that he did not approach the court to seek eligibility to contest any election, explaining that the case was initiated by other individuals seeking clarification on his eligibility.

He said the legal battle would not distract him from focusing on governance and delivering on the promises he made to the people of Ondo State.

I dont feel any form of distraction. I feel good and I will continue doing my work for the good people of Ondo State, he said. I want to fulfil the promises that I made during my campaign and ensure that I deliver.

On whether he had ever considered contesting another election, Mr Aiyedatiwa said his focus remained on delivering on the fresh mandate he recently secured.

I had an election. I completed the tenure of my late principal and I contested the election, which I won on November 16, 2024. It is still fresh. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the fresh mandate that has been given to me, he said.

He acknowledged that he was aware of constitutional provisions regarding tenure for deputies who complete the tenure of their principals but insisted he had not begun to consider any future contest.

You have to take things step by step, even though I am aware of the constitutional provisions that say a deputy who completes the tenure of his principal can only continue one more time, he noted.

I also know that the law talks about a Nigerian having the right to contest for the same position a maximum of two times, which is eight years. Those provisions are there but I have not even gone into that thinking because the election is still fresh, he added.

On whether he would challenge the court judgement, Mr Aiyedatiwa said, The judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Akure is a judgement of the court. I have not seen the details. I only heard about it. My lawyers will look at it and if there is room for seeking further interpretation, they will advise. I cannot say yes or no for now.

This is the first time this kind of case is happening in the constitution of Nigeria. We must look at it carefully so that there will be an authority on the matter for the future.

The governor also denied allegations that he was pushing political opponents out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

He said politics thrives on numbers and insisted he was, instead, encouraging more people to join the party.

It is not possible because politics is a game of numbers. Rather, I want more people to join our party, the APC. Some people may have different interests but the party is so big that you cannot drive anybody away, he said.

Rift with Interior Minister

Mr Aiyedatiwa also dismissed suggestions of a rift with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stating that both of them remained members of the same political family.

The young man you mentioned, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, I dont have any issue with him. If you ask him, he will tell you he does not have any issue with me. Politics is laden with interest, and people have different interests, so sometimes you see push and pull, he said.

The governor also dismissed claims linking the death of some individuals during the APC congress in the state to internal party disputes.

According to him, the incident was related to issues within the National Union of Road Transport Workers and not directly connected to the congress.

Mr Aiyedatiwa further explained that he had expanded the number of stakeholders participating in party meetings since assuming office.

He said he inherited a structure where only 10 stakeholders from each local government attended meetings but later expanded it to ensure greater inclusivity.

When I came on board as governor, I inherited a list of 10 members from each local government for stakeholders meetings.

I expanded it to 20 per local government and later increased it to 30. Today, we have 60 stakeholders per local government attending meetings every quarter.

That is about 1,080 members. So, where is the claim that people are being driven away? I am bringing more people to the party.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has distanced itself from the purported admission of candidates into the Law Faculty of Lead City University.

JAMB, which operated the admissions portal for Nigerian universities through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), said it did not process the said admissions for the university.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB said it has received several claims accusing it of negligence over the development. The board, however, said it was not involved in the admissions.

The Board unequivocally states that the said admissions were not conducted through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), the only platform approved for the processing of admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the statement said.

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Consequently, such admissions are void as they are unknown to the board.

JAMB added that the university is not authorised to admit students into the Law programme until the suspension on the course expires.

Warning to candidates

The board warned prospective students against accepting admission offers processed outside CAPS.

It said candidates who accept such offers risk losing the opportunity to obtain legitimate admission.

This sad development once again underscores the importance of heeding the Boards repeated and unequivocal advice to candidates not to accept any offer of admission outside CAPS. Admission that is not processed and approved on CAPS is fake, the board said.

JAMB also warned that candidates who accept such admissions may be considered complicit.

The board advised affected candidates to disregard such admission offers and apply for the next Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to seek admission through legitimate channels.

Sanctions and policies

Admissions into law programmes in Nigerian universities are regulated by the Council of Legal Education, which determines admission quotas and ensures institutions meet the standards required to train future lawyers. Universities that violate these requirements risk sanctions, including suspension of admissions.

In 2025, admissions into law programmes were suspended in eight institutions after the Council of Legal Education sanctioned them for regulatory breaches.

The CAPS, introduced by JAMB in 2017, was designed to centralise the admission process and prevent illegal admissions by tertiary institutions.

Lead City Universitys law programme has also faced regulatory scrutiny in the past. In 2013, the Court of Appeal ruled that the programme was invalid pending accreditation by the National Universities Commission and the Council of Legal Education.

Attempts to bypass rules

JAMB also raised concerns that some universities may be attempting to bypass admission regulations by transferring illegally admitted candidates to other institutions.

According to the board, such arrangements will not be recognised unless the candidate was initially admitted through CAPS.

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about compliance with admission procedures in Nigerias higher education system.

Under current regulations, all tertiary institutions are required to process admissions through CAPS to ensure transparency and prevent illegal admissions.

JAMB said it would continue to enforce the rules governing admissions.

The Board emphasises that it will discharge its responsibility in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations, the statement said.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Friday, set aside the Federal High Courts 30 October 2025 judgement that sacked Abubakar Gummi as a House of Representatives member.

In a unanimous judgment a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the Federal High Court judge, Obiora Egwuatu, was wrong to have declared Mr Gummis seat vacant on the grounds that he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on which platform he contested election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Gummi, representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives, defected from the PDP to the APC, citing various reasons, including the leadership crisis within the party, particularly at the national level.

Delivering Court of Appeals judgement, a member of the panel, Oyebiola Oyewumi, held, among others, that the appellant (Mr Gummi) has an inherent right to abandon the PDP, given the notorious state of affairs within the party.

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The court upheld the reasons given by Mr Gummi in support of his decision to defect from the PDP.

The court further held that a party member has the right to seek a better platform to contest an election if his or her present platform is threatened.

The court proceeded to allow the appeal.

READ ALSO: Abia lawmaker dumps PDP for Labour Party

It further set aside the judgement of the trial delivered on 30 October 2025 filed by the PDP and the Zamfara States chairperson of the party, Jamilu Jibomagayaki.

The court awarded N1 million against the PDP and Jibomagayaki in favour of Mr Gummi.

Mr Gummi said the crisis in the party created a situation where he could no longer properly represent his constituents or ensure that they all benefited from the shared distribution of democracys dividends within the bounds of law, without undue interference from anyone or anything.

(NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 1 April for the commencement of the Supreme Court-ordered retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, his two sons and others on N1.35 billion money laundering charges.

The case was scheduled for re-arraignment before trial judge Peter Lifu today (Friday) but was stalled because of the absence of the defendants, who were previously freed from the charges by the Court of Appeal.

But defence lawyer Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was present at Fridays proceedings. The prosecution lawyer representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chile Okoroma, also a SAN, was present too.

Explaining his clients absence, Mr Agi said the hearing notice for the proceedings was received late on Thursday at about 5 p.m.

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He said the defendants, who are based in Kano State, could not attend because there was no available flight to convey them to Abuja.

Mr Agi, however, assured the court that the defendants would be present at the next adjourned date.

Prosecution lawyer Mr Okoroma asked called for the reassignment of the case to the former trial judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, who handled the case before ..

He said a letter had been written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting the reassignment.

But Mr Agi said he had not seen the letter.

Judge Lifu then asked Mr Okoroma, a former Director of Legal Services at the EFCC, whether he was still in the commissions employment.

No, my Lord, Mr Okoroma replied, indicating that he is now prosecuting the defendants as a private lawyer.

The basis of your protest is that you want my Lord, Hon. Judge Ojukwu, to come from Calabar to take the case, Judge Lifu said.

The judge observed that the case had been pending since 2015 and stressed the need to begin hearing without further delay.

The Chief Judge assigned the case to me and it is my duty to commence hearing as an obedient servant, he said.

Judge Lifu directed Mr Okoroma to provide Mr Agi with a copy of the letter, as the defence lawyer said he intended to raise objections.

The judge then adjourned the case until 1 April for hearing.

Background

The Supreme Court, had on 16 January, ordered the retrial of the former governor and others over the alleged N1.35 billion fraud.

A five-member panel of the apex court gave the order in two unanimous judgments delivered in the appeals filed by the EFCC in the name of the Federal Government.

The appeals challenged the 25 July 2023 judgements of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld the no-case submissions filed by Mr Lamido and the other defendants and struck out the 37-count charge against them.

The appellate court had ruled that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

However, in the lead judgment of the Supreme Court, Judge Abubakar Umar set aside the decisions of the Court of Appeal and affirmed the earlier ruling by Judge Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Judge Ojukwu had dismissed the no-case submissions filed by Mr Lamido and the other defendants and ordered them to enter their defence.

The case began in 2015 when EFCC charged Mr Lamido, his two sons and their companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja with 37 counts of money laundering involving about N1.35 billion allegedly siphoned from the state in a money laundering scheme.

Mr Lamido and his co-defendants allegedly committed the offences during his time as the governor of the state.

The commission said he abused his office between 2007 and 2015 to launder funds received as kickbacks from state government contracts.

The other defendants are his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and their companies, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
What, then, is the way out of this Russian roulette? A sustainable solution requires a whole-of-government approach that moves beyond the barrel of a gun. While Western interventions have historically struggled with paternalism, they remain fundamentally more aligned with the long-term goals of development than the current Russian alternative. A successful counter-terrorism strategy must be a sophisticated blend of kinetic force and non-kinetic engagement.

The Sahel, a vast and semi-arid belt spanning the breadth of the African continent, has long served as an indispensable bridge connecting Sub-Saharan Africa to its northern neighbours. Beyond its geography, the region, and West Africa at large, is a treasure trove of strategic resources. From the gold veins of Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso to the crude oil of Nigeria and Guinea, the uranium of Niger and Nigeria, and the lithium deposits in Nigeria and Mali, the region is a magnet for global powers.

This wealth, however, is a double-edged sword. While it attracts the interest of the United States, China, and Russia, it also draws the gaze of malign non-state actors. Groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have turned this resource-rich corridor into a theatre of persistent conflict. For countries like Niger, Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso, the struggle against these jihadi insurgents and bandits has pushed national security and political survival to the absolute breaking point.

The Pivot to Moscow

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The regions descent into instability accelerated in the early 2020s. A rapid succession of coups detat in Mali (2020/2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023) sent shockwaves through the continent. By 2025, these new military juntas made the radical decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES). Almost immediately, they severed long-standing military ties with Western partners, ordering the expulsion of French and American troops. The putschists argued that Western allies, France in particular, were forever war protagonists more interested in prolonging counter-terrorism operations to maintain unfettered access to strategic minerals. Simultaneously, the stringent human rights conditions attached to American military aid frustrated the juntas. These frictions provided the perfect opening for a pivot towards Moscow.

Has the Africa Corps succeeded where the West allegedly failed? The data suggests a resounding no. Since the arrival of Russian paramilitaries, the security situation in the Sahel, rather than stabilising, has only metastasised. Russia has failed to stop the advance of malign non-state actors; in many cases, its heavy-handed kinetic tactics have served as a recruitment tool for extremists.

Moscows Playbook: Security for Sovereignty

When the AES expelled its Western technical partners, Russia moved swiftly to fill the power vacuum. This was not Moscows first foray into African regime security. As early as 2017, the Kremlin deployed the Wagner Group, its state-backed, quasi-military expeditionary force, into the Central African Republic (CAR). The deal was simple: Russia would provide an ironclad security detail for President Faustin-Archange Touaderas administration in exchange for exclusive mining rights to gold and diamonds. Russia has since used these revenues from African minerals to insulate its economy against Western sanctions and fund its invasion of Ukraine.

From CAR, Russia extended its footprint into Libya and Sudan using the same security-for-resources blueprint. Following the death of Wagner Group founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, the Kremlin rebranded the group as the Africa Corps and brought it under its direct military control. This new entity is now the primary military partner for the AES, operating not as a traditional ally, but as a mercenary-for-hire that prioritises the survival of the ruling elite over the safety of ordinary citizens.

A Failed Shield: The Reality of the Russian Promise

Has the Africa Corps succeeded where the West allegedly failed? The data suggests a resounding no. Since the arrival of Russian paramilitaries, the security situation in the Sahel, rather than stabilising, has only metastasised. Russia has failed to stop the advance of malign non-state actors; in many cases, its heavy-handed kinetic tactics have served as a recruitment tool for extremists. In Mali, JNIM has effectively placed Bamako under a state of psychological and economic siege, using a strategy of attrition to strangle the capital. In Niger, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) continues to operate with near impunity in the Tillaberi region. Burkina Faso, perhaps the hardest hit, has seen the state lose control over nearly 40 per cent of its territory.

If the Sahelian states continue to trade their sovereignty for the shadow of Russian protection, they may find they have not invited a saviour, but a landlord who has no intention of leaving and no interest in the welfare of the tenants. The region must return to a multilateral framework that prioritises the African people over the survival of military regimes and political elites.

Russia is not interested in laying a solid economic foundation or building institutional resilience. Unlike Western partnerships, which, despite their flaws, invested in governance, economic development, and civil society, the Russian model is purely extractive. The patterns observed in Sudan, Libya, and Syria suggest that Russian intervention leaves behind a trail of hollowed-out institutions and escalated violence. The protection Russia offers is a shield for dictators at the expense of the economic and physical security of ordinary citizens.

Beyond the Horizon: Reclaiming Stability

What, then, is the way out of this Russian roulette? A sustainable solution requires a whole-of-government approach that moves beyond the barrel of a gun. While Western interventions have historically struggled with paternalism, they remain fundamentally more aligned with the long-term goals of development than the current Russian alternative. A successful counter-terrorism strategy must be a sophisticated blend of kinetic force and non-kinetic engagement. This means addressing the root causes of violence: lack of access to quality education, basic health facilities, fair judicial systems, and the crushing poverty that makes a jihadi paycheck attractive to jobless youth. It further requires democratic consolidation and a commitment to human rights. These political virtues are entirely absent from the Russian playbook. If the Sahelian states continue to trade their sovereignty for the shadow of Russian protection, they may find they have not invited a saviour, but a landlord who has no intention of leaving and no interest in the welfare of the tenants. The region must return to a multilateral framework that prioritises the African people over the survival of military regimes and political elites.

J Adewunmi Falode is a professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies and director of Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo.
Some leaders and stakeholders from Nigerias South-east have intensified the campaign for the creation of Anim State, a proposal currently before the National Assembly as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

The renewed push led to a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja between a delegation from Imo and Anambra states and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review.

The delegation said the visit was aimed at expressing appreciation for Mr Kalus role in helping the South-east reach a consensus on the proposed state amid the broader constitutional review exercise.

The bill seeking the creation of Anim State is among several proposals currently before the National Assembly requesting the creation of additional states across the federation.

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The proposal, sponsored by the senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, is undergoing legislative consideration as part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

State creation proposals must pass through a rigorous constitutional process, including approval by two-thirds of members of both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. The difficult process has meant that no new state has been created since Nigerias return to democracy in 1999.

The Anim State proposal has already been introduced and forms part of the list of constitutional amendment bills undergoing scrutiny by committees on constitutional review in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

If approved, the new state would be carved out of parts of Imo and Anambra states, with proponents suggesting Orlu as the proposed capital.

Supporters argue that the state would address perceived developmental gaps and improve political representation for communities within the proposed area.

Stakeholders express support

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Izunaso said the delegation represented communities from both states that are advocating the creation of Anim State.

He said the agitation has received the backing of political leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials and community stakeholders across the affected areas.

We have come here in a representative capacity from Imo State and Anambra State, which are looking for this state called Anim State, he said.

According to him, the delegation included members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairpersons, leaders of the Anim State movement and representatives of traditional institutions in the South-east.

Mr Izunaso said the campaign had already gathered legislative momentum, noting that lawmakers representing the affected constituencies had adopted resolutions supporting the proposal.

He also disclosed that preparations had begun in anticipation of the states eventual creation.

The Imo State Government has already built a Government House in Orlu in preparation for the pronouncement of Anim State, he said.

If you enter Orlu today, you will hardly recognise the town. Internal roads have been rehabilitated, hospitals upgraded, and universities are functioning well. We are ready and only waiting for the pronouncement of the state.

Mr Izunaso also commended Mr Kalu for playing a central role in helping the South-east arrive at a common position on the issue after the region was urged to present a single proposal for state creation.

When the National Assembly committees on constitutional review asked the South-east to produce one additional state, it was the deputy speaker who took the initiative, convened meetings and worked tirelessly until the region arrived at a consensus, he said.

He is not from Imo or Anambra, yet God used him to play this role at this critical time. That is why we came to appreciate him.

Responding, Mr Kalu said the creation of new states should be seen primarily as a mechanism for development and inclusive governance rather than as a political aspiration.

State creation is not just about having a new status. It is an instrument of development that ensures the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots, he said.

He noted that the South-east remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while other zones have six, a disparity he said affects political balance and representation.

When you look at the comparative analysis of the geopolitical zones, only one region, the South-east is lagging. It ought not to be so, he said.

However, Mr Kalu stressed that achieving the goal would require a broad national consensus and strategic engagement with lawmakers across the country.

READ ALSO: First Lady inaugurates National Assembly Christian Fellowship Chapel

To achieve this is not through violence or shouting about marginalisation. It is through negotiation, building friendships and shaking hands across the Niger, he said.

The deputy speaker urged proponents of Anim State to intensify consultations beyond the South-east, noting that lawmakers from other regions would ultimately determine the outcome of the proposal when it comes to a vote.

My vote alone cannot secure the state. In fact, I will not vote because I will be presiding. You must build friendships across the North, South-west and South-south because they will be in the chamber when the vote is called, he said.

He also stressed the importance of securing the backing of South-east governors, describing their endorsement as critical to the success of the proposal.

You cannot do this alone without involving the governors of the South-east. All the governors, especially those from the affected areas, must be part of the agreement, he said.

Mr Kalu further advised stakeholders to remain flexible during negotiations, noting that adjustments to the proposed territorial structure could emerge during the legislative process.

If the powers that be recommend expanding the territorial parameters to accommodate broader interests, it should be accepted. What matters is achieving development and progress, he said.
Anambra-owned FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company (FpEDC) has appealed to customers to bear with it over the poor power supply in the state, saying the problem is not its fault.

FpEDC made the appeal in a statement signed by Izunna Okafor, head of communications, on Thursday in Awka.

Mr Okafor said the drop in supply was a result of nationwide generation challenges and not operational failure.

He said that electricity distribution companies operated only at the final stage of the electricity value chain and did not have a role in the generation of power or in determining how much electricity was transmitted to states.

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According to him, electricity distributed in Anambra is generated elsewhere in the country and transmitted through the national grid before reaching the interface stations that supply the state.

Whenever national electricity generation declines, the amount allocated to every distribution company across Nigeria automatically drops.

Nigeria has recently been experiencing a major reduction in electricity generation due to a severe shortage of natural gas supply to thermal power plants, which produce the bulk of electricity on Nigerias national grid.

This was worsened by the disruption caused by an explosion on the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline in December last year, an incident that affected the operations of several gas-fired power plants, he said.

Mr Okafor said another problem facing operators in the sector was the huge debts owed to generation companies within the electricity market.

He said the liabilities, which were estimated at about N6 trillion, had significantly weakened the ability of power producers to procure adequate gas required to operate their power plants optimally.

The ongoing Israel/US-Iran War has caused immediate scarcity of and spike in prices of petroleum products and this is further complicating the issue in Nigerias energy sector.

Thermal plants rely heavily on natural gas to generate electricity, the shortage has forced several generating units to shut down or operate below their installed capacity, he said.

READ ALSO: Police urge dialogue over planned protest on power outages

On the planned protest by customers in Anambra, FpEDC said it recognised that they had the constitutional right to express their feelings, but appealed to them to understand the challenges of the company.

He said protests directed at distribution companies may not yield the desired results, as the root causes of the electricity shortage lie with the generation, which is beyond the control of the distribution company.

He, however, reassured customers that FirstPower was committed to transparency, fair billing, regulatory compliance and improved customer engagement in Anambra.

According to him, once national electricity generation improves and allocations increase, supply to Anambra State will also improve correspondingly.

(NAN)
FMCG Expo 2026: 500 exhibitors, 2 days of strategic solutions for the market

On April 2223, 2026, Kyiv will host FMCG Expo 2026a large-scale industry congress bringing together over 500 manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and experts from the FMCG market.

The event will bring together representatives of companies that are currently shaping the market and demonstrating growth even amid instability. Among the companies whose speakers have already confirmed their participation are:

Roshen, Mars Ukraine, MHP, Auchan, EVA, Novus, Silpo, Rukavichka, Berta Group, SAV ORBICO, Biosphere, Kormotech, NIQ, MAUDAU, Kyiv BKK, Nizhyn Canning Plant, Molokiya, ALVIVA GROUP, Biotus, IDNT, and other industry leaders.

Key topics of the program

 Effective interaction between manufacturers and retailers

 Portfolio management and margin optimization

 Category development and growth drivers

 Brand scaling and the role of packaging

 Business model transformation

 Data-driven approach in sales

 Production and logistics efficiency

A separate section of the event will be dedicated to an exhibition area, where companies will present new products, innovative solutions, services, and technologies for the FMCG business.

You can participate not only as a visitor but also as an exhibitor, presenting your latest innovations to a professional audience and potential partners.

Why You Should Attend

 500+ decision-makers

 2 days of concentrated business content

 Networking with key market players

 Opportunity to showcase your solutions in the exhibition area

Registration is open on the official website:

https://fmcgexpo.com.ua

FMCG Expo 2026 is an event for those who want to not just adapt to the market, but grow alongside it.

Interfax-Ukraine is the official media partner of the congress.
Acquisition strengthens access to infectious disease, primary care, and integrated healthcare services for Atlanta patients.

ORLANDO, Fla., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 26Health , a longstanding provider of primary care and mental health services in the Southeast, has announced the acquisition of Optimal Integrative Care , a respected medical practice located at 3193 Howell Mill Road NW in the West Midtown/Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia. The practice specializes in infectious disease, internal medicine, and primary care.

The acquisition reflects 26Health's continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered healthcare and extending its integrated care model to more communities throughout the region. This expansion also strengthens access to specialized infectious disease and primary care services for patients in Atlanta, Georgia, while further supporting 26Health's growing network in the Southeast.

"This is an exciting milestone for 26Health and the patients and community that Optimal Integrative Care has served." Post this

"This is an exciting milestone for 26Health and for the patients and community that Optimal Integrative Care has served so well," said Latrice Stewart, president and CEO of 26Health. "Our shared commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care makes this a natural partnership. We look forward to building on the strong foundation that Optimal has established while expanding access to care in Atlanta and beyond."

Following the acquisition, 26Health will assume full ownership and operational management of Optimal Integrative Care. The practice will continue operating under the Optimal Integrative Care name, and patients can expect uninterrupted care, with no disruption to scheduled appointments, medical records, or ongoing treatment plans.

As part of the 26Health network, Optimal Integrative Care will gain access to expanded clinical resources, enhanced services, and a broader network of healthcare providers, while maintaining the personalized, patient-first approach that has defined its practice.

Patients and community members with questions about the transition are encouraged to contact Optimal Integrative Care directly at 404-352-1223 or stay connected through the practice's social media channels:

Media Contact: Lenworth Kiese, Vice President of Communications, [email protected], 321-800-2922 x1121

ABOUT 26HEALTH

26Health is a comprehensive, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare organization providing primary care, mental health services, HIV prevention and treatment, women's health, care coordination, and more. With a deep commitment to compassionate care and community well-being, 26Health serves patients from its flagship location in Orlando, Florida.

For more information about 26Health's services and locations, visit 26Health's official website or call 321-800-2922.

SOURCE 26Health, Inc.
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is attributable to A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu:

"Today, tens of thousands of TSA employees are receiving empty paychecks. Zero dollars. Two weeks ago, these same TSA employees received partial paychecks. Last fall, they had to survive 43 days without pay.

"This failure of government to simply pay federal aviation employees is wrong. It is unfair. And it is a disgrace that Congress cannot reach an agreement or act on viable bipartisan solutions that have already been introduced.

"TSA employees have to put food on the table, put gas in their cars and pay their rent. Media reports include stories of TSA workers quitting their jobs in order to find something that does pay them in real time. One large airport has issued a public plea asking travelers to donate grocery store gift cards.

"During this spring travel season, we want to remind travelers that TSA officers are showing up for work, keeping our skies secure and doing their patriotic duty. Let's all make it a priority to pack our patience and thank them for doing their jobs!"

ABOUT A4A

Airlines for America (A4A) members are Alaska Air Group, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and UPS. Air Canada is an associate member.

A4A advocates on behalf of the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers. A4A works collaboratively with industry stakeholders, federal agencies, the Administration, Congress, labor and other groups to improve aviation for the traveling and shipping public.

For more information about the airline industry, visit our website airlines.org and our blog, A Better Flight Plan, at airlines.org/blog.

Follow us on Twitter: @airlinesdotorg.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

SOURCE Airlines for America
DALLAS, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

AT&T marks the 150th anniversary of the rst phone call by re-arming its leadership in investing in U.S. telecommunication infrastructure through 2030.

Key Takeaways:

AT&T is committing more than $250 billion over ve years to build the best and largest network, with the capabilities and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.

We are investing at the top of our industry to deliver unmatched coverage for more than 100 million customers on the nation's largest ber and wireless networks.

AT&T is deploying networking infrastructure required to meet the ever-increasing demand for reliable, always-on connectivity across urban, suburban and rural America.

AT&T (NYSE: T) is proud to announce an investment and spend of more than $250 billion in the future of U.S. advanced connectivity, building the high-speed networks and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.

Building on the legacy of founder Alexander Graham Bell's rst phone call 150 years ago, AT&T is rearming its leadership as the company driving America's connected economy so every community, family, and business can participate in the promise of American progress.

"Today, we're committing more than $250 billion to increase U.S. connectivity competitiveness and expand access to AT&T's leading ber and wireless networks  the best way to get on the internet," said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T. "Current Federal telecommunications policy is as strong as I've seen in my career, making our commitment to invest possible. We look forward to serving American communities and businesses for the next 150 years."

What began with a single copper wire has evolved into the nation's largest converged network of ber internet and 5G wireless services, connecting people at home, at work, and on the go.

This next chapter of investment and long-term operating commitment builds on that foundation through three strategic areas: deploying always-on connectivity, investing in people and communities, and innovating to secure America's connected economy. The current tax and regulatory environment are the most conducive to such investment in decades.

Deploying Always-On Connectivity

Ubiquitous networks that provide reliable, always-on connectivity are the critical conduits that make Articial Intelligence, autonomous technologies, cloud computing, and data-heavy digital services possible. AT&T's investment will expand future-ready ber and wireless services, modernize critical infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience and security to support communities and the economy for decades to come, including:

Accelerating the deployment of ber, 5G home internet, wireless and satellite across urban, suburban, and rural America AT&T's satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will extend coverage into remote areas.

Strengthening FirstNet, Built by AT&T  the nation's rst and only network built with and for rst responders  and modernizing vital infrastructure for public safety and resilience With AT&T Dynamic Defense, we deliver the only network connectivity with comprehensive built-in security controls.

Laying the groundwork for the next wave of American technological leadership through smart infrastructure and network optimization AT&T's Wi-Fi Personalization provides a tailored home experience that matches our customers' daily habits, and AT&T Turbo Live allows customers to boost their data experience at live events to get the reliable connection they want, even in crowded venues.



Investing in People and Communities

Building the nation's connectivity backbone requires dedicated, highly trained people. With approximately 110,000 U.S. employees today, AT&T will continue investing in America's workforce, including supporting the largest unionized workforce in the U.S. telecom industry, with a focus on training and development.

Investing in education through connectivity also strengthens communities. When workers can train locally, communities retain talent, families gain stability, and local economies grow stronger. These are mission-critical roles that keep networks running safely and reliably  work that depends on skilled technicians, engineers, and customer-facing experts that will remain essential as technology evolves. Focus areas include:

Recruiting and training more skilled technicians that are needed to build and maintain essential telecommunications infrastructure

Hiring thousands of technicians in 2026 alone; Only 5% of jobs at AT&T require a four-year degree

Investing in training, upskilling, and career pathways to keep roles current as tools and technology change  including AI uency

Supporting American families with competitive wages, employee benets and exceptional wellness programs, and long-term nancial security

Innovating to Secure America's Connected Economy

As connectivity becomes more essential, so do trust, security and continued American leadership in innovation. AT&T will continue investing in technologies that advance and protect the connected economy, including:

Scaling network security and AI-driven threat intelligence

Enabling the next wave of American invention across industries by opening up our network to allow new entrants to innovate and supply telecommunications equipment.

Strengthening collaboration with public-sector partners to support national resilience and rst responders

Supporting America's leadership in global technology and innovation

With this commitment, AT&T will keep building the network Americans rely on, whether delivered by ber, wireless, or satellite, so more people and businesses have access to fast, reliable connectivity. It's the foundation for what's next, from remote care, to autonomous vehicles to AI, and it will help keep America connected for the next 150 years.

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the rst phone call 150 years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet oerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

 2026 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

SOURCE AT&T
Unanimous verdict in Texas Business Court case concludes two-week trial over allegations that former senior executives used stolen proprietary systems to launch a competing mineral brokerage

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ES3 Minerals, LLC, an Austin-based mineral acquisition and advisory company, won a trade secret verdict in Texas Business Court after a 12-person jury unanimously found that former executives misappropriated the company's proprietary systems to launch a competing mineral brokerage. The jury valued ES3's integrated trade secret system at more than $40 million and awarded $9 million in exemplary damages.

The case, ES3 Minerals, LLC v. Kreines, Ryan, LMP, et al., Cause No. 24-BC03B-0005, was tried in the Texas Business Court, Third Division (Austin), before Judge Sweeten from February 24 through March 9, 2026.

Jurors found Nicholas "Nick" Kreines, David Ryan, and Jettie Rangel (Jennings), all former senior employees of ES3 Minerals, liable for misappropriating ES3's trade secrets in connection with the launch of Liberty Mineral Partners (LMP), a competing mineral rights brokerage. The jury unanimously found that the defendants acted together in a coordinated effort to secretly take and use ES3's confidential systems and information to establish the competing venture.

Additional findings included:

Breach of fiduciary duty against Nick Kreines

Intentional interference with ES3 employee agreements against David Ryan and Liberty Mineral Partners

Fraudulent transfers intended to conceal and move funds associated with the competing business

Willful and malicious misappropriation of ES3's trade secrets by all defendants

The jury valued ES3's integrated trade secret system at more than $40 million and awarded an additional $9 million in exemplary (punitive) damages. The verdict followed a two-week trial featuring testimony from industry experts and economists on the value of ES3's proprietary mineral-acquisition systems and business operations.

"At its core, this case was about protecting the systems, technology and business we've built at ES3," said Trey Stanton, founder of ES3 Minerals. "From the beginning, my goal has been to build a generational company grounded in integrity and accountability. When the work and values behind that are challenged, we believe it's important to stand up and defend them."

Stanton said pursuing the case was ultimately about standing up for the principles that have guided the company since its founding.

"Pursuing the case wasn't a decision we took lightly," Stanton added. "But we believed it was important to stand up for the principles that matter to us  honesty, integrity and ethical business practices."

The defendants were senior members of ES3's leadership team before forming Liberty Mineral Partners, a competing firm that rapidly entered the mineral acquisition market.

"This verdict sends a clear message that Texas courts and Texas juries will hold employees accountable when they misappropriate their employer's most valuable assets," said Michael Marin, lead trial counsel for ES3 Minerals. "Trey Stanton built something genuinely innovative at ES3 by developing a proprietary system that allowed a bootstrapped company with no outside funding to compete with private-equity-backed rivals in one of the most competitive markets in the energy sector. When his most trusted people took that system and used it against him, the jury saw through it and returned a verdict that held every defendant accountable."

Testimony at trial focused on ES3's proprietary systems and business methods, which the company developed over years of operations and protected as trade secrets. According to evidence presented in court, these systems were shared with a limited group of senior executives and formed a key part of the company's competitive advantage in the mineral acquisition market. The jury's findings underscore the legal protections afforded to companies when former employees misuse confidential business systems to launch competing ventures.

The case now moves into the post-trial phase, during which the court will enter a final judgment and consider additional remedies, including potential injunctive relief.

"Our focus now is exactly where it should be, which is continuing to grow the business and deliver for the mineral owners we work with every day," Stanton said.

The trial moved from filing to verdict in less than 15 months, underscoring the Texas Business Court's goal of providing an efficient forum for complex commercial disputes.

About ES3 Minerals

ES3 Minerals is an Austin, Texas-based mineral acquisition and advisory company focused on helping mineral owners understand and maximize the value of their mineral rights. The company partners directly with landowners to evaluate, lease and acquire mineral and royalty interests across key U.S. energy basins. Founded by Trey Stanton, ES3 combines traditional land expertise with modern technology to deliver transparent, relationship-driven solutions for mineral owners. For more information, visit www.es3minerals.com.

SOURCE ES3
BRANFORD, Conn., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Azitra, Inc. (NYSE American: AZTR), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for precision dermatology, today announced it received a notice from the staff of NYSE American LLC (the "Exchange") that Azitra was not in compliance with the Exchange's continued listing standards under Section 1003(a)(iii) of the NYSE American Company Guide (the "Company Guide"). Section 1003(a)(iii) requires a listed company to have stockholders' equity of $6 million or more if the listed company has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. As previously reported, on October 1, 2025, Azitra received a letter from the NYSE American stating that it is not in compliance with the minimum stockholders' equity requirement of Section 1003(a)(ii) of the Company Guide requiring stockholders' equity of $4.0 million or more if the Company has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of the four most recent fiscal years.

On October 31, 2025, the Company submitted a plan (the "Plan") to the NYSE American addressing how the Company intends to regain compliance with the requirements under Section 1003(a)(ii) by April 1, 2027, which Plan was accepted on December 16, 2025. In accordance with the notice from the Exchange, Azitra has until April 1, 2027 to regain compliance with the NYSE American's listing standards regarding the minimum stockholders' equity requirements of Section 1003(a)(ii) and Section 1003(a)(iii) of the Company Guide. If Azitra is not in compliance with the continued listing standards by April 1, 2027, or if Azitra does not make progress consistent with the Plan during the plan period, NYSE Regulation staff will initiate delisting proceedings as appropriate.

Azitra will continue its listing on NYSE American during the plan period and will be subject to periodic reviews, including quarterly monitoring for compliance with the Plan until it has regained compliance. Azitra is assessing and exploring multiple funding avenues and is committed to achieving compliance with the Exchange's requirements.

Receipt of the notice from the Exchange has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of Azitra's common stock on the Exchange, and does not affect Azitra's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

Azitra also advises that as previously disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed February 27, 2026, with the SEC, the audited financial statements contained an audit opinion from its independent registered public accounting firm that included a Substantial Doubt Regarding the Company's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern paragraph. This announcement is made pursuant to NYSE American Company Guide Sections 410(h) and 610(b), which requires separate public announcement of the receipt of an audit opinion containing a going concern paragraph. This announcement does not represent any change or amendment to the Company's consolidated financial statements or to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About Azitra

Azitra, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for precision dermatology. The Company's lead program, ATR-12, uses an engineered strain of S. epidermidis designed to treat Netherton syndrome, a rare, chronic skin disease with no approved treatment options. Netherton syndrome may be fatal in infancy with those living beyond a year having profound lifelong challenges. The ATR-12 program includes a Phase 1b clinical trial in adult Netherton syndrome patients. ATR-04, Azitra's additional advanced program, utilizes another engineered strain of S. epidermidis for the treatment of EGFR inhibitor ("EGFRi") associated rash. Azitra has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for EGFRi associated rash, which impacts approximately 150,000 people in the U.S. Azitra has an open IND for its ATR-04 program in patients with EGFRi associated rash. The ATR-12 and ATR-04 programs were developed from Azitra's proprietary platform of engineered proteins and topical live biotherapeutic products that includes a microbial library comprised of approximately 1,500 bacterial strains. The platform is augmented by artificial intelligence and machine learning technology that analyzes, predicts, and helps screen the library of strains for drug like molecules. For more information, please visit https://azitrainc.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements may be identified by words such as "aims," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "goal," "intends," "may," "plans," "possible," "potential," "seeks," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Azitra's ability to continue operations, Azitra's expectations for compliance with the Plan and applicable Exchange requirements, Azitra locating or acquiring funding in the future, and actions of Azitra and/or the Exchange to be taken with respect to matters discussed in the notices referenced herein.

Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current expectations, estimates and projections only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to that we may experience delays in the dosing the first patient in this Phase 1/2 trial; our product candidates may not be effective; there may be delays in regulatory approval or changes in regulatory framework that are out of our control; our estimation of addressable markets of our product candidates may be inaccurate; we may fail to timely raise additional required funding; our actions and/or the Exchange's actions to be taken with respect to matters discussed in the notices from the Exchange; more efficient competitors or more effective competing treatment may emerge; we may be involved in disputes surrounding the use of our intellectual property crucial to our success; we may not be able to attract and retain key employees and qualified personnel; earlier study results may not be predictive of later stage study outcomes; and we are dependent on third-parties for some or all aspects of our product manufacturing, research and preclinical and clinical testing. Additional risks concerning Azitra's programs and operations are described or incorporated by reference in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2026. Azitra explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by law.

Contact

Norman Staskey

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.

David Irish

231-632-0002

[email protected]

Media Relations

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.

Casey McDonald

646-577-8520

[email protected]

SOURCE Azitra, Inc.
Bishop Legal attorney Raymond Bishop has announced the resolution of a multiparty lawsuit stemming from a catastrophic workplace incident at SeattleTacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) on September 16, 2022.

SEATTLE, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While Tia Valentine was working at Sea-Tac airport as a ramp agent for McGee Air Services providing ground services for Alaska Airlines, Tia was ejected from and run down by an airport tug that was driven by her co-worker when making a sharp turn.

Tia's right leg was crushed and the skin ripped from her body by the wheels of the airport tug after she was ejected. The tug had no doors, no cab, and no guardrails to keep Tia inside. It also had a replacement seat that was in poor repair with a faulty seat belt. This caused Tia to slip off the side of the tug while her seatbelt pulled her into the front wheel of the tug. Her head hit the tarmac and her right leg was caught and crushed by the tug's right passenger wheel.

She brought suit against the Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines, claiming they exposed ramp workers to unsafe conditions and failed to ensure compliance with safety laws. Her suit also included claims against defendant TLD America for defective design of the tug and defendant Daifuku (formerly known as Elite Line Services) for poor maintenance of the passenger seat and seat belt. The suit included claims against aircraft cleaning company Unifi Aviation, alleging it unsafely parked its vehicle on the tarmac, forcing the driver of Tia's tug to make a sharp turn to go around it while still avoiding aircraft traffic.

King 5 has learned that Port's share of the multimillion-dollar settlement is $2,175,000.00 and is not subject to confidentiality. The Port's share of the settlement was paid by its insurer, United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG), which does not come from the taxpayers and will not affect the Port's operating budget.

In addition to the non-confidential settlement against the Port of Seattle arising from the Incident, Tia's claims against other defendants in the matter have been resolved, but the terms of the settlements against parties other than the Port of Seattle are confidential.

After finally receiving all settlement payments, Tia is officially dismissing her lawsuit today and putting the matter behind her as she tries to move on with her life.

Bishop Legal is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, and defective products. The firm's attorneys have extensive experience handling complex, multiparty litigation and are committed to holding corporations and institutions accountable when safety failures cause life-altering harm. Through strategic advocacy and a client-focused approach, Bishop Legal works tirelessly to secure meaningful results and financial recovery that help clients rebuild their lives.

Media Contact

Raymond Bishop

[email protected]

SOURCE Bishop Legal
Free ride vouchers available through the Rob Levine Law Community App to support safe celebrations on one of the city's busiest drinking holidays

BOSTON, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With St. Patrick's Day celebrations approaching across New England, Rob Levine Law is offering free Uber ride vouchers through the Rob Levine Law Community App to help prevent impaired driving and promote safer holiday celebrations.

St. Patrick's Day is consistently one of the busiest holidays for bars, restaurants, and nightlifeespecially in Boston and Providence. With packed bars, crowded streets, and late-night festivities, the risk of drunk driving increases significantly. The free rides program is designed to make it easier for people to plan ahead and take a free ride home rather than get behind the wheel.

"Boston and Providence both know how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day," said Rob Levine, founder of Rob Levine Law. "But when the night ends, getting home safely should always be part of the plan. If offering a free ride helps prevent even one drunk driving incident, it's worth it."

Free Uber ride vouchers will be available through the Rob Levine Law Community App on March 17 and again in Providence on March 21 during the city's St. Patrick's Day parade celebrations. Riders must have the Uber app installed and an active rider account to redeem the voucher.

The free ride offer is available within a 50-mile radius of both Boston, MA, and Providence, RI, helping ensure that people celebrating across the region have a safe way to get home.

The St. Patrick's Day program is part of Rob Levine Law's ongoing commitment to community safety, offering free rides through the App on major holidays throughout the year. In addition to free rides, the App provides resources and community giveaways, including gas and grocery giveaways, Thanksgiving meal registration, and seasonal community events.

For more information about Rob Levine Law or the Rob Levine app, visit www.roblevine.com.

About Rob Levine Law

For over 25 years, Rob Levine Law has advocated for the injured in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, and for the disabled nationwide. Known as "The Heavy Hitter," the firm has helped more than 50,000 clients recover over $2 billion in compensation.

SOURCE Rob Levine Law
NORRIS, Tenn., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As spring greens the Tennessee River Valley, the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council is calling on residents, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts to help protect the region's rivers, lakes, and trails by joining volunteer cleanups and stewardship events throughout March.

With hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands and waterways, protecting the Tennessee River Valley requires cooperation among public agencies, nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and local communities. Partners such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, conservation groups, and volunteers play an important role in keeping the watershed healthy and accessible for recreation and wildlife.

Each spring, volunteers gather across the valley to remove trash from shorelines, waterways, and trails. Litter not only detracts from the region's scenic beauty but can also harm wildlife, degrade natural habitats, and impact water quality throughout the watershed.

Across the region, grassroots groups are stepping up to make a difference. Organizations including Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, the Norris Lake Project, the Tellico River Cleanup, and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates like Johnson City that host volunteer days and educational efforts aimed at protecting waterways and natural landscapes.

"In a region defined by rivers, lakes, and mountain landscapes, stewardship is a shared responsibility," said Julie Graham, a spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council. "When visitors and residents alike practice simple habitspacking out trash, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural places better than they found themwe protect the waters that sustain our communities, recreation, and wildlife."

The council also promotes responsible outdoor recreation through the principles of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Tread Lightly! encouraging hikers, paddlers, anglers, cyclists, and boaters to follow the "pack it in, pack it out" ethic and tread responsibly while enjoying the outdoors.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month, with this year's kickoff held today, March 12 in Memphis, Tennessee as part of a statewide effort to inspire local stewardship activities during the commemorative year of America 250.

"If every hiker, biker, angler, and boater takes one small step to care for the outdoors, the Tennessee River Valley watershed will continue to thrive as a destination for recreation, a source of clean drinking water, and a healthy habitat for wildlife," the council added.

Community members, families, and outdoor groups are encouraged to join local cleanup efforts and help steward the rivers, lakes, and trails of the Tennessee River Valley throughout the spring season. Learn more here.

The TRV Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship, economic vitality, and tourism across the seven-state Tennessee River Valley watershed. The Council works to connect communities and visitors through initiatives that celebrate the region's diverse landscapes, history, and culture. The Council's efforts are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

www.exploreTRV.com

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council
Ninth stop of CIEE's nationwide roadshow recognized exceptional host employers and other supporters of international exchange in Utah

PARK CITY, Utah, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) was in premier ski destination Park City this week for the ninth stop on its nationwide BridgeUSA Celebration Tour that spotlights how international exchange programs powered by the U.S. Department of State are making America safer through diplomacy, stronger through global collaboration, and more prosperous through innovation and shared opportunity.

"If BridgeUSA did not exist, someone would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans." - James Pellow, Ed.D. Post this In premier ski destination Park City, CIEE honored supporters of the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, which brings international college students to live and work in America during their university summer break, helping seasonal employers expand and extend the tourism season by an average of 50 days, contributing billions of dollars to the American economy each year.

In Utah, CIEE honored supporters of the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, which brings international college students to live and work in America during their university summer break, helping seasonal employers expand and extend the tourism season by an average of 50 days, contributing billions of dollars to the American economy each year.

BridgeUSA provides a significant economic and cultural benefit to hundreds of communities across America. In Park City alone, more than 1,200 BridgeUSA participants from the Southern Hemisphere, whose summer work placements take place during the U.S. winter, support ski resorts and other local businesses during the busy winter recreation season.

"Utah provides BridgeUSA participants an authentic lens into American culture," said Carye Duffin, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at CIEE. "We are visiting Park City to celebrate the local host employers, the supervisors, the mentors, the community leaders, and the advocates for international exchange who year after year show the world the very best of America."

BridgeUSA Makes America Safer and Stronger

BridgeUSA programs bolster America's national security and strengthen America's public diplomacy by fostering mutual respect between Americans and people of other nations. BridgeUSA participants return home and spread word of their positive experience in the United States, which improves the American image abroad and makes our country safer.

BridgeUSA Makes America More Prosperous

BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants enable local economies to prosper by expanding and extending the tourism season, allowing businesses to employ more Americans for a longer seasonal period and allowing hundreds of local businessesfrom ski resorts to restaurants, from retail shops to hospitality providersto extend the duration of their peak-season sales surge, compounding the positive economic impact in each community.

"The core premise of the BridgeUSA program is that international students come to America at their own expense on temporary visas to help American businesses and American communities thrive," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. "BridgeUSA students pay their way to come to America, they help make American businesses more prosperous while they are here, and then they return to their home countries with a deeper knowledge and respect for American culture and American values, including the power of democracy and free speech. If BridgeUSA did not exist, someone would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans."

About the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour

In June 2025, the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour began in Ohio and Kentucky with stops at the iconic Cedar Point Amusement Park, the famous Kings Island Amusement Park, and family-favorite Kentucky Kingdom. In July, CIEE senior leaders visited stunning Yellowstone National Park and majestic Big Sky, Montana. Then they celebrated BridgeUSA in beloved Myrtle Beach in August and historic San Antonio in September. This week's visit to premier ski destination Park City kicked off the 2026 leg of the tour that will continue to idyllic Mackinac Island, Michigan, in June, then fun-filled Wisconsin Dells in August, and vibrant Ocean City, Maryland, in September.

If you are interested in participating in a future CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration event, please reach out to Carye Duffin, CIEE Senior Vice President of External Affairs, at [email protected].

About CIEE:

CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. For 75 years, we have helped young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. Since 1947, CIEE has supported more than 1.5 million student exchanges for participants from more than 140 countries. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

Media Contact: Leslie Taylor, [email protected], (207) 553-4274

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
TORONTO, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Equitable Bank today released its Public Accountability Statement (PAS) for fiscal 2025, highlighting its continued commitment to strengthening Canada by supporting greater competition in banking, bringing innovation and value to underserved customers, and focusing lending efforts on critical areas like affordable housing to help strengthen the economy.

"Canada is at a defining moment as we think about the economy and country we want to build for the future," said Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO. "As Canada's Challenger Bank, we believe we have a responsibility to play a meaningful role by strengthening competition in banking, delivering more accessible, affordable and innovative financial services, and investing in people and initiatives that help make Canada and the communities we serve stronger."

The Bank is proud to release its annual PAS that outlines its impact on Canadian communities and society at large, grounded in its five core values of respect, integrity, service, empowerment and agility.

Highlights for 2025 include:

Championing competition, innovation and inclusion  Continued its track record for fostering financial inclusion and competition by offering high-interest, no-fee everyday banking products to help more Canadians access an accessible and rewarding banking experience, including launching the Notice Savings Account in Quebec in 2025

Continued its track record for fostering financial inclusion and competition by offering high-interest, no-fee everyday banking products to help more Canadians access an accessible and rewarding banking experience, including launching the Notice Savings Account in Quebec in 2025 Contributing to affordable housing  Maintained its position as Canada's largest securitizer of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-insured multi-unit residential loans, funding $3.5 billion in multi-unit residential properties across Canada as of 2025 to support housing density and supply through affordable, energy efficient and accessible housing

Maintained its position as Canada's largest securitizer of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation-insured multi-unit residential loans, funding $3.5 billion in multi-unit residential properties across Canada as of 2025 to support housing density and supply through affordable, energy efficient and accessible housing Championing small business owners and self-employed Canadians  Publicly launched the EQ Bank Business Banking platform, including its innovative high-interest and no monthly fees Business Account specifically designed to support the unique needs of entrepreneurs, while continuing to lend with a focus on self-employed Canadians who often face barriers in achieving aspirations for homeownership

 Publicly launched the EQ Bank Business Banking platform, including its innovative high-interest and no monthly fees Business Account specifically designed to support the unique needs of entrepreneurs, while continuing to lend with a focus on self-employed Canadians who often face barriers in achieving aspirations for homeownership Supporting Canadian seniors and near-retirees  Expanded access to reverse mortgages, giving this group a financial tool that offers greater flexibility and helps them remain in the communities that matter to them in retirement

 Expanded access to reverse mortgages, giving this group a financial tool that offers greater flexibility and helps them remain in the communities that matter to them in retirement Embedding inclusion into the employee experience  Advanced Employee Resource Groups as drivers of connection, engagement, and representation, including The Black Collective, the Green Team, the Indigenous ERG, Newcomers to Canada, PROUD, and Women in Tech

 Advanced Employee Resource Groups as drivers of connection, engagement, and representation, including The Black Collective, the Green Team, the Indigenous ERG, Newcomers to Canada, PROUD, and Women in Tech Expanding corporate citizenship  Contributed more than $1 million in donations and sponsorships that went to community partners including Madison Community Services, Fred Victor and the George Brown Foundation

Learn more about Equitable Bank's contributions to Canada's economy, communities and environment here.

About Equitable Bank

Equitable Bank has a clear mission to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives. As Canada's Challenger Bank and seventh largest bank by assets, it leverages technology to deliver exceptional personal and commercial banking experiences and services to over 800,000 customers and more than six million credit union members through its businesses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB), a leading digital financial services company with $142 billion in combined assets under management and administration (as at January 31, 2026). Through its digital EQ Bank platform (eqbank.ca), its customers have named it one of the top banks in Canada on the Forbes World's Best Banks list since 2021.

To learn more, please visit eqb.investorroom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Investor contact:

Lemar Persaud

VP and Head of IR

[email protected]

Media contact:

Maggie Hall

Director, PR & Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Equitable Bank
The Pentagon is using tools from Anthropic and OpenAI, major artificial intelligence companies, to make military decisions in Iran, and guiding decisions could cost lives.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Axios indicate that Claude was utilised during the large-scale joint US-Israel bombardment of Iran that began on Saturday. This situation highlights the complexities involved in the US military's efforts to withdraw advanced AI tools from its operations, especially when the technology is already deeply integrated into its missions.

According to the Journal, the US military command utilised these AI tools for intelligence purposes, assistance in target selection, and conducting battlefield simulations.

On Friday, just hours before the attack on Iran commenced, former President Trump ordered all federal agencies to cease using Claude immediately. He criticised Anthropic on Truth Social, labelling it a Radical Left AI company run by people who have no idea what the real world is all about.

Following the rift with Anthropic, rival company OpenAI stepped in. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that he had reached an agreement with the Pentagon for the use of the companys tools, including ChatGPT, within its classified network.

Apparently, this is not the first time we see reports regarding the usage of AI in 'US conflicts'.

Tensions escalated after the US military's use of Claude in a raid to capture Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, in January. Anthropic objected, citing its terms of use that prohibit applications of Claude for violent purposes, weapon development, or surveillance.

Since that incident, relations between Trump, the Pentagon, and the AI company have deteriorated. In a lengthy post on X on Friday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth accused Anthropic of arrogance and betrayal," asserting that Americas warfighters will never be held hostage by the ideological whims of Big Tech. He demanded full and unrestricted access to all of Anthropics AI models for every lawful purpose.

However, Hegseth acknowledged the challenge of quickly detaching military systems from the AI tool, given its widespread usage. He mentioned that Anthropic would continue providing services for no more than six months to ensure a smooth transition to a more suitable and patriotic service.

But how possible is this? Can AI really be used in wars?

Claude's role in the war involved analysing satellite images and intercepted communications. He ranked and confirmed high-value targets, simulated strike outcomes before they occurred, and tracked enemy positions in real time.

Several AI models are currently being utilized in military applications, including GROK, Googles Gemini, and various GPT models from OpenAI. The Pentagon secured a contract with OpenAI shortly after the fallout with Anthropic, specifically allowing the use of GPT models for classified military purposes by February 2026. Gemini, on the other hand, has been designated for unclassified use, with ongoing negotiations for access. The Pentagon has also awarded contracts valued up to $200 million in July 2025 through the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to enhance frontier AI in warfare and planning.

It should be noted that these models are LLMs - Large Language Models, which are types of AI trained on vast amounts of data to understand, generate, and analyze human-like text.

This encompasses a focus on large language models, agentic workflows, and both classified and unclassified deployments for national security and intelligence purposes. Despite these advancements, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed concerns regarding the readiness of AI systems for making warfighting decisions, emphasizing during the same week he signed a deal with the Pentagon that AI should not be entrusted with such critical choices.

The future may see the emergence of autonomous weapons capable of selecting and striking targets without human approval, AI-powered humanoid soldiers on the battlefield, drone swarms that adapt in real-time, extensive surveillance of both enemy and civilian populations, and predictive warfare that anticipates attacks before they occur.

"In reality, the integration of AI into warfare did not begin with the recent crisis", points out AI and cybersecurity expert Ryan Colloway to AzerNEWS.

"The Pentagon has spent years developing algorithmic warfare programs designed to enhance battlefield awareness and accelerate decision-making. One of the earliest and most notable initiatives was Project Maven, launched to enable machine learning systems to analyse drone footage and automatically identify objects such as vehicles, weapons systems, and infrastructure. The project marked a turning point in how artificial intelligence could augment military intelligence operations. Israel also uses an AI system. Such as, Lavender  identifies suspected militants from data analysis; The Gospel  suggests strike targets."

Yet the growing dependence on private-sector AI companies has created a new and unexpected tension between Silicon Valley and the national security establishment, argues the expert:

"Through entities such as the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, the United States has increasingly sought to integrate frontier technologies into national security planning. In recent years, the office has awarded major contracts aimed at accelerating the development of large language models, advanced analytics, and autonomous systems capable of supporting both classified and unclassified operations. Many technology firms have attempted to place restrictions on how their systems can be used, particularly when it comes to lethal operations or surveillance. This friction is not new. In 2018, internal protests at Google forced the company to withdraw from military cooperation tied to Project Maven, illustrating how ethical concerns within the tech sector can directly affect defence policy."

Despite the rapid expansion of AI integration, even industry leaders caution that the technology remains far from ready to independently make battlefield decisions, he added:

"The emergence of fully autonomous weapons systems remains one of the most controversial issues in international security, as global institutions have yet to establish binding regulations governing machines capable of selecting and attacking targets independently. Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming the speed, scale, and complexity of modern warfare. Instead of replacing soldiers, todays AI systems function primarily as decision-support tools, analyzing massive data streams, identifying patterns invisible to human analysts, and offering commanders possible courses of action. In a battlefield environment where information arrives from satellites, drones, sensors, and electronic intercepts simultaneously, such analytical power can offer decisive advantages. If both sides rely on AI-assisted targeting and intelligence, conflicts could escalate faster than human diplomacy can react."

Mr. Colloway candidly expressed his concerns, pointing out that the quickening pace of military decision-making could lead to new risks:

"As AI systems compress the time required to evaluate threats and recommend responses, the window for human deliberation narrows. Military analysts increasingly warn that algorithm-driven warfare could shorten decision cycles to the point where escalation unfolds faster than diplomacy can respond. The most controversial question, however, concerns the future of fully autonomous weapons. Major military powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and Israel, are actively exploring technologies that could eventually enable machines to identify and strike targets without direct human approval. While international discussions within the United Nations have attempted to address the ethical implications of such systems, no binding global framework currently regulates their development. What is certain is that the battlefield of the twenty-first century will not be defined solely by soldiers, tanks, or missiles, but also by algorithms quietly processing data behind the scenes."
Chinese envoy attends Chilean president's inauguration

Xinhua) 08:36, March 13, 2026

Chile's president-elect Jose Antonio Kast meets with Ni Hong, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, also minister of housing and urban-rural development, in Santiago, Chile, March 10, 2026. Ni attended the Chilean presidential inauguration ceremony in the city of Valparaiso on Wednesday at the invitation of the Chilean government. (Xinhua/Zhou Jiayi)

SANTIAGO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Ni Hong, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, attended the Chilean presidential inauguration ceremony in the city of Valparaiso on Wednesday at the invitation of the Chilean government.

Ni, also minister of housing and urban-rural development, on Tuesday met separately in Santiago with Chile's president-elect Jose Antonio Kast and outgoing President Gabriel Boric.

During his meeting with Kast, Ni conveyed Xi's cordial greetings, saying that China stands ready to work with Chile's new government to carry forward the traditional friendship and promote the in-depth development of the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership.

Kast thanked Xi for sending a special envoy to attend the inauguration ceremony, and asked Ni to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to Xi. He said developing relations with China and adhering to the one-China principle are Chile's state policies, adding that the new government will continue this diplomatic tradition.

Kast added that Chile attaches great importance to relations with China and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in areas including trade, investment, science and technology, housing development, health, and disease prevention and treatment.

During his meeting with Boric, Ni conveyed Xi's cordial greetings and spoke positively of the contributions Boric had made to advancing China-Chile relations during his presidency.

Boric asked Ni to convey his sincere greetings to Xi, saying China is an important partner of Chile and expressing hope for further development of bilateral ties.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Hale Capital Completes Acquisition of Leading Real Estate Data Analytics and Valuation Technology Provider

NEW YORK, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hale Capital Management ("Hale Capital"), a New York-based private equity firm investing in technology and technology-enabled companies at key moments of transformation, led a cooperative restructuring through which its advised funds (the "HCP Funds") acquired APEX Analytics Corp. (formerly Voxtur Analytics Corp., "APEX" or the "Company"), a leading provider of real estate data analytics, valuation technology, and appraisal and property tax solutions.

The transaction reflects Hale Capital's strategy of partnering with differentiated technology businesses at pivotal moments of transformation. Hale Capital invests in companies with strong underlying technology, loyal customer bases, and durable recurring revenue. Hale Capital's ability to move quickly and structure flexible solutions across a range of transaction types positions the firm as a valued partner in situations where speed, certainty of close, and operational credibility are paramount.

"APEX Analytics has exactly the profile we seek: a strong team supporting mission-critical products in a large and underserved market with a deeply loyal customer base. We saw an opportunity to work with the existing management team to act decisively, recapitalize the business, and relaunch the company on a sound footing. We look forward to working with the APEX Analytics team to unlock the significant growth potential we see in this business."  Martin Hale, Chief Executive Officer, Hale Capital

Hale Capital brings more than flexible capital to its portfolio companies. With nearly three decades of experience investing in and operating technology businesses, Hale Capital provides access to a deep network of operating executives and industry talent, hands-on support through financial and operational transformation, and the flexibility to structure solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each situation. As part of this investment, Hale Capital welcomes Rob Cain as the new Chief Restructuring Officer of the Company to support the existing management team. This will be Rob's fourth executive role with a portfolio company of the HCP Funds.

"APEX is an industry leader in property valuation, appraisal, and tax assessment solutions with a history of exceeding its customers' expectations with best-in-class solutions. My focus now is on developing our team as we accelerate organic growth in our core business units leveraging Hale Capital's expertise and partnerships."  Rob Cain, Chief Restructuring Officer, APEX Analytics

APEX Analytics is a leading provider of real estate technology solutions, serving lenders, investors, government agencies, and servicers. The Company's integrated platform combines advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to deliver property valuation and appraisal workflow solutions, property tax analytics, and sophisticated asset intelligence for secondary markets. The Company's proprietary technology, including its industry-leading ApexSketch property sketching and measurement tools and its Real Property Tax Analytics ("RPTA") solution, enables clients to reduce costs, accelerate timelines, and improve accuracy across the real estate transaction lifecycle. The Company serves a broad and diversified base of customers, including major financial institutions and government agencies across North America.

Hale Capital previously announced the purchase of Voxtur's senior secured indebtedness from Bank of Montreal in September 2025, which provided the foundation for the subsequent court-supervised restructuring and acquisition. The Company has rebranded as APEX Analytics Corp. and will operate independently under Hale Capital's ownership.

About Hale Capital Partners

Hale Capital Partners is a private equity firm that partners with talented entrepreneurs to achieve remarkable corporate transformations. Founded in 2007 by Martin M. Hale Jr., HCP invests in defense technology, federal services, and commercial technology companies. With an evergreen fund structure, the firm serves as a long-term steward for growth-oriented businesses, bringing deep operational expertise, institutional knowledge, and a proven track record spanning 19 years of investing across market cycles. For more information, please visit www.halecapital.com.

About APEX Analytics Corp.

APEX Analytics Corp. (formerly Voxtur Analytics Corp.) is a leading real estate technology company offering targeted data analytics to simplify property tax assessment, valuation, and appraisal services throughout the real estate transaction lifecycle. The Company serves investors, lenders, government agencies, and servicers with an integrated suite of products that leverage advanced data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve accuracy, reduce costs, and accelerate transactions across the real estate ecosystem. APEX Analytics' flagship products include ApexSketch, the market-leading property sketching and measurement platform, and Real Property Tax Analytics (RPTA), which provides clarity into property valuations and municipal tax assessments. For more information, please visit www.apexanalyticscorp.com.

Media Contacts:

Hale Capital Partners

17 State Street, Suite 4000, New York, NY 10004

[email protected]

APEX Analytics Corp

Laureen Hicks, Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Hale Capital Management is a registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.

SOURCE Hale Capital Partners
Data presented at EAU 2026 show an 89 percent complete response rate in intermediate-risk disease with durable responses observed over 18 months and tolerable safety profile

Erda-iDRS has the potential to be the first targeted treatment for earlystage bladder cancer

RARITAN, N.J., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) today announced results from an open-label, multicenter Phase 1 study evaluating an investigational intravesical drug-releasing system with erdafitinib (Erda-iDRS) in patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) whose tumors harbor select fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations. The study met its primary safety endpoint and demonstrated complete and durable responses in patients with recurrent intermediate-risk disease, along with encouraging recurrence-free outcomes in high-risk disease. These findings support continued development of this targeted approach with ongoing Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies evaluating Erda-iDRS across risk settings. Data were presented during a late-breaking oral session at the European Association of Urology (EAU) 2026 Annual Meeting (Abstract #LB26-0083).1

FGFR alterations are common in early-stage bladder cancer, occurring in approximately 70 percent of intermediate-risk and 40 percent of high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer tumors.2,3 Because these changes may drive tumor growth, they represent an important therapeutic target in this setting. Erda-iDRS is designed to provide prolonged release of erdafitinib, an oral kinase inhibitor, directly into the bladder via intravesical administration over a three-month period, and may enable localized treatment while aiming to minimize systemic exposure and the risk of adverse events associated with oral administration.

"Intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer is defined by recurrences, and many patients undergo repeated procedures as their tumors return," said Antoni Vilaseca Cabo,* M.D., adjunct physician of the Urology Service at Hospital Clinic de Barcelona in Spain, and presenting author. "In this study, treatment with Erda-iDRS led most patients with FGFR-altered disease to achieve a complete response by the end of the second treatment cycle, and many of those responses were sustained over time. Achieving and maintaining a complete response is particularly meaningful in this setting, where recurrence is common and requires repeated surgical intervention."

"For patients with FGFR-altered nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, care has historically not been guided by precision-based approaches," said Christopher Cutie, M.D., Vice President, Disease Area Leader, Bladder Cancer, Johnson & Johnson. "The high and durable complete responses demonstrated with Erda-iDRS highlight the opportunity to deliver a targeted therapy to these patients. Bringing a biology-based approach into earlier stages of this disease has the potential to change how these patients are treated."

Detailed Study Results

In this Phase 1 study, Erda-iDRS was evaluated in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer harboring select FGFR alterations identified by urine and/or tissue testing. As of November 3, 2025, 62 patients with recurrent intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer and 26 patients with recurrent, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-experienced, high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer had received treatment. The primary endpoint was safety, with the secondary endpoints assessing complete response rate and duration of CR in the intermediate-risk cohort and recurrence-free survival in the high-risk cohort.1

In the intermediate-risk cohort, Erda-iDRS was evaluated as a non-surgical treatment for visible tumors. The complete response rate was 89 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 78-95), based on tumor assessments during the initial treatment period. Among responders, the median duration of complete response was 18 months (95 percent CI, 14-25), with a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 15-21), indicating prolonged responses over time. Forty-nine percent of patients remain in follow-up.1

In the high-risk cohort, patients treated with Erda-iDRS had a median recurrence-free survival of 20 months (95 percent CI, 15-30), with a 12-month recurrence-free survival rate of 83 percent (95 percent CI, 62-93). With a median recurrence-free survival follow-up of 24 months (range, 15-30), 31 percent of patients remain in follow-up.1

Treatment was generally well tolerated, as evidenced by the absence of dose-limiting toxicities and a safety profile characterized by predominantly local adverse events. In the combined cohorts, the most frequent treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were hematuria (32 percent) and dysuria (22 percent). Grade 3 or higher TRAEs occurred in four patients (5 percent). Eight patients (9 percent) discontinued treatment due to adverse events, and two patients (2 percent) experienced serious TRAEs. Pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated prolonged drug levels in the urine, with limited systemic exposure and no observed hyperphosphatemia.1

Continued Development

Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing to evaluate Erda-iDRS in intermediate- and high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. The MoonRISe program includes the Phase 3 MoonRISe-1 study (NCT06319820) in intermediate-risk disease in the adjuvant setting (after tumor resection), the Phase 2 MoonRISe-2 study (NCT05316155) in intermediate-risk disease in the ablative setting (evaluating treatment of visible tumors without surgery), and the Phase 3 MoonRISe-3 study (NCT06919965) in patients with high-risk papillary nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer who received prior BCG therapy, including those with BCG-unresponsive disease, in the adjuvant setting.4,5,6

About Erdafitinib Intravesical Drug-Releasing System (Erda-iDRS)

Erda-iDRS is an investigational intravesical drug delivery system designed to deliver prolonged, localized erdafitinib, an oral kinase inhibitor, directly to the bladder. The safety and efficacy of Erda-iDRS are being evaluated in a Phase 1 study in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including those with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive disease and intermediate-risk disease with visible tumors. Additional Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies are ongoing to further assess Erda-iDRS across intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC.

In 2008, Janssen Pharmaceuticals entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Astex Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize erdafitinib.

About NonMuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is an early stage of bladder cancer confined to the lining of the bladder. It accounts for approximately 75 percent of newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases. NMIBC is categorized as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk based on tumor characteristics and likelihood of recurrence or progression.7

Patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC experience frequent tumor recurrences that often require repeated procedures and ongoing monitoring. High-risk NMIBC carries a greater likelihood of progression to muscle-invasive disease, which may require radical cystectomy.8,9,10 Despite available treatments, recurrence and progression remain common across intermediate- and high-risk disease, underscoring the need for durable bladder treatment options.

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJInnovMed.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of the intravesical drug-releasing system with erdafitinib (Erda-iDRS). The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at http://www.sec.gov, http://www.jnj.com, or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

*Antoni Vilaseca Cabo, M.D., has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; he has not been paid for any media work.

1 Vilaseca A, et al. Safety and efficacy of the erdafitinib (erda) intravesical delivery system, TAR-210, in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) or muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) harboring select FGFR mutations or fusions: phase 1 first-in-human study. Presented at: 2026 European Association of Urology (EAU); March 13, 2026; London.

2 Roupret M, et al. Eur Urol. 2022;87(S 1):A0673

3 Catto JWF, et al. Ann Oncol. 2024;35:98-106

4 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate TAR-210 Versus Single Agent Intravesical Cancer Treatment in Participants With Bladder Cancer (MoonRISe-1). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06319820. Accessed March 2026.

5 ClinicalTrials.gov. Study of Erdafitinib Intravesical Delivery System for Localized Bladder Cancer. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05316155. Accessed March 2026.

6 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study to Evaluate TAR-210 Versus Intravesical Chemotherapy Treatment in Participants With High Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MoonRISe-3). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06919965. Accessed March 2026.

7 Johnson & Johnson. Bladder cancer. Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Published June 30, 2025. https://www.jnj.com/innovativemedicine/oncology/bladder-cancer. Accessed March 2026.

8 Babjuk M, Burger M, Capoun O, et al. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (Ta, T1, and Carcinoma in Situ). Eur Urol. 2022;81(1):75-94. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2021.08.010

9 Brooks NA, O'Donnell MA. Treatment options in nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer after BCG failure. Indian J Urol. 2015;31(4):312-319. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.166475

10 Guancial EA, Roussel B, Bergsma DP, et al. Bladder cancer in the elderly patient: challenges and solutions. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:939-949.

Media contact:

Oncology Media Relations [email protected] Investor contact:

Jess Margevich

[email protected]



U.S. Medical Inquiries +1 800 526-7736

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson
ARLINGTON, Texas, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Luraco Health & Beauty LLC, the leading American manufacturer of Medical Massage Chairs, proudly announced today that its medical massage chair technology has been officially licensed and accredited as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). This designation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of therapeutic wellness technology, formally recognizing Luraco's medical massage chairs as equipment suitable for use within healthcare and clinical wellness environments.

Measurable Health Benefits Confirmed By Weber State University Scientific Study.

Durable Medical Equipment accreditation is granted only to products and suppliers that meet rigorous healthcare standards for safety, reliability, and therapeutic application. With this recognition, Luraco's medical massage chairs are now positioned to serve a growing role in hospitals, clinical wellness programs, and other healthcare settings that prioritize evidence-based approaches to stress reduction, recovery, and overall well-being.

A scientific study was conducted at the Weber State University Stress Relief Center to measure the impact of 2887 students sitting on a Luraco Medical Massage Chair for 15 minutes on various stress-related factors, including perceived stress levels, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and physical pain. See the charts for the result.

Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, Luraco is widely recognized as the ONLY American Manufacturer of Massage Chairs, designing and producing advanced therapeutic massage technology domestically. The company's chairs integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities, including precision robotic massage, stretching programs, and biometric monitoring such as heart rate and blood pressure, enabling users and wellness professionals to observe measurable physiological responses during relaxation and recovery sessions.

While advanced technology drives Luraco's innovation, the therapeutic principles behind massage itself are rooted in centuries of naturopathic practice. Across Eastern cultures, structured massage therapy has long been recognized as an essential component of holistic healthsupporting circulation, muscular recovery, and stress management. In recent years, Western healthcare institutions have increasingly begun embracing these approaches as complementary wellness solutions within modern clinical environments.

The recognition of Luraco's chairs as Durable Medical Equipment reflects this growing convergence between traditional therapeutic wisdom and modern medical technology.

"This recognition represents an important step forward in the broader acceptance of therapeutic massage technology as a legitimate component of modern wellness programs," said Robert Nelson, Manufacturer's Representative for Luraco Health & Beauty LLC. "For centuries, cultures in the East have embraced therapeutic massage as a natural and powerful way to restore balance within the body. What we are seeing today is the Western healthcare system beginning to integrate those time-tested principles with advanced technology and scientific validation. Luraco's mission is to bridge those worldsbringing safe, measurable, and accessible therapeutic wellness solutions to the communities that need them most."

The company's medical massage chairs are already being adopted within corporate wellness programs, first responder facilities, and healthcare environments seeking innovative ways to address the growing demands of workplace stress and physical recovery. By combining modern robotics, biometric monitoring, and ergonomic engineering with the principles of therapeutic massage, Luraco's technology offers organizations a practical and scalable solution for supporting employee well-being.

As the conversation around preventative health and workplace wellness continues to evolve, Luraco remains committed to advancing therapeutic technologies that help individuals reduce stress, improve recovery, and enhance overall quality of life.

About Luraco Health & Beauty LLC

Luraco Health & Beauty LLC is a Texas-based designer and manufacturer of advanced medical massage chairs and wellness technologies. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, Luraco is recognized as the only American manufacturer of massage chairs, combining engineering innovation with therapeutic research to develop products that support health, recovery, and relaxation. The company's medical massage chairs are designed for use in homes, wellness centers, corporate environments, and healthcare facilities seeking evidence-based solutions to support physical and mental well-being.

For more information about Luraco Medical Massage Chairs or to schedule a demonstration, visit: www.LuracoChairs.com or www.Luraco.com

SOURCE LURACO Technologies, Inc.
FRISCO, Texas, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Events today announced a strategic organizational realignment designed to sharpen market focus and strengthen the long-term growth of its rental and scenic brands within the live events industry.

Following the acquisitions of EventWorks and Marquee Event Rentals and the integration of Drape Kings, Quest Events undertook a multi-year effort to unify event rental, drape, and scenic operations under a single operating structure. As the combined organization has evolved, leadership has determined that the greatest opportunity for growth and profitability lies in operating the rental and scenic businesses as distinct, focused platforms.

Under the new structure, the organization will consist of:

Quest Events

Drape Kings, a Quest Events company

A & D Scenery, a Quest Events company

EventWorks, which will include the former Marquee Event Rentals and Marquee operations

This realignment reflects differences in market dynamics, customer engagement models, and operating economics between scenic/drape production and full-service event rental businesses.

"Over the past several years, we invested significant time and resources into building an integrated model," said Lee Dunlap, Founder and CEO. "That process provided valuable insight into how each segment performs and competes. We are confident that this focused structure positions each brand to operate with greater clarity, accountability, and market responsiveness."

Market-Focused Operations

Under the new framework:

Texas, both Austin and Dallas, will operate both Quest and a separate EventWorks location.

Kansas City will operate as an EventWorks location.

Nashville and Atlanta will each operate separate Quest and EventWorks locations.

Birmingham will return to the EventWorks brand.

Senior management leadership will remain intact, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment across the organization. Operational and sales leadership will be dedicated within each brand to provide sharper focus and client service specialization.

Positioning for Long-Term Growth

Quest Events leadership emphasized that the realignment is driven by long-term strategic considerations rather than short-term pressures. By aligning each business with its distinct profit model and market demands, the company expects improved operational performance, stronger brand identity, and enhanced client responsiveness.

Clients and vendor partners can expect uninterrupted service throughout the transition.

"Our goal is to build strong, focused organizations that are positioned to lead in their respective segments of the live events industry," added Ryan Birch, COO. "This realignment allows each brand to do exactly that."

SOURCE Quest Events
NANTONG, China, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigenergy today officially inaugurated the Sigenergy Nantong Smart Energy Center in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, marking a new milestone in the company's global development. The event brought together nearly 2,000 guests from more than 50 countries and regions, including founders, CEOs, and senior executives from leading distributors and installation partners worldwide, demonstrating Sigenergy's rising global influence and leadership in innovation.

Sigenergy inaugurated the Sigenergy Nantong Smart Energy Center in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China

During the event, Sigenergy announced a series of landmark developments that signal the company's next phase of global growth. The company unveiled its "AI in All" strategy, and introduced new products covering residential, commercial and industrial (C&I), and utility-scale applications. Together, these milestones reinforce Sigenergy's commitment to advancing AI-driven energy innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and full-scenario energy solutions worldwide.

"AI in All": Bringing Intelligence to the Entire Energy Ecosystem

Sigenergy's "AI in All" strategy positions artificial intelligence as a core capability embedded across products, software, manufacturing, and energy management systems, transforming energy systems from simply operating to becoming intelligent, collaborative, and continuously optimized.

"Sigenergy is committed to leading the global energy transition through AI-driven innovation," said Tony Xu, Founder and CEO of Sigenergy. "Our focus is on harnessing AI to create smarter, more adaptive energy systems that set the standard for the industry."

As renewable energy and storage reshape the global energy landscape, the industry is shifting from hardware-driven competition toward integrated systems defined by user experience. Within this context, Sigenergy embeds AI as a foundational layer across its technology platform. At the product level, AI supports energy management, operational optimization, and dispatch control; through software, it enhances configuration, monitoring, and strategy execution; and at the system level, it connects distributed devices and applications, enabling coordinated and intelligent operations across residential, commercial, and utility-scale scenarios.

With the "AI in All" strategy, Sigenergy is translating AI innovation into tangible product capabilities and system intelligence, accelerating the development of smarter, more adaptive energy infrastructure worldwide.

Nantong Smart Energy Center: A New Benchmark for Intelligent Manufacturing

Supporting the global rollout of the "AI in All" strategy is the newly launched Sigenergy Nantong Smart Energy Center. Covering 136,000 square meters with an investment of RMB 500 million ( USD 70 million), the facility has an annual production capacity exceeding 300,000 inverters and battery packs. More than a factory, it serves as an integrated hub combining advanced R&D, intelligent manufacturing, global delivery, and energy management.

At the heart of Sigenergy's manufacturing network, the Nantong Smart Energy Center features a fully integrated digital platform that enables operators to monitor production in real time and coordinate processes across the facility. Unlike conventional factories relying on isolated automation, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS) are interconnected, allowing material dispatch, equipment configuration, and production adjustments to be automatically synchronized.

Sigenergy maintains industry-leading precision across key manufacturing processes. Automated welding with Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) visual inspection achieves a 99.9% yield rate, Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) lines process components at 0.043 seconds per unit with 2030 micron accuracy, and Dual In-line Package (DIP) assembly times are cut by 50% through automation and lean practices. AI-powered quality inspections replace manual sampling, while Sigenergy's three-dimensional intelligent logistics system integrates overhead and ground material movement for optimized efficiency.

This combination of advanced equipment and intelligent systems delivers industry-leading throughput  producing one battery pack every 15 seconds and one inverter every 21 seconds. The launch of the Nantong Smart Energy Center ensures Sigenergy's original designs are realized at scale with uncompromised quality, establishing a benchmark for precision, consistency, and long-term reliability.

Expanding Full-Scenario Solutions with Three New Product Launches

Sigenergy also unveiled several new products designed to further strengthen its full-scenario energy portfolio, spanning residential, commercial & industrial, and utility-scale applications.

Residential: SigenStor Neo



For the residential market, the company introduced SigenStor Neo, a new home energy system. Building on Sigenergy's signature modular architecture and circular light-ring design, the system combines a PV inverter, battery PCS, energy management system, gateway, and battery pack into a single platform.



Designed for the evolving needs of modern households, SigenStor Neo delivers enhanced system integration, improved coordination across components, and broader compatibility across different home energy scenarios, providing users with a more intelligent, streamlined, and user-friendly energy experience.



C&I PV inverter



For commercial and industrial applications, Sigenergy launched a 166 kW PV inverter, designed to deliver higher power density and improved system efficiency through advanced power electronics technology. The solution provides enterprise customers with more efficient and reliable solar and storage integration.



Utility inverter



In the utility-scale segment, Sigenergy introduced a new utility inverter designed for large-scale solar power plants. With a high power density architecture, it delivers up to 500 kW output, supports 1650 V DC input and 1000 V AC systems, helping reduce system costs while improving overall power generation efficiency.



The inverter features up to 18 MPPTs, each supporting two strings with increased current capacity, enabling higher energy yields in complex terrain. Advanced arc fault circuit interruption (AFCI) technology with detection up to 500 meters, combined with multiple protection mechanisms, enhances operational safety.



For operations and maintenance, the inverter offers MPPT-level fault detection and intelligent diagnostics, along with remote monitoring, intelligent inspection, and data analytics, helping operators optimize performance and reduce costs. AI capabilities further improve ultra-short-term and short-term power generation forecasts by integrating equipment, site, and weather data, enabling smarter dispatch planning and revenue optimization.

Through this expanded product portfolio, Sigenergy is building a comprehensive energy technology platform spanning residential systems, commercial energy infrastructure, and utility-scale power plants.

SOURCE Sigenergy Technology Co., Ltd.
MANASSAS, Va., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ProLift Rigging Company, a leading provider of solutions-based industrial construction services for mission-critical projects in North America, announced today the opening of a new outdoor industrial storage yard in Northern Virginia.

Located at 8600 Quarry Road in Manassas, Virginia, the new space further expands the company's support capabilities for construction projects across Northern Virginia. The five-acre facility represents the third storage option ProLift offers in the region, strengthening its ability to serve the rapidly growing data center and digital infrastructure market.

Conveniently located in the heart of Prince William County, the lot sits just minutes from Virginia State Route 28, with easy access to Interstate 95 and Interstate 66. The facility is also strategically positioned less than 20 miles from Dulles International Airport and approximately 60 miles from the Port of Baltimore, providing ideal logistical connectivity for equipment arriving by air, road, or sea.

The newly developed yard has been specifically configured to house less environmentally sensitive mission-critical equipment supporting data center and digital infrastructure construction projects. The facility is well suited for storing external generators, MEBs (Mechanical Electrical Buildings), transformers, shipping containers, and other mechanical housing units commonly used on large-scale technology infrastructure jobsites.

The five-acre paved lot is fully enclosed by a robust security fence and benefits from both private security oversight and regular patrols by local law enforcement, providing a secure environment for valuable equipment and materials.

"This new Manassas yard strengthens our ability to support the incredible pace of development happening across Northern Virginia," said Jesse Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of The ProLift Rigging Company. "With data center construction continuing at historic levels, our customers need secure, strategically located space to stage and store critical equipment. This facility allows us to provide that flexibility while also connecting clients to ProLift's full range of crane, rigging, and heavy-haul logistics capabilities."

The site will be supervised and managed by a professional team of local rigging experts, with direct access to ProLift's specialized lifting equipment fleet, heavy-haul trailers, and crane services. This integrated approach enables customers to seamlessly coordinate storage, material handling, and transportation from a single trusted partner.

Northern Virginia remains the largest hub for data center construction in North America, and ProLift supports an extensive list of customers involved in building the region's mission-critical infrastructure. The new Manassas facility further enhances the company's ability to provide secure staging, storage, and heavy-lift support for complex projects throughout the region.

With the addition of this location, ProLift continues to expand its infrastructure and capabilities to meet the growing demands of the digital economy and mission-critical construction sector.

The space is immediately available to support active and upcoming construction projects throughout the region.

About The ProLift Rigging Company

ProLift Rigging is a leading supplier of industrial construction services offering safe, innovative solutions and insightful consultation for modern, mission-critical construction projects in need of predictable results. With a rapidly growing network of locations throughout North America, ProLift offers a full portfolio of services, including traditional crane & rigging, machinery moving services, warehousing & storage, heavy-haul transport, logistics management, integration, and project buffering. ProLift also features project management and in-house engineering capabilities. Visit www.proliftrigging.com to learn more.

Contact Information:

The ProLift Rigging Company

Jake Shepich

630-337-1059

[email protected]

SOURCE The ProLift Rigging Company
Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research team examine ethical and methodological use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education

PHOENIX, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies scholars Patricia Akojie, Ph.D., Marlene Blake, Ph.D., and Louise Underdahl, Ph.D. have published new research exploring how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools are being used in academic environments. Their article, "Academic Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools: A Scoping Review," appears in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Digital Society.

The study analyzes current scholarly literature on the academic applications of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, focusing on their role in doctoral research, academic writing, literature review processes, and knowledge development. Using a scoping review methodology, the researchers identify emerging patterns in how AI technologies are being adopted across higher education, while also highlighting the importance of ethical guidelines, academic integrity, and responsible AI use.

Key findings from the study include:

Generative AI tools are increasingly used in academic workflows, including literature review support, research brainstorming, and academic writing assistance.





AI can improve research efficiency and idea generation, particularly for complex scholarly tasks such as synthesizing large bodies of literature.





Ethical and academic integrity considerations remain critical, including transparency about AI use and maintaining original scholarly analysis.





Doctoral education may benefit from AI literacy training, helping researchers understand both the capabilities and limitations of generative AI technologies.





Institutions may need clearer policies and guidance to support responsible AI adoption in research and teaching.

"Generative AI tools are rapidly changing how scholars approach research and academic writing," said Patricia Akojie, Ph.D., lead author, and a faculty member in the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. "Our review synthesizes emerging evidence so educators, doctoral students, and institutions can better understand how to integrate AI responsibly while preserving the rigor and critical inquiry that define scholarly work."

About AI research at University of Phoenix

The authors are members of the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies' Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), which studies how emerging technologiesincluding artificial intelligenceare reshaping teaching, learning, and research practices in digital learning environments. The authors participate in CEITR's Phoenix AI Research Group, established to advance the role of AI in education through innovative research projects with focus areas in human and artificial cognition, AI-enhanced learning and teaching, AI applications for research and innovation, tools for administrators, and the integration of AI across various disciplines in higher education.

About the authors

Patricia Akojie, Ph.D. serves as Doctoral Program Manager in the College of Doctoral Studies and conducts research on educational technology, digital learning environments, and innovative teaching practices.

Marlene Blake, Ph.D. is a scholar in the College of Doctoral Studies whose research interests include online learning, instructional innovation, and emerging technologies in higher education.

Louise Underdahl, Ph.D. contributes research on educational leadership, digital scholarship, and technology-enabled learning strategies.

The publication contributes to a growing body of scholarship examining generative AI in higher education, ethical AI use in academic research, and AI-enabled learning, topics increasingly important as universities adapt to new digital tools and workforce expectations.

The full article, "Academic Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools: A Scoping Review," is available in the International Journal of Digital Society.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix's College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today's challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College's research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.

SOURCE University of Phoenix
CALGARY, AB, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB) (OTCQX: WEGYF) (FRA: PUQ) ("Westbridge", "Westbridge Renewable" or the "Company") today announced its intention to change its corporate domicile from the Province of British Columbia, Canada to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ("Luxembourg") under a new name, Westbridge Renewable Energy S.A. (the "Continuation").

The Continuation is expected to be effective on April 8, 2026 and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The Company's common shares are expected to continue trading on the TSXV, OTCQX and Frankfurt Stock Exchange under their current trading symbols, subject to exchange approval. The Company intends to remain a Canadian reporting issuer.

Strategic Rationale for the Continuation

Following a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and capital markets positioning, the Board of Directors has determined that the Continuation to Luxembourg will better align the Company's legal domicile with the growing international nature of its shareholder base, the increasing geographical diversification of its portfolio and the Company's long-term capital markets and strategic development objectives.

Legal Structure Following Continuation

Upon completion of the Continuation, the Company will cease to be governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and will become a Luxembourg public limited company (societe anonyme).

The Company anticipates changing its name from "Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp." to "Westbridge Renewable Energy S.A.", subject to confirmation of name availability with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commerce et des Societes  Luxembourg).

The Continuation will not affect:

the continuity of the Company's business operations;

the Company's ownership of its renewable energy and data infrastructure assets;

the listing status of its common shares (subject to exchange approvals); or

the rights of shareholders, other than as required to reflect Luxembourg corporate law.

Shareholder Approval and Next Steps

The Continuation is subject to approval by shareholders, as well as approval by the TSXV and satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements.

The annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Company will be held on April 7, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. (Toronto time) / 2:30 p.m. (Central European Time) (the "Meeting") to, among other things, approve the Continuation.

For additional information about the Meeting, please refer to the management information circular, which will be available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stefan Romanin

Chief Executive Officer

About Westbridge Renewable Energy

Westbridge originates, develops, operates and monetizes best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects, stand-alone battery energy storage projects and other clean energy-focused development. The Company has a portfolio of projects in four key jurisdictions: Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Italy. Westbridge delivers attractive, long-term returns by originating and developing an international portfolio of renewable energy assets to support increasing demand for energy and grid reliability. Management brings a strong track-record with a cumulative 40+ development projects worldwide. As one of very few listed, pure-play international solar and BESS development companies, Westbridge provides investors with access to greenfield solar and energy storage projects at the earliest stage of development, allowing them to benefit from the full development value chain. Westbridge aims to deliver renewable energy and energy storage solutions to support increasing electricity demand and grid reliability in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

For more information, please visit: www.westbridge.energy | Twitter | LinkedIn

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

Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, statements regarding the Continuation, the anticipated benefits of the Continuation, the Company's ability to complete the Continuation, the timing for completing the Continuation, the Company's ability to obtain all necessary approvals for the Continuation, including the approvals of the shareholders and the TSXV, holding a special meeting of sharheholders, the continued trading of the Company's common shares on the TSXV and expansion of project territories. Forward-looking information also includes management's assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future, including project milestone progress at Fontus, and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "potential", "will", "may", "could", "should", or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them, as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to complete licensing and interconnection processes; availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms or at all; risks relating to general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, policy and social uncertainties; changes in laws or market conditions; and the risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual management's discussion & analysis dated November 30, 2024, and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp.
About this content 

About Ian Lyall

Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... 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.
Israel targets building in central Beirut in new wave of strikes

Xinhua) 09:45, March 13, 2026

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

BEIRUT, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets.

Warnings were issued urging residents to evacuate specific buildings in the Bachoura and Zkak al-Blat areas before the strikes. The targeted building in the latter houses a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, which Israel claims Hezbollah uses as a financial arm to fund weapons purchases and pay its fighters.

The warnings and subsequent strikes caused panic among residents and displaced families who had fled earlier Israeli attacks and taken refuge in central Beirut.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Public Health Ministry reported Thursday that the death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon has risen to 687 since March 2, with 1,774 injuries.

It added that the number of paramedics killed reached 18, with 45 others injured.

Also on Thursday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government is working to halt the ongoing war and ensure the safe return of displaced residents.

"We will work around the clock to stop this war and enable you to return to your homes as soon as possible, to a safe and dignified return," Salam said in a speech addressing the country's worsening humanitarian situation.

He also thanked Lebanese communities for hosting displaced families and expressed appreciation to friendly countries for providing humanitarian assistance to ease civilians' suffering.

Hezbollah announced the launch of rockets from Lebanon toward Israel at dawn on March 2 for the first time since a ceasefire was declared on Nov. 27, 2024.

Israel subsequently launched what it described as an "offensive military campaign" against the group, including heavy airstrikes targeting Beirut's southern suburbs and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as border ground incursions.

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows buildings damaged by an Israeli airstrike in the Zkak al-Blat area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

The photo taken on March 12, 2026 shows smoke following an Israeli airstrike in the Bachoura area of Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military announced on Thursday afternoon that it launched a new series of airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah targets. (Photo by Bilal Jawich / Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Tony Sages recent meeting with Donald Trump Jr. in Singapore highlights how a once-obscure rare earths project in southern Greenland could become increasingly important in the global race to secure critical minerals supply chains.

Sage, the CEO of European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR, OTCQB:EULIF), the owner of Critical Metals Corp, sat down with Trump Jr. to discuss the potential for the Tanbreez Rare Earths Project to help break Chinas dominance over heavy rare earth elements. While the conversation was informal, it reflects the growing convergence between private capital, geopolitical strategy and the mining sector as Western governments scramble to secure supply of minerals essential to modern technology and defence systems.

Donald Trump Jr. and European Lithium CEO Tony Sage, after discussing the potential of the Tanbreez mine to end Chinas dominance of the heavy rare earths market.

Trump Jr. is heavily involved in the rare earths sector. His venture capital firm, 1789 Capital, backs rare earths magnet producer Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina-based company that recently secured a $620 million direct loan from the US Department of Defense as part of a broader $1.4 billion agreement aimed at boosting domestic rare earth magnet production.

Rare earth magnets are critical components in everything from electric vehicles and robotics to semiconductors, wind turbines, drones and smartphones. The Pentagons willingness to fund projects across the rare earth value chain reflects a growing consensus in Washington that supply security for these materials is increasingly viewed as a matter of national security.

That same strategic imperative sits at the centre of Critical Metals Tanbreez project in Greenland.

Tanbreez hosts one of the worlds largest rare earth deposits, containing the mineral eudialyte, which is enriched in rare earth elements. Importantly, around 30% of the deposit consists of heavy rare earth elements  the most strategically valuable portion of the rare earths spectrum because they are essential for defence technologies, high-performance magnets and advanced electronics.

Tanbreez Rare Earths Project (Source: Critical Metals Corp)

Heavy rare earths are far more difficult to source than their light rare earth counterparts and remain heavily concentrated in Chinese supply chains. China controls roughly 90% of global rare earth processing capacity, giving it enormous leverage over global technology supply chains.

Tanbreez emerges as a strategic Western asset

The geopolitical stakes have been rising in recent years. Beijing has imposed export controls on several strategic minerals, including gallium, germanium and antimony  materials used in semiconductors and defence applications. The move highlights the vulnerability of Western supply chains and accelerated efforts in the United States and Europe to develop alternative sources of critical minerals.

Tanbreez has become part of that strategic equation.

According to reporting from Reuters, US and Danish officials last year urged the projects former owner not to sell the asset to Chinese-linked companies, highlighting the level of Western interest in keeping the deposit within aligned supply chains. Ultimately, the project was acquired by New York-listed Critical Metals Corp in a deal valued at roughly $216 million, including $5 million in cash and $211 million in shares.

Sage later confirmed that his company had faced considerable pressure not to sell the project to Chinese buyers, despite reportedly higher offers from Chinese groups.

There was a lot of pressure not to sell to China, Sage said at the time.

The acquisition reflects a broader shift in the rare earths investment landscape, where projects once considered technically challenging or economically marginal are now attracting attention due to their strategic value.

Tanbreezs mineralogy has historically been viewed as complex, and analysts have previously questioned whether the project could reach commercial production. But geopolitical considerations are increasingly changing how such projects are evaluated.

Pentagon interest and the defence supply chain

For Critical Metals, the project sits at the centre of plans to establish a Western rare earth supply chain.

Sage has confirmed the company is in discussions with US authorities regarding potential sales of rare earth material to the United States and the construction of a processing facility in the country. Critical Metals previously applied for US Department of Defense funding for a processing plant, with discussions expected to continue following the transition to the new US administration.

The company is also exploring potential supply agreements with major defence contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX, XETRA:5UR) and Boeing Co (NYSE:BA, XETRA:BCO).

These conversations highlight how deeply the defence sector has become involved in critical minerals development. Advanced weapons systems such as the F-35 fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles and modern submarine fleets all rely on heavy rare earth elements to produce high-performance permanent magnets and other specialised components.

Ensuring reliable access to these materials has become a strategic priority for Western governments.

Greenland and the future of the 'Mighty 17'

Greenland itself has also emerged as a focal point in this competition. The Arctic island hosts significant untapped mineral resources, including rare earths, graphite and other strategic materials, but remains largely underdeveloped.

The renewed attention partly explains the heightened political interest in the territory in recent years, including former US president Donald Trumps widely reported interest in acquiring Greenland and Donald Trump Jr.s recent visit to Nuuk.

For industry figures like Sage, the intersection of geopolitics and mining is no longer theoretical. The race to secure supply of critical minerals  particularly rare earths  is reshaping investment decisions, government policy and international partnerships.

As countries seek to reduce their reliance on Chinese supply chains, projects such as Tanbreez are increasingly viewed not just as mining assets but as strategic infrastructure.

Sage himself has framed rare earth elements  sometimes called the Mighty 17  as the foundation of the next phase of technological development. From electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to defence platforms and artificial intelligence infrastructure, rare earths play a central role in enabling modern industry.

That is why a conversation in Singapore between a mining executive and the son of a former US president may carry far greater significance than it initially appears.

It reflects a growing reality: in the emerging global competition for critical minerals, mining projects are no longer just commercial ventures. They are becoming strategic assets in a geopolitical contest over the materials that will power the technologies  and security systems  of the future.
Australian biotech investors received a brutal reminder of the sectors binary risk on Friday, as Immutep Ltd (ASX:IMM) shares collapsed after the company abruptly halted its pivotal lung cancer study.

The Sydney-based immunotherapy developer said its Phase III TACTI-004 trial evaluating eftilagimod alfa  known as efti  in first-line non-small cell lung cancer would be discontinued after an independent interim analysis concluded the study was unlikely to meet its primary endpoints.

The decision triggered one of the most dramatic share price reactions seen in the ASX biotech sector in years. By Friday afternoon, Immutep stock had plunged around 88%, erasing the vast majority of the companys market value in a single trading session.

Futility call ends pivotal trial

According to the company, the trials Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended discontinuation after reviewing safety and efficacy data during a planned interim futility analysis  a checkpoint designed to determine whether continuing the study still has a realistic chance of success.

When such analyses suggest the probability of meeting the studys goals is too low, continuing can become both scientifically and financially unjustifiable.

Immutep said enrolment in the trial will be halted and the study will now be wound down in an orderly fashion, including patient follow-up and site close-out procedures.

Chief executive Marc Voigt said the outcome was unexpected.

We are very disappointed and surprised with the outcome of the futility analysis, in light of eftis performance in every other clinical trial, Voigt said.

The company said it will conduct a full review of the available data to understand what went wrong and determine the next steps for the program.

A major program in the companys pipeline

TACTI-004 was one of the most ambitious studies in Immuteps pipeline.

The global Phase III trial was designed to enrol roughly 756 patients across more than 150 clinical sites in over 25 countries, testing efti in combination with chemotherapy and the blockbuster immunotherapy drug Keytruda in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The study targeted patients regardless of PD-L1 expression and aimed to demonstrate improvements in both progression-free survival and overall survival  the dual primary endpoints required to support regulatory approval.

Efti itself is designed to activate antigen-presenting cells through the LAG-3 pathway, helping stimulate both the adaptive and innate immune systems to mount an anti-tumour response.

While the drug continues to be evaluated in other tumour types, the lung cancer program had been widely seen as one of the companys most important late-stage opportunities.

Shockwaves for investors

The share price collapse reflects how central the program had become to Immuteps investment thesis.

Biotech valuations often hinge on a small number of pivotal clinical trials, and when a Phase III study fails  particularly one targeting a major cancer indication  the impact on market value can be immediate and severe.

The scale of Fridays sell-off also caught attention because Immutep had attracted backing from prominent institutional investors, including funds associated with Regal Partners.

Cash runway improves  but questions remain

One immediate consequence of stopping the study is financial. Clinical trials are among the most expensive activities in drug development, and discontinuing the program will reduce Immuteps near-term spending.

The company said the decision is expected to extend its cash runway well beyond the previously guided timeframe of the second quarter of calendar 2027.

Even so, investors will now be looking closely at what remains of the pipeline.

Efti is still being studied in several other indications, including head and neck cancer, breast cancer and soft-tissue sarcoma, and has received Fast Track designation from the US Food and Drug Administration in certain settings.

Whether those programs can rebuild confidence after such a dramatic clinical setback remains to be seen. For now, the episode serves as a stark illustration of the volatility inherent in biotech investing: years of development  and billions in market value  can hinge on a single trial result.
Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd (LSE:RBW, OTC:RBWRF, FRA:RR1) this week highlighted the potential of its Uberaba project in Brazil, after a recent economic assessment indicated the development could replicate the success of the companys Phalaborwa rare earths operation.

Chief executive George Bennett said the project stands out because it avoids many of the challenges associated with conventional rare earth mining. Instead of extracting material from hard rock or clay deposits, the company plans to recover rare earth elements from phosphogypsum residue produced during phosphoric acid manufacturing.

Bennett explained that the material is generated as part of ongoing fertilizer production, creating what he described as a live feed source of feedstock that could support operations for more than three decades. The residue also contains rare earth grades above 0.5% total rare earth oxides (TREO), which he noted compares favourably with many ionic clay deposits.

According to Bennett, the absence of traditional mining activities removes a number of risks typically associated with rare earth developments.

Bennett joined the Proactive studio about the economic assessment, here we take a closer look at what was said.

Proactive: George, very good to speak with you. Your shares hitting an all time high this morning after that economic assessment suggested Uberaba could replicate the success of Phalaborwa. What makes this project so attractive from a cost and margin perspective?

George Bennett: Well, thanks for having me this morning, Stephen. Yes, I'm very pleased to see our shares hitting an all-time high. And yes, definitely the Uberaba project  not could, but it will replicate the success that we see at Phalaborwa. Similar to Phalaborwa, we are extracting rare earths from waste residue called phosphogypsum as a result of phosphoric acid production in Brazil.

The beauty about this project is that it's a live feed. In other words, the phosphoric acid production facilities are still ongoing for another 30 plus years. So this is a very long-life project, with the average grade of the rare earths in the phosphogypsum at above 0.5% TREO.

When you compare that to ionic clay projects it is a significantly higher grade, with very easy processing and effectively no mining costs. We dont have to drill and blast, haul, crush or mill ore. This material comes straight from the phosphoric acid plant feed into our rare earth processing extraction plant.

Proactive: How does that change the economics and the risks then, George, compared with traditional rare earth mining?

George Bennett: Most traditional rare earth mining projects have geological risk and mining risk, and then a whole series of processes before you even begin extracting rare earths.

Rainbow starts with a direct acid leach, then goes into a continuous ion exchange circuit and finally solvent extraction, similar to what we are doing at Phalaborwa. Because we avoid the mining stage, many of the typical risks are removed.

Thats what allows our EBITDA margin to sit at around 6970%, with very low operating costs compared to other rare earth projects.

Proactive: George, you're partnering with Mosaic, a major global fertilizer producer. What does their involvement bring in terms of expertise, infrastructure and speed to development?

George Bennett: I'm very proud that we are partnering with a global fertilizer business. Mosaic is the number two fertilizer company in the world and a multi-billion-dollar business.

The project will move into a pre-feasibility stage and then into a joint venture following a positive outcome. The proposed structure would see Mosaic holding 51% and Rainbow 49%.

Mosaic brings an established site in the sugarcane belt of Brazil. It is a brownfield location with existing infrastructure and many reagents already permitted. The site is already fenced and prepared, similar to Phalaborwa, and that greatly shortens the permitting timeline.

Proactive: How do you see Brazil emerging as a rare earths producer?

George Bennett: Over the last 12 months Brazil has been recognised as a potentially significant supplier of rare earth metals to western markets. The United States has shown interest in aligning with Brazil to help develop an independent rare earth supply chain outside China.

Brazil is emerging as a reliable supplier of these materials for western supply chains.

Proactive: You mentioned the next step is a pre-feasibility study. What milestones should investors watch for?

George Bennett: The next milestone will be the start of the pre-feasibility study, which the teams at Mosaic and Rainbow have already begun preparing for following the economic assessment.

Well announce the formal start shortly, followed by the results of the pre-feasibility study and any further process improvements for the Uberaba project.

Proactive: Well I hope to continue to keep us updated with your progress.
Rome Resources Plc (AIM:RMR, FRA:33R) this week outlined a new strategic move to expand its exploration footprint into Canada, securing an option agreement over 109 square kilometres of early-stage mining claims in New Brunswick close to the historic Mount Pleasant deposit.

Speaking to Proactive, chief executive Paul Barrett said the move reflects the companys continued focus on tin and associated critical minerals while maintaining its core exploration programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The licences cover the Three Lakes and Schoullar Mountain projects, which sit within a geological system known for tin mineralisation as well as metals such as indium and tungsten. Barrett explained that the regions geology was a key driver behind the decision to secure the option.

Barrett said the New Brunswick opportunity represents a high-grade tin play within the Appalachian geological system, where several tin-bearing granites have already been identified. Importantly, the nearby Mount Pleasant deposit remains a major reference point for the region and hosts significant indium and tungsten resources.

Proactive: Paul a very good morning, Rome Resources has built a story around tin exploration in the DRC. So why are you now expanding into Canada? And what opportunity did you see there that was too good to ignore?

Paul Barrett: Yes good morning Stephen. Well tin is the key word in all this and we are driven primarily by the geology and the commodities.

This tin play in New Brunswick is pretty high grade and it also comes with additional minerals that are really high on the critical list such as indium and tungsten. So we thought it was definitely worth having a look at.

Clearly, we're still drilling away in DRC and we're still getting tin intercepts, so that remains our primary focus to get that monetised and to create value for shareholders. But looking forward, because this is really early exploration and there are no drilling plans yet, it's something we will add to the pipeline of critical minerals projects for us.

Proactive: Paul, the licences sit close to the historic Mount Pleasant deposit and have already shown tin grades at surface. What makes the geology here particularly exciting for your team?

Paul Barrett: The interesting thing is it's part of the Appalachian system and there are a lot of tin granites around. There are some tin-lithium systems, but this is a tin-tungsten-indium play which makes it quite compelling. Mount Pleasant itself is currently the largest indium deposit in the US and one of the largest undeveloped tungsten deposits.

We have picked up acreage right next door along the southern end of a granitic volcanic system associated with an ancient caldera. The granites and mineralisation are linked to this system in several ways. We've picked up ground to the east along a big trend on the next granite which has seen some good tin and tungsten as well.

We think its a play that has legs. Mount Pleasant is well known and important, but its not going to be the only deposit in the play.

Proactive: The option gives you exposure to more than 100km for a relatively modest upfront cost Paul. Is this essentially a low risk way to test a potentially high impact discovery?

Paul Barrett: Thats absolutely right. By keeping the cost low we can put most of the investment into the ground, which is the way we like to do it. We will assimilate the data and carry out fieldwork this year to understand the structure and geology, with a view to potentially drilling next year.

Its a relatively slow burn and it wont impact what were doing in the DRC. The prospector we optioned the land from will do most of the work initially, so it wont distract us from our main focus. But its a really compelling play. New Brunswick also recently announced a new critical minerals strategy which is very pro-mining, so its a good place to be.
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About Emily Jarvie

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Washington, March 13 : The White House marked Women's History Month with a ceremony celebrating the role of women in American society. The event brought together female officials, working mothers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and law-enforcement officers.

First Lady Melania Trump opened the programme and spoke about the influence women have on families and communities. She said that women play a key role in shaping the next generation and society's values.

"The strength of America is closely tied to the role women play in shaping their children's character education and morals," she said, adding, "The values cultivated within our communities shape the voice and vision of our next generation."

Melania Trump described women as central to the country's economic and social life, noting that many were balancing careers with family responsibilities. She urged young women to pursue ambition while continuing to learn and take risks.

"To all of the young women entrepreneurs and future leaders, make time for yourself, educate yourself daily, and spread your passion," she said. "Be courageous and take risks."

The first lady's remarks set the tone for an afternoon that mixed recognition of women's achievements with a strong emphasis on policy and politics.

President Trump, who followed her to the podium, opened by praising women's contributions to the country's history and institutions.

"We love women. Women are the whole deal," he said, drawing applause from the audience.

He listed prominent American women from history  including Martha Washington, Betsy Ross, Clara Barton, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and Aretha Franklin  as examples of figures who had helped shape the nation.

"Going all the way back to our nation's founding in 1776, America has been strengthened beyond measure by the courage, by the spirit, love, devotion, and the incredible women," he said.

But the event quickly expanded beyond historical reflection. Trump used the platform to highlight policies he said had benefited women in the workforce.

"Since I took office, we've created more than 300,000 jobs now filled by proud, hardworking American women," he said. "The number of women-owned businesses increased by 1.2 million last year alone."

Throughout the ceremony, the president invited several women to the stage to describe their own experiences.

Heather Kell, a waitress and single mother from North Carolina, spoke about the financial pressure many service workers face during tax season.

"I have been a waitress for over 20 years," she said. "A lot of the people I've seen come and go in the industry are single moms."

She told the audience that she had been surprised to receive a tax refund she had not expected. "This year, I had to do a double-take," she said. "I had to do my taxes twice to make sure this was real."

Another speaker, Nora Pruitt, a mother of seven from Baltimore, described moving from housekeeping into manufacturing work.

"A year ago, I got a job, a career job at Marlin Steel Wire Productions in Baltimore, Maryland," she said, explaining that the position had allowed her family to buy a new home.

Lexie Chambers, a second-generation farmer from Virginia, spoke about the importance of preserving family farms and passing them to the next generation.

"One of my biggest goals is to ensure that my daughters have the opportunity to farm one day," she said.

The event also featured Clay County, Florida, Sheriff Michelle Cook, a veteran law enforcement officer who spoke about balancing family life with public service.

"I know very, very well raising kids and serving my community," Cook said, adding that the president's policies on overtime pay had helped working families.

One of the most unusual moments came when Olympic bobsled champion Kaillie Humphries, a Canadian-born athlete who competes for the United States, described her path to motherhood while continuing her career in sport.

"My journey to motherhood was a two-and-a-half-year process through IVF," she said. "The title I'm most proud of is mom."

Humphries presented Trump with an Order of Ikkos medal  a recognition Olympic medalists may bestow on someone who has contributed to their journey.

The ceremony reflected a broader tradition in Washington. Women's History Month is observed each March across the United States, with schools, government institutions, and civic organisations recognising the achievements of women in public life, science, business, and culture.
Washington, March 13 : A US Air Force aerial refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the war with Iran, the US military said, as rescue teams searched the area and officials worked to determine whether there were casualties.

US Central Command confirmed that a KC-135 refuelling tanker was lost during an incident involving two aircraft operating in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

"US Central Command is aware of the loss of a US KC-135 refueling aircraft," CENTCOM said in a statement.

The command said the incident occurred while two aircraft were involved in the operation. One aircraft crashed in western Iraq while the other aircraft landed safely.

"The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely," the statement said.

Military officials said the crash was not caused by combat action. "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," CENTCOM said.

Search and rescue operations continued as officials worked to determine the circumstances of the incident and the status of the crew.

"We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members," the statement said.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a critical aircraft for the US Air Force, refueling bombers and fighter jets on long-range missions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, officials familiar with the episode said initial reports suggested an in-air collision, though the military has not formally confirmed the cause.

The KC-135 normally carries a minimum crew of three  a pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator responsible for managing the refuelling system that transfers fuel to other aircraft.

Reports of the emergency surfaced earlier, when flight-tracking data showed that a KC-135 had declared an in-flight emergency before the crash, according to media reports.
New Delhi, March 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam and West Bengal on Friday and Saturday to attend multiple programmes and launch major development initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will attend events in Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Silchar in Assam before travelling to Kolkata in West Bengal.

According to PM Modi, the programmes will provide him an opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the two states while unveiling several key development projects.

Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi said in a post on X that he looks forward to engaging with the people during the visit and inaugurating a range of development works that will benefit the region.

The Prime Minister will begin his Assam visit in Kokrajhar, a region closely associated with the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community.

During the programme, he will lay the foundation stones for a series of road connectivity projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting economic activity.

Among the major initiatives to be launched is Assam Mala 3.0, a major road development programme designed to enhance connectivity within Assam and strengthen inter-state transport links with neighbouring regions.

In addition to road projects, PM Modi will also flag off three new train services intended to improve rail connectivity across the Northeast and eastern India.

These include the Kamakhyaa"Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, the Guwahatia"New Jalpaiguri Express, and the Narangia"Agartala Express.

The new railway services are expected to significantly improve passenger connectivity between Assam and neighbouring states, while also facilitating trade, tourism and economic development.

Officials said the Prime Minister's visit is expected to highlight the Centre's continued focus on infrastructure expansion and connectivity in the Northeast, which has witnessed a series of large-scale development initiatives in recent years.

After attending programmes in Silchar in Assam on March 14, PM Modi will travel to Kolkata to participate in additional events in West Bengal.
Washington, March 13 : Senate Democrats stepped up their attack on President Donald Trump's war in Iran, calling the conflict illegal, costly, and constitutionally unsound, while pressing for public testimony from top administration officials.

The sharpest criticism came from Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, who said the United States had been drawn into a war without congressional authorisation and with growing costs at home and abroad.

"America has been at war with Iran for 12 days. The costs to our troops, to everyday Americans, and to innocent Iranian civilians  even school children  are dramatic," Kaine said. "The war is deeply unpopular."

Speaking at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Kaine argued that "the war is illegal" and said the Constitution makes clear that only Congress can declare war. He added that the President "has escalated his use of our military to carry out hostilities all over the globe without Congress while threatening military action against many more nations".

"We're at war because of the unilateral actions of one man who has grown very confident that Congress will not challenge his kingly behavior," Kaine said.

Kaine, whose bipartisan War Powers Resolution was blocked by Senate Republicans last week, said he had joined Senators Cory Booker, Chris Murphy, Adam Schiff, Tammy Baldwin, and Tammy Duckworth in filing additional War Powers Resolutions as the conflict continued.

In a separate statement on Thursday, Baldwin and her colleagues demanded that Senate Republican leaders hold immediate public hearings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"Already, oil and gas prices are spiking, the prices of basic goods are increasing, and the US is spending billions of dollars on this war, rather than focusing on reducing costs here at home," the senators wrote. "The Trump administration must answer questions publicly under oath in front of the American people, not just behind closed doors."

They warned that without public hearings during the current work period, they would "pursue other options for ensuring timely public debate on the Senate floor".

The political argument over the war also widened into a debate over its fiscal cost. At a Senate Finance Subcommittee hearing, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip L. Swagel about the administration's expected request for another $50 billion for the war.

Asked whether he could say definitively that the war would cost only $50 billion, Swagel replied: "No, I can't, and we don't know the duration or the scope."

Warren said: "This war is costing American lives and a lot of money. Money that could instead be spent lowering costs like health care." Swagel also confirmed that extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for one year would cost "around $30 billion".

Outside Washington, anti-war pressure was also visible. Congressman Mike Thompson said more than 700 community members, veterans, and military families joined "No Forever Wars" events in Napa and Woodland, California. "This unauthorized war in Iran has already cost seven American lives and more than a billion taxpayer dollars per day, with no clear end in sight," Thompson said.

Kaine framed the debate in both constitutional and personal terms. "We owe our troops better than this," he said. "But as our experiences in Vietnam and Iraq have shown, the bravest patriotic service cannot overcome poor civilian decision-making."

The US Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, though modern presidents from both parties have often used military force without a formal declaration. That tension has repeatedly triggered battles on Capitol Hill over the scope of presidential war powers.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Washington, March 13 : US lawmakers warned that China may be exploiting American universities to gain access to sensitive research and technology, as a Senate hearing examined billions of dollars in foreign funding and academic partnerships involving US campuses.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held the hearing to examine what lawmakers called "malign foreign influence" in higher education, with testimony focusing largely on China's research ties with US universities and the risks of intellectual property theft, technology transfer, and undisclosed foreign funding.

Committee chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy said American universities are among the country's greatest strategic assets but warned that their openness can also create vulnerabilities.

"Our country has the best universities in the world and major breakthroughs in cancer research, artificial intelligence, military technology, biomedical engineering, and more happens at our universities," Cassidy said.

He said the scale of foreign funding entering US campuses has raised national security concerns.

"$9.7 billion in foreign gifts and contracts were reported last year," Cassidy said, adding that the figure reflects only funds that were disclosed.

"But that only accounts for dollars that have been reported, and there's been zero accountability," he said.

Cassidy said Congress must strengthen transparency requirements for foreign gifts and contracts involving universities.

"You've heard the old adage follow the money  well that's what we would like to do," he said.

Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the panel that US universities sit at the center of America's innovation system and are therefore attractive targets for foreign adversaries.

"US universities anchor the world's most dynamic research environment," Singleton said.

"At the same time, those strengths have made American universities attractive targets for exploitation by foreign adversaries, especially China."

Singleton cited federal reporting data showing that China has contributed about $6.8 billion in gifts and contracts to American universities over time.

He also said the Department of Education's foreign funding portal shows roughly $400 million in transactions involving entities that appear on US government watch lists or restricted entity lists.

"These include firms tied to export control violations, national security concerns, and China's military civil fusion program," Singleton said.

Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars, said foreign donations to universities often lack transparency and raise questions about influence and intent.

He cited examples of large foreign contributions, including billions of dollars from Qatar to American universities.

"Where is the money really coming from? What is it being spent on?" Wood asked. "As with Qatar for the most part, we don't know."

Wood also said China had previously used Confucius Institutes on American campuses to expand its influence.

He described the program as "an agent of influence operation run by the Hanban, the propaganda agency of the Chinese Communist Party."

Robert Daley, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, said concerns about foreign influence are legitimate but warned against exaggerating the scale of the threat.

"American suspicion about foreign malign influence on our campuses and especially Chinese influence is both reasonable and necessary," Daley said.

At the same time, he said universities and government agencies have strengthened cooperation to address security risks.

"American universities have taken on Washington's concerns, and they now work diligently and at considerable expense to anticipate and counter the actions of countries of concern," Daley said.

Daley also noted that despite concerns about Chinese influence, there have been no espionage convictions involving university personnel.

"To date, there have been no convictions of university persons for conducting espionage on American campuses on behalf of China," he told the committee.

Lawmakers said the challenge for policymakers is to protect sensitive research while preserving the openness that has long made American universities global leaders in science and innovation.

The hearing also examined proposals to strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, which requires universities to report major foreign donations.

Witnesses said stronger transparency and oversight could help address national security risks without undermining international academic collaboration.
New Delhi, March 13 : The 22nd installment of the government's flagship farmer support scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), will be released on Friday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the installment from Guwahati in Assam, transferring more than Rs 18,640 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 9.32 crore farmer families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Sharing details of the initiative, Chouhan said the move reflects the government's commitment to farmers and its emphasis on honouring the country's "annadatas".

Since the launch of the scheme in February 2019, the Centre has transferred more than Rs 4.09 lakh crore directly to farmers' bank accounts.

With the release of the 22nd installment, the cumulative disbursement will exceed Rs 4.27 lakh crore.

He said the scheme, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has laid the foundation for a significant and sustained transformation in the agriculture sector by providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Under the programme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments, which are credited directly to their bank accounts.

According to the minister, more than 2.15 crore women farmers will also receive financial assistance under the upcoming installment.

The timely support helps farmers meet agricultural expenses such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other farming inputs.

The assistance also contributes to meeting household needs including education and healthcare.

Chouhan noted that the government is making sustained efforts to economically empower women farmers and strengthen the financial condition of rural households through the scheme.

He added that several independent studies have found that the PM-Kisan initiative has strengthened the rural economy by reducing farmers' dependence on loans and encouraging greater investment in agriculture.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, March 13 : Adobe said that its long-serving chief executive Shantanu Narayen, will step down after nearly two decades in the role, triggering a leadership search at one of the world's most influential software companies.

The San Jose-based company said Narayen will transition from the CEO role after a successor is appointed, but will remain as board chair to support the leadership change.

The board has formed a special committee to oversee the search process, considering both internal and external candidates.

"On behalf of the Board, I want to recognise Shantanu's contributions as CEO and architect of Adobe's transformation over the past 18 years, and for positioning Adobe for success in the AI-driven era," said Frank Calderoni, Lead Independent Director of Adobe.

"As we take the next step in succession planning, we are focused on selecting the right leader for this next exciting chapter of the company's growth and are grateful for Shantanu's continued leadership as CEO to ensure a smooth transition," Calderoni said.

Narayen informed employees of his decision in a message circulated inside the company on Thursday.

"I want to share with all of you that I have informed the Board of my decision to transition from my role as CEO of Adobe after over 18 years in the job," he wrote.

"Over the coming months, I will be working with Frank Calderoni, our lead Director, and the Board of Directors to identify my successor and to ensure a smooth transition."

Narayen emphasised that he will continue to support the company after stepping down from the chief executive role.

"I will stay on as Chair of the Board to support the next CEO just as John and Chuck did when I took on this role," he said.

Reflecting on his long tenure, Narayen said Adobe had expanded dramatically during the past two decades.

"Over this time, we grew from 3K employees to >30K employees, delivered technology that touched billions of people as customers of our products or the digital experiences that our customers create, leading to our revenue growing from <$1B to >$25B," he said. "I am so incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together."

Narayen also highlighted the company's future strategy, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence in creative and digital tools.

"Our mission, Empower Everyone to Create, represents an even larger opportunity in the AI era," he said.

"The next era of creativity is being written right now  shaped by AI, by new workflows and by entirely new forms of expression."

Technology leaders across the industry reacted to the announcement.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella congratulated Narayen, writing on social media: "Congrats Shantanu, on a legendary run at Adobe! You've built one of the most important software companies in the world, and expanded what's possible for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands everywhere."

Adobe said Narayen will continue to lead the company while the board conducts the search for a successor.

"I will ensure that I set up Adobe for its next decade of greatness with the right leader and executive team, in partnership with the Board," Narayen said.

Narayen joined Adobe nearly three decades ago and became chief executive in 2007, overseeing a major transformation of the company's business model and product portfolio.

Under his leadership, Adobe shifted from selling packaged software to a subscription-based cloud platform and expanded its products across digital media, creative tools, and customer experience services. The company's flagship platforms  including Photoshop, Acrobat, and Creative Cloud  have become central tools for creators, businesses, and digital publishers worldwide.
Seoul, March 13 : South Korean stocks trimmed losses late on Friday morning but continued to trade in negative territory as global crude prices fluctuated after the new Iranian leader vowed to keep the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 76.62 points, or 1.37 percent, to 5,506.63 as of 11:20 a.m.

Global crude prices have swung back to the $100 level after extreme volatility, with disruptions at the key waterway in the Middle East showing no signs of easing despite U.S. President Donald Trump's claim the war is nearing an end, reports Yonhap news agency.

In Seoul, top tech giant Samsung Electronics slipped 1.76 percent, and SK hynix lost 1.08 percent.

Due to global oil supply disruptions, investors scooped up nuclear power plant builders, with Daewoo Engineering & Construction soaring 24.19 percent and Hyundai Engineering & Construction adding 5.27 percent.

Financial firms traded bearish, with KB Financial falling 0.54 percent and Shinhan Financial losing 1.31 percent.

Top online portal giant Naver edged up 0.11 percent, and Kakao remained unchanged at 50,400 won.

The Korean won was trading at 1,486.7 won against the U.S. dollar, down 5.5 won from the previous session.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan on Friday urged oil refineries and gas stations to cooperate with the government's fuel price cap system introduced to ease cost burdens in the wake of the Middle East crisis.

Kim made the call in a meeting with officials from South Korean oil refineries, gas stations and the Korea National Oil Corp. held on the first day of the fuel price cap system implementation, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

The temporary cap system took effect at midnight Thursday, setting maximum prices of products oil refineries supply to gas stations and distributors.

The initial price ceiling was set at 1,724 won (US$1.16) per litre for regular gasoline, 1,713 won per litre for diesel and 1,320 won per litre for lamp oil.

a"IANS

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Mumbai, March 13 : A female doctor was found dead under suspicious circumstances at the Western Railway's Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Mumbai Central, triggering shock and concern among hospital staff. The deceased has been identified as Dr Anuja Kulkarni, an unmarried doctor working in the hospital's ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) department.

Mumbai, March 13 (IANS) A female doctor was found dead under suspicious circumstances at the Western Railwayas Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Mumbai Central, triggering shock and concern among hospital staff. The deceased has been identified as Dr Anuja Kulkarni, an unmarried doctor working in the hospitalas ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) department.

The incident came to light on Wednesday after Dr Kulkarni failed to report to the operation theatre for her scheduled surgeries. Following the discovery, the Tardeo Police registered a case under the Accidental Death Report (ADR) category and launched an investigation.

According to Mumbai Police and hospital authorities, Dr Kulkarni had several pre-planned surgeries scheduled at the hospital that day. However, when she did not arrive at the operation theatre at the designated time, her colleagues became concerned. Several attempts were made to contact her on her phone, but she did not respond to the calls.

As the situation appeared unusual, a junior doctor went to check on her in her room, located on the fourth floor of the hospital premises. Despite repeatedly knocking on the door, there was no response from inside the room. Growing suspicious, the junior doctor looked through the glass panel of the door and noticed Dr Kulkarni lying on the floor near a chair.

The hospital administration was immediately informed, and senior doctors rushed to the room. After examining her, the doctors confirmed that she had died. Subsequently, the police were alerted, and a team from Tardeo Police Station reached the hospital to inspect the scene and conduct a panchnama.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the door of the room where the doctoras body was found was locked from the inside, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the death.

The police later sent the body to JJ Hospital for a post-mortem examination. After the procedure was completed, the body was handed over to the family members.

Officials said the exact cause of death will be known only after the post-mortem report is received. Meanwhile, police have seized CCTV footage from the hospital premises, including cameras installed on the fourth floor, to assist in the investigation.

The incident has created an atmosphere of shock and anxiety among doctors and hospital staff. Police said the case is being investigated from all possible angles.
Bengaluru, March 13 : Amid fears of cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Odisha, the Congress party has shifted its MLAs to Bengaluru in a move widely seen as part of "resort politics" to keep its legislators together.

Bengaluru, March 13 (IANS) Amid fears of cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Odisha, the Congress party has shifted its MLAs to Bengaluru in a move widely seen as part of "resort politics" to keep its legislators together.

Congress sources confirmed on Friday that the legislators were brought to Bengaluru under the supervision of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar. The MLAs and party leaders arrived in the city from Bhubaneswar on Thursday night by an IndiGo flight.

They reached the Kempegowda International Airport at around 11 p.m., where they were received by close aides of Shivakumar. From the airport, the legislators were escorted under police security directly to a resort in Bidadi in the Ramanagara district.

The MLAs have been accommodated at the Wonderla Resort, where special arrangements have been made for their stay.

According to sources, the group includes MLAs Mangu Khila, Appala Swamy, Rajan Ekka and Ashok Kumar. The party's Odisha chief and former MP Bhakta Charan Das and spokesperson Durga Prasad Panda are also part of the delegation. In total, around 14 Congress leaders from Odisha have reportedly arrived in Bengaluru.

Congress sources said the decision to move the MLAs out of Odisha was taken amid concerns over possible cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election. The move is also aimed at countering what the party alleges to be the BJP's attempts at 'Operation Lotus'.

In the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly, the BJP currently has the support of 79 MLAs, while the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) holds 50 seats and the Congress has 14 MLAs.

The BJD has nominated Santanu Mishra as its official candidate and has also fielded Datteshwar Hota as a general candidate for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, with the Congress extending support to his candidature.

The BJP, on the other hand, has fielded two candidates and has also backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray.

Congress sources said the contest for the fourth seat could hinge on cross-voting. While Datteshwar Hota's victory will depend on the support of Congress MLAs, Independent candidate Dilip Ray would require the backing of at least eight MLAs from rival camps to secure a win.

It can be recalled that Deputy CM Shivakumar had earlier moved MLAs from Maharashtra and Gujarat to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru amid the fears of cross-voting.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) successfully hosted the Demo Day for cohort-II of the 'Samarth' incubation programme for 18 startups, it was announced on Friday.

'Samarth', a cutting-edge incubation programme for startups in telecom and ICT sector, was structured in two cohorts of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort, thus supporting a maximum of 36 startups to work on set of five innovative problem statements in areas of telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies.

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been roped in by C-DOT as implementation partner for the programme.

According to an official statement, the programme offered holistic support with financial grants of Rs 5 lakh per startup along with fully furnished office space and access to state-of-the-art lab facilities at C-DOT's Delhi and Bengaluru campuses to the selected startups.

Expert mentorship by C-DOT scientists, power-packed acceleration sessions by industry leaders on topics spanning across multiple domains like Product Development Lifecycle, building a minimum viable product, financial management, Go-To-Market strategies, legal and IP aspects, pitching and fund raising were unique features offered under Samarth incubation programme, said the statement.

C-DOT is an autonomous telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

The selected 18 Cohort-I startups showed remarkable outcomes during the Demo Day organised in September 2025.

Based on their performance, the top five startups  Turtleneck Systems & Solutions, Purvanchal Engineering Systems, Vital Carbon, Agriverse Innovations, and Jumps Automation  were successfully selected for the Stage-II grant.

Building upon this foundation, Cohort-II was launched in July 2025, focused on five niche problem statements in AI, Li-Fi, Security, and drones.

"All onboarded innovators under cohort II showcased their technological advancements with remarkable outcomes, which was applauded by the industry experts and investors present during the event," said the statement.

IANS

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Uttar Pradesh paving the way for Data Center Investments through uninterrupted power and modern infrastructure. Image Source: IANS News

March 13 : Lucknow: To develop the state as one of the countrys leading data center hubs, the Yogi government is placing special emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted power supply and strengthening infrastructure.

Under the Uttar Pradesh Data Center Policy 2021, several steps have been taken to guarantee energy supply and modern infrastructure for data center parks. These initiatives are significantly promoting large-scale technology investments in the state.

To provide stable and uninterrupted electricity to the data center industry, the Yogi government has implemented a dual-grid power supply system. This arrangement is considered one of the most critical requirements for data center operations.

The states first data center park, developed by the Hiranandani Group in Greater Noida, is already operational. Companies such as Adani and NTT have also taken steps in this direction.

The state government has ensured 24-hour electricity availability for data center parks and units.

Dedicated power feeders will be provided to these projects to prevent any disruption in operations.

The government believes that continuous power supply is a key factor in attracting investments in the data center industry.

Additionally, the policy includes a dual-grid power supply provision, under which data center parks will receive electricity from two separate sources. This will ensure that even if one grid faces an issue, data center operations will not be affected. Since continuous functioning is crucial in the data center industry, the dual-grid system will play an important role in meeting this requirement.

To reduce energy costs, the Yogi government has also enabled the open access facility for electricity purchase. Under this provision, data center units are allowed to buy power from the open market at competitive rates. This will allow companies to choose affordable and stable energy sources according to their requirements.

As a result, operational costs will decrease and a more favorable investment environment will be created.

The state has set a target of developing data center clusters with a capacity of 5 gigawatts by 2030. According to the governments plan, eight data center parks will be developed with an investment of around 30,000 crore, with a total capacity of approximately 900 megawatts. Work on several of these projects is already underway.

So far, the Yogi government has issued Letters of Comfort for eight projects, including six data center parks and two data center units.

Apart from power supply, essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer systems, and other industrial facilities for data center parks is also being developed on a priority basis.

Industrial development authorities have been instructed to ensure that required infrastructure is made available to these projects in a timely manner.

Experts believe that a strong power system and modern infrastructure form the foundation of growth for the data center industry. With policy-driven incentives and an improved energy ecosystem, several major companies are showing interest in investing in Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi, March 13 : Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a marriage function in Greater Kailash, prompting widespread condemnation and urgent questions about security arrangements.

The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, fired at Dr Abdullah from behind as he was leaving the function. Quick action by the security personnel deployed with the former chief minister thwarted the attempt, and a licensed pistol used in the attack was recovered from Jamwal's possession.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat condemned the attack.

"This is certainly not a trivial matter. Even after such tight security, there were security lapses. Such incidents should not repeat, and there must be a continuous review to identify who is responsible," he told IANS.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh described the attack as a reflection of public anger toward certain families: "These four to five families who have committed atrocities and looted the people, this is the anger towards them."

Purnia MP Pappu Yadav suggested the incident was a carefully orchestrated attempt to create unrest.

"The way this conspiracy has been carried out, I believe it is an attempt to create unrest; security and other things did not work there," Yadav told IANS.

Dr Abdullah was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and advisor to the chief minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, both of whom were unharmed.

The J&K Police have launched a detailed investigation into Jamwal's background, examining his personal, social, and possible organisational links to ascertain the motive behind the attack. Authorities have vowed a continuous review of security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

The attempt has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and citizens alike, underscoring the urgency of strengthening security measures for public figures in the region.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Patna, March 13 : A disruption in LPG cylinder supply has triggered panic among consumers across Patna and several other districts of Bihar, affecting households and the hospitality sector.

The situation, which residents link to the war in Iran, has led to shortages and long queues outside gas stations in many parts of the state.

The hospitality industry has been among the worst hit, with reports suggesting that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders has almost come to a halt in several areas. Patna alone requires around 4,000-5,000 commercial cylinders daily, but restaurant owners say no fresh supply has reached them in recent days.

As a result, many eateries have either shut down temporarily or drastically reduced their operations.

Rohit Kumar, a restaurant owner in Patliputra Colony, said his establishment earlier served a variety of chicken, mutton, and biryani dishes. However, due to the shortage of commercial cylinders, he has been forced to stop preparing more than a dozen items, restricting his menu largely to biryani in order to conserve gas.

"We have removed dishes that require long flame, like slow-simmered gravies, samosas, etc. The fall in menu options has reduced customer turnout, and our earnings have dropped sharply," he said.

A similar situation has been reported from confectionery shops and small eateries. The owner of Sai Sweets in Danapur said he has stopped preparing snacks such as samosas, kachoris, chowmein, and chaat because of the gas shortage.

"At present, we are surviving only on sweet sales. If the supply does not normalise in the next two to three days, we may have to shut the shop," he said.

Amid growing complaints, a domestic LPG consumer from the Digha area lodged a complaint against a delivery boy of M/s Utsav Gas Seva in Indrapuri, alleging that despite booking a cylinder, the delivery never took place, even though records showed it had already been delivered.

Following the complaint, Patliputra Police Station registered an FIR against delivery boy Mukesh on Thursday. Officials said this is reportedly the first such FIR in the area related to alleged irregularities in LPG supply.

Patna District Magistrate Tyagarajan S. M. said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and has intensified enforcement measures to curb black marketing and hoarding.

"As many as 28 enforcement squads have been formed at the block level to conduct inspections and address consumer complaints. LPG consumers will not be allowed to face inconvenience. Regular inspections and raids are being carried out at gas agencies and distributor outlets," the DM said.

Residents across Patna district said they are facing serious difficulties in obtaining cylinders.

Neeraj Kumar, a local resident, said repeated calls to distributors often go unanswered or consumers are told that the booking server is down. Another resident, Rajiv Kumar Pandey, said he returned empty-handed from the Vaishali Gas Agency in Saguna Mor after being asked to wait for a fresh supply.

Sarvoday Nath, a resident of RK Puram in Danapur, claimed that gas agencies in the area have not received fresh stock for the past four days.

However, officials of Indian Oil Corporation have denied any shortage of LPG cylinders, saying the situation is being fuelled largely by panic buying and rumours.

The confusion has spread beyond Patna to districts such as Buxar, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Sheohar, and Bhojpur, where similar scenes of long queues and anxious consumers have been reported.

In Buxar, residents were seen standing in long lines outside gas agencies for hours, with many returning without cylinders.

The situation has also raised concern at Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where the kitchen run under the Jeevika initiative prepares meals for 1,600-1,700 admitted patients and staff.

In Muzaffarpur, more than two dozen residents reached the District Collectorate carrying empty cylinders and demanded a meeting with the District Magistrate over the shortage.

In Sheohar, tensions escalated when a man reportedly threatened suicide after standing in a long queue without receiving a cylinder. Around 400 people were said to be waiting in line at a single agency.

Authorities maintain that there is no actual shortage of LPG, but panic buying, rumours, and local supply disruptions have created a crisis-like situation in several districts.

The state administration has urged citizens not to panic or hoard cylinders, while continuing enforcement action against black marketing and irregularities in distribution.
New Delhi, March 13 : The ISI is engaging India in an unconventional battle whereby it is using social media to pull out sensitive information.

Setting up modules to honeytrap officials is not new; the Indian agencies have learnt that the ISI is on overdrive mode this time.

Pakistan has laid traps to dig out sensitive information several times. However, this time around, the primary focus has been on procuring information about Indiaas defence sector.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the pattern that they have been noticing is that the ISI is not looking to trap army personnel of smaller ranks. The official said that the ISI is aiming to set traps for higher-ranking officials since they have access to very sensitive information.

Recent cases have shown that Pakistan has been trying to pull out information relating to the future defence procurements, drone technology and also sensitive communications between top-ranking officials and defence ministry personnel.

Another official said that the ISI does not want to continue running this module from Pakistan. It plans to set up centres within India. Moles in India have been instructed to recruit women in Delhi, the Northeast and Uttar Pradesh to participate in these modules.

In addition to this, the ISI wants to recruit scores of agents across the country. The idea is to have agents positioned at sensitive areas, with the main focus being on the defence sectors, the official added.

Officials say that the plan has been in the making since 2018. Modules had been set up in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Members of these modules have been scouting for recruits for a long time. However, these modules had slowed down operations owing to multiple busts by the Indian agencies.

While there was a lull for some time, Indian agencies have noticed plenty of activity in recent months. The agents that the ISI has been looking to recruit are being offered huge sums of money. Officials say that the budgetary allotment that the ISI has made for this operation is huge. This is because it wants to rope in high-ranking personnel so that the information that they will try and elicit will be highly classified and top-notch.

Indiaas Intelligence agencies remain on very high alert, and all attempts are being made to ensure that this mega plan by the ISI does not go through.
New Delhi, March 13 : Domestic-listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market has expanded more than six-fold since FY20 -- a pandemic year -- growing from Rs 27,100 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 1.72 lakh crore in the first nine months of FY26, a report said on Friday.

As per the CBRE report, the sharp growth comes after the listing of the country's first REIT in FY20 and has been driven by new listings as well as steady unit price appreciation among existing REITs.

From the total listed REITs, four of them recorded more than 20 per cent year-on-year (YoY) unit price growth between Q3 FY25 and Q3 FY26.

"India's REIT market has delivered consistent returns to investors through a volatile global cycle," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO for India, South-East Asia, the Middle East and Africa at CBRE.

The report also highlighted that three regulatory changes expected to support wider adoption of REITs in 2026 and beyond.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) decision to reclassify REITs as equity-related instruments from January is expected to improve liquidity by enabling broader participation from mutual funds and specialised investment funds that were earlier restricted by hybrid investment limits, it said.

The report also pointed out that the sector may also benefit from the Reserve Bank of India's proposal to allow commercial banks to lend directly to REITs, which would align the framework with infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).

Further, the Union Budget 2026-27 has outlined plans to monetise Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) assets through dedicated REIT structures, potentially unlocking value from state-owned commercial real estate and offering investors access to sovereign-backed assets.

CBRE India Research has estimated that India's SM REIT market could exceed $75 billion, supported by more than 500 million square feet of eligible office, logistics and retail assets.

According to CBRE, the office sector REIT is the most preferred segment for capital allocation, with about 42 per cent of India-based respondents indicating willingness to invest.

Currently, five REITs are listed on Indian stock exchanges  the BSE and the NSE.
Kolkata, March 13 : Sensitivity-mapping will determine the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the district-wise deployment of police observers for the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled to be held later this year.

An insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said the ECI is keeping a few factors in mind regarding the district-wise sensitivity-mapping.

"The district-wise sensitivity-mapping will be under three categories. The first category comprises districts with an International Border with neighbouring Bangladesh. The second category is districts with a history of massive poll-related violence, whether before, during, or after the polls, in the last three elections. The third category will be those districts where the factors in both the first and the second categories are applicable," said the CEO's office insider.

Murshidabad, Malda, and Cooch Behar, he added, are the typical examples of districts coming under the third category, as they have borders with Bangladesh as well as past records of massive poll-related violence.

On the other hand, districts like Kolkata-adjacent Howrah are typical examples of the second category, which, though not having International Borders with Bangladesh, have records of severe political violence.

In view of these factors, the ECI is considering increasing the number of central observers under all categories, especially the police observers in these areas, the source said.

In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the ECI appointed 170 general observers, 84 expenditure observers, and 37 police observers.

"The ECI's headquarters in New Delhi had already intimated the CEO's office that this time there will be a substantial increase in the number of observers in all these three categories, especially in the number of police observers. As hinted by the Commission, the number of police observers to be appointed for West Bengal will be at least 100 or more, which is almost three times of the number that was in 2021," the CEO's office insider said.

He also explained why the ECI is especially focussing on the three times increase in the number of police observers this time.

"This time, the police observers would be given greater authority, especially as regards to determining the movement of Central Armed Police Forces' personnel. In the previous elections, District Magistrates, who also function as District Electoral Officers, were authorised to determine the movement of CAPF before, during, or after the polls while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in force.

"However, this time the Commission has decided that ECI-appointed police observers will determine CAPF movement in the respective districts. At the same time, district-specific composite teams would be formed to assess pocket-wise requirements for CAPF deployment, and the decisions of the police observers in this regard would be final. So keeping this in mind, the Commission had decided to substantially increase the number of police observers this time," he said.

At the same time, sources in the CEO's office said district-specific composite teams would be formed to assess pocket-wise requirements for CAPF deployment, and the decisions of the police observers in this regard would be final.
Gandhinagar, March 13 : The Gujarat government on Friday launched a 100-day statewide campaign to promote yoga ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day to be observed on June 21, with a curtain-raiser event held at the new MLA residences in Gandhinagar.

The initiative has been undertaken by the Gujarat State Yoga Board under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, to create awareness about yoga and encourage its practice across the state in the run-up to the international observance.

The campaign was formally inaugurated at the event attended by Gujarat State Yoga Board chairman Sheeshpal Rajput and several legislators.

The launch marked the beginning of a 100-day countdown during which yoga activities will be organised across Gujarat.

According to officials, the programme will involve yoga camps at district and taluka headquarters throughout the state over the next three months.

The camps will focus on practising the Common Yoga Protocol, which is followed internationally during International Yoga Day events.

The board said the initiative aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga and encourage wider public participation in the practice.

"The objective of this programme is to create awareness about yoga among citizens and to build a physically and mentally healthy society through the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol," they said.

It added that yoga should be viewed not only as a form of exercise but also as a way of life.

"Yoga is not merely an exercise but a way of living. The board is committed to taking its practice to the remotest villages of the state," officials said.

International Yoga Day has been observed annually on June 21 since it was adopted by the United Nations following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The observance has since been marked in countries around the world through public yoga sessions and awareness programmes.

Officials said the 100-day campaign in Gujarat will focus on expanding participation in yoga activities before the global event in June.

The programme has been organised under the theme 'Ek Kadam Yogmay Vidhan Sabha Taraf', which the board said reflects an effort to encourage wider adoption of yoga practices across the state.

The Gujarat State Yoga Board said the campaign will continue over the coming weeks with events and training sessions in districts and talukas.
Asansol, March 13 : Asansol-Durgapur, in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district, once one of eastern India's most important heavy industrial belts with steel and engineering works and built on the Raniganj coalfield, has seen largeascale industrial decline, mine closures, and restructuring since the late 20th century. Today, the region still hosts active coal and steel operations but faces deindustrialisation, job losses, and a gradual shift towards services and smaller industries Asansol, March 13 (IANS) Asansol-Durgapur, in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district, once one of eastern India's most important heavy industrial belts with steel and engineering works and built on the Raniganj coalfield, has seen largescale industrial decline, mine closures, and restructuring since the late 20th century. Today, the region still hosts active coal and steel operations but faces deindustrialisation, job losses, and a gradual shift towards services and smaller industries

"MSMEs are coming to the region. But what we need is at least one large industry in the Paschim Bardhaman district, which includes both Durgapur and Asansol. As yet, however, we don't see any scope for such investment," lamented Sambhunath Jha, Secretary, Asansol Chamber of Commerce.

"Job is the primary reason that people prefer to leave the state for better options. The only way to stop this exodus and even contain regional violence is to industrialise and create jobs. Once there is scope for income, other things will cease," he asserted.

Echoing his thoughts, a 27-year-old executive at one of the many hotels that dot Asansol's streets, claimed that the closure of several industries in the region has led to a severe job crunch. "Many of the educated youth prefer to move out of the district, even the state, in search of jobs," he said, requesting anonymity.

"There was a time when people from neighbouring states used to flock here for both white- and blue-collar jobs. But now, it's going the other way round," he added.

The malady, according to Jha, is manifold. Sudden withdrawal of an industry incentive scheme by the state government has hurt the industry, he pointed out. The scheme was introduced by the Left Front government to encourage industrial investments in West Bengal soon after Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee became the chief minister. However, in March last year, the scheme was withdrawn by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, had termed the passing of the Revocation of West Bengal Incentive Schemes and Obligations in the Nature of Grants and Incentives Bill, 2025, as an "unconstitutional" process that will be "disastrous" for the industry.

"While other state governments are inviting industries by offering subsidies, the state not only revoked the 2002-2002 scheme, but even rescinded all incentives offered previously and have been in place since 1993," pointed out Jha.

By revoking the incentive scheme, the state primarily wanted to redirect the resources towards social welfare programmes aimed at disadvantaged and marginalised communities, as reported then.

Additionally, the state has been historically ruled by a party politically opposed to the one at the Centre -- except for brief periods of support -- for close to half a century. This has created additional bumps, from investments to operations, added Jha.

"We've made representations before the state government; we've urged our MP also to highlight our problems in Parliament and before the Union government. We're yet to hear anything," said the real estate developer.

As per available data on the Lok Sabha website, the Trinamool Congress MP from Asansol, Shatrughan Sinha, since winning this seat in 2024, has raised six questions in the 18th session of the Lower House of Parliament, none of which pertained to specific concerns raised by the Chamber.

Jha also added that, unlike other states where the government acquires land for industrial units, in West Bengal, while space is offered to SMES, larger industries are expected to acquire land themselves. He urged the state and Union governments to consider handing over the lands of sick and closed industries to prospective investors.

Incidentally, large tracts of land lie covered in wild grass and shrubs, and dilapidated structures, like those behind the closed gates of Burn Standard Company Limited (BSCL) in Asansol and Mining and Allied Machinery Corporation (MAMC) in Durgapur.

Squatters, mainly former workers, still occupy the residential quarters, many without electricity and water supply.

BSCL, a former PSU specialising in railway wagons and heavy engineering, has been officially closed and liquidated by the Government of India, while MAMC, involved in the manufacture of machinery for mining, is currently under liquidation.
Beijing, March 13 : The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has expressed grave concern over China's newly approved law on "Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress," adopted during the annual parliamentary session of the Chinese Communist Party, warning that it could intensify repression against Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Southern Mongolians.

Beijing, March 13 (IANS) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has expressed grave concern over China's newly approved law on "Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress," adopted during the annual parliamentary session of the Chinese Communist Party, warning that it could intensify repression against Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Southern Mongolians.

The organisation cautioned that the legislation may further strengthen state control and assimilation policies targeting ethnic minorities in China.

The organisation stated that the law adopted on Thursday effectively codifies long-standing policies of assimilation and repression by the Chinese authorities into national legislation. By linking "ethnic unity" to state security and anti-separatism policies, it said the law grants authorities "sweeping powers to punish individuals accused of undermining unity".

According to the WUC, the legislation provides officials with a more detailed legal framework to impose restrictions, further institutionalising fear and repression in East Turkistan, also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, along with Tibet and Southern Mongolia.

"Paired with the Counter-Terrorism Law, which has served as the legal justification for the mass internment camp system launched in 2016, this new legislation will further deepen repression against Uyghurs in East Turkistan, particularly in relation to linguistic, cultural, and religious freedoms. Over the past decade, policies of forced assimilation and Sinicisation have already inflicted severe damage on Uyghur cultural and religious identity," said WUC President, Turgunjan Alawdun.

The WUC stated that the new law comes amid intensified efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of language, culture, and religious knowledge in East Turkistan.

"Uyghur children have been separated from their families and placed in state-run boarding schools where they are pressured to abandon their Uyghur identity and adopt a state-defined national identity. The legislation further reinforces the prioritisation of Mandarin as the dominant language in education and public life, marginalising ethnic languages such as Uyghur and Tibetan. In many areas, including East Turkistan, mother-tongue education has already been replaced by Mandarin-only instruction," it added.

Citing reports, the WUC stated that Uyghur children are increasingly discouraged by the Chinese authorities from speaking their mother tongue even in informal or private settings.

"The adoption of this law stands in contradiction to China's own constitutional provisions and regional autonomy laws, which formally guarantee ethnic minorities the right to preserve and develop their languages, cultures, and religious traditions. It also raises serious concerns regarding China's obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights," it added.

The WUC called on the international community, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and world leaders, to raise these concerns with Chinese authorities in bilateral engagements, particularly as many heads of state prepare for upcoming official visits to China.

--IANS

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Kabul, March 13 : Terming it as a clear and grave violation of the principles of neighbourliness, human values, and international laws, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Friday severely condemned the Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Paktika regions which have resulted in several civilian casualties.

Karzai also urged the Pakistani government to abandon enmity, exercise foresight and adopt a civilised approach with Afghanistan.

"Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai strongly condemns the Pakistani strikes on the country's capital and the provinces of Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, which have resulted in the martyrdom of a number of our compatriots, including women and children, and considers them a clear and grave violation of the principles of neighbourliness, human values, and international laws. Hamid Karzai once again calls on the Government of Pakistan to abandon enmity, exercise foresight, and adopt a good and civilized relationship and approach with Afghanistan," Karzai posted on X.

The former President's statement comes after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan carried out fresh military strikes across multiple Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.

The attacks have heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with the Taliban condemning the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty.

"Continuing the pattern of previous aggressions and crimes, the Pakistani military regime has once again bombed Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, and some other areas. In some places, it targetted civilians' homes, leading to the death of women and children, and in other places, it targetted empty deserts and uninhabited areas," Mujahid posted on X.

Condemning the attacks by Pakistani forces, he further said, "This unjust assault in the last 10 days of the blessed month of Ramadan and on the threshold of Eid al-Fitr clearly indicates that they adhere to no human principles or moral values whatsoever. The Islamic Emirate condemns this crime and this flagrant assault in the strongest terms, and God willing, this injustice will not go unanswered."

Mujahid accused the Pakistani military aircraft of setting ablaze the fuel storage of Kam Air, a private airline company, near Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan.

"This company supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft. This comes at a time when they had previously also burnt fuel depots belonging to private traders named Haji Khan Zada," the Taliban spokesperson posted on X.

The current round of hostilities began when Taliban-led Afghan forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military installations on February 27, following Pakistan's actions targeting militants inside Afghan territory on February 21.

Following Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
March 13 : Lucknow: UP government is continuously working to prepare young people for global competition and to equip them with skills that match the needs of industries. With this objective, 'National Skill and Education Summit' was organized in Lucknow today. Representatives from government, industry, banking, educational institutions and skill development sectors participated in the summit and discussed ways to prepare the workforce according to future needs.

Summit was organized by Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission. Chief Ministers Advisor Awanish Awasthi, who attended the event as chief guest, said that under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, state government is constantly working to provide modern and job-oriented skills to the youth.

He said that a strong monitoring system is needed to ensure the quality and transparency of skill development centers. For this purpose, it was suggested that a committee be formed in every division consisting of retired IAS, IPS and PCS officers, industry experts and bankers to inspect training centers and ensure quality. Referring to his visits to Singapore and Japan with CM, Awasthi said that CM has highlighted the strength of UPs youth and the potential of skill development on international platforms as well. He also suggested that details of all skill centers, including courses, number of students, certificates and employment opportunities should be made available on the website.

During the summit, Principal Secretary Dr. Hari Om said that linking education with skill development has become the need of time. He said that providing knowledge alone is not enough, it is also important to develop the ability to apply it in practice.

Director of 'Rajya Kaushal Mission' Pulkit Khare said that youth of age group of 14 to 35 years are being trained under the 'Rajya Kaushal Yojana', 'Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gramin Kaushal Yojana' and 'Project Praveen'. He added that a grading system has been introduced for training partners and a digital learning portal has also been developed where youth can access free online courses and certificates. In the state, training facilities are available in more than 30 sectors and around 500 job roles.

During the summit, representatives from industry, education and banking sectors also emphasized the need to increase cooperation in skill development, employment generation and innovation. A new edition of Digital Learning magazine was also released during the event.
Kolkata, March 13 : In poll-bound West Bengal, the alleged supply disruption in LPG caused by the conflict in West Asia, is turning into a major political issue.

While the ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the Centre of failing to make proper arrangements in view of the ongoing war in Iran, the principal Opposition BJP has held the state government responsible for not dealing with hoarders and black marketeers, who, it alleges, are creating an artificial shortage.

Other Opposition leaders are meanwhile, blaming both the main political players in the state over the issue.

Globally, the looming threat is linked to disruptions in supply due to the conflict in West Asia, which has affected fuel and gas distribution not only in India, but is developing into an international concern.

"There is no shortage of LPG cylinders," Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, told the media outside Kolkata's Lok Bhavan, where he had gone to visit the new Governor, R.N. Ravi, to apprise him on another matter.

According to Suman Bagh, a resident of Kolkata, the purported crisis is a result of several factors. "Apart from the effects of the war, there are internal issues like server failures as well. We also hear that unscrupulous elements are hoarding stocks to take financial advantage of the situation. Then there are scheduling problems, last mile supply hiccups, among other factors," he stated.

While the Centre has assured that there is no real shortage of LPG, and urged people not to panic, a political narrative has made public anxiety remain high.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress is using the LPG issue as a major campaign point.

West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has strongly criticised the central government amid growing public anxiety over the supply of LPG cylinders ahead of the Assembly elections.

She is scheduled to lead a protest march in Kolkata on Monday, March 16.

Incidentally, the last public protests she had participated in on Kolkata's streets were against the Election Commission's SIR of the electoral rolls.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Banerjee called off her indefinite sit-in protest at Kolkata's Esplanade against the SIR process, ending the demonstration that began on February 6.

Announcing the decision that evening, the Chief Minister said the protest was being called off following the Supreme Court's observations, which she claimed had opened the avenue for further legal recourse and justice.

She also attributed it to the request from Trinamool Congress General Secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

Now, she has blamed the Centre for creating panic by announcing that LPG bookings could only be made after 21 days, later extended to 25 days.

The Chief Minister held emergency meetings with gas dealers and state officials to ensure supply and prevent black marketing.

On the issue that the increase in prices of LPG cylinders can be contained if the state government chooses to waive its share of tax collection, she claimed that subsidies won't help if supply itself is inadequate.

Amid the ensuing uncertainty and chaos, regional media reports are highlighting that restaurants, schools serving mid-day meals, hospital and hostel canteens are facing difficulties.

However, on busy Sudder Street, a shopkeeper at one of central Kolkata's many eateries silently pointed to two unused commercial LPG cylinders and an empty one when asked about the reported fuel crisis.

Meanwhile, after the SIR process, the LPG supply issue is now both an administrative priority and a political weapon, where the Trinamool is directly targeting the central government even as election dates are expected to be announced soon.
Bengaluru, March 13 : A BJP state core committee meeting was held on Friday at the BJP state office 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru to discuss candidates and election strategy for bypolls to two Assembly seats in the state.

The meeting, held under the leadership of the party's state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, was attended by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka BJP in-charge and National General Secretary Dr Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai, Leader of Opposition in Assembly R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former CM D.V. Sadananda Gowda, former Deputy CM and MP Govind Karjol, former Deputy CM Dr C.N. Ashwath Narayan, former National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, and former Minister B. Sriramulu.

Speaking to media representatives after the core committee meeting, Vijayendra said that discussions were regarding the selection of candidates for the upcoming Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies.

He said the meeting discussed the names of aspirants for the constituencies, which will be sent to the party high command in New Delhi for a final decision.

Vijayendra said the party has already announced candidates for the Legislative Council elections and that the meeting also resolved that all leaders and workers must work unitedly to ensure victory for BJP candidates in the upcoming Assembly and Legislative Council polls.

He added that Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, senior BJP leader Govind Karjol, and he himself had held a separate meeting with aspirants and key party leaders from the Davanagere South Assembly constituency. During the meeting, leaders were urged to forget past differences and work together to secure victory for the party.

Vijayendra said the names finalised during the Core Committee discussions would be sent to the party leadership in Delhi either on Thursday or Friday.

Responding to a question about dissatisfied leaders, he said the party had already spoken to them privately. "We have called everyone and discussed the matter. We have conveyed that all differences should be set aside and everyone must work together in the interest of the party," he said.

He added that leaders from both groups from Davanagere had been brought together for discussions and expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved soon.

"Mainly, the discussion has been held about candidates for the by-elections for the Bagalkot and Davanagere South Constituencies. The names discussed in the core committee will be sent to the high command. The candidates for the Legislative Council polls have already been declared. To ensure the victory of the candidates, a discussion was held in the meeting," Vijayendra stated.

"Pralhad Joshi, Govind Karjol, and I, aspirants, have held a meeting and it's decided to bury the hatchets. The list will be sent to Delhi by today or tomorrow. We have conveyed what needed to be conveyed to those who are unhappy with the ticket allotment within the four walls," he stated.

When asked about the factionalism, which proved to be a setback for the party in the Lok Sabha election, resulting in the victory of Congress candidate Prabha Mallikarjun, Vijayendra stated that he had also held discussions on that.

--IANS

mka/dpb
Bhopal, March 13 : The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the state government to submit a detailed plan for assessment and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater in and around the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal by March 23.

The direction by a bench of Justices Vivek Kumar Singh and Ajay Kumar Nirankari came as it heard the writ petition of an NGO working for the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, seeking remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater in the surroundings of the Union Carbide factory and detoxification and time-bound action.

Responding to the writ petition, the state government filed an affidavit, stating that the remediation plan, including the assessment of contaminated soil and groundwater and the tendering process for cleaning up the surroundings, was underway and requested some more time.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, the bench fixed the matter for the next hearing on March 23.

Meanwhile, the affidavit, signed by Deputy Secretary, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Krishna Kant Dube, said that the department held a meeting on March 5 in compliance with the directions of the Oversight Committee/Task Force constituted by the Supreme Court in 2023.

"In the meeting presided by the Additional Chief Secretary, discussions were held on various issues such as assessment of remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater in and around the erstwhile UCIL premises, detoxification and decontamination of corroded plant and time-bound remediation," it said.

"As the Oversight Committee had suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government may undertake fresh studies with the assistance of NEERI and NGRI to quantify the soil and groundwater contamination, as well as the mercury spillage and the groundwater dumps. In this regard, the state government submitted the action plan including identification and finalisation of an agency/consortium of agencies to carry out the study," the affidavit further read.

It also mentioned that the state government has decided to utilise 87.74 acres of land (Union Carbide factory site) for various other purposes, including the establishment of a memorial, and an action plan will be prepared for this purpose.

The toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory, weighing 337 tonnes, was shifted from Bhopal to the Pithampur Industrial site on January 1, 2025, and was completely incinerated at a private waste treatment facility by the end of June 2025.

The disposal of the toxic waste came more than 40 years after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy had occurred on December 2-3, 1984, causing the tragic death of more than 5,000 people. However, the contaminated soil at the site of the factory and three ponds located a few metres away (in the north direction of the factory site) still remains a challenge for the authorities.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice on a petition filed by the Lokpal of India challenging the Delhi High Court judgment that had set aside the sanction granted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a charge sheet against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in connection with the alleged cash-for-query row.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought responses within three weeks from Moitra, the CBI, and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who has accused Moitra of accepting cash and luxury gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament.

During the hearing, the CJI Kant-led Bench also stayed the Delhi High Court's direction asking the Lokpal to decide within 60 days whether to grant sanction to the CBI to file a charge sheet against Moitra.

The apex court clarified that, for the time being, the Lokpal cannot direct the CBI to file a charge sheet against the Trinamool leader and that no coercive action would be taken against her in the matter.

The CJI Kant-led Bench observed that it would examine the statutory scheme and the scope of powers vested in the Lokpal under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Lokpal, submitted that the anti-corruption body was aggrieved by the interpretation of the Lokpal Act adopted by the Delhi High Court, and clarified that the petition was not directed against any individual.

He argued that the Delhi High Court's interpretation of Section 20 governing inquiry and investigation had far-reaching consequences for the functioning of the anti-corruption body.

In its petition, the Lokpal sought an authoritative ruling from the apex court on the procedure to be followed by the anti-corruption watchdog while directing investigation and granting sanctions.

The Lokpal argued that the Delhi High Court's judgment had incorrectly interpreted the statutory framework and failed to consider the interplay between various provisions of the Act.

According to the petition, the legislation is a special law that lays down a distinct procedure for inquiries and investigations against public servants and empowers the Lokpal to order preliminary inquiries, supervise investigations and grant sanctions for filing cases or charge sheets.

"The legislative intent is to proceed against public servants involved in corruption without exception while protecting honest officials from vexatious complaints," the plea stated.

The anti-corruption body further submitted that if the High Court's interpretation were allowed to stand, it could enable accused persons to stall corruption prosecutions at the threshold by inviting writ courts to conduct "mini-trials" at the stage of sanction.

The controversy stems from allegations levelled by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, accusing Moitra of accepting cash and luxury gifts from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for raising questions in Parliament.

Acting on the complaint, the Lokpal had directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry and later a full investigation into the allegations. After the probe, the Lokpal passed an order in November 2025 granting sanction to the CBI to file a charge sheet before the competent court. However, in December 2025, the Delhi High Court set aside the Lokpal's sanction order, holding that Section 20 of the Lokpal Act did not contemplate separate sanctions for filing a charge sheet and initiating prosecution and that the sanction had to be granted in a composite manner.

A Bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar had accepted Moitra's contention that the Lokpal had failed to properly consider the statutory requirement of examining the comments and material submitted by the public servant before granting sanction.

The Delhi High Court had directed the Lokpal to reconsider the issue in accordance with the law and take a fresh decision within a month.

Later, in January, the Delhi High Court granted the Lokpal a final extension of two months to decide the issue, observing that no further extension of time would be entertained.

The Supreme Court will now examine the broader question of the procedure to be followed by the Lokpal during inquiry and investigation, and the extent of judicial review over its decisions.
New Delhi, March 13 : India is planning a new set of incentives to support domestic mobile phone manufacturing after its flagship production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the sector ends this month.

The move is expected to benefit global smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung, which have significantly expanded their production in the country in recent years, according to multiple reports.

The governmentas decision to continue supporting the industry comes at a time when India may lose some of its tariff advantage over China in exporting goods to the United States.

The change follows the invalidation of a fentanyl-related levy imposed by President Donald Trump on Beijing by a US court.

Boosting smartphone manufacturing has become a key part of the economic strategy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been pushing to expand domestic manufacturing and strengthen Indiaas position in global supply chains.

The government aims to increase the countryas electronics manufacturing output to $500 billion by the fiscal year 2030.

Government data shows that India produced nearly $60 billion worth of mobile phones in the 2024a"25 fiscal year, marking a massive 28-fold increase over the past decade.

During the same period, mobile phone exports surged to about $21.7 billion, a 127-fold jump, making smartphones the countryas top exported product in 2025.

Officials are now considering linking the new incentives to export performance in order to further promote globally competitive manufacturing.

According to the report, the new scheme could cover investments starting from April this year.

Previously, major manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung relied on Indiaas production-linked incentive scheme, a programme worth nearly $21 billion designed to help the country compete with Chinaas manufacturing dominance.

The scheme played a crucial role in encouraging companies to increase local production.

The programme also enabled Apple to begin manufacturing its latest and most expensive iPhone models in India after initially producing only lower-cost versions in the country.

High tariffs imposed on Chinese goods during Trumpas presidency had also encouraged some companies to shift part of their production to India.
Islamabad, March 13 : At least six police personnel were killed and one injured in a blast near a police vehicle in the Bettani tribal of Lakki Marwat district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the local media reported.

According to a spokesperson of the local police, the explosion took place near a police mobile, causing death of six police personnel and injuries to one policeman. The spokesperson further said that additional police personnel were deployed at the site of the incident to secure the spot and assist in further response measures, Pakistan's leading media outlet Geo News reported.

Since Taliban seized power in Kabul, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in cross-border terrorist activity, especially in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan which share a border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan launched Operation 'Ghazab lil-Haq' in response to the terror incidents and has claimed that at least 641 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed in strikes conducted along the border and in Afghanistan, Geo News reported. Prior to this operation, Pakistan launched airstrikes in Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces of Afghanistan. Taliban has accused the Pakistan of carrying out deadly airstrikes in residential areas of the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, resulting in the death of several civilians.

On March 8, a senior officer of the Counter Terrorism DeparAtment (CTD) was killed after unidentified assailants opened fire at him in the Killi Ismail area of Pakistan's Quetta, local media reported.

Police said Inspector Metha Khan, who recently joined CTD, was shot by armed men when he was passing through the Killi Ismail area on March 8, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. A senior police that the CTD officer died on the spot after the armed men on motorcycles opened fire at him.

The official further said that the gunmen escaped from the spot following the incident. Law enforcement personnel cordoned off the area and started a search operation to arrest the attackers.

Meanwhile, a report released by an Islamabad-based think tank revealed that combat-related deaths in Pakistan increased by 30 per cent in February, caused due to a rise in suicide attacks across the country.

A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed that 470 deaths and 333 injuries were documented in February. The victims include 96 civilians, 80 security forces personnel and 294 militants. The number of injured included 259 civilians, 50 security forces personnel and 24 militants, Dawn reported.

The figure showcase a 74 per cent rise in the deaths of security forces personnel, a 32 per cent increase in civilian deaths and 21 per cent surge in militant deaths in comparison to January.

As many as 53 security forces personnel and six civilians were killed while 35 security personnel and 48 civilians were injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in February. Three suicide bombing incidents took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which claimed 17 lives, including that of 14 security forces personnel and injured 20 people.

As many as 34 people were killed and 165 others were injured in a suicide bombing incident in Islamabad. Furthermore, two police personnel were killed and four others were injured in a suicide bombing in the Bhakkar district of Punjab province, Dawn reported. The eight suicide attacks reported in January and February in this year are nearly half the total for all of 2025, when 17 such incidents were reported.

According to the data released by PICSS, the first two months of 2026 witnessed 831 combat-related deaths, including 536 militants, 169 civilians and 126 security forces personnel.
Bengaluru, March 13 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai said the opposition, out of frustration, was trying to politicise the issue of LPG.

He stated that the ongoing West Asia conflict has created problems worldwide and that there will be no LPG shortage if people do not panic.

Speaking at a press conference at the BJP state office on Friday, Bommai said the LPG issue exists in several states. He explained that LPG is supplied from Qatar and other Arabian countries. Since supplies from those regions have been disrupted, India has established connections with four or five other countries. He said this is not a problem limited to Karnataka but is affecting all states, and is now a global issue which everyone is aware of.

Bommai said that due to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the diplomatic efforts of the Government of India, the country continues to receive a steady supply of crude oil. He added that many other countries have not been able to secure such opportunities and that the opposition should have congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this matter.

He also recalled that during the Iraq war, when the Congress-led government was in power, then Union Minister A.K. Antony had ordered that petrol pumps should not remain open after 8 p.m. Bommai said that at that time long queues used to form outside petrol bunks.

The BJP leader added that a similar situation does not exist today because of PM Modi's leadership. He also said India has increased domestic production by 25 per cent and reiterated that there will be no problem if people do not panic.

Responding to a question on whether Congress is trying to create public opinion against the Central government on the issue, Bommai said that whatever is in the interest of the country is opposed by Congress. He alleged that Congress opposes everything good for the nation.

Criticising the state budget, Bommai said that what matters is not what is written in the budget papers but how the funds are actually used for development. He alleged that about 35 per cent of the funds reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are being diverted to guarantee schemes. He described the budget as anti-development and accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of misleading the people, adding that such a situation will not continue for long and the truth will eventually come out.

MP Govind Karjol, former Ministers B. Sriramulu, Raju Gowda, Shivanagouda Nayak, and BJP State ST Morcha President Bangaru Hanumanthu were present at the press conference.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bhubaneswar, March 13 : Amid growing concerns over possible horse-trading ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, the Opposition Congress party in Odisha has shifted nine of its total 14 MLAs to Bengaluru in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, only five Congress MLAs, including CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam, senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, MLA Sofia Firdous, MLA Ramesh Jena, and Dasarathi Gamango, were present in the House during the proceedings on Friday.

According to Congress party sources, six Congress MLAs reached Bengaluru late on Thursday night.

Those who arrived at the Bengaluru airport include Ashok Kumar Das, C.S. Raazen Ekka, Kadraka Appalaswamy, Mangu Khilla, Nilamadhab Hikaka, Pabitra Saunta, Prafulla Chandra Pradhan, Sagar Charan Das, and Satyajeet Gomango.

The move comes amid apprehensions within the party over possible poaching of legislators ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.

Party sources indicated that relocating MLAs is a precautionary step to ensure unity in voting during the crucial election.

Speaking to media persons, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ramachandra Kadam on Friday confirmed the shifting of nine Congress MLAs to Bengaluru along with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, Bhakta Charan Das.

Speaking to reporters, Kadam alleged that the BJP has a history of engineering defections and attempting to influence Legislators to secure political advantage.

"The BJP and its double-engine government are known for indulging in horse-trading. It has almost become their political culture. To prevent any such attempt, nine of our MLAs will go to Delhi via Bengaluru and will meet our senior leaders," Kadam said.

He clarified that the move was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the party's legislators ahead of the Rajya Sabha election. Kadam also alleged that the Congress party leaders are being contacted and pressured ahead of the polls.

"Our MLAs are together in Bengaluru with PCC President Bhakta Charan Das. They are safe and united. This step has been taken to ensure that no external pressure or inducement affects them," the CLP leader stated.

The Congress leader further added that the MLAs would return to Odisha ahead of the voting for the Rajya Sabha election. The development comes amid heightened political activity in the state as parties gear up for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said that the party had moved some of its Legislators to Bengaluru amid apprehensions of horse-trading ahead of the Rajya Sabha election.

Reacting to the political developments, Bahinipati said fears of attempts to purchase MLAs have prompted the Congress to take precautionary steps.

"There is a fear that attempts may be made to buy MLAs. Because of that apprehension, some Congress legislators have gone to Bengaluru," he said.

He clarified that the party's MLAs remain united and dismissed speculation that any Legislator could be influenced.

"No one can buy our MLAs. Congress Legislators are not for sale, and they will stand firmly with the party," Bahinipati asserted.
Ranchi/Deoghar, March 13 : Continuing its crackdown on corruption, the Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested two employees of the District Land Acquisition Office in Deoghar for allegedly accepting a bribe from a beneficiary.

The accused have been identified as Niranjan and Nunu Dev, who were caught red-handed while taking money in exchange for facilitating the release of compensation for land acquired under the Ring Road project, officials said.

According to the ACB, the two employees had allegedly demanded five per cent of the total compensation amount as commission from a beneficiary. Acting on a complaint, the bureau first verified the allegations, which were found to be true.

Subsequently, an ACB team laid a trap and apprehended the two employees right at the time when they were accepting the bribe money. The cash was also recovered from their possession during the operation.

Officials said large-scale land acquisition is currently underway in Deoghar for the proposed Ring Road project, and landowners whose land has been acquired are entitled to compensation from the government.

However, it was alleged that some employees of the Land Acquisition Office were demanding commissions from beneficiaries in return for releasing their compensation payments.

Following persistent demands for money, one of the affected beneficiaries approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint, stating that he was being pressured to pay a bribe to receive his compensation.

After verifying the complaint, the ACB carried out the trap operation on Friday and arrested both accused employees.

The arrested individuals have been taken to Dumka for further interrogation and completion of legal formalities, officials said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a police sub-inspector in Koderma and a woman Panchayat secretary in Gumla for allegedly accepting bribes.

The ACB has urged the public to report any instance where government officials demand bribes for performing official duties, assuring strict action against those involved in corruption.
Gandhinagar, March 13 : The Gujarat government has recovered Rs 1.04 crore from the construction agency after a newly built overhead water tank collapsed during testing in Surat district, Water Resources and Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel informed the state Assembly on Friday.

Replying to a question raised by a legislator, Patel said the tank had been constructed at Hariyal Sub Headworks in Tadkeshwar village and collapsed during testing.

The tank, with a storage capacity of nine lakh litres, had been sanctioned for Rs 94.84 lakh, of which Rs 83.45 lakh had been paid to the agency.

Following the incident, the government recovered Rs 1.04 crore from the contractor and filed a police complaint against the firm responsible for the construction.

The minister told the House that officials and others found responsible for the incident had been suspended from duty and were currently in judicial custody.

"All those found responsible for the incident of the water tank collapse have been suspended from duty. The officials and accused responsible in this case are currently in jail custody," Patel said.

He added that inspections of other works carried out by the same agency were being conducted strictly at project sites.

"No one found guilty in this matter will be spared," Patel said.

The collapse occurred in January during a trial run, when water was being filled into the newly constructed tank to test its strength.

The 15-metre-high structure, built under the 'Gaypagla Group Water Supply Scheme' and intended to supply drinking water to several villages in the region, suddenly gave way during testing, injuring three labourers working nearby.

Patel also informed the Assembly that a new water tank would be constructed at the same site to ensure that residents in the area continue to receive a water supply.

Providing broader details about water infrastructure in the state, the minister said that more than 20,000 water tanks have been constructed across Gujarat over the past 25 years to ensure the supply of clean drinking water, particularly to citizens living in remote areas.

"More than Rs 24 crore has been approved under the scheme in Surat district to provide water supply to 34 villages," he said.

The project aims to strengthen drinking water availability in rural parts of the district.
March 13 : Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday planted a sapling of Pyrus calleryana at Plaza de la India in Chile's Santiago, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative while also highlighting the global relevance of Mission LiFE.

"Planted a sapling of Pyrus calleryana at Plaza de la India in Santiago, Chile, taking forward Honable PM Shri Narendra Modi jias clarion call to plant a tree in honour of oneas mother, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,' and highlighting the global relevance of Mission LiFE," Singh posted on X.

On Thursday, Kirti Vardhan Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Plaza de la India.

In a post on X, Singh stated, "A moment of silent reflection and homage in offering floral tributes to Mahatm a Gandhi at the Plaza de la India. Gandhijias legacy of satya and ahimsa continues to inspire generations across the world."

Singh represented Government of India at the inauguration ceremony of Chile's new President Jose Antonio Kast Rist in Valparaiso and expressed New Delhi's commitment to strengthening partnership with Chile for shared prosperity and global cooperation, according to a statement released by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"Honoured to represent India at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in Valparaiso. India congratulates the people of Chile on this important democratic milestone. We remain committed to strengthening our partnership with Chile for shared prosperity and global cooperation," Singh posted on X.

He also held a meeting with Rist and conveyed wishes of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Singh reaffirmed Indiaas commitment to a robust partnership with Chile, focused on trade, technology, mining, development cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Kirti Vardhan Singh also met Chile's former President Gabriel Boric Font.

"During these meetings, the two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, health & pharmaceuticals, traditional medicines, science and technology, mining and mineral exploration, education, space, agriculture and people to people exchanges. They also agreed to diversify bilateral ties in new and emerging areas of contemporary relevance such as Digital Public Infrastructure, innovation and green energy," the MEA stated.
New Delhi, March 13 : Oil marketing companies (OMCs) or firms that involved in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply are making continuous efforts to maintain smooth distribution across the country amid global tensions triggered by the Iran war, Nitin Khara, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Confidence Petroleum India Limited (CPIL), said on Friday.

In conversation with IANS, Khara said that while global developments have created challenges for LPG supply, the company's priority remains ensuring uninterrupted availability for dealers and consumers in India.

He said CPIL is reviewing the LPG supply situation on a daily basis.

"Every morning, we assess how to ensure gas supply for that day. Dealers from across the country keep calling throughout the day, and we try our best to ensure timely delivery," he said, adding that some difficulties have emerged due to limited availability.

He explained that LPG importers are currently facing a major logistical issue, as two LPG vessels are stranded near sea ports and are unable to either enter or leave. This has disrupted the regular supply chain.

Typically, the company imports around 40,000 metric tonnes of LPG every month, but the current situation has affected this cycle, Khara told IANS.

Khara noted that the initial plan was to unload about 850 metric tonnes from the shipment, while the remaining quantity was to be supplied to Norway-based energy company Equinor's Malaysian operations under a prior commitment.

Although there was no formal sale-purchase agreement, the company generally honours its commitments, he added.

However, several dealers requested that the gas be supplied to Indian consumers instead.

"Considering these requests, we are evaluating the possibility of utilising the available LPG within the country to provide relief to domestic consumers," Khara said.

He also said the state governments have suggested unloading the gas locally to strengthen supply in the domestic market.

If the LPG is retained in India, it could help ensure additional supply for around 12 to 13 days, which may provide some relief to the market.

Khara added that the ongoing global conflict and disruptions have affected LPG production and supply.

Even if the situation normalises immediately, it could take nearly four months for the entire supply chain to stabilise due to refinery damage, limited production and a shortage of LPG vessels.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 : With polls approaching, Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan government has softened its earlier rigid stand on the Sabarimala women's entry issue.

The state government is preparing to submit a new affidavit on Saturday in the Supreme Court, stating that temple customs must be protected and that it is ready to reconsider its earlier position on allowing women of all ages to enter the shrine.

Political circles say that this unexpected "U-turn" by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is driven by fears of electoral backlash and the strong anger among devotees ahead of the upcoming elections.

With the Travancore Devasom Board last month making its position clear that temple traditions should be preserved, it was certain that the state government would do the same.

The file for the issue is before Vijayan, and the cabinet is slated to meet when the official nod comes, and the revised decision will be placed before the apex court on Saturday.

Vijayan, who once insisted on allowing women into Sabarimala under the banner of social reform, is now seen as bowing before the sentiments of devotees.

Until now, the government had maintained in court that it stood firmly by the 2007 affidavit, which supported allowing women of all age groups to enter the temple.

However, in the changed circumstances, the CPI-M, which leads the LDF, had intimated to the allies over the phone about the change in stand.

Critics point out that the same government that once used the police against protesting devotees and pilgrims carrying the irumudikettu is now attempting this reversal with an eye on the same devotees' votes.

As accusations that the government had betrayed the faithful gained momentum, pressure reportedly mounted within the party itself for a correction in the stand.

The government's move to now support the continuation of temple customs in the case pending before the larger bench of the Supreme Court is being described in some quarters as a historic course correction.

Meanwhile, the opposition is preparing to launch a major campaign against what it calls the government's double standards.

Political rivals are mocking the Chief Minister, saying that it is fear of electoral defeat that has pushed him toward a more "devotional" stance.

Critics also say Kerala is now witnessing the irony of those who once built the so-called "Renaissance Wall" now dismantling it themselves.
New Delhi, March 13 : The NHRC has sought a report from Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha within two weeks over an alleged incident of a Manipuri woman being physically assaulted as part of a "racial abuse", an official said on Friday.

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The NHRC has sought a report from Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha within two weeks over an alleged incident of a Manipuri woman being physically assaulted as part of a "racial abuse", an official said on Friday.

The incident took place when she objected to lewd comments by a group of boys in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi in March, an official said on Friday.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of a media report that the woman from Manipur was physically assaulted when she objected to racial abuse. Reportedly, the incident happened on March 8, 2026.

The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim, said an official statement.

It issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks, adding that the report is expected to include the status of the victim's health and the investigation.

According to the media report, carried on March 10, 2026, the incident occurred when the victim was taking pictures with her friend at a park in the area, said the statement.

In a separate case, the NHRC has issued notices to Haryana Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner, Gurugram, calling for a detailed report within two weeks on the alleged death of seven workers in a wall-collapse in the Bilaspur area of Gurugram on March 9.

Reportedly, around 10 more workers are feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred at the site where a sewage treatment plant for an upcoming residential project was being constructed.

The Commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violations of the victims.

Therefore, it issued notices to the state Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner, Gurugram, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of health of the injured persons, investigation, as well as compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons.

According to the media report, carried on March 10, the police, as well as other agencies, including the civil defence teams, rescue workers, fire fighters and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, were searching for the trapped workers under the debris.
Colombo, March 13 : The bodies of 84 identified Iranian sailors killed in the March 4 US attack on the warship IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka's coast were repatriated to Iran, Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry said Friday.

The bodies are being transported to Iran via a special flight which departed Friday afternoon from Mattala International Airport in the country's Southern Province.

On March 11, Galle Chief Magistrate Sameera Dodangoda ordered that the bodies, which had been kept in two mobile cold storage units at the Galle National Hospital, be handed over to officials from the Iranian embassy in Sri Lanka, the ministry said.

The magistrate directed the hospital director to release the remains following a request submitted to the Galle Magistrate's Court by the Galle Harbor Police, the ministry said.

Iran has also announced that the bodies of the sailors killed in the incident would soon be returned home. In a statement, the Iranian Army's public relations office said the bodies would be transferred to Iran with the joint efforts of Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Sri Lankan government, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this week, Sri Lanka said that it was not informed in advance about a US strike on the Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the seas near the island nation's maritime boundary.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Lankan Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said Sri Lanka's Navy responded as soon as possible when they were made aware of the incident.

Jayatissa said he is not aware who first alerted Sri Lankan authorities of the incident.

He said 32 people were rescued alive, of whom 10 are still receiving treatment. A total of 87 bodies were recovered during search operations

On March 4, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had said that a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters.

"An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters," Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing. "Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo."

He further said it was the first sinking of an enemy vessel by a torpedo since World War II.

The Iranian warship had taken part in a naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25, according to the drill's website.
Kabul, March 13 : At least four people were killed and 14 others injured in airstrikes in Pul-e-Charkhi area in Afghanistan's Kabul last night, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed on Friday. The UNAMA also called for an immediate cessation in hostilities to stop further loss of civilian life.

Since February 26, at least 75 people have been killed and 193 others injured in Afghanistan due to ongoing armed clashes with Pakistan, according to UNAMA.

"UNAMA documented at least four civilian deaths and 14 injured, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Pul-e-Charkhi area in Kabul Afghanistan last night. We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life," UNAMA posted on X.

"Civilians, mostly women and children, continue to pay the price for the latest escalation in cross-border violence. Since 26 February, UNAMA has recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured in Afghanistan as a result of ongoing armed clashes," it added.

Earlier on Friday, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan carried out fresh military strikes across multiple Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.

The attacks have heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with the Taliban condemning the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty.

"Continuing the pattern of previous aggressions and crimes, the Pakistani military regime has once again bombed Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, and some other areas. In some places, it targeted civilians' homes, leading to the death of women and children, and in other places, it targeted empty deserts and uninhabited areas," Mujahid posted on X.

Condemning the attacks by Pakistani forces, he further said, "This unjust assault in the last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan and on the threshold of Eid al-Fitr clearly indicates that they adhere to no human principles or moral values whatsoever. The Islamic Emirate condemns this crime and this flagrant assault in the strongest terms, and God willing, this injustice will not go unanswered."

Mujahid accused the Pakistani military aircraft of setting ablaze the fuel storage of Kam Air, a private airline company, near Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan.

"This company supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft. This comes at a time when they had previously also burnt fuel depots belonging to private traders named Haji Khan Zada," the Taliban spokesperson posted on X.

The current round of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan started when Afghan forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military installations on February 27, following Islamabad's actions targetting areas inside Afghan territory on February 21. After Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors.
New Delhi, March 13 : India's data centre industry is witnessing steady growth, with the country's total capacity rising from around 375 MW in 2020 to nearly 1,500 MW by 2025, the Parliament was informed on Friday.

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Indiaas data centre industry is witnessing steady growth, with the countryas total capacity rising from around 375 MW in 2020 to nearly 1,500 MW by 2025, the Parliament was informed on Friday.

In a written response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Jitin Prasada said that to support artificial intelligence (AI) development, about 38,231 GPUs have been onboarded through 14 empanelled service providers and data centres under the AI compute capacity framework.

These computing resources are being provided to startups, researchers, academic institutions and other eligible users at a subsidised average rate of Rs 65 per hour, which is roughly one-third of the global average cost, he added.

The data centres are located across key technology hubs in the country, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Noida and Jamnagar.

The minister said the government is aware of the infrastructure requirements of the growing data centre ecosystem, including electricity and water.

According to the Ministry of Power, electricity demand from data centres is projected to reach 13.56 GW by 2031-32 as the sector expands alongside AI and other large-scale computing applications.

Indiaas national transmission infrastructure is being continuously expanded to meet rising electricity demand and ensure reliable power supply across regions, he added.

The recently enacted Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act is also expected to support reliable power solutions for emerging sectors such as AI and data centres by enabling future deployment of small modular and micro nuclear reactors.

Prasada noted that water consumption in data centres varies depending on the cooling technologies used.

Groundwater extraction for industrial use, including for data centres, is regulated under guidelines issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, according to him.

To minimise water usage, the industry is increasingly adopting advanced cooling technologies such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling, adiabatic cooling and immersion cooling.

Companies are also deploying high-density racks to efficiently support high-performance computing and AI workloads while reducing overall power and water consumption, the minister said.
Kannur : , March 13 (IANS) Fresh questions have surfaced in the case relating to the black flag protest against Kerala Health Minister Veena George after the minister's medical examination report indicated no visible injuries, even as the five student activists arrested in connection with the incident were released from jail on Friday evening.

The five activists belonging to the Kerala Students Union (KSU) had been taken into custody on February 25 shortly after they waved black flags at the minister at Kannur Railway Station.

They were arrested within an hour of the protest and later lodged in Kannur Central Jail, where they remained for more than two weeks before being released.

The controversy has now intensified after the medical report relating to the incident noted that there were no cuts, bruises or wounds caused by the use of any weapon.

The document states that the only complaint recorded was pain when certain parts of the neck were touched.

This has raised questions as the original complaint had alleged that the minister was attacked using a weapon during the protest.

The police had earlier indicated that no weapon had been used in the incident.

Following the protest that day, the minister had alleged that she suffered injuries to her neck and had been admitted to the District General Hospital for treatment.

The activists who were arrested have consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that they did not even reach close to the minister to cause any harm.

Speaking after his release, KSU activist Atul alleged that the incident was a "neatly scripted story" involving A. N. Shamseer, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the minister's gunman, and that the minister acted very well.

"Just for waving a black flag we were jailed from February 25 till now. We did not even go anywhere near the minister. This is nothing but a blatant abuse of power and misuse of the police," he said.

The episode has triggered fresh political debate in the state, with opposition leaders alleging misuse of police powers to curb protests, while the ruling side maintains that the minister's security was compromised during the demonstration.

Social media also continues to circulate a photograph of Veena George wearing a neck collar.
Jaipur, March 13 : Rajasthan Police in Bhilwara have busted an all-women gang of thieves that allegedly travelled from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan to steal jewellery from crowded religious gatherings -- and swallowed the stolen items to evade detection.

Seven women were arrested by the Rajasthan Police following a complaint of jewellery theft at a temple event in Kotri.

During the medical examination and X-ray of the accused, doctors were shocked to find a mangalsutra and several gold beads inside the stomach of one of the women.

Police identified the accused as Shanu (31), Vratika (20), Barji Bai (52), Basanti (60), Maina (28), Payal (20) and Sapna (32), all residents of villages in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh.

The gang reportedly included elderly women who actively participated in the thefts.

According to Kotri police station in-charge Mahaveer Meena, the theft took place during a large gathering at the Charbhuja Temple on the occasion of Sheetla Saptami.

Hundreds of devotees had assembled for the Rangotsav celebration when the gang allegedly targeted women in the crowd. A local resident, Radha Ahir, lodged a complaint stating that her gold mangalsutra and a necklace containing six gold beads were stolen from her neck amid the rush of devotees.

After registering the case, the police examined CCTV footage and found clues indicating that the suspects were from outside the state. During a night patrol, officers spotted seven suspicious women travelling in a car and detained them for questioning. The car driver was also taken into custody.

During questioning, the women allegedly confessed to the thefts and were formally arrested on Thursday evening. As part of the investigation, all the accused were taken for medical examination. An X-ray revealed a metallic object inside Sapnaas stomach.

She was then taken to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, where doctors successfully retrieved the stolen mangalsutra and gold beads.

Police said the gang deliberately swallowed or concealed jewellery immediately after stealing it to avoid detection during searches. Investigators are now questioning the accused to determine whether they were involved in similar thefts at other crowded events in the region.
Mumbai, March 13 : Industries Minister Uday Samant on Friday said in the Legislative Assembly that Maharashtra continues to be the premier destination for investment in India.

Responding to a proposal under Rule 293, the Minister revealed that the state has secured Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 31 lakh crore during the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos.

For the third consecutive year, Maharashtra has maintained its top position in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a feat the Minister credited to the state's robust industrial ecosystem and proactive policy-making.

He announced that the government will soon release a saffron paper outlining the current status of MoU implementation.

Minister Samant highlighted that the investments are not limited to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) but span multiple key departments. Of the Rs 31 lakh crore MoUs for investments, the Industries Department has signed MoUs worth Rs 15.15 lakh crore, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Rs 15.10 lakh crore and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Rs 1 lakh crore.

"While other states see a project implementation rate of 35 per cent to 40 per cent, Maharashtra has achieved a conversion rate of 75 per cent to 80 per cent since 2022," the Minister noted, emphasising that these agreements will lead to massive job creation and industrial growth.

In a significant move for urban welfare, the state government is preparing a dedicated policy for the rehabilitation of slums on MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) land.

Minister Samant explained that an SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) policy, modelled after the state's Industrial and Gems & Jewellery policies, is under consideration. A formal decision is expected within the next two months. The initiative aims to provide permanent housing to families who have resided on industrial lands for years.

The Minister reaffirmed the Industries Department's commitment to balanced regional development.

He stated that the government is focused on establishing new MIDC areas and boosting employment to ensure that the benefits of industrialisation reach every corner of the state.

Addressing concerns regarding Mumbaias infrastructure, the Minister stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) fixed deposits remain secure and are being utilised effectively for development.

He told the assembly that 1,048 roads spanning 278.83 km have been completed. Work on Phase 1 is 54 per cent complete, while Phase 2 stands at 56 per cent.

Following the discovery of irregularities amounting to Rs 65 crore, the government has taken strict action against those involved. To ensure transparency, tenders worth Rs 380 crore were cancelled and are being re-invited.
Srinagar, March 13 : The management of the Jama Masjid in J&K's Srinagar said that authorities disallowed Friday congregational prayers at the mosque and placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

Srinagar, March 13 (IANS) The management of the Jama Masjid in J&Kas Srinagar said that authorities disallowed Friday congregational prayers at the mosque and placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq traditionally delivers the sermon on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan (Jumatul Vida) at the Jama Masjid in the old city's Nowhatta area.

The Mirwaiz reposted, on his X handle, the Jamia Masjid management committee's statement, which read: "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid has strongly condemned the continued closure of the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on the occasion of Jumatul Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, when tens of thousands of devotees traditionally gather from towns and villages to offer congregational prayers and supplications."

It said that the authorities "once again locked the gates of the historic mosque from all sides and placed Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq under house arrest, preventing him from delivering the sermon and leading the prayers on this sacred occasion" and expressed "deep anguish that for the seventh consecutive year, Muslims have been denied the opportunity to offer Jumatul Vida prayers at the Valleyas central congregational mosque".

"Such restrictions not only hurt the religious sentiments of the people but also amount to denying worshippers their fundamental right to pray in the house of Allah", it said, noting this approach of the authorities has resulted in the "arbitrary closure of Jama Masjid multiple times throughout the year, reflecting continued insecurities and an unjustified policy of restrictions on religious practices".

The Mirwaiz said that on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, when tens of thousands gather from towns and villages for prayers and supplication at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, its gates have once again been locked.

"He said that for the seventh consecutive year, the rulers have denied Muslims the right to offer prayers at Jama Masjid on this auspicious day. Mirwaiz added that just as Israel has forcibly shut the gates of Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramzan, a similar painful reality is being witnessed here," the statement quoted him as saying.

Jamatul Vida prayers were, however, offered peacefully everywhere else in Srinagar city and other parts of the Valley.

The largest gathering was held at the Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar city, where thousands of devout Muslims gathered to offer the congregational prayers.

Jumatul Vida prayers were also held at every district headquarters, city, town and village of the Valley peacefully.

Authorities had sounded a high alert in the Valley today and made adequate deployment of security forces to maintain law and order.
Bengaluru, Mar 13 : The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Friday, warned of a statewide agitation if the state government fails to implement internal reservation for the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in line with the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report and the directions of the Supreme Court.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that there was no need to convene a special Cabinet meeting to implement the measure.

"If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was serious about the issue, the Karnataka government should immediately implement internal reservation as recommended by the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee and in accordance with the Supreme Court's direction," Bommai added.

He alleged that the state government had been consistently unjust to the SC and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities and it failed to take a clear stand on matters concerning them.

"During Siddaramaiah's earlier term as the Chief Minister between 2013 and 2018, strong demands were raised for internal reservation and increased quotas for SC and ST communities. Several seers and leaders of backward communities had even undertaken padayatras to press for the demand," Bommai said.

Criticising Siddaramaiah's claim of representing the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes and Dalits) communities, the BJP MP added that apart from Muslims, no major transformative schemes had been implemented for the other AHINDA groups.

The BJP leader also questioned the state government over the alleged diversion of funds meant for SC and ST communities.

Nearly Rs 60,000 crore earmarked for these communities had been used for other purposes, Bommai alleged.

He also claimed that Rs 441 crore allocated for the OBC welfare in the state budget was diverted to conduct the caste census, which should have been funded from the state's taxpayers.

Bommai said that SC and ST legislators serving on state boards and corporations had complained that funds for the Ganga Kalyana scheme were not released.

He accused the state government of lacking clarity and commitment on the issue of internal reservation.

Referring to the recommendations of B.R. Ambedkar, Bommai noted that reservations for SC and ST communities were meant to reflect their population share.

"During the previous BJP government's tenure in Karnataka, the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee had submitted a report recommending an increase in reservation, which the government had approved and implemented through legislation," the BJP leader said.

According to Bommai, the Supreme Court has already clarified that internal reservation can be implemented without a constitutional amendment.

"Despite receiving the Nagamohan Das Committee report again, the current Congress-led state government had failed to act and had instead taken decisions in the Cabinet according to its own preferences," he alleged.

He also said that the Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty had told the Karnataka High Court that a law on internal reservation had been enacted with the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval.

"If the law already exists, why is a special Cabinet meeting required?" he asked.

Bommai also alleged that divisions within the state Cabinet were delaying the decision, with one group supporting internal reservation and another opposing it.

The Chief Minister, he claimed, had yielded to pressure from Ministers who were against the move.

He also criticised the state government's plan to fill 56,000 posts without clarity on reservation.

"At present, 56 per cent reservation is already in force in the education sector, and if it is implemented firmly, the Supreme Court could intervene," Bommai said.

The BJP leader urged the state government to implement internal reservation immediately in accordance with the Supreme Court's direction and the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report.

He also raised concerns about the plight of nomadic communities, saying many of them live in extremely difficult conditions without proper housing and often in forest areas, and remain neglected due to their lack of organised representation.

Warning of intensified protests, Bommai said demonstrations would be held in all districts if the state government failed to act.

"One agitation has already taken place and it will now spread across the state," he warned.

On the query of placing the increased reservation in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution, Bommai remarked that it no longer offered the same level of protection as earlier because such provisions could still be challenged in court.

He noted that even the reservation framework in Tamil Nadu had faced legal challenges.

"There is no confusion about internal reservation in Telangana, but in Karnataka the state government simply lacks the will to implement it," he alleged.

BJP MP Govind Karjol, former Ministers B. Sriramulu, Raju Gowda, Shivanagouda Nayak and State BJP ST Morcha President Bangaru Hanumanthu were present at the press conference.
New Delhi, March 13 : Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda informed Parliament on Friday that no shortage of chemical fertilisers has been reported across states during the kharif 2025 and the ongoing rabi 2025-26 seasons.

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda informed Parliament on Friday that no shortage of chemical fertilisers has been reported across states during the kharif 2025 and the ongoing rabi 2025a"26 seasons.

The minister stated that the availability of major fertilisers such as Urea, DAP, MOP and NPKS has remained adequate across the country.

The minister highlighted that 41,24,000 metric tonnes of urea were produced by IFFCO units during Aprila"January of FY 2025a"26, up from 40,66,000 Metric Tonnes during the corresponding period of FY 2024a"25, indicating steady production levels.

With regard to urea, the Government had announced the New Investment Policy (NIP) a" 2012 on January 2, 2013 and its amendment on October 7, 2014, to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in urea production. Under NIP-2012, a total of six new urea units have been commissioned, including four units set up through Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) of nominated PSUs and two units established by private companies, he explained.

The units set up through JVCs include the Ramagundam urea unit of Ramagundam Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) in Telangana, and three units of HURL located at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Sindri (Jharkhand), and Barauni (Bihar).

The private sector units include the Panagarh urea unit of Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (Matix) in West Bengal and the Gadepan-III urea unit of Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (CFCL) in Rajasthan.

Each of these units has an installed capacity of 12.7 Lakh Metric Tonne per annum (LMTPA) and is based on the latest energy-efficient technology. Together, they have added 76.2 LMTPA of urea production capacity, the minister said.

The Lok Sabha was also informed that the Government of India has taken stringent steps to ensure the availability of quality fertilisers to farmers and to curb the manufacture and sale of fake fertilisers in the country.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel, informed that the Fertiliser Control Order administered under the Essential Commodities Act strictly prohibits the manufacture or sale of fertilisers that do not meet prescribed standards. State Governments are the designated enforcement authorities responsible for taking action against violations, including cancellation or suspension of licences and penal action under the Essential Commodities Act, which provides for imprisonment ranging from three months to seven years.

The Government of India monitors enforcement action taken by States against cases of black marketing, hoarding, sub-standard fertilisers and diversion on a weekly basis. Since April 2025, a total of 4,30,541 raids have been conducted across the country, resulting in 15,544 show-cause notices, 6,620 licence suspensions or cancellations, and 794 FIRs being registered against defaulters, the minister explained.

Further, as per the information received from the State Governments, most States have reported that no factories and companies have been involved in the manufacturing of fake chemical fertilisers during the last five years.

However, a few States have reported such cases, and action was taken by them. These include Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, which reported 16 cases, Maharashtra registered cases against 19 manufacturers involved in fake fertilizers while Rajasthan took action against 42 manufacturers of suspicious fertilisers; and Uttar Pradesh reported 36 cases during the last five years, the minister added.
Ankara/Istanbul, March 13 : The Turkish Defence Ministry said Friday that it intercepted a ballistic munition from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.

"A ballistic munition fired from Iran and entering Turkish airspace has been neutralized by NATO air and missile defence elements deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean," the ministry said in a statement.

"All necessary precautions are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace," the ministry said.

It added that developments in the region are being closely monitored, with Turkey's national security as a priority.

Sirens were heard Friday morning at Turkey's Incirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana, Xinhua news agency cited from a report by Turkey's semi-official Anadolu Agency.

Videos circulating on social media also appeared to show the arrival of a missile followed by the sound of an explosion.

The ministry said the latest incident marks the third intercepted ballistic munition launched from Iran toward Turkey in recent days, amid rising regional tensions.

In response, Iranian Ambassador in Ankara Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh said at a press conference on Friday that the latest incident was "a question mark for us too," suggesting it was carried out by "third elements whose efforts are to harm the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries."

On Tuesday, the Turkish Defence Ministry said a Patriot air defence system assigned by NATO to support Turkey's airspace had been deployed in the eastern province of Malatya and was being prepared for operational readiness.

Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the war triggered by attacks on Iran must be halted before it expands and sets the entire region on fire, stressing that diplomacy still offers a path to de-escalation.

"This war must be stopped before it grows and throws the entire region into flames. If diplomacy is given a chance, it is entirely possible to achieve this," Erdogan said addressing his party members at the parliament on Wednesday.

Erdogan said Turkey is continuing diplomatic efforts. "We are patiently continuing our initiatives to return to the table and negotiations and to bring diplomacy back into play," he said.

He added that Ankara is also taking precautions against attempts to fuel sectarian conflict and other destabilizing scenarios in the region.
Mumbai, March 13 : The state government on Friday introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, to curb religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or allurement.

The Bill proposes to protect the right to freedom of religion and the prohibition of unlawful conversion. The Bill was tabled by the Minister of State for Rural Pankaj Bhoyar in the state assembly.

According to the Bill, individuals intending to convert must provide a 60-day advance notice to the district authorities.

Following the conversion, the change must be officially registered within 25 days to be considered legally valid.

Further, the Bill has proposed that blood relatives of a person being converted can file a complaint if they suspect the process involves force or inducement.

Section 14 empowers the state to ban and fine organisations found guilty of facilitating or funding illegal conversions. Section 9 outlines the judicial consequences for offenders with imprisonment up to 7 years of rigorous jail time and a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh.

The Bill has proposed stringent administrative requirements and criminal penalties to ensure that conversions are a matter of personal choice rather than coercion.

The Bill proposes to prohibit conversion made by use or practice of allurement, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion or by any other fraudulent means, provide the procedure for conversion which includes declaration of intention of conversion by giving prior notice to the Competent Authority; provide for declaration by the converted person and the person and institute which organise such conversion, to the Competent Authority after conversion; provide for offences and punishment for violating the provisions of the proposed law and provide for investigation of unlawful conversion by an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police.

The state cabinet had given its approval during the meeting held on March 5, following recommendations from a high-level special committee. This committee, headed by the Director General of Police (DGP), was established on February 14, 2025, to study legal frameworks and draft a robust mechanism to handle complaints related to illegal conversions.

Once the bill receives approval from both houses of the state legislature, it will be sent to the President of India for final assent. The law will come into force across Maharashtra immediately after receiving presidential approval.

The government has maintained that the law is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory conversion tactics.

Ministers, including ports and shopping minister Nitesh Rane, who has been a strong advocate of law against forced conversions, highlighted that while the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice any religion, it does not grant a right to convert others through "misrepresentation, force, or allurement."

Various States such as Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu have already enacted the Freedom of Religion Acts for the prohibition of such forceful and unlawful conversions from one religion to another.

The Bill further said that the right to freedom of religion guaranteed under the Constitution of India is not absolute, but is subject to public order, morality, health and to other provisions of Part III of the Constitution relating to the fundamental rights of citizens.

It said that the Supreme Court of India has, in many cases, held that the freedom of religion is subject to reasonable restrictions and the right to propagate under Article 25 of the Constitution does not include the right to forcibly convert another person.

Instances of religious conversions which are forceful, involuntary or caused by influencing the free consent of the citizens have been increasing and are being carried out in an organised manner by various institutions.

It added, "Many instances of mass conversion have come to light where gullible persons have been forcefully converted from one religion to another by offering any gift, gratification, easy money or material benefit either in cash or kind, employment, free education in school or college run by any religious body or institution, promise to marry, better lifestyle, divine healing, etc. These instances are causing disturbance to public order in the State and are affecting social harmony."

Defending the need for the new legislation, the government said that individuals or families are susceptible to unlawful conversions due to their social and economic vulnerability in society. Such vulnerable sections of society need protection from the State. The existing laws are not sufficient to tackle various issues arising out of such religious conversion.
Mumbai, March 13 : The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Friday directed the Legislative Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil to submit report on MArch 16 over the action taken against the Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries who were not present during the discussion on budget grants on departments of urban development, social justice and special assistance, housing, tourism and cultural affairs and other backward classes welfare.

The Speaker gave his directive after the NCP SP legislator and former minister Jayant Patil brought to the notice of the chair that, despite his earlier directions, none of the bureaucrats of the rank of additional chief secretary and principal secretary was present in the officers' gallery during the discussion on budget grants.

Patil urged the Speaker to take a serious note and give suitable direction.

Speaker Rahul Narwekar admitted that it was a serious matter and directed the Legislative Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil to present to the house on Monday on the action taken against the additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries for their absence during today's discussion.

Earlier, Speaker Rahul Narwekar on March 10 had issued a stern warning to bureaucracy, stating that the House is fully empowered to take appropriate action if secretary-level officers are found absent from the gallery during crucial legislative discussions.

The warning came during the budget discussion in the Assembly. It was observed that only four ministers were present in the House, and the officers' gallery remained largely vacant.

Highlighting this lapse, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Speaker Dilip Walse Patil raised the issue of administrative absenteeism.

Walse Patil remarked that the budget is the most critical subject of the House.

"During this debate, senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Planning Secretary are expected to be present in the lobby to take note of the members' sentiments and suggestions. If we are to maintain the quality of discussion in the House, such debates must be treated with the necessary seriousness," he said.

He further emphasised that senior departmental heads must be present during department-specific discussions as well.

Concurring with Walse Patil's stance, Speaker Rahul Narwekar stated, "The point raised regarding the presence of officials is valid. Although this is an 'invisible gallery,' it is mandatory for all senior IAS officers to be present. Officials have been informed of this via correspondence previously."

Issuing a final ultimatum to the state's administrative machinery, Narwekar added, "This is the last chance for the administration. Moving forward, if Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) level officers are not present in the gallery during such important discussions, the House is capable of taking disciplinary action against them."
Ayodhya, March 13 : The Ram Rasoi in Ayodhya has been operating on a massive scale. While rumours regarding its closure have caused an uproar on social media, a large number of devotees continue to partake in the food or 'prasad' at the Ram Rasoi.

Speaking to IANS, a devotee, while having her meal at the Ram Rasoi, said, "I am from Delhi. With Lord Ram's grace we are able to get 'prasad' here. It is very good . First we did 'darshan' of Hanumangarhi and Lord Ram and now we have got a chance to have this 'prasad' at Lord Ram's place. It is a great feeling."

On the food being served for free she said, "Yes this 'prasad' is for free, it didn't cost us anything".

Another devotee, hailing from Ambedkar Nagar, said, "We are having food at the Ram Rasoi. It is very good and free of cost. There is no problem here at all."

Amid the ongoing crisis of LPG cylinders caused by the West Asia conflict, rumours have been rife on social media that the 'rasoi' might be closed.

The Ram Rasoi continues to operate despite this, serving meals to devotees.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on March 19 to participate in a series of religious ceremonies at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as part of special celebrations marking the Hindu New Year.

During the visit, President Murmu is scheduled to instal the Shri Ram Yantra and Shri Ram Naam temple on the second floor of the temple complex and take part in Vedic prayers that will begin at around 9 A.M. The rituals will be performed by 51 Vedic scholars from southern India, Kashi, and Ayodhya under the guidance of priest Ganeshwar Shastri.

The President will also honour nearly 400 workers who contributed to the construction of the temple and hoist a flag at one of the temples located along the outer precinct, known as the parkota.
Kolkata, March 13 : CPI(M) leaders, on Friday, criticized the West Bengal government over its inability to implement the Supreme Court order which mandated the payment of 25 per cent of the DA arrears from 2008 to 2019 by March 31.

CPI(M) leader and advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya called the situation unfortunate that state government employees in West Bengal have to go on strike to secure the implementation of a Supreme Court judgement.

Speaking to IANS, he said, "A constitutional government should have immediately implemented the order of the highest constitutional body. But this (West Bengal) government is not going to do this therefore they (the employees) have to go for strike."

Various associations representing West Bengal government employees, consolidated under the collective organisation of Sangrami Joutho Mancha (Joint Movement Forum), initiated a complete work stoppage on Friday to express their discontent regarding the purported hesitation and inaction of the government concerning the disbursement of Dearness Allowance (DA).

However, the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government has already issued a notification making attendance of the employees concerned mandatory on Friday in order to avoid salary deductions, excluding those on leave with valid reasons.

Reacting on the notification, Bhattacharya said, "State government employees do not care about this threat. They have seen such threats many times before. They are more interested to ensure the implementation of their legal right."

Upon suspension of court proceedings, he said, "I am very sorry to say that court proceedings have to be suspended today because the employees were forced to go on strike to combat the apathy of the West Bengal government, their inability to implement the Supreme Court judgement."

Bhattacharya further added, "If the government doesn't implement the apex court's judgement, will it at all care about the High Court's order?"

CPI (M) leader and advocate Sayan Banerjee told IANS, "This state government is very adamant and they don't care about the Supreme Court judgments, the tribunalas decisions, or the High Courtas orders. They have this don't care attitude towards the judiciary."

Banerjee asserted that the Supreme Court held long back that the DA is a right and it should be cleared with the arrear whatever the 25 per cent is remained. "That is to be paid. So for that reason they have called for a strike. To show support I have joined their protest march," he added.

As per the Joint Movement Forum, the state government has provided sufficient signals to disregard the Supreme Court's ruling from last month, which mandated the payment of 25 per cent of the DA arrears from 2008 to 2019 by March 31. Furthermore, it was instructed to adhere to a step-by-step approach, as directed by the apex court, to ensure that DA payments to employees are aligned with those of Central government staff, along with the arrears that have accumulated since 2008.
Hyderabad, March 13 : After a long legal battle, the Telangana government has declared Gurramguda forest area in the Amangal division in Rangareddy district as a reserve forest, a senior official said on Friday.

The state government has issued a Government Order (GO) notifying 424 acres and 31 guntas of forest land as Reserve Forest under Section 15 of the Telangana Forest Act, 1967.

According to a statement issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. C. Suvarna, the government issued G.O. Ms. No. 7 dated March 9, 2026 through the Environment, Forests, Science and Technology Department.

With this notification, the legal process concerning the land has been completed and the forest area now has official Reserve Forest status, ensuring stronger legal protection.

She stated that 102 acres in Survey No. 201/1 of Sahebnagar Kalan village, part of this area, had long been under legal dispute. The matter, widely known as the 'Sahebnagar Kalan case,' was heard in various courts for several years. Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the Forest Departmentas claim, reinforcing the need to protect forest lands from encroachments and unauthorised claims.

In December 2025, the Supreme court declared 102 acres of land in Sahebnagar Kalan a part of the Gurramguda reserve forest block, and not private land.

The forest department had faced defeat in lower courts as well as the Telangana High Court. According to officials, a few people claiming to be the legal heirs of Salar Jung III, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, tried to usurp the land.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests stated that the judgment further strengthened the governmentas rights over the land.

The Telangana government has also decided to develop the area into a large Urban Forest Park. With rapid urbanisation in Hyderabad increasing the need for green spaces, the park is expected to become an important green zone for city residents.

It will be developed as a place where people can enjoy nature, promote environmental awareness, and spend leisure time with their families.

The statement added that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Telangana government is giving priority to protecting forest lands and preventing encroachments, while also expanding urban forest parks and green lung spaces around Hyderabad.

She said that declaring the Gurramguda forest area as a Reserve Forest is a significant step in that direction.
Bharuch, March 13 : Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, criticised Opposition parties for what he described as "vote bank politics" while addressing a large gathering at a 'Tribal Pride Convention' in Bharuch district on Friday.

Bharuch, March 13 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, criticised Opposition parties for what he described as "vote bank politics" while addressing a large gathering at a 'Tribal Pride Convention' in Bharuch district on Friday.

In the event, several leaders and workers from the AAP joined the BJP.

Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said Opposition parties had historically treated tribal communities primarily as a vote bank.

"For years, Congress used the tribal community only as a 'vote bank'. In the age of social media, those who try to divide society cannot tolerate the progress of tribals," he said.

According to Sanghavi, the extension of infrastructure such as mobile connectivity in tribal areas would counter the spread of misinformation.

"Parties like AAP and Congress fear that if facilities like mobile networks reach tribal areas, their shops of spreading misinformation will shut down," he said.

The convention, organised in Netrang, was attended by a large number of tribal community members from surrounding areas of Bharuch district.

During the event, former AAP candidate from Jhagadia, Urmilaben, along with several party workers, formally joined the BJP.

Sanghavi said the tribal community had played a significant role in the region's history and described it as the "true protector and rightful heir of water, land and forests".

He referred to the legacy of tribal resistance and sacrifice, noting that tribal communities had historically resisted foreign powers and contributed to major moments in India's past.

"History bears witness that tribal brothers have never bowed before foreign powers. Whether it was the sacrifice of Vegda Bhil for the protection of Somnath or the uprising of 1857, tribal kings and warriors have always defended the motherland," he said.

He also referred to the martyrdom of 1,500 Bhils under the leadership of Guru Govind, saying their sacrifice remained part of the region's historical memory.

Sanghavi highlighted development initiatives implemented after 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that programmes such as the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', household sanitation schemes, the 'Har Ghar Jal' programme and annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 to farmers had reached beneficiaries directly.

"Under the leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government had committed to establishing modern schools and Birsa Munda libraries in every taluka," he said.

Referring to political representation from the tribal community, Sanghavi said the BJP had supported tribal leaders in key positions, including the appointment of Ganpat Vasava as Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, and noted that several ministers in the state government currently belong to tribal communities.

"Leaders and workers joining the BJP had done so without seeking positions and had chosen to support, which is a development-oriented approach to politics," he said.
New Delhi, March 13 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the alleged physical assault of a woman from Manipur by a group of boys in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar area after she objected to lewd and racially abusive remarks.

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the alleged physical assault of a woman from Manipur by a group of boys in South Delhias Malviya Nagar area after she objected to lewd and racially abusive remarks.

Observing that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights, the apex human rights body has issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The NHRC said the report is expected to include the present status of the victimas health as well as the progress of the police investigation.

According to the media report, the incident occurred on March 8 when the victim was taking pictures with her transgender friend from Assam at a park in the Malviya Nagar locality.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police officials stated that four juveniles were apprehended during raids conducted in the locality after the incident was reported within the jurisdiction of the Malviya Nagar Police Station.

According to preliminary information, the victims a" a woman from Manipur and a transgender person from Assam a" were walking in a park near the Saket court complex when the group allegedly began making racially offensive remarks at them.

When the woman objected to the comments, the situation reportedly escalated into an argument, following which the group allegedly assaulted them -- punching them and hitting them with belts while also hurling abusive and derogatory slurs.

The injured woman was later taken to Safdarjung Hospital for medical examination and treatment. Authorities said she is currently stable and sustained minor injuries in the assault.

Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed anger over the incident, describing the assault as 'sickening,' and said that repeated attacks on people from the Northeast in mainland India are deeply concerning.

--IANS

pds/vd
New Delhi, March 13 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the India-UK free trade agreement could come into force soon, noting that the ratification process is moving quickly in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a commemorative session marking two years of the signing of the IndiaEFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, organised by ASSOCHAM via video conference in the national capital, Goyal said the agreement with the UK is progressing rapidly and could become one of the fastest trade deals to be approved by the UK Parliament.

He noted that the trade agreement was signed on July 24 during the visit of Narendra Modi to the United Kingdom at Chequers and expressed optimism that it could soon enter into force.

"The swift progress reflects strong cooperation between the two countries and the efforts of the Indian diplomatic team in London," Goyal mentioned.

During his address, the minister also highlighted the significance of the India-EFTA trade pact, calling it a major milestone in India's economic engagement with Europe.

"The agreement marked the beginning of deeper economic ties with the European region and paved the way for further trade deals," Goyal mentioned.

Goyal pointed out that after concluding the EFTA agreement, India went on to finalise the trade pact with the United Kingdom and later reached an agreement with the 27-nation European Union.

He noted that Ursula von der Leyen had described the India-EU agreement as the "mother of all deals".

The minister also emphasised the investment commitments secured under the EFTA agreement.

"The four EFTA countries -- Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland -- have committed to invest 100 billion dollars in India under a legally binding provision of the agreement," he stated.

"The investment commitment is expected to create around one million jobs in India's economic ecosystem," Goyal explained.

He said the agreement is unique because it combines a free trade agreement with a legally binding investment commitment, something that has not been seen before in global trade negotiations.
Raipur, March 13 : In a symbolic step towards rehabilitation and mainstream integration, 78 surrendered Maoists from Sukma district visited the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur on Friday.

The group, comprising former cadres who once operated in the dense jungles of Bastar, observed live proceedings of the House  the very "Temple of Democracy" they had long rejected under Maoist ideology.

Organised under the state's "surrender and rehabilitation policy", the educational tour aimed to expose these individuals to the democratic process, demonstrating how elected representatives debate and enact laws for public welfare.

The visit marked a profound shift; feet that once traversed guerrilla paths with weapons now climbed the Assembly steps as citizens seeking reintegration.

Upon arrival, the former Maoists watched the session from the visitors' gallery, gaining insights into legislative functioning, constituency representation and governance.

They also interacted with senior officials, including Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, who engaged with the group. Sukma MLA Kawasi Lakhma, a former minister hailing from the district, personally welcomed them, praising their courage in abandoning violence and wishing them success in rebuilding their lives.

The surrendered individuals described the experience as "eye-opening".

Many expressed astonishment at the contrast between the democratic realities they witnessed and the distorted narratives of state oppression propagated during their time in the forests.

They now aspire to lead normal lives as law-abiding citizens, benefiting from government schemes providing food, shelter, skill training, employment opportunities and financial assistance.

Chhattisgarh's rehabilitation approach extends beyond weapon surrender.

It emphasises holistic reintegration through exposure programmes like this tour, intended to foster trust in constitutional institutions and promote dialogue over armed conflict.

Official figures indicate a significant surge in surrenders: over 2,500 Maoists have laid down arms in the past year and a half, with thousands more surrendering in recent years amid intensified security operations and development initiatives in Bastar.

The government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026, combining firm counter-insurgency measures with rehabilitation initiatives.
New Delhi, March 13 : The CBI on Friday interrogated Anil Ambani's son Jai Anmol Anil Ambani in connection with the Rs 228 crore bank fraud case involving Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL).

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) The CBI on Friday interrogated Anil Ambanias son Jai Anmol Anil Ambani in connection with the Rs 228 crore bank fraud case involving Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL).

Jai Anmol Anil Ambani, who is also an accused in the case, was questioned by the investigating officer for around 6.5 hours at the CBI headquarters in the national capital.

He has been asked to appear for further examination before the investigating officer on Saturday as well.

The CBI, on December 6, 2025, registered a case in the Rs bank fraud case in which Reliance Home Finance Ltd., Jai Anmol Anil Ambani, Ravindra Sudhalkar, unknown persons, and unknown public servants are the accused.

The premier investigative agency had summoned Jai Anmol Anil Ambani for interrogation on Friday at the CBI head office in Delhi.

A criminal case has been registered by the CBI against the RHFL, a company of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, its promoters/directors and unknown bank officials, on the basis of a complaint by the Union Bank of India on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct and thereby causing wrongful loss of Rs 228.06 crore to the Union Bank of India (e-Andhra Bank).

The account of the RHFL was declared a non-performing asset (NPA) on September 30, 2019 and as a fraud on October 10, 2024, by the Union Bank of India.

It availed of loans to the tune of Rs. 5572.35 crores from 18 banks, FIs, NBFCs and corporate bodies, including the Union Bank of India. A thorough investigation is being conducted into the allegations of defrauding all the banks and FIs by the accused company.

The CBI obtained search warrants from the court of the Special Judge for CBI, Mumbai and conducted searches at two official premises of Reliance Home Finance Ltd., residential premises of Jai Anmol Ambani, the then Director of Reliance Home Finance Ltd. and residential premises of Sudhalkar, Ex-CEO and whole-time Director of RHFL, all at Mumbai, on December 9, 2025. Several incriminating documents were taken into possession during the searches.
Kolkata, March 13 : Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday met the newly appointed and 22nd Governor, R.N. Ravi, and urged him to take action against Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and acting Director General of Police Peeyush Pandey over the alleged breach of protocol during the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the state.

"I have requested the Governor to take steps to protect the constitutional and democratic procedures in the state. At the same time, I requested him to take action against the Chief Secretary and the acting Director General of Police over the breach of protocol during the recent visit of the President of India to the state, which was basically an insult to her," Adhikari told mediapersons after meeting the Governor at Lok Bhavan.

According to the Leader of the Opposition, the entire state had been shamed following the developments during the President's visit. "The state government did not bother to respect and follow the protocol during the President's visit to West Bengal. The pillars of democracy are collapsing in West Bengal. I updated the Governor about the situation in the state," he added.

Incidentally, Adhikari could not attend Ravi's oath ceremony at Lok Bhavan on Thursday morning as he was in New Delhi at the time.

"So after I arrived in Kolkata this morning, my first task was to meet the new Governor.

"I also assured the Governor of my full cooperation and coordination with him as the Leader of the Opposition for the overall development of the state, maintenance of law and order, and all public welfare initiatives. I also presented the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and wished him a successful and productive tenure," Adhikari said.

Ravi succeeds C.V. Ananda Bose, who suddenly resigned from the post on the evening of March 5, following which Ravi's name was announced as his successor the same evening. Ravi arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday, while Bose left the city for his hometown in Kerala.

Ravi is the second former Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer to be sworn in as the Governor of West Bengal in the last one-and-a-half decades.

Before the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections in 2011, which marked the end of the 34-year-long Left Front regime and the beginning of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, former IB chief and National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan was sworn in as the Governor of the state.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 : Even as recent electoral trends in Kerala have favoured the opposition, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Friday reiterated its confidence that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) will retain power with a massive majority in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The assertion was made by CPI-M State Secretary M.V. Govindan while speaking to the media here.

He said the process of finalising LDF candidates is nearing completion and that the names would be announced immediately after the election schedule is declared.

However, the claim comes at a time when the Left Front, ahead of every election held after the 2021 Assembly polls, and the CPI-M in particular, has made tall claims of sweeping the polls.

But the political momentum appeared to shift in favour of the Congress-led opposition each time.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when votes were counted in Kerala, the LDF managed to secure just one of the 20 seats in the state.

This was followed by a series of by-elections in which, barring one constituency, the rest were won convincingly by the United Democratic Front (UDF).

More recently, in the local body elections held in December, the Left had expressed confidence of repeating its dominance.

The results, however, saw the Congress-led UDF register what party leaders described as one of its best performances in the history of local body polls in Kerala.

Despite these setbacks, Govindan on Friday maintained that the LDF would secure a decisive mandate in the next Assembly election.

He also criticised the foreign policy of the Central government, alleging that Indiaas growing alignment with the US is undermining the countryas sovereignty and self-reliance.

According to him, this policy shift began during Congress-led governments and is now being aggressively pursued by the government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Govindan said Indiaas traditional foreign policy had been to oppose what he termed American imperialism.

However, he argued that this approach began to change during the tenure of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, after which India moved closer to the US.

He also pointed out that diplomatic relations with Israel were restored during that period and alleged that through the nuclear agreement India compromised its self-reliance and sovereignty, effectively becoming a junior partner of the US.

India had earlier adopted a non-aligned position against what he described as the war policies of American imperialism, but the country now finds itself in a dangerous situation of being fully aligned with the US, Govindan added.
Washington, March 13 : The Pentagon on Friday said Iran, not the United States or its allies, was responsible for disruptions to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

At a Pentagon news conference, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said commercial traffic could move through the waterway but was being threatened by Iranian actions during the ongoing conflict.

"The only thing prohibiting transit in the Straits right now is Iran shooting at shipping," Hegseth said.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with global markets and carries a significant share of the world's oil shipments, making any disruption closely watched by energy-importing countries, including India.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. forces were actively targeting Iranian capabilities used to threaten maritime traffic.

"Our bases or our partners there are continuing to destroy the Iranian Navy," Caine said, adding that American forces were also attacking Iran's mine-laying capabilities and naval infrastructure.

"This means going after Iran's mine-laying capability and destroying their ability to attack commercial vessels," he said.

Caine said U.S. strikes had already significantly degraded Iranian naval strength during the campaign.

"In less than two weeks, we've rendered the Iranian Navy combat ineffective," he said.

Despite the progress, he cautioned that Iran still retained the ability to threaten shipping.

"Iran still can harm friendly forces and commercial shipping, and our work on this effort continues," Caine said.

Hegseth said the United States had long anticipated the possibility of Iran attempting to disrupt shipping through the strait.

"For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

"We have a plan for every option here."

He added that Washington was coordinating with other government agencies and international partners to ensure energy supplies continued to flow.

"We're working with our interagency partners to make sure that energy flows," Hegseth said.

The strait has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint during any confrontation with Iran, which has repeatedly threatened to block the route during periods of heightened tensions.

The narrow channel is vital to global energy markets, with roughly one-fifth of the world's oil shipments passing through the waterway each day.

For India, one of the largest importers of Gulf crude, stability in the Strait of Hormuz is particularly important as disruptions can quickly raise energy costs and affect global shipping and insurance markets.
Patna, March 13 : Panic has gripped parts of Saran district in Bihar after five persons died under suspicious circumstances since March 11, raising fears of another possible hooch tragedy in the region.

According to officials, two deaths were reported from areas under the Panapur police station, while three others occurred in areas under the Mashrak police station.

The sudden deaths have created anxiety among villagers and raised questions about law and order as well as the effectiveness of the district administration.

The homes of the deceased are filled with grief, and family members have alleged that the victims died after consuming spurious liquor.

Relatives claim that the victims had consumed alcohol shortly before their health deteriorated.

According to family members, the victims complained of diminishing eyesight and severe restlessness -- symptoms often associated with suspected spurious liquor consumption.

However, the district administration has refrained from making any definitive statement until official medical reports are received.

Soon after receiving information about the incident, senior officials from the district administration and police rushed to the affected villages.

The police have taken all five bodies into custody and sent them for post-mortem examinations.

Officials said the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the post-mortem and viscera reports are available.

At present, the police have registered the cases as "suspicious deaths" and launched an investigation.

Following the incident, the police have intensified raids in several areas of Mashrak and Panapur to track down those involved in the illegal liquor trade and production.

Special teams have been formed to dismantle suspected networks supplying spurious liquor in the region.

Authorities have also issued an alert across the district and are closely monitoring suspicious activities to prevent any further incidents.

The Bihar government imposed a ban on the production, trade, consumption and transportation of liquor in April 2016.

However, hooch tragedies continue to be reported from different districts of Bihar.
Los Angeles, March 13 : Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler has shared that she felt like "the boyfriend" in her past relationships.

The 24-year-old actress, who is rumoured to have split from Nathan Louis-Fernand, and is still on good terms with West Side Story co-star and ex Josh Andres Rivera, has shared a series of snaps and life updates, and included a meme which caught the eye of fellow Broadway star Roman Banks, reports 'Female First UK'.

He commented "slide 14 lmaooo", referring to a post which read, "I can't wait to be a girlfriend cause last time I was the boyfriend".

Rachel said, "Not just last time EVERY TIME". She was first linked to Nathan in July 2025 after they worked together on the West End run of Evita.

As per 'Female First UK', however, cryptic social media posts in January sparked speculation about a split, while she has unfollowed him on Instagram. Among the posts was a screenshot of a Google search of the term "how to fumble a baddie", along with a drawing by artist Ben Lenovitz which showed a woman walking a dog and smoking a cigarette, reading, "I'll never get a boyfriend".

Although Rachel hasn't said much publicly, she recently hinted at experiencing "heartbreak", which meant she was in a good place to take on the role of Cathy in The Last Five Years, which tells her story backwards while her husband Jamie (Ben Platt) is chronological.

She told Harper's BAZAAR magazine, "Cathy was my dream role when I was 16, but I had never experienced heartbreak then. Now I have, and that's just what it means to be alive. I'll be bringing that lived experience of disappointment, together with the acknowledgement that doing it anyway is where the love story lives, and where the drama lives".

While she has had some tough times, Rachel, who the outlet notes is currently single - revealed how she has turned to therapy, insisting that mental health care should be open to more than just the wealthy, because "everybody deserves to understand what's going on in their own mind and heart".

She said, "It's been helpful for a lot of reasons, and it's how I'm able to show up every day. I long for a time when it's not taboo to talk about and explore in a way that is universal and accessible".
Agartala, March 13 : Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu on Friday said the state has witnessed a significant improvement in law and order over the past year, with overall crime declining by 8.33 per cent between April and November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Addressing the opening day of the budget session of the Tripura Assembly, the Governor said several categories of crime recorded notable declines.

Property-related offences dropped by 18.51 per cent, crimes against women by 11 per cent, rape cases by 33 per cent, murder by 26 per cent, and cases of hurt and assault by 10 per cent, reflecting stronger deterrence and improved policing.

Highlighting the state's anti-drug drive under the "Nesha Mukt Tripura" campaign, he said 350 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 against 515 accused between April and November 2025.

During the same period, security forces seized 22,606.50 kg of ganja, 2,11,141 bottles of cough syrup, 6,06,379 tablets methamphetamine, and 1,937.88 grams of heroin/brown sugar.

Authorities also destroyed more than 2.10 crore ganja plants or saplings, marking a 74.45 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

The Governor said the implementation of new criminal laws has led to a sharp rise in conviction rates, increasing from 29.47 per cent (JanuaryJune 2024) to 60.50 per cent (July-December 2024) and further to 68.25 per cent between January and November 2025.

On the rehabilitation of displaced tribal communities, the Governor said the state government successfully resettled 6,935 Reang tribal families (37,584 individuals) who had fled Mizoram.

The rehabilitation followed the quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020 between the Centre, the governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and representatives of the refugees.

The families have been rehabilitated across 12 locations, with the state completing 6,678 houses along with infrastructure such as roads, schools, anganwadi centres, health and wellness centres, drinking water facilities, electricity, fair price shops and cooperative societies.

In the agriculture sector, the Governor said the government is creating a farmers' registry covering 2.71 lakh farmers and implementing a Digital Crop Survey in one village per district, which helped the state qualify for Rs 260 crore in special assistance from the Centre.

Under PM-KISAN, a total of Rs 87.47 crore has been credited to 2.17 lakh farmers, while 96,000 farmers have been insured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

In higher education, the state has initiated steps to upgrade Women's College into a Women's University and the Tripura Institute of Technology into a State Technical University.

The Governor also highlighted a major achievement in education, stating that Tripura was declared a fully literate state on June 23, 2025, becoming the third state in India to reach the milestone with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent under the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Tourism infrastructure has also been strengthened.

The state has constructed 10 new log huts at Chabimura, taking the total to 51 under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, he stated.

Waterfront development projects at Jagannath Dighi in Udaipur, along with new visitor facilities at Surmacherra, Neermahal and Chabimura, have been completed.

Laser, light and sound shows have also been introduced at Krishnasagar and Neermahal, enhancing visitor experience.

Reddy Nallu said that the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district has been upgraded under the PRASHAD scheme at a cost of Rs 52 crore, while Alpana Gram in Lankamura has been recognised nationally as one of the best tourism villages.

Additionally, a Rs 97.70 crore project to build a replica complex of 51 Shakti Peethas at Banduar park has commenced, while ADB-funded projects worth Rs 179.72 crore are underway to develop major religious and heritage sites across the state, the Governor said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 13 : Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Friday launched the Sujal Gaon ID, a schemeabased unique digital identifier that enables complete digital mapping of rural piped water supply assets.

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Friday launched the Sujal Gaon ID, a schemea'based unique digital identifier that enables complete digital mapping of rural piped water supply assets.

The IDs were released by the Minister during a meeting with Ministers of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED)/Rural Water Supply (RWS) and Panchayati Raj Departments of States and Union Territories to discuss the implementation roadmap of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, said a statement.

For the first time in the country, every rural drinking water scheme is being assigned a digital identity, bringing the rural water supply system onto a unified national platform, he said.

So far, 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs across 31 States/ UTs have been created, linked to 67,000 Sujalam Bharat IDs.

Earlier, Paatil urged States to ensure the timely completion of schemes and strengthen ona'ground monitoring.

As water is a state subject, the success of the Mission rests on the accountability of State Governments in delivering a reliable tap water supply to rural households, he said.

V. Somanna, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, also attended the meeting.

He highlighted that delays in some States have arisen due to technical shortcomings and emphasised that any expenditure resulting from oversized or technically non-compliant works will have to be borne by the respective State Governments, noting that State funds are also public money and must therefore be used with the highest standards of vigilance and accountability.

He stressed strict adherence to approved technical specifications, expenditure limits and proper source assessment to ensure longa'term sustainability of rural water supply systems.

An official statement said that each Sujalam Bharat ID integrates the schemeas infrastructure ID and service area ID, creating a comprehensive digital footprint of rural water service delivery.

This initiative marks a significant digital reform, a transformative, systema'changing step that strengthens transparency, monitoring and contributes to the vision of a technologically empowered Viksit Bharat @2047, it said.
Washington, March 13 : The US said Friday that its military campaign against Iran had sharply degraded Tehran's armed forces, with more than 6,000 targets struck and Iranian naval power rendered "combat ineffective" as the conflict entered its 13th day.

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The US said Friday that its military campaign against Iran had sharply degraded Tehran's armed forces, with more than 6,000 targets struck and Iranian naval power rendered "combat ineffective" as the conflict entered its 13th day.

At a Pentagon news conference, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said American forces were intensifying operations under what officials described as Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, naval assets, and defence industrial base.

"This morning, we enter the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury, and we continue to make progress toward our military objectives," Caine told reporters.

The U.S. military has carried out a sustained air and missile campaign across Iran, striking military facilities, production centres, and launch systems that officials say enable Tehran to threaten American forces, regional partners, and commercial shipping.

"We've attacked over 6,000 targets, and our strike packages continue to launch every hour," Caine said. "Centcom is now persistently over the enemy."

According to the Pentagon, the campaign has significantly reduced Iran's ability to conduct military operations.

"As Admiral Cooper said in his update on Wednesday, Iranian combat power continues to decline as a result of the continued strikes," Caine said.

He added that American forces had inflicted major damage on Iran's naval capabilities.

"In less than two weeks, we've rendered the Iranian Navy combat ineffective and continue to attack naval vessels," he said, including ships armed with anti-ship and anti-aircraft weapons.

U.S. officials said the military campaign was designed to dismantle Iran's capacity to threaten maritime traffic and project power in the region.

"Our bases or our partners there are continuing to destroy the Iranian Navy," Caine said.

American forces are also targeting Iran's mine-laying capabilities and infrastructure linked to attacks on commercial shipping.

"This means going after Iran's mine-laying capability and destroying their ability to attack commercial vessels," he said.

Despite the progress reported by the Pentagon, Caine cautioned that Iran still retained some capacity to threaten U.S. forces and international shipping.

"Iran still can harm friendly forces and commercial shipping, and our work on this effort continues," he said.

Defence Secretary Hegseth said the objectives of the military campaign had remained consistent since the beginning of the conflict.

"We've defined these objectives. We're pursuing those objectives," he said.

He said the United States was focused on destroying Iranian missile launchers, crippling its defence industrial base, and degrading its naval forces.

"Launchers, missile launchers, defence industrial base, their navy, the ability to project power on the naval sense leading toward denying them the ability to get a nuclear weapon," Hegseth said.

The defence secretary stressed that the administration was deliberately avoiding broader military or political objectives that had characterised earlier U.S. wars in the region.

"Mission creep or expansive missions or prolonged timelines or democracy building or nation building, you name it, has not been part of what President Trump wants us to be involved in," he said.

Hegseth said President Donald Trump would ultimately determine the pace and duration of the campaign.

"The President has his hand on the throttle and will decide ultimately when they've been reached," he said.

The Pentagon also indicated that the intensity of U.S. strikes was continuing to increase.

Caine said Thursday would be the most active day of the campaign so far.

"Today will be our busiest day," he said.

Hegseth said the operation was ramping up across multiple domains.

"We continue to ramp up every tool of AI, of cyber, of space, EW, counter-UAS  you name it, we're employing it," he said.

The briefing also addressed concerns about the security of global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

Caine said Iranian actions were responsible for disruptions to commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

"The only thing preventing commercial traffic and flow through the Straits right now is Iran," he said.

The Pentagon said the United States was prioritising operations aimed at neutralising Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic.

"We've made it a priority to target Iran's mine-laying enterprise," Caine said.

Hegseth said Washington had long anticipated Iranian attempts to use the strait as leverage during a conflict.

"For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

"We have a plan for every option here."

The briefing also touched on the risks and costs of the ongoing military campaign.

Caine confirmed that a U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft had crashed over western Iraq during a combat mission.

The incident, he said, was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.

"We're still treating this as an active rescue and recovery operation," Caine said.

He added that four airmen had been recovered and that updates would be provided as more information became available.

"Our service members make an incredible sacrifice to go forward and do the things that the nation asks of them," he said.

The chairman also noted a fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, saying the Pentagon was monitoring the situation and referring further questions to the Navy.

Both officials praised U.S. troops involved in the campaign, particularly artillery forces supporting the operation.

Caine said American soldiers and Marines had fired the Precision Strike Missile for the first time in combat during the conflict.

"In just the first 13 days of this operation, our artillery forces have made history," he said.

"They fired the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat, reaching deep into enemy territory."

The general described speaking with soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

"One had been in the Army only six months and had been in the unit for two months and was already deployed," Caine said.

Despite their youth, he said the troops carried out their missions with professionalism and discipline.

"They spoke with the sense of calm, pride, purpose and clarity," he said.

The confrontation between Washington and Tehran comes amid longstanding tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, its missile arsenal and its network of regional proxies across the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, carrying a large share of global oil shipments each day.

Developments in the conflict are being closely watched by energy-importing countries, including India, which relies heavily on crude oil supplies from the Gulf region and whose economy is sensitive to disruptions in global energy markets.
New Delhi, March 13 : A first-year undergraduate student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi was found dead in his hostel room at the New Vindhyachal Apartments on the campus, officials said on Friday.

The incident triggered concern among students and the institute's administration.

The institute stated that the studentas body was discovered inside his room on Thursday morning.

According to officials, the matter was immediately reported to the police, following which a team from the Delhi Police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. The body has been taken into custody and sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

In a statement, the IIT Delhi administration expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely death of the student and said the institute is fully cooperating with the investigating agencies, and further details will emerge once the police complete their preliminary probe.

"The institute stands in solidarity with the studentas family during this difficult time and is extending all possible assistance to them," the IIT Delhi administration said.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom on the campus. Students have expressed shock and concern over the development.

The institute said counselling and mental health support services are available for students on campus.

Police have said that all aspects of the case are being examined and the exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem report is received.

The IIT administration and the police have not released the name of the deceased student yet.

The issue of mental health and stress among students in premier higher education institutions, including IITs, has frequently been raised in recent times, with several cases discussed in the Parliament.

The Union Ministry of Education had recently taken cognisance of a similar incident at IIT Kanpur and constituted a three-member committee to review the implementation of mental health and well-being guidelines.

The ministry had issued framework guidelines in July 2023 aimed at strengthening emotional and mental well-being support systems in higher education institutions across the country. These guidelines emphasise counselling services, faculty sensitisation, continuous mentoring, and the creation of early warning mechanisms to identify students facing stress or vulnerability.
Imphal, March 13 : In an exceptional display of ethnic harmony, 24 young people from four different communities of Manipur -- Meitei, Kuki, Naga and Meitei Pangal (Muslim) -- have completed a 10-day National Integration Tour covering Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal, officials said on Friday.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with First Lady Jyoti Bhalla, on Friday visited the Assam Rifles 9th Sector headquarters at New Keithelmanbi Garrison and flagged in the 24-member youth team from Manipur that had participated in the National Integration Tour across the country.

A senior official said the team visited Thiruvananthapuram, Kanniyakumari, Mumbai and Kolkata during the 10-day tour. During their visit, the participants also had the opportunity to call on Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

According to the official, the initiative aimed to foster the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' and provide the participants an opportunity to experience the nation's cultural diversity, heritage and technological progress.

Brigadier Pratyush Kumar, Deputy Inspector General of the 9th Sector Assam Rifles, apprised the Governor about the National Integration Tour.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the tour had given the youth an opportunity to witness the country's cultural diversity and understand how people from different communities live and work together across India.

He noted that such exposure helps broaden perspectives, strengthen the spirit of national unity, and encourage young participants to share their experiences with their peers and communities.

The Governor expressed confidence that the lessons and memories from the tour would inspire the participants to contribute positively to society and work towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.

He also appealed to the participants to carry forward the message of national unity and harmony across the state.

The participants shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles for organising the exposure visit. The Governor also interacted with the participants of the National Integration Tour.

Meanwhile, on March 3, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, while flagging off the National Integration Tour, expressed happiness that the participants represented an integrated Manipur, as they belonged to various communities residing in the state.

The Chief Minister had said that during the ethnic conflict in the state, more than 47,000 people from both the Meitei and Kuki communities were relocated to safer zones by the Assam Rifles to ensure their security and well-being.

He commended the prompt and dedicated efforts of the Assam Rifles in carrying out the relocation process during the hostilities.

The Chief Minister further said that despite differences, elders should not jeopardise the future of children.

"We should forgive and forget the past and jointly move towards bringing peace and development in the state," he observed.

--IANS

sc/pgh
Kathmandu, March 13 : The government of Nepal has decided to stop providing visa-on-arrival facilities to Iranian citizens visiting the country amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict in West Asia, the country's Department of Immigration said on Friday.

Kathmandu, March 13 (IANS) The government of Nepal has decided to stop providing visa-on-arrival facilities to Iranian citizens visiting the country amid the ongoing USIran conflict in West Asia, the country's Department of Immigration said on Friday.

"The move is aimed at preventing an influx of Iranian citizens into Nepal due to the ongoing conflict in the region," Ram Chandra Tiwari, Director General of the department, told IANS. "We have been adopting similar policies for other nations affected by conflicts."

He said that, based on the recommendation of the department, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to stop providing visa-on-arrival facilities to Iranian citizens.

"The decision was taken on national security grounds, as there is also a possibility that Iranians could enter the country via India through the porous border," he said.

Under the new provision, Iranian nationals  except those holding official and diplomatic passports  will now be required to obtain a visa from a Nepali Embassy or diplomatic mission abroad before entering Nepal, the department said. With this decision, the number of countries whose citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Nepal has reached 13.

The other countries or territories whose citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria.

The Nepali government has also maintained that individuals travelling with refugee-status travel documents must obtain a visa from a Nepali diplomatic mission abroad before entering the country.

Nepal has been expressing concern about a potential influx of foreign nationals who could seek refugee status after arriving in the country. In the past, hundreds of Rohingya refugees arrived in Nepal due to the war waged by Myanmar's military government against them. Nepal also hosted more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees for two decades since the early 1990s, before most of them were resettled in several Western countries.

When asked whether the decision was also aimed at addressing US security concerns regarding Iranian nationals in Nepal, Tiwari said this was not a factor behind the decision.

"We have not received any diplomatic communication from the US about any threat posed by Iranian nationals in Nepal," Tiwari said.

The department said the latest measure regarding Iranian nationals is part of Nepal's immigration regulations governing entry procedures for certain nationalities.
Phnom Penh, March 13 : The Cambodian government on Friday approved a draft law on combating online scams, which will deliver severe sentences to masterminds, a minister said.

The approval was made during a weekly Cabinet meeting, said Cambodia's Information Minister Neth Pheaktra.

"This law is the most important legal instrument for Cambodia in combating scams online, fighting money laundering, and demonstrating that Cambodia is not a paradise or a safe haven for criminals," he told Xinhua news agency. "Cambodia is not, and will never be, a safe haven for online scam criminals."

Pheaktra said this bill will help prevent and eliminate online scams from Cambodian territory. Under the draft, ringleaders of online scam centers will face between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 billion riels (about 250,000 US dollars), and they will face between 10 and 20 years in jail and a fine of up to 2 billion riels (about 500,000 dollars) if their operations are found to involve violence, torture, illegal confinement, human trafficking, or forced labour.

Online scam bosses will face between 15 and 30 years or life imprisonment if their operations lead to one or many deaths, the draft law said, adding that online scammers will be imprisoned between two and five years with a fine of up to 500 million riels (about 125,000 dollars).

The draft bill will need to be adopted by the National Assembly and finally reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to King Norodom Sihamoni for promulgation.

The Southeast Asian country has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks to maintain social security, safety, and public order, and to restore the kingdom's image on the international stage, with authorities vowing to eradicate online scam centers by April this year.

Interior Minister Sar Sokha said that Cambodia has deported more than 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, as over 210,000 others have voluntarily left the kingdom after operations against online scams have intensified since June last year.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday said that India and the United States continue to remain engaged in discussions for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, rejecting media reports that suggested a pause in negotiations.

In a statement, the ministry clarified that there has been no hold on bilateral engagement between the two countries.

It said both sides are actively working towards a trade agreement that will benefit businesses and economic cooperation in both nations.

"We have noted a media report regarding ongoing trade talks with the US. It is denied that there is any hold off in bilateral engagement. It is reiterated that the two sides remain engaged for a mutually beneficial trade agreement," the ministry said.

The clarification comes at a time when India and the US are increasing diplomatic and economic engagement across multiple areas, including trade, defence and supply chain cooperation.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi.

Landau visited India from March 3 to 6 to represent the US at the global conference and to discuss several aspects of bilateral cooperation.

According to the US State Department, the visit focused on strengthening ties in areas such as defence, critical minerals and counternarcotics, while also working to deepen commercial and economic relations between the two countries.

The discussions also aimed to expand market access for American businesses and advance the shared vision of both nations for a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry representatives and strategic experts to discuss major international issues.

The three-day event was organised by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Patna, March 13 : Amid concerns over the availability of cooking gas across Bihar, the Department of Food and Consumer Protection, Bihar, has set up a control room in Patna to address public grievances related to oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The control room has been established to provide prompt assistance to consumers facing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders.

It will remain operational daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, during which residents from across the state can lodge complaints or seek information regarding LPG availability and distribution.

Consumers can contact the departmental control room at 0612-2233050 to report issues.

Officials said the department will take immediate cognisance of complaints and ensure necessary action is taken.

The department has also urged people not to panic and instead contact the control room for quick resolution of their problems.

Meanwhile, Tyagarajan SM, the District Magistrate of Patna, said there is no shortage of LPG in the district.

He added that the administration is keeping a strict watch on hoarders and black marketers, while a control room has been established to address public grievances.

However, the situation appeared tense in Katihar, where long queues formed outside gas agencies despite the administration claiming that adequate stock was available and that reports of shortages were merely rumours.

Amid the crowd of people waiting to refill their cylinders, one woman reportedly fainted.

In Araria, the administration conducted a major raid under the leadership of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and seized 135 LPG cylinders allegedly stored illegally for black marketing.

Officials said the cylinders were recovered from a warehouse where they had been hoarded.

A similar situation was witnessed in Sasaram, where consumers gathered outside gas agencies from early morning.

Many residents said they had been standing in queues since 5:00 AM, waiting to refill their LPG cylinders.

Hundreds of people carrying cylinders were seen outside several agencies.

Locals said the shortage was causing difficulties, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan is currently underway, and families require cooking gas for daily meals.

The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against hoarding and black marketing, while efforts are being made to ensure smooth LPG supply across the state.
New Delhi, March 13 : The Centre on Friday advised consumers to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG as adequate stocks are available across the country.

No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at any of the 1 lakh retail outlets by the Oil Marketing Companies. Adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available, and supplies are being maintained regularly, a senior Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry official said.

The official underlined that India currently has a refining capacity of around 258 MMTPA and is the fourth largest refining hub in the world. The country is self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel, and no imports of petrol and diesel are required to meet domestic demand. All refineries are currently operating at high levels, including some of them even above 100 per cent capacity.

All Indian refineries are also currently maintaining adequate crude oil inventories, and supplies are being continuously received through diversified import sources and shipping routes.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry official briefed the media on the current energy supply situation and the steps being taken to ensure the continued availability of petroleum products and LPG despite concerns about supply due to the prevailing geopolitical situation and closure of the Hormuz Strait.

The Government has also issued a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act, which directs 100 per cent supply of PNG and CNG with no cuts. So, there is no need to panic and supplies to industrial & commercial consumers are being regulated at 80 per cent, the official said.

Around 3.73 MMSCM per day of gas is being consumed across the Domestic PNG segment, for which adequate gas supply is available across geographical areas.

More than 1.5 crore PNG households in India are currently being served natural gas in their homes and will continue to be served without any hindrance. In view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, it is advisable to promote the use of domestically supplied PNG for residential consumers so as to conserve domestic LPG cylinders. The conserved LPG cylinders may be diverted for use in other consumer areas, where PNG connectivity is not available, the official pointed out.

In order to ease the supply concerns related to LPG, the government is taking up with different City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities authorised in major urban centres in the country to immediately offer new PNG connections to the affected commercial and industrial consumers. The commercial and industrial consumers can contact their local city gas distribution company to get a new connection.
Kolkata, Mar 13 : Amid recent controversies over a breach of protocol during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Darjeeling district in West Bengal to address an International Santal Conclave last week, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sought one Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and one Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the district for central deputation.

Kolkata, Mar 13 (IANS) Amid recent controversies over a breach of protocol during President Droupadi Murmuas visit to Darjeeling district in West Bengal to address an International Santal Conclave last week, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sought one Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and one Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the district for central deputation.

The two officers are the current district magistrate of Darjeeling, Manish Mishra, and the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, C. Sudhakar.

A communication on this matter has already reached the state secretariat at Nabanna from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday, according to an insider at the secretariat.

Incidentally, the state government has already released Mishra from his duties as Darjeeling district magistrate. The former special secretary to the North Bengal Development Department, Sunil Agarwal, has taken charge as the new district magistrate.

As per rules, since the President is the constitutional head of the country, any negligence in her security or protocol allows the Union Government to seek officers on central deputation, even overriding objections from the state government.

The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of Rule 6(1) of the IPS (Cadre) Rules, 1954, under which the Union Government retains authority to override a stateas decision on transfer and deputation of IPS officers, if necessary. If a state government refuses to release a selected officer for central deputation, the officer can be barred from such deputation for five years.

Such developments can hinder the career growth of the IPS officer concerned, as at least two years of central deputation is mandatory for officers of the 2011 batch or later to become eligible for empanelment as Inspector General.

The President attended the International Santal Conclave at Siliguri on March 7. However, there were complaints of breach of protocol during her visit, and even the President herself expressed mild dissatisfaction over the matter.

There were also allegations that protocol was not followed regarding her security.
Islamabad, March 13 : The US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday extended the suspension of its visa services until March 20 while stating that all consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore also remain suspended.

In a statement shared on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad mentioned, "The US Embassy in Islamabad continues to serve US citizens requiring routine and emergency services. All immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments are cancelled through March 20. Affected visa applicants will receive instructions by email on rescheduling their appointments."

The Embassy shared the details of the website, where applicants can check the status of their appointment. The Embassy further stated, "All consular services at the US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore remain suspended."

On March 3, the US ordered non-emergency government employees and family members of staff at its Consulates in Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan, citing safety concerns, according to an official statement.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Pakistan said, "On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and the family members of US government personnel from US Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks. There is no change to the status of Embassy Islamabad."

The decision was taken after protests erupted in Pakistan following the killing of Iranas Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes in Pakistan, including 10 outside the US Consulate in Karachi, and 11 in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan's (PoGB) Skardu, where the crowd also torched a UN office. Two protestors were killed in Islamabad, Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune reported.

In Karachi, demonstrators gathered outside the Consulate, where witnesses reported gunfire in the area.

In Lahore, hundreds of protesters assembled outside the Consulate, with clashes reported after police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

In Islamabad, protesters attempted to march towards the Embassy despite roadblocks and heavy security deployment.
Washington, March 13 : U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used part of a Pentagon briefing on the Iran conflict on Friday to sharply criticise media coverage of the war and even suggest alternative headlines he said would better reflect the situation on the battlefield.

Speaking during a news conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth accused sections of the press of mischaracterising the conflict and focusing on narratives that, in his view, overstated Iran's position while underplaying U.S. military gains.

"Allow me to make a few suggestions," Hegseth told reporters. "People look up at the TV, and they see banners. They see headlines."

The Defence Secretary said he was familiar with the industry from his past career in television.

"I used to be in that business, and I know that everything is written intentionally," he said.

Hegseth pointed to examples of television graphics he said had appeared in recent coverage of the war.

"For example, a banner or a headline 'Mideast war intensifies' splashing on the screen the last couple of days alongside visuals of civilian or energy targets that Iran has hit," he said.

According to Hegseth, those headlines gave the wrong impression about how the war was unfolding.

"What should the banner read instead?" he asked.

"How about 'Iran increasingly desperate' because they are  they know it."

The Defence Secretary also cited a CNN report he said claimed the Trump administration had underestimated the war's potential impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Patently ridiculous," Hegseth said.

"Of course, for decades Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."

He dismissed the report as "a fundamentally unserious report."

Hegseth also criticised what he described as sensational headlines suggesting that the conflict was expanding across the region.

"Another example of a fake headline that I saw yesterday  'war widening,'" he said.

"Here's a real headline for you for an actual patriotic press, how about 'Iran shrinking, going underground?'"

Throughout the briefing, Hegseth repeatedly emphasised that the United States believed Iran's military capabilities were rapidly deteriorating under the ongoing campaign.

He said American and Israeli air forces had conducted thousands of strikes against Iranian targets.

"The combination of the world's two most powerful air forces is unprecedented and unbeatable," he said.

"Between our Air Force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck."

The Defence Secretary said Iranian forces had suffered heavy losses across multiple domains.

"Iran has no air defences. Iran has no air force. Iran has no navy," he said.

"Their missiles, their missile launchers and drones are being destroyed or shot out of the sky."

Hegseth also claimed that Iran's missile attacks had dropped sharply as a result of the strikes.

"Their missile volume is down 90 per cent," he said.

"Their one-way attack drones yesterday went down 95 per cent."

The remarks came during a briefing focused largely on the progress of the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which officials said had entered its 13th day.

Gen. Caine said American forces had struck more than 6,000 targets during the operation and were continuing to attack Iranian missile, drone, and naval capabilities.

"This morning we enter the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury, and we continue to make progress toward our military objectives," he said.

While the Pentagon used the briefing to outline the military progress of the campaign, Hegseth's pointed criticism of media coverage stood out as an unusual moment in a formal Department of Defence news conference.

The exchange reflected growing tensions between the Trump administration and parts of the U.S. news media over coverage of the Iran conflict.

U.S. officials say the campaign is aimed at destroying Iran's missile launch capabilities, crippling its naval power and preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Chandigarh, March 13 : Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's political rally in Punjab's Moga on Saturday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Friday raised a series of pointed questions to the BJP-led Central government and urged BJP leaders to seek clear answers from the rally.

Cheema said the BJP government at the Centre has consistently discriminated against Punjab and treated it with step-motherly behaviour for several years.

He said that despite four years of the AAP government in Punjab, the Centre has repeatedly blocked legitimate funds and attempted to weaken the state's economy.

"Punjab has always stood firmly with the nation, from the freedom struggle to feeding the country through its farmers. Punjabis made immense sacrifices for India's independence and have contributed immensely to the country's food security since the Green Revolution. Yet today the BJP-led Centre is deliberately sidelining Punjab," said Cheema in a statement.

He said that after the repeal of the three farm laws, following protests led by state farmers, the BJP leadership developed resentment towards Punjab and has since been trying to economically undermine the state.

"The Centre has withheld thousands of crores of rupees belonging to Punjab under several schemes, including the Rural Development Fund," Cheema said.

He recalled that in 2022, the Central government had raised objections claiming the RDF money was being misused.

"The Punjab government immediately amended the law to ensure that RDF funds would be used strictly for rural mandis and village roads connected with agriculture. Despite that, the Centre continues to withhold Punjab's dues."

Cheema said he has repeatedly raised these concerns during meetings with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and demanded the release of Punjab's pending funds under the Rural Development Fund, the National Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

However, the Centre has consistently delayed payments on one pretext or another. He said the BJP-led Centre has also attempted to weaken Punjab's rights over water resources.

Referring to the SYL canal issue and disputes related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Cheema said the Centre has repeatedly tried to undermine Punjab's rightful share of water.

"Punjab has always fulfilled its commitments to neighbouring states, including Haryana, but the BJP-led Centre continues to push decisions that threaten Punjab's rights. Punjab will never compromise on its legitimate claims," added Cheema.

Raising another concern, he questioned whether the proposed India-US trade arrangements in agriculture would harm Indian farmers.

Referring to remarks by the US Agriculture Secretary suggesting that access to the Indian market would benefit American farmers, he said, "If American farmers become prosperous because they gain access to India's market, does that mean Punjab's farmers will suffer? The people of this country deserve answers."

--IANS

vg/dan
Mumbai, March 13 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed concerned agencies to find a permanent solution for the rehabilitation of encroachers in Borivali's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

During a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan, the Chief Minister instructed officials to verify nearby available lands and create a formal plan for rehabilitation.

He further mandated that the park's boundaries be fixed within a specific timeframe and that citizens residing on these boundaries be rehabilitated on a priority basis.

The Chief Minister also directed that basic civic amenities be provided to the encroachers on humanitarian grounds until their rehabilitation is complete. For those on the Mulund and Thane sides of the park, he instructed officials to identify nearby sites for their relocation.

"The Housing Department must evaluate available land options and submit a rehabilitation plan within one month, prioritising the simplest and fastest execution methods. Once boundaries are fixed, approximately 5,000 citizens residing on the boundaries and in 'core areas' should be rehabilitated immediately using nearby available land, following all legal regulations. The process of removal and rehabilitation must strictly adhere to the directives issued by the High Court to resolve this issue permanently," said the Chief Minister.

He further directed that Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, and Mumbai Municipal Corporations, along with the Housing and Forest Departments, must work in coordination, and concerned departments must ensure that no new encroachments occur around the park in the future.

He said that total care must be taken to ensure no one is treated unfairly during the process. Additionally, the exact number of encroachers must be verified.

According to the government release, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the world's largest national park located within a metropolitan city.

It plays a vital role in Mumbai's flood control; it serves as the catchment area for Tulsi, Vihar, and Powai lakes. It has been the origin point of the Dahisar, Poinsar, Mithi, and Oshiwara rivers.

The park is a major attraction for millions of domestic and international tourists, famous for nature trails and wildlife spotting.

The park contains 43 padas (hamlets) and townships, housing over 2,000 tribal families.
Gandhinagar, March 13 : More than 2.75 lakh water conservation works have been undertaken across Gujarat under the first and second phases of the 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' campaign, Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel told the state Legislative Assembly on Friday.

Gandhinagar, March 13 (IANS) More than 2.75 lakh water conservation works have been undertaken across Gujarat under the first and second phases of the aJal Sanchay Jan Bhagidaria campaign, Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel told the state Legislative Assembly on Friday.

Responding to a question raised by a legislator in the House, Patel said the large number of works reflects the stateas efforts to address irregular rainfall and rising water demand through structured water conservation measures.

He said Gujarat currently ranks sixth in the country in terms of water conservation works carried out under the campaign initiated by the Government of India.

According to the minister, a total of 1,33,522 water conservation works were completed in the first phase of the campaign across the state.

The second phase is currently underway, during which 1,41,821 additional works have been taken up so far, taking the cumulative total to more than 2.75 lakh works.

Patel said the initiative aims to improve groundwater levels through systematic rainwater storage and recharge.

"The programme is being implemented with the participation of various stakeholders, including government departments, local self-government bodies, gram panchayats, farmer groups, non-governmental organisations and citizens who are contributing voluntary labour," he said.

He said several types of works are being carried out under the campaign through coordination among departments such as water supply, rural development and panchayat institutions.

These include borewell recharge structures, construction of check dams, rooftop rainwater harvesting systems and the deepening of ponds and other water bodies.

In total, 17 different types of water conservation activities are being implemented under the programme.

The minister also informed the Assembly that Gujarat has secured representation among the top-performing urban local bodies under the campaign.

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation ranked third among the top 10 municipal corporations in the country, while Surat Municipal Corporation secured fourth place, and Jamnagar Municipal Corporation ranked seventh.
Amaravati, March 13 : In a significant crackdown on the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine facility engaged in the production of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, in Andhra Pradesh.

The DRI raided the factory at Kondapalli Industrial Development Area of NTR district and seized 237 kg of drugs worth R.47 crore.

It also seized 3.5 tonnes of chemicals and arrested two persons.

An intelligence-driven and well-coordinated operation codenamed "Operation White Hammer", carried out on March 11-12, revealed a full-fledged industrial setup for the production of Alprazolam, operating under the guise of a chemical manufacturing unit

Searches at the premises resulted in the seizure of 237 kg of Alprazolam having an estimated market value of Rs 47 crore, along with over 800 kg of key raw materials, 2860 litres of various chemicals, and industrial-scale equipment such as reactors, driers and a centrifuge, demonstrating an organised, large-scale clandestine manufacturing facility, the DRI said in a release.

Preliminary investigation revealed the operation was orchestrated by a chemist with over 20 years' experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, in collusion with his associate, who arranged raw materials and distribution in Hyderabad.

The accused had rented the factory premises for clandestinely manufacturing Alprazolam. Both masterminds have been arrested.

During the current financial year, DRI has dismantled eight clandestine drug manufacturing units through intelligence-based operations, reaffirming its firm commitment to the government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and to safeguarding society and people from the menace of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, the city police arrested four drug peddlers and seized 3.2 kg of Ganja.

On a tip of information, in different operations, the sleuths of Commissioner's Task Force, Charminar Zone team, Hyderabad, in coordination with the staff of Attapur, Chandrayangutta and Mailardevpally Police Stations, apprehended two interstate ganja transporters and two local peddlers who were transporting and selling dry ganja and seized 3.2 kgs of dry Ganja.
Mumbai, March 13 : Senior BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar on Friday demanded in the Legislative Assembly that the state government should release a White Paper on all agricultural schemes, including the PoCRA (Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojana), to dispel rumours and misunderstandings spreading among farmers.

State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne responded to a discussion initiated under Rule 293 in the Assembly.

During this session, former finance minister Mungantiwar noted that despite significant expenditure on PoCRA and other agricultural initiatives, misinformation continues to circulate.

He emphasised that between 2014 and 2026, the state government has implemented several "revolutionary and vital" schemes in the agricultural sector, backed by substantial funding.

Mungantiwar pointed out that the allocation for agriculture during this period has been at its highest since 1960.

Despite this record investment, some individuals are still misleading farmers. Therefore, he urged the government to make detailed information about the work done in the agricultural sector, including the PoCRA scheme, public through a White Paper.

Mungantiwar demanded that the presence of the Department Secretary in the House should be mandatory during discussions or replies related to the Agriculture Department.

He highlighted a serious concern that, despite the rights of MLAs, the administration often fails to provide an adequate response to them.

In a light-hearted comment, Mungantiwar noted that while the Agriculture Minister's speech was informative, it was delivered as fast as a "Bullet Train," making it difficult for members to take notes.

He concluded by stressing that the government must provide the complete minutes of the discussion and focus on providing transparent information for the welfare of farmers.
Bengaluru, March 13 : Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said on Friday that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas in the country and accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of misleading the public by spreading confusion over the supply of LPG cylinders.

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, Union Minister Joshi added that the Congress -led state government was attempting to create panic among the people regarding the availability of gas cylinders.

Referring to a statement made by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi that the country could face a shortage of petrol and diesel, the Union Minister termed the claim false and said the Union government had taken adequate steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.

He said that India had diversified its import sources to secure fuel supplies, adding: "Earlier, India imported petroleum products from about 20 to 22 countries. Now the number has increased to around 40 countries."

The Union Minister accused the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi of misleading the public on the issue of LPG cylinder shortage.

He criticised the call for protests over the issue, saying it was unfortunate for a Chief Minister to encourage such actions and described it as "highly irresponsible".

He said that there has been a rush in bookings for domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, which has resulted in certain restrictions in supply.

However, Union Minister Joshi clarified that cylinders are being delivered as usual once bookings are made and there is no actual shortage in the country.

He also noted that a ship carrying LPG had already arrived through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's key maritime routes, and several more shipments were expected soon.

This, he said, reflected India's strong diplomatic relations with other countries.

He added that Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had already urged the public not to make unnecessary bookings out of fear of shortages.

He said that LPG production in the country had been increased by 28 per cent within five days and could be ramped up further if required.

Nearly 80 per cent of crude oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Union Minister Joshi said, adding that disruptions caused by the ongoing war had prompted India to directly import LPG from alternative sources.

Efforts were also being made to bring supplies from Russia and African countries, he added.

The Union Minister said the state government had already taken several measures to strengthen energy security, including converting around 2.5 million diesel pumps into solar pumps, increasing coal production and expanding renewable energy sources.

He alleged that the Congress-led state government was trying to create fear among people about a possible shortage of cylinders and provoke public sentiment against the Union government.

Noting that India largely depends on petroleum imports from the Middle East, Union Minister Joshi said the Karnataka government was prioritising LPG supply first, followed by fertiliser production, in view of the current global situation.
Kolkata, March 12 : Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has alleged that the cap of the iconic leader that was handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and kept at the Netaji Museum inside Delhi's Red Fort is not looking original, and has demanded an investigation into the matter.

Kolkata, March 12 (IANS) Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has alleged that the cap of the iconic leader that was handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and kept at the Netaji Museum inside Delhias Red Fort is not looking original, and has demanded an investigation into the matter.

Speaking to IANS, Bose noted that members of Netajias family had personally handed over the cap worn by Netaji to the Prime Minister in 2019 with a request that it be preserved at the museum dedicated to him at the Red Fort.

aFrom our family, we had given Netaji Subhas Chandra Boseas cap, which he used to wear, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and requested him to keep the cap at the Red Fort museum that was being built. It was a happy moment when the Prime Minister accepted our request, and we gave the cap as a gift in 2019," he said.

According to Bose, during the inauguration of the museum, the Prime Minister himself placed the cap inside a glass box with his own hands for public display.

He further said that later the cap was reportedly sent for display to different museums as part of exhibitions, but concerns arose recently when it was not found at the Red Fort museum, where it was originally kept.

Bose said that a member of the Open Platform for Netaji had advised the family to write to the Prime Minister regarding the issue.

"We posted a tweet and also sent a letter to the Prime Minister. It is a good thing that PM Modi personally intervened in the matter. After that, an MP also gave instructions asking why the cap was not at the place where it should be a" the Red Fort museum," he said.

Raising doubts about the cap currently kept at the display site, Bose said that it needs to be checked as it appears different from the original one handed over by the family.

"Now the cap kept there needs to be authenticated. The original cap of Netaji that we had given looks different from this one. Therefore, this cap should be examined," he said.

He added that the family wants a proper probe into the matter and urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the issue is investigated.

"We would like an investigation into this matter. As the Prime Minister has already intervened earlier, we request him to order an investigation," Bose said.
Azerbaijan has successfully pursued a foreign policy that maintains its neutrality while developing both economic and political relations. Its efforts to balance connections from East to West reached a notable peak last year with the strengthening of ties with the United States. In August, the Washington agreement, while primarily focused on peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, also emphasized the expansion of economic cooperation between the U.S. and Azerbaijan. As a result, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a Strategic Working Group to draft a Strategic Partnership Charter, which was officially signed during a visit to Azerbaijan last month by U.S. Vice President James David Vance.

This development marks a shift from energy-centric cooperation toward a comprehensive, multi-sector partnership. Historically, bilateral relations have largely relied on energy collaboration, but the new framework institutionalizes and broadens the cooperation to include other sectors, reflecting a purposeful strategic pivot.

Recently, Azerbaijani and U.S. officials met again in Washington at the U.S.-Azerbaijan Trade and Business Conference, discussing the formation of a comprehensive economic partnership framework and the development of a joint investment model. Meetings with representatives from U.S. government agencies and companies focused on expanding economic and trade ties, exploring investment opportunities, and identifying new areas for collaboration.

The conference also marked the 30th anniversary of the U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC). Representatives from both countries energy, finance, ICT, and other sectors attended. Over three decades, USACC has played a key role in fostering reliable dialogue between business communities and promoting reciprocal investments.

In the main session on Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Strategic Cooperation, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev highlighted that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, established under the Joint Declaration for Peace signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, will contribute to expanding trade and investment. He also showcased Azerbaijans favorable business environment, the economic potential of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, its transit-logistics capabilities, and the Alat Free Economic Zone as a hub for value-added activities.

Other officials, including Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov, Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the National Assembly Samed Seyidov, and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, discussed strengthening collaboration in energy and transport-logistics sectors. They emphasized Azerbaijans role as a reliable energy partner and its initiatives in regional transport projects, which enhance both bilateral and multilateral partnership potential.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. State Department stressed the importance of promoting business relations and cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. Panel sessions addressed technology and innovation, digitalization, energy infrastructure, finance, and banking, creating platforms for detailed discussions.

Deputy Minister Aliyev met with Su Le, CEO and co-founder of HAIMAKER.AI Inc., to explore collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and innovative digital solutions. Further meetings with U.S. officials, including Bill Gidera of the Department of Commerce, Karl Kress of USTDA, and representatives from USTR, Export-Import Bank, DFC, VISA, and Tetra Tech, focused on expanding economic ties, exploring investment opportunities, and advancing projects in energy, logistics, industry, and digital economy sectors.

Within this framework, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy and HAIMAKER.AI Inc. to create a next-generation digital platform and ecosystem in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijans recent initiatives demonstrate a deliberate strategy to transition from a primarily energy-based partnership with the U.S. to a multisectoral economic cooperation model. By institutionalizing strategic dialogue, promoting investment, and integrating digital and technological solutions, Azerbaijan positions itself as a regional hub for trade, innovation, and logistics. U.S. engagement, particularly through agencies like USTDA, DFC, and USTR, indicates a strong willingness to support this transition and leverage mutual benefits in areas beyond energy.

Azerbaijans evolving economic diplomacy with the United States reflects a mature, forward-looking strategy that balances regional stability with global integration. The recent agreements and high-level discussions establish a foundation for sustained, diversified, and mutually beneficial economic growth. By fostering multi-sector partnerships, Azerbaijan strengthens bilateral ties and also enhances its role as a key regional player in trade, energy, and digital innovation.
Kabul, March 13 : As Pakistan's ongoing conflict with Afghanistan escalates, several critics have termed it as a deliberate ploy adopted by the country's failed military to create instability in the region in order to divert attention of people from the fundamental failures of government, a report has stated.

Domestic opposition to Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir is growing and increasingly visible. After the killing of civilians by security forces during local protests in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB), slogans of "Murdabad," were directed at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Munir, an article in Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press highlighted.

"On social media, hashtags such as 'Resign Asim Munir,' 'Pakistan under military fascism,' and 'Boycott military businesses' trend with regularity, with users documenting crackdowns and restrictions on freedom of expression. In Afghanistan, public anger over the Pakistani airstrikes has been equally pronounced, with demonstrators in multiple provinces taking to the streets to condemn what they described as state terrorism against a defenseless civilian population," it stated.

"The military's record over the past two years has been by any measure poor, and the active military conflict with Afghanistan has only deepened what critics describe as a deliberate strategy of manufactured instability, designed to divert public attention from the government's more fundamental failures," the author further stated.

February has been ranked among the bloodiest months in Pakistan's recent history due to failure of country's own security apparatus. As many as 36 people were killed and 170 others injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia Mosque on February 6. The bombing occurred after a terror attack in Bajaur that claimed lives of 11 soldiers and bombings also took place in Bannu area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

These incidents were part of a continuing pattern of security failures that have taken place under Munir's leadership. Instead of addressing these failures, Pakistan military followed oldest institutional reflex in its playbook - manufacturing an external crisis to displace internal accountability, the report highlighted.

"Reports indicated that Pakistani authorities had received advance intelligence of an imminent threat yet failed to act. Critics argue the ongoing security crisis is a direct consequence of the military establishment's longstanding support for jihadist groups, and that while Munir has sought to rhetorically rebrand certain militant outfits, he has simultaneously espoused inflammatory, racially charged rhetoric that reflects his own ideological leanings," the article in Khaama Press elbaorated.

"On the night of February 21, the Pakistan Air Force conducted strikes across the Afghan provinces of Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost, claiming to target Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) camps. What followed, however, was not a precision counterterrorism operation. It was a military institution performing strength for a domestic audience," the author stated.

The current escalation showcases a shift in Pakistan's approach towards more aggressive military operations in Afghanistan, what analysts have been reluctant to mention clearly is that the military launched those strikes as it could not give answers for its domestic failures. After the bombing in Islamabad, questions were raised over intelligence failure and the army's preoccupation with managing civilian politics instead of fighting terrorism. Through the airstrikes, the establishment created a narrative, framing Pakistan as the aggrieved party fighting Afghanistan-based terrorism, instead of a failing security state not able to protect worshippers in Islamabad, located just 11 miles from Army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Bhopal, March 13 : In a significant decision, the Madhya Pradesh government has approved revised stipend for the junior resident doctors in the government-run medical colleges and hospitals in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said on Friday.

He added that the revised stipend structure has been implemented from April 1, 2025, reflecting an increase in the stipends of junior doctors working in the state's medical colleges based on a Consumer Price Index (CPI) factor of 2.94.

Deputy Chief Minister Shukla, who looks after the health and medical education departments in the state, expressed confidence that junior doctors would play a significant role, with complete dedication, in empowering and fortifying the state's healthcare services.

"In medical colleges and their affiliated hospitals, they do not merely complete their medical training; junior doctors also play a leading role in providing continuous healthcare services to patients. Keeping the interests of junior doctors in mind, revised stipend has been approved by the medical education department," he said in a statement.

Under the revised structure, the stipend for first-year postgraduation students has been raised from Rs 75,444 to Rs 77,662; for second-year students from Rs 77,764 to Rs 80,050; and for third-year students from Rs 80,086 to Rs 82,441.

Similarly, the stipend for interns has been increased from Rs 13,928 to Rs 14,337.

The stipends for the first, second, and third years of Super Specialty medical courses have also been increased and fixed at Rs 82,441.

Likewise, the stipend for senior resident doctors has been increased from Rs 88,210 to Rs 90,803, while the stipend for junior resident doctors has been fixed at Rs 63,324.

The approval came following the junior doctors from across Madhya Pradesh staged a protest organised by the Junior Doctors' Association (JUDA), demanding implementation of a stipend revision promised under a June 7, 2021, government order.

The strike was called off after Deputy Chief Minister Shukla during a meeting with a JUDA delegation in Jabalpur on March 10.
Beirut, March 13 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel and restore Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.

Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Guterres said he was visiting "as a friend of the Lebanese people in full solidarity".

"Unfortunately, Lebanon was dragged into a war that is not a war that its people would be willing to have," Guterres was quoted as saying in a statement released by the UN Information Centre while expressing hope that his next visit would be to "a Lebanon in peace," where the State has the sole control of the use of force and its territorial integrity is fully respected, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"This is no longer the time of armed groups. This is the time of strong states," he added.

For his part, Aoun said over 800,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, stressing the need to address their situation and thanking the UN for its support.

Aoun called for an end to Israeli attacks and voiced hope for stronger international support during what he described as a critical phase.

Meanwhile, a Lebanese economic official, citing data from professional syndicates and economic associations, said Friday that Lebanon's commercial production fell 50 per cent, with non-essential goods sales dropping 60-80 per cent.

The industrial and agricultural production also contracted by about 50 percent and 40 percent respectively, affected by the shutdown of production units across the country, along with disruptions to exports to Gulf countries, said Mohammad Choucair, president of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding tourism, hotel occupancy dropped to 10-15 per cent, while restaurant activity declined by about 90 per cent. Travel agencies also reported an 80-per cent drop in business.

Choucair warned that a prolonged war could force hundreds of businesses to close and thousands of Lebanese to lose their jobs, worsening the country's economic and social crisis.

Since the launch of the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have sharply escalated, with Hezbollah firing rocket barrages at northern Israeli communities and Israel striking sites in southern and eastern Lebanon, which it says house Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure.

The World Health Organisation said Wednesday that 634 deaths and 1,586 injuries had been reported in Lebanon since the beginning of the Middle East conflict.
Mumbai, March 13 : Maharashtra agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne on Friday said in the Assembly that the government is working extensively through various schemes to make agriculture in the state more capable, modern, and sustainable.

In his response to a discussion under Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rule 293, he stated that the government is striving to bring about a major transformation in Maharashtra's agriculture sector through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital facilities, farmer welfare schemes, and investment in infrastructure.

Minister Bharne said that agriculture has become more risky due to climate uncertainty, pest-disease outbreaks, rising production costs, and market price fluctuations. To face these challenges, the state government has prepared the Maha-Agri 'AI' Policy for the period 2025 to 2029, making Maharashtra the first state in the country to implement such a policy.

The government aims to bring modern technology into farming using Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, drones, and robotics. This technology is expected to increase farmers' production by approximately 40 per cent, reduce fertiliser use by 30 per cent, and save 40 per cent to 50 per cent of water, he added.

Minister Bharne further stated that special training will be provided to farmers to enable them to use modern technology, and training will also be given to officers and employees of the Agriculture Department. A state-level Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation Centre has been established, and 'AI' research and incubation centres have been approved in all four agricultural universities of the state.

The 'AI for Agri' international conference was recently held in Mumbai, where experts from India and abroad discussed new technologies in agriculture. Through the 'Mahavistar' mobile app developed by the Agriculture Department, advice regarding crop cultivation, disease control, proper use of water and fertilisers, and market prices is being provided; currently, about 30 lakh farmers are using this app.

Additionally, for farmers without smartphones, the 'Vasudha' AI-based phone service has been started, where farmers can get guidance in Marathi by calling the number 155313, the Minister informed. To increase capital investment in agriculture, the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana is being implemented, with a provision of Rs 2,000 crore for the year 2026-27. Under this scheme, farm ponds, plastic lining, and the use of agricultural drones are being encouraged.

Bharne mentioned that the implementation of various schemes of the Agriculture Department is being done through the MahaDBT system, and more than Rs 7,500 crore in subsidies has been distributed to farmers since 2020.

This year, over 50 lakh applications have been selected through the MahaDBT portal, and beneficiaries are being chosen on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

The Minister stated that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Crop Insurance) is being implemented effectively in the state, with more than Rs 37,500 crore in compensation paid to farmers over the last nine years. He also informed that the state government has distributed approximately Rs 15,661 crore in aid to over 1 crore farmers for losses caused by heavy rains.

To provide relief to farmers, the 'Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme' is being implemented, providing free electricity to agricultural pumps up to 7.5 HP. For this, subsidies worth Rs 32,765 crore have been distributed until February 2026. Furthermore, under the 'Magel Tyala Saur Krishi Pump' (Solar Pump on Demand) scheme, over 6.63 lakh solar pumps have been provided so far, placing Maharashtra first in the country in its implementation, he said.

Minister Bharne said that financial support is being provided to farmers through various schemes such as the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, Gopinath Munde Farmer Ex-gratia Scheme, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Namo Shetkari Maha Sanman Nidhi.

"Under the PM Kisan and Namo Shetkari schemes, an amount of Rs 52,316 crore has been deposited directly into farmers' accounts so far. Under the central government's AgriStack project, the work of providing 'Farmer IDs' to farmers in the state is progressing rapidly, with more than 1.31 crore farmers receiving IDs so far. This has made it easier for farmers to avail themselves of various schemes," he added.
Agartala, March 13 : Tripura Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, on Friday, told that Rs 46.36 crore will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of 2.16 lakh farmers in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

The Minister shared the information after attending the 22nd instalment distribution programme of the scheme virtually along with Chief Minister Manik Saha.

The programme was virtually addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Assam.

The state-level programme was organised at the State Agriculture Research Station in Arundhuti Nagar on the outskirts of Agartala.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nath said that PM-KISAN is a Central government scheme launched in the state in February 2019 to provide financial assistance to farmers and help increase their income.

He told that although the scheme became effective from December 1, 2018, its implementation in Tripura began the following year.

The financial assistance provided under the scheme enables farmers to purchase agricultural inputs and meet household needs.

The entire expenditure is borne by the Central government.

The Minister added that under the scheme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 per year, which is distributed in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each and directly credited to their bank accounts.

According to Minister Nath, more than Rs 4 lakh crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of more than 11 crore farmers across the country up to the 21st instalment.

He also said that due to the dedicated efforts of the state government and special initiatives by the Centre, farmers who have received land titles in Right of First Refusal (ROFR) areas of the state are also benefiting from the scheme.

"In Tripura, a total of 2,85,521 farmers have received financial assistance amounting to Rs 931. 53 crore directly in their bank accounts up to the 21st instalment," he added.

The Minister also told that Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally released the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN from Guwahati, by pressing a button at 5 p.m. on Friday.

He said that on this occasion, Rs 18,630 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of more than 9.32 crore eligible farmers across the country.

"In Tripura alone, more than Rs 46.36 crore will be credited directly to the bank accounts of 2.16 lakh eligible farmers under the scheme," the Minister added.
Hyderabad, March 13 : More than 5 lakh students will be appearing for Telangana's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) public examinations commencing on Saturday.

The School Education Department has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the exam at 2,676 centres across the state.

A total of 5,28,239 students have registered for the examinations, which will continue till April 16.

The examination commences at 9.30 a.m., but the Board of Secondary Education has advised students to reach the centres by 8.30 a.m. It has extended five minutes of grace time to enter the examination centres.

Students and their parents have been instructed to visit the allotted centre well in advance to familiarise themselves with the location and ensure timely arrival on the exam day.

The Board has already dispatched hall tickets to the respective schools. Officials said the hall tickets can also be downloaded from the official website www.bse.telangana.gov.in

As many as 144 flying squads will be deployed to oversee the smooth conduct of exams and curb malpractices.

Candidates are barred from carrying any devices such as mobile phones, calculators, and smart watches into the centre. Authorities will make arrangements at the centreas entrance for the safe and free-of-cost deposit of personal belongings and electronic devices.

The SSC exams this time are stretched over a period of 33 days, which is unprecedented. The exam scheduled from March 14 to April 16 has triggered a debate in the academic circles.

Unlike in the past when the exams were completed in 10-12 days, the Board this time has given longer gaps between exam papers.

The Board has kept a gap of three days between the first and second language exams, five days between Science Part II and Social Studies, and four days between most other papers, similar to the pattern followed by the CBSE and other boards.

While student unions termed the schedule unscientific and school managements also raised concern, citing pressure on students, the Education Department has defended it, saying the objective is to reduce stress and improve results.

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has extended his best wishes to students appearing for the SSC examinations.

He encouraged students to approach examinations with confidence and a positive mindset, viewing them as an opportunity to express their learning rather than a source of stress. Emphasising the importance of self-belief, he advised students to remain calm, manage their time well, and focus on giving their best. He also acknowledged the role of parents and teachers in supporting students and wished all examinees success in their academic journey.

Leaders of various political parties have also extended their best wishes to students.
Jaipur, March 13 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court here, on Friday, issued arrest warrants against four accused persons in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam.

Acting on the court's orders, ACB teams are currently conducting raids at multiple locations to trace and arrest the accused, including former IAS officer Subodh Agarwal.

According to the ACB, the orders were issued on Friday in relation to the JJM case registered in 2024 in the ACB Court.

The court has directed the issuance of arrest warrants against four individuals -- former IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, Jitendra Sharma, Sanjeev Gupta, and Mukesh Goyal.

Following the court's directions, the ACB has intensified its efforts to apprehend the accused, who are currently absconding.

Teams of the anti-corruption body are conducting raids at suspected hideouts and other locations where the accused are believed to be staying.

Officials said that coordinated operations are underway to locate and arrest the accused at the earliest.

The ACB also said that if the arrest warrants cannot be executed and the accused continue to evade arrest, the bureau will initiate legal proceedings to attach their properties in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Such action would be taken after obtaining the necessary orders from the court.

The case relates to alleged irregularities in works carried out under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship scheme aimed at providing tap water connections to rural households.

Earlier, the ACB had carried out a major operation in connection with the investigation and conducted simultaneous raids at 15 locations across several states.

These locations included Jaipur, Barmer, Jalore and Sikar in Rajasthan, as well as premises in Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi.

During the investigation, the ACB reportedly found evidence suggesting the generation of fraudulent bills, financial irregularities, and procedural lapses in the tendering process related to the execution of JJM projects.

Officials added that relevant documents and records were seized during the searches for further examination.

ACB authorities confirmed that the investigation into the case is ongoing.

Teams are continuing to gather evidence and are making sustained efforts to track down and arrest the accused.

Further action in the case will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Bengaluru, March 13 : Responding to Odisha MLAs staying at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru in view of the Rajya Sabha poll, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Friday lashed out at the BJP, stating that the party is the "architect of Operation Lotus and is known for horse-trading." Bengaluru, March 13 (IANS) Responding to Odisha MLAs staying at a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru in view of the Rajya Sabha poll, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Friday lashed out at the BJP, stating that the party is the "architect of Operation Lotus and is known for horse-trading."

He asserted that Congress would not allow such attempts.

Shivakumar was responding to questions from the media at the Vidhana Soudha premises and later near a resort in Bidadi.

When asked about Odisha MLAs staying at a resort in Ramanagara, he said, "Political parties always face the fear of horse-trading. This is something all parties encounter in politics. Since they have come here, it is our duty to provide them with support. Our MLAs and I have met them."

Responding to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's remark that the Congress does not trust its own MLAs, Shivakumar asked, "If that is the case, why did they carry out Operation Lotus in Karnataka?"

When asked whether this was a task assigned by the party high command, he said, "There is no such task. Since the Rajya Sabha election is approaching, there is a fear of Operation Lotus. There is pressure on our MLAs (from Odisha), and they are being given big offers. Around 1415 MLAs have come here. The Odisha PCC president called and said that all secular parties have united and there is a possibility of Operation Lotus taking place."

"When the party president calls, it is our duty to respect him. I told them to come here as the atmosphere is good. All the MLAs are happy. There are also some newcomers. They themselves came and are staying here. We are looking after their well-being. The BJD, the Communist Party, and we have jointly fielded a candidate in Odisha. The BJP will do what it wants, and we will do what we have to," he said.

When asked if his role as a "trouble-shooter" had ended, Shivakumar said, "Congress MLA Magadi Balakrishna and Congress MP C.P. Yogeshwar are there. With their experience, we have given them a free hand. They too have responsibilities. All the MLAs from our district also have responsibilities. Isn't it our duty to protect everyone? Whether anyone comes or not is another matter. No one can come, no one can even reach them or talk to them. There is no opportunity for that."

When reminded that he had earlier helped the party in a similar way during the Gujarat elections and asked if his aspirations would now be fulfilled, he replied, "I will not speak about that. Let us wait and see."

When asked whether this development would bring him closer to his political ambitions, he said, "Why should I dream? Where there is hard work, there will be results."

Asked when the MLAs would be sent back, he said, "We will decide that."

Meanwhile, the statement from Deputy CM Shivakumar's office said, Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have jointly fielded Dr Datteshwar Hota, a famous Urologist and former Director of Odisha Medical University, for Rajya Sabha from Odisha.

The number of votes needed to win is 30. Available votes are 32 (BJD - 18, Congress  14) and CPIM- 1.

Eight first-time MLAs from Congress are being targeted. These are the 8 MLAs who are staying at Wonder La resort near Bidadi, the statement said.

Names of MLAs staying at the resort are Rajan Ekka, Ashok Das, Appala Kumar Swamy, Mangu Killo, Pavitra Sauntha, Nilamadhav Hikka, Prafulla Pradhan and Sathyajit Gomongo. The total strength of the Odisha Assembly is 147. Five candidates are contesting for four Rajya Sabha seats. BJP-3; BJD-1; INC and BJD- 1. Candidates need 30 votes to win, the statement said.
Aizawl, March 13 : Mizoram's traditional spring festival Chapchar Kut 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural splendour in the state capital Aizawl on Friday, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma calling for harmony and unity among the people.

Chapchar Kut, the most joyous festival of the Mizo community, is observed in spring after the completion of jhum cutting, the initial stage of the traditional slash-and-burn farming practice.

The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, symbolising renewal in nature and human life. People of all ages and genders participate in the celebrations.

Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, young men and women perform traditional dances, often continuing late into the night.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the event as the Kut Pa (Chief Guest), while Art and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga hosted the celebration as the Kut Thlengtu.

Mizoram Governor V. K. Singh (Retd.) was also present at the grand event. The theme of this year's festival was "Zo Nun Ze Mawi  Inremna", which translates to "The Beauty of Zo Culture: Harmony".

The week-long celebrations began on March 9 with the traditional Kut Tlan ceremony.

Various programmes were organised throughout the week, including exhibitions of handloom, textiles and handicrafts, a food processing showcase and food court, a flower show, a living museum demonstrating traditional Mizo life, photo and painting exhibitions, and Chapchar Kut film screenings.

The main celebration on Friday served as the highlight of the festivities.

A large number of tourists from across India and abroad, along with ethnic Mizo communities from neighbouring Northeastern states, attended the festival.

Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma extended his greetings to Zo people around the world and wished everyone a joyful Chapchar Kut.

He noted that the forefathers of the Mizo people celebrated the festival in happiness and harmony, traditionally avoiding quarrels during the celebrations.

He said the festival was historically a time for reconciliation and unity, adding that this year's theme perfectly reflects the spirit of Chapchar Kut.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that harmony and reconciliation were highly valued in traditional Mizo society.

According to him, customary justice systems practised principles such as "Chalrem" and "Saui Tan."

He stressed that true reconciliation requires the courage to accept responsibility and admit mistakes.

Acknowledging one's faults without blaming others, he said, often leads to peace and reconciliation. Lalduhoma also urged people to exercise caution while posting or commenting on social media, stating that creating hostility in politics is not part of Mizo culture.

"Even when disagreements arise in debates or discussions, Mizo society traditionally maintains mutual respect and friendship afterwards," he said, urging people to renew harmony and unity in the spirit of the festival.

Art and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga also extended his best wishes for the celebration and thanked everyone involved in organising the successful event. Central Young Mizo Association (YMA) President R. Lalngheta expressed gratitude that the Mizo people were once again able to celebrate the important festival.

He encouraged people to cherish the occasion and practise the theme of "Inremna" (Harmony) in their lives to strengthen unity within the Mizo community.

During the event, Chief Minister Lalduhoma presented the Chief Minister's Special Awards to recognise distinguished individuals. Historians trace the origin of Chapchar Kut to between 1450 and 1700 AD in the village of Suaipui, near present-day Myanmar.

The festival declined after the arrival of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century, who discouraged it on religious grounds. However, it was revived on a large scale in 1973, without animistic practices or alcohol.
Patna, March 13 : In a major crackdown on illegal arms, police of Bihar's Nawada district recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, two other rifles and a large quantity of ammunition during a raid in Delwa village under Rajauli police station, an official said.

Patna, March 13 (IANS) In a major crackdown on illegal arms, police of Biharas Nawada district recovered an AK-47 assault rifle, two other rifles and a large quantity of ammunition during a raid in Delwa village under Rajauli police station, an official said.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off received by Superintendent of Police Abhinav Dhiman.

Acting on the information, police conducted a raid in Delwa Village and arrested one accused.

According to the police, anti-social elements operating in the forest areas of Rajouli had been threatening labourers and extorting money from them, while also collecting levy or protection money from contractors involved in construction projects.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, SP Abhinav Dhiman said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gulshan Kumar.

The team included personnel from the local police station as well as the Special Task Force, Bihar.

Based on precise intelligence inputs, the team conducted the raid on Thursday evening.

During the operation, the police arrested Ajit Kumar (31). Following his interrogation, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, two .315 bore rifles, two AK-47 magazines and three ammunition pouches, which had been buried under a mango tree near his residence.

Police also seized three sets of camouflage uniforms resembling military fatigues from the location.

During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed that he and his associates used weapons to intimidate contractors and extort money from them.

Under pressure from ongoing police action in the area, he had hidden the weapons underground.

Acting on his disclosure, the police further recovered 21 cartridges for the AK-47 and 10 cartridges for the .315 bore rifles.

In connection with the case, an FIR has been registered at Rajouli Police Station, and further legal proceedings are underway.

SP Abhinav Dhiman said the other members of the gang have already been identified, and police teams are conducting continuous raids to arrest them.

The operation has created panic among levy-collecting groups active in the region.
Indore, March 13 : Madhya Pradesh government said on Friday that the multi-speciality Vedanta Hospital in Indore has been suspended from the Ayushman Bharat 'Niramayam' Yojana over "grave violations" of the standards prescribed under the scheme.

Indore, March 13 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh government said on Friday that the multi-speciality Vedanta Hospital in Indore has been suspended from the Ayushman Bharat 'Niramayam' Yojana over "grave violations" of the standards prescribed under the scheme.

The government action was taken after a physical inspection by the Chief Executive Officer of Ayushman Bharat 'Niramayam' of Vedanta Hospital, Indore, and found the condition of the hospital's operation theatres extremely poor and unsanitary.

During the physical inspections, a host of irregularities were noticed at Vedanta Hospital, which failed to comply with the guidelines of the Centre government.

"The hospital also did not provide emergency health services to the patients," said an official of the state government.

He said that the Executive Officer of Ayushman Bharat 'Niramayam' has suspended Vedanta Hospital, Indore, from the empanelment with immediate effect due to grave violations of the standards prescribed under the scheme.

"The condition of the hospital's operating theatre was found to be extremely poor and unsanitary," the government official said.

The official added that despite being empanelled in Surgical Oncology, a Tumour Board was not available at the hospital.

"The State Health Agency has deemed these irregularities to constitute serious financial and procedural lapses," the government official said.

He informed that during the inspection, it was also noticed that the Hospital lacked promotional material, inadequate arrangements for patient meals, and there was also a shortage of sufficient staff.

"The State Health Agency has deemed these irregularities to constitute serious financial and procedural lapses. Moreover, further strict action will be initiated against the hospital, including the process of permanently de-empanelling it from the scheme," the official said.

Vedant Hospital in Indore is a multi-speciality private facility that focuses on budget-friendly healthcare. It is particularly recognised for its 24-hour emergency services and its status as an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) empanelled hospital, providing free treatment for various critical surgeries.

Notably, Ayushman Bharat 'Niramayam' scheme is the implementation of the Prime Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) specifically within the state of Madhya Pradesh, and provides free health coverage of up to Rs five lakh per year for eligible low-income families in the state.

The scheme also covers secondary and tertiary care in empanelled hospitals, targeting families below the poverty line, Sambal Yojana beneficiaries, and, in some cases, construction workers.
Bhubaneswar, March 13 : In view of the massive bloodshed and loss of lives in the ongoing war in Middle Eastern countries, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on Friday, announced its decision not to celebrate Iftar and Eid Milan this year.

"Due to the severe war in the Middle East, thousands of innocent people have lost their lives, lakhs of civilians have been injured, and many have been left homeless and are living in extremely difficult conditions. In such a situation, and in the hope for an end to the war and the establishment of peace, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided not to celebrate Iftar and Eid Milan this year," the party sources told.

In a press conference held at party headquarters, BJD Vice-President and former Minister Pratap Jena has said that every year the party, in the presence of its President Naveen Patnaik, organises a grand Iftar and Eid Milan celebration with Muslim brothers and sisters and respected personalities from different religions.

He also added that however, due to the ongoing war, many people from Odisha, who are in the Middle East, are facing distressing situations.

The war has directly affected more than 10 countries and has had an impact on the entire world.

Jena noted that considering these circumstances, the BJD has decided to suspend this year's Iftar and Eid Milan celebration.

Expressing deep sorrow over the large-scale loss of lives and property caused by the Middle East war, BJD President Naveen Patnaik has appealed to the public to refrain from any form of celebrations during this tragic time.

It is worth noting that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier raised the issue of stranded Odia tourists, students, professionals, and workers residing in the Gulf countries multiple times, demanding their safe and immediate evacuation by the state and Central governments.
New Delhi, March 13 : Two Indian nationals were killed and several others injured in an attack in Oman's Sohar amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the Indian mission in Oman is in contact with local authorities and the employer company and is providing assistance to those affected.

"We lost two Indian nationals today in an attack in Sohar, Oman, in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Several other Indian nationals were also injured. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Jaiswal said.

He added that the Indian embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible help to the victims and their families.

"Our Mission in Oman is in touch with the local authorities as well as the employer company and is extending all possible assistance," the MEA spokesperson said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions and security concerns in parts of West Asia, where ongoing hostilities have affected several areas and raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals working in the region.

Sohar, an industrial port city in Oman, hosts a number of industrial facilities and employs a large expatriate workforce, including many Indian nationals working in various sectors.

India maintains a sizeable diaspora presence in Oman, with hundreds of thousands of Indians employed across sectors such as construction, industry, services and trade.

The Indian embassy in Muscat regularly coordinates with Omani authorities and employers to address issues related to the welfare and safety of Indian workers in the country.

Earlier on Friday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held another telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing bilateral cooperation and matters concerning BRICS, where India is the current chair and Iran a member of the grouping.

This marked the fourth such conversation between the two ministers amid the escalating crisis involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The interaction followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday night to review the serious situation unfolding in the West Asian region.

Taking to social media platform X on Friday, EAM Jaishankar said: "Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as well as BRICS-related issues."

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi briefed EAM Jaishankar on the latest situation resulting from the "acts of aggression and atrocities" committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, as well as the consequences for regional and global stability and security.
Patna, March 13 : The Bihar Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) has arrested a government official in a bribery case in Bettiah in West Champaran district on Friday.

The vigilance team caught Anurag Abhishek, a Field Officer at the District Dairy Development Office, red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 inside his office premises.

The action was taken following a complaint lodged by Bablu Kumar, a resident of Gaunaha.

Acting on the complaint, a special vigilance team from Patna conducted a raid in the Banuchhapar area and arrested the accused official.

According to the complainant, he had purchased four cows under a dairy development scheme and was entitled to a government subsidy of Rs 1.90 lakh.

However, the official allegedly demanded money to release the subsidy.

Bablu Kumar alleged that the officer had earlier taken Rs 32,000 from him in the name of insurance and other office expenses.

Later, the officer allegedly demanded an additional Rs 30,000 in cash to process the remaining subsidy amount.

"When he demanded money again, I approached the Vigilance Department and lodged a written complaint against the dairy officer. The vigilance officers caught him while accepting Rs 30,000," Bablu Kumar said.

Confirming the development, Mithilesh Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the VIB, said the accused dairy field officer was arrested while accepting the bribe linked to the subsidy meant for the complainant's dairy project.

Following the arrest, Anurag Abhishek was taken into custody and is being brought to Patna for further legal proceedings.

Officials said the operation sends a strong message about the Vigilance Department's zero-tolerance approach towards corruption in government offices.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

Earlier, on March 2, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau arrested Roshan Kumar, an Assistant Engineer posted with the District Education Project in Bettiah, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh.
Bhubaneswar, March 13 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday hailed farmers as the backbone of society and the true driving force behind Odisha's economy, emphasising their vital role in the state's progress.

Addressing the state-level programme for the distribution of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi on the PM Kisan Utsav Diwas, Majhi said, "Farmers are the backbone of our society and the true drivers of our economy. Both the Central government and our State Government are constantly making efforts to make the slogan 'Jai Kisan' meaningful. Without the development of farmers, the development of the country or the state is impossible."

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the distribution of the 22nd instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi in Guwahati, Assam. Around Rs 19,000 crore has been transferred to about 9.32 crore farmers across the country on the occasion.

Majhi said the PM-Kisan scheme is helping farmers purchase seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs. He added that though modest, the Rs 6,000 annual aid, provided in three equal instalments, is a significant recognition of the hard work of small farmers.

The Chief Minister informed that more than 34.24 lakh eligible farmers in Odisha received financial assistance of Rs 2,000 each, amounting to a total of Rs 684 crore, under the 22nd instalment released on Friday by PM Modi.

Majhi urged farmers to enjoy the benefits of the PM Kisan scheme by completing all the mandatory requirements, such as e-KYC, land record verification, Aadhaar-bank account linking, and correction of names as per Aadhaar.

He further said that along with PM-Kisan, the State Government is also implementing the CM Kisan scheme, under which eligible farmers are being provided Rs 4,000 in two instalments.

He also noted that more than 6 lakh new beneficiaries have been included in this scheme. CM Majhi said that under this scheme, over 51.54 lakh beneficiaries, including 3,236 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) farmers and 31,695 farmers from urban areas, have so far received financial assistance of over Rs 2,991 crore.

He also stated that the children of beneficiaries of the CM Kisan scheme are being provided scholarships under the Krushi Vidya Nidhi scheme to pursue professional and technical courses. In the 202425 academic year, 13,923 students received scholarships worth Rs 53.67 crore under the scheme, which was five times higher than the previous year. For the 202526 academic year, so far 68,915 students have applied for scholarships under the scheme, and Rs 290 crore will be provided as scholarship assistance, which will be a record amount.

"Our government, in coordination with the Central Government, is working to double farmers' income," the CM added. He urged farmers to focus on crop diversification and remain aware of climate change, erratic weather, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bhopal, March 13 : In a proactive measure to combat rapidly declining groundwater levels, Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has declared the entire district a "water-scarce zone" and imposed an immediate ban on the digging of new private tube wells (borewells).

The order, issued under the provisions of the aMadhya Pradesh Drinking Water Protection Act, 1986a, prohibits unauthorised drilling of borewells across urban and rural areas of Bhopal district. The administration has warned of strict legal action, including potential FIRs and imprisonment up to two years, against violators who proceed without prior permission from competent authorities.

According to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, excessive exploitation of groundwater for agricultural, commercial, and domestic purposes has led to a sharp drop in water tables. Levels in drinking water sources and existing tube wells are falling alarmingly, raising serious concerns about an impending severe drinking water crisis during the upcoming summer months.

Collector Singh emphasised that unchecked borewell digging exacerbates the depletion, threatening municipal supply systems and rural hand pumps.

Similar measures have been adopted in districts like Khargone and Indore in recent years, where seasonal bans (often until June or July) help preserve resources during peak summer demand.

The ban aligns with broader state efforts to promote sustainable water use amid recurring shortages flagged by legislators and environmental reports.

Officials noted that while government departments may seek approvals for essential public drinking water projects, private entities must now obtain explicit permission from designated authorities, such as sub-divisional officers or additional collectors, after due assessment.

Residents and farmers have been urged to adopt water conservation practices, including rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and reduced wastage. The administration is also encouraging reliance on existing surface water sources, treated municipal supplies, and on-going recharge initiatives to mitigate the crisis.

Authorities hope the restriction will stabilise levels and avert acute shortages, ensuring equitable access to drinking water for Bhopal's growing population.

The order takes immediate effect, with monitoring teams deployed to enforce compliance. Citizens can report violations through district helplines or local PHE offices.
Technology

LadyinTechverse Launches AI SEO Agent to Supercharge AI-Driven Search Visibility

LadyinTechverse, a Singapore-based digital platform founded by Fractional CMO, Fahiza S., today launched the LITV AI SEO Agent, an AI-powered website audit tool designed for businesses, marketers, and founders, navigating visibility across AI-driven search engines including ChatGPT Search, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.

Available at seoagent.ladyintechverse.com with no login required, the tool provides one free audit daily. Users enter any website URL and receive a structured audit covering four frameworks: Technical SEO, Search Experience Optimisation (SXO), Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO). Each audit includes an Executive Summary and Fix Pack with actionable remediation steps.

The Problem It Solves

Traditional SEO tools were built for a world where Google was the only search surface that mattered. That world no longer exists. In 2026, discovery increasingly happens via AI chat interfaces, voice assistants, and AI-generated answer summaries. A website ranking well on Google may still be invisible to the AI systems millions now rely on to research products and make purchasing decisions.

"Most marketers and founders know something has shifted in how their audience finds them online," said Fahiza S., Founder of LadyinTechverse. What they lack is a clear diagnostic tool to see exactly where visibility is breaking down across new search surfaces. That is what the LITV AI SEO Agent provides.

Product and Pricing

The LITV AI SEO Agent launches with two tiers. The free tier offers one audit per day, no account creation, and full Singapore and EU/UK GDPR compliance. Paid plans from USD $7 monthly provide unlimited audits and PDF report downloads. Annual subscription at USD $75 and one-time purchase at USD $25 are also available via ladyintechverse.gumroad.com.

Each audit assesses Technical SEO, search experience signals, generative engine compatibility, and answer engine optimisation across ChatGPT Search, Claude, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews in a single run.

Why Now

The shift to AI-driven search is reshaping how brands achieve visibility. Google's AI Overviews are reducing click-through rates, agentic AI is fragmenting discoverability across multiple surfaces, and most brands remain optimised for legacy SEO. The 2026 winners are those who can audit and improve visibility across all four frameworks simultaneously.

Availability

The LITV AI SEO Agent is live at seoagent.ladyintechverse.com. The free tier is available globally with no account creation required. Full details and pricing are available at ladyintechverse.gumroad.com.

About LadyinTechverse

LadyinTechverse is a Singapore-based digital platform delivering practitioner-grade insights on AI, digital transformation, and marketing strategy. Founded by Fahiza S., a Fractional CMO with experiences in MNCs, enterprises, and startups, the platform operates across blog, podcast, audiobook series, and product suite at ladyintechverse.com.

Media Contact

Fahiza S.,

Fractional CMO and Founder, LadyinTechverse



Email: press@ladyintechverse.com

Product: seoagent.ladyintechverse.com

Website: ladyintechverse.com





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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Anna Dewdney Read-Together Award, which was established in 2016 by Penguin Young Readers, the Childrens Book Council, and Every Child a Reader in honor of the late author-illustrator and Llama Llama creator, who died of cancer at the age of 50. The award is presented annually to a picture book that is both a superb read-aloud and reflects Anna Dewdneys mission to spark compassion, empathy, and connection through reading.

This year, the public is invited to help select the winning picture book from a longlist of publisher submissions. Now through April 17, parents, caregivers, librarians, educators, and booksellers can visit the Every Child a Reader website to vote from a list of titles published between 2020 and 2025. A shortlist of finalists will be reviewed by an independent selection committee chaired by Dewdneys daughter, teacher Berol Dewdney.

The winner will be announced in June, followed by a virtual celebration hosted by the Childrens Book Council and Every Child a Reader. Viking Books for Young Readers, the publisher of Llama Llama, will donate 250 copies of the winning title to a school, library, or literacy organization of the creators choice.

Berol Dewdney said in a statement, Watching the Anna Dewdney Read-Together Award grow over 10 years has been a profound joy. My mother believed that when we read together, we become more humanthat when we open the pages of a book, we are opening our hearts. Her life, and this award, are about honoring those moments of connection, creating more of them, and celebrating the power of storytelling to foster empathy and love.

Since the Llama Llama series launched just over 20 years ago in 2005, the perennially popular picture books have been adapted for a Netflix animated series starring Jennifer Garner, reimagined by Dolly Parton for a musical at Dollywood, and performed by musicians such as Camila Cabello, Ludacris, and Migos. In addition, Llama Llama Red Pajama was selected as Jumpstarts Read for the Record book in 2011, setting the world record for the most readings of a single book in one day.

Viking will publish the latest title in the series, Llama Llama Graduation Day!, on April 7.
The trajectory of e-book usage in K12 schools is well-known. Demand was ramping up in the mid- to late 2010s, then took off when Covid lockdowns necessitated a pivot to remote and hybrid learning. After the pandemic, gains continued but at a much lower rate, as educational technologies and publishers e-book business models continued to evolve.

Now that federal relief funding through the American Rescue Plan Act has ended and grants from the governments embattled Institute of Museum and Library Services are far from certain, school library budgets are tighter than ever. And with the recent announcement that Follett Content has partnered with Sora, OverDrives student reading app, to deliver digital content to schools, the e-book distribution landscape has become more consolidated. With schools facing limited funds, higher prices, and fewer vendors to choose from, how are they procuring digital book access for their students?

The goal is to have the most access for our kids, says Amanda Kordeliski, director of libraries and instructional technology for Norman Public Schools in Oklahoma, and president of AASL. Achieving that aim looks different in different states and school districts. Among the basics, school library vendors are vetted at the state level for their privacy compliance, and school librarians want e-books that align with academic standards and easily integrate with their existing digital library and learning management systems and available electronic devices to assure ease of use for educators and students.

In Texas, school boards must now approve library materials proposed for purchase. According to Becky Calzada, district library coordinator for Leander Independent School District (LISD) in central Texas, A challenge this year has been the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 13, requiring that all new books get approved, so thats another layer.

Major distributors of e-books to K12 school libraries include Sora and Mackin, as well as educational publishers ABDO and Capstone, and larger library database providers EBSCO, Gale, and ProQuest, which also host e-books within their products. Other players include such publishers as Lerner, ReferencePoint Press, and Rosen, and digital reading platforms like Epic, which are primarily consumer focused but also offer educational market products. Many school districts use more than one e-book vendor, and pricing structures and business models among those companies vary. But the librarians we spoke with agree that the post-Covid e-book marketplace has generally become more restrictive and more expensive.

Decisions, decisions

Kordeliskis district has maintained an OverDrive account for each school levelelementary, middle, and high schoolfor more than a decade. It was really easy to grow the collection initially, because we were able to purchase one copy per one user, she says. But most everything has moved to a lending model, where you only get access to an e-book title for a year, or for 26 checkouts. That makes it difficult for smaller districts or rural schools to be able to maintain a robust collection, because they have to repurchase everything almost every year. And thats inaccessible for a good chunk of the schools in the country, because they just dont have the e-book budget to be able to do that right now.

Calzada notes that LISD has been using OverDrive as its primary e-book vendorit also purchases from Mackin and Capstonefor close to 17 years. When it was first considering OverDrive as a portal, that conversation was rooted in devices, she says. Was it device agnostic? We also had to think about accessibility in terms of internet access. One of the positives for OverDrive is that when a student downloads an e-book on their device, they can take it home and they dont need additional internet access for it.

But Calzada realizes that Sora may not be the best fit for everyone, which is worrying for some schools and librarians that had previously relied on Follett Content for e-books. I have heard a lot of chatter among not just librarians within our institution but beyond, asking, Well, what do I do now? she says. There are budget impacts when you shift. When you think about OverDrive, in our case, as an institution, we have roughly 42,000 students across 45 schools feeding into this, and district-level support, too. Whereas if youre a small, maybe rural library with 500 kids total, the cost impacts are huge.

In Connecticuts Colchester Public Schools district, instructional technology coordinator Barbara Johnson recalls her purchase practices from the early days of e-books. If I were buying, say, the winner of our states Nutmeg Award, I would buy a hardcover of that book, three or four paperback copies, and one e-book. That way I could, on a very tight budget, have that book available in many different formats to reach all of my readers.

But as things shifted after the pandemic, new licensing models became a challenge. The price of an e-book was sometimes unattainablejust a two-year license for an e-book could be upwards of $75$100whereas I could buy a hard copy of a novel for $25 or $30, Johnson says. It no longer made sense.

For the roughly 2,000 students in her district, most recently she has ordered e-books from ABDO, Capstone, Follett, and Mackin. In addition, many teachers in her schools use free teacher classroom accounts offered by reading platform Epic. Were buying a little bit here and a little bit there to make a more comprehensive platform, instead of putting all of our eggs in one basket.

Kristen Luettchau, school library media specialist at Morristown High School in New Jersey, had used Follett as one of her sources for e-books, but when she learned of the Follett-Sora partnership, she began investigating other vendors. Sora is an option, but the cost is a concern for us, she says. Realistically, I dont think Im going to be able to use it as our primary vendor, because our district is no longer paying for one of our databases, so thats going to be an extra $8,000. Between that and the cost of the databases going up usually about 5% each year, it doesnt leave a lot available for e-books.

 Its so important for libraries to have e-book and audiobook access for all of our learners. To have that be uniform and equitable across the country would be my personal dream. Amanda Kordeliski, AASL 

In the meantime, Luettchau has been proactive this school year in finding a mix of strategies to get the most for her e-book budget. Im working with the young adult librarian at our local public library to coordinate her e-book purchases and to encourage the students to utilize those free resources as well, she says. We worked for several weeks in the fall on getting students to sign up for a library card and understand how to download the Libby app and access the e-books and audiobooks directly from the public library.

When the public librarian had extra funds in the fall, Luettchau says, we talked about which titles we might want purchased as audiobooks or e-books to supplement print copies of the book students are getting in school from the English department. This collaboration, she adds, has alleviated a lot of the pressure on me to be purchasing the most current e-books.

For nonfiction, Luettchau has mostly been purchasing titles through ABDO and ReferencePoint. If you purchase a set amount of the e-book licenses, and Ive been getting the multi-user e-book licenses, theyll give you the print copies for free, she says. And its not a subscription, so we have these e-books forever.

Another tack for managing e-book costs involves joining forces with other libraries to build strength in numbers and negotiate better pricing. Once such venture is the Connecticut Library Consortium, which attempts to create a complete marketplace of discount contracts for all of the things that libraries need to buy, according to Ellen Paul, the organizations executive director. We have had a great relationship with Follett, and were deeply appreciative that they have been providing our school libraries with a discount on e-books. She says it remains to be seen whether CLC members will retain that discount now that Follett has partnered with OverDrive. Thats where our concern comes in. We dont currently have a discount with OverDrive, and weve never been able to have a conversation with them about that.

Paul acknowledges that library e-book lending has been in the news of late due to libraries frustration over costs and contract terms. But she believes that relief is on the horizon, in the form of legislation designed to level the playing field. Connecticut passed a first-in-the-nation e-book reform law last June, which governs contracts that public, school, and academic libraries enter into with e-book publishers and aggregators, she says. We didnt necessarily want to go down the legislative route, but we were forced to because its been 20-plus years of e-book lending, and terms, conditions, and pricing get worse every year. Without good-faith negotiation, I think that legislation is not only appropriate but necessary.

Librarians are holding out hope for a solution that bridges the gap between e-book access and pricing. The answer lies in figuring out how we can balance the rights of readers and the rights of authors and publishers too, Calzada says.

Kordeliski adds, Its so important for libraries to have e-book and audiobook access for all of our learners. To have that be uniform and equitable across the country would be my personal dream.

In a perfect world, Johnson envisions that every school, and every learner, has access to a well-staffed, well-funded library, and that publishers understand that school libraries are in a unique position to reach an unlimited number of readers. Were checking out to students and their families, and we are their central location, she says. I have transportation delivering these students to my door and taking them home every single day. School libraries have a captive audience and create such a bang for the buck.

Read more from our school & library spotlight feature.
In J.R. Thorntons sophomore novel, Lucien, a scholarship student falls under the sway of his charming, dangerous roommate and becomes a reluctant accomplice in a scheme to sell fake art.

The university campus is a unique place that exists alongside the rest of society yet remains curiously detached from ita self-contained world with its own rules and hierarchies. For most students, college is the first time theyve ever lived away from home. For some, its the first time theyre exposed to the freedom, responsibility, and pressure of making consequential decisions about their lives. Its also a chance to start over, an opportunity for people to leave behind the identities assigned to them in high school and decide who they want to become. Its a place of intellectual and personal discovery, but also of intense social pressure.

Ive always been drawn to the campus novel for the canvas it offers to explore class, ambition, and the urge to reinvent oneself. The five novels below are standout examples of the form, each offering a vivid glimpse into academic life and influencing the writing of Lucien in some way.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop Pnin Vladimir Nabokov. Vintage, $17 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-0-679-72341-7 Both wonderfully funny and profoundly sad, Pnin recounts the misadventures of a hapless Russian emigre professor at a provincial (and fictional) New England university. Inspired by Nabokovs own life and his experiences teaching at Cornell, the novel is in part a satire of academic life and the small-minded pettiness of faculty politics, and in part a poignant look at the loneliness of the immigrant professor. Pnin is a man displaced, a carrier of a culture that has been destroyed, stumbling through life one malapropism at a time, trying to find his footing in a world that sees him as a lovable eccentric at best. The narrator, a complex, smug, and somewhat cruel Russian-American academic (thought to be an exaggerated version of Nabokov himself), pokes fun at Pnin and mocks him. By the novels end, though, the joke seems to turn back on the narrator. Pnin, dismissed as foolish and inept, emerges as the more humane and dignified figure. Favorite line: There is an old American saying, He who lives in a glass house should not try to kill two birds with one stone.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop Brideshead Revisited Evelyn Waugh. Back Bay, $19.99 trade paper (432p) ISBN 978-0-316-21645-6 While most of Waughs novel takes place after its characters graduate from Oxford, that university is the site of the plots inciting incident: the meeting of Charles Ryder and the charming-yet-eccentric aristocrat Sebastian Flyte. Sebastian ushers Charles into a world of languid decadence, aesthetic refinement, and careless privilege that feels delightfully removed from his own middle-class upbringing. Charles is completely captivated by Brideshead, Sebastians ancestral home, which represents a dying way of life. Waugh captures the intoxicating nature of being welcomed into a sphere of privilege that feels like a dreama form of seduction that relies on the sheer, gravitational pull of wealth, history, and glamour. Yet beneath the gilded surface lies a deep unhappiness characterized by emotional repression, spiritual struggle, and denial over the decline of a social order. Favorite line: These memories, which are my lifefor we possess nothing certainly except the pastwere always with me. Like the pigeons of St. Marks, they were everywhere, under my feet, singly, in pairs, in little honey-voiced congregations, nodding, strutting, winking, rolling the tender feathers of their necks, perching sometimes, if I stood still, on my shoulder or pecking a broken biscuit from between my lips; until, suddenly, the noon gun boomed and in a moment, with a flutter and sweep of wings, the pavement was bare and the whole sky above dark with a tumult of fowl.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop This Side of Paradise F. Scott Fitzgerald. Union Square Classics, $9.99 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-4351-7232-6 A somewhat experimental novel stitched together from fragments of narrative, poetry, and stream-of-consciousness, Fitzgeralds debut is probably the least structured of his four major works. Set partly at Princeton in the years leading up to the First World War, the novel traces the emotional and intellectual development of the egocentric Amory Blaine. What makes This Side of Paradise so essential is its understanding of the university as a stage for self-invention. Amorys desperate, often clumsy, attempts to try on different personas is a core struggle for any young person. While the plot lacks the controlled tightness of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgeralds unmistakable energy and talent come through. After originally giving it the questionable title The Romantic Egoist, Fitzgerald fortunately chose a far better option inspired by a line from the Rupert Brooke poem, Tiare Tahiti. Favorite line: It was always the becoming he dreamed of, never the being.

Buy this book Amazon Apple Books Barnes & Noble Bookshop The Secret History Donna Tartt. Knopf, $27.95 (544p) ISBN 978-0-679-41032-4 When Richard Papen arrives at Hampden College in Vermont, hes desperate to escape his mundane California background. He finds his ticket in a tiny, exclusive classics program taught by the enigmatic Julian Morrow. What Ive always found so compelling, and what I returned to while writing Lucien, is the terrifying precision with which Tartt depicts the way an outsider is susceptible to seduction. Richard isnt just joining a study group; hes being absorbed into a sealed-off world governed by its own morality. The allure of that belonging is so strong it leads to his complicity in murder. Its a chilling look at how a desire for a different life can make you lose yourself entirely. Favorite line: The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.
President Trump recently urged the Iranian people to take over [their] government" once the U.S.-Israel-led campaign on Iran has ended. If only it were that easy.

The Islamic Republic has spent decades ensuring that Irans citizens cannot unite against it. It has intentionally divided the people and deliberately created leadership vacuums. Any movement building has been defeated through the most brutal violence.

Regime change in Iran cannot happen with a wave of a magic wand, or even with force alone. The selection of Ayatollah Ali Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor underscores how entrenched Irans political system remains. Real change in Iran will come from its people and from the courageous dissidents who have already put their lives on the line to push for change.

For years, those very people have been rounded up and detained, or forced into exile. Many were already imprisoned or under constant surveillance long before the strikes began; others were detained as soon as they happened.

Now, security forces patrol the streets in armored vehicles, armed and masked. Iranians are afraid to go on the streets. There is no internet and, therefore, no way to know whether anyone is safe. Under these conditions, organizing mass resistance becomes extremely challenging.

Building a democracy requires intention, it requires strategy, and it requires people from all walks of life coming together and collaborating. Freeing Irans thousands of political prisoners will be a vital step to turn President Trumps urging into real action.

In an emblematic case, womens rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Narges Mohammadi, has spent nearly a decade behind bars for her activism. Recently, she was handed another six-year prison sentence for speaking out against state violence during the funeral of a human rights lawyer who had been found dead.

And Mohammadi is only one among thousands of political prisoners in Iran. Iranian authorities routinely imprison anyone who dissents  even in the smallest ways  seeking to crush any opposition before it takes shape.

In May 2024, writer and translator Hossein Shanbehzadeh famously tweeted a single period in response to a post by late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  an ironic correction of the Leaders punctuation. Hossein was sentenced to 12 years in prison, including torture and solitary confinement. When Israel attacked Evin Prison on June 23, 2025, in an attempt to free political prisoners, Iranian authorities quickly transferred Shanbehzadeh to another prison to ensure he would not be released.

And in December 2024, Reza Khandan, husband of renowned human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested and detained  simply for supporting womens rights. Sotoudeh was imprisoned multiple times, and Khadan was with her every step of the way. He now pays the price of his activism against the compulsory hijab laws.

Any attempt at mobilization on the streets of Iran has been met with overwhelming violence. The regimes most recent crackdown alone killed an estimated 20,000-30,000 protesters and led to more than 18,000 arrests. The few grim videos that managed to leak out of Iran showed piles of unidentifiable body bags, families desperately trying to identify loved ones. And in the last week, another 1000 citizens and innocent bystanders have reportedly been killed.

Many other Iranians who might plausibly take over the government are no longer in the country at all. They live in exile, having fled the country at various stages of political turmoil. Many were targeted; others left because life in a system that polices speech, movement, and bodily autonomy became unbearable.

Iranians are understandably scared. And with their most trusted voices and leaders imprisoned, disappeared, murdered, or forced into exile, the idea that citizens can simply take over their government  as President Trump has suggested  ignores the brutal reality on the ground.

When the strikes ease and negotiations restart, the U.S. administration, as well as the international community, should prioritize the release of all political prisoners and the end of judicial harassment for others who are living in constant fear.

Freeing political prisoners would strengthen the burgeoning democratic movement that is being called for. If the U.S. and the world want to help build a free Iran, the place to start is demanding the release of the very architects capable of building it.

The brave Iranian people have shown time and again that they are ready. They have risked everything to fight back against their brutal government. During the latest regime crackdown, young Iranians took to the streets with their names and phone numbers on tags stuck to their chests, in hopes that if they were killed, they would not die anonymously.

The people of Iran deserve to be free, led by the very voices that the regime has worked so hard to silence.

Hannah Van Dijcke is a Legal & Research Officer, and Claudia Bennett is a Legal & Program Officer at the Human Rights Foundation. HRF has submitted individual complaints to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Iranian political prisoners Hossein Shanbehzadeh and Toomaj Salehi. Toomaj was released five months after HRFs submission.
Featured Image by Patrick McCarthy / Match Grade Media

6 months ago, if you asked me the top 10 rifle scopes for long range distance shooting, I would have honestly forgotten that Zeiss even made a scope for the job. Zeiss has been around since my grandfathers grandfather was still trying to find the last potato in Ireland, and is one of those rare brands that is everywhere but often just out of sight.

Outside of the camera world and the world of precision optics for industrial applications, Zeiss isnt a huge name in the hunting or competition world. But they absolutely should be.

ZEISS IS GERMAN FOR GREAT GLASS

In 1846, Carl Zeiss founded the Zeiss brand with two partners, Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott. 180 years later, Zeiss is well-known in every field that requires optics of any kind. Zeiss is found in a lot of things youve heard of and a lot of things you havent, like ophthalmic lenses, lenses used in semiconductor manufacturing, microscopes, and even the optics used in the James Webb Space Telescope.

Little-known fact: without Zeiss, we literally wouldnt have the modern world as we know it, since it was Zeiss that designed the unimaginably precise mirrors used in EUV Lithography production. Basically, if you use a smartphone, computer, or anything else with a microprocessor chip made in the last 20 years  thank Zeiss.

With over 46,000 global employees and a yearly revenue of over 11 billion dollars, the hunting and competition shooting market is small fries to a company like Zeiss. While Zeiss has offered binoculars, spotting scopes, and hunting-focused rifle scopes for a long time, it took most of us by surprise when Zeiss launched the LRP S5 and S3.

Since then, this has absolutely been an optic that is being slept on hard by the community.

Zeiss LRP S3 636-56 SPECS & FEATURES

Magnification: 6  36 

Focal Plane: First

Reticle Options: ZF-MOAi | ZF-MRi

Light Transmission: 90 %

Effective Lens Diameter: 56 mm

Exit Pupil Diameter: 8.8  1.6 mm

Twilight Factor: 17.7  44.9

Field of View at 100 m (yds): 6.8  1.1 m (20.4  3.3 ft)

Objective Viewing Angle: 3.9  0.6

Diopter Adjustment Range: + 3.0 |  3.0 dpt

Eye Relief: 80  90 mm (3.0  3.5)

Parallax Setting: 10 m  

Elevation Adjustment Range at 100 m: 32.0 MRAD | 110 MOA

Windage Adjustment Range at 100 m: 14.6 MRAD | 50 MOA

Adjustment per Click at 100 m: 0.1 MRAD | 0.25 MOA

Main Tube Diameter: 34 mm

Eyepiece Tube Diameter: 45 mm

Objective Tube Diameter: 65 mm

LotuTec: Yes

T* Coating: Yes

Nitrogen Filled: Yes

Waterproof: 400 mbar

Operating Temperature:  25 C | + 55 C ( 13 F | + 131 F)

Length: 384 mm (15.1)

Weight (Without Inner Rail): 1,107 g (39.1 oz)

ON THE RANGE

Two things are immediately noticeable when first using the Zeiss LRP S3. First, the glass is classic Zeiss, being incredibly bright and clear. This is the magic Zeiss has that no one else does. For brightness and color clarity, Zeiss is almost impossible to beat, even at high price points.

Berger Precision Challenge PRS Match, 2026. Image by Camdyn Powers

Second, the scope design feels a little foreign. Small things like the parallax not having range markings, the magnification level being written on the body of the scope instead of the adjustment ring, and even the style and size of the font used are just different choices than what most NA-based manufacturers choose. None of that is a bad thing, its just different.

Range markings are never accurate on parallax, but they are normally at least good guesses to get you close before a stage. Lacking that is a little annoying.

Those differences take a little getting used to if youre like me and youre coming off of years of using Vortex, Bushnell, NightForce, Burris, SIG Sauer (USA), etc. But after a few range trips, the differences are mostly forgotten.

Putting the LRP to use on the clock has been nothing short of an absolute treat. First at a local PRS match and again at the Berger Precision Challenge, the Zeiss LRP performed amazingly well. The stunning glass of the LRP makes finding and IDing targets incredibly easy, even with they are beat up dark gray targets in the shade of a setting sun at the end of your day.

Its really impossible to completely convey just how bright this glass is. Pictures wont do it justice. You have to see it.

From 100-yard shooting groups to 1,000 yards banging steel for points at the Berger match, the Zeiss LRP never let me down. Turrets are clicky and easy to read, turret tracking has been perfect through hundreds of cycles, and even getting dropped on the ground didnt shift zero. Partly thanks to the Hawkins heavy Tactical one-piece mount holding the LRP.

PROS & CONS

PRO: Zeiss legendary glass

Robust, well-built scope

Perfect tracing

Extremely high-value for dollar price CON: Turret zero stop is an older design

Controls and reticle take some getting used to

THE BEST PRS PRODUCTION CLASS RIFLE SCOPE: ZEISS 636-56

We live in the golden age of long range shooting. Never before have rifles so precise at such jaw-dropping distances been so accessible by the average shooter, assuming you have the money. While long distance shooting is addictive and insanely fun, its also a great way to stay poor.

Hawkins Precision Heavy Tactical 1-Piece Mount kept the Zeiss safe during this review. Outstanding and rock-solid mount. Built-in level and optional diving board mount add to an already incredible mount.

Precision Rifle Series, or PRS, is the main body behind the sport of long range shooting. While other flavors of competition distance shooting exist, its normally PRS that anyone under the age of 50 is most interested in.

If youre trying to save a buck, PRS has a production class that is limited to a $3,000 off-the-shelf rifle and a $2,500 off-the-shelf scope. While there is a long list of great options under that price tag, the Zeiss LRP S3 636-56 is likely the only one sporting Alpha glass. In my book, Zeiss is the clear winner for production class, and its not even a real contest.

For open class rifles, Zeiss is still a very strong contender. Getting significantly more out of your optic will only come with a $4,500+ price tag. Near-peer rivals to the Zeiss LRP S3 are worth considering, such as the Vortex Razor 3 or the Burris XTR Pro, but Zeiss still stands strong.

LOOSE ROUNDS

Zeiss is a juggernaut of an optics brand that makes most of their money outside the sporting optics world. Leveraging their technology developed for other applications and applying it to our shooting world provides some incredible optics for a surprisingly accessible price.

Offset windage markings make them a lot easier to see when behind the rifle. This is a small feature that makes a big difference.

Nothing Zeiss does is cheap or on a budget, but its at least accessible and offers a shocking value-ratio.

For my eyes, the only glass on the market that might edge out Zeiss comes from ZCO. But ZCO starts at about double the price of the Zeiss LRP S3. Put into that context, the $2,500 MSRP of the LRP S3 is a lot more attractive.

If you want alpha-tier glass and dont have a trust fund fueling your lifestyle, Zeiss LRP S3 should be on the short-list of candidates.
'The next phase of India's IPO cycle will be defined by quality, pricing discipline and investor selectivity.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points India's IPO market in 2026 will be more selective, favouring companies with strong earnings and good governance amidst geopolitical risks.

Manufacturing companies with robust R&D, precision engineering, and value-added capabilities are poised to attract significant capital in the IPO market.

Data centres and renewable energy projects with clear execution plans and stable cash flows present attractive investment opportunities in the Indian IPO landscape.

Well-managed NBFCs are expected to revive in the IPO market as credit costs stabilise and balance sheets improve.

Domestic institutions and high-net-worth individuals are becoming crucial for IPO success, providing stability and absorbing large issuances with the right pricing and quality.

After a record-breaking run last year, India's initial public offering (IPO) market has begun 2026 on a subdued note, with volatility and geopolitical risks tempering investor appetite.

But the slowdown does not signal a freeze, says Neha Agarwal, managing director and head of ECM at JM Financial.

Instead, the market is entering a far more selective phase.

In an interview with Samie Modak and Khushboo Tiwari/Business Standard in Mumbai, Agarwal outlines why the next cycle will reward quality over quantity and which sectors are best placed to attract capital.

After a record year, the IPO market is off to a weak start this year. What should we expect, going forward?

Even last year, the market was uneven. We saw very little activity in the first couple of months, followed by a pickup from April onwards.

Something similar could play out this year as well. However, unlike earlier cycles where weak earnings drove softness, today the markets are cautious mainly due to geopolitical risks.

Domestic macros are improving and transactions will happen -- but they will be far more selective than before.

Will the pain continue?

I wouldn't say all the pain is behind us. Valuations still need to be justified by earnings growth.

Until that happens, investors will remain cautious. What's clear is that demand will not be broad-based -- it will be highly polarised.

What do you mean by polarisation in the IPO market?

Earlier, almost any IPO could find demand. That phase is over.

Investors are now applying strong filters -- sector, business quality, margins, capital allocation and governance.

Not every IPO will attract interest, and many proposed listings will get filtered out due to pricing mismatches.

Sectors Attracting Capital in the IPO Market

Which sectors do you see attracting capital over the next 12-18 months?

Manufacturing will do well, but not commoditised manufacturing.

Companies with strong R&D, precision engineering and value-added capabilities will lead fund-raising.

This includes high-end industrials, auto components with advanced engineering, precision equipment, and pharma businesses with genuine research depth.

Indian companies that invest meaningfully in R&D are best placed to raise capital.

In pharma, for example, pure contract manufacturing will struggle.

Contract development and manufacturing organisation players with strong development and research capabilities will attract far greater investor interest, especially if global innovators recognise their value addition.



IMAGE: Neha Agarwal.

Are there any emerging themes beyond manufacturing and pharma?

Data centres are a clear theme. Asset-heavy businesses with visible and short cash-flow cycles are being well received.

We're seeing good investor response to data centre platforms, and this trend should continue as digital infrastructure scales up.

Renewable energy also remains attractive, and we expect a few large filings this year.

Execution clarity at the project level will be key. Investors want visibility on cash flows, regulatory stability, and capital structure discipline.

Financial Services and Smallcap IPOs

Financial services IPOs have been quiet. Do you see that changing?

Yes. Financial services, especially non-banking financial services (NBFCs), could see a revival.

Over the past two to three years, only a handful of listings happened, largely from strong promoter-backed groups.

As credit costs stabilise and balance sheets improve, we expect well-run NBFCs to return to the market -- though again, not across the board.

Are smallcap IPOs facing more resistance compared to mid and largecaps?

Absolutely. Mutual funds are seeing some redemptions and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) remain cautious, which disproportionately affects smallcap IPOs.

Mid and largecap offerings with quality businesses should continue to do well, but smaller issuances will face valuation and demand challenges.

Valuation and Investment Bank Strategies

Is the issue more about lack of demand or valuation mismatches?

It's largely about valuation. In many cases, the gap between what issuers expect and what investors are willing to pay has widened. Unless promoters are realistic, deals won't go through.

How are investment banks adapting to this environment?

Banks are becoming more selective. Rather than chasing volumes, the focus is shifting to higher strike rates.

Responsible intermediaries need to decide carefully which deals to sponsor, even if that means doing fewer transactions.

With foreign investors selling in secondary markets, has marketing IPOs become harder?

Not necessarily. While FPIs have been net sellers in secondary markets, they remain active in primary issuances, especially as anchor investors.

FPIs typically help solve for size, while domestic investors help set the price. Both remain essential for large IPOs.

How important are domestic investors today?

Domestic institutions are now the backbone of the IPO market.

Mutual funds often invest from cash rather than selling existing holdings, which provides stability.

High-net-worth individuals and family offices are also becoming an important source of capital.

India now has a deep and diversified domestic capital base.

The rise of high net worth individuals and family offices shows that the market can absorb large issuances, provided pricing and quality are right.

What are the key risks investors should watch out for?

Execution risk and governance. Promoter credibility, capital allocation discipline and post-IPO fund utilisation will be under much sharper scrutiny.

Regulators are also tightening oversight, which is a healthy development for the market.

Overall, how confident are you about the IPO market over the next year?

I'm constructive. The IPO market will remain active, but it will reward quality over quantity.

Strong businesses, credible promoters and realistic valuations will find capital. Everything else will be filtered out.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Amidst global energy supply concerns, Indian researchers have developed dimethyl ether (DME) technology, offering a promising indigenous alternative to LPG for cooking fuel and reducing India's import dependence.

Key Points CSIR-NCL has developed a patented technology for producing dimethyl ether (DME) from methanol as a substitute for LPG.

DME offers a cleaner-burning and eco-friendly alternative to LPG, with lower emissions of pollutants.

Blending up to 20% DME with LPG is permitted under Indian standards, with no infrastructure changes needed for 8% substitution.

Replacing 8% of LPG with DME could save India approximately Rs 9,500 crore in foreign exchange annually.

DME has various industrial applications beyond cooking fuel, including use as an automotive fuel and aerosol propellant.

Amid concerns over supply disruptions triggered by the West Asia crisis, researchers at CSIR-NCL have highlighted dimethyl ether (DME) as a potential indigenous alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly for domestic cooking fuel.

In a release, the Pune-based CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory said its researchers have developed a patent-protected DME production technology using an indigenously developed catalyst that enables efficient conversion of methanol to DME.

CSIR NCL, in collaboration with a processing engineering partner, is ready to scale up the technology to an industrial-scale demonstration plant of 2.5 tonnes per day within 6-9 months, it added.

The technology allows production of DME at around 10 bar pressure, enabling it to be directly filled into LPG cylinders. It has already been scaled up to a pilot capacity of 250 kg per day.

Such a demonstration plant could pave the way for commercial facilities with capacities ranging from 100 to 500 tonnes per day, it said, adding the laboratory is exploring partnerships with oil public sector undertakings and bioenergy companies for large-scale production.

"India imports more than 80 per cent of its fossil energy requirements, making the country vulnerable to global supply shocks. LPG, widely used as a cooking fuel and promoted in rural households through Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, has recently witnessed price pressures due to supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, a key region for global energy supplies," it said.

Against this backdrop, Dimethyl Ether (DME), a synthetic clean-burning fuel, could serve as a viable and eco-friendly substitute for LPG while strengthening India's energy security, the CSIR-NCL statement said.

"DME burns cleaner than conventional fuels, emitting minimal amounts of soot, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter. It also offers thermal efficiency comparable to traditional fuels, making it suitable for household and industrial applications," the release added.

DME Standards and Implementation

The Bureau of Indian Standards has established the standard IS 18698:2024, allowing blending of up to 20 per cent DME with LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

According to researchers, replacing up to 8 per cent LPG with DME does not require any modification in existing infrastructure such as cylinders, regulators, hoses or burners.

"India imported around 21 million tonnes of LPG in 2024. Scientists estimate that substituting 8 per cent of LPG consumption with DME could lead to annual foreign exchange savings of about Rs 9,500 crore. Replacing 8 per cent LPG with DME for roughly 10.5 crore LPG connections under Ujjwala scheme would require a production capacity of about 1,300 tonnes of DME per day," the release informed.

Industrial Applications of DME

Beyond cooking fuel, DME also has several industrial uses, it added.

It can function as an automotive fuel under IS 16704:2018, replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as an aerosol propellant, and act as a chemical intermediate for producing lower olefins, dimethyl sulfate and methyl acetate.

"Domestic production of DME from methanol could help reduce India's dependence on imported LPG. Methanol supply chains are considered more diversified and resilient than LPG supplies," the release said.

In the future, methanol required for DME production could be derived from India's coal reserves and biomass through gasification. Scientists also pointed to the possibility of producing DME from captured carbon dioxide, which could contribute to climate mitigation efforts.

"The research was led by Thirumalaiswamy Raja, Chief Scientist in the Catalysis Division. The laboratory has also developed a prototype burner capable of operating in a flexible mode- from 100 per cent LPG to 100 per cent DME and intermediate blends. The burner has been tested for efficiency at the LPG Equipment Research Centre in Bengaluru," it said.
'It's rare to see Ranveer Singh off-camera. He disappears. He doesn't like to be on set. Only when the shot is ready, he is there.'

'He doesn't want any nonsense, no interaction.'

'If anything would go wrong, he would really get pissed.'

Key Points Rouhallah Gazi played Sihayi in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar.

The character dies in the climax, so he will not be a part of the sequel, releasing March 19.

Gazi is a Kashmiri, and has worked in Brahmastra.

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi as Siyahi in Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

The blockbuster success has made all the characters of Dhurandhar popular.

Siyahi, who was a loyal member of Rehman Dacait's gang, may not have lived long enough to be a part of the film's upcoming sequel, but he made sure he created an impression.

The character was played by Rouhallah Gazi, a Kashmiri model, who is just starting his movie career.

Gazi almost made his debut in Dinesh Vijan's Raabta, but got replaced by Jim Sarbh. He finally got his break with Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, followed by Dhurandhar.

He shares some interesting anecdotes from Dhurandhar, and tells Ronjita Kulkarni/Rediff, "Day one, I saw that power in Ranveer Singh's eyes. Dhurandhar took about 14 months to get made, and that power I saw on Day One stayed right till the end. He maintained that aura throughout."

'It took three hours to do the makeup every day'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi in Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

Sihayi means ink, that's why I got this look.

Preetisheel Singh made the look with the help of prosthetics.

It took three hours to do the makeup every day. I had to just sit, and close my eyes, for hours.

This acting field is all about patience. The more patient you are, the closer it will get you to where to want to be. It's not easy, not even for Ranveer Singh. They are all hard working. I've seen Ranveer Singh working out, even in between shots.

Even when I worked with Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra, he would push me to work out when we were shooting in Bulgaria.

'It looked like it was boiling, but it wasn't'

Watch the making of the scene here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GAZI (@gazirouhallah)

That pressure cooker scene was shot in Thailand.

After the guy was thrown inside the pressure cooker, I banged the lid shut, and then improvised a bit by banging it with my hand.

They had created bubbles and some ripples in the coloured liquid, so it looked like it was boiling, but it wasn't. The fire effect was created by placing light underneath that pressure cooker.

When people saw this scene, they were like, how ruthless!

'If anything would go wrong, Ranveer Singh would really get pissed'

IMAGE: Ranveer Singh and Rouhallah Gazi in the climax scene in Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

It's rare to see Ranveer Singh off-camera. He disappears. He doesn't like to be on set. Only when the shot is ready, he is there.

He doesn't want any nonsense, no interaction.

If anything would go wrong, he would really get pissed. He doesn't like noise and would tell everyone on the mic to be quiet.

The conditions were crazy then, shooting under the hot sun, in Punjab, Thailand and Mumbai.

Ranveer loves to work, so he would keep telling everyone to be dedicated.

He also did not like last minute changes because he would come prepared for his shot.

But he was really nice with the director (Aditya Dhar), and would ask if he could improvise. The director used to say, please do it. His shots were mostly in one take. He was so sure and crisp about everything.

Day one, I saw that power in his eyes. Dhurandhar took about 14 months to get made, and that power I saw on Day One stayed right till the end. He maintained that aura throughout.

'The climax was shot six months later, but the choreography was already ready'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi and Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

When we shot the scene where Rehman Dacait's son gets poisoned, Ranveer Singh and I shared a moment, pictured above.

We were shooting in Amritsar, in an old haveli that was converted into Rehman Dacoit's house.

Ranveer had had a baby, and had just returned from his break.

That day, he walked straight up to me, told me that I'm so excited to see you because I just saw the fight choreography of our climax scene in the jungle. The climax was shot six months later, but the choreography was already ready.

He said, I can't wait to share it with you.

He kept praising me.

I kept looking at him, did not say anything.

'When I first met Aditya Dhar, he spoke to me in Kashmiri'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi with Aditya Dhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

When I first met Aditya Dhar, he spoke to me in Kashmiri.

He is a genius.

On the first day of the film, when we all met in his office, he showed us -- the boys in Rehman Dacait's gang -- exactly what he wanted. He showed us Lehari, he showed the characters, Rehman Dacait...

Everyone was excited.

There were so many ups and downs during the shoot but Aditya Dhar would never get stressed, he would always be calm.

He would talk to me about Kashmir, about my stuff, my life. When it was time for the shot, he would come and talk to you. Then, he would go sit in front of the monitor. It was very easy to follow him.

'It was a major accident, and everyone came running'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi with Akshaye Khanna in the climax of Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

We shot the climax at Aarey Milk Colony (Goregaon, northwest Mumbai).

It was so difficult to run through the jungle in that salwar!

Ranveer got hurt thrice.

Before that chase started, there is a scene where I come on the bike, and see Rehman Dacait hurt in the car. I ask him kisne mara, and he tells me, Hamza ran this way, chodna mat.

There was some water in that scene, and I didn't realise how much water would be there. I was riding in from a distance, and had to ride very fast.

So when I zoomed closer, I suddenly saw water everywhere, and the bike skid. It was a major accident, and everyone came running. Even Akshaye Khanna sir came out of the car. Aditya Dhar sir came. Everyone on the set came, asking me if I was fine.

Luckily, I fell on the gun that I was carrying, and went sliding on it. So the injury wasn't that much. My knee got bruised, my elbows got scraped.

Ranveer and I rehearsed that fight choreography a lot, with body doubles. He used to write his choreography on paper. I've never seen any actor do that.

Action is a little tricky, it's all calculated stuff. You can't miss out. You need to know the beats. Like how actors train in theatre, its the same thing with action. Vahan par aap bolte ho, yahaan par aap karte ho.

The action team had come from South Korea, and they were amazing,

Watch the BTS of the climax chase here

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GAZI (@gazirouhallah)

'I don't feel bad that I'm not in Dhurandhar 2'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi with Naveen Kaushik, who plays Donga, and Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

Dhurandhar 2 is all about Ranveer's part. I don't feel bad because my role was just that much. I'm happy with what I got.

So many people told me, we will call you, you were so good.

The shoot took me a year-and-a-half, and I had to maintain the continuity throughout. I had to be in the same shape, same look -- I had a longer beard -- so maintaining that took a lot of effort.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

Life didn't change much after Dhurandhar, but yeah, because everything is online now, you get more visibility, especially on Instagram. I became famous online, getting 30 million views!

Back home in Kashmir, everyone saw it, everyone was happy.

I did not watch Dhurandhar first day, first show, when it released in December. I was like, let everyone watch. I was already in the film, so why should I go and watch it?

Everyone watched it, and were amazed, so after 15 days, I was like, okay, I will also go and watch it. When I did, I was like, wow! I don't like to watch films beyond two hours, I feel sleepy, but this was so gripping!

'I even knew Sushant Singh Rajput's lines in Rabta'

IMAGE: Rouhallah Gazi in Brahmastra. Photograph: Kind courtesy Rouhallah Gazi/Instagram

I was born in Kashmir. After my secondary exams, I went to Bangalore and started modelling. I took part in Bangalore Fashion Week. There, I got to meet people from Mumbai, and came here.

I did Lakme Fashion Week, shot for major fashion magazines like Vogue... I modelled for five-six years.

Being a model, I got a chance to work for a Telugu film in 2015. That was the first time I faced a moving camera. It was really tough for me. In the initial 10 days, I was suffering! I had not done any theatre, or acting crash courses.

They had approached me on WhatsApp because they liked my look. I told them I am not an actor, how will I manage? They said, no problem, we will manage.

After that, Mukesh Chhabra cast me in Raabta in 2015. I worked in that film for 15 days, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I got to meet real actors. A teacher was hired for Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon and me.

I read the whole script, some 115 pages, and memorised it all. I even knew Sushant Singh Rajput's lines! But later, they let me go. The role went to Jim Sarbh. I felt bad.

Then, auditions for Brahmastra started in 2017. We shot for the film in Bulgaria. I got a chance to meet Amitabh Bachchan sir, and Nagarjuna sir. We finished shooting for Brahmastra in 2019, and then COVID happened.

I returned to Kashmir. My dad used to make carpets in Kashmir, so when I had nothing to do, I started working on my clothing line, Gazi Kasheer.

After Dhurandhar, I will make my Hollywood debut with Daniel Kooman and Mathew Kooman's Daniel, starring Mena Massoud. I'm playing a magician from the Babylon empire.

Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
'My colleague Naveen Bamel -- he is an advocate of the Supreme Court -- went to the museum at the Red Fort specifically to look for the cap.'

'He inquired with the ASI officials there, and nobody had a clue.'

'So I thought this is not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister.'

The Bose family presents Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's personal black cap to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 23, 2019. Photographs: Kind courtesy Chandra Kumar Bose/X

When Chandra Kumar Bose, Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew, handed Netaji's personal cap to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 23, 2019 -- on the occasion of Netaji's 122nd birth anniversary (born January 23, 1897), which is also celebrated as 'day of valour in his remembrance, it was placed with ceremony inside a glass display case at the newly inaugurated Subhas Chandra Bose Museum at Red Fort, part of the Kranti Mandir complex.

The museum, which Modi himself inaugurated that day (external link), was built to honour India's freedom fighters, with Netaji's artefacts prominently featured at the entrance. But today, that glass box in which Netaji's cap was kept ceremonially in 2019 stands empty, according to Chandra Kumar Bose.

Key Points Chandra Kumar Bose gifted Netaji's personal cap to Prime Minister Modi on January 23, 2019.

The cap was displayed at the entrance of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum at the Red Fort, but has been missing since a 2022 Kolkata exhibition.

Supreme Court advocate Naveen Bhamel visited the museum and found an empty glass box on March 10, 2026; ASI officials offered no explanation.

Bose says the cap has been 'in transit' for three to four years, which he finds unbelievable.

Chandra Kumar Bose says officials at the culture ministry, which maintains jurisdiction over the Subhas Chandra Bose Museum at the Red Fort in New Delhi maintain that the cap has been 'in transit' since a 2022 exhibition at the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata where it was brought to celebrate Netaji's 125th birth anniversary -- and nobody in the Union ministry of culture or the Archaeological Survey of India can say where it is today.

To bring it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's notice, Chandra Kumar Bose posted a message on a social media platform on the evening of March 12.

"The ministry of culture is in charge of the ASI and the Red Fort Museum. When Naveen (Bamel) inquired with them, they said it was in transit. That is all they could say. What kind of answer is that?", Chandra Kumar Bose asks Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.

'I thought, this is really not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister'

A few hours ago, you tweeted, tagging Prime Minister Modi, about Netaji's cap going missing from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum at Red Fort (external link).

Can you tell us when you gave the cap to the prime minister, why you gave it, and what he said to you at the time?

A photograph of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with the black cap, which Chandra Kumar Bose says has been missing.

It was January 23, 2019, Netaji's birthday. We presented the cap to the prime minister on behalf of the Bose family. He placed it right at the front entrance of the Netaji Museum, which he inaugurated at Red Fort that same day.

And the cap remained there since?

Yes, it was there for quite some time. But now, the board is still there, the glass box is still there -- empty -- and the cap is missing.

What happened is that it was brought to Calcutta for a temporary exhibition set up at the Victoria Memorial on the occasion of Netaji's 125th birth anniversary (on January 23, 2022). But it never came back to its original position. It appears to have returned to the Red Fort, but it is simply not where Mr Modi had placed it.

How did you come to know the cap was missing?

We didn't think much of it initially. Transit, we thought -- it would come back. But it came to my notice about a month ago. My colleague Naveen Bamel -- he is an advocate of the Supreme Court -- went to the museum specifically to look for the cap.

He inquired with the ASI officials there, and nobody had a clue. No one could give a proper answer. So I thought, this is really not right. This must be brought to the notice of the prime minister.

'Modi has done a genuinely good thing -- setting up the INA Museum and Netaji Museum'

When did the cap leave Kolkata for Delhi?

The programme in Kolkata was in 2022. It was a temporary museum, so after the event the items were to be returned. But since then, that cap has been 'in transit.' Three, four years in transit -- what does that even mean?

And the photograph you posted on Twitter -- is that the original cap?

Yes, that is the original cap. I personally handed it to Modi, and he placed it inside that glass box himself.

Naveen took that photograph on the 10th of this month. You can see him standing in front of the empty box -- my name is written on that box. The cap is gone.

Did you feel the cap should not have been taken to Kolkata in the first place?

Supreme Court advocate Naveen Bamel clicked this picture on March 10, 2026 at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum.

Frankly, yes. It should not have been moved. There were people who told me earlier, why did you give it at all? It's a family heirloom, keep it.

But then Netaji is a national icon. He may be family to us, but I felt his personal cap deserved to be at the Red Fort, where Modi has done a genuinely good thing -- setting up the INA Museum and Netaji Museum there.

So I thought it was the right place. But a cap is a small item. It can easily get misplaced. It can be stolen. It should never have been shifted around.

'I cannot blame him directly for this, but he must respond'

What did Prime Minister Modi tell you when you gave him the cap in 2019?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi places Netaji's black cap inside a glass box at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum on Janauary 23, 2019.

He said it would be kept there to honour Netaji. That was the understanding. And that is why I feel it is his responsibility too -- I placed it in his hands personally.

Who do you hold responsible for this?

The ministry of culture is in charge of the ASI and the Red Fort Museum. When Naveen (Bamel) inquired with them, they said it was in transit. That is all they could say. What kind of answer is that?

People go to visit the museum, they see an empty glass box, and there is no explanation. At the very least, if the cap is not there, they should remove the box. It is embarrassing.

Have you heard from the prime minister's office after your tweet?

Not yet. I am also writing a letter to him tomorrow. I will send him a detailed note on what has happened.

Do you expect him to respond?

I hope so. I really hope so. Because I personally presented it to him. And I think he would want to inquire and give us the correct picture. I cannot blame him directly for this, but he must respond. And I believe he will.

Some might say this could become a political issue, especially ahead of elections in West Bengal.

I am not interested in making this a political matter -- that is not my intention at all. My intention is simply to bring this to the notice of the prime minister. What is happening in that museum is not right. It should not be made into any kind of election issue. Netaji is above all that.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Assam intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration by deporting 12 Bangladeshi immigrants, reinforcing its commitment to expelling all undocumented individuals.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the deportation of 12 illegal immigrants back to Bangladesh.

The Assam government is actively enforcing measures to identify and expel illegal migrants from the state.

The state cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the expulsion process under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.

Assam is committed to addressing illegal immigration from neighbouring countries through strict enforcement and deportation measures.

Twelve illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh were "pushed back", Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Sarma, however, did not specify the district where they were apprehended or the sector of the border through which they were "pushed back".

"Mission Clean Up continues. In the wee hours, 12 illegal migrants were identified and PUSHED BACK to where they belong," Sarma said in a social media post on Thursday night.

"I have said time and again -- Assam will not spare a single illegal migrant. Each one of you will be sent back," he added.

Assam's Immigration Policy

The Assam cabinet had approved, in October last year, the framing of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, to guide District Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police in expelling illegal migrants from the state and addressing illegal immigration from neighbouring countries.
A frantic search is underway in Uttar Pradesh after six female students mysteriously disappeared following their class 12th board examination, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about their whereabouts.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Six female students from Chandpur and Himpur in Uttar Pradesh are missing after their class 12th board exam.

The students disappeared after the Sanskrit exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education.

Police have registered a case and initiated a search operation, including phone surveillance, to find the missing students.

One of the students' mobile phones was initially traced to Haridwar, Uttarakhand, before being switched off.

Multiple police teams are involved in the search for the students, who are believed to be friends from surrounding rural areas.

Six female students who left their college in Chandpur in Bijnor district after appearing in the class 12th board examinations have gone missing, police said, adding that the students did not return home after the exam held on the final day of the session.

SHO of Chandpur police station Amit Kumar, on Friday, said that the Sanskrit exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education took place on Thursday evening.

When the six students, who are from the Chandpur and Himpur areas, did not return home after the exam, their families conducted a thorough search. Eventually, in the late evening, they filed a formal complaint with the police.

Initially, the families initiated a search on their own; however, upon failing to obtain any information regarding their whereabouts, they alerted the local police station.

Police Investigation and Search Efforts

According to the police, a case was registered, and a search operation for the students has been initiated. The police are using phone surveillance technology to assist in the investigation. One of the students' mobile phones was traced to Uttarakhand.

Police sources said that the students reside in the surrounding rural areas and are friends.

Initially, the mobile location of one device was traced to Haridwar, but all mobile phones have since been turned off. Several police teams have been formed to search for the students.
A Pakistani policeman was found murdered after being abducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the escalating security challenges and rising militant activity in the region.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points A Pakistani policeman, Shah Munir, was abducted and killed in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The policeman's body was found with multiple bullet wounds, indicating he was shot dead by his abductors.

The incident has raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Bajaur, a highly sensitive area.

Seven police personnel have been killed in separate incidents in the district since the beginning of Ramadan.

Authorities have launched an investigation and intensified search operations to apprehend those responsible for the killing.

A Pakistani policeman abducted by unknown militants was found shot dead on Friday in the country's restive northwest, officials said.

The victim, Shah Munir, was serving as a Havaldar in the police force.

On Thursday, armed men in the Bajaur district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province forcibly pulled him out of his vehicle and took him away.

Police said the abducted officer's body was recovered on Friday.

It bore multiple bullet wounds, indicating that the kidnappers shot him dead before dumping the body.

Authorities confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been launched, while special teams have been formed to track down and arrest those involved in the killing.

Rising Security Concerns in Bajaur

Security officials described the incident as deeply concerning for Bajaur police, noting that since the beginning of Ramadan, seven police personnel have been killed in separate incidents across the district.

Bajaur, considered a highly sensitive security area, has seen a series of attacks targeting law enforcement personnel, posing a major challenge for the security administration.

Police and other law enforcement agencies intensified search operations in the area and detained several suspects for questioning.
Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested a man from Assam for an online iron rod scam, highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud and the importance of online safety.

Key Points A man from Assam was arrested for allegedly cheating a woman in Arunachal Pradesh through an online iron rod scam.

The accused posed as a retailer offering iron rods at unusually low prices, prompting the victim to pay an advance.

Police urge the public to avoid making advance payments to unknown sellers online to prevent cyber fraud.

Cases of online fraud are reportedly on the rise in the Itanagar Capital Region, with fraudsters luring victims with cheap deals.

Victims of cyber fraud are advised to immediately report incidents to the national helpline 1930.

Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested a man from Assam for allegedly cheating a woman by posing as a retailer offering iron rods at unusually low prices in an online fraud case, officials said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Soribuddin Ahmed, was arrested from Kutubpur in Bihpuria in Assam on Thursday by a team from Papu Hills police station, they said.

Naharlagun ICR SP Nyelam Nega said the woman had paid Rs 90,000 as an advance to a person, who had promised to supply iron rods at a low price but failed to deliver the goods.

Following this, she lodged a police complaint, and the arrest was made, he said.

Preventing Online Fraud

Urging people to avoid making advance payments to unknown sellers, the SP said cyber fraud should be reported immediately to the national helpline 1930.

Nega also noted that cases of online fraud are on the rise in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), with fraudsters often posing as traders offering cheap deals to lure victims.
Following a deadly attack on the US-owned Safesea Vishnu tanker that killed an Indian crew member, maritime officials are raising alarms about the increasing dangers faced by seafarers in global conflict zones and calling for greater protection of commercial shipping lanes.

IMAGE: A ship burns after being attacked by Iranian explosive-laden boats in Iraqi waters, in this screengrab taken from a handout video released on March 12, 2026. Photograph: Media Office of Iraqi Ports/Handout via Reuters

Key Points An Indian crew member was killed in an attack on the US-owned Safesea Vishnu tanker near Basra, Iraq.

The attack, believed to be carried out by an Iranian 'suicide' boat, is described as 'deliberate and calculated'.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of seafarers in geopolitical conflict zones and the vulnerability of commercial shipping lanes.

The Safesea Group chairman is calling for governments and maritime authorities to protect seafarers and prevent merchant vessels from becoming targets.

The Indian Embassy in Iraq is providing assistance to the surviving crew members, and a salvage team is working to stabilise the damaged vessel.

The attack on United States-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu that killed an Indian crew member appears to have been 'deliberate and calculated', the maritime company's chief has said.

The chairman of maritime company Safesea Group SV Anchan emphasised that the strike must serve as a wake-up call for governments that commercial shipping lanes cannot become battle zones and the lives of seafarers must never be treated as collateral damage.

"The devastating attack on MT Safesea Vishnu is a stark reminder that the world's merchant seafarers are increasingly being exposed to the dangers of geopolitical conflict," Anchan told PTI in a statement Thursday.

On March 11, the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu was attacked off Khor Al Zubair port near Basra, Iraq by an Iranian 'suicide' boat.

Tragically, in the attack, an Indian crew member, who was one of the top seafarers on the vessel, was killed.

"From our initial assessment after speaking to the surviving crew members, the attack appears to have been deliberate and calculated. Two unmanned boats with explosives rammed into the port side of the vessels. This speaks about the extremists' mindsets of the Iranian regime," the statement said.

Details of the Attack

Giving the first detailed account of the harrowing incident, Anchan recounted how the crew members on his ship came under attack on the night of March 11 at 23.45 local time and 'found themselves fighting for their lives'.

Anchan said in the statement that the vessel was anchored at Khor Al Zubair and was engaged in routine ship-to-ship loading operations. It had already completed part of its cargo operations alongside the berth and had shifted to anchorage to complete the loading of approximately 53,000 metric tons of naphtha.

He said the timing chosen for the strike placed the crew in an extremely vulnerable position.

"At anchorage, with the vessel in a laden condition, evacuation options were severely limited. When the explosion and resulting fire engulfed the port side of the vessel, the crew had only moments to react," he said.

He further added that lowering the lifeboats on the port side became impossible due to the fire and damage. On the starboard side, a receiving vessel was double banked for cargo transfer operations, further restricting escape routes.

As the fire spread rapidly across the ship, the situation became desperate, the statement noted, adding that the mooring ropes eventually gave way, causing the receiving vessel to drift away -- an event that ultimately created a narrow window for survival.

"In those terrifying moments, all 28 crew members were forced to jump into the water to escape the burning vessel. Their courage and instinct for survival saved lives," Anchan said.

He expressed gratitude to the Iraqi Coast Guard and local authorities, saying their rapid action prevented a far greater tragedy, and due to their swift response, almost all the crew were rescued.

However, despite these heroic rescue efforts, the maritime community suffered a heartbreaking loss when one brave seafarer lost his life.

"Despite being recovered from the water and receiving immediate medical attention, including CPR from the responding teams, he could not be revived," the statement said.

Call for International Action

The statement emphasised that beyond the technical and operational response to the attack, the incident raises a much larger and more urgent question for the international community.

"How long will the world allow merchant seafarers to be caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts?"

"The global shipping industry carries more than 90 per cent of world trade. Every nation depends on it. Every economy relies on the uninterrupted movement of energy, food, and essential goods across the seas. Yet the people who make this system work -- the seafarers themselves -- are increasingly being placed at risk," it said.

The seafarers operate far from home, often in volatile regions, ensuring that global supply chains continue to function, doing their work quietly, professionally, and without recognition.

"But they should never be expected to risk their lives because of wars they have nothing to do with. The attack on MT Safesea Vishnu must serve as a wake-up call for governments, maritime authorities, and the international community. Commercial shipping lanes cannot become battle zones. Merchant vessels cannot become targets. And the lives of seafarers must never be treated as collateral damage," it said.

Even in the face of this horrifying incident, the bravery of the crew of MT Safesea Vishnu sends a powerful message that the 'spirit of seafarers cannot be broken'.

The remaining 27 crew members onboard MT Safesea Vishnu are currently safe and are receiving assistance from the Embassy of India in Iraq, which acted swiftly to support the crew and coordinate their safe repatriation, Anchan said.

The vessel is now reported to be listing to port, and a specialised salvage team has been activated to stabilise the ship and ensure the safety of the surrounding marine environment. While the cargo onboard does not presently indicate an immediate environmental threat, precautionary measures are being taken to protect the waters of the Gulf.

In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Baghdad said it is in regular contact with Iraqi authorities, rescued Indian sailors and is offering all possible assistance.

'Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased crew member,' it said.

Anchan also welcomed the "strong statement" by the Government of India against this attack, while noting that the Consulate General of India in New York offered all help throughout the night of March 11th, 'for which we are grateful'.

He also voiced appreciation to Bahrain, which also came forward to extend help.

"The support extended by the Iraqi administration and emergency responders deserves recognition and gratitude. Without their intervention, the number of casualties could have been far greater," Anchan said.

According to information on the website Vessel Finder, the 228.6 meters long and 32.57 meters wide Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker built in 2007, currently sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands. It has a gross tonnage of 42,010 and deadweight tonnage of 73,976.

Describing the merchant seafarers as 'silent soldiers' of global commerce, Anchan said, "These men and women are not soldiers. They are not part of any military campaign. They are professionals who keep global trade moving -- transporting the energy, food, and goods that sustain economies and societies around the world."
The Bombay High Court rejected bail for an individual accused of trafficking educated youth into cyber fraud operations, highlighting the severity of online job scams and international human trafficking.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Bombay High Court denies bail to a man accused of trafficking educated Indian youth for cyber fraud.

Accused allegedly lured victims with false job promises in Thailand and Laos, forcing them into online scams.

Victims were allegedly coerced into creating fake social media profiles to defraud individuals through cryptocurrency schemes.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the case, alleging the accused was aware of the fraudulent activities.

Victims were allegedly tortured and subjected to slavery, with their passports confiscated when they sought help from the Indian Embassy.

The Bombay High Court has denied bail to a man accused of trafficking educated youth on the pretext of providing them jobs abroad, only to coerce them to carry out cyber fraud activities, citing the serious nature of the crime.

A bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S C Chandak noted that there was a prima facie case against the accused, Jerry Philips Jacob, that he trafficked unemployed but educated youth from India under the guise of providing them with lawful employment in foreign companies.

After being trafficked, the victims were forced to engage in acts of deceiving people from other countries for unlawful gains, the court said.

"The offence is serious in nature. It appears that if released on bail, the appellant is likely to abscond and tamper with evidence. Therefore, we are not inclined to grant him bail," it said.

A copy of the order dated March 10 was made available on Friday.

In his plea, Jacob, who was arrested in March 2024, claimed that the victims were informed about the nature of employment and provided with formal employment contracts.

The petitioner argued that it cannot be said that he had engaged in the inducement of trafficking victims, luring them or subjecting them to slavery, and contended that charging him for slavery was illegal.

Details of the Cyber Fraud Scheme

The court, in its order, however, noted that when the victims had enquired about the nature of work for which they were asked to go abroad, it was impressed upon them that they would be involved in lawful employment.

However, the victims were directed to operate fake social media profiles and develop online identities to initiate conversations with people from other countries regarding cryptocurrency investment opportunities and induce them to deposit money for the same, it stated.

It further held that the evidence submitted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the case, indicated that Jacob was fully aware of the fraudulent activities.

NIA Investigation and Allegations

The NIA has alleged that between December 2022 and March 2023, the accused and four others, including two foreign nationals, targeted Indian youth proficient in computers and the English language with a false promise of lucrative jobs in Thailand and then coerced them into working in fraudulent call centres on tourist visas for pecuniary gains.

The victims were being recruited and sent from India to the Golden Triangle SEZ in Laos via Thailand. Upon arrival, they were asked to make fake profiles on social media applications to scam people.

The NIA alleged that the victims were tortured and subjected to slavery there.

According to the prosecution, when a few of the victims approached the Indian Embassy seeking to be rescued, the accused persons abused, assaulted them and took away their passports. The victims were later rescued by local police and repatriated to India, following which they lodged a complaint here.

The accused were booked under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code for human trafficking and slavery, along with relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
Delhi Police have arrested ten Bangladeshi nationals who were illegally residing in the city after their medical visas expired, highlighting ongoing efforts to crack down on immigration violations.

Photograph: Reuters

Key Points Ten Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Delhi for staying illegally after their medical visas expired.

The individuals were attempting to obtain medical visas for Bulgaria despite their expired Indian visas.

Delhi Police initiated a special verification drive based on a tip-off about suspected illegal immigrants.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has been informed, and deportation proceedings have commenced.

The police have stated that the verification drive against illegal immigrants will continue, with strict legal action taken.

Ten Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in India using fake medical visas were apprehended during a special verification drive in outer Delhi, an official said on Friday.

The accused were found living in Delhi even after their visas had expired and were allegedly attempting to procure medical visas for Bulgaria despite not having valid travel documents for their stay in India, he said.

Police received specific information about some suspected Bangladeshi nationals residing in the area even after the expiry of their visas.

Acting on a tip-off on March 6 about their presence in Peeragarhi Chowk, the police team reached the spot and kept surveillance. On noticing the police presence, the suspects allegedly tried to disperse in an attempt to evade verification, but the team intercepted them.

On questioning, none of the individuals could produce valid identity or travel documents. Subsequent verification revealed that they were carrying expired passports and visas, confirming their illegal stay in the country.

The police said all ten were taken into custody after completing legal formalities and interrogation. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has been informed and deportation proceedings against the apprehended individuals have been initiated.

The police said the verification drive will continue against illegal immigrants and strict action will be taken as per the law.
Following the devastating attack on an Iranian elementary school, China has strongly condemned the act and urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent further regional escalation.

IMAGE: Graves are being prepared for the victims following a reported strike on a school in Minab, Iran, March 2, 2026. Photograph: Iranian Foreign Media Department/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via Reuters

Key Points China condemns the attack on an Iranian elementary school, calling it a severe violation of international humanitarian law.

China urges all parties to cease military operations and prevent further escalation of regional turmoil.

The attack on the school in Minab, Iran, reportedly resulted in approximately 150 deaths and 100 injuries, with many students among the casualties.

China, a close ally of Iran, has been advocating for an immediate ceasefire since the outbreak of hostilities with Israel and the US.

China on Friday said it will provide $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to the students killed in an airstrike on an elementary school in Iran in the ongoing joint US-Israel attacks on the country.

China expresses deep condolences regarding the deaths of students in the recent attack on an Iranian elementary school and extends sincere sympathies to their families, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a media briefing here.

Red Cross Society of China has decided to provide the Iranian Red Crescent Society with USD 200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance, he said.

Guo said China condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. Targeting schools and harming children constitute a severe violation of international humanitarian law and cross the bottom line of human morality and conscience, he added.

"China is willing to continue to offer necessary support to Iran in the spirit of humanitarianism to help the Iranian people overcome the difficulties," he said.

According to a statement by the United Nations on March 1, missiles reportedly destroyed a girl's primary school in Minab, southern Iran, killing around 150 and wounding almost 100. Many students are believed to be among the dead. Iran has blamed the US and Israel for the attack on the school.

The US military's Central Command (Centcom) said it was looking into reports of the incident, while Israel's military said it was "not aware" of any IDF operations in the area, the BBC reported.

The girls' school was located in Minab, near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base, which has previously been a target, it said.

China's position on conflict

Since the outbreak of hostilities with Israel and the US bombing Iran, leading to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, China, a close ally of Tehran, has been calling for an immediate stop to military operations with a ceasefire.

China urges parties to stop military operations at once, avoid further escalation, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a larger impact on global economic growth, Guo said in his media briefing on Thursday.
Amid fears of horse-trading, the Congress party in Odisha has strategically moved its MLAs to Karnataka ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Odisha Congress moves eight MLAs to Karnataka fearing cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections.

BJD asks its legislators to attend daily meetings amid Rajya Sabha poll preparations.

Congress supports BJD candidate in a politically significant move to counter BJP.

Rajya Sabha election sees a contest between BJD-backed Hota and BJP-backed Ray for a crucial seat.

Karnataka Deputy CM reportedly oversaw logistical arrangements for the Odisha MLAs' stay.

The opposition Congress in Odisha has moved eight of its MLAs to Karnataka amid apprehensions of cross-voting in the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, party leaders said on Friday.

The state's main opposition Biju Janata Dal, on the other hand, has asked all its legislators to attend 'priority' meetings at the residence of party chief Naveen Patnaik every evening from Friday to Sunday, according to a statement.

The Congress had summoned all its 14 MLAs to the state capital Bhubaneswar on Thursday night, and then moved eight of them, including Chief Whip C S Raazen Ekka, to a resort on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the leaders said.

Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam said, "Yes, eight of our MLAs have gone to Bengaluru so that they can be shielded from horse-trading attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Our MLAs will remain united."

Another party leader said, "They are scheduled to return to Bhubaneswar on Monday and will go directly to the assembly to cast their votes in favour of Datteswar Hota."

Among the MLAs who have been moved to the Congress-ruled southern state are Prafulla Pradhan, Mangu Khila, Ashok Das, Pavitra Saunta, Rajan Ekka and Kadraka Appala Swamy, he added.

Congress leaders indicated that more legislators could join the group soon.

"Four more MLAs are expected to arrive in Bengaluru by Saturday morning," a Congress leader in Karnataka said.

Senior Congress leaders in the southern state are understood to have coordinated the arrangements for the Odisha MLAs.

According to party insiders, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar oversaw the logistical arrangements for their stay.

The MLAs are currently staying at a resort in an amusement park, located about 35 km from Bengaluru, party leaders said.

Six MLAs of the party are at present in Bhubaneswar to attend the ongoing budget session of the assembly.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous said, "I do not know about party MLAs going to Bengaluru. I need not go to any place."

Rajya Sabha Election Dynamics in Odisha

A total of four Rajya Sabha seats from the state are going to the polls, and five candidates are in the fray.

According to the tally in the 147-member assembly, the BJD is certain of one seat, while the ruling BJP is sure about two seats. Neither party has the required 30 first-preference votes for the fourth seat.

The ruling BJP has 79 MLAs and the support of three Independents, totalling 82, which is eight short of the number required for electing three MPs.

The opposition BJD has 48 MLAs after two of its members were suspended last month. After electing one MP, it will have 18 first-preference votes but will require another 12 to bag the second seat.

The Congress has 14 MLAs, and the Communist Party of India-Marxist has one.

The BJD has fielded Santrupt Misra and Hota, who is being backed by the Congress.

The BJP has named its state president Manmohan Samal and outgoing MP Sujeet Kumar as its candidates, and backed Independent nominee Dilip Ray.

The fight in this election is between Ray and Hota.

Political Implications of Congress-BJD Alliance

The Congress decision to back the BJD's Hota is being seen as politically significant in Odisha.

The BJD had ousted the Congress from power 26 years ago, and the two parties have long been rivals.

Both sides have now come together to prevent the BJP from winning three of the four Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in the state.

Meanwhile, in a letter, the BJD asked its MLAs to attend two-hour meetings at Naveen Niwas from Friday to Sunday.

The meetings will be held from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
URUMQI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- In the course of the past ten years, Horgos Railway Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has become one of the busiest gateways for China-Europe freight trains, handling more than 19,000 train trips since the first train departed in March 2016.

Data from Horgos Railway Station, administered by China Railway Urumqi Group, shows that the variety of goods transported via the port has expanded significantly, from daily necessities and textiles in the early days to over 200 categories currently, including mechanical and electrical equipment, new energy vehicles, electronics and agricultural products.

This expansion reflects ongoing optimization from "moving available goods" to "moving high-value goods."

"The China-Europe freight train service is our preferred logistics solution for reaching European markets, thanks to its speed, cost efficiency and reliability," said Zhang Yunyu, business manager of a local international freight forwarding company. The company has so far been involved in over 2,000 freight train trips.

The steady growth in train volume at this port is underpinned by continuous improvements in customs clearance and operational efficiency. In recent years, Horgos has deepened port reforms and introduced an innovative model combining a "smart railway port" with localized fast-track clearance.

By coordinating resources across customs, border inspection and railway authorities, the port now synchronizes processes such as train disassembly, trans-shipment, inspection and release, boosting turnover efficiency by more than 20 percent.

The port also provides round-the-clock clearance services, streamlines transport procedures, moves document review forward in the workflow, and strengthens daily and weekly coordination with Kazakh railway authorities to address bottlenecks in cross-border transit.

"We fully leverage our production command center to ensure accurate train flow forecasting, seamless operational coordination and efficient trans-shipment, which allows us to reliably execute daily plans and keep trains moving smoothly," said Yang Jiming, a production dispatcher at the station's safety command center.

Customs procedures have been upgraded in parallel. Zhao Yuanfeng, deputy head of the third supervision division at Horgos Customs, noted that authorities have implemented supportive policies, integrated customs oversight into railway workflows, and set up dedicated service windows for China-Europe trains. Tailored solutions and green channels are also offered to expedite document checks, inspections and trans-shipment.

As a key railway hub in China's westward opening-up endeavors, Horgos has seen rapid growth in port-related industries, cross-border e-commerce and logistics, driven by the freight train network. What was once a remote border town is now steadily expanding its role in international trade, serving the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. 
A Delhi Police constable has been arrested for involvement in a fake Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) racket, raising concerns about corruption and the integrity of official documents.

Key Points A Delhi Police constable from Shaheen Bagh police station was arrested for allegedly creating and distributing fake Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs).

The constable and his associate charged between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 for the forged PCCs, significantly undercutting the official process.

The racket was uncovered during a narcotics investigation, revealing a connection between drug trafficking and the fake document scheme.

Authorities recovered numerous forged PCCs, fake stamps, and a fake Delhi Police ID, suggesting a widespread operation.

Police are investigating potential links between the accused, a foreign national, and other illegal activities, including narcotics trafficking.

A Delhi Police constable posted in the Shaheen Bagh police station was arrested over alleged involvement in a racket preparing fake Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), an official said on Friday.

The racket came to light during a probe into a narcotics trafficking case in southeast Delhi, he said.

According to police, the accused constable, identified as Arun, a 2017-batch personnel originally from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, had allegedly been generating forged PCCs with the help of his associate Tushar, a resident of Pilkhuwa in Uttar Pradesh, who had earlier worked as a police "mitra" with several police stations.

The duo allegedly charged around Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for preparing forged PCCs and would deliver the documents within a few hours, police said.

In contrast, a genuine PCC is issued online by the Delhi Police Special Branch after verification and usually takes 10-15 days to be processed.

Uncovering the Fake PCC Operation

The racket surfaced after the district's narcotics unit apprehended an alleged drug trafficker, identified as Ashish, and recovered around 18 grams MDMA from his possession. During questioning, police conducted a raid at a rented accommodation linked to him in Sunlight Colony area.

During search of the premises, police found constable Arun and Tushar staying there for the past six months on a monthly rent of Rs 35,000.

Further checking of the house led to the recovery of a large number of forged PCCs, blank forms and several official-looking stamps allegedly bearing the names of Delhi Police station house officers (SHOs), officials from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and other police officers, he said.

Police also recovered a fake Delhi Police identity card allegedly belonging to Tushar, posing as a constable. Investigators suspect that the accused may have generated hundreds of fake PCCs, with several such certificates found stored on their mobile phones, police added.

Officials said two separate FIRs have been registered at Sunlight Colony police station -- one in connection with the narcotics recovery and another for impersonation, forgery and preparation of fake PCCs.

Police sources claimed the a payment for purchasing the recovered MDMA was allegedly made through the constable's mobile phone.

Further Investigation and Potential Links

During the raid, police also found a foreign woman, believed to be a resident of Uzbekistan, staying at the rented accommodation. Police are probing her possible links with the accused and examining whether she had any connection with narcotics trafficking or other illegal activities.

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Delhi Police Special Branch certifying that the applicant has no criminal record. It is commonly required for overseas employment, visa applications, immigration procedures, private jobs and tenant verification.

While the official application fee for a PCC is Rs 10, the accused allegedly charged up to Rs 2,000 for the forged documents, police sources said.

Meanwhile, police also pointed out that a sub-inspector, Rakesh Kumar, formerly posted in Crime Branch and allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in Sunlight Colony area, has been absconding for several years. He was dismissed from service in March 2025 but is yet to be arrested.
Delhi Police have detained a 41-year-old woman under the PIT-NDPS Act, intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking networks in the capital.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police detained Sonia, a 41-year-old woman, under the PIT-NDPS Act for alleged drug trafficking.

Sonia has a criminal history dating back to 2009, with involvement in eight criminal cases related to excise violations and narcotics trafficking.

The detention is part of a crackdown on organised drug trafficking networks in Delhi.

Sonia was identified as a source of supply in a 2023 NDPS Act case, and her husband is listed as a 'Bad Character'.

The preventive detention aims to curb habitual drug traffickers and prevent further illicit activities.

The Delhi Police has detained a 41-year-old alleged drug trafficker under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, an official said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Sonia, a resident of Uttam Nagar, was detained following a preventive detention order issued by the competent authority under Section 3(1) of the PIT-NDPS Act on February 26, police said.

History of Drug-Related Offences

Sonia is a habitual offender with a criminal history dating back to 2009. She has been involved in at least eight criminal cases related to excise violations and narcotics trafficking.

The detention was carried out as part of a crackdown on organised drug trafficking networks in the national capital, the police said, adding that she has been lodged in Tihar jail in compliance with the detention order.

Details of Previous Cases

According to the police, Sonia's involvement in narcotics trafficking came to light in 2023 when she was identified as the source of supply in a case registered at Uttam Nagar police station under the NDPS Act.

In that case, a man, Ramniwas, was arrested with 1.41 kg of marijuana and Rs 5,960 cash. During interrogation, he allegedly revealed that the contraband had been sourced from Sonia.

The police said she was again arrested in 2025 in another NDPS Act case registered at Uttam Nagar police station. In that case, an accused, Ranjit Kumar, was caught with 1.678 kg of ganja. He allegedly disclosed that he was selling the narcotic substance on Sonia's directions.

Preventive Detention

Sonia's husband, Sandeep, is listed as a "Bad Character" at Uttam Nagar police station. Considering her continued involvement in drug trafficking activities, a proposal for her preventive detention was prepared and sent to the PITNDPS division of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

After reviewing her criminal history, the competent authority issued the detention order, police said. The preventive detention was aimed at curbing habitual drug traffickers and preventing them from continuing their illicit activities.
Delhi is partnering with IIT Madras to test innovative 'smog-eating' surfaces using Titanium Dioxide, aiming to reduce air pollution by converting harmful pollutants into harmless substances.

Key Points Delhi government collaborates with IIT Madras to study the effectiveness of 'smog-eating' surfaces in reducing air pollution.

The study will focus on photocatalytic materials like Titanium Dioxide to convert harmful pollutants into benign compounds.

The six-month study will assess optimal integration methods for these materials on roads, buildings, and other city surfaces.

Researchers will conduct lab testing and real-time field assessments to evaluate the durability and efficiency of the technology.

The government aims to deploy these solutions during peak smog months, pending the study's findings, for scalable and cost-effective urban interventions.

The Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to conduct a comprehensive pilot study on "smog-eating" surfaces, officials said.

The "Comprehensive Study on the Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Smog-Eating Surfaces, Specifically Utilising Titanium Dioxide or Similar Safe Photocatalysts for Abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi" targets key pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide and Volatile Organic Compounds that fuel urban smog.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, present at the event, said, "Through this study, we aim to find the best, long-lasting, and affordable ways to put 'smog-eating' coatings on roads, buildings, and city surfaces."

Sirsa, while emphasising the government's focus on achieving cleaner air for the people, said, "It can work in our favour if the study can provide evidence-based findings that such coatings or materials can cut NOa & other pollutants."

"We are working diligently to support innovators, as seen in our innovation challenge that has now reached its trial run phase. This study exemplifies that commitment," he highlighted.

Officials added that the photocatalytic materials, like Titanium Dioxide, activate under sunlight and trigger reactions that convert harmful pollutants into benign compounds.

Study Details and Implementation

The six-month study will assess their optimal integration methods, including mixing into concrete and asphalt, surface coatings on infrastructure, and innovative panels on rooftops or street-lights, they said.

The study will also investigate the development and deployment of photocatalytic pollutant-removal panels made using Titanium Dioxide-based materials, they said.

These panels may potentially be installed on rooftops, similar to solar panels, or mounted on street-light poles to enable pollutant removal directly from the ambient air, they said.

Somnath C Roy, professor from the Department of Physics, IIT Madras, who will serve as the principal investigator, highlighted, "The study will begin with lab testing in a smog chamber at IIT Madras to precisely measure pollutant abatement."

Along with Roy, senior officials from the Department of Environment and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were also present at the ceremony.

Following this, the team will conduct real-time field assessments in Delhi's urban environment on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, metal panels, glass, and roads to evaluate durability and efficiency under actual conditions.

Subject to the study's findings, the government aims to explore deploying these solutions during peak smog months this year, paving the way for scalable, cost-effective urban interventions.
In a dramatic encounter, Delhi Police apprehended three suspects after a shootout in the Narela Industrial Area, wanted for attempted murder and Arms Act violations, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat crime in the capital.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police apprehended three suspects, including a juvenile, after a gunfight in Narela Industrial Area.

The arrested individuals were wanted in connection with cases of attempted murder and violations of the Arms Act.

During the encounter, suspects fired at police, who retaliated in self-defence, resulting in one suspect sustaining a bullet injury.

Police recovered country-made pistols, live cartridges, and a stolen motorcycle with a fake number plate from the accused.

Three persons, including a juvenile, were apprehended after an exchange of fire with Delhi Police in the Narela Industrial Area of outernorth Delhi, an official said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Akshay Panchal alias Taxi (22), Mayank Sharma (22), and a 16-year-old juvenile, were wanted in cases related to attempt to murder and Arms Act violations, he said.

The arrests were made on March 12 when police received specific intelligence about the movement of the suspects, a senior police officer said.

A trap was laid near the road behind the Chemical Market adjacent to the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in the Narela Industrial Area around 4.50 pm.

"Three persons arrived at the spot on a white motorcycle. When the police team attempted to intercept them, two of the accused opened fire on the police in an attempt to escape," a senior officer said.

Police said Akshay Panchal and Mayank Sharma fired two rounds each at the team. Police personnel retaliated in self-defence and fired three rounds towards the accused.

During the exchange of fire, Akshay Panchal sustained a bullet injury on his left knee and was shifted to Harish Chandra Hospital for treatment. The other accused, Mayank Sharma and the juvenile, were apprehended at the spot.

A crime team and forensic unit were called to inspect the scene and relevant evidence was collected and preserved, officials said.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with sections of the Arms Act, police said.

Evidence Recovered and Further Investigations

During the operation, police recovered two country-made pistols, live and empty cartridges and two mobile phones from the accused. The motorcycle used by them was also seized and was found to be stolen and fitted with a fake number plate.

Police said Akshay Panchal, a resident of Narela, was wanted in an attempt to murder case lodged at Narela Industrial Area police station and Arms Act case registered at Narela police station.

Mayank Sharma, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district, was also taken into custody, while the juvenile has been apprehended in accordance with legal procedures, they added.
A man has died and another is seriously injured after a violent assault in Delhi's Wazirpur area, prompting a police investigation and the arrest of four suspects.

Photograph: ANI PHoto

Key Points A man died and another was seriously injured after being assaulted in Wazirpur, Delhi, following a heated argument.

Delhi Police responded to a PCR call and found the victims had been taken to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital.

Four suspects, Sahil alias Natwala, Raghav, Abhishek, and Arjun, have been arrested in connection with the fatal assault.

The accused have been charged with murder and attempted murder following the incident in northwest Delhi.

A man was killed and another seriously injured after they were allegedly assaulted by a group of men following an argument in northwest Delhi's Wazirpur area, police said on Friday.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which took place on Thursday, police said.

A PCR call regarding the argument near Pathwari Park was received at Bharat Nagar police station on Thursday. Police teams rushed to the spot and learnt that the injured had been shifted to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital for treatment, an officer said.

At the hospital, Mohan Lal (42) and Virender (47) were found injured. Lal died during treatment, he said.

Crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams inspected the crime spot and collected evidence.

Investigation and Arrests

Preliminary inquiry revealed that during the argument, Sahil alias Natwala, along with his associates Raghav, Abhishek and Arjun, allegedly assaulted the victims, police said.

"Acting on the information, police teams launched a search operation in the area and managed to apprehend all four accused," the officer said.

The accused have been booked on charges of murder and attempt to murder, police said.
Delhi Police have arrested two individuals in east Delhi for drug trafficking, seizing a substantial amount of marijuana and smack, and disrupting a significant narcotics operation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two drug peddlers, Firoz Khan and Akbar, were arrested in east Delhi with a significant quantity of marijuana and smack.

The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth Rs 12 lakh, highlighting the scale of the drug trafficking operation.

Firoz Khan has a prior history of drug-related arrests and was previously booked under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act.

A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader drug supply network.

The scooter used for transporting the drugs has been seized as evidence.

Two drug peddlers were arrested in east Delhi with over 21 kg of marijuana and 46 gram of smack worth about Rs 12 lakh, police said on Friday.

Firoz Khan (41) and Akbar (36), both residents of Ghaziabad, were arrested on the intervening night of March 11 and 12 near a bus stand in Khichripur following a tip-off, they said.

They were travelling on a scooter to deliver a consignment of narcotics in the area, the police said.

History of Drug Trafficking

During interrogation, Firoz Khan allegedly disclosed that he had earlier been arrested multiple times in cases related to drug trafficking and was also booked under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act in Noida for supplying ganja, they said.

Ongoing Investigation

A case has been registered under sections of the NDPS Act and further investigation is underway to identify the forward and backward linkages of the drug supply network.

The scooter used for transporting the narcotics has also been seized, the police added.
Delhi Police have apprehended a serial burglar nicknamed 'Doremon' and his accomplice, solving 11 cases and recovering stolen property, bringing relief to residents of Ashok Vihar and Raja Park.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police arrested a serial burglar nicknamed 'Doremon' and his associate Sunny during night patrol.

'Doremon' is known for lurking around residential and industrial areas to identify burglary targets.

The arrest led to the solving of 11 criminal cases, including multiple burglaries in the Ashok Vihar area.

Stolen property, including a motorcycle and various tools, was recovered from the accused.

Both accused confessed to their involvement in a series of burglary incidents during interrogation.

A serial burglar nicknamed "Doremon" for his peculiar style of lurking around residential colonies and industrial premises to identify targets before striking has been arrested along with his associate in northwest Delhi, an official said on Friday.

Dinesh alias Doremon (26), who is also adept at mimicking the famous Japanese cartoon character Doraemon, as per police sources, was apprehended along with Sunny (26) on March 11 during night patrolling near a government bank at Raja Park.

Police said the patrolling team noticed two suspicious men dragging a motorcycle. When the police approached them for questioning, both appeared nervous and attempted to evade the officers but were quickly intercepted.

During the search, a spring-actuated knife was recovered from Dinesh, while the motorcycle found in Sunny's possession was verified to be stolen from the Ashok Vihar area.

Police claimed that with their arrest, they have worked out 11 criminal cases, including multiple burglaries.

Accused's Criminal History

"Doremon is a 'bad character' of Ashok Vihar police station and has 17 previous criminal involvements, while Sunny has one previous involvement in a night burglary case," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Akanksha Yadav said.

Confession and Recovery of Stolen Goods

"During interrogation, both accused confessed to their involvement in a series of burglary incidents in the locality. Police said their arrest led to the working out of 11 cases and full recovery of stolen property in four burglary incidents," she added.

Among the recovered items are a stolen motorcycle, plastic bags containing iron pipe fittings, steel taps, copper wires and tools such as a demolition hammer, grinder, hammer and cutter.
Delhi Police apprehended a serial burglar nicknamed 'Doremon,' known for mimicking the cartoon character, along with his associate, solving 11 criminal cases and recovering stolen property.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police arrested a serial burglar nicknamed 'Doremon' and his associate Sunny in northwest Delhi.

'Doremon' was known for his unique style of identifying targets and mimicking the cartoon character Doraemon.

The arrest led to the solving of 11 criminal cases, including multiple burglaries in the Ashok Vihar area.

Stolen property, including a motorcycle, iron pipe fittings, and tools, was recovered from the accused.

Dinesh, alias 'Doremon', has 17 previous criminal involvements, while Sunny has one previous involvement in a night burglary case.

A serial burglar nicknamed "Doremon" has been arrested along with his associate in northwest Delhi, an official said on Friday.

The accused, Dinesh alias "Doremon" (26), was apprehended along with Sunny (26) on March 11 during night patrolling near a government bank at Raja Park.

Police said the patrolling team noticed two suspicious men dragging a motorcycle. When the police approached them for questioning, both appeared nervous and attempted to evade the officers but were quickly intercepted.

During the search, a spring-actuated knife was recovered from Dinesh, while the motorcycle found in Sunny's possession was verified to be stolen from the Ashok Vihar area.

Police claimed that with their arrest, they have worked out 11 criminal cases, including multiple burglaries.

Accused's Criminal History and Modus Operandi

"Doremon is a 'bad character' of Ashok Vihar police station and has 17 previous criminal involvements, while Sunny has one previous involvement in a night burglary case," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Akanksha Yadav said.

Police said Dinesh was nicknamed "Doremon" for his peculiar style of lurking around residential colonies and industrial premises to identify vulnerable targets before striking. He also used to mimic the voice of the famous cartoon character Doraemon from the Japanese manga series of the same name, police sources said.

Confession and Recovery of Stolen Goods

"During interrogation, both accused confessed to their involvement in a series of burglary incidents in the locality. Police said their arrest led to the working out of 11 cases and full recovery of stolen property in four burglary incidents," she added.

Among the recovered items are a stolen motorcycle, plastic bags containing iron pipe fittings, steel taps, copper wires and tools such as a demolition hammer, grinder, hammer and cutter.
Delhi Police have dismantled a sophisticated traffic fraud syndicate selling fake stickers to commercial vehicles and extorting officials, leading to multiple arrests and exposing a widespread scheme.

Key Points Delhi Police arrested two more individuals, including the alleged mastermind, involved in a traffic fraud and extortion syndicate.

The syndicate sold fake stickers to commercial vehicle drivers, allowing them to bypass traffic restrictions during no-entry hours.

The accused allegedly extorted traffic police officials by circulating edited videos on social media to pressure them.

Police recovered hundreds of fake stickers, mobile phones, and a car during the operation, revealing the scale of the fraud.

The alleged mastermind, Jai Bhagwan, has a prior criminal record including charges related to murder and extortion.

The Delhi Police has arrested two more members of an organised "traffic fraud and extortion syndicate", including its alleged mastermind, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 20, an official said on Friday.

The accused, identified as Jai Bhagwan (38) and Shivam Sharma (26), were allegedly part of a network that sold fake stickers or 'marka' to drivers of commercial vehicles to help them evade restrictions during no-entry hours in the national capital, he said.

According to police, the stickers were sold to transporters and vehicle owners for Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per vehicle every month and were used to falsely claim exemption from traffic checks and challans.

The syndicate also allegedly recorded videos of traffic police personnel during enforcement drives and later edited and circulated them on social media to pressurise officials into allowing vehicles to pass during the restricted hours.

The arrests were made during the ongoing investigation of two cases related to organised traffic fraud and extortion.

Key Arrests and Investigation Details

Police said Jai Bhagwan, a resident of Rithala who is originally from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, was arrested on March 5. He has been identified as the leader of one of the syndicates involved in selling the illicit stickers to commercial vehicle drivers and owners.

In a separate operation on March 6, Shivam Sharma, a resident of Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for allegedly distributing the stickers to transporters and vehicle owners as part of the organised network.

According to the police, the cases were registered following complaints by Delhi Traffic Police personnel after several drivers of light and heavy goods vehicles attempted to evade checks and produced suspicious stickers or key rings claiming exemption from challans.

Subsequent technical surveillance and investigation revealed the existence of an organised network running a parallel system to cheat drivers and exert pressure on traffic police officials.

Evidence and Prior Offences

During the operation, police recovered 282 stickers or "marka" used in the fraud, six mobile phones and a car.

Police said Jai Bhagwan has previously been involved in four criminal cases, including those related to murder, dacoity, arms offences and extortion of police personnel.
Delhi Police have dismantled a major pirated NCERT textbook operation, arresting a Delhi University graduate and seizing thousands of counterfeit books intended for students across the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police busted a syndicate distributing pirated NCERT textbooks, seizing over 5,000 copies.

A Delhi University graduate, Arvind Kumar, was arrested in connection with the counterfeit textbook operation.

The pirated textbooks, intended for Classes 1 to 12, were found in a godown in Shahbad Daulatpur village.

The accused had been previously booked for selling pirated books and started selling them in 2022 after failing to secure a government job.

Investigations are ongoing to identify other members involved in the printing, storage, and distribution of the counterfeit textbooks.

A Delhi University graduate has been arrested after a police raid on a godown in outer Delhi where more than 5,000 pirated NCERT textbooks were seized, an officer said on Friday.

The books, meant for students from Classes 1 to 12, were confiscated after the Delhi Police dismantled a syndicate involved in the distribution of counterfeit educational material across the national capital and its neighbouring areas.

The accused, identified as Arvind Kumar, was caught during the raid conducted by the Crime Branch at Shahbad Daulatpur village following specific inputs, the Delhi Police officer said.

According to the police, a team had been monitoring a syndicate suspected of printing and distributing pirated educational material across Delhi and the national capital region (NCR).

"Acting on a tip-off, on March 12, the team learnt that a large consignment of pirated NCERT books was being stored in a godown located in Shahbad Daulatpur for sale in the market," the officer said.

A team was formed and during the search of the premises, police found thousands of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks in both Hindi and English medium stacked inside the godown.

"Officials of the NCERT were called to the spot to verify the books. After examining the material, they confirmed that the textbooks were counterfeit," the officer added.

Following this confirmation, the accused was apprehended and the entire stock of 5,011 pirated books was seized. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to trace other members of the racket.

Accused Background and Previous Offences

According to an official statement from the Delhi Police, Kumar originally hails from Bihar and came to Delhi in 2003, where his father worked as a newspaper hawker. He graduated from Hansraj College, Delhi University, and later pursued a master's degree from IGNOU.

After failing to secure a government job through competitive examinations, he allegedly started selling pirated NCERT books in 2022.

The police said Kumar is a repeat offender and has been previously booked in two cases related to the sale of pirated books in Delhi. Investigators are now trying to identify other members of the network involved in printing, storage and distribution of counterfeit NCERT textbooks in the region.
An international passenger train from Dandong of China to Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrives in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, March 12, 2026. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK will begin operating in both directions on Thursday. The services will connect Beijing and the northeastern border city of Dandong with the DPRK capital Pyongyang, helping to facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said. (Xinhua/Wang Chao)

PYONGYANG, March 12 (Xinhua) -- An international passenger train from the city of Dandong in northeast China's Liaoning Province to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday.

Xinhua reporters witnessed the arrival at a railway station in central Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK.

Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun, some other Chinese diplomats, and an official in charge of external affairs at the DPRK railway ministry came to the platform of the station to greet the passengers arriving on the train.

Extending a warm welcome, Wang described the resumption of the rail link as "a good development the peoples from both countries have been looking forward to and a significant event in bilateral relations."

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK would begin operating in both directions on Thursday.

The services will connect Beijing and Dandong with Pyongyang, helping facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said.

Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will run four days a week, with two-way services scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the Dandong-Pyongyang train service will operate daily in both directions, the operator said.

The train link was suspended in January 2020. 

A passenger of an international passenger train from Dandong of China to Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrives in Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, March 12, 2026.

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK will begin operating in both directions on Thursday.

The services will connect Beijing and the northeastern border city of Dandong with the DPRK capital Pyongyang, helping to facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said. (Xinhua/Wang Chao)
A Delhi University student has been arrested for the alleged murder of a woman in a Delhi hotel, reportedly due to escalating pressure to get married.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A Delhi University student has been arrested for allegedly murdering a woman in a hotel room in Old Delhi.

The accused claimed the woman was pressuring him to marry her, leading to the crime.

The woman's body was discovered after hotel staff reported unresponsive occupants in a room.

Police investigation revealed the accused met the woman at the hotel, strangled her, and fled the scene.

The accused has been booked for murder and will be produced in court for further questioning.

Delhi Police has arrested a 24-year-old DU student for allegedly strangling a woman to death inside a hotel room in Old Delhi's Lahori Gate area, as the victim was "pressuring" him to marry her, an official said on Friday.

Abhishek Tiwari, a resident of Shahdara, has been arrested for the murder of the 25-year-old woman, whose body was found in a hotel room earlier this week, DCP (North) Raja Banthia said. The victim worked as an accountant with a private company in Chandni Chowk.

During interrogation, Tiwari told police that he was pursuing BCom through the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi, and was working as an accountant at a shop in Chandni Chowk, the DCP said.

Police said he met the woman around two years back through a common friend, and they developed a close friendship.

However, of late, the woman was pressuring him to marry her, which he did not want.

"Due to the pressure, the accused planned the murder and called her to meet him at a hotel on Church Mission Road on March 11. After having physical relations with her, he strangled her to death with his hands and fled from the spot," the DCP said.

Discovery of the Crime

The matter came to light around 12.30 am on the intervening night of Wednesday-Thursday, when a staff member of the hotel informed the local police that the occupants of a room were not responding to repeated knocks on the door.

"When police forced open the door, a woman was found lying on the bed, partially covered with a blanket. There was blood on the bed and clothes lying nearby. The crime scene has been examined," the officer said.

Investigation Details

Police said the woman, a resident of Maujpur in north-east Delhi, lived with her parents, grandmother and younger sister.

She checked into the hotel around noon on March 11 with Tiwari, who was reportedly seen leaving the hotel once around 5 pm after locking the room from the outside.

The woman's family had lodged a missing person report at the Jafrabad police station after she did not return home on Wednesday, with her phone unreachable.

Police will produce the accused, who has been booked under Section 103 (murder) of the BNS, before the concerned court and seek his custody for further questioning, the officer said.
A former driver has been arrested in Bengaluru for the theft of diamond and gold jewellery worth Rs 14.65 lakh, leading to the recovery of the stolen goods and ongoing investigations to apprehend an accomplice.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A man was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly stealing diamond and gold jewellery worth Rs 14.65 lakh.

The accused is a former driver for the victim's family, who had worked for them for about 10 years.

Police recovered the stolen jewellery after the arrest.

The accused confessed to the crime and revealed that the stolen goods were sold to a jewellery shop.

An accomplice is currently absconding, and police are actively searching for him.

A man was arrested for allegedly stealing diamond and gold ornaments worth Rs 14.65 lakh from a house here, officials said on Friday.

With his arrest, police recovered the stolen property worth Rs 14.65 lakh, they said.

The theft was reported at a house in the jurisdiction of Amruthahalli on February 24, police said.

According to police, the complainant alleged that diamond and gold ornaments kept in a cupboard in a room at his mother-in-law's house had gone missing when no one was at home. He raised suspicion over a person who had worked as a driver for the family for about 10 years and had quit two months earlier.

Arrest and Confession

Subsequently, the former driver was taken into custody from near Jakkur government school here and during interrogation, he confessed to the crime along with his friend, a senior police officer said.

The accused revealed that they sold the stolen diamond and gold ornaments to a jewellery shop, he said.

The friend of the accused is absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him.

Further investigation is in progress.
Rescue operations are currently underway, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the command said.

IMAGE: A US Airforce Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Marcelo del Pozo/File Photo/Reuters

Key Points Four crew members killed after a US KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.

The aircraft had six crew members on board, with rescue operations still underway.

US CENTCOM said the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury, a US-led operation targeting Iranian-linked threats.

Iranian state media claimed the aircraft was shot down, a claim denied by the US military.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday confirmed that all six crew members aboard the US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have died.

According to a statement by the US CENTCOM, the aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation, but officials confirmed that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire.

"The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during Operation Epic Fury. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," the statement read.

The Command said the names of the deceased service members will be withheld until at least 24 hours after their families have been notified.

Earlier on Thursday, the US CENTCOM confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release.

According to a release, CENTCOM stated that the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, the US-led operation against the Iranian regime to dismantle the security apparatus and prioritise locations that pose an imminent threat.

"Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely," the release said.

"This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," the release added.

IRGC claims the aircraft was shot down

However, Iran's state media, citing the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran's Military, claimed that the US military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in Western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six of the service members on board had been killed.

The Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet, Press TV reported.
A French soldier was killed and several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

IMAGE: Smoke rises from the site of a drone crash on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq, on March 12, 2026. Photograph: Khalid Al-Mousily/Reuters

Key Points French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French soldier was killed and several others were injured in an attack in Iraq.

Macron strongly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the soldier's family.

France has been engaged in military operations against Islamic State (Daesh) in Iraq since 2015.

A pro-Iran group in Iraq, Ashab Alkahf, warned that French interests in Iraq and the wider region could come under attack.

The incident comes after the arrival of a French aircraft carrier in the region.

A French soldier was killed while several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed.

Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life in the attack.

'Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq. To his family and to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation. Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France stands by their side and with their loved ones,' he said in a post on X.

French forces have been engaged in the fight against Islamic State (Daesh) in Iraq since 2015.

Macron strongly condemned the attack, saying that 'the war in Iran cannot justify such attacks'.

Pro-Iran group threatens to target 'French interests'

Meanwhile, a pro-Iran group in Iraq warned that French interests 'in Iraq and the region' would be 'under targeting fire' after the arrival of a French aircraft carrier, according to France 24.

The statement on the Telegram page of the Ashab Alkahf group came as Macron announced the death of a French soldier and the injury of several others in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Earlier, Iran's state media cited a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a US military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

IRGC claims US aircraft shot down

Press TV reported that the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release.

However, it denied any incident of hostile fire.

'Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely,' the release said.

'This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,' CENTCOM posted on X.

Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on February 28 have escalated tensions across West Asia.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, exchanges of fire continue amid threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting energy supplies for several nations.
A gang posing as Income Tax officials executed a brazen robbery at a contractor's home in Madhya Pradesh, making off with gold and cash, prompting a police investigation.

Key Points A gang impersonating Income Tax officials robbed a contractor's home in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

The gang stole approximately 50 'tolas' of gold jewellery and several lakh rupees in cash.

The robbers arrived in a white SUV and claimed to be investigating black money.

Police have launched an investigation and formed teams to apprehend the accused.

The exact amount of stolen gold and cash is still being assessed by the family.

A gang posing as Income Tax officials entered a contractor's home in Dhar in Madhya Pradesh on Friday on the pretext of a black money probe and stole around 50 'tolas' of gold and several lakh rupees in cash, police said.

The incident took place at 9.30 am in Brahman Mohalla of Bag area, about 100 km from the district headquarters, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Awasthi told reporters.

As per police, the gang of seven to eight persons arrived in a white SUV without a number plate and entered the house of Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited contractor Rajkumar Malviya claiming they had a received a complaint regarding presence of black money.

Two of the gang members wore khakhi uniforms. They forced open cupboards and decamped with about 50 'tolas' of gold jewellery, several lakh in cash and mobile phones. A 'tola' is around 11.6 grams.

Police Investigation Underway

"Teams have been formed to nab the accused. The Crime Branch is also carrying out a probe. The exact amount of gold and cash looted will be known after the family finishes assessing the losses," the SP said.
Three members of the Hindu Raksha Dal have been arrested in Saharanpur, for allegedly writing inflammatory anti-Muslim slogans on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.

IMAGE: a screengrab from a video of the act that was posted on social media. Photograph: X

Key Points Three members of the Hindu Raksha Dal were arrested for writing anti-Muslim slogans on a wall near the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway in Saharanpur.

The slogans, such as 'This road is not for Muslims', were spray-painted on the expressway, sparking outrage and concern.

Police arrested the individuals based on concerns of potential rioting and breach of peace.

The arrested individuals, including two women, are facing charges of conspiring to incite riots.

Three persons associated with the right-wing group Hindu Raksha Dal were arrested for allegedly writing communal slogans on a wall in the Biharigarh area here, police said on Friday.

The accused, including two women, wrote slogans like 'Ye sadak Musalmano ke liye nahi hai (This road is not for Muslims)' along the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and were arrested on Thursday evening, police said.

On February 26, a video from the expressway surfaced on social media, showing some people using spray paint to write communal slogans along it. Later, some people associated with the Hindu Raksha Dal had claimed responsibility for the act.

Accused charged with conspiracy to incite riots

Acting on apprehension of breach of peace and potential rioting, police arrested the accused. They face charges of conspiring to incite riots, officials said.

Station House Officer, Biharigarh, Akshay Sharma, told PTI that the arrested individuals have been identified as Sulekha, Sharda and Manav Kendra, all from Dehradun. All three are aged between 25 and 30.

Police sources said the action was taken based on a complaint registered by a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) employee at the Biharigarh police station.
The Enforcement Directorate has frozen 90 bank accounts in a major crackdown on a Rs 590 crore money laundering scheme involving Haryana government funds and IDFC First Bank, highlighting the use of shell companies and fraudulent gold transactions.

Photograph: Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Key Points The Enforcement Directorate (ED) froze 90 bank accounts in connection with a Rs 590 crore money laundering case involving Haryana government funds.

The alleged scam involved routing funds through shell companies and creating bogus billing for gold purchases.

Searches were conducted across multiple locations, including Chandigarh, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, uncovering digital and documentary evidence.

Former IDFC First Bank employees are implicated in the scam, with proceeds of crime allegedly transferred to their accounts.

The ED's action follows a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on an FIR by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday said it has frozen 90 bank accounts following recent searches in the IDFC First Bank-linked money laundering case where Rs 590 crore of Haryana government funds are alleged to have been siphoned off.

The federal probe agency claimed that the alleged fraud's modus operandi includes using multiple shell (dummy) companies and bogus billing for gold purchases.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in the Chandigarh Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana), Gurugram (Haryana) and Bengalauru (Karnataka) covering a total of 19 premises on March 11.

It was found that the accused embezzled public money by routing and layering funds across multiple shell entities, the ED said in a statement.

Most of the funds have been channelled through the bank accounts of jewellers to create an illusion of gold purchase through bogus billing, it said.

Key Players and Modus Operandi

It identified a shell company involved in the case as Swastik Desh Projects Pvt Ltd, whose partners are Swati Singla and Abhishek Singla.

The scam was perpetrated over the last year with assistance from former employees of the bank, including Ribhav Rishi, it said. The "proceeds of crime" were "dissipated" to the account of Rishi and his wife Divya Arora, as per the agency.

"During searches, more than 90 bank accounts have been frozen, and incriminating material in the form of digital as well as documentary evidences have been seized," the ED said.

Legal Action and Arrests

The raids followed the registration of a case by the agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) taking cognisance of a Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau FIR.

According to the Bureau, 11 accused have been arrested so far, including six bank employees, four private individuals, and a government official, as part of this investigation.
Police are investigating the death of a first-year IIT-Delhi student found in his campus apartment, with an FIR registered to explore the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Photograph: Courtesy IIT-Delhi on Twitter

Key Points A first-year IIT-Delhi student was found dead in his apartment on campus.

Police have launched an investigation into the student's death, registering an FIR under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide).

No suicide note was found at the scene, and the student's father expressed no suspicion of foul play.

IIT Delhi expressed deep sorrow over the student's tragic death and is cooperating with the investigation.

A first-year male student of the IIT-Delhi was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside an apartment on the campus here, officials said on Friday.

No suicide note was recovered from the spot, police said, adding that an FIR has been registered in this regard.

Police received a call regarding the incident on Thursday morning. Following this, they rushed to the New Vindhyachal Apartment located within the IIT-Delhi, where the student was found hanging from a ceiling fan with the help of a stole, they said.

The student was rushed to the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, police said in a statement.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that the student was a first-year undergraduate and was residing in the apartment along with his mother.

"His mother had left for her native place on March 10 and had last spoken to him over the phone at around 11 pm on March 11," it read.

When the student did not respond to calls the following morning, another resident of the apartment attempted to check on him, the statement said

The room was opened with the assistance of security staff, after which the student was found hanging inside, it said, adding that the crime and forensic teams inspected the scene and collected relevant evidence.

According to the police, no suicide note was recovered from the spot.

The student's father later reached the location, and his statement was recorded by the police. He expressed no suspicion or foul play in connection with the incident, it read.

The body was subsequently sent to Safdarjung Hospital mortuary for postmortem and was handed over to the family members after completion of legal formalities.

Police Investigation Launched

Meanwhile, the security officer of IIT Delhi submitted a written complaint citing a Supreme Court judgment dated March 24, 2025, which mandates registration of a case and a detailed investigation.

"Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Kishangarh police station. Further investigation into the circumstances leading to the student's death is underway," read the statement.

Meanwhile, IIT Delhi, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely demise of a first-year undergraduate student whose body was found in his room at New Vindhyachal Apartment on Thursday morning.
24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

IMAGE: The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos. Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026 as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Amid concerns over India's energy security due to the conflict in West Asia, Indian government sources said on Thursday that New Delhi was in talks with Tehran to provide safe passage for Indian-flagged merchant vessels -- especially the 28 of them currently stranded in the region -- through the key shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz.

Asked if such an effort was in the works, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghcchi had three conversations in recent days.

"The last one (on Tuesday) discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security," Jaiswal said.

"Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," he said.

Key Points India is negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for Indian-flagged merchant vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials say 28 Indian-flagged ships with 778 Indian seafarers remain positioned on both sides of the strategic Strait.

India imports roughly 30% of crude oil and 60% of gas via the Strait of Hormuz, making the route critical.

Government says there is no fuel shortage, attributing LPG panic bookings to consumer anxiety rather than supply disruption.

Two oil tankers carrying three million barrels from Saudi Arabia and Iraq have already reached India despite regional tensions.

Hormuz Crisis Raises Energy Security Concerns

On reports that Iran allowed two Indian-flagged ships to pass through the key shipping route, Jaiswal said he was "unaware" and suggested the shipping ministry could answer the query.

The Iranian embassy in New Delhi denied that Tehran had permitted the transit of Indian-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

In Tehran, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said in a statement -- his first since his appointment that was read by a news anchor on the country's state television network -- that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used, and Iran's attacks on Gulf neighbours would continue.

India In Talks With Iran

Sources in New Delhi said Iran had not allowed any Indian-flagged commercial tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the last few days.

At a multi-ministerial briefing later in the day, officials said that a total of 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz, and four vessels with 101 Indian seafarers were stationed east of the strategic waterway.

LPG Panic Buying Triggers Demand Distortion

India receives at least 30 per cent of its crude oil imports and 60 per cent of its gas imports via the Strait of Hormuz.

India is dependent on imports for around 90 per cent of its crude oil needs and 50 per cent of natural gas requirements.

Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

In the morning, Opposition Members of Parliament protested the scarcity of LPG in the Parliament House complex.

Puri said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene or aviation turbine fuel in the country despite the ongoing West Asia crisis, and urged the Opposition not to spread rumours and fake narratives.

Field reports indicate hoarding and panic-booking at the distributor and retail level, driven by consumer anxiety rather than any actual supply shortage, he informed.

"The House should be clear on this: The rush-booking pressure in some localities reflects a demand distortion, not a production or supply failure," he said.

India Boosts Non-Hormuz Oil Imports

Refineries are operating at high capacity utilisation, and exceeding 100 per cent in several cases, the minister said, adding: "The world has not faced a moment like this in modern energy history," he said.

Puri said non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70 per cent of crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began.

He said Indian refiners have increased liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production by 28 per cent, while additional procurement is underway.

Meanwhile, a 25-day minimum booking gap for LPG cylinders has been introduced as a demand management measure in urban areas, he noted.

This gap has been kept at 45 days for rural areas.

The government has also allocated an additional 40,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states to address concerns over LPG availability, said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

For commercial LPG, 20 per cent of the average monthly requirement would be allocated by state-run oil marketing companies, in coordination with the state governments, to prevent hoarding or black marketing, Sharma said.

Delivery Authentication Code coverage is being expanded from 50 per cent to 90 per cent of consumers.

Under this system, a cylinder can only be logged as delivered when the consumer confirms receipt through a one-time code on their registered mobile, making undocumented diversion effectively impossible to conceal, he added.

The minister said commercial LPG has been regulated to prevent black marketing, not to penalise the hospitality sector.

To ensure LPG availability, cargoes are being secured from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria, and Russia, in addition to available Gulf sources.

The government said large liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes are arriving in India daily through alternative supply routes.

Tankers Reach India Despite Hormuz Risks

Meanwhile, two India-bound oil tankers carrying a total of 3 million barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia and Iraq have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, vessel tracking data showed.

One of the tankers, carrying about 1 million barrels of Saudi crude, has arrived at Mumbai port, while the other tanker from Iraq, carrying around 2 million barrels, is expected to reach Indian ports shortly, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler.

The vessels transited the Strait between March 5 and March 10 with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders switched off to avoid potential attacks by the Iranian military.

New Delhi is likely to import about 13 to 15 million barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia's west coast this month.

Shipments from the kingdom's western ports transit through the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

Volumes are subject to change as voyage details become clearer over time, Kpler said.

"Saudi Arabia has increased cargo loading from its west coast, using the East-West pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

While India-bound crude traditionally ships from the Kingdom's east coast, Yanbu volumes are clearly picking up," said Nikhil Dubey, senior refining analyst at Kpler.

Alluding to Pakistan, Puri said a neighbouring country has shut all schools for two weeks, moved government offices to a four-day work week, ordered 50 per cent of public employees to work from home, cut fuel allowances for official vehicles by half, and taken 60 per cent of government vehicles off the road.

Another neighbour, he said, has closed universities early and brought forward the Eid al-Fitr holiday to save fuel.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi told ANI that world leaders should put pressure on US President Donald Trump to stop the war against his country.

IMAGE: The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Noting that Iran has not closed the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz and ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz due to the prevailing situation in West Asia, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran's supreme leader in India, has said that his country never wanted the Strait to be blocked but 'some ships are still passing.'

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi told ANI that world leaders should put pressure on US President Donald Trump to stop the war against his country.

He said people across the world are suffering due to the rise in oil prices.

"Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," he told ANI.

"Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," he added.

The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other.

The conflict escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. The West Asia conflict has entered its 13th day.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Military Headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, warned of dire consequences if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted by the US and Israel.

"The slightest attack on #Iran's energy infrastructure and ports will result in our crushing and devastating response. In the event of such an attack, all the oil and gas infrastructure in the region, in which the United States and its Western allies have interests, will be set on fire and destroyed."

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has indicated that the closure of the Strait would remain a pressure tactic, according to remarks broadcast on Iranian state television."Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used," he said.

Khamenei said that Iran had identified sites which he claimed were vulnerable to future strikes from the Islamic Republic.

"Studies have been conducted regarding the opening of additional fronts in areas where the enemy has negligible experience and would be highly vulnerable, and their activation will be carried out if the state of war persists and in accordance with the observance of interests," he said.

Later, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Tehran has no intention to close the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict but added that it is their "right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway."

Amir Saeid Iravani also said Iran respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea, adding that the situation of the Strait of Hormuz is "not the result" of Iran's action."We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway, and it is our right," he said, speaking at the UN stakeout.

"Iran has no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defence under the UN Charter and international law. Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea.

However, the current situation in the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran's lawful exercise of its right of self-defence," he added.

Strait of Hormuz, links the oil-rich Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and over 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the strait.

In view of supply disruptions due to the West Asia conflict, India now imports crude from around 40 countries.

As a result of this diversification, about 70 percent of crude imports are coming from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz compared with about 55 percent earlier.

India is the third largest importer, fourth largest refiner, and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products globally.
LIMA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Peru has declared a state of emergency in 283 districts to mitigate high risks and address the impact of intense rainfall on public safety, the official gazette El Peruano reported Thursday.

According to several decrees published in the gazette, the emergency measure will be in effect for 60 calendar days across 20 of Peru's regions, including Lima, Amazonas, Ancash, Cusco and Arequipa.

During the emergency period, regional and local governments, in coordination with the National Institute of Civil Defense and various ministries, will implement immediate and necessary exceptional measures and actions for disaster response and the rehabilitation of affected areas.

Ministers of the country are also deployed in different affected areas to directly supervise response and relief efforts, as well as to mobilize health brigades that provide first aid, psychological support, and humanitarian assistance to the affected population.

The Peruvian Armed Forces have also deployed specialized personnel to assist with rehabilitation and logistics, working in coordination with the National Police. 
Hegseth stated that the new leadership was in "no better shape" and questioned the recent statement by the supreme leader for its legitimacy.

IMAGE: Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, attends a meeting in Tehran, on March 2, 2016. Photograph: Rouhollah Vahdati/ISNA/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed that Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured" in strikes by the US on the country, describing the new leadership in Tehran as "desperate and hiding" amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Key Points The US war secretary said that Iran's leadership is in no better shape -- desperate and hiding, they've gone underground

On Thursday, the new supreme leader of Iran in his first address, vowed vengeance for those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

He also called for a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global energy shipments.

Speaking alongside the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Dan Caine, during a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth stated that the new leadership was in "no better shape" and questioned the recent statement by the supreme leader for its legitimacy, calling it "weak" and unusual for a country with extensive media and surveillance capabilities.

"Iran's leadership is in no better shape -- desperate and hiding, they've gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth said.

"He put out a statement yesterday, a weak one actually, but there was no voice and there was no video... Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders; why a written statement? I think you know why. His father is dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, the new supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first address, vowed vengeance for those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

"I assure everyone that we will not forgo vengeance for the blood of your martyrs. The vengeance we have in mind is not limited to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes an independent subject in the file of vengeance," he said.

"Only a limited amount of blood revenge for the martyrs has so far taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain on top of all other cases. The crime that the enemy has deliberately committed regarding the Minab Tayyibah Tree School and some similar cases holds a special status in this reckoning," he added.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also called for a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global energy shipments.

"Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used," he said.

The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

The new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, further vowed vengeance for the death of his father and others in strikes.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

IMAGE: A security personnel stands guard as Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, on March 13, 2026. Photograph: Alaa Al Marjani/Reuters

Key Points Israel says its air force struck more than 200 Iranian military targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz.

An underground ballistic missile facility in Shiraz and air defence sites in Tehran were among the targets hit.

Drone interceptions reported in Saudi Arabia, while debris from an aerial interception caused minor damage in Dubai city centre.

Iran warned it could target regional oil and gas infrastructure linked to the US and its allies if its energy facilities are attacked.

The conflict has reportedly killed over 1,300 people and injured more than 10,000, raising fears of wider regional escalation.

Israel on Friday said its air force carried out multiple waves of strikes on key Iranian military infrastructure, even as tensions escalated across West Asia with drone interceptions reported in Saudi Arabia and debris from an aerial interception falling in central Dubai.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

According to the Israeli military, dozens of fighter jets conducted extensive sorties guided by military intelligence, dropping munitions on more than 200 targets in western and central Iran.

Among the sites hit was an underground facility in Shiraz allegedly used for the production and storage of ballistic missiles intended to be launched towards Israel.

Israel hits defence infrastructure in Iran

In Tehran, Israel said it targeted facilities linked to Iran's air defence network, including a central command base.

Several locations involved in producing combat equipment, missile components and air defence systems were also struck.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) further claimed that it destroyed the 'Taleghan' compound, which it alleged had been used by Iran to advance nuclear weapons-related capabilities and conduct sensitive experiments linked to the covert AMAD project in the early 2000s.

The military also reported operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, claiming the killing of several senior commanders including Abu Dharr Mohammadi, described as the operations commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' missile unit within Hezbollah.

Saudi, Dubai intercept drone attacks

Meanwhile, the conflict's impact was felt across the wider Gulf region.

Authorities in Dubai said debris from the interception of an aerial threat caused minor damage to a building facade in the city centre but resulted in no injuries.

Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting several drones targeting areas across the kingdom, including two that were destroyed in the Al-Kharj governorate and others in the eastern and central regions.

Iran warns of retaliation if energy infrastructure attacked

Amid the escalating hostilities, Iran's military warned that any attack on its energy infrastructure or ports would trigger a 'crushing and devastating response'.

A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters said Tehran could retaliate by targeting oil and gas infrastructure across the region linked to the United States and its allies.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the strategic Strait of Hormuz would remain a pressure point during the conflict, although Iran's ambassador to the United Nations later said Tehran had no intention of closing the vital shipping route and remained committed to freedom of navigation.

The conflict intensified after joint US-Israeli military operations killed Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last month.

According to reports, the ongoing strikes have resulted in more than 1,300 deaths and over 10,000 injuries.

Security concerns have also spread to Iraq, where a French soldier was killed in an attack near Erbil while several others were injured.

Italy has begun organising the withdrawal of some of its troops stationed at a military base in the region amid rising risks.

The developments come as Iran continues to launch drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Iraq and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Jaipur Police's 'Clean Sweep' initiative results in the arrest of 281 drug peddlers and the seizure of over 35 kg of cannabis, demonstrating a strong commitment to combating drug-related crime in the city.

Key Points Jaipur Police arrested 281 individuals in a 'Clean Sweep' operation targeting drug peddling.

The operation focused on public areas known for illegal drug consumption and sales.

Over 35 kg of cannabis and 11.85 grams of smack were seized during the raids.

The arrests included individuals under the NDPS Act and wanted criminals with arrest warrants.

Police teams targeted schools, colleges, hospitals, and other locations suspected of drug activity.

Jaipur Police has arrested 281 drug peddlers and seized over 35 kg of cannabis under the 'Clean Sweep' initiative here, officials said on Friday.

The drive carried out on Thursday targeted public areas where illegal drugs were being consumed or sold, which led to the identification, seizure, and arrest of offenders.

"A total of 281 people were taken into custody, including 65 under the NDPS Act, 40 under other laws, 16 wanted criminals with arrest warrants and 159 under section 170 (arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offences) of BNSS," officials said.

During the operation, a recovery of 11.85 grams of smack and 36.06 kilograms of cannabis was also made.

Targeted Locations and Operation Details

Police teams were instructed to focus on schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations, tea stalls, carts, and other locations where drug activity was suspected.

A total of 157 teams were formed to carry out raids and apprehend wanted offenders linked to previous NDPS cases.
Amidst the escalating West Asia crisis, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with Iran to secure safe passage for Indian merchant vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

IMAGE: The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, in Muscat, Oman, on March 12, 2026. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/Reuters

Key Points India is actively working to ensure the safe passage of its merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held multiple discussions with his Iranian counterpart regarding the situation in West Asia.

Iran has emphasised its right to self-defence and condemned actions by the US and Israel.

Iran has called for BRICS to play a constructive role in supporting regional stability and security.

Both India and Iran recognise the importance of strengthening stability and security in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi -- their fourth such conversation since the West Asia crisis began -- as New Delhi intensifies efforts to secure safe passage to 28 merchant vessels currently stationed on either side of the Strait of Hormuz.

The two foreign ministers held the phone conversation on Thursday night.

Jaishankar and Araghchi had spoken on February 28, soon after the US and Israel launched the attack on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

They also spoke on March 5 and March 10.

'Had another conversation with Iranian FM @araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues,' the external affairs minister said on social media.

The latest phone conversation came as India ramped up efforts to secure safe passage to the Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the strategic shipping route of Strait of Hormuz that has been partially blocked by Tehran following escalation in its conflict with the US and Israel.

Iran's Perspective on the Regional Situation

An Iranian readout said Araghchi briefed his Indian counterpart on the latest situation 'resulting from the aggressions and crimes' committed by the US and Israel against Iran and its consequences on the stability and security of the region and the world.

It said the Iranian foreign minister emphasised to Jaishankar Tehran's firm will to exercise the 'legitimate right to self-defence'.

'Araghchi emphasised the need for international and regional forums and organisations to condemn military aggression against Iran,' the readout said.

'Referring to the importance of the role and position of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, he considered it essential for this institution to play a constructive role at the current juncture to support stability and security in the region and the world,' it added.

It said Araghchi emphasised the importance of finding a way to strengthen stability and sustainable security environment in the region and called it as a 'collective need'.
To combat drug trafficking, the Jammu and Kashmir government has implemented new regulations for courier services, requiring strict identity verification, detailed record-keeping, and mandatory police verification for all employees.

Key Points Jammu and Kashmir government regulates courier services to prevent contraband transport.

Courier companies must verify consignor and consignee identities with government-issued ID.

Detailed consignment records, including sender/receiver details and payment information, must be maintained.

All courier employees, including delivery staff, must undergo police verification.

Companies must train staff to identify suspicious consignments and report them to the police.

Jammu and Kashmir government has issued an order regulating the functioning of courier companies, parcel services and logistics operators to prevent the transport of contraband substances in Jammu district.

Jammu District Magistrate (DM) Rakesh Minhas directed that no such entity shall accept, book or transport any prohibited substance unless it possesses a valid transport permit under the NDPS rules, 1985, and complies with regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

New Regulations for Courier and Parcel Operators

All courier and parcel operators have been instructed to strictly verify the identity and credentials of consignors and consignees through valid government-issued identity proof, the order issued by the DM said.

They must maintain detailed records of consignments, including sender and receiver details, parcel description, weight, booking receipt, date of booking and mode of payment, along with transaction details wherever applicable, it added.

The order further mandates that all employees engaged in courier and parcel operations - including delivery staff, loaders, booking clerks and franchise workers - must undergo police verification, and an updated register of verified personnel must be maintained.

The companies have also been directed to train and sensitise their staff to identify suspicious consignments and report them to the police.

Penalties for Violations

The DM said that any violation of the order will attract legal action, with owners, managing directors, directors, agents and employees liable for prosecution under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, BNSS and other applicable laws. "Penalties may include seizure of consignments, cancellation of licences, fines and criminal sanctions".

The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for eight weeks unless withdrawn earlier or extended, it added.
Five KSU activists, arrested for allegedly attempting to murder Kerala Health Minister Veena George, were released on bail, sparking allegations of political vendetta and raising questions about the evidence presented in the case.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Five KSU activists were released on bail after being arrested for allegedly attempting to murder Kerala Health Minister Veena George during a protest.

The activists claim their arrest was a result of political vendetta by the CPI(M) government in Kerala.

The court noted a lack of evidence supporting the attempt to murder charge, including the absence of the minister's statement or a wound certificate.

KSU activists allege the incident was scripted to suppress dissent and criticism of the ruling government.

The activists participated in a protest march after their release, criticising the government's actions.

Five KSU activists who were arrested in a case for allegedly attempting to murder Health Minister Veena George received a warm reception after they came out of jail here on Friday.

KSU activists Athul M C, Akshay V V, Bithul Balan, Ahmed Yasin and Mubas C H were released after the Thalassery Sessions Court on Thursday granted them bail in the case registered on charges, including attempt to murder the minister during a protest over alleged medical negligence incidents at Kannur railway station on February 25.

KSU is the student organisation of Congress.

A large number of Congress activists gathered in front of the Kannur Sub Jail when the arrested persons were released.

Kannur DCC president Martin George presented garlands and shawls to the KSU activists.

The activists, wearing black shirts in protest of their arrest, later took part in a march through Kannur city.

Allegations of Political Vendetta

Speaking to reporters, Athul said there was no doubt that their arrest was a case of political vendetta by the CPI(M) government.

"Just as protests are suppressed at the national level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Left government in Kerala is also trying to suppress dissent. In fact, they can no longer be called a Left government; they are increasingly behaving like an extreme right-wing regime," he said.

He alleged that the entire episode of their arrest was scripted by Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer, directed by the health minister's gunman and acted out by George.

Shamseer, who was present at the Kannur railway station, was the first to report that George suffered injuries following the protest by KSU activists and called for medical assistance.

"The script has collapsed like a poorly made movie. Because we showed black flags and organised protests pointing out the failures of the ruling class, the government is now trying to persecute us," Athul said.

Court Observations on Lack of Evidence

Though police had registered a case against the KSU activists for attempting to murder the minister using a weapon, Thalassery Sessions Court Judge K T Nisar Ahammed, while granting bail, observed that there was no evidence in this regard.

The court referred to the First Information Statement of the minister's gunman and the statements of three policemen who were present during the protest against the minister at the railway station.

The court also noted that even though the main allegation was that the minister suffered injuries in the incident, neither her statement was recorded nor the wound certificate was submitted before it.

Following the incident, George was admitted to a hospital, where she stayed for two days before being discharged.
The father of Monalisa Bhonsle, a young woman who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, is appealing to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for help after her interfaith marriage in Kerala sparked 'love jihad' allegations.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Monalisa Bhonsle, known from Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married Farman Khan in Kerala.

Her father alleges 'love jihad' and seeks Madhya Pradesh CM's intervention for her return.

Monalisa claims the marriage was her choice and denies 'love jihad' allegations.

Hindu Jagran Manch plans to persuade Monalisa to return home.

The father of Monalisa Bhonsle, the young woman who shot to fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela last year, on Friday sought the intervention of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to bring her back to the state safely after she married a Muslim man in Kerala.

Monalisa Bhonsle (18), from Maheshwar town here and part of the nomadic Pardhi community, got married to Farman Khan on Wednesday at the Nainar Temple at Arumanoor in Poovar in the presence of some Kerala ministers.

Speaking to reporters here after returning from Kerala, her father Jayasingh Bhonsle said Monalisa has become a victim of "love jihad". It is a term used by right-wing groups to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into relationships and marriage to convert them to Islam.

"My daughter has earned name across the country. I request Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure Monalisa is brought back to MP safely. She has been trapped deceitfully by a Muslim youth, Farman Khan. It is a case of love jihad," Jayasingh told reporters.

He said he knew his daughter was acting in films and wanted to make a name for herself in this profession.

"I was told that my daughter was acting in two films. She herself had said some people were teaching her acting and dance. They said they would train her so she could work in films in the future. I did not know something like this would happen," he claimed.

Reactions and Counterclaims

Meanwhile, Hindu Jagran Manch functionaries Sameer Mahule and Bhupendra Chauhan said efforts would be made to persuade Monalisa to return home.

On Thursday, addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram in the southern state, Monalisa had said her wedding to a Muslim man was as per her choice and according to Hindu customs.

She rejected allegations that it was a case of 'love-jihad'. Monalisa, eldest of four children, said her parents wanted her to marry her paternal aunt's son, but she opposed the idea. She added her father was upset with her.
A live rocket shell found in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, was safely defused by the bomb disposal squad, ensuring the area's security.

Key Points A live rocket shell was discovered in a mountainous region of Kishtwar district.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police bomb disposal squad was called to the scene.

The bomb disposal squad successfully and safely defused the live rocket shell, averting potential danger.

Police on Friday found a live rocket shell in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district and defused it safely, officials said.

A live rocket launcher shell was found in a mountainous area of Kishtwar. It was safely defused by the bomb disposal squad," an official said.
Maharashtra's new Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 introduces stringent measures to combat religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, imposing significant penalties and mandatory reporting requirements.

I

MAGE: A view of the Maharashtra legislative assembly. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra X/ANI Photo

Key Points Maharashtra's Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 introduces strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for religious conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.

The bill mandates a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage, with higher penalties for conversions involving minors, women, or members of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Individuals intending to convert and those organising conversion ceremonies must provide 60 days' advance notice to the district magistrate, who will then invite public objections.

The burden of proof lies on the person who facilitated the conversion to prove it was not unlawful, and offences under the law are cognisable and non-bailable.

The bill includes provisions for rehabilitation support for victims of unlawful conversion and arrangements for the maintenance and custody of children affected by such cases.

The Devendra Fadnavis government on Friday introduced in the state assembly the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which has stringent provisions to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage.

As per the Bill, those involved in unlawful conversions on the pretext of marriage will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and shall also be liable for fine of Rs 1 lakh.

Violations in respect of a minor, person of unsound mind or woman or person belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will be punished with imprisonment of seven years and fine of Rs 5 lakh.

Mass conversions will have a jail term of seven years and fine of Rs 5 lakh. Repeat individual offenders can get jail sentence of 10 years and fine of Rs 5 lakh, as per the Bill.

The Bill makes it mandatory for the officer in charge of the police station to register a complaint made by any person.

The Bill seeks to protect the constitutional right to freedom of religion while banning conversions effected through allurement, force, misrepresentation, undue influence or fraudulent means, according to the draft legislation.

Under the proposed law, no individual or institution will be allowed to convert or attempt to convert a person from one religion to another by offering gifts, money, employment, free education, promise of marriage, better lifestyle or divine healing, which are classified as "allurement".

The bill also prohibits conversions carried out through marriage or promise of marriage if such acts involve inducement, coercion or deceit, according to the draft legislation.

In the Bill's statement of objects and reasons, the government said incidents of forceful and organised religious conversions have been reported in various parts of the country and vulnerable sections are often targeted through inducements.

While the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the right is subject to public order, morality and health, and does not include the right to forcibly convert another person, as per the Bill.

If enacted, Maharashtra will join states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttarakhand that have enacted similar laws to regulate religious conversions.

"The objective is to protect the right to freedom of religion. It also aims to prohibit unlawful religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage," said Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar, who introduced the bill in the assembly.

The Bill defines coercion as the act of compelling a person or group to convert against their will, while mass conversion is conversion of two or more persons simultaneously.

Unlawful conversion is one done through force, fraud, misrepresentation, coercion, undue influence, or inducement.

The Bill lays down that no person or institution can convert or attempt to convert another person through allurement, coercion, deceit or misrepresentation, force or threat, fraudulent means and undue influence.

Mandatory notice for conversions

The Bill mandates that any person intending to convert from one religion to another, as well as any individual or institution organising a conversion ceremony, must give a notice in a prescribed form at least 60 days in advance to the competent authority.

The competent authority, as per the Bill, is the district magistrate or an officer authorised by the state government.

Upon receiving such notice, the competent authority will publicly display details of the proposed conversion on the notice board of its office as well as at the office of the village panchayat or the local authority concerned and invite objections from the public within 30 days of its publication.

The Bill further requires that the converted person and the individual or institution organising the ceremony submit a declaration to the competent authority within 21 days after the conversion.

It also allows the converted person's parents, siblings or relatives related by blood, marriage or adoption to lodge a first information report (FIR) if they suspect unlawful conversion and mandates the police to register such complaints.

Under the proposed law, the burden of proof that a conversion was not carried out in violation of the provisions of the Act will lie on the person who caused, assisted or abetted the conversion.

The Bill states that offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and non-bailable, with investigation being conducted by a police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector.

The government also proposed provisions for rehabilitation support to victims of unlawful conversion and arrangements for maintenance and custody of children affected by such cases.
A murder investigation in Palghar, Maharashtra, has led to multiple arrests, uncovering a network of criminals involved in various offences, including an attempt to murder.

Key Points Three individuals were arrested in Palghar for the murder of Shubham Mishra near a Nalasopara bar.

The investigation into the murder led to the arrest of Sunil Malusare, Jagan Patkatiyar, and Sharan Murgan.

While tracking one of the murder suspects, police discovered three additional wanted men connected to other offences.

The additional suspects were wanted in connection with an attempt to murder case and other crimes registered at Achole police station.

Three persons were arrested for allegedly killing a man in Maharashtra's Palghar district, and the probe led to the arrest of three more wanted individuals in another case, officials said on Friday.

The Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar police launched an investigation after one Shubham, alias Baba Premshankar Mishra, was killed by a group near a bar in the Nalasopara West area on February 20.

On March 2, the police arrested Sunil Gyanoba Malusare, alias Bigshow (28), for his alleged role in the murder. This was followed by the arrest of Jagan Mayandi Patkatiyar (27) and Sharan Murgan (25).

One of the accused had a dispute with the victim, said senior inspector Shahuraj Ranawre of Crime UnitaIII (Virar).

Discovery of Additional Suspects

While tracking Patkatiyar, police discovered three other wanted men in his company.

These individuals, identified as Ajay Amod Mishra (26), Prishit alias Deepak Shrimohan Pal (27), and Sunny alias Abhishek Mahendra Tak (26), were wanted in connection with several offences, including an attempt to murder case registered at Achole police station, the official added.
DAR ES SALAAM, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Six health workers from the Kigoma District Council in western Tanzania died, and three others remain missing, after a boat capsized on Lake Tanganyika during strong winds, authorities said Friday.

The incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. local time on Friday in the Kalalangabo area in Kigoma-Ujiji municipality.

According to officials, the victims were among 18 health workers traveling aboard a council-owned boat en route to Kagunga village to provide vaccination services.

Kigoma Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Michael Maganga confirmed the incident, noting that nine people were rescued and are receiving treatment at Kigoma Regional Referral Hospital.

Maganga noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing. 
A shocking security breach at an SSC exam centre in Maharashtra resulted in a student being assaulted, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about student safety during examinations.

Photograph: ANI

Key Points A man assaulted a female student at an SSC exam centre in Ashti, Beed district, Maharashtra, causing outrage.

The incident occurred just before the start of the School Secondary Certificate exam, raising concerns about security protocols.

Parents are demanding answers from authorities regarding the security breach that allowed the assailant to enter and flee.

The assaulted student was allowed to take the exam under supervision despite being shaken by the incident.

Police are currently investigating the assault and attempting to apprehend the accused individual.

A man entered an SSC exam centre in Ashti in Maharashtra's Beed district on Friday and assaulted a female student, triggering outrage among parents who sought an explanation from authorities over the security breach.

The incident happened at Doithan centre in Beedsangvi at 10:15am, just before the School Secondary Certificate exam was about to begin, an official said.

"He punched the girl and fled before those in the vicinity could overpower him. The parents of the girl, who were summoned to school, had a heated argument with authorities over the security breach. Others supported them," he said.

The girl, who was shaken from the incident, was allowed to answer the exam under supervision, the official added.

Parents Demand Answers After Exam Centre Assault

How did an outsider manage to come in without being checked and also flee after assaulting somebody, a group of parents asked.

An Ashti police station official said all efforts are underway to nab the accused.
Meghalaya police have apprehended six suspects, including two from Haryana, in connection with a series of ATM thefts in East Khasi Hills, where nearly Rs 1 crore was stolen, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Six individuals have been arrested in connection with a series of ATM thefts in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills, involving approximately Rs 1 crore.

The ATM thefts occurred at three locations in Mawkriah, Smit, and Mylliem between May 2025 and February 2026.

A special police team was dispatched to Nuh district in Haryana to track down the accused, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Local facilitators in Shillong and two individuals in Assam have also been arrested in connection with the ATM heists.

The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the gang involved in the ATM thefts.

The police have arrested six people, including two from Haryana, in connection with a series of ATM thefts in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in which nearly Rs 1 crore was stolen from three locations over the past year, a senior officer said on Friday.

The thefts took place at ATM booths in Mawkriah, Smit and Mylliem between May 2025 and February 2026, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said.

The first incident occurred on May 21, 2025, when miscreants broke into an ATM booth at Mawkriah and stole Rs 28.13 lakh. Another ATM at Smit was targeted on December 30, 2025, with Rs 35.57 lakh taken away, he said.

In a similar incident on February 8 this year, an ATM booth at Mylliem was robbed, and around Rs 35 lakh was stolen.

Cases were registered at Mawngap and Madanrting police stations following the incidents, after which an investigation was launched.

Arrest and Investigation Details

A seven-member team from the Special Cell of East Khasi Hills was sent to Nuh district in Haryana on February 27 to track down the accused.

In coordination with the Nuh district police, the team carried out operations and arrested two suspects from Nuh city and Pingwan on March 10, the SP said.

The police team also came under attack while attempting to bring the accused from Nuh, he added.

Both were produced before a local court and remanded to five days' police custody.

Police also arrested two alleged local facilitators from Shillong, and a court granted six days' police remand for them.

On Thursday, another Special Cell team arrested two persons in Bongaigaon district and near Guwahati in Assam in connection with the ATM theft.

Police said incriminating items were seized from the possession of the accused.

Further investigation is underway to identify and arrest other members of the gang who are still absconding, Syiem added.
A Meghalaya police officer is under investigation after being found to have stored live ammunition at his rented accommodation within a mosque compound, sparking concerns and prompting legal action.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Meghalaya Police officer booked for storing live ammunition at a rented accommodation within a mosque compound.

The officer allegedly violated protocol by not depositing the ammunition in the police armoury during his leave.

Police seized the ammunition and registered a case under the Arms Act.

Authorities urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation about the incident on social media.

The police are taking strict legal action against the officer for unauthorised ammunition storage.

Meghalaya Police has registered a case against one of its personnel for keeping bullets at his rented accommodation within a mosque compound at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills district, officials said on Friday.

According to SP SA Rynjah, a group of people informed police that they had found camouflage uniforms and four bullets inside the compound of Williamnagar mosque.

He said that upon inquiry, it was learnt that a police personnel of the district executive force (DEF) had been residing in a rented accommodation within the mosque compound.

"The personnel, who is currently on leave, had left his personal belongings in the rented accommodation, including his uniforms with nameplate, belt, boots, camouflage uniforms and an ammunition pouch," the SP said.

During examination of the belongings, four live rounds of ammunition were found inside the pouch, he said.

Rynjah said that keeping ammunition at a private location instead of depositing it in the police armoury during the leave period is unauthorised.

"The ammunition has been duly seized, and a case vide Williamnagar PS Case No. 07/2026 under Section 25(1-A) of the Arms Act has been registered against him for initiating strict legal action," he said.

Police Appeal for Responsible Information Sharing

Police also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the incident.

"People are requested not to upload or circulate false information on social media platforms with malicious intent. Such acts will be viewed seriously and will attract legal action," the SP added.
Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries.

IMAGE: A foreign tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil damaged after catching fire in Iraq's territorial waters, following unidentified attacks that targeted two foreign tankers, according to Iraqi port officials, near Basra, Iraq, March 12, 2026. Photograph: Mohammed Aty/Reuters

Additional secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan on Friday shared updates about the death of two Indians who passed away in Muscat and also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the efforts are underway to repatriate the 15 Indian nationals and also to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.

Key Points Of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries.

>Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman.

Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident.

He made the remarks during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia.

Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries. He underlined that the mission remains in close touch and continues to provide all assistance.

"I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance", Mahajan said.

Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency.

Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others.

Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident.

Mahajan also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the 15 crew members had been safely evacuated and efforts are underway to safely bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national, alongside the repatriation of the seafarers.

He said, "An update on Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack on the 9th of March near Basra in Iraq. The 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently lodged in a hotel in Basra. Efforts are also underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and for safe repatriation of the 15 rescued seafarers. Our mission team is in Basra and is rendering all assistance."

Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have escalated tension across West Asia on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.

As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.

In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations.
A Mumbai court rejected Ketan Kadam's bail application, identifying him as the alleged mastermind behind the Rs 65 crore Mithi River desilting scam involving bribery and manipulation of BMC contracts.

Photographs: @mybmcWardL/X

Key Points Ketan Kadam, alleged mastermind of the Mithi River desilting scam, has been denied bail by a Mumbai court.

The court cited Kadam's involvement in causing wrongful loss to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Kadam is accused of conspiring with BMC officials and contractors to manipulate tender conditions.

The charges include providing bribes such as air tickets and luxury hotel stays to BMC officials.

The court deemed Kadam an influential person who could tamper with evidence if released.

A Mumbai court denied bail to alleged middleman Ketan Kadam in the Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting scam case after calling him the "mastermind of the criminal conspiracy".

His bail plea was rejected earlier this week by Additional Sessions Judge N G Shukla. In the reasoned order made available on Friday, the court noted that Kadam was involved in the serious offence of causing wrongful loss to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

"I find there are serious charges against the applicant showing he is the mastermind of the criminal conspiracy," the court said.

It was Kadam's third attempt at seeking bail since his arrest in May 2025.

Details of the Mithi River Desilting Scam

As per the prosecution, the BMC had given contracts of desilting Mithi river at multiple sites to different companies by inviting tenders between 2019 to 2024.

It alleged that Kadam, chief executive officer (CEO) of Virgo Specialties Pvt Ltd, conspired with BMC officials and contractors for inserting such terms and conditions in the tender that compelled contractors to hire machines from his firm.

As per the probe agency, charges against Kadam include paying for air tickets and luxury hotel stays for BMC officials during visits to Delhi and Kerala prior to the machine purchases.

Voluminous documents, which are part of the chargesheet, show Kadam had compelled contractors to execute an agreement with his company to hire machines at exorbitant rates, the court observed.

The court said the applicant is an influential person who may tamper with evidence if released on bail.
A tragic motorcycle accident in Navi Mumbai's Airoli area resulted in the death of two men after their bike collided with an excavator, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances.

Key Points Two men died in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, after their motorcycle collided with an excavator.

The accident occurred in Sector 14 when the excavator was crossing the road.

A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.

Police are conducting further investigations into the fatal motorcycle accident.

Two men were killed after their motorcycle collided with an excavator in Airoli in Navi Mumbai on Friday, a police official said.

The accident took place at 10am in Sector 14 when the excavator was crossing the road, the Rabale police station official added.

"The two men were rushed to a hospital where they died while undergoing treatment. A case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act. Further probe into the case is underway," he said.
Nand Kishore Yadav was sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland, promising to focus on peace, development, and preserving the state's unique cultural heritage.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Nand Kishore Yadav sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Yadav emphasises Nagaland's unique cultural heritage and its importance within India.

The new governor highlights the focus on infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, and digital connectivity for economic growth in Nagaland.

Yadav pledges to prioritise creating opportunities for educated youth in Nagaland through skills development and institutional support.

Governor Yadav commits to promoting peace, stability, and development in Nagaland in cooperation with the state government.

Nand Kishore Yadav was sworn in as the new governor of Nagaland at a programme in Lok Bhavan on Friday.

The oath of office was administered by Justice Ashutosh Kumar of the Gauhati High Court in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer.

Yadav was appointed as the 23rd governor of the state on March 5.

He succeeded Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who had been holding the additional charge as governor of Nagaland and continues to serve as the governor of Manipur.

The ceremony was also attended by state ministers, MLAs, representatives of tribal organisations, senior bureaucrats, and officers from the police and security forces.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Governor interacted with the CM and members of the state cabinet.

Governor Yadav's Address

In his address to the people of the state on assuming office, Yadav said Nagaland occupies a special place in the rich and diverse fabric of India.

"The state is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, strong community values, and the warmth and resilience of its people. The traditions and spirit of the Naga people are a source of pride not only for the state but for the entire nation," he said.

Asserting that India is undergoing a period of remarkable transformation, Yadav said the Northeastern region has witnessed renewed focus and investment in recent years, particularly in connectivity, infrastructure and economic development.

These initiatives are expanding opportunities and integrating the region more closely with the national growth story while preserving its unique identity and traditions, he said.

"Nagaland too has been steadily progressing across various sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, digital connectivity and entrepreneurship," he said, adding that these developments are creating new possibilities for economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people.

He said creating meaningful opportunities for educated youth remains an important priority.

"With the right skills, innovation and institutional support, these sectors can generate employment and encourage our youth to become creators of opportunities," he said.

Affirming that the aspirations of the people for lasting peace, stability and development remain paramount, Yadav said, "Peace and harmony provide the foundation for sustainable progress, and with collective effort and mutual understanding, Nagaland will continue to move forward on the path of prosperity."

Yadav said he would strive to uphold the Constitution as Nagaland governor and work in close cooperation with the state government and all sections of society to promote good governance, inclusive development and the welfare of the people.

"I look forward to working together with the people of Nagaland to strengthen peace, encourage development and preserve the unique cultural heritage of this wonderful State," he said.
The NHRC has launched investigations into two separate incidents, including the alleged assault and racial abuse of a woman from Manipur in Delhi and a fatal construction site collapse in Gurugram, demanding detailed reports from authorities.

Key Points NHRC issues notice to Delhi Police Commissioner regarding alleged physical assault and racial abuse of a woman from Manipur.

The NHRC seeks a detailed report within two weeks, including the victim's health status and investigation progress.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 8 in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi.

NHRC also takes cognisance of a wall collapse at a Gurugram construction site, resulting in worker deaths and injuries, seeking a report from Haryana officials.

The Gurugram report should include the health status of the injured, investigation details, and compensation provided to victims' families.

The NHRC on Friday said it has issued a notice to the city police commissioner over reports that a woman from Manipur was allegedly physically assaulted when she objected to "lewd and racial abuse" by a group of boys in south Delhi.

The National Human Rights Commission said it has sought a report, expected to include the status of the victim's health and the investigation, in two weeks.

The NHRC has taken "suo motu cognisance of a media report that a woman from Manipur was physically assaulted when she objected to lewd and racial abuse by a group of boys in Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi. Reportedly, the incident happened on March 8," it said in a statement.

International Women's Day is held on March 8.

According to the media report, carried on March 10, the incident occurred when the woman was clicking pictures with her friend at a park in the area.

Gurugram Construction Site Collapse

In a separate statement, the NHRC said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the reported death of seven workers and injuries to three others in a wall collapse incident at a construction site near the Bilaspur area of Gurugram in Haryana on March 9.

Reportedly, around ten more workers were feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred at the site where a sewage treatment plant for an upcoming residential project is being constructed, it said.

The Commission has issued notices to the state's chief secretary and the police commissioner of Gurugram, seeking a report in two weeks.

The report is expected to include the status of health of the injured persons, investigation and compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons.
LPG bookings have surged to 75.7 lakh against an average of 55.7 lakh in the pre-war period.

IMAGE: Customers stand in line to book their LPG refill, Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com

Key Points The government assures uninterrupted LPG supply to households, urging citizens to avoid panic booking.

Domestic LPG production has increased by 30% since March 5 to meet demand.

LPG bookings have surged due to panic, but there is no shortage at dealers.

The West Asia conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have impacted crude oil and petroleum product supplies.

India relies heavily on imports of crude oil, LNG, and LPG, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The government on Friday said it is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas to households amid a surge in panic bookings, and advised around 60 lakh households located near piped natural gas (PNG) networks to consider switching to piped connections for convenience.

It warned hoarders and black marketers of strict action if they try to exploit the crisis created by the war in West Asia.

Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, at a media briefing, said fears of a shortage have led to a spike in LPG cylinder bookings in recent days, even though supplies remain adequate across the country.

She maintained that LPG distributors have sufficient stocks and that supply chains are functioning normally. Consumers were urged to avoid panic booking or queuing up at LPG dealerships. They should place refill orders using online modes only when required.

While supplies to household kitchens, as well as essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions, were prioritised and provided uninterrupted LPG, supplies to commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants were curtailed as the war in West Asia impacted energy sourcing from overseas.

With domestic production rising by 30 percent since March 5, when the government took certain measures like diverting streams in refineries to maximise cooking gas output, the Centre has placed a fifth of the commercial gas supplies with the state governments and UTs.

The states have been given the authority to decide on the priority for such supplies, she said.

Citing instances of state governments taking actions against LPG hoarders and black marketers, Sharma said the top officials in the ministries of petroleum and civil supplies have held meetings with civil supplies departments of states and UTs to make them aware of the ground situation.

They have been asked to crack down on hoarders and black marketers.

She cited suspension of petrol pump dealerships in a case in Tamil Nadu where it was found dispensing fuel in jerrycans.

More such actions will follow, she said.

"Average refill booking in the country is 55.7 lakh cylinders per day. But (since the crisis broke out about two weeks back), there has been a sudden surge. There were 75.7 lakh bookings for refills done on March 12... This is nothing but panic buying," she said.

"We were delivering 50 lakh cylinders daily previously and continue to maintain that number."

The country has 33.37 crore LPG users and another 1.5 crore get cooking fuel piped into their kitchens (called piped natural gas).

She said households located close to existing PNG infrastructure could benefit from switching to piped cooking gas, which offers a continuous supply and reduces dependence on cylinder bookings and delivery cycles.

While LPG supplies had been constrained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow sea lane used by Gulf countries to export oil and gas to users like India, the supply of PNG has continued uninterrupted.

"There are about 60 lakh households near the PNG infrastructure that can avail PNG connections. They should get in touch with the city gas operators to avail of such connections," she said.

Encouraging such consumers to shift to PNG would also help ease pressure on LPG distribution, allowing authorities to prioritise cylinder supplies for households that do not have access to piped gas networks.

Giving details of the inventory situation, Sharma said the country had enough stocks of crude oil and has been able to tap alternate sources to replace the ones that were lost in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Refineries are operating at full capacity, none of the over one lakh petrol pumps in the country has faced a dry out, and LPG dealerships are well stocked with no dryouts, she said, adding that natural gas supplies have been prioritised to the household and transport sector, thereby maintaining supplies to essential sectors.

She urged LPG users to book refills online and not crowd at dealerships.

"We are facing a difficult situation (arising from war in West Asia). LPG supplies to commercial establishments were stopped, but now stocks will be placed at the disposal of the state governments, who will decide on the priority for their distribution," she said.

"We are not able to service all commercial users for the time being."

She reiterated that there is no shortage of gas for household users. "There is no need for panic booking, no need for queuing."
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition for a nationwide menstrual leave policy, raising concerns about potential negative impacts on women's employment opportunities and reinforcing gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Key Points The Supreme Court rejected a PIL seeking a nationwide menstrual leave policy, expressing concerns about potential job losses for women.

The court suggested that mandatory menstrual leave could reinforce gender stereotypes and negatively impact women's career prospects.

The Chief Justice noted that while voluntary menstrual leave policies are welcome, making them compulsory could deter employers from hiring women.

The court acknowledged that some states and private companies have already implemented menstrual leave policies, but cautioned against a mandatory national law.

The Supreme Court directed the relevant authorities to consider the representation and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a nationwide policy providing paid menstrual leave for women students and workers, observing no one would give them jobs in such a scenario and that such a provision would unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes.

The top court, however, asked the Centre and competent authorities to consider the representation of the PIL petitioner and examine the possibility of framing a policy on menstrual leave after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that while the intent behind the petition might be welfare-oriented, the practical reality of the job market could lead to "counter-productive" outcomes for women.

"These pleas are made to create fear, to call women inferior, that menstruation is something bad happening to them... this is an affirmative right... but think about the employer who needs to give paid leave," the bench observed.

Senior advocate MR Shamsad, appearing for the petitioner, said the Karnataka government has formulated a policy to allow menstrual leave and some private organisations are also providing this facility.

"Voluntarily they are giving, then it is excellent. That is a very good thing. But the moment you introduce it as a compulsory condition in law, you do not know the damage it will do to the career of women. Nobody will give them responsibilities, even in judicial services, a normal trial will not be assigned to them," the CJI said.

During the hearing, the bench highlighted the risk of "unintended consequences", suggesting that a mandatory leave policy might discourage private employers from hiring women.

"The moment you introduce it as a compulsory condition in law, you do not know the damage it will do to the career of women," CJI Kant remarked.

"Nobody will give them responsibilities... This can be harmful to their growth," the bench added.

Justice Bagchi echoed these concerns from a business perspective, noting that affirmative action is constitutionally recognised but must be balanced against market realities.

"Look at the practical reality in the job market. The more unattractive the human resource, the less is the possibility of assumption in the market. Will any employer be happy with the competing claims of other genders," Justice Bagchi asked.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi.

At the outset, the bench raised the issue of locus of the PIL petitioner and pointed out that no woman herself has approached the court.

It was the third petition filed by Tripathi on the same issue.

The first petition was dealt by the bench in 2023 and it allowed the petitioner to give a representation before the Union ministry of women and children.

The petitioner approached the court in 2024 again on the ground that the Centre did not respond to his representation. The PIL was disposed of in July 2024 again with the direction to the government to take a decision.

"These petitions are deeply rooted, designed PILs. You are not a bona fide petitioner. This is basically only to create a type of impression in young women that you still have some natural issues and you are not at par with male persons and you cannot work like them during a particular time," the bench observed initially.

Shamshad replied that while Odisha has a policy since 1992, Karnataka recently allowed such a leave policy, and Kerala allowed relaxation in schools.

He added that many private organisations are voluntarily allowing period leave.

"The petitioner has made a representation to the authority. It seems to us that whatever was required to be done at the end of the petitioner, he has done for the welfare of young women. It is not necessary for the petitioner to approach the court time and again and seek a positive mandamus.

"We direct that the competent authority shall consider the representation directed to be considered by this court by order dated February 24, 2023, and July 8, 2024, for modelling a policy in consultation with all," the bench ordered.
KABUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said early Friday that Afghanistan had once again been subjected to airstrikes by Pakistan.

Mujahid posted on the social media platform X that, continuing previous attacks, Pakistani forces carried out bombings in several areas in Afghanistan, including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Paktika.

He asserted that in some locations, civilian houses were targeted, resulting in the deaths of women and children, while in other places, empty desert areas and uninhabited regions were struck.

He also said that the Pakistan Air Force struck a fuel depot belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar International Airport. 
The Opposition parties have initiated a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging partisan conduct and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

IMAGE: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Photograph: @ECISVEEP/X

Key Points Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc have filed notices seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, marking the first such attempt in India's history.

The motion lists seven charges against Kumar, including alleged partisan conduct, obstruction of electoral fraud investigations, and mass disenfranchisement.

The removal process for the CEC is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, requiring a special majority in both Houses of Parliament based on 'proven misbehaviour or incapacity'.

The opposition accuses the CEC of favouring the ruling BJP, particularly concerning the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

If the impeachment motion is admitted, a committee including the CJI or a Supreme Court judge will investigate the charges, offering the CEC a chance to defend himself.

Opposition MPs have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources said on Friday.

According to a source, 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs have signed the notice.

The signatories include members from all the INDIA bloc parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is no longer formally a part of the opposition alliance, the source said.

Some Independent MPs have also signed the notice while several others have evinced interest in joining the initiative, the source added.

This is the first time a notice has been moved seeking the removal of the CEC.

According to sources, the notice lists seven charges against Kumar, including alleged "partisan and discriminatory conduct in office", "deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud" and "mass disenfranchisement".

The Opposition parties have accused the CEC of aiding the ruling BJP on several occasions, especially with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they alleged aims to help the saffron party at the Centre.

The process for removing the CEC is similar to that for the removal of a Supreme Court or a high court judge, meaning an impeachment can be effected only on the ground of "proven misbehaviour or incapacity".

In a blogpost published on Friday, TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said the term "proved misbehaviour" has been interpreted to include deliberate abuse of powers, partisan exercise of constitutional functions favouring one political formation over others and actions that undermine public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the CEC, amongst other attributes.

He pointed out that in the last 75 years, India has had 25 CECs and "neither House of Parliament has ever brought a removal motion against the CEC".

Calling submitting the notices in both Houses a "strong messaging", O'Brien said members of the opposition are using "every constitutional tool available to protect the sanctity of India's glorious institutions".

"However, if the notice is not taken up by the Union government, doubts will be raised about a tacit understanding between the executive and the CEC," he said.

Article 324(5) of the Constitution says the CEC shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court, and the conditions of service of the CEC shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.

The motion for removal may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must be passed by a special majority -- a majority of the total membership of the House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

The law on the appointment of CEC and election commissioners says, "The CEC shall not be removed from his office except in the like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court," and the other election commissioners shall not be removed from office "except on the recommendation of the CEC".

According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, if the notice for the motion is given on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, no committee shall be constituted unless the motion has been admitted in both Houses.

After the motion has been admitted in both Houses, a committee shall be constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman.

The committee will consist of the chief justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge, the chief justice of one of the 25 high courts, and a "distinguished jurist".

The committee proceedings are like any court proceeding where witnesses and the accused are cross-examined.

The CEC, too, will get a chance to speak before the committee.

According to the rule, once the committee submits its report, it will be tabled in the House and discussions will commence for impeachment.

The motion to remove a judge, and in this case the CEC, will have to be passed by both Houses.

When the House discusses the motion, Kumar will have the right to defend himself standing at the entrance of the House chamber.
A devastating IED blast in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan, has killed seven police officers, prompting a security response and condemnation from government officials.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Seven police officers were killed in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan, after their vehicle was struck by an IED.

The roadside IED detonated during a routine police patrol near the Rasool Khel check post.

One injured policeman later died in hospital, raising the death toll to seven.

Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to find the perpetrators.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa condemned the attack and has sought a detailed report on the incident.

At least seven police personnel were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan on Friday, local police said.

The incident occurred in the Shadi Khel Bettani area in Lakki Marwat district when a police mobile on routine patrol near the Rasool Khel check post was hit by a roadside IED.

During the patrol, a roadside improvised explosive device detonated with a powerful blast, directly hitting the police vehicle.

As a result of the explosion, SHO Azam, police driver Shah Bahram, and four other police personnel were killed on the spot.

One policeman, identified as Insafuddin, sustained serious injuries in the blast but he later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital where he was receiving medical treatment.

Investigation and Security Measures

Police and other security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Evidence is also being collected at the blast site.

Security authorities stated that efforts are underway to trace the perpetrators involved in the attack, while security in the area has been further tightened.

Government Response

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the blast in Lakki Marwat and strongly condemned the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the Chief Minister has sought a detailed report of the incident from the Inspector General of Police.

Sohail Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the killing of six police personnel in the explosion. He termed the loss of lives as extremely tragic.

The chief minister said the provincial government stands in complete solidarity with the families of the martyrs during this difficult time.

He also directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to the injured and prayed for their early recovery.

Sohail Afridi said cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people and security forces.
A devastating IED blast in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan, has killed six police officers, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region and prompting immediate response from authorities.

Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Key Points An IED blast in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of six police officers.

The attack targeted a police vehicle on routine patrol in the Shadi Khel Bettani area.

One police officer was seriously injured and is receiving medical treatment.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to find the perpetrators.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has condemned the attack and sought a detailed report.

At least six police personnel were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan on Friday, local police said.

The incident occurred in the Shadi Khel Bettani area in Lakki Marwat district when a police mobile on routine patrol near the Rasool Khel check post was hit by a roadside IED.

During the patrol, a roadside improvised explosive device detonated with a powerful blast, directly hitting the police vehicle.

As a result of the explosion, SHO Azam, police driver Shah Bahram, and four other police personnel were killed on the spot.

One policeman, identified as Insafuddin, sustained serious injuries in the blast and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.

Police and other security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Evidence is also being collected at the blast site.

Security authorities stated that efforts are underway to trace the perpetrators involved in the attack, while security in the area has been further tightened.

Government Response to the Attack

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the blast in Lakki Marwat and strongly condemned the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the Chief Minister has sought a detailed report of the incident from the Inspector General of Police.

Sohail Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the killing of six police personnel in the explosion. He termed the loss of lives as extremely tragic.

The chief minister said the provincial government stands in complete solidarity with the families of the martyrs during this difficult time.

He also directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to the injured and prayed for their early recovery.

Sohail Afridi said cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people and security forces.
In a major counter-terrorism operation, Pakistan's CTD neutralised six terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, seizing weapons and initiating investigations into their network.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed six terrorists in an intelligence-led operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The CTD operation took place in the Shagai area of Lakki Marwat district.

Terrorists opened fire on the CTD team, leading to an hour-long exchange that resulted in the terrorists' deaths.

Weapons, including Kalashnikovs, pistols, hand grenades, and an IED, were recovered from the slain terrorists.

Authorities are working to identify the terrorists and will pursue their facilitators and associates.

The Counter-Terrorism Department of Pakistan police gunned down six terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Friday.

A spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said the operation was conducted in the Shagai area of Lakki Marwat district.

The terrorists opened fire on the CTD team as they approached their location, following which the law enforcers fired in retaliation, he said. The firing continued for an hour and ended with the killing of six terrorists, he added.

The process of identifying the slain terrorists was underway, following which action would be taken against their facilitators and associates, the spokesman said.

Four Kalashnikovs with magazines and ammunition, two 9mm pistols, eight hand grenades and an improvised explosive device was found in the possession of the terrorists.
A devastating IED attack in northwest Pakistan has killed seven police officers, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claiming responsibility, raising concerns about escalating violence in the region.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Seven police officers were killed in an IED attack in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the deadly IED attack.

The IED targeted a police vehicle patrolling near the Rasool Khel check post.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, reaffirming the state's commitment to eliminating terrorism.

Security has been increased in the area, and a search operation is underway to find the perpetrators of the attack.

At least seven police personnel were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan, police said.

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident occurred in the Shadi Khel Bettani area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district when the police vehicle patrolling near the Rasool Khel check post was hit by a roadside IED.

As a result of the explosion, SHO Azam, police driver Shah Bahram, and four other police personnel were killed on the spot.

One policeman, identified as Insafuddin, sustained serious injuries in the blast, but he later succumbed to injuries at the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

Police and other security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Evidence is also being collected at the blast site.

Security authorities said that efforts are underway to trace the perpetrators involved in the attack. The security in the area has been beefed up.

Government Condemnation and Response

President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the attack, saying the state's resolve towards eliminating terrorism remained "unwavering".

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the chief minister has sought a detailed report of the incident from the Inspector General of Police.

Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the killing of police personnel in the explosion. He termed the loss of lives as extremely tragic.

The chief minister said the provincial government stands in complete solidarity with the families of those killed during this difficult time.

He also directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to the injured and prayed for their early recovery.

Afridi said cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people and security forces.
A violent mob attacked police officers attempting to clear a highway blockade in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, resulting in multiple injuries and raising concerns about law and order.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A highway blockade in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district turned violent when police attempted to disperse the protesters.

At least 12 police personnel were injured, including three seriously, in the mob attack.

The protest was triggered by an incident involving a youth allegedly verbally abusing a girl in Binjhua village.

Police have registered a case and detained several individuals for their alleged involvement in the attack on law enforcement.

At least 12 police personnel were injured, including three seriously, in an attack by a mob when the law enforcers tried to disperse the agitators blocking NH-220 in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, a senior officer said.

The agitation was sparked by a youth allegedly verbally abusing a girl in Binjhua village in Tiring police station area on Thursday.

"A law and order situation was created in the village on Thursday but it was sorted out after the intervention of police officers," Additional Superintendent of Police Jadunath Jena said.

"However, more than 200 villagers, demanding justice, blocked the national highway near Behalda Bazaar on Friday, disrupting the movement of vehicles. When police asked them to lift the blockade, the mob attacked the personnel," he said.

A dozen police personnel were injured, including three seriously, Jena said, adding that the protesters later lifted the blockade.

A case has been registered at Tiring police station and some persons have been detained for their alleged involvement in the attack, he added.
A rabies-infected stray dog has fatally attacked an elderly woman in Kerala, India, raising serious concerns about public safety and the need for effective animal control measures.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points An 84-year-old bedridden woman in Kerala died after being attacked by a stray dog.

A postmortem confirmed the stray dog was infected with rabies.

The stray dog also attacked the woman's son, three other people, and three other dogs in the vicinity.

Anti-rabies injections have been administered to those attacked, and the other animals are under observation.

The incident has raised concerns about the management of stray dog populations and the risk of rabies in the area.

A stray dog that allegedly fatally attacked an 84-year-old bedridden woman in Vellarakad was rabies-infected, which was revealed after the animal's postmortem on Friday, police said.

The bedridden Karthiyani and her son Devadasan, who also has health issues, were attacked by the dog that entered their house in Vellarakad on Thursday evening.

Police said residents carried out a search for the stray dog and found the animal around 2 am on Friday, following which it was killed.

According to police, the dog's carcass was examined by veterinarians, after which it was confirmed that the animal was rabies-infected.

Police said that apart from Karthiyani and Devadasan, the dog also attacked three persons in the vicinity, and three other dogs.

The health department has administered anti-rabies injections to persons who were attacked by the dog, while the other three animals are under observation, officials said.

Meanwhile, Erumapetty police registered a case of unnatural death in connection with the incident on Friday.

The postmortem also confirmed that Karthiyani's death occurred due to the bite of a stray dog on her neck.

The body of Karthiyani was handed over to relatives after the postmortem.

Devadasan was discharged from the hospital on Friday morning, police added.

The incident came to light when Karthiyani's other son, Mani, reached the house in the evening with dinner.

Police said Mani found Devadasan severely injured while Karthiyani was lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.

Both were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where the death of the elderly woman was confirmed, police said.

Residents claim that stray dogs survive on animal skins brought for making the percussion instrument "Chenda" at cottage industries operating in the area.
A tanker carrying Saudi crude oil safely arrived in Mumbai after crossing the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israel and Iran tensions.

It becoming the first India-bound vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-United States conflict began.

The tanker loaded crude from Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia on March 1 and departed on March 3.

The ship briefly turned off its tracking system while navigating the high-risk waterway on March 8 and reappeared on tracking systems on March 9.

The vessel docked at Mumbai port at 1 pm on Wednesday and was berthed at Jawahar Dweep at 6.06 pm.

The delivery of over 135,000 tonnes of crude offers relief for India's energy supply, even as attacks on vessels and rising oil prices highlight growing risks to global oil transport.

Saudi Crude Reaches Mumbai

IMAGE: The Shenlong Suezmax vessel carrying tonnes of Saudi crude oil enters Indian waters to be berthed at Mumbai port on Wednesday, March 12, 2026. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax delivered 135,335 tonnes of Saudi crude to Mumbai after crossing the war-affected Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel briefly switched off its AIS tracking system while passing through the high-risk Gulf waterway.

The tanker departed Ras Tanura on March 1 and reappeared on tracking systems after safely exiting the strait.

At least two oil tankers carrying three million barrels for India reportedly crossed the strait with tracking systems disabled.

Rising Gulf tensions have pushed crude prices to Rs 8,406 per barrel and raised concerns over India's energy security.

IMAGE: The Shenlong is the first India-bound tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran war began. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

India Secures Oil Supply Route

IMAGE: 135,335 metric tonnes of crude oil have been transported by the Shenlong, which is docked at the Jawahar Dweep terminal at Mumbai port. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

IMAGE: The Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong, loaded with Saudi Arabian crude, arrives at a port in Mumbai, March 12, 2026. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Gulf War Disrupts Shipping Routes

IMAGE: Journalists report in front of the Liberia-flagged tanker after it arrived at a port in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Oil Prices Surge Amid Conflict

IMAGE: The Shenlong at Mumbai port. Photograph: Sahil Salvi

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
An SBI manager in Chhattisgarh faces charges for allegedly embezzling over Rs 2.78 crore through a sophisticated scheme involving fraudulent transactions and investments in cryptocurrency and commodities.

Key Points SBI manager Vijay Kumar Ahke is accused of embezzling over Rs 2.78 crore through fraudulent transactions.

Ahke allegedly siphoned funds from the SBI branch's general ledger account using forged vouchers and batch transactions.

To avoid detection, Ahke kept individual transfers below Rs 5 lakh and rolled over old entries.

The embezzled funds were transferred to his wife's account and invested in cryptocurrency, commodities, and options trading.

The ACB/EOW filed a 1290-page chargesheet based on digital evidence, documents, and bank records.

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offences Wing (ACB/EOW) on Friday filed a 1290-page chargesheet against an SBI manager accused of embezzling more than Rs 2.78 crore through fraudulent transactions, an official said.

The chargesheet against Vijay Kumar Ahke, who was serving as Chief Branch Manager of the Specialised Currency Administration Branch (SCAB) of State Bank of India located in Byron Bazaar here at the time of arrest in December last year, was submitted before the ACB/EOW special court in Raipur.

Ahke, currently in judicial custody, was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Details of the Embezzlement Scheme

"Ahke allegedly misused his official authority to siphon funds from the Branch General Ledger (BGL) account of the SCAB branch between August 28, 2024, and June 11, 2025. The accused reportedly generated forged vouchers through the bank's computer system and executed fraudulent transactions," the ACB/EOW said in a statement.

To avoid triggering the bank's High Value Transfer Alert System, Ahke carried out the transactions in "batch mode," keeping each transfer below Rs 5 lakh, the statement added.

He manipulated the system by rolling over old BGL entries into new ones within a 30-day cycle, thereby concealing the real financial position of the account from supervising officers, the statement said.

"During this period, the accused allegedly executed 75 transactions, transferring the entire embezzled amount to his wife's bank account, which was linked to his own mobile number. This enabled him to receive all One-Time Passwords (OTPs) required for the transactions," it said.

Investment of Embezzled Funds

The funds were reportedly transferred through net banking to his personal bank account, where they were invested in Delta Exchange, cryptocurrency trading, commodities, and options trading, the statement added.

The fraudulent transactions caused a financial loss of Rs 2.78 crore to SBI, it said.

"Based on digital evidence, seized documents, bank statements, certified transaction records from the bank's main server, and witness statements, the ACB/EOW initiated prosecution against Ahke. Evidence collected during the probe established his involvement in the embezzlement, following which the chargesheet was filed before the court," the statement said.
Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Saudi Arabia underscores Pakistan's unwavering support and commitment to regional stability, reaffirming the mutual defence pact between the two nations.

IMAGE: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman receives Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh, September 17, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Saudi Press Agency/X

Key Points Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan's full support for Saudi Arabia amidst escalating tensions in West Asia.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, agreeing to work together.

The visit underscores the mutual defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signed in September of last year.

Pakistan is actively seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict, engaging with leaders from Gulf and other Muslim countries.

The meeting follows discussions regarding the 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement' between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a "restricted meeting" with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed Pakistan's "full solidarity and support" for the Kingdom in prevailing challenging conditions in West Asia.

The meeting was held on Thursday after PM Sharif dashed to Saudi Arabia in the wake of deteriorating situation in West Asia following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

A statement by the PM Office after the meeting and shared on X by PM's spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi in early hours of Friday stated that the Prime Minister "held a restricted meeting" with the Saudi de facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

"The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in these challenging times," it stated.

Both leaders had an in depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the region and agreed to work together for regional peace and stability. "The Prime Minister assured his royal host that Pakistan would always stand firmly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and strive for their mutual desire for peace in the region," it said.

According to the statement, Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were also present.

The visit comes at a time when Pakistan's role had come under scanner due to its defence agreement with the kingdom.

The two countries signed a mutual defence pact in September last year with the commitment to come to the defence of each other in case of attack by a third country. The agreement was signed when Israel had attacked Hamas leaders in Qatar.

However, the situation changed after the US and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran, which hit back and is pounding targets in the Gulf. There was a growing unease if Pakistan would fulfill its obligation towards Saudi Arabia given its good ties and geographical proximity with Iran.

Two days ago, PM's Spokesperson for Foreign Media Zaidi had said that Pakistan would be there for Saudi Arabia "before it is needed."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and expressed profound appreciation for the Kingdom's longstanding support to Pakistan.

Earlier, state-run PTV reported that the prime minister was received at the Royal Terminal of Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan's Consul General in Jeddah Syed Mustafa Rabani and other diplomatic staff.

Previously, the Prime Minister's Office had said Sharif was undertaking the visit at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince, adding that the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince would "exchange views on the ongoing tensions in the region, the regional security situation and bilateral relations between the two countries."

Sharif's visit was the second high-level visit to Saudi Arabia after Field Marshal Munir visited it on March 7 and met Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.

The two "discussed the gravity of the security situation resulting from Iranian drone and missile attacks on the Kingdom," the military's media affairs wing said.

They also discussed joint measures needed to halt such attacks within the framework of the "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year.

Apart from the visit, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar talked to Saudi counterpart on more than one occasion.

Diplomatic sources said that Pakistan has been feverishly working for a peaceful solution of the conflict and PM Shehbaz and DPM Dar have talked to several leaders of Gulf and other Muslim countries. The prime minister talked to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday.

Earlier, Dar told the media last week that he urged his Iranian counterpart during a telephonic conversation to not attack Saudi Arabia.
QUITO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's National Police dismantled an international drug trafficking network linked to the Albanian mafia and its local arm "Los Lagartos," arresting 26 suspects, Interior Minister John Reimberg said Thursday.

Ecuadorian police conducted 20 raids across several provinces in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and European security agencies, seizing 5 high-end vehicles and heavy cargo used to transport the alkaloid, the minister posted on social media.

Reimberg estimated the operation dealt an economic blow of more than 68 million U.S. dollars to the drug trafficking network.

The group used legitimate commercial activities involving gold concentrate and banana exports as a cover to smuggle drugs through containers at the Ecuadorian ports of Guayaquil and Posorja, in the southwest of the country, said the minister.

The drugs, hidden among the products or in secret compartments within the containers, were shipped to Europe via routes that included Canadian ports such as Montreal, with investigators identifying the final destinations as the Netherlands and Russia as key markets for the criminal network.

According to Reimberg, the operation was the latest result of a nearly 20-month investigation that began after authorities seized 1.1 tons of drugs in 2024. During the probe, police carried out five operations, seizing a total of 2.5 tons of cocaine. 
Police in Thane have launched an investigation into a land fraud case where five individuals allegedly used forged documents to illegally transfer state-owned land, highlighting concerns over property embezzlement and government oversight.

Key Points A case has been registered against five people in Thane for allegedly transferring state-owned land using forged documents.

The accused are alleged to have misled the registrar's office using outdated land records to transfer plots in Shahpur taluka.

The fraud involved attaching old land extracts and selecting incorrect legal articles to illegally transfer government-owned land into private hands.

Those named in the FIR include a former government employee and a partner in a construction firm.

The police investigation is ongoing, with no arrests made so far in the Thane land fraud case.

A case has been registered against five people, including a former government employee, for allegedly transferring state-owned land using forged documents in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Friday.

According to the police, the accused misled the registrar's office and used outdated land records to transfer plots under the Birwadi Gram Panchayat in Shahpur taluka.

The case was registered following a complaint by the deputy collector and administrator (new towns) of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

"The complainant alleged that the accused conspired to embezzle government property by attaching old 7/12 extracts from 2010, despite having no legal ownership of the land. They selected incorrect legal articles to facilitate the illegal transfer of government-owned land into private hands," an official said.

The police have named Ajay Vedprakash Chhabra, Rajni Ajay Chhabra, Mangesh Mahadev Kolekar, Reena Ratnesh Jain, a partner in a construction firm and B S Gaikwad, the then in-charge joint deputy registrar of Bhiwandi, in the FIR registered under sections 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

"The fraud took place on August 1, 2025, at the Joint Deputy Registrar-2 office in Bhiwandi. By misleading the state machinery, the accused managed to transfer the land and embezzle government funds," he said.

A probe is underway, and no arrest has been made so far, he added.
The report said that President Trump was as confident about the war's outcome in private as he is in public.

IMAGE: People gather at the site of an airstrike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 12, 2026. Photograph: Alaa Al Marjani/Reuters

US President Trump has told the Group of Seven countries on a call on Wednesday (local time) that Iran was about to surrender, reported Axios, citing officials of three G7 countries who were on the call.

Key Points However, on Friday, Trump signalled US' intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today.

Iran's RGC said it launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting key military sites in Israeli-occupied lands and US bases across West Asia

A CNN report said that the Trump administration reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US strikes

The call came before Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel.

The Axios report said that President Trump was as confident about the war's outcome in private as he is in public.

However, today, Trump signalled US' intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

"We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning. Iran's Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. They've been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting a series of key military sites in Israeli-occupied lands and US bases across West Asia.

IRGC said the operation began with a heavy barrage of Kheibar Shekan missiles, each carrying a one-ton warhead, which hit multiple strategic locations, including Israeli military positions in the Palestinian territories, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and West Al-Quds.

The commander of Iran's Khatam al Anbiya headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement that Iranian armed forces will stand to the "last breath" against enemies. The enemy, he added, will be "forced to pay the price for its crimes."

Earlier, a CNN report said that the administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes.

CNN sources revealed that while planning for the ongoing military operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council did not fully anticipate that Iran would attempt to close the waterway, despite long-standing contingency plans developed by the US military for such a scenario.

Officials from the US Departments of Energy and Treasury were present at some planning meetings before the operation began, but CNN sources said the detailed economic forecasts and interagency analysis that typically shape major decisions were not central to the discussions.

The conflict has already entered Day 13 and neither side is showing any side of moving back.
Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association urged people not to panic-buy petrol or diesel, stating that 14 terminals in Tamil Nadu have enough stock to replenish 7,000-plus retail outlets as per their demand.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two people were arrested in Madurai for allegedly hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing.

They were detained under the Goondas Act -- the first such action in Tamil Nadu for cylinder hoarding.

Officials seized 100 domestic and 109 commercial cylinders from a plot in the Kovilpappakudi area and 189 more cylinders from another accused's house in Anandam Nagar.

The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association urged people not to panic-buy petrol or diesel, saying the state has sufficient fuel stocks and supply systems.

The state has 14 fuel terminals supplying more than 7,000 retail outlets, and dealers said existing supplies can meet demand and last for at least three weeks..

Two persons were arrested and detained under the Goondas Act in Madurai for allegedly hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing, marking the first time such stringent action has been taken in Tamil Nadu for cylinder hoarding, police said on Friday.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association urged people not to panic-buy petrol or diesel, stating that 14 terminals in Tamil Nadu have enough stock to replenish 7,000-plus retail outlets as per their demand.

The arrests in Madurai followed a tip-off received by the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID) regarding the illegal diversion of subsidised domestic gas cylinders for commercial use.

Acting on the information, a special team conducted a raid at an open plot near the residence of Palani in the Kovilpappakudi area, where they seized 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders.

In a subsequent raid at the house of Madan Kumar, 27, in Anandam Nagar, officials recovered another 189 cylinders, including 126 commercial units.

A senior official stated that both accused have been booked under the Essential Commodities Act and were subsequently detained under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, commonly known as the Goondas Act, by Madurai District Collector Praveen Kumar.

Govt warns of severe action

The CS-CID Madurai zone has issued a stern warning that illegal hoarding of essential commodities will be met with severe legal consequences.

The crackdown comes amid rising concerns over a perceived fuel and gas shortage in the region.

K P Murali, President of the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers' Association, urged the public not to panic or indulge in panic buying.

He clarified that the state currently holds sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel to last for at least three weeks.

"There is no need for the public to fear a shortage. All dealers have adequate stock and are continuously receiving supplies from oil companies. Panic buying will only create an artificial shortage that benefits no one," Murali told PTI.

According to him, Tamil Nadu has 14 terminals, including three in Chennai, that stock fuel and supply retail outlets.

"Dealers usually have three days' stock with them. And they buy from these terminals as and when they need. This is happening as usual. So, there is no need to panic," Murali added.

However, he agreed that the rumour might have started from some small outlets supplied by private companies.

"More than 7,000 dealers are associated with our organisation and they all have access to terminals to replenish their stock as per demand," Murali said.

'Fuel prices hike may lead to protests'

Meanwhile, addressing a traders' association meeting in Tenkasi on March 12, A M Vikkrama Raja, President of the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaipu, expressed concern over the impact of the shortage on the hospitality sector.

"The Union government must take action on a war footing to ensure that traders are not affected as they were during the Covid-19 period. Due to the cylinder shortage, items like 'dosa', 'poori', and 'parotta' are becoming unavailable in hotels. While we are doing our best to feed the people, some agencies are hoarding cylinders and selling them for as high as Rs 4,000. Authorities must conduct inspections and take strict action against such elements," Raja told reporters.

Raja further warned of state-wide protests if fuel prices are hiked under the pretext of shortage.

He also announced a major traders' conference in Tiruvarur on May 5 to demand a special protection law for small-scale traders against the encroachment of multinational companies.
Iran's state media quoted a military spokesperson claiming that a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft of the United States was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq, killing all six service members on board.

IMAGE: US Air Force Airmen from the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conduct a pre-flight brief outside of a KC-135 Stratotanker in this undated handout picture released by US Air Force. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Chris Drzazgowski/US Air Force/Handout via Reuters

Key Points Iran's state media claimed that Iraq resistance group has downed a US military refuelling aircraft.

IRGC also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the 'Resistance Front' successfully targeted the tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.

However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of the aircraft but denied that hostile fire was involved.

The US stated that the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

CENTCOM said two aircraft were involved in the incident: one crashed in western Iraq while the second landed safely, and rescue efforts are currently underway.

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq.

The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

Press TV reported that the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.

US denies involvement of 'hostile fire'

Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release.

However, it denied any incident of hostile fire.

According to the press release issued by CENTCOM, the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.

'Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely,' the release said.

'This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,' CENTCOM posted on X.

Authorities added that rescue efforts are currently underway.

'More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members,' the release said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the situation involving Iran was progressing 'very rapidly' and praised the strength of the United States military.
Delhi Police is cracking down on social media accounts spreading misinformation and rumours related to the Uttam Nagar murder case, including a fraudulent donation scheme, to maintain public order and prevent further escalation.

Key Points Delhi Police is taking legal action against social media accounts spreading misinformation about the Uttam Nagar murder case.

A viral video requesting financial donations related to the case led to a bank account with Rs 37 lakh being frozen due to suspected scam activity.

Police have sent take-down requests to social media platforms like X and Instagram to remove inflammatory content.

Authorities warn that spreading false information on social media is a punishable offence and will be met with strict action.

The situation in Uttam Nagar remains under control with adequate police presence.

Delhi Police has initiated legal action against several social media accounts for allegedly spreading rumours and circulating misleading content, including a viral video seeking financial donations, in connection with the recent Uttam Nagar murder case, officials said on Friday.

A video that surfaced on social media on March 10 contained a QR code requesting financial assistance from the public using narratives linked to the incident. During verification, it was found that nearly Rs 37 lakh had already been credited to the suspect bank account in the last two days, they said.

"In view of the potential scam that may be played upon the general public, the manager of the concerned bank branch has been informed to block all credit and debit facilities of the said account and freeze the amount deposited by the public," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said.

He added that the police had taken serious note of misleading and inflammatory content circulating on social media following the March 4 clash in Uttam Nagar that led to the death of a 26-year-old man.

Police Action Against Misinformation

Acting swiftly, police coordinated with multiple social media platforms to ensure the removal of such content, he said.

"So far, 14 take-down requests under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act have been sent to social media platform 'X', while eight similar requests have been forwarded to Instagram for removal of the identified inflammatory content," the officer said.

Police said action has also been initiated against individuals operating social media accounts involved in rumour-mongering and spreading unverified information.

Police reiterated that circulating false or misleading information on social media is a punishable offence under relevant provisions of law and warned that strict action would be taken against those attempting to disturb public peace through misinformation.

Earlier, police had clarified that two juveniles and 14 adults had been nabbed in connection with the killing of Tarun, who died during a clash between two groups of neighbours in Uttam Nagar's JJ Colony during Holi celebrations on March 4.

Officials said the situation in the area remains under control with adequate police deployment on the ground.
The NHRC has launched an investigation into the fatal Holi clash in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, demanding a detailed report from local authorities and highlighting potential human rights violations.

Key Points The NHRC has issued notices to Delhi authorities regarding the death of a man during a Holi clash in Uttam Nagar.

The NHRC directs a thorough and impartial investigation into the Uttam Nagar incident, emphasising the collection of forensic evidence.

The complaint alleges the victim was brutally assaulted during Holi celebrations, prompting the NHRC's intervention.

The NHRC has instructed authorities to examine social media content and CCTV footage related to the Uttam Nagar clash.

The NHRC has issued a notice to West Delhi's district magistrate and the city police commissioner in connection with the killing of a 26-year-old man in a clash in Uttam Nagar on Holi, and sought an action taken report from them within two weeks.

According to the proceedings of the case, the National Human Rights Commission has directed the authorities to conduct a "thorough and impartial investigation" into the March 4 incident.

The police have nabbed two juveniles and arrested 14 adults in connection with the killing of Tarun, who died during the clash between two groups of neighbours in Uttam Nagar's JJ Colony during a Holi celebration.

The NHRC, in its proceedings, dated March 10, said it has taken cognisance of the case after receiving a complaint.

The complainant, Prakash, has alleged that Tarun was "brutally assaulted, lynched and killed by a group of Muslim individuals during the Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar."

According to the complaint, the incident allegedly started after a minor accidental splash of water during the festivities, which led to a "dispute between the two families," reads the proceedings.

It is alleged that despite apologies from the victim's family, a group of around 15a 20 persons attacked Tarun when he was returning home on a two-wheeler.

"The attackers reportedly used bricks, stones, and iron rods, causing severe injuries to the victim, who later died during treatment in the hospital," it says.

The complainant sought the intervention of the commission, and has requested to ensure a proper investigation, identification and prosecution of all persons involved, protection for the victim's family, and adequate compensation for the bereaved family, it adds.

The allegations made in the complaint, prima facie, seem to be "violations of the human rights of the victim."

A bench of the NHRC, presided by its member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance of the case under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

"The registry is directed to issue a notice to the district magistrate, West Delhi and Commissioner of Police, Delhi with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into," reads the proceedings.

NHRC Investigation Details

The proceedings further reads it has been alleged through various media reports that the incident took place due to alleged "intolerance" during the Holi celebration.

"The investigating agency shall also examine and preserve all relevant evidence, including material and visual content circulating on social media platforms that may have evidentiary value, such as images or videos depicting potential forensic traces related to the incident," the NHRC says in its proceedings.

The authorities are directed to collect and secure CCTV footage from the vicinity of the place of occurrence, it adds.

"The investigating agency shall ensure that the crime scene has been properly secured and that all relevant forensic evidence, including fingerprints, footprints, stones or other objects allegedly used in the assault, and any other physical traces, are duly collected, preserved, and examined in accordance with established forensic procedures," the proceedings say.
Trump said the United States was 'totally destroying' Iran's regime militarily and economically.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Nathan Howard/File Photo/Reuters

Key Points President Donald Trump warned Tehran to 'watch what happens today' as the West Asia conflict entered its 13th day.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran's navy and air force had been largely destroyed and its missiles and drones were being decimated.

The IRGC said it had launched the 44th phase of Operation True Promise 4, firing Kheibar Shekan missiles at Israeli military positions and US bases across West Asia.

Iran's Khatam al Anbiya Headquarters commander said Iranian forces would fight 'to the last breath'.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday signalled the US intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed.

'We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning. Iran's Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. They've been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so,' Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Iran launches 44th phase of Operation True Promise 4

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting a series of key military sites in Israeli occupied lands and US bases across West Asia.

IRGC said, the operation began with a heavy barrage of Kheibar Shekan missiles, each carrying a one-ton warhead, which hit multiple strategic locations, including Israeli military positions in the Palestinian territories, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and West Al-Quds.

The commander of Iran's Khatam al Anbiya headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement that Iranian armed forces will stand to the 'last breath' against enemies.

The enemy, he added, will be 'forced to pay the price for its crimes'.

Trump underestimated Iran: Report

Earlier, a CNN report said that the Trump administration reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes.

CNN sources revealed that while planning for the ongoing military operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council did not fully anticipate that Iran would attempt to close the waterway, despite long-standing contingency plans developed by the US military for such a scenario.

Officials from the US Departments of Energy and Treasury were present at some planning meetings before the operation began, but CNN sources said the detailed economic forecasts and interagency analysis that typically shape major decisions were not central to the discussions.

On Thursday, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, indicated that the closure of the Strait would remain a pressure tactic, according to remarks broadcast on Iranian state television.

"Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used," he said.

Khamenei said that Iran had identified sites which he claimed were vulnerable for future strikes from the Islamic Republic.

"Studies have been conducted regarding the opening of additional fronts in areas where the enemy has negligible experience and would be highly vulnerable, and their activation will be carried out if the state of war persists and in accordance with the observance of interests," he said.

Later, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani however stated that Tehran has no intention to close the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict but added that it is their 'right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway'.
The Iranian envoy stated that Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

IMAGE: An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman, March 11, 2026. Photograph: Benoit Tessier/File Photo/Reuters

Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing the longstanding friendship and shared interests between the two countries.

Key Points Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

The Iranian envoy said that Iran and India are friends and both countries have common interests and a common fate.

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran's supreme leader in India, said that his country never wanted the Strait to be blocked, but "some ships are still passing".

Answering a question on whether Iran would allow Indian-bound ships safe transit through the Strait, which is one of the critical routes for global energy trade, Fathali said, "Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see the future and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate."

He emphasised the mutual responsibility between the two nations, adding, "Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India helps us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest."

Fathali further stated that Tehran has instructed its embassy in India to facilitate the Indian government, ensuring smooth operations amid the ongoing regional conflict.

"We believe as ambassadors in India that we have a common fate in the region and for this reason all the high-ranking officials from Iran instructed the embassy of Iran in India to pave the way for the Indian government," he added.

Earlier on Friday, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran's supreme leader in India, said that his country never wanted the Strait to be blocked, but "some ships are still passing".

Noting that Iran has not closed the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz and ships are unable to pass through the strait amid the prevailing situation in West Asia, Ilahi told ANI that world leaders should put pressure on US President Donald Trump to stop the war against his country and that the people across the world are suffering due to the rise in oil prices.

"Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," the representative said.

"Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," he added.

The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other.

The conflict escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

Due to the conflict in the region, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply, has reportedly been rendered inoperational.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several of the Indian nationals have already returned to India, while others are expected to return in the coming days using commercial flights from Armenia.

IMAGE: Smoke rises following an explosion during a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 13, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Mahdi Dehghani/Fars News/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

The ministry of external affairs on Friday confirmed that a total of 170 Indian nationals have crossed from Iran into Armenia through the land border amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Key Points MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several of the Indian nationals have already returned to India, while others are expected to return in the coming days.

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran

A total of 900 phone calls and 200 emails have been received so far since the establishment of a control room in the MEA on March 4

During the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several of the Indian nationals have already returned to India, while others are expected to return in the coming days using commercial flights from Armenia.

"I would like to add that from Iran, in the last few days, including today, 170 Indian nationals have crossed through the land border into Armenia. Several of them have already come back to India, and others will be returning over the next few days using commercial flight options available from Armenia to India," Jaiswal said.

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

This includes helping them reach Armenia and Azerbaijan via land borders, where they can access commercial flights to return to India.

He also noted that a total of 900 phone calls and 200 emails have been received so far since the establishment of a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs on March 4 to assist Indian nationals amid the evolving situation in the Gulf region.

"Till now, we have received around 900 phone calls and 200 emails. We have also observed that the number of queries through emails and telephone calls has progressively come down, which means that people are now less concerned about their families in the Gulf region," he added.

Jaiswal noted that the MEA is providing real-time assistance to those seeking help by connecting them with Indian missions in the region and facilitating communication to resolve issues faced by travellers and stranded individuals.

He further noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Thursday, during which the Prime Minister expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals in the region and also discussed issues related to energy and cargo trade.

The Prime Minister also reiterated India's stance on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and end the conflict.

"Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. Reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," The Prime Minister stated in a post on X.

Jaiswal further said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also spoken with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.

"Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues," Jaishankar stated in a post on X on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, stated that Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation in the region and emphasised the firm resolve of the Iranian government, people and armed forces to exercise what he called their legitimate right to self-defence against the aggressors.

Araghchi also stressed the need for regional and international bodies to condemn the military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran and highlighted the importance of the BRICS grouping as a forum for strengthening multilateral cooperation.

He added it was essential for BRICS to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security.

"The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the necessity for regional and international bodies and organizations to condemn the military aggression against Iran. Highlighting the importance and position of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, Araghchi deemed it essential for the institution to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security," the statement read.

The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares the US-Israel campaign against Iran is surpassing expectations.

IMAGE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photograph: @IsraeliPM_X/ANI Photo

Key Points Netanyahu claims the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran is exceeding expectations, aiming to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

Netanyahu hinted at potential new diplomatic breakthroughs and alliances in the Middle East.

Netanyahu emphasised the strong alliance between Israel and the US under President Trump, highlighting frequent communication and shared decision-making.

Netanyahu stated that the US and Israel are working to create conditions for the Iranian people to remove the current regime, but ruled out ground troops.

Asserting that the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran is 'going better than expected' and Israel is 'stronger than ever', Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said there was 'no life insurance' for Iran's newly chosen Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Responding to a question about whether Israel would target Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naem Qassem, Netanyahu said, "I wouldn't take out a life insurance policy on any of the leaders of the terror organisations."

Mojtaba's father, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israel strikes on February 28.

Israel launched its campaign dubbed 'Roaring Lion' on February 28 against Iran, which was joined by the US which gave it the name 'Epic Fury', with the claimed objective of 'foiling Iran's nuclear ambitions, dismantling its missile programme and delivering a crushing blow to its regional proxies'.

Efforts to Topple the Iranian Regime

On the topic of toppling the regime in Iran, the Israeli prime minister said that the US and Israel were acting 'to create the conditions for the Iranian people so they can remove the cruel regime of tyranny'.

"We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij both in the streets and at checkpoints -- and we are still active," he said.

Addressing the Iranian people, the Israeli leader said, "The moment when you can embark on a new path of freedom -- that moment is approaching. We stand by you, we are helping you. But at the end of the day -- it depends on you! It is in your hands."

When asked by reporters again if Israel would push for a regime change, Netanyahu said, "You can lead someone to water, you cannot make him drink."

"We will create optimal conditions to do this, including airstrikes as we did yesterday, as we are doing these days, to try to give them the space needed to take to the streets," signalling that the campaign wouldn't include introducing boots on the ground to force the ouster of the current regime.

In any case, the Israeli premier said that the war has ensured that it is 'no longer the same Iran, it is no longer the same Middle East, and it is also not the same Israel'.

"We do not wait. We initiate, we attack, and we do so with a force that is unprecedented," he said, adding that Israel has 'many surprises' up its sleeve for the current campaign.

Strong US-Israel Alliance

Netanyahu also lauded his relationship with US President Donald Trump.

"We have created an alliance unlike any before with the United States -- an alliance with our great friend, my personal friend, President Trump. We speak almost every day. We speak freely, exchange ideas and advice, and make decisions together," Netanyahu said.

He stressed that he and Trump spoke a short time ago, and the US president told him, "Our relationship is one hundred times stronger than any relationship that has existed between an American president and an Israeli prime minister. We are not thinking only about our countries, or only about this generation. We are thinking about future generations -- about the future of humanity."

Potential New Diplomatic Breakthroughs

Netanyahu hinted at possible new breakthroughs on the diplomatic front for Israel in the region.

"In these days, my team and I are weaving additional alliances with countries in the region -- alliances that only a few weeks ago would have seemed unimaginable," he added, without elaborating.
Throughout history, the literary heritage of great poets has been preserved and studied through academic research and international cooperation.

One of the most influential figures of classical Eastern literature, Nizami Ganjavi, continues to inspire scholars across the world. Scientific conferences dedicated to his works provide an important platform for discussing new perspectives on his poetry, philosophy, and cultural impact.

On July 7, the 2nd international scientific conference on the topic "Current problems of Azerbaijani and world Nizami studies" will be held in Ganja city, AzerNEWS reports.

The event is dedicated to the 885th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.

The conference is jointly organized by the Nizami Ganjavi Center of the Ganja branch of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Turkiye, as well as the Azerbaijani Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev in Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the conference, discussions will be held on the topics of "Nizami Ganjavi and the Turkic world", "Nizami Ganjavi and Azerbaijani oral folk literature", "Nizami Ganjavi and world literature", "Religion and lore in the work of Nizami Ganjavi", "Nizami Ganjavi and art", "The concept of humanity and coexistence in the work of Nizami Ganjavi", "Nizami Ganjavi: Predecessors and successors" and "New research directions of Nizami studies in the modern digital scientific environment".

The working languages ??of the international scientific conference are Azerbaijani, English and Russian.

Articles will be accepted until June 7. Conference materials will be posted and published in the form of a journal on the official website of the Ganja branch.

The conference will be held in the administrative building of the ANAS Ganja branch.

Nizami Ganjavi is one of the most prominent poets of medieval Eastern literature whose works have had a profound influence on world culture and poetry. His masterpieces have been translated into numerous languages and continue to inspire readers and scholars across different cultures and generations.

The works of Nizami Ganjavi have been translated into many languages around the world. Rare manuscript copies of his writings are preserved like precious treasures in renowned libraries, museums, and literary foundations in cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Baku, Tashkent, Tabriz, Tehran, Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, London, and Paris.

In his famous poetic collection, the Khamsa, the poet vividly reveals the living pages of history. Events such as the attack of the Russians on Barda, the tale of the Russian princess, the story of the beautiful Shirin and the Amazons, as well as various battles described in Nizami's poems, are closely connected with the historical and geographical realities of medieval Azerbaijan and the Caucasus.

A deep exploration of the human inner worldfeelings, thoughts, and emotions combined with the dynamic development of the main characters forms the core aim and essence of Nizami's literary school.

Nizami Ganjavi passed away in 1209 in his native city of Ganja. A magnificent mausoleum was later erected over his grave, honoring the great poet and preserving his legacy for future generations.
TOKYO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government on Friday approved a bill to establish a national intelligence committee, a move that has drawn questions and concerns from the public.

The cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to push for the bill's passage during the current parliamentary session and aims to formally establish the new national intelligence mechanism within this year.

The bill states that the new committee, chaired by the prime minister and composed of the chief cabinet secretary and relevant cabinet ministers, would be tasked with overseeing investigations into foreign intelligence activities related to national security and counter-terrorism.

The bill will also see the creation of a secretariat for the committee to serve as its operational arm, which would be vested with the power to "comprehensively coordinate" intelligence work across government ministries and agencies.

Japanese media and political figures have expressed concerns over the plan. A commentary published on Friday by Kyodo News stated that continued expansion of intelligence agency powers and strengthened social surveillance could lead to violations of personal privacy and undermine the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

The proposal has faced skepticism since the early stages of its development. Junya Ogawa, leader of the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, previously told a session of the House of Representatives that intelligence collected by the proposed secretariat could risk being used for political purposes.

An earlier editorial by Mainichi Shimbun also cautioned that even if the ruling party wins elections, it does not mean all of its policies automatically gain the trust of voters, warning that if the government collects citizens' private information without sufficient limits in the name of national security, public concerns may be difficult to dispel. 
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Cloudy. High 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain late. Low 43F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
BAGHDAD, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority on Friday announced a new 72-hour extension of the country's airspace closure amid ongoing regional tensions.

In a statement, the authority said the extension, effective from 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) Friday until 12:00 p.m. Monday, applies to all "arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft."

The suspension is a "temporary precautionary measure" based on a continuous security assessment, it said, noting that the situation will be re-evaluated "in accordance with any new developments."

Airlines and relevant authorities will be notified of any further updates regarding the security environment, it added.

The move follows heightened regional tensions after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting from Feb. 28, to which Iran and Iran-aligned groups responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
Where Bessey did not feel qualified to make certain statements, he sought expert input, and in the process became a certified health couch with health company Prekure to learn how to balance professional life with staying healthy.

Their view is Health 3.0, which is the idea of doing the things you need to do so you dont have any issue in in the long run, Bessey said.

If youre the average Kiwi, you spend the last 13 years of your life with some kind of ailment drastically impacting your quality of life. I wanted to articulate what people could do in their professional careers to lift not just their performance in the day, which I call workspan, but also their longevity.

As a certified metabolic and health coach, Bessey now also offers voluntary health coaching  mainly to industry peers.

Running at a thousand miles an hour

In tech, particularly people tend to be running at a thousand miles an hour around the clock. These are impressively intelligent characters who really care about solving problems for customers, but often theyre less [concerned about] looking after themselves, he said.

Meanwhile, although the book focusses a lot on leadership, its lessons apply to anyone including those starting their career.

Some of the best conversations Ive had have been with a 27-year-old who just got their first management position and theyre wondering how they should work with their people, Bessey said.

For those working in technology, the book offers advice on how to tune out the noise and focus, Bessey said.

In the tech field, we are surrounded by so much noise and clutter that its very hard to knuckle down and get really focused on the things that matter most, he said.

The first thing the book helps you think about is what are the two to three things that will have the most impact on how Im going to deliver a result for my customers and me personally.

In addition to practical examples from Besseys experience, the book includes access to tools and resources such as worksheet and templates.

In each ritual, it spells out an example of why it is important and there is a ritual template of how to do it, he said.

They are tried and tested but you are encouraged to use the frameworks  hone them or use them to build your own.

Currently director of strategy and go-to-market at Datacom, Bessey credited the company for giving him the time to complete the book and to continue with his health and business coaching.

This is a good role for me because I look at strategy, but it also allows me to do my volunteer health coaching, and some executive and business coaching.

The response to the book from industry peers has been positive and humbling, Bessey said.

Im just really flattered. A number of people who are leaders of sales teams or companies have read it and have then bought copies for the whole team, he said.

Its good to have an impact beyond people you actually meet. Thats what this was about.

Copies of the book can be ordered through the Rituals of Impact website in physical and e-book formats.

In Wellington and Auckland, Katy and I can deliver it over a coffee! Bessey added.
Autonomous IT platform vendor LogicMonitor is ramping up its investment in New Zealand with plans to launch a local data centre and expand its partner ecosystem.

The company said the new data centre will open later this year and will provide New Zealand organisations with improved performance, reduced latency, and support for data sovereignty and compliance requirements.

According to LogicMonitor, the facility will complement existing infrastructure in Sydney and Singapore and was part of its long-term regional strategy.

This investment demonstrated the importance of the New Zealand market for LogicMonitor, said Asia-Pacific vice president and general manager Richard Gerdis.

New Zealand is a key growth market for LogicMonitor, he said.

Whats unique about this market is that many organisations operate at global scale with relatively lean IT teams. That makes simplicity, visibility and resilience absolutely critical. As organisations accelerate hybrid cloud adoption, theyre looking for a unified observability platform that can simplify increasingly complex environments.

Gerdis added investing in the local facility demonstrated LogicMonitors understanding of the regions operational and regulatory needs, and reflected the growing need for reliable, enterprise-grade observability as organisations scale cloud and AI-enabled operations.

With greater control and localised performance, organisations will be better equipped to deliver secure, high-quality digital services, he said.
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An explosion was seen near a pro-government rally in central Tehran on March 13. Plumes of smoke rose above buildings as crowds gathered to mark Al-Quds Day, a pro-Palestine event held during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Georgias State Security Service has launched an investigation into claims that Iran is expanding its influence in the country through Georgian Shi'ite communities, growing concerns about Tehrans religious and political outreach in the South Caucasus country.

The probe follows a report by the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank, and public statements by opposition politicians alleging Iran has been building networks of influence in Georgia, particularly among ethnic Azerbaijani Shiite communities in the southeastern Kvemo Kartli region.

It also comes at a time when Georgias foreign policy orientation has become increasingly contested. Once Washingtons closest ally in the South Caucasus, Georgia, under its current government, has increasingly distanced itself from the West while strengthening ties with Russia, China, and Iran.

Iran's intent, according to the Hudson Institute report published March 4, is to "groom the next generation of Georgian Shi'ite leaders, foster loyalty to Iran's political theology, and normalize anti-American narratives."

US Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, citing a Hudson Institute statement, accused Georgias ruling Georgian Dream party of being "anti-American," alleging ties with Iran and attempts to silence experts exposing the influence.

Economic ties between Georgia and Iran have also drawn scrutiny.



Nearly 13,000 Iranian-linked companies are registered in Georgia, many associated with only a handful of addresses -- a pattern analysts say raises concerns about possible sanctions evasion.



Some investigators say Iranian firms may be using Georgia as a transit point to bypass international restrictions, with certain companies reportedly linked to Irans armed forces.

Georgias State Security Service told RFE/RL the claims about Irans outreach contradict available evidence and said authorities are examining the motivations behind the accusations.



Speaking to journalists, Tbilisi Mayor Kakhi Kaladze -- a top official in the ruling Georgian Dream party -- accused former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli of committing a traitorous act for recent statements on the issue.



Kaladze also lashed out at former MP Giorgi Kandelaki, and co-author of the Hudson Institute report titled Georgias Iranian Turn: Tehrans Rapid Expansion of Influence in a Once-Committed US Ally.

The Hudson Institute said in a statement that it condemned the governments investigation into the authors of the report, which it said should serve as a wake-up call for Georgian authorities.

"This report should serve as a wake-up call -- especially at a time when Iran serves as a destabilizing force in the region," John Waters, the think tanks president, said in a statement on March 9.

"Rather than investigating the authors of the report, Georgian authorities should be concerned by its findings, which rely overwhelmingly on publicly accessible information that the authorities should already be aware of," he added.

Shiite activism in Georgia dates back to the late 1980s when Soviet borders opened and Muslim populations in the Soviet republics began reconnecting with religious institutions abroad, according to Aleksandre Kvakhadze, a researcher specializing in the Caucasus and terrorism at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (GFSIS).



Amid tightened religious policies in Azerbaijan, Georgia offered a much freer environment with fewer restrictions, allowing Shiite groups to extend their influence more widely, she said.

Much of the focus of public debate in Georgia has centered on activities linked to Al-Mustafa International University, a global network of Shiite seminaries headquartered in the Iranian city of Qom.

The institution was sanctioned by the United States last year amid allegations that it recruited Afghan and Pakistani students to fight in the Syrian conflict.



The university operates in several Georgian cities with large Azerbaijani populations.

RFE/RL was unable to trace the full network of the universitys alumni in Georgia, though some former students are believed by analysts to work as mosque leaders, lecturers, or cultural activists.

Among the Shi'a in Georgia, there is sympathy for Iran. It would not be objective to deny that, Oktay Kazimov, a former teacher at Al-Mustafa, told RFE/RL.

The issue has taken on extra life with the launching of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.



Many Iranian Shi'a have reacted sharply to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial wave of air strikes on February 28.

Khameneis death prompted a group of demonstrators to gather in front of the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi, holding images of the slain leader and chanting: I am ready to carry out your order.

Irakli Kobakhidze, head of the Georgian Dream government, who is known for his anti-Western statements, compared the gathering to ongoing pro-European demonstrations outside the Georgian parliament.



A hundred people gather in front of the Parliament of Georgia and make statements against the Georgian state. All of this needs to be managed, he said.

Public displays of pro-Iranian sentiment have also appeared in parts of Kvemo Kartli, a region south of Tbilisi bordering Azerbaijan and Armenia and home to much of Georgias ethnic Azerbaijani population.

Iranians have long been present in Kvemo Kartli, but under the Georgian Dream their presence has grown and become more visible, Georgian political analyst Giorgi Sanikadze told RFE/RL.



The pulse of Georgias Shiite community can often be taken at the Imam Reza Mosque in the city of Marneuli. The mosque is a major Shi'ite religious site and community hub for the local Azerbaijani population.

Orchestrating Violence

The mosque made headlines in February when it issued a statement accusing the United States and its Western allies of orchestrating violence across the Middle East. It blamed Washington and Israel for conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Yemen, while describing those killed in recent protests in Iran as rebels against the Islamic order.

I can also see Iranian influence increasing in Kvemo Kartli among Azerbaijanis, but it is not as high as some Georgian politicians and civil-society leaders claim. It is limited to a small group of people, Rabil Ismail, a civic activist from Kvemo Kartli, told RFE/RL.



At the same time, I see hate speech against Azerbaijanis increasing on social media. This is a sensitive issue and could harm peace among Georgias communities. As a community, we do not want any country -- including Iran --interfering in Kvemo Kartli, he added.

Recent security incidents have also drawn attention to possible Iranian-linked activities connected to Georgia.



On March 2, Greek police detained a 36-year-old Georgian citizen at Athens airport on suspicion of spying for Iran. While authorities have released few details, a Georgian media outlet reported that the suspect is an ethnic Azerbaijani from Georgia. RFE/RLs Georgian Service could not verify the claim.



Experts also look back to last year when Georgian-born crime boss Polad Omarov was found guilty of participating in a 2022 plot to assassinate US-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad in New York.

RFE/RLs Georgian Service has reported that Omarov is ethnic Azerbaijani.
Several senior Iranian officials, including President Masud Pezeshkian, took to the streets of Tehran for the annual Al-Quds Day rally in support of the Palestinian cause despite an intense wave of air strikes by the United States and Israel.

Striking a defiant tone, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, also joined thousands of Iranians in the capital on March 13, state TV images showed, as plumes of smoke rose from sites around the city.

The demonstration came on a day US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said would be the heaviest day of bombardment in a campaign that has seen over 15,000 targets hit since it began on February 28.

Hegseth added that the volume of return fire from Iran has sharply decreased from earlier in the conflict because Iran's "missiles, their missile launchers and drones [are] being destroyed or shot out of the sky."

"Their missile volume is down 90 percent, their one-way attack drones yesterday -- down 95 percent," Hegseth added.

Earlier in the day, US Central Command said all six crew members were dead after a giant US refueling plane crashed in Iraq after an apparent midair collision, while a French soldier was killed in the countrys Kurdistan region as the conflict continued to spill over regional borders.

CENTCOM, which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East, on March 13 said a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, said the identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," CENTCOM said of the crash that occurred a day earlier.

The second plane landed safely in Israel, CENTCOM officials said.

The KC-135 is the workhorse of the US militarys air-refueling missions, allowing other planes to carry out missions without having to land.

On March 2, US military officials said three F-15 fighter jets crashed in Kuwait after being hit by friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six of the crew from the three F-15s ejected and parachuted to the ground before being located by rescuers, Central Command said.

First Confirmed French Fatality

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron said one soldier was killed during a drone attack in the Irbil region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

"This attack against our forces engaged in the fight against Daesh since 2015 is unacceptable," Macron said, using the local name for the Islamic State extremist group.

"Their [French soldiers] presence in Iraq is strictly within the framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."

It is not known where the drone came from or who fired it. The French military earlier said that at least six soldiers had been injured, with one of them later dying.

It was the first confirmed death of a French soldier since the United States and Israel launched their massive air campaign against neighboring Iran. France is not participating directly in the US-Israeli war effort.

Tehran has fired back with retaliatory strikes in the region, but it was not known if Iran or an allied militia in Iraq was responsible for the attack. Islamic State and Al-Qaeda extremists are also active in parts of the Middle East country.

Ashab Alkahf, an Iran-linked group in Iraq, later said that French interests in the region are now considered targets.

The Crucial Strait

Meanwhile, as the war entered its second week, Iran continued to strike back at US Arab allies in the Gulf region and attack commercial ships transiting the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in what are purported to be his first public comments since being named to succeed his late father, said Iran must continue to keep the key Gulf shipping lane closed, hours after several vessels were targeted in strikes as Tehran looks to choke off oil supplies from leaving the Middle East.

In the statement, which was read out on Iranian state TV by a female presenter on March 12, Khamenei, who has yet to be seen or heard from in public since the start of the war, said Iran will continue to seek to strike targets where "the enemy has little experience and will be severely vulnerable."

Hegseth said Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, calling his statement "a weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the hard-line military force intends to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to traffic, saying it was following instructions from the new supreme leader.

The United States has suggested it is prepared to escort ships through the strait, a move that would likely increase tensions in the region.

Iran Targets Israel

Iran once again fired missiles waves of missiles toward Israel early on March 13, officials in Tel Aviv said. Emergency services reporting that two were injured in the country's north.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first news conference since the start of the war on February 28, spoke again of helping the Iranian people to bring down the regime in Tehran.

"I will not detail the actions we are taking. We are creating the optimal conditions for toppling the regime, but I won't deny that I can't tell you with all certainty that the people of Iran will topple the regime -- a regime is toppled from the inside," he said.

"But we can definitely help and we are helping."

Hours later, Iranian media reported several explosions in the capital, Tehran. Details were not immediately available.

Israel also maintained its offensive against Iran-allied Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, with the military moving further into southern Lebanon.

The military told residents to "move immediately north of the Zahrani River," 40 kilometers from the Israeli border.

It said Hezbollah had fired some 200 rockets toward it overnight, in what it called was the biggest barrage so far of the war.

Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted dozens of drones entering its airspace.

"Twelve drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering Saudi airspace," a ministry spokesperson said after authorities reported at least 16 other drones were also shot down.

Journalists reported witnessing explosions that rattled the central financial area of Dubai early on March 13.

Turkish state media reported on March 13 that sirens were heard at the Incirlik Air Base, a NATO facility in southern Turkey that houses US forces. No further information was immediately available.

If an Iranian missile attack is confirmed, it would be the third time since the war began that the Turkish airspace has been violated.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, and AFP
KHARTOUM, March 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 civilians were killed when a drone strike hit the Adre border crossing between Sudan and Chad on Thursday, according to local volunteers and eyewitnesses.

The Coordination Council of El Geneina Emergency Rooms, a voluntary civilian group, said in a statement that a drone fired four missiles at the crossing, killing 13 people involved in the fuel trade, including five women, and injuring five others.

The strike destroyed the fuel market at the crossing, damaged several civilian vehicles, and burned large quantities of food supplies, the group said.

According to the council, all the victims were small-scale traders who transported fuel and goods from the Chadian city of Adre to the crossing using traditional animal-drawn carts as part of their daily livelihood activities.

The group added that the crossing is also used for humanitarian operations, including the delivery of relief supplies, medicines, and shelter materials, as well as the movement of international humanitarian workers.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness, Adam Abdalla, a local fuel trader, told Xinhua that the attack occurred early in the morning while traders were preparing to begin their daily work.

"Several successive explosions hit the fuel market, and the fuel tanks and vehicles caught fire," he said.

Abdalla added that the fuel market at the crossing had been a primary source of livelihood for dozens of families, noting that the strike caused heavy losses for traders and left the site almost completely destroyed.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of carrying out the attack, claiming it was intended to disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Darfur region.

The RSF called on the UN Security Council and international organizations to take urgent measures to halt what it described as "attacks" and to hold those responsible accountable.

Border crossings between Sudan and Chad, particularly the Adre crossing, are among the most important commercial routes for residents of Darfur, serving as a key artery for the movement of goods and people.

On Feb. 23, Chad announced the closure of its border with Sudan after armed groups involved in the conflict crossed into its territory, while stating that humanitarian exceptions would still be granted subject to prior authorization.

Fighting between the SAF and the RSF erupted in April 2023 and has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across its borders. 
TEL AVIV -- As the US-Israeli war with Iran continues, a second front against Hezbollah has led to the displacement of some 800,000 people fleeing deadly Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, while a succession of rocket and drone attacks has rained down on Israel.

Hezbollah, regarded as a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States, is Irans strongest remaining proxy on Israels borders. It attacked Israel on March 2, after Israel began air strikes on Iran on February 28.

The response by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been massive -- and the conflict with Hezbollah is an integral part of Israels wider war against Iran itself.

The campaign against Iran was meant to deal with our very existence in the region, and Hezbollah is part of that, Sarit Zehavi, head of Alma, a think tank based in northern Israel, told RFE/RL on March 13. We are under constant attacks 24/7 here.

Israel and Hezbollah have fought each other in several armed conflicts going back to the 1980s. Before the last conflict, which ended in 2024, Israel said the group had an arsenal of some 125,000-150,000 rockets  although estimates varied.

When the war ended, the IDF itself said that they degraded the amount of rockets in the hands of Hezbollah by 80 percent. So, if you calculate, you will find out that they still had back then about 25,000 rockets, said Zehavi, who worked in military intelligence during a 15-year IDF career.

Now, there was an effort in the past year or so by Hezbollah to recover, either by smuggling or manufacturing in Lebanon, of different types of weapons, from anti-tank missiles, rockets, drones. Drones was the main effort, she added.

The Israeli authorities see the war with Hezbollah in similar terms to the war with Iran: a unique opportunity to deliver a strategic defeat to a decades-long foe. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Lebanons government to disarm the group, warning on March 12 that it is playing with fire if it does not. A day later, Defense Minister Israel Katz followed up, saying the destruction of Lebanese infrastructure would be the price of not disarming Hezbollah.

A 'Disproportionate' Response

The same day, the World Health Organization (WHO) said some 630 people had been killed and 1,500 injured in Lebanon since the beginning of the latest fighting. Israel says many of these are terrorists. Israeli air strikes have caused huge explosions in Beirut and across the south of the country. It is also conducting limited ground operations and Netanyahu has hinted of a larger-scale ground incursion.

Israel is not simply responding to Hezbollah attacks, that's certain. Its military campaign appears designed to eliminate Hezbollah as a political and social force entirely, not just disarm it, Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, told RFE/RL.

This means deliberate displacement of an entire communityand disproportionate firepower resulting in indiscriminate harm to the civilian population, added Sayigh, who was a negotiator in the Palestinian delegation to peace talks with Israel between 1991 and 2002.

Israeli demands that the Lebanese government take action against Hezbollah are not new, but this time Beiruts response has broken new ground. On March 2, it declared the groups military activities illegal -- an unprecedented step.

Israel is now demanding practical steps to follow through on this. Sayigh said this would not be easy for the Lebanese government. It is under US pressure, in addition to constant Israeli military attacks, to take more direct action to disarm Hezbollah. But it fears that using force creates conditions for civil strife, if not civil war, he said.

In a televised address on March 12, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that he was hoping there might be scope for diplomacy.

"It is a war we did not want. On the contrary, we are working day and night to bring it to an end," he said. But neither Israel nor Hezbollah have indicated any intention to stop fighting for now.

What Comes Next

Hezbollahs strategy, likely in coordination with Iran, appears to be to inflict as much pain on Israel for as long as possible in the hope that a settlement is reached between the warring parties that essentially leaves the regime in Tehran in place, wrote Nicholas Blanford, a Beirut-based defense and security consultant, on March 11.

Israeli media have been reporting for days now that a larger ground operation in Lebanon is coming soon. Analysts that RFE/RL spoke to said that it was not to be ruled out.

The IDF has attacked more than 800 times in Lebanon. 800 attacks. This is what the IDF published yesterday. I don't know about today. That's a lot of targets, said Zehavi. And you see the damage. And they have a lot more [to target]. In order to create an impactful achievement, we will have to do a...military incursion.

On March 8, Israel said two of its soldiers were killed in Lebanon in a Hezbollah attack -- the only IDF fatalities so far since February 28. Previous ground operations in Lebanon have involved many more Israeli military casualties.

At the end, Hezbollah -- Lebanese, Arabic-speaking Shiites, are the locals. There's always an advantage in knowing the terrain, Miri Eisin, a former deputy head of the Israeli military's Combat Intelligence Corps, told RFE/RL.

We're going into a very challenging topographical area, a very hilly area. All of these factors are going to be a challenge. That doesn't mean you don't do it, she added.

Whether there is an expanded ground war or not, many observers expect Hezbollah to be further weakened by the current conflict. Beirut-based analyst Sayigh said the Lebanese governments new position on Hezbollahs activities would have a long-term impact.

But the crucial factor may be the outcome of the war with Iran, which has bankrolled Hezbollah for decades and remains its paymaster. While Israel has continued to say the aim of the war is regime change in Tehran, the US position has placed greater emphasis on degrading Irans capabilities.

Although weakened, Hezbollah's fate probably depends on how the Trump administration chooses to end its war with Iran -- some kind of deal could lead to an outcome in Lebanon that falls short of Israel's maximal aims, said Sayigh.
Fresh Pakistani jet and drone strikes targeting Kabul and the Kandahar, Paktika, and Paktia provinces in Afghanistan have cast a shadow over China's shuttle-diplomacy efforts to restore peace between Pakistan and the Taliban.

There has been no official confirmation from the Pakistani government, but Taliban authorities say four civilians were killed and 15 injured in the strikes on the morning of March 13. A Taliban source told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that an oil depot was also hit in the latest air strikes.

The Afghan Taliban responded with drone strikes in the northwestern Pakistani city of Kohat on March 13, injuring two civilians, sources told Radio Mashaal.

The Afghan Taliban said that it hit a Pakistani military base in Kohat, a garrison town in Pakistans northwest near the Afghan border.

Chinese Peace Efforts

The fresh Pakistani attacks come on the heels of China's intensive shuttle diplomacy efforts to restore normalcy along the 2,600-kilometer Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

In the latest move, Chinas special envoy on Afghan affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, held meetings with Taliban and Pakistani officials to promote dialogue and reconciliation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on March 12.

In a post on X, Jian also said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urging the need to prevent further escalation and calling on the two countries to return to negotiations as soon as possible. On March 12, Pakistans special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, posted on X about a detailed meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xiaoyong, who had arrived from Kabul in Islamabad that morning.

Sadiq said they discussed threats posed by terrorist groups such as TTP [Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan] and ETIM [East Turkestan Islamic Movement] to Pakistan and China, respectively. Agreed on the need for collective efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability.

A close neighbor of the two countries, China has invested billions of dollars in projects in Afghanistan and Pakistan to promote its presence in the region.

China has invested $65 billion in Pakistan under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

China has also signed agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars to develop Afghanistans mineral resources with both previous Afghan governments and the current Taliban authorities.

Attacks On Chinese Workers

However, recent attacks on Chinese workers in Tajikistan, close to the Afghan border, as well as in Pakistans Sindh and Balochistan provinces, have heightened security risks for Chinese personnel, threatening investments in the region.

Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, an author and China-Pakistan expert based in Islamabad, told RFE/RL that the expansion of the Afghan-Pakistani conflict in the region does not serve Beijings interests.

China has concerns about the presence of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement in the region, and the recent attacks on Chinese workers in Tajikistan have further heightened those concerns, he added.

The latest Chinese efforts to ease tensions in the region come as previous mediators, such as Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, are dealing with the fallout from the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

Pakistani authorities say that as long as the Taliban continues to host the TTP and other terrorist groups that carry out attacks inside Pakistan, then its military will continue cross-border operations.

The Afghan Taliban has said it will not allow Afghan soil to be used by groups targeting other countries.

Several Pakistani officials welcomed the Talibans takeover of Kabul in August 2021. And the Pakistani military and its powerful intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have faced accusations of maintaining close ties with the Taliban during the militant group's fight against US and NATO forces in the near-two-decades war.
WASHINGTON -- Efforts to negotiate an end to Russias war against Ukraine have slowed to a crawl as the United States focuses on a widening conflict with Iran, leaving Ukrainians and their allies weighing what comes next for diplomacy -- and the battlefield.

Both Kyiv and Moscow confirmed on March 12 that another round of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States has been postponed.

The discussions -- already held three times this year to discuss territorial questions and security guarantees following a potential cease-fire -- had been expected to resume in early March, according to Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that scheduling the negotiations has become difficult because it is unclear when US officials will be able to participate.

Attention Shifts To The Middle East

The pause comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump directs major resources toward the conflict with Iran, including the redeployment of air-defense systems and other military assets to the Gulf region.

The shift has raised concerns in Washington that Ukraine could temporarily slip down the list of strategic priorities.

At a March 12 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, lawmakers questioned whether the crisis in the Middle East could indirectly strengthen Russias hand.

The clear winner is Vladimir Putin in Russia, said Angus King, an independent senator from Maine.

Military officials acknowledged the strategic trade-offs.

Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of US European Command and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told lawmakers that resources -- including air-defense capabilities -- have been redirected toward the Middle East as Iranian drones and missiles threaten US forces and regional allies.

There are always global trade-offs to the amount of security assistance that we can provide, Grynkewich said, describing the level of support for Ukraine as ultimately a policy decision for the White House and Congress.

Rising oil prices linked to the crisis could also benefit Moscow, he noted, since Russias war effort is heavily funded by energy revenues.

With the price of oil above $100 per barrel, the Trump administration on March 12 loosened sanctions on the Kremlin by announcing a 30-day waiver on Russian oil stranded at sea.

This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Some analysts, however, say they expect more waivers and exceptions in the coming weeks if global oil prices remain high.

A Pause Or An End?

Former US diplomats who served in Ukraine under multiple Republican administrations say the shift in focus is likely just temporary.

William B. Taylor Jr., who led the US Embassy in Kyiv under both George W. Bush and during Trump's first term, told RFE/RL in an interview that it is realistic to expect the US administration would prioritize the Iran conflict for now.

But when the Iran operation is over, then it will be very important for themto make another attempt at forcing Putin to stop the killing, Taylor said.

He emphasized that, for the moment, the White Houses focus is unavoidable. I think the administration is going to be focused very clearly on Iran for the next several days or week, he said.

Taylor argued that the United States still holds significant leverage over Moscow.

He suggested that renewed sanctions on Russias energy exports and expanded military support to Ukraine could pressure the Kremlin to halt the fighting -- even if a formal peace agreement remains unlikely.

Putin is not going to sign a cease-fire, Taylor said. But he could be forced to stop the killing.

Russia Losing Allies?

Another former ambassador says the Middle East crisis could ultimately weaken Moscows strategic position.

John E. Herbst, who served as US envoy to Ukraine during the presidency of George W. Bush, told RFE/RL that the Iran conflict is currently the dominant security issue for Washington.

Its pretty simple. The number one issue at the moment is the war on Iran, Herbst said, noting that US troops are involved and energy markets are under pressure.

But Herbst also pointed to potential advantages for Ukraine.

Iranian drones -- long used by Russia against Ukrainian cities -- are now posing serious challenges for US and allied defenses in the Middle East. That has drawn new attention to Ukraines experience countering such weapons.

The world now is talking in a very serious way about how good Ukraines drones are, Herbst said.

Countries in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are now exploring Ukrainian drone technologies and defenses, he said.

Ukraines Drone Leverage

Kyiv has already sought to highlight that advantage.

Zelenskyy recently said Ukraine had previously proposed a large-scale drone production and defense partnership with the United States, but the agreement never received final approval from the White House.

After Iranian drone attacks intensified in the Middle East, Zelenskyy renewed the offer -- suggesting Ukrainian experience in drone warfare could help protect US forces and allies.

Western officials increasingly describe Ukraine as a global center for innovation in drone warfare, shaped by years of fighting Russia.

Herbst said demonstrating those capabilities -- and assisting US partners facing Iranian drones -- is the best strategy for Kyiv while negotiations remain stalled.

Ukraines support could also carry political weight in Washington.

Ukraine actually helps the United States, Herbst said. Ukraine helps our allies and partners in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the crisis could may also further complicate Russias relationship with Washington.

US and allied intelligence agencies have suggested Moscow may be providing Iran with information or technology used in attacks across the region -- allegations the Kremlin denies.

In the Senate, Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said growing cooperation between Russia and Iran shows how global conflicts are increasingly interconnected.

Speaking on the Senate floor on March 12, he said Moscows access to Iranian drones has already shaped the war in Ukraine and warned that reports Russia may be assisting Irans attacks in the Gulf highlight the alignment among US adversaries.

Iranian drones in Ukrainian skies have already made the connections between Americas adversaries crystal clear, McConnell said.

For now, analysts say Ukraine faces a period of uncertainty.

The battlefield war continues, Russias economy remains mobilized for long-term conflict, and US diplomatic attention is fixed on Iran.

But former diplomats say the pause in negotiations may only delay the next phase of diplomacy.

Taylor said that when the Middle East crisis subsides, the administration will again face the same strategic challenge: ending what remains the largest land war in Europe since World War II.

Whether through negotiations, economic pressure, or expanded military support to Kyiv, he argued, Washington will eventually have to return to the question of how -- and when -- Russias war in Ukraine might finally be brought to an end.
Kyiv has warned that a move by the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil to stabilize the global energy markets amid its military campaign against Iran could add around $10 billion to the Kremlin's war chest to use against Ukraine.

On March 13, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently stranded at sea.

The move allows Russian products loaded onto vessels by March 12 to be shipped within the next month and is aimed at boosting supply to keep market prices low amid what Bessent described as "threat and instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime."

"This single easing by the US could provide Russia with around $10 billion for the war. It certainly does not help peace," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference on March 13 with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

As oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel amid reports of attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf -- which handles around one-fifth of global oil transport -- and the closure of key oil terminals, the Kremlin welcomed the US decision.

Previously critical of US military activities in Iran, including the killing of longtime Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Kremlin now says its own interests are "situationally aligned" with Washington's.

"The situation is fraught with the risk of a growing crisis in the global energy sector.... Without significant volumes of Russian oil, market stabilization is impossible," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on March 13.

Washington's European partners have also criticized the move: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany was not notified of the decision prior to its announcement; Macron said it was "in no way" justified.

"There is currently a problem with prices but not with supply. And in that respect, I would like to know what other factors led the US government to take this decision," Merz said at a press conference in Norway.

European Council President Antonio Costa also said the decision was "very concerning," warning it could affect European security and give Russia more resources to continue its war against Ukraine.

Will It Work?

A Ukrainian diplomatic source told RFE/RL that Kyiv believes the US decision will not help stabilize the market and will instead allow Russia to wage war for longer, noting that Moscow itself is helping Iran further destabilize the Middle East.

US officials confirmed to RFE/RL on March 6 that Russia was providing Iran with targeting information to attack US troops and military assets in the region, after US media suggested Moscow was playing a substantial part in the widening regional conflict.

The Ukrainian president's sanctions policy commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, also said that the temporary license issued by the United States may help Russia to deal with "significant pressure" on its budget but added it won't largely impact the situation.

"It is important to look at the bigger picture.... The first months of the year were difficult, energy revenues are declining and the budget deficit is rapidly increasing. Therefore, the temporary relaxation is unpleasant but not critical," Vlasiuk told RFE/RL.

"The key point is that the situation should not be prolonged," he added.

Energy-cargo tracking company Vortexa says around 7.3 million barrels of oil coming from Russia are in floating storage, while 148.6 million barrels are in vessels in transit.

"Since the start of March, Russian crude on the water has fallen by more than 20 [million barrels], equivalent to a drawdown rate of nearly 2 [million barrels per day]. That reflects stronger and faster placement of Russian barrels rather than weaker exports," Vortexa's chief economist David Wech wrote online on March 13.

"With Indian buyers hit hardest by the loss of nearby Gulf supply, Russian crude from western export ports has become significantly more attractive," he added.
HOHHOT, March 13 (Xinhua) -- On the northern edge of Maowusu, the fourth largest sandy area in China, Zhang Zhanjiang, a veteran local farmer, found himself faced with unfamiliar modern planting techniques.

He did not expect that tree planting nowadays would involve such precise work. Overhead, drones were buzzing as they conducted monitoring and transportation of supplies, while on the ground, planting machines had largely replaced manual labor, with technicians using remote sensing data to track planting results.

Zhang was among more than 100 beginners to join the local afforestation campaign this spring in a township of the city of Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Watching a technician's demonstration, Zhang crouched on the sand to adjust depth and angle in employing the planting machine to drill suitable holes for inserting branches of a desert plant, Salix mongolica, while also tamping the sand with his shovel.

He then went to check on his work via remote sensing data displayed on the technician's tablet computer. Zhang carefully studied data such as soil moisture and made fine adjustments to planting spacing based on the feedback, as these factors can affect the survival rate of the seedlings.

"In the past, this sandy area produced shifting sand. Nothing planted could survive," he said, while gesturing at the freshly planted rows of willow cuttings. "Now we're learning how to fix it."

As the group of trainees operated machines for planting, drones airlifted bundles of straw, which were to be used in weaving grass checkerboards to protect small trees.

This, notably, is the front line of China's 2026 campaign to fight desertification. As the country marked its 48th National Tree Planting Day on Thursday, the National Greening Commission reported that China's forest and grass coverage rate has exceeded 56 percent thanks to its greening efforts.

Meanwhile, local authorities in desertification-prone areas have embarked on this year's greening drive armed with mobilized manpower, decades-long experience of afforestation innovations and intelligent equipment.

China is among the countries with the most severe desertification globally, with its desertified areas mainly located in northwest, north and northeast China, which are dubbed the "three-north."

The country in 1978 initiated its landmark ecological project, the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has become the world's largest afforestation endeavor. Scheduled to be completed by 2050, the program has the aim of rehabilitating and greening desert-prone lands and desertified areas in the "three-north."

To boost these efforts, Inner Mongolia, ranking top among the country's provincial-level regions by accomplishing a total of 123 million mu (about 8.2 million hectares) of ecological construction and 66.88 million mu of sand prevention and control during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), plans to continue three major afforestation campaigns this year, expected to green a total area of 40 million mu, said Wu Guoqing, deputy director of the regional bureau of forestry and grassland.

One of the battlefields is located in the Alxa League, where smart equipment is playing an important role in the fight. Drones disperse grass seeds and seedlings from the air, while large-scale desert control machinery traverses the sandy terrain.

Tong Keting, director of the rural revitalization office in Alxa High-Tech Zone, said that by combining mechanical operations and manual work, vegetation coverage in the targeted area has been increased from less than 5 percent to over 40 percent, while annual sediment inflow into rivers had decreased from 500,000 tonnes in 2016 to 300,000 tonnes in 2025, demonstrating tangible results.

On the other fringe of Maowusu, which falls in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the frozen sand is now being slowly warmed by a spring breeze, and volunteers can be seen plowing the fields and ferrying saplings, ahead of a massive artificial planting campaign scheduled for late March.

Guan Yuanbo, deputy head of the Yanchi bureau of forestry and grassland, said that in Yanchi County, which is perched in the desert, planting time should take into account factors such as soil moisture and the evaporation rate.

"Transplanting trees at this time minimizes harm to the tree's structure. Once planted, the saplings can swiftly 'awaken' and adapt to their new surroundings," he explained.

Guan is among many who have witnessed the transformation of the local ecosystem thanks to trees. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, there was a saying in Yanchi: "A wind a year, from spring till winter." About three-quarters of the local population lived in desert areas back then, with their daily lives and work severely impeded by the harsh environment.

More than 2 million mu of the county's sandy terrain has now been reclaimed via lush greenery, and 1.5 million mu of degraded grassland has been fully restored. The number of sandstorm days per year has also plummeted from 54 a decade ago to fewer than 10 today.

The improved ecological environment has also yielded economic benefits for this county. Yanchi has ingeniously developed pellet feed derived from caragana shrubs to support its primary industry, which is sheep farming. Each year, these products meet the needs of 210,000 sheep, generating an annual output value of 110 million yuan (roughly 16 million U.S. dollars). Additionally, the county has seen a surge in visitors, with eco-tourism emerging as a fresh catalyst fueling its economic growth.

According to Guan, Yanchi has set a target to green an additional 76,600 mu of land in 2026. "Situated at a turning of the Yellow River, Yanchi occupies a strategic location in shielding the river and its environs from sand and wind erosion," he said. "Only through persistent tree-planting and greenery creation can we effectively safeguard our mother river." 
ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE

The Boyle St. Patricks Day Parade takes place this year at 3.30 p.m. on March 17th starting at Cartys Garage. The viewing stand will remain on the Crescent this year. DJ Stan will play before and during the parade with face painting also available. After the parade concludes two music events will take place. Music Generation will hold a concert after the parade in Dalys Warehouse featuring lots of local children showcasing their musical talents and on the viewing stand local band Spiral will host a music session. Organisers are appealing to the public to support the parade by contributing to the Go Fund me page, https://gofund.me/f3a409eb4

CELEBRATING PERCY FRENCH

On Sunday, March 22nd at 3 p.m. the Percy French Society will host an event at Tawnytaskin Community Centre celebrating the Irish songwriter and artist. This will be an afternoon of his music, songs, and recitations. Light refreshments will be served, and a raffle will take place. Book your seat now on 086 8130005. Cost 15. Upcoming events at the centre include and the annual afternoon tea event on Easter Monday and in May the very popular Rambling House.

BOYLE GROUP SCHEME

Boyle Group Scheme Ltd., has the vacancies on its Community Employment Scheme for general operatives (environmental workers), support workers Citizen Information Office, and for a caretaker at St. Josephs Resource Centre. No experience is necessary and accredited training will be provided to support career development. The contract is for a minimum of one year. For eligibility contact the local Department of Social Protection Office or telephone 086 1456519 or email healyboylegroupscheme@gmail.com for further information.

Dylan Ryder and Freya Finnerty at the recent Northern Harps dinner dance in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE

Join Ciorcal Comhra na Buille for an evening of Irish conversation, song and music in Dodd's Bar and Lounge, The Crescent, Boyle on Thursday, March 12th from 5 to 7 p.m. Beidh failte roimh gach. Beidh an ceol ag seinnim le John Hoban agus Gregory Daly.

CEMETERY COLLECTION

The Friends of Assylinn will hold a church gate collection on April 4th and 5th (Easter weekend) at St. Josephs Church, Boyle. Funds raised will help towards the upkeep and future projects in Assylinn Cemetery.

COURYYARD MARKET

Visit the courtyard market, every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the grounds of King House. A great choice of goodies, fruits, veggies, breads, cakes and art. Live music, weather permitting and a play area for children. From March 14th meet a new meat stallholder and from March 21st welcome back to Erritt Nursery with a great choice of flowers, plants and herbs.

ONE HUNDRED MILE CHALLENGE

Adam Simon and Barry Potter took on an unbelievable 160km / 100 mile charity run to raise vital funds for Pieta last weekend. Before the run took place the pair raised almost 8,000 exceeding the initial target of 5,000. The run started and finished at Lough Key.

BOYLE SWIMMERS

Multiple members of Carrick Fins Swimming Club from Boyle have recently been taking part in the aquasprint series against clubs in Longford, Ballinasloe, Roscommon and Athlone. The sprints are small 25m races for children aged eight to twelve.

CELTIC 50/50 DRAW

David Morgan was last Fridays winner of the Boyle Celtic 50/50 draw, winning 1,637. Tickets are now sale for next Fridays draw from all the usual outlets and online.

CROGHAN/DRUMLION/CORTOBER

FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDRENS HOSPICE RAISES 5,895

Seamus Butler and Mary Foye would like to thank everyone for the incredible support and generosity at a fundraiser on Friday, February 13th in The Four Provinces, in aid of the new Sunflower Children's Hospice. They are truly grateful to all who attended on the night, and also to those who were unable to join but kindly sent donations through other means. Thanks to the kindness and support a total of 5,895 was raised. This wonderful contribution will make a meaningful difference.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING

A meeting of Croghan Parish Pastoral Council will be held on this Tuesday, March 10th at 7.30 p.m. in Drumlion Parochial House.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADES

A St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon on Tuesday, March 17th, commencing at 1 p.m.. Parades will also take place in Boyle at 3.30 p.m. and in Elphin at 5 p.m.

COMMUNITY CHOIR

Croghan Community Choir meets every Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. in Croghan Community Centre. The choir sings a variety of songs for the joy of singing. New members are always welcome, no auditions, just come along. For more contact Eimear Browne on 087-9557036.

PARISH MASSES

Masses in Croghan parish this week as follows: Croghan Church, Sunday at 10 a.m.; Drumlion Church, Tuesday to Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m.; Patrician Hall, Cortober, Sunday, 12 noon.

LEARN IRISH

Learn Irish at Cryan's Teach Ceol in Carrick-on-Shannon on Mondays at 8 p.m.. See carrickpopupgaeltacht@gmail.com.

Tony Conry, Sharon Conry, Linda Travers and Martin Travers at the recent Northern Harps dinner dance in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

BINGO IN PATRICIAN HALL

Bingo takes place in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on Sundays at 8 p.m.. Big cash prizes to be won. All welcome.

OLD CREAMERY CAFE

The Old Creamery Community Cafe, Croghan is open on Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Saturdays 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. All welcome to visit.

CE SCHEME VACANCIES

Cavetown CE Scheme has vacancies for environmental workers, and office administrator and cleaner. General operative duties will include the upkeep of all amenity areas, grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, litter and weed control, upkeep of flowerbeds and shrubs and landscaping. General maintenance will include repairs to fencing and stone walls, painting and decorating. Contact Tony ODonnell  scheme supervisor, Cavetown CE Scheme on 087 775 0556.

KEADUE/ARIGNA/BALLYFARNON

ARIGNA SPRING CLEAN

Arigna Foroige Club will host a spring clean on March 14th from 2 p.m.-3 p.m.. Tea/coffee/treats in the Enterprise Centre on the day.

ST. RONANS LOTTO

There was no winner of last weeks St. Ronans GAA lotto jackpot. The numbers were 1,15,16 and 20. Consolation prizes were won by K. OBrien, Sooey, 70; 30, Mary Dwyer, Arigna, 20, Grainne Wallace, Ballyfarnon; 20, Ann Lynch, Geevagh; 20, Michael Gilcreest, Keadue. Next jackpot will be 16,700. Enter the lotto online at stronansgaa.com or purchase on Revolut.

TIDY TOWNS MEETING

A meeting of Keadue Tidy Towns will be held tonight Tuesday, March 10th at 7.30 p.m. in St Ronan's Hall. It's that time of the year again when planning for Tidy Towns competition starts. The committee is asking the residents of the village for their continued support in 2026. A good turnout at the meeting is expected. Tea/coffee, scones and biscuits will be provided.

COOTEHALL, CROSSNA & DRUMBOYLAN

COOTEHALL ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE

The Cootehall Social Committee has organised a childrens St. Patricks Day Parade, to bring everyone back to the village following the various parades in the locality. The parade starts at 5 pm. from the church car park and to register your child for the parade please contact Aideen on 0877655067. Prizes for best entries on the day. Irish dancers will entertain all after the parade, outside Henrys Bar, and Jason Travers will provide the music (admission free) in Henrys from 7 p.m.. Food will be available from Mr Chips truck outside Henrys.

SCOR SINSIR

Best of Luck to the St. Michaels fantastic team of Scor participants on Saturday, March 14th in Kilmurray Hall. If anyone is interested in joining a quiz team please contact Geraldine at 086 1798522 ASAP.
Olivia Kelleher

A man charged with the murder of his partner who was found with catastrophic injuries at a burning apartment in Co Cork told gardai that he was replaying a nightmare having lost his soulmate and best friend.

Adam Corcoran (31) denies murdering mother of two, Daena Walsh, at their home in John Barry House, on Connolly Street in Midleton on August 2nd, 2024. He also pleaded not guilty to starting a fire which caused thousands of euro worth of damage at the property on the same day.

The trial at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork previously heard that a 999 call was made by a man who identified himself as Adam Corcoran on the afternoon of August 2nd, 2024.

He said that his partner had stabbed herself in the stomach. When the emergency services arrived at the scene, they found the lifeless body of the deceased. There was also a fire at the apartment.

On Friday, Brendan Grehan, SC, for the defence, cross-examined Det Insp John OConnell in relation to interviews gardai conducted with his client. Mr Grehan summarised the statements of the accused. The Detective Inspector agreed with his account.

Grehan said that Corcoran told gardai that he did not kill Walsh. Instead, he maintained that he loved her and that they were closer than ever. He stated that the death was a suicide.

Corcoran said that 27-year-old Walsh was his soul mate and his best friend.

(He told gardai) that that relationship was the best it had ever been.

(That he) planned to get engaged and was going to propose to her. He planned to buy a home for her and their kids."

"(However) both had relapsed into drink and drugs. He had been drinking that day."

Grehan said that Corcoran told gardai that he couldn't fathom the situation he found himself in.

"I don't know...it is like replaying a nightmare. I don't understand how I am in a (garda) station? I don't understand...why she would do it (kill herself)? I am gutted.

"How will I tell the kids? It is the worst day of my life."

The jury heard a summary of what Corcoran said to gardai after he was arrested in connection with the death of his partner.

Corcoran was described as having been very intoxicated on the afternoon of his arrest on August 2nd, 2024.

He had slurred speech, was very intoxicated, and had a cut over his eye. A decision was made to have him assessed by a GP. Garda Conor McCarthy indicated that Corcoran was crying and not making sense.

A doctor assessed Corcoran. The native of Ballincollig in Co Cork was deemed not fit for interview for a period of six hours.

Meanwhile, gardai from the Garda Technical Bureau said that two knives were found at the flat. One was a red-handled bread knife with a red blade, whilst the other was a carving knife with a blue beaded and blue/grey handle.

Det Garda Andrew Gibbons said that the red knife was found in an off-licence bag in the kitchen area. It had visible blood staining. Det Garda Theresa Kelly indicated that the carving knife, which also had visible blood staining, was in a handbag in a bedroom.

Dr James Cafferty of Forensic Science Ireland confirmed that samples tested for DNA revealed that the blood on the blades was that of the deceased. He stated that it was one thousand million times more likely to be hers than an unknown or unrelated person.

Dr Cafferty also said that blood on a jacket, jeans and trainers worn by Corcoran were a DNA match for Ms Walsh.

Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCartney carried out a postmortem on the deceased. She previously told the trial that Ms Walsh had 11 stab wounds and 14 incised wounds. One of the stab wounds had penetrated the sternum and the pericardium of the heart. The left arm of the deceased was partially amputated.

The case will continue next Monday. It is being presided over by Judge Siobhan Lankford.
Students launched self-made "bottle rockets" into the sky at a primary school in China's Jiangxi. #China #Rocket
James Cox

A man, aged in his 30s, has been charged over an assault in Dublin that has left a man, aged in his 50s, in a serious condition in hospital.

The assault occurred in McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 on Wednesday, at approximately 3pm.

A man, aged in his 50s, who was seriously assaulted during the incident was brought to St Vincent's Hospital and remains in a serious condition.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have taken images or recorded footage (including dash-cam) of the incident to not share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating gardai.

Anyone who was in the area of McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, at the time and who may have any information about the incident, is asked to contact gardai.

Gardai can be contacted at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station (01) 6665000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
14 jobs are set to be created at Bord Gais Energy's facility in Monksland following its selection as a location for the companys Power Global Control Centre.

Bord Gais Energy owner Centrica revealed that the centre will provide operational oversight of Centrica's assets in Ireland, the UK, Belgium and Sweden, including flexible thermal generation, battery energy storage and solar.

The selection of Bord Gais Energys site in Monksland will create 14 highly skilled roles in the Midlands, strengthening Irelands operational capability in energy system management. It builds on the regions longstanding role in power generation and reflects how the energy transition is creating new, future focused careers in the sector as part of a just transition.

The new control centre positions Monksland and Athlone at the heart of Centricas international operations and reflects how strategic integration is translating into real infrastructure, operational capability and long-term value for both Ireland and the UK.

From Athlone, the centre will support the secure, efficient operation of assets that help balance electricity systems during periods of peak demand and variable renewable generation. It will begin operating Bord Gais Energys Irish assets from mid-2026, with Centrica Powers UK assets transitioning in phases during Q2 and Q3 2026.

The announcement was made to coincide with Centricas Chief Executive Chris OSheas participation at the UK & Ireland Summit in Cork on Thursday evening, featuring An Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer.

The decision positions Ireland as a core operations centre for the real-time management of major power assets across multiple international markets.

Centricas 1 billion investment programme is strengthening Irelands energy system at scale: supporting security of supply; enabling greater integration of renewable electricity and underpinning the delivery of up to approximately 1GW of flexible power capacity to meet Irelands growing energy needs.

Chris OShea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, said: Ireland is a market we know well and continue to invest in with confidence. It is a market where policy ambition is increasingly matched by delivery, creating the conditions needed to invest in critical energy infrastructure. Centricas investment in Ireland shows what is possible when the UK and Ireland work together: secure energy today, faster progress to net zero, and long-term economic resilience for both countries.

Darragh OBrien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: Irelands priority is to deliver a clean energy transition while maintaining security of supply and affordability. Investments like this bring highly skilled operational capability into the heart of our energy system, support regional development, and help ensure the infrastructure needed to deliver a just transition.

Kara Owen, British Ambassador to Ireland, said: Todays announcement underlines the genuine momentum driving the integrated economic relationship between the UK and Ireland. The news from Centrica and Bord Gais Energy is a powerful example of that partnership in action. I warmly welcome this significant investment, which shows how close cooperation can translate into real infrastructure, high quality jobs, and strengthened energy security across both our islands. This is the kind of practical, future focused collaboration that benefits people and businesses in both countries. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment in the months and years ahead, and to deepening the UKIreland economic partnership even further.

Dave Kirwan, Country Chairperson of Bord Gais Energy and Managing Director of Centrica Power, said: Locating the Centrica Power Global Control Centre in Athlone, alongside our soon to be commissioned 100MW flexible peaking plant, brings realtime operational control and critical infrastructure together on one site. Flexible generation plays a vital role in maintaining security of supply and enabling greater integration of renewables. This investment shows how close collaboration between our UK and Irish teams is delivering secure energy, high quality jobs and practical progress as the energy system transitions.

Bord Gais Energy is one of Irelands leading energy supply and services providers.
A man charged with an assault causing serious harm in the early hours of New Years Day, which resulted in the death of another man in Ballaghaderreen, has been remanded on continuing bail.

Yevhen Shutko (46), a Ukrainian native with an address at Loughglynn, Co Roscommon, had previously been granted bail in January.

When his case came before Judge James Faughnan at this afternoons (Friday) sitting of Ballaghaderreen District Court Judge James Faughnan was told that the state is still awaiting further directions from the DPP.

Defence solicitor Brid Miller asked for an amendment to the bail conditions with a curfew now in place from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m..

The court had previously heard that Mr Shutko was claiming self-defence when charged with the alleged assault in Ballaghaderreen on Jorden Newin, a man in his 30s.

At the January sitting, Judge Faughnan noted that Mr Shutko had surrendered his passport, as well as his birth certificate, to ensure he could not apply for any replacement travel documentation.

Furthermore, he had lodged 1,500 cash for his bail, with his brother paying a further 1,500 independent surety and undertaking to ensure Mr Shutko would show up for court.

The Judge adjourned the case and remanded Shutko on bail until the May sitting of the court.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has committed to carrying out safety works at Scramogue Cross, which has been described as a major accident blackspot.

At a meeting in Dublin on Monday, Roscommon County Council representatives met with senior TII figures to discuss this dangerous junction where the R371 crosses the N5. The location has been the scene of several serious accidents over a number of years.

Independent councillor Tom Crosby, who was among the Roscommon delegation at the meeting, described the discussions as positive.

They (TII) said they are going to make the crossroads much safer within the guidelines they have to adhere to. The meeting was quite positive in my view and there will be a major change in safety at the crossroads, he said.

Cllr Crosby said he was not at liberty to divulge the details of the proposed safety measures, which had to be finalised, but did say that any works would be completed next year as part of the N5 upgrade.

The Tarmonbarry based councillor did outline that TII ruled out putting a roundabout at the junction as part of any safety measures.

A number of other issues were raised with TII including the proposal to upgrade the N61, the Tulsk-Clashaganny road project and several other dangerous junctions in the county.

The Roscommon delegation at the meeting in Dublin also included council CEO Shane Tiernan, director of services Mark Keaveney, Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan, and Cllr John Keogh.

The TII is the state agency responsible for the planning and management of the countrys national primary and secondary roads network.

*Published under the Local Democracy Scheme
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The UK prime minister is meeting the Taoiseach in Co Cork for the second UK-Ireland Summit.

Keir Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Fota House ahead of a series of meetings involving ministers from both governments.

Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork.

The high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions which will focus on energy links between Britain and Ireland.

Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin arrive at Fota House in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

An interconnector between Wales and Ireland is expected to provide enough power for 570,000 homes, and represent at least 855 million (740 million) of private investment.

A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island.

The UK and Irish governments are also expected to discuss joint exercises to test the resilience of subsea fibre optic cables which run between the UK and Ireland, and a crackdown on shadow fleets and other threats in the Irish and Celtic seas, through a refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding.

On Thursday, Starmer said more than 1 billion (900 million) of new Irish investment into the UK was part of the flourishing ties between Ireland and Britain.

The 937 million in new investment from companies in Ireland is expected to create about 850 jobs across London, Doncaster, South Wales and Scotland, and covers gas networks, AI and cloud-computing, and financial services.

Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)

As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised.

The Government is also represented by Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Energy and Transport Minister Darragh OBrien, and Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan.

The first UK-Ireland Summit took place in Liverpool in March last year, as part of what the Taoiseach and prime minister hailed as a reset in relations which brought about enhanced co-operation on projects to 2030.

The 2026 programme included a business roundtable event, a civic and cultural reception, an engagement with the Ireland-UK Youth Forum Advisory Group and a research-focused visit.

The prime minister is joined by UK energy secretary Ed Miliband, environment secretary Emma Reynolds, and business secretary Peter Kyle.

Starmer and Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn met the North's political parties on Thursday.
Medicine 4P

Thanks to technological progress and the development of new scientific domains, medicine evolved rapidly in the past two decades. Against this background we have witnessed the advent of a novel concept, the 4P medicine (which stands for Personalized, Predictive, Preventive and Participative)  a brand new way of caring for ones health.

Medicine 4P

Corina Cristea, 13.03.2026, 14:00

The Personalized medicine implies the idea of adjusting the treatment and therapeutic strategies to the individual characteristics of every patient. These may include genetic factors, the way of life, the environment and medical past.

At present, progress in the field of Medical Genetics and the whole genome sequencing allow doctors to identify the genetic variations, which influence the risk of disease or the response to various drugs and in this way, treatments can be adjusted.

In turn, the Predictive Medicine aims at forecasting the risk of illness appearance right before they start manifesting clinically. Using instruments, such as genetic testing, the analysis of biomarkers, algorithms of artificial intelligence or big volumes of medical data, experts can estimate the probability of developing some diseases, such as breast cancer or Alzheimer, allowing for early measures of monitoring or intervention.

Then, the Preventive Medicine is focusing on the prevention of illnesses through early interventions and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. It includes programmes of screening, vaccination, education and monitoring risk factors. A well-known example is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases through monitoring the risk factors, such as higher blood pressure, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.

Last but not least, the Participative Medicine relies on the active involvement of the patient in the process of healthcare. Digital technologies, such as health applications, instruments of monitoring and the platform of tele-medicine are facilitating this participation, while through the access to information and own medical data, patients can make more qualified decisions on their lifestyle and treatment.

In short, the 4P Medicine is a model, which entails a major paradigm shift: from treating illnesses after their first manifest to forecasting and preventing them.

Here is PhD Cristina Berteanu, Intensive Care Physician with more.

Cristina Berteanu: This means the health state becomes a dynamic concept and, according to the WHO definition, it represents a good physical and mental state, not only reaction to some illnesses, but the preservation of the quality of life through medical education, which means that one doesnt have to wait for symptoms to appear but take action against the causes and get involved in the treatment. Diagnosis, the equipment used and methods of treatment have made a significant headway but the difference is being made by the diagnostic itself. This stage is very important as this is where the difference between us and other countries in the EU or Japan, South Korea and the United States is made, as the period of survival in these countries can reach up to 74% in the case of an oncological disease, whereas in Romania it is somewhere around 34%. One of the saddest things is that many patients visit the physician when it is already too late. Out of fear, shame, or lack of trust, they are missing that period when the disease can be successfully treated. According to experts, if the intervention is done in the early stages of the disease, the successful treatment rate at least in oncological cases, reaches up to 90%, whereas procrastination or the lack of a diagnostic may lead to a fourth degree stage, where chances to get cured are 10% or even less.

A good diagnostic at the right time can make the difference, says physician Cristina Berteanu recalling that the medicine based on genomics and personalized treatments is making spectacular progress and the new technologies are game changers bringing more chances of survival and a higher quality to life.

Cristina Berteanu: It is the type of medicine done at the right time and from the early stages. It also offers the most appropriate treatment to the respective patient according to their genotype and phenotype. It is a radical change in terms of the results of the treatment. For instance, in oncology  the immunotherapy, which has a completely different way of action, as compared to chemotherapy  is actually boosting the patients immune system and the side effects are minimal, as it takes action only against tumor cells. It targets directly these cells following some genetic tests conducted under a certain diagnostic. As physician Cristina Berteanu says, if, for instance, immunotherapy is administered in the cases of lung cancer, which used to be fatal a couple of years ago, nowadays there are patients who may survive and enjoy life.

(bill)
Romania  Ukraine Strategic Partnership

Romania and the neighboring Ukraine have become strategic partners.

Volodimir Zelenski, primit la Bucuresti de Nicusor Dan / Foto: presidency.ro

Bogdan Matei, 13.03.2026, 14:00

Romania and Ukraine have been connected, as of Thursday, by a newly established Strategic Partnership, signed in Bucharest by Presidents Nicusor Dan and Volodymyr Zelenskky. It was the second visit to Romania by the leader from Kyiv, after the one in October 2023. We must not hide it, and say that historically, there was distrust between our countries; this distrust evaporated, I think, at the beginning of the war in 2022, said President Dan.

Romania and Ukraine share a border of about 700 kilometers, and after the invasion began, millions of Ukrainian refugees, especially women and children, were received in Romania. 200,000 Ukrainians were in Romania at the end of last year, according to official data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots are also training in Romania, which has also given Ukraine a Patriot air defense system.

Thursdays discussions between the two heads of state also focused on the joint production of drones in Romania, a field in which, according to military analysts, the Ukrainians, forced by war, have become among the best in the world. President Dan reaffirmed Bucharests diplomatic support for Kyivs admission to the European Union and NATO, as well as for what he called a correct position and support that all these organizations can bring to Ukraine in the war it is waging.

Very importantly  we talked about the Romanian minority in Ukraine and the openness that Ukraine has, will have, for the Romanian minority. We received guarantees regarding the continuation of the functioning of schools in the Romanian language and for all other rights of the Romanian minority, in accordance with the rights of minorities established by international charters said Nicusor Dan.

Volodymyr Zelenskky also signed on Thursday, a decree stipulating the establishment of the Romanian Language Day in his country, on August 31, when it is traditionally celebrated both in Romania and in the Republic of Moldova. Over 400,000 ethnic Romanians live in the neighboring country, mostly in northern Bukovina, northern and southern Bessarabia and the Herta Land, eastern Romanian territories annexed in 1940, following an ultimatum, by the Stalinist Soviet Union and taken over, in 1991, by Ukraine, as the successor state of the USSR. According to the most recent population census, there are about 45,000 ethnic Ukrainians in Romania, almost ten times fewer than the Romanians in Ukraine. Like the other national minorities recognized in Romania, Ukrainians have a representative in the Chamber of Deputies in Bucharest. (EE)
A dangerous criminal who was on the run after murdering two female victims in the U.S. nearly two years ago, has been captured in Mexico within just two hours of being added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Samuel Ramirez Jr., 33, of Federal Way, Washington, was arrested without incident on Tuesday in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, only one hour and 13 minutes after being announced as the 538th addition to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The previous record for shortest arrest time was Billie Austin Bryant, arrested in 1969 two hours after being added to the list.

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BAGHDAD, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for Iraq's pro-Iranian militias, said Friday that its fighters targeted two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq.

In two statements, the group said its fighters shot down one KC-135 "with appropriate weapons," and a second aircraft of the same type was also struck before its crew made an emergency landing at "one of the enemy airports."

The group said the operations were carried out to defend Iraq's sovereignty and airspace, "which have been violated by the occupation forces' aircraft."

In another statement, the group detailed its recent activities, saying its fighters conducted 31 operations in the past 24 hours with dozens of drones and missiles against what it described as "occupation bases in Iraq and the region."

U.S. Central Command confirmed that a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. "Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely," the command said on X.

The attacks came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. interests throughout the Middle East. 
Indias highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment (3.8m4m) continued to witness strong traction in February 2026. Total sales stood at 1,14,531 units, registering a marginal 0.89% year-on-year growth compared to 1,13,517 units sold in February 2025. However, on a month-on-month basis, sales declined 5.46% from 1,21,150 units recorded in January 2026. Tata Motors dominated the segment with both Nexon and Punch securing the top two positions, while Maruti Suzukis Brezza and Fronx followed closely behind.

Sub 4m SUV Sales Feb 2026

Tata Nexon, including its EV version, emerged as the best-selling sub 4m SUV in February 2026 with 19,430 units sold. This marked a 26.59% year-on-year growth compared to 15,349 units sold in February 2025. Despite strong annual growth, Nexon sales declined 16.84% MoM from 23,365 units recorded in January 2026.

Closely following Nexon was Tata Punch, including Punch EV, with 18,748 units sold last month. Punch recorded a 28.77% YoY growth over 14,559 units sold in February 2025. Month-on-month sales dipped slightly by 2.64% from 19,257 units sold in January 2026.

Maruti Brezza secured the third position with 17,863 units sold in February 2026. The SUV posted a 16.05% YoY growth compared to 15,392 units sold during the same period last year. On a MoM basis, Brezza sales increased 2.16% from 17,486 units sold in January 2026. Maruti Fronx ranked fourth with 13,898 units, although it witnessed a sharp 35.24% YoY decline from 21,461 units sold in February 2025. On a monthly basis, Fronx sales improved 4.08% compared to 13,353 units sold in January 2026.

Venue, Sonet Continue Steady Demand

Hyundai Venue registered 10,494 units in February 2026, marking a modest 3.64% YoY growth over 10,125 units sold last year. However, sales declined 15.46% MoM from 12,413 units sold in January 2026. Kia Sonet reported 9,750 units, reflecting a strong 28.32% YoY increase compared to 7,598 units sold in February 2025. Month-on-month sales were down 11.35% from 10,998 units recorded in January 2026.

Mahindra XUV3XO, including its EV variant, posted 8,637 units in February 2026, registering a 9.87% YoY growth compared to 7,861 units sold a year earlier. Skoda Kylaq, one of the newer entrants in the segment, recorded 4,532 units, reflecting a 24.64% YoY growth. On a month-on-month basis, Kylaq saw a significant 40.75% increase compared to 3,220 units sold in January 2026, indicating rising demand for the compact SUV.

Hyundai Exter recorded 4,200 units, registering a 21.66% YoY decline compared to 5,361 units sold in February 2025. Month-on-month sales also dropped 25.28%. Hyundai will soon launch updated Exter, making it even more value for money offering. Toyota Taisor posted 2,854 units, down 20.81% YoY compared to 3,604 units sold last year. However, it registered a 13.21% MoM growth over 2,521 units sold in January 2026.

Nissan Magnite reported 2,230 units, reflecting a slight 4.21% YoY decline. Renault Kiger recorded 701 units, showing a strong 61.89% YoY growth, albeit on a lower base. Maruti Jimny, though positioned as a lifestyle off-roader, recorded 532 units, registering a 38.18% YoY growth.

Overall Segment Trend

Despite intense competition and a growing number of entrants, the sub-compact SUV segment continues to remain one of the most important volume drivers in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Tata Motors maintained a strong presence with Nexon and Punch leading the charts, while Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia and Mahindra continued to compete closely across multiple price points. With new launches and updates expected in the coming months, the segment is likely to remain one of the most dynamic spaces in Indias automotive market.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition filed by German automaker Volkswagen challenging the registration of the trademark Transformotion by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Volkswagen had opposed the mark claiming that it was deceptively similar to its 4MOTION trademark, which is associated with the brands all-wheel-drive technology.

The case, titled Volkswagen AG vs Registrar of Trade Marks and Another, came before Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who upheld the earlier decision of the Registrar of Trade Marks rejecting Volkswagens opposition.

Volkswagens Opposition To Transformotion

Maruti Suzuki had applied for the registration of the trademark Transformotion, which was subsequently accepted and advertised by the Registrar of Trade Marks. Volkswagen filed a notice of opposition arguing that the mark was similar to its registered trademark 4MOTION, which is used for its intelligent four-wheel-drive system in vehicles such as Tiguan.

Volkswagen claimed that the similarity between the two marks could potentially confuse customers in the automotive market. However, the Registrar dismissed the opposition, prompting Volkswagen to file an appeal before the Delhi High Court.

High Court Finds No Likelihood Of Consumer Confusion

While examining the matter, the Delhi High Court observed that the two trademarks are visually, phonetically and conceptually different. The court noted that 4MOTION begins with a numerical prefix, whereas TRANSFORMOTION begins with the alphabetic prefix TRANS, resulting in a distinctly different pronunciation and overall structure. As a result, the court held that there was no plausible likelihood of confusion between the two marks.

Justice Arora also highlighted that both companies have strong independent goodwill in the Indian automobile market, and that cars are products purchased after considerable deliberation by consumers. The court stated that it was unlikely that buyers would purchase Maruti Suzuki vehicles under the mistaken belief that they were associated with Volkswagen.

Different Meaning And Usage Of Both Trademarks

The court also examined the functional usage of both trademarks. Volkswagens 4MOTION is a four-wheel-drive technology used in certain models like Tiguan, whereas Maruti Suzukis Transformotion is used in reference to the transition from analogue to digital instrumentation in its vehicles. The court observed that the two trademarks serve different purposes and represent distinct concepts.

Motion Commonly Used In Automotive Industry

Maruti Suzuki also argued that the word Motion is commonly used within the automobile industry, and therefore cannot be exclusively claimed by a single manufacturer. The court accepted this argument, noting that several third-party trademarks in the automotive sector incorporate the word Motion. Additionally, the court observed that Transformotion is a wordplay derived from the dictionary word transformation, further reinforcing its distinct identity.

Earlier Usage Also Considered

During the proceedings, it was also highlighted that Maruti Suzuki began using the mark Transformotion in 2016, whereas Volkswagen started using 4MOTION in India around 2017. Considering this timeline along with the lack of visual, phonetic and conceptual similarity between the two trademarks, the Delhi High Court concluded that Volkswagens opposition lacked merit. The court therefore dismissed Volkswagens appeal, allowing Maruti Suzuki to proceed with the registration and use of the Transformotion trademark.

Source
JOHANNESBURG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Eswatini has received four additional "third-country" deportees from the United States, bringing the total number of individuals sent to the African kingdom to 19, the government announced on Thursday.

The four new arrivals -- two Somalis, a Tanzanian and a Sudanese -- reportedly arrived late Wednesday at the Matsapha Maximum-Security Correctional Centre. They join others already held at the facility, which authorities say can accommodate up to 140 more people.

In 2025, the U.S. Trump administration introduced a third-country policy with several African countries, including Eswatini, allowing the United States to deport immigrants described by officials as "so uniquely barbaric that their own countries won't take them back" to those nations.

The program began sending deportees to Eswatini last July. In return, the kingdom has received 5.1 million U.S. dollars from Washington as part of the arrangement, local media reported.

"Intensive engagements with the respective countries of origin ... are ongoing," the Eswatini government said in a statement.

South Africa, which shares a 430-km border with Eswatini, has expressed deep concern over the arrangement from the outset. After the first batch arrived in Eswatini last July, it issued a statement saying the reception of high-risk deportees could have an adverse impact on South Africa's national security and immigration policy. 
PARIS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A French soldier was killed in an attack in Erbil province in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, President Emmanuel Macron said Friday.

The soldier, a member of the French armed forces, "died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq," Macron said in a post on X, adding that several other soldiers were wounded in the incident.

It was the first French military death in the Middle East conflict that began late last month when Israel and the United States struck Iran, AFP reported.

The French army said Thursday that six French soldiers providing counter-terrorism training in northern Iraq were wounded in a drone attack in the Erbil region, just hours after an Italian base in the area was targeted, Reuters reported.

Macron said, "The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."

France has hundreds of troops based in the Erbil region as part of a broader international coalition fighting Islamic State militants in the area. 
by Ahmed Sallam

At this time every year, the world's attention turns to Beijing as China convenes the "two sessions," the annual meetings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. These gatherings represent the most important political event in China, during which the country outlines its economic and social policies, sets development priorities, and discusses international issues that may affect the future of the global economy.

This year's sessions carry exceptional significance amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. In particular, the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, along with the resulting regional tensions and the involvement of other actors in the Middle East, has created considerable uncertainty in the global economy. Rising energy prices and disruptions to international supply chains have further intensified these concerns.

Against this backdrop, the meetings in Beijing highlight China's efforts to maintain economic stability at a time when the world is witnessing increasing political and security turbulence.

As the world's second-largest economy, China recognizes that any major disruption to the international economy will directly affect global trade, investment and production chains, with countries of the Global South likely to be particularly impacted.

During the "two sessions," the Chinese government delivers its annual Government Work report, which outlines economic growth targets and future development plans. This year's meetings marked the beginning of the implementation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which focuses on transitioning toward an innovation-driven economy based on advanced technologies, strengthening domestic consumption, and achieving more sustainable development.

The sessions also convey an important political message regarding China's vision for the international order. At a time when military conflicts are escalating in several parts of the world, China calls for resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than military force. China emphasizes that economic development and international cooperation represent the most effective path to global security and stability.

China's position is particularly significant amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The global economy relies heavily on stable energy supplies from the region and any military escalation in the region would have far-reaching economic consequences.

In this context, China actively advocates a new model of international relations based on economic cooperation and shared development. This approach is reflected in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen economic connectivity across Asia, Africa and Europe.

The "two sessions" are thus not only important for China but also for the world, particularly at a time marked by successive crises, from wars to economic challenges. Their convening is not merely a domestic political event; it also signals how China views the future of the global economy and its role in maintaining international stability.

In conclusion, through the "two sessions," Beijing seeks to convey a clear message. In an increasingly complex world, development and international cooperation can serve as a genuine alternative to conflict and war.

Editor's note: Ahmed Sallam is a former undersecretary of Egypt's State Information Service and a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
Paleontologists analyzing fossils from Ethiopia have described a previously unknown crocodile species that shared the landscape with a hominid species called Australopithecus afarensis. Named Crocodylus lucivenator, the formidable predator may have stalked Australopithecus afarensis at watering holes in the wetlands and woodlands of the Pliocene.

Crocodylus lucivenator lived between 3.4 million to 3 million years ago, overlapping the time period and the region in Ethiopia with the famous Lucy and her hominid species, Australopithecus afarensis.

The species ranged from 3.7 to 4.6 m (12-15 feet) in length and weighed between 270 to 590 kg (600-1,300 pounds).

It was an ambush predator, silently submerged in the water, poised to spring on those who came around for a drink.

It was the largest predator in that ecosystem, more so than lions and hyenas, and the biggest threat to our ancestors who lived there during that time, said Professor Christopher Brochu, a researcher at the University of Iowa.

Its a near certainty this crocodile would have hunted Lucys species.

I was just blown away because it had this really weird combination of character states.

Crocodylus lucivenator was identified from 121 specimens  primarily skulls, teeth, and parts of jaws  recovered in the Hadar Formation in the Afar region of Ethiopia.

One fossilized lower jaw bears signs of injury interpreted as pathological changes, possibly the result of combat with another crocodile.

This specimen had several partially healed injuries on its jaw that suggested it had tussled with one of its peers, said Dr. Stephanie Drumheller, a paleontologist at the University of Tennessee.

The fossil record preserves similar injuries in extinct groups as well, so this kind of face-biting behavior can be found throughout the crocodile family tree.

We cant know which combatant came out on top of that fight, but the healing tells us that, winner or loser, this animal survived the encounter.

Crocodylus lucivenator shows a mix of anatomical features seen in several extinct crocodile species from East Africa.

It shares certain traits with two species known from the Pleistocene, while also retaining more primitive characteristics.

At the same time, the researchers identified a distinctive raised ridge along the top of the snout  a feature similar to those found in modern Neotropical crocodiles and in Late Miocene crocodiles from Libya and Kenya.

Fossils from the Pliocene site of Kanapoi in Kenya, previously assigned to another species, also show a comparable ridge.

The new study indicates that these fossils and Crocodylus lucivenator are closely related to several other extinct crocodiles from East Africa.

A phylogenetic analysis conducted by the scientists supports the idea that this cluster of ancient African crocodiles forms a distinct lineage.

The fossils indicate that Crocodylus lucivenator was the only crocodilian living in the Hadar Formation during the Pliocene.

That contrasts with roughly contemporary deposits in the Turkana Basin, where fossil evidence suggests that as many as four crocodile species lived at the same time. The reason for this difference remains uncertain.

During the Pliocene, Hadar was composed of a variety of habitats alongside its lake and river systems over space and time, including open and closed woodlands, gallery forests, wet grasslands, and shrublands, said Dr. Christopher Campisano, a paleontologist at Arizona State University.

Interestingly, this crocodile was one of only a few species that was able to persist throughout.

The discovery is reported in a paper in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

_____

Christopher A. Brochu et al. Lucys peril: A Pliocene crocodile from the Hadar Formation, north-eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, published online March 11, 2026; doi: 10.1080/14772019.2026.2614954
YAOUNDE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon's security situation in Far North, Northwest and Southwest has improved significantly, authorities said on Friday.

"Normal activities" are returning to the regions, said Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo. "The general security situation is improving and in a significant way."

He made the remarks while reading a message from President Paul Biya during the graduation ceremony of the 40th batch of the Combined Military Services Academy, Cameroon's top military school.

He said sustained efforts will continue until the "complete restoration" of peace and stability in the regions.

The Central African nation is facing a Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North region and a prolonged armed separatist conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions. 
On 12 March, the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov.

AzerNEWS reports, citing the official release of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry that, during the call, the ministers exchanged views on international and regional security issues, as well as the current situation in the Middle East.

The sides emphasised that any further escalation of the existing tensions would be unacceptable and underlined the importance of resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means.

The Swiss foreign minister expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan regarding the drone attack carried out by Iran against the country. He also thanked Azerbaijan for its assistance in facilitating the evacuation of Swiss citizens from Iranian territory.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Switzerland. In this context, they highlighted the importance of the political consultations scheduled to take place between the two countries foreign ministries in April.
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, meets with journalists covering the fourth session of the 14th NPC, expressing his appreciation for their work, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with journalists covering the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Thursday afternoon, expressing his appreciation for their work.

Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, commended major news outlets for their well-planned and well-organized coverage.

He noted that their reports conveyed confidence and strength, provided comprehensive information about the development of the NPC system and the effectiveness of its work, and highlighted the outstanding advantages of the people's congress system.

Zhao encouraged the media to continue tapping into the rich news resources related to the system of people's congresses, as well as NPC work and deputies.

The NPC session was held from March 5 to 12. 
The idea started simply  a desire to bridge the gap between high school science classes and the STEM university just miles away.

That was three years ago.

Today, Roman Shchepin, Ph.D., South Dakota Mines assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, Biology and Health Sciences, and his graduate students are bringing organic chemistry to life inside classrooms at Rapid City Central High School. Through hands-on, engaging experiments, they are connecting directly with high school students and sparking interest in future STEM pathways.

Shchepin had been looking for outreach opportunities for a while when Central High School chemistry teacher Dylan Blomme stopped by campus to pick up some chemicals. I was eager to see if we could start some sort of outreach program, Shchepin said. I developed some colorful experiments and lectures on organic chemistry topics.

When Blomme left Central, the collaboration continued and grew thanks to Nicole Renner, who became the organic classes instructor at Central High School. In past years, Shchepin visited the organic chemistry class annually to give a lecture and conduct a demonstration. However, this year, the Mines team spent weeks working alongside high school students on a variety of experiments.

This extended collaboration allowed students to develop a deeper understanding of the material, particularly in nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of organic substances, said Renner. Additionally, students were able to see the distinction between college-level content and their high school coursework, helping them better understand academic expectations beyond high school.

That was Shchepins overarching goal with his program - create a pipeline for high school students to the university. His hope, and the aim of his pending National Science Foundation CAREER award, is that Mines will provide local high school graduates with an excellent education without disrupting their extended family, friends, and community support networks, thereby increasing their degree completion and long-term success.

Many students are unaware of the incredible academic and career opportunities available in their own hometown, Renner said, Providing them with this exposure is invaluable, as it helps them envision themselves in college-level environments and better prepares them for future educational pathways.

Shchepin, along with Noah Terkildsen, Mines graduate student of biomedical engineering, and Shelby Solem, graduate student of chemistry, conducted a variety of experiments, including volcano, a base formation indicator and traffic light. Solem also developed a short lab procedure, blue bottle, which high schoolers performed on their own with Shchepins and Solems supervision.

Its always better to see something done, and especially to get your hands onto it, said Solem, who remembers a demonstration during high school with a gummy bear reacting with potassium chlorate. I imagine this gives students a more concrete memory of how science is interesting.

The experience also opened Solems eyes to what it would be like to teach in a K-12 environment. The more potential directions that I can take when I graduate, the better, she said. I enjoy tutoring, so I could see myself potentially being a teacher.

Terkildsen added that the talks and demonstrations provided real experiences with chemistry beyond what a typical high schooler in South Dakota would normally encounter.

This expands their horizons as to what they think is reasonably achievable, he said.

The program culminated this Tuesday, when more than 30 Central High School students stepped into the labs at Mines for a hands-on look at cutting-edge research equipment. Zhengtao Zhu, Ph.D., department head, led the tour and opened students eyes to the possibilities that await them at Mines, while Solem and Terkildsen brought science to life by breaking down two powerful techniques for decoding molecular structure: infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

For Shchepin, this is only the beginning. He hopes to expand his outreach program at Central and bring it to other high schools in the greater Western South Dakota.
A swathe of countries including the UK could be hit with fresh tariffs after the White House launched an investigation into practices around forced labour.

In a statement released late on Thursday, US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that 60 trading partners would be probed under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act.

He said: "These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts US workers and businesses."

Trading partners being investigated include the UK, European Union, Canada, India, Australia and Israel. China and Russia are also being probed.

The US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trumps global tariff regime on 20 February, prompting the administration to look at other ways to raise duties.

Trump called the ruling "ridiculous" and "anti-American", and immediately announced a 10% tariff on all countries for 150 days, and warned of more levies to come. The 10% tax was imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which allows the US president to impose temporarily tariffs. Extensions beyond 150 days require approval from Congress, however.

Greer said the Section 301 investigations were expected to conclude, including any proposed remedies, ahead of the temporary tariffs expiring in July.

The administration has already launched separate investigations into trading partners including Japan, South Korea and the EU that look at "excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors". Greer said earlier this week that "the tools may change" but the presidents trade policy "remains the samewe need to protect American jobs and we need to make sure we have fair trade with our trading partners".
Glencore is hopeful that a recent rally in coal prices and a shift in relative share performance could revive discussions with Rio Tinto over a potential mega-merger once regulatory restrictions expire later this year, it emerged on Friday.

The two mining groups had previously held talks about combining their businesses into a company worth about $240bn that would unite Glencores global commodities trading network and copper portfolio with Rio Tintos large-scale mining operations.

However, the negotiations collapsed in February after the companies failed to agree on valuation, and under the UK Takeover Code they cannot reopen formal discussions until August.

According to a Reuters report citing three investors following meetings with company leaders, Glencore chief executive Gary Nagle remained optimistic that another opportunity to pursue the deal could emerge.

The proposed combination would create the worlds largest mining group and position the business to capitalise on rising global demand for copper, a key metal used in electrification and renewable energy technologies.

Market movements since the talks became public had strengthened Glencores argument that it deserves a larger share of any merged entity.

Coal prices and Glencores share price had risen about 26% since early January, while Rio Tintos shares had gained around 9% as weaker iron ore prices weighed on the miners outlook.

Based on those changes, Glencore would now represent roughly 35% of the combined market value of a merged company, compared with about 31.5% previously and closer to the roughly 40% stake it had sought during earlier negotiations.

One disagreement in the previous talks centred on how Glencore should be valued, with Rio reportedly basing its calculations on commodity prices at the time discussions became public in January.

Nagle argued that longer-term price expectations should also be considered when assessing the companys value, the investors said.

Glencore also reportedly believed Rio Tintos core iron ore division could face pressure if global supply increases and pushes the market into surplus, potentially shifting the balance of value between the two companies and making a merger easier to negotiate.

Despite that view, some investors remained sceptical that the deal would be revived.

Several Australian funds raised concerns earlier this year about governance and the potential reputational impact of merging with Glencore, which had faced corruption investigations in the past, Reuters said.

Others also questioned the logic of Rio returning to coal assets after previously divesting them to strengthen its environmental credentials.

With Rio generating more than half of its profits from Australian operations, any merger would require government approval and support from shareholders in the companys Australian listing.

Investors told Reuters that Glencore could struggle to win that backing without demonstrating stronger long-term strategic benefits beyond recent movements in commodity prices and share performance.

At 0917 GMT, shares in Glencore were down 1.66% at 522.4p, while those in Rio Tinto Group were off 1.26% at 6,759p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Indian oil products tanker Jag Prakash has reportedly started moving away from the Gulf of Oman in the east of Strait of Hormuz.

According to Bloomberg, Rajesh Sinha, special secretary in the shipping industry, told reporters on Friday that the ship is an Indian-flagged tanker carrying gasoline and is headed to Africa.

It was reported that three more Indian-flagged ships remain on the east of the strait. Another 24 ships are on the western side of Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

Oil prices came off their highs on the news and by 1235 GMT, Brent crude was down 1.1% at $99.36, having breached the $100 a barrel mark earlier, while West Texas Intermediate was 1.9% lower at $93.87.

Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, pointed out that crude prices dipped by around 2% immediately after the news. He said it was "too early to comment or speculate on what this means but markets are still very much trading the headlines and keen to latch on to any shred of good news".

"Expect this to be faded," Wilson added.

Late on Thursday, US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced a "temporary authorisation" to allow countries to buy stranded Russian oil for 30 days. He insisted that Donald Trump was "working to keep prices low" for Americans, who are already seeing hikes on the forecourt.
Rose Lesniak, "a feminist poet who dazzled and upended the male-dominated literary scene in New York during the 1970s before suddenly bolting to South Florida, where she worked as a child abuse investigator and then--in the final act of her kaleidoscopic life--became a dog trainer," died on February 1, the New York Times reported. She was 70.

Lesniak moved to Manhattan in 1977 after graduating from college in Chicago, where she edited Out There, a literary magazine. ''You know how they say somebody lights up the room?'' asked Bob Holman, a close friend from those days. ''Rose was actually the lightbulb. Being with her was like living on another planet. It was the Planet Rose.''

With her friend Barbara Barg, Lesniak "plunged into the avant-garde world that orbited the Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, the Times wrote. "The stars were Allen Ginsberg, John Ashbery, John Giorno, and other men. At readings, Ms. Lesniak and her friends would heckle them, calling out their sexist tropes, sometimes by making loud animal noises."

''We weren't really anarchists, and we wouldn't hurt anybody,'' she said in an interview in Women in Independent Publishing: A History of Unsung Innovators, 1953-1989 (2024). ''We wanted to ask you: 'Why did you say that? Where'd that come from? Do you need therapy?' ''

Lesniak explained that she and her friends were fun: ''We'd all get high together, and we'd drink together afterward, and we'd get to know each other.'' They knew she was a serious writer, however, working on poems that were later included in her books Young Anger (1979) and Throwing Spitballs at the Nuns (1982).

Lesniak shared a loft in Chelsea with Barg, who was also a poet. They hosted readings and parties attended by Ginsberg, Giorno, Andy Warhol, and others. ''Everybody just wanted to be around Rose,'' said Eileen Myles, a poet and former lover of Lesniak. ''She was crazy beautiful. She was brash. She carried this big, exciting energy everywhere she went, in everything she did. There was nobody like her.''

To help pay the bills, Lesniak worked for Majority Truckers, "an all-female company that delivered gay male pornography to newsstands using old U.S. Postal Service trucks painted bright pink. (New York in the 1970s was something to behold.)," the Times wrote. Lesniak usually drove the truck. Author Sarah Schulman recalled that she "was the jumper. So we would stop at all these newsstands, and I would jump out with the deliveries. We'd go up Broadway and then come back down. Rose was extremely efficient.''

In the early 1980s, Lesniak helped start Out There Productions, an organization that funded and staged performance art, and the Manhattan Poetry Video Project, which produced short films in which poets recited their work.

''Rose was just full of life, love and the pursuit of poetry,'' Holman said. ''She was full of ambition for poetry and poets.''

In 1988, she left New York for Miami. ''I just wanted to get out and do something different,'' she said. ''I said, 'You know, I'm going to Florida, I'm going to do investigative work, that's what I want to do.' '' She worked as an investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families, at an office in the special victims unit of the Miami Beach Police Department. In 2003, she reinvented herself once again by taking classes in positive-reinforcement, or ''force-free,'' dog training.

Lesniak told her friends that she had put poetry aside once she moved to Miami, but she did keep writing. In 2023, she published What the Dogs Tell Me, a collection of poems about her dogs, Martha and Joey.

From her poem "Little Dog":

And I am so proud, little dog,

To take your paw ...

We look out at the

Beautiful world...

And bark like hell.
"The decline of reading is a greater challenge to our industry than AI could ever be," said Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan, at the London Book Fair Wednesday morning.



Prior took the stage to discuss the reading crisis, which she characterized as an existential threat to the publishing industry, one far greater than generative AI. She noted that in the U.K., only 1 in 3 children enjoy reading in their free time, and half of all adults have stopped reading. Daily reading to children ages 0-5 has dropped 25% since 2019, and even Oxford students, who once read three books per week, are now struggling "to finish one book in three weeks." Prior quoted journalist James Marriott, who said the country is "witnessing the birth of the first post-literate generation."

She emphasized that this not about a lack of intellect. Rather, it is a sign of a "neurological shift" caused by children being raised on short-form algorithms "designed to dismantle the capacity for sustained attention." A generation has been "rewired for the scroll over the page," and with that loss of literacy and inability to pay attention, Prior asserted, "critical thinking is the first casualty." It becomes especially dire given the "global surge of book bans" and other efforts to "narrow the mind."

Joanna Prior

"And the uncomfortable truth is that while we obsess over the machine's ability to write, we're ignoring the audience's fading ability to read," Prior said. "We've spent too much time fearing the artificial author, but we've overlooked the disappearing reader."



Prior stressed that although too much emphasis has been placed on whether "a machine might one day write a Booker Prize winner," the industry's commitment to "protecting our authors and illustrators is non-negotiable." She applauded the lobbying efforts of the Publishers Association, but pointed out that "protecting our IP won't matter if we lose the readers we're protecting it for."



Publishers can no longer expect today's readers to "meet us on our terms," she said. Publishers must make the book "as accessible, as urgent, and as socially relevant as the notification."



Prior highlighted a few recent releases, such as Gisele Pelicot's A Hymn to Life and Sarah Wynn-Williams's Careless People, as evidence that books still have the power to be the "ultimate driver of conversation." And the boom in the romantasy genre shows that books can still capture the popular imagination as well as any "high-budget streaming series."



Much more work needs to be done on the accessibility front. Publishers can leverage technology, including AI, to lower barriers to entry for readers and, Prior said, the industry should press the government to treat books as "essential infrastructure." And like essential infrastructure, books have to reach everyone, across every age group and socioeconomic category.



"Imagine if we were in the business of supplying clean water, but our pipes only reached the most affluent postcodes in London," Prior said. "We wouldn't call that a successful utility. We'd call it a public health crisis."



There have been some positive signs, Prior noted, such as the U.K. government committing last fall to putting a library in every primary school. That, however, is not an end goal but a "non-negotiable first step." The industry needs to hold the government to that promise while also considering what can be done for secondary schools and early childhood.



Touching on the ongoing National Year of Reading, Prior said a single year's effort won't solve a "generation of systemic decline," but it can prove to be a "meaningful and high impact" start for long-term efforts. She encouraged publishers to work to a "10-year horizon" and aim to create a "sustained, inclusive reading culture by 2035."



Prior also advised the industry to publish "with wide arms and without judgment." Children and adults should be encouraged to read wherever their interests take them.



"Our job isn't to curate their tastes to match our own," Prior said. It is to "fuel the engine of their curiosity" with "whatever they happen to choose." --Alex Mutter
Hormuz: Iran insists Strait of Hormuz stays closed.

US Bases: Threatens attacks if bases remain.

Revenge: Vows retaliation, backs regional allies.

In a striking first address as Irans Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a hardline message, emphasizing the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and issuing pointed warnings to the United States. His remarks, read on state television by a news anchor on Thursday, marked a stark escalation in Irans regional posture. Khamenei did not appear on camera, leaving his voice to convey a mixture of defiance and calculated threat.

I recommend that they close those bases as soon as possible, because the claim of establishing security and peace by America was nothing more than a lie, Khamenei declared, referring to US military installations across the Middle East. He stressed that Irans retaliatory measures for the lives lost in ongoing conflicts would continue until full compensation is achieved, hinting at potential attacks on foreign assets or direct strikes if demands are ignored.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting that the legacy of steadfastness and resistance would guide his leadership. What I saw was a mountain of steadfastnessWe will not forget the revenge for the blood of the martyrs, he said, signaling continuity of Irans uncompromising approach in the region. Khamenei also paid homage to his late father,asserting that the legacy of steadfastness and resistance would guide his leadership., he said, signaling continuity ofin the region.

The leaders announcement was coupled with explicit acknowledgment of Tehrans allied armed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, collectively referred to as the Resistance Front. He thanked the Houthis, Hezbollah, and other regional partners, highlighting the interconnected nature of Irans regional influence.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined three conditions to end hostilities with the US and Israel, recognition of Irans legitimate rights, reparations for wartime damages, and ironclad international guarantees against future aggression. Pezeshkian reaffirmed Irans pursuit of peace in the region but insisted that economic and military pressure would persist until these conditions are met.

The conflicts economic reverberations were immediate, with global oil prices surging above $100 a barrel amid continued attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. Analysts suggest that Irans strategy is aimed at creating sustained economic and strategic leverage to counterbalance the military dominance of the US and its allies in the region.

Khameneis remarks signal a pivotal moment for the Middle East, underscoring a potentially prolonged confrontation that could reshape geopolitical and energy dynamics in the months ahead.
SYDNEY, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Two teenagers were killed when the e-bike they were riding collided with a motorcycle south of Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland on Thursday night.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said on Friday that the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle in the suburb of Greenbank, 26 km south of central Brisbane, around 9 p.m. on Thursday, when it collided with an e-bike traveling in the opposite direction.

Two teenagers who were riding the e-bike, a boy and a girl, were both declared deceased at the scene.

The male rider of the motorcycle was transported to the hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The QPS said that it is believed that the e-bike did not have headlights on at the time of the collision.

A Queensland parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety, conducted earlier in March, recommended banning children younger than 16 from riding e-bikes and e-scooters.

The chair of the inquiry, Jim McDonald, told the state parliament when handing down the report on March 4 that 12 people were killed and more than 6,300 were injured in e-mobility-related incidents in Queensland in 2025.

"Changing rider culture is an important step towards reducing dangerous and anti-social conduct, protecting riders and pedestrians alike," he said. 
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Flagship eyes monster gold play as Andean giants spend big Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd March 13, 2026  12:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

In the rarefied air of high-altitude mineral exploration, the old real estate mantra of location, location, location carries the weight of billion-dollar opportunities. For junior explorer Flagship Minerals, its strategic lock-up in Chiles celebrated Maricunga belt is shaping up as a monster district-scale opportunity, with new data revealing massive resource upside in an address that features some seriously big neighbours. High altitude Andean drilling at BHP and Lundins Vicuna monster venture near Flagship Minerals Pantanillo gold project. The company has pieced together a compelling narrative at its Pantanillo gold project by leveraging some dusty historical datasets and cutting-edge satellite technology. And its all happening in the shadow of some of the mining worlds heaviest hitters. The immense geological endowment of the Andean border region is well and truly on global display thanks to mining titans BHP and Lundin Group committing to a colossal US$18 billion (A$27 billion) investment in their nearby Vicuna joint venture.

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The gargantuan capital injection not only confirms the belts prospectivity but also signals a new wave of development and infrastructure that could provide a significant tailwind for astute, well-positioned players such as Flagship. The scale of the Vicuna development is simply breathtaking. The JV vehicle, between BHP and the Lundin Group, will roll out the project in three stages, targeting the giant Filo Del Sol and Josemaria deposits. Over its first decade, Vicuna is projected to produce a staggering 2.5 million tonnes of copper, 5.5 million ounces of gold and 214 million ounces of silver  all commodities currently flying near all-time historic highs. Its long-term production over 25 years is forecast at 395,000 tonnes of copper, 711,000 ounces of gold and 22.2 million ounces of silver annually. These are numbers that define a new Tier-1 mining operation and put a global spotlight squarely on the region. For market watchers, the spectacular re-ratings of nearby Lundin-backed explorers such as Filo Mining and NGEx Minerals  the latter rocketing almost 5000 per cent in just five years  offer a tantalising glimpse of the kind of value junior players can unlock in a richly endowed and proven mineral district.

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Against this backdrop of massive regional investment, Flagships own journey at Pantanillo began with a shrewd, game-changing deal. The company secured a five-year option to acquire the project for a total of just US$12.6 million (A$21 million). Based on the projects existing foreign resource estimate of 1.05 million ounces of gold, this works out to a remarkably low acquisition cost of around US$13 (A$21.50) per ounce. That non-compliant estimate currently sits at some 47.4 million tonnes grading 0.69 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. Crucially, the deposit was identified as a large-scale oxide and mixed-ore body, making it well suited to a simple, low-cost open-pit heap-leach operation  a development model that has been proven highly profitable for similar deposits in the region. However, Flagship wasnt just buying a historical resource; it was buying an opportunity. The company quickly set about proving the 1.05-million-ounce figure was merely a launchpad. Its first breakthrough came from a deep dive into the past. For just under A$3 million, Flagship acquired a massive 32GB of digital data from mining major Anglo American. The company estimates it would have cost more than A$30 million to replicate the dataset, which includes 183 drill holes for over 30,000m of drilling and nearly 19,000 assays.

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The treasure trove review immediately uncovered a string of historical hits, including one hole that returned a massive 142m intercept, running 0.74 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from just 58m, bottoming out gold mineralisation. That hole provided a clear indication that the orebody was significantly larger than previously thought and remained wide open at depth. While the historical drill results gave the company a detailed look beneath the surface, Flagship took to the skies to understand the true scale of the mineralised system. The company commissioned an ASTER remote-sensing study, using satellite imagery to map mineral alteration signatures across its 110-square-kilometre landholding. The results were visually stunning, revealing seven distinct alteration zones that management says are consistent with the footprints of large-scale gold systems. Two of the zones are simply massive, each exceeding 5km in length and 2km in width. In total, the alteration signatures cover more than 40 square kilometres of largely unexplored gold potential.

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Critically, the halo patterns seen at Pantanillo are remarkably similar to those at some of the Maricunga belts most famous deposits, including Norte Abierto, Lobo-Marte and La Coipa, reinforcing the view that Flagship is sitting on a project with genuine, district-scale potential. Pantanillos address in the heart of the Maricunga gold belt places it amongst a veritable herd of elephants. The belt hosts over 65 million ounces of gold, with Flagships neighbours including the Newmont-Barrick joint ventures colossal 27-million-ounce Norte Abierto mine, Kinrosss 10.7-million-ounce Maricunga project and Hochschilds 11-million-ounce Volcan deposit. With a clear view of the prize, Flagship has a straightforward strategy: build enough ounces to support a large-scale, open-pit heap-leach operation capable of producing around 100,000 ounces of gold per year for at least a decade. The company is now moving rapidly on all fronts. The next major catalyst will be the eagerly awaited release of its maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate, slated for the end of the month. The update will incorporate a wealth of historical data and is expected to significantly upgrade the previous 1.05-million-ounce foreign estimate. This will then set the stage for a follow-up drill program designed to test the down-dip extensions of high-grade zones and probe the heart of the massive alteration targets identified from space.

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With gold prices remaining near all-time highs and its neighbourhood buzzing with multi-billion-dollar investments, the company appears to be on the cusp of turning a forgotten Chilean legacy asset into the next major gold Andean play. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Premier1 drills deeper in WA Yalgoo gold hunt Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth March 13, 2026  1:34pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Perth-based Premier1 has wrapped up a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at its Yalgoo gold project in Western Australia, testing a series of high-priority targets as the company looks to expand its foothold in the prospective greenstone belt. The program drilled 16 RC holes for a combined 2776 metres, chasing structural and geochemical sweet spots in the large-scale hydrothermal system across the companys Mt Kersey, Central Block, Carlisle and Crescent South prospects. Reverse circulation drilling underway at Premier1s Yalgoo gold project in WA. A grant from the highly competitive Western Australias Exploration Incentive Scheme helped pay for the program. The primary focus of the drill bit was the Mt Kersey prospect, sitting within spitting distance of Premier1s Wadgingarra maiden inferred resource, which currently stands at 150,000 tonnes grading 2.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold for 13,000 ounces.

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Completing drilling at Mt Kersey is a milestone for the company. Premier1 executive director Simon Phillips Nine RC holes, totalling an impressive 1924m, were plunged into the target to test a 500m-long structural and geochemical trend seemingly associated with a major interpreted inverse fault - often the plumbing systems that carry the gold. Soil geochemistry across the area has highlighted a broad hydrothermal footprint containing a gold anomaly that stretches north-south, with clear pathfinder zoning of deeper molybdenum in the south. This then transitions through bismuth-tellurium and tungsten zones to cooler, shallower arsenic-dominant sections in the north. The anomaly zone has previously delivered some intriguing surface clues, with historical rock chips returning exceptional grades of 26.4g/t and 14.2g/t gold  enough to catch the attention of any self-respecting exploration geologist chasing the next gold shoot. Elsewhere across its tenure, Premier1 drilled three holes at its Central Block prospect, targeting previously untested electromagnetic anomalies and historical surficial gold workings identified during earlier surveys.

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Another three holes tested the companys Carlisle prospect, following up a previous intersection of 10m grading a healthy 3.1g/t gold from 19m, including 7m at a stellar 4.3g/t. The final hole of the program was drilled at Crescent South, targeting the up-dip extension of a particularly eye-catching high-grade intercept from last years drilling. That earlier hit returned 3m at a gobsmacking 31.5g/t gold from 97 metres, featuring one spectacular metre running an eye-watering 91.9g/t gold. Samples from the new drilling blitz have been sent to the lab for assays, with the results eagerly anticipated. Premier1 executive director Simon Phillips said: Getting the rig on the ground and completing drilling at Mt Kersey is a milestone for the company, especially following our recent 100% acquisition of the Yalgoo gold project. Yalgoo sits in the Yalgoo-Singleton greenstone belt, sandwiched between major producers Ramelius Resources to the north and Capricorn Metals to the south. The town was founded in the 1890s following the discovery of alluvial gold, and plenty of reminders of its wild gold rush days remain scattered throughout the area.

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The belt is recognised for hosting high-grade orogenic gold and base metals deposits. It sits along strike from ASX-listed 29Metals long-running Golden Grove operation and newer discoveries such as Capricorn Resources Golden Range gold-antimony project and its ultra-high-grade Deflector mine. Additionally, the area is also recognised historically for emeralds, topaz, bismuth and other gemstones. Premier1s Wadgingarra prospect anchors the Yalgoo holding, hosting a 13,000-ounce near-surface resource where the high-grade gold starts at surface at site and remains open along strike and at depth. Despite limited modern drilling, with historical holes averaging just 46m and focused on oxide zones near old workings, early 2025 reverse circulation work delivered strong results, including bonanza hits at Crescent Carlisle  the two eastern flank prospects. Exploration manager Paul Smith said: The EIS-funded program successfully intersected the key geological units and structures, including metasedimentary units and quartz dolerites. We are encouraged by initial observations from drill chips and logging. With samples now at the laboratory and assays expected within four to six weeks, Premier1s latest drill campaign has effectively opened the next chapter in its Yalgoo exploration story. Results could reveal whether the company is sitting on a broader gold system hidden beneath the Yalgoo greenstones.

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The company, however, is far from a one-trick pony. Its second major project  Abbotts North - lies up the road in perhaps one of WAs most active gold regions, along the Meekathara-Murchison greenstone belt. If the results from the lab mirror recent drilling, Premier1s expanding resources could soon be adding even more shine to the region and, importantly, to the companys balance sheet. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Exclusive BusinessCompaniesFashion retail We broke every rule: How cult boutique Incu shook up Australias fashion scene Jessica Yun March 13, 2026  11:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Pull some items off the rack at boutique fashion chain Incu and you might find a black tee for $390, or a white tank top for $270. A nude-coloured sheer dress will set you back $1135. A pair of brown sweatpants? $695. Its the details that make the difference. The black tee has a gathered bust and a bow, and the white tank, from Jean-Paul Gaultier, has buckles like overalls. Irish designer Simone Rocha is behind the sheer dress, while the sweatpants are from Eckhaus Latta, a label from New York that ignores traditional gender lines. Across decades, boutique fashion retailer Incu has steadily grown its footprint inside The Galeries shopping centre in Sydney. Ben Symons The best compliment we had was a guy who said, I love the store so much I dont tell my friends where I buy my Tshirts  I dont want them wearing the same ones, says Vincent Wu, who co-founded Incu alongside his brother, Brian, in Sydney in 2002. Where a snappy dresser may have once visited David Jones to splash on an evening dress, today they may be more likely to visit a curated boutique like Incus 13 stores across Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. There, most of the pieces are essentially streetwear, sourced from contemporary designer labels from around the world.

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But the fight to hold the modern consumers attention, splintered and diverted dozens of times a day across multiple devices, has never been more intense. International and domestic brands have proliferated, online shopping is surging, and traditional retailers from Noni B in Australia to Saks Fifth Avenue in the US have gone broke. Retail operator Accent Group announced last month it was winding down youthwear chain Glue. General Pants retail footprint has been steadily shrinking. Then there are the artificial intelligence-driven algorithms of ultra-cheap fast fashion giants Shein and Temu that have gained market share at a blinding rate, driving a race to the bottom in some parts of fashion retail. Yet customers such as Ayu (who declined to share her surname) are still coming to Incu. The 26-year-old chef had just bought a $1300 handbag from Incus store at The Galeries in central Sydney that her father had found during a previous shopping trip in Melbourne. Ayu, 26, and Nat, 30, shopping at Incu, The Galeries, Sydney. Ben Symons / SMH I dont know what the brand is, but I thought its cute for my mum, so I grabbed it today, says Ayu. I came here and I saw it  Im so happy.

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A regular Incu shopper, Ayu enjoys browsing the latest drops from cult international brands A.P.C., Maison Kitsune and Maison Margiela among others. Related Article Fashion retail Myer returns to the runway with a British fashion icon Her best friend, Nat, who was visiting an Incu store for the first time, says she has also become a fan. I feel like you should know your style when you go there, Nat suggests. But it also opens up your horizon as well. Old-style department stores, she says, are for the masses. David Jones and Myer have a certain collection that you can find everywhere else. Myer declined to comment. David Jones did not respond to a request for comment. Despite being able to shop anywhere, any time, customers are returning to Incu for something fashion retailers are desperately trying to cultivate: a sense of cool.

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Theyve got so much cultural credibility, says Melbourne fashion consultant Elizabeth Formosa, who says there arent many multi-brand retailers owning the space between premium and luxury. Boutiques like Incu succeed because theyve got a stronger sense of identity  Theyre very selective about their brand mix and their aesthetic. When shoppers can feel overwhelmed with so much choice at their fingertips, being a trusted curator is incredibly powerful, Formosa adds. Customers really trust their point of view and often look to them to discover new brands and trends. Its not something that can be found in the data. In fashion, if you stand still, you let everyone pass you. The spreadsheet tells you the past. Your gut tells you where you should go next, Vincent says. We dont want to be one of those stores that once was cool and then, like, the owner got a bit older and then lost the relevance.

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Brick by brick Born in Hong Kong, Brian and Vincent Wu grew up with a shopaholic mum and inherited an appreciation for the theatre of retail. Australias fashion landscape was, in the early 2000s, still mostly insular: shopping centres were dominated by a handful of brands such as Jay Jays, Just Jeans and Cotton On. Most were local; international brands such as Zara and H&M had yet to land Down Under. The department store reigned supreme. The dot-com boom had just bust, driving retailers more adamantly back towards bricks and mortar. Back then, I thought there was no one doing interesting things, Brian says. And so we just, I think, broke every rule. From left: Incu co-founder Brian Wu, chief executive Doug Low, and co-founder Vincent Wu at the Incu office in Rosebery, Sydney. Oscar Colman

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Brian, who was drawing up business plans in his management consulting job, created one for Incu  short for incubator  which is what the twins envisioned the little retail outlet in The Galeries would be for up-and-coming local and global fashion brands. To find clothes to fill the store, Brian and Vincent flew to Los Angeles, where they rode the elevator to the top floor of designer showrooms and knocked on every door. When youre that young, youre naive enough to do it. You just have that confidence, Vincent says. I think they let us in because were from Australia. Oh, youve travelled this far. Well let you in, have a look. We would never do it this way now. We picked up a few brands that way. We were very nervous for a long time, but the reception has been so good. Incu co-founder Brian Wu It took years for the Wu twins to nail their niche. Become too mainstream and Incu would its edge; become too edgy and the chain would end up inaccessible.

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We never wanted to be mass market or fast fashion, and we never wanted to be luxury and stuffy. We always wanted to sit in between, Vincent says. Nailing Incus core demographic is less about customer profiles or age than mindset. It can be a 17yearold or a 70yearold, Brian adds. They love interesting design and quality, and theyre looking for something different. Its hard not to suspect, though, that their shoppers skew towards the younger  but not so young that they cannot afford a $1485 plain grey jacket from Stone Island  end of that range. You shouldnt just chase big sales Fashion is, by nature, transient: silhouettes, products and brands perpetually fall in and out of style. The cost of overheads such as rent and wages are only increasing.

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Incus womenswear store in The Galeries, Sydney. Ben Symons Incus revenue for the 2024 financial year came in at $58.9 million, an increase of 2.9 per cent, its latest report filed to the corporate regulator shows. It posted a loss of $2 million, most of which was attributed to compliance with accounting standards that factor in leasing interest expenses. Excluding this, losses were closer to $400,000, figures provided by the company show. A year earlier, underlying operating profits for financial year 2023 were $1.6 million. The company has returned to profitability in fiscal 2025, Brian says. Because our market is so concentrated, its more about optimising it, making it as efficient as possible because your overheads are all going to exist anyway, he says. You shouldnt necessarily just chase big sales. Its more about, how do you make it so efficient that you run it really profitably?

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To this end, Incu has evolved from being a multi-brand retailer to a vertically integrated company: it operates two standalone stores apiece for minimalist Parisian label A.P.C. and Copenhagen-based label Ganni. A key focus for the Wu brothers is growing its in-house label, Incu Collection, launched in 2018, which the duo were initially a little apprehensive about. Our customers want to see brands that we discover or pick up from overseas, but do they want our take of it? We were very nervous for a long time, but the reception has been so good, Brian says. Related Article Gender pay gap The female-focused companies with the biggest gender pay gaps  and where the gap is reversed The retailer-designed collection of elevated basics comprises 12 per cent of clothes in store and is part of a broader trend among retailers to own a bigger slice of what they sell: designing and selling products in-house means greater control, higher margins, and the ability to adapt more quickly to trends. Then there is Incu 1976, a line of menswear made from Japanese fabrics designed by Brian and Vincent themselves, for themselves, named after their year of birth.

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There is a risk in these brands, however: high-end fashion labels dont want their clothes in stores that are going to overwhelmingly favour house brands and shunt their wares to discount racks or pokey corners. The twins are adamant that their in-house brands will never take over the store. Incu is an umbrella, Vincent says. Our job is to make sure that people fall in love with Incu, and then whatever we stock underneath it is a revolving door of interesting brands. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Lets imagine for a moment this is a book by bestselling American author James Patterson, the creator of the Alex Cross series and many others. It might start by establishing a sense of place  in this case, a chaotic apartment in a big city. The weather  dark clouds, driving rain  would be used as an anthropomorphic device to convey foreboding. Most sentences would be short. Like this. And the first chapter would end with a one-two punch designed to leave readers intrigued, unsettled and desperate for more. For example: I knew that email had changed my life. And not for the better. Pattersons distinctive style  his lean, plot-driven prose and short cliffhanger-packed chapters  is weaponised to propel readers to the final page. But recognising a formula does not make the result easy to replicate. If it were, every wannabe scribe would be living on an estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and earning up to $US90 million a year. Stephen King may have called him a terrible writer and dismissed his more than 200 books as carbon copies, but try telling that to fans of Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Womens Murder Club, et al. Patterson, 78, has sold more than 425 million books and topped The New York Times Best Seller List a record 67 times. If he were a browser, hed be Google. New co-authors: Novelist James Patterson and actress Viola Davis. How does he churn out so many books? Its no secret: he has help. Patterson works with a team of co-authors who are given a detailed outline (they run to 50-80 pages apparently) describing every plot twist and character arc. His stable of writers create a draft which Patterson hammers into his trademark style. In the book world, where an authors singular vision is an article of faith, this assembly-line approach has ruffled a few feathers. The working-class kid from Newburgh, New York, who graduated top of his class at Manhattan University before becoming a hotshot advertising executive, is unrepentant. He considers himself a storyteller rather than a literary figure and believes the collaborative approach enhances the creative process. He has compared himself to a TV showrunner, the guy with the artistic vision who presides over the creative team delivering it. As well as his stable of lesser-known writers, hes developed a lucrative sideline collaborating with famous people. He has worked with Bill Clinton on three books and written a Nashville-based thriller called Run Rose Run with country music star Dolly Parton. Now he has a new partner in crime (fiction)  the Oscar, Emmy and Tony award-winning American actor Viola Davis. You might remember her relegating Meryl Streep to scenery during the incendiary eight minutes they had on screen together in the 2008 movie Doubt. Other standout performances include the intimidating lawyer Annalise Keating in TVs How to Get Away with Murder and the long-suffering wife of a wayward husband (played by Denzel Washington) in 2016s Fences. The latter won her the Oscar for best supporting actor. Davis is that rare thing  an EGOT, having added a Grammy to her trophy case for the audio book of her 2022 memoir Finding Me. James Patterson (left) and Bill Clinton. Mary Altaffer

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Together, theyve written Judge Stone, a legal thriller set in the small Alabama town of Union Springs. The titular hero, a redoubtable circuit court judge called Mary Stone, is called on to adjudicate the case of a female doctor accused of performing an abortion on a 13-year-old black girl, Nova Jones. The teenager says she was sexually assaulted at a party, but in Alabama, abortion is prohibited even in cases of rape or incest. As well as pitching pro-choice and pro-life advocates into open conflict, the prospect of a black female judge presiding over the incendiary trial unleashes dark currents of racism and misogyny. On a call from Los Angeles, Patterson and Davis sound like old friends despite the fact much of their collaboration took place via Zoom and emails. He dismisses my suggestion that a book about abortion, four years after the overturning of Roe vs Wade ended 50 years of federal protection, is a bold choice for a mainstream American writer. I dont think it is, he says briskly. This shouldnt be political. It should be something people are willing to talk about. Patterson points out that opinion polls suggest 85 per cent of Americans believe abortion should be available in cases of rape and he rails against ridiculous rules written by legislators in states such as Alabama that outlaw such exemptions. Dolly Parton and James Patterson in conversation in 2022. WireImage If anything, he says, the bi-partisan enmity of contemporary America, gives Judge Stone additional weight. One of the things were struggling with in this country right now is justice, he says. Judge Stone is a just human being. She never takes sides in this case and you dont necessarily know where she will come out on some of the issues. She simply tries to be equitable. Editor's pick Literature Sixty books to look out for in the first half of 2026 He adds, Theres nothing better for me than if at the end of the whole thing people are talking about the book and discussing it. Thats what we need more of  discussion. Lets keep our minds open and keep talking. Davis says the abortion issue may frame the narrative, but the books themes are much wider. Its about community, love, connection and justice. Its about family. Ultimately, for Nova, its about protection and safety. I feel there are a lot of subjects that the controversial issue of abortion sparks in this town. If you ride the wave of this great story, thats what youll come away with.

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It was Finding Me, a harrowing, soul-bearing book recalling Davis childhood in rat-infested public housing in Rhode Island, that convinced Patterson he should try to write with her. Of course, Id seen her in a lot of films and TV, but reading Finding Me made me realise she was a really good storyteller, a very honest storyteller. That was really attractive to me, particularly with this [Judge Stone] project. For her part, Davis, 60, says she was astonished when the literary juggernaut got in touch. My agent called me out of the blue and asked me if I wanted to collaborate on a book with James Patterson. It just blew my mind. But when I heard the premise I thought I could do this. I could collaborate with James Patterson and write this really special novel. Theyre both a little coy when it comes to details of who did what. He says he had a general sense of Judge Stone; that she was a brilliant woman who ran a small family farm as well as her courtroom. Initially, he considered calling her Rosetta Stone but thought better of it. Viola Davis became an EGOT after completing the set with her Grammy win in 2023. AP What he will say is that writing with one of Americas best actors has real advantages, particularly when it comes to putting words in characters mouths. One of the hugely important things that Viola brings to this project  including re-writing a lot of my dialogue  is that shes used to getting scripts written by other people and going I dont know if this is going to play, he explains. In this case, that was never a problem; we knew the dialogue would work because Viola knew it was something she could say as an actor, something that would drive the narrative. Thats important and really useful. Davis, who had not written fiction previously, says fleshing out the books characters was a key part of her role. James compared the story to To Kill a Mockingbird, she explains. And what makes that story iconic isnt just the character of Tom Robinson [the black man accused of beating and raping a white girl]  its Atticus Finch, its Scout and its Jem. Its all the characters that become so memorable we feel were part of that town. One of the ways she added flesh to the bones of her characters was by looking inwards. Davis, despite her enormous success, suffers from imposter syndrome. She has said, I still feel like Im going to wake up and everybodys going to see me for the hack I am. She imbued Judge Stone with similar feelings, adding layers of vulnerability and self-doubt to the judges formidable public facade. We all wear a mask, says Davis. Judge Stone and Nova were very much a part of me.

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Could she imagine playing Mary Stone in the inevitable film or TV adaptation? Oh, absolutely. You know what, a great character is simply an interesting human being. Someone full of duality and paradox. She holds your hand throughout the book and I think shes a formidable hero. Judge Stone isnt Pattersons first African-American protagonist. His best-known creation, the Washington DC detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross, is also black. Its part of Patterson lore that when Hollywood came calling and offered him a seven-figure payday if he allowed Cross to be portrayed as a white man, he turned them down. Judge Stone is a legal thriller set in the small Alabama town of Union Springs. Even so, not everyone approves of white authors writing black characters. Critics have called it misrepresentation or even literary blackface. Patterson defends himself by describing Cross as a character who just happens to be black. He attracted considerably more criticism when he told a British newspaper, in 2022, that white male writers face another form of racism. The firestorm ignited by that comment led to him retracting it and apologising. Editor's pick Literature The logic of the mob: Why Zadie Smith withdrew from Adelaide Writers Week Despite his previous statements, I feel obliged to ask him if one of the reasons he collaborated with Davis was the optics of a white author writing a character who is not only black but female too. I dont really think that way, he says with a modicum of frustration. I grew up in a town that was about 50-50 black and white and I just dont think about it. A woman that helped bring me up was a black woman. Maybe Im being naive, but it just doesnt enter my mind. In any case, it seems likely this wont be the last collaboration between Patterson and Davis. She clearly loved the writing process, describing it as a joy. My brain is always churning with ideas; its an infinite playground of ideas based on myself and people Ive met. Whenever anyone invites me in, which James did, and makes me feel welcome, its like it releases the Kraken of imagination.

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CultureMoviesThe Verdict Ethan Hawke will lose at the Oscars. But he will always win our hearts In this column, we deliver hot (and cold) takes on pop culture, judging whether a subject is overrated or underrated. Robert Moran March 14, 2026  5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

At Mondays Oscars, when Adrien Brody steps on stage to announce the winner for best actor, its anyones guess what will happen. I dont mean that Adrien Brody might read out the winners name in a Jamaican patois (sure, hopefully); I mean we have no idea who the winner will even be. If you follow Oscars coverage as lamely as I do, youve probably read multiple variations on the phrase widest best actor race ever. Theres usually a clear frontrunner by now, but this year the nominees  including Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent), Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) and Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)  have split the awards season honours, which means any of them could triumph at the Oscars. Except Ethan Hawke. Ethan Hawke has zero chance (or, officially, 33/1 outside odds, according to online bookies). Any of the best actor nominees has a chance of winning on Monday, except Ethan Hawke. This is fine. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Hawke, 55, landed his fifth Oscar nomination (and his first as a lead actor) for his portrayal of lyricist Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon. Its a fantastic performance, all pompous affectations masking a tortured loneliness. Hawkes in every scene of the movie, sporting a horrible comb over, rambling a mile-a-minute, and lusting awkwardly after Margaret Qualley. He makes bare-faced desperation look romantic, right until he dies alone in a dirty gutter.

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He probably should win an Oscar for it. But Ethan Hawke doesnt win Oscars, just like he didnt win for best supporting actor for Training Day or Boyhood, a movie he spent 12 years of his life shooting. Related Article Updated

Oscars Timothee Chalamet loses best actor Oscar to Sinners Michael B. Jordan This is fine. This is how it should be. Ethan Hawke transcends Hollywood awards. Hes an actors actor, in it for the craft rather than the glory. He has crooked teeth! On Reddit, illiterates call him pretentious. But as someone who dreams of a world of Jeremy Strongs, I #StandWithEthan. Hawke, with his bolo tie and his daughter Indiana, at the Oscar nominees luncheon last month. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Ever since he started, Hawkes always been an actor with a foot both inside and outside Hollywood. Hes the kind of star who walks a red carpet wearing a snap-button Western shirt and a bolo tie, like he just wandered over from a Drive-By Truckers gig. I appreciate this; it indicates personal taste and a rich inner life.

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Hawkes movie star trajectory has been kind of hilarious, in a Gods practical joke sort of way. When he was 14 he landed his first lead role in Joe Dantes The Explorers, opposite River Phoenix. The movie bombed and he went back to high school, only to watch his co-star become a generational icon. Years later  after acclaimed roles in Dead Poets Society and Reality Bites  he auditioned for the lead in Titanic, and then watched as the same thing happened to Leonardo DiCaprio. In hindsight, he tells the story with relief  I dont think I would have handled that success as well as Leo, he told GQ  but youd imagine he considered himself cursed at the time. It couldve been demoralising  being so close to superstardom, yet always so far  but Hawke and his cheekbones went the indie route. He famously turned down a role in Independence Day, so he could make Before Sunrise with Richard Linklater. Hawke, with Julie Delpy, in Before Sunrise, the high point of cinema. Alamy Before Sunrise is better than an Oscar. It is a perfect movie. They should show it to teenagers in high school, so they can dream about the possibilities beyond their boring routine or their exam results in Mathematics Extension 1. One day you can travel overseas, read a book on a train, and play pinball with a fun girl in a dive bar in Vienna while talking about the dumbest things.

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The Before Sunrise trilogy  Before Sunset is also great, but dont watch Before Midnight unless you dream about child custody arbitration  and his extended collaboration with Linklater has made Hawke the most anti-star of Hollywood stars. The times in my life Ive tried to sell out have failed miserably, he once told The Guardian, citing Taking Lives, the thriller he made with Angelina Jolie, as his most shameful screen decision. He has routinely interrupted his career to write novels. Hawke loves literature; he was reading Dostoevsky at 14 (as Ive read in more than one profile). He published his first book The Hottest State, in 1996. Reviewing it on Goodreads, Rose Byrne said, its kind of like a Ryan Adams song but not as good, which is a perfect review, even if Hawke wont let her forget it. Hawke has a sense of humour about peoples reactions to his books  I remember my favourite review, in some underground paper, he once told The New Yorker, it said Ethan Hawke achieves the impossible. I thought, Oh, I want to read this review. And it said, He sucks his own cock.  but, like a true writer, he keeps writing them. (I recently read his last one, A Bright Ray of Darkness, about an actor spiralling following a public divorce. By page 23, youll feel hes personally challenging you to despise him.) Hawke, and Margaret Qualley, in Blue Moon. The role earned Hawke his fifth Oscar nomination. Sony No ones perfect, a universal truth I realise every time Im reminded that Hawke allegedly cheated on Uma Thurman with the familys nanny. Look, we dont know what goes on in the private lives of famous couples  and Hawke has always denied adultery was involved  but hes been married to the nanny ever since and theyve made two kids. At least he didnt waste his (alleged) adultery?

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In the immediate aftermath of his divorce from Uma, Hawke moved into Manhattans famed Hotel Chelsea  former home of Dylan Thomas, Bob Dylan, Sid Vicious and Patti Smith  where he lived for two years. Its cliched, but romantic. Even Hawkes midlife crisis was a work of art. Its really the only scandal hes been involved with. Ethan Hawke is the kind of celebrity whose defining public anecdote is that he once crafted a mixtape for his child collecting all the best post-Beatles solo tracks into something called The Black Album (it was later woven into a scene in Boyhood and, more recently, was the subject of a viral Subway Takes). This is probably why Ethan Hawke  sure, and Uma  is responsible for the worlds best nepo baby, Maya Hawke. Not to make this creepier than it already is, but Ive seen Hawke in dad mode. About 20 years ago, while touristing on New Yorks High Line, my partner and I randomly spotted Hawke with a kid on his shoulders and another on his arm. We secretly trailed him for about four blocks until we felt gross and peeled off. He was just a normal dad, enjoying a day with his kids on the crisp autumn streets of Chelsea. I once told Maya Hawke this whole story. Hey, I think I accidentally stalked you and your dad one time when you were about eight. She laughed politely, and we moved on. Regardless, Ethan is still responsible for my favourite piece of celebrity parenting: that time he forced his son to swap seats with him so he could flirt with Rihanna courtside at a Knicks game.

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Recently, Hawkes taken on a fun new persona as a sort of erudite elder statesman of the arts, an excitable real-talk intellectual. Listen to him on a podcast, hes so charming and interesting. I recently sat through two-and-a-half hours of Joe Rogan ranting about the time a TV critic insulted Fear Factor just because Hawke was on the show discussing how fragile he still feels his career is. Oftentimes, hell just say crazy stuff. The person whos had the most impact on acting since Marlon Brando, the only person whos really changed acting, is Julia Roberts, hell say, and youll sit through a one-hour conversation just to understand his considered logic. Related Article The Verdict Stop counting your books and start actually reading them, you heathens Last year, he did Varietys Actors on Actors with Sydney Sweeney, just as Sweeney was getting pulverised online for failing to disavow her eugenics jeans ad. Hawke could sense Sweeneys trepidation, and he was so sweet to her, offering career advice like a cool dad and filling the conversations awkward silences to give Sweeney a breather from tabloid scrutiny.

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There was a beautiful moment at last months BAFTAs, when British actor Robert Aramayo shocked everyone to beat out DiCaprio, Chalamet and Jordan to win the award for best leading actor for his role in the Tourettes drama, I Swear. Aramayo used his acceptance speech to recall the time when, while studying at Juilliard, Hawke paid a visit to his class and gave students a talk on longevity as an actor, on protecting their instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviours. It had a great impact on everyone in that room, so to be in this category with you tonight is incredible, said Aramayo. The camera cut to Hawke, seated in the audience, his eyes damp, his jaw gnashing uncomfortably. He turned to the person next to him and mouthed, Thats better than winning. This is why Ethan Hawke doesnt need an Oscar. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. To read more from Spectrum, visit our page here.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsHome accessories Jasons vintage sofa can cost up to $7000. He found it in a pile of rubbish Courtney Thompson March 14, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

As a child, Jason Mumford, now 30, would spend weekends with his mother trawling through junk piles and op shops for treasures to decorate their home. Growing up not so wealthy, we definitely could never afford expensive furniture, so my mum was very good at being resourceful, Mumford says. I remember people coming around, probably judging its tired facade, and then theyd walk in and be shocked because the interiors were full of personality, and very curated with some really lovely, unique pieces. For Mumford, a designer who lives in Randwick, his upbringing spurred a lifelong obsession with interiors and, specifically, pieces that sit at the intersection of striking design and accessibility; items others might discard without realising their potential value. Jason Mumford at this vintage furniture store, Two Hands Collect, at Mitchell Road Antiques, with a number of his vintage IKEA finds, such as the Storvik Rattan armchair by Carl Ojerstam. Jessica Hromas Which is how he found himself preoccupied with vintage IKEA furniture. It all started with the Niklas shelves, modular shelves I just became really obsessed with. Theyre from the 80s, but they were made up until the late 90s, says Mumford.

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Mumford found the original IKEA catalogues from his and his partners birth years, as well as one from 2000. Jessica Hromas They were in the background in Seinfeld episodes and theres an episode of Friends where theyre literally building the shelves. So they were a bit familiar, and theyre also super practical for apartment living because theyre very adaptable. Theyre a bit of a lifetime piece. The typical Niklas shelving system will have three ladders you then hang shelves on. Mumford estimates since he started collecting vintage IKEA six years ago, hes amassed as many as 30 ladders. I probably have the largest collection in Sydney. Mumford has since accumulated a number of vintage IKEA finds, even catalogues from his and his partners birth years. Hes not the only collector whos realised the worth of vintage IKEA. Today, its not uncommon to see the Niklas shelves listed for upwards of $2000 (though if youre lucky, you can find them for free through unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace).

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For the past two decades, mid-century modern furniture has enjoyed a revival, and among valuable pieces designed by Europes most recognised designers, vintage IKEA has become highly sought after. Related Article Sunday Life Home feeling boring? These bold touches will bring it to life For a long time, IKEA was synonymous with poor quality, and when the history of Scandinavian design was discussed, IKEAs products were simply left out, explains Andreas Siesing, a Swedish design historian and IKEA expert. When the enthusiasm for retro and vintage furniture from the 1950s and 60s grew rapidly in the early 2000s, IKEAs models followed suit. IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, with an ethos of democratising design. In 1948, he launched a furniture range, wanting to make functional, stylish pieces available for everyone. In the first half-century of IKEAs existence, the quality and design were impressive. There was likely greater scope to make purchasing decisions based on pure instinct  Ingvar Kamprads own  so the range is more eclectic and, for better and worse, less considered, Siesing says. As the company grew, except for one-off collaborations with certain designers, the style became simpler and quality waned as pieces were made for the mass market.

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Collectors have realised those early items are worth the hunt. In 2021, a world record was set when the Cavelli armchair from the late 1950s was sold at the Stadsauktion Sundsvall auction for 151,000 SEK ($23,000), making it the most expensive piece of IKEA furniture ever. Its one of the rarest collectors items because they were made in very limited numbers, but also due to the chair being constructed with teak (the most popular wood in Scandinavia at the time) and its Italian-style design. Matthew Sullivan with some of his vintage IKEA pieces, including the Anne Nilsson-designed glassware, IKEA PS 2014 On the Move side table designed by T. Richardson, C. Brill & A. Williams, Ola Wihlborg Postmodern PS Series Bowl (yellow) and easychair Vago, designed by Thomas Sandell. Wolter Peeters Matthew Sullivan, 53, has been collecting furniture for more than 25 years and runs his own business through Silverfox Vintage in the Blue Mountains. A few years ago I saw something on Facebook Marketplace and I thought, Shit, thats really interesting. I looked at it and I realised it was IKEA, says Sullivan, who buys and sells mostly 80s, 90s and early 2000s IKEA. Sullivan notes that many people who come to him looking for vintage IKEA are younger generations wanting the pieces they had in their bedrooms as kids, such as the IKEA Skojig Cloud Lamp from the 90s. They see and recognise those items from their childhood, so there are all sorts of different eras and layers to it.

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Northcote health worker Con Skordilis, 55, has been collecting vintage IKEA furniture for the past decade and similarly noticed an uptick in interest. Its becoming a bit more mainstream now, says Skordilis, who prefers post-modern pieces of vintage IKEA. People are realising how important it is and prices have gone up. Its more difficult to find these days, whereas in the past people just used to throw things out. Con Skordilis collected of vintage IKEA includes the PS Nybygge 2012 shelves in his kitchen, the 1970 Mila chair, and the 2002 Jonisk lamp (rear). Justin McManus One of Mumfords greatest finds  the Moment sofa designed by Niels Gammelgaard, which can now fetch up to $7000  was almost garbage. I found it on a street bounty group, he says. They werent even taking a photo of the lounge, they were just taking a photo of the rubbish pile, and I drove an hour and a half to go and get this thing out of the junk. Its super sleek and sexy by this amazing designer, and its quite rare. It wasnt sold for a very long period in Australia, so theres not a whole lot of them floating around.

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Every collector has their own white whale of vintage IKEA. Sullivans is the 1993 Vilbert chair by Verner Panton. Skordilis and Mumford both love the 1970s Impala sofa by Gillis Lundgren. Siesing says the 70s-era pieces are particularly noteworthy because IKEA was small enough to leave plenty of room for experimentation; the furniture on offer was inventive and remarkably varied. For budding collectors, the advice is to hold on to items you have, and keep an eye out for designs that could be worth something in years to come. Prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Interest is growing at what feels like an explosive rate, says Siesing. Fascinatingly, there is still much left to discover. Many vintage models have yet to appear at auction. Vintage IKEA has a bright future ahead of it. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
ALGIERS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Algerian forces killed four "terrorists" during a military operation in the northeastern province of Tebessa, near the Tunisian border, the Algerian Defense Ministry said Friday.

The ministry said the operation was conducted as part of counterterrorism efforts, based on intelligence from its security services.

Four Kalashnikov-type submachine guns, ammunition, and other equipment were recovered during the operation, it said.

The operation followed a March 1 counterterrorism action in Ain Defla, about 150 km southwest of Algiers, where two "terrorists" were killed and weapons were seized.

The Algerian army regularly conducts sweep operations in the mountains and forests of the northern region to track down remnants of armed groups that pose a major security threat. 
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NationalCourts Australian expat was Chinese spy asset, jury finds Miklos Bolza Updated March 13, 2026  3:33pm ,first published 3:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

An Australian businessman recklessly compiled reports for individuals whom he should have suspected were Chinese spies, a jury has found. Alexander Csergo, 59, was running a business in Shanghai when he was approached on LinkedIn in November 2021 by a woman claiming to be from a Chinese think tank. Alexander Csergo arrives at Sydneys Downing Centre District Court earlier this week. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars. Sitthixay Ditthavong His decision to then prepare fake, plagiarised reports for two individuals only known as Ken and Evelyn was enough for a NSW District Court jury on Friday to find him guilty of one count of reckless foreign interference. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.

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But the IT consultant will get at least one more weekend of relative freedom after prosecutors relented on a request to immediately detain him. The 59-year-old should have suspected Ken and Evelyn were working for Chinas Ministry of State Security, the jury found. The former Waverley College athletics captain and holder of a bachelors degree in science began working in China in 2002 after time at Telstra and Hyatt International. He went on to work with a large American ad agency, led a data analytics infrastructure build for Shanghai Volkswagen and later helped develop systems for China Telecom and French advertiser JCDecaux. After being approached in November 2021, Csergo used open-source information to compile reports on a variety of topics including mining, politics, defence and security.

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He falsely claimed he had interviewed a number of individuals, including former prime minister Kevin Rudd. Alexander Csergo, 59, was arrested by the AFP at his Bondi home in Sydneys east. The reports were handed to Ken or Evelyn in person  sometimes at restaurants and cafes devoid of other people  in exchange for envelopes containing the equivalent of thousands of dollars in cash. Despite this information being worthless, the jury found Csergo guilty after being told by crown prosecutors the relationship with him and his contacts was valuable. Ken also handed the 59-year-old a shopping list of sensitive topics to research when he returned to Australia in early 2023.

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This document was found by domestic spies and police when they raided his Bondi home in eastern Sydney in March that year. Csergo was the second person charged by the federal polices Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce since new laws came into effect in 2018. In her closing submissions to the jury, crown prosecutor Jennifer Single said trust increased between Csergo and his two handlers, shown by cash payments rising from the equivalent of about $1000 to more than $6000. After the guilty verdict, Single applied to detain Csergo again. But it was resisted by the businessmans barrister.

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Because of the complexities of the matter and the timing, Judge Craig Smith continued Csergos bail until a full hearing could be held on Monday morning. The Crown consented on the condition Csergo report to police twice a day over the weekend. Csergo declined to comment to reporters as he left court on Friday afternoon. AAP Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

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NationalGender equality Opinion Matt Canavan wants more Australian babies. But Australian women might just say no Virginia Haussegger Canberra writer and an academic advocate for gender equity. March 13, 2026  3:52pm

March 13, 2026  3:52pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Have you noticed when men call on women to make more babies, they gird themselves with male myths? Women whove lived in that highly masculinised, mythologised past that younger men want to bring back would laugh in their face, given half a chance. And if there is one thing anti-abortion, pro-breeders hate more than childless women, its women who laugh at them. When new Nationals leader Matt Canavan spruiked his vision to manifest a hyper Australia this week, insisting we need to make Australia the country it was in the past, the forefathers over his shoulder were all smiles. Canavans chosen backdrop was a photo gallery of National Party grandees. All 15 of them: white, male and neatly pressed in suit and tie. Each captured in an olde-worlde hue because although Australia got colour TV in 1975, the Nats prefer black and white. Australian-made babies: just what Matt Canavan ordered. Joe Armao For those afraid of the future, binaries are comforting. Canavan called on women to effectively get on their backs  we need more Australian babies  code for not immigrant babies, but Aussie ones. This is not about the past. Or truth. This is about Canavans far-right version of the past. A place designed and led by men.

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Its about patriarchy. And power. Who has it, who keeps it and whose place in the world is being reassigned. Which right now is women: the would-be, should-be breeders. The gender currently letting the country down, as our fertility rate drops to a record low of 1.42 children per woman. Related Article 'I am not in breach': Matt Canavan says he will take fight over section 44 to High Court Its hard to know exactly which generation of the past Canavan is referring to. Is it his past? Unlikely, as he was a kid in the 1980s when young women like me became the biggest cohort to get university degrees, outpacing our male peers. (We were the first post second-wave feminism data point to prove men had a problem: women were outsmarting them.) Is it John Howards past? Everyone was supposed to be relaxed and comfortable back then. But we know they werent. Is it his mums past? Also unlikely, as she longed to connect to her Italian parents European past, as we learnt when her well-intended efforts embroiled her son in a parliamentary dual citizenship fiasco in 2017. Perhaps the glorious age Canavan hankers for is that postwar period when Australias fertility rate soared, peaking in 1961 at 3.5 babies per woman. Birthing well above replacement level of 2.1 babies, the 50s and early 60s were a golden time for men handing out cigars as women pushed out babies.

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There were no anguished discussions about childcare, or paid paternity leave, as neither were needed. Thanks to the marriage bar, working women were sacked when married and sent home to play wife. It was a time when the law insisted men were paid more than women, who were banned from most of the interesting work anyway. A time when women couldnt get a bank loan, much less buy a house. Related Article COMMENT

Opinion The forgotten milestone that shows how far Australian women have come It was a time when Catholics like the Canavans practised the Billings method of natural contraception and bred like rabbits. It was a time when a family friend, a mother of nine, sought advice from her parish priest about how to stop falling pregnant, only to be scolded and told she must not deny her husband. It was a time when real men earned the family income, and proper women cooked, cleaned, and cared for everyone, while morphing into domestic doormats for men to walk over. Horrified by todays increasingly muscular gender backlash, Elizabeth Reid remembers Australia in the 1950s and 60s as a dreadfully demeaning time, when women were forced to shrink. Appointed womens adviser to prime minister Gough Whitlam in 1973, Reid fixated on helping women liberate themselves not only from domestic slavery and drudgery, but from the shackles of sexism and female oppression.

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We women were invisible except as sex objects and homemakers, she says. Related Article Fertility Birth rate hits record low as parents continue to put off having children So, is this the golden past Canavan is calling Australia to return to? Is he echoing the state-sponsored, out-loud-and-proud misogyny of Trumps America? Stopping short of calling for Australia to be great again, he certainly appears to be parroting the US Project 2025 playbook. Gleefully following its song sheet about restoring the traditional family as the centrepiece of American life. But Canavan understands the power of localism. He has his own spin on the MAGA noise. He wants to Australianise it with Aussie jokes and barbecues. Oi, oi, oi! Is it any wonder young Australian women arent having babies? For many, finding a man unsullied by the manospheres misogynistic ideology is hard enough. Then theres the existential crisis at their door.

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Related Article Good Weekend Never in her wildest dreams did Ita imagine her career would go the way it did It might take eternal optimism to bring a child into a world spinning on the whim of narcissistic authoritarians who preach joy in violence and war. Where a childs safety is impossible to guarantee. A world that is badly overheating, burning, flooding and erupting; where a few tech-bro megalomaniacs, with eye-watering wealth, control much of the information you see and read. A world in which you cant ever imagine owning a home. A world in which the cost of petrol, bread and milk is about to spin out of control. The past is an easy country to promise when the truth is heavily redacted. And babies are born wearing cashmere booties. Virginia Haussegger is a freelance journalist and adjunct professor at the University of Canberra. Her new book is Unfinished Revolution: The Feminist Fightback.
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The Heralds informed reporting and analysis made a sober assessment of the onset of war with Iran and what it means for the future global trade in energy supplies (Iran has world over a barrel  and theres no quick fix, March 13). These critical fuel sources represent the sinews to power modern industrialised economies. The Iranian theocracy knows that. Hence its remorseless hegemony to block the Strait of Hormuz to prevent, if not impede, commercial shipping from flowing liquid wealth to sustain Western democracies. The Hormuz sea roads of our fuel must be defended or Australia will splutter to a halt. Iran has exceeded bounded rationality (Middle East Crisis, March 13). Australia has long recognised that imperative. The latest incremental contribution from the ADF will be welcomed by Gulf states. Once again, for those imperilled, Australia is demonstrating good citizenship. God speed its new task. Mike Fogarty, Weston (ACT) Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates AP Kim Beazley stood shoulder to shoulder with John Howard following Port Arthur, and Anthony Albanese unequivocally supported Scott Morrison during the worst period of COVID. These shows of political unity engendered a sense of cohesion and trust in the community. However, in the last two national crises  the Bondi massacre and the current oil situation  the Coalition has chosen to take an oppositional stance, causing significant community division. How much more productive would it be if the Coalition supported the government in finding solutions to the scattered oil shortages being experienced? One way would be for the Coalition to support the call for people to stop over-ordering and hoarding fuel, rather than just blaming the government for the consequential depletion. Toni Lorentzen, Fennell Bay The Middle East war is Americas and Israels. After 80 years, we can now see what has driven all the wars since World War II: US control of oil and Israels grab for dominance over neighbours. Leave them to it, we are going solar and renewables. Ian McNichol, Ultimo Ive just heard Barnaby Joyce scaremongering over fuel shortages in regional areas and talking up government inaction, though it appears his constituents are among the biggest hoarders. Im thinking about the bloke who pulled up beside me at the petrol shop in the central west with his Aussie flag flapping, who proceeded to fill a ute tray jammed with jerry cans. I was left thinking, Is this my Mad Max moment? Peter Hull, Katoomba The federal Coalitions conduct on transport fuel availability demonstrates a concerning indifference to Australias economic and social stability. However, it might be interested in future electoral success. If so, gratuitous advice follows. During COVID, Labor oppositions behaved responsibly, unlike the Coalition oppositions. And the voters appreciation was reflected in subsequent federal and state elections. In the current situation of fuel supply challenges, state Coalition oppositions have heeded that lesson. This difference is worth reflection. Responsible behaviour in a crisis is good politics, but irresponsible conduct risks retribution. Carlo Ursida, Kensington (Vic) War machine has changed

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Donald Trump is surprised that Iran has failed to capitulate (How team Trump misjudged Irans response, March 13). US intelligence knew that the Ayatollahs son was the heir apparent and as much a hater of the US as his father. Now Iran has a leader who lost his dad and his wife to the Americans and was wounded himself. Let me see. Is that going to make Mojtaba Khamenei more or less likely to escalate the war? Maybe I should be working in intelligence. Neville Turbit, Russell Lea The so-called miscalculation of the Trump administration is a sure sign of its absolute incompetence running the war thats not a war. All they had to do was ask the Gulf states or pay attention to the war in Ukraine. The modern war zone has changed, and those with big expensive weapons no longer dominate. It takes only one side to start a war, but two to end it. Iran will inflict pain until the US can no longer bear the cost. Trump may declare victory to save face, but the cost to the US and the world economy will be incalculable. Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove AI-led job cuts hurt I was first made aware of Atlassian (AI outrage: Atlassian boss fires 1600 people via email, March 13) by an Iranian immigrant who worked in IT. I became, though, like others, intrigued by the backstory  started by teenagers in a fathers garage with very little funding. At the time, Atlassian was operating from a small Sydney office with a moderately sized group of happy and well-cared for employees. Some time later, I was vicariously excited to find a neighbour worked for them. He was later moved, but my peripheral interest in Atlassian continued. Mike Cannon-Brookes seemed to be the epitome of a good corporate citizen  pouring profits into research on and amelioration of climate change and buying property for conservation. I was, hence, sad reading about him firing people. It seems wealth and power get the better of us all in the end. Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills Matt Golding The Atlassian job cuts are the tip of an iceberg. Increasingly worldwide, AI and robotics are replacing workers in many industries. This saves companies massive amounts of money in wages, and increases profits in the short term. It is an increasing trend, but what happens when critical mass is achieved and there are millions of jobless people? In the long term, how are companies that provide goods and services going to sustain their consumer base when those consumers have no income? No income results in no tax revenue to pay for welfare, healthcare, education, aged and disability care, and infrastructure construction and maintenance, and other government services.

Is this the beginning of 21st century feudalism where our master is an algorithm? Barrington Salter, Elanora (Qld) Robo-debt fallout

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I think Scott Morrison was an awful prime minister, possibly Australias worst. I think robo-debt was probably the worst case of poor policy, malice and maladministration ever by federal government agencies (Letters, March 13). I have worked in the fields of governance, risk management and fraud control in the federal government, and it has always been clear that robo-debt was not corruption. Robo-debt did not provide any of its initiators and facilitators with direct benefits. None of the public servants or politicians made money or received other tangible benefits from robo-debt. The Liberals thought they were on to a vote winner, but that is a very indirect benefit. The public servants and politicians who ignored the illegality should be pilloried and have administrative action taken against them. But I have not yet seen any explanation as to why some consider robo-debt to be corrupt conduct; they have not pointed to the benefits that were corruptly obtained because there were no such benefits. The referral to the National Anti-Corruption Commission was a waste of time and resources and the NACCs finding has the downside of letting Scott Morrison claim innocence when he was central to one of the worst breakdowns of governance in our history. Steven Lee, Faulconbridge Old road needs new solutions The one-lane each way Chifley Road in Lithgow is now the only route to the west between Goulburn and Merriwa (How a convict-built crossing closed a lifeline highway in Blue Mountains, March 13). Mitchells Causeway, opened October 23, 1832, has been more critical to NSW than the Sydney Harbour Bridge built a century later. Repairs will surely be made. But the need for a better dangerous goods (fuel, etc) truck route to western NSW means an open-air route is required, not the cancelled 11-kilometre Blackheath Tunnel. The PMs long high-speed rail tunnels are a lower priority than many regional transport projects across Australia. The Central West needs a 46-kilometre (30-minute) M4 motorway extension under the rugged Blue Mountains from the M4/A44 junction at Emu Plains to the tunnel portal recently built at Little Hartley. Bathurst railway stations 150th anniversary is three weeks away. A new 120-kilometre (one-hour) Penrith-Bathurst rail line under the mountains is how we should be celebrating it.Peter Egan, Adelaide (SA) With the closure of the Great Western Highway because of the condition of the Mitchells Causeway, the issue of tunnels to solve the traffic situation over the Blue Mountains has resurfaced. At the same time the issue of a superfast train to Newcastle has come around again to solve poor commute travel times. In both cases, a major cause of the problem is the volume of heavy vehicles or goods trains that share the road or rail corridor. It would be nice to hear some ideas other than building road tunnels or the expensive fast train chimera. What about routing goods trains between Sydney and Newcastle via a new dedicated line crossing the Hawkesbury River around Wisemans Ferry, roughly following the route of the original Great Northern Road? Nowhere near as expensive as the high-speed rail proposal but freeing up the existing line for faster travel. And what about getting heavy vehicles off the road over the mountains and onto a roll-on-roll-off train system similar to Europe? Depots at either ends of the mountains loading onto fast trains on a new dedicated line would be better than road works that will merely result in yet more heavy traffic despoiling the unique character of the mountains. Lets hear some ideas other than tunnels and pipe dreams. Lesley Spicer, Coogee The section of the Great Western Highway that is threatening to collapse. Wolter Peeters Is it time to think about a new route west from Sydney? The route that goes from Oakdale to Oberon over the back of Yerranderie with a modern route above the catchment area has a lot going for it. It could be a great tourist attraction and would save the heritage villages in the mountains  it would also make it easier for people to get to Canberra, the South Coast and the new airport from this part of the world. The closure of Bells Line of Road is another reason that we need an additional route. We need bold new ideas that create greater access and respect our heritage. Roz Townsend, Queanbeyan East Transport over the Blue Mountains seems to be highly reliant on 19th-century technology. While experts continue to figure out what to do about the well-designed but ageing 1830s road bridge at Victoria Pass, maybe we need to expand the use of the 1890s rail tunnel to provide a temporary motorail service between the upper Blue Mountains and the west. Doug Walker, Baulkham Hills

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Back in the 1830s, many things would have been on the minds of convicts in chain gangs constructing the sandstone causeway over Victoria Pass. What they would never have foreseen, however, was more than 10,000 vehicles per day, including 1000-plus trucks, many weighing more than 40 tonnes, crawling their way over this notorious east-west link. Its a testimony to the skills of the engineers and the convict labour at the time but highlights an appalling failure of government over decades in failing to plan and construct an appropriate alternative. Terry Wilson, Milton Canberra cash grab The collectivists among us are at it again (Property tax breaks benefit rich electorates, March 13)  any money we dont send to Canberra is magically a cost to government and therefore a bad thing. No, it aint. Framings such as Property tax breaks will cost the federal budget and the cost to the federal budget seem to be rooted in the view that all money belongs to Canberra, and we should be grateful for whatever of our income and wealth we are allowed to keep. Back around 2001, Australians on average paid Canberra about $10,000 each  thats now up to about $25,000 a head and still collectivists want to dig deeper into our pockets. Money I dont send to Canberra is not a cost to anyone, much less the government. Chris Mangan, Bracken Ridge (Qld) Old chestnut Your correspondent (Letters, March 13) wants more wives. Now theres a sucker for punishment. David Gordon, Cranebrook If your correspondent already has one wife, is he still in one piece? In your I want more list, in among yachts, travel, apartments etc, he mentioned more wives. Does he often like to live dangerously? Pauline McGinley, Drummoyne Practical planning

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Your correspondent (Letters, March 13) is right that more public housing would help address the affordability crisis. But delivering it at the scale required would demand major fiscal reform, which is unlikely in the near term. Meanwhile, planning should also enable smaller, more modest private developments. One practical approach is to keep existing limits on floor space ratios, heights and landscaping, while allowing lower parking provision  such as a maximum of 0.5 spaces per unit and managed on-street parking through resident permits. Without such changes, many smaller projects simply cannot proceed. The result is that most new housing comes in large, expensive developments. If we want more modest and attainable homes, planning rules must make them feasible. Matthew Bartinel, Lemon Tree Passage Is Senate still relevant? How much do we really need the Senate? Alex Ellinghausen The Letters page this week carried much commentary on the election of Matt Canavan as leader of the National Party of Australia. Yet the arrangement is opaque to many readers: Senator Canavan leads the federal Nationals while holding no equivalent leadership role within the Liberal National Party of Queensland. Confusing? Certainly  and it exposes a deeper constitutional muddle. Senators were conceived as representatives of the states, not as agents of party machines. At the framing of what we still reverently call the Constitution of Australia, the Senates purpose was to safeguard state interests within the federal compact. Over time that design has been quietly displaced. Political parties now treat the Senate as a chamber of obstruction or salvage  an arena in which governments attempt to force through their legislative agenda and oppositions attempt to frustrate it. Such a system is hardly a model of effective government. In a functioning democracy, an elected government should be permitted to pursue the program on which it was chosen, with the electorate ultimately judging its success or failure at the ballot box. Australia might be financially, legislatively and administratively better served were we to reconsider the continued relevance of the Senate. Chris Rivers, Port Macquarie Its all relative Grandmas come in all shapes and sizes and have differing personalities and levels of activity (My schoolmate is about to be a grandma. Ill get over it, March 13). Dont be concerned, Melissa Coburn, about the name given to this person in a family. It is not important, as its the relationship with the grandchildren that counts. Grandma Lyn Langtry, East Ryde Oh Melissa, be grateful you are alive to witness the event. I certainly hope you will be around when your friend becomes a great-grandma. Mustafa Erem, Terrigal

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NationalQueenslandQueensland Police Police signed Stones Corner lease without approval  then didnt tell auditors Matt Dennien March 13, 2026  12:54pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Queensland police signed off on a controversial multimillion-dollar lease deal for a site in Brisbanes south without proper approvals and then failed to disclose it to state auditors. New detail about the 15-year, $116 million Stones Corner station deal, which came to light in 2024, is in the Queensland Audit Offices annual report on state entities. At the time, then-premier Steven Miles urged transparency and then-police commissioner Steve Gollschewski ordered an external audit  ultimately sending the matter to the Crime and Corruption Commission. The lease for the Stones Corner building was signed without funding allocated for the deal. Nine News Last year, Police Minister Dan Purdie described the agreement as potentially the worst deal in history and expressed hope that someone would be held to account.

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But given the external probe by KordaMenta and the latter  ongoing  corruption watchdog referral, little detail had been released by either of the past two governments, or police. In a section of its annual report, the audit office said police became legally bound to the arrangement in October 2023 without obtaining the approvals required under state policies. Loading Payments commenced in August 2024 and [the Queensland Police Service] commenced including the arrangement in its 2024-25 financial statements, the audit office said. QPS did not disclose this lease arrangement to us during our 2023-24 audit.

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The audit office said that while the total value of the arrangement as of last June was $116.3 million, the total commitment is larger  because they are discounted to represent todays value. Related Article Queensland Police Station lease referred to watchdog, as top cop insists police be squeaky clean Previous reporting noted the agreement also contained an option to extend the 15-year lease by a further eight years for $240 million. By not obtaining the necessary approvals, QPS did not meet the requirements for keeping financial records that correctly record and explain its transactions and account balances to enable the preparation of a true and fair financial report, the audit office said. In response, QPS has committed to improve its policies and procedures for procurement and leasing.

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A letter from Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing is included in the audit offices report, with Pointing writing that the agency is committed to the continual improvement of the important matters raised. Purdie and Miles have been contacted for comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Key points Queensland is set to receive a $1.7 billion increase in its share of GST distribution.

While its the largest increase of any state, Treasurer David Janetzki says it is unfair as $2.3 billion was cut from Queensland in the last distribution.

NSW will pocket $1.5 billion less than Victoria, prompting further calls for reform on how the $103 billion GST pool is split.

Treasurer David Janetzki doubled down on calls to overhaul the GST national distribution methodology, claiming the latest carve-up once again dudded Queensland. The state will receive the largest dollar increase in Australia of $1.7 billion in 2026-27, but Janetzki said this headline gain was an insufficient share of the growing national pool and comes after $2.3 billion was cut from Queensland in the last distribution. Janetzki has led calls for the distribution model to be overhauled. Jamila Filippone The independent Commonwealth Grants Commission, which oversees how the $103 billion GST pot is allocated, said each state and territory will receive more GST in 2026-27 than the previous year due to forecast growth in overall GST revenue. But pressure is mounting on the federal government to change how GST is split among the states after NSW also responded furiously to it pocketing $1.5 billion less than Victoria, despite having about 1.5 million more people.

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Western Australia is a big winner from the latest distribution; its share will rise from 8.3 per cent to 9.1 per cent, even though it is the strongest state financially. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (second from right) and state premiers (from left) Roger Cook (WA), Peter Malinauskas (SA), Chris Minns (NSW) and Jacinta Allen (Vic). AFR Janetzki dismissed the headline rise, noting that while the national GST pool had increased by 20 per cent in the last three years, Queensland was the only jurisdiction allocated less this round than 2023-24. Queensland has been dudded again by Canberra, Janetzki said. Queensland should be getting its fair share of the GST pie, not playing second-fiddle to a second-rate distribution model designed to dud us.

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Janetzki, who wrote to fellow Queenslander and federal counterpart Jim Chalmers in May last year to voice concerns about the distribution methodology, has led calls nationally for the federal Productivity Commission to review how GST revenue is shared. Related Article Queensland government Economists warn Qld has two options to cut debt  but both mean breaking election promises On Friday, the Queensland treasurer said the states share was growing less than others despite recording the highest net interstate migration, having critical services stretched across the decentralised population, and contributing significantly to the national economy. States should not be penalised for their continued contribution to industries that drive national wealth, yet, under the existing GST distribution methodology, thats whats happening, Janetzki said. The federal 2026 Productivity Commission inquiry is an opportunity to restore fairness to Australias system of horizontal fiscal equalisation, and were calling on the Albanese government to restore our fair share of GST.

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NSWs share of the GST will fall to only 25.5 per cent of the national pool, despite the state having about 31 per cent of the Australian population. The commission said one reason for the decreased share was above-average growth in land values in NSW, which meant it has the capacity to raise more land tax revenue relative to other states. NSW also spent less on natural disaster relief than it had previously estimated. Janetzki wrote to Treasurer Jim Chalmers last year to raise concerns about the methodology. Alex Ellinghausen Victorias share of GST fell slightly, but it will still receive $1.5 billion more in 2026-27 than the previous year. Victorias allocation for the coming year ($27.9 billion) will be about $1.7 billion more than NSW ($26.2 billion), despite its lower population.

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The GST is the biggest single source of revenue for state governments, meaning the Commonwealths distribution of the tax has a major bearing on state budget balances. How the GST is carved up When the GST was introduced in 2000, then-prime minister John Howard promised all of it would be shared among the states and territories. How it was allocated would be decided by the long-standing Commonwealth Grants Commission.

Every year, the commission examines how much money each state and territory needs to deliver an average level of service to its residents, from education to policing.

This is affected by a large range of factors, including population growth, mineral royalties and social factors such as Indigenous and remote populations.

The commission recommends to the federal treasurer how the GST should be shared. No treasurer has ever overruled the commissions findings.

In 2019, amid fears that WA could end up with a very low portion of the GST, the Morrison government put in place a system that would guarantee its share while also injecting extra funds into the GST pool to ensure no other state or territory would be worse off. The commission uses a complex method to determine how the GST pool should be divided between the states. It aims to ensure all states have an equal capacity to provide services to their populations. Small states traditionally receive more GST per head of population than larger states. However, economists have criticised the commissions GST distribution method for being overly complicated and lacking in transparency. A deal struck by the Morrison government to protect Western Australias share of GST, which had plummeted due to soaring iron ore prices in the 2010s, has also drawn fire from budget experts.

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Updated PoliticsFederalGST Biggest winners and losers in $103 billion GST carve-up Matt Wade and James Hall Updated March 13, 2026  5:53pm ,first published 12:57pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Premier Chris Minns has slammed the GST distribution system as being past its use-by date after the latest carve-up revealed NSW will receive $1.7 billion less than Victoria from the national GST pool, despite having about 1.5 million more people. The Commonwealth Grants Commission, which oversees how the $103 billion national GST pot is allocated, said the NSW share of GST will fall to just 25.5 per cent of the national pool, even though the state has about 31 per cent of the Australian population. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (second from right) and state premiers (from left) Roger Cook (WA), Peter Malinauskas (SA), Chris Minns (NSW) and Jacinta Allan (Vic). A key reason for NSWs lower share was its above-average growth in land values which gave the state more capacity to raise more land tax revenue relative to others, the commission said. NSW also spent less on natural disaster relief than it had previously estimated. Western Australia is a big winner from the latest distribution; its share of GST will rise from 8.3 per cent to 9.1 per cent, even though it is the strongest state financially.

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Queensland will receive the largest dollar increase in GST distribution of $1.7 billion. Victorias overall GST share fell slightly, but it will still receive $1.5 billion more in 2026-27 than the previous year. NSW will receive an extra $316 million  the lowest increase of the mainland states. Premier Chris Minns called for urgent reform to the way the GST is distributed. This GST system is past its use-by date, he said. We need to move to a fairer system based on population.

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No one objects to the Commonwealth supporting smaller jurisdictions like the ACT, the Northern Territory and Tasmania  but it makes no sense for big, wealthy states like Victoria to get a bigger slice than NSW. The lower GST share for NSW comes amid persistent pressure on the state budget; NSW has now registered an unprecedented string of seven consecutive budget deficits since 2019-20. During the same period WAs budget has been in continuous surplus. The federal Productivity Commission is currently reviewing the GST distribution. Its interim report will be published in November. How the GST is carved up When the GST was introduced in 2000, then-prime minister John Howard promised all of it would be shared among the states and territories. How it was allocated would be decided by the long-standing Commonwealth Grants Commission.

Every year, the commission examines how much money each state and territory needs to deliver an average level of service to its residents, from education to policing.

This is affected by a large range of factors, including population growth, mineral royalties and social factors such as Indigenous and remote populations.

The commission recommends to the federal treasurer how the GST should be shared. No treasurer has ever overruled the commissions findings.

In 2019, amid fears that WA could end up with a very low portion of the GST, the Morrison government put in place a system that would guarantee its share while also injecting extra funds into the GST pool to ensure no other state or territory would be worse off. The Commonwealth Grants Commission uses a complex method to determine how the GST pool should be divided. It aims to ensure that all states have the capacity to provide a broadly comparable standard of government services. Smaller states traditionally receive more GST per head of population than larger states.

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However, economists have criticised the commissions GST distribution method for being overly complicated and lacking transparency. Related Article Exclusive

Capital gains tax See how much people in your area are gaining from housing tax breaks The system has become more controversial following a deal struck by the Morrison government to protect WAs share of GST, which had plummeted due to soaring iron ore prices in the 2010s. The changes introduced in 2019 required the introduction of a costly no worse off provision funded by federal taxpayers. The commission said no worse off payments will total $5.5 billion in 2026-27 alone.

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Independent economist Saul Eslake described the Morrison governments 2019 overhaul as the worst public policy decision of the 21st century because of the unnecessary damage to the federal budget. The Albanese government has subsequently promised not to reverse the Morrison changes. Eslake estimates that, since the 2019 deal, WA has pocketed about $36 billion more in GST revenue that it would have otherwise received without the changes. Its been a reverse Robin Hood, he said. Grants Commission chair Mike Callaghan said it was normal for state GST shares to change between years, reflecting shifts in their circumstances. Key drivers of changes in state GST shares in 2026-27 include the value of mining production declining, large COVID-19-related health and business support expenses no longer being assessed, and the strength of property markets changing across Australia, he said.

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Callaghan said because the GST pool is a fixed total, and the commission takes account of relative state needs, what happens in one state influences other states. The Victoria and Queensland governments also called for the GST distribution model to be overhauled. Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the Commonwealth had given WA a sweetheart deal, while Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki claimed the carve-up was unfair. Queensland should be getting its fair share of the GST pie, not playing second fiddle to a second-rate distribution model designed to dud us, he said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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Exclusive PoliticsFederalEmergency services Taxpayer funding pulled from disaster response team after allegations of fraud Eryk Bagshaw March 13, 2026  4:06pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The federal government has pulled taxpayer funding from Australias top disaster relief organisation after an internal revolt over allegations of fraud and misuse of funds plunged it into voluntary administration. Disaster Relief Australia was feted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and led by two of Australias most decorated military commanders, Major General Andrew Freeman and Brigadier David Smith. In 2022, it was awarded a $38 million federal government grant to run hundreds of disaster relief operations across Australia, including responses to the Lismore floods, Cyclone Jasper and the Black Summer bushfires. Major General Andrew Freeman (left) with Malaysian Army Major General Dato Azhan bin Md Othman in Canberra last year. But in December, this masthead revealed claims that Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) inflated membership numbers, used opaque recruitment practices, prioritised marketing over missions, and pushed out whistleblowers who raised concerns. In a letter to volunteers on Thursday, Freeman said the federal government had suspended its taxpayer funding.

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The reason behind DRA funding being suspended is both National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] and Business Grants Hub are aware of the allegations of fraud and misuse of government funding claims made by a very small group of individuals against our organisation, Freeman, the DRA chair, said. However, an independent investigation did not substantiate, on the available and relevant evidence, allegations of organisational or management level fraud, misuse of funds, or irregular or inappropriate hiring processes. Last year, eight whistleblowers claimed DRA had lost its way as a veteran-led organisation by inflating membership numbers, engaging in wasteful spending, and fostering a culture of censorship and retribution. DRA said at the time it had 6700 volunteers registered to assist in emergencies. Internal documents revealed that only 2503 were ready to deploy. Former emergency nurse and DRA volunteeer Rhonda Sheil. Alex Ellinghausen

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DRA volunteer Rhonda Sheil, a former emergency nurse, said she was bloody angry after she claimed DRA told her not to remove the names of volunteers who had stopped working with the organisation because it needed to justify its funding, putting volunteers and communities at risk in disaster zones. The claims by Sheil and several other whistleblowers, including former army chaplain Chris Graeme-Drury, triggered an investigation by the National Emergency Management Agency, which remains ongoing. In November 2025, DRA employees made serious allegations about the management of DRA, including the potential misappropriation of Australian government grant funding, a National Emergency Management Agency spokesperson said. Upon receipt, NEMA commenced actions under the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control Framework to assess and investigate those allegations. The spokesperson said DRAs move into voluntary administration was disappointing and that the decision to withhold funding did not constitute findings against DRA.

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But Freeman said DRA could not continue to operate without millions of dollars in government funding. Fort Restructuring has been appointed to manage the voluntary administration, which will impact 90 employees and thousands of volunteers. We understand and appreciate this period, and uncertainty will be unsettling for the many veterans and volunteers who have selflessly given their time, knowledge and skills to help communities in Australia and beyond, Forts administrator Mark Robinson said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned with Disaster Relief Australia in Queensland during the 2022 election. Alex Ellinghausen Freeman said the decision was reversible if the federal government recommitted funding and DRA intended to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. This is incredibly disappointing and disruptive for us all, he said. We assure you that we have done all within our power to try and avoid reaching this situation and will continue to work with the National Emergency Management Agency via the administrator to resolve the matter.

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In a statement, the DRA Redress and Complaints Group, formed by the whistleblowers, said that when they attempted to resolve their concerns internally, they were ignored. They rejected claims that they were responsible for the organisations move into voluntary administration. From these challenges, there remains hope that something stronger can emerge  an organisation rebuilt on transparency, integrity, and respect for the volunteers and staff who form the backbone of disaster response in Australia, they said. Fort expects to hold its first creditors meeting on March 24. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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Exclusive PoliticsVictoriaVictorian Parliament Bike boy campaign accused of giving cash gifts to potential witnesses in case against Daniel Andrews Sherryn Groch March 13, 2026  4:13pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The advisers driving the bike boy scandal campaign against former premier Daniel Andrews gave tens of thousands of dollars in gifts to potential witnesses in lawsuits they lodged on behalf of the young cyclist at the centre of the case, court documents reveal. The allegations are contained in a civil case filed by the campaigns former lawyer Greg Griffin, who is the latest of the teams ex-counsel to chase them for unpaid fees  despite the campaign fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for their actions against Andrews. Colin Robertson, a self-described amateur detective who has been investigating the crash for almost four years. Paul Jeffers Ryan Meuleman, now known as bike boy, was 15 when he was badly injured in a collision with the Andrews car in 2013, driven by the then-opposition leaders wife, Catherine. Police cleared the pair of any wrongdoing, but unverified tales of a cover-up have haunted the case ever since. Meuleman is now suing the couple for defamation, after settling a case against his former lawyers, Slater and Gordon, whom he had accused of pressuring him to take an $80,000 compensation payout from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

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Victorian Parliament Cyclist at centre of Bike Boy campaign has no control over funds raised for his fight The bombshell evidence about Andrews and the crash then spruiked by the bike boy campaign team was never tested in court. But records from inside the campaign have now come to light in separate legal action by two of Meulemans former lawyers chasing hundreds of thousands in unpaid fees now contested by the campaign. The documents allege the campaign gifted cash from public fundraisers to people it had intended to call as witnesses. A statement of claim in South Australias Supreme Court says that in December 2024 Meulemans then lawyer, Griffin, was sent a spreadsheet by the campaign showing where some of the more than $200,000 in fundraising money then raised had been spent so far. About $46,000 had paid some lawyers, but the records also showed nearly $30,000 had been spent on gifts and recompensation for those involved in the campaign, according to the claim.

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Among the ledger was what was described as ex-gratia payments as a thank you totalling $10,000 to former police assistant commissioner Dr Raymond Shuey, who wrote an expert report on the crash that the campaign planned to rely on in the Slater and Gordon lawsuit. There were also three ex-gratia payments of $1000 each to three other ex-cops they had then intended to call as witnesses in that case, the court documents claim. Liberal MP Brad Battin was criticised for holding a press conference in 2023, when he handed over to Robertson to lay out an alternative theory on the 2013 crash. Nine More than $14,000 was also paid to Ryan Meuleman and his father Peter to recompense them, according to the suit  both for the partial cost of Peters varicose veins surgery and then various fines incurred by Ryan, who is now in his late 20s Witnesses can be directly compensated for reasonable expenses incurred for attending court, such as travel costs, and experts are usually paid for time spent preparing reports for hearings, not given gifts.

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Last year, The Age revealed that a small cohort of external advisers, including Liberal Party powerbrokers and anti-lockdown agitators, were driving the bike boy legal action, rather than the Meulemans, and holding on to the money fundraised for them. Running the show, according to all involved, was PR veteran Rohan Wenn,who works by day for independent MPs and has helped run other anti-Andrews campaigns such as slug gate, as well as design engineer-turned-amateur detective Colin Robertson. Griffin claims Wenn hired him for Meuleman on a retainer estimated at between $300,000 and $500,000 to take on multiple court actions the campaign was pursuing, having already let several legal teams go. Related Article Exclusive

Victorian Parliament The Liberal heavyweights and pandemic agitators driving the Bike Boy campaign haunting Daniel Andrews But Griffin and Meulemans original lawyer, George Defteros, each say they were fired by Wenn when they were on the cusp of settling Meulemans first lawsuit against Slater and Gordon and have yet to be paid. Both said they had raised concerns that the bike boy quest for justice was no longer about Ryans best interests. Wenn told this masthead that Shuey had been paid for his time as an expert witness but sadly died shortly after finishing his report. And when his family issued an invoice, it was paid immediately, Wenn said.

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He claimed the other three men were never going to be called as witnesses for the Slater and Gordon case, despite comments to the contrary made by the campaign and its lawyers, including Griffin, at the time in 2025. The ex-cops have since taken over from Robertson and Shuey as investigators for the campaign, with some featuring on its new podcast hosted by Wenn. Of course, I was going to call them as witnesses, Griffin told this masthead this week, noting their testimony had already been flagged as important to the case in court documents he filed at the time. The bike boy cohort dispute both Griffin and Defteros claims (and bills) and say they offered Griffin about $14,000 for his work on the defamation suit only. Wenn told this masthead more than $200,000 in legal fees had since been paid from fundraisers for the original Slater case to other lawyers.

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In their near-identical defences to Griffins case, Ryan Meuleman and Wenn claim Griffins payment agreement was with a group of high-net worth donors whose contributions never materialised, not the campaign itself. They accuse Griffin of malpractice, and claim the GoFundMe money was never intended to be spent on lawyers for the Meulemans, despite the public campaign stating it was for the cost of their legal battles. Related Article Daniel Andrews Daniel Andrews claims bike boy defamation case is politically motivated In his separate defence, Robertson claims that he was not personally in charge of hiring and firing lawyers, or funding decisions, which were made by committee consensus within the campaign, and so he was not liable for unpaid fees, though he conceded that he and Wenn had been responsible for the money from the GoFundMe on paper and had moved it around for lawsuits. Robertson also acknowledged that he had sent the spreadsheet to Griffin that itemised those payments, and that Griffin had carried out legal work pursuant to instructions arranged at group level.

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Robertson, who the campaign has previously falsely portrayed as a road crash expert, said he quit the bike boy team in June 2025 and was no longer involved. But he could not comment further as he defends Griffins lawsuit chasing himself, Wenn and Meuleman for the unpaid bills. In mid-March 2025, when Slater and Gordon made a settlement offer to the Meuleman camp in his compensation fight, Griffin brought it directly to Ryan and Peter  a move Wenn and Meuleman rail against in court documents as deceptive as it cut Wenn out as intermediary. It was objections to my dealing directly with Ryan and Peter that soured things, Griffin told this masthead. But it was a good offer. They needed to consider it. Griffin was soon after fired via text message, and the Meulemans still settled the case. Defteros has now filed his own separate claim in Victorias County Court having been chasing payment from the campaign, including costly trial expenses, since he says Wenn fired him under similar circumstances.

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Defteros says he had raised concerns that those advising Meuleman may not have been acting in his best interests. We had a clear conflict with those advising Ryan and the direction in which the case was going, Defteros told this masthead, adding he was also seeking information on how the campaign is spending its large fundraising pot. In March 2025, after The Age revealed that the Meuleman family did not have access to the campaigns $260,000 GoFundMe fundraiser, which was instead held in trust by Wenn and Robertsons private company, Ryans father, Peter, was put on the funds paperwork, at his request. A few months later, the company running the fund was deregistered and a new fundraiser was set up. It has since raised a further $133,000 as of March this year, for the defamation lawsuit against the Andrews, as well as an attempt to pursue a private criminal prosecution of the couple for allegedly obstructing justice, which has not eventuated. Wenn said the Meuleman family now oversaw how the GoFundMe donations were spent but did not answer questions on whether he or others in the campaign, including those running its social media, had been paid themselves. The Meulemans did not respond to requests for comment.

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The disputes with Greg and George will be resolved through the usual legal processes, Wenn said. Griffin told this masthead that fundraising laws needed to be tightened in Victoria to ensure there was someone checking money raised from the public was being spent as stated. Meanwhile, Meulemans defamation fight against Andrews and his wife is continuing in the Federal Court. The former premier says in defence documents the suit is politically motivated and the latest chapter in a co-ordinated smear campaign against him by the familys advisers. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
People select books at the Book Festival in Vientiane, Laos, March 14, 2026. The festival is held in the Lao capital Vientiane from March 10 to 15. Under the theme "Books Connecting Cultures," the event aims to foster a culture of reading, promote lifelong learning, and inspire Lao youth to explore knowledge through the written word.(Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- In a celebration of reading, students and bibliophiles gathered at the ongoing sixth Book Festival in Laos.

The festival is held in the Lao capital Vientiane from March 10 to 15. Under the theme "Books Connecting Cultures," the event aims to foster a culture of reading, promote lifelong learning, and inspire Lao youth to explore knowledge through the written word.

The event showcases a diverse array of books and features over 130 activities, including panel discussions and seminars with more than 40 experts and authors.

Wandering among the variety of books and browsing titles she was eager to read, Malilin, a 20-year-old student at the National University of Laos, said she felt excited to see her favorite and well-known books gathered in one place.

"Books help me find answers to the questions I have, whether for school or simply out of curiosity," Malilin told Xinhua on Friday.

She said she spent hours exploring the exhibition booths, adding that reading has become an essential part of her daily life.

"My grandfather always told me that books can bring us to many worlds," said Phoukhao, a Lao student, recalling how his love of reading began at home. "He used to say that through reading, we can go everywhere and learn almost anything, even without leaving our home."

Phoukha believed the festival plays a crucial role in strengthening reading habits among young people in Laos, emphasizing the importance of encouraging a passion for literature in today's rapidly changing world.

"Reading helps us continue learning throughout our lives, and developing a reading habit can help us gain more knowledge, understand other cultures and prepare ourselves for the future," he said.

Jenny, a secondary school student in Vientiane, said reading is one of her favorite hobbies and allows her to explore stories and ideas beyond the classroom.

She particularly enjoys novels, finding that reading enhances her creativity and supports her academic endeavors. 

People select books at the Book Festival in Vientiane, Laos, March 14, 2026. The festival is held in the Lao capital Vientiane from March 10 to 15. Under the theme "Books Connecting Cultures," the event aims to foster a culture of reading, promote lifelong learning, and inspire Lao youth to explore knowledge through the written word.(Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
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PropertyNewsNSW residential property How Stephen took the stress out of downsizing Dan F Stapleton March 14, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The mysterious practice of selling property off-market is going mainstream, with a number of real estate agents and buyers agents touting the tactic. But professionals warn that not all off-market sales represent a good deal for the seller or buyer, and that some agents use the method to quote inflated price guides. Some Sydney homes are selling off-market. Peter Rae The true prevalence of off-market sales  generally defined as properties that are sold without appearing on listing portals  is unclear. But new research by Quiet List, a private subscription platform for real estate agents, suggests that one in five properties in inner Sydney is now sold this way.

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Quiet List reviewed all sales settled in 2025 in the 10 Sydney council areas that fringe the harbour and found that, on average, 20.2 per cent of properties sold off-market. Related Article NSW residential property This housing style was once destined for the wrecking ball. Now it is winning new fans In one area, North Sydney, more than a quarter of homes  25.1 per cent  sold without being advertised on a major property listings portal. Quiet List co-founder William Laing said the practice was becoming more popular in tandem with the rise of buyers agents, who have the task of finding properties for their clients by any means necessary. We are big advocates for buyers agents, and that space continues to grow.

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Quiet List offers real estate agents a secure platform to share off-market listings with buyers agents. Michelle May, a buyers agent, said privacy and ease were the main reasons some sellers listed off-market. Not all properties for sale are listed. Peter Rae Not all sellers want to hold twice-weekly opens with Joe Bloggs from down the street coming in for a sticky beak. For others, it could be because theyve got small children and they dont want to tidy up the house twice a week. Other sellers are deciding to go halfway off-market, using agencies who offer to list properties on their own websites and advertise them via email databases, but not on major portals.

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One such Sydney agency, BresicWhitney, sold 1355 properties in 2025. Of those, 18 per cent were only listed on its website. Weve noticed a growing preference for this approach, particularly in the past 24 months, said BresicWhitney acting chief executive Will Gosse. Stephen Hipsley, a business development manager in the pathology sector, bought an off-market two-bedroom townhouse on Sydneys North Shore in December via BresicWhitney. Steve Hipsley used a buyers agent to purchase his townhouse. Janie Barrett Hipsley wanted to downsize to an affordable home that still had room for visits from his adult children and grandkids. He secured the services of a buyers agent, who received word that the townhouse was coming to market.

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The owners didnt want to go through the stresses and traumas of an auction, Hipsley said. They showed me the property themselves. Related Article Property prices How property investors piled into Australias housing market Hipsley said he got a warm feeling from the owners, whose furniture was still in situ. It was a bit like buying from a friend. It really did take the stress out of it for me. Gosse said buyers such as Hipsley, and a growing number of sellers, found the off-market approach attractive because it allowed them to avoid increasingly cutthroat property markets in Sydney and elsewhere.

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Auctions are effective for buyers and sellers who are comfortable to participate in the process, but theyre not for everyone. He said buyers who had been through the auction process a few times without securing a home were generally more eager to pursue off-market properties, while some sellers wanted to transact without the hurly-burly of a marketing campaign. However, he said that most sellers were still opting for the on-market auction format because it brings competition to the surface. Domain president Jason Pellegrino said using a property portal maximised buyer reach.

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It also brings transparency to a campaign, ensuring expectations around price are set realistically. Related Article Luxury property Five luxury homes we love that are for sale right now May, the buyers agent, said sellers and buyers alike should approach the off-market phenomenon cautiously. She said some unscrupulous real estate agents attempt to win listings by quoting inflated price guides and encouraging sellers to proceed off-market. Theyll promise a magic price in order to win the listing, then show it to one buyer off-market, at little cost to their own reputation, and tell the seller the price is actually way too high. By then, the seller has signed a contract and is stuck with the agent.

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May said other agents might attempt to sell a flawed property off-market in the hope it attracted less scrutiny than during a public campaign. A lot of off-markets are B-grade properties trying to achieve an A-grade price. So, when a buyers agent boasts: We only buy off-market, well, I dont think that is necessarily a selling point. However, when handled ethically, May said the off-market approach could be a win-win. We do much of our best buying over Christmas because even though theres less competition from buyers, some sellers with good properties simply dont want to wait until February to do a full marketing campaign.

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Ali Hussein, 20, is one of about a dozen Syrian workers who were targeted by the Israel Defence Forces while unloading poultry from a truck at a chicken farm.

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Beirut: The young farmworker heard no warning when a blast tore through his group of farmhands in southern Lebanon on Sunday. Now he lies in a hospital ward in the nearest town, trying to survive the war unleashed across the Middle East when missiles slammed into Iran less than two weeks ago. Ali Hussein, 20, is a Syrian who sought a life in a rural area of Lebanon with others from his home country. He is one of about a dozen Syrian workers who were targeted by the Israel Defence Forces while unloading poultry from a truck at a chicken farm. We were working when the jets struck. It was at six in the evening, he says from his hospital bed. Two of my friends were martyred, the rest are still alive. And I dont know why we were targeted. Medical director Dr Alchafii Fouani (right) at al-Najdah Hospital in Nabatiyeh, receiving patients injured in Israeli airstrikes. Kate Geraghty Hussein has shrapnel wounds to his chest, right leg and right arm. His doctor says he will recover. But he is another victim of the violence that is spreading through the region and bringing danger to the world. We are at al-Najdah Hospital in Nabatiyeh, close to where Hussein and his friends were attacked in the village of Yohmor al-Shaqif, which is within 20 kilometres of the borders of both Israel and Syria. The threat of war is all around us: the streets are empty, the shops are closed and dogs roam the pavements, their owners nowhere in sight. The medical director of this hospital, Alchafii Fouani, says the district is home to 200,000 people but that it now has fewer than 15,000. Amid the evacuation, however, the casualties still mount because some families cannot bear to leave. Fouani says up to 20 patients are rushed to the hospital each day after drone and missile strikes.

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There are no light injuries. They are all heavy, he says. Most of them die, and for the others, the injuries are quite heavy. He talks of missiles destroying large homes and trapping occupants with serious wounds. A 96-year-old patient in the ICU at al-Najdah Hospital. Kate Geraghty Some of the Syrian workers were as young as 13 or 14, says Fouani. Two died and 13 others were injured  and the survivors were left on the farm for six hours while emergency workers waited to reach them. They were recovered only after urgent calls between Israel, Lebanon and international agencies to allow the ambulances into the area. On the third day of the war, says Fouani, a father died in a strike on his house. His wife survived with their son, 4, and their daughter, 1. For some of them, they prefer to stay in their homes, he says. They have no money to spend for rent elsewhere. And some of them have no cars to leave the area. A commercial and residential building in Bachoura District in central Beirut is hit by one of three Israeli air strikes. An evacuation warning was given by the Israeli military one hour beforehand. Kate Geraghty An explosion erupts and the doctor pauses. We go to the window to see black smoke rising behind the hills across a small valley. It looks to be four or five kilometres away. Fouani watches quietly; he knows the ambulances will be on their way. The first one arrives within 20 minutes. A Nissan van pulls up and reverses into the emergency bay, followed soon by four others. Some patients are taken into the hospital out of public view, but others make their own way inside. An elderly woman walks with assistance from a van to the casualty ward, followed by an old man in a black cap. A tall ambulance worker in a black bulletproof vest carries a young girl wearing pink sandals and holding her teddy bear.

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Here, in what is thought to be the safest place in the district, staff and residents stand near the hospital entrance to watch the airstrikes. One man points out what he saw while we were inside: Here, and here, and here, and here. Four strikes. Then there is a low rumble. It is a fifth strike, this one more distant. A Civil Defence ambulance officer carries a young girl as she and her family are brought to the hospital after an Israeli airstrike hit a building near their home. Kate Geraghty There is no surprise and no public grief. One man tells us he thinks the attacks are timed for late afternoon on most days, when families gather for iftar, the meal served at sunset to end the daily fast during Ramadan. It is Wednesday afternoon; it seems just another day in what could be a long war. Meanwhile, in northern Israel, families shelter from rockets and drones being launched from Lebanon. The Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, loyal to Tehran and its brand of Shiite Islam, began sending rockets and drones into Israel on March 2 to show solidarity with Iran. On Wednesday alone, say Israeli authorities, Hezbollah fired 200 rockets and 20 drones into Israel. A house was destroyed by a missile in Moshav Haniel, in central Israel. Hundreds of thousands of people took shelter. Related Article Middle East at war Everywhere is full: Beiruts streets, schools, docks become makeshift shelter for desperate families Determined to smash Hezbollah after decades of conflict, the Israel Defence Force flies surveillance drones over neighbourhoods across Lebanon. It sends attack drones in the night to target Hezbollah leaders, and it orders jets into the air to pound neighbourhoods with missiles. The death toll in Lebanon increases each day. It now stands at 687, at least, according to the latest statement from the Lebanese government about the deaths since March 2. This includes 98 children and 52 women. In all the conflict across the region, from drone strikes on Dubai to the attacks on ships and the closure of airports, the one in Lebanon now has the grim status of being the deadliest outside Iran itself.

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The nurses of Nabatiyeh, working at the Nabih Berri Governmental University Hospital, witness the devastation. One day, we were actually picking up pieces of a human, the parts from little children and babies, totally torn apart, says Hassan Baz, the supervisor and disaster manager at the hospital. We are standing near the burns unit of the hospital, where two patients are being treated after being caught in the flames from an Israeli attack. Most patients are transferred to specialists in Beirut, where they will undergo skin grafts. The task at this hospital is to offer immediate treatment and prepare patients for their recovery away from the fighting. Emergency supervisor Ali Omeis (left) and emergency and disaster manager Hassan Baz (right) at the Nabih Berri Governmental University Hospital in Nabatiyeh. Kate Geraghty One man, however, cannot be moved. He lies in a coma after suffering smoke and chemical inhalation. He has been in a coma for 10 days. Absolutely, definitely, these are war crimes, Baz says. The attacks are targeting civilians, families, children, women. They are not targeting fighters. Many of the families tried to leave, but they couldnt find places to shelter, so they came back to live in their houses. And they are being targeted and killed. A man, who has been in a coma for 10 days from chemical and smoke inhalation from an Israeli airstrike, is treated in the intensive care unit at the Nabih Berri Governmental University Hospital in Nabatiyeh. Kate Geraghty Another nurse, emergency supervisor Ali Omeis, says this hospital has treated 65 cases of second-degree burns. He has reached a disturbing conclusion about the weapons being used against civilians.

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Most of the cases are phosphorus, Omeis says. He is referring to the chemical that is added to bombs and missiles to ignite when combined with oxygen, setting fire to targets and magnifying the damage from each strike. It is illegal to use white phosphorus in populated areas because of international agreements to avoid civilian harm. Omeis says he knows phosphorus is being used. There is the smell, for one thing. And there is the colour and nature of the wounds. The burns occur only when phosphorus bombs are used, or other chemicals cause fire, he says. Residents look across the narrow street at an apartment building in the Aisha Bakkar area in central Beirut that was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing four people. Kate Geraghty This is direct testimony about the war  and it tallies with other analysis. Human Rights Watch, a non-government organisation, says it has verified eight images that show airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed in southern Lebanon on March 3. The Israeli militarys unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians, said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, on Monday. In response, the Israeli military says it is unaware and cannot confirm the use of shells that contained white phosphorus in Lebanon. As the war goes on, the anxiety about the weapons will only increase.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on March 13, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of Native Nations SXM will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
THE NETHERLANDS: On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Francio Guadeloupe officially accepted the position of KNAW Professor in the Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations at the University of Amsterdam. In his powerful inaugural lecture, titled "Reweaving Dutch Caribbean Studies," Guadeloupe challenged traditional views of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He urged a fresh look at how citizens actually live across the Atlantic, dedicating his address to his late friend and teacher, Rafael Sanchez.

Guadeloupe centers his research on the daily, lived realities of the Kingdom. He argues that the European Netherlands and the Caribbean islands are not separate worlds. Instead, they interweave constantly through culture, technology, and travel. Words from Papiamento, Caribbean snacks, and music mix naturally with the Dutch language and culture across both sides of the ocean.

A major theme of his speech was circular migration. Many people move back and forth between the islands and the Netherlands for work, family, or a change of pace. Guadeloupe highlighted the dual psychological connection these citizens share. He pointed out that rigid official census categories, which often label people simply as "Caribische Nederlander," fail to capture this rich, complex reality.

He also addressed the environmental and social realities of this interconnectedness. While commercial flights and tourism bring families together, they also rely on fossil fuels and a heavily exploited labor force. He drew attention to the workers who keep the island tourist economies running, calling for an economically just and ecologically sustainable approach to Kingdom relations.

To explore these dynamics, Guadeloupe outlined four clear research lines for his professorship:

The study of trans-Atlantic cultural and intellectual creators.

The study of kinship and romantic relationships that span the ocean.

The impact of Dutch tourism on both the Netherlands and the islands.

The study of the workers and owners driving the means of production in these economies.

By focusing on what people actually do rather than the structures imposed upon them, Guadeloupe hopes to rethink the constitutional arrangement of the Kingdom. His ultimate goal, he explained, is to unweave and reweave the Kingdom of the Netherlands to help build a fairer, more equal world.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A concerned citizen has raised questions after reviewing two payment receipts issued on March 5, 2026, for transactions made to the Government Administration Building and the Chamber of Commerce of Sint Maarten. The receipts, submitted to SMN-News, show successful payments but include the puzzling reference Government St. Maarten Sacramento US.

The payments, totaling USD 1,581.92 for a government transaction and USD 15.82 for a 1% license fee, have raised concerns that government funds are being routed abroad.

However, SMN-News understands that the issue is not linked to any bank processing error or point-of-sale terminal malfunction. Instead, it appears to stem from the financial management system used by the Government of Sint Maarten.

The system, implemented by Grant Thornton in collaboration with NetPro, a Curacao-based technology company, reportedly generates the Sacramento reference as a result of its configuration. Sources indicate that the Ministry of Finance has been aware of the issue since January but has yet to resolve it. Officials confirm that the description is a system-generated anomaly and does not indicate that funds are being transferred abroad.

Despite assurances, the situation has raised public concerns about transparency and the accuracy of government financial systems. Observers emphasize that payment receipts for government transactions should clearly reflect that funds are processed within Sint Maarten, especially when involving entities like the Island Receiver.

The Ministry of Finance is expected to review and adjust the system configuration to ensure that future receipts accurately reflect the Government of Sint Maarten and do not include foreign geographic references. Citizens noticing irregularities on government receipts are encouraged to report them to the relevant authorities for investigation and correction.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues its efforts to combat violent crime and remove illegal firearms from the streets. As part of these ongoing efforts, officers arrested a suspect on the evening of Thursday, March 12, 2026, who was believed to be involved in a series of armed robberies that had taken place across the island.

At approximately 8:30 PM, during a routine traffic control operation on A.Th. Illidge Road, officers stopped a vehicle for further control. While verifying the occupant's identity, officers discovered that the individual was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant. The suspect, identified by the initials M.M.M.S., was immediately taken into custody.

The individual is suspected of being involved in several armed robberies, including a robbery that occurred at a hotel in the Oyster Pond area on January 16, 2026.

Following the arrest, officers searched the vehicle the suspect had been traveling in. During this search, officers discovered a firearm along with hollow-point ammunition inside the vehicle. Both the weapon and the ammunition were confiscated and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspect remains in police custody, pending further investigation.

KPSM takes this opportunity to once again warn the public about the serious dangers posed by illegal firearms within the community. The presence and use of such weapons continue to contribute to acts of violence and place innocent lives at risk.

KPSM also reminds the public that the Inter-Insular Gun Amnesty Program, commonly referred to as the Gun Buyback Project, is currently taking place across the Dutch Caribbean islands. Persons who are in possession of illegal firearms are strongly encouraged to voluntarily surrender these weapons. Turning in a firearm can help prevent violence and may save lives.

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms or criminal activity is encouraged to contact the KPSM Tip Line at 9300. Information can be shared anonymously and may help police keep the community safe.
PHILIPSBURG:---The Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum has received funding from the Mondriaan Fund to support the digitization of its historical collections.

With this support, the museum has been able to purchase specialized equipment, such as a special scanner, to carefully scan and preserve fragile archival materials. This also includes new computers, audiovisual playback and conversion equipment for cassettes, VHS tapes, and photo film rolls, as well as hard drives for backups. Together, these tools strengthen the museums ability to safeguard and manage its collections effectively.

Pictured here is one of our new scanners in use, digitizing an original ledger from the Salt Company on Sint Maarten. The records date back to 1859, and the open page documents the transportation of salt in 1867, an original historical record that directly documents the islands salt trade and economic activity during that period.

Historical researcher Jean-Marc Augusty, with the help of volunteers, has begun scanning the materials at the museum. While this process will take time, it is important to work towards long-term preservation of these records. Digitizing these materials not only protects them from further wear and tear but also ensures that documents and other historical materials remain accessible to the people of Sint Maarten and beyond.
Netanyahu says Israel 'crushing' Iran and Hezbollah



Jerusalem, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday the joint US-Israeli campaign was "crushing" Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and called for Iranians to rise up and overthrow the Islamic republic.

Netanyahu spoke soon after the new Iranian ruler Mojtaba Khamenei's first statement, in which he vowed to avenge the Iranians killed in the war so far.

"We are crushing Iran and Hezbollah," Netanyahu said in a televised media briefing.

In wide-ranging comments on the war, Netanyahu said he was seeking to use the conflict to oust the clerical leadership in Tehran.

"I have added a third objective, which is to create, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down this regime," Netanyahu said.

The other two goals remained preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities, he said.

The Israeli leader used his remarks to demand that Beirut rein in Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has joined Iran in launching missile strikes on Israel.

"I told the Lebanese government a few days ago -- you are playing with fire if you continue allowing Hezbollah to operate, in violation of your commitment to disarm it," he said.

"The time has come for you to do so. Now, if you do not do so, it is clear that we will do so," he continued.

Hezbollah on Thursday said it carried out a number of attacks against Israel, including on an air defence system near the town of Caesarea, home to Netanyahu's private residence.

Israel has threatened to target Lebanese government infrastructure if the attacks by Hezbollah persist.

Netanyahu had a personal message for Iran's new leader, saying: "We eliminated the old tyrant, and the new tyrant, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, can't show his face in public."

Khamenei had earlier issued a first statement in his name that was read out by a TV presenter.

mib-jd-del-gw/jsa
CANBERRA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have identified three new species of rock-dwelling monitor lizards in the northeast of the Australian state of Queensland, marking the first formal record of such reptiles from the country's eastern savannas.

Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) described the Rainbow Rock Monitor, Orange-headed Rock Monitor and Yellow-headed Rock Monitor, each notable for its vivid coloration and adaptation to rocky outcrops scattered across the savanna landscape, said an ANU statement on Friday.

Detailed genetic and morphological analyses confirmed the three populations are distinct species that have been evolving independently for millions of years, the statement said.

The findings, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, reshape understanding of diversity within one of the world's most iconic lizard groups, the same lineage that includes the Komodo dragon, it said.

"These three species suggest there may still be a lot left to discover in northern Australia, even when it comes to large reptiles," said co-lead author Stephen Zozaya from ANU. 
Polish president vetoes 40-bn-euro EU defence funding plan



Warsaw, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Poland's ferocious dispute over EU defence loans reached a fever pitch on Thursday as nationalist president Karol Nawrocki vetoed a multi-billion-euro plan that parliament had already approved.

Lawmakers in Poland, the largest country on NATO's eastern flank, last month backed the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme, which would bring nearly 44 billion euros in loans.

The money is earmarked for air and missile defences, anti-drone technology and other equipment, as war rages in neighbouring Ukraine.

But Nawrocki, whose relationship with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU government is rocky, moved to block the plan Thursday.

"I have decided not to sign the law that would allow Poland to take out the so-called 'Safe' loan. I will never sign a law that undermines our sovereignty, our independence, as well as our economic and military security," he said in a televised address.

Tusk, a strong proponent of the SAFE scheme, denounced the veto, while his spokesperson called it "an act of national treason".

"The president has missed the chance to behave like a patriot. A disgrace!" Tusk wrote on X.

Tusk previously vowed that in the event of a presidential veto, he would implement a "Plan B" to make use of the European funds regardless of the president.

On Thursday, he called an extraordinary cabinet meeting on Friday at 9:00 am (0800 GMT) in response to the veto.



- 'Generations' of debt -



As war in neighbouring Ukraine grinds along, and with Russia and Belarus just across the border, frontline Poland has upped its defence budget to 4.8 percent of its GDP, one of the highest in NATO.

The row over the SAFE programme is unprecedented in a country where there is usually consensus on defence.

Nawrocki argues the deal will allow Brussels to exert undue pressure on Warsaw through monitoring how funds will be allocated.

He claims SAFE could also saddle Poland with debt "for generations" and has instead floated a counter project, known as "SAFE 0%".

By using central bank funds instead, Poland would not be burdened with loans or interest payments, the president argues.

But many doubt how this could work, with some questioning Nawrocki's motives.

"Poland is the only country along NATO's Eastern flank where there is a debate on whether to accept the funds offered under the European programme," liberal Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza argued on Wednesday, describing the debate as a "scandalous political controversy" fanned by the former PiS government, to which the president is close.



- Under 'German boot' -



Ahead of the veto, Political scientist Jaroslaw Kuisz told AFP that Nawrocki wanted to stop Tusk reaping the economic boost the money would bring before the 2027 general election.

"The president wants... to harm the prime minister as much as possible so that he cannot reap the benefits of his immense financial success" in getting Poland such a big slice of the cake.

Companies, particularly in the arms sector, will "within a year have enormous sums of money at their disposal that will be redistributed", he said.

"The president's primary objective is to bring down the Tusk government and prepare for a change of power" in 2027, Wojciech Przybylski of the Visegrad think tank Insight told AFP.

Poland's eurosceptic nationalist opposition paints itself as a close and indispensable ally of Washington.

SAFE, its members argue, would discourage US arms companies from forging arms contracts with Poland, because its funds must be spent mostly in Europe.

PiS chairman Jaroslaw Kaczynski argued the agreement "was intended to bind (Poland) with various dependencies" and would place it "under the German boot".

But the plan is backed by 52 percent of Poles, with only 35 percent against it, according to a poll by Poland's Centre for Public Opinion Research.

Nawrocki, who is in an uneasy cohabitation with the ruling centrist coalition, has a reputation among his critics as a "veto machine" unwilling to reach across the aisle.

His "sovereign" alternative was jointly proposed with Poland's central bank governor -- another PiS ally.

Under the president's proposed bill, defence financing would be based on revaluing profits derived from the central bank's gold and foreign currency reserves.

But the government said this is unrealistic, with the central bank making a loss for several years.

Nawrocki's proposal "does not provide money, but creates yet another body, a council, bureaucracy, and dozens of unnecessary regulations", Tusk said.
Trump says Iran war moving 'very rapidly'



Washington, United States, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



US President Donald Trump said Thursday the war against Iran was moving "very rapidly," even as Tehran's new leader vowed defiance in his first public message.

"The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well, our military is unsurpassed," Trump said at the White House.

"They really are a nation of terror and hate, and they're paying a big price right now," added the US leader, who was attending a Women's History Month event with First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump has given mixed signals in recent days about the progress of the war, saying in recent days that "we won" against Iran and that it could end "very soon", but also insisting of the need to fight on.

He did not directly respond to comments by Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first message since his elevation to the post, vowing revenge and saying that Iran must keep a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil prices have soared with the virtual halt of tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.

But Trump said on social media earlier Thursday that stopping Iran's "evil empire" from getting nuclear weapons was more important.
Israel renews Beirut strikes as Netanyahu vows hard line on Hezbollah



Beirut, Lebanon, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Israel renewed its strikes on Beirut on Thursday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that if the Lebanese government did not disarm Hezbollah, Israel would do the job "on the ground".

"You are playing with fire," Benjamin Netanyahu said to Lebanese authorities during a press conference, as Israeli jets carried out three strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs -- two without prior warning -- according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Referring to the Lebanese government's stated commitment to disarm the Iran-backed group, the premier added "if you do not do so, it is clear that we will".

"How will we do it? On the ground. With ground forces and other things," he said.

Earlier Thursday the Israeli military had announced "a wave of strikes targeting Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure across Beirut", with AFPTV footage showing dark smoke rising into the sky above two districts in the heart of the city.

One of the strikes hit a building in Bashoura, adjacent to Beirut's commercial centre, where many large companies and government institutions are based.

An Israeli army spokesperson accused Hezbollah of "hiding... millions of dollars" under the building.

That was followed by another attack on a Beirut branch of the Hezbollah-linked financial firm Al Qard Al Hassan in the downtown neighbourhood of Zoukak El-Blat.

"I address you today while Beirut is being bombed, as are its suburbs, our south, and our Bekaa," Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a speech to the nation.

"It is a war we did not want; on the contrary, we are working day and night to bring it to an end."

Later Thursday, Israel's military said it had struck several Hezbollah command posts in a new wave of strikes targeting Beirut and southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military released footage of a large fireball that it said showed the destruction of Hezbollah command centres in Beirut. AFP could not immediately verify the video.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said earlier that he had ordered troops to "prepare for expanding" attacks in Lebanon, as Israel issued an evacuation warning to all residents south of the Zahrani River, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the border.

Israel continued striking several areas of Lebanon throughout the day, including the town of Arkey in the south, where nine people were killed and seven wounded, according to the health ministry.

Among the dead were five children, four of them siblings, according to the Arkey municipality.

A separate Israeli strike on the Christian village of Ein Ebel killed three men as they were installing a satellite TV dish on a roof, the NNA said.



- Hezbollah and Iran -



Hezbollah said on Thursday that it carried out a number of attacks against Israel, including one targeting an air defence system near the town of Caesarea, home to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private residence.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel, which had kept up its strikes in Lebanon even before the war despite a 2024 ceasefire, has since launched air raids and sent ground troops into border areas.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Thursday that they had carried out a joint missile and drone operation with Hezbollah against targets in Israel.

The joint operation drew the Lebanese government's "firm objection", with the foreign minister summoning the Iranian charge d'affaires.



- 'We won't leave' -



The violence has killed more than 687 people in Lebanon, according to national authorities, while more than 800,000 people have registered as displaced.

World Food Programme Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau, visiting Beirut, told AFP that "the massive displacement we have seen" in Lebanon was "unique" in the context of the regional war.

"Some 800,000 people in a week. That's massive."

An Israeli overnight strike on Ramlet al-Bayda, Beirut's public beachfront, killed 12 people and wounded 28, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

An AFP correspondent at the scene saw blood stains on the pavement and damaged vehicles, with the area, usually bustling with crowds, sealed off by security forces.

"We saw dead people on the ground," said Aseel Habbaj, a displaced woman who had been sheltering in a nearby tent after fleeing Israeli bombings in other areas of Lebanon.

Her 40-year-old neighbour Dalal al-Sayed said she had opted to pitch her tent at the seaside after fleeing attacks in southern Lebanon "because the last thing we expected was Israel to hit Beirut".

Her family could not afford to rent an apartment, she said.

"We won't leave, we will stay here even if we die," she added.

Displaced people have been sleeping rough or in tents on the streets of Beirut, including in Ramlet al-Bayda, where some shelters were hit by shrapnel from the overnight strike, according to an AFP correspondent.

A strike on a campus of the Lebanese University, the country's only public institution of higher learning, killed the head of the faculty of sciences and another professor, according to the NNA.

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Australia orders all 'non-essential' officials to leave Israel, UAE



Sydney, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Israel and the United Arab Emirates to leave due to the "deteriorating security situation", Canberra's top diplomat said.

In a post on X late Thursday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that "essential Australian officials will remain in-country to support Australians who need it".

The Australian government continued to advise that its citizens not travel to Israel and the UAE, she added.

"We urge you to leave the Middle East if you can and if it's safe to do so," she said.

"Don't wait until it's too late. It may be the last chance for some time."

Canberra has said there are about 115,000 Australian nationals across the Middle East, of whom about 2,600 have returned home.

The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a war in the Middle East.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf states like the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

Officials said 14 people had been killed in Israel since the start of the Iran war, while attacks in the Gulf have killed 24, including 11 civilians and seven US military personnel.

Inside Iran, its health ministry said this week that more than 1,200 people have been killed. Hundreds more people have died in Lebanon.

Australia backed the US-Israeli strikes as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

And Canberra said this week it would deploy a long-range military reconnaissance plane to the Gulf to protect civilians.
US refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq: US military



Washington, United States, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



An American KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while a second plane involved in the incident landed safely, the US military said Thursday.

"One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East, said in a statement.

The KC-135 is at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the war in the Middle East, after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.

KC-135s, which have been in operation for more than 60 years, generally have a crew of three -- a pilot, a copilot and a third who operates the boom used to refuel other aircraft, according to the US Air Force.

But some KC-135 missions require a navigator, and the aircraft can carry up to 37 passengers, an Air Force factsheet said.

Early in the war -- which began on February 28 -- Kuwaiti forces mistakenly downed three American F-15E fighters, but all six crewmembers were able to eject, according to CENTCOM.

That incident occurred during combat including "attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones," the military command said at the time.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Here are the latest events in the Middle East war on Thursday:



- Iran vows vengeance -



Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei -- whose father and other family members were killed in the opening strikes of the war on February 28 -- vowed Thursday to avenge the Iranian casualties in the conflict against the United States and Israel, according to a statement read by a presenter on state TV.

Khamenei himself was wounded in the strikes, according to some Iranian officials and state television, and his whereabouts and details of his physical condition are unknown -- leading Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to call on him to "show his face."



- Trump: war moving 'rapidly' -



US President Donald Trump told reporters the war against Iran was moving "very rapidly."

"It's doing very well, our military is unsurpassed," he said at the White House, not directly responding to the latest comments from Iran's new supreme leader.



- Israel strikes Basij force -



Israel's military said it had struck checkpoints set up in Tehran by the Basij paramilitary force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as part of efforts to undermine control by the authorities.



- Two Iran-backed fighters killed in Iraq -



A strike on a base occupied by a former paramilitary coalition killed at least two fighters from an Iran-backed group in the suburbs of the Iraqi capital, two faction officials told AFP.



- Hormuz mines -



Iran is not laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, its deputy foreign minister asserted after Trump said US forces had struck 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the waterway.

He told AFP that Iran was allowing ships from some countries to cross the narrow shipping lane which has remained effectively closed during the war.



- Beirut strikes -



Israel continued striking Beirut as it threatened to expand operations and seize territory in Lebanon if militant group Hezbollah did not stop its attacks.

AFPTV footage showed dark smoke rising into the sky above Bashoura, in the heart of Beirut.



- IEA: biggest ever oil shock -



The war "is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market", as Iran's chokehold on regional supplies forces Gulf producers to slash production, the International Energy Agency said.

An IEA market report said crude oil production was currently down by at least eight million barrels per day.



- Iran 'only targeting US bases' -



Iran's supreme leader ordered the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lane to remain closed and called on Middle East countries to shut US bases they host.

Earlier Thursday, security chief Ali Larijani warned that Iran would target power grids in the region if the United States attacked the Islamic republic's electricity supplies.



- Trump rebuffs oil price concerns -



Trump wrote on social media that stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons was "of far greater interest and importance to me" than controlling oil prices.



- Emergency talks on Hormuz -



The International Maritime Organization announced an "extraordinary session" next week to discuss threats to shipping in the Middle East and particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military has said it is "not ready" to escort tankers through the critical waterway because all its assets are focused on striking Iran.



- Israel moves deeper into Lebanon -



The Israeli military moved further into southern Lebanon, telling residents to "move immediately north of the Zahrani River", 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Israeli border.

It said Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah had launched "approximately 200 rockets" towards it overnight, in what it said was the biggest barrage of the war so far.



- Turkey warns Israel on Lebanon -



Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for an end to Israel's bombardment of neighbouring Lebanon "before it collapses", a disaster that would "profoundly affect the entire region".

"The government of Netanyahu is at the heart of every crisis in the region," he told journalists.



- Toll rises in Lebanon -



The government in Beirut said an Israeli strike on the city centre's seafront killed eight people, bringing to at least 687 the number of people killed in attacks from its neighbour since March 2.

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Middle East war: global economic fallout



Paris, France, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war on Thursday:



- Iran threatens oil and gas sector -



Iran has threatened to "set the region's oil and gas on fire with the slightest attack on Iran's energy infrastructure and ports", said a spokesman for its military central operational command.



- Brent closes above $100 -



Oil prices jumped Thursday with Brent crude settling above $100 a barrel for the first time since August 2022. It surged 9.2 percent to $100.46 a barrel.

The rise in energy prices could cause price hikes throughout the global economy.



- Iran vows to keep Strait of Hormuz closed -



Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei called for using "the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz", which the country's Revolutionary Guards vowed to carry out.

The strait is a key waterway through which a fifth of global crude passes.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US military was "not ready" to escort tankers through the strait as all its assets are focused on striking Iran.



- 'Historic' fallout: IEA -



The Middle East war "is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market" as Iran's chokehold on regional supplies forces Gulf producers to slash production, the International Energy Agency said.

It noted that crude production is down by at least 8.0 million barrels per day.



- Deadly attacks on tankers off Iraq -



An attack on two oil tankers off Iraq killed at least one crew member, an Indian national, as Iran pressed a campaign to disrupt global energy markets in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes.

The other crew members were rescued, Farhan Al-Fartousi, from Iraq's General Company for Ports, told AFP.



- Cargo ship catches fire after hit with shrapnel -



German shipowners Hapag-Lloyd said that one of their cargo vessels in the Gulf caught fire after being "hit with shrapnel" overnight, adding that no one was injured.

"We don't know where (the debris) came from, whether it was a rocket or a drone" or another munition, a company spokesman told AFP.



- Drone falls near Dubai finance hub -



A drone fell near Dubai's financial district, an AFP journalist saw, a day after some companies evacuated the area following Iranian threats against economic targets linked to the US and Israel.

Kuwait's international airport saw damage from drone attacks, civil aviation said.



- China cuts refined oil exports -



China has tightened export curbs on refined oil products, Bloomberg News reported, as Beijing seeks to shield its economy from the war.

The world's second-largest economy is the biggest importer of crude oil, with its refining operations mainly serving the country's massive domestic market.



- Countries try to limit cost pressures -



South Korea said a fuel price cap would be imposed to mitigate pressure on the country's energy supply during the Iran war, the first such measure introduced there.

The country is heavily reliant on energy imports, including shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Spain's government also said it would soon present a plan to contain the war's impact on electricity and fuel prices.



- Airlines react to higher fuel prices -



New Zealand's national airline said it would cancel 1,100 flights over the next two months.

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific announced new jet fuel surcharges for most routes, and Air France-KLM said it was raising ticket prices.



- TotalEnergies says shuts 15% output -



TotalEnergies said it had shut down 15 percent of its total oil and gas production due to the war in the Middle East.

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CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Air France-KLM
Six French soldiers wounded in Iraqi Kurdistan drone attack



Paris, France, March 12 (AFP) Mar 12, 2026



A drone attack wounded six French soldiers in Erbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, the French military said on Thursday.

The troops were "engaged in training activities on counterterrorism with Iraqi partners", a member of the general staff told AFP, adding the troops were taken to the nearest medical facility.

The governor of Erbil said the strike involved two drones and occurred at a base in Mala Qara, located around 40 kilometres from the regional capital.

Since the outbreak of the current war in the Middle East, multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the region.

The attack that injured French solders follows a separate drone strike on an Italian base in Erbil, within a military compound that was hosting other foreign troops.

No one was injured in the first attack, after which Italy said it was temporarily withdrawing its military personnel from the base.

Soldiers from several countries, including Italy and France, are training members of the Kurdish security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington.

Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the Middle East and beyond, France's President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that his country's stance is "strictly defensive".
Canadian, German and Norway leaders hold Arctic security talks



Oslo, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Canadian, German and Norwegian leaders will meet in the Norwegian Arctic on Friday to discuss the region's fragile security situation, against the backdrop of a large NATO exercise.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who are making separate visits to the Scandinavian country, will meet their host Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Bardufoss, a military town located above the Arctic Circle where NATO's Cold Response exercise is taking place.

The High North has long been shielded by the concept of "Arctic exceptionalism" -- the notion that the region had its own set of unwritten rules of cooperation which were immune to geopolitical rivalries.

But regional dynamics between Russia and the West have changed since the start of the war in Ukraine and due to US President Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland.

"In the face of new threats, we are deepening defence collaboration with our Arctic partners to create a stronger, more prosperous, and more secure world for Canada and for all," Carney said in a statement ahead of the visit.

Around 25,000 troops from 14 countries including the United States are taking part in the Cold Response exercise, held every two years and aimed at training together in extreme winter conditions.

This year's gathering has been impacted by the war in the Middle East, with France redirecting its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the eastern Mediterranean.

After visiting troops on Friday, the three leaders are due to hold a press conference around 3:30 pm (1430 GMT).

"We share the conviction that as European NATO allies, we must do more to secure the High North as NATO," Merz said at the World Economic Summit in Davos in January.

"This is a common transatlantic interest."

NATO chief Mark Rutte was also scheduled to visit Cold Response on March 18.



- Russian flights -



Faced with NATO's manoeuvres in its vicinity, Russia has asserted its presence.

The Norwegian military said Wednesday it had scrambled F-35 fighter jets on two consecutive days this week to intercept Russian military aircraft in international airspace north of Norway.

"There is nothing unusual or dramatic about such Russian flights, and Russia has the right to conduct these missions," the military said.

"The Russian flights are most likely intended to gather situational awareness of allied activity in connection with Cold Response 2026," it added.

Moscow has also announced that it would be conducting missile tests near the Norwegian waters of the Barents Sea, as it has done during previous exercises.

Warming three to four times faster than the planet, the Arctic is attracting increasing interest as the melting sea ice opens up greater access to resources -- such as oil and gas, minerals and fish -- as well as new shipping routes.

Before visiting Bardufoss, Merz and Store are to visit the Andoya space centre, where German group Isar Aerospace hopes to soon launch another of its Spectrum rockets.

Carney will meanwhile travel to Oslo where he will meet the prime ministers of the five Nordic countries for talks on Sunday.

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War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Here are the latest events in the Middle East war on Friday:



- French soldier killed in Iraqi Kurdistan -



A French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday, confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war.

Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month engulfed the Middle East in war, multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the region where foreign forces are based as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.



- New missile wave targets Israel -



The Israeli military said early Friday that Iran fired a new barrage of missiles toward Israel, with emergency services reporting that two were injured in the country's north.

"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 military posted on Telegram.



- Saudi Arabia intercepts drones -



Saudi Arabia intercepted dozens of drones entering its airspace, the defence ministry said Friday, as Iran carries out attacks on oil-rich Gulf countries in response to US-Israeli strikes.

"Twelve drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering Saudi airspace," a ministry spokesperson posted on X, after authorities reported at least 16 other drones were also shot down.



- US refueling plane crashes in Iraq -



An American KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while a second plane involved in the incident landed safely, the US military said.

"One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," said US Central Command, which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East.



- Iran vows vengeance -



Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose father and other family members were killed in the opening strikes of the war on February 28, -- vowed Thursday to avenge the Iranian casualties in the conflict, according to a statement read by a presenter on state television.

Khamenei himself was wounded in the strikes, according to some Iranian officials and state TV. His whereabouts and details of his physical condition are unknown, prompting Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to call on him to "show his face."



- Trump: war moving 'rapidly' -



US President Donald Trump told reporters the war against Iran was moving "very rapidly."

"It's doing very well, our military is unsurpassed," he said at the White House, not directly responding to the latest comments from Iran's new supreme leader.



- Israel strikes Basij force -



Israel's military said it had struck checkpoints set up in the Iranian capital Tehran by the Basij paramilitary force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as part of efforts to undermine control by the authorities.

Later, the Israeli military said it launched a new broad wave of strikes in Tehran on Thursday evening, pressing ahead with its campaign against Iran for a 13th day.



- Iraq-Syria border strikes -



Air strikes killed at least 11 Iran-backed fighters in Iraq on Thursday near the Iraqi-Syrian border and in the capital Baghdad, senior security and armed faction officials told AFP.

Iraqi authorities denounced the "blatant attacks" on bases that belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a former paramilitary group now integrated into the regular army, which also encompasses brigades from Iran-backed armed groups.



- Hormuz mines -



Iran is not laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, its deputy foreign minister said, after Trump said US forces had struck 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the waterway.

He told AFP that Iran was allowing ships from some countries to cross the narrow shipping lane that has remained effectively closed during the war.



- Beirut strikes -



Israel continued striking Beirut as it threatened to expand operations and seize territory in Lebanon if the militant group Hezbollah did not stop its attacks.

AFPTV footage showed dark smoke rising into the sky above Bashoura, in the heart of Beirut.



- IEA: biggest oil shock ever -



The war "is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market", as Iran's chokehold on regional supplies forces Gulf producers to slash production, the International Energy Agency said.

An IEA market report said crude oil production was currently down by at least eight million barrels per day.



- Israel moves deeper into Lebanon -



The Israeli military moved further into southern Lebanon, telling residents to "move immediately north of the Zahrani River", 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Israeli border.

It said the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah had launched "approximately 200 rockets" towards it overnight, in what it said was the biggest barrage of the war so far.

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BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced here Friday that at the invitation of the Vietnamese side, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Minister of National Defense Dong Jun will be in Vietnam from March 15 to 17 for the first ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a press briefing that it is the first "3+3" mechanism established by either side globally, fully demonstrating the strategic and high-level nature of the relations between the two parties and the two countries.

According to the spokesperson, the three senior Chinese officials will have in-depth exchanges of views with the Vietnamese side during the "3+3" mechanism meeting on issues including political security, cooperation in combating crime, defense cooperation, and the international and regional situation.

The spokesperson also announced that Wang Yi will co-chair the 17th meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with leader from the Vietnamese side.

During the meeting, the two sides will discuss specific measures to deepen the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, with a focus on promoting cooperation in areas such as politics, connectivity, trade and investment, and cultural exchanges, Guo said.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to follow the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, promote the continuous deepening of China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional stability and prosperity, Guo added. 
French soldier killed in attack in Iraqi Kurdistan



Paris, France, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



A French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday, confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war.

Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month engulfed the Middle East in war, multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the region where foreign forces are based as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.

The member of the armed forces "died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq," Macron posted on X, adding that several soldiers were also wounded.

He did not say who was behind the attack.

Earlier, a pro-Iranian Iraqi group warned that French interests in the region were now targets after the arrival of a French aircraft carrier to "the area of operations of the American Central Command."

The statement on Ashab Alkahf's Telegram channel also warned "our brothers in the security forces" to stay away from a base it said housed French troops.

There was no direct claim of responsibility for the attack from the group.

The French military said earlier that drones had hit a base where troops were taking part in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi counterparts.

The governor of Erbil said the strike involved two drones and hit a base in Mala Qara, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the regional capital.

The French military said on Thursday that six people had been wounded in the attack. It was not clear whether the solider who died was among that toll.

"The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks," Macron said, calling the strike "unacceptable".

The soldier's death follows a separate drone strike on an Italian base in Erbil, within a military compound that was hosting other foreign troops.

No injuries were reported in that attack, but Italy said it was temporarily withdrawing its military personnel from the base.

Soldiers from several countries, including Italy and France, are training members of the Kurdish security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan as part of the anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington.

"Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism," Macron posted on Friday, referring to the French troops who had been attacked.

Macron has insisted that his country's stance in the Middle East war is "strictly defensive".

burs-sah/
Moscow piles pressure on US over oil sanctions



Washington, United States, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Moscow said on Friday that the global energy market "cannot remain stable" without its oil, piling pressure on Washington to lift more sanctions as the Middle East war strangles supplies.

The United States has eased some oil sanctions on Russia imposed over its invasion of Ukraine, prompting backlash from Western allies who urged Washington to keep up restrictions as the Ukraine conflict drags into its fifth year.

The US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have upended the world's energy and transport sectors, virtually halting activity in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is temporarily allowing the sale of oil from Russia -- one of the world's largest oil producers and exporters -- that is at sea, the Treasury Department said Thursday, as nations scrambled to boost supply and bring down prices.

Oil prices soared to almost $120 a barrel this week, the highest price since the pandemic.



-- G7 resistance --



Russia's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev said on Friday that it was "increasingly inevitable" that Washington would lift more sanctions.

"The United States is effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable," Dmitriev posted on Telegram.

"Amid the growing energy crisis, further easing of restrictions on Russian energy sources appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some in the Brussels bureaucracy," he added.

But French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven advanced economies, said that the Strait of Hormuz's shutdown "in no way" justified lifting the sanctions on Russia.

"The consensus was that we should not change our position on Russia and should maintain our efforts on Ukraine," Macron told a G7 videoconference discussing the economic fallout from the US-Israeli war with Iran.

On Thursday, the Treasury issued a license authorizing the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that have been loaded on vessels on or before 12:01 am Eastern Time March 12, through 12:01 am on April 11.

The move came after Washington last week temporarily allowed Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted that the India authorization was a "narrowly tailored, short-term measure."

He said in a statement it would not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction."

Dmitriev said earlier this week he had joined a "productive meeting" with US negotiators in Florida, the first talks between Moscow and Washington since the start of the Iran war.
Australia minister warns against 'dangerous' price gouging of fuel



Sydney, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Australia's energy minister warned on Friday against "dangerous" price gouging of petrol as he relaxed rules on how much fuel companies needed to hold in stock in a bid to boost supply.

The country -- reliant on oil imports for fuel -- has seen petrol prices spike due to panic buying since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East.

In a push to boost supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government would slash the Minimum Stockholding Obligation -- which guarantees a baseline level of fuel stock -- for petrol and diesel by 20 percent.

"This will allow the release of up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from Australia's domestic reserves, where these can be targeted towards localised market disruption," he said in a statement.

"This will take time to move through Australia's long and complex supply chain from where fuel is held to the regional areas where it's needed," he said.

Australia's government has blamed price gouging by retailers for rising domestic costs of fuel.

Bowen said on Friday: "I ask Australians to buy as much fuel as you need. No more, no less."

He said people selling fuel at inflated prices were engaging in actions that were "un-Australian" and "dangerous".

"It shouldn't be done," he said.

In the most populous state of New South Wales, police warned rural residents on Friday about increasing fuel theft as prices rose.

Police are investigating the disappearance of 800 litres of diesel from a farm in the state's west.

"Be aware of any vehicles that you may not recognise in your local community," said detective acting inspector Andrew Maclean.

Meanwhile, the government has insisted the country's fuel supply is secure.

On Thursday, Canberra said it would adjust fuel quality standards to allow higher sulphur levels for around two months in a move it said would release 100 million litres into the domestic supply.

Oil prices on Thursday topped $100 a barrel again after Iranian attacks on shipping effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz -- a response to the US-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Sirens heard at Incirlik base, key NATO facility in Turkey: state news agency



Ankara, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Sirens wailed early on Friday at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a key NATO facility where US troops are stationed near the southern city of Adana, state news agency Anadolu reported.

There was no immediate official comment on the incident, which took place four days after NATO air defences shot down a ballistic missile in Turkish airspace that was fired from Iran, the second in five days.

Residents of Adana, which lies 10 kilometres (six miles) from the base, were woken up at 3:25 am (0025 GMT) by sirens, which sounded for around five minutes, according to the Ekonomim business news website.

It said a red alert sounded at the base.

Several people posted mobile phone footage on social media of a fast-moving object that appeared to be on fire moving through the night sky as police and ambulance sirens wailed through the streets, it said.

Defence news platform SavunmaSanayiST said the objects were "believed to be fragments from a third ballistic missile" or from the interceptor, which had entered the atmosphere and burnt up before falling to the ground.

NATO had on Monday confirmed shooting down a second ballistic missile fired from Iran, prompting Ankara to warn Tehran against "provocative steps".

The announcement came shortly after Washington said it was closing down its consulate in Adana, urging all American citizens to leave southeastern Turkey.

Later that day, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian phoned Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and denied the missile had been fired from Iran.



- US troops at two Turkish bases -



Since the US-Israeli war against Iran started, Tehran has launched strikes across the Middle East. Turkey had appeared to have been spared.

The Incirlik air base is an important NATO facility that has been used by US troops for decades, but which also hosts military personnel, including from Spain and Poland, the base's official website says.

US troops are also stationed at Kurecik, another Turkish base in the central Malatya province which houses an early-warning radar system that NATO describes as a "key element" of its missile shield, and which can detect Iranian missile launches.

Although Ankara has categorically denied that the radar data has ever been used to help Israel, its presence has rattled Tehran.

On Tuesday, Turkey said a Patriot missile defence system was being deployed in Malatya as NATO "strengthened its air and missile defence measures".

NATO shot down a first missile on March 4, saying it had identified the launch, confirmed its trajectory and intercepted the threat "in less than 10 minutes". A day later, it said it had strengthened its "alliance-wide ballistic missile defence posture" without giving details.

The Incirlik and Kurecik bases are a deeply sensitive issue for Turkey, with police arresting three journalists for "national security offences" over footage filmed near Incirlik just hours after the war began on February 28.
Iran Guards vow 'stronger' response than in January if new protests erupt



Tehran, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the country's military, warned on Friday that any new protests against the authorities would be met with a stronger response than in January, when several thousand people were killed.

"The evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, is once again pursuing the instillation of fear and street riots," the Guards said in a statement broadcast on TV, promising "a stronger blow than on January 8" in the event of new unrest.

The warning comes two weeks into Iran's war with the United States and Israel in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says one of the aims is to "create, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down" the Iranian government.

US President Donald Trump has also called for Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government.

In December, protests against the high cost of living in Iran turned into a broad protest movement against the authorities.

It reached its peak on January 8 with what Iranian authorities called "riots" blamed on "terrorists" working on behalf of Israel and the United States.

The official death toll from Iranian authorities stands at more than 3,000, with the government saying the vast majority were members of security forces or passers-by.

NGOs based abroad have accused the security forces of deliberately firing on demonstrators.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the United States, says more than 7,000 people were killed.

Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979.
Nepal sells half-filled gas canisters due to Mideast war



Mumbai, India, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Nepal has started selling half-filled cooking gas cylinders to curb hoarding and panic buying, officials said Friday, following import disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

The landlocked Himalayan nation of 30 million relies almost entirely on India for its fossil fuel needs.

About 90 percent of India's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint where maritime traffic has largely stalled.

As supplies tighten, New Delhi has prioritised households, transport, and other essential sectors such as hospitals.

Nepal, however, said it still has sufficient gas but has reduced cylinder volumes to stretch the available supply.

"A decision was made to begin selling half-filled cylinders," government's Nepal Oil Corporation spokesman Manoj Kumar Thakur told AFP.

"Our supply remains intact but the war in the Middle East, and news of shortages, has caused resourceful consumers to buy more than they need," he added.

"This has meant that people who only have a single cylinder in their homes are not getting to buy. This way, our supply will reach more households."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, emphasising that "unhindered transit of goods and energy" remains a top priority for New Delhi.

Nepal's electricity, by contrast, is largely generated from hydropower dams on its mountain rivers, allowing it to export electricity to coal-dependent India.
Australia orders all 'non-essential' officials to leave Lebanon



Sydney, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating security situation".

"Essential Australian officials will remain in-country to support Australians who need it," she added.

The warning came hours after Canberra issued the same order to officials in Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Canberra has said there are about 115,000 Australian nationals across the Middle East, of whom about 2,600 have returned home.

"We urge Australians in the Middle East to leave if you can and if it's safe to do so," Wong said.

"Don't wait until it's too late. It may be the last chance for some time."

The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and triggered a war in the Middle East.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf states like the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

Officials said 14 people had been killed in Israel since the start of the Iran war, while attacks in the Gulf have killed 24, including 11 civilians and seven US military personnel.

Inside Iran, its health ministry said this week that more than 1,200 people have been killed.

Hundreds more people have died in Lebanon.

Australia backed the US-Israeli strikes as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

And Canberra said this week it would deploy a long-range military reconnaissance plane to the Gulf to protect civilians.
Afghan govt says Pakistan strikes Kabul and border provinces



Kabul, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Afghan authorities said on Friday that Pakistan had carried out airstrikes on Kabul and border provinces, killing four people in the capital, in the latest deadly clashes in the long-running conflict.

Pakistani security sources said they carried out "successful airstrikes" against "four terrorist hideouts" in Kabul and frontier provinces, as well as destroying an oil storage facility at Kandahar airport.

Islamabad last month launched a military operation against its neighbour, targeting Islamist extremists following growing attacks in Pakistan.

But the Taliban government has denied any involvement or the use of Afghan territory for militancy.

Kabul police spokesman Khalil Zadran said four people had been killed and 15 wounded when homes were hit in the capital, with women and children among the victims.

An AFP team in the Guzar area of Kabul saw one destroyed house and around a dozen others that were badly damaged, with collapsed roofs and walls.

There was a sizeable police presence in the area and visibly shocked local residents were in the streets, including some with bandaged faces.

"Two men and two women were martyred," Abdul Rahim Tarakil, a local representative, told AFP.

"There aren't any military posts here... There are only ordinary people, poor people. They don't have any involvement in politics."

Abdul Wahid, a 29-year-old daily labourer, said he and four family members were wounded when his house was hit at about 12:10am local time (1910 GMT Thursday).

"Suddenly, a noise came from another house. I don't know what happened afterwards. All these bricks fell on me. Women and children were under the rubble as well," he added.

"I was there for 10 minutes as if it was my last breath. Then my neighbours came and removed the bricks... and took us to the clinic."



- Border clashes -



Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X that Pakistani strikes also hit the southern province of Kandahar, as well as eastern Paktia and Paktika, which border Pakistan.

In Kandahar, which is home to the administration's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, air strikes hit a fuel depot for airline Kam Air, near the airport.

The company supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft.

In Nangarhar province, eastern Afghanistan, a local army spokesman said anti-aircraft defences responded to Pakistani aircraft that flew overhead.

Residents reported firing from both sides near the Torkham border crossing, an AFP correspondent said, while a senior police officer in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, said "explosive material" was dropped from "terrorist drones", wounding three.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday that the border attacks "significantly damaged" its transit centre in Torkham for Afghans deported en masse from Pakistan.

"IOM will assess the damage and resume services for Afghan returnees as soon as conditions allow," it added on X.

Pakistan insists it has not killed any civilians in the conflict. Casualty claims from both sides are difficult to verify independently.

There have been repeated clashes at the border in recent weeks, hampering trade and forcing nearby residents to leave their homes.

The United Nations' mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said 56 civilians have been killed in Afghanistan, including 24 children, by Pakistani military operations between February 26 and March 5.

About 115,000 people were forced to leave their homes, according to the UN refugee agency.

Dozens of people were killed in fighting between the two countries in October last year, which led to the near-total closure of the border.

Clashes reduced after mediation but the conflict intensified on February 26, when Afghanistan launched a border offensive, in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes targeting the TTP.

Pakistan then declared "open war" against the Taliban authorities, bombing the capital, Kabul, on February 27.

Seven civilians, including four members of the same family, had been killed in attacks on Tuesday and overnight Wednesday to Thursday, the authorities in Kabul said.

bur-iw/ceg-phz/ane
Greece arrests Pole on charges of spying on US base



Athens, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Greek police have arrested a Polish man on charges of spying on the military base used by US forces in Crete, according to the ANA news agency.

Thursday's arrest came 10 days after a Georgian man was detained on the same charges.

The 58-year-old Polish citizen, who has denied the charges, was allegedly taking pictures of ships entering the Souda military base on the island, according to police sources quoted by the agency.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's biggest aircraft carrier, passed through Souda at the end of February.

On March 2, a Georgian man was arrested on charges of spying at the same base.

He was sentenced to two years in prison for illegally entering Greece, while the espionage charges against him are investigated. The man, a 36-year-old Georgian national of Azerbaijani origin, has denied the spying charges.

In June, an Azerbaijani national was arrested in Crete and placed in pre-trial detention on suspicion of espionage after being found with photos of the Souda base.

The Souda naval base is home to roughly 1,000 people, including military personnel, US civilian employees, local employees and contractors.
Sri Lanka to repatriate remains of 84 Iranians killed in US attack



Colombo, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Sri Lanka is repatriating on Friday the remains of 84 Iranian sailors killed when their frigate was sunk nine days ago by a US submarine, the Foreign Ministry said.

The seamen were killed when IRIS Dena was torpedoed on March 4 just off the coast of Sri Lanka, in a move that extended the Middle East war to the Indian Ocean.

"All domestic procedures have been completed, and the Iranians are bringing a chartered aircraft for the repatriation," spokesman Thushara Rodrigo told AFP.

"The 32 sailors who were rescued by our navy will remain in Sri Lanka."

The embalmed remains, in sealed boxes, are to be flown out of Sri Lanka from the Mattala International Airport in the south of the country, officials said.

The first batch of 46 bodies was already at the airport by Friday afternoon awaiting an Iranian chartered cargo plane, an official told AFP.

The bodies, which were plucked from the Indian Ocean, were taken to the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, 115 kilometres (72 miles) south of the capital, where autopsies were carried out.

A local magistrate ordered that the bodies be handed over to the Iranian embassy in Colombo to be sent back to the next of kin.

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian embassy when contacted by AFP.
ISLAMABAD, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has conducted airstrikes on Taliban facilities and terrorists' camps as part of the ongoing operation against terrorists in Afghanistan, security sources told Xinhua on Friday.

During the airstrikes carried out from late Thursday night to early Friday morning, four terrorist hideouts and other facilities in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia were targeted, said the sources, adding that operations will continue until the objectives are achieved.

The development comes as Pakistan continues with the Operation Ghazab Lil Haq (Wrath of Justice) which was launched in late February.

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that 641 terrorists had so far been killed, with more than 855 injured, during the ongoing operation in Afghanistan. 
Two drones crash near major Iraqi oil field



Baghdad, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Two drones fell near a major southern Iraqi oil field, two oil ministry officials told AFP on Friday, as the war in the Middle East causes unprecedented upheaval in the sector.

"Two drones hit communications towers near the Majnoon oil field, without causing casualties or material damage," one official told AFP.

The oil field had already paused operations prior to the incident.

Oil ministry spokesperson Saheb Bazoun said it was the first time the field had been targeted, adding that one drone exploded after crashing.

Iraq is a founding OPEC member, and crude oil sales make up 90 percent of the country's budget -- much of which comes from Majnoon.

Several oil fields and facilities in Iraq have been hit by drones since the Middle East war began on February 28.
EU's Costa slams easing of US sanctions on Russian oil



Brussels, Belgium, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



EU chief Antonio Costa said Friday the US move to ease sanctions on Russian oil exports was "very concerning, as it impacts European security."

Washington has temporarily allowed the sale of oil from Russia -- one of the world's largest producers -- that is at sea, as it tries to contain oil prices pushed up by the Iran war.

But that has prompted backlash from Western allies who say the proceeds could be used to fund Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The unilateral decision by the US to lift sanctions is very concerning as it impacts European security," Costa wrote on X.

"Increasing economic pressure on Russia is decisive for it to accept a serious negotiation for a just and lasting peace," added Costa, who presides over the European Council representing the 27 member states.

"Weakening sanctions increases Russian resources to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine," he added.

US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have virtually halted transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices spiralling.

Russia has benefitted, with the high prices helping Moscow to cover a widening gap in public finances.

European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho told a press conference Friday Moscow has been pocketing $150 million a day in extra revenues from oil sales since the beginning of the Iran war.

"It is not the time to relax sanctions on Russia," she said, describing the Kremlin as "probably the biggest beneficiary" of the conflict.

The European Union banned maritime imports of Russian crude in 2022, while pipeline exports via Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia have been effectively blocked since January.
Israeli warplanes drop leaflets over Beirut, causing panic



Beirut, Lebanon, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Israeli planes dropping propaganda leaflets over Beirut on Friday caused a number of loud booms in the sky, terrifying residents of the capital.

AFP correspondents in Beirut heard four successive booms at short intervals, before clouds of paper leaflets appeared high in the air, as observed by AFP's photographer.

State media said that the noise was "caused by Israeli aircraft flying at a very low altitude and dropping leaflets over a number of areas, specifically in Verdun, Hamra, and Ain al-Mreisseh", western Beirut neighbourhoods.

One of the leaflets that was dropped, addressed to the Lebanese people, said: "You must disarm Hezbollah, Iran's shield," and "Lebanon is your decision, not someone else's."

The leaflet included a QR code, along with the phrase: "Unit 504 is working to secure the future of Lebanon and its people."

Unit 504 is an Israeli military intelligence unit. Leaflet drops are a tactic also used in Gaza.
Deadly blast rocks Iran as leaders rally in show of defiance



Tehran, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Deadly explosions rocked Tehran close to a pro-government rally attended by top officials Friday, as Israel and Iran unleashed fresh strikes in a war that has ignited the Middle East and threatens to torpedo the world economy.

Since erupting on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the war has cascaded throughout the region, drawn in global powers, and sparked a major oil shock.

AFP journalists in Tehran reported loud blasts over the city skies, as Israel's military said it had hit more than 200 targets in western and central Iran in the past day.

Iran's state media said at least one woman was killed when blasts hit an area near a demonstration, where large crowds had gathered waving flags and brandishing banners reading "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

"These attacks are out of fear, out of desperation," said Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who attended the rally to mark Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan.

"One who is strong wouldn't bomb demonstrations at all. It's clear that it (the enemy) has failed," said Larijani in a speech broadcast on state TV.

President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the rally, while images on Iranian media showed the head of the judiciary being interviewed just as a blast occurred.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei vowed Iran's military would teach the US and Israel "an unforgettable lesson."

Shortly afterwards, state television said Iran had launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.



- Bread rationed -



Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the country's military, warned Friday that any new anti-government protests would be met with a stronger response than in January, when several thousand people were killed.

Iranians speaking to AFP under cover of anonymity have painted a grim picture of life under the bombs, with cities in ruins and cash running short.

"People are desperately trying to withdraw their savings from the banks, as trust in them has vanished," one 30-year-old woman in Kermanshah, western Iran, told AFP.

"Bread is now rationed. The population is extremely tense and outraged."

The United Nations refugee agency has estimated that up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the war started.

Iran's health ministry said on March 8 that more than 1,200 people have been killed, a figure AFP has not been able to verify independently.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US and Israel had struck more than 15,000 targets since the war started, warning that Friday would mark the most intensive bombing yet.

"We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time. Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today," wrote US President Donald Trump on social media.



- 'We won't leave' -



Iran has launched waves of drone and missile strikes against neighbouring states hosting US military assets throughout the region.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said Friday its forces had intercepted dozens of drones, including one targeting its capital's Diplomatic Quarter.

AFP images showed black smoke hanging over the iconic skyline of Dubai after an attack on what was once considered a safe haven in a chaotic region.

Two people died from drone debris in Oman, according to state media there, while sirens rang out early Friday at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a key NATO facility housing US troops.

Later Friday, Turkey's defence ministry said NATO defences had intercepted a ballistic missile from Iran in Turkish airspace, the third such incident in just over a week.

In another sign of the war's spread, President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of France's first soldier, in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq.

Arnaud Frion, 42, was hit by an Iranian drone as the French military took part in counter-terrorism training, his commanding officer said Friday.

Elsewhere in Iraq, a US refuelling aircraft crashed, killing four crew members, though the military said it was "not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."

In Israel, a strike on the town of Zarzir injured around 60 people, according to police, with AFP images showing burned-out vehicles and craters in the ground.

The conflict has also battered Lebanon, with authorities reporting at least 687 people killed by Israeli attacks.

AFP images from central Beirut showed buildings reduced to husks of rubble and burned-out shells of overturned vehicles as small fires flickered from the aftermath of strikes.

Israeli planes dropping propaganda leaflets over Beirut caused a number of loud booms in the sky, terrifying residents.



- 'I am in danger' -



Crude oil stayed above the benchmark price of $100 per barrel after Iran's leader vowed to choke the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy transport.

Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly wounded in the strike that killed his father, has not appeared publicly since taking charge. His message calling for vengeance was read by an anchor on state television.

The statement said the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely be used," referring to Iran's effective closure of the waterway.

Blocking the strait is a powerful weapon for Iran, massively outgunned by Israel and the US, by hitting a sensitive pinch point for the global economy.

A Chinese sailor on an LPG tanker marooned north of Dubai, unable to pass through the strait, shared footage of smoke rising from a nearby vessel.

"Every day on the ship, I can see missile launches and hear explosions, making me feel like I am in danger," Wang Shang, 32, told AFP.

The war, which has also seen energy infrastructure targeted in oil-rich Gulf states, is creating "the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market," the International Energy Agency has said.

As prices at the pump soar around the world, Trump has eased some oil sanctions on Russia, which has warned the global energy market "cannot remain stable" without its supplies.

A Ukrainian diplomatic source said the move would simply "help Russia wage war for longer."

burs-ric/ser
Israel warns Lebanon faces 'increasing price in damage' over Hezbollah activity



Jerusalem, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday said Lebanon will suffer increasing damage to its infrastructure as Israel targets Hezbollah, after the military destroyed a bridge over the southern Litani river.

"This is just the beginning and the Lebanese government and the State of Lebanon will pay an increasing price in damage to Lebanese national infrastructure used by Hezbollah terrorists due to terrorist activity and launches at the State of Israel," Katz said at a meeting with army top brass.

He warned the Lebanese government it would incur greater damage to infrastructure "and loss of territory -- until it fulfils its central commitment of disarming Hezbollah".

Katz said the bridge over the Litani river was destroyed overnight as it served "as a crossing for Hezbollah terrorists and for the transfer of weapons to southern Lebanon".

That came after Hezbollah fired 200 rockets at Israel overnight from Wednesday to Thursday in the biggest barrage since renewed fighting started this month.

The Israeli military has been battling Tehran-backed Hezbollah since the group began firing rockets into Israel on the second day of joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Israel has sent troops over the border into southern Lebanon, conducting aerial bombardments on the area as well as striking the capital city Beirut and other parts of the country.
US, Israel hit more than 15,000 targets in Iran war: Pentagon



Washington, United States, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



The United States and Israel have struck more than 15,000 targets since launching a war against Iran last month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.

"Between our air force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck. That's well over 1,000 a day," Hegseth told a news conference, adding that Friday would mark the highest volume of strikes yet in the campaign.

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28, and Tehran has responded with waves of missiles and drones launched at countries in the region hosting US troops.

Washington's forces have been targeting Iranian missile and drone infrastructure, and Hegseth said Friday that the volume of return fire has dramatically decreased from earlier in the conflict.

Iran's "missiles, their missile launchers and drones (are) being destroyed or shot out of the sky," he said, adding: "Their missile volume is down 90 percent, their one-way attack drones yesterday -- down 95 percent."
A US general is leading probe into Iran school strike: Pentagon



Washington, United States, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



An investigation led by a US general will take "as long as necessary" to determine the facts of a strike on an elementary school in Iran, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday.

The investigation is conducted by a general officer from outside the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and "will take as long as necessary to address all the matters surrounding this incident," Hegseth told a news conference.

Tehran has accused the United States and Israel of conducting the deadly missile attack on the school that Iranian media reports say killed at least 165 people, including children.
Poland vows to ensure EU defence funding after presidential veto



Warsaw, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Poland's centrist government on Friday unveiled a "Plan B" for financing the modernisation of its military and arms industry, after nationalist President Karol Nawrocki's veto of nearly 44 billion euros in European loans.

Lawmakers in Poland, the largest country on NATO's eastern flank, last month backed the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme, as war rages in neighbouring Ukraine.

SAFE earmarks funds for air and missile defences, anti-drone technology and other equipment, but the president's veto dealt a major blow to these plans.

The government said Friday it would ensure SAFE funding makes its way to Poland, albeit under more complex arrangements.

Conservative-nationalist Nawrocki, in a televised address explaining his decision Thursday, said the European funding "undermines our sovereignty, our independence, as well as our economic and military security".



- SAFE's main beneficiary -



The SAFE loan scheme was developed by European countries seeking to reinvigorate their defence industry to face the Russian threat and respond to the risk of US disengagement from Europe.

The fund makes some 150 billion euros available in the form of preferential loans to finance joint projects in defence, the purchase of weapons or ammunition, and the development of critical infrastructure.

Since Poland borders Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, it has been tasked with building part of the EU's and NATO's "eastern shield".

The programme's main recipient, it had been set to receive 43.73 billion euros from the total envelope before Nawrocki's veto.



- 'Turbocharge' or Trojan horse -



Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former president of the European Council who has worked to restore Poland's relationship with Brussels, claims authorship over SAFE.

He says he persuaded European partners to provide funding to help Poland fortify his borders.

With the coalition government, he argues that the loan scheme will also "turbocharge" the Polish economy, and benefit about 12,000 Polish companies.

But Nawrocki and the rest of the conservative-nationalist opposition are hostile to Brussels.

They argued SAFE would allow EU bureaucrats and Germany -- an eternal bogeyman on the Polish right -- to steer Warsaw's strategic choices.

The right also fears that SAFE would alienate a key Polish ally in Washington by prioritising European arms purchases at the expense of American suppliers.



- Political points -



With just over a year to go before Poland's next parliamentary elections, the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party is polling poorly. Analysts have argued Nawrocki vetoed the bill to score political points.

The President's critics say characterise him as a "veto machine" unwilling to compromise, even in the face of criticism from the public.

A poll by Poland's Centre for Public Opinion Research suggested that the government's SAFE plan was backed by 52 percent of Poles, with only 35 percent opposed.

Many of the Polish companies who stood to benefit from the scheme are located in the countryside and smaller cities, where the right's electoral base is strongest.

Some analysts argue that Nawrocki and his party do not want the ruling coalition to gain ground there.



- President's alternative -



Rather than back the SAFE proposal, Nawrocki insisted on his own alternative, "SAFE 0%", drawn up with another PiS ally, Central Bank Governor Adam Glapinski.

Described as a "sovereign" alternative to the European loans, the programme would instead use central bank funds.

The president argued this would remove the burden of interest payments and debt.

Critics however say the plan could carry unforeseen costs, as it is based on speculating with the proceeds of gold sales from the central bank's reserves.

The government denounced the presidential veto as a "betrayal" of Poland and its security interests.

"Every soldier, when he gets a new tank, a new rifle, a new drone, an anti-drone system to counter Russian drones, will have to remember who didn't want to give it to him," Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Friday.

Warsaw's use of SAFE funds will now have to pass by another route, the Armed Forces Support Fund, but the process will be longer, more restrictive, and more expensive.

But Prime Minister Donald Tusk insisted Friday: "The president's veto will not stop us."

And Thomas Regnier, a European Commission spokesman, said Friday: "We're fully committed to the Polish national plan. We look forward to implementing it without delays."
Strait of Hormuz 'tactically complex environment:' top US general



Washington, United States, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



The Strait of Hormuz is a "tactically complex environment," top US military officer General Dan Caine said Friday, acknowledging the difficulty in acting on plans to escort traffic safely through the strategic waterway.

"It's a tactically complex environment. Before, I think, we want to take anything through there at scale, we want to make sure that we do the work pursuant to our current military objectives," Caine said.

Asked if the Trump administration had adequately planned for Iran blocking the strait -- used for a fifth of global crude trade -- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said yes, but did not provide details.

"We're actually closing in on, grabbing hold of and controlling what objectives we want to achieve, and how we want to achieve them," he said.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the previous day that the US military is currently "not ready" to escort tankers through the strait because all its assets are focused on striking Iran.

But he added that it was "quite likely" such escorts would be taking place by the end of the month.

Earlier in the week, Wright sent oil prices see-sawing when he said US ships had already carried out an escort, before his social media post was swiftly deleted and the White House denied that such an operation had occurred.
Canadian, German and Norway leaders reaffirm commitment to Arctic security



Bardufoss, Norway, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Canadian, German and Norwegian leaders on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to Arctic security, which has come under strain, while visiting troops at a large NATO exercise.

"We are fully prepared, individually and collectively, to defend the Arctic and the High North," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told a press conference in Bardufoss, a military town located above the Arctic Circle where NATO's Cold Response exercise is taking place.

"What this operation is about, this training exercise, is to further build those capabilities, against Russia, against any external threat," he said alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

The High North has long been shielded by the concept of "Arctic exceptionalism" -- the notion that the region had its own set of unwritten rules of cooperation which were immune to geopolitical rivalries.

But regional dynamics between Russia and the West have deteriorated since the start of the war in Ukraine and due to US President Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland.

"To say that a country can take land from another country is unacceptable," Store stressed.

Asked whether they trusted the United States to honour commitments to guarantee security in the High North, the three leaders, after a brief muffled laugh, said they did.

Store noted that security in the Arctic "is also homeland security for the United States".

"We believe that it is self-interest," he said.

Around 25,000 troops from 14 countries including the US are taking part in the Cold Response exercise in Norway, held every two years and aimed at training together in extreme winter conditions.

This year's gathering has been impacted by the war in the Middle East, with France redirecting its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the eastern Mediterranean.

"We are ready to defend... what we are calling the High North," Merz told reporters.

"We will... not allow Moscow to test NATO on its eastern flank and here in the north," the German head of government said earlier in the day during a visit to the rocket launch site Andoya Space.

NATO chief Mark Rutte was also scheduled to visit Cold Response on March 18.



- Russian flights -



Faced with NATO's manoeuvres in its vicinity, Russia has asserted its presence.

The Norwegian military said Wednesday it had scrambled F-35 fighter jets on two consecutive days this week to intercept Russian military aircraft in international airspace north of Norway.

"There is nothing unusual or dramatic about such Russian flights, and Russia has the right to conduct these missions," the military said.

"The Russian flights are most likely intended to gather situational awareness of allied activity in connection with Cold Response 2026," it added.

Moscow has also announced that it would be conducting missile tests near the Norwegian waters of the Barents Sea, as it has done during previous exercises.

Warming three to four times faster than the planet, the Arctic is attracting increasing interest as the melting sea ice opens up greater access to resources -- such as oil and gas, minerals and fish -- as well as new shipping routes.

During their visit to Andoya Space, where German group Isar Aerospace hopes soon to launch another of its Spectrum rockets, Merz and Store announced stronger cooperation between the two countries in the space sector.

A working group will explore a bilateral partnership in areas where Europe is seeking to strengthen its autonomy, such as space-based surveillance, satellite communications and rocket launches.

"We have relied on other nations for far too long. Now it's Europe's moment," Merz said.

"Norwegian and German space industries complement each other. Germany has a broad industrial base, Norway has technology and established research communities, and we have important geography," Store said.

bur-phy/po/jll/cc
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 13 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and several others wounded late Thursday night and Friday morning in Israeli airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported Friday.

Also, Israeli warplanes carried out an overnight strike on the Tayr Falsay bridge over the Litani River, severing the link between its southern and northern areas, the NNA reported.

The bridge connects the districts of Tyre, Bint Jbeil, Nabatieh, and Zahrani, making it strategically important. A Lebanese army checkpoint is at the bridge, with a UN Interim Force in Lebanon post about 300 meters away.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday that it struck a key bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon in the morning, alleging the bridge was used by Hezbollah militants to pass from northern to southern Lebanon "to build up its power and prepare for combat."

The IDF claimed that recently, Hezbollah has placed rocket launchers near the bridge and carried out launches from there toward Israel.

The IDF also said that it completed a series of strikes against Hezbollah's economic and military targets in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, and other areas on Thursday.

In Beirut, the IDF said it struck assets of the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association and other major financial assets of Hezbollah, which the Israeli army claimed that Hezbollah uses to provide financial services and advance "terrorist" activity.

The IDF said it also struck around 10 Hezbollah weapons storage facilities in the Bekaa Valley and areas in southern Lebanon.

Since the launch of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have sharply escalated, with Hezbollah firing rocket barrages at northern Israeli communities and Israel striking sites in southern and eastern Lebanon, which it says house Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. 
Trump administration lashes out at CNN over Iran war



Washington, United States, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



The Pentagon and White House slammed CNN over its Iran war coverage Friday -- with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying he looked forward to an ally of President Donald Trump taking over the news network.

Hegseth spent part of a news conference on US military operations against Tehran criticizing the media and CNN in particular, urging for what he called an "actual patriotic press."

The former Fox News host was particularly incensed by a story the channel ran suggesting Washington had underestimated Iran's ability to disrupt global oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Patently ridiculous," Hegseth told reporters, before adding: "The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better."

David Ellison is the head of Paramount Skydance, which is set to complete a landmark takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, the current owner of CNN, after beating Netflix in a bidding war.

Earlier this month Ellison vowed to protect CNN's editorial independence.

His father, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison, one of the world's richest men, largely financed the takeover and is also a longtime ally and financial backer of President Donald Trump.

The White House also blasted the CNN story on the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the world oil trade.

"This story is 100% FAKE NEWS," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.

"The Pentagon has been planning for Iran's desperate and reckless closure of the Strait of Hormuz for DECADES, and it has been part of the Trump Administration's planning well before Operation Epic Fury was ever launched," Leavitt said.

Trump himself has frequently lashed out at CNN reporters, particularly anchor Kaitlan Collins, whom he scolded in February for failing to "smile" when she was asking him a question about the victims of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

dk/msp



NETFLIX
Iran arrests man accused of running Starlink internet network: media



Tehran, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Iranian authorities have arrested a man accused of leading a network that sold access to the internet via Starlink terminals, a technology that is banned in Iran, the ISNA news agency reported on Friday.

Iran has been digitally sealed off from the rest of the world by a complete internet blackout since the start of the Middle East war.

To get around those restrictions, some Iranians have turned to Starlink terminals from the US company SpaceX, which connect to the internet via satellites.

Doing so is a criminal offence in Iran punishable with prison time.

"A 37-year-old man, who had put in place a network in several provinces of the country to sell access to the unrestricted internet via Starlink, has been arrested" in Shiraz, ISNA reported, citing a deputy police commander for Fars province.

It did not say when the arrest took place.

Iranians were previously placed under an 18-day internet blackout in January, the longest so far, amid anti-government protests during which thousands were killed.

At the time, the authorities managed to disrupt the operation of Starlink terminals.

Under Iranian law, people found guilty of "the use, transportation, purchase or sale of electronic internet communication devices such as Starlink" used to access banned content can be jailed for up to two years in prison.
Nigerian Shias rally in support of Iran despite security deployment



Abuja, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Scores of pro-Iran Shia Muslims in Nigeria held a rally on Friday, carrying images of the late ayatollah and chanting "Shame to America" despite a heavy security presence in the capital.

A group of 200 or so faithful gathered following afternoon prayers at the Abuja National Mosque, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans and voicing solidarity with Palestinians.

The protest coincided with Quds Day, an annual international event to show support for Palestinians and opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

"Shame to America, shame to Israel," protesters chanted, as the two nations continued to pummel Iran with bombardments that started two weeks ago.

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), which led the protest, is a pro-Iran group of Shias, who are themselves a minority among Nigeria's Muslims.

The crowd, which appeared to catch security forces off-guard by gathering inside the mosque grounds, dispersed after about 15 minutes, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

The IMN has been outlawed by Nigerian authorities for advocating an Islamic revolution in the west African nation.

However, at the time of its banning in 2019, researchers characterised it as more interested in protest than political violence.

"To those people who killed him, I'm sure they'll regret it" demonstrator Abdullahi Musa told AFP in reference to Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

The INM member said the United States should withdraw its military assets from the Middle East.

The IMN led marches through the streets of major cities in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north on March 1, immediately following the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign that killed Khamenei and sparked a major regional war.

Last week the US embassy closed "due to the potential" of unspecified "protests".

The IMN had been attempting to stage demonstrations in Abuja that were deterred by security forces.

On Friday morning, traffic was at a standstill on roads leading into Abuja as checkpoints and a heavier than usual security presence slowed down vehicles.

The Nigerian government has at times cracked down harshly on the IMN, including in clashes at a protest last year that left 11 protesters and one soldier dead, according to an intelligence report seen by AFP at the time.

Authorities, protesters and rights groups disputed what sparked the violence.
Killed French soldier part of Western mission fighting jihadists in Iraq



Paris, France, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



A French soldier killed Thursday in Iraq by an Iranian-made drone was part of a Western military contingent deployed in the autonomous Kurdistan region to combat a potential resurgence of the jihadist Islamic State group.

Operation Inherent Resolve is an international effort to combat IS -- which seized swathes of Syrian and Iraqi territory in 2014 -- led by the United States. It originally comprised some 80 countries.

The operation has been scaled back in recent years after the jihadist group's territorial defeat in 2016, although IS still maintains a presence in Syria's desert.

Since 2022, the Western force is no longer undertaking ground missions and is now primarily limited to air strikes, targeted operations and training.

The operation's headquarters also moved from Baghdad to Kurdistan's capital Erbil at the end of 2025.

The US contingent has been reduced to fewer than 2,000 troops, and in mid-February, Germany announced it was "temporarily" withdrawing some personnel from Erbil.

Around 20 countries are still involved, according to a recent report by the Pentagon's inspector general.

Before the Middle East war began, France had some 600 soldiers on the ground alongside British, Italian and Scandinavian troops.

Deteriorating regional dynamics, not to mention the start of the February 28 conflict, have changed the equation.

Since the beginning of the war, Iraqi Kurdistan and Erbil have suffered numerous attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions, most of which have been neutralised by air defences.

The French soldier was killed, and six others wounded, in one such attack on Thursday night.

"After February 28, we modified our posture to adapt to the threat level," the French General Staff said Friday, without further details.

"We regularly redeploy our personnel to provide them with the best possible security guarantees."

The day before, a drone struck the Italian base in Erbil, causing "damage to infrastructure and equipment", according to the Italian commander of the site.

No injuries were reported in that attack, but Italy said it was temporarily withdrawing military personnel from the base, where it had been training members of the Kurdish security forces.

Also on Wednesday, British military personnel shot down two drones heading towards a base in Erbil, according to the British Ministry of Defence.

Earlier this week, US forces downed five of six drones launched against Erbil International Airport, which houses an American base.
How will US oil sanctions waiver help Russia?



Moscow, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



The United States has eased some restrictions on Russia's oil sales as it tries to stabilise global energy markets, upended by Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East.

Will the US sanctions waiver deliver a major windfall for Moscow?



- Symbolic importance -



The US waiver allows countries to buy Russian oil that is currently at sea until April 11.

Given the short-term nature and technical limitations, it will not provide a huge immediate windfall to Russia, though nonetheless benefits Moscow, Kpler analyst Muyu Xu told AFP.

"The measure mainly allows Russian barrels already in transit to complete voyages and discharge," she said in a note, calling it a "wind-down, not reopening."

Announcing the sanctions relief, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction."

Kpler suggests around 120 million barrels of Russian crude may be at sea at the moment.

That represents around two weeks of Russia's total oil output.

But Muyu Xu from Kpler said most of that had already been pre-ordered by Chinese or Indian clients, limiting the immediate bump in orders.

Washington had last week given a similar waiver to New Delhi, which "gave Indian refiners a big advantage to snap up the cargo," she said.

The waiver may carry more symbolic than financial weight for Moscow.

"It's a gift to Russia in terms of sanctions," said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd's List Intelligence, a maritime data company.

Media reports suggested that Japan, Thailand and the Philippines were considering buying Russian crude following the US decision.

But Kpler's Muyu Xu said some countries might still have concerns as the EU and UK sanctions still remain in place.

"It's not crystal clear that everybody is free to buy ... It's not as easy as Trump just opened the tap and then the oil will naturally flow to the rest of the world."

The Kremlin welcomed the decision by urging the United States to go further, with economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev saying the lifting of more sanctions looked "inevitable" given the volatility of the global energy market.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week offered to supply oil to Europe should it reverse on sanctions, but only on a "long-term" basis and "free from political pressure."



- Tens of billions -



Beyond the US waiver, the general surge in oil prices since the start of the war in the Middle East has helped to replenish Russia's coffers, depleted by more than four years of war against Ukraine and international sanctions.

Russia's ESPO blend, typically purchased by China and India, is trading $30-40 higher per barrel than before the conflict.

Every extra $10 per barrel brings an additional $1.6 billion a month in tax revenues for the Russian government, Sergey Vakulenko from Carnegie Endowment estimated.

If "it rose by $40 and held that level for six months, this would mean an extra $38 billion," he said in a post on Telegram.

That would be enough to cover most of Russia's 2025 deficit, which came in at around $50 billion.

Russia has posted a budget deficit in every year since it ordered troops into Ukraine and expects to do so again in 2026.

Oil-and-gas revenues -- roughly one-fifth of Russia's state income -- were running at a five-year low at the start of the year, hit by sanctions, production issues and Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities.

The measures, aimed at widening supply to push down prices, are a "godsend for Russia's shadow fleet," said Lloyd's analyst Bridget Diakun, referring to the opaque sanctions-busting tankers used by Russia.

"Russia can make a lot of money because it's given a pass," she added during a webinar.



- Outcry from Ukraine and Europe -



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US sanctions relief "certainly does not help peace."

Europe, which has not eased its sanctions on Russian oil, also pushed back.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the Strait of Hormuz's shutdown "in no way" justified lifting the sanctions on Russia.

Britain said "all partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest", while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that "easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, is wrong."

burs/rl
Sri Lanka repatriates remains of 84 Iranians killed in US attack



Colombo, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Sri Lanka on Friday repatriated the remains of 84 Iranian sailors who perished when their frigate was sunk nine days ago by a US submarine, local officials said.

The seamen were killed when the IRIS Dena was torpedoed on March 4 just off the coast of Sri Lanka, in an incident that extended the Middle East war to the Indian Ocean.

An Airbus A340 chartered by Iran "left a short while ago carrying the remains of the sailors," an airport official at Mattala International Airport in the island's south told AFP by telephone.

"The departure was delayed because 84 sealed boxes had to be loaded," added the official who requested anonymity.

The destination of the flight was not disclosed.

The 32 sailors from the frigate who were rescued following the attack will remain in Sri Lanka for the time being, the Foreign Ministry said.

Of them, 22 have been discharged from the hospital and are being held at an air force base in the south of the island.

A second Iranian warship, the IRIS Bushehr, was allowed into Sri Lankan waters a day after Dena was sunk. Sri Lanka is providing safe harbour for the ship and its crew of 219.

Sri Lankan officials said they have not begun discussions on repatriating the Bushehr crew and those rescued from the Dena, but vowed that the sailors will be treated in line with Colombo's international obligations.

Sri Lanka is currently hosting a total of 251 Iranian sailors.



- 'Humanitarian considerations' -



Crewmembers from the Bushehr are held at a navy camp just north of Colombo, while their ship has been taken over by Sri Lanka's navy, which is trying to repair one of the two engines that were reportedly malfunctioning.

A third Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, sailed past Sri Lanka and entered safe harbour in India's southern port of Kochi on the same day the Dena was sunk. Lavan's 183 crewmembers are in Indian custody.

Both Colombo and New Delhi have said they provided shelter to the Iranian sailors due to "humanitarian considerations" amid fears that they too could be killed in US attacks.

The ships had been taking part in a naval exercise organised by India off the coast of Visakhapatnam when the US and Israel began bombing Iran.

A local undertaker said the embalmed remains of the Iranian sailors were being sent back in sealed boxes.

The bodies, which were plucked from the Indian Ocean, were taken to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, 115 kilometres (72 miles) south of the capital, where autopsies were carried out.

A local magistrate ordered that the bodies be handed over to the Iranian embassy in Colombo for repatriation to the next of kin.

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian embassy when contacted by AFP.
Israel says Lebanon university strike killed Hezbollah figure



Jerusalem, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Israel said on Friday that its strike this week on a campus of Lebanon's public university killed a Hezbollah leader with expertise in making weapons.

Lebanese state media said Thursday that two academics were killed in the strike, including a professor it named as Mortada Srour.

Israel's military said Srour was "employed as a chemistry lecturer at the Lebanese University in Beirut".

It also described him as "a leading figure and an expert in the field of weapons manufacturing within (Hezbollah)."

The targeted campus is located on the edge of Beirut's southern suburbs, an area under Hezbollah's sway, and was spared in the last war between the pro-Iran militant group and Israel.
Building in Dubai financial district damaged after attack: witnesses, AFP



Dubai, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



A building in Dubai's financial district was hit by debris from an intercepted attack Friday, witnesses and an AFP journalist saw, days after firms evacuated the area as Iran threatened US and Israeli-linked economic targets.

On Wednesday, US banking giant Citi, consultancies Deloitte and PwC, as well as other firms closed their offices or told employees to leave, mainly in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), sources told AFP.

Iran's threats sparked concern at the heart of the Middle East's top financial hub, home to international companies and multi-billion dollar businesses.

Two witnesses described seeing damage to a building in DIFC after hearing loud bangs. Dubai's media office confirmed that the facade of a building in "central Dubai" had been hit by debris from a successful interception.

An AFP correspondent also saw the damaged building in DIFC after hearing the bangs.

"I jumped out of bed -- that was the loudest sound I've ever heard," one of the witnesses living close by told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"It was so loud, I was so sure when I looked out the window that it was going to be something catastrophic... The ground shook," they added.

Another AFP correspondent described hearing a huge double blast that rattled buildings and left a large cloud of black smoke hanging over the central district.



- More than 1,500 drones -



On Thursday, a drone fell near DIFC, a day after Tehran threatened to hit US and Israel-linked banks and other economic targets following a reported attack on a bank in Iran.

The United Arab Emirates' air defences have intercepted more than 1,500 Iranian drones and nearly 300 missiles during the Middle East war -- by far more than any other country hit by Iran.

Later, the Abu Dhabi police said they had arrested 45 people, including foreigners, for filming and "spreading misinformation" on the attacks.

Residents in the UAE have received text messages warning of possible legal action for sharing sensitive images or "reposting unreliable information".

Nasser Saidi, a former Lebanon minister and former chief economist at the DIFC Authority, told AFP that DIFC played a "strategic role" in Dubai's long-term economic plan and that was all the more important in the current climate.

"DIFC has transitioned from a regional hub to a top-tier global financial capital," he said.

"The ongoing conflict highlights the necessity of a neutral, soundly regulated and operationally resilient hub," he added.

Iran has taken aim at US assets but also civilian infrastructure including landmarks, airports, ports and oil facilities around the Gulf after US-Israeli attacks decimated its leadership.

The Gulf has borne the brunt of Iran's attacks since the Middle East war began, with 26 people killed in the region including seven US service members and 11 civilians.
Turkey warns citizens to avoid nonessential travel to Iraq



Baghdad, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Turkey on Friday advised its citizens to avoid non?essential travel to Iraq, with the country drawn into the war between Iran and the United States and Israel.

In a statement, the Turkish embassy in Baghdad said: "It is considered appropriate for our citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq during this period unless there is a compelling reason to do so".

The embassy also advised citizens to avoid crowded squares, gathering areas around the Green Zone in Baghdad, as well as Baghdad and Erbil international airports, residential areas in and around Mosul, areas adjacent to Basra and critical infrastructure facilities such as military zones and oil fields across Iraq.

The Green Zone and Erbil, in particular, have been subject to attacks by Iran-backed groups in Iraq targeting US assets.

Iran has also struck positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish groups exiled in Iraq.

The road connection between Turkey and Iraq, however, remains open to traffic, the embassy said.
How Iranians are communicating through internet blackout



Paris, France, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Iran's latest internet blackout has lasted more than 14 days, connectivity monitor Netblocks said Friday.

The nature of the blackout shows "this is a government-imposed measure" and not the result of damage from US and Israeli airstrikes, Netblocks research chief Isik Mater told AFP.

"It is a deliberate shutdown imposed by the authorities to suppress the flow of information and prevent further dissent," said Raha Bahreini, Iran researcher at Amnesty International.

Here are some of the ways information is still flowing in and out of Iran.



- Shortwave radio -



Amsterdam-based nonprofit Radio Zamaneh began shortwave broadcasts during the January protests, sending a nightly Farsi news programme from 11:00 pm Tehran time.

"It's really difficult for the regime to jam shortwave because it's a long-distance broadcast," executive director Rieneke van Santen told AFP.

"People can just listen on a super cheap, small, simple radio... It's one of those typical emergency fall-back solutions."



- Phone calls -



Many with ties to Iran are still receiving landline phone calls from inside -- "quite surprising" given the blackout, said Mahsa Alimardani of global rights organisation Witness.

Fearing the authorities listening in, people often avoid speaking directly about political topics, she added.

"It's not possible to communicate about sensitive issues through these brief phone calls," Amnesty's Bahreini said.

The required prepaid international calling cards are expensive and often fail to provide their face value in minutes.

"You buy a phone card for 60 minutes, but in eight minutes, it's out," van Santen said.

"It's really just phone calls from family members saying, after the bombing, we're still alive."



- VPN or other internet services -



Virtual private networks (VPNs) -- widely-used services that encrypt internet traffic -- cannot create an internet connection where none is available.

But even at around one percent of typical levels, Iran's connectivity is "still a large figure in absolute terms", Netblocks' Mater said.

Iranians suspected of using VPNs since the war began have received warning text messages claiming to be from the authorities.

Before the war, millions turned to Toronto-based company Psiphon, which creates specialist tools more capable than typical "off-the-shelf" VPNs.

Offering techniques including disguising users' data as different types of internet traffic, Psiphon "is able to evade detection more successfully", data and insights director Keith McManamen told AFP.

With up to six million unique daily users in Iran before the latest internet shutdown, connections are now fewer than 100,000.

Only the most tech-savvy users can reach Psiphon's network for now.

Nevertheless, "the situation is extremely dynamic. We're seeing changes not just day to day, but hour by hour", McManamen said.

A similar service, US-based Lantern, is also widely used.



- 'Driving people crazy' -



A lawyer in her thirties from Tehran told AFP she had "absolutely no access to information".

"From every 10 people I know, only one has access to the internet and that's being generous. This is driving people crazy," she said.

"Can people in Europe or the US imagine not having internet for even one day? It's been 15 days for us."

The woman said accessing the internet required her to "take a risk to my life" and visit a friend with "multiple VPNs and they may work one day and not the next. The only people who can connect have Starlink".

VPNs cost from around $35 up to $140, she said.

"I haven't been able to talk with my family abroad more than twice during these days."



- Satellite broadcasts -



Created by US-based nonprofit NetFreedom Pioneers, Toosheh is a "filecasting" technology using home satellite TV equipment to broadcast encrypted data to people in Iran.

Users record from the Toosheh satellite TV channel onto a USB stick plugged into their set-top box, which they can then decrypt using a special app installed on their phone or computer.

From that initial download, the data can be copied and shared across multiple households.

The group estimated around three million active users in Iran across 2025, with "thousands to hundreds of thousands... since the (internet) shutdown in January," the group's director of projects Emilia James told AFP.

Since people tune in to a broadcast signal, there is no way for the government to track them, she added.



- Starlink -



Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service Starlink was used during this year's protests to broadcast information amid government attempts to jam its signals.

At around $2,000 on Iran's black market, the terminals are expensive and very rare in poorer regions that have suffered the most government repression, Alimardani said.

Amnesty has received reports of "raids on houses... arrests of people who had Starlink devices", Bahreini said.

Charges for those caught communicating with the outside world range from prison sentences to the death penalty, she added.

Starlink did not respond to AFP's request for comment on usage in Iran.
JERUSALEM, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army said Friday in a statement that it has begun a broad reinforcement of troops along the northern border with Lebanon, "as part of strengthening readiness for various offensive and defensive scenarios." 
Hezbollah says ready for long battle as Israel threatens Lebanese infrastructure



Beirut, Lebanon, March 13 (AFP) Mar 13, 2026



Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Friday his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel, as the latter threatened to make Lebanon pay an "increasing price" in damage to infrastructure.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when the Tehran-backed militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

"We have prepared ourselves for a long confrontation, and God willing, they (Israelis) will be surprised on the battlefield," Qassem said in his second televised address since the latest war began.

"This is an existential battle, not a limited or simple battle."

Israel on Friday destroyed a bridge over the Litani River between the towns of Zrariyeh and Tayr Falsay, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. The river bisects southern Lebanon, from east to west.

In a statement, the Israeli military described the bridge as a "key crossing" for Hezbollah "from northern to southern Lebanon, to build up its power and prepare for combat".

The attack was the first on Lebanese public infrastructure to be acknowledged by Israel since the start of the Middle East war.

"This is just the beginning and the Lebanese government and the state of Lebanon will pay an increasing price in damage to Lebanese national infrastructure used by Hezbollah terrorists," the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Friday.

He said Lebanon would suffer "loss of territory -- until it fulfils its central commitment of disarming Hezbollah".

Earlier this week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered to negotiate directly with Israel, but on Friday he said he had not received a response.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he told the Lebanese government that "you are playing with fire if you continue allowing Hezbollah to operate, in violation of your commitment to disarm it".

The Israeli military bombed several roads in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to the official National News Agency, blocking access from the north of the Litani River and from the Bekaa valley, an eastern area Hezbollah uses to transport weaponry.

The NNA also reported that Israeli shells hit the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's Nepalese battalion in the border town of Mays al-Jabal.



- 'Stop the war' -



UN chief Antonio Guterres called on Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah to "stop the war" at the start of a visit to Beirut on Friday.

"My strong appeal to those parties, to Hezbollah and to Israel, is for a ceasefire to stop the war," Guterres said.

Guterres launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to support Lebanon as it responds to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people by the war.

Israeli strikes continued on Friday, including an attack that killed eight people in the south Lebanese village of Miyeh w Miyeh near the port city of Sidon, according to the health ministry.

In the nearby village of Irkey, Mohammad Taqi buried his four daughters, aged six to 13, who were killed in an Israeli strike on Thursday along with five relatives.

"The Israeli enemy says every day that it is targeting infrastructure," he told AFP at the funeral, his head wrapped in a white bandage and his face covered in wounds.

"Is this the infrastructure? Have you seen it?" he asked, gesturing to his daughters' bodies.

"I've lost four daughters. I don't have any others. Zainab, Zahra, Malika and Yasmina," he said, adding that he had also lost his parents, brother, nephew and brother-in-law in the same strike.

In Sawaneh, Lebanon's health ministry said that a strike killed two paramedics, one from the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Committee and another from the Risala Scouts association, affiliated with the Amal movement, a Hezbollah ally.



- Propaganda leaflets -



Hezbollah also launched attacks against Israeli forces on Friday, as part of what it said was a Quds Day operation.

Quds Day is an annual demonstration in support of the Palestinian cause in Iran, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

Israel's military also renewed its evacuation warnings, including for Beirut's southern suburbs, and launched several strikes on the area according to the NNA.

On Thursday it had issued a similar warning, expanding the evacuation zone in southern Lebanon to reach more than 40 kilometres from the Lebanon-Israel border.

Israeli planes also dropped leaflets over Beirut on Friday.

One of the leaflets, addressed to the Lebanese people, said: "You must disarm Hezbollah, Iran's shield" and "Lebanon is your decision, not someone else's".
As the shift moves closer to its end, the doctors face challenges both professional and personal, while victims from the water park accident begin to arrive and tensions rise on several fronts.





Episode Summary

Santos struggles with Langdons supervision and Garcias annoyance, while Javadi is confronted by her mother about her career choices. After a difficult deposition, Mel returns to the ER only to make a shocking discovery about her sister. The more and more chaotic shift  combined with personal struggles  takes a toll on Mohans mental health. McKay offers advice to both Javadi and the son of one of her patients, while Al-Hashimi receives both praise and criticism from an increasingly exasperated Robby.





4:00 p.m.  THE PITT, Pictured: Shabana Azeez as Javadi, Deepti Gupta as Dr. Shamsi. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



Cases of the Week

The first victim from the water park accident arrives with her leg amputated during the incident. Robby, rejecting Langdons assistance, asks Ogilvie to help him receive both the patient and her severed limb. Later, with Whitakers support, they must calm her when she discovers what has happened. Fortunately, the cut appears clean enough that reattachment may still be possible.





Meanwhile, Santos and Langdon are recruited by Al-Hashimi to treat a man with multiple fractures and a severely injured finger. However, his main concern is finding his son, who was separated from him during the accident. Thanks to Emmas Gen-Z internet skills, the boy can eventually be located.





After a long wait, Duke  a friend of Robbys  finally arrives at The Pitt. We learn that Robby asked him to come evaluate a persistent hoarseness he has been experiencing. After being examined by Whitaker, the issue appears to be minor for now, though it remains unclear whether it could develop into something more serious.





4:00 p.m.  THE PITT, Pictured: Alexandra Metz as Garcia, Isa Briones as Santos. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



Highlights

Langdon supervises Santos work  much to her frustration  and her somewhat arrogant attitude leads to criticism not only from him but also from Al-Hashimi and even Garcia. This tension eventually escalates into a confrontation when Garcia reveals she is tired of Santos hostility toward Langdon and makes it clear she prefers to keep their relationship casual. I cant help but feel a little sorry for Trinity. It seems like she truly needs someone to lean on, yet she keeps being pushed away by the people she believes  or wants to believe  are close to her.





Javadi also faces hostility from her own mother, Dr. Shamsi. Using Victorias recent mistake as ammunition, she criticizes her daughter for wasting her talents in the ER instead of pursuing a more prestigious specialty. Earlier in the episode, Roxies situation with her family had already forced Javadi to reflect on her own family tensions, prompting McKay to encourage her to give her mother another chance.





McKay also offers guidance to Roxies eldest son, who struggles with the idea of saying goodbye to his mother. Cassie gently reminds him that avoiding that moment might lead to regret later.





After what the hospitals lawyer considers a tense and somewhat unprofessional deposition, Mel returns to the ER only to face an unexpected revelation: her sister Becca admits she has a boyfriend with whom shes having lots of sex. The moment is both awkward and revealing, and may force Mel to reconsider how much of her own life has revolved around caring for her sister.





4:00 p.m.  THE PITT, Pictured: Supriya Ganesh as Mohan. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved.





Meanwhile, Mohan  already dealing with family pressure and difficult career decisions  reaches a breaking point during the chaotic shift and suffers a panic attack that alarms those around her. When Robby discovers what is happening, he initially dismisses it and loses his temper. Al-Hashimi then intervenes, reminding him that empathy toward their colleagues is just as important as clinical expertise.





Robby responds by implying that she may not be capable of taking his place. Yet only minutes earlier, he had been genuinely impressed by a complex procedure she performed on a child  one she had never attempted before. For that reason, it seems clear that his comment stems less from doubt about her abilities and more from his own internal struggle with the idea of stepping away.





4:00 p.m.  THE PITT, Pictured: Fiona Dourif as McKay. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved.





Character of the Week

Cassie McKay: While many characters spend this hour clashing or struggling emotionally, McKay remains a calm and grounding presence. She clearly carries her own burdens, but she appears to have embraced the emotional boundaries she advises Javadi to develop  the kind that allow doctors to face the harsh realities of their work without letting them consume their entire lives.





Final Thoughts

This hour highlights how the characters are affected not only by the demands of their work but also by personal struggles that inevitably follow them into the hospital. As the shift continues and the consequences of the water park accident unfold, tensions are likely to rise even further in the remaining hours.





You can share your thoughts about the episode in the comments below.
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And I want to thank Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat for showing our commitment to protecting the green spaces our communities treasure. As much as we need places to live, we also need quality of life  and allotments bring so much joy to so many people. They are a green sanctuary, a little patch of paradise in our urban environment where people can come together to connect with nature, grow healthy food, and work land they can call their own.
A spokesperson for the force said: Officers on the ground will act decisively and be briefed on placards, flags and chanting that will cross the line into hate crime or support of a proscribed organisation. As set out previously, we will also take action where we see chants calling for intifada. We know these words have consequences.
I very vividly remember those images of Michael Forsyth, who was then a leading Conservative politician, walking with George Robertson, a leading Labour politician who himself lived in Dunblane, showing the depth of unity across Scotland that not only must this never happen again, but that we needed to support the families in their campaign for action.
The UK and Irish Governments are also expected to discuss joint exercises to test the resilience of subsea fibre optic cables which run between the UK and Ireland, and a crackdown on shadow fleets and other threats in the Irish and Celtic seas, through a refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding.
Were seeing it in terms of technology, we see it in terms of the approach, we see it in terms of these kinds of tactics, and we see it in terms of the way these two states try to support each other and try to benefit together from attempting to hijack the global economy.
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China will impose anti-dumping duties on imports of halogenated butyl rubber originating in Japan and Canada after a final ruling found that the products were dumped, causing material injury to the domestic industry, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

The anti-dumping measures will take effect on March 14, 2026, and remain in place for five years, according to a statement released by the ministry.

The anti-dumping duty rate for Japan Butyl Co., Ltd. will be 15 percent, while other Japanese companies will be subject to a rate of 30.1 percent. ARLANXEO Canada Inc. and other Canadian companies will face a rate of 13.8 percent, according to the statement.

China launched an anti-dumping investigation in September 2024 into imports of halogenated butyl rubber originating in Japan, Canada and India.

In a preliminary ruling announced in August 2025, imports of halogenated butyl rubber from Japan and Canada were found to involve dumping that caused material injury to China's domestic halogenated butyl rubber industry, with a causal link established between the dumping and the injury, while the investigation into imports from India was terminated.

Halogenated butyl rubber is mainly used in the airtight layers of tubeless tires, heat-resistant inner tubes, heat-resistant hoses and conveyor belts, as well as in pharmaceutical bottle stoppers, shock-absorbing pads, adhesives and sealing materials. 
The promise of it always falling on a Sunday means it can be enjoyed by many, but keeping track of the celebration can be tricky, especially since different countries observe it on different dates.
British expats who fled the Gulf are desperate to avoid being hit with huge tax bills after returning to London.

The tax implications of a return to the UK are troubling expats who have flown back to the UK from tax havens like Dubai.
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.
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Estonia and Somalia are preparing to open embassies in Azerbaijan, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations between these countries and Baku, AzerNEWS informs.

The plan was highlighted during todays session of the National Assembly, which discussed the Report on the Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2025.

According to the report, the government has already initiated the necessary procedures for establishing the embassies. The move reflects Azerbaijans ongoing efforts to expand its international diplomatic network and enhance bilateral cooperation with countries across Europe and Africa.

Opening new embassies is expected to facilitate political dialogue, economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and consular services for citizens. For Estonia, which is a member of the European Union, the embassy in Baku will strengthen ties in trade, technology, and regional security cooperation. For Somalia, the establishment of an embassy will help deepen diplomatic engagement and support collaboration on development, humanitarian aid, and investment opportunities.

The decision also aligns with Azerbaijans broader foreign policy goals of expanding its global presence and fostering stronger partnerships with countries beyond its immediate region. Officials say the embassies will help streamline communication and cooperation, offering new opportunities for both Azerbaijani citizens and foreign partners.
MELBOURNE, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Climate change could sharply reduce global fishing yields, as fish adapt to warmer oceans in ways that make them smaller and less productive, new research has revealed.

New modelling from Australia's Monash University predicts how climate change will alter fishing yields in many regions, threatening food security, livelihoods and the future of marine life as a sustainable food source, a university statement said Friday.

The study, published in Science, modelled the effect of evolutionary change on nearly 3,000 fish species and projected future yields for 43 major fisheries worldwide.

The findings suggest that while fish will evolve to survive higher temperatures, they will grow faster but mature earlier, an adaptation that reduces their maximum size, leading to smaller catches.

"This evolution is good for fish but bad for fisheries," said Professor Craig White, head of the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University.

"Every degree of warming is predicted to decrease fisheries production," White said, adding that a good climate policy that limits global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius has the potential to preserve millions of tonnes of fisheries production that would otherwise be lost. 
COLOMBO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) on Friday announced the discovery of the largest groundwater source in the country.

The water source, located in Pitabeddara, Southern Province, was discovered during tube well drilling carried out near the local police station.

The water source produces a continuous flow of approximately 10,000 liters, or 10 cubic meters, per minute. Indrajith Gamage, the geologist in charge of the Southern Province at the NWSDB, said this volume exceeds previously identified groundwater sources in Sri Lanka.

He noted that the previous largest groundwater source was discovered in the Madhu area, where a flow rate of about 7,000 liters per minute had been recorded.

The NWSDB plans to supply the water to communities experiencing shortages in the Pitabeddara and Morawaka areas, as well as nearby suburban locations. 
KABUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Civilians, primarily women and children, continue to bear the brunt of escalating cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported on Friday.

In a statement posted on its official X account, UNAMA revealed that it has documented at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured in Afghanistan between Feb. 26 and March 13 as a direct result of the ongoing armed clashes.

"We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life," the mission stated.

The latest appeal comes amid heightened tensions following a series of border skirmishes in late February, with both sides trading accusations over the initiation of violence. 
A KC-135 Stratotanker flies over northern Alaska, Mar. 4, 2026. Four crew members are dead following a KC-135 crash in western Iraq, U.S. Central Command said Friday. (Department of Defense)



All six crew members who were aboard an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command said Friday.

The command said the identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

The refueler went down in friendly airspace at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation, but CENTCOM said it was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

Including the tanker crew, 13 service members have now been killed as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Six Army reservists assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were killed in a drone attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on the second day of Operation Epic Fury. Another soldier, Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.

The tanker is the fourth U.S. aircraft reported lost since the conflict with Iran began. Three F-15s were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces in a friendly fire incident on March 1.

The KC-135, built by Boeing, is flown by the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. It can carry up to 200,000 pounds of fuel and typically operates with a crew of three: a pilot, copilot and boom operator.

This report will be updated.
Officials cut a ribbon to officially open the Millrinder Innovation Center at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 13, 2026. Soldiers will use the facility to develop solutions to problems they encounter in the field. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany  A new Army facility that opened Friday will allow U.S. soldiers across Europe to use high-tech equipment to develop solutions to problems they encounter in the field.

Built at a cost of more than $2 million, the Millrinder Innovation Center at Panzer Kaserne is the result of a partnership between the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and the Army Research Laboratory. The name refers to the millrind, a symbol used by the command.

The opening of the center comes amid wholesale Pentagon efforts to adjust to new battlefield realities and prepare for potential conflicts with technologically advanced adversaries.

Whoever can adapt and integrate and scale faster wins, U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander Gen. Christopher Donahue said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. We have to be able to scale. Thats what this represents.

The 10,000-square-foot facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing tools, including several types of 3D printers and scanners, robotics equipment, sewing machines and cutting machines capable of working with different materials.

It also includes a classroom with scientific workstations where soldiers can learn how to use the equipment.

Soldiers across the European theater can submit ideas to the center through a website. If selected, they can travel to the facility, receive training and work with experts there to develop solutions.

The Army opened the Millrinder Innovation Center at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 13, 2026. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and)

A soldier informs U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander Gen. Christopher Donahue about a 3D printer at the newly opened Millrinder Innovation Center in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 13, 2026. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Panzer Kaserne is one of the numerous Defense Department bases in the Kaiserslautern area, which hosts the largest overseas American military community.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command, which provides logistics and sustainment support for U.S. Army operations across Europe, received orders to build the center six months ago.

It is intended to serve not only U.S. forces but also as a collaborative hub for NATO allies.

Potential uses for the facility range from improving equipment and clothing to modifying drones for specific missions, officials said. The center can also produce replacement parts for vehicles and weapons systems.

If a part on equipment such as a tank or howitzer breaks, soldiers may be able to manufacture a replacement on site instead of waiting for it to arrive through the supply chain, according to the command.

Producing parts locally could help reduce delays that occur when equipment must wait for supplies to arrive from elsewhere, officials said.

The lessons of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have been at the forefront of wide-ranging Army efforts to innovate quickly and implement the changes across the force.

A 3D printer runs at the newly opened Millrinder Innovation Center at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 13, 2026. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Thats the rationale behind such things as Transforming in Contact, a revamp of the services fighting doctrine.

Weve seen what Ukraine has done and had to do to build magazine depth and have the ability to sustain itself, 21st TSC commander Maj. Gen. Michael Lalor said Friday. We need to be doing this now and actively.

This center will enable us to fix forward at the speed of war and produce at the point of need, he added.

While the Panzer Kaserne center is the first facility of its kind in Europe, the Army operates similar sites elsewhere.

Officials said the new facility will serve as a hub within a broader network, with a digital repository allowing ideas, designs and data to be shared across locations.

The effort is aimed at fostering a broader culture of innovation across the force, said Maj. Ron White, deputy for the commanders initiatives group at the 21st TSC.

Innovation isnt just new equipment or data, White said. Its new ways to think, train and apply what we already have.
People attend a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions. In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)

TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

The event, established by Iran in 1979, is observed on the final Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan. This year, it fell on March 13 and amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The marchers condemned the "crimes" committed by the United States and Israel, voiced their support for the Iranian armed forces, and pledged allegiance to the new supreme leader.

Several high-ranking Iranian officials also took part in the rallies in Tehran, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei as well as cabinet ministers, such as Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

According to the official news agency IRNA, Tehran's central areas near the rally path came under U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in the early minutes of the gathering, killing at least one person. Addressing reporters after the strikes, Larijani said the attacks are "out of fear and desperation."

Araghchi said despite the attacks today, millions of people have taken part in the rallies across Iran, which shows "the Iranians' firm determination and will in supporting" the country.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.

Iran's Assembly of Experts on Sunday announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader. 

People attend a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)

A woman attends a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)

People attend a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)

People attend a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)

People attend a mass rally to mark International Quds Day in Tehran, capital of Iran, March 13, 2026. People across Iran on Friday took to the streets to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

In the capital, people marched from 10 different locations towards the iconic Enghelab Square in central Tehran, while waving Iran's flags and holding pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. (Xinhua)
The Senate Commerce Committee voted along party lines Thursday, March 12, 2026, to advance the promotion of Jesse Millard to captain. The promotion next heads to the full Senate for consideration. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Senate Commerce Committee voted along party lines Thursday to advance the promotion of a Coast Guard commander who was found to have retaliated against a subordinate for filing a whistleblower complaint.

Cmdr. Jesse Millards promotion divided the panel, with Democrats voicing concerns over a Department of Homeland Security internal watchdog report that confirmed Millard had bullied a former professor at the Coast Guard Academy and violated whistleblower protection laws by giving her unusually low evaluation marks.

Committee members voted 15-13 to promote Millard to captain. The promotion next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said promoting Millard would be a step in the wrong direction after the reforms enacted in the wake of Operation Fouled Anchor, a series of investigations into the mishandling of sexual assault allegations at the academy that the Coast Guard had kept secret, including from Congress.

If we intend to ensure there is accountability, then this committee cannot allow the promotion of officers into the Coast Guard senior ranks who have substantiated claims of retaliation in their records, she said.

Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top Democrat on the panel, noted that the whistleblower case against Millard was one of only 11 that the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General had found valid out of more than 3,100 complaints filed in recent years.

Former Coast Guard Cmdr. Kimberly McLear lodged several complaints between July 2015 and January 2017 accusing Millard of harassing her when he was her boss. The inspector general confirmed in 2018 that Millard and other officers had acted inappropriately and found that Millard had retaliated against her when she spoke out.

The public version of the report redacted Millards name and its findings were not included in his personnel file when he was promoted to commander in 2019.

In 2024, a form known as Page 7 reflecting the findings was added to Millards file after Commerce Committee staff became aware of the watchdog report and notified the Coast Guard, according to congressional aides. Millards name was subsequently taken off a list of commanders to be promoted to captain.

In December 2024, Millard requested that an internal Coast Guard review board remove the negative Page 7 from his file, according to congressional aides. The request was granted in April 2025, and he was again nominated for promotion in February.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, the Republican chairman of the Commerce Committee, maintained Thursday that Millard had done nothing wrong other than obey orders and display honesty and integrity.

He accused Democrats of attempting to kill Millards career and tarnish his reputation and described Millards accuser  McLear  as a serial complainant who filed repeated unsubstantiated accusations of discrimination and other charges against multiple senior officers.

At some point, when the complaints are against everyone, the problem isnt the coworkers or the managers, he said, later adding, The real victim here, unfortunately, is Cmdr. Millard, whose reputation is being unfairly tarnished.

McLear, responding to Cruzs comments after the vote, said, my professional record stands. She said the committees decision to move forward with Millards promotion was really devastating and incredibly disheartening.

I think it sends a chilling message to everyone whos come forward, survivors and victims, who have experienced retaliation and have never seen any accountability, McLear said.

McLear wrote a letter to Cruz and Cantwell on March 2 urging them to reject Millards promotion. The committee was set to vote on Millards nomination on March 4 in its normal committee hearing room but moved the proceedings to an ornate room in the Capitol, without a live video feed, on Thursday.

This is the first time that we have knowledge of that weve ever had a roll call vote on a Coast Guard nominee, said a Democratic committee aide, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Friday that the department strongly supports Millards nomination, citing his 23 years of distinguished and honorable service. It cast the attacks against him as nothing more than a politicized hit job.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton trains at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, South Korea, in March 2024. (Matthew Morales/U.S. Marine Corps)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  A U.S. Marine convicted of strangling and attempting to sexually assault a woman at her Okinawa home in May 2024 will forgo a final appeal and serve the remainder of his seven-year sentence in a Japanese prison.

Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton, 23, of Ohio, declined through his attorney Kotaro Ito to appeal his conviction and sentence to Japans Supreme Court, a spokeswoman for the Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court said by phone Friday.

The court accepted the decision on Wednesday, the clerk said. She did not know the reason for Claytons decision.

Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

A three-judge panel accompanied by six lay judges in Naha District Court convicted Clayton on June 24 of nonconsensual sexual intercourse resulting in injury. A separate three-judge panel upheld the verdict in the Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court on March 5.

Ito could not be reached by phone Friday.

The Supreme Court is the final venue for appeals in Japans three-tier court system.

The district court ruling cited the womans testimony.

She testified June 3 that Clayton followed her into a taxi from Gate 2 Street to Yomitan village. He then choked her to unconsciousness several times, unsuccessfully attempted to unzip her pants and masturbated behind her in the entryway of the home she shared with her then-boyfriend, a U.S. airman, according to her testimony.

Clayton testified June 5 that he was invited to share the taxi and to enter the home.

Claytons case, and that of Senior Airman Brennon Washington, convicted in December 2024 of sexually assaulting a minor, fueled public backlash and protests from Okinawas government. In response, the U.S. military imposed tighter liberty restrictions for troops in Japan.

The Supreme Court dismissed Washingtons final appeal on Jan. 30.

Two other U.S. service members stationed on Okinawa have also been indicted on separate sexual assault charges.
Cpl. Joseph Lahann, left, and Lance Cpl. Isaac Sanchez, cyber analysts with 3rd Network Battalion, describe a recent vehicle collision during an interview at Camp Foster, Okinawa, on March 12, 2026. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Two Marines out for an evening run last month provided aid to a Japanese woman who suffered chest trauma in a car accident on a busy thoroughfare in central Okinawa.

Cpl. Joseph Lahann, of Kansas City, Mo., and Lance Cpl. Isaac Sanchez, of El Paso, Texas, were running southbound along Camp Fosters perimeter around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 when they heard two vehicles colliding in the northbound lane of Route 58.

The pair said their Marine training kept them focused as they sprang into action.

You do whats right because its right and thats the only reason you should be, Sanchez told Stars and Stripes on Thursday at 3rd Network Battalion headquarters. He and Lahann are both cyber analysts with the battalion.

Its one of our core values in honor, Sanchez added. We do the right thing the right way for the right reasons. All three of those matter.

The crash happened behind the Marines. When they looked back, they saw damaged pink and black kei cars blocking an intersection in front of a car dealership.

One of the vehicles had attempted a right turn while traveling south on Route 58 and collided with the other in the northbound lane, an Okinawa city police spokesman said by phone Thursday. Both drivers suffered minor injuries.

As Lahann called the off-base emergency number, Sanchez assisted the woman, who was driving the pink car and spoke some English. Sanchez saw no bleeding, but the woman complained of chest pain and had abrasions on her forearms.

He said he helped her lie down away from the curb and asked her name and if she knew where she was to keep her awake.

A man in his early 30s was driving the black car and did not appear injured. Sanchez tried to get him to sit on the curb, but he would not stay still.

The police spokesman declined to say who was driving which car and could not confirm the Marines involvement. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

Police and emergency services arrived about 15 minutes later. In the interim, Lahann and Sanchez directed other drivers who had stopped to help watch over the man and woman.

When EMS got there, it felt like I had been there for an entire day, Sanchez said.

Both Marines will be officially recognized in some form by their battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman 1st Lt. Jordan Holland said by email Thursday.

Sanchez and Lahann demonstrated the initiative and character we value in every Marine here in 3d Network Battalion, battalion commander Lt. Col. Daniel Chamberlin said in a statement relayed in Hollands email.  Their actions serve as a powerful example of how our Marines contribute to the Marine Corps and the local community, both on and off duty.

Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.
U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit load onto a U.S. Navy landing craft aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea on March 7, 2026. (Sharon Errisuriz/U.S. Marine Corps)



WASHINGTON  The U.S. military continues to maintain a presence in the Caribbean Sea to strike alleged drug traffickers with five warships and thousands of troops.

That does not include the Navys newest and worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which left the region in mid-February and is now operating in the Middle East. The U.S. and Israel launched extensive strikes against Iran on Feb. 28 following months of stalled negotiations over the countrys nuclear program.

The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is operating in the Caribbean, a Navy official confirmed Thursday. The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Amphibious Ready Group includes the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and amphibious transport dock ships USS Fort Lauderdale and USS San Antonio.

The guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg and USS Lake Erie also are patrolling the region as part of Operation Southern Spear, the official said.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit also is part of the group, which includes more than 4,500 Marines and sailors, according to the Navy.

As of late 2025 and early 2026, there were as many as 11 warships and as many as 10,000 troops.

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. His administration has asserted that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with cartels and will treat their members as unlawful combatants. The administration, however, has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists.

The death toll from the Trump administrations campaign against alleged traffickers has risen to at least 157 people since the strikes began in early September in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean.

In October, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, along with accompanying ships USS Mahan, USS Bainbridge and USS Winston S. Churchill, to the Caribbean. At the time, nearly 20% of the Navys deployed warships were concentrated in the region.

The destroyers USS Gravely and USS Stockdale were also previously patrolling the region. The official would not speak about their locations.

The U.S. resumed strikes in late January after largely backing off in the region following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

Trump said at a regional summit in Doral, Fla., on Saturday that the U.S. and Latin American countries are collaborating to combat cartels and encouraged the use of military force.

The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries, the president said during the Shield of the Americas summit. We have to use our military. You have to use your military.

The summit came a day after U.S. Southern Command said it supported Ecuadorian forces in operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations within the country.
Yokosuka Naval Base is home of the U.S. 7th Fleet south of Tokyo. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  Japanese prosecutors have indicted a Tokyo man accused of using a forged U.S. military ID to gain entry to the Navys largest overseas installation.

Yoshitaka Mizuno, 45, was charged Thursday with using a forged private document without signature or seal, a spokeswoman for the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office said by phone Friday.

Prosecutors say Mizuno entered Yokosuka Naval Base on Oct. 22 and Nov. 6 without a valid reason and presented himself as someone affiliated with the U.S. military, the spokeswoman said.

He was also charged with committing a criminal act that breached the U.S.-Japan status of forces agreement, according to the prosecutors office. The agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of service members and Defense Department civilians in the country.

Prosecutors also alleged he presented a forged ID when asked to identify himself at the Akasaka Police Station in Tokyo on Nov. 6.

Some Japanese officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

Yokosuka Naval Base spokesman Justin Keller did not immediately respond to email and phone requests for comment Friday.

The command is aware of media reports of an alleged illegal entry, Keller wrote in a Feb. 20 email. He said the base was cooperating fully with police but could not comment further on an ongoing investigation.

Police allege Mizuno used a forged ID with his photo under the name of Yoshitaka Alex Mizuno to enter the installation, spokespeople for Kanagawa Prefectural Police told Stars and Stripes on Feb. 20.

While on base, he rented a car that he kept for two weeks. He later parked the vehicle on a Tokyo street, where the Metropolitan Police Department cited him for a parking violation in November. That led investigators to discover his entry into the base, the police said.

Police determined his ID was fake after asking the U.S. military about it.

Mizuno, a trading company employee, admitted entering the base and said he was attracted by the U.S. military and wanted to interact with that community as much as possible, the spokespeople said.

Police arrested Mizuno at his Tokyo home on Feb. 19.
Laetare Sunday celebrations come in many forms, including the Summer Days Play, which takes place March 15 in the rustic German village of Forst an der Weinstrasse. (brauchtumsverein-forst.de)



According to the calendar most commonly followed by the majority of Christian churches in Europe, March 15 marks the fourth Sunday within the period of Lent. In church tradition, this is an exceptional day, a time when the faithful are allowed a little lightheartedness and fun within whats otherwise the most serious time of year. The day, known as Laetare Sunday, derives its name from a form of the Latin word meaning rejoice, and is the first word spoken in the traditional verse for this days Mass. Depending on where you are, the date takes on various meanings.

Mothering Sunday

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the day is celebrated as Mothering Sunday, a day set aside for honoring ones mother. In earlier times, it was the day when people would return to their mother church for a special service. Domestic servants would look forward to the day, as it also gave them the chance to visit their families. The day is celebrated much as the U.S. marks Mothers Day, with moms receiving flowers, cards and chocolates, or being invited to a pub or restaurant for a nice meal they didnt have to cook. Another tradition is the eating of simnel cake, a fruit cake with marzipan in the middle and often topped with marzipan balls representing the apostles. This cake, also popular at Easter, can be found at many specialty bakeries.

Carnival returns

In many cities and towns in Wallonia, Belgiums southern, French-speaking region, Laetare Sunday is a day for full-blown carnival celebrations. In Stavelot, its the day when hundreds of Blancs-Moussis, unmistakable in their white hooded robes and masks with turned-up red noses, take to the streets, showering revelers with confetti and bonking them with balloons made of dried pig bladders. These mischevious figures dance and prance, but do not speak, instead emitting the odd squeal or grunt. They can be caught in action from 1:30 p.m., when a grand parade with some 2,500 participants gets underway. Adult entry to the parade costs 5 euros; children under the age of 12 enter free. Online: laetare-stavelot.be/en

The Belgian city of Andenne, in the Province of Namur, is the site of the Carnaval des Ours, or Carnival of the Bears. The highlight is a parade consisting of a couple dozen floats, three giant bear puppets and about 500 marchers dressed in bear costumes. Local girls watching the parade must beware, lest they get snatched up by local lads and locked up in a cage. Festivities culminate with the tossing of hundreds of teddy bears from the balcony of the Town Hall. The parade gets underway at 2 p.m. Online: andenne.be/carnaval2026

In the town of Fosses-la-Ville, the day belongs to Les Chinels, masked characters clad in brightly colored silk and satin tunics and sporting two humps, one on the back and one on the chest. From 2 p.m., theyll take to the streets alongside stilt walkers, drummers and other street entertainers. Online: tinyurl.com/5f298yyw

Summer Day Parades

Sommertagszuge are springtime celebrations largely confined to the Rhine-Neckar area of the Palatinate and Baden regions of Germany. This custom of pagan origins alludes to the victory of the summer season over winter. Parade participants are mostly children, who carry sticks decorated with a pretzel, blown-out egg and brightly colored ribbons or crepe paper. Places with sizable parades include Heidelberg (departing from St. Anna Gasse at 3 p.m.) and Speyer (departing from south of the cathedral at 2 p.m.); the latter ends with the burning of the effigy of a snowman. Online: tinyurl.com/4yrbftpa

The Summer Days Play

The battle between summer and winter takes place with both words and swords in Forst an der Weinstrasse, a rustic wine village just south of Bad Durkheim, Germany. As part of whats known as a Hanselfingerhut-Spiel, two characters wearing costumes that look like small huts, one representing winter and the other summer, argue about which season has the greater merits, stopping occasionally to engage in pretend sword battles. Meanwhile, a character known as the Hanselfingerhut is on the loose. This energetic fool, covered in blackface, makes a beeline toward the female spectators. He hugs and kisses them, leaving their cheeks a smudgy mess. This black goo should not be wiped away; otherwise summer weather might not appear at all over the coming year. Online: tinyurl.com/35j4tb2z
Tallarines verdes, a Peruvian-style pesto pasta topped with steak, from El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



A visit to El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan, is a trip to two worlds.

This restaurant  a two-minute walk from Shioiri Station  serves traditional Peruvian food and Japanese fusion plates.

It is hard to miss. El Latino immerses you in Latin culture starting with the vibrant colors on the sign outside to the music and decorations hanging on its wall.

The decor at El Latino, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Yokosuka, Japan, invites memories of Latin America. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



Peru, situated on South Americas western coast, is known for diverse geography, the ancient city of Machu Picchu and its pollo a la brasa, or roasted chicken.

Since my arrival in Yokosuka, I have been searching for flavors that remind me of home. When I saw a plate called tallarines verdes, a Peruvian-style pesto pasta topped with steak, it took me back to something similar that my mother used to make for family dinners. The El Latino version is 2,000 yen, or about $12.83.

But, unsurprisingly, the mostrito owned the night  a fusion plate of roasted chicken with fried rice and fries on the side. The chicken was smoky and charred, with just the right amount of seasoning that made my mouth water as I bit into it.

Mostrito, a fusion dish of roasted chicken with fried rice and fries on the side, from El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



The fried rice was moist and fluffy, without clumping. I paired it with a sweet, creamy avocado smoothie to finish off the meal.

The mostrito is 1,800 yen and the avocado smoothie is 600 yen.

El Latino also serves a traditional roasted chicken in various portion sizes, with salad and fries on the side, as well as various types of ceviche and Peruvian tamales.

At the El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan, you might hear Spanish being spoken as you feast on authentic Peruvian cuisine. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)



The final cherry on top was something I did not expect. I began to hear conversations in Spanish; its hard not to notice when you hear your language spoken outside of its region of origin.

But the surprise was who was speaking it. There was a mix of Japanese, and I can only assume Latin Americans eating together, speaking Spanish, enjoying a meal.

El Latino

Location: 23317 Shioiricho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan 238-0042

Directions: From the Shioiri Station exit, turn left toward the main road and cross the street at the crosswalk to get to El Latino. Google plus code: 7MH6+XP Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Times: Open noon to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Costs: 1,500 yen to 2,200 yen for an entree. A whole roasted chicken is 2,800 yen.

Dress: Casual

Information: Online: tinyurl.com/ellatino
China Navy Ship (CNS) Baotou fires rounds during the multinational naval exercise AMAN-25 in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Feb. 10, 2025. (Asif Hassan, AFP/TNS)



TOKYO  When the United States pulled its only aircraft carrier based in Asia to support the military surge in Afghanistan back in 2010, allies in the region had little concern that China or North Korea might look to take advantage. Today things are different. As the U.S. continues to pour weapons into the Middle East for military operations against Iran, current and former defense officials in Asia are growing concerned that more American firepower will be shifted over time if the war drags on. And even if fighting wraps up soon, they warned that depleted stockpiles of munitions could also take years to replace, leaving Taiwan and other places vulnerable.

In a Cabinet meeting this week, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung confirmed the U.S. may need to relocate air defense assets to the Middle East and subsequent reports said that multiple launchers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system were spotted moving out of a southern base.

While downplaying the risk, calling Seouls capabilities undeniably overwhelming, Lee also said he opposed the Trump administrations decision but couldnt impose our position on the U.S.

Anytime that were pulling air and missile defenses out of theater, thats going to create obvious concerns, said Lindsey Ford, who previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia during the Biden administration. They are not only critically important, but I think they give countries a sense of reassurance.

The rapid pace of Chinas military build-up over the last two decades, as well as North Koreas development of advanced missiles, mean the stakes have become much higher in East Asia.

The U.S. has already deployed around one-third of its naval surface fleet to the Middle East, and other essential parts of the military logistics chain such as aerial refueling aircraft and supply ships are heavily concentrated near Iran.

Asked for comment, a Pentagon official said the department doesnt discuss movement or disposition of specific weapons systems. But the Pentagon is managing its global responsibilities while making sure U.S. forces remain capable of deterring any aggression in the Indo-Pacific, the official said.

At the moment, China has given little indication its looking to ramp up tensions with Taiwan, calling for an urgent ceasefire in the Middle East while dialing back pressure on the islands air defenses. Still, the war in Iran has some in Taipei nervous.

U.S. military assets and resources cannot be deployed in two places at the same time, Chen Kuan-ting, a Taiwanese lawmaker and member of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the legislature, said in an interview. Deploying the main military assets in Asia and confronting the U.S.s primary competitor here is more in line with U.S. interests.

U.S. officials have sought to downplay any worries about munitions or a spread of the war to other parts of the globe, even as the rhetoric ramps up on both sides. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters earlier this month that he had no message for China or Russia, saying our issue is not with them. Despite the war, U.S. President Donald Trump is still planning to head to Beijing in a few weeks for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The U.S. military in Trump 2.0 has again been distracted by the Middle East, but as long as the status quo in the Taiwan Strait remains unchanged, Beijing is unlikely to act, said James Char, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University. Some probing on the margins is possible in the form of grey zone operations, he added.

At a Senate hearing last week, Elbridge Colby, U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, said top American officials were focused on very close alignment with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted his first call after the attack on Iran was to the defense minister of the Philippines.

We are laser-focused on the First Island Chain, Colby said, a term that refers primarily to Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan. A military official from the Philippines, who requested anonymity because hes not authorized to speak publicly, said the nation had no concern about its alliance with the U.S. due to the war in Iran. Annual exercises are still planned with the U.S. military next month, which typically include training to defend Filipino islands near Taiwan, the official added.

Still, some strategic thinkers in the region see little scope to dial back the U.S. military presence in East Asia without affecting the balance of power. China continues to build and deploy military equipment at a rapid rate, including a much faster pace of ship production than the U.S. At least two U.S. destroyers based in Japan have been deployed to take part in Iran strikes, according to U.S. military photos.

Rommel Ong, a retired rear admiral in the Philippine Navy, said the current level of U.S. naval presence was needed to prevent China from 100% sea control of the South China Sea.

Right now, even without the situation in Iran, the Chinese maritime forces in East Asia enjoy numerical advantage, he said. Its not unusual for the U.S. to move weaponry around the world. Last year, Patriot air defense systems were moved from South Korea to Qatar ahead of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Irans nuclear sites. They were returned after a few months.

So far, the war in Iran has been almost exclusively an air campaign, making it different to prior conflicts. But if it expands it could draw in other parts of the U.S. military, such as Marine Corps battalions from Japan that were sent to Afghanistan.

During previous conflicts in the Middle East, the U.S. military deployed a range of capabilities from East Asia, including the aircraft carrier USS George Washington from Japan for a few months during the surge period of the Afghanistan campaign.

If major U.S. military assets like the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in Japan were moved to the Middle East, it would be problematic for readiness in the Indo-Pacific, said Hirohito Ogi, a former Japanese Defense Ministry official, adding that he thought it was an unlikely scenario.

A more immediate concern, he said, is the depletion of missiles such as Patriot interceptors. It takes a long time to make them, meaning it could take years to return to fully replenish inventories. That could have a serious impact on readiness in the Indo-Pacific region, including the defense of Taiwan, Ogi said.

The Payne Institute, a public research institute in Colorado, estimates that more than 300 Patriot and other interceptors were used by U.S. defense systems in the first 36 hours of the Iran war, and a further 280 used by Gulf countries. Details about missile stockpiles arent publicly available, but Lockheed Martin Corp. makes around 620 Patriot missiles a year.

Were seeing the results now of a just in time approach to equipping and manning the military, based on the assumption that wed never fight a major war again  much less two of them at once, said Grant Newsham, a former U.S. Marine Corps colonel and liaison officer to the Japanese military.

Thats a problem for Asia, which still relies on the U.S. as the main deterrent against China. Countries in the region need to do more to ensure they have their own resources and wont necessarily be dependent on the U.S. if theres a crisis in the region, according to Ford, the former U.S. defense official.

Weve all seen this dance before, she said. But I do think that it creates a lot of questions for Asian allies about what they need to do regarding their own sovereign capabilities.

Of particular note was the reported redeployment of parts of the THAAD air defense system from South Korea, said John Delury, a senior fellow at the Asia Society. Both China and North Korea strongly objected to its installation in South Korea in 2017. Its hard to overstate the irony of THAAD, a symbol of the pivot to Asia, being removed in the dead of night for a new war in the Middle East, Delury said. 2026 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Patriot missile launcher set up in Gaziantep, Turkey, in 2013, with Syria shown in the distance. NATO has increased its missile defense force posture in the region following two missile interceptions from Iran in the past week. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)



Air raid sirens sounded early Friday at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, where NATO dispatched a Patriot missile defense team earlier this week to beef up security, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The base, which sits near the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, is home to U.S. forces and also is also well-known as a storage site for American nuclear bombs.

Turkeys defense ministry on Wednesday confirmed that an Iranian missile was shot down on the same day in the country. Numerous postings from residents in the nearby city of Adana showed a bright object flying overhead in the night sky.

NATO air defenses in the past week have twice intercepted incoming missiles from Iran.

The situation prompted NATO to increase its missile defense force posture. On Tuesday, the Turkish defense ministry announced that an American-made Patriot system had been deployed to Turkeys Malatya region.

That part of Turkey hosts a critical NATO radar, which is manned by U.S. troops and is part of the alliances integrated air defense system.

NATO didnt specify which unit was deployed to carry out the mission, but several allied countries possess the Patriot system.

In Baumholder, Germany, the U.S. Army has a Patriot unit that over the years has mobilized on short notice for urgent missions. Shortly after Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the unit was sent to Poland to protect NATO airspace.

More than a decade ago, U.S. patriot batteries also were sent to southern Turkey to protect Turkish air space during hostilities along the countrys border with Syria.
People walk past parked public transport vehicles at a station in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 11, 2026. Amid rising crude oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, Zimbabweans are already feeling the squeeze at the fuel pump. Commuters in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, are bearing the brunt of higher transportation costs, as fuel price hikes have forced some public transport operators to raise fares.(Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

HARARE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Amid rising crude oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, Zimbabweans are already feeling the squeeze at the fuel pump.

On Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, the national energy regulator, announced fuel hikes amid the supply turmoil in global energy markets. Diesel soared to 1.77 U.S. dollars per liter from 1.52 dollars, while blended petrol rose to 1.71 dollars per liter from 1.56 dollars.

Commuters in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, are bearing the brunt of higher transportation costs, as fuel price hikes have forced some public transport operators to raise fares.

At Copacabana, one of the biggest intra-city public transport ranks in Harare, business was usual on Thursday, with people going on with their daily business despite the increased cost.

Munyaradzi Gamba, a staff member at the rank, said despite the distance between Zimbabwe and the battlefield, the impact of the conflict is being felt closer to home, with commuters suffering the heat.

"We never thought that the conflict in the Middle East would also affect us here; it is something that we just saw on television and in the papers," said Gamba.

Tafadzwa Goliati, the national coordinator for the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, an advocacy for passenger welfare, said both commuters and transporters have adjusted to the fuel increases.

"There is nothing we can do as passengers but to adjust to the situation that is prevailing in the transport sector. Here in Zimbabwe, we do not manufacture fuel, but we import it. We have to adjust to this price. But we are just calling on the transport sector not to put a big margin on profits," he said.

He noted that while many long-distance public transport operators have not increased prices yet, some intra-city transport operators are hiking prices during peak hours.

Lloyd Kosi, a public transport driver, told Xinhua that transporters are now bearing the cost of the conflict, as price hikes are mounting additional economic pressure.

"It is difficult to operate, to remain profitable, so we end up adding 50 cents (to) a dollar during peak hours to cushion ourselves from increased fuel costs," he said.

Commuter transport in Zimbabwe is primarily operated by private, informal operators and pirate taxis. While informal transport operators mostly offer flexible and low-cost transportation, a large number of pirate operators often result in unregulated fares.

For commuters who depend on public transport, the increase in fares now means walking long distances or spending more on transport costs.

While the government has assured that fuel stocks are available, the public faces increased financial pressure, said Edgar Chikoore, a transporter running a truck-hiring business in Harare.

He said that due to the increased operating costs, some transporters have adjusted their fares from 1.50 dollars per km to 1.75 dollars to reflect the increased costs.

"We hope that diplomacy will prevail so that the battling sides stop fighting. They should find a diplomatic solution rather than fighting, as it also affects us economically here," said Chikoore. 

A van moves past a fuel station in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 11, 2026. Amid rising crude oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, Zimbabweans are already feeling the squeeze at the fuel pump.

Commuters in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, are bearing the brunt of higher transportation costs, as fuel price hikes have forced some public transport operators to raise fares.(Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

People are seen in front of parked public transport vehicles at a station in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 11, 2026. Amid rising crude oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, Zimbabweans are already feeling the squeeze at the fuel pump.

Commuters in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, are bearing the brunt of higher transportation costs, as fuel price hikes have forced some public transport operators to raise fares.(Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine conduct a news briefing on Operation Epic Fury at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Eric Brann/Department of Defense)



WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday said Irans supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and likely disfigured during a Pentagon briefing that was at times combative and defensive in tone.

His father dead, hes scared. Hes injured, hes on the run, he lacks legitimacy, Hegseth added. Whos in charge? Iran may not even know.

Khameneis father and predecessor as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Feb. 28, the first day of extensive U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Khamenei vowed in a written statement Thursday to keep attacking neighboring countries, comments that drew threats from President Donald Trump to unleash significant retaliation on Iran.

Khamenei called on Gulf nations to shut down U.S. bases in the region and said that protection promised by the U.S. was nothing more than a lie. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over as Irans leader, and his statement was read by a state TV anchor.

In a social media post Friday morning, Trump said watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, while claiming that Irans military had been decimated and that its leaders had been wiped from the face of the earth.

The mood was more somber as Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the crash of an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker in Western Iraq on Thursday.

Earlier on Friday, U.S. Central Command said that four of the six crew members who were aboard have been confirmed dead. More than an hour after the press conference, CENTCOM confirmed that all six crew members were dead.

Bad things can happen, Hegseth said when acknowledging the crash.

CENTCOM said the identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

Caine said the crew was on a combat mission.

The refueler went down in friendly airspace at approximately 2 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation but CENTCOM said it was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

Thirteen service members have been killed as of Friday, the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury.

Six Army reservists assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were killed in a drone attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on the second day of Operation Epic Fury. Another soldier, Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.

More than 140 service members had been wounded but most injuries were minor and 108 had already returned to duty, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The tanker is the fourth U.S. aircraft reported lost since the conflict with Iran began. Three F-15s were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces in a friendly fire incident on March 1.

The U.S. and Israel launched extensive strikes against Iran on Feb. 28 after months of stalled negotiations over the countrys nuclear program.

The U.S. military has struck more than 6,000 targets and strike packages continue to launch every hour, Caine said.

Included in those targets are more than 60 ships and 30 minelayers, CENTCOM said. The targeting of minelayers came as Irans new supreme leader said Thursday, in his first public statement since taking office, that the country would continue to restrict trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Caine said three times during the news conference that Friday will be our busiest day.

This mission remains complex, dangerous and difficult, the chairman added.

Hegseth said as of Wednesday, Irans entire ballistic missile production capacity has been functionally destroyed.

Soon, and very soon, all of Irans defense companies will be destroyed, he said.

After nearly five minutes of speaking, Hegseth shifted gears to complain about the media covering the Iranian conflict. He called out CNN for its reporting that the Trump administration underestimated the wars impact on the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN doesnt think we thought of that. Its a fundamentally unserious report. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better, Hegseth said, drawing gasps from folks in the room. Ellison is the CEO of Paramount Skydance, which owns CBS and is in the process of acquiring Warner Bros. Discover, CNNs parent company.

Hegseths defensive posture for the media was discussed before acknowledging the KC-135 crash.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC in an interview Thursday the U.S. Navy is not ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Wrights comments come after a post on his social media account wrongly claimed on Tuesday that the Navy had escorted a tanker through the strait. The post was quickly deleted from his account.

Iran has continued to threaten vessels passing through the strait, and U.S. intelligence has assessed it is taking steps to place mines in the waterway, CBS News reported Tuesday.

Caine told reporters that it is a tactically complex environment before I think we want to take anything through there at scale.

An ongoing military investigation has determined that the U.S. is responsible for a deadly Tomahawk missile strike on an Iranian elementary school, according to U.S. officials and others familiar with the preliminary findings The New York Times reported.

Hegseth, when asked about the reports, said CENTCOM has designated an investigative officer to complete the review. A command investigation will take as long as necessary to address all the matters surrounding the incident.

But I will note to this group, and to the world, theres only one entity in this conflict between US and Iran that never targets civilians. Literally never target civilians, Hegseth added. I look at the process thats used on dynamic strikes or on boat strikes and others. We have a very high-fidelity process in that case. So we dont target, Iran does. We will investigate, well get to the truth, and well share it when we have it.

Since the war began, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, at least 480 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials.

Stars and Stripes reporter Lara Korte contributed to this report.
This photo provided by the U.S. Army shows Maj. Brandon Shah, Friday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Illesheim, Germany. (Savannah Roy/U.S. Army via AP)



(Tribune News Service)  The man killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University Thursday flew Apache helicopters in Iraq, earned numerous awards for his military service and helped grow the universitys ROTC program enrollment by almost 50% in one year.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, 41, was killed in a shooting at ODU that injured two other people.

Multiple elected officials, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger and U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, identified Shah as the person killed in what the FBI has labeled an act of terrorism.

Shah, a Virginia native, was head of ODUs Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program. He was professor of military sciences and joined the university in 2022. As head of the universitys ROTC program, Shah grew the program by nearly 50%  from 95 to nearly 140 members  during his first year, according to an ODU profile. He said he enjoyed seeing his cadets transition from students to soldier-leaders, likening the moment to a light bulb turning on.

We do in one office everything the university does, Shah was quoted as saying in the profile. We recruit. We train. We educate. We develop.

Shah enlisted in the Army in 2003. He achieved a dream of being a pilot, flying aircraft like the AH64 Apache attack helicopter over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Atlantic Resolve. He flew more than 1,200 hours, 600 of them on combat missions, in three aircraft.

Shah also received numerous military commendations, including two Bronze Stars.

Shah enrolled in ODU in 2005. He both received his Army commission and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in military science. He later earned both a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

At ODU, Shah helped reintroduce a university tradition in 2023: an annual rappelling exercise, where cadets zip down the side of S.B. Ballard Stadium strapped into harnesses. Shah was also an advocate for minority and veteran business education, according to the ODU Alumni Association.

In his last position before joining ODU, Shah was director of operations for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade in Savannah, Georgia, handling operations, training, modernization and long-range plans.

In a Thursday social media post, Spanberger said she was saddened by his death and praying for his family.

A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path, Spanberger said.

At Shahs Chesapeake home on Thursday evening, the front yard was decorated with American flags and a Georgia Bulldog statue. A man who answered the door declined to answer questions.

The FBI identified the gunman who opened fire in Shahs classroom as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. The ROTC students in the class disarmed and killed him. Jalloh served as a specialist with the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until 2015, and had pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State group.

2026 The Virginian-Pilot.

Visit pilotonline.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
ABU DHABI, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on Thursday, the Defense Ministry said.

The ministry said the move was part of the ongoing defensive operations in response to what it described as Iranian attacks targeting the country.

Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, UAE air defenses have intercepted 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,540 drones, according to official figures.

The attacks have resulted in six deaths involving Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 131 minor to moderate injuries among people of multiple nationalities, the ministry said. 
Andrew J. Linn 13/03/2026 a las 11:08h.

When Spanish judges turn their attention to pasta, things get complicated. The recent decision ordering the closure of restaurants operating under the name La Mafia Se Sienta a la Mesa has been exactly that. The ruling follows actions in other countries where authorities have taken a dim view of dining establishments borrowing the imagery and name of the Mafia as a marketing device.

For years the chain traded on a certain tongue-in-cheek theatricality: black and white photographs, references to gangsters and the faint suggestion that your plate of tagliatelle might arrive accompanied by an offer you couldn't refuse. Diners were expected to take it as harmless fun. Not all did.

Wine of the week Torres La Carbonera 2020 Rioja A very agreeable and well-priced wine from the longest-established family-owned winery in Spain. This 100% Tempranillo Crianza comes from Torres' winery in Rioja Alavesa, where 25-year-old vines produce a fresh, elegant red with good fruit and well-integrated oak. Around 9 euros

Italian institutions and anti-mafia organisations have long argued that such branding trivialises a criminal phenomenon that has cost thousands of lives. Courts in other countries have already restricted similar names. Spain has now joined that club, deciding that pasta should perhaps be served without connections to organised crime.

The ruling does not, of course, threaten the survival of Italian cuisine in Spain. Lasagne will continue to appear, tiramisu will remain reassuringly available and garlic will still do battle with breath mints across the land. What disappears is merely the suggestion that dinner comes with a side order of mob mythology.

For the restaurant group, it will mean a hurried search for a new identity. Happily, the Italian culinary vocabulary is vast. One suspects the public would welcome a name celebrating olive oil, family tables or grandmotherly cooking rather more than criminal fraternities.

In short, Spain's courts have delivered a simple message: great pasta doesn't need protection money.
The new bar premises in Plaza de la Victoria, next to Jardin de los Monos.

Juan Soto Malaga. 13/03/2026 a las 12:04h.

The characterful La Victoria district of Malaga city has got back one of its favourite local bars. Pedroso, on the square bearing the area's name, next to the Jardin de los Monos, reopened its doors this week after three long years away, to the delight of local residents.

Pedroso was the typical neighbourhood bar where locals would gather for a glass of wine or a tapa. Opened in 1973 and on the verge of its half-century, it was forced to close in April 2023 when the building it occupied was demolished to make way for a new housing development.

The reborn bar continues to be run by Samuel Cheli, the founder's son. Before being forced to close, he was joined by his mother Isabel Martin - who was in charge of the kitchen - and this time he is joined by his wife, Vanesa Reina.

The new establishment is located in exactly the same spot as before and has the same floor space of 57 square metres, though the interior has been laid out differently to gain a little extra kitchen space. It has four tables and six bar stools, with capacity for around 40 people.

Modernised

Pedroso is now a more modern bar and in this new chapter focuses on breakfasts. It is open from 8am to 6pm and offers a wide variety of tapas at lunchtime. Unlike before, it does not open in the evenings as it now concentrates on the morning trade (it previously opened at 1pm).

Owner Samuel Cheli admits that this change is due to the area lacking a decent place for a good coffee since Isamoa closed (which will itself reopen, though reinvented as a seafood restaurant). "We also want to avoid the evenings because there's very little footfall in this area."

What remains unchanged is the food offering. Pedroso will continue to focus on "traditional tapas", with highlights including tripe, Russian salad, stew and chicken livers (which had a devoted following). They have no plans to offer a set lunch menu.

Kitsch aesthetic

Although more modern in style, Pedroso retains some of the kitsch aesthetic it was known for. The bar is decorated with the large collection of African masks they had before - around 90 of them. However, many of the paintings and the bottle-cap column that so delighted customers has gone.

The owner acknowledges that the return has generated great anticipation in the neighbourhood and among his large loyal clientele. "When we closed, we already knew we would open again, and that moment has arrived," he adds enthusiastically.

Even before the opening, some regulars from the old bar had been asking about the whereabouts of the large mosaic of the Virgen del Rocio that decorated the facade and has not returned to its original spot. Samuel explains that the ceramic tile, which had been given to them as a gift by a local resident, was donated to the brotherhood, which has it on display at the door of the church of San Lazaro.
Irene Quirante 13/03/2026 a las 14:48h.

The Alhaurin de la Torre prison union has reported a third assault in the centre this week. The latest incident happened around 6pm on Thursday, when an inmate allegedly injured three guards who wanted to search him.

The guards decided to approach the inmate after detecting an object thrown over the wall separating two modules. They suspected that the object could be narcotic substances or a cell phone.

According to the TAMPM union, the workers asked the inmate to let them search him, but he started punching and kicking them. Three guards had to go to the hospital and at least two of them will have to take medical leave due to the injuries.

"Everything suggests that the inmate preferred to attack rather than be discovered with objects or banned substances, which apparently he was carrying," the union has said.

Just a few hours before the incident, the union had held a meeting with the prison management to discuss other recent incidents and the "helplessness" that workers feel within the walls of the centre.

Last Sunday, the TAMPM reported other two violent incidents. One occurred when an inmate bit the hand of a guard who was trying to restrain him due to his aggressive behaviour.

There was another tense moment, when one inmate reportedly refused to take his food to his cell during the special Ramadam timetable and confronted staff members. "The situation became so tense that we were on the verge of a walkout across the entire module," workers have said.

The TAMPM says that the prison's isolation unit should serve its purpose and restrict "maladjusted inmates". Aggressive inmates, however, often don't end up there, because the guards have to follow a strict protocol and a doctor must authorise isolation.

TAMPM states that, in the absence of immediate consequences for violent behaviour, the authority of officials drastically decreases.
Chus Heredia 13/03/2026 a las 10:55h.

Malaga city fined almost 5,000 drivers who breached the low emissions zone restrictions in just the first month of sanctions (December 2025).

The low emissions zone (ZBE) in Malaga entered its second year on 30 November 2025, which means that the city has now started to sanction vehicles that cross the zone's perimeter without meeting environmental requirements.

It's important to note, however, that the traffic authorities currently only impose fines on the most polluting vehicles (cars and motorcycles) - those without an environmental sticker. In addition, the breach only has financial repercussions for vehicles that pay road tax (IVTM) outside Malaga city.

This makes 4,894 too high a number given the small number of vehicles that the city can sanction at this stage.

Municipal tax collection agency Gestrisam provided this information to SUR, after the newspaper had requested it from the city council on multiple occasions, without success. The tax collection agency said that "the fines for the month of January 2026 are pending processing".

200 euros is the fine for improper access to the low emissions zone; 100 for prompt payments

The traffic authorities (DGT) have set the fine at 200 euros, with a 50 per cent reduction for prompt payments.

The current restrictions on access to the ZBE will remain unchanged until 30 November this year. From that day onwards, the traffic authorities will start fining vehicles with environmental label B from outside the city of Malaga.

The physically visible sticker is not compulsory, as the system includes the reading of registration numbers by camera and their automatic matching with the DGT database.

The ZBE is not the same as the traffic-restricted zones in semi-pedestrian areas in the historic centre, Soho and the Alamos-Carreteria axis. These zones can only be accessed by specifically authorised vehicles. This is not merely an environmental issue.

4,894 is the exact number of sanctions the municipal tax collection body registered in December

The philosophy adopted by Malaga city council is that those who pay vehicle tax in the city can use the full lifespan of their current vehicle without having to buy a more environmentally friendly one. However, vehicles with a B sticker or lower cannot be transferred, because the buyer would lose that right.

The range of cases is somewhat broader, but in short, petrol vehicles registered before 1 January 2000 and diesel vehicles registered before January 2006 do not have a sticker.

It's very easy to check a vehicle's sticker. Simply go to the website of the DGT and enter the registration number. The system is automatic and free.

Bounded perimeter

The delimitation of the ZBE in Malaga includes the following streets: Paseo Maritimo Antonio Machado, Avenida Ingeniero Jose Maria Garnica, Calle Explanada de la Estacion, Plaza de la Solidaridad, Avenida de las Americas, Avenida de la Aurora, Jardines de Picasso, Avenida de Andalucia, Calle Compositor Lehmberg Ruiz, Calle Hilera, Calle Santa Elena, Calle Honduras, Calle Arango, Calle Martinez Maldonado, Avenida de Barcelona, Plaza del Hospital Civil, Avenida Doctor Galvez Ginachero, Calle Mazarredo, Avenida del Arroyo de los Angeles, Paseo de Martiricos, Calle Huerto de los Claveles, Calle Marques de Cadiz, Calle Juan del Encina, Calle Empecinado, Plaza Capuchinos, Alameda de Capuchinos, Plaza Olletas, Calle Toquero, Calle Obispo Gonzalez Garcia, Calle Amargura, Calle Ferrandiz, Paseo Salvador Rueda, Calle Rafael Perez Estrada and Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

All the information on the ZBE is available on the website of the city council's transport department. There, drivers can also consult how the restrictions will be increasing year by year.

Free access

However, public passenger transport services, taxis and ride-hailing services, vehicles classified as historic under royal decree 1247/1995, and trucks have free access through the ZBE.

Similarly, but subject to prior notification and verification, healthcare services, state security forces, municipal services, and essential private services (private security, drain cleaning, funeral services, cash transport, etc.) also have free access.
CAIRO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that "the only way" to end its war with the United States and Israel "is recognizing Iran's legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression."

However, regional experts and scholars have widely considered the three preconditions as unworkable. Some of their views are as follows:

RECOGNIZING IRAN'S LEGITIMATE RIGHTS

-- This demand is a "non-starter" for Israel and the United States, as it would imply acceptance of Iran's nuclear program, said Abdel Mohdy Motawe, executive director of the Cairo-based Middle East Forum for Strategic Studies and National Security.

"Accepting such terms would constitute an implicit validation of Iran's right to uranium enrichment and the continued development of its nuclear infrastructure," Motawe said.

-- Full agreement on this proposal is unlikely due to the irreconcilable interpretations held by Iran and its adversaries, according to Jumaa Mohammed, politics professor at Iraq's Tikrit University.

"Iran intends it to mean recognition of its regional role, its right to develop its defensive capabilities, and its peaceful nuclear program," Mohammed said. "In contrast, the United States and Israel view this as potentially legitimizing activities they consider a threat to stability, such as supporting armed groups in the region or developing ballistic missiles."

"Consequently, if both parties adhere to their conflicting interpretations of this condition, it will pose a significant obstacle to any diplomatic solution," he said.

PAYMENT OF REPARATIONS

-- The demand for reparations is highly unrealistic, as it would require the United States and Israel to admit war guilt, said political analyst from Gaza Mustafa Ibrahim.

Ibrahim believes asking for reparations appears more like "a political bargaining position" to strengthen Iran's negotiating leverage, rather than a condition that could "realistically be implemented in the near term."

-- Reparations are highly complicated, as political divisions and veto risks at the UN make consensus on compensation mechanisms extremely time-consuming, said Khaled Al-Qahtani, Saudi political science researcher at Imam Mohammad bin Saud University.

"Given the political divisions in the international system and the likelihood of vetoes in the UN Security Council, achieving consensus on compensation mechanisms would be extremely difficult," Al-Qahtani said.

He added, "Even if discussed, the process could take years of negotiations and legal disputes."

FIRM INT'L GUARANTEES AGAINST FUTURE AGGRESSION

-- Ibrahim noted that firm international guarantees are challenging to implement due to "deep mistrust among the warring parties."

Moreover, "past experiences in the region show that international guarantees alone are often insufficient to prevent future conflicts, especially when underlying geopolitical tensions remain unresolved," he added.

-- Jordanian political analyst Amer Sabaileh believes that the United States and Israel seek a radical change in Iran, making recognition of Iran's terms unattainable.

"The idea that the Iranian government believes it can simply return to the status quo ante is unrealistic," Sabaileh said.

-- The ultimate outcome, including any security arrangement, will be determined by the battlefield, not by negotiations based on current demands, said Refaat Badawi, former political advisor to late Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss.

"We expect that in the near future ... there will be a great increase in confrontation, because the two parties have reached the point of no return," Badawi said. "In the end, the final word will be for the battlefield." 
Chus Heredia 13/03/2026 Actualizado 27/03/2026 - 15:10h.

The drought committee is meeting this Friday to decide the fate of Malaga provinces countryside.

All signs point to a formal declaration of "normality" across all districts, marking the official end of a gruelling five-year water crisis.

However, the mood among local farmers is cautious. While the water is back, many are now dealing with the aftermath of a relentless succession of storms that have battered rural infrastructure.

The province's reservoirs currently contain 575 million cubic metres, which equals 95 per cent of their capacity. Last year also registered a lot of rain, but most of it fell in March, after the committee had held the annual meeting.

Back then, only the Costa del Sol returned to normal conditions. Malaga city moved into a phase of moderate scarcity and La Vinuela remained at a severe level. All of this entailed restrictions on the flow of water from the reservoirs to the headwater storage tanks. It's worth remembering that the first drought decree was issued in 2021.

575 million cubic metres is the current water reserve of Malaga province, which equals 95 per cent of the dam network's capacity

According to estimates, the committee should declare normal conditions for all of the province's districts, with one exception: the Axarquia, which should reach that phase in May, once it has slowly moved up the preceding thresholds.

With urban water supplies now unconditional, the concern lies with farmers and irrigators. They've been through some tough years. Two years ago, the Guadalhorce river basin received a mere six million cubic metres of emergency irrigation annually. While it's true that it increased to 30 million cubic metres last year, the figure exceeded 43 before the drought.

The directors of Aprema, the main association of irrigators, don't understand how the committee can maintain the water allocation when the reservoirs have been draining for weeks. They have warned that irrigation cannot begin around 20 April without the irrigation system having undergone essential tests.

The province's irrigators describe dozens of chronic problems that have worsened with the recent series of storms (silting up in the canals, damage to siphons like those in Cartama and Dehesa Alta). Last year, once irrigation began, the Cartama siphon left farmers without water for more than a month. "We will be caught off guard, like every year. The water should already be in the canals for us to identify the damage and check the overall condition," Aprema representatives stated.

Aprema represents more than 7,000 of the 10,000 hectares of irrigated land in the Guadalhorce Valley.

30 million cubic metres is what the drought committee allocated to the Guadalhorce Valley for irrigation last year; 12.8 for the Axarquia district, in addition to reclaimed water

Two years ago, the Axarquia district received just three million cubic metres per year. This increased to 12.8 million cubic metres last year. A key factor here is the regional government's investment of millions in tertiary irrigation systems using reclaimed water (pipelines from El Penon del Cuervo in Malaga, storage reservoirs, and pipe repairs to combat seawater intrusion).

The district's annual production capacity is around 21 million cubic metres. However, reclaimed water is a source that many avocado growers, for example, avoid due to its high salinity. The price is also not optimistic. Meanwhile, many regional government experts are increasingly advocating for recycled water and greater conservation of water from reservoirs.

The Adax association recently asked the regional government to increase the allocation of cubic metres per hectare per year of the Guaro plan from 2,000 to 6,000 - in other words, to triple the allocation.

The Guaro plan regulates the water supply from the La Vinuela reservoir for crops located below 140 metres above sea level, which are the only ones entitled to receive water from the reservoir. In total, this covers approximately 6,400 hectares of irrigated land, primarily dedicated to subtropical crops such as avocados and mangoes.

Reservoirs and unregulated areas

Currently, Malaga's reservoirs are at their best figure since 2013. Four reservoirs are at 100 per cent (the three Guadalhorce reservoirs and Limonero); one at 91 per cent (La Concepcion, which can fill even above the established safety threshold); and another at 89 per cent (La Vinuela, in the Axarquia region). Casasola, a flood control reservoir, is at 59 per cent.

Surface reserves total 575 million cubic metres, which represents an increase of 12 just in the last week, despite the releases.

Malaga's unregulated areas (those that do not receive water from reservoirs) might also see a return to normality.
SUR 13/03/2026 a las 11:16h.

Cybercrime investigators from the National Police in Marbella have successfully recovered 2 million after a luxury real estate agency on the Costa del Sol was duped into transferring the funds to a criminal network.

The swift intervention, involving international police and judicial coordination, led to the freezing of four bank accounts in the Netherlands where the stolen funds had been diverted.

Just what is smishing and vishing?? The sophistication of the fraud highlights the professional level of the criminal organisation involved. The group combined advanced social engineering with two specific tactics: Smishing: Sending fraudulent SMS messages that appear to be from a legitimate bank. Vishing: Making phone calls impersonating financial advisors to build a false sense of security.



The sophistication of the fraud demonstrates a high level of professionalism within a criminal organisation that combines advanced social engineering techniques with smishing (the sending of fraudulent SMSs that appear to come from the bank in question) and vishing (phone calls impersonating financial advisors) in order to create a climate of trust that makes the recipients highly vulnerable to being scammed.

A few days ago, a report was filed at the National Police station in Marbella regarding a multi-million-euro online scam affecting a luxury real estate agency in this Costa del Sol town.

What role did fraudulent SMS messages play?

It all started with an SMS text message sent to the phone of a company representative impersonating their bank. The message informed the recipient at the real estate agency of "an email address change process" and urged them to contact a phone number if they did not recognise the transaction.

Upon contacting this phone number, a fake bank manager alerted the victim to alleged fraudulent charges on the company's account. Under the guise of processing the reversal and cancellation of these irregular transactions and refunding the money, the cybercriminals requested verification codes sent by SMS, which the victim provided, believing they were completing a legitimate security process.

How did the scammers take control of online banking?

Using this modus operandi, members of the criminal network gained operational control of the real estate company's online banking system and subsequently transferred two million euros to accounts in the Netherlands.

The swift police action required the urgent activation of international police and judicial cooperation mechanisms, which enabled them to secure the money and prevent its dispersal to third-party accounts. The speed with which the investigators acted proved crucial.

The operation involved cybercrime officers from Marbella's National Police, in collaboration with their counterparts in Spain's central cybercrime unit, Interpol, the Spanish government's commission on preventing money-laundering (Sepblac), the prosecutor's offices for international cooperation in Malaga and Madrid, as well as the fraud prevention department of the affected bank and duty magistrates.

The latter urgently ordered the issuance of the necessary seizure warrants to secure the funds transferred overseas.

How can you protect yous business from smishing and vishing attacks? The National Police have issued a fresh warning to the public and businesses: Never provide banking or personal details via links in SMS or emails. Verify any suspicious communication by contacting your bank through an official, known channel. Be wary of "alarmist" messages that demand immediate action. Report any suspected fraudulent activity to the authorities immediately.



Lastly, as a preventative measure, the National Police again reminds the public of the importance of not providing personal or banking information through links received by SMS or email. Also, to always verify communications by contacting the institution or company directly through official channels, to be wary of alarmist messages requesting urgent action and to immediately report any suspected fraud to the National Police.
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Tony Bryant 13/03/2026 a las 15:03h.

Mijas town hall has begun work to replenish sand and restore the beaches that were badly affected by the successive storms that occurred between late December and early February.

Machinery is already on site to deposit up to 14,000 cubic metres of sand in order to ensure the coastline is in perfect condition for Easter.

The work, which has a total cost of 247,000 euros and an execution period of 19 days, focuses on the beaches of El Bombo, Calahonda and Las Doradas.

The towns mayor, Ana Mata, visited Playa El Bombo on Thursday, along with the President of the Mijas beach business association, Carlos Morales. The mayor said that it is imperative to find a permanent solution to stabilise the coastline to prevent us from having to deal with such a serious problem every year.

She called on the central government to commit to an investment that guarantees the long-term protection of the Costa del Sols beaches.

Mata pointed out that the council took immediate steps after the storms to repair the El Charcon and El Chaparral beaches, which were also badly affected. As well, the municipal authority is currently rebuilding the section of the Senda Litoral coastal path that was destroyed by the storms at El Capricho. This involves the repair of 40 metres of walkway, on which a total of 223,000 euros has been allocated.
Peter Edgerton 13/03/2026 a las 12:43h.

It was Mark Twain who famously wrote "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."

Here in Spain, Father's Day is celebrated on 19 March, a chance for children and offspring of all ages to doff their collective caps and thank the old boy for his sterling work. He may also get some socks.

In a celebration of all the top-notch dads quietly going about their business, I thought we could take a look at some of the most celebrated fathers in history, in no particular order.

When he wasn't bobbing around the Galapagos islands on his ship the Beagle, Charles Darwin was deliberately working from home in order to be able to spend more time with his ten children. He encouraged them to indulge in dangerous play - rope-swinging, object-hurling, etc. - while also taking the time to personally nurse them whenever they needed it. Those two parental approaches may or may not have been directly connected.

American president Theodore Roosevelt also deserves his place in the pantheon, as he would often, and specifically, take time off from running the USA in order to spend it with his six children. Family pastimes included regular pillow fights and a good deal of mud-wrestling, which are - as anyone knows - two of the most important staples for a quality dad. We should also note that Roosevelt had the teddy bear named after him, which, while not direct evidence of good parenting, has certainly ensured his name has lived on on the lips of children down the generations.

Now, while, at first glance, it might seem rather contradictory to say so, the eighth-century Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne was actually a good father to his, er, 20 children (different times), insisting that both sons and daughters were educated to the highest of standards. Oh, and he also pardoned his son Pepin the Hunchback for a plot to assassinate him, commuting his death sentence to time spent in a monastery. Those were some admirable dad skills right there.

A little bit more recently, Paul McCartney has shown himself to be a devoted father to his five children over the years, eschewing nannies in favour of doing a lot of the more mundane stuff himself, including the school run and attending his children's concerts, presumably resisting the urge to correct any poorly-executed F# minors into the bargain. Also, it should be noted, writing Hey Jude to comfort John Lennon's son Julian after his parents' divorce is no small feat when it comes to showing a strong paternal instinct.

And finally, although I did say this would be a list in no particular order, I think many of us might agree on who, in the end, should take the top spot in any compilation list of the greatest fathers in history - our own.

www.peteredgerton.com
CANBERRA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Australia's energy minister on Friday announced that the federal government will release up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel from its domestic reserves amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Chris Bowen announced that the release of up to 20 percent of the baseline Minimum Stockholding Obligation for petrol and diesel will help to address fuel supply chain disruption.

He said the government will reduce the minimum national stockholding obligation for diesel from 2.7 billion liters to 2.2 billion liters and for petrol from 1 billion liters to 700 million liters.

The move would constitute Australia's response to a request from the International Energy Agency to release fuel reserves.

"This will enable the fuel companies to more flexibly manage their supply chain. This fuel will not be released immediately," he said.

Bowen said that Australia's fuel supply is secure and that ships are continuing to arrive in the country despite the conflict in the Middle East, but that there could be future threats to supply if the conflict continues.

Despite the minimum stock obligations being in good shape, Bowen said the supply chain has struggled to cope with "massive spikes" in demand, particularly in regional Australia.

"There is no need for panic buying. Is the situation internationally serious? Yes, it is. Is Australia's fuel supply currently secure? Yes," he said.

It came after Bowen announced on Thursday that the government would temporarily amend fuel quality standards to allow higher sulfur levels for 60 days.

He said that doing so would allow around 100 million liters per month of new petrol supply. 
SEOUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's foreign ministry said Friday it will take firm actions against renewed territorial claims by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over the easternmost South Korean islets of Dokdo, Yonhap News Agency reported.

In a statement, the ministry said Seoul will respond "firmly and sternly" to any claims by Tokyo regarding Dokdo, stressing that the islets are clearly South Korean territory "historically, geographically and under international law."

On Thursday, Takaichi said Japan would clearly inform the international community that the islands, known as Takeshima in Japan, are Japanese territory during a ceremony marking the so-called "Takeshima Day."

Takaichi, who took office in October last year, had earlier suggested that it would be acceptable for a cabinet minister to attend the annual "Takeshima Day" event.

The so-called "Takeshima Day" event, hosted annually by Japan's Shimane Prefecture, has been used to assert Japan's administrative claim over the rocky islets since the prefecture designated Feb. 22 as Takeshima Day in 2005.

South Korea restored its sovereignty over the islets following the Korean Peninsula's liberation from the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial rule. Seoul has since been in effective control of Dokdo, with a small police detachment deployed.

South Koreans see Japan's territorial claims to the islets as a denial of the colonial history. 
Press Release from Business Wire: Intertek



(AFP) Mar 13, 2026



LONDON, March 13, 2026 (BSW) - Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has announced the launch of its enhanced Digital Product Passport (DPP) suite of services. This includes a comprehensive advisory service designed to help manufacturers, brands and retailers navigate the fast-evolving regulatory and sustainability landscape associated with digital product passports and circular economy compliance.

Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President, Global Sustainability, Assurance, Agri World and Food at Intertek, said: "With the introduction of regulatory frameworks for improving the sustainability performance of products, companies are facing mounting pressure to implement robust systems for transparency, traceability and sustainability reporting globally. This shift marks a significant regulatory milestone, requiring organisations to strengthen data governance, engage suppliers more effectively and demonstrate credible, verifiable sustainability performance across the full product lifecycle."

Intertek's newly launched suite of services responds directly to this demand, helping organisations achieve compliance while embedding circular economy principles and supply chain integrity. The services provide organisations with a structured and reliable pathway to compliance by enabling alignment with current and emerging regulatory requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the EU Battery Regulation and other sector-specific legislation. They support the development of transparent and verifiable supply chain traceability, circularity metrics and product-level sustainability information that meet the expectations of regulators, customers and market shareholders.

Additionally, the services facilitate the scalable management of sustainability and compliance data through consistent, auditable processes and expert-driven methodologies, allowing companies to operationalise DPP requirements globally.

Organisations interested in exploring DPP and advisory services should contact Intertek to schedule a readiness assessment or discuss their circular economy strategy. Learn more: https://www.intertek.com/assuris/sustainability/digital-product-passport/

Further insight is available in the blog "Digital Product Passports: Unlocking Opportunities Beyond Compliance," which explores how digital product passports can extend beyond regulatory compliance to enable transparency, circular-economy objectives, and long-term business value.

ABOUTINTERTEK

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.

Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.

Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.

Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

intertek.com







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260313205653/en/









Contact

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION:Please contactTracy VealeGlobal Marketing and Communications Director, Intertek Assuris905 286 4182[email protected]

FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION:Please contactWesley ChenVP Sustainability, Safety and Strategy, Intertek Assuris905-542-2900[email protected]







 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
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From the moment Cillian Murphys Tommy Shelby first sauntered through a Birmingham slum on horseback in 2013, ash pouring down to the strains of Nick Caves doom-and-gloom sermon Red Right Hand, it was obvious that Peaky Blinders was different. A post-First World War gangster drama set in a working-class area of Brum, backlit by factory flames and driven by a brooding, anachronistic soundtrack, it felt impossibly cool, stitching itself into the cultural zeitgeist like a razor blade in the peak of a flat cap.

There was the imperious Shelby, his ice-blue eyes scything down men with a snipers precision. Then there was the haircut  shaved back and sides, mop on top  the tweed three-piece suits, the themed pubs, the Monopoly set, the clothing line. Snoop Dogg was a Peaky fan; so, too, was David Bowie, who sent a photograph of himself in the signature flat cap to series creator Steven Knight. Nobody predicted it would be such a phenomenon, least of all Knight himself. Six series later, having garnered more than six million viewers in its prime, its striding into cinemas and onto Netflix with a long-awaited film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, set in 1940, with Tommy grieving his daughter alone in a remote country pile.

And yet two of its newest stars have barely watched any of it. Tim Roth  who joins alumni such as Tom Hardy, Adrien Brody and Anya Taylor-Joy  agreed to The Immortal Man after Murphy himself texted, asking him to take on the role of John Beckett, treasurer of the British Union of Fascists. I was a bit nervous about telling him I hadnt seen it, he says. But he laughed  which is typical Cillian. Rebecca Ferguson, who plays Kaulo Chirklo, Queen of the Palmer Witches, the purportedly supernatural woman determined to lure Tommy back from his self-imposed exile, fared only marginally better. She watched one series. Its six bloody seasons, she laughs. Its a lot.

Although Roth was tempted to swot up on the show, he decided against it. Come in totally fresh, come into their world, he recalls thinking. Ferguson agrees. If you over-research, she explains, the performance can lose that rawness, that frisson of unpredictability  I would turn into something that has already been created. Roth had a more specific problem to solve. If Beckett is to infiltrate the Peaky Blinders  by approaching Duke Shelby (Barry Keoghan), Tommys illegitimate son and successor, with a scheme to spread Nazi counterfeit currency across Birmingham  he cannot arrive as a posh emissary from the establishment, as Knight had originally written him. That posh t*** wouldnt be able to communicate with these people, Roth says. So he suggested making Beckett working-class. Knight agreed. Just as well, really. As Beckett, Roth is a study in compressed malice: reptilian and calculating, a Tarantino villain reconfigured as a Whitehall traitor.

Someone whod never watched the series could approach this as a standalone Cillian Murphy

Equally impressive is Ferguson. She is at once luminous and glacial, with genuine menace  a Lady Macbeth in Romany silk. The aunt of Duke Shelby, Kaulo has a tantalising ambiguity: is she genuinely a conduit to the dead, or is it the grift of a master manipulator? Tom Harper, the films director, was dazzled by her mercurial performance, in which she gives so little away. Shes smart and shes complicated and shes got a plan, he says. Different things about her can be true. Knight agrees.

If Roth and Ferguson are the new blood, Murphy is still Peaky Blinders unquiet heart. The film, picking up six years after the series ended, finds him greyer and hollowed out by grief  so lost to solipsism that the world has had to come and find him. Grace, his first wife. Ruby, his daughter. Arthur and John, his brothers. Polly, the family matriarch (played by the late Helen McCrory, memorialised in the film as a picture in Tommys manor). All gone. Just as William Munny, Clint Eastwoods retired outlaw in the 1992 western Unforgiven, is dragged back into violence by forces that refuse to let him go, so Tommy is the haunted gunslinger who cannot outrun his past. The parallels were intentional, says Knight. I love that film, and what I love about it is that he doesnt pull the trigger  he doesnt become the person everybody wants him to become until probably 10 minutes from the end.

open image in gallery Compressed malice: Tim Roth as John Beckett ( Netflix )

No matter how many times hes inhabited Tommy, Murphy says, preparing for the role is always a conscious effort  the reading, the conditioning. But after a certain point, there is a sort of a blurring of lines between me and him, he tells me. It doesnt happen instantaneously. But its deeply satisfying.

The Oscar he won for Oppenheimer in 2024 changed nothing, Murphy insists. That was this wonderful, crazy, sort of hallucinogenic moment, he tells me. But my taste and my values had remained the same. Harper sees a different story. He has a power now, the director says. If someone comes in for a day and finds themselves opposite Cillian playing Tommy Shelby, you can see theyre absolutely terrified. It always takes a minute just for them to catch their breath.

That power is put to the test by Knights plot, which  as ever with Peaky Blinders  mines an obscure piece of history. Operation Bernhard: the Nazi scheme to forge 320m of British currency at Sachsenhausen concentration camp, the notes so meticulous that even bank experts couldnt tell the difference. The Bank of England withdrew 10 notes during the war because of it; after the surrender of Germany, they changed the design entirely. True events are like nails, Knight says. You can hold things up with them. The bombing of the BSA factory in Birmingham  another real event, in which 53 workers were killed  also features. Knights mother worked there and wasnt present the night the bomb fell. It was basically the idea, he says of Operation Bernhard, that we can win the war with money.

open image in gallery A Lady Macbeth in Romany silk: Rebecca Ferguson as Kaulo Chirklo, Queen of the Palmer Witches ( Netflix )

Whether a beloved television series can survive the leap to cinema is another matter. The graveyard is well-populated: Dads Army squandered one of Britains most beloved comedies in a single afternoon; Luther tried to go large; Sex and the City gave its devotees what they wanted and critics a punching bag. Knight is clear-eyed about the challenge. Long-form television is like a novel, he says. A film is a short story. You have to have a very definite beginning, middle and end. You have to pay things off. The Immortal Man, he and Murphy insist, welcomes uninitiated viewers. Someone whod never watched it could approach this as a standalone, Murphy says. Which I think is the beauty of it.

The someone most likely to draw them in is Keoghan. As Duke Shelby, the Dubliner is perfectly cast, exuding a scuzzy, live-wire nihilism that conceals a quiet frailty. Theres a longing for his fathers love and respect that the 33-year-old  who has spoken about his tumultuous childhood, which included parental addiction and years in foster care  doesnt so much perform as carry Duke in his bones. Of the Bafta-winning star of The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn, Murphy notes: He has that thing where you just put a camera on him, and hes instantly interesting. He has a sort of dangerous quality to him on camera, but he also has this vulnerability. They are sort of contradictory traits, but he has them all. Knight is similarly full of praise: Its just a gift from him, he says. Totally.

open image in gallery Live-wire: Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby in The Immortal Man ( Netflix )

Keoghans trajectory from Summerhill, one of Dublins most deprived neighbourhoods, is like a story told in the show. Peaky Blinders was born from Knights parents tales of Small Heath, where the series is set. It has always been, beneath its besuited, smoke-wreathed mythology, a drama about the cost of being working class. Murphy is clear that this should be reflected in who gets to make it in film. It certainly should not in any way be the case that this is an industry exclusively for privileged kids, he says. That would be a terrible reflection on the type of stories were trying to tell. He thinks for a moment. Youth drama, youth clubs and libraries  if those places get shut down and kids get locked out, then where do they go? Its super important that there is an avenue for kids to think that this isnt an impossibility. Thats the bedrock of it.

Roth came up through pub theatre at a moment when Ken Loach, Alan Clarke and Mike Leigh  artisans of kitchen-sink realism  were remaking British TV from the inside. It coincided with Granada Television and pre-Channel 4, he says. And all these women, too, were quietly making it happen behind the scenes. He cites Margaret Matheson, the producer of skinhead drama Made in Britain (1983), Roths own television debut.

open image in gallery Back in the saddle: Cillian Murphy on the set of the Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man ( Netflix )

The Immortal Man couldnt be more timely. The far right is on the march again. In America, in Europe, in Britain. Set against the actual rise of British fascism in the Forties, the film feels less like a period drama than a dispatch from the present. Sadly, its a very topical subject, Knight says. Good for the film, not good for the world. The political climate is like the weather  you cant not know about it, because when youre sitting there, its coming against your window. Roth needs no prompting. Watch your back, he remembers his father saying of the fascists. Theyre coming for real.

It turns out Knight, who is also writing Bond 26 for Denis Villeneuve and Amazon MGM, has already finished the new Peaky series  set this time in 1953  with shooting beginning soon. The Immortal Man, then, is not an ending but a hinge  the point at which Tommy Shelby stops being a television character and becomes something larger. A reluctant king, as Harper puts it: The magnetism of the world is pulling him back in and there is no escape.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is in cinemas now and is on Netflix from 20 March
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Ireland is poised for another significant moment at the Academy Awards, with Jessie Buckley widely tipped to become the nation's first Best Actress winner. Her potential triumph for her role in Hamnet underscores a remarkable period of cinematic success for the small country, which has strategically invested in its burgeoning talent pool.

Buckley's nomination is part of a broader Irish presence at Sunday's ceremony, with several other artists recognised in craft categories. Irish production companies also played a role in the multi-nominated films Bugonia and Blue Moon.

This current wave of recognition follows a decade of extraordinary achievement; since 2013, Ireland, with its population of 5.5 million, has garnered more acting Oscar nominations than in the preceding 84 ceremonies combined. This impressive list includes Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan, and Cillian Murphy, who made history in 2024 as the first Irish-born actor to win Best Actor.

Gemma Bodinetz, head of Dublin's Lir Academy, which counts Mescal and Wuthering Heights star Alison Oliver among its graduates, attributes this success to a "multiplicity of factors" and a strong sense of community.

open image in gallery Irish actress Jessie Buckley poses with the award for Best leading actress at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards ( Justin TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images )

"Our students go out into a world where there is a network and ecology of support through film, television and theatre, that is the most distinct thing in Ireland," explained Bodinetz, who has held senior industry roles in the UK.

This "extraordinary and exponential growth" is largely credited to Screen Ireland, the national film board. Their strategy focuses on nurturing Irish directors, providing comprehensive training across all disciplines, and fostering a vibrant hub of local production companies.

Simultaneously, they actively promote Ireland as an attractive location for international productions, exemplified by the Netflix hit Wednesday.

While Ireland boasts a rich artistic heritage, a dedicated film board was a relatively recent development. Its re-establishment in 1993 under then arts minister and future president Michael D. Higgins, coupled with his advocacy for generous tax incentives, proved pivotal in transforming the sector.

Furthermore, a robust economic upturn over the past decade has enabled successive governments to treble Screen Ireland's annual budget to 43 million (36.5 million).

James Hickey, former CEO of Screen Ireland and now on the board of Screen Producers Ireland, affirmed: "Every one of those elements contributed to where we are now. The industry has grown extraordinarily and exponentially."

open image in gallery Cillian Murphy poses in the press room with the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for Oppenheimer at the Oscars in 2024 ( Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File )

He added, however, that "it would be wrong to give the impression that Ireland has spent a very large amount of money... it has been very well targeted." Irish Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan has indicated scope for further funding increases.

The tangible impact of this success is evident at the Lir Academy, where the surge in interest has led to a record 660 auditions for just 16 places on next year's acting degree course. Moreover, an impressive 93 per cent of its stage management and technical theatre students secure employment before completing their training.

"It isn't fairyland out there, it's economically really difficult for artists... but that is not the kind of statistic you normally hear coming from arts organisations," Bodinetz concluded, highlighting the unique strength of Ireland's creative ecosystem.
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Wunmi Mosaku, the acclaimed star of Sinners, has revealed the profound difficulty she experienced following the BBC's failure to censor a racial slur during its broadcast of the Bafta film awards last month.

The incident, she stated, cast a "shadow" over her recent win for Best Supporting Actress.

Speaking to Glamour magazine, the 39-year-old British-Nigerian actress expressed her distress, saying: "Obviously, the Bafta win, theres been a shadow. Its been very difficult since the BBC decided to air what it aired." The slur was reportedly shouted by Tourettes campaigner John Davidson as her Sinners co-stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award at the London event.

Mosaku recounted the immediate aftermath, noting how the cast "just held each other." She added: "I was (up for) the next award, so I came off the stage and I saw them, and I hugged them."

open image in gallery Wunmi Mosaku poses with her award for Best Supporting Actress award during the 79th British Academy Film Awards ( Ian West/PA )

She criticised the broadcaster's decision, arguing: "Everyone who was impacted deserved the grace to have it taken out (of the broadcast)  the care to have it taken out. We found out later that night that it was online. Wed been told that it was a family-friendly show at 7pm and that there was a two-hour delay. So how could it possibly have been left in?"

The BBC's outgoing director-general, Tim Davie, has since stated the corporation "profoundly regrets" the events, following an inquiry from the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. The broadcaster has also initiated a "fast-tracked investigation" by its Executive Complaints Unit (ECU), acknowledging the broadcast of the slur as a "serious mistake."

In the wake of the incident, Mosaku, Lindo, and Jordan attended the NAACP Image Awards in California, an event celebrating black and minority ethnic achievements in the arts. Mosaku described this as a "healing" experience, telling the magazine it was a "really beautiful way to feel the love again, and remember the community that were celebrating  and who has been celebrating us."

open image in gallery Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo heard racial slur while presenting award at Baftas ( BBC )

The heavily pregnant actress also shared insights into her personal life, explaining how impending motherhood has given her "a different drive." She elaborated: "I was driven before I had my daughter but it gives me a new clarity. Now its not just a job  its time away from her. Im very cautious about who I choose to spend my time with."

Furthermore, Mosaku discussed her attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, which causes her to "really struggle" with being calm. She concluded: "I now consider my ADHD in everything, so home life takes priority over socialising or texting on a group thread  Im not trying to read all these messages."
SHANGHAI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- British consumer health company Haleon announced on Friday that it will invest nearly 600 million yuan (about 86.95 million U.S. dollars) to build a new oral-care production base in Shanghai, underscoring multinational firms' sustained interest in China's consumer health market.

The facility, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will focus on the company's core oral health products and strengthen its local supply chain.

"Oral health is a major opportunity for China and for Haleon. China is one of the world's fastest-growing oral health markets and the largest globally for gum health," said Brian McNamara, CEO of the company. "The investment we announced today reflects our confidence that China will remain an important growth market."

He added that the company sees strong momentum in the Chinese market, characterized by continuously upgrading consumer demand and rising purchasing power.

According to Susan Gu, Haleon's general manager for the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, the company has more than 3,000 employees, 20 offices and three manufacturing sites in Tianjin and Suzhou, and an R&D center in Suzhou, which is one of its three global innovation hubs. "China is one of Haleon's most important markets globally," Gu added.

McNamara noted that China's steadily improving business environment, combined with the Lin-gang Special Area's advantages in policy support, talent and infrastructure, has reinforced the company's commitment to long-term investment.

According to Li Xiangcong, an official with the administrative committee of the Lin-gang Special Area, the project benefited from streamlined approvals, efficient coordination and cross-border data governance arrangements, advantages that have helped create what he called "the Haleon speed."

Haleon was created from the consumer-health divisions of three pharmaceutical heavyweights, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Pfizer, and has steadily expanded its presence in China. About 85 percent of the products it sells in China are already manufactured locally.

By 2027, Haleon aims to expand its brand Parodontax to 30 Chinese cities and reach roughly 250 million consumers. 
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It started with a trip to the barbershop. It was mid-2021, the country had recently come out of lockdown, and actor Finnian Garbutt went to get a haircut. Readying himself for his usual, the then 25-year-old was seated when his barber noticed something small, but different: a new mole behind his ear.

What followed is a surreal and fast-moving, yet years-long, chain of events. The removal of the mole led to a stage 3 skin cancer diagnosis in late 2021. Three surgeries then followed, along with a year of daily chemotherapy tablets.

The intensive treatment seemed to work and, career-wise, things were looking up too. Finnian landed a role in the popular BBC crime drama Hope Street, filmed in Northern Ireland, close to where he grew up. But a pre-filming hair and make-up appointment is where things changed again. You go in for a continuity haircut, so that they can see what haircut that youre going to have for the series, he says. I got them to take a picture of the original mole site, and there was a big lump. This was swiftly removed, and yet more treatment followed.

Fast-forward to August 2024, and Finnian and his wife Louise were expecting their first baby. Two weeks before my daughter was born, they said that theyd found [cancer] in my liver and in my lungs, and it was incurable, he tells me over the phone.

Earlier this month, 28-year-old Finnian shared an update on social media, explaining that his cancer team had admitted him for tests. Unfortunately, the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and I am now entering the last stages of my life, he wrote.

open image in gallery Finnian and Louise got married in September last year ( PR Supplied )

The whole thing has been totally crazy, Finnian says, speaking from the County Antrim house he shares with Louise, baby daughter Saoirse, and their three dogs. When it comes to coping mentally, he has a rather me than anyone else outlook. Ive probably still not got my head around it all but I think for me, the important thing was that this was happening to me and not anybody else. So thats kind of the way Ive dealt with it.

It has been really tough. Anytime I get emotional about it, I just sort of think of that, because I wouldnt want to see anybody go through this.

To say Finnians pragmatism is astounding would be a huge understatement. Hes speaking today to put his story out there in his own words, after years of sharing snippets on Instagram. Right from that first diagnosis, the actor has posted about the reality of living with cancer, his updates on the app veering between behind-the-scenes photos from set and sweet family snaps, to post-surgery selfies and pictures of countless chemotherapy tablet boxes. It lays plain the juggling act hes been pulling off for years  which is also clear when you take a quick glance at his impressive run of work.

Having watched Hope Street in his hospital bed while recovering from one of the earliest surgeries, Finnian landed a part on the show and appeared as PC Ryan Power in 30 episodes. There have also been audiobooks and a short film, as well as Housejackers, his upcoming, first feature-length project.

The chaotic, fun and also kind of dark comedy-drama sees Finnian play Raymond, a man who is pulled back into his old life after a chance encounter with his estranged brother. Housejackers premiered at Belfast Film Festival last November, the actor and his loved ones piling into the cinema where he wrestled with the surreal experience of seeing himself on the big screen for the first time. I don't know if I really enjoyed it or if I kind of wanted to hide, but it was just amazing.

The movie will be given a full release later this year. Meanwhile, in the past four weeks, Finnians cancer has progressed a bit too quick. Dull hip pain moved across to his back, gradually becoming worse and worse. Emergency scans revealed the cancer in his liver had grown, and there are now tumours on either side of his hips, with the cancer having spread to his bones.

At the minute, life is very, very uncomfortable, he says. It's just crazy how quickly and rapidly that came on, because the entire time before that, I felt absolutely fine. Everything I can do in my life has drastically changed in the past few weeks. I dont drive anymore, and its sort of every day, the pain is getting worse.

open image in gallery Finnian featured in 30 episodes of Hope Street ( BBC )

It was this latest turn of events that sparked the launch of a GoFundMe, set up to help Finnians wife and daughter in the wake of his death. I think people have a conception with actors, that theyre millionaires, he says. And you know, Why are you putting up a Crowdfunder? Why wouldnt I have just saved up all this money and done it?. But the reality is thats not true. Ive only been in the industry for a couple of years, Im not rich.

His voice cracking, Finnian continues: Ive just always wanted to be the person that looks after my family and the last thing I want is my wife having to move house with a one-year-old and being financially stressed and not knowing when to get back to work and not knowing how long to take off. I just find that part really hard.

I do not want anyone to donate if they cannot. If they cannot afford to, please, please, please, please dont [donate], but share it and itll just help my baby have some form of life that isnt just, Wheres my daddy?

His story has, understandably, struck a chord and within just days, donations surpassed the 50k mark. I just cant put into words how much I appreciate it, Finnian says. Anybody whos [donated]... they have no idea how much theyre helping and how much we appreciate it, and how much its going to take the stress off me dying.

open image in gallery Finnian Garbutt with his daughter, Saoirse ( PR Supplied )

With his daughter Saoirse exactly one-and-a-half (theyre having a party this weekend to celebrate), Finnian is, at the end of the day, a young dad simply trying to do his best while confronting a reality many of us can barely comprehend.

The one thing that I wanted when I was diagnosed and we knew that we were having Saorise, was to live to the point where she would remember me, he says. At the minute, shes my best friend. She doesnt call me daddy, she calls me Dagin, and shes chasing me around, hugging me and everything. I know that at this moment in time she knows me, but when I die, shes not going to have those memories of me and thats very, very difficult.

I wanted to take her in to her first day at primary school. Everything that a parent wants is what I want and unfortunately, that cant happen.

open image in gallery Finnian is urging young people to not be ashamed of seeking medical help ( PR Supplied )

Its hard to find the positives but with his acting career, Finnian has both fulfilled plenty of his own ambitions and created a legacy of work his daughter will one day be able to enjoy.

Its amazing that Ive been on the TV and stuff so she can maybe see me on there and Louise can say Theres daddy, he says. Ive done audiobooks as well, I did a childrens audiobook that I think she would really like so theres that opportunity for her to listen to that and hear my voice.

There are other plans in place too. Were working with some charities that are going to come and help do wee hand prints and they can turn that into jewellery. I think at the minute, because things are still very raw, writing the birthday cards and stuff might be a bit too tough, but thats something that Im definitely going to be doing. Hell be buying Saoirse a traditional Irish clodagh ring too, just little things like that for her to remember me.

Its a hugely difficult conversation but Finnian is acutely aware of the impact a twentysomething man sharing his cancer story could have.

I was always ashamed of going to a doctor or whatever, you know, and I think a lot of young people feel that way, he says. So I wanted people to know that you should just go and speak to somebody if you feel like somethings wrong.

Most people associate [skin cancer] with older people, but it can affect anybody. A lot of people have this preconception of, Oh, its just skin cancer, you just cut it off and youre fine. But melanoma, its deadly and its going to be the reason that I die.

Theyre tough words to hear, but Finnian is determined to leave behind some true positives: a stable life for his young family, while doing everything he can to raise awareness along the way.

You can donate to the Garbutt familys GoFundMe here. The NHS has further information on melanoma skin cancer, including the symptoms to look out for.
Claudia Winkleman hosts first edition of brand new chat show

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Viewers have given their verdict following the first episode of The Claudia Winkleman Show - and one element of the programme has left fans divided.

The former Strictly Come Dancing host has taken over from Graham Norton and is, for seven weeks, welcoming guests to a swish, new London studio for a natter.

The inaugural episode saw the 54-year-old star joined by Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Saunders, Vanessa Williams and Tom Allen. But they werent the only people we heard from.

While Norton invites a couple of audience members to share their anecdotes in the Big Red Chair at the end of each episode, Winklemans show sees people in the crowd chip in throughout the whole affair.

Its a bit thats proven to be divisive, with one fan posting on X: Guests are fab. Loving hearing them all chatting away. Dont need the weird audience forced interaction bits.

The Independents TV critic Nick Hilton agreed, writing: Sometimes it works [...] but generally it breaks the flow of the conversation.

Recap the show as it happened below...
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While five Strictly Come Dancing professionals have reportedly been dropped from the show, one popular dancer has been tapped up to return.

A revamp for the BBC series appears to be underway following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with reports claiming that several professional dancers have been given the axe ahead of the 2026 series.

Its believed that Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nadiya Bychkova have all been told they wont be returning to the dancefloor  but one professional who looks set to remain is Katya Jones.

open image in gallery Strictly star Katya Jones is believed to be returning for 2026 series ( BBC )

A source told MailOnline that bosses were desperate to keep Jones, 36, as they know how popular she is with viewers.

She is not leaving, they added. Katya is remaining on Strictly  the bosses think shes a legend. They know how much viewers love her and they are also in awe of her choreography talents.

The Russian dancer made her Strictly debut in 2016 and was partnered with Good Morning Britain presenter and former politician Ed Balls.

The following year, she won the show alongside Holby City star Joe McFadden  and in 2018, she was embroiled in a scandal after being photographed kissing comedian Seann Walsh while they were partnered together on the show.

Jones, who was married to fellow Strictly star Neil Jones at the time, issued a public apology and called the incident a mistake. Walsh was also in a relationship when the kiss occurred.

In 2020, Jones became the first professional to be paired with a member of the same sex  boxer Nicola Adams  and she made waves in 2025 with her memorable choreography whilke dancing with Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope.

open image in gallery Lewis Cope and Katya Jones performed together for Strictly 2025 ( BBC )

The couple was the favourites to win the show, but found themselves eliminated from the show weeks before the final. On companion show It Takes Two, Jones broke down in tears as she hailed Cope and blamed herself for his premature exit.

Looking back, I can't help but think how maybe I could have done things differently and to make it work for him better, she said.

The Independent has contacted Jones for comment, and a BBC representative said that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 would be confirmed in due course.

The dancers reportedly getting the cut from Strictly 2026 have been supported by fans. Hauer  the shows longest-standing professional  has been partnered with stars ranging from late Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers to Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing since her 2010 debut, with whom she finished in second place.

Spanish dancer Marquez joined the show in 2016, and reached the final three times with Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton. He met his fiancee, influencer and presenter Gemma Atkinson, on the show in 2017.

open image in gallery Strictlys longest-standing professional Karen Hauer has reportedly been axed ( BBC )

Russian pro Mushtuk became a Strictly dancer in 2018 and has competed on four series, while Cypriot dancer Tsiakkas joined in 2022 and has competed on just one series.

Meanwhile, Bychkova, who joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, has competed with the likes of Davood Ghadami and Dan Walker. Her height  5ft 8  has meant that she has normally been paired with the tallest male contestants. She has never reached the final.
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It is widely accepted that Succession, HBOs splenetic family saga, was inspired by the Murdoch dynasty. How deliciously meta, then, that the clan itself would return the favour. In 2023, Elisabeth Murdochs representative Mark Devereux watched Logan Roy die on screen, witnessed the chaos that followed among the fictional heirs, and panicked. The memo he wrote to prevent the family from replicating the fictional implosion caused a real one instead, leading to a court battle and a $3.3bn settlement to the siblings who missed out when Lachlan Murdoch was handed control of Fox and News Corp by his father. Jesse Armstrong, the genius behind the show, couldnt have written it better.

Directed by the acclaimed Liz Garbus  whose credits include Harry & Meghan  Netflixs new four-part documentary Dynasty: The Murdochs follows the story from Ruperts earliest empire-building to that final reckoning. And as if to really ram the parallels home, tinkling through it all is Successions own dissonant, dizzying theme tune, with its jangling piano and stabbing strings, a persistent motif in a film that is slickly produced and gleefully told.

Central to the sit-up-and-watch potency of Dynasty is the extraordinary number of people who spent decades either working for the Murdochs or writing about them (the family declined to be interviewed). Thousands of pages of documents, emails and text messages never before seen on TV paint a portrait of a ruthless patriarch  recently turned 95  who raised his four eldest children less as a family than as gladiators, pitting them against each other for his affection and his empire.

Family business: the documentary series comes as the Murdochs are falling apart ( Getty )

From across three continents, Garbus assembles a formidable bench: The New York Timess Jim Rutenberg and Jonathan Mahler, the definitive chroniclers of the Nevada trust battle; The Atlantics McKay Coppins, who secured rare access to James Murdoch; and a slew of Fleet Street and Australian veterans. There is even a cameo from Hugh Grant, who was followed around Los Angeles by a News of the World reporter, Paul McMullan, during the papers dark arts heyday after the actor had been arrested for being caught with sex worker Divine Brown in 1995. What did Murdoch want us to do? Find the girl, give her $250,000 to tell us all about what Hugh Grant asked you to do in his car, recalls McMullan. Life at that time was extremely difficult, remembers the actor.

Up until now, the most complete telling had been the BBCs three-part series The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty from 2020. Meticulously researched though it was, it arrived too early, its drama feeling strangely remote, belonging to a time when Ruperts empire, for all its scandals, remained intact. Garbuss account has what that lacked: resolution.

What she does particularly well is to let the sleaze breathe, the salaciousness running through Murdochs tabloid operation given full rein. The phone-hacking passages are chilling as former reporters recall their methods with palpable relish. One day I turned up with those stolen photographs, says McMullan, naming Naomi Campbell and Carla Bruni among his topless subjects. The then editor, Piers Morgan, was thrilled, he claims. On the basis of that, I got my staff job for stealing, basically.

Woven into the series, too, is the commercial pressure that made the succession so urgent. By 2017, the streaming wars had redrawn the map entirely. Fox did not have the heft to go up against Netflix, Amazon, Apple, says reporter Matthew Belloni  and the Disney sale that followed, opening a schism in the family that would never close, was Ruperts tacit admission that the world had moved faster than he had.

Just as Succession overflowed with sardonic wit, playing out like a Jacobean tragedy, so too does Dynasty, the series unfurling to its pyrrhic climax. Rupert said his dream was to build a family business, says journalist Gabriel Sherman. What he built was a business that destroyed his family.
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As Fashion Month concluded in Paris, attention turned not only to the clothes set to shape next seasons trends, but also to the beauty looks that accompanied them.

From nostalgic Nineties-inspired make-up to glossy glass hair, the autumn/winter 2026 runways across New York, London, Milan and Paris offered a glimpse at the beauty trends set to dominate the months ahead.

Here are the five standout beauty trends you should invest in now.

1. Nineties eyes and lips

From pastel eyeshadows to grunge eyeliner  when it came to eye make-up the runways looked to the Nineties for inspiration.

At the London show for Conner Ives, MACs director of make-up artistry Dominic Skinner described the look as inspired by a vintage femme fatale.

Dusty grey-blue and pink shadows on the lids were accented by pencil-thin brows and dusty pink matte lips, evoking classic Nineties beauty.

Meanwhile, Gucci looked more to the grunge aesthetic of the decade, showcasing an intense smoky eye and nude-lined lips.

It was reminiscent of the supermodel-era of beauty, so much so that the runway featured Nineties supermodel Kate Moss, cementing a nod to the decade.

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner Longwear Waterproof Eyeliner, 33

Dior Diorshow Mono Couleur Eyeshadow, 33

MAC MACximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick, 25

2. Smooth and shiny straight hair

The prevailing hair trend this season was undoubtedly sleek, straight hair  often styled to appear almost glass-like in its shine.

At Saint Laurent, models wore hair parted to the side and slicked into low buns, paired with smoky eyes and sculpted cheekbones reminiscent of Nineties minimalism.

London-based designer Chet Lo, meanwhile, showcased pin-straight glass hair at London Fashion Week.

Lead stylist Anna Cofone said the look felt like a natural shift after several seasons dominated by volume and texture.

I think well see [straight hair] quite a lot this coming season as weve had a lot of big hair and a lot of movement and texture, so I love the idea of glass straight coming back in, she said.

At Victoria Beckham, hair was similarly sleek, styled into neat side parts and loosely tied into low ponytails.

Beckham explained backstage that We wanted the hair to feel effortless, feminine and slightly undone  reflecting the collections balance of strength and softness.

To create smooth and shiny hair, lead hair stylist Anthony Turner said leave-in anti-frizz creams are the key product, as they nourish hair as well as making it appear smooth and straight.

Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum, 35, North Laine Hair Co

Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix Fibre Sealer, 26.95, Eds Hair

3. Peach and coral blush

Heavy blush became a big trend in 2024, thanks in part to the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber popularising flushed cheeks.

While mauve and pink tones dominated in recent years, this season saw a shift toward peach, apricot and coral hues with warmer, more orange undertones.

At Simone Rocha, make-up artist Thomas de Kluyver created an undone, almost ruddy flushed effect using lipstick instead of traditional blush.

The skin is a little bit rawer than it normally is [] weve actually taken the Stromboli lipstick from Byredo and dragged it down to the cheeks, he told Vogue backstage.

At Erdem, make-up artist Fara Homidi opted for a softer interpretation, applying a light cranberry flush inspired by the pink satins and red ribbons in the collection.

Blush was also a focal point at Annies Ibiza, where make-up artist Becky Moore blended two Nars blush shades to create a deep berry-toned glow while keeping the rest of the complexion minimal.

Nars Powder Blush in Matte Papaya Coral, 35.50

4. The classic red lip

While many designers balanced bold smoky eyes with softly lined nude lips, others leaned into the classic red lip.

At Saint Laurent, smoky and nude eyes were paired with a glossy, deep-red lip created by make-up artist Pat McGrath.

The dramatic look referenced the glamorous beauty seen in Helmut Newtons iconic Saint Laurent campaigns of the Seventies and Eighties.

At Jean Paul Gaultier, makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver took a similar approach by pairing a heavy lined eye with an opaque, wet-look lip to create a striking contrast.

The difference between red lips of previous seasons and A/W 2026 is that they cropped up in a glossy finish as opposed to matte.

Red lips also appeared on the runways at Tom Ford, Lanvin and Dolce & Gabbana, proving that the timeless lip shade continues to hold its place as one of fashions most powerful beauty statements.

Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4, 32, Cult Beauty

Elf Cosmetics Lip Lacquer in Clear, 5

5. Doll make-up

Another, perhaps unexpected, trend this season was the return of doll-inspired beauty.

Porcelain skin and softly exaggerated features appeared on several runways, giving models an almost porcelain-like finish.

At Dreaming Eli, skin was made white or kept pale and flawless, while Vivienne Westwoods show featured doll-like lips paired with theatrical looks.

Meanwhile, designers such as Chopova Lowena and Bora Aksu also leaned into pale complexions and softly defined features that enhanced the delicate, doll-like aesthetic.

The beauty looks felt both romantic but surreal  echoing the fashion on the runway and the designers fascinations with fantasy and theatricality.

Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder, 38.50, Look Fantastic
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Artificial intelligence could revolutionise the detection of glaucoma, a common eye condition, while significantly reducing the number of unnecessary specialist referrals, a new study suggests.

Published in the Lancet Primary Care, the research from Portugal involved an AI tool analysing eye images from 671 individuals aged between 55 and 65. The technology demonstrated superior accuracy, correctly identifying 78 per cent of people with glaucoma, compared to 75 per cent detected by human doctors.

Furthermore, the AI proved more effective at ruling out the condition, accurately excluding 95 per cent of those without glaucoma, against 91 per cent by medical professionals. Crucially, the AI tool recommended just 66 individuals for specialist consultation, leading to 40 glaucoma diagnoses, a stark contrast to the 118 referrals made by eye doctors, which ultimately resulted in the same number of diagnoses.

This significant advancement suggests a future where AI could streamline diagnostic processes, ensuring earlier detection for patients and simultaneously alleviating pressure on specialist eye clinics.

open image in gallery (Alamy/PA)

1. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the nerve at the back of the eye called the optic nerve, and this is important because this nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, explains ODonnell.

Its most common in adults aged 50 and over and can cause vision loss if its not diagnosed and treated early, according to the NHS website.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma and that tends to develop really slowly, sometimes over a number of years, and initially affects your side vision and can often go undiagnosed for quite a long time if people arent having routine eye examinations, says ODonnell.

Other types include angle-closure glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma, and the latter can be caused or related to other eye conditions, health conditions or medication.

2. Age and family history are significant risk factors for developing glaucoma

open image in gallery (Alamy/PA)

Glaucoma is thought to affect about 3% of the population over the age of 40 in the UK [according to a study led by UCL and Moorfields researchers], says ODonnell. If youve got a close relative with glaucoma, maybe a parent or a sibling, you might be entitled to a government-funded eye examination when when you are aged 40 and over.

3. Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight

Glaucoma is sometimes called the silent thief of sight because its often painless, highlights ODonnell. At first it usually starts to affect the side vision  the peripheral vision  so we often dont notice changes to [it] until the later stages of the disease when there has already been significant damage to the vision.

4. Signs of angle-closure glaucoma tend to be more dramatic and severe

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when there is a sudden and dramatic increase in the pressure inside the eye and, with this particular type of glaucoma, patients can feel very unwell quite quickly, says ODonnell. They might notice that their eye is red and painful, and in severe cases, it can lead to other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

5. Glaucoma is treatable

open image in gallery (Alamy/PA)

When somebody is diagnosed with glaucoma, the primary aim of the treatment is to reduce the pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, explains ODonnell.

This can be achieved in a number of different ways, including eye drops.

In the past, eye drops were the main treatment offered to patients, says ODonnell.

Eye drops help to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye and help it drain, according to the NHS website.

However, nowadays, there are other treatments that can be used in combination with drops or as standalone, such as laser therapy and surgery, says ODonnell.

So, the great news is there are very effective treatments available that are minimally invasive, and a clinician will weigh up your particular circumstances and design a treatment plan that is best tailored to you. The most effective treatments, like other things, are delivered early in the disease process.

6. Having routine eye tests can detect glaucoma early

open image in gallery (Alamy/PA)

In order to detect things like glaucoma, we need to proactively get our eyes examined routinely, because one of the things that the optometrist or the optician will do are some screening tests for glaucoma, says ODonnell.

In the UK, were advised to have a routine eye check-up at least every two years, and your optician will advise you during your eye examination when your next eye test is due. If they feel that theres something about your situation that warrants an earlier appointment, they will let you know.
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His name is Khabane Lame, but he is known worldwide as Khaby Lame. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he is the most followed content creator on TikTok.

He became famous for video clips in which he reacts to absurd life hack videos with a blank, slightly annoyed face, showing the hack wasnt needed.

At the time of writing, he has over 160 million followers: a world record achieved without uttering a single word. In January, he sold his brand rights for nearly US$1 billion.

But theres another dimension to his story that the western media rarely mentions: Khaby Lame is a practising Muslim and a hafiz, a Muslim devotee who has memorised the entire Quran. This was after being sent to a Quranic school near Dakar at the age of 14.

The tension between the sacred body of the hafiz and the commercialisation of the influencers digital life makes his journey a rich case study.

For me, as a researcher of digital identity, his online career also raises questions about turning personal data into digital assets.

From the suburbs of Turin to the top of the global stage

Khaby Lames story reads like a modern-day myth. Not because its hard to believe, but because it mirrors the core narratives of digital modernity. It starts with hardship, goes through a period of creative isolation and ends with global recognition.

This is what the French thinker Roland Barthes called mythical speech, a story that seems natural and simple, but is actually shaped by deeper forces and structures.

In 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Khaby Lame lost his job as a factory worker. He was stuck at home and locked down in social housing in the suburbs of Turin, Italy, where his parents had moved when he was a baby.

open image in gallery TikTok star Khaby Lame, after being named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador ( AP )

Out of this hardship, he made a simple decision: he started filming short videos. Just 17 months later, he reached more than 100 million followers on TikTok. He was the first content creator based in Europe to reach that milestone.

His story reflects the promise often promoted by TikTok that the platform can lift anyone up. All you need, it suggests, is a mobile phone, and talent will quickly be rewarded with global fame.

This should be celebrated. But the myth of instant success also needs a closer look. Behind every viral rise lie smart decisions, hard work, and the powerful, and often unpredictable, role of the platforms algorithm.

Comic tradition

What sets Khaby Lame apart from almost all the creators before him is the semiotic system (of signs and symbols) he invented  or rather reactivated. He brought back an old comic tradition.

Many compare him to British comedy actor Charlie Chaplin. Others see echoes of US comedian Buster Keaton. Both were masters of Hollywoods silent slapstick comedy.

Khaby Lame revives the codes of 1930s Hollywood silent comedy cinema: mime, meaningful glances, no dialogue, and burlesque sketches (short theatrical scenes) that convey messages. But the Chaplin connection ends there, as the two men inhabit their bodies in radically different ways.

Chaplins films carry emotional weight, driven by social and political themes. His character, the tramp, is a poor wanderer pushing back against an unfair industrial world.

open image in gallery Many compare him to British comedy actor Charlie Chaplin ( AFP/Getty )

Khaby Lames style is closer to Keatons. He says nothing. He simply shows how unnecessary and complicated these internet quick fixes are. His absolute impassivity in the face of the absurd is what Keaton perfected with his famous great stone face.

But while the comic structure is similar, their relationship to their bodies is not. Throughout his life, Keaton remained completely indifferent to religion or metaphysics in any form. Khaby Lame is the opposite. He is a hafiz. The separation of his digital identity from his physical person is notable.

Wordless humour allowed him to build a global audience because there are no language barriers, just as silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin became global icons a century ago.

TikToks algorithm favours content that anyone can understand instantly. Chaplin needed a movie theatre, Khaby Lame needs only a phone and an algorithm. The mechanics are similar. The way it spreads has completely changed.

Digital identity

In January 2026, Khaby Lames carefully crafted, expressive persona took on a new status. It became a financial asset. He sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, for US$975 million to Rich Sparkle, a publicly traded company based in Hong Kong. The agreement includes the transfer of rights to use his image, voice and behavioural models to create an artificial intelligence-powered digital twin.

This digital twin will produce multilingual content, including material for advertising and promotions. Companies will be able to run commercials in several countries without Khaby being physically present. According to Rich Sparkle, this could help generate over US$4 billion in annual sales, especially through livestream e-commerce (a format already dominant in Asia), broadcast simultaneously around the world.

This transaction marks a turning point. Digital identity no longer merely represents a person. It becomes an asset that can be separated from the individual who created it. Now, a creator is no longer a brand ambassador, but a brand in its own right. In theory, Khaby Lames digital being is now legally separate from Khaby Lame himself.

The digital twin is, in this sense, the Buster Keaton body that digital platform capitalism has always dreamed of  impassive, reproducible, available across all time zones.

Signature gesture

Khaby Lames signature gesture is to place both palms open and turned upward. This seems simple and easy to understand, a light and humorous sign of disbelief. But the gesture carries deeper meanings.

In Islamic tradition, as in many African cultures, this same gesture is linked to dua, the act of raising ones hand in supplication to God. What millions of viewers read as a comic signature is also a spiritual practice.

About the author Fanny Georges, enseignant-chercheur, Universite Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris 3. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

Yet Khaby Lames digital double is not simply an image. It can act in his name. It can speak with his voice. It can repeat his familiar gestures. This is no longer a simple representation. It is a form of transferring his way of expressing himself onto a digital system.

The same open hands, the same expressive gaze, the same voice that once recited the suras of the Quran in a school in Dakar are now the attributes of a commercial transaction valued at nearly a billion dollars.

There is an ethical question in handing over his active identity to financial markets.

An ethical question

For many young Africans, especially in Senegal, Khaby Lame embodies the possibility that digital spaces are territories where Africans can succeed, where the hierarchies inherited from colonial history can, at least symbolically, be overturned.

But the deal raises a difficult question: what does it mean to sell your digital self in a world where Black and African bodies have been used and profited from for centuries without consent and fair compensation?

Is this a win or a new form of exploitation? Can the financial benefits balance the transfer of his identity?

More African creators are building global audiences every year. That means these questions will become harder to ignore. Who owns a creators digital twin once its sold? Who set the rules for its use?

Khaby Lame is not just a social media success story. He is a revelation of the future and, perhaps unwittingly, a pioneer.
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In 1997, my students and I traveled to Croagh Patrick, a mountain in County Mayo, as part of a study abroad program course on Irish literature I was teaching for the University of Dayton. I wanted my students to visit the place where, each July, thousands of pilgrims pay homage to St. Patrick, who, according to lore, fasted and prayed on the summit for 40 days.

While there, our tour guide relayed the story of how St. Patrick, as he lay on his death bed on March 17 in A.D. 461, supposedly asked those gathered around him to toast his heavenly journey with a wee drop of whiskey to ease their pain.

The mention of whiskey left me wondering if St. Patrick may have unintentionally influenced the way most of the world celebrates the holiday today: by drinking.

It wasnt always this way. The Festival of St. Patrick began in the 17th century as a religious and cultural commemoration of the bishop who brought Christianity to Ireland. In Ireland, theres still an important religious and cultural component to the holiday, even as it has simply become an excuse to wear green and heavily drink in the rest of the world.

The legend of St. Patrick

Because historical details about St. Patricks life remain shrouded in speculation, scholars are often stymied in their attempts to separate fact from legend.

In his spiritual memoir, Confessio, St. Patrick describes how he was brought to Ireland as a slave. He eventually escaped, rejoining his family in Britain, probably Scotland. But while there, he had a recurring dream, in which the Voice of the Irish called to him to return to Ireland in order to baptize and minister to them. So he did.

The Irish revere the account of this dream described in the Confessio; they accept the simplicity and fervor of his words and feel a debt of gratitude for his unselfish commitment to their spiritual well-being.

St. Patricks efforts to convert the Irish to Catholicism were never easy. Viewing him as a challenge to their power and authority, the high kings of Ireland and the pagan high priests, called Druids, resisted his efforts to make inroads with the population.

open image in gallery Performers take part in the St Patricks Day Parade in Dublin ( PA )

But through his missionary zeal, he was able to fuse Irish culture into Christianity, whether it was through the introduction of the Celtic Cross or the use of bonfires to celebrate feasts like Easter.

Again, many of these stories could amount to no more than myth. Nonetheless, centuries after his death, the Irish continue to show their gratitude for their patron saint by wearing a spray of shamrocks on March 17. They start the day with mass, followed by a daylong feast, and prayer and reflection at night.

St. Paddys Day goes global

From 1820 to 1860, almost 2 million people left Ireland, many due to the potato famine in the 1840s and 1850s. More followed in the 20th century to reunite with relatives and escape poverty and joblessness back home.

Once settled, they found new ways to celebrate St. Patricks Day and their Irish identity in their new homes.

Irish-Americans, especially, were quick to transform March 17 into a commercial enterprise. The mandatory wearin of the green in all its garishness is a far cry from the original tradition of wearing a spray of shamrocks to honor St. Patricks death and celebrate Irish solidarity. Parades famously sprung up  especially in New York and Boston  revelry ensued and, sure enough, even the beer became green.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales enjoys a glass of Guinness during a visit to the Irish Guards for their St Patricks Day parade at Wellington Barracks ( PA )

Children of Irish-Americans in the United States have absorbed Irish culture at a distance. Many probably know that St. Patrick is Irelands patron saint. But they might not fully appreciate his mythic stature for kids growing up on the emerald isle.

Ask children of any age in Ireland what they know about St. Patrick, and they will regale you with stories of his magical abilities, from his power to drive the snakes out of Ireland to his use of the three leaves and one stem of the shamrock to demystify the Trinity doctrine of the Catholic Church.

They see St. Patrick as a miracle worker, and as adults, they keep the legends alive in their own ways. Some follow St. Patricks footsteps all around Ireland  from well to hill to altar to chapel  seeking his blessing and bounty wherever their journeys take them.

Raising a glass

Of course, in America, the holy day is really a party, above all else.

Americans have in some years spent US$6.16 billion celebrating, with 13 million pints of Guinness consumed. Some parts of the country have even held a pre-celebration on Sept. 17  or, as they call it, Halfway to St. Patricks Day.

About the author James Farrelly is a Professor of English at University of Dayton. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Where all of this leads is anyones guess. But beginning in the 1990s, Ireland seemed to grasp the earning potential of the Americanized version. March 17 remains a holy day for the natives and a holiday for tourists from around the world, with pubs raking in the euros on St. Patricks Day.

But Ive always wondered: What if St. Patrick had requested a silent prayer instead of a wee drop of whiskey to toast his passing? Would his celebration have stayed more sacred than profane?

This is an updated version of an article originally published on March 16, 2021
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The suspect who rammed his vehicle into a Michigan synagogue has been identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon.

Ghazali was killed in the attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, a security guard was injured, and the temple itself was partially burned in a fire resulting from the crash into its hallway.

His identity was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.

A neighbor of Ghazali told The Detroit Free Press he lived in Dearborn Heights, just west of Detroit, and recently lost family members in an Israeli strike on his homeland as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun subsequently said in a statement that the suspect lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon earlier this month.

open image in gallery Ayman Mohamad Ghazal has been identified as the man killed in Thursdays vehicle ramming attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan ( Getty )

The neighbour said he had also lost a brother in the strike, adding that she had planned to bring him flowers and expressing shock at his death, describing him as my rock, according to the Free Press.

He was the best, she said. The best neighbor. Always quiet, a hard worker. He was always pleasant. Everybody liked him.

Ghazali was born in Lebanon in January 1985 and entered the U.S. in May 2010 on an IR1 immigrant visa after marrying an American citizen, the DHS said.

He applied for naturalization in 2015 and was granted citizenship on February 5, 2016.

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit field office, called the crime a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community and said at a news conference Thursday that the FBI is leading the investigation.

During a press conference on Friday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer described the attack as an act of antisemitism.

It was hate, Whitmer said. Plain and simple. We will fight this ancient and rampant evil.

We will stand together as we do it, she continued. We will call it out. We must lower the rhetoric in this state and country."

open image in gallery Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard takes questions from the press after Thursdays attack ( AFP/Getty )

At the same press conference, Senator Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish, thanked security staff at Temple Israel.

"If they had not all done their jobs almost perfectly, wed be talking about an immense tragedy here today, with children gone, she said. This could have been much much worse.

Slotkin added that she had a personal connection to Temple Israel and that she had grown up in and around this temple.

Investigators have not yet determined Ghazalis motive in carrying out the attack.

What drove this person into action has to be determined by the investigation, said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

None of the synagogues staff, teachers, or the 140 children at its early childhood center were injured, Bouchard said.

open image in gallery Tire tracks on the lawn where law enforcement breached the Dearborn Heights, Michigan home of Ayman Ghazali ( AFP/Getty )

In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue. The aforementioned security guard was hit by Ghazalis vehicle and knocked unconscious, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, Bouchard said.

Thirty law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

Cassi Cohen, director of strategic development at Temple Israel, was in the hallway where the crash happened. She described hearing a loud bang and said she grabbed a few staff members, ran into her office, and locked the door.

When I heard the crash, I knew it was bad, Cohen said.

She said the crash happened near a classroom and that, in addition to the children, more than 30 staff members were present.

Rabbi Arianna Gordon of Temple Israel thanked the security team, law enforcement and early childhood teachers for getting the children out safely and reuniting them with their parents, describing the ordeal as a really incredibly scary afternoon.

open image in gallery Law enforcement escort families with children away from the Temple Israel synagogue ( AP )

About a dozen parents sprinted to retrieve their kids soon after authorities cleared the building. Other families were reunited at a nearby Jewish Community Center.

Allison Jacobs, whose 18-month-old daughter is enrolled in Temple Israels day care, said she received a message from a teacher saying the children were OK, even before she knew what had happened.

There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock, she said.

Synagogues around the world have been on edge and ramping up security since the U.S. and Israel launched their first missile strikes against Iran on February 28.

President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on Thursdays attack, calling it a terrible thing.

Steven Ingber, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, said: Id love to say that Im shocked, that Im surprised, but Im not.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Azerbaijani government actively assisted in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Iran, helping more than 600 people cross the border through the Astara Border Crossing, Chinas ambassador to Azerbaijan said.

AzerNEWS reports that Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan, made the remarks during a briefing in Baku.

This once again demonstrated the high level of political trust and mutual understanding between our countries, the ambassador noted.

Lu Mei emphasised that the Chinese side highly appreciates the assistance provided by Azerbaijan during the evacuation process.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for the support and help extended, the ambassador added.

The latest conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has become one of the most serious security crises in the Middle East in recent years. The escalation began on 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes against Iranian military and nuclear-related facilities. The attacks targeted key infrastructure and senior figures within Irans security apparatus, marking a dramatic breakdown of earlier diplomatic efforts to contain Irans nuclear programme.

Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli territory and against American military bases located across the Gulf region. Several Gulf states hosting U.S. forces, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, experienced attacks or air defence alerts, while energy facilities and airports faced disruption. Airspace closures and flight cancellations spread across the region, affecting trade and global energy markets.

The conflict quickly created widespread instability across the Middle East. Shipping and aviation routes were disrupted, and many governments began emergency evacuations of citizens and diplomatic staff. Several countries temporarily closed embassies or reduced diplomatic operations, while others ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from diplomatic missions across the region.

In particular, some embassies in Gulf countries and neighbouring states were temporarily shut down or operated with minimal staff due to security threats. Governments, including the United States and several European countries, also organised evacuation flights and advised their citizens to leave high-risk areas.

Overall, the confrontation has significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East. While the fighting remains primarily centred on Iran and Israeli-linked targets, the involvement of Gulf states, military bases and diplomatic missions demonstrates the risk that the conflict could evolve into a broader regional crisis affecting global energy security and international trade.
ANKARA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Sirens were heard Friday morning at south Turkiye's Incirlik Air Base, semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.

Local media also reported explosions in the area, though the cause remains unclear. There have been no official statements regarding the incident.

The reports follow a recent series of missile interceptions. Earlier, NATO's air and missile defense systems successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards Turkiye.

In separate incidents, two Iranian missiles were detected heading toward Turkish airspace and were neutralized by NATO defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

On March 4, a ballistic projectile launched from Iran was tracked as it passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace before veering towards Turkiye. Debris was later examined in the Dortyol district of southern Hatay province.

On March 9, a missile launched from Iran was intercepted over Turkiye's southeastern Gaziantep province. Some debris from the missile fell onto vacant land in Gaziantep, but the Ministry of Defense confirmed there were no casualties. 
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The man shot dead by gunman Mohamed Bailor Jalloh at Old Dominion University in Virginia on Thursday has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired Army officer who was teaching a Reserve Officers Training Corps class when the attack began.

Shahs session with students in Constant Hall on the institutions Norfolk campus was underway yesterday morning when Jalloh entered his classroom and asked whether it was an ROTC lesson, receiving a reply in the affirmative, at which point he reportedly shouted Allahu Akbar! and opened fire, killing the instructor.

FBI Director Kash Patel subsequently explained that a group of brave students stepped in and subdued Jalloh, adding that their actions undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.

Jalloh died in the aftermath and two other people were injured. ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said authorities are currently very early in their investigation and have not yet determined the shooters full cause of death.

open image in gallery Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a decorated Army aviator and ROTC instructor, who was shot dead by a gunman on the Norfolk campus of Old Dominion University in Virginia Thursday March 12, 2026 ( Old Dominion University )

Friends have since paid affectionate tribute to Shah, a native of Staunton, Virginia.

He enlisted in the Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist and later enrolled at ODU himself, where he earned his commission as an officer in 2007 with a degree in sociology and a minor in military science.

Shah also earned an MBA from the University of Georgia and a masters degree in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

During his military career, Shah served in the Middle East, logging more than 1,200 flight hours in three different aircraft and completing more than 600 combat flight hours as an Army pilot, according to his faculty profile.

His many awards from the service included the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

At the time of his death, Shah was a professor of military science at his alma mater and the lead instructor with its Army ROTC, having returned in 2022.

open image in gallery Police on the scene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Thursday ( AP )

Speaking to WTKR via Zoom, three former cadets who trained with Shah said they were struggling to process his tragic passing.

Life is so short you need to tell your loved ones you love them while you still can, said Aerock Parinas, who said he met Shah through the ROTC program nearly 20 years ago.

He was so close to the finish line about to retire just start the next chapter, said Carlos Ortiz. Youre not supposed to go to war come home where youre safe and die like that.

Commenting on the authorities revealing that Shahs students had intervened to stop the gunman, Jason Fedish said their bravery reflected well on the training his old friend had given them: Even back in our day any one of us would have done the exact same thing.

Recalling Shahs time in the service, Ortiz said: All he wanted to do was come back and teach at ODU. That was his dream and he got the job.

Fedish also remembered the deceaseds natural leadership qualities: He could take whatever feeling was in the room that wasnt happy and make it happy. He just exuded optimism and positivity.

What can you say? Its just Brandon. If he were here, Id tell him Im proud of you. One person can make a change. If we had more people like him the world would be a much better place.

Also paying tribute to Shah was Virginias Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who wrote on X (Twitter): A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.

open image in gallery The gunman, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a former Army National Guard member who was jailed over his ties to Isis ( AP )

I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family. Amid this tragedy, I thank the brave students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who responded quickly to todays horrific attack.

Virginia Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans said on Facebook: I am heartbroken by the loss of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah in todays tragic shooting at Old Dominion University.

As we continue to pray for his family and for the other victims, we should also recognize the extraordinary courage shown by the Army ROTC students who acted quickly to defend their classmates and subdue the attacker.

Jalloh, for his part, was a former Virginia Army National Guard member originally from Sierra Leone, who was jailed in 2017 after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support to Isis, according to his Federal Bureau of Prisons record. He was released from federal custody in December 2024.

Ive made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this mistake of giving any support to the violent and extreme organization Isis has been the most devastating one I have ever decided to make in my life, he told U.S. District Judge Liam OGrady at his sentencing.

I'm very, very sorry for what I have done. I did not intend to cause any harm to anyone. And I want to say... Every time I see any atrocities that Isis commits, I am disgusted by it because I know this is not what I want to be a part of.

It has since emerged that the gun Jalloh used in the attack had an obliterated serial number, potentially complicating investigators efforts to determine how he had obtained a firearm given his previous felony conviction, according to a law enforcement official.

Investigators will have to try to re-surface the number in order to trace the weapon, the official told the Associated Press.
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The gunman who opened fire on the campus of Old Dominion University Thursday morning, killing one person and injuring two others, has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who was previously jailed for his links to ISIS, according to the FBI.

Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State and was sentenced to 11 years in prison, according to his Federal Bureau of Prisons record obtained by CBS News. He was released from federal custody in December 2024.

The shooting on Thursday, which left two people dead, including Jalloh, is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post. He said the shooter is dead because of a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him.

Their actions undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement, Patel said.

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said authorities are very early in the investigation and have not yet determined the full cause of death of the shooter.

open image in gallery One person is dead and two other victims are injured after a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday morning ( The Virginian-Pilot )

The shooting unfolded around 10:49 a.m. in Constant Hall, which is part of the College of Business on the schools Norfolk, Virginia, campus.

Jennifer, a sophomore at the school, told WVEC recalled hearing a group of people saying, get out, get out, get out.

All of a sudden, we heard a commotion. A lot of people rumbling, starting to get up, she said. The guy next to me, we looked at each other, we started running, and that's when we heard, you know, gunshots.

After the university initially said there were two victims, Shelton said authorities learned that there was a third victim who brought themselves to a hospital. He later confirmed that one of the injured had died. The two others are in stable condition.

The victims have not been identified, but Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, told The Associated Press that the two people wounded are members of the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps at ODU.

According to CBS News, the gunman walked into a classroom, asked if it was an ROTC class, and when someone confirmed that it was, he opened fire, fatally injuring the class instructor, who was a retired Army officer.

According to a transcript reviewed by CBS News, at his 2017 sentencing, Jalloh expressed deep regret for his actions, stating that he was disgusted by ISIS.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this mistake of giving any support to the violent and extreme organization ISIS has been the most devastating one I have ever decided to make in my life, he told U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady.

I'm very, very sorry for what I have done," he said at the time. "I did not intend to cause any harm to anyone. And I want to say  I want to say, every time I see any atrocities that ISIS commits, I am disgusted by it because I know this is not what I want to be a part of.

Within about an hour of the shooting on Thursday, ODU declared that there was no longer a threat on the campus.

In an alert sent at 11:30 a.m., the school described the incident as an active shooter situation and said the shooter had been neutralized.

The university canceled classes and suspended all operations on its main campus through Friday and urged people to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall while emergency officials continued to work. Counseling and food services will remain available.

Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, the school said in a statement. Please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work.

In a message to the university community, ODU President Brian Hemphill said the school faced a tragedy on campus. He expressed gratefulness for the swift emergency response and thoughts and prayers to those impacted.

The safety of our campus community is my top priority, Hemphill wrote. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.

The public university has more than 23,000 students. Constant Hall, which has two lecture halls and 19 classrooms, serves as the hub for the College of Business at Old Dominion University, according to the schools website.

open image in gallery The gunman, who is also dead, opened fire just before 10:49 a.m. in Constant Hall, officials said ( The Virginian-Pilot )

open image in gallery Emergency officials gather outside Old Dominion University's campus after a shooting unfolded Thursday morning ( The Virginian-Pilot )

Norfolk Public Schools has placed three elementary schools under a secure hold in response to the incident, 13News Now reports.

"All students and staff are secure, and we are following established safety protocols. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available," a spokesperson for the district told the outlet.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a statement on X, saying, Im closely monitoring the on-campus shooting at Old Dominion University. I have spoken with university leadership. My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.

She added, I encourage students, faculty, and community members to continue following guidance issued by local law enforcement. I thank all first responders on the scene.
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An Army sergeant accused of shooting five co-workers at a Georgia base is now seeking to plead guilty to attempted murder and other charges, military prosecutors have confirmed.

Sergeant Quornelius Radford, 28, allegedly used a personal handgun to open fire on members of his supply unit at Fort Stewart last August. The gunfire injured four soldiers and a civilian worker, identified as Radfords romantic partner. Bystanders intervened, disarming and restraining the sergeant. Prosecutors state there were six victims in total, including one person Radford shot at but missed.

Radford had initially pleaded not guilty last autumn to 13 criminal counts, which included six counts of attempted murder, six counts of aggravated assault, and one count of domestic violence. A military judge had scheduled his court-martial for June, but he is now pursuing a guilty plea.

Now Radford is seeking to plead guilty to a reduced set of charges, according to the Army's Office of Special Trial Counsel, which is prosecuting Radford.

It said in a news release Thursday that Radford's attorneys told a military judge last week that Radford wants to plead guilty to two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault and one count of domestic violence.

Radford's lead defense attorney, Lt. Col. Dylan Mack, did not immediately respond to an email message seeking comment.

The Army's online court docket shows Radford's plea status was changed from not guilty to guilty plea ahead of his next scheduled court hearing March 31. That's when the judge plans to consider Radford's plea change, prosecutors said.

open image in gallery This booking photo provided by the Liberty County Sheriffs Office shows Sgt. Quornelius Radford, who is accused of shooting multiple soldiers at Fort Stewart, Ga., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Liberty County Sheriffs Office via AP)

Army prosecutors said they haven't negotiated a plea deal with Radford, meaning he would still face a possible life prison sentence if a military judge accepts his guilty plea.

Authorities haven't offered a suspected motive for the shootings. Radford has been held in pretrial confinement since his arrest.

The largest Army post east of the Mississippi River, Fort Stewart is home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. It is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah.

Radford served as a supply sergeant in the divisions 2nd Armored Brigade. Army records show he enlisted in 2018.

On Aug. 6, soldiers in Radfords unit followed the sound of gunfire into the hallways of an office building where they found hazy gun smoke in the air and wounded victims on the floor and in nearby offices.

Brig. Gen. John Lubas, the 3rd Infantrys commander, credited soldiers with saving lives by immediately rendering first aid, in some cases using their bare hands to stanch bleeding from gunshot wounds.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited Fort Stewart the day after the shootings to award Meritorious Service Medals to six soldiers who helped restrain the gunman and treat the victims.
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A student in an Army Reserve Officers Training Corps course stabbed a suspected shooter who barged into an Old Dominion University classroom in Virginia on Thursday, according to a new report.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh said Allahu Akbar before opening fire and killing ROTC instructor Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah and injuring two others, according to officials.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post Thursday the suspected shooter died thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him  actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.

One of those ROTC students who intervened stabbed the suspected shooter, two senior law enforcement officials familiar with the matter told NBC News.

open image in gallery A student in an Army Reserve Officers Training Corps course stabbed a suspected shooter who barged into an Old Dominion University classroom in Virginia on Thursday, according to a new report ( The Virginian-Pilot via AP )

The FBIs Norfolk field office told The Independent it's working around the clock to run down leads.

Last night and this morning, FBI agents conducted multiple interviews and lawful searches as we delve into every inch of Jallohs life, the office said.

Old Dominion University said it is grieving following the tragic act of violence.

We mourn with and support Lt. Col. Brandon Shahs family, students, and colleagues, and all members of the ODU Army ROTC community, the school said in a statement.

open image in gallery Mohamed Bailor Jalloh fatally shot ROTC instructor Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah and injured two others, according to officials ( The Virginian-Pilot via AP )

Shah was an ODU alumnus and an experienced Army pilot. He flew over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe, logging more than 1,200 flight hours, according to the university.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger paid tribute to the devoted instructor, writing on X Thursday Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.

Jason Fedish, a friend of Shah who trained with him as an ROTC cadet years ago, told local outlet WTKR, He just exuded optimism and positivity.

open image in gallery Old Dominion University said it is 'grieving following the tragic act of violence' ( AP )

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He was released from prison in 2024.

During his 2017 sentencing, Jalloh apologized for his actions, telling U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady, I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this mistake of giving any support to the violent and extreme organization ISIS has been the most devastating one I have ever decided to make in my life, according to a transcript of the hearing reviewed by CBS News.

Jalloh was a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, according to the Associated Press. He was taking online classes at ODU at the time of the shooting, the AP reported, citing court documents.
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A Tennessee grandmother spent nearly six months behind bars after artificial intelligence facial recognition software wrongly identified her as a suspect in a bank fraud case  in North Dakota  a state she says she had never even visited.

Angela Lipps, 50, was arrested at her home last summer and extradited more than 1,200 miles to Fargo to face criminal charges tied to what police described as an organized fraud scheme.

It was so scary, I can still see it in my head, over and over again, Lipps told WDAY News.

Authorities later dismissed the case after bank records showed she was in Tennessee at the time the crimes were allegedly committed.

But by then, she had spent nearly six months in jail and because she was unable to pay bills while behind bars, she lost her home, her car and her dog.

open image in gallery Angela Lipps, 50, was arrested at her Tennessee home and extradited to Fargo to face criminal charges tied to a crime in state she had never been to ( Fargo Police Department )

Lipps, a grandmother of five, said the entire ordeal upended her life.

She was babysitting four children on July 14 when a team of U.S. Marshals arrested her at gunpoint. She was booked into her local county jail as a fugitive from justice in North Dakota.

But Lipps says she had never been to North Dakota, or even on an airplane. Her travel was limited to neighboring states within driving distance.

Ive never been to North Dakota, I dont know anyone from North Dakota, Lipps said.

Lipps remained in a Tennessee jail for nearly four months while extradition proceedings played out. Because she was classified as a fugitive, she was held without bail.

During that time, she learned North Dakota authorities had charged her with four counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying information and four counts of theft. To challenge the charges, she would have to travel to North Dakota.

According to documents obtained by WDAY News, the investigation began in April and May 2025 as detectives were investigating multiple bank fraud incidents. Surveillance footage showed a woman using a fake U.S. Army military ID to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from bank accounts.

To identify the suspect, Fargo police ran the surveillance images through facial recognition software. The system returned a match: Angela Lipps. Court documents show the detective working the case then reviewed Lipps social media accounts and Tennessee drivers license photo.

The detective wrote in the documents that Lipps appeared to match the suspect based on facial features, body type, hairstyle and hair color. Lipps told WDAY that investigators in Fargo never contacted her before seeking charges.

Lipps was picked up from the Tennessee jail on October 30, 108 days after her arrest. The next day, she appeared in a North Dakota courtroom for the first time.

open image in gallery Lipps told WDAY during an interview that she had spent nearly six months in jail and because she was unable to pay bills while behind bars, she lost her home, her car and even her dog ( WDAY )

Her appointed attorney, Jay Greenwood, obtained Lipps financial records, which showed, he said, that she was more than 1,200 miles away in Tennessee during the alleged crimes.

Around the same time shes depositing Social Security checks  she is buying cigarettes at a gas station, around the same time, she is buying a pizza, she is using a cash app to buy an Uber Eats, Greenwood said.

On December 19, Fargo police interviewed her for the first time at the Cass County Jail. Five days later, on Christmas Eve, prosecutors dismissed the case and Lipps was released. But it left Lipps stranded in Fargo in the middle of winter.

I had my summer clothes on, no coat, it was so cold outside, snow on the ground, scared, I wanted out, but I didnt know what I was going to do, how I was going to get home, Lipps said.

Local defense attorneys stepped in to help, giving Lipps money for a hotel room and food for the holidays. Adam Martin, founder of the Fargo-based F5 Project, then drove Lipps to Chicago so she could travel home to Tennessee.

Lipps said she still feels the damage from the incident and claims no one from the Fargo Police Department has apologized.

Im just glad its over. Ill never go back to North Dakota, Lipps said.

Fargo police say the bank fraud investigation remains open and no arrests have been made.

Lipps arrest is the eighth documented wrongful arrest in the United States tied to facial recognition, according to IBS Times. Without additional verification, critics warn, a single algorithmic match can have life-altering consequences.
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An elderly Canadian man was found dead with stab wounds while floating alone on a boat off the coast of Belize, officials say.

The body of Thomas David Harmon, a 72-year-old from British Columbia, was found aboard the catamaran on Wednesday. Earlier that day, the boat had been drifting 60 miles from Belize's shoreline.

A woman was rescued from the same vessel on Monday, Francis Usher, the CEO of the Ministry of National Defence & Border Security, told a Belizean radio station.

Usher confirmed that the woman was taken aboard the cruise ship MSC Divina and that she was in a state of distress. However, Harmons body was left in place by the cruise ship.

Gregory Soberanis, the commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, has saidthat the womans whereabouts are currently unknown.

open image in gallery The body of an elderly man from British Columbia was found aboard a catamaran drifting off the coast of Belize ( Belize Coast Guard )

A delay in locating the boat followed, since the drifting vessel was outside of Belizes jurisdiction.

Stacy Smith, the Assistant Superintendent of the Belize Police Department, told PlusTV Belize that authorities were informed on March 11 that the catamaran was carrying a body by the Belize Rescue Team.

The boat, named the Melinda, was secured by the Coast Guard, which Usher says towed it to Caye Caulker, an island off Belize's mainland.

The boat has since been moved to Belize City, where it will remain for the duration of the investigation, according to Usher. Harmons body has also been moved to the nations capital.

Harmons son told authorities that his father set sail on the Melinda from Livingston, Guatemala, last week. Livingston is nearly 250 miles from where the boat was found drifting.

open image in gallery Police are currently awaiting the results of deceased 72-year-old Thomas David Harmon (pictured) ( Belize Coast Guard )

Harmons son has since arrived in Belize and is making arrangements for his fathers body to be transported back home to Canada. The boat is being treated as a crime scene, since Harmons body was found with wounds and with signs of mild decomposition, authorities have said.

Harmons injuries were reported as stab wounds by The Vancouver Sun.

Smith has confirmed that the investigation into Harmons death is still ongoing and that authorities are awaiting the results of a post-mortem to determine his exact cause of death.

The Independent has contacted the Belize Police Department for comment.
TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed in a mass march in Tehran on Friday, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

In a post on social media platform X, the IRNA said the dead, a woman, was killed "in the bombing of Tehran" by Israel and the United States, during the march to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions. 
Federal prosecutors rested their case Thursday morning in the blockbuster trial of two New Orleans injury attorneys accused of running lawsuit mills for passengers in staged wrecks with big rig trucks.
Rep. Dixon McMakin, R-Baton Rouge, listens during a House Committee meeting on House and Governmental Affairs regarding his bill, HB200, during legislative session, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
Marc Matrana is an oncologist at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center. Binay Shah is a hematologist-oncologist and the co-founder and president of oncology nonprofit Binaytara.
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BusinessCompaniesAlan Joyce Opinion The ghost of Alan Joyce is still haunting Qantas Elizabeth Knight Business columnist March 13, 2026  3:24pm

March 13, 2026  3:24pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Alan Joyce is the hangover that keeps on giving for his Qantas alma mater. Fridays $105 million settlement for Qantas COVID credit voucher debacle brings to roughly $340 million the tally of fines, penalties and compensation it has chalked up thanks to actions under Joyces regime. This is the chief executive that walked away with $14 million lining his pockets and who last year received an additional $3.8 million trailing compensation as part of contracted long-term bonus payments. And remember this was the chief executive whose former chairman at Qantas, Richard Goyder, described as the best chief executive in the country. Curiously, while new Qantas is desperate to close the chapter on its historic behavioural shortcomings, the long (kangaroo) tail of Joyce continues with an announcement that his great tell-all memoir is to be released in July.

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Qantas former chief executive Alan Joyce and his successor Vanessa Hudson. SMH Our sister column CBD reports the books marketing proclaims that, Despite the turbulence, Alan Joyces legacy is formidable: he modernised Qantas, championed diversity in corporate Australia, and led the company through some of the industrys darkest moments. To his detractors, he was combative and uncompromising. To his supporters, he was the captain who kept Qantas flying. His memoir reveals how Joyce has never shied from controversy, and captures a fearless leader who took on critics and championed equality while steering Qantas through its stormiest skies. Maybe it could have mentioned stormiest but expensive skies. Customers will be able to buy a copy from the proceeds of this latest class action settlement which provides compensation for those hundreds of thousands who received flight credits with a sunset clause, rather than cash, for COVID flights that Qantas cancelled. Of the roughly $2 billion of these vouchers that were issued during COVID, around $340 million remain unredeemed.

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Aviation Qantas to pay $105m after class action over cancelled COVID flights Apart from the brand and reputation damage done to the airline  which is impossible to measure  the total tally of $340 million also includes $120 million in fines and customer compensation paid by Qantas on the back of what has been dubbed the ghost flight episode. This scandal, which was litigated by the consumer regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, involved allegations that Qantas had sold and offered tickets on flights that had been cancelled affecting 880,000 customers who had been misled by the airline. The remainder of the $340 million total was the amount paid to 1800 workers and their union after their sackings had been found illegal  in contravention of the Fair Work Act. In handing down his Federal Court decision last year in that case, Justice Michael Lee spoke of a sense of disquiet and uncertainty as to precisely what went on within the upper echelons of Qantas leading up to the outsourcing decision.

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A board review of governance in the wake of Joyces departure found that he exercised a control and command style of management that led to centralised decision-making. This phrasing amounts to sanitised business speak for: Qantas was Joyces show. Related Article Opinion

Aviation The slow rehabilitation of the Qantas brand is taking shape Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Under the current chief executive and senior corporate-mess-cleaner, Vanessa Hudson, there is a focus on avoidance of the repetition of old mistakes. The cancellation of flights booked through Qantas (but flown by Emirates metal) to the Middle East and to Europe through the Middle East has resulted in another round of challenges. For those who cannot be accommodated on other flights (through Singapore or from Perth direct to Europe), Qantas will issue cash refunds.

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Yet the ghost of Joyce still seems to haunt the airlines Mascot HQ. But the current management wont be conducting any seances. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Legislative Council Speaker, Haji Abdul Rahman Taib, has called on members of the Legislative Council to jointly shoulder responsibilities in building the nation through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach.

Speaking at a meeting of the Legislative Council on Friday, he stressed the need for more aggressive and sustainable action plans to help achieve the long-term Brunei Vision 2035.

According to the speaker, legislative council members should work together in identifying practical solutions to national issues for the benefit of the people and the country. 
The hidden meanings behind this year's Oscar frontrunners

Twin gangsters return to Mississippi to open a juke joint during the Jim Crow era, but the place gets overrun by vampires. There are metaphors everywhere in this film says Nell Geraets on The Morning Edition podcast.
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CultureTV & radioAustralian TV An enormous privilege: Georgie Gardner announces she is leaving Nine Louise Rugendyke Updated March 13, 2026  5:01pm ,first published 1:59pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Nine newsreader and former Today host Georgie Gardner has announced she is leaving the network after nearly 25 years behind the desk. Gardner, who currently anchors Sydneys 6pm weekend news, will read her final bulletin on April 17. Georgie Gardner has announced she is leaving Nine after nearly 25 years with the broadcaster. James Brickwood I could not be more grateful for the range of opportunities Nine has afforded me over nearly a quarter of a century, Gardner said in a statement. Anchoring news bulletins across the day, as well as reporting and hosting roles on virtually every news program at the network, has been incredibly satisfying and an enormous privilege. I will be forever thankful for having worked with countless colleagues who are quite simply the best in the industry, and I am humbled by the knowledge that there are viewers who have followed my career.

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Gardner started at the network in 2002, presenting the 6pm weekday weather alongside Brian Henderson. Her profile received a national boost once she joined the Today breakfast show as newsreader in 2007 and fill-in host until 2014, when she tearfully resigned live on air, saying it had not been an easy decision to leave a show that is an Australian television institution. Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner when they hosted the Today show. Luis Enrique Ascui However, she rejoined Today in 2018 as host, alongside Karl Stefanovic and then Deborah Knight, in the shows only female hosting pairing. The latter pairing lasted less than a year and Gardner returned to the Sydney news desk. Nine executive director of news and current affairs Fiona Dear praised Gardners versatility for holding almost every on-air news role at Nine. Its a remarkable achievement and during that time Georgie has been loved and respected by audiences across Australia, she said. She has had a front-row seat to some of the most important moments in history, delivering the biggest news stories to audiences first thing in the morning, in prime time at 6pm and late into the evening with Nightline.

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Georgies professionalism and composure during breaking news events makes her one of the most talented newsreaders in the country. Georgies decision to step away from television news has our full support, and we thank her and wish her well in her future endeavours. Nine will be running an internal process to appoint Gardners replacement. With Calum Jaspan *Nine is the owner of this masthead. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.
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LifestyleHealth & wellnessAgeing The difficult people in your life are ageing you, new study suggests Kathleen Felton March 13, 2026  7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Spending time with a difficult person can affect your mood in the moment. But over time, these challenging social interactions might also have a detrimental effect on your physical health, possibly making you age faster, new research suggests. A study funded by the US National Institute on Ageing and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences looked at the health impacts of hasslers  people the researchers defined as those who create problems or make life more difficult. While positive relationships have long been linked to healthier, longer lives, hasslers seem to have the opposite effect, increasing chronic stress and elevating epigenetic biomarkers associated with ageing. The study also found that some people are more likely to report knowing hasslers, including women and those in poorer health. We asked experts to explain the phenomenon  and share what you can do to prevent these types of relationships from chipping away at your health. Hasslers are more likely to be family members than friends. Getty Images

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How social ties affect ageing Having a strong social network is known to offer protective benefits as you age, including lowering the risk of cognitive impairment and mortality. Friendships may even help to slow ageing on a cellular level, some research has shown. But not all social ties are supportive, says Byungkyu Lee, an assistant professor of sociology at New York University and lead author of the study on hasslers. Related Article Friendship Love a chat with your barista? You could be feeding your social biome For example, some friendships might be ambivalent, meaning they cause problems or create stress but also provide positive things such as support and companionship, says Brea Perry, associate director at the Irsay Institute for Sociomedical Sciences Research, professor of sociology at Indiana University at Bloomington and a study co-author. Others are pretty much exclusively stressful. Those less-positive relationships may function as chronic stressors, so having those people around you actually makes your life really challenging, Lee says. To understand how negative relationships might affect biological ageing  how quickly your cells are ageing, which doesnt always align with a persons chronological age  Lee and his colleagues collected data from more than 2000 individuals in a health survey conducted in Indiana.

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Participants answered questions about their social relationships during the previous six months. Then they answered follow-up questions, including how often that person hassled them, caused problems or generally made their lives more difficult. Participants were also asked to self-rate their overall health. They gave saliva samples too, which researchers analysed for DNA changes that signify biological ageing, allowing them to compare the ageing rates of those who had hasslers in their networks with those who did not. Researchers found that for every additional hassler that participants regularly interacted with, the pace of ageing increased by 1.5 per cent. In other words, instead of ageing one biological year per calendar year, a person with at least one extra hassler would age about 1.015 years during the same time. Even small effects in terms of biological ageing can accumulate, Perry says, which can contribute to the earlier onset of chronic disease, she adds. Women typically have more hasslers than men, researchers found. iStock These effects were especially pronounced for participants who reported having two or more hasslers in their orbit.

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This study does not prove cause and effect. We do not know whether hasslers actually cause people to age, Lee says. What we observe here is a kind of association between having hasslers and the rate of ageing. Why some people are more hassler-prone The study authors found that certain groups were more likely to report hasslers in their networks. Women typically had more hasslers than men, a result that is not completely shocking, says Debra Umberson, a sociology professor and director of the Centre on Ageing and Population Sciences at the University of Texas, Austin, who wasnt involved in the study. It adds to what we know about men and womens relationships, she says. Existing literature suggests that men and women may experience relationships differently. For example, women tend to be disproportionately affected both positively and negatively by things that are happening in relationships and by their relationship with other people, Perry says. So it wasnt that surprising to us that women might have more people who cause problems in their lives, in part because they are probably more likely to perceive the problems that others are having and to feel them and to sort of take those on as stress, Perry says. People in poorer health were also more likely to have hasslers, as were study participants whod had adverse childhood experiences. If a person has health challenges, its possible they may feel hassled by those around them regulating their health, Perry theorised. They may need caregiving, for example, and so those kinds of relationships can become sort of one-sided and difficult to negotiate.

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Related Article Health These five health issues affect women more than men. Heres how to combat them Individuals who experienced a difficult childhood tend to be more vulnerable to chronic stressors and to negative life events, and so they may be more vulnerable to hassling, Perry says. Any relationship can feature periods of frustration. Yet some types of social connection may be more hassler-prone: We found that a lot of these hasslers are family members, Perry says. Those are people who are embedded in your life in ways that are difficult to escape or difficult to kind of renegotiate. Among families, parents and children were more likely to be hasslers than partners or spouses. With non-kin relationships, people reported that co-workers, roommates and, to a lesser extent, neighbours were more likely to be hasslers than their friends. Like family members, these groups often involve obligation and navigating shared spaces, the authors noted. How to protect your health against hasslers

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The obvious advice, Lee says, is to consider relationships carefully, avoiding hasslers whenever possible and cutting ties if you feel like someone is adding lots of negativity and stress to your life, though that can be an incredibly difficult decision. In reality, extracting yourself from every hassler relationship is probably not possible. You may feel obliged to maintain certain connections, such as with family members, Lee says. Other relationships might add some positives to your life in addition to a degree of hassle. (Thats the definition of relationships, they have hassle, right? I mean, you can get support and love from them, but they all come with hassles, Umberson says.) Focusing on positive relationships can help to create an emotional buffer between yourself and a hassler. Getty Images When youre around a hassler, limiting the amount of time you spend with that person or considering therapy to improve difficult aspects of the relationship might be worthwhile, Perry says. I think for me, boundary setting is important, she says. As soon as you recognise that someone who is a hassler has these negative biological consequences for you, set limits on the effort youre putting into that relationship. Planning self-care activities before and after hassler interactions may also reduce stress and help you externalise conflict, Perry adds. Make sure, too, to create plenty of social buffers by consistently investing in relationships that do provide support, Lee says. If you have enough non-hasslers in your network or environment, there might be some kind of calming effects on your ageing, he says. (Though researchers did not specifically investigate this.)

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Thats especially critical because strong companionship is associated with so many protective health benefits. To me, one of the more striking things as somebody who studies this [topic] is social isolation, Umberson says. Last year, the World Health Organisation published a global report highlighting the effect of isolation on health and wellbeing and linked loneliness to 871,000 deaths each year. Its just very important to have relationships, Umberson says. I wouldnt want to overlook that part of it. The Washington Post Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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A search is under way for a man missing in a river north of Bundaberg days after two tourists were found dead in their flooded vehicle and floodwater wreaked havoc in the region.

The missing man had entered the Burnett River from a houseboat near Adams Street at Burnett Heads about 1am on Friday, and failed to resurface.

Police at Burnett Heads, north of Bundaberg, where a man was reported missing as the floodwater receded. Today

Emergency services are searching by land and air.

The region was severely flooded, with the deluge affecting hundreds of homes and buildings in Bundaberg and surrounds and displacing thousands of residents.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaCrime Slain psychiatric ward patient shared bathroom, unlockable door with alleged killer Grant McArthur and Melissa Cunningham March 14, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A man killed in his room at a Geelong psychiatric hospital had been sharing a bathroom with the patient alleged to have killed him, separated only by a flimsy non-locking door. Staff working within the Swanston Centre have told The Age the 31-year-old Highton man was found dead in his room with his neighbour standing over his body and broken glass nearby about 2am on February 22. Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a 31-year-old man found in his room at the Swanston Centre, a Barwon Health acute mental health facility in Geelong. Justin McManus Homicide detectives are investigating the 31-year-olds death, and the man from the neighbouring room has not been charged. Deemed a safety risk, shared rooms and shared bathrooms are forbidden from new psychiatric centres and are being phased out of existing hospitals. However, the Swanston Centres acute ward has been overlooked by rounds of the state governments upgrade funding allocated to make the old wards fit for purpose.

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WorkSafe is also investigating how the man could have been killed inside a monitored and secure psychiatric unit, which is the latest in a long list of security issues at the Barwon Health-run hospital. Sources familiar with the investigations, who are not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that patient access issues between rooms were a key focus of the inquiries. A clinical en suite door from the Swanston Centre in Geelong, which cannot be locked but is all that separates patients in the acute psychiatric ward. Distressed Swanston Centre mental health workers have told The Age the two men had been placed in the 26-bed acute ward in outdated Jack and Jill-style rooms  where a shared bathroom allows them to access their neighbours rooms undetected by staff. Mental health workers inside the Swanston Centre have reported the shared bathrooms are a constant flashpoint that put patients and staff in danger.

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One Swanston Centre worker said a nurse undertaking routine patient checks at 2am on February 22 could not locate one man in his room, and was shocked to find him next door standing over the body of his dead neighbour in the adjoining room. Related Article Crime Geelong hospital patient under police guard after another patient found dead Theres a joint bathroom in the next room, which the doors I think are non-compliant at the moment, the staff member said. Many patients have raised that issue when we put them in their room, that theyre concerned someone can get into their room. You also cant lock the bathroom door from inside your bedroom, so the person thats using the bathroom can open the bathroom door and get into your room.

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They can still open your door from the bathroom to get into the bedroom, or they could simply crawl under it. They no longer make them [the doors], theyre no longer fit for purpose, so theyre going to be changed again, which is the frustrating because theyre always just Band-Aid fixes for what they actually need on the ward, and they dont seem to listen to the staff that are doing the job. The Victorian Health Building Authority has been working to remove shared rooms and bathrooms from the states old acute mental health units, in line with royal commission recommendations. In September 2025, the health building authority said it had reconfigured 16 mental health acute inpatient units to ensure all bedrooms have their own en suite under a $61.1 million safety overhaul. However, the safety upgrades did not include the Swanston Centre. Upgrades to a further unnamed eight acute units were in the design or planning stage, the authority said.

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The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission would not comment on whether it was appropriate for patients to have access to other bedrooms via shared bathrooms in acute psychiatric wards but said it had confidence in the investigatory processes. Related Article Exclusive

Mental health Critical staff shortage closes Thomas Embling Hospital psychiatric unit We encourage the government to maintain its momentum in upgrading mental health and wellbeing facilities across the state as and when required, to provide the safe, private and dignified environments essential to supporting consumer recovery and ensuring staff can provide high-quality care, a commission spokesperson said. Workers inside the Swanston Centre say it is the fifth adverse outcome suffered by a patient who had been admitted to the unit since December 2025. Barwon Health refused to comment on whether the patients death occurred in the context of wider security and systemic issues while investigations continued. All incidents are reviewed through established governance processes to identify, assess, and respond to any clinical and operational risks, and to support ongoing quality and safety improvements, a Barwon Health spokesperson said.

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In response to questions about whether its acute ward rooms and doors met current regulations, a Barwon Health spokesperson said all of Barwon Healths mental health inpatient units were accredited against the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and maintained in line with established safety and privacy requirements. We continuously monitor contemporary evidence and best practice to guide any future upgrades to ensure ongoing quality care, the spokesperson said. Health and Community Services Union secretary Paul Healey said staff were traumatised by the recent homicide. He said they had raised serious safety concerns about the design and fit-out of the Swanston Centre for more than a decade. These include warnings about the risks of shared bathrooms and dimly lit corridors, which hinder staff from being able to see and monitor patients.

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Its a unit thats absolutely past its use-by date, Healey said. It wouldnt meet the standard of a modern acute service and doesnt ensure the safety of staff or patients. Related Article Exclusive

Mental health Number of mentally ill Victorians killing their parents doubles as health reforms stall These concerns were compounded by increasing numbers of patients presenting with higher acuity and more complex needs were arriving at the hospital, he said. I work with people saying, Can you keep my family safe? And you say, I will do my absolute best, but I cant guarantee it because its not safe, Healey said. Following the death, the Health and Community Services Union this week surveyed the Swanston Centres workforce for information about any ongoing safety risks for staff or patients.

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Of the more than 45 staff who responded, more than 70 per cent said they were not confident they could provide a unit free from violence or aggression in the Swanston Centre. Nine out of 10 staff said they were unaware of changes or improvements that had been made since the death, with many citing the use of shared bathrooms as the greatest danger. They constantly create flashpoints and put staff and consumers at risk, one mental health worker said. Even if appropriate risk assessments are done, we cannot guarantee the consumers are safe in a shared room/bathroom. We cannot see what is going on in the room. Even if we are checking frequently, there is still a window of time where an incident could happen between consumers without us knowing. Another Swanston Centre worker said the Highton patients death could have been avoided.

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No one should have access to a patients room via a shared bathroom that has unlockable internal access, the worker said. In this day and age, no patient in an acute inpatient unit should be forced to stay in a shared bedroom. One staff member said the Swanston Centres south wing had been closed over safety concerns from its shared rooms. However, the acute and womens wards remained open despite having shared bathrooms and numerous blind spots. Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, chair of the Victorian branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, said the death of a person in care was one of the most tragic and distressing events that could happen. This is a tragedy every way you look at it, he said. This is about as rare as hens teeth. Homicides involving what I would call clients in care are very, very rare, and in hospital, rarer even still.

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Stafrace was reluctant to speculate on the physical facilities at Swanston Centre and the circumstances of the mans death while a police investigation was under way. However, he said there was no question legacy facilities at mental health units across the state needed to be updated. Weve seen what some of the new facilities that are being built across the state look like, he said. They present a far more dignified, more spacious environment that provides lots more different options for managing some of the behavioral challenges during the most vulnerable phases of a persons illness. The patient accused of killing the 31-year-old man is understood to be too unwell to be interviewed by police and has been relocated to a secure psychiatric unit at a Melbourne hospital.

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A Victorian government spokesman said the government could not comment on individual cases under investigation by police. This is a deeply distressing incident, he said. We send our deepest condolences to the persons loved ones and staff at the centre. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
After a high-profile underpayments debacle, George Calombaris found himself in a dark spiral  but he says he came out the other side a different man. In the fifth instalment of a special series on restaurant tycoons, we lift the lid on the new George.

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The Ages series on the people who make Melbournes restaurant scene tick. See all stories .

A jungle in South Africa is the last place George Calombaris could have imagined to put forward his side of the underpayments scandal that has dogged him since 2017. But there he is on reality show Im A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, talking about the elephant in the room in a setting where an elephant actually could walk by. We did a full audit of the business and we found that out of our 550 team members, we underpaid 49 per cent of them and we overpaid 51 per cent of them, he says in footage aired this January, sitting on a stretcher bed, boots scuffing bare dirt under looming greenery, the salt-and-pepper stubble on his face longer than the shadowy regrowth on his largely bald pate. (By the way, there was no salt or pepper in the jungle, but Calombaris, ever the chef, snuck in contraband seasonings.) Calombaris says the 2017 underpayments scandal that rocked his restaurant empire was the worst time of his life. Sitthixay Ditthavong Were sitting around a boardroom table, and they say we should go to Fair Work and tell them, be upfront and honest, Calombaris continues. Weve found the problem, were going to rectify it and pay everyone back. They did: its all documented in a Fair Work enforceable undertaking, which noted the company self-reported and back paid workers more than $7.8 million in wages. The blame and hate surged. It was carnage. It was the worst time of my life. Within a day, 30 per cent of my revenue dropped. Among the celebs listening to the unburdening is Dyson Heppell, the ex-AFL player who was subject to his own reckoning when he was caught up in the Essendon drugs debacle in the early 2010s. The empathy is palpable.

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Less than three years after the scandal, in February 2020, Calombaris restaurant empire, Made Establishment, went into administration with a reported $389 in the bank: 12 venues closed and 350 staff started looking for other jobs on the eve of the pandemic. Related Article Special series

Behind the Headlines We gave a celeb a halo on this magazine cover. Then came the social media pile-on The chef was pulled into a dark spiral: he moved his young family from Toorak in Melbourne to Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula, drank a lot, and retreated. He didnt quite disappear. Lots of people made weird cooking videos during lockdown, but the comedown seemed particularly stark for Calombaris. On Instagram, wearing trackies, he roasted sweet potato and browned mince. In one post, he congratulated the new judges on MasterChef, the show that turned him from a local talent into a household name, as season 16 started screening. Later, there was a gig at Hotel Sorrento. He opened a neighbourhood Greek joint in Highett, which he recently sold. Last year, his casual Greek brand Gazi had a successful Sydney pop-up. But he seemed tentative, was endlessly contrite, and always copped wage thief barbs. George Calombaris in 2024, when he was appointed culinary director at Hotel Sorrento. Facebook

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Why would Calombaris, 47, try to rebuild his reputation on a reality show? I felt it was time for me to be in a situation where I can show who George really is, he tells me when we sit down for an interview a couple of days after that episode of Celebrity aired. I had an opportunity to talk openly and freely. It was cathartic and refreshing because Im sitting there with other like-minded human beings, talking with no script, no PR company making sure youre saying the right things, no crisis management, none of that shit. Raw George. A young George Calombaris, when he was chef at the now-closed The Press Club. The Age archives Today, there is a PR person sitting next to me, tapping away on her laptop with half an ear on our conversation. Were in Sydney at the Kurrajong Hotel, a refurbished pub in trendy Erskineville that is part of Harbour Hospitality & Lifestyle, a new restaurant and hotel group. Calombaris moved to Sydney 12 months ago with his wife, Natalie Tricarico, and their two teenage children, with a promise not to uproot them again until school is done. His new associates (Singaporean real estate people, blokes who dont want their names in it, Calombaris says) seem to be picking over the scattered bones of Public Hospitality Group, the conglomerate owned by Jon Adgemis, which collapsed in a $500 million debt heap in 2025. George Calombaris and his wife, Natalie Tricarico, in 2021. WireImage Calombaris came to Sydney to work with Public as culinary consultant in early 2024, but the association quickly came undone and he jumped to another outfit, Linchpin, which started running some Public venues as the empire crumbled. While Calombaris was Linchpins culinary adviser, the group opened Double Happy, a Chinese restaurant at an Adgemis-owned pub.

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Related Article 11.5 / 20 Review

Annandale Dead flies in the soy sauce: Our critics verdict of George Calombaris Chinese restaurant If that all sounds messy, it is, but things didnt improve when Good Food reviewer Callan Boys scored the restaurant 11.5 out of 20 in April 2025, in a review that noted dead flies in the bottle of soy sauce on his table. Old George would have been really upset, says Calombaris. I would have rung him up and abused him. New George laughed and shared an AI picture of himself as a fly holding a can of Mortein. Would anyone have reviewed it if I wasnt involved? he wonders. I cant stop a fruit fly going into soy sauce, I wasnt in there with a wok. And Double Happy is going strong. I still go there and eat lemon chicken and Mongolian beef and prawn crackers out of a bag. Old George. New George. Real George. Raw George. Who is George Calombaris? The Calombaris family. The youngest of three, he grew up in Mulgrave, in Melbournes suburban south-east, where his parents ran a supermarket. His father Jim, born in Egypt of Greek and Sicilian origins, immigrated in 1956; mother Mary came from Cyprus in 1972. By the age of eight, George was sweeping the shops aisles.

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George Calombaris George Calombaris TV comeback is here, but should it exist? My dad instilled in me that youve got to work hard, Calombaris told me the first time I interviewed him in 2006. It doesnt matter if you become an astronaut or plumber or sweep the street, you do it to the best of your ability. He pushed us to work and to understand the values of that. Family life was bustling, with aunts and uncles living nearby and a family beach house at Coronet Bay, on the way to Phillip Island. An early food memory was of Greek salad (they called it salad). My dad would never eat the salad until everyone had finished it, Calombaris recalled. Then hed say, give me the bowl, and hed use a big crusty bit of bread and mop up the juices. George Calombaris and his family. In 2009, I spoke to his mother, Mary. George always loved food, she told me. Home from school before his parents arrived, hed roll pasta and fry potatoes. By 15, when he was struggling to focus at academic Mazenod College, he thought hed be a chef. Id gaze out the window and dream, he said. But his parents didnt want him to work in kitchens. Go in an office, get a tie and a suit, Mary said. They invited a restaurant-owning friend over to share discouraging stories of late nights and awful conditions. Far from dissuaded, Calombaris asked the man for a job in his Burwood pasta joint. All I did was wash pots and pans and watch these chefs cook. They were terrible chefs  I can see that now  but back then, I was aspiring to get onto the stoves with them. It gave me the taste and the hunger.

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Exclusive NationalWACourts You dont know my kids: WA parents arrested after young children left home alone Rebecca Peppiatt March 13, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The parents of three young children have been sentenced in Western Australias District Court after they left their kids home alone for days on end at their semi-rural property with access to guns and ammunition. The mother and father  who cannot be identified to protect their children  faced court last month, where it was revealed the father was away from the home north of Perth for weeks at a time as a fly-in, fly-out worker, while the mother would travel to Perth for three to four days at a time to establish her new day spa business. The parents were arrested in 2024. Getty Images/File photo The pair left the children  aged eight, nine and 11  on their own multiple times in early 2024 to feed and bathe themselves, take care of the propertys animals and get themselves to and from school via the bus stop, which was over a kilometre away. The children had a mobile phone to contact their parents with, but the court was told that at times they couldnt get through to them.

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In June 2024, there was an attempted burglary at the house while the mother was home, with the court told she was recorded in a call to police crying and being upset that [she was] there all alone with the three children while [her husband] was away. However, the woman continued to leave the children alone while she stayed in Perth  more than 100 kilometres away  for half the week, every week. At the end of July, police turned up at the house with a search warrant. The front door was unlocked, a gun safe was found opened under a bed with a shotgun and a .22 rifle laying next to it, Judge Christian Miocevich told the court during the couples sentencing. There was also ammunition. Its unknown how the gun safe came to be open, but its clear it was, and it would have been open when the children were there left unsupervised and to fend for themselves.

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An examination of the mums phone by police showed the children called their mother more regularly after the attempted burglary, but most of those calls would go unanswered. The children spent eight days at the property alone over the two-week school holidays across June and July 2024. The couple were sentenced in Perths District Court. Elliahn Blenkinsop Due to the young ages, the isolation of the house, the hazards that exist in young children cooking, cleaning, and taking care of large horned animals, and the vulnerability of having potential access to dangerous instruments such as cars, quad bikes and guns at such young ages, Miocevich said. In essence, these were young children on their own in a house left to fend for themselves.

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The potential for harm to them from the natural hazards found in houses such as simply chemicals for cleaning, fire or from those on a semi-rural property with animals and quad bikes are obvious. What is concerning is they were left on their own after the attempted break-in, which was again an obviously frightening experience for them. Asked why she left the children alone, the mother told report writers ahead of her sentencing, you dont know my kids, and they were not regular kids. Whilst Im sure they are all those things, and I am sure you love them dearly, they are still children, Miocevich said during sentencing. They are not adults. They are not equipped to handle emergencies and should not have been left to fend for themselves.

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You are the parents, not them. It was your responsibility to look after them. They are children. Editor's pick Exclusive

Courts I was in disbelief: Perth mum forced to flee country after serial DV offender granted bail The children were removed from their parents care for three months after their arrest before the dad gave up his FIFO job to take care of them. The court heard the couples offending was born out of financial pressures, with both having to meet work commitments. This is not a situation of parents not looking after their children because of drugs, alcohol or simply, the parent doing what they want to do, Miocevich said.

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Each parent was charged with three counts of having the care and control of the child, engaging in conduct knowing that the conduct may result in harm to the child which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years each. While he told them they showed an appalling lack of judgement, Miocevich handed both parents an intensive supervision order with program and supervision requirements for 12 months. I also hope that you get some help in relation to how you deal with the stresses both financial and otherwise in your lives, he said, before adding: I am fairly positive that I will never see either of you two again. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalRussia-Ukraine war The world must treat Putin like the Nazis, says visiting foreign minister Matthew Knott March 13, 2026  7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Australia should play a lead role in efforts to force Vladimir Putin to face a Nuremberg-style trial to hold him accountable for launching the war in Ukraine, one of the Russian presidents leading antagonists in Europe has argued. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also used a visit to Australia to ask the Albanese government to consider joining a plan to impose a sweeping travel ban on former Russian soldiers who participated in the war against Ukraine. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. AP Tsahkna urged Australia to follow the European Union by imposing stricter restrictions on Russian blood oil entering the nation via third countries as a parliamentary inquiry probes ways to toughen Australias sanctions regime against Russia. Estonia, which shares a 295-kilometre land border with Russia, has been one of Ukraines most steadfast supporters since Putin launched his full-scale invasion in 2022.

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The European Union has called for a special tribunal to be created to charge Putin and other Russian leaders with the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The last time such a charge was brought to justice was during the Nuremberg trials held after World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin. AP We are asking Australia to join and become the leading country in the region because these efforts cannot be restricted only to Europe, said Tsahkna, who met this week with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Its not about Europe, its not about Ukraine, its about our world order. Its about looking into our childrens eyes and saying that actually were standing for our values.

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Although Putin would do everything in his power to avoid being put in the dock, he said the democratic world must seek to hold him legally accountable. Related Article Blood Oil This has to stop: Government blasted for lack of action on Russian blood oil The leaders of Nazi Germany eventually faced justice, and nobody believed it could happen. So it is possible, he said. I would be very happy to see Putin at the Hague in front of a special tribunal. We need him to face up to the crimes he has committed, this is our duty. Australia has backed the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

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Tsahkna said Australia could play an important role by corralling other countries in the Indo-Pacific to support the tribunal, which would be separate to the International Criminal Courts investigations into crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Ukraine. Mark Ellis, the head of the International Bar Association, has argued the proposed tribunal represents a vital mechanism for upholding the post-Second World War international legal order. Estonia is pushing for Europe to ban entry to all Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine, with Tsahkna warning that battle-hardened ex-prisoners and rapists could flood Western countries when the war ends. Australia should consider following suit, he said. These ex-combatants may be a threat to Australias domestic security as well, he said.

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Last month, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sanctions office issued new advice to companies on how to ensure they were not contravening Australias current sanctions regime on Russian-origin oil. While not going as far as campaigners would like, the updated advice uses tougher language and includes significantly more detail than the previous official advice of June 2025. Related Article Middle East at war A widening war: How the Trump-Iran conflict is redrawing the global map The Ukrainian-Australian community wants the government to match the European Union by changing the definition of sanctioned goods to include all petroleum products derived from Russian crude. Tsahkna said that while Estonia backed the US and Israels strikes against Iran, he was concerned that the surge in global oil prices was helping fund Putins war against Ukraine.

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The Trump administration announced this week it would temporarily allow the sale of Russian oil that is at sea, easing economic sanctions against Russia. The bad part of the story is that the increase in the oil price is actually directly supporting the Russian war machine, he said. Related Series

Blood Oil Stop paying Putin The benefit of the war, he said, is that Putins global allies were rapidly disappearing, following the removal of Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad and Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. An exception, he said, was Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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It would only one phone call from President Xi to Putin to stop the war there, he said. Its something we need to address. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.


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Analysis WorldNorth AmericaUS politics With 10 damning words, Pete Hegseth says the quiet part out loud Michael Koziol March 14, 2026  9:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth believes the media has not been sufficiently effusive about the success of the American military operation against Iran. He had just finished speaking about the massive damage inflicted upon the regime in Tehran  its leadership, its missile stocks, its navy, its weapons infrastructure  when he turned his attention to the Pentagon press pack. Pete Hegseth at a March 2 briefing on the war. Press photographers have since been banned from attending. AP Some in this crew, in the press, just cant stop, Hegseth said on Friday (US time). He took issue with television banner headlines saying the war was intensifying or widening. Instead, Hegseth argued the headlines should say Iran increasingly desperate or Iran shrinking, going underground. Thats what an actual patriotic press would do, he said.

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But then he unleashed on the real enemy: CNN. A story running on the network over the past 24 hours has particularly incensed the White House. It reported that top Trump administration officials had conceded to members of Congress during recent classified briefings that they did not plan for the possibility Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli strikes, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Trump says US bombed Irans Kharg Island; 2500 Marines, US warship sent to Middle East; Fresh airstrikes hit Beirut Hegseth called the story patently ridiculous, noting Iran has threatened shipping in the strait for decades. This is what they always do  they hold the strait hostage, he said. CNN doesnt think we thought of that. Its a fundamentally unserious report. For all his equally unserious blustering, Hegseth may have had a point. Even in this fast-and-loose administration, its difficult to fathom that no one would have considered the Iranians making mischief in the strait. Of course, that doesnt mean adequate planning took place. CNN has since added a sizeable clarification to the story, and its chief executive Mark Thompson issued a statement saying the network stands by its journalism.

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But Hegseth couldnt help himself. He had to go further. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network the better, he added. In those 10 words, the Defence Secretary said the quiet part out loud. One of the ongoing themes of the second Trump administration has been its desire to not just complain about the media but to use the power and influence of the federal government to pressure media owners into more favourable coverage. David Ellison is chairman and chief executive of Paramount Skydance, formed in the $US8 billion merger of Paramount and Skydance last year, which required federal regulatory approval. His father is Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle and one of the worlds richest people. Pete Hegseth, left, at a March 2 Pentagon briefing on the war. AP Paramount Skydance has entered into an agreement to buy Warner Bros Discovery, which owns, among other things, CNN. The mega-deal was announced last month after the Ellison-led firm outbid rival suitor Netflix.

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President Donald Trump, a New York businessman by background, is friends with both Ellisons. And though he has at times claimed not to be involved in the deal, he appears to be knee-deep in it. Related Article Mergers & acquisitions Trumps billionaire mate and his son set to win race for Warner Bros after Netflix backs away Trump has openly insisted CNN must be sold and changed, lamenting its coverage of him. In December, The Wall Street Journal reported that David Ellison offered assurances to Trump administration officials that if he bought Warner Bros, he would make sweeping changes to CNN. And earlier in February, before the deal was finalised, Ellison reportedly met privately with Trump at the White House. Hegseths latest remarks put it out in the open  the Trump administration is expecting David Ellisons Paramount to make significant changes at CNN that are favourable to the government. As former CNN Pentagon reporter Barbara Starr noted, its possible that Ellison will be none-too-pleased about Hegseths implications.

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Starr, a 21-year veteran of the defence beat, pointed out on X that CNN has sent personnel to combat zones for decades, with some even losing their lives. You have a legal and moral obligation to defend the free press, even the ones you dont personally like, she told Hegseth. As a former TV presenter before he was tasked with running the worlds most powerful military, press freedom should be Hegseths instinct. His comments today  and his vainglorious move to banish press photographers from his briefings  suggest he sees the media more as a vassal to serve his interests. 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.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (C) receives visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) at the Grand Serail in Beirut, Lebanon, March 13, 2026.

Senior UN officials on Friday appealed for aid to victims of Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a surprise visit to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a three-month appeal of 308.3 million U.S. dollars for victims of the Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Senior UN officials on Friday appealed for aid to victims of Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a surprise visit to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a three-month appeal of 308.3 million U.S. dollars for victims of the Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres.

The spokesman said the appeal targets up to 1 million people, including affected vulnerable Lebanese, displaced Syrians, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees from Syria, and migrants.

The secretary-general, who appealed to both parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and stop the enormous suffering of civilians in the region, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the spokesman said.

Separately, Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, issued an urgent call for the unhindered and safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. He warned that any disruption would drive up the price of food, medicine and other life-saving supplies, hitting the most vulnerable people the hardest.

Earlier this week, the intergovernmental organization UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) called the Strait of Hormuz a "vital passage for global trade." It said ship transits through the passage came to a near halt.

UNCTAD said fuel costs are surging, driving up shipping costs across supply chains.

Fletcher said that without reliable humanitarian supply routes, millions of people risk losing access to life-saving assistance. Food, medicine and other critical supplies destined for operations in places such as East and sub-Saharan Africa could become harder to move and more expensive to deliver at a time when famine already threatens countries like Somalia.

Dujarric, during a regular briefing, said the closure of the strait also has "the potential for a huge spike in the price of fertilizer, which is often overlooked as we focus on oil."

OCHA said that, in the last 24 hours, all but one of the requested humanitarian movements through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing were denied.

"As a result, the United Nations has been able to collect fuel, but no other supplies," OCHA said.

The crossing is the only operational crossing point into Gaza, as the Rafah and Zikim crossings have been shut since the start of the strikes on Iran.

OCHA said the World Health Organization reported that items they have offloaded at the crossing but have not been allowed to collect include nearly 50 intensive care unit beds and 170 pallets of medicines. 

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) meets with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Grand Serail in Beirut, Lebanon, March 13, 2026.

Senior UN officials on Friday appealed for aid to victims of Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a surprise visit to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a three-month appeal of 308.3 million U.S. dollars for victims of the Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) shakes hands with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Grand Serail in Beirut, Lebanon, March 13, 2026.

Senior UN officials on Friday appealed for aid to victims of Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a surprise visit to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a three-month appeal of 308.3 million U.S. dollars for victims of the Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)
Hyundai earned five Best Cars for Families awards

Hyundai secured first place in Best Midsize SUV, Best Compact EV SUV, and Best Midsize EV SUV for Families

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 12, 2026 -- Hyundai topped the 2026 Best Cars for Families list by U.S. News and World Report with five models recognized: Palisade Hybrid (Best Midsize SUV), IONIQ 5 (Best Compact EV SUV), IONIQ 9 (Best Midsize EV SUV), Tucson, and Tucson Hybrid. These awards highlight exceptional safety, reliability, interior space, and family-focused features.

"Families now have more vehicle options than ever, which can make choosing difficult," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "U.S. News and World Report's Best Cars for Families list helps simplify the process by covering 14 vehicle classes. Hyundai is proud to have the most vehicles recognized in the Best Cars for Families list and remains committed to offering a balanced lineup of ICE, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV options that meet the needs of bustling families."

The Palisade Hybrid offers strong fuel efficiency with an EPA estimated 33 mpg city/35 mpg highway/34 mpg combined fuel economy (Hybrid Blue SEL Premium/FWD) and delivers customer-friendly features and a more unique, purposeful, and playful character.

The Tucson is Hyundai's bestselling model and offers five trim options - 2.5L ICE, Hybrid, Hybrid N Line, Plugin Hybrid, and XRT - each designed to deliver enhanced comfort, convenience, and safety based on buyer preferences. The Tucson hybrid redefines the hybrid driving experience by delivering efficiency and emotion in a practical yet stylish package.

The IONIQ 5 offers electric propulsion for those seeking a zero tailpipe-emissions family vehicle. The IONIQ 5 impresses with its comfortable driving experience, high-quality interior, excellent efficiencyi, and ultra-fast 800-volt/350kW chargingii capabilities. Its strong range and full complement of advanced safety features make it a smart option for electric SUV buyers.

While the IONIQ 9 all-electric, three-row SUV includes an expansive interior that fuses innovative design and purpose-driven technology. Providing space for seven passengers and futuristic design elements. The IONIQ 9 is assembled at the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgiaiii.

"With a variety of new awards added this year, the Best Cars for Families provides households of all kinds with expertly vetted options to fit their specific needs," said Zach Doell, vehicle testing editor at U.S. News. "The 2026 awards recognize the models that deliver a seamless blend of safety and strong interior capacity, making the ride enjoyable for every passenger  from the front seats to the back."

About U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings and reviews of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars Awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car buying journey, offering industry-leading advice for researching cars and finding cars for sale, as well as its U.S. News Best Price Program.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok



















i EPA-estimated 303 mile driving range for 2024 IONIQ 5 SE/SEL/Limited RWD; 260 mile driving range for IONIQ 5 SE/SEL/Limited AWD; and 220 mile driving range for IONIQ 5 SE RWD (Standard Range). All figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature. ii Approximately 20 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350-kW, 800V DC ultra-fast charger using the CCS adapter included with the 2026 IONIQ 5. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature. Ultra-fast charging stations are provided by independent companies and availability is not guaranteed. iii The 2026 IONIQ 9 is assembled in Georgia from domestic and foreign-sourced parts.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Pet travel aviation innovator Vicuna Air unveils its new 'Biscuit Class', an industry-first service allowing pets to travel solo without their owners  always in the cabin, always with a Vicuna Concierge  https://www.vicunaair.com/our-services/pet-solo.

LONDON, March 12, 2026 -- Our pets are family. Vicuna Air treats them like it.

Today Vicuna Air launches Biscuit Class: a bold new service bringing solo in-cabin travel to the rapidly expanding world of premium pet aviation, enabling pets to travel without their owners in the cabin of a chartered Gulfstream GV private jet. It marks a powerful shift in what pet owners can expect from international travel. No traumatising cages in the hold. No separation anxiety, or agonising uncertainty. Instead, Biscuit Class offers a gentler alternative, one built around comfort, care, visibility, and peace of mind for pets and the people who love them. What lingers is not distress, but the memory of a journey made gentle.

Vicuna Air's founder and CEO, Jamie Everett, commented: "Biscuit Class changes the terms of the conversation entirely. For too long, pet owners have been asked to accept the unthinkable: a beloved pet locked away in a cage, frightened and alone in the cargo, while you are locked in your own nightmare of panic and uncertainty. We believe there is a better way. The cost is comparable, yet the emotional experience could not be more different. Once you see the alternative, the case for doing better becomes very hard to ignore."

With the 'Pawprint Economy' set to reach $500 billion by 2030, and 99% of owners now considering their pet immediate family, this sector is firmly in the spotlight1.

Biscuit Class: Vicuna Air's pioneering Biscuit Class service enables owners to send their pets internationally without needing to fly alongside them, while ensuring they travel in the comfort, safety, and style of the cabin  https://www.vicunaair.com/our-routes. This airport-to-airport service allows owners to stay with their pet right up to take-off and have them collected with them within minutes of landing.

Biscuit Class Plus: Vicuna's full concierge service handles every step of the journey, including all paperwork and door-to-door home collection and delivery. It is the ultimate in solo pet aviation, https://www.vicunaair.com/faqs.

Furs Class: Vicuna's original Furs Class service enables owners to travel in the cabin alongside their pets, with complete paperwork management and door-to-door chauffeured home collection and drop-off. With a Vicuna concierge present on every flight and worldwide Wi-Fi throughout, every detail is designed for a seamless journey and complete peace of mind, https://www.vicunaair.com/our-services/furs-class.

Jamie Everett added: "We're incredibly excited to be launching a new standard in stress-free international pet travel. Now more than ever, we recognise our pets' unwavering devotion and the central role they play in family life. Vicuna Air finally gives us a way to repay that loyalty and do right by them."

Routes:

Vicuna Air currently flies between London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, and Dubai, with routes to Milan, Frankfurt, and Toronto coming soon. Customers can also request additional destinations through the Vicuna Air website, with the strongest demand helping determine which new routes are chartered next.

About Vicuna Air:

Headquartered in London, Vicuna Air is a private aviation company specialising in international in-cabin pet travel, backed by private office investment. Its mission is simple: for every pet to travel stress-free, calmly, and quietly  to fly gently. Founded by lifelong dog devotee and highly qualified pilot Jamie Everett, Vicuna Air is the culmination of deep personal passion and decades of experience. Jamie first learned to fly with the Royal Air Force some forty years ago and has since logged thousands of hours in the air, while building a decades-long record of entrepreneurial success. In his words: "I'm incredibly lucky to bring together everything I love, all in one place."
The Auto Channels roundup of standout new vehicles for 2026, drawn from major expert opinions, best-car award lists, and editorial recognition across the automotive landscape.

There is no single perfect new car for every buyer, but some vehicles rise above the field by doing exactly what they were designed to do better than the others. Some are affordable and efficient. Some are great family machines. Some are workhorses. Some move the electrification story forward. And some simply remind us why driving can still be fun.

Below is a practical category-by-category roundup of notable 2026 choices. Each linked model points readers deeper into The Auto Channels internal vehicle and brand content ecosystem.

Best Hybrid and High-Efficiency Cars Toyota Prius  still one of the most recognizable efficiency benchmarks in the industry.

Toyota Camry  a mainstream sedan that continues to appeal to practical buyers.

Honda Civic  compact, efficient, smartly packaged, and consistently competitive.

Best Electric Vehicles Hyundai Ioniq 5  one of the EV eras most distinctive and useful packages.

Kia EV9  an ambitious three-row electric SUV with real family appeal.

Ford Mustang Mach-E  a familiar name adapted to modern EV expectations.

Porsche Macan Electric  for buyers wanting premium electric performance and brand cachet.

Lucid Air  an EV that stays in the conversation whenever range and luxury matter.

Best SUVs and Crossovers Toyota RAV4 Hybrid  a high-volume favorite that blends efficiency with utility.

Honda CR-V Hybrid  one of the most sensible and broadly appealing choices in the segment.

Subaru Forester  practical, confidence-inspiring, and still a natural fit for active owners.

Mazda CX-50  for buyers who want utility without giving up style and road manners.

Lexus RX  a polished premium crossover that remains a luxury-category staple.

Best Pickup Trucks Ford Maverick  one of the smartest recent truck ideas, especially for everyday buyers.

Toyota Tacoma  a long-time midsize truck favorite with broad lifestyle appeal.

Chevrolet Silverado  a full-size pickup that remains central to the work-and-play market.

Best Luxury and Premium Sedans BMW 5 Series  a benchmark sport-luxury sedan formula that continues to evolve.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class  traditional prestige with modern technology and refinement.
CAIRO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict entered its 14th day on Friday, with Washington signaling plans to intensify strikes in the coming week, Tehran pressing on with retaliatory attacks, and the political and economic fallout continuing to ripple across the region.

Here is a brief overview of the latest developments and the regional crisis that has affected nearly all neighboring countries and beyond.

The United States

-- U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News that the United States plans to strike Iran "very hard over the next week," and that it would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary.

-- During a press conference, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump will be the one to decide "the pace, tempo and timing" of the Iran conflict.

The United States will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to "remain contested or with a lack of flow of commercial goods," he said. He also said there is no clear evidence that Iran has placed mines in the strait.

Hegseth said although the United States is happy to partner with Israel, "our objectives are our objectives." He claimed that Iran's missile capabilities are down 90 percent.

-- During a press briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said the ongoing U.S. military operation against Iran remains "complex, dangerous, and difficult."

-- The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Central Command is asking for additional ships to be sent to the Middle East amid plans to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

-- A U.S. defense official told Fox News Friday the Pentagon is sending the USS Tripoli, a Marine Amphibious Ready Group, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East with about 2,500 U.S. Marines.

Israel

-- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck a key bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon in the morning, alleging the bridge was used by Hezbollah militants to pass from northern to southern Lebanon "to build up its power and prepare for combat."

The IDF also said it completed a series of strikes against Hezbollah's economic and military targets in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, and other areas on Thursday.

Iran

-- Iran's army said it has launched drone attacks from across the country on the headquarters of the Israeli General Staff in southern Israel's city of Beersheba since morning. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said it launched the 44th wave of missile and drone attacks on different Israeli targets and U.S. bases in the West Asia region.

-- Iran's official news agency IRNA reported that at least one person was killed in a mass rally in Tehran to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions. It said the dead, a woman, was killed "in the bombing of Tehran" by Israel and the United States.

-- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told Xinhua in a recent interview that Iran is determined to defend itself against the U.S. and Israeli "aggression" as long as it takes.

-- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi on Thursday denied reports saying that Iran had begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

-- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that his administration does not propose and pursue any policy without coordination with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iraq

-- The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority announced a new 72-hour extension of the country's airspace closure amid ongoing regional tensions.

-- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group for Iraq's pro-Iranian militias, said its fighters targeted two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft over western Iraq.

-- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron held phone talks Friday to discuss regional developments following an attack that killed a French soldier in northern Iraq.

Oman

-- Two expatriate workers were killed and several others injured after two drones crashed in the Wilayat of Sohar in northern Oman, the Oman News Agency reported, citing a security source.

The United Arab Emirates

-- The United Arab Emirates' Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted seven more ballistic missiles and 27 more drones launched from Iran. Official figures showed that the country has intercepted altogether 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones since the start of the regional conflict.

-- The United Arab Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority said the country's national carriers have restored 44.6 percent of their operating capacity compared to pre-conflict levels.

Lebanon

-- Israeli airstrikes continued to pound southern Lebanon on Friday night, killing at least 13 people and hitting the Nepalese battalion's compound of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

-- The Lebanese Public Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 773, with 1,933 injuries.

-- In a meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged an end to Israeli attacks and voiced hope for stronger international support during what he described as a critical phase. Aoun said over 800,000 people have been displaced by the conflict.

-- Mohammad Choucair, president of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, said Lebanon's commercial production fell 50 percent, industrial production 50 percent, and agricultural production 40 percent, affected by the shutdown of production units across the country, along with disruptions to exports to Gulf countries.

-- Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said Friday that the group has prepared for a "long confrontation" with Israel and will not retreat, describing the current conflict as an existential battle.

Turkiye

-- The Turkish Defense Ministry said it intercepted a ballistic munition from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. In response, Iranian Ambassador in Ankara Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh denied Iran's involvement, saying the incident could be carried out by "third elements."

-- The first Turkish-owned ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving permission from Iranian authorities, Turkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said Friday, noting that 14 others are still waiting in the area. He said around 800 vessels of various types are present in the strait.

-- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday evening that his country will not get dragged into the war triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, following the interception of a third ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace.

France

-- French President Emmanuel Macron said a French soldier was killed and six others were wounded in a drone attack in Erbil province in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. It was reportedly the first French military death in the latest Middle East conflict that began late February.

Macron later told a news conference that the attack was "unacceptable." He said France's position in the Middle East conflict remains "defensive." 
BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan can only be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

The use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify the contradictions, which would be of no benefit to either side and threatens regional peace and stability, he said.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi at the latter's request.

Muttaqi thanked China for its active efforts in mediating the conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that the Afghan people, who have suffered greatly from war, cherish the opportunities for peace and development.

The Afghan foreign minister said his country wants to be a source of regional peace rather than unrest, reaffirming that its territory will not be used to attack neighboring countries.

Afghanistan does not wish to engage in military conflict with other countries, and looks forward to mutual trust and friendly coexistence with neighboring countries, he said.

The Afghan side believes that dialogue and consultation are the only way to resolve issues and looks forward to China, as a major country and a friendly neighbor, playing a greater role, he said.

For his part, Wang said that the more volatile the external environment becomes, the more regional countries should strengthen unity and cooperation, overcome difficulties together, and forge a path of cooperative security and common security.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are inseparable brothers and neighbors that cannot be moved away from each other, he said.

China has always maintained an objective and impartial stance on the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang said.

The special envoy on Afghan affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry is shuttling between the two countries to mediate, he said, adding that it is hoped that both sides will keep calm and exercise restraint, have face-to-face exchanges at an early date, achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, and resolve differences and contradictions through dialogue.

China is willing to continue to make active efforts to help achieve reconciliation and detente between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Iran.

Wang reaffirmed China's principled position, stating that China is willing to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to further play a constructive role in striving for peace. 
Assembly passes grant demands of Jaiswals departments





Staff Reporter :

CHHATTISGARH Legislative Assembly on Thursday evening passed the grant demands amounting Rs 6976.54 crore of Minster for Public Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, OBC and Minority Development Department Shyam Bihari Jaiswals departments for the financial year 2026-27 by voice vote following a discussion. Replying to the discussion on grant demands of his departments, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that the health services of the state will be based on SANKALP. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the cashless scheme for all government officials and employees in the state. Minister Jaiswal said that the object of the State government is to ensure the health of every citizen in the state. Planned work is being done to expand the states health infrastructure, ensuring quality health services are available even in remote areas. 25 new dialysis centres will be established in the state to make treatment of serious diseases accessible. Additionally, 50 Jan Aushadhi centres will be expanded to provide affordable medicines to the general public. The states first Homeopathy College will be established in Raipur to promote traditional medical practices.

Additionally, a State Cancer Institute will be established in Bilaspur, providing cancer patients with stateof-the-art treatment facilities within the state. Central Indias stateof-the-art Cardiac Institute will be set up in Raipur. This institute will provide highquality cardiac care to the states citizens. A provision of Rs 25 crore has been made for infrastructure development at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. This will further strengthen and expand pediatric cardiac care services. Rs 95 crore has been made for the establishment of Central Indias most modern integrated food and drug laboratory in Raipur. The opening of this laboratory will eliminate the states dependence on metropolitan cities like Delhi and provide rapid and quality testing facilities to Chhattisgarh and other bordering states, said the Minister in the House. The states ambulance shortage will soon be addressed. Tenders are underway for 300 new ambulances for all districts. Additionally, the process to purchase 70 state-of-the-art ambulances equipped with ventilators and 10 other fully equipped ambulances for newborns will also be completed soon.

Over Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the Directorate of Medical Education for the financial year 2026-27. Provision has been made for 1,240 posts for the five new government medical colleges (Dantewada, Manendragarh, Jashpur, Janjgir-Champa and Kabirdham) and 500 posts for the associated hospitals. Rs 544 crore has been allocated under the AYUSH Department for the fiscal year 2026-27. A provision of Rs 25.73 crore has been made for medicines and Rs 4.16 crore for equipment. Funds have also been allocated for the upgrading of seven Ayurveda hospitals, 13 AYUSH polyclinics, and 692 AYUSH dispensaries through public participation. A hostel and seminar hall will be constructed at the Government Ayurveda College campus in Raipur. The State government is committed to the overall development of the backward and minority sections of society. A total budget provision of Rs 251.683 million has been made for various schemes.

The Chief Ministers Education Assistance Scheme for Other Backward Class students will be launched in the state. Under this scheme, backward class students will receive free educational and residential facilities. In addition, a 500-seater Kanya Prayas Residential School will be established for backward class students in Bilaspur, a 200-seater post-matric girls hostel in Raipur, a 100-seater post-matric girls hostel in Raigarh, a 100- seater post-matric girls hostel in Manendragarh, and a 50-seater pre-matric boys and girls hostel in Jashpur. A provision of Rs 20 crore has been made in the budget for this, he added. Earlier, Congress MLA Sangeeta Sinha started discussion on the grant demands in the House. Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Dr Charan Das Mahant, MLAs Dharamjeet Singh, Kiran Singh Deo, Anuj Sharma, Raghvendra Kumar Singh and other MLAs participated in the discussion.
Centres nod to MP Govt proposal on Bhavantar Payment Scheme for mustard procurement, MP is my home: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan





By Bhavana :

Aparajita Shukla The Central Government has addressed a Madhya Pradesh Government proposal to extend Bhavantar Payment Scheme (the price deficiency support scheme) for pulses. After State Cabinets approval to Bhavantar Payment Scheme for mustard, now the way has been cleared for 100% procurement of tur by Central Government. An important decision regarding mustard procurement was taken. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the proposal of Madhya Pradesh under the Bhavantar Payment Scheme and directed the concerned departments to expedite the payment process. This decision will directly benefit mustard farmers across the State. On Thursday in New Delhi, Chief Minister Dr Yadav met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and held detailed discussions on several key issues related to farmers and rural development in the State. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel and senior officials were also present at the meeting. During the high-level discussion, several decisions were taken that will provide significant relief to Madhya Pradesh, including matters related to rural roads and other development issues.

During the meeting, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also handed over the approval letter for 100 per cent government procurement of tur (arhar) to Chief Minister Dr Yadav. This decision will ensure full procurement of tur produced in Madhya Pradesh, protecting farmers from the risk of price fluctuations in the market and ensuring income stability. Initiative to boost pulses and oilseed production: Chief Minister Dr Yadav emphasised the need to develop Madhya Pradesh as a leading hub for the production of pulses and oilseeds. It was agreed that a joint team of the Centre and the State will prepare a long-term strategy for crops such as moong, urad, gram, sesame, mustard, and palm oil. Protection of Farmers Interests in Crop Insurance: Chief Minister Dr Yadav also raised the issue of safeguarding farmers interests under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed that, for crops such as soybean, assessment should not rely solely on satellite data. Instead, crop-cutting experiments and remote sensing methods should also be used to ensure compensation based on the actual loss suffered by farmers.

Review of Agriculture and Rural Development Schemes:

The meeting included a detailed review of issues related to Bhavantar payments for mustard and soybean, additional targets for moong and urad under the pulses mission, crop insurance, soil health and fertility programmes, payments of wages and materials under MGNREGA, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana -Gramin, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed officials to prioritise and resolve pending matters related to Madhya Pradesh so that farmers, labourers, and the rural poor in the state receive timely relief. Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan expressed happiness over the decision to observe 2026 as Krishak Kalyan Varsh in Madhya Pradesh. He remarked that Madhya Pradesh is my home and assured that during the Farmer Welfare Year, farmers cultivating mustard, tur, moong, urad, and oilseed crops will receive all possible support, while the state will continue to advance on every parameter of rural development. As the name indicates, the scheme provides relief to farmers as an compensation when the open market price falls below Governments benchmark or minimum support price. In such case, government extends hand to support farmers by paying difference (amount) to farmers. In other words, government protect them from losses incurred due to distress sales and pay the difference.
ED seeks FEO tag for two Mahadev betting accused





By Mukesh S Singh :

In a significant development in the Rs 6,000 crore Mahadev online betting investigation, the Enforcement Directorate has approached the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur seeking to declare two alleged operatives of the betting syndicate as Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. The agency has filed an application before the court of the 6th Additional District Judge and Special Court (PMLA), Raipur, seeking the declaration of Shubham Soni and Anil Kumar Agrawal alias Atul Agrawal as FEOs and confiscation of their properties in India as well as abroad. According to the EDs plea filed under Sections 4 and 12 of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, both accused have left India and are believed to be residing in the United Arab Emirates. The agency submitted that they have deliberately avoided the investigation despite repeated summons, arrest warrants and lookout circulars issued against them. The same special court is also examining a similar plea filed by the ED seeking declaration of alleged Mahadev Online Book promoters Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal as fugitive economic offenders. Orders in that matter have already been reserved. Officials said that under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, a court declaration enables authorities to confiscate the properties of individuals who have fled India to evade criminal prosecution. Once declared an FEO, the court can order attachment and confiscation of properties held directly or through benami entities without waiting for completion of trial. The EDs action stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation FIR registered in January 2025 consolidating multiple cases linked to the Mahadev Online Book platform.

The CBI case followed nearly 77 FIRs earlier registered by the Economic Offences Wing in Chhattisgarh and police authorities in Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Investigators have alleged that the Mahadev betting network operated multiple betting panels and franchises, used fake and mule bank accounts to park proceeds of crime and routed funds abroad through hawala channels. The illegal operations are suspected to have generated proceeds running into hundreds of crores of rupees. According to the ED, Shubham Soni was among the key promoters of the betting network and was involved in operational decisions related to the platforms infrastructure and financial transactions. Anil Kumar Agrawal is alleged to have managed the technical operations of the betting ecosystem, including development of betting websites, supervision of platform interfaces and routing of funds through hawala networks. The agency has informed the court that immigration records show Soni left India for Dubai in February 2023, while Agrawal departed for the UAE in August 2022. Non-bailable warrants were issued against them in September 2024 after they failed to appear before investigators despite multiple summons. The ED has also alleged that betting proceeds were routed through hundreds of commission-based bank accounts, layered transactions and hawala operators before being invested in shell companies, real estate, stock market instruments and cryptocurrency. The agency has requested the special court to issue statutory notices directing both accused to appear before the court within the legally mandated period of at least six weeks. Officials said that failure to comply with the notice could lead to their declaration as Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs), enabling confiscation of identified assets and attachment of additional domestic and overseas properties linked to the alleged proceeds of crime.
Farooq Abdullah escapes gunshot; accused held





JAMMU :

NATIONAL Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah had a miraculous escape when a gunman opened fire on him after coming from behind while Abdullah was leaving a marriage function here on Wednesday night, officials said. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were accompanying Abdullah when the incident occurred. The accused has been identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, son of Ajit Singh, and a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, who told police that he was waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years. On Thursday, Jamwal was produced in the city court amid tight security and the court remanded him to five-day police custody for questioning. Police sought his custody stating that further interrogation was necessary to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to verify whether the accused had any links with any organisation or individual. The National Conference President described his narrow escape as an act of divine intervention, while raising serious questions over the "total absence" of police deployment at a high-profile wedding where the incident took place. I am fine and God has saved me, Abdullah said adding, I do not know that man, nor had anyone ever told me anything about him. As for what his motive was... How would I know what it could have been? he told reporters.

The attack dominated proceedings in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to sharp exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches. The Government is taking the assassination bid with utmost seriousness, Leader of the House and Union minister J P Nadda said. The statement came in response to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges allegation that there seemed to be a conspiracy to eliminate Abdullah - who has Z+ category security - and blaming revocation of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood for the incident. Thanking Allah for saving the life of his father, Omar Abdullah said, The details are sketchy at the moment, but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within a point-blank range and discharge a shot. Police said an attempt was made on the life of Abdullah when he was attending a marriage ceremony at the Royal Park in Greater Kailash, Jammu. A CCTV camera footage showed the gunman approaching Abdullah from behind and firing a shot at him from very close range. The accused, who was overpowered by two officers of security wing of the J&K Police, an inspector and a sub-inspector, was found in an inebriated state, officials said. Abdullah and Choudhary had come to greet party leader B S Chouhan for the marriage of his daughter. They were at the wedding venue for more than an hour, the officials said. In his post on X, Omar said, Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy at the moment, but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point-blank range and discharge a shot.
Garnet Motors partners with Swaminarayan University to launch Industry-Integrated B.Tech in Automobile Engineering





Business Reporter :

IN A significant step toward strengthening industryacademia collaboration in Indias automotive sector, Garnet Motors (India) Pvt. Ltd. has signed a Strategic AcademicIndustry Alliance Agreement with Swaminarayan University to jointly launch a four-year B.Tech programme in Automobile Engineering integrating academic education with structured industry immersion.

The agreement was formally signed on March 9, 2026, at the university campus in Kalol. Garnet Motors, a group company of the K S Cheema Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning automobile dealerships, mining, real estate development and construction, education, and securing digital infrastructure and operational technology against cyber-attacks, is a prominent player in Indias automotive dealership sector, representing globally renowned automobile brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, BYD, and Renault. Over the past decade, the group has expanded its presence across multiple cities and has built a strong reputation within the Indian automotive ecosystem. Established in 2022, Swaminarayan University is a University Grants Commission-recognised private university offering more than 170 programmes across disciplines including engineering, medicine, management, and law. The university emphasises a holistic education model that combines modern academic learning with spiritual and ethical values of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.

The agreement was signed by K S Cheema, Chairman and Managing Director of the K S Cheema Group, and Ajit Gangawane, Registrar of Swaminarayan University, in the presence of Prof. Rupesh Vasani, Provost/Vice Chancellor, Dr Gunjan Shah, representatives from Garnet Motors, and Shastri Swami Bhaktavatsaldasji, who blessed the beginning of this partnership. At the signing ceremony K S Cheema said, Indias education system produces talented graduates, but industry often finds them lacking real-world exposure. This partnership with Swaminarayan University is designed to bridge that gap. The B.Tech in Automobile Engineering programme will begin with its first batch of 30 students in the academic year 202627.

The programme aims to bridge the long-standing gap between theoretical education and industry readiness by combining strong academic foundations with structured exposure to real-world automotive operations. Under this collaboration, students will gain industry exposure through practical training, internships, and experiential learning opportunities facilitated through the Garnet Motors ecosystem. These will include training opportunities at Mercedes-Benz Central Star dealerships in Ahmedabad and Surat and Skoda dealership networks in Mumbai, enabling students to experience modern automotive systems, dealership operations, and emerging technologies. The programme is designed to equip students with hands-on skills, exposure to advanced automotive technologies, and a deep understanding of industry practices, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for careers across the automobile ecosystem. Graduates from this programme are expected to be well positioned for career opportunities across the automotive industry in Gujarat, across India, and in international markets such as the Middle East. K S Cheema group is well positioned to establish such relationship with more education institutions, pan India, said K S Cheema. photo saved in W/emails/ Garnet Motors - March-12
IMT Nagpur to host convocation ceremony on 14th





Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Nagpur, will host its convocation ceremony for the PGDM batch of 2023-2025 on March 14 at its campus in Nagpur. The occasion will celebrate the academic achievements of the graduating cohort and recognise their journey through the institutes rigorous management programme. Atul Jain, Managing Director at VIP Industries Limited, will attend the ceremony as the chief guest. He will address the graduating students and share insights drawn from his extensive leadership experience in the corporate sector, offering guidance as the graduates prepare to begin the next phase of their professional journeys.

The ceremony will be presided over by Dr Rajneesh Chauhan, Director of IMT Nagpur, along with senior members of the institutes leadership and faculty. The formal proceedings will include the conferral of diplomas upon the graduating students and the presentation of awards recognising academic excellence and outstanding achievements across the batch. The convocation ceremony will bring together graduating students, faculty members, institutional leaders, and families in a moment of pride and celebration. The event will not only mark the successful completion of the students academic journey at IMT Nagpur but will also signify the beginning of their professional careers in diverse industries and organisations.
LPG crisis: On-line booking system collapses amidst panic buying





Business Reporter :

A sudden and severe disruption in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder supply chain has thrown the consumers into a state of confusion and panic. Since Wednesday, the on-line booking systems for LPG cylinders have completely crashed, leaving thousands of households unable to register for their refills. Compounding the growing crisis, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have stopped the supply of commercial-category LPG cylinders, giving a massive blow to the restaurant, eatery, and catering business owners.

Even as the State-owned oil marketing companies and local gas agencies are maintaining that there is absolutely no shortage of LPG for domestic consumers, a large number of consumers were seen visiting their respective dealers on Thursday. Long queues of consumers were also seen at many LPG godowns across the city, exposing the glaring disconnect between companies stand and the ground reality. Many frustrated consumers are bypassing the conventional home delivery routes and travelling directly to agency godowns located around the city. These distribution centres are now witnessing heavy crowd.

Many consumers told The Hitavada that, all the oil marketing companies have shut their respective LPG cylinder refill booking system via IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System). In addition, the official on-line mobile app is not functioning. The on-line booking system has been paralysed and there is no backup mechanism in place. If the companies have enough stock of LPG, they should give it to the consumers. On one hand, the dealers are highlighting that adequate stock is available to meet regular household needs. However, a complete breakdown of the on-line booking system has made this stock virtually inaccessible for the end users, said one of the consumers. In the meanwhile, an owner of a gas agency located in Pratap Nagar said that, the demand for LPG has gone up by 50-60 per cent in the last two days.

Widespread panic buying of LPG cylinders across the city is being seen following fears of shortages linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. However, we are delivering the LPG refill within 3-4 days. As far as the disruption of the on-line system is concerned, the oil marketing companies are answerable for it, he clarified. When contacted, a company official admitted that a server failure has disrupted the on-line booking system. But we have provided a whatsapp number through which consumers can make the bookings. We are also accepting payments through UPI, he said, requesting not to disclose his identity.

Qatar Airways Ngp-Doha flight suspended till 31st

Business Reporter

Qatar Airways has suspended its Nagpur-Doha flight till March 31 due to the war in West Asia. Alok Vaidya, Managing Director of Rupsha Aero Services Private Limited and Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Vidarbha Chapter said, Currently, the Qatar Airways website is not showing any flights or taking bookings till April 1. Previously, Qatar Airways used to operate five flights in a week except Saturdays and Mondays. Qatar Airways would give a notification and flight updates on its portal in the coming days. Apart from this, there have been very low or almost no flight disruptions on the direct flight from Nagpur to Sharjah. Air Arabia operates the Sharjah flight from Nagpurs Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Air Arabia operates two flights in a week - on Friday and Saturday.

HC directs pvt company to adhere with Govt guidelines on LPG supply

Staff Reporter :

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has directed M/s Confidence Petroleum India Limited that, it must adhere to the guidelines of Union Government and ensure that LPG should be stored and supplied for domestic consumption. Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode, during motion hearing of the petition filed by six city LPG dealers, issued notices to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Director General Foreign Trade (DGFT) apart from the company and listed next hearing on March 17. LPG dealers, aggrieved by the decision of the company to stick to its international commitment, approached the HC and cited that they are unable to meet the domestic requirements. Listing the petition before the bench, Adv Shyam Dewani pointed out that due to ongoing war in Middle East, Union Government invoked Essential Commodities Act and regulated the supply of LPG, with priority to domestic consumers first. As such, the city LPG dealers approached Confidence Group to have relook at its exports orders and divert the supply to meet the domestic gas demand. Adv Dewani said the act of company policy of sticking to international commitment at this time of emergency basically indicates profit maximisation. Also, same is in blatant violation of Governments order that explicitly prohibit such activities and the act of company exacerbates the ongoing crisis.
ADDIS ABABA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Tuesday in Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia has risen to 70, with several others still missing, local authorities said Friday.

Demissie Admasu, chief administrator of Gamo Zone in South Ethiopia Regional State, confirmed that 70 bodies have been recovered so far.

Most of the casualties, according to the official, were in the highland areas, where saturated slopes gave way following the intense rain.

According to local police, the death toll could exceed 100, as search efforts continue to uncover additional individuals listed as missing in the devastating landslide.

Admasu called for strengthening soil conservation activities, including stone tracing across the zone to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The Gamo Zone Government Communication Affairs Department confirmed that more than 3,400 residents have been displaced from the affected localities.

On Wednesday, local authorities reported that debris from landslides and floodwaters had blocked public transport routes, hindering movement and complicating rescue operations in the affected regions.

South Ethiopia Regional State President Tilahun Kebede expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families on Tuesday, saying that the regional government will provide all necessary support to the affected people.

"Given that we are in the rainy season and incidents like this may occur again, I urge communities living in vulnerable areas to take necessary precautions," Kebede said.

Ethiopia is in the midst of a rainy season, which started in February and is expected to last through March. 
JOHANNESBURG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 2,200 soldiers to assist the police in combating illegal mining and gangsterism, the Presidency announced on Friday.

The Presidency confirmed in a statement that the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) members will be stationed across the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape provinces.

The deployment is effective from March 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with an estimated cost of about 823 million rand (about 48.79 million U.S. dollars).

"President Ramaphosa calls on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the SANDF to identify and isolate criminal elements, making neighborhoods safer in the process," the Presidency stated.

The move followed a commitment made by Ramaphosa during his recent State of the Nation Address, where he promised military intervention to tackle the country's high crime rate.

Some units begun operations earlier this week to disrupt criminal networks.

South Africa continues to grapple with an upsurge in illegal mining, a crisis that fuels violent crime and deprives the national economy of billions in potential revenue. 
Ivorian Minister of Culture and Francophonie Francoise Remarck speaks at a ceremony marking the return of the talking drum Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred object of the Atchan people of Abidjan that was confiscated by French colonial authorities in 1916, in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, March 13, 2026. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

ABIDJAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The talking drum Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred object of the Atchan people of Abidjan that was confiscated by French colonial authorities in 1916, has returned to its land of origin, it was observed Friday during an official ceremony.

In the presence of traditional chiefs of the Atchan community and several officials, including the French ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Jean-Christophe Belliard, Ivorian Minister of Culture and Francophonie Francoise Remarck received at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan the crate shipped from Paris containing the Djidji Ayokwe.

After an installation ritual conducted by an Atchan chief and a war dance performed by youths from the village of Anoumabo, in southern Abidjan, Francoise Remarck welcomed the return of the drum to its land of origin.

"This Friday, March 13, 2026, marking the physical handover of a drum originating from Cote d'Ivoire by the French authorities to the Ivorian authorities, constitutes a historic day," she said, stressing that it represents "a moment of justice and remembrance."

The return of the Atchan talking drum is part of the process of restituting African cultural property confiscated and transferred to France during the colonial period.

The restitution of the talking drum, enacted by a French law in 2025, follows the signing in Paris on Feb. 20 of the deed transferring ownership and the physical handover of the heritage object between the French and Ivorian authorities.

The return of Djidji Ayokwe, the first item on a list of 148 cultural objects whose restitution Abidjan has requested from France, is seen as a cultural victory for Cote d'Ivoire.

"The return of this sacred drum is a message to our youth who wish to reclaim their history, as well as to the communities that are rediscovering their Djidji Ayokwe, a symbol of social cohesion, peace and dialogue," the minister added.

In accordance with the protocol established between the Quai Branly Museum in Paris and the Museum of Civilizations of Cote d'Ivoire, the talking drum will first be placed in a "secure space" to allow for its "acclimatization."

"At the end of this stage, we will proceed, according to modalities yet to be defined, with its official presentation before its permanent installation at the Museum of Civilizations of Cote d'Ivoire," Remarck specified.

The Djidji Ayokwe, a ritual wooden instrument measuring 3.3 meters in length and weighing 430 kg, is split at its center and decorated with a leaping leopard. It once served as a tool for community communication, an alert signal and a symbol of authority for the Atchan people. 
WELLINGTON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The meeting between foreign ministers of New Zealand and Cambodia signaled a deepening of the bilateral relationship, the New Zealand government said Friday.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn to New Zealand, marking the first high-level visit to New Zealand by a Cambodian minister since 2019, the New Zealand government said in a statement.

Peters highlighted bilateral cooperation in regional and multilateral forums, development and education, describing Cambodia as "a steadfast and trusted partner of New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific region."

During their talks in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, Peters announced 7.5 million NZ dollars (about 4.39 million U.S. dollars) in additional support for mine clearance, risk reduction and access to victim assistance in Cambodia, the statement said. 
On March 13, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), during her visit to Azerbaijan for participation in the Global Baku Forum.

AzerNEWS reports that the meeting focused on various aspects of Azerbaijan-UNOG cooperation, as well as regional issues.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration, highlighting support for UNOGs activities in sustainable development, climate change, economic growth, and other relevant areas. Azerbaijan underscored its active engagement within the UN framework, including participation in COP-29 and upcoming COP events. The country will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WHF-13) and the Asian Consultation on Mutual Action and Confidence-Building Measures (AQEM) this year, and will assume the chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) starting next year.

Valovayas visit and high-level meetings during her stay were positively noted. Appreciation was expressed for the role of Azerbaijans Permanent Mission in Geneva and other national institutions in facilitating strengthened cooperation with UNOG.

The meeting also included discussions on regional developments, the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, and recent escalations in the Middle East.
PYONGYANG, March 13 (Xinhua) -- An international passenger train, starting from Beijing, arrived in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Friday.

The train departed Beijing on Thursday, as per a schedule released earlier this week by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The company said on Tuesday that international passenger trains connecting China and the DPRK would resume operations in both directions starting Thursday.

Linking Beijing via Dandong, Liaoning Province, with Pyongyang, the services will facilitate cross-border travel and boost economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Chinese railway operator said.

Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will run four days a week, with two-way services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Dandong-Pyongyang train service will operate daily in both directions, the operator added. 
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KABUL, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. citizens are in custody in Afghanistan after being detained for violating local laws, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday.

In an interview with local broadcaster TOLOnews, Mujahid said the individuals were arrested for breaking Afghan law. He described the case as "not serious" and added that a solution is available to resolve the situation.

The confirmation comes just days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that the United States has formally designated Afghanistan a "state sponsor of wrongful detention."

In response, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday expressing regret over the U.S. decision. The ministry emphasized that no foreign nationals are being held for political leverage or as part of any exchange, rejecting the basis for the American designation. 
PHNOM PENH, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government on Friday approved a draft law on combating online scams, which will deliver severe sentences to masterminds, a minister said.

The approval was made during a weekly Cabinet meeting, said Information Minister Neth Pheaktra.

"This law is the most important legal instrument for Cambodia in combating scams online, fighting money laundering, and demonstrating that Cambodia is not a paradise or a safe haven for criminals," he told Xinhua. "Cambodia is not, and will never be, a safe haven for online scam criminals."

Pheaktra said this bill will help prevent and eliminate online scams from Cambodian territory.

Under the draft, ringleaders of online scam centers will face between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 billion riels (about 250,000 U.S. dollars), and they will face between 10 and 20 years in jail and a fine of up to 2 billion riels (about 500,000 dollars) if their operations are found to involve violence, torture, illegal confinement, human trafficking, or forced labor.

Online scam bosses will face between 15 and 30 years or life imprisonment if their operations lead to one or many deaths, the draft law said, adding that online scammers will be imprisoned between two and five years with a fine of up to 500 million riels (about 125,000 dollars).

The draft bill will need to be adopted by the National Assembly and finally reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to King Norodom Sihamoni for promulgation.

The Southeast Asian country has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks to maintain social security, safety, and public order, and to restore the kingdom's image on the international stage, with authorities vowing to eradicate online scam centers by April this year.

Interior Minister Sar Sokha said that Cambodia has deported more than 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, as over 210,000 others have voluntarily left the kingdom after operations against online scams have intensified since June last year. 
BERLIN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that Germany is not part of the war against Iran and does not want to become part of it.

Merz made the remarks while visiting Norway, where he appeared at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, according to German media reports.

Responding to a question about whether an international military mission should be established to protect merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Merz said there is currently no reason to consider military protection of the sea lanes.

Merz said the question remains when the war will end and what strategy will be used to bring it to an end, noting that these questions have not really been answered.

He added that Germany's efforts are focused on ending the war, which is also what Berlin is discussing with the governments of the United States and Israel. 
MOSCOW, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow's principled position on the unacceptability of U.S. economic and political pressure on Cuba.

Lavrov made the affirmation following a phone conversation with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on Thursday, according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov also expressed firm support for the fraternal Cuban people in their efforts to defend state sovereignty and the right to choose their own path of development.

During the conversation, they discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda, as well as the upcoming 23rd meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. 
WASHINGTON, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas passes, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing U.S. officials. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has denied the claim.

U.S. intelligence indicated that after larger Iranian mine-laying vessels were struck by the U.S. military, Iran began deploying smaller boats to place mines in the strait, said the report.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps can deploy hundreds, even thousands, of the small boats, which have long been used to harass larger ships, including those of the U.S. Navy, according to the report.

Iran's strategy appears to be to lay mines faster than the U.S. military can clear them, creating a deterrent for shipping through the strait, it said.

CNN reported Tuesday that U.S. intelligence estimates the mining is not extensive yet, with a few dozen deployed in recent days.

However, Iran still retains upward of 80-90 percent of its small boats and mine layers, so its forces could feasibly lay hundreds of mines in the waterway, said the CNN report, citing sources.

In an interview with AFP on Thursday, Ravanchi said that "it is not true" that Iran was mining the strait and that Tehran has cooperated with some countries regarding passage through the waterway, without specifying which nations.

In his first message as Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday called for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and pledged to open new fronts in his country's conflict with the United States and Israel.

The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy. 
Earlier in February, Indias indigenous combat aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, was once again in the news when a fighter jet was damaged after it overshot the runway, which according to jet maker PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was due to a minor technical glitch.

HAL had then said it was working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, and HAL is working closely with the IAF for a speedy resolution, the company had said.

Now, a media report reveals that a glitch in the software of the onboard computer of the fighter jet caused the accident on February 7.

The report by The Tribune said the entire fleet of Tejas fighters in IAF inventory underwent exhaustive checks and the software glitch was identified.

ALSO READ: OPINION | The Hormuz flashpoint  Indias energy lifeline at risk

The report said HAL and IAF jointly upgraded the software and rectified the glitch. The new, upgraded software is being tried out on the fighter jet, The Tribune report said, citing sources.

The IAF test crew has been closely involved with the LCA project right from the conceptual stage till prototype testing. The first version of the aircraft was inducted into the force in 2016.

Sources added that it was not a mechanical or metallurgical failure that caused the accident in February and said that such glitches with software often happen.

The accident in February was the third such incident involving LCA Tejas. The previous accident happened in during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, killing the pilot.
With the Iranian conflict well into its fourteenth day after the USIsrael joint offensive began on February 28 and with no apparent signs of an end anytime soon, certain things are becoming clear.

One is that the US was not prepared for the kind of war preparations that Iran had made, with its low-cost and low-flying Shahed drone becoming a dreaded weapon in the Iranian arsenal. So much so that it is almost changing the economics of warfare.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

This very simple weapon, with its capability to hit US and Israeli targets across 20 countries in the Gulf, and its menacing omnipresence in the Strait of Hormuz, has held the global economy by the scruff of the neck.

In the past few days, the Shahed-136a core tool in Irans military strategyhas hit military targets, civilian targets, and infrastructure, including ships, air bases, and oil installations, among others.

Increasingly being touted as the poor mans cruise missile, the suicide, kamikaze, or one-way Shahed-136, the most dreaded variant of the armed projectile, is really a simple piece of equipment that is made of fiberglass.

Delta-winged, it has a wingspan of 2.5 metres. It basically comprises three subsystemsan autopilot system, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and a data module. It is propelled by a 50-horsepower, four-piston motor. The Shahed-136 can fly up to 2,000 km with a 40-kg explosive payload at a speed of 185 km an hour.

ALSO READ: How to counter drones cost-effectively? Ukraine to share expertise with US, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia

The most critical aspect of the Shaheds capability is its ability to fly at altitudes as low as 60 metres, while the operational ceiling is about 4,000 metres. The low-flying capability allows it to evade most radars and air defence detection systems.

But what has been the foremost question in the minds of military and engineering experts is the manufacturing cost of the Shahed-136, a simple drone that is being mass produced by Iran and Russia, with its own version called the Geran-2, and now even the US, which has reverse-engineered the Shahed-136 to position its LUCAS, short for Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System.

The US has put the production cost of a LUCAS at $35,000, which may well be on the higher side because of certain advanced features in the LUCAS as compared to the Shahed-136, like an integrated Starlink terminal and the use of composite materials.

The most widely accepted estimate is that the cost of the Shahed-136 lies in the range between $20,000 and $50,000. But even at that cost, it is a fraction of what a single $3 million interceptor missile coststhose used to bring down Shaheds.

But while Iranian media uses a figure in the range of $20,000 to $50,000, the actual cost could be much lower in Iran because a prime criterion in the production of the drone has been keeping costs low, with very little dependence on imported components.

With the Tehran regime under sanctions for a long time, resulting in the development of indigenous materials and components, low labour costs, and economies of scale being prime factors in determining the cost of the Shahed-136, the cost of making one in Iran would be significantly lower. Certain reports from Iran have put the cost of making one in Iran at as low as $4,000, or to put it in a better contextthe cost of making one Shahed-136 in the US could produce five in Iran.
Propaganda and disinformation campaigns are potent weapons that shatter the morale of the enemy. In the Mahabharata, the disinformation campaign that Ashwatthama was killed in battle broke the morale of his father Dronacharya. Especially after the news was certified by Yudhishthira, who was known for his truthfulness.



Many of the elder readers might be remembering the picture of Indian soldiers parachuting into Tangail, Bangladesh, during the 1971 war, which was published in several newspapers. That picture is an excellent example of propaganda being used as a weapon.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India



The Pakistani army, anticipating an Indian advance towards Dacca (now Dhaka), had blocked all the highways with tanks and artillery. This forced Indias eastern army commander, Lieutenant-General J.S. Aurora, to order the field commanders to advance through smaller roads and fields, leaving the highways. Leave the highways; take the byways, he told them.



However, Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, the head of the division advancing towards Tangail, learned that the enemy was blocking even the narrow paths there. He didnt want to engage the enemy there and force a breakthrough, since that would delay his advance towards Dacca. At his request, 540 soldiers were airlifted and parachuted behind Tangail, and let it be known to the Indian and world media that a brigade of about 5000 Indian troops had landed. (If the enemy had known there were only 540 soldiers, they would have fought and defeated them.)

ALSO READ: How Napoleon lured an army to frozen death

The news spread worldwide through news agencies. The next morning, the news about a brigade having landed behind Tangail and pictures of soldiers parachuting appeared not only in Indian newspapers but also in newspapers in Washington and London!



What had actually happened was a clever attempt at deception. The defence public relations office in Delhi didnt receive any picture of troops landing behind Tangail till late in the evening. So, with the permission of the head of operations in Delhi, Public Relations Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Rammohan Rao played a trick. He gave the media a picture of a paradrop exercise that had taken place in Agra a few months earlier. He also provided a caption stating that a whole brigade had landed in Tangail.



Rao knew that the Pakistani leadership might not trust Indian newspapers. So he made it sure that Western newspapers and agencies also received copies of his picture along with the caption. The next morning, even British and American newspapers carried the picture with Raos caption about a brigade having landed behind Tangail. Unwittingly, they had become India's Yudhishthiras.



The Pakistani leadership was shocked. They realised they could no longer resist. They withdrew from Tangail without even attempting to fight. Taking advantage of this, Sagat Singh's army advanced from Tangail to Dacca. Within two days, the enemy surrendered.
The critically acclaimed Telugu romantic drama "Couple Friendly", which was released in theatres on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), is finally available for streaming on Prime Video, a month after its big-screen release, in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.

Directed by Ashwin Chandrasekar (in his debut), the film, which revolves around a couple in a live-in relationship, is headlined by Santosh Sobhan and Manasa Varanasi.

Santosh Sobhan is known for "Golconda High School", "Ek Mini Katha" and "Manchi Rojulochaie". Manasa Varanasi made her acting debut in "Devaki Nandana Vasudeva".

Backed by VR Global Media and UV Concepts, the film was briefly in the news for its title being the sole reason for getting an 'A' certificate, according to its distributor Dheeraj Mogilineni.

Shot by Dinesh Purushothaman and edited by Ganesh Siva, "Couple Friendly" has music by Aditya Ravindran.

What is 'Couple Friendly' about?

"Couple Friendly" is an emotionally charged tale of a working couple in their 20s, living together in Chennai. Santosh Sobhan plays a Siva, a young man hailing from Nellore, pursuing a career in interior design. Manasa Varanasi plays Mithra, an independent working woman with big dreams. When their paths cross, an intense bond is formed. However, their journey isn't easy as the two are tested by various trials and tribulations that threaten to derail their relationship.
The Malayalam film industry is said to be the latest affected by the supply crisis of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which has already impacted hotels and restaurants across the country.

This comes as the petroleum ministry on Thursday announced new measures to curb panic buying and meet fuel demands as the Hormuz Strait remains closed, and the war between Iran and US-Israel forces continues to shake global energy flows.

Specifically, the LPG crisis is feared to have an impact on food supply to Mollywood's film production sets throughout the state.

We have stock for two days more. But the situation will turn difficult if the situation persists, said B. Rakesh, president of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA).

The KFPA has estimated that the production of nearly 18 films may be affected if cooking gas cylinders are not made available soon, as per a Hindu report.

The KFPA has also estimated that film producers in Kerala may also be looking at losses of around Rs 5 crore if the LPG crisis persists, as it would force them to cancel production.

It is not easy to re-organise the entire crew and other logistics, once we have to break the shooting process midway, Rakesh added.

Notably, food has to be served for around 100-250 members on the sets of a film, depending on the scale of its production. A typical film shoot also takes 45-60 days with three meals served per day, which means a substantial amount of cooking gas is now under pressure.

In that regard, the report also cites production controller Dixon Poduthas, who claims that firewood is now being used as a temporary replacement for cooking gas.

"They are managing the gaps with firewood. Many of them already have the facilities to make the food using wood-based stoves, he noted.

However, according to an earlier OnManorama report, the surge in wood prices is likely to translate into higher spending on food.

"If that is the only option left, we will have to resort to it, production controller Sidhu Panakkal said.
WASHINGTON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States will not allow shipping in the Strait of Hormuz "to be contested" by Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday.

There is no clear evidence that Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he said at a news briefing.

He said the United States is planning for Iran's various measures and "that's not a strait we're gonna allow to remain contested."

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that connects the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers.

Hegseth also told reporters that strikes carried out by the United States and Israel have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities.

"Between our Air Force and that of the Israelis, over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck," he said.

Iran's missile volume is down 90 percent and that of their one-way attack drones was down 95 percent as of Thursday, Hegseth further said.

Hegseth threatened that "today will be yet again, the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran."

Hegseth also told reporters that the U.S. Central Command has designated an investigating officer to complete a command investigation into a strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 160 people, mostly pupils.

The Feb. 28 strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab occurred during U.S. operations targeting a nearby Iranian military base. According to reports, a preliminary finding from an ongoing military investigation indicates that the school was struck by a U.S. Tomahawk missile. 
Kannur is the lifeblood of my heart. The Congress in Kannur has always been my identity. From stones, knives, sickles and bombs, I have stood in the front and fought to protect my brothersjust like a mother hen shelters her chicks under her wings. I can never stand by and watch Communist executioners harass them, veteran Congress leader and former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran wrote in a cryptic message as the Congress leadership enters a crucial stage of discussions to finalise candidates for the assembly polls this year.

Though framed as an emotional expression of his political will and love for Kannur and his cadres, the Kannur MPs message appears to be an attempt to pressure the leadership for an assembly seat. Recently, he publicly announced that he would contest the election from Kannur, triggering a major controversy as the Congress has yet to arrive at a consensus on whether MPs should contest the assembly elections.

Sudhakaran returned to Kerala from Delhi even as the party leadership is meeting in Delhi to finalise the candidates. The High Command is expected to meet him on Monday to pacify him. With the elections approaching, the aspirations of several MPsincluding Sudhakaranto enter the assembly fray are creating fresh complications for the party.

The leadership fears that if one MP is allowed to contest, others are also likely to intensify their claims. There are indications that three MPs, apart from Sudhakaran, are pushing strongly for a return to state politics ahead of the polls in anticipation of the UDF coming to power. The state leadership, however, believes such a move could adversely affect the partys prospects in the assembly elections. Moreover, it could trigger multiple by-elections to the Lok Sabha, which may appear unnecessary in the eyes of the public. There are also concerns that voters may be reluctant to accept leaders repeatedly alternating between assembly and Lok Sabha contests.

As the situation escalated with leaders beginning to make public statements, KPCC president Sunny Joseph intervened, stating that if leaders or party units have opinions to express, they should convey them directly to the leadership. Public statements or meetings for that purpose would not be permitted under any circumstances, he warned. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan issued a similar warning in an even stronger language.

Meanwhile, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal once again clarified yesterday that he will not contest the assembly elections. The claim that I will contest is mere speculation. I have clarified my position several times. Some television channels said that I would contest, and based on that another channel reported that I had asked other MPs to contest. At least ask me before giving such news, Venugopal told the media.

There are also reports that some senior leaders in the state leadership have taken a strong stand against allowing MPs to contest the assembly electionseven hinting that they may withdraw from the electoral fray if such a decision is taken. The Congress is expected to arrive at a decision on most seats by March 16.
A woman in her nineties was allegedly raped by four unidentified men in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district, prompting the authorities to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to lead the probe, police said on Saturday.

The woman is being treated at the district hospital for the injuries sustained during the sexual assault. She is reportedly out of danger.

The senior citizen was alone inside her hut on Thursday night when the incident took place. She was residing in an agricultural field in her village, about 55 km from the district headquarters, news agency PTI reported. The perpetrators used masks to remain unidentified.

The incident came to light when the survivor informed her daughter, who lives in another village, about the incident the next morning. It was then that she was reportedly taken to the district hospital.

After receiving a complaint, police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 70, which concerns gang rape, Rai said.

An SIT, headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police, has been formed, and three teams have been deployed to track down those behind the alleged crime. Police have also announced a reward of 10,000 for information leading to their arrest, he added.

In another incident, a case was registered against a man in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh after his 19-year-old daughter accused him of rape. The woman in her complaint alleged that her father sexually assaulted her in a secluded forest area under the Chopan police station limits.

According to the complaint, the accused, a grain trader, had taken his daughter out on the pretext of getting her medicines.
The Kerala government will inform the Supreme Court that traditional customs at Sabarimala should be protected in the womens entry issue.

The stand of the CPM and the LDF is that no decision should be taken that would antagonise Sabarimala traditionalists during the election period. Recently, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) also took a decision to inform the Supreme Court that it supported the protection of the Sabarimala temple's traditions.

The governments decision comes amid concerns that the Sabarimala controversy could prove detrimental to the LDF in the elections, and that the Congress and the BJP may attempt to use the womens entry issue as a political weapon.

The Supreme Court has directed the state government and other parties to clarify their stand on the issue by March 14, with detailed hearings to begin on April 7.

The direction came while the apex court was considering several petitions related to religion and womens rights, including the Sabarimala issue. The petitions are being heard by a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The Supreme Court delivered its verdict allowing womens entry into the temple on September 28, 2018, after 12 years of legal proceedings. The case began in August 2006, when the court issued a notice on a petition filed by women lawyers from the Indian Young Lawyers Association, seeking a directive to end the ban on womens entry to Sabarimala.

In 2007, the TDB submitted an affidavit stating that Ayyappa devotees constituted a distinct religious denomination and therefore had the right to regulate entry. However, in February 2008, the V.S. Achuthanandan government had stated in its affidavit that women should be allowed entry, regardless of age.

The case continued in court for several years after it was referred to a three-judge bench. In January 2016, a bench headed by the Chief Justice orally observed that it was for women themselves to decide whether they wished to visit the temple. The Oommen Chandy government later submitted an affidavit opposing womens entry and seeking protection of temple customs. The Devaswom Board appointed by the UDF government also requested that the petitions be referred to a Constitution bench.

When the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power in 2016, it did not submit a fresh affidavit, but informed the court that it rejected the affidavit filed during the UDF government and would instead stand by the position taken in the affidavit submitted by the V.S. government.

These developments eventually led to the Constitution Bench verdict in September 2018 allowing womens entry into Sabarimala.

In the context of the government deciding to revise the affidavit that supported womens entry into Sabarimala, the CPMwhich had claimed to be progressiveshould apologise to the public and to the opposition, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan said.

When we said that temple customs should not be altered, and that doing so could create a dangerous situation, the CPM labelled us as reactionaries. Now they have taken this decision out of fear that it would hurt them in the elections, he said.

The governments change of position amounts to an admission that it had repeatedly made mistakes, Satheesan added.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the government should apologise to the faithful if it now believes it erred on the Sabarimala womens entry issue.

I had predicted four weeks ago that the government would take a U-turn on the matter. That prediction has now come true, he said.
The union and state governments of India have reassured the public that there is no shortage of LPG commercial cylinders, even as restaurants and food stalls are warning they could be shut down in the country.

The governments in Haryana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh all made statements over the past two days, clarifying that their supply of petroleum products has been completely normal. The ministers of the states asked people to avoid believing in rumours and stop panic buying.

#WATCH Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh | On reports of LPG shortage, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh says, "Currently, there is absolutely no crisis of any kind in Moradabad. People are panicking after hearing news from outside sources, and rumours are being pic.twitter.com/Bsq7gUfxPU  ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at those trying to create panic on the LPG situation in India, and said they are "not only exposing themselves before the people but also hurting the country."

The Delhi government also assured people that the supply of liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, and piped natural gas in the city was normal, and urged them to refrain from panic buying or hoarding.

Despite reassurances, however, restaurants and stalls have been shutting down and warning of closures across multiple cities in the country. There is also a surge in reports of thefts, arrests for hoarding, and electric stoves being sold out.

In Tamil Nadu, two persons were arrested and detained under suspicion of hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing, marking the first time such stringent action has been taken in Tamil Nadu for cylinder hoarding, police said on Friday.

Another 189 cylinders, including 63 domestic and 126 commercial units, were recovered in a subsequent raid at the house of Madan Kumar, 27, in Anandam Nagar, officials said.

A M Vikkrama Raja, President of the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaipu, told PTI: "The Union government must take action on a war footing to ensure that traders are not affected as they were during the Covid-19 period. Due to the cylinder shortage, items like 'dosa', 'poori', and 'parotta' are becoming unavailable in hotels. While we are doing our best to feed the people, some agencies are hoarding cylinders and selling them for as high as Rs 4,000. Authorities must conduct inspections and take strict action against such elements."

Authorities have impounded 38 domestic LPG cylinders during raids conducted over the last two days in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district in the Bundelkhand region bordering Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Thursday. The raids were conducted after the district administration asked officials to take strict action against black marketing, illegal storage and misuse of domestic LPG cylinders.

In Bengaluru, the crisis has led to a surge in cylinder thefts. Authorities had to urge residents to keep their cylinders safe as the supply shortage led to people's LPG cylinders being stolen. In one incident in Kalyan Nagar, a cylinder was stolen overnight by a thief on a bike in a sack. The CCTV footage of the incident has now gone viral.

In Maharashtra, the government had to order police protection for vehicles transporting cylinders to ensure an uninterrupted supply to citizens.

In Telengana, a surge in panic buying has led to strains in the supply system. Telengana LPG Distributors Association president Kalluri Jagran Mohan redy said that there was "no problem with respect to domestic cylinders. There is a regular supply also." He said the delay in the supply was caused by a 50 per cent increase in business.

In Kerala, restaurants have switched to using firewood stoves to meet demand. Samridhi@Kochi, a community kitchen, have turned to using firewood to keep the business running. The restaurant chain also had to cut its menu in half, providing only essentials. About 40 per cent of the state's restaurants have been shut down in the state on Friday as they are unable to switch to alternatives, G Jayapal, president of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA), told PTI.

LPG suppliers in Kerala were reportedly charging double the price for cylinders. The price of firewood has also increased in the last two days, Times of India reported.

Hotels and restaurants in Ajmer, Rajasthan, have also reportedly been forced to revert to traditional fuels.

In Kandavali East in Mumbai, residents say that they are facing delays in deliveries of LPG cylinders despite having booked them days ago.

Opposition MPs have now come out to say that the ground realities have been very different from what the centre has been claiming,

MP Sanjay Raut accused the centre of misleading the public over the availability of LPG and accused the Union government of lying.

They should see the reality in Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and UP, where people are lined up in queues to buy LPG, he said.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said on Friday that the PM was being given wrong information regarding the availability of cooking gas. "They should see the reality on the ground, people are standing in long queues," he said.

Congress meanwhile staged a protest outside its headquarters in Delhi on Friday demanding the resignation of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

G Ram Reddy, president-elect of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), told Hindustan Times Real Estate, At the moment, many businesses are still managing, but if the situation continues for a prolonged period, the pressure will increase. I do not immediately see a change in commercial rentals in such a scenario, but the crisis will certainly affect business activity. If restaurants and other establishments are forced to temporarily shut down, it creates employment challenges. The moment sales decline, and the situation drags on, some shops may even have to close down temporarily,
Two Indian expatriates working in Oman were killed in a drone strike by Iran, according to reports. Their identities have not been revealed.

The Ministry of External Affairs revealed that 11 other people were also injured in the attack. Ten of them are Indians and five are being treated at a local hospital, said Joint Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan. The remaining five have been discharged.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

"Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance," said Mahajan.

According to Oman News Agency, the drone crashed in the Al-Awahi Industrial Area in Sohar governorate. Another drone targeting Sohar crashed in an open area and no casualties were reported.

This comes two days after Iranian drones hit oil storage facilites in Oman. Civil defence teams reportedly contained the fire and the state television reported that the oil supplies in the country are not affected.

The Duqm Commercial Port in Oman was also targeted twice on March 1 and 3. During the March 1 strike one expat was injured.

Another Indian was killed on March 1 after a projectile hit the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD VYOM off the coast of Muscat.

On Friday, an Iranian drone also strucka building in Dubai's International Financial Centre.
After repeated plumbing issues, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, has now reported a fire incident. The US Navy confirmed the incident but ruled out the blaze being caused in combat with Iran or its proxy groups.

Two US Navy sailors suffered burn injuries after the fire broke out on Thursday. The flames were detected and doused in the laundry section of the aircraft carrier. Neither sailor was seriously injured in the incident, US media reports quoted the Navy as saying.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

READ HERE | USS Gerald R Ford en route! Can Iran's torpedoes sink Ford-class carrier? 5 FACTS

There is no damage to the ships propulsion plant, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational, the Navy statement said.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, also known as the CVN-78, is currently operating in the Red Sea as part of US operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The ship and its crew are on high-intensity extended deployment, and the plumbing issue that it experienced earlier was man-made, reports had hinted. Frustrated sailors were purposefully blocking pipes as they were unhappy about having to remain at sea due to the conflict in the Middle East. As things stand, the fire being a similar act of indiscipline and rebellion, can;t be ruled out.

Over the course of the war, social media platforms have been scattered with AI-generated videos showing alleged attacks on US naval assets. Several old, unrelated videos have also been shared as part of this misinformation campaign.

The USS Gerald R. Ford was delivered to the US Navy in May 2017 and commissioned a month later. It is the lead ship of the US Navy's Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, designed to succeed the older Nimitz-class. It can carry up to approximately 90 aircraft, including fighters, electronic attack jets, early warning aircraft, and helicopters, giving it massive airpower projection.

The Ford has a crew of about 4,500 personnel and roughly 75 aircraft, including Boeing F/A-18s and helicopters.
An ageing American military aerial-refuelling aircraft crashed in friendly airspace in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.

According to CENTCOM, another aircraft was also involved in the incident.

This is the fourth publicly acknowledged US aircraft to crash during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Earlier, three F15E Strike Eagle fighters were lost in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait, when Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly engaged the US jets.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

According to media reports, the aircraft that crashed had as many as six service members on board.

The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. "Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely," a statement from CENTCOM said, adding, "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."

More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience as we gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of the service members, the statement further said.

The aircraft involved is a KC-135 Stratotanker, which is an aging platform with most airframes dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, meaning that the aircraft is at least 60 years old.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the other aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135, reports news agency Reuters.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. The group said in a statement that it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft "in defense of our country's sovereignty and airspace".

Ever since the war on Iran began, seven American troops have lost their lives in combat.
US President Donald Trump derided Iran's leaders as "deranged scumbags" and said it was his "great honour" to kill them, as the war in the Middle East approached the two-week mark on Friday with heavy exchanges of drone and missile strikes across the region. The conflict, which began with joint IsraeliUS strikes on Iran at the end of February, has killed more than 2,000 people, disrupted the lives of millions of others, and shaken energy and financial markets across the globe.

ALSO READ | Amid widening conflict, UN Security Council orders Iran to stop attacks on Gulf states immediately

In a post on social media late on Friday, Trump said the US was "totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran". "We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time  watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today," Trump said.

Meanwhile, Iran's drone swarms continue to cause havoc across the region. Here are five latest incidents involving Iranian drones as the Middle East remains tense, with the Islamic Republic refusing to bow down before IsraeliUS military might:

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

1. Two foreign nationals were killed in Oman's Al-Awahi Industrial Area in an incident involving drones amidst the regional war. Many others were injured in the incident, Oman confirmed on Friday. While two drones came down in the Sohar province, one hit the Al-Awahi Industrial Area while the other fell in an open area, which is why it failed to cause any damage. Reports said that it was not direct strikes, but falling debris that killed the duo.

ALSO READ | Did Iranian missiles cause a fire on the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier? US Navy clarifies

2. A similar post-interception incident was reported in Dubai, as debris crashed into the facade of a building in Central Dubai. However, there were no reports of injury, and the incident was ruled "minor" by the authorities.

3. A couple of drones fell near a major southern Iraqi oil field, news agency AFP reported. One of the drones reportedly exploded after crashing. The oil field had already paused operations prior to the incident. "Two drones hit communications towers near the Majnoon oil field, without causing casualties or material damage," one official told AFP. It is the first instance of a field being targeted, the report added, citing Iraqi officials.

4. Lebanon's state media reported that a drone struck a residential apartment in Beirut's Burj Hammoud district on the northern outskirts of the Lebanese capital on Friday. It was the first time in this war that Beirut's predominantly Christian northern suburbs have been hit, as Israel appeared to widen its targeting.

ALSO READ | Fourth US aircraft lost in Iran war: Iran-backed militia claims downing of KC-135 tanker

5. Iran launched its own barrage of missiles and drones overnight, undermining earlier US and Israeli claims to have knocked out much of Iran's stock of long-range weapons. An Iranian missile struck a Bedouin Arab town in northern Israel near Nazareth, according to the military, heavily damaging several homes. Israel's ambulance service said 58 people were injured, including one person in moderate condition with shrapnel wounds. The rest sustained minor injuries.
There has been conflicting claims made about the current status of USs aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Friday claimed that it struck the aircraft carrier with missiles and drones, rendering it non-operational and forcing it to retreat.

Washington, however, has denied such claims.

Two officials who spoke to CBS News under anonymity said that US fired at an Iranian vessel that sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The officials said that a US Navy vessel attempted to fire on the Iranian vessel using its 5-inch, 54-calibre Mark-45 gun, a naval canon that is mounted on the deck of navy destroyers.

The officials said that the weapon missed the Iranian ship multiple times.

Then, a helicopter equipped with Hellfire missiles was launched and struck the vessel with two of the missiles.

The US Central Command also posted images of the Abraham Lincoln carrier group saying that the it continues to support the Operation Epic Fury, a project of power from the sea.

The IRGC, meanwhile, had claimed that the carrier was targeted during an operation in the region, according to AA News, which cited Iranian media. The statement did not contain details of the attack.

The television report stated that the US carrier and its strike group were seen fleeing the area at high speed.

The IRGC had also claimed to have struck the Lincoln before. However, the Pentagon dismissed such claims, saying that missiles didn't even come close.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier with the hull designation CVN-72.

It is being accompanied by the destroyers USS Spruance and the USS Michael Murphy in the Arabian sea.

The fleet arrived in the region in Late January as part of a broader US naval presence in the region.
After Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement, vowed to keep up attacks on Gulf Arab countries and use the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the US and Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come out with a thinly veiled warning.

Asserting that the joint USIsrael campaign against Iran is going better than expected and Israel is stronger than ever, Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said there was no life insurance for Irans newly chosen supreme leader.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

The timing of his statement is significant , as this is his first press conference since the war began and comes shortly after the first public address by the new supreme leader. Netanyahu had largely avoided open press conferences during the conflict.

His claim that the coordinated campaign is going better than expected appears aimed at projecting confidence, both to the Israeli public and to international partners backing the operation.

He also suggested that the military campaign against Iran may enter a more intense phase in the coming days.

On a question about whether Israel would target Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu said, I wouldnt take out a life insurance policy on any of the leaders of the terror organisations.

Mojtabas father, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint U.S.Israel strikes on February 28.

Speaking about toppling the regime in Iran, the Israeli prime minister said the US and Israel were acting to create the conditions for the Iranian people so that they can remove the cruel regime of tyranny.

We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, both in the streets and at checkpoints, and we are still active, he said.

Netanyahu, addressing the Iranian people, said, The moment when you can embark on a new path of freedom, that moment is approaching. We stand by you, and we are helping you. But at the end of the day, it depends on you! It is in your hands.

When asked by reporters again if Israel would push for regime change, Netanyahu said, You can lead someone to water, but you cannot make him drink.

We will create optimal conditions to do this, including airstrikes as we did yesterday, as we are doing these days, to try to give them the space needed to take to the streets, signalling that the campaign would not include introducing boots on the ground to force the ouster of the current regime.

In any case, the Israeli premier said that the war has ensured that it is no longer the same Iran, it is no longer the same Middle East, and it is also not the same Israel.

We do not wait. We initiate, we attack, and we do so with a force that is unprecedented, he said, adding that Israel has many surprises up its sleeve for the current campaign.

Netanyahu also lauded his relationship with US President Donald Trump.
I was nervous about my portfolio last week. You were probably a little bit uneasy, too. The best advice when the market is tumultuous is to hold through the volatility. A close second is to make the most of the downticks to add to your high-conviction stocks. Selling at a time like this is a lot lower on the list, but that's just what I did last week.

I sold my positions in Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), Target (NYSE: TGT), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) last week. Sometimes you have to sell in order to buy, but why did I choose these three investments? I have my reasons. I'll share them.

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.

1. Verizon

I started buying shares of the wireless carrier giant three summers ago. Telcos were out of favor. Big investments in 5G technology weren't translating into growth. Reports started circulating, calling out carriers for the toxicity of lead-sheathed cable they buried underground ages ago.

The dividend was high, with a strong track record of rising. The stock was cheap, in a market that wasn't. Most of all, it felt as if Verizon was in an all-weather industry. Folks aren't going to give up their smartphones. The merger of two rivals three years earlier strengthened pricing power.

But Verizon's financial performance hasn't been impressive. Revenue hasn't topped 6% in annual growth for 16 consecutive years. It hasn't cracked 3% top-line growth in any of the past four years, and the future isn't looking any better. Analysts see 4% revenue growth this year, but falling short of 2% growth in each of the four following years.

The stock chart is diverging from that reality. Verizon stock is up 25% this year, trouncing the market with a 1% decline. The juicy 7% dividend it was sporting at the start of 2026 is now down to 5.6%. I added to Verizon over the past three years like a security blanket, making it the fourth largest holding in my stock portfolio. It stood out in my portfolio as a financial laggard. Now it stands out for its outperformance.

Verizon is the highest-yielding stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI). It consistently cranks out double-digit net margins. It has 146.7 million wireless retail connections. With so many stocks I own -- and so many I want to own -- suddenly at more attractive valuations following the market pullback, I needed to sell something to buy something.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who succeeded his father as Iran's new Supreme Leader has not made a public appearance even five days after assuming charge. Though there were rumours that he died in US-Israel strikes, the latest reports claim that he is in a coma.

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Friday that Irans new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is "wounded and likely disfigured."

"We know the new so-called (not-so) Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday, a weak one actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement," said Hegseth.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

"Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders  so why only a written statement? I think you know why. Hes scared. Hes injured. Hes on the run, and he lacks legitimacy. Its a mess for them," he added.

Mojtaba is said to have lost a leg and suffered liver rupture during an air strike, according to The Sun. Whether this was the same strike that killed his father has not been officially confirmed.

Where is Mojtaba Khamenei?

The UK tabloid claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei is undergoing treatment at Sina University Hospital in Tehran and is under heavy security protection. An Iranian source cited in the report claimed that Mojtaba is in "very serious" condition.

One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well, the source told The Sun.

The revelation comes as the first statement attributed to Mojtaba was read out on state television by a news anchor on Thursday. He did not appear on camera, further raising speculations about his condition.

Mojtaba's statement said the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz will continue and the strikes on Gulf Arab neighbours would not stop. "We will not forgo revenge for the blood of the martyrs... The tool for closing the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved, and if necessary, other fronts must be opened," the statement said.

Speaking about strikes on GCC countries, Mojtaba said, "We believe in friendship with our neighbours, but we will target the American bases and will inevitably continue."
The Taliban government in Afghanistan have accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes in overnight air attacks in the Kabul.

A Pakistani security official confirmed that Pakistan struck overnight following the growing attacks in the country.

The Taliban government said that at least four civilians were killed in the fighting, which has entered the third week. Women and children were killed in the attacks, they said.

Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X Friday that Pakistans aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport. Mujahid said that Pakistani strikes hit multiple civilian sites and uninhabited locations in Afghanistan, Paktia and Paktika provinces, as well as other areas. Khalid Zadran, Kabul police spokesperson, said that at least four civilians, including women and children, were killed in the city. 15 others were injured.

There was also no immediate comment from Pakistans military or government.

The strikes hit Afghanistans Kandahar, its second-largest city, including its airport.

The fighting between the countries is now in its third week after starting in late February. The conflict escalated on February 26 when Kabul said that it had struck Pakistani posts in response to Pakistani attacks along the border. The confrontation was deemed as an open war with Afghanistan by Islamabad. The attacks occurred just two days before the US and Israel attacked Iran, which has overshadowed the border conflict within the country.

Pakistan has maintained that it does not attack civilian sites.

Islamabad has long accused Afghanistan of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) terrorists.

The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan has said that about 56 civilians, including 24 children, were killed by military operations in the country by Pakistani operations between February 26 and March 5.
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter.

Artificial intelligence as a construction technology offering is red-hot. Solutions that incorporate AI to perform reality capture tasks, create project estimates and track progress on the jobsite have continued to catch venture investors eyes and pull in funding.

More from Yahoo Scout How is AI modernizing construction equipment rental operations? Which construction AI startups raised the most funding recently? How are AI solutions transforming construction safety and compliance? What AI applications are revolutionizing construction project estimation?

Here are six noteworthy construction startups that received high volumes of investor cash to start 2026.

Fyld

$41 million

London-based reality capture software provider Fyld has raised $41 million in a Series B funding round, the firm announced on Feb. 18. The round was led by Energy Impact Partners LP. European growth equity specialist Partech also participated through its growth impact fund.

Fylds software turns short videos, taken by workers on the jobsite, into actionable data, according to the announcement. The software uses AI to identify safety, quality and delivery risks in the footage before they escalate. Customers have used Fylds software to decrease serious worksite injuries and incidents by up to 48%, according to the news release.

Last year, the company added Omaha, Nebraska-based Kiewit and Columbia, Missouri-based Emery Sapp & Sons as customers. It also ended 2025 with 82% year-over-year growth, per the firm. Fyld expects to generate more than 40% of its total revenue in the U.S. by the end of 2026.

Sensera Systems

$27 million

Sensera Systems, a Golden, Colorado-based jobsite capture firm, raised $27 million in a Series B funding round, according to a Feb. 26 announcement. The round was led by 10 Atlantic Group, with additional investment by Egis Capital Partners and MUUS Asset Management.

The companys offering, SiteCloud, helps contractors stay ahead of OSHA violations before they turn into injuries, fatalities or citations, according to its website. Users capture images from a jobsite and upload them to SiteCloud, where the offerings AI will interpret the inputs and flag safety concerns emphasized by OSHAs Fatal Four.

Contractors who utilize the software will receive a morning brief detailing safety and weather conditions, summaries of site security events and weekly project progress overviews.

Going forward, the company will use the funding to fuel its growth and innovation in AI-powered jobsite intelligence, per the news release.

XBuild

$19 million

San Francisco-based XBuild, which provides AI-based estimating software, raised $19 million in a Series A funding round, according to a Jan. 20 news release. The round was led by N47, while Rackhouse Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz participated.
The show of support from leading AI chipmaker Nvidia could boost confidence in shares of Nebius

Credit: CFOTO / Future Publishing / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Nebius shares jumped Wednesday after the AI infrastructure company announced a new partnership with Nvidia.

Nvidia said it will invest $2 billion in the company, adding to its earlier investments in Nebius.

Nebius shares are soaring Wednesday on a vote of confidence from AI chip leader Nvidia.

Shares of Nebius Group (NBIS) were up over 16% in recent trading, after the AI infrastructure firm announced a partnership that includes a $2 billion investment from Nvidia (NVDA). Nvidia shares were little changed.

The companies said the deal will build on Nebius' existing partnership with Nvidia to expand cloud capacity to support AI. Together, we are scaling the cloud to meet the surging global demand for intelligence, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a release.



Why This Matters to Investors

The added support from leading AI chipmaker Nvidia could boost confidence in shares of Nebius, which have climbed this year but remain off their October highs.

Nvidia first revealed a stake in Nebius in its quarterly 13-F filing last February. It has held that stake in Nebius steady even as it sold positions in some other tech stocks in recent quarters.

The chipmaker's latest investment in Nebius adds to a string of recent deals. Earlier this month, Nvidia also announced $2 billion investments in Coherent (COHR) and Lumentum (LITE).

With Wednesday's gains, Nebius shares have added close to a third of their value since the start of the year, and nearly quadrupled in the last 12 months.

Read the original article on Investopedia
The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil that is already loaded onto tankers at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a license issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, foreign countries are allowed to purchase Russian oil that was loaded before March 12 and is currently in transit.

This limited short-term measure applies only to oil that is already at sea and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, Bessent stated.

The temporary authorization is set to remain in effect until April 11, unless extended. Officials said the step is intended to maintain stability in global energy markets, keep fuel prices low, and counter regional threats from Iran, without materially increasing revenue for Moscow.

Earlier, amid rising global oil prices caused by ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions to Persian Gulf exports, the United States allowed India to resume purchases of Russian oil, highlighting efforts to stabilize supply in international markets.

As previously reported, U.S. Navy ships may begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz by the end of March.

This is intended to protect vessels from drone and missile strikes from Iran. Increasing oil supplies from the Persian Gulf countries is expected to lower global prices.
French digital health insurer Alan has secured 100m ($115.4m) in new funding, pushing its valuation above 5bn.

The funding round was led by Index Ventures through its growth fund, with additional participation from Belfius, Greenoaks, Kaaf Investments and SH Capital.

Individual backers included Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke and Wealthsimple co-founder and CEO Mike Katchen.

Alan said the capital raise comes after a year in which it recorded growth and reached operational profitability in France, which remains its biggest market.

In 2025, the companys annual recurring revenue reached 785m.

The company is also pushing further into international markets including Canada, where it launched in early 2025.

Alan said it is now licensed across the country and has more than 1,600 members.

The Canadian operation is based in Toronto, with plans to add a presence in Montreal as the local team expands.

Alan co-founder and CEO Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve said: Canada is an important long-term market for Alan. Employers and employees here are looking for a simpler way to access and use their health benefits. We believe there is a real opportunity to bring a more transparent and accessible approach to healthcare in Canada.

Commenting on the Canadian landscape, Alan said the employee health benefits sector has changed little over recent decades, often leaving employers offering plans that can be hard for staff to navigate and use.

Alans offering combines insurance, care and prevention services in a single app, enabling employees to check coverage, file claims and access routine health services.

The platform also includes prevention programmes spanning mental health, physical activity and broader well-being.

In Canada, early customers cited by the company include Rates.ca and Venn, which use the platform for employee benefits.

Alan said it is continuing to recruit in the country and intends to widen the services available, including additional health services and more flexible benefits options for employers.

"Alan raises $115m in funding, valuation surpasses $5.7bn" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




We recently published 9 Best Aluminum and Aluminum Mining Stocks to Invest In. Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) is one of the best aluminum and aluminum mining stocks to invest in.

Aluminum mining company Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) made a key announcement in late February after it announced that it would sell some of its industrial sites to the data center industry. On the 24th, the firm revealed that it was selling ten of its closed sites to data center firms. Such sites are often close to power generation sources, and Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA)s CEO announced that it would complete the first transaction before June-end.

Two days later, on the 26th, Bank of America discussed Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA)s shares. It raised the share price target to $42 from $38 and kept an Underperform rating on the stock. BofA explained that its coverage of the stock was part of broader coverage of the metals and mining industry based on price forecast revision. On January 27th, Morgan Stanley had downgraded Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA)s shares to Equal Weight from Overweight and raised the share price target to $64 from $52. It outlined that the aluminum companys stock had performed well over the past couple of months to balance the risks and rewards.

Alcoa Corporation (AA) Focuses On Deals With Data Center Industry

Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) is one of the largest aluminum mining companies in the world. It has operations in Spain, Norway, Iceland, Canada, and other countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of AA 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: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Goodfire  $1.3 billion: This company is building tools to help researchers inspect and understand how AI models work. Founded in 2013, it last raised a $150 million Series B, according to PitchBook.

Fundamental  $1.4 billion: This AI Lab offering foundational models is designed to analyze large datasets. Founded in 2024, it last raised a $255 million Series A. The bulk of it comes from the firm Oak HC/FT, according to PitchBook.

Bedrock Robotics  $1.8 billon: This AI-powered system lets construction equipment operate without much human control . Founded in 2024 by a former Waymo employee, it last raised a $270 million Series B. It has raised $350 million in funding to date from investors like 8VC and Valor Equity Partners, according to PitchBook.

Lunar Energy  $1 billion: This company makes batteries for homeowners to store their own energy . Founded in 2020, Lunar Energy last raised a $102 million Series D. It has raised more than $230 million in funding to date from investors like B Capital and Prelude Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Midi Health  $1 billion: This telemedicine platform aimed at menopausal health was founded in 2021. It last raised a $100 million Series D. It has raised more than $250 million in funding to date from investors like GV and Emerson Collective, according to PitchBook.

TRM Labs  $1 billion: This platform helps crypto businesses investigate and prevent fraud. It was founded in 2018 and last raised a $70 million Series C. It has raised around $219 million in funding to date from investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and PayPal Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Skyryse  $1.1 billion: This semi-automated flight operating system , founded in 2016, last raised a $300 million Series C. It has raised more than $540 million in funding from investors like Autopilot Ventures, Fidelity, and Venrock, according to PitchBook.

Positron  $1 billion: This AI semiconductor startup was founded in 2023 and announced a $230 million Series B in February. Its now raised more than $300 million in funding to date from investors like Valor Equity Partners and Jump Trading, according to PitchBook.

Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch tracked down the VC-backed startups that became unicorns in 2026. While most are AI-related, a surprising number are focused on other industries like healthcare and even a few crypto companies. This list will be updated throughout the year.

With AI igniting an investor frenzy, more startups are achieving unicorn status every month.

Story Continues

Iterative Health  $1.4 billion: This medical research company, focused on the digestive system, was founded in 2017 and last raised a $75 million Series C. It has raised more than $270 million in funding to date from investors like Insight Partners and Obvious Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Oxide  $1.6 billion: This company builds cloud infrastructure so companies can run their own private cloud inside their own data center. It was founded in 2019 and last raised a $200 million Series C. It has raised more than $360 million in funding to date from the U.S. Innovative Technology Fund and Eclipse, according to PitchBook.

Solace  $1 billion: This healthcare marketplace, founded in 2022, last raised a $130 million Series C. It has raised more than $200 million in funding to date from investors, including Menlo Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Garner  $1.4 billion: This company uses data to help patients find better doctors. Founded in 2019, it last raised a $118 million Series D and has raised $179 million in funding to date from investors like Rounders Fund and Redpoint Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Apptronik  $5.3 billion: This humanoid robotics company, founded in 2016, last raised a $935 million Series A from investors like B Capital Group and Capital Factory. It has raised $935 million in funding to date, according to PitchBook.

Talkiatry  $1.4 billion: This startup is trying to make psychiatric services more accessible to patients and providers. It was founded in 2019 and last raised a $210 million Series D. It has raised almost $430 million in funding to date from investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Left Lane Capital, according to PitchBook.

Erebor Bank  $4 billion: Founded in 2025 by Palmer Luckey, this bank specializes in working with crypto clients. It last raised a $635 million seed round from investors like Lux Capital, according to PitchBook.

Render  $1.5 billion: This cloud app hosting company, tuned for AI and agentic apps, was founded in 2018. It last raised a $100 million Series C1 round and has raised more than $250 million in funding to date from investors like General Catalyst and Bessemer Venture Partners, according to PitchBook. Render won the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield competition in 2019.

ZaiNar  $1 billion: Founded in 2017, this company offers wireless location tracking technology to physical assets like vehicles and drones. It last raised a $100 million Series A and has raised around $118 million in funding to date from investors like SoftBank Investment Advisers and AME Cloud Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Code Metal  $1.3 billion: This AI coding assistant platform, founded in 2023, last raised a $125 million Series B. It has raised more than $170 million in funding to date from investors like Salesforce and J2 Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Flapping Airplanes  $1.5 billion: This AI research lab was founded in 2025 and last raised $180 million in seed funding, valuing it at $1.5 billion. It has funding from investors like Index Ventures and GV, according to PitchBook.

Profound  $1 billion: This SEO platform is designed to help companies show up in AI search answers. Founded in 2024, it last raised a $96 million Series C at a $1 billion valuation. It has raised around $148 million in funding to date from investors, including Sequoia and Lightspeed Venture Partners, according to PitchBook.

Basis  $1.1 billion: Founded in 2023, this accounting automation software last raised a $100 million Series B at a $1.1 billion valuation. It has raised more than $130 million in funding to date from investors such as Khosla Ventures and Accel, according to PitchBook.

January

Aalyria  $1.3 billion: Founded in 2021, this AI-powered orchestration software, spun out of Google, last raised a $100 million Series B, valuing the company at $1.3 billion. Investors in the company include Battery Ventures and J2 Ventures. It has raised $130 million to date, according to PitchBook.

Gecko  $1.8 billion: This AI and robotics company, founded in 2013, last raised a $125 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.8 billion. It has raised more than $300 million in funding to date, from investors including Founders Fund and Cox Enterprises, according to PitchBook.

Arena  $1.7 billion: This AI platform helps business leaders make decisions. It was founded in 2022 and last raised a $150 million Series A, valuing the company at $1.7 billion. The company has raised $250 million in funding to date, from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Felicis, according to PitchBook.

humans&  $4.5 billion: This AI research lab, which focuses on creating AI that collaborates with humans, last raised a $480 million seed round led by SV Angel and Georges Harik, per Crunchbase.

webAI  $2.5 billion: This company lets organizations build their own private enterprise models. It was founded in 2019 and last raised an undisclosed Series A round, per PitchBook.

Tandem  $1 billion: This company helps doctors effectively fill prescriptions. Founded in 2013, it last raised a $100 million Series B from investors including Accel, per PitchBook and Crunchbase.

Higgsfield  $1.3 billion: Launched in 2023, this generative AI video startup, founded by an ex-Snap executive, raised a $180 million Series A, per Crunchbase.

Pomelo Care  $1.7 billion: Founded in 2021, this virtual maternity care company last raised a $92 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.7 billion. It has raised more than $170 million to date from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and First Round Capital, according to PitchBook.

Rain  $1.9 billion: This crypto wallet company, founded in 2021, last raised a $250 million Series C. It has raised $338 million to date from investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners and ICONIQ Capital, according to PitchBook.

Deepgram  $1.3 billion: This voice AI infrastructure company lets software communicate with humans. It was founded in 2015 and last raised a $143 million Series C at a $1.3 billion valuation. It has raised more than $240 million in funding to date from investors like VC and Tiger Global Management, according to PitchBook.

Alpaca  $1.1 billion: Founded in 2013, this API and crypto brokerage platform last raised a $150 million Series D, giving it a $1.1 billion valuation. It has raised more than $340 million in funding to date from investors like Tribe Capital and Drive Capital, according to PitchBook.

Tulip  $1.3 billion: This platform helps factories monitor their operations using data and insights. It last raised a $120 million Series D and has raised more than $270 million in funding to date. Investors include Insight Partners, New Enterprise Associates, and Vertex Ventures US, according to PitchBook.

Preply  $1.2 billion: This language learning platform last raised a $150 million Series D at a $1.2 billion valuation, led by WestCap. The company has raised nearly $300 million to date, with investors including Owl Ventures and Full-In Partners.

Upscale AI  $1 billion: This AI infrastructure company last raised a $200 million Series A, giving it a $1 billion valuation. It was founded in 2025 and has raised $300 million in funding to date from investors like Tiger Global Management and Xora Innovation, according to PitchBook.

GlossGenius  $1.1 billion: This software helps enterprises handle appointments. It was founded in 2015 and last raised a $44 million Series D, giving it a $1.1 billion valuation. It has raised around $115 million in funding to date from investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners and Imaginary Ventures, according to PitchBook.

Recursive Intelligence  $4 billion: This AI-powered chip design startup, founded in 2025, last raised a $300 million Series A, giving it a $4 billion valuation. It has raised around $335 million in funding to date, from investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital, according to PitchBook.

Varda  $1.6 billion: This company mines raw materials from space for product use on Earth. It last raised a $250 million Series D, giving it a $1.6 billion valuation. It has raised more than $570 million in funding to date from investors like Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Lux Capital, according to PitchBook.

PaleBlueDot AI  $1 billion: Founded in 2013, this company helps developers manage GPU computing by using AI agents and automation. It last raised a $150 million Series B, giving it a $1 billion valuation. It has raised $160 million in funding to date from investors like B Capital Group and Sky Arc Capital, according to PitchBook.
March 12 (Reuters) - Amazon.com is planning to move its Prime Day sale event up to late June, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, marking a rare shift in calendar for the critical, decade-old shopping event.

Prime Day is marked by heavy discounts on categories ranging from apparel and electronics, and its summer iteration coincides with the back-to-school shopping season with parents and students waiting to cash in on the deals.

The timing shift would also move Prime Day sales to Amazon's second quarter, which typically ends on June 30. The company declined to comment to Reuters on the report.

Amazon's Prime Day event has taken place in July since its launch in 2015, barring a change for two years during the pandemic.

Last year, the event was extended to four days from the usual two, and drove $24.1 billion in online spending across U.S. retailers, up 30% from a year ago, according to data from Adobe Analytics.

However, Amazon has also had to contend with competing deals events from retailers such as Walmart and Target as these companies invest in their digital order fulfillment and same-day delivery capabilities.

Contribution to U.S. sales from e-commerce almost doubled for Walmart in its most recently reported quarter, and the company said customers using its option for delivery under three hours grew more than 60% for fiscal year 2026.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
By Daniel Leussink

TOKYO, March 13 (Reuters) - Honda's $15.7 billion writedown of its electric vehicle business is not just a painful reversal of its strategy for the U.S.; it also highlights more challenges to come from China, where it faces a widening technological gap.

On Thursday, Japan's second-largest automaker said it would restructure its EV business - primarily in the U.S. - and write down the value of some Chinese operations, a move that could amount to an estimated 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion). It will also report its first annual loss in its nearly 70 years as a listed company, it said.

It said it would cancel three planned battery-powered models in the U.S., where demand for electric cars cratered after President Donald Trump ended related subsidies.

Battery-powered cars accounted for just 2.5% of Honda's 3.4 million global sales last year, or about 84,000 vehicles. The scale of the writedown reflects the automaker's massive investment in research and development and production capacity as it sought to sell greater volumes of EVs, said Christopher Richter, an autos analyst at CLSA.

The automaker should have been quicker to pump the brakes on that investment once Trump returned to power, he said.

"They took too long contemplating this," he said. "They were cancelling these projects virtually on the eve of releasing them."

Honda first unveiled two concept models for its "Honda 0 Series," including the Saloon sedan, at the CES trade show in Las Vegas in January 2024 and it had expected to roll out the series' first vehicles this year, starting in North America.

Those plans have now been scrapped, with the company cancelling the three models that were due to be built in the U.S.: The Saloon, the Honda 0 SUV and the Acura RSX.

As part of the financial hit, the company is expected to experience cash outflows of up to 1.7 trillion yen, largely due to the cost of compensating suppliers.

"We were shocked by the sheer scale" of the writedown, said Seiji Sugiura, a senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory, the research arm of Tokai Tokyo Securities, in a note to clients.

"This decision was taken at an extremely delicate stage, just before mass production, after substantial budgets had already been committed - suggesting that it was a very tough call."

Honda will now pivot to hybrids in the U.S. and will look to strengthen its line-up and cost competitiveness in India, where it believes it can expand, it said.

CHINA PERFORMANCE SIGNALLED DEEPER EV TROUBLES
By Samia Nakhoul

DUBAI, March 13 (Reuters) - Long before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, the Islamic Republic had devised its own weapon: holding the worlds main oil lifeline hostage to offset its foes' military superiority, three regional sources familiar with Iranian planning said.

For decades Iran has signalled that if pushed into a confrontation, it would restrict tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint where its adversaries are most exposed because disruptions there reverberate instantly through global energy markets.

More from Yahoo Scout How has Iran weaponized the Strait of Hormuz? How effective has Iran's oil chokepoint tactic been? What is Iran's asymmetric warfare strategy against US-Israel? What are Iran's military limitations in direct confrontation?

With the Gulfs main export artery in the crosshairs, Tehran has turned the regions greatest economic asset into its most powerful deterrent, the sources said.

About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the vital Strait, and Iran, which lies on its northern coast, has now effectively closed it. Traffic via the strait has dropped by 97% since the war against Iran began on February 28, according to United Nations data.

Iran has used similar tactics before. In the Tanker War of the 198088 IranIraq conflict, attacks on vessels turned the Gulf into one of the worlds most dangerous waterways, forcing Washington to escort tankers through the Strait.

But Iran now wields far more potent tools, including large arsenals of cheap missiles and drones capable of threatening shipping across a far wider area. Its attacks this month have shown how quickly Tehran can disrupt traffic through the strait without heavily mining it.

TRUMP WOULD 'BLINK FIRST' IF GLOBAL ECONOMY IS TAKEN HOSTAGE, SAYS VAEZ

"Iran is outgunned -- there is no way it can defeat them in a direct confrontation, said Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Groups Iran Project Director. Anticipating further U.S.-Israeli strikes after a 12-day war in June last year, Tehran examined how to extend any conflict in time and space.

If Iran takes the global economy hostage, Trump would blink first, added Vaez.

The regional sources, who declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had long prepared for a showdown with Israel and Washington.

The Guards' plan, which seeks to protect Iran's 47-year-old system of rule by fiercely anti-Western Islamic clerics, was activated on February 28, after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict.

The core of the strategy is a recognition of Irans military limits against superior forces, the sources said. Tehrans planners instead seek to pressure oil flows while inflicting asymmetric attacks on U.S. assets stationed across the region.
Funeral details have been announced for a three-year-old boy who died after being struck by a car in an Irish shopping centre car park earlier this week.

Noah Sikora, from Charlestown in Dublin 11, died on Wednesday following the tragic incident at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas.

In a death notice posted on RIP.ie, Noah is described as the "beloved son of Bartek and Martyna", "loving brother to Leo", and the "doting grandson to Wojtek, Dorota and Lucyna".

The notice states he will be "sadly missed by his heartbroken family, uncle and aunties Marcel, Iga, Karolina and Marysia, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours".

A wave of tributes has also been shared online as people sympathised with the young boy's devastated family.

READ MORE | Elderly man (80s) rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by bus

One condolence message reads: "Keeping you all in our prayers. What an unimaginable tragedy. May beautiful Noah rest in eternal peace."

Another person wrote: "I am so truly sorry for your loss, the people of Finglas are heart broken for you,there are no words that can make you feel better at this sad time. I am praying for Noahs family and friends. We stand with you and Noah will forever be in our thoughts and prayers."

A third message said: "I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little boy. I wish you all strength to get through the difficult days ahead. Please know the whole community is thinking of you all."

Meanwhile, a fundraiser set up to help the family with funeral costs has received an outpouring of support.

The GoFundMe campaign, titled "Support for Noah's Family  Funeral Fund", has raised more than 15,000 from over 500 donations, surpassing its 10,000 target.

The fundraiser states: "It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of little Noah.

"The three-year-old boy lost his life in a tragic accident after being struck by a car in a local car park.

"Noah was only three years old. He was a beloved son and a source of endless joy to his family. His sudden loss has left an unimaginable pain and emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him."

READ MORE | Search for missing teen girl stood down following 'concern' as gardai issue update

An update posted by organiser Katarzyna Falinska thanked the public for their support.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone for the incredible support shown to the family during this very difficult time," the message read.

"Thanks to your kindness and generosity, the fundraising goal was reached in just one day  and even exceeded."

"Rest in peace, little angel. You will forever remain in our hearts."

According to the RIP.ie notice, Noah's Funeral Mass will take place on Monday morning, March 16, at 11.30am at Saint Canice's Church in Finglas Village, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium at approximately 1.20pm.
Survivors of mother and baby homes living in the UK will not have social welfare influenced by payments under an Irish redress scheme.

The measure was announced in a communique following Fridays UK-Ireland Summit in Co Cork.

A proposed Philomenas Law, named after survivor and campaigner Philomena Lee, will help thousands of mother and baby homes survivors accept compensation without losing access to their benefits.

It came after survivors living in Britain raised concerns about applying to a compensation scheme operated by the Irish Government.

A joint statement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Friday said: We acknowledge the suffering of those who spent time in mother and baby homes during the 20th century.

In recognition of the lifelong impact of this, today the UK agrees to disregard payments under Irelands Mother and Baby Redress Scheme, ensuring that survivors in both countries are treated the same and can receive the compensation to which they are rightly entitled.

We also welcome Irelands agreement in principle to disregard means for compensation payments from UK schemes.

Mr Martin told reporters: This is very welcome news, and I think the summit is a catalyst to getting that over the line.
Smart thermostats are a convenient way to keep the temperature of your home comfortable, and curb your energy costs. Installing the thermostat doesn't take long, but once connected, you can use your phone to control the temperature, set schedules, and remotely change the heating or cooling as needed.

We've been testing smart thermostats for over a decade, so know that convenience, ease of use, and longevity are the most important factors here. That's why until not that long ago, a Honeywell thermostat from 2012 was still in our guide. Well, until we got the chance to try the Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat.

Honeywell Home's past devices were more like traditional thermostats with smart features, but the X8S puts it toe-to-toe with Google's Nest and Ecobee's platforms, with a smart home display and the ability to control multiple devices from one small wall-mounted unit.

But that not to sideline Ecobee and Nest; these are the two most recognizeable names in the smart thermostat market and Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential are fantastic options if you prefer Google's ecosystem or are after a more budget-friendly device.

The best smart thermostats you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

The best smart thermostat overall

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat is actually more like a smart home display that can also set the temperature in your home. The company has actually been making smart thermostats for longer than better known names like Nest and Ecobee, but these didn't quite look the part, so the others got more recognition.

But the X8S changes all of that, as the practical color display isn't just there so you can adjust temperatures. It looks quite a lot like the Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show 5, which isn't a bad thing. And apart from tweaking settings, you can also view your smart doorbell's feed (so long as it's a Ring doorbell or First Alert device).

Our experience with this integration was a bit mixed; the video feed worked really well, but audio performance was patchy. But, it's not really the main point of your smart thermostat, so I think of it more like a perk of this reasonably-priced thermostat, rather than why you'd buy it in the first place.

The installation wasn't quick (it's quite fussy, and if you've not done a thermostat installation before, you might want to look for a professional to help), but once it's in place, it's one of the most straightforward (in a good sense) smart thermostats. The screensaver which shows current temperatures in text is also really useful.

But one of the highlights is the room-based controls. You need additional remote sensors to do this, but once those are set up, you can tell the thermostat to prioritize temperatures in different rooms. While we were testing, we used it to pump up the heat in the bedroom, which is often colder than the rest of the house.

And you automate routines around which room you want to use. As our reviewer noted: "I could set the X8S to use my bedroom's temperature as the priority around 9:30 p.m. to heat it up prior to me going to bed, then have it switch back to the thermostat as priority around 10 p.m."

Read our full Honeywell Home X8S Smart Thermostat review

Best budget smart thermostat

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

While the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great alternative to the Honeywell Home X8S, it's the Smart Thermostat Essential that I think is the more interesting option. It strips the device back to its, erm, essentials and focuses on keeping the initial outlay down and controlling temperatures.

The device also supports Ecobee's remote sensors, so you can prioritize or adjust temperatures in different areas of your home. It works well, but you need to buy them separately. Even adding just one brings the cost almost to the price of the Smart Thermostat Premium (which has a sensor included).

But if you're after a smart thermostat that you can set and forget (to a degree) this is the best option without breaking the bank. The most useful function here is the integration with Google, Apple and Amazon's smart assistants. So you can adjust or check the temperature with quick voice commands and automations.

The device itself doesn't scream premium, but it's not going to look wildly out of place in most homes. But for the most part, you won't actually need to interact with it, especially if you make good use of the scheduling feature in the app, which allows you to set daily, weekly, and nighttime schedules to keep your home comfortable.

Read our full Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential review

Best Nest thermostat

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

For the fourth generation of the Nest Learning Thermostat, Google gave it an AI upgrade and a makeover that means that it looks a lot like a larger version of the company's Pixel Watch 4. The design is much sleeker this time around, but if you're upgrading from a previous model, it's the new software that'll matter most.

But before you even get to any of that, there's one other hugely important change; you don't need a C-wire to power the device, which should mean it's easier to install in a wider number of homes (and you don't need to buy an adaptor kit) and puts an end to taking it off the wall to recharge when the battery runs out.

And that change makes the new motion-activated Dynamic Farsight feature, which is a bit like an overview of temperature, time and weather, a lot more useful, as it's always there at a glance as you walk by, if you want it. Plus, the thermostat's learning capabilities are AI-powered now, so can learning more about your habits.

This now falls under a new Smart Schedule feature in the Google Home app, where scheduling suggestions will line up for you to approve or reject. These micro-changes may not seem like a lot, but right now (as of March 2026) energy prices may rise, so any way to keep costs down seems like the right move.

The thermostat also now considers the outdoor weather when making these changes too. So on a sunny and warm day, it may drop the heating inside to allow the house to warm naturally in the sun. The Nest Learning Thermostat is also the only one on this list which comes with a room sensor included.

You can buy additional ones, but if you have a spot in the house where the temperature varies a lot, you can add the sensor and get the Nest thermostat to manage that area separately.

One of the biggest improvement comes from Google's support for other smart home platforms, like Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Apple Home, and for the first time on a Learning model, Matter. So if you have other smart home devices or prefer to manage them outside of Google's ecosystem, you can do that.

Is the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) a long-term investment?

My only reservation with recommending anything made by Google is that the company has a propensity for discontinuing products and services. The Google Graveyard lists almost 300 products that Google ended, and while there's no suggestion that it'll do the same to Nest, the inclusion of AI features worries me.

Those are very 'of the moment' and there's no telling what'll actually happen to the tech over the next decade. If you buy it based on those functions and then Google ends them (as it did to features on several Fitbit watches after buying that company) you don't have a choice but to get a new device.

This is a thought experiment (for now) but it's hard to be fully behind Nest, especially when Honeywell released the Honeywell RTH8580WF back in 2012, and still supports it 14 years later, even though it was discontinued several years ago. That hypothetical aside, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is easily the best in Google's ecosystem.

Read our full Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) review

Also tested

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: at Amazon The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great option, and includes an air quality monitor and smart smoke alarm detection, and you can view a live feed from your Ecobee video doorbell on its display. It's not dramatically different to the Honeywell Home and Nest options above, but Ecobee does have a strength; the more budget-friendly Smart Thermostat Essential, at a price-point many others don't match. Read our full Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium review

Nest Thermostat: at Amazon The Nest Thermostat is about the same price as the Ecobee Essential, but doesn't support remote sensors and doesn't look as good. It's a fine option for a Google-powered thermostat, but you get more for your money with Ecobee's budget option. Read our full Nest Thermostat review

How we test smart thermostats

The best way to test a smart thermostat is to use it first-hand in your home, and thats exactly what we do. We assess how easy it is to install and set up, which is important considering most smart thermostats are designed to be installed by the homeowners themselves.

During the trial period, we put each smart thermostat through a set number of tests to see how it handles different situations. We consider how well it responds to changes in temperature and whether we can easily create a schedule. If it comes with an app, thats also assessed for navigation and effectiveness.

The same goes for connectivity to smart home hubs or devices; if it works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Gemini, or HomeKit, we check its performance there too. Any additional features are trialed as well so we can get a full picture of the product.

How to choose the best smart thermostat for you

Before you pick up one of the best thermostats, there are a few factors to consider to make sure that the model you choose is the right one for your home.

If you have a large house, or areas where the temperature is quite different to other rooms, then you'll want to go for a model that supports additional sensors. You can place these at specific points and have the thermometer adjust the temperature separately in those places.

All of the models in our guide can do this, but only the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) comes with a sensor. For the Ecobee and Honeywell Home models, you'll need to buy any you want to use. And with the Nest device, it only has one, so if you have multiple areas to control, you'll also need to invest in more.

You should also look into other features of interest, such as geofencing, where you can set the ideal temperature for when you're out of the house and for when you return. Its also worth checking if the smart thermostat is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant/Gemini, and Siri.

While most smart thermostats will work with Alexa or Google Assistant, fewer will work with HomeKit. However, the newer Matter smart home standard will make it easier for smart home devices to connect and talk to one another, which should, in theory, open up HomeKit to a greater number of gadgets.

FAQs

How to install a smart thermostat For the most part, installing a thermostat, smart or not, is a fairly easy process, usually involving nothing more than a screwdriver and about half an hour of your time. Many smart thermostats require a C-wire, which provides a steady stream of power to the thermostat. If you're living in a house with a central AC system, chances are you will have a C-wire. If you don't, you'll have to install a C-wire adapter kit, which will either be included, or will be available for purchase, by the same company that makes your smart thermostat. Be sure to read our guide on why you need a C-wire and what do you if you don't have one.

Are smart thermostats worth it? In the long run, yes. On average, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a smart thermostat will save you 8%, or around $50 per year on your heating and cooling costs. So, if you were to purchase a smart thermostat that cost $250, it would pay for itself in five years. You should also look into other ways to winterize your home, as a well-insulated house will also help you save on your bills.

What temperature should I set my thermostat? The answer may surprise you, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Star program, you should keep your home at 78 degrees while at home, 82 degrees when asleep, and 85 degrees when away. Even if you set your temperature lower, you're unlikely to feel that much of a difference, and you'll be using a lot more energy.

Do I need an electrician to install a smart thermostat? In most cases, you can install a smart thermostat yourself, and should only take about a half hour of your time. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to turn off the power to the thermostat before starting, to avoid hurting yourself or damaging either the thermostat or your HVAC system. And, if you're unsure of anything, it's best to consult a professional.

What's the difference between a programmable thermostat and a smart thermostat? A programmable thermostat lets you create a schedule that will increase or decrease the temperature in your home at set times. A smart thermostat will also let you create a schedule, but it will also let you control it remotely from your phone. Some smart thermostats can also sense your presence in your home  or even a particular room  and then adjust the temperature accordingly. And they can also connect with other smart home devices to work in concert with each other.

Do smart thermostats work if the power goes out? Unless your smart thermostat has a battery backup, it will stop working if your power goes out. However, it stores all the pertinent information  such as your heating and cooling preferences and your Wi-Fi  so that you don't have to reset everything when your power comes back on.
In a scathing column that's garnering traction online . . . Longtime Kansas City conservative scribe Jack Cashill suggests that despite a recent change in leadership . . . The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office doesn't adhere to equal justice in high profile cases . . . Here's his contention that has many of our right-wing local friends crying foul:

Prosecutor Johnson used the occasion of Millers impending release to blast the State of Missouris stand-your-ground laws. Without proof that Mr. Miller was the initial aggressor, said Johnson, Missouri law does not allow us to continue with a murder charge.



Unspoken in all the reporting is the role that race plays in determining judicial outcomes in urban areas, especially in Jackson County. In 2022, for instance, prosecutors chose not to charge a woman who fatally shot an off-duty Kansas City firemen in the back with a machine gun. Yes, you read that right.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
EPIC setback today for so many Democratic Party supporters hoping to keep congressional lines the same.

To be fair . . . As we've noted . . . Middle Missouri fears being dumped in with KC proper.

Ahead: There is also a petition fight that has much more support but might not come in time for upcoming elections.

Today . . . Here's the decision:

Judge Adam Caine upheld the redrawn maps, ruling they did not violate the Missouri constitution. The judge said, based on the 2025 plans Reock and Polsby-Popper scores, there was no departure from the principle of compactness.



Plaintiffs failed to meet the heavy burden required under Missouri law, Judge Caine wrote in his decision. Plaintiffs failed to prove clearly and undoubtedly that the 2025 Plan was not as compact as may be.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Jackson County judge upholds redrawn congressional maps in Missouri A Jackson County judge ruled that Missouri's congressional district maps, which were redrawn in 2025, are constitutional.
Years ago . . . This crew even took their gang fight into TKC comments . . . Now here's the aftermath report and perspective on American violence that defies most demographic distinctions . . . Check-it:

"A former member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club has admitted to taking part in a series of violent attacks targeting rival motorcycle club members in Kansas and Missouri."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
As global events continue to impact the home front . . . This report offers perspective on how locals endure hateration beyond mere trolls.

Check the testimony that might contradict so much online antipathy . . .

"Neta Meltzer, executive director of the Kansas City Area Jewish Community Relations Bureau and American Jewish Committee,said the attack was both disturbing and painfully not unexpected . . .



"The Kansas City Jewish community has lived with the reality of antisemitic violence for nearly 12 years.



"In 2014, a gunman shot and killed 69-year-old William Corporon and his 14-year-old grandson Reat Underwood, at the Jewish Community Center. He shot and killed a third victim, 53-year-old Terra LeManno at Village Shalom, a nearby retirement community."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
A less than stellar scheme to funnel more of the budget to activists and political operatives amid a debate when mayor & council are once again targeting police funds . . . Check-it:

The department, according to a news release from the city, will create a "coordinated, prevention-focused approach designed to strengthen public safety, improve accountability, and support long-term positive outcomes for residents."



Diana Knapp, who is running the city's corrections and rehabilitation efforts, will lead the new department.



"Kansas City has made real progress on public safety, but our efforts have too often operated in silos, Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement from the city. The Department of Community Safety brings together violence prevention, reentry services, and community accountability into one unified structure to support safer neighborhoods for all of Kansas City."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
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Bitcoin (BTC) mining is becoming one of the toughest businesses in crypto in 2026.

What was once seen as a highly profitable way to earn has increasingly turned into a constant stress test for operators across the industry.

A combination of forces is squeezing miners from multiple directions. Bitcoin halving events are forcing companies to operate with thinner margins. At the same time, there are questions about the long-term sustainability of mining business models.

Then there is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence infrastructure and hyperscale data centers.

But miners now have another challenge to the list: geopolitics.

Global conflicts and political decisions are increasingly shaping financial markets, and Bitcoin is no longer immune to the ripple effects.

For miners, that creates a new layer of uncertainty.

A sudden escalation in conflict, sanctions, or disruptions to global trade can rapidly move Bitcoin price up or down. Because mining profitability is tightly linked to Bitcoins price, those shocks can directly affect revenue.

Related: What is Bitcoin mining? Explained

Geopolitics is the new stress test for miners

New analysis from Luxor Technologys Hashrate Index suggests the ripple effects of the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, could put pressure on miners. This is primarily through Bitcoins price volatility rather than rising power costs.

The research examined how coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian targets could impact global markets.

Following the disruption, WTI crude surged from roughly $65 per barrel to above $100 before easing to about $90. Roughly 20% of the worlds oil supply typically flows through the Strait of Hormuz, making the waterway one of the most important chokepoints in global energy markets.

At press time, a barrel of WTI crude oil stood at $95 after a 5% rally in the past week.

The spike in crude prices also drove trading activity in decentralized derivatives markets. Platforms such as Hyperliquid are seeing increased use as traders want to speculate on oil price movements outside traditional trading hours.

More on Geopolitics and Crypto:

Most mining runs on power largely disconnected from oil

According to data from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and the Bitcoin Mining Council, more than half of the Bitcoin network operates using non-fossil energy sources.
The European Union has begun the gradual rollout of its new EU border control system known as Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring passport holders from non-EU countries to undergo new entry registrations as part of a progressive implementation of the latest digital border system.

The gradual implementation of the EES intends to replace the manual passport stamping with automated registration for travellers from outside the EU's Schengen areas in the long run.

Who Is Required to Use EES?

All non-EU nationals, including British citizens, who are planning to enter and stay within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days, should register using the EES.

The Schengen territory is composed of 25 countries from the EU, plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, where internal borders are removed to allow total freedom of movement.

Cyprus and Ireland are not included in the implementation.

The latest system will include visa holders and travellers who can enter the EU without a visa. It will gather the individual's data, such as fingerprints, travel document implementation and facial images, during the first entry on the bloc.

The tourists' data, including the entry and exit details, will be recorded for the next visits.

It means the subsequent travels will only require biometric data verification, thus speeding up the process.

Kids are also required to go through the EES checks, but those aged 12 and below are not required to give fingerprints.

How Will It Affect British Travellers?

Tourists from the UK who plan on visiting Spain, Italy or Portugal should start preparing to endure four hours in line to enter their destination.

This extended waiting time could possibly cost the UK economy to lose 400 million annually, based on the analysis from Logistics UK with the help of independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal.

Speaking to The Independent, Logistics UK Policy Manager Josh Fenton said, 'This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.'

He added that it is important for the logistics industry to urge the UK government to maintain its close connection with its European fellows to 'ensure that the test of Member State readiness has, at its core, the smooth flow of freight and trade across the Channel; a critical GB EU supply chain route.'

Liberal Democrats noted the figures from the industry experts and urged the government to ask the EU to allow pre-checks for HGVs before reaching the UK/EU border.

'It's utterly unacceptable that the UK could lose nearly half a billion pounds thanks to the government failing to negotiate properly with the EU over the new entry programme. This is yet another barrier to growth,' Liberal Democrats' Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton said.

He added that the amount could have returned to the nation's economy and been used to help struggling companies and public services in the country.

UK Border Exceptions

The checks will be implemented at all destination airports or ports on arrival in the UK. But the Port of Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras International are exempted from the checks since these places are considered dual British and French border areas.

It means travellers do not have to go through the checks again when boarding a train or ferry once they reach mainland Europe.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
In a continent full of beautiful, awe-inspiring cities, it's easy for the likes of Paris and Rome to overshadow its fellow European capitals. But if there's one mistake anyone should not make, it's to overlook Ljubljana.

One of Europe's underrated capitals, Ljubljana is much smaller compared to other capitals. But despite its size, this walkable city has so much to offer those who take the chance to visit Slovenia.

Let's get to know Ljubljana.

How to Get to Ljubljana

Unsurprisingly, Ljubljana (and Slovenia) as a whole only has one international airport, which is Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU). It is also the main airport that serves the capital and is around half an hour away from the city.

Tourists looking to visit the city can also opt to take the train from cities like Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Venice and Trieste in Italy, Zagreb in Croatia, and Budapest in Hungary.

The train station can be found in the city center, which makes it an ideal mode of transportation for anyone hoping to reach Ljubljana.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels in Ljubljana that are typically found near the Old Town and other attractions. These range from budget options to luxury hotels.

Hostels, short-term apartments, and Airbnbs are available in the city for those looking to skip staying in a hotel during their stay. Small, family-run accommodations such as guest houses, private rooms, and bed and breakfasts are likewise available in the city.

Those who don't mind venturing out of Ljubljana can also explore tourist farms, countryside inns, and nature lodges.

What to See

A good number of Ljubljana's attractions can be found in or around the Old Town, where culture, architecture, history and damn good food can be found.

Any tourist visiting the city should not miss out the opportunity to check out the architectural works of Slovene architect Joze Plecnik, which are found all over the city. Examples include the Ljubljana Central Market, the Triple Bridge, and the National and University Library of Slovenia.

Another landmark that tourists shouldn't miss is Ljubljana Castle, which overlooks the city from its spot on top of the hill. Home to museums and even restaurants, it gives visitors a panoramic view of Ljubljana.

There is also Preseren Square, which is named after Slovenia's national poet, France Preseren. It is difficult to miss this place as many of the Old Town streets and city bridges connect here.

For those in the hunt for green spaces, the Tivoli City Park is the largest in the capital. This is also where you can find Tivoli Castle, which was built in the 17th century.

What to Eat

Cafes and restaurants are aplenty in Ljubljana, and there are also those who offer market walks and culinary tours in the city. For those looking for a good drink, it's also a good place for beer, wine, whisky, and gin.

One should not miss local dishes such as the Carniolan sausage, which is smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic and pepper. Otherwise known as Kranjska Klobasa, it is one of Slovenia's most popular national dishes.

There is also Struklji, which is essentially rolled dough filled with different ingredients that include cottage cheese and apple. It can be sweet or savory and can be boiled or baked.

For those looking for a sweet ending to their day, make sure to try Potica, one of the most common desserts in Slovenia. It is a yeast-dough cake that come with a variety of filling options, such as walnuts and poppy seeds.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Middle Corridor is a driving force for the integration of the Central Asian and South Caucasus regions with the West, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said during the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition", Trend reports.

The minister noted that the Middle Corridor connects Central Asia and the South Caucasus into a single space.

"It's important not only for trade and transit of goods from China and Asia to Turkiye and Europe and back. But even more importantly, it's used as a real driving force for economic growth, trade, and the region's integration with the West," Jabbarov said.

He emphasized that serious challenges exist in the transport sector in a broad sense. While there are differing views on the issue of universal rights, according to him, any rules are better than none at all.

The minister also emphasized that various platforms exist for discussion, exchange of opinions, and debate on existing challenges. Such formats ultimately serve to achieve a common goal.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Azerbaijani government actively facilitated the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Iran, assisting more than 600 Chinese citizens who crossed the border through the Astara border crossing point, said Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

This has once again demonstrated the high level of political trust and mutual understanding between our countries, she said.

Lu Mei stressed that the Chinese side highly appreciates the assistance provided.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for its support and assistance, the ambassador noted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Azerbaijan National Conservatory, in partnership with the Huma Gushu Education Support Foundation, held a memorial evening titled "Let's talk about you, Humay", Trend reports.

At the opening, the rector of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Doctor of Arts, Honored Artist, and Professor Kamila Dadashzade, noted the importance of the evening, the main goal of which was to fully introduce young people to Humay Guliyeva, who tragically passed away at the age of 36. She was a citizen of the world with a rich spiritual culture, a high intellect, and a unique communication culture, and she dedicated her short life to helping children in need around the world. She collaborated with international humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, and participated in various humanitarian campaigns in many countries around the world, from Azerbaijan to America and Africa. She was an active participant in the European Forum of Azerbaijani Students and collaborated with a number of influential international organizations.

Therefore, after her death, the Huma Gushu Education Assistance Foundation was established. The foundation's main goal is to provide financial support to talented and capable young people from low-income families so they can obtain a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education both in Azerbaijan and abroad, and grow into people who contribute to society, kind and patriotic young citizens like HHumay. The foundation also provides financial support to veterans of the Karabakh War, helping them complete various courses in modern technology, improve their qualifications, and master new specialties.

Shahla Vazirova, president of "Huma Gushu Foundation, Humay's mother, shared touching memories of her daughter.

This evening, Humay's character was revealed through a series of reminiscences, her own lyrics, songs dedicated to her, and works by Azerbaijani and foreign composers that she loved to perform. The evening featured reminiscences from Humay's friends and colleagues, performances in the formats "Let's sing with Humay" and "Remembering Humay," a song with her lyrics, and a video prepared by the conservatory.

The Huma Gushu Educational Assistance Foundation would like to express its deep gratitude to the leadership of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory for their great support in organizing and content of the event, Peoples Artists of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mansum Ibrahimov and Elchin Hashimov, Honored Artists of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Ahmadov and Emil Afrasiyab, musicologist Shafaqat Mammadova, ANC students vocalists Azer Chalabiani, Sevil Asadullayeva, Araz Imanov, Aydan Salahova and Ulkar Abdullayeva, kamancha player Reza Mohammedi, piano players Jalal Samedov and Honored Teacher Naiba Shahmammadova, drum players Siyavush Karimov and Sayyar Teymurova, bass guitarist Kenan Sadiqova, the author of the song composed to Humays poem Pika Akhundova, and the performers of the song Nuray Hajizadeh, Leyla Abdulrahimova and Fatima Alizadeh, as well as all the event participants for their invaluable support to the memorial evening.

The event featured the memories of HHumay's friends Khumar Huseynova and Leyla Jahangirova, as well as BP and ICRC representatives in various countries Claire Bebbington, Samir Hajimustavich, Catherine Poe, Silvia Izzo, Katia Gia Caterina, and Tanya Brown.

Further details about the foundation can be found on official website: https://humagushu.az/en.

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Before it can begin advertising and selling tickets to passengers, any commercial airline that hopes to take off the ground needs an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC).

Issued by the aviation regulatory authority in a given country, the AOC is granted once the airline proves it has the necessary aircraft, staff, safety systems, and financial resources to operate over the long term.

The lack of the latter, or financial problems that can creep up in a notoriously expensive industry, often leads existing airlines to lose their AOC.

Airlines that have seen their AOCs revoked over the last six months include Estonia-based SmartLynx Airlines, Austria-based Mali Air, and Swedish charter carrier H-Bird, as well as the Houston-based charter carrier Starflite Aviation in the U.S.

Slovenian charter airline AlpAvia loses AOC

Not to be confused with a historic French aircraft manufacturer of the same name, Slovenian charter airline AlpAvia was established out of Ljubljana Airport in 2018 and began operating in 2022 with a single flight to Malpensa Airport in Milan (MXP).

With a fleet of two Embraer ERJ-145 jets and one Boeing 737, the charter airline expanded to run routes between a number of cities in Central Europe including Vienna, Valencia and Lyon.

More Travel News:

"Avoid hassle from commercial flights and join our dedicated crew on an AlpAvia charter flight," the airline writes on its website, while also advertising services such as aircraft maintenance and pilot training.

AlpAvia became the latest European airline to lose its AOC, granted by the Slovenian aviation regulatory agency, Swiss outlet ch-aviation first reported. The likely reason is financial problems.

As a result, any flights that the airline may have hoped to run in the future are now off.

AlpAvia is a Slovenian charter airline that launched out of Ljubljana Airport in 2018.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

What happens after an airline files for bankruptcy, loses its AOC

AlpAvia has not publicly commented on the situation. On its website, it does not advertise specific routes but asks any interested passengers to reach out to arrange a trip.

These airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2025:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijans standing on the international stage has grown significantly in recent years, Miroslav Lajcak, President of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, told Trend on the sidelines of the 13th Baku Global Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition."

According to him, the forum brings together prominent politicians and public figures with extensive experience and knowledge. The discussions here are substantive and very interesting, he noted.

Lajcak emphasized that an important feature of the forum is the participation of representatives from different countries and continents, which allows for diverse perspectives to be heard and for a genuine discussion to take place.

This is not a closed echo chamber, but a platform for a genuine exchange of views. Furthermore, the organization of the event is impeccable, Lajcak said.

Commenting on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, the diplomat noted that the republic is highly respected on the international stage.

Azerbaijan is a highly respected country with which every international organization and state seeks to maintain good relations, Lajcak noted.

According to him, Azerbaijan has also played a constructive role within the UN system, and the countrys standing and respect within the UN and on the international stage in general have grown significantly in recent years.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics will visit Azerbaijan this year, tentatively in the spring, Former Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis told Trend on the sidelines of the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition".

According to him, the visit will not be connected to any events.

"Along with the Latvian President's visit to Azerbaijan, ministerial visits are also expected," the former president added.

Speaking about the Global Baku Forum, Vejonis noted that various issues are being discussed during the event, as the world is currently going through a difficult period.

"Looking at the agenda, one can see numerous problems, sometimes without obvious solutions. That is why it is important to discuss these issues and try to find solutions to difficult situations. The Global Baku Forum also contributes to this process," he noted.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. The trade volume between Azerbaijan and Japan reached $20.9 million in January 2026.

Data obtained by Trend from the State Customs Committee indicates that this marks a decrease of $5.5 million, or 20.7%, compared to the same period in 2025.

Moreover, exports from Azerbaijan to Japan amounted to $1.27 million, an increase of more than $200,000, or 18.6%, year-on-year.

Meanwhile, imports from Japan to Azerbaijan totaled $19.6 million, down by $5.65 million, or 22.3%, compared to the previous year.

Over the same period, the total foreign trade volume of Azerbaijan was $3.53 billion, reflecting a decline of $1.5 billion, or 30.5%, compared to January 2025. Out of this total, exports accounted for $2.23 billion, a decrease of $802 million, or 26.4%, while imports totaled $1.30 billion, down by $750 million, or 36.5%. The positive trade balance stood at $933.6 million, which is $52.4 million, or 5.3%, lower than in the same period last year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijan held discussions with Belgiums W-Kracht on renewable energy projects and potential electricity exports, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy.

The meeting took place between Azerbaijans Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, and a delegation led by former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme to discuss expanding cooperation in renewable energy. Representatives of the Belgian company W-Kracht, which specializes in onshore wind power projects, also attended the talks. The sides explored opportunities for collaboration in developing renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan and exporting green electricity.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan plays a significant role in fostering regional stability and constructive cooperation. In this context, the countrys energy strategy, particularly its focus on expanding renewable energy sources and developing international energy corridors, has attracted growing interest from global partners. Officials noted that 11 wind and solar power plant projects are currently under development, while a dedicated grid assessment is underway to evaluate the capacity of the electricity network to integrate new generation facilities.

Participants were also briefed on plans to establish data centers that would increase electricity demand, as well as on infrastructure initiatives designed to facilitate power exports to Europe. It was noted that Azerbaijan aims to establish an electricity interconnection with Eastern Europe beginning in 2032, and the country is interested in partnering with European companies that can both participate in energy production projects and trade the generated electricity in Eastern European markets.

The sides agreed to continue dialogue on prospects for cooperation in the renewable energy sector.

W-Kracht is a private developer specializing in wind turbine projects. Its partners and staff have extensive experience in the development, financing, implementation, and operation of wind farms. The company primarily focuses on onshore wind projects in Flanders and Wallonia, while also working on several large wind park developments abroad.

16:11

Azerbaijan held discussions with Belgiums W-Kracht on renewable energy projects and potential electricity exports, Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports.

"We discussed Azerbaijan's renewable energy projects and the electricity exports potential with Yves Leterme, the former Prime Minister of Belgium and W-Kracht. Azerbaijan is keen on enhancing its energy collaboration with European enterprises," the post said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Pakistan discussed the growing military escalation in the Middle East, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The discussions took place on March 12 during a phone conversation between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

The ministers also discussed the current regional security situation and bilateral cooperation.

The existing strategic cooperation relations were highly valued, and plans for future contacts were also considered.

The parties also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The modern world is characterized by fragmentation, but this does not mean chaos. Rather, it is a collection of different ecosystems that coexist and interact with each other, economist and sinologist, former director of the Center of Competence in Chinese Studies at the University of St. Gallen, Josef Mondl, said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition."

According to him, when it comes to China's strategy in the field of global governance, it can be viewed as a kind of platform.

It is a strategy that is flexible and open to participation by various countries. That is why many Chinese initiatives are actively discussed in the international press, he said.

Mondl noted that at the moment, countries are not looking for abstract concepts. They need practical results, not theoretical solutions.

This is their main goal. Therefore, when we talk about mobilizing resources, promoting initiatives, or China's role in the world, the main question is not when China will become stronger, but what role it can play in shaping a new system of interaction, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. A delegation headed by Mazahir Panahov, the Chairman of Azerbaijans Central Election Commission (CEC), has embarked on a visit to Kazakhstan to observe the upcoming referendum, a source in the CEC told Trend.

The primary objective of this visit, extended by the Chairman of Kazakhstans CEC, Nurlan Abdirov, is to observe the referendum concerning the adoption of Kazakhstans new Constitution, scheduled for March 15, 2026.

According to the visit program, Panahov will hold bilateral meetings with his Kazakh counterpart and leaders of organizations engaged in the election observation process. These discussions will focus on enhancing inter-agency relations, expanding cooperation in election-related matters, and exploring additional areas of mutual interest.

Moreover, Azerbaijans CEC is actively involved in observing the referendum within the framework of various international organizations. Representatives of the CEC are participating in the observation mission under the auspices of the Organization of Turkic States, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic States, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

On the day of the referendum, CEC representatives will observe the voting process at polling stations in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Climate finance is crucial for reforming programs in this area and the entire climate agenda, said Mukhtar Babayev during the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition", Trend reports.

According to him, multilateral cooperation is under great pressure, and the entire UN system is experiencing significant strain. Therefore, close collaboration is crucial to achieving not only positive decisions but also their practical implementation.

He recalled that during COP29 in Baku, an agreement was reached to launch a Loss and Damage Fund, a financial target of mobilizing at least $300 billion per year for developing countries by 2035 was agreed upon, and a practical plan for mobilizing $1.3 trillion in climate finance was presented.

Babayev noted that the implementation of the decisions taken regarding the Loss and Damage Fund is currently being monitored.

"In the first years, we saw a fairly active influx of donor funds into the Loss and Damage Compensation Fund, but last year it became clear that this process was gradually losing momentum. This fund accumulates resources to provide assistance, primarily to small island developing states and other vulnerable countries, so they can rebuild their economies and social life after major disasters," he added.

At the same time, Babayev emphasized that the commitment to mobilize at least $300 billion annually for developing countries, as well as the practical plan to mobilize $1.3 trillion, are also currently under significant pressure.

"Politicians around the world are increasingly considering re-prioritizing their financial commitments. In 2024, we had a unique atmosphere in Baku, where donors decided to contribute $100 million and continue progress toward the 2035 goals. However, unfortunately, we are now hearing about steps back in these decisions, and we await the 2025 report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to see the real results of these contributions.

We understand that today, other challengesstate security, defense, and military issuesare increasingly consuming attention and financial resources. Countries are increasingly considering how to protect themselves from these threats, wars, and conflicts, but life is changing, and we are all living in these changes. We need to adapt, but we also need to invest and secure funding, because without financial support, all our steps and actions, unfortunately, will not lead to a real solution to the problem or achieve results," Babayev concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Regional security remains a central priority of Azerbaijans state policy, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

While commenting on the speech delivered by President Ilham Aliyev at the 13th Global Baku Forum, Garayev noted that the presidents remarks reflected the logical outcome of the complex political and military stages Azerbaijan has experienced in recent decades.

He added that the countrys long period under occupation, the struggle to restore its territorial integrity, and the transition to the post-conflict period have made security one of the central directions of state policy.

In this regard, the head of states speech at the forum can be viewed not only as an assessment of the current situation but also as the presentation of the outlines of Azerbaijans future regional strategy, he said.

Garayev emphasized that one of the key points of the speech was the presentation of security not only in military terms but as a broader concept. According to him, stability, energy security, economic cooperation, transport corridors, and political dialogue are closely interconnected elements, and disruption of any of them could negatively affect the overall security environment.

He noted that this approach corresponds to the widely recognized model of comprehensive security in modern international relations and demonstrates that Azerbaijan is building its policy on this framework.

Furthermore, Garayev also highlighted that President Ilham Aliyev's emphasis on the transition from conflict to peace was particularly notable.

Azerbaijan first restored its territorial integrity by military means and then began working to ensure stability in the region through political and diplomatic tools. This demonstrates that Bakus strategy is not only about achieving victory but also about building long-term peace. As the head of state noted, once peace is achieved, stability along the border, restoration of economic ties, and the formation of mutual trust will mark the beginning of a new stage in the region. This approach positions Azerbaijan as an actor contributing to regional stability.

The remarks made in the speech regarding the activities of international organizations and the inconclusive nature of the negotiation process that persisted for many years can also be interpreted as a political message. President Ilham Aliyev, drawing attention to the limited effectiveness of mediation institutions, emphasized that bilateral dialogue offers a more productive framework. This stance suggests that Azerbaijan may increasingly prioritize direct negotiations in addressing regional issues in the future, while also reflecting the countrys intention to pursue a policy grounded in strategic autonomy and reliance on its own capabilities, he said.

Garayev stressed that energy security also formed an important part of the speech.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is not only an energy producer but also a reliable partner, highlighting the countrys growing role in the international market. The expansion of gas exports, the growing number of countries cooperating with Azerbaijan, and the widening geography of pipeline supplies were presented as factors strengthening the countrys strategic importance.

This also demonstrates that Azerbaijan views its energy policy not merely as a source of economic revenue but as an integral component of national security. Transport and logistics corridors were likewise highlighted as one of the key themes of the speech. The head of state emphasized Azerbaijans strategic role along the East-West and North-South routes, noting that the country has increasingly emerged as a regional transit hub. In particular, plans to open new communication lines and strengthen connectivity among countries in the region indicate that Azerbaijan favors a model of economic integration in the post-conflict period. This approach also reflects official Bakus view that lasting stability can be reinforced not only through political agreements, but also through the development of shared economic interests, he said.

Garayev emphasized that the overall content of the speech shows that Azerbaijan currently prioritizes three key directions: security, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.

"These three priorities are presented as complementary elements that form the foundation of Azerbaijans long-term development strategy. The emphasis President Ilham Aliyev places on these issues on an international platform, such as a global forum, underscores the countrys intention to share its experience with the international community while simultaneously promoting a new model of regional cooperation. Overall, the speech reflects Azerbaijans effort to base its post-conflict policy not only on the element of power, but also on diplomacy, economic collaboration, and regional integration. This approach demonstrates that the country is committed not only to safeguarding its national interests, but also to fostering a durable environment of stability and security in the South Caucasus," the analyst concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. On March 13, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), who is visiting Azerbaijan to participate in the Global Baku Forum, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

During the meeting, various areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) were discussed, as well as regional issues.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNOG, as well as support for UNOG's activities in areas such as sustainable development, climate change, economic development, and other relevant areas.

For its part, Azerbaijan highlighted its active work within the UN, participation in COP-29 and future COPs, and the fact that this year our country will host one of the most prestigious UN events - the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WHF-13). A summit on Asian Quasi-Military Engagement and Mutual Trust Measures (AQEM) will also be held, and starting next year, Azerbaijan will head the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The sides recalled with pleasure Valovaya's visits to Azerbaijan and the high-level meetings held during those visits, and expressed their gratitude for the conditions created for strengthening cooperation between the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan in Geneva, other state institutions of the country, and UNOG.

The meeting provided an opportunity to share information on the situation in the region and the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In addition, views were exchanged on the military escalation in the Middle East.
Anthropic's Jeff Bleich says AI will end the billable hour's dominance in legal billing.

Billable hours mean lawyers get paid more when they spend more time on work.

But AI tools eliminate "tedious" work, which devalues the time lawyers spend overall, Bleich said.

The billable hour's time is approaching midnight, according to Anthropic's top lawyer.

"I don't think the billable hour is the solution, and we've known it for a long time," Jeff Bleich, the AI company's general counsel, said Thursday.

Speaking at the American Bar Association's White Collar Crime Institute in San Diego, Bleich said that artificial intelligence tools are eliminating the need for companies to hire armies of lawyers to do lucrative yet "tedious" work.

"Now we've got a technology that's going to eliminate the sorts of things that allow people to become wealthy off of tedious work," Bleich said on the panel, alongside top lawyers at Google, IBM, and Liberty Mutual. "That was not what lawyers are trained to do, and not what we ultimately look to lawyers for."

The much-maligned billable hour is the standard method that law firms use to bill their clients.

Attorneys track the work done for each client, often in six-minute increments, tally them up, and charge their clients accordingly.

While the billable hour has been useful to help companies and other clients understand what they are paying lawyers for, it has also "created a wedge," Bleich said.

Under the current system, "the interests of firms are at odds with the interests of their clients," he said. Companies want lawyers to resolve problems quickly, but law firms get paid more when the work takes longer.

"Clients want you to solve the problem as efficiently as possible and with as little drama as possible," Bleich said. "And if you're a company, the bigger the case gets, and the more dramatic it gets, and the more complicated it gets, and the more work that has to be done  the more lucrative it is."

The other panelists largely agreed with Bleich's remarks.

"The value is no longer you putting in time," said Damon Hart, the top lawyer at Liberty Mutual. "The value is your strategy, your results."

Anne Robinson, IBM's general counsel, told the audience that she's open to working with them to figure out more creative billing methods.

"I'm open to firms coming and saying, 'I'd really like to work with you on this matter or this type of work, I get that the billable hour model is not one of aligned incentives, and so let's sit down and talk about what you expect as far as outcomes and how we can both get there in a way that reflects your pressures and your priorities,'" Robinson said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), who is visiting Azerbaijan to participate in the Global Baku Forum, and discussed preparations for the 13th World Urban Forum, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

During the meeting, the parties engaged in a thorough discussion on various aspects of collaboration between Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat, focusing particularly on sustainable urban development, the management of urbanization processes, and the prospects for future partnerships in advancing urban sustainability.

Moreover, the meeting underscored the significance of Azerbaijans large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, highlighting the rebuilding of destroyed cities and villages, as well as the establishment of new settlements based on contemporary urban planning principles. These initiatives were recognized as key examples of the countrys leadership in the field of urbanization.

The discussion also encompassed an exchange of views regarding the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, coupled with a focus on the escalating tensions within the region.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided a comprehensive briefing on the current situation in the region, outlining Azerbaijan's ongoing process of normalization and peaceful resolution of relations with Armenia. He further elaborated on Azerbaijans strategies and initiatives aimed at fostering long-term peace and stability in the region in the post-conflict era.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense released a statement condemning latest missile attacks on Turkiye, Trend reports.

We strongly condemn another rocket launch against the territory of brotherly Turkiye. This is a grave violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Such actions represent an unacceptable escalation and a direct threat to regional stability.

We reiterate our solidarity with brotherly Turkiye, the statement reads.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. On behalf of the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, members of the Azerbaijan-Latvia interparliamentary cooperation working group held meetings in Riga, Trend reports.

The delegation included the Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and MP Sevil Mikayilova, Kamran Bayramov, Leader of the Working Group, and Fazil Mustafa, member of the group.

The Azerbaijani parliamentarians met with Daiga Mierina, Speaker of the Latvian Saeima. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on cooperation across various areas of bilateral relations.

As part of the visit, the delegation also held a number of other bilateral meetings.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with Turkiyes Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, in Baku, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of the 13th Global Baku Forum and welcomed the organization of panel discussions dedicated to the climate agenda and the COP within the framework of the event.

The discussions also focused on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in areas such as environmental protection, waste management, and efforts to combat climate change.

In addition, the importance of the upcoming session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku in 2026, was highlighted.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The time has come for closer cooperation between multinational and global banks, Egypts Former Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat said at the 13th Global Baku Forum, themed Bridging Divides in a World in Transition, Trend reports.

In her view, global shocks pop up every few years, putting macroeconomic stability on the line, especially for emerging economies that need to pour resources into education, healthcare, and social inclusion.

All of this increases financial risks and reduces incentives for the private sector in emerging economies, which in turn intensifies pressure on their budgets, the minister noted.

Al-Mashat highlighted the critical need to enhance collaboration with multinational and global financial institutions, particularly in light of the prevailing circumstances.

Today, mutual support among multinational and global banks is needed more than ever. The World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and others must work together to stimulate development and encourage private sector investment in emerging economies. This will allow us to move forward and strengthen sustainable development pathways, she delineated.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has condemned another missile attack targeting the territory of Turkiye during a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (MFA).

The ministers discussed the current security situation in the region and rising tensions. Bayramov condemned the latest missile strike against Turkiye and expressed Azerbaijans solidarity with the country. He also stressed that further military escalation could lead to undesirable consequences.

The sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Earlier, a ballistic missile launched from Iran entered Turkish airspace overnight. According to the Ministry of National Defense of Turkiye, the missile was neutralized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization air defense forces stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Previously, two ballistic missiles launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace on March 4 and March 9 were also intercepted by NATO air defense forces.

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A Turkmen-language version of the ASAN Visa portal has been launched for citizens of Turkmenistan who wish to travel to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

This information was reported by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan.

According to the statement, the launch of the Turkmen-language version of the portal was implemented jointly by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASAN) and the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan. The initiative aims to make the electronic visa application process more convenient and accessible for Turkmen citizens.

Turkmen citizens can now access the ASAN Visa portal via https://www.evisa.gov.az/tk/ and submit their electronic visa applications in Turkmen, alongside other available languages.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. As many as 33 units of 35 kV, 14 units of 110 kV substations, and one 330 kV substation have been built in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan so far, Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on its activities in 2025, discussed at today's plenary session of the parliament.

According to the report, 1067.7 km of 35 kV, 774 km of 110 kV, 262 km of 330 kV, and 74.3 km of 0.4 kV power lines have been laid.

During 2025, the opening of the 110/35/10 kV "Khankendi-1" substation in Khankendi city and the Lachin Electric Network Digital Management Center in the Lachin district took place.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The average monthly nominal salary of hired employees in Azerbaijan's economy grew by 9.3% compared to 2024, reaching 1,102 manat ($650.7), Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on its activities in 2025, discussed at today's plenary session of the parliament.

The report noted that salaries in the oil and gas sector amounted to 3,938 manat ($2,323), while in the non-oil and gas sector, they reached 1,050 manat ($620). Employees working in state enterprises earned an average salary of 1,080 manat ($638), while those in private enterprises had an average salary of 1,124 manat ($663.4).

According to relevant acts of the President of Azerbaijan, the monthly salary of managers and other employees working in organizations funded from the state budget has increased by an average of 15%. The monthly base (salary) of civil servants who aren't part of the state civil service (except for employees working under the Unified Tariff Schedule) in some state agencies funded from the state budget has been raised by an average of 10%. Additionally, the salaries of military personnel and officers serving in military units and law enforcement agencies have increased by an average of 10%, as well as the salaries of civil employees in certain military and law enforcement agencies, who aren't civil servants.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The resettlement of 3,893 families (15,781 people) to reconstructed or restored settlements in the East Zangezur and Karabakh economic regions of Azerbaijan was ensured in 2025, Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on its activities in 2025, discussed at today's plenary session of the parliament.

The report noted that surveys on return were conducted among 17,800 internally displaced families consisting of 55,600 people settled in 63 cities and districts of the country in settlements planned to be built in the initial stage in 2025 (Aghdam, Aghdara, Fuzuli, Khojavend, Khojaly, Shusha, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Lachin, and Kalbajar districts).

In addition, in connection with meeting state needs and other emerging needs, as well as on the basis of personal applications, 477 families (1,765 people) were provided with housing at the expense of houses that were uninhabited for no good reason in existing settlements and residential complexes on the balance sheet of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons or were transferred in connection with resettlement to the liberated territories.

A total of 4,370 internally displaced families (17,546 people), including residents resettled to the liberated territories, were provided with housing (houses) during 2025.

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By Laurie Chen

BEIJING, March 13 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL) said on Thursday it would lower the commission fees collected by the company from its App Store in mainland China in a huge win for Chinese developers following apparent pressure from regulators in the U.S. tech giant's second-largest market.

More from Yahoo Scout How does this compare to Apple's global fee structure? How much will Apple's fee reduction save Chinese developers? Why did Apple reduce App Store fees in China? What are Apple's new App Store commission rates?

Fees for in-app purchases and paid transactions will be lowered to 25% from 30% starting on Sunday, the California-headquartered company said in a statement on its website. In-app purchase transactions for developers belonging to Apple's small business and mini apps partner programmes will be cut to 12% from 15%.

"Mini apps" refer to smaller applications that operate within a larger application such as Tencent's WeChat.

The move is a breakthrough for Chinese app developers and operators of "super apps" including Tencent and TikTok owner ByteDance, whose platforms host many smaller apps created by third-party developers.

The cut is estimated to save Chinese developers more than 6 billion yuan ($873 million) in operating costs annually, the state-owned Economic Daily said in a Thursday report that framed the measure as a win for Chinese digital consumers.

"This adjustment will ... improve consumption choices and information transparency," the Economic Daily said.

"The premium for digital goods and services on the iOS side will be gradually eliminated, and the prices of membership subscriptions, game recharges, live broadcast tips, mini programs and other scenarios are expected to decrease, which is expected to save consumers up to nearly 1 billion yuan per year."

WORLDWIDE SCRUTINY OF 'APPLE TAX'

The 30% "Apple Tax" remains a major target of antitrust scrutiny by regulators worldwide. The EU introduced new legislation in 2024 that forced Apple to lower commission fees to 10% to 17% for developers. In the U.S., Apple allows users to pay in-app fees via alternative payment methods.

"In China's case, (Apple) have been talking with the IT ministry and other departments, and have been requested or pressured to reduce their fees," said Rich Bishop, founder of AppInChina, a firm that advises foreign software developers on making their apps available in China.

The move comes into effect on World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday, a time when Chinese state media usually highlights domestic and foreign companies accused of consumer rights violations. Apple was targeted by the campaign in 2013, when its after-sales service was criticised by state broadcaster CCTV, forcing the company to publicly apologise.
Premium Azerbaijan releases data on benefits paid to former IDPs in 2025

The report highlights ongoing financial support for internally displaced persons, reflecting adjustments in beneficiary numbers and expenditures from the state budget for these allowances.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Recent events have shown how important it is to keep land borders closed, Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov said during the discussion of the report on the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers in 2025 at today's plenary session of the parliament, Trend reports.

In light of the complex geopolitical dynamics, escalating tensions, and emerging risks in the region, the Prime Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan's sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders are firmly safeguarded by President Ilham Aliyevs consistent and pragmatic foreign policy, strategic foresight, and principled stance rooted in national interests.

The Prime Minister recalled a recent incident, wherein unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iranian territory violated the airspace of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.

"In the wake of this concerning event, both Azerbaijani society and the international community were once again reminded of President Ilham Aliyevs strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of his people," the Prime Minister stated.

He further asserted that the recent developments in the region reaffirm the legitimacy and necessity of Azerbaijan's decision to maintain closed land borders, highlighting that this move serves as yet another confirmation of President Ilham Aliyev's astute and visionary statecraft.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijan currently exports military-purpose products to nearly 20 countries, the country's Prime Minister Ali Asadov said during today's plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

Asadov made the remarks while presenting the Cabinet of Ministers' 2025 activity report. He noted that defense and national security spending were increased in the state budget for 2025, demonstrating that ensuring the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security remains a key priority of state policy.

To support these goals, he noted, 8.1 billion manat ($4.7 billion) was allocated from the 2025 state budget for defense and national security expenditures, which is 1.5 billion manat ($88 million), or 23%, more compared to 2024.

Last year we produced military-purpose products worth 1.4 billion manat ($82 million). Today, Azerbaijan exports military-purpose products to nearly 20 countries, Asadov delineated.

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In 2025, total export volume exceeded 61,000 tons; exports to the U.S. increased from 5,000 tons to 14,000 tons (+180%), while exports to the EU increased from 6,400 tons to 7,000 tons.

Baku Steel Company CJSC (BSC), the leading metallurgical enterprise in the South Caucasus, continues to strengthen its position in international markets. Despite rising protectionist measures in the global steel industry, the company successfully operates in the U.S. and European Union (EU) markets.

Last year, BSCs total exports of steel products exceeded 61,000 tons. The export portfolio includes rebar, seamless pipes, and ferroalloys.

Export indicators for USA and EU markets:

Indicator 2024 2025 US market  volume 5 000 tons 14 000 tons (+180%) US market  value 11,6 mln. AZN 33 mln. AZN (+184%) EU market  volume 6 400 tons 7 000 tons (+9%) EU market  value 10,4 mln. AZN 12,6 mln. AZN (+21%) Total export volume Over 61,000 tons in 2025

The company's achievements in export activities were recognized at an event organized by the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Baku Steel Company received the Active Private Sector Exporter certificate for its contribution to the development of the country's non-oil exports.

Expanding export activities is an important part of Baku Steel Companys long-term plans. The growth of exports to the United States and the European Union confirms the international recognition of the quality and competitiveness of our products,  noted Deputy General Director of the company Sultan Askarov.

BSC is also increasing the production of higher value-added products and gradually expanding the geography of its export deliveries.

ABOUT COMPANY

Baku Steel Company CJSC, the largest metallurgical enterprise in the South Caucasus, produces highquality steel products for the construction, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

More information: www.bakusteel.com
ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, March 13. The next meeting of the Working Group on Environmental Issues of the Interdepartmental Center, operating under the Coordination Headquarters established for the purpose of centralized resolution of issues in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, was held in Aghali village, Zangilan district, Trend reports.

The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant state agencies represented in the working group, as well as representatives of the special representations of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli, Zangilan, Aghdara, Khojaly, Lachin, Kalbajar, Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojavend districts, and Khankendi city, as well as representatives of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Services.

The meeting discussed the implementation of environmental requirements during the removal of greenery within the framework of infrastructure projects implemented in the Karabakh and East Zangilan economic regions. Information was also provided on the restoration of the activities of specially protected natural areas, newly created national parks, biodiversity of these areas, rare and endangered plant and animal species.

In addition, the meeting participants were informed about the environmental measures taken within the framework of the "First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan" and the draft of the "2nd State Program on the Great Return". At the same time, the dynamics of changes in the water quality of the Okchuchay river against the background of natural and anthropogenic impacts was also one of the topics of discussion.

The issues raised by representatives of other organizations participating in the meeting regarding environmental permits during the implementation of infrastructure projects, as well as the implementation of the tasks given by the coordination headquarters in the direction of strengthening communication between relevant organizations and more effective coordination of activities, were exchanged.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The detention period of Adnan Ahmadzada, the former deputy head of the Investment Department of SOCAR, has been extended in connection with a criminal case initiated by Azerbaijans State Security Service (SSS), Trend reports.

The decision was reviewed and approved at the Sabail District Court.

The court ruled that Ahmadzades pretrial detention would be extended for an additional two months.

Ahmadzada is accused in the SSS investigation of committing acts of sabotage against economic security and, particularly, large-scale embezzlement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. A state program on the content of lessons and their interactive delivery to children should be implemented in Azerbaijan, Deputy Chairman of the Parliament's Science and Education Committee Fariz Ismailzade said during the discussion of the report on the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers in 2025 at today's plenary session of parliament, Trend reports.

According to him, state spending on research and development increased 2.1 times compared to last year, amounting to 262 million manat ($154 million). Within the framework of the state program for studying abroad, 500 young Azerbaijanis were sent to study at 65 prestigious universities in 14 countries. The total number of such students reached 1,794.

The official pointed out that, alongside the achievements, we are also dealing with significant challenges in the journey of teaching and educating the younger generation.

"One of them is the uncontrolled state of social networks and its impact on the teaching and education of young people. Modern youth no longer learn only from teachers but also spend hours on social networks, receiving a large amount of harmful content from there. This is also a dangerous phenomenon for our country from an ideological point of view," he explained.

The MP also said that there is a need to seriously change the content and pedagogy of the country's education.

"We must convey the content of the lessons to young people in more interactive and interesting ways so that they do not spend too much time on social networks. A special state program should be implemented in this regard under the leadership of the prime minister," he concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The delegation of the State Maritime and Port Agency (SMPA) of Azerbaijan represented the country at the 12th session of the Subcommittee on Human Factors, Training, and Watchkeeping of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend.

The event was attended by Said Orujov, director of the agency's ship's crew department, and Ahmad Lametov, a leading specialist of the training and certification department.

The main topic of the five-day session was dedicated to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and amendments to its code.

The delegation actively participated in the event and substantiated three previously submitted proposals. A decision was made to discuss one of the proposals within the framework of future sessions, and it was considered appropriate to discuss the other two proposals by the working group and add them to the STCW International Convention.

Important discussions highlighted the session, which was held on the basis of almost 160 documents covering over 150 gaps. At this year's 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, which takes place in May, the projects that have been prepared will be presented for approval.

The session also addressed the need to reassess the pertinence of the current competency standards within the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), considering the swift advancements in digitalization and automation processes.

In light of the widespread digitization of contemporary navigation and control systems, the workshop stressed the need for equipping seafarers with the ability to recognize, avoid, and mitigate cyber threats.

For this purpose, a proposal was made to add new competency tables on relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies in the field of cybersecurity to the SOLAS.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The list of projects planned to be implemented with state-funded investments from 2026 through 2029 includes the construction and reconstruction of inter-village roads in Azerbaijan's Shamakhi district, and their implementation will be carried out in stages, Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on its activities in 2025, discussed at today's plenary session of the parliament.

In the distribution of the 2025 state budget's investment expenditures, 566.6 million manat ($334.3 million) has been allocated to the State Agency of Automobile Roads. Of this amount, 30 million manat ($17.7 million) is intended for the construction and reconstruction of inter-district and rural roads.

The report noted that in recent years, within the framework of the state investment program, repair works have been carried out on local roads covering 15 settlements in the Shamakhi district, with a total length of 72.8 km, inhabited by 23,000 people, as well as on roads covering the urban area with a total length of 81.5 km in Shamakhi city.

At the same time, a proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Economy by the State Agency of Automobile Roads to include in the draft state investment program for 2026 the capital repair works on roads connecting Chiragli, Madrasa-Karkanj, Mirikand-Garavalli-Maljak Gurdtapa, Shirvan, Gunashli, and Sharadil villages with the Baku-Shamakhi-Yevlakh highway, with a total length of 29.0 km, located in the Shamakhi district.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 13. Turkmenistan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The talks were held on March 12 between Turkmenistans Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Peter van Rooij.

The meeting underscored the ongoing development of Turkmenistan-ILO relations within the broader context of the countrys engagement with the UN system, emphasizing that their partnership is driven by joint roadmaps and collaborative projects.

The discussion also centered on expanding the institutional presence of UN agencies in Turkmenistan and advancing initiatives that promote decent work principles and strengthen social dialogue.

Furthermore, the parties highlighted Turkmenistans active participation in ILO activities, including the regular submission of reports on the organizations conventions and its involvement in the International Labour Conference, the next session of which is set for June this year in Geneva. The meeting also addressed the implementation of the bilateral partnership roadmap for 2026.
Commentary: China's 15th Five-Year Plan a global invitation to shared prosperity

Xinhua) 08:11, March 13, 2026

The closing 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 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- With the adoption of China's new development blueprint for the next five years, the world is seeing far more than a national development roadmap -- it is embracing inclusive growth, technological advancement and win-win cooperation that transcend borders.

The global community is grappling with growing division and conflicts -- from rising protectionism and a widening wealth gap to disrupted supply chains and mounting strains on multilateralism.

To avoid beggar-thy-neighbor practices, the international community must prioritize enhanced cohesion, foster a spirit of openness, and cultivate a long-term vision.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) reinforces a message that the country is a stable anchor for the world economy and a reliable partner in addressing common challenges. The modernization drive of a country with 1.4 billion people brings certainty and positive momentum to a turbulent world, providing an alternative path in exploring a new form of modernization.

The 15th Five-Year Plan period is critical to basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035. Its focus on high-quality development prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and making domestic demand a more prominent economic driver, which will translate into tangible opportunities across key sectors for investors and businesses worldwide.

Technological self-reliance and strength, a core pillar of the plan, are not about isolation. China's massive investments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, smart economy, and advanced manufacturing will create new demand for international talent, technology, and partnerships.

Multinational corporations, research institutions, and startups worldwide stand to benefit from expanded access to China's innovation ecosystem -- through joint R&D projects or participation in emerging industrial clusters.

Sustainability, another cornerstone of the plan, aligns China's development with the global fight against climate change and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The plan reinforces China's commitment to achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, with ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, the development of a circular economy, and investments in green infrastructure. This creates substantial market opportunities for green technology cooperation, spanning European renewable energy firms to African clean energy partners. China is not advancing its green transition in seclusion; rather, it acts as a catalyst for global green initiatives.

By turning its vast population into a primary engine of domestic demand, China is building a more resilient domestic market that is less vulnerable to the whims of global trade cycles and foreign tariffs.

In 2025, final consumption expenditure contributed 52 percent of China's economic growth, up by five percentage points from a year earlier. Its ongoing transition to a consumption-driven economy means fresh opportunities for foreign goods, services and investments.

Contrary to the narrative of decoupling promoted by some, China is doubling down on connecting its market with the world as enormous opportunities lie in the plan's emphasis on high-standard opening up.

The plan pledges to further liberalize trade and investment, upgrade pilot free trade zones, and optimize the business environment for foreign investors, including stronger intellectual property rights protection and fairer competition policies. This means greater access to China's super-large consumer market, where demand for high-quality goods and services is on the rise.

The plan reaffirms China's commitment to inclusive global development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative to boost connectivity, green development, and people-to-people exchanges.

In addition, the adoption of the law on national development planning, which sets the rules for formulating and implementing the country's five-year plans, marks a pivotal step in institutionalizing long-term economic governance. The legislation delivers greater policy transparency and predictability for foreign investors, which reinforces China's appeal as a stable, high-potential destination for global capital.

The 15th Five-Year Plan is a testament to China's conviction that unity, strength and resolve will prevail. Global prosperity is by no means a zero-sum game. China's development is closely intertwined with the development of other countries.

The world needs neither new divisions nor confrontations; it requires vision, cooperation, and action. China's new Five-Year Plan extends an invitation to those willing to collaborate for a safer, cleaner, and brighter future. It embodies a promise of stability and partnership, offering a gift to a world that is desperately seeking direction and hope.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The escalating conflict involving Iran and the broader regional tensions are beginning to reshape global energy dynamics, potentially benefiting Russia economically despite Western sanctions imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, AzerNEWS reports via Financial Times.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Russian crude and oil product exports fell by 11.4 percent in February to 6.6 million barrels per day, marking their lowest level since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, rising global oil prices driven by instability in the Middle East are helping offset the impact of reduced export volumes.

Experts say the ongoing war is creating a favorable environment for Moscow. Borys Dodonov, head of energy and climate studies at the Kyiv School of Economics, noted that higher prices could support Russias fiscal stability in the short term.

Much now depends on how long the Middle East conflict will last, but the current high prices will help Russia meet budget indicators this quarter and even start saving some money, Dodonov said.

Analysts also believe the conflict could allow Russia to expand its role in global energy markets if supply disruptions affect exporters in the Persian Gulf. The Financial Times reported that Moscow may attempt to take advantage of the situation as Gulf producers face potential export constraints due to regional instability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested that energy markets are entering a new pricing reality and even raised the possibility of resuming energy exports to Europe.

Shortly after, the Kremlin announced what it described as a very productive conversation between Putin and Donald Trump. Trump later hinted that sanctions on some countries could potentially be eased to stabilize energy prices until this straightens out.

These developments have caused concern among Western allies. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies could pressure European governments to reconsider their planned restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas, potentially undermining years of efforts to isolate Moscow economically.

Market data also suggests Russian exports may be shifting toward Asia. According to shipping analytics firm Kpler, a substantial amount of Russian crude cargoes is currently at sea, many heading across the Indian Ocean toward India.

Indian imports of Russian oil were running at around 1.5 million barrels per day, representing a sharp increase from early last month.

If the current shipment schedules, market intelligence and cargo movements continue, total Russian crude arrivals for the full month could reach close to 2 million barrels per day, said Sumit Ritolia, a lead analyst at Kpler in New Delhi.

Ritolia summarized the broader market impact succinctly:

Russia is the big winner of this conflict.
ArcLight Capital Partners has signed an agreement to acquire InfraBridges 50% stake in Invenergy AMPCI Thermal Power (IATP), a North American power generation portfolio of 5.4GW.

Invenergy will continue to hold its ownership interest and manage operations of the assets following completion of the transaction.

The IATP portfolio comprises 11 power infrastructure assets.

Facilities in the portfolio include combined cycle plants such as the Grays Harbor Energy Centre in Washington, Lackawanna Energy Centre in Pennsylvania, Nelson Energy Centre in Illinois and St. Clair Energy Centre in Ontario. Invenergy remains a co-owner and operator of these sites.

InfraBridge co-head Sadiq Malik said: This transaction reflects InfraBridges disciplined investment approach and our continued focus on delivering strong outcomes for our investors.

We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Invenergy and the performance of the IATP portfolio. ArcLight brings deep experience across North American power markets, and we are confident the business is well-positioned for its next phase of ownership.

Neither InfraBridge, which operates as part of DigitalBridge Group, nor ArcLight have not disclosed the financial details regarding the private deal.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing requirements.

ArcLight managing director Andrew Brannan said: IATP is a unique, diversified, large-scale portfolio of contracted power infrastructure assets, which provides significant, low-cost power across seven markets.

We look forward to working with Invenergy, to help drive value from the portfolio and continue to provide grid reliability and resources.

The companies expect to complete the transaction in the second half of 2026.

BofA Securities and Morgan Stanley & Co. are serving as financial advisors to InfraBridge and ArcLight, respectively, on the deal.

"ArcLight to buy InfraBridges stake in North American power assets" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 13. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the chemical sector, Trend reports via the Kazakh Embassy in Ashgabat.

The discussion took place during a meeting between Kazakhstans Ambassador to Turkmenistan Nurlan Nogayev and Chairman of the State Concern Turkmenhimiya State Concern Resul Myradov in Ashgabat.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new growth points in the industrial sector. The sides reviewed mechanisms to increase mutual trade turnover and expand technological exchange between enterprises of the two countries.

The participants outlined possible avenues for expanding partnership, including the development of new investment areas and joint projects.

The development of cooperation in this field is viewed as an important step toward diversifying the national economies and strengthening regional production chains.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Relations between China and Central Asian countries have undergone a profound transformation, the Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Eldor Aripov, said, Trend reports.

He made the statement at the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition."

Ten years ago, China had already become the number one investor for all Central Asian countries. Last year, trade turnover between China and Central Asia reached a historic record level of $106 billion. And China's total investment in the region reached $40 billion, he said.

Aripov stressed that this is not just about the economy. The entire architecture of China's cooperation with Central Asian countries is changing. Previously, cooperation was mainly bilateral, but today China has its own format - Central Asia plus China with a permanent secretariat.

At the last summit of this format, China promised to provide Central Asian countries with $3.7 billion in loans and grants, Aripov noted.

According to him, cooperation in the field of infrastructure is expanding, and new land transport corridors between China and Kazakhstan are being built, which help solve logistical problems in the region.

In addition, China is expanding cooperation in other areas, such as security. Joint projects have begun to be implemented after many years of discussion, Aripov said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. China is ready to assist in the development of artificial intelligence and scientific innovation in Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan, said during a briefing in Baku, Trend reports.

"China is a world leader in research, development, and practical application of technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence, biomedicine, biopharmaceuticals, robotics, and quantum technologies. As the innovation-driven development strategy progresses, scientific and technological achievements remain an important driver of China's economic growth and create new opportunities for international scientific and technological cooperation," she pointed out.

According to the diplomat, Azerbaijan also pays great attention to the development of the artificial intelligence ecosystem and the digital economy.

We are confident that Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen cooperation in this area, and China is ready to provide comprehensive assistance to the development of innovation and high technology, Mei stressed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Trade turnover between China and Azerbaijan is expected to reach a new record this year, Ambassador of China Lu Mei said at a briefing in Baku, Trend reports.

"Practical cooperation between China and Azerbaijan has great potential and broad opportunities for further development," she noted.

According to the ambassador, China is ready to share advanced technologies with Azerbaijan in the high-tech industry, artificial intelligence, information technology, and infrastructure.

"The Chinese side also welcomes the expansion of supplies of various types of Azerbaijani products to the Chinese market," Mei emphasized.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The number of countries purchasing Azerbaijani gas has reached 16, the country's Prime Minister Ali Asadov said during a plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.

Asadov made the remarks while presenting the Cabinet of Ministers' 2025 activity report. He noted that a total of 25.2 billion cubic meters of gas were exported via export pipelines during 2025.

The prime minister emphasized that Azerbaijan has expanded cooperation not only with the European market but also along new routes. In a groundbreaking development, the inaugural shipment of Azerbaijani gas has commenced to Syria.

Last year, the number of countries purchasing Azerbaijani gas increased to 14. Currently, this number has reached 16. Gas supplies have also begun to two more European countries, Germany and Austria, he said.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 13. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan engaged in detailed discussions on key aspects of their bilateral cooperation concerning water resources, Trend reports via the Kazakh Embassy in Tashkent.

The meeting was held between Uzbekistans Minister of Water Management, Shavkat Khamraev, and Kazakhstans Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Beybut Atamkulov. Topics included preparations for the Regional Environmental Summit and the upcoming session of the Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.

The participants commended the signing of the agreement on the joint management and rational use of transboundary water bodies, stressing its significance for regional cooperation. Additionally, they underscored the importance of launching the task force on forecasting the flows of transboundary rivers, which was established following the second meeting of the High Intergovernmental Council of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in November 2025.

Special emphasis was placed on Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the UN, designed to coordinate the efforts of all UN bodies working on water resource management.

Minister Shavkat Khamraev reaffirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to participating in the Regional Environmental Summit and sessions of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, expressing full support for Kazakhstans initiatives in these areas.

Simultaneously, Uzbekistan completed its domestic procedures for ratifying the 2025 agreement with Kazakhstan on the joint management and sustainable use of transboundary water bodies. Signed on November 15, 2025, the agreement aims to bolster systemic cooperation, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance the efficient use of water resources for sustainable socio-economic development.

The formal ratification was completed through a presidential decree issued on March 6, 2026. The effective management of transboundary water resources, based on mutual understanding, ongoing collaboration, and shared responsibility, positions the Kazakh-Uzbek partnership as a model of constructive regional cooperation.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 13. Turkmenistan held a roundtable with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to discuss development of cooperation in labor, social protection, and sustainable development, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The event brought together members of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan (Parliament), representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, international organizations, and social partners.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova highlighted the countrys commitment to deepening collaboration with the ILO and noted that Turkmenistan consistently implements policies to enhance social protection, ensure decent working conditions, and expand employment opportunities. She stressed that engagement with the ILO supports the adoption of advanced international practices and the strengthening of the national labor system.

The roundtable also reviewed the outcomes of 2025 joint activities, implementation of projects promoting decent work, and set priority areas for cooperation in 2026. Participants acknowledged Turkmenistans steady efforts in developing international collaboration in the social and labor sphere and emphasized the importance of experience exchange and expanding partnership initiatives with the ILO.

Notably, Turkmenistan has been steadily cooperating with the ILO through a series of joint programs and roadmaps, focusing on labor legislation modernization, promotion of decent work, and social dialogue. This engagement aims to align national labor standards with internationally recognized practices and strengthen the countrys capacity in social protection and workforce development.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 13. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held discussions on enhancing cooperation in environmental protection and sustainable development in preparation for the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana, Trend reports via the Kazakh Embassy in Uzbekistan.

The talks were held during a meeting between Uzbek Presidential Advisor on Ecology, Chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and Kazakh Ambassador in Tashkent, Beibut Atamkulov.

The two sides exchanged perspectives on improving air quality, promoting urban greening, and restoring natural ecosystems. They also evaluated the implementation of their respective national greening initiatives, Taza Kazakhstan and Yashil Makon, highlighting the programs' contribution to fostering environmental responsibility within the region.

Ambassador Atamkulov further emphasized that the draft New Constitution of Kazakhstan places significant focus on safeguarding the environment and its natural resources.

Chairman Abdukhakimov presented Uzbekistan's proposal to establish a Central Asian "Clean Air" consortium to tackle air pollution, especially in major urban areas and agglomerations, which remains a critical challenge.

Another pivotal subject was water resource management. Atamkulov outlined Kazakhstans initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations to improve transboundary water governance. Both parties affirmed the importance of this initiative for not only Central Asia but also the broader international community.

The Kazakh Ambassador also visited the Situation Center for Environmental Monitoring in Uzbekistan, where real-time ecological data is analyzed to assess air quality, identify pollution sources, and support evidence-based environmental policy-making.

In a significant development, Uzbekistan finalized its internal procedures to ratify the 2025 agreement with Kazakhstan on the joint management and rational use of transboundary water resources. Signed on November 15, 2025, this agreement aims to reinforce bilateral cooperation, enhance inter-agency coordination, and optimize water use for sustainable socio-economic growth.

The ratification was formalized by a presidential decree on March 6, 2026. Effective management of transboundary water requires ongoing interaction, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility, making the Kazakh-Uzbek partnership a model of constructive regional cooperation.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 13. Uzbekistan held talks with diplomatic missions of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman on regional security and cooperation, Trend reports via the Uzbek MFA.

The meeting was chaired by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and brought together the heads of Gulf diplomatic missions accredited in the country.

The sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East, expressing concern over developments that could threaten regional stability and stressing the importance of preventing further escalation. They emphasized that conflicts should be resolved exclusively through diplomatic means and in accordance with international law.

The participants also discussed prospects for further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Gulf countries. Special attention was given to strengthening collaboration within the Central Asia - Gulf Cooperation Council format.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Turkiye plans to strengthen its climate agenda further and promote the practical implementation of global climate decisions, said Murat Kurum, the country's Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and the COP31 President-Designate, Trend reports.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the XIII Global Baku Forum, held under the theme Bridging Divides in a Fragmented World, Kurum noted that discussions were held in Baku with leaders and representatives of previous climate conferences to review the work carried out so far and plans.

According to Kurum, the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place in Turkiye, with Antalya hosting the event.

He emphasized that the successful organization of the COP process in Azerbaijan and the outcomes expected from COP30 in Brazil could be further developed in the next stage.

The goal is to strengthen further the COP decisions adopted so far and turn them into practical results. Our main objective is not only to make decisions but also to take concrete steps and act. Within this framework, inclusive and multilateral COP leadership will be implemented, demonstrating to the world a process where no one is left behind, Kurum said.

The minister also noted that a meeting was held with the head of the International Energy Agency, stressing the importance of countries shaping energy policies that ensure greater self-sufficiency. According to him, many of the crises currently unfolding around the world are linked to energy issues, while approximately 70% of emissions driving climate change originate from energy sources.

Kurum emphasized that every nation needs to formulate energy strategies that align with its unique attributes, especially by enhancing renewable energy programs. He also emphasized that almost 700 million individuals globally remain without electricity, stressing the necessity of addressing the needs and expectations of communities in these areas.



He indicated that dialogues at COP31 will persist along this trajectory. The forthcoming action agenda will prioritize enhancing youth engagement and developing cities that are resilient to climate challenges.

We believe a successful process will be carried out in the coming period and plan to deliver important messages to the world, our common home, Kurum said.

He also noted that the Zero Waste initiative implemented together with Turkiyes First Lady Emine Erdogan is planned to be expanded globally.

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AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is included among the 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Arete Upgrades AT&T (T) on Copper Switch-Off, Sets $28 Price Target

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

On March 10, Arete analyst Andrew Beale upgraded AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) to Neutral from Sell. It set a $28 price target on the shares. The firm raised its estimates to reflect the companys copper switch-off, which lifted its financial outlook and led to the upgrade. Even so, Arete said it still prefers shares of T-Mobile (TMUS) and Verizon (VZ) over AT&T.

A Reuters report on March 10 said AT&T plans to invest more than $250 billion in the United States over the next five years to expand its network infrastructure. The company also plans to hire thousands of technicians to support the build-out. The spending will focus on expanding fiber and wireless networks. That includes faster deployment of fiber broadband, 5G home internet, and satellite connectivity across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

The investment reflects rising demand for data, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and connected devices. Telecom companies are also competing more directly with cable broadband providers. Analysts also pointed to AT&Ts partnership with AST SpaceMobile as an area investors are watching as the company works to expand coverage.

The investment push comes as competition in the sector intensifies. Comcast is expanding its network, while Verizon Communications is accelerating broadband growth following its acquisition of Frontier Communications.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a holding company and provides telecommunications and technology services globally. The company operates through two segments: Communications and Latin America.

While we acknowledge the potential of T 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 14 Best American Dividend Stocks to Invest In

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 13. Kyrgyzstan and Lithuania discussed expanding cooperation across trade, investment, green energy, digital services, and development of Kyrgyz city of Osh, Trend reports via the citys municipality.

The discussions were held during a meeting between Osh Deputy Mayor Masuda Aidarbekova, Lithuanian Embassy Consul General Sharunas Kubilius, Advisor Eduard Maiulis, and Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Osh Mederbek Orumbaev.

Participants emphasized strengthening bilateral ties and regional collaboration. They also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in the fields of tourism, education, and cultural initiatives.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijan and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) discussed strengthening economic cooperation, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X account, Trend reports.

"Within the framework of the 13th Global Baku Forum, we met with Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). We discussed key economic trends, the current state of the global business environment, and developments in international trade relations. We also highlighted opportunities to strengthen cooperation with UNCTAD through programs aimed at enhancing economic diversification, building capacity in #digital trade and supporting the #innovation ecosystem," the publication reads.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is the United Nations' focal point for trade and development, and for interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Uzbekistan advocates the creation of a multi-level system of transport corridors, the advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on foreign policy, Abdulaziz Kamilov, said, Trend reports.

He made the announcement at a panel discussion The Middle Corridor and Eurasian Transport Gateways as part of the as part of the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition."

"Uzbekistan was one of the first countries to support the opening of the Zangezur corridor at a high political level. Our country advocates the creation of a multi-level system of transport corridors, considering this not only as a key factor in ensuring security, but also as a strategic condition for increasing the competitiveness of our economies. We are convinced that ensuring the interconnection of these routes will make it possible to form a multi-level diversified system, mainly of transport routes covering the space from East Asia to the Middle East and Europe," he said.

According to him, such integration will give the Middle Corridor new significance for all stakeholders  investors, manufacturers, and contributors.

For Central Asian countries, the Middle Corridor is an important factor in economic stability and the key to full integration into logistics chains. Uzbekistan is promoting its development and considers it a cornerstone of its national transport strategy, Kamilov concluded.
Premium Uzbekistan records growth in visits from Azerbaijani citizens

A significant increase in Azerbaijani travel to Uzbekistan was noted at the beginning of 2026, which is indicative of the strengthening of people-to-people connections and the growth of tourist flows between the two nations.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 13. A total of 32,934 citizens of Uzbekistan have been returned from Middle Eastern countries, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

The ministry highlighted that Uzbekistans Embassy in Qatar played a pivotal role in facilitating the relocation of 49 citizens to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, from where they were subsequently transported to Tashkent.

Similarly, Uzbekistans diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates aided 147 citizens in their return to Uzbekistan, while the Embassy in Iran organized the departure of five nationals via neighboring countries.

In Israel, Uzbek diplomats coordinated the repatriation of four citizens through Egypt, the statement indicated.

Furthermore, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Consulate General in Jeddah and the Ministry of Transport, successfully managed the return of 2,735 citizens through chartered flights, completing the evacuation process in the country.

The ministry emphasized that diplomatic missions continue to assist those citizens who have expressed a desire to return to Uzbekistan, ensuring that repatriation efforts remain ongoing and that their safe return is prioritized.
Photo: The embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 13. Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports via the Turkmen Embassy in Islamabad.

The talks took place at a meeting between representatives of the Turkmen Embassy to Pakistan and a delegation led by Kamran Ahmad, CEO of Orient Petroleum Inc.

During the meeting, the Pakistani side noted the strong potential for a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries and expressed interest in expanding energy cooperation.

The Turkmen side briefed the delegation on Ashgabats ongoing strategy aimed at diversifying export routes, introducing advanced technologies in hydrocarbon extraction and processing, and expanding international energy cooperation.
Premium Uzbekistan records growth in travel to United Kingdom

Photo: National Statistics Committee

In January, the journey from Uzbekistan to the UK saw a significant uptick, fueled primarily by the allure of tourism, the pursuit of education, and family reunions.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 13. Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye held discussions on enhancing political and economic cooperation, as well as strengthening interparliamentary ties, Trend reports via the press service of the Kyrgyz government.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Speaker of the Joqorku Kenesh (parliament) Marlen Mamataliyev and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkiye to Kyrgyzstan Mekin Mustafa Kemal Okem.

During the talks, Mamataliyev emphasized Kyrgyzstan's deep commitment to its cooperation with Turkiye, highlighting the strategic importance of bilateral relations. He noted that the close interaction between the leaders of the two nations in recent years has significantly accelerated the development of their partnership, which now spans across multiple domains.

The Speaker further reiterated Kyrgyzstan's desire to bolster interparliamentary cooperation, believing this would be instrumental in the effective implementation of the agreements made between the two countries.

He also pointed out that the new session of the Jogorku Kenesh has established a parliamentary friendship group focused on fostering cooperation with Turkiye. Mamataliyev called for an expansion of collaborative efforts between the relevant parliamentary committees and friendship groups from both nations.

Meanwhile, trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye reached $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025, and the Turkish side has proposed increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 13. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in the field of migration, Trend reports via the Turkmenistan State Migration Service.

The talks were held at a meeting between the officials of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan and representatives of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan.

The sides highlighted the traditionally friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, noting the dynamic development of the bilateral partnership and the ongoing joint measures aimed at enhancing cooperation in migration.

Earlier in March, Turkmen officials engaged in discussions regarding migration-related matters with their Russian counterparts. The participants underscored the significance of engagement within global entities in bolstering relations between the two nations.

In February, talks focused on enhancing the legislative framework for migration were held between Turkmenistans State Migration Service and the representatives from South Korea, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has shared its communications strategy experience at a regional event titled "Communication to ensure central bank credibility and policy effectiveness" in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the CBA.

The event, jointly organized by the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Technical Assistance Center (CCAMTAC) and the South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC), brought together representatives of central banks from the region, communications experts, and representatives of international financial institutions.

The four-day event included an exchange of views on contemporary challenges in central bank communication, strengthening public trust, and the role of communication tools in raising awareness of monetary policy.

"During the interactive session 'Central Bank communication: country experience', Tural Ismayilov, Department Director at the CBA, shared his experience with the Bank's communications activities. He presented information on the bank's communications strategy, how monetary policy decisions are communicated to the public, and ongoing initiatives to strengthen institutional transparency," the CBA statement added.

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Arthur Hayes has officially stopped buying Bitcoin ($BTC). The BitMEX co-founder says he will not deploy fresh capital until the Federal Reserve explicitly expands the money supply.

With Bitcoin struggling to break resistance, Hayes is tracking a specific Net Liquidity metric that suggests the current rally lacks fundamental fuel.

He is waiting for the centralized banking cartel to restart the money printer before chasing the market any higher.

Discover: The best pre-launch crypto sales

Why Arthur Hayes Is Slamming the Brakes on Bitcoin

Hayess hesitation stems from his Net Liquidity framework, a formula that subtracts the Treasury General Account (TGA) and Reverse Repo (RRP) balances from the Feds total balance sheet.

While nominal prices are high, real dollar liquidity has not expanded enough to support a sustained breakout above $90,000. Hayes views the current market as a trap for traders expecting a straight line up.

If I had $1 to invest right now, would I be putting it into Bitcoin? No. I would wait, Hayes said on a podcast. He argues that while geopolitical tensions usually drive safe-haven assets, the only thing that truly matters for Macro Crypto cycles is fiat debasement.

This thesis is reinforced by market data showing Bitcoin decoupling from traditional bond yields, a divergence that historically signals impending volatility.

Hayes warns that without an immediate pivot back to Quantitative Easing, the American war machine alone cannot sustain asset prices. He believes the market is pricing in liquidity that hasnt arrived yet. If the Fed refuses to loosen its monetary policy, Hayes predicts the current chop could move downwards.

He is positioning for a scenario where the TGA drains slowly, leaving risk assets starved for capital in the short term. Only when the printing press whirs to life will the Net Liquidity conditions turn green for aggressive accumulation.

The Levels to Watch for Bitcoin

Bitcoin Price Analysis currently shows a market caught between institutional accumulation and macro exhaustion. Bitcoin is trading under the $90,000 psychological ceiling, a level that has rejected bulls multiple times. Hayes suggests that a failure here could trigger a slide toward $60,000, flushing out late longs.

$60,000 is the level that matters most. If price action breaks below this support, Hayes anticipates a massive sell-off driven by cascading liquidations. Concurrently, Wall Street is buying Bitcoin strategically but is not yet invested enough to chase breakouts unconditionally.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 13. Uzbekneftegaz and Switzerlands Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. discussed the establishment of trading operations in the international energy market and the implementation of investment projects, Trend reports via the Uzbek company.

The issues were reviewed during a meeting between Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz Abdugani Sanginov and Regional Head for Central Asia at Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. Andrey Rudenko.

The parties engaged in dialogue regarding the streamlined marketing of petroleum and natural gas commodities to international arenas, the implementation of contemporary trading frameworks, and the sharing of expertise within the energy domain.



Post-meeting, the parties reached a consensus to advance collaborative efforts that yield reciprocal advantages and to collectively evaluate potential initiatives within the sector.

Meanwhile, Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is an independent commodity trading company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, operating in more than 50 countries. The company has offices in a number of international financial and trading centers, including London, Singapore, Houston, and Beijing.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Azerbaijan and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) have discussed prospects for expanding cooperation during a meeting between Deputy Economy Minister Anar Akhundov and BSTDB Vice President Ziya Aliyev, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

The meeting highlighted the role of Azerbaijans effective cooperation with international financial institutions, including the BSTDB, in supporting the countrys economic development. It was noted that the banks partnership with Azerbaijans private banks to expand businesses access to financial resources contributes to supporting entrepreneurship and increasing investment opportunities.

In the course of the meeting, insights were shared regarding Azerbaijans key strategic development priorities and the opportunities for expanding collaboration with the BSTDB.



The parties also explored opportunities for collaborative efforts in key initiatives underway in the nation, encompassing public-private partnerships, industrial zones, and strategies designed to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. An investment map of tourism regions in Azerbaijan's Khachmaz district will be developed, Trend reports.

This issue is reflected in the report of the Cabinet of Ministers on its activities in 2025, discussed at today's plenary session of the parliament.

In order to promote tourism-related investment opportunities in the country, the State Tourism Agency is preparing a Tourism Investment Catalog. The catalog aims to promote various tourism projects in the Khizi, Siyazan, Khachmaz, and Shabran districts, which are included in the Khizi-Khachmaz Tourism and Recreation Zone.

The report also notes that a Tourism Development Concept for the Khachmaz district has been developed to ensure the development of tourism by utilizing the natural and cultural tourism potential.

At the same time, in order to further increase the attractiveness of tourism in the regions, in accordance with the relevant paragraph of the "Socio-economic development strategy of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026", the agency is implementing the "Tourist village" project. Within the framework of the project, the villages of Griz in Guba, Bibiyan in Lerik, Ivanovka in Ismayilli, Duruja in Gabala, Laza in Gusar, Ilisu and Saribash in Gakh, which have high tourism potential, have been selected. The aim of the project is to develop sustainable tourism in these villages, increase the economic activity of local communities, and create modern tourism infrastructure. Currently, the design of infrastructure has been finalized in Laza, Ilisu, and Saribash villages. Construction work is at the stage of starting in the village of Laza. The design process for the other four villages is ongoing.

Taking into account the tourism potential of our country, AZPROMO has prepared investment-attractive projects for tourism in a number of regions and cities and added them to the investment catalog presented to foreign investors.

The preparation of an investment map of the tourism regions in the Khachmaz district is planned for 2027.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Israeli and U.S. air forces carried out airstrikes on eastern Tehran, Trend reports.

According to information, explosions occurred in two areas of the Iranian capital, which were attacked by fighter jets.

There are no reports of damage or casualties yet.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States and Iran over the nuclear program, the U.S. and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as Irans third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

Between March 1 and March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to reports, the U.S. side suffered losses of 8 dead and more than 140 wounded.

As a result of the conflict, the regions energy infrastructure and maritime transportation have also come under serious risk. Due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged sharply, and several countries have urged their citizens to leave the region.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense announced neutralization of 10 more Iranian drones advancing towards the eastern and central provinces of the country by its air defense forces, Trend reports.

The total number of Iranian drones shot down in Saudi airspace in a few hours has approached 50. The number of drones in the latest attack was greater than in previous waves of attacks.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran over the nuclear program, the US and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Irans third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Israeli Air Force has hit more than 200 targets in western and central Iran over the past day, the statement of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says, Trend reports.

According to the IDF, the main targets included ballistic missile launchers, air defense systems (anti-aircraft missile complexes), and weapons production facilities.

Israeli warplanes dropped dozens of bombs on the targets.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran over the nuclear program, the US and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Irans third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to information, the U.S. side suffered losses of 8 dead and more than 140 wounded.

The ongoing conflict has significantly threatened the regions energy infrastructure and maritime transport. Oil prices have surged on global markets due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC/SEPAH) Navy has launched several strikes on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and partially disabled it, the statement by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran's Armed Forces says, Trend reports.

The Iranian Armed Forces noted that the aircraft carrier is leaving the Persian Gulf region and heading towards the U.S.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran over the nuclear program, the US and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Irans third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to information, the U.S. side suffered losses of 8 dead and more than 140 wounded.

The ongoing conflict has significantly threatened the regions energy infrastructure and maritime transport. Oil prices have surged on global markets due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. There are differences between the Global North and the Global South that sometimes complicate coordination. However, it is necessary to recognize and use these differences to form a common approach to solving climate problems, said Sameh Shoukry, former Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP27 President, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the panel discussion Beyond Negotiations: The Fight for COP Sustainability as part of the 13th Global Baku Forum on "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition."

Sameh Shoukry stated that achieving collective financing of $300 million is a significant success, but it is important to be realistic about its long-term impact.

"History shows that expectations do not always match reality, so it is important to plan with these limitations in mind. At the same time, I am confident that the potential for economic growth through the transition to sustainable energy is great, and this direction points the way to the future," he said.

Furthermore, he noted that the successful implementation of climate measures requires access to financial resources to expand efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to it.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 14. Israeli military forces have detected another missile attack from Iran and have begun intercepting the incoming projectiles, Trend reports, citing the Israeli army press service.

According to the statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, and Israeli missile defense systems are actively working to intercept them.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran over the nuclear program, the US and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Irans third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to information, the U.S. side suffered losses of 8 dead and more than 140 wounded.

The ongoing conflict has significantly threatened the regions energy infrastructure and maritime transport. Oil prices have surged on global markets due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. About 60 people were injured as a result of a rocket attack on a building in northern Israel from Iran, the emergency medical service says, Trend reports.

According to reports, 58 people were injured as a result of the missile strike. One person in moderate condition and another 57 with minor injuries were evacuated to nearby hospitals.

Israeli police said the strike damaged a building.
Asiamet shares jump 10% as Chinese regulator clears KSK copper project sale Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Asiamet Resources Ltd (AIM:ARS, OTC:KMGLF, FRA:0FK), the AIM-listed mining company, saw its shares surge 10% to 1.7p after receiving a key regulatory approval from China for the sale of its KSK copper project in Indonesia.

China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), the body that oversees state-owned enterprises, has cleared the transaction, removing a significant hurdle for the deal agreed in November 2025.

Under the terms of that agreement, Asiamet is selling its interest in Indokal Limited, the vehicle that holds a 100% indirect stake in the KSK project, to Norin Mining (Hong Kong) Limited, a Chinese state-backed buyer.

Shareholders approved the transaction in January.

Completion now hinges on the satisfaction of remaining conditions, principally the relevant Indonesian regulatory processes, which the company said were continuing to progress.

The KSK project, located in Central Kalimantan, is one of the more advanced undeveloped copper assets in Southeast Asia, a region attracting growing interest from Chinese buyers seeking to secure long-term supplies of the metal, which is central to electrification and energy transition infrastructure.

Chief executive Darryn McClelland said good progress was being made and that further updates were expected shortly.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi held a meeting with Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, General Michael Claesson, during which the parties discussed military aid to Ukraine and the situation on the front lines.

According to Ukrinform, Syrskyi reported this on Facebook.

I held a productive meeting with the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, General Michael Claesson, he noted.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the Swedish generals visit signals that the partnership with Sweden remains a strategic priority. He also thanked the King, the government, and the people of Sweden for their support of Ukraine and military aid to the Defense Forces, particularly for the 21st aid package, which includes the latest air defense systems, Deep Strike capabilities, and ammunition.

Stockholm remains a committed partner in coalitions focused on developing Ukraines air force, navy, unmanned systems, armored vehicles, demining, and information technology. Swedens active engagement in this regard is crucial for consolidating our partners joint efforts to compel Russia to make peace, Syrskyi emphasized.

The Commander-in-Chief also added that, at present, the Kremlin has no intention of halting its offensive operations, even though it is suffering significant losses on the battlefield, which have exceeded the Russian armys reinforcements for three consecutive months.

Also, he briefed the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces on the current situation along the 1,200-kilometer active front line and on the Ukrainian Armed Forces needs for weapons and military equipment.

I expressed my conviction that fruitful military cooperation with our NATO partners here in Ukraine lays the foundation for a new security architecture for all of Europe, Syrskyi concluded.

As reported by Ukrinform, the war has entered a new phase. By April 1 of this year, Russia plans to increase the number of personnel in its unmanned systems units to 101,000.

Photo: General Staff, Syrskyi / Facebook
Rising volatility in stocks and cryptocurrencies is pushing some investors toward alternative assets such as art for portfolio diversification. Art is no longer just an investment for billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. Recent trends show younger Americans are increasingly entering the art market as both collectors and investors.

Millennials and Generation Z made up the majority of active art buyers in a 2025 global survey of wealthy collectors conducted by art market research firm Arts Economics and UBS. The survey found that 74% of respondents were from these two generations, suggesting younger collectors are playing a key role in driving activity in the art market.

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Bank of America's Art Consulting Service

As interest in art investing grows, financial institutions are launching new products and advisory services to help clients navigate the complex art market. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) recently launched its art consulting service for wealthy clients. It offers guidance on art history, market trends, and auctions, while giving clients access to galleries and private dealers as they build collections for wealth and legacy planning.

Wealthy Investors Using Art As Collateral

Platforms like Masterworks have also made it possible for a wider range of investors to access the art market. By allowing people to buy shares in blue-chip artworks, Masterworks gives investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios with alternative assets without needing to purchase entire pieces, making art investing more accessible to younger and non-traditional collectors.

Art is no longer just something to hang on a wall and keep for life. For many wealthy collectors, it's becoming a way to generate cash, with more people borrowing against their art collections to raise money for business investments and other opportunities. About 70% of wealth managers reported higher demand for art-backed loans last year, according to a Deloitte survey. Among family offices that offer art financing, 67% said art-backed loans were primarily used for business purposes in 2025, nearly double the 36% reported in 2023, the survey found.

See Also: Before you make an offer, ask these 6 questions every homebuyer should know  or face serious regret later.

"We're going to see a lot of art changing hands," Bank of America's head of art services Drew Watson told British financial news outlet Financial News. "Some of that art is going to be inherited; some collections will be repositioned, with works being sold and other works being bought."
The government of the United Kingdom will not ease sanctions on Russian oil, Energy Minister Michael Shanks said.

According to the BBC, as reported by Ukrinform, the minister stressed the importance of sanctions in the context of a decision by the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels at sea.

The UK government will not be loosening sanctions on Russia at all, Shanks said.

He also warned of the consequences of President Putin having an opportunity to invest more in the Ukraine war.

As reported earlier, the United States is suspending sanctions for one month on the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that were loaded onto vessels before March 12.

Photo: Pexels
Root cause of major problems the world is facing today

Both these phenomenon, Colonialism and Imperialism, have been the forces at the roots of major problems which the world is facing today.

The joint Israeli and American attack on Iran has been very devastating. Like most wars it is brutal to the core.

The pretext of the war has been that Ayatollah Khamanei regime has been very brutal, against womens rights and preparing nuclear weapons.

Iran in turn was willing to be on the negotiating table and willing to concede some of the points emerging from the talks. In the middle of talks, Israel-America (I-A) axis decided to launch the war, and in the initial part of the war it inflicted severe damages on Iran. One was the killing of Khamanei along with some of his family members, and the other was, bombing of a school in which 165 young girls lost their lives. Many a civilian have also been targeted by the I-A axis.

Also, a naval ship of Iran which had arrived in India on Indias invitation for Naval exercises was torpedoed by the US submarine killing large number of sailors on the ship.

Iran bravely retaliated and caused huge damage to the I-A axis.

Role of PM Modi

Indias role during all these happenings is a great eye-opener; about its evolving foreign policy. India was non aligned to begin with, having very amicable relations with Iran. The cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries was excellent.

Now we see that Indian Prime Minister Modi visited Israel, just before the war. The goal of the visit was unknown to the country. He did receive, what is claimed, "the highest honour of Israel" and pledged that India will be with Israel in its thick and thin.

The next day, I-A attacked Iran.

Modi did not tweet about the demise of the Irans supreme leader and also issued a blank statement equating the aggressor and the aggrieved county. The transition of India from neutral to embracing the American-Israel axis came out louder with the acts of commission and omission of Indian Prime Minster.

Vietnam War

We have been watching the role of U.S. particularly from 1950s. The role has been that of interfering in other countries affairs for its political and economic goals.

Earlier, saving the world from Communism has been its major plank for unleashing wars, starting from the Vietnam war. As French had colonised Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minhs communist army overthrew the French, a long and complicated political process led to the division of Vietnam along 17th parallel into Communist North Vietnam and Capitalist South Vietnam.

America launched a horrific war against Vietnam, spending millions of dollars. The Americans used chemical weapons Napalm (jellied petrol) and Agent Orange (superior strength weed killer). This was used to clear foliage in the jungle which was the natural hiding place for the Vietcong (army raised by Vietnamese). Napalm did clear much of the undergrowth but it also stuck to humans and caused horrific injuries. Agent Orange also killed many innocent civilians farms, crops were lost and animals were killed.

The Vietnamese people were more for Ho Chi Minh. Viet Cong through Gorilla tactics came victorious and America for once had to face the defeat, its army over five lakhs strong retreated with its morale crushed by the defeat at the hands of a new and young Nation. This Vietnam war showed abundantly that America is not going to spare any efforts to defeat those who are against its interests presented as the ideology of Free World.

Iran War

This became clearer in due course as America attacked country after country on one or the other pretext. The second major case was that of Iran. With its strategic location and vast oil reserves, Iran was of special interest to the Western powers, United States, the United Kingdom in the main.

Britain was the major power to have its presence in Iran during the World War II. After the war, the England continued to retain its control over Irans oil through the establishment of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. It was exploiting Irans oil for its own interests. This arrangement changed abruptly in 1951 when the Iranian parliament, led by Mosaddeghs nationalist and democratically elected government, voted to nationalize the countrys oil industry.

From here, Britain started opposing Mossadegh regime and tried to foment opposition to him. Britain took along America and a coup was staged in Iran uprooting the democratically elected Government and installing Raza Shah Pehlavi, a stooge of America. Oil interests in the hands of Western powers remained safe for them.

The story of Salvador Allendes elimination and overthrowing of a democratic Government in Chile are fairly similar. Allende was a Marxist, a member of the Socialist party. Allende was sworn in on Nov. 3, 1970 as President of Chile. He decided to nationalize Copper companies controlled by America in particular. U.S. spent $8 million on covert actions between 1970 and the 1973 coup.

According to a 1975 Senate report. U.S. officials also backed economic measures to squeeze Allende's government. In a CIA supported Coup, the military dictator Pinochet came to power. He was very ruthless and wrought havoc on the democracy and potential prosperity of Chile.

The harm inflicted on West Asia was much more dangerous. After USSR occupation of Afghanistan, America supported some Madarassas in Pakistan and helped training Mujahids. From this Taliban; Al Qaeda were formed. America funded them to the extent of 8 thousand million dollars and supplied them with 7 thousand tons of armaments (Mahmood Mamdanis book: Good Muslim-Bad Muslim).

After 9/11 America got the pretext to attack Afghanistan in which 60000 people were killed. To dominate the whole region, it came up with the pretext of Weapons of Mass destruction to attack Iraq. The soldiers were told that Iraqs people are being oppressed by Saddam Hussian, so this war is needed. They were also told that the people will see you as the liberators and you will be welcomed with bouquets and chock lets. Something else happened and Iraq was dismantled with rise of ISIS. Neither weapons of mass destruction could be located nor American soldiers were welcomed.

Colonialism and Imperialism leave dangerous marks on the victim countries and the World as a whole. In India, British policy of divide and rule led to the strengthening of communal forces, the ills of which we are suffering till date.

American Medias coining and popularising the phrase Islamic terrorism has led to the global demonization of Muslims.

Both these phenomenon, Colonialism and Imperialism, have been the forces at the roots of major problems which the world is facing today. Hope we can promote peace by realizing the impact of Impeiralism.

[The writer, Ram Puniyani, is former Professor IIT Bombay.]

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Pentagon doing its best to hide destructions caused by Iran

Irans retaliatory attacks on the American bases and assets in the Middle East have inflicted huge material and human losses, but Pentagon is trying its best to hide

Irans retaliatory attacks on the American bases and assets in the Middle East have inflicted huge material and human losses, but Pentagon is trying its best to hide.

Ten days into the war, the US has admitted the deaths of eight service members while three fighter jets have been lost in mysterious circumstances.

While Pentagon is silent on the actual losses, satellite images and cell phone videos  often shot in defiance of strict wartime censorship laws, make it clear that the damages on the American bases in the Gulf is far more severe than the Pentagon is admitting, Moscow based Russia Today said in a report.

These sources reveal that Iran is engaged in a campaign of precision strikes, aimed at keeping American planes on the ground, and more importantly, crippling the US cutting-edge ballistic missile defense network, RT reported.

How many U.S. bases in Middle East?

The US operates a network of 19 permanent and temporary military bases throughout the Middle East, with the largest  Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, hosting 10,000 troops and serving as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The eight permanent US installations are located in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and as of mid-2025, there are between 40,000 and 50,000 American troops stationed in the region at any one time.

These bases surround Iran from the west and south, and are currently bolstered by the presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford in the Persian Gulf.

These nuclear-powered aircraft carriers have a combined staff of more than 10,000, and carry more than 130 fighter jets.

All of the US bases in the region have been described as legitimate targets by the Iranian military, and facilities in six countries have already been hit by Iranian missiles and drones.

Data showing assessment of damages

Data from FlightRadar24 showed a mass exodus of KC-135 Stratotankers from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 9, 2026 after a combined drone and missile attack the night before, the report said.

A rudimentary calculation by analyst Anusar Farooqui suggests that the US ability to fly missions over Iran has been degraded by 35-50%, Russia Today said.

Irans campaign has focused heavily on blinding the US military and crippling its THAAD missile defense network. An Iranian Shahed drone slammed into an AN/TPS-59 radar dome at Naval Support Activity in Bahrain on the first day of the conflict, obliterating the $300 million system. Installed in 2007, the radar was described by Lockheed Martin at the time as the only 360-degree coverage mobile radar in the world certified to detect tactical ballistic missiles.

Radar domes were also destroyed at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and at Al-Dhafra in the UAE, according to satellite images and video footage. At Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a $1 billion AN/FPS-132 early warning radar installation,one of only six worldwide, was hit by an Iranian ballistic missile on February 28, according to Qatars defense ministry.

By destroying the radar equipment, Iran has hampered the US and Israels ability to track incoming ballistic missiles. The consequences can be seen in Israel, where by March 6, Iranian missiles were hitting Tel Aviv less than three minutes after sirens sounded, instead of the usual eight minutes.

In at least four locations  Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and two Emirati-run bases in the UAE  Iran has hit AN/TPY-2 radar systems linked to US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries. Satellite images show that in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, these $500 million systems were completely destroyed.

An American KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq on Friday, with four of the six crew members aboard confirmed to have died, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said.

Search-and-rescue operations for the remaining two personnel are ongoing, it added.

CENTCOM said the incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The cause of the crash was not immediately clear.

US, Gulf Censorship and Cover-up

The US has adopted a policy of silence and denial, with the Pentagon refusing to answer press requests. Asked about damage to THAAD stations, the Department of War told CNN that due to operations security, we are not going to comment on the status of specific capabilities in the region.

CENTCOM has outright denied that Iran caused severe damage at multiple US bases.

Despite satellite images and video footage suggesting otherwise, CENTCOM stated on social media that damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.

Satellite imaging firms Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies have both paused the release of footage from the region. Planet Labs, whose images revealed damage to bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, said that it would place a 14-day delay on new images to prevent adversarial actors endangering the safety of allied and NATO-partner personnel.

The Gulf states have taken a more draconian approach, with the UAE threatening fines and jail time for anyone sharing videos of Iranian attacks, and Bahraini prosecutors reportedly seeking the death penalty for recording a video of a malfunctioning US Patriot air defense system hitting a residential area and allegedly killing more than 30 civilians. CENTCOM and the Bahraini government have claimed that an Iranian drone was responsible for the deaths, the RT said in its report .

The United States has confirmed the death of 8 soldiers and injuries to some 140. But, Tehran claims that the true US death toll is significantly higher.

In an interview on March 7, 2026 Iranian Supreme National Security Council Chief Ali Larijani accused US President Donald Trump of lying about the casualty count, predicting that the US would probably later increase the number of deaths gradually under the pretext of accidents or something of the sort.



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Bel Group is investing $200m to expand the production of Babybel cheese in the US.

The move will double the annual output of its factory in Brookings in South Dakota to 20,000 tonnes.

In a statement yesterday (11 March), the French dairy major called the project one of its largest manufacturing investments in the US.

The country is Bels biggest market, accounting for a third of its revenue. The company said it generates around $1.2bn in retail sales in the US.

Bel is planning to "double its US business again in the years ahead", with the country "the driver of more than half" of its projected growth.

Cecile Beliot, the CEO of Bel Group, said: "The decision to double capacity of this [Brookings] facility positions us for enhanced long-term growth in the US."

The company's US food manufacturing facilities are located in Idaho, Michigan, Wisconsin and South Dakota. It also has a plant in Quebec in Canada.

In addition to Babybel, Bel North America's portfolio features cheese brands including The Laughing Cow and Boursin. It also includes fruit-based snack brands like PomPotes and GoGo squeeZ.

Peter McGuinness, the former Impossible Foods chief who became CEO of Bel North America in February, said: "Babybel continues to see strong demand in the US, driven by consumers seeking convenient, portion-sized dairy snacks made with a few ingredients and delivering complete protein."

In its latest financial results for the six months ending June, Bel Group reported a 3.2% rise in revenue on an organic basis to 1.87bn ($2.1bn). Net profit declined to 46.4m from 52.7m in the prior year.

"Bel Group ploughs $200m into Babybel production in US" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) is among the 10 Must-Buy Mining Stocks to Invest In.

Berenberg Raises its Price Target on Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM) to $180 and Maintains a Buy Rating

On March 5, 2026, Berenberg raised its price target on Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) to $180 from $159 and maintained a Buy rating.

Earlier, on February 26, 2026, BofA raised its price target on Wheaton Precious Metals to $188 from $160 and kept a Buy rating after updating forecasts for 2026 metal prices across its North American Metals & Mining coverage.

On February 16, 2026, Wheaton announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wheaton Precious Metals International, entered into a definitive Precious Metals Purchase Agreement, the Silver Stream, with a wholly-owned subsidiary of BHP Group for its 33.75% portion of silver produced at the Antamina Mine in Peru. After closing, Wheaton will receive a combined 67.5% of all silver produced from Antamina, up from the 33.75% currently delivered under the existing Glencore silver stream. President Haytham Hodaly said the agreement deepens exposure to what Hodaly described as a cornerstone asset and called Antamina a long-life, low-cost operation expected to deliver immediate production and operating cash flow.

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) sells precious metals across North America, Europe, Africa, and South America and primarily produces and sells gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and cobalt.

While we acknowledge the potential of WPM 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 Tech Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates and 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday night the formation of a new task force to conduct a sweeping review of the United States' war colleges  the Pentagon's own graduate-level institutions  signaling that his months-long campaign to reshape military education is no longer aimed solely at civilian universities.

The task force, announced in a video posted to social platform X, will have 90 days to produce a report identifying any deficiencies and ensuring that war colleges are focused on what Hegseth described as "core national security issues." The move comes weeks after Hegseth banned military attendance at more than a dozen elite civilian universities and severed all Pentagon ties with Harvard  and it suggests that the administration's reorientation of military education is entering a new, more internal phase.

What War Colleges Are  and Why They Matter

War colleges provide professional military education to high-ranking officers, Pentagon civilians, and international partners. Their curricula focus on joint operations, national security strategy, and the theory and practice of warfare at the senior level. Graduates of institutions like the Army War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the National War College populate the most senior ranks of the American military  combatant commanders, service chiefs, and the officers who advise the president and Joint Chiefs.

"We want military leaders who are critical thinkers that have studied the principles on which our founding fathers established this republic, and that are educated and prepared to win wars," Hegseth said in the video. The task force, he added, would ensure meritocracy and high standards are at the forefront of the war college system and make sure that "what we've seen in our civilian institutions never surface in our military education institutions."

A Campaign That Has Been Building for Months

Thursday's announcement is the latest escalation in Hegseth's restructuring of the Pentagon's relationship with higher education  a campaign that began quietly and accelerated rapidly through early 2026.

On February 6, Hegseth announced the Pentagon was severing all graduate-level professional military education programs, fellowships, and certificates with Harvard University, effective with the 2026-27 academic year. Describing Harvard as "one of the red-hot centers of hate-America activism," he said the university no longer served the mission of developing effective military leaders.

On February 27, he escalated further, announcing what he called "the complete and immediate cancellation of all Department of War attendance" at Princeton, Columbia, MIT, Brown, Yale, and others beginning in 2026-27. Hegseth  who himself attended Princeton and Harvard  accused those institutions of being "breeding grounds of toxic indoctrination" that had "gorged themselves on a trust fund of American taxpayer dollars, only to become factories of anti-American resentment."

A February 27 Pentagon memo, obtained and published by the Defense Department, directed the Army, Navy, and Air Force to evaluate all existing graduate programs at Ivy League universities and "any other universities that similarly diminish critical thinking and have significant adversary involvement." An internal Army email that subsequently surfaced identified 33 universities as carrying "moderate" to "high" risk for military education programs  with service members advised to prepare a "backup plan."

Winners and Losers in the Realignment

As elite universities have been pushed out, the Pentagon has begun signaling which institutions it views as suitable replacements. Liberty University, the evangelical Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia, issued a statement expressing gratitude for Hegseth's leadership. Hillsdale College  a conservative institution in Michigan separately partnering with the White House on the nation's 250th anniversary  was also on the list. Flagship public universities including the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina, both of which have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, were also named as preferred alternatives.

An AP analysis of 2024 Pentagon Tuition Assistance data offers important context: approximately 350 service members used the benefit to attend Harvard, Johns Hopkins, George Washington, and the other schools targeted by Hegseth's cuts. By contrast, more than 50,000 studied at the American Public University System  a for-profit online education company with a graduation rate of just 22%. More than a third of Tuition Assistance recipients attended for-profit colleges, surpassing those at any type of private nonprofit institution.

The Strategic Argument Hegseth Is Missing

Some of the most pointed criticism of Hegseth's approach has come not from liberal critics but from within the defense community itself.

As Military.com's opinion section argued, the Pentagon does operate exceptional institutions  including the Naval Postgraduate School, Air University, and the Army War College  but "they cannot replicate every cutting-edge AI laboratory, every advanced semiconductor research program, every global economic modeling center or every specialized regional institute." Civilian universities often sit at the leading edge of research ecosystems the military critically needs access to. Sending officers to those institutions, the argument goes, is a strategic decision about capability  not a concession to culture.

A CNN source familiar with Hegseth's guidance said the policy creates "extensive uncertainty" about top law programs, medical programs, and nuclear engineering programs  specialties the military has historically filled through civilian university pipelines. "The overall concern is that we want military officers and non-commissioned officers to have the ability to critically think and challenge ideas," the source said, "and some of these institutions are great places to do that whether you agree with liberal or conservative thought or not."

What Comes Next

With the 90-day task force now in motion, a report on the war colleges' effectiveness is expected by mid-June. Whether that review results in structural changes to the Army War College, Naval War College, or other institutions  or produces a largely clean bill of health  will reveal the depth and seriousness of Hegseth's scrutiny of the Pentagon's own educational infrastructure.

In the meantime, the Harvard Kennedy School has set up contingency arrangements for admitted service members, offering extended four-year deferrals and connecting affected applicants to partner institutions including the University of Chicago Harris School, Tufts University's Fletcher School, and the University of Michigan's Ford School.

For students  particularly those in ROTC programs, service academies, or considering military service  the landscape of what graduate education looks like after a military career is shifting faster than at any point in a generation. Whether the shift ultimately produces stronger military leaders or simply narrower ones is a question that the next several years will answer.
UW graduate student Sera Glass, of Torrington, takes in a spectacular view during a recent trip to Nepal. She is pursuing a Master of Science in environment, natural resources and society. (Cris Welch Photo)

Growing up in Torrington, a small town in Goshen County where the nearest neighboring community is across the Nebraska border, shaped how Sera Glass views both space and community. Those formative experiences in rural Wyoming now inform her graduate work at the University of Wyomings Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.





Growing up in such a small town shaped the way I view spaces and locations, Glass says. Its such a small community where everyone is looking out for everyone. Its like a small family.





Now pursuing her Master of Science in environment, natural resources and society, Glass is focused on science communication and bridging the gap between research and the communities its meant to serve.





Im passionate about making the connection between data thats being collected and how its actually impacting communities, which is often forgotten, she says. I want to work with communities to help them understand the science that affects their lives.





What drew Glass to the Haub School was its interdisciplinary approach.





Theres a commitment to consistently grow, not only within environmental and conservation issues, but also in relevant disciplines tied to these same issues, she says. The biggest thing that makes me a Haubie is constantly searching for those connections and interdisciplinarity.





Her favorite university experience came recently when she joined the Haub Schools Wild and Working Lands Global Seminar Program in Nepal.





We trekked Poon Hill to see the sunrise over the Annapurna mountain range. It was phenomenal, she says. I was able to make many new connections who have contributed to my own understanding of conservation and community engagement.





Three Decades of Impact

UWs Haub School prepares the next generation of natural resource professionals while serving Wyomings wild and working lands and communities. With 1,275 alumni (1996-2025), many working across the state in government, private industry, nonprofits and education, the school offers six undergraduate and seven graduate programs integrating science, policy, law, economics and community engagement.

The school brings about $2 million annually in research funding to Wyoming while supporting communities through four dedicated centers and institutes. Recent milestones include a $5 million gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer in 2025 to establish the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Institute, supporting the state's second-largest industry.

Haub School programs, including the Wyoming Conservation Corps, have trained over 150 young adults and veterans since 2021, while the Biodiversity Institute connects people of all ages to Wyomings wildlife through 40-plus annual programs reaching over 3,500 participants statewide. The schools Ruckelshaus Institute facilitates collaborative, long-term solutions to natural resource challenges, offers professional workforce development, and publishes the award-winning Western Confluence magazine, reaching nearly 4,000 readers across the state. Learn more at www.uwyo.edu/haub.

Additionally, the Haub Schools Tome Scholars to Fellows Program -- established in 2021 through a major gift from UW alumni Carol and Ramon Tome -- provides exceptional students with full-ride, four-year scholarships and experiential learning opportunities to address complex environmental challenges. Recent expanded support from the Tome Foundation has doubled the number of scholars on campus. Applications for the upcoming academic year are due Saturday, March 15. Learn more at www.bit.ly/tomescholars.
The United States has eased some restrictions on Russia's oil sales as it tries to stabilise global energy markets, upended by Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in the Middle East.

Will the US sanctions waiver deliver a major windfall for Moscow?

- Symbolic importance -

The US waiver allows countries to buy Russian oil that is currently at sea until April 11.

Given the short-term nature and technical limitations, it will not provide a huge immediate windfall to Russia, though nonetheless benefits Moscow, Kpler analyst Muyu Xu told AFP.

"The measure mainly allows Russian barrels already in transit to complete voyages and discharge," she said in a note, calling it a "wind-down, not reopening."

Announcing the sanctions relief, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction."

Kpler suggests around 120 million barrels of Russian crude may be at sea at the moment.

That represents around two weeks of Russia's total oil output.

But Muyu Xu from Kpler said most of that had already been pre-ordered by Chinese or Indian clients, limiting the immediate bump in orders.

Washington had last week given a similar waiver to New Delhi, which "gave Indian refiners a big advantage to snap up the cargo," she said.

The waiver may carry more symbolic than financial weight for Moscow.

"It's a gift to Russia in terms of sanctions," said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd's List Intelligence, a maritime data company.

Media reports suggested that Japan, Thailand and the Philippines were considering buying Russian crude following the US decision.

But Kpler's Muyu Xu said some countries might still have concerns as the EU and UK sanctions still remain in place.

"It's not crystal clear that everybody is free to buy ... It's not as easy as Trump just opened the tap and then the oil will naturally flow to the rest of the world."

The Kremlin welcomed the decision by urging the United States to go further, with economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev saying the lifting of more sanctions looked "inevitable" given the volatility of the global energy market.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week offered to supply oil to Europe should it reverse on sanctions, but only on a "long-term" basis and "free from political pressure."

- Tens of billions -

Beyond the US waiver, the general surge in oil prices since the start of the war in the Middle East has helped to replenish Russia's coffers, depleted by more than four years of war against Ukraine and international sanctions.

Russia's ESPO blend, typically purchased by China and India, is trading $30-40 higher per barrel than before the conflict.

Every extra $10 per barrel brings an additional $1.6 billion a month in tax revenues for the Russian government, Sergey Vakulenko from Carnegie Endowment estimated.

If "it rose by $40 and held that level for six months, this would mean an extra $38 billion," he said in a post on Telegram.

That would be enough to cover most of Russia's 2025 deficit, which came in at around $50 billion.

Russia has posted a budget deficit in every year since it ordered troops into Ukraine and expects to do so again in 2026.

Oil-and-gas revenues -- roughly one-fifth of Russia's state income -- were running at a five-year low at the start of the year, hit by sanctions, production issues and Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities.

The measures, aimed at widening supply to push down prices, are a "godsend for Russia's shadow fleet," said Lloyd's analyst Bridget Diakun, referring to the opaque sanctions-busting tankers used by Russia.

"Russia can make a lot of money because it's given a pass," she added during a webinar.

- Outcry from Ukraine and Europe -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US sanctions relief "certainly does not help peace."

Europe, which has not eased its sanctions on Russian oil, also pushed back.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the Strait of Hormuz's shutdown "in no way" justified lifting the sanctions on Russia.

Britain said "all partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest", while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that "easing sanctions now, for whatever reason, is wrong."

burs/rl
 The Pakistani Navy announced the launch of Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr ("Protector of the Seas"). It said its warships would escort Pakistani commercial ships to the Middle East "to ensure the uninterrupted flow of domestic energy supplies."

 Pakistan imports most of its natural gas from Qatar and crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, via the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Pakistans oil ministry, the country has less than two weeks of crude oil reserves, and just enough liquefied natural gas to last until the end of the month.

 Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on March 9 that he had to make "tough decisions" to protect the economy as he announced fuel-saving measures, including reducing the workweek to four days for the next two months and a two-week school break. He has instructed half of the staff in the public and private sectors, with the exception of essential services, to work from home.

 Pakistan and Iran are two friendly nations. Their two armies fought the Baloch separatists in a coordinated manner.

 Shehbaz Sharif called all the Gulf and Levant states to assure them of his support. He also sent his congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

 To date, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps only allows Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Billionaire investor Leo KoGuan said in a post on X last Friday that he has doubled his stake in Nvidia to 2 million shares. KoGuan is the co-founder of software company SHI International and one of Teslas (TSLA) largest individual shareholders, which accounts for the bulk of his wealth. The move came amid heightened volatility tied to the Middle East conflict, which triggered a broad selloff across global markets. KoGuan did not offer additional details about the purchase, simply stating, Hopefully, I can contribute a little to calm the nervous market. Good luck all.

Shares of the AI darling are largely flat on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. The latest leg down followed the companys blockbuster earnings report, which was met with a lukewarm response from investors. The stock then staged a partial rebound as dip-buyers stepped in.

Nvidia is a premier technology firm known for its expertise in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The company is renowned for its pioneering contributions to gaming, data centers, and AI-driven applications. The company's technological solutions are developed around a platform strategy that combines hardware, systems, software, algorithms, and services to provide distinctive value. The chipmaker curently has a market cap of $4.49 trillion, making it the worlds most valuable company.

So should you follow his lead? Is this a moment to back up the truck, or a time for discipline? In this article, well break down what KoGuans purchase really signals, assess Nvidias fundamentals, and determine whether retail investors should be leaning in  or exercising patience.

Nvidia (NVDA) has no shortage of high-profile believers, but when a billionaire with a history of concentrated, conviction-driven bets doubles down, the market tends to pay attention. Leo KoGuan recently revealed that he now owns 2 million shares of Nvidia, building his position in the AI chip giant at a time when volatility stemming from the Iran war has rattled investor confidence. Even more notably, KoGuan said he was buying in part to help calm the nervous market, signaling not just conviction in Nvidias fundamentals but in the broader AI trade.

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A few days earlier  last Tuesday, to be precise  KoGuan purchased his first 1 million Nvidia shares. At the time, the 71-year-old billionaire wrote on X, I am convinced AI is NOT a bubble, it is only the beginning. Based on recent closing prices, KoGuan is estimated to have spent approximately $350 million to build his Nvidia stake.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, KoGuans net worth stands at $13.4 billion, making his Nvidia purchase relatively modest compared to his overall fortune. KoGuan has said he remains still mostly in Tesla and Treasury bills. However, when someone like the billionaire, whose wealth has long been concentrated in a single stock, begins building a position in Nvidia, I see it as a strong vote of confidence. Tesla is embodied physical AI; NVDA is an enabler foundational layer of AI. AI is information that thinks, reasons, acts, walks, works, and lives, Koguan said.

Nvidias Blowout Earnings Receive a Tepid Market Reaction

Indeed, Nvidia is the foundational, infrastructure enabler of the modern AI ecosystem. The company provides the essential hardware (GPUs), software (CUDA), and networking technologies that act as the backbone for AI development, training, and deployment. And demand for its products shows no signs of slowing.

In late February, Nvidia reported blowout Q4 results and issued Q1 revenue guidance that smashed analysts estimates. The chipmaker reported record quarterly revenue of $68.1 billion, representing a 20% sequential increase and a 73% year-over-year (YoY) gain. The figure blew past expectations and marked the companys strongest YoY growth rate in four quarters. Its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.62, topping expectations by $0.08.

The heart of Nvidias business, the data center segment, which encompasses the chips and networking equipment it supplies to AI and cloud-computing customers, also delivered record numbers. The segments revenue stood at $62.3 billion, up 22% from the previous quarter and 75% YoY. The growth was driven by major platform shifts toward accelerated computing and AI.

Nvidia also issued upbeat guidance for the current quarter. The company said it expects revenue of $78 billion, plus or minus 2%.

Still, the impressive beat and strong outlook failed to impress investors, sending NVDA stock down more than 5% in its sharpest drop since April. The stock dropped another 4% in the subsequent trading session. Some analysts noted that expectations for AI-linked companies, particularly Nvidia, had become extremely high, while others questioned whether booming AI spending could be sustained. The drop also came amid lackluster sentiment toward the AI trade.

All Eyes on Nvidias GTC Developer Event

With the blockbuster earnings report failing to ignite a rally in NVDA stock, investors are now turning their attention to the next potential catalyst  Nvidias annual GPU Technology Conference (GTC). This years GTC kicks off next week, and the company is expected to unveil multiple hardware innovations. You can read more about the event in my previous article on NVDA.

CEO Jensen Huang has already hinted at the unveiling of products the world has never seen before. The Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia plans to introduce a new processor specifically designed to help OpenAI and other clients develop faster, more efficient tools. The company is developing a new system for inference computing, which enables AI models to generate responses to queries, the report said.

What Do Analysts Expect For NVDA Stock?

Nvidias stock has a top-tier consensus rating of Strong Buy. Of the 49 analysts covering the stock, 44 rate it a Strong Buy, three assign a Moderate Buy rating, one advises holding, and one gives it a Strong Sell rating. The mean price target for NVDA stock stands at $265.01, indicating a potential upside of 42.5% from current levels.

Putting it all together, I reiterate my Strong Buy rating on NVDA and believe that following KoGuans lead makes sense. Nvidia serves as the foundational infrastructure backbone of the modern AI ecosystem, and the recent revenue update from Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), along with quarterly results from Oracle (ORCL), confirm that AI demand remains very strong.

There is clearly a disconnect between the companys fundamentals and its stock price, and I believe the upcoming GTC event could help begin closing that gap. Im encouraged by how the stock continues to hold the $170 to $180 support area (which was already tested a few times), and I view it as an attractive zone to add, provided there is confirmation of bullish momentum.

www.barchart.com

On the date of publication, Oleksandr Pylypenko had a position in: NVDA. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
During the Q&A, Slater said the company began shipping G8 units today and expects hardware growth to return and then accelerate through the rest of the year. He added that Blackline had discussed an expectation that about 25% of shipments in Q2 would be G8 devices, and then growing from there, while noting that some orders remain budgeted and very locked in at the G7.

Product revenue was CAD 14.0 million, down 22% year-over-year. CEO Cody Slater reiterated that the company expected a near-term headwind after announcing the G8, as some customers chose to defer hardware purchases ahead of first shipments. Curry also pointed to a tough comparison in the prior-year quarter, when customers pulled forward purchases due to geopolitical uncertainty and anticipated tariffs.

Service revenue was a key driver in the quarter, rising 25% year-over-year to CAD 24.9 million. Interim CFO Chris Curry said software services revenue increased 22% to CAD 22.1 million, while rental revenue jumped 64% to CAD 2.8 million, which he attributed to continued strong demand in our industrial turnarounds, maintenance events, and project-based environment.

For the first quarter ended January 31, 2026, the company posted revenue of CAD 38.8 million, up 3% year-over-year and extending its streak to 36 consecutive quarters of year-over-year top-line growth. Management emphasized that results were achieved while navigating a product transition from the G7 to the new G8 connected safety wearable and absorbing launch-related costs.

Blackline Safety (TSE:BLN) reported a strong start to fiscal 2026, highlighting continued growth in its recurring revenue base alongside what management called the most significant product launch in the companys history.

Liquidity and regional trends: The company ended the quarter with CAD 41.4 million cash and roughly CAD 29.9 million available on its credit facility (total ~CAD 71.3 million), while RoW revenue grew 50% and ADNOC deployments expanded even as U.S. revenue declined 8% on tougher comparisons.

Q1 financials  services offset product headwind: Revenue was CAD 38.8 million (+3% YoY) as service revenue jumped 25% to CAD 24.9 million offsetting a 22% decline in product sales, with adjusted EBITDA positive at CAD 1.7 million and gross margin improving to 65% despite a CAD 2.8 million net loss driven largely by foreign-exchange swings.

Recurring revenue strength and G8 launch: ARR rose 28% to CAD 90.5 million and net dollar retention was 126% (above 125% for 11 quarters), while the company has begun shipping the new G8 wearable and expects hardware growth and expanded service monetization to accelerate through the year.

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Recurring revenue metrics remain strong

Blackline reported annual recurring revenue (ARR) of CAD 90.5 million as of January 31, 2026, up from CAD 70.9 million a year earlier, a 28% increase year-over-year. Slater said the continued ARR momentum provides strong visibility into the year ahead as the company accelerates the G8 rollout.

 Why Upstarts Bank Charter Bet Could Change Everything

Net dollar retention (NDR) was 126% in Q1, reflecting expansion within the existing customer base. Management noted NDR has remained above 125% for 11 consecutive quarters.

Slater also framed the G8 as more than a hardware upgrade, describing it as a new platform that should support expanding service revenue over time as the company rolls out new apps and capabilities. He contrasted it with the G7, where customers typically acquired a service stack at the point of sale and maintained that level. With G8, he said Blackline expects it can continue adding service value throughout the device life cycle through apps, integrations, workflow tools, and productivity features, which management believes could lift ARR per device and strengthen retention over time.

Profitability, margins, and foreign exchange impacts

Adjusted EBITDA was CAD 1.7 million, up 12% from CAD 1.5 million in the year-ago quarter, marking Blacklines seventh consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA. Slater said the result was notable given the costs and complexity of the G7-to-G8 transition.

Gross profit rose 13% year-over-year to CAD 25.3 million, and gross margin improved to 65% from 60% a year ago. Curry said service margins remained strong at approximately 81%, reflecting scale efficiencies and infrastructure optimization. Product gross margin was approximately 37%, down from 40% a year earlier, which management attributed primarily to product mix changes and costs associated with the initial setup of the G8. Curry said management expects some variability over the next couple of quarters before returning toward its target of 40% and beyond.

Total operating expenses for the quarter, excluding foreign exchange losses, were CAD 26.6 million, or 68% of revenue. Curry detailed the breakdown as CAD 8.7 million in G&A, CAD 12.0 million in sales and marketing, and CAD 5.9 million in product research and development. He said operating and sales and marketing expenses included G8 launch costs, while R&D reflected continued investment in the G8 platform and new service capabilities.

The company reported a net loss of CAD 2.8 million, which Curry said was meaningfully affected by U.S. dollar foreign exchange movements. Blackline recorded a CAD 1.5 million foreign exchange loss in Q1 compared with a CAD 1.2 million gain in the prior-year quarter, a CAD 2.7 million swing that he attributed to heightened U.S. dollar volatility driven by geopolitical uncertainties.

Liquidity and regional performance

Blackline ended the quarter with CAD 41.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. Curry said the company also had approximately CAD 29.9 million of available capacity on its senior secured operating facility, for total available liquidity of about CAD 71.3 million. Management said this provides flexibility to continue investing in G8 deployment, manufacturing expansions, and broader growth priorities.

By geography, the United States contributed CAD 17.8 million (46%) of total revenue, Europe CAD 10.4 million (27%), Canada CAD 7.1 million (18%), and the rest of world CAD 3.7 million (9%). Curry said rest of world revenue rose 50% year-over-year, driven by expansion in the UAE and scaling of the ADNOC deployment. Europe grew 14% year-over-year, while U.S. revenue declined 8% year-over-year due to elevated product purchases in the prior-year quarter that created a difficult comparison.

Middle East update and ADNOC relationship

Management addressed conditions in the Middle East, with Slater noting the company is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety and well-being of customers, partners, and team members in the UAE and across the region. Slater said the companys partnership with ADNOC continues to progress, with new orders and ongoing deployment activity, and added that Blackline is seeing expanding interest from other organizations in the region.

In response to an analyst question about developments since quarter-end, management said it had not seen any measurable change in purchase orders or rental activity. Slater noted that evolving conditions could shift customer priorities in different directions, including toward worker safety, and said the company has remained in close contact with customers. Sean Stinson, president and chief growth officer, added that the company experienced some interruptions in AWS services in the region, but said the team reacted quickly to restore service. Stinson also said the UAE office remained open, though employees were asked to follow local shelter-in-place guidance and limit travel.

Looking ahead, Slater said the company remains confident in its trajectory for the balance of fiscal 2026, pointing to the scaling ADNOC relationship, a growing U.S. fire and HAZMAT pipeline, and what he described as building momentum for the G8 with customers and distributors.

About Blackline Safety (TSE:BLN)

Blackline Safety Corp is a connected safety monitoring technology company. It provides wearable safety technology, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and increase productivity of organizations with coverage in more than 100 countries. Blackline Safety wearables provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 161 billion data-points and initiated over five million emergency responses. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, the company ensure that help is never too far away.

The article "Blackline Safety Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND)  Down a quiet set of stairs inside a 150-year-old bank building in Downtown Effingham, history is getting a fresh pour.

What was once the First National Bank of Effingham is now home to The Wheat Penny, a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside the buildings former bank vault.

We want to transport people when they come down here, said co-owner and operator Riley Pruemer.

The space still carries pieces of its past. Behind a heavy vault door that once secured cash and valuables, shelves now hold bottles of whiskey and liquor.

The name Wheat Penny pays tribute to both Midwestern agriculture and the buildings banking roots.

Wheat is kind of a Midwest icon, Pruemer explained. And so Wheat Penny just felt right, being that we are in a bank.

Bartender Gracie Liles said the bar has quickly become a place where locals and travelers connect.

The people Ive met here  theyre phenomenal, Liles said. A huge part of our job is just connecting with these people.

And when it comes to drinks, one stands above the rest.

The Old Fashioned for sure, Liles said. Ive heard from people from all over say we have the best Old Fashioneds, hands down.

For Pruemer, the bar represents more than craft cocktails. Its part of a larger effort to turn Effingham into a destination.

Were in the middle of nowhere on the way to everywhere, Pruemer said. So we like to say were at the crossroads of a lot of opportunity.

And inside this historic vault, that opportunity is bringing travelers and locals together, one drink at a time.

Wheat Penny is located at 214 W Jefferson Ave, Effingham. It is open from 3-9 p.m. Tuesday, from 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, from 3-11 p.m. Friday, and from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)  Soybean farmers were hurt by tariffs in 2025, losing export markets while nations like China stopped buying the U.S. crop.

This year, they will be faced with more economic hurdles with the continued conflict with Iran.

Fuel and fertilizer prices have spiked while Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, choking off supplies of both commodities.

Fertilizer supply chains are seeing reduced shipments of nitrogen-based products, phosphates and potash. The shortage is coming as the spring planting season is approaching.

I met with some farmers from central Illinois in my office a few minutes ago, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois told WAND about his meeting with members of the Illinois Soybean Association. Theyre worrying about what it means for input costs for fertilizer and fuel.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route. Among the commodities impacted by the Iran blockage are oil, soybean meal, and a variety of fertilizers including potash.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  The Illinois State Museum is inviting residents from across the state to share their family stories as part of a statewide effort to commemorate the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary.

The museum is asking Illinoisans to share stories that have been told and retold within their families over time. According to the museum, all stories are welcome, whether they happened last week or 200 years ago, involve a major historical event, or reflect an everyday moment.

The museum said possible topics include stories about when and why you or an ancestor first came to Illinois, memories describing what life was like "back then" for a family member, childhood stories often shared by a parent or grandparent, or stories about how family members met or fell in love.

Selected submissions may be featured in exhibitions, programs and social media as part of the museum's America 250 initiative.

For more information or to submit a story, visit the Illinois State Museum website.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
Foreign and economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday called for an immediate halt to the war in the Middle East, and said the effects of surging oil prices and disrupted trade are already hitting Southeast Asia's economies, AzerNEWS reports, citing Tribune.

Several members of ASEAN have begun rolling out measures to counter the economic impact, with governments moving quickly to conserve energy, stabilise domestic markets and protect vulnerable sectors such as tourism.

In a post on X, ASEAN wrote, "The meeting discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and its broader implications for regional stability, global economic conditions, and energy security."

The Association added that the ministers highlighted the importance of assisting ASEAN nationals in the affected areas, as well as "strengthening ASEAN's ongoing initiatives to enhance regional energy cooperation and supply resilience."

"We expressed serious concern over the situation in the Middle East and its impacts in the region, and emphasised the importance of the immediate cessation of hostilities," Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told a press conference after a special meeting on the crisis, adding that ASEAN called on all parties to exercise the utmost self-restraint.

The Philippines, which is chairing ASEAN this year, convened the special meeting as concerns over the Iran conflict deepened. The ministers called for global energy supply chains to be kept open and to activate regional mechanisms to mitigate the economic fallout.

Crude oil is trading near $100 a barrel on worries about supplies, which have been heightened by the vow from Irans new supreme leader to keep the Strait of Hormuz, the route for a fifth of global oil supply, closed.

"The escalating conflict has generated broader economic repercussions beyond the region, particularly through heightened volatility in global energy markets and disruption of key maritime and supply chain routes," the economic ministers of the 11-member bloc said in a statement after a separate meeting.

Lazaro said the Philippines, which is heavily dependent on imported fuel from the Middle East, was considering buying oil from Russia, but she did not elaborate.

The economic ministers warned that the regions exposure to global oil and LNG supply routes made it especially vulnerable to further shocks, adding that reinforcing supply chain resilience, accelerating renewable energy transitions and deepening regional cooperation would be essential to preserving economic stability.

The meeting came as the ongoing Middle Eastern war rages on. The leaders of Iran, the United States, and Israel have all voiced defiance, vowing to fight one. The war has killed thousands of people and has disrupted the lives of millions of others.

The Israel Defence Forces said on Friday its air force 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, as part of its operation dubbed Operation Roar of the Lion.

Meanwhile, Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel overnight, undermining earlier US and Israeli claims to have knocked out much of Iran's stock of long-range weapons.
Paresh Rajas company, Market Financial Solutions, tipped into administration in February amid very serious fraud allegations

The boss of a collapsed 2bn shadow bank has been accused of using a network of fake companies to steal money from the companys creditors.

Paresh Raja, the founder of Market Financial Solutions (MFS) is alleged to have used eight companies to extract money from creditors on false pretences, a legal filing from a creditor group alleges.

The creditors claimed that while the eight were purported by MFS to be genuine borrowers they were in fact closely connected with MFS.

Creditors to MFS successfully placed these eight companies into administration on Tuesday.

Six of the eight are owned by two individuals who are connected to Magus Chartered Accountancy, a small London-based firm that appears to play a central role in the MFS saga.

On Sunday, The Telegraph revealed that Magus acted as accountants for MFS while also appearing to serve as the owners of a large number of companies that received the MFS loans.

MFS was placed into administration late last month amid what a judge called very serious allegations of fraud.

As a so-called shadow bank, MFS did not take deposits but instead funded its loans by borrowing from banks and other financial firms.

A cast of high-profile banks  including Santander, Wells Fargo, Jefferies and Barclays  backed MFS.

Fraudulent wrongdoing

Its demise not only shocked the City, but has prompted the Bank of England to investigate the circumstances of the collapse.

On Wednesday, another company owned by a Magus director was successfully placed into administration based on that it appeared to have been controlled by Mr Raja himself and was used to perpetrate fraudulent wrongdoing, according to legal filings seen by Bloomberg.

More than 130 companies linked to Magus have received loans from MFS, according to a Telegraph analysis of Companies House filings, which could represent up to a fifth of MFSs total clients.

Of the companies controlled by Magus, more than half received loans from different MFS lenders on the same day, secured by the same property.

In their claim, the creditors warned that lending to connected borrowers, as well as the double-pledging of collateral to secure multiple loans, has led to a hole in MFSs accounts of more than 1.3bn.

Established in 2002, Maguss own accounts show it had just two employees.

Mike Stubbs, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, legal counsel to Paresh Raja, said: Mistakes have been made but there has been no intention to defraud whatsoever and Mr Raja has not been the beneficiary of any shortfall (if any) there may be.

These allegations are based on fundamental misunderstandings and assumptions and are materially incorrect, Mr Stubbs added.
A secret lecture series on the Antichrist by tech billionaire Peter Thiel sparks controversy among Catholic institutions and Italian politicians.

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has brought a four-lecture series on Biblical apocalypse to the heart of Rome. Catholic universities are running from it. Italian politicians are demanding answers. And the invitations are the hottest ticket in town.

A short walk from St. Peters Square, in a city where the Catholic Church has shaped civilisation for two millennia, one of Silicon Valleys most powerful and peculiar billionaires is this week delivering a private lecture series on the Antichrist. The invitations are gold. The Catholic universities originally linked to the event have fled. And Rome, as only Rome can, is consuming the whole spectacle with equal parts outrage and fascination.

Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies, arrived in Rome on Sunday to begin a four-day, invitation-only conference running through Wednesday. The subject: the Antichrist. Not as a figure of derision or Halloween costume, but as a serious theological, philosophical and technological concept, explored through the lenses of Rene Girard, Carl Schmitt, Francis Bacon, Jonathan Swift and John Henry Newman.

For a man whose data company helps the Trump administration deport migrants, whose early money helped launch JD Vances political career, and who has spent years preoccupied with existential risk and apocalyptic theology, the choice of Rome as a venue was not accidental. It was a statement.

The Popes University Wants Nothing to Do With It

The controversy ignited before Thiel had even landed. Early reports in the Italian press named the Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University, the Dominican institution known informally as the Angelicum, as the venue for the lectures. The Angelicum carries a particular resonance in the current moment: it is the place where a young priest named Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, wrote his canon law doctoral thesis.

The prospect of a tech billionaire delivering secret lectures on the Antichrist at the alma mater of the sitting Pope proved too much for the Angelicum to absorb. The university moved quickly to distance itself, issuing a statement that was notable for its precision: the event was not organised by the university, would not take place on its premises, and formed no part of any institutional initiative.

The Catholic University of America in Washington was next to step back. The university confirmed it was not sponsoring or hosting the event, clarifying that the Cluny Project, cited in invitations as a co-organiser, is an independent initiative that was incubated at the university but operates on its own authority. The university had previously hosted Thiel on its Washington campus in 2023 for a talk on Rene Girard, the French philosopher and literary critic who shaped much of Thiels intellectual worldview. That event, apparently, was fine. Lectures on the Antichrist in Rome were a different matter.

According to documents seen by the Associated Press, the event ended up being jointly organised by the Cluny Institute and the Vincenzo Gioberti Cultural Association, an Italian organisation based in Rome. The exact venue has not been confirmed publicly.

What Is Thiel Actually Saying?

Thiels interest in the Antichrist is not a recent affectation. He has written and spoken about the concept for years, approaching it not as a supernatural prediction but as a framework for understanding the dangers of technology, modernity and human hubris. In a November essay for the Catholic magazine First Things, he mused openly about the centuries of Christian debate over who the Antichrist was, when he would arrive, and what he would preach.

The Rome lectures follow a template Thiel first used in San Francisco last September, where he gave the same four-part series to a similarly exclusive audience. According to invitation text circulating in Rome, the lectures are anchored in science and technology and draw on theology, history, literature and politics. The thinkers Thiel references span centuries and disciplines, from the political philosophy of Carl Schmitt to the literary satire of Jonathan Swift to the religious thought of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

The framing, to those familiar with Thiels thinking, is consistent with his broader worldview: a deeply unconventional Catholic who believes that technology is accelerating humanity toward a decisive reckoning, and that the intellectual traditions of Western Christianity offer the best tools for understanding what that reckoning might look like.

Rome Reacts: Parliament, Politics and Paranoia

In Italian political circles, the visit triggered immediate scrutiny. The centre-left opposition filed a formal parliamentary question over reports that Thiel might seek a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni or other members of the government during his stay. The question reflects a broader unease in Italy about the influence of American tech power on European politics, an unease sharpened by Palantirs role in the Trump administrations immigration enforcement operations and Thiels well-documented financial ties to the American right.

Melonis office has not confirmed or denied any meeting. Thiels team has not responded to requests for comment. The lectures themselves remain closed to the press, with attendees reportedly bound by confidentiality. In a city where every palazzo holds secrets, the deliberate opacity has only deepened the intrigue.

The reaction on Romes streets has been harder to characterise. Among the citys intellectuals and clergy, there is a mixture of genuine curiosity and studied disdain. One Vatican observer, speaking anonymously, described the whole affair as characteristic of a certain strand of American Catholic conservatism that has developed a taste for European settings and apocalyptic ideas. Another simply noted that Rome had survived Visigoths, Renaissance popes and Mussolini. It could survive a PayPal co-founder.

Silicon Valley Meets the Eternal City

There is something fitting, if unsettling, about the collision happening this week in Rome. Thiel has spent years arguing that the biggest questions facing humanity are not primarily economic or political, but civilisational and spiritual. His investment in Palantir, a company that takes its name from the all-seeing stones of Tolkiens Middle Earth, reflects a worldview in which technology is not neutral but morally weighted, capable of serving either apocalyptic destruction or civilisational survival.

Rome, for its part, is a city that has hosted every kind of power that the Western world has produced. Emperors and popes, fascists and liberators, tourists and pilgrims. Adding a libertarian tech billionaire delivering private lectures on Biblical prophecy barely registers on the historical scale of Roman strangeness.

And yet the visit matters, precisely because of its timing and its cast. A world at war in the Middle East, a Pope whose university wanted nothing to do with the event, a prime minister whose office is being asked whether she met with the man organising lectures on the end of days. The scenery could not have been scripted more deliberately if it had tried.

The lectures run through Wednesday. Whatever Thiel says inside those closed rooms, Rome will still be standing on Thursday. It always is.

Ph: Hiroshi-Mori-Stock / Shutterstock.com
High Court Reporter

An Angolan man who claims his parents were murdered by government forces will have his asylum refusal reconsidered following a successful judicial review at the High Court.

The man, who cannot be identified, was refused asylum status here, on appeal, in June 2024.

He submitted that he was a member of the FLEC in Angola - a regional separatist group called the Front for the Liberation of Cabinda, fighting for independence from Angola.

He claims he distributed leaflets and party materials for a number of years for the group, as did his father.

The man submits that, on a redacted date, a violent incident occurred at his family home where his parents were killed, allegedly by soldiers from the Angolan ruling party, the MPLA.

He submitted that three men went to the back of the home with fuel and set fire to the house while soldiers entered the home, taking the man's mother and wife to another room to beat and rape them.

The man and his father were tied elsewhere in the home but his father managed to break into the room where he was shot, it is claimed.

He told the IPAT that his mother passed out upon seeing her husband being shot. When she awoke, she threw a glass vase at the soldiers but she, too, was fatally shot.

He submitted he was then hit on the head by a soldier with a gun and woke up in a military vehicle while the home was on fire.

An FLEC member later confirmed that his parents were dead and their bodies were found inside the burning house.

When asked by the IPAT of his fears to return to Angola, the man responded: "The night they killed my father and mother... I came around inside a police car and I saw the house burning and my kids screaming and I was made a prisoner."

The IPAT found the applicant had "a number of inconsistencies" in his description of the fatal incidents, creating a sufficient doubt about his credibility.

The tribunal found that the man had initially said his father had been hit in the head but then said in his appeal interview his father had been shot.

The IPAT asked why there were different accounts of both parents being shot and he said he had been "misinterpreted".

The tribunal noted that in respect of his mother, the man had mentioned her shooting in his initial questionnaire and appeal but not in his oral interview.

The man said he was "psychologically shocked" and that it had been "some time ago".

In his judgment, Judge Garrett Simons said it would be incorrect for the IPAT to infer that the applicant had confused which parent was shot and when and that the man had been consistent throughout the immigration process in stating that both his parents had been killed.

The judge said the IPAT erred in law in purporting to infer that the applicant "has been inconsistent in relation to a crucial detail of his core claim, namely, which family members had been killed at the incident in the family home".

The judge said it is unfair and contrary to legislation to put a "partial account of the claimants previous statements to him, and then seek to rely on the claimants understandable confusion in response to the questioning to reach an adverse finding on credibility".

He then set aside the June 2024 refusal decision and remitted the matter for "reconsideration by a differently-constituted panel of the IPAT".
Waterford Gardai are investigating breaches of court restrictions in the wake of a recent in-camera trial.

In-camera trials refer to legal proceedings that are held in private due to their sensitive nature. In such matters, reporting restrictions are put in place whereby no identifying details can be published in a public forum.

In a recent trial, legal counsel became concerned over a number of social media posts that directly identified the accused party.

At a brief hearing in Waterford Circuit Court, Judge Eugene O'Kelly was informed that 'Gardai were involved' about these breaches, which took the form of Facebook posts.

Judge O'Kelly said: "A breach of the in camera rule exposes a person to criminal intent. It is a matter of concern."

He said: "It should be got on with."

The matter will be mentioned again on March 24.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Minceiri Port Lairge donated a new sculpture made by Traveller women to Oasis House in Waterford last week. The sculpture titled Hands was made over the course of seven weeks where Traveller women worked with a local artist to create a piece of art highlighting womens empowerment.

An unveiling event was held in Oasis House with many people in attendance from the HSE and the Gardai, as well as the Traveller community themselves.

Claire Coughlan is the manager of Oasis House, a refuge for women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Grace Moran and Frances Troy unveil the 'Hands' sculpture project by Minceiri Port Lairge at Oasis House. Photo: Joe Evans

She said the donation is a gesture of trust, recognition and solidarity".

Sharing stories, conversation, laughter and, of course, banter; those moments reminded us how powerful simple human connection can be.

Oasis House

Ms Coughlin said: All of us have different lives, different backgrounds, different journeys to take but theres so much that binds us together. The truth is that women everywhere share the same thoughts, the same worries and the same hopes. We think about our own futures, we worry about our own children, we dream about the lives we want for them, the opportunities we hope will be open for them and the safety we want them to grow up in.

In an ideal world of course there would be no need for domestic abuse refuges or services like ours. Every home would be safe, every woman would feel secure, respected and valued in her own space. But while that is the world we work towards, the reality is that refuges remain necessary.

The journey that brings women to a refuge can be lonely, isolating and challenging, yet what we see time and time again within these walls is something else begins to grow. Women find camaraderie, friendship, they rediscover their strength.

"Most importantly, they leave knowing that they are not alone, that women stand beside them.

Minceiri Port Lairge

Aoife Marks, the health project co-ordinator for Minceiri Port Lairge, said that the artwork represents strength, connection and women standing together".

The openness and courage shown in the discussions reminded us all of the resilience and wisdom women carry, often very quietly.

Ms Marks thanked the women who took part in the project. She said they showed up every week with honesty and humour and kindness".

This artwork will stand here as a reminder of your strength and courage, she said.

One of the participants in the project, Christina OReilly, also said a few words at the event.

She said, It wasn't just about making art, it was the warmth in the room, the chats and the stories we shared. It gave me a sense of belonging. Knowing that our piece will be displayed in Oasis House fills me with such joy; it feels like a piece of our hearts will be up there for everybody to see.

The artwork

The artist involved in the project, Mary Cassidy, said she was so proud to be part of the process.

We put a heart at the centre of the piece because everything, at the end of the day, is a drive and a move towards love.

We come here as souls to be tested, and by god do we get tested.

An oasis is a beautiful place of water and palm trees in the middle of the desert. Your life can be very barren, very lonely, very challenging, and suddenly there in the middle of this journey, you see an oasis. Its not a mirage, it's not an illusion, it's real."

The artwork is titled Hands because, You can do a lot of harm with your hands, but you can do so much good with your hands. We can create with our hands.

Were all born equal, no matter our gender, our sexuality or ethnic origin, at the heart of it, we all have a pure white soul. And then we move in our life to having colourful experiences, challenges, all the good stuff.

Its your lifes journey in the form of the hands.

The sculpture is actually a mould of the womens hands.

The gardai

Sergeant Deirdre ONeill, as well as officers Avril Phelan and Aoife Donohue, attended the event to show their solidarity with women who are victims of domestic violence.

Sgt ONeill told the Waterford News & Star, An Garda Siochana have done an awful lot of work in reaching out and assisting women who are victims of domestic violence. We would encourage people to never be afraid, always ring and we can put you in the right direction.

"Theres a bank of people out there who are all there to help people who are victims of domestic violence.

Officer Phelan added that the gardai alongside Tusla and the women who use Oasis House services are all working towards the same goal; the safety of children.

The participants themselves

Frances Troy and Grace Moran spoke to the Waterford News & Star about their experience. Ms Troys mother was one of the organisers of the project so she went along with her mother.

Neither of them had ever done anything like this before.

Ms Troy said, Youd look forward to going in on a Wednesday, to meeting the women and having a cup of tea. While youre doing your work, youre still chatting and having a laugh. Theres a good atmosphere there.

While the group worked on their art, they talked about healthy relationships.

I thought that was good because not everyone would know the services Oasis House provides.

Something Ms Troy found particularly important in those meetings was that if someone is going through a hard time, they should reach out.

Ms Moran added, if youre unhappy, theres help there and you dont have to put up with it.

The two enjoyed the art-making project so much that theyve joined another programme. This art piece will focus on breast cancer awareness.
A man appeared in Waterford District Court last week for allegedly setting fire to a room at University Hospital Waterford.

It is alleged that on January 24 at 6.50pm, an inpatient set a fire in one of the rooms on medical floor four. A sheet and a chair were set alight, and approximately 600 worth of damage was done.

The man in question, Peter Sinnott, is of no fixed abode. He was charged with criminal damage and arson.

His solicitor said in court last week that there are acute underlying mental health issues at play.

Judge Kevin Staunton, presiding over Waterford District Court, accepted jurisdiction over the matter. The matter will return to court on May 19.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) is included among the 13 Undervalued Dividend Aristocrats to Buy Now.

Brown & Brown (BRO) Price Target Cut to $76

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally.

On February 26, Morgan Stanley reduced its price target on Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) from $78 to $76, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The revised target, which still indicates an upside of 11% from the current share price, comes as the analyst firm adjusted its targets in the property and casualty insurance group following the Q4 earnings season.

Morgan Stanley expects insurance operators with more differentiated underwriting performance to attract more investor attention in the market. While the analyst firm projects prices to remain weak and AI headwinds to not abate, it believes that insurers with differentiated underwriting and margin durability will be king.

The share price of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) has declined by over 12% since the beginning of 2026. That said, BRO was recently included in our list of the 13 Best Income Stocks with the Highest Upside Potential.

While we acknowledge the potential of BRO 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 Utility Stocks to Buy for Dividends in 2026.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
A man threatened to burn down a refuge for women and children in Waterford City.

Ross Coady, of James Gate, Waterford City, screamed threats of arson at a terrified manager trying to keep people safe at Tintean House, which caters for women and families who present as homeless.

The 40-year-old man was seen on CCTV acting aggressively outside the premises on March 25, 2024. Coady can be seen repeatedly blocking a woman from entering the building. The woman was able to enter the building with the assistance of the manager in the few seconds while Coady paced up and down the footpath.

He proceeded to hit the door and shout into the building various threats, including, Watch me burn this place down with all you whores inside.

Two days after the incident, Coady was arrested and charged with threatening criminal damage. He made no admissions during Garda interviews.

In her victim impact statement, the manager of Tintean described how the ordeal left her deeply distressed and how Coady "demanded to be let into" the building. He screamed at her: Watch what I do to you when I get my hands on you lanky mutt.

In the aftermath of the attack, the manager felt nervous going into work, knowing that Coady lived nearby. She felt especially fearful as she worked with women in vulnerable situations.

Coady pleaded guilty at Waterford Circuit Court to making threats to commit criminal damage, with a threat to kill charge taken into consideration. He has 58 previous convictions, including 11 convictions for theft, eight for burglary and two for criminal damage.

Defence counsel Gareth Hayden BL informed the court that his client had "significant" mental health issues and substance misuse and had contracted tuberculosis (TB) during an earlier spell in custody.

Judge Eugene OKelly imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced by one year in mitigation and a final year was suspended. Coady will begin the sentence, after the expiry of a current sentence imposed by Kilkenny Circuit Court.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A man whole stole 5,000 from a pensioner as part of a phishing scam has told the courts that he doesnt have the means to pay the victim back.

The incident involved a woman in her 60s, who had 73,000 stolen from her through a scam. 5,000 of these funds was transferred into the account of Reece Halligan (21), of 59 Grange Cohan, St John's Park, Waterford.

In September 2025, Halligan was given the opportunity by Judge Kevin Staunton to raise 5,000 in compensation to the victim to avoid a custodial sentence. This week, his solicitor informed the Judge that Halligan "doesnt have the means" to pay back the entirety.

Judge Staunton put the matter back for a further six months.

Youll have to do your best to raise the money Mr. Halligan or youll go to prison, Judge Staunton said.

More on this story is available HERE

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
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Exclusive BusinessCompaniesFashion retail We broke every rule: How cult boutique Incu shook up Australias fashion scene Jessica Yun March 13, 2026  8:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Pull some items off the rack at boutique fashion chain Incu and you might find a black tee for $390, or a white tank top for $270. A nude-coloured sheer dress will set you back $1135. A pair of brown sweatpants? $695. Its the details that make the difference. The black tee has a gathered bust and a bow, and the white tank, from Jean-Paul Gaultier, has buckles like overalls. Irish designer Simone Rocha is behind the sheer dress, while the sweatpants are from Eckhaus Latta, a label from New York that ignores traditional gender lines. Across decades, boutique fashion retailer Incu has steadily grown its footprint inside The Galeries shopping centre in Sydney. Ben Symons The best compliment we had was a guy who said, I love the store so much I dont tell my friends where I buy my Tshirts  I dont want them wearing the same ones, says Vincent Wu, who co-founded Incu alongside his brother, Brian, in Sydney in 2002. Where a snappy dresser may have once visited David Jones to splash on an evening dress, today they may be more likely to visit a curated boutique like Incus 13 stores across Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. There, most of the pieces are essentially streetwear, sourced from contemporary designer labels from around the world.

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But the fight to hold the modern consumers attention, splintered and diverted dozens of times a day across multiple devices, has never been more intense. International and domestic brands have proliferated, online shopping is surging, and traditional retailers from Noni B in Australia to Saks Fifth Avenue in the US have gone broke. Retail operator Accent Group announced last month it was winding down youthwear chain Glue. General Pants retail footprint has been steadily shrinking. Then there are the artificial intelligence-driven algorithms of ultra-cheap fast fashion giants Shein and Temu that have gained market share at a blinding rate, driving a race to the bottom in some parts of fashion retail. Yet customers such as Ayu (who declined to share her surname) are still coming to Incu. The 26-year-old chef had just bought a $1300 handbag from Incus store at The Galeries in central Sydney that her father had found during a previous shopping trip in Melbourne. Ayu, 26, and Nat, 30, shopping at Incu, The Galeries, Sydney. Ben Symons / SMH I dont know what the brand is, but I thought its cute for my mum, so I grabbed it today, says Ayu. I came here and I saw it  Im so happy.

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A regular Incu shopper, Ayu enjoys browsing the latest drops from cult international brands A.P.C., Maison Kitsune and Maison Margiela among others. Related Article Fashion retail Myer returns to the runway with a British fashion icon Her best friend, Nat, who was visiting an Incu store for the first time, says she has also become a fan. I feel like you should know your style when you go there, Nat suggests. But it also opens up your horizon as well. Old-style department stores, she says, are for the masses. David Jones and Myer have a certain collection that you can find everywhere else. Myer declined to comment. David Jones did not respond to a request for comment. Despite being able to shop anywhere, any time, customers are returning to Incu for something fashion retailers are desperately trying to cultivate: a sense of cool.

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Theyve got so much cultural credibility, says Melbourne fashion consultant Elizabeth Formosa, who says there arent many multi-brand retailers owning the space between premium and luxury. Boutiques like Incu succeed because theyve got a stronger sense of identity  Theyre very selective about their brand mix and their aesthetic. When shoppers can feel overwhelmed with so much choice at their fingertips, being a trusted curator is incredibly powerful, Formosa adds. Customers really trust their point of view and often look to them to discover new brands and trends. Its not something that can be found in the data. In fashion, if you stand still, you let everyone pass you. The spreadsheet tells you the past. Your gut tells you where you should go next, Vincent says. We dont want to be one of those stores that once was cool and then, like, the owner got a bit older and then lost the relevance.

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Brick by brick Born in Hong Kong, Brian and Vincent Wu grew up with a shopaholic mum and inherited an appreciation for the theatre of retail. Australias fashion landscape was, in the early 2000s, still mostly insular: shopping centres were dominated by a handful of brands such as Jay Jays, Just Jeans and Cotton On. Most were local; international brands such as Zara and H&M had yet to land Down Under. The department store reigned supreme. The dot-com boom had just bust, driving retailers more adamantly back towards bricks and mortar. Back then, I thought there was no one doing interesting things, Brian says. And so we just, I think, broke every rule. From left: Incu co-founder Brian Wu, chief executive Doug Low, and co-founder Vincent Wu at the Incu office in Rosebery, Sydney. Oscar Colman

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Brian, who was drawing up business plans in his management consulting job, created one for Incu  short for incubator  which is what the twins envisioned the little retail outlet in The Galeries would be for up-and-coming local and global fashion brands. To find clothes to fill the store, Brian and Vincent flew to Los Angeles, where they rode the elevator to the top floor of designer showrooms and knocked on every door. When youre that young, youre naive enough to do it. You just have that confidence, Vincent says. I think they let us in because were from Australia. Oh, youve travelled this far. Well let you in, have a look. We would never do it this way now. We picked up a few brands that way. We were very nervous for a long time, but the reception has been so good. Incu co-founder Brian Wu It took years for the Wu twins to nail their niche. Become too mainstream and Incu would its edge; become too edgy and the chain would end up inaccessible.

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We never wanted to be mass market or fast fashion, and we never wanted to be luxury and stuffy. We always wanted to sit in between, Vincent says. Nailing Incus core demographic is less about customer profiles or age than mindset. It can be a 17yearold or a 70yearold, Brian adds. They love interesting design and quality, and theyre looking for something different. Its hard not to suspect, though, that their shoppers skew towards the younger  but not so young that they cannot afford a $1485 plain grey jacket from Stone Island  end of that range. You shouldnt just chase big sales Fashion is, by nature, transient: silhouettes, products and brands perpetually fall in and out of style. The cost of overheads such as rent and wages are only increasing.

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Incus womenswear store in The Galeries, Sydney. Ben Symons Incus revenue for the 2024 financial year came in at $58.9 million, an increase of 2.9 per cent, its latest report filed to the corporate regulator shows. It posted a loss of $2 million, most of which was attributed to compliance with accounting standards that factor in leasing interest expenses. Excluding this, losses were closer to $400,000, figures provided by the company show. A year earlier, underlying operating profits for financial year 2023 were $1.6 million. The company has returned to profitability in fiscal 2025, Brian says. Because our market is so concentrated, its more about optimising it, making it as efficient as possible because your overheads are all going to exist anyway, he says. You shouldnt necessarily just chase big sales. Its more about, how do you make it so efficient that you run it really profitably?

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To this end, Incu has evolved from being a multi-brand retailer to a vertically integrated company: it operates two standalone stores apiece for minimalist Parisian label A.P.C. and Copenhagen-based label Ganni. A key focus for the Wu brothers is growing its in-house label, Incu Collection, launched in 2018, which the duo were initially a little apprehensive about. Our customers want to see brands that we discover or pick up from overseas, but do they want our take of it? We were very nervous for a long time, but the reception has been so good, Brian says. Related Article Gender pay gap The female-focused companies with the biggest gender pay gaps  and where the gap is reversed The retailer-designed collection of elevated basics comprises 12 per cent of clothes in store and is part of a broader trend among retailers to own a bigger slice of what they sell: designing and selling products in-house means greater control, higher margins, and the ability to adapt more quickly to trends. Then there is Incu 1976, a line of menswear made from Japanese fabrics designed by Brian and Vincent themselves, for themselves, named after their year of birth.

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There is a risk in these brands, however: high-end fashion labels dont want their clothes in stores that are going to overwhelmingly favour house brands and shunt their wares to discount racks or pokey corners. The twins are adamant that their in-house brands will never take over the store. Incu is an umbrella, Vincent says. Our job is to make sure that people fall in love with Incu, and then whatever we stock underneath it is a revolving door of interesting brands. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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PoliticsFederalMiddle East at war Australia taps fuel stockpile in urgent bid to fill shortages and stem panic buying Mike Foley Updated March 13, 2026  2:53pm ,first published 9:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Six days worth of fuel supply will be released from the national reserves in an unprecedented effort to stem panic buying amid fears of country-wide shortages as the oil crisis squeezes the global supply. The hundreds of millions of litres of fuel Energy Minister Chris Bowen will pump into the nations supply is aimed at shoring up short-term confidence, but he resisted announcing further measures to ration fuel if the Iran war continued to affect shipping from the Middle East. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announcing the first-ever release from Australias fuel stockpile. Max Mason-Hubers Labor faces questions over its ability to deal with a long-run squeeze on global oil supply, after successive federal governments ignored for decades the warnings of experts and public servants that Australia was not prepared for a major energy shock.

As the war between Iran and the US and Israel stretches into its second week, attacks on the Gulf states have closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 per cent of global oil supply.

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Fuel prices have shot up to an average of around $2.20 in Sydney and Melbourne and analysts have forecast that unless ships start moving through the strait again soon, petrol prices could rise above $3 a litre. Related Article Updated

Petrol prices Running on fumes: Dirty fuel to fill gaps amid warnings of $3-a-litre petrol Farmers and regional service stations are reporting that local distribution networks are breaking down, as demand from nervous customers drives a doubling of typical national fuel consumption. Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Friday announced the release of 760 million litres of petrol and diesel into the local market. It will be drawn from the domestic holdings of fuel companies, representing 20 per cent of the national stockpile, over the coming days and weeks. He also said the government was not currently contemplating a cut to fuel excise taxes, which would lower petrol prices, nor enacting rationing powers to control the volume of fuel motorists can buy.

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Fridays fuel release swiftly followed Thursdays announcement that Ampol Australia to supply the domestic market with fuel containing higher sulphur content, which would otherwise be exported. Ampol will prioritise the fuel to regional suppliers. Loading US President Donald Trumps initial predictions that the war would be over within days have given way to uncertainty as the regime in Tehran has fought back with greater ferocity than the White House anticipated, according to reports in The New York Times. Bowen assured drivers that Australias fuel imports had not been disrupted, urged motorists to stop buying up extra petrol, but acknowledged peoples fears and conceded the future was unknowable. Its understandable that Australians are concerned about the fuel supply in Australia, he said.

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These international circumstances are uncertain. Lets not kid ourselves that everyone knows exactly how the next few weeks are going to play out, because no one does. What governments can do is respond to the circumstances as they arrive. Bowens assurances were challenged by opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan, who said the energy minister should have moved sooner to address fuel security fears. There is nothing that has reassured me and reassured the Australian people, because its clear [Bowen] doesnt have a plan, Tehan said. The National Farmers Federation on Thursday wanted the government to consider more drastic measures, such as taking over regional fuel supply chains under the powers of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act.

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The governments last fuel security inquiry, the 2020 Liquid Fuel Security Review, warned that Australia was more reliant on imported fuel than many of its peers and must boost its holdings. NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said his organisation and many others had campaigned for years to boost Australias fuel reserves as a defence against shocks such as the current oil crisis  despite the significant cost to the public purse. The NRMA has long held the view that we need to increase our strategic reserve, acknowledging it means an investment in infrastructure, but I think the last two weeks have shown why, Khoury said. Bowen said this week it could cost $20 billion over four years to build the infrastructure needed to hold enough fuel to comply with the International Energy Agencys requirement of 90 days fuel. In the 10 years up to 2020, Australias holdings of petrol, diesel and jet fuel ranged between 14 and 25 days worth of consumption.

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Japan holds up to 250 days, the UK stores 51 days worth of liquid fuel  with greater domestic oil production capacity  and the US, which is a net exporter, holds around 400 million barrels of oil in reserve  or enough combined public and private holdings for over 115 days. The Albanese government created a minimum stock obligation in 2023, soon after it took office, increasing holdings to 36 days supply of petrol, 34 days of diesel and 32 days of jet fuel stashed at facilities across the country. Related Article Middle East at war As some hoard petrol, heres our last line of defence against a fuel shortage Independent fuel suppliers, who play an outsized role in regional Australia, have reported difficulty in filling orders as major companies restrict distribution. Australia has lost around 70 per cent of its fuel refining capacity in the past 15 years, and now imports 90 per cent of its supplies. The Commonwealth financial support for the two remaining oil refineries, Viva Energys Geelong refinery in Victoria and Ampols Lytton plant in Brisbane, runs out in June 2027.

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When Opposition Leader Angus Taylor was energy minister in 2020, the Morrison government spent $94 million to establish a stockpile of 1.7 million barrels of oil, stored in the US. In 2022, reserves were released from this stockpile when the government sold the fuel for around $230 million as part of a global effort to calm the worlds oil markets after Russias invasion of Ukraine triggered the last energy crisis. Analysts have predicted the global benchmark Brent oil price could reach US$200 a barrel, double the current price. A rule of thumb states that for every US$10 rise in the Brent price, petrol prices rise 10 at the bowser in Australia. A doubling of oil prices would add a dollar to local petrol prices. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
In investing, most people choose to focus either on stock price appreciation or on generating income from dividends. To be fair, that dynamic exists because it's typically something of a zero-sum game. The better a stock is at delivering returns on one of those fronts, the worse it usually is on the other.

However, there's a sweet spot of companies that not only can outperform the broader market on share price gains, but also distribute meaningful dividend payments. One such potential opportunity in the energy sector right now is Enbridge (NYSE: ENB).

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.

Enbridge is an "all of the above" energy provider, with operations in natural gas transmission, liquid pipelines, gas utilities, and renewable energy.

"Global energy demand is growing and will require all forms of energy," CEO Greg Ebel said in a March 2025 company update. "Enbridge's diversified infrastructure footprint is uniquely positioned to meet this demand, delivering a balance of oil, natural gas and renewable power across 5 countries, 43 states, and 8 provinces."

At the current share price, its dividend yields a generous 5.2%, and the stock has had a strong run over the last year. Shares are currently near a 52-week high, making it worth considering as it tests a breakout higher.

Today, we'll look at the upside potential and important factors to consider before making an investment decision.

Powering the future

Demand for power across the U.S. is only growing.

From 2025 to 2040, consulting firm McKinsey & Co. projects U.S. power demand will increase by 3.5% annually, with new data centers contributing significantly to that demand.

Enbridge is positioning itself to meet the needs of businesses and retail customers alike. For example, it's building a solar facility in Texas that is expected to be operational next summer, and Meta Platforms has signed a contract to buy all of the electricity it produces.

Its gas distribution and storage business has a strong foothold across North America. Enbridge is the largest natural gas distribution company in Canada, where it serves more than 4 million customers. It's also the largest natural gas distributor in Utah, serving 90% of the state's population.

In its Q4 2025 earnings presentation, management shared that it foresees $50 billion in potential opportunities through 2030 across all its divisions.
OTTAWA, March 12 (Reuters) - Canada's trade deficit in January surprisingly widened as exports dropped more than imports led by a meaningful drop in shipments of motor vehicle and parts, data showed on Thursday.

Statistics Canada said the country posted a deficit of C$3.65 billion ($2.69 billion) in January, almost three times more than the deficit of C$1.3 billion observed in December.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a C$900 million deficit for the month.

Canada's international merchandise trade is heavily skewed to the United States, its biggest trading partner. Both exports and imports to the U.S. dropped in January, with the U.S. accounting for 68% of Canada's total exports.

Total exports dropped by 4.7% in January, registering its largest drop since April last year. Exports declined in six out of 11 categories, StatsCan said.

In volume terms exports declined 5.8%, it said.

Exports of motor vehicle and parts dropped to its lowest level since September 2021, posting a massive 21.2% drop in January. This was mainly due to lower motor vehicle production in Canada due to prolonged seasonal production stoppages, the statistics agency said.

Exports of metal and non-metallic mineral products dropped by 8% in January primarily led by lower exports of unwrought gold to the United Kingdom.

Higher energy exports, which rose by 4.1%, helped offset some of the decline. This is Canada's biggest export category by value and contributes close to one-fourth of its total exports.

Economists have said that Canada's international trade could benefit in the coming months due to higher crude oil prices owing the war in the Middle East.

Exports to the U.S. decreased 3.8% and imports dropped by 3.4%, shrinking Canada's trade surplus with its neighbor to C$5.4 billion in January, modestly lower than C$5.7 billion seen in the prior month.

Exports to countries other than the U.S. dropped 6.5% in January after reaching a record high in December. The decline was mainly due to a drop in unwrought gold exports to the U.K.

Imports from countries other than the United States increased 2.1% in January, due in part to higher imports of industrial machinery from China, StatsCan said.

Canada's total imports dropped by 1.1% in January with decreases in seven out of 11 product categories.

(Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Editing by Dale Smith)
Bio:

Yaateeh, shi ei Zac Palmer yinishye, Todichiinii nishi doo Kinyaaaanii bashishchiin, Chishi da shicheii doo Beinyoodzini dinee da shinali. Greetings! My name is Zac Palmer, I am an enrolled member of the Cedar Band of Paiutes of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, as well as Dine and Apache. My family is originally from Tuba City, AZ and Cedar City, UT. Currently, I reside in Riverton, Utah, in the Salt Lake Valley. I have been grass dancing since my junior years when my family first began traveling across the western United States. I dont get the opportunity to travel as much as we used to growing up, but when I do, I take full advantage of the opportunity to bring healing and prayer back to my family.

In my professional life, I am a Senior Advisor for the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. As a student affairs professional, my goal is not only retention but to impact the sense of belonging that students develop while away at college. My experience as a first-generation student drives my professional career. I hold a baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Southern Utah University, a Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Im currently pursuing my Ph.D. in the department of Education, Culture, and Society at the University of Utah. My research focuses on Indigenous resiliency, decolonial methodologies, and the impacts of intergenerational trauma on perceptions of higher education.

I am honored and thankful that the WSU committee has reached out to myself and my family for this honor. Im looking forward to this years celebration and supporting the hard work that Amanda Jones and the WSU students have done for it.

Ahehee
Australian company Canyon Resources has mobilised a surface miner to its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon, with plans to initiate mining operations by the end of March.

The company is targeting first bauxite production early in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026).

This development marks a significant step in the transition from project development to operational status.

Financial assessments reveal that Canyon's existing cash resources, complemented by undrawn funds from the AFG Bank Cameroon facility, are adequate to cover capital expenditure requirements up to the initial shipment phase, as mentioned in its definitive feasibility study dated 1 September 2025.

The company projects its first shipment of ore to occur in Q3 2026, without necessitating additional funding from Afriland or EEA.

Logistics preparations are progressing alongside mining operations.

Ongoing discussions with Chinese locomotive manufacturer CRRC Ziyang suggest that the first locomotives will likely reach the Port of Douala between mid and late Q2 2026.

This timing aligns with plans to begin ore transportation from the Inland Rail Facility to the port, facilitating shipments in Q3 2026.

Canyon is also negotiating with Camrail to potentially increase its equity stake beyond the current 9.1%.

A higher stake would allow more involvement in Camrail's PQ2 (second five-year plan) upgrade, mitigating risks associated with mine-to-port logistics.

Furthermore, Canyon is engaged in offtake discussions with several potential partners.

The company aims to finalise these agreements following initial bauxite shipments, which will confirm the high-grade quality of Minim Martaps ore, characterised by around 51% alumina and 2% silica.

Canyon Resources CEO Peter Secker said: The mobilisation of the surface miner represents an important step as Minim Martap moves rapidly towards production and with mining set to commence shortly and financing confirmed through to first shipment, the company remains on track to deliver its first bauxite shipment in Q3 2026.

At the same time, we continue to advance logistics, offtake discussions and our downstream feasibility study to maximise the long-term value of this tier-one, globally significant, high-grade bauxite project.

In February 2025, Canyon Resources obtained approval from the Government of Cameroon for the location of its inland rail facility, advancing the Minim Martap project towards production.

"Canyon Resources mobilises surface miner at Cameroons Minim Martap project" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Investor Cathie Wood-led ARK Invest has bought additional shares of Joby Aviation Inc., as the company announced it was partnering with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amid the Department of Transportation's (DOT) eVTOL push.

Urban Air Taxis

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the DOT was undertaking eight new projects as a part of the Advanced Air Mobility pilot program, sharing that the program will "RADICALLY CHANGE the way people and products move."

Don't Miss:

Duffy also said that the companies in this program will see various applications of eVTOL aircraft, including "urban air taxis, regional travel, cargo logistics, and emergency medicine."

"This will create one of the WORLD's largest testing environments for next-generation aircraft in states all across America," he said, adding that the program was scheduled to kick off in Summer 2026.

The future of flight is here under @POTUS with eight new pilot projects as a part of our Advanced Air Mobility pilot program:



 Safely test futuristic aircraft that will RADICALLY CHANGE the way people and products move



 Partners will use these aircraft for all kinds of pic.twitter.com/oiIlMLqUIU  Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) March 9, 2026

Trending: Before the IPO: How One Company Quietly Locked Up 500+ Iconic Character Rights

Joby Hails Sean Duffy's Announcement

Quoting Duffy's post on Monday, Joby shared that it was collaborating with the FAA "in multiple winning applications for the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)." The company hailed Duffy's move, sharing that "the U.S. took a major step toward leading the next era of aviation."

Today, the U.S. took a major step toward leading the next era of aviation. 



Joby is proud to be a partner in multiple winning applications for the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), ensuring the future of flight is designed, built, and flown right here in America. https://t.co/ihxaf2pODS  Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) March 9, 2026

The program, undertaken by the DOT, would let the company begin operations in 2026 in 10 states across the U.S., with CEO JoeBen Bevirt, hailing it as a "defining moment for American innovation."

Cathie Wood Buys Joby

Wood's investment firm also acquired over 20,309 shares of the company via ARK's Autonomous Technology and Robotics ETF, as well as an additional 7,450 shares via its Space and Defense Innovation ETF.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, was joined by Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and his wife Diana, at the official St. Patricks Day reception in Ottawa hosted by Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon and his wife, Mary.

The reception, part of the Irish Governments St. Patricks Day programme, was held in the Ambassadors residence in the Canadian capital on Wednesday 11th March. The event was attended by nearly 350 people including Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr. Sean Carey, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anana, Culture Minister Marc Miller and Chair of the Liberal Party and Chair of the Canadian-Ireland Friendship group, James Maloney.

Addressing the reception, Minister Calleary spoke of the deep cultural ties that bind the two countries together going back hundreds of years:

The story of Ireland is the story of emigration. It is a story of extraordinary ambition and resilience. It is a story of journeys that were often painful and, at times, final. But in our darkest hours, Canada has been a light; a beacon of hope and a friend. Canada has always had a warm welcome for the Irish and that is clear again here tonight.

I have been delighted to hear about Canada Ireland 180 from Ambassador Concannon. Canada Ireland 180 aims to commemorate the legacy of Irelands famine refugees in Canada and will be guided by three core themes: firstly to Remember that important time in our shared history and the resilience of those who endured it; secondly to Reflect on the intervening 180 years, on the contributions of Irish people to Canadas history, culture, and identity; and thirdly to Reimagine our shared future, through new cultural, academic, and community partnerships.

During his remarks to the mix of Ambassaors, Politicians, business and community leaders and members of the Irish community in Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney spoke with emotion about his familys story of immigration from Aughagower in Co.Mayo to Canada in 1925 and recalled tracking down his grandfathers baptismal record from St. Patricks Church in Aughagower.

The Prime Minister went on to tell the captivated audience about how, when Governor of the Bank of England, he kept a map of Co.Mayo on the wall of his office to remind him where he came from.

It was clear to all present that the Prime Minister is extremely proud of his Irish and Mayo heritage.

Speaking after the event, Minister Calleary said:

It has been an absolute honour to meet with Prime Minister Carney at this evenings reception. His speech tonight reflects the kind of man he is; thoughtful, sincere, humble and full of gratitude.

We had some time afterwards to speak privately and, along with Ambassador Concannon, I took the opportunity to reiterate the governments strong desire to strengthen and expand our relationship with Canada. The Taoiseach will travel to Canada with a Ministerial delegation in the coming months and this will further set out our desire to continue and develop our close working relationship.

I of course reminded the Prime Minister of the Taoiseachs invitation to visit Ireland and told him I would be delighted to welcome him to Mayo should that visit happen."

Minister Calleary concluded:

I want to thank Ambassador Concannon, his wife Mary, the staff at the Irish Embassy in Ottawa and all of Team Ireland who are doing exceptional work on behalf of the country.

Minister Calleary continues his visit to Canada and is travelling to Montreal and then on to Toronto where he will take part in the St. Patricks Day parade on Sunday before returning home on Monday.
A judge has agreed to let a documentary maker listen to the court recording of a harassment case despite objections from a Swinford couple.

The applicant is seeking to make a documentary about the death of Joe Deacy from St Alban's, Hertfordshire, England who was found unconscious outside the home of Peter and Anne Byrne at Gortnasillagh, Swinford at 6.45am on August 12, 2017. The 21-year-old later died from his injuries at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and Gardai are treating his death as murder.

Before a previous sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, documentary maker Shane Caffrey applied for the transcript of the digital audio recording (DAR) from a sentencing hearing on July 24, 2025.

The hearing related to a friend of Mr Deacy who pleaded guilty to harassing Peter and Anne Byrne. Brendan Rowland, with an address in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, near London, received an 18-month suspended jail term.

Solicitor Matthew Kenny, acting for Mr Caffrey, said his client wished to have the DAR, or a transcript of the DAR, so he could give an accurate account of the court proceedings. Mr Byrne objected to the release of the transcript.

We were here on July 24 [2025] and made our victim impact statements and 17 days later, Shane Caffrey came to my house with a group of people who were uninvited and there was a march outside my house and trespassing on our driveway. He trespassed," said Mr Byrne. I have made a complaint to gardai about what happened at those protests in 2024 and 2025 and I have a Pulse number and the documentary maker Shane Caffrey was mentioned as part of the protest."

Mr Kenny said his client was at the protest outside the Byrne home in his capacity as a documentary maker.

Judge Eoin Garavan ruled on the matter this week, noting that he had examined case law and listened to the views of Mr Byrne. He said there is clearly a public interest in this particular matter.

The judge said he believed Mr Caffrey wants an accurate transcript of the court proceedings and he would allow him to attend the court office and have the DAR of the hearing played to him. The judge said he was not particularly happy to have a written transcript supplied to the applicant. Mr Caffrey accepted the judge's ruling.
Members of Mayo County Council have unanimously called for the resignation of Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin.

The matter was raised at last week's council meeting by Cllr Patsy OBrien who sought Mr Murrins resignation in light of the revelation that his food company Dawn Farms has been using Brazilian beef for some products.

Cllr OBrien said over 13,000 people in Mayo are dependent on agriculture, deriving almost 130 million annually from the sector, and stated that Mr Murrin has lost the confidence of those people.

Cllr John OMalley said farmers are subject to rigorous tests by Bord Bia and Mr Murrin should get the same scrutiny.

His position is untenable and he should, on principle, stand down. What he is doing is not fair, both to farmers producing food and the people out buying it. He should be embarrassed enough to just step down.

Cllr Gerry Murray said the farming community is very worried about the trend of Brazilian beef coming into the country for the last few years and people would like it to have the same laws of traceability as applies to Irish beef, while Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said the standard of food production is so high in Ireland that the confidence in the sector at large is at stake.

Cllr Chris Maxwell said hundreds of concerned farmers attended meetings around the county showing their solidarity with the campaign by the Irish Famers' Association to remove Mr Murrin, while Cllr Richard Finn said importing sub-standard beef can never be allowed.

Cllr Harry Barrett asked that the motion also call on the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to seek the removal of Mr Murrin and this was agreed by members. Cllr Peter Flynn welcomed the unanimous support for the motion but wondered would it make any difference.

I think we are as well to dance a jig on the Mall as we can hardly influence local decision-making let alone national decision-making.
A nine-acre site opposite Ballyhaunis Community School, which has just hit the market, is drawing interest from developers as far away as Kildare and Galway.

The site is zoned high-density residential and designated as 'strategic residential reserve tier one' under the current Mayo Co Council town development plan. It is being sold subject to planning permission and would be suitable for a mix of semi-detached homes and an apartment block, believes the sales agent, local auctioneer John Higgins, who says demand for homes is very strong in Ballyhaunis.

The Galway and Kildare based developers who looked at the site have now gone away to do their sums on the development, said the auctioneer. However, he noted, the ongoing war in the Middle East could complicate development.

The cost of building has shot up with the higher oil prices.

Ballyhaunis features as the second cheapest Eircode in Ireland, after Castlerea, in recent Central Statistics Office data, which could be seen as an opportunity by some developers - "if they think they can get the site at the right price," adds Higgins.

A housing estate is currently being developed in the towns Abbeyquarter area by Mayo Co Council.

Mr Higgins said he hasnt been approached by the council regarding the Knock Road site.
By Claudia Savage and Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Micheal Martin has rejected the idea that the Government is not providing information to Troubles Legacy investigative bodies.

The Taoiseach also said the UK-Irelands Legacy Framework is a generational opportunity to make progress for Troubles survivors and bereaved families.

Declan Morgan, chief commissioner of the UK's Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which investigates Troubles Crimes under the Labour Governments reformed Legacy Act, has previously said the body does not have information-sharing arrangements with the Irish authorities.

Earlier this week DUP leader Gavin Robinson said An Garda Siochana had never responded to requests from the ICRIR.

Also this week, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan secured government approval for a Bill to facilitate former ministers and state bodies in giving sworn testimony to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Micheal Martin speaks to the press (Brian Lawless/PA)

Martin told reporters at Fota House, Co Cork, after the UK-Ireland summit with UK prime minister Keir Starmer, the Government would reject any idea that were not providing information.

In fact, as you know, cabinet has approved legislation to facilitate the co-operation with the Omagh inquiry and that is bespoke legislation to facilitate the taking of evidence and so forth, he said.

We did a bespoke mechanism for the Kingsmill inquiry also and the chairman of that inquiry spoke positively in terms of how that worked in the context of Kingsmill.

"I have made it very clear that any information we can give to help victims and survivors of the Troubles we will do and we will co-operate fully in that regard.

Last year, a joint UK/Irish framework on the Troubles was announced, which outlined a range of measures and mechanisms for dealing with historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict.

The framework included commitments to fundamentally reform the structures established by the last Conservative governments contentious Legacy Act, including the removal of a controversial provision that offered a form of conditional immunity to perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

The Government then committed to the fullest possible co-operation with the new legacy commission and the creation of a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Siochana.

Speaking about the framework the Taoiseach said: I think this is a generational opportunity to get the Legacy issue over the line so that we can begin to respond to the needs of families.

Its a generational anguish and trauma that we need to respond to and its gone on for far, far too long, were going on two and half decades now, and I think this is a robust framework, we all agreed weve all had to compromise to get where we are.

Martin also said: I think weve made a lot of progress on Legacy and I would pay tribute to Keir Starmer, to (Northern Ireland Secretary) Hilary Benn whove worked on that with the Tanaiste and Helen McEntee.
Oil markets have been on a roller coaster since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war.

Fears of a supply shock initially sent prices soaring above $100 per barrel before political signals quickly reversed the trend.

Now, ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood believes there is a longer-term collapse in oil prices coming in.

Related: Mysterious trader shorts oil amid Strait of Hormuz crisis

Iran conflict rattles global energy markets

The war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has rapidly reshaped the global oil outlook.

At the height of tensions earlier this week, crude oil prices, particularly WTI crude oil, surged to nearly $120 per barrel. This was almost over 50% jump since the beginning of the war. Before the war, WTI crude was trading around $78$80 per barrel as of Feb. 26.

Concerns have increased about the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly 20% of the worlds oil supply. Iran has officially announced a blockage of the passage, threatening to attack any tanker that attempts to pass through it.

As per Greenpeace, currently 68 loaded oil tankers are stuck in the Strait carrying about 16 billion litres of oil. This is an amount equivalent to Greeces annual crude oil consumption.

Another point of concern is the attacks on oil facilities across the Gulf. So far, Saudi Aramco facility is Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates' Ruwais Refinery, and Bahrain's Bapco Energies refinery complex have been attacked, causing major damage to oil reserves and civilian injuries.

However, markets quickly shifted direction after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the war was "pretty much over."

Crude prices fell sharply following the remarks.

At press time on March 11, WTI crude was trading around $86 per barrel, while Brent crude hovered near $91, both still significantly higher than before the conflict began.

More on U.S.-Iran War:

Cathie Wood sees geopolitical shift inside Iran

Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Invest, believes the conflict could have broader geopolitical implications inside Iran itself.

In a video posted by ARK Invest on X on March 10, Wood said Irans military activity has already weakened considerably.

What observers are observing is that Iran firing of missiles and sending out drones has dropped by about 90%, she said.

Wood argues that Irans large population of young, well-educated citizens may eventually push for political change.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly cloudy; a dry start, but showers becoming more likely towards later afternoon and evening. .

Tonight

Cloudy skies with some rain showers likely overnight, especially before midnight.
Vernon Hills, Illinois-based CDW Corporation (CDW) provides information technology (IT) solutions. With a market cap of $15.3 billion, the company offers hardware, software, computer peripherals, cloud computing, mobile devices, network communication, and security solutions.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as large-cap stocks, and CDW perfectly fits that description, with its market cap exceeding this mark, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the information technology services industry. CDW's strengths include its diversified IT solutions portfolio, scale, and strong vendor relationships, enabling competitive pricing and cross-selling. The company's talent management and culture drive innovation and adaptability.

More News from Barchart

Despite its notable strength, CDW slipped 38.2% from its 52-week high of $192.30, achieved on May 14, 2025. Over the past three months, CDW stock declined 20.7%, underperforming the Technology Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLK) 5.1% losses during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Shares of CDW fell 12.7% on a YTD basis and dipped 28.4% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming XLKs 2.5% dip on a YTD basis and 34.8% returns over the same time frame.

To confirm the bearish trend, CDW has been trading below its 50-day moving average since late July, 2025, with slight fluctuations. The stock is trading below its 200-day moving average over the past year, experiencing minor fluctuations.

www.barchart.com

On Feb. 4, CDW shares surged 9.5% after reporting its Q4 results. Its adjusted EPS of $2.57 exceeded Wall Street expectations of $2.44. The companys revenue was $5.5 billion, surpassing Wall Street forecasts of $5.3 billion.

In the competitive arena of information technology services, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has lagged behind CDW, with a 16% downtick on a YTD basis, but outpaced the stock with a slight decline over the past 52 weeks.

Wall Street analysts are reasonably bullish on CDWs prospects. The stock has a consensus Moderate Buy rating from the 12 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $167.40 suggests an ambitious potential upside of 40.8% from current price levels.

On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani 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
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) is one of the Best Cement Stocks to Buy For the Long Term. On February 26, CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) announced that it has entered an agreement to acquire Omega Products International, which is a privately held stucco manufacturer in the western US. Management noted that the strategic acquisition aims to deepen its presence in highervalue building materials and strengthen its US growth profile.

The company highlighted that Omega Products generates more than $23 million in EBITDA every year and has over 50 years of operating history. The company also runs four plants in California, Nevada, and Colorado, overlapping with Cemexs existing US footprint. Management noted that this means Cemex can integrate Omega into its existing sales, logistics, and customer channels rather than building a new network from scratch.

Management noted that the acquisition price will equate to a multiple of less than 7x EBITDA, once the expected cost and revenue synergies are realized. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX) is a Mexico-based global company that produces, markets, and sells construction materials like cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, clinker, and related products through its subsidiaries.

While we acknowledge the potential of CX 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: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13 (Reuters) - Amazon.com and Cerebras Systems on Friday said they have reached a deal to combine the two companies' computing chips in a new service aimed at speeding up chatbots, coding tools and other artificial intelligence services.

Valued at $23.1 billion, Cerebras is a chip startup aiming to take on Nvidia by building a fundamentally different kind of AI chip that does not rely on expensive high-bandwidth memory as Nvidia's flagship chips do. Earlier this year, Cerebras signed a $10 billion deal to supply chips to ChatGPT creator OpenAI.

More from Yahoo Scout What is Amazon's new partnership with Cerebras Systems? How will the Amazon-Cerebras chip combination work? What makes Cerebras chips different from Nvidia's chips? How does this compare to Nvidia's expected strategy?

Under the deal announced Friday, Cerebras chips will sit inside Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers and be linked to Amazon's own Trainium3 custom AI chips, connected with custom networking technology from Amazon.

"Every customer large or small is on AWS, from individual developers to the largest banks in the world," Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman told Reuters, saying the deal will "make it easy as a click to get on Cerebras."

Both companies declined to disclose the size of the deal.

Amazon and Cerebras will team up to tackle what is known as "inference," where previously trained AI systems take requests from users and spit out answers. The two companies will split up that task into two steps, one called "prefill" where the user's request is transformed from human words into the language of "tokens" that AI computers use, and a "decode" stage where the AI computer provides the answer the user is looking for.

Amazon said its Trainium3 chips will handle prefill, while Cerebras chips handle decoding, what Feldman told Reuters is a "divide and conquer strategy."

It is a similar strategy to the one that analysts expect Nvidia to unveil next week, when it details how it plans to combine its own graphics processing unit (GPU) chips with those from Groq, a startup it spent $17 billion on in late December. In a statement, Amazon said that it could not yet make a detailed comparison between its offering, which will come online in the second half of this year, and Nvidia's as-yet-unrevealed offering, but Amazon expects its service to be a better value.

"The timeline for that (Nvidia-Groq) pairing remains unclear while our Trainium3 program is just months away from running production workloads," Amazon said in response to Reuters questions. "What we can say is that we believe (Trainium3)and future (Trainium4)will continue to lead in price-performance versus merchant GPUs."

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco, Editing by Franklin Paul)
Ideologically bankrupt ANC persists with BEE

South Africas current model of BEE will compound the looming economic crisis.

Foreign investors, particularly those establishing new industrial sectors not present in South Africa, but critical to the domestic and global economy, must be exempted from black economic empowerment, and given options to provide alternatives to BEE, whether providing jobs for the youth, supporting manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises or developing mass science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and technical skills.

South Africa is facing its biggest economic crisis since the end of apartheid, and perhaps bigger than the Covid-induced economic crisis the country experienced, despite glowing reports of economic green sooths, by government and some business leaders.

South Africa, battling US tariffs, the impact of US and industrial country reduction of development aid, the flooding of state-subsidised Chinese manufacturing to our domestic market, on top of a long period of low growth, de-industrialisation, state and infrastructure collapse, fuelled by outdated ideological policies, runaway corruption, ANC cadre-deployment state incompetence and the capture of state BEE procurement.

South Africas current model of BEE will compound the economic crisis, rather than alleviating it. The current BEE policy largely involves giving shareholding of existing white-owned companies to black political capitalists do not expand the economy, create new industries nor new markets.

It reinforces concentration of economy. It has decimated the productive capacity of the economy as many mainstream businesses, a good example, the mining industry and foreign investors do not want to make new greenfield investment and repatriate capital abroad. This has contributed to the continuing de-industrialisation of the economy.

The ANC and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have doubled down on BEE, it instead of seeking alternatives. The current model of BEE will be fiercely resisted by those oppose to it, meaning there is absolutely no realistic chance that BEE in its current will ever be successfully implemented. The strong opposition against the policy means it cannot be implemented as it stands.

It is a wrongly argued by those, opposing the current BEE model, but with good intentions, that the BEE policy is correct, and that it is only wrongly implemented. BEE is now being opposed by significant majorities among both white and previously disadvantaged communities. It is also being opposed, not only by the US President Donald Trumps Republican administration, but also by foreign investors, whether from Western countries to China.

The opportunity costs, the massive development benefits lost if more broad-based alternative empower strategies, were used to the ANCs model of black economic empowerment (BEE), which has made a few political connected black individuals, deal-maker law and financial firms and middle-men and women, who connect white firms with connected individuals, super-rich, is simply too high, given high unemployment, poverty and inequalities.

Opportunity cost is the value of alternatives policies to the ones pursued. There are many alternatives that could generate higher returns, bigger development impact, more jobs, and less societal, political and investor opposition.

The current model of BEE is a perfect example of the misallocation of capital  whether shares for ordinary black public, or for ANC connected BEE oligarchs, that could have generated bigger societal development impact, by investing it in public infrastructure, world-class education, technology, SMEs or assets, such as homes for the poor.

The misallocation of capital in African and developing countries occurs when resources are not directed to their most productive uses, either through outdated ideological, populists and captured policies, leading to lower overall productivity and economic growth. It prevents capital from flowing to development projects, firms that could generate higher returns, bigger development impact, and more jobs.

Successful east Asian tiger economics managed to allocate scarce capital better to generate higher development impact, greater industrialisation, growth-generating infrastructure and more employment.

Creating new industries that a country did not have before providing catalytic growth which in turn spurs more broad-based development, more inclusive growth, more sustainable transformation, redress, and new opportunities for historical disadvantage communities, while at the same time making the economy larger, quicker.

The current BEE model is based on the African empowerment programs, which is based on creating political capitalists, turning liberation movement politicians into capitalists by giving them shares in mainstream businesses or farms. These African-style empowerment programs collapse the economies of these countries, leading to failed states, such as Zimbabwe.

The failure of African-like empowerment programs is handing over shares of working companies to politicians who have never run a business or even a spaza shop lives, or have been catapulted into the state, or with only political party experience. A better solution would have been to give scarce resources to entrepreneurs already with proven business experience  backing already proven winners, which reduce risks of wastage of precious resources.

In other African liberation movement run countries, as is in SA, these liberation movement ideologies see the state as the sole provider of development, see a private sector independent from the liberation movement as a challenge to the liberation movements power, and want to capture the private sector, by deploying their political leaders to become political capitalists.

South Africa must reset BEE programs, by cancelling the current version of BEE, which has only enriched a handful of people politically-connected to the ANC, the so-called political capitalists, often politicians who never started a genuine business or managed one, who often set up companies just to secure a state contract or resource licence and secure BEE shareholding in the private sector.

BEE should be cancelled in state departments, state-owned and infrastructure state institutions key to public service delivery, economic growth and infrastructure development. It should be cancelled in catalytic economic growth industries in the private sector also.

Another solution is for companies to instead of BEE, contribute to a development or wealth fund, which should be run by the private sector, and not the government. If a fund is run by the current government it will fail as all the other state-owned entities (SOEs), development finance institutions (DFIs) and other development funds. Such a fund would then invest in merit-based, non-party political and non-ideology-based, growth, industrialisation and infrastructure programs.

Local and foreign companies should be asked as an alternative to BEE, to provide investments in targeted catalytic economic sectors: technology, science, mathematics education; low-income housing; critical public infrastructure; manufacturing small and medium-size enterprises (SMMEs); sport, cultural and music development, and so on.

Creating employment for youth, economy-relevant technical skills and supporting industrially-competitive start-ups and SMEs, should be seen as alternative BEE. South Africas 60% youth unemployment is one of the biggest risks to the countrys economic, political and social stability.

Strengthening non-public democratic institutions, democracy capacity building initiatives including supporting civil society, anti-corruption activities and independent media should be an integral of a new BEE. Currently, very few companies in their BEE deals involve democratic civil society organisations, unless it is civil society trust linked to the ANC.

The South African government must also shelf its BEE policy of focusing on creating big black industrialists. Big black industrialists should be treated as white and should pursue funding like any mainstream company. There has to be a culture change away from seeing political capitalists, deal facilitators, go-betweens and tenderpreneurs as are genuine entrepreneurs.

It must also be compulsory for already empowered BEE companies to also have BEE requirements. After one BEE transaction, BEE individuals and companies should not be allowed to participate in another BEE deal  they should be treated as fully empowered.

It must be compulsory for BEE companies to have BEE tenders, contracts, support skills development and contract SMEs like mainstream companies. BEE companies should provide employees with shares, housing and education. BEE companies must focus on supporting small and medium-sized black business and social enterprises, employ young people, build infrastructure, support new technology.

BEE companies should also operate as good corporate citizens  look after the environment, threat their contractors, employees and stakeholders ethically.

BEE companies should also be compelled to support and strengthen non-public democratic institutions, democracy capacity building initiatives including supporting civil society, anti-corruption activities and independent media.

White companies, particularly legacy companies, who operated during the colonial and apartheid-era, should provide current and past previously disadvantaged employees and their families shares in companies. Former employees who lost out on benefits during the apartheid-era should be given priority in getting shareholding as BEE beneficiaries.

Legacy resource companies, for example, should give local communities neighbouring mines shares in these companies. Surrounding communities could form social enterprises, cooperatives  in similar ways Afrikaner communities in the early 1900s, where each community member has a shareholding. Such community social and cooperative enterprises will then become the BEE shareholders in these white-owned companies.

Companies must provide industrially relevant vocational and technical training to both current and former employees and their families. Companies must provide housing, funding for education and health insurance to their employees. Companies must bring genuine black small and medium-sized businesses into their supply chains, to provide goods and services, but also support manufacturing SMEs.

Legacy companies must compensate former employees or their surviving families outstanding employee contributions, not given during apartheid. Many black employees died or suffered disability from illnesses such as tuberculosis, asbestosis and work accidents, but they or their family never got compensated. Companies still affected must compensate their former black employees who were affected by these.

Professor William Gumede is Associate Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand and author of South Africa in BRICS (Tafelberg). This is an extract of his recent address on Remodeling Black Economic Empowerment to the Black Management Forum.

This article was first published in Business Day.
The cosmologist-potter using AI to fight superbugs

Distinguished Professor Bruce Bassetts cosmic journey to Wits to join the leading AI research group in the country.

Its just past 10:30 and the Wits Club at Wits University is a buzz of activity. Not a robot in sight (yet) as waiters scurry to prepare for the lunch rush hour. The last bastion? Maybe not.

Sitting down, there is always something uniquely human about humans: surprise.

Physicist, cosmologist, mathematician, statistician, data scientist, artificial intelligence researcher and potter. Only seven of the many ways to describe Distinguished Professor Bruce Bassett.

He smiles shyly as he opens his Instagram profile on request. Check out cosmo.bruce and youll settle the argument: AI is NOT stealing creativity. A scrolling delight follows, showcasing magnificently intricate ceramic and wood-turning artworks, hinting at his insatiable love of wonder.

Though a highly regarded scientist, the artist in him still survives as fun, he quips.

My sanity is my ceramics. I just love making things. I dont take it too seriously; I purposefully keep it amateurish. Academics spend so much time just thinking and everything is abstract. To do something physical with your hands is very grounding.

Joining Wits University last year as a Distinguished Professor in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics (Faculty of Science), Bassett keeps his childhood passion alive. As a young boy, he was set on doing a fine arts major. Then, at 15, his dad popped a book in his hand: Physics and Philosophy by Sir James Jeans, and Bassett was hooked. Physics opened a whole new dimension for his creativity.

This was a pivotal moment. That book was really transformational for me: looking at the Universe and trying to really understand it but not shying away from the philosophical questions, really hit the niche for me, and I just became fascinated by it all, Bassett remembers.

Up in the sky

His road to artificial intelligence is a cosmic journey of mapping his own academic path.

He completed his undergraduate degree in applied mathematics, physics and mathematics, and honours and masters degrees in applied mathematics at the University of Cape Town, where he is still today, a Full Professor in mathematics and applied mathematics, spending half his time there and half at Wits.

He then did his PhD in astrophysics at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy, followed by postdoctoral studies at Oxford University in the UK. He worked for several years in the UK and Japan before returning to South Africa in the early 2000s to work on the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and at UCT as a data scientist.

It was an exciting time in South Africa as astronomy was really taking shape, and for the first time, the country had a new telescope that was world-class. Jump forward to 2017, I joined the new Square Kilometre Array (SKA), where we started its data science team, he says.

Down on Earth

In 2012, Bassett started noticing the seismic shifts happening in artificial intelligence  which has been existing in the shadows of the tech evolution since the mid-20th Century  and that its Generative AI application-revolution will become the biggest disruptor of our generation.

Ive been using machine learning, which is a branch of AI, for many years as a cosmologist, but then I realised AI was going to take over everything, and I needed to move my career more into computer science while still having the freedom to work on applications of AI.

Joining the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics made a lot of sense because Wits has the leading AI research group in the country, he says.

Using AI to find microbes and bugs

Today, Bassett is also the Chair in Science in the new Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute, where he works closely with the Faculty of Health Sciences in a cross-faculty collaboration to bring in AI to support innovation in the Facultys research projects.

One example is a project within the Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) where he works with Professor Robert Breiman to use AI to find microbes that cause cancer.

Rob had the idea: Africa will struggle to afford expensive gene therapies, like sequencing a tumour and designing a drug targeting that exact tumour. So how do we help Africa? If we could find microbes, or bugs, that cause cancers, we could develop a vaccine against the bug and vaccinate people to protect them against the cancer. Its a great idea and could save millions of lives.

Now were building AI that will scan all the 30+ million papers that have been published, looking for clues that might connect cancers with these microbes, Bassett says.

Another project being done together with collaborators in health and medicine at Wits is to test how well an AI can diagnose a patient, by not only using text data in hospitals, but also CT scans, MRIs, chest X-rays, blood results and more. We can then compare the AI diagnosis with the experts and evaluate how mature the AI is, and then start thinking about real-world applications. This could be a big support for doctors in an overburdened healthcare system, where it can add safety nets, enable doctors to see more patients, and so on.

This really excites me. It is wonderful to work on projects that will actually make an impact and difference, he says.

Bassett is also working in a collaboration with the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub and clinical partners.

One of the absolutely terrifying things emerging is antimicrobial resistance. We now have superbugs in hospitals, especially in the public healthcare system, that are antibiotic-resistant. If you get one of these superbugs, the probability of survival is shockingly poor. We do have super antibiotics, but we cant overuse them because otherwise well breed resistance as these bugs learn to adapt.

The balancing act is: when do we use these super antibiotics? To diagnose a superbug, when doctors have a patient with sepsis, they would do a culture to determine if it is a superbug and if it is, they could give it these super antibiotics. The problem is, though, that it takes several days, and by the time the results are back, the patient is dead and cant be given the super antibiotics.

If we could use AI to identify the bug much quicker, doctors can treat much earlier, he explains.

Balancing act

Whether its a bug or a coffee mug, a bowl or a lampshade, an algorithm or equation, Bassett shows the equilibrium that is vital in a balanced life: between the personal and professional, between the human, AI and creativity.
A slowdown in Azerbaijans population growth could result in the dismissal of up to 50,000 teachers, the first deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Ali Ahmadov, warned during todays parliamentary session.

AzerNEWS reports that the discussion centred on the Report on the Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2025. 

Over the past few years, we have observed a decline in the population growth rate in Azerbaijan. If this trend continues, the number of students in our schools could drop to approximately 1 million, which would mean laying off around 50,000 teachers. This will have a significant impact on both the economy and social policy, Ahmadov said.

He added, I expect that in 2026, the government will increase its oversight of the demographic situation to address these challenges.

The comments highlight growing concerns over demographic trends in Azerbaijan and their potential consequences for the education sector, labour market, and broader economic and social stability. Experts have previously noted that declining birth rates, urban migration, and an ageing population could compound these challenges, making proactive government measures critical to mitigating future disruptions.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is one of the Goldman Sachs Energy Stocks: 10 Stocks to Buy.

On February 23, 2026, Bloomberg reported that Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) appeared as the front-runner for control of Iraqs West Qurna 2 oil field, following the signing of preliminary agreements to launch exclusive talks with Basra Oil Company. The deal enables the Houston-based firm to exchange confidential information and negotiate conditions for the field, which is now controlled by Lukoil PJSC, holding a 75% stake.

Iraqs cabinet awarded Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) exclusive negotiation rights for 12 months. The procedure still requires permission from the US Treasury and the Iraqi government. The field produces around 480,000 barrels of oil per day and has sparked interest from Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Is Chevron Corporation (CVX) Among the Goldman Sachs Energy Stocks: 10 Stocks to Buy?

Pixabay/Public Domain

The United States imposed sanctions on Lukoil, forcing the Russian firm to seek buyers for overseas assets. Lukoil committed in January to sell the majority of its global portfolio to The Carlyle Group under a non-binding, non-exclusive agreement. Iraqi officials recently authorized a settlement process, moving operations to Basra Oil before any ownership changes.

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) provides oil and gas energy solutions. It produces crude oil and natural gas, as well as transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives.

While we acknowledge the potential of CVX 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: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
U.S. energy major Chevron Corporation CVX has agreed to sell its stakes in offshore Block 14 and Block 14K in Angola to London-listed Energean for $260 million. The transaction includes Chevrons 31% operated interest in Block 14 and its 15.5% non-operated stake in Block 14K. Both assets are located in Angolas deepwater offshore basin and have been key components of the countrys oil production landscape for decades.

The divestment reflects Chevrons ongoing strategy to streamline its global upstream portfolio by selling mature assets and focusing capital on higher-growth opportunities. Despite the sale, the company will maintain a strong presence in Angola through interests in other blocks and the Angola LNG project.

Energean Expands Footprint in West Africa

For Energean, the acquisition marks a significant step in its geographic expansion and represents its first major investment in West Africa. The company has been pursuing a strategy of disciplined growth and portfolio diversification, and the Angolan assets provide a new production base in one of Africas most important hydrocarbon regions.

Energean views the acquisition as a gateway to building a broader energy hub in the region. With stable production and potential development opportunities, the company sees the blocks as both a cash-generating asset and a platform for future growth.

Block 14 Remains a Key Offshore Production Hub

Block 14 has been producing crude oil since the late 1990s and remains one of Angolas established offshore production hubs. The block currently produces about 42,000 barrels of oil per day, with Energean expected to gain around 13,000 barrels per day from its acquired stake.

Production from the block comes from nine oilfields connected to processing facilities such as Benguela, Belize, Lobito, Tomboco, Tombua-Landana and Landana North. These facilities offer spare processing capacity along with gas processing and water injection systems, creating opportunities to optimize production and support further development projects.

The block also contains proven and probable reserves tied to Energeans share, providing long-term production potential and supporting the companys growth ambitions.

Block 14K Adds Additional Production Through Lianzi Field

Block 14K includes the unitized Lianzi field, which is tied back to the existing infrastructure in Block 14. The field currently produces roughly 2,000 barrels of oil per day, with about 1,000 barrels per day expected to be attributable to Energean after the acquisition.
[Photo by IWM]

The Imperial War Museums Emergency Exits is a remarkable exhibition focusing on Britains brutal suppression of three latecolonial insurgenciesMalaya (now Malaysia), Kenya and Cyprusin the 1950s.

It is significant because, perhaps for the first time, a major national war museum has assembled an exhibition whose narrative exposes the embedded violence of empire. It documents the draconian measures Britain took to preserve the economic and geostrategic advantages of empire in the aftermath of World War II. Clearly and effectively, it demonstrates that Britains Emergencies were not aberrations or moral lapses but the predictable outcome of an imperial system in crisis.

Crucially, all the imperialist powers feared that the end of World War II would trigger widespread communist revolutions, as had happened after World War I with the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

Expectations in the colonies were high. The war had weakened Europes empires and emboldened the resistance of colonial workers who had fought for democracy against fascism, only to return to colonial rule, repression and poverty. Imperial Japans rapid conquest of Europes Southeast Asian colonies shattered any notion of European invincibility. US imperialism sought to dismantle these empires for its own interests.

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill had agreed on the Atlantic Charter in 1941, defining their stated principles for the post-World War II world order: self-determination, no territorial aggrandisement, free trade, economic cooperation and freedom of the seas. The Charter of the newly established United Nations did not abolish colonialism outright, but it did include the principles of equal rights and self-determination, which became the legal and moral basis for decolonisation and, in effect, declared colonialism illegitimate.

Britain, weakened by war and having already lost India (1947) and Palestine (1948), was unwilling to relinquish its privileged access to raw materials, settler economies and overseas bases in its remaining colonies. It faced a massive economic crisis, including the burden of wartime debt, dollar shortages and the collapse of sterling as a global currency.

As the exhibition explains, the issue facing Britain was how to retreat from empire while retaining its advantages. When insurgent movements in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus sought independence on terms that threatened imperial interests, Britain fought wars it branded Emergencies because the term gave colonial authorities sweeping powers of repression and coercion without risking their insurance cover for financial losses that accompany declared wars.

IWM, Emergency Exits, video exhibit, film caption reads, For many under imperial rule, 1945 did not mean a return to peace. [Photo by IWM]

Emergency Exits does more than document Britains latecolonial wars. It reveals a repertoire of counterinsurgency techniques  enclosure, resettlement, administrative control, detention, and psychological warfare  that have recurred in many conflicts since. The exhibition illuminates not only the past but practices that continue to shape state responses to uprisings and territorial conflicts today. This includes US President Donald Trumps proposal for a modern-day version of the British East India Company to oversee the resettlement of the Palestinians in humanitarian encampments where they would work under slave labour conditions for regional capitalists.

But Emergency Exits is significant not simply because it depicts the brutality of empire. Many museums now acknowledge difficult histories, adopting a decolonial tone that is apologetic, sentimental or moralistic. What distinguishes this exhibition is the sober way it uses archival material to reveal the material logic behind imperial brutality. It shows empire as a system of economic extraction defended through organised coercion. In doing so, it providesalbeit neither intentionally nor explicitlycompelling confirmation of Lenins Imperialism, the highest stage of capitalism.

The wars and violence that accompanied the acquisition and control of empire are well known. The exhibition reminds us of this by referring to Lord Kitcheners brutality at Omdurman (1898) during the bloody conquest of Sudan and his establishment of concentration camps in South Africa during the Second AngloBoer War (18991902) to suppress resistance.

By contrast, the wars that accompanied the exit from empire and independence, while no less violent, areapart from a few exceptionsfar less well known, for reasons that will be considered later.

The exhibition provides a devastating rebuttal of US Secretary of State Marco Rubios ignorant speech at the Munich Security Conference last month, praising Western colonialism and imperialist power and lamenting the post-war demise of Europes vast empires extending out across the globe built and maintained through countless atrocities. He echoes the ideology of Cecil Rhodes, founder of De Beers diamond mining corporation, whose infamous statement in 1877 opens the exhibition: I contend that we are the finest race in the world and the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race.

The exhibition furnishes concrete evidence that Britains imperial order was sustained not via benevolence and progress, but through systematic coercion, mass repression and the violent suppression of popular movements. It collapsed because it could not withstand the mass mobilisation of colonised workers, peasants, and youth.

Empire as an economic system

The three colonies are explained in the exhibition in terms of their resources: rubber and tin in Malaya, land and labour in Kenya, and Cypruss geostrategic location. These were not incidental details but the economic foundations of British power in the mid20th century. To cite but one example, Malayan rubber was Britains biggest dollar earner in 1947, bringing in $200 million, compared to the British manufacturing industrys $180 million. In 1950, Malayas tin and rubber accounted for 15 percent of the sterling areas total dollar earnings and were a crucial source of revenue to pay war debts to the United States.

The Emergencies examined in the exhibition were fought to preserve these foundations at a moment when Britains global position was collapsing. While the word capitalism is not mentioned, the evidence presented in the exhibitionof plantations, mines, settler land grabs and corporate interestsmakes the underlying system unmistakable. The violence that accompanied and followed the establishment of empires was not incidental. It is the mechanism by which extraction is maintained in the absence of consent.

IWM (MAU 552) British Army operations against the Mau Mau in Kenya 1952  1956. [Photo by IWM]

Conscription into Britains armed services continued after World War II until 1960. As one of the conscripts, speaking about his rotation in Malaya in 1950, explained, They said they had National Service to train people in case there was a world war, but that wasnt the real reason. They needed the men at that time because we still had an empire to police.

Counterinsurgency as Class War

The exhibition gives voice to the colonised working class and rural poor: squatters in Kenya, rubber tappers in Malaya, trade unionists and youth in Cyprus. These are the people who rise up, organise, strike, sabotage and demand land, wages and political power.

The British state responds with the instruments of class repression: mass detention, forced resettlement, collective punishment, psychological warfare, torture and interrogation. This is counterinsurgency: a state of war against a non-state adversary, a colonised population no longer willing to accept dispossession. The violence does not denote the failure of empire but its very essence.

It is impossible to ignore the similarities between these violent methods and those being employed in Gaza today. This is no coincidence. The methods developed against the Irish and later the Arab Revolt of 1936-39 in Palestine, and the personnel who authored them, would transfer from one counterinsurgency to the next.

Where Emergency Exits is most powerful is in its use of material evidence. The exhibition does not rely on rhetoric; it lets Britains colonial subjects speak. And what they reveal is a machinery of suppression that was systematic, bureaucratic and classdirected.

The Malayan Emergency: forced resettlement and the militarisation of everyday life

Widespread unemployment, low wages, and soaring food costs following the war led to rapid growth in trade union membership, communist party membership, and the number of strikes. Colonial authorities responded with ever-increasing brutality. Britain used attacks on rubber plantations, carried out in revenge for the killing of left-wing activists, as the pretext to declare the Malayan Emergency (19481960) in a bid to protect its economic and colonial interests.

It sparked a guerrilla war by communist pro-independence fighters of the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA), the military arm of the Malayan Communist Party, aimed at winning independence for Malaya by targeting tin mines and rubber plantations. British tactics combined fighting insurgents in the jungle with separating MNLA insurgents from local support, mainly in Malayas Chinese community, and included scorched earth policies to starve the MNLA.

IWM (K 14435) A member of the Malayan Home Guard mans a checkpoint on the edge of a town during the Malayan Emergency. [Photo by IWM]

Sir Gerald Templer, Britains High Commissioner who had taken part in the suppression of the Arab Revolt in Palestine, combined military force with an emphasis on controlling the population by winning hearts and minds, an approach copied in later Emergencies. This included separating insurgents from local communities, intelligence gathering operations and turning one ethnic group or community against another.

Among the exhibits are aerial photographs of the militarised New Villages, set up under the infamous Briggs Plan that forcibly resettled around half a million of the rural poor, mainly ethnic Chinese, in what were little more than concentration camps, surrounded by barbed wire fencing and ringed with watch towers. Identity cards were used to control movement, while propaganda leaflets threatened starvation, revealing a counterinsurgency strategy built on population control rather than battlefield victory. The aim was to starve insurgents of food and medicine and prevent them from recruiting new members. People were searched as they entered and left their villages to ensure they were not passing supplies to the MNLA.

Colonial authorities used both local and imperial forces to support Britain. They recruited local people to the Home Guard to patrol villages and support the army and police. These unpaid volunteers became a key part of the colonial campaign, deepening social and ethnic divisions within Malaya. They also relied on troops from other parts of the Commonwealth, with some serving in two or three Emergencies.

Kenya: detention, torture and the criminalisation of land claims

The Kenyan Emergency was Britains response to the Mau Mau rebellion (19521960), when landless peasants, especially the Kikuyu community who had been pushed into reserves to make way for white settler farms, attacked the farms from scattered forest camps. Under the leadership of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA), a peasant guerrilla movement, they sought land reform and an end to colonial rule. The colonial authorities sent in locally recruited soldiers or police to protect the farms.

More than a million people suspected of maintaining links with Mau Mau were forced to move into the so-called colonial villages, surrounded by trenches and stakes. Conditions were so bad that many died due to illness, disease, hunger or the harsh burden of forced labour.

More than 80,000 Kenyans were rounded up and detained in prison camps without trial during the Emergency, with guilt often assumed. Detention became a form of collective punishment. Forced labour and torture were used to rehabilitate Kenyans and rid them of the ideas promoted by Mau Mau. Those sent to the colonial villages could not travel or work without the necessary permits.

As in Malaya, the authorities recruited tens of thousands of Kenyan loyalists to fight the Mau Mau. In the run-up to independence, loyalists controlled most of the key positions in business and politics.

 Solomon Nzioki, rootsofafrika/IWM For me personally I was in the forest, I stayed in the forest for 7 years, Wanjiru Kairuki, a former member of Mau Mau who fought for independence during the Kenya Emergency. [Photo]

The exhibits include statements by Kenyans testifying to the arrests, torture, sexual assault and humiliation they suffered in the villages and the camps. The landless were criminalised, while the settlers were protected. Violence was not rogue behaviour; it was policy.

Cyprus: surveillance, intelligence and the war of information

The exhibitions explanation and portrayal of the Cyprus Emergency is the weakest. In April 1955, the far-right Greek Cypriot organisation EOKA, which sought unification with Greece (Enosis), began terrorist attacks against the British administration in Cyprus. This was unacceptable to Britain, given Cypruss position at the crossroads of three continents and its hosting of the most important Anglo-American signals intelligence site.

EOKAs social base was not the urban proletariat but the Greek Cypriot bourgeoisie and proEnosis pettybourgeois layers tied to landlord, commercial and nationalist interests. These social layers saw union with Greece as a means of securing their property, status, and influence in the region, and of escaping British colonial rule on terms favourable to local capital and propertied classes. Its operations targeted not only British forces but also leftists and tradeunionists in both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities who sought workingclass unity across communal lines.

Later that year, Cypruss governor Robert Harding who had served in Palestine, Malaya and Kenya and had full military and political power, declared a state of Emergency and introduced a raft of unprecedented measures including curfews, checkpoints to control peoples movements, collective punishments, evictions from homes, shop and school closures, the establishment of internment camps, the indefinite detention of suspects without trial, torture and abuse, and the imposition of capital punishment for offences such as carrying weapons, incendiary devices or any material that could be used in a bomb.

Unable to extract much useful intelligence because of support for EOKA among the Greek Cypriot community, he used divide-and-rule tactics, turning to the Turkish Cypriot population and the Turkish government as a means of blocking the demand for Enosis and paving the way for the intercommunal strife that was to lead to the division of the island in 1974. In 1960, Britain established Cyprus as an independent state, separate from Greece, while retaining two separate bases on the island.

Crown copyright reproduced under delegated authority from The Keeper of Public Records, Image: IWM (CT 13) "BRITISH FORCES IN CYPRUS 1960  1974. The Grenadier Guards undertake urban riot drill training in Cyprus, probably while serving with the Cyprus Truce Force, December 1963 - March 1964. [Photo by IWM]

While Britain suppressed all three insurgencies, the organised resistance ultimately forced it to grant independence. But as the exhibition explained, each country was scarred by its experiences of Britains divide-and-rule tactics, which set the scene for further conflicts.

The politics of memory in the former colonies

One of the most striking revelations of Emergency Exits emerges not from what is displayed, but from what is absent elsewhere. Malaya/Malaysia, Kenya, and Cyprus  the three theatres of Britains latecolonial counterinsurgency  have no major national museums dedicated to these insurgencies. There are scattered plays (such as last years staging in Kenya of The Trial of Dedan Kimathi), local memorials, partisan narratives and occasional artistic interventions, but nothing comparable to a sustained, statesupported public reckoning.

This absence flows inexorably from the class composition of the ruling elites that took power after independence. As the old adage, commonly attributed to that arch imperialist Winston Churchill, goes, History is written by the victors.

In Malaya and Kenya, but not Cyprus, the insurgencies were class uprisings as much as anticolonial struggles. They were led by plantation workers, landless peasants, trade unionists and youth movements whose demands for land, wages, and political power threatened not only the colonial state but also the postcolonial elites who inherited power after independence.

In Malaya, independence was handed to conservative nationalist parties aligned with plantation capital; the communistled guerrilla movement was criminalised and erased from national memory.

In Kenya, the Mau Mau revolt, a landless peasants movement, was suppressed in public discourse for decades, while political power was consolidated around landowning families and former colonial collaborators. Kenyas first post-colonial president, Jomo Kenyatta, famously denounced Mau Mau in front of 30,000 people in 1952, saying Mau Mau has spoiled the country. Let Mau Mau perish forever. All people should search for Mau Mau and kill it.

He struck a deal with British imperialism, which viewed him as a reliable defender of imperialist interests. The Stalinist and left nationalist leaderships subordinated the working class, the leading force against colonialism after World War II, to bourgeois nationalists like Kenyatta and the more radical petty bourgeois forces of the Mau Mau.

In each case, the ruling class that emerged after independence had no interest in memorialising movements that challenged the very foundations of their authority. To commemorate these insurgencies honestly would require confronting unresolved questions of land redistribution, labour exploitation, ethnic division, and the unfinished business of decolonisation.

Silence, therefore, became a form of control. Paradoxically, as the IWM exhibition reveals, Britainthe former imperial poweris now able to display the violence of its latecolonial wars with a degree of candour that would be politically impossible in the countries where those wars were fought.

This is not because Britain is more honest. Far from it. As the exhibition explains, the colonial authorities secretly removed or destroyed sensitive documents before independence to avoid embarrassing the government. In 1961, the Colonial Office issued explicit instructions applicable across the empire to destroy any material that might embarrass Her Majestys Government. The exhibition notes add that in the years following the Emergencies, British official photography emphasised the humanitarian role of the armed forces.

In 2011, the government, fearing leaks and widespread dissemination of the truth in the era of WikiLeaks, suddenly discovered a long-hidden cache of colonial files, including 300 boxes containing nearly 1,500 files relating to the suppression of Mau Mau and 8,800 boxes of files from 36 other colonial countries, stored at a Foreign and Colonial Office archive in Hanslope Park. Nevertheless, a significant body of colonial-era material remains there, including 88,000 Hong Kong colonial government records, embargoed till 2047. Since 2011, a handful of victims of colonial abuse have brought and won legal cases that led to apologies and, in some cases, compensation from the British government.

The IWM can reveal these atrocities because it evidently believes that Britain is no longer threatened by the insurgent movements of the 1950s. The empire has gone. The political and economic stakes have evaporated. Honesty and openness may be the best way of restoring public trust.

But in Cyprus, Britains RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases are providing support to the US-led military onslaught against Iran, a war aimed at re-establishing direct imperialist subjugation of the Middle East. A demonstration in recent days in Cypruss capital, Nicosia, included a banner that read, British Bases Out.

For Malaya and Kenya, the stakes remain acute. The social forces that led the insurgenciespeasants, workers, the dispossessedremain marginalised. The inequalities that fuelled revolt remain unresolved. The postcolonial states typically rest upon the very structures the insurgents sought to dismantle.

Britain can exhibit (for now) what it once concealed, whereas the former colonies must suppress what they cannot acknowledge. Emergency Exits, therefore, reveals not only the violence of empire but also how memorialisation is shaped by class power, political fear and the unresolved issues of decolonisation.

That said, the mainstream media has not reviewed the exhibition, indicating the sensitivities that still surround Britains violent retreat from its imperial possessions. Moreover, its counterinsurgency apparatus was continued in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq, with legal cases and human rights litigation ongoing.

The insurgencies in Malaya and Kenya were led by landless peasants, plantation workers, miners, and youth. Their demandsland redistribution, political rights, the dismantling of colonial structureswere the bourgeoisdemocratic tasks that the national bourgeoisie in the modern era, with the rise of the working class as a major force in society, was historically unable to carry out.

Trotskys theory of permanent revolution demonstrates that the colonial peoples cannot achieve their most basic needsfreedom from imperialist oppression, democratic rights and social equalityby aligning with any section of the national bourgeoisie. In the imperialist epoch, the realisation of such democratic and national tasks, associated in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries with the rise of the bourgeoisie, requires the working class to take power. Victory in this struggle can be secured only as part of the struggle for world socialist revolution, placing the resources of the national and global economy under the control of the workers and oppressed masses.

After independence, power passed to conservative nationalist elites, landowning families, business interests aligned with imperial capital and bureaucratic strata trained under colonial rule. These groups inherited not only the state but also the imperial logic of suppressing the working class, the rural poor and insurgent memory. To commemorate the revolts honestly would require confronting unresolved questions of land, resources, labour and class power  questions that remain politically explosive.

And this patternthe bourgeoisies inability to complete the democratic tasks of the revolution, and its consequent need to suppress the memory of those who attempted to do sostands as one of the most powerful vindications of Trotskys theory of permanent revolution. The class that inherited the state cannot afford to remember how it was won.

The expunging of this history in the former colonies is not an accident. It is the material expression of a comprador bourgeois class that fears the social forces that made independence possible. The suppression of insurgent memory becomes a continuation of counterinsurgency by other means.

Emergency Exits, by exposing the violence of late empire and revealing the silence that surrounds it elsewhere, makes one thing unmistakably clear: the history of imperialism is not only a struggle over which class controls land, resources and labourvia capitalist exploitation and warit is also a struggle over who gets to remember and who is required to forget.

Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus is on at the Imperial War Museum in London until March 29, 2026. Further online resources associated with the exhibition are available here, including a large print guide.
The Labour government has banned this Sundays Al-Quds Day march in London, marking a significant escalation in the states crackdown on the pro-Palestinian, anti-war movement.

Al-Quds Daynamed after the Arabic name for Jerusalemis traditionally marked by marches and protests around the world in solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposition to Israeli occupation. The event was first established shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, with demonstrations taking place internationally.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood speaking in Parliament, September 7, 2023 [Photo by House of Commons/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In Britain, the Al-Quds Day march has been held for four decades, generally peacefully and without major incident.

The principal exception occurred in 2017, when a fascist, Darren Osborne, attempted to attack the protest with the aim of killing participants he believed might be present, including then Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Corbyn and Khan did not attend. Unable to reach the protest due to a police cordon, Osborne went on, just hours later, to carry out a murderous attack at Finsbury Park Mosque.

March organisers the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC)in a March 8 letter to the Metropolitan Policemade the points about Osborne being unable to attack the 2017 event due to the police cordon, and requested a similar level of police presence this year, but it fell on deaf ears. Acting in close collaboration with the police and responding to demands from right-wing political figures, including Zionist organisations, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered the prohibition of the demonstration scheduled for March 15.

The ban is the first on a demonstration since 2012, when one was imposed on a proposed march of the far-right English Defence League through east London.

Not only is the march banned under Section 13 of the draconian Public Order Act, but Mahmood also prohibited processions in London related to al-Quds Day involving protesters and counter-protesters, for a full month from Wednesday, March 11. Londons Metropolitan Police commissioner will be permitted to request a further extension.

The IHRC responded by announcing that a static protest would take place instead of the planned march.

The governments decision follows more than two-and-a-half years of mass protests in Britain against Israels genocide in Gaza. Since the eruption of demonstrations in October 2023, successive governmentsfirst Conservative and now Labour have sought to criminalise and suppress these events in which hundreds of thousands have regularly participated.

Conservative ministers repeatedly denounced them as hate marches. Under the Starmer government, the Met have questioned, and in some cases arrested and charged leading figures in the Palestine Coalition which organises the demonstrations, including Members of Parliament. They have issued restrictions on the route and times of marches.

Police have also carried out almost 3,000 arrests, under anti-terror legislation, of those opposed to the proscription of Palestine Action.

Now, amid Britains growing involvement in a new war and regime-change operation against Iran, the government has taken the unprecedented step of banning a pro-Palestine demonstration outright.

Ministry of Defence announces the departure of warship HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean (screenshot from MoD webpage) [Photo: MoD]

Mahmood agreed Tuesday evening to the Mets request to ban the march. Earlier that day, courts minister Sarah Sackman told LBC Radio that the event must be viewed as a hate march that was thoroughly anti-British and I expect the police and the home secretary to take the necessary action against those people.

Mayor Khan, in remarks dripping with hypocrisy, declared that one of the joys of living in a democracy is the right to demonstrate, while claiming that Mahmoods decision isnt diluting or diminishing the rights we have. It was simply this particular march the police have concerns with.

In a House of Commons statement the following day on protest policing Mahmood said she agreed to the request for a ban to prevent serious public disorder. She added, echoing the argument of the Met in its request to ban the march, It comes at a time when the Iranian regime is attacking British forces and bases, as well as those of our allies.

What Mahmood didnt say is that Irans action is retaliatory. Tehran acted in response to US and Israeli warplanes bombing locations throughout its sovereign territory, killing civilians and senior government figures up to and including the head of state.

The Met claimed similarly, We must also consider that the security services have been publicly clear about the threats we are facing on UK soil from the Iranian regime. In the last year MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing have foiled over 20 Iranian state-backed attacks on the UK.

This is an outrageous attempt to associate people exercising their democratic rights with violent attacks. It should be pointed out that claims of planned Iranian state-backed operations are routinely made by right-wing forces without a shred of evidence ever being provided.

Any genuine risk of violence is a result of pro-war Iranian monarchists and fascists being emboldened to carry out attacks on protesters by the governments support for the US-Israeli war and regime-change operation against Iran.

Last week, a public meeting in Manchester organised by the Greater Manchester Stop the War Coalition addressed by Your Party anti-war MP Zarah Sultanawas attacked by hundreds of pro-war Iranian monarchists and fascists who attempted to storm the venue.

Under current legislation, neither the home secretary nor the Met have any powers to ban a static demonstration from taking place, but Mahmood gave the signal for a police crackdown against the one now planned by the IHRC organisers.

She told MPs that police would be able to impose conditions, such as dictating the precise location and timing. Under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, police can also restrict the maximum number of participants. These were the operational decisions for the Met police to make in the coming days, said Mahmood.

The Home Secretary assured every right-winger, monarchist and fascist that the full force of the law will be enforced if hate crimes, or other crimes, are committed.

Her actions received immediate backing from the Conservatives. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp demanded further action against pro-Iranian demonstrations, including events mourning the death of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.

Seizing his opportunity to push for wider political repression, Philp declared that the problems with the al-Quds march go beyond simply the risk of serious disorderChants at al-Quds marches in the past have called for intifada and revolution. Such extremism, he said, has no place in the UK. His definition of extremism included antisemitisma term that has been systematically weaponised to smear opponents of the Israeli government.

The Labour government is already acting along these lines. Measures introduced over the last decade under the guise of combating extremism, maintaining public order and preventing serious disruption are being used to criminalise political dissent and suppress opposition to imperialist war.

Workers and young people must oppose the Al-Quds march ban as a fundamental assault on democratic rights. Every attack on the right to protestinitially directed against pro-Palestinian demonstratorswill ultimately be used against the entire working class in its struggles against war and exploitation.

The defence of democratic rights is inseparable from the fight against Britains participation in the criminal assault on Iran, the expanding conflict in the Middle East and the spread of wars across the globe.

As the Socialist Equality Party has argued, What is needed is a fight for socialist internationalism among workers of all countries, who have shared interest in bringing down the warmongers attacking their jobs, wages, living conditions and democratic rights.

Only a movement totally independent of the capitalist parties can put a stop to this barbarism.
The city of Almaty in Kazakhstan is currently demolishing the house where Leon Trotsky spent several weeks in exile from the Stalinist bureaucracy. The demolition erases an important testimony to the history of the international labour movement. A luxury hotel is to be built in its place.

The Zhetysu house in Almaty [Photo by zveryagina_almaty / instagram]

The building had been vacant since an earthquake in 2022 and since then had not been repaired. In 2025, the house was declared unfit for renovation during an inspection, and demolition work began in early February.

The two-storey Zhetysu House at 45 Gogol Street is also known among the population as Trotskys House. It was built in 1908, when todays metropolis of Almaty (then still called Verny) had a population of just 37,000. In addition to Trotsky, various other important figures also stayed in the house, such as the Soviet-Kazakh composer Yevgeny Brusilovsky, who composed the first Kazakh opera and wrote the anthem of the Kazakh SSR, the Soviet composer Sergei Prokofiev and the botanist Nikolai Vavilov.

Trotsky himself was exiled to Almaty (then Alma-Ata) in January 1928. His exile was the culmination of the bitter factional struggle between the leadership of the Soviet Communist Party under Joseph Stalin and the Left Opposition, led by Leon Trotsky.

The struggle was about nothing less than the survival of the Marxist and socialist movement. Due to the international isolation of the October Revolution of 1917, a privileged bureaucracy had developed within the workers state that was increasingly hostile to the socialist revolution. This social and political attitude was openly expressed in the theory of socialism in one country, formulated by Joseph Stalin and Nikolai Bukharin in late 1924, with which they rejected the programme of socialist world revolution.

Trotsky and other leading Bolsheviks formed the Left Opposition to fight against this betrayal of the programme of the October Revolution. But devastating defeats of the international working class promoted the further consolidation of the bureaucracy. Of particular significance in the 1920s, following the defeated revolution in Germany in 1923, were the British general strike of 1926 and the second Chinese revolution of 1925-1927, both of which were betrayed and defeated by the opportunist policies of the Stalinist bureaucracy.

However, the Stalinist bureaucracy responded to the consequences of its policies and the criticism of the Left Opposition, which had warned of these defeats, not with a change of course, but by expelling the Left Opposition from the party at the end of 1927. In early 1928, Trotsky and numerous other oppositionists were exiled and arrested within the Soviet Union.

Trotskys exile to Kazakhstan was intended to isolate him politically. At the time, Alma-Ata was a small remote village, almost 4,000 kilometres away from Moscow. In winter, temperatures regularly reached -20 C. Malaria and other diseases were widespread and also severely affected Trotsky himself and his wife, Natalya Sedova. At the same time, medical care and food supplies were very poor. Electricity and water supplies were also limited.

But even under these conditions, Trotsky continued the struggle. In exile, he maintained extensive correspondence with oppositionists throughout the Soviet Union and wrote several key works. Of particular importance were his critique of the Comintern programme in 1928 and his polemic against Karl Radek on the question of permanent revolution, which clarified the political and theoretical foundations of the International Left Opposition.

The Hotel Zhetysu in Almaty is mentioned by name in Trotskys autobiography, My Life. Trotsky spent three weeks there before being assigned another apartment in Almaty. In 1929, he was finally expelled from the Soviet Union and stripped of his passport. Trotsky was stateless and relentlessly persecuted up until his assassination by a Stalinist agent in August 1940. His comrades in the Soviet Union were almost without exception murdered in the Great Terror.

Until 1933, the hotel was the only hotel in the entire city. Its use changed several times over the years, serving at times as living quarters and a dormitory, later as the location of the sanitary and epidemiological service, and most recently as a police station.

Despite its age and significance, the building was never included in the list of historical and cultural monuments and never received the status of historical and cultural heritage or any other protected status. This is no coincidence, but is above all due to the violent attempts of the Stalinist bureaucracy to eradicate the memory of the history of the revolution and, above all, the Trotskyist opposition to Stalinism.

Todays ruling class in Kazakhstan emerged from this bureaucracy, which broke up the Soviet Union in 1991. While capitalist restoration plunged millions of workers in all the Soviet republics into poverty, the Stalinist bureaucrats grabbed the privatised corporations and resources for themselves and became rich oligarchs who control the political and economic life of Kazakhstan.

The demolition of the hotel, which should actually be a museum, and its planned replacement by a luxury hotel symbolise the Kazakh ruling classs hatred of historical truth and its desire to subordinate all aspects of social life to the interests of the super-rich.

Although of particular significance, the demolition of the Zhetysu House is not an isolated case. The house where Trotsky spent most of his time in Almaty was demolished in the early 2000s.

Numerous other buildings of great historical, cultural or architectural value have also been demolished in recent years. In 2006, the Almaty Palace of Schoolchildren and Pioneers, an extracurricular educational and cultural centre for children and young people, was demolished despite major protests and replaced by a luxury hotel. In 2008, the historic Sayahat bus station was destroyed, followed in September last year by the citys oldest maternity hospital. In the summer of 2024, a scandal erupted in the city when the historic building of School No. 2 was slated for demolition.

This cultural barbarism is part of systematic attempts by the Kazakh oligarchy to undermine the historical consciousness of the working class. The Central Asian country is not only rich in raw materials, but also has a huge working class, mainly employed in the oil and gas industry, mining and metallurgy, energy production and heavy industry. Of the 7.1 million employees in Kazakhstan, two million are industrial workers. Almaty in particular is repeatedly the centre of strikes and protests.
The silence of the Australian trade union bureaucracy on the US-led criminal war against Iran, almost two weeks on, is deafening.

At least 1,255 people, including 200 children, are dead and in excess of 12,000 are wounded, as the US intensifies its attacks, vowing to obliterate a country of more than 90 million people. The Trump administration, which has already boasted it will pay no heed to international law or stupid rules of engagement, in the war against Iran, intends it as a strike against China, posing the imminent threat of global conflict.

A plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 2, 2026. [AP Photo/Mohsen Ganji]

The Australian ruling elite, with the federal Labor government as its spearhead, is fully committed to the drive of US imperialism to restore its hegemony. This was concretely expressed in the presence of three Australian military personnel on the US submarine that sank unarmed Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, killing at least 140 people.

Further confirmation of Labors complicity in this illegal war was provided Tuesday, with the federal governments announcement that Australia would deploy weaponry and troops to the Middle East to take part in the bombardment.

Yet not a single union has opposed the Australian states role in the carnage, let alone called for industrial action to halt the supply of war materials. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), along with virtually every union in the country, has not even acknowledged the war, let alone opposed it.

The silence of the bureaucracy is no accident. It is a deliberate statement of support for the illegal war of aggression and an attempt to cover up Labors complicity, in the face of strong opposition to war among workers and youth. The unions are also covering over the domestic implications for the Australian working class of the war, including deepening austerity measures to fund the military machine, on top of even sharper rises in the cost of living, the beginnings of which are already being felt at the petrol pump.

The unions support for a war of annihilation that has already seen schools bombed and critical life-sustaining infrastructure targeted would be extraordinary, except that it follows on from two and a half years in which the apparatus has worked to suppress mass opposition to Israels imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza.

To date, just two Australian unions have issued statements critical of the war against Iran, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU). The AMWU, formerly the metalworkers union, covers many workers in shipbuilding and other war-related industries.

The AMWU statement, published yesterday, declares early on that we will not allow our labour to be weaponised for wars of aggression. But the AMWU bureaucracy has no intention of workers taking action against war. Instead, the AMWU appeals to the federal government to use every diplomatic lever to prevent war with Iran. This is a ludicrous propositionthe Albanese administration is openly committing Australian aircraft, munitions and troops to prosecute the war.

The statement also confirms the AMWU bureaucracys support for building the war machine, noting, we must maintain a strong defence industry, but promoting the lie that a line of distinction can be drawn between the protection of our shores and the pursuit of aggressive military adventures abroad.

Australia is, and since its federation in 1901 has been, an imperialist power. Every war in which it has participated has been of an aggressive nature, aimed at asserting the interests of the banks and the corporations. The reference to the protection of our shores is simply an exercise in promoting the fraud that Australian militarism is of a defensive character, and legitimising the vast expansion of the war machine that is underway.

The MUA published a statement on March 3 ostensibly opposing the US-Israel attacks on Iran, which the union characterised as reckless, illegal acts of aggression that drag the world closer to a wider war and nuclear catastrophe.

While lamenting the actions of successive governments, tying our foreign policy to US war fighting strategies, the MUA statement does not mention Labor by name. Moving from obfuscation to outright fraud, the union calls on the Australian Government to condemn this war, promoting the conception that the Albanese government can be politely persuaded to reverse its position.

This is a sham and the MUA bureaucracy knows it. Australian imperialisms backing for war against Iran is the continuation of more than three decades of unconditional support for more than three decades of unending US-led wars, throughout the Middle East and against Russia in Ukraine.

None of this has been seriously opposed by the MUA or any other union, in line with their role as defenders of the national interest, that is, the profits of Australian capitalism. Throughout those wars, the MUA has remained formally affiliated to Labor, meaning it is de facto a component of the government that is participating in the onslaught on Iran.

That basic reality has become clearer as the MUA has abandoned even a pretence of opposition to the war since news broke of Australias direct involvement in sinking the IRIS Dena. Subsequent statements by the union refer to escalating geopolitical tensions and conflict in Iran, as if there is some mystery over who and what is responsible.

The appeal for Labor to condemn the war has been replaced by a call to arms: The need for a strategic fleet of Australian flagged and crewed ships operating in the national interest has never been more urgent, the MUA wrote on March 11.

Promoted under the bogus pretext of providing jobs for Australian seafarers, the MUAs longstanding demand for a Maritime Strategic Fleet would amount to a scheme of subsidies and tax breaks for major shipping companies who agree to register their vessels in Australia. These shipsand their crewscould then be commandeered for military purposes, with compensation paid to their corporate owners to ensure profits are not impacted by the defence of the national interest.

Despite their occasional militant rhetoric on the Gaza genocide, the actions of the MUA bureaucracy since October 2023 add up to the same as those of the rest of the trade union apparatus: precisely zero. Not a single strike has been called and not a single shipment has been blocked.

Every single week, the MUA has enforced the orderly loading and unloading of cargo from the Israeli ZIM shipping line, which dedicated its fleet to genocide at the end of 2023. While the Labor government has openly backed the genocide, including through weapons exports, the MUA has functioned as its enforcer and as an enabler of the Zionist war machine itself.

Far from succumbing to leftward pressure through the endless protests, sometimes involving the MUA, that promote the line of appeals to the government, Labor has become even more brazen in its support for US-led wars and has stepped up its use of authoritarian measures at home to crush protests.

On the criminal war of aggression against Iran, just as much as the genocide in Gaza, the MUAs mantra that peace is union business is just an empty slogan, designed to trap workers opposition to war and defend the political establishment.

While the MUA bureaucracy have their own grievances and minor differences with the Labor governments foreign policy, they, along with the rest of the trade union apparatus, are tied by a thousand threads to Labor and irreconcilably hostile to any fight by workers against it. More fundamentally, the class role of the union bureaucracy is to suppress the class struggle and enforce the requirements of big business and the capitalist state.

The international working class is the only social force that can stop war. Coordinated mass strikes across ports, logistics, weapons manufacturing and more broadly would bring the machinery of war to a grinding halt. But this is impossible within the framework of the union apparatus.

Workers should draw sharp political lessons from the fact that the organisations that claim to represent their interests are effectively lining up behind a massive new war of annihilation against an oppressed and historically impoverished country. Organisations that support the mass murder of workers and youth abroad are enemies of the working class everywhere, including in Australia.

In previous decades, the unions, while always bitterly hostile to a genuine, socialist and internationalist fight against imperialist war, have at least postured as opponents of war. Their silence now reflects the further shift to the right by the union bureaucracies, in line with that of the Labor Party with which they are affiliated.

That is inextricably linked to the crisis of the capitalist system and the preparation for new and even greater crimes, including Australias ever-deepening integration under the union-backed Labor government into the US plans for a catastrophic war with China. The unions tacit support for war with Iran is a signal that if a war with China breaks out, they will not only support it, but will serve to suppress opposition from the working class.

The fight against imperialist war is a fight against the Labor government and all its defenders, including the union bureaucracy. A new, political movement of the working class must be forged, in opposition to the state, Labor, the unions and a capitalist system plunging humanity towards barbarism.

New organs of struggle must be builtrank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods, democratically controlled by workers themselves and politically and organisationally independent of the trade unions. Above all, this must be an international fight, along class lines, not national borders. Workers in Australia and the US have the same fundamental class interests as workers in Iran and throughout the Middle East, in opposition to the billionaire oligarchs and their warmongering political representatives.

The Socialist Equality Party and its sister parties worldwide are fighting to build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, as the mechanism through which workers can be united internationally, in a fight for a world free of poverty, oppression and war, i.e., a socialist society.
UCLA graduate student workers picketing on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

On March 12, hundreds of University of California student workers, teaching assistants and researchers participated in last chance rallies across the 10-campus system. Workers are demanding cost-of-living adjustments, critical wage increases and hours guarantees, expanded housing and adequate funding for programs.

Around 40,000 UC workers in United Auto Workers Local 4811 voted overwhelmingly to strike, but have been kept on the job by union officials nearly two weeks since their contract expired on March 1.

At the University of California Berkeley, approximately 600 students demonstrated Thursday. At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), approximately 300 student workers participated. Students expressed a determination to fight, not only for improvements to working conditions, but against the assault on the sciences being carried out by the Trump administration.

At the UCLA rally, two graduate students in the Department of Public Health expressed outrage at the lack of funding for their program and the dire living and working conditions they are forced into as a consequence of the cuts.

I dont have any funding, Richard said. So that means every quarter I have to find funding: some TA shift or some teaching position thats outside. It really has taken control of so much of my lifewhat Im able to do, what free time I have. Thats taken most of my focus.

Danielle, also a graduate student in Public Health, said: Theyve continued to cut our positions, and theyve forced us down to 25 percent [hours relative to full-time status, down from 50 percent] which is not a livable wage. You have to take multiple jobs. Agreeing with Richard, she added if youre focused consistently on trying to find a job and trying to find funding, youre not able to focus on your research.

Several graduate students at UCLA spoke out about the cuts to funding for public outreach programs which makes the sciences and culture accessible to the general public. The slashing of these programs over many decades has lowered the level of scientific awareness in the population, creating a vulnerability exploited by anti-vax cranks like RFK Jr.

Were taught that we have to engage with the communities, and working with the communities. They have had programs that are more open to the communities as a public institution, and they cut those programs because they dont make enough money its frustrating to see that happening and this institution being about money.

University of California student workers have been a major center of working class militancy in recent years. In 2019 and 2020, UC workers at the Santa Cruz campus conducted months-long wildcat actions demanding cost of living adjustments. In 2022, workers across the UC system conducted a five-week strike, in the course of which they rejected a sellout agreement pushed by the UAW bureaucracy. In 2024, workers launched a strike against UC administrators violent crackdown against Gaza protests.

I was here and participated in the 2022 strike, as well as the 2024 strike, and now Im here for this one, one worker said.

Volunteers with the Will Lehman campaign found broad support for the platform Lehman is running on. Volunteers distributed the campaign statement University of California academic workers: Enforce your strike mandate!

Lehmans statement accused UAW officials of ignoring workers vote to strike. I urge UC workers on every campus to organize rank-and-file committees consisting of academic and other campus workers, along with students, to enforce the will of the membership and prepare a university-wide strike, Lehman said.

He continued: A strike by more than 40,000 UC workers will give a powerful impulse to the growing movement of educators, healthcare workers and other sections of the working class across California and the US against the corporate and financial oligarchy that the Trump administration speaks for.

Campaigners explained to students the way in which UAW president Shawn Fain has backed the America First tariffs of the Trump administration, after having collaborated closely with the Biden administration.

There was enthusiasm that an openly socialist worker was running for the presidency of the UAW. Volunteers for the Lehman campaign also spoke to student workers at University of California Berkeley, where the call for a general strike against the Trump government found broad support. Students supported Wills call for the working class to mobilize against Trumps illegal war on Iran.

The UAW bureaucracy is doing its best to try to keep in front of rank-and-file anger before they lose control. A critical role is being played by pseudo-left tendencies which insist that graduate students adopt a strategy of pressuring the union apparatus, rather than organizing rank-and-file committees to take democratic control over the struggle.

UAW local officials at the University of California system have issued statements opposing the war against Iran and the murder of Alex Pretti. But they have proposed no action to fight war and police dictatorship other than that graduate students call their congresspeople.

The decision to hold practice pickets, rather than calling a strike, is part of their maneuvering. It is an attempt to get ahead of the workers through empty posturing. The strike ready picket was notably used by the Teamsters in 2023 so that they could present a sellout contract as the product of a credible strike threat. Since then, tens of thousands of UPS workers have lost their jobs.

UC workers have innumerable and powerful allies in the working class. This includes 10,000 California State University (CSU) workers, who endure the same working conditions and are also members of the UAW. To avoid a situation where 48,000 University of California workers and 10,000 California State University workers are on strike simultaneously, the UAW local 4123 unilaterally extended the contract beyond its original expiration date. This was done without any vote or input from the membership, in an effort to delay the threat of a strike until at least September.

UC workers must organize to break through the delays and enforce the democratic will of the membership to strike, while also imposing real control over bargaining to prevent a sellout. This means forming rank-and-file strike committees, composed of grad students and independent of the UAW bureaucracy, including the radical-sounding leadership of local 4811.



The strike vote and the emergence of the UC student workers as a section of the working class in struggle is part of a broader movement of the working class in the United States and Internationally. The UC students must consciously link up their struggles with the growing struggle of workers in every sector of the economy, from public education, to nurses, autoworkers, postal workers and oil refinery workers.
Around a thousand participants gathered in Frankfurts Romerberg square last Sunday for a rally under the slogan Hands off Iranstop US-Israeli aggression.

The rally was organised by the Islamic Religious Community of Hesse (IRH), supported by the Peace and Future Workshop Frankfurt am Main led by Willy van Ooyen, a leading member of the Left Party. The Peace and Future Workshop acts as a kind of political fig leaf for the policies of the Left Party in Hesse. But neither the Left Party in the state of Hesse nor any trade union officially joined the call for the rally.

On the contrary, there were fierce attempts to ban the rally beforehand. In particular, Hesse's antisemitism commissioner Uwe Becker (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) and Frankfurt's mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grunberg (Greens) strongly condemned it.

They both claimed it glorified the mullah regime and spread antisemitism. In the end, the Frankfurt Public Order Office did allow the rally to take place, as it clearly posed no threat to public safety.

Hundreds of Iranian, Palestinian and Muslim workers from the Rhine-Main region and beyond gathered on the Romerberg, many with their families. Both supporters and opponents of the Tehran government were clearly represented.

Some held photos of the children killed at the girls school in Minab, where on the first day of the war at least 168 people, including mainly schoolgirls aged seven to twelve, 26 teachers and four parents, were killed in a US attack. One sign read (in keeping with International Womens Day on 8 March): For women's rights  but they are bombing a girls school!

According to figures from the Iranian Red Crescent, which were discussed on the same day, 8 March, in a webinar organised by the International Committee of the Fourth International, more than 6,000 civilian facilities had already been destroyed or damaged in Iran on that day, including 5,535 residential buildings, 64 schools and 14 hospitals and medical facilities; and more than 1,300 people had already been killed in the war.

Nurse Sarah with a Hands Off Iran sign, rally on 8 March 2026 in Frankfurt am Main

Many participants came to the rally out of concern for their families in Iran. Nurse Sarah, who had come with her friend Hira from Dusseldorf, said: We are very worried about our families living in Iran. This war must be stopped! It very clearly violates international rules and laws.

The war was instigated in the midst of the Geneva negotiations on nuclear disarmament. Iran is being bombed, and they have even destroyed a girls school with 160 children!

Sarah went on to say: In Western countries, politicians often talk about democracy and justicebut if they don't abide by it themselves, what can we expect? It's all unacceptable.

Amir, a young Iranian who works in Frankfurt and was taking part in a demonstration for only the second time, said: I was born in Iran myself, I have relatives in Isfahan and I am very concerned. A war that violates international law will invariably turn against those who started it. It cannot be won.

Samad, a retired software engineer, had come with his wife from the Black Forest. He has been living in Germany for many years and addressed his German colleagues with the words: Actually, no one on this earth can be in favour of the two worst criminals, Netanyahu and Trump, bombing a country nowregardless of whether it is my country or not.

He continued: Now they want to bring back the Shah's son. Its disgusting that the monarchists are now cheering. Its outrageous. His father, the Shah at the time, crushed all left-wing movements. He tortured and killed people en masse. The entire history shows that the West, especially the US, has brought nothing but evil to Iran. In the US itself, many workers are suffering hardship today and there are many people who are starving.

Many spontaneously agreed with the demands on the flyers of the WSWS: For the building of an international, socialist anti-war movement of the working class. One woman said: The Berlin parties have all accepted the genocide and supported the so-called reasons of state [pro-Israel], even the Left Party! That disappointed me greatly.

The speakers on the podium, however, had no viable perspective to offer. Similar to the London rally the day before, they simply appealed to the worlds ruling politicians, without believing in the success of their appeals themselves.

The ruling class is recklessly heading toward a Third World War. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who only after the start of the Iran war in Washington kissed Donald Trumps ring and assured him of German support, is pursuing a policy of massive rearmament with his coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party SPD, which will have to be paid for by the workers. The Left Party also supports this course, including the regime change operation in Iran, which it only wants to achieve by other means.

This ever-expanding war front proves that appeals to the ruling class, as presented on the stage of the demonstration, will achieve nothing. It is time, as the WSWS has demanded, to build an international, socialist anti-war movement in the working class that is directed against capitalism.
SEP member campaigning at Jaffna bus stand against the war on Iran, March 10, 2026.jpeg

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka have spoken to workers and university students about the implications of the criminal US-Israeli war against Iran and the urgent need to build an anti-war movement based on international socialism.

The brutal US-Israeli war of extermination, now in its second week, is aimed at subjugating Iran and placing its resources under Washingtons domination. The indiscriminate attacks have devastated the country, killing over 1,000 people and destroying basic infrastructure.

Sri Lankas Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has not condemned the war, effectively signalling its support for Washingtons actions. As the war spreads across the Middle East, oil and gas prices are rapidly rising around the world.

A political science teacher from a school in Puttalam, a coastal town in the North-Western Province, said: To justify this illegal war, Donald Trump is spreading lies, claiming that Iran is developing nuclear weapons and that this poses a threat to the American people. These claims are false. What they really want is to seize Irans oil resources and cut off oil supplies to China.

Responding to Trumps claims to be defending human rights in Iran, she added: If the American government cares so much about people, why are immigrants being deported from the US? The biggest threat to the American people is the Trump administration, isnt it? She said that the US ruling elite was increasingly concerned about the weakening global dominance of the US dollar.

Referring to the US assault on Venezuela at the beginning of the year, she added: I heard that President Nicolas Maduro made oil deals using Chinese currency. Iran is similar. Chinas investments in these countries have increased, which is why tensions have escalated into war. If China and Russia become directly involved, nuclear weapons could even be used. She also condemned the decades-long US sanctions against Iran, which have restricted access to essential medicines, and denounced the massacres carried out in Palestine over the past two years.

The teacher criticised the failure of the JVP/NPP government to condemn the war, noting that it was also imposing International Monetary Fund austerity measures on the Sri Lankan masses. She referred to Russian Revolution leader Vladimir Lenin, who said there could be no genuine freedom until the working class overthrows imperialism and the capitalist ruling classes.

CEB worker Kanishka Karunarathne

Kanishka Karunarathne, a Ceylon Electricity Board consumer coordinator, said: From the American side, this appears to be a one-sided war and is driven by the economic crisis in America. There are serious problems in the US economy. Trump seems to want an economic system like Hitlers, where powerful states annex other countries. America intervened in Venezuela and now it is manipulating its trade relations.

Karunarathne said the US and Israel had no right to intervene in and exploit human rights issues in Iran: There are problems in Iran, but they are internal problems. Every country has such issues. It is up to the Iranian people themselves to intervene and change their government.

Stopping the war is a serious issue because there is a problem with the mentality of the person waging the warDonald Trump. Its impossible to imagine how he makes his decisions, but a real anti-war movement can be built through the protest movements that have now emerged in America.

Senuri, a Visual and Performing Arts University student, said: This war is completely unnecessary. America is acting unjustly. It wants to plunder Irans resources, such as oil and gas, and so Iran has the right to retaliate. Donald Trump is a dictator who makes unilateral decisions, just like Hitler did. Senuri referred to the irrationality of the capitalist system, saying, This system should not continue any longer.

A Colombo University student said: We are against the war. This is a major crime. The US-Israeli attack has killed many ordinary people. It shows the destructive role that America is playing today. Earlier this year we saw the attack on Venezuela. The US kidnapped the former president of that country, Nicolas Maduro, and even his wife. After targeting that country, they are now trying to conquer Iran, and its difficult to believe they will stop there. It seems the US wants to dominate Greenland and even Canada as well.

SEP member speaking with a young man in Colombo

S. Bhanusa, a University of Jaffna student, told the IYSSE that she strongly opposed the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and referred to Colombos 26-year communalist war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the north and east of Sri Lanka and the social devastation faced by Tamil people.

As a community, we faced immense hardships and cruelty for decades. We can understand the feelings of the Iranian people in the face of US-Israeli bombings and missile attacks. They have even killed hundreds of children, she said.

Bhanusa said she was following news about the brutal attack on Iran through the media, particularly social media platforms such as YouTube. If this war escalates, the danger of a third world war will increase. A major power is waging war against another smaller country. It must be stopped, she said.

During their discussions, SEP/IYSSE campaigners explained that the military attack on Iran could not be stopped by appealing to the imperialist powers. The first task of the working class, they explained, is to understand the character of the war itself. Modern wars are not accidents or the result of the policies of this or that government but arise from the crisis of the capitalist system and the struggle of rival imperialist powers for markets, resources and strategic dominance.

The historical experience of the twentieth century demonstrates that war can be stopped only through the revolutionary intervention of the working class. As the producers of societys wealth, workers possess the collective power to disrupt war economies through strikes and mass action. United internationally and politically independent from capitalist parties and unions, they can overthrow the pro-war capitalist system and reorganize society on socialist foundations.

Today, as the danger of a third world war rapidly intensifies, the working class confronts the same historic alternative: socialism or barbarism. Against the pro-war ruling elites, their fascistic allies, and the pseudo-left and pacifist forces that promote illusions in the capitalist system, the working class must take up the fight to abolish the source of war itselfcapitalism. As the International Committee of the Fourth International insists, there can be no genuine struggle against war without the fight for socialism, and no socialist movement that does not oppose imperialist war.

SEP/IYSSE campaigners urged all those they spoke with to attend the SEPIYSSE public meeting on March 17 at 4 p.m. at the Colombo Public Library to discuss the geo-strategic factors driving the US-Israeli war and how to develop an international socialist anti-war movement of workers, youth, and intellectuals to fight it.
Striking Matamoros workers in January 2019 with banner declaring, The union and companies kill the working class.

Six weeks have passed since First Brands abruptly shut six maquiladora plants in northern Mexico and threw more than 5,000 workers in Matamoros, Ciudad Juarez and Mexicali into the street without salaries or severance pay.

About 1,200 at the Tridonex-Cardone plant in Matamoros continue to occupy the plant, but are being left to starve on the picket line, underscoring the urgent need for an international, rankandfile fight by autoworkers across North America.

From the beginning, the World Socialist Web Site has stressed that this fight can be won only through an international strategy uniting First Brands workers with other autoworkers across North America and beyond, against a transnational jobs massacre. With major North American brake and auto parts suppliers being shut down overnight, this struggle has vast, international implications for workers on both sides of the USMexico border.

On January 28, First Brands announced an orderly, accelerated shutdown of major North American operations, including Brake Parts Inc., Cardone and AutoLite, after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2025 and warning that up to 13,000 jobs worldwide could be destroyed.

That same night, workers in Matamoros, Ciudad Juarez and Mexicali independently launched plant occupations to stop machinery from being removed, declaring in Matamoros that no machines will leave the building.

Today, those initial occupations have been wound down in Ciudad Juarez and Mexicali, thanks above all to the intervention of the independent union bureaucracy and local authorities, while Tridonex workers in Matamoros remain alone guarding the plant with dwindling resources.

After repeatedly postponing action, on March 6 the independent union SNITIS, led by labor lawyer Susana Prieto Terrazas, formally announced the beginning of a strike at the already occupied plant in Tridonex, where about 1,200 workers remain formally employed. Two hundred supervising staff signed conciliation agreements.

At a meeting last Thursday on the picket line, Prieto reportedly assured workers that the facility, with everything inside, belongs to them, but workers have not been given any real control over the plant or its assets. The factory produced brake components for automakers including General Motors and Fordintegral parts of the North American supply chain.

Explaining the procedure, she said that a labor court will have to recognize that workers have a justified cause to suspend work while a parallel process known as an incident to determine responsibility for the strike takes place, in which the judge decides whether the company or the workers are responsible for the conflict.

While warning that this could take four to five months, Prieto pledged to ask the judge to provisionally accumulate back wages while the case is resolved and, if the company is found responsible, to order severance and other indemnities. She further promised to request that the judge seize all company assets to guarantee payment.

In other words, the strike is no genuine offensive to save jobs or expand the struggle, but a tightly controlled legal mechanism subordinating workers to a monthslong court process in Mexico and the United States. This is under conditions where First Brands crooked executives, indicted in the US on federal fraud and conspiracy charges, are already stripping assets across borders.

Knowing full well that workers had already spent more than a month without pay on the picket line, she used her latest trip to Matamoros to callously scold them for not showing up for their assigned shifts to guard the gates, especially at night. Her union, however, has done absolutely nothing to guarantee food, transportation or income for those she is keeping on watch.

On Thursday March 12, less than a week after the official strike began, a Tridonex worker told this reporter:

The strike continues, but there are many coworkers who can no longer keep supporting it. I am one of them. My union is great, but I was no longer able to help because I dont have money for the bus fares.

Workers have thus been left hung out to dry for over a month after the January 28 shutdown, before a strike was even called, under conditions where they are being asked to maintain 24hour guard duty with no organized support.

Asked what plan the union had communicated, the worker replied with a sad emoji:

To wait, but I dont believe this can be resolved. The only thing I can say is that we are in Gods hands. We all filed individual lawsuits, but there is still no answer. Ive been here 13 years and I know coworkers with more than 20 years [in the company].

He added that the union has made no effort to appeal for economic support or broader strike action from other workers in Mexico, the US or internationally.

The present impasse is the outcome of a long process in which Prieto and the socalled independent unions were brought forward precisely to demobilize a movement toward rankandfile control and international unity.

In 2019, the so-called 20/32 wildcat strikes in Matamoros saw 70,000 maquiladora workers across dozens of plants walk out for a 100 percent wage increase and to expel the corrupt CTM unions. They marched to the US border bridges, appealing directly to American workers. It was precisely when the movement began to link up with an international socialist perspective, advanced by the WSWS, that Prieto intervened to corral it behind appeals to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, preserve CTM structures and negotiate a far more limited 20 percent raise and a 32,000peso bonus.

Companies responded with mass victimizations. Plants like Avant, Componentes Universales and Edemsa were shut down, with the latter two refusing to pay severance. Now, one of the plants directly controlled by the union created by Prieto has been closed and the union stands exposed as wholly incapable of defending workers livelihoods.



A critical measure of Prietos treacherous role is the fact that SNITIS only secured the Tridonex contract through an international labor complaint filed by the AFL-CIO and the US government under the USMCA in 2021, with the Biden administration openly intervening to replace the hated CTM with USvetted independent charros (corporatist bureaucrats) as part of a broader strategy to channel Mexican workers behind proimperialist, nationalist unions and head off the development of genuine rankandfile, internationalist organizations of struggle.

How the other occupations were shut down

In Ciudad Juarez, roughly 3,000 First Brands workers lost their jobs. Initial protests and occupations were rapidly smothered with the help of the local government, which organized job fairs for a few hundred workers to transfer them into lowwage positions at other plants, stores and workplaces.

In Mexicali, where 405 workers lost their jobs at First Brands AutoLite plant, the FASIM independent union followed SNITISs model, filing a lawsuit for preventive retention of assets to pay severance. Local media now report that these workers are being blacklisted as troublemakers by other employers simply for having worked at AutoLite and taken part in the struggle.

Even if it is entirely clear that the company is responsible for the shutdown, there is no guarantee that judgeswho have historically defended corporate interestswill rule in favor of the workers, or that any assets will remain once the legal process ends.

The international road forward

The perspective required by First Brands workers was outlined in a February 19 statement by Will Lehman, a worker at Mack Trucks and socialist candidate for United Auto Workers president in the United States. Lehman wrote:

I salute the courageous factory occupations spreading across northern Mexico, where workers are taking collective action to stop mass layoffs and defend their livelihoods against US-based corporations Workers in the United States, Mexico and Canada must build direct unity from below. That means forming rank-and-file committees in every plant, linking them across borders, sharing information in real time and preparing coordinated action so no workforce stands alone If we remain divided, we will be driven into a race to the bottom. If we unite across borders and build our own organizations of struggle, we can defend every job and fight for a future based on human need, not corporate profit.

This is the only way forward.

The occupation of Tridonex can and must be transformed into a conscious center of international resistance by electing a rankandfile committee independent of SNITIS, directly linked to the struggle of autoworkers in the US and beyond through the International Workers Alliance of RankandFile Committees.
Medical researchers from universities and the National Institutes of Health rally near the Health and Human Services headquarters to protest federal budget cuts Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/John McDonnell]

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a frontal attack on the recently formed union of research fellows at its campuses. On Monday, March 2, the NIH leadership announced it will no longer recognize NIH Fellows UnitedUAW and will seek to have the bargaining unit decertified.

According to reporting by NOTUS (News of the United States) and subsequent coverage, NIH leaders informed the union that fellows should never have been certified, claiming that trainees in the affected programs are not employees under federal labor law and therefore lack the right to organize.

The United Auto Workers-aligned NIH Fellows United union was formed in late 2023 in response to chronically low pay, precarious appointments and lack of voice over working conditions for earlycareer scientists. With 5,375 members, it is one of the largest federal government unions to have formed in more than a decade.

The move reprises similar objections the NIH leadership raised in 2023 as the union was being formed. In fact, NIH fellows conduct experiments, write papers and carry out large portions of the daytoday research on which the agencys scientific output depends. To claim that these workers, whose productivity NIH relies on for billions of dollars in grants and prestige, are not employees is an attempt to turn back the clock on the most elementary rights of the scientific workforce. The Federal Labor Relations Authority subsequently confirmed their status as employees when it recognized the workers right to collectively bargain in 2023.

Union representatives have condemned the move as an illegal voiding of the existing contract and have pledged to fight it. NIH Fellows United and the UAW apparatus have said they are moving on every available frontlegal, political, and most importantly, through the organized power of our membershipto defend our rights. In practice, however, the UAW apparatus has limited itself to statements and legalistic appeals and has opposed any serious mobilization of the working class to defend the NIH fellows.

In fact, UAW President Shawn Fain and the rest of the union apparatus have done everything possible to shore up the home front for Trump as the fascist cabal in the White House launches its illegal war against Iran. Fain has issued no statements opposing the slaughter of Iranian people. At the same time, the UAW bureaucracy has ignored the overwhelming vote for a strike by 40,000 University of California academic workers and kept them on the job nearly two weeks after the expiration of their contract.

Fain has also backed Trumps illegal tariffs, promoting the lie that this warmonger whose ICE and CBP agents murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti in the streets of Minneapolis is somehow a champion of American workers. This is to say nothing of the UAW bureaucrats decadeslong collaboration with the auto companies to impose wage concessions, contracts facilitating layoffs, the erosion of protections and rampant abuse of workers.

Responding to the attack on NIH workers, Will Lehman, a Pennsylvania Mack Trucks worker and a socialist who is currently running against Fain for UAW president, issued the following statement:

The domestic counterpart of Trumps illegal war against the Iranian people is an intensifying war on workers living standards at homethrough layoffs, austerity and the destruction of basic democratic rights. The union-busting attack on the NIH fellows union is one expression of Trumps war against the enemy within, that is, the working class. It is also part of the ongoing war against science, overseen by Trumps quack-in-chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is systematically dismantling public health protections, including vaccinations, even as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the population, and there are new outbreaks of measles and other diseases. I call on all UAW members and all workers to rally to the defense of the NIH workers and build rank-and-file committees at federal government and other workplaces to prepare collective action, including a general strike, to defend the jobs and rights of all workers, including the right to organize. The Trump administration has already gutted the collective bargaining rights of workers at the Veterans Administration and other government agencies as part of its plans to privatize federal agencies and purge the civil service of any worker not loyal to the fascist regime. NIH workers cannot wait for the UAW bureaucracy to take action. If Fain and the UAW apparatus raise this issue at all, it is only from the standpoint of defending their flow of dues money and institutional positions. The last thing the UAW bureaucracy wants is an all-out fight against Trump and his Democratic Party enablers because this would undermine the governmental support it receives in exchange for policing the working class. But an all-out fight is exactly what is needed to defend our jobs, public health and democratic rights. It is the only way to stop the ever-expanding war in the Middle East and the war against the working class at home.

The attack on NIH Fellows United is part of the Trump administrations offensive against federal workers. In August 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the termination of collective bargaining agreements for most bargaining unit employees, including some 16,000 nurses represented by National Nurses United at 23 facilities. That move was denounced by nurses as a blatant attempt to bust unions and silence opposition to the dismantling and privatization of the VA.

Similar measures have targeted other federal bargaining units, and Trump is now moving to gut protections across the civil service through regulatory changes. On March 5, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unveiled a proposed rule to streamline federal layoffs by prioritizing performance evaluations over seniority in reductioninforce (RIF) procedures.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal workers union, has already warned that the performance review system is routinely manipulated to cap the number of employees who receive high rankings, turning merit into a weapon to target whistleblowers and opponents of administration policy.

This follows the implementation of Trumps revived Schedule F scheme, under which potentially large numbers of civil servants are being stripped of job protections and converted into atwill employees subject to dismissal for political reasons.

At the same time, the administration is trying to refashion the federal bureaucracy into a nakedly ideological instrument of the far right. The Washington Post reported how senior White House officials, including Trumps fascist Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, are directly involved in reshaping the agency to prioritize hiring young, politically vetted loyalists. Job postings now openly demand alignment with Trumps agenda, including an immigration services position rebranded as Homeland Defender that calls on applicants to protect your homeland and defend your culture.

Administration officials have boasted that there are opportunities to reshape agencies this year through staff reductions and selective hiring. The combined effect is to intimidate existing workers, purge dissenters and repopulate the state apparatus with political operatives.

In this context, NIHs claim that fellows are not employees acquires its full political meaning. It is an attempt to carve out a large, strategically important layer of scientists from labor protections so that they can be more easily controlled, exploited and disciplined. That the target is a group of early career researchers, many of them immigrants and international scholars, is no accident.

The assault on the NIH Fellows United is also bound up with the Trump administrations broader war on science. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya is a rightwing ideologue who became prominent during the pandemic as a promoter of herd immunity policies and as a coauthor of the Great Barrington Declaration.

That document, embraced by the Trump White House and sections of the ruling class, advocated allowing the uncontrolled spread of COVID19 among the general population while supposedly shielding the vulnerable, a policy that epidemiologists and public health experts condemned as unworkable and murderous. The World Socialist Web Site accurately characterized the Great Barrington Declaration as a manifesto of death, noting that it amounted to a statement of intent by the ruling class to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of lives in the name of keeping profits flowing.

The attempt to break the NIH fellows union represents a new stage in the Trump administrations attack on scientific truth and its embrace of mass infection, climate denial and the subordination of research to nationalist and corporate imperatives. By stripping fellows of the right to organize and subjecting them to arbitrary managerial power, the NIH leadership seeks to create a more compliant, intimidated and disposable layer of scientists.

The attack on the NIH Fellows United gives new meaning to the WSWSs previous statements declaring that the fight to defend science and public health  is a fight against capitalism and for the political mobilization of the international working class on a socialist program.
BEIJING, March 13 - Chinese automaker BYD and e-commerce giant JD.com on Friday signed an agreement on fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, according to a statement released on BYD's Chinese social media platform.

* The two companies unveiled the first jointly developedfast-charging station in the city of Shenzhen. * The station featured a convenience store, coffee shop andretail space run by JD.com. * The two companies will develop fast-charging stations thatcombine EV charging with retail and service offerings. * The partnership is set to expand into site selection andbroader vehicle ecosystem services. * JD.com's office parks and logistics sites are expected tosupport future charger deployment and speed up the buildout ofthe charging network.

More from Yahoo Scout Where was the first joint charging station unveiled? What is the scope of BYD and JD.com's partnership? What services will BYD-JD.com charging stations offer? How will JD.com's infrastructure support charging network expansion?

(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo)
Demonstration against the reactionary Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement, which Ottawa has continued to uphold even as the Trump administration eviscerates the rights of immigrants and refugees and unleashes ICE thugs against them. [Photo: David Asper, Centre for Constitutional Rights]

Canadas Liberal government is continuing to uphold the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, even as the Trump administration eviscerates the rights of immigrants and refugees and unleashes Gestapo-style ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) thugs against them.

Over the past year, calls from refugee and immigrant-rights groups and from lawyers specializing in immigration law for Ottawa to abrogate the agreement have grown ever more urgent.

Under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), Ottawa has for more than two decades systematically turned over to US authorities refugee claimants who crossed into Canada from south of the border via land, on the grounds that the US is a safe third country where asylum claims are adjudicated humanely and according to international refugee law.

In March 2023, the Trudeau Liberal government and the Biden administration declared that the STCA covers the entire, more than 3,000-mile Canada-US border, not just designated border crossings. They thereby closed a loophole in the agreement that had allowed tens of thousands of people fleeing persecution and poverty to find refuge in Canada by crossing into the country irregularly.

Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has launched sweeping raids against immigrants in major US cities, as part of his drive to establish a fascist presidential dictatorship in Washington. Criticism of Ottawas enforcement of the STCA agreement gained strength after revelations emerged throughout 2025 about mass round-ups of Venezuelans and other Latin American immigrants, who were confined to horrific conditions in concentration camps in the US and El Salvador. Then, in January 2026, the shootings by ICE thugs, first of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti two weeks later, prompted a groundswell of opposition in the US and further criticism of the Canadian governments stance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has fully endorsed American imperialisms criminal war of aggression against Iran and is seeking to negotiate a new trade agreement with Trump to secure Canadian imperialisms position as Washingtons junior partner, is overseeing a tightening of Canadas immigration policy. In a sop to Trump, his government greatly strengthened the presence of security forces along the Canada-US border early last year under the pretext of combatting drug smuggling.

Moreover, the Carney government and its predecessor under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have dramatically slashed immigration caps and embraced the far-right narrative on the supposed threats posed by mass migration. His government is also pushing Bill C-12 through Parliament, which restricts even further the ability of refugees to claim asylum in Canada.

Writing in the Hill Times, immigration lawyer Washim Ahmed addressed the targeted killings of political opponents of Trump in Minneapolis in January, which took place amid an ICE crackdown on immigrants. Ahmed wrote,

In Minnesota, school officials confirmed that armed ICE agents detained at least four minors, including a five-year-old child taken into custody with his father after preschool. Other reporting describes teenagers and toddlers detained during the same enforcement surge. These scenes do not resemble due process. When a country detains children at school and kills civilians during immigration operations, the word safe loses any credible meaning.

Critics like Ahmed note correctly that Canada is violating its obligations under international law. Two major multilateral treaties, the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, clarify which persons are classified as refugees and the responsibilities of nations granting asylum. Canada is a signatory to both treaties. A key concept in the treaties is the principle of nonrefoulement, according to which, signatory states must not return a refugee in any manner whatsoever to a territory where their life or freedom would be threatened. Both of these core rights no longer apply for refugees in Trumps America.

Bill C-12 (Strengthening Canadas Immigration System and Borders Act), presented to Parliament by the Liberal government in October 2025, aims to restrict immigration and toughen the rules governing asylum claims. The bill proposes reactionary amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that will be especially harmful to sections of the working class attempting to escape political persecution or dire poverty. Critics have warned that many of the bills new provisions are anti-democratic, violate the principle of nonrefoulement and deny fair hearings. C-12 is due for approval by the Senate, Canadas upper chamber of Parliament, this week.

The new bill gives the immigration minister sweeping, unchecked power to cancel or suspend claims for entire categories of people without notice or oversight. It allows the government to bypass individual reviews and make immigration and asylum decisions based on a vaguely defined public interest. Another provision of the bill is the imposition of a one-year time limit for making a refugee claim after arriving in Canada. Given that it applies retroactively, this provision will invariably force individuals who missed the new arbitrary deadline back to unsafe conditions. The legislation permitsand in certain cases requiresthe exchange of personal and sensitive information among federal, provincial and foreign agencies, posing risks to the safety of migrants and refugees.

Bill C-12 will further intensify the reactionary character of the STCA, which has been controversial from its initial adoption in 2004 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Numerous rights groups and legal scholars have long challenged the legality of the agreement, which compels refugees seeking asylum to make their application in the first country in which they arrive. Due to geography, in the Americas, this is, in practice, chiefly the United States.

In 2017, the Canadian Council for Refugees, Amnesty International and the Canadian Council of Churches launched a legal action in the Federal Court, challenging the claim that the US is a safe country for asylum seekers. They also issued a public brief detailing how the US asylum system falls short of international and Canadian legal standards.

In July 2020, the Federal Court ruled the STCA invalid, finding it violated asylum seekers rights under Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (right to life, liberty, and security). The government appealed the ruling. In April 2021, the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the 2020 decision and upheld the STCA. The Supreme Court of Canada subsequently upheld the constitutionality of the STCA in June 2023.

But Trumps drive towards dictatorship in the US is now so far advanced, and Canadas complicity in its anti-immigrant witch hunt so blatant, that a handful of voices within the political establishment have been raised against the maintenance of the STCA. The warnings made by the likes of former Liberal Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and right-wing Globe and Mail commentator Conrad Yakabuski have nothing to do with a principled defence of democratic rights. Instead, they revolve around the concern that Canadian imperialism, which has repeatedly deployed human rights justifications to legitimize its aggressive actions around the world, could lose what remains of its credibility with its complicity in Trumps crimes.

Yakabuski candidly admitted, The legitimacy of the STCA has always been predicated on the convenient fiction that the United States offers refugee claimants the same protections as Canada provides to asylum seekers who arrive in this country. But now, he continued, Turning a blind eye to the abuses and denial of due process refugee claimants face south of the border risks making Canada complicit in them.

Yakabuski, who himself has helped feed the far-right agitation that excessive immigration is the cause of the housing crisis and other social ills, went on to argue that it would be better for the government to abrogate the STCA than have the courts do so in response to a legal case brought by refugee rights groups. He argued that if the government acts preemptively, it will be best placed to prevent a surge of persecuted refugees seeking asylum in Canada.

The fact of the matter is that Canadas ruling class is not merely complicit in the destruction of democratic rights for refugees and the working class as a whole in the United States. At home too, successive governments have gutted democratic and worker rights, including the right to strike. Beginning under Trudeau, the Liberals have fully embraced the far-right narrative about the alleged economic burden of immigration, leading to steep cuts in immigration quotas. When mass protests erupted across the country against Israels genocide of the Palestinians, which Ottawa backs to the hilt, authorities from the federal government on down demonized anti-genocide demonstrators as antisemites and sought to silence them. A succession of strikes, including by dockers, postal workers, Air Canada workers and rail workers, have been criminalized unilaterally by government ministers through the invocation of anti-democratic provisions in the Canada Labour Code.

The federal Liberal government is pledged to hitting the target of spending 5 percent of GDP on the military in less than a decadea goal that requires the obliteration of what remains of social programs and core public services. Carrying this agenda out against an overwhelmingly hostile population, immigrant and native-born alike, requires the resort to dictatorial forms of rule. This explains why the Liberals disregard for basic democratic rights is coupled with its increasing adaptation to and embrace of far-right anti-immigrant xenophobia.

Both provincial and federal governments are increasingly normalizing the use of Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (commonly known as the notwithstanding clause) to block judicial challenges to laws that violate fundamental rights supposedly guaranteed by the Charter. Provincial governments, led by Danielle Smiths far-right United Conservative Party in Alberta and the Quebec First CAQ in Quebec, are pushing politics far to the right by embracing anti-immigrant chauvinism. Smiths government, which has offered to negotiate a separate economic deal for Alberta with Trump, plans to hold a referendum to mobilize far-right support for slashing immigration to the province and restricting immigrants access to public services, including health care.

Attacks on the democratic rights of immigrants in Canada and the US harm the entire working class. As a general rule, immigrants are one of the most vulnerable and exploited sections of the working class. The anti-democratic laws and institutions aimed against migrants today will be used to crack down on the entire working class tomorrow. For this reason, workers must not be under any illusions that the more liberal sections of the ruling class will fight their battles. Under current social and economic conditions, the fight for democratic rights inevitably becomes a fight for socialism. This implies a fight for class consciousness and the unity of all workers, regardless of the national borders dividing them, in a common struggle for social equality and quality public services for all, and against war and oligarchy.
Two Pennsylvania teenagers were charged in federal court on Monday for allegedly attempting to use homemade explosives against a group of fascist provocateurs rallying in New York City on Saturday. The devices failed to detonate and caused no injuries.

The two accused, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, face charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction, among other charges. If convicted, they could potentially face life sentences.

Police detain Emir Balat after he attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device during a counterprotest against far right influencer Jake Lang staging an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in New York. [AP Photo/Julius Constantine Motal]

The incident occurred during a provocation organized by January 6 foot-soldier Jake Lang. Langs group of around 20 fascists demonstrated in front of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, under the banner, Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City. Lang has gleefully cheered the killing of Iranians in Trumps criminal war, called for the US to incinerate Muslims with nuclear weapons, and for the military to be deployed against Mayor Mamdani.

Fascist Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion after a news conference by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani , Monday, March 9, 2026, in New York. [AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis]

The right-wing agitators, vastly outnumbered by a group of counter-protesters, deliberately set out to stoke violence. At least one of them, Ian McGinnis, was arrested for pepper-spraying counter-protesters.

According to the federal complaint released Monday, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Balat lit one of the improvised devices and threw it into the crowd. He received a second device from Kayumi, which he subsequently dropped and attempted to run away from police officers.

Both Balat and Kayumi were arrested on the scene. The devices, according to the complaint, were about the size of a mason jar, wrapped in duct tape, and contained a fuse, nuts and bolts. A preliminary test on one of the devices turned up positive for the explosive TATP.

The complaint also alleges that both waived their Miranda rights upon arrest, with Balat writing that he pledged allegiance to ISIS and Kayumi saying that he was inspired in part by ISIS. The complaint does not allege that either one had any direct contact with the organization, nor that it was part of any organized bombing campaign.

The US governments charges of terrorism and use of a weapon of mass destruction come as the Trump administration is escalating its war of extermination against Iran, a country of 90 million people. In contrast to the mass destruction posed by the mason jar explosive, the US and its partner, Israel, have dropped thousands of bombs on military and civilian infrastructure throughout the country, bombs like the 1,500-kilogram Tomahawk cruise missile that incinerated a girls school in Minab, killing at least 165 on the first day of the illegal war. Trump has vowed a surge in the destruction, and the administration declared it will not be bound by any legal or humanitarian constraints.

The US population is deeply hostile to the war, with opinion polls showing the lowest support at the start of any major US conflict. Under these conditions, the eagerness of the government to invoke terrorism serves a definite political purposeto counteract the wars massive unpopularity by whipping up anti-Muslim chauvinism. Trump has staffed his Department of War with Christian nationalists like Pete Hegseth, who see the imperialist bloodbath in Iran as part of a holy war. That the Iranian government has no connections with and is bitterly hostile to ISIS matters little, for they are presented as a monolithic radical Islam.

Little is currently known about Balat and Kayumi, and the possible involvement of state forces to encourage or organize the failed bombing cannot be ruled out. The FBI and New York Police Department have a long and sordid history of concocting terror schemes, attempting to radicalize targets, exploiting the mentally ill, and in some cases even offering to pay suspects hundreds of thousands of dollars to agree to commit terrorism. The involvement of Jake Lang, who was pardoned by Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 coup attempt, raises further questions about the possible involvement of the state.

Regardless, the incident is already being used to shift politics further to the right. Mamdani has immediately come under attack, including by ex-governor and former opponent Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, who ran ads accusing Mamdani of being a jihadist during the mayoral race, assailed the mayor for supposedly equating terrorists with the fascist Lang. The right-wing media have gone on the offensive, denouncing Mamdani for acknowledging Langs white supremacist politics and accusing the mayor of sympathizing with terrorists. Representative Randy Fine of Florida reiterated the fascist calls to deport Mamdani.

Mamdani, for his part, focused much of his carefully worded response on praising the NYPD. During a press conference on Monday, Mamdani appeared alongside his NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and officers who were on the scene on Saturday, grateful for their continued work to keep New Yorkers safe.

The right-wing attacks on Mamdani come just weeks after the mayor deepened his alliance with President Trump in a second meeting at the White Housethis time less than 48 hours before the launching of the criminal war against Iran. Mamdanis mild criticisms of Islamophobia and the excesses of the war on terror during the campaign notwithstanding, his partnership with Trump and embrace of the NYPD underscore that he offers no alternative to the reactionary political environment cultivated by the ruling class in the United States.
For more than nine months, five children from the El Gamal family have been imprisoned at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, despite none of them being accused of committing a crime.

The fence outside the Dilley detention center in Texas, January 24, 2026.

The family, including five children now aged 5, 5, 9, 16 and 18, has been held since June 3, 2025. Their continued detention is based solely on their relation to a family member accused of committing a violent act. In sworn testimony submitted to the US Senate Judiciary Committee, the children and their mother state that they had no knowledge of or involvement in the alleged crime.

The treatment of the El Gamal family revives the Nazi policy of Sippenhaft, under which authorities inflicted punishment on relatives of accused individuals in order to intimidate the broader population.

In a letter accompanying the childrens testimony, attorneys Eric Lee, Chris Godshall-Bennett and Niels Frenzen condemned the detention regime imposed on the family.

When an adult confines a child, denies them medical care, bars their access to education, and feeds them meals that contain dirt, worms and fingernails, the law rightly brands such person a criminal and strips them of custodial rights, the attorneys wrote.

How can it be, then, that when the United States government systematically inflicts these same outrages upon hundreds of children in its custody as a matter of official policy, the executive branch claims it is administering justice and enforcing acts of Congress?

The lawyers noted that the letters submitted by the children constitute a devastating record of abuse.

The El Gamal childrens letters establish that the United States government is engaged in an effort to crush childrens spirits and spoil their innocence, they wrote, adding that the familys treatment is not the result of bureaucratic oversight but the intended result of official White House policy to punish this family.

The letters themselves document the brutal reality of life inside the Dilley concentration camp.

Hayam El Gamal, the childrens mother, described the trauma of being imprisoned with her children despite their innocence.

The worst feeling on earth is to be oppressed and tormented while watching your children suffer from endless injustice right before your eyes, all while being completely powerless against this oppression, she wrote.

Hayam recounted the events that led to the familys detention. After discovering her husbands alleged actions, she said she was devastated and condemned the violence.

Any use of violence is condemned by me, religiously and morally, she wrote. Violence is never acceptable.

Despite their lack of involvement, federal agents detained the family and transferred them to the Dilley facility. Conditions inside the camp, she wrote, are abusive and degrading. Children are served repetitive processed food, often contaminated, while access to medical care is routinely denied.

Medical treatment is probably the biggest issue in this place, she wrote. The medical administrator and most providers are among the meanest, unkindest and rudest people you could ever meet.

Her 16-year-old son suffered appendicitis while detained, she explained. A nurse refused treatment.

He was crying and screaming in pain, yet the nurse looked at him coldly and said, I cant help you now; come back in three days if the pain persists, Hayam wrote.

Only after he collapsed vomiting on the floor was he transferred to an emergency room.

Hayam also described the devastating psychological impact on the younger children.

Her five-year-old son, who had been potty-trained for years, now wets the bed nightly, while his twin sister wakes up screaming from nightmares.

My nine-year-old daughter, she wrote, the one who loved math and school and was loved by everyone, now says, I hate my life.

The familys eldest child, 18-year-old Habiba El Gamal, described the despair produced by their indefinite imprisonment.

Every morning we wake up wondering how much more of this we can take, she wrote. Nine months in detention has felt like an eternity.

Handwritten statement from Habiba Soliman El Gamal, 18, submitted in a congressional filing. El Gamal describes being separated from her family two days after a bond hearing, "I will never forget the look of fear and helplessness on my mother's face as she watched me being taken away and couldn't do anything to prevent it."

We are being held not for something we did, but simply because we are related to someone who committed an awful and unforgivable actan act we had absolutely no part in and one we fully condemn.

Habiba described how agents deceived the family when taking them into custody.

Officials claimed they were being moved to another hotel for safety, she wrote. Instead, the family was driven to a remote detention facility.

We drove into a garage and watched it close behind us, she wrote. We felt trapped. We thought we got kidnapped.

Habiba, who hopes to attend Harvard Medical School and become a doctor, wrote that the experience has shattered the life she had worked to build.

I would have never expected to go from a girl who was doing everything to achieve her dream, to a girl that had her life destroyed just because of her father, she wrote.

The familys 16-year-old child described similarly brutal conditions inside the facility, including contaminated food, constant fluorescent lighting and the denial of medical care.

I havent slept like a human being in nine months, the teenager wrote.

This prolonged detention has and continues to destroy our lives. It is slowly killing us on the inside.

Handwritten statement from a 16-year-old member of the El Gamal family describing being denied medical care at the Dilley detention center in Texas. The teenager recounts being unable to walk due to appendicitis and being told by a nurse to return in three days, only receiving treatment after collapsing and vomiting in the waiting room.

Some of the most heartbreaking testimony comes from the younger children.

In a handwritten letter, the familys nine-year-old child pleads for release:

We have been here for nine months.  When will we get out of here?

All of my friends left. I miss all of them.

Why cant we be released like them?

Please get us out of here.

The child ends the letter with the words: I hate CoreCivic. :(

The child writes about missing school, friends and home before ending the letter with the words I hate CoreCivic, followed by a hand-drawn sad face.

Alongside the letters, the children submitted drawings depicting their family and their longing to return home and attend school.

One drawing by the nine-year-old shows the family standing together under a bright sun beside the question: When we will go home?

The 9-year-old child depicts their family standing together under the sun and clouds beside a tree and writes the question, When we will go home?

Two drawings by a five-year-old express a similar plea. One depicts the CoreCivic detention facility and the child with a sad face beside the words: I am 5 years old. I want go home.

Drawing by a five-year-old member of the El Gamal family detained at the Dilley immigration detention center in Texas. The child depicts the CoreCivic ID card with a sad face, writing: I am 5 years old. I want go home.

Another shows a school and children alongside the words: I want go school. I miss my bear.

Drawing by a five-year-old detained at the Dilley immigration concentration camp showing a school and children beside the words, I am 5 years old. I want go school. I miss my bear.

The Dilley detention facility has long been the target of protests over the conditions imposed on migrant families. Last year, hundreds of detained children protested inside the facility, while community members rallied outside demanding their release.

The camp has also been the site of repeated disease outbreaks, including multiple measles cases reported earlier this year.

The continued imprisonment of the El Gamal family exposes the real character of the US immigration detention regime. A government that claims to defend democracy abroad is imprisoning children for months because of the alleged actions of a relative.

If the state can detain this family indefinitely despite their innocence, the precedent is clear. The same methods can be used against workers, students and political opponents.

At the same time that the US government is bombing school children, hospitals and residential homes in the name of security, it is inflicting profound psychological trauma on children inside detention camps within the United States.

The demand must be the immediate release of the El Gamal family.

But the issue goes far beyond a single case. The existence of family detention camps themselveswhere children are imprisoned, denied medical care and subjected to indefinite detentionmust be dismantled.



The Socialist Equality Party reiterates its call for the creation and expansion of neighborhood and workplace defense committees, united with workers in the US and globally through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). This network of committees, organized independently of the corporate-controlled union bureaucracies and the entire political establishment, must advance the following demands:
Ekrem Imamoglu, mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, giving a speech in front of the Istanbul Palace of Justice on January 31, 2025 [Photo: X / @ekrem_imamoglu]

The trial of 402 defendants, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor and Republican Peoples Party (CHP) presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu, began on Monday.

Of the defendants, 107 are under arrest and have been charged with establishing and managing a criminal organization, bribery, laundering criminal proceeds, fraud against public institutions and organizations, bid rigging and other crimes. The 3,900-page indictmentcompleted 237 days after Imamoglus detention on March 19, 2025seeks a prison sentence of up to 2,430 years for Imamoglu.

The first series of hearings is scheduled to run four days a week for 45 days. This phase, set to conclude in April, will yield an interim ruling on the defendants detention status. According to the courts target schedule, the case is expected to conclude in approximately 4,600 daysthat is, 12 years.

The World Socialist Web Site and the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisi (Socialist Equality Party) characterized this case from the outset not as a corruption trial but as part of a sweeping political operation aimed at eliminating fundamental democratic rightsincluding the right to vote, the right to a fair trial and freedom of the press. The trial proceedings have only confirmed that assessment. Workers and all defenders of democratic rights must demand the release of those held as political prisoners in this case.

Who drafted the indictment makes the political character of this operation unmistakably clear. The process was set in motion when Akn Gurlekwho had previously served as Deputy Minister of Justice under President Recep Tayyip Erdoganwas appointed Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor in October 2024. Gurlek prepared the indictment, then was appointed Minister of Justice on February 11, shortly before the hearings began. Imamoglus presidential campaign office drew attention to this on Wednesday: It is the President who wrote this script and gave the orders. It is the former prosecutor with the mask of a politician, who received those orders and carried them out, sustaining all these illegalities. The reward for the operations: a ministry post.

The charges contained in the indictment are, as the WSWS has previously reported, constructed around portraying the CHPthe party that received the most votes nationwide in the 2024 local electionsalong with its municipal operations, electoral activities and presidential candidate, as a criminal organisation. Polls conducted prior to Imamoglus detention and arrest had indicated he could defeat Erdogan in a presidential election.

The first two days of proceedings concretely confirmed concerns regarding the trial process itself serving a punitive function and the absence of any guarantee of a fair trial.

The Silivri District Governorate banned all meetings and demonstrations in the vicinity of the Marmara Closed Prison, where the hearings are being held, from March 1 through March 31. Requests to broadcast the hearings live on state-owned television were denied. The number of journalists permitted to observe was restricted to just 25, five of whom were foreign correspondents.

The right to defense was also openly curtailed. No more than three lawyers may represent each defendant in the courtroom. On the first day, after defense attorneys requested that proceedings begin with Imamoglu, the presiding judge announced that Imamoglu would be heard last. Imamoglu sought to raise a procedural objection but was not given the floor. Tensions escalated, and the public gallery was subsequently cleared. When Imamoglu was finally permitted to speak, he described the case as one of the most significant political trials in the history of the Republic of Turkiye and stated: I am the presidential candidate of the party that will come to power at the first election. I have spent a year in solitary confinement in a 12-square-meter cell.

Former CHP Member of Parliament Aykut Erdogdu disclosed that he had been held in a single-person cell for 10 months and was permitted only two hours of computer access per week to review a 4,000-page indictment. This is a stark illustration of how the right to a defense has been rendered effectively meaningless. The defendants motions to recuse the judges were also rejected en masse.

The use of the judiciary by the government as an instrument to suppress political opposition is not new. These methods, previously deployed above all against Kurdish politicians, leftists and the opposition press, are now being directed at the CHP. This is a development that signals a qualitative escalation in the establishment of a dictatorship. Yet this process has objective foundations that extend beyond the mere blocking of Imamoglus candidacy: The primary target of authoritarian regime-building is the growing opposition to war, militarism and austerity within the working class.

But the CHP, which represents the interests of the same ruling class, is also a pro-NATO and pro-European Union (EU) bourgeois party. Following Imamoglus arrest, during the mass protests that erupted across the country, it attempted to rein in this movement, steer it toward an electoral dead end and seek grounds for reconciliation with the government. It is impossible for the CHP to consistently defend democratic rights due to its class nature.

This judicial operation, the Erdogan governments step-by-step dismantling of democratic rights, and the global rise of authoritarian tendencies are not independent phenomena. All are products of the insoluble and deepening economic, social and political crisis of the capitalist system. Ruling classes across the world are shifting the burden of this crisis onto working people while resorting to ever more authoritarian methods to suppress working class resistance.

Trumps second presidency in the United Statesin which he has moved to dismantle the Constitution and construct a presidential dictatorship, waging war on the working class, including immigrantshas accelerated and emboldened these tendencies globally, including in Turkiye. Erdogan has pressed ahead with domestic repression without a word of criticism from Trump, whom he addresses as my friend, while Turkiye has largely aligned itself with Washingtons new Middle East strategy under the full domination of US imperialism. As the US and Israel wage an illegal war of annihilation against Iran, the Turkish political establishment offers nothing beyond rhetorical criticism.

Deeply integrated into NATO and international finance capital, and fearing above all the opposition rising from within the working class, the political establishment is either complicit in or a passive bystander to the trampling of remaining constitutional and legal norms at homeeven as its principal allies dismantle international law abroad. A consistent struggle in defense of fundamental democratic rights demands a frontal assault on the wealth, power, and imperialist ties of the ruling class.

The decisive force in the struggle against dictatorship is not bourgeois opposition parties or courtroomsit is the working class. Last years No Kings demonstrations in which millions took to the streets against Trump, this years mass protests against ICE, strikes against austerity across Europe, the militant actions of Migros warehouse workers and Polyak miners in Turkiyeall of these reveal the objective potential of the international working class.

The critical question is the mobilization of this force, armed with a revolutionary political perspective based on an international socialist strategy. We urge all those who agree with this perspective to join the Sosyalist Esitlik Partisithe Turkish section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI)and its youth organization, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE).
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply transit the Strait of Hormuz, Dec. 14, 2023. [Photo: Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Nowak]

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that the US Navy will begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuza major escalation that would place US warships directly in the line of Iranian fire with a high likelihood of casualties.

As soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through, Bessent told Sky News.

The US-Israeli war on Iran, now in its thirteenth day, has triggered a cascading regional crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuzthe waterway through which 20 percent of the worlds oil passes. Iran effectively closed the strait within days of the wars outbreak on February 28, ordering over 150 tankers to anchor and declaring that not one litre of oil would pass. Tanker traffic has dropped 70 percent. On Wednesday, Irans newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public statement, vowing to keep the strait closed and open new fronts. Iranian drone boats and missiles have struck multiple commercial vesselssix on Wednesday aloneand CNN reported on March 10 that Iran has begun laying mines in the waterway.

Brent crude has surged from $70 to over $100, briefly touching $119, despite the IEA authorizing a record release of 400 million barrels from strategic reservesafter what the agency called the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Analysts predict the price could rise to as much as $200 a barrel. US gasoline prices have risen 20 percent in two weeks, European gas prices are up 58 percent, and fertilizer prices have surged, as roughly 30 percent of the worlds fertilizer exports transit the strait.

The Hill reported on Thursday that naval experts warn the escort mission would be extraordinarily dangerous. Bryan Clark, an expert in naval operations with the Hudson Institute, explained the core problem: The challenge is going to be dealing with the proximity of the drone launchers and the missile launchers that are going to be along the Iranian coast. He added: The issue is that you only have a couple of minutes once the launcher comes out before the missiles are going to get on top of you, because youre only talking about 3 or 4 miles from the shoreline to the transit lane. The strait is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point.

Also on Thursday, a US KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq with six crew members aboard. CENTCOM called it an apparent accident during a refueling operation. The IRGC said it was shot down by Iranian air defenses and that all six crew were killed.

The IRGC claimed on Wednesday that it had targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and that the ship is withdrawing toward the US. US officials denied the carrier came under attack and released photographs showing the Lincoln operating normally in the Gulf of Oman, where it has remained throughout the war without entering the Persian Gulf. However, the Pentagon acknowledged that Iranian vessels approached the carrier and were fired on, and that a fire broke out aboard the ship. Separately, the USS Gerald R. Ford also suffered a fire this weekthe carrier has been at sea for over eight months, well past its scheduled maintenance period.

As the war grinds on with no clear end in sight, sections of the ruling class are now openly agitating for the deployment of US ground troops. The Wall Street Journal warned on Thursday that ending the war prematurely would be a strategic disaster. This is the danger Mr. Trump faces as he contemplates when to end the war, the Journal wrote. Iran has threatened Gulf oil production for decades, and that potential threat has built a risk premium into the oil price. But if the war ends with that threat having been proven in practice, with the U.S. unable to do anything about it, the U.S. will be the strategic loser.

The Journal argued that the wars original aimseliminating Irans missile threat, its nuclear program, and its navyare no longer sufficient. Irans counterpunch means that reopening the Strait and reducing Irans veto power over its traffic will now have to be a goal. As a conflict evolves, war aims have to change as well. This, the Journal continued, may mean a longer campaign than Mr. Trump initially anticipated as the U.S. and Israel secure the area of the Strait and increase the target list to include more of Irans drone units and individual IRGC and basij units.

The editorial went further, calling for the seizure of Kharg Island, Irans main oil export terminal: It may also require taking control of Irans main oil export terminal at Kharg island ... Irans oil sales to China continue to sustain the regime. Trump, the Journal noted, has been careful not to rule out deploying special forces for discrete and vital missions, and perhaps he has had Kharg in mind. Its conclusion: Winning now includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In other words, the most influential mouthpiece of American finance capital is demanding an expansion of the warground troops, the seizure of sovereign territory, and an open-ended military occupation of the worlds most critical energy chokepoint. The administration has not ruled out conscription. Asked about a military draft on Fox News on March 8, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it is not part of the current plan right now, but the president, again, wisely keeps his options on the table.

Meanwhile, the bombing of Iran continues to intensify. Bessent announced on Fox Business last week that the US would carry out our biggest bombing campaign yet. The US has struck over 5,000 targets since February 28. Over 1,348 Iranian civilians have been killed, including hundreds of children. At least 12,000 have been wounded. The UNHCR reports 3.2 million Iranians have been internally displaced. Israeli officials privately assess the regime is unlikely to fall soon, with Netanyahu conceding uncertainty on regime change.

The war has simultaneously expanded into Lebanon, where Israel launched an intensive bombing campaign and ground incursion after Hezbollah resumed fire on March 2.

Israeli forces have pushed into southern Lebanon along several fronts, establishing at least 18 military positions inside Lebanese territorythe first ground operations since the November 2024 ceasefire. Israeli strikes hit central Beirut on Wednesday, one kilometer from the government headquarters. Over 680 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 98 children, and more than 800,000 displaced. Israels military chief said the campaign will not be short. Defense Minister Katz ordered preparations to expand the ground offensive on Wednesday.
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Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, addresses the 80th session of the UNGA at United Nations headquarters at the start of High-Level Week, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 [AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis]

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) effectively endorsed the US-Israeli war against Iran Wednesday with the passage of Resolution 2817 (2026). The text condemns in the strongest terms Irans retaliatory strikes on the Gulf states, while saying nothing about the nearly two-week-long bombardment of the country of 90 million people by American imperialism and its Israeli ally.

The resolutions pretext is that Iran launched retaliatory strikes against seven countriesBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. But all seven host US military bases actively being used to wage the war on Iranfrom the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, to Al Dhafra in the UAE. These states are not neutral bystanders. They are, in effect, combatants. Iranian strikes on their territories were launched in self-defence and have killed approximately 11 civilians. The US and Israel have killed over 1,300 people in Iran alone.

The resolution did not even note the fact that the United States, led by the fascist Donald Trump, launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran, a historically oppressed country, on February 28. Ably assisted by its Zionist ally, Washington carried out within a matter of hours the targeted assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and dozens of other leading political and military personnel of an ostensibly sovereign state.

Within less than two weeks of carpet bombing, American and Israeli missiles have slaughtered thousands of Iranian civilians, including over 160 children in a single strike on a girls school. The war criminals have struck dozens of hospitals and schools, sought to disrupt energy supplies and poison the environment by destroying oil refineries, and forced millions of people to flee their homes in Iran and Lebanon, where the Zionist regime has also undertaken air and ground operations. None of this rated so much as a mention.

The resolution passed by 13 votes to 0. Reading as if the UN representatives had simply transcribed American imperialisms war aims, the press release announcing passage of the resolution stated, It specifically condemned Irans attacks against residential areas and civilian objectsdemanding their immediate cessationwhile also demanding that Tehran halt its threats, provocations and actions aimed at interfering with maritime trade, as well as support to proxy groups across the region.

Countries voting in favour of this outrageous document included the permanent members Britain, France and the United States, as well as non-permanent members Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia.

Particularly significant is the fact that Russia and China, both permanent members of the UNSC and thus in a position to veto the resolution, chose instead to abstain and allow it to pass. In so doing, they handed American imperialism political backing for its war of annihilation against Iran. In a miserable face-saving exercise, Russia tabled a second resolution, which it knew would never pass, calling for an end to the war and a diplomatic solution. Only four out of 15 members could bring themselves to support it.

This pathetic performance flows from the social nature and interests of these two capitalist regimes. Despite NATOs systematic encirclement of the country and provocation of the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin still believes that a compromise with Washington that recognises the Russian oligarchys right to exploit its own working class and control a sphere of influence is possible.

By backing Washingtons demolition of Iran and the plundering of its resources, the Kremlin, operating on the old Stalinist mantra of peaceful coexistence with imperialism, hopes it can cut a deal on Ukraine and US investment with Trump.

As for the Chinese government headed by Xi Jinping, a major consideration in the immediate term is Trumps impending visit to Beijing at the end of this month. In order to maintain the prospect of Chinese capitalism securing an economic arrangement with the US, the Stalinist regime is more than willing to provide a diplomatic victory to the war criminal Trump and at the expense of its ostensible ally, Iran.

But the fantasies shared by the ruling cliques in Beijing and Moscow are incompatible with the imperatives of American imperialism. A new partition of the globe and its resources among the major powers is well underway, and the US is not about to peacefully accept any challenge to its hegemonic position. On the contrary, Washington is sending a message to Beijing and Moscow that they are next on the hit list.

For more than three decades, Washington has sought to offset its accelerating economic decline by deploying its still overwhelming military superiority in a series of bloody wars of aggression. Continuing this course, American imperialisms war on Iran aims in the first place to eliminate the main regional obstacle to US dominance over the Middle East, a key energy-exporting region that also is strategically located for trade routes between Asia and Europe.

However, the wars more fundamental goal is the further strategic and economic isolation of Russia and China, with the latter in particular depending to a significant extent on cheap Iranian oil imports. The war began less than two months after Washingtons abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the installation of a pliant puppet in Caracas, which was until January 2026 another major oil exporter to China and is now being turned into a fiefdom of the American energy conglomerates.

All of the imperialist powers have today cast aside any remaining restraints imposed by international law and diplomacy following the horrors of the Second World War. As the World Socialist Web Site explained over two years ago, All the red lines that demarcate civilization from barbarism are being effaced. The war of annihilation against Iran, which with Wednesdays vote now has received a stamp of approval from over 140 governments through their co-sponsoring of Resolution 2817, was preceded by Israels imperialist-backed genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza. This slaughter was backed by the imperialist powers in North America and Europe, who not only supplied the Zionist butchers with weaponry but systematically suppressed all forms of opposition to genocide at home.

Trump, at the head of the worlds most powerful imperialist state, gives the most grotesque and repulsive expression to imperialist barbarism. His wars of aggression abroad go hand in hand with his operation to establish a fascist dictatorship at home.

But the direction of travel in the ruling class is everywhere the same. Just this week, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen declared in a speech, Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old world order, for a world that has gone and will not return. French President Emmanuel Macron is expanding his countrys nuclear arsenal and pledging to station weapons throughout the continent, while Germanys ruling elite is preparing another grab for world power by spending 1 trillion on its military. To impose the full burden of these war budgets on the working class, ruling elites across the continent are paving the way for far-right parties to take power.

The belief of government officials in Moscow and Beijing that one can avert imperialist world war by means of clever diplomacy and a multipolar capitalist development by rebalancing relations between competing nation states is delusional.

Over 30 years ago, leading Stalinist bureaucrats convinced themselves that if only they dissolved the Soviet Union and restored capitalism, the imperialists would welcome them into the circle of great powers and the world capitalist market with open arms. Then as now, their national schemes for capitalist development collide with the objective contradiction of world capitalism between the globalised economy and the division of the world into nation-statesa contradiction that is driving the great powers into a third world war.

Leon Trotsky addressed these positions during a previous period of capitalist breakdown in the 1930s. With the imperialist powers racing towards the Second World War, the Stalinist bureaucracy in the Soviet Union broke with any remaining vestiges of the programme of world socialist revolution, turned the Comintern into the chief disrupter and betrayer of the international working class, and focused the Soviet Unions foreign policy on building diplomatic ties with the imperialists through the League of Nations to preserve the bureaucracys privileged position.

Trotsky skewered the fiction of imperialist diplomacy, writing in 1936, The League in its defence of the status quo is not an organisation of peace, but an organisation of the violence of the imperialist minority over the overwhelming majority of mankind. This order can be maintained only with the help of continuous wars, little and bigtoday in the colonies, tomorrow between the great powers.

The only basis to stop imperialist war is the mobilisation of the international working class on a revolutionary socialist programme. As David North stressed at Sundays World Socialist Web Site webinar on halting the war against Iran, socialists must not follow the war map, but the map of the class struggle.

The urgency of this orientation is laid bare by the UNSC vote. While there is no principled opposition among any of the worlds governments to the slaughter of the Iranian masses and the risking of the lives of millions more throughout the region, opposition to war among workers around the world is already strong and will escalate as the economic consequences of the war take effect. The task before the International Committee of the Fourth International and its Socialist Equality Parties is to arm this burgeoning movement with a socialist programme to overthrow capitalism, the root cause of imperialist war.
Labour government Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has launched a sweeping attack on the rights of asylum seekers in the UK, implementing arguably the most severe curtailment of asylum protections since the Second World War.

Until now, asylum seekers whose claims were accepted were granted five years of protectiona limit imposed by Tony Blairs government. From March, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive only 30 months, after which their cases will be reviewed. Deportation will be enforced if their situation in the country of origin is deemed safe at review.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood visits Center Sandholm in Copenhagen where asylum seekers are first registered with police when arriving in Denmark, February 25, 2026 [Photo by Niklas Hallen - Home Office / CC BY 4.0

The change is designed to throw vulnerable people into permanent insecurity and to provide repeated opportunities for their removal. The president of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mark Evans, noted that The changes stand in tension with article 34 of the refugee convention, under which the UK has agreed to facilitate as far as possible the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees.

Mahmood coupled the announcement with a pilot scheme offering 150 families whose claims had been rejected up to 40,000 to agree to voluntary deportation, giving them seven days to respond. Mahmoods bottom line was that 40,000 was cheap compared with the annual cost of keeping a family of three in an asylum hostel158,000.

Failure to accept the offer will result in enforced removal. According to the Guardian, a new Home Office consultation document, Family Returns: Reforming Asylum Support and Enforcing Family Returns, states that children may be handcuffed during deportation to overcome non-compliance.

Mahmood has also doubled the normal waiting period for settled status in Britain from five to 10 years, with the expectation that this will be extended even further for many. The changes apply retrospectively to thousands of migrants currently in the system.

Those allowed to stay can only do so under strict conditions, including a valid employment history, no criminal record, absence of debt to the taxpayer, and advanced English proficiency.

In another major attack, as of March 5, financial and accommodation support for asylum seekers was made discretionary. Those with a prison sentence over 12 months, those workingusually in the most poorly paid and exploited sectorsor those deemed to have sufficient resources are excluded from statutory support.

Mahmoods measures also include restrictions on study visastargeting applicants from conflict-ridden or impoverished countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudanalongside new constraints for visitors from Nicaragua and St Lucia.

In a speech on March 5 at the Institute for Public Policy Research, Mahmood described her proposals as some of the most significant reforms to migrationboth legal and asylumin a generation. Her remarks made clear that Labour will continue moving sharply to the right, despite its recent by-election humiliation by the Greenswho stood on a pro-immigration platform, opposing the demonisation of asylum seekersin the Gorton and Denton by-election.

The government is targeting the electorate of the far-right Reform UKwhich came second in the by-election and leads general election polling nationallyby adopting as many of its anti-migrant policies as possible, couching them in the language of traditional Labour values.

Labours policy changes were timed to coincide with Mahmoods visit to Denmark, which is governed by a right-wing administration led by Social Democrats Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen that has pioneered a highly restrictive asylum system.

In Copenhagen, Mahmood toured the Center Sandholm, the largest initial detention centre for new asylum seekers where they are first registered with police when arriving in Denmark. Also toured was the Sjlsmark returns centre, a former military barracks housing rejected asylum seekers under strict curfews, with obligations to clean and maintain their living spaceson pain of fines, imprisonment, or deportation. On paper, residents may leave during the day, but surveillance, fences, and a single exit effectively confine them.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood visits Sjlsmark Deportation Centre on the outskirts of Copenhagen, February 25, 2026 [Photo by Niklas Hallen - Home Office / CC BY 4.0

The pro-Labour Guardian published a puff piece headlined Mahmoods Denmark visit aims to hammer home tough line on immigration. Speaking to the newspaper, Mahmood said, There are people who are racist, who do just hate everybody thats not white and different to them. Those people are not legitimate in this debate. But everything that came out of her mouth in the interview legitimised the far-right scapegoating of immigrants and asylum seekers.

Mahmood declared, There are many more people who are frustrated with the broken system, who feel a tremendous amount of resentment because they can see their communities under pressure. Public services are under pressure. People break the rules and they stay in this country. Were paying for people whove got no right to be in this country. Billions of pounds are spent on a system that is fundamentally broken. That resentment is real, and it does have a real-life impact  The job of responsible politicians is to recognise human nature and resentment and to say: I dont really want that to turn into something worse.

Speaking to the conservative Telegraph, Mahmood insisted, I think the totality of the package will have a deterrent effect. We do know that the ease with which people can come into our system is drawing people in. I think tightening it and making it much more difficult and less attractive for illegal migrants will start to see behavioural change over the next few years.

Of her draconian enforced returns policy, which even the Tories were not able to carry out, Mahmood stated, When a country becomes safe, I think that its right to say: You can now be safe in your home country, and were going to return you.

Denmarks asylum system, which Mahmood explicitly cites as a model, has dramatically slashed the number of asylum seekers. In 2024 only 860 people were granted asylum, while a temporary programme extended protection to 10,000 Ukrainians. In 2025, 2,600 were deported after their claims were rejected.

Labours repressive migration policies are designed not only to appeal to the right. They are aimed at cutting billions from the cost of housing and maintaining asylum seekersmoney to be made available to the Ministry of Defence, with the government set to roll out proposals for increasing military spending by tens of billions of pounds over the next decade.

A filthy Home Office news piece was published alongside Mahmoods proposals, headlined Asylum handouts and accommodation removed for illegal migrants abusing Britains generosity.

The government boasted that it had already reduced the number of migrants in asylum hotels by 19% in the past year (to the end of December 2025), and overall asylum support costs by 15% in the last financial year (to the end of March 2025). Tougher rules like those set out could help reduce this even further and lead to greater savings for the taxpayer.

Mahmoods attacks are further proof of European social democrats normalising anti-migrant policies traditionally associated with the-far right. They confirm the WSWSs assessment made last May, even before Labour ministers rushed to legitimise the resentment of far-right thugs besieging asylum hotels, that Shorn of its name, conjuring images of a long-abandoned connection to reformism, the Labour government is a far-right formation.

Among the rights groups opposing the attacks was the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants. Spokesperson Griff Ferris warned that this announcement of mass deportations while also seeking to gut rights protections is frightening, alongside the Home Secretary using openly fascist rhetoric.
Britains trade unions have issued pro-forma statements denouncing the war on Iran. But these are intended to foreclose any organised opposition to the war, not prepare it.

A statement has been signed by 18 general secretaries and union leaders, including Unites Sharon Graham and Unisons Andrea Egan, who both head unions with memberships of over one million. Other signatories include Dave Ward of the Communication Workers Union, Mick Whelan of the ASLEF train drivers union, Eddie Dempsey of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Jo Grady of the University and College Unioncondemns an illegal war on Iran. It adds, We oppose any attacks on civilians and all unlawful wars, warning that regional instability and surging oil prices will hurt working people everywhere.

The "trade union statement against the illegal war on Iran" (screenshot from actionnetwork.org) [Photo: actionnetwork.org]

But having identified the lawlessness of the war and the costs imposed on workers by the political and corporate criminals responsible, the message delivered by the trade union leaders to the workers they claim to represent can be summed up in two words: Do nothing.

They do not call for mass protests, strikes or workplace action against the war, nor do they explicitly name Keir Starmers Labour government as a guilty accomplice, concluding only, We oppose any direct or indirect participation by the UK in this conflict and call for an immediate return to diplomacy.

A statement issued the next day by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) outrageously conflates the illegal US-Israeli war with the defensive actions of Irana former colonial country now targeted for the reconquest of its oil resources. The TUC condemns military actions taken by the US, Israel and Iran that violate the sovereignty of states, kill civilians and draw neighbouring countries into conflict.

It calls on the UK government to do everything it can to deliver these objectives and resist all efforts to drag us further into the conflict, and echoes calls for all states and international actors to assume their historic responsibilities to support de-escalation.

Appeals to the government to work for a diplomatic solution are maintained even as it has made clear its commitment to the US-led war, making UK air bases available for American aircraft and deploying British aircraft to protect US bases, as well moving the destroyer HMS Dragon to the region.

Leaks from National Security Council meetings show the Labour cabinet had more than two weeks notice of the US-Israeli attack and discussed with Washington how Britain would assistbehind the backs of the population.

The Labour government justifies its role in the illegal war by repeating the lies that Britain is acting in a defensive capacity, that Iran posed an imminent security threat to the UK, and that it had to be stopped from developing a nuclear weapon.

The trade union bureaucracys appeals for diplomacy and de-escalation are a smokescreen to justify their refusal to mobilise their members. This was confirmed by their boycott of the first national anti-war demonstration in London held on March 7organised by the Palestine Coalition eight days into the all-out assault on Iran.

The sole exception was TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust, who addressed the rally stating: This past week, I joined most other British trade union leaders to oppose this illegal war on Iran. And I will work with them to ensure that the United Kingdom does not become a participant in this war.

It is a participant in the war, and any suggestion otherwise only repeats Starmers lies.

The union bureaucracys alliance with Starmers Labour Party of war

The trade union bureaucracy is reading from the same scriptinvocations of international law and appeals to Starmers Labour Partyused to justify its inaction during the two-and-a-half-year genocide waged against the Palestinians in Gaza.

The Stop the War Coalition and Palestine Solidarity Campaign provided platforms for RMT leader Eddie Dempsey to pose as a friend of the Palestinians even as he did nothing to mobilise opposition among maritime and rail workers. He justified the dispatch of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as part of the military task force supporting Israels siege of Gaza as a humanitarian mission.

Sharon Graham, leader of Unite, conducted a witch-hunt against members demanding action to halt the supply of British-manufactured weapons and parts to Israel, using claims she was defending manufacturing jobs as a screen for protecting the interests of war profiteers.

Unite leader Sharon Graham speaking at a Trades Union Congress rally in London on June 18, 2022

Graham and the TUC have meanwhile promoted Britains role in NATOs proxy war against Russia by invoking a rules-based order Britain and its allies have torn to shreds in the carve-up of the Middle East.

The TUC uses pacifist motions to deflect anti-war sentiment while supporting militarism in practice. At last years conference a resolution was narrowly passed declaring welfare and wages, not weapons and war and for the redirection of funding into public services and infrastructure.

This has made no difference to union policyleast of all among sections of the union bureaucracy integrated into the arms industry such as Unite. Graham used a union lobby of the government last month to demand a 1 billion contract be awarded to Italian-owned Leonardos for its production site in England for a new military transport helicopter.

Her nationalist, militarist appeal included a call for the sacking of Chancellor Rachel Reeves unless military spending increased, with Graham urging Starmer to fulfil his pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027. No such calls have been made demanding Reevess head for the austerity imposed on the working class.

Graham greeted the awarding of the contract to Leonardo with demands for billions more for British arms manufacturers, including BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce building Eurofighter Typhoons, and Airbus UK building Skynet military satellites and A400M transport planes.

While Graham promotes defence jobs, the billions spent on this rearmament will be stripped from social programmes and the National Health Service. Union calls to buy British contribute to race-to-the-bottom economic protectionism and trade war at the expense of workers in every country.

Socialist internationalism versus the pseudo-left

The pseudo-left cheerleaders of the union bureaucracy who claim it can be pressured to oppose war have lauded the two statements on Iran.

The Socialist Party (SP) advised, referring to the May elections, The trade union leaders could use their authority most effectively against British support for more war by calling their members to come forward as anti-war and anti-austerity candidates in those elections.

Aside from the question of what would be left of Iran by then, the union bureaucracy has no intention of supporting a challenge to its partner Labour governmentas the SP well knows.

The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) hailed the March 1 statement of general secretaries without reservation, presenting it as kick-starting a week of protests nationally. Covering for the lack of any call to action, the SWP pointed to a motion circulated by the MENA Solidarity Network inviting union branches to pass resolutions against the war.

This cited general strikes in Italy and Greece over Gaza as an example of how unions can disrupt the war machine. But these actions, initiated outside the leaderships of the main unions and still strictly limited, only underscored the necessity of a rank-and-file movement which breaks totally with the union bureaucracy.

The Revolutionary Communist Party concluded a piece criticising the union leaders squeak of opposition with the wishful line, If the trade unions want to maintain any authority and relevancy in the coming struggles, they must rediscover the militant traditions that built them up in the first place, and fight the class war to a finish.

In fact, a class struggle against war can only be waged by workers in opposition to the apparatus of the trade unions integrated into the state and major corporations. This requires the formation of rank-and-file networks aimed at deploying workers collective powers and resources against a ruling class waging wars across the globe and on living standards and democratic rights at home.

Such a movement must reject appeals to the Labour Partyor to its left apologists whose pacifist rhetoric conceals the predatory interests of British imperialismreject nationalism, and turn instead to its fellow workers in Iran, the US and elsewhere. Above all, it must take up a socialist programme, recognising that the drive to war is rooted in the capitalist system and can be ended only through its overthrow by the international working class.

The urgent task is to translate widespread anti-war sentiment into an organised industrial and political offensive. Each day deepens the cost of imperialist aggression for the Iranian people and the social devastation imposed on workers in this country through austerity and the funnelling of vast resources into rearmament.

We urge workers who agree to contact the Socialist Equality Party and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
VW workers rally in front of the Volkswagen headquarters during a warning strike at the main factory of the German carmaker in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Monday, December 9, 2024. Banner reads: Thats enoughWe are ready to strike. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner]

Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume presented the business figures for the past year at the corporations annual press conference on Tuesday and announced an intensification of the automakers ongoing jobs massacre. The chair of the general and group works council at VW, Daniela Cavallo, immediately promised him the support of the trade union apparatus.

In a communication to shareholders, Blume announced that 50,000 jobs would be cut in Germany alone, including 35,000 jobs at the core VW brand, 7,500 at Audi, 1,900 at Porsche and 1,600 at the software subsidiary Cariad.

Around three weeks ago, Manager Magazin had already reported that costs across the entire group would be reduced by 20 percent by the end of 2028, equating to annual cutbacks of 60 billion (US$69.1 billion). The closure of entire plants is also reportedly planned.

Now, management and the IG Metall union are setting about drafting further plans for job cuts. It was true that costs in the three largest vehicle plants had already fallen by a fifth, Blume boasted on Tuesday. But it would not stop there. The direction is right, but we must continue to work massively. We will leave no stone unturned, he threatened.

In a special edition of the works council bulletin published by Cavallo, she joined in this chorus and did not waste a single word on the impending increase in job cuts. The bulletin is exclusively concerned with the groups balance sheet, which Cavallo and the trade union apparatchiks view through the same lens as Blume, the executive board and the shareholders.

The groups balance sheet does not start off badly at all, write Cavallos editors. Deliveries in 2025 were stable at 9 million vehicles, and turnover stagnated at 322 billion. But then the impacts: Profit from current operations (EBIT) halved compared to the previous year by 53 percent to just under 9 billion. This was allegedly the worst figure since the Dieselgate slump in 2015-2016. The fact that the net profit did not fall quite as sharply, by 44 percent to 6.9 billion, is swept under the carpet by the IG Metall.

The intention is simple: The dramatically presented collapse in profits is used by Blume and Cavallo as a justification for the coming massive attacks on the workforce at all group subsidiaries.

Yet the fall in profits is the result of management decisions and global political developmentsnot the responsibility of VW workers who have been worked to the bone. Blume and Cavallo term this special effects. The largest part of the almost 9 billion in special effects fell to Porsche. The corporation, which was also led by Oliver Blume until the end of last year, saddled the balance sheet with almost 5 billion, the IG Metall works council claims.

This is exactly the view of management. In reality, Porsches retreat from the electrification of its fleet specifically for the US marketi.e., the reintroduction of the production of combustion enginesis costing around 5 billion. However, Porsche still did not make a loss, but only just under 100 million in profits or 5 billion less than in the previous year.

US import tariffs would reportedly have a 3 billion impact. In addition, the major restructuring projects added up to a good billion euros. By this, the IG Metall works council means the costs for severance pay and partial retirement arrangements in order to push through the already agreed destruction of well over 40,000 jobs.

Alongside the US tariffs, the Wolfsburg-based group is under pressure in China from the competition there, particularly in electric cars, and the same applies to Europe. According to Blume, the current war against Iran would depress demand for luxury cars.

Thus, under these difficult conditions, the group still made 9 billion in profit, almost 7 billion after taxes. The dividend on ordinary shares will be 5.20 per share. Therefore, the Porsche-Piech clan, the main shareholder, will pocket 800 million in dividends alone.

And yet there are complaints: The rate of return is supposedly far too low. It stood at 2.8 percent in 2025 but must rise to up to 5.5 percent again. The families owning major shareholdings (estimated wealth around 40 billion) are demanding not 0.8 billion but 1.5 billion in dividends!

In other words, the employeesthat is, the workers who create all the value with their labourare to pay with their jobs and their wages for trade war and war, management mistakes and the greed of the shareholders. Daniela Cavallo and the entire IG Metall apparatus unreservedly support this impending decimation. They are demanding that the brutal cuts they have pushed through at the core VW brand be extended to Porsche, Audi and other brands and parts of the group.

Their undisguised joy over the increased rate of return at VW and Skoda can only be explained in this way. It is all the more pleasing that the Core brand group [VW and Skoda] has contributed to the stabilisation of the key figures in the group, the works council bulletin states. The reason for this, it goes on, was the good work on costs of all involved. Without cost discipline and savings programmes, the situation would be even more drastic. It is therefore good and right that the core VW brand in particular has turned the helm around, the works council continues to cheer. Its earning power reached 3 percent despite the headwinds, the highly paid works council members rejoice. The core brand achieves a total return of almost 5 percent, delivering almost 7 billion in profit!

The 120,000 employees of the core VW brand know what Cavallo means by good work on costs, cost discipline and savings programmes. That is, the so-called Christmas miracle of Hanover heralded in December 2024. At that time, Cavallo for the works council and Thorsten Groger for the IG Metall, together with VW management, agreed not only to the destruction of 35,000 of the 120,000 jobs but also to wage and salary cuts of up to 20 percent.

The benefits are borne by the shareholders and also the managers, which Cavallo and the IG Metall try to cover up. They end their bulletin by pointing out that the groups management board, as decided in 2024, was waiving 11 percent of its basic remuneration for 2025, amounting to 3.4 million. But that conceals the bonuses board members pocket in return. Blume, for example, received 7.4 million last year, including pension provisions and variable remuneration for several years. That is little only from the standpoint of his remuneration in 2024. At that time, he had received over 10 million.

The fact is that the slumps in the boards salaries do not follow the slumps in profit due to the 6 billion cash flow that suddenly appeared at the end of 2025. Massive savings, particularly in development expenses, investments and inventories, ensured this. However, the decisive factor was the passing on of the groups receivables to its dealers for cars that are not yet even in their showrooms.

Through this sleight of hand or trick, as financial experts called it, Blume alone receives around 2 million euros. The remaining board members receive annual bonuses the same as in the previous year. In total, the VW management board is pocketing bonuses of around 13.6 million for 2025.

The shareholders, the board and the works council members cannot get enough. The carousel of job destruction and wage cuts is turning faster and faster.

In addition to the massive cutbacks, to which many thousands more jobs and possibly entire plants will fall victim, the rate of return is also to be increased through close cooperation with the armaments industry. Porsche SE, the holding company of the Porsche and Piech families, had already announced in the summer of last year that it would enter the armaments sector. First, an investment platform for defence tech start-ups (satellites, drones, cybersecurity) is to be built up, in which the holding company later intends to directly participate with 500 million.

At VW sites such as Dresden or Osnabruck, where the production of civilian vehicles has been phased out or will be phased out next year, negotiations with the armaments industry are in full swing. Only recently, developers in Osnabruck presented two prototypes for military vehicles based on the Amarok and Crafter models. Truck subsidiary MAN is also in close contact with Germanys second-largest armaments corporation, Rheinmetall.

Volkswagen would thus return to its old traditions. VW was founded in 1937 by the Nazi regimenot only for the KdF Volkswagen but primarily as an armaments company. Only a few hundred KdF cars were built in Wolfsburg, but tens of thousands of military vehicles, mines and rockets were produced by 20,000 forced labourers. The profiteers then as now were the Porsche and Piech families.

Works council chair Cavallo had also signalled her approval for this at the end of last week. I am of the opinion that Germany and Europe must become more independent in the area of defence, she said in an interview with the dpa (German Press Agency). This could be a perspective for the Osnabruck plant in particular, she said. We are examining all possibilities to position the Osnabruck site to be future-proof, Cavallo said. Armaments were an option here.

The struggle to defend jobs and against the transfer of VW into the war machine must not be left to the IG Metall and its works council reps. They are henchmen of the executive board and support the war policy of the federal government.

The workforce at all sites and in all brands must urgently reorganise and reorient itself. It must build independent rank-and-file action committees that are led by trustworthy colleagues, democratically organised, which lead the resistance and coordinate it internationally.

The campaign currently being waged by autoworker Will Lehman in the US in the United Auto Workers (UAW) union is of great importance and very instructive in this regard. Lehman is running for the office of UAW President, who is elected by the membership. He advocates the abolition of the trade union apparatus and the transfer of power to the workers on the shop floor. To this end, he campaigns for the building of a network of rank-and-file committees, rejects class collaboration with the corporations and fights against the nationalism that incites workers of different countries against each other.

Lehman pursues the goal of mobilising the economic power of the workers and combining the defence of jobs with the struggle against militarism and war. Lehmans campaign has already met with a great response and is supported by workers from various industries and countries.

Workers at VW should also build their own action committees. Get in touch with us to become active now. Send us a message via WhatsApp to +491633378340 and register via the form.
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is included among the 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Conagra Brands Announces $220M Expansion of Arkansas Production Facility

On March 6, Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The company will invest about $220 million in the project over several years. The expansion is expected to create more than 100 new jobs during the next five years. The company said the move will support the local manufacturing workforce and contribute to the regions economy.

Craig Weiss, senior vice president, supply chain, Conagra Brands, made the following statement:

This significant investment in our Fayetteville facility will allow us to continue to grow our leading frozen foods business. Conagra is committed to investing in innovation across the company, including our supply chain. We are also pleased to continue growing in Fayetteville, where Conagra has a long history.

Conagra plans to begin construction later this year at the Fayetteville site. The goal is to significantly increase the facilitys chicken production capacity. The company said the investment reflects its long-term commitment to the Fayetteville community. It also supports future growth and product innovation within its protein portfolio. The Fayetteville facility currently produces ready-to-eat meals for several brand labels. These include Hungry-Man, Banquet, Healthy Choice, Gardein, and evol. Each year, the site produces about 15 million cases of product.

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is a branded food company. Its operations are organized into several segments, including Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice. The Grocery & Snacks segment includes branded shelf-stable food products sold through various retail channels across the United States.

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Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Richard Miller: Thank you, Leiv, and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for our update call. In 2025, we made significant progress advancing the development of soquelitinib, our first-in-class selective ITK inhibitor that is designed to rebalance or reset the immune system. This was highlighted by the presentation of final results from our Phase I/Ib trial in peripheral T-cell lymphoma in an oral session at the ASH Annual Meeting and the recent announcement of data from cohort 4 of our Phase I atopic dermatitis trial, which showed that soquelitinib could become a leading therapy for atopic dermatitis and potentially other inflammatory diseases.

As of December 31, 2025, Corvus had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $56.8 million compared to $52 million at December 31, 2024. In January, we closed an upsized underwritten public offering that included a premier group of biotech investors and generated net proceeds of $189 million including the net proceeds from this financing, pro forma cash at December 31, '25, was approximately $246 million, extending our cash runway into the second quarter of 2028. I will now turn the call over to Richard, who will discuss our clinical progress and elaborate on our strategy and plans.

Net loss for the fourth quarter 2025 was $12.3 million compared to a net loss of $12.1 million for the same period in 2024. Included in the net loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2024 were noncash losses of $0.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively, from Corvus' equity method investment in Angel Pharmaceuticals and a noncash loss of $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 associated with the change in fair value of the company's warrant liability. Total stock compensation expense for the 3 months ended December 31, 2025, was $1.6 million compared to $0.8 million for the same period in 2024.

Leiv Lea: Thank you, Zack. I will begin with a brief overview of our fourth quarter and full year 2025 financials and then turn the call over to Richard for a business update. Research and development expenses in the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled $9.9 million compared to $6 million for the same period in 2024. R&D expenses for the full year 2025 totaled $33.7 million compared to $19.4 million for the full year 2024. For both the fourth quarter and full year 2025, the increases in R&D expenses were primarily due to higher clinical trial and manufacturing costs associated with the development of soquelitinib as well as an increase in personnel costs.

Story Continues

Shortly after the data announcement, we completed a $200 million financing, reflecting high investor interest in the opportunity for soquelitinib and ITK inhibition given our strong data to date, its unique mechanism of action and its broad potential to help patients across multiple areas of medicine. As a result, we are entering 2026 in a position of strength with ongoing enrollment in our Phase III PTCL trial, our recently initiated Phase II atopic dermatitis trial and the opportunity to expand into mid-stage trials for other important inflammatory diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa and asthma later this year. Based on our current plans and anticipated time lines, our cash runway extends beyond key data readouts for all of these programs.

On today's call, I will recap the highlights from our cohort 4 data announcement, share the latest on our plans to present additional data from the trial at an upcoming medical meeting and provide an update on our Phase II trial. I will also review our pipeline expansion plans and key upcoming milestones. The results from cohort 4 and the full Phase I trial show that soquelitinib's emerging clinical profile appears to provide substantial advantages in the treatment landscape for atopic dermatitis. One, it is an oral medication. Two, it has a novel mechanism of action that combines tissue selective and target-specific precision with ability to affect multiple inflammatory signaling pathways.

Three, it appears safe and effective in a broad range of patients, including those who have received prior systemic therapies; and four, it produces durable responses with no disease rebound. Based on our market research, this profile would be considered a significant advancement for patients with atopic dermatitis. So we are excited that soquelitinib data further elevates its profile and potential. It shows one of the strongest EASI 75 results at only 8 weeks of therapy and the durability of responses with no disease rebound may provide the opportunity for new approaches to therapy of immune diseases, including the potential for soquelitinib to be an intermittent therapy.

Overall, if the current profile continues to be supported by larger clinical trials, we believe soquelitinib will be very well positioned to be among the leading options for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. I will now review key highlights from our recent data announcement. First highlight, efficacy. For cohort 4, which was designed as a randomized placebo-controlled trial with drug given over an 8-week treatment period, the mean percent reduction in EASI was 72% versus 40% for placebo that was statistically significant at 0.035. 75% of patients, 9 of 12 achieved EASI 75 and 1 additional patient was in EASI 74. 25% of patients achieved EASI 90 and 33% achieved IGA 0/1.

11 of 12 patients achieved EASI 50. The only nonresponder was a patient who was refractory to previous therapy with both Dupixent and Rinvoq. Two of the EASI 90 patients were resistant or nonresponsive to prior systemic therapies. 20% of placebo patients achieved EASI 75 or 17% if you include 2 patients that missed the day 56 evaluation and on later evaluation, never reached EASI 75. In addition, 2 placebos required rescue medication due to disease flares versus none in the active group. The 2 placebo patients who were EASI 75 were both patients who had not received prior systemic therapies.

None of 7 placebo patients who received prior systemic therapy achieved EASI 75, whereas 3 of 5 active patients who received prior systemic therapies achieved EASI 75. The cohort 4 results confirm our hypothesis from cohorts 1 through 3, which is that extending the treatment duration would deepen responses. The data also show that soquelitinib is superior to placebo in every efficacy endpoint evaluated. And when compared to other agents, we believe the results obtained so far for soquelitinib place it among the most active agents, oral or injectable approved or under development for atopic dermatitis. Second highlight, durability.

Starting with cohort 3, we took a more systematic approach to measuring the remission duration with a longer blinded post-treatment follow-up period of 90 days compared to 30 days tracked for cohorts 1 and 2. The cohort 3 data show that responses observed at day 28, the last day of treatment were maintained or slightly improved out to 118 days or 90 days without therapy. This compares to other systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis, which all show a rapid rebound in disease that starts as soon as 1-week after stopping therapy. We see no rebound phenomenon with soquelitinib, both in cohorts 3 and 4.

We believe that the induction of T regulatory cells by soquelitinib could be responsible for this durable suppression of inflammation and sustained disease remission. We have seen this in preclinical experiments and biomarker data shows an increase in circulating Tregs in Cohort 3 patients. The demonstration of circulating Tregs is quite remarkable as usually, these cells are very rarely found in the blood. It is likely that these cells are migrating to and concentrating in sites of disease as we have found in our animal models. Third highlight, broad applicability. 35% of all patients enrolled in the Phase I trial had received prior systemic therapies, including 50% of patients in cohort 4.

Dupilumab was the most commonly used prior therapy followed by JAK inhibitors and some patients received multiple prior therapies. This includes patients who were resistant to their last systemic therapy. In other words, they were nonresponsive to their prior treatment. Typically, patients that are treatment-resistant or who have gone through multiple prior therapies are more challenging, and this was confirmed when looking at the placebo patients in the trial. The response curve data showed that placebo patients who received prior systemic therapies do worse than those who did not receive prior therapies, indicating that prior systemic therapy is an unfavorable characteristic.

However, the response curves for patients receiving soquelitinib are very similar across these groups, indicating that soquelitinib is not affected by prior systemic therapy experience. Together with our baseline patient characteristics, this also indicates that the patient population treated on our protocol was more unfavorable than those reported in most atopic dermatitis clinical trials. As noted above, in patients who received prior systemic therapies, the EASI 75 was 0% for placebo 0 out of 7 versus 60%, 3 of 5 seen in patients who received soquelitinib.

So in terms of patient indications, our conclusions are that soquelitinib is active in patients who have received prior systemic therapies with outcomes no different than naive patients despite these patients having more unfavorable disease. Responses were observed in patients who are refractory to their prior systemic therapy. This supports our hypothesis regarding the novel mechanism of action for soquelitinib and the lack of resistance due to prior therapy experience. Fourth highlight, safety. No new safety signals were seen in cohort 4 with a longer 8-week treatment duration. In cohort 4 and the full Phase I trial, reported adverse events are similar in both placebo and active groups. No significant lab abnormalities were observed.

There were no hepatic abnormalities, no changes in liver function tests. Infections were similar in treated and placebos and were minor. I'd like to make some additional comments on infection. We have received questions from investors regarding the potential for EBV viral reactivation. These questions are based on very rare reports in the literature of EBV infection in babies born with germline mutations in ITK. In a neonate, the immune system is primitive as T and B cells have not yet formed. Immune system maturation occurs during development and exposure to antigens.

A germline mutation in ITK in the primitive developing immune system is completely different than transiently blocking the kinase domain of ITK with a small molecule drug in an individual with a mature immune system. We have seen no serious infections of any kind in more than 150 patients treated with soquelitinib across our lymphoma, atopic dermatitis and ALPS trials to date. This involves over 14,000 patient days of treatment with some patients on therapy for more than 2 years. In PTCL, most patients harbor EBV and other viruses such as CMV.

In our Phase I lymphoma study, we identified over 30 patients with EBV virus detectable at baseline, that is before therapy in their blood measured using a PCR technique that is they are viremic. None of these patients or any other patient had any evidence of EBV reactivation or related illness during the treatment, which, in some cases, lasted over 2 years. And recall, these patients are extremely immunocompromised. One other thing to note, ITK inhibition spares Th1 cells, also known as Th1 skewing. Th1 cells are the cells responsible for eliminating viruses. Now beyond clinical results, biomarkers have been identified that support the novel mechanism of action with ITK inhibition that leads to immune rebalancing.

Some of these biomarkers represent new discoveries. Briefly, the data show a decrease in IL-4, IL-5 and IL-17 cytokines, a small reduction in TARC, a reduction in Th2 cells and an increase in Tregs. In ongoing work, we are also finding very significant and interesting changes in the JAK/STAT signaling pathways that will be reported on later. With the additional information that is emerging both from the clinic and our biomarker analysis such as induction of Tregs, we believe that soquelitinib's novel mechanism of action and safety will allow for its utility in diverse indications in immune inflammatory diseases and in cancers.

Our soquelitinib abstract was accepted for oral presentation at the Society for Investigative Dermatology, or SID Annual Meeting, which takes place in mid-May. We plan to present the Phase I clinical data, expanding our safety and durability data. We will also focus on our biomarker results in this presentation, which we believe will provide novel ideas regarding control of immune diseases. Our late-breaker abstract was not selected for presentation at AAD, which typically favors later-stage trials. Angel Pharmaceuticals, our partner in China, is enrolling their Phase Ib/II trial in atopic dermatitis.

This is a blinded placebo-controlled trial that is evaluating a 12-week treatment regimen in 48 patients with soquelitinib doses of 100 milligrams BID, 200 milligrams QD, 200 milligrams BID and 400 milligrams QD. The patient eligibility and endpoints are the same as was used by Corvus. Depending on the results from the Phase I portion, an additional 60 to 90 patients will be enrolled in the Phase II portion of the study. This trial is open at leading centers in China that are very experienced in performing these types of trials. The study is conducted in close collaboration with the Corvus team. Results from the initial cohorts are expected late this year.

Now I would like to discuss our Phase II randomized placebo-controlled trial in atopic dermatitis. We announced today that the trial has been initiated. This trial is planned to enroll 200 patients with moderate to severe disease randomized into 1 of 4 cohorts with 50 patients in each cohort. We will allow patients who have received prior systemic therapies. Doses of 200 milligrams QD, 200 milligrams BID and 400 milligrams QD will be examined along with placebo. The treatment duration is 12 weeks with an off-treatment follow-up period of 90 days. The primary end point is median percent reduction in EASI at 12 weeks, a typical endpoint for Phase II studies in atopic dermatitis.

Other endpoints include EASI 75, EASI 90, IGA, PP-NRS and others. This will be an international study. We anticipate the data from this trial will be available in mid-2027. Outside of atopic dermatitis, we continue to enroll patients in our Phase III registration PTCL trial with an interim analysis expected later this year. We recently conducted a planned meeting of our outside independent Data Safety Monitoring Board. No safety signals were observed, and the study continues as planned. In December, at the American Society of Hematology or ASH Annual Meeting, we presented the final data from our Phase I/Ib clinical trial evaluating soquelitinib in patients with T-cell lymphoma.

The data are supportive of the ongoing Phase III program showing that patients in the 200-milligram BID cohort, the same dose being studied in Phase III had a median progression-free survival of 6.2 months and a median overall survival of 28 months comparing favorably -- very favorably to results with other therapies. For example, median survivals with chemotherapy are less than 1 year and PFSs are less than 3.5 months. The data presented at ASH also shows soquelitinib's immunobiological effects and its mechanism of action of affecting T cell differentiation via ITK inhibition. These data support its potential in atopic dermatitis and a much broader range of immune and inflammatory diseases.

We also continue to collect very exciting data from our ALPS or autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome clinical trial with 3 patients now on therapy for close to a year. We continue to collaborate with the team at NIAID and our current plan is to submit data for a potential presentation on the study at the ASH meeting in December. In terms of upcoming clinical trials, we plan to initiate a Phase II trial of soquelitinib for hidradenitis suppurativa and asthma later this year. There is strong scientific rationale for evaluating soquelitinib in HS, which is it is an IL-17-driven disease. In both in vitro and in vivo animal models, soquelitinib is a potent inhibitor of Th17 cells and reduces IL-17 production.

Our trial design for HS is further along. At a high level, we are planning to enroll about 60 total patients with moderate to severe HS into 3 arms: 200-milligram BID, 400-milligram QD and placebo. The treatment period will be 12 weeks and the primary endpoints are safety and efficacy measured by HiSCR 50, HiSCR 75. The asthma study design is emerging and will likely involve about 150 patients treated for 3 months. In closing, our confidence continues to grow in the long-term potential for soquelitinib in atopic dermatitis, peripheral T-cell lymphoma and a broad range of additional inflammatory diseases.

We are only beginning to unlock the full potential of ITK inhibition and immunomodulation, which could lead to new and better therapies for inflammatory, autoimmune and fibrotic diseases and cancers. We are building strong momentum with soquelitinib and our ITK platform, and we look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the year. I will now turn the call over to the operator for questions-and-answer period. Operator?

Operator: [Operator Instructions] And your first question comes from Roger Song from Jefferies.

Jiale Song: Congrats for all the progress you have made. Richard, maybe just one question related to the read-through from the data readout you will have before the Phase II, the global atopic dermatitis data mid next year. So you will have a PTCL potentially data and then also the China 12-week study data. So how should we think about the read-through from those data readouts to the Phase II AD maybe from the efficacy and then the safety perspective, particularly on the high-dose 400-milligram QD?

Richard Miller: Okay. So we are anticipating that Angel Pharmaceuticals, who is conducting a placebo randomized trial and looking at different doses, will have some data from their initial couple of cohorts later this year. That would be the first data readout. That's going to be looking at 100 milligrams BID and 200 milligrams QD. But recall, they're going for 12 weeks. They're treating for 12 weeks. We've only gone up to 8 weeks. So that will be very important information for us. Then that data is unblinded. They look at that. We can report that. And then the next part of the study will look at 200 milligrams BID and 400 QD. That will be probably middle of 2027. Okay?

So we'll get some data on more patients and things. Now in total, after that, the Angel goes on and does 40 -- what, 50, 60 or 60 to 90 patients in a Phase II study rolls right into that. In total, you're looking at around 140 patients or so. And that -- yes, 130, 140 patients, and that's totally completed by mid-2027 or early '27. So we'll have some data from them late this year, more data in first half of 2027. The PTCL trial will have an interim formal review in later this year. That has a futility analysis as part of it, so -- and safety analysis.

And -- but the complete trial results are expected in late '27. Okay. Now what I talked about on the call was we do have also periodic safety -- outside independent safety reviews on the Phase III PTCL trial. We had one of those very recently and everything looked good, as I mentioned.

Operator: And your next question comes from Li Watsek from Cantor.

Li Wang Watsek: Two from us. Maybe just first on the data that you're going to present at the SID meeting in May. Rich, you talked about biomarker and durability data before. Can you just maybe set expectations for us?

Richard Miller: Yes. Well, I can set expectations. The durability continues to look great. And in terms of biomarkers, the things I've mentioned previously, but we have discovered some new biomarkers, which is going to be probably the main part of the SID presentation, fascinating work around the T regulatory cells and some of the JAK-STAT signaling. And the key message there is that you're affecting different multiple cytokine pathways. Even though you're targeting a very specific enzyme restricted to T cells that can affect several different cytokines, all of which are important in inflammatory diseases like IL-5 and 4 and 17, et cetera. So plus we'll update the clinical data with the durability and a few other things.

Li Wang Watsek: And then sorry, my second question is on the Phase II trial in HS. Just wondering what the benchmark that you're looking at, especially relative to the approved agents like IL-17 in the space, do you think in terms of efficacy, you have to match the biologics?

Richard Miller: Well, first of all, we have to find the optimum dose, which we're going to look at a couple of different doses. But of course, the AD study informs us as well as the T-cell lymphoma study informs us on the HS trial. I would expect efficacy as good or better than what's out there, which is what the corrected HiSCR scores are, what, 25% or so.

Operator: And your next question comes from Graig Suvannavejh from Mizuho.

Graig Suvannavejh: Richard, congrats on the great progress we're seeing with soquelitinib across multiple indications. I just wanted to maybe touch upon a couple of things. First, just on your next data presentations, you did mention that maybe you did apply for late-breaker abstract to AAD. I think you gave us a reason why perhaps your abstract was not accepted, although I do think that Kymera does have a late breaker. I don't know their data set very well as I don't cover it, and so it's not at the top of -- or the tip of my tongue.

But any thoughts on whether it is perhaps they had a bigger database because I do think that the just curious to get any thoughts there.

Richard Miller: Well, Graig, what gets accepted abstracts that get accepted or even publications that get accepted. This is a capricious process, and there are a lot of factors. I don't know why they accept some and not others. I personally am shocked that Kymera with no placebo and an interesting study for sure. But I don't have an explanation for it.

Graig Suvannavejh: There may not be a good one. I just thought I'd speculate...

Richard Miller: I wouldn't get too worried about that. I mean I've had some really, really good papers get accepted at journals and be rejected at others. At the end of the day, it's -- 1 or 2 guys read some abstracts. I used to do it myself. You get a few hundred to review and you decide what looks good, whatever. So I don't know if I focus too much on any reasons on that. We're not very active in AAD. We've never done anything there. We don't have booths. We don't subscribe to their journals. I think that's another factor -- could be another factor, not sure. Anyway, SID is a good meeting.

If anything, scientifically more rigorous, it is the meeting for early stage and translational biology and research. So we ended up, I think, in a very good place.

Graig Suvannavejh: Okay. Great. If I could ask just on the Phase II trial in AD that you did start and congratulations there. I think you mentioned that data would be available in middle of 2027 and just trying to get a sense of in between now and mid-2027, will there be an opportunity for the company to provide some kind of update? Just trying to get a sense of news flow from that trial from now until mid-2027?

Richard Miller: So that Phase II trial is placebo-controlled, randomized and blinded. No, we will not see that data until it's completed. And as I mentioned, the Angel trial is underway. That's also blinded and placebo controlled, but they can look at the data after each cohort, similar to what we did in our Phase I. So there will be a news flow from that in terms of the AD stuff.

Graig Suvannavejh: Okay. And last question, if I could, just on hidradenitis suppurativa, just given coverage of some other companies that I have, I'm under the view that there are not very good preclinical models of HS and just wondering then how do you handicap success in HS when perhaps there are not very well established or good predictive models in HS?

Richard Miller: You are correct, there are not good animal models for HS, but it's pretty clear in human studies that IL-17 is very important. Th17 and IL-17 are very important. And in fact, IL-17s are approved to treat it. So I think there's proof of principle already that if you can block IL-17, it should work. And we block IL-17 among the many other cytokines that we block. Hidradenitis suppurativa has a lot of different inflammatory cells, T cells, neutrophils, B cells, for example. And again, I think the advantage of soquelitinib is that since you're blocking multiple cytokine pathways, you actually affect many different lineages.

And I think that's going to be important because when you look at the sites of disease, even in atopic dermatitis, you just don't see Th2 cells, you see a lot of different cells. So I think that, that's one -- I mean, I would say the best explanation for that is, hey, anti-IL-17 works in that disease. And we block it even better.

Operator: And your next question comes from Jeff Jones from Oppenheimer.

Jeffrey Jones: Since I think we've beaten HS to death, maybe talk about AD and how you guys are -- this is a different disease and indication than the dermatological ones. How are you thinking about dosing and your strategy there?

Richard Miller: I think you mean asthma probably.

Jeffrey Jones: Asthma, I'm sorry.

Richard Miller: Yes, you mentioned AD. So well, as you know, atopic dermatitis and asthma frequently go together and drugs that work in one often work in the other. They seem to be part of the atopic syndromes. We have several -- now that's one where we do have several animal models and our drug works really well in those asthma models, 4 or 5 different models work. Soquelitinib works beautifully. In terms of dosing, I think it's the same dosing that we've talked about. The AD and PTCL studies inform the asthma. The asthma study is pretty much the same dosing regimens. There'll be no reason to change that.

Jeffrey Jones: Okay. And then one...

Richard Miller: Sorry, just to elaborate, remember, we have the best biomarker in the world, which is that -- and we've been doing this for years. You can give the drug, you take out the T cells from the patient, either in the blood or the sites of disease and you can measure quite accurately the drug sitting in the target. It is a clean quantitative assay. It blocks the function of that enzyme. That's a biomarker. And we know that when you give a 200-milligram dose, you pretty much completely block that. Sorry, Jeff.

Jeffrey Jones: I appreciate that, Richard. And then on the ALPS trial, which you're doing with the NIH, can you maybe comment on how that -- the outcome of that might impact how you think about other indications or inform what you guys are doing?

Richard Miller: So ALPS is a disease where you have such an overreactive autoimmune response to so many different things. They have antibodies to red cells and white cells and platelets and other things. And [indiscernible] and lymphocyte proliferation, abnormal lymphocytes. And we have seen really interesting results in our patients. So I think the -- that what we're learning there is similar to what we learned in lymphoma is that the drug is very active, it's safe and it's interfering with the signaling pathways that we would predict. Now I'm not sure I can say, okay, if it works in ALPS, it's going to work in lupus, even though the ALPS mouse equivalent is a model for SLE.

But I don't think we're thinking of it that way. We're thinking of it as an indicator that we're affecting aberrant auto-inflammatory responses in a disease where there's no good treatments really. So it's kind of a model, if you will, but it's a human model. It is an orphan disease. There's no good therapies. Could you get approval for ALPS? Yes, you could. It's more of a childhood disease. We've been treating adults. We do intend to increase the number of sites, and we do intend to move down in age into children over the next year or so. We've been talking about that with NIH. So it's another indication, and it happens to be in autoimmune disease.

Operator: And your next question comes from Aydin Huseynov from Ladenburg.

Aydin Huseynov: Richard, congratulations for the tremendous progress so far this quarter in your pipeline in the drug soquelitinib. I got a couple of questions. So first, I wanted to ask about the near-term focus near-term Phase III readout interim analysis from the trial in PTCL. I was curious to hear any comments you may provide regarding the enrollment process so far? What types of PTCL you're actually enrolling? Is it NIS? Is it ALCL, follicular cutaneous? And what the physicians are using a standard of care prefer belinostat and pralatrexate? Just curious to hear overall dynamic of the trial.

Richard Miller: Okay. So let's take that question first. So the trial is enrolling and it's going perfectly according to plan. The patients get randomized into either soquelitinib monotherapy 200 milligrams BID versus the investigator's choice of either belinostat or pralatrexate. Now recall, belinostat and pralatrexate are received conditional approval, accelerated approval maybe 15 years ago or so based on response rate in patients with relapsed PTCL. So in our discussions with FDA, that was the logical control arm. So soquelitinib versus those agents. Now it's not a blinded trial because you can't -- well, first of all, we don't usually do that in cancer, but you can't blind -- soquelitinib is oral, right, as we know.

Belinostat and pralatrexate are given intravenously and have associated usual toxicities of chemotherapy, mucositis, blood count problems, things like that. So, so far, the trial is enrolling. We had our first safety monitoring board, and there were no new safety or different safety signals with regard to soquelitinib. Obviously, it's much safer than chemotherapy. So we win on every count on that. Now later -- now the types of patients that are enrolled are as stated in the protocol, are PTCL NOS, that's the most common one. We do allow anaplastic lymphomas that are ALK positive. The other big category would be what's called T follicular helper, which used to be what's called angioimmunoblastic lymphoma. So not CTCL.

CTCL really is a little bit more of a chronic disease and is treated differently. So that's the reason not to include that in this trial. But it's pretty typical. These are the most common peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Now peripheral T-cell lymphoma, again, just to remind people, there is no fully approved treatment for relapsed disease. It has a median PFS and belinostat median PFS is 1.7 months. Pralatrexate is 3 months. And OSs are under a year. So those are really bad -- these are really bad disease. These are sick patients. I can tell you that we are very, very happy with the way the trial is going.

And I think it could represent a very important breakthrough in hematology if we finish the trial and get the results that we're expecting. Does that answer your question?

Aydin Huseynov: Appreciate that. I got another one for asthma, if you don't mind.

Richard Miller: Sure.

Aydin Huseynov: So yes, so regarding the upcoming trial design in asthma, do you plan to have a cohort with patients who may have both asthma and atopic dermatitis? And in your opinion, is there any accelerated path with small pivotal trial with patients with 2 diseases simultaneously. So essentially, that would allow soquelitinib to cure 2 diseases at the same time. And as we know, Dupixent is the only drug that treats both diseases, but maybe you can have it in one shot.

Richard Miller: Well, that would be great. But I don't know -- so first of all, trying to get 2 indications on -- that's really very difficult. And you can get anecdotal information. I know some people report that. And we've had some anecdotal information about that. But the problem is you don't know how many patients are going to have both diseases concomitantly, how severe it is, what measurements you're going to use and how you power the study statistically for each disease. So it's really hard to do that. Anecdotally, it's something you would look at. You have to do a separate trial. And even Dupixent was separate trials for asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis and COPD and all those things.

So it requires a separate trial. Now one thing we are considering is we're really very interested in, I would say, 2 things. One is this durability of response is quite interesting. And we think we have explanation for it. I think we have a very good immunologic explanation for it. It's very elegant and compatible with what's known about the immune responses and so forth. We also are very struck by the activity we see in patients who failed previous therapies. And I talked about that in my discussion here. So we are allowing and I don't know if I mentioned it, we are allowing patients who have failed prior therapies in our Phase II atopic dermatitis study.

Now some people, many investors have been asking me, why don't you do a separate study in the resistant patients with atopic dermatitis. And that is something we are thinking about. That could be a smaller trial because the efficacy and the placebo do so -- the efficacy and placebo -- sorry, placebos do so poorly, you would presumably show a bigger difference with a fewer number of patients. But we are including both naive and experienced patients in our Phase II. I would do that in Phase III as well, which would enable you to get the total population of patients.

But there's no doubt that with more and more therapies coming out in atopic dermatitis, the proportion of patients that are not treatment naive, that is that have failed the prior therapies, that pool of patients is increasing. And the pool of patients that is naive is going to decrease proportionately. Okay? So that the resistant patient becomes, I think, very attractive. So I would say the 2 exciting -- I mean, we have a lot of things that we're excited about with soquelitinib. It's oral and it's safe and all that other stuff. But the durability is, I think, a game changer, changes how you approach the disease.

And I think the fact that you can think about frontline therapy or relapsed disease or multiple therapies, intermittent therapy. That's our -- it's the way we think about it.

Aydin Huseynov: Congrats for the results.

Operator: And your last question comes from Sean Lee from H.C. Wainwright.

Xun Lee: To touch upon the durability a bit more. I think in the previous Phase I study, you guys followed the patients for up to 3 months. How long are you following these patients in Phase II? And is the study powering any way to really make a differentiation on the durability of this response?

Richard Miller: So the Phase II trial has built in continued blinding of the trial out to 90 days beyond the therapy. So it's 12 weeks of therapy plus the 90 follow-up. That's baked into the protocol. However, the endpoint is the EASI score compared to placebo at 12 weeks, and that's the typical endpoint. To do something different would be sort of atypical. Now I think that in the future, this issue of how durable the responses are is something that you might study separately. But I think it stands to reason. I mean, we'll talk more about this, but we have over 90% of our patients don't relapse and follow-up now out to 3 months beyond the last dose.

Over 90% of patients, disease just doesn't come back. Now you look at other agents, dupi, STAT6, whatever the IL-13s, IL-2s, whatever, these diseases come back pretty quickly. In my view, that's not a very good therapy. Best therapy is a shorter treatment duration. Disease goes away, you don't need to take your drug again for a long time, if at all, hopefully, but that's asking a lot. So the durability is important because it's important to understand why it's happening, does it pertain to other inflammatory diseases? In other words, how broad is that going to be? Is that unique to atopic dermatitis? Or is that something that you could think about for other autoimmune diseases?

And that's why we're excited about that. But anyway, the answer to your question is in the Phase II, it is part of the formal follow-up is blinded, but it's not part of the statistical endpoint. The statistical endpoint is the typical one, which is EASI score at 12 weeks.

Xun Lee: Okay. Got it. For the -- touching on the asthma study for our second question. As the upcoming study, will you be focusing on eosinophilic asthma with the Th2 high? Or are you targeting the more difficult to treat Th17 driven population as well?

Richard Miller: We're probably going to -- so those are some of the things we're discussing now. We're leaning to taking everybody.

Xun Lee: I see.

Richard Miller: I'm actually -- Sean, I'm glad you brought that up because there's something -- some people say, well, we only treat Th2 disease. I don't know where that comes from. Some people said, "Oh, you're only selecting patients with atopic dermatitis that are Th2. First of all, I don't even know how to do that. But we're not doing that. Our atopic dermatitis patients are run-of-the-mill patients from U.S. centers. They have to have the necessary eligibility criteria, but we didn't enrich for any patient population. Most of our -- by the way, AD patients do not have eosinophilia. Their eosinophil counts are normal or little. So I don't think we're going to restrict it to the high EO asthma.

Although I have to say the asthma study protocol has not yet been finalized, and that's still under discussion. Alright. Okay. Well, first of all, thank you, everyone, for participating in our call. We look forward to updating you throughout the rest of the year and beyond. Appreciate everybody's interest. Thank you.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this does conclude your conference call for today. We thank you very much for your participation, and you may now disconnect. Have a great day.

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Corvus (CRVS) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool
By Mike Scarcella

WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - Costco Wholesale (COST) was sued on Wednesday in a proposed nationwide class action seeking U.S. customer refunds for higher prices charged by the company before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit, filed by a Costco shopper in federal court in Illinois, seeks a declaration that the company must return to customers any refunds it receives for tariffs it paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

More from Yahoo Scout Which other companies face similar class action lawsuits? What did Costco's CEO promise about tariff refunds? What Supreme Court ruling triggered the Costco lawsuit? How much could Costco owe customers in refunds?

The Supreme Court ruled on February 20 that Trump overstepped his authority by using the emergency powers law to impose sweeping tariffs last year. The order has teed up sprawling litigation in the U.S. Court of International Trade, where Costco is among more than 2,000 companies suing the administration to recover duties they paid.

Global shipper FedEx is facing a similar consumer class action filed in Florida federal court last month.

Costco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A lawyer for plaintiff Matthew Stockov also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This lawsuit seeks to prevent Costco, the third-largest retailer in the world, from double recovery, the complaint said. Costco has made no commitment to return any portion of anticipated tariff refunds to the consumers who bore those costs.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris told analysts last week that it was still unclear if or when businesses will get back the IEEPA tariffs they previously paid. If Costco does receive refunds, he said, the retailer plans to channel them into lower prices and improved value for shoppers.

Wednesday's lawsuit said the company was promising only "a possible future benefit to an indeterminate group of future shoppers."

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Aurora Ellis)
Alexandra Breckenridge has starred in shows like This Is Us, The Walking Dead and Virgin River, which is now in its seventh season on Netflix. But her most meaningful role to date is that of mom.

When I first held my baby, the world melted away and I knew he was the most important thing Id ever do, she once said about being a parent to her two kids.

Keep reading to learn more about Breckenridges children, including how she faced a frightening health scare with her sonand how she used that experience to inform her character on Virgin River.

 SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

How many kids does Alexandra Breckenridge have?

Breckenridge is a mother of two. She welcomed her first child, a son, in September 2016, followed by a daughter in December 2017.

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Some people say, How could [you] possibly love two of them? shesaid before the arrival of her daughter. But Im not even worried about that. If I can love the first one this much, Ill love the second one this much too!

Related: The Biggest Things to Remember Before Virgin River Returns for Season 7

Who is the father of Alexandra Breckenridges kids?

Breckenridge shares her children with husband Casey Hooper, a professional guitarist who has toured with major artists including Katy Perry.

In fact, the couples story began in a roundabout way thanks to Perry, who invited Breckenridge to a Grammys party after stopping by her Los Angeles apartment with a mutual friend.

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[T]hey came over for some chicken, Breckenridge told The Talk. [Katy] said, This is the best chicken I've ever had. Why don't you come to the Grammy party in February?

Breckenridge took her up on the offerand met Casey there. Four years later, in 2015, they tied the knot.

Who are Alexandra Breckenridges kids?

Breckenridge and Hooper share two children:

Jack, 9

Their first child, Jack, was born in September 2016 and weighed just over nine pounds at birth.

My son was huge. He was humongous, Breckinridge said, recounting the story of his water birth. And I feel like the hippies lied to me, because I was watching these documentaries about these water births and I was like, Wow, I can do that. I can do that! I wanna do a water birth.' Cut to her delivery, and she was screaming blood murder.

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Still, the pain was worth it. When Jack was born, I experienced a kind of love I never had before, she said. I loved my husband more than anything and then I had a child, and that is a totally different level of love.

Billie, 8

The couple welcomed their second child, Billie, in December 2017.

The pregnancy came as a surprise. I may not have had another child had that not happened, and Im so grateful that thats how she came into this world, Breckenridge said on an episode of Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen. Because people say theyre obsessed with their children, but I adore my daughter Billie to the ends of the earth and back.

Related: When Does Virgin River Come Out? How to Watch Season 7 on Netflix

What illness did Alexandra Breckenridges son have?

Breckenridge has revealed that her son Jack experienced a serious health scare when he was very young. While she has not disclosed many details about the exact illness, she explained how the ordeal helped her emotionally connect to a difficult storyline on Virgin River, in which her character, Mel, suffered a miscarriage.

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One of my children was very, very sick when he was young and could have died, so I have a personal connection and understanding of the emotional loss of a child, she told Deadline. When youre a parent and you come so close to that edge of not having them anymore, I already experienced that in a different way, so I came into that scene reliving that experience. Thats how I approached it, because thats what I know.

Fortunately, Jack recovered, and Breckenridge has since described him as the apple of my eye.

Where is Alexandra Breckenridge raising her kids?

Rather than raising their children in Los Angeles, Breckenridge and Hooper chose to settle in rural Georgia.

The rural areas of Georgia have an amazing sense of community we were lacking in L.A., she told Atlanta Magazine. We wanted our children to grow up in a place where they could play and ride their bikes that didnt feel like a big city.

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If only Virgin River were a real place and not a fictional townthey could have lived there!

Next: Virgin River Hunk Teases a More Complex Season 7

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jane Lapotaire  a British stage veteran known for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as her role as Princess Alice of Greece on Netflixs The Crown  has died at age 81.

The Royal Shakespeare Company, where she did some of her most prolific stage work, issued a statement announcing her death to The Sun.

We are saddened to hear of the death of Jane Lapotaire. A truly brilliant actress her RSC credits include Piaf, winning her TONY & Olivier awards, & Gertrude opposite Kenneth Branagh in Adrian Nobles Hamlet, the statement reads.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lapotaire was born in 1944 in Ipswich, Suffolk, and was raised by her teenage mothers French foster mom, Grace. After being turned down by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she turned to the Bristol Old Vic before joining the National Theatre Company under Laurence Olivier.

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Lapotaire was starring as Maria Callas on a British tour of Terrence McNallys Master Class when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in 2000, according to her obituary in The Guardian. She wouldnt return to acting until 2004, but spent her recovery years writing a memoir, Time Out of Mind.

She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2013 and added some screen credits to her extensive resume in that time, including playing a Russian aristocrat on the Downton Abbey Christmas special.

Her other film credits include Antony and Cleopatra, Trevor Nunns Lady Jane, James Ivorys Surviving Picasso and Shooting Fish.

THR notes she is survived by her son, screenwriter-director Roan Joffe. She was previously married to Roland Joffe, but they divorced in 1980.

Read More From News About The Stars You Love

This story Downton Abbey and The Crown Actress Jane Lapotaire Dead at 81 first appeared on News About The Stars You Love. Add News About The Stars You Love as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Heidi Klum turned heads as she adorned the cover of GLAMOUR Germany in a daring sheer lace top, commemorating the magazines significant anniversary. The legendary supermodel showcased a stunning fashion statement, fully embracing the audacious moment with her trademark poise.

Heidi Klum turns heads in white top

Take a look at Heidis new bold Instagram look below:

Heidi Klum drew attention once again as she graced the cover of GLAMOUR Germany, celebrating the magazines 25th anniversary in a daring, sheer white lace top. The supermodel showcased a stunning appearance. She opted for her signature straight blonde hair and a flawless light makeup look for this special feature. This event underscores her timeless fashion sense and confident demeanor.

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As an entrepreneur, supermodel, TV icon, and mother, Klum has embodied female empowerment for over thirty years. In honor of GLAMOUR Germanys anniversary, she engaged in a conversation with Head of Editorial Content Theresa Pichler about themes of power, courage, motherhood, and perseverance.

Originally written by Ayesha Zafar on Mandatory.

The post Heidi Klum Stuns in Lace-Trimmed Sheer Top for GLAMOUR Germany appeared first on theFashionSpot.
The Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB), the regulator overseeing practices that audit publicly traded companies in the country, has published individual company inspection reports.

The move marks the first time CPAB has made company-specific inspection reports publicly available.

In a statement, the regulator said the step represents a significant milestone in the evolution of its public disclosure practices.

The inspection reports are available on the CPABs website and will be released on an ongoing rolling basis.

The change aims to increase transparency and give stakeholders more detail about the results of the CPABs oversight of public accounting practices that audit Canadian reporting issuers.

In the first release, the CPAB published inspection findings for Canadas 'Big Four' companies: KPMG, Deloitte, E&Y and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

CPAB CEO Sonny Randhawa said: Todays achievement represents an important step forward in CPABs commitment to transparency.

Public disclosure of these reports strengthens confidence in audit quality and delivers meaningful information to investors, audit committee chairs and other stakeholders across Canada.

The publication of company-level reports follows other disclosure changes introduced in recent years.

These include public disclosure of significant enforcement actions and unresolved recommendations. They also include requirements for companies to share issuer-specific inspection findings with audit committees.

The CPAB said the updates followed public consultation and were supported by rule and legislative amendments completed in March 2025.

In November 2025, the CPAB announced Randhawas appointment as CEO. The appointment became effective earlier this month.

The CPAB said Randhawa has more than 25 years of experience in regulatory oversight, public accounting and audit quality. He succeeded Carol Paradine, who led the organisation for eight years.

"CPAB begins publishing individual company inspection reports" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.




Kanye Ye West has been forced to pay a former contractor he hired to rework a famous Malibu mansion into an off the grid self-sufficient compound $140,000, after an L.A. jury delivered a mixed verdict in the weeks-long labor dispute and trial.

In the trial, which went on for two weeks at Los Angeles Superior Court, a verdict was announced on Wednesday after the jury decided Tuesday night that Ye, who has shed his birthname in favor of the two-letter nickname, must pay Tony Saxton for injuries suffered at the property while the unlicensed contractor was working for the rapper. Saxton had sought $1.7 million in compensatory damages.

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The mixed verdict will see him handed $100,000 for past and future medical expenses and $40,000 for past pain and suffering. But no awards for damages involving future pain and suffering or punitive damages were granted to the plaintiff. Saxon had not been wrongfully terminated and the rapper-producer and fashion mogul engaged in no malice, oppression, or fraud, the jury decided on Tuesday.

The legal case centered on the contractor work of Saxon, who claims he described himself as a man with a van and not a contractor, and accused the rapper of forcing him to live in the property as he tried to realize the odd plans hed concocted for the home. Ye wanted to make it self-sufficient and off the grid. As of now, the property, which was notably designed by Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect renowned for his work incorporating buildings within their landscapes.

The 4,000-square-foot, four-bedroom estate was stripped to a concrete shell during the failed renovation; it currently has no windows, doors, electricity or plumbing after Yes requested work on it. The rappers esoteric design demands included replacing a staircase with a slide. Saxon said in legal filings that, during the failed construction, he suffered an injury, was fired in retaliation after raising security concerns, and that the rapper should be on the hook for his medical bills.

The jury rejected almost all of his claims, Yes representative, Milo Yiannopoulos, said in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter. Although the jury found that Saxon qualified as an employee for certain purposes, they awarded no damages for lost wages, overtime, waiting-time penalties, retaliation, punitive damages, or any other statutory penalties.

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Saxons attorneys have said that the lower amount awarded is disappointing, but they are happy with the result if they have stood up to the rapper  and that the jury decided that he was an employee.

Though the jurys award was less than we asked for, the California Labor Code allows us to recover our attorneys fees and costs. When its all said and done, the judgment against Ye should be more than $1 million, Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said in a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter. We will not be bullied by Ye, his team, or anyone else. We thank the jury for their time and their verdict, and we look forward to continuing to represent employees who have been treated unfairly and who refuse to be intimidated or silenced.

Ronald Zambrano, the firms employment chair, called the mixed verdict a vindication for their client.

Yes lawyers called him a liar, a fraud, and a malingerer in court, he said in a statement. His medical records, bank records, and personal family history were dissected, mocked, and vilified. Yes team demanded that Tony pay them to resolve the case and issue a public apology. Most people would have folded. In true David-vs.-Goliath fashion, Mr. Saxon stood firm against one of the biggest celebrities in the world, with the truth on his side.

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Yiannopoulos notes that the jury also found that Saxon acted in the capacity of a contractor and did not qualify for the employee exception under Californias contractor licensing statutes. Californias laws regarding licensing for the duration of work where it is required are strict; not only is an unlicensed individual acting as a contractor not entitled to recover compensation for such work, they could also face a legal complaint from the client to recover money paid.

Based on those findings, we believe the damages award is legally barred and will be seeking post-trial relief from the court, he added.

And despite that wrinkle, the dispute over the house isnt over between the two men anyhow, as they will head to court again over a suit Ye filed against Saxon regarding a so-called mechanics lien the hired contractor placed on the property in January 2024. In the suit, Ye claims Sason and his attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers wrongfully placed an invalid lien on the property, while simultaneously launching an aggressive publicity campaign designed to pressure Ye, chill prospective transactions, and extract payment on disputed claims already being litigated in court.

Ye claims that statements made to the firm regarding the lien and the firms statements to the press made it difficult for the property to sell in 2023.

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If someone wants to buy Kanyes Malibu home, they will have to deal with us first. That sale cannot happen without Tony getting paid first, Zambrano told Business Insider at the time. The quote is cited in the lawsuit as a hindrance to the property selling, as it created public pressure and interfered with the Yes ability to sell and finance the property by falsely conveying that Saxon held a right to block any transaction related to the mansion.

Yiannopoulos said in his statement that the real case between the two men has yet to come to light.

The first lawsuit ended with Saxon recovering only a small fraction of what his lawyers demanded, Yiannopoulos told the magazine. The second lawsuit will address the far more serious misconduct surrounding the lien and the damages it caused.

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Kendall Jenner delivered a striking minimalist fashion moment in a new editorial for Vogue France, wearing a daringly sheer shirt from Gucci. The black and white portrait captured the model in a sleek, unbothered pose that allowed the styling to take center stage.

Kendall Jenner pairs sheer silk Gucci shirt with velvet flared pants for Vogue France shoot

Kendall Jenner wore a sheer silk georgette shirt from Gucci that appeared to be fastened by only a single button. The garment created a slightly plunging neckline that revealed subtle layers beneath. The lightweight fabric draped softly across her torso, emphasizing the delicate transparency of the material while maintaining a tailored silhouette.

Jenner paired the shirt with flared velvet trousers, also by Gucci, that added texture and contrast to the minimal look. The rich velvet fabric balanced the airy quality of the sheer blouse, giving the outfit depth. The pants featured a pattern where the design appeared slightly raised against the sheer base. Moreover, the motif resembled abstract floral shapes, which created a soft pattern across the fabric.

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Underneath the shirt, Jenner wore seamless lingerie from Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi. The lingerie choice complemented the transparency of the shirt without distracting from the overall look. Her beauty styling followed a similar clean approach. Jenners long, dark hair was styled in soft, slightly tousled waves that framed her face. Her makeup remained minimal and polished, featuring softly defined brows and sharp eyes.

Shot in crisp black and white, the editorial highlighted the simplicity and sensuality of the outfit. The absence of color changed the focus to the textures of silk and velvet, allowing the fabrics to become the focal point of the image. The result was a quietly provocative fashion moment. It was one that showcased Jenners ability to elevate even the simplest pieces into a bold editorial statement.

The post Kendall Jenners Sheer Gucci Shirt Is Held by a Single Button for Vogue appeared first on theFashionSpot.
King Charles is reportedly unbothered by Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Australia trip. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are allegedly planning to visit the continent in mid-April. As per reports, the tour will include business, private, and philanthropic activities. Now, as per an expert, the King has other concerns than the Sussexes trip.

King Charles has other things to worry about than Prince Harry and wifes Australia tour, per expert

In her interview with TalkTV, royal commentator Ingrid Seward talked about King Charless reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan Markles Australia trip. What do you make of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision to travel to Australia next month? The reporter asked her.

He continued, Many criticized their faux royal tour in the Middle East a few weeks ago. Seward replied, Well, I think they were lucky they were in the Middle East a few weeks ago and theyre not stuck there now.

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The Majesty Magazine Editor-in-Chief further added, Theyre obviously trying to promote themselves. They need to keep a high profile in order to make a money. And Meghan is now apparently, you know, taking her own brand as ever onto her own shoulders.

Seward further explained, And, you know, were all suspicious that perhaps Netflix had had enough of it and only agreed to promote it up to a point, but we dont really know because no really truthful statements ever seen to come out of their offices.

She added, So, we dont really know why theyre doing this. But I suspect its just they are raising their profile because they need to keep themselves in the public eye. Further, the reporter wondered about the Kings reaction and Seward said, I think the king has probably slightly washed his hands off them. Hes got plently of other things to worry about.

The author stated, I mean, what do you do that they do exactly as they like when they like up to a point, and I think hes got more important things to worry about than what Harry and Megan are doing at this moment.

The post King Charles Has Washed His Hands of Prince Harry & Wife  Expert appeared first on Reality Tea.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has been married five times over the course of nearly seven decades, with several of those relationships unfolding in the public eye.

Born in 1931, the Australian-American business magnate built one of the worlds most powerful media networks through News Corp., which owns major national and international outlets such as the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, The Sun and book publisher HarperCollins, in addition to broadcast properties like Fox News and Sky News Australia.

Along the way, Murdoch also became known for his large family. Across his marriages, he has welcomed six children  and for years, speculation over which of them might inherit the Murdoch media empire fueled headlines and even helped inspire the critically acclaimed TV series Succession.

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Murdoch is currently married to retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, whom he was reportedly introduced to by his third wife, Wendi Deng.

From 1956 to today, heres everything to know about Rupert Murdochs five wives.

Patricia Booker

Rupert Murdoch, Managing Director, Adelaide Advertiser, Son of late Sir Keith Murdoch. Rupert Murdoch is Chairman and CEO of News Corporation.

Credit: Fairfax Media via Getty

Murdoch married his first wife, Patricia Booker, in 1956 when he was 25 years old.

Like Murdoch, Booker was Australian; she worked as a flight attendant and also modeled part-time for a department store. The couple met early in Murdochs career as he began expanding his newspaper business.

During their marriage, the pair welcomed one child together, daughter Prudence  often called Prue  who was born in August 1958 in Australia.

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Murdoch and Booker divorced in 1967 after 11 years of marriage. She reportedly died in 1998, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

Anna Maria Torv

Rupert Murdoch and Anna Murdoch attend 70th Anniversary Party for Forbes Magazine at Timberland Estates in Far Hills, New Jersey on May 28, 1987.

Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Murdoch married his second wife, Anna Maria Torv, in 1967  the same year his first marriage ended.

The journalist reportedly met the media executive while interviewing him for a newspaper in Sydney. She had begun her career at the Sydney Daily Mirror at just 18 years old.

Murdoch and Torv went on to have three children together: Elisabeth (born in 1968), Lachlan (born in 1971) and James (born in 1972). All three were primarily raised in New York City and eventually became involved in their fathers empire.

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Murdoch and Torvs marriage lasted 32 years (making it Murdochs longest) before ending in divorce in 1999. Reportedly, Torv received $1.7 billion from the settlement, per The Guardian. Mere weeks after the divorce was finalized, Murdoch married his next wife on his yacht in the New York harbor.

In the years following the couples split, Torv reflected on the breakup in an interview with Australian Women's Weekly. I began to think the Rupert Murdoch that I loved died a long time ago, she said. Perhaps I was in love with the idea of still being in love with him. But the Rupert I fell in love with could not have behaved this way.

Torv went on to build her own impressive career and wrote three novels. She died in February 2026 at age 81, survived by her children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Wendi Deng

Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng during MySpace Presents Rock for Darfur Party Benefiting Oxfam America at Private Estate in Beverly Hills, California, United States.

Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Shortly after finalizing his divorce from Torv, Murdoch married his third wife, Wendi Deng, an entrepreneur, investor, producer and art collector.

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The pair tied the knot in 1999 in a private ceremony aboard Murdochs yacht in the New York Harbor just weeks after his previous marriage ended.

Born and raised in China, Deng met Murdoch while working at Star TV in Hong Kong, which was owned by his media group. At the time, she said she was the only Chinese executive at the company, per Vogue. Before meeting Murdoch, Deng had already spent time in the United States on a student visa at Yale University where she earned her MBA.

During their 14-year marriage, Deng became a high-profile socialite in international circles. Friends described her to The New York Times as "a world-class networker, collecting powerful friends and brokering connections."

Murdoch and Deng share two daughters, Grace (born in 2001) and Chloe (born in 2003). The couple divorced in 2013.

Jerry Hall

Rupert Murdoch (L) and Jerry Hall attend the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

Credit: Emma McIntyre /VF19/WireImage

In 2016, Murdoch married his fourth wife, model and actress Jerry Hall. The couple were introduced through family connections in Australia, specifically his sister and niece, before tying the knot just ahead of his 85th birthday.

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The couple first wed in a civil ceremony at Spencer House, followed by a larger wedding service at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, a historic site long associated with the British newspaper industry. After their civil ceremony, Murdoch celebrated the milestone on X, writing that he felt like the luckiest AND happiest man in the world.

Before marrying Murdoch, Hall had been in a decades-long relationship with Mick Jagger. The former couple share four children: Elizabeth, James, Georgia May and Gabriel.

During Murdoch and Halls marriage, Hall also became a stepmother figure to Murdochs children. In 2016, Deng told Vogue, She seems very nice, and my girls like her. I always tell them to treat her kindly. Shes their fathers wife.

After a six year marriage, Murdoch and Hall divorced in 2022. In a joint statement, their attorneys, Robert S. Cohen and Judith L. Poller, said the former couple remain good friends and wish each other the best for the future.

Elena Zhukova

Australian-American business magnate Rupert Murdoch and wife Elena Zhukova arrive at the 11th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony 2025 held at the Barker Hangar on April 5, 2025 in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Murdoch married retired molecular biologist Zhukova in June 2024, marking his fifth marriage. As reported by The New York Times, the couple began dating not long after Murdoch ended his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith in April 2023.

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Originally from Russia, Zhukova moved to the United States in the early 1990s and worked in diabetes research. The pair were reportedly introduced through Murdochs third wife, Deng, before becoming engaged in March 2024.

They held their wedding at Murdochs Moraga vineyard estate in California.



Read the original article on People
Who knew Matthew McConaughey was such a foodie? Well, we did. Before he went viral for his incredibly unique tuna saladfilled with frozen peas, apples, and wasabi mayoand his hilarious pantless ads with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, for their tequila Pantalones, the actor was dropping nuggets about his love for food for years. That includes how he builds the perfect burger (hint: it involves a packet of onion soup mix).

While he may be cooking up rib-eye steaks with Gordon Ramsay now, McConaughey is no stranger to working with celebrity chefs. The "Greenlights" author appeared on a 2012 episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri as the pair took on a diner in Georgetown, Texas.

McConaughey loves to show his Texas pride. From his support for the University of Texas Longhorns to his "favorite Texas bite" of jalapeno sausage and spicy corn at Opie's BBQ, the Oscar-winning actor is always boasting about the Lone Star State. So, we were surprised to learn that McConaughey didn't grow up eating the Texas classic comfort food, King Ranch Chicken Casserole.

The Texas Staple Matthew McConaughey Could 'Shovel Down'

In the episode, Fieri and McConaughey visited Monument Cafe in Georgetown, Texas, to try the Texas staple: a Tex-Mex casserole with layers of tortillas, chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce made from soups, vegetables, and spices.

"Everyone in Texas has a different recipe. Did you grow up on it?" Monument Cafe owner Rusty Winkstern asked McConaughey.

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"No, my mom was not a good cook. Sorry, Mom, you know you weren't," he responded.

However, after digging into a plate of the King Ranch Chicken Casserole, McConaughey was hooked.

"[Could you] shovel down a plate full of that?," Fieri asked McConaughey.

"Easily," the actor replied, taking another bite.

How To Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

If you want to try the King Ranch Chicken Casseroleor "cassilada" as McConaughey would call it (since he thinks it's a mix between a casserole and an enchilada)we have an easy recipe with hundreds of 5-star reviews to boot.

To make King Ranch Chicken Casserole, you'll need to whip up a sauce of onions, bell peppers, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel, chicken broth, sour cream, cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, and chipotle chile powder. Once thickened, you'll add some sauce to the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, top with a layer of cooked chicken, more sauce, cheese, and corn tortillas.

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Then, you'll repeat the layers once more and top the tortillas with cheese before baking in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven until bubbly.

It's the perfect easy, hearty comfort meal for a weeknight dinnerand after one bite, you'll understand why McConaughey couldn't stop smiling while eating his piece. You'll probably be shoveling down a plate, too.

Read the original article on Allrecipes
Meghan Markle is facing fresh criticism ahead of her April Australia visit, with some critics already calling her Sarah Ferguson 2.0. The Duchess of Sussex is set to return to Australia with Prince Harry for the first time since their 2018 royal tour. Their spokesperson told an outlet the couple will take part in private, business and philanthropic engagements. Still, Meghans Australia trip is already drawing scrutiny. The reason is a one-stop, involving a paid, women-only event in Sydney.

Meghan Markle criticized for faux royal trip to Australia, per source

As per RadarOnline, Meghan Markle will appear as the headline dinner speaker during a three-day Sydney retreat scheduled for April 17. While people reported the event runs from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. It includes a gala conversation with the former Suits alum. Organizer Gemma ONeill defended the appearance, saying, I have admired this woman and what she has endured. She also said Meghan joined because she really loves what our community is about.

However, the backlash is centered on optics. RadarOnline quoted one insider as saying Meghan is being nicknamed Sarah 2.0 because critics believe she is trading on royal-style visibility. The report said the comparison to Sarah Ferguson comes from the nature of the engagement rather than any palace role. Another source argued the event blurs the line between private business ventures and the kind of engagements royals used to perform in an official capacity. So, the criticism is less about the speech itself and more about how Meghans Australia trip may be perceived.

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That context matters because of Harry and Meghans last visit to Australia. In October 2018, they were there for an official royal tour. Then, in 2020, the Sussexes agreed to step back from royal duties and stop carrying out representative work for the monarch. Buckingham Palace later confirmed in February 2021 that they would not return as working members of the Royal Family. In that light, even private overseas appearances can attract royal-style debate. That is why Meghan, Sarah, and faux royal comparisons are now being folded into the same conversation around this trip.

The post Meghan Markle Branded Sarah Ferguson 2.0 for Faux Royal Trip  Source appeared first on Reality Tea.
Meghan Markle is reportedly preparing for a high-profile trip to Australia that could also turn into a major payday. According to a source, the Duchess of Sussex has secured a lucrative appearance fee for her luxury retreat in Sydney.

The three-day event is expected to bring together hundreds of guests for conversations about personal growth, wellness, and community. While details about Markles participation are still emerging, insiders claim the appearance is part of her expanding post-royal business ventures.

Meghan Markle is being paid extremely well for retreat appearance in Australia, per source

According to an insider who spoke to Naughty But Nice, Meghan Markle is reportedly receiving a sizable fee to headline the upcoming retreat. The source claimed the duchess is being paid extremely well, alleging that her appearance fee is around $1 million. The insider also said that nearly every aspect of the trip, from travel to accommodations, is being fully covered by the event organizers.

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Her fee is around a million dollars, and the trip itself is completely taken care of, the source claimed. The insider added that the visit is being organized as a full VIP operation. They suggested that Markle is expected to travel alongside a small team that could include her assistant, security, and glam squad.

The event is scheduled to take place at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, a luxury oceanfront hotel. The three-day gathering will host roughly 300 women who will attend a mix of wellness activities and discussions focused on personal growth and connection.

Ticket prices vary depending on the level of access guests choose. Standard packages for the weekend reportedly cost around $1,800, while premium tiers reportedly cost significantly more. Organizers claim those who purchase the highest-tier tickets will receive perks such as preferred seating at the gala dinner and a group photo opportunity with Markle.

The event comes as Markle continues to explore new professional opportunities in the lifestyle and wellness space. Events like this are incredibly profitable, the source alleged, adding that Markle can command huge speaking fees.

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Prince Harry is also reportedly expected to join Markle during the visit to Australia. However, sources claim their children will remain in California. For Markle, the source suggested, the retreat is more than just a speaking engagement. For Meghan, this trip is equal parts business and branding, the insider alleged.

Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on Reality Tea.

The post Meghan Markle Charging $1 Million for Australian Retreat Appearance  Source appeared first on Mandatory.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are headed down under, but the Duchess of Sussex has a special weekend retreat happening in Australia  and its reportedly quite profitable.

The royal couples spokesperson told People in early March that the duo was going to Australia for several private, business and philanthropic engagements in mid-April. Harry has a keynote speech on April 15 for the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit, and Meghan has something even more fun planned.

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The Duchess of Sussex will be headlining the Her Best Life retreat at the Intercontinental in Coogee Beach in Sydney from April 17 to 19. The website promised an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. Meghan will be participating in an in-person conversation, and of course, tickets are already sold out.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at Project Healthy Minds' World Mental Health Day Festival held at Spring Studios on October 10, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Meghan, according to Rob Shuters Naughty But Nice Substack, will be paid a very lucrative sum of $1 million to attend the weekend.

Everything is covered, the source shared with Shuter. First-class flights, a luxury hotel suite, security, stylists, hair and makeup, her assistant  the whole entourage of about four people. Its a full VIP operation, theyre rolling out the red carpet for her.

The announcement comes on the heels of her As Ever brands separation from Netflix.

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Netflix were not happy, a source claimed to the Daily Mail. They were not happy with the fact that no one really cared about the brand, so when they were looking to create As Ever areas in Netflix House [retail locations], there was no appetite for it.

It just didnt fit with Squid Game or Stranger Things or Bridgerton like they had hoped, they added.

While its considered a business and branding trip, Meghan is reportedly happy that shes regained complete control of her lifestyle empire. She wants to go global with As Ever, and the Australia trip might be the first step in her venture.

The April tour will be Harry and Meghans first time back in Australia since they stepped down as working royals. The couple shared a celebrated trip in October 2018 as part of Invictus Games in Sydney.

More on Meghan Markle:

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Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harrys milestones since leaving the royal family.

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The annual Cheltenham Festival has been a family affair for Princess Anne. Not only did the Princess Royal attend two days of the event, but her daughter Zara Tindall and son-in-law Mike Tindall were also there all week, and now, her son Peter Phillips and his fiancee Harriet Sperling have made an appearance.

Sperling looked stylish, wearing a Suzannah London coat dress in a houndstooth print and a black fascinator, carrying a textured leather clutch from Anya Hindmarch. Notably, she wore a pair of Kiki McDonough drop earrings, a favorite jewelry brand of the Princess of Wales.

Joe Giddens - PA Images - Getty Images

Shop Now Kiki Classics Pear Drop Green Amethyst and Diamond Earrings kiki.co.uk

Shes absolutely lovely, jeweler McDonough previously told T&C about having Kates support. Shes charming and and were very lucky to have her. She is a working mother, and I think it is the sort of jewelry that you can wear, and no ones going to point the finger at you, or run you over in the street because they want your ring. I think its just very nice to wear fine jewelry.

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Also wearing Kiki McDonough earrings today was Zara Tindall, who posed for a photograph with Harriet as they arrived. Zara, the Director at Cheltenham Racecourse, has been in attendance all four days of the event.

Joe Giddens - PA Images - Getty Images

Also among the guests at Cheltenham today was Peter Phillipss ex-wife, Autumn Phillips, and her new partner, Donal Mulryan. Peter and Autumn separated in 2019, and their divorce was finalized in 2021; they share two daughters, Savannah and Isla.

Joe Giddens - PA Images - Getty Images

Sperling and Peter Phillips announced their engagement last summer, but no wedding plans have been revealed as of yet. Sperling has has one daughter, Georgia, from a previous marriage.

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The backlash they faced after their controversial trip to Jordan at the end of February clearly didnt put them off, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly embarking on yet another trip!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to be heading Down Under next month; and according to royal experts and commentators, they should prepare for even more criticism

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Invictus Games

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Plan To Visit Australia In April

Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, last visited Australia in 2018 after their royal wedding. But they were still working members of the royal family back then  and with much better reputations, may we add  so the trips are already going to be very different in comparison!

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According to reports, a spokesperson for the parents-of-two said they "will visit Australia in mid-April to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements." And some of these will reportedly involve Australia's armed forces and veterans.

It's believed that their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, will not be on the trip, and will remain in Montecito, California.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle's Visit Expected To 'Create Debate' About The Monarchy

Australia may have been expecting  and wanting  to see very different royals, as Prince William and Kate Middleton were reportedly invited last year!

An insider told the Daily Mail: "Back in September, the Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese had tea with the King at Balmoral and publicly invited the Prince and Princess of Wales to tour the country. There have been rumors of a visit in July or August but it's not looking likely at the moment. Either way, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are going to get there first."

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While huge crowds turned up to greet the then newlyweds in 2018, they shouldn't expect the same treatment this time around, if we are to believe a royal insider who spoke to The Sun...

The insider reportedly told the outlet that the Spare author and the former Suits actress shouldn't expect a warm "welcome" when they touch down in Australia. "I think there will be plenty of monarchists and republicans who won't welcome Harry and Meghan's visit," they said.

The insider went on: "Any 'royal' visit, even by members of the family who no longer represent the King, will inevitably create debate about the monarchy."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leaving Invictus Games

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Will Need 'Thick Skins'

Royal journalist Tom Sykes also weighed in on next month's trip, and echoed what the Sun's insider said about the couple needing to prepare for the worst.

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"The Sussexes are likely to be lightning rods in Australia's ongoing debate about the royal family and the country's constitutional future," he wrote in his The Royalist Substack.

"For now, one thing seems certain: Harry and Meghan will need thick skins when they arrive in a country where they are no longer assured of a warm welcome," he added. Yikes!
Credit Agricole Ukraine has agreed to acquire up to 100% of shares in Bank Lviv, a financial institution based in Lviv and focused primarily on serving SMEs.

Bank Lviv currently works with more than 37,000 individual clients and around 8,400 small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in the agricultural sector.

The bank operates mainly in western Ukraine.

If finalised, the purchase will increase Credit Agricole Ukraines presence in this region and expand its portfolio in the SME and agricultural banking sectors.

The deal is subject to regulatory approvals from both the National Bank of Ukraine and the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.

Completion could occur by mid-2026, provided all conditions are met.

Credit Agricole has indicated that the transaction will have a minimal effect on its Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio and meets its investment return standards.

In January, Credit Agricole received approval from the European Central Bank to raise its stake in Banco BPM above 20%.

During the third quarter of 2025, it entered derivative transactions related to Banco BPM shares, enabling a possible increase of its holding by another 0.3%.

Once these derivatives are settled physically, Credit Agricoles total stake could reach 20.1%.

The group has confirmed it does not intend to acquire or exercise control on Banco BPM and will maintain its stake below the mandatory tender offer threshold.

"Credit Agricole seals deal to acquire Ukraine-based Bank Lviv" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Though Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Fergie Ferguson were forced to vacate Royal Lodge, their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, reportedly still have homes within the royal palaces.

According to a Thursday, March 12, report in British newspaper The Times, the properties rented to Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are part of a long-standing deal with the former Prince Andrew, and they can be used as second homes.

The [rental] deal was made with their father as he wanted them to have a foothold in the royal palaces, a source told the paper.

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Beatrice reportedly has an apartment in St Jamess Palace, and Eugenie has the three-bedroom Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace. The deal requires them to pay an undisclosed sum in rent.

The former Duke of York, 66, allegedly once paid their rent, but it is unclear if Beatrice and Eugenie now pay it themselves. Its been widely reported that when Andrew and Fergie, 66, lived at Royal Lodge, the Yorks paid practically nothing in rent for the property.

While Beatrices primary residence with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi is in Oxfordshire and Eugenie lives in Portugal with husband Jack Brooksbank, it is unclear where their mother has fled to after leaving Royal Lodge.

Andrew  who was stripped of his royal duties and honors late last year by King Charles III  now lives on Sandringham Estate, where he was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

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Though he has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained his innocence regarding his ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he was accused of sharing confidential information with the financier related to his role as a trade envoy.

The Thames Valley Police launched an inquiry into Andrew after it was reported that emails suggest he sent Epstein reports from a tour of Southeast Asia he took in 2010.

The BBC reported earlier this month that the father of two requested to end his lease on East Lodge, another Crown Estate property, early.

East Lodge, which the BBC said is believed to have been used for staff, is located near his former home at Sunninghill Park in Berkshire, where he lived before moving to Royal Lodge.

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Following Andrews arrest, Charles, 77, said via a statement issued from Buckingham Palace that authorities have the royal familys full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

Read More From National Examiner

This story Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Reportedly Still Have Homes in Royal Palaces Despite Parents Scandal first appeared on National Examiner. Add National Examiner as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NEED TO KNOW

Brazil natives Wagner Moura and Sandra Delgado met at the countrys famous Carnival

They've been married for more than two decades and share three sons

Delgado is a photographer and documentary filmmaker

Wagner Moura and Sandra Delgados love story began in the middle of Brazils most vibrant celebration.

The couple  who were both born in Brazil  first met at Carnival. Not long after meeting, they moved in together, and more than two decades later, they remain happily married.

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Moura and Delgado share three sons, and the actor has said his family helped keep things in perspective during publicity for The Secret Agent, which earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for his performance.

"The fact that I have three sons and a family and things to do, it really grounds you," he told The Hollywood Reporter in February 2026. "What's happening [during this entire campaign] is not real life. We are very happy, and it's very rewarding, but this is not where life lives."



So, who is Wagner Moura's wife? Here's everything to know about Sandra Delgado and her relationship with the actor.



Shes from Brazil

Sandra Delgado attends the screening of "The Secret Agent" on October 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty

Like Moura, Delgado hails from Brazil. She earned a bachelors degree in social communication and journalism from the Universidade Federal da Bahia in 1998, followed by a masters degree in photography and social sciences from Universidade Candido Mendes in Rio de Janeiro in 2001, according to her website.

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Delgado later studied screenwriting at UCLA, per her bio on the nonprofit storytelling lab Cine Qua Non Labs website.

Shes a photographer and filmmaker

Wagner Moura and Sandra Delgado attends the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.

Credit: George Pimentel/WireImage

Delgado began her career behind the camera as a photographer before expanding into other mediums, including documentary filmmaking and screenwriting.

Before college, I mainly worked with photography, but since then I have expanded my range to include video, audio, projection and installation, using my documentary background, Delgado wrote on her website.

She added that much of her work centers on exploring themes of time and impermanence.

"I find beauty in the imperfection. I believe in the Wabi-Sabi concept that 'we are all transient beings on this planet. Our bodies, as well as the material world around us, are in the process of returning to dust,' " Delgado continued.

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In 2015, she directed and produced the TV series Terceiro Sinal. Years later, she co-wrote the Disney+ historical drama series Maria: The Outlaw Legend, which premiered in 2025.

Delgado is currently working on her debut fiction feature, The Outsider, which tells the story of photographer Claudia Andujar. Moura has a small role in the project and also serves as an executive producer, per Variety.

Delgado and Moura met at Brazil's Carnival

Wagner Moura and Sandra Delgado attend the "Sergio" Premiere on January 28, 2020 in Park City, Utah.

Credit: George Pimentel/Getty

When they were in their 20s, Delgado and Moura crossed paths at Brazils Carnival  a moment the actor later recalled during a January 2026 appearance on Drew Barrymores talk show.

"I was dressed as a ballerina. That's when I met my wife. She seemed to like the ballerina thing," he said. "I knew her because we went to college together. We both studied journalism."

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According to Moura, the pair spent the entire festival together. By the end of Carnival, he made a spontaneous suggestion: that Delgado move with him to Rio de Janeiro, where he was performing in a play.

"She packed and went to Rio, and we started living together. That's how we started to know each other, like living at the same apartment," he added.

They've been married for nearly three decades

Sandra Delgado and Wagner Moura at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.

Credit: Christopher Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty

Delgado and Moura have been married for 25 years, though they have kept the details of their wedding private.

"Not an easy journey. It's very full of ups and downs ... but beautiful," the Narcos alum told Barrymore of their longtime union.

Delgado and Moura share three sons

Wagner Moura, his wife Sandra Delgado and their son at the "Marighella" premiere on February 15, 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

Credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty

The couple share three teenage sons, who are "preparing ... to go to college," Moura told Interview in December 2025.

"To be a father is one of the things that defines me most in life. Being a father is above everything else," the actor said on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Read the original article on People
Miles Caton was prepping for his first-ever movie role when the films director Ryan Coogler sent him a playlist of essential blues music.

It had the greats on there  Charley Patton, Buddy Guy, B.B. King  so I just started to listen to that for the first couple weeks, Caton told CNN.

Soon, Caton was on the journey to becoming Sammie Moore, also known as Preacher Boy, a central character in best picture nominee Sinners.

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Caton was 18 when he first started having conversations about being in the movie, in which he plays a preachers son who resists the pull of his father in favor of a life devoted to the blues (and his cousins, Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan). The Brooklyn native is 21 now, with a piercingly deep voice, an easy smile and a determined ambition to build on his role in the most-nominated film in Oscars history.

Miles Caton and CNN Anchor Omar Jimenez at Electric Garden studios in Brooklyn. - CNN

I never could have anticipated the reaction and the response that the film would have, Caton told CNN.

In addition to its 16 Academy Award nominations, including best picture and best original score, the movie has won two Golden Globes, three BAFTAs (not without controversy), 13 NAACP Image Awards and two Actor Awards.

The film is produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNNs parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

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Music is at the center of Sinners, which is set in a fictional version of the real Clarksdale, Mississippi, a part of the United States considered the birthplace of blues.

From the inspiration of the playlist Coogler sent to the work of making the movie a reality, Caton dove right in.

I started learning how to play guitar, resonator guitar, which is specific to the film and Mississippi, Caton said. The score for the movie is produced by Ludwig Goransson, a multi-Grammy and Oscar winning musician who has collaborated with Coogler often.

When I connected with Ludwig, he taught me I Lied To You on the guitar actually, so we didnt have any lyrics, or any type of track at that point, Caton explained.

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I Lied To You became the centerpiece song of the film, serving as the anchor for one of the movies most iconic scenes  a dream-like sequence where Catons character demonstrates the gift of making music so true it can pierce the veil between life and death, conjuring spirits from the past and the future, as the movies narration lays out at the beginning.

Miles Caton said it was "mind blowing" to see the epic music sequence in "Sinners" come to life. - Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Caton recalled Goransson bringing him to the studio a week or two before the scene was shot. He played me the song and I was just like, this is gas, Caton said with a smile. It embodied everything Sammie was trying to say in the film.

But even he couldnt imagine how it would look in the end, even after seeing an animated video that plotted it out, typically described as a previsualization.

The way it was written out, Caton said, he thought the scene would be maybe like ghosts flying around or something like that.

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Just seeing that come to life off the page, it was mind blowing, bro, he said.

Another emotional musical moment comes in a mid-credits scene for the movie.

The song that plays was written and voiced by both Caton and Alice Smith, a Grammy- nominated recording artist who has put out multiple albums and whose music has been featured in films like The Harder They Fall and HBOs Lovecraft Country.

Miles Caton, Alice Smith, and pianist Victor Campbell perform "Last Time (I Seen the Sun)" from "Sinners" at Electric Garden studios in Brooklyn. - CNN

Smith told CNN it took her and Caton a couple of hours to write Last Time (I Seen the Sun), after she was shown a few scenes from the film to get a feel for it.

When she finally saw the film, I thought it was amazing how perfectly it was where it was, Smith said, especially in contrast to the horror-thriller induced scenes that precede it, the song brings you all the way back down.

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The lasting image is of the Smokestack Twins, both played by Michael B. Jordan, staring across a long field at a low sun on the horizon.

It literally looks like my childhood, Smith said. A specific morning view at my grandmothers place out off the back porch across the fields.

One music producer for the movie told CNN Coogler played Smiths rendition of Nina Simones I Put A Spell On You to help build the atmosphere during filming certain scenes.

Especially the love making scenes, Smith whispered with a laugh to CNN. What they used of mine was something that was particularly emotional and emotive, she said.

Locking In

Michael B. Jordan places a hat on Miles Caton during a hair & makeup test for "Sinners." - Proximity Media

Striking gold on his first major film, on top of a thriving musical career buoyed by his booming voice (including a new original song called Somethin), Caton has options ahead of him.

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At the Oscars this weekend, hes due to be the center of a special performance of I Lied To You alongside songwriter Raphael Saadiq and other Sinners music collaborators.

But hes also been performing on a big stage for years, going viral as a kid for singing a rendition of Nina Simones Feeling Good, then appearing multiple times on NBCs Little Big Shots alongside Steve Harvey back in 2018, and touring nationally alongside H.E.R.

He recently won the NAACP award for outstanding breakthrough performance for Sinners, the Critics Choice Award for best young performer, and was named to the TIME 100s most influential rising stars.

Caton said the process of filming Sinners helped him grow, especially in terms of pushing through uncertainty and doubt.

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I definitely felt the pressure but like, I always just kept telling myself to just like lock in, he said. Youre placed here for a reason to do what you were called to do, he remembered reminding himself.

He also knew the movie was going to be special, but not quite like this.

I think Im shocked because Im a part of it, but when I look outside of me being in the film and just seeing the film, its like, it makes sense. Its a good movie, Caton said with a laugh.

EDITORS NOTE: CNN explores the relevance of the Academy Awards as Hollywood and audiences shift in a new CNN FlashDoc Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden? Stream the special now on the CNN app. The hour will premiere Saturday, March 14 at 10pm ET on CNN.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The US-Ireland Alliance celebrated the 20th annual Oscar Wilde Awards on Thursday night at the Ebell of Los Angeles theater.

The awards aim to recognize creatives of Irish descent, this year honoring Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson and director Lee Cronin, along with Irish-American actress Maura Tierney.

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Youve all heard of the British invasion of music. Well, there is now an Irish invasion in film and television, said Matt Walsh, the nights emcee.

Walsh gave a shout-out to the Irish nominees at the upcoming 98th Oscars, several who were present in the room, including Avatar: Fire and Ash Visual Effects artist Richie Baneham; John Kelly and Andrew Freedman, the filmmakers behind the animated short film Retirement Plan, which Gleeson voices; and Ken Wardrop, producer of Sanatorium, Irelands submission for international feature film.

Walshs mention of Jessie Buckley was met with raucous applause by the audience, as the Killarney native is poised to make history as the first Irish-born woman to win best actress on Sunday.

Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse Productions, introduced Cronin, his collaborator on the upcoming horror film reboot of The Mummy. Thanking him for being such a bright and cheery Irishman, Blum said, Lees movies feel like these dark mirrors that hes holding up to us so that you can laugh at the obscene ridiculousness of our world.

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Cronin reflected on the first time he attended the Oscar Wilde Awards a decade ago, saying, It was my first ever trip to L.A., and I was super naive. I made business cards, drawing my own face on WhatsApp. While Steven Spielberg (a long-time hero of Cronins) never used the business card he was handed, Cronin looks back on the night fondly.

It was the start of a new venture Im very proud to have. You need to be naive to continue this business and to dream about making moves, which Im a huge believer in. So, I will continue to be naive.

Gleeson, who currently stars in The Paper, was also introduced by one of his previous collaborators, Star Wars director J.J. Abrams. The duo met on The Force Awakens and Gleesons character was killed off in the beginning of the sequel, The Last Jedi, which the actor jokes was due to his inability to get a line right on his first day of filming with the director.

Hes a brilliant filmmaker and a lovely man. I was so honored when he offered to pass the award along, Gleeson told Variety about Abrams. Gleeson added, So many of the people whove received the award over the years are so extraordinary. Catherine OHara was one of them; any club shes in is one Im very proud to be a member of.

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Hollywood and Ireland are very different places, both often overly romanticized, but the truth is that there is something inherently romantic about both, said Gleeson. I would like to thank all the Americans here, including JJ and my beloved The Paper gang, whove allowed me to work with them. And the filmmakers and performers from home who continue to inspire me and make me want to be a better actor.

Abrams began his speech by poking fun at a Vogue Australia article listing the worlds 70 Most Famous Redheads, arguing that Gleeson should be in the number two spot, trumped only by his father, Brendan Gleeson.

Ive been lucky in my career to work with a great number of wonderful actors, but none more brilliant, kind, dedicated, caring, funny, compassionate, famous or ginger than Mr. Domnhall Gleeson, Abrams said.

Everybody Loves Raymond actress Monica Horan Rosenthal took to the stage to introduce Tierney, who currently plays Lieutenant Jessica Brady on Law & Order.

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It feels really, really nice to be honored tonight, Tierney told Variety on the green carpet. Ive been in show business for a very long time, but no one really talks about my Irish heritage.

In her speech, Tierney spoke about her grandmother, Nan Costello, who immigrated from Leitrim County, Ireland, to Boston in 1926.

Ive been fortunate to work as an actor in Ireland, said Tierney, who starred in a Dublin production of God of Carnage in 2011. Walking those streets, I felt part of a legacy both artistic and personal. I dont think my grandmother would ever have envisioned me performing in Ireland, eight decades after she left, and I hope to have a chance to do it again.

Im really proud of Trina Vargo, who had the foresight in the late 90s to start this US-Ireland Alliance. Its about bringing people together, and I think thats the thing were all kind of desperate for right now  an excuse for unity, and shes given it to us, Abrams told Variety.

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The night concluded with musical performances by Dermot Kennedy and Dave Lofts.

Best of Variety

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SPOILER ALERT: The following story contains plot details from SXSW Midnighter selection Monitor.

For Matt Black and Ryan Polly, the Texas-based filmmakers behind the horror film Monitor, the project emerged, unusually, from a case of intellectual property theft.

More from Deadline

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Eight years ago, the duo came together on a lark to make a short film, posting it online and forgetting about it almost immediately. Four years later, they got a call from a screenwriter who was pitching on a feature version, which had been set up at a major studio with a major producer attached. The only problem was they knew nothing about it.

They wont name the filmmaker who pulled their short off the web and put it forward as his own original work. But when Black and Polly found out about the situation, they became determined to get the feature made themselves, in their first outing following work on shorts.

Eventually, they got it done, securing the backing of Smile producer Temple Hill and the Spanish company Nostromo, with production taking place between Spain and the Canary Islands. And tonight, they premiere the film in the Midnighter section of SXSW.

Monitor stars Brittany OGrady as Maggie, a young woman haunted by guilt over her sisters suicide, who spends her days through the most disturbing material on the internet as a content moderator. After she flags and removes a mysterious video uploaded by an anonymous user, she and her coworkers find themselves targeted by a demonic force that begins stalking them through the screens around them.

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The filmmakers say they shot the film with nine cameras  everything from GoPros to baby monitors, handycams, night vision goggles, and laptop webcams. Working with all this tech was a nightmare  and, Black says, the most nerve-racking thing of all was that all of the duos major set pieces took place in grainy peripheral camera footage which they could only hope came together well in the edit.

Genre filmmakers with a bright future ahead of them, Black and Polly are reminiscent of Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, the duo who just hit it big with Final Destination Bloodlines, and interestingly admit that they took direct inspiration from the duo in their pitch for Monitor.

Here, the duo reflects on the origins of their 2018 short and the process of fleshing out the feature version, getting a fire lit under them by the attempted theft of their work, and what we can expect from them creatively going forward.

DEADLINE: Where did the seed of the idea for your short come from?

MATT BLACK: Its going to sound dumb. [Laughs] Im a huge fan of Frasier, and I was watching a Frasier episode. [The title character is] a radio host, and theres an episode where he has to take the late-night shift and everybody thats calling in is crazy. Theres a joke on the episode that the security guard calls in, and hes like, Yeah, Im watching myself on the monitor, and Im not doing what Im doing on the monitor. And its like a joke, and they laugh, and Frasier hangs up. I was watching it with my wife, and I was like, Thats terrifying. Like, thats not funny. Thats scary. So the idea was there.

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Then, whenever Halloween was coming up, I was like, Hey, Ryan, itd be fun to do just a quick short film thats no dialogue, just something fast. So we made it and put it online and honestly didnt think much about it after that.

DEADLINE: Where did things go from there? Theres something in your directors statement about a major studio trying to make a feature adaptation without your knowledge

RYAN POLLY: Its one of the craziest things thats happened to us; it sounded like it was one of the craziest things thats happened in terms of short film to feature adaptation. But four years after we released the short, I got a call from a screenwriter who told me he was pitching on a feature version of our short. Someone had downloaded our short film, changed the title and credits, claimed it was his own, somehow got involved with a major Hollywood studio, a big producer attached, and they were going out getting writer takes, starting to develop a feature version of our film.

So pretty insane. But he tells me, I was going to pitch on this tomorrow. I told my agent its probably going to implode. That same night, we got a call from the thiefs manager, who essentially was like, Yeah, I confronted him when I was told of what happened. He lied about the film; he lied about his whole portfolio. And essentially, hes like, Im going to have to tell the producers and the studio tomorrow about what happened. But if you guys have a take, Id love to hear it. Maybe we can get you guys involved.

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BLACK: We met immediately the next morning and were like, Whats a take on this? Weve got to come up with something.

POLLY: So we we wrote a spec script, and eventually it fell away from that specific studio. We got involved with another one, and then that one fell through. And then we made it independently with our producers at Temple Hill and Nostromo, a Spanish production company that we linked up with. So yeah, long journey. Eight years since we shot the the short, four years since we got that call, and then exactly one year ago today, we had day one of production.

DEADLINE: I take it youre not going to get into specifics as far as the theft of your short?

POLLY: No, we dont want it to be a thing. Thats why I avoided names. Were friends with the screenwriter that was pitching that. Hopefully, hes going to be at the festival, just because weve made friends with him in the past four years. But pretty crazy.

DEADLINE: So it really lit a fire under you to get your own take together, finding out what had transpired?

BLACK: Yeah. I mean, were from Denton, Texas. We have a great filmmaking community out here, but obviously its a far cry from Hollywood. So it was kind of insane just to be hearing names that we had heard before were interested in our short. Ryan and I had both been trying to figure out how to make our first feature. I think we were both kind of like, all right, well do like a no-budget indie, whatever. So this just seemed like a crazy opportunity. It was kind of just like, yeah, lets seize the moment if we can. And we do like the short. Even in the short, we planted the ideas of what would interest us about the feature. So it felt like if we could find the legs to make it, why not?

DEADLINE: Could you give a more detailed breakdown on the next steps in making the film a reality after writing the spec?

POLLY: We had a version of the script that we were working on for a while, got some good feedback, wrote a new version of the script, and we took it out. We pitched it around to production companies. Temple Hill got attached, our producers, who we love, and we were excited. I think the first Smile movie was coming out right as we were pitching; that was obviously a huge success for them. [We] worked with them, and theres another studio at the time that we had a deal with that fell through. But when [Temple Hill] attached Nostromo, thats when it started coming together.

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We started casting. Brittany OGrady was the front of our list for Maggie, our protagonist, and we were lucky enough to get our number one for that role, which was super exciting, and then brought on Gunner Willis, who was the protagonist in our short film, to play Gunner in the film. We named him Gunner because we were like, Weve got to get Gunner in this film. So were going to do everything we can to get him in.

Theyre the two Americans in our cast, and everybody else is from Europe, just because of tax stuff and shooting in Spain. So it was very fun, a cast full of Europeans, all doing American accents for our movie that takes place in Nowhere, America, essentially.

DEADLINE: I would not have imagined this film having been shot in Spain and the Canary Islands

BLACK: If you saw the movie and were surprised, thats great. Because that was a huge challenge. Lots of things looked very European. I mean, we lucked out because a lot of our movie is interiors by design. We wanted to have a lot of This could be anywhere interiors. But a few scenes, we had trouble finding in the Canary Islands.

DEADLINE: How hard was it to get companies of Temple Hills stature on board, as debut filmmakers? And how did you approach the task of talking with people about the film?

BLACK: I think its just a credit to Temple Hill that they did it, honestly. We really didnt have anything besides the short. There were a few other shorts that wed made, but really all we had was the short, our feature pitch, [and] a script. They just took a chance on us. They developed with us for a while and were great partners in refining the script, and I think they just saw the potential in it and jumped on it. Then, obviously, theyre amazing producers. So at that point, the project was alive.

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POLLY: For a while there, we were sort of known because of our pitch. I mean, I cant take credit. I kind of stole an idea from the guys who directed Final Destination Bloodlines. I had read something about them faking a death in a pitch for that movie, and I was like, oh, that would be great. Were sort of showmen in some of our pitches, so in our feature film pitch for Monitor, we had our movie monster, the Tulpa, murder me at the end and Matt is freaking out on the other side.

BLACK: At the end of our pitch, everybodys ready to see Ryan dead. So its a crowd pleaser.

POLLY: So its a combination of hopefully a great script, and a fun pitch, and a short that they liked. We didnt scare them off with our personalities.

DEADLINE: While the concept of a being who could be seen on screens but not in real life was central to your short, the world of online content moderation is new to the feature and pretty fascinating

POLLY: Thats what opened it up.

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BLACK: Yeah. When we were trying to figure out what the feature could be, it feels like we sort of checked all the screenlife boxes. Then, I found this documentary on content moderating, and at the time, I hadnt seen any media on content moderation. And we were like, This has got to be Maggies job. Just because we thought that aside from a horror film, its such a crazy, interesting sort of modern world.

POLLY: Even stylistically, some of those documentaries we were watching when making the script, that was what we used stylistically for the office, having almost like a call center where its not the sexy side of technology. This is the old box of cables in your garage, that kind of technology. Just because in real life, a lot of the people that are keeping us safe  nowadays, its changing drastically with AI and everything  but the people that are keeping us safe are working in these crappy offices and watching the worst stuff on the internet. And were like, thats a really interesting world for horror.

DEADLINE: How did you arrive at the mythology around your monster, the Tinkerbell effect, and what have you?

BLACK: Honestly, that was the toughest stuff for us.

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POLLY: In development, the most back and forth is the rules of how were fleshing out the Tulpa. Because you want it to feel consistent as youre watching it. Weve seen Tulpas in media before, but how do we have a unique horror movie monster that makes sense with the world of our film that weve established in the short film, but also fleshing that out? So it definitely was one of the bigger things in development.

BLACK: I think the idea of, you believe in it and it becomes more dangerous, the more you believe in it, we liked that thematically. One of the things that we wrote on our [directors] statement is, more just as a filmmaking challenge, could you keep it scary the whole film without ever seeing it in reality? Youre just seeing it through characters eyes on screens  and how long could you sustain that?

The idea of belief and characters starting to hurt each other was really something that we felt we needed to keep that engine going. And really, the challenge was just, how do you convey that idea without over-explaining it, without under-explaining it? Thats where development became kind of a hellish thing for me and Ryan. Because thats the least interesting stuff to us. But it became what a lot of the rewriting was about, was how do you make that feel clear, but not too clear?

POLLY: And then also, sort of breaking a rule on purpose, having to establish, hey, if you really do believe in it enough, it will come out from beyond the screen and be in real life and creating that threat as well for Maggie. Then, theres so many different versions of this where its like, hey, its released on the Internet. It goes out to everyone. And then its like, what do you do with that? So it was definitely one of the big challenges and big frustrations. But I think were pretty happy with where we ended up with it.

DEADLINE: How did you want the film to feel, stylistically? In your directors statement, you alluded to wanting to avoid certain kinds of trappings, in terms of elevated horror and the screenlife subgenre, in particular.

POLLY: From the very start, we never wanted anything to feel digital or feel like were in the screen. Every time we see a screen in the movie, we wanted to feel like its a character looking at that screen: Were feeling the characters point of view. Another thing that became a thing in post-production was every single screen, every single close-up, even if its a full screen, that is us putting something on the screen and pointing a camera at it and shooting it. Because I think me and Matt are a little allergic, in a movie, to where it cuts to an on-screen graphic and it feels very digital, very fake. We wanted to make sure that because so much of our movie is people looking at screens and seeing their reactions, when we see the the screen, we see the pixels, we see the distortions, we see the Tulpa.

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BLACK: Even in our pitch, we were like, A lot of horror movies use darkness to hide their monster. What if we just used pixels? What if we just kept it small on screen and that is what obscures our monster? The monster design was weird, too, because in our short, its a guy in a bad mask. And its strange because we played with, okay, is it a creature? Is it a monster? Is it a guy? If its a guy, what is it wearing? Its really strange because if you make it too monstrous, then it starts to feel fake. But then if it just looks like a guy, how do you keep that scary if hes just one wide camera angle on a screen? I mean, maybe this is like every movie, but it was deceptively difficult because its definitely a fine line to try to find.

DEADLINE: How would you describe your general sensibility and career goals as filmmakers?

BLACK: Ryan and I love genre movies. Its cliche, but you love the movies that you grew up watching, and we are fans of really good genre movies. So I think moving on from here, wed love to make more horror, but weve written all across the genre spectrum. Really, we just love great stories that are packaged in fun concepts.

POLLY: Great characters, a good hook. Yeah, weve written horror movies, thrillers, action-comedies, westerns. Theres so many things that were were excited to make, but I think a lot of the stuff that we get passionate about has great characters, a good hook, is exciting, propulsive. This is a good example of a horror movie that we like, which is its got an interesting theme or social message, but its also very exciting, and we like to joke [that] the villain of the movie isnt a metaphor. I dont like the term four-quadrant, but we wanted to make it exciting and have a message, and it was a goal of ours to hopefully leave the viewer with a smile and not too much dread by the end.

What in your past creative history best prepared you for this moment with Monitor?

POLLY: Both of us have made a lot of shorts. I think with making shorts, being able to each short, be able to point back at something and say, This is what I learned making this, this is what I learned making this. Its like, Im going to do an ensemble cast in this one to figure out how to cover a scene with a ton of actors. Im going to do action in this one and train that up. How do I do a short with only dialogue? I think both Matt and I have done a lot of these kinds of things. With Monitor, this is almost like a Pixar short: [the Tulpa] doesnt say a single word. Its all scares and action. I think using shorts as experience to take to your feature, both Matt and I were ready to take it on.

Walking into the production office and you have a whole team of people thats already been working toward [executing your vision], that was pretty surprising because a lot of our stuff has been very small crews. But in terms of working with actors, in terms of writing the film, shotlisting, storyboard, directing a DP and actors and and working with an AD and producers, everything felt pretty normal for us from day one.

BLACK: Also, Ryan and I have done most of our stuff separately. Weirdly enough, Monitor is the only short we ever made together, just because were friends and we were like, oh, itd be fun to do it together. That just happened to be the one that opened up an opportunity.

DEADLINE: Going forward, then, can we expect more from you as a duo? Or will you prioritize solo projects?

BLACK: Hopefully, youll see both. We love working together and we want to continue working together. Going into this, we were both like, This could be a total disaster, dude. Well see how it goes. And thankfully, it was a great experience directing this together. So I think wed absolutely keep making movies together. Weve got other stuff that wed love to do on the side, as well, but for our first feature, I will say, just as a human being making a movie in Spain, away from all the people that you normally make movies with, the ability to bring one of your best friends, holy cow. It was a thousand times more fun and way less lonely than I think it would have been to do it, either one of us, by ourselves. So that was a huge grace for our first movie.

DEADLINE: Have you guys made the rounds yet in L.A.?

POLLY: Oh, yeah. Essentially from four years ago. The fun part of that story is the manager who was repping the guy who stole our film immediately became our manager. Because hes like, Oh, you guys are actually really talented. So we love our manager, Jon Kee. Hes awesome. But immediately when we started working, we started making the rounds, talking to different production companies and studios and producers. Theres an action-comedy weve been taking out; theres another horror movie we are about to start taking out, and then a few things for a few different production companies and studios that were signed on to direct or write or whatever. The hope is that we can use Monitor to get our next original project up off the ground, but well see.

DEADLINE: Whats your take on all the challenges Hollywood has faced recently, as filmmakers just beginning their journey?

BLACK: I dont really know. Were still in Denton. To some degree, were pretty far removed from the industry.

POLLY: We still have normal jobs.

BLACK: We interface via Zoom with the industry. But I dont know, man. I dont really know what the state of the industry is at this point. Ive heard bad things. Maybe were jumping onto a sinking ship. I think an appetite for like a great story is still there. I mean, well see if if people respond to Monitor or not.

The problem is, I think that people are smarter now, as an audience. Everybodys a filmmaker now on their phone, and people know when somethings made with love and care and attention, and when its not. And I think if you can make something cheap enough and good enough, theres a sweet spot there where probably itll be profitable and probably, most people will like it. But I dont know.

POLLY: Were in a weird but also fun place because we live in a small town outside of Dallas. Everything weve done in this industry so far has been over Zoom. Weve [only] had a few trips out to L.A. to do the rounds, meet the people weve talked to online and were working with.

DEADLINE: Ironic for guys making a screenlife film to be engaging with the industry mostly over Zoom...

POLLY: [Laughs] Yeah. Weve visited Spain more than we have. L.A., just because thats where our producers are and thats where we shot and did post for the movie was. But we feel lucky and blessed to be able to make our first feature the way that we did, and were going to keep working hard, keep trying to work and make great films, and I think as long as we get to keep doing this, well feel lucky and grateful. Well just keep working hard and seeing what happens.

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Theres nothing like Friday the 13th to get you thinking about reasons to stay home for the evening. Its the perfect excuse to plop on the couch, push play on a horror flick, and contemplate various survival strategies.

Living in Oregon gives those spooky movies an extra edge. The rain-soaked forests, foggy coastlines and lonely rural backroads create natural horror movie backdrops. Are the goosebumps on your arm from the cold? Or are they from a sixth sense telling you something isnt quite right?

Data crunchers at Betway recently released a study that reports Oregon is the No. 5 state in the U.S. for horror movie viewing interest. By analyzing our Google searches, they have determined that 41.22% of movie-related searches in Oregon are tied to horror.

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With that in mind, we put together a quick list of our favorite scary films that have a connection to Oregon. Each film is perfect for watching from the safety of your couch on the unluckiest of lucky days.

Phantasm (1979)

Bill Thornbury In 'Phantasm'

Set in a fictionalized Oregon town, this cult classic follows a teenager who begins to suspect the local mortician is more than just creepy... Hes flat out evil.

Lets just say a corpse-harvesting operation can lead to no good.

'Phantasm' stars Angus Scrimm, A. Michael Baldwin and Reggie Bannister.

The Shining (1980)

Propstore Film Memorabilia Auction - Photocall

A man and his family take jobs as winter caretakers at an isolated mountain hotel. Alas, ghosts and cabin fever start messing with Dads head.

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This Stanley Kubrick classic is not to be missed. The exterior shots of the hotel were filmed at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.

The film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Scatman Crothers.

Dr. Giggles (1992)

Larry Drake at Emmy Awards 1989

This darkly comic slasher flick was the first film venture from Milwaukies Dark Horse Comics.

In the movie, a mad doctor escapes from an asylum and returns to the town where his father once practiced medicine. Armed with surgical tools and an endless supply of groan-worthy medical jokes, he begins targeting local teenagers.

The film stars Larry Drake, Holly Marie Combs and Cliff DeYoung.

The Ring 2 (2005)

Samara From The Ring Two Visits The Virgin Mega Store

After barely escaping a deadly curse tied to a sinister videotape, a mother relocates to Astoria with her son, hoping to leave the nightmare behind.

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Just when it seems the cursed-video nightmare might be over, the terrifying spirit returns, and Oregons gray skies and rainy forests provide the perfect gloomy backdrop.

The film stars Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, and Sissy Spacek.

Twilight (2008)

Twilight Reunion Fan Expo Vancouver

A high school student relocates to a damp town in the Northwest and becomes captivated by a mysterious classmate whose skin glitters in the sunlight. It turns out hes a vampire trying very hard not to eat her.

Though it leans more toward supernatural romance than straight horror, the films brooding Northwest setting earns it a place on the list. Many scenes were filmed in the Portland area, St. Helens and Silver Falls State Park.

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The film stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.

Coraline (2009)

Coraline

A cranky little girl named Coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to a parallel world where everything seems better. The catch becomes clear when she discovers the new worlds inhabitants want to sew buttons over her eyes.

This stop-motion nightmare fuel was produced by Laika Studios in Hillsboro. It manages to be charming and deeply unsettling at the same time.

The film features the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher and Keith David.

Green Room (2015)

"Green Room" TIFF Party At BYBLOS Toronto Hosted By Metro And HELLO! Canada

A struggling punk band witnesses a murder after playing a gig at a remote club run by white supremacists. They retreat to the venues backstage green room, barricading themselves inside while the violent group running the place works to ensure no witnesses escape. Graphic and gory, this movie is terrifying.

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Set in rural Oregon and largely filmed around Portland, the movie shows how Oregons forests can feel both scenic and menacing.

The film stars Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots and Patrick Stewart.

The Wolfman (2025)

"Wolf Man"

A man returns to his familys remote home and gradually realizes hes becoming something very hairy and very dangerous. His family must face the possibility that dad might start eating the neighbors during the next full moon.

Several wooded sequences for this modern werewolf story were filmed in the Portland area, landscapes that are tailor-made for creepy things watching from behind the trees.

The film stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner and Sam Jaeger.

Read the original article on oregonlive.com. Add oregonlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
If youre joining an Oscar pool and feeling confident, you may want to take a second look at Best Documentary Feature. Its one category that could easily break your ballot  but its also one where predicting the right upset could give you an edge. While most races have a clear favorite by March, this one is a bit messy. The usual awards-season roadmaps are gone, the precursors are contradictory, and several films have a real shot at winning.

This years nominees are The Alabama Solution, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through Rocks, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, and The Perfect Neighbor  five very different documentaries with no obvious consensus.

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Oscars 2026

Best Picture Best Director Best Actress Best Actor Best Supporting Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Adapted Screenplay Best Original Screenplay Best Casting Best Cinematography Best Costume Design Best Film Editing Best Makeup and Hairstyling Best Production Design Best Score Best Song Best Sound Best Visual Effects Best Animated Feature Best Documentary Feature Best International Film Best Animated Short Best Documentary Short Best Live Action Short

Contender

Odds

1.

The Perfect Neighbor

The Perfect Neighbor

83.0%

2.

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

13.3%

3.

The Alabama Solution

The Alabama Solution

2.6%

4.

Come See Me in the Good Light

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Come See Me in the Good Light

0.9%

5.

Cutting Through Rocks

Cutting Through Rocks

0.2%

See All Predictions

Normally the precursors help narrow things down. Not this year. The Producers Guild gave its documentary prize to Mariska Hargitays My Mom Jayne, while the Directors Guild honored Mstyslav Chernovs 2000 Meters to Andriivka. Theres just one problem: neither film was nominated for the Oscar.

To be fair, those guild prizes arent exactly crystal balls in this category. The DGA winner has matched the Oscar just three of the past 10 years, and the PGA only slightly better with five. Still, they occasionally point the race in some direction. This year, theyve only made things murkier.

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Critics Choice  which went to The Perfect Neighbor  hasnt offered much clarity either. In recent years it has matched the Oscar winner only twice (Summer of Soul in 2021 and O.J.: Made in America in 2016). More often it rewards the years most popular documentary  films like Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Good Night Oppy, and Wont You Be My Neighbor?  that dominate the conversation but dont always make the Academys final five.

Thats part of what makes The Perfect Neighbor so interesting. If its one of the years biggest mainstream documentary hits, the hardest part of its Oscar journey may have already happened: getting nominated in the first place. The documentary branch is famously selective, and high-profile titles miss the cut all the time. Once a widely seen film gets in, though, it becomes much harder to ignore.

And by any measure, this one has been seen. Geeta Gandbhirs Netflix documentary  about the fatal shooting of Ajike A.J. Owens in Florida and the aftermath in the community  has reached roughly 50 million views on the platform. It was already a breakout when it debuted in October, and viewership surged again after the Oscar nominations were announced.

Other nominees also have strong streaming homes. Ryan Whites Come See Me in the Good Light is available on Apple TV, while Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufmans The Alabama Solution streams on HBO Max. Still, Netflixs reach makes The Perfect Neighbor the most broadly seen film in the lineup.

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But the one precursor that may actually matter this year is BAFTA. The British Academy has matched the Oscar six of the past 10 years  including four straight before last years miss, when it chose Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story over eventual Oscar champ No Other Land. This year BAFTA voters went with Mr. Nobody Against Putin, David Borenstein and Pavel Talankins documentary about a Russian teacher secretly documenting propaganda inside his school during the Ukraine war.

That win makes it the clearest spoiler  because The Perfect Neighbor was nominated at BAFTA as well.

The other nominees each occupy their own lane. The Alabama Solution takes a hard look at Alabamas prison system, the kind of investigative journalism the Academy often respects. Come See Me in the Good Light, the Sundance Festival Favorite winner, offers a more intimate story about poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis. And Cutting Through Rocks, the first Iranian documentary ever nominated for an Oscar, is a bold international contender from directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni.

With the signals pointing in every direction, predicting this race becomes less about neat statistics and more about reading the room.

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So how do you pick a winner in a category this messy? Think of it in three tiers.

Safe bet: The Perfect Neighbor

With roughly 50 million Netflix views, its easily the most widely seen film in the lineup  and in a year without a dominant sweeper, that visibility could be decisive. Remember, the entire Academy is voting now, not just the documentary branch.

Pamela Dias in 'The Perfect Neighbor' Netflix

Strongest chance to upset: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

BAFTA has shown the strongest overlap with the Academy lately, and the films urgent geopolitical story fits the kind of documentary voters most often reward.

'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' Courtesy of Frantisek Svatos

Swing for the fences: Come See Me in the Good Light

Ryan Whites Sundance Festival Favorite winner is the emotional wildcard. If the heavier political documentaries split votes, this intimate love story could slip through.

'Come See Me in the Good Light' Apple TV

The Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, air Sunday, March 15 on ABC.

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Click here to read the full article.




Martin Hayes, the legendary, international star of traditional Irish fiddle music, launches a tour with his ensemble on St. Patrick's Day at, where else, New York's Carnegie Hall. Then he's off to Symphony Hall in Boston and other large venues.

But first, Hayes is set to give a solo concert in a small auditorium at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford  a coup for the university and the local organizers, a professor and a civic activist.

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How the sold-out show happened is a classic Connecticut story of connections, coincidences and of course, old history.

It starts with jazz, not Irish fiddle music.

Sometime last fall, Aidan Levy, a jazz historian and English professor at Saint Joseph, who grew up in West Hartford, ran into Nat Reeves, the noted jazz bassist who taught at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford for many years. Reeves has an album coming out soon, "Now in Time."

How about a show at Saint Joseph to celebrate the release? Levy was thinking he'd like to bring more live music to the campus where he and his wife, Kaitlin Mondello, both joined the English department in 2024.

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"Nat put me in touch with Mike McGarry," Levy told me.

McGarry, as everyone in Hartford knows, is a longtime civic activist in the capital city, a fixture in politics, arts and all things Ireland as the unofficial ambassador to the Emerald Isle. He had organized performances with Reeves and, no small plus, he's pretty good at scrounging up money for events.

McGarry, naturally, suggested an Irish music concert in addition to a date with Nat Reeves and his sextet when he and Levy met.

"Yeah, sure, let's do it," Levy said.

McGarry didn't know about Levy's connection. Hayes rarely performed in Connecticut but lived in West Hartford for several years in the early 2000s, a friend and neighbor of the Levy family.

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"Why don't I see if we can get Martin Hayes?" Levy suggested. "I thought maybe he would be willing to return to his old stomping grounds to give a solo show on the heels of that tour."

The idea worked. "To my elation, he said yes," Levy told me.

The show at the 364-seat Hoffman Auditorium on March 15 features as opening acts Tom Callinan, a former Connecticut state troubadour, and an ensemble led by fiddler Jeanne Freeman, director of the Connecticut Academy of Irish Music.

The Nat Reeves album release concert is April 30, also at the Hoffman Auditorium. That is International Jazz Day, an observance by the United Nations, led by Herbie Hancock, who will perform in Chicago.

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I'd have thought a show by an Irish touring fiddler who wins rave reviews and co-founded a well known group, The Gloaming, would sell out instantly at $40 for general admission. No, McGarry said. It took a lot of work.

"Martin is an international established star but if you ask the average family at the Irish club, they wouldn't know," he told me. "You need tens of thousands of contacts to sell 300 seats. There's too many distractions today."

McGarry credits Levy. "He's a great organizer."

Levy isn't a novice. He's program director for the Jazz Generations Initiative in New York and New Orleans. True to his music history training, he sees the event kicking off the week of St. Patrick's Day in broad terms.

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"This is a rare opportunity to see Martin Hayes in an intimate setting in West Hartford, which he called home for years," he said. "We all need the spirit of the holiday. I feel that music heals us. It may not be able to change the world, but it has a healing power and we need it now more than ever."

He added, "I can't think of anybody better to provide a source of healing than Martin Hayes."

Tickets for "Nat Reeves: Now in Time," 7 p.m. April 30, are available at www.showpass.com/nat-reeves-now-in-time. Tickets to see a closed, live stream of the Martin Hayes concert on the Saint Joseph campus are at www.showpass.com/martin-hayes-in-concert.

This article originally published at Dan Haar: How a classic Connecticut connection brought a world-famous fiddler to West Hartford.
Elijah Wood will bring his DJ project to Denver this summer.

The actor announced his "Wooden Wisdom" vinyl DJ project featuring Zach Cowie will take the stage at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver on Sunday, May 31.

"This is a fantasy-themed event like no other  a full-blown 'Lord of the Rings' rave experience set to the sound of carefully curated vinyl selections," organizers said. "Costumes are encouraged, so dust off your cloaks, and sharpen your elvish ears. Whether you are a devoted LOTR fan or simply a lover of great music and great vibes, Wooden Wisdom will transport you to Middle Earth and back."

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Organizers said Wooden Wisdom's sets blend "rare gems and beloved classics, with lots of 70s & 80s disco." Tickets are on sale now.

The performance follows Elijahs appearance at Fan Expo Denver at the Colorado Convention Center, celebrating the 25th anniversary of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings," from Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31.

Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd will all be at Denver's Fan Expo. The four actors previously reunited in Denver for the 2022 Fan Expo. The foursome were even spotted at a Denver restaurant having dinner together.

Organizers of Fan Expo Denver have also announced cast members of "Scream," "The Goonies," and "Lost" are among those scheduled to appear at Denver's largest pop culture festival.

Fan Expo Denver 2026

Fan Expo Denver runs from Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31, at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.

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Here's what to know for Fan Expo Denver, Colorado biggest celebration of all things pop culture.

Fan Expo Denver location

Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th St. in downtown Denver.

Fan Expo Denver dates

Thursday, May 28

Friday, May 29

Saturday, May 30

Sunday, May 31

Fan Expo Denver celebrity guests

Sean Astin - The Lord of the Rings/The Goonies

Alec Baldwin - Beetlejuice/30 Rock

Billy Boyd - The Lord of the Rings

Cara Buono - Stranger Things

Mike Colter - Luke Cage

Henry Ian Cusick - Lost

Robert Davi - The Goonies

Cary Elwes - The Princess Bride

Corey Feldman - The Goonies

Kerri Green - The Goonies

Frank Grillo - Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Josh Holloway - Lost/Yellowstone

Alessandro Juliani - Battlestar Galactica

Jamie Kennedy - Scream

Matthew Lillard - Scream

Dominic Monaghan - The Lord of the Rings/Lost

Colin O'Donoghue - Once Upon a Time

Steven Ogg - The Walking Dead

Joe Pantoliano - The Goonies/The Matrix

Martha Plimpton - The Goonies

Skeet Ulrich - Scream

Lee Waddell - Scream

Elijah Wood - The Lord of the Rings

Fan Expo Denver attractions

300,000-square-foot shopping floor

Celebrity Q&A's, autographs, photo opportunities

Panels, demos, workshops

Cosplay competitions

Comic, anime, sci-fi, animation, gaming exhibits

Community fan groups

Fan Expo Denver tickets

Single-day tickets and four-day passes are available at FanExpoHQ.com.

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Autograph and photo tickets with individual guests can also be purchased online.

Hundreds of figures of film, television, animation and art appear at the pop culture convention in Denver. Fans are able to meet, get autographs and take photos with celebrities, animation voice actors, comic creators, authors and cosplayers.
Former Eyewitness News anchor Ernie Anastos, a legendary newsman and beloved presence in the Tri-State area for almost 50 years, has died at the age of 82.

Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at Eyewitness News beginning in 1978 and enjoyed a memorable run as anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts before leaving in 1989.

Throughout his long career, Anastos also worked as an anchor at New York TV stations WCBS, WWOR and WNYW, and most recently became a voice on WABC 770 AM, where he hosted a show called Positively Ernie.

He has won more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations and has received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.

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Anastos has covered major stories over the years, including the World Trade Center attacks and the coronavirus pandemic.

Anastos most recently appeared on WABC-TV in a 2020 documentary about the death of John Lennon. Anastos was anchoring the night of Dec. 8, 1980, when WABC-TV confirmed the news the former Beatle had been killed.

Ernie Anastos on covering the death of John Lennon

Anastos transcended the role of anchor, becoming a larger-than-life figure across the metropolitan area, a fixture at community events with a thriving social-media presence. He was always ready with a smile, pleasant small talk, and dollops of wisdom, delighting his many fans.

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Before his professional career, Anastos graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He also holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from Marist College, New York Institute of Technology, Manhattanville College, Curry College and Sacred Heart University.

Prior to arriving in New York, Anastos worked at stations in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.

"He was something unique and no matter your politics - Ernie was trusted. Reporting the news - reporting truth and facts - that's what Ernie believed in," Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter said. For many years, Bill anchored the same newscast Ernie did in the 1970s and 1980s.

Two weeks ago, Anastos sent Ritter a note: "Hi Bill ... love watching you .. and stay happy and healthy. Ernie."

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"He will be more than missed," Ritter said.

His final Facebook post, published on March 3, featured a video of him in front of the Superman Globe at the Daily News Building in Manhattan.

Anastos labeled it simply: "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!"

The legendary Rose Ann Scamardella joined Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza to reflect on her almost 50-year friendship with her former co-anchor Ernie Anastos.

The legendary Rose Ann Scamardella joined Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza to reflect on her almost 50-year friendship with her former co-anchor Ernie Anastos.

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Cree Lighting announced it is planning to lay off 172 workers and close manufacturing at its headquarters located at 9201 Washington Ave. in Sturtevant.

On March 12, the company sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the Racine mayor's office informing them of the decision.

Employee separations were expected to begin on March 13. Cree Lighting is an electronics and LED light manufacturer.

"Cree Lighting could not provide earlier notice, as it qualifies under the 'faltering company' exception set forth in the WARN Statutes," the letter stated. "Cree Lighting was actively seeking capital and business to enable it to avoid or postpone indefinitely the plant closing and/or mass layoff, and Cree Lighting believed that giving the notices as required under the WARN Statutes would have prevented it from obtaining the capital or business."

On Feb. 26 Cree announced a "long-term strategic manufacturing" contract but did not disclose which company the contract was with.

Supply chain issues have caused major problems for Cree Lighting and the company took this action to strengthen its operations.

We recognize the impact recent constraints have had on our customers and partners," Sabu Krishnan, president of Cree Lighting, said in a statement. "Our immediate priority is to substantially reduce our backlog of unfulfilled orders and restore predictable lead times. By entering into this strategic manufacturing contract with a proven manufacturing leader, we can scale quickly and cost-effectively without compromising the quality, engineering rigor, or reliability that define the Cree Lighting brand.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cree Lighting to layoff 172 workers in Sturtevant
The TV trope of city mice out of their depth in the (far superior) country is as old as that TV chestnut Green Acres. Remember the theme song where manly husband Eddy Albert threw down the gauntlet: Land spreadin out so far and wide; Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside? Meanwhile, his pampered wife Eva Gabor responds I just adore a penthouse view; Da-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.

In Taylor Sheridans latest series The Madison, his aspiration is less the corny Green Acres than the high drama of A River Runs Through It. The first episode launches with Wall Streeter Preston Clyburn (Kurt Russell) fly-fishing with his brother Paul (Matthew Fox) near the latters Montana ranch. The two manly men have a rock-solid relationship as they banter about which flies to use, share fraternal wisdom and bag trout only to release them back to the wild.

If there was any doubt of the obvious reference, later in the same episode Manhattan Mama Stacy Clyburn (Michelle Pfeiffer) curls up at a luxury Montana hotel with her two daughters and two granddaughters. She decides to watch a movie  and her on-the-nose choice is that gorgeous weepie A River Runs Through It. We are not talking subtly here in the Sheridan universe.

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Sheridan infuses the series with big-name, mature talent better known for their movie work (see Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren in 1923). He bets the farm that Pfeiffer and Russell will spark in an age-appropriate marriage heading into its 40th year.

Seeing Pfeiffer return to dominate as the Madison matriarch is a big draw. As someone who always wished the actress would headline a version of Catwoman after co-starring in Batman Returns, Im well aware of the claws retracted behind her feline beauty itching to be released.

Pfeiffers still as gorgeous as a Montana sunset, as stunning as a Manhattan skyscraper. The role calls on her to struggle with grief and privilege while luxuriating in true love and mothering grown indulged daughters, while tending to spoiled granddaughters generated by this perfect union. She rages. She cries. She calls people out. She throws back booze. And wades through the adversity life has given her, pulling the rug out from under her magazine glossy urban life.

Kurt Russell as Preston Clyburn in The Madison (Photo Cr: Emerson Miller /Paramount +)

Russell is a good match as her husband. Hes got solid-as-a-tree down cold. Add to that, charm to burn playing a man who has never been insecure for a day in his life. His true loves are his wife, his girls and the wilderness. The problem is  no one in his female-dominated family shares his love for the outdoors, or is even open to indulging him for some portion of the year. Selfishness is a core sin of the Clyburn women.

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Living in Sin City East, the women and girls have the deck stacked against them from the first. Manhattan just has to be bad for Montana to be such an obvious tonic for lost city souls. Early on, a random mugger in a hoodie punches younger married sister Paige (Elle Chapman) in the face. He rips the designer bags from her manicured fingers and leaves her wailing (something she does a lot) in the middle of the sidewalk. So, theres not much tension in the Manhattan vs Montana debate, even as audiences might feel the urge to punch Paiges pretty, pouty face in frustration throughout the six episodes.

Paige, once the entire family flies to Montana in a chartered jet, is also the butt of a recurring outhouse joke. A lot is made about the ranchs lack of indoor plumbing. And, to torture the city bitches even more, theres a hornets nest just inside the rim of the wooden hole within. This makes for a hearty prank on the city princess, who goes to the bathroom and exits screaming, stung in her privates. But really, no respectable mountain man, not Paul, not Preston, would let a hornets nest remain in the outhouse. Am I wrong to want some veracity?

Patrick J Adams as Russell McIntosh, Elle Chapman as Paige McIntosh in The Madison (Photo Cr: Emerson Miller /Paramount +)

Not in the Sheridan nation where Manhattan shrink Dr. Phil Yorn (Will Arnett) tends to the traumatized Mrs. Clyburn by drinking expensive scotch with her during their first session. They graduate to tequila. Yorn namedrops his alma maters (Dartmouth and Harvard) while welcoming her unbridled hostility as, perhaps, the first rip-the-Band-Aid stage of healing. While Arnett charms, his character seems to honor no doctor-patient boundary and his practices are an odd figment of the creators imagination.

Whether in Manhattan or Montana, both places seem to be fictional baloney. Pfeiffer, Russell and the cast do their best, but its a challenge to act believable in such an entirely rigged reality. Theres no essential problem with Sheridans insistence that we have to return to get back to the land.

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But that liberating journey to free our souls must be authentic for this trope to have any weight. Sheridans new series aims for something resonant but falls short, generating more grist for the Yellowstone mill.

The Madison premieres Saturday on Paramount+.

The post The Madison Review: Michelle Pfeiffer Is the Vibrant Heart of Taylor Sheridans Wonky Ode to the Countryside appeared first on TheWrap.
Taylor Sheridans next drama will take us back to Montanabut, this time, were not hanging around the Dutton Ranch. Instead, Sheridans latest series centers around the Madison River from which it draws its title.

Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, 1883, Landman, and numerous other hit shows, returns this March with The Madison, a six-episode Paramount+ series premiering March 14. The show follows the Clyburns, a wealthy New York family whose lives shift dramatically after a tragedy sends them from Manhattan to Montana.

At the center of the story is Stacy Clyburn (Michelle Pfeiffer), the familys matriarch, who guides her loved ones through grief and an unfamiliar environment far from the comforts of their city life.

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As the drama unfolds across two worldsand multiple generationsheres who youll see bringing The Madison to life.

Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn

Emerson Miller /Paramount +

Pfeiffer leads the series as Stacy Clyburn, the matriarch of a prominent family who relocates to the Madison River valley after an unexpected loss. Stacy becomes the emotional anchor for her family as they attempt to navigate grief while adapting to life far outside their usual social circles.

In an interview with Town & Country, Pfeiffer described Stacy as someone trying to hold her family together during a difficult time. She is really the anchor of her family and trying to be the moral compass when tragedy ensues, the actress said. Theyre this New York socialite family traveling in all of the elite circles, and struggle is not something that they experience often.

Pfeiffer, an Oscar-nominated actress, has appeared in films including Scarface (1983), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), Hairspray (2007), Ant-Man & the Wasp (2018), and may more, and will appear in the Apple TV series Margos Got Money Troubles later this spring.

Kurt Russell as Preston Clyburn

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Russell plays Preston Clyburn, Stacys beloved husband and the patriarch of the Clyburn family. Unlike his city-oriented wife, daughters, and granddaughters, Preston feels deeply connected to the outdoors and frequently visits his brother Pauls home along the Madison River in Montana.

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When tragedy strikes, the family gathers at that property, forcing them to confront both the loss theyre experiencing and the unfamiliar world around them.

Russell told Town & Country that the series ultimately centers on Stacys narrative arc. Its a womans journey, he said.

Russell is known for films including Escape From New York (1981), The Thing (1982), Silkwood (1983), Tequila Sunrise (1988), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and many more.

Beau Garrett as Abigail Reese

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Garrett plays Abigail Reese, the eldest daughter of Stacy and Preston. Recently divorced, Abigail is raising two daughtersBridget and Macywhile navigating the familys sudden relocation and the emotional upheaval that follows.

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Garrett has appeared in films Turistas (2006), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), Tron: Legacy (2010), and Freelancers (2012), and is also known for her television work in the shows Girlfriends Guide to Divorce, The Good Doctor, and Firefly Lane.

Elle Chapman as Paige McIntosh

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Chapman portrays Paige McIntosh, Stacy and Prestons younger daughter. Paige lives a privileged life in New York with her husband, Russell, making the shift to Montana particularly jarring for them both.

Chapman previously appeared in the film A Man Called Otto.

Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh

Emerson Miller /Paramount +

Adams plays Russell McIntosh, Paiges husband and an investment banker accustomed to Manhattans elite social scene.

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Adams is best known for starring as Mike Ross in the legal drama Suits.

Amiah Miller as Bridget Reese

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Miller plays Bridget Reese, Abigails older daughter and the granddaughter of Stacy and Preston. As one of the younger members of the family, Bridget experiences the upheaval of their new life from a different generational perspective.

Miller is best known for her appearance in War for the Planet of the Apes (2017).

Alaina Pollack as Macy Reese

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Pollack plays Macy Reese, Abigails younger daughter and Stacy and Prestons granddaughter.

Pollacks previous work includes the series On Call and the film The Surrender (2025).

Matthew Fox as Paul Clyburn

Emerson Miller /Paramount +

Fox appears as Paul Clyburn, Prestons brother. Paul shares Prestons appreciation for the outdoors, and he owns the Montana property that becomes central to the familys story.

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Fox is best known for his TV roles in Lost and Party of Five, as well as his performances in films We Are Marshall (2006), Alex Cross (2012), and Bone Tomahawk (2015).

Ben Schnetzer as Van Davis

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Schnetzer plays Van Davis, a Montana rancher and local sheriff who becomes connected to the events unfolding around the Clyburn family.

Schnetzer has appeared in projects including The Book Thief (2013), Pride (2014), Y: The Last Man, and 3 Body Problem.

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Grief is, unfortunately, a core component of the human condition, because no matter a persons background or social status, loss is universal. Taylor Sheridans latest family drama for Paramount+, The Madison, follows the Clyburn family in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. The series is about the horrific shock of unexpected sorrow, how death can divide families (or bring people together) and how navigating pain can alter perspectives and paths forward. The show has interesting themes and a powerhouse performance from Michelle Pfeiffer. Unfortunately, its rather thin on story, relying more on stunning landscape shots and dramatic music than dynamic dialogue and narrative.

The Madison opens in Madison River, Montana. Though the series is set in the same universe as Yellowstone, this tiny town feels light-years away from the towering Dutton dynasty. Two men, Preston (Kurt Russell) and Paul Clyburn (Matthew Fox), are enjoying their time fishing. Though the brothers own the land and cabins together, and obviously revere this very special place, only Paul lives in Montana full-time. Prestons life is 2,000 miles east in New York City.

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In New York, viewers meet Prestons no-nonsense wife Stacy (Pfeiffer). Shes attending a charity event when she gets a call from her distraught younger daughter, Paige (Elle Chapman), claiming shes been robbed on 5th Avenue. Ever the dedicated mother, Stacy runs to her adult daughters aid, fussing at her for not using a driver for her errands. (According to Sheridan, New York City is some unspeakable war zone where wealthy white one-percenters are getting attacked and robbed in broad daylight.) Later at a restaurant, the rest of the Clyburn clan is more engaged with their devices than conversing as a family. Paiges husband, Russell (Patrick J. Adams), is rendered a perpetual outsider at a table full of women, a reflection of the scripts underdeveloped supporting characters. The eldest Clyburn daughter, Abby (Beau Garrett), and her two children, 15-year-old Bridgette (Amiah Miller) and elementary-age Macy (Alaina Pollack), round out a family dynamic painted with broad, predictable strokes.

For reasons this review cannot reveal, the Clyburns of New York find themselves in Montana to confront an unfathomable accident and all the gut-wrenching emotions and paperwork that come amid loss. Through these sequences and in flashbacks, the audience is offered additional details surrounding the Clyburns history. Preston and Stacy have a 45-year-long romance that began humbly and has flourished as their family and finances have grown. Though Paige initially appears to be the bratty younger sister, its clear she is the more career-focused and ambitious of the Clyburn daughters. By contrast, after becoming a mother at a young age, Abby has never figured out who she is or what she wants. Aside from a failed marriage and her two children, she seems rather directionless, relying on her parents to sustain her and her girls lifestyle.

Sadness is typically the baseline in depictions of grief. However, The Madison also talks about rage as another symptom of anguish. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many of the Clyburns lash out, even against those who offer condolences, including their Madison River neighbors, Cade (Kevin Zegers) and Kestrel Davis (Danielle Vasinova), Montana Sheriff Deputy Van Davis (Ben Schnetzer) and even Stacys best friend, Liliana Weeks (Rebecca Spence). Seeing the array of emotions and how they spill out of the Clyburns and onto others are the most compelling elements of the show. Still, when the plot shifts away from mourning, it begins to fray.

Overall, The Madison accurately depicts how lonely, frightening and infuriating confronting death can be. The still-living members of the Clyburn family act out their heartbreak in a variety of ways. There are, of course, the expected sobbing spells, the exhaustion that grows while trying to move forward and all of the legal and logistical red tape that sprouts forth when someones life comes to an end. Yet, instead of a thoroughly unpacked first season, the six episodes feel like a prologue of whats to come, perhaps because a second season of The Madison has already been greenlit. It will be interesting to see how the Clyburns story expands and if it can do so in a way that sustains the narrative and characters over many seasons. For now, it all feels much more trite than profound.

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The first three episodes of The Madison debut March 14 on Paramount+, with the remaining three episodes streaming March 21.

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CLEVELAND  Popular meteorologist Hollie Strano is returning to the Northeast Ohio news scene, joining a Cleveland digital media outlet.

Strano, who spent more than 20 years as a meteorologist for WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland, will be forecasting the weather for Cleveland 13 News.

A news release said Strano is known for her "warmth, humor and engaging on-air presence."

"Her return to weather comes after a period of personal reflection, recovery and resilience," the announcement said. "In a recent Cleveland 13 interview, Strano openly discusses the challenges she faced following a highly publicized 2023 OVI incident, as well as the private health battle she later confronted after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024."

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Following two major surgeries, Strano announced she is now cancer-free and has since dedicated herself to raising awareness about ovarian cancer and encouraging others to listen to their instincts about their health, Cleveland 13 said.

I'm stepping into this next phase of my life with authenticity and purpose, Strano said duringher interview with Cleveland 13. I was limited before, but not anymore. The creative possibilitiesahead are endless.

Meteorologist Hollie Strano will be joining Cleveland 13 News. Strano worked at WKYC in Cleveland for more than 20 years.

Strano has been Mix 94.1 meteorologist

This past summer, Strano was hired as meteorologist for Mix 94.1 FM in Canton. Joel Murphy, program director and afternoon radio personality for Mix 94.1, part of Connoisseur Media, said Strano is still providing forecasts for 94.1 seven days a week.

Strano was dismissed by WKYC in 2024. She filed a lawsuit against the TV station, claiming that she was terminated for sharing her story on social media regarding her treatment for alcoholism and for promoting a product on her social media pages, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

Cleveland 13 News President Matt Greminger said Stranos return reflects both her personal resilience and the communitys enduring connection with her.

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Hollie has always had a genuine relationship with Northeast Ohio viewers, Greminger said. Her story is one of perseverance, honesty and growth. Cleveland 13 is proud to provide a platform where she can continue sharing her passion for weather and for this community.

Stranos role with Cleveland 13 will focus on delivering weather updates, special communitysegments, "and storytelling that connects directly with viewers across Northeast Ohio," the news release said.

Additional programming details and weather segments featuring Strano will be announced byCleveland 13 News in the coming weeks.

Sun and clouds: Hollie Strano, former WKYC TV meteorologist, gets new gig in Stark County

Meteorologist Hollie Strano will be joining Cleveland 13 News. Strano worked at WKYC in Cleveland for more than 20 years.

What is Cleveland 13 News?

Cleveland 13 News's website describes the outlet as "a modern, community-driven news network built to inform, empower, and connect Northeast Ohio through transparent journalism and authentic storytelling."

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Cleveland 13 News is not a traditional broadcast channel. It is accessible at www.cleveland13news.com.

"In the digital era, more than 80% of audiences access news outside of traditional television broadcasts or print newspapers," the outlet's website says. "Information flows through social platforms, streaming services, websites, podcasts, and mobile devices."

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Popular Ohio meteorologist Hollie Strano joins Cleveland 13 News
As an Italian-American, food is a huge part of how I experience the world. I grew up in a family where Sunday sauce simmered on the stove for hours and cheese, cured meats and pasta were never in short supply. Later in my career, I spent more than 15 years working for one of the most recognizable Italian-American food personalities in the world, which meant professional levels of grocery shopping and talking about ingredients, traditions and cooking techniques every single day. These days, as a content creator and food writer, I spend an enormous amount of time walking grocery aisles, analyzing products and figuring out which ones are actually worth buying.

And if theres one store that constantly surprises me when it comes to Italian ingredients, its Costco.

The warehouse carries an impressively broad range of Italian and Italian-inspired products, from cheeses imported directly from Italy to pantry staples, cured meats, pasta and even ready-to-heat comfort foods. Some of these items are incredible values and genuinely high quality. Othersnot so much.

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For this list, I defined Italian pretty broadly. Some products are authentic ingredients made in Italy, like Parmigiano-Reggiano or balsamic vinegar. Others are staples I regularly use to cook Italian and Italian-American dishes at home, like pasta, sausage or pesto. And a few are prepared foods that help create classic Italian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

After many Costco trips and plenty of taste-testing at home, here are the Italian groceries I always buy at this fan-favorite store, and a few Id skip.

Related: We Made Sauce With 16 Different Canned Tomatoes and the Winner Won by a Landslide

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

What Italian Products Do They Sell at Costco?

Costcos Italian selection is surprisingly extensive. Youll find everything from imported pantry staples to ready-to-eat meals that make weeknight dinners easier.

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On the ingredient side, the store regularly stocks high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegar, pasta, olives and cheeses imported directly from Italy. Theres also a strong selection of cured meats like salami and prosciutto that are perfect for antipasto platters or grazing boards.

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

Beyond pantry staples, Costco also carries prepared Italian foods that make cooking fast and convenientthink frozen lasagnas, tiramisu desserts and refrigerated sauces or meatballs that can turn into dinner in minutes.

Related: Thats Amore! 12 Classic Italian Pizza Recipes That Are Pure Happiness in Pie Form

12 Best Italian Groceries To Buy at Costco

Whether youre cooking a traditional Italian meal from scratch or looking for shortcuts that still taste great, Costcos Italian section has plenty worth exploring. Here are the 12 to check out first.

1. Italian Cheeses: Pecorino Romano, Kirkland Parmigiano Reggiano and Crescenza Stracchino

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

When it comes to Italian cheeses, Costco is one of the best places to buy them. The pricing on Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano is almost impossible to beat, especially considering the quality. If you cook Italian food regularly, these cheeses get used quickly on pasta, salads, soups and roasted vegetables, so buying them in larger quantities actually makes sense.

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Costco also occasionally carries Crescenza Stracchino, a soft, creamy cheese thats fantastic spread on bread or paired with prosciutto. For Italian cheese lovers, this section alone is worth the membership.

2. Mama Mancini's Italian Style Sauce & Jumbo Meatballs

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

These are a sleeper hit in the refrigerated section. The meatballs are tender, well-seasoned and genuinely satisfying. Do they rival my nonnas homemade meatballs? Not quite...but for a weeknight dinner when your kids are asking for meatballs (again), theyre a lifesaver.

The sauce is hearty and flavorful, and the meatballs heat up beautifully for pasta night, sandwiches or even as part of a quick appetizer spread.

3. Cured Meats: Kirkland Italian-Style Dry Salami and Beretta Parma Ham

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

The cured meats at Costco are another category where the value is outstanding. The Kirkland Italian-style dry salame comes in a two-pack and is balanced, savory with great texture.

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Costco also regularly carries Prosciutto di Parma, which is one of the most iconic Italian cured meats. Both products are staples for antipasto platters, grazing boards and even lunch boxes. If you love entertaining or snacking theyre an easy buy.

4. Tiramisu Cups

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

These individual tiramisu cups are made in Italy and include the classic ingredients youd expect: espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone and cocoa.

I first bought them on a whim for a dinner party (full disclosure: I am not a dessert maker), and the crowd absolutely loved them. Theyre authentic, well-balanced and packaged perfectly for serving at gatherings or building a quick dessert bar.

Related: The Italian Way to Transform Fruit Into a Perfect Frozen Treat

5. Kirkland Signature Italian Basil Pesto

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

This pesto has appeared on nearly every Costco list Ive written, and for good reason. The flavor is classic and reliable, with basil, cheese and olive oil that taste freshly made.

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Because the jar is large, I usually freeze half once I open it so none goes to waste. It works beautifully as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, salad topper or even layered into lasagna.

6. Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

This sparkling wine comes from Italys Veneto region and is widely considered one of the best wine deals at Costco. The bottle typically costs around $7$8, yet drinks like something much more expensive.

Its crisp, light and incredibly versatile. I use it for spritzes, keep it on hand for celebrations and often bring it to gatherings. Its one of those Costco items I rarely leave the warehouse without.

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

This balsamic vinegar is another excellent pantry staple. The bottle is large, so it lasts a long time, and the flavor is surprisingly rich for the price.

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Its perfect for making salad dressings, drizzling over vegetables or dipping bread with olive oil. For everyday cooking, it delivers impressive quality without the premium price tag.

8. Rustic Italian Bread

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

Costcos bakery section consistently turns out great breads, and the rustic Italian loaf is one of the best.

It has a crisp crust, soft interior and the kind of flavor you want for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Its also excellent sliced for sandwiches or served alongside pasta dinners.

9. Kirkland Sausage and Beef Lasagna

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

Lasagna is one of those dishes that requires serious time and effort to make from scratch. Costcos frozen sausage and beef lasagna is one of the rare prepared versions that truly delivers.

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Its comforting, flavorful and layered well, making it perfect for busy nights. I wouldnt hesitate to serve this to family as an easy starter or casual dinner.

Related: 25 Spicy, Sweet & Saucy Italian Sausage Recipes to Work Into Your Weeknight Rotation

10. Asaro Organic Castelvetrano Olives

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

Castelvetrano olives are my favorite olives, period. Theyre buttery, mild and incredibly snackable.

The Costco jar is huge and typically costs under $10, making it a fantastic value. Theyre perfect for antipasto platters, salads, charcuterie boards or just snacking straight from the jar.

11. Garofalo Organic Pasta

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

This six-pack of organic pasta is one of the best deals in the warehouse. The shapes are classic, the quality is excellent and the price, usually under $12, is almost unheard of for organic pasta.

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If you cook pasta regularly, its an easy pantry staple to stock up on.

12. Kirkland Signature Mild Italian Sausage

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

Whether you grill them whole or remove the meat from the casing for sauces and pasta dishes, these sausages are incredibly versatile.

They freeze beautifully, making them ideal for bulk buying. The flavor is well-balanced and works perfectly in dishes like sausage and peppers, baked ziti or homemade meat sauce.

Related: The One Italian Destination You Must Visit in Your Lifetime, According to Stanley Tucci

3 Italian Groceries To Skip at Costco

1. Stonemill Kitchens Mushroom Risotto

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

I had high hopes for this prepared risotto, but unfortunately it falls short. Risotto should be creamy, fresh and full of flavor, and this version misses the mark.

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The mushroom flavor is pleasant, but the rice texture isnt quite right. Risotto is one of those dishes thats simply better when made fresh.

2. Kirkland Signature Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

While Costco sells many excellent products, this olive oil isnt my favorite. The biggest issue is the packagingits bottled in plastic.

Olive oil is best stored in dark glass bottles to preserve its flavor and quality. Because of that, I usually choose other olive oil options instead.

3. Costco Food Court Calzone

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma (Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma)

I really wanted to love this food court item. Who doesnt love a calzone?!

Unfortunately, the flavors feel a bit chaotic and the center tends to be overly soft and mushy. When it comes to the Costco food court, Id stick with the classics, like the hot dog combo.

Related: This Meal-Time Must-Have Just Entered Costco For a Limited TimeGet It Before Its Gone

Final Takeaways

Costco is one of my favorite places to shop for Italian ingredients. Not just because of the prices, but because many of the products are genuinely high quality. From imported cheeses and cured meats to pantry staples like pasta, pesto and balsamic vinegar, the warehouse offers incredible value if you know what to look for.

And if youre someone who loves cooking Italian or Italian-American food at home, stocking up on the right items can make weeknight dinners feel a lot more special.

Just remember: not everything in the Italian aisle is a winner. But with the right picks in your cart, youll walk out ready to cook and eat very well.

Up Next:

Related: This New Costco Bakery Find Is Made for Simple Comfort Meals

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Friday the 13th is here again, and while some may brace for bad luck, its also a chance to lean into the day with a little fun  and maybe even a little weather luck.

From quirky traditions to playful rituals, theres no reason this unlucky date cant be turned into a celebration of good fortune.

Across New York, snowy skies, bitter temperatures and strong winds give residents the perfect backdrop to test superstitions, chase a little luck, or simply enjoy a Friday the 13th thats more charm than misfortune.

Where did Friday the 13th come from?

Friday the 13ths reputation for bad luck largely originates from religious and cultural beliefs. In Christianity, it is associated with the Last Supper, where Judas, the 13th guest, betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion on a Friday, according to USA TODAY.

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Norse mythology also contributes, with the 13th god, Loki, bringing chaos and death.

This superstition deepened over time, particularly after the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th, 1307, further cementing the days unlucky status.

When is the next Friday the 13th?

2026 will feature three Friday the 13ths  in February, March and November  the maximum number possible in a single year. This happens because Februarys shorter length shifts the calendar just enough to allow the extra occurrences.

7 Friday the 13th superstitions to either avoid or pursue

Avoid:

Breaking a mirror : Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, so handle glass carefully today.

Walking under a ladder : This superstition stems from the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the triangle, a symbol of life, and invites misfortune.

Spilling salt : Accidentally spilling salt has been seen as bad luck for centuries. To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off evil.

Crossing paths with a black cat : Black cats, often associated with witches and bad omens, are considered unlucky, especially when they cross your path on Friday the 13th.

Stepping on Cracks: The rhyme "step on a crack, break your mother's back" comes from the idea that stepping on cracks invites bad energy or harm.

To pursue:

Carrying a lucky charm : Items like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes or rabbits feet are believed to bring good luck and protection from bad vibes.

Knocking on wood: This age-old superstition is believed to prevent bad luck or jinxes. If you say something hopeful, knock on wood to "seal the deal" and keep good fortune on your side.

Will New York weather bring luck or disfortune?

Weather often carries symbolic meaning in folklore, too.

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Rain on Friday the 13th can be seen as a wash of misfortune  or, if youre optimistic, a chance to cleanse bad luck and start fresh. Snow symbolizes quiet and reflection, a reminder to slow down and be cautious, but it can also bring a peaceful, lucky pause to your day. Sunny skies are traditionally linked to good fortune, optimism, and clear paths  making it the perfect backdrop to chase luck or test your superstitions.

According to the National Weather Service forecasts, Friday the 13th may bring a mix of luck and reflection across New York.

In New York City and the downstate region, increasing clouds and breezy winds are expected with highs near the upper 40s. While sunshine is often tied to luck in folklore, cloudy skies can symbolize uncertainty  the kind of mystery that makes Friday the 13th feel a little more magical. A slight chance of rain early tonight may offer that symbolic cleansing moment before skies gradually clear.

In Rochester and western New York, rain and snow showers are expected through the day before changing to all rain later in the afternoon, with highs near 42 and gusty winds. In folklore, rain can symbolize washing away misfortune  while the mix of snow adds a reminder to slow down and stay cautious. Tonight, rain may turn back to snow with breezy conditions, reinforcing the days theme of reflection and unpredictability.

In Syracuse and central New York, rain and snow are also expected during the day, with highs near 42 and little snow accumulation. Like Rochester, the mix of precipitation carries symbolic meaning  rain washing away bad luck while snow encourages caution and reflection. Overnight, lingering rain and snow showers keep that reflective tone going into the night.

No matter the weather, each condition offers its own Friday the 13th spin: a little caution, a little magic, and a chance to turn the day in your favor.

New York weather watches and warnings

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 7 Friday the 13th superstitions: Will New York weather bring you luck?
Ambassador Andrew Young is celebrating his 94th birthday in style.

The former ambassador to the United Nations and Atlanta mayor traveled to the Bahamas with some of his closest family and friends for his birthday.

Channel 2s Karyn Greer joined them as the emcee for the festivities.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

We were there as Ambassador Young arrived to the party with current Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker.

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Ambassador Young, you could have chosen many places to mark this birthday...the fact that you chose the Bahamas means a great deal to us, said Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Thomas. We take it as a kindness, we take it as an honor, and we hope that during your time here, you feel surrounded by our love.

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Walker added that he remembers meeting Ambassador Young as a child and credits him with inspiring him to accomplish all the things he has.

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The Bahamas has a special connection with Ambassador Young. The country did not have fair and free elections until the ambassador stepped in decades ago.

The party lasts all weekend, culminating in a jazz brunch on Sunday.

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Before Mark Cuban built billion-dollar companies, a splurge did not involve a steakhouse reservation or a tasting menu. It meant a hot dog.

The Cost Plus Drugs co-founder and billionaire entrepreneur pushed back at critics on X in 2024 after musician John Rich suggested Cuban had become disconnected from everyday Americans. Rich wrote that Cuban had not bought groceries or pumped gas in decades and said only someone out of touch would make certain comments about retail investors.

Cuban responded directly.

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"Lol. You have no clue," Cuban said in the thread. "You don't know sh*t about me. And you obviously don't know what a retail investor is."

Then he shared a reminder about his early days living on a tight budget.

"I try to be healthy now," Cuban said. "But when I splurged it was a hot dog with mustard, ketchup and relish. Rather have it than any nice restaurant meal."

Living lean before the billions

Cuban has long described his early entrepreneur years as anything but glamorous.

Before selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo in 1999 for billions, he lived with roommates in a small apartment and worked nonstop to build businesses. His car was an old Fiat with rust so severe the floorboard reportedly showed the road beneath his feet.

Trending: Most founders obsess over the wrong hires. See the 5 startup roles that actually determine whether a company scales or stalls.

Meals were equally simple. Cuban has said cheap staples like macaroni and cheese was common while he tried to stretch every dollar.

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Credit problems made life even harder. Cuban has recalled that his credit was so poor he could not secure financing at RadioShack for basic electronics.

Those years shaped a philosophy he has repeated often. Entrepreneurs should live like students while building their companies.

Spend as little as possible. Extend the runway. Put the money into the business.

A familiar story among billionaires

Cuban's hot dog story may sound modest for someone worth billions today, but many wealthy founders share similar memories.

Berkshire Hathaway Chair Warren Buffett has famously said he prefers a McDonald's burger and fries over expensive restaurant meals.

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has also spoken about enjoying simple everyday food.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk once described experimenting with how cheaply he could live during his early startup days. Musk said he could keep himself alive on roughly $1 a day in the U.S.. His menu included hot dogs, oranges, and pasta.

Stories like these appear frequently among founders who built companies from scratch. During the early years, saving money often mattered more than eating well.

See Also: Think you're saving enough for your kids? You might be dangerously off  see why

Why the early habits stick

For entrepreneurs who spent years counting every dollar, simple meals can carry a certain nostalgia.

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The food itself may not be impressive. What it represents often is.

Cuban's post suggested that even after decades of business success, the memory of that cheap splurge still stands out.

For someone building a company with limited cash, a hot dog with mustard, ketchup, and relish was not just dinner. It was proof that a tight budget could still allow for a small celebration.

Image: Shutterstock

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This article Billionaire Mark Cuban Says When He Was Broke, His 'Splurge' Meal Was A Hot Dog With Mustard, Ketchup And Relish  'I Try To Be Healthy Now' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Stepping into the Wonkytown backyard in 2024 felt like witnessing the birth of a new collegiate escapade. From the bounce house and hair tinsel stylists to the vendors selling chocolate chip cookies, the disordered activities combined for an odd yet quintessential Florida State University experience.

Wonkytown looks different today. After paying $20 instead of $7, patrons enter a backyard featuring a DJ in the corner. Surrounded by LED lights, the atmosphere resembles a club vibe rather than a simple backyard. What started as a small Instagram page is now a website, with a corporate-style brand replacing the independent group look.

Never miss an opinion: Sign up for the FSView Newsletter today

Wonkytowns 'The Way of the Wonk' origins

Despite the tonal shift, Wonkytown has established itself as an integral part of FSU nightlife. The Way of the Wonk has remained in students vocabulary since the events first popped up in the Tallahassee social scene.

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Last fall and last spring, Wonky was fun and a chill place to go and party on the weekends just like any other house party, classical archaeology major Valerie Grimaldo said to the FSView. It had great themes, chill vibes, and most importantly, people who werent afraid to crazy commit to the theme.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, partygoers dressed up for a lower entrance fee or a first-place spot in costume competitions. From Cowboys Versus Aliens and the Saltburn party to a Daft Punk night, Wonkytowns themes catered to every guest ready to commit to the dress code.

Many themes now center on DJ sets or parrot signature Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) parties. With themes like Ski Town and the long-repeated Miami Vice, Wonkytown has aligned its events with the music rather than the crowds fashion.

Tallahassee's Greek life influence on Wonkytown

The crowds population has shifted as well. As Wonkytown has become more recognizable, it has become distinctly more Greek-oriented. IFC members host the parties, serve as bouncers, and provide security.

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They always need security workers  Normally, its just a bunch of D Sigs that apply. I guess they just happened to get intertwined by luck, hospitality and tourism management major and Delta Sigma Phi member Massimo Illari told the FSView. I remember when they first started last year. They barely had any security, they barely had anything; it was just out of the house.

What was once an Instagram post looking for volunteers to run security is now a standard procedure. Wonkytown established a stricter training system with protocols and pre-party meetings. This formal feel has some students pushing back against the laissez-faire atmosphere of the initial events.

Opinion: Do Florida State students party too hard?

The prices have been jacked up, and so has security. [Its] to the point where you might as well just go to a club, Grimaldo said. Wonky has lost its whimsy and its sense of being a house party; now its literally like going to a club outside, and the people that it now attracts make fun of or judge the people who go all out.

Expanding Florida's party scene

Wonkytowns website lists rules for respect and safety under the title The Way of the Wonk. The final sentence states, The Wonk is a safe space for all, if you do not follow the way. You will be kicked out.

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Some students believe the new Wonkytown should remain, arguing that the upgraded vibe is necessary to expand the brand's appeal.

More: Late night eats fuel Tallahassee nightlife

Last year, I feel like it truly was just a few people in a backyard, just throwing a party. And now, its really like, this is a real business. I remember when it first started, you didnt have online tickets, you had to go buy them in person, Illari said. I feel like theyve reached that perfect level of where it feels like a real event, but its still got that charm of kind of a home-thrown thing.

Wonkytown shows no signs of slowing down its evolution into the club scene. Since rebuilding its staff at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, the house party conglomerate appears keen on expanding.

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I know theyre trying to expand it into the St. Pete area, Wonkytown ambassador Madilyn Taylor said to the FSView. To bring it to different cities around in Florida, or honestly anywhere.

Emmie Klekamp is a Senior Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.

This article originally appeared on FSU News: Commentary: Students discuss changes to Wonkytown
Cumberland Farms, part of UK-based EG Group, has signed an agreement to purchase convenience and fuel retailer Coen Markets, widening its presence in sections of the north-eastern US.

The transaction covers 54 trading locations and three new-to-industry sites currently under development.

Coen Markets network spans Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia.

Coen Markets' president Andy McIlvaine said: Coen Markets has expanded successfully with its distinctive food offer, value-creating Club Coen loyalty programme, and store-level execution in line with our mission to 'impress and satisfy its guests with every visit and make their lives simpler.

The companies expect the deal to close later this year, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Financial details were not provided.

Cumberland Farms said the purchase aligns with its approach of growing via selected, complementary investments.

It expects Coen Markets regional footprint and foodservice offering to add to its existing US business.

Coen Markets is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and operates stores featuring full-kitchen formats serving items such as pepperoni rolls, handmade pizza and bean-to-cup coffee.

Founded in 2001, Cumberland Farms operates across eight countries.

The US is its biggest market by revenue, followed by several European markets, including France, Luxembourg, and the UK, as well as Australia.

Cumberland Farms CEO Russ Colaco said: This acquisition is a clear expression of our commitment to disciplined growth in the US - our largest market by both sites and revenue."

The agreement follows EG Groups recent move in France.

Last month, the company agreed to sell its operating business in the country to EG On The Move, part of an ongoing plan to leave the French market.

Under that arrangement, EG On The Move entered a put option to acquire 260 sites in France, and the proposed sale is part of a broader set of transactions aimed at divesting EG Groups French operations.

"Cumberland Farms to acquire Coen Markets in north-east US expansion" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




SALEM, S.D. (KELO)  St. Patricks Day is coming up on Tuesday, and communities all around South Dakota are getting ready to celebrate a little Irish heritage.

Flashback Friday: Hot dogs and hoops

In this weeks Flashback Friday, KELOLANDs Steve O Cyphers takes us back to 1982 and introduces us to a Salem man who created his own one-man St. Patricks Day parade.

It may not be as extravagant, but Salems parade is special. It comes to you. You dont go to it, and it comes to you in the form of an 88-year-old, full-blooded and darn proud to be an Irishman.

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Im a full-blooded Irishman. I want you all to know it, by God.

The man many Salem residents call Mr. Irish is actually Harry Gary. For about ten years, hes meandered down Main in this rather garish outfit, distributing a lot of Irish cheer. A little Irish luck, and 24 dozen Irish cookies.

Each acquaintance gets one, but if youre a Democrat, you might get two.

And apparently, the townspeople love every bit of it.

I was talking it up that Im going to quit. Im going to be an old guy, Im going to stop this, they say you gotta keep doing it.

So he keeps on doing it and doing so in style. And when a cookie doesnt satisfy a sometimes demanding public, Harry offers more. Hes never been to Ireland, but his grandparents were born there, and to him, theres nothing finer than being 100% Irish. But he does realize that not everyone can be.

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What do you think of other people who dont have any Irish in them?

Its just a misfortune.

Oh.

Steve O Cyphers, KELOLAND News. Salem.

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 KELOLAND.com.
I tried Ina Garten's easy shepherd's pie recipe.

The meal took less than an hour to prepare.

The pie's filling was flavorful and savory, while the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy.

I'm an Irish-American, but I didn't grow up eating shepherd's pie.

This traditional Irish dish has its origins in the late 1700s, when rural women made it using ingredients from their Sunday roast dinners to repurpose leftovers, Britannica reported.

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However, shepherd's pie has become a favorite in the US, as well. While Irish versions typically use lamb, many American versions of the recipe use ground beef or turkey instead, and celebrity chefs like Ina Garten have published their own unique spins on the dish, perfect for weeknight meals.

Garten is one of the most beloved celebrity chefs  with a reported net worth in the millions, 13 cookbooks under her belt, and a devoted fan following  so her shepherd's pie seemed a good place for me to start.

Her recipe, reposted by the recipe blog Half-Scratched, calls for ingredients such as carrots, celery, white button mushrooms, ground turkey, and homemade mashed potatoes.

Here's how to make Ina Garten's shepherd's pie.

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I started by peeling my Yukon gold potatoes.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

A bag of potatoes typically weighs around 5 pounds, but the recipe only called for 3 pounds of potatoes. In the end, I found that this was the perfect amount to fully cover the pie.

I then chopped the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and placed them in a pot with water.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I simmered the potatoes until they were tender. This took about 20 minutes.

I used a time-saving hack to prepare my vegetables.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

The recipe called for finely diced carrots, celery, and white button mushrooms. I decided to use a food processor to easily chop my vegetables. I liked the end result and found this was the simplest way to prepare all the vegetables in seconds.

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I also hand-chopped some mushrooms to add more texture.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

After my vegetables were chopped, I set them aside in a small bowl and turned my attention toward cooking the meat.

The recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey meat, but you can get creative if you don't want to use turkey.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

You can use practically any kind of ground meat you would like, or even plant-based ground meat if you're vegetarian. I ended up liking the choice of ground turkey since it made the very stick-to-your-bones meal a little bit lighter than if I had used meat with higher fat content.

I ended up using a package and a half of ground turkey.

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While the turkey cooked, I crumbled it with a wooden spoon. Once the meat was fully cooked, I removed it from the pan with a slotted metal spoon and left the fat in the pan.

The recipe also called for diced onion.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I chopped it using the food processor again and added it to the pan.

I started to saute the onion, and it filled my kitchen with a delicious aroma. There should be enough fat in the pan from the turkey to saute the onion, but you can also add olive oil or butter if you don't have enough liquid.

I then added the other vegetables and cooked them down until they were combined and soft.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I also added flour to the pan, creating a paste-like mixture.

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I then added chicken broth and cooked the mixture until it was fully combined and some of the liquid had evaporated.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I also added tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, and frozen peas to the pan and continued cooking the filling until it reached a simmer.

After stirring in the turkey, the mixture was really starting to resemble the filling of shepherd's pie.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I removed the bay leaves and herb sprigs before seasoning the mixture to taste and setting it aside.

After I finished the pie filling, I started getting my potatoes ready for baking.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

After draining the potatoes, I hand-mashed them in the same pot I cooked them in. The recipe called for a hand mixer, but I found a potato masher just as effective at making creamy mashed potatoes, especially after adding in a mixture of whole milk, almost a stick of Kerry Gold butter, and sour cream.

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The potatoes turned out perfectly creamy.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I seasoned them to taste and set them aside. I then preheated my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

I added the pie filling to a large casserole dish and used a spoon to create an even layer of the meat and vegetables.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

There was a perfect amount of filling to create a thick layer.

I spread the creamy mashed potatoes over the filling, making sure to reach the edges of the pan.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

Despite never having made this dish before, I found the process easy to follow and not overwhelming at all. I also had a spoonful of mashed potatoes left over to taste and thought they were delicious.

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I wanted to have a deep-golden crust on the mashed potatoes, so I let the pie cook a bit longer than the recipe suggested.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I cooked the pie in the oven for about half an hour, although the recipe suggested it would be done after 20 minutes. All in all, the recipe took me less than an hour in total to prepare.

All ovens can vary slightly in cook time, so I suggest checking the dish until you're happy with the result.

When I served the pie, it was piping hot and delicious. I would definitely make this recipe again for St. Patricks Day.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

It didn't quite hold its shape, but I imagine it would have if I had let the pie sit for a minute or two before I served it. However, I simply couldn't resist diving in.

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The mashed potatoes were creamy, the filling was perfectly seasoned, and the vegetables all came through in a medley of flavors. It was simple enough to be convenient for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for a dinner party.

The recipe also made enough to feed six people and in my experience, with plenty of leftovers, so it also seemed a cost-effective option to feed a family or to prep meals for the week.

In my book, this cozy recipe got a thumbs up.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The craft beer boom is likely over.

According to the Brewers Association, 2024 was the first year over the past 20 that saw more breweries close than open in the United States. In 2025, 434 breweries reportedly closed, while 268 opened. In the association's mid-year survey in July, it reported craft beer production was down 5%.

When I visited the 10th annual New England Craft Brew Summit on March 6, multiple Maine brewers I spoke withsome well-seasoned and some just starting outagreed the industry was reaching a plateau. But none of them said it with great concern.

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In a hospitality industry dependent on the whims of visitors and fueled by chemical reactions difficult to perfect, brewers are used to changes.

Indeed, a standing-room crowd packed a large ballroom at the summit to hear a panel discussion highlighting their colleagues biggest mess-ups.

Sam Calagione, the revered founder of Dogfish Head, spoke of a massive beer release he and his team pushed out that fell flat from the beginning.

Rob Tod, the man behind Allagash Brewing, let out an embarrassed laugh when describing a time, early on, he was nearly electrocuted when he dropped a live wire onto an aluminum cooler.

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Rounding out the panel, Orono Brewings Abe Furth recounted when he had concrete poured into his newly purchased taproom, only to watch it overflow and splinter wood posts in its path.

Furth and his colleagues freely shared these low points, because other brewers had shared their experiences with them years before.

RELATED: Exploring a 30-year beer legacy with Rob Tod

So much of it has just been listening to those that came before us and being inspired by people that have grown some of the country's most respected and largest breweries, Furth said of his experience in the industry. And those folks being accessible and happy to share knowledge is amazing.

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Across town from the summit, Ryan Dunlap opened Argenta Brewing in Portlands crowded beer scene in 2024, during the plateau. He said he had brewing experience at Atlantic in Bar Harbor years earlier. But he is in charge now, and chose to feature lagers in an IPA-rich market.

For us, I knew that putting out styles that are, kind of, part of that larger pie of beer, like our American lager, our rice lager, like all these really drinkable beers, we'd have more of an opportunity to capture customers that aren't just craft beer customers, Dunlap explained while standing in his taproom.

To reach customers, the young brewer became a social media whiz, posting consistently on TikTok and Instagram to attract an algorithm near you.

People specifically come here because they saw us on social media, he said. That's a huge part of our business. And not to mention it's completely free to put out this content and costs me no more than my time.

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Additionally, Dunlap, as well as many of his peers, knew from the beginning hospitality would be crucial. To further set craft breweries apart from the Budweisers of the world, brewers lean into their role as gathering spaces.

Will Fisher co-founded Austin Street Brewing in 2014, in the shadow of Allagash in a Portland suburb. Now operating two taprooms in town, he sat at a table surrounded by overgrowing greenery in the rafters and board games on shelves. Music played overhead as a couple got up from one of the gas fireplaces outside. Trivia would be held later that evening.

We have home life, we have work life, and then there's a desire for a third place, Fisher explained. I like to think that Austin Street is that for some people and can be for other people.

Byron Kern is one of the newer brewers in the market. He opened Well & Good Brewing in 2024, in a log cabin in North Yarmouth. For customers, it could hardly be more homey. And Kern does not mind the workload getting his business off the ground.

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It is a seven-day-a-week job. I have no time off. I work a gazillion hours, he exhaled. But, almost every day, I get people saying, Wow, this place is so cool. Wow, your beer is so great. There's no job on earth where you get positive feedback on that kind of basis.

Its going to take that attitude to continue to thrive in whatever the future holds for this labor of love.

For more local stories, continue with us on our NEWS CENTER Maine+ streaming app.

For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.
Once books become available and people have the ability as well as their right to distinguish among ideas, to develop sympathies for and antipathies toward ideas, cultures, histories  and just simply have a community of readers like them or a community of readers who dont share their opinions.  Now, that is true empowerment. Thats truly enabling a citizenry.

 Toni Morrison in an interview: The Power of Public Libraries

In my daily life, I am perhaps too eager to share my product recommendations: my Italian restaurant, backpack, non-alcoholic beer, hot tea or running shoes. Nevertheless, I have avoided any such product promotion over my first 184 columns for Kansas Reflector  although my writings did start as a weekly digest of podcasts.

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On the theme of audio, today I recommend to you Libby, an app that for many Kansans brings their public libraries books and audiobooks to their phones. Since September when I installed Libby on my phone, I have blazed through audiobooks at a pace that would have cost me a small fortune if I purchased each title.

All that was required? My public library card.

Using Libby, my Johnson County Library card allows me to access 53,000 books and 32,000 audiobooks. While some popular titles might be checked out, most of those are listed as being available now. The app pairs with my Kindle reader, or I can read directly through my iPhone.

For many Kansans with library cards, Libby accesses books held by the Sunflower eLibrary, a consortium of 177 public libraries. Readers can directly log in to that website and snag what they need.

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However, as a way to electronically enjoy a librarys holdings, Libby is the better way  by far.

Even the Sunflower eLibrarys homepage acknowledges that you are better off using Libby to access available titles. A banner extends across the page: Try Libby, our new app for enjoying ebooks and audiobooks!

In addition to the virtue of being free, Libby has a smart interface. After logging in, you can filter for books that are currently available as you search. You can also tag books however you like, so that you can return to a promising title later and create customized lists.

For audiobooks in particular, anywhere you play music  in your car, in your earbuds, through your laptop  you can listen to audiobooks easily with Libby. That simplicity has pushed me to finish at least 12 audiobooks during the past six months on the platform.

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The most surprising thing about my reading list since using Libby is how much more diverse it is than my previous listening. My family has groaned about my recent obsession with shipwreck books. From our landlocked state, I have bored them with antiquated tales of scurvy, icebergs and mutinies on the high seas. Over and over, my listening (and dinner table chatter) was shipwrecks and sea voyages.

Sorry, kids.

Perhaps that narrow listening habit wasnt about me but the algorithm on Audible, the Amazon app I was using before Libby. I found it difficult to climb out of the shipwreck whirlpool.

With Libby, I have tackled longer titles, returned to long-lost favorite authors and  well, yes, there was one shipwreck book.

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Here are three recommendations, both because of their connections to current events and because of the quality of each audiobooks narration. (Im not including links through Libby, since your library cards access will likely differ from mine.)

The Topeka School: Although it was released in 2019, this book by Kansas native son Ben Lerner interrogates today. Specifically, it asks questions about middle-age men from the Heartland and how our teenage years  in Lerners writing, a boozy, trippy stew of gangster rap, rampant competition and charged family life  led to our precarious lives as flawed modern guys. At once poetic and dramatic, no other book I have read in the past five years has resurfaced as often in my daily thoughts.

Clear and Present Danger: I downloaded this as pure pulp: 30 hours of cinematic Tom Clancy and guerrilla warfare. What blindsided me was how contemporary the book reads. See if this political question seems familiar: Should a U.S. president stage a covert operation in South America to disrupt bad actors without consulting Congress and instead relying on executive prerogative? Clancys moral and political questions, echoing behind the firefights, remain relevant with President Donald Trumps recent, adventurous and vindictive foreign policy.

Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto: Two escapes from Kansas in both time and place, Colson Whiteheads New York City tales of crime, race and revenge feature Dion Graham as narrator. His voice conjures Harlem bass notes, a jazz riff blended with Whiteheads brilliant writing. Hearing the books surpasses reading them, in this case. Brace for the third volume in the series this year.

Theres a clever solution for watching library video content online as well. The same company that provides Libby offers Kanopy, a streaming video platform. The selection is proudly fringe and erudite, leaning toward independent cinema and documentaries. Call it an antidote to the same old Netflix drool.

In fact, I am able to stream a fantastic documentary, War Photographer, in my classroom at the University of Kansas. Showing the harrowing work of James Nachtwey by perching a miniature video camera on his film camera, the film shows how Nachtwey works and survives.

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Its a film that I literally couldnt stream anywhere else, regardless of how much I was willing to pay. On Kanopy, its free.

The physical library still provides a charming and vibrant community that cant be replaced by an app. This week, our family has been in and out of the local libraries  going to tutoring, teaching a class and providing tours of the photography collection. Online files cant replace in-person community.

What these apps can do is provide a seawall against social media and thoughtless chatty podcasts that dont deliver much. Libby and Kanopy are a substitute for YouTubes algorithmic auto-play and Instagrams endless spammy ads.

My ears are hungry, and this is the best meal theyve ever had.

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.
The room was electric. It was April 2009, and dozens of people were packed into the basement of the Student Services Building at UT Austin  observers, partisans, true believers. When a 20-year-old Student Government Assembly member named Jimmy Talarico leaned into the microphone and said, And if Littlefield Fountain needs to go dry for a few weeks every year so that tuition isnt raised, I think well be okay, the crowd erupted.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

The subject of the debate was tuition deregulation, who gets to set rates at the University of Texas , the Board of Regents, or the Texas Legislature, but the substance hardly mattered in that moment. What mattered was the cinema of it: a 20-year-old absolutely dismantling his opponent, Brian Haley, a man eight years his senior who had just served as the National Finance Director for John McCains presidential campaign. A room Brian once ran like a clock was now loudly, unmistakably against him. The contrast was stark and unforgettable to me.

I was in my second of three terms in the Assembly and was also an executive board member for both my Latino fraternity, Sigma Lambda Beta, and our communitys Greek council, the Latino Pan-Hellenic Council. My student leadership and personal life were centered mostly on those three organizations.

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Jimmy, on the other hand, was the newly elected President of University Democrats and already had years of experience working with political campaigns and progressive causes. He was an incredible speaker, but he wore these light blue jeans that I thought looked weird on him.

Related: The Democratic candidate in the Texas Senate race is going to be an LGBTQ+ ally



I first met Jimmy through a mutual recent alum who got me involved in student government, and had worked with him on political campaigns before. We had only known each other in passing through work on a previous SG resolution opposing the Texas GOPs 2009 Voter ID laws, and I didnt really know him as a person.

By fall, the early jockeying for Student Government President had begun in earnest. Three camps had formed: one that was made up of two establishment proteges of the existing leadership, a second campaign made up of a non-traditional set of student leaders, and James Talarico. Our underdog campaign, an unlikely coalition of spirit and service organizations, the Queer Student Alliance, the Latino Leadership Council, and the African American Culture Committee, needed someone who could build a structure and carry a strategy.

nathan bunch with college democrats and james talarico

Nathan Barrera-Bunch, alongside James Talarico and college Democrats. Courtesty Nathan Barrera-Bunch

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The SG political institution was going to be more than difficult to topple, so our team ended up making Jimmy our executive campaign manager.

It was the fall of 2009. Barack Obama had won the presidency a year earlier, and the spirit of transformation was still alive in the air. Jimmy channeled it. He pushed a group of already-established student leaders to do things they didnt think they could. He worked us to the bone. He also helped each of us discover strengths we hadnt found in ourselves.

Five months later, our campaign won, and it was, without a doubt, due to the brilliant strategy and operational structure that Jimmy built.

Related: Watch a Texas Democrat Leave Republicans Speechless After Using the Bible Against Them

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Related: James Talarico defeats fellow LGBTQ+ ally Jasmine Crockett in Texas Democratic primary

The summer of 2010: a sitting president was coming to campus. For the first time in nearly thirty years, the University of Texas at Austin would host a president of the United States, and a few of us were on the planning committee. It all came together in a matter of days.

Before I knew it, I was in our executive board office, changing into my suit.

nathan bunch and james talarico

James Talarico (left) pointing as Nathan Barrera-Bunch looks on. Courtesty Nathan Barrera-Bunch

I had just turned 22, so naturally, my suit didnt fit the way it should, but I had also just celebrated nine years of coming out of the closet and was still outwardly quiet about it. I had just taken the leap from changing my Facebook profile from Interested In: (blank) to Interested In: Men. I was in a Latino fraternity, in a very public-facing student leadership role, and wasin Texas.

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A few months prior, our then-communications director and former director of the Queer Student Alliance gave me a rainbow flag pin. They said, Look, I know you might not be ready. But if you are, you should wear it when were in line to shake his hand. Now at this point, I was pacing back and forth in our office, just completely unsure of what to do. Looking back at it now, it seems so obviously overblown, but at the time, it felt existential.

If Obama saw it, would he think I was trying to push him on same-sex marriage? Would that be wrong? But thats not what Im trying to do, am I? What if it ends up in a photo in The Daily Texan, the university newspaper? The questions in my head grew louder as I considered whether to display the small symbol of LGBTQ+ identity. Jimmy had just come back from a final coordinating meeting. He saw me and understood immediately.

Are you freaking out about wearing the pin? he asked.

Yes, obviously, I replied.

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I think youll be really proud of yourself if you wear it, he responded. The President of the United States is not going to be upset with you.

I wore the pin. An hour later, I was shaking President Obamas hand. He never noticed the pin. Its somewhere in storage now. But Ill always remember what it felt like to put it on.

Proverbs 27:17 says, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

a group of people posing for a photo at the UT Austin

Courtesty Nathan Barrera-Bunch

Jimmy has spent his life doing exactly that, helping the people around him become a little braver, a little stronger, and a little more themselves.

That is when Jimmy is most himself. Not when hes grandstanding with his command of legislative policy. Not when hes speaking about his faith. Not even when hes dismantling men a decade his senior in a crowded basement. Its in the small, uncelebrated moments, when he sees a person clearly, holds the weight of who they are, and says exactly what they need to hear.

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Hes been doing it his whole life. I expect he always will.

Nathan Barrera-Bunch is a former management analyst at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs who was laid off during the Trump administrations 2025 purge of federal workers.

Opinions is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit Advocate.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. Views expressed in Opinions are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, equalpride.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: The rainbow Pride pin James Talarico encouraged me to wear

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Attend the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Rochester and one of the many festive floats you'll spot is a based on a wooden boat riding atop a trailer; it proudly represents Carroll's Bar and Restaurant on East Main Street.

But Carroll family members didn't make the float, nor will they ride on it. Parade day is the busiest day of the year and they'll open the doors at 9:30 a.m. instead of the usual 4 p.m.; a half-hour later it will be hopping. That's why a loyal customer offered to take it on a few years ago.

This is the spirit of Carroll's, a neighborhood bar that's been a home away from home for the Carroll family and devoted regulars for the past 50 years.

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The bar's regulars were there for Jo Carroll when her husband died of cancer in 1977, leaving her four young children and a business to run. Her children fondly remember customers like Mr. Mahoney, who used to take them out for ice cream.

Patrick Carroll serves up a pint of Guinness from behind the bar at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The bar's customers were also there for the children when Jo Carroll died suddenly in 2019. And, less than a year later, when the bar was forced to shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, its customers kept the business afloat by ordering takeout meals.

"The people are family," said Patrick Carroll, the youngest sibling and the only to work at the bar full-time. In turn, the Carrolls return the kindness by checking on people who haven't come in as usual.

Jeanette Fracassi of Rochester first visited Carroll's at the urging of a friend 22 years ago. "They're very welcoming," she said. Now she'll visit every week or so, and when she walks in the door she'll often find her Miller Lite sitting on the bar waiting for her. She considers the 25 or so regulars among her best friends. "They're family now," she said. "It's community and family and closeness."

The story of Carroll's

Siblings Annmarie McCarthy, Patrick Carroll and Trudy Ryan pose together at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The popular Irish bar celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Ryan is holding a portrait of their parents, Jo and Frank Carroll. Patrick Carroll serves up a pint of Guinness from behind the bar at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. A loving tribute to Jo Carroll, who passed away in 2019, inside at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Guinness is the popular choice at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. A light shade shows the opening year of Carrolls, 1976, near the bar at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Carroll's Bar & Restaurant at 1768 E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Popular Irish bar in Rochester celebrates 50th anniversary 1 of 6 Siblings Annmarie McCarthy, Patrick Carroll and Trudy Ryan pose together at Carroll's Bar & Restaurant on E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The popular Irish bar celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Ryan is holding a portrait of their parents, Jo and Frank Carroll.

Both Thomas and Anne "Jo" Carroll hailed from County Roscommon, Ireland. Jo migrated to the United States by herself at age 17. Tom arrived in Rochester in 1958 and ran a construction firm before buying a bar in 1976 and renaming it Carroll's Bar & Restaurant. Just over a year later, he died of cancer at age 44. Their four children were two to 10 years old.

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Jo worked long hours and never remarried. The bar became a second home where the children would eat their dinners and help out. Although there were no family vacations, the siblings have fond childhood memories. On St. Patrick's Day, they'd watch TV in the bar's attic, help wash dishes and drink Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's because they didn't like corned beef and cabbage.

When Jo Carroll died suddenly in 2019, the owners of nearby bars and businesses attended the services and sent food and flowers. There was no question that the children would carry on with the business. "She worked to hard for this," Annmarie said.

Jo never used a computer, but she was intelligent and organized. "She set us up for success," Annmarie said. "Thank goodness she left a paper trail."

Less than a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic found its way to Rochester and the St. Patrick's Day parade was canceled. Days later, the state would limit bars and restaurants to takeout and delivery. Hundreds of pounds of corned beef and a large order of beer had already been delivered, and the new owners wouldn't be able to pay for them without sales.

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Much to their relief, the beer distributors took back the orders and customers purchased all of the corned beef for takeout.

Trudy Ryan, the oldest, waits tables and bartends while also working full time as a social worker. Annmarie McCarthy, the third sibling, is a teacher in the city schools and also does the bookkeeping. Patrick Carroll, the youngest, handles the bar and kitchen. Running a 50-year old business in a 100-plus-year-old building has its share of surprises, such as the ancient cooler that acted up days before the big parade.

"I get stressed out about so many things but it works out," Trudy said. "It always works out."

Visit Carroll's

Carroll's Bar & Restaurant at 1768 E. Main Street in Rochester Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Carroll's is a cozy place with a long wooden bar on one side and a dining room on the other. Warm wood and green walls are covered with Irish memorabilia and beer signs.

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Tom and Jo Carroll's wedding photo is hung in the space and a display honors Jo Carroll. Surrounding her picture are prayer cards from the funerals of other regulars.

Guinness Stout is the best seller by far, but Carroll's also offers a variety of beers, whiskeys and other beverages. Customer favorites on the menu include its Reuben sandwich, wings and beer-battered fish fry on Fridays during Lent.

This year the family will cook 400 pounds of corned beef for corned beef and cabbage during the four days from parade day (March 14) to St. Patrick's Day (March 17). The other big annual gathering is St. Stephens Day  the day after Christmas  which is a significant public holiday in Ireland. That's when the family catches up with friends back in town for Christmas.

Live music was phased out years ago  it took up too much space in the small dining room  but a lively group gathers for Bills games and dart leagues. People regularly book the dining room for birthday parties, retirement parties and post-funeral gatherings.

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Go: At 1768 East Main St., Carroll's is across from East High School. It has a large parking lot in front of and behind the building. There are steps leading into the building.

Tracy Schuhmacher has been the D&C's full-time food and drink reporter since 2015. Send story tips to tracys@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Carroll's Bar marks 50 years in Rochester NY
Its the most wonderful time of the yearfor mathematicians, anyway.

Pi Day is Saturday, March 14. The relatively new holiday is a celebration of the mathematical calculation pi, or the infinite number representing the constant ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter. Pi is essential to engineering and modern construction.

Although many sought to find it, the calculation of pi, which is also expressed by the fraction 22/7, is commonly credited to Greek mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse more than 2,200 years ago.

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According to History.com, physicist Larry Shaw founded Pi Day day in 1988, selecting March 14 because the numeric date represents the first three digits of pi (3.14). It also happens to be Albert Einsteins birthday.

The first Pi Day took place at the Exploratorium, a San Franciscobased science museum, and featured a circular parade and fruit pies. The latter has become a delicious tradition among academic and office settings. In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing March 14 as National Pi Day.

According to the Exploratorium, mathematicians began using , the Greek letter pi, for the calculations symbol in the 1700s, starting with William Jones in 1706.Leonhard Eulersubsequently popularized the symbol.

As for Archimedes, you might be surprised to learn that pi was just one of his many important discoveries and inventions.

Who Was Archimedes?

Getty Images

According to NOVA, Archimedes was born in Syracuseon the Mediterranean island of Sicily, not upstate New Yorkaround 287 BCE. He was the son of astronomer Phidias and a close ally of Syracuses King Hieron and his son, whom he served many years.

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Archimedes traveled to Egypt to study at the Library of Alexandria at age 18 and, upon completing his work, returned to Syracuse around 263 BCE for the remainder of his life.

Over roughly the next 50 years, Archimedes developed most of his major theories. These included the fundamental principles of mechanics; methods for finding the center of gravity, surface area, and volume of geometric figures; the principle of buoyancy; and, of course, an estimate for the value of pi.

Archimedes was obsessed with math, often getting lost in his work and forgetting to eat. Legend has it he discovered his principle of buoyancy while taking a bath. Excited, he leapt out of the tub and ran naked through the streets of Syracuse shouting, Eureka!

By one account, Greek philosopher Plutarch reported that Archimedes died while solving a math problem. In 212 BCE, during the Second Punic War, a Roman solider asked Archimedes to accompany him amid a siege of Syracuse. Archimedes refused, and the angry soldier stabbed him with a sword.

What Else Did Archimedes Do?

Archimedes is often credited with inventing the Archimedes screw, a device for raising water, while in Egypt. The large helix is encased lengthwise in a watertight covering with openings at both ends. When one end is placed in water and the device is elevated at an angle and turned, water trapped in air pockets rises from the lower end through the open upper end.

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Back then, it was used to pump water out of ships and for irrigation. But the design is still used today. According to Scientific American, modern examples include lifting wastewater in treatment plants and even lifting water for some amusement park rides.



Archimedes also created a means for approximating square roots and devised ways of calculating area and volume two millennia before the invention of calculus.

When the Romans invaded Syracuse, Archimedes engines of war helped defend the city. These devices included cranes to drop rocks, claws to lift ships from the water, and machines to fire wooden missiles. He also devised a set of mirrors that focused sunlight on enemy ships, setting them on fire.

Finally, Archimedes proved the volume of a sphere is two-thirds the volume of a circumscribed cylinder. He considered this his greatest accomplishment and asked that a representation of a sphere inside a cylinder be left on his tomb. He is likely buried in Sicily.

Tracing Archimedes Legacy

According to NOVA, scribes copied Archimedes writings onto parchment in 300 AD. His manuscript explaining how he developed his mathematical theorems was copied and bound onto vellum sheets around 1000. Archimedes treatise Measurement of a Circlewhich helped spread his process for calculating pi around the world, according to the American Mathematical Societywas part of this manuscript.

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Around 200 years later, a monk reused the manuscript to make a prayer book. Finished in 1229 and likely made in Jerusalem, this manuscript became known as the Archimedes Palimpsest. It is the only surviving copy of Archimedes manuscript and contains several of his treatises.

For about 400 years, the Palimpsest was stored in a monastery in the Judean desert before being moved to a library in Old Jerusalem. German scholar Constantine Tischendorf discovered it in Constantinople in 1846, and Danish scholar Johan Ludwig attempted to transcribe it in 1906 using a magnifying glass.

Shockingly, the Palimpsest disappeared for much of the 20th century. It resurfaced in a damaged state in Paris in 1998 and was sold at auction for $2 million to an anonymous American collector. The buyer then donated the book to the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore in 1999. It was featured there in a 2011 exhibit titled Lost & Found: The Secrets of Archimedes.

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A glass of whiskey - evgeeenius/Shutterstock

In Ireland, the single pot still method is considered the most traditional way to make whiskey. By law, it must come from a single distiller and be made with at least 30% malted and unmalted barley. It can include up to 5% of other grains, such as rye, oats, and wheat (the law may be changing soon to allow up to 30% of other grains). Like other Irish whiskey styles, it's often triple distilled for smoothness  unlike Scottish whisky, which is traditionally distilled only twice. The resulting Irish whiskey is creamy, spicy, and full bodied.

It all started back in 1785, when the British crown began taxing malted barley and quick-thinking Irish distillers started adding unmalted barley into their mashbills to get around the new law. While there are some popular Irish brands, including Bushmills (which is often considered the oldest distillery in the world), and Tullamore D.E.W., that don't make a single pot still expression, there are plenty of others that do. Since St. Patrick's Day celebrates all things Irish, here are five whiskies made in this very Irish manner that are worth their weight in gold.

Read more: The 12 Most Controversial Foods Banned All Over The World

Boann is young but award-winning

Boann Irish whiskey - @amongstthewhiskey/Instagram

Boann is a family-owned distillery in County Meath, located in the eastern part of the Republic of Ireland. The distillery opened in 2019 and is dedicated to making traditional single pot still whiskey under its own name, along with its Whistler line that includes both single malt and blended whiskeys. Boann is named after the Irish goddess who created the nearby River Boyne, according to legend. The brand is rooted in sustainability, sources its ingredients locally, and has already managed to earn a number of awards.

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Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey P.X. Cask won Double Gold at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This whiskey was matured in oloroso sherry hogsheads and finished in Pedro Ximenez solera casks, including those made from chestnut, an advantage Irish whiskey distillers have over Scottish distillers since they can legally mature their whiskey in any type of wood. Another worthy Boann expression is the Madeira Cask matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in its namesake casks. It's well balanced, with notes on the palate of orchard fruit, walnuts, and herbs.

Method and Madness at Midleton

sign for Midleton distillery in Ireland - Irik Bikmukhametov/Getty Images

Midleton Distillery, in County Cork, the Republic of Ireland, is the home of such iconic brands as Jameson and Redbreast under the Irish Distillers banner (a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard). It's also where you find a wildly experimental micro-distillery that began in 2017 and is run by distiller Katherine Condon and apprentice distiller Eva O'Doherty. It's called Method and Madness, and it has put out some exceptional whiskeys, including a single pot still whiskey finished in French chestnut casks.

The liquid spends around three years maturing in American ex-bourbon barrels, ex-sherry casks, and is finished in the aforementioned French chestnut before being bottled at 46% ABV. The resulting whiskey has a rich mouthfeel, with nuts, toffee, cinnamon, and banana on the palate with a long finish featuring more nutty notes, along with wood and spice. Method and Madness is a brand that's rooted in tradition, but not afraid to push the boundaries, and this whiskey is a prime example of what the distillery is all about.

Teeling's tempting dram

Glass with Teeling logo and whiskey inside - Irik Bik/Shutterstock

Teeling is another newer distillery (it opened in Dublin in 2015), but its founders, Jack and Stephen Teeling, come from a family with whiskey-making in its past  their ancestor, Walter Teeling, was a distiller in Dublin back in the 18th century. In the past decade or so, Teeling has managed to rack up a swath of awards for its various expressions, including its single pot still whiskey. Teeling starts with a mash bill of 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley and, from there, has played around with various woods to produce some extraordinary whiskies via its Wonders of Woods series. The first release, finished in chinquapin oak, earned the title of World's Best Single Pot Still in 2022 at the World Whiskey Awards.

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Teeling's flagship expression of single pot still contains that same 50-50 mash bill and is matured in American virgin oak, ex-bourbon barrels, and ex-sherry casks. It comes in at around $50, a good price for what this whiskey delivers. It's bright and well-balanced, with notes of peach, biscuits, herbal spice, and oak on the palate. It's a worthy addition to this historically Irish style of whiskey.

Redbreast is rooted in tradition

bottle of Redbreast 12 with its box - Keith Homan/Shutterstock

At one time, pot still whiskey dominated Ireland's spirit production. By the 1980s, it had nearly vanished. Through it all, Redbreast stayed true to this homegrown style. The brand's roots stretch back to the 19th century (with a brief hiatus between 1985 and 1991). Today, under Irish Distillers, Redbreast remains dedicated to only producing single pot still whiskey, earning it the honor of being considered a definitive example of this whiskey style.

A great place to start with Redbreast is with its flagship 12-year-old. This whiskey has a creamy mouthfeel and offers nuance and complexity, flavorwise. On the palate, you find notes of vanilla and toasted oak with a medium-long finish. With an ABV of 40% , the 12-year-old is a bit lighter than many of the other selections in this piece, which also plays into its subtleness. It's a prime example of what single pot still whiskey is all about.

Drumshanbo delivers

a bottle of Drumshanbo Irish whiskey - The Whiskey Nerd/YouTube

The Shed Distillery, located in County Leitrim in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland, may be better known for its Drumshanbo gunpowder Irish gins, but this distillery also produces award-winning single pot still whiskey. PJ Rigney, who has been in the spirits world for decades, and his wife, Denise, opened the distillery in 2014 and introduced its whiskey about four years later. What sets Drumshanbo apart from other single pot styles is the addition of Irish barra oats to the mash bill, along with Irish malted and unmalted barley. The liquid is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry oloroso casks.

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The resulting whiskey has a creamy mouthfeel with notes of vanilla, citrus, milk chocolate, and black pepper on the palate. This whiskey won silver at the 2025 World Whiskey Awards, and its marsala cask expression (also definitely worth tasting) won gold. Pot still whiskey may have nearly died out, but, as you can see, distilleries both old and new have stepped up to keep this oh-so-Irish spirit alive and thriving. So, grab a dram of one, or all, of these brands and raise a glass to the Emerald Isle this St. Patrick's Day.

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Read the original article on Chowhound.
One person is in custody after a police chase linked to an armed robbery in northwest Indiana ended on Chicago's South Side on Thursday afternoon.

Illinois State Police said troopers found a vehicle, which matched the description of one used in a robbery in Hammond, on northbound Interstate 94 near Cottage Grove Avenue around 4:30 p.m.

When troopers tried to conduct a traffic stop, the driver fled, ISP said.

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ISP said troopers chased the vehicle to the corner of South Langley and South Champlain avenues in the city's Chatham neighborhood and took one person into custody.

Authorities did not immediately provide further information.

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Authorities have identified a man found dead in a damaged Aroma Park home days after an EF-3 tornado swept through the area.

The family of 65-year-old Maurice Norington says he was an Army veteran.

His sister, Chicago woman Angel Merritt, says she requested a wellbeing check from police after Tuesday's storm hit Kankakee County. Repair crews who were working in the area joined and helped find him on Thursday.

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"I would've never thought that I would lose my brother to a tornado. Never," Merritt said.

Norington's family is heartbroken. Merritt says she tried calling him several times after the storm moved through Kankakee County but could not reach him.

"I called him nonstop every 30 minutes to an hour, back-to-back, back-to-back." Merritt said.

She says she sent Norington's friend to go look for him, and that's when the friend found crews working in the area and asked if they would help search.

"If you have to knock the door down, knock the door down, get in that house and they got in," Merritt said. "Maurice's room was here, and there's an old way here, and that's where he was laying."

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Her brother's home near Oakwood and Elwood had a large tree that pierced through the roof. The coroner's office says Norington had fatal injuries from the storm. Neighbors say he will be deeply missed.

"He's always sit out on his truck, and you know, just kind of wave to everybody coming by, always cleaning up his leaves and everything. So, I mean, just a really nice guy, and it's so sad to hear what happened," said neighbor Tyler Boerschig.

Having grown up in nearby Hopkins Park, Merritt said she and her brother are not strangers to tornadoes, but they had never experienced anything like this.

"I can't imagine what Maurice was thinking when he hit that floor," she said. "He's in that house by himself, no one was around him, no family."

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Merritt said Norington was a proud veteran. He loved the military and family was the most important thing in his life.

This loss in the community comes as Kankakee County continues to clean up and rebuild. Crews could be seen clearing debris and downed trees on Friday.

The Lincoln Cultural Center opened its doors to help feed those who were impacted by the tornado.

Jo Thomas runs Little Light of Mine Child Care Center. She came by to drop off donations and to pick up items for parents in need.

"Some of our parents, you know, it's a hard time for them, as well. They need diapers and wipes and grabbed some," Thomas said. "Everybody is working together to make it better."

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Crews still have Norington's street completely shut down while they work to clear all the debris from people's homes, streets, plus repair the downed power lines.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and neighbors of Mr. Norington," said Sheriff Mike Downey. "Our law enforcement and other first responders have had an incredibly difficult job to do since Tuesday evening's devastating storms. I am extremely proud of their efforts up to this point and applaud them for their continued work as we attempt to move forward. I want to remind area residents in the impacted areas to continue to check on your loved ones and neighbors until everyone is completely accounted for."

The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office says strong winds hampered some of their efforts on Friday, but they will continue to search through heavily damaged areas.

"It's been very shocking and devastating to everyone. But when I tell you everybody is helping each other, they're coming out of the woodworks to bring whatever that they can," Thomas said.

Indiana officials answer questions about resources in Lake Village as community rallies around those in need

People in Lake Village are still grappling with the reality of the long recovery ahead of them after Tuesday's tornado.

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The high winds also impacted delayed some of the cleanup planned for Friday in Lake Village, but officials have set plans for coming days to pick up debris that has swarmed the Indiana community.

People in Lake Village are still grappling with the reality of the long recovery ahead of them after Tuesday's tornado.

Local officials answered their questions and easing concerns about what help is available for the community on Friday night.

"One thing I've seen with this community is the resilience," said incident commander Pascal Arnes. "The camaraderie and how this community has come together."

Donations have also been flooding in at the township community center this week, with tools to rebuild, clothing and food for everyone impacted by Tuesday's tornado.

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The Newton County Sheriff's Office has set up a relief fund at several area banks to ensure funds are given directly to the Lake Village community, which was also hit by a deadly tornado this week. The banks are Kentland Bank, Demotte State Bank, Brook Community State Bank, and Fowler State Bank.

Officials urged patience and warned people to look out for any scams that often follow these natural disasters.

"Watch out for them. Be alert. Be cautious," said Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran. "Do not fall for high-pressure contract signings. Do not fall for demands of cash down payments."

Many people in the community expressed their gratitude for the constant support that has come in from their neighbors.

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It is something that has been helpful for Angela Eckhoff, a mother who was hiding in her crawl space with four children and their neighbors as a tornado destroyed the home.

"It's definitely humbled us. You look around, and you want to be sad, but then, you're like, how can you be sad when all these people show up to help you? And you're just grateful," Eckhoff said.

Eckhoff said she has received so many donations this week that she now plans to pay it forward at her own business in Momence, Illinois at 21 North Banquet Hall. Over the next week, she plans to give away any essentials needed for people impacted by the tornado.

"We have clothes for babies we have diapers we have car seats we have swings we have anything you can think of we have for the community," Eckhoff said.

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Local officials say residents can find all updates on the Newton County Sheriff's Facebook page.

There has also been local speculation about the tornado sirens possibly not working on Tuesday night, and officials say there will be a full investigation into that.

SEE ALSO | Indiana Gov. Braun visits Lake Village as residents clean up damage from deadly tornado
If you own shares in Lucid Group (LCID), or you've been watching from the sidelines, there's one date you shouldn't overlook this month: today, March 12. That's when Lucid holds its highly anticipated Investor Day in New York, and for a company still burning through cash on its road to profitability, it could be one of the most important presentations management has delivered to date.

The event will feature prepared remarks and a question-and-answer session led by interim CEO Marc Winterhoff and CFO Taoufiq Boussaid. Investors are expecting real answers on how Lucid plans to stop losing money and start scaling like a serious automaker.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

Lucid's Path to Profitability Has Investors on Edge

Lucid had a strong finish to 2025 by its own standards. The company nearly doubled annual production year-over-year (YOY), delivered 15,841 vehicles, up 55% from 2024, and posted fourth-quarter revenue of $522.7 million, up 123% compared to the same period a year earlier.

But here's the catch: Lucid still lost over $1 billion in operating income last quarter alone. Gross margins are improving, but they remain well below the levels needed to run a sustainable business.

That gap is exactly what Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco flagged after the Q4 earnings report. "While the company committed to delivering meaningful gross margin improvement in 2026, it gave limited details around specific financial margin targets for the year," he said. "We expect a more substantial update from the company on its path to profitability at its investor day."

Translation: the numbers are moving in the right direction, but investors want a roadmap, not just reassurance.

Is the Midsize Platform a Moat for LCID Stock?

The centerpiece of March 12 will likely be the unveiling of Lucid's midsize vehicle platform. This is the product line that management has repeatedly called a "pivotal" shift for the company. Why? Because it's designed to reach a much larger group of buyers.

Lucid's current lineup, the Air sedan and the Gravity SUV, is premium, with price tags to match. The midsize platform will start below $50,000, which is right around the current average transaction price for a new vehicle in the U.S. That's a fundamentally different market.
Two brothers stole a truck from Kentucky and swapped its license plate before fatally shooting someone in an October drive-by shooting, prosecutors said.

Phillip Shaw, 41, had his bond set at $1 million for charges including theft, felonious assault and aggravated murder when he appeared in Hamilton County Commons Pleas court on March 13.

He was arrested March 11 for participating in the Downtown shooting, according to Cincinnati police.

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Almost five months earlier, police arrested his brother, Robert Shaw, 50, on charges including aggravated murder. Court documents said he was wearing an ankle monitor when he fired 23 shots at 34-year-old Justin Johnson outside a downtown bar.

Phillip Shaw is next scheduled to appear in court on March 25.

What is Phillip Shaw accused of doing?

Phillip Shaw, 41, appears virtually alongside Hamilton County public defender Ben Raz on March 13, 2026.

Phillip Shaw made his appearance virtually from the Hamilton County jail.

Public defender Ben Ranz said Phillip Shaw lived with his mother in College Hill. He said Phillip Shaw's last conviction was in 2012.

Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Melinda Rinehart said the brothers were sitting in a truck that had been stolen out of Kentucky waiting for Johnson to leave the bar. The truck had a license plate that was stolen from a car attending the Bengals game earlier in the day.

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"There were approximately two guns fired and around 23 shots were fired in total," she said.

Before Chief Magistrate Anita Berding set bond at $1 million, she said Phillip Shaw served 10 years for drug trafficking and had "some violence" on his record.

Who is Robert Shaw?

On the day of the shooting, Cincinnati police arrested Robert Shaw, 50, who faces multiple counts in Johnson's death, including aggravated murder.

Robert Shaw has been convicted at least three times before  in 2003, 2011 and 2015  of charges related to possessing guns. At the time of the Oct. 17 shooting, he was facing illegal gun possession charges that date back to June 2025 when police say they found a loaded gun inside a backpack he was carrying.

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He was released from jail on a $20,000 bond following the June incident and was required to wear an electronic ankle monitor, which officials say he wore on when he allegedly killed Johnson.

Robert Shaw is also among nine convicted felons who are now facing federal gun charges as part of a multi-agency operation aimed at reducing violent crime locally, officials announced on Nov. 10.

He is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on bonds totaling $2.1 million, jail records show.

What happened in the October shooting?

Homicide investigators responded to East Third Street and Sycamore Street around 2 a.m. Oct. 17, a few hours after the Cincinnati Bengals broke their losing streak in a home game at Paycor Stadium.

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Enquirer media partner Fox19 reported Johnson was found shot inside a BMW. An official said it appeared the suspects vehicle pulled up alongside the BMW and someone inside fired several shots at the victim before driving away.

During Robert Shaw's indictment on Oct. 23, officials said he was in a stolen vehicle bearing a license plate that had been stolen from a fan during the Cincinnati Bengals game and waited for Johnson to leave the In Between Tavern on Sycamore Street.

As Johnson was getting into his car, according to officials, Robert Shaw pulled up alongside him and shot him 23 times.

The Cincinnati Fire Department unsuccessfully attempted life-saving measures on Johnson.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: $1 million bond for second man charged in October Downtown drive-by
Mexico's government said Thursday it had seized 14 million doses of fentanyl, the latest major haul in a drive to stem the flow of the powerful opioid into the United States.

The Public Security ministry said the drugs were found during raids on a clandestine drug laboratory and warehouse in the municipality of Villa de Alvarez in violence-hit western Colima state.

At the warehouse, police found "approximately 270 kilograms of a substance with characteristics similar to fentanyl, both in powder and pill form," which the ministry said was equivalent to about 14 million doses.

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It said six people were arrested but did not say when the operation took place nor give the estimated street value of the drugs.

It was not a record for fentanyl hauls, officials told AFP, pointing to a 2024 operation that yielded a ton more of the drug.

The raids come as President Trump ramps up his criticism of Mexico's record on fighting drug trafficking, despite the recent capture and killing of a notorious drug lord.

At a summit with right-wing Latin American leaders in Florida last weekend, where he launched a 17-country Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, Mr. Trump declared that cartels were "running Mexico" and vowed to "eradicate them."

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In December, he classified fentanyl, a powerful painkiller responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States each year, as a "weapon of mass destruction," placing it in the same category as nuclear and chemical weapons.

Mexico's left-wing President Claudia Sheinbaum argues that U.S. weapons are fuellng cartel activities and called on Washington to halt the flow of guns south across the border.

Mexican authorities regularly find and raid clandestine laboratories. About two weeks ago, naval personnel discovered a hidden drug laboratory in the country's Durango region and discovered over 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine.

Over just a few days in January, four laboratories were raided. In one, also in the Durango region, a land patrol found a huge stock of chemical precursors. In Sinaloa, the home of the notorious cartel that shares the region's name, authorities seized over 1,650 pounds of meth and another stockpile of precursors. More chemical precursors and laboratory equipment was found in Michoacan.

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Mexico has been wracked by violence in recent weeks after a military operation led to the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, or "El Mencho." The operation took place in the western state of Jalisco, which is known as the cartel's base. During a shoot-out, Oseguera Cervantes was injured. He died while being transported to Mexico City.

Trump says to "watch what happens" as Iran war enters second week

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A 14-year-old girl who was detained by ICE agents and taken to a New York facility this week has been returned to Massachusetts.

According to the teens attorney, Andrew Lattarulo, the teen was reunited with her aunt and uncle at 1:15 p.m. at JFK Airport.

Despite previous intentions from ICE, which had stated that they were trying to rescue the teen and not deport her, the teen had recieved documents to appear in immigration court immediately.

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On court on Wednesday, a federal judge ordered that the teen be returned to Massachusetts by Thursday afternoon to the temporary custody of her aunt and Uncle.

Federal judge orders ICE to return 14-year-old from Massachusetts to a New York facility

The incident occurred on Tuesday, Lattarulo claimed that she was taken from a vehicle by ICE agents. Lattarulo shared a video with Boston 25 that showed the moment that agents surrounded the vehicle.

Lattarulo told Boston 25 News reporter Daniel Coates on Wednesday that his client lives with her brothers after their mother passed away and that her father is now estranged.

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The teen was driven across state lines overnight into federal custody in New York.

I can only imagine whats going through that childs mind, Lattarulo said to Coates. Apparently, if youre a child or adult, ICE is going to treat you the same. They like to move you out of state because it separates friends, family, and their legal counsel.

Boston 25 reached out to ICE for a statement, in which Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that federal agents were actually rescuing the teen from alleged suspected gang members connected to the Primeiro Comando da Massachusetts gang in a targeted operation.

The statement later said that the vehicle involved in the detainment was connected to an attempted home invasion in Walpole.

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Upon further investigation, special agents confirmed that the 14-year-old girl had no familial relationship to either individual, Bis statement said. Based on this information and to ensure the safety and security of the minor, she was placed in the custody of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, within hours of the initial encounter. As standard protocol, she will remain in ORR custody pending the identification of legal guardians.

The teens attorney states that the girl is seeking special juvenile immigrant status. A removal proceeding is to be determined.

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.

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Sometimes, nature delivers a surprise that feels almost miraculous. Scientists have confirmed that two small marsupial species  the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider  are still alive in New Guinea, despite being previously believed to have vanished from the Earth more than 7,000 years ago.

The discovery, years in the making, was announced March 5, 2026 by The Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The museum stated that both species had previously been known only from fossil evidence and had not been confirmed alive for more than 7,000 years.

The confirmation was made possible through an unusual collaboration  one that brought together museum scientists, Indigenous communities and an everyday citizen scientist armed with a camera.

What Are 'Lazarus Species'?

The two marsupials are now classified as "Lazarus species," a scientific term used for organisms that reappear after having been thought extinct. The term evokes the story of a figure raised from the dead, and in this case, the label fits: scientists had no confirmed evidence that either animal had existed for thousands of years.

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"The discovery of two Lazarus species, thought to be extinct for millennia, is unprecedented," Dr. Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum said in a news release.

The 2 Species' Trail Began With Fossils in the 1990s

The story of these two species stretches back decades. The animals were first identified through fossils by Dr. Ken Aplin in the 1990s, after teeth belonging to the species were excavated during an archaeological dig in western New Guinea. At the time, the fossil record was all that existed  there were no known living examples of either creature, and both were presumed to have died out thousands of years ago.

That classification stood for years  until new evidence began to surface.

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Dr. Kristofer Helgen of the Bishop Museum later identified one of the species after seeing a photograph of a gliding ring-tailed possum in the wild. Helgen recognized the animal in the image as one of the species Aplin had previously classified as extinct. That single photograph helped set a broader investigation into motion.

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2 Years of Research, Multiple Lines of Evidence That the 2 Species Exist

Helgen and Flannery conducted research over the past two years to confirm that both species are, in fact, still alive in New Guinea. Their work drew on several different forms of evidence.

One key piece of the puzzle came from the University of Papua New Guinea, where researchers discovered two preserved specimens of the pygmy long-fingered possum stored in a jar. Those specimens provided physical evidence that the species had survived more recently than the fossil record had suggested.

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Additional confirmation of the pygmy long-fingered possum's survival came from an unexpected source: citizen scientist Carlos Bocos, who posted photographs of the animal on the biodiversity platform iNaturalist. The images proved significant enough that Bocos later became a co-author on the study documenting the species' survival  a testament to how contributions from non-professional scientists can reshape scientific understanding.

A Message of Hope

For the scientists involved, the discovery carries emotional weight that extends beyond the laboratory.

"To be able to say that they indeed are alive brings me joy as a scientist and conservationist. It feels like a second chance to learn about, and protect, these remarkable animals," Helgen said in a news release.

Helgen also said the rediscovery demonstrates that "extinction can be averted," adding, "It's a message of hope, one of second chances."
The Danbury Police Department is continuing its crackdown on smoke and vape shops that are illegally selling marijuana products in the city.

Two compliance checks occurred at smoke shops on White Street on Thursday, and both failed, according to a report from Danbury police.

The two businesses in question are Cali Exotic Convenience, located at 35 White St. #8, and Smoke Station, located at 246 White St.

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Both operations failed their respective compliance checks and were allegedly found to be violating several laws.

RELATED: 4 Danbury vape shops busted by state and local law enforcement for range of violations

In addition to the Danbury Police Departments Special Investigations, a range of federal, state and local agencies contributed to Thursdays enforcement actions.

Also participating were personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administrations Bridgeport Field Office, the Brookfield Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, the Connecticut Department of Labor and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

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The joint effort was meant to ensure local businesses dont sell tobacco products to underaged people or make marijuana products illegally available to patrons.

Marijuana items seized from the smoke shops on White Street include oil, flower, concentrates and edibles.

RELATED: 3 Danbury vape shops busted | 55 pounds of illegal cannabis seized, AG Tong reports

Law enforcement members began investigating Cali Exotic Convenience and Smoke Station after receiving multiple complaints from community members, particularly the parents of minors, regarding the sale of marijuana products and vapes to their children.

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Since 2024, Danbury police have found numerous smoke shops to be in violation of law, which has resulted in the seizure of around 185 pounds of marijuana products, as well as thousands of dollars of cash.

Smoke Station

According to the report from police, a clerk at Smoke Station made an illegal sale of a marijuana product to an undercover DEA agent. The business also sold tobacco to an underage person.

Furthermore, nearly 10 pounds of raw marijuana flower were found on scene, as well as the equivalent of several pounds of marijuana products.

Smoke Station was closed and issued a Stop Work Order by CTDOL for violating labor law requirements. DRS additionally found that the business had an expired permit to sell tobacco products, and the clerk was issued an infraction for the underage sale of tobacco.

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Hidden compartments containing illegal marijuana products were also allegedly found located throughout the store.

The clerk, who police identified as Maria Luisa Anorga-Manrique, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis, operation of a drug factory and two counts of sale or manufacture of cannabis. She was released on a $2,500 bond.

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Cali Exotic Convenience

The report from police notes that the clerk at Cali Exotic Convenience also made an illegal sale of a marijuana product to an undercover DEA agent.

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The business was found to have just under 15 pounds of raw marijuana flower and the equivalent of several pounds of other marijuana products.

State officials shut down the shop and issued a Stop Work Order. It was also discovered the business had an expired permit to sell tobacco products.

The clerk, identified by police as Ala Ali Abdulla Ali, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell more than one kilogram of cannabis, operation of a drug factory and two counts of sale or manufacture of cannabis. Ali was released on a $2,500 bond.

The cases are active, according to Danbury police. Theyre currently being investigated by the police departments Detective Bureau.

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Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.

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The family of a 25-year-old Costa Mesa man is demanding answers after he died following a rattlesnake bite he suffered while mountain biking in Irvine.

Julian Hernandez was riding at the Quail Hill Trail in Irvine on Feb. 1 when he stopped near the Quail Hill Community Center to wait for a friend, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Public Information Officer Kyle Oldoerp said Hernandez was bitten after he lost his balance.

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"He was adjusting his shoe on his bike, which caused him to fall over into some brush and then it's our understanding that that's when the rattlesnake bit him," Oldoerp said. He added that Hernandez was bitten in the leg.

The Orange County Fire Authority took Hernandez to a hospital by ambulance, where officials told Eyewitness News he was alert. But on March 4 - more than a month later - Hernandez died. The Orange County Sheriff's Department said the coroner ruled his death was caused by an animal bite.

"Death from a rattlesnake bite is extremely rare," said Dr. William Woo with Kaiser Permanente. He said antivenom is typically used to treat snake bites and is most effective when administered quickly, though complications can still occur.

"A lot of factors matter," he said. "Your age, location of the bite, how quickly you get care, underlying conditions, but even if all of that is in your favor, it is still a possibility."

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that of the 7,000 to 8,000 venomous snake bites in the U.S. each year, only about five people die.

Hernandez's family expressed frustration in a GoFundMe post, writing, "We are a family that handed our son over to people we trusted and never got him back ... We will pursue the truth about what happened to Julian and we will stand up for him."

Wildlife officials warn that warmer temperatures increase snake activity on trails. Cort Klopping with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife urged outdoor enthusiasts to use caution.

"We do really advise that people stick to the more well-beaten paths and don't go off of those into a thicker, heavier brush," Klopping said.
Three of the 6 crew members killed in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq are from Ohio, according to Governor Mike DeWine.

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I have been advised by Ohios Adjutant General that three of the six servicemembers killed during the air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the Ohio Air National Guards 121st Air Refueling Wing. Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families, DeWine said in a social media post.

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Our media partner, WBNS-10 TV, identified one of the crew members as Tyler Simmons, of Columbus.

He was an airman with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing released a statement regarding the deaths on Friday:

It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss. On March 12, 2026, they were among the six Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down in western Iraq while flying a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The incident occurred in friendly airspace involving two aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the familys wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.

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Senator Jon Husted made a statement on the fatal refueling crash:

Tina and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of the six National Guard Airmen, including three Ohio Air National Guard members, in the U.S. KC-135 crash. These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our countryputting the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves. We will always remember these service members noble mission to protect the homeland and the sacred freedom of America.

Please join me in praying for their families and loved ones as they mourn this unimaginable loss. As our service members continue to carry the flag of freedom around the globe, may they continue the righteous mission for which these heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice.

God bless our troops."

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As previously reported, the KC-135 went down in western Iraq on Thursday in friendly airspace while supporting Operation Epic Fury.

The airplane did not crash due to hostile or friendly fire.

A second plane was damaged, but landed safely.

News Center 7 is working to learn the identities of the two other Ohioans killed in the crash.

This crash remains under investigation.

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Expect significant delays if youre driving on I-405 through Bothell this weekend.

Crews working on the I-405/Brickyard to State Route 527 Improvement Project will complete the fourth and final weekend closure for ramp removal work.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), crews will remove the remaining portion of the previous northbound I-405 flyover ramp at the SR 522 Interchange.

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The closure begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13. Crews will close all lanes of northbound I-405 at the SR 522 interchange and all lanes of southbound I-405 from SR 527 to SR 522.

The lanes wont reopen until 4 a.m. on Monday, March 16.

We expect back-ups of several miles on I-405 and delays of more than an hour during this weekend closure, WSDOT shared.

Drivers also may experience backups on local streets and parallel routes that do not typically carry freeway-level traffic.

Signed detours will help direct travelers around the closure. Crews will also close additional ramps around the interchange overnight to set up and take down the northbound detour route.

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The full closure of I-405 will overlap with ongoing Revive I-5 preservation work on the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle, where two lanes of northbound I-5 remain closed, and the express lanes are operating northbound only around the clock.

Travelers attending weekend events, such as Seattles St. Patricks Day Parade or the Seattle Kraken game, should plan ahead, expect longer travel times, use alternate routes or consider transit.
Abner's Famous Chicken has closed its last remaining location.

The recent closure of Abner's inside Crosstown Concourse at 1350 Concourse Ave. follows the shuttering of an East Memphis restaurant in January and a Cordova location in 2025.

The chain once had 10 locations across Mississippi, but its final restaurant in that state  located in Brandon  closed in November 2025.

MEMPHIS RESTAURANT CLOSURES: These Memphis restaurants have permanently closed in 2026

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In 2019, Collierville-based Wolf River Hospitality Group acquired the Abner's brand, which originated in Oxford, Mississippi. Wolf River did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

The group also owns PYRO'S Fire Fresh Pizza, Wolf River Brisket, Levee Coffee & Creamery, Limelight, Nashoba and Rio Lobo Cantina.

Abner's opened in Crosstown Concourse in mid-2021  in a spot previously occupied by Saucy Chicken.

Abner's chicken-focused menu included the usual tenders, wings and nuggets, as well as wraps and sandwiches, tacos, salads and loaded fries.

Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering DeSoto County, as well as Dining in the Memphis area. You can reach him at jacob.wilt@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Abner's Famous Chicken permanently closes in Crosstown Concourse
With a market cap of $18.8 billion, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DD) is a global technology-based materials and solutions company, serving markets globally. The company operates through two main segments: Healthcare & Water Technologies and Diversified Industrials, providing advanced materials, filtration technologies, and engineered solutions for industries such as healthcare, construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered large-cap stocks, and DuPont de Nemours fits this criterion perfectly. Its portfolio includes well-known brands and products such as Tyvek protective materials, water filtration systems, ion exchange resins, specialty lubricants, and structural adhesives.

More News from Barchart

Shares of the Wilmington, Delaware-based company have fallen 12.7% from its 52-week high of $52.66. DuPont de Nemours' shares have increased 12.2% over the past three months, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 1.5% decline during the same period.

www.barchart.com

DD stock has gained 14.4% on a YTD basis, outpacing SPX's marginal drop over the same period. Longer term, shares of DuPont de Nemours have surged 43% over the past 52 weeks, compared to SPX's 20.8% return.

The stock has been trading above its 50-day moving average since June 2025. Also, it has moved above its 200-day moving average since late August 2025.

www.barchart.com

Shares of DuPont rose nearly 5% on Feb. 10 after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q4 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $0.46, beating the prior-year $0.39, and operating EBITDA increasing to $409 million. Investors were also encouraged by full-year 2025 results, where net sales grew 2% to $6.8 billion, operating EBITDA reached $1.63 billion (up 6%), and adjusted EPS rose 16% to $1.68. Additionally, the company issued optimistic 2026 guidance, projecting $7.08 billion - $7.14 billion in net sales and adjusted EPS of $2.25 - $2.30.

In comparison, rival International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has lagged behind DD stock. IFF stock has gained 8.1% on a YTD basis and decreased 9.3% over the past 52 weeks.

Due to DD's stock outperformance relative to the SPX, analysts remain bullish about its prospects. Among the 16 analysts covering the stock, there is a consensus rating of Strong Buy, and the mean price target of $55.73 suggests a premium of 21.2% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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
A tense exchange unfolded Friday at the Georgia State Capitol as Nathan Wade, the former special prosecutor in the Fulton County election interference case against President Donald Trump, testified before a state Senate subcommittee.

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The committee is investigating the prosecution of Trump and the other defendants.

Wade defended his role in the case, even as Republican senators suggested there may have been coordination between the Fulton County District Attorneys Office, the Biden administration, and the congressional committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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At one point, Wades attorney, former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, clashed with Athens Republican State Senator Bill Cowsert, who is leading the Senate investigation.

The exchange quickly became tense.

So youre defending what happened on January sixth? Barnes asked.

Cowsert pushed back.

I just want to know  are you defending that?

Barnes replied, I am not under examination from you, Governor.

Friday marked the first time Wade testified publicly before the committee.

The case against Trump and the other defendants later fell apart after evidence surfaced that Wade had a romantic relationship with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who had hired him as special prosecutor.

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A judge later disqualified Willis from the case. A state prosecutor eventually dropped all charges.

During the hearing, senators pressed Wade about whether there was coordination between the Fulton County District Attorneys Office and officials in Washington.

Wade strongly denied that claim.

No one at the White House, the White House Counsels Office, the Department of Justice, or the January Sixth Committee directed, asked, coerced, or pressured me to do anything in the case, Wade said.

However, Wade said he could not recall specific meetings with administration officials or members of the January 6 committee during trips he made to Washington.

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Republican State Senator Greg Dolezal of Cumming said those interactions raise questions.

Youve got an eight-hour conference call between Mr. Wade and the White House? It does raise questions about how much coordination there was in the attempt to  quote  get Trump, Dolezal said.

Wades attorney, Andrew Evans, dismissed the idea that the case was part of a larger conspiracy.

That notion that it was part of some big conspiracy is absolute fiction, Evans said.

This whole thing today was just designed to make headlines.

Barnes also argued it was appropriate for investigators to communicate with the U.S. Department of Justice or the January 6 committee while gathering evidence.

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The Senate subcommittee cannot reopen the criminal case.

Instead, lawmakers say information gathered during the investigation could be used to write future legislation.

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A West Des Moines doctor accused of incompetence has had his license placed on probation for one year.

Iowa Board of Medicine records indicate the board initiated four separate investigations of family-medicine practitioner Dr. Dale Grunewald in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

In January 2022, the board issued a then-confidential order directing Grunewald to complete a comprehensive clinical competency evaluation. The evaluation was completed in September 2022, although the board has not disclosed its findings.

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The board alleges that in February 2024, a physician completed a board-directed review of the care provided by Grunewald to 17 of his patients.

In April 2025, presumably as the result of the 2022 evaluation and the 2024 care review, the board charged Grunewald with professional incompetence related to pain management.

According to the board, the allegations that led to the charge involved inappropriate wound care and failure to maintain documentation of prescriptions, refills and patient visits.

The board says it was also alleged that Grunewald had issued several simultaneous prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines, presumably to the same patients, and that he failed to follow state and federal guidelines for pain management.

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To resolve the disciplinary case, the board has agreed to place Grunewalds license on probation for one year. It has also ordered him to complete 20 hours of educational training on prescription and pain management, plus 15 hours of educational training on recordkeeping and documentation.

Grunewald will also be required to utilize an educational mentor for one year.

State records indicate that in 1992, Grunewald was convicted of three felony counts of income tax evasion, was fined $20,000, ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, and was sentenced to four months in jail followed by four months of home confinement.

The board, then known as the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners, fined Grunewald $3,000 as a result of the conviction and placed his license on indefinite probation. The board also restricted Grunewalds practice, for 60 days, to working in a free clinic.

In March 1994, the board restored Grunewalds license to full privileges, free and clear of any restrictions.

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Authorities are investigating the Old Dominion University shooting that left one person dead and two others injured as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Thursday, March 12.

Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office, said a group of Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students subdued and killed the suspect who shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire in a classroom inside Constant Hall. She did not provide further details on the incident, but noted that the suspect was not shot.

"There were students that were in that room that subdued him and rendered him no longer alive," Evans said at a news conference. "I don't know else to say it, but they basically were able to terminate the threat."

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The suspect, who was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, pleaded guilty in 2016 to federal charges of providing material support to the Islamic State and was released from prison in 2024, according to Evans. She said Jalloh shot three people, killing one person and injuring two others.

Evans also acknowledged the ROTC students who stepped in, saying they showed "extreme bravery and courage" by stopping the suspect and preventing further loss of life.

In a statement on X, Patel, who said the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, added that the students' actions "undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement."

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with local authorities in the investigation, Patel confirmed.

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Old Dominion, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public university with about 24,000 students. Constant Hall is the hub of the school's College of Business. It has two lecture halls and another 19 classrooms.

Michigan synagogue attack: Suspect in synagogue attack dead, security guard injured

Suspect confirmed dead within minutes after 911 calls

At about 10:43 a.m. ET, police received 911 calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall, Old Dominion University police chief Garrett Shelton said at an earlier news conference. Officers arrived on scene minutes later, and by 10:50 a.m., police had determined the shooter was dead.

The university's initial alert said the suspect opened fire shortly before 10:49 a.m. in a classroom in the school's College of Business. The Norfolk Police Department confirmed they were on scene responding to the "active incident" at the school on social media.

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Two victims were transported to a local hospital, where one later died, according to Shelton. A third victim went to another hospital on their own, the police chief added.

The two injured victims were in stable condition, Shelton said. All three victims were affiliated with the university.

U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said in a statement on X that he was "deeply saddened" to hear about the shooting and the two Army personnel who were injured in the incident.

In a posting on its website, the university later said there was no longer a threat but urged the public to avoid the scene of the shooting, where emergency personnel continued to work.

Victim killed in shooting remembered as 'devoted ROTC instructor'

In a statement on social media, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger identified the victim killed in the shooting as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and said he was killed in his classroom.

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"A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path," Spanberger said. "I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family. Amid this tragedy, I thank the brave students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who responded quickly to todays horrific attack."

Shah was from Virginia and was an alumnus of Old Dominion University, according to his profile on the school's website. He was a professor of military science at the university's ROTC.

He enlisted in the Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist, his profile states. Shah was deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan and received multiple awards, including two Bronze Stars.

At Old Dominion University, Shah earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in military science, according to his profile. He also received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

Suspect a former member of the Army National Guard

Court records show Jalloh was a former member of the Army National Guard. Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard when he was 19 years old "out of a patriotic desire to give back to his adopted country," according to court records.

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He received an honorable discharge when his six-year commitment ended, a defense lawyer for Jalloh wrote in court filings.

During the news conference, Evans said Jalloh was arrested in 2016 and pleaded guilty "for attempting to provide material support to ISIL, now known as ISIS." He was sentenced in 2017 to 11 years in prison and was released in 2024.

When asked about what type of aid Jalloh was providing, Evans said he wanted to "conduct a terrorist attack similar to that in Fort Hood, Texas." In November 2009, U.S. Army Major and psychiatrist Nidal Hasan opened fire at the Fort Hood Army post, killing 13 people and wounding 32 others.

Authorities said Hasan was motivated by Islamic extremism and opposition to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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At the time of his sentencing, prosecutors argued that a 20-year prison sentence for Jalloh would be appropriate. They wrote in a court filing about his potential sentence that he attempted to help the Islamic State group "in a host of ways," including providing the group with funds and trying to organize weapons and personnel.

Prosecutors also wrote in that filing that Jalloh suggested to an FBI source that Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar, was a good time to conduct an attack. The attack at Old Dominion University took place during Ramadan.

Who is Mohamed Bailor Jalloh? Old Dominion University shooter admitted to trying to help ISIS in 2016

'It was just fight or flight'

Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney, said at the news conference that his wife works on campus and was among those who were on lockdown.

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Zachary Mulder told WTKR he had just finished class in Constant Hall when the shooting broke out. He told the outlet that dozens of people ran into the Webb Center, where he was having coffee, "screaming 'shooter' and 'gun.'"

"At that point, it was just fight or flight. I grabbed everything I could and just ran," he said. "Im just glad to be alive, honestly, and shaken up. You just never thought it would happen."

Classes and campus operations were canceled after the shooting. Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill encouraged students to gather on campus for lunch and counseling support.

"To say the least, today was a tragic day for the campus of Old Dominion University," Hemphill said at the news conference. "Our campus and community have ben truly shaken and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence."

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Spanberger said on social media that she had spoken with university leadership and was mobilizing state support to assist with the situation.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Old Dominion University shooting probed as an act of terrorism: Police
Bills removing affirmative action and police anti-bias training requirements from state law, as well as a measure that opponents said would legalize conversion therapy practices, were advanced by Senate subcommittees Thursday.

House File 2711, passed by the Iowa House earlier in March, removes several requirements for affirmative action plans and reporting from entities including the Iowa departments of Education and Administration, the judicial branch, as well as from school districts, community colleges and the state Board of Regents.

The measure also makes changes to the states legal requirements regarding law enforcement training. Though the House amended the measure to keep training requirements on deescalation techniques in place, it removes requirements for racial and cultural awareness training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and annual bias prevention training for law enforcement agencies. These were provisions approved in 2020 as a part of a bipartisan law enforcement oversight and conduct law.

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Speakers at the Senate subcommittee meeting Thursday spoke in opposition to the bill, saying it would negatively impact already marginalized communities in Iowa. Tom Chapman with the Iowa Catholic Conference said the organization believed fairly administered affirmative action programs still provided a benefit to the state by helping reduce inequalities caused by historic discrimination.

He also asked lawmakers to remove the change on police anti-bias training specifically.

I havent seen any evidence presented why those requirements still wouldnt be helpful and needed, so we would say that you should not strike those requirements in the bill, Chapman said. I wish we could eliminate racism in the Catholic church, and in our churches in general. I wish we could eliminate racism in law enforcement, but I dont think were there yet. And I think those anti-bias training should remain.

Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner also asked her Republican colleagues to consider taking out the measures on police training requirements, saying these are helpful tools for law enforcement working to address needs within their specific communities.

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Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, said he appreciated hearing from Weiner and Chapman about their specific concerns on the police training components. He and Sen. Adrian Dickey, R-Packwood, signed off on the measure.

Speakers share experiences of conversion therapy

Dickey, as well as Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, also signed off on House File 2557, legislation making exceptions to child abuse and child endangerment definitions in Iowa law as it relates to their childs gender identity. The bill states a parents intent to raise, guide or instruct a child in a manner consistent with the childs sex cannot be considered abuse, and is exempt from consideration in foster parent licensing, adoption or custody proceedings.

Acts that could not be considered abusive or disqualifying a parent from consideration include calling a child by a name or pronouns that align with the childs assigned sex at birth, or a parent not consenting to their child receiving gender-affirming medical treatment.

However, the largest point of contention is the language in the bill stating a parent seeking and consenting to a mental health service for a child for the purpose of helping the child live a life consistent with the childs sex cannot be considered abuse or endangerment. LGBTQ+ advocates and others said this language would legalize the discredited practice of conversion therapy, in which a person is subject to psychological, behavioral or physical practices aimed at altering their gender identity or sexual orientation.

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The American Medical Association and other major medical and psychological professional organizations say conversion therapy is not effective in changing a persons gender or sexuality, and leads to trauma and worse mental health outcomes for people subjected to these practices.

At the subcommittee meeting, several survivors of conversion therapy spoke in opposition to the bill.

Wes Mullins, who runs Capital City Pride, said his family placed him in conversion therapy from ages 16 to 21. He asked lawmakers to please not hurt people the way that  I have been harmed.

Im here today because I want you to understand the damage that it does to people, Mullins said. And theres going to be some people in this room who havent gone through that therapy who will try to tell you that it doesnt do that damage. But the most respected institution that created that type of therapy, Exodus International, closed its doors in 2013 with a statement that said, We apologize to everyone we have harmed. And this measure is not exactly the same thing as that, but its sending us back down a path that weve already determined hurts people.

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But supporters of the measure argued conversion therapy is not referenced directly in the bill and the provision is a needed parental rights protection. Anita Fischer with the organization Protect My Innocence, alongside other advocates, said there have been cases in other states where prospective foster parents and others have faced challenges due to stating that would not affirm a transgender childs gender identity.

It reinforces parental rights, protects families from government overreach and ensures that parents, not the state, remain the primary decision makers in this upbringing and care for their children, Fischer said. While its not here in Iowa yet, its on its way. And I appreciate this bill being proactive rather than reactive.

Chuck Hurley with the Family Leader read a letter from Jim and Diana Plorins, who have spoken in support of the measure previously, who said their Christian beliefs mean they would not support gender transitioning, and said their foster care license was placed on hold after a year of providing care for issues related to our religious beliefs regarding same-sex relationships.

Hurley said his family has also fostered 15 children, saying if this had happened to us, we would not have been licensed as foster parents. He said the measure is needed in order to help address the shortage of adoptive and foster parents in Iowa.

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But Keenan Crow with One Iowa, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, said opponents were asking the Legislature not to create exemptions in the child abuse code for things that are clearly abusive.

I want to be very clear: what this bill does is limit the application of our child abuse statutes to enable abuse as long as it is in in the name of forcing a child to conform to gender stereotypes, Crow said. If that wasnt the case, this bill would not be needed. Everyone understands that basic things like calling your son, your son are not abusive, and the Iowa judiciary is fairly conservative in this regard. Theyre not going to buy arguments to the contrary. The biggest concern we have is language (that) would clearly enable parents to engage in the dangerous discredited practices known as conversion therapy, which is aimed at changing the gender identity of a child. These practices, as youve heard, do not work and aside from being ineffective, are extremely extremely damaging.

Dickey said he supported moving the bill forward so the full Senate Judiciary Committee could discuss the bill. However, he also stated as he looks at the bill, I have not seen conversion therapy in the bill, I dont see where it talks about transgender or gay issues.

What the issue is about as parental rights, Dickey said. And I think stepping on parental rights, or telling the parents they dont have rights to raise their children, is an incredibly slippery, slippery slope to walk on. I think it is an issue that is much greater than a panel of three people to just say yes or no, whether that should be a conversation thats worthy of having.

Both bills move next to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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The Alabama State Board of Education voted to approve new social studies textbooks Thursday after months of debates and delays.

Weve got to bring this to an end, said Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey, about approving the textbooks.

The Alabama Social Studies course of study was updated in 2024, and new textbooks are intended to help teach more Alabama history, civics and civil rights. Local districts have the final say on which textbooks to buy.

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Mackey referenced a teacher in Fort Payne who pleaded with him last week to ask the board to approve the new textbooks.

Shes been using materials from the previous adoption, which was many, many years ago, way over a decade ago, and she called it junk, he said.

A state textbook committee was appointed to review textbooks in April and submitted recommendations to the board in October.

During a public comment period, speakers weighed in on the textbooks approved by the committee.

I want to raise serious concerns about the proposed textbooks, said Becky Gerritson, head of the Alabama Eagle Forum.

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There appears to be an imbalance of how religions are presented in a seventh grade text, she said, noting that Christianity was, mainly linked through colonial colonization and conquest, while Islam is described mostly through trade and cultural exchange.

Gerritson said she thinks the textbooks are politically biased, noting that one of the 8th grade books called President Trump a threat to democracy and compared him to Kim Jong Un, authoritarian leader of North Korea.

Another speaker against the approval of the committees list, Robert Monk, said that some of the textbooks wrongly implied that sharecropping after the end of slavery in the United States was an exploitative system.

Both parties got a share of the profit and this helped both parties survive, he said.

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He stated that he thought material on the Trail of Tears inaccurately portrayed Native Americans as victims.

Casey Piola, a Homewood City Schools 2026 teacher of the year and member of the textbook committee, spoke in support of approving the selected textbooks. She said without high quality instructional materials, teachers will turn to the internet for information.

Without these textbooks, we will be surrendering our Alabama social studies instruction to third parties whose funding, motivation and values are completely unknown to us, she said.

The textbook selection process was an exercise led by Alabama educators and public appointees who were guided by Alabama standards, with Alabama values in our hearts.

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Dr. Bill Mann, a school principal and teacher asked the board to approve the materials.

I ask you to trust the professional judgment of the teachers who served on the textbook committee, he said. Support our early career teachers who are the future of our profession, and consider the students who require the most instructional support.

Mackey noted that there were at least six textbook options approved for every grade level.

The state board split 5-4 in deciding the matter, said Dr. Wayne Reynolds, board member from North Alabama.

A 5-4 vote shows that there were some legitimate concerns about the report, he said. Not about the diligence of the committee, but about the outcome of the books they had to choose from.

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Local school boards will be able to choose which of the approved textbooks to purchase with state funds. Reynolds said that requires local selection committees do careful work.

Its local responsibility as it always should be, he said.

This story was updated on March 13 at 3 pm with comment from Dr. Wayne Reynolds.

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Authorities now believe an Alabama family missing for more than a month is dead after finding three bodies buried in a town about 50 miles away.

The bodies suspected to be Aurelia Choc Cac and her two children, Niurika Zuleta Choc and Anthony Garcia Choc, were found in Summerdale in Baldwin County the afternoon of Wednesday, March 11, the Mobile County Sheriffs Office said in a Thursday, March 12, Facebook post.

The discovery comes after a man, Hector Gamaliel Argueta-Guerra, was arrested on three counts of kidnapping in connection with their disappearance, according to authorities, Us Weekly previously reported.

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Aurelia, 40, Niurka, 17, and Anthony, 2, went missing from their home in Theodore on January 30, according to the sheriffs office. Theodore is about a 50-mile drive west from Summerdale, where the bodies were located on March 11.

Signs of a struggle were found at their home, the sheriffs office said in an earlier news release.

Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend and Her Daughter, 4, Is Sentenced to Death in Florida

On March 12, the sheriffs office announced Argueta-Guerra has been additionally charged with one count of capital murder under 14 years, one count of obstructing justice using a false identity, three counts of abuse of a corpse, three counts of capital murder/burglary, three counts of capital murder/kidnapping, and one count of capital murder of two or more people.

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Our prayers are with the family and friends of those who knew Aurelia, her daughter Niurka, and her two year old son, Anthony, the sheriffs office said. Hector, you are a sick person to do what you did to this family and we know if convicted, you will never see the outside world again.

Information on Argueta-Guerras legal representation was not immediately available.

Investigators are working to identify the bodies, according to authorities.

At a March 12 news conference, Paul Burch said the sizes of the bodies were consistent with the three Choc family members.

This is a horrific and gruesome murder, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said, before declaring, The state will seek the death penalty in this case.

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A potential motive for the alleged murders was not specified by authorities.

Siblings, Ages 3 and 5, Still Missing as Father is Wanted in California Mothers Killing

When Burch was asked about a possible motive, he said What motive would there be for killing a two-year-old?

The FBI had previously offered a $15,000 reward for any information that might lead to the location of Aurelia and her children.

Argueta-Guerra is from El Salvador, where he allegedly has a violent criminal history, authorities previously said at a February 24 news conference, WKRG reported. He is an accused member of Los Surenos, a transnational gang with ties to El Salvador.
The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a $10.5 billion Education Trust Fund budget that features pay raises for education employees but less money for a state insurance program that a state board said was needed to avoid premium increases.

The budget, which passed the chamber 104-0 with one abstention and goes into effect Oct. 1, will be about $570 million higher than the current ETF, an increase of about 6%.

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, the chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, said in a press conference after the vote that the budget reflected an attempt to navigate competing priorities as revenue growth in the ETF slows down.

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This budget was challenging because we had a lot of issues out of the gate that were huge demands, he said. We can only grow the budget by $570 million.

The measure passed with virtually no discussion other than members thanking Garrett for his efforts.

The budget includes a 2% pay raise for teachers and a $180 million increase for the Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP). PEEHIP had requested a $380 million increase to avoid premium increases for members, but Garrett said $380 million would have left little for other programs.

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Garrett said that the pay raise for teachers would cost the state about $100 million, which left very little to spread around for Pre-K all the way through the higher ed community.

Alabamas K-12 schools will receive about $7.1 billion, which is an increase of about $381 million (5.67%) from the current budget. Much of the money, almost $5 billion, will be distributed to the Foundation Program, the primary funding formula that decides the amount of money for each of the school systems in the state.

Higher education will receive about $2.7 billion, an increase of about $150 million (5.88%) from the current budget. Two-year colleges will be allocated an additional $35 million (5.75%) while universities will receive an increase of about $106 million (6%).

Funding for pre-kindergarten will reach $226 million, an increase of about $13 million, Garrett told lawmakers during the session.

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This will allow 47% of all eligible four-year-olds statewide to participate, Garrett said. The budget allocated $5.3 million to increase the number of classrooms available for pre-K programs by 35. It will also provide $4.4 million to retain the 1,500 existing classrooms.

The budget also increased the amount for the Numeracy Act, a program to help ensure students up to the fifth grade have the necessary proficiency in mathematics, by $22 million (20%). The additional funding will add 33 math specialists.

The ETF also gives $58 million to the RAISE Act, according to the budget spreadsheet, which allocates additional money to schools for particular populations, including rural students, English Language learners, and children in poverty.

The CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like program giving $7,000 to qualifying children for non-public education expenses, including private school tuition, will receive $251.25 million, with $100 million of it coming from the ETF and the rest from other sources.

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Lawmakers also had to find another $10 million to fund the construction of the new statehouse that is planned to open for the next session, as well as $9 million for the Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

Supplemental funding

Earlier in Thursdays session, the House passed a $419 million supplemental appropriation to the ETF. Garrett warned legislators during the debate that there may be less money next year.

The supplemental appropriation is additional money on top of what agencies, departments and organizations would receive from the ETF.

Last year it was $520 million, he said. Next year it will probably be less than $300 million. That is an indication of how our revenues are stabilizing and how we are moving forward with excess funds.

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The bill includes $25 million for the State Department to renew its fleet of vehicles and $10 million to fund programs for students who are struggling with reading beyond the third grade. The budget also added $7.3 million for the school breakfast program.

We are to a point where we are going to have to manage those peaks and valleys, Garrett said to the media. A lot of people have become accustomed to the supplementals.

Budget makers have expressed concerns that state revenues may be dwindling. The 2027 General Fund budget, approved by the Senate on Wednesday, includes a pay raise for state employees but is effectively level-funded compared to this year.

We will have less of that money to spread around, Garrett said to the media. All the money we have at this point, we are putting into good investments for what we are doing with statewide strategy, or specific needs. We will have less of an opportunity to do that moving forward.
The Alabama State Board of Education Thursday approved new textbooks for arts education and social studies after months of delays and disputes over content.

The board voted 5-4 to approve a list of recommendations for the books.

Gov. Kay Ivey, the chair of the board, and board members Tracie West, a Republican representing District 2; Yvette Richardson, a Democrat representing District 4; Democrat Tonya Chestnut, representing District 5 and Republican Marie Manning, representing District 6 voted to approve the recommendations.

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My vote today was about protecting the classroom, and I trust our local textbook committees to look over these books carefully and choose the very best materials that the committee provided, West said after the meeting.

Republicans Jackie Ziegler of District 1; Kelley Mooney of District 3; Allen Long of District 7 and Wayne Reynolds of District 8 voted against the recommendations.

Reynolds said he didnt find the recommendations to be appropriate.

One of the things that Ive heard from both of the proponents is how important the textbook is to the teacher, and if we put a defective textbook in the teachers hands, were not doing ourselves a favor, he said.

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Alabama State School Superintendent Eric Mackey said the vote will allow local boards to have control over what books will be used in classrooms.

There are good options at every grade level. In my opinion, some are better than others, but in an active democracy, you let local people make decisions, and this is about passing on a list to local school boards and letting them get their teachers together and decide what they want for their community, he said.

Prior to the vote, Mackey said a teacher in Fort Payne in DeKalb County told him that she had used the same textbooks for over a decade, which she called junk.

She said, Im stuck with it. My districts told me, unless the board approves new materials, in which case theyve told me, I can select, Mackey said. And shes already picked out the one she wants and her districts good with that, and its good material, but weve got to move to that point so we can get a state contract and get this done.

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Board members were initially given the recommendations by the Alabama State Textbook Committee in October. The vote was delayed after several board members still had questions about the textbooks and concerns over whether the books aligned with what they described as the values of Alabamians.

Before the vote, members of the public were given the opportunity to express their support or disagreement with the recommendations.

Becky Gerritson, executive director of the Eagle Forum of Alabama, a right-wing organization, expressed concerns with the social studies textbooks, claiming a seventh-grade textbook she did not name presented an imbalance of how religions are presented.

Christianity spread is mainly linked through colonization and conquest, while Islam is described mostly through trade and cultural exchange, Gerritson said. Muhammad is described as honest and kind, and there is little mention of Islams military expansion or treatment of conquered peoples. This presents an incomplete and misleading view of history.

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It was not clear if Gerritson was referring to a proposed Alabama textbook available for public viewing.

Casey Piola, a social studies teacher for Homewood City Schools, who also assisted with reviewing the social studies course of study committee, urged board members to approve the textbooks.

Without these Alabama-vetted instructional materials, teachers will be forced to make the difficult choice to turn to the Internet for their resources, she said. When youve planned lessons on sensitive topics for over a decade like I have, you know firsthand the dubious special interest groups and keyboard warriors that teachers must wade through to find appropriate resources.

Bill Mann, principal of Vestavia Hills High School Freshman Campus, also spoke in support of approving the textbooks.

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I ask you to trust the professional judgment of the teachers who served on the textbook committee, support our early career teachers who are the future of our profession, and consider the students who require the most instructional support, he said.

Board members also discussed the textbooks they were going to vote on.

Jackie Zeigler, a Republican who represents District 1, said she had quality concerns with the textbooks she reviewed.

I found the quality of the textbooks to be lacking and not up to the high standards that all of our students in the state of Alabama deserve. We need current materials that are high quality, meet the educational needs of our students, as well as promote critical thinking skills, she said.

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Last month, board members were told Ivey recommended $7 million in the Education Trust Fund Supplemental Budget for the state to write their own social studies textbook. Mackey told the board that money was removed from the version of the bill approved by the House on Thursday.

There are a number of legislators who told me they dont want to do that until theres a new governor, and to see if the new governor wants to do it, because thats a multi-year project, Mackey said.

Now that the recommendations have been approved, contracts have to be signed by textbook vendors, Mackey and Ivey. After the signatures, local boards will be able to order books from the approved list.
Anchorage Democratic Rep. Zack Fields was listening to a speech by Republican U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III when he got fed up.

Fields scribbled a note on a nearby sheet of paper: ICE out of Alaska and held it up on the House floor for a few minutes while Begich spoke to lawmakers.

That simple act riled Republicans, who sought to officially reprimand Fields and kicked off a sequence of events that roiled the state House this week and snarled legislative business for a day.

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That was probably not the best or most effective way to, you know, bear witness to the horror that ICE is inflicting on America, Fields said in an interview Wednesday, the day after Begichs speech. But, you know, thinking about my kids, that was the one thing that I could do at that moment that didnt interrupt the speech or get more dramatic.

Begich, Alaskas lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives, has been generally supportive of President Donald Trumps administration, including the use of federal agents to aggressively imprison people and remove them from the country.

Some federal agents have acted violently, shooting 14 people in Minnesota, and killing two. Agents in other states have also killed unarmed American citizens and noncitizens.

Begich did not mention those shootings during his speech, instead repeating the Trump administrations stated justification for the immigration crackdown  that it is intended to address drug trafficking.

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Nick Begich was going on about fentanyl and ICE, and its just not right, Fields said. That just completely outraged me, because ICE is arresting random children and adults who have been here for years, following the law, founding local businesses. I just thought it was grossly misrepresentative, outrageous, and I got angry about it because my kid, my kids, go to school with a bunch of families who are worried theyre going to be kidnapped or separated from their children.

Fields sign was not visible to the Gavel Alaska cameras in the chamber and does not appear in a recording of Begichs speech.

Neither Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, nor Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, saw the sign. Both were seated behind Begich as he spoke.

Hours after Fields held up his sign, members of the Houses all-Republican minority issued a statement denouncing his action, saying that it violated legislative rules and decorum.

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Sitting on the House floor during our Congressmans annual keynote address is not the place for disruption and waving protest signs. This behavior reflects a lack of professional maturity and a blatant disregard for the rules of this body, said House Minority Leader DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, in the statement.

The following day, Johnson proposed that the House issue a formal reprimand against Fields.

House Rules Chair Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak and a member of the House majority, spoke against the idea, saying she spoke to Fields about it, and further transgressions  will not be tolerated in the chamber.

Fields spoke in his defense, noting in part that federal agents murdered multiple American citizens, including shooting a nurse in the back, a reference to the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota.

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Fields description drew immediate objections from Republican members of the House minority.

Its an insult to every member here, said Rep. Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River. Maybe it was hidden from the cameras or not but thats an insult. If a member here has an opinion, they can express it in public speech, they can put it on social media, they can shout it on a street corner on the soap box, they can take part in marches, they could even do it as we see in special orders as long as its done without objection.

During a break in formal debate, Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, called Fields description bullshit, a comment loud enough to be heard across the House chamber.

I yelled bullshit because Zack Fields called ICE a bunch of murderers, she said after the House adjourned for the day.

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The vote to reprimand Fields arrived on the same day that lawmakers took up a contentious vote to extend a state declaration of disaster that began when ex-Typhoon Halong devastated Western Alaska last year.

The House majority also attempted to force a vote on the states fast-track supplemental budget bill, something opposed by the minority and another factor in the days tensions.

At one point in debates, Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, called a halt to proceedings in order to verbally dress down Saddler.

The day ended with the resolution against Fields still tabled and unlikely to come up again.

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And looking back, you know, probably there was a better way to do it, Fields said afterward about his actions during Begichs speech. Obviously it was not in accordance with the procedure. But its like, what do we do when there are these outrageous acts and some people dont even want to acknowledge them?  I think thats a challenge every citizen of conscience faces every day.

As for the sign? Fields said its already been recycled.

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Mar. 12Alaska House Republican minority members on Thursday refused to approve a draw of millions of dollars from state savings to pay for disaster relief and transportation projects, amid war-driven oil prices that are set to net the state tens of millions of dollars in unforeseen revenue.

Republicans reasoned that oil revenue driven by the war in Iran will eliminate the need for using savings to cover $373 million in expenses in the current fiscal year.

Thinking that oil prices are too volatile to be relied upon, majority members in the House had sought to draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve to cover the added spending in the current fiscal year. Drawing from that account, which currently has roughly $3 billion in it, requires approval from three-quarters of the House and the Senate.

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The Senate cleared that hurdle handily Wednesday, voting unanimously in favor of the draw from savings. But in the House on Thursday, the vote failed 22-18, with only one Republican minority member  Anchorage Rep. Mia Costello  joining all 21 members of the House bipartisan majority to vote in favor of the draw.

Leaders of the House minority caucus said that they were not interested in voting for the draw from savings until the Alaska Department of Revenue releases an updated revenue forecast, expected Friday.

That forecast, Republican minority members said, would likely show that unexpectedly high oil prices will yield enough funding to cover tens of millions of dollars for transportation projects, disaster relief and fire suppression, without drawing from savings.

The price per barrel of North Slope crude stood at $92 on Tuesday, compared to the fall forecast of $65 per barrel, on average.

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But lawmakers in the majority said that oil prices are volatile and there is no guarantee that they remain at their current level through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends in June. Even if they do remain at an average of $90 per barrel through June, that would only yield $300 million in unforeseen oil revenue to the state, below what is currently included in the supplemental budget bill, according to House Finance Co-Chair Andy Josephson, an Anchorage Democrat.

Lawmakers in the minority said they are not opposed to what was included in the budget bill  the bill passed the House unanimously Thursday before Republicans voted against the draw from savings to fund it. But majority members said it would be irresponsible to send a budget bill to the governor's desk without approving a source of funding for the spending.

Minority Leader DeLena Johnson, a Palmer Republican, said that her caucus was "just practicing good fiscal reserve" in voting against the draw from savings. She said she would have preferred for the majority to let the bill land on the governor's desk even without approval for a savings draw, under the hope that an updated oil revenue forecast would be sufficient to fund most  if not all  of it.

"Why not authorize the executive to make the expenditures?" asked Rep. Will Stapp, a Fairbanks Republican who serves on the Finance Committee. "There's no harm in doing that. If the money's not available, then request the money again, in another bill, another appropriation."

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But majority leaders voted instead to send the bill back to a committee, where it would remain, they said, until they were confident they could send a fully funded bill to the governor.

"We need to make sure that we do not send an unfunded bill to the governor," said House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent.

He accused the House minority of "playing Russian roulette with oil prices."

House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, an Anchorage Republican, said that the majority remains "very motivated" to pass the bill but is concerned that the minority's "goalposts keep moving."

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The House had originally passed the supplemental budget bill five days before the U.S. initiated strikes on Iran. Since then, the bill has shifted in the Senate and returned to the House amid conversations shaped by war-driven oil prices and their impact on the budget-making process.

But the revenue forecast that Republicans are banking on is "not realized money," said Rep. Calvin Schrage, an Anchorage independent who co-chairs the Finance Committee. The minority, he said, was "suggesting today that we rely on a forecast  unrealized, unpredictable, uncertain money  to finance a budget, when industry and Alaskans are asking for certainty."

After the Senate on Wednesday agreed to strip roughly $150 million from the bill  including about $80 million that had been needed from state savings to address last year's projection of low oil prices  the bill contained funding for a scholarship account, transportation projections, fire suppression and disaster relief.

The bill would transfer $130 million back into the Higher Education Investment Fund after lawmakers agreed to raid it to cover a shortfall in last year's budget; it would cover $70 million in transportation funding needed to secure hundreds of millions in federal matching funds; it would direct $98 million to cover already obligated fire suppression costs; and it would send up to $75 million for disaster relief, including funding to respond to devastating storms that occurred in Western Alaska in the fall.

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The items included in the bill were requested earlier this year and late last year by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who, according to Edgmon, has largely stayed silent on the Legislature's process to meet his request.

Majority legislators have been pressing for the bill to pass on an expedited basis because contractors have been warning that the transportation funding is urgently needed for the coming summer construction season.

Lawmakers spoke openly Thursday about an uncomfortable truth: The war in Iran  despite its massive cost to the U.S. government, the havoc it has wreaked on the global economy and its death toll  has yielded the state unexpected revenue that could stave off the need to draw from its already-depleted savings.

"The thing that we're not talking about here today is the fact that we have been blessed in this state," said Rep. Justin Ruffridge, a Soldotna Republican, during Thursday's floor debate on the budget bill.

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This is not the first time that war has relieved the state from fiscal strain. When Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago, spiking oil prices transformed that year's budget and drove higher-than-usual state spending.

"I appreciate the optimism in the building, and I understand that we're all feeling awkward about the unfortunate reason for the optimism, which is that mankind can't stop itself from fighting," said Josephson.

Thursday's contentious floor session culminated with dueling press conferences in which majority and minority members accused each other of misunderstanding the budget process. Lawmakers said the fundamental disagreements between the caucuses  which come halfway into the four-month session  could make it difficult to advance other legislation.

"I don't know where we go from here. If we can't agree on this, are we ever going to get to agreement? We've got a lot of tough decisions to make between now and the time we adjourn," Schrage said on the House floor. "What I'm hearing here today really, really worries me about our ability to do what our constituents asked us to do when they sent us here."

Daily News reporter Mari Kanagy contributed from Juneau.
The first Cybercab, without a steering wheel, pedals or side mirrors, rolled off the Austin production line last month.

Tesla plans to begin mass production in April.

A Car That Cant Be Driven By Humans

The Cybercab is designed to operate exclusively on Teslas Full Self-Driving software, with plans to deploy it through a driverless ride-hailing service.

Musk has said the vehicle could cost less than $30,000.

The ride-hailing ambitions go beyond the Cybercab itself.

Tesla reportedly plans to eventually let everyday owners add their personal vehicles to the companys ride-hailing app, turning any Tesla into a revenue-generating robotaxi.

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Tesla canceled two other car models to prioritize the Cybercab as part of a broader pivot toward autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots.

Competing with traditional automakers like Volkswagen and Chinas BYD is no longer the business plan, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Theres no fallback mechanism here, Elon Musk told investors in January.

Regulators Havent Signed Off

Tesla needs approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to sell the Cybercab, since it lacks standard controls.

Tesla has not yet applied for an exemption, according to an NHTSA spokesman.

Without one, the company must certify the vehicle meets all federal safety standards.

Trending: Own the Characters, Not Just the Content: Inside a Fast-Growing Pre-IPO IP Company

Even with the exemption, the cap on production would be 2,500 units a year. A far cry from Musks touted two million.

Beyond NHTSA, driverless taxi fleets currently face a patchwork of state and local regulations.

Musk has called this situation incredibly painful and pushed for a unified nationwide framework instead.

Prediction Markets Are Fading The Cybercab

Polymarket bettors are growing more skeptical, not less.

A contract asking whether Tesla will sell a Cybercab for $30,000 or less to a retail customer by the end of 2026 is currently at 34%, down from the 37-40% range last week.

A separate contract on whether Tesla will open orders for the Robovan before 2027 sits at just 22%.

See Also: 1.5 Million Users Are Already Working Inside This AI Platform  Investors Can Still Get In

Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco said he doesnt expect Tesla to sell many Cybercabs in the near term, with the company likely deploying them in its own robotaxi fleet first.
In a speech to the Alaska Legislature this week, Alaska Rep. Nick Begich III urged state lawmakers to boost the development of a proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline.

The federal path is largely cleared, but investors also need state level clarity, fiscal predictability and simplicity, Begich said. Scrutinize it carefully, model it thoroughly. But my request to you is not to become a roadblock.

But legislators who are dealing with the pipeline on a daily basis say they dont have answers to basic questions, including how much the pipeline will cost and whether the gas it carries will be affordable to Alaskans.

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I have not seen any figures, said Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage and chair of the Senate Resources Committee.

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said legislators are not going to be a roadblock.

Were not going to throw sand in the works. Everybody wants a pipeline. We all hope that it comes about, but its got to be done properly and make sure that we know whats going on.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, said he has heard from very credible sources that the price of gas through the pipeline could be $50 per thousand cubic feet by 2046.

The current cost of gas from Cook Inlet for Southcentral Alaska is about $10 per MCF, or thousand cubic feet.

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Just imagine if you have utilities locked into 30-year contracts for gas at $50 an MCF. That would be catastrophic, Wielechowski said. Thats the sort of thing that were trying to protect Alaskan consumers all up and down the Railbelt from  an absolute catastrophe to our economic system.

As currently proposed, the pipeline project consists of two phases. The first phase includes an 807-mile pipeline from the North Slope to the west side of Cook Inlet, with a tie-in to existing natural gas infrastructure around Anchorage.

The second phase would extend the pipeline to the Kenai Peninsula, where an export terminal would be built. The second phase would also include a processing plant on the North Slope.

One year ago, the state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation sold 75% of the trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline project to Glenfarne, an international developer.

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Since the acquisition, Glenfarne has signed a number of nonbinding agreements with potential gas purchasers and gas sellers, but it has not disclosed estimates for the projects cost, and it hasnt disclosed what it expects the cost of gas to be.

Last year, company officials said they expected to make an investment decision by the end of 2025. In a subsequent filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, they said they would make the decision in February. A new timeline hasnt been made public.

The lack of data is particularly problematic because legislators are considering whether to offer a property tax break to pipeline developers.

Those taxes are significant. Because Alaska does not have a statewide income tax or sales tax, its state budget suffers when people move into the state. More people means more demand for things like schools, parks and roads, but no increased revenue to pay for those things.

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Economists have called that the Alaska disconnect.

Alaska has a 2% property tax on oil and gas infrastructure. Most of that money is passed on to municipalities, which use it for local needs.

In December, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he was considering a proposal to cap that property tax at 0.2% for the natural gas pipeline, creating a payment in lieu of taxes system.

That bill should be next week, Dunleavy said during a Thursday news conference with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, confirming the 0.2% rate will be part of the new legislation.

Last couple weeks, weve been working with municipalities, getting their input as to what this should look like before (we) put the bill out, he said. So look forward to probably next week on that PILT bill, so that we can look at the economics of this line and also ways to ensure that municipalities benefit from this directly.

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This week, Begich expressed some support for a lower property tax rate, saying it could encourage people to invest in the pipeline.

The classic 2% tax burden that would apply, say, to a $50 billion asset, would be a billion dollars in cash flow early in the projects life cycle, Begich said. If that cash flow coming out of the project lowers the rate of return for investors, theyre not going to show up and invest. And so we need to make sure that our tax policy is A, doing whats right for Alaskans. B, is not impeding the ability for the project to move forward. And I think we can do both of those things with some creative thinking and conversations with the industry.

While a lower tax rate would benefit pipeline developers, it has the potential to harm residents who live near the pipeline.

If pipeline construction and operation mean more people moving to Alaska and municipalities are unable to raise revenue to meet the resulting demand for services, local governments could be forced to raise taxes or cut basic services in order to pay for the pipeline subsidy.

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Last week, the Senate Resources Committee introduced Senate Bill 275, which imposes some transparency requirements on the pipeline project, eliminates a tax exemption relevant to the project, and imposes a new surcharge on gas processing plants.

That bill was introduced just days before Begich urged lawmakers not to be a roadblock.

Giessel, who chairs the resources committee, said she didnt think Begichs comments were directed at her or her committees bill.

Were not being a roadblock. Were doing exactly what were supposed to do according to our constitution, she said.

Asked whether he was thinking of Giessels bill during his speech, Begich said, It was not my direct intention. No, I think its always worth having the conversation about the tax structure, about the incentive structure, though thats an ongoing discussion that happens at the state legislature in Alaska. I think its important that when we have those conversations, theyre done in a way that is going to encourage, rather than discourage, industry from coming in and saying, Yes, this is a good place for us to invest in.

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Speaking to reporters after his speech, Begich said the state would benefit by getting more information from Glenfarne.

I welcome more information, Begich said. I recognize that theyve got certain restraints on what they can share. But look, Id like to see more information shared. Id like to see more of the economics of the project shared so we can understand what the full potential is and whats on the table. I believe thats going to come with time, but more information is better.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the natural gas units. MCF is the acronym for thousand cubic feet, with the M signifying the Roman numeral. MMCF would be million cubic feet, or a thousand thousands of cubic feet.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Grocery store chain Albertsons announced the closing of one of its stores in the Las Vegas valley.

The store is located at 1300 East Flamingo Road near Maryland Parkway.

Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger

The company stated that it is closing the store to help operational efficiencies.

The decision was difficult and involved a lengthy evaluation, a spokesman for Albertsons told 8 News Now.

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The store will remain open until its scheduled closing date of April 15, according to store signage seen at the location on Friday.

FILE  Shoppers head into an Albertsons grocery store Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Albertsons and Vons operate 41 stores throughout Southern Nevada.

The two other Albertsons stores closest to the location closing are at 1001 South Maryland Pkwy (about 1 mile away) and Vons 1155 East Twain Avenue (north of Flamingo).

The company also stated that it will work to place all associates in other stores.

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 Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) announced Thursday that CEO Amanda Wanke will leave this spring for a new role in her home state of Minnesota.

After working at DART for 10 years, including the past two-and-a-half as CEO, Wanke is joining Metro Transit in the Twin Cities as Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Operations Administration, a news release said.

Leading DART and serving this community has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career, Wanke said in a statement. Im proud of what weve accomplished together in recent yearsfrom the essential services we provide every day to the adoption of the system redesign that will shape the future of transit in our region. While its difficult to step away, the opportunity to return closer to family in Minnesota while continuing to grow as a transit leader felt like the right next step for me and my family. Im deeply grateful to the Commission, our member communities, our riders, and the many people who believe in the value of public transitand because of that, I believe DART is in a strong position for the future."

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In the release, DART Commission Chair and Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen said the commission was grateful for the strong team and momentum she built.

Amanda was the right leader for DART at an important time for transit in our region, Boesen said. When the Commission asked her to serve as CEO, it was because of her deep understanding of the organization, her collaborative style and her ability to bring people together around a shared vision for transit."

The release recognized her work helping advance and strengthen the bus service, including the adoption of the Reimagine DART system in December 2025. The plan overhauls the transit network, offering fewer routes but with more frequent rides.

During her time, DART also secured a $20 million federal grant to help build a new operations and maintenance facility. Officials say the building will better meet the agency's infrastructure needs for a more effective service.

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Over the next several weeks, the DART Commission will figure out its next steps for leadership transition and recognize Wanke at her last commission meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

Wanke's last day with DART will be on May 9.
Critics of Donald Trumps Operation Epic Fury point to Americas disastrous experience in Iraq as an example of the pitfalls of intervention. But in truth its Natos campaigns in Yugoslavia in 1999 and Libya in 2011 that offer the truest parallels and show what can go right and wrong with attempting regime change from the air.

In 1999 the US administration of Bill Clinton, strongly supported by Tony Blairs government, decided to launch a military intervention to stop attacks on Kosovan Albanians by the Serb-dominated Yugoslav army.

Nato launched its campaign without UN Security Council authorisation, largely due to the certainty that Russia and China would veto any proposed action. For nearly two months Nato bombs rained down on Belgrade, Novi Sad and other Serbian cities.

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Slobodan Milosevic, Yugoslavias ultra-nationalist president, eventually backed down. His troops were withdrawn from Kosovo, which became an independent state under Nato protection.

Nato targeted sites in Belgrade and other cities to force the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo in 1999 - STR/AP

A year after the Yugoslav military debacle a people-power revolution toppled Milosevic, who ended up on trial in The Hagues International Criminal Court for war crimes but died before his conviction.

Clinton and Blairs campaign against Milosevic was hailed as a triumph of humanitarian intervention. International diplomats and lawyers spoke of a new doctrine of R2P  Responsibility to Protect citizens from violent oppression by repressive regimes, even if that meant violating their national sovereignty.

Russia and China, however, saw the bombing of Yugoslavia very differently. For Moscow and Beijing, Natos unilateral action to topple the Milosevic regime and create a new state by force was not just a dangerous precedent but one that demonstrated the rank hypocrisy of the Wests talk of a rules-based international order.

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Vladimir Putins propagandists would cite the bombing of Belgrade as Russias justification for sending troops into Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine.

In 2011 a Nato-led coalition tried to repeat the trick of forcing regime-change from the air when it launched a major intervention in a civil war that had broken out in Libya. Nato planes  led by Britain and France  flew 26,500 sorties over eight months, mostly targeting regime forces.

President Muammar Gaddafi was indeed toppled, and soon after was murdered as he tried to flee. But the civil war continued and has resulted today in an unstable de facto partition of the country.

Unlike Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, Iran holds important geo-strategic cards and has powerful international backers - Reuters

What are the lessons of Belgrade and Libya? One is that air power can, in the right circumstances, indeed crack regimes and bring down dictators without having to put boots on the ground.

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The problem for Trump today is that Iran is a much more difficult target, for three reasons. One is that the US decapitation strategy that worked in Venezuela earlier this year clearly hasnt worked in Iran. The Islamic Republic is not a personal dictatorship. Rather it has functional institutions, including the Revolutionary Guard Corps, which can operate independently of the government or the religious establishment.

Second, in Yugoslavia and Libya there were, respectively, a major dissident movement and an ongoing insurgency ready to take over power. Despite mass protests in Iran that have been brutally put down by the regime, there is as yet no coherent political opposition inside the country.

Third, unlike Milosevic and Gaddafi, Iran holds important geo-strategic cards and has powerful international backers. The ace in Irans hand is, of course, control of the Strait of Hormuz. This accident of geography and geology means that Tehran maintains a stranglehold on the export of a fifth of the worlds oil.

Regardless of hard hits by US ordnance, Iranian forces are still capable of deploying a fleet of low-tech minelayers, speedboats, unmanned sea drones and short-range missiles to blow up slow-moving, sitting-duck tankers as they transit the strait.

The US military claims the Iranian regime is losing air capability day by day

As for the powerful friends, Tehrans supposed allies in Moscow and Beijing have, on the surface, appeared to do little to aid Iran. Behind the scenes, though, Irans missiles reportedly use Chinas BeiDou satellite navigation system for their targeting, making them immune to US and Israeli GPS blocking measures.

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At the same time, both Russia and China have reportedly been helping with satellite imagery and intelligence that has allowed Iran to hit Terminal High Altitude Area Defence Systems in the Gulf, the crown jewel of US theatre missile defence.

Then there is the question of size, terrain and armaments. Iran is about the size of Western Europe and has a sophisticated defence industry that produces ballistic missiles and drones that have inflicted massive psychological and economic, if not so much physical, damage on their Arab neighbours. By that standard both Yugoslavia and Libya were soft, weak targets.

Irans regime so far faces no immediate insurgency and clearly continues to operate even after the liquidation of several dozen of its top civilian and military leaders. To achieve victory, Trumps military planners have to figure out how to loosen the mullahs grip on Hormuz, and reverse the spiralling rise of global oil prices.

Trump has famously been critical of any boots-on-the-ground strategy. Which means that the US and Israel will have to find ways of targeting those speedboat bunkers, mine stores and mobile missile launch sites using air power alone. It may be possible. But it wont be easy.

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 Anchorage Police Department is featured prominently in the national investigative documentary series Lost Women of Alaska, which examines the case of serial killer Brian Steven Smith, who was arrested in 2019 and convicted for torturing and killing two Alaska Native women.

In the three-part series now streaming on HBO Max, the victims families and advocates raise lingering questions and concerns around how Anchorage detectives handled the case, both before and after Smiths arrest, and more broadly about how law enforcement investigates missing and murdered Indigenous people, a phenomenon known as MMIP.

Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case was appointed by Mayor Suzanne LaFrance in July 2024. He previously worked in the Anchorage Police Department for over 20 years. (Photo courtesy of the Anchorage Police Department)

Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case referred specific questions about how the case was handled to the detectives involved, but spoke to broader concerns raised by the series in a 30 minute phone interview on Mar 4.

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Case said he disagrees with a central premise of the series, which is that Alaska fosters a sense of freedom for perpetrators like Smith to victimize or prey on women.

That we provide an environment to prey on, or our women are vulnerable  I dont think thats true, Case said. But I do think that as a state and as a community, we definitely like less government involvement than more. Thats kind of one of our things. We have that libertarian streak that kind of runs through all Alaskans, and particularly in Anchorage thats one thing that weve really been addressing in the last two years.

Case cited recent changes in Anchorage law prohibiting some public camping, public indecency and threatening behavior as helping to close criminal loopholes, and upping police enforcement response. Over the course of time we kind of forget that Anchorage is a big city with a lot of big city problems, Case said. So were kind of turning that corner a little bit where we are utilizing a lot more tools that are available to us.

He also cited the departments use of technology, like artificial intelligence to assist in investigations. I actually kind of think were even going above and beyond what we see in the Lower 48 and were kind of starting to lead the pack when it comes to our use of technology here, he said.

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Case said despite some department short staffing, he sees the use of technology as helping to improve law enforcements response.

So I think in some respect, we just need to start thinking about Anchorage a lot of times like it is a city, and we need to respond to city crime in a more of an urban city way, instead of that Last Frontier kind of approach, he said.

No Humans Involved

In the series, a former Anchorage detective turned MMIP advocate, Michael Livingston, describes that during his career in the department from 1983 to 2003, there was a secret, unspoken policy of responding to certain deaths or missing persons reports as NIH  no humans involved.

That means when a patrol officer rolls up to a scene and theres a deceased person, Livingston explains in the series. And if they happen to be a person without a home, who had challenges with alcohol and lifestyles, the patrol officer would evaluate, were not going to devote any resources to determine how and why this person died.

Cassandra Boskofsky, seen in an undated photo. (Photo courtesy of the Boskofsky family)

Livingston said hes concerned that the policy and culture of NIH has continued in the department. He and other advocates and family members criticized detectives for failing to identify a third possible victim of Smith, Cassandra Boskofsky, after photos of her were discovered on Smiths phone in 2019. She had been reported missing the month before Smiths arrest. Advocates found the photos and a forensic sketch in court documents during Smiths sentencing in 2024, and later identified her.

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When I look at the amount of work the Anchorage Police Department did or didnt do with Cassandra Lee Boskofsky, I cant help but wonder if, because of the challenges that Cassandra faced in her life, the Anchorage Police Department did not dedicate the amount of attention that they should have, Livingston said, in the docuseries.

In the series, Anchorage Detective Brendan Lee denies the allegations, and Case also rejects the claim.

First of all, that individual was from a different era. Hes been gone for quite a long time. And I have never in my 25 years here, ever, heard that term used by anyone in the department in a way that they arent going to investigate, theyre not going to take seriously any victim based on their race, based on their gender, based on their socioeconomic status, he said. Never.

Case pointed to the departments focus on homeless outreach and mobile intervention teams for behavioral health needs: Those two populations alone are some of our most vulnerable populations, and were investing the time and resources so we can make sure that were properly caring for those folks.

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When asked about why police failed to try to identify Boskofsky and share the forensic sketch with her family or the public, Case deferred specific questions to the detectives in the case, but defended the decision.

The idea of a forensic sketch is something we very, very rarely do, and one of the reasons why we very rarely do that is because theyve just proven to be pretty unreliable, and thats not an exact science, he said.

Case said detectives must weigh the risk of disclosing violent photos. In this case, Boskofsky was pictured laying outside on grass, immobile and possibly dead.

One of the things that the detectives really battled with is youve got to weigh the entire amount of evidence that we have in the case with taking some information and like a photo and presenting that to the family, for example, and the type of trauma that you may be creating that youre not convinced youre going in the right direction, Case said. Like theres not that body of evidence that youre like this is worth the risk.

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Boskofskys death was ruled a homicide by a jury in a presumptive death hearing brought by the family, and the Anchorage Police Department confirmed the case remains active.

The Boskofsky family and advocates have created an online petition with over 2,200 signatures with a list of demands of the police department, including mandatory standards for family notification when evidence potentially involving their loved one is discovered.

Insufficient evidence to arrest Smith in 2018

Another major question raised by the docuseries is why Anchorage detectives decided not to question or arrest Smith in 2018. A former romantic partner of his, Alicia Youngblood, reported to police that year that he had shown her a video of himself killing a woman. The series shows Youngbloods distress in reporting this confession, and interviews with police. But she could not obtain the video from Smith, and police were unable to identify a victim or a body. They told her there was not enough evidence to take further action.

Smith would go on to be convicted for torturing and killing two women, Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abouchuk.

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He filmed and narrated the acts, which were found on his phone by another woman, Valerie Casler, who had stolen the phone and reported him to police in 2019. In the series, Anchorage Detective David Cordie grows emotional recounting how he watched the horrific videos and recognized the voice belonging to Smith, a South African national, speaking in the videos a year later.

Anchorage Police Department Detective David Cordie is interviewed in the investigative docuseries Lost Women of Alaska (Photo courtesy of Investigation Discovery)

Absolutely I felt some responsibility about what took place. Its easy to second guess. We didnt have a crystal ball to know what was going to take place, Cordie said in the series.

Case again deferred specific questions to the detectives, but defended their decisions saying there is a high expectation for evidence that must be met in order to interview suspects.

Were not going to jeopardize giving information out to a potential suspect, he said. So, for instance, interviewing a suspect when we dont feel like we have enough information where we can get a good interview, where we can potentially figure out if the suspect is lying in an interview or we havent collected enough evidence that we can use that evidence to our advantage in an interview with a suspect.

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And if we go in kind of half prepared, just like we know something doesnt look right, something doesnt feel right, and then we go into an interview, and we try to, you know, for lack of a better term, kind of throw something against the wall and hope for the best, we could actually damage the case, he said.

Missing in Anchorage

Case explained the departments protocol for when a missing person is reported in Anchorage.

He said when the report is received, the police patrol division will respond according to department policy and begin an investigation where the individual was last seen, gather information, conduct interviews and determine if the individual is at-risk. Cases will be referred to the detective division, or to the homicide division if foul play is suspected.

Those cases are all being worked by the entire unit, so all of those detectives are familiar with everybodys cases that they have. So you may have one detective thats the lead, another detective thats a second on it, and then there are different tasks on all these cases that will then be pushed out to the other detectives, he said.

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Following the interview, a department spokesperson confirmed there are 45 detectives and seven sergeants across divisions, including seven detectives in the homicide division.

Those seven detectives, plus two supervisors, are working on MMIP cases, which totalled 39 active cases of missing adults as of Mar. 10, according to the department spokesperson.

Case said the department is working on establishing a new victim advocate position within the homicide unit this year, to provide more timely updates and communicate with family members on active cases.

He said that has long been a concern within the department, particularly for domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide and suicide cases. Those areas where we tend to get our families of the victim that really needs and should get, you know, updated regular information, he said. Because we understand kind of the state that theyre in, you know, theyve got a lot of unanswered questions, and that can weigh pretty heavily on you, and be pretty damaging, just from a behavioral health standpoint.

Public safety and justice for Alaska Native peoples

When asked to respond to public concern, particularly Alaska Native communities concern for safety amid the ongoing MMIP crisis in Alaska, Case responded that he recognizes the fear and sees the police departments role as one part of a wider, complex system.

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He said in particular the department is working with hospitals to make sure people who travel to Anchorage for medical care dont go missing.

Because we know some of them fall off the radar and theres got to be a safety net that we create, not just with hospitals, so Im not putting this blame on hospitals, but with our entire community response, Case said. We do get missing reports on on folks that come from rural Alaska for medical treatment, but as well as a whole host of other reasons why we get missing reports when, when people are visiting from rural Alaska, and so really trying to get down and talk about, like, the real kind of causes for some of this  some that we can address, some that are a little bit more challenging, he said.

Case said that he sees some of the stereotypes around rural residents from Native villages coming to Anchorage for services such as medical care, as unfair. We kind of pass a judgment on some of the some of the things that happen when they get introduced to a completely different culture and completely different risk factors. And the judgments are unfair, he said. And one of the challenges I think that we have is we dont want to talk about just kind of the broad range of challenges that we have so that we can actually address them and help them.

So when I think about Alaska Natives first, I think about the rich culture, and I think about a proud culture, he said. But I also think about a culture that has been put through a lot of trauma throughout their history, that a lot of people arent really familiar with.

Case said there can be culture shock for rural residents visiting Anchorage, and there are many factors that contribute to people being at-risk for going missing or being victimized.

It is a challenge that weve been dealing with for a long time, he added. And its certainly a challenge that I think collectively understand we can do a better job. I think we just have to have the right conversations.

Case said he considers participating in the docuseries an important part of communication and engagement with the public.

Weve really been a lot more open than certainly APD has in the past. And were certainly a lot more open than most police departments around the country, and theres pros and cons for all of that, he said, and added that APD has changed some policies after pushback from the public.

I think the more information that we can provide just kind of across the spectrum of what we do and how we do it, the better relationship were going to have with the community, and the better police department were going to be in the long run, he said.

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By Ali Kucukgocmen

BERGAMA, Turkey, March 13 (Reuters) - Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered traces of human excrement in a 1,900-year-old glass vial used to hold perfumes or elixirs, which they believe is the first physical evidence that the Romans used faeces medicinally.

Previously, the practice of applying excrement to the skin to fight infections and inflammation was known only from ancient Roman texts.

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Cenker Atila, an archaeologist specialising in ancient perfumes at Turkey's Sivas Republic University, was working with colleagues to identify the contents of hundreds of vials held in Bergama Museum, close to the ruins of the ancient city of Pergamon in Turkey's western province of Izmir.

Pharmacologist Ilker Demirbolat ran a chemical analysis on the contents of one vial, finding human faeces and thyme oil.

The long-necked bottle or unguentarium was recovered from looters, so experts can't be sure where it was excavated.

However, Pergamon was home to a renowned hospital and to the ancient physician Galen, who documented the use of excrement in medicine. The bottle's design also suggests it comes from the area.

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"We found a medicine that has survived from ancient times to the present day," Atila said, "we found excrement while expecting perfume."

Demirbolat said Roman physicians described how the medicine could cause revulsion, and recommended mixing it with something that smelled nice, hence the presence of thyme oil.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen, Umit Bektas and Emin Caliskan; Editing by Daren Butler, Alexandra Hudson)
The Missouri House approved legislation Thursday aimed at cracking down on sex trafficking and sexual exploitation while shifting punishment away from survivors and giving first responders more training to identify and prevent the crimes.

The bill would increase penalties for distributing sexual images without consent, clarify that predatory conduct toward minors can be prosecuted even if no sexual contact occurs, and allow survivors of adult sex trafficking to expunge certain convictions from their records. It is sponsored by Republican state Reps. Ed Lewis of Moberly, Jeff Myers of Warrenton, Christopher Warwick of Bolivar and Burt Whaley of Clever.

The House passed the bill 134-2, after the Senate approved it unanimously on Wednesday.

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Myers hailed the legislation as the fruit of a multi-year effort that has garnered bipartisan support.

My hope is that we can leave here today knowing that we have accomplished something significant in the fight against modern day slavery, Myers said.

A portion of the legislation, sponsored by Myers and Lewis, last year passed the House and advanced out of a Senate committee.

More than 50 mentions of child pornography in statute would be changed to child sexual abuse material.

Lewis told lawmakers in January that this makes clear that minors cant consent to being depicted in porn.

Child sexual abuse material indicates what it is, Lewis said. If a person is under the age of 18, if theyre 17 and under, they cannot provide consent.

Grooming

The legislation adds grooming to the states existing felony of enticement of a minor to clarify that actions intended to condition someone under age 18 to engage in sexual conduct do not have to culminate in sex to be a crime.

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Online enticement reports increased by more than 300% between 2021 and 2023, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The center received more than 456,000 reports of online enticement in the first 10 months of 2024.

The version of the bill initially presented to a House committee in January would have established grooming as a separate offense. Warwick said the sponsors worked with prosecutors to tweak state statute on enticement.

Weve been able to add in the grooming portions and tighten up what enticement of a child is through this new legislation, Warwick said.

These provisions, named Evie and Sophies Law for sisters who recounted to lawmakers their abuse by their Taekwondo teacher, are designed to give survivors a clear legal path against their abusers.

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During hearings on the bill, Evie and Sophies dad, Jeff Dixon, showed lawmakers a thick binder containing a third of the 17,000 text messages he said were sent to his daughters by their instructor, who tried to persuade one of the teens to run away to Florida with him. Dixon said his family was told the instructor had done nothing illegal.

The offense of enticement currently carries a prison term between five and 30 years without eligibility for parole for five years. The bill would mandate a minimum sentence of 10 years when grooming resulted in a minor engaging in sex. Offenders in these cases would be ineligible for parole for 10 years.

Sextortion

The bill would also increase penalties for sextortion  the distribution of private sexual images of someone without their consent. Sextorting a minor would be a class C felony, punishable by three to 10 years in prison. Sextortion, regardless of the age of the victim, is currently punishable by up to seven years in prison.

It would make sextortion of a minor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and ramp up penalties for repeated threats of sextortion.

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These provisions were named for Evan Boettler, who in 2024 took his own life at 16 after someone tricked him into sending a photo of himself online by posing as a classmate and threatened to blast it to the teens friends, family and community members.

Brad Boettler, Evans father, told lawmakers in January that he and his wife found messages on Evans phone demanding money, gift cards and account access, recalling a message saying, I have your picture now. Are you ready to comply?

Training

The legislation would revive a statewide council on human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children that last met in 2023, placing it permanently in the Attorney Generals Office and adding several members, including an executive director appointed by the attorney general.

Juvenile officers, law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and emergency medical staff would see additional training requirements in identifying and preventing sex and human trafficking of children and adults.

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The Senate removed language that would have required hotel employees to undergo annual anti-trafficking training  the only aspect of the legislation to draw pushback on Thursday.

Democratic state Rep. Pattie Mansur of Kansas City said the hotel workers training requirement in earlier versions had appealed to her.

Thats a really important piece coming from Kansas City, Mansur said. You can imagine, with all the lodging establishments, thats actually a really appealing part of this bill, because so much of that trafficking goes through our area lodging establishments.

Lewis said that omitting this part of the bill wasnt [his] preference.

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Is this a perfect bill? he said. Nothings perfect.

Lewis said he might revisit some parts of the legislation for changes in future years, but he said he is overall satisfied.

This is a long, long effort, a comprehensive bill, Lewis said. Its going to make a difference in the lives of Missourians.
Business Insider recently traveled to northern Norway to watch US Marines fire HIMARS launchers.

The Marines are training to operate their HIMARS rocket artillery systems in the Arctic.

Their training in the High North comes as NATO ramps up efforts to defend the Arctic.

SETERMOEN, Norway  With a boom that shook the light armored vehicle and echoed inside, a rocket took flight, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake.

Operated by a small team of US Marines, the HIMARS launcher fired three training rockets in under 20 seconds across a snow-covered forest more than 150 miles above the Arctic Circle.

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These Marines were trained at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune, but there's only so much on-the-ground experience to be gained there for the missions they face. As Arctic defense takes on greater significance for the US and its NATO allies, it is increasingly critical to know firsthand how to fight on frozen battlefields.

North Carolina can't mirror the conditions in Norway, Sweden, and Finland above the Arctic Circle, said Col. William Soucie, the 10th Marine Regiment commanding officer.

"There's almost no way to replicate the elements, the environment, and test the equipment the way in which we're able to do it here," Soucie told Business Insider during a visit to a firing range in Setermoen last month.

Long-range precision fires like the HIMARS, or M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, have proven their worth in multiple conflicts, including Ukraine, used by Kyiv to hit key Russian targets well behind the front lines, especially in the early stages of Moscow's full-scale invasion.

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NATO allies have taken note of the HIMARS' successes in Ukraine. Estonia, for instance, said in 2025 that it planned to buy more systems after it received several earlier in the year; more recently, on Tuesday, the US State Department said it approved the sale of 20 to Sweden.

HIMARS, like other systems that can fire precision-guided rocket artillery or missiles over vast distances, would be critical assets in any future conflict in the Arctic, which often features open, rolling terrain.

"There's a lot of nasty weather up here," First Lt. Landon Foster, the HIMARS platoon commander, told Business Insider. "It snows all the time, and aircraft can't always come in in low-visibility conditions, which you experience during snowstorms and whatnot."

The HIMARS, Foster said, allows Marines to deliver effects similar to what those aircraft can do when conditions make using the latter difficult.

US Marines and the HIMARS launcher prior to firing. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

For some troops, operating in the Arctic is unlike anything they might have done before, and training to fight in the harsh conditions occurs at the group and individual levels.

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Marines first need to learn to survive in the extreme conditions  they spent several weeks in Norway doing that before Business Insider visited  then actually maintain those skills while they're training with their weapons and systems.

Cold weather extremes make everything more challenging in the High North. Equipment, vehicles, and weaponry are all vulnerable to breaking or malfunctioning. Marines may even have to make adjustments that they didn't think were necessary.

When the platoon first arrived in Setermoen and started putting snow chains on a few vehicles, they quickly learned that all vehicles  and most of the collective tires  needed chains, Foster said.

"Things get slick  you get into deep snow, and you can't get traction. Little things like that have been good lessons learned," he said.

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In real combat scenarios, commanders acknowledge that supply and logistics chains would become a challenge for the Marines. The terrain is notoriously difficult to navigate, and moving ammunition or fuel requires large, reliable vehicles that can survive the environment.

"You can look throughout history and see examples of where logistics has been a challenge in environments like this, and I would say that would probably be a challenge for us as well," Foster said.

One of the things that the Marines are practicing in Setermoen is ensuring that they have reliable access to maintenance, ammunition, and communications to support artillery's main role  firing in support of maneuver.

"Everything is harder above the Arctic Circle because it's colder," said Soucie, the Marine colonel. "Human reactions are slower; machine reactions are slower. The electromagnetic spectrum is a bit more challenging as well."

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"So when you look at the multi-domain fight," he said, "it is just more challenging, which is why we're here working with our friends and colleagues to understand better what that means and how we can best protect each other."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A hiker was rescued after falling into an embankment and getting stuck in a cactus in Arizona, according to Rural Metro Fire San Tan Valley.

Officials said the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's Fox helicopter crews and Rural Metro Fire assisted in the hiker's rescue.

The hiker was safely extricated and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

The Rural Metro Fire San Tan Valley provided tips for outdoor safety:

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Always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.

Hike, bike, or explore in pairs.

Always hydrate

Bring more water than you think you will need, and if half of your water is gone, turn back.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

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CONWAY, Ark.  The anticipated disenfranchisement between PBS and the Arkansas TV Commission was placed on hold on Thursday.

The decision to hold came after an extended debate at the commissions quarterly meeting, headed by the newly elected Chairman, Gary Newton. Newton was first appointed to the commission by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2024.

Arkansas PBS to rebrand as Arkansas TV, ends PBS affiliation in 2026

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Arkansas PBS CEO Paula Kerger asked the commission to hold off on the disenfranchisement while alternate funding sources were sought.

Eighteen public commenters and nearly 100 attendees showed up to express the importance of PBS to them.

So its really gratifying, its just a reminder that what we do does matter, Kerger said

Arkansas TV Executive Director Carlton Wing explained to the board that the additional funding would have to cover Arkansas TV programming already under contract. Wing, who assumed his role as director in September 2025, had moved from Arkansas PBS to Arkansas TV, citing the expense of maintaining PBS affiliation.

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People have an aversion to change, and I understand that, Wing said. The people who came to speak spoke about things that theyre passionate about, programs they like, memories we all had growing up. But we still have to deal with the finances as they exist or as they dont.

The finances spell trouble when federal cuts slashed public broadcasting funds. Arkansas TV says they went from receiving $2.5 million to just $15,000. That money went towards affording PBS dues, which currently cost around $2 million

Nobody wanted to be in the position that were in right now, but the federal funding cuts literally took away the money, Carlton Wing said.

Arkansas TV announces first original show since PBS disaffiliation

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An advocacy group, Friends of Arkansas PBS, is working to maintain PBS in Arkansas. The group is led by former Arkansas first ladies Barbara Pryor and Gay White.

The motion approved on Thursday will pause the disaffiliation for 180 days, buying time for the first ladies, who are now eager to try to raise the necessary funds to keep PBS.

Because I made this commitment to help them raise money, so now Ive really gotta drill down. Actually, I was just texting a few people as we were sitting there, Okay, now we get serious, Kerger said. I love Gay, and I love Barbara, and so I have to believe that if the three of us put our efforts together, we can do this.

The commission meets quarterly, so a funding source would have to be assured before its next meeting in June. The annual agreement with the national PBS is due shortly after that meeting.

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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 KARK.
Equinor has announced two commercial hydrocarbon discoveries in the North Sea, reinforcing the role of near-field exploration in sustaining production from mature areas of the Norwegian continental shelf.

The discoveries were made in the Troll and Sleipner areas - two of Norways most important offshore production hubs - with both finds located close to existing infrastructure, enabling rapid and cost-effective development.

The first discovery, called Byrding C, was made in the extended Troll area roughly five kilometers northwest of the Fram field. The find is estimated to contain 48 million barrels of recoverable oil. Equinor said the resource will likely be developed using existing or planned infrastructure in the area.

The second discovery, Frida Kahlo, was drilled from the Sleipner B platform in the Sleipner area and is estimated to contain 59 million barrels of oil equivalent of gas and condensate. The company plans to bring the well into production as early as April, highlighting the advantages of drilling close to established facilities.

The discoveries underscore Equinors strategy of focusing on near-field exploration around existing production hubs. In the extended Troll area, which includes the Fram field, the company has drilled 26 exploration wells since 2018, resulting in 19 discoveriesa success rate exceeding 70%.

Such finds are considered critical for maintaining production levels from mature assets while minimizing development costs.

Meanwhile, the Sleipner area has seen a recent cluster of discoveries. The last four exploration wellsLofn, Langemann, Sissel, and Frida Kahlohave all encountered gas and condensate, with combined resources estimated at 55140 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Equinor described the results as the outcome of a focused exploration campaign designed to identify remaining resources in a mature basin.

Sleipner remains a major hub for gas exports from Norway to Europe. The facilities handle gas production from several nearby fields and transport dry gas through pipelines to major European receiving terminals including Zeebrugge, Easington, and Draupner.

The hub also processes hydrocarbons from fields such as Sigyn, Utgard, Gudrun, and Gina Krog, while unstable oil is transported to Karst for processing and export.

Extending the life of infrastructure in mature basins has become increasingly important as Europe continues to rely on Norwegian gas supplies following reduced Russian pipeline deliveries.

Equinor credited advances in seismic imaging for improving exploration results in both the Troll and Sleipner areas.
The U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, who was killed Thursday during a shooting at Old Dominion University, served more than 20 years in the military, including several years stationed at Fort Bragg.

Shah's cousin, Twana Atkinson, who lives in North Carolina, said the family was heartbroken by his death but proud of the life he lived in service to the country.

"It was something that was so shocking. I couldn't believe it," Atkinson said.

Atkinson said Shah safely returned home from multiple military deployments during his career. She never imagined he would lose his life simply going to work at Old Dominion University.

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"He went and sacrificed his life for this country, and then for him to come back here and lose his life in a senseless act of violence is just a tragedy," she said.

ALSO SEE | Justice Department charges man accused of selling gun to Old Dominion University shooter

Police said a gunman opened fire inside an ROTC classroom on Thursday on the ODU campus in Norfolk, Virginia. The shooting killed the 42-year-old Shah, who served as a professor of military science, and injured two others.

The FBI identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State terrorist group ISIS. Investigators say the attack is being treated as an act of terrorism.

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FBI officials are also praising ROTC students for their bravery, saying their actions helped prevent further harm when they stopped and killed the gunman.

ALSO SEE | ODU shooter faced similar charges to suspect in Durham federal ISIS case

Shah was a Virginia native and a proud graduate of Old Dominion. Atkinson said returning to his alma mater to teach cadets was a dream come true.

"That was his passion, to be able to go back and teach where he graduated from, to bring those cadets up," she said.

I'm proud of my cousin. Proud of the legacy he leaves behind. He deserved to live a long life. It's just unfortunate.

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Atkinson, a veteran herself, said military service runs deep in their family.

"Every time there's a family reunion, that's the one thing our family is most proud of being in uniform and defending our country," she said.

Download the ABC11 News app

According to the Army, Shah enlisted in 2003 and spent more than five years stationed at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne Division. Early in his career, he served back-to-back assignments there as a platoon leader. The first time for two years and then again for nearly three and a half years.

Shah leaves behind a wife and a son.

"I'm proud of my cousin. Proud of the legacy he leaves behind. He deserved to live a long life. It's just unfortunate," Atkinson said.

Funeral arrangements for Shah have not yet been announced.
An Army lieutenant colonel who instructed Old Dominion Universitys Army Reserve Officers Training Corps was killed on campus Thursday when a shooter opened fire in his classroom.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger confirmed the shooting victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, who enlisted in the Army in 2003 and received his Army commission in 2007 after graduating from ODU. Shah led the ROTC program at the Norfolk, Virginia, university since 2022.

A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path, Spanberger said in a post on X. I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family.

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Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBIs Norfolk field office, identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. He yelled Allahu Akbar before opening fire, killing Shah and wounding two others, according to the FBI.

Jalloh had been in the Army National Guard and pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was released from federal custody in December 2024.

ROTC students subdued and killed Jollah, according to the FBI. They rendered him no longer alive, Evans said. I dont know how else to say it.

She didnt provide further details except to confirm the gunman wasnt shot. She praised the students for their extreme bravery and courage, saying they prevented further loss of life.

Army Lt. Col. Brandon Shah (Old Dominion University)

According to his university profile, Shah had earned a bachelors degree from ODU, an MBA from the University of Georgia and a masters in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

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He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as on a rotation to Atlantic Resolve.

Shah logged more than 1,200 hours flying three different aircraft, 600 of those hours in combat missions. One of his past assignments was overseeing modernization efforts for attack helicopters as part of the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment.

Shah also held commands in the A/1-3 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, A/3-17 Air Cavalry Squadron and B/603 Aviation Support Battalion. His service assignments included the 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, XVII Airborne Corps, United States Forces-Iraq and 3rd Infantry Division.

Shah earned the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and numerous campaign and unit awards.

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In a 2023 article on the ODU website, Shah is quoted as saying the military has given me a lot of opportunities. Ive lived on four continents, been on five. I love flying and being around people who like to work.

The campus shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a social media post.

The gun Jollah used had an obliterated serial number, potentially complicating investigators efforts to determine how a man with a previous felony conviction obtained a firearm, according to a law enforcement official.
An Army veteran was arrested in the Philippines for the sexual exploitation of children in Arizona, California and Japan, Army officials said.

>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app

Larry Greenlee Jr. was arrested for the sexual exploitation of three children between 2014 and 2023.

Greenlee was in the Army from 1983 to 2004 and continued to work for the Army after his retirement until he was arrested.

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Army CID believes that there may be additional victims.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Greenlee or who believes they have information about this investigation is asked to contact Army CID by email at FEFOTips@army.mil or they can submit an anonymous tip online.

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The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a B-21 Raider flight test aircraft conducted a close-proximity flight with a KC-135 Stratotanker on Tuesday as part of the bombers ongoing test campaign.

The event, spotted by aviation photographers over the Mojave Desert near Edwards Air Force Base, California, during a mission lasting approximately 5.5 hours according to spotter reports and online flight tracking, represents a precursor step toward validating capabilities essential for the B-21s long-range, penetrating strike role.

The Air Force statement did not mention aerial refueling or fuel transfer. Publicly available images show the stealth bomber positioned behind the tanker in a formation typical of refueling preparations, but ground-based observations alone cannot confirm physical connection or fuel offload.

We can confirm that a B-21 Raider completed a test event involving a close-proximity flight with a KC-135 Stratotanker, an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement. This flight is part of the ongoing, rigorous test campaign to validate the B-21s capabilities and operational readiness. To maintain enhanced security measures, we will not provide further details on specific test points. The B-21 program remains on track to deliver a survivable, long-range, penetrating strike capability to the U.S. Air Force.

Here's a few shots I snapped of the B-21 doing AR tests over California yesterday. Much more to come later  pic.twitter.com/2yEWXsqyUU  jmh.creates (@JarodMHamilton) March 11, 2026

Aerial refueling remains a critical milestone for the Northrop Grumman-built B-21 Raider, enabling extended endurance in contested environments without reliance on forward basing.

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The program continues flight testing at Edwards, building on prior achievements, including the delivery of the second aircraft to the base in September 2025, which enabled progression into mission systems and weapon integration testing.

The first operational B-21s remain on track for arrival at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027, supporting initial operational capability in the late 2020s.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believes Nancy Guthrie was targeted and that the suspect could "absolutely" strike again.

Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home outside of Tucson on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the next day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will.

Nanos, in an interview with NBC News, said investigators believe they know why Guthrie was targeted but wouldn't give details.

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"We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted, but we, we can't, we're not 100% sure of that," Nanos said in the interview. "So it'd be silly to tell people, 'Yeah, don't worry about it. You're, you're not his target.' Don't think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you're safe. No, keep your wits about you."

Nanos told NBC News he's intentionally withholding their theory and other details in the case, citing the integrity of the investigation.

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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.

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Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed a priority bill from the Kentucky legislature that would enroll the Bluegrass State in a primary and secondary education scholarship federal tax credit program, instead calling on lawmakers to put more money toward public education.

Beshear's March 13 veto of House Bill 1 is largely symbolic. The Democratic governor's measure is likely to be overridden by votes in the state House and Senate, both of which hold GOP supermajorities.

Still, Beshear's veto message said he believes voters are in his corner, pointing toward a failed 2024 ballot measure that would have allowed taxpayer money to be spent on private or charter schools.

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"The effort was defeated by 30 points!" Beshear's message said. "That was the same margin of victory as Donald Trump in Kentucky. It was rejected in all 120 counties, both rural and urban, by significant margins.

"The message was clear. Don't divert public dollars. Fund our public schools."

Advocates for HB 1  a proposal from state Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, and a host of GOP cosponsors  have noted the bill does not use Kentucky tax money and have said without action, the state runs the risk of falling behind other states that have opted in. It was approved in the House in late February on a 79-17 vote and passed 33-5 in the Senate three days later.

HB 1 puts the secretary of state's office in charge of opting into the federal scholarship tax credit program, which was established in 2025 in the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Kentucky's secretary of state is Michael Adams, a Republican who has said he supports the move.

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The federal bill that established the program allows donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 by donating to a nonprofit scholarship-granting organization, which would then distribute scholarships to families for educational services including private school tuition, tutoring and transportation.

Beshear has called on lawmakers to put more money during the current budget cycle to public education and has consistently supported establishing a "Pre-K for All" initiative to provide free preschool options for all four-year-old children. That initiative has never been taken up by the legislature.

In a statement about two hours after the veto, Moser and cosponsor Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington, called the move "a shameful disservice to Kentucky students and families in public, private, and home school settings."

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"By blocking this program, the Governor is once again standing in the way of a policy that empowers parents and expands educational opportunities for children - whether through tutoring, school supplies, or other academic resources," the statement said. "Hes also blocking the possibility of catalyzing schools of innovation and creativity. Instead of supporting families, he doubles down on misinformation in a blatant attempt to score political points."

State Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, has put forward several bills related to public education in the Senate. He called Beshear's veto misleading, as it does not use state tax revenue, and a bill that keeps donations to the federal program inside the Bluegrass State.

"Governor Beshears meandering veto message reminds me of a student who really wishes the teacher had put a different question on the test," Givens wrote in a March 13 statement. "Well, we will 'grade' his work next week when we override his veto and start the process of making these federal funds available to Kentucky families."

The 2026 General Assembly is nearing the finish line. Lawmakers are set to remain in session into mid-April, with a two-day period that month to override Beshear's vetoes and pass additional bills, though legislation passed in those final days could be vetoed without the option to vote the veto down. Republican legislators generally override all or at least the vast majority of Beshear's vetoes.

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At least one bill Beshear vetoed earlier this session  House Bill 314, which reworks the KentuckyWired board and gives the governor significantly less appointee power  has already been overridden.

This story may be updated.

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Gov. Andy Beshear vetoes HB 1, KY school choice tax credit bill
The U.S. Department of Justice has begun connecting its push to obtain sensitive personal data on millions of voters to whether the upcoming midterm elections will be fair and secure, laying the groundwork for the Trump administration to potentially cast doubt on the results.

The Justice Department has sued 29 states and the District of Columbia over their refusal to provide unredacted voter rolls that include the drivers license and partial Social Security numbers of voters. The department has lost three of those lawsuits so far this year.

But as the Justice Department begins appealing the losses, it has filed emergency motions warning the security and sanctity of elections would be questioned in those states  California, Michigan and Oregon  without immediate rulings.

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Election experts told Stateline that federal appellate courts are unlikely to move quickly for the Justice Department. Instead, the departments court filings suggest that without the data, the Trump administration may question the validity of the midterm elections in November.

Absent a final Court determination on this matter there is no other process to ensure a fair election in 2026, the Trump administrations motions say.

President Donald Trump has made identifying noncitizen voting, an extremely rare occurrence, a priority of his administration, and the Justice Department has said the detailed personal data is necessary to ensure states are properly maintaining their voter rolls. At least a dozen Republican-led states have provided the information.

Democratic election officials, and some Republicans, have condemned the demands as an invasion of voters privacy and have voiced concerns the Trump administration plans to use the information to target political opponents or create a national voter list. Other Republican election officials and the Trump administration and have downplayed privacy concerns and said the data will help ensure only eligible voters cast ballots.

The DOJs sense of urgency comes after the department spent months sending letters to state officials demanding voter data, followed by successive rounds of lawsuits against states that refused to comply  all in what department officials said was the pursuit of noncitizen voters.

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We know this isnt a big problem nationwide, said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research and a former senior trial attorney in the Justice Departments Voting Section during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations.

We know the states have adequate safeguards, Becker said. We see Republicans  Republicans  coming out and saying this repeatedly. So there is no problem that urgently needs to be solved in advance of the election.

But the Trump administration has increased its attention on elections in recent weeks. In early February, Trump voiced a desire to nationalize elections. He demanded Congress pass a proof of citizenship voter registration requirement and strict voter ID rules. The U.S. Senate is expected to debate the bill next week, but it is unlikely to have enough votes to advance.

The FBI has also seized ballots from the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, and the Arizona Senate complied with a federal grand jury subpoena for records related to its 2020 audit of that years election results in Maricopa County, Arizona.

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Michigan responded to the Justice Department in a March 6 court filing by asserting that its case involves no emergency. Lawyers representing Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, wrote that the appeal doesnt challenge any state election law or rule and that the outcome of the case would have little to no effect on the 2026 election.

In response to an interview request, Bensons office referred Stateline to a news release that quoted the secretary as urging election officials across the country to stand up to the federal governments overreach and to safeguard citizens private voting information weve been entrusted to protect.

Oregon Democratic Secretary of State Tobias Read said in an emailed statement to Stateline that hes confident in our case, and trust the courts will continue to uphold the Constitution and the privacy rights of all Oregonians.

California Democratic Secretary of State Shirley Weber didnt respond to an interview request.

Race against time

Federal judges have so far ruled that even though states must perform maintenance on their voter rolls, federal law doesnt give the Justice Department authority to obtain full voter lists.

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While the Justice Department now claims the security and sanctity of upcoming elections necessitates the need for speed, the department hasnt alleged any states are violating federal voter list maintenance requirements, said Derek Clinger, senior counsel and director of partnerships at the State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

This is the first time in all the litigation that DOJ has claimed that theres an urgent need to resolve the cases, said Clinger, who is tracking the voter data lawsuits.

This is the first time in all the litigation that DOJ has claimed that theres an urgent need to resolve the cases.

 Derek Clinger, State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Law School

Even if courts ultimately determine that states must provide the voter data, its not clear that the Justice Department could make effective use of it before the midterms.

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Federal law generally prohibits states from conducting significant purges of registered voters less than 90 days before primary and general elections. For example, that period will begin in Michigan on May 6 ahead of the states Aug. 4 primary election.

The Justice Department has asked for all court documents in its Michigan appeal to be filed by April 1. Even if the appellate court immediately ruled in the departments favor, only 35 days would be left until the pre-primary blackout period.

Lawyers for Michigan wrote in its court filing that it is dubious that any serious assessment of the states 7.3 million voters could occur in that time frame.

Still, Rosario Palacios, a naturalized U.S. citizen who leads the good-government group Common Cause Georgia, said shes worried the federal government could wrongly flag her or others like her as noncitizens if the Justice Department eventually obtains her states unredacted voter roll.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security operates a powerful online program called SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) that it uses to verify citizenship. It has previously invited states to run their voter rolls through the program, and the Trump administration in September confirmed the Justice Department is sharing state voter roll data with Homeland Security. But SAVE has faced criticism from some election officials for mistakenly flagging U.S. citizens for review.

After the department sued Georgia for refusing to turn over its data, Palacios and Common Cause intervened in the lawsuit to oppose the demand.

Palacios said in an interview shes worried some may choose not to participate in the election. The fear alone of this is going to make people withdraw.

Some GOP states share voter data

The Justice Department has offered few details about how it intends to analyze the voter data it obtains. The agency didnt answer questions from Stateline and declined to comment.

Idaho Republican Secretary of State Phil McGrane last month said he wouldnt turn over voter data. McGrane declined an interview request, but in a Feb. 26 letter to the Justice Department he raised concerns about data security.

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While I appreciate the Departments representations that Idahos data will be safeguarded, I cannot take that now-apparent risk in the absence of clear legal duty to do so, McGrane wrote.

Some Republican election officials have decided to share their states data, however.

Eric Neff, the acting chief of the Justice Departments Voting Section, wrote in a March 2 court filing that 18 states had either shared voter data or planned to do so soon. He didnt name those states.

The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, which tracks the voter data requests, has identified at least a dozen states that have provided the data: Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

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Two of those states  Alaska and Texas  provided their voter rolls after signing a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with the Justice Department.

The document, marked confidential, says that after the state provides its voter roll, the department agrees to test, analyze and assess the information. Each state agrees to clean its voter roll within 45 days by removing any ineligible voters. States would then resubmit their list.

Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins, who works under Tennessee Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett, said in an interview that the state had shared its voter data after concluding that DOJ was entitled to it as part of its authority to enforce federal voting law. But Goins said Tennessee had decided against signing the memorandum of understanding because of concerns that the agreement conflicted with the National Voter Registration Act, which sets rules on when election officials can remove voters from their lists.

When youre dealing with this much data, and we have 4 million registered voters here, there could be a false flag and you certainly dont remove anyone improperly, Goins said.

In Texas, its unclear when the Justice Department will provide feedback on the states voter list. The state is currently in the preelection blackout period on sweeping changes to its voter registration list ahead of a May 26 primary runoff election, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Secretary of State Jane Nelson told Stateline.

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Texas already ran its voter roll of more than 18 million voters through Homeland Securitys SAVE program last year, identifying 2,724 potential noncitizens registered to vote. County election officials were then left to investigate the flagged voters.

Christopher McGinn, executive director of the Texas Association of County Election Officials, said hes unsure what would happen now, given that the states voter roll was recently examined by SAVE.

Especially since those noncitizens were, in theory, cleaned up, McGinn said.

In Alaska, the decision to share voter data has produced blowback from some state lawmakers. The state constitution guarantees a right to privacy that shall not be infringed.

Alaska Director of Elections Carol Beecher faced skeptical lawmakers during hearings last week that probed her refusal to waive attorney-client privilege to divulge the legal advice she received before providing the voter roll. In response to questions from Stateline, Beechers office referred back to her remarks to lawmakers.

At this point, I am not willing to waive that privilege, Beecher said at an Alaska Senate hearing.

Alaska state Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat who was among those who questioned Beecher, in an interview predicted the state will soon face lawsuits challenging the data sharing. He also said lawmakers are looking into pursuing legislation that would direct state officials to seek the return of the information from the Justice Department.

I just think theres a total lack of trust in what the federal government will do with this information, Wielechowski said.

Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org.
Residents in Hillsborough County are only one step away from being able to vote on restructuring the commission that represents one of the largest population centers in the state.

A bill that proposes adding two seats to Hillsboroughs seven-member County Commission cleared the Florida Senate on Wednesday. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a relative formality, a referendum would be placed on the ballot this November, when four commissioners are already up for election.

If approved by voters, the three at-large seats that represent the entire county would become single-member district seats representing specific geographic portions of the county. The bill also includes an escalator clause taking the board to 11 seats if Hillsboroughs population reaches 2.5 million people.

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Expanding or changing the makeup of the board is a perennial discussion, as the commission has not added members for more than four decades despite significant population growth.

Eliminating countywide districts is typically the most controversial piece because in the current structure, county residents get to vote in four commission races, giving them a voice on who serves in a majority of the seats. Under the proposal, they would have a say in picking one commissioner.

Proponents argue the bill would improve representation, as each commissioner wouldserve fewerconstituents.

Reps. Michael Owen and Susan Valdes, Republicans representing Apollo Beach and Tampa, respectively, first introduced the bill in December. Owen, a former county commissioner, resigned from a single-member seat in 2024 to run for a seat in the Legislature.

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Im glad that the voters and not politicians will have the opportunity to determine how their local government is structured, Owen told the Tampa Bay Times.

I believe thats the best form of government  one thats closer to the people.

But critics say the change would make the board more provincial, worsen representation and make the county more susceptible to gerrymandering.

Hillsborough has had seven elected commissioners since 1985, after three of what were then five commissioners were arrested on corruption-related charges two years earlier.

J. Edwin Benton, a longtime political science professor at the University of South Florida who advised the county during that change, previously told the Times that while he sees the need for the board to expand, eliminating countywide districts would be a mistake.

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The person who is elected at-large can afford to take a wider perspective and consider the entire county, Benton said. If you make all the districts single-member, members of the commission will not necessarily take a countywide look.

It becomes selfish, he said of a board without countywide seats. It becomes a game of competition between districts.

Last year, the countys Charter Review Board considered various expansion options, including hybrid structures that increased the number of commissioners without eliminating countywide seats.

The review board, however, ultimatelyopted against recommending any changes to the structure during a November meeting. To make the change, voters will be asked to consider amending the countys charter, its constitution of sorts, which spells out the structure of its government.
An avian flu outbreak, which killed several elephant seals at Californias Ano Nuevo State Park last month, has spread to two other mammal species, according to researchers.

Laboratory testing confirmed the virus had spread to nine additional elephant seals, a southern sea otter and a sea lion, Christine Johnson, director of the Institute for Pandemic Insights at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, and other wildlife specialists said during a media briefing on March 12.

UC Santa Cruz researcher in Hazmat suit taking nasal sample from elephant seal pup, Ano Nuevo State Park, California, USA

Scientists estimated that more than 60 marine mammals may have been infected by the virus and are currently being tested.

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In total, scientists have confirmed that 16 elephant seals are infected with the HPAI H5N1 virus, commonly known as avian flu; however, Johnson noted that these numbers reflect only animals that have undergone rigorous testing.

"We know there are more animals with signs of infection that we have sampled that are being tested across the different laboratory systems," Johnson said. "There are likely more animals that will be updated on in the coming weeks."

Although all confirmed cases were found in mammals in San Mateo County, Ano Nuevo State Park and Ano Nuevo Island Reserve, Johnson noted that scientists have detected some cases "slightly to the south and to the north" of Ano Nuevo, specifically in dead animals found on public beaches.

Ravens feeding on elephant seal carcass, Ano Nuevo State Park, California, USA

"It's not at all unusual that this outbreak is impacting additional species, like we are seeing in the new cases with a sea otter and a sealion," Johnson said. "H5N1 outbreaks affect a wide range of birds and mammals, and these animals all share the near-shore ecosystem. It is especially tragic when infections impact less-common species (like) the southern sea otter."

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Patrick Robinson, the Ano Nuevo Reserve director at UC Santa Cruz, shared that scientists have found about 47 dead seals  both pups and adults, particularly males  along the shoreline since the outbreak began.

"Although some mortality of weaned pups are expected, this year's mortality rate has been about four times higher compared to last year's," Robinson said. "The death rate in large males is basically nonexistent in most years. We don't typically see large males passing away on beaches."

UC Santa Cruz researchers in Hazmat suits heading towards elephant seal colony, Ano Nuevo State Park, California, USA

Robinson also noted that the mortality rate of elephant seals living on the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco appears to be about "three times higher" compared to the deaths along the shore, based on drone surveys.

But in some good news, Robinson said the virus appears to be nonexistent among adult female elephant seals. About 80% of female seals had left the region as part of their foraging migration before the avian flu outbreak in mid-February.

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"To date, no female elephant seals have been observed to be symptomatic or dead," Robinson said.

The risk of the avian flu transmitting to the general public is very low, though the disease can spread between animals and people. Scientists recommend avoiding areas with infected animals, not touching live or dead seals, and not allowing pets to approach them.

If a person encounters a sick, injured or dead marine mammal in California, Oregon or Washington, they can call the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114.

Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bird flu outbreak in California park spreads to sea otter, sea lion
A man wanted in connection with a January burglary was arrested this week, leading to the discovery of more than $6 million in stolen luxury items at his home in Temecula, police said.

Investigators said the seizure included over 100 handbags, including several Birkin bags.

Police also found 22 high-end watches - including Patek Philippes, Audemars Piguet, and Rolexes - gold coins, jewelry, 20 firearms, and over $800,000 in cash.

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The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was charged with residential burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. He was also charged with crimes connected to other cities and multiple victims.

Detectives believe he's linked to an organized residential burglary crew operating across multiple jurisdictions, including Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests may follow as they work with other agencies to track the scope of the burglary ring.
Esquire Financial has agreed to acquire Signature Bancorporation in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $348.4m.

Following the completion of the deal, the combined company will hold about $4.8bn in assets.

As per the merger terms, each Signature share will be exchanged for 2.63 shares of Esquire common stock.

This acquisition will give Esquire a foothold in the Chicago banking sector, an area where it has previously not had a significant presence.

The merger is structured to bring together Esquires national litigation lending operations with Signatures expertise in commercial and real estate banking within the Chicago market.

The transaction is expected to lower Esquires exposure to its litigation vertical loans and funding from over 70% to under 50%.

Signature's commercial deposit base will also add diversity to Esquire's balance sheet.

According to calculations provided by the companies, the merged firm is forecasted to see Esquires GAAP earnings per share increase by 23% in 2027.

The boards of both companies and their respective banks will be restructured to include eleven directors, nine from Esquire and two from Signature.

Leonard S. Caronia, currently Chairman of Signature, and Michael G. ORourke, CEO and President of Signature, will join Esquire's board.

ORourke will remain president of Signature, which will operate as a division of Esquire Bank.

Three senior executives from Signature have agreed to stay on and handle business development and operations for the Chicago area.

Mick O'Rourke said: "We are excited to announce a partnership that will benefit both institutions, our clients, and our shareholders, while also positioning us to work together towards the next chapter of our combined organization's legacy.

By bringing together Signature's strong Midwest commercial banking franchise with Esquire's national capabilities, we will have greater resources and expanded reach to support our clients as they grow.

Completion of the deal is contingent on regulatory approval and approvals from both sets of shareholders. If approved, the merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

Esquire president, vice chairman and CEO Andrew C. Sagliocca commented: "Signature's leadership in the attractive Chicago market, best-in-class management team, and exceptional core funding provide Esquire with a strong platform for continued growth and expansion in the country's third largest metropolitan area or MSA and one of the nation's largest legal markets.
CHEYENNE  Local government officials, business leaders and energy company representatives gathered Wednesday at Laramie County Community College to celebrate the completion of a project more than 15 years in the making  Black Hills Energys Ready Wyoming transmission expansion.

The project, which is an independent transmission system loop, took two years of construction. It connects Black Hills electric systems in Wyoming to the companys electric systems in South Dakota, and covers 260 miles across five counties.

The line was a $350 million investment, and includes three 230 kilovolt (KV) lines, two 115 KV lines and multiple substations.

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The transmission system became completely operational Dec. 29.

Black Hills Chief Utility Officer Marne Jones said the project came to be after a meeting was held in 2011 to discuss ways to ensure the energy future of Wyoming.

That early exploration laid the foundation for everything that followed, Jones said. Years of system studies, system needs, modeling growth, engaging our regulators, our landowners, and refining the strategy that ultimately became Ready Wyoming.

To complete the expansion, construction workers had to spend nights, weekends and holidays working.

Brian Weber, Black Hills vice president of utility services and transmission strategy, said there are more than 3,600 poles spanning the 260 miles, which required days of truck material shipments.

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Transmission line work is not an easy job to get into, Weber said. It requires sacrifice, requires travel, time away with your family, long hours, working Thanksgiving, the holidays. So (I want to) make sure I relay my thanks to those that were working in the field.

However, even with the long hours, dangerous work and more than 225 workers on the job, Weber said there were no serious injuries or fatalities during construction.

Linn Evans, president and CEO of Black Hills Energy, said the expanded line has been a vision for the company for a long time.

It's very important to us as an organization to remain innovative, not just be the utility, Evans said.  We work really hard to think decades in advance about how we serve our customers, and that's why this line that we've now completed will literally be around for decades and decades, and serve generations of people after us, and we're very excited for that.

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On top of future impacts, Jones said Ready Wyoming has created more than 1,300 construction jobs and over $100 million in regional economic value over the course of construction.

Additionally, Jones said Black Hills expects to generate $500,000 annually in additional tax revenue for the state, as well as nearly $80,000 in annual benefits to the local community as a result of this project.

Jones said the expanded transmission capacity creates better access to markets, supports the development of Wyomings diverse energy resources and enables additional energy generation across the region.

Before the expansion, Jones said the customers of Black Hills were seeing increased energy costs and slow delivery. But Ready Wyoming is poised to mitigate that.

Ready Wyoming is truly a game changer for the state, Jones said. ... Having this control over our system and making this a backbone of where we head, from an economic perspective, is critical to our future. This project really positions Wyoming to continue to be an energy leader.
Virginia Democratic leaders are condemning a political mail campaign that used images of the Ku Klux Klan and civil rights marches in materials sent to Black voters ahead of a statewide redistricting vote.

Virginia Public Media reporter Jhad Khalil, who received the campaign materials in the mail himself, first reported the incident via X, writing, A PAC campaigning against the Virginia redistricting amendment is clearly targeting Black voters. This mailer I got today uses ancestors to reference the civil rights movement, and is using photos of the KKK and police targeting young Black girls.

A PAC campaigning against the Virginia redistricting amendment is clearly targeting Black voters. This mailer I got today uses "ancestors" to reference the civil rights movement, and is using photos of the KKK and police targeting young Black girls. pic.twitter.com/6BQ8tSIBjl  Jahd Khalil (@jahdkhalil) March 7, 2026

The flyers read, Our ancestors fought to represent us. Now Richmond politicians are trying to take our districts away and Just like Jim Crow, they want to silence your voice.

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The Jim Crow era, enforced through policies such as literacy tests, poll taxes and violence aimed at disenfranchising Black Americans, continues to shape voting rights advocacy today.

According to Democracy Docket, while the flyers present such stark and urgent messaging around the proposal, theres little information about the ballot initiative the group is urging voters to oppose.

The news outlet notes that under the redistricting proposal, Virginia Democrats could gain four additional seats in Congress.

Whos behind the mailer campaign?

Questions have emerged on social media about the group behind the mailers.

A group, Justice for Democracy, has been sending out mailers and texts with some clear dog whistles, Virginia Young Democrats President Matt Royer wrote on X, using varying disclaimers in Virginia (Democracy and Justice PAC and Justice for Democracy PAC).

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Royer added that the group lists Christopher Woodfin as its treasurer and shares an address with WoodfinLaw, a firm he said has previously provided legal services to several Republican candidates in Virginia and has received over $366,000 in payments over the past eight years.

Virginia Mercury reports that Democracy and Justice PAC Chairman A.C. Cordoza of Hampton Roads, defended the efforts during a press conference earlier this week, brushing off outrage fro Democratic opponents.

I know theres some controversy behind (the campaign), Cordoza said, per Virginia Mercury. My statement is very simple. The people who have controversy with this mailer are the same people talking about fairness while constructing a map that disenfranchises Black voters in favor of Northern Virginia legislators. Its a shameful act.

What critics are saying

In comments to WTOP , Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, who recently became Virginias first Black attorney general, described the mailers as disturbing, shocking, offensive and deceptive.

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He emphasized, Its very clear a MAGA-linked group that opposes the referendum is sending these mailers to Black voters, and theyre misusing very, very hurtful imagery from the Civil Rights Movement, even invoking Jim Crow, to weaponize one of the darkest chapters in our history, to scare people into voting no and help Republicans maintain a rigged map for 2026 so they can keep control of Congress.

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, who condemned the mailers via X, emphasized, The civil rights movement is not a prop. The blood and sacrifice of those who marched, who were beaten, who died for the right to vote will not be hijacked by shadowy GOP operatives to deceive the very communities it was meant to protect.

The civil rights movement is not a prop. The blood and sacrifice of those who marched, who were beaten, who died for the right to vote will not be hijacked by shadowy GOP operatives to deceive the very communities it was meant to protect.



VOTE YES by April 21st! https://t.co/jo4Vij6Pwl  Speaker Don Scott (@SpeakerDonScott) March 9, 2026

Furthermore, the Speaker urged voters to show up to the polls to vote YES by April 21. Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke of Hampton told Virginia Mercury that the message weaponized a painful past.

As somebody who grew up under voter suppression and had to actually register under voter suppression  I know what its like, Locke said.

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Locke added, For people to now come along and use those same tactics is not only disingenuous, not just misguided, but stupid. If they think that people like me will go along with that kind of stupidity and take it, theyre insane.

Whats next for the proposal?

The referendum has already faced legal challenges. A lower court initially blocked the election, but the Supreme Court of Virginia later ruled the vote could proceed, allowing Virginians to decide the issue at the polls, according to Democracy Docket.

Supporters say the amendment would allow lawmakers to redraw congressional districts they argue currently favor Republicans, while opponents say the proposal is politically motivated. With early voting underway, the dispute over the mail campaign has added another flashpoint to the already contentious fight over redistricting and voting rights in Virginia.







The post Black Voters In Virginia Sent KKK, Jim Crow Imagery In Mail Campaign Ahead Of Redistricting Vote appeared first on Blavity.
By Will Dunham

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - Bonobos for years have had the reputation of being the cool hippies of the simian world, with a "make love, not war" ethos, in contrast to their belligerent cousins, the chimpanzees. But is this reputation valid? A new study suggests it is not.

Researchers tabulated aggressive behavior such as charging, hitting, biting, slapping, kicking and trampling among 22 groups of bonobos and chimpanzees - the two species that are the closest genetic relatives of humans - at 16 European zoos. The statistics showed no difference between bonobos and chimpanzees in the rate of aggressive behavior - contact or noncontact.

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But there was a striking difference in the targeting of the aggressive behavior, driven by dynamics specific to each species.

Among chimpanzees, aggressive behavior primarily came from males, and was directed at both males and females. But female bonobos were found to be far more aggressive than female chimpanzees. Among bonobos, aggressive behavior came from both females and males, and was primarily directed at males.

"Regarding the dominance system, chimpanzees are patriarchal. Males associate with one another - in conflict within the group and against other communities of chimpanzees - and struggle for dominance with one another," said Emile Bryon, a doctoral student in animal behavior and cognition at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and lead author of the study published this week in the journal Science Advances.

"They also express aggression against females, in disputes over access for resources or in coercing them for copulation," Bryon said.

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Dominance is reversed in bonobos.

"Bonobos are matriarchal. Females are gregarious and associate with one another. They also compete for resources although do not express aggression against one another," Bryon said. "Male bonobos can benefit from the rank of their mothers in accessing resources, but express less aggression against females than chimpanzees do. Males still express aggression against one another in a similar magnitude as chimpanzees."

While there were differences in levels of aggressive behavior within groups of both species, bonobos presented both the most aggressive and least aggressive groups observed.

"The origins for the perspective of the 'hippie' bonobos is rooted in multiple elements. Unlike chimpanzees, they entertain mostly pacific relationships with neighboring groups, they never kill members of their own group or rarely do so - one instance reported in 2025 - and they mediate social tensions with socio-sexual behaviors," Bryon said.

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"Our results suggest that despite these contrasts, aggression is still a relevant part of the bonobo social life, although it is distributed differently than in chimpanzees," Bryon said.

The socio-sexual conduct that Bryon cited includes such behaviors as copulation and genital rubbing involving various kinds of sex and age combinations including male-female, female-female as well as older and younger.

The study involved nine groups of chimpanzees spanning 101 individuals and 13 groups of bonobos spanning 88 individuals in zoos in Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. While the findings provide insight into the two species, Bryon said it is difficult to assess whether behavioral differences may exist among wild populations.

Wild chimpanzees, for instance, have been observed engaging in deadly war-like conflicts with other groups of chimpanzees, with no such observations involving bonobos, a species that is less numerous and harder to observe.

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The scientific name for bonobos is Pan paniscus. They look very much like chimpanzees, whose scientific name is Pan troglodytes, but have a more slender build. In the wild, chimpanzees inhabit 21 countries across equatorial Africa. Bonobos live only in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The two species are equally related to humans, sharing approximately 98.8% of our genome. Their evolutionary lineage split from the lineage that led to humans roughly 7 million years ago.

"When it comes to aggression in our closest living relatives, the peaceful and warmonger binary was puzzling, and further called into question whether our evolutionary path most resembled chimpanzees or bonobos," Bryon said.

"While aggression may always exist, in one form or another, the way it is distributed is greatly fashioned by who holds power over whom," Bryon said. "Although no one-to-one inferences should be made - after all, our social systems are too different from those of chimpanzees or bonobos - this discussion is ultimately very informative when it comes to understanding the social fabric that makes or breaks the expressions of aggression in our species and beyond."

(Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
By Bo Erickson, Parisa Hafezi, Maya Gebeily and Jarrett Renshaw

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 13 (Reuters) - The United States on Friday destroyed military targets on Iran's main oil hub of Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said, threatening to strike its oil infrastructure if Iran continues attacks that have halted most ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

The island serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran's oil shipments. In a social media post, Trump wrote the U.S. military "totally obliterated every MILITARY target" on Kharg while leaving oil infrastructure intact.

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"However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision," Trump wrote, a warning that could further roil markets already dealing with what the International Energy Agency has called the biggest oil supply disruption in history.

Iran had no ability to defend against U.S. attacks, the president added. "Irans Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save whats left of their country, which isnt much!" he said.

Oil prices have been whipsawing on Trump's changing comments on the likely duration of the Iran war, which has prompted Iran to attack vessels in the strait, the conduit for a fifth of the world's oil. Although he has previously said the war would last only weeks, the president on Friday declined to publicly project an end date for the conflict.

"I can't tell you that," Trump said to reporters. "I mean, I have my own idea, but what good does it do? It'll be as long as it's necessary."

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Kharg is 16 miles (26 km) from Iran's coast, about 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continued to export crude oil while other producers in the Gulf halted their shipments due to fear of Iranian attacks.

Multiple very large crude oil tankers were loading at Kharg Island on Wednesday, according to satellite imagery reviewed by TankerTrackers.com. Iran exported between 1.1 million barrels per day and 1.5 million bpd from February 28 when the war began to Wednesday.

Markets will watch closely for any sign the U.S. strikes damaged the island's intricate network of pipelines, terminals and oil storage tanks. Even minor disruptions could further tighten global supply, adding pressure to an already volatile market.

Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, said Trump's comments on Friday "will focus the market's mind on pathways that this energy disruption, already history's largest, could expand and last longer."

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Some energy industry observers expressed doubts that Kharg's oil facilities would stay intact.

Bombing Kharg Island but not the oil infrastructure is like going to McDonald's and getting a hamburger with no meat, said Josh Young, chief investment officer at Bison Interests. "What's the point?"

IRAN'S NEW LEADER VOWS TO KEEP STRAIT SHUT

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.

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Trump said on Friday the U.S. Navy will "soon" start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

European powers are trying to work out how to defend their interests, and France has been consulting with European, Asian and Gulf Arab states over the past week with a view to putting together a plan for warships eventually to escort tankers through the strait, French officials said.

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 sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea.

The move was welcomed in Moscow but left Kyiv and its allies angry that the proceeds could help the Kremlin fund its war effort in Ukraine.

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"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."

WAR ON IRAN EXTENDS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST

After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most in Iran, but many 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.

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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.

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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.

The U.S. was sending additional forces to the region, including the USS Tripoli along with its Marine expeditionary unit, two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. The amphibious assault ship, currently in Asia, is capable of carrying fighter jets. In total, 2,500 additional Marines will be sent to the Middle East, along with additional sailors.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Patricia Zengerle, Lincoln Feast, Kevin Liffey, Matthias Williams and Simon Lewis; Editing by William Maclean, Sharon Singleton, Cynthia Osterman and Sergio Non)
BOSTON (WWLP)  The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs held its annual legislative reception, celebrating this years work and looking ahead to funding for late 2026 into 2027.

Sunday hunting ban opponents make big push for change

In 2024, 117,065 Massachusetts kids attended a Boys & Girls Club at 98 sites statewide, and over 2.2 million free meals and snacks were distributed.

In addition to these benefits, Boys & Girls clubs provide mentorship and stability for kids, and club kids report higher levels of belief in themselves, which translates to better outcomes as adults.

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Compared to their peers across Massachusetts, club teens are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like vaping, drinking, smoking, or drug misuse, Jennifer Aldworth, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs.

About a quarter of the Boys & Girls Club budget comes from government sources, and club leadership asked lawmakers to continue their commitment to funding their programs.

This year, the Senate chair of ways and means was recognized by the Boys & Girls Club Alliance for his contributions to furthering their mission to help kids from inside the state government. Theres none that do it like Boys & Girls Club, said Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues.

On the day of the legislative reception, and every day in the Bay State, over 11,000 kids visited a Boys & Girls Club.

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Next fiscal years budget, including finalized numbers for state contributions to the Boys & Girls Club, will be passed into law over the summer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
BRASILIA, March 12 (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes denied a request from imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro for a visit from a Trump administration official, a court document showed on Thursday.

Lawyers for Bolsonaro asked the Brazilian Supreme Court earlier this week to allow Darren Beattie, who was recently tapped by U.S. President Donald Trump for a senior advisory role overseeing Brazil, to visit him in prison next week.

Reversing a Tuesday ruling that had initially approved the request, Moraes said the planned visit did not fall within the purposes cited by the U.S. State Department for the issuance of Beattie's entry visa.

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Citing a document sent by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, the judge noted the U.S. official only committed to attend a critical minerals forum and meetings with the government while in Brazil.

Vieira also told the court Beattie had scheduled no meetings with Brazilian officials so far.

"The visit by Darren Beattie ... is not part of the diplomatic context that authorized the granting of the visa and his entry into Brazilian territory, nor was it communicated in advance to the Brazilian diplomatic authorities," Moraes said.

Reuters reported earlier on Thursday the document sent by Vieira stated that Beattie's visit could be an "interference" in Brazil's internal affairs.

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Bolsonaro, who served as president between 2019 and 2022, was a close Trump ally during the period when both were in office. He is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup against his successor, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Beattie, a critic of Brazil's current government, was appointed to the position shaping U.S. policy toward the country last month, suggesting relations between the two countries remain delicate despite recent rapprochement.

Beattie provoked a diplomatic incident in August by describing Justice Moraes in an X post as "the key architect of the censorship and persecution complex directed against Bolsonaro."

Moraes presided over the criminal case against Bolsonaro, who was convicted in September.

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Writing by Fernando Cardoso; Editing by Franklin Paul, Daina Beth Solomon and Tom Hogue)
BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI)  The town of Bristol has filed a complaint in federal court against the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and the Transportation Security Administration over access to an inspection report on the Mt. Hope Bridge.

The push for transparency comes after Target 12 first reported that RITBA refused to release the full report from a fall 2024 inspection of the bridge, which carries 7 million vehicles between Bristol and Portsmouth annually.

On Oct. 2, 2025, the town submitted a request to RITBA for the most current report in possession of the RITBA regarding the condition and structural viability.

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RELATED: Concerned residents push RITBA to release Mount Hope Bridge inspection report

Two weeks later, the RITBA denied the request, saying the document falls under a U.S. Department of Homeland Security sensitive security information designation, which requires the TSA to review before it is released to the public.

Bristol then appealed RITBAs denial to the Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office.

In a Jan. 15 decision, the AGs office sided with the quasi-public agency, finding RITBA had the legal authority to withhold the report while federal officials reviewed it for security concerns.

We find that the RITBA permissibly withheld the responsive report in its entirety as it was prohibited from publicly disclosing the report prior to TSAs review and potential redaction, the attorneys general office concluded in response to the complaint.

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The town also asked the TSA for the most recent inspection report, since RITBA said it submitted the report to the TSA for SSI review on Jan. 30.

RELATED: Dehumidification work to begin on Mount Hope Bridge

According to the court filing, the TSA was required to respond within 20 days, but the town said it did not receive a response within the required timeframe.

The Rhode Island Attorney Generals Office has already confirmed that RITBA handled this request appropriately. Since there is pending litigation, we do not have anything else to add, a spokesperson for the RITBA told 12 News Friday.

The bridge is currently undergoing a major dehumidification project designed to prolong the life of the critical cables that support the suspension span.

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12 News has reached out to the TSA for comment.

Tim White contributed to this report.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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LONDON, March 13 (Reuters) - Britain and its partners should maintain collective pressure on Russia through sanctions, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Friday, joining a chorus of European criticism of the United States after Washington eased sanctions on Russian oil.

"It's obviously a decision for the U.S., but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest," the spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.

The United States has issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, in order to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the Iran war.

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But European allies criticised the move, which risks complicating Western efforts to deprive Russia of revenue for the war in Ukraine.

The spokesperson said that Western sanctions had deprived the Russian state of at least $450 billion since the start of the war in Ukraine, adding "our sanctions are working".

He said that collective pressure was the best way to achieve a fair peace in Ukraine and stop Russian support for hostile actors around the world including Iran.

"We remain committed to exerting maximum economic pressure on Russia in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James)
Irish eyes will be smiling in Buffalo this weekend.

The 'Old Neighborhood' Parade will be held Saturday, March 14. The parade begins at 11am at the Valley Community Center located at 93 Leddy Street, and then follow through the Valley and old First Ward neighborhoods in Buffalo. More than 100 floats, bands and Irish dancers are expected to participate.

RELATED: Unknown Stories of WNY: A look at Western New Yorks Irish roots

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The following streets will be closed from 9am-3pm on Saturday:

South Park Ave. between Hamburg St. and Lee St.

Smith St. between South Park Ave. and Elk St.

Elk St. between Smith St. and South Park Ave.

Hamburg St. between South Park Ave. and South St.

South St. between Hamburg St. and Louisiana St.

Louisiana St. between Ohio St. and South Park Ave.

Ohio St. from South St. to the Ohio St. Bridge.

On Sunday, March 15, the annual downtown Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade will bring a sea of green down Delaware Avenue. The parade kicks off at 2pm on Delaware Avenue near Niagara Square.

Road closures will be in place from 7am-5pm on Sunday. The following roads will be closed:

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Chippewa St. between Franklin St. and Delaware Ave.  closes at 7 a.m.

Delaware Ave. and Allen St. area  closes at 9 a.m.

Niagara Square and all connecting arteries  closes at 10 a.m.

Delaware Ave. between W. Mohawk St. and W. Eagle St.

Perkins Ave. between Elmwood Ave. and Niagara Square

Niagara St. between Elmwood Ave. and Niagara Square

Jerge Dr. between Elmwood Ave. and Niagara Square

Court St. between Niagara Square and Franklin St.

W. Genesee St. between Niagara Square and Franklin St.

Delaware Ave. between W. Eagle St. and Summer St.  closed 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.
Bye-bye to build-to-rent housing. On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Senate voted 8910 to pass House Resolution 6644, otherwise known by its cumbersome title, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

The bill is essentially an amalgam of two pieces of wonky housing legislation that the House and Senate have been working on for over a year now, and which make a bunch of modest changes to existing regulations and grant programs with the aim of boosting housing supply.

As passed by the Senate, H.R. 6644 combines the two chambers' reforms and, controversially, includes a ban on large institutional investors purchasing new single-family homes and converting them into rental housing.

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That latter provision likely turns the bill from one that would modestly increase new home construction to one that will significantly reduce new home construction.

Estimates vary, but build-to-rent housing comprises anywhere from 3 to 10 percent of new single-family home construction.

Earlier this week, H.R. 6644 was amended to include a policy that would require large investors to sell any build-to-rent units they own after a period of seven years. This provision is part of the bill's wider crackdown on large institutional investors owning single-family rentals.

These investors have become a scapegoat for high housing prices among both the right and the left. President Donald Trump called on Congress to ban their ownership of single-family homes in his State of the Union address. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (DMass.), one of the authors of the Senate housing legislation, was happy to oblige.

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The alleged hope was that adding an investor crackdown supported by the White House would get the House to pass the amended H.R. 6644 quickly. That doesn't seem to have worked.

The House Freedom Caucus has already come out against the bill because of its exclusion of some community banking reforms the House wants, as well as the investor crackdown provisions.

That means it's likely due for rounds of amendments. Any delay in an election year means it might end up not passing at all.

Why this matters. In response to the bill's passage in the Senate, anti-market commenters on social media have leapt to defend the effective ban on build-to-rent housing and accuse the ban's critics of motivated inconsistency.

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Reporter Ryan Grim best sums up this attack line in an X post from yesterday, in which he says that housing supply-siders have been downplaying the significance of "private equity" in the single-family market, only to now freak out about the crackdown on build-to-rent housing.

We spent the last few years being told by the Abundance types that the whole thing about PE buying up so many houses is a fake, made up panic. Now they're saying the housing bill just passed is a big problem because it would crimp that build-to-rent market, which we were  Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) March 12, 2026

Oren Cass, chief economist of American Compass and apparently determined to never be on the right side of an issue, argues that a ban on build-to-rent housing can't reduce housing supply because such a ban does not vaporize land, workers, and materials that could be employed for new home construction.

2/ BTR does not bring some new and marginal supply online where we otherwise would have nothing. To the contrary, BTR firms are operating in a supply-constrained market -- for land, for permits, for workers -- where we're trading off different types of construction.  Oren Cass (@oren_cass) March 12, 2026

To take the latter point first, it's true that policy alone does not physically destroy the things that are used to build new homes. Contra Cass, policy can make market actors a lot less likely to finance the construction of new homes.

Which is what a ban on build-to-rent housing would do.

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There are hundreds of thousands of families out there that would like to live in a new single-family home but do not want, or cannot qualify for, a mortgage. The build-to-rent market has popped up to service this niche of home-seekers.

Unable to meet the needs of single-family renters, investors will thus move their capital elsewhere. Perhaps some of that capital goes into for-sale housing or apartment developmentlikely, much of the capital leaves the housing market altogether.

Contra Grim, this can be a big deal, despite "private equity" and/or large institutional investors not being a major presence in the single-family market.

As has been pointed out ad nauseam, large investors own less than one percent of single-family homes. They buy maybe two or three percent of single-family homes sold each year. In more recent years, they've been net sellers of single-family homes.

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The vast majority of homes sold (some 80 percent) are bought by individuals. The rest are purchased by smaller investors, most of whom own less than ten units.

Because large investors buy such a small share of existing single-family homes each year, it doesn't make sense that they would be the main obstacle to individual families purchasing an existing home of their own.

As mentioned, in addition to buying existing homes, large investors also finance and own build-to-rent communities that would not exist otherwise. Estimates vary, but build-to-rent housing comprises between 3 and 10 percent of new single-family homes built each year.

Banning build-to-rent housing would thus result in a significant reduction in new home development. One can understand why housing supply-siders would object to such a policy, particularly since it's being included in a bill intended to boost the rate of new home construction.

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One needn't resort to conspiracy theories to explain the backlash on social media.

Scenes from D.C.: After a balmy 86-degree day on Wednesday in our nation's capital, it snowed yesterday.

I left an 80 degree D.C. two days ago, and just flew home to this. Pls fix @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/YaZeP6i4Z1  Brittany Prime (@PrimePoliticker) March 12, 2026

That's as good enough evidence that the government probably does not control the weather, because who would plan such wild swings?

QUICK LINKS

You can tell the Iran war is going well when leaks start claiming Vice President J.D. Vance opposed it all along.

A tanker plane has crashed in Iraq, killing four service members.

Consumer prices were already on the rise before the Iran war choked off Gulf oil supplies.

New York City considers a $30 minimum wage.

I've seen worse ideas.

The post Bye-Bye Build-To-Rent appeared first on Reason.com.
The Gulf has long served as the worlds principal source of jet fuel exports, largely because its crude oil and refinery configuration generate abundant middle distillates . Among those suppliers, Kuwait has emerged as the dominant provider to Europe, at times covering roughly  of European jet imports. In 2026, there were even weeks when European jet imports originated exclusively from Kuwait. Supply had already been temporarily constrained before the conflict escalated: the Al?Zour Refinery (about 610,000 b/d) , Kuwaits largest, was offline for several months after a fire incident in October 2025.. By mid-February, however, exports from Kuwait had returned to normal volumes and loading activity intensified as tensions between the US/Israel and Iran escalated. Cargoes were increasingly stored in independent terminals in the ARA hub, pushing jet inventories along the Western European coast to roughly 950,000 tonnes (7.5 million barrels) before hostilities began.

Historically, Europes refining system has been structurally tight in middle distillates, reflecting the continents diesel-heavy transport system. Diesel, therefore, almost always traded at a premium to jet fuel, with the European jet-diesel regrade typically fluctuating between about $5 to +$2/bbl during a normal seasonal cycle. That relationship has now collapsed. Since the beginning of the price volatility due to the war in Iran, the regrade has surged to $45-48/bbl, when the ICE jet crack spread has peaked at roughly $78/bbl. While Singapores jet crack spread has eventually declined from a shocking last-week peak of $79 to $40/bbl, the European peak is still holding to $65-68/bbl levels, indicating a real structural shortage. The explanation lies primarily in supply disruption. Around 30% of Europes jet fuel imports normally arrive from the Gulf region, and with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, tankers loaded with aviation fuel remain trapped inside the Gulf.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since March 1 has triggered an unprecedented distortion in global jet fuel markets, pushing European aviation fuel prices to historic extremes and exposing the continents structural dependence on Middle Eastern supply. In a market where diesel has traditionally commanded a premium over jet fuel, the sudden disruption of Gulf exports has inverted long-standing price relationships, leaving Europe desperately searching for alternatives that are either geographically distant, commercially unattractive, or politically constrained.

Story Continues

Kuwaits presence in Europe extends far beyond cargo trade. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation controls Kuwait Petroleum International, whose Q8 network includes roughly 4,500 retail stations across Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, while supplying aviation fuel across much of Western Europe. Kuwait also jointly operates the Milazzo Refinery (around 200,000 b/d) with Eni. Yet the Hormuz closure effectively isolates Kuwaits export infrastructure inside the Gulf, forcing the country to curb production because crude and refined products cannot be shipped outward. The UAE and Bahrain face similar logistical blockages, as their refining systems are likewise concentrated along the Gulf coast.

Related: No Magnets, No Drones: How China Controls the Future of Warfare

Among regional Gulf producers, Saudi Arabia is the only major supplier with a partial alternative route via its Red Sea coastline. However, structural bottlenecks limit Riyadhs ability to redirect volumes westward. Crude would need to move through the East?West Pipeline, whose 5 million b/d capacity represents only about half of Saudi Arabias 10-11 million b/d production capability. The Red Sea hub around Yanbu is historically optimized for crude export rather than refined product shipments, while nearby refineries have largely served domestic or intra-regional demand.

If Gulf supply is constrained, the theoretical alternatives lie in China, South Korea, the United States, and India  the worlds largest jet fuel exporters outside the Gulf. In practice, each faces significant limitations. China remains geographically distant from Europe, and freight rates have surged since the Hormuz disruption. Transporting jet from Chinese ports to the ARA hub now costs around $89/bbl, roughly double the $45/bbl seen previously in pre-war times. Chinese exporters also prioritize regional buyers such as Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, while Australia alone imported roughly 4550 kb/d of Chinese jet fuel last year. Adding to the constraints, Beijing has imposed an April suspension on most refined-product exports, tightening Asian supply. The measure does not fully prohibit jet fuel shipments (bonded exports for departing aircraft and deliveries to Hong Kong and Macau remain allowed) but it still reduces the availability of export volumes.

South Korea, another major exporter, faces little incentive to redirect cargoes to Europe either. The country shipped around 120130,000 b/d of refined products to California last year, supplying a market with exceptionally tight fuel specifications and strong premiums. Other major buyers  Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China and the Philippines  are located nearby, making long-distance shipments to Europe commercially unattractive.

The US offers little relief. Beyond the long freight distance, American refiners prioritize domestic aviation demand and supply much of North and Central America, exporting jet fuel mainly to Mexico, Canada, and Panama  markets structurally dependent on US supply. India also appears to be an unlikely solution. Much of its refinery output is about to be increasingly derived from Russian crude, and the EUs restrictions on products made from Russian barrels make large-scale imports politically complicated even if they were commercially viable.

One possible yet limited supplementary source lies in West Africa. The Dangote Refinery exported occasional jet fuel cargoes to Spain, France and the UK over the past year. The plant completed planned maintenance in January 2026 and could raise output in the coming months. Yet its jet exports averaged only about 70 kb/d last year  far below the volumes required to replace Gulf shipments.

For Europes aviation sector, the consequences are severe. Fuel normally represents roughly 25 % of an airline ticket price, meaning the current jet crack spreads could translate into ticket costs rising by at least 20% purely through the fuel component. Major carriers such as Lufthansa and Ryanair have hedging programs that may soften the immediate impact, but many smaller airlines face both price spikes and the risk of outright supply shortages. The last comparable shock followed the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, when surging jet fuel costs triggered a wave of airline bankruptcies.

What makes the current jet fuel crisis in Europe different is that it is not solely about high prices. While market pricing is mostly a psychological game of nerves and expectations, the Hormuz closure raises a fundamental problem of jet fuels physical availability. With freight costs surging and most large exporters locked into regional supply chains, Europe faces the prospect of a market where cargoes simply do not arrive. In that context, the shortage of jet fuel (let alone its cost) could become the defining constraint for European aviation in the months ahead.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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The city of California City issued permits for a controversial immigration detention center last month, even as the facility has been operating since last August.

A former state prison, the 2,560-bed facility reopened last summer under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of the Trump administration's ramped-up enforcement.

The center is the largest in California, and the third in Kern County. The facility has garnered national attention as immigration advocates claim unsanitary and inhumane conditions inside.

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Several elected officials have toured the facility, including both of California's U.S. senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, both Democrats. Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno celebrated Mass there last month.

Advocates have long claimed the facility was operating without the proper clearance from local jurisdictions and have called on California City officials to deny permits to operate.

Rosa Lopez, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, has said the city isn't following the requirements of Senate Bill 29, passed in 2017, and requires public hearings for immigration-related contracts or permits.

"They have this state law that allows them to exercise their authority, not just give in," Lopez told The Californian.

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"You have more power and were asking you to use it."

Officials haven't been transparent with the community about the facility's impact on water infrastructure or emergency services' ability to respond to an incident there, Lopez said.

City officials said they did hold the hearings  on Oct. 28 and Dec. 16  but that even if officials had wanted to push back, they lacked the resources to do so.

Speaking to The Californian Thursday, California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins said the facility was operating under an agreement with the federal government, and that the city had not issued permits until after meeting the requirements of SB 29.

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"We couldn't do that," Hawkins said, referring to calls from advocates to prevent the center from operating.

"What we could do is withhold any permits or licenses until such time as they complied with the law. Doing more in that sense would have been us not complying with the law," Hawkins said.

A small desert town, California City is under financial strain and doesn't have the resources to hire legal counsel to challenge a large company with a federal contract.

"Regardless of how I feel personally about whats been going on, citizens being (killed), the atmosphere thats been created, this climate of inhumane treatment, I am responsible for the 14,000 residents in this town," Hawkins said.

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"That includes the people detained there and the people who work there. As the mayor, Im looking at all of it."

In an email Thursday, a spokesman for the private company contracted to run the facility, CoreCivic, said it had obtained a business license to operate, submitted all required information for that license and maintained open lines of communication with city officials throughout the process.

"Our California City facility operated as a detention facility beginning in 1999 and has previously housed detainees for both ICE and the U.S. Marshals Service," said spokesman Brian Todd.

"Our facility operates under close oversight by our government partners and is subject to regular review and audit processes to ensure an appropriate standard of living and care for all detainees."
Cal Farleys Boys Ranch said that at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12, local fire officials cleared the Boys Ranch campus for safe return following precautionary evacuations related to the Yellow Fire.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Yellow Fire was an estimated 14,208 acres and 70% contained as of 4:14 p.m. Thursday. Air drops helped dampen the fire during strong winds as smoke and flames flared up. Several fire departments and first responders were released from the scene Wednesday night, and all roads were reopened.

Boys Ranch said children and staff are currently transitioning back to campus. "Leadership continues to operate in accordance with our commitment to ensuring the safety, stability and wellbeing of the young people entrusted to our care," a release said.

The entrance to Boys Ranch was being used as a staging area for emergency equipment Wednesday evening during the Yellow Fire near Boys Ranch. (Neil Starkey/for the Globe-News)

Boys Ranch Independent School District (BRISD) will remain closed Thursday, and Cal Farleys Boys Ranch administrative operations will also remain closed for the day.

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Fire and emergency personnel continue to utilize parts of the campus as an access point in their active efforts to contain the Yellow Fire. Boys Ranch said "Out of respect for their work, and to ensure continued safety, regular operations will resume once emergency crews no longer require campus access."

The fire was the only active one remaining in the Texas Panhandle on Thursday morning, but the region will be under a red flag warning for most of the day. Several fires have been brought under control in the area since Sunday, March 8.

Smoke could be seen as you look out over Boys Ranch Wednesday evening from the Yellow Fire near Boys Ranch. (Neil Starkey/for the Globe-News)

We are deeply grateful for the swift response of area fire departments and emergency responders, and local partners, said Richard Nedelkoff, President and CEO of Cal Farleys Boys Ranch. The safety of our youth and staff is our top priority, and we appreciate the patience and prayers of our community during this time.

Cal Farleys Boys Ranch will continue monitoring conditions closely and provide updates as needed.

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Boys Ranch has faced other wildfire threats in the past, most notably during the Windy Deuce Fire of March 2024, which was part of an outrbreak in the Texas Panhandle and one of the largest wildfires in Texas Panhandle history. Boys Ranch said the precautionary action to evacuate Wednesday reflects the organizations commitment to emergency readiness, and staff routinely review emergency procedures.

Boys Ranch said earlier this February, staff held a campus-wide emergency preparedness meeting to review evacuation protocols, communication processes, and safety responsibilities.

This story has been updated with additional information.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Boys Ranch campus cleared to return after Yellow Fire precautions
NEED TO KNOW

A California woman is alleging Singapore Airlines served "tainted food" that caused her to suffer a life-threatening allergic reaction during a flight

Tinyan Lawrence claims she informed the crew of her severe shellfish allergy before being served her in-flight meal

The lawsuit cites the Montreal Convention and seeks damages for injuries and expenses related to the incident

A California woman is suing Singapore Airlines after she claims the company served her tainted food that caused a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Tinyan Lawrence and her husband Alexander Lawrence filed a civil complaint against the airline in a California district court on Feb. 17. According to the document, obtained by PEOPLE, the incident occurred on August 2, 2025, while the couple and their infant son were on a two-leg flight home to California from Bali, Indonesia.

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The first leg began with a flight from Bali to the Singapore Changi Airport, according to the complaint. During the flight, the couple claims they were provided a meal service in the premium economy cabin, where the family was seated.

A Singapore Airlines plane

Credit: Kevin Carter/Getty

Before meal service, a cabin crew member reportedly asked passengers for their meal preference and allegedly provided two options: tom yum soup with prawn or chicken and pasta.

In the complaint, Tinyan says she is "severely allergic to shellfish and could only consume a meal that was completely free of the allergen. So, she claims she expressly notified the crew of her condition.

When the crew returned with the meal trays, the complaints says they once again "acknowledged" her allergy and proceeded to serve the chicken and pasta to both passengers.

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After Tinyan had a few bites, she claims she became aware that she was developing symptoms of a full-blown allergic reaction. She claims her symptoms included difficulty breathing, face and eye swelling, dizziness, stomach pain, hives and flushed skin.

Alexander then reportedly rushed to retrieve her EpiPen from their carry-on luggage and administered a dose of epinephrine to his wife.

After a brief pause in the progression of the symptom, they resumed and accelerated and [Tinyans] physical condition deteriorated further as the family began to disembark the aircraft, the complaint says.

The family claims at no time during the subject flight did Singapore Airlines crewmembers respond to or aid [Tinyan] or her family.

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.

They also claim that while exiting the aircraft, they asked Singapore Airlines employees where medical facilities were located at the airport; however, they allegedly sent them in the opposite direction."

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As they searched the terminal for emergency medical care, [Tinyans] symptoms spiked and she requested a second EpiPen, which [Alexander] administered, the complaint says.

Singapore Changi Airport

Credit: Michael Moxter/imageBROKER/Shutterstock

The couple claims Tinyan was declared unfit to fly on the remaining leg of their journey, and they needed to spend the night in Singapore before a return flight home the next day.

The complaint claims Singapore Airline is liable for the couples sustained injuries and damages, citing Article 17 of the Montreal Convention  which established liability for air carriers regarding death or bodily injury on international flights.

The couple is demanding a jury trial and is seeking general and special damages as well as court costs and attorney fees in an amount to be determined at court.

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In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Susie Injijian, the Lawrences' attorney, claims her clients "trusted that the airline would observe safe protocols regarding allergens in inflight meals."

"An anaphylactic reaction such as Ms. Lawrences, especially inflight, can be deadly and progresses quickly," she alleges. "We hope and believe that Singapore will learn from this episode and take greater care in the future."

PEOPLE has reached out to Singapore Airlines for comment.

Read the original article on People
Canada and Mexico defended their trilateral trade agreement with the US following Washingtons threats to withdraw from the $2 trillion pact.

The worlds biggest economy is the main market for Canadian and Mexican exports, though Washingtons repeated criticism of the USMCA pact has pushed Ottawa and Mexico City to seek trade allies elsewhere. But experts say that, because their economies are so deeply integrated with the US, a pivot will be difficult; Mexicos share of exports to the US actually rose last year.

Canada and Mexico have sought to assuage Washingtons worries  including that they are becoming back doors for Chinese goods  amid a review of the pact, though Ottawas ambassador to the US admitted significant headwinds remain.
VILLA DEL ROSARIO, Colombia (AP)  Javier Giraldo arrived Friday at an international bridge linking Colombia and Venezuela hoping to display a sign requesting his father's release from a Venezuelan prison during a scheduled meeting between the presidents of both South American countries.

But his hope vanished after a meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez was abruptly canceled the night before by both governments, citing unforeseen circumstances without elaborating.

It was the third time this year that Giraldo lost hope of getting his father released. First, after the U.S. military operation in January that ended with the capture of then- President Nicolas Maduro, and then when the Venezuelan legislature passed an amnesty law for the mass release of political prisoners.

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He said his 70-year-old father, Javier Giraldo Garcia, has spent the last four years detained at El Rodeo III prison in Guatire, roughly 36 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Though Colombian by birth, he lived in Venezuela for three decades before being captured in Tachira state and detained on terrorism-related charges, according to his son.

Colombian prisoners in Venezuela have been released gradually since last year following diplomatic efforts, according to Colombias foreign ministry. But figures from Venezuela-based prisoner rights organization Foro Penal, show there are at least eight Colombians and 11 Colombian-Venezuelans still detained in Venezuelan prisons.

The relatives of those who remain detained have protested sporadically.

Ninfa Rebolledo, who joined other protesters Friday near the Atanasio Girardot Binational Bridge despite the meeting cancellation, said her son, Albeiro Guevara, is hopeful for a speedy release. She said he has been imprisoned for over six years on charges of aggravated trafficking in transport  a crime of which he maintains he is innocent.

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He is under the impression that they were going to bring them over and hand them over right here at the international bridge, Rebolledo  who speaks with her son by phone every two weeks  said.

However, at the international bridge connecting Norte de Santander with the Venezuelan state of Tachira, there was no such handover  nor any unusual activity  following the cancelation of the first in-person meeting between Petro and Rodriguez.

Colombia and Venezuela issued a joint statement late Thursday assuring a meeting would take place at a future date, without providing further details.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america




A San Antonio restaurant will stay open after a vehicle crashed into its building early on Friday, March 13. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) received a report of the incident at 6:54 a.m.

A staff member at the Northwest Side Las Palapas location told MySA during an 8:34 a.m. call that, for the first hour or two, the business would only be serving customers through the drive-thru or to-go pickup. They added that they had "just finished cleaning up."

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SAFD spokesperson Joseph Arrington tells MySA that it occurred after an older adult "reportedly inadvertently struck the building." Photos show debris near the property's parking lot area and a hole near the windows neighboring the entry doors.

"There were no injuries associated with the event, and SAFD resources were canceled," Arrington said.

A vehicle crashed into the Las Palapas restaurant at 8005 Callaghan Road in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Courtesy of Polly Rocha/MySA)





Operations returned to normal shortly after. During MySA's visit to the location at around 9 a.m., the shop was offering its usual services, including dine-in access. The eatery is located at 8005 Callaghan Road, near Interstate 10 and Balcones Heights.

A vehicle crashed into the Las Palapas restaurant at 8005 Callaghan Road in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Courtesy of Polly Rocha/MySA)





It's unclear if any roads were or are closed following the collision. MySA reached out to the San Antonio Police Department and will update this story if new information is provided.

This article originally published at Car plows into San Antonio breakfast staple, but remains open.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the leaders of Germany and Norway on Friday in criticizing the Trump administrations decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, exposing a public split between Washington and key NATO allies.

At a joint press conference in Bardufoss, Norway, where the three leaders were attending the 14-nation NATO exercise Cold Response, Carney, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued that sanctions relief would weaken efforts to force Russia to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The three NATO leaders were publicly breaking with Washington over the Trump administrations decision to ease some sanctions on Russian oil. The split came as the U.S. took part in NATO wargaming in Norways Arctic region meant to demonstrate allied resolve against Russia as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year.

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Merz said he was surprised to wake up Friday to the U.S. decision, which was obviously taken in D.C. last night. Echoing Stre, the German leader added: We should put more pressure on Russia.

Carney aligned Canada with that position.

Entirely agree. Canada's position is to maintain sanctions on Russia  including on the shadow fleet, which is moving this oil, the prime minister said, as the three leaders spoke against a backdrop of heavy military armament.

There's been very tight cooperation between Russia and Iran, at great cost to the people of Ukraine and a great threat to peace and security in Europe. And this group, under the leadership of the two gentlemen to my right, and a broader coalition  Coalition of the Willing  has stood up to that, Carney added.

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The U.S. temporarily lifted some of its Russia sanctions late Thursday in an effort to bring down energy prices as the conflict in the Middle East drags on. It would allow the delivery and sale of Russian oil stranded at sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the decision on Friday as not very logical.

The lifting of sanctions means that [Russia] will receive more money and there will be more drone attacks in the Middle East, Zelenskyy said, standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Russia will get money for its war machine, and there are a lot of drones that are built on Russian soil to destabilize the Middle East, he added.

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In northern Norway, the three leaders were asked whether the U.S. could be trusted as a partner on northern security.

Yes, replied Stre, without hesitation, followed by Carney.

Carney went on to describe the close and historic military cooperation between Canada and the U.S. through NORAD, the joint North American air defense command.

Stre said security cooperation in the Arctic was in the U.S domestic self-interest, calling it a net positive for the security of the United States.

But when pressed on whether the decision by the U.S. to ease Russian oil sanctions changes that, the Norwegian leader gave a blunt reply.

We have made it clear that we disagree with that decision. And, you know, disagreements appear among countries. Let's be honest about that, Stre said.
UPDATE: After the publication of this story, on Saturday, Matt Hilbert informed the CDT he planned to withdraw from his campaign Monday. He recently learned he was not eligible due to residency requirements, as he was a New Jersey resident until July 2024. The below article has been updated to reflect that.

Two Republicans filed to run for state house seats held by Democratic Reps. Paul Takac and Scott Conklin over the past week, while a third dropped out after a few days due to unmet residency requirements.

Homeschooling advocate Kirsten Lee McTernan is unopposed in the May 19 Republican primary after certified public accountant Matt Hilbert dropped out. McTernan hopes to take on Takac in the 82nd district, which covers a portion of State College, its eastern suburbs and northern Centre County.

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County GOP Chair Michelle Schellberg is running unopposed in the 77th District primary, which includes western Centre County, with hopes to defeat Conklin in the general.

Neither seat has been particularly competitive in recent years, and Republicans are facing strong headwinds with an unpopular Republican president.

82nd District

McTernan, of the Boalsburg area, ran unsuccessfully for State College Area School Board in 2025, placing fifth among six candidates. She campaigned on enhancing school safety and giving parents the option for values-based curriculum.

She told Spotlight PA last year she opposed diversity programs in the district.

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Reached by phone, McTernan said she was unavailable for an interview as she was on vacation.

77th District

Schellberg, of Stormstown, said her campaign would focus on the political issue du jour: affordability. But she seemed most animated in a Thursday interview about increasing state control over the education system and elections.

Schellberg said that making more energy available  fossil fuels and renewables  would help bring prices down for Pennsylvanians. Another proposal was decreasing pesticide and land use regulations for farmers to lower food costs.

On the education front, the former math teacher suggested the state could compel teachers to publish curriculums online so that parents could remove their students from lessons they object to.

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One type of accountability is to know what is actually being taught to our students, said Schellberg, whose children she said attended State College Area School District. And so I found it very difficult as a parent to actually figure out what the curriculum was.

She clarified that I dont think there would have been too many different times that that would have happened to her, but that shed nonetheless like to have the opportunity to discuss touchy subjects with her child before the school does. She also said schools should publish more granular data on how taxpayer money is spent and that the state could audit the spending of struggling districts like Philipsburg-Osceola.

Schellberg said the commonwealth should standardize election administration. It has long been the case in Pennsylvania that counties administer elections. Schellberg argued that voter rolls are so out of date that its time that we have a reset. (Counties are required to update their rolls annually.) She said she supports federal legislation that would require proof of citizenship to vote and that she is not worried about voter disenfranchisement.

Schellberg has reposted election conspiracy theories and antivaccine posts on her Facebook page. She supported the election denier Doug Mastriano in his 2022 campaign for governor.

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In her time leading the local party, Republicans overtook Democrats in voter registration for the first time since 2008. Republicans currently have a 600-person edge in Centre County, which has 102,000 registered voters.

Conklin, in an interview Wednesday, said, my opponent has nothing to do with my reelection, and he brings experience and seniority to the race.

More about the 2026 election

The deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 election was Tuesday, and candidates have until Wednesday, March 25 to withdraw. Other candidates who will appear on their respective partys ballots are:

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson , of Howard, running unopposed in the Republican primary for the 15th congressional district, which covers all of Centre County and a large swath of central Pennsylvania. Thompson is seeking a 10th term.

Raymond Bilger , of Lemont, running unopposed in the Democratic primary for the 15th Congressional District. Bilger is an activist, U.S. Air Force veteran and former intelligence officer.

State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff , of Bellefonte, running unopposed in the Republican primary for the 171st House District. Benninghoff is seeking a 16th term representing southeastern Centre County and a chunk of Mifflin County.

John Zangari, of Mifflin County, running unopposed in the Democratic primary for the 171st House District. Zangari is an administrative assistant in Penn States sociology and criminology department.

May 4 is the last day to register to vote in the primary election. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in the primary.
By John Revill and Oliver Hirt

ZURICH, March 13 (Reuters) - ABB is stepping up its acquisition drive and is open to pursuing more than one multi-billion dollar transaction, Chairman Peter Voser told Reuters, as the Swiss engineering group looks to speed up growth after years of divestments.

Voser said ABB, which has a market cap of 125 billion Swiss francs ($159 billion), was evaluating acquisitions of up to several hundred million dollars, but was prepared to "step up" to bigger deals for the right target.

"If you look at our balance sheet and the cash flow we produce every year, and the $5 billion coming in from the robotics divestment, we could also do more than one larger deal," Voser said in an interview at ABB's Zurich headquarters.

The comments point to a more aggressive acquisition focus by ABB after years of sales, including the robotics division deal with SoftBank last year.

Voser declined to comment on reports that ABB had considered bidding for French electrical equipment maker Legrand, a transaction that would have been the Swiss group's biggest ever. Legrand has a market value of around $43 billion.

"ABB has never done such a large deal but generally speaking I wouldn't completely rule out a deal of that size in the future," Voser said. However, he added that deals closer to its record $4.2 billion purchase of motor maker Baldor were more likely.

BOOSTING GROWTH WITH M&A

ABB, a competitor to Siemens and Schneider Electric, has recently focused on raising profit margins and offloading businesses outside electrification products used in areas like data centres and automation.

Future deals would be focused on electrification, motion and automation, Voser said, with the company "constantly in negotiations" on smaller transactions, while larger deals remain an active topic at board and executive committee level.

"We want to grow organically by 5-7% on average per year, but we have aspirations to grow more, and that will come through M&A," he said, referring to sales.

MIDDLE EAST CRISIS COULD HIT GLOBAL DEMAND

While ABB has so far seen no major negative effects from the Middle East conflict, which began on the last day of February, Voser, a former CEO of energy firm Shell, warned the crisis risked an energy hit to the global economy, hurting demand and investment if it persists.

"The longer it lasts, the more the global economy will suffer - you will get energy shortages, prices will go up, and that should have a direct impact on demand," he said.
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An 18-year-old from Charlotte has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old in South Carolina, according to the Laurens County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said they were called around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, to Tanglewood Way in Gray Court for reports of a shooting. When deputies arrived, they found a teenager lying in the road.

Tragically, the teenage boy died from his injuries.

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The Laurens County Coroners Office identified the victim as 15-year-old Leo Scott Epting.

Investigators said 18-year-old Ryan Ingersoll, of Charlotte, has been arrested and charged with murder, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Photo: 18-year-old Ryan Ingersoll of Charlotte via Laurens County Sheriffs Office

Authorities said a juvenile suspect has also been detained in North Carolina and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina.

This has truly been a tragic and unnecessary loss of a young life. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with Leos family during this difficult time. I commend the investigators who have worked tirelessly on this case from the onset, being dedicated to seeking justice for this young man and his family. I also want to thank Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD Homicide and the Violent Crime Apprehension Team for their assistance. These two individuals committed a despicable act, and I pray that they are held accountable, Sheriff Don Reynolds said in a released statement.

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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 Queen City News.
New details have emerged in the case against former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling, who was arrested on Thursday, March 12, for manslaughter in the death of her newborn baby.

Snelling, 22, intentionally abused the infant and thereby caused death to a person twelve (12) years of age or less, or who is physically helpless or mentally helpless, according to an indictment obtained by the Lexington Herald-Leader on Wednesday, March 11.

The cheerleader was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center on Thursday, where she took a mugshot wearing an orange jumpsuit.

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Snelling was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant on Tuesday, March 10.

Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snellings Mugshot Revealed After Being Booked on Manslaughter Charge

She is due back in court for her arraignment on April 10.

First-degree manslaughter is a Class B felony in Kentucky, punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. The three other charges against Snelling carry separate sentences.

Snelling was not charged with murder because she acted under extreme emotional disturbance, according to the indictment.

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The Herald-Leader explained that the term applies to a specialized legal condition that argues Snelling acted without reasonable self-control.

Fayette Commonwealths Attorney Kimberly Baird said in the indictment that the law does not require Snelling to undergo any type of psychiatric evaluation to prove the claim.

The manslaughter charge was issued on Tuesday after it was determined the infant was alive at the time Snelling gave birth and died of asphyxia, before Snelling allegedly hid the body in a trash bag in her closet.

Snelling was initially arrested on August 30 after her roommates at her Lexington, Kentucky, home found a blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth.

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University of Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snellings Curious Internet Searches Before Arrest Revealed

When she was questioned by authorities, Snelling admitted to giving birth and to concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.

Snelling said she passed out on top of the baby after giving birth, later waking up to find it blue and purple.

At the time of her arrest, Snelling was a student-athlete at the University of Kentucky, where she majored in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. She was also a three-year member of the universitys STUNT cheerleading team.

A university spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly in September 2025 that Snelling was no longer enrolled at the school.
The city of Chicago moved a step closer Friday to settling a multimillion-dollar lawsuit with a Chicago family who lost their mother in 2017.

A local woman collapsed in tears in Chicago's City Council chambers, recalling the crash in which her mother was killed.

The daughter who survived the crash tearfully testified before the Chicago City Council's Finance Committee.

Kimberlyn Myers collapsed before she could finish her remarks.

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"Today was a very emotional day for the Harrell family, particularly for Kimberlyn," said Lance Northcutt, attorney for the Vaughn-Harrell family.

The attorneys for the city of Chicago did not comment after they testified before the Committee.

They recommended alders approve a $27 million settlement for the family of Stacy Vaughn-Harrell.

In 2017, Vaughn-Harrell and her daughter were coming home from a dance recital.

At the same time, Chicago police pulled over a white Kia SUV after a report of shots fired.

Attorneys for the Harrell family shared police body camera video of the incident, in which they contend, officers pursued a white Kia SUV without sirens. Then, the Kia hit the car with Vaughn-Harrell and her daughter, they said.

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Harrell later died of her injuries.

Myers, critically injured, climbed out of the window and fell to the ground as the officers stood by.

In a previous trial, the family was awarded $10 million.

But on appeal, a new trial was granted.

Lawyers for the city said there is new evidence. And, if the city does not settle, at a second trial the award could be over $100 million.

The Finance Committee approved the settlement to move forward.

"The loss they've experienced has continued. Not only through the loss of their mother, but because this has to be relived, we are hopeful that all sides see the wisdom in moving on," Northcutt said.

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Alderman Nick Sposato was skeptical of the increase in settlement amount.

"It's troublesome, but I don't how we can get out of it," said Sposato, who represents the 38th Ward.

Sposato says more aldermen need to look more carefully at cases before recommending settlements.

"The ultimate cost is just too much; it's out of control," Sposato said.

The Finance committee is expected to present the settlement to the full City Council meeting next week.
CHICAGO (WGN)  A well-known and beloved teacher shot to death inside her home last weekend is being remembered by her school community on the South Side.

At Raekwons Scholastic Academy, located at 211 W 79th St. in the citys Chatham neighborhood, school hasnt been the same since the murder of head teacher Phyllis Goolsby. The 68-year-old died Saturday evening, March 7. Her sister also lost her life.

The man Goolsby dated for 25 years is charged with both of their deaths.

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Teaching young children came naturally to Ms. Goolsby, who has worked at Raekwons Scholastic Academy since 2011, where she taught four-year-olds. Not only was she adored by her students, but she was like family, those who knew her say.

Phyllis Goolsby (Photo/Raekwon Neighbors)

Chicago sixth grader wins citywide spelling bee, heads to nationals

Raekwon Neighbors, who has worked with Goolsby for more than a decade, said she was like an aunt whom he and the school community loved deeply.

She was gonna retire when she was 65, Neighbors recalled. She said, Im gonna retire, and then she said, No, maybe next year, then, No, maybe next year, then, No, maybe next year. Then she finally said, You know what, I just love the kids. Im just going to be here for the kids. It was just a cycle, especially since just a couple of weeks ago, two of the previous kids came back to say hi. They were eight and 13. She just cried and gave him a hug.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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When Neighbors opened Raekwons Scholastic Academy in 2011, Goolsby was right by his side.

It hurts deep down inside, Neighbors said. The minute I opened, I called her up. Shes like, Im ready, and she came in full force.

Now, Neighbors and the many others who loved Goolsby are trying to find the right words to express their heartache after her death.

The last time I spoke to her was on Friday when she left from work and I didnt know then that that was the last time I was going to see her, Neighbors said.

As Neighbors copes, he told WGN-TV not only has he lost an incredible employee, but someone who was really more like an aunt.

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She told me I was her favorite because its me, my mom and my wife own the business, and shes like, Youre my favorite Neighbors, and come to find out, she told all of us that, Neighbors said.

Neighbors added shes grateful to have shared that same sentiment.

We took a picture at her 68th birthday and she had printed it out and gave it to me, and I had put it up right under my keyboard, right next to my keyboard. She said, I dont believe you got a picture of me right there next to the keyboard. I said, Youre my favorite, too, Ms. Goolsby. Youre my favorite as well,' Neighbors recalled.

A GoFundMe has been created to support the families of Goolsby and her sister.

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Memorial services for Goolsby and her sister are planned for April 3-4. Former parents and children from across the country plan to travel to Chicago to pay their respects.

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 WGN-TV.
On Nov. 5, in a harshly lit conference room at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints main administrative hub in Salt Lake City, Elder Gerrit Gong delivered an impassioned speech about the future of AI.

Man can create AI, but AI cannot create God, he told the assembled audience.

Gong was speaking at a conference put together by Organized Intelligence, an initiative not directly associated with the church but one that advances Latter-day Saint perspectives on AI, namely that these tools are safe, properly regulated and dont impede or replace users relationship with morality or God.

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Gong, who is one of the 12 Apostles of the church, has spent much of the last year thinking and speaking about this rapidly evolving technology. A former State Department official and Oxford-trained Rhodes Scholar, he is able to discuss AI at a technical level or a more abstracted one. And he is the public face of a concerted Latter-day Saint effort to begin to take seriously the risks associated with AI development.



Over the course of two days at the Organized Intelligence conference, Latter-day Saint leaders werent the only ones taking the stage. The speakers included officials from the Future of Life Institute, which works to reduce existential risk from advanced AI, historians from around the country and the executive director of Utahs Department of Commerce. As quickly became apparent, there is a fast-growing collection of people and interests in Utah who are deeply focused on the future of AI.

Top officials in the state have also shown no hesitation when it comes to going up against the agenda of Big Tech  or the industrys allies in the Trump administration.

The state Legislature has been aggressive about trying to impose new restrictions on social media companies, leading to a protracted fight that continues to play out in the courts. More recently, Utah GOP Gov. Spencer Cox has drawn the ire of major online prediction market companies  and the attention of their lawyers  after he and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown vowed to make sure their apps were illegal in the state. But its the debate over AI that has made Utah the epicenter in the fight for regulation of a technology that its biggest boosters and critics alike say could transform life as we know it.

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Utah being a majority Latter-day Saints state, it has a unique way of doing politics, said Medlir Mema, the executive director of Organized Intelligence and a Latter-day Saint himself. It has this mantra about disagreeing better.

Utah officials say theyre trying to find a middle ground on AI  guided by faith and morality while also embracing modernity. If they succeed, they could prove to be a national model for tech development and safety. But first, the state will have to find its way out of the crosshairs of the White House.



Utah stumbled into its clash with the Trump administration in January, after GOP State Rep. Doug Fiefia introduced HB 286. A sweeping piece of legislation, it was aimed at increasing transparency and building safeguards around frontier AI models, requiring companies to post public safety and child protection plans on their websites and report safety issues to Utahs policy office. It also established civil penalties for offenders and protections for whistleblowers.

But after weeks of public debate on the bill, the Trump administration stepped in with a directive: Stop.

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We are categorically opposed to Utah HB 286 and view it as an unfixable bill that goes against the Administrations AI Agenda, the entirety of the letter read.

President Donald Trump has embraced Silicon Valleys efforts to unleash AI and signed an executive order in December designed to preempt any state regulations on AI with a potential federal standard, one that critics are concerned will amount to no regulation at all. Trumps influential AI czar David Sacks, a venture capitalist by trade, has pushed the federal government away from regulating AI, a move he believes would stifle growth.



Advocates of regulating AI ripped the administrations opposition to the Utah bill.

It is very disheartening to see certain parts of the federal government  the Sacks wing of the federal government  attack a red state, said Mema. [Theyre doing so because] if Utah is successful in passing ambitious legislation that makes AI companies accountable and transparent, then you have shown its doable, and theres no reason why the federal government cannot do it.

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Fiefia expressed a similar frustration. My job as a state legislator is to protect my constituents and their families now, he said. If Congress hasnt acted, I cant go back and tell them, Im sorry, I cant react because David Sacks doesnt want me to. Its disappointing to see an unelected federal bureaucrat discourage states from addressing issues that affect our own communities.

Liz Huston, a White House spokesperson, said, It is the policy of the Trump administration to sustain Americas AI dominance to protect our national security and ensure we remain the worlds leading economy. A White House official added that the White House fully supports child safety and has never told a state that it cannot enact child safety protections.



Still, the Trump administration has singled out Utah in the battle over AI. The federal government has not gotten this directly and publicly involved in any other AI-related state legislation. And the intervention has had two obvious downstream effects: It has upset some in the Trump coalition who were already nervous about White House AI policy, and it has firmly established Utah as an irritant to the Trump administrations drive for unfettered AI development.

I think theyre scared to death of major conservative states passing regulation, said a conservative business leader who backs some AI oversight and who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about his frustrations with the White House. They dont want any state regulations at the state level to happen at all.

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This Trump backer added that the Big Tech-friendly wing of the White House was placing their boss in a tough political spot.

Youre putting the president on the 10 percent side of a 90/10 issue, he said. To me this is not a conservative or a politically shrewd thing to do. This is completely in service of a small set of big companies.

Public polling largely bears this out. A Gallup survey from September showed 80 percent of Americans think the government should regulate AI, even if it means the technology develops more slowly; a September poll from the Institute for Family Studies, a pro-AI regulation group, showed that 90 percent of Americans want Congress to prioritize safeguards for children around AI.

Latter-day Saints actually tilt more positive on AI than many other Americans; a fall 2025 survey of U.S. Latter-day Saints by Organized Intelligence showed that 36 percent expect AIs impact on society over the next 20 years to be positive, compared to just 16 percent of the broader public. However, only 21 percent of Latter-day Saints say they trust AI for ethical advice.

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And despite being a deep red state, Utah has long been thornier terrain for Trump. Latter-day Saint voters were deeply skeptical of his 2016 presidential campaign, so much so that independent candidate Evan McMullin siphoned off enough support to hold Trump below 50 percent in the state.

But even for an independent-minded state like Utah, pressure from the White House was too much to buck.

Utahs legislative session is only 45 days, one of the shortest in the nation, and it ended on March 6, without Fiefias AI bill coming up for a vote.



Still, the attention from Washington confirmed Utahs place as a leader in what some advocates call a human-centered approach to tech.

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Much of the states leadership on the issue is coming directly from its governor, who is walking a fine line on the matter. AI has enormous potential, and Utah is committed to supporting the innovation that will drive the next generation of economic growth, Cox said in a statement. But we also know that new technology brings real questions  about jobs, about the agency of individuals, and about the impact on young people. He added, Were working closely with the White House and partners across the country to help get this right.

Cox has been blunt about his skepticism of Big Tech while also pushing for tech development in the state under the banner of pro-human AI. He and other prominent state officials have for years courted the business of tech companies, so successfully that they can now boast about the Silicon Slopes. Established companies like Adobe and eBay have decamped to Utah, while a host of other homegrown startups have thrived.

In 2024, Cox led the state to become the first to regulate generative AI, installing disclosure requirements on the new tech while creating an Office of AI Policy within the states Department of Commerce. Cox more recently set up a task force on pro-human AI, led by Margaret Busse, the executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, and Jefferson Moss, a former state representative who is now the executive director of the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.

The sides have formed, if you will, into the [AI] boomers and the doomers, said Busse, while noting that Utah has had legislation on the books concerning AI development for a couple years. We dont want to be part of either of those groups. We want to be pursuing this middle way, and so that philosophy is what really formed into what were now calling our pro-human AI initiative.



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The state Legislature has proved to be a willing partner. A decade ago, Utah garnered national headlines as a deep-red state which struck compromises on contentious issues  first on immigration, then on religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. While the Legislature has since shifted to the right, advocacy organizations hoping to install moral guardrails on AI say they are still optimistic about working with the state.

Utah has some of the lowest corruption in our Legislature of any state, said Melissa McKay, a senior fellow at the Family Policy Alliance and a longtime child safety advocate. You get bills started in Utah because thats where you can pass them clean. Normally [in other states,] tech lobbyists will come in and change them.

Chris Koopman, the founder and CEO of Utah-based Abundance Institute, a think tank working on energy policy and AI, praised the state for moving carefully on AI regulation and noted proposals have been narrow and focused, often including a legal safe harbor for developers that comply with regulation.

Utah has staked out this very measured approach to making sure whatever they end up doing here, its going to be thoughtful, and its going to be done the right way, he said.



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If God is dead in California and engineers are trying to build a new one, Utahs religious leaders are urging the states bustling tech scene to take a different approach from Silicon Valley.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is typically reticent about engaging in politics, but it recently stuck its neck out to endorse state legislation that would make it easier to sue over deepfake AI images. It was a rare moment in Utah politics, and the churchs backing helped ensure the legislation was one of the few tech-related bills to pass this session.

One of the churchs principal aims is establishing a Faith and Ethics AI Evaluation, a tool that would measure large language models religious literacy and ethical fairness.

Its a very difficult task, noted Bennett Borden, the churchs AI counsel and the founder and CEO of Clarion AI Partners. Because when you start saying, Does it have a moral compass, youre getting into, what does moral mean, and by whose perspective, and how do I measure it? But the effort has nonetheless found growing support, thanks to the American Security Foundation, a pro-human tech nonprofit, which is rallying faith groups and researchers at religious universities. Last year, the group spearheaded a joint letter laying out its aims, which Gong signed; in October, Gong spoke at the groups conference in Rome, where he said AI models must be faith-faithful and pluralism-aware.

Tim Schultz, a religious freedom lobbyist who has worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, praised their efforts to grapple with AI questions. They have their own voice on it but they tend to be an early actor in building conversations on this stuff, he said. Their multi-faith activity has been early and thoughtful, but in a characteristically LDS way: As part of a chorus, not a soloist.



Meanwhile, both the church and state government are actively rolling out AI solutions internally. Even as they look to place guardrails on AI, Utah officials are eager to deploy the technology where they can.

Gong said nearly every department at the churchs headquarters is exploring how to use AI to bolster their work, from translating publications to expanding the churchs vast genealogical archives. The state government has offered Google Gemini to most state employees and is exploring ways to replace up to 2,000 state employees who work call lines with chatbots. State leaders say theyre aware of the obvious ramifications of such a move for a pro-human approach, and that theyre exploring ways to mitigate job loss. Those 2,000 employees could be deployed immediately to do even more effective work for us, said Marvin Dodge, executive director of the Utah Department of Government Operations and a member of Coxs pro-human AI task force.

Cox, a Latter-day Saint himself, has cited the teachings of Russell M. Nelson, the late former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in his campaign to get people to disagree better. And disagree he has, often quite publicly, with the Trump administrations tech agenda.

Its one thing if were fighting China, and youre developing your [AI] model. But once you start selling sexualized chat bots to kids in my state, now I have a problem with that, Cox said at POLITICOs 2026 Governors Summit last month.

He also slammed comments from Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Mike Selig that the federal agency alone  and not states  can regulate online prediction markets, which critics view as just another form of gambling.

Look, this is a joke, and I cant believe he tried to say this with a straight face, Cox said. (The CFTC did not respond to a request for comment.)

Its the sort of direct criticism of the administration that most political leaders on the right fastidiously avoid. But Cox has been willing to go there  perhaps in part because of his home state.

The issues on which Cox is staking out positions of disagreement with the Trump administration  gambling, social media, AI development  all tie back to the kind of traditional family values that have deep roots in the United States and still remain a politically potent force across the country, particularly in communities with large Latter-day Saint populations. They hit on concerns that Cox, like many lawmakers in Utah and beyond, have with the safety and wellbeing of young people. And they largely align with how Elder Gong laid out his own philosophy at Organized Intelligence back in November.

Profit-driven technology companies should not determine societys AI moral compass, Gong said. AIs pervasive reach and power can warp our understanding of who we are, what we believe and feel, how we love and serve  even our relationship with the divine.




Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook celebrated Womens History Month at the White House on Thursday. Elected in 2020, Cook made history as the first woman to hold that position.

President Donald Trump recognized Cook for dedication to her community and called her a great mother.

During the event, Cook praised Trump for his no-tax-on-overtime law.

With President Trumps no tax on overtime law, families can now recognized additional dollars from their hard work, Cook said. I want to say thank you for that because it is making a difference in Clay County, Florida.

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By Vivian Sequera, Mayela Armas and Luis Jaime Acosta

CARACAS/BOGOTA, March 13 (Reuters) - High-level Colombian officials, including the ministers of foreign relations and defense, met with their Venezuelan counterparts in Caracas on Friday in what acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said were productive meetings, as she called for a end to U.S. sanctions against her country.

The meeting, the first in-person between the two neighboring South American countries since the ouster in early January of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was focused on energy cooperation, security and trade, Rodriguez said.

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Originally, Rodriguez had been slated to meet with Colombian President Gustavo Petro in what would have been her first presidential-level bilateral, but that was canceled due to what the governments said was "force majeure," without elaborating.

Rodriguez, speaking after meeting with the ministers, said collaboration between the two countries would be hugely fruitful economically and would fulfill the vision of their joint founder, South American liberation hero Simon Bolivar.

"And I want to take this opportunity to also send a message to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to make it clear that unilateral coercive measures against the Venezuelan people affect the peoples of our Latin America," said Rodriguez.

"The call is for sanctions against Venezuela to be lifted."

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Rodriguez, formerly vice president, has been seeking to attract investors in oil and mining as she attempts to stabilize the country since the capture of Maduro by U.S. forces. Trump has repeatedly praised her, and she has welcomed U.S. officials and potential investors to Caracas. The U.S. and Venezuela have also formally re-established diplomatic ties.

Washington on Friday said it was expanding sanctions waivers on Venezuela to ease investment in energy and allow for fertilizer exports.

PIPELINE REPAIRS

Among those who traveled to Caracas were Colombian defense minister Pedro Sanchez, who met with his counterpart Vladimir Padrino to coordinate security strategies for the shared 2,200-kilometer (1,370-mile) border. Foreign ministers Rosa Villavicencio of Colombia and Yvan Gil of Venezuela also discussed cooperation, they said.

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"We have a very active border, and we are calling  and this is what I welcome about that meeting  for immediate coordination, for the permanent exchange of information...in order to combat drug trafficking, for example," Rodriguez said.

Trump has repeatedly demanded more cooperation from Colombia in the fight against drug trafficking. Petro says there have been record drug seizures during his tenure.

Petro, who had a cordial relationship with Maduro, has had numerous squabbles with Trump, though the two men were each positive after a face-to-face meeting in Washington last month and had a friendly call on Thursday, according to Petro's office, during which they discussed the economy along the Venezuela-Colombian border.

Colombia and Venezuela have deep historical and cultural ties, especially in border areas where many families are bi-national. Nearly 3 million Venezuelan migrants have settled in Colombia in recent years, fleeing economic collapse in their home country.

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Colombia recorded a trade surplus with Venezuela of $973.4 million in 2025, exporting goods like food, tobacco, chemicals, plastics and machinery, according to Colombian statistics agency DANE. Imports from Venezuela totaled $98.3 million and included iron and steel, fertilizer and paper.

At the meeting, energy officials including Colombian energy minister Edwin Palma and head of state oil company Ecopetrol Ricardo Roa discussed in more detail a project announced earlier this week between Ecopetrol and Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA to repair a damaged section of a binational pipeline that will allow Bogota to import natural gas from its neighbor.

PDVSA will carry out the repairs on the Antonio Ricaurte gas pipeline, which has been inactive for years, Colombia's energy ministry said in a Thursday statement.

The pipeline stretches 225 kilometers (140 miles) and has a transport capacity of 500 million cubic feet of gas.

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas and Luis Jaime Acosta in Bogota, additional reporting by Nelson Bocanegra, writing by Julia Symmes Cobb, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
A woman initially charged with reckless driving after hitting a juvenile last Halloween in Colonial Heights is now facing six charges in the case, including felony child maiming and child endangerment.

Halethal Ivyleesha Lashell Walls, 36, of Hopewell, was taken into custody March 12 after a grand jury indicted her, according to a statement from Colonial Heights Police. Walls was picked up in Hopewell and brought to Colonial Heights, and is now being held without bond at Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County.

The incident happened Oct. 31, 2025, in the area of Boulevard and West Westover Avenue. Police said the unidetnified youth was struck by a car reportedly driven by Walls.

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The youth was taken to a local hospital for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Walls was detained at the scene and charged with reckless driving. She was released on a signature pending the results of a blood-alcohol test.

The test results later claimed that Wells was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Police did not release the exact blood-alcohol level, but in Virginia, a person is considered intoxicated when their blood-alcohol count (BAC) is .08% or higher.

More: 1 dead, 2 injured after Old Dominion University shooting, police say

Walls eventually was indicted on one count of felony child maiming, three counts of felony child endangerment, one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence with a child and one count of driving on a revoked license.

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The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Anyone who may have information about the case is asked to contact Detective Corbin Ramos at (804) 937-8223 or ramosc@colonialheightsva.gov. That information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660 or the P3Tips mobile app.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Woman faces child maiming after Colonial Heights crash
Colorado court upholds conviction in Mesa County child abuse case

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  A Grand Junction man, who was convicted on several child sexual assault charges, had his appeal rejected after arguing his trial was unjust.

Boyd Sparkman was arrested in February 2021 on 14 counts related to child sex assault, as well as bribing a witness, retaliating against a witness and child abuse. Sparkman is believed to have committed unlawful sexual and physical acts with child victims from January 2014 to February 2021 in Mesa County.

He was ultimately given 136 years to life at a controlling indeterminate prison plus 18 years at a determinate sentence.

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However, Sparkman argued to the Colorado Court of Appeals that this ruling is unfair for three reasons as it:

Excluded evidence under Colorados rape shield statute.

Excluded evidence about marijuana use.

Admitted improper expert testimony.

Sparkman also challenged the constitutionality of his indeterminate prison sentence, according to court documents.

Regarding the rape shield statute, the Grand Junction man contended that the district court denied him admission of evidence regarding possible sexual abuse by someone else close to the victims.

The court threw out this argument, saying that the evidence falls far short of showing that inappropriate touching had occurred with this other individual. The appeals judges agreed, writing that Sparkman failed to show that this person committed sexual abuse, let alone digital penetration.

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We can hardly say that the proffered evidence was relevant to establish that it was more or less probable that Sparkman caused the  injuries, the court document read.

Sparkman also argued that one of the victims parents allowed them to smoke marijuana. He said the usage was relevant to demonstrate bias and motive for falsely accusing him, according to the document.

The district court originally found the evidence extremely prejudicial.

The appeals court stated this exclusion was fine as the district court can exclude evidence that has little bearing on credibility and create a decision on an improper basis.

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Sparkmans third point contended that the experts testimony was beyond her expertise. His issue was regarding her statement about the functioning of a persons brain during a traumatic or stressful event, including the recording of memories.

However, the district court did qualify the expert in the process of memory, according to the court documents.

The appeal judges wrote that they believe Sparkman is contenting the experts qualifications, as he said she is a trained therapist who lacks a medical degree. But the lack of a certain degree doesnt make an expert unqualified, the appeals court stated.

The expert was qualified as she has significant experience working with child sex assault victims and even taught a course for a few years regarding cognitive development and memory, the judges wrote.

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Sparkmans final challenge was shot down by the appeal judges. He argued his sentence was unconstitutional for several reasons, and it wasnt brought up before the district court, according to court documents.

The appeal judges reviewed this, finding that several decisions have rejected similar constitutional challenges to similar sentences.

Sparkman is behind bars at the Fremont Correctional Facility in Canon City.

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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the Goldman Sachs Energy Stocks: 10 Stocks to Buy.

On March 4, 2026, Reuters reported that Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) had prepared deliveries of roughly 300,000 barrels of gasoline from the United States Gulf Coast to meet Australian import requirements, marking the companys first fuel delivery through that route. According to sources, the total cargo could reach approximately 600,000 barrels, comprising primarily gasoline and other fuel products. The firm reserved the medium-range vessels Largo Eagle and Nord Ventura, with loading scheduled from Houston between March 13-16 and March 15-18. Vitol chartered the vessels and rented them to Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) for delivery. Freight expenditures for one vessel capable of carrying approximately 300,000 barrels total over $6 million, or about $20 per barrel.

Exxon (XOM) To Take Its First Fuel Supply From the US Gulf Coast To Australia, According To Sources

Pixabay/Public Domain

The shipments show disruptions in global oil trade following the near-complete stoppage of transportation in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian vessel strikes. Asian refiners are now dealing with crude shortages, reducing runs and fuel output while looking for alternate supply sources.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is involved in the exploration, production, and distribution of oil, gas, and petroleum products. It operates in four segments: upstream, energy products, chemical products, and specialty products.

While we acknowledge the potential of XOM 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: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
The hunt for a Colorado wolf that has defied multiple governmental attempts to kill it and a winter alone as a pup has been called off.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife stated in a March 12 news release it was suspending its effort to lethally remove the uncollared wolf after staff were unsuccessful in locating the animal using drones and thermal imaging between Jan. 24 and Feb. 22.

The agency was authorized to kill the wolf under the agency's chronic depredation definition of the same wolf or wolves involved in three depredations in a 30-day period. The wolf has repeatedly killed sheep in Rio Blanco County. The removal operation was done in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to the release.

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The agency was unable to remove the wolf within 30 days of its last confirmed depredation, which starts the clock over to meet the chronic depredation definition.

CPW Director Laura Clellan stated a lack of snow on the ground and challenging terrain in the area prompted the agency to suspend the effort."We are grateful to the producers who have been working with us at every step since depredations began in the area in July of 2025 and who have deployed multiple forms of nonlethal conflict mitigation techniques," Clellan said in the news release.

Wolf advocates at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting March 4-5 pleaded for the agency to stop the lethal removal operation of the wolf.

The Colorado wolf with nine lives

Previous Coloradoan reporting confirmed the wolf was a resilient member of the former Copper Creek pack  orphaned as a pup after being the lone pack member to escape capture in late summer of 2024 by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for repeatedly killing livestock in Grand County.

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Despite being on his own, the male wolf weathered his first winter and has since survived being shot and wounded by wildlife officials, escaped additional lethal removal attempts in 2025 and was the target of another secret lethal removal in Rio Blanco County in January, according to multiple sources and letters obtained by the Coloradoan.

The confirmed depredations by CPW in late January were not reflected on the agency's wolf depredation page as of the morning of March 13.

The commission approved six wolf depredation claims by ranchers totaling $706,460.91 at its meeting March 5 in Westminster, which doubles the amount budgeted by the state.

The awarded claims are only a partial list of total claims statewide for 2025. Total compensation to ranchers for wolf depredations will exceed $1 million, an amount first reported by the Coloradoan in early January and confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Luke Perkins in a February email to the Coloradoan.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado lethal removal suspended after agency fails to find wolf
Content warning: This article contains information about child sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised. Report child sexual abuse to local law enforcement and contact the DCFS 24/7 hotline: 855-323-3237. For more information, visit dcfs.utah.gov.

LEHI, Utah (ABC4)  A Colorado man is behind bars after allegedly attempting to meet with and sexually abuse a minor while in town for a wedding. Instead, he met with an undercover detective.

35-year-old Aaron Don Toone of Lakewood, Colorado, has been charged with three counts of attempted sodomy on a child, three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of enticing a minor, and three counts of distributing pornographic material.

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According to court documents, a detective with the Lehi Police Department began an undercover investigation, posing as an uncle with a 13-year-old nephew on the social media app Reddit. On March 3, the detective made a post using common terminology among child predators online.

Payson man arrested for alleged child rape, abuse, and resisting police

Another user responded to the post and started a conversation with the undercover detective. This user was later identified as Toone, documents say. Toone began discussing the 13-year-old and asked to move the conversation to Session, a private messaging app.

In conversations over the Session app, Tooene allegedly asked for pictures of the detectives fake nephew and made several sexual references and comments. He expressed interest in meeting with the uncle and nephew in person.

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Court documents say Toone sent explicit images of himself. He told the detective that he was from Colorado, but would be in Utah for a wedding. The two made plans to meet in person, and the 35-year-old reportedly promised to bring personal lubricant and a specific drink for the 13-year-old.

Toone was supposed to meet with the undercover detective on March 7, but had to cancel. The meeting time was pushed back to March 8, and the detective gave Toone an address.

That evening, an SUV arrived in the area, and Toone told the undercover detective that he saw a police vehicle, and it was really freak[ing] him out. He allegedly asked the detective to send him proof that he was legit because he didnt want to get in trouble.

How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google

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Toone then drove to the meeting place and parked. When he told the undercover detective that he was parked outside, officers activated their emergency lights and stopped Toone. He allegedly locked his doors and refused to comply.

After a few minutes, he followed the officers commands and was taken into custody. Detectives learned that he used the time to delete the messaging app. Inside the vehicle, officers located the drink and personal lubricant that was previously discussed.

During questioning, Toone claimed that he was there to gather evidence against the undercover detective and was trying to research his identity. When officers asked why he deleted the app, Toone allegedly said that he must have done it accidentally while trying to call someone.

Toone was arrested and booked into the Utah County Sheriffs Office, where he is being held without bail.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.
US Congress could be given the power to sink Sir Keir Starmers Chagos deal under a proposed new law.

Senator John Kennedy put forward a proposal on Friday which would hand Washington an effective veto over any transfer of sovereignty.

The Prime Ministers agreement to hand the archipelago to Mauritius, an ally of China and Iran, and lease back the Diego Garcia military base has faced strong opposition, including from the Trump administration.

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The Diego Garcia Oversight Act would require the consent of the US Senate for any changes to the 1966 treaty that grants Britain and the United States the right to use Diego Garcia, the joint US-UK base on the islands.

It would also require Downing Street to submit a report to Congress outlining the national security reasons for any change to the treaty, implications for US operational control of the base and risks posed by third-party sovereignty or military presence.

Critics have warned that Sir Keirs Chagos deal would breach the treaty, which asserts Britains sovereignty over the islands and is intended to ensure they remain available to both sides for defence purposes.

Sir Keir Starmers Chagos deal has faced strong opposition - Thomas Krych/REUTERS

Mr Kennedy, the Republican senator for Louisiana and a close ally of the president, said the legislation was necessary to prevent the base from falling under Beijings influence.

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When two countries shake hands on a treaty, one of them cant start changing the terms without the other country agreeing to it, he said.

Thats just common sense. Thats why I take issue with the United Kingdom trying to give our joint military base on Diego Garcia to a pal of Xi Jinpings  all without getting the US Senates consent.

My bill would make sure that our friends in the UK dont modify our treaty and hand this gift to China without giving the Senate a say.

Senator John Kennedy has proposed legislation requiring the Senates approval of Sir Keirs deal - J. Scott Applewhite/Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Sir Keirs deal to hand over the Chagos Islands involves Britain paying Mauritius 35bn over a 99-year period to lease back Diego Garcia.

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The legislation is the latest flashpoint in a growing rift between London and Washington that began when Sir Keir refused to allow Donald Trump to launch the initial wave of strikes on Iran from Diego Garcia.

The bases strategic position puts Iran within striking distance and allows for round-the-clock, long-range bomber missions, such as the strike on Tehran last year using B-2 Spirits.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, the US president said that the Prime Ministers initial refusal to let US forces use the base was unlike anything that had happened between our countries before.

Britain had denied the US permission to conduct strikes from bases such as Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, citing international law.

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However, the Prime Minister relented and said he would allow the US access to Diego Garcia for specific and limited defensive purposes.

Mr Trump later criticised the Prime Minister over his lack of support for the war in Iran, saying he was not Winston Churchill and ruins relationships.

Mr Trump has changed his mind about the Chagos deal after intense lobbying from the UK and US intelligence community and Republicans on Capitol Hill.

In February, Mr Kennedy played a key role in a letter signed by Senator Ted Cruz that called on Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, to reject the deal and rescind any diplomatic communications approving it.

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.
By David Hood-Nuno

WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) - Some Republicans in Congress have drawn criticism for posting antiMuslim rhetoric, including comments targeting New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, with one picturing him alongside a photograph of the September 11, 2001 attack on the city.

On social media, at least four Republican members of Congress posted language viewed by many Muslim Americans and Democrats as Islamophobic.

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In a Thursday post on X, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama juxtaposed a photograph of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center with a March 8 photo of Mamdani hosting an "iftar" dinner to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at New York City Hall, with the text, less than 25 years ago, and The enemy is inside the gates.

Tuberville has previously expressed anti-Muslim rhetoric online and on the Senate floor. He did not respond to a request for comment. He later reiterated his comments in multiple subsequent X posts on Thursday.

The Islamic advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) added Tuberville to its list of anti-Muslim extremists in the United States, marking the first time it has designated a U.S. senator as an anti-Muslim extremist.

Islamophobic incidents in 2025 reached a record high, according to a CAIR study issued this week.

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There has also been a sharp rise in antisemitism, including an incident Thursday in which a man drove a truck into the hallway of a Detroit-area synagogue.

Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee drew condemnation from Democrats and religious figures earlier this week when he said "Muslims don't belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie," on X.

Ogles later doubled down on the comment, posting: "Muslims are unable to assimilate; they all have to go back," beside a link to a news story about one of two men charged with federal terrorism-related crimes for allegedly igniting a homemade bomb at an anti-Islam protest outside Mamdani's mansion in New York. Authorities say the pair declared they were inspired by the Islamist militant group Islamic State.

In this current session of Congress, Democrats have filed two censure resolutions against Ogles for his verbal attacks on Muslims, and specifically Mamdani. Ogles called Mamdani "little muhammad" and said he should be "DEPORTED" and "subject to denaturalization proceedings" after winning the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.

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Michigan Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar filed a censure resolution on Thursday that would remove Ogles from the House Homeland Security Committee.

"Congressman Ogles' disgusting and bigoted words have no place anywhere in our country, let alone from a member of Congress. His words incite hatred against millions of Muslim Americans," Thanedar said in a statement.

Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, in comments to reporters earlier this week, declined to condemn Ogles' remarks.

"The language that people use, it's different language than what I would use, but I think that's a serious issue," he said, referring to claims that Islamists are trying to impose Muslim sharia law on the United States.

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Sharia is a set of legal and moral principles, interpreted differently across the faith. Installing sharia in the U.S. does not enjoy wide support among American Muslims and community leaders.

"Ironically, the only people trying to impose their religion on America are those politicians who seek to ban Muslims from our nation, who try to force public school teachers to read the Bible to their students, and who demand that our nation go to war in the Middle East to fulfill their end times prophecies," CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said in a statement.

Using the same image of Mamdani as Tuberville did, Rep. Andrew Clyde from Georgia said on X Thursday that Democrats "whine" about the separation of church and state when public officials post Christian images but "when its Islam, they welcome it."

Meanwhile, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas posted an image of the west side of the U.S. Capitol with the words Protect America. Ban Sharia.

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Roy and fellow Texas Republican Rep. Keith Self started the Sharia Free Caucus, a group of nearly 50 lawmakers dedicated to banning sharia law and supporting legislation like the "Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act"  whose Senate version was authored by Tuberville  that seeks to deny immigration benefits and deport any immigrant who advocates for imposing sharia in a way that violates U.S. law or constitutional rights.

Clyde, Ogles, Roy and Self did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said Tuberville's comments amount to "mindless hate." There are roughly 4.5 million Muslim Americans, according to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census.

"Muslim Americans are cops, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, bricklayers, mothers, fathers, neighbors, mayors, and more," Schumer wrote on X.

(Reporting by David Hood-Nuno; Editing by Kat Stafford and Alistair Bell)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- One day after administrators from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff posted about student concerns with conditions on campus, school infrastructure was a top priority as Congressman French Hill hosted a summit focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.



Arkansas is home to four HBCUs, and Governor Sanders joined Hill on Thursday at Arkansas Baptist College.

They talked about how such institutions can sustain themselves long-term and match student talent to economic opportunities.

In my very first budget as governor, I increased funding for UAPB, Arkansass only land grant HBCU, by two million dollars. We directed funds from the states Office of Skills Development to grow nursing programs at several of our HBCUs and want to continue to support these vital programs, Sanders said.

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While HBCUs may struggle with funding more than other campuses, last year was a great year for outside donations courtesy of Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos ex-wife.



Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave more than $700 million in unrestricted dollars to such schools, $19 million going to Philander Smith University.



That amounted to the largest single contribution Philander had ever received in its 148-year history.

HBCUs account for less than 10 percent of Black enrollment in higher ed, but they produce the majority of African-American doctors, lawyers, and engineers.

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 KARK.




FARMINGTON - The New Britain man arrested in the starvation death of 11-year-old Jacqueline "Mimi" Torres-Garcia is asking the chief justice of the state Supreme Court to allow an immediate appeal of a judge's ruling last month that found probable cause to charge him with murder.

The request was filed under a state law that allows expedited appeals when a case raises questions of substantial public interest.

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Chief Justice Raheem L. Mullins has a week to respond to the appeal and determine "whether the issue involves a substantial public interest and whether delay may work a substantial injustice," according to state law.

Jonatan Nanita faces several charges, including murder with special circumstances and felony murder in the death of Torres-Garcia whose remains were found in a container in New Britain in October.

Litchfield State's Attorney David Shannon has not yet responded to the appeal.

Judge Robert D'Andrea issued a decision last month, saying there was probable cause Nanita will be prosecuted on charges of murder, murder with special circumstances, felony murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in the death of Torres-Garcia, his girlfriend's daughter, who police believe was starved and abused until she died in fall 2024.

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Nanita's attorney, Michael Brown, argued during the hearing that his client wasn't in a parental role so he didn't have a duty to report the abuse the child suffered in the weeks leading to her death.

Prosecutors and police believe Nanita and his former girlfriend Karla Garcia, Jacqueline's mother, starved and abused the child until she died and then hid her death for a year by keeping her body in a 40-gallon container in the basement of their rented Farmington condo.

Following the judge's ruling, Nanita pleaded not guilty on Thursday to the charges.

The judge relied on the prosecution's legal theory known as "Pinkerton liability," which allows someone to be held responsible for crimes committed by others if they were part of the conspiracy.

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The defense argues that theory is being pushed beyond its limits.

The defense argues the judge acknowledged their client had no legal duty to protect the girl, yet still concluded his alleged knowledge of abuse and failure to report it could make him part of an implied conspiracy to kidnap and kill the child.

Brown said that could dramatically expand the state's murder laws.

"The public has a substantial interest in clear guidance on whether our state criminal laws have significantly expanded to the point that a party's failure to intervene or report child abuse can give way to murder charges," Brown wrote in his appeal.

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Brown is asking the court to respond now rather than after a lengthy and emotional trial.

This article originally published at Connecticut man charged in starvation death of 11-year-old girl seeks immediate Supreme Court appeal.




State lawmakers could slow down the process for getting married in Connecticut and reform the state's justice of the peace system after an investigation by CT Insider revealed concerns among local officials and federal law enforcement about potential sham marriages.

"It seems that there are vans showing up - van full of women, van full of men, they meet for the first time on the courthouse steps, and they get married," said Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, D-Avon, who co-chairs the committee considering the legislation. "So if we can prevent fraudulent marriages, potential human trafficking, we should."

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An investigation last year by CT Insider found that scores of immigrants travel to Bridgeport and other cities in Connecticut each month, often from out of state, to marry U.S. citizens in quick ceremonies at municipal buildings. While many marriages are genuine, that pattern has sparked repeated inquiries to local officials from federal immigration authorities and led to at least two convictions for marriage fraud in federal court.

A federal indictment of an alleged marriage fraud ring based in Florida, brought in January, includes allegations related to a marriage performed in Connecticut. That case is ongoing. The defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Federal immigration authorities have contacted officials in Bridgeport, New Haven, Trumbull and Southington in recent years concerning marriages in those towns, CT Insider found.

The new bill, H.B. No. 5509, would impose a 48-hour waiting period in between when a couple applies for a marriage license in-person at a local town clerk or vital record office and when they can receive their marriage license. The Planning and Development Committee held a public hearing on the bill Wednesday.

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Under current state law, couples can apply for a license, receive it, get married and receive a completed marriage certificate on the same day. The neighboring states of Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey all have waiting periods. Rhode Island does not.

Kavros DeGraw's Democratic co-chair, state Sen. MD Rahman of Andover, said the new legislation is meant to protect both citizens and immigrants who get married in Connecticut.

"A 48-hour waiting period is a small hurdle for couples who are marrying in good faith, but it could make a real difference for someone who is facing coercion or being pressured into a fraudulent marriage," Rahman said in a statement.

The waiting period would prevent couples from coming to Connecticut from out of state to get a license and get married on the same day in quick town-hall ceremonies, supporters say.

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Officials in several Connecticut municipalities have said the flood of out-of-state marriages is a drain on local resources, and some have changed their policies for issuing marriage licenses to out-of-state couples in response.

One out-of-state couple who were getting married at Government Center in downtown Bridgeport last summer told CT Insider that Connecticut's same-day process was a big part of what drew them here.

"In Bridgeport, you literally get your license, and you get married the same day," a friend who was with the couple said. "We don't have to do all that extra work."

Many of those marriages are performed by justices of the peace - officials authorized under state law to officiate marriages at their own discretion. The new bill seeks to provide justices with more oversight.

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Republican state Sen. Jeff Gordon of Woodstock, the committee's ranking member, said he doesn't want to reflect all justices of the peace in the same light, he said there have been concerns about misconduct.

"If there has been some abuse by justices of the peace, with sham weddings and things like that, there needs to be a way to handle that," Gordon said. "That's what I've been hearing. Let's try to crack down on the bad actors and not hurt the good actors."

Gordon said he's not aware of any strong opposition to the proposed legislation.

The new bill would bar a justice of the peace from officiating any marriage she or he "knows or should have known" is illegal under state law or violates federal immigration laws.

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It would also give the secretary of the state authority to investigate justices of the peace for official misconduct and, if necessary, suspend or revoke their appointment. There is currently no mechanism under state law for removing justices of the peace from office.

Under current law, Democratic and Republican town committees - and, in some instances, town clerks - appoint justices of the peace on a four-year cycle. The new bill includes a provision for filling vacancies in between those quadrennial appointments.

Finally, it would establish a working group to study appointment, training, oversight, portability and other issues that affect justices of the peace.

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, whose office oversees justices of the peace, said the goal was to "modernize" the role, based on information from lawmakers, local officials and justices of the peace themselves.

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"From officiating marriages to administering oaths, justices of the peace perform legal duties that affect residents' lives in meaningful ways," Thomas said in a statement. "Connecticut residents deserve to know the individuals performing these duties have the knowledge and guidance necessary to serve them well."

Two bills introduced in the Connecticut General Assembly last session, H.B. 6529 and H.B. 7150, would have made similar reforms. However, both failed to pass before the session ended in early June. Similar bills have failed in prior years.

Those past efforts foundered, in part, due to training requirements, Gordon said. One of the bills introduced last session would have required Thomas' office to oversee training for justices of the peace, while the other would have required justices of the peace to pass a written exam.

"There was an effort to try to over-regulate training of justices of the peace, with examinations they would have to do to get their license," Gordon said. "And we re-worked that."

This article originally published at Connecticut may add waiting period for marriage licenses after sham wedding concerns.
A Connecticut woman was sentenced in a Bridgeport federal courtroom Thursday to 20 years in prison for having sex several times with an 11-year-old boy.

Alyson Cranick, 44, of Columbia, will have her time in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, according to a report from the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Court documents and statements show that Cranick began the relationship by texting the minor and communicating with him using online platforms such as Snapchat and Discord.

RELATED: Columbia woman used Discord to entice an 11-year-old into sexual activity: Prosecutors

Through these conversations, prosecutors say Cranick convinced the boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her.

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Then, on multiple occasions in the summer and fall of 2022, Cranick induced the victim to leave his house after midnight to meet up with her. During these meetings, she sexually assaulted the minor.

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Furthermore, between July and October 2022, Cranick exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the minor on Discord alone.

Cranick was arrested on related state charges on Nov. 14, 2023, and has been detained since Nov. 28, 2023. She was federally charged the following July.

On Nov. 18, 2025, Cranick pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

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The case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Child Exploitation Task Force and the Connecticut State Polices Eastern District Major Crime Unit.

RELATED: Columbia woman faces charges of sexually assaulting a child

The FBI task force includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The case was prosecuted through the U.S. Justice Departments Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which was created to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

----

Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.

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(NewsNation)  During the nearly seven weeks Bryan Kohberger was at large after killing four University of Idaho students, he was consuming news articles about the highly publicized slayings  and he may have favored the coverage of NewsNations Brian Entin.

The cable networks senior national correspondent disclosed Thursday that digital forensic experts who were preparing for trial told him Kohbergers phone had called up Entin stories about the then-unsolved slayings. They even sent him screen grabs of videos Kohberger watched that showed Entin in the field.

Kohberger ultimately pleaded guilty last year to fatally stabbing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin early Nov. 13, 2022, in an off-campus rental house in Moscow. Authorities arrested the Washington State University criminology student Dec. 30 in Pennsylvania.

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Idaho murders: TikToker must pay $10M for falsely accusing professor

I havent really talked much about it. I found this out months ago. I dont know, I guess I maybe tried to put it out of my head. It just kind of creeped me out, Entin told Jesse Weber Live on Thursday.

Kohberger coming across the Entin reports may not be that surprising, given that the true-crime specialist was virtually camped out at the University of Idaho in those early stages of the case.

Similarly, Entin has been providing exhaustive coverage in Tucson, Arizona, of the Feb. 1 disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her home.

TUCSON, UNITED STATES  MARCH 3: A banner reading aBring Her Homea in support of Nancy Guthrie is displayed at KVOA in Tucson, Arizona on March 3, 2026. (Photo by Grace Hie Yoon/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Revelations about Kohbergers news-viewing habits raise an unsettling question about the Guthrie case: Is the suspect in that case likewise following Entins news stories?

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Whoever did this probably is following a lot of reporting, including mine, Entin said. I think its just a reality that we have to deal with. These people are probably watching.

Nancy Guthrie case: Sheriff says suspect could absolutely strike again

Pima County, Arizona, Sheriff Chris Nanos on Thursday told NBC News the suspect who took Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson home could absolutely strike again.

We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted, but were not 100% sure of that, Nanos said. And so it would be silly to tell people, Yeah, dont worry about it. Youre not his target.

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The unsolved case entered its 40th day Thursday.

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.
FRANKFORT  The City of Corbin has been recognized among Kentucky communities included in the Top Micropolitan rankings in the 2025 Governors Cup report released by Site Selection magazine and touted by Gov. Andy Beshear.

According to the announcement, Kentucky once again placed in the top five nationally for economic development projects per capita. The commonwealth has maintained a top-five ranking for all six years of the Beshear administration.

While the state received national recognition overall, several individual communities were also highlighted for their economic development success in 2025. Corbin was among 13 Kentucky communities that placed in Site Selection magazines Top Micropolitans rankings based on the number of qualifying corporate facility projects announced during the year.

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Other Kentucky communities included in the rankings were Franklin, Glasgow, Richmond-Berea, Campbellsville, Frankfort, Danville, Henderson, Madisonville, Mayfield, Mount Sterling, Somerset and the Union City, Tennessee area that includes Fulton County, Kentucky.

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus praised the recognition and the continued economic momentum in the region.

Im so happy for Corbin to be recognized. We are working every day to keep the momentum going, stated Razmus. Congratulations to all!

The Governors Cup rankings track new and expanded corporate facilities announced each year and are compiled using the Conway Projects Database. The annual recognition is widely viewed by corporate site-selection professionals as a benchmark of economic development performance.

State officials also noted that Kentucky performed well regionally, placing second in the South Central region for projects per capita and third for total projects with 182 announcements that met Site Selections criteria in 2025.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is included among the 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Ford Launches New Customer Financing Program with Bread Financial

On March 10, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) announced a long-term partnership with Bread Financial to launch a co-branded credit card and installment loan program. The financing initiative is intended to give customers more flexible payment options while improving the overall ownership experience. It is also meant to make subscriptions, parts, and services easier to access while offering rewards to customers.

The co-branded credit card and installment loans will be built into Fords digital platforms. Customers will be able to finance service or accessory purchases online or at dealerships across the country. Through the Ford Rewards program, cardholders can also earn points on everyday spending with the Ford Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card. New cardholders can receive a bonus of 15,000 points, worth about $75, after making a purchase within the first 90 days.

They may also qualify for a $100 statement credit after spending $1,500 during that same period. The card offers up to 16 points per $1 spent on purchases at Ford.com and eligible dealership service transactions. It also provides 6 points per $1 on categories such as groceries, restaurants, gas, EV charging, auto insurance, tolls, and parking. Other purchases earn 2 points per $1. Points earned through the card can be redeemed for accessories, service, subscriptions, or even applied toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle.

Bread Financial will also work with Ford to use data-driven insights to improve the customer experience across different channels.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is an automobile company that develops and delivers Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans, and cars, along with Lincoln luxury vehicles and connected services. The company operates through several segments, including Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro, and Ford Credit.

While we acknowledge the potential of F 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 14 Best Oil and Gas Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
The skyline of Corpus Christi Texas shot at dawn from offshore. The city and the Coastal Bend are facing a looming water crisis. (Photography by Steve Kelley aka /Getty Images)





Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend are quickly hurtling toward a water catastrophe as reservoir levels continue to plummet to historic lows amid unrelenting drought. But just how fast that catastrophe will arrive, who's to blame, and what can be done to fix it are all matters of dispute as Corpus Christi city leaders battle themselves, officials from other cities, and now, even the governor of Texas.

Here's what to know about the looming environmental and economic disaster that has been years in the making.

Is Corpus Christi running out of water?

The short answer is yes. Corpus Christi and the communities across seven Coastal Bend counties that are dependent on Corpus Christi Water (CCW) are at risk of running into severe water supply issues that will trigger shortages within the next year. City officials have said that the region could reach a "water emergency" as soon as this November.

Where does Corpus Christi get its water from?

Corpus Christi gets its water from four main sources that are divided by location. Lake Corpus Christi and the Choke Canyon Reservoir make up the so-called "western supplies." The two waterways once made up the bulk of the region's water supply, providing up to 70% of the city's fresh water. But starting about three years ago, CCW began to source more of its water from the eastern supplies, which consist of Lake Texana and the Lower Colorado River. However, those two water supplies can hold only about one-fourth the amount of water as the western supplies.

Why is Corpus Christi running out of water?

A massive drought has been afflicting Texas for several years. During a March 5 news conference on the banks of Lake Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said no "meaningful" rainfall has occurred at Lake Corpus Christi in five years.

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"The result of the (lake's) decline is from a gripping drought that will probably be the drought of record for our region," Zanoni said.

What are the Coastal Bend's reservoir levels now?

As of Thursday, March 12, the combined storage levels of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon were 8.7% - the lowest levels since Lake Corpus Christi was impounded in 1958, accord to Corpus Christi Water. Lake Texana, meanwhile, is at about 55.8% full as of Thursday. That's a decline of 11.5% since mid-December. In January, CCW officials said they expect Lake Texana and the eastern supplies to fall below 50% by next month.

Shown are the primary flood gates at Lake Corpus Christi. (Courtesy NOAA)





When will Corpus Christi run out of water?

When, exactly, Corpus Christi will run out of water is a matter of debate. In January, Zanoni and CCW officials told the Corpus Christi City Council that falling reservoir levels could trigger a "level one water emergency" as soon as November. That milestone would make the point when the Coastal Bend is expected to be six months away from running out of water and would trigger mandatory curtailment, or usage restrictions. They further said that Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon could run dry as soon as May 2027.

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But over the last week or so, other Coastal Bend officials have begun to express concerns that those estimates are way off - and way too generous. State Rep. Denise Villalobos, R-Corpus Christi, told KIII 3NEWS that curtailment could begin as soon as May, six months earlier than previously estimated.

How is the Corpus Christi Water crisis impacting the rest of the Coastal Bend?

On Sunday, March 8, Inside Climate News (ICN) published a bombshell investigative report that detailed the potential consequences of Corpus Christi running out of water. Speaking with former Corpus Christi water officials, as well as other local water experts, ICN reported that Coastal Bend water shortages could impact jet fuel deliveries to airports across Texas and cause gasoline prices to surge.

Why is Gov. Greg Abbott weighing in on the Corpus Christi water crisis?

The reporting prompted sharp criticism from Gov. Greg Abbott, who threatened a state takeover of the city and its water woes.

"Corpus Christi is a victim not because of lack of water. They're a victim because of a lack of ability to make a decision," Abbott told a gaggle of reporters at an unrelated news conference.

What has Corpus Christi done so far to address the water crisis?

The city's efforts to address the water crisis have been bumbling, at best. Last fall, a divided city council voted down a plan to build a massive desalination plant that had been years in the making. The Inner Harbor Desalination Project had already received state and federal permits, and much of its billion-dollar price tag had been accounted for through state funding and municipal debt.

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The city is working on four other alternatives, including two additional, smaller desalination projects, a reclaimed water project, and a groundwater project that involves the digging of dozens of wells.

What will happen next in the Corpus Christi water crisis?

Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo took to social media this week to call on the council to hold an emergency meeting to push the Inner Harbor project through. Thus far, however, no such meeting has been scheduled. But the council is expected to discuss the crisis during its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 17. In the meantime, even the Catholic Church has gotten involved in the crisis. On Thursday, the Most Rev. Mario Alberto Aviles, who serves as the bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, called on the faithful to pray for rain.

This article originally published at Corpus Christi may run out of water sooner than expected. What to know.
A federal district judge has ordered construction to stop for at least the next two weeks at the massive Washington County warehouse that Immigration and Customs Enforcement wants to convert into a detention center for up to 1,500 immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson issued the emergency order at 5 p.m. Wednesday, stopping ICE from proceeding with renovation and/or construction activities required to build, retrofit, or otherwise convert the Williamsport Warehouse  into an immigration detention facility.

The emergency order was in response to a request from the state of Maryland, which has sued to block the detention center project but feared ICE would begin construction while the suit was pending. That would have caused irreparable damage to the local environment and to water and sewer infrastructure, the state said. In its request for an emergency injunction, the state said ICE has moved with unrelenting speed to convert the 825,000-square-foot warehouse into a processing and detention center capable of holding up to 1,500 immigrants, with little public notice and little input.

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After buying the warehouse in January for $102 million, ICE quietly performed a historical review of the site and invited public input on the fact that the facility sits in a 100- to 500-year floodplain. But it has not held public hearings and has not met with local officials on the project.

ICE last week awarded a $113 million contract to KVG LLC of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to immediately retrofit the warehouse into this massive immigration detention facility, the state said in its petition. Hurson noted that the KVG contract was awarded the day after the public comment period closed on the floodzone, and it had a start date of March 6: Presumably, then, the renovation has already begun.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, in a statement released by his office Wednesday evening, called the emergency injunction a critical victory in the states fight to force a closer environmental review of the project.

Though temporary, this ruling stops the construction of this massive immigration detention center while our lawsuit continues to play out in court, Browns statement said. We will not let DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and ICE rush through the proper legal process in their haste to ramp up deportations. We will keep fighting to make sure the law is followed and Marylanders are protected.

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Browns office filed suit in late February against ICE and DHS, charging the agencies failed to follow proper notice and hearing requirements and did not perform required environmental reviews on the Williamsport project. The state said the project could threaten nearby creeks that are home to several state-designated endangered species.

In his order Wednesday, Hurson said an emergency injunction is merited because the state is likely to prevail on its claims that ICE failed to meet standards of the National Environmental Policy Act, which would require an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment of the project, neither of which has been done.

On the record before the Court at this time, the State has shown that Defendants likely failed to comply with their obligations under NEPA, Hurson wrote. Defendants do not appear to have taken a hard look at the potential environmental consequences of their plans for the Williamsport Warehouse.

Hurson also said the state would likely suffer irreparable harm if work was allowed to proceed before the states lawsuit can be heard.

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The State contends that once construction begins and Marylands natural resources and environment are threatened, there is no turning back,' Hurson wrote. Indeed, the State identifies a number of grave environmental risks from potential renovation and construction at the Williamsport Warehouse, including pollution of three waterways adjacent to or downstream of the property  Semple Run, Conococheague Creek, and the Potomac River  and the corresponding ecosystems that rely on such waterways.

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Cubas government announced late on Thursday that it would release 51 inmates from the islands prisons, an unexpected development.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the forthcoming releases, expected in the coming days, are a result of a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican.

The prisoner release follows two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Pope Leo in the Vatican and at a time when Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, one aggravated by US President Donald Trump's imposition of a virtual oil blockade on the Caribbean island.

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"In the spirit of goodwill and the close and fluid relations between the Cuban state and the Vatican, with which communication has historically been maintained regarding the review and release of prisoners, the Cuban government has decided to release 51 people sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"All have served a significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison," it said.

The government did not specify who would be released, only confirming that "all have served a significant part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison."

The announcement was made just hours Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is scheduled to speak early Friday in another rare meeting with the press to address national and international issues (Associated Press)

This announcement was made just hours before Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is scheduled to hold a rare meeting with the press on Friday morning to discuss "national and international issues."

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The government has a record of such actions, having granted pardons to 9,905 inmates since 2010.

Additionally, in the past three years, another 10,000 people sentenced to imprisonment have been released.

Cuba previously released prominent dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer as part of a government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners following earlier talks with the Vatican.

Ferrer left Cuba last October and is now in the United States.

The prisoner release follows two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Pope Leo in the Vatican and at a time when Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, one aggravated by US President Donald Trump's imposition of a virtual oil blockade on the Caribbean island (AFP via Getty Images)

He was one of several prisoners released in early 2025 as part of talks with the Vatican.

The releases began a day after President Joe Bidens administration announced his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

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It wasnt immediately known if any of the people the government plans to release are political prisoners.

The nonprofit Prisoners Defenders has said there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026.
March 12 (Reuters) - Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez spoke by telephone to his counterparts from both China and Russia on Thursday, three days after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Communist island was in "deep trouble".

Trump, speaking to reporters on Monday, said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was dealing with the issue which may or may not be a "friendly takeover".

Cuba has faced blackouts and fuel shortages amid an oil embargo imposed by the United States.

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Russia's Foreign Ministry, in a statement on its website, said Minister Sergei Lavrov "confirmed Russia's principled position as regards the unacceptability of the U.S. exerting economic and political pressure on Cuba."

The Russian statement said that in the conversation, initiated by Cuba, "support was expressed for the fraternal Cuban people in defending their state sovereignty and their right to choose their own path of development."

Earlier in the day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned what she described as blackmail and threats by Trump against Cuba, a traditional ally of Moscow.

Rodriguez met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lavrov during a visit to Moscow last month. Putin described the restrictions placed on the island as "unacceptable".

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China's state-run Xinhua news agency said Rodriguez had requested the call with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Xinhua said the two sides "agreed to continue to advance the development of bilateral relations."

(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by Toby Chopra, Ron Popeski and Tom Hogue)
Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday his government is engaged in talks with the United States and that the two countries are moving away from confrontation, confirming earlier reporting by the Miami Herald about the high-level contacts.

In footage of a government meeting aired on state television early morning, he said Cuban officials have recently held talks with representatives of the United States government.

These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences between our two nations. International factors have facilitated these exchanges, he said. Crucially, he added, the exchanges have aimed to move away from confrontation.

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The State Department did not have an immediate comment Friday on the Cuban leaders comments, but a U.S. source with knowledge of the conversations between the Trump administration and Havana said Diaz-Canels acknowledgment of the talks is a down payment that Cuban leaders are invested in negotiations seeking change on the island.

Late Friday, a Trump administration official told the Herald that, As the president stated, we are talking to Cuba, whose leaders should make a deal, which he believes would be very easily made. Cuba is a failing nation whose rulers have had a major setback with the loss of support from Venezuela and with Mexico ceasing to send them oil.

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has said repeatedly that his administration has been in contact with people in Cuba. He has urged the Cuban government to make a deal with the United States after he moved to cut off oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico to Cuba as leverage to pressure Cuban leaders to negotiate. Trump said recently Cuba was about to fall and that Cuban leaders were eager to make an agreement.

The purpose of the talks, Diaz-Canel said in the video of the meeting with members of the government and the Communist Party, is, first, to identify the bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact, and second, to find solutions to these identified problems.

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He added that the talks seek to determine the willingness of both sides to take concrete actions for the benefit of the people of both countries and identify areas of cooperation to confront threats and guarantee the security and peace of both nations, as well as in the region where we live and work, which is the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The Miami Herald reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubios advisers met with Raul Castros grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, in Saint Kitts last month and that representatives from both governments were expected to meet later also in Saint Kitts.

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart told the Miami Herald that the Trump administration has been having conversations with several people in Raul Castros close circle, similar to discussions held with Venezuelas strongman Nicolas Maduro before he was captured in a military raid earlier this year.

But this is the first time the Cuban government has acknowledged the high-level discussions.

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It is important to remember that it has not been, nor is it now, the practice of the leadership of the Cuban Revolution to respond to speculative campaigns on these types of issues, Diaz-Canel said. This is an issue that is unfolding as part of a very sensitive process, conducted with seriousness and responsibility because it affects bilateral relations between the two nations. It demands enormous and arduous efforts to find a solution and create spaces for understanding that will allow us to move forward and distance ourselves from confrontation in the exchanges that have taken place.

We have expressedthat is, the Cuban side has expressedthe willingness to carry out this process on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both states, for the sovereignty and self-determination of our government, Diaz-Canel said.

During a press conference carried on national TV Friday morning, Diaz-Canel described the conversations with the Trump administration as sensitive, discreet and in the first phases. While he described them as recent, he hinted the two sides have been in contact for longer. Rodriguez Castro, Raul Castros grandson, was present at both the press conference and the previous government meeting, even though he has no official title.

These are processes that are carried out with great discretion; they are long processes that must begin by establishing contact, creating opportunities for dialogue, and fostering a willingness to engage in dialogue, Diaz-Canel said. All of this takes time, and from there, agendas are built, negotiations begin, conversations take place, and agreements are reachedthings we are still far from because we are in the initial phases of this process.

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He told reporters it wasnt the first time that the two countries engaged in dialogue with international support, pointing to negotiations with the Obama administration from 2014-16.

Late on Thursday, the Cuban government said it will release 51 prisoners as a gesture of good will with the Vatican. In his television appearance Friday he insisted it was a sovereign decision, no one imposed it, appearing to suggest it was not linked to the talks with the United States.

He said new measures will be announced Monday that would allow Cubans abroad to participate further in the islands economy, though he provided no further details. Trump has been suggesting that he wants Cuban Americans to be taken care of in a deal with Cuba.

Joe Garcia, a former Democratic member of Congress from Miami and a longtime advocate of Cuban Americans economic engagement with Cuba, said he was feeling hopeful that Diaz-Canels comments were the prelude to reforms that would allow exiles to help Cuba be a more prosperous country.

No reforms yet, but a more moderate tone

Cuba is going through one if its worst economic crisis in his history. Still the countrys leader did not announce any significant economic reforms despite growing expectations among the population about change. He was keen to stress that the current situation was temporary and that the government was able to overcome it on its own.

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Not everything has an immediate solution, but there are solutions, he said. The country lives, the country is organized, he said pushing against the notion that Cuba is or is close to becoming a failed state.

While acknowledging the negotiations, Diaz-Canel quickly pivoted to blaming the United States for the countrys dire economic situation. He stressed his government had been acting with urgency to soften the blow of what he called a perverse...oil blockade, in a subtle change of tone from a previous controversial address in February, where he announced severe austerity measures that the population needed to endure without a clear sense of future steps or timeline.

He said the government has not been able to import oil in the last three months, which has had a tremendous effect on the island. But he gave data about progress in the extraction of local crude and the generation of electricity by renewable sources.

Cubas leader admitted that the long blackouts has been a source of discomfort for the population, but unlike in previous statements, he fell short of blasting Cubans who have been protesting and banging pots and pans every night this week to complain about the blackouts.

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I regret that some people, amidst this unrest  which we acknowledge is legitimate  respond by insulting the revolution, the government and the electrical company, he said. The blame doesnt lie with the government, nor with the revolution. The revolution, the government, and the workers are making an effort to overcome the impossible. The blame lies with the energy blockade that has been imposed upon us.

He also blamed the cutoff of oil supplies by the United States for tens of thousands of surgeries that have not been able to be performed, even though pending surgeries had been piling up in recent years, and it was the Ministry of Healths own decision to suspend non-emergency surgeries last month without a clear reason beyond stating that surgeries consume too much electricity.

Stating that the government was sensitive to the populations needs, Diaz-Canel also announced that a hundred out of 400 electric cars recently imported by the government will be used to transport patients needing dialysis. The Herald earlier reported that in provinces like Holguin, local authorities had informed patients they could not continue providing transportation due to the lack of fuel.

On the island, Diaz-Canels appearance did little to comfort those suffering economic hardship, widespread shortages and the lack of electricity.

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His speech was more of the same but its encouraging to know there are talks, said a 57-year-old mother of two who asked not to be identified to speak to the Herald. They also acknowledged that theres no oil, and the entire Central Committee was present for the little speech.

She said living in Cuba right now is primarily about survival, though there is still hope that change is coming.

Everything has to be bought on the black market, theres no transportation, no university. My children havent been able to go to school or to work, she said. Were torn between hope and despair; we dont know whats going to happen, but everyone I know is waiting for something to happen, and that something drives us to keep going. 

Miami Herald staff writer Syra Ortiz-Blanes and el Nuevo Herald reporter Sarah Moreno contributed to this report.
By Daniel Trotta and Dave Sherwood

HAVANA, March 13 (Reuters) - Cuba has opened talks with the U.S. government, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Friday, as an oil blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump pushes the Communist-run nation deeper into economic crisis.

"These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations," Diaz-Canel said in a video aired on state television.

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Diaz-Canel said he hoped the negotiations would move the two long-time rivals "away from confrontation."

Cuba is growing increasingly desperate. The Caribbean nation's citizens, already exhausted by years of economic crisis and shortages, now live the majority of their days without electricity. Rising prices, strictly rationed fuel and medicine shortages have pushed many to the breaking point.

Since the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and removed from power Cuba's most important foreign benefactor in January, Trump has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened to slap tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba.

Trump in recent weeks had made a series of statements, saying Cuba was on the verge of collapse or eager to make a deal with the United States. On Monday he said Cuba may be subject to a "friendly takeover," then added, "it may not be a friendly takeover."

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"As the President stated, we are talking to Cuba, whose leaders should make a deal, which he believes 'would be very easily made'," a White House official said, on condition of anonymity.

"Cuba is a failing nation whose rulers have had a major setback with the loss of support from Venezuela and with Mexico ceasing to send them oil," the official said, in an emailed statement.

Cubans on the streets of Havana welcomed the news as a possible solution to the power blackouts, which this week provoked protests in which Reuters observed Havana residents banging on kitchen pots in the dark.

"We are already overwhelmed, we can't take this situation anymore, and I think that this conversation between Cuba and the United States should lead to a better situation," said Yaimi Gonzalez, a 44-year-old homemaker.

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NO FUEL ENTERED CUBA FOR THREE MONTHS

Cuba said it was interested in conducting the talks "on the basis of equality and respect for the political systems of both states, and for the sovereignty and self-determination of our governments," Diaz-Canel said.

But he made clear in his remarks on Friday that the oil blockade was taking its toll.

No fuel has entered Cuba in three months, Diaz-Canel said in a subsequent press conference with the Cuban media on Friday, resulting in a decline in diesel and fuel oil reserves that have made Cuba's electrical grid increasingly "unstable," he said.

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A blackout last week plunged the majority of the island's citizens into darkness, and outages since then have spiked to over 12 hours daily across most of the capital Havana.

Diaz-Canel described Cuba's efforts to increase the island's energy independence amid ongoing talks with the United States, saying Cuba had increased production of domestic crude and gas thus far this year, and was set to boost solar generation by 10% by the end of March.

In a statement recorded Thursday night among high-level officials of the Communist Party, Diaz-Canel said he was directing the talks for the Cuban side, together with former Cuban President Raul Castro and other officials. He did not say who had participated for the United States, nor did he say when or where they had taken place.

Trump has said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was involved.

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The talks were in their initial stages and Cuba was willing to continue them, Diaz-Canel said. One goal was to determine if there was will on both sides to reach an agreement, he said.

Felipa Rodriguez, a 67-year-old retiree, said it was important that Cuba stick to its principles.

"If the talks are going to be friendly and Cuba doesn't have to give ground politically, there's no problem at all," Rodriguez said.

CUBA RELEASED PRISONERS AFTER VATICAN DEAL

Trump has said repeatedly that the United States was already in high-level talks with Cuban representatives. Until now, the Cuban government had denied that any official encounters were underway but had not explicitly denied media reports of back-channel discussions with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of Raul Castro, who is 94 and still wields great influence.

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Rodriguez Castro was seated behind Diaz-Canel and among the Communist Party officials pictured in the video, an unusual appearance given that he does not officially hold a high-level position within the party. The Castro grandson, 41, widely known as "El Cangrejo," or "The Crab," also attended the press conference on Friday morning.

In the past, the Vatican has served as mediator in talks between the two nations, as in the case of 2014 negotiations that led to rapprochement between Cuba and the United States during the presidency of Barack Obama.

On the eve of Friday's announcement, Cuba separately said it will release 51 prisoners in the coming days under an agreement with the Vatican. The prisoner release comes two weeks after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with Pope Leo in the Vatican.

Diaz-Canel said the decision to release the prisoners was "sovereign" and not "imposed by another country."

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta and Dave Sherwood in Havana; Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick in Washington and Alien Fernandez and Anett Rios in Havana; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Toby Chopra and Chizu Nomiyama)
A 68-year-old woman is dead, and an 18-year-old is being charged with murder after what authorities are calling a homicide, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker announced in a press conference Thursday night.

According to the DA, earlier Thursday afternoon, Lynn police recieved a call regarding an individual walking around the city with a knife on Standish Street. Once officers approached the individuals, they noticed the individual was acting erratically and had brown and red stains on the knife that resembled blood.

The individual was taken to Salem Hospital, where authorities learned more details, which led Lynn police and Massachusetts State Police to conduct a search warrant on the mans home, leading investigators to contact Danvers police.

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Authorities were led to a single-family home at 17 Amherst Street in Danvers, where authorities conducted a well-being check.

Inside the home, they found 68-year-old Janet Swallow dead, with wounds consistent of a homicide.

Authorities can be seen blocking off Amherst Street and presumably surrounding the home.

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The suspect, 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo, who is a resident of Lynn and a Senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, was taken into custody while at the hospital and is being charged with murder.

Danvers Police Chief James Lovell reassured residents that there is no continued threat or danger to the public.

District Attorney Tucker also added that throughout the investigation, there has been no connection made between DeMayo and the Swallow, and that the incident appears to be random and that he had acted alone.

This terrible tragedy has struck the Swallow family, the town of Danvers, and the Bishop Fenwick community, Tucker said. They are all in our thoughts as we continue to investigate.

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DeMayo will be arraigned tomorrow at Salem District Court, where further details will be available.

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
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A dad of four is home after he was seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision in Wyoming earlier this month

Cody Thomas was returning to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas when the fatal crash occurred, Chief Sean Bissett of the Buffalo Police Department confirms to PEOPLE

We are very thankful to report that Officer Thomas is now home recovering with his family, adds Bissett

A father of four is back home after he was seriously injured in a head-on crash in Wyoming that killed another man.

On Sunday, March 1, around 8:40 p.m. local time, Christopher Cody Thomas was returning to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas when the serious two-vehicle collision occurred on Wyoming Highway 59, Chief Sean Bissett of the Buffalo Police Department confirms to PEOPLE.

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That evening, a Volkswagen Tiguan driven by 36-year-old Andrew Winter was traveling north on the highway when the vehicle went off the road to the right, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Then Winter overcorrected to the left and entered the southbound lane, striking the oncoming Toyota Tundra driven by Thomas, 39.

Winter, of Torrington, Wyo., was pronounced dead at the scene, while Thomas, of Buffalo, Wyo., was flown by helicopter to a medical center in Casper.

An investigation is ongoing into the crash is ongoing.

For five years, Thomas worked for the Johnson County Sheriffs Office, Bissett says. He served as a deputy in the jail before he joined the Buffalo Police Department last August. The officer completed his field training before he enrolled in the academy.

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We are very thankful to report that Officer Thomas is now home recovering with his family, Bissett says of the esteemed officer.

Officer Thomas is highly respected within our community and is deeply involved in his church and community activities, he continues. He has already proven himself to be a tremendous asset to our department, and we are all looking forward to the day he returns to the street.

Following the crash, Chantel Alcaraz, who identified herself as Thomass sister-in-law, launched a GoFundMe to support his family and recovery.

His dream of serving and protecting others has been put on hold, and the impact of this accident reaches every part of his life, wrote Alcaraz on the donation page, which has more than $12,000 as of Thursday, March 12.

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Cody is the most selfless man, father, and husband I know, Alcaraz added. He is always the first to offer his time, his home, or a meal to someone in need  even to strangers.

A separate GoFundMe has also been created to support Winters wife and their three children.

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.

In an update on Tuesday, March 3, Thomas' sister-in-law wrote that "though he was very sore and tired his spirits were good."

She added, "hes very happy to be safe back at home."

Read the original article on People
The Volusia Sheriffs Office has arrested a 15-year-old after he sent text messages revealing he would bring a bomb to DeLand High School.

According to deputies, the teenager sent those threats out of anger and had no intentions of carrying them out.

This arrest is one of many this year in the Volusia County area, including last week, when a teen was arrested for threatening to shoot a middle school.

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The 15-year-old was charged with making a bomb threat and unlawful use of a communication device.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A Muncie woman was convicted Friday on multiple counts of neglect of a dependent after her 5-year-old daughter was fatally shot by her 6-year-old son.

According to Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman, a jury deliberated for two hours and 40 minutes before finding 32-year-old Kimberly D. Grayson guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and three separate counts of neglect of a dependent, all felonies.

According to court documents, police officers called to a home in the 2800 block of South Monroe Street on July 26, 2022, located a 5-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at a hospital.

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Investigators concluded that the girl's 6-year-old brother got a gun out of a safe and shot his sister. According to court documents, when police interviewed Kimberly, they said she acknowledged the key to unlock the safe may have been left in the lock.

Court documents say the boy told police he was playing with the gun when he accidentally shot his sister.

During an interview with police, Kimberly said she believed she was only asleep for 5 minutes.

According to court documents, conditions in the home were "deplorable" and that two of the charges in the case were related to "inhabitable housing conditions" for the children.

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I am very proud of Deputy Prosecutors Eric Overpeck and Michael Bozoian, Prosecutors Office Investigator Gala Laughner, and the Muncie Police Department for their hard work and dedication in this case," Hoffman said. "These types of cases are very difficult in so many ways, and they take an emotional toll on the attorneys, the prosecutors staff, and the police. Nevertheless, the prosecution team persevered to ensure that justice was served."

Kimberly was taken into custody after the verdict. A neglect of a dependent resulting in death conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years. Sentencing is set for April 13.

The children's father, Jacob Grayson, is also facing the same charges. Online court records indicate his next court appearance is a pretrial conference on May 21, following by a jury trial starting June 23.

Police also spoke with Jacob while responding to the incident, who said his son had gotten into the safe before. Jacob said he moved the safe from its previous location after his son got in it, but he acknowledged that the new location was not out of reach for the boy.

Jacob and Kimberly told police they had taken their 6-year-old son to a shooting range to show him how to shoot a gun.
You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters.

Gene Lee, the former chief executive officer of Darden Restaurants, has been named chair of Portillos board of directors, effective immediately.

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, he succeeds Michael Miles Jr., who will retire from the board at the companys 2026 annual meeting, expected in June. He has led the governing body since 2014 and served as interim CEO during the companys recent leadership transition following the departure of Michael Osanloo in September. Brett Patterson was named president and CEO in February.

Joshua Lutzker will also not seek reelection, meaning the board will be reduced to seven members.

Portillos notes that Miles and Lutzker are not departing due to any disagreement or dispute.

Its an honor to step into the role of chairman at this pivotal time. Portillos is an iconic brand with a powerful foundation and an even brighter future, Lee said in a statement. The board and I appreciate Mikes long-time dedication to and affinity for Portillos; he has done an excellent job leading the board for over a decade, and we value his work as interim chief executive officer to jumpstart the brands recent strategic reset. As we move forward, we are confident in the tremendous opportunities ahead for Portillos. I look forward to working closely with the board and management team to build on the companys momentum, drive long-term value for our shareholders, and support continued growth.

Lee joined the Portillos board in June as part of an agreement with activist investor Engaged Capital. Lee was CEO of Darden from 2015 to 2022. In 2018, the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association awarded the Gold Plate Award for industry excellence to Lee. He also previously received the People Report Workplace Legacy Award in recognition of his commitment to balancing people and performance throughout his career in foodservice.

Portillos was founded in 1963 and went public in 2021. It has grown from a small hot dog trailer in Chicago to more than 100 restaurants across 11 states.

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso
(The Center Square) - The new demand-based energy payment system by NV Energy will be delayed until October, with the utility company citing an ongoing $63 million refund owed to customers.

The demand-based electricity prices were set to begin April 1. The change comes shortly after the energy company admitted to overcharging Nevadans for over two decades and after approval to increase its revenue.

Our focus remains on doing the right thing for customers, NV Energy President and CEO Brandon Barkhuff said in a Wednesday news release on the program delay. That means listening to customers, ensuring accuracy in our billing processes and giving people the tools and information they need to understand their energy use.

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NV Energy electricity is currently priced at a flat rate per kilowatt hour in Nevada, with rates changing every few months. The company already has an optional demand charge payment method, but the new system would make demand charges mandatory for customers, nearly half of the state population.

Demand charges are based on a customers 15-minute peak energy usage for the day, then multiplied by four to make an hourly rate for the day. The new system offers lower per-kilowatt hour prices for electricity, but will cost more for customers who use high energy during peak hours.

This convoluted charge will largely be a black box for most residential customers, even those who try to understand their bills and manage their energy use, Western Resource Advocates, a conservationist group, said of the systems approval in September. Most customers do not have the tools necessary to avoid or mitigate a high daily demand charge, and data from NV Energy is not available in real time.

After NV Energys demand charges were proposed in June 2025, the three-person Public Utilities Commission of Nevada unanimously approved the move. The PUCN has to approve NV Energys mandatory demand charge delay request for it to be implemented later than April 1.

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The commission did not respond to a request for comment by The Center Square.

NV Energy said it wanted to better educate customers on the charge changes before going into effect, as well as to process refunds it owes to customers after overcharging. NV Energy agreed to pay $63 million to 42,856 customers overcharged since 2002 in September 2025.

The Company is focused on the work required to process refunds to impacted customers, read NV Energys motion for extension to the PUCN.

The mandatory demand charge energy system would be the first imposed by an investor-owned utility company on residential customers in the U.S.
A Democrat flipped a Republican seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives deep in Trump country, in another local ripple that could signal a national blue wave.

Bobbi Boudman defeated Dale Fincher in a special election after the Republican holding the seat moved out of the district on Tuesday.

The Democrat won roughly 52 percent of the vote, with 48 percent going to the Republican. More than 4,000 people cast a ballot in the district, which sits in rural Carroll County near the border with Maine.

Bobbi Boudman won a special election for a state house seat in New Hampshire. / Bobbi Boudman for NH/Facebook

The results mark a significant break from tradition. Trump won the area in 2024, running up double-digit margins in some towns.

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Down ballot, the Democrat Boudman tried twice to wrest the state house seat from GOP hands. Twice she failed.

Her victory on Tuesday fits a larger trend. According to the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the party has now flipped 28 seats nationwide since Trump won back the White House in 2024.

Betting markets gave Rep. Thomas Massie a boost after President Donald Trump railed against him during a visit to his Kentucky district on March 11. Trump's previous ability to boost a candidate's chances through endorsement is slipping. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Tuesdays are becoming a headache for state Republicans across the country as they suffer one stunning defeat after another, DLCC president Heather Williams said in a statement. These wins arent a flash in a pantogether, they tell an undeniable story of Democratic momentum as voters reject Republicans and blame them for soaring costs.

The White House did not immediately return the Daily Beasts request for comment.

Trump is supposed to be focusing on affordability, but has repeatedly called the issue a hoax. / Win McNamee/Getty Images

Boudmans messaging on the campaign trail also hit on areas where Trump is polling poorly nationwide. She focused on affordability, education, and fiscal responsibility. On Boudmans website, she writes that New Hampshire state government leaders have a duty to be fiscally conservative.

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One poll published this week reports that 62 percent of Americans disapprove of Trumps handling of the economy. That same poll shows that 48 percent of registered voters believe Trumps policies are hurting the economy.

Fincher presented himself to voters as a mediator in this fractious time of political polarization.

The Republican candidate who was beaten, Dale Fincher. / Dalefinchernh.com

Another bright spot for Democrats was the cashor lack thereofthat it took to flip the seat. According to the political newsletter The Downballot, Boudman raised $12,000 for her campaign with few outside donors. The Republican received $30,000 from outside groups, in addition to the $25,000 he raised himself.

The Democrat win is also set against the backdrop of a state government led entirely by Republicans.

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The GOP controls the state legislature and the governors mansion. Republican Kelly Ayotte beat Manchesters former mayor, Joyce Craig, in the 2024 gubernatorial race.

CNNs data guru, Harry Enten, reported this week that Democrats have a 46 percent chance of seizing control of both the House and the Senate. What we see is that Democrats chance of doing that has been rising, rising, rising on a stairway to heaven my dear friend, Enten said. Its not yet at 50 percent, but it is clearly rising.

With midterms on the horizon, New Hampshire is also entering the national conversation as one of the Republican Partys best opportunities to retain control of the Senate.

Democratic incumbent Jeanne Shaheen is not seeking re-election. Two former GOP senators, Scott Brown and John Sununu, are running for the seat.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is not seeking re-election, giving Republicans a fighting chance at flipping the seat. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

On the Democratic side, Congressman Chris Pappas is leaving his post to battle progressive scientist Karishma Manzur for the nomination.
FREMONT, Calif. (KRON)  Californias top education official is holding a news conference Thursday afternoon at a school in Fremont after one of the schools young deaf students was deported to Colombia.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 6-year-old Joseph Londono Rodriguez on March 3 in San Francisco. ICE deported him two days later with his mother and 4-year-old brother.

Josephs mother, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez, said her child is now extremely withdrawn and feels isolated in a foreign environment.

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His demeanor has shifted entirely since arriving in Colombia. He is heartbroken, has fully withdrawn, and seems lost. He misses his friends, and nobody other than mom or brother knows any sign language. No friends, no teachers, no community members whom he can relate to. He feels cut off from the world, the familys attorney wrote.

Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez smiles with her children in an undated photo.

Joseph had lived with his mother and brother in Hayward for four years  the majority of his life. He spent the past three years at school learning how to communication with American Sign Language, as well as reading and writing in English at California School for the Deaf Fremont.

At the school Thursday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he will call on the federal administration to bring the family back to the East Bay, where Joseph can return to learning the only language he knows, American Sign Language. Joseph does not speak Spanish, his familys home language.

The family was seeking asylum in the United States because Josephs mother had fled from Colombia to escape from domestic violence, the familys attorney, Niko De Bremaeker, told KRON4. She does not have a criminal record in any country, he added.

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To earn enough income to support her children, 28-year-old Gutierrez worked as a cleaner and child care worker.

In California, she did hard, honest work as a cleaner and a child care worker. She strove to make a better life for her children, ensuring that her Deaf child finally had access to opportunities to listen, speak, and learn, Thurmond said.

The family went to an ICE immigration office in San Francisco on March 3 for a routine check-in.

De Bremaeker said, Ahead of the check-in, Ms. Rodriguez Gutierrez was told she needed to bring her two children to renew the photos ICE has on record for them. At the routine check-in, ICE at no point explained to Ms. Rodriguez Gutierrez what was happening to them. ICE agents took their photos and fingerprints, tried to force her to sign a document without explanation, and then pushed the family into a vehicle to be put on a flight to a faraway detention facility, all within minutes.

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ICE agents refused to let Joseph bring his hearing aids with him, according to the attorney.

U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell said, How does ruining the life of a six-year-old deaf child make our community, or our country, any safer? It doesnt. Trump promised to deport violent criminals. Instead, they deported a 6-year-old deaf child without his hearing device.

Rep. Swalwell said his staff was able to deliver Josephs hearing aids to him in Colombia on Monday. Swalwell and Thurmond said they are urging federal officials to bring the family back.

Thurmonds office wrote, Without access to further ASL-English instruction or his Deaf community, Joseph is at risk of language deprivation, which can have serious impacts on a childs development and health.

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An ICE spokesperson told KRON4 that the mother and her sons were deported because they illegally entered the United States on April 6, 2022, a judge ordered their removal from the U.S. on June 24, 2024, and the mother failed to comply with multiple directives to report.

When Gutierrez was arrested in San Francisco on March 3, she chose to keep her children with her, the ICE spokesperson said.

The ICE spokesperson continued, The United States is offering aliens illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.

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 KRON4.
Detectives are asking for the publics help in identifying a man accused of assaulting a pregnant woman inside a laundromat in Roxbury, police said.

Detectives are also seeking to identify a woman who was present during the incident and may be associated with the suspect, police said.

Police released a photograph of the woman on Thursday.

The assault occurred at approximately 11:03 a.m. on March 1 at 104 Warren St. in Roxbury, police said.

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A preliminary investigation found that a dispute arose inside the laundromat when the victim experienced difficulty using a payment card on the machines.

As the argument escalated, an unknown man who had interjected himself into the dispute struck the victim, who was five months pregnant, kicking her in the stomach, police said.

The suspect then fled the laundromat toward Moreland Street.

Police described the suspect as a light-skinned male, approximately 60 tall, wearing a blue New York Yankees hat, a beige hoodie, and blue pants.

Detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact detectives at 617-343-4275.

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Community members wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463) or online at the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website.

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
By Sergio Queiroz

SAO PAULO, March 13 (Reuters) - Brazilian scientists have identified a new species of giant dinosaur with ties to a similar animal found in Spain, reinforcing knowledge that land routes once connected parts of South America, Africa and Europe about 120 million years ago.

Named Dasosaurus tocantinensis, the species is one of the biggest found in the South American country and was described this month in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

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The fossils were uncovered in 2021 at a site hosting infrastructure works near Davinopolis, in Brazil's northeastern state of Maranhao, and the research was led by Elver Mayer of the Federal University of the Sao Francisco Valley.

The remains include a femur measuring about 1.5 meters (59 inches), which helped researchers estimate the animal stretched roughly 20 meters long.

"As the excavation progressed over the days, we began to see the evidence of that huge bone, which is the femur," said Leonardo Kerber, a paleontologist at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) who contributed to the research.

"This indicates it was a very large dinosaur. Today we know Dasosaurus is among the biggest dinosaurs ever found in Brazil," he noted.

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According to UFSM, analysis indicated the species is the closest known relative of Garumbatitan morellensis, a dinosaur described in Spain.

Their lineage was European and may have dispersed into what is now South America roughly 130 million years ago, likely via northern Africa, before the Atlantic fully opened, the university said.

Dasosaurus tocantinensis's name combines references to the region where the dinosaur was found, including the Tocantins River, a major waterway whose eastern margins lie near the fossil site.

(Reporting by Sergio Queiroz; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined desired antibacterial characteristics for three priority infections as part of a move to direct research towards developing urgently needed antibiotics.

The three Target Product Profiles (TPPs) published by WHO include specific guidance on the development of new treatments, providing a developmental framework to align innovation. The new TPPs are in line with the agencys bacterial priority pathogen list, aiming to foster collaboration between public and private sector partners to incentivise and reduce the risks associated with research and development for infections with significant healthcare burden.

Severe multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections, severe gram-positive infections in immunosuppressed and critically ill patients, and bacterial meningitis have been picked by WHO as three global priorities for innovation. Developing better antibiotics for these would help address severe bloodstream and urinary tract infections, pneumonia and central nervous system inflammations in at-risk populations worldwide. Bacterial meningitis remains particularly dangerous  of those affected, approximately one person in six dies.

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Despite 90 new antibacterial agents being in preclinical or clinical development across various infections, as per the WHOs antibacterial 2025 report, few clinical candidates target bacterial priority pathogens. The agency considers even a smaller amount as innovative.

Dr Yvan Hutin, director of antimicrobial resistance at WHO, said: The scientific community has developed and approved new antibiotics in recent years. This is good, but unfortunately not sufficient to catch up with evolving drug-resistance bacteria, especially against those of greatest concern.

"We need a reliable pipeline with new antibacterial agents that are innovative, affordable and accessible to all those who need them.

AMRs health burden

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand antimicrobial medicines. In the case of resistant bacteria, antibiotics can be rendered ineffective. In 2023, approximately one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide were caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics. It is estimated that bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019, the last year data of this kind is available. It is forecast that AMR will cause ten million deaths by 2050 unless action, such as developing more advanced antibiotics, is taken.

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In October 2025, the WHO asked its member states, donors and partners to strengthen a coordinated response against AMR. At the time, the health authority was asking for $85m every two years to help fight the public health issue. It is unclear how the USs departure from WHO will affect AMR specifically, but experts generally believe that global health efforts at the agency will be hampered. The US has historically been the WHOs largest donor.

Other regions have established their own campaigns. The UK, for example, pledged 210m ($267.7m) to help track antibiotic-resistant bacteria across Asia and Africa. The investment, which supports The Fleming Funds global antimicrobial resistance surveillance (AMR) programme, aims to identify dangerous superbugs before they arrive in the UK. In September 2025, the European Union launched a 253m initiative to combat AMR.

"WHO directs antibiotic development to priority pathogens" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Fulton County District Attorney is vowing to fight a judges order that could keep her office from fighting in court.

President Donald Trump and other defendants in the 2020 election interference case are looking to get more than $16 million in legal fees returned to them.

D.A. Fani Willis sat down with Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne and said that Judge Scott McAfees order denying her offices request to intervene in the case denies her a voice to advocate for her constituents.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

McAfees order says that since Willis was disqualified from prosecuting the case, she has been disqualified from all aspects of the case.

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"My office had already prepared an appeal, and quite frankly, weve already prepared the next legal step," Willis said.

She says taking that much money from her budget could gut the ability to fight crime for Fulton County citizens.

Ill fight it all the way to the end. Were talking about the citizens that I represent not having a district attorneys office that can function at 100%. The citizens I represent deserve 100%," she said.

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Defense attorney Chris Anulewicz says Willis should have been focused on prosecuting violent criminals instead of going after the president.

The district attorneys office should have been focusing on prosecuting murderers, rapists and robbers, Anulewicz said. My client had to spend millions of dollars in order to defend himself to keep his freedom.

McAfee is allowing the Fulton County Government to intervene in the case, but Willis says that is not good enough since she has no assurance that they will advocate for her constituents.

The judge says that the Prosecuting Attorneys Councils duty includes all related aspects of this case.

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Because of the disqualification, she cant participate, Anulewicz said.

Willis says the new state law the defendants are using is untested.

The Senate only came up with this law to be punitive to me because how dare I prosecute their hero, she said.

It has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with an improper prosecution, Anulewicz said.

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Five Illinois producers, including one from Dixon, were honored Thursday as 2026 Master Farmers at Prairie Farmer magazines annual event in Bloomington. For more than 100 years, the award has recognized exceptional agricultural production skills, commitment to family and service to community.

The 2026 Master Farmers are Mike Pratt of Dixon, Steve Hettinger of Philo, Mike and Lynn Martz of Maple Park and Doug Winter of Mill Shoals, Prairie Farmer magazine announced in a news release.

Pratt said faith and family, hard work, a glass-half-full approach, humility, teamwork and the privilege to farm are core values that have helped him build a successful farm and raise a family with his wife, Susan.

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This is just a good life, where we work hard, Pratt said. We work a lot of hours, but we enjoy doing it, and its not, Oh, I gotta get up and do this today. Its, I get to get up and do this today.

He began farming in 1972 after high school. He rented 80 acres and raised beef cattle and sows alongside his father, Ron Pratt. Today, he and Susan farm 9,200 acres of corn, soybeans and seed corn in Lee County, with their sons Andy and Peter; their wives, Katie and Emily; and grandson Ethan.

Together, they manage 2,000 acres of seed corn for Wyffels Hybrids, using their own equipment to plant, manage and harvest the specialty crop.

His optimism has carried the family through tough times, including the 1980s farm crisis.

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There were a lot of kids that left the farm because all they heard was doom and gloom, Pratt said. Im convinced that having an upbeat attitude made them explore the possibilities.

Beyond the farm, hes served his community through the finance council at St. Patricks Church, the Lee County Zoning Board and the 1st Farm Credit Services Board. He served 16 years on the 1st Farm Credit and Compeer Financial boards, where he prioritized fair loan policies, especially for young farmers.

When he deals with other people, he always wants to make it a win-win situation for both, Susan said. He wants everyone to walk away happy.

Mike was nominated by his son, Andy Pratt.

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About the award

The Master Farmer award is Illinois agricultures lifetime achievement award, Prairie Farmer editor Holly Spangler said. These farmers are at the top of their agricultural game. Theyve built farms and families, and they are as committed to community as they are to commodities.

Prairie Farmer first offered the Master Farmer award in 1925. Editors have continued the tradition annually since 1968, following a pause initially caused by the Depression. When Editor Clifford Gregory established the Master Farmer program, he felt the award would help give farm people a greater sense of pride and permanence. More than 300 Illinois producers have been inducted as Master Farmers or Honorary Master Farmers over the programs history.

Candidates are nominated by family, farmers, neighbors, agribusiness leaders and farm organizations throughout the state. Judges for the awards were Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; German Bollero, University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences dean; Doug Schroeder, 2022 Master Farmer; Brad Zwilling, Illinois FBFM (Farm Business Farm Management); Mike Gunderson, Farm Credit Illinois chief credit officer; and Mike Wilson, Farm Progress.

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Some Master Farmers serve in state and national farm leadership positions. Others chair prestigious boards or serve with honor at the highest levels of government. Still others build their farms or businesses to regional or national prominence.

Theres a saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it  because theyll get it done, Spangler said. These Master Farmers have succeeded not just in their business, but they also freely give their time and talent to the larger community. Those are the values that make rural communities special.

Prairie Farmer this year also named a new Honorary Master Farmer: Mark Gebhards. Gebhards retired last year following more than 20 years with the Illinois Farm Bureau, much of it spent leading governmental affairs. Gebhards is also known for helping to develop the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act while at Illinois Pork Producers, and for helping create the national soybean checkoff while at American Soybean Association.

To nominate a farmer for the 2027 Master Farmer award, email holly.spangler@farmprogress.com.
President Donald Trumps support in Mississippi has slipped to its lowest point. New polling data shows the state is now almost evenly split on his job performance. These numbers help show how Mississippi voters see his leadership as the country moves toward the midterms.

Presidential approval ratings indicate how much people like the work the president is doing. It can let politicians know which policies voters love and what's political kryptonite.

Civiqs gathers data from registered voters. Nationally, it shows a 38% approval rating for the job Trump is doing in his second term. About 58% disapproved.

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Favorability polling is different. It focuses on how voters feel about the person in general.

National Civiqs' favorability data shows 55% of voters have a negative outlook on the president. About 41% of people viewed him favorably as of Tuesday, March 10.

National numbers tell part of the story, but Mississippi voters chart their own path. Here's what the latest data says.

What's Trump's approval rating in Mississippi?

Trump has a 48% job approval rating in Mississippi for his second term, according to Civiqs data updated on Wednesday, March 11. About 47% disapprove, and 5% were undecided.

Earlier in the term, approval and disapproval were farther apart. Now they are nearly even, showing voters are closer than ever to seeing Trump's performance the same way. But the numbers still show a net positive.

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This term started at a 55% approval rating in the Magnolia State when he was sworn in. About 42% disapproved.

The gap has narrowed over time. Both groups basically have mirrored the other.

Three events sharply shifted opinions. One was the 2025 government shutdown. Another was the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The most recent was the start of a new war in Iran.

The 48% is not only the lowest his approval rating has ever been in Mississippi, but it's also the closest the state has come to giving Trump a negative net approval rating at only 1% positive.

Mississippi gave Trump an approval rating ranging from 52% to 56% in his first term, according to Civiqs. The disapproval rating ranged from about 41% to 45%.

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Still, Mississippi likes Trump more than former President Joe Biden. His highest approval rating was about 40%. His max disapproval rate was 63%.

What is Trump's favorability rating in Mississippi?

Civiqs favorability polls, however, show a different story. Trump has a 41% favorability rating in Mississippi. About 55% of respondents had an unfavorable view as of March 10.

He had positive net favorability ratings among the following voting groups:

Age: 50-64

Race: White

Gender: Male

Party: Republicans.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Does Mississippi still love Trump? New approval rating is lowest ever
Bright pink and soft blue bubble letters stretch across the brick facade of the now-closed New Angel of Faith Missionary Baptist Church.

The graffiti spreads across the buildings red brick and glass block windows, facing south toward Fifth Avenue, where cars and trucks rumble along the one-way street.

Graffiti has long been a familiar sight across Gary  sprayed across vacant buildings, storefront shutters, highway overpasses, and utility boxes along some of the citys busiest corridors. City leaders say the markings can signal neglect, discourage investment, and invite more vandalism if left unchecked.

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But on a recent fall morning, two city workers stood side-by-side near the wall. A tray of brown paint rested on the sidewalk beside them.

With slow strokes, the paint began swallowing the bright letters.

We dont do it for the glory, said Tavaris Mertl, a Gary native who works in the citys public works department. We do it for the city.

A woman walking past slowed down and shouted from the sidewalk.

Good job! I see yall. Keep up the good work!

Across Gary, this quiet kind of work has become a daily routine as city crews respond to graffiti appearing on vacant buildings, boarded-up storefronts, brick walls, and other public spaces.

Gary has launched a citywide effort to remove graffiti faster, a strategy officials say can reduce repeat tagging and other signs of blight. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)



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City leaders say the strategy is deliberate. Remove graffiti quickly. Return if it reappears. Pair cleanup with enforcement and community pressure. And divert artists to legitimate canvases. The approach is built on research showing graffiti loses its appeal when it disappears fast.

The answer pointed to Garys most visible corridors.

Fifth Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Grant Street and Broadway  those were the heavy areas, Smith said.

The effort is part of a broader shift inside city government to address graffiti and other forms of blight. Under Mayor Eddie Melton, Gary reorganized departments responsible for outdoor operations, bringing public works, parks, demolition, and other crews into closer coordination.

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We know we need to be really aggressive in addressing it, said Rachelle Morgan Ceaser, executive director of Garys Board of Public Works. The science tells us the sooner we remediate graffiti, the better chance we have of stopping it.

We are going to win this fight, Morgan Ceaser said.

Officials say repeat tagging is already beginning to decline along some of Garys busiest corridors, including Broadway and Fifth Avenue, where cleanup crews have been moving block by block.

A daily strategy to erase graffiti

Each morning, before trucks head out from Garys public works offices, supervisors gather around a table.The days targets include walls covered in bubble-letter tags, gang symbols, and colorful spray-painted names scattered across buildings across the city.

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Reports from residents, including complaints submitted through the citys 311 system, are compiled and reviewed. Harlan Smith, deputy director of public works, sits with foremen and staff to determine where crews will go that day.

We sit around the table with the foremen and staff and look at what were approaching that day, Smith said. Then we go back over areas weve already hit to make sure we didnt miss anything.

Graffiti removal is only one part of the departments daily workload.

Smith said public works provides roughly 10 or 11 services every day, ranging from debris removal and lawn cutting to tree trimming and pothole repairs. The board-up and litter team handles exposed properties and graffiti removal.

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Everything ties into blight, Smith said. From cutting grass to removing graffiti. Its all connected.

Crews use several methods to remove graffiti depending on the surface and the building. Sometimes graffiti is simply painted over, particularly on abandoned buildings that are already scheduled for demolition or boarding. In other cases, crews remove the paint entirely.

Gary recently added a trailer-mounted pressure washer with a hot-water system and a 200-gallon water tank designed to strip graffiti from brick structures and monuments without damaging the surface.

Gary public works crews paint over graffiti along Fifth Avenue, part of a daily cleanup effort that city supervisors plan each morning using resident reports and 311 complaints. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)



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Before launching the current effort, city crews surveyed where graffiti was most concentrated. Crews began along Broadway and have worked steadily south through the corridor.

So far we really havent seen too many retaggings, Smith said. Thats been encouraging.

Restructuring how the city tackles blight

A series of photos shows graffiti in parts of Gary, Indiana. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

Mayor Meltons overhaul of the public works department was intended to break down long-standing operational silos that slowed the citys ability to respond to quality-of-life issues.

Historically, the parks department has been separate. Demolition has been separate, Morgan Ceaser said. So what weve done is bring everybody who works outside together and break down those operational silos for better efficiency.

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Michael Suggs, Garys chief operating officer, said the restructuring has expanded the citys capacity to respond to blight and vandalism.

It certainly increases our capacity and our ability to be responsive, Suggs said.

The city has also worked more closely with police and code enforcement as part of the strategy. In some areas, cameras have been installed after repeated graffiti incidents.

Were not just going to keep repainting, Suggs said. We want to make sure we solve the issue.

The role of Gary residents

Officials say the effort also relies on residents paying attention to what happens in their neighborhoods.

Residents can report graffiti through Garys 311 service, either by phone or through the citys mobile reporting system. Those complaints are routed to public works, where supervisors review them during the departments daily morning briefing and dispatch crews to investigate and remove the graffiti. Officials say quick reporting helps crews respond faster and prevents tags from lingering long enough to attract more vandalism.

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The city is receiving more calls from residents reporting dumping or vandalism. In some cases, neighbors have stepped in themselves to interrupt violations.

In one instance, Suggs said, a resident confronted someone throwing trash onto a property.

Mayor Melton is trying to get our city clean, the resident said. Pick that up.

Those small moments matter to city leaders.

The citizens are starting to say theyre not going to tolerate it, Suggs said.

The city has also stepped up enforcement as part of its broader effort to tackle blight, including illegal dumping. In 2024, Gary collected $2.5 million in fines for illegal dumping, issued nearly 1,500 violation tickets, and made 25 arrests.

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For Morgan Ceaser, those moments suggest the effort may begin changing how residents respond when they see blight.

Its about shifting culture, she said. Among the residents, among the businesses, and even among the folks who work for the city.

Still, city officials say the strategy will require sustained effort. Graffiti can return quickly, and crews are still working through large areas of Gary where tagging has accumulated over years. Officials say the real test will be whether the early decline in retagging along major streets continues as the city expands the effort to other neighborhoods.

City leaders are also trying to answer a complicated question that often arises when graffiti is discussed: where the line exists between vandalism and art.

Morgan Ceaser said a newly formed Gary Arts Council will help guide that conversation, identifying places where murals and other public art could be encouraged while discouraging destructive tagging.

There may be a place for that expression, she said. But it has to be done in a way that protects the community.

Back on Fifth Avenue, the fresh brown paint continued to spread across the church facade. The bright pink and blue letters disappeared one brushstroke at a time. Cars and trucks continued streaming down the one-way corridor.

Grady Dunnican, a Gary resident who works in the citys public works department, stepped back from the wall and looked at the fresh paint where graffiti had covered the building just hours earlier.

Whats better than that? he said.

The post Gary Is Betting Faster Graffiti Removal Can Stop It From Spreading appeared first on Capital B News.
President Donald Trump told a crowd in Hebron, Kentucky, this week that he possesses much better blood than most people because his uncle spent over four decades teaching at MIT.

Donald Trump tells Kentucky crowd he has much better blood

Trump veered off script during an economic speech while discussing the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran. He directed a jab toward Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of only two House Republicans who recently supported an Iran war powers resolution. The measure aimed to restrict Trumps authority to pursue military action in the Middle East without congressional approval.

Massie is a complete and total disaster as a congressman and frankly as a human being, Trump told the Kentucky audience. He is mad, disloyal to the Republican Party, disloyal to the people of Kentucky, and most importantly, disloyal to the United States of America, and hes got to be voted out of office as soon as possible. The president acknowledged Massies educational background but dismissed its importance.

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You know hes got one thing going, the president said. He went to a good college, but I know a lot of stupid people that went to a good college. Donald Trump then pivoted to his own family credentials, boasting about his uncle, John G. Trump, who taught at MIT for 41 years. That means I have much better blood, he added. But I went to the hardest college of all to get into, the Wharton School of Finance. That means Im real smart (via People).

This isnt the first time Trump has highlighted his uncles MIT tenure. During a July 2025 energy event in Pennsylvania, Trump similarly praised John G. Trumps academic career (via CNN).

The university did acknowledge the elder Trumps contributions, describing him as a highly valued member of the MIT community throughout his tenure as a researcher, innovator, entrepreneur, teacher, and colleague.

The post Donald Trump Claims Much Better Blood Because His Uncle Was an MIT Professor appeared first on Mandatory.
Donald Trump recently mocked former US President Joe Biden during a rally in Kentucky, on the numerous times he took a fall. This comes after Biden called out Trump in a rare public address in February 2026. He claimed that the current US President will try to steal the midterm elections that will take place this November.

Donald Trump comments on Joe Biden in Kentucky

The POTUS was recently speaking at a rally in Kentucky when he began taunting his predecessor for stumbling and falling at times in public during his tenure.

According to Sky News Australia, in the speech, Donald Trump expressed his surprise that former US President Barack Obama had never fallen, despite him bobbing down on numerous occasions. He then moved the topic to Joe Biden and asserted that he was the opposite.

Trump added, Biden couldnt even walk up the stairs. He fell three times walking up this, and the world watches that, and they dont like seeing it, although they actually do like seeing it because they say, What the hell is going on? or when he fell at the Air Force Academy, right?

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The businessman-turned-politician then referred to the guard who was there to greet Biden, but didnt do anything about the fall. He stated, And the General was standing there, could have caught him, but he didnt want to drop the paper that hes holding in his hand. So Biden went down for the count.

Notably, Joe Biden also previously called shots at Donald Trump on February 28, 2026, in South Carolina. As per The Guardian, he stated, In America, the power still belongs to the people for now. And the way to show the power is vote, show up and vote. And folks, when we do that, thats bad news for Donald Trump, and he knows it. Thats why hes trying to pull out more and more barriers  put them up. Hes trying to steal the election because he knows he cant win your vote, so hes going to do everything he can to prevent you from wanting to vote.

Meanwhile, Biden has yet to respond to Trumps aforementioned comments about him.

Originally reported by Ishita Verma on Mandatory.

The post Donald Trump Mocks Incompetent Joe Biden in Kentucky appeared first on Reality Tea.
President Donald Trump told a crowd in Hebron, Kentucky, this week that he possesses much better blood than most people because his uncle spent over four decades teaching at MIT.

Donald Trump tells Kentucky crowd he has much better blood

Trump veered off script during an economic speech while discussing the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran. He directed a jab toward Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of only two House Republicans who recently supported an Iran war powers resolution. The measure aimed to restrict Trumps authority to pursue military action in the Middle East without congressional approval.

Massie is a complete and total disaster as a congressman and frankly as a human being, Trump told the Kentucky audience. He is mad, disloyal to the Republican Party, disloyal to the people of Kentucky, and most importantly, disloyal to the United States of America, and hes got to be voted out of office as soon as possible. The president acknowledged Massies educational background but dismissed its importance.

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You know hes got one thing going, the president said. He went to a good college, but I know a lot of stupid people that went to a good college. Donald Trump then pivoted to his own family credentials, boasting about his uncle, John G. Trump, who taught at MIT for 41 years. That means I have much better blood, he added. But I went to the hardest college of all to get into, the Wharton School of Finance. That means Im real smart (via People).

This isnt the first time Trump has highlighted his uncles MIT tenure. During a July 2025 energy event in Pennsylvania, Trump similarly praised John G. Trumps academic career (via CNN).

The university did acknowledge the elder Trumps contributions, describing him as a highly valued member of the MIT community throughout his tenure as a researcher, innovator, entrepreneur, teacher, and colleague.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.com.

The post Donald Trump Says He Has Much Better Blood Because of His Uncle appeared first on Reality Tea.
Two roads in Puyallup will have single lane closures Friday morning for construction crews to repair damaged pavement.

Both northbound State Route 167 and eastbound State Route 512 will close lanes for two hours as part of the larger State Route 167 Completion Project, according to a Washington Department of Transportation news release.

The closures are as follows:

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  One lane of eastbound SR 512 will close from Benston Drive East to the northbound SR 167 on-ramp.

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  One lane of northbound SR 167 will close from the SR 512 off-ramp to the SR 410 on-ramp.

WSDOT encourages drivers to take alternative routes and expect delays near the work zone.
Troopers with Washington State Patrol say a driver crashed into a barrier and another car while trying to get away from them.

Troopers had tried to stop the driver for speeding on northbound I-5 in Tukwila.

Instead, they say the person sped up and it became too dangerous to continue chasing, so they stopped after losing sight of the car.

It turns out, the driver exited to Albro and crashed.

They were arrested for eluding.

No word on whether anyone was hurt.

Troopers shared images of the front of the car, all smashed up:
SPRINGFIELD  It was an illicit bounty unlike any Western Massachusetts law enforcement had ever seen, investigators say.

Over $4 million in cash, stacks of firearms, bales of marijuana, eight exotic cars and jewelry. A bejeweled set of brass knuckles and a diamond bracelet worth $125,000. All these items were recovered, according to prosecutors inventory, the fruits of a sophisticated drug trafficking ring.

An investigator with knowledge of the case estimated the total value of the cash, cars and jewelry may be as much as $7 million. Five years on, the question of who gets that value is only now being resolved.

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Many of the valuables were discovered at an old firehouse on an ailing block in Holyoke. The rough exterior of the building belied what the inside held. Owner Cory A. Taylor had converted the building at 452 Main St. into a luxury dwelling, according to police reports at the time.

More custom cars  BMWs and Toyota Supras  were recovered in a barn on his mothers property in New Salem, court records show.

Days after Taylor was a no-show for his arraignment following his arrest for drug trafficking on Aug. 21, 2020, his body was discovered in an empty warehouse next door to the fire station. Officials at the time said he died of an apparent suicide.

For years, district attorneys in Hampden and Franklin counties have battled to keep much of what they argue are ill-gotten gains through civil forfeiture actions.

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Taylors mother, Alane Mallet, has waged an equally fierce fight to retain some of her late sons assets.

Recent filings in Hampden Superior Court show the parties have reached a settlement after years of negotiations, though the details are not yet public. The settlement may avert a trial scheduled for March 29.

A spokesperson for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni declined to comment until the agreement is final. However, a filing March 9 indicates the Holyoke property, at least, will be transferred to Mallet.

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan said the haul from that region fetched nearly $2.5 million after the cars were sold at public auctions.

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That was very significant. We usually dont have forfeitures of more than $75,000 in a given year, Sullivan said.

Eight of the cars seized from New Salem were returned to Taylors mother. A portion of the money the district attorneys office recouped was split among local anti-drug programs and recovery centers, Sullivan said. That amounted to $116, 539.50.

The money was distributed in fiscal year 2023, Sullivan said.

The remainder, $1,235,428.33, went to local police and sheriffs departments. Sullivan noted state law does not permit district attorneys to spend forfeiture money on personnel expenses.

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Civil forfeiture actions have drawn skepticism by critics who have called the practice policing for profit. District attorneys counter that it is money well spent from criminal proceeds.

Long tug of war

The Taylor spoils have sparked tugs-of-war since they were seized.

First, the state police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration got into a squabble over who should claim the seized items, as both agencies were investigating Taylor before the bust. The dispute temporarily fractured relationships within state and federal task forces, sources said at the time.

Second, Taylors mother challenged the district attorneys forfeiture actions and fended off her ex-husband, who was trying to get a piece of the action, according to court records in Franklin County probate court.

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Mallet could not be reached for comment for this story. Two attorneys for her did not return calls for comment.

Mallet pushed back at the district attorneys, under the argument that she was an innocent party. Court filings show Taylor named his mother as his heir in his will. He did not have children, according to his obituary, but had a strong penchant for dogs.

Taylor had been pulled over by police in Hampshire County as he drove an Econoline van away from his mothers home in New Salem. Inside, Massachusetts State troopers found 138 pounds of marijuana.

The revelation tripped a series of searches of his mothers property, the firehouse and a storage facility in Connecticut, court records say. Taylor was arrested and posted $2,000 bail, before walking away from the Hampshire County jail into the night. Law enforcement did not encounter Taylor alive after that.

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At the time of the raid, Gulluni said Taylors operation put a fine point on the still-profitable illegal marijuana trade, pointing to the cache of illegal guns Taylor had amassed at the firehouse.

Police also said there was an attempted home invasion there previously, when a shot was fired and Taylor refused to allow investigators into his home.

The danger posed to public safety is evident. The suspect involved felt the need to possess an arsenal to defend this lucrative business, Gulluni said.

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A fire was deliberately set outside the entrance of a synagogue in Rotterdam, police in the Dutch port city said on Friday.

The blaze was started by an explosives device at around 3:40 am (0240 GMT) and then "went out on its own," police said, adding that no on was injured.

"The police immediately reviewed camera footage and searched the surrounding area for the perpetrators. Synagogues in the vicinity were also monitored to prevent any further incidents," the statement said.

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Four individuals inside a vehicle that attracted attention due to "erratic driving" were arrested while they were near another synagogue in the city.

Video circulating on social media showed flames burning at the synagogue entrance early Friday morning. A small explosion occurred shortly afterward.

Members of the Jewish community and politicians reacted with shock.

The incident will increase fears among Jews, said Chris den Hoedt, chairman of the synagogue, even though the property damage was minor.

He described the act as a targeted attack on a Dutch faith community.

Justice Minister David van Weel said the incident appeared to be a deliberate attack with a likely anti-Semitic motive. The Jewish community has been the target of violence and threats for some time, he added.

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Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten pledged additional security measures.

"There is no place in Rotterdam for anti-Semitism, intimidation, violence and hatred against religious communities," she said.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The East Baton Rouge Parish School System hosted a community meeting to discuss proposed changes to school alignments and start times for several schools.

The meeting was scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at Belaire High School, located at 12121 Tam Drive.

School officials said families, educators and community members had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and share feedback.

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Louisiana has some of the earliest school start times in the nation. East Baton Rouge secondary schools begin earlier than the state average, school officials said.

The proposal could impact six schools:

Belaire High School.

Greenbrier Elementary.

La Belle Aire Elementary.

Park Forest Middle.

Park Forest Elementary.

Villa del Rey Elementary.

The district is looking at changing grade levels in four schools as part of the plan. The proposal is expected to go before the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board in April.

School officials said the changes aim to improve school facilities and use district resources better.

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At the start of the 202526 school year, the district implemented its first realignment plan, which affected 28 schools.

The changes involved:

Closing nine schools.

Relocating four schools.

Changing grade levels at seven schools.

Adjusting attendance zones for 12 schools.

Several schools also adjusted their start times this school year. Capitol High School, Capitol Elementary, Glen Oaks High School, Glen Oaks Park Elementary, Melrose Elementary, and Merrydale Elementary all have new schedules.

High and middle schools changed their hours. They now start at 8:50 a.m. and end at 4:05 p.m. Before, they ran from 7:10 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

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Elementary schools also shifted their times. They now start at 8 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. Before, their hours were 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

District leaders said the changes aim to create modern learning spaces and improve educational opportunities for students.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
QUITO, March 13 (Reuters) - Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa on Friday decreed a nighttime curfew in four provinces of the Andean country, starting March 15, intended to facilitate military operations against criminal organizations with support from the United States.

The measure covers the coastal provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Santo Domingo, and Los Rios - the country's main drug trafficking routes - and will run from 11 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time.

Joint military operations between Ecuador and the U.S. started in early March. A recent mission near the Colombian border resulted in the destruction of a drug trafficking camp, according to the Ecuadorean Ministry of Defense.

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The site was operated by a group known as the Border Commandos, comprised of FARC dissidents, and had the capacity to house 50 people, the ministry added.

Noboa has made military repression against organized crime a cornerstone of his administration. As part of his hardline stance he has criticized the government of neighboring Colombia for failing to combat drug trafficking, and implemented tariffs on Colombian imports.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia, Editing by Natalia Siniawski)
When Donald Trump decided to go to war with Iran, he chose to communicate his reasons for doing so largely in short conversations with journalists who reached him on his personal phone number.

The US presidents scattergun approach created a vacuum that Pete Hegseth has stepped into, taking on the unofficial role of chief war spokesman.

This was never meant to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight, the US defence secretary declared at a Pentagon press conference on March 4.

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We are punching them when theyre down, which is exactly how it should be.

At other points Mr Hegseth has threatened to rain down death and destruction from the sky  all day long  and claimed the US was crushing the enemy.

Mr Hegseth renamed his ministry last year to the department of war and now that the US is at war, he appears to be relishing every moment.

Being the face of an extremely expensive conflict that most Americans do not support, however, leaves Mr Hegseth exposed.

Pete Hegseth has played a leading role in trying to sell the war to a sceptical US public - Roberto Schmidt/Getty

The White House is widely believed to have pushed him in front of the cameras for interviews on programmes such as CBSs 60 Minutes.

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He hates shows like that, a source said. He would only have gone out there if Trump said, Hey, can you go on 60 Minutes?

Some even believe the US president sees Mr Hegseth as his insurance policy, and has deliberately taken a more moderate stance on the war while encouraging his defence secretary to continue banging the drum.

In the 60 Minutes interview broadcast on Sunday, Mr Hegseth declared the war was just beginning.

Just hours later, the US president declared the war was very complete, that Irans military had been effectively destroyed, and that it could end very soon.

Its very possible that President Trump is setting him up, a former Trump White House official said.

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He was put out to do that interview, and then if they wanted him to say that things are winding down, they would have told him to do that.

John Ullyot, a marine corps veteran who worked as a former chief Pentagon spokesman last year, criticised his former bosss penchant for performance art and self-promotion.

It may have boosted his career as a weekend co-host on cable news, but its beyond inappropriate for a secretary of defence, let alone while briefing on a major military operation, he said.

The contrast between Hegseth and Gen Caines calm, no-BS approach is frankly embarrassing. President Trump deserves better, as do members of our military.

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Mr Hegseth has been flanked by the even-tempered Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff during Pentagon press briefings on the war.

Mr Hegseth and Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff - Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Over the past fortnight, he has veered between eulogising the successes of US troops, vowed to wipe out the USs enemies, and berated reporters.

On Saturday Night Live, he is parodied by comedian Colin Jost as a thin-skinned, aggressive, barely functioning alcoholic.

Colin Jost parodies Pete Hegseth during Saturday Night Live - NBC

Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary, was similarly mocked as an angry man shouting at the media from behind a podium during the first Trump administration. Mr Spicer left after 15 months.

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There are questions about whether Mr Hegseth can handle issues which require more sensitivity.

Last week, he hit out at the media for putting the six American troops who were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait  that number now stands at seven  on the front pages.

When a few drones get through or tragic things happen, its front-page news. I get it. The press only wants to make the president look bad, he said. Some said he appeared to be treating wartime deaths as a PR issue.

At some point, he will have to handle the results of a Pentagon investigation into a strike on a girls school in southern Iran which killed more than 150 people.

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A preliminary inquiry has reportedly found the US was responsible.

Mr Hegseths broadsides from the podium mirror the Trump administrations broader brash and unapologetic approach to the war.

Footage of US strikes on Iran have been packaged together with scenes from films or video games for social media.

When a US Mk 48 torpedo sent an Iranian warship to the bottom of the Indian Ocean, killing 87 sailors, footage of the attack was spliced together with a scene from Grand Theft Auto.

OPERATION EPIC FURY



 Destroy Iran's missile arsenal.

 Destroy their navy.

 Ensure they NEVER get a nuclear weapon.



Locked in. pic.twitter.com/ika3MMJmZT  The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026

One Pentagon source said the memes being pumped out by the social media team were abhorrent. It dehumanises the very real cost of war, they said.

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If the public sours on the war, they continued, then Mr Hegseth can soak up the criticism by looking so over the top and out of the loop with what President Trump really thinks.

It wouldnt be the first time a defence secretary has been thrown to the wolves over an unpopular war in the Middle East. Donald Rumsfeld was pushed out by George W. Bush after a bruising mid-terms in 2006.

In his second term, Mr Trump has tried to avoid handing the media scalps by sacking members of his cabinet. But last week his patience snapped, and he dismissed Kristi Noem, his homeland security secretary.

When two protesters were shot dead by immigration agents in Minneapolis in January, Ms Noem claimed they were domestic terrorists who had attempted to attack federal officials.

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Mr Trump publicly contradicted her, striking a more moderate stance and sent his border tsar, Tom Homan, to take control of the situation.

The final straw proved to be a fractious Senate hearing last week, when Ms Noem insisted the president had signed off on a $220m (169m) advert which featured her on horseback. Mr Trump was reportedly outraged both at the self-promotion and the claim he had approved it.

There are warning signs for the defence secretary. Mr Hegseth, like Ms Noem, has taken a stance which leaves him vulnerable to being undercut by the president. And his critics see him as a self-promoter, an image-conscious former Fox News host.

Kristi Noem was sacked as homeland security secretary on March 5 - Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Having effectively dismantled the Pentagon press corps last year, he has informally opened it back up to the media since the war broke out. Photographers, however, have reportedly been banned from the briefing room after publishing unflattering images of the defence secretary.

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Last year, Mr Hegseth reportedly tried to install a $40,000 make-up studio next to the briefing room for TV appearances. He denied the reports.

Some see the influence of his wife and close aide, Jen Hegseth, who was once his producer at Fox and apparently is still trying to stage-manage her husband.

If Mr Trump can declare mission accomplished in Iran without being humiliated or sucked into a forever war, then his defence secretary will be able to bask in the reflected glory. If not, he may find himself first in the firing line.

Mr Hegseths political survival is now tied to the war and to the president. Both of them are beyond his control.

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.
With a market cap of $37.2 billion, The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (HIG) is an insurance and financial services company that serves individuals and businesses in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other international markets. It operates through segments including Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Property & Casualty Other Operations, Employee Benefits, and Hartford Funds.

Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as largea-cap stocks and Hartford Insurance fits this criterion perfectly. It provides a wide range of products such as property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and investment products including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

More News from Barchart

The Hartford, Connecticut-based company stock has dipped 6.8% from its 52-week high of $144.50. Shares of Hartford Insurance have fallen marginally over the past three months, a less pronounced decline than the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 2.1% drop over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

HIG stock is down 2.1% on a YTD basis, slightly outperforming SPXs 2.4% decrease. However, in the longer term, shares of the property and casualty insurance firm have increased 16.5% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind the 19.4% return of the SPX over the same time frame.

Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has been trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since last year.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Hartford Insurance rose over 2% following its Q4 2025 results on Jan. 29, with net income of $1.1 billion ($3.98 per share), up 33% from $848 million ($2.88 per share) in Q4 2024. The growth was supported by 8% growth in property & casualty earned premiums, higher net investment income of $832 million (up from $714 million), and improved underwriting performance, including a Business Insurance combined ratio of 83.6 and a Personal Insurance combined ratio of 79.6.

In comparison, rival The Allstate Corporation (ALL) has shown a less pronounced decline than HIG stock on a YTD basis, with ALL stock falling marginally. Nevertheless, ALL stock has gained 4.7% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind HIG stock.

While HIG stock has underperformed relative to the SPX over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from 26 analysts' coverage, and the mean price target of $151.95 is a premium of 12.6% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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
Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, stepped into a storm of controversy this week. She joined Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the Governor's Mansion for an announcement about expanding conservative student groups in schools.

What started as a routine event quickly blew up online thanks to Kirk's choice of words. Social media users latched onto her phrasing, turning it into memes and heated debates. The backlash highlights ongoing tensions around race, gender, and politics in education. Let's break down what happened.

The Partnership Announcement

On March 11, 2026, Kirk and Sanders held a press conference to launch a new initiative. They signed a proclamation encouraging high schools and colleges across Arkansas to start chapters of Turning Point USA's Club America.

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This program aims to promote conservative values, free speech, and activism among students. Sanders praised Kirk as a leader who inspires young people to get involved in politics.

Outside the mansion, the mood was tense. Protesters from groups like the Young Democrats of Arkansas gathered to oppose the partnership. They accused Sanders of using state resources to push partisan agendas into schools.

Some demonstrators clashed with supporters, leading to arrests. Zayd Kelley, chair of the College Democrats of Arkansas, called it ironic, pointing to recent laws like the Arkansas ACCESS Act that regulate student political activities. Xeno Jones, a student from Philander Smith University, expressed concern that the group promotes exclusionary views.

Kirk addressed the crowd, urging students to stand firm against criticism. Her speech focused on empowering the next generation, but one part stood out and ignited the fire.

The Quote That Went Viral

Kirk's exact words during her speech have been replayed countless times online. She said, "Don't let anyone disenfranchise you because you're a young man, especially a young white male man. Don't ever let anyone talk down to you. We need strong men out there, strong men who are convicted that will be good leaders, good husbands, good fathers." She also encouraged young women to rise up without compromising their values.

 ERIKA KIRK JUST SAID THE QUIET PART OUT LOUD  AND THE INTERNET IS MELTING DOWN Erika Kirk delivered a line yesterday that instantly stunned viewers. Dont let anyone disenfranchise you because youre a young man especially a young white male man. Within minutes the pic.twitter.com/3OzGgGpEtA  HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) March 12, 2026

The phrasing "young white male man" caught everyone's attention for its awkward redundancy. Clips spread fast on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Critics zeroed in on the racial specificity, arguing it promoted white grievance narratives.

Sreenshot from Hustlebitch's post/X

One Instagram user commented, "What message is this for young black male men? Or young Asian female women?" Another called it "white supremacy" in plain sight. The event's timing added fuel. It came shortly after Sanders signed laws aimed at curbing what Republicans call left-wing indoctrination in education. Aliah Rowe, vice chair of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, said the partnership doesn't improve lives for Arkansans.

Social Media Blows Up

The internet didn't hold back. On X, users mocked the phrasing with jokes about "young white mailmen" or "white male men." One post from called it "pure state funded White Christian Nationalism" and garnered thousands of likes. Another user pointed out the irony of a Black student standing behind Kirk during the speech.

Sreenshot from Hustlebitch's post/X

TikTok videos analyzed the moment, with one caption reading, "Erika Kirk's remarks during a speech in Arkansas are already sparking debate online." Instagram reels showed protesters chanting outside the mansion.

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Comments ranged from "Yikes" to accusations of fake tears in Kirk's delivery. Facebook groups shared clips, with some users defending Kirk by comparing it to uplift messages for other groups.

The viral spread turned the event into a national talking point, with views in the hundreds of thousands. It even inspired memes blending the quote with unrelated postal service jokes.

Defenders Push Back

Not everyone saw it as problematic. Supporters argued Kirk was addressing cultural biases against young men, particularly in discussions about masculinity. One X user wrote that young white men face "gaslighting" and need encouragement. Turning Point USA posted positively about the event, focusing on empowering the next generation.

Some Facebook comments noted that similar race-specific messages for other demographics often go unchallenged. A user named Dewey Burchett said the controversy itself proves discrimination against white men. Arkansas Republicans like Harding University student Cobb welcomed the chapters, saying they faced pushback before.

Sreenshot from Hustlebitch's post/X

Critics, however, called the remarks racist and questioned their focus on white men over others. The divide shows how the story taps into broader culture wars. As the dust settles, this moment underscores the heated debates in American politics today. Kirk's words, meant to motivate, instead divided opinions sharply.

What do you think?
South Burlington Police and Vermont State Police explained their presence at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest on March 10.

"We understand we have neighbors who are very, very concerned and rightfully so," said South Burlington Police Chief William Breault during the press conference that started about 9:30 p.m. Breault is the former longtime police chief in Dover, New Hampshire, where he retired in 2025 to accept the job in South Burlington.

The press conference came about 14 hours after his department received a 911 call reporting a multi-vehicle accident on Dorset Street, which his officers determined to include ICE vehicles

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"We are not enforcing the federal immigration laws," Breault said.

Breault said he did not think ICE should have tried to make a traffic stop arrest on a main road that close to middle and high schools during the morning commute. He also suggested ICE officers should have executed the criminal warrant at a later time.

"I will let them speak to why they did what they did ... I offered my suggestions as did others."

ICE and federal officials declined an invitation from Breault to the joint March 10 press conference. Breault said that while police were still investigating the incident and would be reviewing all actions, he wanted to answer questions for the public as quickly as possible.

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That would not have been how I would have done it. Ill be clear about that. From the beginning, this plan was not executed to the standard that local law enforcement here in South Burlington  and Im sure the chief in Burlington and the state police would agree  not how we would do things, Breault said.

He said his officers and other local law enforcement were trying to protect people's right to peacefully protest and to protect everyone's safety including that of federal law enforcement.

Breault said he believed four protestors were detained, but Migrant Justice put the number at eight. All of the protestors detained were released on the night of March 11.

"We monitored the crowd, explained our purpose for being there, which was to protect peaceful protest," Breault said, a sentiment echoed by the Vermont State Police.

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Previous storu: William Breault explains police work changed and why he took new job in Vermont

When asked if troopers entered the home, which some of the immigration rights advocates say would have been against state rules for law enforcement, VSP Capt. Debra Munson said they may have entered the threshold but did not assist in the arrest. She said they maintained the threshold for the safety of all on scene.

Did the protests in South Burlington turn violent?

The scene on Dorset Street turned violent after protesters interfered with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest of a man in South Burlington just before 6 p.m. March 11.

After about an hour, authorities set off flash-bangs and used some form of gas on the crowd in an attempt to get the more than 200 people to disperse. The crowd had filled the streets and sidewalks about 7 p.m., surrounding law enforcement vehicles in the road and trying to stop them from driving away.

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The crowd had grown through the course of the day after ICE officers surrounded a home in South Burlington the morning of March 11. That's where, local police said, a man fled after crashing a car into multiple vehicles and running away from ICE, though Migrant Justice disputed authorities account of the early-morning incident.

Police and federal officers fought with protesters as the scene unfolded, and authorities detained multiple people after demonstrators blocked in law enforcement vehicles and threw bottles and other items. An ICE officer could also be heard saying they would use tear gas on demonstrators.

Activists and police gave differing numbers for people detained. Migrant Justice said at as of 9 p.m., eight protesters had been detained and released and three immigrants remained in holding. South Burlington police said four people were detained.

When the warrant was executed about 5:40 p.m., the crowd swelled to prevent the Vermont State Police tactical unit from approaching the door. The troopers cleared people away from the door and federal officers entered the building.

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Local law enforcement gathered in the streets to help with crowd control as well as with the execution of the warrant.

Did ICE agents have a warrant to make the arrest in South Burlington

At approximately 5 p.m., agents produced a signed criminal warrant to Vermont troopers and city police who were on scene as the number of demonstrators grew throughout the nearly 12-hour incident.

A crowd of approximately 150 to 200 people gathered on the main street and the lawn of the house during the day. There was also mix of law enforcement and media in the area.

The warrant will allow ICE agents to enter the home on Dorset Street.

What happened during the day Wednesday, March 11

About 1:35 p.m., protesters escorted a child from the house shrouded by a blanket and umbrellas into an SUV that pulled up  to cheers and applause.

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By 4 p.m. protesters remained outside the house, including Sean OHearn, who said demonstrators were prepared to remain at the residence despite the plans of federal agents.If they go into the house with or without a warrant, were going to impede them nonviolently, and they are going to have to physically remove us, said OHearnHe is part of what he said was a response team with Migrant Justice and also Chittenden-Addison County ICE Watch.Those gathered outside the home were organized into three groups, he said, including a red team consisting of those he said were willing to be arrested.Others in the yellow and green teams he said were there in a support role.Im going to be part of red, he said.

South Burlington police said the officers  with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's removal operations unit  had been trying to capture the man around 345 Dorset St. when he drove away.

The ICE officers tried to box in the man's vehicle in a parking lot nearby, city police said, and the driver escaped and damaged several federal vehicles.

As the man drove away, he drove over a grassy median onto Dorset Street and struck a minivan head-on near the fire department and high school, city police said. Then he abandoned his vehicle, according to city police, who got calls about the situation around 7:40 a.m.

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Abel Luna of Migrant Justice, the states most prominent immigrant rights group, said that "people are willing to do civil disobedience if they need to." Luna said ICE wasnt telling the truth about the car crash. He also said demonstrators do not plan to move and would stay here regardless of ICEs actions.

Federal officers were at a house on the 300 block of Dorset Street, south of University Mall. City police said federal officials wanted to detain the man on an administrative warrant related to his immigration status, and the city's deputy police chief believed the man was still inside at that time. One ICE vehicle, which was parked in the driveway, drove away just before 2 p.m., but multiple vehicles with federal authorities inside remained nearby, along with state troopers and city police.

What happened on Dorset Street in South Burlington

The homeowner next door, Richard Landsman, said an Ecuadorean family with small children lived in the house, and activity outside began around 8 a.m.

Landsman, who is 79 and said he's lived on Dorset Street for 45 years, said the family has been there for about a year. He hadn't heard of any problems with them.

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Upwards of five officers were gathered around the small, white, single-story building, which previously housed Leary's Insurance Agency.

A man in a black tactical vest with an ICE insignia on it said he was an ICE official and confirmed the agencys presence, but he would give no information about the reason for being there or his name and rank.

"I'm here to protect you," the same federal officer, wearing a blue hoodie, told protesters. He said it was none of their business whether he had a warrant and that he wasn't leaving. "I'm not doing anything different than I've done for the last 26 years," he said.

Barb Prine, a lawyer with Vermont Legal Aid, said she asked the officer if children inside the home would be allowed to leave ahead of time if any violent action happens. According to Prine, the officer said he would do what he can.

Why were South Burlington Police in the area

South Burlington Police Department Deputy Chief Sean Briscoe said city police were called to the area because of car crashes.

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We responded to a car crash this morning involving federal immigration agents and someone that I believe they were allegedly pursuing, said Briscoe. We responded to investigate those crashes.

He said local police were not involved in any of the federal operations preceding the crash. The driver whose vehicle was struck wasn't hurt, police said. I believe one of the federal agents was injured in that original collision, Briscoe said.

Protesters yell at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in a vehicle on Dorset Street in South Burlington March 11, 2026, where officers had gathered. The officer had been moving around the property while being followed by protesters.

The reason police were still in the area, he said, was to make sure that everyone stays safe and that everyones federal rights are protected, and that is our sole purpose for being here.

The South Burlington Police Departments presence here is completely different and separate than any federal law enforcement agencys presence, and our intent and purpose is different, he said.

Protesters hug and sob following the chaos on Dorset Street in South Burlington as ICE attempted to arrest a man March 11, 2026.

What the protesters on Dorset Street said

Dozens of protesters were gathered around the building chanting and blowing whistles and addressing the officers. Protesters described the growing crowd as responding to an urgent, decentralized call to action, and some said they'd be there all night if they needed. A line of them formed a chain in front of the house. Around 11:30 a.m. amid a steady drizzle of rain and with temperatures in the low 40s, protesters remained outside the home. Just before 2 someone had fired up a grill.

The protesters have been trying to talk to the ICE officers, pressuring them to leave, asking them personal questions and playing to their conscience, such as asking how they would feel if their children were taken away. One person even offered to help an ICE officer find a different job in the state.

Mikey van Gulden said he joined protesters outside the residence because he knew someone in the home but not the person believed to be sought by ICE.

There was a car accident that took place, and the occupant from the car accident ran inside the house, and I believe ICE is targeting them, said van Gulden.

He said he did not know how or whether the person was related to the family in the home.

Protester Sean OHearn said demonstrators were prepared to remain at the residence despite the plans of federal agents.If they go into the house with or without a warrant, were going to impede them nonviolently, and they are going to have to physically remove us, said OHearnHe is part of what he said was a response team with Migrant Justice and also Chittenden-Addison County ICE Watch.Those gathered outside the home were organized into three groups, he said, including a red team consisting of those willing to be arrested.Others in the yellow and green teams, O'Hearn said, were there in a support role.Im going to be part of red, he said.

Rep. Brian Minier, D-South Burlington, was at the protest. He said he's "hoping to calm things down a little. He said his wife has been here all day and his child is in lockdown across the road.

Rep. Emilie Krasnow, D-South Burlington, was also present. She said shes terrified and emotional.

Its surreal," she said. "Im just really scared."

The situation comes after the detention of Hussein Noor Hussein, the father of a South Burlington High School student and a Somali asylum seeker who was held by ICE in January and released on bail in February. That case and more drove South Burlington students to walk out of school en masse last month.

This story originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press. Information about Chief Breault's longtime service as Dover's police chief has been added to the story.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Ex-Dover chief Breault critical of ICE arrest as Vermonters protest




After more than two years on and off the market, one of Pacific Heights' most recognizable historic mansions has finally found a buyer - the government of Algeria.

Public records show that the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria finalized a deal Tuesday to purchase 2800 Pacific Ave. for just under $10 million. The deal marks one of the rare occasions in recent years that a foreign government has stepped into San Francisco's luxury housing market - and closes the chapter on the property's prolonged sale that involved a series of price cuts.

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The 127-year-old, 8,200-per-square-foot mansion by architect Ernest Coxhead, often referred to as both the "Coxhead Mansion" and "Herbst Manor" - a hat tip to one-time owners Adrian and Lee Guthrie Herbst, who are also the namesakes of the city's Herbst Theater - is renowned for its stately architecture and commanding views of the city. Its original owner, wealthy art collector Sarah Spooner, assembled the lots and commissioned Coxhead at a time when women were not allowed to own property within San Francisco, Sotheby realtor Pattie Lawton, who handled the mansion's recent sale, told SFGate in February. Spooner was able to build the home thanks to a loophole: Women were allowed to serve as property owners within San Francisco county limits and, at the time, Divisadero Street served as the divider between the county and the city, Lawton told the publication.

A hand sketched drawing of the Palace of Fine Arts at the top of the front stairwell in the Herbst Manor in 2012. (Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle)





Years ago, the home won the admiration of famed Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, who described 2800 Pacific as the city's "most iconic" mansion.

But the property struggled to sell since it was first listed for sale in late 2023 by its most recent owners, Ken McNeely and Inder Dhillon, for roughly $15 million. That pricing was lowered multiple times in subsequent months, landing at $11.9 million in the summer of 2024. The home was withdrawn from the market in December of that year, and re-listed in March 2025 for $11.9 million.

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What the government of Algeria's plans for the mansion are not entirely clear. Lawton, the realtor, did not respond to an inquiry from the Chronicle.

The Versailles room at Herbst Manor, in 2012. (Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle)





Charles McCabe, a San Francisco commercial real estate broker familiar with the area who has been tracking 2800 Pacific's sale, said that the property could potentially serve as a consulate. If used in that manner, the property would enjoy sovereign immunity, meaning it would likely be protected from most lawsuits or access by local law enforcement, he said.

Notably, the Embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria opened an Algerian Consulate in San Francisco in December, in a space it leases at 465 California St. A representative of the consulate did not immediately respond to questions about 2800 Pacific from the Chronicle.

This article originally published at Exclusive: Foreign government buys San Francisco's most iconic' mansion.
Claim:

In March 2026, the FBI warned law enforcement agencies in California of a potential threat from Iranian drone strikes.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

The information was unverified, according to the FBI. The FBI shared the tip with California officials in case the threat was real, and did not confirm such a threat was real or imminent.

On March 11, 2026, ABC News reported that the FBI had shared a tip with law enforcement officials in California warning that Iran could launch retaliatory drone strikes in the state. The report quickly spread on social media, and Snopes readers wrote in looking for more information.

BREAKING: The FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran could launch a retaliatory attack at the US West Coast using drones, per ABC News.



Details include:



1. The alert said that the FBI "recently acquired information" of a potential "surprise attack"



2. Iran  The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 11, 2026

We reached out to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the White House and the national and Los Angeles offices of the FBI as part of researching the claim. Newsom and the national FBI office had not responded at time of publication. Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the FBI's LA office, declined to comment on the matter, while the White House referred us to a comment from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (detailed below).

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The claim that the FBI issued the warning was true, but according to both federal and local officials, Iranian drones posed no imminent threat to California. FBI spokesman Ben Williamson posted to X on March 12 what he said was the full alert sent by the FBI and criticized ABC News for not describing the information as unverified.

On the left is the way ABC (or their source) reported the FBI alert.



On the right is the actual FBI alert that went to JTFF partners.



You will notice the word left out Unverified. https://t.co/zSBHObisAI pic.twitter.com/XEZPeNKmDA  Ben Williamson (@_WilliamsonBen) March 12, 2026

In Leavitt's post on X, she called for ABC News to redact the story because it suggested the alert was based on confirmed information. According to her, the alert was sent due to "a single, unverified tip."

According to The Associated Press, Newsom said the alert was about "preparedness for worst-case scenarios" rather than a confirmed threat.

Newsom's office responded via email shortly after this story was published. "The Governor's Office of Emergency Services is actively working with state, local and federal security officials to protect our communities," spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said.

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A separate spokesperson from the California Office of Emergency Services told Snopes via email that "coordination happens every day to keep people safe."

The alert, as posted by Williamson, read as follows:

UNCLASSIFIED//LAW ENFORCEMENT

SENSITIVE NOT FOR DISSEMINATION TO THE PUBLIC OR PRESS

THIS MESSAGE CONTATINS RAW INORMATON SUBJECT TO REVISION AND IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ONLY. JTTF Partners, (U//LES) We recently acquired unverified information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United States homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran. We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.

ABC News' story was subsequently updated to include the full alert, according to an editor's note. The note suggested, but did not outright claim, that the word "unverified" was not present in the initial alert reviewed by the outlet.

Sources:

"California Governor Says No Imminent Threat despite Warning about Possible Iran Drone Attack." AP News, 12 Mar. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/iran-california-drones-newsom-trump-82afa326f0b362e0ae96b97e1e6c3d7e.

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Campbell, Holmes Lybrand, Josh. "Gov. Gavin Newsom Says No 'Imminent Threat' to California after FBI Memo on Possible Iran Drone Attacks | CNN Politics." CNN, 12 Mar. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/politics/california-iran-drone-threat-newsom.

News, A. B. C. "FBI Warns Iran Aspired to Attack California with Drones in Retaliation for War: Alert." ABC News, https://abcnews.com/US/fbi-warns-iran-aspired-attack-california-drones-retaliation/story?id=130973820. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Updates:

March 13, 2026: This story was updated to add comment from California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office.
Claim:

Images from March 2026 authentically depict U.S.-made missile fragments at Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran, where a strike reportedly killed at least 165 young girls, on Feb. 28, 2026.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Investigative outlet Bellingcat confirmed the images matched downed U.S.-made Tomahawk missile fragments used in earlier conflicts. Snopes also identified matching manufacturing labels listing Ohio-based Globe Motors on 2014 photographs of missile fragments in Syria. It is unclear precisely where the remnants photographed in front of the school were recovered, though Bellingcat used geolocation to verify a separate clip showing a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile hit the nearby Iranian forces complex, adding to the mounting evidence that the United States was responsible for the strike. While our findings do not definitively prove that a U.S. missile struck the building, they support the case for American responsibility in the attack.

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In March 2026, a collection of four photos circulated online purportedly showing the remnants of a U.S.-made missile at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran. At least 165 young girls were reportedly killed, according to the United Nations, when the school was hit amid a series of strikes targeting an adjacent Iranian armed forces complex on Feb. 28.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially archived the strike could have been caused by an Iranian misfire. Mounting evidence  including geolocated footage of a Tomahawk missile striking the area where the school is located  points to U.S. responsibility for the precision strike amid the United States and Israel's military campaign across Iran. On March 11, The New York Times reported that an ongoing military investigation found that the U.S. made a targeting mistake based on outdated data. The article cited anonymous sources, meaning it was not possible to independently verify the newspaper's findings.

The pictures purportedly showing the American missile remnants began spreading across multiple social media platforms on March 9. Numerous Snopes readers asked whether the missile remnants specifically included the wording, "Made in Dayton, OH."

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One X post read (archived), "Made in USA," while another by the Tehran Times said (archived), "Photos show the remnants of an American missile that struck an elementary school in Minab, resulting in the tragic martyrdom of over 170 students."

#BREAKING

Photos show the remnants of an American missile that struck an elementary school in Minab, resulting in the tragic martyrdom of over 170 students. pic.twitter.com/DA8dWynbKj  Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March 9, 2026

The images appeared to show several charred fragments of a Tomahawk missile, identified by parts that have been recovered at other missile strike sites in Yemen and Syria since 2014, as explained below.

Some detractors claimed the remnants could have been "dragged" to the photos' location. While it was not possible to independently verify where the remnants were recovered, there is already verified footage of a Tomahawk missile striking the adjacent complex.

This article focuses on whether the images authentically show the debris of a U.S. missile outside the girls' school. It does not definitively prove that a U.S. missile struck the building, though it does add to the mounting evidence that the United States was responsible for the strike.

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A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense said via email that the missile strike on the school "is currently under investigation" and that the DOD will provide more details "when they become available."

Evidence photos taken at girls' school are authentic

The four photographs first appeared on the Telegram channel for Iran's state-run media outlet, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on March 9, 2026 (archived). It's unclear who the photographer was.

The photos were captioned (DeepL translation verified via native speaker):

Image of the remains of an American missile that fell on the children of Minab School, causing the martyrdom of many students of the Shajarat Tayyeba School.

(IRIB Telegram Channel)

The background of the images authentically depicts the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school, which can be seen when compared to a publicly available photo on Getty Images.

(Getty Images and IRIB Telegram Channel)

An authentic picture of the same green desks visible in the photos in question is also publicly available on Getty Images.

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Numerous other news media outlets, including the New York Times, also verified the images' authenticity. There were no signs the photos were digitally edited or generated using artificial intelligence software.

Evidence fragments are from U.S.-made Tomahawk missile

On March 8, reputable investigative outlet Bellingcat geolocated footage released by Mehr News, an Iranian government-sponsored news agency, of a missile striking near the girls' school using Planet Labs satellite imagery. Numerous other reputable news media outlets have also reported on the footage.

Bellingcat reported that it was a precision-guided Tomahawk, a U.S.-made missile that neither Israel nor Iran reportedly possesses given the strict export laws in place.

Only a few countries, including Australia and Britain, have agreed to purchase Raytheon's Tomahawk missiles. Even if another country illegally acquired a Tomahawk missile, it would also require advanced equipment to launch and map the missile's flight path.

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Bellingcat also noted that smoke was visibly rising from the vicinity of the girls' school before the missile hit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps facility, as seen in the clip.

The remnants had two addresses engraved on the missile, both located in the United States. One was in Dayton, Ohio, where Allient  the parent company of Globe Motors, whose name is also on the debris  is located. Public records indicate the U.S. Department of Defense has paid Globe Motors more than $23 million since 2007. The other address was the Colorado location for manufacturer Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

Bellingcat munitions researcher Trevor Ball, formerly an explosives disposal technician for the U.S. Army, matched the fragments pictured (archived) with publicly available images on the Open Source Munitions Portal that show other damaged missiles identified as Tomahawks dropped in Yemen. Features that matched included the missile's circuit board and two other components.

(Open Source Munitions Portal and IRIB Telegram Channel)

Images of munitions with the same Globe Motors label have circulated online since 2014 (archived), when U.S. strikes on Syria turned up similar fragments.

(Syria Conflict Monitor and IRIB Telegram Channel)

Some social media users incorrectly claimed the clip depicted an Iranian missile. The missiles developed by Iran have distinct visual differences, such as a low-mounted engine.

In sum ...

There is sufficient evidence proving that the four photos are authentic and that they show the remnants of a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran.

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It was not possible to independently verify how the debris arrived at that location, though there is mounting evidence that the United States was responsible for the strike that reportedly killed at least 165 girls at the school.

Sources:

'A View of the Debris of a School, Where Many Students and Teachers...' Getty Images, 5 Mar. 2026, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/view-of-the-debris-of-a-school-where-many-students-and-news-photo/2264285520.

'About Us'. Mehr News Agency, 6 June 2020, https://en.mehrnews.com/news/159449/.

Ball, Trevor. '@Easybakeovensz'. X.Com, 9 Mar. 2026, https://x.com/Easybakeovensz/status/2031117462863778170.

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Dale, Daniel. 'Fact Check: Trump's Latest False, Unproven and Contradictory Claims about the Iran War | CNN Politics'. CNN, 10 Mar. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/10/politics/fact-check-trump-iran-war-tomahawks.

DeepL Translator | World's Most Accurate Translator. https://www.deepl.com. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

GLOBE MOTORS, INC. USASpending.gov. https://www.usaspending.gov/search?hash=82f31fb2b13f0c1fde5f2c0b121b0ed1.

Gonzales, Trevor Ball, Carlos. 'Video Shows US Tomahawk Missile Strike Next to Girls' School in Iran'. Bellingcat, 8 Mar. 2026, https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2026/03/08/video-shows-us-tomahawk-missile-strike-next-to-girls-school-in-iran/.

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'Google Maps'. Google Maps, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Allient/@39.78905,-84.1742554,18z/data=!4m16!1m9!3m8!1s0x884083ce0ed598fb:0x8489c67d968f92f9!2s2275+Stanley+Ave,+Dayton,+OH+45404!3b1!8m2!3d39.788695!4d-84.1742996!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11bw40m6v9!3m5!1s0x884083ce791a44bb:0xb7aeedd9b75b8b0e!8m2!3d39.7887731!4d-84.1743048!16s%2Fg%2F1xfspdw6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Ibrahim, Nur. 'Photo Shows Graves of Iranian Girls Killed in Minab School Attack'. Snopes, 4 Mar. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/iran-minab-school-strikes-graves/.

Ibrahim, Nur. 'Who Bombed Girls' School in Iran? Examining Unproven Claims of Military Misfire'. Snopes, 3 Mar. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//news/2026/03/03/iran-girls-school-missile-attack/.

IRIB News. ' '. Telegram, 9 Mar. 2026, https://t.me/iribnews/320986.

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McClure, Tess. 'Death Toll from School Bombing in Southern Iran Reportedly Rises to 165'. The Guardian, 1 Mar. 2026. World News. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/01/iran-school-bombing-death-toll-us-israel-strikes.

McClure, Tess. 'Minab School Bombing: What Evidence Is There That the US Was Responsible?' The Guardian, 10 Mar. 2026. Global Development. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/mar/10/iran-minab-school-bombing-shajareh-tayyebeh-primary-what-evidence-us-responsible.

'RGM/UGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Series'. Open Source Munitions Portal, https://osmp.ngo/model/tomahawk-missile/.

'Soumar | Missile Threat | CSIS Missile Defense Project'. Missile Threat, https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/soumar/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

'SyriaConflictMonitor'. X.Com, 23 Sept. 2014, https://x.com/SCM_Syria/status/514520966622621697/photo/4.

Triebert, Christiaan, et al. 'Fragments of U.S.-Made Missile Seen in Photos Taken by Iran Near Deadly School Strike'. The New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/world/middleeast/iran-school-strike-us-missile.

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC1ahFRsiaU. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
Claim:

The Israeli government implemented a law in March 2026 that imposed a five-year prison sentence on anyone who posted videos of Tel Aviv to social media.

Rating:

Rating: False

In March 2026, a claim circulated online that the Israeli government implemented a law that imposed a five-year prison sentence on anyone who posted videos of Tel Aviv to social media.

According to the Tech Times Facebook page that posted about the reported law on March 7 (archived), the legislation followed "reports of significant casualties among high-ranking military and intelligence officials, as well as claims of compromised strategic facilities during recent Iranian retaliatory strikes."

The claim also appeared on X, Threads and Instagram, while readers searched our site for more information about the alleged law.

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According to the Reshumot, the official record of laws in Israel, the Knesset, the country's lawmaking body, did not pass or enact legislation around March 2026 that specifically imposed five-year prison sentences on people who posted videos of Tel Aviv on social media.

Searches on Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and Bing did not reveal reports of the alleged law among credible news media outlets (archived, archived, archived, archived). Such legislation would have been newsworthy if it were real.

Given the above, we rate this claim false.

Snopes contacted the TechTimes Facebook page about their claim. We also contacted the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Israeli Justice Department to ask about the alleged law. We await replies to our queries.

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ZeroGPT and GPTZero, two online artificial intelligence detectors, found it 100% likely that someone generated the text in the TechTimes Facebook post using AI. (These types of AI detection tools are fallible. Snopes cautions people against using them for definitive answers on media's authenticity without supporting evidence.)

The post also used authentic but outdated and unrelated photos that did not show activities related to the war in Iran, which TechTimes claimed inspired the alleged legislation.

Israel carries out wartime censorship

Since the start of the war in Iran, which the Israeli government calls Operation Roaring Lion, the Israeli Knesset has declared a "special situation on the home front" (archived). That declaration gives additional powers to the Israeli military and government, including increased control (Page 97 onward, Section 13A) over media and communications businesses.

Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Israeli Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi have reportedly both expressed a strong willingness to censor journalists who violate the country's wartime censorship rules.

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It is unclear at the time of this writing how this might impact people who post on social media as those platforms continue to blur the lines around what qualifies a person to be a journalist.

Since 2025, Israeli authorities have also prohibited people from publishing (Reshumot, Issue 3358):

...in writing or orally, things that deny the October 7th massacre (Shemini Atzeret massacre) with the intention of defending the terrorist organization Hamas and its partners, expressing sympathy for them or identifying with them.

Such actions are punishable by five years in prison. That law did not explicitly forbid posting videos online of Tel Aviv or apply to postings about the war in Iran, but it did apply to both civilians and journalists.

For further reading, Snopes has reported extensively on claims related to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

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Google Translate provided translations from Hebrew into English.

Sources:

BBC Monitoring  Essential Media Insight. https://monitoring.bbc.co.uk/product/b000467i. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Communications Law (Telecommunications and Broadcasting), 5742-1982, Israel, WIPO Lex. https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/15170. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

'Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Hears Operational Intelligence Briefing on Operation Roaring Lion, Approves Declaration of Special Situation on the Home Front'. The Knesset, 2 Mar. 2026, https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/news/pressreleases/pages/press2326q.aspx.

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Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=663206272e2400e5&sxsrf=ANbL-n73hPQSlHNOtFOG7AxziC766RvNQA:1773259170659&q=israel+law+5+years+prison+tel+aviv&tbm=nws&source=lnms&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKp0UJuhqwKhR0QUhF54-6jIYFfWbU_Clyew-1Wh7zkL7EUcewkj-Y5mEXWvVf2-8S7Q9JzmuMHBTnAM1FBTEpBAOnV_jRUZD2VDeC791EgyJRoYVQeXi9nSjy62_nBG-_acZbe9t8arcXQS8X9VbIME8IskxDXpSDExbbrORxlu7rSGx4SnVwr_hsO-TkevRAGZAhlMA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZxdiX0ZiTAxVhZ0EAHbOPGRoQ0pQJegQIFxAB&biw=1470&bih=708&dpr=2. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

'Israel'. AP Newsroom, 11 Feb. 2018, https://newsroom.ap.org/editorial-photos-videos/detail?itemid=cb63312c36514c858b75c9424f005aef&mediatype=photo.

Israel Law 5 Years Prison Tel Aviv - Search News. https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=israel+law+5+years+prison+tel+aviv&FORM=HDRSC7. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Israel Law 5 Years Prison Tel Aviv - Yahoo Search Results. https://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrLBzusybFpQAIA59ZLBQx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=israel+law+5+years+prison+tel+aviv&fr2=piv-web&fr=yfp-t. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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Israel Law 5 Years Prison Tel Aviv at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?ia=news&origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=israel+law+5+years+prison+tel+aviv&chip-select=search&iar=news. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Liebermann, Oren. 'How International News Outlets Report under Israel's Military Censor during Wartime | CNN Business'. CNN, 6 Mar. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/media/israel-iran-war-media-censor-journalism.

'PALESTINIAN - ISRAEL - CONFLICT'. AFP, 13 Dec. 2023, https://www.afpforum.com/AFPForum/Page/Document/en/Photos,3/F94D92E13616D9F6E44C806242FC641A9EF16ED61EF40A15F6907322C7D2E525/PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT.aspx?cck=a1aff2.

'Real Time Updates - Operation Roaring Lion'. IDF.Il, 11 Mar. 2026, https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/operation-roaring-lion/real-time-updates-day-by-day/march-11-2026-real-time-updates-operation-roaring-lion-1/.

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'Reshumot'. Gov.Il, https://www.gov.il/he/Departments/DynamicCollectors/gazette-official?skip=0&limit=10&FolderType=1.



Updates:

March 19, 2026: This report was updated to remove reference to Tel Aviv as Israel's capital.
Claim:

In March 2026, Israel struck North Korea's embassy in Tehran, Iran, a move that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called a "big mistake."

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

There was no evidence Israel struck the North Korean embassy in Tehran, nor that Kim Jong Un had issued a statement about such a strike.

As the North Korean government renewed its support for Iran amid the U.S. and Israel's military incursion in March 2026, a rumor circulated online that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Israel made a "big mistake" after it struck the North Korean embassy in Tehran, Iran.

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One X post (archived) with millions of views read: "BREAKING: Kim Jong un says Israel has made a big mistake to hit its embassy in Tehran."

This image shows an X post featuring a photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un alongside a photo of Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu with the caption above.

(X user @World_Affairs11)

The post included no evidence to back the claim  only stock photos of Kim Jong Un and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The claim then spread via other X accounts and on other social media platforms, including Bluesky,

There was no evidence Israel struck the North Korean embassy in Tehran, nor that Kim Jong Un had issued a statement about such a strike. The rumor appeared to be entirely fabricated for online engagement.

Google search results primarily turned up related social media posts or fact checks debunking the claim. If Israel had struck the North Korean embassy in Iran, reputable news media outlets would have covered the event and any developments. That was not the case.

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The official archive (archived) of statements by Kim Jong Un and the North Korean government similarly revealed Kim Jong Un did not make a statement about an Israeli strike on his nation's embassy in Iran.

A map of strikes by the Institute for the Study of War on Tehran from March 9-10 reveals a U.S.-Israeli strike hit an area near the North Korean embassy in Tehran, but there is no indication the embassy itself was struck (red and blue text our own):

This image shows a map of U.S. - Israeli strikes on Tehran from March 9-10 with the approximate location of the North Korean embassy in Iran.

(Institute for the Study of War)

As one of Iran's allies, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement (archived) on March 11:

We express serious concern over and strongly denounce the acts of aggression by the U.S. and Israel that are destroying the regional peace and security foundations and escalating instability worldwide by mounting illegal military attack on Iran.



Any rhetorical threats and military action, which violate the political system and territorial integrity of the relevant country, interfere in its internal affairs and openly advocate the attempt to overthrow its social system, deserve worldwide criticism and rejection as they can never be tolerated.

For further reading, we debunked a claim that an image authentically showed an Iranian missile with an inscription about the victims of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sources:

'Google Maps'. Google Maps, https://www.google.com/maps/place/%D8%B3%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA+%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C+%D8%AF%D9%85%D9%88%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%DB%8C%DA%A9+%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%82+%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%87%E2%80%AD/@35.7609214,51.4208315,14.91z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x3f8e042127748ae1:0xa91442892e6c2add!8m2!3d35.7659431!4d51.4337695!16s%2Fg%2F11c702nt6w?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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'Newstream'. KCNA Watch, https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Staff, Al Jazeera. 'N Korea "Respects" Iran's Selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader'. Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/11/n-korea-respects-irans-selection-of-mojtaba-khamenei-as-supreme-leader. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

'US and Israeli Strikes in Tehran City Between March 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET and March 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET'. Institute for the Study of War, 10 Mar. 2026, https://understandingwar.org/map/us-and-israeli-strikes-in-tehran-city-between-march-9-2026-at-300-pm-et-and-march-10-2026-at-800-am-et/.

 . https://perma.cc/62HU-CFXN. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Fairfield County officials are warning residents and businesses about a phishing scam in which criminals impersonate local government officials.

The scheme involves scammers posing as city or county staff and requesting fraudulent payments for planning and zoning permits, according to a community announcement.

The criminals are using publicly available permit information to identify potential targets. They often contact victims by email, using official-looking language and documents.

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The messages may include city or county letterhead, seals and the names of officials  all to convince recipients to send money or redirect funds.

The County Commissioners' Association of Ohio and the FBI have also issued warnings about similar scams, which target individuals and companies involved in the permitting process.

Officials said there are also related cyber risks involving fake county auditor websites and payment redirection scams targeting county governments and other public entities.

Cybercrime a growing concern

Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber has highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime against local governments.

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Every week we find out more and more local governments, more and more entities are being hit by ransomware, by vendor redirects, Faber said, according to the announcement. And the numbers that come across my desk arent small. They're in the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How to protect yourself

Fairfield County officials are urging residents and businesses to be vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.

Here are steps residents and businesses can take to protect themselves:

Do not assume emails are legitimate based on the use of city or county letterhead, seals, names of officials, or proper spelling and grammar.

Verify the email address, including the domain name, matches the email address of the official with whom you are corresponding and does not contain extraneous characters or misspellings.

Check the city or county's official website for notices about ongoing impersonation schemes.

Call the city or county government, using the phone number listed on the official website, to verify outstanding fees.

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For more information about phishing, visit fbi.gov.

This story was created 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 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fairfield County warns of phishing scam using permit emails
A man suspected of fatally stabbing his wife on March 8 in Pawtucket has ties to Haiti and might try to flee the country, the Pawtucket police said Friday, March 13.

The police have obtained an arrest warrant for Oldon Louis, 34, who is suspected of killing Lida Louis, 34, on the night of Sunday, March 8, the Pawtucket police said.

"The investigation has revealed that Oldon Louis has known ties and connections to Haiti and may attempt to flee the country," Detective Sgt. Trevor Lefebvre said in a press release on Friday, March 13. "Detectives are actively following up on all leads in an effort to locate and apprehend Oldon Louis."

Oldon Louis

The police found the woman, later identified as Lida Louis, with multiple stab wounds after they responded to an address on Sterry Street at about 8 p.m. for a reported disturbance, Lefebvre said early Monday morning.

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Oldon Louis's car was found unoccupied in Providence shortly after the stabbing, the police said.

First responders "initiated life-saving measures" and took her to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, Lefebvre said.

The police ask anyone with information on Louis's whereabouts to contact Detective Kyle Juckett at 401-7279100, ext. 1700 (kjuckett@pawtucketpolice.com) or Dispatch at 401-7263911.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pawtucket police say stabbing suspect Oldon Louis might flee U.S.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  With the help of some green screen effects, State Sen. Ryan Fazio launched his first television advertisement as he seeks to win the Republican nomination for governor.

Proposed homeschooling regulations and changes to vaccine policies bring thousands to Connecticut Capitol

The conservative Republican for governor, Ryan Fazio, a narrators voice says.

Then, Fazio comes on screen, appearing to be standing next to one of the bright red billboards his campaign has rented along major state highways.

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As governor, Ill cut taxes, saving your family $1,500 a year! Fazio shouts.

In another shot, Fazio stands next to a billboard highlighting his pledge to roll back the state law barring cooperation between Connecticut law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Ill deport criminal illegals to keep our streets and our families safe, Fazio says.

Jonathan Wharton, a professor of political science at Southern Connecticut State University, noted the ads obvious appeal to the conservative base of the GOP.

I think hes trying to convey a message to many of the party loyalists that he has credible credentials being a fiscal conservative as well as one who supports some of the policy approaches coming from the White House, Wharton said.

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In his quest to win the support of the Republican base, Fazio is competing most directly with Erin Stewart, the former mayor of New Britain. Most GOP insiders consider the two millennials to be the top contenders for the partys nomination. Stewarts campaign has been airing advertisements of their own since February and on Thursday lobbed an attack at Fazio that exemplified the ongoing fight for the conservative mantle.

Robot Ryan is no conservative and never has been, Brock Weber, Stewarts campaign manager, said.

Weber also cited a tweet from 2015, authored by Fazio, calling then-presidential candidate Donald Trump an ass.

Fazio laughed off the suggestion that he is robotic.

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Im a little bit nerdy, he said. But Im not gonna personally attack any of my opponents. Im focused on the issues. This is a serious campaign because people all across Connecticut are hurting.

On the topic of Trump, Fazio has said that he would welcome the presidents support in his campaign for governor. But both Fazio and Stewart have a history of distancing themselves from the president. Both have run for office successfully in places that have rejected Trump each time hes been on the ballot. During his 2024 re-election bid to the State Senate, Fazio maintained a practice of avoiding questions about the 45th and 47th president, particularly if he planned to or had ever voted for him. In 2018, Stewart told the Connecticut Mirror she had been pretty outspoken about not supporting Trump.

Now, as the two seek the support of their party to run for governor, theyve pivoted, to varying degrees, to an embrace of Trump. Stewart recently told a crowd of Republicans in eastern Connecticut that she was not afraid to say that she voted for Trump all three times he ran for president.

Gov. Lamont open to possible 25-cent gas tax holiday

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A third Republican seeking the gubernatorial nomination, Betsy McCaughey, has been a vocal supporter of the president on the campaign trail and the Newsmax show she hosts. She has not hit the same fundraising milestones that both Stewart and Fazio have cleared, so its unclear if she has the resources to mount a significant purchase of pricey television advertising. On Thursday, she told News 8 she was in the process of producing an ad that highlights her push to eliminate the state income tax.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Connecticut Democratic Party lambasted the Fazio ad.

Ryan Fazios GOP primary ad resembles a used car commercial more than a serious pitch to govern this state, the spokesman 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 WTNH.com.
Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) is one of the 11 Best Day Trading Stocks to Buy Now.

Investment bank Barclays discussed Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS)s shares on March 11th. It raised the share price target to $29 from $25 and kept an Overweight rating on the stock. Barclays commented that the fact that Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS)s shares had performed well after its agreement with Novo Nordisk indicated that the firms legal woes were behind it. Barclays added that the market appeared to be underestimating the opportunities for new products from new products.

Hims & Hers (HIMS) Sees Analyst Optimism Following Novo Resolution

Barclays coverage came after Novo Nordisk announced that it had decided to drop its legal action against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) for what the healthcare company dubbed an illegal compound dispute. Novo had taken the action after Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) had announced that it would sell its own weight loss pill. The development came after the pair had ended their partnership last year to provide discounted weight loss shots to Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS)s customers.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) is a health platform that offers prescription and non-prescription products to consumers. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

While we acknowledge the potential of HIMS 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The FBI closed a voter fraud investigation involving allegations of noncitizens voting in Nevada in the 2020 election, CBS News reported citing sources.

According to CBS, Interim U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah ordered the investigation, providing the bureau with a thumb drive that she claimed would show that non-citizens had voted in the 2020 election and that people on Indian reservations were accepting cash for ballots.

Last August, Chattah told 8 News Now Investigator Vanessa Murphy that her office was investigating an election-related case.

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We will be making an announcement in the next few weeks, Chattah said in the interview. We prosecute the crime, not the criminal. Period. End of story. Its a non-partisan issue. Whether youre a Republican or a Democrat, or you know, youre legally here, illegally here, whatever your crime is, we prosecute the criminal.

FILE  Attorney Sigal Chattah appears in court in Las Vegas on March 4, 2024. (Wade Vandervort/Las Vegas Sun via AP, File)

No announcement ever came. The FBI review showed possibly 38 noncitizens in the file, according to CBS. The FBI also told Chattah the statute of limitations had expired, CBS reported citing a source. It was not clear if the 38 noncitizens had actually voted in the election, which is a crime.

In her interview in August, Chattah pointed to the National Voter Registration Act, enacted in 1993, which sets guidelines for voter registration, referred to cash for ballots, and claimed voter rolls were not clean in recent elections.

President Donald Trump appointed Chattah as the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Nevada through an unprecedented legal maneuver last summer. She resigned from her position as interim U.S. Attorney before a 120-day deadline expired. This triggered the federal vacancy act, which allowed the president to appoint Chattah to the new position and remain in the office, according to Chattah.

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Trump has since appointed attorney George Kelesis to the position, though it was unclear when the U.S. Senate could hold a confirmation hearing.

Ahead of the 2024 election, Trumps campaign and Nevada and national Republicans filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of States Office and Democrats, claiming thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote.

The lawsuit alleged more than 6,400 noncitizens were registered to vote as of 2020 and that nearly 4,000 voted. The data comes from a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles file from a previous lawsuit, which a judge tossed.

The 8 News Now Investigators reviewed the data and Clark Countys voter file, finding no match of a person registered to vote at the time the DMV issued them driving privileges.

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In concluding that noncitizens were registered to vote, the lawsuit claimed 6,136 names and addresses matched the DMVs noncitizen file of people who showed an immigration document during the previous five years. A DMV official later said they do not track noncitizens in a file.

In Nevada, most residents register to vote at the DMV. A 2018 Nevada law allows the DMV to automatically register new voters or update their voter registration if they are U.S. citizens. Federal courts have ruled that election officials cannot ask for proof of citizenship for voter registration.

All eyes were on Nevada in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Since then, updated systems and more tabulation equipment could make the process more efficient. With tight margins  former President Joe Biden won Nevada by 33,000 votes  media outlets did not call the race until the Saturday after Election Day. In the aftermath, and even as Republicans gained seats that election in the Nevada Legislature, former President Donald Trump and state and national Republicans claimed widespread fraud without any evidence  claims judges threw out of court.

In late December 2020, then-Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, noted there was no evidence of noncitizens voting in the 2020 election. In April 2021, Cegavske again responded to claims of noncitizens voting in the 2020 election, adding in the five years before the election  from 2015 to 2020  nearly 41,000 documented immigrants became naturalized citizens in Nevada.

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In 2020, the 8 News Now Investigators compared state data and other information provided by the White House and compiled by the Heritage Foundation regarding noncitizens and illegal voting. Out of more than seven million votes cast in Nevada elections since 2008, two votes are known to have been cast illegally. A person who was not in the country legally cast one vote in the 2008 general election and voted again in 2010.

While claiming fraud in the 2020 election, Nevada and national Republicans did not make the same claims in 2022 or 2024.

Spokespeople for the U.S. Attorneys Office and the FBI Las Vegas office declined to comment.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Mar. 13EPHRATA  The first warm days of March tend to nudge people toward open windows, fresh air and longdelayed chores. As closets are emptied and garages are sorted, local fire officials say spring cleaning is also the perfect moment to tackle a few safety tasks that often get overlooked  ones that can prevent emergencies and even save lives.

"Working smoke alarms double your chances of surviving a fire in your home," Ephrata Fire Department Chief Jeremy Burns said. "While it's a good time to change our clocks, it's also a great time to change our smoke detector batteries."

The State Fire Marshal's Office recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level of the home. Alarms should be interconnected so that if one sounds, all of them do.

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They should be tested monthly, mounted on ceilings or according to manufacturer instructions, and kept at least 10 feet from stoves to reduce false alarms. Units with sealed 10year batteries should be replaced entirely once they begin chirping.

For residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, the SFMO notes that specialized alarms with strobe lights or bedshaker devices can provide lifesaving alerts.

Burns said families should go beyond checking batteries and use the moment to talk through a home fire escape plan.

"Have a family meeting to discuss the home fire escape plan and establish a safe meeting place outside your home," he said.

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He recommends choosing a spot across the street, far enough to stay clear of emergency responders but close enough for everyone to gather quickly.

Spring also brings yardcleanup season, and Burns reminded residents that burning yard debris is prohibited in Washington.

"Residential yard debris cannot be burned inside urban growth areas," he said. "It needs to be gathered up, hauled away or composted."

Recreational campfires with clean, dry firewood remain allowed.

Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Erick Brittain said smoke alarms aren't the only household item that deserves attention this time of year.

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"Take the opportunity to clean out all dryer vents right now as well," Brittain said. "People are pretty good about the inside, but making sure the vent to the exterior of the house is not plugged up is important, especially with spring cleaning."

Brittain also encouraged residents to check carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed. Current code requires CO alarms outside every bedroom.

Other seasonal safety steps recommended by the State Fire Marshal's Office include:

Closing bedroom doors at night, which can slow the spread of smoke and heat during a fire.

Keeping hallways and exits clear of clutter, ensuring escape routes remain accessible.

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Checking fire extinguishers to confirm they are charged, accessible and not expired.

Inspecting electrical cords for fraying or damage and replacing any that show wear.

Storing flammable products safely, away from heat sources and out of reach of children.

Whether it's clearing lint, testing alarms or reviewing escape plans, fire officials say a few extra minutes during spring cleaning can make homes significantly safer.
The first defendant has been sentenced for a central Pennsylvania-based chop shop operation that included more than 15 people and two Lebanon city business entities.

Ray Henry, 36, was sentenced on March 12 by Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas Judge Donna Long Brightbill to serve a minimum of 12 months in a state correctional facility, in accordance with a plea deal with the state AG's office. Henry pleaded guilty Jan. 13 on charges that include forgery and identity theft.

Henry was one of more than 15 people and two Lebanon city business entities charged in June 2026 by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for allegedly taking part in a "chop-shop" operation. Investigators allege the "criminal organizations profited well over half a million dollars and many Pennsylvanians were impacted, either by having identities stolen, unknowingly buying vehicles from the shop or encountering on roadways vehicles that were not property inspected."

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According to court records, Henry aided in chop shop operations, including changing the VIN numbers on vehicles and re-titling them. Henry also conspired to "commit financial crimes to obtain illicit income, including bank fraud and identity theft."

Joseph Crowe, Henry's attorney, told Brightbill that the AGs office recognized that while Henry "was a fish in the pond, he wasn't the biggest fish in the pond."

"He's here to accept responsibility," he said during the hearing. "His main focus is to get back on the right track here."

In a Zoom call from SCI-Mercer, Henry apologized for his role in this organization, and expressed his concern to get back to his family.

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"I knew right from wrong, but I chose to do the opposite," he testified. "I just want to say I apologize. I want to fix my life and get back on the right track."

Complex scheme

In 2025, the AG's office announced the arrests for "Operation Dirty Paper," an investigation into the chop shop operation with charges including corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, bank fraud, identity theft and forgery. Officials said the incidents involved two alleged "collaborating criminal enterprises":

Angel Vidal, who allegedly had a chop shop location in Lebanon. Officials said Vidal is incarcerated at Northampton County Prison for similar alleged conduct.

El Fuerte Auto Sales and El Fuerte Tire & Auto, located on Maple Street, which were run by defendants Yonathan Peguero-Rodriguez and Johandeiry Bonilla.

Peguero-Rodriguez and Bonilla were both sentenced Feb. 11 by Judge Charles Jones Jr. Peguero-Rodriguez received 36 months probation for charges that included deceptive or fraudulent business practices and insurance fraud. Bonilla received 24 months probation for charges that include deceptive business practice and tampering with records or identification.

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Officials said the center of the criminal enterprise was a shop at Vidals home in Lebanon city. The defendants allegedly profited by stealing rented vehicles, dismantling and re-stickering the vehicles, which were then sold below market values in many parts of Pennsylvania and other states.

Most of the vehicles were rented out of state by people using false identification, according to the AG's office. By the time the rental companies realized the theft, they were "chasing false leads."

This complex scheme involved many different types of criminal behavior that directly victimized Pennsylvanians, or put drivers and passengers at risk by being in the path of vehicles that may have been unsafe, AG Dave Sunday said in 2025.

According to the AG's office, The El Fuerte shops allegedly aided by conducting improper vehicle inspections, falsifying inspection records, misrepresentation of vehicle purchase prices and renting of dealer plates.

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Vidal currently has a trial scheduled for the week of April 20 before President Judge John Tylwalk for charges that include receiving stolen property, corrupt organizations, washing vehicle titles, conspiracy of theft of leased property and owning, operating or conducting a chop shop.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: First person sentenced in 'Operation Dirty Paper' chop shop case
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Two weeks into the war with Iran, the military picture is rapidly evolving, even as broader patterns have begun to emerge.

It all began two weeks ago with a jaw-dropping attack on Irans senior leadership meeting in Tehran.

Among those killed in that strike was Irans supreme leader Ali Khamenei  a man who repeatedly called for Israels destruction and worked relentlessly to develop the capabilities to carry it out, even if it meant mortgaging his countrys future. He was arguably the greatest threat to the Jewish people since Hitler.

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That attack, which was the opening act of Operation Roaring Lion, triggered air-raid sirens throughout Israel in anticipation of an Iranian retaliatory attack, sending millions rushing to bomb shelters and safe rooms.

Two weeks into the war with Iran, as Israelis continue to dash daily for shelter from Iranian missiles, the military picture is rapidly evolving, even as some broader patterns have emerged. Here are five:

The Israeli Air Force strikes checkpoints and soldiers of a Basij militia unit that was recently established in Tehran on March 12, 2026. (CREDIT: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT).

Strategic shift from managing to dismantling threats

Perhaps the most important takeaway is how dramatically Israels strategic mindset has shifted since the Hamas attack of October 7.

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Before that day, Israels dominant doctrine was containment. Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon were largely treated as threats that could be managed through deterrence, periodic military blows, and cautious steps. Against Iran itself, Israel waged what it called the war between the wars  a shadow campaign of strikes, sabotage, and assassinations meant to slow Tehrans buildup without triggering a full-scale confrontation. Quiet  even fragile quiet  was still prioritized above all else.

October 7 shattered that worldview.

The massacre exposed the dangers of allowing hostile forces to accumulate capabilities just across Israels borders while assuming deterrence would hold. The lesson drawn across much of Israels political and security establishment was stark: threats allowed to mature do not remain theoretical.

That realization now shapes the current war.

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Israels decision to strike deep inside Iran, knowing full well it would trigger retaliation, reflects a willingness to accept immediate costs in order to prevent far greater dangers later. It marks a stark departure from the earlier instinct to delay confrontation in hopes of avoiding escalation.

In effect, Israel has moved from managing threats to dismantling them. The calculation today is that waiting carries greater danger than acting  even if acting means putting your own population on a war footing for weeks at a time.

Hamas, Houthis not involved

One of the least discussed but most consequential realities of the current war is something that is not happening.

Two weeks into the conflict with Iran, Hezbollah has entered the fighting forcefully from Lebanon, launching rocket and drone attacks that have opened a major northern front.

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But two other pillars of Irans regional network  Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen  have so far played no military role.

The reasons, however, are vastly different: Hamas because it cant; the Houthis because they dont want to.

Start with Gaza.

If Hamas still possessed the military capabilities it held before October 7  thousands upon thousands of rockets, underground rocket-manufacturing capacity, and a functioning command structure capable of coordinating sustained fire  Israel today would be facing a far more complicated battlefield.

Instead of confronting Iran and Hezbollah simultaneously, it would be fighting on three fronts.

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Air defenses would be stretched thinner, the IDF would be forced to conduct major operations inside Gaza, and southern Israel  not only the North  would once again be living under constant rocket fire.

That scenario would dramatically increase the military, economic, and psychological strain on the country.

But Hamass ability to play that role has largely been taken out of the equation. The organization still exists, and Gaza remains unstable. But Hamas can no longer fire rockets into Israel and, as such, can no longer shape the battlefield the way it once did.

The Houthis, however, are a different story.

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Unlike Hamas, they do retain some ability to attack Israel and American interests. Yet they have chosen not to do so.

Their restraint seems a mix of deterrence and calculation. Years of Israeli, American, and British strikes have degraded their missile and drone capabilities, as well as parts of their command-and-control network. Launching attacks now could invite devastating retaliation  potentially targeting their leadership and their stronghold in Sanaa.

At the same time, the Houthis are still fighting their own war in Yemen and appear reluctant to expend valuable military assets in a regional confrontation that does not directly determine their survival.

Analysts also believe Iran itself may be carefully managing the tempo of proxy escalation, encouraging some allies to act while keeping others in reserve.

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The result is that two key components of Irans regional network have largely stayed out of the fighting.

For Israel, that absence is strategically significant. Had all three fronts  Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen  erupted simultaneously alongside direct Iranian attacks, the war would look very different today.

US President Donald Trump talks to the media upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, March 11, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)

Trump continues to give mixed signals

Another striking feature of the war so far has been the White Houses mixed messaging.

On some days, US President Donald Trump suggests the conflict is nearing its end. He has spoken about the war being largely complete and hinted that a conclusion could come quickly.

At other moments, his rhetoric goes in the opposite direction. He has spoken about continuing the campaign until Iran is decisively defeated and about unconditional surrender.

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At first glance, the two messages appear irreconcilable. One suggests imminent closure. The other implies a campaign that could continue for some time.

Yet the contradiction may not be as confusing as it initially seems.

Trump is operating on multiple stages simultaneously. One stage is the battlefield; the other is the global economy.

The possibility of a prolonged war has made markets jittery, particularly because of the impact on global oil supplies and shipping routes. Even the perception that the conflict could escalate dramatically has immediate consequences for energy prices.

Signals that the war might soon end help calm those fears. At the same time, the military campaign itself continues.

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Seen in this light, Trumps messaging is serving two purposes: reassuring markets and allies that escalation will not spiral indefinitely, while simultaneously maintaining pressure on Iran through ongoing military operations.

In other words, the rhetoric suggesting a quick end is aimed less at Tehran than at traders, investors, and governments worried about economic fallout. All the while, the bombs keep falling.

Israeli unity vs US polarity on the war

Another key takeaway so far is the contrast between how the war is playing out politically in Israel and in the US.

Israel entered this conflict once again deeply divided  over the fallout from October 7, haredi draft exemptions, and the courts. In other words, the same old arguments.

Yet the war has largely suspended those divisions.

According to a recent Israel Democracy Institute poll, roughly 82% of Israelis support the campaign, including a thundering 93% of Jewish Israelis. In Israel, that level of consensus is extraordinary.

The explanation lies in how Israelis perceive the stakes. Israelis have heard Khameneis threats over the last three decades, seen his military buildup, and felt personally the blows from the terrorist proxies he armed and financed.

For Israelis, the Iranian threat is real, immediate, and existential. Removing it, therefore, transcends political divisions.

Across the ocean, the picture looks very different.

In the US, public opinion over the war is far more divided. Polling shows support hovering around 40%, breaking sharply along partisan lines. Americans who back Trump largely support the campaign; those who oppose him generally do not.

The war has not unified those two camps; rather, it has only accentuated the polarization.

While Israelis broadly see the war as a matter of national survival, many Americans view it as just another distant Middle Eastern conflict whose goals are unclear  and one that could show up at the gas pump.

That gap in perception has been compounded by the administrations failure to successfully frame the confrontation with Iran as directly and immediately tied to American security interests.

The result is a political dynamic in which Israelis are largely united around the war, while Americans remain deeply divided over it  a divergence that could become increasingly significant if it begins to affect Washingtons staying power in the war.

Iran increases global pressure to stop war

The manner in which Iran has expanded the battlefield by firing at its Gulf neighbors  and beyond  reveals much about its strategic calculations.

At first glance, Tehrans missile launches toward Israel might seem like the central front of the conflict. Those attacks are, of course, highly disruptive to daily life and to the countrys economy. And Iran knows it. Tehran is showing that it can reach Israel directly, that it can impose disruption, and that it can keep Israeli society on edge.

But Iran also knows that these missiles are not going to defeat Israel or force it to sue for a ceasefire. In that sense, the fire directed at Israel is largely symbolic  serious, but symbolic.

The attacks aimed at the UAE  which has absorbed more missiles and drones than Israel  as well as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other targets in the Gulf, are far more strategic.

Those attacks  beyond targeting American diplomatic and military assets  have hit airports, oil infrastructure, hotels, and other civilian economic sites.

The choice of targets reveals a clear logic.

The Gulf is the worlds most sensitive energy corridor. Disruption there reverberates immediately through oil markets, shipping lanes, insurance costs, and global supply chains.

Tehrans calculation is that economic instability in the Gulf will not only alarm those countries but also governments in Europe and Asia whose economies depend on energy flows from the region.

As markets are rattled and oil prices surge, pressure could mount internationally on Trump to end the war.

And that strategy is not fantastical.

Consider these words on Tuesday from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who understands what the war is about and supports its aims. Still, with oil prices rising, he said:

The United States and Israel have been waging war against Iran for over a week. We share many of their goals. But with each day of the war, more questions arise. We are particularly concerned that there appears to be no common plan for bringing this war to a swift and convincing conclusion.

Iran is triggering economic chaos in hopes that outside powers will pressure Washington to stop.

Iran is gambling that widening the conflict economically will translate into diplomatic leverage. But those same attacks could also deepen the sense of shared vulnerability among Gulf states already wary of Tehrans ambitions.

That dynamic could produce new alignments in the region. Still, it would be premature to assume that this will automatically lead to sweeping diplomatic breakthroughs such as normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Even if Iran emerges weakened from the war, Riyadh and other Gulf capitals will remain cautious about the regional balance of power. The Saudis have long feared Iranian hegemony in the region  and, as this weeks Iranian strikes on some of their oil infrastructure demonstrate, with good reason. But they are unlikely to want to see Israel emerge as an overwhelmingly dominant regional power, either.

Yet one conclusion will be difficult for the Saudis  or anyone else in the region  to escape: When it comes to long-range intelligence, operational reach, and sustained military capability, there is currently no other actor in the Mideast with Israels ability to project power.

This may not create affection, but in this harsh neighborhood, respect often matters more  and respect can be the foundation of new alliances.
The Thailand-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree engulfed in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz, March 11, 2026. (photo credit: ROYAL THAI NAVY/Handout via REUTERS)

Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow Strait of Hormuz, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has come to a near-standstill since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28

Iranian explosive-laden boats appear to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them ablaze and killing one crew member on Wednesday, after projectiles struck three vessels in Gulf waters, said port, maritime security, and risk firms.

The latest attacks mark an escalation in the conflict between Iran and United States-Israeli forces, raising the number of ships struck in the region since fighting began to at least 16.

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Shipping in the Gulf and along the narrow Strait of Hormuz, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil, has come to a near-standstill since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, sending global oil prices surging to highs not seen since 2022.

The ships targeted in late-night armed boat attacks in the Gulf near Iraq were the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Zefyros, which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, two Iraqi port officials said.

We recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water, one port security official said, as Iraqi rescue teams continued searching for other missing seafarers. It was not immediately clear which ship the person was linked to.

Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Omans Musandam governance, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)

The Safesea Vishnu's US-based commercial operator and beneficial operator are Safesea Transport Group and Safesea Group, respectively, according to data from Lloyd's List Intelligence. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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One Iraqi port security source said Zefyros is flagged in Malta and provided Reuters with a list of crew names.

Zefyros Trading S.A. is the registered owner of the tanker matching that name and description, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence data. Lloyd's data shows UK-based Cygnus Tankers Limited as the commercial operator and the George & Vassilis Michael family group of companies, a key player in Greek shipping, as the beneficial owner.

Cygnus Tankers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Reuters was not able to immediately reach the other two entities.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. US President Donald Trump has threatened to ramp up US attacks on Iran if it continues to obstruct the strait.

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The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was struck by "two projectiles of unknown origin" while sailing through the strait earlier on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the engine room, the ship's Thai-listed operator Precious Shipping said in a statement.

"Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room," Precious Shipping said.

"The company is working with the relevant authorities to rescue these three missing crew members," it said, adding that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and were ashore in Oman.

Images provided by the Thai navy showed smoke pouring out of the back of the ship.

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Iran's Guards said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency that the ship was "fired upon by Iranian fighters," suggesting the first direct engagement by the Guards who have previously fired missiles or drones.

The US Navy has refused near-daily requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war on Iran, saying the risk of attacks is too high for now, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Trump has said the US is prepared to provide naval escorts whenever needed.

Two other ships sustain minor damage

The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty also sustained minor damage on Wednesday from an unknown projectile 25 nautical miles (46 km) northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, two maritime security firms said.

Its Japanese owner, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and a spokesperson for Ocean Network Express, its charterer, said the vessel was struck while at anchor in the Gulf and an inspection of the hull revealed minor damage above the waterline.

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All crew are safe, they said, adding that the vessel remains fully operational and seaworthy. The owner said the cause of the incident remained unclear and was under investigation.

A third vessel, a bulk carrier, was also hit by an unknown projectile approximately 50 miles (30 miles) northwest of Dubai, maritime security firms said.

The projectile had damaged the hull of the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth, maritime risk management company Vanguard said, adding that the vessel's crew were safe. Owner Star Bulk Carriers said the ship was hit in the hold area whilst anchored. There were no crew injuries and no listing.

The Guards' statement included a reference to another ship, which it said was hit by projectiles - usually a reference to drones - on Wednesday morning. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm that report.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it stopped traffic at the three primary Washington-area airports on Friday after air traffic controllers at a Virginia facility had to halt work because of a strong chemical smell.

The FAA said the issue disrupted operations at Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control, which controls airspace over numerous airports in the Washington region and had forced the agency to stop traffic at Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

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Airlines told Reuters the FAA was relocating Potomac controllers to a training facility and some would need to begin diverting planes because of congestion.

Controllers will have reduced radar scopes so more delays are likely once the ground stops are lifted.

About 30% of flights at Reagan were delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking site.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; editing by Scott Malone and Rosalba O'Brien)
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on Wednesday saying the state will take action if she does not stop forcing sanctuary policies on the Tampa Police Department.

TPDs policies prohibiting its officers from sharing certain information with federal immigration authorities and limiting the immigration enforcement activities in which it participates effectively establishes a sanctuary policy, Uthmeier wrote in the letter.

Pasco gunman ambushed victims before shooting couple, deputy, affidavit reveals

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Uthmeier took issue with TPD withholding information from federal immigration authorities about victims and witnesses of crimes, specifically concerning their legal status. This policy aims to reassure people who are in the country illegally that they will not face possible detention and deportation for coming forward to report a crime.

But we want illegal aliens to fear immigration consequences to the extent they are here unlawfully, Uthmeier wrote.

Protections exist for victims of certain crimes who could face removal from the country if investigated by federal immigration officials, as required by state law. The Department of Homeland Security website, cited in the letter, highlights pathways to temporary legal immigration status for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, as well as over two dozen other crimes.

This is going to prevent illegal immigrants, Yes, they are illegal, but people who do not have a criminal record to have access to benefits that they could have if they are able to report the crime, said immigration attorney Lisette Sanchez.

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TPD also prohibits officers from engaging in broad-based immigration enforcement actions, which Uthmeier called an ambiguous restriction on immigration enforcement activities and said the city must do better. He argued the policies jeopardize the safety of Tampa residents.

Given the danger illegals pose to Florida, the Mayor of Tampa and TPD should prioritize the safety of Americans over the comfort of illegal criminal aliens who have no right to be here in the first place, Uthmeier wrote.

The attorney general ordered the city to reverse the immigration policies by March 31. Uthmeier threatened Castor with removal by the governor if the city does not comply.

During a press conference in June 2025, Castor spoke about immigration enforcment.

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Those immigrant populations become the victims of robberies and they are not comfortable reporting that. they are not comfortable reporting the fraud because they do not trust law enforcement and that is the fundamental reason that local law enforcement should not be engaged in immigration enforcement, said Castor. If we are looking for individuals who are committing crime in our communities, and everyone can agree that we do not want criminals in our communities, in our neighborhoods, but if you go looking for immigrants as the cause of that crime, that is a fools path because immigrants are coming to this country by and large to realize the American dream and everyone in this room has descended from immigrants.

In the letter, Uthmeier said there are procedures in place to protect the integrity of a case when a victim or witness is in the United States unlawfully. It went on to say how immigration authorities must be alerted to individuals in the country illegally and perform investigations of their status irrespective of their role in a case.

It is a great concern because those people that are right now the victims of crimes, theyre not going to be able to go forward and to go and create this these complaints and maybe to report the crime. And, you know, in my opinion, there are so many crimes that not necessarily are committed by immigrants. Those immigrants can be victims or they can be witnesses of crimes committed by citizens of this country, said Sanchez.

Castor issued the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

In light of the Attorney Generals letter today, the City of Tampa will review the concerns raised and evaluate our policies and procedures to ensure that we use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law. Tampa is one of the safest cities of our size in the nation because we built trust with our community through collaboration. The Tampa Police Department signed the 287(g) and developed its immigration enforcement policy in consultation with partner agencies and law enforcement associations to ensure all immigration-related actions are carried out according to state and federal law.

Castor would not be the first Hillsborough County official removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. In 2022, State Attorney Andrew Warren was ousted from his position over what DeSantis described as leniency and refusal to enforce certain laws.

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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 WFLA.
The Florida Senate passed a bill that would narrow the types of identification accepted for voting, requiring residents to show a Real ID, passport, or birth certificate to cast a ballot. Under the proposal, student IDs would no longer be considered valid forms of identification for voting.

The measure also seeks to add a citizenship indicator to newly issued Florida drivers licenses. These changes come as lawmakers look to update the states requirements for verifying identity at the polls.

The legislation establishes a specific list of acceptable documents for poll workers to verify. Voters would be required to present a Real ID-compliant identification card, a United States passport, or an official birth certificate before casting a ballot.

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Beyond the voting booth, the bill introduces changes to state identification documents. It includes a provision that would require all newly issued Florida drivers licenses to feature a citizenship indicator as part of the license information.

The new requirements are not designed for immediate implementation during the current election cycle. The bill specifies that the changes would not take effect until January of next year, which follows the conclusion of the midterm elections.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
State lawmakers approved giving Gov. Ron DeSantis broad new powers to name terrorist organizations, despite concerns from Democrats that he would abuse it to go after left-leaning college students and Islamic schools that receive public voucher money.

House lawmakers on Thursday passed HB 1471 along party lines, sending it to DeSantis desk.

DeSantis office originally proposed the legislation, which would give him and future governors powers typically reserved for the federal government.

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Under the bill, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which reports to the governor, would have the ability to deem groups as foreign or domestic terrorist organizations.

Foreign terrorist groups would already have to be deemed as such by the federal government, such as al-Qaida, ISIS and various drug cartels.

Domestic terrorist groups would have to be engaging in terrorist activity as defined in state law and pose an ongoing threat to security. Neither the group nor its members would have to be charged with a crime to be deemed a terrorist group.

Lawmakers on Thursday also passed another bill making records around those decisions secret under state law. Groups could receive access to some of those records if they challenge their terrorist designation in court.

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Rep. Hillary Cassel, the Dania Beach Republican who sponsored both bills, said she had no intention of blocking students right to protest or debate.

This bill protects the Constitution, protects us from those that want to change us, protects us from those who want Western civilization to fall, Cassel said Thursday.

But the bill specifically targets college students who promote terrorist organizations. Promotion includes making a statement or taking an action that supports, approves, or encourages a terrorist organizations extralegal violence.

Such students would be immediately expelled and assessed out-of-state tuition fees.

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The legislation also follows years of efforts by DeSantis to stamp out pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses. In 2023, his hand-picked State University System chancellor accused two Florida chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine of knowingly providing material support for Hamas following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

In December, DeSantis also named the Council on American Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, as a terrorist organization through an executive order. A federal judge temporarily blocked it on free speech grounds.

The bill also bars supporters of terrorist groups from receiving any state funding, including institutions receiving school choice scholarship money  a response to reports of Islamic schools receiving vouchers.

The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that it is unconstitutional for the government to limit speech it disagrees with, even speech in support of terrorist groups, advocates say.

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Rep. Wyman Duggan, a Jacksonville Republican, shut down questions on changes to the bill after 19 minutes on Thursday, enraging Democrats.

This is political repression through and through, said Rep. Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat. This is disrespectful to us as lawmakers.

Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Weston Democrat, questioned why House Republicans  who have been proud to challenge DeSantis use of executive power in the last year  were approving the bill.

You all think that theyre not going to abuse their power in this process? Bartleman said.

Rep. Alex Andrade, the Pensacola Republican who investigated the DeSantis administrations diversion of $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation last year, voted in support of the bill.

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He said that he  more than probably most in this room  is intimately aware of the potential for abuses of power.

But he said the bill created a legal process for the state to prove its terrorism allegations. And records behind the states decision would come out in those court proceedings.

They have to put up or shut up if theyre challenged by these groups, Andrade said.

And I, for one, still maintain that naive optimism about our system of checks and balances and about our right as Americans to confront our accusers in court.
March 13 (UPI) -- Florida's legislature has passed a voter registration law similar to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act that's now in Congress, but opponents say it will likely disenfranchise thousands in the state.

The bill passed the state house 77-28 just hours after clearing the state senate. Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely to sign it into law. He voiced his support on X Thursday.

"Although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity," he said.

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After it's signed into law, it will take effect in 2027.

"This is about the integrity of our elections," one of the bill's sponsors, State Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican from Vero Beach, said Wednesday on the Senate floor. "It is something that puts greater trust into our system."

Florida residents will be required to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport when they register to vote. The citizenship of all registered voters will be verified with government databases like Real ID when the bill takes effect.

If during the verification process there was no citizenship document found, the local elections supervisor must notify that voter by mail. Then, to stay registered, that voter must show proof to their county elections office.

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About 872,000 Florida residents still do not have Real IDs, Grall said.

College and retirement home IDs will no longer be enough at polling places, the bill says, which could prevent them from voting. Republicans have said those IDs are too easy to fake.

The bill also requires candidates to disclose if they are dual citizens with another country.

"I'm old enough to remember President Barack Obama being accused of not having U.S. citizenship and the so-called birther movement led by our current president, by the way, who demanded that President Obama prove his birth certificate. How is this not the same thing?" said state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, WLRN reported.

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Democratic elections lawyer Marc Elias said on X that he would sue the state if the bill is enacted.

Carmen Daugherty, interim executive director at Advancement Project, said the bill will disenfranchise Black and brown voters.

"Voters should pick their leaders. There's nothing to celebrate about a system that keeps Black and brown voters, college student voters and retired voters from casting a ballot that counts," Daugherty said in a statement. "HB 991, modeled on Congress' dangerous SAVE America Act, will do just that, potentially disenfranchising tens of thousands of eligible voters."

Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, hailed the passage of the legislation in a statement.

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"Floridians deserve absolute confidence that every legal vote counts and that our elections are secure," Power said. "Showing ID is required for countless everyday activities -- from buying alcohol to boarding a plane -- yet Democrats claim verifying eligibility to vote is somehow too much to ask. That argument simply doesn't hold up."

"This commonsense legislation strengthens voter confidence and protects the integrity of Florida's elections," he added.
IAG, easyJet and Ryanair; which European airlines are investors selling as Iran burns? Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Investors have been repositioning sharply across European airline stocks since the outbreak of Middle East hostilities, with Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) emerging as the clear defensive favourite while short positions have built against carriers more vulnerable to elevated fuel prices.

This is Citi's analysis of positioning data from institutional investors, with the analysis showing that sector positioning has turned more negative over both the past week and month.

Investors have increased short exposure in Wizz Air Holdings PLC (AIM:WIZZ), easyJet PLC (LSE:EZJ) and Air France-KLM, which Citi characterises as the most operationally and financially leveraged carriers and therefore most exposed to sustained fuel price pressure.

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (LSE:IAG) has also seen a shift, with long positioning that had been particularly heavy now moving to a more balanced level as investors take profits or hedge against further volatility.

Ryanair has bucked the trend, with long positioning increasing over the past week as investors gravitate toward what Citi describes as the carrier best equipped to weather near-term geopolitical turmoil. This view, the bank said, is "widely and rightly held".

The Irish carrier's low-cost model, strong hedging position and predominantly intra-European network make it less exposed than peers to Middle Eastern route disruptions and transatlantic demand softness.

Lufthansa is a notable outlier in the data. While positioning has turned more negative over the past month, that shift predates the onset of the conflict, despite the German carrier having particularly high exposure to crack spreads, the margin between crude oil and refined jet fuel prices that has widened sharply since hostilities began.

Citi said near-term share prices across the sector would remain heavily dictated by fuel price movements.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY  The quiet inside the Indian River Mall is about to be disrupted by demolition and construction that developers hope will revitalize the shopping center.

When the dust settles and construction is complete  sometime in late 2027  mall owners envision a family-friendly shopping center where people can shop for clothes, food, supplies and spend some time playing or watching a movie.

"We have a lot of exciting things going on with the mall," said Joseph Scarfone, owner/broker for One Investment Group of Pompano Beach, working with mall owner DTS Properties II, of Schaumburg, Illinois, on the mall redevelopment. "I think a lot of people are going to be happy."

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The plan is to bring back the mall, which, like other malls across the country, has struggled with dwindling shoppers and empty stores for the past few years.

"A lot of these (malls) are not surviving," Scarfone said. "We're trying to revive the whole area. We want to bring it back."

Demolition of the east section of the mall, including the former Macy's and Sears anchor stores, is expected to begin within the next two weeks, said Scarfone. The west section, including the food court, will remain, as will the AMC Theater, he said.

Once the site has been cleared, phase 1 of the mall revitalization project will begin, he said. The project includes construction of five outdoor 250,000-square-foot retail stores and a drive-through restaurant. Negotiations are under way with a "really good list" of national tenants to fill those stores, Scarfone said.

The inside of the Indian River Mall is being prepped for demolition.

Sprouts Farmers Market will be one of those tenants, he said.

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Mall owners first submitted demolition and renovation plans in May 2025, but little movement has occurred.

Meanwhile, tenants in the east section since have vacated the mall. Signs outside the mall announce new hours. Yellow warning tape blocks off the east side of the mall, and tables at the food court are taped to pillars.

The inside of the Indian River Mall is being prepped for demolition.

Rita's Italian Ice, which occupied the north corner of the food court, near the movie theater entrance, vacated the mall as of March 1, after receiving notice from the company, said co-owner Jay Kramer.

The mall needed the space to provide access to the restrooms, Kramer said.

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"It went right through our space," Kramer said. The mall gave Rita's 30 days notice to vacate, he said, but "We knew it was coming."

Tenants were told about the mall's plans months ago, Kramer said.

The store has placed items in storage and is shopping around for a new location, said Kramer.

DTS Properties purchased the mall in May 2024 from Indian River Mall Realty Holding for $14.8 million, according to the deed. In 2023, the mall's assessed value fell to its lowest: $14,864,126, according to the Indian River County Property Appraiser's Office.

Four stores  JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's and Burdines  originally anchored the mall, built in 1996 by the Edward J. Debartolo Corp. Only Dillard's and JCPenney remain. Macy's closed in 2020 after 24 years at the mall, and Sears closed in 2019 after 23 years. Both were parts of national movements to shutter stores.

Vero Beach's Indian River Mall redevelopment plan could improve. Here's how. | Opinion

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Former Macy's and Sears stores expected to be demolished at Indian River Mall in Vero Beach

Scarfone declined to say how much the company would invest in the project. Once the company is finished with the outside remodeling, it plans to give the inside a facelift.

Scarfone said they are anxious to begin the project.

"We're trying to fast-track it as fast as possible," he said. "It takes time. Everything takes time."

Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: This Florida mall is planning a comeback after demolition, renovation
Republicans in the Florida Senate passed legislation Thursday requiring citizenship verification for all registered voters in the state, a central element of President Donald Trumps demands for sweeping election-law changes.

The measure also would restrict the kinds of IDs Florida voters can use to identify themselves at the polls. Student IDs and retirement center IDs would no longer be valid; drivers licenses, state ID cards, military ID and licenses to carry concealed weapons would still be accepted as proof of voter identity.

Voting rights advocates and Democrats said that House Bill 991 sounds as if it contains common-sense safeguards. But they warned that it could cause chaos for the voting public and election administrators  and prevent untold numbers of citizens from voting.

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Sponsors made one major concession to critics: delaying the effective date. Instead of going into effect on July 1, just weeks before the Aug. 18 primary and months before the Nov. 3 general election, the provisions wont be effective until after this years midterm election.

Opponents said there isnt any evidence of more than a handful of noncitizens voting or other voter fraud in Florida elections. There is no reason for these changes, said state Sen. Tina Polsky, a Broward-Palm Beach county Democrat. There is no evidence of noncitizens voting.

The sponsor, state Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, cited two criminal prosecutions of noncitizen voting  but said that supported her view of the need for change, not the opponents view that there isnt a major problem.

Some of you know people who have lost the election by a very small vote margin. So what is our tolerance for fraud and lack of integrity? Grall said. And yes, we have safe elections in Florida, but they dont stay safe and secure if we dont pay attention to the large gaps that exist where we can address additional fraud.

Key provisions

Citizenship verification: The state voter registration database would be matched with the drivers license database at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which has been verifying citizenship as part of bringing state drivers into compliance with federal REAL ID requirements.

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Grall said so many people would have their citizenship verified that the behind-the-scenes process would be invisible to most people.

Opponents pointed to more than 800,000 people with drivers licenses and state ID cards that dont have REAL ID. And they could be flagged and required to present proof of citizenship  a birth certificate or passport  to stay registered.

And people who change their registrations, by changing political party affiliation or changing their names  mostly women through marriage and divorce  would be forced to prove their citizenship.

Identification: The legislation would scale back the IDs voters can present at the polls. Democrats argued strongly against removing student identification and retirement system identification, which have been accepted for decades for Florida voting.

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They said many college students dont have drivers licenses and many older residents of retirement communities also havent renewed their licenses because they no longer drive. As a result, Democrats warned, those groups could be prevented from casting ballots.

Grall said it was a matter of ensuring people arent using counterfeit ID. Polsky suggested it was a ploy. This is disenfranchisement. And we know its going to affect certain communities more than others. And isnt that the point of the bill? Polsky said.

Trump has pushed Congress hard to enact new restrictions on voting, including citizenship verification, in time for this years elections. He wants voter ID requirements nationwide, something Florida already has  and the new legislation is tightening.

House Bill 991 passed the Senate 27-12.

All Republicans, except state Sen. Alexis Calatayud of Miami-Dade County, voted yes. All Democrats voted no.

_____
Floridas version of the national SAVE Act cleared the finish line Thursday evening, and if signed by the Governor, it will come with new citizenship verification requirements to vote.

It could mean some voters will need to update their registration before Duval Countys local elections in 2027.

Under the bill, Florida voters would have to ensure their citizenship is verified starting January 1st, 2027, to avoid issues at the ballot box.

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Residents will need proof of citizenship on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and or their local Supervisor of Elections Office.

Duval Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland explained that it includes documentation like a birth certificate, passport or naturalization certificate.

To make sure youre a US citizen, because that is required to be one in order to vote, said Holland.

To get a drivers license or state ID, Floridians already need to provide a birth certificate or a valid passport, so most valid voters with a Florida drivers license likely wont be directly impacted.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Starting next July, the bill would even require drivers licenses to include a symbol indicating US citizenship.

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Holland said voters who are impacted would be notified of any issues well before Election Day to ensure they have the proper documentation on file.

Its a requirement that I reach out to the voter and give them time to provide the documentation, said Holland.

But State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) argued that accessing that documentation isnt so easy for all voters.

The children of those who have been enslaved and were not born with birth certificates, those elders who are going to face challenges. Anyone who is divorced, change of last name. Theres so many dynamics here, Eskamani said.

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The bill would also remove student IDs from the list of identification that can be used at the polls.

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Eskamani argued that could impact thousands of Florida college students.

And are now going to be given a provisional ballot and have to navigate that administrative burden, the bureaucratic process to verify their vote, Eskamani said.

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The 2026 Florida legislative session was a budget bust redux, with lawmakers unable to agree on a state spending plan for a second year in a row, requiring them to return in April.

But the final days saw Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate advance a host of bills tied to the conservative agenda, including measures to clamp down on voter access, allow the governor to designate groups as terrorist organizations and put the final nail in the coffin of teachers unions.

Even going home without a budget in place, the Legislature took enough action to develop a sizeable list of winners and losers.

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USA TODAY Network  Florida reporters spanned the Capitol to bring a constant variety of procedural sport. Without further ado, here's who can celebrate the thrill of victory, and who suffers the agony of defeat.

The Florida House of Representatives convenes for opening day of the legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

Winners

President Donald Trump: Not far from his Mar-a-Lago resort, hell have the Palm Beach International Airport named after him  pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Florida's Republican-dominated Legislature quickly and easily approved the renaming  and the Trump Organization followed up by seeking trademark protections, possibly a step toward gaining a financial stake in related merchandise. State Road 80 in Palm Beach County also is being designated President Donald J. Trump Highway.

Data Centers: Theyll face some additional regulations when trying to open in Florida. But not much. Gov. Ron DeSantis wanted to limit the expansion of these energy-using, noisy facilities. President Trump wants only the federal government to make rules, and House Speaker Daniel Perez agreed. But in the end, the House went along with protecting utility customers from having to pick up higher costs tied to the arrival of data centers. While somewhat helping consumers, the House stripped out a provision banning local officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements with companies building these artificial intelligence feeders. So these data centers can make their way into a community quietly  which is how they like it.

Nickels: With pennies no longer being minted, customer transactions ending in one- or two-cents will be rounded down to zero. Those ending in three- or four-cents will be rounded up to a nickel. Even though pennies are still around, the law would take effect immediately, if signed by the governor.

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Pedestrians: Pedestrians can breathe a sigh of relief with approval of SB 382 imposing a 10-mph speed limit on e-bikes and scooters when approaching people walking on sidewalks, trails, and other areas designed for pedestrians.

Emergency HIV/AIDS funding: Legislation sets aside $30.9 million to maintain medication for thousands of lower-income Floridians through the end of June  with next years anticipated budget expected to fully fund the program. Trump and DeSantis had pushed through changes that jeopardized access to the program this year.

Election fearmongers: Evidence shows there are few instances of undocumented aliens voting. But Trump has ginned up the issue for so long, Florida lawmakers responded with their own version of the federal Save America Act, which is bottled up in the U.S. Senate. Registering to vote in Florida would require documented proof of U.S. citizenship, beginning in January 2027. The Senate originally wanted the requirement for the upcoming midterm elections, but compromised on the later date. Still, women, older Floridians and minorities are among those facing the biggest hurdles, critic say.

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives the State of the State Address during the opening day of the 2026 Florida legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

Charlie Kirk fans: A one-mile portion of road near Florida International University in Miami will be named in honor of the slain conservative activist. The bill also names a stretch of Commercial Boulevard in Broward County after Trump.

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Climate change deniers: Any effort by local governments to impose greenhouse gas regulations would be banned  another effort to impose DeSantis-era energy policy on cities and counties. Barred also would be any kind of cap-and-trade programs on greenhouse gas emissions.

Anti-DEI: Cities and counties would be banned from promoting and financing diversity, equity and inclusion programs, expanding a clamp-down DeSantis and the GOP-led Legislature have imposed on state government. But opponents say its harsh dictates could endanger popular community events, from St. Patricks Day celebrations to contracting efforts that help women and minorities.

Government vs. designated terrorists: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement could designate a domestic or foreign group a terrorist organization under certain conditions and then get approval from the governor and Cabinet. Democrats fought the measure as unconstitutional or at least lacking guardrails  and its approval comes just days after a federal judge blocked DeSantis effort to label the Council on American-Islamic Relations a foreign terrorist organization.

Conservation Lands: Legislation requires a 30-day public notice for the sale or exchange of state-held conservation land. Thats a boost from the current, seven-day requirement.

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New Swimmers: Eligibility was expanded for the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, providing free swimming lessons to eligible low-income children.

Citizens Property Insurance: Legislation aimed at continuing to reduce the number of policies in Citizens by setting up commercial lines clearinghouses to move more policies into the private market. Its part of an effort to reshape Citizens into its original role as insurer of last resort, for homeowners struggling to find coverage.

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives the State of the State Address during the opening day of the 2026 Florida legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

Hope Florida: Confirmed as agency heads by the Florida Senate were Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris and Taylor Hatch, who heads the Department of Children and Families. The pair figure in the Hope Florida Foundation scandal, in which now-Attorney General James Uthmeier helped redirect $10 million tied to a Medicaid settlement to political committees DeSantis used to help fight the 2024 marijuana ballot amendment he opposed. The pair were not confirmed last year by senators and wouldve been forced out of office if bypassed again. The Senate, though, has done little to probe DeSantis use of taxpayer dollars.

Losers

Gov. Ron DeSantis: The governor in his last regular session of the Legislature, had his toughest. His push for a ballot amendment that could cut property taxes for primary residents was approved by the House, but DeSantis and the Senate ignored it  wanting some kind of measure taken up at a later special session. Same with his congressional redistricting pitch. DeSantis also insisted on more regulations for data centers, that the House refused to advance, bowing to Trumps wishes that these facilities only be guided by federal law. The governors push to end vaccine mandates for kids also failed. DeSantis spending plans? No state budget yet means his wish list is still in limbo.

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House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senate President Ben Albritton: Floridas legislative leaders command Republican supermajorities. But for the second year in a row, the pair couldnt agree on most issues. Last years 60-day session took an extra 45 days to come up with a state budget. This year, who knows? The dysfunction and lack of agreement on a host of major issues suggests these two werent the right pair to lead. There was a lot of talk about making Florida more affordable. But there was little attention paid to that topic. Albritton became a DeSantis ally this spring, but even with a two-against-one fight, not much got done.

The Florida House of Representatives convenes for opening day of the legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

State Budget: Lawmakers must return soon to the Capitol to settle on a state budget for the year beginning July 1. The Florida Senate proposed a $115 billion budget; the House came in at a lower $113.6 billion, a difference of roughly $1.4 billion. There are dozens of spending differences that budget-writers failed to iron out in negotiations. For the second straight year, overtime is needed. Perez, the speaker, blamed fundamental disagreement between the two sides.

Public records access: The DeSantis years have seen his office and state agencies defy Floridas long-vaunted public records laws  ignoring requests from the public, lawmakers, the media and local governments. Legislation by Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, at odds with DeSantis over Hope Florida and more, would have given record-keepers three business days to hand over records or give a "good faith" estimate of how much longer they need. The Senate wouldnt go along.

Fixing voucher program: The states private school voucher program for all has been awash in financial mismanagement. State auditors found millions of dollars in overspending along with thousands of eligible students failing to receive state voucher money. A sponsor of a proposed overhaul said it would be legislative malpractice to ignore the problem. But the House did just that.

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Rural Renaissance: The priority of Albritton, the Senate president, failed to get through the House for the second year in a row. For many, its a sign of how ineffective Albritton is as a leader and just how petty Perez can be. The legislation, which cleared the Senate early this session, wouldve created an office dedicated to connecting local governments to state and federal resources. It also wouldve steered $144.8 million toward roads, education, housing, and health care. But that money remains in play since lawmakers will be returning to the Capitol to take another shot at crafting a budget.

Corporate taxpayers: Most Floridas Republican lawmakers worship Trump and theyre also devoted to helping corporations. But Trumps Big Beautiful Bill includes permanent corporate tax cuts that could shield Florida businesses from paying $3.5 billion in taxes, draining dollars from state coffers. Wary of losing state money, lawmakers rejected plans to do what they usually do and thats piggyback on the federal tax code. Instead, Florida is joining about a dozen other states which have decoupled from the federal tax code.

DeSantis AI Bill of Rights: While the governor got some of the regulations he wanted on data centers, a separate effort to restrict artificial intelligence went nowhere in the House. The measure included consumer protections like prohibiting minors becoming chatbot account holders without parental consent and barring AI companies from selling or disclosing users personal information.

E-Verify: In a Trump-fueled era of demonizing illegal immigrants, the Florida House pushed through a bill that wouldve required all businesses to verify the legal status of their employees using this federal database. The Senate never took it up, clearly wanting to help the agriculture and construction industries, who fear labor shortages and increased operating costs.

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Fetal personhood: For the third straight year, legislation that would have given parents the right to sue for damages for the wrongful death of an unborn child, failed to advance. Opponents warned, again, it could reduce health care access and increase medical malpractice insurance costs for doctors.

Medical freedom: DeSantis push to eliminate vaccine mandates for children attending school never was embraced by the Legislature. A medical freedom bill advanced through the Senate that would expand current vaccine exemptions to allow parents to opt-out their kids for conscience reasons. But it was a no-go in the House.

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives the State of the State Address during the opening day of the 2026 Florida legislative session on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

Wrongful death: An effort vetoed by DeSantis last year failed again in 2026 that wouldve changed Florida law which prevents parents and children over 25 from suing for non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases if the deceased was unmarried, over 25, and had no minor children.

Guns: For the fourth straight year, House Republicans pushed through legislation to lower the age to buy a rifle from 21 to 18, repealing a provision passed after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. DeSantis supported lowering the age. But it again was a no-sale in the Senate.

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Flamingo fails: A bill that flew through the House, replacing the mockingbird as Floridas official state bird with the American flamingo, fell to earth in the Senate. The mockingbird, in its official roost since 1927, will stay there.

Lawmakers gather for the traditional sine die hanky drop to signify the end of the Florida legislative session Monday, June 16, 2025.

Public Sector Unions: Organized labor suffered a significant blow with passage of SB 1296. The measure makes it more difficult for unions to recruit, communicate, and collect dues from members. And by requiring approval of 50% plus one of all workers in the bargaining unit, including those who do not vote to win a certification election, it fundamentally changes the rules for public sector union certification.

HOA changes: An effort to empower residents to fight back or even dissolve rogue homeowners associations sailed through the House but failed in the Senate. It wouldve created a new community association court system where disputes between HOAs and residents could play out. It also removed authority from a state agency, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which critics say has been largely useless under DeSantis.

Local planning hurt again: Cities and counties were hoping the Legislature would soften a developer-friendly law passed last year that prohibits planning changes considered more restrictive or burdensome than those already on the books. Its frozen planning efforts statewide, stopping everything from major comprehensive plan changes to limits on how many roosters a homeowner can house. But lawmakers failed to agree on a fix, and last years law stands.

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USA TODAY Network  Florida Capital Bureau staff members James Call, Stephany Matat and Jim Rosica contributed.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Winners and losers of the 2026 Florida legislative session
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature muscled through a sweeping elections bill Thursday designed to enact tough new proof of citizenship requirements modeled after the federal SAVE America Act championed by President Donald Trump.

But theres some big catches: The new proof of citizenship requirements wont take effect until next January, after the crucial midterm elections. Florida legislators also made no changes to the states excuse-free use of mail-in voting, despite Trumps continued call for strict limits.

GOP supporters of the bill in Trumps home state still hailed the new requirements as a way to rebuild trust and integrity in the states elections while also calling it Floridas version of the SAVE America Act.

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What is our tolerance for fraud and lack of integrity? said state Sen. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican and sponsor of the bill. Yes, we have safe elections in Florida, but they dont stay safe and secure if we dont pay attention to the large gaps that exist where we can address additional fraud.

Democrats and voting groups contend that the changes  which would apply to the 2028 presidential elections  could keep thousands of voters from the polls. Prominent Democratic elections lawyer Marc Elias was already suggesting online that his organization would challenge the measure.

This is really a dangerous road that we are going down, said state Sen. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat.

The measure headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis cleared the House Thursday evening on a 77-28 partisan vote, while the state Senate had it passed it 27-12 earlier in the day with one Republican voting against the bill.

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The legislation has been backed by DeSantis and his top elections official. In a social media post, DeSantis said Thursday that although Florida has already enacted much of what the federal legislation contemplates, this will further fortify our state as the leader in election integrity.

Its already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Florida, and in 2020, the prohibition was added to the state constitution. Florida  which has 13.3 million active registered voters  has found some examples of noncitizens voting.

In its 2025 report, the Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security said it had completed preliminary investigations into more than 835 people and found that 198 of those were likely noncitizens who had illegally registered or voted. The office said 170 of those individuals were referred to law enforcement.

The new legislation would add proof of citizenship requirements and increase the role of state agencies to confirm citizenship. Backers of the measure contend many Floridians would not be affected because roughly 99 percent of those with drivers licenses that are already compliant with REAL ID standards that require documentation such as birth certificates. Grall said the delay until 2027 would give local election supervisors and state agencies time to put the new requirements in place.

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Grall acknowledged that about 872,000 Floridians do not have identification that meets these standards. Critics of the measure, however, have raised questions about how the requirements would affect senior citizens who registered to vote decades earlier or women who have married and divorced and changed their names.

The measure goes beyond just boosting proof of citizenship requirements. The bill would block college students from being able to use their student photo IDs when voting in person. That provision would also not take effect until next year.

This bill is anti-American, said state Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, an Orlando Democrat. Its anti-Floridian. Its anti-senior citizen. Its anti-student. Its sexist.

The legislation also includes restrictions designed to crack down on party switchers, as well a new process that would make it clear that rival candidates could legally challenge whether someone met requirements to be on the ballot. That idea was championed by state Sen. Jason Pizzo, who has questioned whether GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will meet those requirements. Unlike some of the other restrictions, that portion of the bill would become effective the minute it is signed into law.

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Trump has recently ratcheted up pressure on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, and this week said it should be the Number 1 priority ahead of the midterms. He said that it will guarantee the midterms for Republicans.

As part of that pitch, Trump has again called for limits on voting by mail  a practice that was expanded in Florida after the 2000 presidential recount to any eligible voter who requests a mail-in ballot. Under DeSantis, the state did require voters to renew their requests after every general election and placed limits on who can gather mail-in ballots.

But the bill headed to the governor would not place any new curbs on the practice.

I think Florida has done a great deal to ensure integrity of our mail in process, Grall said when asked why Republicans had not made any changes to vote by mail.
FOND DU LAC  The Fond du Lac Reporter earned a pair of honors in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundations 2025 Better Newspaper Contest.

The newspaper, which competes in a division with daily newspapers in the state with a circulation of fewer than 9,999, earned a third place for Best Front Page (staff Naasha Dotiwala, Rebecca Markovitz, Anne Finch and Daniel Gonzalez) and third place for Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting.

Our impact: Journalists share 2025 impact  covering hunger & telling your stories

Reporter Daphne Lemke recognized for coverage of housing shortage

Daphne Lemke

The third-place award in Enterprise/Interpretive Reporting went to reporter Daphne Lemke for her coverage of housing in Fond du Lac County.

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Her articles included What is Fond du Lac doing to solve the affordable housing crisis for the middle class? and Fond du Lacs housing shortage is impacting seniors and those with low income the most.

Our People of the Year: Fond du Lac's 2025 People of the Year stepped up for community needs

About the 2025 Better Newspaper Contest

The 2025 Better Newspaper Contest received 2,493 entries from 103 newspapers. Eligible entries were published between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, and were judged by members of the Colorado Press Association.

Award recipients were revealed during the 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet on Friday, March 6, at The Madison Concourse Hotel in downtown Madison.

About The Reporter

Dating to its first issue published Aug. 22, 1870, the Reporter is one of Fond du Lac Countys oldest businesses. Today, the newspaper is part of USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin, which also includes daily newsrooms in Appleton, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is also part of the news group.

Contact Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac Reporter earns honors at Wisconsin newspaper awards
Foreign Office staff attended a party at the Iranian embassy to celebrate the Islamic revolution just weeks after the regime massacred thousands of its own people.

As smartly dressed guests, including UK civil servants, gathered at the London event, embassy officials hailed Irans remarkable accomplishments in spite of unjust Western sanctions. Video footage shows attendees standing in silence for a rendition of Irans national anthem.

On the same day as the event, Feb 12, the US-based group Human Rights Activists News Agency announced that at least 7,000 people had been killed in Iran, including 219 children. Anti-regime campaigners previously said up to 30,000 protesters may have been murdered.

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Reports had reached the West of injured protesters being killed in hospital by the regimes feared Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and people on the streets being shot in the head and neck at close range.

Demonstrators said the drains of Tehran ran crimson with the blood of the dead.

Back in London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, Irans ambassador to the UK, gave a speech praising the Iranian regime and attacking Western sanctions on Tehran.

Seyed Ali Mousavi, Irans ambassador to the UK, gave a speech at the party attacking Western sanctions on Tehran - Jordan Pettitt/PA

For nearly half a century, Iran has faced relentless pressure; from the eight-year imposed war and severe sanctions to acts of sabotage and terrorism, he said.

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Nevertheless, by relying on domestic capabilities, national cohesion and empowered human resources, it has achieved significant progress.

A video released by Iranian media showed guests mingling with regime officials just a fortnight before the outbreak of war between Iran, and the United States and Israel.

A large banner can be seen adorned with pictures of Ali Khamenei, the former Iranian supreme leader who was later killed by US-Israeli strikes, and Ruhollah Khomeini, his predecessor.

Attendees watched a film praising the revolution and the theocracy

Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said it was disgraceful for officials to celebrate the creation of a regime that had bathed the streets of cities across Iran in the blood of a generation of freedom fighters.

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She told The Telegraph: Its disgraceful that in the wake of the Iranian government slaughtering tens of thousands of its own citizens and making bellicose threats to the West, Foreign Office officials have been paying homage to the Islamic revolution in Iran.

Iran is the worlds leading sponsor of international terrorism. It has plotted terror attacks and assassinations on our own soil. And it has bathed the streets of cities across Iran in the blood of a generation of freedom fighters.

Its completely inappropriate for government officials to attend such an event amid this appalling violence. And it shows yet again that with Iran, just like with China, Labour have got their foreign policy priorities all wrong. Keir Starmer lacks the backbone to stand up for our country and our allies, and his weakness is an embarrassment to Britain.

The Foreign Office claimed its presence at the event was a normal part of diplomacy that helped protect the UKs interests in Iran  including the welfare of British nationals detained there.

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At the time of the embassy event, Donald Trump, the US president, was ramping up pressure on the Iranian regime to end the crackdown on protesters and curb its nuclear weapons programme.

Just five days earlier, Iran had warned it would target American bases in the Middle East if it were attacked by the US. Two weeks later, the two nations would be at war.

Theocratic regime

The attendance of Foreign Office staff at the embassy event, as well as unnamed representatives from the UK Parliament, was hailed by Iranian state media. It is not known how many government officials took part.

The Islamic revolution was a popular uprising that toppled the former Iranian monarchy in 1979, replacing the old, US-backed secular system with an anti-Western theocratic regime.

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It was a defining moment in Middle Eastern politics, acting as a catalyst for the Iran-Iraq war and fostering deep-set hostility towards the West.

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism. Its proxies of Hamas, operating in Gaza, and Hezbollah, which operates in southern Lebanon, are both proscribed in the UK.

The IRGC, established by the new republic in 1979, has routinely crushed political dissent in the country.

The Government is facing growing pressure to proscribe the militia.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: It is the job of the Foreign Office to maintain diplomatic relations with countries across the globe, and it is standard practice as part of that engagement for the UK to be represented at these kind of national day events.

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The event in question has been regularly attended by Foreign Office officials under successive governments since the Iranian embassy in London reopened in 2015.

Diplomatic engagement of this kind is a normal part of how we protect our interests and people overseas, including those UK nationals who are currently being detained in Iran.

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.
Haitian President Jovenel Moise died from a gunshot to the heart after his body had already been riddled with bullets during the brazen July 7, 2021, attack on his home, Haitis top forensic expert testified Thursday in Miami federal court.

Jean Armel Demorcy, Haitis only forensic pathologist who does autopsies, said he performed the autopsy on Moise after receiving the body three days after gunmen stormed the presidents home. He told jurors that he counted a dozen entry wounds, including one large wound that appeared to have been caused by two bullets piercing the body at nearly the same time.

There were also wounds in the forearm, wrist and head. Demorcy said he believes a shot to the heart proved fatal.

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When we did the dissection we followed the trajectory all the way to the exit, Demorcy said as federal prosecutors showed him multiple photographs of Moises bullet-riddled body. We discovered this trajectory went through the lungs, went through the heart and busted the heart.

That bullet, he said, exited through the presidents back. Another bullet, lodged in the head, appeared to have been fired after the president had already died.

Moise was shot at close range, Demorcy said, after describing one of the photos: The head is completely deformed, especially the forehead and the sinking in of the left eye and a wound, which is the exit of the bullet.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to prove that four South Florida men conspired to kill Moise by hiring former Colombian soldiers to execute the deadly attack more than four years ago at his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince.

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Demorcys testimony followed earlier testimony in the trial from Moises widow, Martine, their daughter, Jomarlie, and a Jackson Memorial Hospital orthopedic surgeon who treated Haitis former first lady after she was airlifted from Port-au-Prince to Broward County following the attack. While Martine Moise named several people as being responsible for her husbands assassination, their daughter testified that she didnt particularly know when asked by the defense if her father had a lot of enemies.

During the attack, she and her college-age brother were left in a downstairs bathroom with one of their dogs, she and her mother testified.

On Thursday, Dr. Steven Kalandiak testified that Martine Moise, who was assigned three different aliases upon arrival at Jackson, was hit by multiple bullets and suffered injury to her right arm that required four surgeries.

In addition to bullet fragments, some of which were found in her thigh, Kalandiak said surgeons also found pieces of wood, which were extremely uncommon after a gunshot.

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Pressed about the origins of the wood, he said he did not know. I think this is the only times Ive seen wood in a gunshot injury, he said.

Standing trial in Miami are Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, 53, a former FBI informant, Colombian national and U.S. permanent resident; Antonio Intriago, 62, the Venezuelan-American owner of a Doral security company that hired Pretel; James Solages, 40, a Haitian-American handyman who also worked for Intriago, and Walter Veintemilla, 57, an Ecuadorian American that prosecutors say helped finance the plan targeting Moise.

All four have been in custody in the Miami federal detention center since their arrests. A fifth defendant, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a Haiti-born doctor who prosecutors say wanted to be named president, will be tried at a later date due to health issues.

Prosecutors say the defendants helped recruit a group of Colombian commandos who killed Moise while he was in his bedroom. Defense attorneys argue that their clients were misled about the mission and were acting on an arrest warrant for the president issued by a Haitian investigative judge. They have put the blame on others in Haiti, including a former government official, Joseph Felix Badio, who is currently jailed in Haiti in connection with the assassination along with dozens of others.

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Central to the defense strategy is the autopsy report, which they described in opening statements as being a complete disaster, and part of the broken chain of custody of evidence in the high-profile case.

It is a complete mess and can only be attributed to either incompetence, intimidation or corruption, or perhaps some combination of all three, one of the defense attorneys said during opening statements on Tuesday.

During his testimony Demorcy, who will take the stand again on Friday, testified that the X-ray machine he normally used during autopsies was broken, and the government had to request the services of a private lab to do the X-rays of the presidents body.

Demorcy testified that although there were lots of bullet fragments observed in Moises body from the imaging, he confirmed that he extracted two bullets and two fragments.

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Pressed during cross-examination by defense attorney Orlando do Campo on why he did not extract others, including a bullet lodged in the presidents chest, the pathologist, who is known for sending complicated cases abroad and often steers clear of dissections, said: It would require a lot of dissection. There was no need for that.

Pressed further, he said it was not requested by Haitis chief prosecutor, Bedford Claude, at the time he ordered the autopsy.

Our mission was to determine the cause of death and to give a description of the wound, Demorcy said. We do not decide on our mission in an autopsy.
The video above aired July 24, 2024.

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH)  A Columbia woman and former Connecticut school employee was sentenced to 20 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut said.

Suspect charged in death of 11-year-old girl pleads not guilty

According to evidence and testimony, 44-year-old Alyson Cranick used Snapchat and Discord to coerce an 11-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her. Between July and October of 2022, Cranick exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the minor victim on Discord.

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During the summer and fall of that year, Cranick induced the minor victim to leave his house after midnight to meet up with her. Cranick sexually assaulted the victim during these meetings.

Cranick was arrested on related state charges on Nov. 14, 2023 and has been detained since Nov. 28, 2023. She was federally charged in July 2024 and pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity on Nov. 18, 2025.

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 WTNH.com.
(WHTM)  Former Gettysburg Borough Mayor Chad Alan-Carr has been arrested on multiple child sex offense charges less than two weeks after submitting his resignation, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

According to an online court docket, Carr was charged with two felony counts of Photograph/Film/Depict On Computer Sex Act-Child and one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors after allegedly exchanging inappropriate messages and video calls on Skype several times when the alleged victim was in high school more than a decade ago.

State Police say Carr was taken into custody by arrest by appointment on Friday morning. Carr was scheduled for a preliminary arraignment at 11 a.m. on Friday, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 20.

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Carr was taken to the Adams County Prison on Friday morning after not being able to post $100,000 bail. Carr resigned earlier this month, just weeks into his first term as mayor, due to what was described as a personal matter unrelated to borough business.

Prior to serving in borough government, Carr served with multiple local community and school organizations. Investigators say the allegations arose from information learned in the local theatre community.

Court documents show that the Pennsylvania State Police Gettysburg Station received a ChildLine report for a victim on February 24, 2026. The report alleged that Carr and the victim, who is now an adult, began communicating when the victim was a minor in the theatre community.

The investigation noted that Carr volunteered with Gettysburg High School musicals when the victim was a teenager and that the two worked together at Gettysburg Community Theatre.

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According to court documents, the report shows Carr treated the victim differently from other students during their sophomore and junior years of high school. The report claims he was very kind and gave the victim a lot of attention.

The two allegedly began communicating via Facebook Messenger and Skype after Carr asked them how to get in touch, court documents show.

Police said the conversations that occurred on Skype were allegedly sexual in nature and began when the victim was 16 or 17, between 2012 and 2013. Court documents show that the report stated the conversations turned into the sharing of explicit images and explicit calls.

According to court documents, Carr allegedly informed his campaign manager about the allegations over the phone and admitted to sharing inappropriate messages with the victim.

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Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett said Friday hes not aware of any illegal, physical contact in this case, and that there were other individuals who reported inappropriate conduct involving Carr that has not resulted in criminal charges at this time.

The Board of Directors of Gettysburg Community Theatre announced last week that Carr stepped down as their Executive Director, and an interim leader would be appointed.

We appreciate our communitys ongoing support during this transition and remain dedicated to offering high-quality theatre education and programming for the Gettysburg area, the theatre posted on social media.

Sinnett says he does not believe the theatre is criminally implicated in this investigation. He added that hes not aware of any other criminal charges in other states, and says Carr did not have a criminal history prior to this investigation.

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abc27 has reached out to the Gettysburg Area School District for comment on the investigation, but has not heard back at this time.

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Carr, a former borough council member, defeated incumbent Mayor Rita Frealing (D) in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary election by 43 votes. Frealing received enough write-in votes in the uncontested Republican primary and faced Carr in the November general election, losing to him by 185 votes.

Gettysburg Borough leaders formally accepted Carrs resignation earlier this week and are expected to review potential candidates to replace Carr later this month. Frealing has said she is interested in the position.

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State Police say they will continue to investigate Carr, and anyone with information on the investigation is asked to call State Police in Gettysburg at 717-334-8111 or PSP Tips at 800-472-8477.

Gettysburg, home of the Civil Wars bloodiest battle and the site of President Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address, had an estimated 8,647 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus July 2024 report.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available.

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 ABC27.
By Shivangi Acharya

NEW DELHI, March 12 (Reuters) - India is planning fresh incentives for local production of mobile phones after its flagship program for the burgeoning sector expires this month, two sources said, in a boost for global firms like Apple and Samsung.

The South Asian nation's intent to continue supporting the industry comes as it stands to lose tariff advantage over China for access to the United States, with President Donald Trump's fentanyl-related levy on Beijing invalidated in a court ruling.

Smartphone production is a key plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda to bolster domestic manufacturing. India aims to expand its electronics manufacturing to $500 billion by the fiscal year 2030.

The country produced nearly $60 billion worth of mobiles in the 2024-25 fiscal year, a 28-fold jump over a decade, government data shows. Mobile exports over the same period have risen to nearly in $21.70 billion, a 127-fold jump, making for India's most exported product in 2025.

New Delhi is considering linking the new incentives to exports to further push globally competitive production, an Indian official said. It is likely to cover investments from April this year, the official added.

Previously, industry leaders like Apple and Samsung leaned on the nation's production-linked incentive scheme, a nearly $21 billion program designed to rival China's factory might, that expires this month.

It helped Apple manufacture its most expensive and latest cellphone models in India, after having started with low-cost versions. Trump's high tariffs on China also encouraged some production shift.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has held consultations with the industry on designing the scheme, an industry executive aware of the talks said.

The ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

($1 = 92.1700 Indian rupees)

(Additional reporting by Munsif Vengattil; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested a hospital worker who is accused of luring children into having sex with him.

42-year-old Aaron Starbird is accused of meeting minors online for sex.

According to documents, as far back as 2024, Starbird was knowingly coercing and enticing minors.

On Sept 29, 2025, an OCSO undercover deputy posed as an underage boy on a dating app and started communicating with Starbird.

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Starbird believed the deputy was a 15-year-old boy and would send explicit files to the deputy.

OCSO conducted multiple search warrants after weeks of back and forth communication though multiple communication apps.

On Nov. 20, 2025, OCSO conducted a traffic stop on Starbirds vehicle and seized his cell phone.

Starbird was interviewed by deputies, where he told them that he tried to avoid interacting with juveniles and would stop communicating with them as soon as he found out their ages.

On Nov. 29, 2025, OCSO issued a report revealing portions of the conversation between Starbird and the undercover deputy, which included Starbird implying he had sexual activity with minors before.

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On Dec. 02, 2025, Starbird was arrested by OCSO and charged with ten counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child, one count of solicitation of a minor via a computer, and one count of obscene material transmit information harmful to minors.

On February 2, 2026, the state filed thirteen charges against Starbird, including ten counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child, 10 or more images, two counts of obscene material transmitting information harmful to minors, and one count of solicitation of a minor via a computer.

From Feb. 23, 2026 to March 2, 2026, agents reviewed a copy of the extraction of the device and tagged approximately 77 videos indicative of child pornography.

Agents said they were able to identify one of the child victims and interviewed them, where they explained how they met Starbird on an app. When asked to identify Starbird, the victim was able to point him out to agents.

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According to agents, the forensic review of Starbirds cellular device is still ongoing as they believe they there are at least 30 other victims.

Starbird was booked into the Seminole County Jail on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as he awaits his pre-trial conference hearing which is scheduled for June 9, 2026

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Kansas was once home to the first town in the entire country to be fully vaccinated against polio.

In 1957, the folks in the aptly named town of Protection  population roughly 500  lined up in droves, hoping to shield themselves and their families from a terrible disease that had killed and paralyzed generations of children.

Thanks to that communitys universal embrace of the polio vaccine  and the rest of the country mostly following suit  the disease is now a distant memory. But today, folks here in Kansas and across the country feel far more skepticism toward vaccines  and not just the COVID-19 shots, but even the routine childhood vaccinations against diseases such as polio. That hesitation is certainly understandable, particularly in the wake of the Biden administrations outrageous government overreach during the pandemic. Biden made multiple false claims overstating the vaccines effectiveness, attempted to mandate them for both public and private sector employees, and required toddlers in Head Start programs to wear masks, against advice from the World Health Organization.

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The administration refused to hear out Americans who had reasonable questions and instead demonized them if they resisted sweeping mandates. But itd be a mistake for Kansans to let our justified anger at the last administration alter our views of childhood vaccinations, which have a long track record of keeping kids safe. Just before scientists created the polio vaccine, the disease was paralyzing an average of 16,000 Americans and killing almost 1,900 per year. Now, that number is zero.

Prior to the creation of the measles vaccine, there were over 500,000 annual measles cases and 430 deaths, on average. In 2022, there were only 121 cases and zero deaths nationwide, thanks to the vaccine. Among children born between 1994 and 2023, childhood vaccinations for diseases such as polio and measles  along with diphtheria, hepatitis B, mumps and rotavirus  are on pace to save well over 1 million lives, prevent over 500 million cases of illness and prevent 32 million hospitalizations. And the science is only improving. Scientists have recently developed a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, which is a leading cause of infant mortality. Since that vaccine became available, RSV hospitalizations for newborns have dropped by as much as 70%. Some of the cutting-edge vaccine research is happening right in our backyard.

At the University of Kansas, researchers are working to develop a vaccine for Lyme disease.

The University of Kansas Medical Center is also testing a vaccine that could prevent colon cancer among high-risk populations, and a vaccine to slow or prevent Alzheimers in people with Down syndrome. But if were not careful, all these gains could be lost.

Measles cases in Kansas

Across the United States, childhood vaccination rates are declining.

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In Kansas, the share of kids whove gotten all their childhood immunizations has fallen by about 4 percentage points since 2019.

The measles immunization rate, for example, fell from about 95% in 2019 to 90% in 2023. That might not sound like a big drop  but its dangerous. Because measles is so infectious, outbreaks are possible when vaccination rates dip below a certain threshold. Were seeing the effects in real time. Measles is on the rise in the United States, with over 2,200 cases in 2025. Ninety-one of those cases were in Kansas, the sixth-highest case count in the nation. And unfortunately, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is undermining efforts to boost vaccination rates and keep kids healthy  a stance that puts him at odds not just with the overwhelming majority of Kansas parents, but also pits him against his boss. President Donald Trump has repeatedly encouraged parents to ensure their kids receive routine childhood shots.

The president recently noted that childhood vaccines just pure and simple work and worried that if vaccination rates continue to slide, some people are going to catch (preventable diseases), and they endanger other people. Despite Trumps support for childhood vaccinations, Kennedy recently made sweeping changes to a vaccine advisory panel.

And as many Republicans feared, hes trimmed down the recommended childhood vaccination schedule. This move could ultimately affect insurance coverage for certain shots, making it more difficult for families to get their children vaccinated and requiring them to pay out of pocket.

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Luckily, at least for now, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will stick to the previous, science-backed schedule. Its up to Kansas conservative leaders, especially ones like Sen. Roger Marshall  who is on the committee that oversees RFK Jr.s activities  to ensure the HHS secretary doesnt undermine President Trumps agenda and endanger kids.

Kansas previously led the nation in eradicating preventable childhood diseases, and with the right leadership and right policies, we can do so again.

Alan Cobb, a native Kansan, was the president and CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce from 2017 to 2025. He also served as senior adviser and national director of coalitions for the 2016 Trump for President campaign and on the Trump presidential transition team.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada  A former county commissioner in Nevada has been indicted by a federal grand jury on allegations that he fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief funds intended to help struggling businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Leonardo F. Blundo, who previously served as a Nye County commissioner, is accused of submitting false applications to several federal programs created to support businesses during the pandemic. Authorities accuse him of securing more than $500,000 in government assistance tied with a restaurant he owned in Pahrump, Nevada.

According to accusations outlined in federal court documents, Blundo operated Carmelos Bistro and applied for funding through programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Investigators said the applications were submitted between March 2020 and September 2021 and included requests through the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

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Prosecutors accuse Blundo of overstating the restaurants revenue, payroll and number of employees when applying for the loans and grant money. Authorities also claimed he submitted documents that contained false information to support those claims. Federal investigators said the applications resulted in two PPP loans, two EIDL loans and a grant, totaling more than half a million dollars.

A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment charging Blundo with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, the DOJ said.

Blundo is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Tuesday, March 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. If convicted on all counts, he could face a statutory maximum of 120 years in federal prison and significant financial penalties.

Read the original article on cleveland.com. Add cleveland.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In the second day of testimony in Fort Bend County Judge KP George's felony trial, a campaign consultant testified about the financial activity she says she witnessed during his re-election.

CAMPAIGN CONSULTANT EXPLAINS WHAT SHE SAW DURING JUDGE GEORGE'S RE-ELECTION

During Friday's testimony in George's trial, Pat Strong took the stand. She runs Strong Strategies.

Strong said she primarily works with Democrats to help their campaigns with fundraising and handling financial reports. She talked about the importance of how campaign funds are used.

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"It's campaign money, not their money," Strong explained. Strong said George's campaign hired her in April 2021.

She said the campaign wasn't sure how much money it had on hand. To keep records in order, Strong said she wanted to take over.

However, once she was hired, she said no one in the campaign would share the account information, or provide bank statements. "How did it make you feel?" a prosecutor asked. "I was frustrated," Strong recalled.

Strong said she decided to open a new campaign bank account. George, she recalled, made a deposit into the new account from the old campaign account.

When she asked for documents tied to the money, so she could complete a campaign finance report, Strong said George sent a one-page paper showing what was spent, and how much money was on hand.

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"Did that strike you as strange?" the prosecutor asked. "Yes," Strong said. "Why?" asked the prosecutor. "It appeared to be really simple," Strong responded.

After about an hour, George's defense attorney, Jared Woodfill, asked questions. He focused on whether candidates are allowed to give themselves loans, and repay them.

Strong said candidates are legally allowed to do it. She was more unsure if candidates are allowed to pay themselves back if they run for a different race.

"I don't know," Strong said. "I'd have to call someone and ask." Woodfill also questioned her if George's indictment impacted his 2026 campaign.

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She told jurors that she declined hosting a fundraising event for him because she couldn't raise him any money.

AFTER WATCHING ABC13'S COVERAGE, THE WITNESS DUG DEEPER INTO GEORGE'S CAMPAIGNS

On Thursday, ABC13 reported how Woodfill questioned a district attorney investigator about George's prior campaigns. The defense insists George loaned himself money when he ran for county treasurer in 2009, U.S. Congress in 2012, and Fort Bend ISD trustee.

SEE ALSO: Opening statements in Fort Bend County Judge KP George's trial focus on $46,500 campaign funds

Strong said after watching the coverage, she decided to look up George's congressional campaign report. She said she saw George loaned his campaign $19,400.

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She said she didn't see the reports from the other campaigns. The trial is centered around the prosecutions claim that George transferred $46,500 in 2019 from his campaign account to his personal savings account.

They said he used the money to pay for HOA dues, taxes he owned in Fort Bend County and Brazoria County, and a down payment on a new home. Prosecutors said George had repaid himself in the past, and marked it on financial reports.

They said George didn't mark the 2019 transfers on his campaign finance report.

George's attorneys asked DA investigator, John Bohannon on Thursday if he had looked at George's prior campaigns for how much money he loaned himself. The investigator said he did not.

TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXPLAINS WHAT CANDIDATES CAN DO

The final witness called to the stand on Friday was Texas Ethics Commission executive director, James Tinley. He was questioned about how candidates file campaign finance reports.

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He told jurors that there were issues with the forms George filed in 2019, and he would've had questions for him if it was brought to the TEC. When asked if the TEC did investigate George, or received a complaint, Tinley said complaints remain unknown until they reach a certain level in the investigation. He added there are no public investigations into George by the TEC.

Tinley said looking at George's county judge campaign finance reports, it appears he said George knew how to disclose giving the campaign a personal loan, and how to repay it. Something he said was shown in the 2019 report, which showed George repaid a $3,000 personal loan.

However, he said there's nothing showing a repayment of $46,500 on the documents. An amount prosecutors said George transferred from his campaign account to a personal account.

Woodfill asked Tinley if he was aware of George's prior campaigns, and if he saw those campaign finance reports.

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Tinley said he did not. The TEC executive director told jurors that candidates are allowed to repay themselves from previous campaigns, and they don't have to show the outstanding loan during new campaign reports.

However, he added that if a candidate does make a repayment, it must be documented.

'FEELING GOOD': GEORGE REMAINS OPTIMISTIC

As George walked into the courtroom on Friday, ABC13's Nick Natario asked him how he's feeling. George said, "I'm feeling good, man. Absolutely good."

He may not have to wait much longer for the jury to get the case. Prosecutors said they have one more witness to call to the stand.

They anticipate wrapping up their case on Monday. As for George's team, Woodfill told ABC13 they might call three witnesses. Previously, they've talked about calling County Commissioner Dexter McCoy and George's former chief of staff, Taral Patel.

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As for George, Woodfill said he doesn't know yet if he'll take the stand in his own defense.

His team told ABC13 on Tuesday that it'll depend on how the trial goes. George faces 10 years behind bars if convicted.

While a jury will decide his fate, they wouldn't pick the punishment. George elected to have the trial judge do that.

For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram.
As the war in Iran enters its second week, Pentagon officials have confirmed that soldiers from Fort Bragg were involved in Operation Epic Fury, which included the first precision missile strikes on Iranian targets.

Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said, "Yesterday, I had the incredible honor and privilege of speaking with some of our young soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The unit and the crew that fired the first precision strike missiles."

While the conflict unfolds overseas, it is stirring deep emotions for veterans and military families here at home. For many in Cumberland County, the military is not just a presence; it's woven into daily life.

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Toni Forte, a 36-year veteran and chapter service officer with Disabled American Veterans, says news of the strikes brings back familiar concerns for those who once wore the uniform.

ALSO SEE | Fayetteville tactical gear shops see sales surge amid Iran conflict

"There's fear that what's happening in the Middle East may continue on longer than expected," Forte said. "Folks are concerned about what happens if someone's injured and there is a disability involved."

Forte emphasizes the importance of preparation for military families who may suddenly find themselves navigating the unknown.

"We can prepare them for what needs to be on file, and that's something that any military family really ought to be looking at, is a contingency file of what is the worst case scenario," she said.

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Local schools are also playing a key role in supporting students from military families. Dr. Natasha Scott, Executive Director of Student Services for Cumberland County Schools, said, "In Cumberland County Schools, we also have a military family and youth liaison. They help us to stay informed about resources and things that are happening, online policies, family concerns, and trends that are happening."

About 29% of students at Jack Britt High School and at Gray's Creek Elementary come from military-connected families.

"We have what are called 'MFLCs,' which are counselors specifically aimed at supporting military family life. These counselors, social workers, and psychologists are provided to our schools by the installation and are placed in our schools that have the highest percentage of military-connected students," Scott said.

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School leaders say moments like this can bring uncertainty for kids, especially when world events affect military families. But they also note that school can be a refuge.

"School is a place that can be stability," Scott said. "It's nice for students when parts of your life can feel unsure as a result of a deployment, and that parent is not there. For school staff, we can provide a sense of stability."
The Fort Smith Board of Education voted Wednesday to terminate the contract of a band director who worked at both Chaffin Middle School and Southside High School following an investigation into alleged inappropriate contact with a student.

The board took the action during a special meeting on March 11.

The decision came two days after the Fort Smith Police Departments Special Investigations Unit received information regarding James Palmer, a band teacher in the Fort Smith Public Schools district, who may have had inappropriate contact with a student.

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Following a joint investigation by the Fort Smith Police Department, the Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department and the Sebastian County Prosecutors Office, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Palmer on a charge of sexual assault in the second degree.

Palmer, 40, was taken into custody March 12 and transported to the Sebastian County Detention Center, where he was booked on the charge. He later posted a $150,000 bond and was released. His next court date is scheduled for March 18.

There is nothing more important than the safety of all students, and we take every allegation of inappropriate behavior seriously, the school district said in a statement. We thoroughly investigate all allegations and determine next steps based on the results of the investigation.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Fort Smith schools fire band director after police investigation
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - All six crew members aboard a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are confirmed to have been killed, the U.S. military said on Friday.

The refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, in an incident the military said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

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The deaths add to the seven U.S. service members who have already been killed as part of U.S. operations against Iran which began on February 28.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," a statement from U.S. Central Command said.

Speaking with reporters at the Pentagon on Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said operations against Iran would continue.

"War is hell. War is chaos, and as we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen," Hegseth said.

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A U.S. official told Reuters that the second aircraft involved in the crash, which landed safely, was also a military refueling aircraft known as the KC-135.

The United States has deployed a large number of aircraft into the Middle East to take part in operations against Iran. The incident highlights the risk of not just operations but also of refueling aircraft in the air.

The KC-135, built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, has served as the backbone of the U.S. military's air refueling fleet and is critical to allowing aircraft to carry out missions without having to land.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the U.S. military refueling aircraft.

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Reuters reported on Tuesday that as many as 150 U.S. troops have been wounded in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The crash happened the same day two U.S. sailors were injured after the USS Gerald Ford suffered a non-combat-related fire on board.

The first seven U.S. troops were killed when a drone slammed into a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait and in another attack in Saudi Arabia.

President Donald Trump and other senior officials have warned the Iran conflict will result in more U.S. military deaths as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli strikes.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Toby Chopra, Chizu Nomiyama and Ros Russell)
Investing.com -- S&P 500 futures spiked briefly and crude oil prices ticked lower Friday morning following a Financial Times report that France and Italy have opened talks with Iran seeking to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The discussions aim to negotiate a deal guaranteeing safe passage for European ships through the strait, according to people briefed on the efforts, in a bid to restart energy shipments from the Gulf. About a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows through the narrow chokepoint.

Shipments through the strait have become negligible after Iranian attacks on tankers and a vow from Irans new supreme leader to keep it closed. European capitals have opened tentative discussions attempting to restart oil and gas exports without expanding the conflict, three officials briefed on the talks told the FT.

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France is one of the countries involved in the talks, two officials said, while Italy has also made attempts to open discussions with Tehran on the issue. However, there is no guarantee the talks would progress or that Iran is willing to negotiate, two officials stressed.

European governments are concerned about any sustained blockage of the strait driving up energy costs for businesses and households. Oil prices have risen to about $100 a barrel from near $60 a barrel at the beginning of the year, while European natural gas prices have risen 75% over the same period.

Italy, France and Greece have warships in the Red Sea as part of the EUs Aspides naval protection mission. However, no European navies are prepared to escort ships through Hormuz if there is a risk of attack, officials said, for fear of escalating the war.

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France, Italy open talks with Iran over Strait of Hormuz passage

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It's not just oil.

The near-standstill in the Strait of Hormuz is raising fears of a price surge for commodities used in everything from farming to semiconductor manufacturing.

Earlier this month, Qatar shut down one of the world's largest energy hubs due to drone attacks. That halted production of liquefied natural gas and helium, a byproduct of natural gas extraction. The disruption accounts for about one-third of the global helium supply, according to Bloomberg estimates.

Helium has essential uses, including in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and welding, as well as electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, which consumes a large portion of the world's supply. It's crucial for rapidly cooling chips during fabrication to prevent overheating and defects.

While the US produces large amounts of the helium it consumes, Asian countries import most of theirs. Taiwan produces over 60% of the world's chips, including 90% of the most advanced ones, with Japan and South Korea also major semiconductor centers.

"We know that TSMC and Hynix are highly dependent on flows from Qatar (perhaps to the extent of 4050%, if not slightly more), meaning they may have to rely on reserves in the coming months," wrote economist Andreas Steno Larsen, founder of Steno Research.

"This could potentially turn into a bottleneck for the entire AI story," he added.

Some market insiders note helium spot prices have risen by as much as 50%. However, those increases don't apply to existing contracts, which dominate the industry.

"It's lagged because the supply chain is quite long," Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, told Yahoo Finance on Friday. A cargo ship takes "a few weeks to get where it's going, and so there's no immediate deficit until it doesn't show up where it was supposed to show up."

"If the hostilities continue [and] the Strait of Hormuz stays closed for six months or a year, this is a really big deal then," he said.

On Friday, US helium manufacturer Linde's (LIN) stock rose after JPMorgan upgraded the shares to Overweight from Neutral and raised its price target to $525 from $455, citing a globally tightened helium supply and higher commodity prices.

Air Products and Chemicals (APD) stock also gained more than 2% after Wells Fargo analysts raised their recommendation to Overweight from Equal Weight, with a price target increase to $325 from $270.

The Strait of Hormuz impasse has also sent fertilizer prices soaring.

"We've seen the price of urea, which is an important nitrogen fertilizer, go up somewhere between 30 to 50% since the start of the conflict in Iran. That's a real problem for farmers," said Blake Hurst, former president of the Missouri Farm Bureau.
It's been two weeks since the war in Iran began.

Majid Saeedi / Getty Images

The New York Times reports that more than 1800 people have been killed.

Sasan / Getty Images

Related: "Who's Gonna Tell Him": This Fox News Host Tried To Drag Gavin Newsom, And It Backfired In The Funniest Way

Frederic J. Brown / Getty Images

And there are no signs of it ending with Trump telling Fox News he knows it will be over when he feels "it in my bones."

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

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Related: People Just Noticed What Trump's FBI Director Secretly Wrote On A Note To Himself During A Hearing, And They Can't Stop Laughing

Meanwhile, Trump is at home holding rallies with Jake Paul.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

You can watch the video here.

Related: Erika Kirk Was Asked If She Plans To Endorse JD Vance For President In 2028, And Things Got A Little...Awkward

As you can see, Trump is dancing to the "Y.M.C.A." at a rally in Kentucky on the right, while the left shows oil tankers on fire in Iran:

The replies have people calling the US a "global laughing stock."

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"A President of the USA dances while people are dying and the world is watching," another person wrote.

Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words

Annnd finally, this person summed it up: "Everything you need to know about MAGA and America in early 2026."

Thoughts???

You Might Like: 34 Things That'll Make Your Future Self Say "Thank Goodness I Bought These In March"

You Might Like: No, Its Not Photoshop, These 39 Beauty Products Are Just *That* Good

Also in In the News: JD Vance Made A Really Gross Joke Involving His Own Penis, And Usha Vance's Face Has Me On The Floor

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
A French soldier was killed in an attack that targeted Irbil in Iraqs northern Kurdish region, President Emmanuel Macron said Friday on the social platform X.

Macron identified the soldier as Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces.

To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the nation, Macron said. Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France stands by their side and with their loved ones.

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France said earlier that six soldiers were hurt in a drone attack in Irbil.

French troops are in Iraq as part of a multinational counterterrorism mission supporting local forces in their fight against Islamic State militants.
Over the past few months, we've covered a string of home break-ins in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. So who's behind the crime, how do you best protect your home, and are break-ins actually surging?

Those are all questions our 7 On Your Side Investigates team had. And we got answers.

Even though some neighborhoods have been hit hard, the numbers show burglaries are actually trending down.

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In LAPD's Valley Division, police data shows there have been 504 burglaries and break-ins so far this year. That sounds like a lot, but that is down more than 40% from where that number stood this time last year.

Across Los Angeles, there have been 1,437 burglaries and break-ins year-to-date. For the same time period in 2025, there were just over 2,100.

That's the good news. The bad news is there are still hundreds of homeowners being victimized.

And police say savvy South American and local gangs are behind many of these break-ins.

"Nine times out of 10, if somebody does come into your house, they're going straight to the primary bedroom," said David Ellis with Superior Alarm Systems.

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Ellis says that's because thieves are going after high-end purses, jewelry and cash.

We tagged along with him as he did a security assessment on this home. He immediately spotted a visible cord to one of the security cameras.

"You reach up, you cut the wire, and the camera's dead," Ellis said as he pointed to the cord.

Ellis says today's thieves are also knocking Wi-Fi connected cameras offline with illegal Wi-Fi jammers. Starting at a few hundred bucks, you can now get devices that detect those Wi-Fi jammers.

They are equipped with antennas that can pick up the flood of radio signals that Wi-Fi jammers release.

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Ellis says more expensive cameras hardwired to the internet with vandal-resistant domes are best, but more affordable Wi-Fi cameras are better than none.

He suggests mounting them eight to ten feet off the ground.

"It's a sweet spot," said Ellis. "It's hard to get to to vandalize, but it's low enough that you can still get a profile."

If you can financially swing it, Ellis says make sure every square inch of your property is always covered by a camera.

That means what one camera captures is going to overlay what another one captures so there are no blind spots.

"If I'm a suspect, I want to avoid detection," said LAPD Captain Mike Bland. "I want to operate in shadows."

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So LAPD Captain Mike Bland says getting a family dog with a loud bark is a highly-effective deterrent. And so is clear signage advertising an alarm system.

"Even if I can't afford an alarm, maybe just posting it might help," said Captain Bland.

Police say crime rings are targeting higher-end homes right now close to highways so thieves can get in and out fast.

"Put away screwdrivers, shovels, and tools that are going to give the suspect the ability to break into your home," advised Bland.

"If you have a safe inside the house, make sure that's secured to the to the floor so people can't just pick it up and take it away," added Lieutenant Joseph Morales with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.

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Security experts say most burglars break in through ground floor windows and sliding glass doors, so consider installing a special plastic film that makes it much tougher for a thief to shatter the glass.

It's also a good idea to keep a list of serial numbers for any expensive item you have. That could help police track it if it is stolen.

Also, don't forget banks still have safe deposit boxes.

Your items and cash may be safer there than in your bedroom.

And consider landscaping your property with thorny bushes. They are a great organic defense system.




An ROTC instructor killed in a shooting on the Old Dominion University campus has been identified as a University of Georgia graduate.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was teaching ROTC course when a gunman walked in and opened fire inside his classroom, Action News Jaxs Atlanta station WSB-TV is reporting. Shah died and two other university members were injured in the attack.

The FBI says its investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.

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Shah was a veteran Army aviator and a professor of military science in the ROTC program at ODU, where he also completed his bachelors degree, according to his biography on the university website.

Shah received his Masters in Business Administration from UGAs Terry College of Business, which named him a Terry Trailblazer in 2022.

The FBI identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guardsman who was convicted of giving material support to ISIS.

Read: Old Dominion shooter convicted of Islamic State ties released from prison just 2 years before attack

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Germany should consider allowing fracking to bring down energy prices and reduce dependencies highlighted by the war in Iran, according to a group of advisers to Economy Minister Katherina Reiche.

In a brief report released on Friday, the four economists take stock of the impact of the US-Israeli campaign in the Middle East on Europe and issue recommendations for a potential response, including to the shock to the oil market.

"One option would be to allow gas extraction, for example through fracking, and to seriously consider reducing dependence on foreign suppliers," they wrote.

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Such a step would also send a signal to domestic industry that the government is committed to security of supply, wrote economist Veronika Grimm, who is also a member of the official Council of Economic Experts that advises the German government.

Fracking refers to a technique of extracting natural gas and oil from deep underground rock formations by injecting a fluid, for example water, at high pressure to fracture the rock and allow the fossil fuel to escape.

Fracking has been banned in Germany since 2017 due to its environmental risks, with the country's environment agency highlighting a potential chemical contamination of groundwater.

But Reiche's economic advisers argue that the risks of fracking can be significantly minimized, citing a parliamentary commission of experts.

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German soil contains between 320 billion and 2,030 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas, according to the report, citing further experts.

Meanwhile, the country imported around 11 bcm of liquefied natural gas from the US last year, it said.
Germany and Norway are planning to intensify cooperation to help make European space travel more independent, the two countries' leaders affirmed during a visit by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday.

"We have relied on other launch systems and other nations in the world for far too long," Merz said during a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre on a visit to the Norwegian spaceport on the island of Andya, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

"Now is Europe's moment."

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The two leaders announced the formation of a strategic working group consisting of government and industry representatives to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.

"The group will work on proposals for specific projects, with timetables and possible links to the EU and NATO frameworks," Stre said.

The Norwegian leader stressed that space exploration is an increasingly important field in which the two countries complement one another.

"Germany has a broad industrial base  and here in Norway we have the technology, established research fields and a unique strategic geographical location," he said.

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Merz arrived in Norway on Thursday for a two-day visit, including to the Andya Spaceport in Andenes, from where more than 700 research rockets and balloons have been launched since 1962.

In the coming days, the Spectrum rocket, which is designed by German startup company Isar Aerospace to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, is due to undergo testing there.
A lawyer representing Ghanas former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said his client is pursuing permanent US residency rather than returning to his home country, where he fears he would not be tried fairly on corruption charges.

Ofori-Atta is being held in an ICE detention facility in Virginia after his arrest by US immigration officials in January for overstaying on a visa.

Enayat Qasimi told Semafor his client has a pathway to residency that he would pursue. He claimed there were serious questions about the independence of the Ghanaian judiciary and said that Ofori-Atta had been subjected to a political witch hunt that meant he was unlikely to receive a fair trial over alleged financial impropriety while in office, from 2017 to 2024. The office of Ghanas attorney general declined to comment. Ghana has issued an extradition request for Ofori-Attas return, which US officials told Semafor had been received.

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Ghana was gripped by the worst economic crisis in a generation under Ofori-Attas tenure, during the final years of the administration led by his cousin former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The pursuit of Ofori-Atta over alleged financial impropriety has become emblematic of the vow by President John Dramani Mahama, who came last year, to tackle corruption.
President Donald Trump is escalating his administrations de facto war on Latin American drug cartels.

New anti-drug trafficking operations are underway in Ecuador and critics worry that the administrations strategy and tactics may worsen a decades-old conflict.

At the first Shield of the Americas summit earlier this month, Trump urged leaders from select South American and Caribbean countries to take action against what he called an unacceptable threat posed by cartels and international gangs.

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The only way to defeat these enemies is by unleashing the power of our militaries, Trump said. We have to use our military. You have to use your military.

At the summit, Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller similarly advocated for using hard power against cartels.

Cartels that operate in this hemisphere are the ISIS and al-Qaida of this hemisphere, Miller said.

A U.S.-Ecuadorian operation against a narco-terrorist supply complex was conducted the day prior, which was called successful by the Pentagon.

At the request of Ecuador, the Department of War executed targeted action to advance our shared objective of dismantling narco-terrorist networks, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X. Narco-terrorist networks will not find refuge in our hemisphere.

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Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said the raid was only the beginning.

The Trump administration has previously conducted similar operations on suspected narco-terrorists. 157 people have been killed in strikes on boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific that the administration believed were carrying drugs.

Sanho Tree, the director of the Drug Policy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, thinks Trumps approach is highly flawed. He told Salon that equating drug traffickers with terrorists is meant to stigmatize and terrify people.

Its there to impose a one-size-fits-all, highly kinetic solution: blow things up. It unfortunately takes two very complicated problems that have different roots and tries to combine them with a one-size-fits-all solution that makes both phenomena worse, he said.

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Tree said there are notable differences between terrorists and cartel members and that conflating the two is intentionally confusing. He added that combating the drug shipments without addressing the root causes of drug use in the United States was a losing battle.

Tree explained that drug cartels are Darwinian, saying they evolve over time to negate the tactics used against them. Attacking the cartels directly only makes them more efficient. Tree pointed to a 2010 report from the Department of Homeland Security, which found that targeting cartel kingpins does not negatively affect the flow of drugs into the country.

We spent probably about $2 trillion in my lifetime by now on this drug war, and the drugs are winning, he said. Its only the policies of prohibition that make this beast churn, decade after decade, and it only gets bigger and more powerful.

Tree criticized what he saw as a lack of an overall plan from the Trump administration and worried that a war on drugs in Latin America would turn into another endless foreign entanglement. He called the operations in Ecuador a giant mess with no exit strategy.

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At what point do you declare a victory and come home? he said. Is it when youve wiped out 50% of the drugs? Does it have to be 100%? Youll never get to 100%.

Start your day with essential news from Salon.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Daniel Norona, the Americas Advocacy director for Amnesty International USA,, agreed.

These types of actions have already been tried by not only the US government, but many governments across the region for decades and years, he told Salon.

In addition to the risk of a foreign boondoggle, Norona the increasingly authoritarian Noboa could use a drug crackdown to attack dissenters. He warned of human rights abuses against the most vulnerable Ecuadorians.

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What you will see is that the general policy is shoot first, ask questions later, Norona said, pointing to a 2025 report from Amnesty International on dozens of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in Ecuador that was tied to an increase in militarized law enforcement.

If you want to tackle the issue, you have to tackle the issue from the root, and the root, basically, is inequality, Norona said, calling for the need for more social programs, wealth redistribution, and a comprehensive criminal policy from the government.

The Department of Defense did not respond to Salons request for comment on the strategy in Ecuador.

The post A giant mess: Trumps war in Ecuador wont slow the flow of drugs into the US appeared first on Salon.com.
By Ed White

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, March 13 (Reuters) - Farmers in the U.S. and Canada, who were already worried about prospects for another year of low profits or losses, now could have spring planting disrupted as they struggle to find fertilizer, and prices for any available supplies have spiked more than a third since the war in Iran paralyzed global trade.

The U.S., which in some years imports half of its urea fertilizer, is about 25% short of the usual supplies that farmers buy for spring planting, according to The Fertilizer Institute, which represents the U.S. fertilizer supply chain.

Supplies could grow still scarcer if fertilizer destined for the U.S. gets rerouted to other places willing to pay more for it, an analyst said.

Josh Linville, a fertilizer market analyst at StoneX, said the price offered in New Orleans, the port area where most offshore U.S. imports enter and prices are set, is as much as $119 less per metric ton than global prices.

"Not only am I worried about incoming vessels being turned around to other, better-paying destinations, there's an argument to be made, if somebody was willing to go and buy up (supply on) barges, to load them onto a vessel and export it," Linville said.

Farmers who do significant springtime fertilizer application and have not already purchased their supplies are finding retail centers empty, or stocked with supplies sold at such a premium that it's unaffordable for some.

"It sends shivers down your spine," said Saskatchewan, Canada farmer David Altrogge, whose broker told him that a local fertilizer dealer had stopped offering prices for fertilizer due to the shortage.

He bought his urea in December, but if he bought it today it would cost C$44,000 ($32,069.97) more. Some farmers in his area now face that price hike or may not even be able to buy any, he said.

The Iran war has cut off critical nitrogen fertilizer supplies from the Persian Gulf to the world's farmers. More than 30% of world nitrogen fertilizer exports, as well as fertilizer components like sulfur, pass through the now effectively closed Strait of Hormuz.

Unlike China, most countries do not hold strategic reserves of fertilizer, and much of the U.S. fertilizer dealer system does not hold stocks, leaving it vulnerable to sudden supply shortages.

"It's not like there's a whole lot of fertilizer sitting on the shelf," said Veronica Nigh, an economist at The Fertilizer Institute. "It's very much a just-in-time business model."

The length of time that the Strait of Hormuz is closed is critical. Fertilizer loaded onto ships in the gulf can take weeks to reach markets like the U.S., and then must be transferred to river barges, trucks or trains to reach farmland. Most fertilizer needs to be applied before the crop starts growing, so any supplies arriving too late cannot be used for the 2026 crop.
In a United States War Department-issued Line of Position notebook, Capt. Robert A. Lewis begins like many service member letters, with a Dear Mom + Dad. But this log, dated Aug. 6, 1945, is unlike any other entry from World War II.

Lewis, the co-pilot of the B-29 Enola Gay, was en route to Japan from the Pacific island of Tinian when he began recording. Now, his account, written during and in the immediate aftermath of dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, is for sale.

His blow by blow description, which includes his famous reaction: My God what have we done, has just been put up for sale by Dan Whitmore, a rare book dealer in Pasadena, California, the Washington Post was first to report.

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The price: $950,000.

This will be the fifth time that Lewis record has appeared at auction: the first being sold for $37,000 by Sothebys in 1971. Lewis, present for the auction, reportedly said that he believed that the account was of great historical importance, adding that he didnt know what else to do with it.

It sold once again for $85,000 at Sothebys in 1978; $391,000 at Christies in 2002 (as part of the Malcolm Forbes sale); and $543,000 at Heritage in 2022, according to Whitmore.

(Whitmore Rare Books)

The eight-page account was made at the behest of William L. Laurence, a science writer for the New York Times, who received a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on what he coined as the Atomic Age.

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As the official historian of the Manhattan Project, Laurence was the only journalist to witness the Trinity test and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. He was supposed to journey alongside Enola Gays crew but arrived too late at the bombers base on Tinian.

Over the course of the 12-hour flight from Tinian to Hiroshima and back again, Lewis recorded both what he saw  including a sketch of the mushroom cloud over the city  and what he felt  apprehension, confusion, shock, awe  as he and his crew entered history, according to the rare book dealer.

Much of Lewis writing occurred in near-total darkness, and as he notes, halfway through, he ran out of ink and finished his account in pencil.

Leaving the Pacific island at 2:25 a.m., Lewis recorded at 7:30 a.m. that we are loaded, the bomb is now alive and its a funny feeling knowing its right in back of you. Knock wood. We started out climb to 30,000ftwell folks its not long now.

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As the B-29 approached the city, Lewis wrote: There will be a short intermission while we bomb our target.

At 8:15 a.m., the Enola Gay dropped the bomb.

Little Boy fell harmlessly for roughly 45 seconds before detonating, instantly killing 70,000 people in the initial blast. At least 100,000 deaths directly resulted from the attacks. A minimum of another 100,000 people also died from illnesses caused by radiation exposure in the weeks, months and decades that followed, according to the National Archives.

In that moment, Lewis wrote:

We [Bob Caron our tail gunner] got excellent pictures and everyone on the shop is actually crossed out dumbstruck even though we had expected something fierce, it was the actual sight that we saw that caused the crew to feel that they were a part of Buck Rogers 25 century warriors. This essay on the bombing results could go on indefinitely by telling how huge it grew, even after an hour [and half.] [400] miles from the target, then the billow of smoke reached [5500] ft and contained very weird colors. But perhaps the Japs that are left can save me the trouble and let us know. We then headed ho[m]e on 150 and [our ship] sure had a happy [but puzzled crew]. Mission home was as briefed weather the same everyone got a few cat naps.

Lewis, perhaps more reflective, later recorded in the days after the attack, I am certain the entire crew felt this experience was more than anyone human had ever thought possible. It just seems impossible to comprehend. Just how many did we kill? I honestly have the feeling of groping for words to explain this  My God what have we done. If I live a hundred years Ill never quite get these few minutes out of my mind.

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That later recollection was taped into place by Lewis shortly after the bombing. The yellowed tape, according to Whitmore, is still there.

In August 1945, Lewis was a confident, rambunctious 27-year-old with a reputation as a skilled pilot and determined ladies man. But the events of that summer day left him haunted.

In his later years, Lewis took to sculpture as a form of healing.

His piece  a mushroom cloud with streams of blood flowing down the side  was later given to Dr. Glenn Van Warrebey, an American psychiatrist who treated Lewis, seemingly for post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to the Washington Post, Whitmore has plans to exhibit the notebook at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, which begins April 30.

While there are two firsthand accounts of the Hiroshima bombing by the Enola Gay crew  the other being Theodore Dutch Van Kirks navigators log  only Lewis contains a uniquely emotional commentary of the days historic events.
With the nation experiencing a shortage of pennies, two Ohio legislators have introduced legislation that would require businesses to round most cash transactions to the nearest nickel.

State Reps. Bill Roemer, R-Richfield, and Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, on March 4 introduced House Bill 737 aimed at eliminating the need for pennies.

Under the bill, if the second decimal place of a final transaction amount ends in 1 or 2, then the second decimal place rounds down to zero. If the second decimal place is 3 or 4, it's rounded up to 5. If it's 6 or 7, it's rounded down to five. If it's eight or nine, it's rounded up to zero.

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This is common-sense legislation that reflects the reality of todays economy, Roemer said in a statement. By rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel, we can reduce unnecessary costs while allowing constituents and businesses to continue to transact efficiently.

Hall said in the statement, As our economy continues to evolve, our policies should evolve with it. ... This bill will support community businesses as well as reduce unnecessary costs.

No more pennies? Alliance coin shop owner says it should have been done years ago

Ohio businesses would round up or down to eliminate pennies

The rounding requirement would not apply to electronic or online payments, including by credit card, debit card and payments from bank accounts that do not involve the use of physical cash.

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The requirement would apply to all cash payments in Ohio for fines, tolls, fees and taxes paid to the state or local governments. It would also apply to all transactions subject to state or local taxes such as a sales tax. The merchant could then apply an adjustment to taxes they owe to the state to be made whole.

For all other cash transactions, rounding is optional. But businesses that round final transaction amounts to the nearest nickel would not face any legal liability in doing so.

The bill has not yet been assigned to an Ohio House committee.

Woody's manager Claire Adams talks about the upcoming halt in penny production and how it could affect the cash-only business in this file photo from May 2025.

Related reading: Giant Eagle customers exchange hoarded pennies for store gift cards

Penny legislation elsewhere

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee in 2025 approved a bill to require cash transactions nationwide be rounded to the nearest nickel.

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In February 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting pennies. The cost of making them far exceeded the face value. The result was the shortage of pennies, and businesses facing concern they would face legal liability if they failed to give exact change and rounded the amounts.

Indiana's legislature recently required rounding for cash transactions, The Associated Press reported on March 12. But subsequent legislation may make the rounding optional but protect businesses from liability if they do round final payment amounts.

Bills requiring or allowing rounding are awaiting governors' signatures in Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington state. Rounding bills have been introduced in the legislatures of about 24 states since last year, The AP said.

Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio legislation requires rounding cash payments to nearest nickel
Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com. Have the latest Reality Checks delivered to your inbox with our free newsletter.

The Missouri House on Thursday approved the first phase of a sweeping plan to eliminate the states income tax through expanded sales taxes, a major step toward overhauling the states tax structure.

The measure, a key priority of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, would ask voters on a future ballot to give lawmakers the ability to increase sales taxes, which would trigger gradual reductions in the state income tax.

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Income taxes account for about 65% of the states general revenue, which means the state would need to drastically revamp its current taxing structure.

The proposed constitutional amendment passed the House on a vote of 98 to 54. It now heads to the Senate. If approved by both chambers, it would go before voters in November or at an earlier election called by Kehoe.

Missouri House Republicans said eliminating the income tax would lead to growth in the business sector.

Since we have been reducing taxes in this state, we have been seeing growth, and were only bound to see more growth. Not to mention, when you go to zero, thats when the magic really starts to happen, said Bishop Davidson, a Springfield Republican, who sponsored the bill.

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Missouri employs a base state sales tax of 4.225% on most retail goods. Critics contend the rate would need to increase to nearly 13% to make up for the lost revenue from the income tax.

Republicans contend that they could expand sales taxes to more services, which could cushion sales tax increases on retail sales.

House Democrats railed against the proposal on Tuesday. Opponents, including top officials in Kansas City, fear the measure will hurt low-income residents and force drastic cuts to services.

Others point to a budget fiasco roughly a decade ago in Kansas in which legislators enacted a series of tax cuts that were ultimately rolled back.

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House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said on Wednesday that the measure would give lawmakers broad authority to raise taxes on goods and services that are currently exempt.

Unfortunately, there are no details in the bill about what that will be, Aune said. So we can only assume that they will have to raise sales taxes high enough to cover that $9 billion deficit.

Missouri House Democrats gather in the House Lounge at the Missouri Statehouse to recap the first half of the 2026 legislative session.

Despite the Democratic opposition, Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, said the proposal isnt partisan and that states with Democratic majorities are also considering expanding their sales tax bases.

If you look at a state like Virginia, they are looking at expanding their sales tax base, talking about the exact same things that were talking about, perhaps a service tax on digital services, and just modernizing their tax base to reflect the life we live in 2026, Patterson said.

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But unlike Virginia, Missouri is pairing its broadening of sales taxes with reductions in the income tax. For every $20 million raised over a base of fiscal year 2025, the top rate of the state income tax would be cut by 0.01 percent.

Democrats say the proposal will increase taxes for most voters.

What actually is included in an expanded tax base isnt specified. Kehoe says housing, health care and agriculture would be exempted, but the bill doesnt specifically exempt those industries.

A future class of lawmakers would ultimately decide which sales taxes would increase, and what services would incur a sales tax.

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Missouri lawmakers have pointed to Missouris economic growth falling behind certain no-income tax states like Florida, Tennessee and Texas.

But opponents have called the comparison disingenuous and more reflective of unrelated factors like tourism and natural resources. The Missouri Budget Project, a state budget advocacy group, said Missouri currently has a fairer tax rate than states without an income tax.

If passed, the ballot summary language sent to voters is likely to be challenged in court.
It wasnt exactly a natural pairing, but Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams took the stage for remarks to warm up the crowd in advance of President Donald Trumps recent speech in Northern Kentucky.

Kentuckys most prominent self-styled moderate Republican, Adams offered effusive praise for the president alongside fellow GOP statewide officeholders Auditor Allison Ball and Attorney General Russell Coleman.

President Trump has shown Kentucky a lot of love, and as you can see the feeling is mutual From day one, President Trump has worked to get this country back on track and to make it great again. Adams told the crowd gathered at a logistics facility near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on March 11.

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The words came from a man who has gained a reputation in Kentucky for bipartisanship and calling out unproven election conspiracy theories, particularly among those in his own party  including Trumps false claims he actually won the 2020 election over Joe Biden. Adams was even awarded the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2024 for his defense of elections.

On top of that, and Trumps Department of Justice is suing Adams to gain access to Kentucky voters private data.

Adams told the Herald-Leader Thursday he was asked by the White House to speak, and was honored to touch on the policy priorities of the presidents he agrees with, including some items where Trump differs with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, the 4th Congressional District congressman Trump is working hard to unseat.

I agree 100% with President Trump on all the things I talked about, Adams said. Obviously, this was an official event, and the primary subject matter was the Big, Beautiful Bill Act and defending American interests in the Middle East and ensuring that the fascist theocracy (in Iran) doesnt get a nuclear weapon.

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Those are things that I agree with the president on, and the congressman there doesnt.

Andrew Cooperrider, a former candidate for state treasurer and prominent Liberty GOP content creator, asked in a social media post: What the heck was Adams doing there?

Are Trumps aides unaware that his administration is literally in court with Adams right now? Trump doesnt personally pick every speaker at his rallies  I get that, Cooperrider wrote. But he needs to fire whoever is handling that and never trust them again to vet people Many times they get it wrong because the aides themselves are swamp creatures and end up picking some of the worst people.

Adams sees no contradiction in his speaking at the event, even as his office is locked in a legal battle with Trumps administration.

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This was an official event to talk about how the presidents policies are good for Kentucky when it comes to economics, and I totally agree, Adams said. I was happy to be able to say that. This was not a stop the steal rally.

In court, he said well let the judges sort it out.

If I can get along with the administration, and if I can be helpful, I will, as long as it doesnt compromise Kentuckians interests, and it did not yesterday, Adams said. The Republican Party is a coalition of various types of people. Thats why we have majorities in Congress, the presidency and a supermajority in each house of the (state) legislature.

Its the MAGA movement, but its also traditional Republicans.

Adams eyeing 2027 run for KY governor

Adams relative moderation on certain issues  hes said Republicans shouldnt lean into social issues like LGBTQ rights that voters may see as harsh  has made him a favorite Republican among some Kentucky Democrats. He was even the top vote-getter of all statewide candidates in 2023, a fact he touts on social media.

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Kentucky Democratic Party Executive Director Morgan Eaves marked his speech as a heel turn in a post to X Thursday.

What is it about Donald Trump that makes every Republican elected official lose all sense of their morals and values? Eaves asked.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday he was unsurprised by Republican officials comments in support of Trump and against him, likening it to a GOP primary debate with everybody trying to sound as tough as they can. He specifically said he found it interesting for Adams to make his speech with the ongoing DOJ lawsuit.

Adams comments came as the second-term secretary of state is openly mulling a 2027 run for governor as a Republican, even as chatter around U.S. Rep. James Comer making another run for the governors mansion of his own heats up.

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Adams didnt name Comer when asked recently about his thoughts on whether he could beat the prominent House Republican, who has curried favor with Trump for his investigations into Democrats. But his comments were pointed, as he emphasized he was the only person talking about state issues.

Im a different personality type than (Trump) is, but Im authentic, and Im the only person whos not a bootlicker and thinking for myself and being my own man  I think voters like that, Adams said.

Of note, two former partners at Adams law firm  Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman  work at the Trump White House: Moses Ayala and Kevin Cline.

Adams told the Herald-Leader he doesnt plan to make a decision on his own political future until after this years May 19 primary, where voters will decide which GOP candidate they want for U.S. Senate and for Massies district. The U.S. Senate race is hotly contested, with three leading candidates on the GOP side: Lexington tech entrepreneur Nate Morris, former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr.

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On Massies race, the target of most of Trumps political energy Wednesday, Adams said he intends to remain neutral for now. He said he liked Massie personally and called him a good man.

These are policies where I agree with the president and the congressman doesnt, and I respect that, Adams said.
Governor Josh Stein has ordered that all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff on Monday, March 16, from sunrise to sunset. This is to honor Forsyth County Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell, who died in a crash while on duty on March 7.

Deputy Mitchell served with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office as well as the King Police Department. He was just 24 and leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old son, and a daughter on the way.

"Forsyth County Deputy Kaleb Mitchell died in a fatal crash while serving and protecting his community," said NC Governor Josh Stein. "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Please join me in keeping Deputy Mitchells family in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing."

A visitation will be held Monday, March 16, at Woodland Baptist Church, 1175 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, Winston-Salem, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The homegoing service will follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be private, limited to family and invited guests.
COPENHAGEN, March 13 (Reuters) - Greenland's Siumut party has withdrawn from the coalition government, the prime minister said on Friday, weakening efforts to present a united front against U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign to take control of the Arctic island.

The departure follows Siumut chair Aleqa Hammond's warning that the party would leave after two Greenlandic ministers announced candidacies for Denmark's March 24 parliamentary election without prior leave.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed disappointment but said his government would carry on, emphasising the importance of governance during heightened global scrutiny.

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"I think it's terribly bad timing and I'm very frustrated and disappointed that it's happening at a time when we should be standing together," he told reporters.

"Anything that might look like division in our country is grist to the mill for foreigners and we should avoid that at all cost," he said.

The broad coalition had been a cornerstone of Nielsen's strategy to respond to what he has termed Greenland's most serious time in recent history.

Siumut's departure means that Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who has played a key role in diplomatic talks with the United States, is leaving her post, according to broadcaster KNR.

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The loss of Siumut's support, which holds four seats in Greenland's 31-seat Inatsisartut assembly, does not threaten the government's majority, as Nielsen's coalition retains control with its remaining 19 seats.

Greenland will elect two members to Denmark's parliament later this month.

(Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the man suspected of opening fire into an Old Dominion University classroom Thursday and killing its instructor while wounding two others, was a student enrolled at the university at the time of attack.

University spokesman Jonah Grinkewitz said Jalloh studied geography at ODU. He was a student intermittently from fall 2007 to 2013, and reenrolled in the summer of 2025.

That was roughly six months after he was released from federal prison. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to offering material support to the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and sentenced to 11 years in prison and five years supervised release.

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Jalloh was 36 years old and lived in Sterling, Virginia, according to a 2017 Justice Department press release cited by Grinkewitz. Jalloh reportedly praised another terrorist attack and unknowingly told an investigator he aspired to conduct a terrorist attack. He was living in Northern Virginia at the time.

Old Dominion University had no knowledge of any prior criminal history for Jalloh, a university spokesperson said in a statement.

Per Virginia law, public colleges are barred from questioning prospective applicants on their criminal histories or denying them admission on the basis of criminal history. In 2017, Jalloh was sentenced for providing support to the foreign terrorist organization. He was a former Army National Guardsman.

Man killed in ODU shooting identified as head of universitys Army ROTC

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During the Thursday shooting at ODU, which is being investigated as an act of terror by the FBI, Jalloh shouted Allahu akbar as he began shooting inside the classroom  an ROTC class in Constant Hall. Minutes later, investigators said, he had been disarmed and killed by the students.

The instructor of the class who was killed in the shooting was a Virginia native and an ODU alumnus. He was identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, head of the universitys Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program and a professor of military science.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger emphasized Friday afternoon the importance of the FBI and other authorities completing an investigation she described as large-scale. She said she had been directly coordinating aspects of it through her staff.

Spanberger said she backed university leaderships oversight in the aftermath of the shooting.

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From everything I have seen, they have handled the circumstances with focus and steadiness one hope you never need to have in this sort of circumstance, she said.

ODU shooting victim was decorated veteran, university graduate

The FBI requests the public send tips with details on the shooting or details on Jollah at http://fbi.gov/ODUshooting.

Staff writer Kate Seltzer contributed to this report.

John Buzbee, 757-879-7421, john.buzbee@virginiamedia.com
Mar. 13The solicitor general with the U.S. Department of Justice asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to lift a lower court order blocking the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti.

The Trump administration is seeking emergency intervention from the nation's highest court to remove legal protections that prevent more than 350,000 Haitian nationals who are living in the United States from being detained and deported.

The federal government says the Supreme Court should allow the TPS revocation to take effect right away while the lower court case is being litigated so removal proceedings can begin and objections to those proceedings can be resolved.

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Based on recent emergency stay requests in similar TPS cases, it's possible the Supreme Court could grant or deny the government's application within a matter of weeks. It's also possible that the Supreme Court could soon issue an order in a separate TPS lawsuit involving Syria that impacts Haiti's legal protections, though the government has asked the court to consolidate the Haiti and Syria cases.

Attorneys for Haitian plaintiffs have said that granting the administration's emergency request at this stage in the legal proceedings could cause hundreds of thousands of TPS holders to be deported before their legal claims are considered and resolved by the courts.

"This court should not grant expedited relief here and should instead allow these appeals to play out in the ordinary course so that the court does not issue rushed decisions without full appreciation of their broader impact," wrote attorneys for Haitian TPS holders in a brief filed on March 6 in response to the government's request for a stay from the Supreme Court in the Syria case.

New filing

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In a new application, Solicitor General D. John Sauer petitioned the Supreme Court to provide emergency relief in a legal fight over the proposed termination of Haiti's TPS.

A Washington, D.C. district court judge last month blocked the Trump administration's cancellation of Haiti's designation, and the federal government claims that ruling interferes with national interest and foreign policy determinations made by the secretary of Homeland Security that seek more strict enforcement of immigration laws.

The solicitor general said allowing poorly screened Haitian TPS holders to remain in the United States is contrary to U.S. goals, and district courts should not be allowed to indefinitely postpone major government policies.

One of the Trump administration's main arguments is that the DHS secretary's TPS determinations are not subject to review by the courts, under the TPS statute approved by Congress.

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However, Haitian nationals who sued the government are challenging the legality of the process the DHS secretary used to make her determination  not the determination itself.

They allege the secretary did not follow mandatory procedures to cancel protections for Haiti, which is supposed to include an evaluation of country conditions and consultation with appropriate agencies. The Haiti TPS lawsuit says the secretary's decision to terminate was preordained and based on racial animus toward foreign-born individuals.

The federal government, which denies these allegations, wants the Supreme Court to grant a "writ of certiorari" before judgment that establishes that the federal courts have no jurisdiction or authority to review the DHS secretary's TPS determinations. The Trump administration is trying to end TPS for 12 countries.

Attorneys for Haitian TPS holders say the government is trying to "fast-track" this case to get a hasty decision from the Supreme Court via its emergency docket, which is also known as the "shadow docket." They say there is no real emergency here for the government, and the Trump administration has not explained why keeping the status quo for the time being while the lower court cases play out would cause meaningful harm.

The government says the court should not allow lower courts to delay the termination of TPS until all litigation is resolved, especially since that potentially might not happen until Trump's second term in office is over.
CONCORD, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44)  New Hampshire lawmakers of both parties say that making sure students are fed in the Granite State is a top priority.

The state Senate on Thursday unanimously passed SB 517, a bill that would let school boards expand eligibility for free school meals to 200% of the federal poverty level.

That would mean an income of up to $43,280 for a family of 2 or $66,000 for a family of 4.

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Under current New Hampshire law, all school districts must make one free or reduced-cost meal available to students, but the limit is based on federal guidelines, which have lower income limits.

The bill was tabled, which means it is expected to be revisited later if there are funds available in a non-budget year  according to a spokesperson for the Senate Democratic Office.

Town Meeting Day in New Hampshire: Claremont voters pass $42.9 million school budget

Ensuring that students have access to healthy meals at school is something we can all agree on, said Sen. Tim Lang (R-Sanbornton).

Sen. Donovan Fenton (D-Keene) said that he was grateful for the work done across the aisle. This program feeds more children, and ensures that our students and schools arent stuck with the debt.

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The bill would have the state reimburse local school districts for half of the additional cost  the rest would still need to be covered within the district.

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.
It was Halloween last year when an Illinois Head Start director and a few of her team members headed out to the local high school to patrol the area at dismissal. They stuck around the neighborhood well into the evening, worried kids out trick-or-treating would be harassed by federal immigration agents.

That afternoon, agents appeared in front of at least two nearby elementary schools, reportedly waiting for parents to pick up their children, and at one point they were looking into kindergarten classroom windows and just scaring the living daylights out of the children, said the director, who asked not to be identified to protect the children she serves. They have guns, they have rifles. They look scary.

Helicopters also flew overhead at a Halloween party, circling as kids paraded through the streets in their costumes, according to stories collected from Illinois Head Start families on how the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in their state last fall affected them.

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Earlier on the 31st, the Illinois director said she had gotten word through phone calls and Signal channels that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had flooded the area, she told The 74. A family on their way to enroll their young daughter in an early learning center that shares space with her Head Start program was stopped a block or so away at a major intersection. The father was detained in front of his wife and child, she said.

A dozen Head Start associations representing more than 100,000 children across the country, including the one in Illinois, sent a letter to Congress Tuesday demanding that immigration agents be barred from entering Head Start, child care and pre-K classrooms and premises, including parking lots.

Related

ICE Arrests Are Forcing American Moms to Leave Their Jobs

For nearly three decades, that was a largely accepted practice: Immigration enforcement was prohibited in and around schools, hospitals, places of worship and other so-called sensitive locations.

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One of the first things President Donald Trump did at the start of his second term in January 2025 was to rescind those protections. Reinstating those constraints is now one of at least 10 action items meant to rein in ICE enforcement that congressional Democrats say they need in order to support long-term Department of Homeland Security funding and end the partial government shutdown that is now nearly a month old.

Their conditions were outlined in a Feb. 4 letter signed by the House and Senate Democratic minority leaders, U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, and include more widely publicized rules, such as prohibiting agents from covering their faces with masks and mandating visible displays of identification.

This weeks entreaty from the Head Start associations echoes those congressional demands. The early learning groups also urged federal lawmakers to ban DHS agents from interfering with school drop-off or pickup at their programs, including at bus stops, citing another incident in Chicago where a father was detained while driving his two young kids to school. They were left in the back of the car alone.

Across the country, children are being harmed by immigration enforcement actions, the letter reads. Head Start programs report that children are experiencing changes in behavior and exhibiting signs of fear and anxiety. Families are missing work, keeping their children home, and facing housing and food insecurity.

Last Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked a spending bill for the third time, extending the shutdown and demonstrating they remained firm in their demands.

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That same day marked a major change in the departments increasingly unpopular leadership, with Trump firing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The move followed questions about her handling of department spending as well as mounting criticism around her response to the deadly ICE shootings of two American citizens at protests in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Trump announced his plan to nominate Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, though his new pick does not seem to signal any planned shift in enforcing the presidents mass deportation agenda.

Safer but not safe

Policy limiting immigration enforcement near schools, hospitals and churches was formally introduced in the early days of the Clinton administration through a 1993 memorandum.

In the decades since, similar policies have been modified, clarified or codified by presidents from both parties. In 2011, near the end of President Barack Obamas first term, his administration formally expanded the policy, which was then further clarified under President Joe Biden in 2021.

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Trumps January directive marked a significant departure from these largely bipartisan, long-standing rules, including during his own first term, when DHS issued a document saying they would continue to follow sensitive location protocol.

According to a DHS spokesperson, the policy Trump put forth in his second term was instituted to prevent criminal aliens  including murders [sic] and rapists from being able to hide in Americas schools and churches to avoid arrest. Some more stringent guardrails have since been reinstated for places of worship, but not for schools or early learning centers.

Providers in Illinois  and across the country  argue this scenario only serves to traumatize children and make their educational spaces less safe.

Police take two people into custody, as tear gas fills the air after it was used by federal law enforcement agents who were being confronted by community members and activists for reportedly shooting a woman in the Brighton Park neighborhood on Oct. 4, 2025 in Broadview, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Weve had kids that arent coming anymore because theyre too afraid to come to school, said Kelly Neidel, the executive director of a different Head Start agency in Illinois, which also provides wraparound services to families. Our food pantry [has] declined. So these people are making a choice  to eat or potentially get picked up.

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In April 2025, a number of organizations filed a lawsuit in Oregon, challenging Trumps new edict and in September, they were joined by six additional plaintiffs, including staff and parents from a preschool.

In February, the countrys two largest teachers unions filed an emergency motion, citing an incident in Oregon in which agents smashed in the car window of a father dropping his child off at a day care, as well as students and teachers at Minneapoliss Roosevelt High School being assaulted with tear gas in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.

Related

Minneapolis Schools Shut Down for 2 Days in Wake of ICE Clashes, Fatal Shooting

While advocates and providers are hopeful that a forthcoming DHS bill will include a reinstatement of sensitive location protections, some argue it wouldnt go far enough.

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The Illinois Head Start director, who went out patrolling on Halloween to protect families and kids, said now that shes seen what federal immigration agents are capable of, it would make her feel safer but not safe.

It might deter them from coming, but would it deter all of them? she asked. I dont know. I honestly cannot answer that question. I cannot answer confidently that they would not enter even if that order was in place.

Wendy Cervantes, a director at The Center for Law and Social Policy, is helping to lead the charge on federal legislation, which would codify sensitive location policies into law, significantly strengthening their power.

Wendy Cervantes is a director at The Center for Law and Social Policy (The Center for Law and Social Policy)

The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, introduced in the House in February 2025, would prohibit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of such places, except in certain extreme circumstances. If an officer violated these rules, any resulting information wouldnt be admissible in court and the targeted person could move to terminate any resulting removal proceedings.

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Since early January, the bill has gained 33 co-sponsors in the House and four in the Senate, meaning over two-thirds of the Democratic caucus is officially in support. It has also been endorsed by over 800 organizations across the country. No Republicans have signed on.

Some states, including Illinois, have passed their own bills over the past year, but because they have to align with federal policy, theyre largely aimed at providing guidance and setting protocols for how local entities should address ICE.

It would make a huge difference to have this done at the federal level, Cervantes said.

A horrendous day

The Illinois director of programs, who funds centers across a metropolitan area in the state, said that from day one of the second Trump administration she felt a significant shift in the federal approach to early childhood learning. In addition to increased ICE enforcement, her Head Start classrooms  along with thousands of others across the nation  experienced delays in funding that threatened to shutter them.

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Related

As Time Runs Out, a Dozen Head Start Families and Providers Share Their Fears

Once their grant came through, she and her colleagues had to wade through the realities of operating under the administrations diversity, equity and inclusion ban, which threatened the core of their work, she said.

Things escalated in September after a father of two, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, was shot and killed during a highly publicized ICE traffic stop in nearby Franklin Park, Illinois. He had just dropped off one of his children at a Head Start classroom.

We knew they would eventually be coming our way, she said, and early learning centers across the region began to prepare.

That reality hit the morning of Oct. 31  a horrendous day she said, which filled her with fear and made her cry tears of anger.

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And the fear has not subsided, she said, for the families she serves, the staff she employs or for herself. As the child of immigrants and a woman of color, shes started carrying her passport.

Mirroring steps taken by other early childhood providers in Illinois, images of fake and real warrants have now been posted at the front doors of her centers so staff can differentiate, along with a script of what to say should an ICE agent approach. Head Start Parent Council meetings have moved to Zoom so parents who fear leaving their homes can still remain involved, and centers have organized food drop-offs.

Programs have installed incident commanders and some have hired security details. Others have their own staff standing guard, but directors fear for their safety too, since many are immigrants themselves.

Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, the executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association. (LinkedIn)

In November, ICE agents chased one day care worker into the center where she worked in Chicagos North Side neighborhood. She was dragged out in front of children, and subsequently arrested. She was released from detention a week later after a federal judge ruled her arrest was illegal because she wasnt given a preliminary bond hearing.

Volunteer rapid response teams have formed across Illinois to alert providers of nearby ICE activity. In one incident, they were called to stand guard during a field trip to a childrens museum where ICE was hot and heavy, according to Lauri Morrison-Frichtl, the executive director of the Illinois Head Start Association, which advocates for all state providers.

Last fall was terrible, she said. I cried every day.

Our ask is keep ICE out of Head Start [and] early Head Start classrooms, facilities, our playgrounds, our parking lots and not interfere in our work or our day-to-day, she added. Families need safe spaces to send children  making our facilities safe when ICE is surrounding them is really hard.
The war in the Middle East has surged interest in cheap interceptor drones, manufacturers say.

Drone firms told Business Insider they likely can't keep up with the sudden burst of demand.

Most requests are coming from Gulf States trying to protect critical infrastructure, they said.

As the US-Israeli war with Iran rages across the Middle East and roils global markets, a small subset of drone makers  ones who build drones to destroy other drones  are seeing an upside to the conflict.

Interceptor drone manufacturers outside the region told Business Insider of a surge in requests for demonstrations and inquiries from potential buyers over the past week, as the US and its allies scramble to counter Iran's loitering munitions.

"Since the beginning of the war, we have been receiving daily requests from the Middle East, whereas previously it might have been once or twice a month," said Jens Holzapfel, business development director for Nordic Air Defense. The Swedish startup is building a propeller-driven interceptor, the Kreuger-100XR, which is being tested in Ukraine.

New interest has overwhelmingly come from Gulf state governments or entities working with their defense ministries, although European countries have also reached out, the companies said.

Misha Lu, a spokesperson for the Taiwanese firm Tron Future, said international inquiries for its counterdrone products, which include a single-use quadcopter interceptor and net-launcher drone, have "effectively doubled" since the war began.

Almost all prospective clients were asking for ways to protect critical infrastructure, such as airports and power grids, he said.

Lu added that potential buyers are also largely shifting their focus from anti-drone jammers to "hard-kill" solutions, which rely on explosives or physical force to destroy drone threats.

Surging interest in Ukrainian drones

Heightened demand for hard-kill counterdrone tech comes as Iran has launched thousands of one-way attack Shaheds against the US and its allies in the Gulf region. Some of the loitering munitions have successfully gotten through air defenses and struck their targets, including US military facilities.

Key concerns in air defense against Shahed threats have been cost and quantity. Traditional air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles are limited in supply and would be too expensive to engage en masse against Shaheds, which cost $20,000 to $50,000 each.

The Iranian Shahed has been a subject of Western concern for years as Russia used the drones to bombard Ukraine, but the recent war in the Middle East has renewed concern about allied preparedness against the loitering munition. Win McNamee/Getty Images

A cheaper solution, pioneered largely by Ukraine, is to use first-person-view or small drones to catch and ram into Shaheds.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Irans new supreme leader, is wounded and likely disfigured, Pete Hegseth has claimed.

The US secretary of defence said Khameneis first statement to Iranians on Thursday appeared weak because he did not deliver the remarks himself.

We know the new, so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured, he told reporters.

He put out a statement yesterday  a weak one, actually  but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement. We know why, he added, implying that Khamenei was too injured to appear on camera.

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Mr Hegseth also declared that Irans leadership was cowering underground, adding: Thats what rats do.

He argued that Tehrans leaders were barely communicating, let alone co-ordinating  they are confused and we know it.

Around the time of the Pentagon press conference, Iranian state TV released images of the senior leadership marching through the streets of Tehran, stopping for selfies.

Defying American and Israeli bombs, Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, strolled through the city centre without visible bodyguards, riding at times on the back of a motorbike and posing for pictures during the Quds Day rally.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, rides on the back of a motorbike during a march in Tehran on Friday - Hassan Ghaedi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Irans supreme national security council, marched with bodyguards

Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister, Ahmadreza Radan, the chief of police, and Mohammad Eslami, the head of Irans atomic energy organisation, were also present.

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Ali Larijani, the secretary of Irans supreme national security council, told state media during the march: [Donald] Trumps problem is that he doesnt understand that the Iranian nation is wise and determined.

According to Mr Hegseth, attacks against Iran on Friday were the most intense since the war broke out, targeting not only the regimes weapon arsenals but also its defence industry.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said Mojtaba Khameneis statement was weak

As the conflict nears the two-week mark, reports of senior Trump administration figures opposition to the war are beginning to emerge.

JD Vance, the vice-president, was sceptical of Donald Trumps plans to launch strikes against Iran, according to two unnamed senior administration officials, Politico reported on Thursday.

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Mr Trump acknowledged the divide between him and his deputy on Monday.

Demonstrators hold posters of Mojtaba Khamenei during the annual Quds Day march - AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

Mr Vance was, Id say, philosophically a little different from me. I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going, but he was still quite enthusiastic, he told reporters at Mar-a-Lago.

A senior official downplayed Mr Vances opposition to the war, telling Politico it is the vice-presidents role to provide all points of view but once the decision has been made, hes fully on board.

Mr Vance served in the US Marine Corps in Iraq, which he has cited as a reason for his questioning of military intervention abroad.

I served my country honourably. And I saw when I went to Iraq that I had been lied to, he said in 2024.

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He had written the previous year that Mr Trumps best foreign policy was not starting any wars.

Last year, in a Signal group chat with other senior members of the administration  and inadvertently the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine  Mr Vance wrote that he thought the bombing of Houthi rebels was a mistake.

Some officials were growing pessimistic about the war effort, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

But they have been careful not to express their concerns about a lack of a clear strategy to finish the war to the president, who has consistently called the operation a success.

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Mr Trump told G7 leaders on Wednesday that Iran is about to surrender, Axios reported.

Other senior Republican figures have echoed this view. Mike Johnson, the House speaker, told the Notus news site on Thursday that the Iranian mission was virtually accomplished.

But in his first public statement on Thursday, Khamenei vowed to keep fighting.

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.
Zabi Sahibzada, refugee resettlement director for Jewish Social Services (JSS) in Madison, Wisconsin, has lived through war, displacement, the collapse of Afghanistan and the cataclysmic consequences of shifting U.S. policies abroad and at home.

Today, even as our country plunges into a new war in the Middle East, the Trump administration has pulled back from its commitments to people who helped the U.S. during the long, brutal war in Afghanistan.

Sahibzada talks to his family every day as they cope with the hardships of living under Taliban rule. He had hoped to bring his family to the U.S. as part of a family reunification program for people who helped our country in Afghanistan. But that program was suspended by President Donald Trump. Now his family is in limbo. He is particularly concerned about his two daughters, ages 18 and 11, who can no longer go to school because of the ban on education for girls.

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Meanwhile, Sahibzada is managing a program that has been severely disrupted by the Trump administration, which set a record-low refugee admissions ceiling of only 7,500 people for Fiscal Year 2026  down from 125,000 the previous year  with most slots reserved for white South Africans. JSS is no longer resettling hundreds of refugees from around the world in South Central Wisconsin. Instead, the group is focused on continuing to serve the people it has already resettled here. Part of that work involves fielding panicked calls from people who are losing their status as the Trump administration strips protections from those who fled to the U.S. seeking a safe haven from persecution.

Because of funding cuts, JSS, which traces its roots to the Madison Welfare Fund, created in 1940 to help resettle Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust, has had to let go of most of its staff. Currently we have three full-time case managers that are working with a huge population thats already here, and we cannot afford more, Sahibzada said.

JSS works with about 450 people, most of them in Dane County. Among the services the group provides are help with finding employment, health care, housing, language instruction and financial assistance for up to five years. The organization is scrambling to raise money privately to make up for the loss of federal funds.

Sahibzada estimates that staff salaries cost JSS about $300,000 per year, with another $250,000 going to cover direct assistance for clients  but that amount rises and falls depending on need. This year, he expects need to rise significantly because of Trump administration policies, including the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for people from Afghanistan and Haiti.

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Those people, theyre not having documents anymore to work, he said. Theyre losing their job, theyre losing their driving license, they cannot renew it. And then those will be knocking on our doors that they may need a lot of help  theyll not be able to pay their rents, theyll not be able to receive any other benefits from the government. And by the next few months, there will be cuts to health insurance. Theyll be cut from the food assistance or the cash assistance that a lot of people were depending on. So they will be coming and knocking on our doors, and thats the gap that we may need to fill with the help from the communities.

The gap, he estimates, will likely be between $300,000 and $400,000.

I would say its a very chaotic moment for all the refugees and immigrants in the country, Sahibzada said during a recent interview in his office on the west side of Madison.

Confronting chaos is, unfortunately, a familiar experience for Sahibzada.

A perilous escape from Afghanistan

Before he came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2022 on a special immigrant visa, Sahibzada worked for USAID in Afghanistan for more than a decade. As a software engineer, he helped create a text-messaging system that allowed farmers to get timely information about agricultural markets, and he was the main point of contact for people in rural areas in his region who wanted to get in touch with USAID-funded projects. My name was the contact person on billboards and brochures and reference cards, he said. Everyone in the community knew my name. They knew my face.

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That was a dangerous position to be in as the Taliban came back into power. Even before the U.S. withdrawal and the Talibans resurgence, Sahibzada began receiving threatening calls and social media warnings. He was approved for a special immigrant visa for Afghans who worked with the U.S. government  a program President Donald Trump suspended this year  but he had no idea how he would get out of the country, he said. The U.S. government offered to help him relocate to Doha, Qatar.

That was a time where it was not easy to go through the custom borders in Afghanistan, like, through the airport, he said. I was afraid, like  how can I just go and will they allow me, or will they just keep me in prison, or will they just, I dont know what will happen to me.

Thankfully, I made it to the airplane, he said. He attributes his escape in part to the fact that he used an unfamiliar, formal name on his passport. When I was working with USAID, my name was Sunny, which is like my nickname, he explained. But on his passport, I just put my last name as Sahibzada, which is our family name. So that helped me. When I was going to the airport, I was like, OK, whatever theyre having on their list will be not similar as what I have on my passport. As a result, he thinks, he was able to slip past the Taliban and fly to Doha and from there, after a month-long process of vetting and background checks, to Wisconsin, where he has been living and working since December 2022.

After resettling in Madison, Sahibzada got a job with the Milwaukee transit system, and commuted to work for a couple of months. He started at JSS in 2023 as a program manager and was promoted this year to direct the resettlement program.

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During the time he has worked at JSS, much has changed.

A lot of clients call JSS with legal questions, worried that they might be deported. We are connecting them with legal service providers, Sahibzada said, because we cannot answer.

The group is planning know your rights and emergency preparedness training sessions for April, and working on creating a hotline for ICE sightings, staffed by volunteers speaking multiple languages, coordinated statewide with Wisconsins eight refugee services agencies.

Meanwhile, Sahibzada calls home every morning and evening to talk with his family, including his parents, his wife and his two daughters and three sons. Its really hard just staying home, not going out, and not going to school, he said of his daughters. When he talks to them, Theyre always asking me, Whats gonna happen? And Im just giving them sometimes, like some false hopes that it will get better, which I dont think it will in the very near future, but this is the hope that Im giving.

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His family, seeking to join him in the U.S., traveled to Pakistan during the Biden administration and waited for months to have their papers processed by the U.S. embassy there. But their visas expired and they were forced to return to Afghanistan. Now, with the new U.S. immigration restrictions, things have gotten even more difficult. Sahibzada continues to hold out hope that things will eventually improve.

Im hopeful that it gets changed, either with this administration or any other administration in the future, he said. Im hopeful that this will change and people will be turning back to their normal life.

More information about making a donation or volunteering is available on the JSS website

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The Henderson County Board of Elections certified the results of the March 3 primary elections March 13.

It was quick and uneventful, Board of Elections Operations Coordinator Chuckie Hudson told the Times-News March 13.

Election night results arent official until the canvass, 10 days later, when the Board of Elections checks that all ballots were counted and tabulated correctly, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.

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Absentee ballots that came in before the deadline and provisional ballots that are found to be valid are also counted in that time, according to the website.

Hudson said that the numbers on the Henderson County Board of Elections website are now official.

Here are those numbers:

Henderson County Board of Commissioners candidate Rudd Orr.

In the Republican primary for Henderson County Board of Commissioners District 3, newcomer Rudd Orr beat out former County Manager Steve Wyatt, 56% to 44%, with 6,214 votes to 4,817.

Henderson County Commissioner Rebecca McCall, who is running for reelection in 2026.

Commissioner Rebecca McCall won the Republican primary in District 4 against challenger Tom Appleby, with 7,285 vote, more than 67%, to his 3,493, roughly 32%.

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The city of Hendersonvilles $10 million general obligation transportation bond passed with 67% to 33% against, 1,910 to 944.

North Carolina House Rep. Jake Johnson, of Columbus.

Sitting N.C. House Rep. Jake Johnson fended off a Republican primary challenge from former Speaker Mike Hager in District 113 with 2,244 votes, 72%, compared to Hagers 864 or 28%.

North Carolina House Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, of Hendersonville.

In District 117, Republican Rep. Jennifer Balkcom successfully defended her seat against newcomer Christopher Wilson, 5,974 votes to 1,869, or 76% to 24%.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks during a North Carolina League of Municipalities meeting at Foothills Higher Education Conference Center in Morganton, N.C., Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper swept the Democratic Senate primary, with 9,867 votes, almost 93%, while former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley came out on top with 6,861, just over 62% of the vote, ahead of Don Brown, who had 2,181, close to 20%, according to Board of Elections numbers.

U.S. House District 11 candidate Jamie Ager speaks at a candidate forum organized by the Henderson County Democratic Party in Hendersonville, Jan. 24, 2026.

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Jamie Ager won the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 11, with 5,551 votes, more than 52% to Richard Hudspeths 2,955, or 28%, and Zelda Briarwoods 1,328, almost 13%.

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards met with constituents Oct. 6 at Blue Ridge Community College.

Sitting U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards won in the Republican District 11 primary, with 7,836 votes, almost 70%, compared to challenger Adam Smiths 3,430, or 30%.

Michael C. Byrne beat Matt Smith in the Republican primary for North Carolina Court of Appeals Seat 1, by 5,803 votes to 4,701, around 55% to 45%.

In Seat 3, Democrat Christine Walczyk beat James Walen by 7,106 to 3,219, 69% to 31%.

More: Rebecca McCall, Rudd Orr win Henderson County Republican primaries

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More: $10M for Hendersonville transportation improvements voted up March 3

George Fabe Russell is the Henderson County Reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News. Tips, questions, comments? Email him at GFRussell@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson County Elections Board holds canvass, vote totals now official
The head of Lebanon's Iran-aligned Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, vowed on Friday not to give up, saying surrender is not in our vocabulary.

In a televised speech, Qassem promised to continue fighting Israel despite escalating attacks and threats against the militia's leadership.

Hezbollah is engaged in what he described as an existential battle to defend Lebanon against Israeli attacks, warning that the confrontation could be long and costly.

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Surrender is not in our vocabulary. We will continue to defend ourselves in this existential battle, no matter the sacrifices, the militia leader said.

Qassem dismissed as "worthless" threats by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to kill him.

He said Hezbollah had prepared for a prolonged confrontation and suggested Israel could face surprises on the battlefield. The enemy will see our might on the battlefield."

He argued that diplomatic efforts had failed to stop Israeli strikes, which he said had caused deaths, displacement and destruction across Lebanon.

According to Qassem, resistance remained the only way to halt the attacks.

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The resistance continues, and the word now belongs to the battlefield, he said, adding that Israel had lost the initiative despite its military campaign.

Qassem also warned that any Israeli ground advance into Lebanon would be met with stronger resistance, saying the movement would gain ground if Israeli forces pushed deeper into Lebanese territory.

He rejected attempts to separate Hezbollah from its support base, saying the Lebanese people backing the group were the people of the resistance.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in escalating hostilities that have triggered widespread airstrikes and displacement across Lebanon.
The "hidden hand" of Russian President Vladimir Putin is behind Iranian attacks in the Middle East, U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said on March 12, after a drone strike on a British military base in Erbil, northern Iraq.

"I think no one will be surprised to believe that Putins hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially some of their capabilities as well," he said.

British military officials told Healey Iranian drones were "flying them much lower, and therefore they were more effective," mirroring the evolved tactics Russian drones use when targeting Ukraine.

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The comments come as countries in the Middle East face growing attacks from Iranian-made Shahed drones following the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran that began on Feb. 28.

Ukraine, which has spent years defending its cities and infrastructure from large-scale Russian attacks using Shahed-type drones, has offered to share its experience in countering cheap long-range UAVs.

Healey also highlighted how Russia was benefitting financially from the U.S. war with Iran, saying Putin is "benefiting from sky-high oil prices at the moment," which "helps him with a fresh supply of funds for his brutal war in Ukraine."

Russia's increased oil revenues look set to further rise after the U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary license on March 12 to allow countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea, in an effort to stabilize global energy prices as the war with Iran drives markets higher.

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The move marks a shift in Washington's sanctions enforcement as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supply and economic stability.

In a statement on X, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the temporary authorization a "narrowly tailored, short-term measure," which applied "only to oil already in transit."

Bessent further claimed that it "will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction."

Global oil and gas prices surged after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. In response, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries roughly 20% of the world's oil supply.

Read also: What to do if youre under attack by Iranian Shahed drones

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
UPDATE:

A Massachusetts high school student arrested in connection with the random killing of a woman in her North Shore home was ordered held without bail and to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Previous story:

A Massachusetts high school student arrested in connection with the random killing of a woman in her North Shore home on Thursday afternoon is slated to face a judge on Friday.

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Anthony DeMayo, an 18-year-old Lynn native and a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, is slated to be arraigned Friday at Salem District Court on a charge of murder, Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced during a news conference late Thursday night.

DeMayo was undergoing a mental evaluation before his court appearance.

Officers responding to a 911 call for a person with a knife in the area of Standish Road in Lynn encountered a person carrying a knife, which had a reddish-brown stain consistent with blood, Tucker said.

The person, later identified as DeMayo, was transported to Salem Hospital due to his erratic behavior, according to Tucker.

A subsequent search of DeMayos Lynn home, the gathering of additional information, and available technology led investigators to 17 Amherst Street in Danvers, where Massachusetts State Police detectives and Danvers officers found 68-year-old Janet Swallow, a longtime resident of the town, dead from wounds consistent with a homicide, Tucker explained.

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Swallows family shared a photo of her with Boston 25 News on Friday.

As of now, the investigation has not found any connection between the defendant and the victim, Tucker said. We also believe, as of this point, that DeMayo acted alone...This was random.

Amherst Street in Danvers is located about 8 miles north of Standish Road in Lynn.

Tucker added, This is not only a tragedy for the town, but for the school. This is just a very difficult case because of the randomness.

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Danvers Police Chief James Lovell said there is no threat or danger to the public at this time.

DeMayo is being held at the Danvers Police Department pending his court appearance.

In a statement, the president of Bishop Fenwick High School said the school was cooperating with the investigation, while also sharing condolences with Swallows family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, her family, and all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy, he wrote in a statement shared with Boston 25.

Additional details will be made available during DeMayos arraignment, Tucker said.

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.

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An airbase in Pakistan was struck by drones on Friday in apparent retaliation for overnight airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan, as the two neighbouring countries continued their cross-border clashes.

A pair of drones hit an air force base in the north-western town of Kohat, wounding at least three people, Pakistani intelligence sources told dpa on Friday. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

The drones struck the base hours after Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan, targeting at least five locations, including one in the province of Kandahar, a stronghold of the Afghan Taliban, officials said.

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Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan, wrote on X that Pakistan had struck a fuel depot near Kandahar airport. Footage broadcast by Afghan television channel TOLOnews showed columns of smoke rising from the site.

According to local media reports, targets in the capital Kabul were also attacked from the air again. Afghanistan then responded on Friday morning with drone strikes on military installations in Pakistan.

The airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan mark a renewed escalation of the conflict, which had recently been largely limited to the border regions.

Fighting between the two countries began at the end of February, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban in Kabul of harbouring militants who carry out attacks in Pakistan - a charge Kabul denies.

This week, initial mediation efforts began, with China's special envoy for Afghanistan holding talks in both capitals.
Local Jewish communities and police departments are ramping up their security around places of worship after a Jewish synagogue was attacked in Michigan Thursday morning.

Brookline and Newton police are two communities in Massachusetts that have increased patrols around religious centers Thursday night.

Certainly a horrific and scary event out there, said Deputy Superintendent of Brookline police Russell ONeill. "

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He said increased security means, Ensuring that we have a visible marked cruiser present, officers visible in the area. I think it provides a level of security.

After a man rammed his car into a West Bloomfield, MI, synagogue Thursday morning, Brookline Police said they proactively reached out to town temples and synagogues.

Since 2018, in light of Jewish-targeted attacks across the country, Brookline police launched active threat training programs with town worship centers. They also have regular safety walkthroughs and assessments of their locations.

Meanwhile, local Jewish leaders like Robert Leikand, regional director of New Englands Jewish American Community spoke out agains the violence.

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Weve seen this before, he told Boston 25 Thursday. Were a resilient community and we need to be.

He claimed that their recent surveys showed roughly 90% of Jewish Americans feel more unsafe this year than last.

Leikand explained, Were 2.5% of the population of this country, and 70% of all religiously based hate crimes. Those numbers arent much better here in Massachusetts.

He continued, Most synagogues today have been compelled to lock their doors... Its not anything any of us imagined would ever be the case. But, it is part of the reality of the Jewish community today.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss also spoke against the continued attacks against Jewish Americans.

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We know that there are lone wolves or state sponsored actors who are trying to reek havoc, he added.

Massachusetts State Police are also monitoring the situation in Michigan. They said in a statement Thursday:

The Massachusetts State Police and the Commonwealth Fusion Center continually maintain situational awareness on matters that could have an impact on public safety in the Commonwealth, including todays events in Michigan. We also provide relevant updates to our public safety partners. Beyond any specific incident, we always urge residents to report any suspicious activity to police by calling 9-1-1. We will investigate those reports and share any relevant information with our local, state, and federal partners. If you see something, say something."

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 principal of a high school on the North Shore of Massachusetts released a statement late Friday morning after one of his students was arrested in connection with the random murder of a woman on Thursday.

Anthony DeMayo, an 18-year-old Lynn native and a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, was arraigned Friday at Salem District Court on a charge of murder in the death of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, of Danvers, Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced during a news conference late Thursday night.

Bishop Fenwick High School President Tom Nunan Jr. confirmed in an emailed statement shared with Boston 25 News that DeMayo is a student and that no other members of the school were involved in the incident.

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We know this matter involves serious charges against an 18-year-old student who is in the custody and care of the proper authorities, Nunan wrote. The reports reveal the incident took place off campus, did not involve any other members of our school, did not seem to indicate any connection between the victim and the person being charged with the crime, and does not present any threat to the Bishop Fenwick community.

Officers responding to a 911 call for a person with a knife in the area of Standish Road in Lynn encountered a person carrying a knife, which had a reddish-brown stain consistent with blood, Tucker said.

The person, later identified as DeMayo, was transported to Salem Hospital due to his erratic behavior, according to Tucker.

A subsequent search of DeMayos Lynn home, the gathering of additional information, and available technology led investigators to 17 Amherst Street in Danvers, where Massachusetts State Police detectives and Danvers officers found Swallow, a longtime resident of the town, dead from wounds consistent with a homicide, Tucker explained.

As of now, the investigation has not found any connection between the defendant and the victim, Tucker said. We also believe, as of this point, that DeMayo acted alone...This was random.

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We are aware of the investigation, and the information released regarding that investigation, by the Danvers Police Department and the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Nunan said Bishop Fenwick High School is cooperating with the investigation.

We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement in this investigation, which is ongoing. Because this is an active criminal investigation, we defer to the appropriate legal authorities to provide any additional information. We will not have further comment on the matter, Nunan wrote.

Nunan added that the Swallow and her family are in the thoughts of the school community.

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Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, her family, and all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy, he wrote.

Counselors and trained professional are being made avialbe on campus for students, staff, and familes impacted by the incident.

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 bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates are entering the third year of a legislative campaign to slash local red tape and open up new areas for development in the hopes of increasing the supply of new homes and apartments  and thus making them more affordable.

And  like last year  the bill authors are optimistic the bipartisan, low-to-no-cost legislation can pass the closely divided Legislature.

In 2024 and 2025, the optimism of the unlikely Yes to Homes coalition  Republican and Democratic housing committee leaders, labor unions, housing developers and religious groups  slammed into a wall of opposition from city government leaders with clout at the Legislature, who view the effort as an attempt to wrest local decision-making from cities. The bills have never reached the floor of the House or the Senate; in 2024, when Democrats alone controlled both chambers, the late House Speaker Melissa Hortman said the ideas required more study.

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This year, however, the largest lobbying organization for Minnesota cities has shifted its approach. While the League of Minnesota Cities still opposes the bill, it will refrain from whipping votes against it, said Daniel Lightfoot, a League lobbyist.

We believe the bill has come a long way with our involvement, and have sort of changed our advocacy posture because of that, as a result of those good faith efforts, Lightfoot said.

That change in approach  while not a change in position  from the League of Minnesota Cities is one reason advocates believe this is the year.

For real this time.

I think there probably is some recognition  like, we can either do this together, or at some point the Legislature is going to do this on its own, said Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield, a co-chair of the House housing committee. The collaborative path, I think, is the best path for everybody.

Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield, discusses the housing omnibus bill during a committee hearing on March 29, 2023. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer)

A tipping point in negotiations

Last years set of bills died unceremoniously in an afternoon Senate hearing in early May, where tensions between city government officials and lawmakers were on full display.

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Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, brought forward an amendment containing scraps of what had been a sweeping package that would have remade zoning laws statewide.

City government leaders and their lobbyists, who viewed even the watered-down version as an attempt by the state to supersede the authority of local governments, spoke forcefully in opposition.

If we focus just on who has the power, rather than how to work together to find solutions, well never address the issue, and Minnesotans will continue to suffer as a result, a frustrated Port said in the hearing.

In the end, four Democrats and two Republicans voted down the amendment, effectively killing it for the year.

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The tensions that were present in that hearing between members and city groups and city officials I think left a bad taste in the mouth of everybody, Howard said.

Many people involved in the negotiations marked that moment as a tipping point. Lightfoot shortly afterwards brought lawmakers an olive branch  a reworked draft of the bill that would be much friendlier to cities.

While that compromise wasnt accepted by legislators, it sort of became the starting point to continue those conversations, Lightfoot said.

Housing leaders met dozens of times with Lightfoot, advocates and city leaders after the legislative session, reworking the language and passing ideas back and forth. The result is a bill that is narrower in scope than previous versions, but that advocates believe can get enough cities and lawmakers on board to pass.

Compromise language

This years bill (HF3895/SF4123) backs off some of the broad policy changes contained in previous versions. Last year, advocates wanted to require cities to allow multifamily housing development in all commercial zones, like shopping centers, which city leaders opposed for fear it would overwhelm water and sewer infrastructure.

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The 2026 bill instead requires cities to choose one-third of their commercial land to open up for multifamily development, and stipulates that additional housing cannot be forced in areas where the infrastructure wouldnt support it.

Advocates and housing committee leaders made related compromises in other sections of the bill, similarly requiring that one-third of residential land  rather than all of it  be upzoned to allow up to four units of housing per lot.

The bill creates a menu of policy options for cities to choose from that would further boost housing density and supply, like eliminating minimum parking requirements; permitting affordable, workforce and senior housing developments to be larger than generally allowed; subsidizing city fees for homes valued at less than $500,000; or allowing even more multifamily construction in commercial and residential areas.

Larger cities must adopt more of those policies than smaller cities, and can count the policies they have already adopted.

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Other areas of the bill do apply across-the-board  like allowing accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, on every residential lot in the state. ADUs are secondary living spaces on a lot, often called a mother-in-law suite, carriage house or backyard cottage.

Developers say cities rules for multifamily developments are opaque, and builders are often shuttled into extensive, expensive negotiations with city planning departments and elected officials over the specifications of a given project. The bill aims to save developers  and ultimately renters and buyers  money by requiring cities to create an administrative review process for multifamily and mixed-use development, helping developers bypass elected boards and councils.

Getting the administrative approvals is one of the key areas that I think will make a huge difference in time and money to get housing done, said Anne Mavity, executive director of Minnesota Housing Partnership, part of the Yes to Homes coalition.

The bill would also bar cities from requiring certain finishes, garage sizes, decks, shutters or other aesthetic features in new buildings with fewer than four housing units.

New townhomes are under construction on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in West Saint Paul, Minn. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Minnesota Reformer)

The long path ahead

While the League of Minnesota Cities has adopted a quieter opposition strategy, other local government leaders and lobbyists are not backing down.

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Bradley Peterson, a lobbyist who represents the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, said the bill has options for cities, but still places a host of new requirements on local governments.

We also are fairly skeptical that these types of changes are really going to result in the type of increase in housing that the authors and advocates hope for, Peterson said.

Outside of the metro, factors aside from zoning rules  a shortage of developers and workers, high material costs worsened by tariffs, labor costs and a lack of infrastructure  are bigger factors when it comes to high housing prices, Peterson said.

Complicating matters: Mayors and city council members are intertwined in the same local political scene as their state senators and representatives, giving them sway among state lawmakers who often view local elected officials as potential opponents.

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In the metro suburbs, mayors and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are some of the strongest opponents to the land use changes. (Suburbs have historically used land use and zoning rules to shut out apartments and starter homes, and by proxy, low-income families who are more likely to be Black or Latino.)

The bills authors know there is still work to do  tweaks to the bill language, meetings with reticent colleagues, communications to city governments  to get the legislation across the finish line.

And, Gov. Tim Walz, who apparently joined the YIMBY movement during his brief stint as a vice presidential candidate, has said he will sign a zoning reform bill if it passes the Legislature.

For Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, the 29-year-old co-chair of the housing committee, this effort addresses an issue he hears about constantly from neighbors in his Iron Range district.

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Its the random phone call or text message, or a Facebook message from someone I havent talked to in years, saying, What are you doing at the Capitol so I can find a home for me and my fiance? Igo said.

If we want to make sure that the next generation has opportunity, weve got to clear some of this red tape and mandates so that the homes that they want and can afford become available in Minnesota.
Italian prosecutors have asked a court to put Amazons European unit and four managers on trial over an alleged 1.2bn ($1.37bn) in value-added tax (VAT) evasion, Reuters reported.

The request stems from an investigation into suspected VAT evasion linked to online sales in Italy between 2019 and 2021.

The probe focuses on Luxembourg-based Amazon EU Sarl and four company managers.

According to charges reviewed by the news agency, prosecutors allege that Amazons algorithm and operating model allowed tens of thousands of non-EU sellers - primarily from China - to sell goods in Italy without revealing their identities.

Authorities claim this enabled those sellers to avoid paying VAT, the report added.

In an emailed statement to Retail Insight Network, Amazon said that despite disagreeing with the premises of the investigation, in December 2025, we reached an agreement with the Italian Revenue Agency.

The company added: The settlement reflects our commitment to working constructively with Italian authorities. We will forcefully defend our position on the ungrounded criminal case. Unpredictable regulatory environments, disproportionate penalties, and protracted legal proceedings are increasingly affecting Italy's attractiveness as an investment destination.

Italian law states that intermediaries facilitating sales in the country can be held jointly responsible for unpaid VAT owed by non-EU sellers using their platforms.

The request for trial is regarded as an unprecedented move in Italy for a case of this nature.

In earlier cases involving multinational companies, once settlements were reached and payments made, prosecutors generally closed related criminal investigations through plea agreements or by dropping the proceedings.

In the trial request, Milan prosecutors identified the Italian Economy Ministry as the offended party.

Sources cited by Reuters said that if the allegations are confirmed in court, the case could affect Amazons operating model across Europe, as VAT rules are harmonised across the European Union.

The investigation forms part of several ongoing probes involving the company in Italy.

The European Public Prosecutors Office is examining similar suspected offences covering the period from 2021 to 2024.

Separately, Milan prosecutors are investigating whether Amazon maintained an undeclared permanent establishment in Italy between 2019 and 2024, which could have led to higher tax liabilities.

"Italian prosecutors seek trial for Amazon EU unit in 1.2bn VAT case  report" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.
Hundreds turned out at city hall on Thursday for the Chelsea School Committee budget hearing to address dozens of proposed teacher layoffs, surpassing room capacity and postponing the meeting due to fire code.

Ive been here 17 years, and even when weve had bigger cuts than these, I have never seen this amount of people show up in this room, said Chelsea School Committee Chair Ana Hernandez.

Facing an $8.6 million budget deficit, the Chelsea School District is proposing cutting about 70 educator positions, Superintendent Almi Guajardo Abeyta told Boston 25 News.

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The shortfall is due to a loss of state funding based on enrollment, which has declined by 350 students, Guajardo Abeyta said, attributing the decrease to immigration enforcement, a cost-of-living increase, and overall low birth rates.

Its so horrible to me, the fact that families in Chelsea, they have so much on their plates, said School Committee Member Sarah Neville. They have so much trauma and stress from whats going on with immigration enforcement. And the fact that we also have to deal with losing education funding just is salt in the wound. Its not fair to our students and families.

Chelsea not only serves a large proportion of low-income families but also has the highest percentage of English language learners in the state, Neville said.

Kathryn Anderson, president of the Chelsea Teachers Union, said the districts funding had finally begun to improve under the Student Opportunity Act, but now losing dozens of educators will take years to rebuild.

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Class sizes will be going up, case loads will be going up, Anderson said. Everybodys job descriptions will be changing as we adjust for the eliminated positions for next year.

About 40 students had planned to speak during the public comment portion of the hearing. Some passed around a sign that read Fire our teachers, fire our future.

Theres a lot of motivation that comes from our teachers and a lot of mentorship that comes from our counseling as well, said Chelsea High School senior Andrea Mendez. So, to take that all away or put that on the line of risk, thats also risking our futures as well.

Anderson proposed administrative cuts instead of eliminating student-facing positions.

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Anderson, Neville, and other advocates are appealing to the state for one-time grants to help fill the deficit.

Having to cut positions isnt fair to kids and its really tough, Neville said. These kids deserve better.

The budget hearing will be moved to Tuesday, March 17, at a larger venue yet to be announced.

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.

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Hungary returned two seized armored bank vehicles to Ukraine on March 12 but is withholding cash and gold worth about $82 million, claiming it is investigating alleged money laundering  an accusation Kyiv denies and has condemned as theft.

The vehicles and other valuables belong to Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank, which announced the return of the armored cars on social media. Hungarian authorities detained seven of the bank's employees on March 5 while they were transporting cash and gold from Austria to Ukraine.

The employees were released the following day, but Hungarian authorities kept the bank's property, including the vehicles, cash, and gold.

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Oschadbank said March 7 it would pursue legal action to recover the assets still held in Hungary.

Hungarian officials initially said the employees were detained on suspicion of money laundering  allegations denied by both Ukraine and Oschadbank.

Read also: Peter Magyars Ukraine problem

But Janos Lazar, a Hungarian minister, later acknowledged a connection between the seizure of more than $80 million in Ukrainian assets and the suspension of oil shipments via Ukraine to Hungary.

"We will not give the money back to (Ukraine); for now, the money will stay here," Lazar said. "We are waiting to see when the oil pipeline will reopen, and we are waiting for the next Ukrainian money transfers to pass through Hungary."

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The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Budapest, one of the European Union's most Moscow-friendly governments, over disruptions to Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.

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 have accused Ukraine of deliberately halting transit and demanded access to the pipeline. Most recently, a Hungarian delegation arrived in Kyiv on March 12 to assess the status of the Druzhba pipeline, a visit that had not been coordinated with or cleared by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Fuel tanks are burning  Major Russian oil hub hit in Ukrainian drone strike in Krasnodar Krai

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A wild game hunter who tried to hide an illegally obtained trophy from customs officials using falsified paperwork was recently sentenced to six months in federal prison, along with $85,000 in fines and two years of supervised release.

His trophy was the carcass of a Ladakh urial, a critically endangered wild sheep exclusively found in the contiguous mountainous regions of Ladakh, India and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

According to the Sacramento Bee, he had tried to pass it off as a different type of wild sheep using forged documents following a 2024 trip hosted by a local Pakistani hunting company.

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Adult male urial sheep have large, distinctive horns that have attracted hunters seeking macabre wall decorations. Illegal hunting is the most significant cause of mortality for the species in the region.

In a plea agreement, the hunter admitted that he and a co-conspirator at the hunting company had planned to bribe local officials in order to smuggle the animal's remains back to the United States, the article explained.

The owner of the hunting company has been charged by federal prosecutors. However, illegal animal trafficking operations could still be underway, as the report noted that he remains in Pakistan.

"He listed the species of the trophies he carried falsely, and did not include the Ladakh urial among the species he claimed to have been carrying," the plea agreement said.

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature states that the species' decline has been driven by a combination of habitat degradation, overexploitation, and illegal activities in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, where poverty affects up to 42% of the population.

Once distributed along the area's Indus River, the species is now restricted to the Bonji and Shigar valleys, with around 200 individuals reported in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the Snow Leopard Foundation.

While this was a case of illegal smuggling of a carcass, some wildlife traffickers smuggle live animals, creating an additional problem. Bringing non-native species into new habitats can threaten ecosystems by allowing them to become invasive. Invasive species outcompete natives for vital resources, creating a domino effect that can endanger entire food webs.

Some commenters were incensed by what seems to be a light sentence, with one sharing that "He should have got 10 years and a $250,000 fine plus having all weapons taken away for life."

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Another user replied, "Agreed."

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 International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into whether Belarus committed crimes against humanity, the court announced March 12.

Although Belarus is not a member of the ICC, neighboring Lithuania  which is a member  referred the situation to the court, arguing that some elements of the alleged crimes occurred on its territory.

In a statement, the Office of the Prosecutor said it opened a formal investigation after concluding there is "a reasonable basis to believe that Rome Statute crimes were committed at least in part on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania."

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In its referral to the ICC, Lithuania alleged that senior Belarusian political, law enforcement, and military leaders committed crimes against humanity  including deportation, persecution, and other inhumane acts  against the civilian population of Belarus.

The Prosecutor's Office said there is also "reasonable basis to believe that the coercive acts leading to deportation constituted a course of conduct against actual or perceived opponents of the Government of Belarus."

It added that there is reason "to believe that these crimes were committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, considering their large scale, the number of victims, and the organised nature of the acts."

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya welcomed the court's announcement, saying it offered hope that those responsible could be held accountable.

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"Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have suffered  and continue to suffer  because of the regime's actions. Lukashenko's policies also create threats for Belarus's neighbors," she said in a statement.

"I sincerely thank Lithuania for taking the initiative, and all the countries that supported this step," she added. "This decision restores hope  that justice will prevail, that those responsible will be held accountable, and that the victims will finally receive truth and justice."

Read also: Ukraine, Romania sign strategic partnership declaration, set to co-produce drones

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
US immigration agents in Oregon used a custom-made app to identify neighborhoods and people to target, and had daily arrest quotas they sought to meet during operations, courtroom testimony has revealed.

Details about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers surveillance tools and arrest goals in the state have come to light in a federal lawsuit that compelled officers to answer questions under oath, offering a rare window into opaque, internal strategies that are generally kept secret and have been driving mass detentions and chaotic raids.

The class-action suit, filed by Innovation Law Lab, an immigrants rights non-profit, challenged ICEs practice of detaining people without warrants or probable cause. Advocates said the tactic resulted in widespread racial profiling and unconstitutional arrests, and a federal judge sided with the plaintiffs, issuing a ruling broadly halting warrantless arrests in Oregon.

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Related: Meet the Americans withholding their federal income tax to protest against Trump

Testimony in a December hearing in the case provided a remarkable acknowledgment by an ICE officer of how daily target arrest numbers played out at the local level, and appeared to contradict the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials repeated claims that officers didnt have quotas. Trump adviser Stephen Miller has publicly said the administrations target was 3,000 daily arrests. The hearing also appeared to be the first time that ICE disclosed in court its use of an app called Elite for operations.

In the hearing, an ICE agent identified as JB testified that his team was given a verbal order to target eight arrests a day.

JBs team was made up of nine to 12 officers and was tied to the DHSs so-called Operation Black Rose, which launched in Portland last fall and yielded more than 1,200 arrests through mid-December, according to DHS. The target of eight daily arrests a team suggested a potential quota of about 50 daily arrests across Oregon, Innovation Law Lab estimated.

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When the plaintiffs lawyer asked JB if he complied with the quota, the US attorney objected to the term quota, but the judge overruled the objection.

JB replied: I made as many arrests as I could, as long as it was lawful.

JBs testimony centered on a 30 October ICE operation in Woodburn, a city south of Portland and home to many agricultural workers.

JBs team pulled over a van of farm workers heading to their job early in the morning, smashed the car windows and detained all seven occupants.

JB testified that officers had started the day by surveilling an apartment complex. He suggested officers choose the location in part based on intelligence from an app called Elite. Its unclear the exact role Elite played in identifying the area as a target  another officer testified that the ICE field office in Portland had provided intelligence that led them to visit the site. But JB explained that Elite was a newer app given to ICE agents. The app, he said, is kind of like Google Maps and shows how many individuals with an immigration nexus are believed to be in a certain area. Another officer testified that a nexus could mean any history of contact with immigration officials, which could include a naturalized US citizen.

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Elite, JB said, helped officers identify areas with a more dense population, meaning a higher likelihood of finding people to detain. Another agent described the Woodburn complex as a target-rich area. JB said he did not know how Elite leads were generated, saying the app pulls from all kinds of sources.

JB acknowledged information generated by Elite could be inaccurate: The app could say 100%, and its wrong. The person doesnt live there. And so its not accurate. Its a tool that we use that gives you probability, but theres  no such thing as 100%. Officers have to do checks on the intelligence, he said.

At the apartment complex, officers ran license plates of vehicles and became interested in the van when a search in their databases suggested the vans owner was possibly an immigrant in the US without authorization.

JB said the team decided to follow the van once it departed, even though officers didnt confirm whether the driver of the van was, in fact, the registered owner of the vehicle. JB found it suspicious that the driver was making multiple stops for passengers, saying: You dont know if its human trafficking or smuggling. The fact that the occupants were only speaking Spanish during the stop seemed to confirm there was smuggling or harboring people that are not supposed to be here in the United States, JB said.

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ICEs written report about the arrest, however, made no reference to JBs concerns about potential trafficking or smuggling. When the plaintiffs attorney asked JB about this discrepancy, he responded that one of the occupants had suggested they were all going to work and theyre all from Mexico, so that kind of cancels out human trafficking.

Elite wasnt the only app ICE used during the operation. Another ICE agent testified that while carrying out the arrests, he photographed a farm worker in the car known as MJMA, who is the lead plaintiff in the case. The agent ran MJMAs face through Mobile Fortify, DHSs facial recognition app. The app showed a match, but the officer testified: I wasnt sure if it was her or not.

MJMA had entered the US with a valid temporary visa last year. Still, JBs team wrote in their arrest records  inaccurately  that the farm worker entered the US unlawfully. The report also inaccurately described the stop of the van as consensual, the judge noted. MJMA was taken to a detention center in Washington state before ICE released her without explanation and left her to find her own way back home to Oregon.

The US judge Mustafa Kasubhai sharply criticized ICEs tactics in Woodburn, noting Elite could surface inaccurate information and lead to targeting of people lawfully in the US. He also said JBs claims of human smuggling were unfounded and inappropriate and that ICE targeted the area simply because many farm workers lived there.

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The arrested farm workers were among at least 35 people detained by ICE that day in the Woodburn area, the judge noted, writing: To serve the presidents demands for 3,000 immigration arrests each day nationally, evidence shows that ICE officers deployed to Oregon communities and arrested an extraordinary number of Oregonians in October of 2025 with little regard for conducting lawful arrests.

High-value targets

Many details about Elites functions and use by ICE remain unclear, but 404 Media, a tech news site, reported in January that the app was built by Palantir, the data analytics firm that has contracts with the DHS and the Department of Defense.

Internal ICE materials reviewed by 404 Media suggested Elite populated a map with potential deportation targets, generated dossiers on individuals and provided a confidence score on the persons address, the site reported. Citing a user guide, 404 Media said Elite was an acronym for Enhanced Leads Identification & Targeting for Enforcement and the tool identified high-value targets and had a geospatial lead sourcing tab to map targets.

Palantir did not respond to inquiries about Elite and its use in Oregon. The company has described itself as a data processor and said it does not play an active role in any of its customers data collection efforts or what clients do with that information. DHS and Department of Justice spokespeople did not respond to detailed questions about Elite, arrest quotas and the Oregon lawsuit.

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Stephen Manning, Innovation Law Labs executive director, said the testimony in the class-action suit illustrated how officers drive to meet arrest targets could lead them to potentially violate peoples rights and ignore protections against being detained: The law is an impediment to the quotas.

He cited ICEs violent arrest of Juanita Avila, a legal permanent resident and longtime Oregonian, as an example of how quotas can drive racial profiling. Avila, who filed a declaration in the lawsuit, was pulled over in November and tackled to the ground, even though she had her green card in her pocket. She recently spoke to the Guardian about the ordeal.

Manning said: She was just in her van. Why stop her other than she is a person of color?

Manning said ICE was using Elite to create an electronic dragnet that aimed to bypass the fourth amendment, the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches.

Nelly Garcia Orjuela, a staff attorney with Innovation Law Lab, said the testimony about Elite revealed another level of surveillance and how much information [ICE] has at their fingertips. Officers are not just using that intelligence to target people with serious criminal records, as DHS has claimed is its priority, she said. Instead, she said: The choices they are making is to go around the law  and target communities that are the most vulnerable.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has bought a warehouse structure in an industrial area on Salt Lake Citys west side, reigniting debate about whether the city will become home to an immigrant detention center.

The $145.44 million deal for the building and 24.9-acre parcel it sits on at 6020 W. 300 South was finalized on Wednesday, according to online property records. The property, sold to ICE by an entity identified as RREEF CPIF 6020 W 300 S, the former owner, sits just 3-4 miles southeast of another property that had reportedly been eyed last January as a potential ICE detention center.

Officials from the federal immigration agency didnt immediately respond to queries Thursday seeking comment. But the transaction is sparking concern among some who worry about the possibility of an immigrant detention center coming to Salt Lake City.

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I am deeply disturbed to learn that an 833,000-square-foot warehouse near the Salt Lake City airport has reportedly been purchased by the federal government for what would likely become a massive ICE detention facility, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in a statement. This time the obstacles may be greater, but our commitment must be just as strong. We cannot allow aggressive and often unlawful federal enforcement tactics to take root in our community.

Eva Lopez Chavez, a member of the Salt Lake City Council and Democratic hopeful for the 1st District U.S. House seat, called the development deeply alarming. She asks Utahs congressional delegation to Washington, D.C., to investigate the transaction and provide more details about the plans for the site.

I will use the full extent of my authority to combat the conversion of such a warehouse into a human-detention facility. I am eager to learn more about this exchange of real estate and prevent any assistance to this facility, Lopez Chavez said in a statement. It is an abomination that any real estate entity would willingly sell their asset, knowing the consequences of inviting (the Department of Homeland Security) into their backyard. This is an attempt to promote violence  not safety.

The Utah Democratic Party and Utah Senate and House Democrats joined the critics. Though what exactly is to come of the facility remains publicly unclear, a statement from the party lauded the contribution of immigrants. We strongly oppose any effort to use facilities in our city to scale up immigration detention or deportation operations. We call on federal officials to immediately disclose their plans and abandon any proposal that would put Utah communities, and the hardworking families who sustain them, at risk, reads the statement.

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The Democratic House and Senate lawmakers expressed concern about what could accompany development of a detention facility.

These centers arrive with massive enforcement operations that tear through communities, and the conditions that exist within these centers are violent and inhumane, reads the lawmakers statement. That the site is on Salt Lake Citys diverse west side is particularly problematic, they said, expressing concern that many families will now live under constant terror.

When rumors emerged in mid-January of the earlier proposal, which called for converting a vacant warehouse at 1197 N. 6880 West into a 7,500-bed immigrant detention facility, foes quickly coalesced, demonstrating at the location. They later demonstrated at the Salt Lake City offices of the owner of that 6880 West property, The Ritchie Group. The Ritchie Group later said it didnt plan to sell the land to ICE, though the possibility had emerged on a leaked document circulated among immigrant advocates around the country.

The deed for the transaction from Wednesday for the 300 West site says RREEF CPIF 6020 W 300 S, the owner before ICE, is a Delaware limited liability company with offices in Chicago. The registered agent in Utah for RREEF CPIF 6020 W 300 S is Midvale-based CT Corporation System, according to online Utah business records.
A Salt Lake City warehouse is the latest in the nation to be purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the Trump administration plans a $45 billion expansion of detention centers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, and a Delaware company on Wednesday finalized the $145.4 million deal, county property records show. The hulking facility with a long line of loading docks and few windows is located in an industrial district about a 10-minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport.

In a statement to Utah News Dispatch, a representative for ICE said the agency intends to use the site as a detention facility and said it will undergo community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure prior to purchase.

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The agency didnt provide specifics about its plans, including how many people they would house or how soon the facility could come online.

Mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, along with Democratic state lawmakers, condemned the sale, raising humanitarian and logistical concerns.

Let me be clear. A detention center does not belong in our capital city  full stop, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement Friday. The mass detention of people inside a warehouse is inhumane and is contradictory to the function, values and desires of Salt Lakers, and I will use every tool at the Citys disposal to stop it.

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She pointed out the city was settled by Latter-day Saint pioneers seeking refuge in 1847, saying it is not the place for a detention center. She said it also doesnt have the capacity to add such a facility on its west side in addition to the new state prison and a proposed homeless campus.

Mendenhall said the city is looking into legal options and evaluating its power and water infrastructure, adding that the use of a warehouse for detaining migrants is also wholly outside the scope of our available resources and zoning allowances.

Carlos Trujillo, an immigration attorney based in South Jordan, said the deal forecasts a bigger presence of ICE around the state, and the agency will likely bring in people from surrounding states without large detention centers. Trujillo said anyone with a criminal record whos considered a danger to the community would be held in jails, while those detained in situations like a traffic stop or a work place raid would go to the new site.

I still have hope that somehow, public outcry or something, it doesnt come through, Trujillo said.

Loading docks of a warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement at 6020 W. 300 South in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, March 13, 2026. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch)

Some states and cities have successfully fended off the projects. The federal government backed off a similar project in New Hampshire in February after discussions with its Republican governor. In Oklahoma, owners of a warehouse property ended talks with federal officials after public outcry.

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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox didnt return a request for comment on Friday. However, he previously expressed interest in hosting an ICE detention facility under the Biden administration, arguing that a new center would help ease a backlog in a Las Vegas facility.

We would love to have a holding facility here and we have made several offers to make that easier so there isnt this backlog when it comes to transportation, he said during a 2024 news conference broadcast by PBS Utah.

ICE said it anticipates the center and its construction would generate almost 9,900 jobs and bring in more than $238 million in tax revenue, without saying how it arrived at those numbers.

The agency repeated its prior statements that nearly 70% of those it has arrested are unauthorized immigrants that have been charged or convicted of a crime. But as of Feb. 7, 73.6% of detainees have no criminal convictions, according to government data collected by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

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These economic benefits dont even take into account that removing criminals from the streets makes communities safer for business owners and customers, ICE said in the statement.

Utahs Democratic state lawmakers, led by Sen. Luz Escamilla and Rep. Angela Romero, both of Salt Lake City, warned of potential impacts to residents on the citys west side, saying it is particularly alarming that this facility will sit in the heart of one of Utahs most diverse communities.

Life as we know it on the West Side is about to change dramatically, and many families will now live under constant terror, the lawmakers said in a statement. This is a defining moment for our state, and we are confident that Utah will come together to stand up for what is right.

The seller of the warehouse, RREEF CPIF 6020 W 300 S LLC, is a Delaware limited liability company with an address in Chicago, according to county property records.

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The land lies within the Utah Inland Port Authority, a state-governed shipping and trade hub. The authoritys officers learned of the purchase Thursday and were still working to determine the potential impacts, said spokesperson Kaitlin Felsted.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, a Democrat, said shes deeply disturbed by the sale of the warehouse of more than 830,000 square feet and signaled that local officials face an uphill battle in trying to stop the project.

When rumors surfaced in January that a different site nearby could house an ICE detention center, Wilson noted many came together in protest.

This time the obstacles may be greater, but our commitment must be just as strong, Wilson said. We cannot allow aggressive and often unlawful federal enforcement tactics to take root in our community.

A warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement at 6020 W. 300 South in Salt Lake City is pictured on Friday, March 13, 2026. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch)

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The Idaho Legislature passed a bill in 2024 that required parental consent for people under 18 to access medical care in most cases. But it had unintended consequences. The bill restricted the ability for kids to get help from the suicide hotline  a resource theyd long been told to rely on.

Two years later, lawmakers are trying to fix it.

Lawmakers this week advanced a bill that would make several changes to the parental rights law.

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The bill would create a specific carve-out for the suicide hotline, allowing children to receive immediate crisis and suicide prevention services  without parental consent  if they call 988. The law also allows the hotline to offer a follow-up call with the child within 48 hours to reassess their safety, review a safety plan and encourage communication with their parents or guardians. Offering follow-up calls is considered best practice, Lee Flinn, the director of the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline, previously told the Statesman.

The existing law has a narrow exception that allows kids to receive medical care without parental consent if a provider determines its a medical emergency, and providing care is necessary to prevent death or imminent, irreparable physical injury. But not everyone who calls 988 meets that bar.

During the hearing Wednesday, Jace Woods, a freshman at Meridian High School, spoke to lawmakers about his own experience calling the suicide hotline, along with that of a friend. Woods has been working to get the law changed ever since he called 988 late one night last fall and was told by the person who answered that he would need parental consent to continue talking, Woods previously told the Statesman.

The call ended, and he was enraged. He immediately started reaching out to lawmakers.

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Standing before the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration committee on Wednesday, Woods urged legislators to approve the bill.

Imagine being 15, trying to tell your parents that you want to die, not because you hate them, but because you hate yourself. That takes courage that most adults cant even imagine, Woods told the committee. Every single day that this bill goes unclarified and in this language, another child is hung up on.

Flinn also testified in support of the measure. That human connection, she said, could be the difference between a crisis escalating or a life being saved. Flinn also explained the organizations practices when it receives a call from a minor, and how team members use a safety assessment to determine whether that child meets the bar laid out in the law.

In one exchange, Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, asked Flinn if people at the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline were hanging up on children. Scott said she cant imagine anyone hanging up on kids who share they are planning to die by suicide, and questioned whether there were any politics involved.

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Can you assure me that this is not to make a point or change a law, and that your volunteers would help someone in need? said Scott, who supported the parental rights bill in 2024. If you could kind of give me some assurance there, Id feel really a lot better, because otherwise I would like to defund your program at this point.

I can give you full assurance we do not hang up on people. I understand how it can feel very abrupt if a person is assessed at not meeting the emergency criteria, but we are really focused on safety, Flinn said. If someone told us that they were holding a gun, we would not end that call.

What else would the bill do?

The bill also would address a few other issues. Shortly after the 2024 bill became law, the Boise School District sent a message to parents saying schools would need their consent to provide non-life-threatening medical services, including Band-Aids and Tylenol, Idaho Education News reported at the time.

The updated language allows people to offer non-emergency first aid services and care to a child who is sick or injured. That includes dressing wounds, applying topical agents or providing fluids or ice.

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If your child is at school, they fall and scrape themselves, absolutely you can provide first aid. That is not a problem. You do not have to contact the parent, Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, one of the sponsors of the bill, told the committee. What happens if your child was in chemistry class and sometimes youre dealing with chemicals and something exploded and it happened to get in their eyes? Oh no. Now we cant flush. Absolutely, you can provide first aid.

The new bill also creates a carve-out that allows a health care provider to treat someone who is pregnant, providing pregnancy testing, prenatal care and peripartum care. The Washington Post reported in 2024 that a pregnant 13-year-old girl was brought to an Idaho emergency room by her great-aunt. The girls mother was living in a car, and her grandmother and legal guardian was in jail. It took over two hours to track down the girls grandmother to provide verbal consent.

It also allows treatment of minors directly related to an allegation of a crime against the child, or to collect evidence relating to the crime if its time-sensitive.

In 2024, people raised concerns about the original bill  which also requires entities to make health care records available to parents in most cases  warning it could be harmful to kids, especially those without supportive parents. When Gov. Brad. Little signed the bill into law, he also worried about the potential outcomes, urging stakeholders to monitor any negative consequences the bill has in allowing kids to access behavioral health supports. He also said the bill could create confusion for medical providers without repealing conflicting sections of code. Shortly after it was signed into law, Idaho Reports reported that the law could prevent minors from getting rape kit exams without parental consent.

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During debate, legislators said it was important to address the consequences of the law and to continue working with stakeholders to ensure there are no other unintended results.

Two years ago, when we passed this, we thought wed fixed a really good, a big problem, and I think we were all in shock of what a mess it turned out to be, Rep. Clay Handy, R-Burley, said. So I hope that we dont do anything this time that would keep this from moving forward and getting enacted, because it is very problematic the interpretation and the way things are now.

The committee voted to send the bill to the House floor.
Over the past two weeks, the military has conducted hundreds of strike waves against the regime.

The IDF completed 20 waves of strikes across western and central Iran over the past day, targeting over 150 regime sites, including missile sites and launchers, drone facilities, defense systems, and weapons production sites, the military confirmed on Friday.

An IDF statement said that the IAF had eliminated several members of the Iranian Basij forces overnight as they operated recently established roadblocks in Tehran.

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The Basij forces, part of Iran's security apparatus, had led the Islamic regime's deadly crackdown on protesters in January 2026, the IDF noted.

The strikes completed are part of the ongoing goal of further degrading the Iranian regimes core systems and foundations of the Iranian terrorist regime.

Over the past two weeks, the military has conducted hundreds of strike waves against the regime.

Strike on a missile system set to launch against Israeli aircraft, March 13, 2026. (CREDIT: IDF SPOKESPERSONS UNIT)

Iran's new supreme leader sends first message

On Thursday, a message attributed to Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was read out by a newscaster on Iranian state television while a photo of the supreme leader was shown.

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There have not been any signs of life from Khamenei since his appointment.

The will of the masses is to continue the effective and regrettable defense, Khameneis apparent statement read.

Khamenei was quoted as thanking Yemens Houthis and Hezbollah in Lebanon for their defending the oppressed people of Gaza, and coming to the aid of the Islamic Republic despite all obstacles, as well as the Iraqi resistance for their courage.
You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters.

Krystal has promoted Amanda Hyde to chief operating officer. In her elevated role, she will report directly G.J. Hart, chairman and chief executive officer of parent company SPB Hospitality.

Hyde brings more than two decades of restaurant industry experience spanning operations, brand leadership, and multi-unit management. According to the company, she has played a central role in improving operational performance and supporting the companys strategy to revitalize and expand Krystal since joining SPB Hospitality.

Amanda is a respected operator with deep knowledge of the Krystal business and a strong track record of building high-performing teams, Hart, who was named to the companys CEO role in September, said in a statement. Her leadership has been instrumental as we continue sharpening the brands operational focus and positioning Krystal for long-term growth.

Hyde joined SPB Hospitalitys Logans Roadhouse as director of operations in 2015. In 2022, she moved into the vice president of operations role at SPB Hospitality and was promoted to senior vice president of operations in 2024, which was her most recent position.

She previously held the director of operations position at Mimis Cafe and was a general manager at Bob Evans from 1995 to 2005, per her LinkedIn page.

As COO, Hyde will further expand her leadership of Krystals restaurant operations across the system, working alongside operators and franchise partners to drive performance and support continued development. She will also collaborate closely with finance, human resources, and other support teams to ensure alignment.

Krystal has an incredible legacy and a loyal fan base, Hyde said in a statement. Im proud to step into this role and continue working alongside our operators, franchise partners and team members to build on that foundation and expand Krystal into new communities while delivering great experiences for our guests every day.

Krystal has expanded to 13 states with nearly 300 restaurants and is entering new markets, such as New Jersey. The slider chain became a part of the SPB Hospitality portfolio in 2023. SPB Hospitality is majority owned by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group.

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

Follow her on TikTok: @aliciakelso
(The Center Square)  Kankakee County authorities have confirmed the death of one individual who was inside a storm-damaged home in Aroma Park.

The Kankakee County Sheriffs Office said in a social media post that the county coroner confirmed the death after sheriffs deputies were notified late Thursday afternoon.

Government officials said at least 30 homes were destroyed by severe storms and tornadoes Tuesday.

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BOBCAT HARVEST

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says 627 bobcats were harvested by hunters and trappers during the states 2025-2026 bobcat season.

Jefferson County reported 33 bobcats, followed by Macoupin County with 28.

IDNR issued 2,000 permits for the 2025 season out of 9,700 bobcat lottery applicants.

UI COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER NAMED

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named a YouTube host to be the schools 2026 commencement speaker.

Hot Ones host Sean Evans graduated from U of I in 2008.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled to be at Gies Memorial Stadium on May 16.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An investigation into the conditions and management at Oregons public psychiatric hospital is now underway.

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson announced Friday that a grand jury has been convened to look into current operations, capacity challenges and public safety implications at Oregon State Hospital.

I feel really bad: Woman charged in Elephants fire was trying to stay warm

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The Oregon State Hospital is statutorily responsible for the majority of our states criminal justice response to the behavioral health crisis plaguing our communities, Clarkson said in a press release.

Over the last several years, I have become increasingly concerned that the Oregon State Hospital cannot meet the challenge of the moment: appropriately responding to the growing need for intensive, hospital level of care for individuals whose diagnoses require civil commitment, restoration services, or secure levels of treatment for the safety of themselves and the public, she said.

The review is a requirement under Oregon law, which states at least once yearly, a grand jury shall inquire into the condition and management of every correctional facility and youth correction facility.

A spokesperson for the district attorneys office said that while a review happens yearly, Clarkson decided to do a more thorough and robust process this year.

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We have an obligation to inquire into what is being done with an eye toward what more is needed, Clarkson said.

Hospital staff said that their concerns were largely ignored and dismissed by leadership, according to an Oregon Health Authority report released in June 2025.

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KOIN Morning Digest

The grand jury inquiry is expected to take several months, the district attorneys office said. As is standard, the proceedings will remain confidential while they are in progress.

Once the inquiry is complete, a final report will be released to the public. The report is expected by the end of the year.

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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.
Seven Indian nationals living illegally in Massachusetts are accused of staging armed robberies at local convenience stores so clerks could claim they were crime victims on immigration applications, the U.S. Attorney said Friday.

A total of 11 Indian nationals living in Massachusetts, Kentucky, Ohio and Mississippi were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.

Foley said the defendants are:

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1. Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, unlawfully residing in Marshfield, Mass.;

2. Maheshkumar Patel, 36, unlawfully residing in Randolph, Mass.;

3. Sanjaykumar Patel, 45, unlawfully residing in Quincy, Mass.;

4. Dipikaben Patel, 40, deported to India after unlawfully residing in Weymouth, Mass.;

5. Rameshbhai Patel, 52, unlawfully residing in Eubank, Ky.;

6. Amitabahen Patel, 43, unlawfully residing in Plainville, Mass.;

7. Ronakkumar Patel, 28, unlawfully residing in Maryland Heights, Miss.;

8. Sangitaben Patel, 36, unlawfully residing in Randolph, Mass.;

9. Minkesh Patel, 42, unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio;

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10. Sonal Patel, 42, unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio; and

11. Mitul Patel, 40, unlawfully residing in Worcester, Mass.

Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel and Mitul Patel were arrested in Massachusetts and released following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston earlier Friday.

Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel were arrested and made their initial appearances in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio.

They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to the charging documents, in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least six convenience/liquor stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts, and more elsewhere.

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Prosecutors allege that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa).

A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

In the course of the alleged staged robberies, prosecutors said the robber would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video.

The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the robber had escaped before calling police to report the crime.

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Prosecutors said the victims are alleged to have each paid Patel to participate in the scheme. In turn, Patel allegedly paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery.

Patel, the robber, and the getaway driver were previously charged and convicted.

The 11 defendants charged on Friday are accused of either arranging with the organizer to set up each robbery, or paying for themselves or a family member to participate as a victim.

The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

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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
When he announced he was running for U.S. Senate last fall, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton did more than add fuel to his own political ambitions.

He also sparked a complete free-for-all for his North Shore-based congressional seat. Thats because open seats  for any elected office  tend to be rarer than Loch Ness Monster sightings in the Bay State.

That reluctance to change congressional horses dates back to the tenure of long-serving U.S. House Speaker Tip ONeill, of Boston, who ensured that Bay State pols were installed in key committee posts, a gambit that ensured that Massachusetts punched well above its weight.

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That system has stayed in place long after ONeills exit from the stage, with U.S. Reps. Richard Neal, D-1st District, Jim McGovern, D-2nd District, and Katherine Clark, D-5th District, all holding key committee and leadership positions.

Voters, too, understand the assignment and dont send incumbents packing without good reason, one longtime observer said.

No fewer than 9 people  eight Democrats and one Republican  have jumped into the race for the 6th Congressional District seat that Moulton is vacating to wage his primary bid against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Money and endorsements are already shaping the contest, which largely is an insiders game, ahead of the state Democratic Partys May nominating convention in Worcester.

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From there, its a long run to the statewide primary in September, with a decent chance that the field will thin as the days get longer and warmer.

The candidates

Dan Koh: An ex-Biden White House aide who formerly ran for the 3rd District seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan. Heres the intro video for his candidacy.

State Rep. Tram Nguyen: First elected in 2018, shes the first Vietnamese-American to be elected to the Legislature, where she represents the 18th Essex District.

Former state Rep. Jamie Zahlaway Belsito: She ran against Moulton in 2020. Shes touting her time on Beacon Hill and her experience helming a nonprofit. She said Capitol Hill needs Democrats who wont back down, not to the far right and not to our own party when it betrays our values. Ive always stood for accountability and human rights, from auditing the state legislature to supporting universal healthcare to calling out the atrocities in Gaza.

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Rick Jakious: A longtime Moulton aide, is in it to win it. This is a pretty common path  from staffer to elected office. On his website, Jakious said hes putting public service ahead of politics. And while most chiefs of staff move to Washington, Rick stayed in Massachusetts, because he knew that being present in the community was the best way to serve it.

Beth Andres-Beck: A software engineer who argues on their campaign website that politics as usual has not saved us. It is time to get creative.

John Beccia: A lawyer and crypto executive from Lynnfield. Hes running for Congress to bring a leadership rooted in working-class values, proven in the private sector, and driven by a commitment to make government work for people again.

Mariah Lancaster: A veterinarian. She formerly worked as a congressional aide and for the U.S. State Department. She said she decided to launch her candidacy after she witnessed the Trump administration gutting our government, kidnapping our friends and neighbors and selling off our country to the highest bidder.

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Rachel Creemers: A progressive activist who says she supports a workers bill of rights, a right to sanity, stability and fair pay.

Micah Q. Jones: An attorney and, so far, the lone Republican in the race. Hes an Army veteran who comes from a military family. If elected, Jones said hed prioritize accountability for members of Congress, opportunity for the communities that make up the Massachusetts Sixth Congressional District, and security for our nation.

The money

As you might expect in a hotly contested race for a rare open seat, theres plenty of cash already splashing around the campaign.

Koh reported having a staggering $1.8 million on hand at the end of last year, according to campaign filings.

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Nguyen reported raising $125,000 within 24 hours of her campaign launch last fall, with three-quarters of her donations coming from within the state.

Belsito, the former lawmaker, had $74,018 on hand through the end of last year, according to campaign filings. Jakious, the ex-Moulton aide, reported $241,969 on hand at the end of last year. Beccia was sitting on a little more than $1 million, his campaign filings showed.

Last fall, Belsito called on her fellow candidates to eschew third-party spending in the race, arguing that their votes should not be for sale.

Our district is hurting right now. People are just trying to pay their rent, which continues to go up. Theyre trying to pay for their groceries. Theyre just trying to ensure that theyre going to have enough money with our anticipated increases in health insurance. And then were seeing billionaires looking at races like theyre going to Target shopping, Belsito told Politico.

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At around the same time, Nguyen made a nearly $200,000 donation from her state campaign funds to a super PAC, the Save America Fund, which supports Democratic congressional candidates, The Boston Globe reported.

In the 2024 campaign cycle, the PAC spent $562,245 in support of Democratic candidates, according to Open Secrets, which tracks campaign spending.

Theres not going to be any shortage of money, either direct contributions, PACs or dark money, given the election year that this is, veteran Democratic analyst Mary Anne Marsh, of Boston, said. Resources arent a question for anyone who is a serious contender.

The endorsements

While endorsements dont tend to move general election voters (unless youre Taylor Swift, and maybe not even then), they are a slightly bigger deal to the Democratic foot soldiers and donors who will shape the race in the early going.

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Koh, for instance, has racked up endorsements from former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (also his former boss) and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg  whos also being mentioned as a 2028 White House contender.

Belsito has been building support among local leaders on the North Shore, rolling out a slate of endorsements in December. Former Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga is also backing her candidacy.

Its always better to have more endorsements than not, Marsh observed. But, depending on the race, are they the ones that will make a difference?

All those questions  and more  could be settled when Democrats gather in Worcester in May.

Read more analysis from John L. Micek

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Grocery prices represent a major pain point for many Americans. | Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

With everything from housing and groceries to gasoline and home and car insurance becoming increasingly expensive, both red and blue states are trying to find ways to address Americans hardships. State officials and policy think tanks are offering income and property tax rebates, raising wages and enacting structural reform, with varying success.

California

The biggest problem in the Golden State is housing affordability, and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is urging the state government to find an answer. Newsom has told lawmakers they should pass a law to stop institutional investors from buying homes in bulk, said The Associated Press, which also noted that California has about 40,000 affordable homes ready for construction.

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But the states pro-housing laws do a whole lot more than just make it easier to build housing: [they] preserve local autonomy, pay high construction wages, guarantee that new units are accessible to low-income renters, said The Atlantic. In an effort to accomplish every objective and accommodate every interest, all at once, California set up its housing agenda to fail.

Florida

Polls show that affordability is top of the mind for Floridians, but you wouldnt necessarily know it if you were in the states Capitol, said the Miami Herald. Efforts from lawmakers to drive down insurance and utility rates failed, and they have not agreed on a way to lower property taxes.

These property tax cuts nonetheless remain a top issue for Floridians, with a potential $18 billion in cuts on the line. If lawmakers do come to a deal on slashing taxes, it would have to be approved by voters in November by a 60% margin, said WFLX-TV Palm Beach.

Georgia

Unlike Florida, the Peach State has been able to get one-time income and property tax rebates passed through its legislature. Georgia lawmakers also followed that up by introducing four more affordability measures, this time aimed at insurance costs, said The Augusta Chronicle.

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The legislation addresses the rising price of car insurance and aims to curb excessive insurance industry billing and profits, increase what's covered and punish drivers for inadequate insurance, said the Chronicle. Another proposed state bill would restore regular cost-of-living adjustments for Georgia state retirees, said WALB-TV Georgia.

Illinois

Beyond working on balancing the states budget, lawmakers in the Capitol are focused on passing legislation that brings down costs for households, that brings good jobs, grows wages and opportunities, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch (D) said to The State Journal-Register. Legislators are also pushing for real structural reform surrounding affordability following a report that grocery costs in Illinois rose by $1,781 last year.

Child care costs have been especially vexing for Americans, and one notable proposition would create back-to-school sales tax holiday periods to lower the cost of living for Illinoisans, especially those supporting children, WIFR-TV Rockford said. If the bill passes, it would also require retailers to clearly label sales tax holiday items.

New York

New York  and New York City, in particular  is known for having one of the countrys highest costs of living, and legislators have worked on raising wages to battle this. At the beginning of 2026, New York raised its state minimum wage to $17 downstate and $16 upstate, said Fox 5 New York. And starting in 2027, the minimum wage will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

Even higher wage hikes are being pushed in the Big Apple. A recent proposal in New York City means minimum wage could climb to $30 per hour in the coming years, said CBS News. This would be a significant rise from the current $17 minimum wage in the city and would see the $30 mark reached by 2030.
Claim:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was killed in an Iranian missile attack on Israel in early March 2026.

Rating:

Rating: False

In early March 2026, a rumor spread online that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been killed in an Iranian missile attack on Israel.

Snopes readers asked us to confirm whether Netanyahu was dead or alive. One Facebook video on March 11 claimed to show "grief inside Israeli underground bunkers amid Netanyahu's death." A TikTok video claimed Netanyahu's alleged death was a result of Iranian missiles.

There was no evidence Netanyahu was killed by an Iranian missile strike. On March 12, the prime minister spoke at a news conference that was broadcast live on X as well as by multiple media outlets. Because of this, we've rated this claim false.

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We have reached out to the Israeli government for comment and will update this post if we receive a response.

The rumors appeared to originate from reports by Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian media outlet believed to be affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. On March 9, the media agency's English-language X account posted the following:

Unverified social media claims alleging that Iran bombed the home of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and killed his brother, while wounding National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have circulated widely online following comments by former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter.

Unverified social media claims alleging that Iran bombed the home of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and killed his brother, while wounding National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have circulated widely online following comments by former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter.  Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 9, 2026

Ritter, who describes himself as a former U.S. Marine and intelligence officer on his X profile, made the above claim on March 9 on RT, a Russian state-backed media outlet.

According to a March 10 article on Tasnim's website, Netanyahu was either severely injured or dead due to the following factors. The article noted that the Israeli government had neither confirmed nor denied the factors:

1. It has been nearly three days since the last video of Netanyahu was posted on his personal channel, and almost four days since the last images of him were published. Following that, the few statements attributed to Netanyahu have been text-based. 2. Prior to the last video of Netanyahu, at least one video, and sometimes up to three videos, were typically released daily. However, the absence of even a single video over the past three days has intensified speculation. 3. A number of Hebrew sources reported that on March 8, reports emerged indicating that the security perimeter around Netanyahu's home had been heightened, particularly to counter potential suicide drones. 4. It is said that the cancellation of the planned visit by Jared Kushner ([U.S. President Donald] Trump's son-in-law) and Steve Witkoff (Trump's special representative) to Israel, which was scheduled for today, is related to this situation. 5. The Elysee Palace also did not specify the date of a telephone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Netanyahu in a news report about the call, and only a text of this alleged conversation was released.

We looked at Netanyahu's recent public appearances and social media pages. According to the Israeli government's official website, photographs showed him visiting a port in the city of Ashdod on March 10. A news release included a text-only statement from Netanyahu about the visit.

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On March 10, Netanyahu's Instagram account published video of Netanyahu speaking, claiming to show him visiting Israel's National Health Command Center. Photographs of the visit appeared on the Israeli prime minister's official Facebook page. According to the government website, Netanyahu made the visit on March 9.

Neither the government's website nor Netanyahu's Instagram account had any updates from the prime minister on March 11.

On the evening of March 12, Netanyahu spoke during a news conference that was broadcast live on X by the official Israeli governmental press office account, as well as on YouTube by media outlets including Al Jazeera English. Netanyahu addressed Israel's citizens, saying the nation was "stronger than ever."

*Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Remarks at his Press Conference* pic.twitter.com/IxWeitLbZ2  Government Press Office  (@GPOIsrael) March 12, 2026

Israeli media outlet The Jerusalem Post called the rumors of Netanyahu's death a "false conspiracy theory" in a March 10 article, saying, "The piece fits a familiar pattern in Iranian and pro-Iranian information warfare, with real fragments of public information stitched together into a dramatic narrative, then circulated as if they point to a hidden event."

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There also was no evidence an Iranian strike killed or injured either Netanyahu's brother, Iddo Netanyahu, or Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, who published a video on his official TikTok account stating he was alive.

Snopes has covered death hoaxes about numerous public figures during wars and conflicts, including hoaxes about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Sources:

"Explosions Reported in Iran, Israel Denies Involvement." Euronews, 31 Jan. 2026, https://www.euronews.com/2026/01/31/explosions-reported-in-iran. Accessed 12 March 2026.

Ibrahim, Nur. "Is Vladimir Putin Dead?" Snopes, 8 Nov. 2023, https://www.snopes.com//news/2023/11/08/is-vladimir-putin-dead/. Accessed 12 March 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Ibrahim, Nur. "Why Are Online Death Hoaxes so Popular?" Snopes, 22 Sept. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//news/2022/09/22/online-death-hoaxes-popular/. Accessed 12 March 2026.

"Iranian Media Pushes False Benjamin Netanyahu Death Conspiracy | The Jerusalem Post." The Jerusalem Post | JPost.Com, 10 Mar. 2026, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889415. Accessed 12 March 2026.

"PM Netanyahu at the National Health Command Center." Government of Israel, 10 Mar. 2026, https://www.gov.il/en/pages/event-health100326. Accessed 12 March 2026.

"PM Netanyahu Visited Ashdod Port." Government of Israel, 10 Mar. 2026, https://www.gov.il/en/pages/event-ashdod100326. Accessed 12 March 2026.

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"Sanchez Effect | War against Iran "is an Illegal War of Aggression"  Scott Ritter." RT, 2026, https://rumble.com/v76vfik-sanchez-effect-war-against-iran-is-an-illegal-war-of-aggression.html. Accessed 12 March 2026.

"Speculation Swirls About Netanyahu's Possible Death, Injury - Politics News." Tasnim News Agency, //www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/03/10/3536698/speculation-swirls-about-netanyahu-s-possible-death-injury. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.



Updates:

March 12, 2026: This article has been updated to reflect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a news conference on March 12, and to rate the claim false.
A key military ammunition plant in southeast Iowa has temporarily shut down for what the U.S. Army said is a proactive safety review.

The Iowa Arms Ammunition Plant in Middletown is the primary producer of the 155 mm artillery shells used extensively by Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as by the U.S. military.

Access to the ammunition plant will be restricted while the safety inspection is being conducted, according to a news release issued Thursday, March 12, by the Army Joint Munitions Command, headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois, in the Quad Cities.

A munitions employee wipes down 155 mm casings following inspection at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant near Middletown.

This precautionary step will allow a dedicated team of experts to thoroughly assess on-site storage procedures and ensure that all safety protocols are being met. The temporary pause allows this important work to be conducted with the utmost care and attention," the release said.

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Asked if there was any event or circumstances that prompted the safety review, Justine Barati, director of p and congressional affairs for the joint munitions command would say only that he will provide additional information about the safety review upon completion."

Barati also said the closing would be very temporary,

The Joint munitions command said in its release that "our top priority is, and always will be, the well-being of our employees and the surrounding community. We are taking this proactive step out of an abundance of caution and are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in all of our operations,

Plant has history of accidents

An employee inspects 40 mm training rounds before distribution at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant near Middletown.

A number of accidents, some fatal, have occurred over the years at the plant, which opened in 1941. The most recent reported was an explosion on Jan. 22, 2025. There were no injuries.

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In June 2006, two workers died in an explosion.

The sprawling facility, about 11 miles west of Burlington, covers more than 19,000 acres  nearly 30 square miles. It has more than 400 buildings and has a total storage capacity of 1.6 million square feet.

The plant once housed a secret nuclear weapons program that was revealed after many former workers developed cancer. In 1975, production of nuclear weapons was transferred to Amarillo, Texas.

In 2005, 364 former nuclear workers and their survivors were approved to receive $150,000 apiece in compensation from the government for illnesses.

Plant is slated for expansion

While the U.S. Army does disclose how many people currently are employed at the plant, in earlier interviews with the Des Moines Register officials said the workforce was estimated 800.

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The U.S. Army also sent a notification via Facebook on Monday, March 9, saying that upcoming construction could disrupt some traffic around the plant.

This is advanced notice of upcoming construction activity at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant starting this month. This is part of the construction of a new Future Artillery Complex (FAC) to support our national defense, the notice said.

The Army announced in August 2025 that it had awarded a $635 million contract to MSM Group North America for expansion of the plant, scheduled to be completed in 2029.

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Army munitions plant shut down for 'safety review'
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, signed a new law prohibiting local governments from protecting transgender Iowans civil rights.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

The law comes a year after Iowa became the first state in the country to roll back its civil rights code by removing gender identity from protected classes. Several progressive jurisdictions like Des Moines and Iowa City still protected trans Iowans in local ordinances, but that concerned the Republican-controlled legislature enough to pass legislation preempting local rules.

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Related: Iowa House Republicans pass a bill that will make the lives of transgender residents worse



Related: Iowa passes bill stripping civil rights protections for transgender people, send to governor

We just believe that locals should follow the state laws, especially when it comes to civil rights, Reynolds said in a press conference, according to Iowa Public Radio News. Otherwise, we have a mismatch of rights out there, and we felt that it was the right thing to do.

But the move upset local elected officials, who said Iowa entered treacherous legal territory by prohibiting officials from protecting a class of people. Laura Bergus, an Iowa City Council member, told ABC affiliate KCRG that her city passed a resolution last year in response to the states civil rights rollback.

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Bergus said local officials were resolved to reinforce the fact that we had that authority and to make sure that our residents knew that discrimination on the basis of gender identity specifically was still prohibited in Iowa City. The attorney called the new law signed by Reynolds extreme overreach.

Related: Iowa now allows anti-transgender discrimination

Coralville City Council member Katie Freeman told Iowa Public Radio News that preempting civil rights protections set a dangerous precedent. The state can now take away any civil rights, and no city has a recourse for that, Freeman said. And unfortunately, I think there are too many people that still believe it will never happen to them, and we dont have the luxury to believe that any longer.

But Republican lawmakers, when passing the law, said Iowa cannot have a patchwork of different protections around the state.

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Were not going to have everybody, and their mom decides they're going to have this civil rights code, said Rep. Skyler Wheeler when the bill passed, according to the Des Moines Register.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Iowa bans cities and towns from protecting transgender citizens civil rights

RELATED
The fields of candidates competing in Iowas 2026 primaries solidified Friday as candidates hit a deadline to file paperwork needed to appear on the June 2 ballot.

Candidates running for state and federal elected offices in Iowa had from Feb. 23 until March 13 to submit their nomination papers to the Iowa Secretary of States office to qualify for their partys primary ballot for the 2026 election.

Some candidates submitted their paperwork on the day of the deadline. Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn came with his children and wife to the Capitol submit his petition signatures Friday morning.

Republican Zach Lahn, joined by his wife and children, went to the Iowa Secretary of States office March 13, 2026 as he submitted petition signatures to qualify for the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Lahn, is one of five Republicans to announce their campaign for governor in 2026 and the fourth to file paperwork to appear on the June GOP primary. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen and former state lawmaker Brad Sherman have all submitted their nomination papers for the primary to become the GOP nominee for the seat left open by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Iowa Rep. Eddie Andrews, R-Urbandale, had not filed paperwork as of 4 p.m. Friday.

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The process of collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot was a lot of travel, a lot of asking people to to sign on to something, and then explaining where I stand on issues, Lahn said.

We found that we had great responses from Republicans, Democrats and independents, actually, he said.

Lahn said much of the time, he spoke with people who are on a different side of the aisle, and then when I talked about the issues that were really running on, theyd say we cant disagree with those, and theyd sign the petition.

The candidate, a farmer who has previously worked with the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, has not previously held elected office. However, he said his campaign is willing to take on many issues that appeal to both Republicans who will be weighing in during the primary election and with Democratic and no party voters, speaking on issues like Iowas high cancer rates and other health-related issues.

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When Im out on the campaign trail meeting with Republicans  just last night, I was at an event in Des Moines, and when I bring up the cancer crisis, every head in the audience is nodding, Lahn said. They all know whats going on. Its being talked about at the grassroots level more than I think anybody understands. And you can actually see some of my opponents now starting to talk about it. But we have to be willing to address the root causes of this  we have to be willing to confront the elephant in the room, and that is that weve been lied to by for a long time, by large agriculture companies about the safety of the products. So I think this is a bipartisan issue, I truly do.

Lahn and staff told reporters he gathered 6,121 signatures from all 99 counties, including more than 100 signatures from 30 different counties in the state.

Depending on what position a candidate is running for, the number of signatures they must submit from people supporting their campaign to qualify for the ballot varies  the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races both require at least 3,500 signatures, including at least 100 signatures from 19 counties. Candidates for statewide elected office, like state auditor, treasurer and attorney general, require 2,500 signatures, including at least 100 from 19 counties, while U.S. representative seats require 1,726 people to sign with 47 from at half of the counties in their district.

Iowa Senate candidates must submit 100 signatures from people within their district, and state House candidates must submit 50.

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Though these figures represent the minimum number of signatures needed to qualify, many candidates submitted their nomination paperwork with far more people signing on in support of their campaign. Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, who is running for governor, submitted 24,756 signatures Monday, breaking the states gubernatorial campaign and all-time records for petition signatures, according to his campaign.

U.S. Senate candidates like Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson reported submitted 15,000 signatures this week, while Democrats Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls and Rep. Josh Turek each reported submitting more than 10,000 signatures.

Though submitting an excess of signatures is not a requirement, many candidates make sure to collect a significant number in order to show support for their campaign ahead of the primary, as well as to ensure their campaigns remain qualified for the ballot if any petition signatures are challenged. In 2022, U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauers place on the 2022 Democratic primary ballot was in question as two registered Republicans challenged signatures submitted by her campaign.

The State Objections Panel, which hears challenges to nomination papers, ruled 2-1 to deny objections to both her and former Democratic Attorney General Tom Millers ability to appear on the 2022 Democratic primary ballot. The Republicans who brought the matter forward took the issue to court  ultimately the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that Finkenauer would appear on the primary ballot.

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Under Iowa Code, objections to the eligibility of a candidate to appear on the ballot can be submitted by any person who would have the right to vote for the candidate for the office in question. Challenges must be submitted 74 days before the primary election  by March 20, 2026 for this years primaries.

The State Objections Panel is made up of the secretary of state, state auditor and attorney general. If Sands gubernatorial campaign  or the other two members  faces challenges to their nomination heard by this panel, they would be replaced by other officers outlined in state law. Sand would be replaced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

Who has filed?

The Iowa Secretary of States office issued a list of candidates who have qualified for their partys primaries in state and federal races.

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While candidates will no longer be able to submit their paperwork after 5 p.m. Friday, this does not mean candidates not on the list of primary candidates at the time of this articles publishing will not appear on the ballot. The list will continue to be updated as Secretary of States Office staff process the petition signatures and candidate paperwork.

Political parties and third-party organizations also may fill empty slots on their side of the aisle by nominating candidates at convention after the primary.

Here is the candidate list for the June 2 primary election, which was last updated March 13 at 1:22 p.m.:

2026 Primary - Candidate List Database - All Elections_9
The Signal Insight

When Kyle Clark pitched his plans for BETA Technologies to Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder replied: Oh, you know what you have? You have the ability to defer gratification.

Now  almost a decade after Clark founded his electric aerospace business, five years since Amazon invested in it, and four months since he raised $1 billion in a New York listing  he may not have to wait much longer for his idea to take flight.

US federal regulators this week approved eight trial programs for what the industry calls advanced air mobility. What the general public calls flying taxis could be operating in 26 states as soon as June.

The CEO of Archer Aviation called it the industrys Waymo moment, when people would get their first glimpses of a futuristic technology in action. But the initial boost to stocks of Archer, BETA, and rival Joby Aviation was short-lived. BETAs earnings report this week showed that its losses swelled from $82 million to $452 million last year, though it ended the year with $1.7 billion of cash.

Clark, a Harvard engineer who wrote his college thesis on electric aviation 25 years ago, hopes to get the certification needed for his aircraft to carry paying passengers by the end of next year. Before then, he hopes to be making revenue from cargo flights for customers like UPS, his biggest to date. Vermont-based BETA has also struck defense-focused deals with GE Aerospace, which became an investor, and General Dynamics.

Clark is a proponent of regret assist game theory, or making plans based on avoiding the outcomes he would regret most: running out of money before realizing his vision, or losing control of his company.

One of his strategies has been to win over regulators and investors with test flights. Some are unsure until they see their colleagues take off, Clark says, but theyre humans. They want to see their hard work materialize into something real. In an industry where theres a lot of smoke and mirrors, he says, we deliver stuff.

Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson: When is the general public going to be able to fly in one of your planes?

Kyle Clark: We have something called a market survey ticket, which we used to fly the first passengers into JFK this past year. We are allowed to fly you; were not allowed to take money to fly you yet. Later this year, we will be allowed to take money to fly cargo and medical, and I would expect sometime mid-to-late next year, we will be allowed to charge you to fly.

What have you learned about getting employees on board for an ambitious project whose commercial realization may be years off?

If you have people who have common passions but complementary skill sets, you make a good team, so [I asked myself:] What are the common passions that matter to us? You have to care about sustainability, you have to love aviation, or you have to have an insatiable interest in technology. If everybody has two of those passions, you always have one that overlaps with somebody else. And if you have common passions with people, you want to work with them. Lets go fly together. Lets go reduce the carbon in the atmosphere, or lets go figure out how the hell this thing works.
Welcome back to World Brief, where were looking at Irans warning for the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. accusations of European market overcapacity, and a new ethnic unity law in China.

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Khameneis First Warning

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a defiant message on Thursday in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed during U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. Iran will not refrain from avenging the blood of its martyrs, Khamenei said, adding that Tehran will seek compensation from its adversaries or destroy their assets accordingly.

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Khamenei vowed to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a tool to pressure the enemy. Passage through the strategic waterway, where normally one-fifth of the worlds oil transits, has ground to a virtual standstill as Iranian forces target commercial shipping vessels.

Tehran also warned all U.S. bases in the Middle East on Thursday to close immediately, saying those bases will be attacked.

Iranian forces have escalated their strikes on oil and civilian infrastructure in recent days. On Thursday, a suspected Iranian attack targeted two tankers in an Iraqi port, just hours after three commercial ships were struck in the Persian Gulf. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for at least one of Wednesdays attacks: an assault on the Mayuree Naree, a Thai-flagged bulk carrier. Bangkok denounced that strike on Thursday and demanded that Tehran issue an apology.

Also on Thursday, Qatars Defense Ministry said it had thwarted several missile and drone attacks targeting its country. And Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry said it had intercepted two drones heading toward its Shaybah oil field.

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These attacks have not stopped the United States and Israel from continuing their own military operations. According to U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces have struck around 6,000 Iranian targets, including more than 60 ships and 30 minelayers, since the war began. And on Thursday, Israel unleashed a fresh onslaught of attacks on alleged Hezbollah sites in Beirut, prompting the British government to issue a new travel advisory for its citizens in Lebanon. If your presence in Lebanon is not essential, you should consider departing now, the alert states. If you decide to stay, we cannot guarantee we will be able to help you.

Iranian strikes have injected uncertainty into global energy supply flows. On Wednesday, members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) unanimously agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves to help bring down rising crude costs. That same day, an Iranian military official warned that the price of oil per barrel could reach $200.

But Western powers appear less concerned about oil markets following the IEAs decision. On Thursday, the European Commission said it does not have any immediate concerns regarding the security of oil supplies. And U.S. President Donald Trump said preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was more important to him than the price of crude. Trump also said the United States would profit from high oil prices. The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money, he wrote on Truth Social.

But rising oil prices arent the only financial concern. Pentagon officials told U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday that the wars estimated cost exceeded $11.3 billion within its first six daysnot including other operational costs, such as hardware and personnel buildups.

Todays Most Read So This, Finally, Is the Trump Doctrine by Michael Hirsh State Department Refuses Former Staffers Help in Middle East Evacuation by Sam Skove The United States Could Lose the Gulf by Marc Lynch What Were Following

The threat of more tariffs. The European Union on Thursday rejected U.S. allegations that the bloc was responsible for global market overcapacity, vowing to respond firmly and proportionately to any breach in the EU-U.S. trade deal, which was reached last year. The sources of such overcapacity are well identified, and they do not lie in Europe, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said.

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Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump had overstepped his executive authority when he used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs on virtually all of Washingtons trading partners. Trump immediately condemned the 6-3 decision and vowed to circumvent the ruling with the 1974 Trade Act.

On Wednesday, the White House used Section 301 of that act to accuse more than a dozen major economies, including the EU, of unfairly overproducing goods. Opening an investigation into foreign manufacturing practices marks an effort by Trump to replace the hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue that the United States lost following the Supreme Courts ruling.

Gill on Thursday said the EU had not received any indication that Washington planned to deviate from its previous trade deal commitments, which stipulates that U.S. tariffs on European goods cannot surpass 15 percent. But with the agreement not formally ratified yet, EU lawmakers are worried that the new investigation will complicate the deals approval process.

Forced assimilation. Chinas National Peoples Congress approved an expansive new law on Thursday that makes ethnic unity the responsibility of all levels of society. Beijing maintains that the legislation will protect Chinas 56 recognized ethnic groups. However, experts warn that the laws primary focus is to forge a single national identityshaped by the Han majorityto enable sweeping assimilation and prevent foreign influence.

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Under the new law, all citizens must abandon outdated customs and embrace correct views on history, religion, and culture. Parents will be required to educate and guide children to love the Chinese Communist Party, and minority residents will be forced to live in mixed communities. This is a blatant move by Beijing to legalise forced assimilation and political control, said Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Notably, the law mandates that Mandarin Chinese be the language used in schools and official communications, which rights activists warn could dilute minority cultures and languages, such as Mongolian, Tibetan, and Uyghur.

Storm Shadow missiles. Russias foreign ministry accused the United Kingdom on Wednesday of supplying Ukrainian forces with Storm Shadow missiles that were used to carry out a lethal strike in the Russian city of Bryansk the day before. It is obvious that the launch of these missiles was impossible without British specialists, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Storm Shadow missiles are long-range weapons jointly produced by Britain and France. Moscow accused London of trying to derail peace talkseven when Russia-Ukraine negotiations have already all but stalled due to the Iran war. Britain had no immediate response to Russias allegations.

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The Kremlin alleges that Kyiv deliberately targeted civilians in Bryansk, killing seven people in what it characterized as a terrorist attack. Ukraine, however, maintains that it struck the vital Kremniy El factory, which Kyivs general staff called a critically important link in the chain of production of Russian high precision weapons.

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly been accused of deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, such as Ukraines power grid.

Odds and Ends

Kenyan authorities arrested a Chinese national at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 2,200 live garden ants out of the country. According to court filings seen by Reuters on Thursday, immigration officials had flagged a stop order on the 27-year-old suspects passport for evading arrest last year. An investigation by the Kenya Wildlife Service is still ongoing, though investigators said the man mentioned working with three accomplices in Kenya to acquire the insects.
A historic synagogue in Liege was hit by an explosion at 4 am Monday, with authorities investigating the incident as a potential terrorist attack.

On Tuesday, Cyprus arrested a suspected Hamas arms smuggler whose weapons were allegedly intended for attacks on Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany and Europe, according to Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office.

Experts warn that the escalating Iran war and broader regional conflict are heightening terror threats against Jewish communities across Europe.

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"It's clear that threats against Jews and Israelis in Europe have increased over the past two and a half years  and continue to rise," Lorenzo Vidino, director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, told Euronews.

Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at the Counter Extremism Project, warned of new radicalisation fuelled by the Iran war. "Both online and offline, we are seeing further radicalisation across the entire spectrum of violent Islamist extremism," he said.

After the explosion outside the synagogue in Liege, Belgium, Prime Minister Bart De Wever speaks of an anti-Semitic act. - AP Photo

Spike in attacks on Jewish sites

Europe has witnessed a sharp rise in attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions since October 2023, particularly in Germany.

In May 2024, there were eight known attacks or thwarted plots, including attempts on synagogues and embassies. A Hamas plot targeting the Israeli Embassy in Berlin was foiled that month. In September 2024, a suspected Islamist opened fire on an Israeli consulate in Munich.

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French authorities recorded 92 incidents near synagogues and Jewish schools in October 2023, including Molotov cocktail attacks and threats. Antisemitic acts in France quadrupled in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In Manchester, two people were killed outside a synagogue in the north of the English city of Manchester in autumn 2025. - AP Photo

In the UK, a terrorist attack on Heaton Synagogue in Manchester on 2 October 2025 killed two people. According to the Community Security Trust, there were 562 incidents targeting synagogues in the UK between 2023 and 2025.

Last week, Azerbaijani authorities said they had foiled multiple attack plots linked to Tehran, including plans to use C-4 explosives against Jewish community institutions.

Vidino said perpetrators come from diverse backgrounds. "We're dealing with a very complex and heterogeneous threat landscape," he said.

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Some are lone actors with extreme anti-Israel or antisemitic views, while others are affiliated with jihadist groups, Iran-backed networks or Russian operatives, according to Vidino.

Extremists working together, experts say

Schindler said radicalisation is spreading beyond the Shiite Islamist circles usually linked to Iran.

"The threat is not limited to Shiite extremists," he said, highlighting that Tehran's support for both Shiite groups like Hezbollah and Sunni groups like Hamas is creating a solidarity effect within the broader extremist network.

"More effective monitoring of relevant networks on social media and messaging platforms is now more critical than ever," Schindler said.

How long will the Iran war last? - AP Photo

Rebecca Schonenbach, a counterterrorism adviser, warned the Iran war has expanded potential targets.

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"The danger is now higher because the Iranian regime has always carried out attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets  and now Saudi and Emirati targets could be added," she said.

Schonenbach said Iran has built a network including its own agents linked to embassies, freelance operatives trained by the Revolutionary Guards and contracted assassinations through organised crime.

"For individuals, lone actors are the most dangerous. For institutions, organised criminal agents pose the greatest threat," she said. "The threat level will remain high as long as the Iran conflict and the regime exist."
Heavy Israeli strikes have hit Tehran, Iran, as its allies launch attacks across Gulf states, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, sending global oil prices soaring.

Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting in Washington as the conflict spreads across the region.

Here is what we know about what has been happening in the past 24 hours:

In Iran

Supreme leader speaks: Appointed last week following the assassination of his father, Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first statement, warning that attacks on Israel and US military assets and infrastructure in the Middle East will continue unless bases hosting US forces in the region are closed. The leader did not appear in person.

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Iranian supreme leader wounded: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he believes Khamenei is wounded. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said it was a great honour to be responsible for killing Irans leadership, calling them deranged scumbags.

Tehran rally blasts: Explosions struck near a pro-government rally in Tehran attended by senior officials, including security chief Ali Larijani, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, killing at least one person as Israel and Iran exchanged new strikes.

Iran promised to deliver an unforgettable lesson to the US and Israel, while the Revolutionary Guards warned any protests would face a harsher crackdown than in January.

Civilian casualties: At least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in US-Israel attacks since February 28, Irans Health Ministry said, with victims ranging in age from eight months to 88 years old.

[Al Jazeera]

In Gulf countries

Regional retaliation and attacks: Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles towards Gulf countries that host US military assets and troops, and has targeted oil tankers and facilities.

Deadly attack: Two people died after security forces intercepted a drone near an industrial area in northern Oman, state media said.

Bahrain: The nation has reported intercepting 114 missiles and 190 drones since the war began on February 28.

Saudi Arabia: The country intercepted 10 drones over its eastern region and later destroyed an additional 28 drones that breached its airspace.

Attacks on the UAE: The country has strongly condemned Iranian strikes on the region, and said they have hit Dubai International Airport and some hotels.

Evacuations: Australia has ordered all non-essential officials to leave the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and urged its citizens to evacuate the Middle East while it is still safe to do so

Qatars response: Qatars airspace is officially closed, but Qatar Airways has scheduled more than 140 special flights to help repatriate stranded residents and citizens.

Qatar has strongly rejected Israeli media claims that it intentionally paused liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to manipulate US energy prices; officials clarified that the suspension was actually forced by an Iranian drone attack.

A view of the damaged part of the Dubai Creek Harbour tower after it was hit by an Iranian drone attack in Dubai, United Arab Emirates [EPA]

In the US

Troop surge: The US plans to deploy a Marine expeditionary unit of approximately 2,200 personnel from Okinawa, Japan, to the Middle East to support ongoing military operations and potential evacuation missions.

Domestic opposition: More than 250 US organisations have signed a letter calling on Congress to halt funding for the war. They argue the $11.3bn spent in the first six days of the conflict is diverting crucial funds from urgent domestic needs, such as food benefits.

No need for ground troops in Iran: US Senator Lindsey Graham has played down the possibility of US troops being deployed to Iran, but suggested the war could continue for some time. I dont see this conflict ending today, the Republican senator told reporters in Washington, DC.

Drone defences: The US Army has deployed 10,000 Merops interceptor drones to the Middle East. These drones, costing around $14,000$15,000 each, are intended to provide a cheaper alternative to expensive missile defence systems for countering Iranian drones.

In Israel

New missile wave launched at Israel: The Israeli military said early on Friday that Iran had fired a new barrage of missiles towards Israel, and instructed people in affected areas to head to shelters.

Israel strikes Basij force: Israels military said it had struck checkpoints set up in Tehran by the Basij force of Irans Revolutionary Guard as part of efforts to undermine control by the authorities.

Regime change: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Irans people to take to the streets. He also said Israel is aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear and ballistic projects underground.

In Lebanon, Iraq

Downed US aircraft: All six crew died when a KC-135 aerial refuelling plane crashed in western Iraq, the US military said. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. A second plane involved in the incident had landed safely.

Iraqi port closures: Iraq has shut its port operations after an Indian crew member was killed during an attack on a US-owned oil tanker in Iraqi waters.

French soldier killed: An Iranian drone was responsible for the death of a French soldier in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region, the first French casualty of the war, his commanding officer said.

Multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the region where foreign forces are based.

Mounting death toll and mass displacement: Lebanese officials have reported that at least 687 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since last Monday, including 98 children. The intense bombardments have displaced an estimated 700,000 to 750,000 people from their homes.

UN chief in Beirut: UN chief Antonio Guterres said he arrived in Beirut on a solidarity visit to Lebanon.
(Refiles to wider audience with no changes to text or headline)

By Ted Hesson, Jonathan Allen and Rich McKay

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement officials are on heightened alert as the Iran war enters its third week, but the limits of their vigilance were on display as seeming lone-wolf attacks unfolded more than 500 miles apart in Virginia and Michigan on Thursday alone.

In Michigan, where a Lebanon-born man rammed an explosives-laden truck into the Temple Israel synagogue, it appeared to be one of the first known instances of a specific bombing in the Iran war leading to retaliatory violence on American soil since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

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Although authorities have not announced a motive, the man, identified by U.S. officials as Ayman Ghazali, carried out his attack a week after Israel bombed his family's town in Lebanon on March 5, killing two of his brothers and a niece and nephew, according to news reports.

Around the same time as the synagogue attack, a man who was previously convicted of supporting a designated terrorist group fatally shot one person and injured two others, both U.S. Army personnel, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, which has close ties to the U.S. military. The attacker was killed.

SELF-RADICALIZED ATTACKERS HARDEST TO DETECT

These kinds of lone-wolf outbursts of retaliatory violence are the hardest to spot in advance and intercept, counter-terrorism experts say.

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"Someone who is self-radicalized, a lone wolf, is the hardest to track," said Kenneth Gray, a former FBI counter-terrorism agent who now teaches at the University of New Haven. "Normally there would be opportunities to track weapon transfers, foreign training, or transfers of funds. We apparently have none of that."

The latest incidents took place with the U.S. engaged in what is already a deeply unpopular war among American voters, which was launched after President Donald Trump made drastic cuts to the Department of Homeland Security's intelligence unit.

Except for a security guard knocked down when the truck crashed through the entrance, everyone at the synagogue, including the children at its preschool, escaped unharmed, although dozens of law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Ghazali, who became a U.S. citizen in 2016 and lived in nearby Dearborn Heights, was killed by synagogue security staff.

Shawn Brokos, who was an FBI official in Pittsburgh when 11 people were killed in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in 2018, credited Temple Israel for a "textbook reaction" that protected those inside.

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The attack also showed the need for vigilance, she said, to be alert for someone who might be embracing "a grievance narrative."

"They're upset about current events," said Brokos, now the director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. "They're starting to access weapons. They're starting to make plans. These are all the things that are helpful for us to know so we can do these checks and share it with law enforcement."

Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said Ghazali's attack must be unequivocally condemned, and also noted Ghazali had been affected by the Iran war, in which more than 2,000 people have been killed, mostly in Iran and Lebanon.

"The tensions we see across the world too often find their way into our own neighborhoods, reminding us how deeply connected our shared safety is," Baydoun said in a statement.

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MULTIPLE SECURITY INCIDENTS, FEWER IN DHS INTELLIGENCE

Since the war began, security scares have affected airports in Kansas City and the Washington, D.C. suburbs; two men were charged with terrorism-related crimes after throwing home-made bombs at an anti-Muslim rally in New York City; and a man who expressed pro-Iran views online killed four people after opening fire at a bar in Austin, Texas.

Trump has sought to defend his war to some lawmakers in Congress and, according to polls, many skeptical voters, including some of his "America First" base.

The Department of Homeland Security communicates significant threats to the American public through alerts under the National Terrorism Advisory System. DHS issued such an alert in June 2025, saying brief hostilities between the U.S. and Israel and Iran had caused a "heightened threat environment" in the U.S.

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That alert, which cited the risk of cyber attacks or violence from extremists already in the U.S., expired in September 2025.

There are no current NTAS advisories. And, last week, the White House halted a bulletin from DHS, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center warning state and local law enforcement agencies of a heightened threat to the U.S. because of the Iran war.

Since Trump's return to the White House last year with vows to slash the federal workforce, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis unit went from about 1,000 employees to some 500-600, three former agency officials told Reuters. DHS did not respond to a request for comment.

Travis Nelson, director of Maryland's homeland security office, said DHS has been focused on Trump's mass deportation efforts in its public communications rather than the possible threat posed by the Iran conflict.

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"It's all about immigration enforcement," Nelson said. "We haven't seen anything from Homeland Security about the potential risk to the homeland as a result of what's going on in the Middle East."

(Reporting by Ted Hesson and David Shepardson in Washington, Rich McKay in Atlanta and Jonathan Allen in New York; Writing by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Donna Bryson and Bill Berkrot)
This comes one week after US President Donald Trump urged Iranian diplomats to seek asylum during an address at the East Room of the White House.

Iranian diplomats in Denmark and Australia have applied for asylum in their host countries, Iran International reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The two asylum seekers were identified as Alireza Sohbati of the Iranian Embassy in Copenhagen and Mohammad Pournajaf of the Iranian Embassy in Canberra. Pournajaf had previously served as the charge d'affaires of the Islamic Republics embassy in Australia, according to the anti-regime publication.

Trump urges diplomats to seek asylum amid Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion

This comes one week after US President Donald Trump urged Iranian diplomats to seek asylum during an address at the East Room of the White House as part of a ceremony hosting Inter Miami CF on March 6.

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The US "urges Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and to help us shape a new and better Iran," he said.

Israel and the US launched Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury in the early morning on February 28, with the stated aim of creating conditions for regime change. Iran retaliated by firing across the Middle East at Gulf nations and US military bases in the region.

Israeli fighter jets on the way to strike Iran on March 4, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

A total of four Iranian diplomats have sought asylum since the beginning of 2026

Per the Iran International report, these two diplomats are the first two to seek asylum in their host nations since the outset of the current war, but they are not the first to do so in recent months.

The anti-regime publication reported in January that Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, a senior Iranian diplomat in Geneva, Switzerland, also applied for asylum shortly after leaving his post. In February, the outlet reported that Gholamreza Derikvand, Iran's charge daffaires in Vienna, Austria, also applied for asylum.

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Alireza Jeyrani Hokmabad had, until shortly before applying for asylum, held the rank of counsellor and served as minister plenipotentiary, effectively the deputy head of Irans mission to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva, Iran International reported.

Gholamreza Derikvand previously served as charge d'affaires at Iran's embassy in the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2014, according to the outlet. Because of Derikvand's career, colleagues of the diplomat toldIran International that they believed he could have been promoted to ambassador had he remained in his position.

Miriam Sela-Eitam, James Genn, and Lara Sukster Mosheyof contributed to this report.
By Laila Bassam, Ahmed Rasheed, Pesha Magid and Tom Perry

BEIRUT/BAGHDAD/JERUSALEM, March 12 (Reuters) - Shi'ite Muslim armed groups in Lebanon and Iraq are stepping up their role in the war with the U.S. and Israel, showing the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance" can still wage attacks despite damage inflicted on the alliance during the Gaza conflict.

Groups that have long been armed and financed by Iran and loyal to its Shi'ite Islamist rulers are now helping Tehran intensify the war around the region, strikes in recent days show.

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Hezbollah and Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday launched their first-ever simultaneous rocket barrage on Israel, with the Lebanese group firing 200 missiles. Israel reported that only two of these hit its territory.

Iraqi Shi'ite militants have also picked up the pace of drone and missile attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq in the last 3-4 days, according to three Iraqi security sources and two sources close to the groups.

One group yet to enter the fray are Tehran's Houthi allies in Yemen, heavily armed and capable of disrupting maritime navigation around the Arabian peninsula, as shown during the Gaza war when they fired at Red Sea shipping and Israel. Houthi attacks could further disrupt oil markets because Saudi Arabia diverted exports to the Red Sea after Iran shut the Hormuz straits.

Last week, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the group had its "fingers on the trigger" and was ready to act militarily when developments warrant it.

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The alliance that Tehran calls the Axis of Resistance suffered major blows after Hamas - one of its key members - attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, igniting a war that decimated the Palestinian group and pummelled Hezbollah, with Israel killing the Lebanese group's leader Hassan Nasrallah. The ripple effects helped topple Bashar al-Assad in Syria, knocking away a pillar of the Axis.

"Iran built the Axis for a moment like this," said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center think-tank, describing it as an "existential war" for Iran and Hezbollah, which joined the fight even though its military power remains well below levels seen in 2023.

"If the Iranian regime is destroyed, there would be nothing left" of the Axis, he said.

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said the Hezbollah attack on Wednesday comprised 200 rockets and 20 drones.

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"There's no contradiction between the fact that we heavily, heavily diminished Hezbollah in the last three years, and the fact that they are still a relevant, dangerous force," he told reporters on Thursday.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington "unequivocally condemns Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias attacks on diplomatic, military, and civilian infrastructure, in Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region", and it fully supports "Israel's right to defend itself against" Hezbollah.

HEZBOLLAH EXECUTES IRANIAN PLAN

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei thanked "the fighters of the Resistance Front", according to a statement issued on Thursday and read out by a state TV announcer.

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"We consider the countries of the Resistance Front as our best friends," he said in the statement, the first issued in his name since he was named as leader on Sunday.

Hezbollah, founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, entered the Iran war on March 2, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Mojtaba's father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the first day of the war.

Israel has retaliated with a new offensive against the group in Lebanon, just 15 months after the last one, killing more than 600 people, forcing more than 800,000 from their homes.

Hezbollah's rocket barrage on Wednesday night - its heaviest during this war - was launched at the same time as Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel, according to the Israeli military and two Lebanese sources familiar with Hezbollah operations.

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The Lebanese sources said the coordinated strikes were part of Iran's plan in the event of a major war, aiming to confuse Israeli air defense systems.

Despite the volleys of rockets, Hezbollah's attacks have caused relatively little damage so far. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon.

No fatalities have been reported in Israel as a result of Hezbollah rocket attacks.

LOYALIST CORE MOBILISES IN IRAQ

Hezbollah played a major part in Iran's regional strategy under the leadership of Nasrallah, the secretary general killed in 2024, backing Shi'ite factions in Iraq, Hamas, and the Houthis.

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In Iraq, not all the Iranbacked armed groups appear to support attacks on U.S. interests. Reuters reported last week that many of the fighters and militia groups the Iranians cultivated in Iraq had not entered the fight.

But analysts and officials say a core group of Tehranaligned factions remains active and capable of exerting pressure.

Operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, these groups said on Thursday they'd carried out 31 attacks over the past 24 hours using dozens of drones and rockets against what they described as occupation bases in Iraq and the region

Security officials say the militias have also sought to extend pressure to energy projects and oilfields in southern Iraq, where several U.S. companies and U.S.linked service firms operate alongside international partners.

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Among the claimed attacks, two security sources said two drones hit the southern Majnoon oilfield on Wednesday, where U.S.-based KBR is the operator. No casualties were reported. The attack was corroborated by a field engineer who said there had been five such strikes in less than a week.

On Tuesday a U.S. diplomatic facility near Baghdad International Airport was struck by a drone, according to the U.S. State Department, which said there were no injuries and everyone was accounted for.

Four security sources told Reuters the same site has come under repeated attack and was also hit on Wednesday.

Separately, two drones targeted a U.S. military base near Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan on Wednesday, three Kurdish security sources said.

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In northern Iraq, a drone attack struck an oilfield operated by U.S. firm HKN Energy in Iraqs Kurdistan region on March 5, causing a fire and halting production, two security sources and an oilfield engineer said. The sources said the drones belonged to Iran-backed militias and came from an area they controlled.

Reuters could not independently verify who was behind the attacks.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also claimed responsibility for downing the U.S. military refueling aircraft on Thursday. The U.S. Central Command said the aircraft crashed in an incident that involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

Andreas Krieg, a lecturer at King's College London's security studies department, said that while the Axis of Resistance had been degraded since 2023, Hezbollah, Iraqi Shi'ite militias, and the Houthis were "very much operational".

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"They still retain capabilities, they still show very strong intent, and they remain well resourced," he said.

(Additional reporting by Timour Azhari in Riyadh and Frank Jack Daniel in London; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Irans secretive new leader issued his first public statements Thursday, resolving to keep fighting, promising more pain for Gulf Arab states and threatening to open other fronts in a war that has already disrupted world energy supplies, the global economy and international travel.

Early Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new threat online to Iran, writing: Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. Trump tallied the damage inflicted on Iran and its leaders and called it a great honor to be responsible for it.

The remarks by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's attacks were creating conditions for the Iranian population to topple the government.

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It is in your hands, Netanyahu said at a news conference, addressing the Iranian people. We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime.

Since the start of the war, U.S. and Israeli strikes have targeted security checkpoints in Iran to undermine the governments ability to suppress dissent, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, the U.S-based independent monitoring group known as ACLED.

Intense airstrikes hit early Friday around Irans capital, Tehran, as well as outlying areas. It was not immediately clear what had been targeted.

Netanyahu denounces Iranian leader

Netanyahu denounced Khamenei as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards."

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Khamenei is close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and is widely seen as even less compromising than his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei said in a statement read by a state TV news anchor that he was keeping a file of revenge. He did not appear on camera and has not been seen since his father and wife were killed in the wars opening salvo, which also wounded him, according to an Iranian ambassador.

Oil prices spiral again and stocks sink

The war continued to escalate on its 13th day as oil prices spiraled up again to $100 per barrel, and stocks sank worldwide over fears that the conflict could drag on longer than hoped.

To relieve the surge in prices, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it was further easing sanctions on Russian oil by granting a license that authorizes the delivery and sale of some Russian crude oil and petroleum products for the next month.

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Trump signaled earlier this week that he would take more action to address the squeeze on oil flows. The move follows the administrations decision to grant temporary permission for India to buy Russian oil.

The new exemption applies only to Russian oil already at sea. Last week, analysts estimated there were about 125 million barrels loaded on tankers. To put that in perspective, about 20 million barrels of oil per day usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the International Energy Agency.

Iran has made clear it plans to keep up attacks on energy infrastructure across the region and use the effective closure of the strait as leverage against the United States and Israel. A fifth of the worlds traded oil flows through the waterway leading from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean.

At a news conference Thursday, Irans ambassador to Tunisia, Mir Masoud Hosseinian, said Iranian naval forces have established full control over the strait and carried out precise strikes in response to attacks on our oil infrastructure.

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Global energy security is contingent on respect for Irans sovereignty, he said.

The pinch was being felt worldwide. South Korea reinstated government-set caps on oil prices for the first time in three decades as it sought to calm soaring fuel costs. The two-week caps, which took effect Friday, set maximum prices for petroleum products supplied by refiners to gas stations and other businesses.

Iranian leader calls for the shutdown of US bases

Hosseinian told The Associated Press the new supreme leader was wounded in the attack on his familys home, but it is not serious. The hope is he will attend the massive, state-organized Eid prayer next week that his father traditionally led. However, Khamenei remains a target for the Israelis, who have vowed to kill him.

Hosseinian said Irans strikes on Gulf nations have been strategic. Even when we targeted hotels, we had precise information that they were hosting American and Israeli soldiers, he said.

Khamenei called on Gulf Arabs to shut down U.S. bases in the region, saying protection promised by Washington was nothing more than a lie.

He also said Iran has studied opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable if the war continues. He did not elaborate, but Iran has been linked to previous attacks on U.S., Israeli and Jewish targets around the world.

Attacks on Gulf states continued Friday with Saudi Arabias defense ministry saying its air defenses downed more than three dozen drones headed toward the kingdoms Eastern Province over the span of a few hours, marking an unusually large barrage.

Iran's nuclear program takes more hits

Trump said in a social media post Thursday that ensuring Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon was a higher priority than soaring oil prices.

Hours later, Netanyahu announced Israeli attacks had killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist and hit others but gave few details.

Israel said earlier it struck a nuclear facility in Iran in recent days that it had destroyed with an airstrike in October 2024. Earlier this year, satellite photos raised concerns that Iran was working to restore the facility.

France says soldier killed in attack in Iraq

The U.S. military said American forces have now struck more than 6,000 targets since the operation against Iran began, including more than 30 minelaying vessels.

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said a French soldier was killed in an attack targeting Irbil in Iraq's northern Kurdish region. France earlier said six soldiers had been hurt in a drone strike in Irbil, where French troops are deployed as part of a multinational counterterrorism mission supporting Iraqi forces in their fight against Islamic State militants.

In the same region, British officials said several U.S. personnel suffered minor injuries Wednesday when drone strikes hit a base in Irbil that houses both British and American troops.

And on Thursday in western Iraq, rescue efforts were underway after an American military refueling plane went down. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said in a statement that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely, and that the cause was not related to friendly or hostile fire.

Israel targets heart of Beirut in fight with Hezbollah militants

Israeli warplanes pummeled Lebanon, targeting even the busy heart of Beirut, in response to missiles from Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters launched into Israel. One strike hit in a neighborhood that is close to Lebanons parliament, United Nations offices and international embassies.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces were targeting a facility affiliated with Hezbollah.

An Israeli strike hit in the vicinity of Lebanons only public university, killing a professor and the director of the science faculty at the campus in Hadath, on the outskirts of Beiruts southern suburbs. There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Israeli strikes also killed 15 other people, including five children, in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. An AP photographer saw several buildings flattened in one village where rescue workers searched through the rubble.

___

Ben Mbarek reported from Tunis, Tunisia. El Deeb reported from Beirut. Watson reported from San Diego. Associated Press writers from around the world contributed to this report.
(The Center Square)  There is another warning about school finances in Wisconsin, but it has nothing to do with taxes.

The Institute for Reforming Government released a report that shows almost every Wisconsin county is seeing fewer students this year. Only four counties added students, but even those saw just a few more students.

"Wisconsin lost 14,087 students this year, 1.7% of enrollment," the report notes. "Sixty-eight of 72 counties lost students. Florence added zero students, Richland added three, Burnett added four, and Dane added 198 due to gaining hundreds of virtual students. No Wisconsin region was a bright spot."

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The IRG report states that this kind of student loss is rare. In fact, there are only three other school years where almost every county in the state lost students.

But IRGs report is not just a head count. It is a warning.

Losing students forces tough choices on the educators looking out for our kids and the taxpayers funding our schools, IRGs Quinton Klabon said. Wisconsinites must attract families and businesses to our great state, or we will never escape the cycle of referenda and layoffs.

Wisconsins school aid is student-based, meaning when schools lose students, they also lose state dollars.

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Earlier this week, IRG released a tracking tool for the 74 local schools asking for $225 million in local referendum questions this year. Many of those schools say they need more money from local taxpayers to make-up for the state aid they have lost because of a drop in enrollment.

IRGs new report also provides a snapshot of how schools across the state are doing in other areas.

Students are attending school more often, getting suspended less, graduating high school more often, and enrolling in college more often. However, schools have reached a new normal below pre-pandemic performance, IRG added.

That snapshot includes:

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 Attendance rose to 92.6%, up 0.2%. Black and Indigenous students improved significantly...However, attendance has not recovered from pandemic policies, when Wisconsin regularly reached 95.0% attendance.

 Suspension rates fell 0.2%, the equivalent of 1,468 fewer suspensions statewide.

 High school graduation rates reached a modern high of 92.3%. All groups graduated more across income, racial, special needs, and native language designations. However, Wisconsin continues to struggle against other states on graduation rates.

 College enrollment rose slightly, with roughly one half of graduates enrolling in 2- or 4-year universities.
By Alexander Cornwell

JERUSALEM, March 10 (Reuters) - The war with Iran will continue until Israel and the U.S. determine the time is right to stop, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday, declining to give a timeline for when the conflict could end.

Turmoil has spread throughout the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran 11 days ago, with Tehran carrying out attacks across the region in response. Fighting has expanded to Lebanon where Israel is now battling Hezbollah.

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Saar said Israel had achieved major successes in weakening Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and that when the time was right, Israel would consult with the U.S. on ending the war.

"We will continue until the minute that we, and our partners, think that it is appropriate to stop," he told reporters, speaking alongside his German counterpart in Jerusalem.

Israel says its goal is to destroy Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and create conditions for Iranians to overthrow their clerical rulers.

WAR WON'T END THIS WEEK

The Trump administration has offered mixed messages on when the war could conclude. On Tuesday, Saar pointed to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump a day earlier that the war would not end this week, but unlike the U.S. president, who also said it could end very soon, he offered no timeline.

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"We are not seeking an endless war," Saar said.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had carried out a new wave of strikes in Tehran targeting what it described as "terror regime targets", and reported Iranian missile launches toward Israel, a sign Tehran retained the ability to attack Israel.

"We want to remove, for the long term, existential threats from Iran to Israel," Saar said in response to a Reuters question on how the government sees the war coming to an end.

He said there was an opportunity to create conditions that would allow Iranians to "regain their freedom," acknowledging that it may not happen during the war and could come afterward.

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"We must not miss this opportunity with partial results," he said, describing Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by the Israeli military on the first day of the war, as an extremist.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said earlier in Berlin that there appeared to be no plan to bring the war to a swift end.

ISRAEL URGES COUNTRIES TO CUT TIES WITH IRAN

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the first senior foreign official to publicly visit Israel since the war began, said he was confident Israel and Washington were open to a diplomatic solution that could end the war.

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But any such solution would need to include agreements with Iran on its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its support for regional militias, terms Wadephul said Tehran had made clear it was not currently prepared to accept.

Saar called for Iran to be diplomatically isolated, urging other countries to sever diplomatic relations with Tehran.

Israeli officials have long warned that Iran poses an existential threat. In June, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, igniting a 12-day war that ended abruptly after the U.S. joined the fighting and bombed key Iranian nuclear sites.

A source familiar with Israel's war plans earlier told Reuters the country's military wanted to inflict as much damage on Iran as possible before the window for further strikes closes, under the assumption Trump could end the war suddenly.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Philippa Fletcher, Cynthia Osterman and David Gaffen)
BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink expressed his belief that the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict will not have lasting economic consequences, even as oil prices continue to rise.

During his appearance on Fox News Special Report on Wednesday, Fink dismissed the notion of a prolonged war. He also predicted a potential drop in oil prices, possibly even below pre-war levels, once the conflict ends and if neutralized Iran re-enters the global market.

I mean, theres probably a great probability that oil is gonna be below 50, said Fink.

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The CEO of the worlds largest asset manager downplayed the short-term impacts on energy prices, stating that the majority of the $14.5 trillion managed by BlackRock is long-dated, hence the short-term market volatility doesnt concern him much.

Despite the recent surge in oil prices, Fink advised investors against making hasty decisions. He expressed concern over many people withdrawing from the market, terming it the wrong outcome.

Buy more here.This is a good long-term opportunity, said Fink.

Oil Surge Risk Amid Hormuz Tensions

Earlier this month, Fundstrats Tom Lee described the recent volatility as a typical risk-premium expansion, not a structural breakdown. He expects markets to rebound into late March and potentially strengthen through April.

See Also: You Saved for Retirement  But Do You Know What You'll Keep After Taxes?

At the same time, JP Morgan cautioned investors that the TACO trade may not be the best strategy during this phase. Instead, he suggested considering alternative investments, particularly infrastructure assets.

Meanwhile, Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned Washington on Wednesday that oil could go beyond $200 per barrel, accusing it of destabilizing the regional security. The warning comes as tensions threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies.

When last checked, WTI crude was trading over 4% higher at $91.09 per barrel.

Read Next:

Image via Shutterstock
By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM, March 13 (Reuters) - Israel has launched a new phase of its assault on Iran, targeting checkpoints manned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) based on tip-offs from informants on the ground, a source briefed on Israel's military strategy told Reuters.

The targeting of checkpoints secured by IRGC personnel suggests an intensification of Israel's efforts to weaken Iran's elite forces as it carries out joint aerial bombardment with the United States.

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Israel says its war objectives include destroying Iran's military and nuclear capabilities but also "creating the conditions" for Iranians to overthrow their government, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said this is an uncertain prospect.

There has been no sign of organised dissent while the country is under attack, and no sign of Iran's rulers relinquishing power.

On Thursday, Israel's military said it had struck checkpoints in Tehran operated by the Basij, a part-time paramilitary force under IRGC control that is often used to quell protests inside Iran.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, said informants on the ground in Tehran had passed intelligence to Israel on the locations of three checkpoints that were struck in the past three days. The source was not able to confirm whether these included the Basij positions mentioned by the military.

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The use of informants to identify checkpoint locations was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Israel's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Emily RoseEditing by Rami Ayyub and Peter Graff)
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened to inflict "damage to Lebanese national infrastructure that is used by Hezbollah terrorists."

"The Lebanese government, which misled and did not fulfil its commitment to disarm Hezbollah, will pay increasing prices through damage to infrastructure and the loss of territory, until the central commitment of disarming Hezbollah is fulfilled," Katz said.

Katz made the threat during a briefing, his office said on Friday.

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Israel's military had said earlier Friday that it had attacked an important river bridge used by Hezbollah. "This is only the beginning," Katz said about this.

The Iranian-backed Shiite militia had used the crossing for weapons deliveries to the south of the country, it said. According to the Israeli military, the militia recently positioned rocket launchers and fired projectiles at Israel from that location.

In Lebanon, there are growing concerns that Israel could also target Beiruts airport. The facility was long considered to be under Hezbollahs influence, though the Lebanese government has been trying to change that. Observers say there has been some progress in this effort.

During the 2006 Lebanon war, the Israeli military bombed the airport in Beirut.
CAIRO/JERUSALEM, March 13 (Reuters) - Israeli strikes in Gaza killed four Palestinians, including two 17-year-olds, in two separate attacks, Palestinian medics said on Friday, with violence continuing in the West Bank and Gaza even as Israel expands its offensive across the region.

Israel has used lethal force in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and the occupied West Bank over the past 24 hours.

Israeli forces killed two in the West Bank city of Nablus on Thursday, according to Palestinian officials, while the death toll in Lebanon reached 773, its Health Ministry said on Friday.

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After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most of them in Iran, with several million people displaced from their homes.

The Israeli military told Reuters it was not aware of the earlier airstrike reported in Gaza, which paramedics said killed three people, including two 17-year-old males.

Separately, one Palestinian was killed and several other people were wounded in Israeli tank shelling near a police checkpoint in western Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, medics said.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the latest attack.

The military said separately in a statement on Thursday that it had killed two individuals in the West Bank after they attempted to carry out a car-ramming attack on soldiers. It did not immediately respond to a request for evidence of the attempted ramming.

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While Israeli attacks on Gaza declined at the beginning of the war with Iran, they have since begun to rise. Israel has killed 23 in Gaza since the U.S. and Israel jointly struck Iran on February 28.

While a ceasefire went into effect in Gaza in October, there have been regular outbreaks of violence since then.

Reuters has reported that U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza has been on hold since the start of the Iran war.

Violence has also persisted in the West Bank. Israeli settlers and military forces have killed at least eight Palestinians across the West Bank since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began.

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Reuters has reported that there has been a spike in settler violence since then, as Israel has put much of the West Bank under lockdown.

(Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi and Pesha Magid, writing by Pesha Magid; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Rod Nickel)
Italy is preparing to withdraw its troops near Erbil in northern Iraq, following an attack on an Italian military base there, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the newspaper Corriere della Sera in a story published on Friday.

Crosetto said 102 military personnel had already returned to Italy, while 75 had been redeployed to Jordan.

For the rest, a land-based transfer is currently being organized to return to Italy, the minister added.

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The Italian government said a drone crashed into the base a few days ago, though Italian soldiers at the base were unharmed because they had taken shelter in bunkers in time.

The protection of our military personnel and compatriots remains the absolute priority, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said after the attack.

At this stage, it is crucial to exercise caution and restraint, he added.
By Angelo Amante and Matteo Negri

ROME, March 13 (Reuters) - Italian authorities are weighing how to deal with a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker left adrift in the Mediterranean after what Moscow described as a Ukrainian drone attack, sources said on Friday.

Russia's transport ministry said the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked last week by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.

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Libya's maritime rescue agency initially said the tanker had sunk, but the vessel has remained afloat and is now drifting between Italy and Malta, around 30 nautical miles off the small Italian island of Linosa, the Italian navy said.

"The situation is under control. The ship is in international waters and the navy, a tugboat and an environmental response vessel are escorting it," said Filippo Mannino, mayor of Lampedusa, which includes Linosa.

MASSIVE DAMAGE ABOVE WATERLINE

Two Italian sources said it was still unclear how much LNG and fuel remained aboard the tanker. The 30 crew members were evacuated after the attack, which the sources said occurred south of Malta.

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One source said all options were being considered, but the preferred solution would be for the vessel's manager, Russia-based LLC SMP Techmanagement, to hire a specialised company to tow it to safety.

Italy does not want the tanker to dock at one of its ports, the source said, describing it as a "ticking time bomb filled with gas".

It added that the drone appeared to have struck the ship above the waterline. The hull was still holding, although photos showed a gaping hole on the port side, with the stern sitting lower in the water than the rest of the ship.

A spokesperson for Italy's Civil Protection agency said the vessel was being monitored and was not heading towards Italian waters.

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The boat got as close as 22 nautical miles to Malta's coast earlier this week, but now appeared to be drifting away, and was reported about 61 nautical miles offshore by Thursday.

Malta's transport authority warned other ships to keep at least five nautical miles away from the Arctic Metagaz at all times. Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta's government was ready to act if necessary, without giving details.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine funding for Moscow's war machine.

(Additional reporting by Christopher Scicluna in Valletta; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Ros Russell)
Indiana Universitys Hillel Executive Director, Jeff Linkon, is stepping down this summer after less than two years with the organization.

A headshot of Jeff Linkon from 2024. Linkon announced he will be leaving his position as executive director of IU Hillel at the end of June.

Linkon announced he will leave his position at the end of June in an email to Hillel students on Feb. 26. Linkon has served as executive director of IU Hillel since the fall of 2024, when former director Rabbi Sue Silberberg left the position after more than 30 years.

It has been my honor to serve this incredible organization and to get to know so many of you, Linkon said in the email. Serving alongside you during this chapter has been one of the great honors of my professional life.

An Indiana University employee shovels snow off the sidewalk in front of the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. The Hillel Center is also host to IU's Jewish Culture Center.

Linkon came to IU Hillel after more than six years at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, where he served as chief community operations officer. An Indianapolis native, Linkon attended IU and received his bachelors in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures in 1991.

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Linkon declined an interview request with the Herald-Times regarding his departure. In his email, Linkon assured students that the IU Hillel community would remain in very capable hands, with IU Hillels governing board, Board Chair Michael Mervis, and Hillel International aiding in the transition.

While my tenure will conclude at the end of June, I will remain fully engaged and committed in the months ahead, Linkon said in the email. With all of the right resources engaged and working in tandem, the future of IU Hillel remains as bright as ever.

Alongside Chabad House, IU Hillel is one of the largest Jewish life organizations on campus. Founded in 1938, IU Hillel hosts a pluralistic group of students from various Jewish movements and backgrounds. There are more than 850 Hillel chapters at college campuses across the U.S.

The Helene G. Simon Hillel Center on 3rd Street is also host to IUs Jewish Culture Center, a community hub established alongside the Office of Student Life that hosts classes, programming, and philanthropic organizations like Challah for Hungry Hoosiers. IU Hillel estimates that there are some 4,000 Jewish undergraduate students at IU, approximately 6% of Bloomingtons current undergraduate population.

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Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. Follow him on X/Twitter at @brianwritesnews.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: IU Hillel director announces departure after serving since 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis will complete his second term as Florida governor this year, and Florida will hold a gubernatorial race to determine the next governor.

Given that a Democrat has not won the seat since 1994, the race will likely come down to Republican candidates. One such contender is Azoria Capital CEO James Fishback, a young hedge fund manager who has used social media to amass a large following.

From Fishbacks stated positions and his plan for Florida, it seems he would be a socioeconomic disaster. Residents of Florida, including university students, have an obligation not to vote for him.

Immigration moratorium

Immigration is a significant issue in Florida. People dont want to move to Arkansas or Wyoming; they want a constantly growing state with tax advantages and year-round warm weather, making Florida a popular choice. One of Fishbacks strongest policy positions is a complete halt to H-1B visas.

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I support a complete immigration moratorium. Because what makes America special isnt who we import  its who we already have, Fishback said. This nation is overflowing with talent, grit, and brilliance. Millions of Americans are underemployed, underpaid, or overlooked. They are eager to work hard and contribute.

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While this statement referred to the United States, Fishback has applied the same stance to Florida. He said, We dont want any more illegal immigrants. We dont want any more legal immigrants. Florida is full.

Breaking down his position here, he isnt entirely wrong. While the people of the United States and of Florida are special and full of talent, there is no limit on talent, especially when immigrants already provide so much of it.

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Dig deeper: Changes to immigration policies impact the FSU community

The best example of immigrants in Florida being helpful is in the sectors most people dont want to work in. According to a 2024 analysis by FWD.us, immigrants in Florida make up 77% of crop production, 64% of taxi services, 50% of building services, 42% of landscaping services, and 26% of restaurant and food services.

In Fishbacks mind, it seems that these are positions a native-born Floridian could do, and he isnt wrong. If anyone wanted to work in landscaping or crop production, the barrier to entry is likely low. But why would you, when you dont have to?

Most people have plans to pursue higher education, work in high-level industries, and earn high wages. It doesnt seem like having Americans shift to laborious jobs is how we should enact policy.

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This isnt an insinuation that immigrants only do menial labor. When over half of Florida's immigrants are homeowners and 13% of them have attended college or hold advanced degrees, the law of large numbers suggests that they are in many successful positions as well.

But its important to understand that an economy is fundamentally reliant on the types of labor that most native-born Americans dont want to do and would rather export to immigrant workers instead.

Immigrants are useful to the Florida economy; the only question now is whether there is room for them. It seems Fishback is likely referring to the fact that there is not enough housing zoned for the large influx of people who want to move here.

Dig deeper: FSU research is tackling Florida's housing crisis in a unique way

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More than 400,000 immigrants moved to Florida in 2024. This does present a problem.

Florida currently has more than 1.6 million vacant homes, the highest number in the nation. In January 2026, the state recorded 4,889 residential permits, showcasing that Floridas government understands that zoning new housing is a necessity.

At this rate of immigration, Fishback is likely right, and Floridians will run out of housing zoned for residential use. But the solution is not to get rid of immigration entirely; it would be, as most politicians agree, to cap the number of immigrants allowed into Florida, which allows for economic growth without overrunning the housing supply.

Judging from the sheer economic infeasibility of the idea, Fishbacks policy is likely not an economic one as much as it is a sociocultural one. Immigration has economic benefits, but he doesnt want immigration; therefore, it is likely that the economy is not his priority. However, it seems clear that his immigration policy would not provide any meaningful solution to what he sees as a problem.

School uniform mandate

Leaving the world of statistics and national policy, Fishback has a more unpopular position among most students than immigration reform. Fishback has stated he intends to mandate school uniforms because strong schools are only possible with order and discipline.

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The logical inference there is that wearing a uniform is a form of discipline. This is incoherent. Unless the uniform changes the psychology of the students, it wont change the fact that discipline is a state of mind. A student right now who is undisciplined can put on a uniform, and no one would call them disciplined as a result. They are distinct entities.

Even if someone thought discipline could be created through uniforms, it doesnt seem beneficial to enact that approach.

Assuming order and discipline were the ultimate goal of a school system, why stop at uniforms? If we want the strongest schools possible, lets mandate tutoring after school, remove any breaks during the day students get, and stop letting them talk amongst themselves in class.

The reason, of course, is that a strong school does not just come from academic discipline. The socialization of students, the balance between work and student life, and the overall empathetic approach between students and teachers are beneficial to how our system works.

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This policy would likely just annoy students, be meaningless to teachers, and overall have zero effect on learning. In fact, its questionable why someone would have a policy position regarding school uniforms to begin with.

In defense of Fishback: The intuitionist approach

Those who follow Fishback often do so because of how his ideas sound before rational analysis. For instance, wanting more jobs for Americans seems intuitive to most people because theyre American, and they want more job opportunities for themselves and the people they share a national identity with.

To them, it seems obvious that Fishback is right.

Even for the school uniform policy, it seems obvious that a uniform is beneficial, since the alternative is people dressing as if they were at home rather than being serious about their education.

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This is why rational analysis is so important. Fishback is not just giving ideas he thinks would be cool or sound neat; he's offering policy positions that will radically change the way Floridians live, and it is a constituent's obligation to logically test these positions before deciding if they work.

It is understandable why voters who do not engage in policy discussion enjoy Fishbacks work and beliefs. But there is an obligation to truly understand what it means to enact a change like removing all immigration from a state.

Logan Walters is a Management Information Systems major at Florida State University and a Staff Writer for the Views section of the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.

This article originally appeared on FSU News: 2026 Governor Race: Why Fishbacks policies fail FSU
By Tamiyuki Kihara and Yukiko Toyoda

TOKYO, March 13 (Reuters) - Japan will inform the U.S. next week that it intends to join the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative and expects that Washington may seek its help with missile production due to the Middle East war and other conflicts, two sources said.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will announce the latest plan when she meets U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. at a leaders' summit on March 19, the Japanese government sources said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

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Trump's Golden Dome project, announced last year with an ambitious 2028 timeline, envisions expanding existing groundbased defenses such as interceptor missiles with more experimental spacebased elements, meant to detect, track and potentially counter incoming threats from orbit.

But the project has made little visible progress so far. Details of how Japan will participate also remain unclear.

The Yomiuri newspaper, which first reported Japan's plans on Friday, said Tokyo hoped the initiative could be used to defend the country against new hypersonic glide weapons being developed by China and Russia.

Tokyo anticipates that Trump may request Japan to produce or co-develop missiles that could help replace stocks of U.S. munitions depleted by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, as well as its support for Ukraine, the sources said. It is still considering how to respond to any such request, they added.

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Japan exported a batch of surface-to-air Patriot missiles built under license to the United States late last year, marking a historic break from its long-standing ban on lethal weapons exports.

The Trump administration is pushing defense contractors to step up production of missiles and other munitions that have been drawn down in recent years. Tokyo is seeking to bolster its own munitions reserves to deter an increasingly assertive China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

Patriot interceptors have been critical in intercepting hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones fired at Gulf countries since the U.S. and Israel launched their air war against Iran earlier this month.

Ukraine has also relied on Patriots to defend its energy and military infrastructure since Russia invaded it in 2022.

(Reporting by Tamiyuki Kihara, Yukiko Toyoda, Mariko Katsumura and John Geddie; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Pooja Desai)
Jeff Bezos might be better known as the founder of Amazon, but these days, Bezos is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company he founded. He is, however, a little more involved in another purchase, The Washington Post. And it was due to his involvement in the Post that Bezos was forced to field questions about his connections to President Trump.

Bezos reportedly hosted a team of Washington Post editors and reporters for lunch at his D.C. mansion Thursday. All invited had to leave their phones outside in an effort to keep the meeting private. However, some details of the meeting have already been reported.

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Related: Here are the celebrities who support Donald Trump

Status said that Bezos fielded angry questions from the journalists invited on everything from the layoffs at the Washington Post to the Amazon documentary on first lady Melania Trump.

One staffer asked Bezos pointedly whether Amazons involvement with Melania Trumps documentary was an effort to curry favor with the Trump administration, Status reported. Bezos denied that assertion, growing defensive and insisting that it was a hands-off deal that he wasnt involved in personally. He also said the documentary still stands to yield a return.

The documentary was directed by Brett Ratner, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and was recently mentioned in the Epstein files.

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Bezos was apparently also grilled on what staffers characterized as support of Trumps administration. The Washington Post wasnt just hit hard by layoffs, but has seen several highly regarded, veteran journalists leave over the switch in the newspapers ideological leanings. Three of those are Pulitzer Prize winners.

While Bezos reiterated his support for The Posts future, he stressed that the papers business strategy must be driven by data, something that he said in a statement shortly after Will Lewis was ousted as chief executive and publisher last month, Status reports.

Reportedly, however, the newspaper is already trying to take back some of the recent layoffs. They have reached out to at least 10 fired journalists to gauge their interest in returning to the paper in new roles, Status reports. The whiplash nature of the effort, that appears to represent a tacit acknowledgement that the initial cuts might have gone too deep, has left staffers perplexed.

All this comes after Martin Baron, former executive editor of the Post, told Jen Psaki on The Briefing that the Washington Post layoffs were all about Trump. I explain it by saying the words Donald Trump. Thats what happened.

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Trump came into office again, Baron said. He had promised vengeance against his perceived political enemies. Jeff Bezos was seen as a political enemy by Donald Trump for one reason and one reason only, and that was the coverage of the Washington Post.

Barron indicates the change in the newspapers coverage is directly related to this. This is a newspaper that has prided itself on its independence, and the behavior of Jeff Bezos has suggested to the readers that he is not independent at all, Baron said. Hes actually dependent  dependent on Donald Trump.

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Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
U.S. Sen. Jim Banks is putting serious cash behind the effort to oust Indiana Republican state senators who went against President Trump's desires to redraw the state's congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election.

Banks' Hoosier Leadership For America organization is reportedly putting $3 million to support conservative candidates, most of whom are challenging incumbent state senators who helped kill Trump's redistricting plans here, according to POLITICO.

The investment joins other national money, from Turning Point USA and Club For Growth, that's expected to pour into these typically sleepy state Senate races and boost a group of challengers including state Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland and Paula Copenhaver, a staffer to Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

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IndyStar previously reported that Turning Point Action, the political arm of the group founded by the late Charlie Kirk, planned to partner with other PACs on an "eight-figure spend" to try to oust incumbent state senators.

Typically, these races generate orders of magnitude less when it comes to investment, and rarely do they attract the attention of national PACs.

"Hoosiers deserve a more conservative state Senate," Banks told POLITICO.

Spokespeople for Banks didn't immediately respond to IndyStar's request for comment.

The investment from Banks' group comes shortly after the challengers, which also included Jeff Ellington, Brenda Wilson, Tracey Powell and Blake Fiechter, met with Trump and Banks at the White House.

NEWS: @SenatorBanks and @RepHouchin met with six republicans challenging Indiana state senators who voted against restricting. Meeting was at the White House. Trump also met with them.



Candidates at the meeting:

Jeff Ellington

Michelle Davis

Brenda Wilson

Paula Copenhaver pic.twitter.com/uE8gwARMLk  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 4, 2026

The Indiana Senate's decision to reject Trump's redistricting push in December has led to serious ire from the president and his allies being directed at some Republican incumbents, including state Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette, and Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute.

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Trump, for instance, has called the incumbents "RINOs" and has pledged to eventually help defeat Senate President Rodric Bray, who isn't up for reelection this cycle.

"He'll go down," Trump said of Bray in December.

Banks has also publicly critiqued Sen. Liz Brown, who is running for reelection, despite her support for redistricting.

The primary election is May 5.

IndyStar statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer contributed to this report.

Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo.

Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jim Banks will reportedly pour millions into Indiana Senate primaries
Lecta has said that its full range of packaging papers, including those used for food applications, is now produced without the intentional addition of PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances].

This follows an assessment of product formulations, more selective sourcing of raw materials, and oversight throughout its supply chain.

With this change implemented across all packaging lines, the company will discontinue the No PFAS Added designation on individual products, as all offerings are now covered by this approach.

The update applies to flexible and rigid packaging, labels, self-adhesive materials, and bags.

In addition to the broader portfolio change, Lecta has introduced new grease-resistant papers without added PFAS in its Creaset, Metalvac and Adestor product families.

These papers are intended as substitutes for conventional greaseproof grades commonly used in food service and packaging settings.

The shift comes ahead of the EUs Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will introduce restrictions on PFAS in packaging from August 2026.

The PPWR legislation requires the elimination of certain substances from packaging materials while setting targets for recyclability, chemical safety, and circularity.

Lectas updated portfolio is designed to provide solutions that align with these forthcoming regulations.

The company describes this move as part of a wider strategy to offer alternatives intended to support circular economy goals and respond to regulatory standards.

Earlier this year, Lecta and key stakeholders entered a lockup agreement that commits parties to supporting a recapitalisation of the company.

The agreement provides the necessary support for Lecta to move forward with its debt restructuring plans.

"Lecta removes added PFAS from entire packaging line" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




A Jackson County circuit judge in Missouri ruled on Thursday that a new, GOP-friendly congressional map can stay in place ahead of the midterms.

The Campaign Legal Center (CLC), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and ACLU of Missouri filed suit on behalf of voters in the state, arguing the mid-decade redistricting effort was unlawful.

The organizations behind the lawsuit said in a joint statement that the latest ruling misapplied the law and overlooked overwhelming evidence that the new map violates a Missouri Constitution provision requiring districts to be compact.

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Drawn under direct pressure from the Trump administration, the map divides the Kansas City area across multiple sprawling districts in clear violation of that constitutional mandate. If allowed to stand, it would represent a significant setback for fair representation in Missouri, the groups said in a statement.

But the courts Thursday ruling asserted that the plan complies with that mandate, according to a filing shared by the ACLU.

Missouri Republicans passed a new House map earlier this year amid a push from the White House and national Republicans.

The map would give Republicans another pickup opportunity in the red Show Me State, likely upping the number of GOP lawmakers to seven and reducing the number of Democrats to one.

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The new map targets Rep. Emmanuel Cleavers (D-Mo.) 5th Congressional District in Kansas City, splitting up the urban center and adding rural territory to make Cleavers seat more conservative.

Cleaver, who has been in the seat for two decades, won reelection with 60 percent of the vote in 2024, after line changes in 2022. He panned the push for mid-decade redistricting as very dangerous.

Meanwhile, the Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments earlier this week in a separate challenge over whether lawmakers were allowed to redraw mid-decade under the states Constitution.

Democrats have decried the Missouri map as a power grab amid the national fight over mid-decade redistricting.

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Republicans have passed new maps in Texas and North Carolina, and theyre eyeing more pre-midterm changes in Florida. Voters approved Democrat-friendly redistricting in California, and theyll consider a similar change in Virginia next month. Democrats also notched a surprise pickup opportunity with a court-ordered map in Utah.

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Denham Springs man was convicted of assaulting a postal worker after a three-day trial, the Middle District of Louisiana reported Friday.

According to a release from U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall, Cody Gaspard, 27, approached a U.S. Postal Service worker at an apartment and started using aggressive and racially charged language, with the incident resulting in bodily injury.

Gaspard faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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Justice Department charges man accused of selling gun to Old Dominion University shooter

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.
Years after turning down an iconic role in the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, Kate Winslet is now relocating to Middle-earth as she has officially joined the cast of the upcoming film, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Winslet is set to star alongside Andy Serkis, who's returning as Gollum in the film set to shoot in New Zealand from May to October this year.

Winslet previously spent time there when filming Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson's 1994 movie Heavenly Creatures, which marked her film debut alongside Yellowjackets' Melanie Lynskey.

With Serkis behind the camera, Deadline reports The Hunt for Gollum is set to star the Mare of Easttown protagonist, through additional details about Winslet's character are being kept under wraps at present.

Karwai Tang/WireImage - Getty Images

Related: UK film release dates

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Serkis directs from a script penned by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou, with Walsh, Boyens and Peter Jackson producing.

The Titanic star is part of a stacked cast of returning stars, including Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen, who reprise their roles as Frodo Baggins and Gandalf.

Inspired by Tolkien's footnotes, The Hunt for Gollum is set between the events of The Hobbit and the first movie in the original trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring.

The film follows Aragorn as he embarks on a perilous quest to capture Gollum before he can reveal the Ring's location to Sauron.



Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture

Winslet reportedly decided not to appear on the original Lord of the Rings trilogy after being offered the role of Eowyn. The One Ring claimed the Oscar-winning star already had other commitments on her plate, so the role of the sword-wielding heroine subsequently going to Miranda Otto.

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Earlier this week, Wood appeared to confirm his involvement in The Hunt for Gollum, which is set for a 2027 release.

"It hasn't been officially announced, but at a convention last August, Ian sort of let the cat out of the bag," he told The Times.

"So there is a good chance. I'm not able to officially say anything until it's announced, but I will say I'm thrilled with the prospect of another film," he added, saying he wouldn't want anyone else to play Frodo as long as he's "alive and able".

Read more Lord of the Rings news on our dedicated homepage

The new edition of Living Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Harry Styles, is here! Buy Harry Styles in newsagents or online.



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A KC-135 Stratotanker that was taking part in Operation Epic Fury has crashed in Iraq, U.S. Central Command announced.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft, the command stated Thursday afternoon in a media release. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely.

This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire, the CENTCOM statement added. More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

Three American crewed aircraft are known to have been lost during Operation Epic Fury prior to todays KC-135 loss. These were F-15Es that were shot down in a bizarre friendly fire incident.

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This is a developing story. We will update this post with new information as soon as we get it.

UPDATE: 6:15 PM EDT 

The Times of Israel has reported that the second aircraft involved was another KC-135. That outlet also says that the KC-135 in question was one that landed at Israels Ben Gurion Airport earlier in the day after declaring an in-flight emergency. Online flight tracking data shows that tanker is a KC-135RT variant, one of a small subset of KC-135Rs that are themselves capable of being refueled in flight. This, in turn, allows them to make use of tanker support themselves to remain on station longer or to conduct longer-distance missions. You can read more about these receiver-tankers in this past TWZ feature.

The second tanker involved in the incident landed at Ben Gurion Airport earlier this evening. The aircraft had sent a squawk code of 7700, an international emergency signal, according to flight tracking data.  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 12, 2026

The loss of a KC-135 today appears to be the first time one of these tankers has crashed in support of combat operations since May 3, 2013, when one went down over Northern Kyrgyzstan, killing all three crew aboard. That aircraft had been supporting operations over Afghanistan.

This is the first loss of a KC-135 in support of combat operations since 3 May 2013 when KC-135 63-8877 of the 22nd ARW suffered a structural failure and crashed over Northern Kyrgyzstan after supporting operations in Afghanistan killing all 3 crew members. https://t.co/sn7G8itmwP  TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 12, 2026

UPDATE: 7:09 PM EST 

Reuters also reports that the second aircraft was a KC-135 and added that the jet that crashed had six service members on board.

An official says the other aircraft, which is safe, was a KC-135. There were six service members onboard the aircraft which crashed. https://t.co/0AYR1TSjUu  Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) March 12, 2026

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UPDATE: 9:14 PM EST 

An image emerged on social media purporting to show the KC-135 that landed in Israel was missing a large portion of the top of the vertical stabilizer. The War Zone cannot independently verify that this is one of the jets involved in the mishap.

Reported image showing one of the USAF KC-135s involved in the mid-air collision over Iraq today, back on the ground in Tel Aviv.



The tanker can be seen missing nearly half of its vertical stabilizer. pic.twitter.com/d1UHNWZnGq  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 13, 2026

UPDATE: 5:00 AM EST 

We now have a better look at the partially sheared-off tail of one of the KC-135s purported to have been involved in the collision over Iraq, following its return to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. This particular aircraft is serial 63-8017, a KC-135R version assigned to the 314th Air Refueling Squadron, an Air Force Reserve Command unit of the 940th Air Refueling Wing stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California.

UPDATE: 5:40 AM EST March 13-

U.S. Central Command has confirmed that four of the six airmen onboard were killed in the loss of a KC-135 over Iraq, and reiterates that the incident was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The search for the other crew members continues. In a statement, CENTCOM provided the following details:

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At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq



TAMPA, Fla.  At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.



The  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

The KC-135 is the fourth U.S. military aircraft lost since the strikes against Iran began on February 28. Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down in a friendly fire incident by Kuwait earlier this month, as you can read more about here. All crew members in those jets ejected safely.

UPDATE 9:20 AM EST March 13 

In a post on X, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink offered his deepest condolences to the loved ones of the four airmen killed in the crash.

pic.twitter.com/gIN2E9TQml  Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (@SecAFOfficial) March 13, 2026

UPDATE 10:40 AM EST March 13 

We have received clarification on the particular variant of Stratotanker that returned safely to Ben Gurion. Serial 63-8017 was not, as some reports state, a refuelable KC-135R (aka RT-135). The flight-tracking data clearly shows it as a KC-135R/T which indicates the aircraft type is either a KC-135R or KC-135T, not a refuelable KC-135R.

The aircraft involved in the incident in which U.S. Central Command confirmed the loss of one KC-135, tail numbers 63-8017 and 62-3556, are not receiver-capable KC-135R(RT) variants. This rules out claims circulating in some sources that the incident occurred during pic.twitter.com/n1Uh9Vmyi5  Mintel World (@mintelworld) March 13, 2026

There were only ever nine refuelable tankers:

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KC-135R 58-0011 (retired to AMARG)

KC-135R 58-0018

KC-135R 58-0124

KC-135R 58-0126 (retired to Sheppard AFB as GKC-135R ground maintenance trainer)

KC-135E 59-1514 (scrapped)

KC-135R 60-0356

KC-135R 60-0357 (retired to Sheppard AFB as GKC-135R ground maintenance trainer)

KC-135R 60-0362

KC-135R 61-0293

There have been unverified reports that the crashed jet was KC-135R serial 62-3556. This remains unconfirmed.

Also, in the strictest sense, it should be noted that the loss of KC-135R serial 63-8877 in Kyrgyzstan was not a combat support loss, since it happened during initial climb-out and not while supporting operations over Afghanistan.

UPDATE: 11:30 AM EST March 13 

CENTCOM now confirms that all six people aboard the crashed KC-135 are dead.

All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased



TAMPA, Fla.  All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - Richard Grenell, who was appointed last year by President Donald Trump as president of the Kennedy Center, will transition out of his role as the center's leader, Trump said on Friday.

Matt Floca, the vice president of facilities operations at the national cultural center, will be named chief operating officer and executive director of the institution, Trump said in a post on social media in which he also thanked Grenell.

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The change was reported earlier by Axios and is set to be formalized on Monday at a board meeting that will take place at the White House and will also be attended by Trump, the news outlet said.

Trump named himself chairman of the Kennedy Center and filled its board with his allies last year. In December the institution's board voted to rename it as the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, or the Trump Kennedy Center for short.

Since then many groups and artists have withdrawn from the center, citing the Republican leader's takeover. Democrats, noting that the center's name was established by Congress, have said Trump's rebranding has no force of law. John F. Kennedy's family denounced the renaming move as undermining the slain president's legacy.

Trump said last month he planned to close the center for two years for reconstruction starting in July.

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Since taking office, Trump has targeted U.S. cultural and historical institutions to remove what he calls liberal bias and "anti-American" ideology.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Caitlin Webber)
With no questions on the floor, the Kentucky House passed a bill that would allow public agencies to require photo IDs from residents who request public records.

House Bill 567 from Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, gained approval from the House with a vote of 71-19 Friday morning. The 19 votes against the bill included 13 Democrats and five Republicans.

HB 567

The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

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If passed by the General Assembly this year, the bill would change the states open records laws to allow a public agencys records custodian to ask for a government-issued photo ID, such as a drivers license, to prove a records requestors residency. The General Assembly changed state law in 2021 to allow only Kentucky residents to request public records of agencies in Kentucky, with some exceptions for news organizations.

In his explanation of the bill, Flannery said local governments and police departments are seeing an influx of automated requests from chat bots that check boxes on the request saying they are a Kentucky resident. The current state law doesnt say how proof of residency can be verified.

This situation with the bombardment of these requests result in a strain on taxpayers resources and time and can slow agencies responses to otherwise valid requests made by Kentucky residents, news-gathering organizations and other needed services that are provided by our police and local agencies that have to deal with what we would consider unlawful requests, Flannery said.

Previously, Lawrenceburg Police Chief Bryan Taylor joined Flannery in a House committee to testify in favor of the bill. Taylor told lawmakers that the bill would help his office weed out open records requests made by online bots.

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Flannery filed a floor amendment to the bill, which was also approved, to allow public agencies to ask for a requesters ID via facsimile, email, mail or by hand-delivery. The amendment also says the agency could ask for alternative proof of residency if the requester does not have a photo ID. He said he proposed the amendment after getting constructive criticism about when a requester lives in one part of the state and is seeking documents from an agency located elsewhere in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Open Government Coalition submitted a letter in opposition to the bill to the House committee, arguing that the bill could increase bureaucracy for records custodians who are reviewing open records requests.

One of the Democrats who voted against the bill, Rep. Anne Gay Donworth, of Lexington, said that she appreciated the floor amendment but felt like there are other ways to remove requests from bots, such as a CAPTCHA system.

I am very concerned about making sure that people still feel like they have access to our government, she said.
FRANKFORT  Republicans in the Kentucky Senate approved a bill Thursday that would exempt a taxpayer-funded commission that state lawmakers are looking to for advice on energy policy from Kentuckys Open Records Act.

Senate Bill 100, primarily sponsored by Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson would exempt information, records, data, files, documents, or correspondence created by the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission, or EPIC.

The GOP-controlled legislature created EPIC in 2024 to review utilities plans to retire fossil fuel-fired power plants, along with analyzing the states electricity supply, demand and infrastructure.

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Mills on Thursday reiterated arguments he made in a legislative committee this week, saying EPIC needed to be shielded from the open records law to allow utilities to share confidential and sensitive information. Environmental and open government advocates have warned it would allow an arm of state government to operate in secrecy.

The Senate passed SB 100 by a vote of 29-6, all Democrats in the minority opposing. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, voted to pass on the bill.

SB 100 would also remove appointments made by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to a powerful executive committee within EPIC and give them to Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman. Mills said giving the appointments to Coleman would ensure there are less politics in the room when we are making decisions about Kentuckys energy future.

A Beshear spokesperson had called SB 100 an unconstitutional attempt to strip power from a Democratic governor and give it to a Republican officeholder. One Democratic senator echoed those sentiments, saying he was frustrated by seeing bills cutting into the inherent power of the governor.

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To see many bills that come through that want to pick at and try to weaken his power, I think, Mr. President, its just wrong, said Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, speaking to the Senate President.

Republicans pushed back on Thomas comments, with one senator arguing the governor has few enumerated powers and accusing Beshear of not cooperating with the will of the peoples body.

We have had to find ways to effectuate the will of the people that may not involve the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, said Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The family of a man who was shot and killed by London police days before Christmas in 2024 is suing Kentucky State Police for allegedly withholding records related to the case.

On Dec. 23, 2024, Doug Harless was met at his door by London police attempting to serve a search warrant at the wrong house. Shots were fired, and Harless died as a result of his injuries. In February, a grand jury opted not to indict the officers involved, and Laurel County officials requested a federal inquiry into the case.

Doug Harless killed in London police search warrant shooting: A look at the timeline, investigation

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Over a year later, his family hasnt backed down in the fight for answers. On March 10, Harless daughters, Nicki Lawson and Mona Alsip, filed a lawsuit demanding that the investigative file be immediately released.

According to the lawsuit, the pair first filed an open records request for the search warrant and supporting affidavit on Jan. 13, 2025. This request was denied, given that the documents pertain to an active investigation.

Fast forward 11 months, and Kentucky State Police reportedly completed its investigation and handed the case over to Commonwealths Attorney Matthew Leveridge. Court documents show that the case was presented to a grand jury in Febuary 2026, and the grand jury opted not to indict the officers in charge.

After the grand jury returned no indictment, Alsip and Lawson filed another open records request. According to the lawsuit, a week later, state police said that they needed more time to fulfill the request and would issue their response on April 13, 2026.

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Since the investigation and criminal prosecution had concluded, there was no justification to withhold the records, the lawsuit read. This response violates KRS 61.800(1), which expressly requires public agencies to make a final determination regarding an open records request within five business days of the request, indicating whether they will comply with the request or deny it in whole or in part.

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Thomas Law Offices wrote that production delays are only warranted if the documents are in active use, storage, or not otherwise available.

Since then, theyve filed another request only to recover the warrant. Again, they were denied, the complaint read. This request sought only a small set of documents that would require no redactions due to their nature as public, court documents. KSP has subverted the open records act by delaying the responses and processing of these requests.

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The litigation brings three counts against the Kentucky State Police, including violations of the Kentucky Open Records Act, a temporary restraining order, and a temporary injunction.

Dougs family has been waiting over a year for the truth about how and why he was killed in his own home. Law enforcement has hidden behind the criminal investigation at every turn, Tad Thomas of Thomas Law Offices, representing the Harless family, said. Dougs family has a legal right to these documents, and we will fight to make sure they get them. KSPs delays are not just a technicality. They are a denial of justice to a grieving family, and to the public.

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 FOX 56 News.
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

A University of Kentucky student was indicted this week for a pregnancy loss that created a media frenzy last year.



The 22-year-old woman, who HuffPost is not naming for privacy reasons, was indicted Tuesday on charges including first-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. She was not initially arrested on the first-degree manslaughter charge; it was added by the grand jury. All of the charges cited in the young womans case are routinely used against women who have experienced miscarriage and stillbirth.



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The woman was arrested in August after police were dispatched to her home following a report of a deceased infant, according to arrest records. The newborn was found wrapped in a towel and placed in a trash bag in her closet in Lexington.



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She later told police she believed the baby to be dead and wrapped the baby up like a burrito and laid next to it [on] the floor because it gave her a little comfort in the moment, according to the affidavit.



Its impossible to know what happened when the woman gave birth in August, but so often these stories and the choices people make during pregnancy and after a pregnancy loss are recast as villainous. Police, prosecutors and coroners are often quick to see a stillborn and believe that a crime was committed, instead of an obstetric emergency that became a tragedy. The Kentucky student is one of several women to recently be prosecuted on charges of concealing a birth and abuse of a corpse.



The fact is, postpartum people will always be retrofitted into crimes  from concealing a birth to reporting pregnancy loss to a hospital, Karen Thompson, legal director at Pregnancy Justice, a legal advocacy organization for pregnant people, told HuffPost.



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Its unclear how far along the student was in her pregnancy. But the coroner on the case said the states child fatality review committee uses infant as an umbrella term that also includes fetuses, Abortion, Every Day reported shortly after the initial arrest.



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When were talking about infants, [that could be] from zero to one years old, or one year old to a small child, Fayette County coroner Gary Ginn told Abortion, Every Day in September. A lot of times well use the broad term of infant, we could be referring to a fetus, or we could be referring to a full-term, or we could be referring to a child thats not walking, or a child that might even be walking, because all of them are considered infants.



Womens lives are routinely turned upside down by media coverage that uses mug shots and centers dramatic language like dead infant or abuse or a corpse to cast a nefarious light on pregnancy loss. Around 21,000 pregnancies end in stillbirths every year, according to a recent Harvard study  a much higher rate than previously believed.



These cases come into being because somebody was shocked and offended, Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel at If/When/How, told HuffPost earlier this week.



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Abuse of a corpse is meant to prosecute grave digging and necrophilia, but it is commonly applied in cases where women either miscarried or delivered a stillborn and did not know what to do with the remains. Women have been arrested for flushing fetal remains down the toilet, for burying remains and even, similar to the Kentucky woman, for putting a stillborn in a bag and placing it in her closet. Just under 20 states have laws that make it a crime to dispose of pregnancy loss remains or categorize the disposal of remains as abuse of a corpse.



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Concealment-of-birth statutes are also used to question womens motives and choices after undergoing a pregnancy loss. These laws  still on the books in 15 states  are based on the archaic notion that a woman who had *** outside of marriage was immoral and more likely to hide her pregnancy and kill the newborn. They were first passed in the U.S. in 1696, when 10 American colonies adopted concealment-of-birth statutes because it had been common law in England.



This week, a Kentucky legislator introduced a law to remove penalties, including prosecution, for pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion. The bill would also repeal the states concealment-of-birth statute.



The Kentucky medical examiners office determined that the Kentucky students infant  was born alive, according to an August press release from the city of Lexington. The cause of death was ruled asphyxia by undetermined means.



Politics: West Virginia Prosecutors Clarify Women Shouldn't Be Charged Over Miscarriages

The Fayette County coroners office and the state medical examiners office did not immediately respond to HuffPost when asked how they determined the newborn was born alive. HuffPost also reached out to the young womans attorney for comment but did not receive a response.



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Medical examiners often used something known as a lung float test to determine if a newborn was born alive. However, the process is deeply flawed and many experts, including the National Association of Medical Examiners, have warned against using it. The test originated in the 1600s and has been likened to Puritan-era witch trials, when women were thrown into open water and deemed witches if they floated.



As we have seen time and again, any born alive finding can only be determined in limited, very specific ways, Thompson said. Unless this medical examiner  eschewed the use of junk forensic science deployed for centuries to wrongly accuse women who have had stillbirths of murder, this finding must be taken with several grains of salt.



People have always been criminalized for their pregnancy outcomes, even when Roe v. Wade was still standing. But since the Supreme Court repealed Roe and a dozen or so states have implemented near-total abortion bans, there has been a surge in the surveillance and criminalization of pregnant people.



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There were at least 412 pregnancy-related prosecutions in the year after Roe fell  the highest number documented in one year since Pregnancy Justice began tracking in 1973. Over 161 people have been prosecuted specifically for pregnancy loss in the last 20 years, and many more have been investigated.

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If you or anyone you know needs assistance self-managing a miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion, please call the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline at 833-246-2632 for confidential medical support. Call the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812 for confidential legal information and advice.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:LOMA) is one of the Best Cement Stocks to Buy For the Long Term. On March 5, Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:LOMA) reported fiscal Q4 2025 earnings.

The companys revenue of $160.02 million topped estimates by $724,340 despite a 2.28% year-over-year decline. However, the EPS of $0.03 fell below expectations by $0.12. Management noted that the revenue declined during the quarter due to a 4.4% decrease in the cement business. For the full year, the company delivered $606 million in revenue, reflecting 7.8% year-over-year decline, again led down by the cement segment.

Management highlighted that while 2025 was a year of gradual recovery for Argentina, the rebound has been slower than expected. The company believes that the economy has significant room to recover to the 2023 level. Looking ahead, Loma expects fiscal Q1 2026 revenue to be around $304.47 million.

Loma Negra Compania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:LOMA) is Argentinas leading vertically integrated cement producer, manufacturing and distributing cement, masonry cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and lime for private and public construction projects.

While we acknowledge the potential of LOMA 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.

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While U.S. military officials say they have decimated the Iranian navy and air force and control the country's airspace, one weapon in the Islamic Republic's arsenal that seems to be having a continued impact in the conflict is its one-way drones.

The Iranian regime has deployed numerous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), many of them launched at neighboring countries and against U.S. and Israeli targets.

Relentless bombardment by the U.S and Israel has severely degraded Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, the countries have said. And air defenses have intercepted many of the drones that were launched, but some have gotten through.

Middle East Images/AFP via Getty - PHOTO: Iranian-made Shahed-136 'Kamikaze' drone flies over the sky of Kermanshah, Iran, March 7, 2024.

In Iran fight, US scrambles to adapt in its 1st major drone war

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On Thursday, two of nine drones that Iran is suspected of launching evaded Kuwait's air defense systems, according to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.

One of the drones that got through hit a residential building in southern Kuwait, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense said. A second drone caused damage at the Kuwait International Airport, according to Kuwait's Center for Government Communications.

Other countries in the region -- including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) -- have reported being hit by or intercepting suspected Iranian drones.

Fatima Shbair/AP - PHOTO: Workers inspect damage caused by a drone strike overnight at the Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 12, 2026.

On Tuesday, the UAE's Ministry of Defense said that of the more than 900 Iranian drones detected in its airspace since the start of the conflict, 65 caused damage to its hotels, ports, data centers and airports.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing Friday morning that Iran's ability to retaliate had been severely diminished by the ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks, including Iran's drone attack capability.

"Their missile launchers and drones [are] being destroyed are shot out of the sky. Their missile volume is down 90%. Their one-way attack drones yesterday, down 95%, Hegseth said.

At the same press conference, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the majority of wounded American soldiers -- approximately 140 troops, according to the latest Department of Defense numbers -- were injured in "one-way attack strikes."

Patrycja Bazylczyk, associate director of the Center for Strategic & International Studies Missile Defense Project, told ABC News that Iran has focused on building up its fleet of Shahed one-way drones, while anticipating major attacks from the U.S. and Israel.

Stringer/Reuters - PHOTO: This photo shows damage caused by an Iranian drone strike in Juffair, Bahrain, on March 4, 2026.

"Iran's use of UAS has been a cost-effective strategy," Bazylczyk said, adding that Iran's Shahed-136 drones cost about $35,000 per unit.

1,000-mile range and 'damage on the cheap'

According to the CSIS website, the Shahed-136 drone has a range of 1,000 miles, can reach speeds of up to 114 mph and packs a payload of 66 to 123 pounds.

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"You're seeing how the UAS threat is all about exacting damage on the cheap and forcing adversaries to expend expensive units to protect valued assets," Bazylczyk said.

Air defense systems like the Patriot missile system used to intercept drones and other projectiles can cost around $4 million per shot, according to the data on the CSIS website.

U.S. Central Command Public Affairs - PHOTO: Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command operating area, Nov. 23, 2025.

The U.S. military has also deployed its own drones to counter Iran's threat, specifically its own inexpensive UAS called Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), which Bazylczyk said is also estimated to cost around $35,000 per unit to make.

The LUCAS drones were built by the Arizona-based company SpektreWorks, based on the reverse engineering of a delta-winged Shahed-136 drone obtained by the U.S. several years ago, according to a Department of Defense official.

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"We're now using these drones against the Iranians themselves as a low-cost measure," Bazylczyc said.

Bazylczyc also said it's unclear how many Shahed drones Iran still has stockpiled because most of their production facilities are underground and battle damage assessments have not been completed.

Iran live updates: 1st purported message from new supreme leader read on state TV

In terms of defense, Ukraine has become adept at intercepting Russian drones that are also based on the Shahed.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about assisting in defending the country against the Shahed drones.

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"Ukrainians have been fighting against Shahed drones for years now, and everyone recognizes that no other country in the world has this kind of experience," Zelenskyy said. "Protecting life must be a shared priority, and it is very important to coordinate for security both in Europe and in the Middle East."

'Big mistake': Hegseth says Iran is showing true colors by attacking neighbors

In June 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" to dramatically increase the production of drones and bring down the price of each unit.

The Pentagon said its goal is to buy more than 300,000 domestically produced weaponized drones by 2027, and hopes to bring the price of each unit down to as low as $2,000.

"Its become clear that the UAS threat is ubiquitous," Bazylczyk told ABC News. "It's going to impact not only the parties that are directly involved in the conflict, but those outside of it."
A suspect is dead after ramming a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on Thursday afternoon, in what the FBI said was a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." No one else was killed in the attack, officials said, but a security guard was injured and dozens of law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as 41-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a Lebanese-born U.S. citizen.

A source in Michigan's Lebanese American community told CBS News that an Israeli airstrike roughly 10 days prior on a village in Lebanon killed his two brothers and several other family members, leaving him devastated. A freelance journalist working for CBS News in Lebanon learned from sources there the two brothers were both members of a Hezbollah rocket unit in southern Lebanon.

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Here's what we know so far about the suspect and the attack on the synagogue.

Ramming attack

Around 1:35 p.m. Thursday, police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, a suburb northwest of Detroit, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Bouchard said the attacker drove through the doors of the building and down a hallway, and that security engaged the suspect with gunfire. He said the man was found dead in the vehicle.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyon gave more details Friday, saying that Ghazali had waited in the parking lot for over two hours before driving into the building. She said the vehicle became jammed in the hallway and the gunman exchanged fire with two security guards, shooting through the front and rear windows. Then, she said, the vehicle engine compartment caught fire and the gunman shot himself in the head.

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Runyon said his vehicle contained jugs of flammable liquid in addition to being packed with fireworks.

Security video from a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan, showed the suspect buying what the company said was $2,250 worth of fireworks on March 10, two days before the attack.

Two law enforcement sources told CBS News Ghazali's body had been badly burned, complicating identification.

Runyon said he had no criminal record and was not on an FBI watchlist.

One of the lead security personnel was hit by the vehicle when it rammed the building, losing consciousness, and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. They are expected to be OK, Bouchard said. The security guard was part of a team that had been trained by the FBI Detroit Field office in January.

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Bouchard also said Friday that 50 law enforcement officers, including his son, were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation in the building after the suspect's vehicle was engulfed in flames. He said most of them have since been released and are recovering.

What we know about the suspect

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the suspect, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, came to the U.S. legally in May 2011, sponsored by his then-wife, who is a U.S. citizen. He became a U.S. citizen himself in 2016.

Ghazali, who was born in Lebanon, first entered the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan International Airport on an IR1 visa, which is an immigrant visa for a spouse of a U.S. Citizen, DHS said.

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He first filed for the visa in December 2009, and it was approved in April 2010, DHS said. He applied for citizenship in October 2015, and his application was granted in February 2016.

A source in the Lebanese American community in Dearborn, Michigan, who has known the suspect for more than a decade, told CBS News that Ghazali was a resident of Dearborn Heights and previously worked at a restaurant in the Dearborn Heights area. The source described Ghazali as an extremely kind, gentle person who had been part of the community for about 16 or 17 years and was widely liked.

Authorities did not immediately identify a motive in the attack.

The FBI is leading the investigation. CBS News Detroit reported that the FBI was searching his home overnight.

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Ghazali was originally from Machgharah, a town in southern Lebanon with a significant Hezbollah presence and influence.

The freelance journalist working for CBS News in Lebanon learned from sources on the ground that Ghazali's two brothers stayed in Lebanon and were both members of a Hezbollah rocket unit in southern Lebanon. The two brothers were killed in a drone strike carried out by the Israel Defense Forces on March 5, according to the sources in Lebanon.

Ghazali's sister-in-law was wounded in the strike and two young children of one of his brothers and sister-in-law were also killed, a source in the Dearborn area said.

The source in Michigan said Ghazali was devastated by the loss and had stopped working, spending time alone at home. He lived by himself and was divorced. His children live with their mother in the U.S.

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According to the source, shortly before Thursday's synagogue attack, Ghazali called his ex-wife and told her to take care of their children, which alarmed her. The source said she contacted police and relatives to check on him.

Details on Temple Israel

Temple Israel is the largest Reform synagogue in the United States, according to its website. The facility also houses a school that includes an early childhood center and kindergarten.

The synagogue said there were 140 students in the building at the time of the attack on Thursday and that they and all teachers and staff were safe and accounted for.

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Rabbi Josh Bennett of Temple Israel said they had security measures in place, and just two months earlier staff had received active-shooter training that helped them know how to react in the crisis.

"As part of the Jewish community, we are ready for these kinds of threats. We have a full security team who is tasked with keeping us safe but also training us to know what to do in the event of one of these events," he said in an interview on "CBS Mornings."

"We knew something like this might happen. Of course, we hope and pray that it never does come to pass, but when it does, they prepared us with active-shooter trainings, with a sense of security of knowing what we are supposed to do in the moment, and everybody in our building did exactly what they were supposed to do. And because of that, we are sitting here today with what could have been a far worse tragedy."

Officials react to attack

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who on Thursday called the attack "every community's worst nightmare," said Friday that the attack was "hate, plain and simple" and urged Americans to "lower the rhetoric" amid what she called a rising wave of antisemitism.

"At the time of this attack, this was a school," the governor said in a news conference. "This is targeting babies who are Jewish. That is antisemitism at its absolute worst."

Whitmer said the children attending school at the synagogue were 5 and younger.

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin praised Temple Israel's private security for swiftly stopping the attack.

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"If they had not all done their jobs almost perfectly, we would be talking about an immense tragedy here with children gone," she said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement saying, in part, "Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated. In moments like these, it's more important than ever that we come together, stand with our neighbors, confront hate whenever it appears, and build stronger communities."

At an event to mark Women's History Month, President Trump said, "I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today," calling the attack a "terrible thing" and vowing to get "right down to the bottom of it."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on social media that he spoke with Jewish leaders in Detroit following the attack, adding, "This is a grave and serious incident that follows a series of attacks on Jewish institutions around the world. Tonight, we send a message of strength and support from Israel to the Jewish community in Michigan."

A surge in threats and antisemitic attacks

The attack at Temple Israel came at a time when national security experts have warned of a heightened terror threat and a growing number of antisemitic attacks.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been a sharp increase in terrorist plots or attacks motivated by antisemitism or anti-Zionism targeting Jews or Jewish institutions in the U.S. over the past 18 months. The ADL has tracked 12 such incidents between July 2024 and January 2026, compared to seven during the previous four and a half years.

Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Communities Network, which coordinates security measures with Jewish institutions around the country, said Friday that his organization has seen a dramatic increase in calls for violence in the last six days: over 8,000 calls for violence against the Jewish community in the United States.

"It's the highest number we have ever tracked in that time frame," he said. "The threat environment is dynamic."

The Jewish Federation of North America says it costs about $775 million a year to secure Jewish institutions nationwide.

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A Republican-backed voter requirements bill that recently passed in the House  and has become President Trumps top legislative priority  faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote and a valid ID in order to cast a ballot.

The SAVE America Act passed the House in a 218-213 vote in February but stalled in the Senate amid arguments from Democrats that it would violate voting rights.

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The legislation would also require some Democratic votes for it to pass and move to Trumps desk to sign.

Who supports the SAVE America Act?

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) introduced the SAVE America Act in January. He argued that the bill, if it becomes law, will thwart Democrat efforts to cement one-party rule by upholding and strengthening current law that permits only U.S. citizens to vote in Federal elections, according to a statement.

Roy and several GOP co-sponsors have touted the bill as, in the words of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), essential for the legitimacy of our democratic institutions.

But the bill has seen both Democratic support and Republican pushback.

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Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) became the first Senate Republican to oppose the bill. And in the House, four moderate Democrats had supported a previous version of the bill, but only one of them, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), voted for the SAVE America Acts passage.

What Trump says about the SAVE America Act

The president has long supported the idea of voters needing to provide proof of citizenship. He has made several claims of voter fraud in various elections since he first ran for office in 2016.

These claims escalated in 2020, with supporters holding Stop the Steal marches and eventually attempting to subvert the certification of former President Bidens victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump previously said he will not sign any other bills until the SAVE America Act is on his desk to be signed into law. He has also argued that the bills passage will guarantee that Republicans maintain control of Congress after the November midterms.

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The people are demanding it, Trump said in Florida on Monday. Every time I go out, save America! Save America! We want the SAVE America Act! Thats all they talk about. They dont talk about housing. They dont talk about anything. Thats what they talk about. And if you send it up there, you will win the midterms and you will win every election for a long time.

Jim Crow 2.0

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) condemned the SAVE America Act, comparing it to segregation laws placed on Black Americans for much of the 20th century.

The SAVE Act is nothing more than Jim Crow 2.0. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans. Every single Senate Democrat will vote against any bill that contains it, Schumer wrote on the social platform X.

Democrats strongly oppose the bill, with the additional argument that it will disenfranchise voters. The No. 2 Democrat in the House, Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), along with other members of the Democratic Womens Caucus (DWC), have also argued that the bill will make it harder for women to vote.

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said he does not support the SAVE America Act in its current state. He disagreed with Trumps disapproval of mail-in voting, saying that red states have relied on mail-in voting without problems.

Filibuster battle in the Senate

Trump has pressured Republican Senate leaders to embrace the talking filibuster in order to get the bill passed. If that were done, it could in theory force Democrats to physically hold the floor to debate the act.

But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said he does not have the votes to move forward on that route. Thune has acknowledged hes concerned the presidents push for the talking filibuster is linked to Trump not yet endorsing a candidate in the Texas Senate GOP primary runoff between Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Other GOP senators who back the filibuster agree with Trump that it will help get the SAVE America Act passed, tiring Democrats to the point of giving up their argument and voting on the measures passage in a simple majority vote.

Facts versus claims of migrant voting

Trump and other Republicans on the campaign trail who have pushed for legislation similar to the SAVE America Act claim that votes from migrants without legal status have helped Democrats win elections.

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Little evidence exists that suggest migrants, who must undergo a years-long process to obtain their citizenship, vote in U.S. elections. Migrants seeking asylum and those without legal status cannot legally vote in the U.S. They face steep penalties if they do attempt to vote.

But Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (La.), continue to argue that it happens.

We all know, intuitively, that a lot of illegals are voting in federal elections. But its not been something that is easily provable, he said when pushing a bill that would ban the already illegal practice of noncitizen voting. We dont have that number.

One of the few laws that could allow a foreign national to vote in a future U.S. election is the Cuban Adjustment Act. The average processing time for permanent residency in 2024 for Cuban nationals was just 4.6 months, potentially becoming eligible to vote in just more than a year.

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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.
LANCASTER  A Lancaster man was killed in a two-vehicle crash at approximately 9:09 p.m. March 12 on Pleasantville Road near Ohio 158 in Greenfield Township.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lancaster Post, it was determined that a 2015 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Karla Vick, 66, of Buckeye Lake, was driving eastbound on Pleasantville Road. A 2015 Chevrolet Sonic driven by Seth Peele, 33, of Lancaster, was driving westbound on Pleasantville Road when both vehicles struck head-on.

More: Fairfield County warns of phishing scam using fake permit emails

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Vick was transported to Grant Medical Center by Air Evac for serious injuries. Peele was pronounced deceased on scene by the Fairfield County Coroner's Office.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Fairfield County Sheriffs Office, Basil Fire Department, Greenfield Township Fire/EMS, Fairfield County Engineers Office, Fairfield County Coroners Office, and Barbers Towing.

The crash remains under investigation.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster man killed in Greenfield Township crash
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Nevada Supreme Court case is putting Las Vegas Metro police and the Las Vegas Justice Court at odds over who has the authority to declare a defendant too dangerous to release.

Attorneys for Metro filed their petition Monday after Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Eric Goodman ordered Joshua Sanchez-Lopezs release to Metros electronic-monitoring program.

Sanchez-Lopez, 36, is a convicted felon who most recently served prison time on drug and involuntary manslaughter charges, according to records. Metro said his record includes 35 arrests.

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We have to take a look at that and say, Is this somebody who our electronic supervision program can monitor safely in the community? said Mike Dickerson, assistant general counsel at Metro. This is an issue of public safety.

Metro arrested Sanchez-Lopez on a warrant in January on a charge of grand larceny of a motor vehicle. The department provided this prior booking photo from a 2020 arrest. (LVMPD)

Metro arrested Sanchez-Lopez on a warrant in January on a charge of grand larceny of a motor vehicle. During a bench warrant return hearing, Goodman set bail at $25,000, ordering Sanchez-Lopez to Metros electronic monitoring program should he post bond.

The program allows defendants to leave jail and wear an ankle bracelet. Various levels of the program require different levels of confinement. Goodman ordered Sanchez-Lopez to high-level electronic monitoring, which Dickerson described as house arrest. About 450 defendants are in the program at a time.

On Jan. 29, Metro informed Goodman it declined to release Sanchez-Lopez to the program, citing prior bench warrants, failures to appear in court and violations of the departments program.

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In their letter, Metro points to a 2020 arrest where they said Sanchez-Lopez ran from officers armed with a gun. He later posted on Snapchat, showing his ankle monitor, and said he got chased again, according to documents.

On Feb. 5, Goodman ordered Metro to release Sanchez-Lopez to the program, adding the department could be sanctioned for contempt should it fail to comply. (KLAS)

On Feb. 5, Goodman ordered Metro to release Sanchez-Lopez to the program, adding the department could be sanctioned for contempt should it fail to comply.

Metro believes a state law gives approval to the sheriff. The court and Sanchez-Lopezs public defender said the decision is up to a judge.

Metros argument is flat wrong, Sanchez-Lopezs public defender, P. David Westbrook said in a statement. It is the job of the elected judge to decide whether someone charged with a crime should be released and under what conditions. The idea that a Metro employee can overrule a judges release order and keep someone locked up should worry anyone who believes in the Constitution and the rule of law.

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Theres absolutely competing narratives about public safety occurring in our community, Dickerson said. Theres different approaches too.

The program allows defendants to leave jail and wear an ankle bracelet. Various levels of the program require different levels of confinement. Goodman ordered Sanchez-Lopez to high-level electronic monitoring, which Dickerson described as house arrest. About 450 defendants are in the program at a time. (KLAS)

Goodman later released Sanchez-Lopez to the courts pre-trial release program, which includes another form of GPS monitoring.

A 2020 Nevada Supreme Court decision requires judges to set the least restrictive bail amount for defendants to ensure they return to court.

Goodman was scheduled to hear further arguments from Metro and Sanchez-Lopezs public defenders regarding his case and custody status, but postponed the hearing due to illness.

The safety of our officers is paramount, Dickerson said. The safety of the public is key, and the key here is Sheriff McMahill will not violate the law to appease the Las Vegas Justice Court and let out people who he deems to be dangerous. We have a system thats set up so people can get out of jail quickly, and sometimes, there just needs to be a little bit more thought given to it because lives are on the line.

Kevin McMahill, Clark County Sheriff and head of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Las Vegas Justice Court, Goodman nor the Clark County District Attorneys Office returned a request for comment.

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Metros Office of Public Information also provided a statement:

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department filed a petition with the Nevada Supreme Court asking for a writ of prohibition against the Justice Court of the Las Vegas Township. LVMPD is asking for the justice court to stop trying to force Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill to violate his statutory duty. The justice court is threatening contempt proceedings against Sheriff McMahill for not releasing a pretrial detainee to LVMPDs electronic supervision program even though the sheriff determined that electronic supervision of that individual would pose an unreasonable risk to public safety and communicated his determination to the justice court. Sheriff McMahills authority to evaluate whether electronic supervision of a defendant poses an unreasonable risk to public safety is clearly defined in NRS 211.250(2) and NRS 211.300. The Justice Court of the Las Vegas Township has the authority to release dangerous people into our community. However, the sheriff will not violate the law to assist those few judges who seek to use LVMPDs electronic monitoring program in disregard of public safety and the safety of the dedicated LVMPD corrections officers who administer the electronic monitoring program.

The Nevada Supreme Court had not scheduled a hearing on the petition as of Thursday. Sanchez-Lopezs case was scheduled to return to Goodmans courtroom on Thursday, March 19, following Thursdays delay.

8 News Now Investigator David Charns can be reached at dcharns@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.
About 2,500 U.S. Marines are being deployed to the Middle East as American and Israeli strikes keep pounding Iran and the Islamic Republic keeps attacking Persian Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure. As Iranian threats choke global oil shipments, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said we have been dealing with it and dont need to worry about it.

A large explosion rocked a square in Tehran that was filled with people for annual Quds Day demonstrations in support of the Palestinians, Iranian state television reported. Thousands chanted death to Israel and death to America.

More than 100 children are among the 773 people killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Friday. Iranian authorities say more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, and Israel has reported 12 deaths. All six crew members aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are dead, raising the U.S. military death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13.

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Israel said Friday its strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon are  continuing and intensifying. Hezbollahs leader said his gunmen will fight until the end. U.S. President Donald Trump said the war would end when I feel it in my bones.

Here is the latest:

Missile strikes helipad inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, two security officials said.

The projectile landed within the embassys boundaries after the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district in central Baghdad that houses Iraqi government institutions and foreign embassies, added the security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the press.

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Video obtained by The Associated Press showed smoke billowing from inside the compound.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and may continue to target them.

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past by Iran-aligned militias.

These groups have recently stepped up attacks on bases hosting U.S. and coalition troops.

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A drone strike in northern Iraq on Thursday killed a French soldier and wounded several others stationed there as part of an international coalition.

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra

Air defenses continue to intercept threats across Gulf countries

Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry said early Saturday it downed a drone in the al-Jawf region, a sparsely populated province near the Jordan border that hosts military and energy infrastructure.

The ministry also said it shot down seven drones headed toward the kingdoms eastern region, one of its least dense areas close to Iran and home to major oil installations.

In Qatar, the Defense Ministry said forces were responding to a missile attack targeting the gas-rich nation.

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Dubais Media Office said debris from an interception struck the facade of a building in the city center, adding that the incident was contained, with no fire or injuries reported.

Gaza hospital says 2 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike

Two Palestinians were killed early Saturday by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip, hospital authorities said.

According to the Nasser hospital, an Israeli drone strike hit a police checkpoint in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing two men.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The deaths were the latest among Palestinians since an October ceasefire halted major fighting in Gaza.

More than 650 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 11, according to the Strips Health Ministry.

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The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.

The Iranian-backed Hamas militant group still controls Gaza after more than two years of war against Israel.

An October ceasefire deal stopped major military operations in the Strip.

Latest reports of live fire in the war

Explosions were heard in Qatars capital, Doha, early Saturday, according to an Associated Press journalist. Authorities there have urged residents to remain indoors.

In Kuwait, National Guard forces intercepted a drone attacking the Gulf nation.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said early Saturday that Iran launched missiles toward Israel.

What to know about the Jones Act as Trump considers a waiver during the Iran war

As the war in Iran continues to upend energy markets and supply chains worldwide, the Trump administration says it might suspend maritime shipping requirements under a more than century-old law known as the Jones Act.

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The Jones Act requires that goods hauled between U.S. ports be moved on U.S.-flagged vessels. Passed in 1920, it aims to protect the American shipping sector  but it has also faced criticism over the years for slowing the delivery of goods, including critical aid during time of crisis. And it is often blamed for making gas, in particular, more expensive.

The White House confirmed that it was looking into waiving Jones Act requirements this week in a temporary measure amid wider efforts to counter steep oil prices and cargo disruptions due to the war.

 Read more on what to know about the Jones Act

US faces elevated terrorism threats against backdrop of Iran war and cuts at FBI, Justice Department

Three acts of violence in the U.S. in the last week have laid bare a heightened terrorism threat unfolding against the backdrop of the Iran war and as the countrys counterterrorism system is strained by the departures of experienced national security professionals at the FBI and Justice Department.

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The firings and resignations, along with the diversion of resources and personnel over the last year to meet other Trump administration priorities, have fueled concerns about the capability to head off a potential surge in threats.

So much experience has been decimated from the ranks, said Frank Montoya, a retired senior FBI official.

The folks that were best positioned to get to the bottom of it before something really bad happened are in many cases no longer with the government, he said, meaning less experienced personnel assigned to the threat are starting from way behind.

 Read more about the elevated threat

Man who rammed into Michigan synagogue recently lost family in an Israeli strike in Lebanon

Authorities say Ayman Mohammad Ghazali, 41, crashed his car into Temple Israel outside Detroit on Thursday afternoon and then started firing his gun through the windshield, exchanging fire with an armed security guard. Authorities say Ghazali ultimately fatally shot himself.

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Ghazali came to the U.S. in 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and was granted citizenship in 2016, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

An Israeli airstrike on March 5 killed four people in the town of Mashgharah, Lebanese officials reported, and a local official there told AP on Friday that among those killed were Ghazalis two brothers, a niece and a nephew. They died at their home just after sunset as they were having their fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he could not publicly discuss details of the airstrike, also said the childrens mother was seriously wounded and remained in a hospital.

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Kharg Island and other islands off Irans southern coast are key to its economy and security

Irans parliament speaker warned on Thursday that attacks on the Persian Gulf islands on Irans southern maritime frontier would provoke a new level of retaliation, underscoring how central they are to the countrys economy and security.

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In a social media post, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran will abandon all restraint if the islands come under attack and said Trump will be responsible for the blood of American soldiers.

Kharg Island, Qeshm Island, and the tiny islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb carry outsized importance because of their oil facilities and strategic location.

A direct strike would immediately halt the bulk of Irans crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation, JPMorgan said in an investment note this week.

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Trump says hes discussed Mideast war with Chinas president

Asked by a reporter if he had discussed the war with Xi Jinping, the president said, I have, and were discussing a couple of different things with him. Not only that, but other things.

Trump did not offer any specifics on what they discussed.

In radio interview, Trump balked at question on Irans Kharg Island

Asked during the Fox News Radio interview  which was recorded Thursday night and aired the following morning  whether he was thinking about seizing the island, the president said it was not high on the list but also he could change my mind in seconds.

The question appeared to touch a nerve, eliciting scorn as Trump called it a question that shouldnt be asked.

Whod ask a question like that, and what fool would answer it? he said. Lets say I was going to do it or lets say I wasnt going to do it, why would I tell you?

Trump says US obliterated military targets on Irans Kharg Island, warns oil infrastructure there could be next

The president announced the action in a social media post as he prepared to fly to Florida for the weekend.

Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Irans crown jewel, Kharg Island, Trump said.

He added: For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.

Trump answered questions from reporters traveling with him before he boarded Air Force One but did not mention the latest U.S. military operation.

The small island in the Persian Gulf is the primary terminal through which all of Irans oil exports pass.

Qatars defense ministry says it intercepted missile attack, evacuations carried out

It announced the interception early Saturday. AP journalists in Doha heard explosions consistent with possible interceptions.

The ministry said earlier that authorities were evacuating a number of areas as a temporary precaution, without identifying the locations. Emergency alerts were sent to peoples phones.

Evacuations have been rare in Qatar since Iran started targeting it with drones and missiles. In early March, authorities evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha.

Strike on southern Lebanon health center kills 12 medics

An Israeli strike hit a health care center in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah in the Bint Jbeil District, killing 12 doctors, paramedics and nurses who were on duty, Lebanons health ministry said. The toll was preliminary as rescue teams continued searching for missing people, it added.

The ministry said it was the second attack on the health sector within hours, after another Israeli strike on the southern village of Souaneh killed two paramedics and wounded five others when it hit a paramedic center.

The ministry condemned the attack and denounced what it called as continued violence against health workers.

Israeli strikes have so far killed 18 paramedics among 773 people reported killed in Lebanon since fighting between Hezbollah and Israel reignited March 2.

Nepal condemns strike on its UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon

The countrys consulate in Beirut condemned the attack, which hit the headquarters of a Nepali battalion serving with the United Nations Interim Force in the border village of Mais al-Jabal, in the Marjeyoun district. No Nepali soldiers were wounded.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible. There has been ongoing fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon beginning March 2, after Hezbollah fired rockets toward northern Israel.

Peacekeeping positions in the south have come under fire several times during the clashes, most recently on March 6 when three were wounded at a UNIFIL base.

Israels military says Iran has launched missiles toward Israel

Simultaneously, sirens sounded in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia intercepts dozens of drones

An AP tally of drone and missile interceptions reported by Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry on social media Friday found that the countrys air defenses intercept 65 drones and one ballistic missile as Iran continues to aim projectiles at nations in the Persian Gulf.

Most were reported in eastern Saudi Arabia  one of the kingdoms least dense regions, close to Iran and home to major oil installations.

Though Saudi Arabia has intercepted most of the missiles from Iran, strikes have killed at least two migrant workers.

The country, home to Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, has also been among those where Iranian strikes have killed an American soldier.

Palestinians in Gaza fear being forgotten as attention shifts to Iran

Israels two-year war on Gaza has been muffled with a fragile ceasefire since October, but much of the territory remains in ruins with no clear timeline for reconstruction.

People gathered for Friday prayers in Gaza City inside a tent-turned-prayer area in the middle of a destroyed school campus.

Reem al-Naggar, a displaced woman, told The Associated Press she fears being forgotten as the Iran war escalates.

On Friday evening, her family prepared to break their daily Ramadan fast  a meal known as Iftar  by laying out a modest salad and noodle soup with barely enough protein.

When we miss our home, we go to have iftar on top of (the rubble of) the house. We place our food and remember the good days, said Reems relative, Amany al-Naggar.

An Israeli strike on Friday killed three people east of Gaza City, including two teens, health officials said. Israels military said it was unaware of any strikes in the area.

Wall Streets losses deepen as Iran war keeps pressure on oil prices

Those higher oil prices, in turn, are ratcheting up inflationary pressure on the global economy.

Everythings just trading with crude oil at this point, said Michael Antonelli, market strategist at Baird. Were basically in a holding pattern until we get kind of the hour-by-hour, day-by-day news about the conflict in the Middle East.

The S&P 500 fell 0.6% after having been up as much as 0.9% in the early going. The benchmark index is now down 3.1% so far this year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite finished 0.9% lower. The indexes also ended the week with their third straight weekly loss.

After briefly easing early Friday, crude oil prices rose again, bringing the benchmark oil price back above $100 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, closed 2.7% higher at $103.14 per barrel. Its up about 40% for the month.

Vance says Irans new supreme leader is hurt but We dont know exactly how bad

The U.S. vice president told reporters while he was traveling to North Carolina on Friday that, Its not totally clear, actually if the U.S. or Israel launched a strike that injured Irans new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Trump tempers expectations, says Iranian opponents face big hurdle in toppling the government

At the start of the U.S. and Israeli bombardment, Trump confidently told Iranians that they would soon have an opportunity to rid themselves from the clerical rule of the past 47 years.

When we are finished, take over your government, Trump urged Iranians opponents of the government.

But in his Fox News Radio interview on Friday, Trump was far more measured about the pathway ahead for opponents of the Islamic regime and alluded to the paramilitary Basij force, which has played a central role in crushing recent nationwide protests, maintaining its grip as a menacing force in Iran.

So, I really think thats a big hurdle to climb for people that dont have weapons. I think its a very big hurdle, Trump said.

He added, itll happen, but it probably will be maybe not immediately. Who is going to do that? They literally have people in the streets with machine guns, machine gunning people down if they want to protest.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill 8 people, including a child and 2 medics

Lebanons state-run National News Agency said an airstrike on a home killed six people, including a child, late Friday in the southern city of Nabatiyeh.

The Health Ministry said a separate airstrike on a paramedics center in the southern village of Souaneh killed two medics and wounded five others.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel denied nearly all aid deliveries to Gaza for the last two days, UN says

The Kerem Shalom crossing is the only one open into Gaza, and the U.N. humanitarian office known as OCHA reported that on Thursday and Friday nearly all humanitarian movements were denied, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

As a result, he said, the U.N. has only been able to collect fuel for distribution in Gaza.

OCHA said the World Health Organization reported that it has not been allowed to collect aid including nearly 50 intensive care unit beds and 170 pallets of medicine.

Dujarric said the U.N. raises the issue of aid deliveries every day with Israeli authorities. What we need is predictable flow of humanitarian aid in sufficient volumes to meet all the needs, he said.

Hezbollah leader in televised speech says his group will fight until the end

Naim Kassem said Friday night that the Lebanese government hasn't been able to defend the country or its people from Israel's near daily strikes since a ceasefire went into effect in November 2024, so Hezbollah resumed firing after the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran.

Surrender and defeat are not in our dictionary, Kassem said. This is an existential battle. It is not a limited or simple battle.

Shrapnel has fallen on Qatar in more than 600 places, interior minister says

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said in an interview posted on the ministrys social media pages that it had responded to 5,000 reports of fallen shrapnel in more than 600 locations since the beginning of the war.

The Gulf nation, home to the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base and smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut, says it has intercepted most of the incoming Iranian missiles and drones.

Irans president speaks with Egyptian leader about de-escalation efforts

In a phone call Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is still keen on fraternal relations and good neighborliness with Arab states.

Thats according to the office of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, a former general and close ally of Saudi Arabia, who condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and insisted they dont support or participate in the war.

US military is sending roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one extra warship to Middle East, AP source says

Roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are headed for the Middle East, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans, said that elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East. The move would mark a major addition of troops to the region.

Marine Expeditionary Units are not only trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and disaster relief. While the deployment is a major increase of troops to the region, it does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines are based in Japan and have been at sea in the waters of the Pacific Ocean for the past several days, according to images released by the military. Their location puts them more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

The deployment of the additional Marines was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

 Konstantin Toropin

Israels military cuts major roads in southern Lebanon

The strikes on roads and bridges come as Israels military says it is sending more forces to the front along the border with Lebanon.

Lebanons National News Agency said Israels air force twice struck the Jardali road linking the southern city of Nabatiyeh with the town of Marjayoun. Strikes also destroyed bridges that Israel said were used by Hezbollah fighters.

After the previous Israel-Hezbollah war, the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction and recovery for Lebanon at about $11 billion, with damage to physical structures amounting to $6.8 billion.

Last week, Israels finance minister threatened to make Beiruts southern suburbs look like Gaza.

The United Arab Emirates to resume air traffic

The countrys General Civil Aviation Authority said Friday that it would gradually resume air traffic after closures amid drone strikes on Dubais airport and closures during two weeks of war.

The UAEs leaders have projected confidence in their air defenses, but flight cancellations threaten key pillars of its tourism and transitdependent economy. Dubai International Airport, the worlds busiest, handles tens of millions of travelers a year and links Europe, Asia and Africa. The aviation industry employs hundreds of thousands of people in the country.

Trump admin to help US farmers meet war-related fertilizer price hikes

Were looking at every potential avenue to keep the fertilizer costs down as these farmers are going into planting season, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Rollins said shes had conversations on Capitol Hill exploring additional funding for farmers. No big announcements yet, but it is coming.

Most farmers have already purchased fertilizer for this years planting season, Rollins said, but about 25% have not. A separate aid package from December opened $12 billion in aid for farmers hit by rising costs amid a trade war with China.

Crude prices remain high despite US easing of some Russian oil sanctions

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on X that the 30-day reprieve on sanctions applies to Russian oil already loaded on tankers as of Thursday. He said allowing this stranded oil to be sold provides no additional financial benefit for Russia, because the Kremlin already taxed it when the oil was extracted from the ground.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it shows how the war has boosted Moscows ability to profit from its energy exports, a pillar of the Kremlins budget as it presses its invasion of Ukraine.

This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war, Zelenskyy said. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us.

 Read more

Israeli military says its strikes have eliminated hundreds of Hezbollah militants

Israel says it has killed over 350 Hezbollah militants since renewed fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group broke out in Lebanon almost two weeks ago.

In a statement, the military said among those killed are senior Hezbollah operatives as well as prominent commanders of other militant groups.

Italian tourism group warns Iran war could cost billions in lost travel

Italys travel industry says the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and spillover to Gulf countries is triggering widespread cancellations and could cost the country at least 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) in tourism revenue in 2026, according to the Italian Federation of Travel and Tourism Business.

Losses could reach 6 billion ($6.9 billion) when Gulf transit hubs are included, as travelers cancel or delay trips to destinations Italians often use as gateways to places like the Maldives and Japan, the federations Vice President Luana De Angelis said.

All those people who were about to book their summer and Easter holidays have been forced to wait and see what happens, she said.

Demonstrators across the Middle East and beyond mark Jerusalem Day

Protesters from Pakistan to Nigeria voiced their support for Palestinians on the last Friday of Ramadan, waving images of Jerusalems Al-Aqsa Mosque and denouncing Israel and the United States over the ongoing war with Iran.

The Jerusalem Day rallies were especially intense in countries with large Shiite Muslim populations. In Yemens capital Sanaa, crowds held posters of Irans former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed at the start of the war, and chanted Death to America and Death to Israel, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah television.

In Karachi, Pakistan, demonstrators shouted similar slogans as women dragged coffins marked with U.S. and Israeli flags through the streets.

Iranians in bombed capital tell AP of rising fear and isolation

Residents of Irans capital are in a state of shock after two weeks of fierce U.S.-Israeli bombardment.

From Tehrans central historic quarters to upscale northern areas, bombs are shaking the city day and night, with no sirens or warning systems to alert the public. With the internet shut down, families and friends rely on each other for news about the war and the latest damage caused by airstrikes.

The psychological pressure is real, said one person in northern Tehran.

Residents say security forces have increased their presence in the streets to prevent any show of dissent. At the same time, the government has encouraged its supporters to gather in street demonstrations.

 Read more
As wind-driven wildfires flared up Thursday in the Black Hills and an electrical provider proactively shut off power to some customers, South Dakotas governor signed a bill into law that will give utilities greater protection from wildfire lawsuits.

The new law will change the legal playing field after a wildfire by barring the application of strict liability to utilities in wildfire-damage lawsuits. That is a legal standard that makes entities responsible for harm they cause, regardless of whether they were negligent or intended to cause it.

Once the law takes effect July 1, people who sue will only be able to recover damages from utilities that either fail to file fire mitigation plans with state or local authorities and follow them, or act with criminal intent or exhibit willful and wanton misconduct.

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No claims will be valid four years after a fire, and plaintiffs will be limited in the types of damages they can recover. Utilities would need to identify higher-risk areas, establish inspection and operating standards, implement vegetation management strategies, and coordinate with the appropriate wildfire agencies as part of their mitigation plans.

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The bill was sponsored by Sen. Steve Kolbeck, R-Brandon, who works as a director of business affairs at Xcel Energy, an investor-owned utility with over 100,000 customers in the state.

We want to make people whole. We just dont want to make them rich, Kolbeck said during testimony on the legislation.

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The bill was signed as wildfires broke out near the city of Custer and other areas of the Black Hills, where dry vegetation from a historically warm and dry winter ignited and spread with gusting winds. Black Hills Energy shut off power to hundreds of residents in the southern Black Hills as a precaution against live power lines falling and sparking more fires.

Other bills signed

Separately, Gov. Larry Rhoden signed other bills including Senate Bill 228, which tightens rules for tax increment financing districts. Cities and counties use TIF districts to finance infrastructure that aids development, and the new and higher property taxes from the development are used to pay off the financing.

TIFs came under scrutiny this winter when, in Rapid City, a TIF included millions of dollars in discretionary funds for the developer. About 70% of voters in Rapid City rejected that TIF after the city council had approved it.

The new law bars the use of a county discretionary formula tax break inside a TIF, requires districts to be in a contiguous area, lowers the TIF value cap for large cities from 10% to 7.5% of total assessed value, and more. The bill was a compromise meant to add guardrails while keeping TIFs available.

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Additionally, Rhoden signed Senate Bill 240. The bill appropriates $5 million to the state Department of Revenue to deposit into existing rural access infrastructure funds, which help local governments cover costs of repairing and replacing critical small structures.

Thursday was the last day of the annual legislative session, except for a day on March 30 to consider vetoes from the governor. Rhoden has signed 161 bills into law and vetoed one so far this session.
Deciding to deescalate the situation before "anything gets heated," a man called the Kalispell Police Department before approaching the vehicle he had joint ownership of with his ex-wife. The man said his ex's new boyfriend was inside the vehicle and had objected to him getting into it. Officers called him back and answered his questions.

The driver of an orange Dodge Charger got a warning for driving with expired registration. Another motorist got a warning for driving with an expired driver's license. Someone else was warned for speeding, and a different driver was instructed to affix their new license plates to their vehicle.

Officers headed to a business after a manager reported a homeless person camping at the company's back door. The man was creeping out employees, the manager told dispatchers. Officers gave the man his marching orders and instructed the employees to call the Police Department if he failed to leave in a reasonable amount of time.

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A vandal smashed the windshield of a company vehicle over the weekend.

Sick of looking at a leaking black Cadillac Escalade parked in front of their home, a resident asked the police to take action. Officers stickered the SUV and spoke with the owner, who said it was parked near his mother-in-law's home while awaiting repairs. Officers let him know that it needed to be moved, one way or another, within 72 hours.

The authorities banned a homeless man from the premises of a dental office after employees reported him hanging out in the practice's enclosed trash area. Though instructed to leave, the person hadn't taken the hint. Officers let them know they were no longer welcome there.

Concerned about someone living in a car or camper in her barn, a woman asked officers to clear the area for her.
Leaders of eight EU member states have urged the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to take decisive action to restrict entry to the Schengen area for individuals who have served in Russia's armed forces.

Source: European Pravda, citing Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda

Details: Nauseda said the leaders of the three Baltic states, as well as Poland, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Romania, have written to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to outline their concerns about the potential threat posed by former Russian service members entering Europe.

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Quote: "We believe that one of the most serious and persistent risks is the potential movement of former and currently active Russian combatants into the Schengen Area. Any entry of such individuals may have serious consequences for the security of all EU member states. Therefore, decisive and coordinated action is urgently required to prevent negative consequences!"

Update: In the letter to the EU leaders, seen by European Pravda, the eight countries argued that there is a serious risk of former Russian combatants becoming involved in organised crime, extremist movements or hostile activities against EU countries in the context of Russia's hybrid actions.

They also emphasised that over 180,000 Russian soldiers had previous criminal convictions and were released early in exchange for signing military contracts.

The leaders warned that there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens. Since there is free movement within the Schengen area, security considerations do not depend on which country issued a particular visa or residence permit. They added that inaction could create long-term vulnerabilities that can still be avoided at this stage.

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The eight presidents and prime ministers also pointed out that the EU's new visa policy strategy already allows targeted restrictions on issuing visas in the event of a serious deterioration in relations with a particular third country, including a category covering identified former or current combatants of an aggressor state.

They called on the European Commission to urgently look into the matter and propose specific options for EU-level decisions, including targeted amendments to the Visa Code or the use of other appropriate instruments.

Given the importance of this issue, they proposed that it be addressed and a common position set out in the conclusions of the upcoming March summit of EU leaders.

Background:

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In January 2026, Estonia began promoting within the EU the idea of banning entry to the Schengen area for anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces and taken part in combat operations in Ukraine. Officials in Tallinn have argued that such ex-combatants could become a valuable asset for Russian intelligence services and organised crime.

Meanwhile, Estonia has begun to introduce such a ban within its national competences with respect to individuals identified as Russian military personnel.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the idea has the support of many countries and will continue to be discussed.

Lithuania is also preparing to ban entry for members of the Russian armed forces who have fought against Ukraine.

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At least three people were killed and 27 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on March 13.

Russian troops launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones against Ukraine overnight, of which about 80 were Shahed-type drones, the Air Force reported, adding it downed 117 drones.

In eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks over the past day killed at least two people and injured six others, regional governor Vadym Filashkin reported on March 13.

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In northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, three people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day in a village near the Russian border, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

In northeastern Sumy Oblast, a Russian drone attack killed a 32-year-old man and wounded a 45-year-old man over the past day, the regional military administration reported.

In northern Chernihiv Oblast, a Russian first-person view (FPV) drone attack on a civilian vehicle wounded a 52-year-old man, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus reported.

In central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two people, including a 59-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported. He said that Russian forces attacked five districts of the region with artillery, drones, guided aerial bombs (KABs), and a missile over the past day.

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In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and its surrounding oblast, three people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

In southern Kherson Oblast, 11 people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

In southern Odesa Oblast, Russian drones attacked a port infrastructure site overnight, regional governor Oleh Kiper reported. He reported no casualties.

Read also: US temporarily eases Russian oil sanctions as Iran war drives price surge

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is one of the best stocks to buy according to billionaire Mario Gabelli.

National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is one of Mario Gabellis strongest investment ideas in the utilities sector. According to the 13F filings available in the Insider Monkey database, GAMCO Investors has held a position in the stock since at least Q3 2012, when it held around 3.84 million shares, valued at $207.4 million. While the hedge fund has reduced its position over the years, as of the end of Q4 2025, National Fuel Gas still accounts for 1.11% of the portfolio, with 1.45 million shares, up slightly from Q3s 1.41 million shares.

National Fuel Gas Companys (NYSE:NFG) stock has performed strongly with a solid 16% return in 2026 so far, after already appreciating 32% in 2025.

In Gabellis Q4 2025 Shareholder Commentary published in January 2026, Mario Gabelli said, There are two reasons to like the stock. First, he pointed to National Fuel Gas Companys (NYSE:NFG) roughly 1.2 million acres in the Appalachian Basin and argued that the value of gas reserves strategically located near population centers is unappreciated. He highlighted two important factors33% of U.S. gas comes from Appalachia, and natural gas provides 40% of the U.S.s electric power, which justified his point. In a mid-2025 CNBC interview, Gabelli called these assets fundamental to the U.S.

Mario Gabelli Sees Unappreciated Value in National Fuel Gas (NFG) Appalachian Gas Assets

Second, Gabelli said that the companys private market value is 50% higher than the current price. He believes the stock could command a much higher valuation if the market correctly factors in its value drivers. He argued,

NFG can use increasing levels of free cash flow to invest in the regulated utility business or split up the company. NFG is expected to earn around $7 a share in this fiscal year. It could earn $9 a share the following year. We put the companys private market value at 50% higher than the current price. If analysts who follow utility stocks put a 16 multiple on NFGs pro forma utility earnings, the stock will trade even higher.

The commentary also mentions that:

NFGs pending $2.6 billion acquisition of CenterPoint Energys Ohio gas utility will roughly double NFGs regulated utility rate base, expand its customer footprint, and increase the percentage of earnings derived from regulated operations.

All in all, National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) appears to be a robust asset-value play, and Gabelli remains confident in the stock, as evidenced by the modest increase in the funds position as per the 13F filings. In the commentary, Gabelli also highlighted the 2.14% annual dividend yield, which supports long-term investors.
Macron called the attack "unacceptable" and said that the French troops were stationed in the region as part of France's support in fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

A French officer was killed, and at least five soldiers were wounded in a drone attack targeting a joint Peshmerga-French base in the Makhmour area of Iraq on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced.

"Today, six French soldiers providing counter-terrorism training to Iraqi partners were wounded after a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq," the French army said in a statement after the incident, adding that they had been taken to the nearest medical facility.

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Macron called the attack "unacceptable" and said that the French troops were stationed in the region as part of France's support in fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

He also announced that the officer killed in the incident was Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins from Varces.

"To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation," he added.

The news broke after Erbil Governor Omed Koshnaw said in a statement that the drone attack was in the Makhmour area, with a security source informed of the incident confirming the information to Reuters.

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A similar event happened earlier on Thursday, when a drone struck an Italian base near Erbil in what the Italian defense minister called the targeting of a facility hosting NATO personnel amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The strike on Erbil's Camp Singara caused no injuries, the Italian authorities said. "Absolutely yes. That is a NATO base within Operation Inherent Resolve, so it is also an American base," Minister Guido Crosetto told Italian state broadcaster RAI when asked whether the attack had been intentional.

France is deploying about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and potentially the Strait of Hormuz as part of defensive support to allies threatened by the conflict in the Middle East.

Macron promises to protect Cyprus, Europe from Iran

Macron promised that Europe would protect Cyprus, the first state on the continent to be directly affected by the war in Iran, during a visit to the Mediterranean nation on Monday.

Macron gave his statement of support during a visit to Paphos, a city in Cyprus, where he met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

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The defense of Cyprus is obviously a key issue for your country, for your neighbor, partner and friend, Greece, but also for France and, with it, the European Union, Macron said, with Mitsotakis adding that We will not accept that the slightest piece of European territory, like Cyprus, be exposed to danger.

Cyprus was the first European nation to report a drone attack on one of its bases, with a source confirming to The Jerusalem Post that additional missiles fired during the first days of the war were also intended to reach Cyprus but fell short.

Miriam Sela-Eitam and Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.
Israeli attacks on targets in Lebanon have left more than 20 people dead overnight, Lebanese officials said on Friday morning.

Nine people, including five children, were killed in the area around the coastal city of Sidon alone, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported.

Further bombings in the south and east of the country killed another 14 people, it said. In Beirut, one person was killed in an attack on a car.

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The Israeli military declined to comment specifically on these deadly attacks, referring instead to an official statement regarding its recent operations targeting the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

The statement said the military had carried out "dozens of waves of attacks" in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley in the east of the country and in southern Lebanon.

The targets were said to be weapons depots and significant Hezbollah assets, aimed at further weakening the militia.

The Israeli military did not initially provide any information on potential casualties.

The Israeli military further stated that it had struck a key river bridge in southern Israel. It described it as an "important crossing" for Hezbollah members. The militia had recently positioned rocket launchers there and fired projectiles at Israel, it said.

The Israeli military had recently urged civilians in the area to flee.
By Maya Gebeily

BEIRUT, March 13 (Reuters) - Israel has rebuffed a historic offer of direct talks from Lebanon, deeming it too little too late from a government that shares its goal of disarming Hezbollah but cannot act against the heavily armed Lebanese group without risking a civil war.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed the state's willingness to begin direct negotiations with Israel this week, seeking to secure an end to the conflict that erupted on March 2 when Hezbollah entered the regional war in support of its patron Iran.

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Two sources familiar with Aoun's position said he has begun appointing a negotiating delegation and in some private meetings, he went as far as to say he was ready to move toward normalizing ties.

"Everything is on the table," a third source familiar with his position told Reuters, when asked about normalization.

The Lebanese state's stance reflects unprecedented levels of domestic opposition to Hezbollah's status as an armed group: the government last week banned the group from military activities.

But with Hezbollah still wielding a powerful arsenal and backed by a significant portion of Lebanon's Shi'ite Muslim community, carrying out the order is easier said than done for a fragile Lebanese state now facing one of its most precarious moments since the 1975-90 civil war.

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On Friday, Aoun told United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that he had not received a response to his offer, according to a statement from the presidency.

LEBANON SEEN AS LACKING CREDIBILITY

Just a few years ago, such an offer from a Lebanese president would have been a major diplomatic overture - and a chance for the United States to claim success in ending nearly 80 years of hostilities between the two countries.

But Aoun's proposal generated little interest from either Israeli or U.S. officials, according to the two sources, a Lebanese official and two foreign officials.

The sources all said Lebanon's inability to rein in Hezbollah over the last year and prevent the group's March 2 attack left Beirut with little credibility and nothing tangible to offer at a negotiating table.

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Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told the Times of Israel this week that his country was ready for dialogue with the Lebanese government to normalize ties.

"But the current problem is that dialogue with the Lebanese government cannot stop the fire from Lebanese territory," he said.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon told the U.N. Security Council this week that Israel could not negotiate with Lebanon "while rockets are flying into our northern border."

"The time has come to decide: will Lebanon stick to declarations or actually act?" he said.

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Lebanon's presidency, Israel's foreign ministry and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. government regularly communicates with its Lebanese counterparts and does not comment on private diplomatic communications.

U.S. SEES WINDOW AS CLOSED, OFFICIAL SAYS

Over the last year, Lebanese authorities have been treading carefully to confiscate the group's weapons in the country's south.

The moves would have previously been unimaginable, when Hezbollah was at the zenith of its power and exercised immense sway over Lebanon's multisectarian political system.

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The measures have had mixed results.

Hezbollah was still able to spend months re-arming, even stationing new rockets in southern Lebanon as the Lebanese army said it had secured full operational control of the area.

After the new war started, Lebanese authorities detained around 50 people for carrying arms without a license in southern Lebanon and near Beirut, Lebanese security sources told Reuters, saying the detained men were suspected of being Hezbollah members.

But several were swiftly released after paying a small fine, the sources said.

When Lebanon tried to reach out to U.S. officials this week to make the offer on negotiations, they were rebuffed, a Lebanese official said.

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"They said that 2025 was our window to confront Hezbollah and we didn't, so there's nothing they can do now," the official said.

Three people familiar with U.S. policymaking on the Middle East told Reuters that Washington also had little bandwidth to deal with Lebanon given its current war on Iran, and was allowing Israel to deal with Lebanon as it saw fit.

WAR WITH ISRAEL, OR WAR AT HOME

Israel still wants to see Lebanese troops dismantle Hezbollah's rocket and drone launch sites and seize the group's weapons, Danon told the Security Council.

The army has avoided directly confronting Hezbollah, worried about inflaming tensions with the Shi'ite Muslim community and fracturing the army, which split during Lebanon's 15-year civil war.

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"That is the problem: Lebanon cannot deliver. And I understand that. This is a multi-sectarian society and Lebanon cannot afford to declare war on a community," the Carnegie Middle East Center's Michael Young told Reuters.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut, Emily Rose in Jerusalem and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
A Lee County judge on Thursday denied a furlough request made by a 65-year-old Dixon man charged with attempted murder and home invasion.

Joseph A. Willwerth was charged Dec. 31, 2025, with one count each of attempted murder and home invasion, both Class X felonies; unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony; aggravated battery, also a Class 3 felony; criminal trespass to property and reckless conduct, both Class 4 felonies; and one count of unlawful use of weapons, a misdemeanor. Hes being held in the Lee County Jail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, court records show.

The charges stem from Dec. 28. Dixon police were dispatched at 9:07 p.m. that day to the 400 block of Crawford Avenue for a report of a man being stabbed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers entered the residence and located two men, one being the homeowner and the other man identified as Willwerth, according to a news release from Dixon police.

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Police determined that was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public, according to the release.

On March 12, Willwerth appeared via Zoom from the jail with Lee County Public Defender Robert J. Thompson and private attorney Eric W. Arnquist before Lee County Judge Jacquelyn D. Ackert.

Thompson said the defenses motion for furlough, filed March 4, asks the court to allow Willwerths temporary release into a Veterans Affairs inpatient treatment facility in Des Moines, Iowa, and that he could be admitted to the program April 2.

Thompson said Willwerth was previously detained on different charges in 2024, given pretrial release and participated in veterans treatment court.

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There he achieved proximal goals right away, Thompson said.

However, after seven months, monitoring conditions were removed, and Willwerth began a process of somewhat unraveling, Thompson said. Willwerth received sanctions for violating conditions related to alcohol, leading to the events that led to the charges.

Thompson said the furlough would be for treatment only, and Willwerth would return to jail after.

We do understand how serious the charges are ... not minimizing them at all, Arnquist said.

Arnquist said the danger that Willwerth poses to the public can be alleviated with treatment.

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Lee County States Attorney Charles Boonstra disagreed.

Boonstra said Willwerth was on pretrial release when these charges were brought against him, and at his detention hearing the court considered the dangers of granting his release.

Theres nothing thats changed ... theres nothing to add. We would object, Boonstra said.

Ackert agreed and denied the motion.

The court still finds the defendant poses a serious risk to the community, Ackert said.

Willwerths next hearing is set for 11 a.m. April 23.
With spring approaching and many students in Oregon spending more time at home during the weeklong spring break, some parents and guardians may find themselves juggling work schedules with child care.

Families without a babysitter or child care lined up may wonder if it's legal to leave their children at home alone, or if there is a minimum age a child must be to stay home by themselves.

In Oregon, there are laws dictating when parents may leave their children at home without adult supervision and the minimum age at which a child can be left alone.

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Here's what Oregon law says about leaving children home alone.

Is it legal in Oregon to leave a child home alone?

Under Oregon law, it is illegal for children younger than 10 to be left unattended in a situation that could put their health or safety at risk, including being left home alone.

Leaving a young child home alone may be considered second-degree child neglect. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor and can carry penalties of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $6,250, or both.

At what age is it safe to leave a child home alone?

Oregon does not set a specific age when children can legally stay home alone, as age is not the only factor in determining if a child is old enough to be left alone safely, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

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Other factors to consider are a childs maturity, their ability to respond to emergencies and whether they know how to call 911 if needed.

While leaving a child older than 10 alone at home may not be against the law, authorities could still step in if a situation is considered unsafe.

Where can you find child care near you in Oregon?

Families looking for child care options can explore several resources available across the state.The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care offers an online dashboard with local child care information.

Families can also call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for referrals, or text children or ninos to 898211 for assistance.Another option is Find Childcare Oregon, which allows families to search for providers based on location, a childs age and other needs.

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Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: How old do kids need to be to stay home alone in Oregon? What to know
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

LEHI, Utah (ABC4)  A Lehi man has been arrested and charged after he allegedly enticed a police officer who was posing as a 16-year-old girl.

Aaron Virgin, 34, has been charged with one count of enticing a minor (second-degree felony) and one count of attempted rape (first-degree felony).

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On March 4, 2026, a Lehi Police detective was conducting an online investigation posing as a 16-ear-old girl on the app Hush. Posing as a minor, the detective made an initial post about hating to get up early.

A man, later identified as Virgin, responded to the post asking when she wakes up. The conversation continued from there where Virgin also reportedly asked what grade she was in, why she was on the app, and asked her for a photo of herself, which was sent. Virgin allegedly responded with a photo of himself and then described how much he likes to give a woman oral sex.

Vegetation fire in north Springville impacts traffic on I-15

According to court documents, Virgin went on to make several comments about how sexy the girls body was and initiated a plan to meet up saying he wanted to just be with you, then just

kind see where it goes from there.

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As they made plans to meet, the officer posing as the girl asked if Virgin was bringing a condom, to which Virgin reportedly replied asking if he needed one. The conversation eventually moved to Telegram, another privacy app where Virgin asked if the girl was on birth control because he doesnt like condoms.

How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google

Virgin then reportedly told the girl that he was worried about getting caught because the girl was only 16 years old, but even after she said that she would contact him in two years when she was 18, he re-initiated conversation with her the next day.

Virgin then said that he wanted to meet the girl once before they engaged in sexual activity, and that he would bring condoms.

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On March 5, 2026, when Virgin arrived at the agreed upon meeting location with an unopened box of condoms and an energy drink, he was taken into custody by police. Virgin then reportedly admitted to speaking with the victim knowing that she was 16 years old and that he had purposely purchased condoms and the energy drink for her.

Virgin was booked into the Utah County Jail on the aforementioned charges where he is currently being held without bail.

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.
To the editor: Thank you, columnist Gustavo Arellano, for reminding many Christians and Catholics of the importance of repentance during Lent ( For this Lent, may Christians repent of Trump and the warmongers hes unleashed, March 6). Its painful to be reminded that many believers in Christ support someone who cut food programs for children and the elderly, groups that face plenty of food insecurity. Should such believers repent for continuing to praise someone who cut health benefits for millions of Americans suffering serious illnesses?

Many Christians and Catholics must ask themselves, did their religious education advocate separating children from their parents? Lets not forget that swaths of religious people disregarded the bragging of a man who boasted that he could freely violate womens bodies, that same man later found liable for sexually abusing a woman and defaming her. A man convicted of 34 felony fraud counts involving an alleged sexual relationship with an adult film star while he was married.

Its even more disgusting to know pastors and priests still support and endorse someone who committed the above described conduct. Its more disgraceful to encourage their church members and parishioners to continue to support someone who has and will continue to violate their religious principles. Its too late to undo voting for someone, but not too late to repent during Lent for continuing to support that someone named Donald J. Trump.

Joseph S. Avila, Montebello

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In Vilnius, daily life continues as usual, but beneath this normality, Lithuania focuses on reinforcing its security in response to new uncertainty in Europes security order.

For Lithuania, a NATO and EU member bordering Russias Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, the war in Ukraine has not been a distant conflict. It has been a warning.

A rising threat perception

Lithuania sees a rising threat from Russia in the next three to five years, according to Vice-minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa. He cites Russia's military buildup, readiness to use force, and ambition to reshape Europe's security as key drivers.

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Lithuanias preparations are a direct response to these developments.

Russia has demonstrated both the will and the readiness to employ military force to pursue its goals, Aleksa told Euronews, pointing to Ukraine as the clearest example. This is not only about Ukraine. "The Russian regime will employ military force as a tool to change the European security architecture.

The wars outcome, whether a ceasefire or peace agreement, will affect Russias posture. Still, Aleksa said Vilnius expects Moscow to keep strengthening its forces along NATOs eastern borders, including in Kaliningrad. All indicators show an increase of the conflict and of the Russian aggression if deterrence is not strong enough, he added.

Allies on the ground

Deterrence, in Lithuanias view, begins with a visible allied presence. Since 2022, NATO activity in the country has intensified significantly, with the United States and Germany playing a central role.

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A key milestone is Germanys decision to permanently deploy a brigade to Lithuania by 2027. Aleksa described it as a huge political and military signal, demonstrating that the defence of Lithuania is a collective NATO responsibility, not just a national one.

This is about defending from the first inch of our territory, he said. We really have to demonstrate collectively that this is not only a national business of each NATO member state, but it's really a collective effort.

German forces are already present, while Lithuania is rapidly upgrading its infrastructure to facilitate the missions and host the full brigade. US troops also maintain a constant presence, and other allies, including the Netherlands and Norway, contribute across land, air, and maritime domains.

Air defence now plays an important role. Lithuania is building its own systems, while NATO allies rotate surface-based air defence units and fighter aircraft through the Baltic region. At sea, NATO continues its Baltic mission, complemented by European Union efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure protection.

Building national military power

Beyond allied presence, Lithuanias top priority is an ambitious national defence build-up to ensure the country is ready and resilient to current threats.

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The government has committed to establishing a fully operational national division by 2030, capable of fighting alongside NATO forces. Aleksa identifies this as the central pillar of Lithuanias military modernisation.

This means not only combat brigades, but also all the enabling support capabilities in order to fight shoulder to shoulder with our allied forces here in Lithuania. Logistics, engineering, medical support, command and control are equally important, he explained.

To achieve this, Lithuania is investing billions of euros in modern equipment. Major procurement projects include tanks, infantry fighting vehicles such as the CV90, German and French artillery systems, and US-made HIMARS rocket artillery. These investments are on a compressed timeline, creating pressure to acquire equipment, integrate it, and make units combat-ready by the end of the decade.

We are not just buying platforms, Aleksa said. Lithuania is building interoperable, ready to fight by the end of 2030 units.

Total defence and societys role

Preparedness in Lithuania goes beyond the military: the total defence concept centres on strengthening national resilience and readiness at every level of society.

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A key element is the Lithuanian Riflemens Union, a volunteer force like a national guard. Its membership has grown from around 10,000 in 2021 to more than 18,000 today.

This shows the energy and commitment of our society, Aleksa said. We understand that we are a small nation, but we have to have a resilient and to-the-point defence industry.

Defence spending reflects this sentiment. This year, Lithuania will spend about 5% of its GDP on defence. Public support for allies and military investment is high. A defence ministry poll found that nearly 80% of Lithuanians support the stationing of allies and NATO forces in the country.

There is also growing acceptance that preparedness must go beyond professional soldiers. While debates continue around the future of conscription, including whether it should be universal and how women should be included, Aleksa said the direction is clear: A much, much bigger part of the society understands that they need to do more.

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Education is part of these efforts. Lithuania is expanding national security and civil resistance lessons in schools and supporting informal initiatives such as civilian drone training centres. It is not preparation for war in this brutal sense, but providing possibilities for our kids to use drones, Aleksa stressed. It is about building civilian skills and resilience in a modern security environment.

Hybrid threats and grey-zone warfare

Lithuanias defence planning increasingly focuses on threats that fall short of open conflict. Cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, and other forms of hybrid warfare are seen as persistent risks, not only from Russia but also from its partners, like Belarus.

We already see these methods being used, Aleksa said. Future conflicts may begin without tanks crossing borders.

As a result, Lithuania is investing in cyber defence, information resilience, and counter-disinformation to enable society to resist manipulation and disruption.

The EUs role: money, mobility and regulation

Lithuania closely links its defence build-up to European and transatlantic support. The EU will provide a significant share of funding through "safe loans," allowing Lithuania to access up to 6.3 billion by 2030 for around 50 defence projects. Lithuania also expects additional support through EU defence programmes and the blocs next multiannual budget.

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Equally important, Aleksa said, are regulatory reforms aimed at boosting Europes defence industry. Cutting bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating production is essential if Europe is serious about deterrence.

Military mobility remains another priority. Faster movement of troops and equipment across borders, often called a "military Schengen", would directly support NATOs defence plans on the eastern flank.

Ukraine as the first line of defence

Lithuania remains one of Ukraines strongest supporters, committing at least 0.25% of its GDP to military assistance. Beyond donations, Vilnius is working on joint defence production projects with Ukraine and European partners.

Supporting Ukraine is supporting our own security, Aleksa said. Ukraines resistance is the first line of defence for Europe.

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Lithuanian officials stress that Europe cannot afford complacency. The main challenge is maintaining deterrence momentum, even as others are tempted by complacency or a false sense of peace.

We don't want war, he said. What we want is deterrence.

His message to Europe is clear: real security demands constant preparedness and investment in collective defence. Europe must be ready and act together, as revisionist powers are already preparing for action.




A popular Hollywood burger chain appears to have scrapped plans to open along Interstate 10 in Leon Springs by the start of 2026, despite confirming the project in August 2025.

Fatburger, a Los Angeles-based fast food burger chain popular with celebrities, recently closed one of its few remaining San Antonio locations, leaving burger lovers wondering about the brand's future plans as it moves forward with a slow-moving expansion into the Texas market.

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Erin Mandzik, the brand's senior director of corporate communications, told MySA last year the Leon Springs location - which would have given nearby Boerne residents a Whataburger alternative in an area with limited fast-food options - was expected to open by the end of 2025.

"We are excited to open in Boerne," Mandzik said at the time. But as of mid-March 2026, the store, which has been wrapped in signs promising it's "COMING SOON!" for more than a year, the location appears almost abandoned.

In 2022, the FAT Brands umbrella, which Fatburger is under, announced plans to build 80 locations across Texas. The unopened Boerne-area store wrapped up construction last May on a 2,423-square-foot property adjacent to Chick-fil-A and a Walmart located on Boerne Stage Road.

It is unclear why the location has not opened or if it ever will open. Fatburger has not responded to MySA's request for comment.

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The burger chain currently has locations at 13480 San Pedro Ave. and one inside Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Fatburger was started in 1947 by entrepreneur Lovie Yancey, who was born in Bastrop, Texas, with her husband. It is known as "the Last Great Hamburger Stand," and the "big burger" has been a staple among notable celebrities in Los Angeles for decades, including Ray Charles and Magic Johnson.

A Fatburger storefront located at 24531 IH-10 W, Suite 112, San Antonio, TX 78257, not far from Boerne, Texas. The photo was taken on March 12, 2026, several months after a FAT Brands media contact confirmed the brand would open by the end of 2025. (Mia Valdez/MySA)





This article originally published at Long-awaited Fatburger near San Antonio remains unopened in 2026.




It's a time of mourning for beloved San Antonio taco chain Las Palapas, which took a moment to reflect on Wednesday, March 11, following the loss of one of its own. Gene Larsen, the owner of Las Palapas' Leon Springs location, died on February 26, 2026. He was 88 years old.

The local chain known for its stellar food deals took to social media to share the news of Larsen's death and offer condolences to his family.

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"Gene was a man of extraordinary drive and vision. After a distinguished career in technology, including co-founding what is now Sirius Solutions, he brought that same dedication and entrepreneurial spirit to the restaurant industry and to our Las Palapas community," the restaurant chain wrote in a Facebook post.

An obituary for Larsen said that he made several career moves throughout life, from technology to real estate to marketing. Eventually, he entered the restaurant world with interests in many San Antonio restaurants, such as Earl Abel's, Stonewerks, Quarry Hofbrau and Las Palapas.

"Gene wasn't just a franchise owner, he was family. His commitment to this brand and the people he served will be felt for years to come. We are all better for having known him," Las Palapas CEO Wayne Detmar said in the statement put out by the company.

Larsen is survived by his wife, his children, a grandchild, sisters, nieces and nephews. Services for Larsen will be held privately, as per his wishes. MySA reached out to. Las Palapas for additional comment, but did not hear back at the time of publication.

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Las Palapas was founded in San Antonio in 1981. The chain's founder, Edward "Ron" Acosta, was found stabbed to death inside his Northside home on July 1, 2025. A man who is reportedly Acosta's nephew, David Ruiz, 38, was formally charged with the murder of Acosta on September 23, 2025.

This article originally published at Longtime San Antonio taco chain mourns the death of 'extraordinary' local owner.
Accountancy and advisory practice MHA has strengthened its Scottish operations with a series of senior hires and internal promotions.

In Edinburgh, the company has recruited Stephen Thom as corporate tax partner and Joshua Williams as personal client tax director. It has also elevated Alan Downie and Allan Smith to partner roles.

Thom joins the partnership after a period running his own tax consultancy business.

He began his professional career with BDO in London before moving back to Scotland to take up a role within a multinational financial services group. He subsequently moved back into practice, leading the tax function at a mid-tier accountancy practice.

Thoms background includes advising mid-sized and larger corporates across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on corporate restructuring, the taxation of corporate debt and property-focused tax structures.

Williams, who has close to two decades of tax experience, focuses on advising business owners and private clients on a wide range of personal tax issues, from routine compliance to more complex advisory work.

His expertise covers agriculture, real estate and professional practices, working with individuals, owner-managed businesses, trusts and estates.

His work includes capital gains tax, income tax, inheritance tax, HMRC enquiries, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, residence and domicile matters, and succession planning. He joins MHA from accountancy practice CT.

Downie has been with MHA since 2010 and was involved in developing and expanding the corporate audit team.

Smith joined the company in 2012 and has more than ten years experience across accounts, tax and financial reporting.

MHA Edinburgh office partner Euan Fernie said: Stephen and Joshua strengthen our senior tax capability in Edinburgh, while the promotions of Alan and Allan to partner roles rightly recognise the depth of experience and leadership already within the firm.

Together, these appointments reflect both sustained growth in Scotland and a clear commitment to investing in people as we continue to expand our team across all levels.

Recently, MHA appointed Murray Watt as partner and head of operations.

"MHA boosts Scotland team with new hires and partner promotions" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office says a local band member now sits behind bars accused of multiple rape charges.

The Sheriffs Office says 38-year-old Jonathon Wesley Rachal of Blanchard turned himself in on Friday.

Shreveport approves 3% pay raise for police, fire personnel

He is accused of two first-degree rape and molestation of a juvenile charges. Rachal remains held on a $2 million bond.

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He is a member of a local country band called Dirt Road Troubadours, but according to the sheriffs office, the anonymous tips they received pertained only to Jonathon Wesley Rachal.

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 KTALnews.com.
Louisiana school district leaders are grappling with how and when they will be required to display the Ten Commandments after a court order preventing a 2024 law from taking effect was vacated last month. It cleared the way for the displays to be installed in every public school classroom, from kindergarten through college.

Immediately following the Feb. 20 ruling from the full U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals, Gov. Jeff Landry instructed schools to follow the law and post the Ten Commandments.

Schools shall now proceed with placing the posters in classrooms, Landry wrote in a Feb. 26 letter to educators across the state.

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Landry offered the full backing of state Attorney General Liz Murrill should schools face any pushback, stating they should implement the law without fear of litigation.

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However, K-12 school leaders appear to be proceeding with caution.

The states three largest school districts  East Baton Rouge, Jefferson and New Orleans  did not answer questions from the Illuminator about whether the now-required posters have been hung in school classrooms since the ruling.

The injunction was in place in all three districts, along with St. Tammany and Vernon parishes, where children of the plaintiffs attend public schools.

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Taylor Gast, communications director for East Baton Rouge Schools, said the district will comply with all state laws and meet the requirements as directed. Public school officials in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish did not respond to questions for this report.

Gasts response aligned with advice coming from Murrill, whose spokesman, Lester Duhe, said, Schools should follow the law.

Murrill was asked in late February what enforcement of the Ten Commandments law might look like and said the matter would be up to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Regine Williams, BESEs communications manager, said in a statement that the board will proceed in accordance with applicable law and established rulemaking procedures but didnt provide a timeline for when rules might be finalized.

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Elsewhere in Louisiana, Bossier Parish Schools intend to follow the law and hang the posters this spring, while Caddo Parish will wait until next school year, KEEL-AM 710 reported.

Meanwhile, teachers await guidance amid the possibility that plaintiffs in the case could appeal the 5th Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lauren Jewett, a teacher at the Leah Chase School in New Orleans, said she has not received instructions regarding the displays.

Ive been following all the litigation. We havent been given instructions, said Jewett, who is a Democratic candidate for Congress running against U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson.

How we got here

In 2024, Louisiana became the first state to approve a law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms. Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill, saying he couldnt wait for it to be challenged in court. Schools were directed to display posters by January 2025.

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The ACLU of Louisiana and other groups sued the state in federal court on behalf of nine families with children in public schools soon after Landry enacted the law. They argued the required displays violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment that prohibits a government-endorsed religion.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, agreed with the plaintiffs and issued an injunction in November 2024 to block the law from going into effect.

Murrill appealed and took her argument before a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit, which upheld deGravelles order in June 2025. The attorney general then asked the full 5th Circuit to hear the case, which it did in January.

In a 13-5 ruling last month, appellate judges vacated the injunction but did not reach a consensus on whether the law violates the Establishment Clause. Only Judge James Ho, an appointee of President Donald Trump, declared his support for the state statute.

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In sum, the Louisiana Ten Commandments law is not just constitutional  it affirms our Nations highest and most noble traditions, Ho wrote.

The other prevailing judges said they could not rule on a hypothetical situation as the lawsuit was filed before the laws directive to hang posters took effect.

Whats next

The ACLU called the 5th Circuit ruling extremely disappointing, saying would unnecessarily force Louisianas public school families into a game of constitutional whack-a-mole in every school district.

The organization has not said what its next move would be, indicating only that it would continue fighting for the religious freedom of Louisianas families.

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Loved ones are searching for a Southern California woman who has been missing for days.

Faith Crocker, 20, was reported missing on March 9, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Crocker, a Los Angeles County resident, was last seen on the 44000 block of Lamour Court in Lancaster.

She is described as a Black woman who stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has brown eyes, short black hair and wears eyeglasses. She was last seen wearing a jacket, blue jeans and black shoes.

Faith Crocker, 20, was last seen in Lancaster on March 9, 2026. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department) Faith Crockers vehicle is described as a black 2013 Nissan Versa hatchback. (Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department)

She left the Lancaster location in her black 2013 Nissan Versa hatchback.

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Its unclear where she may have been heading when she disappeared. Her family did not mention any health or mental conditions that would contribute to her disappearance.

They have not heard from her since and are very concerned for her well-being.

Anyone who may know Crockers whereabouts or has information on the case can call LASDs Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Greensburg woman accused of shooting at a deputy, who returned fire, and a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) caseworker faces multiple charges.

The Louisiana State Police reported that no one was injured in the 7:30 p.m. Thursday shooting at a Willie Redden Road home. Norra Virginia Yvette Crier, 37, who ran away with her children through the back of the house, was found, taken into custody and booked on several charges.

According to troopers, the children were found unharmed at a nearby house and were placed in DCFS custody.

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During processing the scene, according to LSP, another gun and various quantities of drugs were found.

Crier was charged with three counts of child endangerment, two counts each of attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in the presence of a CDS and one count each of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The law enforcement agency stated that an investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information that could help investigators, call the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007 or submit information here by clicking Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity.

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Louisiana mom accused of beating her non-verbal, autistic child with phone charger

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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.
By Renee Maltezou and Jonathan Saul

ATHENS, March 13 (Reuters) - A handful of Greek shipowners have sent crude oil and dry bulk tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, risking destruction from mines, missiles and drones for a chance at millions of dollars in quick profits.

The voyages reflect the financial allure of soaring crude oil prices and surging tanker rates since the start of the war, which has effectively sealed off a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas supply from global markets.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has urged ships to "show some guts" and run the strait, although the U.S. military has declined requests from the shipping industry for escorts through the waterway because of the risk of attack.

"The risks are huge. But the sea has always been a risky business," said a Greek shipowner involved in the voyages who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the trade.

At least 10 ships operated by Greek companies, and at least two Chinese-operated vessels, have sailed through the strait between Iran and Oman since U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28, according to data from maritime specialists Lloyd's List Intelligence and MarineTraffic.

Companies involved include shipping magnate George Prokopiou's Dynacom, and the Embiricos familys Aeolos Management, according to six industry sources familiar with the matter.

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Dynacom and Aeolos did not respond to requests for comment.

Irans military has struck several ships moving through the narrow channel, vowing to keep it closed and warning that oil will reach $200 per barrel. At least 16 ships have been attacked, including Greek-operated vessels hit by drones.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday there was no clear evidence that Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, after news reports suggesting Tehran had deployed about a dozen mines there.

A second Greek shipping source involved in the trade, who also asked not to be named, described the tense and fraught sailings in the narrow waterway as "like entering an enemy's bathtub".

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The profits are good, though. Average daily earnings have surged to the highest levels in six years, with tanker owners able to earn $500,000 a day for a charter, according to ship broking data.

Even with huge war insurance costs and higher salaries for crew members, companies can still make millions of dollars on each voyage, industry sources familiar with the matter said.

'GAMBLING WITH SEAFARERS LIVES'

Trump, who is seeking to combat soaring prices caused by the war, has encouraged oil tankers to traverse the strait.

"These ships should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts, theres nothing to be afraid of," Trump said, according to Fox News Brian Kilmeade, who recounted the presidents remarks during a recent interview.

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The White House did not immediately comment.

Trump has said the U.S. Navy will provide escorts through the strait when needed, but the Navy has told the shipping industry in regular briefings that the risks are too high for escorts.

Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of leading seafarers' union the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), told Reuters that navigating the strait now was a bad idea.

"Sending seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz right now is sending them into a live war zone," he said.

Tactics deployed by shipowners so far include switching off AIS ship-tracking transponders in the hope that vessels become less visible to Irans military, and travelling at night.

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"Reports that some operators are switching off AIS to try and slip ships through and dodge attacks are extraordinarily alarming - its gambling with seafarers' lives," the ITF's Cotton said.

The voyages are among the most daring by shipowners since Norwegian-born billionaire John Fredriksen made his fortune in the "tanker wars" of the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq conflict, when his vessels risked missile fire to load and then transport crude oil cargoes from the conflict area.

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Jonathan Saul, Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Timothy Heritage)
Indiana Michigan Power says thousands are without power as high winds sweep through Michiana on Friday, March 13.

In a press release sent Friday morning, I&M said as of 8:30 a.m., over 7,000 customers are without service.

"Strong wind gusts coupled with ground saturated from recent rainfall could cause trees or limbs to fall into electrical equipment causing an outage," the release says.

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According to I&M's power outage map, as of 9:30 a.m. Friday, several thousand outages are reported around Indiana and into Michigan as far north as Bangor. In the South Bend region, there are 6,277 customer outages reported, along with 302 in southwest Michigan, 295 near Fort Wayne and 115 close to Muncie.

I&M says that as frequent wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are expected throughout the day, crews restoring power may be slowed because bucket trucks cannot operate in strong winds for worker safety. But the company says they are working "as quickly and safely to restore power as conditions allow."

Residents are urged to be aware of their surroundings during high winds and to stay away from downed power lines and anything they may be touching, such as fences. Hazards can be reported to I&M at 1-800-311-4634 or to local police.

I&M's app also provides specific information to customers and their outages, along with text/email alerts with their estimated restoration time.

Email South Bend Tribune staff reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: I&M says thousands without power March 13 from high winds
Following the drone attack on French soldiers in Iraq, which left one dead and six injured, France does not want to be drawn into the war with Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

France is not at war with Iran and will continue to "show prudence, composure and determination," he said. Given the "ongoing conflict, France is adopting a purely defensive stance."

Following the attack on soldiers near Erbil in northern Iraq on Thursday evening, the French army is analysing the facts and circumstances, Macron said.

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He will hold talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani on Friday afternoon.

The French president noted that the country's soldiers were attacked while "they were fighting  as we have been doing for several years  as part of an international coalition against the resurgence of terrorism in the region and in the service of Iraqi sovereignty. This is, of course, unacceptable."

Pro-Iranian group threatens France

It remains unclear who was behind the attack on the base used by the French, some 40 kilometres south-west of Erbil.

Ashab al-Kahf, a pro-Iranian armed group, announced on Telegram that it intended to target "all French interests in Iraq and the region" after France had deployed its aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle to the region.

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But the group did not explicitly claim responsibility for the attack.

The six injured soldiers remained in hospital in Iraq, according to the French Defence Ministry. Arrangements were being made for their repatriation to France, as well as for that of the sergeant major who was killed.
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  The Madison Police Department said three people were charged in a murder conspiracy that was orchestrated from inside a maximum security Alabama prison.

MPD said following an investigation into a shooting on Christmas Eve that included the execution of numerous search warrants and the collection of evidence, it determined probable cause to arrest Keeyvon Ford and Tihirah Allen for conspiracy to commit murder.

Police suspect that those two conspired with Latransezon Tremaine Malloy, who is an inmate in the Alabama Department of Corrections. MPD said that it appears Malloy orchestrated this attempt while in prison, as well as numerous other crimes in many other jurisdictions.

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Shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve, police responded to Ivy Chase Drive for a report of gunshots being fired.

The department said that when officers arrived, the victim claimed an unknown person or persons had fired several shots at him while they sat parked in a vehicle in the driveway. Suspects fled before officers responded, and MPD said the victim was not hit by gunshots.

The police department thanked ADOC, the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison County Sheriffs Office, and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for their part in finding Ford and Allen.

Allen was arrested and charged with electronic stalking on January 23 and then again for conspiracy to commit murder on January 26. Ford was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder on March 6.

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Malloy, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder at Donaldson prison, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. MPD is working with the Madison County District Attorneys Office in order to bring Malloy back to Huntsville to be formally charged.

MPD stated that, while the investigation is active, they will not be able to provide much additional information.

Captain Nick McCray said that their investigation has shown that there were numerous means of communication and several potential motives.

Additionally, McCray said that there was a potential for more arrests, primarily through other jurisdictions and not necessarily involved with this shooting. Investigators are still meeting with other agencies to see if there are more potential charges.

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You can see the entire news conference from Madison PD:

Malloy is serving a life sentence after he was convicted in Madison County Circuit Court on November 14, 2019, for the murder of Markia Kendall.

The evidence at trial showed that on January 25, 2015, Kendall, who was a paraplegic, was hosting a sleepover for his children and their cousins. That evening several men, claiming to be law enforcement, kicked in the front door in a home invasion. The men were wearing masks and boots, three were armed with guns and one was armed with a knife.

Court records said the children, who had been taken to a bedroom in the back of the house, heard gunshots and later discovered Kendall bleeding to death in the front bedroom. Afterward, Malloy attempted to fabricate a false alibi for the time of the murder, which was discovered by investigators based on information from letters and phone calls.

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News 19 reached out to the Alabama Department of Corrections, asking for more information about Malloys involvement in the case. The department said none of its staff were involved in the case.

This case did not involve any Correctional Officers, an ADOC spokesperson said. ADOC provided Madison PD with information that assisted in their investigation.

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 WHNT.com.
A top U.S. attorney appointed by the Trump administration has warned the presidents immigration crackdown isnt panning out quite like he hoped it would.

The Daily Beast reported in February that in the 12 months after Trump returned to the White House, monthly cases of migrants alleging they were illegally detained had skyrocketed 10,000 percent.

Arizona U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine, whom Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed to the post last year, has now told conservative outlet The Daily Wire that Justice Department officials in the border state are losing those cases at a devastating rate.

The president's immigration crackdown isn't panning out as he'd planned. / Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

It is definitely a new trend, he said. Weve been losing almost all of these and the folks will be released.

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The explosion in petitions for release from unjust or unexplained detention, known as habeas corpus applications, accompanies the Trump administrations nationwide deportation drive.

The president has framed that campaign as an effort to remove the worst of the worst migrant criminals from the country. Studies and reports have consistently shown that 75 percent of people arrested by immigration authorities over the past year have zero criminal background.

Despite those stats, the administration has effectively denied hearings for release on bond to anyone who has entered the country without legal permission at any point in time, which legal advocates violates the Fifth Amendments provision of the right to due process.

That move has in turn accounted for the soaring number of habeas petitions since Trump retook the White House.

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The percentage spike is impressive, but the most meaningful metric is the win-loss record, one immigration attorney told the Beast last month. So far, I think we are winning 95 percent of all cases, and judges are getting p--sed at the Justice Department for their bulls--t resistance.

Courchaine told The Daily Wire the increase has put a systemic burden on his office, which is now having to reassign prosecutors from criminal cases to deal with the increased number of immigration claims.

Weve had to pull criminal prosecutors off of their caseloads and put them into civil [cases]. Weve had to shift around criminal prosecutors workloads and investigations, so they could take this on, he said. I dont think its gonna go anywhere particularly soon until the Supreme Court speaks on it.

Timothy Courchaine was appointed by Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona in March 2025. / USAO District of Arizona/Instagram

Asked for comment by the Daily Beast, a Justice Department spokesperson said: After four years of de facto amnesty under the previous administration, the Trump Administration is complying with court orders and fully enforcing federal immigration law.

If rogue judges followed the law in adjudicating cases and respected the Governments obligation to properly prepare cases, there wouldnt be an overwhelming habeas caseload or concern over DHS following orders, they added. The level of illegal aliens currently detained is a direct result of this Administrations strong border security policies to keep the American people safe.
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If youre tapped into conversations around Israel online, you may have noticed a certain blond woman who, seemingly out of nowhere, has started popping up all over social media. Carrie Prejean Boller, a former beauty queen and faithful Trump supporter, has found herself at the center of an explosive conservative fight.

She appeared as a figure in the national conversation suddenly last month, when clips began circulating online of her comments during a meeting of the White Houses Religious Liberty Commissiona group, tasked with creating a report on the importance of and threats to religious liberty, that has focused largely on airing claims of discrimination from conservative Christians. In that meeting, Prejean Boller noted her opposition to the definitions of antisemitism used, asserting that Christians could be labeled antisemites for quoting the Biblean argument that treads dangerously close to saying that Scripture condones anti-Jew hate. Worse, she insisted, repeatedly, that Candace Owens has never said anything antisemitic. This was an absurd statement: Owens often rants about powerful Jews ruining American society. A couple of days later, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the commissions chair, announced that Prejean Boller had been kicked out of the group.

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Afterward, Sen. Ted Cruz called her an Israel-hating crazed antisemite, while Laura Loomer deemed her a stupid bitch. Meanwhile, figures as unusual as Sarah Palin and Michael Flynn came to her defense, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations praised her for speaking the truth. On Friday, Tucker Carlson released an interview with her on his massively popular podcast.

Somehow, this once relatively obscure conservative character had quickly become one of the most interesting and inflammatory personalities in the intra-MAGA feuds playing out over Israel. Prejean Boller, a conservative Christian claiming a religious basis for opposing Israel, represents an odd brand of anti-Israel politics that is on the rise on the right. This brand mixes sincere compassion for victims of U.S.Israeli military force and astute observations about Israels destructive actions with conspiracy theorydriven hostility toward Jewish groups. The trend isnt unique to the rightantisemitism has at times crept into pro-Palestinian activism on the left as wellbut coming from a place of conservative defiance against MAGA leadership, it can seem thrillingly bold. Without knowing the full context of Prejean Bollers politics and past, she and her supporters look to progressives like allies in the fight, a splinter group that understands just how hollow Trumpism really is.

As Prejean Boller wrote to Donald Trump Thursday, in a blistering, six-page response on X: To say your Presidency is a disappoint to your supporters is an understatement.

Its fascinating to see how Prejean Boller came to this position. For more than a decade, she was one of Trumps biggest supporters. She served on his campaign advisory board in 2020 and dutifully claimed that the election had been stolen from him. She ranted about mask mandates, complained about transgender athletes, equated drag queens with sexual predators, and made appearances on Fox News to argue for Christian family values.

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She has long had a specific interest in religious freedom, based on her own personal experience. Prejean Boller gained her original conservative following after saying she opposed gay marriage during the 2009 Miss Universe pageant; she has said she believes that her answer, which was rooted in her religious beliefs, cost her the crown. After a backlash and a tabloid scandal that involved nude photos, she became a minor celebrity, and Trump, who owned the Miss Universe franchise, publicly defended her. (He later approved her firing as Miss California over breach of contract.)

Back then, her political beliefs arose from conventional conservative evangelical culture. But Prejean Boller converted to Catholicism last April. She concluded, after some soul-searching, that Christian Zionism was the product of deeply misguided Protestant thinkers. And she started to say a lot of things that seemed, to pro-Palestine progressives, deeply reasonable.

In the contentious meeting that caused her eventual ouster, for example, she argued that the panelists were acting in bad faith, conflating critiques of Israel with critiques of Jews. That was true. The Religious Liberty Commission, which is composed almost entirely of conservative Christians, repeatedly made this assertion, as if it were an uncontroversial and established truth, and gave no voice to Jewish Americans critical of Israel. Prejean Boller later told the magazine the American Conservative that she believes that many Jewish Americans face real antisemitism in the U.S. but that theyre not the right Jews for this commission, because they arent Zionist Jews. The fact that the commission considered only Zionist Jews legitimate Jews was antisemitic in itself, she argued. Also true.

Even more unusual, in this particular political milieu, was her expressed compassion for Palestinian Muslims. She asked the panelists to stop making Islamophobic comments and wore a Palestinian flag pin at the event. On social media, she has repeatedly advocated for a free Palestine, describing her advocacy for Palestinian civilians as her calling. She has described what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. In the American Conservative interview, she articulated her criticism of Israels mass killing of civilians as part of her faith: As a pro-life Christian, I couldnt deny the horrific suffering that the Palestinians were enduring, she said.

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Because of these arguments, CAIR, the nations largest Muslim advocacy organization, commended Prejean Bollers performance on the panel, characterizing it as her encourag[ing] solidarity between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. And after she was kicked off the council, Sameerah Munshi, the sole Muslim on the commission, resigned in protest.

At a moment when so many Republicans are being aggressively and proudly Islamophobic, its easy to see how Prejean Boller would come off as a kind of beacon against anti-Muslim bigotry. But to rally around Prejean Boller would be a mistake. She often veers into more-troubling territory in her opposition to Israel. On the panel, she vehemently disagreed with the other members comments about growing antisemitism in the conservative movementa problem obvious to anyone who has spent any time on X. She shared a hard-right Catholic influencers post about Zionist Israel being the enemy of the entire Christian world. She has suggested that the Epstein files reveal the Zionist power over America. She has amplified gleeful posts celebrating Nick Fuentes, a noted white nationalist and Holocaust apologist.

Its also clarifying to look at those who have rallied behind Prejean Boller. It wasnt just CAIR; it was also the extreme right-wing group Catholics for Catholics. It was a Jan. 6 insurrectionist. It was Steve Bannon.

This may seem like a confounding mess, but its helpful to understand how the split in the conservative movement over Israel maps onto different factions. On the pro-Israel side, for example, there are secular hawks with specific geopolitical ambitions and vile white nationalists who see civilizational stakes in the fight to control the Middle East. But there are also religious motivations: Jews who fear persecution and support a Jewish state; mainstream Christians raised with a general fondness for the Holy Land and sense of kinship with Jews; fundamentalists who believe that the Scripture literally commands the support of Israel; Pentecostal-style Christians who feel a kind of radical rootedness to Israel; and evangelicals who believe that the worlds Jews must return to Israel to trigger Jesus second coming and the end of days.

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Prejean Boller stands out in this crowd for having a Christian opposition to modern Israel. She has described her censoring as a matter of anti-Catholic prejudice. She has claimed, emphatically, that her anti-Zionism is the position of the Catholic Church. She is wrong about that: Although the pope has been critical of Israels violence, the Vatican does recognize Israel as a state, even if it doesnt connect it to ancient Israel, as so many evangelicals do. In reality, American Catholics have theological room to be either Zionist or anti-Zionist.

For some secular or non-Christian supporters of Palestine, its thrilling to see a Christian take a theological swipe at Israel-supporting Christians. Lindsey Graham says that if you dont bless Israel, then Gods going to curse you. I mean, this is crazy, Prejean Boller told the American Conservative. This is heretical teaching, and I, as a Catholic, reject that.

But theres something deeper going on here: Catholics have always sat slightly uneasily in the MAGA coalition. Evangelicals have long fueled Trumpism, and its power players occasionally betray scorn for the Catholic Church. The Daily Wires Andrew Klavan, for example, recently called the popes prayer for peace girly nonsense. Doug Wilson, who leads the church movement that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth belongs to, has said that in his ideal society, Catholic parades would be banned as a public display of idolatry. So, for many Catholics, the religious factionalism of this fight has its own kind of appeal, a kind of lashing out against evangelicals in power. Prejean Boller likes to argue that to be a true Christian you must be Catholic. This whole conversation is filled with land mines.

So what should a reasonable person actually make of Prejean Boller? She will likely continue to collect praise from Muslim civil rights activists, Catholic progressives, and pro-Palestinian protesters who are careless enough not to noticeor perhaps care aboutthe antisemitic personalities that have also flocked to her cause. She is both more interesting and more potentially dangerous than Owens and Carlson, two incredibly popular anti-Israel conservatives who have gone deep into fantastical conspiracies. By defying traditional rules of operation for conservative influencers, fusing conspiracy theories with genuine moral insight and scrambling what we think of left vs. right politics, she has perhaps unwittingly laid a trap. If pro-Palestine progressives fail to see the warning signs, she may compress the conversation around Israel into a false dichotomy. It will become a fight not just between pro-Zionist and anti-Zionist interests but between two painfully simplistic ways of explaining the world: of Islamophobia from her enemies, and antisemitism from her friends.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has opened a new global engineering centre in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

The unit, named Fuso Tech Centre India (FTCI), brings together engineering and technical functions previously built within the Daimler Truck Group structure.

MFTBC said the move is intended to reinforce product engineering and operational capabilities within its own organisation.

FTCI will act as a worldwide base for product development, customer service, cost engineering, IT and digital solutions, and procurement.

The facility covers 2,847m2 and includes collaborative workspaces, a design studio, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing facilities and a diagnostic laboratory.

In its statement, MFTBC said: By enhancing each stage of the product development process, from design and validation to diagnostics, the company aims to improve both development speed and quality.

In addition, the new structure enables faster response to change and more agile decision-making, strengthening mobility and collaboration across MFTBCs global business operations.

The company said the HIL setup allows control testing without using physical vehicles, which supports safer and quicker development and improves test accuracy.

MFTBC also expects the centre to strengthen development work across design, validation and diagnostics, while targeting faster timelines and improved product quality.

The company said combining these functions is intended to help it react more quickly to operational shifts and support more agile decision-making across global activities.

FTCI is located near the Oragadam plant in Chennai, operated by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) as part of Daimler Trucks global production network.

MFTBC has supplied certain medium- and heavy-duty trucks to overseas markets from the Oragadam site since 2013.

Earlier this year, MFTBC and Foxconn unveiled a plan to establish a new bus-focused manufacturer in Japan to develop and produce zero-emission models.

"Mitsubishi Fuso sets up global engineering hub in India " was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




(The Center Square)  Maine lawmakers are scrambling to approve funding for the state's public defender's office after it ran out of money this week to pay lawyers who represent indigent clients.

The state House of Representatives on Thursday approved an emergency spending bill that would provide the Maine Public Defenders Service with $22 million from the states General Fund to pay for its operations through the end of the year. The measure is now before the Senate, which must approve the bill before sending it to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature.

Lawmakers said the funding was necessary to ensure that the state doesn't run afoul of constitutional requirements to provide counsel to defendants who can't afford their own attorneys. They pointed to progress in a long-running lawsuit, alleging the state has violated their rights by failing to adequately fund the public defender system.

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"Were making enormous progress, and we cannot allow this critical and successful investment to erode and lose all the progress that we have made towards ensuring justice in our state," state Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth, said in remarks Thursday ahead of the bill's passage.

Earlier this week, the agency issued a dire warning that it had run out of money and warned that the inability to pay counsel would "cause more Mainers to go without counsel" and put the state in violation of state and federal law."

"The indigent defense crisis has been festering in Maine for years," PDS Executive Director Frayla Tarpinian said in a Wednesday statement. "Just as we are beginning to turn a corner to resolve this situation, we find ourselves unable to pay the people who have done the work.

"This is a serious problem that will hurt people and result in fewer attorneys willing to accept these cases and a continued failure of the State to fulfill its obligations," she added.

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The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services, which includes eight appointed commissioners, provides access to about 280 private practice lawyers who accept court-appointed criminal cases.

Critics say the agency is chronically underfunded, and a recent watchdog investigation revealed that major felony cases have been assigned to private attorneys that didn't meet the state's minimum practice standards.

Until 2022, Maine was the only state with no court-appointed lawyers for criminal defendants who can't afford representation, a right that is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment.

The system was reshaped several years ago under a proposed settlement between the state and civil liberties groups over a lack of support for indigent suspects in the state's courts.

A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine on behalf of several criminal defendants alleged that the state is violating state and federal constitutions by failing to provide adequate funding to the public defender program or set and enforce standards for attorneys participating in the program.
Marine Patrol Specialist Evan Whidden was again honored with the Maine Lobstermens Association Marine Patrol Officer of the Year Award during the recent Fishermens Forum.

Whidden, who joined the Marine Patrol in 2020 and serves in Section Two, which runs from Harpswell to Bremen, also received the honor in 2023.

In nominating Whidden, Sgt. Wesley Dean recognized both his work ethic and professionalism.

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In 2025, Evan logged 683 hours underway and hauled 9,421 lobster traps, making him the most productive Marine Patrol Specialist in the state and helping ensure the lobster fishery remained well monitored and effectively enforced, said Dean.

Marine Patrol Specialist Evan Whidden (third from left) receives the 2026 Maine Lobstermens Association Marine Patrol Officer of the Year Award at the Fishermens Forum in Rockport.

As captain, Evans steady leadership and sound judgment are valued by officers within his section and division, said Dean. Officers trust his decision-making, appreciate his experience, and seek opportunities to work with him. He is self-motivated, knowledgeable about the fisheries, and leads by example during day-to-day operations.

His work to successfully investigate two complex trap molesting cases was an example of the high professional standard he demonstrated in 2025.

Evans knowledge of the fishery was clearly demonstrated in these investigations, said Dean. Trap-molesting cases are among the most difficult cases to successfully investigate and prosecute, requiring detailed knowledge of fishing practices, gear identification, and careful follow-through. In 2025, Evan successfully investigated and prosecuted two complex trap molesting cases, an outcome that is rarely seen in a single year.

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As a former lobsterman, Whidden brings a unique understanding of the fishery to his job.

Evans background as a lobster fisherman gives him practical knowledge and perspective that are well respected within the fishing community, said Dean. This experience, combined with his steady leadership and consistent performance, makes him a valuable asset to Marine Patrol and deserving of recognition.

The award, presented at the March 7 Fishermen's Forum in Rockport, is an annual recognition of Marine Patrol Officers who provide outstanding service in support of the Maine lobster industry.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine Lobstermens Association names Marine Patrol Officer of the Year
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  A South Carolina man was arrested Monday morning after he allegedly discharged his firearm in a Waffle House in Panama City Beach.

According to court documents, around 1 a.m., Walter Wallace Anderson, 41, took out his firearm and shot a single round into the divided booth wall where he was sitting and where employees were present.

Panama City Beach Police Department reported that after Anderson discharged his firearm, he went into the bathroom, where employees confronted him. He then fled the Waffle House.

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Officers reported that upon their arrival, Anderson was seen fleeing the scene but was disarmed and arrested. No injuries were reported.

Anderson was charged with shooting within an occupied building, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, use of a firearm under the influence of alcohol, discharge of a firearm in public, resisting an officer without violence and defrauding an inkeeper.

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 mypanhandle.com.
Cobb County police are investigating a shooting at a gas station on Friday afternoon.

Officers were called to the Texaco station on Mableton Pkwy. just after 12:30 p.m.

When they arrived, they found a man who had been shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

NewsChopper 2 flew over the scene and saw evidence markers scattered around the gas station, and all of the pumps blocked off with police tape.

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Police appear to be centering their investigation on a white car inside the blocked off area.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police say the suspect had already left the scene before they arrived. But they say that the public is no in danger.

The victims identity has not been released.

Investigators have not commented on what led up to shots being fired.

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Mar. 12A federal judge this week sentenced a 43-year-old Spokane man to 12 years in prison after police found more than 20,000 fentanyl-laced pills and other drugs in his car two years ago at Northern Quest Resort and Casino.

Kalispel Tribal Police contacted Charles Dickerson Jr. in November 2023 after reports of suspected drug activity in a parking lot at the Airway Heights casino, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Police searched Dickerson's car and seized more than 20,000 fentanyl pills, about one pound of methamphetamine, distribution quantities of cocaine, large sums of cash and other evidence of distribution activity, the release stated.

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Investigators determined Dickerson was distributing large amounts of fentanyl after being previously convicted of a prior state drug manufacture and delivery felony.

U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke on Monday sentenced Dickerson to prison for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. She also ordered five years of supervised release after his release from prison.

"Repeat Offenders who are distributing this poison into our communities must be stopped and held accountable," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said in the release.
KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  The family of a man who was mistakenly reported to be an interstate shooting suspect is suing a Kentucky State Police trooper and sheriffs deputy, alleging they escalated a mentalhealth call into a fatal shooting.

According to Thomas Law Offices, on Sept. 8, 2024, Travis Pratts mother called Kentucky State Police because she was worried about her sons mental well-being.

Southeastern Kentucky was on edge at the time, given that the day prior, gunman Joseph Couch opened fire on drivers traveling on I-75 and a nearly two-week-long search was underway.

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Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

After Pratts mother called troopers, state police received a call reporting that Couch was armed with a knife on their porch in Littcarr. The caller chased the man off his porch by shooting a handgun in the air, and watched the man escape through the open door of another home. However, the man wasnt Couch; attorneys said it was Pratt.

Thomas Law Offices said that Pratt had locked himself in the bathroom and showed clear signs of mental impairment while troopers talked to him through the bathroom door.

While [Trooper Donnie] Kelley talked to Pratt through the door, another trooper familiar with Pratt advised on the channel that he knew Travis and requested to be patched through to try to talk to him and calm him down. This request was ignored, a news release from Thomas Law Offices said. Although Pratt was contained, Kelley escalated the situation by suddenly entering the bathroom under the mistaken belief that Pratt might have been trying to escape through a window. There was no window in the bathroom.

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Court documents recounted that authorities shouted for him to show his hands, deployed tasers, and allegedly fired the fatal shot that killed Pratt.

This tragedy was completely preventable. Travis was in a contained mental health crisis, and the officers chose to turn it into a shooting, attorney David Barber of Thomas Law Offices said. They knew his condition, had the training and time to de-escalate, and instead escalated the situation, creating the danger they later used to justify deadly force.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

A Sept. 19, 2024, release from Kentucky State Police offered a conflicting account of what transpired, stating that Pratt was trying to escape through a window and suggesting that he was armed with a gun.

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Pratt was not carrying a knife or other weapon, a news release from Thomas Law Offices reads. There was no window in the bathroom.

The lawsuit alleged that there was no indication Pratt was about to harm anyone and that the confrontation could have been resolved through de-escalation rather than deadly force, violating Pratts Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

FOX 56 has reached out to the Kentucky State Police to inquire about the troopers status with the agency. He was previously placed on administrative leave 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 FOX 56 News.
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A man charged in connection to a fatal mass shooting on the Mississippi Coast pled guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault.

The Sun Herald reported Cameron Brand, 20, of Pass Christian, pled guilty on March 13, 2026.

Former Marks city clerk sentenced for embezzlement

The mass shooting occurred on just after midnight on Sunday, April 30, 2023, in the 1000 block of Old Blue Meadow Road. Students had gathered for a party at the home on a sparsely populated road after Bay High Schools prom. The home is less than a mile from Bay High.

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When police arrived, they found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Some shooting victims had already been taken to local hospitals by private vehicles. Police said the victims were between the ages of 15 and 18.

Cameron Brand (Courtesy: Hancock County Jail)

The two victims who died were identified as 16-year-old Haeleigh Stamper and 18-year-old DeArreis Smith.

Brand now faces the possibility of two life sentences, as well as a total of 80 years for the aggravated assault charges.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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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.
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a man wanted for shooting a Memphis, Tennessee, police officer may be in Arkansas or Louisiana.

Louisiana band member arrested for multiple rape charges in Caddo Parish

On Wednesday, TBI posted images of the suspect, 40-year-old Danell Maxwell, saying that investigators believe Maxwell could have left the state and may be in Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, or Iowa.

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Maxwell is wanted for attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony for the February 26 shooting of Memphis Police officer Oscar Torres-Molina.

According to Memphis television station WREG, it has now been two weeks since the manhunt for Maxwell began. They report that Officer Molina has been released from the hospital.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Maxwell stands 510, and weighs 180 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

There is a reward of up to $32,500 for information leading to Maxwells capture.

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If you see him or know where he may be, call TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

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 KTALnews.com.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office says it handles 7,000 cases a year, the vast majority without any issue, and with identification.

Now, a fifth family is turning to the I-Team about delays. They are asking why it took almost two years to identify their loved one.

"In a drawer, sealed up," said Deborah Brandon.

Deborah says she has nightmares about her son, 39-year-old Marlon Brandon, sitting in the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office for about a year and nine months.

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"I don't understand. I never will understand it," Deborah said.

Marlon was found in the Chicago River in August 2021, but the medical examiner's office was unable to identify him until Mother's Day in 2023. Marlon's brother, Marcus, got the call.

"It's hard, because they explain it to your family," Marcus said.

The family said Marlon struggled with mental illness. They were calling jails and hospitals, but they did not think to check with the medical examiner's office.

SEE ALSO | Man's body sat unidentified at Cook County morgue for more than 2 years, family says

"All kinds of thoughts were running through my mind. But I never thought that he was in the Cook County morgue. That thought never crossed my mind," Deborah said.

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The family says police would not file a missing person's report. The Chicago Police Department did not comment on the family's specific allegation, but pointed to state law, saying department members "may not refuse to complete a Missing or Found Person Report on any grounds."

Since 2021, the I-Team has uncovered four similar complaints about bodies sitting unidentified in the Cook County morgue. In each case, the medical examiner's office said it did all it could with the information available.

"I could not believe that other people were going through this same identical thing," Deborah said.

The medical examiner says when Marlon was found in the Chicago River, he did not have an ID. The medical examiner says the Chicago Police Department "tried to obtain fingerprints but were unable to do so due to the level of decomposition." The morgue says it also submitted a DNA sample to authorities.

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READ MORE | New IL legislation proposal aimed at reforming how medical examiners ID bodies, notify family

Then, in September 2021, the ME posted information in the "unidentified" section of the website, and the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. There was also another failed attempt to take fingerprints in 2022.

The ME says in April 2023, it used the FBI's "enhanced identification methods," and they "invited the FBI to our office in April 2023 to obtain fingerprints from all unidentified decedents, including this case." That's when Marlon's identity was confirmed, and the ME says his family was located a month later.

"The answer was, we couldn't identify him, and his body had been in the Chicago River too long," Marcus said.

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So, why did it take so long to get the FBI involved? In its statement, the medical examiner said it had not learned of those enhanced methods until April 2023, and that "in 2024, the FBI formalized partnerships nationwide." The FBI told the I-Team that it "regularly works" with medical professional partners to help identify remains. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office declined repeated requests for an on-camera interview.

"Decomposed bodies are something that are very common," said Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Chief of Medical Examiner Investigations Brian Elias.

Los Angeles County is the only county larger than Cook County.

When asked if his office generally uses the FBI to help identify decomposed bodies, Elias said, "We don't, as a rule, use the FBI for that; there are avenues where we do work with them in certain cases."

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SEE ALSO | Misspelled name caused man to sit in Cook County morgue for 6 weeks, family says

Elias says his office uses in-house dental x rays, rapid DNA, and other methods to identify decomposed bodies.

"Treating the decomposed tissue to get it to a condition where we can fingerprint it," Elias said.

The Brandons say they still want more answers on the delay and justice for Marlon.

"They never apologized," Deborah said.

Police say no foul play was suspected in Marlon's death.

The ME's office added that it uses dental and other consultations to help them identify bodies, and that people with missing loved ones should check its website where they list unidentified people. Families can also attend an annual "missing persons day" event that the ME's office holds in the spring.

READ MORE | Family files lawsuit against Cook County after man goes misidentified for 6 weeks in morgue
Morison Global, an international association of professional service companies, has increased its coverage across the Americas by bringing in two new member operators.

The new additions are ABConzult in Montevideo in Uruguay and Elaion Tax in Florida, US.

ABConzult provides accounting, tax, audit and business consulting services. The company also uses technology to improve efficiency and deliver client insights.

It is led by partner Alejandro Bouzada and focuses on shifting accounting work towards more digital processes.

Elaion Tax is a tax advisory practice focused on international matters. Its services include international tax planning, business advisory, expatriate tax work and wealth management support.

The company is led by CEO and president Laura Plotner. It has more than 30 years of experience in international taxation.

Morison Global CEO Ryan Piper commented: We are delighted to expand our membership into Uruguay and to be collaborating with such a forward-thinking firm like ABConzult. Equally, growing our footprint in a strategically significant location such as the US with the appointment of Elaion is an exciting and important development for the association.

Both firms stood out to us, not only in terms of their high-quality technical expertise and experience, but for being excellently aligned with Morison Globals DNA.

Morison Global expanded its network last May with the addition of Koeleman Groep in the Netherlands. The company is headquartered in Hilversum.

Koeleman also has five other offices across Het Gooi and in the Amsterdam and Hague regions. It offers audit, accounting, tax and management consulting services.

Koeleman is supported by nine partners and more than 150 employees.

According to Morison Globals website, the association currently represents 108 companies across 68 countries.

"Morison Global adds member practices in Uruguay and the US" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




More than 50 Minnesota school districts continue to use seclusion rooms, according to data obtained by the Minnesota Disability Law Center. Districts use seclusion rooms for children with a disability and who are at risk of harming themselves or others.

This practice is banned or extremely limited in 21 states.

More: Walz proposes ending insurers' role in Minnesota Medicaid

The 50 school districts maintain 194 registered seclusion rooms across 100 school buildings across the state, according to the records.

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For the first time, the Minnesota Disability Law Center set out to document the states seclusion rooms, photographing more than 80 of them and documenting their locations in a report titled Children in Confinement: Seclusion in Schools.

I think the average person does not know this is happening in their schools. When they see the rooms and they find out how theyre used, the average person is appalled and is very upset and curious as to why this antiquated and traumatizing practice is still allowed in our schools, said Jessica Heiser of the Minnesota Disability Law Center in an interview with the Reformer.

Multiple school districts in Minnesota do not practice seclusion, including Minneapolis Public Schools and Fridley Public Schools. Neither Spiro Academy nor Intermediate District 287  which both specialize in serving students with disabilities  use seclusion.

More: Minnesota lawmakers push bipartisan measures to regulate AI

Repeated seclusion for same student likely a violation of rights

During the 2023-24 school year, state data show that 553 students with disabilities were placed in seclusion 3,451 times. In the 2024-25 school year, after seclusion was banned for students in third grade and below, 358 students were given 1,867 episodes of seclusion.

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The most recent policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights states that repeated use of seclusion for the same student by a school is likely a violation of the students rights.

Heiser said she believes one reason Minnesota has been slow to eliminate seclusion is because the policy affects a small number of students and remains mostly hidden from the general public  and even from educators, school staff and parents of school-age children.

Nobody wants their kids in one of these rooms. As a parent, I cannot look at this room and say in good grace that there is a single child that deserves to be locked in a cinder block room in a school, Heiser said.

Banned through third grade

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law that banned seclusion for students with disabilities from birth through third grade. At the time, the Minnesota Department of Education recommended that the state work towards eliminating the practice entirely by the start of the 2026-27 school year.

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But progress towards that goal has halted in the Legislature. Sen. Judy Seeburger, DFL-Afton, proposed legislation last year to rollback the 2023 law banning seclusion for the youngest students. Seeburger also led a Seclusion Working Group, which met 11 times between August and January. In the groups August 13, 2025 meeting, Seeburger explained how her adult son was subject to seclusion as a student and why she believes the practice was beneficial.

The seclusion working group, everybody around the table, except Sen. Seeberger, said We dont want this practice, said Jessica Webster, an attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. What a bizarre place for us to be standing that all of the voices agree that this is a harmful and traumatic practice that we shouldnt be using, but were still using it.

Seeberger did not respond to an interview request.

LEGISLATION: Minnesota bill aims to bring cursive back to schools

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The working groups meeting materials show a dozen letters that support letting schools continue to use seclusion, with varying degrees of support for rolling back the 2023 ban on using them on younger students. Five of the letters come from a single school district, Intermediate School District 917, which serves as a special education cooperative for nine districts in the south metro. Another five come from other special education cooperatives around the state. Intermediate and cooperative districts typically provide services for students with disabilities who often require services that are provided in separate school buildings.

Black students disproportionately secluded

Black students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to seclusion, making up just 12% of students with disabilities in Minnesota but subject to 22% of all instances of seclusion.

It is unquestionable in every state, including our own, that seclusion and restrictive procedures in general, like holds on children and locking children in rooms by themselves, is used against boys of color with disabilities more so than any other demographic, Heiser said.

Heiser added that multiple federal investigations have led to banning seclusion in particular states or school districts because data show it is disproportionately used on boys of color.

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Seclusion is primarily used on students between the ages of 6 and 10. Before the ban was implemented for students in third grade and below, these children with disabilities made up about one-third of students with disabilities in Minnesota, but were subject to more than two-thirds of all episodes of seclusion. In the same year, 16% of students with disabilities were ages 16-21, but they made up just 7% of the students subjected to seclusion.

After the K-3 seclusion ban, in the 2024-25 school year, 6 to 10 year olds still made up about one-third of students with disabilities, but they accounted for only 46% of all episodes of seclusion.

BILLS: Minnesota Dems renew gun control push after high-profile shootings

Heiser says that some defenders of seclusion say it is necessary because the children can become violent and could hurt someone if not locked in a room. But she calls this a red herring. She said it is common sense that an older child would be bigger and stronger, and thus more likely to cause injury to another person. She said theres a simple explanation for why younger children are more likely to be subjected to seclusion: Theyre smaller.

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It really just comes down to how easy is it to grab a kid and put them in the closet? Its easier when theyre littler, Heiser said.

Students with autism or whose disabilities are categorized as emotional or behavioral disorder are disproportionately more likely to experience seclusion. Just 10% of students with disabilities are in the emotional or behavioral disability category, while they experience about 2 of every 5 seclusion episodes. Students with autism make up about 16% of students with disabilities but experience more than one-third of all seclusion episodes. This did not change after seclusion was banned for K-3 students.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Many Minnesota schools still use seclusion rooms for students
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The full Worm Moon rises off the coast of the UK. | Credit: Josh Dury

Astrophotographer Josh Dury captured a gorgeous composite view of the March full moon as it rose off the coast of the United Kingdom mere hours after a dramatic blood moon total lunar eclipse.

"This image was captured from the Dorset coast looking out to sea," Dury told Space.com. "In spite of the lunar eclipse not being visible from the UK this time, the Sahara dust in the atmosphere would give the illusion it was. A deep blood red on the horizon. A provoking image. Like a worm, the Worm Moon emerges from the underworld. The end of winter moving into spring."

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The March full moon is known as the Worm Moon to reference the time of year when the ground softens enough to allow Earthworms and beetles to emerge into the open. The 2026 Worm Moon happened to coincide with a total lunar eclipse , when the lunar disk passed within the inner part of our planet's shadow known as its umbra, causing it to turn a rusty red color as the light of every sunrise and sunset on Earth was refracted onto its surface.

Dury captured several moody shots of the cloud-streaked Worm Moon rising on the night of March 3 using a telephoto lens, before combining them into a single visually stunning composition during the post-processing stage, which charted its path through the evening sky.

The distinctive red of the moon in Dury's image had nothing to do with the eclipse itself  which had occurred hours earlier  but rather resulted from an atmospheric phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering.

As the moon's reflected sunlight makes a prolonged journey through Earth's atmosphere while close to the horizon, bluer wavelengths are filtered and blocked by particles in our atmosphere, while longer red wavelengths are able to pass through relatively unperturbed. This effect gave the moon a rusty hue, which was made all the more spectacular by the presence of airborne dust, which had been carried by atmospheric currents thousands of miles north from the Sahara Desert.

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Inspired to take your own shots of the moon? Then be sure to read our expert's guide to photographing the lunar surface , written by Dury, along with our roundups of the best lenses and camera bodies for capturing the post-sunset sky .

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your lunar photography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort in Panama City Beach held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for its new clubhouse.

Officials from the resort gathered with the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the official opening.

They broke ground on the new clubhouse last spring.

It includes an arcade, fitness center, an event space, and more.

Its all about keeping the party going. And from our guests being able to have a space to congregate, whether its for weddings, events to expanded condo suites on the fourth floor, our arcade and our gym and everything in between. Its just giving that full experience of a resort to our guests and also to our local public, said Margaritaville PCB Marketing Director Katie OConner.

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They say the clubhouse is open to all guests as well as locals who are visiting with a resort pass.

For more information, click here.

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The Pentagon is reportedly moving a Marine Expeditionary Unit and additional warships to the Middle East, as the war with Iran continues. The move, reported by The Wall Street Journal, will help respond to the Iranian campaign of attacks against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Tehran has remained committed to its pledge of paralyzing oil tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.

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The WSJ reports that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has approved a request from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for an element of an Amphibious Ready Group and attached Marine Expeditionary Unit, citing three U.S. officials. An Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) typically includes an assault ship, two transport docks, and a support vessel that carries an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of at least 2,200 Marines.

MEU on the move in the Pacific. (USN)

Two of those officials said that the ARG would be centered around the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, said to be now headed for the Middle East from its normal base in Japan.

Sailors aboard the USS Tripoli (LHA 7) conduct a live-fire exercise, March 12, 2026.



Routine live-fire training sharpens warfighting proficiency and ensures U.S. naval forces remain ready to operate across the Indo-Pacific.  



 U.S. 7th Fleet AOR

 MC3 Colten Bradley pic.twitter.com/JoNx9ICfwN  U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) March 13, 2026

ctrl-f Marines on DVIDS



 Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, ex Iron Fist w/ Japan, 7th Fleet

 Iwo Jima ARG deployed in SOUTHCOM, 4F

 Task Force Ashland, ex Cobra Gold w/ Thailand, 7F

 Kearsarge ARG, USA/2F

 Boxer ARG, USA/3F

 USS Arlington (LPD 24), USA/2F



(via PAO) pic.twitter.com/5U8UM7viz7  Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) March 7, 2026

Its possible other Amphibious Ready Groups could also deploy to the Middle East, if called upon.

The U.S. Navy at war | Carrier update:



 George H.W. Bush CSG completed workups and is deploying soon to join the war against Iran, per @LucasFoxNews

 Gerald R. Ford CSG chopped into U.S. 5th Fleet/CENTCOM AOR (DVIDS)

 Abraham Lincoln CSG conducting 24/7 combat ops (DOW/PAO) pic.twitter.com/nxWL4vOCVk  Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) March 8, 2026

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A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a highly versatile, self-sustained, rapid-response force. Embarked aboard amphibious assault and landing ships, each MEU has fully integrated air, ground, and logistics components. Its four key elements are as follows:

Command Element: Serves as the headquarters for the entire unit and allows a single command to exercise control over all ground, aviation, and combat service support forces.



Ground Combat Element: Provides the MEU with its main combat punch. Built around a Marine infantry battalion, and reinforced with artillery, amphibious vehicles, engineers, and reconnaissance assets.



Aviation Combat Element: The ACE consists of a composite medium helicopter squadron containing transport helicopters of various models and capabilities, attack helicopters and jets, air defense teams, and all necessary ground support assets.



Logistics Combat Element: Providing the MEU with mission-essential support such as medical assistance, motor transport, supply, equipment maintenance, and landing.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the USS Tripoli in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola

A MEU would bring a wide range of capabilities to the fight. This can include additional aircraft to strike targets inland, including F-35Bs, and to execute sea control missions, going after Iranian small boats for instance. The latter can be done by embarked AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, as well as F-35Bs. Then there is the assault component, with the ability to airlift Marines anywhere within the reach of its rotary wing component, which also includes MV-22s and CH-53s. The Aviation Combat Element can be tailored to the mission. This can include loading the deck with F-35s or putting a much higher priority on air assault capabilities. The USS Tripoli, which is aviation-focused and lacks a well deck, is specifically built for this kind of augmented air combat element, including being turned into a F-35 Lightning Carrier. You can read all about this here.

The MEU can also support beach landing and heavy surface logistical support. The Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) that makes up the entire flotilla also includes surface combatant escorts that can lend their Aegis capabilities to the fight and launch Tomahawks on demand.

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While the carrier strike groups get the most attention for their ability to hit hard from a distance, the MEU/ESG is truly Americas most versatile maritime capability.

In other news, in his latest update on the war on Iran, Secretary Hegseth claims that Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been wounded and likely disfigured in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks. The defense secretary also pushed back on claims that Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz as it continues its campaign against international shipping in the strategic chokepoint.

In a press conference today, the defense secretary said, We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday  a weak one, actually  but there was no voice, and there was no video. It was a written statement.

Iranian leadership has gone underground and Irand newly-appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been wounded, and likely disfigured, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/zY5qveWUAv  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 13, 2026

As to why a written statement was issued, and Mojtaba Khamenei didnt appear in person, Hegseth added: I think you know why.

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Hegseth also promised that today will see the highest number of U.S. strikes so far against Iranian targets.

Their production lines, their military plants, their defense innovation centers; defeated, Hegseth claimed. Irans leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding, theyve gone underground, cowering  thats what rats do.

.@SECWAR "Very soonall of Iran's defense companies will be destroyed." pic.twitter.com/ugQTxR6Joe  DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 13, 2026

Hegseth said the Iranian regime will only see the stars and stripes of the United States and Israels star of David, which he describes as their worst nightmare.

The Iranian regime has been the number one threat to peace and stability in the Middle East for years. U.S. forces continue to take decisive steps to neutralize Irans power projection capabilities. pic.twitter.com/JOT7rRGH7L  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

In the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said that the U.S. military is dealing with Irans attacks on shipping, and that this is not something it needs to be worried about.

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Hegseth dismissed suggestions that Iran has mined the strait, through which around a fifth of the worlds oil passes.

Weve heard them talk about it just like youve reported recklessly and wildly about it. But  we have no clear evidence of that, he explained.

Hegseth says there is no clear evidence Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz.  Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) March 13, 2026

Asked when the Strait of Hormuz might become operational again, Hegseth said: The only thing prohibiting traffic in the strait at the moment is Iran shooting at shipping. He said that the United States has a plan for every option and that it will not allow the strait to remain contested.

Hegseth: The only thing prohibiting transit in [Hormuz] right now is Iran shooting at shipping.



It is open for transit should Iran not do that pic.twitter.com/MZ4vx7NQnj  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 13, 2026

According to a report in The New York Times, at least 16 oil tankers, cargo vessels, and other commercial ships have been attacked in the Persian Gulf since the war against Iran began nearly two weeks ago.

Since Feb. 28, at least 16 merchant vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and its adjoining waters (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman), killing 8 seafarers, with one still missing. w/ @BlackiLi and Lazaro Gamio. https://t.co/hwn1sO2geJ pic.twitter.com/IlVmYuHnXy  Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) March 12, 2026

Iran has claimed responsibility for several of the attacks. Hegseth also criticized as bad reporting the suggestion that Iran could launch a drone attack on California.

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Theres a lot of things Iran has said it could do for a long time, including engaging their proxies and getting them involved in the fight, which they havent been able to do. So, were watching that very closely, he said.

Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, CNN reports that the Pentagon and National Security Council significantly underestimated Irans willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. military strikes while Operation Epic Fury was being planned.

"Top Trump officials acknowledged to lawmakers during recent classified briefings that they did not plan for the possibility of Iran closing the strait in response to strikes."https://t.co/dgNukmCUA9  Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) March 13, 2026

BREAKING: The Trump administration planned for missile retaliation, proxy attacks, and cyber operations. It did not plan for Iran to weaponize the most important energy chokepoint on Earth.



The Strait of Hormuz.



According to a CNN report on internal US discussions, senior pic.twitter.com/TIFzXCZR9h  Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) March 13, 2026

The headline in the Hezbollah-linked Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar this morning reads: Iran Activates the Hormuz Weapon. Going All the Way.

    -'    : "    .   " pic.twitter.com/2xS9cuTTo7  roi kais       (@kaisos1987) March 13, 2026

SCOOP: President Trump told G7 leaders this week that Iran is about to surrender.



The Iranian regime has shown no signs of imminent surrender or collapse  and on Day 14 of the war, is moving to gain more leverage by choking off the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/qHzPkisGKe  Axios (@axios) March 13, 2026

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In an interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. military planned on hitting Iran very hard over the next week. A similar comment was posted on Trumps Truth Social today, in which he said: Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them, he wrote. What a great honor it is to do so!

President Trump in a new Truth Social post on Iran says watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today pic.twitter.com/iuUBCEyBsq  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) March 13, 2026

Gen. Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, today commented on the use of the new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) short-range ballistic missile, which he confirmed saw its combat debut in the operation against Iran.

Caine said that the PrSM reaching deep into enemy territory. He said he spoke to one member of the crew of the system. I asked him to walk me through a fire mission, not just what they do but what they feel, he explained. One of them just looked at me and said: Its awesome.

According to Caine, the U.S. military has hit 6,000 targets so far. In the process, Irans naval forces have been rendered ineffective, although Tehran still has the capability to harm friendly forces and commercial shipping.

General Dan Caine provided an update on Operation Epic Fury. pic.twitter.com/7An7EKh0vX  DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 13, 2026

This morning, another three U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers arrived at RAF Fairford in England. There are now six B-52s at the base, alongside 12 B-1B Lancers. Reports from the ground indicate that GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) equipped with BLU-109 2,000-lb bunker buster warheads continue to be prepared for strikes on Iran.

More B52 Stratofortress long range bombers have arrived at RAF Fairford. Three landed this morning. There are now six on the ground. They join a fleet of 12 B1 Lancers. Two B1 bombers took off this morning. Supplies of JDAM bunker busting bombs continue to be moved around the pic.twitter.com/XxwfWSRKQD  Richard Gaisford (@richardgaisford) March 13, 2026

Air defenses in the United Arab Emirates intercepted 27 drones and seven ballistic missiles today, the UAE defense ministry said. Since the start of the conflict, UAE air defenses have shot down 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,567 drones heading toward their territory.

UAE air defences dealt with a total of 285 ballistic missiles and 1,567 droneshttps://t.co/rh0rOFlLrT pic.twitter.com/qCVcaVxdiL  Gulf News (@gulf_news) March 13, 2026

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In Oman, two people were killed today after air defenses intercepted a drone over the Al Awahi industrial area, according to state media. The drone was one of two that were shot by air defences on Friday, but the second one did not cause any injuries.

Two people were killed in a drone strike in northern Oman, according to the state news agency pic.twitter.com/SAeC4Ct75o  Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) March 13, 2026

The Israeli military has launched a new campaign across Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said today.

The IDF said its most recent wave of strikes included targets in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz. The IDF had earlier issued evacuation warnings for parts of Tehran and Qazvin, northwest of the capital.

Iranian state TV today reported explosions heard across Tehran.

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It appears that at least some of the strikes on the capital may have been deliberately timed to coincide with large-scale demonstrations against Israel and the United States, which have also involved some key regime figures.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:



Today is Quds Day in Iran, and despite the brutal attacks by the Zionist regime and the United States, millions of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and other cities, demonstrating their strong will and determination.



The pic.twitter.com/GvRkfZw1HT  Clash Report (@clashreport) March 13, 2026

Another WOW, Iranian top regime official, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, the chief of judiciary, is also participating in a march in Tehran.



Amid Israeli strikes in the vicinity.



This guy is among a few people who actually run Iran. pic.twitter.com/FmsTkx85BI  Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) March 13, 2026

BREAKING: Huge marches and protests across Iran supporting the government while chanting Death to Israel and Death to America.



They really failed the regime change. pic.twitter.com/N1ttuazeqx  Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) March 13, 2026

Strikes reported in Tehran near the Al-Quds Day march. Iranian officials Ali Larijani and police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan attend the march pic.twitter.com/eZOxK5Da5p  Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 13, 2026

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BREAKING: A large explosion struck a square filled with demonstrators in Irans capital, Tehran, Iranian state television reported. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. Israel warned it could strike in the area just before the blast. https://t.co/YBy6NTDrj8  The Associated Press (@AP) March 13, 2026

Funerals of eight Basijis militiamen were being held in southeastern neighborhood of Khavaran in Tehran today when a Israeli/Us drone struck  Hamshahri newspaper pic.twitter.com/hnJQ8DuIEh  Fazel Hawramy (@FazelHawramy) March 13, 2026

Speaking yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly said that one of the Israeli goals of the war is to create the conditions for regime change, rather than forcing it directly. Whether regime change is achieved depends on the Iranian people, Netanyahu reportedly asserted.

President Trump has also urged Iranians to take to the streets once the bombing stops, but has also acknowledged that it will be very difficult for them to overthrow the regime.

I really think thats a big hurdle to climb for people that dont have weapons. I think its a very big hurdle Itll happen, but maybe not immediately, Trump told Fox News Radio.

Trump:



Iran's regime will fall, but maybe not immediately.  Clash Report (@clashreport) March 13, 2026

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice added her thoughts on the matter of regime change, noting that this was always very hard to achieve from the air, and it is also very hard to shape the politics afterwards from the air.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:



Its very hard to change a regime from the air, and it is also very hard to shape the politics afterwards from the air. pic.twitter.com/YSKPmUVOC9  Clash Report (@clashreport) March 13, 2026

Dubai has also been on the receiving end of Iranian attacks. There were reports of in Dubai, where videos posted to social media showed a large cloud of smoke over a central area of the financial hub. Authorities there confirmed a fire in an industrial area.

 

 ..             pic.twitter.com/sW9S6iEQ3E     (@ThayirAljanub) March 12, 2026

Iranian drone strike hit a building at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) earlier today. pic.twitter.com/MqQQcORRWt  Clash Report (@clashreport) March 13, 2026

Explosions rattled buildings in Dubai and a large cloud of smoke hung over a central area of the financial hub on Friday, AFP correspondents report.



Sirens could be heard coming from the direction of Sheikh Zayed Road, the United Arab Emirates city's main artery pic.twitter.com/M945PQl7un  AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 13, 2026

Israel continues fighting on a second front in Iran, with the latest targets including the Zrarieh Bridge spanning the Litani River.

The IDF says it struck a bridge on the Litani River that was being used by Hezbollah as a "key crossing" to move from northern to southern Lebanon.



The Zrarieh Bridge was struck a short while ago.



According to the military, Hezbollah used the bridge "to move from the north to pic.twitter.com/7Fq8nvrt0H  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 13, 2026

Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz vowed today that the Lebanese government will pay increasing costs through damage to infrastructure and loss of territory until Hezbollah is disarmed. This is only the beginning, Katz said, according to a report from Reuters.

Israeli forces and armored vehicles were seen on the border with Lebanon as Israel's defense minister Israel Katz said the military had been instructed to expand its operation in Lebanon https://t.co/XJcqzJrLDf pic.twitter.com/DJWXjVQTTa  Reuters (@Reuters) March 13, 2026

 STRUCK: Hezbollahs infrastructure across southern Lebanon:



 Beirut: Assets of the Al-Quard Al-Hassan Association and other significant financial assets of Hezbollah were struck. The recent strikes against the association have effectively and completely disrupted its pic.twitter.com/g6BRa5LHjD  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 13, 2026

NATO air and missile defence assets have shot down another Iranian missile fired into Turkish airspace, Turkeys defense ministry confirmed today. All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our countrys territory and airspace, the ministry said in a statement.

Turkey's Defense Ministry says "a ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace" was intercepted by NATO air defenses in the Eastern Mediterranean. The statement does not explicitly mention the reported incident near Incirlik Air Base last night. https://t.co/KxSV3uNEwq  Julia Hahn (@juliahahntv) March 13, 2026

The video below purports to show the Iranian ballistic missile over Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.

Another video showing what appears to be a ballistic missile, likely launched by Iran, in the sky tonight over NATOs Incirlik Air Base, located near Adana, Turkey. pic.twitter.com/Tyb79Rg99Q  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 13, 2026

According to Jake Epstein of Business Insider, the Iranian ballistic missile was brought down by the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Oscar Austin, using a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) anti-missile interceptor. This is said to be the third time in the last two weeks that a U.S. Navy destroyer has used SM-3s to intercept an Iranian missile in Turkish airspace. SM-3 series interceptors are capable of engaging ballistic missiles outside of the Earths atmosphere during the mid-course portion of their flight.

New: A defense official tells me the USS Oscar Austin launched an SM-3 interceptor to shoot down the Iranian ballistic missile.



Its a third time in the last two weeks that a US Navy destroyer in the Eastern Med has used SM-3s to intercept an Iranian missile in Turkish airspace. https://t.co/gHxjdyLirZ  Jake Epstein (@byjepstein) March 13, 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the first French military death of the war. He said that said a French soldier had been killed in an attack in Erbil in Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region. Several other soldiers were wounded, he said. French Army soldiers had been engaged in training with Iraqi partners during the drone attack in the region.

Je mincline devant la memoire de ladjudant-chef Arnaud Frion, mort pour la France cette nuit, lors dune attaque dans la region dErbil, en Irak.

Belle figure de soldat et de chef, il incarnait les plus hautes vertus dun combattant de larmee de Terre.Mes pensees vont a sa pic.twitter.com/cBXnGpJbJf  Chef d'etat-major de l'armee de Terre (@CEMAT_FR) March 13, 2026

Yesterday, Reuters reported that at least six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack targeting a joint Peshmerga-French base in the Makhmour area of Iraq.

Reports out of India suggest that New Delhi is set to repatriate the 183 crew members of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan as early as today. The sailors had been in the Indian port of Kochi since the Iranian amphibious vessel docked there on March 4 as tensions in the Middle East escalated.

India to repatriate 183 Iranian sailors from warship IRIS Lavan in Kochi. Repatriation can happen as early as today.



Reporting:https://t.co/8dTBLDSisc  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 13, 2026

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office has provided an update on an incident in which a cargo vessel was reported to have been hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in a fire onboard. The incident is said to have occurred 11 nautical miles north of Oman. The vessel had requested assistance, and the crew was previously said to be evacuating the vessel. While the fire onboard the vessel has been extinguished, as of today, at least some of the crew remain unlocated.

UKMTO WARNING 019-26 UPDATE 002



Click here to read the full warning  https://t.co/Oc36nBhjaf#MaritimeSecurity#MarSecpic.twitter.com/ENNpicDJaq  UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 13, 2026

Footage has emerged showing the demise of the unique KC-747 aircraft formerly used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) during an attack on Mehrabad Air Base last week. The tanker version of the 747 was not flown anywhere else in the world, and Iran had just one flying example. You can read all about the aircraft in this past article.

Footage of the last Iranian KC-747 tanker burning after an Israeli airstrike on Tehran's Mehrabad airport last week. pic.twitter.com/DIn9Qnkcsz  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 12, 2026

An unnamed IDF official talking to the Israeli N12 news channel provided their assessment of the interdiction campaign against Iranian missile launchers.

We destroyed between 160 and 190 launchers, disabled another 200, and around 150 remain active, the official claimed, noting that the United States didnt believe we would succeed in the decapitation strike.

A senior military official:



"The Americans didnt believe we would succeed in the decapitation strike.

We destroyed between 160190 launchers, disabled another 200, and around 150 remain active. The missile crews are afraid to go out; there are desertions and refusals to  Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) March 13, 2026

Noteworthy, however, is an assessment from Bloomberg today, which states that the number of Iranian missile launchers has held steady after a week of unrelenting airstrikes, based on Israeli and Western estimates. Finding the vehicles in such a large country, especially when some airspace is still dangerous for U.S. and Israeli aircraft, poses a huge challenge, the article says.

There are rumors that the Iranian missile attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base last week may have destroyed three Kuwait Air Force Typhoon fighters that were based there. This remains unverified at this stage, although satellite evidence confirms that the facility was struck.

I'm hearing the attack on Ali Al Salem air base last week  5/6 March  destroyed three Kuwait Air Force Typhoons. Those Iranian missiles appear to be very accurate. Doesn't bode well for those without effective ballistic missile defences  Alan Warnes (@warnesyworld) March 13, 2026

LATEST UPDATES:

We have concluded our live coverage for the day.

4:20 PM EST 

In a post on X, the House Select Committee on China railed against the Chinese AI firm MizarVisions assistance to Iran.

The company owns no satellites, but pulls imagery from multiple commercial providers, including VANTOR Technologies, Airbus Defence and Space, and Chinas Jilin-1 satellite constellation, according to Military AI.

MizarVisions AI software scans vast volumes of satellite imagery, automatically identifying equipment ranging from aerial tankers like the KC-135 to missile defense systems like the Patriot, the outlet noted.

Chinese AI firm @MizarVision is reportedly compiling satellite imagery from providers like @vantortech and @AirbusSpace to map U.S. military deployments across the Middle East.



Companies tied to the CCP are turning AI into a battlefield surveillance tool against America. The  Select Committee on China (@ChinaSelect) March 13, 2026

Vice President JD Vance told reporters it is unclear whether the new Supreme Leader of Iran was wounded in an attack by the U.S. or Israel.

NEWS: @VP tells us it's not clear if the wounds that the new Supreme leader of Iran suffered are from a US strike, given much fire in this war, but it was likely from either Israel and US. "We know that he's hurt. We don't know exactly how bad, but we know that he's hurt," Vance pic.twitter.com/5l9BwmYW1J  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) March 13, 2026

Earlier today, U.S. military officials said tonight would see the most intense bombardment of the war. Now the Israelis are making that claim.

An Israeli leading military journalist is saying that tonight is going to be a very intense night in #Iran in terms of airstrikes, adding "might be the most significant one since the beginning of the war".

He also says that the attack again Iran's top intel leadership seems to https://t.co/HSBIqt9aT7  Nadav Pollak (@NadavPollak) March 13, 2026

Both Iran and Israel are getting pummeled.

Video emerged on social media showing massive attacks on Tehran.

Several explosions in Tehran, Iran, per footage obtained by Vahid Online. pic.twitter.com/MGKgBDJMSE  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 13, 2026

Meanwhile, there is also video of Iranian ballistic missiles striking central Israel.

More than 20 explosions were heard in central Israel: it was an attack by Iran using ballistic missiles with cluster warheads. pic.twitter.com/1xP0xVJCeD  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 13, 2026

3:44 PM EST 

The Tripoli ARG, reportedly tapped to join Epic Fury, is speeding toward the Middle East from Asia, notes open-source investigator MT Anderson.

HIGH-SPEED SURGE: USS Tripoli ARG Sprints for the Middle East



OSINT Update (Mar 12 imagery): Following the announcement that the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group is heading to the Middle East for Operation Epic Fury, visual evidence confirms she wastes no time.



She is already https://t.co/Mk5NvCriwp pic.twitter.com/NJ5NnHqgu9  MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) March 13, 2026

In a YouTube video, the Economist offers some insights into how the war in Iran has widespread implications across the globe.

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuza slim waterway between Oman and Iran through which a large proportion of global oil and gas supply flowshas consequences for much of the world, the publication noted. The fall-out will not be felt evenly. Russia has a lot to gain from the escalating conflict.

A cyber attack by Iran-linked hackers has paused the supply of essential medical equipment to UK hospitals, TheIPaper reports. Handala  a hacktivist group linked to Iranian intelligence  successfully breached the IT systems of a global medical technology firm supplying the NHS, pausing orders of mouth swabs and defibrillators to UK hospitals.

NEW: A cyber attack by Iran-linked hackers has paused the supply of essential medical equipment to UK hospitals.



Handala  a hacktivist group linked to Iranian intelligence  successfully breached the IT systems of a global medical technology firm supplying the NHS, pausing  Richard Holmes  (@Richard_AHolmes) March 13, 2026

Despite proclamations from Hegseth to the contrary, the number of Iranian missile launchers has held steady after a week of unrelenting airstrikes, Bloomberg News reported, citing Israeli and western estimates. This highlights the difficulty of finding small, mobile targets without having complete control of the skies, the outlet explained.

The number of Iranian missile launchers destroyed is holding steady  as is the number of missiles Iran is throwing at the Gulf. We calculate ballistic missiles have stabilized at an average of 21 over the past 3 days. My comments (and data!) in @business: https://t.co/nCpspJd76v pic.twitter.com/ygjQh1Q8zy  Becca Wasser (@becca_wasser) March 13, 2026

3:00 PM EST

CENTCOM has published this video showing B-2 Spirit bombers taking off for a raid on Iran. Flying global non-stop missions from their home base in Whiteman, Missouri, Americas stealth bombers have so far targeted Irans missile caves. These facilities are built deep under mountains and are primarily used for storage, but some of them actually have the ability to launch ballistic missiles through apertures in their ceilings.

B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future. pic.twitter.com/ebyUYNnOLo  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026

2:50 PM EST

The U.K. Ministry of Defence says that a British counter-drone unit shot down multiple drones overnight following recent strikes on coalition bases in Iraq. Meanwhile, U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters flew air defense operations over Bahrain for the first time, the MoD said in an update shared on X.

It added: British Typhoon and F-35 jets are now flying in defence of British interests and allies across Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain. U.K. defences in the eastern Mediterranean now include Typhoon and F-35 jets, air defense and counter-drone units, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and a further 400 air defense personnel are currently deployed to protect British lives and interests.

Update on UK operations in the Middle East, 13 March 2026. pic.twitter.com/GmoVVcpqHb  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) March 13, 2026

2:30 PM EST

Sri Lanka today repatriated the remains of 84 Iranians killed in the U.S. attack on the frigate IRIS Dena, sunk by a U.S. Navy submarine, local officials said.

The sailors were killed when the IRIS Dena was torpedoed on March 4 just off the coast of Sri Lanka, in an incident that you can read more about here.

An Airbus A340 chartered by Iran left a short while ago carrying the remains of the sailors, an airport official at Mattala International Airport in the islands south told AFP earlier today.

The destination of the flight was not disclosed.

This is the Turkish Antalya A340, chartered by Iran to repatriate the remains of 84 sailors killed in a US submarine attack on March 4 just off Sri Lankas southern coast. The aircraft has landed at Mattala,- often dubbed Sri Lankas ghost airport and the world's emptiest. https://t.co/Yn6ryI9H18 pic.twitter.com/n8Gy5SfTnf  Ranga Sirilal (@rangaba) March 13, 2026

2:25 PM EST

Only 77 ships have so far crossed the Strait of Hormuz this month, as the war continues to disrupt one of the worlds most vital shipping routes. This data was provided today by Lloyds List Intelligence. Significantly, Lloyds said that most of these vessels belonged to the so-called shadow fleet  ships used to evade Western sanctions and regulations, typically linked to Russia and Iran.

The 77 transits recorded so far this month compare with 1,229 passages in the same period last year, according to Lloyds List.

 Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed amid the Middle East war.



Just 77 ships have crossed so far in March, compared to 1,229 during the same period last year, according to Lloyds List Intelligence.



Most vessels making the passage belong to sanction-evading pic.twitter.com/WKoNAAl2eA  Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) March 13, 2026

1:48 PM EST

There are reports that India has cut a deal with Iran to allow their energy shipments to pass through the Strait.

Iran and India cut a deal: two LPG tankers get through the strait.



That countries are engaging in bilateral discussions with Iran points to the success of the Iranian strategyas well as the ongoing failure of the US to resolve the security crisis in the strait.  Gregory Brew (@gbrew24) March 13, 2026

The Ford is still in the Red Sea and gaining destroyer escorts. It isnt clear what the plan is for the carrier, but it could move through the tumultuous Bab el Mandeb Strait, which the Houthis again threatened, in order to be in a better striking position in the Arabian Sea. The ship suffered a fire in a laundry facility and is on its second deployment extension. How long it can stay on station remains a major question.

THE BUILDUP CONTINUES: 3rd Destroyer Joins the Ford



OSINT Update (Mar 12 imagery): Tracking the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) as she continues to hold off the coast of Al Wajh in the Northern Red Sea.



She has shifted her box slightly to ~100km offshore, but the critical tactical pic.twitter.com/lR1p6qSbmI  MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) March 13, 2026

Some commentary on the Marine deployment to the Middle East from TWZs editor:

When you think of a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the context of this conflict, one target comes to mind: Kharg Island, where the majority of Irans oil exports flow. Untouched by the conflict yet, due to its strategic value and critical infrastructure. Seizing it would be a huge deal and would be a risky operation. Not just the seizing, but more so the staying. If Iran thought it was lost, they could bombard it with pretty much everything they have. Also, unlikely to push the MEU into the Persian Gulf. Would be an aerial operation, also not without risks.

There are also a number of islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz that could be used to help put up a screen against shipping attacks, etc. Also risky for obvious reasons.

There are also a number of islands in and around the Strait of Hormuz that could be used help put up a screen against shipping attacks etc. Also risky for obvious reasons. pic.twitter.com/0nolqdew9J  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) March 13, 2026

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced on March 4 that Marine Raider Pfc. Norton Retzsch, 25, had been accounted for on April 1, 2025  thanks, in part, to 20-year-old DNA submitted to the military in 2006.

Kim Opitz, Retzschs great-niece, a freelance writer who lives in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, told Kare 11 News that her mother never, never let us forget about him.

Retzsch, a member of Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, 1st Marine Raider Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Amphibious Corps, was first reported missing in action on July 9, 1943, during the Battle of Enogai on New Georgia in the Solomon Islands.

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The New Georgia campaign, dubbed Operation Toenails, was led by Rear Adm. Richmond Turner, with amphibious forces landing at various points on New Georgia on June 30, 1943, beginning a campaign that lasted until the Japanese evacuated Vella Lavella on Oct. 7.

To avenge her husbands death, Margaret Retzsch, who had married the Marine Raider just after his enlistment, joined Marine Corps Womens Reserve and was honorably discharged as a sergeant post-war. (USMC)

On July 9, Company C came under intense Japanese fire as they rushed toward enemy positions. In his post-war account, Bloody Ridge and Beyond, Marine Corps veteran Marlin Groft wrote, All hell broke loose up front. C Company had blundered into a prepared killing field of Nambu machine gun nests, aided by snipers cleverly concealed in the surrounding trees.

Retzsch was one of three Marines reported missing after the battle.

According to DPAA, from November to December 1947, units from the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company searched for Retzsch, but after conducting an unsuccessful search of the Bairoko Harbor and Enogai Inlet, the case was closed.

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Interred as an unknown at the Enogai Cemetery in 1943, Retzsch was then exhumed twice before final burial in Manila. The Marines remains were subsequently designated X-182, while Retzschs name was recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.

In 2019, however, after researching losses on New Georgia, according to DPAA, they recommended disinterment of several Unknowns potentially associated with losses in the Bairoko-Enogai area.

Thats where Opitzs DNA, submitted to the military in 2006, came into play.

In 2025, DPAA, using dental and other DNA analysis, identified Retzschs remains and contacted his great-niece.

It was like elation, like Ive never felt so spiritually high, Opitz told Kare 11 News. Hes going to be brought home with honors.

Retzsch will be buried on April 13, 2026, in Marana, Arizona.
A Marion County grand jury has been convened to examine conditions and management at the Oregon State Hospital, Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson announced Friday.

The inquiry, required under Oregon law, will review the Salem-based psychiatric hospital's operations, capacity issues and public safety impacts. A similar review of the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn was completed last year.

Clarkson expressed concern about the hospital's ability to meet the growing demand for intensive mental health care.

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"Over the last several years, I have become increasingly concerned that the Oregon State Hospital cannot meet the challenge of the moment: appropriately responding to the growing need for intensive, hospital level of care for individuals whose diagnoses require civil commitment, restoration services, or secure levels of treatment for the safety of themselves and the public," Clarkson said. "We have an obligation to inquire into what is being done with an eye toward what more is needed."

Marion County Senior Deputy District Attorney David Wilson and Deputy District Attorney Evelyn Centeno will oversee the proceedings. Wilson leads Oregon State Hospitalrelated prosecutions for the county, while Centeno serves as Marion County's behavioral health prosecutor.

Grand jury proceedings are confidential. A public report is expected by the end of the year and will be publicly released at that time.

RELATED: 'Cascading failures': Report finds safety and staffing issues at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility
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Maryland Sen. Ron Watson has introduced legislation to legalize online casino games such as blackjack and poker for a third straight year, but the proposal faces local opposition from those who say it could hurt retail casino revenue, according to WBOC.

Key Takeaways

Sen. Ron Watson introduced SB 855 in another attempt to legalize iCasino gaming in Maryland.





The proposal would allocate iGaming revenue to education programs, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission, and problem gambling initiatives.





Worcester County officials and Ocean Downs Casino oppose the bill, citing concerns about local economic impact.

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Sen. Watson framed the proposal as a way for Maryland to generate new revenue without raising taxes or fees. Lawmakers are currently facing a projected $1.5-billion deficit, and Watson argues iGaming could help close part of that gap.

The bill outlines several revenue allocations. One percent would support problem gambling programs, while another 1% would go to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission. Five percent would be directed to local education authorities, with the remaining revenue supporting the state's Blueprint for Education initiative.

However, the bill faces opposition, particularly in Worcester County. Ocean Downs Casino and county officials argue moving casino games online could reduce visits to physical gambling venues.

"Maryland's gaming industry was built to support jobs, tourism, and local communities," Bobbi Jones, general manager of Ocean Downs Casino, told WBOC. "iGaming shifts gambling to phones and living rooms while putting those jobs and community investments at risk. That's not the direction Maryland should take."

The Worcester County Commissioners sent a letter to lawmakers in Annapolis outlining its opposition. Local officials say Ocean Downs has played an important role in supporting community programs since opening in 2011, estimating that the casino contributed $46 million to local initiatives over that period, including funding for police vehicles and technical education programs.

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SB 855 passed its first reading and now sits before the Budget and Taxation Committee. If approved and signed into law, the measure would take effect July 1.

Virginia online casino bill delayed

While Maryland lawmakers debate online casino expansion, Virginia legislators have slowed momentum for similar legislation. Earlier this week, the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 10-4 to continue House Bill 271, effectively delaying the proposal until the 2027 legislative session.

The committee's decision followed a 4-0 vote by the Senate Resources Subcommittee earlier that day to continue the bill. The legislation would have created a Virginia Gaming Commission to regulate all forms of gambling in the state.

The argument for a new commission is that it would consolidate all oversight functions currently performed by multiple agencies. However, some lawmakers doubt the need for a new agency, given the Virginia Lottery already runs several gaming operations.

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Related online casino legislation remains under review. House Bill 161 and Senate Bill 118 are both in a conference committee as lawmakers attempt to reconcile differences between the proposals.

Both versions include a proposed 20% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue generated by online casinos. The bills differ on how revenue would be allocated, including funding for responsible gambling programs and measures intended to address potential impacts on existing casinos.

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Congressman Andy Harris and Maryland seafood producers are pushing back against proposed federal legislation they say would steer production of invasive blue catfish into pet food and animal feed  a shift they warn could undercut years of work to sell blue catfish to Maryland consumers.

Blue catfish have become one of Marylands most troublesome invasive species, feasting on blue crabs, rockfish, oysters and other Chesapeake Bay staples, according to environmental and agricultural officials.

State and federal officials have spent significant marketing resources encouraging Marylanders to eat more blue catfish as a way to reduce the population. That campaign has been led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Marylands Best, the marketing arm of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, with support from Harris, Sen. Chris Van Hollen and former Sen. Ben Cardin.

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The newly introduced Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2026, or MAWS Act  sponsored by Reps. Sarah Elfreth and Robert Wittman  would direct the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to create a pilot program that partners with pet food, animal feed and aquaculture businesses.

Harris and Maryland seafood producers said in separate statements Thursday that they have spent years developing commercial markets for wild-caught blue catfish  and that the MAWS Act threatens that work. Harris said work through the USDA was starting to pay off, with grant awards to expand processing facilities being announced in recent weeks.

Now is not the time to undercut the great work of these small businesses and existing investments made by the taxpayers by subsidizing the purchase of product suitable for human consumption for the sole benefit of pet-food companies  especially when these processors are already selling fish byproducts unsuitable for human consumption for the purposes of conversion into pet food, Harris said in the statement.

In a joint letter signed by Nick Hargrove of Tilghman Island Seafood, Amanda Williams of BSA Seafood in Grasonville, Stephanie Pazzaglia of J.J. McDonnell Seafood of Elkridge, and Patrick Welsh Jr. of Reliant Fish Company in Jessup, the coalition expressed serious concerns with the proposed MAWS Act.

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For several years, our businesses have worked alongside the Maryland Department of Agriculture and other state and federal partners to invest significant time and financial resources into building a viable commercial market for wild-caught blue catfish. This effort has required overcoming longstanding public stigma and educating consumers that blue catfish is not only safe, but a high-quality and desirable protein-rich seafood product. Progress has been hard-won, the coalition said in a statement.

Coalition members said the MAWS Act, while well-intentioned, risks undermining this progress by shifting public messaging toward the use of blue catfish primarily for pet food or similar byproducts.

Headlines suggesting that blue catfish is destined for pet food damage consumer perception and directly threaten the emerging market for human consumption  the very market that sustains Maryland watermen, processors, and our Bay communities, they said.

Members added that they have already developed private-sector relationships to sell byproducts for rendering pet food. Government subsidies, they said, could introduce market distortion and unfair competitive advantage  jeopardizing longstanding partnerships and destabilizing an industry that is only beginning to succeed.

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We are equally troubled by the legislative process that produced this proposal without meaningful consultation from the processors who have pioneered Marylands on-the-ground response to the blue catfish invasion, coalition members said, adding that outreach to Elfreths office was met with a resistance to engage in substantive dialogue regarding the bills impacts on private industry.

Have a news tip? Contact Eastern Shore bureau chief Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
A Lynn high schooler has been charged with murder in the death of a woman who police found dead in her home in Danvers on Thursday, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker.

Prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Anthony DeMayo in connection with the death of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, Tucker said during a Thursday night press conference. DeMayo and Swallow had no prior relationship, and investigators believe the killing was random, the district attorney said.

Police were led to Swallows body through an investigation into DeMayo after he was seen walking down the street carrying a bloody knife Thursday afternoon, Tucker said. He is in police custody as of Thursday night.

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DeMayo is a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Tucker said.

The investigation began after a 911 caller reported that a man was walking down Standish Street in Lynn carrying a knife, the district attorney said. Lynn police located the man, who was holding a bloody knife, and identified him as DeMayo.

After DeMayo displayed erratic behavior, officers decided to take him to Salem Hospital where he was later arrested, Tucker said. Lynn and Massachusetts State Police then obtained a warrant to search DeMayos home.

The investigation into the teen led investigators to contact Danvers police and ask them to do a well-being check at Swallows home at 17 Amherst St., Tucker said. Inside the house, Danvers police officers and State Police detectives found Swallow dead with wounds consistent with a homicide.

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Swallow leaves behind two sons, Danvers Police Chief James Lovell said during the press conference. The Swallows are long-time Danvers residents.

I wanna ensure Danvers residents that theres no continued threat or danger to the public, Lovell said. The Danvers Police Department is committed to the safety of the community.

Authorities have not shared any further information about Swallows death, including when she was killed or what caused DeMayo to come into contact with her.

More details about Swallows killing will be shared by prosecutors during DeMayos arraignment in Salem District Court on Friday, Tucker said.

More local crime stories

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A realty company has settled a lawsuit alleging that it deceptively sold a predatory mortgage product to financially struggling homeowners in Massachusetts, the state attorney generals office announced Wednesday.

MV Realty, a Florida-based financial company that operated in Massachusetts through a local subsidiary, as well as the companys CEO, Antony Mitchell, and COO, David Manchester, have agreed to a settlement requiring them to release Massachusetts residents from their contracts, the attorney generals office said in a press release. The settlement agreement also bars MV Realty from enforcing the contracts.

MV Realty knowingly used malicious marketing practices to take advantage of hundreds of cash-strapped homeowners across Massachusetts, stripping home equity from buyers and owners, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in the release.

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MV Realty sold homeowners a Homeowner Benefit Agreement, offering cash payments up to $1,500 in exchange for granting MV Realty the exclusive right to serve as their listing brokerage if they chose to sell their home within the next 40 years, according to the attorney generals office. The contract also required homeowners to pay a fee to MV Realty if their home was transferred in other ways, such as through inheritance or foreclosure.

The attorney generals office alleged that MV Realty targeted people who searched for information on small loans or public benefits online. The companys advertisements falsely implied its product was a government program and used phrases such as Remember, because its not a loan, there is NO repayment and you NEVER repay these funds.

Additionally, MV Realty salespeople are alleged to have harassed homeowners with a barrage of phone calls, texts and emails as they worked to secure deals, the attorney generals office said. The salespeople took numerous steps to ensure homeowners did not read through or understand the contracts, such as by not providing documents in advance of signing, not providing copies of the contract after signing and printing documents in size 8.5-point font.

As a result of these practices, MV Realty customers were unaware of the core terms of the transaction and were unknowingly saddled with a mortgage on their home, tying up what was most likely their most valuable asset, restricting their ability to refinance and preventing them from selling without paying a tenfold penalty to MV Realty, the attorney generals office wrote in the release.

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The attorney generals office filed the lawsuit against MV Realty in December 2022. In March 2023, a judge issued a preliminary injunction barring the company from engaging in unfair and deceptive marketing practices, obtaining or recording additional mortgages and requiring the release of existing mortgages, the attorney generals office said. Once the settlement agreement is approved by a judge, the injunctions orders will become permanent.

The settlement agreement is expected to save Massachusetts residents approximately $7 million, the attorney generals office said. Per the settlement, if MV Realty complies with the agreed upon terms, it will owe the state $400,000. If it doesnt, it will owe $2.25 million.

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Mullen Group (TSX:MTL) subsidiary Mullen Oilfield Services has launched a dedicated website for its Grande Prairie Service Centre in northern Alberta.

The new site expands access to heavy duty fleet maintenance and repair services for both internal Mullen Group vehicles and third party operators.

Online booking and detailed service information are now available to customers in the region.

Mullen Group, through Mullen Oilfield Services, is known for its focus on logistics and specialized services tied to energy and industrial activity in western Canada. By giving the Grande Prairie Service Centre its own online presence, the company is putting more structure around a business line that serves trucks, trailers and heavy equipment that keep regional operations running.

For investors, the move highlights how TSX:MTL is using digital tools to support an existing service footprint rather than creating a completely new line of business. Greater visibility and easier access for third party fleets could deepen relationships with local operators and broaden the role of fleet services within the wider group.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Mullen Group by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Mullen Group.

TSX:MTL Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Mar 2026

 Beyond the headline: 3 risks and 2 things going right for Mullen Group that every investor should see.

This new website is a relatively low-cost way for Mullen Group to deepen its presence in northern Alberta, where equipment uptime is critical for energy and industrial customers. By making the Grande Prairie Service Centre easier to find and book online, the company is effectively opening the door wider to third party fleets, not just its own trucks and trailers. For a logistics and oilfield services operator, higher workshop utilization, better visibility of service capabilities, and tighter customer communication can all support more predictable revenue from maintenance programs and inspections. The move also sits alongside Mullen Groups active capital return policy, including the recently announced normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 8,929,176 shares, funded from working capital. While a dedicated website will not move the needle on its own, it supports the broader effort to present Mullen as a dependable partner for complex freight and industrial activity in a region where service reliability can influence which carrier or maintenance provider operators choose.
Local politicians in Massachusetts are speaking out after the violent attack at a Michigan synagogue, calling it another disturbing reminder of rising antisemitism across the country.

Representative Jake Auchincloss says the tragic events in Michigan highlight ongoing security concerns for Jewish communities nationwide. He noted that some synagogues and Jewish daycare centers already rely on armed security because of previous attacks and mounting threats.

Auchincloss described attackers like the one in Michigan as lone wolves, but emphasized that both nationally and globally, antisemitic incidents have been on the rise in recent years. He pointed to federal efforts such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding to institutions at high risk of terrorist attacks, as critical tools for enhancing protection.

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To provide them with the resources necessary to be harder targets  regrettably, this doesnt surprise me, and I dont think it surprises my constituents, Auchincloss said. We know that there are lone wolves or even statesponsored actors who are trying to wreak havoc.

In Brookline, police have increased visibility and patrols around local synagogues. Officials say these steps are precautionary, meant to reassure the community and deter any potential threats.

Meanwhile, Jewish communities across Massachusetts are taking extra precautions, increasing security measures at synagogues, schools, and community centers in response to the attack.

Officials say there is no known threat locally, but communities are remaining vigilant.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called on the United States and Israel to provide a "convincing" roadmap on how they plan to end the war with Iran.

With every passing day, more questions arise than answers are provided, Merz said on the sidelines of a NATO exercise in Norway that he had observed alongside Norwegian Prime Minster Jonas Gahr Stre and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

"Above all, it is becoming increasingly clear: A convincing plan is needed. A strategy is needed for bringing this war to an end."

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"We have no interest in an endless war," Merz said.

"A breakdown in Iran's territorial integrity, statehood and economic viability would have serious consequences for us too. That is why we now need a vision for a peaceful order."

US decision to lift Russian sanctions 'wrong'

Earlier, Merz also sharply criticized the US decision to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil to alleviate the turmoil caused on global markets by the war, arguing it undermines efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

"To ease sanctions now, for whatever reasons, we think that's wrong," Merz said during a joint press conference with Stre on the Norwegian island of Andya, 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.

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Merz stressed that Russia continues to show no willingness to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine launched more than four years ago.

"We will therefore, and must, continue to increase the pressure on Moscow," he added.

Stre and Carney backed Merz's opposition to easing sanctions against Russia.

There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this unacceptable war, Stre said.

The US on Thursday issued a temporary licence allowing countries to buy Russian oil in transit at sea as Washington seeks to stabilize energy markets shaken by the events in the Middle East.

Iran has responded to the US-Israeli attacks launched on February 28 by targeting countries in the oil-rich Gulf region, striking US military bases and energy facilities.

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Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for the world's oil supplies, has virtually collapsed due to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, with multiple ships being hit in recent days.

G7 taken by surprise

Merz admitted that the US decision surprised fellow G7 leaders after the group of seven leading industrial nations had recently discussed the option of temporarily de-sanctioning Russian oil and gas deliveries with US President Donald Trump.

"Six members of the G7 were very clear in their view that this was not the right signal to send. We then learnt this morning that the US government has apparently decided otherwise," the German leader said.

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The G7 is made up of Germany, the US, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

Merz also ruled out German involvement in a potential international military campaign to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying he currently doesn't see the need for such a mission.

Merz and Stre want a submarine deal with Canada

The meeting of the three heads of government also focused on greater cooperation in the defence sector. Germany and Norway are already cooperating on the construction of 73-metre-long submarines and want to bring Canada on board.

Up to 12 vessels are involved, with South Korea also in the running. Carney said only that they were in the final stages of the decision.

Leaders observe NATO drills

Merz arrived in Norway on Thursday for a two-day visit that first took him to the spaceport of Andya, where he and Stre agreed to intensify cooperation to boost European space travel.

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The two leaders then travelled on to the Bardufoss Air Station on mainland Norway, where they observed the Cold Response military exercise alongside Canadian Prime Minister Carney.

According to the Norwegian Armed Forces, more than 32,500 soldiers from 14 NATO countries are taking part in the drills in Norway and Finland, including around 1,600 forces from Germany.

The exercise comes amid recent tensions over Trump's bid to acquire Greenland, which is part of NATO ally Denmark, citing perceived security threats by Russia and China in the Arctic.

While European NATO allies have strongly rejected that they are not doing enough to protect the region, the Cold Response exercise is part of a bid to increase the alliance's presence in the region.
In an emotional hearing Wednesday, Idaho teenagers spoke to lawmakers on how a state law intended to protect parental rights instead created barriers to help during moments of crisis.

House Bill 860 was designed to clarify a 2024 law that requires parental consent for medical care involving minors. That law, often called the 'Band-Aid bill,' was creating unintended consequences.

When we passed this, we thought wed fixed a really big problem, one lawmaker said during the hearing. I think we were all in shock of what a mess it turned out to be.

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Several teenagers told lawmakers that the law affected access to mental health resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Jace Woods said he knows of multiple teens who were unable to receive help during moments of crisis, including himself, when he called.

I know one girl who has been hung up on 12 separate times in 12 different crises, Woods told the committee.

Another student, Dakota Baker, shared a personal experience involving a mental health emergency.

I was about to end my life and I was admitted to the mental hospital, Baker said. I often think about how different that night might have been if someone had simply stayed and listened.

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The original law required parental consent for medical decisions involving minors, which created confusion about what kinds of care schools or providers could offer without first contacting parents.

Lawmakers said that uncertainty extended to situations ranging from routine first aid at school to more serious emergencies.

If your child is at school and they fall and scrape themselves, absolutely you can provide first aid, Representative Barbara Ehardt said.

Ehardt said lawmakers realized the earlier law had produced troubling scenarios.

We ended up with a young man whose femur had been broken, and they couldnt get ahold of the young mans parents, so they didnt treat him, Ehardt said.

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House Bill 860 seeks to clarify the law by explicitly allowing schools to provide nonemergency supplies such as bandages and ensuring minors can receive treatment during emergencies.

The bill passed unanimously through the House Judiciary and Rules Committee and now heads to the House floor.

All of them agreed it needed to be done now, Woods said after the hearing. I honestly dont think it could have gone better.

He said the discussion marked an important step for young people seeking support.

Its a step toward a brighter future for younger people like me, Baker said. It takes so much courage to genuinely get out there and speak to someone random on the phone.
The Republican primary for New Mexico governor got a little less crowded this week. Former Public Regulation Commissioner James Jim Ellison on Thursday dropped out of the race for governor and announced instead a campaign as the lone Republican running for state treasurer.

Ellison failed to garner enough support at the state Republican pre-primary convention to land a spot on the June 2 primary ballot for the governors race. State law requires major political parties to hold pre-primary conventions in election years, where candidates for statewide and federal office must garner at least 20% of votes from party delegates to have their names printed on the ballot.

As a former utility regulator, I reviewed and approved multimillion-dollar rate case applications  scrutinizing financial statements, cost structures and investment plans with the same discipline the State Treasurers Office demands every day, Ellison said in a Thursday statement announcing his campaign transition. The State Treasurers office, he said, manages New Mexicans money and should be led by someone with real financial credentials and analytical experience  not political connections.

Former Public Regulation Commissioner Jim Ellison failed to garner enough votes at the New Mexico GOPs pre-primary convention to make the Republican primary ballot as a gubernatorial candidate. Hes since dropped out and launched a new campaign for state treasurer. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

In a Friday interview with Source NM, Ellison said he believed dropping out was the right decision for the good of his party.

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I have strong qualifications as a professional investor, and certainly the treasurer is the chief banker and investor for the state, directly investing about $20 billion, he said. I just felt that the party needed me and I felt that this is really the right position.

Ellison made the announcement after the March 10 deadline for candidates to file the necessary paperwork to get on the ballot, though. He can run as a write-in candidate, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Secretary of State told Source NM, which means his name will not be printed on the June 2 primary ballot.

Typically, write-in candidates dont fare well at the ballot box. But so far, no other Republicans have launched bids for state treasurer, giving Ellison more of a chance to win the primary. If he does, his name will appear on the November general election ballot.

It puts me on equal footing, he said Friday.

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Ellison was one of three Republican gubernatorial candidates who didnt earn enough support at the Republican pre-primary convention to automatically earn a spot on the June ballot. Speaking of those conventions

Haaland has strong showing at pre-primary convention

Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland captured 74% of New Mexico Democratic delegates votes over the weekend at the state partys preprimary convention. (Patrick Lohmann/Source NM)

State Democrats held a pre-primary convention in Mescalero last weekend to decide which candidates would represent the party on the June 2 primary ballot. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland earned an overwhelming majority  74%  of delegate votes while Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman received the remaining 26% of the vote.

Both will appear on the primary ballot.

Rio Rancho mayor, PR professional make GOP primary

Next door in Ruidoso, Republicans held a convention of their own. Delegates chose longtime Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and public relations professional and former gubernatorial candidate Doug Turner to square off in the June primary for the partys nomination for governor.

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Other candidates, including cannabis CEO and former New Mexico cabinet secretary Duke Rodriguez and first-term state Sen. Steve Lanier (R-Aztec), have until March 17 to gather and file enough signatures to make the ballot, according to the New Mexico Secretary of State. Rodriguez has previously said he believes hes already collected enough signatures to make the ballot. Neither attended the convention.

Duke Rodriguezs candidacy challenged again

Duke Rodriguezs campaign has so far survived two legal challenges that call into question whether or not he lives in New Mexico and is qualified to run for governor. One, brought by Navajo Dam resident James Maes and former Republican Party of Bernalillo County Chair John Rockwell, accused Rodriguez of living in Arizona and, therefore, being ineligible to run for governor in New Mexico.

In court, Rodriguezs attorney countered that the five-year residency requirement is to hold office  not to appear on the ballot.

Another case, brought by former gubernatorial candidate Ellison, accused Rodriguez of predominantly voting in Arizona rather than New Mexico and said Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver had failed to verify Rodriguezs residency.

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Judges tossed each of the challenges.

Maes and Rockwell, however, have since appealed to the New Mexico Supreme Court, where the case is pending. Rodriguez, for his part, in a statement brushed it off as the latest attempt by establishment Republican operatives to restrict New Mexico voters choices.

I am not afraid of a showdown at the New Mexico Supreme Court, Rodriguez said in a Friday statement. I feel a little bit like Pat Garrett staring down Billy the Kid, or Wyatt Earp staring down the Clanton gang, he added, in an apparent reference to the famous 1881 O.K. Corral gunfight, which occurred in Arizona.

The court set a March 20 deadline for Rodriguez to file a response.

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Source NM previously reported that tickets sent to his Albuquerque house were often marked return to sender. In an unrelated 2019 lawsuit, Rodriguez referred to himself as a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Rodriguez has insisted, though, that he meets the states requirements to run for governor. A New Mexico Secretary of State spokesperson previously told Source NM that Rodriguez registered to vote in New Mexico in 2010, but noted that his registration was canceled in 2021 as part of a statutory voter list maintenance process in compliance with the federal National Voter Registration Act.

He registered to vote in New Mexico again on Jan. 14 of 2025.

Contested races for state Legislature

March 10, 2026, was filing day for candidates seeking local office in New Mexico. At the Santa Fe County Clerks Office, it was a slow morning. Nineteen races for the state House of Representatives will have contested primaries. (Joshua Bowling/Source NM)

Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to enter local races, including those for the state Legislature. The Source NM team dispatched to multiple county clerks offices to keep a tally of who was seeking re-election and who was throwing their hat into the ring for the first time.

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This year, all 70 seats in the New Mexico House of Representatives are up for re-election. Several lawmakers have announced their retirements, meaning that some districts are guaranteed to have a new face representing them in the Roundhouse next January.

In those 70 races, 19 districts  from the Four Corners region to Dona Ana County  have drawn primary challengers. You can find a detailed breakdown of each of those races here.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A New Mexico father has been convicted of the death of his infant daughter, who was exposed to drugs. Lawrence Gabaldon was found guilty of child abuse resulting in death and possession of drug paraphernalia. In 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to the Days Inn near Coors Blvd. and I-40, where they found a six-month-old unresponsive. Officers tried to save the baby, but she died after being exposed to meth. The infants sister was also exposed to drugs, but she survived.

Former Albuquerque pizza chain worker sentenced for attacking people and damaging store

Gabaldon will be sentenced at a later date. In May 2024, the babys mother, Gloria Tesillo, was sentenced to 18 years behind bars for her role in the crime.

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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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Did a T. rex relative roam the Land of Enchantment millions of years ago? A new discovery out of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science suggests it did.

Youre looking at the shin bone of a tyrannosaur, and this would be the part towards the ankle, and this would be part towards the knee, said Anthony Fiorillo, Executive Director, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, as he pointed to the fossil, sparking new questions about Tyrannosaur origins.

Story continues below

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Though it was discovered in the 1970s near Farmington, this fossil is telling a new story. According to early evidence, researchers with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science suggest the dinosaur bone belonged to the predatory species, known as the Tyrannosaurs, which are relatives of the iconic T. rex. We have a really big bone from really old rocks, older than we expected, said Fiorillo.

Researchers said the bone came from a rock dated around 74 million years ago, and its size is similar to bones found in Montana, Alberta, and Mongolia, which are possible places researchers believe the species may have originated. So it says perhaps that that very large body size originated somewhere in the American southwest or Mexico, said Fiorillo, going on to say, What that does is it starts to set in motion all these questions about what we think we know about tyrannosaurs.

Renderings show what researchers believe the dinosaur would have looked like, also depicting its size compared to other dinosaurs.

The shape of this end towards the ankle, as well as the straightness of the shaft of the shin bone, said Fiorillo

Scientists said they cant say with 100% certainty that this bone is from an ancestor of the T. rex until they find more bones. But they said that current evidence is leaning in that direction. Its the reason why this museum is here: to hold the very rich scientific heritage of the state. So the next generation can come in and make more discoveries and learn more about life in the past, said Fiorillo.

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The museum is closed for renovations but will reopen to the public on April 4.

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.
New Mexico health officials announced on Thursday that a Santa Fe County resident had been hospitalized but ultimately recovered from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, marking the first case recorded in 2026.

The resident, a man in his 60s, is now recovering at home, David Morgan, a public information officer with New Mexico Department of Health, told Source NM in a phone call.

New Mexico leads the nation in reports of hantavirus, the severe respiratory disease caused by the Sin Nombre virus, spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine and saliva. While many kinds of rodents can spread the disease, the most likely carriers in New Mexico are deer mice, according to the health department.

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New Mexico has reported 142 cases resulting in 55 deaths between 1975 and 2025, according to the states health department. The disease was the cause of the high-profile death of Betsy Arakawa, the classical pianist married to actor Gene Hackman, who were both found dead in their Santa Fe home last year.

Flu-like symptoms of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome typically develop within one to six weeks from exposure, and can progress into a severe illness, according to a news release Thursday.

It is important to air out cabins, sheds, garages and other spaces before any spring cleaning, NMDOH Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Erin Phipps said in a statement Thursday. While hantavirus cases remain rare, they can be fatal, so we urge New Mexicans to take preventative measures when cleaning areas where rodents may be.

Reducing risk

The New Mexico health department issued additional guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting hantavirus:
By Lizbeth Diaz, Diego Delgado and Sarah Morland

MEXICO CITY, March 13 (Reuters) - Mexico's Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch in real life wears a suit, but he can also now be found in Mexican markets and stores as a miniature doll, dressed as Batman, or sometimes even shirtless.

Cuddly blankets, soft toys and cardboard cutouts featuring the minister have gone viral in the Latin American country following the February 22 raid that killed infamous cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, better known as El Mencho, head of the brutal Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

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Images of 44-year-old Garcia Harfuch, who has become a heartthrob in Mexico thanks to his good looks, now adorn a long list of products: party decorations, cushions, towels and dolls known as "Harfuchitos" or little Harfuches.

Political and security analysts say Garcia Harfuch is a likely presidential contender in 2030, when President Claudia Sheinbaum's term ends.

Early polling shows Garcia Harfuch ahead of other prominent political figures, including Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who sought the candidacy in 2023 and is considered likely to try to run again.

Being immortalized as a doll is an honor most often reserved for presidents in Mexico, as well as the beloved mascot of the country's omnipresent chain of pharmacies, Dr. Simi.

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Garcia Harfuch's popularity has exploded following the raid that killed El Mencho.

The operation, which Garcia Harfuch helped lead, was personal for the security chief, who blamed El Mencho for a 2020 assassination attempt that left him with three bullet wounds and killed two of his bodyguards.

Garcia Harfuch did not respond to Reuters' request for comment regarding the popularity of merchandise featuring his image.

'MEXICO'S NEW DADDY'

"He is Mexico's crush," said Carolina Garcia, who sells Garcia Harfuch merchandise on demand from her home printing business in Tlaxcala state. "Of course, we get more orders from women, as gifts, but we've also gotten some orders from men."

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Meanwhile, images that appear AI-generated showing the politician promoting products such as hair oil have proliferated online, as have apps and tutorials that allow users to generate photos of themselves hugging Garcia Harfuch or lying together on the grass.

On MercadoLibre, Latin America's top online marketplace, a Harfuch blanket was listed among the platform's bestsellers. Amazon, meanwhile, offered a bed-sized flannel throw emblazoned with the minister's face.

Ingrid Rebeca Sanchez, 22, who designs Garcia Harfuch merchandise at a factory in Mexico City, told Reuters the products were initially slow to take off, but since El Mencho's killing, business has boomed, with as many as 150 blankets selling per day and orders even coming from the United States.

Now, the factory is almost exclusively producing Garcia Harfuch products and Sanchez is working on a new line of bobbleheads and life-size pillows.

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"All the ladies love him, they want to sleep with him, they want to dry themselves off with him," she said. "He's Mexico's new daddy."

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz, Diego Delgado and Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Michael Perry)
The man suspected of crashing an explosive-filled truck into a Michigan synagogue is a Lebanese migrant whose family died in Israeli air strikes.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, had family who were recently killed in an Israeli strike, Mo Baydoun, the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, confirmed on Friday.

We do know that the individual had recently suffered devastating and personal losses overseas due to an Israeli air strike on his familys home in Lebanon, leaving two children dead, he said.

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That grief is real and its heartbreaking, but let me be clear, that is not an excuse these actions do not reflect our values as a city. This is not who we are. There is never an excuse for violence, especially violence directed at a sacred space.

Ghazali was shot dead by security officers after driving through a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, near Detroit.

Neighbours told The Telegraph Ghazali seemed normal and unremarkable.

One neighbour described seeing him playing on the lawn with his children, another said that he was an apparently friendly man.

He was a sweet guy, his next door neighbour told the Telegraph, he played with his kids outside.

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According to neighbours, Ghazali worked at the front of a local Lebanese restaurant, Hamido, where he would serve food to those nearby.

Mohammed Mardini, an Imam at the American Muslim centre who knew Ghazali, said: I interacted with him as the customer to this restaurant that he worked on, he told the Telegraph. We used to see him when we would go and order some food.

He was a cashier, he said. He was just selling, receiving the money, giving the orders.

Smoke from a building in Beirut, Lebanon, after an Israeli strike on March 12 - Adri Salido/Getty Images

Javerya Zreik, a 28 year old mother of two who lived next door to Ghazali, said she thought he was just a random, regular guy.

Ms Zreik said she saw him playing with his daughters in his front garden: Id see him mostly when the kids were out.

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She added: He would just be smiling or waving as he passed by.

Ms Zreik said she was shocked when she heard the news: I think it goes to show you dont really know anybody.

Police responded to reports of an active gunman at 12.19pm on Thursday, in what the FBI described as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

No one else was seriously injured in the attack. One security guard who was taken to hospital is expected to recover.

Ghazali was born in Lebanon. In 2011, he entered the US using an immigrant visa as the spouse of a US citizen, the US Department of Homeland Security said.

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He became an American citizen in February 2016 and lived in the Michigan city of Dearborn Heights.

Mo Baydoun, the citys mayor, said: Earlier this month, [Ghazali] lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon, he said.

Lebanon has been the target of Israeli air strikes since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East two weeks ago.

The Israel Defense Forces is targeting strongholds of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terror group. Lebanese authorities have said at least 634 people have been killed and more than 1,500 injured in Israeli attacks so far.

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Wayne County, which includes Dearborn Heights, has the largest concentration of Lebanese Americans in the US.

Authorities found a large amount of explosives in the back of Ghazalis vehicle, including mortar shells.

Footage from the scene showed a large police and emergency service response, with smoke billowing from the building in the background. Children were seen being escorted from the building.

Families being escorted away from the Temple Israel synagogue after the attack - Paul Sancya/AP

Mike Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, said there were no victims other than one of the security officers, who was hit by the car and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

That individual should be OK, he added.

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Temple Israels security had exchanged fire with Ghazali, who was reportedly armed with a rifle, Mr Bouchard said.

The shooter breached the building, drove down the hall, and he was engaged by security, he added.

Police officers in force after the attack at the Temple Israel synagogue - Corey Williams/AP

An order for people to shelter in place remained within a one-mile radius as police tried to establish whether there may have been a second suspect who could have fled the scene on foot.

Authorities across the country increased security at Jewish places of worship following the attack.

Mr Trump on Thursday described the attack as terrible and extended sympathy to the Jewish community.

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.
March 13 (Reuters) - Elon Musk has triggered a fresh wave of job cuts at his AI firm xAI, with more co-founders pushed out amid his dissatisfaction with the underperformance of the startup's coding division, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

Musk last month overhauled the management of xAI, ahead of a planned initial public offering that could rank among the largest ever, after merging the company with his rocket firm SpaceX.

He bought in "fixers" from SpaceX and Tesla to audit xAI, who let go of several employees whose work was deemed inadequate, according to FT.

Co-founder Guodong Zhang, head of xAI's Imagine team, told colleagues he was leaving after being blamed for issues with the coding product and relieved of his primary duties by Musk, the report said, citing two people familiar with the decision.

He confirmed his departure in a post on X on Thursday.

Zihang Dai, another co-founder, reportedly left xAI earlier this week. The exits leave the three-year-old AI company with only two of its 12 co-founders who helped Musk set up xAI in March 2023, according to the report.

SpaceX, which purchased xAI to create a $1.25 trillion company, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

XAI staff have complained that the upheaval is damaging morale and standing in the way of it reaching full potential, the FT report said.

Researchers continue to leave because of burnout because of Musk's "extremely hardcore" work demands or after receiving better offers from rivals.

Recruiters have been contacting candidates who had previously been rejected to extend job offers, often with improved financial terms, the report said.

"Many talented people over the past few years were declined an offer or even an interview at xAI. My apologies," Musk said in an X post on Friday, adding that he will reach back out to promising candidates.

xAI bought in Andrew Milich and Jason Ginsberg from code-generation startup Cursor on Thursday.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
U.S. forces this week wrapped up their participation in an annual Arctic training exercise that for the first time was held in both Alaska and Greenland. Arctic Edge, which began in 2018, includes training to respond to threats that Russia  and increasingly China  could pose to the U.S.

The portion in Greenland was coordinated with Denmark and involved both U.S. and Danish special forces. The long-planned exercise took place despite President Trump's repeated threats this year to take control of Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

According to NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, which ran the exercise, Denmark hosted the U.S. in Greenland for training focused on operating in the Arctic. Every other year, Arctic Edge takes place in the winter and this year's was the first in recent years to take place in the dead of winter.

File: A U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF) Airman navigates the ice sheet during a simulated search and rescue for ARCTIC EDGE 2026 (AE26) in Kangerlussaq, Greenland, March 7, 2026. / Credit: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

"Half of the battle in exercising in the wintertime in the Arctic is simply surviving," Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Gen. Iain Huddleston, the deputy commander of NORAD, told reporters earlier this week.

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The overall lesson of the exercise is the military must prepare units for the Arctic before they get there, according to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert Davis, who is the head of U.S. Alaska Command, the Alaskan NORAD region, and commander of the 11th Air Force.

During the training exercise, according to Davis, there are routinely aircraft that are damaged and require additional maintenance because of the lack of familiarity with practices unique to the extreme cold, like warming up hydraulic systems beforehand. Some service members try to open the window on an aircraft too soon, and the window cracks.

"Now you can't use the aircraft until you replace the window  so, a couple of examples of just some of the practical challenges of not operating on a routine basis, and then all of a sudden coming up into the Arctic and having to do a little discovery learning," Davis said.

Huddleston and Davis said the exercise did not have a theoretical adversary but had portions to defend against weapons, like the cruise missiles that only certain countries, like Russia and China, could potentially use to threaten the U.S.

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"We don't have any intelligence that would suggest that we're actually at risk of them launching cruise missiles against Alaska," Davis said. "Nevertheless, we feel like we need to be adequately prepared to take the military capabilities that the U.S. government has given to us from a defensive perspective and make sure that we can put them together."

A smaller weapon of increasing concern to the military is the drone. In the exercise, the military practiced responding to a drone incursion at Fort Greely in Alaska.

According to Davis, they tested scenarios including a single drone that might just be surveilling the installation as well as a small swarm of about six drones, to see if the different systems Fort Greely has were able to detect and communicate information to the Army soldiers.

"None of the drones were completely undetected," Davis said, adding that there are multiple types of sensors and at least one of them detected each of the drone, and none of the systems were negatively impacted by the temperature, which can plummet to -40 degrees fahrenheit.

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The U.S. forces did take down one drone, according to Davis, but used a counter-unmanned aerial system that throws a net over the drone and lowers it to the ground intact so the U.S can inspect it.

Because the counter-drone systems at Fort Greely are mostly electronics based and don't necessarily require batteries, which can drain quickly in the cold, the temperatures "didn't really affect them in a negative way, which is good," Davis said.

He said the speed at which industry and commercial companies are modifying and changing drone technology makes it "really difficult" for the formal programs within the military to keep up. That's a concern the Pentagon is confronting throughout the armed forces, not just in the Arctic.

Trump says to "watch what happens" as Iran war enters second week

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The State of Minnesota has agreed a settlement with rideshare company Lyft after an investigation found its drivers had repeatedly denied rides to a blind student because she had a service dog with her.

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced that it had reached a settlement with Lyft three years after Minnesotan Tori Andres filed a complaint against the company.

According to an investigation by the Department of Human Rights, drivers with Lyft canceled on Andres multiple times between November 2021 and January 2023 after learning she had a service dog.

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In one of the instances, the Lyft driver hung up the phone and canceled the ride immediately after being informed about the service dog by Andres mother, who was providing directions. In another instance, two separate drivers canceled within minutes of each other after seeing the service dog, causing Andres to miss a medical appointment.

These actions violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, according to the department.

For people with disabilities, access to rideshares like Lyft is not a convenience, it is a civil right, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said in a statement.

This settlement with Lyft is an important step forward. It makes it clear that Minnesota will hold transportation providers accountable, and it reinforces that Minnesotans must be treated with dignity and afforded full access under the law.

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While the settlement stemmed from the complaint by Andres, the department says it benefits riders across the United States. And while the settlement was specific to Lyft, the department says it has received similar complaints involving other rideshare companies.

All rideshare companies must follow the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the announcement read.

Under the settlement, Lyft will provide drivers with information on how to determine whether an animal is a service animal and regularly remind drivers of its service animal policy.

According to Lyfts website, drivers will also receive a warning message if they attempt to cancel a service animal ride.

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The department reminded riders that under state law, Lyft drivers cannot cancel or refuse a ride because of disability accommodations like service animals or wheelchairs.

Andres will also receive $63,000 in the settlement.

Open Grid Scheduler, Flickr (Open Grid Scheduler, Flickr)

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This story has been updated with additional information.

A Colerain Township teenager who had been missing since mid-February was found in Florida, officials said.

Madison Fields, 16, was found in a Palatka hotel after officials identified a person of interest in her disappearance, according to a March 13 news release from the FBI.

She had last been seen Feb. 13 on Harry Lee Lane in Colerain Township after telling her parents she was spending the night at a friend's house.

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A hostage rescue team visited the person of interest's home in Tennessee, according to the release, but they had left.

"The suspect was taken into custody and more details on the charges will be released in the near future," the release stated.

At least seven law enforcement agencies across the country were involved in Madison's investigation.

Man who visited Madison before disappearance indicted

Kyle D. Lawrence, 43, who officials say stayed with Madison at a Sharonville hotel two weeks before she disappeared, was indicted March 12 on federal sexual exploitation charges.

He's facing charges of transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual acts and transporting material depicting child sexual abuse.

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More: New York man who was at hotel in January with missing teen indicted

Lawrence has not been charged in connection with the disappearance of 16-year-old Madison, but a federal magistrate judge ordered that he remain in custody pending trial. He is charged in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati.

A Buffalo resident, Lawrence was arrested in February after the investigation into Madison's disappearance revealed he had previously been involved with her.

Lawrence had previously been reported to the FBI in May 2024. Officials say he was confronted by a vigilante group in Canada that believed he had traveled there to have sex with a minor.

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There also had been two cyber tips about Lawrences Snapchat account and its alleged connection to child exploitation.

Lawrence was arrested Feb. 26 at his home in Buffalo. Electronic devices seized from the home contained child sex abuse material, according to court documents.

Lawrence told agents that he communicated with Madison on Snapchat and traveled to the Cincinnati area twice in January to meet up, according to the documents. He used the location services on Snapchat to locate Madison when he picked her up.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Madison Fields, missing Ohio girl, found safe in Florida
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fl. (WJBF)  A 16-year-old girl reported missing from North Carolina was found during a traffic stop late Monday evening in Florida.

According to a Facebook post, Deputy Chewning with the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, noticed a vehicle speeding.

The vehicle slowed down, but the deputy still initiated a traffic stop after pacing the vehicle above the speed limit.

Once he made contact with the driver and passenger, the passenger gave false information about her name and date of birth.

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The driver, Joshua Magraff, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, initially said the passenger was his 16-year-old cousin.

Courtesy of the Putnam Co. Sheriffs Office Facebook page

The passenger gave deputies a 2013 birth date, which would make her only 12 years-old. The passenger gave two more false names and dates of birth causing Deputy Chewning to be concerned.

The deputy placed the child in his patrol car and she told him her real name.

Upon a search, it was found that the teen was reported missing a month earlier from North Carolina. Contact was made with the teens mother. The mother stated she did not know Magraff and she reported her daughter missing on Feb. 16.

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When deputies asked the suspect what his connection was to the teen, Magraff changed his story to she was a friend. When deputies asked him why he was hanging out with a 16-year-old his story changed to stating he thought she was 19.

When asked why the pair were in Florida, he stated he was in the state to play gambling games.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies found 19 counterfeit $100 bills, synthetic marijuana, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies contacted the Department of Children and Families to take custody of the teen until she could be reunited with her mother.

Magraff was arrested and charged with interference in child custody, synthetic marijuana possession, possession of counterfeit currency, contributing to deliquency of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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He was taken to the Putnam County Jail and held on $9,000 bond.

You can watch the full video of the traffic stop 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 WJBF.
Washington state and Missouri are moving in opposite directions, as Washington sends income tax legislation to the governor even after it was rejected by voters at the ballot box ten times while Missouri moves one step closer to abolishing its income tax to be replaced with a more muscular sales tax.

On Thursday, the Missouri House passed a constitutional amendment to be approved by voters as part of their complex plan for abolishing the states income tax. In Washington, the state Senate gave final approval to an income tax bill Wednesday night as part of its plan to insulate the new millionaires income tax from any further meddling by the electorate.

At stake is the evolution of each states economy at a time of artificial intelligence-inspired uncertainty. Washington is rapidly moving from a focus on raising money from sales taxes  as one of only seven states without an income tax, for now  to one focused on soaking the rich. And just as predicted, a backlash is coming.

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In 2022, Washington added a capital gains tax targeting its richest residents to share more of their wealth. Businesses and billionaires began to vote with their feet. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, left the state in 2023 as Washington found itself among the mostly-blue states where, on net, more Americans left the state than came in, according to IRS data.

Amazon was once Seattles largest employer. And Fischer Investments, of the ubiquitous TV ads, was not far behind. In all, a 2025 survey by a business group found that 12% of the states businesses were considering an exit.

Now Washington is adding an income tax designed to slowly dip more deeply into the upper middle class, in addition to the millionaires now targeted. Already a new round of exits is afoot. Seattle icon Starbucks founder and former chief executive Howard Schultz announced on LinkedIn that he has had it with the rising taxes. Hes moving to Florida, which has no income tax.

The story of California, with among the highest combined sales, income and capital gain taxes, is already well known. The state is hemorrhaging high-income residents by the hundreds of thousands, most often heading for no-income-tax Texas and Florida.

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Among the companies relocating o Texas are Tesla, Chevron, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Oracle, major employers all. Even companies in AI and quantum computing have turned away from once unassailable Silicon Valley for friendlier climes where, it turns out, there are plenty of tech-savvy people willing to work.

The question is: Will Missouri will gain from Washingtons folly?

Well, already as Missouri has pondered abolishing the reviled income tax, it has gained businesses. One big one is the Boeing Defense headquarters that decamped from Virginia as that state considered raising taxes. Boeing could keep expanding its Missouri footprint at the expense of newly income-taxed Washington state.

People and businesses fleeing high-tax blue states for low-tax red states isnt something that just happens on the coasts. In Illinois, the last year for which IRS data is available, a net 400,000 people left. Citadel left for Miami, cutting its Chicago work force in half or more. Caterpillars headquarters left for Irving, Texas.

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A Missouri soon to be without the income tax (well, maybe by 2032 anyway, if all goes according to plan) and already without a capital gains tax could make a play for more regional and national businesses.

Democrats argue that state services are on the cutting block if the income tax goes away. They particularly love to bemoan the coming apocalypse of education spending.

But if you look into it, the numbers tell a different story. Before capital gains taxes and income taxes were imposed in Washington state, per pupil spending there was about $21,000. In Missouri, with the income tax, state spending was about $16,000. Isnt it funny that the state without an income tax funded its kids more by nearly a third? How did that happen? The politicians who led Washington made a choice to fund education, something you can do regardless of where the states revenue comes from or how high your tax burden is.

Missouri can pull this off without cutting the states most important priorities if legislators and the governor are careful avoiding shortcuts in working out the details. I hope the Missouri Senate follows the House and lets voters decide to give them that chance.

David Mastio is a columnist for The Kansas City Star and McClatchy.
The Missouri House this week passed bills cutting extraneous teacher training requirements and adding supports for literacy in elementary schools. At the halfway point of the legislative session, the House has approved eight education bills.

The Senate has passed one bill related to education, which would allow students in urban school districts to miss school to accompany their parents to the polls and change the terms for Independence School Board members from six to three years.

Literacy

On Thursday, the House approved legislation aimed at improving literacy rates in elementary schools in a 131-10 vote.

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The bill would create a test to screen students in grades K-3 for reading deficiencies. It pushes for intensive reading instruction and interventions for students falling behind. And those with a substantial reading deficiency at the end of third grade will be held back unless they qualify for an exemption.

Students with disabilities, English-language learners and those who have already been held back once are eligible for exemptions.

The goal is not (third-grade) retention, the bills sponsor, Republican state Rep. Cathy Joy Loy from Carthage, said Tuesday. The goal is literacy, making sure that children learn to read early so that retention becomes unnecessary.

The prospect of holding students back one grade level made some lawmakers nervous, though they came around to support the bill as a whole.

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State Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from Florissant, said she was initially hesitant about the retention provision. But she talked to relatives in Mississippi, which has retained third-grade students for over a decade, and they commended the policy.

The retention piece is important because it says to people around the state that we really understand the importance of literacy and the impact it has on our communities, Smith said.

She added a provision to the bill that compels parents to get involved, notifying them at the end of second grade if their child is deficient in reading.

The legislation also bolsters efforts to promote phonics instruction, restricting the use of the three-cueing method as a primary source of reading instruction.

Teacher training

The House also passed a bill to reduce teachers workload by eliminating redundant training requirements.

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The bills sponsor, state Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar and former teacher, said the legislation is intended to give flexibility to schools.

She described the excitement of the week leading up to the first day of school, recalling the frenzy of teachers decorating and organizing their classrooms.

Then, on your first day, teachers are informed they have x days to complete all the computer trainings that are required, she said in a House debate Monday. Which takes many, many, many hours. This is time that is taken away from teachers, time that could be spent preparing for students.

Watching the same videos each year shouldnt be a requirement, she said, though her bill would allow schools to make that call for their staff. The legislation mandates training for three consecutive years. Beyond that, it is up to administrators to decide what is necessary for their staff.

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The current one size fits all approach would not adequately consider the unique needs of our diverse educational environments, she said Wednesday. This legislation places decision-making back in the hands of local school boards and educators. They know their teachers and their specific needs better than anyone else.

The bill received support from both sides of the aisle. Retired teacher and state Rep. Connie Steinmetz, a Maryland Heights Democrat, applauded the flexibility the legislation gives to schools.

It only makes sense that we would allow the school districts to be able to pick and choose which (training courses) that the teachers should do, especially after theyve done it for three years, she said.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly and retired educator, recalled the hassle of reviewing the same videos each year. Eliminating these requirements would make teachers jobs a little bit better.

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If theres any bill Missouri teachers want us to pass this year, he said, This is it.

The bill passed with just two opposed: Republican state Reps. Mazzie Christensen of Bethany and Lisa Durnell of Willow Springs.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Texas County man who once worked as a U.S. Marine Corps intelligence analyst is facing federal charges accusing him of sending sensitive national defense information to people not authorized to receive it, including one person believed to be in China.

Seth Chambers, 35, was indicted on two counts of willful transmission of national defense information.

According to the indictment, Chambers worked as a Marine intelligence analyst from April 2011 to March 2021. He later worked for a U.S. government contractor as an analyst in Erbil, Iraq, from November 2021 to January 2023.

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In those roles, the indictment says, he held a security clearance that allowed him to access classified material up to the top secret level.

The indictment says Chambers received training over the years on how classified information must be handled, including rules for marking, transporting and storing it. It also says he signed nondisclosure agreements acknowledging that unauthorized disclosure of secret information could cause serious damage to national security.

The case centers on what authorities say was classified U.S. information Chambers allegedly copied, removed from a secure facility, worked into reports, or white papers, and then transmitted without authorization.

The indictment says the underlying government documents bore standard markings showing they contained secret information.

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One count accuses Chambers of electronically transmitting a white paper on Dec. 10, 2022, containing verbatim and near-verbatim excerpts from a classified U.S. government document to an individual in Maryland.

A second count alleges he sent another white paper with verbatim and near-verbatim excerpts from a classified government document on April 20, 2023, to a second individual believed to be in the Peoples Republic of China.

In both instances, the highest classification level of the transmitted information was listed as secret.

The indictment alleges Chambers was never authorized to remove, retain or transmit the information and knew he was not allowed to do so. It also says he did not deliver or attempt to deliver the information to a U.S. officer or employee entitled to receive it.

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The case was investigated by the FBIs Springfield Field Office.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison on each count.

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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Four days after being selected as Irans supreme leader and nearly two weeks into a war that killed his immediate family, Mojtaba Khamenei released his first statement.

It was not a speech. It was not a video address. It was a written message read aloud by a state television news anchor.

The message warned the US to close its Gulf bases immediately, or the host countries would face further attacks. The Strait of Hormuz should remain blocked. And there would be revenge for every Iranian killed by US-Israeli bombs, including special retribution for the children killed at the girls school in Minab, probably because of a US Tomahawk missile.

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Of course, it was a rallying call to the people of Iran, and a spiky threat to the US and its allies.

But it revealed nothing about the condition of the man who commands Irans war effort and holds absolute authority over the countrys nearly 100 million people.

According to an official speaking from inside Iran, military commanders prosecuting the war have received no orders from their new supreme leader.

No one knows anything about Mojtaba, whether he is alive or dead or how badly injured, the official said.

We are all just told that hes injured. He has no control over the war because he is not here. The majority of commanders, or more correctly, all commanders, have no news about him.

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It is known that Mojtaba was wounded in the same US air strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, along with his wife, infant son, sister and brother-in-law on Feb 28.

Ali Khameneis Tehran compound, seen intact in February 2025 (left) and destroyed a year later (right) - Airbus

There have also been persistent rumours that he was killed or left in a coma from the attack, which the written address has done little to alleviate.

Even Donald Trump, who overnight said it was an honour to kill Irans leadership, is not certain of the new supreme leaders wellbeing.

I think he probably is [alive]. I think he is damaged, but I think hes probably alive in some form, you know, Mr Trump said in an interview on Fox News.

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Hossein Alizadeh, a former Iranian diplomat, put the question directly: If his injuries are so severe that he cannot even record his voice, why was he chosen?

The Islamic Republic, built around its centralised leader, has been forced to reassemble its structure without its centre. The chain of command exists. Its top link, for now, is missing.

To understand how this moment arrived  how a man with no public profile, no elected office, and no confirmed vital signs became the nominal head of a nation under bombardment  it is necessary to understand what his father built, and what Mojtaba himself quietly spent two decades constructing inside it.

Ali Khamenei governed for 37 years by designing a system that required him.

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the regular military, the judiciary, the presidency, and the Basij militia were each given overlapping authorities, independent capabilities, and competing institutional interests.

The supreme leaders function was not ceremonial but operational. When these power centres disagreed, he decided. When they pursued conflicting agendas, he imposed coherence.

Remove that arbiter and the system defaults to survival mode and fire at will  precisely what the world has witnessed in the ten days after his death.

For those ten days, the chaos was visible and dangerous.

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The regular military and the IRGC air force commander issued separate threats. President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for Iranian strikes before the IRGC threatened them and fired missiles at Bahrain.

Each institution spoke as though it represented Irans position. The body was punching blindly, each limb striking in a different direction.

Sundays announcement ended that. It also immediately created a new uncertainty  because the man selected to fill the vacuum has not filled it yet.

The architecture of Mojtabas path to power begins not in any seminary or government office like his fathers but in the trenches of the Iran-Iraq war.

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As a teenager in the conflicts final years, he served in the Habib ibn Mazahir Brigade alongside men who would later command the IRGC: Qassem Soleimani, Hossein Hamedani and Hossein Taeb.

A statement by Khamenei was read out on television by a news anchor - AFP via Getty Images

Mojtaba rose with them  invisible, unofficial and increasingly influential.

The first public evidence of his political operation came in 2005, when Mehdi Karroubi, a presidential candidate, wrote an open letter to Ali Khamenei, accusing his son of rigging the election for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Ali Khamenei never denied his sons involvement. The complaint was ignored.

Four years later, the hidden hand became visible to millions. After another disputed presidential election in 2009, protesters in Tehran chanted: Mojtaba, die before you see leadership.

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A defector later told The Telegraph that during those protests, when Ali Khamenei feared losing control, it was his son who reassured him and ordered the crackdown on demonstrators.

Mostafa Tajzadeh, a political prisoner and former deputy interior minister, said from his cell that all pressure on him and his family was the direct demand of Mojtaba Khamenei.

Mojtaba is believed to be the driving force behind his fathers decision to crack down on demonstrators in Tehran in 2009

But election interference was only the most visible layer of his long-term political project. He constructed personal loyalty networks inside every institution that would matter when the succession moment arrived.

Between 2005 and 2015, Mojtaba oversaw the systematic replacement of more than 300 Friday prayer leaders across the country.

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Friday prayer leaders are appointed directly by the supreme leader and control local budgets, Basij mobilisation networks and serve as the leaders eyes in their communities.

By replacing his fathers generation of loyalists with younger figures personally loyal to him, Mojtaba built a parallel loyalty structure that spanned the country  one that would provide the machinery to legitimise his leadership when the moment came.

The apex of that pyramid was always the IRGC itself.

Defector accounts and the testimony of former Iranian officials describe Mojtabas control over access to his father  determining which officials received audiences, shaping and filtering the information that reached the supreme leader.

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The legitimacy of his selection may also be consequential.

Unlike most senior clerics, Mojtaba was not widely recognised in Irans religious establishment as an Ayatollah before his selection.

Iranian state television immediately began calling him Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei  a move that echoed the overnight promotion of his father in 1989.

Ali Khamenei was similarly elevated by regime media from the rank of Hojatoleslam to Ayatollah within 24 hours of his own selection, without the gradual peer recognition that such titles traditionally require in Shia clerical culture.

The process by which the Assembly of Experts conducted its vote has also drawn scrutiny. The Assemblys building had been struck in the preceding weeks bombardment. Its members were scattered.

Mr Alizadeh raised the question that has since circulated widely among Iran analysts: Did they vote by WhatsApp? How exactly did this happen?

When [Ruhollah] Khomeini died, the country was not at war, Mr Alizadeh said. There was a period of relative calm  meetings were held, the transition was managed quietly. That calm simply doesnt exist now. A vacancy has been created, and it is not one vacancy  it is two. Both the religious position and the political position are empty at once.

Senior figures in the IRGC moved quickly to paper over those questions.

Mojtaba constructed personal loyalty networks inside every crucial institution, ready for his succession moment - Seyed / Middle East Images

The speed and unanimity of his selection and the IRGCs immediate allegiance to him, analysts said, was itself a signal: an attempt to foreclose any window in which rival factions could use the succession to push for political change.

What those pledges have also made clear is that the IRGC is now the dominant power in Iran, regardless of whom formally holds the supreme leadership title  and that this would probably be true whether Mojtaba was healthy and present or wounded and absent.

The supreme leader is no longer really supreme, said Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the Crisis Group think tank. It is really the Revolutionary Guards who are running the show  and without whom Mojtaba would not be able to preserve his power.

He added: Both because he needs them to push back against his foreign enemies, and because he needs them to keep the population at bay.

Mohsen Sazegara, a founder of the IRGC, said the strategic framework governing the war was established before Mojtabas selection and will continue regardless of leadership changes at the top.

He said: They believe that if they can hold out for one month, that will be enough to exhaust the other side  through pressure on oil prices, through the cruise missiles they continue to fire toward Israel, and through the pressure they are applying on Arab states.

The IRGC has, according to Mr Sazegara, armed 700,000 Basij members, sent them home with their weapons and issued shoot-to-kill orders for civil unrest.

The machinery of internal control, in other words, does not require instructions from a supreme leader who may be incapacitated. It was designed to run without him.

Saeed Barzin, a veteran Iranian political analyst, argues that the militarisation of the Islamic Republic is not a product of Mojtabas particular ideology or preferences. It is a product of war.

Even if he werent in the picture  this is the natural consequence of war, Mr Barzin said. In conditions where the country faces an external military threat, faces the internal threat of chaos, faces the threat of mass casualties  the institution that stands to gain more power than anyone else is the military. Because it has organisation, command structure, resources and coercive capacity.

He added: The appointment was a message of defiance more than anything else.

Mr Vaez framed the paradox at the heart of the current moment with some directness.

I think Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the last supreme leader of Iran, he said. If Mojtaba survives, he is not going to be in the same commanding position.

The difference between building power to wielding it is profound. Working in the shadows allowed Mojtaba to operate without accountability, to deny involvement in controversial decisions, and to maintain deniability when operations failed.

Ruling as supreme leader requires the opposite: public declaration of strategy, acceptance of responsibility for outcomes, visible command that institutions and citizens can follow.

For the Iranian people enduring the bombardment, the question of who governs is more than theoretical.

A source close to a former Iranian president, speaking from Tehran, described nine jets over the city in a single night, friends killed in a cafe he had been invited to visit, buildings demolished by ordnance he described as qualitatively heavier than anything in the 12-day war of the previous year.

These are not Spike missiles, the source said. These are heavy bombs. The scale is truly intense. I am honestly disturbed by it.

The country where those people are living now has, again, a formal structure of authority.

What it does not have  and may not for some time  is any confirmation that the man whose name it has reassembled around is in a position to lead it.

His commanders are fighting a war in his name. They are doing so without hearing from him.

Whether he emerges to claim the authority, or whether that authority quietly migrates to the generals who are already exercising it, is the question on which the Islamic Republics next chapter now turns.

For now, Iran has a supreme leader. His commanders just dont know whether hes alive. And the war goes on regardless.

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.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has announced that Moldova has asked the EU for assistance in dealing with the pollution of the Dnister River.

Source: European Pravda, citing Newsmaker, a Moldovan media outlet

Details: According to Munteanu, EU assistance is needed to strengthen the capacity of state institutions responsible for monitoring and dealing with the aftermath of the pollution.

Quote: "We are asking our European partners for support to quickly mobilise teams of experts and the necessary equipment to work on the Dnister. This includes equipment for capturing, containing and collecting oil pollution from the water, as well as mobile stations for testing water quality."

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Details: After a Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine on 7 March, oil stains were detected in the Dnister River. According to Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, early reports suggest that the pollution may be linked to a leak of rocket fuel near the Dnister Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi Oblast following the Russian attack.

The pollution spread downstream, particularly near the village of Naslavcea in Moldova.

Moldova's Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder said that some settlements in northern Moldova may be left without water.

According to him, the Ukrainian side has been carrying out work on its section of the Dnister riverbank since the morning of 13 March. Experts from Romania have also joined the operation, installing additional filters to purify the water.

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Soldiers from Moldova's National Army have arrived in the north of the country to help deal with the environmental threat. A camp to manage the situation has been set up in the village of Curesnita in the Soroca region.

To prevent possible risks, fishing has been banned in the Naslavcea-Dubasari section of the Dnister River until 1 April.

Background:

On 10 March, Moldova sent an official request to Ukraine over the appearance of oily patches on the Dnister River.

Later, Moldovan experts began installing filters to stop the spread of pollution along the river.

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Dive Brief:

The Green Impact Exchange  the first approved green stock exchange  hired veteran financial executive Kevin Buckley as chief financial officer ahead of its launch later this year, GIX announced Tuesday.

Though the appointment was officially announced this week , Buckley has served as CFO for the exchange since January, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining GIX, his resume includes serving over 25 years in corporate finance and treasury roles at Prudential Financial.

GIX was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission last April to become the first national exchange for sustainability-focused offerings. Since then, the company has worked to fill out its executive team and unveiled the initial suite of products it plans on offering.

Dive Insight:

The CFOs appointment comes after the Green Impact Exchange announced the hirings of a chief operating officer, chief product officer, chief commercial officer and five board members since receiving SEC approval. The exchanges product roadmap includes plans to offer an index of companies with measurable environmental benefits and a financial instrument to trade certified carbon credits on the index as part of its initial offerings.

Buckley comes to GIX after nearly two years doing independent consulting and CFO work. Prior to that, he spent over 25 years at Prudential, finishing his stint at the company as its vice president of finance and international treasurer. In those roles, he led financing for the companys international insurance segment, oversaw all international capital initiatives and managed banking relationships, among other responsibilities, according to his LinkedIn.

GIX CEO Dan Labovitz said in the release that Buckley will provide the company with the financial rigor and strategic perspective that we need as we modernize the traditional equities exchange. Labovitz said Buckleys thorough experience navigating within a highly regulated industry will help GIX build a more transparent mechanism for capital formation and secondary market liquidity.

In his over quarter of a century at Prudential, Buckley also served as managing director and treasurer for the companys International Insurance and asset management businesses, CFO for the international investments business, a regional finance advisor, international treasurer and vice president for corporate treasurers.
A mother in Louisiana has been arrested after she failed to bring her child to post-op appointments after he underwent brain surgery.

The Shreveport Police Department said that officers received a tip about a welfare concern involving a young child on Monday, March 9, according to KSLA.

The report was initially made by a Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) caseworker, who was contacted by several medical facilities about a potential case of child neglect that involved a 6-year-old boy.

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The DCFS report stated that the child had brain surgery in October 2025 after he was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, which is also known as a brain mass.

Autistic Nonverbal Child Severely Beaten by Moms Boyfriend Dies After Weeks on Life Support

The child experienced complications after the surgery, including hypopituitarism, post-op diabetes insipidus and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Due to the issues, the mother was instructed to seek consistent follow-up medical care for the child.

Hospital staff reported that the child missed about seven appointments, while six others were canceled. Staff added that they attempted to contact the childs mother, LaShonda Zenon, to confirm appointments.

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DCFS got a formal report about medical neglect on January 14. An investigation was launched into the matter, and DCFS obtained an order for custody of the child on February 26.

Detectives tried to help DCFS find the child at the home on Royalton Drive, though they were unsuccessful after several attempts.

DCFS returned to the home on March 9 and they found Zenon, 39, inside. However, police said she reportedly refused to answer the door and wouldnt answer the phone.

While DCFS still had custodial authority over the child at the time, law enforcement did not have a legal order to enter the home and were unable to speak to Zenon.

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A judge then issued an order on Tuesday, March 10, that allowed law enforcement to enter the residence. Officers saw Zenon walk out of the house around 5:30 p.m. and they attempted to speak with her. However, she went back inside the home and reportedly refused to answer the door for the responding officers.

The officers didnt give up and they positioned themselves around the house. They eventually saw Zenon try to get away through the back of the house with her kids as they climbed over a six-foot wooden fence. Police were then able to catch Zenon after a brief chase and she was arrested.

The police department said that all three of the children were safely taken into DCFS custody. The kids range from the ages of 14, 11 and 6.

Mom Allegedly Abandoned Special Needs Children For Days, 1 Was Found Trying to Eat Raw Meat

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Officers added that the kids were crying, sweaty and visibly shaken at the time their mother was arrested. The kids also had minor scrapes and cuts on their hands and feet that they sustained while trying to climb the fence.

Once police were able to get to the kids, they ensured that the 6-year-old received the medical care he had previously missed.

It is not currently clear if Zenon has entered a plea or retained legal representation. The Shreveport Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weeklys request for comment.
Family members and scores of fellow mourners gathered on Thursday to recall a 2-year-old boy who fell 20 stories to his death from a Newark apartment window in November.

The funeral for Justin Christian El Abiad at the Transcend Worship Center was a somber mix of liturgy and litigation, whose mood was matched by the dark clouds and rain outside.

The funeral service was followed by a press conference during which a lawyer for Justins mother, Elham El-Abiad, joined local and state officials to provide updates on a lawsuit against the apartment buildings owner and measures intended to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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But even during service itself, clergy members and the lawyer were among those who addressed about 70 mourners from the altar of the nondenominational church with calls for justice in the wake of the boys death on Nov. 15.

We want this landlord to be held accountable, Senior Pastor Steffie Bartley of the New Hope Memorial Church in Elizabeth said.

Bartley was representing The Rev. Al Sharptons National Action Network, after Sharpton had planned to speak at the funeral on its originally scheduled date last month, which was postponed due to the Feb. 22-23 blizzard.

The boy died after falling from a window of the apartment were he lived with his mother, older sister and younger brother at Elizabeth Towers, a rental building on Elizabeth Avenue.

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The Essex County Prosecutors Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with Newark police, though no criminal charges have been filed.

County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens spoke at the funeral, offering the family condolences on behalf of his entire office and his hope that justice would be served in one way or another.

Stephens said later that his office was still weighing evidence in the case, and that criminal charges had not been ruled out.

Lawyers for El Abiad filed the suit in state Superior Court in Newark on Dec. 23, alleging that the apartment windows were made of thin Plexiglas sheets glued onto the frames. The suit called it a cheap patchwork job that building management had been aware was unsafe.

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One of El Abiads lawyers, David Sirotkin, said after the service that, before her sons death, his client had asked the building owners to do something about the shabby windows but was ignored.

Sirotkin said Thursday that his firm had not received an answer to the complaint from the defendant, named in the suit as 455 Elizabeth Avenue, LLC, a limited liability company that officially owns the building.

Richard Chadwick, a lawyer for the owner, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Sirotkin read from a remembrance of Justin penned by his mother, Elham El Abiad, who was present for the funeral and press conference but did not speak or take questions.

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Justin was very much loved, Sirotkin read from the note, which gave Justins birthplace and day as Newark on July 22, 2023. He was adored by his older sister, Leah, who quickly renamed her brother Justy, and Justy he became to all of us from then on.

Elham El Abiad wrote that her toddler loved the old-timey standard, You Are My Sunshine, and loved to give and receive little cuddles." She called her son my little dancer.

He is very sweet, she wrote, with a loving smile that warmed everyones heart.

That smile was on display at the funeral, in one of two framed portraits of the boy that stood on either side of his small black casket, amid votive candles and bouquets of large white roses.

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The mothers note was not all fond remembrance. As a parent who had lost a child, Elham El Abiad described herself as a member of club no one wants to join.

No parent should have to write an obituary for their own child, she wrote, noting that her two other children had lost a sibling and lifetime companion. God did not call my son, he only received his grace, El Abiat wrote, attributing Justins death to human decisions.

If there was a proper regard for my family, we would not be gathered here today, and I would be truly glad of that, she wrote.

Aligning her faith and her court action, Elham El Abiad wrote: Scripture is full of Gods commands that we act justly, this includes acting justly on behalf of those whose rights are being denied and those who are powerless to defend themselves.

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God places a special responsibility on any person in authority to provide justice and to do the right and proper thing. And in the case of Justins death, she added, the right thing is to pursue accountability and responsibility for his demise.

Several clergy and public officials lent their condolences, as well as assurances that measures were proceeding that might better safeguard Justins brother, sister, and other children and families.

West Orange Township Council Vice President Adrienne Wooten, an aide to state Sen. Britnee Timberlake, D-Essex, said her boss had introduced a bill last month, S-3633, the Justin Christian El-Abiad Act, to require that landlords automatically install window guards in apartments occupied by children up to 13 years old or people with certain disabilities.

Newark South Ward City Councilman Patrick Council read a council resolution and a statement from Mayor Ras J. Baraka offering their condolences. Council noted that Baraka has announced creation of a permanent, ongoing list of the citys worst landlords in terms of outstanding violations, though the first edition of the list had not been released.

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Bartley, the pastor and National Action Network member, urged Justins mother not to let her sons loss dampen her faith.

Like Elham El Abiad herself had written, Bartley said faith and justice could go hand in hand. And in the landlords case, the pastor added, Hes not going to get away with this.

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After a car crashed into the Temple Israel synagogue outside Detroit, the Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as a naturalized citizen from Lebanon.

Security officers shot and killed Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, after he crashed into the synagogue, starting a fire, on March 12. As The Dallas Express reported, investigators found suspected explosives in his vehicle.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Ghazali arrived in the United States in 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Officials granted him citizenship in 2016.

The synagogues preschool was in session at the time of the attack, but no children or staff members were injured, according to NBC. Though the car struck one security guard, roughly 30 first responders were treated for smoke inhalation.

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Investigators were looking into the attack as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community, said FBI-Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan in a press conference.

The night of the synagogue attack, authorities reportedly raided Ghazalis home in Dearborn Heights. A Facebook account by the same name as the suspect, based in Dearborn, features posts about Lebanon and conflict in the Middle East.

Previously shared pro Hezbollah material on his socials. Dearborn is a radicalization hotbed. Hope the feds are keeping more than a close eye on it. https://t.co/pICtJD3qNR pic.twitter.com/lAFebFCWeM  Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) March 12, 2026

Ghazali reportedly lost four relatives when Israel launched an airstrike on the southern Lebanon town of Machgharah on March 5, according to a Lebanese official and Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun, per NBC.

Earlier today, we learned that the individual responsible for the incident that took place at Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield was a resident of Dearborn Heights, Baydoun wrote on Facebook. Earlier this month, he lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon.

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Baydoun called to stand against rising hate and senseless violence.

I urge residents to stay aware and vigilant, especially as we gather during these sacred final days of Ramadan, Baydoun said. Lets continue to care for one another and pay attention to anything that feels out of place.
Another police chief retirement, another huge end-of-career payout.

When Bayonne Chief Robert Geisler stepped down in October after more than 30 years on the force, he left a job in which hed risen through the ranks to become the highest paid chief in New Jersey law enforcement.

Geislers long career and $338,254 salary put him in line for a pension in which hell receive nearly $236,000 a year for the rest of his life.

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But Geisler, 54, also left with a parting gift: Thousands of hours of unused paid leave that he was able to cash in, providing him a severance worth $541,533 as he walked out the door, according to city records.

Those hefty payouts are often derided by critics as boat checks that allow well-placed retirees to sail off into the sunset at the expense of taxpayers. Theyve proven both controversial and hard to control, despite reforms state lawmakers enacted more than 15 years ago to bring them to heel.

Its not the first time its happened in state laws where the Legislature has an idea, but the follow through execution is not well addressed, said Marc Pfeiffer, an expert in municipal governance who teaches at Rutgers University.

Pfeiffer said payments like Geislers demonstrate flaws in those old reforms, which have faced their own tough realities at the local level, where contractual obligations and strong public sector unions have blunted their effect.

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The answer is its more than just a good government issue, its a political issue, Pfeiffer said.

Bayonne officials did not respond to requests for comment, and Geisler could not be reached.

But defenders of the payouts often cast them as the just rewards of a career in public service, saying the leave was earned through each employees dedication to the job. They note that every banked day off represents a day those workers reported for duty, when they could otherwise have been paid to stay home with their families.

Geisler built up more than 270 days of leave over his career  roughly a year and a half worth of days off  including vacation days, personal days, sick leave incentives and other banked time, according to a breakdown provided by the city following a public records request.

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That time was paid out at the $164.75-an-hour rate Geisler earned as chief, a post he held for seven years after ascending through the leadership after starting as a patrolman in 1995.

Geisler cashed out 300 of those hours in July for $49,425, and received a check for $164,036 as he retired, records say. He is in line for additional checks of $164,036 this year and next year.

Throughout his tenure, Chief Geisler has led our department with strength, compassion, and vision, the Bayonne Police Department said on Facebook as he retired. He guided us through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of both our officers and our community while continuing to uphold the highest standards of service.

The department wished him health, happiness, and fulfillment in his well-earned retirement.

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Large payouts the size of Geislers are not unheard of. A 2023 investigation by NJ.com found that across the state, 780 of the governments highest paid employees had received severances worth $76.7 million  including 47 who took in more than $250,000.

More recently, a $787,017 payout owed to former West Orange Police Chief James Abbott has drawn controversy. The Essex County township has yet to pay Abbott, who retired in December, amid apparent scrutiny by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The office, one of the states fiscal watchdogs, has criticized retirement payouts before, accusing towns of routinely skirting laws meant to check the size of those payments.

Those include legislation approved in 2010 that restricted sick leave payouts to $15,000  a cap state workers have long been under  and limited the amount of vacation employees can carry year-to-year.

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But that law only applied to workers hired after it took effect, allowing existing employees to continue to accrue larger amounts. That left legacy payments that, some observers say, will continue at least until the class of pre-2010 workers retire.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The advisory, which urged Israelis to refrain from participating in events and gatherings linked to Israel, comes as Iranian forces are believed to be intent on targeting Israelis in the Gulf region.

Israel's National Security Council (NSC) issued a series of safety recommendations on Friday for Israelis currently in the United Arab Emirates in light of ongoing Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting the UAE and other Gulf states.

The advisory comes as Iranian forces are believed to be intent on targeting Israelis in the region.

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The NSC urged Israelis to refrain from attending or participating in events and gatherings linked to Israel, including avoiding synagogues, businesses clearly identified with Israel, and any unnecessary gatherings.

The advisory emphasized that the airport should generally be avoided, noting that only individuals with valid flight tickets should approach it.

AN EMIRATES passenger plane lands at Frankfurt Airport from Dubai International on Tuesday. The flight was among the first to begin ferrying the thousands of German tourists who have been stranded across the Middle East. (credit: ANDREAS RENTZ/GETTY IMAGES)

Additionally, employees of Israeli companies in the UAE are being instructed to avoid reporting to offices or facilities connected to Israeli operations.

Flight disruptions and layover guidelines

Israelis are strongly advised not to take flights with layovers in the UAE due to the instability of flight operations in the region. The NSC noted that supplementary flight operations for returning Israelis are expected to conclude by Sunday, March 15.

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The NSC also shared guidelines based on the Home Front Commands recommendations for responding to drone attacks, similar to those experienced in Israel. The following safety protocols are advised:

Follow the instructions of local security forces and adhere to any alerts. If possible, seek shelter inside a building, ideally on the second floor, to avoid blast and shrapnel from the ground floor.

Take refuge in an internal room with minimal windows and sit below the window line. If you cannot find a building or if an explosion occurs nearby, lie flat on the ground and protect your head with your hands.

In the event of being in a vehicle, stop safely on the side of the road, exit the vehicle, lie flat, and protect your head.
NATO has again intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading towards Turkey, the alliance's spokeswoman Allison Hart said.

"NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies," Hart said on Friday.

A ballistic missile launched from Iran was neutralized by NATO air-defence systems as it entered Turkish airspace on Friday, Turkey's Defence Ministry said earlier, marking the third such incident since March 4.

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In a statement on social media platform X, the ministry said the munition was destroyed by NATO assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was not immediately clear what was targeted, while local media reported warning alarms sounded earlier on Friday around the Incirlik Air Base in southern Adana province, which also houses US personnel.

Ankara is in touch with Iran "to clarify all aspects of the incident," the ministry said.

The Iranian embassy in Ankara later denied that any missiles were fired towards Turkey.

The latest incdent follows two similar interceptions in over a week as fighting between Iran, Israel and the US spills across the region.

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NATO deployed additional Patriot air-defence systems to southern Turkey to bolster protection against potential missile threats, Ankara said earlier this week.

NATO member Turkey, which borders Iran to the east, is neutral in the conflict and has stepped up monitoring of its airspace as the war intensifies.
Next month, the U.S. Navy will commission the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., the first vessel to ever bear the name of the Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient.

On April 11, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer 124 will officially become a U.S. warship and enter the fleet, honoring Marine Corps Col. Harvey Curtiss Barney Barnum Jr. for his gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War, according to a Wednesday release.

While out on patrol on Dec. 18, 1965, near the village of Ky Phu, Barnum, a forward observer for Company H, 2nd Battalion of the 9th Marines Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, was suddenly pinned down by enemy fire from a large North Vietnamese force. The ambush, according to the DOD, separated his company from the rest of the battalion.

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It was the first time Id been shot at, Barnum recalled in an oral history for the Library of Congress. So, I hit the deck.

Then-1st Lt. Barnum took command of his company after its commander was mortally wounded.

When I  looked around, I could see all these young Marines eyes looking at me, and theyre saying, OK, lieutenant, what the hell are we going to do? Barnum remembered. At that point, I started doing what lieutenants do, and thats giving direction.

Marine Corps Capt. Harvey C. Barney Barnum Jr. and other Marines pose for a photo in Vietnam on Jan. 27, 1969. (Navy)

After reorganizing and rallying his men, Barnum moved fearlessly through enemy fire to lead air attacks against the enemys well-entrenched positions while directing one platoon in a successful counterattack on the key enemy positions, according to the release.

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Due to poor weather, fixed-wing aircraft was unable to provide fire support nor evacuation but eventually two gunships arrived on the scene to help the besieged Americans.

According to the DOD, Barnum moved through intense enemy fire to get to a knoll where he could call in the air attacks, repeatedly exposing himself so he could physically point out the targets.

Eventually making contact with the battalion commander, Barnum was told that his company would have to fight its way out or be stuck by themselves overnight, according to the DOD account.

I knew that was a nonstarter, Barnum told the Library of Congress. Casualties were mounting rapidly. Ammunition was getting low, and the ceiling was closing in on us. I didnt think our chances were going to be very good if we stayed.

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The young lieutenant subsequently cleared a small landing zone for helicopters to evacuate the wounded and the dead and then ordered his fellow Marines to leave behind their packs and all broken equipment to make ourselves light, Barnum recalled.

Roughly 1,600 feet of open rice patties stood in the way of Barnums Marines and the relative safety of the village.

Squad by squad, when I said go, I said, Run as fast as you can. Dont even stop. The only time you stop is if someone gets shot and you pick them up, Barnum remembered.

One by one Barnums squads sprinted  without cover  to the village. It took about 45 minutes but every Marine made it.

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Barnum was recommended for the Medal of Honor just days after the battle, and received it on Feb. 27, 1967, from Navy Secretary Paul H. Nitze during a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington.

Barnum is one of the few living namesakes to view his ships commissioning, according to the release.

DDG 124s sponsor, Martha Hill, is Barnums wife, and since the 2021 keel laying ceremony, Hill and Barnum have kept a close relationship with the ships crew.

During the commission, Hill will maintain tradition by giving the order as the vessels sponsor to man our ship and bring her to life!

The crew will then hoist the commissioning pennant, and USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will officially become a warship and enter the fleet.

Following the commission, the ship will be located at Naval Station Norfolk.
The U.S. Navy has conducted at least one new round of live-fire tests of its prototype electromagnetic railgun at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The service had shelved its railgun effort in the early 2020s, at least publicly, after work that had shown promise ran into technical hurdles. A railgun is now set to be a key feature on the future Trump class battleships.

A brief mention of the new railgun testing is included in a document highlighting achievements by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in 2025. NSWC PHD, which is part of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), primarily operates from Port Hueneme in California, but it also maintains a detachment at White Sands. The U.S. Army manages the WSMR, which other branches of the U.S. military also use for a wide variety of research and development and test and evaluation activities.

The WSD [White Sands Detachment] tested a railgun to collect critical information about high-velocity firing during a three-day campaign at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, the year-in-review document says. The testing in February [2025] was a joint effort between WSD and NSWC Dahlgren Division in Virginia and conducted for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)s Joint Hypersonics Transition Office.

A picture showing the prototype railgun being fired at WSMR, which was included in the NSWC PHDs 2025 year-in-review document. USN

The railgun had originally been installed at a land-based test site belonging to NSWC Dahlgren in Virginia. The Navy announced in 2019 that it had moved the weapon to the WSMR. Plans to conduct at-sea testing of the weapon were repeatedly delayed and never materialized.

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TWZ has reached out to NAVSEA for more information about the three-day test campaign last year and its objectives, and to ask whether any other live-fire testing of the prototype railgun at WSMR has occurred since 2021. That year, the Navy had announced its intention to close out work on the railgun and effectively put what was left of the program into storage.

Railgun hardware will be realigned to maximize its sustainability to facilitate potential future use, the Navy had said at the time. However, there do not appear to have been any disclosures of further testing of the weapon before now.

The video below shows the prototype railgun being fired at the test site in Virginia in 2016.

Without more information, it is hard to say what the purpose of the February 2025 tests may have been. That the testing was done in support of the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office (JHTO) could point to the railgun having been used for work unrelated to the weapon itself. Established in 2020, the JHTO is broadly tasked to facilitate the development of new hypersonic technologies and help transition that work into formats that could lead to operational capabilities. As a pure test asset, the railgun might offer an additional way to launch suitably sized payloads at extremely high speeds, but there are other ways available to do that kind of work, and it is not clear that using the weapon in this way makes sense. The U.S. military has been working to expand various aspects of its hypersonic test infrastructure, in general, in recent years amid a surge in new development efforts in that space.

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At the same time, as noted, the Trump class battleship effort, also known as BBG(X), has also now breathed new life into the prospect of an operational U.S. naval railgun. President Donald Trump rolled out plans for new large surface combatants, which are expected to displace around 35,000 tons and also be armed with a mix of missiles (including hypersonic types), traditional 5-inch guns, and laser directed energy weapons, as you can read more about here.

A rendering depicting a Trump class battleship firing various weapons, including a rail in a turret at the bow. USN

Whether the Navy has any plans to pick up where it left off with the railgun prototype currently at WSMR, which was developed by BAE Systems, or pursue a new design, is unclear. General Atomics, which has done railgun development work for the U.S. Army in the past, has expressed interest in being involved in helping arm the Trump class warships. Construction of the lead ship in the Trump class, to be named USS Defiant, is not expected to begin until the early 2030s.

Railguns, which use electromagnets rather than chemical propellants to fire their projectiles at very high velocities, have historically presented significant technological challenges. They have significant power and cooling requirements, especially if the intent is to be able to fire multiple shots in relatively rapid succession. This, in turn, has generally meant that railgun installations are physically bulky due to the need for large energy storage batteries and cooling systems. Firing projectiles at very high speeds at any kind of sustained rate also imparts significant wear on the barrel. A worn-out barrel reduces range and accuracy, and creates potential safety hazards.

At the same time, a practical operational electromagnetic railgun offers the promise of a very capable and flexible weapon that can be employed against a wide variety of targets at sea, on land, and even in the air, and do so at considerable range. This includes being able to intercept incoming threats, including ones that may themselves be moving at hypersonic speeds. A railgun also offers magazine depth and cost benefits compared to traditional surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, given the smaller size and unit price of its rounds.

A U.S. Navy briefing slide from the services abortive railgun program showing how ships armed with the weapons (as well as conventional guns firing the same ammunition) could potentially engage a wide variety of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, as well as surface targets. USN

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As an aside, just in the past year, Japan has announced significant progress with its naval railgun program, including the first known instance of a railgun mounted on a ship being fired at sea at a real target vessel. In 2024, it was reported that Japanese authorities had met with U.S. Navy representatives to discuss leveraging the latters previous railgun work, which raised the possibility of further collaboration in the future. Japans Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ALTA) also has a formal agreement with the Franco-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) to cooperate on the development of railgun-related technologies.

A composite image showing, at top left, a Japanese prototype railgun mounted on a test ship being fired during at-sea testing last year, as well as damage to the target vessel. ATLA

The ATLA video below shows previous live-fire testing of a prototype railgun at a facility on land.

Other countries have also been pursuing railguns, particularly for naval use. A prototype railgun mounted in a large turret notably appeared on a Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship in 2018, though the exact status of that program is now unclear. There has also been a very public naval railgun development program underway in Turkey in recent years.

The Chinese naval railgun that emerged in 2018. Chinese internet

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If nothing else, the test firing of the Navys prototype railgun at the WSMR last year shows that it remains functional, at least to a degree, as the service now looks ahead to fielding an operational weapon of this type on the Trump class.

Special thanks to user @lfx160219 on X for bringing the railgun entry in the NSWC PHD 2025-year-in-review document to our attention.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Nearly one-third of U.S. children reported missing are Black, even though Black people constitute roughly 14% of the U.S. population.

To address one dimension of this problem, Pennsylvania and a few other states, including Alabama and Massachusetts, have in recent years proposed legislation to reform missing child alert systems. Not all missing children cases trigger an Amber Alert  the nationwide emergency alert system for missing children  but those that do receive greater public and media attention. These states suggest implementing an Ebony Alert that focuses on children of color.

Pennsylvania state Rep. Gina Curry introduced a bill specifically tailored to finding missing Black and Brown youth in June 2024 and reintroduced it in January 2025. It is currently sitting in the Children and Youth Committee.

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Pennsylvania and the other states where these laws are pending are taking a cue from California, which started its statewide Ebony Alert program in January 2024. Californias system aims to guarantee that cases of missing Black youth are treated fairly by law enforcement agencies and the public is alerted in similar fashion and through the same venues offered under Amber Alerts.

I am a law professor who studies victimization and inequalities in the criminal legal system. In a recent legal paper, attorney Tanisha Brown and I examined how Ebony-like laws might save more Black children who go missing.

Our study focuses specifically on Black children, though we recognize that the disproportionate number of missing children from Native American and other marginalized communities also deserve attention and further inquiry.

The crisis of missing Black children

Our original data analysis suggests that the probability of Black children going missing is three times that of white children.

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The May 2025 Minority and Missing Report  a collaborative effort among leading law enforcement and various civil society groups  also highlighted the disproportionate number of missing Black, American Indian and Alaska Native children.

These disparities extend beyond reporting rates for missing children.

Black children are also more vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation than white children. Structural inequalities, such as poverty, housing instability and overrepresentation in the foster care system, compound their risks.

Ambers role in the disparities

The Amber Alert system was adopted in the early 2000s. Amber stands for Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It is a powerful and comprehensive alert infrastructure that distributes information about a missing child through radio, television, text messages, highway signs, email notifications and major online platforms, including Google and Facebook.

Many of the kids who go missing are victims of crime  abducted from their neighborhoods, homes and schools, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, and, in some tragic cases, killed. Amber Alerts mobilize communities to assist in the search process.

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To issue an Amber Alert, law enforcement must determine that specific statutory conditions are met, including the age of the child, law enforcements belief in imminent danger of serious injury or death, and the sufficiency of existing information to assist in recovery. Crucially, children who are categorized as runaways are excluded from Amber eligibility.

Advocacy groups for missing children argue that for a host of reasons, including implicit and explicit racial bias, Black children who go missing are disproportionately labeled as runaways. This excludes them from the protections of the Amber system and reduces the likelihood of them being found.

Even when an Amber Alert is initiated, some data suggests that Black children are less likely to be recovered than white children.

States respond with Ebony Alerts

Californias Ebony Alert system ensures that all cases involving missing Black youth receive public notification comparable in scope and visibility to Amber Alerts. It offers different criteria for the initiation of the alerts. For example, an Ebony Alert may be issued when law enforcement determines that an individual went missing under unexplained and suspicious circumstances.

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The Pennsylvania proposal generally follows Californias provisions, while stating that it is intended for young people of color.

These efforts publicly acknowledge and attempt to address the disproportionate impact of missing-child crises on Black communities. They also shine light on the limitations of formally colorblind frameworks like Amber, as Ambers race-neutral design has, in practice, produced racially disparate outcomes  with potential life-or-death consequences.

Addressing Ambers structural flaws

In order to fix the Amber Alert system in states without Ebony Alert legislation, we propose three reforms that would reduce flaws in its design.

1. A more holistic evaluation of missing child cases: Currently, all Amber factors must be present to initiate an alert. Our approach suggests that no single factor should stop an alert from being issued. Doing so will require law enforcement agents to approach each case with more complexity and nuance, including recognizing particular community needs.

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2. A broader spectrum of at risk conditions: Law enforcement can issue alerts in cases beyond the most typical cases of serious risk to bodily integrity or death. This might include unexplained and suspicious circumstances or recognizing that the missing person might be subject to trafficking.

3. Shift the burden within law enforcement decision-making: To mitigate bias in alert initiation, we propose that law enforcement bear the burden of explaining why not to initiate an alert  instead of why to  when they cannot explain circumstances behind a child going missing.

Together, these reforms could significantly address existing problems within the Amber system itself.

Equal protection challenges

The design of Ebony Alert laws, however, raises a constitutional question: Can such laws withstand equal protection challenges?

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Under current doctrine, Ebony Alert laws would likely be considered a racial classification subject to strict scrutiny, an almost impassable legal hurdle. The 2020 Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, in which the Supreme Court ruled that several race-conscious admission programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina violated the equal protection clause, might have further challenged this type of legislation.

To pass strict scrutiny, laws must be narrowly tailored interventions that serve a compelling state interest.

As Brown and I argue, the interests and context of Ebony Alert laws differ meaningfully from those in the Students for Fair Admission case. Ebony is law-enforcement legislation aimed at protecting children who are victims of crime. Courts have long recognized that safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is a compelling interest.

Ebony Alert laws also address documented racial disparities in the Amber system that undermine equal protection and public safety. According to case law, race-conscious measures may be deemed compelling when essential to accomplishing criminal system objectives within a community served, including maintaining trust and perceptions of fairness. These points are developed more fully in our paper.

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To be sure, Ebony Alerts are not a panacea. As the Minority and Missing Report emphasizes, there are broader issues, such as inconsistent reporting protocols, inadequate training and strained relations between marginalized communities and police.

Nonetheless, Ebony Alert proposals invite a broader reckoning with how race-neutral systems can produce racially unequal outcomes. Carefully designed race-conscious remedies may be necessary to fulfill the criminal legal systems most basic promise: protecting childrens lives.

Read more of our stories about Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, or sign up for our Philadelphia newsletter on Substack.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Itay Ravid, Villanova University

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Read more:



Itay Ravid does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Nearly 500 structures in Kankakee County were damaged by massive storms that produced tornadoes and hail as they swept across Illinois Tuesday night, according to Gov. JB Pritzker, who promised that state officials would seek federal aid to help those most affected.

The governor spent Thursday afternoon in the Aroma Park neighborhood alongside local officials and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to assess the devastation and discuss aid.

Strong tornadoes and large hail ripped through Illinois and Indiana Tuesday night, leveling homes in their wake and killing two people in northwest Indiana. As of Thursday afternoon, National Weather Service meteorologists reported three tornadoes had hit Livingston and Kankakee counties in Illinois and Newton, Jasper and Starke counties in Indiana.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Braun visits Lake Village to survey damage after deadly Tuesday night storm

Pritzker praised the reaction to the storm from local officials and first responders.

Everybody stepped up. Everybody, Pritzker said. When I say, the people, I really mean neighbors and friends and people who live in neighboring communities showed up for each other here.

The first step in delivering aid is to estimate the total amount of damage, Pritzker said. He added that the effort was ongoing. So far, officials have reported that local schools, the Kankakee County jail and courthouse, and Riverside Medical Center were damaged, and that 30 or more homes were completely destroyed.

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Pritzker said the governments immediate goal was to provide housing for people who lost their homes. Then, once the damage assessment is completed, the state will know how much the community needs in repair funds.

Officials said they plan to seek federal financial assistance to support the effort, but Illinois hasnt had much success securing Federal Emergency Management Agency funds under Republican President Donald Trump. Last month, FEMA denied Illinois appeal and affirmed its decision to block funds requested after floods in Cook, Will, Kane, McHenry and Boone counties displaced residents and caused power outages in the summer.

Pritzker, a Democrat who has routinely tussled with Trump on federal immigration enforcement efforts and an array of other issues, said he expects the state will receive federal funds for Tuesdays disaster because the damage is so visible. He said that isnt always the case for areas requesting federal funding.

But the Trump administration has punished states that didnt vote for him in 2024, repeatedly targeting blue states with funding cuts in health care and transportation.

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Politics shouldnt play a role in addressing emergencies and crises that exist across the country or in the state of Illinois, the governor said.

The damage assessment must be completed before the state can request federal assistance, Pritzker said. Until then, local and state officials will provide the help they can.

The Illinois State Police and IEMA were deployed to Kankakee County Tuesday night, Pritzker said. The Illinois Department of Transportation has since been active in the area.

As of Thursday afternoon, ComEd, the largest electric utility company in Illinois, has restored power to 99% of homes that lost it, according to the governor.

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Crews have been working to clear Kankakee County roads of fallen trees and power lines. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado that hit Kankakee County was rated EF3, with wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph. The most severe type of tornado is an EF5.

At the intersection of Norman Street and Strasma North Drive  where officials gathered Thursday  the devastation was clear. Roofs were blown off houses and debris was scattered across yards. Fallen trees and snapped branches lined the roads.

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services dispatched two trucks serving meals and hygiene kits to those affected. The North Carolina-based Billy Graham Rapid Response Team announced Thursday it would deploy chaplains to provide emotional and spiritual care to the hardest hit areas in Kankakee and Newton counties.

Pritzker said hes received outreach from people across the state hoping to help with aid efforts for homeowners affected by the storms.

It is a reminder to all of us that we are one Illinois, Pritzker said. Especially in a crisis when we need each other, we are there for one another.
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter.

Nubank has hired a TikTok alum to serve as its global marketing director.

Kim Farrell, who spent the past two-plus years as global head of creators at the social-media platform, will lead the development of Nubanks global brand architecture and governance, brand campaigns and global partnerships, the Brazilian challenger bank said Tuesday.

The announcement comes roughly a week after Farrell posted what she deemed a seemingly impossible  big goodbye on LinkedIn.

It was such an immense privilege and the best rollercoaster rocket ship ride, Farrell wrote of her time at TikTok. As for me, after a much needed few weeks off, I'm latching on to my next rocket ship next week.

Nubank will mark somewhat of a return home  at least in geographic focus  for Farrell, who began at TikTok in 2020 as a Sao Paulo-based director of marketing for Latin America.

Nubank, too, is based in Sao Paulo, though Farrell will work from Miami and report directly to the challenger banks co-founder and U.S. CEO, Cristina Junqueira.

That reflects Nubanks focus on U.S. growth. The company in January received the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencys conditional approval for a national banking license in the U.S. Once fully approved, Nubank plans to offer deposit accounts, credit cards, lending and digital asset custody.

Ive spent my career at the intersection of innovation, culture and storytelling, building platforms that empower people to create and connect in new ways, Farrell said in a press release Tuesday. Joining Nu is an incredible opportunity to apply that same lens to the financial world.

Lincoln Parks, founder of the bank marketing agency WebMobileFusion, called Farrells hire a fresh and somewhat risky move.

[Nubank has] been on the cutting edge of technology since day one, and they've never seemed afraid to experiment or challenge traditional banking norms," Parks told American Banker. "When you look at how they've approached the banking landscape overall, bringing in someone from a platform like TikTok actually fits their DNA.

Farrell said she aims to ensure Nubank remains a household name as we expand internationally and continue to improve peoples lives through fair, transparent products.
One of the wounded parties was a 50-year-old woman with shrapnel wounds on her limbs, while the other was a 60-year-old man who had been hurt by the shockwave of an explosion.

A wave of strikes from Lebanon on Friday afternoon led to two more wounded in northern Israel, Magen David Adom stated.

One of the wounded parties was a 50-year-old woman with shrapnel wounds on her limbs, while the other was a 60-year-old man who had been hurt by the shockwave of an explosion.

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Both were only lightly wounded, MDA said.

Nearly 60 wounded by Iranian missile barrage

Some 58 people were wounded after a ballistic missile struck Israel during the third Iranian missile barrage targeted the country's north on early Friday morning, Magen David Adom said in a statement.

Seven firefighting teams from the Nof Galilee Station responded to the scene, Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority said on Friday morning.

According to the authority, the missile struck near four houses, heavily damaging one of the homes, as well as several cars.

The strike also sparked a fire in a nearby building, which quickly spread into an open field.

MDA said that it has evacuated one person moderately wounded from shrapnel and 57 others mildly wounded by glass shards to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.

Magen David Adom paramedics at the scene of a missile hit, March 9, 2026. (credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)

When we arrived at the scene, we saw damage to several homes and shattered glass," MDA EMT Eran Abo said. "We saw a 34-year-old woman suffering from a back injury caused by shrapnel, and her condition is defined as moderate, as well as a 17-year-old girl who was mildly injured by broken glass."

All 58 admitted to hospital, incident being reviewed

Emek Medical Center in Afula said that it has admitted 30 of those wounded in the strike, including 15 adults and 15 children. Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa said it has admitted the additional 28, including 12 children.

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Medical personnel also evacuated an additional 15 people suffering from anxiety to the hospital.

Regular and reserve forces of the Home Front Command are currently operating alongside emergency personnel at the scene of the strike, the IDF said early Friday morning.

A situational assessment was conducted at the site "in cooperation with emergency and rescue authorities, in order to clear the scene."

The IDF added that the circumstances of the incident are under review.
By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU, March 13 (Reuters) - A three-year-old party won Nepal's general elections by a landslide, authorities said, positioning its candidate Balendra Shah to become the next prime minister, with a mandate for the rapper-turned-politician to restore political stability.

The March 5 election was the Himalayan nation's first vote since demonstrations against corruption last September led by Gen Z protesters that killed 77 people and toppled the government.

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"If everything goes well, we can expect that it can give a stable government for five years," said constitutional expert Purna Man Shakya, referring to splits over dividing up the spoils of office that doomed prior majority governments.

Shahs Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won 182 seats in the 275-member parliament, the Election Commission said on Thursday, the largest majority of any party in more than six decades.

That holds out hope for stability in a nation that has seen 32 changes of government in the last 35 years, battering investors' confidence while crippling economic and jobs growth.

"We are encouraged by the victory," said newly-elected lawmaker Sisir Khanal, a senior leader of the winning RSP. "The mandate has made us very responsible."

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The election relegated the oldest party, the Nepali Congress, to distant second place with just 38 seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli won only 25.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki succeeded Oli as the interim prime minister tasked with holding the election.

The election has been dominated by Shah, the former mayor of Kathmandu, the capital, whose rap music critical of the establishment gained him near-rockstar-like fame on social media.

He is the first politician expected to become prime minister who hails from the southern plains, known as Madhesh, where smaller regional groups failed to win a single seat.

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His RSP canvassed on a programme to fight graft, create jobs and more than double the $42 billion-economy in five years.

But its firebrand leader Ravi Lamichhane, a former television host, faces charges of misusing the funds of small saving companies. He denies the accusations and has been freed on bail.

Last year's youth-led uprising in the nation of 30 million nestled between China and India followed a social media ban that drew thousands into the streets, triggering clashes and deaths that forced Oli's resignation.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada lawmakers are taking a closer look at human trafficking and the role the hospitality industry can play in identifying victims.

During a legislative committee presentation on Thursday, researchers from Arizona State University shared new data about trafficking victims and the warning signs hotel staff can watch for.

>>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

As the states tourism industry continues to grow, lawmakers said awareness inside hotels could play a key role in stopping exploitation.

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When a person is in distress, or there are things that they want or things that they need, rarely do they think about selling sex as an option. Usually, someone has to introduce that option, said Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, director for the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research.

Human trafficking is often described as a hidden crime. Researchers said thats exactly what makes it so difficult to track.

According to their research, trafficking victims identified in their studies range in age from 11 to 58 years old, and about 60% of victims identified in one study group were from Nevada.

From January: Las Vegas airport launches new anti-human trafficking campaign

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Many victims share similar risk factors, including a history of running away, involvement in the child welfare system, previous abuse, or limited support systems.

That person has to be available to a trafficker to find them, so we have many people in this area who are vulnerable who have had difficult lives, said Roe-Sepowitz.

Traffickers themselves range widely in age from teenagers to adults in their 70s and often use different recruitment strategies to manipulate victims.

Hotels are highlighted as key locations for spotting warning signs. Red flags can include constant Do Not Disturb signs, minors left alone, and refusal of cleaning services.

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Garbage cans full of condoms would be red flag, right? Some of them are very obvious, but other things, having a person have all of their belongings, none of their belongings, said Roe-Sepowitz.

Jhenna Strasser with the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force said prevention and education within the hospitality industry is a key step.

Last year we trained over 4,400 individuals in person and had in-person trainings, said Strasser.

Front desk staff at hotels are also urged to look for individuals who appear distressed, lack identification, or are being closely monitored by someone else.

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If someone suspects human trafficking, they should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Republican candidate for Oregon governor and former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley received a $1 million donation from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, the largest donation any candidate in the race has gotten so far.

With about two months to go until the May 19 primary election, leading candidates for governor have raised a combined total of about $3.1 million in 2026.

More than 800 contributions in total have been made to the top four candidates this year: Gov. Tina Kotek, Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby and Dudley.

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Here's a brief refresher on each of those candidates.

Nike co-founder Phil Knight donated $1 million to Chris Dudley, a Republican candidate for Oregon governor and a former Portland Trail Blazer.

Who is running for Oregon governor in 2026?

Kotek is vying to stay in office for a second term. She has prioritized homelessness and housing, behavioral health and education. In announcing her reelection campaign, Kotek committed to standing up for Oregon against the federal government. While there are nine other Democrats who have filed to compete against her in the May primary, none have received significant donations or held state offices.

Diehl has gained prominence in recent months for his role as a chief petitioner collecting signatures against the gas tax. He has served two terms as a state representative.

Drazan is running for governor a second time. She advanced through the Republican primary in 2022 and lost to Kotek by fewer than 3.5 percentage points.

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Dudley is returning to politics 16 years after losing the governor's race to former Gov. John Kitzhaber. Dudley trailed Kitzhaber by 1.5%, the closest a Republican has come to the office in years.

Twelve other Republicans are running for office, including Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell and David Medina, a social media influencer who faced charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump. Bethell has raised about $21,100 this year; Medina has raised more than $33,100, $20,000 of which was a loan.

After Dudley's $1 million donation from Knight, Oregon's richest resident, Kotek is the gubernatorial candidate with the next largest donation in 2026  $150,000 from Building a Stronger West, a PAC backed by the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

The four candidates have each received at least one $100,000 contribution this year. Among the donors is Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who contributed to Kotek's campaign.

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Dudley also took a $100,000 loan from his family trust.

In 2026, Dudley has topped Kotek and his Republican opponents in fundraising.

But his campaign's cash balance falls behind both Kotek and Drazan, who have had longer to build up their contributions. That balance is the combined total of contributions and expenditures.

Kotek has plenty more time to gather donations before November. Republicans, who will face off in the May primary, are on a tighter timeline.

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: Here's how much money Oregon candidates for governor have raised
Nine people have been charged in connection with the death of an inmate at Miami Correctional Facility in November, according to a press release from the Indiana State Police Peru District.

At the request of the facility on November 26, 2025, detectives from the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division initiated an investigation into the death of inmate J. Trinidad Ramirez, 36, of Fort Wayne.

Investigators were assisted by the Miami County Coroners Office and Miami Correctional Facility Investigators.

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Charges have been filed this week by the Miami County Prosecutors Office in connection with the death investigation. All nine suspects are current residents of Miami Correctional Facility.

Charged in the case are:

 Na-Son Smith, age 33, charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter (level 2 felony), aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony) and battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).

 Matthew Shepard, 34, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony) and battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony)

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 Sherman Thompson, 32, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony) and prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony).

 Anthony York, 24, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony) and battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).

 Breon Davenport, 27. charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony) and prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony).

 David Holder, 34, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony) and battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).

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 Victor Adamson-Scott, 35, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony) and prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony).

 Aaron Sawyer, 28, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony) and battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).

 Tony Love, 42, charged with aggravated battery (level 3 felony), prisoner possessing a deadly weapon (level 4 felony), battery with a deadly weapon (level 5 felony).

All suspects are presumed innocent.

Ramirez was convicted of murder and arson, which resulted in three deaths, and was sentenced to 150 years in prison in 2022.
LEBANON  NJ Transit police are investigating an incident in which an alleged trespasser was struck by a train Wednesday afternoon at Lebanon Station.

Raritan Valley Line Train 5744, which departed High Bridge at 3:39 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Newark at 5:11 p.m., struck the person about 3:48 p.m., New Jersey Transit police Officer Kyalo Mulumba said.

The individual was taken to a local hospital. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known, Mulumba said.

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No injuries were reported among the approximately seven passengers or crew members aboard the train, he said.

Service was suspended in both directions between the White House and High Bridge stations.

The incident comes less than a month after an NJ Transit train fatally struck a pedestrian near Lebanon Station in February, briefly disrupting service on the Raritan Valley Line.

New Jersey Transit police are leading the investigation into Tuesdays incident, which remains ongoing, Mulumba said.

Email: alewis@gannett.com

Alexander Lewis is an award-winning reporter and photojournalist whose work spans many topics. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Transit train strikes person at Lebanon Station
A former Northern Kentucky dentist will not spend more time in prison for illegally prescribing morphine to a patient who later overdosed and died from the medication.

Dr. Jay Sadrinia, 63, was sentenced to time served on March 12 in federal court in Covington. He served 11 months in federal prison before the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his earlier convictions and sentence in the case.

He pleaded guilty in October to the illegal distribution of a controlled substance  one of two counts he was convicted of during a June 2023 trial. The appeals court's decision meant his case had to be prosecuted again.

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Sadrinia, who practiced dentistry for 30 years and owned four offices in Northern Kentucky, was originally sentenced in 2024 to 20 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of drug crimes related to morphine prescriptions, including for a prescription that caused a patient's death.

Opioid prescriptions led to a dental patient's death

As part of his guilty plea last year, Sadrinia admitted to writing a series of oxycodone prescriptions leading up to and on the day of a woman's dental procedure in 2020, then prescribing morphine just days later.

The woman died a short time later. She was found on her porch with morphine in her system and empty pill bottles, from prescriptions the dentist wrote, in her home.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Campbell said in court that Sadrinia "should also be held accountable for the consequences of his actions."

The outside of the federal courthouse in Covington.

Prosecutors said in court filings that Sadrinia suspected the woman had prior issues with substance use, even asking her boyfriend about those issues during the woman's last visit.

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After learning of the woman's death, prosecutors said, Sadrinia took steps to conceal the illegal morphine prescription.

He told his staff in a meeting to complete their patient notes, "in case somebody came in," the documents state. He added a backdated note to her patient file, noting that she requested more morphine. He also contacted the woman's family seeking information about the cause of death.

Judge David Bunning said that it's not a question that the prescription caused the woman's death.

"It led to a tragic event," Bunning said in court.

Prosecutors say dentist traded opioids for positive reviews

Prosecutors said that Sadrinia had a history of prescribing opioids to dental patients, including those with addiction histories. He also offered patients unnecessary opioids in exchange for positive Google reviews, they said, handing patients an iPad and an opioid prescription while they were still in the chair after a procedure.

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An employee even confronted Sadrinia, saying his prescribing practices could "kill someone," prosecutors said.

He was not convicted of crimes related to those prescriptions.

Ben Glassman, one of Sadrinia's attorneys, argued that his client has been financially ruined by the criminal case and sufficiently punished by the time he's spent in prison. "Dr. Sadrinia was not running a pill mill," Glassman said in court.

Judge: NKY dentist's decision led to 'lifetime of misery'

His attorneys said in a court filing that Sadrinia served the community and helped countless patients in his decades as a dentist.

"I'm sorry for what happened," Sadrinia told the judge. "I'm a broken man."

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Bunning, the judge, said there's no evidence Sadrinia intended to cause his patient's death. He also noted that Sadrinia seems affected by the loss of life.

"I honestly think that he was trying to treat her pain at the time," Bunning said. "Sometimes one bad decision does lead to a lifetime of misery."

As part of his sentence, Sadrinia will never again be allowed to practice dentistry or prescribe opioids.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKY dentist avoids more prison time after patient's overdose death
A Massachusetts high school student arrested in connection with the random killing of a woman in her North Shore home was ordered held without bail and to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.

Anthony DeMayo, an 18-year-old Lynn native and a senior at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, was arraigned Friday in Salem District Court on a charge of murder in the death of 68-year-old Janet Swallow, of Danvers.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

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Before the prosecution laid out the allegations against DeMayo, a forensic psychologist who evaluated him ahead of the arraignment concluded that the teen was showing signs of depression and risk of suicide, leading to the judges order for additional evaluation.

Officers responding to a 911 call for a person with a knife in the area of Standish Road in Lynn encountered a person carrying a knife, which had a reddish-brown stain consistent with blood, Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced during a news conference late Thursday night.

The person, later identified as DeMayo, was transported to Salem Hospital due to his erratic behavior, according to Tucker.

While a subsequent search of DeMayos Lynn home was unfolding, he allegedly admitted to Lynn police officers that he had killed a woman the night before in Danvers, just as they located blood-stained clothing, Assistant District Attorney Erin McAndrews told the court on Friday.

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DeMayos alleged confession and cellphone data on his phone led investigators to 17 Amherst Street in Danvers, where Massachusetts State Police detectives and Danvers officers found Swallow, a longtime resident of the town, dead from wounds consistent with a homicide, McAndrews said. DeMayo was then arrested and charged.

McAndrews also revealed new details during the arraignment, alleging that DeMayo broke in through a window of Swallows home and stabbed her to death while she was in her bed.

Investigators say the stabbing attack was random, and they believe DeMayo acted alone. They also noted that nothing was missing from Swallows home.

Swallows family shared a photo of her with Boston 25 News on Friday.

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This is not only a tragedy for the town, but for the school. This is just a very difficult case because of the randomness, Tucker said.

Danvers Police Chief James Lovell said there is no threat or danger to the public at this time.

In a statement, the president of Bishop Fenwick High School said the school was cooperating with the investigation, while also sharing condolences with Swallows family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, her family, and all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy, he wrote in a statement shared with Boston 25.

DeMayo is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on April 1.

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The investigation into Swallows death is 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
Nvidia will invest $2 billion in Nebius Group, an AI cloud firm, the companies announced Wednesday. Shares of Nebius rose 10% in pre-market trading on the news, while Nvidia stock was mostly flat.

The partnership covers AI factory design, inference infrastructure, fleet management, and early access to Nvidia's next-generation hardware, including the Rubin platform, Vera CPUs, and BlueField storage systems, the companies said. The goal is to enable Nebius to deploy more than 5 gigawatts of capacity by the end of 2030.

"AI is at another inflection point  agentic AI, driving incredible compute demand and accelerating infrastructure buildout," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement.

Nebius CEO Arkady Volozh said in a statement that the company was "built for AI since day one."

Wednesday's deal builds on an earlier relationship between the two companies. Nvidia had invested in Nebius as part of a $700 million funding round the company closed in late 2024, and held approximately $33 million worth of Nebius shares as of December of that year, according to Bloomberg.

Nebius traces its origins to Yandex, Russia's largest internet company. The Amsterdam-based holding company sold Yandex's Russian operations to a group of investors for $5.2 billion and adopted the Nebius name in 2024, according to Bloomberg.

The Nebius deal is the latest in a series of large Nvidia investments in companies that deploy its chips. A week before Wednesday's announcement, Nvidia invested $2 billion each in optical components makers Lumentum and Coherent, according to CNBC. In January, Nvidia made a similar $2 billion investment in CoreWeave, a Nebius competitor, according to Bloomberg. Nvidia also contributed $30 billion to OpenAI's $110 billion funding round last month and has said it plans to invest up to $10 billion in Anthropic, according to CNBC.

The pattern of Nvidia financing companies that are also its customers has drawn scrutiny. Critics have described the AI investment ecosystem as increasingly circular, with a small number of companies financing one another's infrastructure buildouts and pointing to those commitments as evidence of durable demand.
Polling in the California governor's race has former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco not only in the top tier but leading the pack in some surveys.

Although it's unlikely, there's a chance both Republicans could box out the crowded Democratic field and move on to the November runoff election.

But when ABC7 political reporter Josh Haskell asked Bianco whether this could happen, he said no.

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"Steve ruined that chance," he said. "There was a mathematical chance that two Republicans could have won, and Steve chose his political, typical strategy of destroying his opponent, instead of the Democrat policies that are destroying California that would have propelled two Republicans to November."

Although both are conservative Republicans who support President Donald Trump, Hilton told Eyewitness News he disagrees with Bianco on many of the central issues of this campaign.

"One of the things that I think people are concerned about when they see that he took a knee for Black Lives Matter," Hilton said. "You can't have that. You've got to have someone who doesn't buckle in the face of pressure. He said he was praying."

Hilton is talking about a moment during the George Floyd protests in June 2020 in Riverside when Bianco called on the Black Lives Matter protesters to work with him to make a difference.

Hilton has gone as far as creating a website called BLM Bianco to highlight that moment.

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"Steve is a liar," Bianco said. "Steve absolutely 100% knows what the truth is, and Steve is trying to manipulate everyone to believe that I am something that I'm not. There are two and a half million people living in Riverside County that know exactly what happened during that situation, and I was the first leader in the entire country, law enforcement leader, to actually stand up to BLM, and we used an overwhelming show of force to eliminate them from our city, which set the stage for the rest of the country to do the same. Tell me how that goes along with me being on the side of BLM? Steve tells you that so you don't look into his past to see that he raised more money than anyone for BLM. I wouldn't have had to fight the riots in downtown Riverside if Steve hadn't to raise the money for BLM."

Hilton has also criticized Bianco on immigration issues and compared him to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

"He's made clear that he is for amnesty on immigration," Hilton said. "That he wants to give citizenship to ... he actually says it doesn't matter how you got here, and that in fact everyone who came across the border in the Biden years is already legal. That's a ridiculous position. We have to enforce the law."

"I am completely against amnesty for illegals," Bianco responded. "We are a law-and-order country. I am fighting the state. I am suing the state to rid us of sanctuary state policies. Steve knows that, but he's lying to you."

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Rob Stutzman, a GOP consultant who works on campaigns in California, said the two candidates are neck and neck.

"Hilton has raised more money, and then the big question remains, is President Trump going to weigh into this primary, and who might he endorse?" Stutzman said. "We're getting close to ballots being out, so it's time to start drawing those distinctions and differences, and a good campaign defines your opponent. Don't let your opponent define himself or herself."
The Florida Legislature skidded to its scheduled finish line with a flurry of last-minute bill-passing  but lawmakers will be back soon at the Capitol.

The 60-day regular session wrapped up, perhaps fittingly on Friday the 13th. For the second straight year, lawmakers had no luck finalizing the lone bill by law that they must pass: A state budget for the year beginning July 1.

And Gov. Ron DeSantis weathered the worst session of his eight years, with plenty of ill feeling to go around.

Rep. Fentrice Driskell speaks to the media Friday, March 13, 2026.

This was too much talk and too little action, said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa. This was a missed opportunity for the people of Florida."

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The Legislature ended the session at 3:15 p.m. March 13, without the ceremonial hanky-drop that traditionally marks a session's sine die.

There wasn't much introspection from the leaders. Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, dismissed suggestions that Republican leaders had come up short in what they were sent to do at the Capitol.

"No sir, I do not believe that voters should be upset that the timeline has ... been altered," Albritton told reporters.

He said there was still plenty of time to finalize a budget before the July 1 date it takes effect. "If it doesn't happen in a 60-day window, that's not a loss. That's not an 'L,' " Albritton said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs anti-illegal immigration legislation with Senate President Ben Albritton and Speaker of the House Danny Perez by his side Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Albritton's counterpart, House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, didn't meet with reporters after the House adjourned.

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While a state budget eluded them, Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate advanced a handful of bills that highlighted party priorities, including requiring documented proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, cracking down on diversity programs in local government and giving DeSantis power to sanction what he claims are terrorist organizations.

They also paid homage to President Donald Trump by naming roads and Palm Beach International Airport after him.

But little focus was paid to the states high property insurance rates, housing costs and other affordability issues that polls show remain top-of-mind for many Floridians.

And with DeSantis having sparred with Perez for more than a year over policy issues, much of the session's focus centered on the drama between those at the top.

Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looks on after finishing the eighth hole during the Pro-Am round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

DeSantis priorities shelved or tied up in budget deadlock

DeSantis priorities on an artificial intelligence bill of rights and parental control of vaccines for kids failed, while an array of tax cuts and spending items remain tied up in the budget deadlock.

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For his part, Albritton forged an alliance with DeSantis. But that did little to guide legislation through the two chambers.

Instead, lawmakers now are on course to return to the Capitol in mid-April for the first of what could be a series of special sessions on the budget, property taxes and a rare, mid-decade congressional redistricting session already called by DeSantis for April 20-24.

"It needs to get done, and I think most people expect that," DeSantis said of the state budget, during an apperance in Jacksonville soon after lawmakers broke. "I think (for) a lot of the members, this is an election year, they want to go back to their districts and talk about some of the things they've accomplished."

But legislators have got to get further on a budget outline before returning. Last year, lawmakers needed an extra 45 days to complete a budget. This year, how much time will be needed for all the work planned is anyone's guess.

Senate President Ben Albritton address the Florida Senate during opening day of session Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

More movement needed on state budget

Still, the budget is the first issue that needs to be put to bed. The two sides had been $1.4 billion apart in rival spending plans approved earlier by each chamber. And while that gap narrowed through negotiations, the House and Senate are still divided over scores of issues.

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Albritton was vague when speaking to the Senate on the eve of the March 13 finale. He said he was looking forward to continued productive discussions on joint allocations in the coming weeks, and to resuming our work on the budget in the near future.

Hundreds of bills containing policy changes big and small fell by the wayside as the regular session ended  with the anticipated mid-April session expected to focus only on settling a state budget.

Heading into the sessions final day, 227 bills had been passed by the House and Senate. Thats lower than most years, but up from what had been a remarkably unproductive first seven weeks of session.

Rep. Juan Porras speaks to the media Friday, March 13, 2026.

Perez wrested power back from the governor -- but to what end?

Rep. Juan Porras, R-Miami, acknowledged that bad feelings had fractured the states ruling Republicans.

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But he credited Perez for wresting away legislative influence from DeSantis, who mostly had his way at the Capitol through his first seven years  muscling through initiatives that gave him more political power, taxpayer money to spend and legislation that enhanced his national profile.

Session began -- tense... Amid GOP tension, a DeSantis swan song: Five things to watch

DeSantis grade: "incomplete" or worse... Will DeSantis, Legislature go out not with a bang but a whimper?

What we went through as House members under previous speakerships, under this current governor, was just unacceptable, Porras said.

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He said Perezs flex has resulted in ensuring that we as House members have the voice they need.

That view didnt hold water with Driskell, the Houses leading Democrat. Perez exerting the role of the House did little but distract from the needs of Floridians, she said.

Thats going to sound really good for the history books, Driskell said of shifting power dynamics in Tallahassee.

But that doesnt help the teacher who is living in their car, or the family in Jacksonville who cant afford their utilities or the family down in the Keys who cant afford a place to live, she added.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@usatodayco.com or on X at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida lawmakers skid to finish line with no budget, but will be back
(Texas Scorecard)  A British man living in Harris County pleaded not guilty this week to a federal charge alleging he voted illegally in the 2024 presidential election.

Samuel James Hall, a green card holder from Great Britain, appeared in federal court on a misdemeanor charge of voting by an alien. According to his defense attorney, James Alston, Hall has lived in the Houston area for several years but is not a U.S. citizen. Federal prosecutors allege he cast a ballot in Harris County during the 2024 General Election, voting in races for president, vice president, U.S. Senate, and the House of Representatives. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison. Hall posted bond and is free while his case moves through court.

The FBIs Houston field office confirmed the investigation was conducted jointly with Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of the Attorney Generals Election Integrity Unit.

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The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrars Office said it first became aware of Halls presence on the voter rolls in June 2025, seven months after the election. The office notified him and stated that following that notification, the individual self-cancelled their registration, the Voter Registrar removed them from the voter rolls accordingly and this individual is not registered to vote in Harris County. The office added that it remains committed to ensuring that the voter registration rolls are up to date and that only eligible citizens are enrolled and part of the process. The office did not address how Hall was able to register in the first place.

The case comes as Harris Countys voter registration practices have faced scrutiny on a separate front. Late last year, the Texas Secretary of States Office validated an administrative complaint filed by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, alleging that voters had registered at private mailbox locations rather than physical home addresses as required under state law. The review identified more than 100 such registrations across two commercial mailbox facilities in Houston, and the secretarys office referred more than 125 additional addresses to the county for further review. Bettencourt, who authored the statute prohibiting commercial mailbox registrations, said the situation was straightforward, No one lives in a P.O. Box, and Texans cannot legally register to vote from one.

Separately, after Texas gained access to the federal SAVE database, the secretary of states office ran the states full voter rolls against it and identified 2,724 potential noncitizens registered to vote statewide. Prior to that, the secretary of state had already identified 33 individuals who may have voted illegally in the 2024 General Election alone, referring those cases to the attorney generals office for investigation. The AGs office subsequently launched a broader investigation into more than 100 potential noncitizens accused of casting ballots across multiple election cycles.

At the federal level, the Hall case is unfolding as Congress debates the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act. The legislation passed the House in February and would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, photo identification to cast a ballot, and regular state reviews of voter rolls to identify noncitizens. President Trump has made it his top legislative priority, stating he will not sign other legislation until the bill reaches his desk. The bill faces a tougher path in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to advance.

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The bill has also become a point of contention in the Texas U.S. Senate primary. Neither Sen. John Cornyn nor Attorney General Ken Paxton cleared 50 percent in the March 3 primary, setting up a May 26 runoff. Paxton said he would consider exiting the race if Senate leadership agreed to move the SAVE Act to a floor vote. Cornyn, who had previously defended the Senates 60-vote filibuster threshold for years, subsequently wrote in a New York Post op-ed that he would support whatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary to pass the bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters the votes to change the rule are not there within the Republican conference. President Trump has not yet issued an endorsement in the runoff.

Under the current system, registering to vote requires applicants to attest under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens. Prosecutors allege Hall registered and voted despite not being a citizen. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrars Office has not explained what, if any, verification process would have caught the discrepancy before Election Day.
Five New York state taxpayer-supported affordable housing developments misspent funds and two projects also have health and safety issues that need addressing, a recently released report from the state Comptroller's Office shows.

Barker Terrace and Sunnyside Manor in Westchester County, Tompkins Terrace in Dutchess County, Seneca Towers in Monroe County and Executive House in Albany County were audited between January 2019 and December 2022. All are part of the state's Mitchell-Lama housing program, which provides more than 100,000 affordable housing units for New Yorkers across the state, and is the largest of its kind in the U.S.

The report also determined that the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), which oversees the Mitchell-Lama program outside of the city, doesn't do so sufficiently.

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Too often, serious problems in Mitchell-Lama buildings were identified but not resolved, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said.

When state and city agencies fail to ensure necessary repairs are made, unsafe conditions persist and New Yorkers who need affordable apartments cant access them," he added, calling for "immediate action" to address the many issues the audits found.

Here's how these issues are affecting New Yorkers.

Evaluation reveals unresolved health and safety issues at two Westchester housing developments

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli held a press conference in New York City on Monday, March 9, 2026 to announce the findings of his Mitchell-Lama housing program report.

Certain conditions at two residential buildings  Barker Terrace in Mount Kisco and Tompkins Terrace in Beacon have gone uncorrected for a long period of time and pose health and safety risks for its residents, the report states.

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Water damage found on the ceiling of a storage room inside Barker Terrace in 2022 reveals a larger known issue throughout the building according to past reports of pipe ruptures causing water damage in several apartments. Some of the findings were similar to others cited in a state audit report released in 2023, which some development managers disputed as being unfounded or misleading.

Sen. Pete Harckham, a Democrat who represents parts of Westchester County, including Mount Kisco, said he has communicated with Barker Terrace residents over the years and continues to do so.

The findings in Comptroller DiNapolis audit are deeply concerning, yet they underscore systemic issues faced by many Mitchell-Lama housing developments," a spokesperson for Harckham's office said. "The financial and safety lapses that have taken place over the years have raised red flags, but we are seeing progress now that a new management company has assumed responsibility for the building."

And in Tompkins Terrace, cracked walkways, loose stairway railings and a retaining wall in need of repair were still present in 2022, three years after the building was initially cited for the issues, the report says.

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Reports like this underscore why oversight and accountability are so important when it comes to programs that provide housing for our residents," Sen. Rob Rolison, a Republican who represents parts of Dutchess, Orange and Putnam counties said.

Inside NY's affordability crisis: What do New Yorkers want from Albany?

"The findings raise serious concerns, particularly when it comes to the proper use of funds and the health and safety conditions affecting residents. I hope these findings help ensure the necessary improvements are made so residents are protected and taxpayer dollars are used appropriately.

Management representatives also had not conducted site and office visits, which are required to be performed at least annually, to any of the audited locations between 2019 and March 2022, the report states.

Funds spent on birthday parties, flowers for politicians and casino trips

Funds were also mismanaged at five of the program's locations audited outside of New York City, DiNapoli's Office says. It found:

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At Tompkins Terrace , over $61,000 was spent on bonuses or other transactions unrelated to operations such as bonuses, staff lunches and travel expenses for an employee to attend a conference in Florida as well as more than $90,000 in unsupported expenses.

Management spent over $5,000 on bonuses, employee reimbursements for commuting costs and phone service costs billed in the name of individuals not employed by the building, at Barker Terrace .

Albany's Executive House management spent more than $11,500 on bonuses for its workers and an additional $1,700 on medical co-payments on behalf of a resident, scholarship fund contributions, flowers delivered to a politician's office and birthday gifts, parties and meals.

Seneca Towers in Rochester spent over $14,000 in bonuses, holiday dinners and trips to a museum, mobile zoo and casino as well as 32 inadequately supported transactions totaling more than $56,000. Management also leases commercial space to a grocery store they no longer collect rent from out of fear they would lose the grocery store, which is a resource for its residents, due to increased competition.

And Sunnyside Manor in Yonkers completed several conflict-of-interest transactions, including contracting with a construction company owned by the superintendent, hiring a board member as a part-time property manager and paying them for their work.

What improvements should be made to better living conditions in NY?

According to the report, the state has made investments in the program in recent years, including $440 million intended for the preservation and rehabilitation of New York's housing stock since 2023.

New York State Capitol in Albany, New York state capital, USA.

"But in order for these investments to meaningfully contribute to the improvement of the Mitchell-Lama housing, the state and city must improve transparency, enhance reporting, and better monitor and enforce maintenance, financial and other standards," the report states.

What to know: Lower Hudson lawmakers weigh in on NY housing affordability plans

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The state comptroller's office recommends both DHCR and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) assess the physical needs of all of their Mitchell-Lama developments, report the findings and require the buildings to create plans that address any hazardous conditions within 30 days.

Additionally, DHCR and HPD should help the developments create preventative maintenance schedules, make the buildings' financial statements publicly available and consider approving annual budgets to help with transparency and keeping them in good standing.

"For Mitchell-Lama developments to remain safe and affordable for another generation of middle-income New Yorkers, solutions that support the program as a whole, balance residents' needs with fiscal responsibility and long-term preservation, and improve weak oversight and governance are essential," the report said.

Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers' taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY affordable housing developments misspent funds, endangered residents: Report
NEW YORK  Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville is attacking Zohran Mamdani with an anti-Muslim tweet that accused the New York City mayor of being the enemy inside the gates.

The conservative Alabama lawmaker retweeted a post including a photo of Mamdani hosting a Ramadan iftar dinner at City Hall alongside the Sept. 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center.

Mamdani hit back at Tubervilles jibe, which falsely suggested that Mamdani or Muslims support terrorism.

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Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers, tweeted Mamdani, who is the first Muslim mayor of New York City.

At a break fast dinner with Muslim city workers late Thursday, Mamdani said he wasnt surprised to experience anti-Muslim attacks.

For nearly as long as there has been a New York City, there have been Muslim New Yorkers, Mamdani said at the iftar. And yet for nearly just as long, those with power and platform have sought to dehumanize us.

New York Democrats joined in the effort to school Tuberville, who has previously drawn criticism for calling Islam a cult, with Sen. Chuck Schumer calling the tweet mindless hate.

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Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand called the message disgraceful and unbecoming of a senator.

Delete it immediately and apologize, Gillibrand tweeted.

But Tuberville, an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump who is running for Alabama governor, refused to apologize or back down for the Mamdani tweet.

He insisted Friday he meant what he said.

To be clear, I didnt suggest Islamists are the enemy. I said it plainly, Tuberville tweeted.
Tom Pessemier, the city's deputy city manager, will speak on The State of the City of Oak Ridge at noon on Tuesday, March 17, at the Lunch with the League meeting of the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge.

The public is invited to attend the lunch and lecture between 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike. All are welcome to bring their lunch or purchase a boxed lunch for a nominal fee. Coffee and tea will be served. The presentation at noon will conclude after an hour with questions and answers.

Pessemier will discuss the city of Oak Ridges latest initiatives and projects, the citys financial outlook, current challenges and opportunities, and the citys future direction, including Oak Ridges role in the nations nuclear renaissance and continued economic growth.

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As deputy city manager, Pessemier works closely with city leadership on strategic planning, capital projects, infrastructure planning and economic development initiatives that support Oak Ridges long-term growth and quality of life.

Pessemier served as the city manager in Independence, Oregon, for three years following 13 years of service for Sherwood, Oregon, where he developed many projects including its $12 million Center for the Arts.

Pessemier, who is originally from Bend, Oregon, built his career in public service and municipal leadership. He holds bachelors degrees in civil engineering from Portland State University and economics from Oregon State University. He has extensive experience in local government operations, planning and community development.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge deputy city manager to speak on city's future
At a meeting of the Oregon Transportation Commission on Thursday, members learned that they haven't heard the end of cost overruns and blown deadlines from the state's transportation agency  not even after a legislative session where the agency's future funding continued to be a major point of contention.

Commissioners did not appear pleased with what they heard during an update on the Oregon Department of Transportation's ongoing Abernethy Bridge project along I-205 in Clackamas County.

The project is meant to widen the bridge and make it the first earthquake-ready interstate bridge over the Willamette River in the greater Portland area. But already there have been major delays and rising costs.

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In 2018, the project was estimated to cost around $250 million. Now, it's upwards of $800 million  and likely to rise even further. By the end of February, the project had spent a half-billion dollars and was about 70% finished, according to ODOT.

The project was supposed to be completed by the contractor, Kiewit, by the end of 2025. When that didn't happen, ODOT agreed to push the completion date to October 2026.

But as ODOT representatives revealed Thursday, the contractor's best guess for a completion date is now January 2028. The agency said it is working a "recovery schedule" in hopes of speeding things up.

ODOT's presentation also included a mention of an expected "increase in construction authorization," which is a euphemistic way of saying they will need more money.

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RELATED: The Interstate Bridge Replacement cost has more than doubled. Here's what's driving the increase

Commissioners asked the project leaders if there have been conversations about holding the contractor accountable for delays and cost overruns. ODOT officials replied that right now, they are still trying to work with the contractor on finding solutions, but noted they could pursue "liquidated damages" if things continue to drag on too long. Damages could include fines north of $70,000 per day.

Meanwhile, an official cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project is expected to be delivered next Tuesday. Late last year, KGW obtained draft documents showing that the estimated cost of the project had skyrocketed from about $6 billion in 2023 to more than $13 billion.

At the time, IBR stressed that those documents were just a "starting point" for the cost estimate.

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This month, ODOT signaled it would be able to limp along through the year without any further layoffs, while hiring back the majority of its 700 or so vacant positions statewide. It was able to do so after the legislature raided some $218 million from grant programs to fill the agency's budget gap.

Still, ODOT reps said Thursday they've just seen the biggest reduction in funding of any biennium to date  forcing them to do "less with less."

Though the legislature passed a bill hiking taxes and fees to stabilize ODOT's sagging state highway fund, a Republican-led effort to block those increases succeeded in making the ballot late last year, freezing the hikes. Democrats struck back by passing a bill moving the referendum to the May ballot, rather than November, considerably shortening the runway for any campaigning.

At Thursday's meeting, Kelly Brooks, Gov. Tina Kotek's transportation advisor, signaled that she is convening a workgroup for a new and "bipartisan" transportation funding package in 2027. The governor plans to announce the group's formation next week, Brooks said, with their first meeting set for April.

The work group is expected to produce something which can serve as a starting point for Oregon lawmakers during the 2027 long legislative session.
Mar. 12Honda workers in Marysville are now building more cars for consumers in Japan.

The Ohio-built Integra Type S will be exported to Japan, with sales scheduled to begin in Japan this year, Honda has announced.

The Integra variant will become the first Acura-branded vehicle sold in Japan as the brand marks its 40th anniversary.

The Acura Integra Type S is built only at the Marysville Auto Plant, using domestic and globally made parts.

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The K20C engine within the Integra Type S is built exclusively at the Anna engine plant about an hour's drive north of Dayton, the plant that also produces the engine that powers the Civic Type R, also exported to Japan.

"Building Acura models in America for the past 30 years has been a source of immense pride, and now exporting the Americanbuilt Integra Type S to Japan takes that pride to a new level," said Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of the Manufacturing Management Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America. "Our Ohio associates pour their expertise and passion into every vehicle, and we're excited for customers in Japan to experience the performance they create."

The engine plant in Anna employs 2,800 workers. Honda also makes its Acura NSX supercar at its Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville.

In all, about 15,000 employees work for Honda in Ohio. More than 1,400 people from Springfield and Clark and Champaign counties work at Honda locations.

Honda exhibited the Acura Integra Type S at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 and Osaka Auto Messe 2026, held in January and February.
Performance Construction of North Bend is claiming breach of contract, fraud and some unpaid bills in a lawsuit filed against Forest Hills Local Schools officials in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

Forest Hills school officials are headed to a showdown at the Ohio Supreme Court over whether they must reveal how they'd respond if agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed up at one of their schools.

School board members discussed their response plan in a closed executive session in February and have provided heavily redacted copies of the plan in response to public records requests.

But a lawsuit filed with the Ohio Supreme Court on Feb. 25 seeks the immediate release of unredacted copies of the plan. The school district has until March 21 to respond to the lawsuit.

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Curt Hartman, the Cincinnati attorney who filed the suit, said the district has justified withholding the response plan by citing a state law that only applies to information related to protecting schools from "attack, interference or sabotage" or from potential "acts of terrorism."

Hartman argues that ICE agents are not terrorists and do not pose a threat to schools, teachers or students. Therefore, he said, the school district has no grounds to keep secret its plans for dealing with the potential arrival of ICE on one of its campuses.

"It does seem to be a hostility toward law enforcement doing their job," Hartman said.

District spokesman Josh Bazan did not address specific allegations in the lawsuit, but he provided a statement defending the Forest Hills board's position.

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"The district is confident the redactions made to the ICE Response Plan document for purposes of safety and security of students and staff are legitimate," the statement said.

The legal dispute comes as public officials in cities across the country have struggled to respond to the arrival of masked, heavily armed ICE agents in their communities. The increase in enforcement activity is part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, which has led to the arrest and detainment of thousands of people, including U.S. citizens.

In Minneapolis, aggressive tactics by ICE agents included the use of physical force, pepper spray and warrantless searches of cars and homes. In January, ICE agents there shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Forest Hills board member Jeremy Ward said in February that the district became more concerned about privacy after learning that the Department of Homeland Security was requesting the data of anti-ICE social media accounts.

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DHS has previously stated that ICE uses "publicly available information on the internet and on social media platforms" to aid in the apprehension, detention and deportation of immigrants. Concerns about school children grew in late January when 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was detained with his father, an asylum seeker, in his driveway after returning home from school in Minnesota.

"We know they're looking online, they're searching," Ward said last month. "Our whole point was if we can do this as part of a safety meeting and keep it out of public record, that seems like a better choice."

Hartman, though, said the district's position is about politics, not safety. He said equating ICE agents to terrorists to justify withholding information is an abuse of Ohio public record laws.

In the lawsuit, Hartman compared school board members to protesters who have urged the American public to resist immigration enforcement and to impede the work of ICE agents. "A narrow and extreme element of society and anarchists have sought to disrupt and interfere with such law enforcement efforts," the lawsuit states.

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Hartman said there's little evidence ICE even has interest in taking enforcement actions on school property.

"The far left radicals are freaking out," he said. "It's a non-issue. Where is the threat of ICE? It doesn't exist."

He said Forest Hills' argument that releasing the ICE response plan would create a security risk is undercut by the response he got from other Ohio school districts when he asked for their response plans. He said Columbus, Toledo and Springfield all have provided the information he sought.

Hartman said he also is seeking public records related to Forest Hills school officials' interaction with students who have staged walkouts to protest ICE, suggesting some officials may be sanctioning truancy. Such walkouts have occurred at schools across the country, including in Greater Cincinnati.

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Hartman said he filed the lawsuit at the Ohio Supreme Court, rather than in a lower court, because state law allows public records cases to go straight to the high court.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio Supreme Court will decide if school ICE response can stay secret
Oil prices have again risen above $100 per barrel as energy markets see little relief amid the biggest disruption to global energy supplies in a generation.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged more than 9 percent on Thursday as traders weighed the prospect of weeks, or even months, of turmoil in energy markets as the United States and Israel wage war on Iran.

Brent futures, which are traded outside of regular market hours, were priced at $101.13 as of 03:00 GMT.

Asian stock markets, including exchanges in Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong, opened sharply lower on Friday, following steep losses on Wall Street overnight.

The latest surge in oil prices came after Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to maintain the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally transports about one-fifth of global oil supplies.

In a statement read out on his behalf on Iranian state television, Khamenei described Tehrans threats against shipping in the waterway as a lever that must continue to be used.

US President Donald Trump struck a similarly defiant tone on Thursday, posting on Truth Social that stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons was of far greater interest and importance than rising oil prices.





Lack of tangible goals in this war

Traffic through the strait has effectively ground to a halt due to Iranian threats, with only a handful of vessels passing through each day, many of them claiming links to China, Irans key economic partner.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre, no more than five ships have passed through the waterway each day since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, compared with an average of 138 daily transits before the war. At least 16 commercial vessels have been attacked in the region since the start of the conflict, according to the UKMTO.

Tehran has claimed responsibility for several of the attacks, including a strike on Wednesday that crippled a Thai-flagged vessel off the coast of Oman.

Efforts to bring calm to the market have so far done little to tame prices, which are up nearly 40 percent compared with before the start of the war.

The International Energy Agencys (IEA) announcement on Wednesday that member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stockpiles drew a tepid response among traders eyeing a daily shortfall in global supplies estimated at 15-20 million barrels.

The US Department of the Treasurys issuance on Thursday of a temporary licence authorising countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil that has been stranded at sea also failed to move the market, with Brent crude staying above $100 a barrel after the Treasury announcement.
Oil prices soared back above $100 on Thursday as Iran's fresh attacks on supplies in the Middle East and threats to bring down the global economy overshadowed a record release of strategic crude by the International Energy Agency.

As the US-Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic approach their third week, the war showed no signs of subsiding, as Tehran continues to respond with more retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.

With hostilities showing no sign of ending, analysts warned $90-$100 a barrel could be the new normal for a while.

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The IEA announced its largest ever release of oil from reserves on Wednesday, as its members agreed to unlock 400 million barrels, with 172 million coming from the United States.

However, the move was unable to overcome fears about the choking of energy supplies as Iran steps up attempts to disrupt supplies across the region.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of the world's oil, remains closed to almost all oil tankers, and Iran has vowed that not one litre of oil would be exported from the Gulf while its war with the United States and Israel continues.

A projectile struck a container ship near the United Arab Emirates, the UK maritime agency said on Thursday. "The container ship was struck by (an) unknown projectile causing a small fire onboard," the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement, adding the ship's crew had been reported as safe.

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Two tankers in Iraqi waters were also reported struck after Baghdad had already said it was cutting output because of the crisis, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia following suit.

At the same time, Bahrain reported Iran had carried out an attack on fuel tanks in the country, while Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted drones headed to Shaybah oil field.

Iran vows to hit US-Israeli economic and tech targets

Iran said it was ready for a long war of attrition that would "destroy" the world economy, after firing on two commercial ships and threatening any vessels from the United States or its allies.

The Revolutionary Guards warned Wednesday they would strike "economic centres and banks" linked to US and Israeli interests.

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"The enemy has given us free rein to target economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime," the military's central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, said in a statement carried by state TV in response to reports of a strike hitting an Iranian bank.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that "a branch of my country's oldest bank was bombed while full of employees".

"Our Powerful Armed Forces will exact retribution for this crime," he added on X.

Several major international businesses closed or evacuated offices in Gulf countries after the threats. US finance group Citi and British consultancy Deloitte evacuated offices in Dubai's financial centre, while PwC, another British consultancy, closed offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait.

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The United States and Israel "must consider the possibility that they will be engaged in a long-term war of attrition that will destroy the entire American economy and the world economy", Ali Fadavi, an adviser to the Guards' commander-in-chief, told state television.

Israel and Iran exchange more strikes

Israel's military said multiple waves of Iranian missiles were fired at Israel early on Thursday and that air defences were deployed to intercept them.

Iranian media had reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guards carried out a joint missile operation against Israel with Tehran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Israel said that it was in turn carrying out "wide-scale" strikes on Tehran and a Hezbollah stronghold in Lebanon's capital.

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Hezbollah said early Thursday that it had launched missiles at an Israeli military intelligence base in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.

On two separate occasions Thursday, the Israeli military urged people in affected areas to head to shelters, as it said it "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel".

"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said on its official Telegram channel both times.

After the first wave of missiles fired by Iran, the Magen David Adom emergency services said that there were no reported casualties following the missile fire, although paramedics were deployed to treat individuals who fell over on the way to shelters.

Strike on Beirut kills seven

As Hezbollah launched its strikes on Israel, Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday.

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The Israeli military said separately it had carried out strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs overnight against Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said in a post on Telegram that it "struck 10 terror structures in the Dahiyeh area (of south Beirut) within 30 minutes, including intelligence headquarters, a headquarters of the Radwan unit, and additional command centres."

Local media aired footage showing smoke rising along the seaside corniche road area after the strike in central Beirut, which state-run National News Agency said targeted a car.

"The Israeli enemy strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut led to an initial toll of seven dead and 21 wounded," the health ministry said in a statement.

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It was the third attack in the heart of the capital since the Middle East war began as well as repeated Israeli strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut where Israel said on Thursday it had hit 10 Hezbollah targets.

Smoke and flame rise from buildings following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. - AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel, which kept up its strikes in Lebanon even before the war despite a 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah, has since launched air raids across Lebanon and sent ground troops into border areas.

Its offensive has killed more than 630 people, according to Lebanese authorities, while more than 800,000 people have registered as displaced, with around 126,000 of them staying in collective shelters.

Late Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called for Israel to halt its ground offensive in Lebanon and on Iran-backed group Hezbollah to "immediately" stop attacks, after speaking with the country's president Joseph Aoun.
OKLAHOMA CITY  House lawmakers proposed extending Oklahomas minimum school year by seven days and pledged $175 million to make it happen.

House Bill 3151 passed off the House floor 62-28 Wednesday evening and heads to the Senate, where leadership has endorsed the measure.

The bill is the first firm proposal from the House this session for increasing public school funding, though leaders have discussed adding funds for other education initiatives, as well. Senate leaders unveiled their $254 million education funding plan weeks ago.

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We put a flag in the ground yesterday that said we believe that despite this year being the highest funding level in the history of the state of Oklahoma for public education, we want the (next) budget and the year after next to be even higher than it is this year, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, told news reporters Thursday.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said his chamber put a flag in the ground for more education funding by passing HB 3151. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Oklahoma law requires a minimum of 181 school days or 1,086 instructional hours in public schools. Districts that build their calendars on the 1,086-hour requirement must stay in session for at least 166 school days.

HB 3151 would increase the 166-day minimum to 173 days starting in the 2027-28 school year.

Parent-teacher conferences and teacher professional development days could still count for up to 42 instructional hours per school year. A former version of the bill sought to strike that from state law.

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The bills author, Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, said raising the minimum number of school days is a much-needed step toward improving educational outcomes in our state.

Spreading instructional time over more days will help keep students engaged throughout the school day and make the time our educators spend with them more effective, Hall said in a statement.

House leadership said multiple education-focused organizations backed the measure, including groups representing teachers, school administrators, rural and urban schools, and school boards.

The bill adds school days at a rate of $25 million per day.

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For districts already operating longer than 173 days, the funding would be a bonus that they could invest in teachers, students and other school needs, said Shawn Hime, executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.

I think every district leader Ive talked to has been excited about the idea of having more time with students, especially with the guarantee that well be funded for that time, he said.

Oklahoma State School Boards Association executive director Shawn Hime speaks at an Oklahoma City Board of Education meeting Feb. 29, 2024, at the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Hime said hes very optimistic the Legislature will add more than $175 million for public education once budget negotiations are finished.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said that amount should be the absolute bare minimum for education funding increases.

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I hope theres a lot more money than that, Paxton said. Teachers still need to be paid more. We still need to get more money into it.

He said he absolutely supports lengthening the school year. Hes listed as the Senate author of HB 3151.

Along with the added funding, protecting parent-teacher conference time and professional development days was essential in earning support from Professional Oklahoma Educators, a nonprofit professional organization representing teachers.

The state should invest in parent involvement as well as added class time with qualified teachers, the organization wrote in a message to its members.

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The Oklahoma Education Association, the states largest teacher union, also endorsed the bills updated language, House leadership said.

However, OEA declined to comment Friday about the measure.

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The military campaign to topple the Iranian regime, launched by the U.S. on Feb. 28, draws on a playbook over 40 years old. As President Trump looks to make his mark on the Middle East and reshape the still-murky future of this war-torn region, his strategy toward Iran looks to the past  to strategies pioneered by presidents since Ronald Reagan to combat the menace of rogue states.

This critical moment for the future of the Middle East and Americas role in molding it is a Back to the Future moment in more ways than one. Not only does President Trumps strategy toward Iran build on the foundations laid by past presidents, from Reagan to both Presidents Bush, but it also traces its roots to Reagans strikes against the Libyans, the boogeymen of the 1985 blockbuster movie.

Reagans confrontation with Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi in the 1980s marked the first U.S. standoff with a rogue state  a new threat that was beginning to emerge as the Cold War ended. Gadhafis regime came into Reagans crosshairs for its bold and reckless sponsorship of terrorist attacks that increasingly targeted American and Western interests. By early 1986, at the urging of advisors such as Secretary of State George Shultz, Reagan decided that he would have to resort to military force to make progress in curbing the violence of Gadhafis regime.

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In his public and private comments, Reagan cast the terrorist threat in the person of Gadhafi, whose eccentric appearance, erratic behavior, and vitriolic rhetoric earned him the moniker of the mad clown of Tripoli. Reagans national security team had branded Gadhafi an international troublemaker since late 1981, focusing its alarm on the Libyan leaders avowed intention to produce or acquire nuclear weapons, which would pose an intolerable threat to the security and well-being of the U.S. and its allies.

Reagan finally unleashed U.S. air power against Libya in April 1986 following a deadly terrorist attack in West Germany that left two dead and 79 wounded U.S. servicemen. Operation El Dorado Canyon resulted in simultaneous airstrikes on targets that play a key role both in maintaining Gadhafi in power and in directing terrorist operations abroad, as Reagans national security advisor, Vice Adm. John Poindexter, explained. Gadhafi himself was not an explicit target of the strikes, but the selection of his command and control center as one of the prime targets for bombing left little doubt that decapitating the Libyan regime would have been a desirable outcome of the mission.

Gadhafi escaped from the attack unscathed, but the Reagan administration continued to keep him in its crosshairs, looking for opportunities to unseat him through overt or covert means through the end of the decade.

Soon, another international brigand took center stage as the quintessential rogue state of the postCold War era: Saddam Hussein of Iraq. As early as 1981, when Israeli warplanes destroyed Iraqs Osirak nuclear reactor, Reagan referred to Saddam as a no good nut. But it wasnt until Saddam ordered Iraqi tanks across the border into Kuwait in August of 1990 that the U.S. viewed his regime as a vital threat to the global order.

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Many readers today will forget that the longest phase of Operation Desert Storm, in January and February 1991, was not the famed left hook tank warfare through the desert but rather a prolonged air campaign against targets throughout Iraq  remarkably similar to the current effort in the skies over Iran. Then as now, American aircraft specifically targeted Saddams palaces, Baath Party headquarters and military command sites.

Perhaps the closest parallel to the opening phase of Operation Epic Fury against Iran  which quickly destroyed the compound where supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was staying  was the first blow of the later Iraq War under President George W. Bush. On March 19, 2003, the night before Operation Iraqi Freedom was set to begin, Bush received intelligence that Saddam Hussein would be staying at his Dora Farms compound near Baghdad. He ordered an airstrike on the compound to decapitate the regime, hoping that by killing the dictator we might be able to end the war before it began, and spare lives, as he wrote in his memoirs.

But the dictator was not there, and the ground war went on  at first spectacularly, then tragically. In Iran 2026, the dictator was home. Whether the Iranian regime will truly change its stripes without a ground war remains to be seen.

Matthew A. Frakes is the author of the forthcoming book Rogue States: The Making of Americas Global War on Terror and assistant professor in the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at the Ohio State University. Benjamin V. Allison is a Ph.D. candidate in history at the University of Texas at Austin and a graduate fellow at the Clements Center for National Security.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Trump promised to avoid forever wars. It remains to be seen whether the new conflict in Iran will become one.

However, theres not much difference between forever wars and the continuous wars Trump has conducted in his second term. He has already used military force against Venezuela, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Iraq, as well as Iran. Congress did not authorize any of it.

Of course, the U.S. was a bellicose nation long before Trump. The country has been at war for approximately 93 percent of its 250-year history. However, Trump is making current and future wars much more likely.

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Global climate change, for example, is one of the biggest modern threats to global stability. Military and intelligence officials have warned for years that it is a critical national security issue. Trump ignores it.

The Obama administration secured an agreement with Iran to slow down its nuclear-weapons program. Trump trashed the agreement. The current war is his second attempt in the last year to destroy Irans nuclear program. But war is not a nonproliferation strategy.

Trump is making things worse. He allowed the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with Russia to lapse last month. His fickle behavior toward the NATO alliance has shaken allies faith that Americas nuclear umbrella will continue to protect them.

The world is teetering on the precipice of widespread nuclear proliferation. China and North Korea are increasing their nuclear arsenals, while Russia and the U.S. are modernizing theirs. Arms control experts say Australia, Japan, South Korea, Poland and some countries in Western Europe wonder whether they need their own arsenals.

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This year, for the first time, U.S. military spending will exceed $1 trillion. Thats more than the combined military budgets of the next nine highest countries. Trump wants to spend $1.5 trillion on a Dream Military next fiscal year. With his military buildup, massive cutbacks in foreign aid and emaciation of the diplomatic corps, Trump has turned Americas plowshares into swords. He casually talks about acquiring Greenland by force, taking over Cuba, sending the military to Mexico, and intervening in Colombia.

Yet history shows that the size of its armies and arsenals is no guarantee that America will win or prevent wars. World War II was the last time the U.S. won an officially declared war. Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan ended in stalemates, proving that size doesnt always matter in asymmetric conflicts.

Meantime, as we spend billions of dollars on war, the U.S. owes the United Nations nearly $4 billion in unpaid dues, contributing to a financial crisis in the organization. Trump decided he wants his own U.N., so he created a pay-to-play international Board of Peace whose 28 member countries have all been cited by the State Department for human rights abuses.

Trump has apparently learned nothing from Americas fraught involvements in the Middle East. The region can disrupt the U.S. economy by manipulating the worlds oil supplies. Nine of the 10 economic recessions since the end of World War II were preceded by oil problems. Arab countries caused the historic 1973 oil crisis to punish America for supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War. The Iranian revolution caused the 1978 oil crisis.

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The CIA warned as early as 1979 that the Strait of Hormuz was a matter of increasing concern because Iran could shut it down with mines or missiles. In those days, one-third of Americas oil supplies were shipped through the strait. That is no longer the case, but today, 20 percent of the worlds oil supplies still travel through it.

After the 1970s, the U.S. sought to reduce its vulnerability by setting fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles. Trump has rolled them back, and eliminated federal incentives for electric vehicles.

Its a fact of life that military power is sometimes necessary. Americas help for Ukraine was an example. But how we proceed is important. After 20 years of war in Vietnam, Gen. Colin Powell developed the Powell Doctrine to avoid endless conflicts. It consisted of four criteria: The U.S. should go to war only as a last resort; it must have clearly defined objectives; it must be vital to national security; and it must have strong public support.

Trumps military adventures have violated all four criteria. Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have each given different reasons for the actions in Iran. Trump hasnt bothered to explain it to the American people. Having gutted the National Security Council, the president says he simply felt Iran was planning to attack U.S. interests. And he launched the current attack on Iran in the middle of negotiations over a new nuclear agreement.

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So, as the bombs fall in the volatile Middle East, we might ask whether Trump is making America secure again. The definitive answer is no.

William S. Becker is co-editor of and a contributor to  Democracy Unchained: How to Rebuild Government for the People, and a contributor to Democracy in a Hotter Time , named by the journal Nature as one of 2023s five best science books. He previously served as a senior official in the Wisconsin Department of Justice. He is currently executive director of the Presidential Climate Action Project.

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 100 minors have been killed in Lebanon since the latest escalation between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, authorities said on Friday.

The Health Ministry in Beirut reported that a total of 773 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far, including 100 children and minors. Nearly 2,000 people have been registered as injured.

The situation for millions of children in Lebanon is catastrophic, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

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"Children must be protected under all circumstances," emphasized Christian Schneider, executive director of UNICEF Germany, in a report.

Earlier, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said that Lebanon is nearing a breaking point as mass displacement accelerates, with humanitarian groups warning that the scale of the crisis is growing by the hour.

At least 816,000 people  around 14% of the population  have been displaced in the first 10 days of the escalation, according to official figures cited by NRC.

The number is expected to rise further as Israel continues issuing evacuation warnings and carrying out airstrikes across multiple areas of the country.

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The scale of destruction and displacement is increasing with every passing hour, said Maureen Philippon, the NRCs country director in Lebanon.

She said families in shelters are experiencing repeated trauma, with many reliving cycles of bombing, loss and displacement similar to those they endured during previous rounds of fighting.

Israels evacuation orders now cover about 1,470 square kilometres, or roughly 14% of Lebanons territory, including parts of southern Lebanon, Beiruts southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley.

Additional warnings issued recently have expanded the number of villages under threat, prompting further movement of civilians.

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Humanitarian organizations say conditions in shelters are deteriorating as the number of displaced grows.

More than 122,000 people are currently staying in collective shelters, many of them overcrowded. In one school hosting around 1,200 people, an average of 15 people share each classroom, while about 23 people rely on a single toilet.

Water supplies are limited and many shelters lack showers and cooking facilities.

The violence has disrupted the education of around 1 million children.

Lebanon was already struggling with a severe economic crisis and weakened public services, leaving humanitarian agencies warning that the country has limited capacity to absorb a rapidly expanding displacement crisis.
By Mohammad Yunus Yawar

KABUL, March 13 (Reuters) - Pakistan bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Afghanistan's Kandahar airport, the ruling Taliban said on Friday, stepping up the neighbours' worst conflict in years, despite China's efforts to mediate.

The overnight strikes also hit residential areas in Kabul, killing four people and wounding more than a dozen. In eastern Nangarhar province later on Friday, a mortar shell that Afghan officials said was fired by Pakistan hit a house in the Momandara district, killing a woman and a child, a provincial spokesperson said.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said the airstrikes in Kabul had killed at least four civilians and injured 14 in the Pul-e-Charkhi area, including women and children.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X that the strikes were part of the ongoing operation dubbed Ghazb lil Haq, targeting what it described as militant camps and terrorist support infrastructure in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar.

Dozens of sites were struck across Afghanistan, he added, denying that any civilian population or infrastructure had been targeted.

The strikes on the depot, which Afghan administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said supplies fuel to civilian airlines and United Nations aircraft, threaten to spark further hostilities between two countries that neighbour Iran.

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UNABLE TO SHOUT

In Kabul, residents said they heard explosions around midnight before bricks began falling in their homes and dust obscured their vision.

"I ran toward the hallway and started calling out to see who was alive," said Homayoun, 45, who was woken from sleep by a blast, followed by the screams of his children.

"I tried to shout, but my voice wouldn't come out because dust and smoke had filled my throat."

In District 21 on the outskirts of the capital, bricks littered sandy streets and homes had walls blown out. "When we woke up, dust was everywhere, the windows were broken, and we could hear nothing," said 35-year-old resident Murselin.

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Haji Mohammad Aman, a Kabul resident with relatives whose house had been hit, said he could not understand why their neighbourhood had been targeted.

"This entire area is residential," he added. "Many very poor people live in this area. There is not even a single government or military facility."

On Friday, the United Nations said it had recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 wounded in the fighting since February 26. The Taliban government says more than 110 civilians have been killed.

Pakistan has rejected both tolls, saying it targets only militants and support infrastructure.

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AFGHAN RESPONSE TO THE STRIKES

Mujahid, the Afghan administration spokesperson, vowed Pakistan's aggression would "not go unanswered."

The Afghan defence ministry said later in the day that its air force had targeted a military facility in the Faizabad area of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, with drones.

Flights at Islamabad International Airport were interrupted on Friday before resuming normal operations, Pakistan's civil aviation authority said.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered tighter security in Islamabad, cutting the capitals entry points from 109 to 25 and strengthening checkpoint monitoring, the interior ministry said.

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Two girls were injured when a drone struck a house on the outskirts of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan, Naseer Agha, a local police official, said.

In a separate incident, seven police officers, including a station house officer, were killed and another wounded in a roadside bomb blast targeting a police vehicle in Lakki Marwat district, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, police said.

Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi had a call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to an X post by the Afghanistan foreign ministry.

Wang Yi said in the call that military action is not a solution to the problems between the two South Asian countries, according to the post.

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No Pakistani airstrikes had been reported in the past week after Beijing boosted mediation efforts, including messages from President Xi Jinping to halt the fighting.

Ground clashes along the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) border had also tapered off, despite intermittent fighting.

The fighting erupted last month with Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted militant strongholds. Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of its sovereignty and launched its own attacks.

Militancy has been contentious between the neighbouring allies-turned-foes, with Islamabad saying Kabul provides a haven to militants launching attacks on Pakistan.

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The Taliban deny the allegation, saying tackling militancy is Pakistan's internal problem.

(Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul and Saad Sayeed in Bangkok; Additional reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar in Mumbai, Mushtaq Ali in Peshawar, Saudi Mehsud in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore, Saleem Ahmed in Quetta; Writing by Sakshi Dayal, Ariba Shahid and Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Clarence Fernandez, Aidan Lewis, Rod Nickel)
Occupied East Jerusalem  Basema Dabash sheds tears daily for the home she and her husband, Raed, were forced to demolish in Sur Baher, in the south of occupied East Jerusalem.

For years, the couple lived under the spectre of losing their home, ever since the Israeli authorities issued a demolition order in 2014. In January of this year, the eviction notice came. And then, on February 12, the family were forced to demolish their home. If they didnt, they would have been forced to pay the municipality to carry out the demolition.

We were forced to start demolishing the house ourselves to avoid the municipalitys demolition fees, which can reach 100,000 shekels [$32,000], Basema, 51, said. We started by breaking down the inside of the house and sent the municipality photos to confirm that we had begun the demolition, but they demanded that we demolish it from the outside as soon as possible.

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The family soon completed the demolition of the two houses where eight people, including three children, lived. However, this didnt waive the fine of 45,000 shekels ($14,600), which will continue to be paid in instalments until 2029.

Self-demolition haunts Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, which has been controlled by Israel since 1967, and illegally merged with West Jerusalem under one Israeli-run administration.

The choice between self-demolition and paying a further fee to the municipality is a simple one  the vast majority of Palestinians cant afford to pay the exorbitant amount, and resort to demolishing their own homes, despite the immense pain and profound psychological impact it causes.





How did we come to this?

Basemas troubles started in 2014, when she received a building violation notice from the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem for the building she and her husband shared with their married son, Mohammed, and his family. They appealed at the time to an Israeli court in an attempt to freeze the demolition order.

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For more than a decade, the family was forced to pay accumulated fines in an attempt to keep their home. Then, on January 28, they received an eviction notice, giving them a deadline to vacate the house and have it demolished.

The house slated for demolition was 45 square metres (485sq feet), an extension Basema had added to her existing 45-square-metre home. She had also built a similar-sized residence for her married son on top of the extension. The demolition order targeted both the extension and her sons residence.

The Dabash family tried to obtain a building permit for the house several times, but their requests were rejected by Israel. Despite this, the municipality fines Palestinians and demolishes their homes under the pretext of lacking permits.

We chose to demolish our own house not only to avoid the fine, but also because the municipal crews show no mercy to anything around the house and deliberately vandalise the entire area under the pretext of demolition, breaking trees and causing extensive damage that we could have done without, Basema said.

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Basema, along with her husband and one of her sons, Abdelaziz, now lives in what remains of their home. Mohammed has also moved in with them, while his wife and children live in her familys home. The demolition has thus scattered her sons family, who havent yet been able to find a small house to rent due to the high cost of housing.

The family also incurred significant expenses removing the rubble and redesigning the older section of the house to accommodate everyone, not to mention the psychological toll, which has been devastating.

I stand to wash the dishes and find my tears falling on their own. How did we come to this? Why are we being subjected to this injustice? The house has become cramped and barely fits us. My grandchildren visit us and then cry bitterly when they leave for their grandfathers house because we have no space, Basema said sadly.





Increased demolitions

As illegal Israeli settlements continue to expand in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, with building permits easily obtained, Palestinians say the double standards are obvious.

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Human Rights Watch has found that Israeli authorities make it virtually impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits, and the Israeli human rights organisation BTselem said planning policies in East Jerusalem make it very difficult for residents to obtain building permits.

Marouf al-Rifai, spokesperson for the Palestinian Authoritys Jerusalem Governorate, told Al Jazeera that 15 self-demolitions were carried out last February, five in January, and 104 in December.

Demolitions, in general, escalated to unprecedented levels after October 2023, when Israels genocidal war on Gaza began. Al-Rifai said that 400 demolitions were carried out in 2025 in East Jerusalem and its surrounding area, either by municipal crews or by homeowners themselves. Prior to that, the number of demolitions had reached a maximum of 180 per year.

The United Nations has reported that demolitions in 2025 displaced 1,500 Palestinians.

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Even the method of carrying out demolitions changed after the war on Gaza, al-Rifai said. Previously, demolitions were only carried out after exhausting all legal avenues and giving residents the opportunity to appeal to the courts and freeze the demolitions.

But Israeli authorities have taken a more punitive position since demolition policy fell under the influence of far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who began pushing for Israeli army bulldozers to carry out demolitions without even notifying the homeowners, al-Rifai said.

In addition, the Palestinian Authority official said, demolition notices for Palestinian homes in Jerusalem increased from 25,000 before the war to 35,000. The town of Silwan alone has received 7,000 demolition notices since 1967.

Fakhri Abu Diab, a member of the Committee for the Defence of al-Bustan Neighborhood in East Jerusalem, told Al Jazeera that self-demolition is a double punishment and pain for the homeowner after the effort and hardship involved in building the house.

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Israels goal is to break the morale of the Palestinians and to brainwash them into becoming tools for implementing its plans to demolish homes. When we demolish our own homes, its as if we are demolishing a part of our own body, he explained.

Israel can only demolish a limited number of Palestinian homes annually due to logistical, financial, budgetary, and logistical constraints. Demolition by Palestinians multiplies the number of homes demolished, thus turning the victim into a demolition contractor, as he put it.

I refused to demolish my house myself because of the negative consequences that I and my family would have to live with for the rest of our lives, and the Israeli bulldozers demolished it. If I had done it myself, it would have remained a nightmare that would haunt me.

Saqr Qunbur says he has already received a total of $26,000 in fines for building his house, and so cant afford to pay more for Israeli crews to demolish it [Ahmad Jalajel/Al Jazeera]

No alternative

But the cost of a demolition carried out by Israeli municipal crews ranges between 80,000 and 120,000 shekels ($26,000-$39,000).

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Saqr Qunbur couldnt pay that, and was forced instead, on December 26, to demolish his 100-square-metre (1,076sq-foot) house in Jabal al-Mukabber under the pretext of lacking a permit. He had built it in 2013 and was immediately issued a building violation notice.

Saqr told Al Jazeera that he had lived in the house with his wife and four-year-old child. Since building the house, he has received a total of 80,000 shekels ($26,000) in fines that hes still paying despite his home being demolished.

Saqr had nowhere to live after being forced to demolish his house, so his neighbour gave him a dilapidated room to live in while he found a place to rent.

My child has been suffering psychologically since we demolished the house. Every day he asks me why I demolished it, and I dont know what to tell him. I say its so I can build him a better house, but deep down I know I wont even be able to rent a suitable place, he explained with anguish.

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Saqr chose to demolish his house himself after he says an Israeli officer threatened him, saying, Demolish it, or Ill demolish it over your head. He also wanted to avoid the humiliation that accompanies demolitions carried out by Israel, where police sometimes fire live ammunition and tear gas at family members and carry out assaults, as documented by human rights groups.

I developed diabetes and high blood pressure after my house was demolished. The doctor said it was due to anger and grief. This is an occupation that wants to expel us from our land, and we want to stay, he concluded.




PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Panama City man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorneys Office, a search warrant was executed at the home of John D. Ford, 49, where authorities found three firearms.

Ford is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his 12 previous felony convictions.

It was reported that Ford admitted to authorities that one of the firearms belonged to him.

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Authorities then obtained another search warrant for Fords cellphone and allegedly found messages that indicated that he was trading or selling the recovered firearms.

If convicted, Ford faces 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20.

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 mypanhandle.com.
Scientists studying fossils in Albuquerque have discovered an early ancestor of the Tyrannosaurus rex roamed New Mexico more than 74 million years ago, according to a Thursday news release.

Paleontologists have long debated which continent gave rise to the famous T. rex and this latest discovery points to the theory that it may have evolved right here in the North American Southwest.

Previous theories suggested that the T. rex evolved in Asia, specifically Mongolia, where other fossils were found.

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The T. rex, in all its popularity, was the largest terrestrial predator of its time, and perhaps of all time, according to paleontologist Nick Longrich, a senior lecturer at the University of Bath and lead author on the study.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Executive Director Anthony Fiorillo and museum paleontologist Spencer Lucas also coauthored the study.

However, Longrich notes that the dinosaurs origins arent fully understood and scientists are still searching for the missing link between the T. rex and its earlier ancestors.

A fossil discovered decades prior in New Mexico may be part of that puzzle.

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That bone, a meter-long tibia, was initially excavated in the late 1970s in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness near the Navajo Nation by University of New Mexico graduate students, including now-musuem staffer Lucas. The bone was originally thought to belong to the Bistahieversor, also known as the Bisti Beast, a 3-ton two-legged predator similar to the T. rex.

However, after reexamining the bone, scientists now believe it to more closely resemble a dinosaur of the Tyrannosaurus genus.

Research found the tibia belonged to a 4- to 5-ton animal and that its shape is a perfect match for a T. rexs ankle.

Using radiometric dating of the volcanic ash where the bone was found, scientists determined that the dinosaur it belonged to walked the earth 74 to 75 million years ago.

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Thats 8 to 9 million years before the T. rex is believed to have existed, meaning that the bone likely belonged to a closely related ancestor.

New fossils will support this hypothesis or reject it, Longrich said in a statement Thursday of the ongoing research. Either way well walk away with a better understanding of how the dinosaurs evolved.

The fossil is not on public display but is being held in the museums extensive collection.

The NMMNHS has been closed since August for renovations but will reopen to the public on Saturday, April 4.

Gillian Barkhurst is the local government reporter for the Journal. She can be reached at gbarkhurst@abqjournal.com.
Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel for the second time since the conflict began on Friday as the US moved to ease sanctions on Russian crude.

Futures on Brent crude (BZ=F), the international pricing benchmark, erased earlier losses to gain 1.6% on Friday and trade at roughly $102 per barrel. Those on US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude (CL=F) gained 2% after earlier losses to change hands around $97.60.

Prices on Brent and WTI are still below their Sunday evening highs of $119 by roughly 14% and 18%, respectively, but the two energy products remain roughly 50% above where they were one month ago, even as the Trump administration has taken actions to try to limit oil's run-up.

Read more: How oil price shocks ripple through your wallet, from gas to groceries

Late Thursday night, the US Treasury Department announced it was granting a 30-day waiver for countries to buy Russian crude oil in an attempt to open up another supply line for the global market, with the hope of bringing prices down. The waivers apply only to Russian oil loaded onto seaborne tankers by March 12, but the move has been criticized as funding Moscow's war effort in Ukraine without making any real dent in oil pricing.

"The temporary increase in oil prices is a short-term and temporary disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and economy in the long-term," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

Prices remain little changed after the announcement.

In the Middle East, the war continues to escalate as the critical Strait of Hormuz remains essentially closed to through traffic, cutting off roughly 16 million barrels per day of crude flows from the global market. In recent days, Iran has stepped up its attacks on vessels in the region, with at least 16 ships now affected. The US military also said Iran has begun placing mines throughout the strait.

In comments Friday morning, President Trump said the US planned to strike Iran "very hard" over the next week. The Iranian regime, now under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has increasingly targeted ports and other critical energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, alongside attacks against vessels in the region.

Smoke rises from a building after an Israeli strike in central Beirut, Lebanon, on March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

In a post on Truth Social Friday morning, the president wrote that the US is "totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise" and that "Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth."
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) backed his fellow Kentuckian, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a day after President Trump slammed the libertarian representative during an address in Massies home district.

Im a big supporter of Thomas Massie. I have campaigned with him, will continue to campaign with him, Paul said Thursday on Bloomberg radio.

During a visit to Massies 4th Congressional District on Wednesday, Trump criticized him for voting against his signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. Massie opposed the bill because he claimed it was a debt bomb ticking.

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We gotta get rid of this loser, the president told a crowd in Hebron. This guy is bad. Hes disloyal to the Republican Party, hes disloyal to the people of Kentucky, and most importantly, he is disloyal to the United States of America.

Trump later called Massie Rand Paul Jr. and someone who votes against everything.

I got him elected twice, the president said of Paul. If I didnt endorse him, he was not going to get elected. Do you remember that? I came and I did a little rally, and Rand votes against us all the time, too. But at least hes OK, I wouldnt say the greatest.

Massie also frequently breaks with the president and his party on issues of foreign policy, and he sponsored an unsuccessful House war powers resolution to prevent further U.S. military action against Iran.

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Perhaps most notably, Massie led the charge in the lower chamber to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has recently gone after the Justice Department for its delayed and incomplete release of documents related to Epstein, in accordance with a law he and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) co-authored.

On Thursday, Paul cited Massies push on the Epstein files and noted that Trump previously backed releasing them on the campaign trail.

Theres a lot of respect for Thomas Massie, Paul added. I mean look, he took an issue that the president had promoted, revealing the Epstein files. The president was all for it. Thomas Massie took that issue and ran with it, an issue the president supported until the president didnt support the issue anymore.

Trump is backing Massies primary opponent, Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL officer. The Republican primary is set for May 19.

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On Tuesday, Massie said Gallrein left the GOP after Trump won the partys nomination for president in 2016 and only returned while former President Biden was in office.

Paul referenced those allegations, telling Bloomberg Radio there is a certain amount of irony there.

Voters actually know this stuff, he said.

 Mike Lillis contributed.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Last year was one of the deadliest ever for pedestrians in Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The agency said Friday that 127 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roadways in 2025  about double the number killed 10 years ago. Pedestrians now account for nearly one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in the state, according to CDOT.

So far this year, there have been 12 pedestrian fatalities in Colorado, as of early March.

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Semitrailer crushes vehicle against building in Littleton

The disturbing rise in pedestrian fatalities is not just a statistic  each one could be any of us, crossing the street over the course of our day, said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew, in a statement.

CDOT said pedestrian fatalities rose by 98.4% from 2015 to 2025. Between 2020 and 2025, five counties accounted for the majority of the deaths, including:

Denver: 140 pedestrian deaths

Adams County: 99 pedestrian deaths

El Paso County: 83 pedestrian deaths

Arapahoe County: 79 pedestrian deaths

Jefferson County: 58 pedestrian deaths

CDOT reminded motorists Friday to slow down and exercise extra caution, particularly in neighborhoods and urban areas.

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When youre behind the wheel, respect traffic safety laws and be mindful that doing so can save lives, Lew 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 FOX31 Denver.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) endorsed former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffes run for Congress in the states 7th Congressional District.

McAuliffe, the wife of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and a State Department official during the Biden administration, launched her campaign Wednesday.

Dorothy McAuliffe has spent her life fighting for children and families and standing up for people who need someone in their corner, Pelosi said in a release from Dorothy McAuliffes campaign. From tackling childhood hunger to supporting military families and helping survivors of sexual violence find justice. Dorothy has never backed down from the fights that matter. Im proud to endorse her for Congress.

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Dorothy McAuliffe said she was deeply honored to have the support of Pelosi, a two-time Speaker who is retiring from Congress in January.

We have worked together for years on issues affecting children and families, and Im grateful for her support as we build a campaign focused on lowering costs, protecting our children, and standing up for Virginia families, the Democratic candidate added.

In addition to Pelosi, Virginia state Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas (D), former state Attorney General Mary Sue Terry and former Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D) have endorsed Dorothy McAuliffe, according to her campaign.

The current 7th District, which encompasses parts of Northern and Central Virginia, is represented by Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman. But voters in the Old Dominion will decide on April 21 whether to adopt a constitutional amendment to allow a new Democratic-drawn congressional map to take effect, bypassing the states redistricting commission.

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Under the proposed map, the 7th District would be redrawn to include parts of Fairfax, Arlington and Rockingham counties, along with all of Culpeper, Louisa and Orange counties, among others in the region.

The new map, if implemented, would give Democrats the opportunity to boost their edge in the state from 6-5 to 10-1.

The primary will be held on Aug. 4.

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Former Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday said Republicans loyal to his former boss, President Trump, are overwhelmingly supportive of the U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran.

Pence told NewsNations Leland Vittert on On Balance that he favors the U.S. finishing the job once and for all.

The former vice president also said, however, there exists a divide happening among some commentators, some online influencers, but I really do believe that Republicans, including Republicans who would describe themselves as MAGA Republicans, are overwhelmingly supportive of the presidents decision and of our forces.

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Pence told Vittert he does not think theres a divide among the loudest voices.

I mean, what weve seen is a rising tide of isolationist voices on the airwaves, online, he continued, adding that President Trump turned to a deaf ear to those isolationist voices and said, No, were going to take action. Were going to unleash Americas military.

Pence also backed the White Houses calls for unconditional surrender from Iran and said that we are going to finish this fight once and for all.

If we continue to pound the security infrastructure in Iran, I believe that will create the conditions where the people of Iran can reclaim their country, Pence continued. And Leland, just as important, in so doing, I believe the United States has an opportunity to restore the deterrence that was squandered in that disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden.

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Pences remarks on isolation echo debates online over Trumps America First policy and if the conflict with Iran conforms with isolationist thought.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller last week argued that the presidents foreign policy was not isolationist, rather that Trump believes Americas awesome military might should be used to protect and defend Americas interest.

America First means America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world, and it means we will defend American lives, he added. And yes, we will avenge American blood.

Millers remarks were met with pushback, prompting some to argue that his point contradicted the historical point of America First.

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The term was touted by former President Wilson and anti-World War I isolationists, according to the American Presidency Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Wilson, a Democrat, rallied support for not entering the war during his reelection campaign in 1916; the U.S. formally declared war the following year.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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This article is the second in a series focusing on attitudes toward immigration and ICE in Pennsylvania. The first part looked at the topline numbers and concluded that Pennsylvanian adults were skeptical of ICE enforcement. However, they also supported immigration enforcement in the abstract, and were skeptical of proposed efforts to defund ICE altogether. This article examines the crosstabs  that is, the granular findings by age, race, party, and so forth.

We start, though, with one set of toplines that were left out the previous article, because they are by their nature more affiliated with crosstabs: approval ratings for Pennsylvania politicians. Once again, we find that Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is more popular than either of the two senators. Some 46% of respondents approved of the job he is doing, compared to just 23% of respondents who disapproved. The governor is popular among Democrats, with disapproval in the single digits. But even among Republicans his job approval remains relatively robust for our polarized times, with almost 30% approving of the job he is doing. Another 43% disapproved; but again, to be close to even among voters of the opposing party today is a remarkable feat.

Pennsylvanias two senators dont fare as well as Shapiro, but can still boast of solid numbers. Republican Sen. David McCormicks job approval numbers are tepid, at 30% approval and 29% disapproval. In contrast to Shapiro, McCormicks numbers have a strong partisan valence to them, with Republicans approving 55% to 13%, while Democrats provided a mirror result, with 17% approving and 53% disapproving. Independents split 23% to 25%. Older voters tended to approve of McCormick (43% to 36%) while younger voters were more tepid (16% to 19%). Perhaps surprisingly, union members and households were roughly split on McCormick, demonstrating the shift of a once-solidly Democratic group toward the Republican Party. We also found almost no strong racial valence either, with most racial groups roughly split on his performance. Education provided a stronger predictor of attitudes than race, with voters with postgraduate degrees disapproving of his performance, while other education levels were more mixed.

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Pennsylvanias maverick Democratic senator, John Fetterman, continues to have a coalition that more strongly resembles McCormicks than his fellow Democrat who sits in the governors mansion. His overall job performance was split, at 38%-32%. Republicans approved of his job, at 59%-20%, while Democrats disapproved by a 30%-49% margin. Once again, his job approval was concentrated among older voters and union members. Despite a voting record that is quite liberal overall, his very public apostasies seem to have cost him dearly among his fellow co-partisans.

Moving on to immigration, voters report following the immigration news closely, 80%-20%. Independents are slightly less likely than partisans to be following the news, but the differences within the error margins (85%-15% for Republicans, 89%-11% for Democrats, 76%-24% for independents). Younger voters are less tuned in than older voters; 91% of older voters claim to be following the news closely, as opposed to 73% of 18-29-year-olds and 68% of 30-39-year-olds.

On the key question of whether ICE enforcement actions have gone too far, not far enough, or are about right, Democrats remain united against the administrations actions. Almost 89% of respondents say ICE has gone too far. Even Republicans have misgivings; a quarter of them say ICE has gone too far, with another quarter saying it has not gone far enough. Independents lean toward the Democratic position, with 59% saying ICE has gone too far and just 20% responding that the agency has not gone far enough. The youngest age cohort is staunchly against ICE, with 73% opposing the agency, while smaller majorities of all other age groups are opposed to it. Over 70% of Hispanic and black residents oppose ICEs actions, although substantial minorities  around 30% for both ethnicities  believe that it either hasnt gone far enough or is just right. Interestingly, attitudes between union and non-union members are similar, with around 60% of both groups expressing skepticism toward ICE.

At the same time, remember that Pennsylvania residents were, on balance, skeptical of eliminating ICE. This was also an attitude that held across ethnic groups, union households, and even age groups. Even among Hispanic and black respondents, attitudes were split. The only real disagreement here popped up in political registration, with Democrats on balance supporting the abolition of the agency, while Republicans opposed it alongside independents. Republicans and independents likewise supported police officials cooperating with federal agents.

Taken together, this buttresses the conclusion of the initial piece: On balance, the public is with Democrats on questions of immigration right now. It is disturbed by the Trump administrations efforts. At the same time, however, there are dangers lurking for the party. Party members support stances like abolition of ICE, and a refusal on the part of police to go along with immigration efforts. As we move into 2026 and 2028, this could play out in primaries in ways that push nominees to take polarized positions, ultimately eroding the potential Democratic advantage on the issue.
As Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has effectively drawn Ukraine into his domestic fight for reelection, his main competitor has found himself in a tricky situation.

Peter Magyar, a 44-year-old former insider in Orban's Fidesz party, has pledged to mend ties with European partners, ending an era of obstructionism that has often hampered assistance to Ukraine.

His Tisza party has also taken aim at the Hungarian government's tilt toward Moscow and vowed to undo the growing dependence on Russian energy.

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When it comes to Ukraine, however, Magyar has been walking a fine line, promising constructive relations, yet criticizing President Volodymyr Zelensky's jabs directed at Orban and the country's desire for a fast-track EU accession.

Magyar is a "sovereignist politician," says Zsuzsanna Vegh, an expert in Central European politics at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"He does not want to continue the sort of servile engagement (with Russia) that Orban and (Foreign Minister Peter) Szijjarto are pursuing," Vegh told the Kyiv Independent.

But "sovereignism" cuts both ways. As Orban's propaganda seeks to paint Magyar as a puppet of Kyiv, the opposition leader is careful not to fuel this narrative.

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Read also: Trailing in polls, Orban goes all-in on Ukraine

No U-turn

Anybody expecting a full reversal in Hungary's Ukraine policy will likely be disappointed, experts say. While Magyar's positions are closer to the European mainstream than Orban's, he stops short of endorsing more decisive forms of support.

"We need to be clear-eyed about the fact that Tisza is not a pro-Ukrainian party," says Daniel Hegedus, deputy director at the Institute for European Politics (IEP).

Tisza, which holds a slight lead over Fidesz among decided voters, opposes fast-tracking Ukraine's EU accession and would put the country's membership to a binding referendum.

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Unlike Orban, Magyar has not said he opposes Ukraine's accession altogether.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban carries a beverage as he takes part in the Informal EU Leaders' Retreat at the Alden Biesen Castle in Alden Biesen, central Belgium on Feb. 12, 2026. (Ludovic MARIN / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite belonging to the staunchly pro-Kyiv European People's Party (EPP), Tisza's European Parliament members abstained from key votes on Ukraine.

Tisza has ruled out sending Hungarian arms or soldiers to Ukraine  yet Magyar has openly identified Russia as the aggressor, in contrast to the current prime minister's Kremlin-friendly rhetoric.

Notably, Magyar visited Kyiv in July 2024 to bring humanitarian aid in the wake of a deadly Russian strike against the Okhmatdyt children's hospital.

The opposition "does not promise a U-turn" in their Ukraine policy, says Peter Kreko, the director of the Political Capital think tank in Budapest.

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For example, the issue of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast  often politicized by Orban  will remain relevant even if Tisza wins, he adds.

Both Orban and Magyar stress sovereignty and national interests in their campaign.

The difference is that in Magyar's vision, sovereign Hungary is firmly anchored in the EU and NATO structures.

Where Kyiv stands to benefit is if Tisza ends Hungary's repeated disruption of EU consensus, which has often obstructed sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, Hegedus says.

"I expect that (Tisza's) approach will be more constructive, less confrontational," Vegh says. "And I think that would be something that can shift the tone with Ukraine."

Navigating the Orban-Zelensky clash

Orban's propaganda has gone into overdrive in accusing the opposition of colluding with Ukraine to drag Hungary into war.

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Hungarian streets have been filled with anti-Ukrainian posters of Zelensky, sometimes begging for money, sometimes flanked by Magyar or EU officials.

A pro-government billboards featuring a portrait of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L), with the text reading, 'Let's not let Zelensky have the last laugh,' and another billboard featuring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R), Zelensky (C), and Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar (L) with a text, 'They themselves are the risk.' in Budapest's 3rd district on March 3, 2026, (Attila Kisbenedek / AFP via Getty Images)

"Orban is putting this whole topic (of Ukraine) in the center of his campaign," Kreko says.

Magyar has sought to avoid getting caught in Orban's trap, instead focusing on domestic issues where he holds the upper hand, such as the cost of living and corruption.

But in recent weeks, Orban has pushed disputes with Kyiv to unprecedented levels.

He has blamed Ukraine for rising energy prices following the suspension of the Druzhba pipeline and threatened to use political force to break the "oil blockade." Hungary later seized over $80 million in Ukrainian cash and gold transiting through the country.

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When Zelensky hit back at Orban's rhetoric by hinting he would give the prime minister's "address" to Ukrainian soldiers  a comment many perceived as a personal threat  Magyar was forced to respond.

"No foreign state leader can threaten anyone, not a single Hungarian," the opposition leader said, urging the EU to cut contact with Ukraine until Zelensky apologizes.

According to experts, Magyar did not have much of a choice.

"He cannot endorse a threat against the Hungarian prime minister," Vegh says. "And remaining silent would have been interpreted as endorsement."

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Any other reaction would be "catastrophic" for Magyar's campaign, Hegedus notes. "Peter Magyar and Tisza need to be very cautious in their communication, and even in their relationships with Ukraine, so that it's not exploited against them."

Ag overnment parliamentary election campaign posters in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday, March 2, 2026. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is going all in with an anti-Ukraine campaign, derailing the European Union's latest packages to aid Kyiv and punish Moscow. (Akos Stiller/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The expert believes that even if Tisza comes to power, Fidesz's recent surge in fear-mongering against Ukraine is likely to delay the normalization of bilateral relations.

The Kyiv Independent has repeatedly reached out to Tisza representatives to discuss the party's policy vision on Russia and Ukraine, but has not received a response.

Getting rid of Russia dependence

While Orban accuses Tisza of colluding with Ukraine, Magyar called out Russia for reportedly helping to prop up the Fidesz campaign.

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The opposition leader  as well as several media outlets  said the Kremlin dispatched its agents to Budapest to help sway the elections in Orban's favor through disinformation tactics tested in Moldova.

"Hungary is the homeland of people who cherish freedom. We Hungarians are the heirs of the freedom fighters of 1956," Magyar said in a letter to a Russian ambassador in Budapest, alluding to Hungary's revolution against the communist government 70 years ago.

While Orban deepened energy ties with Russia throughout the full-scale war, particularly through pipeline gas and oil, Magyar pledged to reverse course.

In its program, Tisza named energy diversification as one of its chief goals, aiming to eliminate dependence on Russian energy by 2035.

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The party also pledged to launch a full review of Hungary's nuclear power plant project led by Russia's Rosatom.

Tapping energy expert Anita Orban (no relation) as Tisza's foreign affairs chief and likely next foreign minister illustrates just how crucial the energy issue is for the opposition's platform.

According to Hegedus, Orban's relationship with Moscow made anti-Russian positions an important "mobilizing factor for opposition voters."

A more assertive stance toward Russia also fits into Magyar's profiling as a "sovereignist" but pro-Western politician, in contrast to Orban's "servility" to Moscow.

But just like with Ukraine, Magyar treads carefully. The opposition leader has said his government would "seek balanced relations with the Russian Federation," suggesting there are limits to how far he would shift Hungary's policy.

Read also: Iran oil price shock fuels Hungarys campaign against Russia sanctions

Read also: Hungarys unrecognized Druzhba delegation arrives in Kyiv amid absurd standoff

Read also: Orban threatens force over oil dispute; Zelensky says Ukrainian army could speak to one EU funds blocker

Read also: Orbans election campaign strategy  blackmail EU, Ukraine over Russian oil and hope for a fight

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Making the approximately half-hour drive from his Glendale home to his downtown Phoenix workplace meant Ben Saiz was filling up his Chevrolet Tahoe once a week  twice tops.

That task has nearly tripled since President Donald Trump's surprise Feb. 28 military attack on Iran in coordination with Israel, Saiz told The Arizona Republic on the afternoon of March 12 while at the pump at a Quick Trip on West Indian School Road and Third Avenue.

"The jump in price is definitely outrageous right now, and it all has to do with Trump going to war," Saiz, 34, said. "We are the ones actually paying for it."

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The average regular gas price in Phoenix proper on March 12 was 84 cents more than the day before the conflict in the Middle East broke out Feb. 27, according to figures listed by AAA.

This is what Phoenix-area motorists and experts had to say about how current events in the Middle East are impacting wallets in the Valley.

Gas prices at Chevron at Kyrene and Guadalupe Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. Gas prices at Circle K at Dobson and Elliot Roads in Mesa, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. Gas prices at Valero at Kyrene and Warner Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. James Delaney fills his vehicle with fuel at Valero at Kyrene and Warner Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. James Delaney fills his vehicle with fuel at Valero at Kyrene and Warner Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. Jacy Brooks fills her vehicle with fuel at Valero at Kyrene and Warner Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. Arizona gas prices through the years 1 of 6 Gas prices at Chevron at Kyrene and Guadalupe Roads in Tempe, Arizona, on March 2, 2026.

How much is gas in Phoenix?

Saiz was scoping out advertised gas station fuel prices on his commute March 12 and noticed one location that listed regular prices at $3.99 the day before had leapt to $4.50.

As of March 12, the average regular gas price in Phoenix proper was $4.33 per gallon, according to figures listed by AAA.

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This is about 54 cents more than the average regular price a week prior, according to AAA. The difference between the average regular price March 12 is about 78 cents more than a year prior, AAA figures show.

Why are gas prices so high?

Brent crude, a global oil benchmark, reached a high of $101.8 a barrel March 12, according to MarketWatch data. The Feb. 27 high was $72.99 a barrel.

A protracted conflict will typically be adverse for gas prices, AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes explained to The Republic.

Fighting has played a detrimental role in accessing oil and natural gas as early March saw a near-total shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, carries 20% of oil shipments and about 20% of the worlds seaborne liquified natural gas.

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"The cost of oil is the biggest way a conflict all the way in Iran can impact Arizona," Paredes said. "Oil prices are global, and (oil is) the biggest ingredient for gas. So, if oil prices are high, gas prices will be higher for everyone."

How has Trump's planning impacted gas prices?

Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan, also known social media as GasBuddy Guy, told The Republic that Trump's unclear strategy is burdening consumers in the U.S.

"There's no cohesive plan and that puts the nation at risk," De Haan said about Trump's handling of the limited access to the Strait of Hormuz. "We broke the Strait of Hormuz because we did not use diplomatic efforts."

What has Trump said about gas prices?

Trump told Reuters on March 5 that he did not "have any concern" on gas price increases.

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The president on March 2 said he expected the conflict to last four to five weeks but could "go far longer than that." Then on March 9, Trump told CBS News, "the war is very complete, pretty much.

Drivers in Phoenix link gas prices to war

Visiting from Santa Clara, California, Victoria Smith, 42, acknowledged gas prices are always higher in warmer months. Still, she volunteered that what she was paying on gas for her sedan was a lot more because of military action overseas.

"The jump in price has to do with the war in the Middle East," Smith said.

This is a trend Phoenix resident Emilio Beltran, 32, said he has observed through most of his life.

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"It's the same thing where we went to Iraq," Beltran said of the United States' occupation in March 2003. "All the gas prices went up."

Republic reporters Rey Covarrubias Jr. and Perry Vandell contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gas prices caused by Iran war? Phoenix motorists think so
Celebrate Pi Day and read all about how this number pops up across math and science on our special Pi Day page.

Grab something circular, like a cup, measure the distance around the circle, and divide that by the distance across the widest part. What youll get is a pretty good estimate of the irrational number pi (3.14159...). But you can also find pi in a series of random coin flips or a collection of needles tossed on a wooden floor. Sometimes the reason pi shows up in randomly generated values is obviousif there are circles or angles involved, pi is your guy. But sometimes the circle is cleverly hidden, and sometimes the reason pi pops up is a mathematical mystery!

To celebrate Pi Day this year, here are three ways to estimate pi using random chance that you can try out at home. The last one, using coin flips, is brand newpublished just in time for Pi Day.

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1. Circle in a square

Perhaps the simplest way to randomly estimate pi works like this: take a square with side length 2 and place a circle with radius 1 inside so that it just touches the edges of the square. Then randomly generate points in the square. As you add more and more random points, the proportion of points which end up in the circle will approach  4 the ratio between the area of the circle (pi) and the area of the square (4).

The incidence of pi here is not surprisingit comes directly from the formula for the area of a circlebut the method is a classic example of a Monte Carlo simulation, in which random data are used to approximate an exact calculation.

Amanda Montanez

2. Buffons Noodle

Suppose I drop a bunch of needles on a hardwood floor with lines spaced one needle length apart. What proportion of the needles can I expect to cross the lines? This question was first posed by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (or Count of Buffon) in 1733, and the answer is 2  (about 2 3 ).

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To find out why, we need to think about a more general question: What if our needle is not a straight line but a squiggle, a square or any other line-drawn shape?

This extended version of the problem is sometimes called Buffons noodle because noodles come in many more shapes than needles. It turns out that no matter what shape the needle is bent into, we can still expect it, on average, to cross the same number of lines. The expected value of the number of lines crossed is proportional to the length of the needle. In other words, we can expect a collection of needles of length n (of any shape) to cross n times as many lines as the same number of needles of length 1.

So to find the answer to Buffons query, all you need to do is pick a clever shape for your needles. This is where the circles come in. If you have lines spaced one unit apart and a needle bent into a circle that has diameter 1, it will always cross the lines exactly twice. The length of the needle making up the circle is pi, and so the probability that a needle of length 1 will cross a line will be the expected value of the number of times the circle crosses2divided by the length of the circular needle, giving us 2  .

Amanda Montanez

3. Flipping coins

Pick up a coin and flip it. Record heads or tails. Repeat until youve gotten one more head than tails, and record the proportion of heads to total flips. For example, if your first flip was heads, stop right away and record 1. If you flip tails, heads, tails, heads, heads, stop and record . The expected value of your result, or the average of all your trials if you did infinitely many, is  4 . The more trials you average together, the closer you get to  4 .

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This new method for estimating pi using coin flips was introduced by James Propp, a mathematician at University of Massachusetts Lowell, in a preprint posted online at ArXiv.org last monthjust in time for Pi Day! Though the math behind the method is nothing new, the idea to use it to estimate pi with coin flips is.

So why do we get  4 ? The unsatisfying answer is that somewhere in the probability calculation there is an infinite sum that happens to correspond to the values of the arcsin functiona trigonometric function closely related to pi. But mathematicians havent found a meaningful connection between flipping coins and pi. Sometimes something thats really basic has relevance to two totally disconnected branches of mathematics, Propp says. Thats one of the joys of mathematics, but in many respects its a mystery.

Amanda Montanez

Vienna University of Technology mathematician Stefan Gerhold observed a very similar result, which he posted as a preprint to arXiv.org in 2025. Instead of flipping a coin until you have more heads than tails, Gerhold and his co-author were thinking about families having children and stopping when they had one more boy than girl. Its very mysterious, Gerhold says. I dont think there is a good way to understand that [in this scenario] the expectation will involve pi.

None of these methods are particularly practical for estimating pis value. To get pi to the accuracy of 3.14, Propp estimates it might take up to one trillion coin flips. This is partially because sequences of coin flips can get really long before heads overtake tails, so much so that the expected value of a sequences length is infinity! On top of that, you cant flip all the coins at once the same way you can drop needlesthe order of heads and tails matters. Thats why Propp suggests trying it in a classroom, where many students can flip sequences of coins simultaneously.

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Jennifer Wilson, a mathematician at the New School, who uses similar probability models to analyze voting methods, finds the result pleasing. Its nice because its certainly something you could try with any group of students, and all youd need is a background in calculus to understand it.

On your own, you might be flipping coins for quite a while to get an accurate read on pi. And even the other two methods might require around one million random points or needle drops to get 3.14but you could get luckier. This Pi Day, consider joining in on the tradition of finding the value of pi in wildly inefficient ways.
LINCOLN  Nebraskas most influential political consultant has chosen to step away from the states highest-profile candidate, the governor, the consultants company confirmed Thursday.

Jessica Flanagain, whose critics have called her Voldemort, the Dark Lord and She Who Should Not Be Named for her knife-fight style of campaigning, resigned from Gov. Jim Pillens campaign.

Axiom Strategys Jessica Flanagain carries signs for Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., after an event at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Oct. 19, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

She helped voters elect Pillen in 2022, when the hog farmer and former university regent won a three-headed Republican primary that became the states most expensive governors race.

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Flanagain, when reached Thursday, declined to comment. But Rob Phillips, president of her parent company, Axiom Strategies, said the firm had ended its contract with Pillen.

Pillens campaign manager did not return messages seeking comment Thursday. The governor has previously praised her as effective and joked about her sharp elbows with opponents.

Timing questioned

Some politicos contacted about Flanagains departure noted the timing. She left Wednesday, a day after Lincoln police said the department is investigating a state contract Pillen steered.

Questions linger about the states $2.5 million emergency no-bid bioeconomy contract between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Julie Bushell, a lobbyist Pillen knew and recommended for the contract, an arrangement the state auditor said seemed to reflect favoritism.

Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Foley speaks with reporters after a hearing before the Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on a bill brought at his request. Feb. 5, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

A key question being probed: Did the Governors Office or staff under Pillens control manufacture an emergency so the state could skip competitive bidding and give Bushell the contract?

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Pillen staffers and direct reports have said Bushell was already doing the bioeconomy work for the state before the Legislature had approved the funding that later became the contract.

State Auditor Mike Foley has argued that reinforces his belief that Nebraska faced no emergency that would legally justify not sending the state contract out for competitive bids.

The governor and his team have said the federal funding Bushell helped access was worth the state money. Pillen has said his staff followed the law and that he is really proud of what we did.

Audit and investigation referrals

Foley referred his findings on the contract last month to Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers and the Nebraska State Patrol. Misleading the auditor is a misdemeanor.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers at the Governors Mansion on Feb. 10, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

The Attorney Generals Office typically reviews such auditor referrals alleging potential wrongdoing and decides whether the findings merit additional investigation by a police agency.

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The AGs Office recently referred the contract probe to the Patrol, which told the Examiner this week that it asked Lincoln police to step in to avoid any possible conflict of interest.

Pillen appoints the head of the State Patrol, and its troopers provide his executive protection detail, the security personnel who resemble a state version of the Secret Service.

Potential primary challengers stand down

Flanagain resigned after the filing deadline for GOP candidates to challenge Pillen in a red state where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-to-1, with a growing number of nonpartisans.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks during an event in Wahoo, Neb., in 2022. (Aaron Sanderford/ Nebraska Examiner)

Despite the governors political vulnerabilities and a push by donors for other entrants, Pillens 2026 campaign raised more than $10 million and kept potential GOP challengers from filing.

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Charles Herbster, the multi-state millionaire agribusinessman who finished second to Pillen in the 2022 GOP race, flirted longest with a bid but ultimately did not run. He did not comment.

His longtime consultant, Rod Edwards, who worked against Flanagain in that 2022 governors race, said he was not surprised by her departures timing. She waited until after the filing deadline, when no other GOP candidate could join the primary race.

Another race awaits

Pillen is the heavy favorite this fall to face Democrat Lynne Walz, a former state senator from Fremont who is the heavy favorite in her primary as well, and some on his team have told people they expect a real race in a tough year for GOP turnout.

Jane Kleeb, who chairs the Nebraska Democratic Party, said the departure of a cutthroat operative like Flanagain speaks volumes, raising questions about the governors campaign.

Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, center, talks with U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature during Lindstroms time in office. June 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Jessica Flanagain didnt leave Jim Pillens campaign  she escaped it, Kleeb said. Nebraskans are watching a governor who cant hold together his own team while hes busy blowing a $646 million budget hole, giving out no-bid contracts and ignoring the kitchen table issues families care about.

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Patrick Lee, who worked with former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom on his 2022 GOP gubernatorial bid, said he had seen first hand how Flanagain dismembers her opponents. Many blamed her for the actions of a third-party group that ran ads criticizing Lindstroms support for increasing the gas tax for roads that blunted his momentum.

The primary was the toughest fight for the governor, Lee said. With Nebraska at the tip of the spear to keep the House and Senate, Im sure Jessica is focused on winning the tough races.

History lesson

Flanagains background in regional politics is long, including a stint as executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party and helping Mike Huckabee win the Iowa caucuses in 2008.

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., applauds the counter-terrorism work of the NCITE group at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

She is perhaps best known for her work with another of her clients, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., a former two-term governor now facing the toughest general election of his career.

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Ricketts faces registered nonpartisan Omaha labor leader Dan Osborn in the general election, in a race drawing allegations of both campaigns planting extra candidates to cull votes.

She also helped elect former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in Nebraskas 1st Congressional District and his successor, U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, who replaced Fortenberry after Fortenberry resigned following a conviction for lying to or misleading federal investigators. That conviction was later overturned on a venue question. The Trump administration declined to continue a follow-up prosecution.

She also encouraged Foley to run in his first auditors race. He did not immediately return a message late Thursday seeking comment.

Only a handful of Flanagains contemporaries spoke on the record Thursday about her or Pillen. Several expressed fear of angering either of them. Both have a history of punishing opponents.

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Chris Peterson, a longtime GOP consultant, said its clear Flanagain is narrowing her political focus in 2026.

Jessica has a twenty-year professional relationship with Pete Ricketts, he said. Its not surprising she is prioritizing his Senate race, especially in a year when the political winds arent setting up to be friendly for Republicans.

Examiner Reporter Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.

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WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP)  The armed man who rammed his vehicle into one of the nations largest Reform synagogues Thursday has been identified as a 41-year-old naturalized citizen born in Lebanon, according to federal officials.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali was fatally shot by security officers after driving through a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit, Michigan, in a vehicle that then caught fire, authorities said.

Ghazali came to the U.S. in 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and was granted U.S. citizenship in 2016, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Detroit field office, called the crime a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community" and said at a news conference Thursday that the FBI is leading the investigation.

Investigators have not determined a motive yet.

What drove this person into action has to be determined by the investigation, said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

None of the synagogues staff, teachers or the 140 children at its early childhood center were injured, Bouchard said.

In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue. One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said. And 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

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West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young said Temple security officers engaged the individual and neutralized the threat.

The suspect was found dead inside his vehicle, according to Bouchard.

Cassi Cohen, director of strategic development at Temple Israel, was standing at the hallway where the crash happened. She said she heard a loud bang, grabbed a few staff members, ran into her office and locked the door.

When I heard the crash, I knew it was bad, Cohen said.

She said a classroom was near where the car rammed the synagogue and, in addition to the children, who were as old as 4, there were also more than 30 staff members in the synagogue.

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Thankfully, we have had many active shooter drills and our staff is prepared for these situations, she said.

Rabbi Arianna Gordon, from Temple Israel, thanked the security team, law enforcement and early childhood teachers for getting the children out safely and reunited with their parents, calling them the true rock stars of the day.

Parents raced to retrieve children who were in the synagogue

About a dozen parents sprinted to get their children soon after authorities cleared the building. Other families were reunited at a nearby Jewish Community Center.

Allison Jacobs, whose 18-month-old daughter is enrolled in Temple Israels day care, said she got a message from a teacher saying the children were OK even before she knew what happened.

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There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock, she told the AP. I was hoping that it was a false report.

Jacobs, whose family is Jewish, said she tries not to think about all thats going on in the world.

You never think that this is actually going to happen to you, she said. But I know that its  its just terrible. This morning I was mourning the loss of the school that got hit in Iran.

Synagogues increased security since the start of Iran war

Synagogues around the world have been on edge and have been ramping up security since the U.S. and Israel launched a war with Iran with missile strikes on Feb. 28.

The FBI has warned that Iranian operatives may be planning drone attacks on targets in California. Two men brought explosives to a far-right protest outside the New York mayoral mansion on Saturday. Investigators allege they were inspired by the Islamic State extremist group.

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And an assailant drove a car into people outside an Orthodox synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. He stabbed two people to death before officers shot and killed him.

President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on the attack, calling it a terrible thing.

Steven Ingber, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, lamented the fact that his organization had to train and prepare for an attack.

Id love to say that Im shocked, that Im surprised, but Im not, he said during a news conference Thursday.

Attack brings back memories of prior massacres

Oakland County is Michigans second-largest county with roughly 1.3 million people. The majority of Detroit-area Jewish residents live there.

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This is heartbreaking, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. Michigans Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.

It was the second attack at a house of worship in Michigan within the past year. Last September, a former Marine fatally shot four people at a church north of Detroit and set it ablaze. The FBI later said he was motivated by anti-religious beliefs against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Temple Israel has 12,000 members, according to its website, which says the synagogue is passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe and that its mission is to create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit briefly advised all Jewish organizations in the area to lock down.

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Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, said in a statement that the Michigan attack demonstrates yet again the consequences of hatred.

We lose our humanity when we seek violent means as a solution, said Myers, rabbi of the Tree of Life Congregation, where 11 worshippers died in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. No one should dwell in fear because of who they are.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the shooting at a church north of Detroit happened in September, not October.

___

Durkin Richer reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press reporters Ed White in Detroit; Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Eric Tucker in Washington, D.C., and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed.
ConocoPhillips (COP) has been trading on two stories. The first is the obvious one. It is a large upstream oil producer, so the stock reacts quickly to crude price swings driven by war headlines, supply fears, and new concerns about the Strait of Hormuz.

The second story may matter more over time. ConocoPhillips has spent the past several months laying out a case built on capital discipline, cost control, and shareholder returns. That gives investors something else to watch when oil stops dominating the tape.

As crude turned higher again, COP moved back toward its recent highs and stayed close to the 52-week peak it set earlier this month. That move makes sense. ConocoPhillips has more direct exposure to oil prices than the integrated majors, which have refining and downstream businesses that can soften the impact of big swings in crude.

Oil volatility is doing the headline work

The macro backdrop has driven much of the recent action in energy stocks. Crude has surged, then dropped, then surged again as traders react to each new development tied to Iran, shipping disruptions, and supply risks. Brent crude oil pushed back above $100 per barrel on March 12 after the market had already gone through a sharp reversal earlier in the week.

That kind of tape tends to pull a name like ConocoPhillips into focus quickly. Investors often use upstream producers as direct ways to trade oil sentiment. When crude rallies, that sensitivity works in the stocks favor. When crude falls, the same sensitivity can weigh on shares just as fast.

That explains why COP keeps landing on watchlists, but it does not fully explain why investors may keep coming back to the stock after the oil spike fades.

Shutterstock  Shutterstock

ConocoPhillips wants investors watching costs and cash returns

ConocoPhillips gave investors a clear framework in its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 update. The company said it generated $19.9 billion in cash from operations, or CFO, in 2025 and returned $9 billion to shareholders, equal to 45% of its CFO. That total included $5 billion in share buybacks and $4 billion in dividends. Management also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.84 per share.

More Oil:

The company paired that return story with a cost story. ConocoPhillips told investors its 2026 plan includes about $12 billion in capital spending and roughly $10.2 billion in adjusted operating costs. It also set a goal of cutting $1 billion in combined capital and operating costs.
Smoke was seen billowing from the roof of a synagogue in Michigan after a truck was reportedly rammed into the Temple before shots were fired, as ITV News US Correspondent Dan Rivers reports

A man with a rifle who was killed after ramming his vehicle into a large Michigan synagogue in an act of violence against the Jewish community had lost four family members in an Israeli strike in Lebanon last week, an official has said.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, was killed by security after he rammed into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit, and drove down a hallway in a vehicle that then caught fire, police said.

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One security guard was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital, but is expected to recover, while 30 law enforcement officers were treated for smoke inhalation, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

Ghazali was born in Lebanon and was granted US citizenship in 2016, after coming to the country in 2011 as the spouse of a US citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

A local official in Mashgharah, Lebanon, told the Associated Press that Ghazali's two brothers, Kassim and Ibrahim Ghazali were killed alongside Ibrahim's children, Ali and Fatima, during an Israeli airstrike on March 5.

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The family had been having their fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, said the official, who asked to be anonymous because he could not share details of the airstrike publicly.

Ibrahim's wife was also seriously injured and is in the hospital, he said.

Kassim was a well-known soccer coach and personal trainer, while Ibrahim was a school bus driver in the village, the official said.

Ghazali was killed on Thursday after he drove into the synagogue, causing security to open fire, a law enforcement official told ITV News' US partner CNN.

Law enforcement escorted families with children away from the Temple Israel Credit: AP

The incident is being investigated as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community by the FBI.

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The synagogues staff, teachers and 140 children at its early childhood centre were not injured, Bouchard said.

Emergency responders found what appeared to be a large amount of explosives in the back of the vehicle, according to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the scene.

Cassi Cohen, director of strategic development at Temple Israel, was in the hallway where the crash happened.

She described grabbing staff members to run into her office and lock the door, after hearing a loud bang.

When I heard the crash, I knew it was bad, Cohen said, adding that it happened near a classroom with children and more than 30 staff members present.

One security guard was injured by the suspects vehicle Credit: AP

Allison Jacobs, mum to an 18-month-old daughter enrolled in Temple Israels day care, said she received a message from a teacher saying the children were okay before she knew what had happened.

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There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock, Jacobs said.

US President Donald Trump said he wanted to send love to Michigan's Jewish community during a Women's History Month event at the White House on Thursday.

"I've been fully briefed and it's a terrible thing... but it goes on," Trump said.

"We're going to be right down to the bottom of it. It's absolutely incredible that things like this happen."

US President Donald Trump said he was sending love to Michigan's Jewish community Credit: AP

Michigan's governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement describing the attack as "heartbreaking".

Michigans Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace, Whitmer said.

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Temple Israel calls itself the nations largest Reform synagogue, with 12,000 members, according to its website.

It has an early childhood education centre and offers educational programs for families and adults.

The website says the synagogue is passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe and that its mission is to create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.

The war in the Gulf Britain can't escape

US says Iran's new leader is 'cowering' as Trump warns of 'relentless' strikes

The attack was the second at a house of worship in Michigan within the past year, after a former Marine fatally shot four people at a church north of Detroit in September.

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More than 600 people have been killed in Lebanon since the US and Israel launched its offensive on Iran on February 28, according to the country's health ministry.

Nearly 800,000 have been internally displaced in the country, according to the UN refugee agency.

Iranian authorities say that more than 1,300 people have been killed in the conflict, while Israel has reported 12 deaths and the US 11 deaths.

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...
How did the San Antonio Spurs get so good, so soon?

Yes, the easy answer is Victor Wembanyama, but a closer look shows the Spurs are doing so many things right.
Authorities and Michigan leaders held a news conference and gave updates just after 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 13 on the Temple Israel attack in West Bloomfield.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, both spoke during the event.

You can watch the news conference live here.

Can't see the video? Watch on YouTube.

An attacker rammed a truck through the doors of the Temple Israel synagogue on Thursday, March 12. Temple Israel security officers engaged the individual and neutralized the threat, according to West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young.

Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Concerned parents with kids in daycare at Temple Israel off of Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield talk with Oakland County Sheriff officers near to get updates on the active shooter and where their kids are on Thursday, March. 12, 2026. Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Dozens of police vehicles line both sides of the street on Walnut Lake Road near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March. 12, 2026. Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel and other vehicles are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel and other vehicles are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel respond to an incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield 1 of 11 Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The suspect, who the U.S. Department of Homeland Security identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old immigrant from Lebanon and U.S. citizen, died in the truck.

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A security guard was struck by the truck, knocked unconscious, taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said 30 first responders were treated at local hospitals for smoke inhalation. The building became engulfed after the truck rammed into the facility.

Free Press reporters Dave Boucher and John Wisely contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer, Slotkin speak at Temple Israel news conference. Replay
Topline

Dozens of people have been arrested on charges of harming national security after they shared photos and videos pertaining to attacks from Iran, a violation of strict social media policies in a handful of Middle Eastern countries that can land violators in prison or lead to deportation.

A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai on March 1, 2026. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Key Facts

Twenty people have been arrested in Dubai after allegedly violating the United Arab Emirates strict cybercrime laws by posting footage of Iran's attacks in the country.

Under the country's laws, anyone who posts content that could disturb public security can be arrested and penalized with fines, prison time or deportation, as can anyone who reuses the footage, reposts it or even comments on it.

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Others have been arrested in Qatar and Kuwait on similar charges, including an unidentified person who posted content questioning how the Qatari government has handled the ongoing conflict. In Kuwait, where posting criticism of state institutions is banned entirely, multiple people were arrested after they posted a video in which they "mocked the current situation in the country.

In Bahrain, where it is illegal to post content that could reveal sensitive information about the country, four people were arrested for posting videos of sites, including military bases, that were affected by Iranian attacks.

Israel also has wartime military censorship laws that prohibit the posting of information that could harm national security, and the Jewish News Syndicate reported two people have been arrested after one made pro-Iran social media posts that revealed missile impact sites.

Iran has also warned social media users they could be charged under the country's espionage law for filming the aftermath of American and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, describing those who posted them as a fifth column of the Zionist regime."

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AFP, which has a Tehran bureau, said its journalists have been barred from visiting the scene of an American Tomahawk missile strike on a school that reportedly killed 175 people.

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: Were launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the days headlines. Text Alerts to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes.

Key Background

Some Middle Eastern countries, particularly Gulf states, have a history of being much more aggressive than other countries when it comes to banning online war content or otherwise posting about operational security (OPSEC) measures. In Bahrain, the countrys Interior Ministry said the recent arrests were an attempt to discourage people from spreading harmful material that could mislead the public, the Wall Street Journal reported. In Dubai, which has long had a reputation as a safe haven for wealthy foreigners, images of blasts from Iranian airstrikes have shattered its public image.

Crucial Quote

This is Dubais ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region, Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Persian Gulf at the European Council on Foreign Relations, posted on X. There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back.

Tangent

Most Western democracies generally do not criminalize people for posting war footage, but there are also laws in the United States aimed at curtailing the posting of content that could threaten national security. U.S. Code  795 bans anyone from drawing, photographing or publishing "vital military or naval installations or equipment" without permission. Military members are prohibited from posting sensitive contentlike troop locations or training methodsand the public and journalists are often barred from filming or photographing in locations where secret information is kept, like on military bases or in certain federal offices.

Further Reading

MORE FROM FORBESTurkey Wants To Stay Out Of Iran War Will The Country Be Dragged In Anyway? Expert Explains By ForbesTV

MORE FROM FORBESWhite House Denies Iran Planned California Attack: No Such Threat From Iran To Our Homeland Exists By Sara Dorn
Damage and fire from an Iranian missile attack on central Israel, March 13, 2026. (photo credit: MDA OPERATIONAL COVERAGE)

Earlier on Friday, shrapnel from an additional intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fell in central Israel, causing a fire.

Search and rescue teams from Home Front Command are operating at an impact site in northern Israel after sirens were triggered across the region on Friday night due to Iranian missiles launched towards Israeli territory.

At this time, no casualties have been reported.

This barrage follows earlier attacks on Friday night when sirens sounded across central and southern Israel as the IDF detected more Iranian missiles heading towards Israeli territory.

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Magen David Adom reported no casualties due to the earlier missile strike, with only one man being treated after getting injured on his way to a safe space. Israel Police said that it was investigating possible shrapnel and impact sites in southern Israel, and asked the public to stay away from the affected areas.

An impact occurred earlier on Friday in central Israel, which damaged a residential structure and ignited a fire.

The IDF dispatched Home Front Command soldiers to the impact site to conduct a situational assessment alongside first responders.

The Israel Police is currently additionally on scene and noted that no casualties have been reported.

The aftermath of fallen shrapnel after an Iranian missile attack on Israel on March 13,2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Shrapnel falls in central Israel, causing fire

Earlier on Friday, additional missile launches from Iran were detected, prompting sirens across central Israel.

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Shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fell in central Israel, causing a fire.

According to the Israel Police, shrapnel also fell in the Tel Aviv area, and officers were dispatched to secure the scene.

Magen David Adom stated that no casualties have been reported and that MDA teams were dispatched to three locations.

President Herzog visits site of Zarzir Iran missile attack

President Isaac Herzog visited the impact site of a missile attack in the village of Zarzir on Friday.

We are here in a Muslim village, which is a historic village, Zarzir," said Herzog. "It is an incredible place here with Jews and Arabs from the entire region, with leaders and heads of council, Jews and Arabs together. It is an unbelievable sight. This is the real, true story of Israel. We are in all this together."

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From Lebanon and from Iran, they are trying to kill Muslims too," continued Herzog. "My message is, of course, that we are sisters and brothers together. We will not cave in. The Iranians are making a big mistake if they think they can hamper us or change our course of weakening them substantially and bringing a different future for the Middle East. Also out there in Lebanon, not only are they hijacking their own country, Lebanon, they're also actually undermining themselves, and we will hit them hard and strong and bring change there as well.

The President was accompanied by Head of the Local Council, Atef Grifat, Head of the Forum of Bedouin Councils in Northern Israel, Munir Zubedat, and Commander of the Haifa District in the Home Front Command, BG Yakir Bukobza.

Two wounded as Hezbollah continues attacks on Israels North

A wave of strikes from Lebanon on Friday afternoon led to two more wounded in northern Israel, Magen David Adom stated.

One of the wounded parties was a 50-year-old woman with shrapnel wounds on her limbs, while the other was a 60-year-old man who had been hurt by the shockwave of an explosion.

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Both were only lightly wounded, MDA said.

AN EMPTY structure hit by an Iranian missile, March 13, 2026. (credit: Fire and Rescue Coastal Division Spokesperson)

Nearly 60 wounded by Iranian missile barrage

Some 58 people were wounded after a ballistic missile struck Israel during the third Iranian missile barrage targeted at the country's north on early Friday morning, Magen David Adom said in a statement.

Seven firefighting teams from the Nof Galilee Station responded to the scene, Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority said on Friday morning.

According to the authority, the missile struck near four houses, heavily damaging one of the homes, as well as several cars.

The strike also sparked a fire in a nearby building, which quickly spread into an open field.

MDA said that it has evacuated one person moderately wounded from shrapnel and 57 others mildly wounded by glass shards to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.
LINCOLN  A proposal backed by Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley that would help his office provide more oversight over the states no-bid contracts advanced out of committee Thursday and is likely headed to the legislative floor.

Legislative Bill 997, from State Sen. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County, comes on the heels of controversy involving the Nebraska Department of Economic Developments $2.5 million, emergency no-bid contract with agricultural tech CEO Julie Bushell and her Global Sustainability Developers of Lincoln. Gov. Jim Pillen recommended her for the contract, according to Foleys audit letter.

The Foley-sought bill, which the Governors Office supported, would require filing an extra copy of any state no-bid contract, including emergency ones, with the Nebraska State Auditors Office. The Nebraska Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee backed the bill 8-0.

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SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Foley has said the GSD contract smacks of favoritism and questioned actions by some top staff under Pillens direct control. Pillens office has sought to justify the no-bid contract after the fact in multiple ways. Pillen said on conservative Omaha talk radio station KFAB in mid-February that the emergency approach to not seeking bids was important because time was of the essence in seeking federal funds he and his team have said Bushell helped them obtain.

State Sen. Bob Andersen of Sarpy County. Jan. 9, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Earlier this week, the Lincoln Police Department was tasked with investigating the contract after the Nebraska State Patrol determined it wanted to avoid the possibility of a potential conflict of interest.

State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln tried to include an unrelated amendment adding parts of his LB 951, which would allow people outside of city limits but within a citys 3-mile zoning authority to vote in city elections. The current version of Ballards bill would affect only Omaha and Lincoln. It failed 4-4, with State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul siding with Democratic-aligned lawmakers against adding to the contracting change.

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NEW ORLEANS  A murder case sparked by a WWL Louisiana investigation took another turn Friday, when prosecutors asked a judge to revoke the bond of the woman accused of killing her boyfriend after she failed to appear at a court-ordered mental evaluation.

In a new court filing, the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office said Cache Shelton did not show up for a psychiatric evaluation scheduled for Thursday, despite being ordered by Criminal District Court Judge Kimya Holmes to attend as part of a recent insanity plea.

Shelton is charged with second-degree murder in the December 2022 shooting death of her boyfriend, 29-year-old Nicolas Harrison, inside the Courtyard by Marriott hotel on Julia Street in the Warehouse District.

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She had been out of jail on bond since she was charged with murder in January 2025. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams decided to reopen the case that month after WWL Louisiana reviewed forensic evidence, interrogation footage and police files and questioned his offices 2023 decision to refuse charges. Two days later, Williams prosecutors brought the case to a grand jury, which indicted Shelton.

The court ordered Sheltons mental evaluation after she changed her plea late last year from not guilty to not guilty by reason of insanity, which had already forced the court to delay the trial that had been scheduled for January and reset it for May 18.

According to the states filing Friday, prosecutors hired an expert to examine Sheltons mental state at the time of the shooting and coordinated the March 12 appointment with her defense attorney, Kevin Boshea. Court records also show Shelton appeared in court on Feb. 9 and was ordered by the judge to attend and participate in the evaluation March 12.

The defendant was well aware of her obligations and duty to participate in this evaluation, the motion states, noting she had confirmed in court that she would comply.

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Shelton has not yet responded to the motion in court records. WWL sent a message to Boshea requesting comment, but Holmes has issued a gag order in the case and Boshea did not respond.

Citing Louisiana law governing bond conditions and contempt of court, prosecutors argue Sheltons failure to attend the evaluation violates the terms of her release and demonstrates blatant and willful disregard for the courts orders.

A hearing on the request is scheduled for March 20.

Under Louisiana law, defendants who assert an insanity defense must be evaluated by mental health experts, and the defense bears the burden of proving insanity at the time of the alleged crime.

Prosecutors now say Sheltons failure to attend her evaluation could delay the case further because another examination will have to be scheduled depending on the experts availability.
A coalition of groups with concerns about data centers is challenging the Montana Public Service Commissions decision to keep information about them under wraps at the request of NorthWestern Energy.

In a motion filed with the Public Service Commission this week, Earthjustice said NorthWestern hasnt shown information in a series of letters qualifies as trade secrets, and keeping them hidden will hurt the public, especially those forced to buy electricity from the monopoly utility.

Reflexively issuing a protective order based on unsubstantiated trade secret claims, as the Commission did here, creates barriers to participation, hides the costs of the deals with data centers, and allows decisions that will impact ratepayers to be made behind closed doors, said the motion.

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The motion argues the decision to shield the letters from public view is unlawful.

Earthjustice filed the motion on behalf of Butte Watchdogs for Social and Environmental Justice; Climate Smart Missoula; Helena Interfaith Climate Advocates; Honor the Earth; Montana Environmental Information Center; Montana Public Interest Research Group; and NW Energy Coalition.

In an email, PSC spokesperson Jamey Petersen said the Commission may issue protective orders when necessary to preserve trade secrets or other information that needs to be guarded under the law.

(Screenshot from redacted letter of intent with a data center developer NorthWestern provided to the Public Service Commission)

The Commission is not in the business of shielding any utility from scrutiny; our role is to apply Montanas strong righttoknow provisions in Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution alongside laws that protect genuinely confidential information, such as trade secrets, and we do so consistently regardless of which company is before us, Petersen said in an email.

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Proposed data centers are controversial in Montana.

NorthWestern Energy, data center developers and some business leaders argue they represent economic opportunity, such as more jobs and an expanded tax base.

But opponents argue they are going to mean increased rates for existing customers, who already are seeing rising utility costs, and bring detrimental impacts to water for many sectors of the state, including agriculture.

Data centers use a significant amount of water to remain cool.

NorthWestern Energy has been working with data center developers in Montana. Its in conversation with at least 11 data center developers, including about projects in Montana.

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In December 2025, the PSC issued a protective order allowing NorthWestern to keep the information in the letters out of public view, but the groups argue it did so without sufficient evidence and in violation of its own rules.

The documents at issue are NorthWesterns letters of intent to three data center developers in Montana, Atlas Power Group, Sabey Data Center Properties, and Quantica Infrastructure; Atlas and Sabey have announced projects in Butte, and Quantica is working on one outside of Billings.

NorthWestern argued the information needed to be private because it has independent economic value and affects the utilitys competitive advantage, but the groups argue it didnt explain itself.

NorthWestern did not identify  in any manner  the information that it sought to shield from the public, the motion said. NorthWestern did not describe the contents of the Letters of Intent, nor provide any other explanation of the information that it was asking the Commission to determine qualified as trade secret.

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The motion also said NorthWestern promised to make a public filing concerning future service to data centers before the end of the year, which it didnt do, and argued the letters should be kept secret because theyre part of ongoing negotiations and not uniform.

A spokesperson for NorthWestern Energy could not be reached Friday.

In August 2025, the PSC had planned to set a hearing on data centers, but Petersen said a date has not been set.

The Public Service Commission granted the protective order, but it didnt describe the protected information, and it allowed the contents to remain secret because NorthWestern argued it wanted them secret, the groups said.

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The Commission concluded that the information in NorthWesterns Letters of Intent was secret because NorthWestern had protective measures in place to maintain secrecy and had not provided the Letters of Intent to any third parties, the motion said.

On behalf of the PSC, however, Petersen said the Commission found NorthWestern met its burden to show that certain information qualifies for trade secret protection, so that material must be handled confidentially while redacted versions and all other nonconfidential information remain available to the public.

The letters NorthWestern filed are heavily redacted, but the motion said the redactions are not uniform, and some of the protected information hurts the publics ability to advocate against rising costs for existing ratepayers.

The groups say the commission exceeded its legal authority in classifying the confidential information as a trade secret, and it unconstitutionally shifted the initial burden of proof to the public to challenge a public utilitys claims of confidentiality.

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It said the standard the Public Service Commission adopted violates the Right to Know in the Montana Constitution, its contrary to the agencys own regulations, and the Montana Supreme Court already rejected a similar approach in an earlier case.

The groups are asking the PSC to find NorthWestern has not met its burden to prove the information qualifies as a trade secret; determine the information should not be protected from public disclosure; and order NorthWestern to file unredacted copies of the letters.

Petersen said typically, affected parties such as NorthWestern are given a chance to respond before the Commission takes action on a motion.

Because the motion is pending in an open docket, the Commission will not comment on its merits outside of the formal proceeding, consistent with its quasijudicial role, Petersen said.
Qatar has rejected claims in sections of Israeli media that it had stopped its LNG production to affect energy prices in the US, calling such accusations an attempt to drive a wedge between Qatar and the US.

In a statement on Thursday, a senior Qatari official told Al Jazeera that Qatar will always prioritise peoples safety over political or economic gain.

It is no surprise that unofficial mouthpieces of [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu are attempting to exploit this period of global instability to sow further tension and division across the region, the official said.

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QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production last week following an Iranian drone attack, straining the global LNG market. Qatar supplies 20 percent of the worlds LNG.

According to Qatars Ministry of Defence, Iranian drones struck two sites, a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City and an energy facility in Ras Laffan belonging to QatarEnergy, the worlds largest LNG producer.

For more than two years, Mr Netanyahu has pursued a regional agenda that has fuelled conflict and chaos in pursuit of his own political ambitions, the official said.

He referenced a statement posted on X by Amit Segal, an Israeli chief political analyst for N12News, who on Wednesday said the halt in gas production signalled coordination between Iran and Qatar to close the facility in order to pressure an end to the war.

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Segals claims attempted to drive a wedge between the US and Qatar by alleging that Qatars decision to halt energy production was a calculated political move, the Qatari official said.

These allegations are the latest in a pattern of false reports made by Segal in recent days, including highly irresponsible claims that Qatar attacked Iran.

Netanyahus media allies had long circulated claims intended to create friction in the region, the official continued.

He added that at a time when the region urgently needs de-escalation, such narratives set a dangerous precedent and should be called out for their reckless and malign intent.
New Pacific Metals Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:NEWP) is one of the best silver stocks to watch in 2026, with more than 15% upside potential. On February 23, New Pacific Metals Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:NEWP) confirmed it has made significant progress as it seeks to kick-start operations at the Carangas silver-gold project in Bolivias Oruro Department.

New Pacific Metals Corp. (NEWP): Strengthening Local Ties and Project Momentum

Andrey Armyagov/Shutterstock.com

The company signed a Framework Agreement with the local community outlining terms and commitments. The agreement includes fixed annual contributions to a community development fund tied to project stages, as well as a community resettlement plan for relocating Carangas village.

Following the agreement, New Pacific Metals will commence a feasibility study upon the grant of mining permits and conduct infill drilling to upgrade resources. Exploration will target deeper zones and new targets. The company boasts a solid balance sheet that allows it to meet its commitments and accelerate the exploration and drilling activities.

Earlier on February 11, the company delivered disappointing financial results for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2025. The company posted a net loss of $1.58 million or $0.01 a share and a loss and $2.33 million or $0.01 a share for the three and six months. It was a significant increase from a net loss of $0.74 million and $2 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2024.

New Pacific Metals Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:NEWP) is a Canadian mining company developing precious metal projects in Bolivia, primarily focused on its flagship Silver Sand project, and also active at Carangas and Silverstrike.

While we acknowledge the potential of NEWP 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 List of Homebuilder Stocks Sorted By Hedge Fund Sentiment.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A 74-year-old Queens man accused of killing his young wife and dumping her dismembered body all over the borough was busted by a location-sharing app on his phone, prosecutors said.

Rupchand Simboo, 74, allegedly killed and cut up his 33-year-old wife, Salisha Ali, who was last seen in the couples Ozone Park home on July 13, 2025, according to the criminal complaint. Simboo reported his young bride missing a week later when her family began to worry.

Get ongoing crime and safety coverage on our homepage

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Two months later, the first set of remains was found.

Department of Sanitation workers found Alis tattooed torso in the woods near 149th Avenue and Brookville Boulevard on Sept. 22, 2025. The severed torso was wrapped in a blue moving blanket tied with a yellow rope and plastic wrap, prosecutors said. The materials were later found in Simboos garage.

Six months later, the victims decomposed head, her legs, and one of her arms were found at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge just south of the North Channel Bridge, officials said. The grisly discoveries were made last week.

Authorities used the defendants Life360 app to place him at both crime scenes, according to the complaint. Prosecutors alleged the defendants phone pinged near 149th Avenue and Brookville Boulevard on July 15, 2025, and at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge the day before.

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As alleged, the defendant went to extraordinary lengths to evade responsibility for the brutal killing of his wife, discarding her remains in remote locations and concealing critical evidence in an apparent effort to cover up this horrific crime, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Discover more local reporting on our homepage

The couple met in 2013 and were in a long-distance relationship until Ali moved from her native Trinidad to Queens in 2024, sources said. They got married last year. Ali worked as a home health aide.

My thoughts are with Salisha Alis family and friends as we work to ensure that the defendant is held fully accountable, Katz said.

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It was unclear how the woman was killed. The medical examiner ruled it was homicidal violence, but did not provide specifics.

Simboo was arraigned on charges of murder, concealment of a human corpse, and tampering with physical evidence, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.

His attorney could not be reached Thursday.

Mira Wassef is an award-winning reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined the PIX11 News digital team in 2022. See more of her work 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 PIX11.
During Californias worst dry spell in the past 1,200 years, some populations of wildflowers defied the odds to survive the ordeal. Researchers say they now believe these flowers relied on a type of rapid genetic evolution  the first time such a phenomenon has been documented in the wild.

The dry spell happened between 2012 and 2015, and killed more than 100 million trees. It was a particularly brutal period during an ongoing megadrought that began in 2000 and which has been made worse by climate change. Even though the drought killed plants that are normally drought-resistant, the scarlet monkeyflower, a bright red wildflower that thrives in wet areas, and along creek beds and springs, showed remarkable resilience.

A team of researchers spent eight years studying 55 populations of the wildflower, whose scientific name is Mimulus cardinalis, by keeping track of its numbers in the wild and sequencing the flowers genomes to reveal genetic shifts.

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We were able to show that these populations across the range in California were declining due to this extreme drought, and we found evidence of a rapid evolution across the genome, said Daniel Anstett, an assistant professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science of Cornell University and first author of a study on the findings, which published Thursday in the journal Science. And then we were able to relate a metric of this evolution to the ability of these populations to recover and to not go extinct.

While the entire species was not at risk of extinction, individual flower populations likely were, suffering declines of up to 90% compared to peak population sizes. It took about two to three years for these populations to rebound, according to Anstett.

A stream in California is populated by monkeyflowers, which were studied in the newly published research. - Daniel Anstett

This rapid comeback is a process biologists call evolutionary rescue, which happens when a species is able to recover from the threat of extinction by an external factor such as a drought, Anstett explained. Evolutionary rescue occurs when the few individuals that are left have the right genetic makeup to do better than the ones that died, so they do well or thrive within these new conditions, so the population inches back from extinction, he said.

Evolutionary rescue has been demonstrated in lab settings but researchers only had partial observations of it in the wild before: in cancer resistance in Tasmanian devils and adaptation to pollution in killifish. However, these studies did not provide full evidence that the process was taking place.

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This study, Anstett said, offers rigorous evidence that evolution happened and it led to a demographic recovery. We had a lot of information about the wildflowers demography and the genes, so that provided more ironclad information that ultimately evolutionary rescue was happening.

A great indicator of drought

The scarlet monkeyflower is a perennial herb, meaning it regrows each season from the same roots. Its pollinated by hummingbirds and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

This plant is found in streams in California, Baja California and Southern Oregon that are often seeps of water that seasonally flow through habitat, said Anstett. It really requires that flowing water to complete its life cycle and then be able to grow all the way up to seed, so its a great indicator of drought.

When a drought comes, Anstett explained, water stops flowing, so the plant has two choices: grow rapidly and produce flowers and seeds before the drought really takes hold  or grow much more slowly and perhaps live for another year. This latter strategy is what the wildflowers used. What we saw was that the plants were, in fact, developing more slowly and going more towards bunkering down, living longer, growing less fast, which is called drought avoidance, Anstett said.

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To understand the process, the researchers kept track of wildflower populations across 19 sites, which were visited every year to assess whether the plants lived or died. They then collected seeds from the plants, grew them in a lab, and then ground up the leaves from the plants theyd grown to extract DNA.

A researcher works on one of the sites sampled for the study. - Amy Angert

The DNA was then used to sequence the plants genome  its genetic instructions. We were able to see this rapid evolution happen within seven years, Anstett said, adding that the genetic mutations that the plant leveraged to become drought resistant werent new, but probably developed a long time ago. The plants that carried these drought-resistant traits were able to survive and pass those mutations forward via the seeds.

The next step in the study, which Anstett says could eventually span 30 or 40 years, is to see whether these mutations that allowed the plants to survive the megadrought will continue to be beneficial or hinder the plants if the drought stops.

More evidence of evolutionary rescue does not make drought or climate change less concerning, but it suggests that there could be more plants or animals that might be able to show resilience under extreme duress. Key for that to happen is genetic diversity, which means that conservation efforts to keep plant populations as widespread as possible are still crucial.

The monkeyflower plants were grown in a lab from seeds collected from the wild. - Daniel Anstett

The amount of genetic variation can be critical to this adaptation, said Anstett. This is a hint to conservation biologists to try to improve the amount of genetic variation and the connectivity between habitats so that organisms are able to ultimately be more resilient to a range of stressors.

A real breakthrough

Demonstrating that evolutionary rescue happens in the wild and identifying the specific genes responsible has been a major outstanding goal in evolutionary and conservation biology, David Field, an associate professor of applied biosciences at Macquarie University in Australia, said in an email. Field was not involved with the new study.

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The researchers used an elegant experiment to demonstrate that evolutionary rescue actually happens in the wild in our lifetime, he wrote in an email, adding that the study provides an important demonstration of the possibilities of using similar experiments to help conservation efforts of endangered species globally.

The scarlet monkeyflower, or Mimulus cardinalis, is also known as Erythranthe cardinalis, following a botanical reclassification of the species. - Seema Sheth

Other researchers who also did not participate in the research expressed similarly positive views: This is a very important study, Diane Campbell, distinguished professor emerita of ecology & evolutionary biology at the University of California, Irvine, said in an email. It provides exceptionally strong evidence that a process known mostly from theory can help wild plant populations recover from the increasing droughts predicted under climate change in Mediterranean-type areas.

A major question on the mind of botanists is whether plants can evolve in time to survive the extreme droughts that are predicted to get worse with climate change, said Isaac Lichter Marck, a botanical researcher at the California Academy of Sciences. When faced with extreme drought, animals can move, adapt, or die  but wildflowers are rooted in place, leaving them with a much shorter list: adapt or die, he wrote in an email.

The study is a critical model for using genomics to predict which wildflower species are vulnerable to extinction as a result of climate change, he continued. But it also raises other concerns: Pressures like habitat loss and invasive species are eroding genetic variation in the wild. As this research shows, loss of genetic variation could make the already alarming threats from climate change even worse.

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Jeff Diez, an associate professor in the biology department of the University of Oregon, said in an email that the research represents a real breakthrough and stands out for its sheer thoroughness. The sobering part is that it took an extraordinary effort to show this for one species, he added. If we want to understand how whole communities of interacting species will respond to climate change, we need to assess evolutionary potential across far more species, and there is bound to be enormous variation in which species can evolve fast enough.

Overall, he concluded, the study contains the genuinely hopeful message that some wild plants may evolve fast enough to survive climate disruption. But its also wrapped in a humbling reminder of how much we still dont know.

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TIMKEN  On a hilltop field in Rush County, Kevin Wiltse stabbed his spade into plant residue-encrusted earth and turned over a shovelful of dark soil. He knelt, scooped up a fistful of moist, porous dirt and crumbled it in his fingers. He was not alone; earthworms poked out from the clods, and there were signs of dung beetles and other tiny creatures as well.

This is a good thing, said Wiltse, a Timken-area farmer. It means the soil is healthy.

Wiltse is a staunch advocate of a growing farming trend: regenerative agriculture. The science-heavy method minimizes soil disruptions and man-made chemical use while restoring farmlands to a more natural state. He has drawn heavily on microbiology classes he took while earning an agronomy degree from Kansas State University.

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To explain his passion, Wiltse highlighted rainforests, where no fertilizers or other synthetic inputs are added.

Those systems just function, he said. Thats what we are trying to do  mimic those natural ecosystems.

Recalling the network of lines installed to provide water for livestock across all his fields, Wiltse noted that such an approach requires significant investment.

Its hard, he said.

But its worth it. Its a challenge, he added. However, if I couldnt farm like this, I dont think I would want to farm.

After the Dust Bowl, when a devastating drought triggered massive clouds of blowing dirt that engulfed Kansas, farmers made sweeping changes to their practices.

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Nearly a century later, regenerative agriculture proponents say the industry stands at the threshold of the next revolution  creating a sustainable future and reestablishing the ties between the soil and the consumers. Critics say the changes are overhyped and hard to quantify.

This could transform agriculture, said Charles Rice, a soil scientist with the Regenerative Agriculture Initiative in the KSU Agronomy Department. This is a new way of looking at the full food supply chain.

But Rice said that it is a slow go. He has spent decades studying these practices. While farmers are increasingly turning toward holistic management systems to restore soil health, skepticism persists.

We are talking about change; it is not an easy sell, he said.

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Regenerative agriculture functions as a framework that prioritizes ecosystem function by working with natural processes rather than against them, Rice said. By focusing on biodiversity, its methods create resilient systems capable of withstanding climate extremes while potentially increasing the nutritional quality of food.

Calves at Wiltse Family Farms graze on cover crops. Integrating livestock into cropping systems is a core tenet of the familys regenerative practices. (Photo courtesy Kevin Wiltse)

A six-part plan

Regenerative agriculture depends on six fundamental principles, Rice said.

First, minimal tillage and no-till practices serve as a primary defense against erosion, preserving the soil and retaining moisture, while decreasing soil and wind erosion, Rice said. This lack of disturbance helps sequester atmospheric carbon by protecting organic matter within the ground.

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Kansas is further along than most states, he said.

While the state leads the nation in no-till farming, with it being used on 40-50% of its cropped area, researchers note that only 3.2% of the states agricultural land currently employs winter cover crops, a significant area for potential growth.

Reducing soil disturbance cuts labor and fuel expenses by decreasing the number of tractor trips, he said. It also reduces fertilizer and other input costs.

Second and third, Rice said the maintenance of soil residue through cover crops shields the land from the elements and suppresses weeds, while the presence of living roots year-round provides essential nutrients for the microbial engine that powers fertile land.

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Next, diversification further strengthens these ecosystems, as moving toward varied crop rotations, including perennials, can increase total carbon storage in the soil and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical inputs, he said.

Fifth, integrating livestock into crop systems where possible offers additional benefits, such as natural fertilization from manure and enhanced carbon storage through managed grazing, which also provides feed for the cattle.

Carbon sequestration captures carbon dioxide and stores it in the soil. By using conservation methods such as regenerative ag, growers increase organic matter to turn fields into carbon sinks. Biological storage reduces greenhouse gases while improving soil health and water retention.

We are making that soil better, Rice said.

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Barriers to acceptance linger, he said. He identified a lack of technical resources, perceived financial risks and overall awareness as primary hurdles.

It takes an investment of time to learn these practices, he said. There are also other up-front costs, and it may be three to five years before farmers see any return.

This brought Rice to the final principle  context. This requires producers to tailor techniques to their specific soil types and local climates to maximize both social and environmental sustainability.

Putting it into practice

In November 2025, the Kevin Wiltse family (Kevin, his wife Amanda and their three children) received the 2025 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. The $10,000 honor recognizes landowners who demonstrate outstanding commitment to soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.

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For the Wiltses, their path to regenerative ag started with no-till farming in the 1990s. This alone didnt yield the results they were hoping for. In the decades since, theyve incorporated cover crops, more crop rotation and have added livestock integration on about 2,500 acres in the rolling hills of Rush County.

At risk of oversimplifying it, the basic goal of regenerative agriculture is to improve soil health, Wiltse said. By keeping more organic matter in the dirt, moisture is retained, nutrients are added and weed woes are reduced.

Now were seeing the benefits. Its more profitable per acre, he said. They are using about half as much fertilizer and herbicides as they were before.

Its been really successful, he said. The variety gives us more options.

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But there are a lot of hurdles that keep this from being widely adopted, he said.

Federal farm programs dont encourage regenerative practices. Also, if a farmer is leasing ground, adopting such practices may depend on an agreement with the landowner.

Finally, Its hard for people to change, Wiltse said. It takes more planning, and there are a lot of factors that go into it. Everyone must evaluate it for themselves.

However, as water and other resources become scarcer, the current heavy reliance on irrigation and chemical applications is unsustainable, he said.

Beyond the field

This is reconnecting the consumer with agriculture, Rice said.

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There is evidence that these practices can improve the nutritional quality of the food grown, he added. But the food is medicine concept needs more research.

There are indications it has a positive effect on human health, Wiltse said. There are lots of interesting studies being done now that are confirming that healthy soil gives us healthy plants and animals, which gives us healthier food. We have done nutrient density testing on our beef. I think this is going to be a big deal going forward.

He is taking part in a national survey that tests crops and soils to quantify the effects of regenerative agriculture.

The Trump administration has directed more funding toward RA efforts. Food companies such as General Mills, King Arthur and McDonalds are funneling money into such efforts, seeing them as a way of cutting production costs by making farming more efficient, shoring up supply chains by expanding crop diversity, and providing a new way to market their products.

The bottom line, Rice said, is that everyone stands to win.

Not just humans, either. Pointing to a cluster of pheasants scattering through a field of crop residue, Wiltse said these efforts create vast swaths of wildlife habitat.

Not everyone is convinced

There are skeptics.

I dont think there are particularly downsides. I dont have a problem with regenerative agriculture, said Andrew McGuire, extension agronomist for the Washington State University Extension, WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The roots of the practice  reducing tillage, crop diversity, livestock integration and promoting soil health  are all sound.

But I just think the claims go way too far, he said. He compared it to the earlier trend of sustainable agriculture.

There is a new focus on soil health, he said. They really stress the biology aspect of regenerative ag, and that is where a lot of these claims come from.

While sustainable ag focused on similar practices, the goal was soil maintenance. Regenerative advocates say they want to restore the soil to pre-agriculture days, and that is just not possible, McGuire said.

Over the long term, crop production just removes too much biomass, he said. Eventually, outside inputs such as fertilizer will be needed. McGuire said these techniques may be more easily applicable and successful in livestock, where there is less soil disturbance.

Skeptics also note that a lack of standardized definitions allows for corporate greenwashing and marketing ploys that do not require actual ecological changes. Some emphasize the difficulty of verifying environmental benefits, noting that inconsistent soil carbon measurements make climate claims hard to validate.

But Wiltse stands firm. Sure, its a long process and it takes time, he said.

I see all the efforts paying off, he said. There are more opportunities to get more out of fewer acres.
Rep. Joyce Beatty made an unfortunate blunder ahead of a court hearing in her battle with President Donald Trump over the fate of the Kennedy Center.

The Ohio Democrat and Kennedy Center board member sued Trump and other board members in December over their efforts to rename the center after Trump and close it for renovations. Beatty was seeking a restraining order to make sure she could attend a board meeting and oppose the plan to close the center for two years. The case was set to go before a federal judge on the afternoon of March 12.

Ahead of the hearing, Beatty accused Trump in court filings of not inviting her to a Kennedy Center board meeting planned for next week at the White House. Department of Justice lawyers countered in court filings that she was invited to the board meeting.

Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. John F. Kennedy Memorial Center adds Trump to name. See the change 1 of 8 Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."

As first reported by The Hill, the invite landed in her inbox's spam folder, her attorneys later confirmed in a follow-up court filing.

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"Upon further investigation, it appears that the email regarding the Board meeting was routed to Plaintiffs spam folder," Beatty's attorneys wrote.

They wrote in the court filing it bears emphasis that when Beatty reached out to the Kennedy Center's general counsel, they ignored Beatty for two days and she had reason to believe she was being excluded.

"Her being 'permitted to attend' does not come anywhere close to remediating her harms," Beatty's attorneys wrote, saying she's been silenced before.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, seen here in Columbus in 2025, accused the Trump administration of not inviting her to a Kennedy Center board hearing at the White House, but the email went to her inbox's spam folder.

Beatty says she was muted and denied the opportunity to speak at a December board meeting at which the White House claims the board unanimously voted to change the center's name to the Trump-Kennedy Center.

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A spokesperson for Beatty did not immediately respond to The Dispatch's request for comment.

Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: In Kennedy Center fight with Trump, Rep. Joyce Beatty missed email
The Illinois Forensic Science Commission is responding to a drug testing scandal, first uncovered by the ABC7 I-Team, at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Many Illinois marijuana DUI cases were based on blood and urine test results that may have been inaccurate.

The commission issued strong statements and recommendations on Tuesday around an attorney-authored report issued last May by the university. The commission said, in part, that the UIC report is insufficient to address the allegations of faulty testing used in criminal prosecutions.

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The commission also said the UIC report suggests a fundamental lack of understanding of forensic toxicology and that the "commission does not consider the UIC report to be an authoritative document for criminal justice stakeholders to evaluate the competency or accuracy of forensic testing."

UIC hired Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP to look into and create an independent report into concerns and claims made about testing inaccuracies when measuring THC.

At issue are results that were unable to distinguish Delta-9 THC from other commonly encountered THC isomers such as Delta-8 and testing urite for THC levels. The lab had notified police departments and prosecutor's offices in Illinois that there may have been problems with some results.

SEE ALSO | New fallout for UIC lab accused of providing flawed results in DUI cases

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Criminal defense attorneys, who represents clients charged with cannabis DUI, told the I-Team that the UIC report is just a corporate whitewash.

That report said errors were made but may not have impacted all tests. The report concludes UIC's Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory methods should have "been modified" to distinguish between two related forms of THC. However, it goes on to say, "Nevertheless, the reliability of those test results may be confirmed on a case-by-case basis."

Following reporting from the ABC7 I-Team, the DuPage County state's attorney announced the dismissal of more than a dozen cases involving the faulty tests. Other county prosecutors and police departments in the metro Chicago area are now reviewing cases, including in Cook County.

The head of the state commission said it has been actively working on examining issues related to the UIC lab, the Analytic Forensic Testing Laboratory, or AFTL.

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"Step one that the Commission decided to take in response to what happened at AFL, because that report is out there, and that is in the public, and the Commission felt it was very important that they respond to that information that is out there. After they do that response, then they will move forward with their next steps," the commission's head said.

Among the things the commission is recommending is UIC initiate a comprehensive audit of AFTL's forensic toxicology lab operations to be conducted "posthaste," a report of the findings be made public, and that the audit is made by an independent agency with forensic science expertise.

The lab ceased human testing in February 2024. UIC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is warning the Trump administration against drawing down hundreds of U.S. troops serving as peacekeeping forces in Kosovo as tensions rise in the region, according to a letter exclusively obtained by The Hill.

The letter, sent Thursday, represents a rare moment of unity among Democrats and Republicans serving on key foreign policy and armed services committees. It also puts a spotlight on a potentially escalating conflict despite President Trumps claims he achieved peace in the western Balkans.

Lawmakers wrote in the letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, that reports the U.S. is pushing to wind down the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) risks threatening security in the region.

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They called for Rubio to provide clarity on the administrations decisionmaking.

A NATO official told The Hill that there are no significant changes under consideration for KFOR. The U.S. currently has almost 600 troops deployed with KFOR and has the leadership of the Regional Command East of the mission.

The United States continues to play a fundamental role in support to lasting security across Kosovo and to regional stability, including within the framework of the NATO-led KFOR mission, the official said.

KFOR deployed to Kosovo in 1999 to oversee the withdrawal of Serbian troops, marking the end of the Kosovo War. Tensions have fluctuated over the decades but have spiked in recent years, with progress stalling in European Union-led talks to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina.

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Given no meaningful progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, a troop reduction removes leverage that could force a return to negotiations, the lawmakers wrote.

Furthermore a reduced U.S. presence may embolden actors who view Western disengagement as an opportunity to sow unrest.

The letter was led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committees Subcommittee on Military and Foreign affairs.

Other signatories include Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Peter Welch (D-Vt.); and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

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House members who signed on to the letter include Reps. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.); Rick Larsen (R-Wash.); and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.).

Trump has claimed credit for preventing an outbreak of conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in 2025, but ethnic tensions between Serb communities in the north of Kosovo and escalating tensions in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina are posing a threat to security and stability in the region.

Russian interference is further raising concern that the Kremlin is exploiting ethnic tensions to fuel conflict and weaken support for NATO and Europe.

The lawmakers said the U.S. contribution of approximately 500 American troops to the 5,000-strong peacekeeping force represents a small presence with an outsized impact.

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We urge you to maintain U.S. force levels to protect U.S. national security interests in the western Balkans, the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers also raise concern about rising instability in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina and how KFOR can provide support to the European Union force operating in the region to respond to any conflict flare-up.

Milorad Dodik, former president of the Republika Srpska and for whom Trump lifted sanctions in October, is drawing criticism for promoting Serb secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina and fueling anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Dodik was a member of Bosnia and Herzegovinas three-person collective presidency, alongside presidents representing Bosnian Muslims, or Bosniaks, and Croat ethnic groups.

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Last month, Dodik welcomed the election of his ally Sinisa Karan to the presidency of Republika Srpska, promising Karan will take decisive action against enemies, employing derogatory insults against Bosniaks.

Against this backdrop of escalating rhetoric, even the perception of American drawdown from KFOR may embolden nationalist agenda of actors in Kosovo and Serbia but also the separatist ambitions of leaders in Republika Srpska, undermining state cohesion in Bosnia and Herzegovina and increasing the risk of a political security crisis, the lawmakers wrote.

Updated at 6:14 p.m. EDT

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.
After a Utah court approved a new congressional map for the state including three Republican-heavy districts and one including most of the states Democrats, the states four incumbent members of Congress conferred about their options.

With one  Rep. Burgess Owens  choosing to retire instead of run again, the other three chose one of the safe districts to run in. That left the Republican primary in the new 1st District, covering the northern two-thirds of Salt Lake County, wide open.

In 2024, presidential candidate Kamala Harris beat Trump by 23 points in what is now Congressional District 1 (CD1), and since 2018, 56% of its residents have supported Democratic candidates.

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Rachelle Morris, a former Republican Salt Lake County Council candidate, told the Deseret News how she sees the race taking shape.

The only chance that a Republican has at winning this race is by being able to demonstrate that they are smarter, more competent, more collaborative and able to persuade swing voters to vote for a Republican over their Democratic opponent, she said.

As of Thursday night, three Republicans have announced a bid for the seat: Riley Owen, Dave Robinson and Jonathan Lopez. Meanwhile, eight Democrats, including former Rep. Ben McAdams and current state Senator Nate Blouin, are gathering signatures for a run. Potential candidates have until Friday to register.

Utahs 1st District race has national significance, Morris said. Given how tight the power balance is in the U.S. House of Representatives, one extra seat could potentially make Hakeem Jeffries the Speaker of the House.

Who are the Republican 1st District candidates?

After launching his 1st District campaign in mid-February, Riley Owen, 27, spoke to the University of Utahs College Republicans club last Wednesday.

Congressional candidate Riley Owen speaks at a Utah College Republicans event at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

His message was straightforward: if elected, he would advance affordability, support families and curb career politicians.

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I think what Utahns are known for and what Utahns do best is finding common-sense solutions, advocating for whats right and coming together as communities to build something, he said. I think there is an appetite for common-sense solutions, and I do think theres a chance for a conservative to win in this race.

After Owen kicked off his campaign with events at the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, Morris said she believes the 27-year-old will bring some youthful energy to this primary.

Congressional candidate Riley Owen speaks at a Utah College Republicans event at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

He told students at the University of Utah, I want young people to realize that we do have a voice, that it matters, that there are more of us than the media or our friends or college campuses make it out to be, and that we can speak up and get involved.

Owen said he believes the conservative movement is often misunderstood. He referenced Edmund Burkes Reflections on the Revolution in France, and said, Conservatives actually stand for change.

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People say conservatives just want tradition, and they dont want to change anything, but Burke says, No, no, no. The difference between a conservative and a progressive is that a progressive wants revolution. A progressive wants chaos, a progressive wants change now, Owen said. A conservative wants gradual, incremental gains that are ordered and controlled and stable, so we can help the greatest number of people. Thats why Im a conservative.

A descendant of six generations of Utahns, Owen grew up in Southern California, then attended Princeton for his undergraduate degree. After serving a mission in Denmark for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Owen served as a White House policy analyst. He then completed a masters degree in public policy at the University of Oxford, and currently he works as CEO of Doers Network while serving as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve.

So far, Owen has received endorsements from Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, and President Donald Trumps former national security adviser, Robert OBrien.

Dave Robinson announces bid for CD1

Dave Robinson, a candidate for Utahs First Congressional District. | Dave Robinson

One of Owens Republican opponents, Dave Robinson, has been active in Salt Lake Citys political scene for about a decade.

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Robinson ran against then-incumbent Ben McAdams for Salt Lake County mayor in 2016, and in 2020, he served as a volunteer communications director of Salt Lake Countys Republican Party.

In a conversation with the Deseret News, Robinson said the sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations, which were made against him in 2020 and early 2021, are unfounded.

There have been no criminal charges filed against Robinson, and he has since filed a defamation lawsuit against several Republican officials.

I have denied these allegations and repeatedly asked for a third party investigation. I was left with going to the courts to clear my name. We are wrapping up the discovery phase at this time, he said.

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Robinson has worked as a homebuilder, which has given him firsthand experience with land use, infrastructure and housing supply challenges, he told the Deseret News. He believes the experience would help him address Utahs housing affordability and growth.

Robinson also represents private landowners in Big Cottonwood Canyon to help preserve access for backcountry skiers, hikers and campers, while also protecting private property rights.

Braxton Christensen, Matt Ballard and Sam Christensen enjoy some snowshoe time in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. Law Makers aim at significant water law reform. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Regarding the idea that Republicans dont stand a chance in the 1st District, Robinson told the Deseret News, I actually think this is a great district. There are great issues, and I think the voters in this district have shown that they are heavy on voting on policy more than partisan lines. So I actually really like the district.

Since McAdams pulled away with the mayoral victory in 2016, Morris said she suspects Robinson will share some of those Ben McAdams war stories on the campaign trail.

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Morris added that she doesnt see Robinson being a pushover in the path to nomination.

And I have a feeling that Riley (Owen) is not going to throw punches at anyone, but instead is going to talk about policy issues that he believes matter to Gen Z voters, she said.

Jonathan Lopez files bid

Jonathan Lopez filed his bid for the Republican 1st District primary race on Wednesday.

Lopez did not respond to a request for comment.

The race will help clarify the 1st Districts political leanings

The Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 2, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

As a Republican who lives in Salt Lake, Im aware of the fact that there are left-leaning voters who affiliate with the Republican party so they can vote in Republican primaries, Morris told the Deseret News.

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A competitive Democratic primary and general election will provide new data on Republican-affiliated voters who vote in a competitive Democratic primary when given the opportunity.

Comparing the Republican and Democratic primary races participation rates this election cycle will give us some data to understand how many voters have been voting in our Republican primary but actually lean left politically, she said.

Which incumbents are running where?

With confusion over Utahs congressional maps this year, Morris said she believes many Utahns arent sure which district theyre in, not to mention who is running in their district.

There is so much confusion, and I do believe that there will be voters who get their ballot in the mail and say, Oh, I didnt realize Im voting in this primary.

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Heres where Utahs incumbent lawmakers are running:

Current 1st District Rep. Blake Moore will run in the 2nd District.

Current 2nd District Rep. Celeste Maloy will run in the 3rd District.

Current 3rd District Rep. Mike Kennedy will run in the District 4.

Current 4th District Rep. Burgess Owens announced he will retire at the end of his term.

Other candidates who have filed to run include former gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman, who filed to run in the 3rd District; and current state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, who is running in the 2nd District.
BATON ROUGE, La (Louisiana First)  Residents in West Baton Rouge Parish are speaking out after leaked federal documents suggested a warehouse in Port Allen could potentially be converted into a detention facility housing hundreds of people.

Community members packed a West Baton Rouge Parish Council meeting Thursday evening to raise concerns and demand answers about the potential site. The meeting comes after reports from The Washington Post revealing that the Port Allen warehouse was listed as a possible site in a broader federal plan to expand detention facilities across the country.

According to the documents, the proposed facility could be designed to hold around 500 detainees. Advocates say the proposal is part of a greater effort that could increase the number of people detained nationwide from roughly 70,000 to nearly 100,000.

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Many residents said the possibility of a detention center in their community is troubling.

Were getting national attention but not in a good way, said Hannah Freeman, a West Baton Rouge Parish resident.

Concerns voiced at the meeting ranged from potential impacts on local infrastructure to the broader effect the facility could have on surrounding communities.

Some residents from neighboring East Baton Rouge Parish also spoke out, saying the location of the proposed facility could impact tourism and businesses in Baton Rouge.

Theres a huge string of hotels right here against the river close to Tiger Stadium, said Ross Young, an East Baton Rouge Parish resident. And they would be right up against an ICE detention center, which I dont think anybody wants to drive past that.

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Community organizations and advocacy groups also attended the meeting, calling for more information about the proposal and urging local leaders to take a stance on the issue.

Residents said they want to ensure their voices are heard by local leaders and want to make sure they have as much transparency as possible.

To the wider community, to West Baton Rouge, to East Baton Rouge, and to all of southeast Louisiana, I would just say, if you dont want this, you need to make your voice heard, Young said.

Advocates have raised additional concerns about the potential strain a large detention facility could place on local infrastructure such as water, sewer systems, and emergency services. Others worry that if the property were sold to the federal government, it could remove local property tax revenue that currently supports schools and other services.

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For now, residents said they plan to continue speaking out as the issue develops.

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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.
Cannabis cultivators and prospective store owners implored the panel responsible for regulating Rhode Islands cannabis market to avoid any further delays in awarding 20 new retail licenses on Friday.

The two remaining members of the states Cannabis Control Commission were scheduled to potentially vote on staggering the release of the licenses, along with extending the deadline for licence applicants to secure local zoning approvals. At last months meeting on Feb 13, commissioners first considered the idea of staggering the distribution of retail licenses.

Commissioners opted to punt their decision on how the license lottery will proceed in order to absorb testimony provided by 23 industry representatives who gave public comment, along with other written correspondence provided to the panel.

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We definitely hear you and hope to move forward in the best way, Commissioner Layi Oduyingbo told the industry leaders who packed the conference room at the Public Utilities Commission in Warwick.

Applicants will not get any extension to get their local zoning approval. Oduyingbo and Commissioner Robert Jacquard voted against. Applicants had through March 2 to get local approvals submitted to the commission.



Twelve applicants had requested extensions, Rhode Island Cannabis Administrator Michelle Reddish told commissioners.

Under a timeline adopted last fall, regulators aimed to begin issuing licenses as early as May. The rules set by the commission governing the retail market dont specify how many would be awarded at one time.

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State law allows the commission to issue up to 24 retail licenses spread across six geographic zones. The states regulations adopted last year set a maximum of four retailers per zone, with at least one license designated for a social equity applicant, and one for a worker-owned cooperative.

But two zones had no applications from worker cooperatives and general retailers, which left regulators to instead issue a maximum of 20 licenses across the state.

A total of 97 applications were submitted to regulators by the commissions Dec. 29, 2025, deadline.

At the Feb. 13 meeting, Jacquard said a lot of stakeholders voiced objections to awarding licenses all at once, fearing it could oversaturate Rhode Islands budding market and drastically lower product prices leading to a race to the bottom.

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Publicly, that alarm has only been raised by executives from some of the eight existing medical dispensaries, who have been allowed to sell recreational cannabis under hybrid licenses following retail legalization in 2022.

Maintating the right balance between supply, retail capacity, and consumer demand is essential to preserving a safe cannabis industry, Kevin Rouleau, chief operating officer for the Portsmouth-based Newport Cannabis Company, told the commission Friday.

Rouleau was the only medical dispensary representative to speak during the Feb. 13 meeting. He had some backup this time.

A cannabis cultivator takes notes during the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commissions meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current),

Jonathan Leighton, chief operating officer for Mother Earth Wellness in Pawtucket, said hes worried regulators could wind up approving shops in heavily concentrated areas and damage what is a fragile market. He would know, formerly running Heal Cannabis in Provincetown, Massachusetts, located within 1 square mile of three other retailers.

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Heal Cannabis is no longer in business, Leighton said. Unplanned increase in retail and recreational access does not necessarily mean more sales.

But retail license applicants and cultivators warn continued delay is what will hurt the market.

Massachusetts businesses are thrilled that we might be delaying or limiting the number of licenses were about to hand out, Matthew Belair, an applicant for a license in Zones 2 and 3, told the commission. Its not a mistake that there are so many along the border.

Attorney Lisa Holley, who represents cultivators and retail license applicants, told the commission that Rhode Island is significantly underlicensed. She mentioned a recent cultivator-commissioned analysis from economist Beau Whitney showing the state can support even up to 40 retail licenses without harming existing operators.

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Issuing the proposed 24 licenses, now down to 20, will not oversaturate the market and will instead increase legal participation, tax revenue and employment in the state Holley said. Why would we slow roll?

Reddish told the commission that she and other staffers are still going over the reports findings.

Commissioners did not say when they intend to make a final decision on how they intend to hold the license lottery.

Theres no reason to do it right now that I know of, Jacquard told Rhode Island Current after the meeting.

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Panera Bread has released a new line of energy beverages two years after the bakery-cafe fast-casual chain was hit with the first in a series of lawsuits over its highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade drinks.

The latest beverage additions include two non-caffeinated Frescas and two caffeinated Energy Refreshers. Described by Panera as "infused with real fruit," the Dragonfruit Sunset Energy Refresher and Passionfruit Paradise Energy Refresher come with clear caffeine labels, something that had previously become a point of contention with its Charged Lemonades.

According to a news release, the Energy Refreshers contain 28 milligrams of caffeine in a 20-fluid-ounce cup and 42-44 milligrams of caffeine in a 30-fluid-ounce cup. That's a mild buzz compared to the discontinued Charged Lemonades, which contained up to 390 milligrams in a large 30-fluid-ounce cup.

Panera Bread's new drink line includes a Cherry Lime Fresca, Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca, Dragonfruit Sunset Energy Refresher and Passionfruit Paradise Energy Refresher.

A label, similar to the ones added to Panera's lemonades after backlash, accompanies the new drinks, warning that Energy Refreshers "are not recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing women."

The Dragonfruit offering includes pineapple and tropical dragonfruit flavors infused with dragonfruit pieces, according to the company, while the Sunset option is a mixture of passionfruit, guava and orange flavors.

Charged Lemonade lawsuits

Panera Bread, which introduced its line of highly caffeinated and flavored beverages in 2022, was hit with several lawsuits over the drinks. Two lawsuits, filed in October and December of 2023, alleged the drink's caffeine content caused fatal cardiac arrests, and a third, filed in 2024, alleged the beverage caused permanent heart issues.

The lawsuits blamed the Charged Lemonade drinks for the deaths of two people: a 21-year-old college student named Sarah Katz, who had a heart condition and allegedly collapsed hours after drinking the beverage; and a 46-year-old Florida man named Dennis Brown, whose heart stopped on his way home after drinking three of the lemonades.

Both had medical conditions that led them to avoid caffeine purposely, but they were unaware of the drinks' contents due to poor labeling, according to the lawsuits.

Flavors of Charged Lemonade are displayed at a Panera Bread restaurant on Nov. 1, 2023.

The third complaint was lodged on behalf of Lauren Skerritt, an "otherwise healthy" 28-year-old who said she is hindered by a serious heart condition that only began after drinking a little over two of the caffeinated drinks. Panera denied wrongdoing in all three cases.

After the initial lawsuit, Panera changed the labels on the Charged Lemonade products, saying in a statement that it had "enhanced our existing caffeine disclosure for these beverages" out of "an abundance of caution."
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs must restore an agency-wide collective bargaining agreement nullified last year, leaving hundreds of thousands of unionized workers without union safeguards.

U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose decided that Local 2305, a regional chapter of the national American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and AFGE National VA Council (NVAC) were unlawfully deprived of their bargaining agreement when VA Secretary Doug Collins canceled it on Aug. 6, 2025. Collins did so to comply with an executive order Trump issued in March 2025.

Local 2305 counts just under 200 workers at the Providence VA Medical Center as members, plus another 250 or so members statewide. The AFGE National VA Council represents roughly 320,000 VA employees nationwide.

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AFGE National President Everett Kelley issued a statement Friday afternoon on DuBoses granting the injunction.

When the VA signed its contract with AFGE/NVAC, it made a binding commitment to provide AFGE/NVAC-represented nurses, doctors, and other VA staff with the rights and support they need to care for our veterans, Kelley said. That contract cannot be unilaterally torn up. The VAs actions didnt just violate the law. Those same actions put veterans care at risk by undermining the very people dedicated to serving them.

The preliminary ruling does not comprise a final judgment on the merits of the case, which was brought to the court in November and went before DuBose late last month.

Still, Kelley saw the temporary order as a validation of the unions arguments against those of the Trump administration, which claimed the contract was terminated as part of a wider federal initiative to purge select union agreements from national governance for security reasons.

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Secretary Collins singled out AFGE and our members for retaliation because we refused to stay silent about cuts and changes at the VA that would harm veterans, Kelley wrote.

What made retaliation impossible to deny, Kelley wrote, was that the VA exempted other unions from the national security clause even though they should have fallen under the same requirements as AFGE.

DuBose largely agreed with that sentiment in her ruling, writing that the termination of the Master CBA on August 6 seems substantially motivated by the Plaintiffs history and frequency of vocally opposing changes to labor policies. DuBose cited press releases and an internal VA memo regarding the Aug. 6 contract cancellation, neither of which cited national security.

Instead, DuBose wrote, these announcements focused on the cost to the VA of its employees union-representation as well as the difficulty the VA has had rewarding high performing employees and holding poorly performing employees accountable. The feds only citation of national security came from a declaration filed Dec. 19, 2025, by Tracey Therit, the VA departments chief human capital officer for human resources and administration.

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Therit wrote that, in 1982, the VA was assigned a new primary mission: to improve the nations preparedness for national emergencies, including war, terrorism, and natural disasters, which formed part of the rationale for the national security label applied to it under Trumps executive order.

DuBose was unconvinced. Other than the one, vague, post hoc statement about national security that appears in Therits declaration, there is zero indication from the Defendants that the termination decision would have been made or implemented without the retaliatory motive, the judge wrote, adding that official statements of the termination only further weighed the injunctive relief calculus in the plaintiffs favor, DuBose wrote.

Judge avoids constitutional question

DuBose left untouched, however, the constitutionality of Trumps executive order.

From the outset, the Court wants to be clear that it is deeply mindful of the lane it is in and will stay in, DuBose wrote in her introduction to the plaintiffs merits. This case is not about the constitutionality of the EO.

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DuBose instead narrowed her focus to the VAs actions and whether the collective bargaining agreements termination was unlawful because, as the plaintiffs argued, it violated their First Amendment rights as well as the Administrative Procedure Act, which outlines how federal agencies make and explain their decisions.

Typically, an agencys actions are deemed arbitrary and capricious if they do not follow procedures or are ill-explained to the beneficiaries they directly affect.

DuBose found that terminating the Plaintiffs contract but not that of other unions at the same timeconvinces this Court that the agency action was neither reasonable nor reasonably explained.

DuBose was also unswayed by the federal governments arguments that, because Trumps EO was being separately litigated in San Franciscos U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the AFGEs Rhode Island suit should be dismissed. The unions countered that the Rhode Island court was litigating the contract termination, not Trumps executive order itself.

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The Plaintiffs have the better argument, DuBose wrote. The challenged actions in each case, though ultimately executed by the Federal Government, were undertaken by different individuals and entities within the Government. Secretary Collins had no role in the issuance of the EO, and the Plaintiffs claims only pertain to Secretary Collins and the VAs actions.

The VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

The Ninth Circuit ultimately lifted the Northern California District Courts injunction against Trumps executive order on Feb. 26, a decision which AFGE president Kelley nevertheless interpreted as a precedent-setting victory in a statement released that day.

The administration argued that unions should be forced into an administrative process that no longer applies after workers are excluded from the statute, Kelley wrote. The court rejected that argument and confirmed that the federal courts are the proper forum to decide this dispute.

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DuBose was sympathetic to the federal argument that reversing these changes will have associated costs of time and resources for the VA, she wrote, citing Therits declaration. The VA official wrote that an injunction would eat up the VAs time and resources as the agency would have to reinstate space for union reps, work with payroll providers to begin collecting dues again, and other to-do lists.

But the significant injury to the Plaintiffs from the loss of status as representatives of many VA employees and to their members from the revocation of the protections and benefits of the Master CBA weighs more heavily at this juncture, DuBose wrote.

Unlike most trade unions, federal unions cant strike or set wages with their employer, but they can seek to redress pay or other work-related grievances. The cancellation of the collective bargaining agreement evaporated these protections, which the AFGE unions said led to a loss of membership. One court document included an email from a member who said they were ending their membership due to the fact that I am not being represented by the union anymore.

DuBose cited other union documentation of the contract terminations aftermath. Grievance procedures came to a halt, some workers lost the disciplinary protections typically afforded them, union representatives had trouble carrying out their duties, and some new moms and dads saw reduced parental leave benefits.

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Disciplinary processes, once concluded, have an immediate and irreparable effect on the employee(s) in question, DuBose wrote. Parents cannot turn back the clock to have more time with an infant prior to returning to work once they have missed the early formative weeks of development and their own recovery time.

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A rideshare driver was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman last month in Costa Mesa, authorities said.

Ontario resident Felipe Rico-Ceballos, 43, is accused of attacking the victim Feb. 27 in the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard, near 22nd Street, Costa Mesa Police Department said in a Wednesday statement.

"The suspect posed as a rideshare driver and told the intoxicated victim he would help her get home," the news release said. "The suspect drove the victim to another location, where he sexually assaulted her. After the assault, the suspect dropped her off at a third location."

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Officers took Rico-Ceballos into custody on March 5. He was arrested on multiple counts of sexual assault and kidnapping, police said.

"During the course of the investigation, it was determined Rico-Ceballos does work for a rideshare company," the statement said. "Due to the nature of his employment, detectives are seeking the public's assistance in identifying potential additional victims of Rico-Ceballos."

Anyone with information or who believes they are a victim of Rico-Ceballos was asked to contact Detective E. Peralta at (714) 754-5039 or Sergeant J. Jacobi at (714) 754-5352.

City News Service contributed to this report.




From Austin to Washington, D.C., Republicans were elated after the 2022 primaries when GOP turnout more than doubled in the Rio Grande Valley compared with the previous midterms and after a yearslong investment to court candidates and Hispanic voters alike in South Texas.

Four years later, Democrats are the ones finding joy along the border.

Texas Democrats more than doubled their turnout from 2024 during the primary elections on March 3 in the four counties that make up the Rio Grande Valley  Cameron, Starr, Hidalgo and Willacy  as the percentage of registered voters who cast a ballot in the Democratic primary far exceeded that of recent elections, including in 2018 during President Donald Trumps first term and 2020 when he sought reelection.

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That has buoyed optimism for Texas Democrats, who are striving to claim a statewide victory for the first time in more than three decades and betting that backlash to the presidents policies will win them contests up and down the ballot.

In the Valley, that energy could help spare two incumbent Democratic congressmen whose districts were redrawn to favor the GOP, and earn the states minority party a third congressional district as well as a statehouse district or two.

Our participation is becoming a defining factor in elections across the state, said state Sen. Cesar Blanco, who sits on the board of an organization focused on the Latino voter bloc. We are a force to be reckoned with and I think this midterm election demonstrates that.

If the big Democratic primary turnout translates into big gains for the party in a region that is 93% Latino, it will represent a reversal from 2024, when Latino voters swung hard for Trump and he nearly swept all border counties in a historic feat. That could also signal that the states Latino voters are now neither reliably Republican or Democratic, but rather an independent group up for grabs.

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To be sure, Republicans also saw an increase in their voter turnout in the region, although it was eclipsed by the surge of Democratic voters. Democratic party leaders are quick to note, as well, that primary elections are not necessarily predictors of whats to come in November, especially after a primary that had a spicy race for U.S. Senate at the top.

Still, according to party leaders and analysts, the high water mark offers the latest encouraging data point for Democrats, who flipped a Texas Senate seat in North Texas during a special election in late January and have been trying to read tea leaves from local races across Texas.

This is just the official rebuke of the Trump administration and the Republican party, said Richard Gonzales, the chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, which had 61,480 voters participate in last weeks election  a roughly 114% increase from 2024.

Gonzales anticipates the partys momentum will have staying power thanks to Trump. He pointed to a struggling local economy thats being further battered by the war in Iran and aggressive ICE activity all over Hidalgo County, including the recent detention of a family that included two award-winning high school mariachi students who were released after their arrests sparked widespread outrage.

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I could just allow the Republicans to continue making things worse, Gonzales said. Weve seen that theyre really good at doing that.

Republicans insist theres no reason to worry.

Im not concerned at all, Gov. Greg Abbott told reporters this week. What happened in the primaries was party versus party candidates.

Longtime GOP operative Wayne Hamilton, who ran Abbotts first gubernatorial campaign, has been recruiting Republican candidates in South Texas for years with the goal of earning the support of Latino candidates. He chalked up the high turnout last week to the hotly-contested U.S. Senate Democratic primary between state Rep. James Talarico and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

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Perhaps no race better encapsulates the ferocity of competition underway in the Valley than the contest for the 15th Congressional District.

GOP U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz won the seat in 2022, defeating a Democrat, after the district was redrawn in 2021 to help a Republican win. Now shes fending off a challenge from Tejano music star Bobby Pulido.

In an interview, Pulido said hes hearing concerns from voters on the campaign trail about the economy and how it has not improved under Trumps presidency. ICE raids are depleting workforces across the region, he said.

When the American dream is interrupted, whether that be by ICE raids or you taking the workforce or tourists are not coming to spend their money anywhere or retail is down, people will definitely vote you out, he said. Hispanics are not loyal to a party. Theyre more loyal to the people who are more willing to make their lives better.

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After the Legislature last year redrew the states congressional map, gerrymandered for maximum GOP gains, Democrats will be defending the other two congressional seats in the Valley.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo will face Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, a former Democrat who cruised to victory in his GOP primary with an endorsement from the president. And Democratic U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will be up against former federal prosecutor Eric Flores to hold onto his district, redrawn so that the president would have won by 10% instead of 4% in 2024.

Democrats best bet to flip a Texas House seat in the Valley might be House District 37, which Republican Janie Lopez first won in 2022. Although Trump carried the district by 11 points, the 2024 Senate contest came down to a razor thin win of 1.9 points for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

Oziel Ochoa Jr. and Esmeralda Cantu-Castle advanced to a runoff for the Democratic nomination for HD-37:. In interviews, both expressed optimism about having Talarico at the top of the ticket to flip the district and others across the state  the party needs to win 14 seats to assume control of the lower chamber.

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I really think this is our chance, Ochoa Jr. said.

Texas Majority PAC, a George Soros-backed group run by alums of Beto ORourkes 2022 gubernatorial campaign, plans to invest $3 million in the Valley between the congressional and state house races, executive director Katherine Fischer said.

Although hesitant to read too much into primary turnout, Fischer said all indications are that Democrats will have a stronger performance in November than in 2024, when the Republican party won over the Latino voter bloc that had long evaded its grasp. That could have massive implications.

We need to see much better performance amongst Latino voters than we have seen  not just in 24 but in the last few cycles, Fischer said. Theres just no pathway for Democrats to win statewide without a lot of support from Latino voters across the state.
More than one-third of the world's fertilizer trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing conflict involving Iran has put those shipments at risk, raising concerns for farmers in California's Central Valley as prices begin to climb.

As ships remain at a standstill in the region, fertilizer distributors and growers are watching closely.

Valley farmers are already feeling the effects, according to Ralph Rendon, CEO of GAR, a family-owned agricultural company based in Reedley that distributes fertilizer to farms across the Valley and beyond.

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"Prices have definitely gone up a little bit. We're going to see the prices go up again if this thing goes on," Rendon said.

GAR works with hundreds of suppliers and serves about 2,000 farms Valleywide.

Rendon said the company is monitoring global developments while trying to ensure steady access to fertilizer for its customers.

"For the meantime, we're sitting okay with our suppliers. We have commitments out there. We're feeling pretty good about where we are and having a supply of product, but I would say this goes on for another six months few months, then we're going to really have to start figuring out a secondary backup plan," Rendon said.

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At GAR's Reedley facility, large tanks store nitrogen fertilizer before it is transported to farms throughout the region.

Rendon demonstrated how the product is loaded for delivery.

"We're taking it from the tanks, loading it up. These are 3000-gallon tanker trunks," he said.

Those trucks then head out to fields like a tangerine orchard in Reedley, where tanks arrive filled with fertilizer needed for crop production.

There are a few domestic suppliers of fertilizer, and much of the product used by U.S. farmers relies on shipments from the Middle East.

The American Farm Bureau Federation has warned that without deliveries of critical inputs such as urea, nitrogen and phosphate, the United States could face crop shortfalls.

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"Every farm needs it. I would say that they need it just as much as water. It's water first and then nutrition second," Rendon said.

The fertilizer industry has faced mounting pressure for years due to rising natural gas and labor costs.

The current conflict adds another layer of uncertainty, with concerns that prolonged disruptions could threaten food security, strain the economy and lead to higher prices at the grocery store.

For now, distributors like GAR are continuing operations while preparing for the possibility that global supply challenges could worsen in the months ahead.

For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Traffic lights malfunctioned and trees blocked some roads after a blustery storm struck Macon Thursday morning, according to the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency.

The agency urged drivers to avoid certain routes and be cautious of slowed traffic, according to a Facebook post around 8:45 a.m.

A Bibb County Sheriffs Office patrol car sits behind cones blocking Thomaston Road on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Macon, Georgia. Severe storms early Thursday morning resulted in several outages and road closures.

Tucker Road was blocked from Thomaston Road to Price Road due to trees in (powerlines), the EMA said. Georgia Power was at the scene.

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Traffic lights were flashing at Thomaston Road and Interstate 475 Northbound, the Facebook post said.

There were traffic signal issues in the Frank Amerson Boulevard and Interstate 75 area, the EMA said.

Crews were clearing downed trees and damaged power lines on North Mumford Road around 10 a.m.

A tree fell across Dennis Place off Shurling Drive after a storm triggered tornado warnings on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2026, in east Macon, Ga. A Bibb County Sheriffs Office vehicle blocked the road from traffic.

A tree was uprooted and fell across Dennis Place off Shurling Drive in an east Macon neighborhood. A Bibb County Sheriffs Office vehicle blocked the quiet road from traffic.

Treat flashing signals or no signals as four-way stops, the EMA said.

Emergency officials urged people to report broken traffic lights and damage to 478-751-7500.

Visual journalist Katie Tucker assisted with reporting.

This story may be updated as more information becomes available.

Tornado warning in Middle GA, NWS says. Dangerous damage likely
By Anastasia Lyrchikova

MOSCOW, March 13 (Reuters) - Russia intends to control the relaunch and operation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant when it is safe to do so but it would be willing to discuss selling electricity to Ukraine, the head of its state nuclear corporation said on Friday.

The comments by Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev highlighted the gulf between Moscow and Kyiv on the status of the plant, which Russian forces captured in the first weeks of the war in 2022.

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The fate of the plant in southern Ukraine is one of the key points at issue in peace talks. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed American ownership or management of Ukrainian nuclear plants, including Zaporizhzhia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in December that the U.S. had proposed joint trilateral operation of the plant, with an American chief manager. He said Kyiv was proposing Ukrainian-U.S. use of the plant, with the U.S. determining how to use 50% of the energy produced.

PREPARATIONS TO RESTART OPERATIONS

The plant's six reactors are currently shut down and being kept cool to ensure safety, but Russia's Likhachev said preparations were being made to restart them when security conditions allowed.

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He said Russia had issued operating licences for two of the units, a third was coming soon, and licences for the rest were also being prepared.

"We are ready to restart work, the necessary equipment is ready," Likhachev told reporters after a meeting with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"As soon as the opportunity arises, we will begin starting up and operating the station under IAEA supervision," he said.

Likhachev described a scenario in which Rosatom would operate the plant but "commercial aspects can be viewed multilaterally".

"Under certain conditions there could be discussion of supplying electricity, including to Ukraine," he added.

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With 6 gigawatts of capacity, the plant could also be used to power data centres, Likhachev said. "Here, we may well have new partners...we are talking about the United States, among others."

PEACE AND CALM NEEDED, GROSSI SAYS

Grossi told reporters: "We need peace, we need calm. No nuclear power plant can operate under the threat of any violent or kinetic act against it. But of course, you cannot start up a nuclear power plant overnight."

Throughout the war, Russia and Ukraine have been fiercely at odds over the plant, which lies near the front line in southern Ukraine, and have frequently accused each other of shelling it.

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Likhachev said the quantity of artillery strikes, drone attacks and mortar fire had been increasing in recent months.

He welcomed Grossi's role in organising the latest ceasefire around the plant - the fifth so far - to enable repairs to external power lines that help to keep the nuclear material from overheating.

(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Registration is open for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit to be held May 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, North Dakota. This biennial event aims to bring national attention to the innovative efforts underway to support rural grocery stores and improve food access.

North Dakota State University Extension is a sponsor of the event, which is hosted by Kansas State University, the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.

Since 2008, this event has brought together grocery store operators, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food access stakeholders, policymakers and funders to connect about sustaining locally owned and rural grocery stores.

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NDSU Extension has been active in supporting the Rural Grocery Initiative for the past decade. In particular, NDSU Extension agents efforts in distributing a rural grocers survey led to legislative support for rural grocery stores.

From a community health perspective, its imperative that North Dakotans have the opportunity to access affordable, healthy food, regardless of their zip code, says Jan Stankiewicz, NDSU Extension community health and nutrition specialist and tribal liaison. Instead of needing to travel thousands of miles, having the conference right here in North Dakota makes it a little easier for grocery owners to connect with peers, learn from others in the rural grocery world and go on tours to see how other stores are addressing the same challenges. 

In addition to keynotes from national leaders in rural life and grocery, this event will include over 25 breakout sessions, two evening receptions, a poster session, an exhibitor fair, networking opportunities and four tours highlighting innovative rural grocery models throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.

One panel presented by NDSU Extension is Local Connections: A Grocery Store at the Heart of Rural Community, which will highlight how owners revitalized their small-town grocery store using innovative programs.

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The Rural Grocery Initiative is thrilled to partner with organizations that have a long history of supporting rural grocers in their states, said Rial Carver, program leader of the Rural Grocery Initiative at K-State Extension. "In recent years, we have seen the Upper Midwest innovate to support rural groceries, and we are thrilled to showcase these efforts on a national scale.

Early bird registration rates are available through March 15. During this time, rural grocers receive complimentary registration for up to two people per store. After March 15, registration is $150 per grocer. Travel assistance is also available for owners, staff and board members of grocery stores in communities with populations of 2,500 or less.

For more information and to register for the National Rural Grocery Summit, visit ndsu.ag/grocery-summit.

This article originally appeared on Farm Forum: Rural grocers invited to register for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in Fargo
The information chaos emanating from the mideast both reflects the fog of war and betrays coherent patterns. What started out as a US/Iran/Israel conflict now has become regional and global. None of the participants want to declare this publicly, not least Washington. And certainly not Moscow or Beijing. No leaders want to admit theyre fueling a world-wide conflict.

Nevertheless, essentially, Russia and China aim to turn Iran into Americas equivalent of Russias war in Ukraine. A quagmire that expends resources, attention, manpower, and alienates allies in the way that Ukraine has done to Russia. Theyre willing to expend Iranian blood aplenty in the process.

Let us look at the realities. Russia lost its hold on Syria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Stans, as it struggled in Ukraine. Meanwhile, a host of anti-Russian countries came to Kyivs aid, most especially Poland and the Baltics. Russias strategic alignments fragmented. Moscow always assumed that in the Caucasus and the Silk Road, its near-abroad countries had nowhere else to turn anyway, landlocked and geopolitically hemmed in as they were for centuries. So the Kremlin could risk all-out invasion of Ukraine. Neglect and mistreatment of its security treaty allies wouldnt change things.

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That calculation proved wrong. Today, Armenia has mended fences with its age-old foes, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Ankara has just opened Turkish Airlines flights to Armenia. The three countries are developing the Middle Corridor (oft covered in this column) that would bring trade from the Stans away from Iran/Russian control to Turkey and the Mediterranean, thereby liberating the regions trade from being blocked by Moscow and Tehran.

The Russia/China axis intends to achieve the equivalent of this mass strategic dissolution against the US in the current Mideast war. Namely to fragment its alliances, threaten the petrodollar and American influence over the worlds most strategically critical zone. Currently, the US has failed to defend strategic locations among its Arab allies, alienating them thereby. When your chief protector cannot protect you adequately, or neglects your safety, you look for other deals. Hence the relentless Iranian strikes against the Gulf countries and shipping through that region.

Meanwhile Houthis and Iraqi Shiite militias line up for Iran. Tantalizingly, the Gulfs desalination plants remain vulnerable. If they get destroyed, the populations there will have issues of outright survival. You can interpret all the Iranian strikes in that area as a warning, earnest of Tehrans ability to strike the water facilities if it comes to such extremity. Because, at times, Iran has shown remarkable precision targeting in its strikes. More of that later.

The strategy of using Iran to lure the US into being bogged down in the region - recall that the US has been through this scenario before, in Iraq, during which period, namely 2003 onwards, Washington and its resources were so distracted that Russia and China rose back to superpower prominence. So their plan is to get the US more involved, again. Furthermore, they have always believed that this was American policy against Russia from early on in the Ukraine war, deliberately to make sure that neither side won. Which, to Beijing and Moscow, even explains why the Biden administration failed to give Ukraine decisive weapons or the permission to strike Russia. The US didnt want either side to win quickly. That slow bleed approach was, they believe, highly deliberate on Washingtons part.

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And now they intend to flip the script. Clearly a great deal of help with targeting gulf sites has come from the Russia/China axis. Tehran simply lacks the satellites for the precision strikes on Gulf installations, and US bases or the attempts on Incirlik airbase in Turkiye and on Nahchivan. The latter is a strategic land-bridge of the much-touted Middle Corridor which got a boost when Trump presided over a historic peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the corridors host countries. Thus the missile attacks on Azerbaijan, which has been very restrained towards an Iran in dire straits. These are very specific, strategic message-laden targets. Your strategic alignment with America will not protect you.

The question that arises most crucially is this: when will President Trump disengage? Will he send in troops, thereby recreating the Iraq debacle? If not, in theory he can announce a unilateral stoppage at any point, no? If Moscow/Beijing intend to keep the US bogged down in the region over time, how can they stop the President from choosing his own timing of withdrawal? That really is the pivotal issue. And the simple answer is they can by continuing the strikes against Americas allies, even after the US has called a halt. In that scenario, every visible strike against the Gulf, Turkey, Israel or Armenia/Azerbaijan becomes a hit against the Presidents timing and credibility. Or, indeed, his decision to get the US involved at all.

Why didnt all this occur on the previous round when the US bombed Irans nuclear sites in 2025? Because there was no attempt at regime change or the destruction of Iran as a strategic ally to Russia and China. The regime stayed in place, remained relatively capable of fulfilling its geopolitical functions for its superpower backers. Most especially its support for Russia in the Caucasus and Central Asia - and of course Ukraine.

It will certainly not be too functional in that role for the foreseeable future. Especially if the internal strife continues, as the bombing weakens the regimes leaders and its street soldiers. Meanwhile President Trump is not guileless either. He makes noises of ending the campaign saying its complete without quite doing so. Casting doubt on the timing keeps the enemy guessing as to how many missiles and drones to expend now or save for later. And indeed whether to tempt America to stay around any longer with provocations.
By Mark Trevelyan

LONDON, March 13 (Reuters) - U.S. academic Nina Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of a former Soviet leader, was designated by Russia on Friday as a "foreign agent" - a term with connotations of spying that Moscow applies to people it views as engaged in anti-Russian activity.

Khrushcheva, 62, is a professor at The New School university in New York and has continued to make research trips to Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Her ancestor Nikita Khrushchev led the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, when he was ousted by fellow members of the ruling Politburo.

Contacted by Reuters, Khrushcheva said she was not surprised at being added to Russia's "foreign agent" list, which as of Friday contains 1,164 names including politicians, journalists, artists, NGOs and media organisations.

"It would have been sloppy on their part not to do this sooner or later," she said, adding that it was too early to say what the practical impact would be.

STALIN'S RESURGENCE

"There is certainly historical irony but not anything shocking. When Stalin is up, Khrushchev is down," she said.

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She was alluding to a resurgence in Russia of the reputation of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, whose reign of terror was denounced by Khrushchev in a famous 1956 address to a Communist Party congress.

Russia marked the 70th anniversary of the speech last month, prompting renewed debate about the legacies of both men.

Khrushchev was the Soviet leader who transferred Crimea to Ukraine from Russia in 1954, an act reversed in 2014 when Russian forces invaded the peninsula and President Vladimir Putin declared its annexation.

Khrushchev is also remembered for facing off against U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war.

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Russian news agency TASS cited the Justice Ministry as saying Nina Khrushcheva had disseminated false information about Russian policies and opposed what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

People listed as foreign agents are subjected to onerous bureaucratic requirements and restrictions on their income in Russia. They are obliged to place the foreign agent label on social media posts or anything else they publish.

Some Kremlin critics have worn the label as a badge of honour, while others say it is a burden that hampers them in their work because it causes other Russians to shun them.

(Reporting by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Andrei Khalip)
During the war in Ukraine, there is a sound that cannot be mistaken for anything else. It is the monotonous buzzing of the engine of an Iranian Shahed attack drone  the same one Russia has been using en masse since the fall of 2022 to strike Ukrainian cities. Ukrainians often call these drones "mopeds" because of the distinctive engine noise that resembles the sound of an old scooter.

When that sound appears over a city at night, it means only one thing  a drone is flying somewhere nearby.

Over the years of the full-scale war, Ukrainians have learned to recognize these sounds almost instantly. Then comes the explosion  when the drone is shot down in the sky or when it hits a building. For many people, this has become part of the nightly routine.

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I live and work in Kyiv as an investigative journalist with the media outlet Slidstvo.Info. Over the years, I have repeatedly arrived at the sites of Russian attacks carried out with these drones. It has become a part of everyday reality for Ukrainians. At Slidstvo.Info, our newsroom decided to find out how exactly Russia managed to establish the production of these drones.

The principal assembly operations are concentrated at an industrial complex in Yelabuga, in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, and at the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol  facilities that form a system allowing Russia to regularly replenish its arsenal of attack drones.

The scale of this campaign is also visible in the consequences of the attacks. According to data our newsroom received from Ukrainian state authorities, since 2022, Russia has launched nearly 50,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine. At least 253 people have been killed, and more than 1,500 have been injured.

Rescuers work at a section of a nine-storey residential building destroyed by a Russian glide bomb in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 31, 2024. An 11-year-old boy is killed, and 34 residents are injured in the bombing. (Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

While working on this investigation, we were also able to identify more than 2,000 employees of Russian enterprises connected to the production of these drones. Behind all these statistics, there are human stories. At the attack sites, rescuers clear rubble while medics and police work next to the drone debris. Sometimes rescuers themselves become targets of repeated strikes.

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This drone capacity Russia built was, in part, enabled by the international community's collective inaction. Despite sanctions, Ukrainian experts regularly find foreign-made components in downed Shahed drones. These include microchips, processors, navigation modules, and other electronics manufactured by companies from the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Research shows that such components often reach Iran and Russia through complex networks of intermediaries and shell companies that help circumvent international sanctions.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence officials, these high-tech components used in Shahed drones are purchased through third countries and resold through intermediary firms  some of which may formally appear to be foreign companies while having hidden Russian beneficiaries.

My colleague investigated one such company operating out of Germany, whose products may have ultimately found their way into Russian drone production. German authorities have since launched a formal inquiry into potential sanctions violations.

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Many of these parts, such as microchips and navigation electronics, are dual-use technologies that can be used both in consumer electronics and in weapons systems. China also remains one of Russia's largest trading partners, supplying electronics that can ultimately find their way into such systems.

As a result, the drones that attack Ukrainian cities are often assembled from technologies produced in countries that have formally imposed sanctions on Russia and Iran. For Ukraine, this is a matter of survival. But for the rest of the world, it is a warning.

These stories expose a complex international system of technology production and supply, without which these weapons could not function.

For a long time, the use of such drones in Russia's war against Ukraine was seen by many abroad as part of a local conflict. But gradually it has become clear that this technology extends far beyond a single war, after the same drones rattled the Middle East.

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Ukraine has effectively become the place where the world first saw on a large scale how cheap attack drones can change the nature of modern warfare.

Russia uses them to attack energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and other civilian targets. They are relatively inexpensive, can be launched in large groups, and are capable of overwhelming air defense systems.

It has long been part of the war for Ukrainians, yet the world failed to recognize the risks in a timely manner.

In this sense, Ukraine has found itself on the front line of a new form of warfare.

The Ukrainian military has begun using interceptor drones to counter Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ukrainian companies are already producing relatively cheap systems designed to intercept Russian drones. And only now, Ukraine  forced to fend off drone attacks every day  is gradually becoming a country that teaches others how to fight them, including partners in the Middle East.

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Over three years of war, Ukraine has accumulated one of the world's largest bodies of experience in countering strike drones of this type. Yet until March 2026, no serious international discussion had emerged on how to learn from that experience  or how to address the accelerating production of cheap drones in Russia.

The war in Ukraine shows how quickly cheap technologies can change the balance of power on the battlefield. What began as a tool for attacks on Ukrainian cities has become part of new conflicts in different parts of the world.

The world has had three years to learn from Ukraine's experience. The window to act on those lessons is narrowing.

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Editor's note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

Read also: Exclusive: Saudi Arabia prepping huge deal for Ukrainian weapons amid Iranian drone threat

Read also: Self-defense  Russia blames UK for Storm Shadow attack, London refuses to bend

Read also: Fuel tanks are burning  Major Russian oil hub hit in Ukrainian drone strike in Krasnodar Krai, SBU source says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Papa John's Has a New, Old Potential Buyer - Moby

BREAKING NEWS

Qatari-backed fund called Irth Capital Management has bid to take Papa John's private at $47 a share, which would value the chain at roughly $1.5 billion and represents a 50% premium to where PZZA was trading before word got out, per the Wall Street Journal. Papa John's shares jumped 19% Wednesday on the news.

The 50% premium tells you everything you need to know about how bad things have gotten at Papa John's. This is a company whose stock peaked above $140 in 2021 and has been on a slow, greasy slide ever since. Last month it announced it would be closing hundreds of domestic stores, cutting menu items, and trimming corporate headcount. North American same-store sales are expected to fall this year. Domino's has been eating Papa John's lunch for years, Pizza Hut's owner Yum Brands is reportedly looking to offload that brand too, and the broader pizza category is losing ground to Mexican food and, somehow, coffee shops. The pizza business, it turns out, is not where you want to be right now unless you are Domino's, which is not Papa John's.

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.

Irth is a global asset manager established in 2024, backed by a member of the Qatari royal family, and this would be one of its first major deals. The firm already tried to acquire Papa John's last year alongside Apollo, a deal that fell apart. It has since quietly built its stake to around 10%. Irth's team includes a former Starboard Value employee, which is notable because Starboard previously took a position in Papa John's and its founder eventually became chairman of the board, a tenure that did not exactly save the brand.

There are no guarantees Papa John's bites. Another bidder could always emerge, though the list of people genuinely excited about acquiring a struggling pizza chain in 2025 is presumably short.A Qatari-backed fund

One stock. Nvidia-level potential. 30M+ investors trust Moby to find it first. Get the pick. Tap here.
Sandy Steers, the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley and a familiar face to many who follow the famed Big Bear eagles Jackie and Shadow, was honored Thursday at a California State Assembly session for her work as a longtime wildlife activist.

Steers died last month and is remembered as the woman who launched the Big Bear eagle cam, the livestream cameras that offer a close-up look at the daily lives of Jackie and Shadow and the eggs they have laid over the years.

It was first launched in 2015 to monitor wildlife at Big Bear. Throughout her career, Steers has not only had deep care for the eagles but also for every person, plant and animal in the region.

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Assemblyman Tom Lackey of District 24 honored Steers and spoke of her role as a visionary conservationist, mentor, mother and member of the Big Bear community.

"Sandy helped design the Big Bear bald eagle nest camera system, lending science to storytelling in a way that brought people closer, not only to nature but to each other," Lackey said.

Jackie and Shadow currently have two eggs in their nest and have been diligently taking care of them.
Friday marked day 14 of the Iran war, as US-Israeli attacks on Iran continued while Tehran again launched strikes targeting Israel and the Gulf states, while blocking passage to commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron said a French soldier was killed in the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan on Thursday, after Iranian drones and missiles targeted a base in the Erbil region. The attack also wounded several other service members.

Macron slammed Tehran over the attacks, calling them unacceptable and stressing that attacks on Iran cannot justify such strikes, which spiral the broader region into war and orchestrate more chaos and instability.

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Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia says its defence forces have intercepted more than two dozen drones over its airspace, after Irans new ayatollah vowed to continue attacks on Gulf countries that host US bases.

Revisit our live blog below for the latest updates from our journalists in the region and worldwide this Friday.
Open your inbox or social media feed and its clear: Anyone who cares about elections and politics is talking about the hotly contestedSAVE Act, a MAGA-backed bill in the U.S. Senate intended to "secure American elections."

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the House in 2025 and awaits a vote in the Senate, would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Organizations like theACLUsaid that the SAVE Act could prevent eligible voters from casting ballots: "Laws like this have historically resulted in many eligible citizens being delayed or denied access to the ballot due to paperwork issues, database mismatches, or bureaucratic error," voicing concern that a bill claiming to secure elections may, in fact, hinder voter participation.

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Even some conservatives have expressed skepticism.National Review, the longstanding bulwark of the conservative movement, cautioned that the bill represents "a step in the wrong direction in federalizing elections."

These groups are right to raise concerns. After all, it has been only a century since women gained the right to vote with the 19th Amendment, and a mere 60 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act. And, even after these landmark legal victories, it was years before these groups were fully able to participate in the political process.

Anyone who cares about protecting the right to vote and the integrity of our elections ought to care about election law. But the SAVE Act is largely political theater. And those of us who care about representation and democracy might be missing the elephant (and donkey) in the room - state and local closed primaries that block millions of eligible, unaffiliated voters from full participation. Consider New York state.

New York state is home to about20 million Americans(the fourth most populous state in the U.S.!) Yet the state maintains closed primaries in major municipal races, including in New York City and Buffalo. As a result, roughly3.1 million independent votersare locked out of some of the most consequential elections in the state - including mayoral primaries, which almost always determine the ultimate winner. This group of unaffiliated voters is now the second-largest bloc in New York State and the fastest-growing.

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The SAVE Act may make voting harder for certain groups, including married women who have changed their last names or Americans living overseas. Yet millions of independent voters are already barred from participating in critical elections simply because they are not registered with a political party. And data shows Americans are increasingly fed up with this system.

According to Unite NYs recentVoter Empowerment Index, nearly 60% of New Yorkers support open primaries. National polling shows similar trends. A recentRealClear Opinion Research pollfound that nearly three in four respondents (73%) believe open primaries would produce candidates who appeal to a broader majority of voters.

Open primaries, in some form, already exist in 15 states, including Georgia, Missouri, and Michigan, allowing voters to participate in primary elections without formally joining a political party. And open primaries can create an electorate that is more representative of peoples actual preferences. A report from theBipartisan Policy Center shows,"When states allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primaries for the first time, voter turnout increases, and the electorate grows more demographically and politically representative."

And the number of voters seeking independence is growing. According toGallup, roughly 45% of Americans now identify as independent. In other words, nearly half of Americans dont identify as Democrat or Republican, and while they might register with a party for purposes of voting in a primary - that party, or even the candidates, may not speak for them.

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While Washington debates the SAVE Act, Americans of all stripes who are fed up with the status quo, bickering, and cable news and social media hot takes ought to turn their attention to their hometown closed primaries that actually keep them from voting.

Anthony Thomas is the executive director of Unite NY. He has two decades of experience in national, state, and city politics, civic engagement, and organizational strategy.

&

Kyle Ciminelli is the president of Ciminelli Real Estate Corp and Newmark Ciminelli. He is a multi-decade business and real estate executive in NY interested in creating partnerships for market and community growth.
With cuts to Medicaid payments looming, one rural South Carolina hospital is asking legislators to ensure they have alternatives should finances turn dire.

Allendale County Hospital is financially stable and not at risk closure. But if payments from government-funded health care programs were to dip too far, the independent hospital wants to be ready just in case, said CEO Lari Gooding.

The potential answer: A new Medicaid provider designation called a rural emergency hospital. Amid a national hospital closure crisis, some on the brink of insolvency have turned to it as a way to keep going.

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For that plan to work in South Carolina, rural hospitals first need the new hospital designation added to state law. Doing so gives state health regulators the authority to draft licensing and staffing rules for the new designation, keeping the state in line with federal Medicare and Medicaid requirements.

Were not there yet, Gooding said.

But the hospitals governing board knew it needed to be prepared.

We started looking at what future options might be for us, he said. What we realized is the state statute didnt have a definition [for the new designation] so we couldnt even if we wanted to.

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A state Senate panel on Wednesday voted unanimously to advance a bill to change that.

Not without downsides

Since 2010, more than 150 hospitals nationwide have closed or converted to out-patient only. That includes six hospitals in South Carolina according to a 2023 legislative study.

To avoid total closure, 44 others have switched to the new designation, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

These hospitals receive a higher payment rate from Medicare  about 5% more  plus a $3.2 million annual stipend. To get the additional funds, the hospitals must make changes. They must pare down their operations to emergency care and some outpatient services, only treating patients who stay for no more than 24 hours.

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No hospital in South Carolina has sought that designation yet. But if one ever does, Gooding expects Allendale would be the first.

With cuts to Medicaid payments looming, Allendale County Hospital is asking South Carolina legislators to ensure they have alternatives should finances turn dire. For that plan to work, rural hospitals first need a new type of hospital designation added to state law. (Photo courtesy of Allendale County Hospital)

Allendale is already designated as one of three critical access hospitals in the state, receiving an added 1% on Medicare reimbursements compared to traditional hospitals. Abbeville Area Medical Center and Edgefield County Healthcare, both affiliates of Greenwood-headquartered Self Regional Healthcare, are the two others.

They feature 25 or fewer inpatient beds, 24/7 emergency services, and a maximum 96-hour average length of stay.

Allendale also operates a 44-bed nursing home in Fairfax, several rural health clinics and the only retail pharmacy in the county, making it essential to the area.

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It has become even more critical in the last decade as closures have made it the only in-patient hospital in a three-county area.

The Medical University of South Carolina took over operations of a freestanding emergency room in Bamberg County in 2023. But while it can handle emergencies, lab work and imaging, patients needing more intensive care must be transferred via ambulance to a hospital.

Making the switch to a rural emergency hospital is not without its downsides, Gooding said.

Allendales pharmacy would no longer be eligible for federal medication discounts  often 25% to 50% off the sticker price  under whats known as the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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Which is a huge deal for us, Gooding said.

The hospital also would have to drop its so-called swing beds, which allow patients to stay at the hospital for 20 days of therapy after a major surgery.

The cost of Medicaid cuts

It was cuts to Medicaid under the Trump administrations hallmark tax cut package that spearheaded the notion Allendale may one day have to make the switch, Gooding said.

We know its going to affect us in some way. We just dont know how much, he said. Im not saying its going to close hospitals, but its certainly not going to help.

More than 70% of the business Allendale does comes from Medicare and Medicaid patients, Gooding said, making the hospital particularly vulnerable.

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The biggest cost-cutting measures under the One, Big, Beautiful law apply to states that expanded Medicaid coverage to all adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level, as intended under the 2010 law commonly known as Obamacare. South Carolina is among the 10 states that never did, so its less affected.

Its Medicaid-related changes under another part of the massive tax cut law that will hit South Carolina hospitals hardest. Starting in 2028, the state will start losing its ability to pay hospitals for treating Medicaid patients at similar rates as private insurance through whats known as the state directed payment program.

For the 60 general care hospitals in the Palmetto State, that collectively means a looming loss of roughly $150 million annually over 15 years, according to the states hospital industry group.

Instead of reimbursing hospitals at rates that align with private insurance  as the state has for the last two years  payments would plummet back to near Medicare levels. The difference would mean an estimated $2.4 billion loss, according to the advocacy group.

How it works and whats next

The program, authorized by federal regulators in the final months of the Obama administration in 2016, allowed states to tax hospitals. Those taxes were then used to draw down more money from the federal government. The hospitals ultimately got those dollars back  plus the added federal funds  through the increased rates paid for treating Medicaid patients.

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Since 2023, South Carolina has used the program to hike Medicaid payments to hospitals by a whopping 70% on average. Thats how much it took to bring payments more in line with treating a privately insured patient.

For the fiscal year that just ended June 30, 2025, South Carolinas participation in the program provided hospitals an additional $2.5 billion: $1.75 billion from the federal government and $761 million from higher state taxes funneled back to them, according to documents filed by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Allendales share of that: $3.5 million.

To help rural health care most heavily impacted by the new law, Congress set aside a $50 billion pot of money distributed nationwide over five years. South Carolinas share in the first year is $200 million.

The state Department of Health and Human Services is still finalizing guidelines for how it will dole out the funding, but it wont just go to rural hospitals to cover financial losses. In its initial proposal, the agency says it wants to use the money to expand telehealth, fund health technology startups, expand chronic disease management programs, purchase mobile health vans, and offer signing bonuses to health care workers willing to take jobs in rural settings.
The Chesapeake Bay has taken on a haunted appearance. Our overheating planet is helping turn the region into a graveyard for cedar, pine, and several types of deciduous hardwood trees, per Knowable Magazine.

What's happening?

As the world warms, driving sea levels higher, saltwater is encroaching along the world's coasts and into its estuaries. The seawater invasion can overtake the freshwater that gives life to evergreen and deciduous trees alike. It is happening in the Chesapeake Bay, and it isn't going unnoticed. Scientists released a report on the salinization that is impacting coastal ecosystems.

"The impact of saltwater intrusion on coastal forests and farmland is typically understood as sea-level-driven inundation of a static terrestrial landscape, where ecosystems neither adapt to nor influence saltwater intrusion," according to a study conducted by an international team of scientists. "Yet recent observations of tree mortality and reduced crop yields have inspired new process-based research into the hydrologic, geomorphic, biotic, and anthropogenic mechanisms involved."

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"When a lot of these forests die back, instead of being replaced with a native salt marsh ... what's actually taking its place is a phragmites marsh," University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne forest ecologist, and coauthor of the Annual Review of Marine Science article, Stephanie Stotts, told Knowable Magazine.

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center describes phragmites, also known as common reed, as "a tall, densely growing perennial grass that can take over large areas, displacing native vegetation and reducing habitat quality for fish and wildlife."

Trees die slowly; sometimes, it takes several decades for them to perish. It will take a long time for us to see the full consequences of these lifeless forests. "We're about 50 years behind," said Stotts, per Knowable Magazine.

Why are ghost forests important?

Ghost forests are the remains of a once-vibrant woodland ecosystem that has succumbed to the poisoning of encroaching saltwater. Forests have morphed into marshes during prior periods of rising sea levels. Scientists point out that marshes have some positive attributes. They are home to oysters, clams, shrimp, and certain bird species.

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The problem with ghost forests is that they can disrupt the carbon cycle. In other words, forests absorb more carbon pollution from the atmosphere than they release. After trees die, they can eventually contribute to the heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, fueling even more warming.

Living trees can also act as a buffer to storms. Ghost forests increase the vulnerability along coastlines to erosion and storm surge. While extreme weather events have always existed, experts have found that the human-induced climate crisis supercharges these events, putting our communities in even more danger and devastating ecosystems.

What's being done about saltwater encroachment?

The saltwater encroaching along the world's coastlines is accelerating as our overheating planet drives rising seas. Moving away from dirty energy sources to renewable options will help cool our planet and reduce the rise in sea levels.

Scientific studies can help illustrate how the buildup of heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere is impacting our planet, but getting the word out by exploring critical climate issues and talking to family and friends about them to raise awareness is important. So is supporting politicians who are fighting for the future of our planet.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
A former ramp worker at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement after a baggage tug accident left her permanently disabled.

Tia Valentine sued several organizations  including Alaska Airlines, its baggage-handling contractor McGee Air Services and the Port of Seattle  alleging unsafe conditions led to the crash that ejected her onto the airport tarmac.

I wouldnt really say its justice because I dont get my leg or my old life back, Valentine said. But it helps.

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Valentine, who lives in Seattle, said the roughly $2 million settlement will help her move forward after the life-altering accident. She now lives with chronic pain and limited mobility.

Im more than likely still going to have a lot of treatments that I have to go through because I have arthritis in my leg and I have future surgeries  more than likely possibly future surgeries, she said.

Crash caught on video

Security video captured the moments before the September 2022 crash. The footage shows a white baggage tug driving between orange traffic cones on the airport ramp. As the vehicle approaches a van, the driver makes a sharp left turn to avoid it.

According to Valentines lawsuit, that sudden turn threw her from the passenger seat and onto the pavement. The tug then ran over her right leg. Images from the scene show blood on the tarmac near the vehicle.

Lawsuit cited equipment problems

Valentines lawsuit alleged several safety failures, including the open-air design of the baggage tug and a malfunctioning seatbelt.

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A photo included in the case shows the orange passenger seatbelt that the lawsuit says failed to restrain her. The complaint stated the belts locking mechanism was malfunctioning. Valentine said better safety protections could have prevented the accident.

When asked if it is safe to work at the airport as a baggage agent working with those tugs, Valentine said: Not without the safety measures. Because if we had the safety measures I wouldnt be in this predicament right now.

Despite years of recovery, she said daily activities remain difficult.

I have good and bad days, she said. Walking I can do for a good amount of time, but standing  standing from sitting I can do easily now.

Port denies wrongdoing

Court documents show the Port of Seattle denied liability and any wrongdoing in the case. Documents also show the settlement payment came from Alaska Airlines insurance company, not the Port itself, meaning no taxpayer funds were used.

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Valentines attorney, Raymond Bishop, said the injuries suffered by airport ramp workers can be severe.

These injuries are not small. Theyre catastrophic, Bishop said.

Bishop said his firm has represented several ramp workers injured at the airport and argues safety improvements could prevent similar incidents.

In each of these cases were filing for the same reasons, Bishop said. Because the equipment isnt safe. Because the equipment doesnt have cabs put on it, which in many cases could prevent the injuries completely.

Bishop said his firm is preparing another lawsuit tied to a similar incident in 2024 involving a baggage tractor tug and a male worker.

Looking ahead

Valentine says she faces additional surgeries in the future. She said she hopes to use the settlement money to return to school and rebuild her life.

I was thinking business, accounting, she said, adding her goal now is to attend community college, earn a two-year degree and start working again.
Another U.S. military evacuation flight from Saudi Arabia arrived in Germany on Thursday, this one carrying about 19 injured service members, including two hurt during a drone attack.

The flight, which CBS News Senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs reported, occurred two days after a group of about 20 injured military members arrived at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany via a C-17 aircraft.

The flight departed from Saudi Arabia, made a stop in Oman, and landed at a U.S. base in Germany close to a military hospital, according to the CBS report. On board were two military members injured when a drone exploded next to their vehicle, according to CBS News.

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As of Tuesday night, about 25 in total were at Landstuhl, 12 were at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, and one at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Those casualties were the result of a drone attack in Kuwait that killed six U.S. service members on the first day of the war.

In the first week of Trumps Iran war, the Pentagon spent about $11.3 billion. / Evan Vucci / REUTERS

Sources told CBS News that dozens had suffered traumatic brain injuries, memory loss, and other urgent conditions.

Landstuhl declined to comment to CBS on Thursdays evacuation.

Another evacuation flight of injured service members arrived in Germany on Thursday, according to CBS. / X/JenniferJJacobs

Its unclear when or where the drone attack referenced on Thursday occurred, and how many others may have been injured. Its also not currently known if the injuries were included in the Pentagons Tuesday tally of about 140 service members injured in the U.S. and Israels war on Iran.

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Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell said that the vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty.

The Pentagon referred a request for comment to CENTCOM, which did not immediately respond. The Daily Beast has also reached out to the White House.

In addition to the dozens of injuries, the wars U.S. death toll stands at seven. Its costfor just the first weekcame in at an estimated $11.3 billion, the Pentagon briefed Congress. The two-week mark of the war, which the White House has been selling through NFL and bowling highlights, will come on Saturday.

The national average price of a gallon of gasoline, meanwhile, has shot up from under $3 to $3.60.

Donald Trump responded to the simultaneous rise in oil prices to about $100 per barrel by claiming that its a good thing because the U.S. will make a lot of money.
The Health and Human Services watchdog's office has been asked to provide a temporary security detail for Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, sources with direct knowledge of the request tell CBS News.

The request for the security detail from the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General is unusual because Pulte's federal agency is not part of the department.

File: Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte speaks with reporters at the White House, Jan. 9, 2026. / Credit: Evan Vucci / AP (Evan Vucci / AP)

Pulte received death threats after he asked the Justice Department to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud, two of the sources said. A grand jury indicted James last fall, but the charges were dismissed after a federal judge determined that the U.S. attorney who secured the indictment had been unlawfully appointed.

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Credible threats against Trump administration officials have increased, prompting more and more officials to seek security details.

Earlier this week, the Justice Department confirmed that Attorney General Pam Bondi had recently relocated to a military base. The Department denied a New York Times report that listed threats related to her handling of the Epstein Files as a reason for the move, but did not refute its reporting that she had received threats related to drug cartels.

The request for Pulte was made by FHFA Acting Inspector General Christian Schrank, who until December worked as the deputy inspector general for investigations at the health department, two of the sources added.

Schrank was installed in December, about a month after the White House removed the housing agency's then-acting inspector general, Joe Allen. His removal came not long after he made efforts to provide key information to prosecutors on the James case, sources familiar with the matter previously said.

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A spokesperson for the housing agency declined to comment and referred CBS News to the agency inspector general's office.

A spokesperson for the FHFA Office of the Inspector General declined to comment. A spokesperson for the health department's inspector general also declined to comment.

The Government Accountability Office is probing Pulte's actions as head of the housing agency. Top Senate Democrats wrote to the office late last year to ask the congressional investigative arm to examine "referrals of New York Attorney General Letitia James, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and Rep. Eric Swalwell to the U.S. Department of Justice for mortgage fraud."

Historically, the health department's inspector general has operated a small protection branch that provided security for the secretary.

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Last year, the protective detail for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy was transferred over to the U.S. Marshals Service because he requires so many agents to cover the detail and receives a large number of credible threats, sources told CBS News.

The health department inspector general currently provides a security detail for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. The fact the CMS administrator's detail is being provided by the health department IG is not unusual since CMS is still a part of HHS.

FHFA is an independent federal agency created in 2008 to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after they were taken into conservatorship during the housing crisis.

The health department inspector general agents who investigate fraud against government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, were told this week that Pulte requires a temporary protective detail that will entail having two to three agents work during 30-day rotations, several of the sources said. It is expected to begin in the next two to four weeks, with one source adding the detail could last up to 90 days, until FHFA OIG can hire its own agents. The health department's inspector general will be reimbursed for the cost of the detail, a source said.

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The health department's inspector general's office has in the past occasionally provided security details for other appointees, apart from the secretary, though they were still HHS employees.

Most notably, the health department's inspector general's office provided security for Anthony Fauci, the then-NIH infectious disease specialist who presided over the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, after he received death threats amid a rise in far-right conspiracy theories related to COVID-19.

Fauci's protection continued after his retirement from the government. During Mr. Trump's first week in office, he had the protection for Fauci terminated.

More recently, a Maryland man is facing attempted murder charges in Virginia, after he showed up to the Arlington home of Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought last summer clad in a mask, gloves and carrying what appeared to be a gun.

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Some Trump administration officials who have received threats moved into military housing, including exiting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House adviser Stephen Miller.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this report said that the housing department inspector general currently provides a security detail for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, but it's the health department inspector general that provides Oz's detail. The article has been updated to reflect that.

Trump says to "watch what happens" as Iran war enters second week

Experts, reports on the Strait of Hormuz and gas prices

Saturday Sessions: Jay Buchanan performs "Deep Swimming"
In a press call Thursday, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin called the U.S. war with Iran yet another broken promise from this president who pledged to end foreign conflicts, not start them.

President Trump may have forgotten the lessons we learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, but Wisconsinites have not, Baldwin told reporters. They remember the cost of war started without good reasons and without a plan to get us out.

Objecting to the fact that Congress, which has the power to declare war, was not consulted before the Trump administration began bombing, Baldwin added, This is a war of choice. But it shouldnt be the presidents choice.

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The Trump administration, she said, has offered multiple, conflicting reasons for starting the war, which as of Thursday had so far claimed the lives of seven U.S. service members and injured 140 others, as well as leading to the deaths of more than 1,000 civilians, including 175 students and teachers at a girls school.

All signs point to this president getting us into this war haphazardly, and its deeply concerning because its Wisconsinites who are going to pay the price, Baldwin said. Wisconsinites need some answers. They should know why this administration is spending billions of dollars on a war with Iran instead of investing in our schools or lowering the cost of groceries, health care or rent.

She pledged to use her leverage as a U.S. Senator to demand public hearings at which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other members of the administration would answer questions about the rationale for the war and plans to bring it to an end, and said she had not yet heard back from Senate Majority Leader John Thune about holding such a hearing.

Baldwin has also signed onto a war powers resolution with five Senate colleagues aimed at blocking further U.S. military action without congressional approval.

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If Leader Thune refuses to hold public hearings and the Trump administration continues to hide in darkness, Im prepared to force every single senator to go on record and tell the American people whether or not they support another endless foreign war, she said.

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An influential Iranian cleric has called on Pope Leo XIV to condemn the killing of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

"We expect you to condemn these heinous crimes against humanity and the disregard for the dignity of religious leaders in a loud and clear voice, and to brand them as incompatible with the teachings of Christianity," Iranian state broadcaster IRIB quoted Alireza Arafi as writing in a letter to the pope on Friday.

Earlier this week, the pope voiced his concern over the escalating war in the Middle East and expressed his "profound sorrow" for all the victims.

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The Vatican has also warned against an erosion of international law.

Arafi heads Irans religious seminaries and is a senior member of the powerful Guardian Council.

He was also part of the interim leadership following Khamenei's death in an attack on February 28 and before the appointment of a new supreme leader, his son Mojtaba Khamenei.
Hurricane season is fast approaching and whether there is the climate pattern El Nino or La Nina in place can make a difference in what's to come.

Neither is a direct cause of tropical cyclones, but the changes they make to the upper atmosphere can influence storm creation and strength.

El Nino is typically associated with a less active hurricane season as warming waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean shift thunderstorms to create more tropical cyclone-crushing wind shear. La Nina, which happens when there is a cooling of the Pacific waters, relaxes wind shear and is more accommodating to budding hurricanes.

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But strong hurricanes can happen during either pattern, including when the atmosphere is in neutral. The following storms are some of the strongest to occur during an El Nino season.

What were some of the most damaging hurricanes during a year with EL Nino?

Hurricane Betsy, 1965: Betsy crossed the Florida Keys near Key Largo as a Category 3 hurricane during the early morning hours of Sept. 8. The storm then moved into the Gulf and strengthened, making another landfall near Grand Isle, Louisiana on Sept. 9 as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of more than 130 mph.

Hurricane Betsy struck the Florida Keys as a Category 3 storm on Sept. 8, 1965 and went on to make another landfall in Louisiana as a Cat 4 the next day. This happened during a year with El Nino in place.

Hurricane Camille, 1969: Hurricane Camille dug its 175-mph winds into Mississippi on Aug. 17 killing 143 people, mostly in a storm surge that was two stories high. Another 113 people died in Virginia in flash floods. Camille is the second strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental U.S. following the 185-mph Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. There were 18 tropical cyclones, including 12 hurricanes during the 1969 season, which was a weak EL Nino year.

In August 1969, a dozen people gathered at the Richelieu Apartments, in the Gulf Coast town of Pass Christian, Miss. Stocked with food and drink, they were going to have a hurricane party. Another dozen Richelieu residents also opted to wait out the storm in their apartments. But Camille hit Pass Christian head-on. And the next morning, there were no partyers. One of the 24 was found alive, clinging to a tree 5 miles inland. And no Richelieu. Just a slab. (Photo courtesy Local History and Genealogy Department/Biloxi Public Library/Walter Fountain Collection.)

Hurricane Bob, 1991: Hurricane Bob brushed the Outer Banks and crossed Rhode Island and Massachusetts as a Category 2 storm. More than 60% of residents across southeast Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts lost power, according to the National Weather Service. Apple and Peach orchards also suffered extensive damage. A storm surge of 10 to 15 feet was measured in parts of Massachusetts with dozens of homes destroyed.

Hurricane Bob as seen by GOES visible satellite on Aug. 18, 1991.

Hurricane Andrew, 1992: Andrew made landfall near Homestead on Aug. 24 with 165-mph sustained winds. More than 25,000 homes were obliterated. More than 100,000 homes were damaged. And farmers suffered more than $1 billion in losses to crops, according to the National Hurricane Center's 2002 reanalysis of Andrew. Andrew's storm surge came at high tide and ranged 4 to 6 feet in northern Biscayne Bay. It was as high as 16.9 feet at the Burger King International Headquarters on the western shoreline in the center of the bay. Despite Andrew's bluster, only 15 people died in its initial assault.

Hurricane Andrew, Aug. 24 1992.

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Hurricane Joaquin, 2015: Joaquin exploded into a powerful Category 4 storm on Oct. 1 in deeply warm water near the Bahamas. It caused extensive damage to the nation's southern islands and killed all 33 people aboard the America cargo ship El Faro when it sunk near Crooked Island during the storm. Hurricane models had trouble predicting Joaquin's path and the National Transportation Safety Board said better forecasting tools were needed.

Stern of El Faro cargo ship that sunk during 2015's Hurricane Joaquin. All 33 people aboard were killed.

Hurricane Michael, 2018: Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 5 storm near Tyndall Air Force Base southeast of Panama City on Oct. 10. It was initially classified as a Cat 4 storm at landfall but a reanalysis found it had reached sustained winds of 160 mph, making it a Cat 5. Michael wiped out the small coastal town of Mexico Beach with storm surge estimated to be between 9 and 14-feet-high. Michael was directly responsible for 16 deaths that happened during the storm and an estimated $25 billion in damage.

Hurricane Idalia, 2023: Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region. It is directly responsible for 12 deaths and caused an estimated $3.6 billion in damage. The 2023 hurricane season was marked by having a record warm tropical Atlantic Ocean and El Nino  an unusual combination of opposing forces. Twenty-named storms formed that season including a subtropical storm that technically wasn't named because it was identified in a post season analysis.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at palmbeachpost.com/newsletters

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: These are the worst hurricanes that happened during El Nino years
The Cass County Sheriffs Office has entered the app store.

A post on the offices Facebook page on Wednesday listed several features users can find on the app, such as finding information about people housed in the Cass County Detention Center and recent bookings, view the list of registered sex offenders and access information on community resources.

I hope this new venture will enhance communication and community involvement for the public we serve, states a note from Sheriff Ed Schroder welcoming people to the app. This tool will provide transparency, keep our citizens updated, and grow our community outreach.

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In a phone call with the Pharos-Tribune, Schroder explained the app has been out for a while, but that the Sheriffs Office had a few bugs to fix before publicizing its creation.

As Indiana moves into tornado season, he said, it was time to get the app out to the public.

People who download the app will be able to turn on push notifications that will alert them to National Weather Service warnings. In the future, Schroder added, the Sheriffs Office could also send out push notifications to alert residents to significant, ongoing law enforcement events.

The significant law enforcement events will not include things like an accident that will delay traffic for half an hour, Schroder explained. It will be reserved for more serious occurrences.

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I dont want to create static and inundate people with things that are short term, Schroder said, adding the department also turned off National Weather Service alerts for things like tsunamis and volcanic ash.

Another feature will soon be added to the app, Schroder explained.

A daily bulletin will feed information directly from the Sheriffs Office computer-aided dispatch. While the information wont be available in real time, the daily log of calls aims to increase transparency by giving residents a glimpse of the work officers do every day.

The apps developer  TheSheriffApp.com  is still working on debugging the daily bulletin, Schroder said, but it should be up and running in a week or two.

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It took roughly six months for the app to be developed. In todays electronic age, Schroder said, the process was fairly simple and seamless.

Funding for the app came via a $13,000 allocation of opioid settlement funds by the Cass County Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council.

With opioid settlement funds invested in the project, Schroder noted, the Sheriffs Office made sure there would be a significant amount of mental health and drug addiction resources available on the app.

Examples include things like a video playlist that dives into various topics on drug abuse, information about administering naloxone and contact information for organizations like the emergency substance abuse hotline.

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In terms of local resources, the app includes a list (and contact information) for dozens of organizations that offer support for anything ranging from mental health issues, substance abuse and support groups.

The app is available on the Apple and Google Play stores  look up Cass County Sheriff, IN to find it.
Mar. 12The U.S. Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker, the KC-135, entered service in 1957 and had been involved in more than 50 fatal crashes before Thursday's incident in Iraq.

Five of those deadly accidents were associated with a war: four during the Vietnam War and the fifth being the 2013 deadly crash in Kyrgyzstan, which killed three airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base.

As of press time Thursday, it was still unclear where the tanker that crashed was based.

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Fairchild crew members have been killed in two other KC-135 crashes: one in 1999 in Germany and another in 1987 at Fairchild. Two more KC-135s have crashed en route to Fairchild, including a 1967 flight from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, that killed nine, and another in 1962 from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota that killed 44.

Here's a chronological list of every fatal KC-135 accident, compiled from news archives and the Bureau of Aircrafts Accidents Archives:

2013: Three Fairchild airmen killed in Kyrgyzstan during a refueling mission for Afghanistan war operations amid Operation Enduring Freedom.*

1999: Four crewmen killed in a crash outside of Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Germany.*

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1989: Four crewmen were killed in an October midair explosion over Carlingford, New Brunswick, Canada while returning to home base in Maine.

1989: Two crewmen died at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska after their aircraft exploded in September on the ground.

1989: Nineteen people died in January, including seven crewmen and 12 family members, shortly after liftoff at the Dyess Air Force Base in Texas when the plane banked right and a wing struck the ground.

1988: Six airmen were killed in a crash after a hard landing at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Michigan. Ten others aboard were injured but survived the incident.

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1987: Six airmen and one spectator were killed at Fairchild Air Force Base after a KC-135 crashed during rehearsals for an airshow.*

1986: Four crewmembers were killed at Howard Air Force Base in Panama after a hard landing.

1985: Seven crew members killed in August after an engine struck the runway at Beale Air Force Base in California.

1985: Three crew members were killed in February near the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska after a KC-135 crashed into a mountain.

1982: 27 were killed amid a March KC-135 training flight from Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan en route to Chicago-O'Hare Airport. An in-flight explosion caused the aircraft to crash in an open field near Greenwood, Illinois.

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1982: Four crew members were killed when a KC-135 collided with a civilian aircraft in March over Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

1981: Seventeen crew members and four passengers were killed in May near Walkersville, Maryland, after a series of mechanical and operating failures, whose causes are unknown, caused the plane to become uncontrollable.

1981: Six were killed in May at Shemya Airport in Alaska after crashing into the ground several hundred yards short of the runway.

1979: Five crew members were killed during a landing at Castle Air Force Base in California after the plane went out of control and crashed. Two crew members and another five passengers were rescued.

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1977: Five crew members and 15 passengers were killed shortly after takeoff from Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico after crashing into a mountain.

1976: Three crew members and 12 passengers were killed in September after the plane "partially disintegrated in the air" for unknown reasons.

1976: Eight crew members were killed in February after a KC-135 flew into a mountain outside of the Torrejon Air Base in Spain.

1975: Four crew members were killed shortly after takeoff from Eielson Air Force Base after crashing into a frozen lake.

1974: Two crew members were killed immediately after takeoff from McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas because of an engine failure.

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1973: Two crew members were killed when their aircraft struck another KC-135 on the runway during taxiing at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio.

1972: Four crew members and two passengers were killed in June near Hao Island in French Polynesia following a multiengine failure.

1972: Five crew members were killed at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas after a failed landing.

1971: Six crew members were killed in over Spain. The cause of the crash is unknown.

1969: Four crew members were killed in December after their plane crashed into the sea near Ching Chuan Kang, Taiwan, during a refueling mission.

1969: Five crew members and 14 passengers were presumed dead in June after their plane likely crashed into the Bering Sea. The plane was never recovered.

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1968: Six crew members were killed in October after their plane crashed in the mountains near Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base, Taiwan.

1968: Four crew members were killed at the U-Tapao Air Force Base in Thailand after an engine failure caused a failed takeoff in October.

1968: Eleven passengers were killed on final approach to the Wake Island Airport after flying too low and striking approach lights in September. All four crew members survived, as did another 45 passengers.

1968: Nine crew members were killed in July after crashing into Mount Lassen in California.

1968: Five crew members and eight passengers were killed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota after losing control of the aircraft immediately following takeoff.

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1967: One crew member was killed in a July crash shortly after liftoff from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Another four crew members were rescued.

1967: Nine crew members were killed in January while returning to Fairchild Air Force Base after crashing into Mount Shadow, near Mount Spokane.

1966: Five crewmen and six passengers were killed, as well as a motorist on the ground, after the plane stalled and crashed near Kadena Air Force Base in Japan in May.

1966: Four crew members and one passenger were killed in a May crash outside Amarillo, Texas, while landing.

1966: Four crew members were killed over Spain during a January midair collision with a B-52.

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1965: Twelve crew members and 72 passengers were killed in June after the plane struck the slope of Loma Hill in California. This is the single deadliest incident involving the KC-135.

1965: Five crew members were killed in Roswell, New Mexico during a failed liftoff in June.

1965: Four crew members were killed in February over the Atlantic Ocean after colliding into a B-47E-25-DT Stratojet amid refueling.

1965: Seven airmen and 23 bystanders were killed in Wichita, Kansas, after a KC-135 crashed into a suburban neighborhood loaded with 31,000 gallons of jet fuel in January. The ensuing fire engulfed dozens of nearby homes. It was the deadliest aviation disaster in Kansas and the second-deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. involving victims on the ground.

1965: Four crew members were killed in January after three engines were lost midflight due to a cascading failure caused by a missing nut, resulting in a crash.

1964: Four crew members were killed over Death Valley after a midair collision with a Thunderchief.

1963: Eleven crew members were killed over the Atlantic after two KC-135s collided midair in August.

1963: One crew member was killed near Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, due to a failed landing in June. Three crew members survived.

1963: Seven crew members and two people on the ground were killed at Eielson Air Force Base after an engine failed during a February takeoff.

1962: Four crew members and 40 passengers were killed in September while descending to Fairchild Air Force Base after flying too low and crashing into trees near Mount Kit Carson.

1962: Three crew members were killed on final approach to Bedford-Hanscom Field Airport, Massachusetts, due to flying too low in August.

1962: Six crew members were killed at Loring Air Force Base during a failed liftoff.

1960: A passenger was killed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine in November due to a failed landing, though the other 16 occupants survived.

1960: Six crew members and two people on the ground were killed in February shortly after takeoff from Walker Air Force Base in New Mexico.

1959: A KC-135 crashed into a B-52 in midair above the farming community of Hardinsburg, Kentucky in October. The B-52 held together long enough for four airmen to eject, surviving the incident; the remaining eight crewmen  four in each aircraft  were killed.

1959: Four crew members were killed in March after losing control midair near Killeen, Texas.

1958: Five crew members were killed in November at Loring Air Force Base during a failed touch-and-go landing.

1958: Seven crew members and eight passengers were killed at Westover Air Force Base during a failed June liftoff.

Editor's note: Entries in italics are considered to be wartime accidents. Entries that end with an asterisk involved the deaths of Fairchild crew members.
A 78-year-old veteran is being praised for his quick action  after saving his neighbor from a burning home early Wednesday morning in Monroe.

The fire broke out just before 6 a.m. at a two-story home along Chain Lake Road. Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue says the homeowners wife and young child managed to escape, but the man stayed behind to look for the family cat, only to become trapped in an upstairs room as flames quickly spread.

Thats when neighbor Paul Strapac heard cries for help.

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I heard him yelling, help, help, help, Strapac recalled. He was kind of out of the window, and at that point I ran back into the garage and got the ladder.

Strapac climbed up and helped pull the man out of the window, just moments before fire crews arrived. Both men were covered in blood after breaking the glass to escape.

You can see all his blood there, Strapac said, pointing to the side of the house. As he was coming down and I was helping him, his blood was just dripping onto me.

The neighbor was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with smoke inhalation and cuts from the glass. As of Thursday afternoon, he was in critical condition in the ICU, according to a hospital spokesperson.

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Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze within about 40 minutes, but the home suffered significant damage. The fire department said they were investigating a heating blanket used outside for cats as the potential cause. Its unclear whether any pets survived.

An emotional Strapac said he didnt think twice before rushing in to help.

You have to do something, he said. You cant let someone you just have to do something and thats all I could think of to do.

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue investigators are still working to confirm the exact cause of the fire.

Its something I always believed in, he said. If youre a neighbor, you do what you can for them, and if they have a problem, you try to help them.
South Africa summoned Washingtons new ambassador after he publicly dismissed a court ruling that the anti-apartheid chant Kill the Boer does not constitute hate speech.

Leo Brent Bozells comments, later walked back with an apology, were read in Pretoria as undiplomatic, prompting a formal dressing down. The demarche, as it is referred to in diplomatic parlance, is a level below expulsion, signaling that South Africa regards his intervention as an affront to judicial independence.

The rebuke comes less than a month after Bozell formally began his posting and adds to tension between the US and Pretoria. Relations are already strained following South Africas genocide case against Israel over its military operations in Gaza, Washingtons call for affirmative action laws to be rolled back, and the fallout from US President Donald Trumps repeated false claims of a white genocide in South Africa.

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Meanwhile, South Africa plans to install a senior diplomat to lead its Washington affairs in an acting capacity. Its last ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled last year after public comments in which he accused Trump of being a white supremacist.
South Africas government has summoned the United States ambassador to the country to discuss his undiplomatic remarks, a sign of the deepening rift between Pretoria and Washington.

Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola announced that Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III had been summoned Wednesday, following a series of comments from the envoy, who took his post last month.

We have called in the ambassador of the United States, Ambassador Bozell, to explain his undiplomatic remarks, Lamola said.

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The summons comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump continues to heap pressure on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government, based on claims that white Afrikaners face persecution in the country.

Last year, the Trump administration imposed a blanket 30 percent tariffs on South Africa, though a court decision recently rendered that rate defunct.

The US also extended refugee status to white Afrikaners, based on claims they faced illegal or unjust discrimination, even as it halted resettlements of nearly every other refugee group.

South Africas government leaders, including top Afrikaner officials, have acknowledged that crime remains high in the country, but they have rejected that notion that white Afrikaners are being specifically targeted. They have noted that Black residents face a higher crime rate.





The tensions came to a head last year when Trump confronted Ramaphosa during an Oval Office meeting in May, presenting images and videos he claimed were evidence of efforts to violently persecute white Afrikaners.

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Several subsequent analyses found the images were misrepresented, in some cases depicting violence in other countries.

Claims of hate speech

A conservative media advocate, Bozell has been a longtime ally of Trump. In late February, he took up his role as ambassador to South Africa.

But he recently came under fire for comments denouncing what he called hate speech, as well as remarks critical of the countrys post-apartheid policies.

Speaking to a meeting of business leaders on Tuesday, his first public appearance as ambassador, Bozell addressed an apartheid-era chant: Kill the Boer, kill the farmer.

The chant has been disowned by many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement and remains controversial in South Africa. However, the countrys courts have ruled that the chant does not constitute hate speech and should be viewed in the context of the struggle against white-minority rule that ended in 1994.

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Im sorry, I dont care what your courts say. Its hate speech, Bozell said on Tuesday.

Bozell appeared to backtrack on Wednesday, saying in a post on the social media platform X that his remarks reflected his personal view.

He added that the US government respects the independence and findings of South Africas judiciary.

Bozell also criticised policies meant to address apartheid-era employment disparities between white and Black South Africans. He compared the approach to apartheid-era policies that discriminated against Black citizens.





Foreign Minister Lamola, however, denied that analogy. Broad-based Black economic empowerment is not reverse racism, as regrettably insinuated by the ambassador, Lamola said.

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It is a fundamental instrument designed to address the structural imbalances of South Africas unique history. It is a constitutional imperative that the South African government can and will never abandon.

Lamola added that Bozell must not take us back to a polarised society along racial lines.

Bozells appointment, in and of itself, has been viewed as ratcheting up tensions between the two countries.

Bozell founded the Media Research Center, which describes itself as a media watchdog that works to expose and counter the leftist bias of the national news media.

In 1990, when Nelson Mandela toured the US after being freed from prison amid his fight against apartheid, Bozells nonprofit criticised the media for having never referred to Mandela as a saboteur or terrorist.

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Bozell was confronted with the statement during his Senate confirmation hearing in October. He replied that, at the time, Mandela had been aligned with the Soviet Union.

He added he now had the most respect for Mandela.

Bozells son, Leo Brent Bozell IV, was convicted and sentenced for his participation in the riot on January 6, 2021, at the US Capitol. He was subsequently among the 1,600 people pardoned by Trump last year.

Latest diplomatic spat

The summoning in South Africa was only the latest diplomatic spat for the Trump administration.

In February, Frances Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner, the father of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, after he said the killing of a far-right activist evidenced violent radical extremism is on the rise.

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The elder Kushner was briefly barred from access to government officials after he failed to appear, although his access has since been restored.

That same month, another US ambassador, Bill White, was also summoned to speak with Belgiums government after he accused officials of anti-Semitism for investigating whether ritual circumcisions were being performed in Antwerp without proper medical training.

Belgians foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, said Whites statements violate basic diplomatic norms.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A man and woman from South Carolina were sentenced to federal prison Thursday for cyberstalking a vulnerable victim and his immediate family, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina announced.

Trysten Anthony Cullon, 37, and Jade Ashlynn Stone, 27, both of South Carolina, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking against a man with intellectual disabilities who worked at a Charlotte fast-food restaurant and ended up taking his own life.

They were sentenced to 41 months and 27 months in prison, respectively. They were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after they are released and to pay $26,699 in restitution.

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This case is heartbreaking, said Ferguson. To fuel their drug addiction, Cullon and Stone turned to preying on the most vulnerable among us. Christopher had a developmental disability and lent his phone to a stranger out of kindness  only to have that stranger, Cullon, use the phone to steal Christophers money using financial apps.

Charlotte teen charged with murder after 15-year-old found shot in SC road: sheriff

Court documents show that, on Sept. 5, 2024, Cullon visited the restaurant where he encountered Tsoulos while he was at work. Cullon obtained Christophers phone, and because the phone was unlocked, Cullon and Stone had unfettered access to the financial applications on the phone, including mobile payment apps and Christophers bank account.

In the ensuing days, Cullon and Stone reportedly made repeated unsuccessful attempts to obtain funds from Tsoulos accounts.

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Court documents show that Cullon and Stone then began to send the victims family members multiple harassing and intimidating text messages demanding money and threatening to provide derogatory and embarrassing information to Tsoulos employer unless they were paid.

Investigators determined that as a result of the emotional distress caused by the text messages that lead to Tsoulos fearing he would lose his job or go to jail, he died by suicide.

This is a particularly egregious version of this crime, resulting in a victim killing themselves, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. said.

Cullon and Stone remain in federal custody. They will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.

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 Queen City News.
South Dakotas stand your ground law lets people defend themselves with deadly force if they feel their own life is in danger, theyre somewhere theyre allowed to be, and they arent engaged in criminal activity at the time they defend themselves.

Assaulting one person an hour before shooting someone else, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled this week, doesnt count as crime enough to upend an otherwise valid self-defense claim.

The ruling was born of an escalating series of disputes between one resident of a survival bunker community along the southern edge of the Black Hills near Edgemont and employees of the communitys managers, Vivos xPoint Investment Group. The concrete bunkers are remnants of a 1940s military weapons storage depot.

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Resident David Streeter accused Vivos employees of harassment following his complaints about the communitys septic system, the Supreme Court opinion says, and his attempts to get law enforcement to intervene didnt solve the problem.

On Aug. 23, 2024, Streeter chased down a vehicle that sped past his bunker and shoved its driver, a Vivos employee, back into his seat in the confrontation that followed.

Less than an hour later, Streeter got into an argument with another Vivos employee, whod stopped by Streeters property to tell him about some work being done down the road. The Supreme Courts ruling described that confrontation as heated, but not violent.

The violence came after that employee reported the incident to another Vivos employee, Kelly Anderson.

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Anderson, in a series of text messages to a mutual acquaintance of his and Streeters, signaled his intention to attack Streeter.

The mutual acquaintance called Streeter to warn him. When Anderson arrived and began to threaten Streeter, Streeter drew a handgun and told him to leave. Anderson, in an exchange captured on video, asked Streeter if hed ever killed anyone. Streeter said yes. Anderson said he had, too, with his bare hands, the Supreme Court opinion says.

Streeter, a former law enforcement officer, shot Anderson in the chest as he approached the 4-foot-high fence that separated Streeters property from the rest of the community. Anderson was about a foot away, on the opposite side of that fence, when Streeter fired.

Streeter, whos an emergency medical technician, told his daughter to call police and rendered medical aid by placing compression on the wound to control the bleeding, the opinion said.

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A Fall River County grand jury indicted Streeter for simple assault against the man hed chased down, but didnt charge him for shooting Anderson.

Anderson opted to file a civil lawsuit. Anderson and Streeters attorneys volleyed motions over Andersons request to access the grand jury transcripts for weeks as the case proceeded toward a hearing at which a judge would decide if Streeter was immune from liability on self-defense grounds.

In early 2025, on the Friday before that Monday immunity hearing, Andersons lawyer asked for a delay to argue for greater access to the grand jury transcripts. The judge denied the request because it came too close to the hearing. The judge ultimately ruled that Streeter had acted within the bounds of South Dakotas self-defense law.

Anderson appealed to the state Supreme Court, saying the judge shouldve granted the request for a delay and that Streeters actions didnt qualify as self-defense because hed been aggressive with someone else the same day.

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The high court ruled against Anderson on both issues. His lawyer admitted, the opinion says, that hed waited to file his request for delay. Under court precedent, the justices ruled, a judge is empowered to refuse a delay request if the request is rooted in procrastination.

On the self-defense claim, the opinion says Streeter was clearly somewhere he was allowed to be, his property, and that the death threats and warning put him in fear of deadly harm.

The court also ruled that Streeters criminal behavior  his assault of the speeder prior to the shooting incident  didnt alter his right to defend himself from someone else.

The earlier assault occurred roughly an hour and a half before his use of deadly force against Anderson, the opinion says.

Streeter was justified in using deadly force in self-defense, it says, and he was immune from civil liability.

Anderson vs. Streeter
The South Plainfield school district has agreed to pay a $160,000 settlement to a John E. Riley Elementary School student who was injured during gym class.

The students father filed a lawsuit against the district following the incident, which occurred two years ago. The childs name is being withheld because of his age.

According to the lawsuit filed in Middlesex County Superior Court, the student was participating in a physical activity in the Riley Annex on Feb. 29, 2024, when he ran into a metal object and suffered a serious head injury.

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The lawsuit, which was settled out of court, accused the district of negligence, alleging the minor suffered and sustained severe permanent injuries and scars, pain and suffering, and required medical treatment that resulted in past and future medical expenses.

Under a court order signed by Judge Bruce Kaplan, $118,623.21 of the settlement will be deposited into a trust account administered by the county surrogate, as required by state law. Funds may be withdrawn only by court order.

RF Injury Law of West New York will receive $39,575.92  25% of the settlement  as attorneys fees.

Email: mdeak@MyCentralJersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: South Plainfield school district settles gym injury lawsuit for $160K
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Southwark Metal Manufacturing Company will expand its operations in DeSoto County. The project represents a corporate investment of more than $29 million and will create 25 new jobs.

Southwark Metal Manufacturing specializes in the manufacturing of HVAC sheet metal pipe, ducts and fittings for residential and light commercial applications. The company is expanding its Mississippi division by constructing a new manufacturing facility in Hernando. Southwark Metal Manufacturing currently has an operation in Southaven, where the company has 150 employees.

Mississippi National Guard deploys for Operation Epic Fury

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Our continued investment in Hernando is a reflection of the talented workforce here and the strong local partnerships that make growth possible. We are proud to expand in DeSoto County, create new jobs and build on relationships that will sustain this community for years to come, said Bill Spiegel, president of the Southwark Metal Manufacturing Company.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. The city of Hernando and DeSoto County also are assisting with the project.

By supporting quality companies like Southwark and encouraging smart growth, we will ensure Hernando remains a great place to live, work and raise a family, said Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson

The company expects to complete construction by March 2027.

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Passengers on board a Southwest Airlines flight at Houstons Hobby Airport had to be deplaned and re-screened after a taser was found.

A crew member on Southwest Flight 28 to Dallas Love Field discovered a civilianmodel taser before takeoff, a law enforcement source told KPRC 2. These legal, non-lethal self-defense devices fire two small probes with compressed nitrogen, giving a quick shock that can temporarily disable an attacker.

The pilot immediately deplaned passengers and contacted TSA, which conducted full security screenings of travelers and their carry-on bags. Houston Airport System staff and law enforcement escorted passengers through the terminals during the process.

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After the additional checks, all passengers were allowed to re-board, and the flight departed about two and a half hours later.

Due to a potential security concern, the decision was made to re-screen the Passengers on Southwest Flight 28 from Houston to Dallas on Tuesday, a Southwest spokesperson told The Independent. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.

A civilianmodel taser was reportedly found on Southwest Flight 28 at Houston Hobby Airport Tuesday, prompting passengers to be deplaned and rescreened (Getty Images)

Travelers reported further screenings upon arrival in Dallas, where authorities verified IDs and inspected carry-on luggage before connecting flights.

Law enforcement confirmed the taser did not belong to a Southwest crew member or any officer, the source told KPRC 2. Southwest also deferred any request for additional details to TSA and law enforcement.

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The Independent has contacted TSA and the Hobby Airport Police Division for comment.

The Houston taser incident is the latest in a string of airline security issues in recent months. In February, a Delta flight from Hobby Airport was forced to turn back shortly after takeoff when a passenger became violent and attempted to approach the cockpit, forcing other travelers restraining him.

Southwest Airlines has faced its own disruptions, including a flight diverted to Atlanta earlier this month over a passenger-related security concern involving a phone timer, while a passenger was also arrested for assaulting an off-duty federal officer midflight between Miami and Denver.

Airport operations have been affected by a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, leaving TSA officers working without pay. During parts of the busy spring break travel period, more than half of the scheduled TSA screeners at Hobby called out, resulting in security lines exceeding two hours.

The FAA declined KPRC 2s request for comment on the situation saying, The FAA is a safety regulator, not a security agency.

The Independent has contacted the FAA for comment.
Mar. 12A man accused of murder and kidnapping a woman he chained up in his basement in Pend Oreille County had texted about trading prescription pills with a Spokane County Sheriff's deputy who was his neighbor, according to a sheriff's office investigation.

Deputy Daniel Middlebos, 61, resigned his position last summer after the texts were discovered.

The texts led to the sheriff's office finding thousands of pornographic images on Middlebos' sheriff's office cellphone, including some taken of himself within the Public Safety Building, according to the internal investigation.

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Middlebos was a decorated member of law enforcement with a Sheriff's Star award and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

The texts suggested Middlebos and the accused murderer were trading pills, according to the sheriff's office internal investigation. Middlebos also used his work cellphone to send a woman pornographic photos and videos of himself in uniform from inside the sheriff's office and using the sheriff's office address to mail women's underwear, according to investigative reports obtained by The Spokesman-Review.

Roughly 50,000 images and 1,000 videos were found on his work phone, many of them not related to the job, records say. Law enforcement found among them 240 images that depict the former deputy in "various stages of undress, sexual contact and sexual intercourse."

The only reason the conduct came to light was the June arrest of Newport resident John Rosen, who is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.

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Law enforcement responded June 5 to a welfare check at 334 Fertile Valley Road, where they discovered a woman chained up inside a motorhome and a dead man buried inside a hole on the property, according to previous reporting from The Spokesman-Review. The woman told police that Rosen and another man had shot her boyfriend and buried him.

When investigators seized and searched Rosen's phone, they found a contact listed as "Dan the cop neighbor" corresponding with Rosen about buying and selling prescription pills, the reports say. The number belonged to Middlebos. The two were neighbors and had known each other for several years, investigators discovered.

Investigators immediately told Pend Oreille Sheriff Glenn Blakslee, who put all of Middlebos' correspondence on a thumb drive and handed it over to Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.

Nowels on July 24 reviewed the thumb drive and requested a formal investigation into Middlebos. He also placed Middlebos on administrative leave that day, according to the sheriff's office's reports.

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The Spokesman-Review was unable to reach Middlebos via phone call, text message and email for comment.

The Pend Oreille Sheriff's Office ultimately declined to pursue charges against Middlebos in relation to the prescription pills because they believed they could not establish probable cause, reports say. But the Spokane County Sheriff's Office was already in the midst of a full-fledged investigation.

Middlebos had more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, according to a 2018 news release from the sheriff's office. The release states he holds law enforcement certifications in Michigan, Idaho and Washington, and has received two Life-Saving Awards and a Certificate of Commendation, in addition to his Sheriff's Star and congressional recognition certificate. The certificate was gifted to Middlebos by former U.S. Rep Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The reports indicate he is married with a family.

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The Office of Professional Standards had seized and scoured Middlebos' work cellphone, his department laptop, his access cards, firearms and his take-home patrol car. They found Middlebos' last text to Rosen was when police were at his home, arresting him on suspicion of murder.

"John call me ASAP," Middlebos wrote.

Investigators went on to uncover much more.

Beyond texts saying he was shipping pills to his "girls" in California, the standards' office investigators also found pornographic videos on his work cellphone. Many were sent to a woman through Facebook messenger.

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Some videos and images were taken while he was in the driver's seat of his department-issued vehicle. Some were taken in a sheriff's office conference room or his office. One was of Middlebos masturbating in the Public Safety Building's bathroom. Others were porn downloaded from the internet.

One photo depicted female purple underwear hanging off his department uniform, according to the reports, and another photo depicted female underwear in an envelope with a return address of 1100 W. Mallon, the address of the county's Public Safety Building.

It seemed to "appear Dep. Middlebos was using the county mail system to mail envelopes to the female and the contents of the envelopes all appear to be female underwear," the report states.

Investigators were able to identify the location of the photos, like his patrol car, based on the gun rack in the back or the appearance of the sheriff's office conference room.

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On Aug. 6, Middlebos notified Nowels he would be resigning effective Aug. 16. due to "recent personal life events and circumstances."

"Thank you for twenty-great years with the agency and will deeply miss the position and the fantastic co-workers I've had over this vast amount of time," Middlebos wrote in his resignation letter. He declined to be interviewed by the Office of Professional Standards, reports show.

After two months of investigation, the Office of Professional Standards found Middlebos had violated numerous department policies. Nowels reviewed their findings and agreed. He also believed there may be probable cause to investigate Middlebos for a felony over trading prescription pills, Nowels wrote in reports.

"Given the numerous, serious, sustained policy violations, Deputy Middlebos would have been terminated for any single one of the sustained violations," Nowels wrote, and added that his office would be forwarding the findings of the investigation to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to revoke Middlebos' peace officer status, meaning he would be ineligible for another Washington law enforcement position.

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The commission's records show the commission declined to decertify Middlebos because its preliminary review determined the case did not "meet the criteria for a full investigation for certification discipline."

Nowels told The Spokesman-Review the commission relayed to him it did not believe Middlebos would be seeking re-employment in law enforcement anywhere else, and if he should, it would move forward with possible decertification.

"We have high expectations for the behavior of any law enforcement officer, particularly with deputies," Nowels told The Spokesman-Review. "The conduct displayed did not come close to meeting our expectations and standard. I believe our investigation showed that."

Rosen, Middlebos' neighbor, is scheduled to face trial in April.
Spring break is right around the corner for students in 44 Florida counties, who will start their week-long holiday Monday, March 16.

Three counties got a jump on the rest and will return to school Monday, March 16.

Some students will have to wait until April to get their spring break.

Each individual district decides when to schedule school holidays.

Here's what you should know.

Spring break starts March 16 for students in 44 Florida counties

Most Florida students, 44 out of Florida's 67 counties, will have their spring break the week of March 16:

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Students in 3 Florida counties return from spring break this week

Spring break started March 9 for students in three counties, who will return to the classroom Monday, March 16:

Collier: March 9-13

DeSoto: March 9-March 13

Sumter: March 9-March 13

Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

When is spring break for Florida students? See list by county

Spring break dates vary by county and range from early in March to mid April. Here's the list by county:

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Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.

Why aren't school calendars same for all Florida counties?

The decision on what days schools should be closed is made by individual school districts.

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://tallahassee.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Spring break starts March 16 for students in 44 Florida counties
Katheryn Hickman, a public defender with the Washoe County Public Defenders Office, recalled just a few years ago representing two teenagers forced into sex trafficking who faced an uphill battle in courts and faced prosecution for crimes related to coercion.

The story of her two clients is emblematic of the issues survivors of sex trafficking caught up in the criminal legal system in Nevada often face, she told state lawmakers on Tuesday.

Both girls, one 18 and another 19 at the time of their arrest in 2020, shared similar backstories of previously residing in foster care, experiencing sexual and physical abuse, and eventually aging out of the foster care system.

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As teens, they each met an older male, started a romantic relationship, and were ultimately coerced into sex trafficking. Eventually, both were arrested and prosecuted for crimes related to their trafficking.

During the time that they were sex trafficked, both of them committed offenses as part of the victimization, Hickman said. They held guns. They held drugs. What ultimately brought them into the legal system was that they helped girls who were working under the same trafficker post ads  they arrange dates, and they helped take them to dates.

Their stories played out in open court and  detailed a life of abuse that both women had suffered, she said.

When Hickman requested the teens, neither of whom had a criminal history, go through a diversion program they were denied. They have both finished probation recently, she told the legislative interim committee on Tuesday this week..

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They did not violate their probation, but because they were not able to get diversion for the crimes that were committed as part of their own victimization, they both will have serious criminal history for the rest of their lives, Hickman said.

Nevada has earned an F grade in protections for human trafficking survivors on a report card prepared by the Polaris Project advocacy organization.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, passed during the special legislation session in November, mandates state lawmakers to conduct an interim study on human trafficking and offer policies that could be taken up in the 2027 Legislation Session.

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys from Southern and Northern Nevada argued during the committee meeting on Tuesday that the state needs to pass laws protecting survivors who are coming forward and have been caught up in the legal system.

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Nevada ranks low primarily not because of a lack of criminalizing traffickers, but because of a lack of protections for survivors charged with related crimes, said Marissa Crook with the Washoe County Public Defenders Office. Under Nevada laws, there are several key gaps that fail survivors who are criminalized for acts committed as a result of force, fraud or coercion.

Lawmakers were urged to consider passing protective measure including safe harbor laws, which protect survivors from prosecution and direct them toward protective services.

Other states have already implemented various policies to aid survivors including sealing records when crimes were committed as a result of being trafficked or offering restitution, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

A policy associate from NCSL briefed lawmakers Tuesday about on legislation that has been adopted across the country.

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There are 40 states that allow a judge to dismiss a case if they find that it was committed under the duress of human trafficking. Nevada isnt one of them.

While Nevada has adopted safe harbor laws for children forced into sex trafficking, it hasnt been expanded to adults.

During the 2025 regular legislative session, lawmakers considered a bill that would have provided protections for people involved in sex work to safely report crimes without consequence, said Barb Brents, a UNLV sociology professor emeritus who also spoke at Tuesdays committee meeting.

Brents surveys of sex workers in Nevada found nearly all lack confidence in the criminal legal system and feel law enforcement doesnt take sexual assault allegations seriously.

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Assembly Bill 209, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember David Orentlicher in the 2025 session, sought to grant sex workers immunity from criminal liability from prostitution-related offenses if they called 911 seeking medical assistance.

The bill originally included broader border protections for sex workers who called the police if they were victims or witnesses of crime, including assault or human trafficking, but was amended in an attempt to appease law enforcement. .

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association still opposed the bill.

AB 209 passed both chambers in a mostly party-line vote with Republican state Sen. Robin Titus joining Democrats.

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It was vetoed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

In his veto message, Lombardo said the legislation would codify mistrust of law enforcement by assuming that sex workers fear prosecution more than they trust officers to prioritize their safety and the investigation of violent crimes.

The legislation should be reintroduced when the Legislature convenes for its next regular session in February, Brents said.

My hope is that we can work better with police and other groups so that we can have a truly effective law thats similar to other states, she said.

Many of the protections being advocated during the committee meeting dealt with those who are already in the system.

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That included a proposal to amend state law to expand judicial discretion for sentencing in cases dealing with human trafficking and coereced sex work that go beyond sentencing guidelines that we have right now in statute, said Paloma Guerrero, with the Clark County Public Defenders office.

There should also be protections to ensure survivors who testify wont have to do it publicly, she said.

There have been clients who want to come forward but dont feel comfortable whether they have a fear that their abuser is going to be in court, Guerrero said.

If an attorney requests for hearings to be sealed, a judge should honor that request, she added.

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While Nevada needs to bolster protections for survivors caught up in the criminal legal system, the state needs to look at the systems that make people vulnerable to human trafficking, Brents said.

People most vulnerable to trafficking or exploitation are usually dealing with basic survival problems first, she said. They need safe housing, access to food and health care, job training and economic stability. When we look at what actually helps people exit or prevent exploitative situations, these are the most basic.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The State of Hawaii was on high alert as a Kona low storm moves through the islands.

This is a pretty serious storm, said Governor Josh Green during a press conference on March 12. Were just trying to be very, very safe.

Flood safety in Hawaii: 10 things every household needs to know now

He was joined by the National Weather Service and the states top emergency officials.

The team discussed strategies for residents to prepare for the impacts of heavy rain, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds.

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Governor Green warned the islands could see as much as 15 inches of rain in some areas as the system moves through.

The Governor said the preemptive closures are intended to give residents time to plan, and the goal is to keep people off the roads.

I wanted extra attention out there. Just being super cautious right now because, you know, its school time. I dont want to see a bus crash. I dont want to see the relief workers and Department of Defense folks having to navigate large backups of traffic if they have to get to safe places, said the Governor.

What to expect

Weather

Expect 15 inches or more of rain through Sunday, March 15

Landslides are likely

Expect flash floods for Windward on Oahu and Maui County

Winds could reach up to 60 mph

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Meteorologists say the weather will arrive in waves, bringing bursts of intense rainfall that could quickly overwhelm roads and streams.

It wont be a complete steady rain through the whole event. Itll come through in waves. So you might see a lull get a little better, and then another wave of heavy rain come in. So dont get lulled into a false sense of security, said John Brevander, forecaster with the National Weather Service.

Water can rise quickly, so be careful as you drive, Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii Department of Defense Stephen Logan added.

Closures

All public schools, including all University of Hawaii campuses, and Department of Education offices will be closed As a reminder, spring break is scheduled for March 16 to 20

The state legislature will be closed

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LIST: Kona Storm flooding, landslides close roads across Oahu

State School Superintendent Keith Hayashi says safety is the top priority behind closing all public and charter schools tomorrow on Oahu, Kauai and Maui County.

We know that every instructional day is important for our students. At the same time, the safety of our students and employees is our top priority, said Hayashi.

Residents were also advised to take the following precautions:

Clear leaves and debris from gutters and nearby storm drains.

Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins and other loose items.

Avoid driving through flooded streets or standing water.

Monitor weather updates from the National Weather Service and local media.

Sign up for emergency notifications

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Closures for Hawaii County are on standby for now, as officials continue monitoring weather conditions.

The Governor has issued an emergency proclamation effective through Wednesday to mobilize state resources and support response efforts.

Visit Hawaii Emergency Management Agencys website for more information on how to protect yourself during a flash flood.

How can you get critical alerts during emergency situations?

Next week

There will be lingering rainfall after the system fully passes, but drier conditions can be expected next week, said John Bravender, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

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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.
Despite a hefty penalty for setting up a bogus political action committee, embattled ex-House staffer Cade Cothren qualified to run for a House seat.

Tennessees Registry of Election Finance notified Cothren in late February that it levied an $80,000 civil penalty against him for eight violations. Yet the Secretary of State certified his election petition, enabling him to run in the August primary.

This is where it gets murky.

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The filing deadline to run for office was Tuesday, and failure to pay the penalty could have put a dent in Cothrens plans to run for the House District 71 seat held by Republican Rep. Kip Capley.

Registry members say Bill Young, executive director of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance, didnt send the order to the Secretary of State.

He has not sent the letter yet.  We have a meeting later this month, and we will be taking that up, Im sure, said Registry member Paige Burcham Dennis.

But Young told the Lookout Thursday that he sent the order to the Secretary of State and Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins in early March.

Until the order becomes final, theres not a lot we can do. And its not final yet, Young said.

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Secretary of State spokesperson Ben Hill referred questions back to Young and said he would notify the office about whether Cothren is unable to qualify because of the penalty.

The Secretary of States Office issued a statement Thursday saying, The Registry has jurisdiction and enforcement authority over orders they issue. We have requested clarification from Bill Young regarding whether action taken by the Registry has disqualified Mr. Cothren from running for office.

That didnt exactly answer the question about whether it received the order.

The Registry board penalized Cothren in January for misleading the state about the secret formation of a 2019 political action committee called the Faith Family Freedom Fund that helped Rep. Todd Warner beat Rep. Rick Tillis. An ex-girlfriend of Cothren told the Registry she formed the PAC at his direction and put her name down as treasurer even though he ran it. Cothren has refused to testify, invoking Fifth Amendment rights against incriminating himself.

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A Registry letter sent Feb. 26 to Cothren and his attorneys, Rob Peal and Erik Lybeck of Sims Funk in Nashville lets them know he has the right to request reconsideration within 14 days and/or a contested case hearing within 30 days. Without a timely request, the order becomes final.

Please be advised that an order that becomes final with the civil penalty unpaid will be forwarded to the State Attorney General for collection, the letter says. It notes that campaign funds cannot be used to pay civil penalties.

State law says if a civil penalty against a political campaign committee isnt paid within 30 days after becoming final, the PACs treasurer and officers are ineligible to qualify for election to a state or local public office until the penalty is paid.

Cothren became a pariah in 2019 amid a racist and sexist texting scandal that led to his resignation and, ultimately, removal of his boss, Franklin Rep. Glen Casada, as House speaker. The pair was convicted in 2025 of running a fraudulent campaign consulting vendor and were set to report to prison before the president rescued them with a full pardon.

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But once again, this case is in limbo. It remains to be seen whether Cothren could win the primary and make the November general ballot if he doesnt pay the penalty.

The Registry is likely to take up the matter in executive session at its late March meeting. Typically, discussion out of the public eye centers only on litigation and personnel matters. In this matter, it could focus on both.

Faith Family Freedom Foundation - Cothren Order

Lawsuit winner

Dennis came out with a win in federal court this week when a jury found she didnt violate the rights of Mark Clayton at a 2022 Registry meeting when the board asked a state trooper to remove him.

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Filed in U.S. District Court, Claytons lawsuit alleged slander, false light, conspiracy and false imprisonment. The failed Democratic U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidate estimated it would cost $17.8 million to restore his reputation.

NewsChannel5, Bill Young, board member Tom Lawless and others were named originally in the lawsuit but all were dropped except for Dennis because she was chair.

Just like Dolly Parton, Im not dumb and Im not blonde, said Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance member Paige Burcham Dennis while defending herself against a defamation claim. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Clayton went before the board to speak on behalf of former Metro Council member Jonathan Hall, who was facing a $360,000 civil penalty. After Clayton rambled for a few minutes, Dennis asked if he had made calls to the office of a threatening nature the previous day. Things then went sideways, and board members asked the trooper to escort him out.

I think (the) verdict set a precedent that people that are public servants and volunteers that do public work cannot be ridiculed and charged in cases by people that think the work we do is not correct or is not valuable, Dennis said.

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Dennis added that she found out later he called her Miss Piggy and a dumb blond. She said on the stand Just like Dolly Parton, Im not dumb, and Im not blond.

One short?

The Tennessee Journal reported that longtime Democratic Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis failed to turn in enough signatures on his petition to qualify for re-election.

Apparently, Hardaway was one short of the required 25.

Rep. G.A. Hardaway failed to gather the necessary 25 signatures to be placed on the ballot. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

A lawmaker for 20 years, Hardaway was the only person to turn in a petition for the seat, according to the report, raising the question: What happens if nobody qualifies?

More than likely, the Shelby County Commission would appoint someone, that is, if anyone wants the job.

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Known for detailed questions, lengthy presentations and long comments, Hardaway could not be reached for comment.

Surely he knows he should have gotten a lot more than 25 people to sign on. But please dont call me Shirley.

Grow your own

Sen. (Dr.) Adam Lowe is pushing a constitutional amendment establishing the right to food, including the right to save and exchange seeds and grow, raise, harvest, produce and acquire and consume food of your own choosing for nourishment, sustenance, bodily health and well-being.

Considering we all celebrated Taco Tuesday at the Cordell Hell Legislative Building this week, Senate Joint Resolution 610 is a fitting tribute.

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Asked about the measure, the Calhoun Republican said its necessary because of a 1942 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Wickard v. Filburn that went against a farmer who wanted to grow more wheat than the federal government allowed to feed his livestock and, possibly, his family. The federal law in that case stemmed from efforts to control prices during the Great Depression.

A constitutional amendment to grow food from seeds? Sen. Adam Lowe is working to make it so. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

If the Constitution serves any purpose, its to enshrine basic human rights. The ability to grow ones food and eats pretty essential to life, Lowe said.

Asked whether people are allowed to raise their own food already, Lowe said absolutely but added that the bill is necessary to make sure that right cant be taken away.

Since this is an amendment to the Constitution, itll have to go through the next General Assembly and then to voters on the following gubernatorial ballot, which means it will be four years, if it passes, before people are scratching their heads at ballot boxes statewide.

I take the seed from Colombia and Mexico / I just plant it up a holler down Copperhead Road *

* Steve Earle, Copperhead Road

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is included among the 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Pfizers Weight Management Drug Wins China Approval

On March 6, Reuters reported that China has approved Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)s GLP-1 treatment Xianweiying for long-term weight management in overweight or obese adults. Pfizer shared the update on WeChat on March 6. The approval adds new competition to a market that analysts expect to grow into a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.

This marks a breakthrough in the field of weight management, Pfizers licensing partner Sciwind Biosciences said on its website. In February, Pfizer secured the mainland China commercialization rights for Xianweiying, which is also known as ecnoglutide. The rights were licensed from Sciwind, a company based in the eastern city of Hangzhou.

Sciwind previously said the agreement was an important first step to advance Pfizers global strategy in the metabolic field in China. The approval strengthens Pfizers position in the fast-growing weight-loss drug market.

The company has also been expanding its presence in the obesity treatment space. It recently acquired obesity drug developer Metsera and also obtained another experimental GLP-1 drug from a different developer.

A Pfizer spokesperson told Reuters that Xianweiying is administered as a once-a-week injection. The spokesperson declined to comment on pricing or when the drug might launch in China. Ecnoglutide is also approved in China as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a research-based global biopharmaceutical company. The company focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, marketing, sale, and distribution of biopharmaceutical products worldwide.

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READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading into 2026 and 14 Best Oil and Gas Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
A sneaky visitor crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey, officials said Wednesday.

The stowaway? A 2-year-old red fox from Southampton, England, weighing approximately 11 pounds.

A male fox was discovered among cargo by the crew of the vehicle carrier M/V Tijuca as the ship arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson.

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Officials safely rescued him, coordinated with government wildlife officials, and transported him to the Bronx Zoo on Feb. 19, the Wildlife Conservation Society said.

Authorities have not disclosed how the fox ended up aboard the vessel.

CBP routinely works with our federal and state wildlife protection partners to protect regulated wildlife and is pleased to place this stowaway in the Bronx Zoos care, the spokesperson added.

The fox is currently at the zoos Animal Health Center, where animal care and veterinary teams are monitoring him.

Veterinarians are awaiting results from health screenings for the fox, though initial examinations indicate he is in good condition.

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Zoo officials said that once the veterinary team determines that the fox is healthy, they will work with wildlife experts to identify an appropriate long-term home for the animal.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
(Texas Scorecard)  Texas Supreme Court is set to determine the limit of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services power to dissolve families, while also serving its purpose to protect children.

Multiple legal organizations with an interest in parental rights have weighed in, stressing the significance of a recent state constitutional amendment. Section 37 was added to Article I of the Texas Constitution in November 2025 to expressly protect parental rights.

As the amendment reads:

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To enshrine truths that are deeply rooted in this nations history and traditions, the people of Texas hereby affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parents child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parents child, including the right to make decisions concerning the childs upbringing.

The Court now has to decide how Section 37 fits with the existing Texas Family Code termination scheme in Chapter 161specifically, whether parental rights terminations still use the clear and convincing evidence standard or whether Section 37 instead requires strict scrutiny. This is the most demanding level of judicial review in American law.

Background

The case arises from a 2021 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) investigation into an unnamed family for child endangerment. Texas created the department in 2004 to protect children from harm, with immense power to investigate, sue, and even dissolve families.

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According to case filings, DFPS decided not to remove the children, as there was not sufficient evidence of abuse or neglect. A short-term temporary stay with the grandmother was negotiated for the oldest child.

In March 2022, the department investigated allegations against only the mother and only as to the oldest child. It concluded there was no emergency, left the children in the home, and petitioned the court to force the mother to take various classes.

Instead, after a six-month standoff with DFPS, the family moved to Louisiana to escape the departments jurisdiction.

On August 31, 2022, the State filed a petition seeking the emergency removal of all four children from both parents.

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The petition described a dangerous household in which the child was dragged by her hair, beaten, deprived of food, and yelled ateach claim having been refuted.

In April 2024, Judge Phil Vanderpool of the 223rd Judicial District Court in Gray County signed an order terminating both parents rights to all of their children.

The Appeal

The mother asserts her parental rights were not terminated for any actual child endangerment, but rather for her refusal to attend counseling or undergo a psychological study. No new evidence of abuse or neglect was presented since DFPS had concluded the household was safe.

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Judge Vanderpools order was therefore appealed to the 7th Court of Appeals in Amarillo, where a three-judge panelJustices Brian Quinn, Judy Parker, and Lawrence Dossaffirmed the trial court judgment in September 2024.

The case was then appealed to the Supreme Court of Texas, which heard oral arguments in December 2025. The Court is still considering the case.

The parents argue the trial court never had jurisdiction, as the family was living in Louisiana and such suits are statutorily required to be brought in the county in which the children are found. In light of Section 37s implementation, they also contend that the natural right existing between parents and their children is of constitutional dimension, meaning termination proceedings are strictly construed in favor of the parent.

First and foremost, the Court must determine the appropriate level of scrutiny to apply.

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The State argues that Section 37 merely codified existing protections under Chapter 161, rather than establishing anything new, and that the clear-and-convincing standard still applies.

Multiple third parties filed amicus briefs in the case, informing the Court that strict scrutiny is now required by Section 37if it wasnt before. Briefs were filed by Family Freedom Project, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys, and attorney Celia Wood.

Amicus Briefs

Family Freedom Project (FFP) wrote that Section 37 is the first time in the history of our nation that any People have so clearly and holistically enumerated the God-given rights of parents in the highest law of their land. But this boundary means nothing if it is not enforced.

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FFP is asking the court to provide much needed clarity to the state and lower courts as to the limits of its power over families.

The situation as it stands now cannot continue, reads the brief. The casual removal of children; the punitive withholding of visitation; the stacking of irrelevant tasks that the overwhelmed parent must complete to the satisfaction of a subjective bureaucratall these and more are far too common occurrences before and during litigation in the trial courts.

Responding to concerns, FFP argues [t]he risk highlighted by this case is not that we may someday create a system that does not care about child abuse. The risk is that the system will always tend toward the aggregation of power, and that we forget to hold the line.

Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is asking the court to interpret Section 37 in accordance with the clear wishes of the people of Texas.

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The brief contends that Texans demonstrated their enduring commitment to safeguarding parental rights by taking the historic step of voting to make Texas the first state in the nation to enshrine parental rights as a fundamental right in its constitution.

TPPF argues the incorporation of fundamental rights language into the text of Section 37 ensures that courts continue to apply strict scrutiny to any state statute or action that seeks to limit the ability of parents to exercise their right to the care, custody, and control of their children.

Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys espoused Texas history to make its point.

The association argued that Section 37 recognizes the fundamental rights of parents, not as privileges the State may adjust at will, but as liberties presumptively retained by the people; parental rights are not subject to discretionary balancing any more than the cannon at Gonzales was subject to arbitrary seizure.

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If the parental rights amendment means anything at all, it must mean that heightened scrutiny applies when the state seeks not only to intervene in these fundamental constitutional rights, but extinguish them, the brief continued.

Woods brief argued that strict scrutiny has historically been the standard applied in termination cases, and the codification of these rights in the constitution is not a reason to provide less protection.

She added that the government may not infringe on the fundamental right of parents to make child rearing decisions simply because a state judge believes a better decision could be made.

As the Court weighs its decision, many parental rights advocates are closely following. The ruling will set a precedent for how far DFPS power to terminate families extends in light of Section 37.

If you or anyone you know has information regarding court cases, please contact our tip line: scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
Each of us can support humanitarian aid for victims of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as we encourage an end to the conflict. One of the dangers of the war is the creation of another humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. More than 1,000 civilians have been killed in the attacks. Displacement and hunger are inevitable, as the conflict has spread to numerous countries across the region.

Its critical to prepare for what could be a broader humanitarian disaster, which means establishing sufficient funding. In Lebanon, where Iran-backed militants are fighting Israel, the UN World Food Program and Catholic Relief Services are helping those in need.

According to World Food Program USA, Samer AbdelJaber, UN World Food Program regional director, said that within hours of shelters opening in Lebanon, WFP was on the ground  providing hot meals, ready-to-eat rations and bread to families who had nowhere else to turn. The World Food Program says 30,000 individuals have already been displaced by the recent fighting. This number is likely to climb.

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But providing aid will continue to get more difficult if the war continues. This is critical because there are numerous hunger emergencies in the Middle East, including in Yemen, Gaza and Syria. Across the region, the humanitarian supply lines are under growing strain, AbdelJaber said. The rising security risks in the region are choking shipping routes and disrupting aid delivery. One of the silent but severe consequences of war is its impact on children. Hunger, fear and disease all strike at once in a war zone, with lasting consequences for children.

The United Nations Childrens Fund is calling for a cessation of hostilities, stating the military escalation in the Middle East marks a dangerous moment for millions of children in the region. With numerous conflicts and food shortages worldwide, humanitarian agencies are facing major funding shortfalls. These shortages come at the worst time when people need help the most. There is famine in war-torn Sudan, which has become the largest hunger crisis impacting neighboring countries too. There is hunger in Gaza, Congo, Syria, Yemen and the Sahel region. With so many large relief missions in war zones, funding needs are increasing. But donations have not kept pace with escalating hunger.

Sadly, relief agencies have been forced to reduce rations or even cancel programs as a result. The war with Iran is going to add another humanitarian emergency on top of many others. Humanitarian aid funding needs to increase to meet this challenge. Sadly, the Trump administration has drastically reduced humanitarian funding and canceled many programs.

Consider financially supporting a humanitarian agency or asking your elected officials to support funding for humanitarian aid and to encourage peace in the Middle East. With so many wars, there is going to be extreme hunger and poverty for years to come. Such misery and instability is no recipe for peace.

William Lambers is the author of The Road to Peace: From the Disarming of the Great Lakes to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. He also partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book Ending World Hunger.
The man charged with pushing two men onto subway tracks on the Upper East Side, leaving one man brain dead, was in the country illegally.

Bairon Hernandez, 34, originally from Honduras, has a prior conviction in New Jersey for entering the country illegally, and a conviction in Texas for re-entering illegally.

Hernandez first entered the country on January 2, 2008, and has been deported four different times, most recently in 2020, according to the Department of Homeland Security, .

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(Video in media player above is from a previous report)

Hernandez allegedly pushed the two people onto the subway tracks just minutes apart at a station on the Upper East Side over the weekend.

He was arrested in Brooklyn at a shelter after police say they received a tip.

Hernandez was charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, assault and reckless endangerment. Those charges could be upgraded.

One of his victims, an 83-year-old man, underwent surgery for brain bleed.

Following the surgery, the victim "did not have any brain activity, meaning that he is brain dead."

The incident happened Sunday around 11:30 a.m. at the Lexington Avenue-63rd Street station.

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A 30-year-old man was standing on the southbound F/Q platform when he was suddenly pushed from behind and fell onto the tracks.

The same suspect then approached the 83-year-old man from behind and pushed him onto the tracks.

Both victims were taken to the hospital. The 30-year-old was said to be stable.

The 83-year-old victim's family told Eyewitness News that he is an Air Force veteran and that he and his wife have been married for 55 years. He has three daughters and two granddaughters.

On Monday, the younger victim, John Rodriguez, spoke exclusively with Eyewitness News and said he was caught by surprise and pushed out of nowhere.

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Rodriguez, of Queens, said he was on his way to work when he says the man shoved him -- completely unprovoked.

"I panicked, I started asking for help, not only for me but for the other man that was pushed," he said.

Rodriguez started recording as a good Samaritan tried to help him. That's when police say the other victim was pushed.

As for Rodriguez, he is recovering from an injured shoulder and neck. He said he has also developed a fever.

He said that as for returning to the subway, it will be touch-and-go.

"I get panic attacks just thinking about getting on the subway," he said.

The NYPD said so far this year, there have been nine subway pushes, which is up compared to three this time last year.

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Officials have identified the Georgia man who shot himself Tuesday after leading police on a pursuit through Jackson and DeKalb counties and barricading himself inside a stolen vehicle for nearly an hour.

Robert Parks, 45, of Rossville, Ga., will be charged in connection with the incient.

It began in Scottsboro, where officers initiated a pursuit of a stolen Kia Sorento. The vehicle traveled east on Alabama Highway 35 toward DeKalb County, where the Rainsville Police Department and DeKalb County Sheriff's Office positioned themselves to intercept.

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The pursuit ended at the intersection of Alabama Highways 35 and 75 in Rainsville, where the stolen Sorento collided with a stationary civilian vehicle, disabling it. The Kia came to rest on Alabama Highway 75 just north of the intersection.

Officers from Rainsville, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and Alabama State Troopers surrounded the vehicle and attempted to make contact with the driver, later identified as Parks.

As officers approached, Parks displayed a handgun. Officers took cover, drew their weapons and issued verbal commands ordering Parks to drop the gun and exit the vehicle.

Alabama Highway 75 was closed and nearby businesses were advised to shelter in place as additional units from multiple agencies responded.

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After a standoff of approximately 45 minutes, Parks suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers and medical personnel extracted him from the vehicle and rendered aid until an ambulance transported him to Erlanger Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition as of the latest report to law enforcement.

Charges against Parks are pending investigation.

Rainsville Police Chief Michael Edmondson praised the multi-agency response in a statement Wednesday.

"This is a situation you prepare for but pray you don't encounter," Edmondson said. "We are grateful there was no loss of life and no injuries to any officers or citizens."

Edmondson thanked Rainsville Fire and Rescue and the DeKalb Ambulance Service, along with all responding law enforcement agencies, for their roles in the response.
The FBI is investigating a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., as a possible act of terrorism. One person was killed, and two others were injured in the attack, which ended when ROTC students stopped and killed the gunman.

Authorities identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who was released from prison in December 2024. Jalloh had a prior conviction for attempting to provide material support and information to the Islamic State group.

Jalloh served in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 to April 2015. The FBI reported that he left the military as a specialist and had no deployments during his service.

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Following his departure from the National Guard, federal agents alleged that Jalloh joined the Islamic State group and began planning targeted attacks on military personnel throughout the United States.

ALSO READ: Mint Hill teen federally indicted for alleged New Years Eve terror plot

In June 2016, Jalloh traveled to Charlotte as part of an effort to acquire weapons for his planned attacks. According to investigators, Jalloh was in the city for approximately 4 hours. During that time, he attempted to purchase an AK-47 rifle, but the individual he approached refused to sell the firearm.

Seamus Hughes is a terrorism expert and the co-author of Homegrown: ISIS in America. Hughes has studied Jallohs history and the broader patterns of domestic radicalization. He made a number of attempts in order to buy guns, one here in Charlotte, Hughes said.

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Hughes noted the difficulty law enforcement faces when monitoring individuals who may be radicalizing. I think its fair to say all the lights are blinking red right now at a time when its very difficult to figure out when someone is gonna cross that line, Hughes said.

Following his 2016 efforts to purchase a weapon in Virginia, Jalloh was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison for providing material support to a terrorist organization.

He was released from federal custody in December 2024. Hughes said that individuals involved in terrorism often make tactical errors that allow for law enforcement intervention.

For terrorism, you are not attracting the well-adjusted and folks who have thought through every lifes decision on this, so theyre gonna make mistakes, Hughes said. The hope is that when they make mistakes, the FBI and law enforcement are ready to swoop in.

VIDEO: Mint Hill teen federally indicted for alleged New Years Eve terror plot
Swedish Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin has reported that on Thursday 12 March and for the second time this week, his country has intercepted a tanker in its waters suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet. The coast guard has boarded the vessel.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Bolin said late on 12 March that the Swedish coast guard had boarded a tanker in Swedish territorial waters that is suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet.

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"The vessel is called Sea Owl 1 and is suspected of not being registered to any state. It is listed under EU sanctions and transports oil or other liquid fuels. Like the previous operation, called Black Coffee, this operation involved a national task force and was coordinated with the relevant authorities," he said.

Bolin emphasised that Russia's shadow fleet is a serious threat both in terms of security and environmental protection, as these are usually old tankers in poor condition that sail under false flags or no flag at all and without insurance.

"The shadow fleet also plays a central role in Russia's economy and in sustaining its capacity to wage war against Ukraine. In this context, our government considers active countermeasures necessary. Current times demand determination and clear action and Swedish authorities have once again demonstrated both," he added.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared Bolin's post, adding his thanks to Stockholm for its resolve.

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"Russia's shadow fleet helps finance its war against Ukraine and threatens our European security. It must be confronted decisively and without hesitation," Sybiha said.

Background:

On 6 March, Sweden stopped and detained the vessel Caffa in the Baltic Sea over suspicions of sailing under a false flag and violating maritime law and security regulations. The Russian captain of the ship was subsequently arrested.

On the night of 28 February-1 March, Belgium, with the help of French military helicopters, detained the oil tanker Ethera in the North Sea, another vessel linked to Russia's shadow fleet.

Reports indicated that the UK and its allies are discussing possible military measures against Russia's shadow fleet.

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STOCKHOLM (AP)  Swedish authorities are investigating a tanker that was allegedly sailing under a false flag in the Baltic Sea.

The Swedish Coast Guard boarded the Sea Owl I on Thursday off the coast of Trelleborg, Sweden. The tanker was sailing under the flag of the Comoros islands off East Africa, though the coast guard says investigators believe that was not its correct flag.

The tanker is also on the EU sanctions list and had been traveling from Brazil to Russia, the coast guard said in a news release. It was previously used to transport oil between those two countries though it did not appear to have cargo on Thursday.

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Investigators will search the ship and conduct interviews to determine the vessel's seaworthiness.

It's the second vessel sailing in Swedish territorial waters that's now under investigation by the Swedish Coast Guard in the last week under suspicion of a false flag. The cargo ship Caffa, sailing with a majority Russian crew, is accused of transporting stolen grain while on Ukraine's sanctions list.

Sweden last year said it would step up insurance checks on foreign ships in a move aimed at tightening controls on Russias so-called shadow fleet  of aging ships, which are used to transport oil and gas or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain.

The average age of the vessels is around 18 years, meaning theyre near the end of their life span and are more vulnerable to accidents, especially if theyre not well-maintained.

The government in Stockholm last year tasked the Coast Guard and the Swedish Maritime Administration with collecting insurance information not just from ships that call at Swedish ports, but also those that pass through the countrys territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
TAIPEI, March 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan's parliament authorised the government on Friday to sign U.S. agreements for four arms sales packages worth some $9 billion, after officials warned that Taipei would go to the back of the queue if it missed the deadline, sending the wrong message to Washington.

The back and forth on Taiwan's defence spending has provoked concern in the United States, as it is the most important international backer and arms supplier of the Chinese-claimed island, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.

"This body upholds the principle of placing national security first and firmly defending territorial integrity," parliament speaker Han Kuo-yu said, reading the resolution, which passed unanimously.

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He urged the government to submit a complete report on the weapons delivery schedule for parliament to review after it signs the letters.

The weapons covered include TOW anti-tank missiles, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, Lockheed Martin-made Javelin missiles and the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, worth around $9 billion in total and part of an $11 billion package Washington announced in December.

President Lai Ching-te's government has tried to get parliament to pass $40 billion in extra defence spending but the opposition, which controls the most seats, says the proposals are unclear, and it cannot be expected to pass "blank cheques".

Both opposition parties drew up their own, cheaper alternatives, but the defence ministry said the letters of offer and acceptance for the weapons have to be signed with the United States by Sunday, or Taiwan risked losing its place in the production and delivery queue.

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Parliament's formal authorisation on Friday came a day after lawmakers from both sides agreed that the government could sign the deals in advance, even if spending reviews were not approved in time.

Taiwan's defence ministry expressed its thanks for the authorisation, rejecting opposition claims the plans were opaque.

They were prepared through a "rigorous project approval process", it added, to meet the military's requirements.

Ruling party lawmakers welcomed the approval.

"The advance authorisation to sign before the budget is reviewed is intended to ensure that Taiwan's acquisition of these important systems is not delayed or cancelled," said Wang Ting-yu, a Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence committee.

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On Tuesday, Defence Minister Wellington Koo told reporters the letters of offer and acceptance for 82 HIMARS systems the U.S. announced as part of the $11-billion arms sale package for Taiwan would expire on March 26.

A second arms package, worth around $14 billion, could be approved for Taiwan after U.S. President Donald Trump visits Beijing later this month, sources told Reuters.

The Trump administration has pressed allies to boost defence spending, a plank Lai's government has embraced as China steps up drills and exercises around the island to press its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan rejects Beijing's claims, saying only its people have the right to decide the island's future.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Roger Tung; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Clarence Fernandez and Christian Schmollinger)
North Lincolnshire Council has granted outline planning permission for the development of Elsham Tech Park, a proposed artificial intelligence (AI) data centre campus to be located adjacent to Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.

The approval sets the stage for one of the largest AI-focused data centre facilities planned in the UK, with the project covering approximately 435 acres (176ha) of agricultural land.

The council estimates that the development could secure up to 10bn ($13.3bn) in private investment throughout its lifetime.

Once operational, Elsham Tech Park is expected to create around 900 to 1,200 permanent skilled roles and support thousands of construction jobs during a phased build programme spanning about ten years.

Average salaries for permanent positions are projected to range from 55,000 to 61,000, exceeding both local and national averages.

Plans for the site include up to 15 large-scale data centre buildings with associated energy and cooling infrastructure.

The facility is designed to achieve one gigawatt (1,000MW) of computing capacity capable of supporting advanced AI applications, cloud services, and high-performance data processing demands.

The scale of construction will require more than 100,000t of structural steel, providing opportunities for regional manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

A greenhouse complex will also form part of the site, using waste heat from the tech parks cooling systems for agricultural production.

The planning approval outlines measures for local economic engagement, stipulating that at least 30% of build costs, excluding fit-out, will be sourced from businesses operating within a 30-mile radius.

This is expected to inject between 1.65bn and 2.25bn into the local economy.

The project includes provisions for an AI and Data Education Scheme delivered through a new multifunctional facility on-site.

Further plans detail the establishment of a regional AI Accelerator Hub intended to support start-ups, research activity and digital entrepreneurship.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 following a planning application submitted by Elsham Tech Park in 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2029.

North Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Robert Waltham said: This will bring thousands of construction jobs, hundreds of highly skilled, high-paid long-term roles, and the chance to build a new industry right here in North Lincolnshire.

This is a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity. North Lincolnshire remains a place where major industries choose to invest, grow and create jobs.
Competing comments and statements this week have sown confusion over whether or not the year-long Black boycott against Target is ending or continuing. Amid disputes over who started the boycott, a leading pastor in the movement has declared victory and the end of the campaign, while other activists are seeking an apology from the megastore chain or simply demanding that the boycott continue.

Rev. Jamal Bryant declares Target Fast over; Nina Turner and Tamika Mallory demand apology from the company

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday that Pastor Jamal Bryant was calling for an end of the boycott against Target that he has been promoting for over a year. Bryant made the announcement during a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. We are claiming victory, Bryant told reporters, adding, Weve got to celebrate small steps. Target, meanwhile, responded by saying in a statement that it was pleased to be moving forward, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Minneapolis-based retail company pledged to continue showing up as trusted neighbors while delivering results for  team members, guests and the more than 2,000 communities in which it is present. Bryant, pastor of the Atlanta-based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, later explained that the immediate Target fast has come to an end due to Target meeting three of the movements four main objectives: following through on its 2020 pledge to invest $2 billion in Black communities, partnering with HBCUs, and a reimagining of DEI. Bryant said that they were still working towards the movements fourth goal, an investment into Black banks.

Rev Dr Jamal H Bryant has been diligent and got some major wins. 3/4 things he brought to the table were accepted. Love to see it. @jamalbryantpod pic.twitter.com/fmaHAseFr3  Mister GD  (@Geof_Dean) March 12, 2026

The boycott against Target began early in 2025, after the company announced it was rolling back its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, an apparent response to President Donald Trumps anti-DEI orders. While Bryant expressed satisfaction with the companys response and with its new CEO, Michael Fiddelke, other boycott leaders were less conciliatory. Activists Tamika Mallory and former Ohio state legislator Nina Turner, who claimed to have started the boycott and recruited Bryant, joined the pastor at the press conference, but they demanded Fiddelke issue a public apology on behalf of Target. When will you state to our community the harm that you have caused and welcome us back  that you will accept it and do better? Mallory asked. To date, that has not happened. Turner later posted on social media, Im not going back to Target. And you shouldnt, either.

Im not going back to Target. And you shouldnt, either.  Nina Turner (@ninaturner) March 11, 2026

Nekima Levy Armstrong disputes boycott leadership, declares boycott is continuing

Meanwhile, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong declared that the boycott was ongoing while breaking publicly with the other leaders. We are still boycotting Target, Levy Armstrong posted. Dont believe the lies from Pastor Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory & Nina Turner. They didnt start the boycott. We did. In a caption accompanying her post, Levy Armstrong explained, The nationwide Target Boycott is not over, unless and until Target reverses its decision to rollback Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as we said from the beginning. Pastor Jamal Bryant does not speak for us or our community and has zero authority to end the nationwide boycott of Target, a company that is headquartered in Minneapolis.

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Levy Armstrong, who recently made headlines as an organizer of an anti-ICE protest in a Minnesota church that led to federal charges and attacks by the Trump administration against her and others, placed the boycott in the context of Target capitulating to the Trump Administration. As she explained, Target rolled back DEI because of Donald Trump. They donated $1 million to the Trump/Vance inauguration committee. Target also allowed ICE to stage in its parking lots during Operation Metro Surge.

The competing messages coming from the leading faces of the Target boycott leave uncertainty over the status of the campaign or what concessions Target may make in the future. While some leaders like Bryant seem eager to work with the company, other boycott leaders have declared that Target has not met the campaigns demands and urge Black customers to continue to avoid the company until it makes greater changes.







The post Target Boycott Confusion Ensues As Leaders Publicly Disagree Over Whether Or Not Boycott Is Over appeared first on Blavity.
The suspected gunman who attacked a West Bloomfield Township synagogue on Thursday has been identified as a Dearborn Heights man.

Ayman Ghazali, 41, a restaurant worker, allegedly crashed his truck into the Temple Israel synagogue just after noon on Thursday and opened fire with a rifle. Authorities said he was killed by security guards.

Ayman Ghazali

A temple security guard was injured in an exchange of gunfire and taken to a local hospital for treatment, officials said.

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They have not given details about a possible motive, but an FBI official said on Thursday that the attack is being treated as a "targeted" act of violence against the Jewish community.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Thursday that the suspected attacker acted alone.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed late Thursday that Ghazali was the individual who carried out the attack.

More: Temple Israel parent: Children kept calm, thought attack was a fire drill

Ghazali immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon

Ghazali, a native of Lebanon, was granted U.S. citizenship more than 10 years ago, under the administration of President Barack Obama, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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He entered the U.S. through Detroit on May 10, 2011, on an immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the department said Thursday in a statement.

On Oct. 20, 2015, Ghazali applied for naturalization and was granted citizenship on Feb. 5, 2016, federal authorities said.

Sources told The Detroit News on Thursday that Ghazali had relatives who were recently killed in a military strike in Lebanon. According to the sources, Ghazali had at least four relatives killed days earlier in a military strike in Lebanon, the sources said.

Israel commenced a series of airstrikes in Lebanon after Israeli military officials said Iran-backed Hezbollah fired hundreds of rockets and drones from Lebanon at the Jewish nation after the U.S.-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader.

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More than 770 individuals had been killed through Friday, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, as Reuters reported that Israeli officials said they were targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the densely populated suburbs of Beirut.

On March 5, an Israeli airstrike killed Ghazali's two brothers, Kassim and Ibrahim Ghazali, as well as Ibrahim's two children, while his wife was seriously wounded and remains hospitalized, a local official in Mashgharah told The Associated Press. Kassim, a soccer coach, and Ibrahim, a school bus driver, and family were eating their fast-breaking meal for Ramadan, an annual Muslim rite, the source told the AP.

Israel warned residents of Beirut and its suburbs on March 5 to depart because of imminent airstrikes after Iran-supported Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the killing of Iran's supreme leader, according to Reuters.

At least 46 people or martyrs died in Israeli airstrikes on March 5, according to a Lebanese Ministry of Public Health statement.

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Ayman Ghazalis father was in the U.S. but recently traveled back to Lebanon, the official told the AP.

Details about Ghazali's work, family life

Ghazali worked at Hamido Restaurant in Dearborn Heights, a Mediterranean restaurant on Ford Road. Ghazali would walk down Gulley Road to Hamido Restaurant at Ford and Gulley, according to a neighbor who would occasionally see Ghazali with a woman and two young children.

Employees at Hamido Restaurant declined to comment Friday on Ghazali.

Ghazalis ex-wife filed for divorce in Wayne County Circuit Court in August 2024, records show. The couple had at least one child, according to court records, and a divorce was granted seven months later, in March 2025.

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Mohammad Ahmad Moussa, the ex-wifes divorce lawyer, declined comment when contacted by The News on Thursday.

Staff Writers Charles E. Ramirez and Sarah Atwood contributed.

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Who was the Temple Israel shooter: What we know about Ayman Ghazali
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award for Voter Registration to Tennessee High School for the third time on Friday.

Hargett said the award says a lot about the culture of a school. The award goes to Tennessee schools that register 100% of eligible students to vote.

Cooper Booher, a Tennessee High senior, said his teacher (Mr. Cross) does a great job at getting his students registered to vote.

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Its very important because the new generations is whats going to shape everything for the future, Booher said. And if only older people are voting, then, you know, things are going to probably stay the same. But if younger and newer people are voting, then things are going to start to sway in new ways.

Sullivan East High School was also among the 23 schools in the region recognized on Friday.

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.
Gov. Greg Abbott praised Texas technology leadership during a South by Southwest reception at the Governors Mansion.

The event took place on March 12, 2026, as part of the annual SXSW gathering that has drawn innovators, tech leaders, and global creators to Austin for 40 years.

Texas ranks No. 1 for technology, innovation, and semiconductors, Abbott said in a news release. This is because of the policies that we have passed, prioritizing our large and small businesses. This may be your first visit for some of you, but for most of you it is the place you call home. We are proud to have you here and proud to have you at South by Southwest.

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The SXSW Cocktail Reception and Tech Innovation Dinner at the Governors Mansion is hosted each year by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, and the Texas Economic Development Corporation.

This year marked the first time SXSW joined as a host.

Abbott, joined by business and technology leaders from around the world, urged attendees to explore, learn, create, network, and enjoy the city and states offerings, according to the governors office.

He emphasized Texas business-friendly climate and common-sense regulations that attract industry leaders in defense, artificial intelligence, energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

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Abbott added that events like SXSW, combined with sound policies and investments in industry and workforce, help build a strong technology and innovation ecosystem in Texas.

This year, South by Southwest runs from March 12-18 and features an Innovation Conference, a Film and TV Festival and Conference, and a Music Festival and Conference, in addition to the Comedy Festival that runs from March 13-16.
A 31-year-old Texas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to evading police at more than 120 miles per hour and being caught in possession of methamphetamine, according to officials.

The Parker County District Attorney's Office said Jesus Briceno Carrillo, of Mineral Wells, pleaded guilty Monday to evading arrest with a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance charges and elected to have a jury assess his punishment.

During his trial, the jury heard from two Parker County Sheriffs Office deputies, who testified that they began pursuing Carrillo as he fled from the scene of a domestic violence call in a vehicle matching the description given by the 911 caller.

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The deputies testified that Carrillo fled north from Weatherford on FM 730 at speeds over 120 mph for about 10 minutes during heavy traffic, officials said.

Traveling near Azle, Carrillo nearly struck several cars as he drove into oncoming traffic and passed vehicles on the shoulder, according to the DA. The pursuit ended when Carrillo turned off FM 730 onto a dead-end street, jumped out of his car, and ran away.

Deputies said Carrillo ran for about 200 yards before they got close enough to shoot him with a Taser. Deputies found a methamphetamine pipe with a small amount of methamphetamine loaded into it in his pocket, officials said.

At the time Mr. Carrillo was tased, he was reaching towards his waistband, said District Attorney Jeff Swain. From the beginning of this pursuit to the end when the defendant was finally apprehended, this entire situation was fraught with danger, including for the children and parents of three schools he sped past in the late afternoon of the first day of school. Mr. Carrillo deserved every day of the maximum sentence the jury gave him.

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Carrillo had previously been convicted of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, two theft of a firearm charges, and two assault family violence charges, according to the DA.

Carrillo testified during the trial and said that, after the birth of his fifth child, which occurred while he was in jail awaiting trial, he was remorseful and a changed man, the DA said in a release.

Assistant District Attorney Mallory Vincent, during her closing argument, told jurors, "[Carrillo] wants to pretend that hes here to take responsibility for what hes done, but he couldnt even be honest with you about what kind of gun he used to shoot at his ex-wife and the mother of his first four children.

In my 31 years as a prosecutor in Parker County, I have never seen a jury ask officers to come back to court so they could thank them, Swain said. Thats why Parker County is such a great place to live and to be in law enforcement.

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The DA said Carrillo was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the evading arrest with a vehicle case and 10 years in prison for the possession of a controlled substance case, both maximum sentences for the charges, as they were enhanced due to his criminal record. Under Texas law, the sentences will run concurrently.

Carrillo has given notice that he intends to appeal the sentence, according to the DA.
Despite ongoing airstrikes, thousands of Iranian government supporters are taking to the streets of Tehran on Friday to take part in anti-Israel demonstrations.

The rallies are taking place on the occasion of al-Quds Day, which was introduced by former revolutionary leader ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979.

The state-organized protests are directed against Israel and demand the "liberation of Jerusalem."

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Al-Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. The background to this is Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967.

The annual demonstration to support Palestinian rights is traditionally held on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

During the rallies, a loud explosion was heard in the city centre. According to state media, one person was killed as a result of an airstrike.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on the population to participate despite the war. On X, he wrote on Thursday that the Iranian people should "disappoint Iran's enemies by taking to the streets in greater numbers than ever before."

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Witnesses said the crowd was smaller than in previous years. They attributed the lower turnout mainly to two factors: many residents had left Tehran after the war began, while others feared potential drone attacks during the ceremony.

They said that participants waved Iranian flags and chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans.

State media showed images of people carrying portraits of the slain revolutionary leader Ali Khamenei and his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei.

The Fars news agency, which is closely linked to the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), published a video showing people hammering nails into coffins covered with US and Israeli flags.

Another video shows men trampling on a large US flag on the street. The flag reads "Down with America" in English.

A woman holds a poster showing slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (L) and his son, the new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, during a rally marking the annual Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), held on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Stringer/dpa

People take part in a rally marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), that takes place annually on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Stringer/dpa

People take part in a rally marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), that takes place annually on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Stringer/dpa

People take part in a rally marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), that takes place annually on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Stringer/dpa
In an extraordinary break from the federal government, the public health departments of at least three states and New York City are joining the global alert network of the World Health Organization, spurred by President Donald Trumps decision to remove the United States from the United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international public health.

So far, the state public health departments in California, Illinois, New York, as well as the public health agency in New York City, have joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO). The U.S. officially left the WHO this past January.

California joined GOARN in January, while Illinois, New York state and New York City joined last month.

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GOARN, which includes more than 310 national public health agencies, United Nations agencies, academic institutions, and nongovernmental groups, helps identify and manage infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. Since it was established in 2000, GOARN says it has helped manage more than 175 global health emergencies across 114 countries.

GOARN maintains relationships with some medical and research institutions in the U.S., including the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans and university medical centers in Nebraska and Texas. Until now, however, state public health agencies have not been members, because they relied on the U.S. governments participation in GOARN for information on global outbreaks.

Dr. Ali Khan, a medical epidemiologist who is the dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a former member of the GOARN steering committee, said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how disease has no borders and the importance of sharing information globally to quash the spread of contagious diseases.

Khan said the Trump administrations withdrawal from the WHO throttles the information from WHO to the U.S. government, specifically the [federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], and which then flows to states. Those states are now left in a position where theyre joining the GOARN.

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Lets be clear, it doesnt substitute for the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, but it does allow states to directly get information about whats going on globally that may impact their own citizens. So it allows them to sort of keep their own radar on when the U.S. has decided to no longer participate in this global information sharing.

We're used to just sharing information with each other, sharing knowledge. Its not political.

 James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health

In explaining its decision to withdraw from WHO, the Trump administration said the U.S. had for decades carried a disproportionate share of the organizations financial burden. It insisted the country would continue to ensure detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks without being a member of the organization.

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These are the same democrat-led states and cities that imposed unscientific school closures, toddler mask mandates, and vaccine passports during the COVID era, Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, wrote in an email.

They are the ones who destroyed public trust in public health that we are now restoring. We are working with the White House in a deliberative, interagency process on the path forward for global health and foreign assistance that first and foremost protects Americans.

Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, told Stateline that the departments decision to partner with GOARN was apolitical, and that it makes sense for New York because the state is the worlds gateway to the country.

Everybody comes to the United States. Many come through JFK [John F. Kennedy International Airport], but an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo does matter to me, so learning about it sooner helps protect New Yorkers and also helps protect the United States, McDonald said.

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McDonald added that New York is a part of a new public health consortium of Northeast states  the Northeast Public Health Collaborative  and plans to share any information it gathers from GOARN with fellow members Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New York City also is a member of the consortium.

One of the things about scientists and health care providers is were used to just sharing information with each other, sharing knowledge. Its not political, McDonald said.

Doua Yang, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health, said that even before officially joining GOARN in January, the agency had been attending weekly operational calls for several months, and even made a presentation on how it has handled bird flu outbreaks.

As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California cannot afford to let down its guard, or its people, Yang wrote in an email. Participating with GOARN is one step California is taking to maintain uninterrupted communication with WHO and protect the state from potential health threats.

Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@stateline.org.

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U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday to limit the scope of the Espionage Act from use against whistleblowers, journalists and publishers.

The bill seeks to establish the Daniel Ellsberg Press Freedom and Whistleblower Protection Act, named after the whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971 and was subsequently charged under the Espionage Act, though he was not found guilty of those charges.

Alerting the public to government wrongdoing is not a crime, the Detroit Democrat said in a press release from her office. The Espionage Act has been abused by administrations of both parties to target whistleblowers and journalists for sharing critically important information with the public. With whistleblowers, journalists, and civil liberties under significant attack and government decision-making shrouded in increasing secrecy, reining in the abuses of the Espionage Act could not be more urgent.

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The press release also detailed how the bill would address those concerns  first by limiting the scope of the Espionage Act to government employees with a legal duty to protect classified information and foreign agents. The bills text also adds language to only include willful.

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Additionally, the bill would seek to create better due process standards by creating an affirmative public interest defense and requiring the government prove that a defendant acted with the specific intent to harm the United States or benefit a foreign power.

The bill is co-sponsored by another Detroit-area Democrat, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, as well as five other members of Congress.

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Advocates for press freedom and First Amendment rights celebrated the bill, with Lauren Harper, the Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at Freedom of the Press Foundation saying that the bill brings the Espionage Act in line with essential First Amendment protections, ensuring it can no longer be used as a cudgel against the free press.

The foundation is also hosting an online letter writing campaign to support the legislation, which will have a difficult path to passage in the Republican-controlled House.

Journalism is not a crime  it is a First Amendment protected activity that protects our democracy by allowing the public to hold our nations leaders to account, said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union. Amending the Espionage Act to protect reporters will mean that the government could no longer abuse this law to silence those sharing information that is beneficial to the public. We thank Rep. Tlaib for working to protect the First Amendment.
The food basket tracked by the Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection (DECO) reached 254.12, an all-time high.

According to the institution, the price rose by 12.30, an increase of over 5%, compared to the first week of this year. Additionally, the hike represents 66.42, or more than 35% than the price in first week of 2022, when the monitoring of these essential goods began.

"At this point, we can't attribute the cause to what is happening in the Middle East," explained Nuno Pais de Figueiredo, DECO's spokesperson.

"We can't assign a specific origin becausewe've already had peaks of comparable increases during our monitoring. Since the beginning of 2026, the basket has risen to unprecedented levels," he explained to Euronews.

Among the products analysed, the biggest hikes this month were tuna in vegetable oil, up 33%, frankfurters, which rose 20%, and spiral pasta which increased 12%.

The Iran war continues to cause shocks throughout the global economy.

On Thursday, oil prices rose above $100 dollars again and not even the record release of reserves has brought any relief, which consequently has increased the price of petrol too.

Related

According to DECO, in Portugal, besides the effects of the conflict in the Middle East, the damage caused by the storms in the last two months has also caused uncertainty.

"We can't quantify the degree of the increase that can be attributed to the bad weather, because not all crops are grown at the same time, but gradually prices may increase as the stock available to meet the needs that exist phases out," explained Nuno Pais de Figueiredo.

"In a week's time, the 50 you used today won't bring the same products. This means that we can't predict what will happen the following week and the increase in food prices doesn't happen in the same proportion as our salaries," he added.

Speculation causing price increases

In times of uncertainty, the most important variable seems to be time. The duration of the conflict is fundamental to concisely assessing its impact. So far, there is nothing to justify the rise in product prices.

"The effects are very short-term, there is no shortage of anything at this time, even transport resources themselves, which are only now starting to increase," Filipe Garcia, an economist at Financial Market Information (MFI), explained to Euronews.
Electric utility boards in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga could see dramatic overhauls if legislation now moving in the House becomes law.

House Bill 2418, introduced in response to Nashville Electric Services management of Winter Storm Fern, would require all city-owned electric utilities to add voting board members from each county they operate in.

Sponsors have proposed the bill as a rejoinder for NES failure to prevent extended outages that left tens of thousands without power for more than a week in Nashville.

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However, Knoxville Utilities Board and Chattanoogas Electric Power Board would also be significantly impacted if the bill becomes law.

NES crews work on restoring power after a tree fell across Bluefield Avenue in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday.

NES serves about 440,000 customers, covering all of Davidson County and parts of six surrounding counties: Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.

Currently, Davidson County has five utility board members. With a new member for each of the six surrounding counties, Davidson County representation would be outnumbered.

"Customers who live outside city limits pay the same electric bill rates and endure the same outages as those inside the city, yet have zero say on the board that governs their utility," said bill sponsor House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon.

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Knoxville Utilities Board serves about 400,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. KUBs Board of Commissioners currently has seven appointed members.

Electric Power Board of Chattanooga provides electricity and fiber optic internet to about 200,000 customers. Its service area includes Hamilton County as well as Bradley, Bledsoe, Marion, Sequatchie and Rhea counties, and three counties in Georgia. EPBs governing board has five members, who would be significantly outnumbered if each county served were to also have an appointee.

One of the lessons from Winter Storm Fern is that policy choices have consequences," said Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.

Currently, NES's five-member board is appointed exclusively by the mayor of Nashville.

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If the bill becomes law, utility board members would be appointed by their respective county mayors. Board members would not be city employees and would receive no public benefits.

Johnson said the bill will ensure broader representation to make sure NES governance reflects the full service area.

On March 9, the Brentwood City Commission formally asked Nashville to amend its charter to allow for representation of Williamson County residents on the NES board, in response to the storm.

Ive known for a long time that NES covered a good percentage of Brentwood, but I didnt realize that the charter of NES actually prevents Brentwood from being represented with NES, said Brentwood Mayor Nelson Andrews in a statement.

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When Brentwood residents lost power following Winter Storm Fern, residents contacted NES via email and social media channels seeking a voice on the board, according to a news release from the commission.

Our community being represented on the decision making of the board of NES, I think, is very important," he added.

House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, called the proposals reactive.

Theyre still studying what they could have done better, Clemmons said. Until we know and get the full debrief, I think its a little premature to start passing legislation before we know what were trying to fix.

Asked whether its fair for rural county representatives to outnumber urban core representation on the citys utility boards, the sponsors pointed back to failures during the ice storm.

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How fair was it when they had to sit there for, you know, 13 days with no electricity and had no representation on the board? Boyd said. Were fixing that.

Theres many places that municipally owned systems have exceeded their corporate boundaries, and so whats happened is people who live there have no redress at all for grievances, said Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Shelby County.

When reliability and tree trimming take a back seat, ratepayers feel the impact, Johnson added. If a utility serves families across multiple counties, those communities deserve a voice in the decisions that affect grid maintenance, storm preparedness and long-term reliability.

The bill is still early in the committee process.

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Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bill could overhaul TN power boards in Nashville, Knoxville
March 13 (UPI) -- Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, known as the "King of the South" and considered a priority fugitive for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, was captured Friday in Bolivia and was being transferred to the United States, authorities said.

The arrest occurred during a raid early in the morning in Las Palmas, an upscale residential neighborhood in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where Bolivian security forces began the operation about 2 a.m., according to regional media reports.

Bolivia's Ministry of Government said Marset was to be transported from Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz under a heavy police guard.

Sebastian Marset a Estados Unidos Sera trasladado desde Viru Viru, Santa Cruz, en medio de un fuerte operativo policial, segun el Ministerio de Gobierno. Segui nuestro canal de Whatsapp: https://t.co/CQBhqEKXkj#Comunidad1080 pic.twitter.com/dsM29QUba8 Monumental AM 1080 (@AM_1080) March 13, 2026

The minister of Paraguay's National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Jalil Rachid, said his office received information from Bolivian authorities confirming the arrest.

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"The operation began early in the morning. Around 2 a.m. The information I received is positive. He has already been secured," Rachid said.

"ESTO ESTA CONFIRMADO, LAS AUTORIDADES DE BOLIVIA NOS CONFIRMARON QUE DETUVIERON A MARSET" | El ministro de la Senad, Jalil Rachid menciono que los organismos de Bolivia le confirmaron la captura de Marset y que continuan los procedimientos. "La informacion que nos pasan es... pic.twitter.com/oBUhUGRca6 Radio 780 AM (@780AM) March 13, 2026

"He was one of the most wanted people worldwide, Rachid said. Many will be seeking his head. I am sure the American government is also interested in that because he used its financial system."

Images circulated by regional media show Marset under the custody of U.S. agents.

PRIMERAS IMAGENES DE SEBASTIAN MARSET, ESPOSADO, ANTE LA DEA El narcotraficante uruguayo fue capturado en Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. El mismo seria extraditado a Nueva York, Estados Unidos.#780AM @Megatv_py pic.twitter.com/HS9e2A1D9a Radio 780 AM (@780AM) March 13, 2026

Paraguay's interior minister, Enrique Riera, said the capture could provide new information about the drug trafficker's criminal structure in the region.

"More than one person will be worried right now if he tells everything he knows about past events and his connections in Paraguay" Riera said.

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Paraguayan Sen. Eduardo Nakayama wrote on X that Marset's capture was linked to renewed international cooperation.

"Marset's capture is a key blow to organized crime and was not a coincidence. It coincides with the restoration of cooperation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration under the government of Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia after 18 years of rupture (2008-2025), during which the country made no progress in the fight against drug trafficking, demonstrating the importance of shared intelligence," Nakayama wrote.

Images shared by local media also show police escorting other handcuffed individuals while securing the perimeter of the raided residence.

La primera imagen de la detencion de Sebastian Marset en Bolivia La Policia de Bolivia logro la detencion de Sebastian Marset, considerado el narcotraficante mas buscado de la region, tras un megaoperativo en la madrugada de este viernes 13 de marzo en distintos puntos de... pic.twitter.com/PTBJ03GOuW Diario La Tribuna Paraguay (@TribunaParaguay) March 13, 2026

"The information provided to us is that there are five Venezuelan citizens, four men and one woman, who would be part of the operational arm of the Uruguayan Sebastian Marset," Bolivian journalist Jaime Herrera told ABC TV Paraguay.

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Marset, 34, a Uruguayan national, has been identified by authorities in several countries as the leader of an international network involved in cocaine trafficking and money laundering that operated between Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Europe.

Investigations indicate his organization coordinated cocaine shipments departed from Bolivia, crossed Paraguay and were later sent to European ports.

Authorities link his network to seizures involving more than 16 tons of cocaine as part of the Paraguayan investigation known as Operation A Ultranza PY, considered the largest operation against organized crime in Paraguay's history.

Marset's first known links to drug trafficking date to 2013, when he was arrested in Uruguay after receiving a marijuana shipment connected to Paraguayan traffickers. He was convicted of drug trafficking and regained his freedom in 2018 after serving five years in prison.

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After leaving prison, according to investigations, he expanded his criminal network across several countries in the region.

Paraguayan authorities have also linked him to contacts within the Insfran clan, an organization associated with drug trafficking in Paraguay.

Marset gained international attention after the murder of Paraguayan prosecutor Marcelo Pecci, who was killed in May 2022 on a beach in Baru, Colombia, while he was on his honeymoon.

According to statements cited by Colombian authorities and judicial investigations, Marset was identified as the "determining figure" in the crime, meaning the person who allegedly ordered the assassination.

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The international search for Marset intensified in May when the U.S. Sate Department offered a reward of up to $2 million for information leading to his capture.

The U.S. Department of Justice also filed money laundering charges, accusing him of using the U.S. financial system in his operations.
US forces used ATACMS to sink Iranian warships during Operation Epic Fury, the top US general said.

Gen. Dan Caine announced that US artillery has helped to render the Iranian navy ineffective.

ATACMS provide substantial striking power to ground forces.

The top US general revealed Friday that American troops involved in Operation Epic Fury have used a ballistic missile system to sink Iranian warships, including a submarine, offering some insight into the targets US artillery is engaging in this war.

Artillery soldiers and Marines are "sinking ships, destroying depots, and launching Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS," and "Precision Strike Missiles, or PrSMs," Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a Friday press briefing.

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"From outside Iran, our Army and Marine artillerymen are hitting sites that Iran relies on to project power beyond their borders," he said.

"In just the first 13 days of this operation, our artillery forces have made history," Caine said.

"They fired the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat, reaching deep into enemy territory," he said. "They've used Army ATACMS to sink multiple ships, including a submarine."

US forces are "continuing to destroy the Iranian Navy to ensure freedom of navigation. He said that the US military is targeting mine-laying vessels and the ability to target commercial vessels.

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"In less than two weeks, we've rendered the Iranian Navy combat ineffective and continue to attack naval vessels, including all of their Soleimani-class warships, which were armed with anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft weapons," Caine said.

Other naval targets sunk include Iran's new purpose-built drone carrier.

Army Tactical Missile Systems are typically used to target land-based targets, such as enemy air defense systems and logistics hubs.

Each missile costs upward of $1 million, depending on the range and type of warhead. ATACMS missiles can hit targets out to as far as about 200 miles away and are fired using the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or M240 Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers. The HIMARS can also fire PrSMs and much shorter-range guided rockets.

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The Lockheed Martin-built ATACMS is guided by GPS and inertial navigation that tracks its flight toward a designated target, and hence cannot be used to accurately fire on moving targets. For this reason, it's likely that the ships destroyed were pierside or moored.

The ATACMS augments the strike power of Army and Marine Corps artillery, allowing land force commanders to hit critical targets without relying on air or naval forces to deliver the strike. The system was designed during the Cold War and first used in combat in the 1991 Gulf War.

The Ukrainians have also used their limited supply of US-provided ATACMS to hit Russian military facilities. With these weapons in short supply, Ukraine has since developed its own domestically built capabilities.

US forces have attacked over 6,000 targets in Iran, Caine said on Friday. As the US and Israel have established air supremacy over Iran, allowing bombers and fighters to fly overhead, they've shifted to munitions like gravity bombs, which are much cheaper to produce and more plentiful in the US arsenal than missiles.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tougaloo College has named its new president. The Board of Trustees appointed Corey Wiggins.

The Mississippi native will start July 1. He has experience in national public policy work.

The board conducted a national search that included students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and community stakeholders. He will succeed Donzell Lee, the current president.

"It is an honor to be selected as the next president of Tougaloo College, an institution with a profound legacy of academic excellence and social transformation," Wiggins said in a news release. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the broader Tougaloo community to advance the College's mission and strengthen its future."

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Tougaloo College is a historically Black college in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 1869. During the civil rights movement, it was a point of organization for activists.

"Dr. Corey Wiggins is a visionary leader whose commitment to academic excellence, student success and institutional integrity aligns deeply with the historic mission of Tougaloo College," Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, board chair, said in the release. "After a rigorous national search, the Board is confident that Dr. Wiggins possesses the leadership, experience and passion necessary to guide Tougaloo into its next chapter of growth and impact."

Who is Corey Wiggins?

Corey Wiggins is a Hazlehurst native and Alcorn State University graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology. He also completed a Master of Science in public health and a Doctor of Philosophy in health promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Currently, he serves as the federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority. Wiggins was a presidential appointee and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Corey Wiggins will start as the new president of Tougaloo College on July 1, 2026.

The independent federal agency helps boost economic development in eight states. Its territory includes the Mississippi Delta and the Alabama Black Belt.

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His work has directed more than $300 million toward initiatives including workforce development, small business investment and infrastructure improvements.

Previously, Wiggins was executive director of the Mississippi State Conference NAACP. He tripled revenue and directed more than 11,000 volunteers statewide. He also led criminal justice reform and civic engagement campaigns.

As senior vice president at HOPE  Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute  Wiggins worked to improve community development and economic mobility in the Deep South.

Wiggins has taught health policy and strategic management at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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He has a certificate in nonprofit leadership from Boston College. Wiggins also completed fellowships with the Kaiser Family Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.He is married and has three sons.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Tougaloo College names new president. Who is Corey Wiggins? What we know
In the battle against toxic algae blooms that wreak havoc on vacations, marine life and coastal economies, a group of University of South Florida researchers say they've developed a promising tool that could help control blooms such as "red tide."

A crystallized material developed at the university in Tampa has shown success in the lab at diminishing the growth of the algae that spawns fish-killing red tide blooms along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts, said George Philippidis and Ioannis Spanopoulos, a pair of scientists working with doctoral students to further test and develop the new product.

Because the product doesn't dissolve in seawater and is activated by sunlight, they hope it could be deployed with nets or other methods to address algal blooms, then collected and reused, said Spanopoulos, an assistant professor of chemistry at USF.

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But don't expect to see large scale deployment of this or other technologies in coastal waters right away.

The road to getting funding and government approvals to use potential technologies in the open ocean can be filled with hurdles, said Donald Anderson, an emeritus research scholar at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and director of the U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms.

It would be "of great benefit to coastal communities and marine life to get some of the developing products approved," said Anderson, one of a diverse group of researchers working to advance solutions. "Right now, there's very little that can be done cost effectively on a large scale in the U.S. to prevent the spread of blooms in marine waters."

A dead Kemp's ridley sea turtle is documented and picked up by a Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation volunteer along the Sanibel Causeway on Aug. 2, 2018 during a "red tide" outbreak along the Southwest Florida coast. Dead sea life, including Goliath grouper, washed up on the shores along the Sanibel Causeway in Southwest Florida on Aug. 1, 2018, during a suspected "red tide" algal bloom. The carcass of a fish killed by a "red tide" algal bloom lays on a beach on August 14, 2018, in Bonita Springs, Florida, where a state of emergency was declared during the worst bloom in a decade. More than 100 tons of dead marine life had been shoveled from deserted beaches in tourist areas along the state's southwest coast over the previous couple of weeks. In one week, 12 dolphins washed ashore dead in Sarasota County, the toll typically seen in an entire year. A close up of a material developed at the University of South Florida that researchers hope could help address red tide algal blooms. University of South Florida doctoral candidates Alissa Anderson and Paulina Slick teamed up on research with mentors in developing a technology that could help address red tide algal blooms. A detail photo taken through a microscope of Karenia brevis cells during water sampling processing on July 7, 2011. Blooms of the algae along the U.S. Gulf Coast are known as "red tide." A harmful algal bloom on Lake Erie in September 2017. Signs at the Newbury, Massachusetts town boat landing warn of a "red tide" outbreak on June 6, 2005. The toxic algae bloom closed shellfish beds along the New England Coast from Maine to Cape Cod. A man carries the carcass of a sea turtle at Shalpa Beach in Jicalapa, El Salvador on Nov. 22, 2017. Hundreds of turtles were found poisoned by potent neurotoxins linked to a "red tide" algal bloom, according to the Environment Ministry. A red tide algal bloom can be seen in the coastal waters at False Bay in Cape Town, South Africa on Jan. 16, 2024. , January 16, 2024. Images from Bunche Beach and the Sanibel Causeway on Sept. 2, 2018 during a suspected "red tide" outbreak along the Southwest Florida coast. Among the victims on the beach that day were a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, a shark, fish, rays, eels, a heron and other marine life. Trustees from the Brevard County Jail were among those cleaning up tens of thousands of dead fish along Satellite Beach from a harmful "red tide" algal bloom in 2018. Thousands of dead fish float in Boca Ciega Bay near Madeira Beach, Florida during a "red tide" algal bloom on July 21, 2021. A sign shows where dead marine life is being disposed during a "red tide" algal bloom at Bay Vista Park in St. Petersburg, Florida on July 21, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. A health alert warning sign is seen at an entrance to the beach as a Karenia brevis bloom, known as "red tide," affected the Florida west coast, in North Redington Beach, Florida, on March 14, 2023. Harmful algal blooms can kill thousands of fish and other marine life 1 of 15 A dead Kemp's ridley sea turtle is documented and picked up by a Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation volunteer along the Sanibel Causeway on Aug. 2, 2018 during a "red tide" outbreak along the Southwest Florida coast.

What is red tide and why is it a concern?

The naturally occurring algal blooms known as "red tide"  for the discoloration they create in coastal waters  were documented off Florida as early as 1844, and may have been the cause of large fish kills noted by Spanish explorers. Caused by a group of organisms known as dinoflagellates, they are found around the globe in deep water and along coasts.

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The toxin-producing Karenia brevis is found along the Gulf coast, including Texas and Mexico, and along the Southeastern Atlantic coast. It causes die-offs in birds, marine mammals and turtles

The toxins accumulate in oysters and clams, and humans or animals that eat the contaminated seafood can develop neurological and gastrointestinal illness. The algae's fragile cells also become aerosols that cause respiratory problems when inhaled.

Dead sea life washes up on the Southwest Florida coast during a bloom of toxic algae known as "red tide" in August 2018.

Intense algae blooms harmful to coastal economies

The blooms pose "a recurring and significant threat" to coastal tourism nationally and globally, costing millions each year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A persistent red tide bloom off Florida in 2018 caused an estimated $2.7 billion in economic damages to fishing, recreation and short-term rentals, according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Management.

Significant advancements have been made in understanding the blooms, but "effective methods for controlling and mitigating blooms at larger geographic scales remain elusive," states the website for the U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom-Control Technologies Incubator.

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The logistics and practicality of scaling the product up from the lab to the field is a huge challenge.

Both the USF scientists and Anderson work with the incubator, a larger collaboration with NOAA, the University of Maryland and Mote Marine Laboratory in Southwest Florida. The Florida lab also is overseeing distribution of some state seed money for promising technologies to counter the economy-killing blooms.

The incubator aims "to streamline the vetting process for novel" harmful algal bloom control ideas and allow researchers and funders to "focus on efforts that promise to be feasible, environmentally acceptable, scalable, and cost-effective."

A health alert warning sign is seen at an entrance to the beach as a Karenia brevis bloom, known as "red tide," affected the Florida west coast, in North Redington Beach, Florida, on March 14, 2023.

What is the new bloom treatment at USF?

The powder-like material, made from microscopic, sponge-like crystalline structures, contains naturally occurring bismuth and iodide, said Spanopoulos, a chemist. When activated, the material diminishes the growth of red tide blooms.

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It grew out of an effort to develop multifunctional materials for applications in medicine, industry and the environment. This material acts as a porous semiconductor with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. When it showed action against some viruses, that prompted the team to test it against the algae.

Theoretically the product could be imbued into a net, placed on the ocean surface, then recovered and used in another location, Spanopoulos said. They don't have data yet for field application, he said, "but that would be the big picture for our materials."

The scientists joined forces to put chemistry, biology and sustainability together to try to engineer something that would be easy to deploy and inexpensive, said Philippidis, acting dean of USF's Patel College of Global Sustainability and a biochemical engineer whose work focuses on algae and sustainable biofuels and materials.

They're excited with their initial results. They say the product doesn't affect beneficial algae and isn't toxic to humans or pets. Now the team is testing additional formulas in lab tanks and looking at the creation of deployable devices. They're optimistic it could also work against other bacteria, such as toxic blue-green algae blooms.

University of South Florida researchers Ioannis Spanopoulos and George Philippidis combine their expertise in chemistry and global sustainability to work with doctoral students on a potential solution to address damaging harmful algal blooms, such as the toxic "red tide" that plagues Gulf coast beaches.

New strategies needed, but must meet a high bar

The USF proposal is one of quite a few technologies being looked at for bloom control, Anderson said. He finds the product "clever" and wishes the team luck.

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"I'm happy to see people getting supported," he said. "Most of us believe that you need a toolbox of 10 different strategies, and I'm open to everybody developing them."

An arduous process remains for products developed in research facilities to receive the required federal and state approvals for use on open ocean water, Anderson said. The suite of complex regulations that require testing, approval and registration become massively expensive and take years of effort and toxicology studies.

Trustees from the Brevard County Jail were among those cleaning up tens of thousands of dead fish along Satellite Beach along Central Florida's East Coast during a "red tide" algal bloom in October of 2018.

Scientists have had some success with early warnings for blooms, and with treating blooms in fresh water, he said. In Asia, products are being used operationally in coastal waters, for example a clay flocculation that Anderson worked on for years. The clay is sprayed on the water in a process similar to that used in desalination plants and to clean drinking water.

He and colleagues originally developed a clay made with a byproduct of phosphate mining. It was "extraordinarily effective" at removing red tide cells, but shelved after encountering environmental opposition. He started looking at it again after the 2018 outbreak prompted state interest in a solution. He and a team of investigators from several institutions are working to formulate a version they hope can be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for U.S. use. They've been winding their way through the federal approvals process for four years.

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"In five to 10 years, I would imagine we'd be someplace where we would have a lot to offer, but right now it's mostly experimental technologies that are being tested on very small scales," he said.

"We as a field don't have this great toolbox that people can use to attack these problems the same way you would attack an infestation of locusts or weevils or something attacking a crop on land," Anderson said. "We just aren't there the way agriculture is. That's what's frustrating."

Dinah Voyles Pulver covers climate change, wildlife and the environment for USA TODAY. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Scientists fight toxic red tide blooms that terrorize beaches
The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management and contractor United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR) have begun major field work to address an old scrapyard, a project that will remove risks and allow future industrial reuse on the land.

The site, called White Wing Scrap Yard, is adjacent to Orano USA's planned multibillion-dollar uranium enrichment facility and near the East Tennessee Technology Park, where private industry has announced billions of dollars in capital investments that will generate an estimated 2,500 new jobs.

Our environmental cleanup goal at White Wing is to reduce risk and clear land to support future reuse opportunities, UCOR End State Delivery Director Clint Wolfley said. We are seeing that more everyday with companies moving into the area.

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UCOR crew members have completed characterizing the scrapyard site, and they are currently felling trees to support subsurface cleanup activities.

The scrapyard area contains various materials and scrap used from the 1940s through the 1960s. All three sites on the Oak Ridge Reservation used the area, including the former K-25 Site, Y-12 National Security Complex, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Characterization is an essential step to understand what were dealing with and what types of hazards we may encounter, said OREM Project Manager Alex Schenk. After collecting material for nearly thirty years, clearing this site poses many unique challenges, but were approaching it methodically to ensure safe and efficient cleanup of the site.

Field characterization provided crucial data needed before crews could mobilize and begin tree clearing. Work underway now paves the way for teams to evaluate and conduct cleanup actions at the site.

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So far, UCOR has cleared 20 of the 39 acres, with tree clearing scheduled to be complete this summer.

This is high-hazard work with lots of moving parts and pieces, said Matt Putinas, UCOR area project manager for the scrapyard project. But our team of workers, including laborers, operators, technical support, and project management, go above and beyond to safely execute our cleanup mission.

Following tree felling, focus will shift to clearing debris and hazards so the land can be reused.

Ella Stewart s a member of the UCOR communications staff.

An aerial view of White Wing Scrap Yard. Crews have cleared trees from 20 of the 39 acres. Tree clearing is scheduled to be complete this summer.

Crews have completed early site preparation and field characterization to support the next phases of cleanup at the White Wing Scrap Yard.

As part of the field characterization process at the White Wing Scrap Yard in Oak Ridge, teams conduct radiological surveys to identify areas requiring excavation and cleanup.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Transforming an old Oak Ridge scrapyard for future industrial use
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The trial of a man charged with murder and attempted robbery in a 2021 shooting in East Bakersfield was postponed Friday after defense counsel said additional time was needed for investigation  and to prepare a plea offer for the prosecutor to consider.

Defense attorney Roger Ponce told the court he wants to see if the case can be resolved before trial.

Ponce represents Sonny Veleta, who was 16 at the time of the shooting and whose case was transferred to adult court, where he faces a life term in prison if found guilty.

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Veleta is now scheduled for trial April 27.

On the night of Aug. 12, 2021, Cesar Joseph Malta and a passenger drove to East Bakersfield to deliver a baggie of marijuana to someone named Sonny, according to testimony at an earlier hearing.

The passenger said they arrived at the agreed upon location and saw a Hispanic male wearing a hoodie. Malta rolled down the window and held out the baggie.

The person in the hoodie drew a gun and fired a single shot as Malta started driving away, the passenger said.

The passenger said he helped steer as Malta, wounded, began losing consciousness. They stopped at the intersection of Baker and Oregon streets, where the passenger called 911.

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Malta was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Veleta was linked to a Snapchat account Malta had been communicating with just before the shooting, police said, and the passenger identified Veleta as the gunman in a photo lineup.

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 KGET 17 News.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and law enforcement agencies from five neighboring states recorded 583 drug arrests and 85 illegal weapons violations during a coordinated three-day enforcement effort.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The initiative focused on removing drugs and illegal weapons from communities across the region, according to the OSHP.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The effort was part of the Six-State Trooper Project, a partnership aimed at providing combined law enforcement and intelligence sharing.

Participating agencies included the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and West Virginia State Police, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The multi-state initiative began on Thursday, March 5, and continued through Saturday, March 7, according to the OSHP.

During these three days, law enforcement focused on removing drugs and illegal weapons from communities across the six participating states.

In Ohio, troopers made 46 drug arrests and recorded 17 violations of illegal weapons during the enforcement window.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin may be helping Iran a "little bit," U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview segment with Fox News published on March 13, amid the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

"I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess," Trump said. "And he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?"

The comments come just as Washington moved to ease sanctions on Russian oil, amid a surge in fuel prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East.

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The Trump administration has previously downplayed reports that Russia has been providing intelligence to Iran used to target American forces, drawing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on March 10 that Moscow had denied the accusations, suggesting that "we can take them at their word."

The envoy made the comments after Trump held a phone call with Putin on March 9 to discuss efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Hostilities in the Middle East erupted after U.S. and Israeli forces launched combined attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, leading Tehran to fire waves of missiles and drones against countries across the region.

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The conflict led to a surge in oil and gas prices after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries roughly 20% of the world's oil supply.

London has also issued warnings about Russian involvement in Iranian attacks.

"I think no one will be surprised to believe that Putin's hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially some of their capabilities as well," U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said on March 12.

Ukraine, which has spent years defending its cities and infrastructure from large-scale Russian attacks using Shahed-type drones, has offered to share its experience in countering cheap unmanned aircraft.

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Read also: Self-defense  Russia blames UK for Storm Shadow attack, London refuses to bend

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The signs of stress in the $1.8 trillion private credit industry are becoming more and more public.

Multiple reports on Wednesday confirmed that JPMorgan, Americas largest bank, reduced its exposure to private credit by marking down the value of loans it holds as collateral. At the same time, the nations sixth-largest lender, Morgan Stanley, limited redemptions at one of its private credit funds after investors asked to repurchase nearly 11% of shares.

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READ ALSO: Iranian Strikes on LNG Plant Heighten Risk of Doomsday Scenario for Natural Gas and Wanna Bet? MLB Makes Polymarket Its Official Predictions Market Partner

Crisis of Really Bad Underwriting

The private credit loans JPMorgan devalued were made to software companies. Because the bank holds them as collateral, trimming their value limits how much the funds that made the loans can borrow. That means less exposure to a sector JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has long trashed (a person familiar with the matter noted this was a preemptive move that affects a small number of borrowers and represents only changes in loan valuations, not actual losses).

For the impacted funds, it means less borrowing capacity at a time when investors are pulling money over concerns AI will devour the software industry, which comprises some of private credits biggest borrowers. Funds at Blue Owl, Blackstone and BlackRock have been hit hard by withdrawals. Earlier this week, fund manager Cliffwater joined the casualty list: An investor exodus spurred redemption requests of more than 7% from its flagship private credit fund. Then came Morgan Stanleys North Haven Private Income Fund, which said in a letter to investors that its capping quarterly redemptions at 5% and returning about 46% of the total amount that holders requested in the first quarter. Retail and institutional investors were initially drawn to private credit because the loans typically yield higher returns than public bonds. But prominent Wall Street figures are warning that underwriting standards have slipped. Its not just a crisis of confidence, its a crisis of really bad underwriting, Christian Stracke, president of $2.3 trillion asset manager Pimco, said during a podcast appearance this week:
(Inside California Politics)  President Donald Trump and the state of California are headed to court  again.

This time, the Trump administration is suing to block Californias regulations that require car manufacturers to sell more zero-emission vehicles. The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the lawsuit Thursday.

In the lawsuit, administration officials argue only the federal government has the authority to set those rules.

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In particular, the lawsuit takes issue with a California rule that requires 35% of 2026 model-year sold in the state must be zero-emission. By 2030, that figure is set to increase to 68%  and it will rise to 100% by 2035.

Gavin Newsom is determined to continue pushing Democrats radical EV fantasy  even if doing so is illegal, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. Newsom may not care about lowering costs, but President Trump does.

Last year, Trump signed a proposal by U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, I-California, to block the state regulation.

We have restored the right of Californians to drive the car of their choice rather than have that choice dictated to them by the government, the then-Republican congressman said at the time.

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Despite that, other California regulations requiring auto manufacturers to taper off the sale of gas-powered vehicles have remained in effect.

Our communities cant breathe. Our communities have lower life expectancies when they live next to oil wells and refineries, Asm. Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, told Inside California Politics. If Trump really cares about consumers at the pump, its not to take the electric vehicles from folks whove already transitioned, but instead to stop this illegitimate war and make real investments in the American people.

Newsoms office said the state is not backing down from the fight.

The only thing Trump loves more than being a shill for Big Oil is screwing drivers like you, the governors office said. The same day he admits hes fine prolonging the Iran War so oil companies can make record profits by charging youmore for gas, his goons sue California for encouraging cheaper electric cars.

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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 FOX40 News.
The Trump administration has already put money into a huge and controversial mining project by investing in a company that would benefit from the development.

Now the administration is considering putting federal money into another aspect of the project: the proposed Ambler Access Project that would put a 211-mile industrial road through the currently undisturbed lands in the foothills of the Brooks Range mountains.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussed the idea of federal investment in the Ambler Road during a brief news conference in Anchorage on Thursday.

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Id say the discussions are ongoing, but theres a sense of urgency around this, he said at the news conference, held at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during a stopover in a trip by administration officials to an energy conference in Japan. Gov. Mike Dunleavy met with Burgum and other officials during the stopover but was not part of Japan trip.

The Ambler Access Project is sponsored by an Alaska state economic agency, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. It would link the existing road system with the remote Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska. That region holds large amounts of copper, and that has been much of the focus of exploration to date, though there are other minerals as well in the region.

Trilogy Metals Inc., based in Canada, is the main company operating the Ambler mining district and the company in which the Trump administration has invested $36.5 million. Trilogy has partnered with South32, an Australian mining company, to promote Ambler development.

Burgum said the lack of road access that has stymied commercial development in the remote region is due to change, now that President Donald Trump approved the Ambler Access Project, reversing a Biden administration decision.

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Because of Trumps go-ahead decision, we think that the financing for the road is actually not going to be that difficult. Theres multiple parties that want to participate, Burgum said at the news conference.

The Ambler Access Project is planned as an industrial-only road, with no public access, he noted. The plan is for industrial users to repay the government for road construction, and the nation needs the minerals that are in the Ambler region, he said. For those reasons, federal investment in the road makes sense, he said.

The U.S. is actively considering whether to participate in financing or maybe even be one of the equity partners in that road itself, he said. Getting enough financial support for the road will not be a problem, he said. Because the resource there is so rich, I think the road financing will come together, he said.

In October, when Trump announced his approval of the Ambler project, he also announced the investment in Trilogy Metals, which gained the federal government a 10% stake in the company.

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The Ambler Access Project has drawn widespread criticism from environmentalists, tribal governments and others.

Critics of the mining road project have mostly cited environmental factors in their opposition, notably risks to the Western Arctic Caribou Herd and to salmon, both of which are important subsistence resources to hunters and fishers in Indigenous communities in the region.

But critics also object to the idea of public funding for a road to be used only by private industry. Although the project plan calls for the industrial users to repay the state for construction and maintenance, opponents of the Ambler Road argue that the project puts the state at too much financial risk.

On Monday, Ambler Road opponents released a study that found the project would cost the state $2 billion for construction, maintenance and financing.

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That estimate is much higher than the cost estimates previously presented by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which is coordinating studies and permitting of the project. A 2024 supplemental environmental impact statement put the cost at $765.2 million.

The new cost report, compiled by engineer Lois Epstein for the organization Defend the Brooks Range, does not consider the type of federal funding proposed by Burgum.

Ambler Road critics said it underscores some of the projects risks, nonetheless.

This report tells us what we already knew  this road is a bad deal for Alaskans, Maddie Halloran, state director at the Alaska Wilderness League, said in a statement released Monday. After widespread opposition from Alaskans during the environmental impact statement process, its adding insult to injury to have this project pushed through to benefit foreign mining companies. This isnt economic growth for our state, its a giveaway that puts corporate profit ahead of Alaskas communities and our environment.

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NEW YORK  The Trump administration on Thursday levied attacks at Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul over the immigration status of a repeatedly deported Honduran man now accused of shoving two straphangers from a subway platform onto the tracks below.

ICE asked unspecified law enforcement agencies to detain Bairon Hernandez, who is already in jail and was charged with first-degree assault on Wednesday in connection with the incident on Sunday at the Lexington Ave.-63rd St. station, according to Spokespeople for the Department of Homeland Security

The attack left 83-year-old Air Force veteran Richard Williams clinging to life with critical head injuries.

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Hernandez, 34, who came to the U.S. from Honduras when he was 16, was held on six-figure bail sums at his arraignment Wednesday, which his lawyer said he would not be able to pay. Hes charged with two counts of first-degree of assault.

If hes found guilty of carrying out the violent attacks, at that point New Yorks sanctuary laws would not prevent law enforcement from cooperating with ICE.

Lauren Bis, the deputy assistant secretary at DHS, in a statement said Hernandez had been deported from the U.S. four times. He was previously convicted of entering the country illegally and then reentering after he had been deported.

Bairon Posada-(Hernandez) is a serial criminal, and four-time deported illegal alien from Honduras who should never have been able to walk our streets and harm innocent Americans, Bis said. DHS is calling upon New York sanctuary politicians to commit to this ICE detainer and not release this heinous criminal back into New York communities.

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Spokespeople for DHS did not respond to the Daily Newss inquiries about which offices or agencies had received a formal request regarding Hernandezs incarceration status.

The press release went on to levy criticisms against Mamdani and Hochul for their support of sanctuary policies that prohibit local authorities from aiding ICE in some circumstances.

New Yorks sanctuary policies prevent local law enforcement from detaining undocumented people for ICE  but there are exceptions for when a person has been convicted of violent offenses, as would be the case if Hernandez is convicted.

The Daily News reached out to spokespeople for Mamdani and Hochul.

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Prosecutors for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office referenced Hernandezs immigration status at his arraignment Wednesday in asking a judge to hold him without bail. The court set bail sums ranging between $100,000 and $300,000, with his lawyer, Michael Papson, saying he would struggle to pay any amount.

Spokespeople for Braggs office declined to comment Thursday.

Papson, with New York County Defender Services, on Wednesday rejected the prosecutions claims that his client posed a risk of flight. He said he had never been arrested in New York, had been gainfully employed at the same job for 14 years, that he lived with a roommate in Brooklyn, and that his father lived nearby in Jersey City. Papson declined to comment on the DHS statement on Thursday.

He vehemently denies these allegations, Papson said at the proceeding. Hes never been arrested in the state of New York  ever.

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Williams remained on life support at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell on Thursday. Also targeted in the attack was Jhon Rodriguez, 30, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Hernandez was arrested on Tuesday after someone called the NYPD to say they recognized him in wanted posters distributed by the police department. Hes due back in court Friday.

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(With Josephine Stratman.)

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A Trump-appointed appellate judge drew a harsh rebuke from his colleagues Thursday when he wrote that a case involving a spa's decision to ban transgender clients was about "swinging dicks."

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had earlier ruled against the owners of a Korean spa in Washington that refused to allow transgender women patrons, in violation of a state discrimination law. Korean spas often require patrons to be naked as they sit in communal saunas, and separate patrons and employees by sex. The owners sought to have the case re-heard by the full court, an appeal the court denied on Thursday.

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That denial angered Judge Lawrence VanDyke, who described the case in crude language in his dissent, and took numerous shots at his colleagues in the process.

"This is a case about swinging dicks. The Christian owners of Olympus Spa - a traditional Korean, women-only, nude spa - understandably don't want them in their spa," VanDyke wrote. "Their female employees and female clients don't want them in their spa either. But Washington State insists on them. And now so does the Ninth Circuit."

VanDyke castigated his colleagues who denied the re-hearing petition, saying they "lost their collective minds."

"Woke regulators and complicit judges seem entirely willing, even eager, to ignore the consequences that their Frankenstein social experiments impose on real women and young girls," VanDyke wrote.

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That drew an unusual and scathing rebuke within the decision from 27 of the 9th Circuit's 51 judges, including Chief Judge Mary Murguia and several of the court's most senior jurists.

VanDyke's language "makes us sound like juveniles, not judges, and it undermines public trust in the courts," they wrote. "Neither the parties nor the panel dissent found it necessary to invoke such crude and vitriolic language. Decorum and collegiality demand more."

Two judges wrote in a separate response: "We are better than this."

Undeterred, VanDyke wrote in response that his "distressed colleagues appear to have the fastidious sensibilities of a Victorian nun."

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"The public deserves a court that is actually trustworthy," he wrote. "We should be earning that trust, not demanding it like petty tyrants."

The episode is far from the first time VanDyke has stoked controversy.

Last year, he attached an 18-minute video to a dissent in a case in which the court upheld a California gun control law. In the video, VanDyke appeared robed in his judicial chamber while handling a cache of guns.

9th Circuit Judge Lawrence Van Dyke submitted a video of himself handling firearms in his chamber while wearing his judicial robe as part of his dissent in a case upholding a California gun law. (YouTube)





If America's soldiers had to abide by such limits during the Revolutionary War, VanDyke declared, "it would have been about 10 minutes and it would have been over."

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The video similarly prompted VanDyke's colleagues to criticize his methods.

Judge Marsha Berzon and five others said VanDyke "has in essence appointed himself as an expert witness" rather than abiding by a court's duty to rely on evidence presented by court-approved experts and other witnesses.

Before he was confirmed to the 9th Circuit, then-Sen. Dianne Feinstein noted that VanDyke previously told the National Rifle Association in a questionnaire that he believed all gun-control laws were "misdirected."

VanDyke was confirmed by the Senate along party lines despite the American Bar Association's assessment that he was unqualified and closed-minded.

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The association said at the time that those who have worked with him or had observed him in action described him as one who "lacks humility, has an entitlement' temperament, (and) does not have an open mind."

This article originally published at A Trump-appointed judge used a vulgar term to attack trans women. His colleagues hit back.
Russia could earn more than $10bn (7.8bn) in additional oil and gas revenues to help fuel its war on Ukraine  thanks to Donald Trump, experts warn.

The US president lifted restrictions on countries buying Russian crude stranded at sea, after the closure of the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, due to the Iran war he started, sent prices soaring. A fifth of the worlds oil supply passes through the strait.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent claimed the 30-day waiver would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

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He said the tailored, short-term move would only provide Moscow with a limited financial boost from oil sales, adding that it would address the instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime.

Iran has carried out several attacks on ships in the Gulf (AP)

However, shipping data and surging prices suggest Moscow is set to earn up to two-thirds more this month than it did in February, potentially wiping out months of losses in a matter of weeks.

Experts warn the move could see Vladimir Putin profit to the tune of $11.3bn (8.6bn). On Friday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shared his concerns about the decision, saying it did nothing for peace.

Benjamin Hilgenstock, head of macroeconomic research and strategy at the Kyiv School of Economics, told the BBC it was a serious bailout for Moscow, adding that the move would help significantly the Russian war effort as it struggles with increasing economic pressure.

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Moscow, meanwhile, says the move proves how crucial Russia is for the stability of the global energy market.

Russias Urals crude has already risen over 50 per cent since the crisis began, to roughly $80-85 (60-64) per barrel.

Experts warn that Donald Trumps move could see Vladimir Putin profit to the tune of $11.3bn (8.6bn) (AFP/Getty)

Seaborne imports of Russian crude have also jumped from 3.18 million barrels a day in February to 4.56 million barrels a day so far in March, according to vessel-tracking data from Kpler.

Both are moving in Russias favour simultaneously  more oil being sold and at significantly higher prices.

Analysts previously told The Independent that Mr Trumps war on Iran was going to benefit Russia heavily, and that appears to be exactly what will happen.

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The message to the Kremlin is wait long enough and the West will blink, Alexander Kirk, sanctions campaigner at human rights group, Urgewald, said.

Russia has already made billions from fossil fuel exports since the strikes on Iran began, he told the BBC. Allowing more Russian oil onto the market now only helps refill the Kremlins war chest.

Sanctions campaigner Bill Browder told the broadcaster it is a terrible decision that will enrich Vladimir Putin and prolong the war in Ukraine.

The windfall comes after a bruising start to the year for Russian finances. Energy revenues fell almost 50 per cent year on year in the first two months of 2026, pushing Russias budget deficit to roughly 90 per cent of the figure projected for the entire year.

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Russias energy revenues fell sharply earlier this year as sanctions were starting to have an increased impact, but the current crisis could change that, despite US claims.

The current surge in oil prices is very much helping the Kremlin to stabilise and potentially recover those losses, said Isaac Levi, Europe-Russia policy and energy analysis team lead at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

If elevated prices persist, higher export revenues could significantly improve Russias fiscal position and help offset much of the earlier deficit.

Russia previously sold its sanctioned crude at a discount to the global industry benchmark, Brent. India, which became Russias largest seaborne crude buyer after Western countries cut imports following the invasion of Ukraine, was receiving Urals at roughly $10 below Brent as recently as February.

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That discount has now reversed. Urals delivered to India are trading at approximately $5 above Brent, according to Naveen Das, senior oil analyst at Kpler  a swing of $15 per barrel across all of Russias existing sales.

Indias Russian crude imports are now tracking at 1.6 million barrels a day, up from just over one million in February, and likely to rise further.

Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March (Royal Thai Navy/AFP/Getty)

China, which already receives around 800,000 barrels a day from Russia via pipeline, is also competing for additional seaborne supplies, but Indian refiners are now outbidding them for available cargoes, Mr Das said.

Taken together, the price and volume increases could generate a windfall of between $5.7bn and $11bn in additional fossil fuel export revenues this month if Hormuz remains closed, according to Mr Levi.

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The estimate assumes Brent holds around $100 a barrel, the discount on Russian oil remains in the $10-15 range, and gas prices stay elevated alongside oil.

Brent prices have been on a rollercoaster this week, rising to $119 on Monday and then falling heavily. Meanwhile, Iran has warned the world to prepare for prices as high as $200 as it threatened to set fire to any passing ship.

A Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air report published on Thursday found that at the end of February, approximately 6.9 million tonnes  around 50 million barrels  of Russian crude, valued at $2.6bn, was at sea without a confirmed buyer. That stranded cargo is now being absorbed rapidly, in another boost to the Kremlin.

Some Chinese-flagged tankers have been permitted to pass through the gulf (AFPTV)

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has said the US sanctions waiver for countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea covers 100 million barrels of crude, adding that further easing of restrictions on Russian energy supplies appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some Brussels bureaucrats.

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And new buyers have already started emerging beyond Russias traditional customer base. Thailands deputy prime minister announced interest in purchasing Russian crude this week.

Several countries in Asia are reeling under an oil and gas shortage, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, where fuel shortages from the Hormuz disruption are causing shutdowns and violence.

But now, without the risk of US sanctions, they could also enter the market for Russian oil.

Russia currently sells 93 per cent of its crude to just three buyers  China, India and Turkey  making any expansion of that pool strategically significant for Moscows coffers.
It will very likely result in more innocent people being injured or killed, as Breonna Taylor was just six years ago, said Beatriz Beckford of MomsRising.

Today marks the six-year anniversary of Breonna Taylors police-involved shooting death in Louisville, Kentucky, which, along with the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, sparked global Black Lives Matter protests, drawing millions to the streets demanding the end of racial bias in policing and reforms to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Days earlier, however, a federal policy enacted in 2022 in honor of Taylor was quietly rescinded by the Trump administration. On March 2, Todd Blance, the Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice, issued a memo informing top supervisors and U.S. attorneys that no-knock entries are now more broadly permissible.

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We must allow our brave men and women in law enforcement to carry out their duties to the fullest extent permitted by law, Blanche said in the memo.

The move is a departure from May 2022, when President Joe Biden signed an executive order limiting the use of unannounced entries, often referred to as no-knock entries, and providing guidance to ensure the safe execution of announced entries. The order also required public reports on the number of no-knock entries and the detailed accounts of circumstances, specifically when a person is injured.

Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT worker, was fatally shot on March 13, 2020, by Louisville police during a botched no-knock execution while she was sleeping inside her home. Her fatal shooting ignited a rallying call for police accountability and racial justice. Though Congress failed to negotiate a bipartisan legislation named after George Floyd that wouldve enacted several federal reforms, Bidens EO, while limited in its scope compared to the Floyd bill, was welcomed by civil rights groups and community leaders.

Ahead of signing the 2022 executive order and speaking to a room of attendees that included the families of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, President Biden said, The families here today and across the country [have] had to ask why this nation, why so many Black Americans wake up knowing they could lose their life and, of course, just living their life today, simply jogging, shopping, sleeping at home.

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Community organizations blasted the Trump administrations decision to roll back the progress made on the federal level to curb police abuses and police-involved deaths.

WASHINGTON, DC  MARCH 05: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event celebrating 2025 MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House on March 05, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Six years to the day after Breonna Taylor was killed, the Trump administration is weakening federal limits on the very tactic that led to her death, said Nadine Smith, president and CEO of Color Of Change.

Smith told theGrio, When armed officers burst into a home without warning, people inside cannot tell the difference between police and intruders. Breonnas boyfriend fired a single shot, believing they were under attack. Police responded with more than 30 rounds, killing her. Imagine armed strangers crashing through your door while you sleep.

The racial justice leader added, No-knock warrants turn that terror and instinct to defend yourself into a death sentence. Color Of Change will keep fighting until no-knock warrants are ended and real accountability becomes law.

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Beatriz Beckford, National Director for Youth & Family Justice at MomsRising, said the group is deeply disturbed by the Trump administrations move, calling it a reckless decision to rescind the commonsense restrictions on no-knock warrants.

This action is callous and shameful. It will very likely result in more innocent people being injured or killed, as Breonna Taylor was just six years ago when police officers entered her Louisville home without knocking and shot and killed her as she slept, said Beckford. That botched and deadly raid could very likely have been avoided if police had simply knocked before entering.

While federal legislation on police reform has seen little progress, state and local governments have adopted several reforms, including in Breonna Taylors home state of Kentucky. Following Taylors death, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear signed a bipartisan bill that limited no-knock warrants in 2021. Grassroots advocacy work led by organizations like Campaign Zero has led to at least 24 states passing use-of-force legislation to reduce police violence, six states and two cities adopting more restrictive no-knock raid laws, and Marylands landmark repeal of its Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, which heavily protected police officers from disciplinary action.

But the fight for federal police reform isnt over. In December 2025, Democrats, led by lawmakers like U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Reps. Yvette D. Clarke and Jasmine Crockett reintroduced the Breonna Taylor Act, which would ban no-knock warrants.

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What happened to Breonna Taylor was a profound failure of our justice system  one that we have a moral responsibility to correct. In the years since her murder, the need to confront the issue of no-knock warrants has only intensified, the Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement at the time. No American should fear that at any moment, law enforcement could enter their home unannounced. And no parent like Tamika Palmer should be forced to endure the grief of losing her child to a system that failed her.

The CBC added, Breonna Taylors life mattered, and her story demands action. It is our duty to ensure that what happened to her never happens againto any family, in any community, anywhere in this country.

After a Kentucky grand jury failed to indict the Louisville officers involved in Taylors death specifically for her killing, President Trump was asked whether he thought justice was served.

Perhaps justice was not served by the decision that was rendered by the grand jury in Kentuckymy message is that I love the Black community and Ive done more for the Black community than any other presidentwith the possible exception of Abraham Lincoln, said Trump.

More must-reads:
March 12 (UPI) -- The Trump administration is considering temporary waivers of a 106-year-old maritime law as it battles rising gas prices as a side effect of the war in Iran.

The White House acknowledged that it is discussing waivers to the Jones Act -- which requires cargo traveling between U.S. ports to be flagged in the United States, be at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens and be at least 75% crewed by U.S. citizens -- as oil tankers and other shipments are blocked from crossing the Strait of Hormuz near Iran.

The administration said it is considering waiving the rule to allow foreign owned and operated oil and fuel tankers to move between ports in an effort to limit rising gas prices across the country, CBS News and Politico confirmed.

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"In the interest of national defense, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement sent to several media organizations.

She noted, however, that the action "has not been finalized."

The Jones Act is part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, and was named for Sen. Wesley Jones, R-Wash., according to the non-profit Transportation Institute, which said the law was passed as much for national security as to protect the domestic economy.

The act includes four main requirements: That vessels are owned by U.S. companies that are at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens; that the vessels' crews are at least 75% U.S. citizens; that vessels are built or rebuilt in the United States; and that the vessels' are registered in the United States. The requirements apply to all 50 States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, according to the institute.

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Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the regime has targeted assets throughout the Middle East, including several of its neighbors -- which includes national oil and gas assets, causing the market price of oil to skyrocket globally.

The Iranian regime also announced it was blocking the Strait of Hormuz -- through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply transits -- and warned it would attack ships passing through the waters.

President Donald Trump called increasing gas prices in the United States, which in some cities has surpassed $5.00 per gallon, a glitch earlier this week, but newly anointed Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a statement on Thursday that the Strait will remain closed.

How high oil prices could rise globally, and gas prices could rise in the United States, will likely be tied to how long shipping lanes are blocked, experts told The Washington Post.

Several experts also told The Post that while Jones Act waivers are among the limited options a president has to affect oil and gas prices, the effect on wallets could be minor and likely not last long.
The Trump administration will tap the nations oil reserves in an effort to curb rising gas prices amid global supply disruptions triggered by the war in Iran.

On Wednesday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced plans to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve beginning next week, with the drawdown expected to unfold over roughly four months.

The move is part of a coordinated initiative with all 32 members of the International Energy Agency, which unanimously agreed to release a combined 400 million barrels.

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In the past, Trump repeatedly criticized former President Joe Biden for drawing on the reserve after the start of the Ukraine war. But during visits to Kentucky and Ohio on Wednesday, Trump defended his own decision to do the same.

Well do that, and then well fill it up, the 79-year-old Republican president told a Cincinnati news station. I filled it up once, and Ill fill it up again. But right now, well reduce it a little bit, and that brings the prices down.

Wright, a former fracking executive, also justified the administrations move, arguing that it differs from Bidens approach.

Unlike the previous administration, which left Americas oil reserves drained and damaged, the United States has arranged to more than replace these strategic reserves with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year  20 percent more barrels than will be drawn down  and at no cost to the taxpayer, Wright said.

Trump has repeatedly criticized former Joe Biden for drawing on the reserve after the start of the Ukraine war (Getty)

Rest assured, Americas energy security is as strong as ever, he added.

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The nations reserve, the largest supply of emergency crude, was established by President Gerald Ford in 1975 to reduce the effect of disruptions to global oil supply. The federally owned cache, which has a capacity of 714 million barrels, is stored in underground caverns along the Gulf Coast.

In addition to Biden and Trump, multiple other previous presidents have utilized the reserves. Barack Obama tapped into the supply in 2011, following the outbreak of Libyas civil war, and George H.W. Bush did the same in 1990 and 1991, after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

Currently, the stockpile holds about 415 million barrels, according to the Department of Energy, meaning it is less than 60 percent full. The U.S. uses up roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil per day.

The national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.59 on Thursday, up 34 cents from last week, according to AAA (Getty)

The Trump administrations coordinated decision to tap the reserve comes after oil prices skyrocketed following the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, which has engulfed the broader Middle East region and shows no signs of ending.

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Last week, oil surged past the $100-a-barrel milestone, after recording its largest one-week spike since March 1983. On Thursday, oil prices spiked again. The national average gas price stood at $3.59 per gallon, up 34 cents from last week, according to AAA.

Trump has claimed that higher oil prices are a very small price to pay for global peace and safety. Wright has acknowledged that Americans may feel pain at the gas pump for weeks  but not longer.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the worlds largest cache of emergency crude, has a capacity of 714 million barrels (Getty)

Geopolitical crises tend to have a direct impact on oil prices since refineries and shipping routes are often affected. The Iran war is no exception, as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz  a vital trade artery through which roughly 20 percent of global crude travels  has dramatically diminished.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship passing through the channel will be targeted. Several vessels have been struck with projectiles in recent days.

Polls show that Trumps war in Iran is unpopular with Americans. A majority of registered voters, 53 percent, oppose U.S. military action against the Middle Eastern nation, according to a new Quinnipiac Poll conducted over the weekend. A new Ipsos poll also found that more disapprove than approve of the strikes.
President Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin might be assisting Iran in its military operations against the U.S. in an interview that aired Thursday.

I think he might be helping them a little bit, and he probably thinks were helping Ukraine, right? the president told Fox Newss Brian Kilmeade.

Trump said that China would say the same thing.

Its like, hey, they do it and we do it, in all fairness, he added.

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The presidents remarks follow a report that Russia provided the Iranian regime with information that helped them to locate and strike U.S. bases in the Middle East. Seven American service members have been killed during Iranian counterstrikes on bases in the Gulf nations.

Officials in the presidents administration previously pushed back on concerns that Russia was abetting Irans strikes against the U.S., with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling CBS News last week that no ones putting us in danger.

Were putting the other guys in danger, thats our job, so were not concerned about that, he told the outlet.

We mitigate it as we need to, the Pentagon chief continued. Our commanders factor all of this, but the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think theyre going to live.

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The top commander of U.S. forces in Europe, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, declined to confirm or deny Russias involvement in these strikes during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday.

However, Grynkewich expressed confidence that the U.S. military is responding robustly to anyone who is assisting the Iranians with targeting U.S. forces.

Trumps remarks in this weeks interview come as his administration moved to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil to offset rising energy costs during the conflict.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in his announcement on Thursday evening that this narrowly tailored, short term measure applies only to Russian oil already in transit.

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He said the authorization will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction.

However, Democrats have pushed back on this relief measure, accusing the Trump administration of allowing an opponent of the U.S. military to benefit from these strikes.

In a joint letter on Wednesday addressed to Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, the committees Democratic members demanded a hearing with Bessent regarding an earlier relief measure that authorized the sale of Russian barrels to India.

The Trump administration cannot simultaneously claim to be prioritizing U.S. military operations while offering sanctions relief to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, the legislators wrote.

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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.
U.S. Navy USS Tripoli (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The Pentagon is sending thousands of U.S. Marines plus the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the Middle East following a request from U.S. Central Command, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

According to the report, the deployment could involve several warships and 5,000 Marines and sailors.

The request comes as Iran attacks ships and plants mines in the all-important Strait of Hormuz, responsible for the shipment of one-fifth of the worlds oil. The disruption has led to globally skyrocketing gas and oil prices.

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At a press conference Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brushed off concerns over Irans closure of the Strait, saying, We have been dealing with it, and dont need to worry about it.

Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a written statement Thursday that Iran would keep the Strait closed as a tool to pressure the enemy.

Axios reported that CENTCOM asked for the new force in order to have more options for military operations against Iran, adding that The Marine expeditionary unit will be able to conduct ground operations if ordered.

The U.S. official consulted by Axios declined to comment on that possibility, the report said.

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The news comes following Hegseths assertion that the Trump administration reserves the right to send troops into Iran if it sees fit.

We would be completely unwise if we did not reserve the right to take any particular option, whether it included boots on the ground or no boots on the ground, Hegseth told 60 Minutes on Sunday.

Also, on Sunday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Trump was keeping his options on the table regarding U.S. troops in Iran.

Thirteen U.S. service members have died in the conflict, following the crash of a refueling aircraft in Iraq on Friday. U.S. officials said the aircraft was not shot down by enemy or friendly fire.

The post Trump Reportedly Orders 5,000 Marines and Sailors To The Strait of Hormuz first appeared on Mediaite.
Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) is one of the Goldman Sachs Energy Stocks: 10 Stocks to Buy.

On February 17, 2026, RBC Capital upgraded Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB)s price objective to C$76 from C$72, maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock.

On February 13, Reuters reported that the corporation has a project backlog of C$39 billion ($28.63 billion in U.S.), with around C$8 billion planned to go into service this year. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) approved two renewable projects in the last quarter, including a $1.2 billion venture in Wyoming for a large technology firm and a $400 million onshore wind operation in Texas to support Meta Platforms, Inc.s data center operations.

Chief Executive Greg Ebel said the company is still pursuing more than 50 data-center prospects across North America, which will require up to 10 billion cubic feet per day of new gas takeaway capacity. Shares increased by roughly 3% to a record high of C$72.57 following the announcement.

RBC Capital Maintains an Outperform Rating on Enbridge Inc. (ENB)

PLRANG ART/Shutterstock.com

As of February 10, 2026, the stock is up by 11.60% YTD.

Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) is a provider of gas and oil. The company operates in the following segments: liquid pipelines, gas distribution and storage, gas transmission and midstream, renewable power generation, and energy services.

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Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Topline

President Donald Trump said Friday he believes Russia is helping Iran in its war with the U.S. and Israel, despite White House negotiator Steve Witkoff saying earlier this week the Russians denied they were helping Iran.

President Donald Trump speaks during a Women's History Month event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

Trump said, I think he might be helping them a bit, yeah, and he probably thinks were helping Ukraine, right? when asked by Fox Radios Brian Kilmeade if Trump thinks Putin is helping Iran.

Trump said, its like they do it and we do it, in all fairness, suggesting Russia had justification for helping Iran since the U.S. helps Ukraine.

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Trump lashed out at Fox News Peter Doocy last week for asking about a report suggesting Russia is aiding Iran, calling it a stupid question.

Trumps comments contradict White House Special Envoys statements to CNBC on Tuesday that the Russians told Trump in a phone call Monday they are not sharing intelligence with Iran.

Witkoff was asked why the Trump administration would waive sanctions prohibiting Russian oil sales to India if Russia is helping Iran, telling CNBC, Im not an intel officer, so I cant tell you, adding, I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with the president, the Russians said they have not been sharing. Thats what they said.

Putins foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov also told Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner in a separate phone call Monday Russia was not aiding Iran, Witkoff told CNBC.

Tangent

Trump told Kilmeade he would feel it in my bones when he knew when to end the war with Iran, adding more uncertainty to the timeline of the U.S. military operations. I dont think its going to be long when its over, he said. Trump also acknowledged its a big hurdle for Iranians to rise up against the regime, adding, thatll happenmaybe not immediately.

Key Background

Multiple outlets have reported Russia is helping Iran locate American military assets in the Middle East. CNN also reported Russia has shared satellite imagery with Iran and has helped Iran with drone tactics. The U.S. gave India a 30-day waiver to purchase Russian crude last week and the Treasury Department announced Thursday it would temporarily allow the purchase of Russian oil that is already in transit to ease the spike in oil prices amid the war with Iran, effective through April 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged in a podcast interview Russia would benefit from the move, calling it unfortunate and saying we hope that it will be a micro period. Russia also celebrated the movePutins special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, said in a post on Telegram the lifted sanctions amounted to the U.S. effectively acknowledging the obvious: without Russian oil, the global energy market cannot remain stable.

Further Reading

Iran Faces Highest Volume Of Strikes Today, Hegseth Says (Forbes)

All 6 U.S. Service Members Killed In Military Plane Crash Over Iraq (Forbes)

Oil Prices Could Reach $200 A Barrel, Iran Official Says (Forbes)
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.

It may be 2026, but Donald Trump is still refusing to let go of his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. So much so that the president has been pulling and twisting the levers of the U.S. government, seeking to ensure he never loses again. Its been a slow creep, as the Justice Department and FBI work to obtain as many states sensitive voter details as the agencies can get their hands on, hoping to build a fraudulent case that Americas elections are not safe. It started with Georgia in January, when FBI agents seized more than 700 boxes of physical voter records in a raid that Trump personally called in. This week, it was Arizonas turn, with the state Senate president confirming that it had received and complied with a grand-jury subpoena for a trove of information from the states deeply flawed audit of its 2020 election results.

On Monday, Arizona Republican Senate President Warren Petersenan election denier who has called for decertifying the 2020 election resultstook to X to announce that he had received a grand-jury subpoena for all of its records related to the Senates 2020 audit of Maricopa County and happily complied. The FBI has the records, Petersen confirmed, including a screenshot of Trumps Truth Social post, which also highlighted the FBIs seizure of Arizonas records. Great!!! the president said.

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Isnt this just another desperate hobbyhorse of Trumps vendetta against the American voting populace that ushered him out of office in 2020? Is there any actual reason to be concerned about all this?

Yes there is, and heres why: Remember the name Cyber Ninjas? Its a cybersecurity company based in Florida that was hired by the Arizona Legislature back in 2021 to conduct an audit of the states 2020 election, despite not having any prior experience with election security. The CEO of Cyber Ninjas was linked to all sorts of problematic election misinformation, and his companys audit was riddled with red flags. Auditors were caught using blue pens, which could have been used to alter ballots, and copies of ballot data were suddenly transported 1,300 miles away to a lab in Montana. Despite all this, in the end, Cyber Ninjas reaffirmed Bidens critical win in the state and actually identified an additional 360 votes for him.

The company still attempted to spin these results, however, releasing a highly misleading report claiming that the vote itself had been flawed. The Maricopa County Elections Department then released its own report eviscerating Cyber Ninjas work, concluding that nearly every finding included faulty analysis, inaccurate claims, misleading conclusions, and a lack of understanding of federal and state election laws. The department also reiterated the accuracy and reliability of Arizonas 2020 election results, noting that it had gone through accuracy tests, court cases, hand counts, and its own (more accurate) postelection audits.

What could the Trump administration possibly want with this data? Well, considering that the president has repeatedly been insisting that Republicans nationalize the voting, he likely has some plans in mind. Last year, Trump signed an executive order seeking to mandate that voters show proof of U.S. citizenship at the pollsthe measure has been blocked by a judgeand he has since been pressuring congressional Republicans to pass the anti-voter voting legislation SAVE Act. Anything Trump can further distort from Cyber Ninjas already distorted work will certainly be used to those ends.

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If the administration can make the case that states have flawed voting systems, pointing to evidence, regardless of its accuracy or bias, of voter fraud, then it builds momentum for the federal government to assume some level of control over how states conduct their elections. The DOJ is currently suing 29 other states and D.C. for failing to share their full voter rolls. The agency is claiming that it will test, analyze, and assess the information and consequently notify states of any anomalies, or concerns. Translation: Let us purge your voter rolls for you. Adding insult to injury, the Electronic Privacy Information Center just this week issued an analysis that concluded that the DOJs security controls for handling sensitive voter data are woefully inadequate.

To be clear, all of this would be blatantly unlawful, as the Constitution clearly establishes that states retain the right to control the time, place, and manner of elections for senators and representatives. To circumvent this, the Trump administration is attempting to manipulate the Civil Rights Act, enacted to protect Black voters from disenfranchisement, to gain access to state voter data, then force the issue in Congress and the courts. District Judge David O. Carter called the White Houses bluff; while blocking the DOJs attempt to collect Californias voter data, he concluded that the centralization of such sensitive information would have a chilling effect on voter registration which would inevitably lead to decreasing voter turnout as voters fear that their information is being used for some inappropriate or unlawful purpose.

What the Constitution and federal law say, however, very rarely holds this president back. What the Trump administration appears to be pursuing now is not a legitimate law enforcement inquiry, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes noted. It is the weaponization of federal law enforcement in service of crackpots and lies. Mayes and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes have hinted that they intend to bring legal action against the administration for its latest actions.

State Rep. Adelita Grijalva also noted the timing of the FBIs subpoena. Trump is planting seeds of doubt in our elections to justify future intervention in the midterms, she wrote on X. He sees the writing on the wall (a blue wave), and hes scared.

This effort couldnt be any more transparent. Unfortunately, the presidents allies in the Arizona Senate are more than happy to once again oblige.
NEED TO KNOW

While speaking to a crowd in Kentucky this week, President Donald Trump boasted that he has "much better blood" because his uncle was a longtime professor at MIT

Trump's remarks came in the midst of a tirade against Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, one of just two House Republicans who voted in favor of an Iran war powers resolution last week

In addition to insulting his intelligence, the president called Massie "a complete and total disaster as a congressman and frankly, as a human being"

President Donald Trump boasted that he has "better blood" than most because his uncle was a longtime professor at MIT while speaking to a crowd in Hebron, Ky., this week,

Trump was speaking on the economy amid the U.S. and Israel's ongoing war with Iran, when he went off on a tangent about Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie. Massie is one of just two House Republicans who voted in favor of an Iran war powers resolution last week, aimed at curbing Trump's ability to continue taking military action in the Middle East without congressional approval.

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Massie is a complete and total disaster as a congressman and frankly as a human being, the president said. He is mad, disloyal to the Republican Party, disloyal to the people of Kentucky, and most importantly, disloyal to the United States of America, and hes got to be voted out of office as soon as possible.

Donald Trump; Thomas Massie

Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty; Andrew Harnik/Getty

Trump and Massie have also recently butted heads over the congressman's recent push for the full release of the Epstein files.

You know hes got one thing going, the president said of Massie. He went to a good college, but I know a lot of stupid people that went to a good college."

"My uncle was the longest serving professorat MIT41 years That means I have much better blood, Trump added. But I went to the hardest college of all to get into, the Wharton School of Finance. That means I'm real smart."

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This isnt the first time Trump has gloated, misleadingly, about his uncle, John G. Trump's, long-term employment with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Boston-based university that annually tops prestigious "best of" lists, especially in fields of science and technology.

In July 2025, Trump was speaking at an energy and innovation event in Pennsylvania when he said he needed to brag just for a second about his uncles brains, CNN reported.

He once again stated that his uncle was "the longest-serving professor in the history of MIT," but was quickly fact-checked by the university itself.

The Great Dome on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Credit: Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty

An MIT spokesperson told CNN following the speech that John G. Trump remains among the longest-serving professors in our history," not the longest-ever.

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The university did, however, praise the president's uncle as a "highly valued member of the MIT community throughout his tenure as a researcher, innovator, entrepreneur, teacher, and colleague.

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.

At the same Pennsylvania event, the president told the crowd that Theodore Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, was one of his uncle's students  which turned out to also be false.

Trumps uncle died in 1985, and Kaczynskis identity was publicly revealed as the Unabomber in 1996 when he was captured, meaning there would have been no known connection between the two men prior to John G. Trump's death.

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Also, Kaczynski didn't attend MIT but instead Harvard University and the University of Michigan.

In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for MIT said, We have no enrollment record or information that Ted Kaczynski ever attended MIT.

Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON  Anyone listening to President Donald Trumps speeches has heard him say it and say it again: Gas prices are dropping on his watch, making life more affordable.

The day before he launched the war against Iran, he appeared in Corpus Christi, Texas, and said that "right here," gas prices had fallen below $2.30 a gallon.

"I just left Iowa two weeks ago: $1.99. And then I passed another one: $1.85. Its happening. Its happening," he added.

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On Thursday, Trumps message shifted.

He posted on social media that when oil prices rise, as they are now, we make a lot of money because of Americas energy dominance.

"The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money," he wrote.

Who he meant by we, he didnt say. Oil companies are profiting from rising prices triggered by the Iran war, but millions of Americans are facing an unexpected burden at the gas pump.

One day into the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, the price of gas stood at $2.94 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. As of Thursday, the price had climbed to $3.61  an increase of 23%.

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One of Trump's attacks on former President Joe Biden centered on the price of gas. A gallon of regular cost $5 at one point in Biden's term. It had fallen to $3.09 when Biden left office.

At a rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the week before Christmas, Trump pointed to some of his supporters in the crowd as he touted a drop in gas prices.

It cost these beautiful friends of mine from North Carolina, it cost them like one-third to get here than it would have cost under Sleepy Joe Biden, he said.

In his Thursday post, Trump didnt mention gas prices. Instead, he portrayed the rise in oil prices as a kind of American windfall. Taking the argument a step further, he wrote that the war is worthwhile because it is stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, even without the oil-driven riches now coming Americas way.

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He wrote that of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I wont ever let that happen! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Trumps political ascent is rooted in a populist connection to forgotten voters, not a plutocratic alliance with oil executives.

Until the war with Iran, he seized opportunities to remind everyday Americans that gas prices were falling and they were saving money under his policies.

As Trump neared his first full year in office in January, the White House sent out a news release stating that reduced gas prices were producing real savings. Motorists were on track to spend $11 billion less on gas in 2026 compared with the previous year, with the average household saving hundreds of dollars annually, the release said.

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A favorite Trump talking point was to spotlight specific parts of the country where gas prices had fallen below $2 a gallon. Fact-checks showed that Trump was exaggerating the price drops, but he has routinely cited gas prices as a measure of his administrations success. And, indeed, prices nationwide had fallen more than 6% from the start of his new term until he went to war.

In his State of the Union address last month, Trump likened cheaper energy to another big tax cut.

Nobody can believe when they see the kind of numbers  especially energy  when they see energy going down to numbers like that, they cannot believe it, he said.

Inside the White House, Trumps advisers are closely watching the publics reaction to the gas prices, an official speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy said in an interview. A recent NBC News survey showed that a majority of registered voters disapprove of how Trump is handling the conflict with Iran and believe that he shouldnt have taken military action against the country.

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Voters understand that the president is taking big and bold action to obliterate a regime that has been threatening our country and killing our people for many years, the official said.

Still, Billy Jean Wright, a truck driver who attended Trump's appearance at a packaging plant Wednesday in Hebron, Kentucky, said she didn't like how the war is unfolding.

"The gas prices are going up," she said in an interview. "Our food industry is going up. Everything is going up, and we can't survive over here."

The Trump administration is taking measures to bring down prices sooner rather than later. With midterm congressional elections coming up, the president can ill afford to see voters in a sour mood because daily commutes have become more expensive, on top of groceries.

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Trump has said he can end the war at any time, which could presumably stabilize oil prices and reduce gas prices from their current heights. Yet, Iran is a wild card. The countrys new supreme leader said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for oil tankers, should be shut down, potentially sparking an energy supply crisis.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Donald Trump made a bloodthirsty late-night social media post boasting that it is his great honor to be killing Iranians as part of his war, shortly before more U.S. troops were confirmed to have died in the conflict.

In a typically unhinged Truth Social post, the 79-year-old said that the U.S. is totally destroying the terrorist regime in Iran while reeling off a list of apparent accomplishments during the war.

Trump shared the post just hours before it was confirmed that all six crew members of a KC-135 military refueling plane that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have died. The incident is under investigation, but it is not believed to have been the result of hostile fire or friendly fire in the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Donald Trump says it is his great honor to kill Iranians on Truth Social. / screen grab

We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, Trump warned in his unhinged post.

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Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!

Trump, 79, made the Truth Social post at 00:33 a.m. Friday, repeating his well-worn refrain that the U.S. has decimated Iran.

Irans Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth, the president posted.

He appeared to be triggered by media reporting on the rising costs of the conflict, as well as the ongoing deflection over Americas involvement in the strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh girls elementary school in Minabl on day one of the conflict. The strike, using a Tomahawk missile, killed at least 175 people, mainly children.

The aftermath of the strike on the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls school in Iran. / Abbas Zakeri/Mehr News/WANA / via REUTERS

In his post, Trump was particularly angry with The New York Times. His beef with the publication has been brewing for days. Times reporter Shawn McCreesh asked him directly on Tuesday during a White House press briefing who was responsible for the lethal missile strike.

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You just suggested that Iran somehow got its hands on a Tomahawk and bombed its own elementary school on the first day of the war, McCreesh said to Trump.

But youre the only person in your government saying this, he continued. Even your Defense Secretary wouldnt say that, when he was asked, standing over your shoulder, on your plane, on Saturday. Why are you the only person saying this?

Trump replied, I just dont know enough about it. I think its something that I was told is under investigation.

A woman grieves at the funeral of the victims of the strike on a school in Iran. / Amirhossein Khorgooei / via REUTERS

In his Thursday night post, the president claimed, We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning.

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The strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israeli military forces have paralyzed the transit of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased gas and energy prices globally.

Oil prices hit $3.65 a gallon in the U.S. on Thursday, according to Gasbuddy, after being as low as $2.82 last month.

This week, the Pentagon revealed that Trumps Operation Epic Fury has already cost U.S. taxpayers $11.3 billion.

Curiously, the previous post on Trumps Truth Social account on Thursday also had an army theme. The president posted a throwback photo of himself, aged 18, at the New York Military Academy in 1964.

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His caption read, At Military Academy with my parents, Fred and Mary!

Donald Trump posts a throwback Thursday pic with his parents. / screen grab

The photo was taken six years before his future wife Melania was born, and four years before Trump was diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels at age 22, seven years before the Vietnam War ended.

Trump received five deferments at the height of the Vietnam War. Four were for education, the fifth was the medical waiver, after his graduation from military school.

In 2018, the daughters of podiatrist Dr. Larry Braunstein said their late father diagnosed Trump with bone spurs to enable him to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War as a favor to his father Fred.

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It was family lore, Elysa Braunstein told The New York Times, noting that the story was something we would always discuss among family and friends.

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.
Donald Trump is wrong to ease sanctions on Russia, Friedrich Merz has said.

The United States issued a 30-day waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil stranded at sea to curb rising crude prices caused by the war on Iran.

There are fears that the move to lift sanctions until April 12 will help pay for Russias war in Ukraine.

We believe that is wrong, the German chancellor said at a press conference alongside his Norwegian counterpart.

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We want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine.

Similar sentiments have been expressed by the British Government.

Michael Shanks, the energy minister, told Sky News: Its really important that we dont do anything that can assist the Russian war machine right in the middle of a really critical moment in this conflict against Ukraine.

There are fears that the move to lift Russian sanctions until April 12 will help pay for Putins war in Ukraine - Gavriil Grigorov/via AP

Irans retaliation to the US-Israeli air attacks have included strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main gateway for much of the Middle Easts oil exports.

It has brought vessels to a near standstill, forcing producers in the region to cut output, and prices to rise.

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Mr Merz said: There is currently a problem with prices, but not with supply. And in that respect, I would like to know what other factors led the US government to take this decision.

He said energy prices would be moderated to some extent by the release of international oil reserves, including Germany.

European countries including France and Italy have opened talks with Tehran in an effort to secure safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz and restart energy shipments from the Gulf, the Financial Times reported.

The US waiver appeared to have little effect on Friday, with benchmark Brent crude back up to $101 per barrel by 1000 GMT.

The German chancellors latest comments on the US-Israel war against Iran suggest a growing rift between Berlin and Washington - Win McNamee/Getty Images

Let me make this very clear once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not wish to become one, Mr Merz added.

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The centre-Right chancellors latest comments on the US-Israel war against Iran suggest a growing rift between Berlin and Washington.

This is not the time to lecture our partners and allies, Mr Merz said the day after the attacks that killed the supreme leader of what he called a terrorist regime.

There is never a right time to do something like this, he added, but there is a time when it is too late.

Since then, and mindful that most Germans oppose the attacks, he has become more critical.

Earlier this week he said: With each day of war, more questions arise.

What concerns us most is that there is clearly no common plan for bringing this war to a swift and convincing conclusion, he said.

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Mr Merz will know that rising energy prices will hamper his efforts to reboot the German economy. He will also be wary of increased migration from Iran after promising to drive down numbers arriving in his country.

Other European leaders have been critical of the war.

Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, has said it broke international law and refused to allow the US to use Spanish bases for its attack.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, has also questioned whether it was legal, although he blamed Iran for the crisis in the Middle East.

Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy and an ally of Mr Trump, said the war was outside the scope of international law on Wednesday.

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Rob Jetten, the new prime minister of the Netherlands, said the strikes on Iran fell outside the parameters of international law on Thursday. His government said it understands the reasons for the attacks but does not support them.

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.
By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay

ANKARA, March 13 (Reuters) - NATO air defences in the eastern Mediterranean have shot down a third ballistic missile that was fired from Iran towards Turkey, the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Friday, adding that it was asking Tehran for clarification.

NATO air defences shot down the first Iranian ballistic missile fired at Turkey on March 4 and a second one on March 9. The ministry has said the first incoming missile was downed en route to Turkish airspace, while the second had entered it.

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Turkey has not disclosed the target of the third missile, saying only it was "entering" Turkish airspace, but an explosion was heard and windows were shaken overnight near the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey's Adana province, according to a Reuters witness and social media footage verified by Reuters.

U.S. air forces, along with personnel from Turkey and other countries, are stationed at Incirlik. Ankara says Washington has not used the Turkish base in its air assault, alongside Israel, on Iran.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the alliance's air defences had intercepted a missile from Iran, adding: "NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies."

TURKEY SAYS IT DOES NOT WANT TO BE DRAGGED INTO WAR

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Turkey, NATO's second-largest army and Iran's neighbour, has warned Tehran against any more attacks. It has protested to Tehran after every incident, while saying it does not want to be dragged into the war between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

"All necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace. Consultations are being conducted with the relevant country to clarify all aspects of the incident," the ministry said in a statement.

A Turkish security source said there had been no casualties in the latest incident and there were no reports of any debris falling from the interception.

The Iranian embassy in Ankara later repeated that it was not targeting Turkey, pointing to Tehran's proposal to form a joint team to investigate the incidents after a phone call between the two countries' presidents.

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"It is hereby emphasized that no projectiles have been launched from Iran toward Turkey," the embassy said on X, adding that Tehran respected Turkey's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Local media later cited separate Turkish security sources as saying that while Turkey was acting cautiously to avoid escalating the situation, its stance "does not mean endless tolerance".

The Hurriyet newspaper and other media cited the sources as saying Ankara had conveyed "a clear message" to Tehran to demand that it "immediately identify those responsible for the attacks and take the necessary precautions".

They said Turkey would not refrain from responding to the attacks or imposing punitive measures as it sees fit "when the time comes".

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TURKEY RELIES ON NATO AIR DEFENCES

Turkey, an emerging leader in the global defence industry, lacks its own fully-fledged air defences despite development efforts, and has relied on NATO air defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea against the Iranian missiles.

The Kurecik NATO radar base, to the northeast of Incirlik in the southeastern province of Malatya, provides vital protection for the alliance, including the detection of missiles fired towards Turkey.

Fragments of the previous missile fired from Iran had fallen in a region between the two bases.

Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Thursday that the Russian S-400 air defence systems it acquired in 2019 were not used, as NATO's integrated defences were quicker and more effective.

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Following the incidents, NATO has beefed up its ballistic missile defences in the region and deployed a U.S. Patriot air defence system to boost defences at the Kurecik base.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Additional reporting by Lili Bayer and Jana Choukeir; Editing by William Maclean, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones and Aidan Lewis)
A ballistic missile launched from Iran was neutralized by NATO air defence systems as it entered Turkish airspace, Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Friday, marking the third such incident since March 4.

In a statement on social media platform X, the ministry said the munition was destroyed by NATO assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was not immediately clear what was targeted, while local media reported warning alarms sounded earlier on Friday around the Incirlik Air Base in southern Adana province, which also houses US personnel.

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Ankara is in touch with Iran "to clarify all aspects of the incident," the ministry said.

The latest interception follows two similar incidents in over a week as fighting between Iran, Israel and the US spills across the region.

NATO deployed additional Patriot air defence systems to southern Turkey to bolster protection against potential missile threats, Ankara said earlier this week.

NATO member Turkey, which borders Iran to the east, is neutral in the conflict and has stepped up monitoring of its airspace as the war intensifies.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is included among the 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

RBC Capital Raises Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Price Target on Leadership and Shareholder Alignment

On March 6, RBC Capital raised its price recommendation on Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) to C$65 from C$61. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the firms bullish view reflects the companys leadership team, strong alignment with shareholders, and operating performance that ranks among the best in the sector. The comments were shared in a research note to investors.

A day earlier, on March 5, the company said its Board of Directors approved a 6.4% increase in the quarterly cash dividend on its common shares. The dividend will rise to $0.625 per common share, up from the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.5875 per common share.

The company also highlighted its long history of dividend growth. The increase marks the 26th consecutive year of dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 20% over that period. Management said this record reflects the confidence the Board of Directors has in the sustainability of the companys business model, its strong balance sheet, and the strength of its diverse, long-life, low-decline reserves and asset base.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is a senior crude oil and natural gas production company, with continuing operations in its core areas located in Western Canada, the UK portion of the North Sea and Offshore Africa.

While we acknowledge the potential of CNQ 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 14 Best American Dividend Stocks to Invest In

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
A man and woman were found dead in a South Milwaukee residence on March 12, South Milwaukee police said in a news release.

Both appeared to have died from gunshot injuries, according to police.

South Milwaukee police conducted a welfare check on a 22-year-old woman around 2:40 p.m. in the 1300 block of Manistique Avenue. When officers entered the residence, they found the woman and a 28-year-old man dead.

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A firearm was recovered at the scene, police said.

No additional information has been released.

Contact Erik at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Follow his Facebook page, The Redheadliner Erik S. Hanley, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two found dead of apparent gunshot injuries in a south suburban home
The drones crashed in the Sohar province. One landed in an open area, with no casualties reported, while the other struck the Al Awhi Industrial Zone, killing two expatriate workers.

Two UAVs crashed in Oman, killing and wounding several, the state news agency announced on Friday.

The drones crashed in the Sohar province. One landed in an open area, with no casualties reported, while the other struck the Al Awhi Industrial Zone, killing two expatriate workers and wounding several others.

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"[The authorities] reaffirm that all resources are being deployed to protect the Sultanate of Oman, citizens and residents," the news agency said.

Iranian drones also struck Dubai's International Financial Center on Friday, Maariv reported.

UAE officials claimed that air defenses successfully shot down the attacking drones, but that shrapnel damaged a prominent building in the financial center.

NATO base hears sirens from Iranian missile

Sirens sounded at NATO's Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey after it was targeted by an Iranian missile, Turkish media reported on Friday.

NATO confirmed its air defenses had shot down a third ballistic missile that was fired from Iran towards Turkey later on Friday.

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"NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defense of all allies," NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart said.

NATO air defenses had previously shot down several other ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey.

Turkey said on Tuesday that a US Patriot air defense system was deployed to its southeast, near a NATO radar base, as part of steps by the alliance to boost air defenses in the face of missile threats from Iran.

It is being deployed to Malatya province, the location of the Kurecik NATO radar base, which provides vital data for the alliance and helped identify two Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Turkey over the last week.

Patriot missile defense system is seen at Sliac Airport, in Sliac, near Zvolen, Slovakia, May 6, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/RADOVAN STOKLASA/FILE PHOTO)

Saudi Arabia dispatches hostile drones

Saudi Arabia shot down multiple hostile drones approaching the country, the Defense Ministry announced on Friday.

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One of the drones' apparent targets was the Embassies District. Other drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Al-Kharj Governorate.

Saudi Arabia has faced numerous drone attacks from Iran since the start of Operation Roaring Lion and has suffered several casualties. According to Arab News in Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that "if Iran presses ahead with its attacks, it would bear the heaviest diplomatic, economic, and strategic consequences, and be the biggest loser.

Seth J. Frantzman and Reuters contributed to this report.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Amid the Trump administrations crackdown on fraud within Medicaid, a congressional committee is setting its sights on Oregon  demanding information about the Oregon Health Plan and cases of waste, fraud and abuse.

In early March, the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce announced it is expanding an investigation into Medicaid fraud nationwide.

This stems from January, when the committee sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz seeking information about alleged fraud in the state, inspired by allegations of fraud involving day care centers run by Somali residents. This led to an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis amid the Trump administrations war on fraud, as reported by the Associated Press.

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Vice President JD Vance announced in late February that the Trump administration would temporarily halt some Medicaid funding to Minnesota because of fraud concerns. Pushing back, Gov. Walz said the move is part of the administrations campaign of retribution to punish Democratic-led states.

Now, the House committee is expanding that search for fraud  sending letters to 10 state leaders across the U.S.

Among those was a letter sent to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Department of Human Services Director Liesl Wendt.

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The letter requests information related to fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) in the Oregon Health Plan, the states Medicaid program.

The Committee is concerned that your states Medicaid programs may be similarly vulnerable to FWA that harms Medicaid enrollees, legitimate providers, and taxpayers, the letter states, referring to similar inquiries in Minnesota.

According to the letter, Oregon Health Plan spending totaled $15.3 billion in fiscal year 2024, including $11.5 billion in federal funding, to cover 1.3 million people.

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Oregon broadly defines Medicaid eligibility and administers several Medicaid programs that are considered high risk for FWA. In Oregon, these include home and community based services (HCBS), such as the Consumer Employed Provider (CEP) Program, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and nursing home services, the letter continues.

The letter highlighted several cases involving Medicaid fraud in Oregon.

This included a case in January in which an Oregon mother and daughter were indicted by a federal grand jury for coerced labor and services of three victims who immigrated from Haiti for little or no pay in an adult foster home.

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The mother was charged separately for conspiracy to request Medicaid payments for paid care hours of high-need patients and for falsifying a disability claim allowing her daughter to be paid as her home care worker.

In another case, the committee explained that State Representative  and gubernatorial candidate  Ed Diehl (R-Stayton) wrote his own letter to the Oregon Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

According to the House committee, Diehl requested an investigation into suspicious Medicaid billing by a substance use disorder and sober living home operator called Uplifting Journey LLC. According to the committee letter, Uplifting Journey received $2.3 million in Medicaid reimbursements in less than a year.

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The House committee pointed to allegations that Uplifting Journey operated out of a sober living house with ties to members of the Tren de Aragua organized crime group. According to the letter, once concerns were raised about alleged fraud by the company, the establishment they operated in was abandoned. Diehl told KOIN 6 that after he sent his letter, OHA terminated Uplifting Journeys ability to receive Medicaid grants. The state representative told KOIN 6 he is concerned that fraud is more widespread.

The letter also highlights the case of a woman who was sentenced to federal prison in 2024 for her role in an identity theft scheme defrauding OHPs substance use disorder counseling services benefit. According to the letter, the woman used her SUD counseling services company to improperly access patient information and steal personal identifying information of more than 45 victims. The letter states that the false claims totaled more than $3 million and led to $1.5 million in fraudulent Medicaid reimbursements.

The committee is giving Governor Kotek and Director Wendt until March 17 to respond to questions surrounding fraud within the Oregon Health Plan.

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In a statement to KOIN 6 News, the Oregon Health Authority said it has already acted against the fraud cases cited in the letter. OHA noted that Medicaid is an economic force and a lifeline for 1.4 million Oregonians, including 1 in 3 children.

Medicaid has multiple layers of fraud protection at the national and local level. Oregon has a Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and an Office for Program Integrity that work on enforcement, which includes coordination with law enforcement to hold fraudsters accountable, the spokesperson continued.

We maintain a rigorous investigation process to identify wrongdoing and hold those committing fraud, waste, and abuse accountable, OHA said, noting the state agency works with other organizations to eliminate wrongdoing including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Government Accountability Office, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oregon Department of Justice.

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Protecting program integrity is central to our mission, and we will continue to rely on our robust safeguards and protocols as we respond to federal requests, OHA said.

The examples mentioned in the letter are some of the cases where Oregon has identified fraud and taken action, OHA explained. The Oregon Health Authoritys Office of Program Integrity takes in approximately 55 to 60 referrals per month. Some of those are unsubstantiated fraud claims, others are credible tips that involve investigations or audits. We also had approximately 250 audits opened in the last two years to look more deeply into billing.

As always, we welcome the opportunity to partner with the federal government to tackle areas of emerging risk for fraud, waste and abuse and to strengthen safeguards to protect taxpayer resources, OHA continued. At a time when rising costs, hospital closures, and politicization of essential services threaten health coverage for children, seniors, and communities across the nation, maintaining trust in public health programs is more important than ever. We hope everyone shares our goal of strengthening that trust.

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A spokesperson for Governor Tina Kotek said the governor will review the letter, noting 1.4 million Oregonians rely on Medicaid.

KOIN 6 News has reached out to Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-02) who is a member of the House Energy and Commerce committee. Congressman Bentz did not immediately respond to KOIN 6 News request for comment on the letter.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Human Services referred KOIN 6 News to the Oregon Health Authority.

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.
VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44)  11 teams from the U.S. Secret Service will be in our region from March 17 to 19 to stop by businesses and provide education, announced several local law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Secret Service is best known for their mission to protect the countrys leaders, including the President and Vice President of the United States. They also protect leaders families along with those of former presidents and foreign heads of state on visits to the U.S.

But they have a second mission, which was their original duty back in 1865  to safeguard the American financial system and stop counterfeiting and fraud.

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Swanton police warn about counterfeit cash in circulation

The USSS will visit Vermont and New Hampshire, along with southern Maine, as part of their efforts this year to teach people about skimming devices, which can steal peoples credit card information when they swipe their card at an ATM or point-of-sale terminal, including recording PIN numbers.

The USSS suggests physically checking carefully before swiping your card, and even using a credit card if possible to avoid compromising your PIN.

Windsor PD warns about recent scam emails

Barre City Police announced several areas in Central Vermont that the USSS will visit:

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Barre

Berlin

East Barre

Graniteville

Montpelier

Northfield

Plainfield

Williamstown

At this time, it is not known if USSS teams will be visiting other areas of Vermont, or where in New Hampshire they will stop by, but visits are expected to take place during each day from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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.
Law enforcement officers have identified 13 collaborators who, during the Russian occupation of Izium in Kharkiv Oblast, looted and tortured civilians and kept them in metal containers without food or water.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General; National Police of Ukraine

Quote: "Prosecutors have identified 11 militants as well as an MP in the so-called 'LPR' and the head of the Union of Cinematographers of the 'DPR', who committed war crimes during the occupation of the city of Izium." ["LPR" is the "Luhansk People's Republic", a self-proclaimed Russia-backed quasi-state formation in Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast; "DPR" is the "Donetsk People's Republic" respectively  ed.]

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Details: According to the investigators, from early April to 10 September 2022, in temporarily occupied Izium, the suspects looted and tortured people and held them in metal containers without food or water.

They resorted to beatings and threats to extract information about ATO veterans and Ukrainian service members. [The ATO or Anti-Terrorist Operation is a term used from 2014 to 2018 by the media, the government of Ukraine and the OSCE to identify combat actions in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts against Russian military forces and pro-Russian separatists  ed.].

The prosecutors added that the collaborators filmed their abuses and edited propaganda videos about the "elimination of Banderites". ["Banderites" is a pejorative term derived from the name of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera and is widely used in Russian propaganda to label Ukrainians or supporters of Ukrainian statehood  ed.]

For this, they received promotions and incentives, including from the senior political leadership of the Russian Federation.

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One of the victims was a 46-year-old Plast patriotic movement member and assistant to a member of the Izium City Council. The man was brutally beaten and shot in the face, and his body was later dumped near a railway crossing.

All 13 of the suspects have been served with notices of suspicion of treason and violations of the laws and customs of war.

Police also said the suspects detained people in an outbuilding on the grounds of a house, where they had set up a torture chamber.

In some cases, detainees were held in a metal container located near a public transport stop in the city of Izium.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Key developments on March 13:

'Murders for the sake of Russian propaganda'  Ukraine identifies 13 collaborators accused of war crimes in Izium

Bus driver killed in Russian drone strike in Kharkiv Oblast

At least 3 killed, 27 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day

Explosions reported at Russian airfields in occupied Crimea, Krasnodar Krai

The Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office has identified 13 pro-Russian collaborators accused of war crimes in Izium in 2022, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko reported on March 13.

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"They thought the occupation would hide their faces, but they were wrong," Kravchenko wrote in a Telegram post.

Izium, a town in Kharkiv Oblast with a pre-invasion population of 45,000, lies in the southeastern part of Kharkiv Oblast, over 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the regional center, Kharkiv.

Izium was occupied by Russian troops from April 1 until September 10, 2022. After the liberation, a total of 447 bodies were exhumed from Izium's mass burial site, the State Emergency Service reported on Sept. 25, 2022. All but 22 bodies belonged to civilians.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Synyehubov said at the time that most bodies contained "signs of violent death," and 30 of them had traces of torture.

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According to Kravchenko's report, the collaborators  11 soldiers within Russia's 2nd Army Corps, a deputy of the Russian-controlled so-called Luhansk People's Republic, the head of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic's "Union of Cinematographers"  defected to Russia following the occupation of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in 2014.

During the occupation of Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, the collaborators looted and tortured local residents, while some were held in metal containers without food or water, Kravchenko said. He added that collaborators used beatings and threats to extract information about Ukraine's war veterans and military personnel.

The collaborators recorded footage of their atrocities to make propaganda videos. For such videos, they received promotions and rewards, including from Russia's top officials, the report says. Among the victims of such a video was a 46-year-old man, assistant to a deputy at Izyum City Council.

"The man was brutally beaten and shot in the face, and his body was dumped near a railroad crossing," Kravchenko said. "(These were) Murders for the sake of Russian propaganda."

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Under the procedural supervision of the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office, all 13 men have been notified that they are suspected of treason and violations of the laws and customs of war.

Read also: Wife of Izium mass grave victim learns of husbands death from viral photo

Bus driver killed in Russian drone strike in Kharkiv Oblast

Russian forces flew a strike drone into a civilian bus in Kharkiv Oblast, killing the driver and injuring four passengers, local authorities and Ukraine's National Police reported on March 13.

The bus was struck with a Lancet drone at 9:15 a.m. local time on a road near the village of Nova Oleksandrivka, head of the Kupyansk District Military Administration, Andriy Kanashevych, reported.

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Ukraine's National Police wrote on Telegram that the person killed was the 53-year-old driver. It added that 15 passengers were on the bus at the moment of the attack.

The bus traveled a route connecting the regional capital of Kharkiv with settlements closer to the frontline, with the final destination being 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the active combat zone.

Russian forces have increasingly used drones to target civilians in close proximity to front-line areas.

On March 11, Russian Forces struck a civilian bus in Kherson Oblast, injuring 11 people.

Read also: Russian drone hits civilian bus in Kherson, injuring 10

At least 3 killed, 27 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day

At least three people were killed and 27 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on March 13.

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Russian troops launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones against Ukraine overnight, of which about 80 were Shahed-type drones, the Air Force reported, adding it downed 117 drones.

In eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks over the past day killed at least two people and injured six others, regional governor Vadym Filashkin reported on March 13.

In northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, three people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day in a village near the Russian border, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

In northeastern Sumy Oblast, a Russian drone attack killed a 32-year-old man and wounded a 45-year-old man over the past day, the regional military administration reported.

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In northern Chernihiv Oblast, a Russian first-person view (FPV) drone attack on a civilian vehicle wounded a 52-year-old man, regional governor Viacheslav Chaus reported.

In central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two people, including a 59-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported. He said that Russian forces attacked five districts of the region with artillery, drones, guided aerial bombs (KABs), and a missile over the past day.

In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and its surrounding oblast, three people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

In southern Kherson Oblast, 11 people were wounded by Russian attacks over the past day, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

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In southern Odesa Oblast, Russian drones attacked a port infrastructure site overnight, regional governor Oleh Kiper reported. He reported no casualties.

Read also: US temporarily eases Russian oil sanctions as Iran war drives price surge

Explosions reported at Russian airfields in occupied Crimea, Krasnodar Krai

Explosions rang out at Russian airfields in an apparent Ukrainian attack on Russian military targets in the Black Sea region overnight on March 13, Russian Telegram channels reported.

Several explosions rocked the Khanskaya military airfield near the southern Russian city of Maykop in Krasnodar Krai in the early hours of March 13, the Supernova Telegram news channel reported.

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Videos posted to social media appear to show fireballs light up the night sky as air defense systems reportedly operated over the region.

Shortly thereafter explosions were heard near Russia's Belbek military airfield and separately at the nearby Kacha airbase in occupied Crimea between 5-5:30 a.m. local time, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported.

No information was immediately available on the apparent targets or the extent of damage caused.

The claims cannot be independently verified, and Ukraine's military has not yet commented on the reported attacks.

Kyiv regularly strikes Russian military targets in an effort to diminish Moscow's fighting power as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine.

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All three Russian military installations have been subject to previous attacks given their proximity to Ukrainian-held territory, with Kyiv regularly targeting ammunition depots and fuel holding tanks on the premises.

The Khanskaya military airfield is located on Russian territory approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Ukraine and about 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, while the Kacha and Belbek facilities are located near the city of Sevastopol in occupied Crimea.

Earlier in the day, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent that Ukrainian forces struck infrastructure at the Tikhoretsk oil pumping station in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, one of the largest oil logistics hubs in southern Russia.

Read also: US temporarily eases Russian oil sanctions as Iran war drives price surge

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Ukrainian president is keen to rally diplomatic and military support from Western allies, as Russia's full-scale invasion enters its fifth year with no breakthrough in sight.

Macron and Zelensky will focus on increasing pressure on Russia by targeting its "shadow fleet" of tankers, used to transport oil in breach of sanctions imposed since 2022, the French presidency said.

United States President Donald Trump said this week that some oil sanctions would be lifted as part of attempts to keep international oil prices down. He did not explicitly mention Russia, although the comment followed a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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The Kremlin said the planned meeting in Paris would obstruct the peace process and that the "very idea of trying to put pressure on Russia is absurd".

Zelensky and Macron are also expected to discuss diplomatic efforts to halt the war in Ukraine, Macron's office said.

Zelensky French TV interview: 'If Ukraine doesn't stop Putin, he will invade Europe'

Peace deal

The US is pushing Kyiv and Moscow to agree to a peace deal, but a third round of three-party talks has been derailed by the war in the Middle East.

New talks could be held in Switzerland or Turkey, according to Zelensky.

France, the United Kingdom and Germany, known as the Coalition of the Willing, have been a driving force in Europe for support for Ukraine, offering security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire.

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Romania  another important ally of Ukraine's  hosted Zelensky on Thursday, for a visit to an F-16 fighter jet training centre and a meeting with President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

The two countries signed a statement of intent to produce drones together. The project would be partially funded through EU's SAFE Initiative, by up to 200 million, said a statement signed by both sides.

Romania, a NATO member, has seen repeated violations of its airspace, including drone fragments falling on to its soil, since the war in Ukraine began.

Since the US under Trump scaled back much of its support for Ukraine last year, Germany has become Kyiv's biggest backer and has significantly increased its military aid.

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Berlin has pledged 11.5 billion in aid for 2026, including Iris-T air defence systems and Patriot batteries.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has stressed that the Ukraine war remains "the greatest security policy challenge for Europe" despite the developments in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Zelensky hosted Germany's parliament speaker Julia Kloeckner, who reiterated Berlin's ongoing support for Ukraine.

Ukraine marks four years of conflict, as losses rise with no end in sight

"No democracy should become accustomed to a neighbouring state denying its right to exist. That is why we are offering Ukraine political, financial, humanitarian and military support," she told the Ukrainian parliament, becoming the first representative of Germany to address the chamber.

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Zelensky is also expected to visit Spain as part of his European tour. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles told journalists on Wednesday that Spain had "not forgotten" Ukraine.

In November, Ukraine secured a fresh military aid package worth 615 million from Spain after meetings with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

(with AFP)
The makers of the Ukrainian Sting interceptor drone told The War Zone that despite growing interest in the Middle East for their product, they are not yet allowed to sell them outside the country. Other Ukrainian drone manufacturers, like SkyFall, are also reportedly interested in providing interceptors to the region.

In Ukraine, the small drones have proven to be a far cheaper alternative to munitions like Patriot interceptors and even far less advanced missiles for downing Shahed drones which have caused widespread destruction across Ukraine. Since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, that country has been firing Shaheds across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR). That includes a March 1 strike on Kuwait that killed six U.S. Army soldiers.

Our priority is Ukraines defense, Wild Hornets spokesman Alex Roslin told us on Thursday. Exports of drones are not permitted at this time.

However, the Ukrainian government is engaged in bilateral discussions with partner countries about supplying drones, he added.

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Should the law change, Wild Hornets has the capacity to provide drones to foreign nations, Roslin explained.

As part of those discussions, the Wild Hornets are ready to fulfill whatever need may fall on us to help Ukraines strategic partners if called on to do so.

There seems to be a willingness to make key changes to the law to make it happen. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian military experts were in the Middle East to share their experience after four years of bombardment by Russian Shaheds and that 11 nations are interested in obtaining these interceptors and other counter-drone systems.

President Zelenskyy:



More than ten countries have already turned to us for support in defending against Iranian Shahed drones.



"These are, in fact, the same attack drones that the Iranian regime supplied to Russia and trained Russians to use against the civilian population of pic.twitter.com/b0sxTwg0kz  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 13, 2026

It is no surprise that there would be wide interest in counter-drone drones. With a price tag of roughly between $1,000 and $2,500 a piece, they are a small fraction of the cost of the multi-million dollar Patriot interceptors or even less expensive types, still costing a million dollars or more, being used by the U.S. and allies.

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Beyond cost, the interceptor drones, 3-D printed weapons that look like 1950s-era toy rockets, are far easier and quicker to produce than surface-to-air missiles.

Small enough to fit inside a backpack, they can reach speeds of up to 173 miles an hour, according to Wild Hornets. Some of Ukraines interceptors combine thermal imaging with radar tracking and AI-assisted guidance, with a human operator taking manual control for the final seconds of the intercept, Military Times noted. Sting interceptors are manually operated by pilots, Roslin stated.

Meet STING: the 3D-printed interceptor that looks like a DIY hobbyist project but is currently disrupting global defense massively. With the #IranWar intensifying, the UAE and Qatar are placing massive orders for this tiny Ukrainian drone. Its a specialized anti-drone solution pic.twitter.com/cTUQNknqe6  Air Power (@RealAirPower1) March 11, 2026

In a post on X, Wild Hornets denied it was in direct negotiations with Saudi Arabia to sell the Sting drones, a claim made Thursday by The Wall Street Journal.

Recent reporting by The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, suggested that Saudi Aramco, the worlds largest oil company, is in negotiations with Wild Hornets regarding the purchase of interceptor drones to protect oil facilities from Iranian UAV attacks. This information does not reflect the current position or activities of our company. 

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Wild Hornets regularly receives inquiries from representatives of countries across the Middle East and the European Union regarding potential exports of the STING interceptor system, which has proven highly effective against Shahed-type drones in real combat conditions, the X post continued.

Wild Hornets Statement Regarding Export Negotiations



Ukrainian defense company Wild Hornets, the manufacturer of the highly successful STING interceptor drone used against Shahed-type UAVs, states that it is not currently engaged in export negotiations with any country or pic.twitter.com/GMk00EoRrH  Wild Hornets (@wilendhornets) March 13, 2026

Wild Hornets is reportedly one of at least two Ukrainian companies whose interceptors are garnering interest in the Middle East in the wake of Iranian Shahed attacks.

Today Iran launched military drones (likely Shahed-type) at Saudi Aramcos Ras Tanura refinery, causing fires and forcing a temporary shutdown of one of the worlds biggest oil plants. The attack comes amid intensified Iran-US/Israel conflict.#SaudiArab #ARAMCO #IranWar pic.twitter.com/Tj1gh6wlWD  GeoBrief (@GeoBriefing) March 2, 2026

A drone strike hit the U.S. consulate in Dubai, likely from an Iranian Shahed. Iran took credit for the attack on state TV.https://t.co/fh6ngliVay pic.twitter.com/KNvxJtUbPO  Aric Toler (@AricToler) March 3, 2026

#Iran / #Israel / #USA / #UAE     : Iranian Forces (#IRGC) struck a building allegedly housing US soldiers in #Dubai.



The attack was carried out by what seems to be a commonly used Shahed-136 Kamikaze Drone (OWA-UAV). pic.twitter.com/IHk7m8MEZ5  War Noir (@war_noir) March 11, 2026

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Earlier this week, another large Ukrainian drone producer called SkyFall said its manufacturing capacity had outgrown Ukraines ability to purchase its systems and the company was ready to export, according to Reuters.

We have had interest and inquiries from our (allies) and countries in the Middle East, a company representative told the outlet.

The SkyFall Shahed interceptor drone. (SkyFall)

While these small drone interceptors have proven successful in Ukraine and show real promise for applications elsewhere, their baseline capabilities are quite different from an actual surface to air missile, especially medium and long-range types. They have to be distributed far more broadly in order to be able to effectively respond to incoming drone threats, whereas a SAM can cover a much larger area and respond far quicker to the threat due to their high-speeds.

The lack of response speed also means that early warning is more critical, especially for area defense duties, as opposed to defending a specific facility or small area of a population center. Regardless, their cost differential and ease of deployment can overcome many of these drawbacks, especially when paired with tailored tactics, in order to get the price of interceptors far down and putting more defenses in more areas.

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There are other inexpensive alternatives to costly interceptors that have taken center stage in conflicts as of late.

As we have previously noted, air-to-air optimized versions of the 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) have become a principal air-to-air counter-drone weapon for U.S. forces, which began using the rockets in this way on F-16 Vipers back in 2024. That capability was extended to the F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Warthog and soon to the U.S. Marine Corps legacy F/A-18C/D Hornet.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle down-range in the Middle East with an air-to-air loadout that includes six seven-shot 70mm rocket pods, as well as four AIM-9X and four AIM-120 missiles. (CENTCOM) CENTCOM

The U.S. also has a ground-based system, called Vampire, that also uses these APKWS rockets. This system is deployed in small numbers to the Middle East and in larger numbers to Ukraine.

The Vampire ground-based interceptor system. (L3Harris) L3Harris

In addition, the U.S. reportedly sent 10,000 interceptor drones used in Ukraine to the Middle East.

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Known as Merops, the system flies drones against drones, The Associated Press explained.

It is small enough to fit in the back of a midsize pickup truck, can identify drones and close in on them, using artificial intelligence to navigate when satellite and electronic communications are jammed, according to the wire service.

A Polish soldier is seen as he operates an interception drone of the American MEROPS counter drone system during tests at the Nowa Deba military training ground, southeastern Poland, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP) WOJTEK RADWANSKI

Last week, we asked Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, about Ukrainian interceptors.

Im not familiar with the particular offer, but the interceptors in general, weve had a number of new capabilities being fielded, Cooper told us during a press conference held at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa. Obviously, Im not going to talk about it from the operational perspective of what those are, but I think you have seen over a period of time us kind of get on the other side of this cost curve on drones in general.

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If I just walk back a couple of years, remember what you used to always hear, were shooting down a $50,000 drone with a $2 million missile, he added. These days, were spending a lot of time shooting down $100,000 drones with $10,000 weapons.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has dismissed the need for Ukrainian help in combating Iranian drones and War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday downplayed the threat from Iranian drones and missiles. He proclaimed that one of Epic Furys main goals is diminishing Irans capacity to launch and build these weapons.

Their missile launchers and drones being destroyed or shot out of the sky, he told reporters, including from The War Zone. Their missile volume is down 90%. Their one way attack drones yesterday down 95%.

Hegseth: Iran has no real air defenses, air force, or navy left. Their missiles, launchers, and drones are being destroyed.



Missile attacks are down about 90%, and one-way attack drones dropped about 95%.



2/ pic.twitter.com/pyai9V2bNC  Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) March 13, 2026

Still, the interest in the Middle East for Ukrainian drone interceptors remains high.

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This phone has been ringing off the hook, Oleg Rogynskyy, the chief executive of Uforce, a conglomerate of Ukrainian defense technology start-ups, told The New York Times.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Global ride-hailing company inDrive, known for its bid-based pricing model, has acquired Pakistan-based quick-commerce startup Krave Mart, TechCrunch has learned, as it pushes further into grocery delivery and commerce services in South Asia.

The all-stock deal, agreed last year, has received approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan, allowing the companies to proceed with the transaction, two sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. inDrive confirmed the acquisition but declined to disclose its financial terms.

Founded in 2021, Krave Mart is a grocery delivery startup operating in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The startup delivers groceries in about 30 minutes through a network of dark stores.

The acquisition is part of inDrives broader push into grocery delivery as it expands beyond ride-hailing into commerce services. The Mountain View, California-headquartered company initially launched grocery deliveries in Kazakhstan in September 2025 and expanded the service to Pakistan in January this year through a partnership with Krave Mart, which received an investment from inDrive in December 2024.

That investment came through inDrives venture and mergers-and-acquisitions arm, launched in November 2023 to invest up to $100 million over the next few years to help bolster the companys super-app strategy.

We are pleased with the approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan as we continue to work closely with Krave Mart to expand access to fast and reliable grocery delivery services across the country, most recently launching in Lahore under the inDrive.Groceries brand, said Andries Smit, chief growth businesses officer at inDrive, in an email statement.

He said the Krave Mart and inDrive brands will continue to operate in Karachi as the company expands its grocery delivery offering.

Expanding grocery delivery in Pakistan could prove difficult. The market is dominated by Foodpanda, which has operated in the country for more than a decade and is backed by German delivery group Delivery Hero, according to an industry source. Quick-commerce typically requires significant time and capital before it becomes meaningfully profitable, making it difficult for new entrants to scale, the source said.

According to data from Sensor Tower, inDrive has been the worlds second-most downloaded ride-hailing app since 2022 and ranks as the fourth-most downloaded travel app globally, behind Google Maps, Uber, and Waze, with more than 400 million downloads. The app is also the most downloaded ride-hailing service in nine countries, including Peru, Panama, Egypt, Morocco, and Pakistan, per Sensor Tower.

inDrive operates in more than 1,000 cities across 48 markets worldwide, giving it a broad base as it expands into new services such as grocery delivery.
For years, Iranian-backed militias and terror groups attacked countries, and Iran carried out attacks directly, but the regime never seemed to face any censure.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday voted in favor of a resolution condemning Iran. This is highly unusual for Tehran. Previously, Irans regime has been able to spread havoc all over the Middle East, and around the world, without facing consequences.

For years, Iranian-backed militias and terror groups attacked countries, and Iran carried out attacks directly, such as a 2019 attack on Saudi Arabia using drones and cruise missiles. Iran was linked to assassinations in Europe and other plots. However, the regime never seemed to face any censure.

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Now, with Iran attacking a dozen countries in the Middle East in the wake of the US and Israeli attack on Iran, Tehran is facing consequences for its action. The Arab states are angry at Irans attacks. Iran has launched thousands of drones and cruise missiles in the last twelve days. As Arab News noted, Resolution 2817, tabled by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, was co-sponsored by 135 countries, representing one of the largest shows of support for a Security Council resolution in recent years.

This is an important diplomatic achievement for the Gulf states. The resolution condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks which have targeted the Gulf states and Jordan. Thirteen members of the council voted in favor, while Russia and China abstained, Arab News noted. Russia and China are friends of Iran but have not stuck by the Islamic regime in Tehran.

The UN resolution is clear. It condemns unequivocally, in the strongest terms, the attacks, calling them a breach of international law. The resolution also demands that Iran stop these attacks. The countries that have been attacked are also provided affirmation in the resolution, should they choose to carry out self-defense operations.

Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon addresses during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following Israels attack on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., June 13, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ)

The resolution references one other resolution that excoriated Iran back in 1984. Back then, Iran was attacking shipping. This new resolution also discusses the freedom of navigation that is a right of countries. Iran has been seeking to close the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen may do the same with the Bab Al-Mandab Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea.

135 countries condemn Iran at UN vote

A total of 135 countries co-sponsored the resolution, marking that Iran is clearly isolated now. Countries such as the UK are speaking up about the need to protect trade routes. Arab News also noted that Jerome Bonnafont, Frances permanent representative to the UN, said the resolution sends a clear signal in condemning the indiscriminate strikes waged by Iran against its regional neighbors. In addition, Israels ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said Tehran was attacking states in the region out of desperation as international patience with its actions was wearing thin. Danon said the regime in Tehran is trying to export terror and destruction but even the Security Council is running out of patience with Iranian aggression.

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China also said that it has condemned attacks on civilians and non-military targets. Chinas ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, said the fundamental way to prevent further deterioration of the situation is for the United States and Israel to cease their military operations.

China is now isolated more than in the past. For many years Iran felt it could spread havoc around the Middle East. It armed militias and terror groups in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and in Gaza and the Palestinian areas of the West Bank. Its militias attacked US forces, Jordan, Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. It also carried out attacks on the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.

Irans tentacles also stretched far abroad, to South America, Turkey, Europe, and Asia. For many years Iran got away with this. Countries were afraid to condemn it. Even as Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at its neighbors in Iraq and Pakistan, and trafficked weapons to Yemen and other places.

The recent war has shown that the era where Iran gets appeased may be coming to an end.

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In 2016 Irans President Hassan Rouhani went to Italy. He visited a museum where the officials covered up nude statues in order to not offend him. The era when Iranian leaders get this treatment is coming to an end apparently.

Not long ago, Irans foreign minister Javad Zarif would go to Europe and meet officials and smile. No longer.
(Corrects figure to $308 million from $325 million)

By Nazih Osseiran and Catherine Cartier

BEIRUT, March 13 (Reuters) - The United Nations launched a $308 million flash appeal on Friday to help Lebanon cope with the fallout of a war that has forced more than a seventh of its population from their homes.

"Solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in action," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said as he announced the campaign from Beirut.

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Israel launched an offensive against Hezbollah last week after the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group opened fire on it on March 2, saying it was avenging the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

Hezbollah has kept up daily rocket and drone attacks, while Israel has expanded its ground operations and air strikes, bombing the capital on Thursday along with other parts of the country on Friday.

Nearly 700 people have been killed in the attacks and more than 800,000 displaced by Israel's orders for people to leave ever larger swathes of Lebanon.

But aid organisations say funding constraints have already forced them to ration supplies and that substantial new contributions are essential.

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"We're only targeting those who are really on the verge of starvation or in starvation," said Carl Skau, the World Food Programme's deputy executive director.

"There isn't any more margin, so with needs going up, resources will have to come up - and they can certainly not drop," Skau told Reuters.

'TIGHT FUNDING LANDSCAPE'

Humanitarian organizations say global crises have restricted their response in Lebanon, a country already hit hard by a 2019 economic collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion and the 2024 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

Skau said the WFP fears donor governments will face new budget constraints following the spike in global energy prices triggered by the Iran war.

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The U.N.'s refugee agency UNHCR last September said it had only received 25% of the resources required for Lebanon in 2025, forcing it to slash cash assistance programmes.

"The current spike or the current escalation of hostilities compounds an already tight funding landscape," said Kirollos Fares, Lebanon country director at humanitarian organisation Medair.

Aid group Solidarites International had already seen a drop in both the number and size of grants, said Lebanon country director Daniele Regazzi.

...Unless fresh money comes out, what we are deploying now as emergency response...will be gone in the next roughly couple of weeks," he said.

(Reporting by Nazih Osseiran and Catherine Cartier in Beirut; Editing by Alex Richardson and Ros Russell)
United Methodist Bishop Robert Farr of Missouri has suspended a United Methodist minister from clergy responsibilities after learning this week that she worked for Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender, according to United Methodist News Service.

The Rev. Stephanie Remington, a pastor at various churches in Missouri from 2001-2016 who was still an active elder, worked for Epstein first as an administrative assistant from August to December 2018 and then as a temporary property manager of his private island from January until May 2019.

Epstein was already a convicted sex offender, but it was before his second arrest in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking minors. In August 2019, Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in what authorities ruled a suicide.

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The Missouri conference and United Methodist News both received tips this week from the Rev. Elizabeth Glass Turner, a writer and editor who has been reviewing the Epstein files.

Remington is not accused of any crime. She told United Methodist News that she never saw Epstein or anyone else on the island abuse anyone.

In the Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, her name appears in more than 1,800 records. Many of her emails deal with the day-to-day running of facilities on the island, including travel arrangements for guests and the kitchen renovations she was overseeing.

I never saw anything, she told United Methodist News. I knew him for the last nine months of his life, well after he served time for the things that he was accused of doing.

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The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church released a statement saying that she has been placed on suspension while the bishops office reviews the matter.

In annual paperwork submitted to the Missouri Annual Conference, the individual represented that they were performing extension ministry through the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary during those dates and as recently as 2025, the Missouri Conference said.

In early review processes, Wesley Theological Seminary confirmed that the individual served as a part-time contractor in 2017 and 2018 and has not been employed by the seminary since that time.

The conference said it did not know the minister was working for Epstein.

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The Missouri Conference had no knowledge of the individuals association with Mr. Epstein, said the statement.

Clergy serving in extension ministry operate outside a local church appointment and report their ministry setting through annual paperwork submitted to the Conference. No information indicating this association was disclosed in any of those reports. The Bishop or district superintendent were not contacted about the individuals interest in or acceptance of the Epstein-related position.

Bishop Farr suspended her for 90 days effective March 12, 2026, while the review process takes place.

The individual is aware of their suspension and has been provided with guidance on accessing counseling support should they wish to pursue it, the statement said.

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Clergy are called to uphold the highest standards of spiritual and moral leadership. Concerns of this nature are taken seriously and require careful review. We recognize the deep harm connected to Mr. Epsteins crimes and remain in prayer for survivors who deserve healing and justice. Because this is an active matter, the Missouri Conference will not comment further while the supervisory response process is underway.

According to her United Methodist clergy profile, Remington served as a pastor in Missouri from 2001-2016, including at Taylor Chapel in Sedalia and First North Kansas City United Methodist Church, which closed in 2018.

She served as a research manager for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership in 2017-18, according to the centers website. The Lewis Center is an initiative of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., formed in 2003 to enhance effectiveness of Christian clergy, according to the Lewis Center website.

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SANTIAGO, Chile, March 13 (UPI) -- The United States and Chile have signed a declaration to establish consultations on critical minerals and rare earths, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in supply chains and promoting essential investments between the two countries.

The signing took place Thursday during a bilateral meeting between newly sworn-in Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

Chile is the world's largest producer of copper, third-largest producer of lithium and fifth-largest producer of solver.

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"The development of Chile's mining sector is obviously a major issue for Chileans. You will decide what the future of your sector will be, but I believe there is much that the United States and Chile can do together to strengthen the supply chains of those minerals that are so critical for the entire global economy, but it must obviously be for the benefit of the people of Chile," Landau said after the meeting.

Amid geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, President Donald Trump's administration seeks to lay the groundwork for mutual support in the supply of key minerals for national security and commercial industries and the production of advanced technologies, including copper, silver, cobalt and lithium.

In February, the United States signed a binding memorandum of understanding related to these goals with 11 countries worldwide, four of them in Latin America: Argentina, Peru, Paraguay and Ecuador. Chile, which at the time was governed by leftist President Gabriel Boric, signed only a declaration of intent.

The new declaration signed with Chile establishes technical consultations on critical minerals and rare earths within the next 15 days. The objective is to agree on an arrangement to explore mechanisms for financing investment projects in critical minerals, including both private and state funding.

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Sources linked to the discussions told the newspaper La Tercera that the United States had intended for Chile to sign the memorandum of understanding immediately. However, Chile's new foreign minister, who formally took office Wednesday, was not able to review the document in depth beforehand.

Marcela Vera, an economist and academic at the University of Santiago, said the declaration deepens Chile's strategic role as a producer of minerals such as copper and lithium, but should be viewed with caution given the situation between the United States and Iran.

"It is a very complex moment because what it ultimately does is establish that Chile is one of the poles supplying the inputs necessary for war to the United States, in a context where the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States is intensifying," Vera told the website 24horas.cl.

"It places us not only in an arena of strategic technology or the supply of a strategic resource for our country, but also in a military scenario with a high level of conflict. Therefore it is extremely dangerous in military terms," she said.

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After the meeting, Landau said the United States hopes to expand areas of cooperation with Chile. He also suggested that development of a submarine cable project that would link Hong Kong and Chile will not move forward under the Kast administration.

"We had a very important conversation with President Kast about the different opportunities for Chile to be part of the entire global communications network. He expressed to me his vision of wanting a country prepared for the digital world of the 21st century, a vision we share. The president obviously has the same priorities that we do," Landau said.

He also said he would like to promote regional cooperation to protect the Pacific Ocean from illegal fishing, where an increase in the Chinese fleet has been observed off the coasts of countries such as Chile and Peru.

"We talked about illegal fishing in the Pacific Ocean. I believe cooperation between Chile, Peru, Ecuador, the United States and other countries could be very useful to bring together our resources and organize a plan that benefits us all," Landau said.
Every stars death is dramatic. Superluminous supernovae take the theatrics to another level.

In the early 2000s, scientists first saw these conspicuous cataclysms, which can shine much longer and be more than 10 times brighter than a normal supernova. And ever since, theyve been wondering what physical process explains such supernovaes exceptional, lingering glare.

Now they know. In a paper published today in the journal Nature, astrophysicists nailed down a superluminous supernovas true source: radiation beamed out from a city-sized, freshly formed, highly magnetized, fast-spinning ball of neutronsa so-called magnetar. Besides solving the puzzle of superluminous supernovae, this also marks the first time scientists have witnessed a magnetars birth. And what gave it all away is a strange quirk of Einsteins general theory of relativity.

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Its so remote from anything weve ever thought of, says Joseph Farah, a graduate student affiliated with the at the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) and the University of California, Santa Barbara, who led the study. We know so little about these things.

What is known is that when a massive star exhausts its fuel, it collapses in on itself and explodes, leaving behind an expanding, slowly cooling cloud of radioactive gas and debris with a tiny stellar remnant at the center. When such a star was some 10 to 25 times the mass of our sun, that remnant is usually a neutron star. These are the weirdest chunks of matter in the cosmosa teaspoon of their material weighs as much as Mount Everestmaking neutron stars the sites of some of the most extreme physics out there.

Neutron stars get especially extreme when theyre rapidly spinning, pulsing out lighthouselike beams of radiation from their poles; astronomers call these objects pulsars. And magnetars are the most extreme of all: most of them are newborn pulsars that possess magnetic fields up to 1,000 times stronger than normal.

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Although theorists already had inklings that a magnetars tempestuous birth might help explain superluminous supernovae, clinching the case proved difficult. A potential breakthrough came in late 2024 with the eruption of a new superluminous supernova, SN 2024afav, about a billion light-years from Earth. Monitored across 200 days by astronomers at the LCO, SN 2024afavs brightness periodically dipped, oscillating back and forth, with the time between dips getting shorter and shorter over the course of the measurement.

Farah and his co-authors went to the blackboard in search of explanations for this specific pattern. They landed on only one that could explain it. As a magnetar spins on its axis at nearly the speed of light, its immense magnetic field contorts, coils and twists to pump out powerful radiation. Energy from this astrophysical engine sets the surrounding ejected gas aglow, souping up the supernovas luminosity and longevity.

But what caused these stellar embers to wax and wane? The answer boils down to how the spinning dead star dragged space and time in its wake.

The magnetar was initially surrounded by a whirling disk of matter, funneling from its inner edge onto the stellar remnant. The disk was slightly tilted from the magnetars spin axis, and the violent maelstrom of spacetime it created twirled the disk around it. From afar, this consequence of general relativity, called Lense-Thirring precession, made the whole system look like a spinning top wobbling upon a table.

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From Earths vantage pointright along the faraway magnetars equatorthe wobbling disk acted like a film projectors shutter, periodically occluding our view of the dead star supercharging SN 2024afav. As the days went by and the magnetar chomped away at its disk, that torus of material shrank inward. This sped up the shutter effect, making the dips in light more and more frequent until the disk was gone.

This stellar origin story, the authors say, matches the data better than anything else they could come up with. That makes it the surest evidence yet of whats really going on at the center of a superluminous supernovae. Other possible energy sources wouldnt produce such a pattern, says Daniel Kasen of the University of California, Berkeley, one of the astrophysicists who first proposed the magnetar explanation in 2010 and is acknowledged for providing helpful discussion in the new paper. A magnetar can act as a powerful engine that lights up the supernova to extraordinary brightness.

The confirmation opens up magnetars as yet another cosmic laboratory for testing general relativity. Everything about the system is extreme, says Adam Ingram, an astrophysicist at Newcastle University in England, who served as a peer reviewer for the study. The gravitational field is strong enough for the most exotic predictions of general relativity to be large effects.

Over its lifetime, the newly operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile will see millions of supernovae, including many more of these rare events. And wherever general relativity is visible in the world, Farah says, theres an opportunity to better understand itand perhaps even to find new cracks in the edifice of Einsteins greatest theory, from which fresh ideas could spring. It means we can test one of our fundamental theories of reality in one of the most extreme environments in the universe, he says.
After "temporarily closing" due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, University of Louisville's Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium will not reopen, UofL President Gerry Bradley announced in an email March 12.

In his email, Bradley said that higher education "continues to face significant economic challenges" that have caused the university to make tough financial decisions, adding that the planetarium has "always operated with a financial deficit" the university subsidized each year.

"The cost of reopening the facility  which needs a significant investment in new equipment  is not one the university is able to justify," Bradley wrote. "UofL has tried to secure external partners/donors to underwrite the expenses involved in the planetariums operation but has not been successful."

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The planetarium and science hall, named after Louisville's Rabbi Joseph Rauch, has been used for classes, brought thousands of schoolchildren to learn about astronomy and has hosted community events such as laser-light shows.

The University of Louisville Planetarium.

After closing to the public in 2020, it was unclear if the university had plans to reopen the planetarium. In a March 2024 Facebook post, a spokesperson for the planetarium said the provost was "working with the academic units to determine its future."

Bradley called the decision to permanently close the planetarium a "difficult but final one." He said the university will evaluate existing equipment to see if any can be repurposed or sold, as well as strategically decide how to use the space moving forward.

"Again, I understand how this decision impacts our community, but it is the right decision," he wrote. "It is another example of the challenges we are facing as we determine our top priorities and how to fund them."

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: University of Louisville will permanently close Rauch Planetarium
LA PAZ/ASUNCION March 13 (Reuters) - Suspected Uruguayan drug kingpin Sebastian Marset, among the United States Drug Enforcement Administration's most wanted fugitives, was arrested in Bolivia, officials of the South American country said on Friday.

Bolivian Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo told a press conference that Marset, 34, was then flown to the U.S. and that no one was killed or injured during the operation.

The U.S. DEA, with which Bolivia recently resumed cooperation, did not participate in the arrest, Oviedo said, but was involved in Marset's transfer to the U.S.

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MARSET INDICTED IN U.S. ON MONEY LAUNDERING

Marset, accused of leading the First Uruguayan Cartel, is wanted in Paraguay and Bolivia on organized crime charges related to cocaine trafficking between South American countries and Europe. He was indicted in the U.S. on money laundering charges, according to the U.S. State Department.

Paraguays top anti-narcotics official was the first to confirm the arrest earlier on Friday.

Bolivias centrist government said last month it restored operational cooperation with the DEA after a 17year break, part of what it says is a broader multinational push against organized crime.

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President Rodrigo Paz hailed Marsets arrest as a regional milestone.

"One of the drug traffickers and criminals considered among the four biggest on the continent has fallen, Paz said during the press conference in La Paz.

"The capture of Mr. Marset marks a turning point in the fight against organized crime, and it also reaffirms the governments determination to confront international and domestic mafias," he added.

Paz was among the Latin American leaders who met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday in Florida to form a military coalition to tackle drug cartels.

Marset in 2021 was briefly detained in Dubai while traveling on a forged Paraguayan passport. Within days, Uruguayan authorities issued him a new passport that allowed him to leave the United Arab Emirates legally, prompting a scandal that later led to the resignations of several senior Uruguayan officials.

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Marset was linked in 2022 by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the assassination of Marcelo Pecci, one of Paraguay's leading anti-crime prosecutors, who was shot dead on a Colombian beach while on his honeymoon. Marset has not been charged in that case.

Marset's brother, Diego Nicolas Marset, was arrested in Brazil in 2023 as one of South Americas most wanted fugitives by Interpol, in a police operation that involved agencies from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

(Reporting by Daniela Desantis in Asuncion, Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo, Daniel Ramos in La Paz and Aida Pelaez-Fernandez in Barcelona; editing by Cassandra Garrison, Chizu Nomiyama, Rod Nickel)
Iran's Supreme Leader is "wounded and cowering underground", the US Secretary of Defence has claimed

The US has struck 15,000 enemy targets, with more than 1,000 hit a day, so far in the war, Pete Hegseth said

Six US service members on board a US Air Force refuelling plane have died following a mid-air crash over Iraq

A total of 773 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the country's health ministry

Overnight UK Typhoon jets flew air defence operations over Bahrain for the first time

At least 1,300 people have died and 9,000 have been injured in Iran, the World Health Organisation said

Explosions have been reported in central Tehran near the site of the massive Al Quds Day rally, where thousands were in attendance

The US has eased sanctions on Russian oil to try to calm markets after crude went over $100 a barrel

Iran's new Supreme Leader is wounded and "cowering underground", US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has claimed, as the conflict neared its two-week mark.

Mojtaba Khamenei made his first statement as Ayatollah this week, but no video or audio was supplied.

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Hegseth said the US had struck 15,000 enemy targets, stating that Friday would once again be the heaviest day of its attack on Iran, with fighters and bombers "picking targets as they choose" in Tehran.

The Middle East conflict is showing no signs of slowing down, with US President Donald Trump saying there were "relentless" strikes planned for Iran.

"We're going to be hitting [Iran] very hard over the next week," Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Friday.

It comes amid reports the US is sending 2,500 marines to the region as American and Israeli strikes keep pounding Iran and the Islamic Republic keeps attacking Persian Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure.

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Hegseth said: We have been dealing with it and dont need to worry about it.

At least 1,300 people have died and 9,000 have been injured in Iran, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday.

On Friday, US Central Command confirmed all six on a military refuelling plane that crashed in Iraq had died.

They said the crash was believed to be caused by a midair collision, not enemy or friendly fire.

Four-day weeks and driving limits: How the world reacts to Iran oil crisis

Trump warns Iran not to play in 2026 World Cup 'for their own life and safety'

The Ministry of Defence meanwhile confirmed that UK Typhoon jets flew air defence operations over Bahrain for the first time on Thursday night.

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British Typhoon and F-35 jets are flying "in defence of British interests and allies" across Qatar, Cyprus, the UAE, Jordan and Bahrain, the ministry confirmed.

Multiple drones were also shot down by a British counter-drone unit in Iraq.

What did Hegseth say?

Speaking from the Pentagon Press Briefing Room, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said he believed Mojtaba Khamenei had been "likely disfigured" in the war, highlighting the lack of footage that the regime had shared.

"Iran has plenty of cameras and voice recorders, why a written statement? I think you know why," Hegseth said.

"He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run, and he lacks legitimacy."

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He claimed that Iran's missile volume had dropped by 90% and its supply of one-way attack drones had fallen by 95%.

Fighters and bombers would be flying over Tehran and Iran on Friday "all day, picking targets as they choose", Hegseth continued, describing it as the heaviest US attack of the conflict so far.

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively stopped Credit: AP

He described Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz as an act of "sheer desperation", telling reporters: "We don't need to worry about that."

Hegseth also faced questions about US involvement in a strike that hit an Iranian girls school, killing at least 165 people.

Centcom has designated an independent investigating officer, who will take "as long as necessary" to discover what happened, Hegseth said, adding that the US "never targets civilians".

Lebanese death toll rises to 773

The number of people killed in Lebanon since the start of the current conflict has reached 773, 103 of whom are children, according to the country's health ministry.

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They say a further 1,933 people have been injured.

Iraninan-backed Hezbollah has been firing rockets from Lebanon into Israel, while Israel has sent troops into the south of the country.

Some 850,000 people have been internally displaced in Lebanon, according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who launched a $325 million (245m) humanitarian appeal during a surprise visit to the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to halt strikes on his country and criticised Hezbollah for firing rockets at Israeli targets.

Strikes in Tehran near Al Quds rally

A large explosion struck central Tehran on Friday near a site where thousands of Iranians had gathered for an annual state-backed rally.

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There were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Iranians protesting during the Al-Quds rally on Friday. Credit: AP

Friday is the annual Al Quds, or Jerusalem Day, in Iran, a pro-Palestinian day held to express support for Palestine and oppose Israel and Zionism.

Iranian state TV showed thousands of people gathering, chanting "Death to Israel" and "Death to America".

A large explosion hit Iran's capital near the site of the rally, with footage from Ferdowsi Square showing people shouting God is the greatest! as smoke rose.

Israel had warned it could strike in the area and urged people not to gather just before the blast.

The Israel Defence Force (IDF) said it had launched 200 strikes on Iran in the last 24 hours, as Iranian retaliation led to two foreigners being killed in Oman and a building at the Dubai International Financial Center sustained damage after a projectile was intercepted by missile defences.

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Israel also continued to launch numerous strikes on Lebanon on Friday, killing at least two people.

US eases oil sanctions on Russia to calm markets

The US has eased its sanctions on Russia in response to spiking oil prices, allowing nations to buy from Moscow to "promote stability in global energy markets".

Trump's decision comes as Iran's continued attempts to stop shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have led to trade in the critical shipping lane all but collapsing.

Oil crept back up over $100 a barrel on Thursday, leading to a fall in stock markets and putting pressure on Trump to stop the conflict before serious economic damage is dealt.

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Before the war, a barrel of oil was trading for between $60-$70.

There are fears a prolonged war could lead to a spike in oil prices. Credit: PA

US Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent said the easing of sanctions was a temporary measure to "promote stability in global energy markets" and would last until April 11.

He said: "This narrowly tailored, short-term measure applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government."

The foreign secretary said the situation over the Strait of Hormuz was linked to Russia and Iran's attempts to hijack the global economy.

Speaking on Friday during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Yvette Cooper linked the threat from Iran to that from Russia, a key ally of Tehran.

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She said Moscow and Tehran had deep links in terms of technology and geopolitical support, and said they were doing the same again during the current conflict.

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

She declined to criticise the US decision to ease sanctions on Russia, despite the UK saying it would not follow suit.

The pressure on the global oil market led to all 32 International Energy Agency's (IEA) members, including the UK, the US, and many of the world's richest nations, agreeing to release 400 million barrels of oil from their reserves to combat the rise in prices, but it only equates to around four days' of the world's global supply.

The pressure in the market has also led Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to issue stern warnings against profiteering from fuel forecourts.

The government has already promised to intervene if companies engage in unfair practices that would hit customers facing a rise in the price of home heating oil, which is not covered by Ofgems energy price cap.

From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below...
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Thursday that the department is issuing a temporary authorisation allowing countries around the world to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea.

According to Secretary Bessent's statement shared on X, the step aims to increase the global reach of existing supply while addressing instability caused by the Iran war.

The measure extends a 30-day waiver previously granted only to Indian refiners.

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Secretary Bessent stressed that the authorisation will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction.

The corresponding Russia-related general waiver was published the same day by the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control.

It explicitly limits the scope to shipments already loaded and rules out any new trade, in line with the US' broader sanctions framework.

The decision represents the latest initiative by the Trump administration to contain oil price volatility. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through repeated Iranian attacks on oil infrastructure and vessels, have tightened supply routes.

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On Wednesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced its biggest emergency stockpile drawdown in history, with member countries agreeing to release 400 million barrels. The US alone committed 172 million barrels.

However, persistent Iranian strikes and fears of a prolonged closure of the strait muffled the expected dampening effect of the IEA's intervention on oil prices. In fact, benchmarks traded higher following the announcement.

Moreover, on Thursday, reports indicated that the Trump administration is set to suspend the 1920 Jones Act to help ease domestic fuel costs.

The federal maritime law requires that goods shipped between US ports travel exclusively on American-built, owned and crewed vessels. A suspension would allow foreign tankers to cheaply transport cargo along the US coastline.

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The waiver extension on stranded Russian oil therefore arrives against a backdrop of supply concerns that even record reserve injections, and expectations of further measures, have so far been unable to resolve.

At the time of writing, benchmark oil prices are trading slightly above $100 a barrel.

Related

Bessent meets Chinese counterpart in Paris ahead of Trump's China visit

In a separate development, Secretary Bessent has confirmed he will travel to Paris on 15 and 16 March for economic talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

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The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will also join the meetings, as confirmed by his office.

The US Treasury described the gathering as the latest round in the US-China trade and economic dialogue, building on bonds of mutual respect between President Trump and President Xi.

The Paris session is seen as preparation for President Trumps planned visit to Beijing at the end of March.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly expected to accompany President Trump despite past sanctions imposed on him by Beijing, including a travel ban, due to his stark hawkish stance on China prior to joining the administration.
The important thing to note is that despite the turmoil and decline in revenue, it is profitable -- gross profit margins through the first nine months of 2025 were 72.6%, 250 basis points higher than a year ago -- generating an operating profit of $37.3 million in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2025.

Very much a work in progress -- it brought on a new CEO in February 2025 -- it has rebuilt its commercial team to focus on these priorities.

The company adopted a new organizational structure in May 2025 to accelerate growth in the number of new practitioners, strengthen relationships with existing practitioner clinics, and improve its financial position.

Why is the stock down 35% in 2026 and 59% in the past year? Well know more after it reports Q4 2025 results today after the markets close.

It makes money in two primary ways: fees for use of the companys Biote Method tools and revenue from the sale of its proprietary dietary supplements.

The companys tools include practitioner education and certification, practice and inventory management software, HRT product sourcing, and marketing support, complemented by a proprietary line of dietary supplements.

Biote Corp. (BTMD) hit a new 52-week low of $1.68 yesterday. It was the 22nd in the past 12 months. Its share price is down 35% in 2026.

Among the 157 new 52-week lows, I thought Id focus on penny stocks. On the Nasdaq, there were 79 penny stocks ($5 or less) and 8 on the NYSE. Excluding those under $1, three stood out as possible bets for extreme risk-takers.

There were 119 new 52-week highs on the NYSE and Nasdaq yesterday and 157 new 52-week lows. As daily numbers go, thats rather benign. Generally, in 2026, both the 52-week highs and lows have been in the hundreds. This suggests investors arent sure where the market is heading.

That said, it was volatile, ranging from a high of 6,845.08 to a low of 6,759.74, closing the day at 6,781.48. It is now down nearly 1% in 2026.

The S&P 500 ($SPX) was barely in the red on Tuesday, down 0.2% on the day. With a war on, thats not a bad day.

Story Continues

Based on the 12-month free cash flow of $34.4 million and an enterprise value of $140.5 million according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, it has a high free cash flow yield of 24.5%. I consider anything above 8% to be value territory.

At less than $2 and profitable, a Hail Mary couldnt hurt.

#2. KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC)

KinderCare Learning Companies (KLC) hit a new 52-week low of $3.20 yesterday. It was the 40th in the past 12 months. Its share price is down 26% in 2026.

Of the three penny stocks, KinderCare is the name Im familiar with. Founded in 1969, it is the largest private provider of high-quality ECE (early education and child care services) in the U.S. by the number of students. It serves children aged 6 weeks to 12 years through its 1,500 early childhood education centers, with a capacity for over 200,000 children.

I can remember a friend of mine years ago harping on the first three years of a childs life being the most important. KinderCare leans into that.

KinderCare went public in October 2024, selling 24 million shares at $24 each. It used most of the $535 million in net proceeds to pay down some of its $1.5 billion in long-term debt.

As you can tell from the IPO price -- down 87% in 17 months -- a whole lot has gone wrong since going public. Either that, or it was extremely overvalued at its IPO.

The first place Ive looked for answers is its Swiss-based private equity owner, Partners Group, which acquired KinderCare for an enterprise value of $1.5 billion in July 2015. At the time, it had 1,400 centers in 38 states, operating under the KinderCare, CCLC (Childrens Creative Learning Centers), and Champions banners. It was the private equity firms largest U.S. purchase in its history.

Generally, private equity firms like to buy businesses with significant leverage and then exit their positions through IPO or sale within a few years. In this case, it took 9 years to reach an IPO, in large part because COVID got in the way.

However, from its 2021 revenue low of $1.37 billion, its grown top-line sales by 96% to $2.69 billion in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2025. Over the same period, it went from an operating loss of $93 million to an operating profit of $30.4 million.

The big problem for KinderCare was its Q4 2024 report, its first as a public company. The company lost $92.8 million on a GAAP basis because of $123 million in stock-based compensation. Investors werent prepared for such a high number.

But really, the shares have been gradually declining from $17.68, the closing price the day before the bad news was announced, to slightly above $3 today.

The reality is that the business doesnt have a high return on capital. Since the beginning of 2020, the highest its ROC has been was 2.1% in 2023. With annual capital expenditures averaging $130,000, its not an asset-light business model.

Why take a chance?

In December, the company announced the return of Tom Wyatt as CEO. Wyatt led the company for 12 years, from 2012 to June 2024. He owns 4.4 million shares of KinderCare, making him the companys fourth-largest shareholder.

Partners wants to extricate itself from its nine-year investment. Wyatt could be the change it needs to get the share price out of penny-stock status.

#3. Apartment Investment and Management Co. (AIV)

Apartment Investment and Management Co. (AIV) hit a new 52-week low of $4.21 yesterday. It was the 19th in the past 12 months. Its share price is down 29% in 2026.

This last one is the largest of the three by market cap. It will also have the shortest shelf life as a public company.

In November 2025, the owner of multi-family residential properties announced that it would proceed with a plan to transition from a REIT to the complete liquidation of its assets and the termination of the business. Its decision followed a strategic review of its business.

As the company said in early January, it expects the liquidation sale to generate between $5.75 and $7.10 per share for shareholders.

On March 13, it will make its initial liquidation distribution of $1.45 per share. Thats from the $520 million sale of properties in December. It has agreements to sell $680 million worth of properties in Chicago, Nashville, New York City, and Aurora, Colorado. That will result in a distribution of between $0.85 and $0.95 per share. That should happen by the end of June.

So, assuming the companys liquidation distributions are at the high end of projections, it still has $4.75 in distributions to pay out.

If you buy now at the current price of $4.24 a share, you could receive as much as $5.70 a share [$4.75 plus the high end of $0.95 distribution] once completed, a return of 34%. If it makes all the distributions by the end of the year, thats an annualized return of 43%.

Perhaps more dependent on the sale prices. If the liquidation takes longer, your return shrinks by the day.

Do you feel lucky?

On the date of publication, Will Ashworth 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
BREAKING UPDATE: All 6 crew members who were on the KC-135 refueling aircraft are dead, the Associated Press confirmed Friday morning.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The aircraft that crashed in Iraq Thursday night during a refueling mission as part of U.S. military operations against Iran may have been carrying airmen deployed from Mississippi.

President Donald Trump confirmed a KC-135 Stratotanker went down, killing four of the six crew members on board, the Associated Press reported.

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Mississippis 186th Air Refueling Wing operates that particular aircraft. The Mississippi National Guard said Thursday the Meridian-based troop has been deployed to support Operation Epic Fury since late February alongside three other battalions.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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At this time, it is not clear whether the KC-135, which crashed Thursday night, was a part of the 186th or another refueling battalion.

Media outlets in Washington and Kansas reported refueling battalions from those states have also deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury.

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We will keep you updated on this developing story.

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 WREG.com.
Six US troops were killed when a military plane crashed in Iraq as it took part in operations against Iran.

Two KC-135 refuelling aircraft were involved in an incident during Operation Epic Fury in friendly airspace, the US military said.

The downing of the aircraft at around 7pm GMT on Thursday near Turaibil along the Iraqi-Jordanian border is under investigation, the US Central Command (Centcom) said. It insisted the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

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All six crew members on board were confirmed dead. Their identities have not yet been released.

The second aircraft landed safely in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, missing part of its tail fin.

The crash is believed to have been caused by a mid-air collision but the circumstances remain unclear.

The US Central Command said the incident near Turaibil, along the Iraqi-Jordanian border, is still under investigation

Iranian state television claimed that an allied Iraqi group hit the tanker with a missile, killing its crew. However, the US militarys statement disputed this claim.

Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely, it said. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

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Islamic Resistance, based in Iraq but backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the crash, saying it had acted in defence of our countrys sovereignty and airspace.

The KC-135 became at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the war with Iran after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.

Kuwaiti forces mistakenly downed the three American F-15E fighters early in the conflict, but all six crew members were able to eject.

Since the war began on Feb 28, 11 US servicemen have been killed and more than 140 injured.

French soldier killed in drone attack

On Thursday night, Emmanuel Macron announced that a French soldier was killed in a drone attack in Iraqs Erbil region. Several others were injured.

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The French president named Arnaud Frion, a chief warrant officer, as the deceased and described the attacks as unacceptable.

Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism, he wrote on social media. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks.

Operation Epic Fury, the name given to Donald Trumps US-led air strikes in Iran, was the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation, Centcom previously said.

The conflict has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, including a reported 175 in a strike on a primary school on the first day of the war. A preliminary report suggested that the strike was mistakenly conducted by the US, using outdated targeting data.

Donald Trumps US-led air strikes in Iran have killed more than 1,000 people - Jim Watson/AFP

The Pentagon said earlier this week that around 140 service members had been injured in the conflict, including eight who had been severely injured.

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The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, told PBS.

The plane crash came amid growing concern about the costs of Mr Trumps war with Iran.

As well as the deaths and injuries, the conflict has cost the US billions, including $5bn (3.7bn) in munitions alone, PBS reported.

I am left with more questions than answers, especially about the cost of the war, Richard Blumenthal, the Democrat senator, said following an official, classified briefing on the conflict.

Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator, said he was left with more questions than answers after a briefing on the war - Kylie Cooper/Reuters

It has also caused a global panic in the oil market, sending energy prices soaring.

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Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the worlds supply of oil flows.

Three tankers in the Gulf were struck by Iranian drone ships last night, causing oil prices to climb even higher on Thursday.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Irans new supreme leader, pledged to keep the Strait closed as a tool to pressure the enemy.

Goldman Sachs said last week that oil prices could overtake previous highs from 2008 and 2022 if the strait remained closed for the rest of the month.

The surge in energy costs and deaths among US servicemen will be a key concern for American voters, who are set to go to the polls in November for the midterm elections.

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It will become a major talking point for Democrats on the campaign trail, despite Mr Trump promising that the war would end soon and oil prices will come down.

The American people deserve to know much more than this administration has told them about the cost of the war, the danger to our sons and daughters in uniform, and the potential for further escalation, Mr Blumenthal said.

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 status of the Iranian ship and its crew is not currently known, CBS added.

A US Navy vessel shot at an Iranian naval ship after it sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, CBS News reported on Thursday night, citing US officials briefed on the matter.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity as they "were not authorized to speak publicly" about the incident, but noted that it had occured earlier this week.

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According to the officials, it is unclear which naval vessel fired on the Iranian ship, but they noted that the shots missed several times. The vessel used a Mark-45 gun.

A helicopter equipped with Hellfire missiles was also launched, the officials said, and successfully struck the ship with two missiles.

The status of the Iranian ship and its crew is not currently known, CBS added.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024. (credit: Daniel Kimmelman/Handout via REUTERS)

CBS reached out to US Central Command (CENTCOM) for comment, to which a defense official responded that "We have nothing for you on this."

US fighter jet downs Iranian drone near aircraft carrier

A similar incident occured in early February, when the US military shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, Reuters reported, citing a US official.

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The Iranian Shahed-139 drone flew towards the carrier and was shot down by a F-35 US fighter jet.

No American service members were harmed during the incident, and no US equipment was damaged, the official added.

This is a developing story.

Reuters contributed to this report.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Trade Representative's office said late on Thursday it had begun a second set of Section 301 unfair trade practices probes of 60 economies in relation to what it called failures to take action on forced labor.

President Donald Trump's administration has sought to rebuild tariff pressure on countries around the world after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his global tariffs as illegal on February 20.

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"These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts U.S. workers and businesses," U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement.

The list of 60 countries and economies includes some major U.S. trade partners and allies such as Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain, Israel, India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. China and Russia are also on the list.

The European Commission said it shared U.S. concerns about forced labor and was fully committed to eradicating it from global supply chains. It also pointed to a law, which will enter into force in December 2027, prohibiting the sale in the EU market of forced labor products, as well as to the EU-U.S. trade deal of last year in which both sides agreed to work together to protect labor rights.

"Therefore, it is the firmly held view of the European Commission that the European Union cannot in any serious analysis be considered as contributing to this global problem," it said.

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A UK Department of Business and Trade spokesperson said Britain would engage with the U.S. administration and make clear actions it was taking to tackle forced labor at home and in global supply chains to ensure that British businesses were not complicit.

The government in Taiwan, which is listed too, said in a statement that it is committed to improving labor rights and preventing forced labor, and will work with the U.S. to emphasize human rights, resilience, and sustainable governance.

Trump imposed a 10% tariff for 150 days under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court's ruling. On Wednesday, his administration said it was launching unfair trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners.

The U.S. has already cracked down on solar panels and other goods from China's Xinjiang region under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden.

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Greer said he wanted other countries to enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor similar to those enshrined in a nearly century-old trade law.

The U.S. alleges that Chinese authorities have established labor camps for ethnic Uyghur and other Muslim groups. Beijing denies allegations of abuse.

Greer said he hoped to conclude the Section 301 investigations, including proposed remedies, before Trump's temporary tariffs expire in July.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei, Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels, Alistair Smout in London; Editing by Ismail Shakil, Kate Mayberry)
The United States vaunted its successes in the Iran war on Friday, even as concerns about the impact of a blockade of critical oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy continued to mount, almost two weeks into the conflict.

US defence chief Pete Hegseth said that Washington will carry out its most extensive attacks yet on Friday. "Today will be yet again the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran," he said at a Pentagon press briefing.

Tehran's military infrastructure for building ballistic missiles has largely been destroyed, he said.

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Hegseth also said that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured," without providing further details about the nature of the injuries or how they occurred. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the 56-year-old religious leader "cannot show his face in public."

Since being appointed Iran's supreme leader on Sunday, Khamenei has not appeared in public, although a statement attributed to him was read out on state television on Thursday.

US eases Russia sanctions amid concerns about oil shortages

To increase supplies of oil on the world market amid surging prices, countries are temporarily allowed to purchase Russian oil that is already on ships, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on X.

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The temporary exemption from US sanctions is to apply until April 11.

Moscow welcomed the move, but Western leaders including European Council President Antonio Costa, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized it, with the latter calling the decision "wrong."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it would bring around $10 billion into Russias war chest. "That does not help peace in any way," he said.

Six dead after refuelling plane goes down over Iraq

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday that all six crew members died after a refuelling aircraft went down over Iraq.

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Earlier, it said that "the circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire."

CENTCOM, which is responsible for the region in the Middle East, had reported earlier that two aircraft were involved, with one landing safely while the second one, a US KC-135, "went down in western Iraq."

Supporters of leadership in Tehran venture onto streets again

Despite ongoing airstrikes, thousands of Iranian government supporters took to the streets of Tehran on Friday to take part in anti-Israel demonstrations.

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The rallies are taking place on the occasion of al-Quds Day, which was introduced by former revolutionary leader ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979.

The state-organized protests are directed against Israel and demand the "liberation of Jerusalem."

Al-Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. The background to the rallies is Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967.

The annual demonstration to support Palestinian rights is traditionally held on the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

A loud explosion was heard in the city centre during the rallies in Tehran. According to state media, one person was killed as a result of an airstrike.

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Witnesses said the crowd was smaller than in previous years.

Reports: 1,255 dead, 22,000 civilian buildings damaged in Iran

In Iran, 1,255 people have lost their lives since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva reported on Friday, citing national authorities.

More than 15,100 have been injured, the WHO stated, and over 100,000 people have been displaced within the country.

Nearly 22,000 civilian buildings have been damaged so far in Iran, according to a UN representative, Salvador Gutierrez, chief of mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said separately. Among them are more than 17,000 residential units in the country, he said.

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Thousands of families have fled from the attacks, many of them to the north of Iran, Gutierrez said. "De-escalation remains critical to preventing further human suffering, and the protection of civilians must be an absolute priority, he added.

NATO intercepts third Iranian missile over Turkey

NATO has again intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading towards Turkey, the alliance's spokeswoman Allison Hart said: "NATO remains vigilant and stands firm in its defence of all allies."

A ballistic missile launched from Iran was neutralized by NATO air-defence systems as it entered Turkish airspace on Friday, Turkey's Defence Ministry said earlier, marking the third such incident since March 4.

Iranian attacks hit Oman and Israel

While the missile heading for Turkey was intercepted, Iran did launch other strikes in the region on Friday.

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Two people died in Oman due to a falling drone and several others were injured in a suspected Iranian attack, the Oman News Agency reported.

Fifty-eight people were injured overnight in an Iranian missile attack that hit an Arab village in northern Israel, authorities said.

One woman suffered moderate injuries from shrapnel, while the others suffered minor injuries from glass splinters, Israel's emergency service Magen David Adom said.
March 13 (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the U.S. wants to "divide Europe" and doesn't "like the European Union" in an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday, after more than a year of turmoil in transatlantic relations.

"What I think is actually important for everybody to understand is that the U.S. has been very clear that they want to divide Europe. They don't like the European Union," Kallas told the FT.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted the European Union in his second term, imposing tariffs on member countries and others and talking about annexing Greenland - a move that could effectively end the NATO alliance.

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This week, Trump's administration launched trade investigations into the EU and other countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, over what it said were unfair trade practices. Under the investigation, the countries could face new tariffs by this summer, after the U.S. Supreme Court tore down much of Trump's tariff program last month.

Kallas said the United States' approach to the EU echoed tactics used by the bloc's adversaries, according to the FT.

EU countries should not be looking to deal with Trump bilaterally, she said, and instead should deal with him together, "because we are equal powers when we are together," the FT reported.

On defence, however, Kallas said the bloc needed "to buy from America because we don't have the assets or the possibilities or the capabilities that we need," adding that Europe needed to invest in its own defence industry.

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Tom Hogue)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) celebrated the formal opening of the Paul H. Bud Holmes Criminal Justice Building. This is the newly renovated home for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 13, 2026.

This state-of-the-art facility, which has undergone a $16.6 million renovation, is the result of generous support from alumnus Paul H. Bud Holmes and strategic investments by the State of Mississippi and the university.

Southern Miss honors Richard Gaines with plaque

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Adjacent to M.M. Roberts Stadium, the Holmes Criminal Justice Building will provide students with modern spaces designed for hands-on learning, collaboration and real-life experiences, including specialized laboratories and an academic courtroom.

Today is a day of pride, gratitude and promise for our University and for the future of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. The pursuit of justice is a profound calling, one that demands courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving others, said Dr. Joseph Paul, president of USM. This facility ensures they will graduate ready to enter courtrooms, laboratories and agencies with confidence  prepared to shoulder responsibility, to seek truth and to serve with honor.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) celebrated the formal opening of the Paul H. Bud Holmes Criminal Justice Building. (Courtesy: USM)

The renovated facility is designed to align with real-world career preparation. With new classroom spaces, collaborative study areas, advanced forensic science labs and a mock courtroom, students will have unprecedented opportunities that mirror on-the-job training.

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Utah Transit Authority officials are urging people to brace for delays if they plan to ride TRAX to or from Salt Lake City International Airport this weekend.

Delays of 30 to 45 minutes are possible on Saturday and Sunday, while Utah Department of Transportation crews carry out maintenance work on the I-215 bridge over North Temple, which is located over UTAs green line.

The agency says it will suspend light-rail service and rely on a bus bridge between its Airport and North Temple Bridge/Guadalupe stations. The bus will also carry passengers to the Jackson/Euclid, Fairpark, Power and 1940 W. North Temple stations located west of the temporary light-rail endpoint.

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Regular service will resume on Monday, but a pair of similar weekend shutdowns are expected in July and August this summer, before UDOT completes the bridge project in the fall.

Other TRAX projects to be carried out this year

This weekends closure essentially marks the beginning of the transit construction season, which includes a few other essential maintenance projects on light-rail and commuter rail throughout the next few months.

Delays are expected along another stretch of the green line in West Valley City, March 26-28, as well by the lines Decker Lake Station. A bus bridge will carry passengers between the River Trail and West Valley Central stations, creating 15- to 30-minute delays at that time. A similar closure is anticipated for a few days in September.

Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected along the red line later this month, while UTA works on a tunnel project toward the southern end of the Salt Lake Valley. The project will cause trains to share the track between Fashion Place and Bingham Junction stations from March 22 through March 29.

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A few other maintenance and infrastructure upgrades will also cause a few other delays this year, but none might be bigger than a project to rebuild the grade crossing at 2100 South  a section of the line shared by all three TRAX lines.

The project, slated to begin on May 24 and last nearly a month, will force riders to use a bus bridge to connect between Salt Lake City and the southern and western ends of the valley. All southbound trains will stop at Ballpark Station (1300 South), and bus bridges will be used to take red and blue line passengers to Meadowbrook Station or River Trail Station for green line passengers.

Its slated to end on June 20.

S-Line set to begin this spring

Meanwhile, UTA is expected to begin work to extend its S-Line streetcar farther into Sugar House this spring. Construction on the $43.2 million project is anticipated to begin by late April, said Danny Walz, director of the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency, in a meeting on Tuesday.

The S-Line train pulls up to the end of the line in Sugar House on Monday. Utah Transit Authority and Salt Lake City are seeking to extend the line to Highland Drive. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The agency is working to finalize a funding agreement with UTA over the project before construction begins, as it includes the demolition of some Reinvestment Agency-owned properties in the area.

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The expansion was originally supposed to continue along Sugarmont Drive to Highland Drive when state officials granted the first $12 million in 2021, but plans have since changed. It will now travel south toward Simpson Road, before crossing Highland Drive and stopping at the western edge of Sugar House Shopping Center.

Service to the new station is expected to be available as early as 2027, according to UTA.
Utah is poised to create new zones to eventually make its goal of capturing 20% to 25% of the countrys critical minerals demand a reality. The state also has its heart set on even extracting minerals from coal or copper mining tailings, and to build a lab where government, industry players and academia can collaborate.

Ogden Republican Sen. Ann Millner, who sponsored a bill the Legislature passed setting the framework to advance mining in the state, said the state has lots of potential, starting with hosting 50 of 60 critical minerals, the most diverse mineral estate of any state, according to the Legislature.

Our goal is to determine which of those are extractable in an economically feasible way, and facilitate processes for doing that, Millner said, and processing it that does it in a way thats environmentally sound as well.

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But all those objectives will take time and may need future federal funding to come to fruition.

In a resolution lawmakers also passed this year, state leaders called on Utahs congressional delegation to support a proposed Minerals for Industrial, National, and Economic Security Center (MINES Center), to secure a designation as a national lab, and to seek federal dollars for it.

We have put some money in from the state, and we should be able to get, at this point, $1 million a year for the next 10 years, but thats a really slow build, and our goal would be to see if we can also use that as matching money to be able to get additional federal money, Millner said, because this is a critical national security issue that this administration is focused on.

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The vision is that the lab becomes the critical minerals counterpart of the Idaho National Laboratory, which focuses on nuclear energy innovation. Millner said its going to look more like a warehouse.

This is kind of a working center that allows you to buy some equipment, to have some folks who have mining expertise, who can work with industry coming in, she said. And instead of a company buying an expensive piece of equipment, they just lease some time working with some folks with expertise, etc. it saves them money, but allows us to facilitate that across multiple companies.

Members of a newly created Critical Minerals Council  bringing together representatives from state agencies, the Legislature, the University of Utah and the mining industry  are required to present initial plans on the lab and any progress on critical minerals strategies before Oct. 1.

Let us know what you think...

As of now, Millner said she has no idea how much money the state will need to power its critical minerals ambitions. But the bill, she added, sets us up and makes us ready to be able to compete if opportunities come.

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Senate Budget Chair Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, told reporters in early February, when the bill was still in negotiations that the cost is a lot. However, he said there are a lot of ways to finance something like that, if thats the direction we elect to go.

A leadership priority

During his opening speech this general session, Senate President Stuart Adams highlighted the states desire to embark on a quest to expand critical minerals, especially, since Ionic Mineral Technologies found what they say may be the most significant critical minerals reserve in the country in the Silicon Ridge mine in Utah County.

The discovery, the company said in a news release, could represent a major source for elements needed for advanced AI semiconductor chips, permanent magnets, defense surveillance systems, and energy technologies.

During the speech, Adams introduced Adam Cohen, president and CEO of Associated Universities Inc (AUI), a research management corporation. Cohen helped oversee 13 of the 17 U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories while he worked for the agency, and Adams said, has laid the groundwork for this new lab.

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Hes been working and studying the entire United States for the last seven years. Hes determined that Utah is the best location for a critical minerals lab, said Adams, R-Layton.

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Robert Kiyosaki, renowned entrepreneur and author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, analysed the rationale behind Indias involvement in the first new U.S. oil refinery in half a century, hailed by President Donald Trump.

The refinery in Brownsville, Texas, is part of a $300 billion investment to be backed by Reliance Industries over two decades. The company is owned by India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani.



Notably, Reliance operates the worlds largest oil refining complex in Jamnagar, India.

Kiyosaki, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, highlighted that as the worlds attention was on Iran, Trump quietly seized control of Venezuelas oil sector, which boasts the largest proven oil reserves globally. However, Venezuelan oil is heavy with high sulphur and requires specialized refining equipment, which most American refineries lack.

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Interestingly, Reliances Jamnagar refinery, handling over 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day, is equipped to process this type of oil. It is one of the most sophisticated heavy crude processing facilities globally. Kiyosaki also pointed out that Reliance was already importing Venezuelan crude before U.S. sanctions. They know the oil.

Kiyosaki suggested that Reliance's involvement is "not a coincidence," but rather a "calculated positioning" by India after China lost access to Venezuelan oil following the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro in January.

Texas Refinery Plan Amid Oil Market Turmoil

The establishment of the new historic refinery, unveiled by Trump, comes as part of an effort to boost domestic energy production and deepen economic ties with global partners. It is designed to process American light shale oil from the Permian Basin, with an estimated 1.2 billion barrels to be processed over the next two decades.

See Also: Own the Characters, Not Just the Content: Inside a Fast-Growing Pre-IPO IP Company

As for Venezuela, years of political turmoil and restrictions have left most of its oil stranded. The U.S. actions in the Latin American nation are aimed at gaining broader access to its heavy crude and potentially opening more opportunities for American oil majors like Chevron Corp., Halliburton Co. and Valero Energy Corp..

Meanwhile, the escalating tensions in the Middle East have rattled global markets, causing oil prices to surge. When last checked, WTI crude oil traded over 6% higher at $92.54 per barrel. The unfolding deals could potentially reshape trade flows, production levels, and refining economics.
Most Democratic candidates for Utahs new  and very blue  1st Congressional District participated in a town hall on Monday where they unanimously accused Israel of genocide, endorsed transgender treatments for minors and called for abolishing ICE.

The event, hosted by Black Lives Matter and 71 Percent Coalition, an anti-Israel advocacy group, showcased the competition among primary contenders to prove their progressive bonafides.

Rep. Ben McAdams, who raised more money last year than his seven opponents combined, did not attend the event. The former Salt Lake County mayor has attempted to find a more moderate balance between opposition to former President Donald Trump and coalition building.

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State Sen. Kathleen Riebe, who ran for Congress in 2023, also did not attend. But she told the Deseret News she agreed with the stances taken by the six town hall participants on Israel, transgender treatments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This week candidates will officially file with the state election office now that a court-ordered congressional district map has been finalized, upending Utahs political landscape and giving Democrats a rare opportunity to define themselves on the national stage.

But the partisan pressures of a downtown Salt Lake City district, where Kamala Harris won by 23 percentage points in 2024, appear to be pushing candidates toward extreme positions that a new national poll suggests may be out of touch with most Democratic voters.

The Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 2, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

How left can you go?

Mondays town hall featured little debate. The candidates found consensus trying to outdo each other in their eagerness to tax the rich, pass the Green New Deal and cut off aid to Israel. The U.S. and Israel are currently committing a crime of aggression against Iran, they concurred.

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Attorney Michael Farrell said of his preferred policy, not another penny for Israel, while self-described democratic socialist Luis Villarreal said Israel is not a real country. It is an evil and deeply fascistic economic arm of the United States capital interests, to which the crowd cheered.

Salt Lake City council member Eva Lopez Chavez said the U.S. should prosecute Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And, like every other candidate present, she criticized Utahs law prohibiting Utah from contracting with companies that boycott Israel.

Much of the conversation focused on programs of redistribution  including higher tax rates to ensure there are less billionaires. Former tech lobbyist Liban Mohamed called for a new wealth tax to fund universal health care, child care and pre-K schools.

Candidates also backed major reforms to the U.S. government. Former state Sen. Derek Kitchen proposed expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, one for each circuit court, enacting term limits for justices, and overhauling campaign finance rules.

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Former state Sen. Nate Blouin knocked McAdams for voting against pro-union legislation while in Congress and mentioned bills he introduced  which never made it to a floor vote  that would have repealed Utahs right to work law and raised the minimum wage.

Nationwide Democratic disconnect?

Part of the stage with the DNC logo is seen at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. | Brynn Anderson, Associated Press

Blouin, who has raised more money than his fellow town hall participants put together, framed himself as the only progressive candidate who can win, pointing to endorsements from notable progressives like U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

Weve built the only coalition capable of defeating the Democratic establishment in Utahs 1st Congressional District, Blouin said in a statement to the Deseret News. We dont need another Democrat who will vote for more war and less healthcare.

However, a new Manhattan Institute poll suggests the 1st District race may reflect a national disconnect between the Democratic Party and its voters, with 38% saying the party should move toward the center, 26% saying it is in the right place and 22% saying it should move toward the left.

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The poll found that only 21% of Democrats say youth under 18 should be eligible for transgender treatments, 13% say Israel is an illegitimate state that is responsible for all the violence after its founding and 11% say there should be no focus on deporting immigrants in the country illegally.

There is clearly a dynamic at play here where the Democratic voter is much more moderate than the median professional Democrat, the polls author, Jesse Arm, said. Democratic politicians, all of the incentives for them point toward ideological escalation rather than moderation.

This is because of the extensive network of nonprofits, activists, donors and unions on the political left that place pressure on Democratic candidates during primaries to reflect their priorities, even if it is not what a majority of voters want, Arm told the Deseret News.

To be, or not to be ... a socialist?

In a statement to the Deseret News, McAdams said his campaign is about real progress for Utahns, not empty rhetoric and strongly worded tweets. He highlighted his role in expanding Medicaid and passing a landmark LGBTQ nondiscrimination compromise in Utah.

Ben McAdams talks with the media after he officially filed the paperwork to run in Utahs 1st Congressional District at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, March 9, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

But this record of progressive results does not need to come at the expense of building coalitions and trying to be a unifying figure, McAdams told the Deseret News on Monday. While Im somebody who takes courageous stands, Ive never been polarizing, McAdams said.

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Riebe, who has focused on funding education and forming relationships with rural Utah, said the top issues animating Utahns are government debt and executive overreach on immigration. She believes a lurch to the left could make the Democratic nominee less responsive to Utahns needs.

To be too far left would hinder our ability to build those alliances and move our Democratic values forward, Riebe told the Deseret News. When you push to the left, youre trying to move the conversation, but if you move too far to the left, youre alienating too many people.

However, a recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found Utah Democrats may be more open to left-leaning politics than their national counterparts. Fifty-one percent of Utah Democrats said they have a favorable view of socialism, 65% approved of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and 71% favored democratic socialism.

On Monday, the six Democrats on stage appeared poised to spearhead that shift. The candidates jumped behind debt-free higher education, single-payer health insurance and low-barrier housing  all while joking about which candidate actually occupied the chair furthest to the left.

Correction: A previous version of the story said Eva Lopez Chavez is a member of the Salt Lake County Council. She is a member of the Salt Lake City Council.
Sen. Luz Escamilla paused to gather herself before presenting her plan to help the state find children being severely abused or neglected in their own homes. Sitting before a committee of lawmakers last month, she fought tears and held up a photo of 12-year-old Gavin Peterson.

There were multiple reports. There were concerns. There were red flags, and yet for a year  for the last year of his life  DCFS was unable to get eyes on him, Escamilla said, referring to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.

Gavin, of West Haven, arrived at an emergency room in July 2024, malnourished to the point his organs were failing. But it was too late to save him, said Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City. Now the boys stepmother, father and older brother are serving prison sentences for their roles in his death. Escamilla believes the state bears responsibility, too.

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This is not just a loophole. This is a failure of the state of Utah, she said.

Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla holds a photo of Gavin Peterson, a Utah boy who died of malnourishment, as she presents to the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 26, 2026. (Screenshot of a video recording provided by the Utah Legislature).

But what Escamilla sees as a critical step to close the gap, many of her colleagues see as an infringement on parental rights and an inadequate remedy. The proposal, SB124, sailed through the Senate but hit a dead end when the Utah House of Representatives voted it down, 43-30, during the last week of the 2026 Legislature.

That was not the solution, House Speaker Mike Schultz told reporters on March 6, in the final hours of the legislative session. In his view, the bill wouldnt have helped Gavin if it were in place before his death and DCFS didnt take an already available path to help the boy, Schultz said. The division, for its part, has said it did investigate several times.

House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, convenes with lawmakers in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

The same day Gavin died  July 9, 2024  Escamilla said she and other lawmakers at the Capitol listened as Kevin Franke pleaded with them to change the law.

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With the help of her business partner, he said his former wife, a parenting influencer, dodged caseworkers efforts to check on their children by ignoring calls and knocks at the door, and by keeping the kids isolated. The abuse wasnt discovered until a malnourished 12-year-old escaped the home and ran to a neighbor for help. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were both convicted of aggravated child abuse and sentenced to prison in 2024 in a case that made headlines worldwide.

After more than a year of study and with the backing of DCFS, Escamilla said the solution is to make clear that judges can grant the agency access to enter a home when caseworkers have failed to see a child despite diligent efforts. For a judge to sign the warrant giving DCFS that power, she said, the facts must support a credible threat to a childs health, safety or welfare.

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Escamilla said the standard of proof would be probable cause  or reasonable grounds to believe something occurred  which is the same standard police use in making an arrest. She emphasized her proposal wouldnt give the state any more power than it already has to remove a child from a home and doesnt pertain to that type of warrant.

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The bill had the support of the Utah Office of Families, the Utah PTA, and the five members of the bipartisan Child Legislative Oversight Panel.

After it failed, Kevin Franke told KSL NewsRadio that Franke and Hildebrandt would be thrilled with our state Legislature. Because essentially the Legislature said its more important that they maintain their right to hide child abuse than it is to actually protect our children.

Critics at the Capitol said the proposal went too far. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, said she saw the legislation as allowing DCFS to enter into Utah homes based on allegations rather than evidence.

It is tragic, it is absolutely tragic, but I dont believe the mishandling of some cases is enough to open the door on parental rights for everyone else, Gricius told colleagues on the House floor.

Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, speaks during a meeting of the Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee during a special legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, noted a recent audit of DCFS found it failed to meet its own standards for investigations. She encouraged her colleagues to press pause before taking a step that could give the agency greater authority.

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The conservative Utah Eagle Forum has argued DCFS already has too much power, with one of its representatives, Olivia Dawn, telling the House panel that a false report ended in months of agony for her family as they faced losing custody of a child, only for a judge to dismiss the case.

Another bill related to child welfare failed this year. HB434 would have sought to limit how much information can be blacked out in fatality reviews given to the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel, a response to the audits finding that the Office of Service Review within the Department of Health and Human Services redacted more information than necessary.

A proposal focused on Utahs family court system, HB303, passed with broad support. The bill follows up on legislation passed two years ago requiring judges to prioritize child safety in decisions about child custody. This years measure defines coercive control so judges may better recognize any patterns of abusive behavior in child custody cases. It awaits a signature from the governor.

Correction: An earlier version incorrectly stated the Division of Child and Family Services redacted information from fatality reviews. An agency under the umbrella of the Utah Department of Health And Human Services  the Office of Service Review  composes and redacts the reports.

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Last October, Utah Sens. Mike Lee, R, and John Curtis, R, introduced a bill to transfer 124 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management to the city of Price, Utah.

The Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025 would give the large tract of land to the city  part of Carbon County, a historically significant coal mining region  so it can develop a reservoir along the Price River, supporting the communitys water needs amid the states long-term drought conditions.

The bill stalled in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. That was until last week when, after some tweaks to the otherwise concise language, the bill passed unanimously for full consideration by the Senate.

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Im grateful for my colleagues support in passing the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act unanimously through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Lee wrote in a statement to the Deseret News. I look forward to getting this bill to the Presidents desk and delivering the water storage infrastructure the people of Price have been planning for to strengthen their water supply during ongoing drought conditions.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, left, meets with Mark Wait, second from left, Lee's chief of staff, and other staff members in his office in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. | Jordan Roberts

Depending on the year, as many as tens of thousands of acres are disposed of by federal land management agencies to various local and state entities for a wide variety of reasons. The transfers are conducted to facilitate anything from road building, meeting infrastructure requirements, to park planning, which makes such transfers of federal land to state or city control somewhat routine.

Often, those transfers are done as land swaps of comparable acreage between the two entities or involve some kind of financial exchange. The bills themselves, too, also include text called reversionary language.

Its a term that refers to legal language confirming the public lands being transferred will be used for public purposes and that, if they are not used for those agreed-upon purposes, theyll return to the federal government.

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The Price land transfer is not a swap, nor is there payment. And it was unusual in that it initially did not include reversionary legalese. After negotiations within the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, however, that bar to the land being used for other purposes was added.

If the Secretary, after consultation with the State of Utah, determines that the Federal land conveyed under subsection (a) was used by (Price) for a use not authorized under that subsection, all right, title, and interest in and to the Federal land shall revert to the United States, at the discretion of the Secretary (of the Interior), reads the current iteration of the bill.

Once included, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-NM, the committees ranking Democrat, wrote in a statement on his website that he was glad that the bill would move forward.

I am also glad Chairman Lee and I were able to come to some agreement on S. 3004 [the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025] to convey public land for the city of Price, Utah, to be used for public purposes, Heinrich wrote.

How will the land be used?

Motorists travel along a portion of U.S. Highway 6, which runs beside the Price River and north of the city of Price, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The purpose of the land transfer is to allow the city of Price to develop what it is calling the Upper Price River Watershed Project. The municipality is going to build and manage a reservoir along the Price River.

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The Lower Price River Reservoir, (is) a 7,000-acre-foot facility that will increase storage capacity, improve delivery systems, and make better use of the water already available in the watershed, per the joint statement from Lee and Curtis.

That reservoir will allow the city to address its ongoing water shortages resulting from the droughts much of the West is experiencing.

These conditions are causing recurring water shortages that threaten farms and local economies, per the press release.

Approximately 80% of Utah was under severe or extreme drought conditions last fall when the bill was introduced. By this February, around 42% of the state is under severe or extreme drought. But, even though the number dropped after the winter, 94% of the state still remains under some form of drought condition.

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The people of Price have taken the steps necessary to secure their communitys water needs and protect against the next cycle of drought, said Lee at the time. The years of planning that have gone into this project will provide a stable supply of water for homes, farms and businesses across the region. Im proud to be part of an effort that will ensure Utahns have the tools they need to endure and adapt to the realities of a changing West.

As the bill reads now, that will be the sole use of the transferred land. S.3004 reads: The Secretary (of the Interior) shall convey to the (Price) all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land, to be used by the City for public purposes, including (1) the construction of a reservoir and related infrastructure; and (2) the development and expansion of infrastructure for public safety, transportation, or use of and access to the reservoir."

Why wasnt that language included initially?

Reversionary language can prove difficult and expensive to navigate when unexpected changes occur in the course of development. Or, in one case familiar to some Utahns, over time.

That example is the University of Utahs Research Park, the former site of a decommissioned military base called Fort Douglas that was under Bureau of Land Management control.

The University of Utah's Research Park is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 27, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The BLM transferred 593 acres to the university on October, 18, 1968, with a very clear reversionary clause included in the bills language.

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The intent of that land transfer was that the acreage be used for purposes of academic expansion of the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, Utah, for an arboretum, and for highway and utility rights-of-way to serve those purposes.

That tract of land now contains a whole complex of university buildings used for tech, education and medicine. After reviewing the parcel and the agreement of the transfer, the BLM found that the University was not in compliance with its agreements.

Over the years, the University of Utah did approach the BLM to make amendments addressing how that land has been developed, but it ultimately took Congressional action to prevent further stress and issues for the University of Utah.

Is this similar to another recent land transfer?

This bill is actually the second introduced by this Senate committee transferring federal public land to the state of Utah that did not include payment, land swaps or reversionary language in the first draft.

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The other was the Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act, which passed last year. That land transfer was conducted to help the town of Brian Head develop a new ski resort on an adjacent 24-acre parcel of public land.

In that case, the town of fewer than 200 people struggles to keep up with the 300,000 or so visitors it gets each ski season and the land will allow the city to better manage its seasonal needs.

A skier is pictured at Brian Head Ski Resort in 2023. | Jessee Lynch, Brian Head Resort

Its a targeted solution to a well-documented, undisputed problem, a problem that the Forest Service agrees exists and a solution that the Forest Service supports, Lee said to Deseret News at the time.

Consistent in his thinking about both transfers, Heinrich wanted to make sure that public lands were being used for public purposes. My view is pretty straightforward here, Heinrich said ahead of that committee vote. Public lands belong in public hands.

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That bill didnt just receive pushback from Heinrich. Conservationists and activists were quick to comment.

The Brian Head bill is a public lands giveaway bill, plain and simple, said Travis Hammill, the Washington, DC, director of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, in a statement. He added the legislation would set a precedent for future attempts to give away public lands without public input, appropriate compensation, environmental review or other important legislative components.

Reversionary language was added before the bill passed, just as it was for the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025.
EVANSVILLE  The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office on Thursday received 85 emergency trauma kits that officials say will allow deputies to treat life-threatening wounds at the scene of shootings, car crashes and other emergencies before paramedics arrive.

The kits, donated by the Indianapolis-based Central Indiana Police Foundation after more than a year of local fundraising, include tourniquets, chest seals and bleeding-control materials designed to stabilize victims long enough to reach an emergency room.

"I have zero doubt that these kits are going to save lives," Sheriff Noah Robinson said at a news conference Thursday morning at VCSO headquarters. "I don't look forward to the day that we have to use them, because that means a tragedy happened. But I do look forward to the day that we can save a life."

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The announcement marks the second phase of a longterm effort by the Central Indiana Police Foundation to place trauma kits with law enforcement agencies across 32 southern Indiana counties. The foundation has already distributed more than 4,000 kits to central Indiana agencies since its founding in 2013. Phase 1 of the southern Indiana expansion placed 388 kits across 10 counties.

In addition to the VCSO, the University of Southern Indiana's public safety department received 12 kits as part of the second phase. The Evansville Police Department is expected to receive kits in the near future.

Robinson said the kits address a structural reality of emergency response that many residents may not fully appreciate: deputies are often the first to arrive at a medical emergency, not paramedics.

Trauma kits containing a tourniquet, chest seals and other life-saving medical gear on display at the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

"The fire department is coming from their stations, and the ambulance crews  there's just not that many of them," Robinson said. "It just happens that the sheriff's office typically arrives to locations first, and so now we'll be in a position to do the most good as quickly as possible."

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Each kit costs about $120. It's designed to be velcroed to the passenger-seat headrest of a deputy's vehicle, making it immediately visible and accessible at any scene. Robinson noted that many agencies keep medical equipment in their trunks, where it may be difficult to locate quickly at the scene of an emergency  where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

"Every officer in a region knows where that bag is, and they know exactly what's in that bag," said Bill Westfall, a volunteer with the Central Indiana Police Foundation. "Conversely  where is your bag? Maybe in the trunk. And what's in it? I don't know."'

Westfall traced the origins of the trauma kit effort to a 2008 incident in Indianapolis, when officer Jason Fishburn was shot in the head while pursuing a murder suspect on foot. Fishburn survived  doctors initially estimated his odds at 1 percent  only because a former Army corpsman happened to be nearby and used his own personal trauma kit before help arrived. Fishburn can no longer work but is still alive today, Westfall said.

"His immediate response to Jason probably saved his life," Westfall said.

Central Indiana Police Foundation volunteer Bill Westfall speaks to the press Thursday, March 12, 2026, about new trauma kits the foundation provided to Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office deputies and University of Southern Indiana public safety personnel.

The foundation's kits have since saved numerous lives in the Indianapolis area, Westfall said, including a 9-year-old struck by a stray bullet within hours of the kits' initial deployment, and three victims during the FedEx facility shooting in Indianapolis. Westfall said the kits have saved more civilian lives  including those of potential criminal suspects  than officer lives.

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"I am convinced that one of these, one day, will save a life in southern Indiana," he said.

Robinson called Thursday's deployment the next step in the sheriff's office's long-term commitment to emergency preparedness, following earlier expansions of automated external defibrillators and tourniquets. Vanderburgh County Commissioners Amy Canterbury and Mike Goebel attended the announcement.

Fundraising to complete the Evansville-area deployment is not finished. Westfall said the foundation still needs to raise funds for approximately 280 additional kits  about $33,600  to fully equip agencies in the region. He said the effort would continue until every squad car in Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville is equipped.

Houston may be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Vanderburgh County Sheriff receives 85 trauma kits | Evansville
Rust, or corrosion, is a silent enemy that has been plaguing the United States Navy and its sea-going vessels as long as they've been at sea. In the viral photograph below, you can see evidence of the rust caused by an unrelenting barrage of saltwater spray.

The Navy ship in question is the USS Dewey (DDG 105), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. The photo was captured as it pulled into port at Sembawang, Singapore, on February 18, 2025. With hundreds of shares across various social media platforms, comments surrounding that photograph express concern over the ship's readiness and the Navy's apparent lack of concern for its maintenance. However, similar to how you protect your car from rust, the Navy invests considerable time and effort in combating the silent enemy attacking its ships.

The Navy notes that its ships are designed to endure the harsh climate associated with life on and near the ocean, but preventive maintenance to reduce rust damage is never-ending. Over the years, the Navy's war on rust involved boatswain's mates and other Sailors assigned to the deck department cleaning, sanding, and painting surfaces inside and out of their assigned ships. However, a new plan of attack rolled out in February 2026 will take the battle to the next level.

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Read more: 5 Weapons That Could Actually Sink A US Aircraft Carrier

The US Navy's revised war on rust

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) sails in the Timor Sea during Exercise Kakadu 2024 - United States Navy / Wikimedia Commons

A video released by the U.S. Defense News YouTube channel reports on a new plan being instituted by the Navy to fight rust on its warships. The multi-pronged plan aims to improve the outward appearance of Navy ships, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure readiness of the fleet after "years of deferred corrosion work." The Navy's war on rust is nothing new. It's been ongoing since the Navy began using ferrous metals on its wooden ships, way before the first steel-hulled Navy ships entered the fleet in 1886. While the U.S. Navy still uses ships with wooden hulls, the majority of its current warship fleet is made primarily of steel.

The Navy's newly released plan to combat rust on its ships starts with their design. Improved designs, which could be incorporated into the U.S. Navy's newest battleships, allow seawater to fully drain from the ships' surfaces to help reduce standing water that can seep into crevices and cause corrosion. At the same time, employing rust-resistant materials, like composites and stainless steel, for fittings and structures reduces maintenance efforts, which can be refocused elsewhere.

A key part of the new plan is ensuring all existing rust is removed before painting. Sailors performing the task at sea are encouraged not to paint over rust on surfaces. They're also receiving improved tools and cleaners to make the job more effective. When ships are docked at shipyards for maintenance, dedicated teams of contractors employ specialized methods to control corrosion and install new fittings and scuppers with improved water-shedding designs.

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Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joined his counterparts in 20 other states to challenge regulations President Donald Trump put forth in his first term that expanded exemptions allowing employers to exclude no-cost birth control from insurance plans.

The Affordable Care Act includes requirements that insurers cover contraception, but regulations established in Trumps first term broadened exceptions for employers and universities with religious or moral objections, enabling them to exclude free birth control from the insurance plans they offer employees.

Legal challenges against the regulations have ensued for years; Jones and others are now urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to affirm a previous district court ruling that found the regulations unlawful.

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In a statement, Jones accused Trump of attempting to rewrite the ACA by creating sweeping exemptions.

This effort is about nothing more than dismantling a core protection of the Affordable Care Act, eroding coverage, and shifting the cost of contraception onto women, families and states like Virginia. he said. When the federal government ignores the law and undermines access to basic health care, states have a responsibility to stand up. Virginia is doing exactly that to ensure that Donald Trumps unlawful rollback of contraceptive coverage does not stand.

The legal back-and-forth comes as Virginia lawmakers consider two measures to protect contraception access at the state level.

A giant inflatable intrauterine device is displayed outside of Virginias Capitol on Feb. 7, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

First, a broad reproductive rights constitutional amendment is expected to appear on ballots statewide this November. It would enshrine protections for contraception, fertility treatments and abortion access in the states constitution, if voters approve it later this year. It too is subject to ongoing litigation.

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Amending or expanding the constitution is a longer process than passing a single law, which also makes it harder to take things out. As the least restrictive southern state when it comes to abortion access in particular, approving the amendment would ensure Virginia retains that status.

Secondly, the legislature is advancing a right-to-contraception law that could ensure access and create standing for lawsuits if someones right is infringed upon. The proposal has previously been vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin but would likely be signed if it makes it to Gov. Abigail Spanbergers desk this year.

One of the proposals authors, Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, has emphasized that contraception is more than family planning, as she uses it personally to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms. People with endometriosis sometimes use contraception to treat that condition as well.

From Trumps regulations being challenged by Jones and other states, to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has interest in undoing federal contraception protections, Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, said in a recent interview: we know that there is a serious threat.

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Carroll Foy is author of the senate version of the proposal. She and Price explored how to reconcile differences between their bills so that the measure can make it to Spanbergers desk.

Carroll Foys version of the bill was adjusted during the legislative session to make some Republicans feel a lot more comfortable about supporting the bill, she said.

The tweak entails reiterating a separate part of existing state code that outlines minors access to contraception and how they would need parental consent for surgeries.

In carrying the contraception bill over the years, Price has staved off such an amendment by calling it redundant.

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We do not restate current law in every single bill that we bring forward, we allow existing code to speak for itself, Price said last year.

When cognate bills pass each chamber with differences, they are put into a conference process to reconcile them. The conference report about Carroll Foy and Prices bills published Thursday excludes reiterating the state code concerning minors contraception access.

Once the bills make it to Spanbergers desk, she has until April 13 to sign them, seek amendments or veto them.

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AMES, Iowa  Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. CDT. The event, which is available at no cost, will feature a live discussion with Charlie Loewen, assistant professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University, and ecology and evolutionary biology graduate research assistants Daniel Edwards, Kaitlyn Sanchez and Grace Jackson.

The virtual field day aims to provide insights into both the ecological values of nutrient reduction wetlands and whether they might pose unintended risks.

Wetlands are very efficient at reducing nutrient loads from agricultural runoff before they reach downstream. However, relatively little is known about the biological co-benefits of restored wetlands in Iowa, including their ability to provide habitat to support local wildlife. It is also important to understand whether they may have any unintended consequences. For example, because wetlands are generally much more efficient at reducing nitrogen than phosphorus, they can alter the ratios of these key nutrients, notes Loewen. This is important because different organisms have different nutritional requirements and we may be creating situations where cyanobacteria, some of which can produce harmful toxins, have a competitive advantage over other organisms.

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In this innovative project, funded in part by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the focus is on how restoring wetlands, which are crucial to reducing nitrogen loads from agricultural fields, impacts the broader food web to maximize additional ecological benefits.

Any person interested in wetlands or water quality is welcome to attend the virtual field day. Participants are also encouraged to bring any questions they would like to ask.

Visit the Iowa Learning farms website to participate in the live virtual field day, "Co-benefits and Possible Unintended Consequences of Restoring Wetlands for Nutrient Reduction," or join from a dial-in phone line (dial 646-876-9923 or 646-931-3860, with meeting ID 914 1198 4892). The field day will be recorded and archived on the ILF Virtual Field Day Archive for future viewing.

Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply for and receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the event.

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

This article originally appeared on Farm Forum: Virtual field day to discuss impacts of restoring wetlands for nutrient reduction
BEIJING, March 13 (Reuters) - Volkswagen said on Friday it has begun mass production of its first model developed jointly with Chinese EV maker Xpeng, as the German carmaker targets a comeback in China with more than 20 new models to be launched this year.

The ID. UNYX 08, a full-size electric SUV, is part of Volkswagen's biggest-ever new energy vehicle push in China, a key market where it is scrambling to compete with local competitors such as BYD and Geely.

The new model - set to go on sale in the first half of this year - is emblematic of Volkswagen's revamped strategy in the world's biggest auto market, prioritising local development and quicker turnaround times.

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Volkswagen has previously said its new China-based architecture allows vehicles to be developed 30% faster. The company said it brought the ID. UNYX 08 to production in 24 months.

"Our 'in China, for China' strategy is delivering results," said Ralf Brandstatter, Volkswagen Group board member for China.

"With the ID. UNYX 08, we are launching the Group's largest electric vehicle offensive in China."

Europe's largest carmaker faces another tough year, dominated by tariffs and its battle to win back China - its single largest market, where it has lost ground to local rivals who have been quicker to roll out software-rich, lower-cost electric cars.

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Volkswagen was overtaken by Geely Auto in China sales last year, dropping to third place after losing its decade-long dominance to BYD in 2024.

Including the more than 20 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles set for launch in 2026, Volkswagen plans to bring a total of 50 new NEVs to market in China by 2030.

The ID. UNYX 08 is the result of a 2023 technology partnership with Xpeng, which provides Volkswagen with autonomous driving systems and the Turing AI chips used in the new vehicle.

A second jointly developed EV with Xpeng is set to be launched later this year.

Both vehicles will be built at Volkswagen's Hefei plant, west of Shanghai, which has annual capacity of 350,000 units and also produces the Cupra Tavascan SUV for export to Europe.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park and Zhang Yan; Editing by Kevin Buckland)
The Washington Legislature concluded its 2026 session Thursday evening after passing a batch of budgets and navigating late-breaking drama over the elimination of a data center tax break that threatened to throw lawmakers into a special session.

Sine Die for the 60-day sprint came around 8:30 p.m.

Passage of Democrats signature policy for the session, a tax on household income greater than $1 million a year, dominated conversation nearly every day. It gained final legislative approval in the Senate on Wednesday night, sending the bill to Gov. Bob Ferguson, who plans to sign it.

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Democrats attempts to shield the state from what they consider to be overreach by the Trump administration were another key theme this year.

The big objectives were to protect the state of Washington and our people against a hostile, malevolent federal administration, said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle. We made pretty good progress on that.

They used their majorities in the House and Senate to ban law enforcement from covering their faces, prevent the release of voter data, and ensure vaccine guidance is tied to recommendations from the state rather than the federal government.

That was a great session, especially considering its a short session, especially considering the challenges we faced, Ferguson told reporters.

Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks to reporters around 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 following adjournment of the 2026 legislative session. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

But Democratic leaders also acknowledged they left pressing issues on the table to deal with next year.

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These include regulating data centers, reforming the court system to address the states growing lawsuit payouts, funding public defense and potentially revisiting the model for public school funding. Ferguson added more money for constructing state ferries to that list.

For Republican minorities, the session was often an exercise in resistance against policies they deeply opposed.

They at times bogged down progress, heaping onto bills piles of amendments that stood no chance, but that devoured precious floor time. The most extreme example came with the income tax, which passed the House after one of the longest debates in the Legislatures history.

The final day

In the last hours, lawmakers attention turned, mostly, to approving operating, transportation and construction budgets.

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The $79.4 billion operating spending plan passed without any Republican votes. Democrats in the House and Senate both approved it over GOP objections and a number of Democratic defectors.

But not before a fire alarm led to an evacuation of the Capitol, delaying action further into the evening.

A fire truck outside the Washington state Capitol on the evening of March 12, after a fire alarm went off in the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

Apparently, some people think this budget is alarming, quipped Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, the chief Senate budget writer.

Democratic budget writers negotiated the final details of that spending plan, which makes changes to the $77.8 billion two-year budget approved last year that covers state funding from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

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It is precariously balanced through the combination of one-time maneuvers, a big withdrawal from the rainy day reserves and slashing of child care and early learning funding. And there is a $878 million budget hole lawmakers will need to confront next year.

Republicans say it sets the state on a trajectory for further budget problems in future years.

This budget is a ticking fiscal time bomb, said Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, the lead GOP budget-writer in the House. It spends money the state doesnt actually have.

We didnt solve the deficit, he added. We hid it with shell games and budget gimmicks.

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor during the marathon debate over Democrats income tax bill on March 9, 2026. The debate ran continuously for nearly 25 hours and is among the longest on record in the history of the Legislature. Couture wore red-lens glasses on and off during the session to block blue light for personal health reasons. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

Ferguson conceded there is further work to do to get the budget onto more solid ground.

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Were not out of the woods on that by any stretch of the imagination, Ferguson said, when asked about some of the maneuvers lawmakers used to balance the states finances this year. I think were on a trajectory of budgeting the way that (people) expect, living within our means.

The biggest pots of new spending deal with addressing the states growing lawsuit payouts for government misconduct and grappling with major federal changes to safety net programs.

The budget relies on little new revenue, just from eliminating some tax breaks. Ferguson said he doesnt plan to return next year pushing new taxes.

I wont be coming back next session, at this stage where we are now, looking for new taxes, Ferguson said. Theres a long way between now and then. Lets start with that. So I wont get too far down that road.

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Unlike the operating budget, the transportation and capital budgets received more bipartisan support.

Data center drama

While the session ended smoothly, it didnt always look like it would.

Throughout the day, House Democrats scrambled to get enough votes to pass the bill eliminating the data center tax break, claiming that the legislations failure would leave the budget unbalanced and potentially force legislators into a special session.

As the afternoon wore on, rumors of a special session gained volume as Democrats seemed hopelessly deadlocked. Eliminating the tax break stirred pushback from not just the large tech companies that operate data centers, but also union labor. Data center projects have become an important source of jobs for electricians.

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House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, admitted the bills fate looked in doubt. This was unfolding in the wake of a nearly 25-hour debate on the income tax that began Monday night and consumed all of Tuesday. That ate up floor time in the sessions critical final days.

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, presides over House proceedings just ahead of the 2026 sessions wrap-up. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

There was actually just a process of talking through with members, she told reporters in a post-session press conference. We did not think after Tuesday night that we would have the time to talk through with people and we did.

The bill will eliminate one of two tax preferences for data center operators. Data center operators in most Washington counties do not pay the 6.5% sales tax when purchasing new server equipment. And, they dont pay the tax when that equipment is replaced.

The bill approved Thursday will eliminate the replacement tax benefit, leaving in place the tax break for new data centers. Its estimated to bring in $63 million for the current budget and more than $140 million every two years.

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It passed on a 51-46 vote. Eight House Democrats ended up voting with Republicans, who claim the proposal will drive data centers, which have become economic powerhouses in some rural communities, out of the state.

I do not believe this sector needs to be entirely tax-free in order for Washingtonians to benefit from investment and jobs, said Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, before the vote took place.

Ferguson, who called for the tax break repeal in December, said Thursday night he would have been deeply concerned if it had not passed.
Valued at a market cap of $45.4 billion, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK) is a Milwaukee-based industrial automation and digital transformation company that provides hardware, software, and services used to automate manufacturing and industrial processes. It helps manufacturers improve efficiency, productivity, and operational intelligence through advanced automation technologies.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as "large-cap stocks." Rockwell fits right into that category. The company is widely considered one of the largest pure-play industrial automation companies globally, serving customers in more than 100 countries. Its solutions help manufacturers digitize operations and adopt technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), advanced analytics, and smart manufacturing systems.

More News from Barchart

ROK stock touched its 52-week high of $438.72 on Feb. 4 and is currently trading 14.9% below that peak. Meanwhile, the stock has plunged 9.6% over the past three months, outperforming the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLI) 7.5% surge over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

The stock has surged 6.5% over the past six months and 40.8% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the XLIs 10.9% gains over the past six months and 30.3% returns over the past year.

ROK stock has slipped below its 50-day moving average early last month, but has been trading above its 200-day moving average since early May.

www.barchart.com

On Feb. 17, Rockwell Automation announced that Perth County Ingredients, a leading supplier of dried egg products to global food, beverage and nutrition markets in Canada, had significantly improved its maintenance operations after implementing Rockwells Fiix computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and Fiix Asset Risk Predictor.

By deploying the Fiix platform, integrating plant programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with real-time machine data, and enabling mobile access for technicians, PCI transitioned to a proactive, data-driven maintenance strategy. The system now automatically generates work orders when equipment performance deviates from normal conditions, giving the company continuous asset visibility and helping reduce downtime, maintenance workload, and operational expenses. Investors welcomed the development, with ROK shares rising 2.1% in the following trading session.
ORLAND  Glenn County will once again play host to The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display in Orland, on March 26 through March 29, at Orland High School Stadium, 250 Roosevelt Avenue. The exhibition will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.

The wall previously visited Willows in 2016. This time, it will be joined with a mobile education center that will tell the story of the historic replica.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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The Wall will arrive with a special escort at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. The Wall will travel through Glenn County in a procession, arriving at 2 p.m. at the Orland High School Stadium. The next day, Wednesday, March 2, the wall will be built, and Taps will be sounded at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, March 26, guided tours will begin, and a welcoming ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. The Wall will then be open 24 hours for viewing.

On Friday, March 27, a ceremony intended to bring light to the effects of Agent Orange will take place at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the memorial will close the day with Taps at 7:30 p.m.

A closing ceremony marking National Vietnam Veterans Day will begin at noon on Sunday, March 29. The final hours to view the wall will be from 1 to 2 p.m., with closing remarks at 1:30 p.m.

Bringing the Wall That Heals to Orland is both an honor and a responsibility. Through collaboration between our Health and Human Services Agency and our Veterans Services Office, and with incredible support from our Glenn County Board of Supervisors, we are creating space for remembrance and healing, especially for our Vietnam Veterans who sacrificed all so that we can all live, said Laura Hawkins, Director of Glenn County Health and Human Services in the release announcing the event. She added that hosting this wall is just another way Orland continues to honor our veterans and ensure their legacy lives on.

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Orland is one of only two locations in California selected to host The Wall That Heals in 2026, marking a significant honor for Orland, our whole county, and its veteran community, said Yesmin Caro, Orland site host. The exhibit will be present on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day, March 29, providing a deeply meaningful opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and healing for all of us."

Glenn County District 4 Supervisor and Marine Veteran Jim Yoder shared the memorial's significance to him.

As a Marine Corps veteran, I know that service does not end when the uniform comes off, and neither does the impact of war, said Yoder. This wall is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. Having this memorial here in Orland, especially on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day, means our community can stand shoulder to shoulder with our veterans, honor their service, and carry forward their stories with respect.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Orland to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall, said Jim Knotts, President and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). "Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and to educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.

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A Larger-Than-Life Experience The Wall That Heals is larger than most traveling Vietnam memorial walls, making it a uniquely immersive experience. The three-quarter-scale replica measures 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. As visitors walk toward the apex, the wall rises above them, replicating the powerful design and emotional impact of the original memorial in Washington, D.C. Visitors may also complete name rubbings of individual service members.

The exhibit travels in a 53-foot tractor-trailer, which transforms on site into a mobile Education Center.

The Education Center includes:

 Hometown Heroes digital display, highlighting service members listed on The Wall whose home of record is within the local region

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 In Memory digital display, honoring local Vietnam veterans who returned home and later passed away

 Educational videos on the Vietnam War, the creation of The Wall, and its lasting national impact

 Exhibits featuring items left at The Wall in Washington, D.C.

 A Vietnam War timeline, historical context panels, and a replica In Memory plaque

Together, the exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, the era surrounding it, and how The Wall transformed how America honors its veterans.

USAA returns as the presenting sponsor for the 12th consecutive year, having partnered with VVMF to bring the exhibit to more than 300 communities nationwide. Wipfli returns as a sponsor for the second year. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association, the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit can travel across the country. This effort is being brought to Orland through a collaborative partnership between the Glenn County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) including our Glenn County Veterans Services Office and Orland High School, working alongside local veterans' organizations, Orland VFW, community partners, and volunteers to ensure the exhibit is accessible, respectful, and impactful for veterans, families, and the broader community. Local monetary sponsors, listed in no particular order, include: John McDermott (first sponsor), David Kelly, Vanessa Hannah, PG&E, Corning Ford, Willows Fire Dept, Artois Fire Dept, OWIC, Orland ACE, Colusa ACE-Messick, Willows ACE-Alsco Geyer, Willows City Council, Willows VFW, Colusa VFW, Organic Roots, Colusa Flooring, Jameson's on 5th, and Partnership Health Plan of California with many more expected to join our growing list of donors.

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Community volunteers are essential to the success of The Wall That Heals and will assist with greeting visitors, staffing information areas, and maintaining the site's reflective environment. Two VVMF staff members will be on site throughout the exhibit to support volunteers, educate visitors and students, and preserve the integrity of the memorial experience. To learn more about visiting, volunteering, or supporting The Wall That Heals in Orland, please visit https://www.countyofglenn.net/government/departments/health-human-services/veteransservices/wall-that-heals

Since its debut in 1996, The Wall That Heals has been displayed in more than 800 U.S. communities, including international visits to Ireland and Canada. It is the only traveling exhibit officially affiliated with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and includes the largest replica wall currently touring the country. More information can be found at: www.thewallthatheals.org.
A Colorado Springs couple who recently moved to Israel to share their music ministry is now back in the state, waiting out the war after airspace closures prevented them from returning to the Middle East. Mark Tedder and his wife, Carrie, moved to Jerusalem in January on a clergy visa but were in Italy when the conflict began nearly two weeks ago, leaving them unable to return.

The war started after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, killing its leader and escalating fighting across the region. The conflict has disrupted travel, closing parts of the region's airspace and leaving some travelers stranded abroad.

We went to Italy for a few days... and we couldnt get back into Israel, Tedder said. The skies were closed literally 48 hours after we got to Italy.

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The couple had moved to Jerusalem just two months earlier after years of traveling to the region to perform music for schools and soldiers during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tedder described their work as a form of ministry that uses music to help people process trauma.

Music is medicine," Tedder explained. "It's very therapeutic to people. Its healing to people. It touches an emotional part of who we are as humans."

Tedder and his wife were in Italy meeting up with other musicians when the strikes started. For days they tried to get a flight back to Israel but were unable to. With limited belongings and uncertain travel conditions, they decided to return to Colorado and wait until it was safe to go back. The couple left much of their life behind in Jerusalem, including their apartment, car and musical instruments.

Our musical instruments, Carries keyboard, I have two guitars over there in our apartment in Jerusalem  all of our clothing is there, Tedder explained. We left with very little to come to Colorado with.

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Despite the disruption, Tedder said his main concern is for the people he and his wife met while working in schools across Israel, especially children living through the conflict.

"A lot of these children are sleeping with their moms and dads and theyre 14-15 because theyre afraid, theres so much fear there," he said. Theyre used to running to these bomb shelters and children should never have to experience that kind of pain and trauma. I think returning, our job will be even more critical in Israel."

Tedder stressed his thoughts and prayers are with the military members injured and killed during the attacks. He hopes to return to Israel by the end of the month.
President Donald Trump appears to be backing away from his once-relentless push for a Nobel Peace Prize as his war with Iran intensifies.

In a striking shift for a president who has long complained about being overlooked for the prestigious award, Trump said on Thursday he had no idea whether the conflict would help him secure the prize and insisted he was no longer focused on it.

Trump said he's

I dont know, he told the Washington Examiner when asked if the conflict could get him over the finish line with committee members.

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Im not interested in it.

The comments represent a notable change in tone. For much of the past year, Trump and his allies openly argued that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for various conflicts he claims to have solved.

These included conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand (where fighting has recently broken out again); India and Pakistan (which India disputes), and Rwanda and Congo (where the war is far from over).

In January, the president even lashed out at Americas NATO allies over his failure to secure the prize, fuming that his peacemaking skills had not been given enough credit.

Mourners react as they attend a funeral ceremony for victims of Israeli and U.S. strikes, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY / Majid Asgaripour / via REUTERS

I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize, he wrote in a furious Truth Social tirade.

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But that doesnt matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives.

The rhetoric now sits uneasily alongside the escalating conflict with Iran.

The war, which Trump described Wednesday as a little excursion, began 13 days ago after U.S. forces launched major strikes aimed at dismantling Irans nuclear capabilitiesthe same program he boasted had been obliterated.

Trump described the campaign as a massive and ongoing operation and later demanded the Iranian governments unconditional surrender.

Instead, Iran has dug in, with its new supreme leader using his first statement on Thursday to threaten ongoing oil chaos for Americans as he seeks to avenge the blood of his family being killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes.

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Pentagon figures released this week also show that at least seven U.S. service members have been killed since the start of the war, and roughly 140 American troops have been wounded, with eight suffering severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.

About 1300 Iranians have also been killed, many of them civilians.

(L to R) Sgt. Declan J. Coady, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor and Capt. Cody Khork were killed March 1, 2026, at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait during a drone attack. / U.S. Army

Among them are about 175 people, most of them children, who died in a strike on an elementary school in Iran, most likely from a U.S. Tomahawk.

However, Trump has tried to distance himself from U.S. accountability, initially claiming Iran bombed itself, then saying he didnt know enough about the matter, but an investigation was underway.

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Whatever the report shows, Im willing to live with that report, he said.

Trumps apparent shift on the Nobel Peace Prize comes four months after it was awarded to Venezuelan democracy advocate and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

The announcement prompted claims from allies that Trump was robbed and that the committee had chosen politics over peace.

Since then, Machado has visited Trump in the White House, where she presented her prize to him, even after he declared she did not have the respect or support to govern Venezuela and that he would instead work with captured dictator, Nicolas Maduros second-in-command.

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado waves to supporters outside the White House following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

It also comes a few weeks after Trumps inaugural meeting of his so-called Board of Peace, a group he set up to rival the UN, giving himself sweeping powers to appoint members, veto all decisions, and intervene in hotspots around the world.

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During that meeting, Trump quipped that he briefly thought an announcement from Norway might finally be about awarding him the Nobel Prize before realizing it was about a separate event.

But I dont care, Trump added.

I dont care about the Nobel Prize. I care about saving lives, just so you understand. I dont want to see people killed from parts of the world that are very far away from the United States.
Washington is ramping up pressure on both sides of Sudans civil war as President Donald Trumps administration pushes for an end to the nearly three-year conflict.

The State Department said this week that it is designating the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization effective March 16. The move is widely seen as a win for the United Arab Emirates, which has long claimed the Sudanese Armed Forces Islamist allies are extremists blocking peace. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Brotherhood had been trained and supported by Iran.

But the announcement drew calls for similar penalties to be leveled at the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group fighting Sudans armed forces. Sen. Jim Risch, chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the Trump administration should seriously consider the same designation for the genocidal RSF. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom, a federal body in Washington, also recommended labeling RSF an entity of particular concern  a category used for non-state actors accused of religious freedom violations.

Meanwhile, Sudan hired Washington lobbying firm The Williams Group, signaling Khartoums intent to more aggressively shape its image in the US capital.
The Oregon Army National Guard used a Black Hawk helicopter to hoist an injured logger approximately 200 feet off the ground Monday after a tree fell on them in the Mount Hood National Forest, officials said.

The Estacada Fire District got a call around 11 a.m. that the injured logger was stuck under a tree near Forest Road 4610, east of Estacada, the fire district said in a statement.

But the firefighters dispatched to rescue the injured logger found the process of getting to the patient extremely challenging and time consuming, as they scrambled over steep terrain and downed trees, officials said.

National Guard helicopter hoists injured logger hundreds of feet in Oregon rescue

When firefighters eventually reached the logger, they learned that the Life Flight helicopter they had called wouldnt be able to collect the patient because of thick tree cover, the fire district said.

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Emergency responders switched to a backup plan and found help from members of the Oregon Army National Guard, who hoisted the injured logger to safety with an HH-60 Black Hawk.

Video from the fire district captures helicopter rescuers raising the patient high above the tree tops in a rescue basket while National Guard members anchor it with a rope from the ground. National Guard members estimated they lifted the person at least 200 feet into the chopper, Estacada fire said.

Read the original article on oregonlive.com. Add oregonlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
March 13 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Metro revealed some of the most unusual items in its Lost & Found, including a surfboard, a prosthetic leg and a 55-inch TV.

Los Angeles Metro Lost & Found office, located off Pasadena Avenue in Montecito Heights, said about 1,000 items are left behind on the transit system's trains and buses each month.

Patrick Diaz, communications manager for Metro's customer experience department, said many of the items are expected, such as cellphones, backpacks, glasses, musical instruments and sporting equipment.

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"We see a large volume of recovered items coming through our bus operations, for example bicycles that are typically left on the front bike rack," Diaz told The Los Angeles Times.

He said some of the most unusual items currently housed in the office include a prosthetic leg, a surfboard, a 55-inch TV, blowtorches, large electrical generators and a case filled with VHS tapes.

"Maybe they get up too fast, or they're afraid to miss their stop, and they just get up without checking their seat," Diaz told Secret Los Angeles.

He said about 30% of the items that pass through the Lost & Found are eventually returned to their owners.

"We see a large volume of recovered items coming through our bus operations, for example bicycles that are typically left on the front bike rack," he said.
WATERTOWN  Cinzia Wilson knows something about running a restaurant. She helped her family with the family business when she was just a teen growing up in a beach town outside of Venice, Italy.

The family operated several Italian restaurants and advised other owners how to make their struggling restaurants successful.

Wilson, who opened the Italian Cosmetics and Beauty Wellness and Spa in the Top of Square building in downtown Watertown two years ago, is going back to her first love.

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With 20 years of restaurant experience, shes opening Sub Rosa Co. cafe in the same building as the spa, in a space where most recently The Morning Ritual sold donuts. When that space became available, she knew what she wanted to do and signed a lease as quickly as she could. The spa is directly across from the hall where the cafe will be.

I miss it, sitting on a sofa in her spa on Wednesday morning while chatting about her new business venture.

Just a couple of doors down from her spa, she noticed groups of parents waiting in the buildings common area for their children attending classes at Rhondas Footeworks dance studio, but they had no place just to sit and relax.

With the Sub Rosa Co,, they will.

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Shes billing the cafe as some place to Stop and Smell the Roses.

I just want it to be some place that people could come and sit and hang out, she said.

She plans to offer a healthy menu that includes authentic Brooklyn bagels, avocado and Italian toasts, eggs, pre-made lunches and specialty coffees and herbal teas. With proximity to the dance studio, the cafe will also have a kids menu.

The cafe will use locally sourced products that nourish the body in healthy ways, she said.

She envisions the cafe becoming a part of the community.

I think that we could be such a place and we can do something special, to be a part of the community, Wilson said. Its going to be beautiful.

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In December, she organized a Saturday farmers market in the Top of the Square building.

Initially, the cafe will have three employees in the first year, with plans to increase it to 10 in year three. At the beginning, the eatery will be open daily, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

On Wednesday, the Watertown Local Development Corporations Revolving Loan Committee approved a $50,000 to help finance the new cafe with construction, equipment and inventory. The full board votes on the loan next week.

Members of the local development corporation, also known as the Watertown Trust, were impressed with her plans for the cafe. They also like the location.

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They believe that the cafe will have a built-in customer base that not only includes dance studio parents, but also the hundreds of people who go to the Watertown YMCA thats upstairs in the building, the occupants of the nearby The Globe Building and downtown businesses, they said.

I like the symmetry with her other business, Trust board member Dawn Cole said.

Wilson first moved to the states to run a restaurant in Florida and then ended up in Watertown when her then husband was stationed at Fort Drum.

At first, the mother of a 9-year-old son didnt like the north countrys winters, but she decided to stay here because Watertown has become her home.

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Besides her restaurant experience, Wilson became interested in health and wellness while still living in Italy as a professional esthetician, specializing in the beautification of skin care, Before going out on her own, she previously worked at the Marcy Spa.

Her clients can receive a variety of skincare and beauty, hair styling and wellness relaxation treatments, such as facials, waxing, brows and lashes and massage therapy.

Nico Del G., a local artist who offers Reiki healing and other services at the spa, is working with Wilson on the restaurant, as well. Her custom artwork hangs on one the spas walls

The former Brooklyn and Florida resident also moved to the north country when her husband was deployed to Fort Drum.
In the wake of the death of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor, a powerful display is now waving just steps from where he was killed.

At the corner of Michael and Compass Roads, a crane is now hoisting an American flag and a thin blue line flag. Flowers and candles sit at the base of it.

RELATED | Funeral arrangements announced for Pa. State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor

Mitch Stoltzfus, of Honey Brook, put together the display. His family company manages the property where the tragedy occurred Sunday night.

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"It's hard to believe. You see this kind of stuff on the news, but when it's right outside your door, it makes it real and surreal," he said.

Community mourning loss of trooper killed during traffic stop

Stoltzfus said he wanted to do something to honor Corporal O'Connor. So, he worked with Newswanger Cranes, out of Lancaster County, to put together a memorial.

Newswanger donated the crane for the week, and Stoltzfus worked with other community members to find an American flag and a Thin Blue Line flag.

READ MORE | Pennsylvania state police trooper shot and killed during traffic stop; suspect also dead



"We got together and flew it just to show some respect. To have a place people could pause and show tribute to what happened and for those that sacrifice to protect us as a community," he told Action News.

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"For the O'Connor family, we're definitely here to support them, and hopefully this helps them feel the community come together."

The crane will be up through the weekend.

Trooper O'Connor's viewing and funeral are set for next week.
A shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, March 12, left one person dead and two injured, USA TODAY reported.

But where is Old Dominion University located? Here's what to know:

Where is Old Dominion University located?

The university is located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a public university with about 24,000 students. Constant Hall, where the shooting took place, is the hub of the school's College of Business. It has two lecture halls and another 19 classrooms.

Where is Old Dominion University in Virginia?

Norfolk is a waterfront city in southeastern Virginia, north of Chesapeake and west of Virginia Beach. It has seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and a total of 144 miles of shoreline along lakes, rivers and the Bay, according to the city's website. The city has a population of roughly 235,000 residents and encompasses 66 square miles, the site reads.

What happened at Old Dominion University?

At about 10:43 a.m. ET, police received 911 calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall, Old Dominion University police chief Garrett Shelton said at a news conference.

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Federal authorities said the suspect yelled Allahu Akbar before he opened fire inside a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) classroom at the university. Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor, was killed in the shooting, and two U.S. Army personnel were injured, according to officials.

The suspected shooter, later identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, was subdued by a group of ROTC students who "rendered him no longer alive," said Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office. She did not provide additional details on the incident, but noted that the suspect was not shot.

While authorities have not yet confirmed a motive in the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X that the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with local authorities on the investigation.

USA TODAY reporters Aysha Bagchi, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, and Thao Nguyen contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Old Dominion University shooting. Where is Old Dominion University?
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon and other federal agencies to begin releasing government files related to UFOs and unidentified anomalous phenomena  called UAP  in February 2026, following years of pressure from Congress, military whistleblowers and the public.

Congress formally mandated UAP investigations through the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2022. The Pentagons official UAP investigative body, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, AARO, now carries a caseload exceeding 2,000 reports dating back to 1945. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this figure earlier this year.

The cases were submitted by military personnel, pilots and government employees describing aerial objects that could not be explained as known aircraft, drones or weather phenomena. Governments in Japan, France, Brazil and Canada also have their own formal UAP investigation programs.

Filmmaker James Fox organized a press conference on UAP and UFO encounters, held at the National Press Club on Jan. 20, 2026, in Washington, D.C. It focused on a 1996 suspected UFO crash in Brazil. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Yet modern research universities remain almost entirely absent from this conversation. No major university has established a dedicated UAP research center. No federal science agency offers competitive grants for UAP inquiry. No doctoral programs train researchers in UAP methodology. The gap between what governments openly acknowledge and what universities are willing to study is, at this point, difficult to explain on purely intellectual grounds.

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I have navigated this gap while conducting my own UAP research. My work developing the temporal aerospace correlation tool, a standardized framework for correlating civilian UAP sighting reports with documented rocket launch activity from Cape Canaveral, is currently under peer review at Limina: The Journal of UAP Studies.

Designing that framework meant making methodological decisions without community standards, without institutional funding and without the professional infrastructure many researchers in established fields take for granted. What is missing is not interest or data  it is the shared scaffolding that turns isolated curiosity into cumulative science.

Stigma is measurable

The most rigorous evidence for the gap between faculty interest in UAP and faculty willingness to study it UAP comes from peer-reviewed studies by Marissa Yingling, Charlton Yingling and Bethany Bell, published in the scholarly journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.

Across 14 disciplines at 144 major U.S. research universities, 1,460 faculty responded to their 2023 national survey. Most surveyed believed UAP research was important. Curiosity outweighed skepticism in every discipline that was part of the study. Nearly one-fifth had personally observed something aerial they could not identify. Yet fewer than 1% had ever conducted UAP-related research.

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The gap was not explained by intellectual dismissal, but it was in part explained by fear. Researchers were not primarily deterred by intellectual skepticism because they doubted the topics merits. Instead, they feared they might lose funding, face ridicule from colleagues or find their careers quietly derailed. Faculty reported being told to be careful.

A 2024 follow-up study found that roughly 28% said they might vote against a colleagues tenure case for conducting UAP research, even when they personally believed the topic warranted study.

Historian and philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific communities suppress anomalous questions not because those questions are unanswerable, but because they fall outside the boundaries the community has collectively decided are worth investigating.

Sociologist Thomas Gieryn called this suppression boundary work, referring to the active process by which scientists police what counts as legitimate science.

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For UAP researchers, the data and tools to study the phenomenon exist. What may not exist is social permission to use them without professional consequence.

Creating an academic discipline

Academic disciplines do not emerge spontaneously. They require dedicated journals, agreed-upon methods, graduate programs and professional societies.

The history of cognitive neuroscience demonstrates how disciplines emerge. Before the 1980s, researchers at the intersection of neuroscience and cognitive psychology faced resistance from both parent disciplines.

These fields achieved mainstream acceptance only after targeted funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, new brain-imaging tools and the gradual formation of academic programs that created career pathways for researchers. Researchers at the nexus of these fields did not wait for central questions to be resolved. They built infrastructure, and the infrastructure made progress possible.

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UAP studies as a discipline is developing some of these elements, but largely outside universities. The Society for UAP Studies, a nonprofit of scholars and researchers, operates Limina as a double-blind, peer-reviewed journal and has convened international symposia drawing researchers from physics, philosophy of science and the social sciences. But a nonprofit scholarly society without tenured faculty does not constitute a discipline.

New academic disciplines are built on research collaborations. Stigma around a topic can stop researchers from sharing their ideas. fizkes/iStock via Getty Images

To turn UAP studies into a recognized academic field would require three things.

First, funding. The Yingling studies found that competitive research grants would do more to unlock faculty participation than any other single factor. Without grants, researchers cannot hire students to assist them, maintain instruments or sustain the multiyear projects that produce meaningful results.

Second, shared methodological standards  these would entail agreed-upon procedures for collecting, recording and evaluating UAP reports  would mean findings from one research group can be compared and built upon by others.

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Third, institutions could publicly affirm that they will evaluate appropriately rigorous UAP scholarship on its scientific merits during tenure reviews. Several universities have already done this for gun violence research and psychedelic-assisted therapy studies.

These are not isolated examples. Research into near-death experiences and adverse childhood experiences followed similar trajectories, moving from being a professional liability to mainstream legitimacy after the removal of institutional barriers.

The international comparison

This gap in UAP scholarship is unique to the United States. Frances GEIPAN, a dedicated investigation unit within its national space agency, has operated since 1977. It has publicly archived approximately 5,300 French UAP cases, of which about 2% to 3% remain unexplained after rigorous analysis.

In 2020, Japan formalized UAP reporting protocols for its Self-Defense Forces, the branch of the Japanese military responsible for national defense. By June 2024, more than 80 lawmakers had formed a parliamentary UAP investigation group that by May 2025 had formally proposed a dedicated UAP research office to the defense minister. Canada launched its own multiagency UAP investigation survey in 2023.

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None of these actions has produced a corresponding response from American research universities. Universities provide independent, peer-reviewed analyses that government programs structurally cannot.

The University of Wurzburg in Germany became the first Western university to officially recognize UAP as a legitimate object of academic research in 2022, when it formally added UAP investigation to its research canon. Researchers at Stockholm University and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics in Sweden have been actively publishing peer-reviewed UAP research since 2017, most recently in Scientific Reports in October 2025.

Congress has passed legislation, the Pentagon is reporting on its investigations, and the president has directed federal agencies to begin releasing records. So the question no longer is whether governments take UAP seriously  it is whether universities will follow, and which ones will get there first.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Darrell Evans, Purdue University

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Read more:



Darrell Evans does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR) is among the 10 Must-Buy Mining Stocks to Invest In.

OR Royalties Inc. (OR) Enters into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Terraco Gold

On February 24, 2026, OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Terraco Gold, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sailfish Royalty that indirectly holds net smelter return royalty assets largely covering Solidus Spring Valley Gold Project in Pershing County, Nevada. OR Royalties will purchase Terraco and the NSR royalties for total cash consideration of $168M, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2026. After completion, OR Royalties will hold a combined 6.0% NSR royalty on the Schmidt Claims, a 4.0% NSR royalty on the Additional Royalty Areas, and a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Perimeter Royalty Area. The company said the deal is expected to add gold equivalent ounces beyond its recently released 2030 five-year outlook range of 120,000 to 135,000 GEOs. Spring Valley is construction-ready, and Solidus expects first gold production in the first half of 2028.

On February 23, 2026, TD Securities analyst Derick Ma lowered the price target on OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR) to C$64 from C$67 previously and maintained a Hold rating on the shares.

OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR) acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and related interests in Canada and internationally.

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READ NEXT: 12 Best Tech Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates and 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026

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The White House is demanding that ABC News retract a report warning that Iran sought to launch drone attacks on California, saying the story relied on a single unverified tip and overstated the threat.

The dispute centers on a leaked FBI bulletin circulated in February that described a scenario in which Iran could retaliate for U.S. strikes by launching unmanned aerial vehicles from a vessel off the West Coast toward unspecified targets.

On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to social media to demand that ABC News remove the story.

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They wrote this based on one email that was sent to local law enforcement in California about a single, unverified tip, Leavitt wrote on X. The email even states the tip was based on unverified intelligence. Yet ABC News left out this critical fact in their story! WHY? she said.

TO BE CLEAR: No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did, Leavitt added.

After the news of the warning surfaced, officials in California rushed to ease fears, emphasizing that there is no imminent danger.

While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state, California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X. The assurance was shared by government and law enforcement officials across the state.

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Iran is increasingly relying on drones in war

The controversy comes as drones play a growing role in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. Following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, Iran retaliated by launching large waves of drones and missiles against targets across the Middle East.

Air defenses have intercepted many of the projectiles, but several attacks have caused damage to ports, ships, energy facilities, and other infrastructure. Iranian drone strikes have also targeted oil infrastructure and shipping routes in the Gulf, disrupting energy markets and contributing to rising oil prices.

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Military officials say the attacks illustrate how relatively inexpensive drones have become one of the defining weapons of modern warfare.

Putin Boasts of Testing Poseidon Nuclear Drone Meant to Unleash Radioactive Tsunamis

Drones reshape the battlefield

Unlike American-made MQ-9 Reaper drones, which fly long distances, carry out missions, and return to base, the drones most often associated with Irans attacks are primarily the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136. Both are one-way attack drones designed to fly to a target and explode on impact. Russia has used the same designs in Ukraine under the names Geran-1 and Geran-2.

Because the aircraft can be produced far more cheaply than many of the missile systems used to shoot them down, they allow countries or militias to overwhelm air defenses through sheer volume.

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The growing military drone market is expected to be worth $66 billion by 2035, according to research firm Global Market Insights.

Meet the Microwave Weapon That Zaps Swarms of Drones From the Sky

Crypto funding appears in drone investigations

Crypto has also played a part in the growing drone supply chain. In 2022, Ukraine reported spending over $54 million in crypto on drones and other military expenses. That same year, Chainalysis reported that pro-Russian groups donated over $2 million in cryptocurrency.

In September, U.S. prosecutors sought to seize more than $500,000 in USDT from an Iranian national accused of supplying navigation technology used in military drones deployed by Iran. Days later, Israeli officials called for the seizure of $1.5 million in Tether allegedly tied to Iran.

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Authorities said the funds were held in a private cryptocurrency wallet and were allegedly linked to a company that supplied navigation equipment for Shahed drones, which have been deployed in conflicts around the world.

ABC News has since updated its article to reflect new reporting on the alert. Still, the episode illustrates how rapidly emerging technologies like drones can trigger public fears as they become a growing part of modern warfare.
Two days after a Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico school bus incident sent passengers to the hospital, Whiteside Countys sheriff is asking anyone with video footage to provide it for the official investigation and is attempting to correct what he described as inaccurate information thats been surfacing on social media.

In a Wednesday morning email initially notifying media outlets about the incident, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker wrote that the sheriffs office was notified about 4 p.m. Tuesday that a Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico bus had possibly been involved in a crash.

Deputies responded to the area and found the bus at Tampico Elementary School, according to the release. Several passengers suffered injuries as a result of the incident and were taken to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment, according to the release.

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Booker wrote that Timothy J. Spurlock, 40, of Rock Falls, had been identified as the bus driver and was issued a citation for improper lane use.

In an email sent out Thursday afternoon, Booker said the sheriffs office would like to provide clarification regarding the school bus incident that occurred on March 10, 2026, involving a Prophetstown/Lyndon/Tampico School District bus.

Booker wrote that in the time since the initial news release was issued, a video recorded by a residential Ring camera had been circulating in the media and on social media.

The video appears to show the bus traveling over a raised portion of roadway and briefly becoming airborne prior to continuing down the roadway, he wrote.

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He wrote in the email that the video had not been provided to the Whiteside County Sheriffs Office as part of the investigation, and the sheriffs office has learned that the footage was provided directly to media outlets instead. Anyone in possession of video or other evidence related to this incident is encouraged to provide that information directly to the Whiteside County Sheriffs Office so it can be reviewed as part of the official investigation.

Booker also wrote that the sheriffs office is aware of comments circulating on social media alleging that Spurlock left the scene of the crash.

That information is not accurate, Booker wrote. Responding deputies determined that no life-threatening injuries were being reported at the scene. In order to safely account for the students and allow emergency personnel to properly evaluate those involved, the driver was instructed by responding authorities to return to Tampico Elementary School, which served as the designated location for emergency personnel and investigators.

The driver followed those instructions and did not leave the incident in violation of the law. He remained cooperative with law enforcement throughout the investigation, Booker wrote.

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Several students were taken to a local hospital for evaluation following the incident.

According to a Tuesday night statement on the Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico School District website, students were on the bus being taken at the time of the incident.

District officials promptly contacted EMS and law enforcement to respond, according to the statement. All students were assessed and no serious injuries were reported. Four individuals were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. The incident remains under investigation, and the district is fully cooperating with law enforcement as we work to gather all facts. District policies are being implemented as part of the investigation.

Booker said the investigation is still underway.

As the sheriff I understand that anytime a school bus is involved in an incident, parents and community members are going to be concerned and upset, Booker wrote. Thats completely understandable. | am very thankful that the injuries reported were not life-threatening, and our priority was making sure the students were accounted for and evaluated by medical personnel.
A Trump administration directive designed to ensure that U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal assistance are not considering race in admissions is heading to the courts.

Last August, Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon ordered the National Center for Education Statistics to begin collecting enhanced data from higher institutions to ensure race-based preferences were not being used in their admissions processes.

Those actions were prompted by President Donald Trumps reported concerns that colleges and universities were using personal statements and other elements of the admissions process to consider race  a practice he considers illegal.

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Colleges and universities are now required to report several years worth of comprehensive admissions data disaggregated by race and sex.

The data, according to the Education Department, should include quantitative measures of applicants and admitted students academic achievements such as standardized test scores, GPAs and other applicant characteristics.

And McMahon put schools on the clock. The data is reportedly due by March 18.

From the start of this administration, the president has worked to ensure that colleges and universities that take advantage of federal funding prioritize merit and prepare students for rewarding careers that advance American success, wrote McMahon in an Aug. 7, 2025, DOE memo.

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Improving transparency in admissions is a major step toward rededicating our universities to merit and excellence.

McMahon also ordered the National Center for Education Statistics to develop a rigorous audit process to ensure that data being collected from the schools is accurate and consistent.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is seen after a roundtable discussion on college sports in the East Room of the White House, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Washington. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Associated Press

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against the use of affirmative action in admissions but said colleges may still consider how race has shaped students lives if applicants share that information in their admissions essays, according to The Associated Press.

Democrats litigating the DOEs admissions/data collection policy

On Wednesday, a collection of 17 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston challenging the DOEs admissions/data requirements.

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This administrations unlawful and haphazard actions are threatening the well-being of Massachusetts students and the prosperity of our colleges and universities, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said in a statement to The Associated Press.

There is no way for institutions to reasonably deliver accurate data in the federal governments rushed and arbitrary time frame  and it is unfair for schools to be threatened with fines, potential losses of funding, and baseless investigations should they not fulfill the administrations request.

The lawsuit argues the sheer amount of data sought by the DOE places heavy burdens on colleges, The Hill reported.

The blue states add that the reporting requirements are costly and will be used as a tool by the Trump administration to launch politically motivated investigations. The attorneys general of the states also argue the high demand of information will make it difficult for schools to produce usable data to the government on such short notice.

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The Trump administration is on a fishing expedition  demanding unprecedented amounts of data from our colleges and universities under the guise of enforcing civil rights law, said California Attorney General Rob Bonta in The Hill report.

The multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration prompted a response from DOE spokesperson Ellen Keast:

American taxpayers invest over $100 billion into higher education each year and deserve transparency on how their dollars are being spent, Keast said in a statement. The (DOEs) efforts will expand an existing transparency tool to show how universities are taking race into consideration in admissions.

What exactly are state AGs trying to shield universities from?

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The states involved in the lawsuit are California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington.

The new DOE admissions data policy is similar to parts of recent settlement agreements the government negotiated with Brown University and Columbia University, restoring their federal research money, according to The Associated Press.

Those Ivy League schools agreed to give the government data on the race, grade-point average and standardized test scores of applicants, admitted students and enrolled students. The schools also agreed to be audited by the government and to release admissions statistics to the public.

Ongoing actions: Removing race from college admissions considerations

Wednesdays lawsuit is the latest development in the Trump administrations ongoing effort to remove race from being an admissions consideration across higher education in the U.S.

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We will not allow institutions to blight the dreams of students by presuming that their skin color matters more than their hard work and accomplishments, said McMahon in an August DOE release.

The Trump administration will ensure that meritocracy and excellence once again characterize American higher education.

In March of 2025, the DOEs Office of Civil Rights announced it was investigating 45 American universities  including the University of Utah  for allegedly using racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.

At the time, the DOE said the University of Utah and 44 other schools had violated the Civil Rights Act by partnering with the Ph.D. Project  a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get advanced business degrees.

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The DOE argued that the Ph.D. Project was an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities  but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.

The University of Utah has since settled with the DOEs Office of Civil Rights and terminated its membership/partnership with the Ph.D. Project.

A student walks past the U sculpture on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

And last year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the countrys five service academies to offer admission to applicants based exclusively on merit.

Nixing all elements of affirmative action, wrote Hegseth in a memo to senior military leadership, ensures only the most qualified candidates are admitted, trained and commissioned to lead the finest fighting force in history.

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Selecting anyone but the best erodes lethality, our warfighting readiness, and undercuts the culture of excellence in our Armed Forces.

Hegseths orders followed a federal judges ruling in 2024 that the U.S. Naval Academy could continue considering race in its admissions process.

In that case, the judge found that military cohesion and other national security factors mean the school should not be subjected to the same standards as civilian universities, Navy Times reported.

Attorneys for the academy had argued that prioritizing diversity in the military makes it stronger, more effective and more widely respected.

But lawyers challenging the academys admissions practices at that time countered that prioritizing minority candidates is unfair for qualified white applicants  adding that cohesion should arise from other sources such as training and command structure.
It is disturbing and deeply unfortunate to see a statement attributed to Rep. Andy Ogles claiming that Muslims dont belong in American society and that pluralism is a lie.

Public officials take an oath to respect the Constitution, uphold the law and represent all the people of their communities. Statements like this run contrary to those responsibilities and to the spirit of our nation.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks during the Marshall County GOP annual dinner at the Lewisburg Recreation Center in Lewisburg, Tenn., Thursday, July 11, 2024.

All the ways Muslims make Tennessee and the world better

Across Tennessee and throughout our country, Muslims contribute in countless ways. I recall the early days when I was part of building the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, when there was strong opposition from some. Yet one of those same individuals later experienced a serious heart condition and received life-saving care from a Muslim physician. That moment was a powerful reminder that compassion, professionalism and humanity transcend prejudice.

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More: Jewish Federation, interfaith groups denounce Ogles' remarks on Islam

Our Muslim communities play an important role in enriching our state and our country. And this has been the case for over 250 years. People from diverse backgrounds drive buses and taxis, run small businesses, teach in our schools and care for our neighbors in hospitals and clinics. Their work and dedication strengthen our cities and our state. Would Tennesseeor Americabe the same if we dismissed a core constituency that enriches our society?

I also wonder how much the representative knows about Muslims in Tennessee. Did he know that Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Muslim associated with Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee State University, was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize?

Oslo, NORWAY: Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus (R) and Grameen Bank represintative Mosammat Taslima Begum pose for a picture with the Nobel medal and diploma at Oslo Town Hall 10 December 2006. In receiving the Nobel Peace prize today, micro-credit pioneer Yunus of Bangladesh will no doubt hammer home the message he has been preaching for thirty years: a world blighted by poverty is a world without peace. AFP PHOTO/ Bjoern Sigurdsoen (Photo credit should read BJOERN SIGURDSOEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Hate does not make Tennessee safer or stronger

Radicalism and hate speech will not advance any noble cause. One must ask how a young Muslim boy or girl might feel hearing such dehumanizing words. Do they promote harmony or division? Understanding or painful resentment?

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For that reason, statements like these should be challenged by anyone who believes in the Constitution. The representative should apologize for what he said, and his statement should be condemned by all.

Nashville area Jewish leaders watch at the Islamic Center of Nashville on Friday as members pray at midday prayers to show their solidarity in the wake of the New Zealand attacks. Friday, March 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.

Grateful for the voices who stand with us

As Muslim Americans, we will continue to stand firm in our faith, proud of our religion and confident in our identity as citizens. While saddened by such discrimination, we remain optimistic about the future. We should not allow a loud voice from an extreme minority define who we are as an American society.

Opinion: These days, talking to strangers matters more than ever

I am grateful for the many voices across Tennessee who have stood in solidarity with the Muslim community. They are our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens who wish for peace through fairness and harmony. Our city, our state and our country are like a large family  diverse in faith and background, yet united by shared values and a commitment to the common good.

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President Ronald Reagan once described America as forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas because of the newcomers who continue to contribute to this nation. Let us go forward embracing this vision.

Imam Ossama Bahloul

Imam Ossama Bahloul PhD is the resident scholar of the Islamic Center of Nashville.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Andy Ogles anti-Muslim words undermine the Constitution | Opinion
Game hunters found startlingly 'neon blue' flesh inside wild pigs in California in 2025, prompting advisory statements about potential contamination.

"I'm not talking about a little blue," Dan Burton, owner of a wildlife control company, told Salvador Hernandez at The Los Angeles Times.

"I'm talking about neon blue, blueberry blue."

An investigation by local authorities found that the dramatic color change was caused by rodenticide poisoning, prompting them to issue a warning throughout Monterey County.

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Rat poisons containing the chemical compound diphacinone are often sold dyed blue for identification. The compound's use has been highly restricted in California since 2024.

Watch the video below for a summary:

YouTube Thumbnail

"Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pig, deer, bear, and geese, might be contaminated if that game animal has been exposed to rodenticides," said pesticide investigations coordinator Ryan Bourbour from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

"Rodenticide exposure can be a concern for non-target wildlife in areas where applications occur in close proximity to wildlife habitat."

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Concerningly, this isn't the first time wild pigs in the region have had their innards tainted blue.

A popular rodent control in agriculture, diphacinone is a first-generation rodenticide that acts as an anticoagulant, causing severe internal bleeding.

It works by binding to an enzyme that recycles vitamin K. This reduces available vitamin K, making it impossible for animal livers to produce enough of the clotting factors crucial to prevent internal bleeding.

Predators, including humans, who eat an animal poisoned with the toxin can become ill themselves; while the chemical breaks down faster than second-generation rodenticides, diphacinone remains active in the dead animal's tissues for some time, even if it's cooked.

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Wildlife groups globally have long been urging us to stop relying on chemical pesticides because of the collateral damage these poisons inflict. From owls to bees, pesticides are causing great harm to wildlife.

Non-target animals either consume it directly or are impacted by secondary exposure when eating other animals that have ingested the poison, adding further strain on already endangered species.

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Diphacinone has been found in the systems of many poisoned predators, including raptors, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, as well as the endangered northern spotted owl and San Joaquin kit fox.

Though prognosis is typically poor, anticoagulant poisoning can be treated in animals if caught before symptoms appear and vitamin K is administered as an antidote.

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But this devastating impact on wildlife is what prompted its strict control in California.

"Pesticide applicators are urged to take measures when applying rodenticides so as not to expose wildlife," the CDFW advises.

"Prior to application, it is important to ensure non-target wildlife are not using the area where the pesticide is to be applied. It is also important to use appropriate bait stations and application methods that exclude access to non-target species."

A wild pig with blue innards  discovered in 2015. ( GlendilTEK/imgur

California's wild pigs  which are hybrids between domestic pigs and European wild boars that were intentionally released a century ago  are voracious omnivores, so would happily eat both the poisoned rodents and the bait.

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Since March 2025, a local trapper, Dan Burton, observed multiple wild pigs going out of their way to obtain oats baited with rodenticide, used in squirrel traps.

The associated dye appears to affect only the pigs' fat, leaving the rest of their tissues normally colored.

Pesticides are harmful to exposed humans as well. They have been linked to declining sperm rates, diabetes, cancers, Alzheimer's, and other health conditions.

The meat of a contaminated pig remains a standard pink, while the fat is stained blue. ( GlendilTEK/imgur

A 2025 US study found that the commonly used insecticide chlorpyrifos causes structural brain abnormalities and reduced motor function in children and adolescents.

Many of these pesticides have been used at large scales without adequate long-term studies of their impacts on human health.

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"Excessive and uncontrolled pesticide use resulted in food contamination as well as environmental, agricultural, and aquatic pollution," a 2024 scientific review on pesticide use concludes.

"To address the worldwide threats posed by pesticides, international coordination and cooperation between nations are essential."

Related: Common Pesticide Exposure Linked With 2.7x Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Integrated pest management aims to mitigate the risks of such dangerous animal control practices by combining multiple safer strategies instead. These include encouraging natural predators and constructing fences, traps, and other barriers, like crawlspace vents.

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Other animal deterrents can include the targeted use of light and sound, such as playing talkback radio, or applying scents, such as peppermint essential oil.

The CDFW has urged anyone who encounters blue animals or other abnormalities to report them to the Wildlife Health Lab; details are here.

An earlier version of this article was published in August 2025.

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A wildfire a few miles southeast of Custer in South Dakotas Black Hills grew to nearly 8 square miles in size since its ignition on Thursday, officials said early Friday afternoon.

The Qury Fire spread east, away from the city, and made a significant run of a few miles on Thursday due to strong winds, said Todd Hoover of the U.S. Forest Service, the fires incident commander.

Federal, state and local officials are all part of the response team for the fire, Hoover said, which started just after 1 p.m. Thursday.

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More: High wind warning issued for Brown and Spink counties

The Qury Fire near Custer, South Dakota, pictured on March 12, 2026.

As of Friday afternoon, there were 20-25 fire engines, two crews of firefighters and four bulldozers working to manage the blaze with support from National Guard air operations. The fire was not contained, Hoover said, but the strong winds that drove its rapid spread had died down.

The crews have been focused on trying to save buildings thus far, he said. Work to preserve homes is ongoing, but were starting to actively move into trying to get some sort of containment at this time.

It is a large fire, he said. It is going to take some time.

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Custer County Emergency Management Director Steve Esser urged residents to heed road closures, including on Highway 87 through Custer State Park.

These are hard closures, Esser said. Theyre not to be traveled upon by the public.

South Dakota wildfire, smoke map: Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings

The Custer County Commission was set to enact a countywide burn ban at a special meeting Friday afternoon.

The latest information on road closures and area evacuations is available through the Custer County Emergency Operations Center at (605) 673-8155.

Updates are also being posted to a Facebook page created for the fire, and the federal InciWeb fire incident map now has a page for Qury Fire information.

The cause of the Qury Fire is under investigation.

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The fire ignited on the same day Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill into law that will limit wildfire liability for utilities. The law removes strict liability, meaning liability for damages regardless of a utilitys actions surrounding a fire, as an option for plaintiffs who wish to sue over wildfire-related damages.

Once the law takes effect July 1, people who sue will only be able to recover damages from utilities that either fail to file fire mitigation plans with state or local authorities and follow them, or act with criminal intent or exhibit willful and wanton misconduct. No claims will be valid four years after a fire, and plaintiffs will be limited in the types of damages they can recover. Utilities would need to identify higher-risk areas, establish inspection and operating standards, implement vegetation management strategies, and coordinate with the appropriate wildfire agencies as part of their mitigation plans.

More: Find the wildfire risk near you

Black Hills Energy, which services the area around the Qury Fire, initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff for about 560 customers in eastern Hot Springs and other areas of the southern Black Hills on Thursday afternoon to prevent any new fires sparking from downed power lines. By shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday those customers had power again, according to the utilitys website.

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The utility will continue to monitor conditions to help keep our customers and communities safe, its website said on Friday afternoon.

Fire danger is higher than usual. On March 4, KOTA-TV reported that Rapid City experienced its warmest winter on record since the 1800s, at an average daily temperature of 37.4 degrees, 2 degrees warmer than the previous record in 1930. The city also got around half the average amount of winter precipitation.

South Dakota weather radar

South Dakota severe weather watches and warnings

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Wind, dry conditions fuel wildfires in South Dakota's Black Hills
Video note: Despite this articles time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority.

KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  The FOX 56 Weather Authority is currently tracking high winds sweeping through the Bluegrass on Friday, creating what authorities call ideal conditions for fires to spread quickly over large areas.

Just after 12:30 p.m. on March 13, the Brodhead Fire Department in Rockcastle County issued a red flag warning on Facebook to let the public know that even a small spark could evolve quickly into an extreme fire in these windy circumstances.

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1 taken to hospital with severe burns after fire breaks out in Winchester home

Even legal or routine burning can quickly get out of control under these conditions and threaten homes, property, and lives, Brodhead officials wrote.

In Somerset, the Parkers Mill Fire Department asked community members to hold off on burning.

During fire hazard season from Feb. 15 through April 30, controlled burns are allowed only if conditions are safe and the fire is attended, per state law. However, firefighters asked residents to be extra cautious due to the potential for wind to carry flames with uncontrollable speed.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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With the current extreme fire danger, we strongly encourage residents to delay any outdoor burning until conditions improve, BFD members said. Help us keep our community safe by avoiding outdoor burning and reporting any uncontrolled fires immediately.

For more information about Kentuckys burning restrictions, check out this article. More information about the Brodhead and Parkers Mill fire departments can be found on Facebook.

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 FOX 56 News.
What may be winters last stab into the lower latitudes is expected in the coming days with near freezing temperatures in the Panhandle and North Florida and a cool down for the southern reaches of the state.

For spring breakers hoping to enjoy the Sunshine State next week, a potent cold front trailing a late-season winter storm will not only bring chillier temperatures but the potential for several days of storms and spotty showers from Pensacola through the Keys.

The storm tracking across the Plains and into the Great Lakes will pull down Arctic-chilled Canadian air that will hit hardest late Monday, March 16 through Wednesday.

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The National Weather Service in Tallahassee is warning of frost and a potential freeze Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with lows in the 30s and freezing to sub-freezing wind chill temperatures that may be more impactful than normal given the summer-like weather over the preceding days.

This is probably the last big cold front for the year for Florida, said AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Da Silva. Not to say there cant be another front, but in terms of really significant freezing temperatures, this is probably the last one.

Da Silva recommends Panhandle residents, especially in the western reaches, bring in any plants they may have already moved outside. While he doesnt expect the cold weather to affect citrus or other crops, it could do damage to cold-sensitive potted plants.

People will want to take precautions, he said. Anyone who put plants out early will want to take them inside or cover them up.

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Disney World spring breakers should expect high temperatures in the low 80s on Monday plummeting to a daytime high of near 60 degrees on Tuesday. Wednesday morning in Orlando could drop into the 40s but with mostly sunny skies and a high of 66 during the day.

More: Get weather alerts via text.

In South Florida, overnight lows are forecast to dip into the upper 50s to low 60s at the coast early Wednesday, March 18, with highs in the mid-70s. The normal daytime high in Miami for this time of year is 81 degrees with a normal overnight low of 66 degrees.

The potential for strong storms will accompany the onset of the chillier weather, including more than an inch of rain for many parts of Florida with showers beginning over the weekend.

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Some isolated areas around Tampa could see 4 to 6 inches of rain over seven days with the heaviest showers, said Rick Davis, a meteorologist with the Tampa office of the NWS. Meteorologists at the NWS office in Melbourne said if the cold front clashes with the peak of daytime heating, a few gusty storms are possible Monday.

High-end rainfall in South Florida could be 2 to 3 inches.

These are not widespread amounts but certainly a few areas could see amounts of upwards of 2 inches, said Robert Molleda, the meteorologist in charge of the NWS office in Miami. Unless there are widespread amounts of several inches, we are still going to have a lingering drought for the foreseeable future.

Tropical Tidbits temperature map for early Wednesday, March 18 shows lows in the 30s in Florida's Panhandle.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitors March 12 report, about 73% of Florida is in extreme drought, which is a level 3 on a 4-tier drought severity scale.

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The cold front should clear the state Tuesday and stall over Cuba with the potential for showers lingering in Central and South Florida through the week.

Cameron Flynn, owner of Panama City Beach Bonfires, said the possibility of near-freezing temperatures hasnt slowed his spring break business, with families still booking fiery beach experiences.

In the winter season when people are here and its cold, it makes the bonfires more attractive, Flynn said. So, its a good thing when it cools down, but we do them in July too.

While the eastern half of the country will experience feel a winter chill from a severely curved jet stream, the western half is under a heat dome with temperatures in Palm Springs, California forecast to reach 109 on Thursday, March 19. Phoenix, Arizona could reach 105 degrees Thursday.

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Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cold front brings near-freezing temps, storms to Florida spring break
A wintry mix of rain and snow fell overnight and into Friday mornings commute, causing school delays, highway crashes, and closures of both roads and schools in western Washington.

Snoqualmie Valley School District and Tahoma School District were closed on Friday due to weather conditions. Schools across the region are starting the school day with class delays, modified snow routes, or after-school activity cancellations.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SCHOOL DELAYS AND CLOSURES

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The weather has impacted roads across western Washington this morning, especially in the passes.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews are responding to downed trees, heavy snow, avalanche assessments, crashes, and highway closures across the region, including SR 410 between Enumclaw and Greenwater, I-90 near Easton, US 12 / White Pass, SR 16, and SR 18.

At around 10:30 a.m. Friday, WSDOT posted that I-90 was fully closed in both directions from North Bend to Ellensburg and would likely remain closed for the rest of the day as crews clear multiple spun-out vehicles, 100 miles of snow, and downed trees.SR 18 was also closed between Issaquah-Hobart Road (MP 20) to SE 104th St, at the I-90 interchange (MP 27).

WSDOT asks travelers to drive slowly and give crews space to work. For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, check WSDOTs real-time travel map: wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map

Its snowy. Its rainy. Its Friday the 13th.



Weve got several roads closed around the state due to crashes or debris. Conditions change quickly, so be sure to check our real time map before you hit the road: https://t.co/KeCjX7K2Lt pic.twitter.com/RxFN8ly0sP  Washington State DOT (@wsdot) March 13, 2026

Local agencies across the region also warned of the inclement weather affecting road conditions:

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Our crews have been out since 3 a.m. responding to winter conditions in SE Bellevue. Roads have responded well to treatment but we'll continue monitoring conditions through the morning. (1/2)  City of Bellevue Transportation Department (@BvueTrans) March 13, 2026

These scenes from the #Index area show the conditions crews are working in and what they've been encountering over the past couple of days.



Our crews are up to the challenge and have done an amazing job keeping up with new outages overnight. https://t.co/EPNKCACKNv pic.twitter.com/J6R3U1sJ5z  Snohomish County PUD (@SnoPUD) March 13, 2026

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SNOW?! Travel conditions may be slippery today. Use caution: slow down and add extra travel time.



Call us at (206) 684-7623 to report hazards.



We're patrolling and applying de-icing material at known trouble spots. Here's a look around town: pic.twitter.com/xBMBNHOA8G  Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) March 13, 2026
Four Milwaukee aldermen are expressing concern about the lack of adequate guardrails, auditing, supervision, and transparency surrounding the use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. In a three-page letter sent Wednesday to the citys Fire and Police Commission (FPC), Common Council President Jose Perez and Alders Marina Dimitrijevic, Alex Brower and Sharlen Moore said that recent cases like one involving a Milwaukee police officer who used Flock to stalk a romantic partner are alarming and underscore the systemic oversight gap rather than an isolated failure.

The letter is the latest ripple in a wave of community pushback against the use of Flock Safety cameras, which are equipped with license plate reading technology and can be accessed by law enforcement agencies across the country using search terms and filters. Critics also express concern that the cameras can be used for backdoor surveillance by the federal government, particularly as the Trump administration pursues an aggressive immigration crackdown.

Audit data reviewed by Wisconsin Examiner shows that officers often use vague terms like investigation, suspicious, cooch, or just . to search the network. Some Wisconsin communities have canceled their contracts with the multi-billion dollar Flock Safety company due to concerns about its technology.

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When powerful surveillance systems exist without strong, enforceable audit protocols and independent oversight, the risk of abuse is not theoretical  it is foreseeable.

 - Letter from Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez and Alders Marina Dimitrijevic, Alex Brower, and Sharlen Moore to the Fire and Police Commission.

Just a day before the Milwaukee council members sent their letter to the FPC, TMJ4 reported that the Milwaukee Police Department cut off access to its license plate reader database. The police department said officers have been blocked from using the system while the department re-evaluates who needs access to the technology. Currently, TMJ4 reported, only officers in sensitive portions of MPDs Criminal Investigations Bureau can access Flock for emergency cases. The department, headed by Chief Jeffrey Norman, has also banned facial recognition technology after months of community pushback.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

In their letter, the four Milwaukee alders warned that a system like Flock  capable of tracking movement patterns, identifying vehicles, and storing sensitive location data  can be weaponized against residents, including survivors of domestic violence, journalists, advocates, and everyday community members.

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The alders were especially alarmed about a recent case involving Josue Ayala, a Milwaukee police officer facing one misdemeanor count of misconduct in public office for allegedly using Flock to track two people, one of whom was Ayalas a romantic partner, 179 times. When he used Flock, Ayala entered the search term investigation, the most common search used by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies during the first half of 2025, according to the Examiners analysis of audit data.

In their letter, Milwaukee council members ask the FPC what specific training officers must receive to access Flock; how use is supervised real time, whos responsible for reviewing searches, how frequently audits are conducted, and what independent body oversees compliance and investigates misuse? The alders are demanding that the city support reforms including:

Independent auditing of Flock cameras and other license plate reading technology;

Limiting the purpose for using these technologies to documented casework,

Establishing a system of real-time flagging and increasing approval to use the system by supervisors,

What the letter calls a clear firewall for immigration enforcement, preventing the police departments Flock network from being used by federal agencies in ways that go against the departments own policies restricting cooperation with immigration enforcement,

Transparent reporting including query volume trends, high-level categories of uses, who the data is shared with, and discipline/misuse outcomes,

Oversight hearings built into normal governance routines, such as the councils Public Safety and Health Committee, which the letter notes is a natural forum for recurring surveillance oversight hearings and for receiving transparency reports,

Treating surveillance technology contracts as public interest infrastructure agreements requiring clarity on retention and disclosure, clear rules on secondary use, and enforceable audit access for the city and designated independent reviewers,

And reforms to local legislation such as adopting a Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) policy, which local activists and community members have been calling for in recent years.

Just a day after the alders issued their letter, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin also sent its own communication to the Public Safety and Health Committee regarding Flock and other police surveillance technology.

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It is critical that our community has a say in if and how invasive surveillance technologies are used, how they are deployed against residents, if and how their data is stored and shared with third parties, and whether spending our limited tax dollars on surveillance technologies is the best way to promote public safety, the ACLU letter stated.

Abuse of surveillance tech cases across Wisconsin

The ACLUs letter also noted a disturbing trend in Wisconsin and across the country regarding law enforcement abuse of Flock [Automatic License Plate Reader] technology to stalk and harass people, in most cases women.

If convicted, Ayala could face up to nine months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. However, a criminal complaint issued for Ayala mentions that negotiations have been underway for a settlement that would include his resignation.

A Milwaukee police squad car in front of the Municipal Court downtown. (Photo | Isiah Holmes)

Departments are also inconsistent in how they respond to the use of vague or overly common search terms. After the Examiner approached the Waukesha Police Department about why hundreds of Flock searches had been labeled with only . in the field indicating the reason for the search, a spokesperson said that a single officer was responsible for the searches and had been counseled and retrained. By contrast the West Allis Police Department  the states most frequent user of the . Flock search term during the first half of 2025  only asserted that its officers are properly trained, and that it investigates misuse cases when warranted.

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In addition to Ayala, another officer accused of misusing surveillance technology is Jay Johnson, the chief of the Greenfield Police Department. Johnson is facing felony misconduct in public office charges for installing a department-owned pole camera on his property during a messy divorce. Johnson is also accused of destroying data by deleting text messages after a meeting where he learned about the accusations and was offered a chance to retire.

In Menasha, Wisconsin, Cristian Morales is facing felony misconduct in public office charges for allegedly using Flock to track someone while he was off duty. If convicted, the Menasha Police Department officer could be imprisoned for up to three and a half years and be fined up to $10,000. As with Ayala, Morales alleged misuse of Flock was discovered only after a complaint was made to another police department, and not through oversight by Menasha, Auto Wire reported.

A new case of Flock abuse in Kenosha

In Kenosha County, a sheriffs deputy was reportedly offered a severance package to resign, and has yet to face charges for inappropriate use of surveillance technology.

Internal investigation documents obtained by the Examiner through an open records request show that, in late September, Frank McGrath, at that time a Kenosha County Sheriff Department deputy, logged into an app on his phone to access his agencys Flock network. McGrath wanted to search for a specific vehicle, entering suspicious as the reason for using the AI-powered cameras. But McGrath was off duty, and his searches  lacking any case numbers  werent intended to find a murder suspect, stolen car, or kidnapped child. Instead, McGrath was apparently stalking another Kenosha County deputy whom he was dating.

Kenosha County courthouse. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

McGraths 16 Flock searches were first noticed by Kenosha County Sheriff Capt. Erik Klinkhammer, during an audit in October 2025. After checking the license plate which McGrath repeatedly searched in the TIME system  a consolidated information database used by law enforcement  Klinkhammer confirmed that the targeted vehicle belonged to a Kenosha County Sheriffs deputy, whose name is redacted in the documents obtained by the Examiner through records requests.

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There was no indication that [REDACTED] or her vehicle were connected to any investigation, and informal internal speculation suggested a possible romantic relationship between McGrath and [REDACTED], the internal investigation report states. These factors raised concerns regarding McGraths motive for conducting off-duty searches of her vehicle.

None of McGraths other Flock searches were like those that raised Klinkhammers suspicions. McGrath was placed on administrative leave and ordered to report to the sheriffs office for questioning. The vice president of the Kenosha Sheriff Offices union was also notified of the situation.

McGrath initially denied having misused Flock stating that, he performed the searches through the FLOCK app on his phone and dismissed the relevance of questions about a relationship with [REDACTED], the investigation report states. McGrath surrendered his badge and firearm before leaving the room. Within moments, the reports continued, McGrath returned with the union vice president saying he didnt want to leave the situation unresolved, and admitting that he was having romantic relationship problems with the deputy whose license he searched in Flock. Klinkhammer then called the deputy in question, who confirmed that she already knew about McGrath monitoring her vehicle through Flock. [REDACTED] said she was not afraid of McGrath and is not in fear of her safety, the investigation report states.

A Flock camera on the Lac Courte Orielles Reservation in SawYer County. (Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner)

In a separate interview, the deputy McGrath was monitoring also appeared with a union representative. She said that McGrath had told her about the Flock searches a week or two before Klinkhammer contacted her. [REDACTED] stated she did believe his actions were in violation of policy and found it weird, but she did not report the information to a supervisor, the investigation report states. She elaborated on a close friendship she had with another male coworker who, after learning about her relationship with McGrath, had been giving her the cold shoulder.

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She was extremely upset by this change, and while speaking with McGrath on the day of the FLOCK searches, she became emotional and cried, the investigation report states. She explained that she and this coworker communicated daily, both on and off duty, and the sudden distance was upsetting. She stated that McGrath told her her reaction was not normal and questioned whether she had romantic feelings for the coworker. [REDACTED] told him she did not, explaining she was simply hurt by the loss of the friendship.

Later, McGrath questioned her about who had access to her vehicle. Because she lives with her parents, she explained that either her mother or father can take her car at any time, the investigation report states. She noted it was unusual that McGrath repeatedly asked this question. The two eventually had a significant argument related to her having male friends, which led to her distancing herself from her male friends, after which things with McGrath improved, according to the report.

Surveillance motivated by jealousy

[REDACTED] denied any physical altercations, domestic violence, or concerning behavior of that nature during the relationship, the investigation report states. She stated McGrath did not like her having male friends, wanted to go through her phone at times, and had expressed jealousy issues, but she denied any physical incidents. She also denied believing she was being stalked, stating that she and McGrath shared their iPhone locations with each other.

The two talked about the situation again after McGrath was placed on leave, devolving into another argument. [REDACTED] stated McGrath never asked her to lie for him and instructed her to tell the truth, the investigation report states. She confirmed they are still currently in a relationship, though McGrath has made only limited comments about discussing the situation with his union representative. The investigation report notes that, when asked why she did not initially report McGraths FLOCK use after he told her, [REDACTED] said she did not know what to do and felt the situation was strange.

Dane Countys DAIS held an Oct. 1 rally for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

When he spoke with investigators, McGrath said hed undergone Flock training and understood police databases can only be used for legitimate investigative purposes, and agreed that his own use was unauthorized. However, McGrath told investigators that his understanding of Flock and license plate reader policies was vague and he said that although he signs off on policy updates, he often does not read them.

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McGrath said that his own insecurity and the way the female deputy reacted to her friend cutting her off contributed to his misuse of Flock. He explained that he first ran a partial plate using the digits he knew, then used an Antioch, Illinois, camera hit from a prior visit to his residence to identify her full plate number, the investigation reads. He then continued searching her movements through the system. His stated goal was to determine whether [REDACTED] was at home or possibly visiting the male coworker he was suspicious of.

McGrath said he knew [he] probably shouldnt have used Flock for personal reasons but believed FLOCK was not as tightly regulated as TIME. He also said that he didnt use other police databases such as LEADS or New Work for personal reasons and could not explain why he treated FLOCK differently. McGrath also admitted to initially lying to Capt. Klinkhammer claiming he was embarrassed and ashamed, the investigation report notes.

Besides Flock, McGrath also used a squad car tracking system called Polaris to monitor his partner. He admitted these searches were motivated by jealousy, stating he checked to see where she was, who she might be sitting near, or which deputies she was working alongside, the report states. He agreed this behavior was inappropriate and understood how it could be viewed as stalking-type conduct. McGrath entered the reason for the searches as suspicious as likely an attempt to legitimize the searches, and stated that although he knew in the back of his mind that what he was doing was wrong, he was not in the right frame of mind at the time.

Knowingly and repeatedly misusing Flock

The internal investigation found that McGrath knowingly and repeatedly misused Flock and Polaris, and was not truthful when confronted by a supervisor about his actions. His actions constitute an abuse of his authority and a serious breach of trust regarding confidential law enforcement information, the investigation report states. His pattern of personal surveillance using restricted law enforcement systems, coupled with his initial dishonesty, represents serious misconduct. The misuse was repeated, knowing, and extended over multiple months. It occurred off duty, and it was directed at a fellow member of this agency in the context of a romantic relationship.

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Kenosha County Sheriff Lt. Chase Forster concluded in the investigation that this level of misconduct significantly undermines the integrity and credibility expected of a Kenosha County Sheriffs Deputy, and formal discipline is warranted. Yet that discipline never came.

Protesters march in Milwaukee calling for more community control of the police. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

According to a John Doe petition filed by Kevin Mathewson, a controversial local figure who runs the Kenosha County Eye, McGrath resigned and avoided having his case referred to the district attorneys office. Mathewson also wrote on Kenosha County Eye that McGrath received a severance agreement when he resigned. Mathewson points out in his John Doe petition that other Wisconsin officers  including in Milwaukee, Menasha and Greenfield  have faced misconduct in public office charges for abusing Flock. By filing a John Doe petition, Mathewson is asking a judge to consider whether probable cause exists to charge McGrath. If a judge decides that probable cause exists, he or she may appoint special prosecutors to explore options to convict.

The Examiner reached out to the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office for comment. Acting as a spokesperson, Forster declined to comment, saying that the criminal investigation is being carried out by the neighboring Racine County Sheriffs Office. While a spokesperson from Racine County confirmed that the department is working on it, referring to the investigation against McGrath, they declined to comment further, stating that Kenosha is in charge of releasing information and statements. The Racine County Sheriff spokesperson assured the Examiner that they werent trying to play hide the ball.

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Oil markets continue to experience heightened volatility as the Middle East conflict escalates, with oil prices trending north on Wednesday, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that the war in the Middle East is nearly complete. In remarks made a couple of days ago, Trump described the conflict as a "short-term excursion" that is ahead of schedule and is nearing its final phase. At 3.55 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Brent crude for April delivery was up over 5% to trade at $92.21 per barrel, while the corresponding WTI crude contract was up 5.13% to change hands at $87.73 per barrel.

In the meantime, the 32-member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have unanimously agreed to a record release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves in a bid to tame soaring oil prices.

The oil market challenges we are facing are unprecedented in scale, therefore I am very glad that IEA Member countries have responded with an emergency collective action of unprecedented size, said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. Oil markets are global so the response to major disruptions needs to be global too. Energy security is the founding mandate of the IEA, and I am pleased that IEA Members are showing strong solidarity in taking decisive action together.

But heres the kicker: Russia is the biggest beneficiary of the Middle East war, based on Standard Chartered analysis.

Related: Little-Known US Company Lands Important Pentagon Contract in Rare Earth Race

Russia is eagerly capitalizing on both higher market prices and desperate customers looking for alternate sources.

The U.S. Treasury has granted special permission for Indian refiners to purchase sanctioned Russian crude, as long as it was loaded onto a tanker before 5th March. StanChart notes that these loaded, but previously uncommitted, cargoes have been rapidly bought in the spot market, saying that this short-term waiver could potentially double the volume of Russias oil exports to India from 1 mb/d to 2 mb/d in the near term.

Russian crude surged 10.7% to trade at $100.67 per barrel at 1.45 pm ET, with Urals crude trading at a premium to the Brent international benchmark for the first time in history, primarily due to the severe supply shock in the Middle East and shifting trade dynamics in Asia. Facing a massive shortage of Middle Eastern "medium sour" crude (a grade similar to Urals), Indian refiners have turned aggressively to Russian supplies.

This surge in demand was facilitated by the 30-day waiver from the U.S. allowing Indian refiners to receive Russian crude already on tankers to stabilize local energy security. Brent is a light, sweet crude, whereas Urals is a medium sour grade. Because Middle Eastern production of sour crude is currently offline or unreachable, refiners that require this specific feedstock are paying a premium of $4 to $5 per barrel above Brent on a delivered basis to secure Russian barrels.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 52-year-old man from Wisconsin was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on March 10 for Medicaid fraud while being ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution.

A release from the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin states that Lenard R. Monroe was sentenced to 132 months for Medicaid fraud, violations of the antikickback statute, wire fraud, and money laundering. Monroe was found guilty on all charges in October 2025 during a jury trial.

Armed hit-and-run suspect in Wisconsin shot and killed, deputies placed on leave

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Authorities say that over a three-year period, Monroes former business, Wellness Personal Care Service, falsely billed Medicaid for thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never performed.

Monroe also allegedly paid a codefendant more than $600,000 in illegal kickbacks and used his status as a registered Medicaid provider to fraudulently apply for and receive almost a quarter of a million dollars in COVID relief funds.

It was also reported that Monroe spent money from his fraud scheme to make extravagant personal purchases that included a Dodge Demon drag racing car.

High-speed pursuit in Fond du Lac County ends in rollover crash, 2 arrests

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Fraud like this takes resources from every one of us, especially those Americans most in need of the publics help, said U.S. Attorney Schimel. The strong sentence in this case not only holds the defendant accountable but also sends a powerful message to other potential thieves who would defraud the goodwill of the American people.

During Monroes sentencing hearing, he was also ordered to pay $2,543,216.62 to Wisconsin Medicaid and $247,167.90 to the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration in restitution.

COVID relief funds were meant to be a lifeline to keep legitimate businesses open, employees paid, and communities afloat during a national crisis, said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. Leonard Monroe saw that lifeline as an opportunity to steal.

No additional details were provided.

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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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $706,000 in wolf depredation claims for 2025 during its March meeting last week, an amount that exceeds the states annual wolf compensation fund by more than double.

The commission also rejected another $53,611 in claims. But more claims are expected, based on comments from Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff in January.

Of the claims approved last week, $615,000 was listed on the commissions consent agenda; another claim for $125,265 was split, with $91,170 approved for payment and the rest denied. There were several other claims recommended for denial by CPW staff, which the commission affirmed.

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A CPW official told a joint meeting of the House and Senate agriculture committees in January that they received more than $1 million in claims for the 2025 year.

> Read more at ColoradoPolitics.com
The West Virginia Senate has approved a bill that increases penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence, causing death.

Senators passed House Bill 4712, Bayleas Law, with a vote of 34 to 0. The House of Delegates unanimously passed the legislation Feb. 12.

Sen. Tom Willis, R-Berkeley

This bill is called Bayleas Law, in honor of Baylea Craig Bower, whose life was tragically taken in a criminal act, Senate Judiciary Chairman Tom Willis, R-Berkeley, said, in support of the bill.

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There was a loophole in the law that this bill closes.

Bower, a 25-year-old Boone County woman, was killed on Easter morning last year in a head-on collision in Raleigh County. The driver of the other vehicle, Destany Lester, pleaded guilty to driving impaired causing death, and one count of possession of a controlled substance, according to reporting by WOAY. Lester was 18 at the time of the crash.

A Raleigh County judge suspended Lesters 3- to 15-year prison sentence and sentenced the woman to six months of home confinement followed by two to 24 months in a rehabilitation program at the Anthony Center.

Lesters sentencing has caused an outcry in the community from people who say the sentence was too light.

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The version of the bill the Senate passed Friday creates a new offense of driving under the influence causing death or acting with deliberate disregard for the safety of others and sets the fines at between $2,000 and $10,000 and incarceration of between 5 to 30 years.

The bill says that the sentence is mandatory and that a person convicted is not eligible for home detention.

Family members of friends of Baylea attended a rally in support of the bill as it passed in the House of Delegates last month, and testified before committees during the legislative process.

This bill does not give Bayleas family justice, but it does give the opportunity for justice for families that may find themselves in similar tragic circumstances in the future, Willis said. I urge passage.

Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh

Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, also spoke in support of the bill, saying that the increased penalties in the bill might get peoples attention so that what happened to Baylea doesnt happen again.

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The people in Raleigh County, Boone County are just fit to be tied over the ruling of the judge, and the family just doesnt feel like justice was served, Roberts said. And with the passing of this bill, it will cause those penalties to have some teeth in them, be more harsh, and be able to get the attention of these people that are driving under the influence.

And I hope that that brings some measure of comfort and relief that this Legislature cares and were going to do the right thing, he said.

The legislation is sponsored by Del. Josh Holstein, R-Boone, a friend of Bayleas family.

Until this week, the bill had been pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Holstein said he was so concerned that the bill was being held up in the committee that lawmakers amended the language of Bayleas bill into Senate Bill 499, which requires drug tests to be performed on surviving operators after a fatal motor vehicle accident crash in certain circumstances.

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There was a lot of negotiation that had to go on there, unfortunately, but thats sometimes how the process works unfortunately, Holstein said. It shouldnt be for something like this, but it was.

But all that matters now is that its making its way to the end, Holstein said. And the family is going to get some kind of comfort, and future victims will receive appropriate justice, and hopefully this deters some people from doing it to begin with.

The bill will need to go back to the House to approve changes before going to the governor for consideration.

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By John Irish and Gianluca Lo Nostro

PARIS, March 13 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that a U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil was not helping to end the conflict in Ukraine as he sought reassurances of support in Paris amid the war in the Middle East.

Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, indirectly benefiting Russia, and Kyiv is concerned that the war is diverting attention from Ukraine.

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"There is nothing good for Ukraine in the war in the Middle East. It's understandable that the attention of the world is moving to Middle East," he told students at the Sciences Po university in Paris.

The U.S. said on Thursday it would temporarily waive sanctions on Russian oil at sea.

"This single easing by the U.S. could provide Russia with around $10 billion for the war. It certainly does not help (to achieve) peace," Zelenskiy told a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Iran conflict has also raised questions about the immediate supply of weapons  notably air defences  from Western partners to Ukraine, as Gulf Arab states draw down their own air-defence stocks to repel daily attacks from Tehran.

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Zelenskiy said this will exacerbate Ukraine's acute shortage of air defence missiles. This week he said Gulf states had used more PAC3 Patriot air defence missiles against Iranian strikes in a few days than Kyiv had received from Washington over four years.

Zelenskiy has not specified the source of his figures.

The European Union has yet to agree on a proposed 90 billion euro loan that would, in part, provide Kyiv with funding to purchase weapons. Ukraine hopes the loan will be in place by midApril.

Macron said nothing would deter Europe from helping Ukraine, and he praised Kyiv's "remarkable tenacity and courage" in resisting Russia's assault.

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The French leader said there was no justification to lift sanctions on Russia and that if Moscow thought the war in Iran would give it respite, then it was mistaken.

Without elaborating, Macron said weapons support to Ukraine would be stepped up.

Zelenskiy has sought to show Gulf Arab states  many of which maintain close ties with Moscow  that Ukraine can be a useful and reliable partner.

(Additional reporting by Juliia Dysa and Olena Harmas; Editing by Richard Lough, Gareth Jones, Alexandra Hudson)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris on the morning of 13 March, and one of the main topics for discussion during his visit will be the issue of unblocking a 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.

Source: Suspilne, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: A source at the Elysee Palace said that unblocking the EU loan will be a major focus during Zelenskyy's visit to France.

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Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to hold talks on support for Ukraine. Other items on the agenda include efforts to counter Russia's shadow fleet of tankers and the commitments undertaken by members of the Coalition of the Willing.

Final approval of the 90 billion loan for Ukraine has reached a deadlock due to vetoes by Hungary and Slovakia.

It's thought the issue is highly unlikely to be resolved before elections in Hungary that could bring Prime Minister Viktor Orban's long-standing premiership to an end. Even if that happens, Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has also threatened to continue vetoing the decision.

Background:

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European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said earlier this week that the EU will ultimately provide Ukraine with the 90 billion "one way or another".

According to Politico, the EU has come up with a way to provide Ukraine with at least 30 billion despite vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukraine is awaiting White House approval for a major drone production agreement proposed by Kyiv last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday, as countries scramble to modernize their air defenses after the Iran war exposed shortcomings.

The proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal would cover various types of drones and air defenses that operate as a single system capable of protecting against swarms of hundreds or even thousands of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and missiles, Zelenskyy said in a message on social media.

We have not yet had the opportunity to sign this document, Zelenskyy said.

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Russia, which invaded its neighbor just over four years ago, has fired more than 57,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said earlier this week. It launched more than 800 drones and decoys in its biggest nighttime barrage of Ukraine.

Iran has responded to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes by firing the same type of drones at targets in the Middle East.

A Patriot air defense missile costs $3 million$4 million, while a Shahed costs about $130,000$150,000, Zelenskyy said during a visit to Romania, adding that the United States produces about 6065 Patriot missiles per month.

Ukraine has pioneered the development of cut-price drone killers, some of which cost a few thousand dollars, that have rewritten the air defense rule book. The conflict unfolding in the Middle East might prompt American officials to sign the drone production proposal, Zelenskyy said.

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Ukraine is keen to lock in future foreign support for its ongoing effort to thwart Russias invasion, and drone production agreements could bring Kyiv some diplomatic leverage in negotiations with Moscow.

U.S.-mediated talks seeking to stop Europes biggest conflict since World War II are on hold due to the Iran war, though they could resume next week, according to the Ukrainian leader.

Russia's oil earnings boosted by Iran war

Zelenskyy was in NATO member Romania a day before he visits French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, as new research indicated Russian oil revenue that helps drive its invasion of Ukraine has risen since the Iran war began.

Russias daily revenue from oil sales during the Iran conflict, which has brought a sharp increase in the price of crude, has been on average 14% higher than in February, according to the nonprofit Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Oil revenue is crucial for Moscow's war effort.

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Russia has been earning 510 million euros ($588 million) every day this month from oil and liquefied natural gas exports, according to Isaac Levi of the CREA. Most Russian LNG goes to the European Union, while China, Turkey and India currently make up 90% of all Russias crude oil exports, he told The Associated Press in an interview.

The windfall is boosting the Russian economy, which previously was feeling the pinch of international sanctions, he said.

Macrons office said his talks with the Ukrainian leader will focus on efforts to counter Russias so-called shadow fleet of tankers that are shipping oil in violation of international sanctions but are hard to stop.

Zelenskyy met in Bucharest with Romanian President Nicusor Dan, who told a news conference that the two countries signed documents for joint drone production and energy sector cooperation.

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Ukraine has exported a significant amount of its grain through Romania during the war, and Bucharest has provided energy support to Kyiv as Moscows forces blast Ukraines power grid.

Ukraine targets Russian energy sites

Long-range drones operated by a special operations unit of the Ukraine Security Service struck a major oil depot and transshipment terminal in southern Russias Krasnodar region, a senior Ukrainian official claimed Thursday.

The attack dealt a significant blow to Russias fuel logistics, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a separate drone attack on a compressor station serving a natural gas pipeline to Turkey was an absolutely reckless action.

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The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 10 Ukrainian drones overnight around the compressor station in the Krasnodar region. It said there was no damage to the facility.

___

Associated Press writer Samuel Petrequin in Paris contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Mar. 11Congressman Ryan Zinke spoke to the War in Iran while visiting Kalispell Monday, saying he supported President Trump's decision to take action against the country.

"I have a lot of friends that aren't here because of Iran," Zinke, a former Navy SEAL, said.

He noted Iran was a terrorist regime closing in on nuclear capabilities that they could have used in more conventional weapons.

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He said President Trump, "gave them a deal and they didn't take it."

Zinke said Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was the "same person, different face."

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the first days of the war, which is in its second week.

Trump has projected the war could go on four or five weeks.

When the Congressman was asked if he thought it could end that soon, he said "Yes, I do."

Zinke said the war also illustrated the need for energy independence in the U.S. On a political note, Zinke spoke of Republican Aaron Flint, who is seeking Zinke's open seat in Montana's First Congressional District. Zinke announced he would retire last week.

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Flint is a former local TV journalist and worked for former Montana Sen. Conrad Burns. He enlisted in the ROTC at the University of Montana, his alma mater, shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and then went to Iraq as a reservist. He has two Bronze Stars.

He recently retired as a Lt. Colonel with over 20 years of service in the Army National Guard/Reserve, according to his website and also had a stint as the state director for Zinke.
An attacker armed with a rifle sat in the Temple Israel parking lot for more than two hours before ramming his vehicle into the synagogue in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Thursday, the FBI said Friday.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an exchange of gunfire with the temple's security team, according to FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan.

Multiple media outlets identified the suspect as a Lebanese-born U.S. citizen. The Associated Press reported that Ghazali had lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike in his native Lebanon last week. Ghazali had no prior criminal history and had never been the subject of an FBI investigation, Runyan said. Investigators found commercial-grade fireworks and jugs of flammable liquid inside his vehicle.

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Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects motive, but the FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community, Runyan said during a press conference on Thursday evening.

None of the people inside Temple Israel, including 140 children who were at the synagogues on-site child care center, were seriously injured or killed in the incident. Everyone is safe, the synagogue wrote in a social media post several hours after the attack.

The suspect's car caught fire inside the building, causing a blaze that resulted in 63 first responders seeking medical attention for smoke inhalation. A member of the temple's security staff, who was knocked to the ground by the suspect's vehicle, was also taken to the hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a statement expressing her concern for those involved.

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This is heartbreaking. Michigans Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace, she wrote. Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyones safety.

Synagogues in the Detroit area were placed on temporary lockdown. Police in New York City and Washington, D.C., increased their patrols around Jewish cultural institutions out of an abundance of caution in the hours after the attack.
Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC) is one of the 10 Stocks Making Huge Moves Today.

Sable Offshore soared by 15.06 percent on Wednesday to close at $16.58 apiece on renewed optimism for the looming restart of its full operations off the California coast.

This followed a report by Bloomberg that President Donald Trump is looking to intervene and exercise his emergency powers that would allow Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC) to move forward with the resumption of operations of the Las Flores onshore pipeline which was ordered shut for more than a decade due to a major oil spill.

Drone Landing on BP (BP) Iraq Field Prompts Staff Evacuation

An oil drilling platform. Photo by Jan-Rune Smenes Reite on Pexels.

Trumps emergency powers could override state laws currently preventing Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC) from fully operating its pipeline.

The report followed a legal opinion from an office under the Department of Justice last week confirming that Trumps emergency powers could override conflicting federal laws.

An order issued as an exercise of congressionally delegated authority or the Presidents constitutional powers has the force of federal law under the Supremacy Clause and may preempt contrary state law, said Thomas Elliot Gaiser, assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel of the DOJ.

Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC) has already restarted operations of its offshore unitSanta Ynezin May last year, but remained unable to sell or transport hydrocarbons through its Las Flores facility pending court approval.

While we acknowledge the potential of SOC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Contact Alexander Banks by email at abanks@yakimaherald.com, or by phone at 509-577-7654.

Alexander Banks reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and Yakima community members. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. To support local journalism, click here.
Serve Robotics has launched a new partnership with White Castle to deliver the US fast-food chains menu items using its autonomous delivery robots via Uber Eats.

Under the agreement, White Castle customers who order through Uber Eats within Serves delivery zone may receive their meals via one of Serves autonomous sidewalk robots.

The autonomous delivery option is available to eligible customers inside Serves operating area.

The deal adds to Serve Robotics existing activity on the Uber Eats platform.

Via the food delivery app, Serves robotic deliveries are available in cities such as Atlanta (including Buckhead), Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The robotics company said that more US cities are expected to be added soon.

Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani said: White Castle is a legendary brand that helped define convenient, fast meals, and were thrilled to bring that legacy into the future.

Seeing a Serve robot roll down the sidewalk with a Crave Case will soon feel like a natural extension of the White Castle experience.

The company added that its third-generation robots are built to handle larger and temperature-sensitive orders.

These robots can deliver White Castle items while maintaining optimal warmth and quality during transport.

White Castle restaurant operations senior vice-president Chris Shaffery said: Partnering with Serve Robotics gives us an exciting new way to combine convenience, technology, and great taste while allowing Cravers to enjoy their favourite items in a fun and sustainable way.

Serve Robotics designs and operates autonomous robots that can navigate in human-centric environments. The company spun off from Uber in 2021.

It has deployed over 2,000 robots across the US, supporting delivery for more than 3,600 restaurants.

"Serve Robotics partners with White Castle for autonomous delivery on Uber Eats" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide.

Shell (LSE:SHEL) and TotalEnergies have declared force majeure on LNG shipments from Qatar.

Operations at the Ras Laffan LNG plant were halted following a drone attack.

The disruption affects LNG deliveries, particularly to Asian buyers that rely on Qatari supply.

For Shell, this incident affects a core part of its LNG franchise at a time when its shares trade around 33.28 and the stock is up 20.6% year to date and 33.0% over the past year. The company has a large, diversified portfolio of LNG and broader energy assets, which can help limit concentrated exposure to any single facility or region.

Investors will be monitoring how long the force majeure lasts, how much volume is affected, and whether Shell can re route supply from other sources. The situation also places additional focus on Shells contractual flexibility and portfolio management in LNG, particularly for clients in Asia where energy security is a key concern.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Shell by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Shell.

LSE:SHEL 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Is Shell's balance sheet strong enough for future acquisitions? Dive into our detailed financial health analysis.

The force majeure at Ras Laffan is primarily a contractual and regulatory event, not just an operational hiccup, so the key question for you is how it interacts with Shells long term LNG agreements and counterparties. Force majeure clauses are designed to limit liability when disruptions are outside a companys control, but they can still lead to commercial disputes, renegotiations, or closer regulatory attention if buyers argue that obligations are not being met. For Shell, which is a major LNG offtaker from Qatar and an important supplier to Asian utilities, the short term focus is on how much contracted volume is delayed and whether replacement cargoes from other hubs like LNG Canada can partially offset the gaps. Over a longer period, events like a drone attack on one of the worlds largest LNG facilities can lead regulators, credit providers, and customers to scrutinise security, insurance, and contingency planning more closely across the LNG chain, including at peers such as BP and TotalEnergies.

How This Fits Into The Shell Narrative
Canadas labour market lost a net 83,900 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased to 6.7 per cent, driven by a substantial decline in full-time positions, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday.

The results were far below the slight job gain forecast by economists. The employment rate  the share of the population aged 15 and older who are working  fell 0.2 percentage points to 60.6 per cent, marking a second consecutive monthly decline and leaving it just above a recent low reached last summer.

In a note to clients, BMO chief economist Douglas Porter calls the February Labour Force Survey (LFS) data a simply brutal result, noting that it ranks as one of the worst (non-pandemic) months ever for jobs. He declares the report weak almost from head to toe and points to a near absence of net job growth in the last 12 months.

Somehow, the market continues to price in Bank of Canada rate hikes for later this year, but if this employment report is at all indicative of underlying economic conditions, the last thing the Bank would be considering would be rate hikes, Porter concluded.

The February numbers suggest a worrisome turn for Canadas job market, CIBC economist Katherine Judge wrote, with a loss of 108,000 full-time jobs  73,000 of those in the private sector.

Overall, this is clearly a very worrisome report for the [Bank of Canada] that shows that labour market slack has increased and activity is frozen amidst trade uncertainty, she said.

Indeed Canada senior economist Brendon Bernard also notes the reports weakness, while cautioning that the LFS has swung above and below forecasts with unusual frequency in recent months.

The LFS is quite volatile: 2026 started weak, but it followed a surprisingly strong stretch to end 2025, Bernard said in an emailed statement. At least some of the recent slip appears to be a direct reversal of that earlier strength. Youth employment rates in particular have fallen back to their September levels after bouncing up towards the end of the year. To the extent that the previous strength was exaggerated, the trend has returned back to the mean.

There were 47,000 jobs lost among youth aged 15 to 24, bringing the youth unemployment rate up 1.3 percentage points to 14.1 per cent, which Statistics Canada notes is closer to the recent high of 14.6 per cent reached in September 2025.

Average hourly wages rose 3.9 per cent compared with a year earlier. However, Desjardins Group economist Royce Mendes warns that the increase appears driven by composition effects, as job losses were concentrated in lower-paid positions, which mechanically pushes up the average wage reading.
Standard Lithium Ltd (NYSE:SLI) is one of the best penny stocks to buy according to Reddit. Standard Lithium Ltd (NYSE:SLI) announced on March 9 that Smackover Lithium, a joint venture (JV) between Standard Lithium Ltd. and Equinor, through subsidiaries of Equinor ASA, signed its first commercial offtake agreement for the South West Arkansas Project with Trafigura Trading LLC. Trafigura has an established presence across battery metals markets, including lithium, and is a market leader in the global commodities industry.

Standard Lithium Ltd (NYSE:SLI) reported that the terms of the binding take-or-pay offtake agreement stated that Trafigura will be supplied with 8,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate by the JV over a 10-year period, which would begin at the start of commercial production. The pricing terms of the agreement are subject to confidentiality, but are structured to support the anticipated financing for the project.

It further stated that the JV is seeking to finalize customer offtake agreements for around 80% of the 22,500 tonnes of annual nameplate lithium carbonate capacity for the initial phase of the SWA Project, with the first agreement representing over 40% of the targeted offtake commitments. In addition, advanced commercial negotiations are underway between the JV and multiple additional parties, aimed at completing this process as soon as practical.

Standard Lithium Ltd (NYSE:SLI) is involved in the testing and proving of the commercial viability of lithium extraction. The companys projects include Arkansas Lithium, Lithium Brine Processing, and California Lithium.

While we acknowledge the potential of SLI 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 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years AND 12 Best Stocks That Will Always Grow.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is included among the 11 Best Utility Stocks to Buy for Dividends in 2026.

The Southern Company Gets the Largest Ever Loan from the US Department of Energy

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is one of the largest producers of electricity in the United States and the largest wholesale provider in the Southeast. Together with its subsidiaries, the company delivers clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its 9 million customers.

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) received a lift on February 25 when the U.S. Department of Energy offered a $26.54 billion loan package to its subsidiaries, marking the largest ever such financing by the DoEs Office of Energy Dominance Financing. The loans will have an approximately 30-year term and will help save power customers in Georgia and Alabama over $7 billion during this period.

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO)s subsidiaries will be among the first to take advantage of the funding provided by President Trumps Energy Dominance Financing Program under these new loans, which will be used to finance a portfolio of projects across the utilitys Southeastern service territory.

Chris Womack, Chairman, President, and CEO of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO), stated:

These investments will support the extraordinary and transformative projected growth were seeing across our company. These loans will help lower the cost of investments in our grid that will enhance reliability and resilience for the benefit of our customers. At Southern Company, we are focused on serving growth while maintaining rate stability and driving long-term savings for customers. We believe the actions were taking today will leave an enduring, positive impact on generations to come. We thank President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their leadership and support of American energy infrastructure and the millions of customers we are privileged to serve.

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) announced last month that it had raised its capital investment plan to $81 billion over the next 5 years, up almost 18% from its guidance last year.

While we acknowledge the potential of SO 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 14 Best Oil and Gas Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
By Nathan Vifflin

SOPOT, Poland, March 13 (Reuters) - STMicroelectronics unveiled plans on Thursday to retrain workers and deploy robots in its older chip manufacturing plants, avoiding closures as the European semiconductor giant navigates industry challenges.

At a semiconductor conference in Sopot, Poland, hosted by industry group SEMI, Thomas Morgenstern, STMicro's head of manufacturing, showed a video of a robot placing a silicon wafer carrier into a machine.

"This is the first one we have," he said. "In the next couple of years, we are talking about numbers beyond one hundred humanoids doing jobs in our facilities."

European chipmakers, including STMicro and rivals such as NXP, face mounting pressure from global competitors, particularly in China, where modern automated production lines are increasing efficiency.

Ageing "fabs," or chip factories, require significant investment to compete, but they are often not upgradeable with newer tools. Options to tear down and rebuild are complicated by high costs, regulatory hurdles, and negotiations with unions in Europe.

While older fabs are generally not eligible for EU Chips Act funding, because subsidies are geared towards "first-of-a-kind" projects, industry groups including SEMI are pushing for more investments in supply chains and existing industrial strengths as part of a refreshed Chips Act 2.0.

HUMANOIDS TAKE OVER REPETITIVE TASKS

STMicro has been grappling with a restructuring plan launched in October 2024 that includes the proposed departure of 5,000 workers. While progress has been made in France, the effort has stalled in Italy, highlighting the challenges the company faces in streamlining operations.

Morgenstern said humanoids would take over repetitive and physically demanding tasks, allowing workers to move into higher-skilled roles that are in short supply. He said the company had begun a training initiative to align workforce skills with emerging needs.

"If you have a three or four-shift system, one humanoid can replace three out of four shifts," he told Reuters. "We don't want to close any facility in Europe ... the goal is to increase efficiency."

(Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Sopot. Editing by Matt Scuffham and Mark Potter)
The Iran conflict threatens to enter its third week as bombings, drone strikes, and a shutdown of critical shipping corridors and industry continue. And with no end in sight, the regional war's global implications are starting to be measured in markets.

In recent days, we've covered some of the more pressing market stories amid promises that the conflict will be over in "four to five weeks." But as key shipping corridors and industry remain shut in the Middle East, investors are starting to position for a prolonged conflict in the region.

The result so far has been higher energy prices  U.S. WTI Crude surpassed $98 on Friday  and rising worries about the possible impacts to global food security, manufacturing, and chipmaking if the conflict were to live past the five-week shelf life laid out by President Donald Trump.

There's also been repricing in stocks, which makes sense because geopolitical uncertainty and conflict are bad for business. To dig in, we took a look at the S&P 500 for a temperature check. The index's top and bottom 20 stocks over the last month offer some generalizations about the happenings on the ground floor of the market.

What's up?

Some of this might not come as a surprise, but stocks attached to industries ensnared in the Middle East conflict have seen the most marked increase in their stock over the last month.

Fertilizer companies

Fertilizer maker CF Industries Holdings has been the index's best performing stock, up 33.67%. In a previous story, we covered how a sizable portion of ingredients found in nitrogen fertilizers are found in the Middle East. With shipping lanes still shut, fertilizer prices stand to skyrocket just before Spring plant.

Another chemical company, LyondellBasell Industries NV (#9, +21.57%), is also rising in sympathy.

Related: It's not just rising oil prices you'll have to worry about if Iran conflict continues

Energy names

Then, there's the oil companies. The index's second best-performer, Texas Pacific Land Corporation, counts over half of its revenue from oil & gas revenues. It has jumped 28.43% over the last months thanks to the pop in oil prices.

The bump in energy prices is also helping the industry's stocks, with the S&P Energy Sector rising over 6.5% over the past month. Occidental Petroleum Corp (#5, +22.52%), APA Corporation (#7, +21.97%), Valero Energy (#16, +13.08%), and EOG Resources (#19, +13.01%) fill out the majority of the list.
Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide.

Analysts have inched their fair value price target for South Plains Financial from US$46.75 to US$48.00. This reflects a modest recalibration of where they think the shares should trade. That shift is being framed around fresh views on loan growth momentum, the Houston metro expansion and the impact of the Bank of Houston deal, alongside ongoing discussion of execution risk. As you read on, you will see how these moving parts are shaping the evolving analyst story and what to watch next.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value South Plains Financial.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Piper Sandler lifted its rating on South Plains Financial to Overweight from Neutral with a higher US$48 price target, after meeting with management and coming away more confident about the banks position among small cap Texas peers.

Piper Sandler highlighted Q4 2025 loan growth after what it described as a couple of years of more stagnant trends, and sees the opportunity set in the Houston metro area as improving.

Raymond James raised its price target to US$44 from US$42 and kept an Outperform rating, citing the Bank of Houston deal as a meaningful step in South Plains Financial's push into metro markets with an experienced relationship banking team.

 Bearish Takeaways

Piper Sandler pointed out that the shares have only marginally lagged since Q3 2025 earnings, which may signal that some investors still want more proof that loan growth and Houston expansion can be sustained.

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!

NasdaqGS:SPFI 1-Year Stock Price Chart

See how South Plains Financial's fair value stacks up across multiple valuation models  not just analyst targets.

How This Changes the Fair Value For South Plains Financial

Fair value adjusted from US$46.75 to US$48.00 for the shares used in the analysis.

Revenue growth assumption kept at about 14.29%, with only a very small rounding difference.

Net profit margin held at roughly 31.71%, with a minimal numerical refinement.

Future P/E moved from 9.36x to 9.61x in the updated work.

Discount rate held essentially unchanged at 6.978% in the model.

Never Miss an Update: Follow The Narrative

Narratives link a company's story to a financial forecast and fair value, so you can see how business decisions connect to future earnings. They refresh as new data and research come through, keeping the thesis up to date.
March 12 (Reuters) - Medical device maker Stryker said on Thursday a cyberattack that hit its computer systems a day earlier is causing widespread disruption to its business, including its ability to process orders, make products and ship them to customers.

An Iranian-linked hacking group called Handala claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in retaliation to a strike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran.

The school was hit on the first day of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, killing an estimated 150 students, according to Iran's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini. Reuters has not independently verified the figure.

Stryker first disclosed the issue on March 11, saying it had experienced a global disruption to its Microsoft environment.

The incident has not affected any patient-related services and its connected medical products, the company said, even though the full scale and financial impact are not yet known.

The company, which has 56,000 employees and operations in 61 countries, said its investigation is ongoing.

(Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Stryker (NYSE:SYK) shares came under pressure after a cyberattack forced the medical technology company to keep its ordering and shipping systems offline, raising concerns about how long operations may take to fully recover. The stock fell as much as 2.5% in New York trading Thursday, extending a 3.6% decline from the previous day as the Michigan-based maker of surgical equipment and medical devices worked to stabilize internal systems affected by the breach.

In a statement, Stryker said it can still view orders that were placed before the attack and plans to send them once system communications are restored. Staff are working to bring systems back online as quickly as possible, according to the company. The disruption has also affected employees globally, with some workers unable to perform their jobs and sent home, according to a person familiar with the situation. The same person said some devices used by employees had data wiped following the incident.

A pro-Iranian digital activist group known as Handala has claimed responsibility for the attack, though neither Stryker nor cybersecurity authorities have confirmed the attribution. The company said it is working with external cybersecurity experts to assess and contain the threat and that there is no indication ransomware or malware were used. With Stryker supplying products used by health-care providers in 61 countries and potentially reaching more than 150 million patients this year, investors may be watching closely to see how quickly the company can restore systems and whether any prolonged disruption could ripple through the global medical supply chain.
The Scoop

In the midst of the Trump administrations review of AT&Ts $23 billion deal to buy spectrum licenses from EchoStar, CEO John Stankey paid the president a visit earlier this week.

The White House meeting was billed as a way to foreshadow AT&Ts massive $250 billion investment in US infrastructure and jobs, but Stankey also referenced AT&Ts pending deal to acquire EchoStars spectrum, in the context of the companys broader investment in the US, according to people familiar with the meeting.

That deal would cement the concentration of spectrum further in the hands of the big three carriers. It would give AT&T a stronger beachhead to compete with Verizon and T-Mobile, and help the company further muscle out the cable competitors from the valuable spectrum. AT&T is in the middle of its antitrust approval process and faces a potential independent monitor to oversee how AT&T negotiates with its competitors to access its spectrum, as the DOJ has done in similar acquisitions.

AT&T denied a quid-pro-quo between Stankeys meeting and the Justice Departments review of the EchoStar deal.

Our $250 billion commitment is driven by the need to provide connectivity for innovation and growth in the AI era, an AT&T spokesperson said of the companys announcement this week. It wasnt based on some absurd claim fabricated by an anonymous source likely threatened by the increased competition that would benefit consumers if the EchoStar spectrum acquisition is approved.

White House chief of Staff Susie Wiles referenced Stankeys meeting with Trump publicly at a Business Roundtable event that Stankey attended, according to other people familiar with the matter.

Pressed for comment on the conversation, a White House official told Semafor the Trump administration does not comment on private meetings that may or may not have happened.

Know More

Spectrum rights have become a hot commodity for everyone from Elon Musk to the German-owned T-Mobile, both of which tried to scoop up EchoStars other spectrum licenses last year, Semafor scooped.

In FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, theyve found a regulator who is more comfortable with consolidation than many of his predecessors, an issue that has rankled cable operators like Comcast and Charter, both of which have their own telephone networks but dont own any spectrum.

Instead, they lease airwaves from the Big Three carriers  and are worried those leasing costs will only go up dramatically as more and more spectrum gets hoovered up by fewer and fewer players, rather than being shared among all participants.

Shelby Talcott contributed to this report.
Telus (TU) Digital confirmed it experienced a security breach after threat actors alleged to have stolen nearly 1 petabyte of data from the business process outsourcing giant in a multi-month cyberattack, BleepingComputers Lawrence Abrams reports. The attack was carried out by threat actors known as ShinyHunters, who say they stole a wide range of customer information related to Telus BPO operations, as well as call records for the companys consumer telecoms unit, the author notes. TELUS Digital is investigating a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to a limited number of our systems. Upon discovery, we took immediate steps to address the unauthorized activity and secure our systems against further intrusion. We are actively managing the situation and continue to monitor it closely, Telus told BleepingComputer.

Published first on TheFly  the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>>

See the top stocks recommended by analysts >>

Read More on TU:

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Total Energy Services Inc. has reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, with Q4 sales of CA$301.71 million and net income of CA$23.64 million, and full-year sales of CA$1.06 billion and net income of CA$74.22 million, all higher than the prior year.

Alongside record earnings, the company has boosted its 2026 capital budget to CA$87.4 million for rig upgrades in Australia and Canada and exited U.S. well servicing to redeploy capital into higher-priority markets.

Now we will examine how record earnings and the enlarged 2026 capital program might reshape Total Energy Services' existing investment narrative.

The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 19 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement.

Total Energy Services Investment Narrative Recap

To own Total Energy Services, you need to be comfortable with a cyclical oil and gas services business that is currently leaning into rig upgrades and international demand. The record 2025 earnings and enlarged 2026 capital budget reinforce the near term catalyst around Australian and Canadian drilling utilization, while the biggest risk remains that heavy capital spending into oil and gas could leave the company exposed if activity or pricing softens.

The most relevant development here is the CA$31.6 million increase to the 2026 capital budget, bringing it to CA$87.4 million for rig upgrades in Australia and Canada. This amplifies the existing catalyst of higher spec rigs in stronger markets, but it also raises the stakes on the risk of overcapacity and pressured free cash flow if equipment cannot be kept busy at acceptable rates.

However, investors should also be aware that if demand or pricing weakens just as this higher capital program ramps up...

Read the full narrative on Total Energy Services (it's free!)

Total Energy Services' narrative projects CA$1.1 billion revenue and CA$104.4 million earnings by 2028. This requires 3.3% yearly revenue growth and a CA$38.5 million earnings increase from CA$65.9 million today.

Uncover how Total Energy Services' forecasts yield a CA$24.00 fair value, a 18% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

TSX:TOT 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Eight fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community span roughly CA$10 to CA$147 per share, showing just how far apart individual views can be. Against that backdrop, the enlarged 2026 rig upgrade budget and associated execution risk give you a concrete lens to weigh these contrasting expectations and explore several alternative viewpoints on the companys future performance.
TotalEnergies is capping the price of gasoline and diesel at its stations in France to protect consumers from the exceptional market volatility since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, the French supermajor said on Thursday.

From March 13 until March 31, 2026, the price of gasoline and diesel at TotalEnergies will be capped at 1.99 euros and 2.09 euros per liter, respectively.

TotalEnergies will reassess the measure and the state of the global fuel markets in early April, it said today.

Oil prices have indeed seen wild swings in just a few days. Prices soared to nearly $120 per barrel briefly early on Monday, before the U.S. Administration, G-7, and the International Energy Agency rushed to calm the markets that a large emergency stocks release could be imminent.

The market calmed for a day, with Brent Crude prices falling below $90 a barrel on Tuesday, before soaring to nearly $100 again on Wednesday and early Thursday, as the market began to realize how immense the supply disruption is with a blocked Strait of Hormuz.

Related: Six Stocks That Could Soar in an Era of Regional Instability

Oil prices surged even after the record-high coordinated release of 400 million stocks announced by the IEA.

The agency said on Thursday that the Middle East war is creating the biggest supply disruption in the history of the oil market as flows of about 20 million barrels per day of crude and products through the Strait of Hormuz have crashed to a trickle.

In the absence of a rapid resumption of shipping flows, supply losses are set to increase, the IEA said in its monthly Oil Market Report today.

Gasoline and especially diesel prices have soared in recent days as the blockage at the Strait of Hormuz is sending refining cracks to multi-year highs, refineries in the Gulf are being shut due to drone strikes, and Asian countries restrict or outright ban exports of fuels to protect its domestic supply amid the uncertainty about the next crude delivery to refineries.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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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.
TotalEnergies has restarted production at the Mabruk onshore oilfield in Libya following the completion and commissioning of a new production unit.

The French energy company holds a 37.5% interest in the field, which is located within concession C17, approximately 130km south of Sirte. Mabruk was among 11 fields for which Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared force majeure in 2015 following militant attacks.

The new production facility at Mabruk, which is capable of producing 25,000 barrels per day (bpd), began operations on 28 February 2026. The construction phase started in May 2024 and was completed in less than two years.

TotalEnergies exploration and production business Middle East and North Africa director Julien Pouget said: This restart illustrates our long-term commitment in Libya, as we celebrate TotalEnergies 70th anniversary in the country this year.

This project, which follows TotalEnergies recent announcements regarding the extension of the Waha concessions, brings low-cost, low-emissions oil production in line with the companys strategy, and contributes to our objective of 3% annual production growth per year until 2030.

The Mabruk field was discovered in 1959 by Libyan American Company (LIAMCO) but was not developed until 1994 due to challenging reservoir conditions. Operators introduced advanced drilling techniques to extract oil from the complex formation, resulting in an average output of roughly 17,000bpd in 2006.

TotalEnergies has operated in Libya since 1956. Last year, the companys average daily production in the country reached 113,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) from fields including offshore Al Jurf (37.5% stake), the El Sharara onshore area, the newly restarted Mabruk field and the Waha concessions (20.42%).

The Waha assets are managed by Waha Oil Company, entirely owned by NOC, which holds a majority share, with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips each owning just over one-fifth of the concession.

Prior to this, TotalEnergies announced the start of production at the Lapa South-West project in the Santos Basin, situated nearly 300km offshore Brazil. Lapa South-West is an expansion of the Lapa field operated by TotalEnergies (48%), with Shell (27%) and Repsol Sinopec (25%) being the other stakeholders.

"TotalEnergies restarts production at Mabruk oilfield in Libya" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Iran's new supreme leader urges continued closure of Hormuz Strait, vows to open new battlefronts

Xinhua) 08:15, March 13, 2026

This undated file photo shows Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader. (Xinhua)

TEHRAN, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday called for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and pledged to open new fronts in his country's conflict with the United States and Israel.

He made the remarks in his first message published on his website since Sunday's announcement of his appointment as Iran's supreme leader.

"The demand of the masses of people is the continuation of the effective and regret-inducing defense. Also, the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely continue to be used," Khamenei said, addressing the country's people and armed forces.

"Studies have been conducted on the opening of other battlefronts where enemy has little experience and will be extremely vulnerable, and their activation will take place if the war situation continues and based on considering the interests," he said.

Khamenei extended condolences over the "heartbreaking martyrdom" of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying he learned of the Assembly of Experts' decision to select him as Iran's new leader, like other Iranians, through state-run IRIB TV.

The new supreme leader praised the country's "brave" armed forces, who "have blocked the enemies' path with their crushing blows, and have dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate or possibly divide Iran."

He vowed to avenge the "blood Iran's martyrs," and said Iran will seek compensation from its "enemies." If refused, "we will take as much of their property as we determine, and if that would not be possible, we will destroy the same amount of their property," he said.

Iranian soldiers patrol the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran, April 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

Khamenei said Iran is willing to have "warm and constructive" relations with all the 15 countries with which it shares land or water borders. However, due to the presence of the "enemy's" military and financial bases in some, Iranian strikes on those facilities will continue without attacking the neighbors themselves, he said.

He advised Iran's neighbors to shut down U.S. bases in their territories as soon as possible, "as they must have realized by now that the U.S. claim of establishing security and peace was nothing more than a lie."

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.

U.S. and Israeli officials said they are preparing for at least two more weeks of strikes in Iran, with no internal directive on when fighting might stop, according to a Wednesday Axios report.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The shares of Donald Trump's Truth Social media company hit rock bottom, reaching an all-time low of below $10.

President Donald Trumps Truth Social bid, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), has burned through an alarming amount of cash.

The company, which owns the presidents struggling far-right social media platform, issued an alarming financial report earlier this month, revealing that it had lost a staggering $712.1 million last year  while earning a pitiful $3.7 million.

The disastrous figures once again highlighted how the company, 52 percent of which is owned by Trump and which trades with a ticker of his initials DJT, has firmly cemented itself as a gauge of the presidents popularity rather than as a viable business.

As Trumps war on Iran rages on, polls have shown that his approval rating continues to dip.

A similar story is playing out at his social media company, with shares reaching an all-time low on Friday of $9.73. Thats an enormous fall from the companys record high of just shy of $80 shortly after the company merged with a blank check acquisition company in March 2024, a move that allowed it to be publicly traded.

Since then, its been a long slide. Even a questionable bid to distribute digital tokens to investors late last year seemingly did little to buoy up excitement, with the companys valuation embarking on a rollercoaster ride, largely aligned with Trumps waxing and waning public image.

In the process, numerous executives there have enriched themselves by selling their shares, mostly leaving the presidents most fervent supporters holding the bag.

In a desperate bid to keep itself alive, TMTG has attempted to reinvent itself several times, from a foray into cryptocurrency-based prediction markets and a purchase of $2 billion in Bitcoin to a December merger with fusion power company TAE, formerly called Tri Alpha Energy.

Its an extremely long-term bet, considering scientists are only barely starting to crack the point where highly complex fusion reactors, designed to harness the energy of fusing atoms, can generate more energy than they require to operate.

Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes claimed in a statement at the time that fusion power will be the most dramatic energy breakthrough since the onset of commercial nuclear energy in the 1950s.

Whether its latest fusion bet will pay off in the long run remains unclear at best. As the Financial Times reported late last month, TMTG said it was engaged in ongoing discussions regarding a potential spin-off of its businesses  including its hallmark Truth Social  into a new listed company.

The spin-off  if it were to take place  would be facilitated by a special purpose acquisition company called Texas Ventures III, which has a long track record of helping the Trump family in times of need, according to the FT.

More on Trump Media: Truth Social Stock Explodes as It Merges With Nuclear Fusion Company
March 13 (Reuters) - Uber and Hyundai Motor-backed autonomous vehicle firm Motional launched a commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas on Friday, the latest in a string of similar tie-ups as the ride-hailing platform doubles down on its self-driving taxi strategy.

Uber has already partnered with major players in the space, including Baidu, Amazon's Zoox, Nissan and British startup Wayve, and said it will invest more than $100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs as the sector races to commercialize driverless mobility at scale.

* Uber's tie-up with Motional will allow Las Vegas users onits app to hail a driverless electric vehicle at no extra cost,the company said. * The service will cover pick-up zones along Las VegasBoulevard, including Resorts World, Encore at the Wynn, WestgateResort & Casino, Downtown Las Vegas and Town Square near theairport. * Users requesting UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort orUber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Motional IONIQ 5robotaxi, with the option to switch to a conventional ride. * Motional's IONIQ 5 is among the first SAE Level 4-capableautonomous vehicles certified under the U.S.'s Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), according to Uber. * The vehicles will initially operate with a human safetyoperator behind the wheel, with a fully driverless serviceexpected to be launched by late 2026. * Earlier this week, Uber signed a multi-year deal to deployAmazon self-driving unit Zoox's robotaxis on its platform, withlimited services already live in Las Vegas and a pilot riderprogram underway in San Francisco. * On Thursday, Uber, Nissan and Wayve agreed to collaborate,targeting a pilot robotaxi launch in Tokyo by late 2026, markingUber's first autonomous vehicle partnership in Japan.

(Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda)
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Adjusted EBITDAX: Over $750 million generated over the past 3 years.

Dividends Returned: $26.5 million in 2025; over $150 million since Q4 2021.

Net Revenue Interest Sales: 17,452 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.

Production: 16,556 net revenue interest barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.

Net Loss: $58.6 million in Q4 2025; $41.4 million for the full year 2025.

Production Costs: $158 million total in 2025; $24.89 per barrel.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: $58.9 million at the end of Q4 2025.

RBL Facility: $255 million commitment level; $60 million drawn at year-end 2025.

2026 Production Guidance: 20,100 to 22,400 working interest barrels of oil equivalent per day.

2026 CapEx Guidance: $290 million to $360 million.

Release Date: March 13, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY) generated over $750 million in adjusted EBITDAX over the past three years, meeting or exceeding quarterly guidance targets.

The company successfully divested its Canadian assets and expanded its portfolio in Cote d'Ivoire, becoming the operator with a 60% working interest in the Kossipo field.

VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY) returned over $150 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks since Q4 2021.

The company completed a seismic survey in Gabon, which is expected to enhance future exploration and development plans.

VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY) maintained a strong balance sheet with unrestricted cash increasing by nearly $35 million to $58.9 million at the end of 2025.

Negative Points

The company reported a net loss of $58.6 million in Q4 2025, primarily due to a noncash impairment charge of $67.2 million from the sale of Canadian assets.

Production in Cote d'Ivoire was offline in Q1 2025 due to the FPSO project, delaying meaningful production uplift until later in 2026 and into 2027.

The exploration well drilled in Gabon was unsuccessful, encountering water-bearing sands, leading to a decision to plug and abandon the lower portion of the well.

VAALCO Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY) experienced a modest 5% decrease in SEC proved reserves year-over-year, ending 2025 with 43 million barrels of oil equivalent.

The company anticipates a substantial part of the interest incurred in 2026 will be capitalized, impacting financial results.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the CapEx allocation in Cote d'Ivoire, specifically for the FPSO, drilling, and Kossipo? Also, what residual CapEx do you expect in 2027 for the drilling program? A: The CapEx for Q1 is mainly split between the Gabon drilling program and the FPSO hookup in Cote d'Ivoire, with about 50% allocated to Gabon. For Kossipo, the CapEx is limited to around $10 million for field development plan preparation. The drilling program in Cote d'Ivoire will see a CapEx of $30 million to $45 million in Q4, with further drilling in 2027.
Q : Given recent geopolitical events, where do you see discount rates for projects in geopolitically safe jurisdictions like yours headed? A : Douglas Tobler, Chief Financial Officer: For projects like Mount Todd in the Northern Territory, a Tier 1 jurisdiction, discount rates and cost of debt should be favorable. Projects in conflict-prone areas may struggle, but Mount Todd's location should benefit from lower risk factors and better financing terms.

The timeline for first gold production is dependent on the start of detailed engineering and design, which is not expected until mid-2027.

There is uncertainty regarding the impact of global geopolitical events on project financing and input costs.

The increase in Mount Todd-related expenditures from $3.5 million in 2024 to $5.6 million in 2025 contributed to the financial loss.

The feasibility study projects a net present value (NPV) of $1.1 billion at a $2,500 gold price, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 27.8%.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .

Story Continues

Q: With gold prices over $5,000, how do you see input costs changing, and are there concerns about construction costs? A: Frederick Earnest, President and CEO: While gold prices have risen, fuel prices in Australia have remained stable. We generate power using local natural gas, which hasn't been affected by global events. We expect modest increases in equipment and construction costs but remain confident in Mount Todd's leverage to gold prices.

Q: What is the timeline for first gold production if no partner is found, and when could this realistically happen? A: Frederick Earnest, President and CEO: The timeline depends on starting detailed engineering and design, expected mid-2027. Adding 27 months from that point gives a rough estimate for first gold production.

Q: With recent share issuance for financing, what are your plans to avoid shareholder dilution? A: Douglas Tobler, Chief Financial Officer: Mount Todd's production profile is attractive for financing, potentially allowing 65-70% of the project to be financed through debt. While more shares may be issued, we aim for the outcome to be accretive, not dilutive, enhancing shareholder value.

Q: Can you provide insight into Sun Valley Gold's recent share sales and its impact on Vista Gold? A: Frederick Earnest, President and CEO: Sun Valley Gold Fund transitioned to a family office, redistributing managed funds. This wasn't a reflection of disinterest in Vista Gold. Peter Palmedo, former President, still holds significant shares, indicating continued support.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Among the leading cryptocurrencies getting a boost in today's session, the price action we're seeing in Internet Computer (CRYPTO: ICP) is truly remarkable. As of 4:30 p.m. ET, Internet Computer has seen its token price surge 8.4% to its highest level in a month.

Now, part of today's rally in this top-50 token by market capitalization can be tied to positive momentum seen across all digital assets. The overall market capitalization of the crypto sector edged higher today, by around 0.5% at the time of writing. With that said, it's clear that Internet Computer is among the leading mid-cap tokens driving a decent portion of today's move.

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 

Here's what investors can glean from today's price action and the direction of travel for Internet Computer moving forward.

Key listing catalyst drives nice rally

Image source: Getty Images.

Today's key driver is a listing of Internet Computer on the Upbit exchange, which most investors are closely watching. This South Korean exchange is the largest in the country, and with trading set to include several top trading pairs, investors appear to be clamoring for greater volume and liquidity. In general, these factors do drive supply and demand fundamentals in a bullish direction, and this is certainly a vote of confidence for Internet Computer and its team in validating this project's underlying model.

Additionally, open interest for derivatives tied to Internet Computer jumped more than 40% over yesterday, signaling added leverage to this ongoing momentum trade. In other words, so long as we don't see any significant marketwide sell-offs in the coming days, investors appear to feel safe placing larger bets on this token appreciating rapidly, which may be encouraging to long-term holders.

Of course, the overall sentiment of crypto investors remains tepid at the moment, and even for projects like Internet Computer with strong underlying fundamentals, I'm unclear about the broader direction of travel for this sector. But for today at least, there are plenty of catalysts for Internet Computer investors to grasp onto.

Should you buy stock in Internet Computer right now?

Before you buy stock in Internet Computer, 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 Internet Computer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Something close to a crisis is unfolding in the world of private credit, and on Thursday, Morgan Stanley's (NYSE: MS) stock was affected. On news that its investment management unit capped withdrawals from one such fund, investors bailed on Morgan Stanley shares, leaving them with a nearly 5% loss that trading session.

Private panic

Late on Wednesday, Morgan Stanley's North Haven Private Income Fund (PIF) sent its unit holders a letter notifying them of the new cap. Specifically, the fund wrote that it will limit tender requests to 5% of all units outstanding, as of the count last Dec. 31. This followed the fund returning around $169 million to its unit holders in redemptions already this quarter, for about 45.8% of the total requested.

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.

Although that cap is a standing rule of the fund, it was the latest in a series of crisis moments for the private credit industry. Last month one of Blue Owl Capital's funds unexpectedly made a similar move following a fraud investigation into auto parts specialist First Brands Group. That company was supported by private credit.

All of this has caused a stir in that world, with investors in such funds rushing to redeem their units and shares. Reuters quoted Morgan Stanley as saying that North Haven had investments in 312 borrowers in 44 industries as of the end of January. It claimed, in the news agency's words, that "credit fundamentals at the fund remain broadly stable."

No need to press the red button... yet

Morgan Stanley is a large, complex, and sprawling financial services company, so North Haven's travails aren't going to short-circuit the entire company. That being said, Morgan Stanley's success is due in no small part to its reputation as an effective and clever operator throughout the finance ecosystem, so North Haven's move (and its exposure) isn't making it look very sharp just now.

All the same, I wouldn't sell Morgan Stanley stock if I were an investor; for now, the private credit rout is a challenge it can overcome.

Should you buy stock in Morgan Stanley right now?

Before you buy stock in Morgan Stanley, 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 Morgan Stanley wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS, March 13 (Reuters) - Amazon on Friday won its appeal against a record 746-million-euro ($854.4 million) fine imposed by Luxembourgs privacy regulator, after a court found the watchdog had not properly carried out its analysis and must reassess the case.

The Luxembourg National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD) penalised Amazon in 2021 over its online behavioural advertising practices, saying its processing of users' personal data breached EU privacy rules known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The same court had last year sided with the privacy watchdog by upholding the fine, prompting Amazon to appeal its ruling.

Judges said they accepted the U.S. tech giant's argument that the watchdog had failed to analyse whether the company had intentionally violated the GDPR or was merely negligent.

They said CNPD also did not examine other sanction options and had almost automatically handed out the fine.

"The relevant analysis by the supervisory authority will have to be carried out for the first time upon referral," the court said, annulling the regulator's 2021 decision.

Amazon welcomed the court judgment.

"We strongly disagreed with the initial ruling and disproportionate fine that had originally been issued in this case, which is why we appealed," a spokesperson for the company said in an email.

The CNPD said it took note of the ruling.

It said its action "has led to Amazon's practices being brought into full compliance with the relevant provisions of the case regarding online behavioural advertising".

($1 = 0.8731 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Worley has secured a contract from Chevron Cyprus to deliver front end engineering design (FEED) and procurement services for the Aphrodite Field Development Project.

The offshore gas field is located approximately 160km south of Limassol, in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Worley will be responsible for FEED services for all aspects of the project. This covers a floating production unit (FPU), subsea systems, an export gas pipeline and onshore gas receiving facilities.

The company will also manage procurement for equipment related to the FPU and onshore infrastructure.

Worleys appointment follows its completion of pre-FEED and bridging phase work carried out during 2025.

The FEED stage is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. Work will be executed using Worleys Global Integrated Delivery model, drawing on teams across five countries.

Worley CEO Chris Ashton said: We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Chevron, drawing on our global gas development expertise and Global Integrated Delivery model to support the progression of this strategically important energy project.

The Aphrodite gas field is spread over an area of 120km in Block 12 of Cyprus exclusive economic zone, around 30km north-west of the Leviathan gas field.

The discovery well, Cyprus A-1, was drilled in September 2011 using the Homer Ferrington rig and reached a total depth of 19,225ft in water 5,860m deep.

Tests estimated gross resources at between five and eight trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, with a gross mean value of 7tcf. The reservoir has a maximum thickness of 320m and is estimated to contain around 129 billion cubic metres of gas.

The Aphrodite development is Cyprus' first offshore gas project and aims to achieve first gas in 2032.

In February 2025, Cyprus Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, along with Chevron and joint venture partners Shell and NewMed, approved proposed modifications to the Aphrodite gas field development.

The updated development and production plan aims to expedite the technical and engineering phases, leading to the FEED and, ultimately, the final investment decision for the Aphrodite field.

"Worley secures contract from Chevron for Aphrodite gas field FEED" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




But there were also other benefits to the acquisition. About You brought with it proprietary sales software called Scayle. On Thursday, Zalando revealed that Scayle would become the global commerce platform for denim brand Levis across the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Zalando counted 62 million active customers for its various offerings, online and via apps. Again, the purchase of About You contributed a significant amount to that number  around the middle of last year, Zalando had 52.9 million active customers.

Although EBIT rose, the companys profit margin  that is, how much profit it actually made compared to sales  remained stable at 4.8 percent. Zalandos profit margin has been rising steadily over the past few years but it was also at 4.8 percent in 2024.

Zalandos EBIT, or earnings before interest and taxes and an important indicator of profitability, has also grown. In the past, Zalando has been able to generate revenue but due to the expensive demands of online retailing, found it difficult to make a profit. During 2025, Zalandos EBIT rose 15.6 percent to 591 million euros and market analysts from the likes of Goldman Sachs and RBC noted that this was above expectations.

Zalando acquired About You in the third quarter. Prior to that, its revenues had been increasing around 7.6 percent on average every quarter in 2025. During Thursdays press conference, chief financial officer Anna Dimitrova confirmed that, without About You, Zalandos consumer retail business would have grown in the midsingle digits in 2025.

In the fourth quarter of last year, Zalando revenues rose 23 percent to 4.07 billion euros. That led to a 16.8 percent increase over the full year, and 12.35 billion euros in revenue.

Fueled by our strategy and the acquisition of About You, we significantly accelerated our financial performance in 2025, David Schroeder, co-chief executive officer at Zalando , said at a Thursday morning press conference livestreamed from the firms Berlin headquarters. This strong set of results demonstrates the strength of our business model, with further acceleration expected this year.

The retailer plans to expand its profit margin through increased use of artificial intelligence and via synergies created through last years purchase of another German online store, About You.

BERLIN  After a successful 2025, German online giant Zalando is taking further steps toward becoming even more of a provider of infrastructure, software and data to the fashion sector.

Story Continues

In the past there has been speculation about Zalando expanding its consumer business into the U.S.

It [the Levis partnership] shows the technology platform we built is truly borderless, Schroeder told WWD. Zalando obviously has opportunities here in Europe but also has opportunities outside [Europe]  we are tapping into these opportunities with B2B software. But with our B2C business, though, we are focused on Europe.

Europes fashion market is estimated to be worth around 500 billion euros and Zalando has only captured somewhere between 3 and 4 percent of that market, Schroeder continued.

In 2025, the companys gross merchandise value, or GMV, rose 14.7 percent to 17.6 billion euros. GMV measures how much inventory the platform has moved and is usually higher than company revenue.

So theres lots of room for growth, Schroeder said. But we are also not ruling out we might possibly come to the U.S. one day.

One of Zalandos most significant assets is the data it has been collecting from customers for almost two decades now  but this is all from Europeans.

For example, Zalando has seen around a million consumers scan their physical measurements and send them to the company. Another 20,000 customers are doing so weekly, Zalando co-CEO Robert Gentz noted.

That information, combined with data from 7,000 brands and then analyzed by AI, has seen Zalando reduce returns  due to, for instance, somebody buying the wrong size  by 8 percent.

Many companies out there state they have data, Gentz argued. But we are one of the very few that have unique data at scale.

Although Gentz would not specify which or how many data points Zalando collected on each shopper, he confirmed that its advanced algorithms learn from millions of daily interactions.

The company uses what it calls a shared data infrastructure engine supercharged by AI, to inspire and engage consumers and to simultaneously enable e-commerce for brands and businesses who sign up to access Zalandos software and logistics services.

This engine gets better every day, every second, as more and more people use our apps, and more and more brands get deeply involved with our ecosystem, Gentz enthused. More scale means more data, and more data means our solutions just keep getting better.

AI is also being used in other ways at Zalando, which employs around 3,000 technology specialists. Its making writing new software faster as well as improving supply chains and timing on fulfillment.

In the future Zalando also plans to improve its AI-powered online fashion assistant so it can better matchmake for shoppers, suggesting items they might like to buy based on current or previous purchases.

We developed our own foundation models specialized in matchmaking based on context and feedback with customers, Gentz explained. Its impressive: 13 percent more items are being added to bags and wish lists as result.

Additionally, 90 percent of Zalandos marketing material is now AI-generated, and theres 70 percent more of it because of AI. A year ago, that number was almost zero, Gentz pointed out.

It [AI] allows us to move much quicker, so a process that used to take six weeks now takes days, the executive said, noting that there was no longer as much need for cameras or photoshopping.

But a focus on industrial efficiencies at scale is also causing less celebrated changes at Zalando. Earlier this year the online giant said it would be closing its logistics center in Erfurt, eastern Germany, by September. Around 2,700 jobs may be lost. It is one of four logistics centers Zalando plans to close.

The headline-making Erfurt closure has been controversial and criticized by local politicians. But Zalandos bosses would not be drawn further as to what kinds of impact the increased focus on AI was having on the companys human resources.

Market observers have noted that the Erfurt location, one of Zalandos first, was based on humans preparing products for delivery. In Zalandos newer logistics centers that process is automated, run by AI and using robots.

Zalandos withdrawal from Erfurt by autumn 2026 marks  the beginning of a new, industrially driven phase of digital commerce in Europe, Konrad Wolfenstein, a local consultant on the sector, wrote in January. Zalando is increasingly transforming from a fashion retailer into a technology company with integrated logistics.

In 2024, Zalando launched what it calls its ecosystem strategy, splitting the business into consumer sales via the existing homepage and app, and business-to-business, or B2B, activities. B2B allows retailers to sell via Zalando and to utilize the groups marketing, data and logistics services, among other things.

The majority of the companys revenues  11.28 billion euros in 2025  still comes from selling directly to consumers. However 32 percent of that came from partner businesses, where brands or stores sell through Zalando.

The platform wants to increase that to 40 percent by 2026, Gentz said. We shifted from being a retailer to being a retail enabler.

The purely B2B side of the business also grew, rising 14.6 percent to revenues of 1.09 billion euros, the first time the segment has crossed the billion-euro threshold.

As a result of the positive annual results, Zalando forecast that it expected further growth over this coming year, with revenue and GMV increasing somewhere between 12 and 17 percent. In 2026, Zalando also expects adjusted EBIT to come in between 660 and 740 million euros.

The company has had a strong start to the year and has not yet seen any impact due to the conflict in the Middle East, Dimitrova noted.

Zalando also said it was also on track to achieve midterm goals: By 2028, it expected between 13 and 18 percent growth in revenue and for its EBIT margin to rise to between 6 and 8 percent.

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Its tax season  and while there are new tax savings under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), seeing a refund in your account might take longer this year.

With 27% fewer IRS employees in 2026 than last year, delays in processing the expected 164 million returns could be on the horizon. So, how will IRS understaffing affect your refund?

Workforce reductions and delayed onboarding at the IRS

The IRS started 2025 with 102,000 employees and finished with about 74,000. The hardest hit departments were Direct File with an 88% staff reduction and Online Services with a 100% reduction, plus many other departments losing a large percentage of staff.

Small business/self-employed department, which helps small businesses and self-employed taxpayers understand their tax obligations, was reduced by over 37%.

Taxpayer services department, which helps taxpayers understand and comply with tax laws, was reduced by 21%.

Information technology (IT) department, which helps employees with IT services and solutions, was reduced by 25%.

The departments responsible for processing original and amended tax returns, resolving tax return errors and fraud, assisting taxpayers on the telephone and in person, and updating computer systems faced a 17 percent reduction in staff.

Traditionally, the IRS hires seasonal workers to fill some positions, but the late 2025 government shutdown and hiring process changes delayed that.

As of December 2025, the department that processes original and amended returns and resolves tax return errors had only onboarded 2% of the employees it planned to hire. Even if they can hire more workers, onboarding takes up to 80 days, keeping them out of this years tax filing season.

What IRS understaffing and other issues mean for refunds

The biggest impact on taxpayers  and refunds  involves customer service, with large cuts in the number of employees who answer about 100 million telephone calls and deal with millions of taxpayer correspondence and cases.

The department that helps taxpayers on the phone and in person was only able to onboard 66% of the employees it needs this tax season. And even if you get someone on the phone, that IRS employee might not be able to answer your questions. Due to time constraints, the IRS modified the training for these new employees, so now, they only screen calls, answer basic questions, and route taxpayers to another department.

Impact of tax changes under the OBBBA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made over 100 changes to the tax code, further complicating tax return processing. Erin M. Collins, national taxpayer advocate, said in her 2025 Annual Report to Congress: While the OBBB Act is generally taxpayer-favorable in that it expands eligibility for certain deductions and benefits, the deductions and benefits are subject to complex eligibility rules, income thresholds, and phaseouts that will be difficult for many taxpayers to understand and for the IRS to administer accurately during the filing season.

Many people will have questions about the OBBBA changes and try to reach out to the IRS for guidance. With reduced staff, taxpayers may not get the help they need, which could lead to errors on returns and further delay refunds.

Read more: 4 ways the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could lower your taxes

Impact of tax return backlog and effort to eliminate paper returns

The backlog of 2 million returns from previous filing years might also slow down processing for this years refunds. While the IRS kept thousands of employees working during the government shutdown in October and November of 2025, they didnt make much progress on the backlog.

Additionally, there has been a push to eliminate paper returns and have filers submit electronically, but the effort has been delayed by workforce losses. Automated processes expected to be in place to convert paper filings to electronic ones have not been completed, which could lead to delays for taxpayers.

Read more: Here's how to file a paper return

According to the latest IRS filing season stats, IRS website usage is up over 49% during the same time period last year. With the reduction in staff, online tools might be your best bet for tax-related information. Here are some options:

Let us help you: This page has information and links on things like how to file a return, how to amend one, how to pay, and much more.

How to file your taxes: Step by step: Youll find guidance on the filing process, plus links for requesting an extension, finding the latest tax changes, and where to go to file.

Interactive Tax Assistant: You can search articles on filing requirements, forms, deductions, credits, and more.

3 ways to check on your refund

Filing electronically and getting any refund via direct deposit is the fastest way to get your money. The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days and will go directly into a bank account. The agency also admits some will take longer and need additional review.

You can keep an eye on the status of your refund in three ways:

Wheres My Refund?: You will need your Social Security number or tax identification number, the amount of the expected refund, the tax year, and your filing status before you submit the request. The information on the website should be available 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return and four weeks after receiving a paper return.

IRS2Go mobile app: You can also get free access to tax software and other help via the app.

IRS Individual Online Account: After account setup, this will show balances, payments, tax records, and other information.

Read more: Where's my tax refund? 4 reasons the IRS may be holding it up.

IRS staff shortages FAQs

Will my refund be delayed if the IRS is understaffed?

Staffing shortages might delay some refunds, but the IRS still expects most to be issued within 21 days from the date of e-filing.

How do I check the status of my refund with the IRS?

You can check the status of your refund online. Have your Social Security number or tax identification number, the amount of the expected refund, the tax year, and your filing status handy. The information on the website should be available 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return and four weeks after receiving a paper return.

Why cant the IRS hire more people during tax season?

Usually, the IRS does hire additional workers to help during the tax filing season, but that process has been hindered this season because of several reasons, including the government shutdown in late 2025.
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.

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.
A physician recently took time out of his day to pen a thread on X, urging families to never leave your loved one alone in the hospital.

His list of reasons had little to do with comforting the sick person and everything to do with double-checking medications and other essentials for the overworked staff.

Human error in hospitals causes thousands of deaths each year, though the biggest reported numbers have come into question.

Watch over everything like a hawk

Regardless of statistics, Dr. Suneel Dhand, MD, seems to be coming from a place of experience. In a Monday thread on X, he provided steps people can take to limit harm from common hospital errors.

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Never leave your loved one alone in the hospital, he began. Every hour you are allowed to be there, if you are able to, I highly recommend being there.

Be perfectly cordial with staff. But watch over everything like a hawk.

In particular, he recommends triple-checking the medications list, especially if there are home medications listed from a computer. Once home, he urges caretakers and loved ones to call the same nurse and check again.

A lot of fake news in electronic medical records, he said.

The next step is all about avoiding muscular deconditioning, also known as deconditioning syndrome.

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This happens when a patient fails to move around or perform necessary exercises following an injury or surgery. A lack of movement can hamper their recovery and, at a certain age, end their physical independence.

Muscular deconditioning, especially over the age of 65, sets in EXTREMELY quicklyand can lead to complete loss of independence in a previously functional person, Dhand wrote. I have seen this happen many times, and it is terrible.

Patients should be up and moving multiple times by day two or three, according to the doctor. Unfortunately, many hospitals arent staffed for that.

This is super duper true, weighed in Dr. Syed Haider on X.

How many people die due to hospital errors?

In a popular response to Dr. Dhands thread, finance guy Aakash Gupta suggested that chronic hospital staffing issues cause hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.

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Hospitals kill between 250,000 and 400,000 Americans per year through preventable medical errors, he claimed. That makes your doctors mistake the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only cancer and heart disease.

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Numbers like these have hit headlines throughout the years, but determining what counts as a death via error can be tricky.

In 2023, the Association of Health Care Journalists penned a report highlighting the studies that produced the 250,000 and 400,000 numbers.

Missing in the coverage was scrutiny of the researchers flawed methods, which involved extrapolating death rates from unrepresentative patient populations and making unsubstantiated causal connections between errors and deaths, they explained.

The report highlighted a 2020 Yale University meta-analysis found that hospital error could account for only 22,000 annual deaths.

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Of course, one death means everything to those the deceased left behind, so still keep an eye on your hospitalized loved onesand also care about the real issues of U.S. hospital priorities and staffing issues.

Hospitals dont optimize for your family members recovery, Gupta correctly points out, at least when it comes to the U.S. They optimize for throughput.

The internet is chaoticbut well break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dots newsletter here.
For me, theres a direct connection between my time as a county dairy princess in Minnesota, and my current volunteer work as an industry ambassador. As a teen, I was astonished to meet adults who didnt realize that their favorite brand of yogurt was, in fact, a dairy product. I enjoyed conversations that grew product knowledge and appreciation for dairy cows and careers. After studying agricultural business management at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, my husband and I became fourth-generation dairy farmers.

Now I serve DFW as a board member and invite thousands of students to get to know our family farm through the Adopt a Cow program. Each classroom that enrolls in the free program is paired with a calf from a dairy farm. Participants receive photos, video updates, and activity sheets throughout the school year that offer a peek into what it takes to raise a healthy dairy calf.

My team loves receiving letters and drawings from the kids, too. Seeing what they are learning has been fun for everyone who keeps the farm going every day. This year, the program expands into Spanish-language opportunities.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin staff put checkoff dollars to work engaging youth in a variety of other programs as well. Community and school manager, Erika Schade, worked as an educator before joining the DFW team in 2024. She understands the challenges teachers and school staff face and develops solutions that meet their needs and engage youth.

We have developed interactive, dairy industry-themed escape rooms geared to high school students. Players solve puzzles while learning about different careers in the dairy industry and how farmers care for their land. The project, which gamifies STEM and career explorations, is up for a National Agri-Marketing Association award.

For World Dairy Expo, DFW created an FFA Passport that helps industry partners, students, and educators have positive experiences during what can otherwise be an overwhelming day. Now more than 20 dairy industry businesses participate, hosting hands-on activities, trivia questions, and other learning opportunities. Each industry partner receives a logoed stamp to show that students accomplished the task. DFW distributed 3,000 passports at the last Expo, which teachers used as proof that their students completed required assignments. In addition, more than 1,200 Madison-area fourth graders participated in a bilingual scavenger hunt at Expo to help them better understand how dairy farmers care for their land and animals.

Im proud to lend my voice to these projects and encourage my fellow dairy farmers to view youth engagement as an investment in our future. For more information, visit wisconsindairy.org.

To comment, email your remarks to [email protected] .
New Relic, the Intelligent Observability company announced plans to launch its Japanese data centre. The strategic investment will optimise New Relics product suite for the unique requirements of its Japanese customers, and will be New Relics first data center in the region.

"New Relic helps some of the most prominent Japanese companies bring impactful solutions to market. In the fast-moving AI era, observability is the engine behind Japans legacy of high-performance technology," said New Relic CEO Ashan Willy. "Our new local data center is a strategic milestone that resolves data residency challenges, providing Japanese enterprises with the high-performance governance and data sovereignty required to maintain their global competitive edge.

Japan is a critical, fast-growing market for New Relic. The company has held the number one position in observability market share for the past seven years. In addition to retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications, there has been an increase in customers from the financial and infrastructure and public services sector. In the past year, New Relic Japan grew its local employee base by 20 percent.

Anchoring its data centre as a data residency hub, customers from highly regulated industries like finance and manufacturing will soon have control over domestic data residency through data collection, storage, and processing. Advanced compliance will provide a reliable foundation to meet Japanese security and privacy requirements, with the data center hosted entirely within Japan to meet strict data residency regulations. Its ultra-low latency will support real-time insights so customers can make rapid business decisions.

The data center, which will be located in Tokyo, will be available to all New Relic customers, with those in close proximity to Japan more likely to benefit from its performance. The data center will be available starting in July 2026.

Quotes from Customers and Partners

"NTT DOCOMO welcomes the establishment of New Relic's Japan region. The launch of this local data center will enable us to benefit from low-latency services through reduced physical distance, while also expanding the possibilities for compliance with laws and regulatory requirements in Japan. We are confident that this will accelerate the enhancement of observability for Japanese enterprises that demand high reliability, including ourselves."

Yoshio Umezawa

Vice President, General Manager of Service Innovation Department, R&D Division, NTT DOCOMO, INC.

"We wholeheartedly welcome the launch of New Relic's first Japanese data center in Asia. Ensuring that our data remains within domestic borders has been a long-standing governance priority for us, making this a truly long-awaited announcement. By integrating our distributed log infrastructure into New Relic, we will finally achieve 'True Full-Stack Observability.' With this robust domestic foundation and data centralization, we look forward to further accelerating our digital transformation toward the creation of innovative medicines."

Keisuke Ohara

Head of Digital Solution Dept. Digital Transformation Unit, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

"We are thrilled to see the launch of New Relics Japan region. While we have helped many customers modernize their operations, local data residency has remained a key requirement for those in finance, government, and public infrastructure. This new domestic foundation allows us to deliver advanced full-stack observability to a broader range of clients with complete peace of mind."

Takehiro Kobayashi

Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of Managed & Facility Services Sector, NTT DATA INTELLILINK Corporation

"The launch of the New Relic Japan region is a strategic catalyst for our mission to drive business growth through advanced IT services. With the added flexibility of a local region, we can now proactively deliver sophisticated observability solutions even to industries with the most stringent governance and security requirements. Through our deepened partnership with New Relic, we remain committed to providing services that elevate customer value and accelerate operational excellence."
GUEST RESEARCH: Australian businesses are optimistic about AIs potential to elevate customer experience (CX) but lack of capacity and capability may make it challenging for them to achieve the results theyre seeking in the short term.

Thats according to research commissioned by Kytec, a leading systems integrator delivering and managing a full suite of IT, CRM and customer experience solutions. The study, recently conducted by strategic advisory firm, Nature, surveyed 306 Australian employees involved in customer experience (CX), customer relationship management (CRM) and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across medium and large organisations.

The findings revealed strong ambition and growing investment in AI-enabled CX but also a widening gap between ambition and operational readiness.

Some 85 per cent of organisations already have, or are developing, clear AI goals for CX and 69 per cent expect their CX technology budgets to increase in 2026. Hopes are high, with 58 per cent of respondents stating they are very confident they will achieve their AI ambitions and 78 per cent expecting AI systems will deliver accurate, reliable results.

However, the survey findings revealed a clear capability lag: 49 per cent of organisations remain in the early stages of AI maturity and just 16 per cent have achieved a unified view of the customer. Only one in five employees feel their workforce is very prepared for increasing AI use.

A wave of AI investment is likely to build over the next 12 months, with 69 per cent of survey respondents stating they expected their CX technology budgets to increase in 2026.

We are seeing - and the research supports this - strong demand for AI-based productivity capabilities that assist human agents supporting their customers. However, the implementation of true agentic AI capabilities is still very limited, and thats where the major benefits will ultimately be unlocked, said David Okulicz, CEO of Kytec.

Unfortunately, many organisations are still caught up in building the foundational elements required to reach their AI ambitions. Our view is that more focus should go into implementing possible use cases now, while the foundations for more advanced capabilities continue to be developed.

While enhancing service quality and consistency is the chief driver for 46 per cent of businesses, the survey found that its trumped by an even more pressing imperative: speed and efficiency.

This is the primary goal for 56 per cent of survey respondents, closely followed by reduced operational costs at 49 per cent.

This indicates many organisations are currently approaching AI primarily as a tool for operational efficiency rather than as a strategic driver of customer experience transformation.

Businesses are deploying AI to reduce call handle times and improve operational metrics. Revenue growth ranks lower on the priority list than efficiency, with just 31 per cent of businesses seeking to differentiate their brands via deeper personalisation.

Workforce readiness is also likely to prove a constraint for many businesses as they move from project planning to execution phase.

Employees feelings are mixed: more than 60 per cent report concerns about the growing use of AI in their roles, and just one in four are very confident their organisation has the capability to fully leverage AI in customer experience.

Only 20 per cent of employees feel their workforce is very prepared for the increasing use of AI while around the same number feel their workforce is not prepared at all.

The fear that using AI in customer experience will damage, rather than elevate, customer trust and confidence is a concern for 51 per cent of employees, with 41 per cent flagging the risk of damage to brand and reputation.

Lack of information appears to be contributing to this confidence gap. Just over a third of businesses have communicated their AI strategies to their teams and updated job descriptions and responsibilities to reflect the technologys adoption.

While 44 per cent have cited employee readiness as their chief scaling barrier, less than half currently provide AI training.

Within CX - particularly in the contact centre - CCaaS platforms already have the capability to deliver agentic AI out of the box. The key is identifying and building the right use cases to take advantage of it, said David Okulicz, CEO of Kytec.

Not every use case will be ready immediately due to challenges around data unification and integration. However, organisations should focus on simpler use cases first. These can help drive progress on data unification while also building confidence in AI and the capabilities of their teams.

Ultimately, success will depend on execution rather than aspiration. The challenge now isnt ambition - its identifying the right use cases that will drive the integration and readiness activities needed to scale.

To explore the full findings and insights, download the AI-Driven CX Trends Australia 2026 research report here: https://go.kytec.com.au/AI-Driven-CX-Trends-Australia-2026
(Photo by Yoshihito Morita/Stripes Japan)



Fifteen years have passed since the catastrophic East Japan Earthquake struck the northern Tohoku Region on March 11, 2011.

The unprecedented 9.0-magnitude earthquake, subsequent tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown caused significant damage nationwide. In the aftermath, 15,900 were dead, 2,523 missing, and 6,157 were injured.

To mark the anniversary of this tragic event, locals gathered at Kabushima Shrine and neighboring beach in Hachinohe City near Misawa Air Base.

Kabushima Shrine (Photo by Yoshihito Morita/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Yoshihito Morita/Stripes Japan)



Shinto priests conducted a traditional ritual at the memorial and participants offered prayers at exactly 2:46 p.m. the time when 15 years earlier the initial Earthquake occurred.

According to Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Air Base Commissary employee who participated in the event, the tsunami of 2011 swept through the shrines large torii gate climbing up to the middle of the stone stairsteps.

In Aomori Prefecture, which Misawa AB calls its home, three were killed and one is still missing due to the devastation.

Though it has been 15 years since the country suffered the natural disaster, the commitment to not forget those lost during the tragic earthquake and tsunami continues today.
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Until last year, for some 46 years, Iran enjoyed a North Korea-like reputation in the heart of the Middle East: always unpredictable, reckless, dangerous, inevitably to be nuclear, self-destructive, and nihilistic.

All that said, was it really ever all that formidable?

The mullahs came into power after the removal of the Shah and, subsequently, the interim secular socialists. They did so by taking American hostages, murdering opponents, executing former supporters, and transforming the most secular and modern of the Middle East Muslim nations into the most medieval that routinely hung homosexuals, adulterers, and almost anyone who questioned the authority of the ayatollahs. In other words, these were gruesome people, but they didn't necessarily have a competent military.

The theocracy's only constant with the prior monarchical Iran was that it inherited near limitless oil and natural gas reserves, sophisticated arms, and the Shah's modernized cities. It controlled the key strategic chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz and enjoyed a geostrategically critical location between Asia and the Middle East. It fueled Iran's historical chauvinism and pique that the millennia-long historical preeminence of Middle Eastern Persia was not fully appreciated by its Arab neighbors. So there were lots of natural advantages  and all for the most part squandered.

Under the camouflage of Shiite puritanism and otherworldliness, the ayatollahs proved even more corrupt (and far more incompetent) than the Shah's entourage. They fought a destructive eight-year war with Saddam Hussein's overrated Iraqi dictatorship and showed they were mostly just as militarily incompetent.

Over decades, they killed and wounded thousands of Americans by bombing U.S. embassies, barracks, and bases in the Middle East  without directly confronting the American military. For years, they sent lethal shaped charge IEDs to the Shiite insurgents to slaughter and maim thousands of Americans in Iraq and to the Taliban to do the same in Afghanistan.

At the first sign of popular protests, the regime never hesitated to gun down thousands of unarmed protesters. And, of course, they were abject hypocrites  hating the West, damning the Great Satan  and sending their pampered children to universities in America. The apparat proved quite earthly in its desire for money, estates, foreign travel, and the good life.

Their general strategies were never hard to follow.

One, the theocrats' prior familiarity with Americans under the Shah and in exile in Europe bred an irrational fixation with and hatred of the West in general that made them useful proxies for the grand designs of communist and then later oligarchic Russia, and later ascendant communist China.

Iranian realpolitik alliances with secular communists were based on the quid pro quo of granting Russia and China access to the Gulf, selling oil to China, and buying arms from both.

Two, they were endlessly chagrined that the Persian Shiites had been overshadowed by more populous Sunni Arab neighbors that supposedly lacked their own historical sophistication and more legitimate claims of embodying and speaking for global Islam.

So they would correct that historical travesty by doing their best to mobilize their clients and proxies to bully, isolate, and weaken Arab autocracies, especially those that are pro-Western.

Three, their planned eventual destruction of Israel would ensure that theocratic and Shiite Iran regained its lost prestige and honor by finally accomplishing what the Sunni world had failed to do. By arming murderous clients in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, the West Bank, and Yemen, they fashioned a global network of death that compromised European foreign policy toward the Middle East and terrified Western leaders and many of their Arab neighbors.

Fourth and finally, they sought to diminish the role of the United States in the Muslim world, drive it from the Middle East, and wage a virtual 47-year opportunistic war against American citizens and soldiers, with help from their terrorist surrogates.

Iran's zenith in power and prestige came during Obama's presidency (2009-17), and the so-called "Iran Deal" that they believed would guarantee them eventual nuclear power status.

But far more importantly, their massive acquisitions of air, land, and sea weapons and the empowering of terrorists, coupled with their passive-aggressive claims to victimhood, both scared and enticed former President Barack Obama into dropping sanctions. Soon, he was apologizing for supposed past sins and nocturnally sending them millions of dollars in Danegeld.

But worse by far, Obama thought he had squared the circle of neutralizing the supposed Middle Eastern Iranian juggernaut by envisioning it as an empathetic victim  and eventual friend if not ally.

Iran was to be rebooted as the Persian and Shiite righteously aggrieved underdog  bullied unfairly by Western imperialists and their surrogate corrupt Arab petro-kingdom clients for its asceticism and courage in fighting the West since its own birth in 1979.

Obama would remedy this "injustice" by bolstering Iran as a counterweight to not just the Sunni Arab world but to Israel itself. The reset would include an American detente with the murderous pro-Iranian Assad regime in Syria, the supposedly benign neglect of Hezbollah's takeover of Lebanon, and the championing of the "Palestinians," which de facto had insidiously become indistinct from Hamas terrorists.

Such creative tension between the Iranian Shiite crescent and a diminished Arab world would be adjudicated from time to time by Obama himself, whose America would go from oppressor to ally of the oppressed.

So by 2017, Iran, for some reason, was considered all-powerful in the Middle East with its missiles, soon-to-be nuclear status, and Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi killers who would murder Westerners and Israelis year after year. For the last seven American presidents, the very thought of challenging Iran militarily had been considered taboo, all the more so after the American misadventures in Afghanistan and Iraq.

No one, perhaps not even the Israelis, actually calibrated the true status of Iranian arms or diplomacy. Despite its huge advantages in population, Iran could not defeat Iraq and was reduced to sending 10-year-olds as human pawns to clear minefields. It never directly confronted Israel but always used surrogates to murder Jews, either abroad, as in the slaughter in Argentina, or through its "ring of fire" terrorist cliques that surrounded the borders of the Jewish state.

In sum, no one apparently realized  with the exception of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  that beneath its rough, ugly shell, theocratic Iran was rotten and decayed inside. Its corruption and the hatred of its own people ensured that even its huge revenues and sophisticated Chinese and Russian weapons could never translate into a modern, lethal military.

And in summer 2025, the Israelis and Americans first proved that Iran was indeed hollow.

Its Arab partner in Syria imploded in weeks. The supposedly goose-stepping Hezbollah shock troops were decimated.

The scary subterranean Hamas may have proved deadly in surprise attacks against unarmed women, children, and the aged, but they were nearly obliterated by the IDF.

The Houthis mimicked Iran's madness as they sent drones and missiles to shut down the Red Sea and hit Israel. But the U.S. and Israel finally taught them that while the Houthis had no power to harm their enemies' interior, their Western opponents easily could destroy their airports, ports, power generation, and modern economy in days, and would happily do so if the terror continued.

So here we are, in March 2026, watching the systematic destruction of the entire five-decade facade of a supposedly invincible Iranian military, the systematic elimination of its theocratic leaders, and the dismantling of the Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard terrorists.

The regime has no military ability to ensure its survival. Instead, its rope-a-dope strategy assumes that the U.S. will be attuned to domestic criticism, the looming midterms, the price of gas, and pressure from allies to end the war before the global economy sinks into recession.

We are left somewhat confused. Why did prior presidents not hold Iran accountable for its killing, thus nourishing the myth of Iranian invincibility? Why did Israel not respond earlier to Iran itself rather than just its terrorist clients?

And what now are the surviving theocrats thinking? What is their strategy of survival?

The remnants of the theocracy intend to ride out the bombings and, at some point in extremis, expect an armistice from "negotiations." Their ultimate strategy is to wait out the tenures of both Trump and Netanyahu and hope for another sympathetic president like Obama, or a non compos mentis Biden, or someone ideologically akin to Mamdani or AOC.

When Trump and Netanyahu are out of office, they dream of using their oil to rearm and resume their role as Chinese and Russian proxies, eventually getting the bomb, and the second time around, perhaps using it.

Theocratic Iran, in its fantasies, still believes that if it ever destroyed Israel with a bomb or two, the world, especially given the recrudescence of Western antisemitism, would be appalled  for a day or two.

Then it would resume business with it. And with a dozen or so deterrent nuclear-tipped missiles, the Iranian ritual boilerplate of crazed pronouncements would follow of supposedly welcoming a nuclear pathway to an eternal virginal paradise.

And thus, we would go full circle back again to a "crazy" Iran, its murderous clients, and its unhinged  but effective  threats.

(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.
 A Chicago middle schooler brought some goose droppings to science club --- and landed in the middle of a biomedical breakthrough.

The club is supervised by researchers from the University of Illinois as part of an initiative to "involve young learners in the search for new antibiotics," reports ScienceAlert.

Students were instructed to "explore their neighborhood for new bioactive compounds." Hence, goose poop from a local park.

With the help of the pros, the student safely isolated a bacterium from the droppings that showed antibiotic activity --- an incredibly rare and important feat, say the experts.

Not only that, but the bacterium also produced a never-before-seen natural compound which, in lab tests, slowed the growth of certain cancer cells.

The student is now listed as a co-author of the peer-reviewed paper on the discoveries.
The attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan yesterday underscores a timeless truth. A 41-year-old Muslim terrorist, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, rammed his explosive-loaded truck through the synagogue's doors, armed with a rifle and hell-bent on carnage. The man was an "immigrant" from Lebanon.

Inside, 140 children and staff were vulnerable.aside from the synagogue's armed security team. They bravely and heroically sprang into action. These everyday heroes, empowered by their Second Amendment rights, engaged the terrorist immediately, firing shots that neutralized him before he could unleash more horror.

Ghazali's vehicle erupted in flames, but no innocents were harmed beyond one guard's non-life-threatening injuries from the impact. 
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Hematologist-oncologist Khushali Jhaveri discusses her article What the research really says about infrared saunas. Khushali shares her personal journey from skepticism to advocacy after experiencing the profound physiological shifts of infrared heat therapy. The conversation dives into the science of heat shock proteins, explaining how thermal stress helps the body repair cellular damage and manage inflammation. She reviews a landmark study from Finland showing massive reductions in cardiovascular mortality among frequent sauna users. Khushali also distinguishes between traditional and infrared saunas, noting that while the latter operate at lower temperatures, they offer similar benefits through passive heat exposure. Discover how this ancient practice might be a key to healthier aging and longevity.

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.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Khushali Jhaveri, a hematology-oncology physician. Todays KevinMD article is What the research really says about infrared saunas. Khushali, welcome to the show.

Khushali Jhaveri: Thank you, Kevin. Thanks for having me.

Kevin Pho: All right, so lets start by briefly sharing your story and then what led you to write this article on KevinMD.

Khushali Jhaveri: As you mentioned, I am a hematologist-oncologist. I work as a lymphoma expert at Indiana University. I treat a wide spectrum of B-cell lymphomas and my research focus is on body composition. Specifically, I look at how muscle mass and sarcopenia, that is loss of muscle mass, impact outcomes for B-cell lymphomas.

In terms of medical journalism, when I was in fellowship, I had the privilege of working at ABC News. That is where I learned how to translate really complex scientific information into a language that a broad audience could understand. I helped translate noteworthy research for platforms like Good Morning America and multiple shows on ABC News. That really drove my passion for medical journalism. What I realized during that time was that when it comes to high-quality science reaching the public, there isnt much physician voice out there. That led me to continue writing. I have written for your platform, Medscape, and more recently, I have been working as an associate editor for the American Society of Hematologys magazine, which is called ASH Clinical News.

Kevin Pho: Wonderful. I think that is more important than ever, especially with all the misinformation that is currently going on and the fact that health care has become so politicized. So congratulations on doing what you do. We need more physicians going into media.

Khushali Jhaveri: That is wonderful. You are exactly right. With the KevinMD article, one of the things that has consistently stood out for me is how little physician voice there is between high-quality science reaching the public. What I have noticed is there is often a big gap between what is marketed and what data actually shows.

For me, saunas, and more so infrared saunas, kept popping up on my Instagram feed over and over again with really confident health claims. I was definitely intrigued, but I was also skeptical. One day out of curiosity, I wanted to experience it myself. I drove to an infrared sauna studio. What stood out was not just the entire experience, but the breadth of health claims that were being made. The claims ranged from detoxification to calorie loss of almost as much as 400 calories per session, to enhanced recovery and improved sleep.

The KevinMD article came out of that process when I wanted to dig deeper into the research. My goal was to bring a physicians lens to a topic that a lot of people were already engaging in and to bridge that enthusiasm with evidence in a more accessible way.

Kevin Pho: All right. So before we talk about some of that evidence, just tell us what exactly an infrared sauna is. I see advertisements sometimes like you do, but for those who arent familiar with it, just tell us exactly what that is.

Khushali Jhaveri: An infrared sauna basically is based on the principle of passive heat exposure. One of the recurring themes that keeps popping up when you read about infrared saunas is the concept of heat shock proteins. These heat shock proteins are proteins which are produced by our body in response to stress, including elevated temperatures, and their role is essentially cellular housekeeping.

When we expose ourselves to passive heat exposure like in an infrared sauna, our body produces these proteins. These proteins help other proteins fold correctly, preventing cells from experiencing stress and assisting in repair. So what happens over time is that our body gets better at handling stress. With sauna use, you produce these proteins and over time you learn how to manage inflammation better. There is enhanced cellular recovery, and the integrity of cells is maintained better over time. Emerging research is also showing that it might actually help with enhancing longevity.

Kevin Pho: All right, so after looking into the data, you talked about a study that looked at some of these claims. What does the evidence say about the claims of these infrared saunas?

Khushali Jhaveri: I think that really surprised me. I was a skeptic before going into it, but once I really looked at the data, I found it very compelling to actually engage with a sauna myself. One of the studies that really stood out was a study which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

In the study, Finnish researchers followed around 2,300 middle-aged men for over 20 years. What they found was that men who engaged in sauna use two to three times per week compared to men who engaged in sauna use just once a week saw a significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes. They saw almost a 22 percent decrease in sudden cardiac death, a 23 percent decrease in coronary heart disease mortality, and a 27 percent decrease in overall cardiovascular outcomes.

With even increased use, men who were using the sauna four to seven times a week had even more substantial benefits, including an almost 40 percent reduction of death from any cause. Not just the frequency of sauna use, but the duration of sauna use also mattered. Men who used it for more than 19 minutes had much more significant health benefits compared to those that were using it for less than 11 minutes.

One thing I think is important to know is that most of these health claims come from Finnish sauna use rather than infrared sauna use. Infrared saunas might have overlapping physiologic pathways, but they involve mild thermal stress. We can extrapolate from the data, but direct outcomes data about infrared saunas is still limited.

Kevin Pho: What are some of the downsides of going to the sauna? What are some of the side effects? Did the studies show any risks to those using these infrared saunas?

Khushali Jhaveri: It is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. Before engaging in any wellness trend, personalizing your risk and benefit is very important and talking to a physician is necessary. For example, if someone already has cardiovascular disease, I think for them it might be risky. Someone who is pregnant might find it risky too.

If you have dehydration, you are going to lose a lot of electrolytes and water during a sauna session, so it might cause dizziness. It is really important to keep yourself hydrated, make sure your electrolytes are OK, and also talk to your physician about your personal, individual risk versus benefit.

Kevin Pho: Now, what is the potential mechanism where these infrared saunas can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve outcomes? Is it the fact that these heat shock proteins help with inflammation? Do the papers speculate on a potential mechanism?

Khushali Jhaveri: I think it is mainly about the heat shock proteins. We have to remember that these are association studies. The researchers did follow these men over 20 years, so that is a prospective component to it. But at the end of the day, these are association studies, so it is really hard to pinpoint the exact mechanism as to why people are benefiting. It is thought to be more so from heat shock proteins and your bodys ability to handle stress and inflammation better.

Kevin Pho: So these are more observational studies. These werent double-blind, randomized controlled studies.

Khushali Jhaveri: No, they were not.

Kevin Pho: So you mentioned that you are familiar with these infrared saunas. Who would be the best type of patients who may benefit from these?

Khushali Jhaveri: I would say anyone who is healthy overall should be able to benefit from an infrared sauna. The data is pretty compelling. At the end of the day, as I mentioned, these are observational studies and so it is hard to prove cause and effect. But based on what data I have seen, I think anyone who is able to engage in infrared sauna use would benefit from it as long as they dont have other comorbidities that might contraindicate it or have more risks associated with it than benefits.

Kevin Pho: And how much does a session cost typically, and is it ever covered by insurance?

Khushali Jhaveri: I dont think it would be covered by insurance, but most of the sauna studios are HSA eligible, so you can definitely use it as a health cost. I think the sessions usually are around 20 to 30 dollars per session for a one-hour session. I think it becomes even cheaper if you engage in some type of membership.

Kevin Pho: And how many sessions would you need in order to see a potential benefit according to the studies?

Khushali Jhaveri: According to the studies, even doing it once a week is going to have some benefit. But higher frequency and your ability to tolerate longer sessions over time is where the highest benefit exists.

Kevin Pho: And you mentioned a difference between the infrared saunas that we have here and the Finnish saunas that were in the study. What are the differences between the two?

Khushali Jhaveri: The Finnish saunas operate at much higher temperatures and it is more of a direct heat exposure rather than a passive heat exposure, which is what we see with an infrared sauna. I think what is more nuanced with the infrared sauna is that a lot of people are able to tolerate it better because the temperature is just not as high. But as I mentioned, it works along the same physiologic pathway of passive heat exposure, increasing your core body temperature, and producing those heat shock proteins.

Kevin Pho: We have talked about how a lot of the data is observational, meaning that we cant conclude that there is a causation, but just a correlation. Are you aware of any prospective double-blind trials that really would pin down a potential causation for infrared saunas? What are the future research directions? Are you aware of any work that is going into that?

Khushali Jhaveri: Kevin, I will be honest, I havent come across any prospective randomized control studies in relation to especially infrared saunas and also Finnish saunas.

Kevin Pho: In terms of what we have to look forward to regarding the technology, could Finnish-style saunas be more prevalent in the United States? What do we have to look forward to in the future when it comes to these infrared saunas?

Khushali Jhaveri: This is my personal opinion, but I do believe that infrared saunas are just much easier to tolerate for an individual. When we are looking at benefits over time and increased frequency, I wonder if using Finnish saunas or direct heat exposure with much higher temperatures would be possible for a regular person to do five, six, or seven sessions a week.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Khushali Jhaveri, a hematology-oncology physician. Todays KevinMD article is What the research really says about infrared saunas. Khushali, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Khushali Jhaveri: I would say our patients are going to engage in these wellness trends whether we talk about it or not. During my training, I realized that a lot of these wellness trends and lifestyle topics in general are not covered in medical school or formal training. But it is very much a part of our patients lived experience.

So I believe that when patients bring up this conversation, we should be willing to engage in those conversations. It is not to just endorse everything, but to be able to look at the data, explain uncertainty, and engage in an honest risk versus benefit conversation. When curiosity meets data, I think that is where trust happens, and that is where good medicine is. As for infrared saunas or just sauna use in general, as our knowledge about these passive thermal therapies continues to increase, I do believe that it might have a meaningful role in enhancing cellular integrity and even possibly longevity.

Kevin Pho: Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Khushali Jhaveri: Thank you so much, Kevin. It was an honor and a pleasure to speak with you today. Thank you.
In the late 1990s, a U.S.-funded study randomized HIV-positive pregnant women in Bangkok, Thailand, to either a placebo group or a group treated with a short course of AZT. At the time, AZT was the standard of care in the U.S., and researchers knew the medication protocol worked at reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission by nearly 70 percent. The study looked at whether a shortened protocol could meaningfully reduce HIV transmission compared with no treatment.

The short-course AZT study in Thailand sparked controversy over the ethics of using placebo controls when a proven standard of care (full AZT regimen) already existed. Physicians and bioethicists criticized the trial design, arguing that it exploited disadvantaged populations in low-resource countries. The U.S. defended the study, noting that in these settings, the standard of care was no AZT, so participants who did not get the intervention were not receiving less than they would have otherwise.

Repeating history in Guinea-Bissau

Until recently, RFK Jr. was set to repeat this unethical study design, but with the hepatitis B vaccine and in Guinea-Bissau. He approved $1.6 million to fund a 14,000-person study in which one group will receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and the other at six weeks of age. The standard of care, as recognized by the World Health Organization, is a birth dose to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. While in Guinea-Bissau, where disease prevalence is high, with over 11 percent of infants having hepatitis B, the standard of care is to delay the vaccine until six weeks.

Those supporting this study design argue that, in these settings, the standard of care is no birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine, so participants who do not get the intervention are not receiving less than they would have otherwise.

Sound familiar? This is the exact argument used in the 1990s to support withholding medications to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in Thailand. It is also a study design recognized by the WHO as unethical, and perhaps the reason officials in Guinea-Bissau recently halted the controversial U.S.-funded clinical trial.

Ignoring local public health goals

In Guinea-Bissau, where nearly one in five people is infected with hepatitis B, health authorities acknowledge the risks of delaying vaccination until six weeks and have committed to implementing a routine hepatitis B birth dose by 2027. Instead of helping the country move closer to its goal, RFK Jr. tried to take advantage of the people of Guinea-Bissau, where 60 percent live in poverty, and use them to test his anti-vaccine theories. The study planned to follow participants for five years to assess not whether they contract hepatitis B, but other non-specific effects of vaccines (NSE).

Some observational studies have suggested beneficial NSEs (e.g., lower overall mortality after certain live vaccines), while other studies have found no effect or negative effects. WHO has reviewed the evidence multiple times and concluded that the findings are inconclusive and insufficient to change policy. Although further investigation of NSEs is a reasonable approach, NSE research should not be prioritized over efforts to prevent infection in a high-risk, low-income infant population.

In addition to putting thousands of infants at risk of contracting hepatitis B, the study has additional ethical flaws. It is single-blinded, meaning researchers know which participants receive the intervention and which do not. This creates opportunities for conscious or unconscious bias to influence data collection and interpretation. Compounding these concerns, RFK Jr. bypassed the standard competitive bidding process and selected the researchers himself. Unsurprisingly, the individuals he chose have ties to the U.S. anti-vaccination movement, raising serious questions about objectivity and scientific integrity.

Why delaying the vaccine is dangerous

Infants who contract hepatitis B are at much greater risk of serious complications than those who contract it later in life. While 10 percent of adults who acquire hepatitis B go on to experience chronic liver complications, over 90 percent of infected infants will experience lifelong, and sometimes deadly, infections. In other words, babies are incredibly vulnerable to chronic hepatitis B, making protection starting in infancy crucial.

[Image comparing the progression rates of acute to chronic hepatitis B infection in infants versus adults]

In the U.S., between 1990, one year before routine hepatitis B vaccination, and 2006, incidences of the virus declined by 98 percent in children under 15. In 1990, 1.2 per 100,000 children under 15 were diagnosed with hepatitis B, and by 2006, that rate dropped to 0.02. This decline illustrates the success of the hepatitis B vaccination program in the U.S. and has significantly narrowed racial disparities among hepatitis B diagnoses.

Poverty is not a control group

RFK Jr. testing his anti-vaccination theories in a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis B, a poverty rate of around 60 percent, and a lack of access to health care is wildly unethical. If scientific inquiry were prioritized over exploitation, such a study could be conducted in high-income countries that do not administer a hepatitis B birth dose, like Denmark, without placing disproportionate risk on a vulnerable population.

A subpar standard of care in a poverty-stricken country should not be an acceptable control group. The HIV trials of the 1990s are a historical lesson to avoid, not a blueprint to repeat. Guinea-Bissau does not need to relive that history so outsiders can test theories on the bodies of its infants. Knowingly exposing individuals to preventable harm in the name of science demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of research standards. Ethical research advances health by narrowing inequities, not exploiting them.

Meghan Johnston is a laboratory scientist.
ANALYSIS

This years Two Sessions in Beijing once again underscored the central governments focus on technological innovation, talent development and regional integration. Within that broader agenda, Macau delegates have increasingly described neighboring Hengqin as a strategic platform to extend the citys highereducation capacity and strengthen its role within the GuangdongHong KongMacau Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Among the voices pointing to this direction was Chen Jimin, a Macau member of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Speaking to reporters before the close of the CPPCC session in Beijing, Chen emphasized Hengqins potential to function as a bridge linking Macaus academic resources with the broader innovation ecosystem emerging across southern China.

Key Takeaways Macau delegates at the Two Sessions highlighted Hengqin as a strategic platform to expand the citys highereducation capacity within the Greater Bay Area. The number of researchers in Macaus universities has surged from 13 after the handover to around 1,773 today, reflecting rapid growth in the citys research sector. Hengqin offers physical space and policy flexibility for campuses, laboratories and technology collaboration that Macau itself cannot easily accommodate.

She noted that the citys universities, national key laboratories and research institutes are gradually positioning Macau as a hub for highend talent. Leveraging universities and national key laboratories is attracting an increasing number of worldclass scientists to establish themselves in the Greater Bay Area, Chen said, stressing that young researchers are increasingly participating in major national scientific projects.

The annual sessions of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) and the CPPCC, which opened earlier this month in Beijing, traditionally provide a platform for delegates from across China to outline policy proposals and regional development strategies. While many discussions this year centered on the upcoming 15th FiveYear Plan (20262030), Macau representatives used the forum to highlight how the city could contribute to national innovation goals through deeper GBA integration.

A growing highereducation base

Macaus highereducation sector has expanded rapidly since the 1999 handover, and Chen argued that this progress offers a foundation for further development in Hengqin.

According to figures cited during the interview, the regions universities now host more than 62,000 students. Of these, over 9,000 are enrolled in science and technologyrelated programs spanning undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees.

Chen also pointed to the dramatic growth of Macaus research community. The number of university researchers has risen from just 13 in the early years after the handover to roughly 1,773 today  an increase of more than 130fold.

Over the same period, Macau has established four national key laboratories covering areas such as smart city technology, space science and traditional Chinese medicine. These institutions have become focal points for collaboration with mainland universities and international partners, helping raise Macaus academic profile.

However, local limitations remain evident. Macaus small geographic footprint restricts the expansion of campuses and large research facilities. For many policymakers and educators, Hengqin  located immediately across the border in Zhuhai  offers the physical space and institutional flexibility needed to support longterm growth.

Hengqin as a regional talent platform

The Hengqin GuangdongMacau InDepth Cooperation Zone has already been designated as a testing ground for crossborder integration in sectors ranging from finance and tourism to scientific research. Education is now emerging as another pillar of that cooperation.

By extending Macaus academic ecosystem into Hengqin, policymakers hope to create a broader innovation corridor linking universities, laboratories, technology firms and startups. Such a model could allow Macau institutions to expand research capacity while remaining closely connected to the mainlands industrial supply chains.

Chen suggested that this approach would also strengthen the GBAs attractiveness to international researchers and students. A larger academic cluster spanning Macau and Hengqin could provide more laboratories, funding opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration, making the region more competitive with established innovation hubs elsewhere in Asia.

The strategy aligns with Beijings broader push to develop worldclass science and technology clusters. In the context of the upcoming FiveYear Plan, the Greater Bay Area is widely expected to play a central role in Chinas ambitions to advance semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, biomedical research and green technologies.

For Macau, leveraging Hengqins space and policy flexibility could help the city overcome structural constraints while preserving its unique role as a gateway between China and the global academic community. By Yuki Lei

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Famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel said Timothee Chalamet showed ignorance when the Oscar-nominated actor claimed no one cares about opera and ballet.

Sadly sometimes its a little bit of ignorance but, look, that is why we have to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music, Dudamel said earlier this week at an event to announce the programming of his first season as the New York Philharmonics music director.

Dudamel spoke from the stage of Lincoln Centers David Geffen to an audience that included donors, musicians, the orchestra board, community leaders and composers in addition to journalists. Dudamels remarks sparked loud applause.

During a conversation with fellow actor Matthew McConaughey at a CNN and Variety town hall at the University of Texas at Austins Moody College of Communication in February, the 30-year-old Chalamet was asked by McConaughey about whether shortened audience attention spans have impacted studio decisions about the content of theatrical films, forcing more early action.

I admire people, and Ive done it myself, to go on a talk show and go: Hey, weve got to keep movie theaters alive. We got to keep this genre alive, Chalamet said. And another part of me feels like if people want to see it, like Barbie, like Oppenheimer, theyre going to go see it and go out of their way to be loud and proud about it. And I dont want to be working in ballet or opera or things where its like where its like, Hey! Keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore. All respect to the ballet and opera people out there. I just lost 14 cents in viewership.

Chalamet received his third Academy Award nomination, for Marty Supreme. His comments sparked an online backlash from arts organizations.

Everybody has the right to say, but you have to do things with knowledge, with facts. I think we have to say to the young generation, the opposite, Dudamel said. Its very funny. Cinema is a result of opera, of music, of all of these kind of things.

Matias Tarnopolsky, the New York Philharmonic CEO, was seated next to Dudamel and issued a public offer to Chalamet.

He can sit with me anytime, Tarnopolsky said. Ill give him a free ticket and hes invited to come and hear the New York Philharmonic.

Dudamel, 45, is among the worlds most famous conductors. He is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic this summer after 17 seasons as music director to become the music director of the New York orchestra.

At one point, Dudamel feigned not knowing Chalamet, saying: Which is the name of that? before cutting off as the audience laughed.

That way of thinking has to end, he said. Music is reborn all the time and it brings us the values of empathy through the beauty of what it is. So this is the reality of music. This is the real dimension of music and we need that more for our young people. RONALD BLUM, NEW YORK, MDT/AP

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China adopted a sweeping law yesterday to promote what it calls ethnic unity, a measure that critics say would further erode the rights of some minority groups as authorities cement a push toward assimilation.

The law, approved by the countrys legislature, is designed to foster a stronger sense of community among all ethnic groups in the Chinese nation, said Lou Qinjian, a delegate to the National Peoples Congress who introduced the proposal to the whole body.

The proposed law lays out the need to promote ethnic unity by all government bodies and private enterprises, including local governments and state-affiliated groups like the All-China Womens Federation.

The people of each ethnic group, all organizations and groups of the country, armed forces, every Party and social organization, every company, must forge a common consciousness of the Chinese nation according to law and the constitution, and take the responsibility of building this consciousness, it reads.

Academics and observers say the new provision represents a setback for the identity of ethnic minorities because it mandates the use of Mandarin Chinese in compulsory education, among other things.

The majority of Chinas population is Han Chinese and the official language is Mandarin. The country has 55 ethnic groups, making up 8.9% of the 1.4 billion population.

The constitution states that each ethnicity has the right to use and develop their own language and have the right to self-rule, while the Law on Regional Ethnic Autonomy promises limited autonomy to those groups, including allowing them to create flexible measures to develop their economy.

Experts say the new law is likely to take priority in practice.

It puts a death nail in the partys original promise of meaningful autonomy, said James Leibold, a professor at Australias LaTrobe University who has studied Chinas changing policies toward its ethnic minorities. Leibold called the measure a capstone of Chinese President Xi Jinpings major rethink of ethnic policies.

Autonomy existed in teaching native tongues

According to Article 15 in the new law, Mandarin Chinese is mandated to be taught to all children before kindergarten and throughout the rest of compulsory education up to the end of high school.

Mandarin is already the primary language of instruction in Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang  Chinese regions with large ethnic minority populations  but the new law essentially states that minority languages cannot be the primary language of instruction nationwide.

Until recent years, ethnic minorities had some autonomy in what language could be used for teaching in schools.

In the past, students in Inner Mongolia, a Chinese autonomous region bordering Mongolia, could study large parts of the entire curriculum in Mongolian.

That changed in 2020, when new students found out their Mongolian language textbooks could no longer be used and they could only use Chinese textbooks. The policy change led to massive protests and an immediate crackdown, as well as later re-education campaigns, according to an essay co-written by Leibold and a former Mongolian journalist.

Students in the region can currently only study Mongolian as a foreign language class inside schools, one hour a day.

Push for assimilation

Scholars also note the mention of pushing for mutually embedded community environments in the law, which they say may result in the breakup of minority-heavy neighborhoods.

The intention is to encourage Han and other minorities to migrate into each others communities, said Minglang Zhou, a professor at the University of Maryland who studied Chinas bilingual policies.

Many countries, including the U.S., pursue similar assimilation policies. China has said its approach is to bring development to ethnic minorities areas.

Xinjiang is a place where many ethnic minorities live, said Hanengbi Ayisa, deputy of the National Peoples Congress from Xinjiang, ahead of the vote. We attach great importance to the sense of community and national unity of the Chinese nation, and the unity of all ethnic groups is very well maintained.

But Maya Wang, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said the law is not about ensuring equality.

The question was never so much about ensuring their participation in the economy in an equitable manner, more inclusive manner, because the policies are being forced on Tibetans, Wang said. And a truly inclusive model does not preclude the ability of children to speak two languages.

Law lays out penalties related to ethnic policy

The law also creates a legal base for the Chinese government to prosecute people or organizations outside China if their actions harm the progress of ethnic unity.

The legal penalties for people abroad echo the clause in the National Security Law which China imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, which states that authorities can prosecute people based outside China over actions that Beijing perceives as secession or subversion. Hong Kongs government has issued bounties for 34 overseas activists on suspicion of violating the security law.

Rayhan Asat, a legal scholar at Harvard University, said the law serves as a strategic tool and gives the pretext to government to commit all sorts of human rights violations.

Asat said her younger brother, Ekpar Asat, is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Xinjiang on charges of inciting ethnic discrimination and ethnic hatred. Asat said her family never got any formal notice from the government about his arrest or a trial.

Asats brother was an entrepreneur who built a social media platform for Uyghurs. She said he was taken shortly after he visited the U.S. as part of the State Departments International Visitor Leadership Program in 2016.HUIZHONG WU, BEIJING, MDT/AP

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The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) announced it is boosting resources for student counseling teams in the 2025/2026 school year, raising personnel service costs by around 3% to allow institutions to adjust salaries based on experience and performance. The bureau said the team now totals 413 members and has added a counseling hotline and an online consultation platform. Future plans include reviewing staffing and service models to meet school-based needs and enhance retention of senior counselors.

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The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced yesterday that it is investing MOP3.8 million in the 2026 Macao International Parade, which will feature 1,600 participants  200 fewer than last year  and showcase performance troupes from more than 10 countries and regions.

The parade, themed The Maritime Silk Road as a Bridge for Cultural Exchanges, will be held on March 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with performances starting at the Ruins of St. Paul, kicking off the event.

The parade troupes will then follow a route towards Senado Square, Largo da Se, and Avenida da Praia Grande, interacting enthusiastically with locals and tourists along the way.

In addition, the VIVA Carnival will take place on March 28 and 29, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Nam Van Lake waterfront (AnimArte NAM VAN), featuring specialty food stalls and game booths, as well as creative interactive experience booths, providing a comprehensive five-sense experience for audiences participating. It is one of the highlights along the parade route.

To wrap up the parade, at 6:30 p.m., the troupes will join forces at Sai Van Lake Square for a finale performance.

In addition to the parade and Carnival, starting tomorrow until April 4, there will be a total of 15 performances in conjunction with local communities and organizations, aimed at bringing a festive atmosphere to all corners of the community.

According to Cheang, This event adheres to the core concepts of love, peace, and cultural integration, bringing together performance troupes from around the world and local performing arts elites.

He added, Macau is located at an important position on the Maritime Silk Road and has been a place where Chinese and Western cultures converge since ancient times, always promoting the interaction, exchange, and harmonious coexistence of different cultures.

The acting president said that building upon the success of previous parades, the bureau has further deepened planning, striving to make this cultural city event more relatable and influential.

The bureau has invited top performance troupes for the parade from more than 10 countries and regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, and other parts of the world.

Nearly 50 local performance groups will participate in the eight-day event.

They will showcase their work through various formats, including themed teams with locally inspired costumes and props, art parade teams reflecting their unique characteristics, large-scale art installation teams, special project teams, and community outreach teams performing for local audiences.

Cheang noted that this event allows the audience to experience an immersive atmosphere where scenery and art blend, antiquity and modernity coexist, and the regions role as an exchange and cooperation base is highlighted, with Chinese culture as the mainstream alongside multiple coexisting cultures. Ricaela Diputado

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While the local airport operator in Macau has reported that no airlines have announced plans to increase surcharges amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and fluctuations in international oil prices, local tourism operators believe the impact on international arrivals will likely be minimal.

Chinese media outlet Macao Daily News examined how fuel surcharge adjustments by Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific might impact Macau residents travel intentions.

The outlet cited a tourism industry representative saying that Macau travel agencies have not yet observed any changes to tour fees.

According to an industry insider quoted in the report, who requested anonymity, even with the increase in fees by Hong Kongs airlines, fuel surcharges for mainland China and Southeast Asia  currently the primary destinations for Macau residents  are not expected to increase significantly. The insider believes this will not reduce residents enthusiasm for travel.

However, the insider acknowledged that while fuel surcharges will affect international visitors to Macau, the impact is expected to be very limited, attributing this to the fact that most international arrivals come from Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea, while travelers from the Middle East and Europe make up a smaller proportion.

As noted, the current tourism market is closely monitoring evolving circumstances and airline operational adjustments.

It has been observed that flight options for European group tours have changed significantly, shifting from favoring Middle Eastern carriers for layovers to predominantly using non-Middle Eastern transit airlines.

This change raises concerns that route adjustments may lead to increased travel costs due to higher airfare prices.

Meanwhile, the Macao Petroleum Industry Association assured the public that it has developed supply guarantee plans for the Macau market to ensure a stable local fuel supply and reasonable price adjustments.

The association emphasized that the overall fuel supply to Macau remains stable, with sufficient inventory to meet residents basic daily needs.

It also stated that if international oil prices fluctuate due to developments in the Middle East, Macaus fuel prices would adjust accordingly. However, it emphasized a rational approach to price changes, referencing fluctuations in international Platts oil benchmarks.

The adjustment process is designed to ensure transparency, reasonableness, and standardization, thereby supporting fair and orderly market operations.

As reported yesterday, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) said it is closely monitoring international crude oil prices and implementing measures to safeguard consumer rights.

According to the bureau, the current unstable international geopolitical situation and the volatility of international crude oil prices have prompted the inter-departmental fuel monitoring group to continuously track the situation closely.

MGTO: Middle East situation not yet affecting Macau visitors

Middle East tensions, including developments in Iran, have so far had no clear effect on Macaus tourism, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said.

Speaking to media on the sidelines a press conference yesterday, Fernandes remarked, Yes, I think the impact were seeing right now, judging from the street scenes, is not just in Macau, but internationally. We still need to observe how the situation develops, she said.

In terms of tourist numbers, its not very noticeable yet, but we need to judge based on the final assessment results.

The tourism director cited affected Hong Kong flights but noted that there are no direct Macau routes to the Middle East or Europe, with no data yet on Hong Kong-Macau crossings.

I think its too early to draw conclusions, but the development of tourism is certainly inseparable from peace, so creating a good tourism environment is crucial, Fernandes said. Therefore, I believe that if conflicts occur around the world, they will inevitably impact the tourism industry.

MGTO will assess a potential Middle East Expo in May and the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai in early May, prioritizing safety. We have to see if the Expo will be held as scheduled, so we are still assessing the situation, she told reporters. NS

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South Korean lawmakers yesterday passed a law to implement a pledge of $350 billion in U.S. investments Seoul made last year to avoid the Trump administrations highest tariffs.

Government officials had urged lawmakers to quickly pass the contested bill, submitted in November, as uncertainty mounts for the countrys trade-dependent economy, already rattled by President Donald Trumps protectionist swing and now fearing the fallout from his war on Iran.

The bills passage came hours after the Trump administration increased pressure on trade partners by opening a new investigation into manufacturing in foreign countries, including China and U.S. allies South Korea and Japan, which could result in new import taxes if U.S. officials see their practices as unfair.

Trump and his team have made clear theyre seeking to use new tariffs to recoup lost revenue after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated his sweeping tariffs issued with emergency powers.

China expressed opposition to the move and called for negotiations to resolve any differences. China opposes any form of unilateral tariff measures, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing. Tariff wars and trade wars serve no ones interests.

The South Korean law, which passed 226 to 8, calls for establishing a public corporation to manage the promised U.S. investments, including reviewing and selecting projects based on input from South Korean and U.S. trade authorities.

Some lawmakers spoke against the bill ahead of the vote, expressing frustration over Trumps new trade investigations and the potential impact of the war in the Middle East, which has exposed the vulnerability of South Koreas export-dependent economy and reliance on imported fuel.

We cannot be the money machine Trump wants us to be, said Son Sol, a member of the minor opposition Progressive Party. She said the bill does not give the legislature sufficient power to review and reject investments that could go against South Korean business or public interests.

Following months of tense negotiations, South Korea finalized an agreement with the United States in November to invest $200 billion in U.S. semiconductor and other high-tech industries and another $150 billion in shipbuilding in exchange for Washington lowering reciprocal tariffs on Seoul from 25% to 15%.

The agreement, which followed a breakthrough at an October summit between Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, also caps South Korean investments at $20 billion a year to protect the countrys foreign currency reserves. MDT/AP

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On the Agenda

Macau Customs director-general Adriano Ho has called for advancing the three connections at border ports to improve efficiency and quality of cross-border movement between Macau, Hengqin and the wider GuangdongHong KongMacau Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Speaking in the context of the national Two Sessions and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, Ho said Macau Customs will study and implement the decisions and arrangements outlined during the meetings while aligning with national development strategies.

Ho said the department will fully cooperate with the Macau SAR government, under the leadership of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, to support the development of the GuangdongMacao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and strengthen cross-border coordination.

According to Ho, Macau Customs will continue optimizing port supervision and services, improving the efficiency of customs clearance, declaration procedures and cross-border vehicle flows. These measures aim to facilitate trade and mobility while supporting Macaus deeper integration into the national development strategy.

The department also plans to contribute to Macaus 1+4 economic diversification strategy by improving facilitation measures and expanding the use of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence in customs supervision.

Officials said these initiatives are intended to support the high-quality development of Macaus diversified industries and strengthen connectivity within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

In the government work report, Premier Li Qiang said the blueprint for development had been drawn and called for unified efforts to achieve the years economic and social goals and ensure a strong start to the next five-year period.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also emphasized that executive-led governance in Macau requires the participation of the government, residents and all sectors of society. He stressed the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability in both Macau and Hong Kong.

The central government reiterated its support for Macau in promoting moderate economic diversification and advancing the development of the One Center, One Platform, One Base and One Highland initiatives while leveraging the citys role as a bridge between China and the world.

This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan and an important stage for Macau as it formulates and implements its third five-year development plan while continuing efforts to diversify its economy.

Macau Customs said it will follow the central governments policy direction and continue strengthening border management, connectivity and facilitation measures to support Macaus long-term development. By Ricaela Diputado

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The chairman of the Macau General Association of Real Estate, Ip Kin Wa, has called on the government to hold back from intervening in the current state of the citys housing market and advocated for employing non-residents.

Ip told Shin Min Daily News that young people seeking employment are showing a decrease in drive to enter and solidify their place in the industry amid the continued downturn of the housing market.

The industry now consists of around 2,800 real estate agents, and it is a significant difference compared to the previously recorded number of 6,000.

With that being said, the chairman urged authorities to be more lenient with quotas for non-domestic workers and, at the same time, to hold accountable and reconsider applicants with criminal backgrounds or those who have only acquired a basic level of education.

According to the Financial Services Bureaus most recent data, there were 384 transactions in total in January this year, an increase of more than 42% compared to the previous year, which recorded only 270.

Sales in the first month of this year decreased by 11.7% compared to the same period in 2019. The drop continued, with the rate in January falling to MOP 69,241.

Ip noted that Macaus situation differs from that of its neighboring region of Hong Kong, stating that home prices there are expected to rebound by between 5% and 10% this year. He said the cause of the housing market decline is a lack of consumers and investors.

Last week, data from the Monetary Authority of Macao revealed that MOP837 billion in savings has accumulated in banks.

He noted that There must be stability in the housing market to achieve economic stabilization and to prevent home prices from falling further.

He stressed, On the other hand, Macaus industrial recovery seems to be uneven. Apart from a tourism rebound, the gaming industry is experiencing change, coupled with a trend of Macau vehicles heading north and pedestrian traffic drying up across restaurant and retail fronts.

In addition, the chairman also highlighted the lack of government efforts to attract talent beyond Macau, noting that Hong Kong has already accepted 60% of talent applications.

Ip told the news outlet, People have always worried that bringing in too much talent might compromise local jobs and welfare, but a larger population can boost the economy, create more businesses and jobs. There could be rules to ensure that imported talent does not receive local benefits such as cash handouts and pensions. This should alleviate public concerns.

He also criticized the governments regulations on short-term rentals. Currently, stays of 90 days or fewer must be provided through hotel accommodations.

While Hong Kongs rental market typically sees returns of around 4%, Ip argued that Macaus approach could weaken the local rental sector and limit residents ability to use property as a means of investment.

Ip further highlighted broader shortcomings in policy, stating that direct financial help is far more effective than offering services or goods in-kind.

To support this, he suggested that rather than funding new public housing projects, the government could help first-time buyers by subsidizing their interest payments, allowing younger residents to access interest-free home loans.

He pointed out that public housing developments are funded by taxpayers, yet only a small portion of the population benefits from them, which he described as fundamentally unfair.

The situation is made worse if these units fail to sell. The government ends up covering the costs of maintenance, management and loan interest  all of which are ultimately paid for by the public, Ip added.

According to Ip, excessive government involvement has led to high numbers of unsold properties in several developments.

These include the Macau New Neighborhood (MNN) in Hengqin, the Pearl Metropolitan housing exchange project, and small one-bedroom units on the market.

The MNN, a key initiative backed by the Macau government, is made up of 27 residential towers offering between 4,000 and 4,200 flats, all restricted to holders of Macau ID cards.

Pearl Metropolitan includes six residential blocks with 2,064 apartments. It was developed as a solution for buyers of the Pearl Horizon project, who were left without title deeds after developer Polytec Group had its land concession revoked in March 2019 for missing the 25-year construction deadline.

He concluded by saying, If these homes stay on the market unsold for an extended period, the combined costs  including interest, administrative fees and property upkeep  could reach as high as MOP18 billion. That expense will ultimately fall on residents, amounting to roughly MOP30,000 per person. Ricaela Diputado

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Some commercial ships near or in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf have declared themselves as China-linked since the Iran war began, marine traffic data show, as their operators apparently try to reduce risks of being targeted in attacks.

At least eight vessels in or near the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman changed their declared destination signals to short messages such as CHINA OWNER or CHINA OWNER&CREW, according to data on the ship tracking platform MarineTraffic analyzed by The Associated Press.

The main goal of vessels publicly identifying themselves as Chinese while transiting the Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz is primarily to reduce the risk of being attacked rather than to facilitate passage through the strait itself, said Ana Subasic, a trade risk analyst at data and analytics firm Kpler, which owns MarineTraffic.

Some of the vessels passed through the strait and headed for their destinations. Others were still in the area.

Iran and affiliated groups have generally avoided targeting ships linked to China, Subasic said, given Chinas relatively neutral stance and stronger economic ties with Iran.

The message is more like do not mistake me for the kind of ship you said you would hit, said Kun Cao, client director at consulting firm Reddal.

Iranian attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf and the wider region have particularly raised concerns among shippers.

Most of the eight vessels identified by MarineTraffic were not China flagged. Their flag states included Panama and the Marshall Islands, although Reddals Cao noted that a vessels flag often has little to do with the ship owners nationality in commercial shipping.

While many bulk carriers have strong links with China in terms of ownership, operation and cargo, the actual effectiveness of declaring themselves as China-linked in avoiding attacks is unclear, said Rico Luman, a senior economist at the Dutch bank ING who focuses on transport and logistics.

Destination signals are short notes or messages manually entered by a ships crew into a vessels transponder, a global positioning system locator, and broadcast publicly, Subasic said. They typically show the ships intended next port and are usually intended to help with navigation safety, traffic awareness and port planning.

Because destination signals are not strictly verified in real time, some vessels occasionally use it to display additional information or signals, such as references to ownership or nationality, she said.

During earlier Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, some vessels adopted a similar approach by declaring themselves or their crew as having links to China, which appeared as an effort to try to reduce risks of attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthis.

Thailand demands apology after cargo ship attack

Thailands Foreign Ministry conveyed its strongest protest to the Iranian ambassador in Bangkok after a Thai cargo ship was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz. Thailand requested a statement of apology from the Iranian authorities.

The deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs, Sirilak Niyom, also requested clarification of facts surrounding the incident, according to the ministrys statement. The ambassador, Nassereddin Heidari, expressed his condolences and gave assurances to promptly convey Thailands protest to the capital, the statement said.

A search is still ongoing for three crew members while 20 others were rescued on Wednesday without serious injuries but might need psychological support, Thai officials said.

Japanese-flagged ship damaged in Persian Gulf

Mitsui O.S.K Lines said yesterday that a Japanese-flagged container ship One Majesty was damaged while anchored in the Persian Gulf.

All crew members on board were safe and the ship is operational. The impact cause and extent of the damage is unknown and under investigation, Mitsui said.

Crew members felt a shock near the stern and later found damages while the ship was anchored about 60 miles (96 kilometers) southwest of the Strait of Hormuz, Mitsui said.

A Mitsui-operated oil tanker also experienced minor damages from unidentified falling objects in the Gulf of Oman. The tanker has left the area and the company is investigating.

19 commercial ships hit so far in war

At least 19 commercial ships have been damaged so far in the war, figures showed yesterdayy.

Through Wednesday night, there had been at least 16 vessels attacked in the Persian Gulf and the wider region, according to the Joint Maritime Information Center, a coalition overseen by the U.S. Navy.

An oil rig separately was attacked off Saudi Arabia, as well.

Overnight, two ships were hit by Iranian fire at a port near Basra, Iraq. Another was attacked yesterday off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. MDT/AP

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The Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau has, as usual, unveiled the Bib Gourmand awardees ahead of the years bigger awards that will take place next week.

A total of 83 Bib Gourmand recognitions have been awarded this year for Hong Kong and Macau, with 70 going to establishments in the neighboring region and 13 locally.

Among the local awardees, two new entrants have been added to the ongoing recognition of 11 eateries and food and beverage establishments.

The two new Bib Gourmand awardees are A Lorcha and the Thai restaurant Nok Song.

A Lorcha is a well-known local restaurant in Barra, featuring a retro nautical theme that appeals to locals and tourists alike. Featuring Portuguese and Macanese cuisine, the restaurant has been on the go-to list for Hong Kong visitors for many years.

Its eclectic West-meets-East dishes appeal to a wide range of visitors and locals alike.

Regarding the establishment, the Michelin Guide highlighted items on the extensive menu, such as salted cod fritters, sauteed pork and clams Alentejo-style, mixed seafood rice, and Macanese coconut and turmeric chicken.

It should be noted that A Lorcha was previously included in the Guides Selection, and has now moved up into the Bib Gourmand awards.

As for Nok Song, the Guide noted its ribbed vaults that evoke a Gothic cathedral, complemented by dark wood flooring, wall panels, and furniture, placing the focus on the venues environment.

Regarding the food, the Guide highlights the quality ingredients sourced from around the world that are transformed into fusion Thai dishes, such as a spicy raw shrimp salad featuring Obsiblue prawns from New Caledonia and a heart-of-palm red curry with Iberian pork collar from Spain. Other highlights include the mango souffle pancake roll.

On the awards, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, Gwendal Poullennec, said, The 2026 Bib Gourmand selection beautifully represents the extraordinary breadth and energy of the culinary scenes in Hong Kong and Macau.

We see eight newcomers from a diverse range of cuisines, including Cantonese classics, pizza, Chiu Chow, Thai, Southeast Asian, and Portuguese. Each highlights the regions rich gastronomic tapestry and truly embodies the accessible excellence and spirited gastronomy for which both cities are known, inviting food lovers to experience outstanding food at affordable prices.

As for the neighboring region, the six new entrants include Dragons Den, Fiata, Ho Ho Chak, Lais Kitchen, Siaw, and Uncle Quek.

The 18th edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau will present its 2026 restaurant selection on March 19 at an event at Grand Lisboa Palace Hotel.

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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) has announced that it recently conducted investigations, in collaboration with the Judiciary Police (PJ), at six shops primarily serving foreign workers in the Avenida de Horta e Costa area, the central district, and Taipa. Preliminary findings suggest that some shops are suspected of illegally converting patacas paid by customers into foreign currencies via overseas e-wallets or bank accounts, thus engaging in unlawful cross-border remittances. AMCM warns that providing illegal currency exchange services could lead to fines ranging from MOP500,000 to MOP5 million, with a maximum penalty of MOP10 million.

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Writer-director Ian Tuasons feature debut, the sonic-driven horror Undertone, has, at least at the outset, an appealingly stripped-down quality.

The 30-something Evy Babic (Nina Kiri) lives with her dying, comatose mother (Michele Duquet). The movie never leaves their small, two-story home. Upstairs, Evys mother lies wordlessly in a bed. Downstairs, Evy, at 3 a.m. puts on headphones, sits in front of a microphone and calls up her paranormal podcast co-host Justin (Adam DiMarcos voice) to talk all things creepy.

Its a testament to Tuasons evident filmmaking talent that, with these bare bones, Undertone swells into a gripping and unsettling experience. This is a movie that summons many of its scares with a sudden boost in audio levels, the thunderous tick of a clock or the scream of  a tea kettle. Its even rated R not for bloodcurdling violence or satanic ghouls but, simply, language.

Its these subtle qualities that make Undertone a spare but deftly dense film and Tuason a filmmaker to watch. Its the movies disappointing second half, though, that breaks its quiet spell. After conjuring a tapestry of tension through narrative drips, as well as literal ones, Tuason throws in the whole kitchen sink, drowning out Undertone with a cacophony of genre cliches. Ancient Christian lore is invoked, as are childrens lullabies, and the riveting nuance of Undertone slips away in all the feedback.

I want it to be over, Evy tells Justin. Is that a bad thing to say?

Evys mother hasnt eaten in two days, and her emotional exhaustion is clear when she first connects with her London-based co-host. You might here be wondering if the movie digs into this guilt, but Undertone is better at leaving carefully placed clues than following through on them.

For the episode they begin taping, Justin tells Evy that an anonymous e-mailer has sent a mysterious message with 10 audio files. They begin listening to them one by one, while recording. In them, a married and pregnant couple, Jessa and Mike, are trying an experiment. Mike, whos doing the recording, says that Jessa talks in her sleep. In fact, it turns out she sings (London Bridge Is Falling Down), and it doesnt get better from there.

Our experience of this, and the eerie subsequent recordings, is entirely aural. While Undertone is far from the first horror film to grasp the power of sound design, its cunning in its deployment of a found-footage tale that unspools through the ears.

This has to do with the recordings, themselves, but its also due to the vulnerable place they put Evy. Some of the best moments in Tausons film play on our anxiety for her, as she listens in the darkened night. As the unfolding story grows closer to her, we feel like someone, at any moment, is going to emerge from a shadow while Evy, unaware sits isolated by headphones. Call it noise-canceling horror.

One idea that Undertone plays is something Justin mentions: audio pareidolia, the term for when the brain imposes words or patterns out of random, disorganized sounds. As they investigate the recordings, Evy and Justin are often playing them backward. Their interpretations become ours. The movie, itself, is a jumble of auditory clues that may or may mean something.

Id rather Undertone stayed on this track, but, as if fretful of being too minimalistic, Tauson piles on more layers. Evy finds out shes pregnant and isnt sure she wants to keep it. We can tell from all the Catholic accouterment around the house, Evys mother, if conscious, might have a strong opinion on this choice. The dark origins of the childrens songs, too, relate to mothers and children.

But for a highly contemporary movie centered around podcasting, Undertone morphs into a quite old-fashioned thrill ride, full of Catholic idols and creaky doors and light bulbs that go in and out. Kiri is exceptional in carrying a film in which shes the only talking, present actor. But that a movie so threadbare manages to feel like too much is both the films accomplishment and its failure.

JAKE COYLE, MDT/AP Film Writer

Undertone, an A24 release, opened in theaters Thursday. Its rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language. Running time: 94 minutes.

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Wynn Resorts has resumed construction of its luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Earlier this month, following Iranian attacks on UAE sites including Dubai Airport and The Palm Hotel, Wynn Resorts said it was closely monitoring the situation with plans in place to ensure the safety of our employees.

On Wednesday, Wynn announced that project construction has resumed at its Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort following a short pause due to the Middle East conflict.

The company continues to be in regular communication with the governments of the United States and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, to make informed decisions, and highlighted that steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of all employees on site.

Wynn employees have been offered the option to work from abroad if their home embassy recommends it.

No delays have been reported for the Ras Al Marjan Island propertys opening.

Wynn noted that for broad segments of the population, business continues to follow normal patterns, with its design and development team and resort executives able to continue their work consistently.

The company praised the UAEs broad defense posture as having worked extremely well and expressed confidence in the UAEs ability to keep its population safe.

Wynn also thanked its employees and construction teams for their truly remarkable commitment and professionalism during this extraordinary time.

Meanwhile, a majority of Wynns U.S.-based design and development team remains on-site for the project, while roughly 7% to 8% of staff have opted to return home, according to a Wednesday note from JP Morgan, citing company management.

The note added that Wynn is assessing the status of materials and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) currently in transit and is considering alternative ports if needed to ensure supply continuity.

On project economics, Wynn expressed confidence in its 2026 guidance, targeting USD1 billion to $1.7 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), $500 to $800 million in EBITDAM, and 10% to 16% cash returns.

JP Morgan also noted strong expectations for the hotel side of the resort, stating Wynn can fill its 1,500 rooms almost entirely through its existing gaming customer database and has the flexibility to expand room capacity from its land bank, whether under the Wynn brand or through a partner/operator.

The institution added that the resort expects a strong casino ramp-up, supported by its short-term monopoly, concentrated regional wealth, international gaming demand, and limited local supply.

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On 23 February, 40,000 workers at IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Limited) at the Panipat refinery expansion project in Haryana went on a strike, which spread across the entire premises. The sudden, radical action was met with a vicious police crackdown and an internet blackout.

The government scrambled to erase the protests from the mainstream media. Unsurprisingly, and in full subservience to their capitalist overlords, the Indian corporate media covered the incident as a violent clash or security incident rather than a powerful, spontaneous struggle for labour rights.

Straw that broke the camels back

Events were set in motion on 21 February, when a workplace accident at the refinery resulted in the death of two workers and severe injuries to a third, who required a leg amputation. Workers alleged that neither ambulances, nor quick medical help was permitted by the contractors or the management. This was the immediate trigger for the massive strike at the Panipat refinery and its expansion site.

This confrontation was not an unexpected development, but rather a result of years of accumulated anger amongst the workers of the refinery due to rock-bottom wages, dangerous working conditions and grueling 12-to-16-hour workdays. The workers report that overtime wages were not being paid according to the legally-required double wage rate.

They also claimed that their paycheques are often delayed by up to three months, and they have little to no financial security due to irregular provident fund deposits and no job security. The workers also reported inadequate toilets, drinking water and hygiene facilities.

The strike was largely spontaneous, without any centralised leadership. But it struck a chord with thousands of workers who carried out this massive protest united as one political force  much to the alarm of the management.

The continuous and protracted exploitation and humiliation of workers found a voice of expression in this protest. Workers contracted by major companies like L&T (Larsen and Toubro) downed their tools and gathered at the entrance of the refinery with the following demands:

Reduction of shifts from 12 hours to the legally required 8 hours.

Payment of overtime working hours at double rates.

Timely wages (between the 1st and 7th days of each month).

Regular and correct provident fund (PF) contributions (allegations of fraud or deductions are common).

Basic facilities: clean toilets, drinking water, hygiene and on-site medical support.

Broader calls against exploitation, including better leave policy (currently they only get two days of leave per month, including forced work on Sundays).

The protests took several forms, involving sit-in-demonstrations (dharnas), work stoppage, mass gatherings, and meetings with officials and contractors. At one stage, the protest also spilled over to the region outside the premises after the workers gathered near the entrance of the refinery expansion. The situation escalated to the point where some protesters allegedly threw stones and damaged some vehicles, possibly belonging to security personnel near the site.

In response, the personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reportedly fired two warning shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Besides the warning shots the police also carried out a lathi charge to disperse the protesters  deploying naked force against protesting workers who are fighting for their rights.

Authorities reportedly filed First Information Reports (FIRs), opening police investigations against 2,500 workers involved in the protest and five individuals were arrested  two activists and three workers. Apart from arrests and lathi charges, it is reported that mobile network jammers were installed around the refinery area in an attempt to prevent photos and videos of the protest from spreading online. Despite massive blackouts, workers were able to put videos of this massive strike on online social media platforms.

This meant the action had a spillover effect and a massive strike broke out at the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) plant project in Hazira, Gujarat on 26 February. Around 2,000 to 5,000 workers who were employed by L&T, one of Indias largest EPC contractors (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), began discussing similar grievances about wages and working hours after seeing the videos of the Panipat strike, and large groups gathered spontaneously at the Hazira site.

This was also possible because contract labourer networks across different sites are closely connected through social media platforms. Here too, the strike started just as a gathering which escalated into stone pelting at police, vehicles being damaged, and at least one car being set ablaze. The police fired tear-gas shells to disperse the workers, and several were arrested. FIRs were filed for property damage and rioting.

Both of these developing protests were halted due to severe state repression, blackouts and police detentions. Since the majority of the workforce are migrant labourers and work on meager wages, most of them had to continue working even on the next day. But nothing has been resolved and it is inevitable that the workers rage will boil over again.

Capitalism to blame

IOCL is Indias largest government-owned oil and gas company, and is classified as a CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise). The government of India owns 51-52 percent of the shares, while the remaining shares are held by various other companies and private owners. It plays a central role in producing, refining, transporting, and selling petroleum products across India.

The developing protests were halted due to severe state repression, blackouts and police detentions / Image: fair use

Despite being a state-owned company, it recruits employees through third-party contractors. They follow a multi-layered contractor system: at the top is the project owner, IOCL itself, which gives contracts to EPC contractors such as L&T. The EPC contractors do not hire workers themselves, rather, they divide the project into smaller sections or packages and award them to subcontractors. Each subcontracted package can include anything ranging from civil construction, pipeline welding, structural steel, electrical works, scaffolding, insulation and so on.

Each subcontractor hires hundreds or thousands of workers, and many subcontractors further hire labour contractors who directly recruit workers from villages or other states, arrange for their accommodation and transportation, and pay these migrant workers daily wages or monthly salaries. In this labour procurement setup, the workers usually have no direct employment relationship with IOCL. In effect, this system facilitates privatisation of state companies by the backdoor.

Because of these multiple layers, the authorities often try to dodge responsibility for the actions of contractors, meaning they are not liable for workers grievances. Not only IOCL, but the majority of Public Sector Undertakings recruit employees on this basis, dividing workers into smaller battalions, and leave them on their own to deal with the parasitic, irresponsible and corrupt contractors and subcontractors, who pay the least possible wages and exploit these workers to the maximum possible extent.

The recent dilution of labour laws is designed precisely in the interest of these contractors and private companies. It is a tragedy that the leaderships of Indias main trade union confederations undermined the impact of the recent general strike against this reactionary legislation by limiting action to a single day, rather than building for a sustained offensive against the Modi regime. But as we see with these two spontaneous eruptions, Modis attacks will push workers into defensive struggles for their rights and interests, with or without a lead from the top.

We express our full support for the protesting workers of IOCL, and emphasise that the situation they face is a product of a system that necessarily creates inhuman and exploitative conditions for workers. The struggle of the IOCL workers is therefore a sign of future battles to come.

A genuine revolutionary leadership should expose the root of these problems: capitalism, which is the source of hyperexploitation in both the informal and formal sectors of the Indian economy. A bold solution is called for, one that goes beyond localised action and performative national strikes, and forges workers struggles into a united battle against Modis Hindutva regime and the bourgeois thieves it represents.

These small and spontaneous protests have demonstrated the extraordinary courage of Indian workers, who have all the necessary potential to change the world they live in. The workers must ask this simple but powerful question  if we make the society function through our collective labour, then who should run society? Is it us, or the capitalists and their lapdog management?

Especially now, refinery workers in particular have tremendous potential power in society. The US is temporarily waiving its embargo on buying Russian oil in order to refine it in India, thus bringing global prices down amidst the insanity of the Iran War: which the US and Israel started, and which Modi supports. Indias oil workers thus have their hands on one of Modis most important economic levers, and a major bargaining chip. All that is lacking is the necessary leadership to translate this immense power into a relentless battle for victory.

Down with the capitalist state and its minions! All for workers ownership of industries! Those who labour for society should be the ones who should rule it! All for revolution! Help us build the forces of genuine Marxism and revolution in the RCI! Inqilab zindabad!
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states expressed deep appreciation to King Mohammed VI for Moroccos sincere and active solidarity following days of attacks by the Iranian regime, praising the Kingdoms stance as a reaffirmation of close and historic ties between Rabat and Gulf capitals.

The remarks were delivered during the 8th MoroccoGCC Joint Ministerial Meeting held by videoconference, attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, GCC SecretaryGeneral Jassem Mohammed AlBudaiwi and ministers from the six Gulf states.

Gulf officials said Moroccos support, spearheaded by the King, came at a sensitive moment marked by what they described as unjustified Iranian military escalation and repeated infringements on the sovereignty of GCC member states.

They stressed that Moroccos position reflects the strength of brotherly relations and the special personal bonds linking the King with Gulf rulers.

They also highlighted the diplomatic initiative undertaken by King Mohammed VI at the start of the escalation.

The King had called the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Bahrains King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to GCC ministers, the Kings outreach demonstrated Moroccos readiness to stand by Gulf partners and support any legitimate steps they deem necessary to safeguard their security and the safety of their citizens.

Moroccos foreign ministry has condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks on Gulf states and expressed steadfast solidarity with Gulf monarchies.

Few days ago, foreign minister Nasser Bourita echoed Moroccos stance during a recent Arab League virtual session, reiterating that Gulf security is inseparable from Moroccos security.
A senior official of South Sudans ruling party, Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), has played down concerns over the potential closure of donor-funded rural hospitals, suggesting communities could rely on traditional medicine.

Speaking on March 12, 2026, during a three-day SPLM Conference in Juba, the partys Secretary-General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, said rural communities had historically survived without formal healthcare facilities.

Kordit made the remarks while referring to concerns raised by international partners about the withdrawal of foreign funding for health services. He cited his own recovery from malaria in the late 1990s using traditional herbal remedies in a village near Maridi in Western Equatoria State. He argued that communities had long shown resilience without modern hospitals.

The comments come as South Sudans Ministry of Health plans to withdraw support from more than 100 health facilities due to funding shortfalls in donor-backed programmes. Health experts warn the cuts could worsen maternal and child health outcomes in a country already facing one of the worlds highest maternal mortality rates.

During the conference, Kordit also apologised for the suffering caused by the civil war that erupted in 2013, describing it as a power struggle within the SPLM leadership, and urged unity ahead of national elections expected in December 2026.
A drone strike triggered massive explosions at a market in Sudans Darfur region near the border with Chad on Thursday, killing four people and injuring more than two dozen civilians.

According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the drone struck fuel reserves at the Adikong border market in West Darfur, marking the second deadly drone attack in the area in less than a month.

Gado Mahamadou, MSFs head of mission in Chad, said 23 people were wounded in the blast, including seven children and four women.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when tensions between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the national army escalated into full-scale fighting in Khartoum before spreading nationwide. The war has killed more than 40,000 people, according to United Nations estimates, though aid groups believe the true toll could be far higher.

The Darfur and Kordofan regions have become the epicentres of the violence, with repeated drone strikes increasingly affecting civilians and humanitarian operations.

The Sudanese military has not issued an official statement on the Thursday attack, although two officials said operations were underway in the area targeting RSF fighters. Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned on Thursday that escalating drone strikes across Sudan are taking a heavy toll on civilians.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also condemned the surge, noting that since March 4 alone more than 200 civilians have reportedly been killed by drones in Kordofan and White Nile state. A separate drone attack on Wednesday in White Nile province, blamed on the RSF, struck a school and health centre, killing at least 17 people, most of them schoolgirls.
For nearly a week, a group of youngsters allegedly turned Mumbais Coastal Road into a midnight racing stretch  sneaking in on two-wheelers despite a strict ban and speeding through the tunnel section in the early hours of the morning. However, their late-night thrill rides came to an abrupt end on Sunday when Gamdevi police intercepted them during a pre-dawn operation.



According to the police, Coastal Road control room staff first detected suspicious activity while monitoring CCTV cameras. The footage showed a group of motorcycles and scooters repeatedly entering the restricted road late at night.



The information was immediately shared with the Gamdevi police, who examined the footage and confirmed that the riders were illegally accessing the Coastal Road from the Haji Ali side.



Investigators said the group would typically enter the road between 2:30 am and 3:30 am, ride at high speed through the stretch and exit near Marine Drive through the tunnel before heading back towards Haji Ali. Police said the high-speed riding posed a potential danger to other motorists using the road.



To intercept the riders, Gamdevi police launched a special operation with assistance from the traffic police. Officers slowed traffic using signals and strategically placed barricades along the route.



On Wednesday night, as the riders approached the turn, the police moved in, intercepted them and detained the group.



The riders have been identified as Firoz Saiyed (20), Amir Saiyed (23), Faiz Saiyed (22), Shakeel Sheikh (19), Aman Jedage (22), Mohammed Owais Mansuri (27), Mohammed Mansuri (22), Mohammed Sheikh (36) and Khalil Patel (25). Police seized nine two-wheelers from them.



A case has been registered at the Gamdevi police station under Sections 281 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 184 and 194 of the Motor Vehicles Act.



Two-wheelers are not permitted on the Coastal Road, yet this group had been entering the stretch late at night and riding at high speed. Based on CCTV inputs, we laid a trap with the help of the traffic police and intercepted them. A case has been registered againstall the riders, said Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Londhe of Gamdevi police station.



Police said the riders have been asked to produce the documents for their vehicles. Officers will also verify whether any illegal modifications were made to increase speed.



All the accused have been served notices and released, police said.



Most of the riders are residents of the Nagpada and Agripada areas. While some run small businesses, a few are students. Officials suspect the group may have been carrying out similar late-night rides on the Coastal Road for several days before they were intercepted.




Sacramento, CACaltrans has allocated $25 million for cleanup programs in counties across the state, including nearly $300,000 allocated to Calaveras County.

Calaveras County recently received $299,608 for its Clean Calaveras Project 10, which involves installing new litter prevention signs in areas chosen based on community input to help maintain roads and parks. According to state road officials, the funds will support 90 local projects to improve lives and communities by aiding litter and graffiti removal efforts throughout California. Caltrans highlighted this major initiative under Governor Gavin Newsom, dedicating all of this years funding to benefit underserved communities.

These grants do more than fund cleanups; theyre investments in people and provide hope and opportunity, said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. By partnering with local agencies and workforce development organizations, were investing in our under-resourced communities by creating jobs, restoring pride, and demonstrating that caring for our neighborhoods means caring for each other.

CCEP offers competitive funding to support trash collection and beautification projects on publicly owned rights-of-way. Besides garbage and graffiti removal, a key aspect of this initiative is creating job opportunities through collaborations with workforce development groups. These pathways connect justice-impacted individuals, homeless populations, at-risk youth, and others to meaningful job training and paid transitional employment.

The grants will also fund public education and anti-littering campaigns across the state to help communities qualify as Clean California. State road officials noted, The overall Clean California effort in District 10, which includes Calaveras County, has collected over 42,464 cubic yards of litter in its first year, demonstrating a significant commitment to cleaning up regional highways.
Sonora, CA  California State Assemblyman David Tangipa, a central California native who represents District 8 will be the guest speaker at the annual Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources and the Environment (TuCare) dinner and auction.

Assemblyman Tangipas district covers Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mono and Inyo, a map of the district is in our community guide here. Tangipa won the assembly seat in November 2024 as detailed here.

The focus of Tangipas speech will be on public safety, economic opportunities, water and agriculture policies, and government accountability.

TuCare is a nonprofit, the event will be held tomorrow on Saturday, March 14 at the Sonora Elks Lodge. Doors open at 5pm dinner served about 6:30 PM.

The auctions, both live and silent, will support the Tours for Kids TuCAREs natural resources education program for kids, TK through high School. Amy Dunlap, Executive Director and Education Coordinator shares, We appreciate all who have stood with us over the years and will continue to stand with us in the future.

Dunlap notes that about 40 tickets are still available for $70 with an online transaction fee of $1.75 at Paypal here until midnight tonight (Friday) or contact her directly at (209) 352-6510 before 5 PM today (Friday) to arrange to pay with cash or check. Dunlap also says she can set up table reservations for up to six people until 5 PM. Tickets are not sold at the door.
KATHMANDU, March 13: The Indian government has eased foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations for investors from neighboring countries that share a land border with India, including Nepal.

According to Indian media reports, the Union Government of India amended the existing Press Note 3 of its FDI policy during a Cabinet meeting held on March 10. With this revision, investors from countries such as Nepal, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan will find it easier to invest in India.

Related story Nepals FDI Landscape: Issues and Solutions

Previously, investors from these nations were required to obtain special permission from Indian authorities due to security concerns. Under the new rules, eligible investors can now receive automatic approval, provided they meet specific criteria set by the Indian government. A 60-day deadline has been established for investments in strategic manufacturing sectors.

India has also relaxed FDI norms for Chinese companies. According to the updated policy, If a company from China or any other neighboring country holds up to a 10 percent stake in a foreign firm and does not have control over that company, it will be allowed to invest in India through the automatic route without requiring government approval.

The Indian government is now focusing on permitting FDI in key sectors such as electronic components, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and solar energy. The new investment framework is expected not only to support the establishment of manufacturing facilities but also to strengthen supply chains, helping India increase its share in the global market.

According to Indian government records, the country received over $1 trillion in FDI between April 2000 and December 2025.
A tragic accident at AIC Kapsabet School for the Deaf claimed one students life and left 10 others injured after they fell into a septic tank on the school grounds.

The incident occurred Thursday morning as students scrambled to catch a sight of President William Rutos motorcade passing the school. As the children gathered on top of an old, 20-foot-deep septic tank, the structure gave way under their weight, plunging 11 learners into the pit.

Nandi County CEC Angeline Kirui, among the first to arrive, confirmed the tragedy.

County disaster teams and rescuers quickly pulled the students from the tank and rushed them to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. Doctors there confirmed that one student had died upon arrival. After learning of the accident, President William Ruto visited the school to share his condolences and stand with the grieving students and staff.

During his visit, the president donated Sh5 million to fund reconstruction at the school before continuing his journey to Kapsabet Girls.
The Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) now distributes electricity within the Smart City using its own private power grid.

This new capability allows Konza Technopolis to manage and deliver power throughout Phase One of the development. The move significantly boosts reliability and operational efficiency for investors, schools, businesses, and residents living in Africas Silicon Savannah.

KoTDA reached this milestone by deploying Konza Smart Energy. This intelligent platform powers the citys digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and industrial zones.

Built as a resilient system, Konza Smart Energy serves as a pillar of the citys smart infrastructure. It uses advanced monitoring and automation to provide a steady, uninterrupted power supply for high-demand digital and industrial projects.

Worldwide, top-tier smart cities maintain power reliability levels above 99.99% uptime. These cities measure their performance through international standards like the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI).

Konza built its new distribution system to meet these strict availability standards. This setup allows the city to host the Tier III Konza National Data Centre, high-tech research centers, precision factories, and digital firms that cannot afford power cuts.

Distribution Substation 2 (DS#02) serves as the core of this network. It pulls 66kV of electricity from the national grid and transforms it down to 11kV to power the entire city.

The network uses a 2N+1 transformer setup. This configuration provides the backup and durability required by global smart infrastructure standards.

Konza delivers power through more than 47 kilometers of underground 11kV cables arranged in a ring network. This design allows the city to reroute electricity if a fault occurs, keeping service interruptions to a minimum.

A network of 54 strategically placed cabin substations steps down the voltage to serve individual plots, municipal buildings, and new developments across Phase One.

The distribution system incorporates advanced protection and monitoring tools, including gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and smart automation that fits perfectly into Konzas Smart City framework.

Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri praised the advancement of the citys smart infrastructure while discussing this milestone.

Following the official launch of Phase 1 infrastructure in October 2025, this achievement demonstrates the steady progress we are making in building a resilient, future-ready city powered by reliable and intelligent energy systems to support Kenyas growing digital economy, said Okwiri.

This progress supports Konzas expanding community of universities, research centers, tech firms, housing projects, and export industries within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has detailed an eight-step guide to help Kenyans who only earn employment income file their annual tax returns.

In its recent public guide, the tax agency encouraged salaried employees to use the iTax portal for their submissions. To begin, taxpayers must log in to the iTax platform using their KRA PIN or National ID and their password. Once inside, users should head to the Returns menu and pick the ITR for Employment Income Only option.

After choosing the correct return type, the system automatically fills in the tax period on the e-return page. The taxpayer simply needs to verify that the dates are correct and click Next.

In the fourth step, employees confirm their gross employment income by visiting Section F. The KRA recommends checking these numbers against your P9 form, which your employer provides.

The fifth step requires you to verify the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax already taken from your salary. The tax agency asks you to ensure the amount on the form matches the deductions made throughout the year.

Next, you should review all deductions listed in Section T. This includes statutory payments like pension contributions, the Affordable Housing Levy, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and any applicable personal relief.

After verifying your income and deductions, you move to the seventh step: reviewing your information and submitting the return. You must double-check all details and click the Submit button to finish.

Finally, the system will generate an acknowledgment receipt to confirm you successfully filed your return. You can download this receipt immediately or find it later in the email address linked to your iTax account.

KRA created this simplified guide to make filing easier and more accessible for salaried workers across Kenya.

As the tax season deadline nears, the authority is pushing for citizens to comply and avoid late-filing fines. This update follows KRAs recent launch of a phased filing approach. This new system aims to make tax season faster and more personalized for millions of people.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya warned that a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement could weaken the opposition by forming a new political party. He noted that such a split might unintentionally assist President William Rutos re-election efforts.

During Citizen TVs JKLive Show on Wednesday, Natembeya characterized the friction as an internal ODM dispute. He mentioned that Azimio-allied leaders are currently watching the situation unfold from the sidelines.

The governor distanced himself from both groups, observing that the rift has divided ODM into two clear camps: those supporting the broad-based government and those opposing it.

On the story about Linda Mwananchi, I have never been in any of those events. This is basically an internal ODM issue and how they are relating with the government. For us in Azimio, we are basically bystanders viewing how events are unfolding, and we hope it ends well, he said.

It looks like there are two sides of ODM; one is supporting the current broad-based government led by the interim party leader Oburu Oginga and the other faction led by Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, who are not for the broad-based arrangement.

According to Natembeya, ODM members who oppose the current arrangement are largely repeating concerns raised when former party leader Raila Odinga first joined the broad-based government.

In these emerging factions, Sifuna aligns with the Linda Mwananchi wing. Meanwhile, Oburu leads the rival Linda Ground group, which supports cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

However, the outspoken governor warned that turning the Linda Mwananchi movement into a formal political party would split the opposition vote.

The arrangement where Raila went to the government, some of us did not support it, and the people who are opposing it from within are basically echoing the view we had when Raila Odinga joined William Ruto, he said.

My personal view is that it will be a disaster, because their views are basically the views of the opposition, and as the opposition, we want to be united. Now, if they branched off and formed another wing of opposition, they are going to reduce our votes and inevitably help Ruto get another term. For me, I would greatly discourage that type of direction, he said.
Abedinecho Kyalo Katue, a Kenyan nurse and popular TikToker, left custody in Florida after posting bond following his arrest for alleged misconduct at an Orlando hospital.

Authorities held the 46-year-old at the Orange County Jail after linking him to reports of sexual assault involving a patient at AdventHealth Orlando. Investigators report that the incident occurred on January 26, 2025, with a patient recovering from a leg amputation and confined to her bed.

According to detectives, Katue entered the womans room multiple times during the night and made comments that she found offensive. The situation allegedly worsened during what Katue reportedly termed a medical check.

TELL ME MORE  Kenyan Nurse Charged With Sexual Battery on Amputee Patient in Florida

The patient alerted hospital staff to the encounter immediately. Following the report, the hospital launched an internal investigation and placed Katue on administrative leave. Law enforcement continued to track the case for nearly a year before locating and arresting Katue on March 4, 2026.

An Orlando court set the bond at $75,000. To secure his temporary release, Katue had to pay 10% of that amount -roughly $7,500. Supporters mentioned that raising the funds proved difficult because the bond company required additional collateral, such as property.

The Kenyan diaspora in the United States organized fundraising campaigns to cover the costs. Supporters credited Katues former wife, Rebecca Samuel, with coordinating these efforts.

Katue now faces serious felony charges for the alleged abuse of a disabled patient. As investigators continue their work, the public awaits further court dates.
Kenyan climate activist Truphena Muthoni is preparing for another extraordinary environmental challenge  this time on the global stage. The passionate conservationist plans to attempt a new world record by hugging 1,172 trees in one hour during an upcoming visit to Brazil.

The ambitious feat, if successful, would surpass the current record and further spotlight Kenyas growing environmental activism.

Plan to Break Tree-Hugging World Record

Mark Mwenje, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi West, revealed the plan in the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 11, while introducing Muthoni to fellow lawmakers.

According to the legislator, the climate advocate will depart for Brazil on March 22, 2026, where she will combine the record attempt with environmental outreach activities. During the visit, she also intends to meet with indigenous communities to learn from their conservation practices and strengthen her climate advocacy efforts.

Mwenje explained that achieving the record will require extraordinary speed and precision.

Truphena will be traveling to Brazil on March 22, 2026, to engage with indigenous communities and is trying to set another record by hugging 1,172 trees within one hour, which will take her about two to three seconds per tree, Mwenje stated.

To reach the target, Muthoni will have to move rapidly from tree to tree  hugging each trunk in roughly two to three seconds for an entire hour.

Supporting Kenyas 15-Billion Tree Campaign

Beyond the record attempt, Muthonis mission aligns with Kenyas broader environmental agenda.

Mwenje told Parliament that the activist serves as an ambassador for the national tree-planting initiative launched by William Ruto. The program aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the countrys climate action strategy.

More importantly, shes the ambassador for the government, appointed by His Excellency President William Ruto, for planting 15 billion trees by 2032, he added.

The campaign seeks to restore degraded landscapes, improve biodiversity, and strengthen Kenyas resilience to climate change.

Rise to Fame After 72-Hour Tree Hug

Muthoni first captured national attention through an unusual but powerful environmental gesture  hugging a tree continuously for 72 hours in Nyeri County.

The endurance challenge attracted widespread public interest and drew attention to the importance of protecting forests and indigenous tree species.

Later, Guinness World Records officially ratified the feat, confirming that she had surpassed her own previous record of 48 hours, which she set earlier in 2025.

Since then, the environmental advocate has gained recognition for her dedication to reforestation, climate awareness, and the protection of indigenous trees across Kenya.

Muthonis upcoming attempt will target a different category  the most trees hugged in one hour.

The current record stands at 1,123 trees, set by Abubakar Tahiru of Ghana in Auburn, Alabama, United States, on March 25, 2024.

If she succeeds in hugging 1,172 trees in 60 minutes, Muthoni will set a new benchmark while drawing global attention to tree conservation and climate action.
2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo opens in Shanghai

Xinhua) 08:29, March 13, 2026

People visit the booth of Haier during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A staff member demonstrates operating a drone with brainwaves during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Visitors view a laptop with an expandable screen during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A transparent OLED TV is pictured at the booth of LG during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A visitor (R) wears smart glasses to experience the perspective of panoramic aircraft during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor tries an exoskeleton robot during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors learn about a smart washing machine during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Visitors are pictured beside a model of stacked satellites during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor learns about a smart cat toilet during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors look at a 3D-printed shoe during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor interacts with a robotic dog during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor tries a pair of smart glasses during the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE2026) in east China's Shanghai, March 12, 2026. The AWE2026 kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday. More than 1,200 enterprises from all over the world gathered at the expo to showcase their latest innovations. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Universities Fund will release Sh4.2 billion to public universities across the country this week.

In a statement on Thursday, March 12, Universities Fund acting CEO Edwin Wanyonyi confirmed that these funds form part of the 2025/2026 financial year allocation.

According to Wanyonyi, the money will support the education of students who recently enrolled in public universities nationwide.

The CEO noted that the allocation specifically supports government-sponsored students under the higher education funding program, which provides financial aid to those pursuing university degrees.

President William Ruto unveiled the Higher Education Funding Model on May 3, 2023, to fix the financial strain on public universities and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) centers caused by skyrocketing enrollment.

The Universities Fund provides scholarships covering 30% to 70% of costs based on a students financial needs. Families and loans then cover any remaining balance.

To receive these funds, students must formally apply through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal. The board uses the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) tool to analyze each applicants financial situation and determine their eligible funding level.

The announcement comes a month after the Ministry of Education assured parents that university fees will not increase this year, even as over 250,000 candidates from the 2025 examinations prepare to join higher learning institutions.

Speaking on Friday, January 9, during the release of the 2025 KCSE results in Uasin Gishu, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the government is developing strategies to keep tertiary education affordable for all Kenyans.

Ogamba added that the ministry has rationalized public university fees by 15% to 40%, setting semester costs between Sh5,800 and Sh75,000.

At the tertiary level, we are implementing the Student-Centered Funding Model, which provides students and trainees with scholarships and loans based on need, Ogamba said.
Nepal's RSP party of Balendra Shah wins majority

Nepal's centrist RSP party of rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah won a majority in parliament with 182 seats, Election Commission results showed on Thursday.



The March 5 vote elected a new 275-member House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament, with 165 seats chosen directly and 110 through a proportional representation vote.



"The counting of votes for the election of members of the House of Representatives... has been completed," Election Commission spokesman Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said in a statement.



In direct elections, RSP won 125 of the 165, and secured another 57 in PR votes, leaving them only two seats short of securing a powerful two-thirds majority.



The Nepali Congress, which was the biggest party in the last parliament, secured 38 seats and the Marxists of now-defeated KP Sharma Oli trailing with 25 seats. The Maoists have seven seats.



"A letter has been sent to the concerned political parties today to select the names of the candidates, and submit them to the Commission within three days," Bhattarai said.



The vote was the first since deadly September 2025 youth anti-corruption protests toppled the government.



The demonstrations, under a loose Gen Z banner, began over a brief social media ban but quickly tapped into broader grievances over corruption and a struggling economy.



Shah himself defeated veteran four-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli  whose Marxist-led government was ousted in the violence last year  in his own seat.



His victory over the 74-year-old Oli, and his rise from the capital's mayor to expected prime minister, marks one of the most dramatic results in recent Nepali politics. (AFP)







Edited by Cecil Wong
Cambodian law set over 'industrial proportions' scams

A Cambodian police officer inspects a scam compound operation following a raid in Kampot province. File photo: Reuters
Three ministers to seal Vietnam ties in joint trip

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun says the two countries will discuss political and security co-operation, combatting crime, defence collaboration, and the international and regional situation. File photo: AFP
Refuge for Assyrians in Iraq is Now Under Threat

The altar in the chapel of the Blessed Michael McGivney Apartment complex in Erbil is covered with dust and debris after an apparent drone strike. As many military analysts feared, the U.S. and Israeli air campaign over Iran has quickly broadened into a conflict that now engulfs much of the Persian Gulf and Holy Land regions. Iraqi Kurdistan has endured missile and drone attacks from Iranian or Iraqi proxy forces that have targeted the Erbil airport and the headquarters of a remnant U.S. military presence in Erbil.

On March 4, the Blessed Michael McGivney Apartment complex in Ankawa, a predominantly Christian suburb of Erbil, was struck in an apparent drone attack. The complex is owned by the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil and houses diocesan workers and young Christian families. It was built in 2018 with the support of the Knights of Columbus in the United States through its Christians at Risk charitable campaign. Fortunately the complex had been evacuated and no injuries were reported.

In 2014, Islamic State extremists stormed across central and northern Iraq, seizing territory, including the city of Mosul, and slaughtering Yazidis, Shiite Muslims and Christians who stood in their path. Thousands of Christians from Nineveh province fled into the Kurdistan region, finding refuge under the protection of the Archdiocese of Erbil.

Others fled to the south of Iraq or left the country altogether, joining a vast exodus of this ancient Assyrian Christian community from their homeland. Numbered at more than 1.4 million before the Gulf War began in 1991, the Christian community's losses continued after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and accelerated sharply during the rampage by the Islamic State.

U.S. and Iraqi forces, backed by Iran-affiliated Shiite militia now targeted by the United States, drove Islamic State fighters out of Nineveh in 2017. A slow recovery of Christian communities and numbers began.

Throughout years of turmoil, one steadfast presence in Erbil has been Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda. He has been at the forefront of efforts to build schools, housing and a hospital in Erbil with the aim of protecting the region's Christians and other religious minorities and providing hope for a future for them in Iraq. America interviewed Archbishop Warda over email on March 10.

Are you concerned with the after-effects of the Israel/U.S. attacks on Iran in terms of their possible impact on the region's Christians?

The repercussions of any new war in our region are rarely only immediate or direct. They are often deeper and cumulative, especially for small and vulnerable communities such as the Christians of Iraq and the wider Middle East. Over the past decades, Iraqi Christians have endured repeated wars, violence, displacement and emigration. As a result, their numbers have declined dramatically since 2003. Despite this, the church--together with priests, religious sisters and brothers, and lay leaders--has worked tirelessly to accompany families and help them rebuild their lives.

After the waves of violence that affected Christians in Baghdad, Mosul and other areas following 2003, thousands of Christian families chose Erbil as a safe place to live. Over time, Erbil became a center of renewed Christian life in Iraq.

Many churches were built, schools were opened, a Catholic university was established, and a hospital and various pastoral and social institutions were created to serve families and young people. With the solidarity and support of Christians around the world, many families were able to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Yet the painful irony today is that Erbil itself--once a refuge for displaced families--has become one of the Iraqi cities most frequently exposed to missile and drone attacks as regional tensions escalate. A drone attack on March 4 struck the convent of the Chaldean Daughters of Mary Immaculate and a residential apartment complex belonging to the archdiocese, where Christian families displaced by earlier violence have been living.

Thankfully there were no casualties, but the physical damage was significant and the psychological impact on the families was profound, as it revives memories of years marked by fear and instability.

Are Christians of the region sometimes held responsible for the actions of the United States and other Western powers?

As far as concerns about retaliatory attacks against Iraqi Christians seen as proxies for the United States or the West, I do not believe this is the most likely danger at the present time. Public discourse and media in the region clearly portray the current tensions as conflicts between states and political actors.

Moreover, the Christian population in Iraq has become so small that it is no longer seen as a significant factor in regional political calculations. Therefore, the greater concern is not direct retaliation, but that Christians once again become indirect victims of conflicts in which they have no part.

The real challenge we face is that every new war in the region weakens families' confidence that a stable future is possible here. The families we accompany pastorally come to us with very practical concerns: the education of their children, opportunities for employment, access to health care and the basic security of daily life. Many of these concerns fall beyond the traditional responsibilities of the church, yet people turn to the church because they trust it and because state institutions often have limited capacity to respond.

With the help of Christians around the world, we have tried to support families through education, social services, housing initiatives and efforts to create employment opportunities for young people. However, when wars and economic crises continue to erupt, many people feel that what has been built patiently over many years can collapse in a single moment. At that point, some families begin to consider emigration again--not because they want to abandon their faith or their roots, but because they want to secure a safe future for their children.

For this reason, yes, this crisis is forcing us to rethink our priorities. In addition to encouraging people to remain, we are increasingly focused on how to sustain and accompany the remaining Christian community and to cultivate what we might call a culture of active Christian presence in society--so that those who remain understand that their presence carries a mission and that life here can still be lived with dignity.

What do you ask of American Christians as this crisis unfolds?

My message to American Christians is first to pray for peace and for wisdom among political leaders. But prayer alone is not enough. We also need sustained and practical solidarity: support for education, social initiatives, health care institutions and especially projects that create employment opportunities for young people. In our current reality, helping even one family remain in their homeland with dignity is not merely social assistance--it is also a way of preserving the historic Christian presence in this region.

The Middle East is not simply a stage for geopolitical struggles. It is the homeland of peoples and communities that have lived here for centuries. Christians in this region simply seek to live their faith and serve their societies in peace and dignity. The greatest danger we face is not only the destruction caused by war, but the loss of hope among ordinary people. And when hope disappears, families begin to leave.

For this reason, the spiritual, human and practical solidarity of Christians around the world remains essential if the Christian presence in the land where Christianity was born is to endure.
New Delhi [India], March 13 (ANII): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, backed by the US, involving Iran and Israel. In a post on X, PM Modi said he expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, particularly the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure in the region. He said, "Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2032149596617785442 The Prime Minister also underlined that the safety and security of Indian nationals remains a key priority for the government. He noted that ensuring the unhindered transit of goods and energy supplies is equally important for India. He added, "The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India''s top priorities." The PM asserted that India remains committed to peace and stability and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. "Reiterated India''s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," PM Modi concluded. Earlier, India highlighted a high-level diplomatic push to protect Indian interests, emphasising the twin priorities of citizen safety and the stability of energy supply chains. During the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said that India is working to ensure the safety of its 9,000 nationals in Iran, with several students and others returning home through embassy assistance. Jaiswal confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three telephone conversations with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and protect India''s energy security. "External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India''s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," he said. Notably, following these talks, stabilisation in the transit of Indian oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz was secured, a crucial chokepoint for the nation''s energy imports. Moreover, the MEA is proactively assisting the approximately 9,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, many of whom are students, seafarers, and pilgrims. "We''ve had some 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students. They also comprise seafarers, some business people, some professionals, and some pilgrims. Of these 9,000, you would have seen that we had issued an advisory some time back. Our mission issued an advisory following those advisories, which were issued on the 14th of January, if I''m not wrong, and 23rd of February, several Indian nationals, mostly students, a lot of students, left the country and reached home," said Jaiswal. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave the country. This includes helping them reach Armenia and Azerbaijan via land borders, where they can access commercial flights to return to India. "We have recently, as you know, we have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country. We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia, and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings. So this is happening," he said. (ANI)
People formed a human chain outside the National Press Club in Dhaka as they protested against the persecution of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. People expressed their frustration over the lack of action from the newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party''s government to stop the violence against Hindus. Mrityunjay Kumar Roy, General Secretary, Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, said, "We are here against atrocities on the Hindu minority community here - the murders, rapes and loots taking place...It has been almost one month since BNP came to power recently, and still the atrocities on Hindus continue". The cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities increased after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in 2024. Over the past week, two Hindu men were killed in separate incidents while four people, including a priest, sustained injuries after a crude bomb went off inside a temple in the country, according to the rights group Bangladesh Jatio Hindu Mohajote (Bangladesh National Grand Alliance). Two persons were murdered in Bogura and Cox''s Bazar, on March 6 and March 7, while crude bombs were thrown at a Hindu temple in Cumilla city during a puja on March 8, triggering significant panic, the rights group said on Sunday. "On March 7 (Saturday) at approximately 6:30 pm, during the worship of Shani Dev at a temple in the South Thakurpara area of Cumilla city, communal terrorists detonated crude bombs. The temple priest and four others were seriously injured," Bangladesh Jatio Hindu Mohajote said in a statement. A report by Bangladesh news outlet ''The Daily Star'' confirmed details of the attack at the Kaligach Tala Kali Mandir. Touhidul Anwar, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, said priest Keshob Chakraborty, along with two others, received treatment at a hospital. Sajol Kumar Chanda, president of the temple committee, said the blast occurred during the religious ceremony. CCTV footage reportedly showed a masked person entering the temple shortly before the explosion and leaving a bag behind. Describing the moment of the blast, injured priest Keshab Chakraborty was cited by the Daily Star as saying, "After the bomb explosion, a white object fell in front of me... Later, seeing smoke, others told me it was a bomb." The news outlet reported witnesses as saying that panic spread in the area after the explosion. Following the first blast, attackers allegedly detonated two more crude bombs near a nearby Buddhist temple and a private office. In the general elections last month, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies won a two-thirds majority in the parliament, following which Tarique Rahman became the country''s Prime Minister. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], March 13: Over the past few years, India's financial markets have seen a big change. Lately, the number of Demat accounts has crossed 21.6 crore as of December 2025. This growth is not just a number. It reflects a strong idea and a solid plan that is changing how we invest. As more people use online platforms, investing has become smooth, easy to use, and more accessible than ever before. This article explains what this milestone means, why it is important today, and how new platforms are driving zero brokerage adoption, especially in Tier-2 cities, with platforms such as BlinkX contributing to this growing shift in retail participation. A Major Shift in Retail Participation In simple terms, a Demat account allows investors to hold shares and securities in electronic form. It is the basic step required to invest in the stock market. The growth to 21.6 crore accounts shows a clear improvement in financial inclusion across the country. Many times in the past, investing was seen as complex and limited to metro cities. However, today that is changing as people increasingly rely on online platforms to open Demat account, and geographical barriers are being reduced. In many cases, individuals from smaller towns are actively participating in equity markets. Across the industry, there is a strong push towards simplified investing. This has made a real difference. These factors matter: - Easy online account opening - Smooth digital verification - Flexible investment options - Strong and reliable trading systems - Improved awareness through financial education Overall, this rise in Demat accounts signals a major shift in how Indians view wealth creation. The Rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 InvestorsWorth noting is the growing contribution of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. In many views, this is one of the most important developments in India's investment landscape. New tools and the latest tech enable investors to access markets with just a smartphone. What was once available only in large financial centres is now used by many across smaller cities. Basically, investing is no longer restricted by location. In practice, digital trading platforms have improved access and simplified the onboarding process. For first-timers to seasoned users, these platforms offer a complete solution that covers everything from equity trading to mutual funds and derivatives. Zero Brokerage: Changing the Way Things Are Carried Out One of the key drivers behind this growth is the adoption of zero brokerage trading account models. This is a strong and reliable change that has a real impact. Several modern trading platforms, like BlinkX, are supporting this shift by offering simplified pricing models that make participation easier for investors across cities. Traditionally, brokerage charges reduced overall returns. But now, zero brokerage platforms help investors keep more of their profits. This feels natural to use and matches the plan of cost-conscious retail investors. Here's why zero brokerage is important:- It makes trading affordable - It encourages frequent participation - It helps first-time investors start with confidence - It offers many benefits for active traders By contrast, earlier models were less flexible and often confusing. Today, pricing is more transparent. The structure is simplified. In short, zero brokerage makes investing easier to understand. As things keep changing in a fast-changing space, cost efficiency will remain very important. Technology as the Backbone of GrowthThe rapid growth in Demat accounts is also based on data and technology improvements. New platforms now offer detailed and complete dashboards. Investors can look into performance, analyse trends, and track portfolios in real time. Smooth compatibility across devices is another strong feature. Whether on mobile or desktop, platforms are easy to use and work well. This makes it easier to use investing tools daily. Many times, user experience defines long-term adoption. If a platform is reliable and easy to navigate, users stay longer. In many cases, investors prefer systems that can grow with demand and are expandable and easily adjustable. Overall, technology is not just supporting the change; it is driving it. What This Means for Investors TodayToday, with 21.6 crore Demat accounts, the Indian market is deeper and more diverse. Liquidity has improved. Retail participation has strengthened market stability. This is important for long-term economic growth. For all experience levels, the environment is more welcoming. From first-timers to seasoned users, there are tools that allow investors to get the most from market opportunities. The main benefits are:- Easy access to multiple asset classes - Flexible trading options - Improved cost efficiency - Strong and reliable execution systems - A complete solution for different needs Conclusion In short, India crossing 21.6 crore Demat accounts marks a new chapter in retail investing. It reflects a strong and reliable ecosystem supported by new tools, improved access, and simplified processes. Zero brokerage platforms have played an important role in this journey. They make investing easy to use, cost-effective, and suitable for different needs. For many investors in Tier-2 cities, this model offers something new and useful, a flexible and complete solution that works in different situations. Among the platforms driving this change, BlinkX stands out for enabling zero brokerage adoption and offering a smooth, reliable, and expandable trading experience. As the market continues to grow, such platforms will remain important in shaping a more inclusive and ready-for-the-future investment environment. (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.)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday presented the Supplementary Demands for Grants - Second Batch for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, proposing a gross expenditure of approximately Rs 2.81 lakh crore. The proposal, which includes cash, technical, and token supplements, aims to strengthen national defence, bolster social security through VB-G RAM-G, and establish a fiscal buffer to navigate global economic volatility. Responding to the discussion on the grants, the Finance Minister clarified the components of the expenditure. "This involves gross expenditure of about Rs 2.81 lakh crore through cash or technical or token supplementaries. The present proposal also includes an amount of Rs 902 crore that is being provided for recouping advances of an equivalent amount from the Contingency Fund of India," Sitharaman said. She further detailed that Rs 2.01 lakh crore constitutes the cash supplementary across 18 grants, while Rs 0.80 lakh crore is sought for 32 grants as technical supplementaries. A significant portion of the allocation is directed toward the Armed Forces and rural employment. The Minister announced an allocation of Rs 41,430.48 crore for Defence Services (Revenue), urging the House to support the move. "Under Prime Minister Modi's government, efforts are being made to support and strengthen them (soldiers). In these Supplementary Demands for Grants, the Opposition should extend its support, as funds are being allocated for defence and for economic stability," she stated. Addressing rural employment, Sitharaman noted that while Rs 95,000 crore was initially provided for the VB-G RAM-G, an additional Rs 30,000 crore is now allocated under these demands. "Our commitments for MGNREGA-VB-G-RAM G are being fulfilled," she added. The Finance Minister also introduced an Economic Stabilisation Fund, involving Rs 57,381.84 crores, designed to protect the Indian economy from external shocks. Sitharaman maintained that the introduction of supplementary demands does not indicate poor initial budgeting but reflects a flexible and responsive governance model. She noted that the government has restricted such demands to a "bare minimum" of two per year. The Finance Minister also assured the House that these additional expenditures would not impact the government's fiscal discipline. "We will, in no way, fail to fulfil the commitment made in the Budget. I would like to reiterate that the assurances given in this House... will remain within the fiscal deficit target that was presented in Parliament on February 1, 2026," she said. Defending the creation of this fiscal cushion, she asked, "Are the Opposition members suggesting that in times of unforeseen challenges, should the govt not create a fiscal buffer or equalisation fund of Rs 50,000 crores?" She emphasised that this fund provides the "fiscal headroom" necessary to respond to supply chain disruptions and unanticipated global headwinds. (ANI)
The government's efforts to sell a majority stake in IDBI Bank are likely to be scrapped, with both bids received below the reserve price, according to sources. Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd and Emirates NBD were the two bidders for the IDBI Bank sale, but their offers were reportedly lower than the government's reserved price. The IDBI Bank stake sale process has been ongoing for nearly three years. In 2023, the government and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) decided to offload a little over 30 per cent each in IDBI Bank. They issued a preliminary information memorandum, inviting EoIs for an aggregate 60.72 per cent stake, along with management control. The Government of India and LIC together own more than 94 per cent of the equity of IDBI Bank (government 45.48 per cent, LIC 49.24 per cent. The Mumbai-headquartered bank returned to profitability in recent years. It reported a 1.4% rise in its standalone net profit to Rs 1,935.45 crore in the October-December quarter of 2025, compared to Rs 1,908.27 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. The lender's net interest income (NII) declined 24% to Rs 3,209.5 crore, compared to Rs 4,228.2 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. The bank reported a drop in net non-performing assets (NPA) from Rs 474.2 crore in the previous quarter to Rs 425.3 crore in the quarter ended on December 31, 2025. In May 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment along with the transfer of management control in IDBI Bank. It was expected that the strategic buyer would infuse funds, new technology and best management practices for optimal development of business potential and growth of IDBI Bank Ltd and would generate more business without any dependence on LIC and government assistance or funds. (ANI)
Resilient supply chains and integrated infrastructure are critical as global trade faces repeated disruptions, Karan Adani, Managing Director (MD), Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has said and noted that infrastructure platforms built by the Adani Group are national assets that strengthen India's trade, logistics and energy security. Speaking at the India Today conclave, he said Adani Group's long-term aspiration is to become the country's most efficient logistics provider and among the cheapest generators of power while maintaining strong corporate governance. He said the ongoing crisis in West Asia has highlighted the vulnerability of global trade routes passing through key maritime choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca. Disruptions along these corridors can quickly ripple across global supply chains, reinforcing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure and diversified trade networks. Karan Adani added that the infrastructure platforms built by the Adani Group are national assets that strengthen India's trade, logistics and energy security. Speaking during a fireside conversation at the conclave, Karan Adani said disruptions since 2020 -- from the Covid-19 pandemic to geopolitical conflicts -- have reshaped global trade and supply chain strategies. "Supply chains have faced continuous shocks over the past few years. In such an environment, countries must build strong logistics networks and resilient infrastructure," he said. Karan Adani said the Adani Group's infrastructure strategy reflects this paradigm shift. By building platforms across ports, logistics, energy and airports, the Group aims to strengthen India's capacity to support trade, manufacturing and economic growth. "We strongly believe in the India story. We know the assets we are building and the role they can play in the country's future," he said. Reducing logistics costs remains a key priority. Stronger integration between ports, transport utilities, airports and logistics networks can significantly improve supply chain efficiency. "Once infrastructure is built, trade follows," he said. To support this vision, the Adani Group plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore in greenfield infrastructure projects annually over the next five years, spanning renewable energy, transmission, airports, logistics and data centres. Renewables remain a core capability for the Group, alongside emerging technologies such as battery storage. The Group is also expanding its presence in materials such as cement, aluminium, copper and defence manufacturing, sectors that support large-scale infrastructure development.| In aviation, the Group plans to increase passenger handling capacity across its airport network from 100 million to about 200 million by 2030. With APSEZ operating international assets including Haifa Port in Israel, the company has had to adapt to shifting trade patterns while maintaining cargo operations. Karan Adani, who is also Director, Adani Cement, said many global companies are increasingly moving towards regional supply chains to improve resilience. Looking ahead, the Adani portfolio aims by 2030 to double port capacity from 600 million metric tonnes (MMT) to 1,200 MMT, expand renewable energy capacity from 18 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts (GW), and increase thermal power generation from 17 GW to 45 GW. Karan Adani said growth must also be guided by values. "Speed and scale are important, but empathy and responsibility are equally essential," he said, echoing Chairman Gautam Adani's emphasis on purpose-driven leadership. He acknowledged the influence of both his parents, describing the Chairman's leadership as a constant inspiration and highlighting the stellar social work of Dr Priti Adani through the Adani Foundation in education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. "Our focus remains clear," he said. "We believe deeply in the India story and are committed to building assets that contribute to the country's long-term development." Answering a query, Karan Adani said the Adani Group is very focused. "If you look at the group, we are in three big verticals, if I have to club it. The first is the whole energy piece, where as a group we believe that we have to generate energy which is cheapest for the consumer. To prioritize what the government is looking from a long-term perspective. So, that's where in the energy vertical, we are fully integrated--whether it's the transmission, distribution, generation. In generation, it is thermal, we started renewable, now we are starting battery storage. So basically, we keep developing and focus on the energy that is our core competence and obviously next is the data center that we've just announced," he said. "The second big part of the group is the whole ports, logistics, transport utility...And the third big vertical for the group is the whole materials and science part...even the defence--that falls part of the materials business. That's how you should look at the Group. We are very focused, we know where our core competency is, and that's how we are structured," he added. (ANI)
Filmmaker Aditya Dhar marked his 43rd birthday by working on the final stages of his upcoming film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', the sequel to the blockbuster 'Dhurandhar.' The director shared a heartfelt note on social media, expressing gratitude to audiences for their support and acknowledging the viral "peak detailing" memes inspired by his filmmaking style. Taking to his Instagram account, Dhar reflected on the past year while revealing he was spending his birthday completing the finishing touches on the sequel, which is set for a worldwide theatrical release on March 19. "As I spend my birthday adding the final touches on Dhurandhar The Revenge, I find myself pausing for a moment and looking back at the phenomenal year that has gone by," Dhar wrote, adding, "Sitting here today I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For the journey. For the team who has always walked besides me. And for the faith so many of you have shown in my work over the years." The director also addressed the online buzz surrounding the film and the memes celebrating the level of detail in his projects. Dhar said he had been reading fans' messages and posts, including the widely shared "peak detailing by Aditya Dhar" memes. "Reading all your messages, tweets, stories, and all the 'peak detailing by Aditya Dhar memes', my heart is full," he wrote, adding that he wished he could personally respond to each supporter. "Please know how deeply I value all your love and encouragement." Dhar emphasised the importance of audience trust in the film industry, calling filmmaking a "leap of faith." He added that the overwhelming support he has received from viewers has been deeply meaningful to him. The note concluded with a message about perseverance and belief in one's dreams. "If this year has taught me anything, it is that never lose belief in your dreams, however big they might be. Show up with honesty. Give your work everything you have. And the universe will respond," he wrote, before signing off with: "Back to work now. See you at the movies." https://www.instagram.com/p/DVy7Khbk3_T/ The filmmaker's message arrives as anticipation builds around 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. The original film, released in theatres last December, became the highest-grossing film of 2025 and one of the year's biggest box-office successes. The sequel continues the story of undercover agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi, played by Ranveer Singh. In the new chapter, Rangi is deeply embedded in the criminal underworld under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari. The narrative suggests that after the death of gangster Rehman Dakait, portrayed in the first film by Akshaye Khanna, Hamza rises through the ranks of Lyari's underworld in Karachi, eventually emerging as "Lyari ka Badshah." The makers also released the song "Aari Aari" from the film on Dhar's birthday and announced that the original Dhurandhar will be re-released in theatres in India and overseas ahead of the sequel's premiere. 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' is set to arrive in cinemas worldwide on March 19. (ANI)
India's conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard have reached a significant milestone with the hatching of two new chicks at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan this week. The development takes the captive population of the species to 70 birds for the first time since the launch of the breeding programme. Announcing the update on Friday, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav described the moment as a proud achievement under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), which has now entered the fourth year of its captive breeding initiative. According to the ministry, the two chicks hatched through different methods, one through natural mating and the other through artificial insemination. "Another milestone achieved in Project GIB," Bhupender Yadav wrote in a post on the social media platform X, noting that the latest development reflects steady progress in the programme. With the addition of the two chicks, the total number of Great Indian Bustards currently under captive care has reached 70. https://x.com/byadavbjp/status/2032352921216827499 The minister also said that the next phase of the project will involve the "soft release" of some captive-bred chicks into the wild later this year. This step is expected to mark a new and challenging stage in the conservation effort, aimed at strengthening the species' population in its natural habitat. Bhupender Yadav congratulated officials from the Rajasthan Forest Department for their work in achieving the milestone, acknowledging their role in implementing the conservation programme. Images shared alongside the announcement illustrate the careful methods used in captive rearing. They include a newly hatched chick inside an incubator, a handler using a feeding puppet to care for a young bird, and a freshly laid egg at the facility. These techniques, based on peer-reviewed avian conservation practices, have helped improve survival rates by 20-30 per cent in comparable breeding programmes, as per a press release shared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The project operates under the broader environmental vision supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with officials expressing confidence that continued scientific management will help secure the future of the Great Indian Bustard in India. (ANI)
The Swedish filmmaker Nathan Grossman has returned to feature filmmaking with 'Amazomania', a documentary about Brazil's Korubo people. The documentary is set to debut at this year's Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival (CPH: DOX). According to Variety, the film's official synopsis reads, "In 1996, a Brazilian official and the Swedish journalist, Erling Soderstrom, ventured into the Amazon to document the isolated Korubo people caught in escalating land conflicts. Initially hailed as unique images from a hidden world, the footage now warrants reexamination. Uncovering the costs of 'discovery', the film confronts the colonial legacy and exposes the long-term repercussions for the Korubo." "What consequences did it have for the Korubo people to, on the first day of their contact, be filmed and photographed?" Grossman pondered in his director's statement, as quoted by Deadline. "With Amazomania, I allow the viewer to share Erling's gaze upon the Korubo and the Korubo's gaze back at him thirty years later. The film is an uncommented journey through the times, with stops at 1996, 2003, and 2023. It is my examination of the complex relationship between the Swede, the media, and the Korubo, from the well-documented October day in 1996 when the Korubo exited their isolation, until today," added Grossman as quoted by Deadline. The Autlook Film Sales shared the trailer of the documentary on their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch? According to Deadline, the development of the project began in 2020 when Nathan Grossman heard about the existence of Erling Soderstrom's archive. An agreement was formed with Soderstrom to license the material for a new film, with Grossman gaining full creative control. The Korubo community is a stakeholder and serves as executive producers on Amazomania. The producer's proceeds will be shared 50/50 with the group. The documentary will be screened at CPH: DOX on March 16. (ANI)
Actor Lisa Ray has expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in the West Asia that has affected the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also, voicing her views through a thoughtful poem. "Watching events unfold in our second home, Dubai, has been difficult- and yes I know citizens of the UAE are relatively safe and the leadership is excellent. I know that. But. The uncertainty. The messages between friends. The collective holding of breath. This poem was written spontaneously, offered unedited this morning for everyone, everywhere, living inside instability," she wrote on Instagram, further adding a copy of her poem. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVz9NwSiBn7/ Lisa also spoke about the troubling circumstances that her husband faced as he "grew up in Lebanon with missiles overhead." "My husband grew up in Lebanon with missiles overhead. This is a tribute to his spirit, and to the resilience of his family -- and to families across the world for whom "normal" has always included the sound of sirens," she added. The post comes at a time as security concerns across West Asia continued to grow amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region. Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations. In recent days, Iran has imposed tighter restrictions on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing US-Israeli strikes. Tehran has said vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail through safely. The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. (ANI)
Congress MP Imran Masood alleged that democracy is under threat following a disruption that Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, faced while speaking in the Lok Sabha. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Democracy is under threat. The same thing was repeated in the House today. They fume over the opposition's questions. Not allowing the opposition leader to speak in the House is undemocratic. They turned Rahul Gandhi's microphone off." "Nishikant Dubey was permitted to continue speaking beyond his allotted time without interruption", prompting allegations of unequal rule application against the opposition, stating that the rules are different for them," he added. Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, saying he ignored special permission to speak on the LPG shortage and instead raised another issue. During his speech, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for India's energy security, saying that "the pain has just started." Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran is likely to have far-reaching global and domestic repercussions. Gandhi warned that the impact is already beginning to be felt across the country, claiming that restaurants are shutting down and there is growing panic among people over LPG availability. "A war has broken out in the Middle East. The United States, Israel and Iran are at war. This war is going to have far-reaching consequences. The central artery from where 20 % of the global oil flows, the Strait of Hormuz, has been closed. This is going to have tremendous repercussions, particularly for us, because a very large portion of our oil and natural gas comes through the Strait of Hormuz. The pain has just started. Restaurants are closing. There's widespread panic about LPG...This is only the beginning," Gandhi said. Gandhi further stressed that energy security forms the foundation of any nation's stability. He criticised the idea of allowing external powers to influence India's decisions regarding its energy partnerships. "The foundation of every single nation is its energy security. Allowing the United States to decide who we buy oil from, who we buy gas from, and whether we can buy oil from Russia or not...Our relationship with different oil suppliers can be decided by us. This is what has been bartered...Why a nation the size of India would allow any other nation, the President of another nation, to give us permission to buy Russian oil, to decide who our relationships are with?" Gandhi said. The BJP hit back at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of diverting the discussion from the LPG shortage to unrelated issues. (ANI)
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Friday demanded an all-party meeting to discuss the concerns over India's energy security amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the hampering of trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Backing Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's statement in Parliament, Sukhdeo Bhagat said that the reported LPG shortage is not a party-specific issue and urged the Centre to take the public into confidence. Slamming the Centre, he also claimed that Rahul Gandhi's mic was switched off while he was addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday. "Why did the central government not call an all-party meeting to discuss the current situation? This is not an issue of the BJP or Centre; if you do not take the people of the nation into confidence, how will you provide a solution? The government should call an all-party meeting. They even switched off the mic of Rahul Gandhi when he raised this issue in Parliament yesterday. The government does not even want to discuss it. They are presenting lies to the nation," Bhagat told ANI. However, BJP MP Rekha Sharma slammed Rahul Gandhi, accusing Congress of creating panic around the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Rekha Sharma told ANI, "Even the Chief Ministers of various states are saying that there is no shortage of LPG. We should learn from Congress how to make an issue out of nothing. Congress just wants to create panic in the nation." Earlier on Thursday, Rahul Gandhi warned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for India's energy security, saying that "the pain has just started." Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran is likely to have far-reaching global and domestic repercussions. "A war has broken out in the Middle East. The United States, Israel and Iran are at war. This war is going to have far-reaching consequences. The central artery through which 20 per cent of the global oil flows, the Strait of Hormuz, has been closed. This is going to have tremendous repercussions, particularly for us, because a very large portion of our oil and natural gas comes through the Strait of Hormuz. The pain has just started. Restaurants are closing. There's widespread panic about LPG... This is only the beginning," Gandhi said. However, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured Parliament that India's energy supplies remain secure despite major global disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In his statement in the Lok Sabha, Puri said the government has taken multiple measures to safeguard the country's energy security and ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products, cooking gas, and natural gas. (ANI)
The Bangur Nagar Police Station in Mumbai has busted a sensational fraud racket, arresting two accused individuals. The accused had swindled a businessman out of approximately Rs. 7 lakhs by deceiving him with a false promise to transform ordinary paper into Indian currency notes using special chemicals and powders. The arrested accused has been identified as Pawan alias Prakash Kumar Dilip Prasad (25), Sar alias Gajsingh Manoj Singh Prasad (47). According to the police, the complainant, Lalan Rajkumar Mahto (34), a resident of the Goregaon West area, was convinced by the accused that they possessed a chemical and powder capable of converting ordinary paper into genuine Indian currency notes. To gain his trust, the accused first performed a demonstration using a Rs. 500 note, claiming that if a large sum of money were handed over, it could be multiplied manifold and returned to him. Falling for this ruse, the complainant handed over Rs. 7 lakhs to the accused. The accused then prepared bundles of paper, applied the powder to them, and packed them up, assuring the complainant that after a certain period, all these bundles would magically transform into currency notes. However, when the complainant later opened the packets, he found nothing inside but plain paper. It was then that he realised he had been defrauded and subsequently filed a complaint with the police. While investigating the case, the police tracked down the accused using technical intelligence and other leads. The investigation revealed that the accused were hiding in Buxar (Bihar) and Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh). Acting on this information, a police team travelled to these locations and, with the assistance of the local police, successfully apprehended both accused individuals. According to the police, both accused individuals had been defrauding people of lakhs of rupees for a long time by luring them with the false promise of manufacturing currency notes using chemicals. The police have appealed to the public not to fall prey to any such inducements, such as transforming paper into currency notes or multiplying money, and to immediately report any such incidents to the police. Currently, the police are interrogating the accused and attempting to ascertain how many other individuals have fallen victim to this gang. (ANI)
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday after Opposition MPs raised questions over the reported LPG shortage during Question Hour, leading to loud protests in the House. Amid sloganeering by Opposition members, Speaker Om Birla intervened and adjourned the proceedings. Adjourning the House, Birla criticised the disruption and urged members to maintain parliamentary decorum. "It is everyone's responsibility to uphold the sanctity, decorum, and dignity of the House; yet, through the kind of misconduct you are currently engaging in, you are destroying that very sanctity," he said. The Speaker added that if members did not wish to allow Question Hour to proceed and instead deliberately disrupted proceedings, the House would have to be adjourned till noon. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with other opposition MPs, staged a protest at Makar Dwar on the Parliament premises over the shortage of LPG cylinders across the country on Thursday. The protesters reportedly shouted "LPG, LPG" to highlight the crisis. Additionally, some opposition MPs raised concerns regarding Indian nationals stranded in Middle Eastern countries, chanting the slogan, "Qatar main Khade Hindustan, Modi Ghume Cheen Japan." Congress MP Jebi Mather said, "Just by saying there's no scarcity, how will it be just not scarcity?... Union Minister Mr Puri is trying to portray that nothing is wrong here...We have to acknowledge there is a crisis. Then we have to find out ways to address the crisis...That is what Rahul Gandhi attempted to do in parliament yesterday, but he was stopped from not allowing him to complete. Let us acknowledge and let us find out ways, but this government is turning its back on the realities" Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh claimed that the Modi government is "clearly afraid" of a discussion in both Houses of the Parliament on the situation in West Asia and its impact on India. "The Opposition is demanding a discussion in both Houses of Parliament on the situation in West Asia and its impacts on India. But the Modi Govt is adamantly refusing to allow such a debate. It is clearly afraid. Its foreign policy already stands brutally exposed," the Congress MP said on social media. The Opposition has been pushing for a discussion on West Asia in Parliament. Led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress leaders also staged their protests in the Parliament premises over the LPG issue. However, the centre in the parliament said that domestic LPG production has increased by about 25 percent and the entire domestic LPG production is being directed towards household consumers. The government said that for non-domestic LPG, priority is being given to essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. Additionally, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, informed the Lok Sabha and said that India's crude supply remains secure despite the fact that 45 per cent of imports previously transited the affected route. He noted that "Non-Hormuz sourcing has risen to approximately 70 per cent of crude imports, up from 55 per cent before the conflict began". (ANI)
Bharat Biotech celebrated 30 years of scientific innovation, public health impact, and its continued commitment to protecting lives in India and around the world. Commemorating this significant milestone, the company unveiled a special anniversary logo symbolising its three-decade legacy of excellence and impact. The logo was unveiled by its founders, Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman, and Suchitra Ella, Managing Director, amid enthusiastic applause from its large workforce at its Genome Valley facility. The celebration marked the beginning of a year-long calendar of initiatives highlighting the company's journey and reaffirming its focus on advancing global health. Founded in 1996 by Krishna Ella, widely regarded as the Father of Genome Valley, and Suchitra Ella, a driving force behind India's vaccine innovation ecosystem, Bharat Biotech began its journey on the outskirts of Hyderabad with a bold vision to build world-class, research-driven vaccines in India. Over three decades, Bharat Biotech has helped position India as a trusted innovator and supplier of affordable, high-quality vaccines to the world. Reflecting on the milestone, Krishna Ella said, "Thirty years ago, we started Bharat Biotech with a simple but powerful belief that Indian science can solve global health challenges. Our strength has always been our scientists, our proprietary technologies, and our commitment to innovation with purpose. Every vaccine we developed carries the hard work of teams who believed that affordable healthcare is a right, not a privilege." Suchitra K Ella expressed, "This journey is about people, the researchers in our labs, the partners who trusted us, and the families whose lives have been protected by our vaccines. We built our own intellectual property, our own manufacturing strengths, and our own scientific platforms because we believed India must lead, not follow. As we enter advanced cell and gene therapy, we remain guided by the same mission: science for society." From its early breakthrough in developing one of the world's most affordable recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines, Bharat Biotech established itself as a pioneer in accessible vaccine innovation, focused on addressing infectious and neglected diseases that disproportionately affect emerging nations. Over the years, the company has developed and supplied vaccines that form an integral part of national and global immunisation programs, including vaccines against Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria (RTS, S), and Typhoid Conjugate Disease, reinforcing its commitment to advancing equitable healthcare worldwide. A defining milestone in the company's journey was the development of its indigenous Rotavirus vaccine through an Indo-U.S. public-private partnership, aimed at protecting millions of children from life-threatening diarrheal disease. Reinforcing its commitment to equitable access, Krishna Ella pledged to make the vaccine available at an affordable price of just US$1 per dose for public health programs, an unprecedented step that emphasised the company's mission to deliver high-quality, life-saving vaccines at scale for the developing world. The company's Japanese Encephalitis vaccine significantly strengthened India's response to a recurring and often fatal seasonal threat. It further advanced global immunisation efforts with the development and introduction of a pioneering Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), expanding access to longer-lasting protection against typhoid fever, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The company is also advancing MTBVAC, a tuberculosis vaccine candidate, as part of ongoing efforts to address the global TB burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat Biotech demonstrated its scientific agility with the rapid development of COVAXIN, India's first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine. Developed under a public-private partnership in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, COVAXIN emerged as a powerful symbol of India's scientific capability and self-reliance. The vaccine received Emergency Use Authorisation in multiple countries and played a meaningful role in global vaccination efforts during one of the most challenging public health crises in modern history. Bharat Biotech has also established global leadership in rabies prevention, emerging as the world's largest manufacturer of rabies vaccines and playing a critical role in expanding access to life-saving post-exposure prophylaxis. Reinforcing its commitment to scale and next-generation innovation, the company established Sapigen Biologix at the Odisha Biotech Park--an ambitious life sciences ecosystem envisioned by Krishna Ella to catalyse regional biotechnology development to address global public health priorities. Recently, Bharat Biotech stepped into the future with advanced research in cell and gene therapies through Nucelion Therapeutics, expanding beyond traditional vaccines into next-generation biotechnology solutions. This move reflects the company's ambition to tackle complex diseases through precision science, innovative platforms, and transformative technologies. Over the past 30 years, Bharat Biotech has grown from a single facility in Hyderabad into a global vaccine powerhouse. Today, the company boasts a portfolio of 20 vaccines, world-class manufacturing sites in Hyderabad, Ankleshwar, and Odisha, and a robust intellectual property portfolio with over 220 granted patents. With a growing workforce of over 4,000 employees, and having delivered more than 9 billion doses of vaccines to over 125 countries. (ANI)
The Foreigner Cell of the Outer District of Delhi Police has carried out a major crackdown against illegal Bangladeshi nationals. In a special drive, police have apprehended 10 Bangladeshi immigrants who were allegedly using fake medical visa arrangements. The Deportation proceedings against the detained illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been initiated by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The Foreigner Cell of Outer District has launched a large-scale drive against illegal immigration across its jurisdiction. As part of the operation, teams have been conducting continuous verification drives, gathering crucial intelligence and identifying individuals residing in the area without valid Indian documents. A dedicated team of the Foreigner Cell was constituted for the operation. During a special verification drive, the team received specific information about some foreign nationals suspected to be Bangladeshi who were staying in the area even after the expiry of their visas. It was also revealed that these individuals were attempting to obtain medical visas for Bulgaria despite not having any valid documents to stay in India. On March 6, the team received information that the suspects were present near Peeragarhi Chowk, DDA Park. Acting on the tip-off, the Foreigner Cell team reached the spot and began discreet surveillance. On noticing the police presence, the suspects tried to flee, but the alert police team swiftly intercepted and apprehended them. During questioning, none of them could produce valid identity or travel documents. Further verification revealed that they were carrying expired passports and visas, confirming their illegal stay in the country. After completing the legal formalities and interrogation, all 10 illegal immigrants were taken into custody. Deportation proceedings against them have been initiated in coordination with the FRRO. Police said the Bangladeshi nationals had come to India with the intention of obtaining medical visas for Bulgaria. (ANI)
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday expressed that the Opposition that continues disruptions of Lok Sabha proceedings would lead to a loss of public trust and prevent them from returning to power in the future. Speaking in the Lok Sabha Kiren Rijiju said," Due to your (Opposition MPs') acts (of disruption of the House), the public is angry with you, and you cannot come to power. With great sadness, I say that there is no one left in Congress who can make their leader (LoP Rahul Gandhi) understand. Along with their leader, all Congress leaders have deteriorated. There is still time; you should mend your ways, else the public will punish you." Meanwhile, proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm on Friday amid continued uproar by Opposition MPs over the reported shortage of LPG cylinders across the country. The disruption came after the House had earlier been adjourned during Question Hour when Opposition members raised the issue and demanded a discussion on the reported supply crisis. When the House reconvened following a brief adjournment, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attempted to address the House, but Opposition members continued sloganeering over the LPG issue. BJP MP Sandhya Ray, who was presiding over the proceedings, repeatedly urged protesting members to return to their seats and allow the House to function. Despite appeals from the Chair, the uproar continued with Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the issue of LPG supply. As the situation remained disorderly, Ray adjourned the proceedings for the second time on Friday, suspending the sitting until 2 pm. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to reply to the discussion on the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26 at around 2 pm. Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had adjourned the House till noon after protests erupted during Question Hour. Opposition members raised concerns about an alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in several parts of the country and criticised the government's claim that there was no supply crisis. (ANI)
A Special NIA court at Patiala House extended the judicial custody of 7 accsued including Dr. Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan, Dr. Adeel Ahmed, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr. Muzammil and Yasir Ahmed Dar, Nasir Bilal Malla, for 15 days. They were produced before the court through video conferencing after expiry of Judicial custody. Special Judge (NIA) Pitambar Dutt extended the judicial custody of 7 accsued persons for next 15 days. On the last date of hearing on March 11, the NIA had submitted that the investigation of the case is disrupted due to a protest in support of Ayutoallah Ali Khemenei in Jammu and Kashmir. Two accused namely Tufail Ahmed Bhat and Zamir Ahmed Ahangar, are running in 5 days of NIA custody. The court has already extended the period of investigation by 45 days. A high-intensity blast took place in a car near the Red Fort on November 11, 2025. NIA first arrested Aamir Rashid Mir on November 16, 2025. Thereafter, other accsued persons, namely Jasir Bilal Wani, Mufti Irfan Ahmed, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr. Shaheen Saeed and Soyeb, were arrested on different dates. Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two Jammu and Kashmir residents with alleged links to the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) terror outfit for "supplying weapons" to the prime accused. In a statement, the NIA said both the accused, namely Zameer Ahmad Ahangar of Ganderbal and Tufail Ahmad Bhat of Srinagar, are active over-ground workers (OGWs) of the AGH, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 11."The duo had supplied the weapons to the prime accused in the Delhi blast case," NIA said, citing its investigations.Investigations in the case (RC-21/2025/NIA/DLI) by NIA, which has been working in coordination with J-K Police, Haryana Police and other agencies, have further revealed that Zameer and Tufail were involved in the blast conspiracy and were also a part of various other terror conspiracies."They were engaged in the collection of arms and ammunition, intended for use against the Indian state," said the NIA, pointing to its extensive investigation and examination of evidence. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu hosted the Members of Parliament from many states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi for breakfast at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday. Following that, the Lt Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sandhu expressed that he was honoured to receive the President's guidance via an X post from his official handle. "Honoured to call on Hon'ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji and receive her guidance for the road ahead. Grateful for her encouragement," the post read. This comes after Sandhu took the oath of office on Wednesday in the presence of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya as the new Lt Governor of Delhi. Taranjit Sandhu is part of the major administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across the country. In the reshuffle, Taranjit Singh Sandhu replaced VK Saxena, who has now been appointed as the Ladakh LG. He was also a BJP candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A day earlier, President Murmu graced the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. where she emphasised that the role of women in the agriculture sector should have a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions. "President Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. The President said that women in agriculture sector should have a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions. Larger participation of women at all levels will promote gender-inclusive growth of the sector," a post from Rashtra Bhavan said. (ANI)
A protest was held at the Bara Imambara in Lucknow on Friday, where people gathered after Jumma prayers. The protest was led by Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, who criticised the United States and called for stronger condemnation of its actions over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Speaking to ANI, Kalbe Jawad Naqvi said, "...Iran is totally defenceless; America is dropping bombs on it and attacking the public. This is a matter of great shame that our country is not condemning it. Our country has adopted such a bad attitude towards Iran, and Iranians are showing mercy towards us. They have given permission to India to bring its oil ships... America should be stopped from attacking. Otherwise, the whole world should boycott America and Israel." He further said that India should take a stronger stand internationally and support Iran. Responding to a question regarding the conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, he said the outreach had come too late. "The Prime Minister should have talked earlier; now there is no meaning to this," he said. Meanwhile, authorities across several parts of Uttar Pradesh made extensive security arrangements for the last Jumma Namaz of Ramzan. In Sambhal, security personnel were deployed outside the Shahi Jama Masjid as devotees gathered for prayers. Additional police forces were stationed in sensitive areas to ensure law and order. ASP North Kuldeep Singh said, "Regarding the Alvida Jumma prayers scheduled for today, we have deployed two companies of the PSC along with our civil police component to the site to ensure security... Furthermore, senior officers, including those at my level, will remain on high alert and maintain constant communication throughout the day, specifically during the prayer hours" "Our teams are actively monitoring social media platforms as well. If anyone attempts to spread rumours or engage in any activity on social media that is deemed inappropriate or unlawful, strict legal action will be initiated against them. Drones have also been deployed for monitoring..." Similar arrangements were made in Kanpur. Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said police personnel had been deployed at multiple locations and that surveillance was being carried out through drones and cameras to manage the large gatherings offering namaz. Devotees also offered the last Jumma Namaz of Ramzan in Patna, Bihar, as part of the observance. (ANI)
Noting that Iran has not closed the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz and ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz due the prevailing situation in West Asia, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, has said that his country never wanted the Strait to be blocked but "some ships are still passing". Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi told ANI that world leaders should put pressure on US President Donald Trump to stop the war against his country. He said people across the world are suffering due to the rise in oil prices. "Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," he told ANI. "Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," he added. The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The conflict escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. The West Asia conflict has entered its 13th day. Earlier in the day, Iran's Military Headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, warned of dire consequences if Iran's energy infrastructure is targeted by the US and Israel. "The slightest attack on #Iran's energy infrastructure and ports will result in our crushing and devastating response. In the event of such an attack, all the oil and gas infrastructure in the region, in which the United States and its Western allies have interests, will be set on fire and destroyed." Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has indicated that the closure of the Strait would remain a pressure tactic, according to remarks broadcast on Iranian state television."Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used," he said. Khamenei said that Iran had identified sites which he claimed were vulnerable for future strikes from the Islamic Republic, a spokesperson for the Military said. "Studies have been conducted regarding the opening of additional fronts in areas where the enemy has negligible experience and would be highly vulnerable, and their activation will be carried out if the state of war persists and in accordance with the observance of interests," he said. Later, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Tehran has no intention to close the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict but added that it is their "right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway." Amir Saeid Iravani also said Iran respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea, adding that the situation of the Strait of Hormuz is "not the result" of Iran's action."We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway, and it is our right," he said, speaking at the UN stakeout. "Iran has no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defence under the UN Charter and international law. Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea. However, the current situation in the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran's lawful exercise of its right of self-defence," he added. Strait of Hormuz, links the oil-rich Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and over 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the strait. In view of supply disruptions due to the West Asia conflict, India now imports crude from around 40 countries. As a result of this diversification, about 70 per cent of crude imports are coming from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz compared with about 55 per cent earlier. India is the third largest importer, fourth largest refiner, and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products globally. (ANI)
Former Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday took the oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. The ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar. In a post on X, the Minister for Public Health Engineering of Nagaland and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi said Yadav's guidance would help Nagaland progress toward a "Viksit Bharat." https://x.com/jacob_zhimomi/status/2032393098735894722 "Heartiest congratulations to Shri Nand Kishore Yadav Ji on taking oath as the Governor of Nagaland. With his support, guidance and counsel, I am optimistic that Nagaland will continue to progress with zeal and commitment towards Viksit Bharat. Best wishes to him for a successful tenure," he wrote. The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, also congratulated Yadav on X, stating, "Congratulations to Nand Kishore Yadav @nkishoreyadav on taking oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. I wish him a successful tenure in service of the people of the State." Upon taking office, newly appointed Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed his commitment to serve the state and its people with dedication and respect for its rich traditions and culture. https://x.com/nkishoreyadav/status/2032370620487618705 "Today, I had the privilege of taking the oath as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar. On this occasion, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland,Neiphiu Rio Ji, his cabinet colleagues, distinguished guests, senior officials, and invited guests were present. I pledge to serve the people of the state with complete dedication to Nagaland's great traditions, rich culture, and the welfare of its people," he wrote on X. 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. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually laid the foundation stones and performed the bhoomipujan for projects worth Rs 4,615 crore aimed at strengthening connectivity in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) region and accelerating overall development in Assam. The Prime Minister also flagged off three new trains during the programme held virtually from the State Guest House at Koinadhara in Guwahati in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister could not travel to Kokrajhar but addressed a large public gathering at the Greenfield venue in the district through virtual mode. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the unprecedented pace of development witnessed in the BTC region in recent years. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the construction and upgradation of 69 roads covering 917 km across 34 districts of Assam under the state government's flagship Asom Mala 3.0 scheme at a cost of Rs 3,258 crore. The project also includes the construction of 37 bridges, with several of the roads to be built in the BTC region. He further stated that the Prime Minister performed the bhoomipujan for four flyovers and two bridges in the BTC region to be constructed with an investment of Rs 1,101 crore from the state government. One flyover will be built at Gossaigaon Chariali on DK Road, while the other three will come up at Balajan Tiniali, Debargaon Junction and Titaguri on the Jwhwlao-Dwimalu road. The Chief Minister noted that the Bodo Peace Accord was signed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and envisaged several initiatives for the socio-economic development of Bodoland. In line with the provisions of the accord, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Wagon Periodic Overhauling Workshop to be set up at Bansbari at a cost of Rs 256 crore under the Ministry of Railways. The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the Kamakhya-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express, and Narengi-Agartala Express. The Chief Minister said that work on a new railway line connecting Gelephu in Bhutan with Kokrajhar will commence soon. He added that Bodoland has witnessed unprecedented development and progress over the last five years and has now emerged as a new centre of peace and harmony. Sarma also observed that Prime Minister Modi has visited Bodoland several times and has undertaken several far-reaching initiatives for the region's development. Recalling the Prime Minister's visit to Guwahati in January this year, he said the Prime Minister had appreciated the traditional Bodo Bagurumba dance and shared several videos of the performance on his social media platforms, enabling millions across the world to witness the cultural heritage of the Bodo community. He further said that no Prime Minister in the past had accorded such recognition to the Bagurumba dance. Sarma also said that out of deep respect for the Bodo community, Prime Minister Modi installed a statue of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma in New Delhi and named a road after him. The Chief Minister asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BTC administration led by Hagrama Mohilary and the Assam Government will continue to work together for the all-round development of Bodoland. Governor of Assam Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal joined the programme virtually. Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, Handloom, Textile and Sericulture Minister UG Brahma and Transport Minister Charan Boro, among others, attended the public meeting at the Greenfield venue in Kokrajhar. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday sharply criticised the Centre's foreign policy while referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, Owaisi said the Prime Minister had told the Iranian President that the attack should not have taken place while engaging in talks with him, questioning India's stance on the issue. He argued that the government should have clearly condemned attacks on Iran and other countries in the region. "PM spoke with the Iranian President and said that the attack should not have taken place, and you engaged in talks with them. Tell me, why is India acting in this manner? You should have condemned the attack on Iran. You should have condemned the events that unfolded in Doha, Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Why did you go and sit down with Trump and Netanyahu?," said Owasi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, backed by the US, involving Iran and Israel. In a post on X, PM Modi said he expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, particularly the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure in the region. The Hyderabad MP also referred to India's traditional position on the Palestine issue, saying the country had maintained a neutral approach for decades while supporting the Palestinian cause. He added that attacking a sovereign nation amounts to a violation of international law. "Why did you go and sit down with Trump and Netanyahu? Is this our foreign policy? We have maintained a neutral stance for eighty years. India has always stood in solidarity with the Palestinians. Attacking any sovereign nation is a violation of international law. We, too, attacked Pakistan. People might ask: How was that justified? Article 51 of the UN Charter grants us the authority to do so. But why did Trump and Netanyahu launch an attack on Iran?," said Owaisi. The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. The conflict escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. Turning to a recent incident in Uttam Nagar in Delhi that led to the death of a 25-year-old man during Holi, Owaisi alleged that the Bajrang Dal portrayed the case as a communal clash between Hindus and Muslims. He further claimed that the police later demolished a house with bulldozers despite a Supreme Court order. "An incident recently occurred in Delhi. A dispute broke out between two neighbours--a Hindu and a Muslim. Filthy water was thrown at a woman. A physical altercation ensued between the two parties. Consequently, the police apprehended an eighty-year-old man, three women, and two children. It is a deeply regrettable incident. A young man named Tarun lost his life. However, the Bajrang Dal portrayed the incident as a communal clash between Hindus and Muslims, and the police subsequently arrived with bulldozers and demolished the house. This occurred despite the existence of a Supreme Court order," Owaisi said. A 25-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a fight that broke out between neighbours from different communities during Holi celebrations on March 4. According to Delhi Police, the dispute escalated during Holi celebrations in the locality, following which Tarun was injured. He later died while undergoing treatment. Police arrested four individuals in connection with the incident, and further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI)
A stowaway fox travelled more than 3,000 miles to New York.

A fox travelled to New York

The red fox managed to sneak onboard a cargo ship which left Southampton, England, on 4 February and was discovered by the crew while travelling to the Port of New York and New Jersey.

The vessel reached its destination on 18 February and officials brought the creature to the Bronx Zoo the following day.

Despite his lengthy journey, the 11lb male fox, who is estimated to be two years old, appears to be in good health after early examinations.

Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programs, is quoted as saying: "He seems to be settling in well. Its gone through a lot.

A long-term home for the fox will be found once he undergoes further health screening.
The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the Parliament Security breach case accused Neelam Azad to appear in the LLB Entrance Test outside Delhi NCR. In order to enable her to appear in the Entrance Test, the Delhi High Court modified the bail conditions imposed upon her while granting bail in July last year. Division bench comprising Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar modified the bail conditions imposed upon Neelam Azad. The high court has asked her to inform the investigation officer of the date of the Entrance Test. On July 2, 2025, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat in connection with the Parliament security breach case. The bail was sanctioned upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties each. Their earlier bail pleas had been rejected by the trial court. The division bench, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, imposed strict conditions as part of the bail order. The accused have been prohibited from holding press conferences, giving media interviews, or posting on social media about the incident. Additionally, the Court directed both individuals to report to the concerned police station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 a.m. They had also been barred from leaving the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Delhi Police opposed the bail, asserting that substantial and compelling evidence exists against the accused. They cited credible documents and material suggesting the accused's involvement in activities punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The prosecution argued that the case fails the "triple test" for bail eligibility--namely, the risk of flight, the possibility of influencing witnesses, and potential tampering with evidence. Citing the accused as "powerful and influential," the police maintained that their release could hinder the ongoing investigation. The gravity of the offence and the severity of the potential punishment were also emphasised as critical considerations. Counsel representing the accused contested the prosecution's claims, arguing that no evidence indicates a threat to national economic security or sovereignty. They criticised the invocation of UAPA as an attempt to suppress dissent. The defence further alleged that the accused were physically assaulted within the Parliament complex, questioning the prosecution's narrative surrounding the events of the day. On June 7, 2024, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet spanning approximately 1,000 pages against six accused: Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad. The charges stem from a security breach that occurred on December 13, 2023--coinciding with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The accused are alleged to have unlawfully entered the Lok Sabha during a live session and deployed smoke canisters. Following a review, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi granted prosecution sanction under Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA. The Review Committee at Tis Hazari also examined the evidence and concluded that a prima facie case existed against all six individuals. Initially, an FIR was registered on December 14, 2023, under IPC Sections 186, 353, 452, 153, 34, and 120B, along with Sections 13, 16, and 18 of the UAPA, based on a complaint by a Lok Sabha security officer. The investigation was later transferred to the Counter-Intelligence Unit of the Special Cell, New Delhi. (ANI)
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday described the release of the 22nd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme as "a day of joy for farmers", with Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferring Rs 18,640 crore directly into the bank accounts of nearly 9.32 crore beneficiaries. The fund, routed via Direct Benefit Transfer, supports small and marginal farmers and rural livelihoods. Addressing the media, Chouhan said, "It is a day of joy for farmers, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 18,640 crore to the accounts of nearly 9.32 crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. This initiative will support small and marginal farmers, support farming investments and minor needs, boosting the rural economy. To date, over Rs 50,000 crore has been distributed under PM-KISAN, with a cumulative amount of Rs 4,09,000 crore transferred so far." Chouhan's remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released the 22nd instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme to over 9.3 crore farmers across the country, under which eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts. Addressing an event in which he unveiled projects of Rs 19,480 crore in the poll-bound state, PM Modi slammed the Congress, accusing it of a "lack of commitment to the nation" and said it "remains focused on spreading misinformation and falsehoods". "Just a little while ago, a message has reached the accounts of millions of farmers that the PM Samman Nidhi has been deposited... These are the same farmer brothers and sisters, most of whom did not have a mobile phone or any account in a bank before 2014. Today, more than Rs 4 lakh 20,00 crore have been deposited in the accounts of millions of such farmers so far," he said. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), launched on February 2, 2019, has become a transformative force for India's agricultural sector. Under this scheme, every eligible farming family receives an annual benefit of 6,000, distributed in three equal installments of 2,000 every four months. This amount is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, making it one of the largest and most transparent DBT schemes globally. (ANI)
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the consignment was dispatched on March 12 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam. Joha rice, an indigenous aromatic variety from Assam, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017. Known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain texture and rich taste, the rice is gaining recognition in premium domestic and international markets. In Assam, Joha rice is cultivated across about 21,662 hectares with an estimated production of approximately 43,298 metric tonnes during FY 2024-25. The major producing districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat, providing strong potential for expanding exports while enhancing farmers' income. APEDA has been actively promoting the global presence of Joha rice. Earlier, the Authority facilitated the export of 1 metric tonne of GI-tagged Joha rice to Vietnam and 2 metric tonnes to five Middle Eastern countries, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The export consignment was flagged off by Minister of Agriculture, Government of Assam, Atul Bora, in the presence of Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Assam, Aruna Rajoria (IAS), State Project Director, ARIAS Society, Virendra Mittal (IAS), Director of Agriculture, Government of Assam, Uday Praveen (IAS), APEDA Official, Saurabh Srivastava, along with officials from the Plant Quarantine Department, the Department of Agriculture and APEDA Regional Office, Guwahati. The export is being undertaken by APEDA-registered exporter M/s Safe Agritrade Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata. The consignment has been processed and packed at Pratik Agro Food Processing, Guwahati, Assam. This initiative is part of APEDA's continued efforts to promote GI-tagged agricultural products from India and strengthen market linkages between producers and international buyers, while expanding agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region and ensuring better price realisation for farmers. (ANI)
President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said the situation involving Iran was progressing "very rapidly" and praised the strength of the United States military. Speaking at the Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran. "The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There's never been anything like it. Nobody's ever seen anything like it," Trump said. He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier. "We're doing what has to be done, should have been done during a 47-year period. Could have been done by a lot of different people. They chose not to do it. But they really are a nation of terror and hate, and they're paying a big price right now, " Trump said, while criticising the Iranian leadership and saying the country was "paying a big price right now." Reflecting on his earlier time in office, Trump said his administration's efforts to rebuild the US military had strengthened its current capabilities. "We had a very successful first term, best economy ever. We did a lot of great things. We rebuilt our military. That's one of the reasons we're doing so well now with our military," he said. Trump also noted that he had not expected to rely so heavily on the armed forces but said the strengthened military had become crucial in dealing with international developments. "I never thought I'd have to be using it so much," he said, adding that recent developments involving Venezuela and Iran had been "amazing." Earlier, US President Donald Trump clarified his administration's primary objectives regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, shifting the focus away from the economic impacts of rising oil prices and toward long-term global security. In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world's leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration's overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran's nuclear program. Trump said, "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World." The statement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. (ANI)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday claimed that American negotiators dismissed Iran's proposal aimed at ensuring "no nuclear weapons" because they failed to grasp its technical details. He said that Iran had proposed mechanisms to ensure there would be "no nuclear weapons", but the idea was rejected because US counterparts "didn't grasp the technical details". In a post on X, Araghchi said, "Factual knowledge matters. Case 1: Iran's proposal to ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS was dismissed because US counterparts didn't grasp the technical details." https://x.com/araghchi/status/2032180007439651303 Araghchi also pushed back against arguments that the United States could benefit economically from rising energy prices caused by the conflict. According to him, the surge in oil prices and tariffs would not benefit ordinary Americans. "Case 2: Americans won't 'make money' from surging oil prices and tariffs. They enrich corporations and crush households," he said. Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate after senior Iranian leaders issued sharp warnings to President Donald Trump and Washington over the ongoing conflict dynamics in West Asia. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, rejected the idea of a quick military victory for Washington, cautioning that wars cannot be won through "a few tweets". "Trump says he is looking for a speedy victory. While starting a war is easy, it cannot be won with a few tweets. We will not relent until making you sorry for this grave miscalculation," he said, using the hashtag "#TrumpMustPay". https://x.com/alilarijani_ir/status/2032128509817037247 In a separate post, he issued stark warnings to Washington following remarks attributed to Trump about the potential destruction of Iran's power infrastructure. Larijani said Trump had claimed the US could "take apart Iran's electric capacity within one hour". Responding to the statement, Larijani warned that such an action could trigger widespread regional consequences. "Trump has said, we can take apart Iran's electric capacity within one hour, but we have not done it. Well, if they do that, the whole region will go dark in less than half an hour, and darkness provides ample opportunity to hunt down US servicemen running for safety," he said in a post on X. https://x.com/alilarijani_ir/status/2032077584809292183 Earlier, President Donald Trump said the situation involving Iran was progressing "very rapidly" and praised the strength of the United States military. Speaking at the Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran. "The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There's never been anything like it. Nobody's ever seen anything like it," Trump said. He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier. (ANI)
Iran''s state media has cited the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran''s Military to claim that the US military refueling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in Western Iraq The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six of the service members on board had been killed. Press TV reported that the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) also said in a statement that the air defence systems of the Resistance Front succeeded in targeting a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet. Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a US Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft over Iraq while supporting military operations, according to an official press release. However it denied any incident of Hostile fire. According to a press release issued by CENTCOM, the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury. "Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, while the second aircraft was able to land safely," the release said. "This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," CENTCOM posted on X. Authorities added that rescue efforts are currently underway. "More information will be made available as the situation develops. We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members," the release said. Earlier, President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said the situation involving Iran was progressing "very rapidly" and praised the strength of the United States military. Speaking at the Women''s History Month event at the White House, the US president said American forces were performing strongly and suggested that current actions were addressing long-standing issues with Iran. "The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It''s doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed. There''s never been anything like it. Nobody''s ever seen anything like it," Trump said. He added that the United States was now taking actions that should have been carried out decades earlier. Reflecting on his earlier time in office, Trump said his administration''s efforts to rebuild the US military had strengthened its current capabilities. "We had a very successful first term, best economy ever. We did a lot of great things. We rebuilt our military. That''s one of the reasons we''re doing so well now with our military," he said. Trump also noted that he had not expected to rely so heavily on the armed forces but said the strengthened military had become crucial in dealing with international developments. (ANI)
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi as one of the most dynamic global forums for international discussion, calling it as a "brainchild" of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. he highlighted that it has emerged as a key platform bringing together political leaders, military officials, business figures, journalists, and think tank representatives to debate pressing geopolitical issues. In an open letter reflecting on his participation in the forum, Abbott noted that the conference had grown into a prominent gathering in global diplomacy. Abbott said the dialogue compares favourably with established international meetings such as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland and the Boao Forum in China. According to Abbott, the Raisina Dialogue stands out because discussions are not dominated by what he described as politically correct narratives or excessive deference to host governments. Instead, he said the conference allows diverse views and robust debate. "Like other global gatherings, it brings together political leaders, senior military commanders, prominent business people, leading journalists, and think tank chiefs to discuss key issues; but it's better than Davos because it's not so dominated by politically correct plutocrats; and better than the longer-running Chinese Boao Forum, because it not essentially an exercise in homage to the host government," he said "Because it's India, there's a lot of emphasis on the "global south"; but equally, because it's India, there's a recognition that fine sentiment shouldn't be taken too seriously, especially if it's masking grievance and rent-seeking; and that, in the end, noble aspirations have to take into account hard power and economic strength," he added. The former Australian leader also commended Jaishankar's engagement at the event, noting that the minister frequently participates in multiple sessions, sometimes speaking, sometimes listening from the audience, and engages with other panellists in a respectful exchange of ideas. "To his credit, Jaishankar invariably attends numerous sessions, sometimes simply sitting in the audience, sometimes as a key note speaker, and sometimes as one of up to a half-dozen discussants on any particular topic; politely agreeing or taking issue with his fellow panelists, as the debate goes. Remarkably for someone of such accomplishment (successively India's ambassador to China, the United States, and head of the Ministry of External Affairs, before becoming the Foreign Minister), Jai doesn't talk down, and is on 'receive' far more often than 'transmit'," he said "Indeed, at this conference, rank has no privileges; it might get you onto the stage as a speaker or panelist, but it's the quality of the contribution that counts. After all, no one has a monopoly on knowledge or wisdom and everyone should be there to justify ideas and to learn from the discussion," he added. Abbott also highlighted the role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the opening of the conference. He pointed out that PM Modi traditionally attends the inaugural session to listen to the keynote address delivered by a visiting world leader; this year, the President of Finland, rather than delivering a speech himself. "At every dialogue so far, Prime Minister Modi has set the example, attending the opening session, to hear the principal guest - last year the Prime Minister of New Zealand; this year the President of Finland - but not speaking himself. After the US and Chinese presidents, he's probably the most immediately powerful person in the world, yet he's not too proud to listen as well as to lead. Despite over a decade in office, perhaps because of his youth as a kind of Hindu monk, Modi has thus far managed to resist the hubris of power," he said. Addressing criticism from some quarters about India's political trajectory, Abbott rejected suggestions that the country has become authoritarian under the Bharatiya Janata Party. "And as for this notion that India, under the BJP, has somehow become an authoritarian state -- that's total BS. No country with free and fair elections, a riotously free media, and a robustly independent judiciary is in serious danger of dictatorship. And no dictatorship would host a global conference where nothing is off-limits and no one is shouted down. This year's dialogue, after all, heard from both the Israeli foreign minister (virtually) and the Iranian deputy foreign minister," he said. Abott further outlined three major takeaways from the discussions, saying many global forums appear overly focused on consensus-driven diplomacy rather than tangible action. 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 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, ORF website states. (ANI)
In the meeting they discussed regional security, joint military exercises that would enhance interoperability and new avenues that would help strengthen military-to-military cooperation.

In a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) wrote, "Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), called on #GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS and discussed avenues to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership."

"The interaction focused on regional security in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing interoperability through joint military exercises and exploring new avenues of engagement to deepen military-to-military cooperation across multiple domains."

"The meeting reaffirmed the growing strategic convergence and shared commitment of both armies towards addressing emerging security challenges."

Earlier, the Indian Army and the French Army conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange on March 9 and 10, aimed at strengthening professional military cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding on evolving aspects of modern warfare.

The interaction focused on key operational themes relevant to contemporary battlefields, particularly the employment of long-range strike capabilities and advanced precision weapon systems. Such exchanges form an important part of defence engagement between friendly nations, allowing military professionals to share operational knowledge, doctrinal insights and technological developments shaping modern conflicts.

In a post on X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) of the India Army wrote, " Subject Matter Expert Exchange between the #IndianArmy and the #FrenchArmy was conducted on 09 & 10 March 2026, focusing on the employment of Long Range Vectors (LRVs) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) in contemporary warfare. Delegations from both the Armies exchanged perspectives on operational employment, doctrinal developments and evolving global trends in precision fires and deep-strike capabilities, fostering professional military learning and deeper #DefenceCooperation." (ANI)
The Israeli Air Force says that in the last 24 hours it has struck more than 200 targets in Western and Central Iran. The IAF said, "Dozens of Air Force fighter jets, guided by Military Intelligence, completed extensive strike sorties over the past day in western and central Iran, during which numerous munitions were dropped on more than 200 targets of the Iranian terror regime, including ballistic missile launchers, defence systems, and production sites for means of combat." "Since the launch of Operation "Roar of the Lion," the Air Force has completed hundreds of strike sorties targeting a variety of infrastructures of the Iranian terror regime, with the aim of reducing as much as possible the scale of fire toward the territory of the State of Israel," it added. Earlier the Israel Defence Forces said that the ''Taleghan'' compound, a site they claimed was used by the Iranian regime to advance nuclear weapons capabilities had been destroyed. The IDF said the compound was used to develop advanced explosives and conduct sensitive experiments as part of the covert ''AMAD'' project in the 2000s. On the front against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the IDF claimed that its forces had eliminated Abu Dharr Mohammadi, the operations commander in the IRGC''s missile unit within Hezbollah in Beirut. According to IDF, Mohammadi was a central figure coordinating between Hezbollah and the Iranian terror regime and played a key role in rehabilitating Hezbollah''s missile program following Operation Northern Arrows. IDF also claimed to have eliminated Ali Muslim Tabaja, a senior commander of the Iranian Imam Hossein Division. The IDF said, Tabaja was a key figure who held a series of military roles both within Hezbollah and within the division. The Imam Hussein Division is a military force used by the Iranian Quds Force to strengthen the Iranian axis and to operate against the IDF and Israeli civilians. IDF also eliminated Abu Ali Riyan, Hezbollah''s ''Radwan Force'' southern Lebanon unit commander. IDF claimed, Riyan was the central figure responsible for coordinating operations, recruiting operatives, and managing its weapon supply chain. IDF said that it had also eliminated 100 plus fighters and destroyed 60 plus command and control centres of the ''Radwan Force''. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a direct warning to Iran''s new supreme leader, Ayotallah Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting that Israel could look at targeting him just as they did his father. Asked if Israel would go after Khamenei''s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, Netanyahu replied: "I wouldn''t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organizations. This is their patron of terrorism. And I don''t intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do." Netanyahu dubbed the younger Khamenei a "puppet" of Iran''s Revolutionary Guard Corps who "cannot show his face in public." In a strong statement, Netanyahu suggested that developments in the region have transformed the strategic balance involving Israel, Iran and the broader Middle East, while also hinting at possible future actions against groups that Israel considers terrorist organisations. (ANI)
Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency. Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others. Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident. Additionally, sirens have gone off at Turkiye's Incirlik airbase, located near the southeastern city of Adana, according to the Turkish state news agency Anadolu. Incirlik airbase is a key NATO facility where US troops are stationed. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its actions in Lebanon, striking the Al-Zrariya Bridge on the Litani River to neutralise Hezbollah's movement. Israel stated that Hezbollah used the bridge to move from the north to the south of the country, prepare for combat against IDF forces, and act against the civilians of Israel. "IDF Strikes Al-Zrariya Bridge on Litani River Used as Main Crossing for Hezbollah Terrorists. The IDF struck, a short time ago the Al-Zrariya Bridge over the Litani River in Lebanon, which served as a main crossing for terrorists from the Hezbollah terror organisation," they said in a post on X "The Hezbollah terror organisation uses this bridge to move from the north to the south of the country, prepare for combat against IDF forces, and act against civilians of the State of Israel, all while endangering Lebanese civilians and causing extensive destruction in populated areas. In order to prevent a threat to civilians of the State of Israel and the continued harm to Lebanese civilians, it was necessary to strike the bridge," the IDF added. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting a series of key military sites in Israeli occupied lands and US bases across West Asia. IRGC said the operation began with a heavy barrage of Kheibar Shekan missiles, each carrying a one-ton warhead, which hit multiple strategic locations, including Israeli military positions in the Palestinian territories, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and West Al-Quds. Earlier, a CNN report said that the administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes. CNN sources revealed that while planning for the ongoing military operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council did not fully anticipate that Iran would attempt to close the waterway, despite long-standing contingency plans developed by the US military for such a scenario. Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia. on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations. (ANI)
Conan O'Brien is preparing to host the Academy Awards in Los Angeles amid heightened security concerns after intelligence warnings suggested Iran may have explored launching drones towards the US west coast while the ceremony unfolds.

Conan O'Brien is preparing to host the Academy Awards in Los Angeles amid heightened security concerns after intelligence warnings suggested Iran may have explored launching drones towards the US west coast while the ceremony unfolds

The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday (1503.26) at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, with Conan, 62, hosting the ceremony attended by leading nominees including Jessie Buckley and Timothee Chalamet.

Variety recently reported security is on a heightened alert after the FBI warned California law enforcement about the possibility of a retaliatory drone attack by Iran targeting the West Coast.

A private security contractor who works with several A-list celebrities expected to attend the ceremony has now told RadarOnline.com anxiety is spreading among those preparing to walk the red carpet.

The source told the outlet: "There is genuine unease behind the scenes because everyone understands the Oscars is one of the most visible events in the world. If someone wanted attention, that stage would deliver it.

"Clients are now asking detailed questions about evacuation routes, airspace monitoring and how quickly the venue could be locked down if something appeared in the sky.

"No one is saying the threat is certain, but the fact federal agencies issued the alert has made people jittery.

"When you start talking about drones launched from offshore vessels, that immediately raises the stakes.

"The industry has been told security will be extremely tight, but some celebrities are still nervous because the technology involved means threats can come from places you cannot easily see."

Radar also reported law enforcement agencies across California have moved to reinforce security around other major gatherings as tensions rise following the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

It added officials say surveillance, intelligence sharing, and protective measures have been expanded around the Oscars venue.

They are said to includ increased patrols, controlled perimeters, and specialist response units.

The outlet said: Authorities emphasize there is no confirmed plot targeting the ceremony itself, but they say the alert has prompted heightened vigilance as Hollywood prepares for one of its most globally watched nights in showbiz.

Raj Kapoor, executive producer of the Oscars, acknowledged the tense backdrop while insisting organizers are relying on extensive security planning to protect the event.

He told Variety: "I feel like on this show, we have one of the best teams in the business in all aspects, and that comes down to our security team. So, of course, every year we monitor what's going on in the world.

"We have the support of the FBI and the LAPD, and it's a close collaboration.

"This show has to run like clockwork. But we want everybody who is coming to this show, who is witnessing the show, who is even a fan of the show, when they're standing outside the barricades. We want everybody to feel safe, protected, and welcome.

"It's our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates, and that really comes down to us with this very tight relationship, and we have a whole other team of support.

"It's something that we don't take lightly and we take a lot of responsibility for."
US President Trump has told the Group of Seven countries on a call on Wednesday (local time) that Iran was about to surrender, reported Axios, citing officials of three G7 countries who were on the call. The call came before Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed vengeance and urged citizens to continue their fight against the attacks by US and Israel. The Axios report said that President Trump was as confident about the war's outcome in private as he is in public. However, today, Trump signalled US' intention of going all out in its campaign against Iran's Islamic regime, warning Iran to watch out for what would happen today and saying that the US was winning the conflict despite what reports claimed. "We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and otherwise, yet, if you read the Failing New York Times, you would incorrectly think that we are not winning. Iran's Navy is gone, their Air Force is no longer, missiles, drones and everything else are being decimated, and their leaders have been wiped from the face of the earth. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today. They've been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 44th phase of its Operation True Promise 4, targeting a series of key military sites in Israeli-occupied lands and US bases across West Asia. IRGC said the operation began with a heavy barrage of Kheibar Shekan missiles, each carrying a one-ton warhead, which hit multiple strategic locations, including Israeli military positions in the Palestinian territories, Tel Aviv, Eilat, and West Al-Quds. The commander of Iran's Khatam al Anbiya headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement that Iranian armed forces will stand to the "last breath" against enemies. The enemy, he added, will be "forced to pay the price for its crimes." Earlier, a CNN report said that the administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly underestimated the likelihood that Iran would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to US military strikes. CNN sources revealed that while planning for the ongoing military operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council did not fully anticipate that Iran would attempt to close the waterway, despite long-standing contingency plans developed by the US military for such a scenario. Officials from the US Departments of Energy and Treasury were present at some planning meetings before the operation began, but CNN sources said the detailed economic forecasts and interagency analysis that typically shape major decisions were not central to the discussions. The conflict has already entered Day 13 and neither side is showing any side of moving back. (ANI)
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that China will be providing the Iranian Red Crescent Society with aid worth USD 200,000, reported China Daily. He also said that Beijing condemned indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets Earlier, Jiakun expressed China's willingness to remain in touch with all the parties involved in the West Asia conflict to de-escalate the issue, reported China Daily. Addressing mediapersons, Jiakun said, "Will continue to strengthen communication with all relevant parties, including the parties directly involved in the conflict, and play a constructive role in easing tensions and restoring peace in the MiddleEast." Jiakun also said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also criticized US and Israel for breaking international law while still holding peace talks with Iran. Before this, China expressed concern over the functional blockage of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and called on "relevant parties" to immediately halt military operations and avoid further escalation. Addressing a press conference, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said stability in the region is crucial as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global trade and energy supplies."The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community," Guo said. He urged all parties, particularly the US, Israel and Iran, involved in the conflict to prioritise de-escalation and prevent the crisis from affecting the global economy." China urges parties to stop the military operations at once, avoid further escalation, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a larger impact on global economic growth," he said. Reiterating Beijing's position, the spokesperson said the immediate priority should be to end hostilities and stop tensions from spreading further in the region."The pressing priority now is that relevant parties should stop the military operations at once, avoid further escalation and spread of tensions, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a larger impact on global economic growth," Guo added. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs of France. The leaders discussed the growing scope for collaboration between New Delhi and Paris across areas such as education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties. Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, Shashi Tharoor said, "An engaging conversation with @benjaminhaddad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs of France, on the steadily deepening partnership between India and France. We reflected on the growing scope for collaboration in education, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties, encouraging signs of a relationship that continues to broaden and mature across multiple domains." https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/2032384661486449116?s=20 On the meeting, Haddad said, "Thank you for this wide ranging exchange @ShashiTharoor. France and India can continue to build an independent path in world affairs." https://x.com/benjaminhaddad/status/2032388598264152309?s=20 India and France continue to engage across several areas. Earlier on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a conversation with Jean Noel Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia. In a statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry, it was noted, "They agreed to continue their exchanges, with a view to working jointly to de-escalate tensions, particularly on the occasion of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on Monday 16 March, which Mr Jaishankar will attend in the context of strengthening relations between the EU and India, marked by the conclusion of a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP)." Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security. In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue. Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward. "De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that a total of 170 Indian nationals have crossed from Iran into Armenia through the land border amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. During the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several of the Indian nationals have already returned to India, while others are expected to return in the coming days using commercial flights from Armenia. "I would like to add that from Iran, in the last few days, including today, 170 Indian nationals have crossed through the land border into Armenia. Several of them have already come back to India, and others will be returning over the next few days using commercial flight options available from Armenia to India," Jaiswal said. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave the Iran. This includes helping them reach Armenia and Azerbaijan via land borders, where they can access commercial flights to return to India. He also noted that a total of 900 phone calls and 200 emails have been received so far since the establishment of a control room in the Ministry of External Affairs on March 4 to assist Indian nationals amid the evolving situation in the Gulf region. "Till now, we have received around 900 phone calls and 200 emails. We have also observed that the number of queries through emails and telephone calls has progressively come down, which means that people are now less concerned about their families in the Gulf region," he added. Jaiswal noted that the MEA is providing real-time assistance to those seeking help by connecting them with Indian missions in the region and facilitating communication to resolve issues faced by travellers and stranded individuals. He further noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Thursday, during which the Prime Minister expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals in the region and also discussed issues related to energy and cargo trade. The Prime Minister also reiterated India's stance on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and end the conflict. "Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities. Reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," The Prime Minister stated in a post on X. Jaiswal further said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also spoken with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping. "Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues," Jaishankar stated in a post on X on Friday. Meanwhile, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, stated that Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation in the region and emphasised the firm resolve of the Iranian government, people and armed forces to exercise what he called their legitimate right to self-defence against the aggressors. Araghchi also stressed the need for regional and international bodies to condemn the military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran and highlighted the importance of the BRICS grouping as a forum for strengthening multilateral cooperation. He added it was essential for BRICS to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security. "The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the necessity for regional and international bodies and organizations to condemn the military aggression against Iran. Highlighting the importance and position of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, Araghchi deemed it essential for the institution to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security," the statement read. The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. (ANI)
Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), on Friday shared updates about the death of two Indians who passed away in Muscat and also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the efforts are underway to repatriate the 15 Indian nationals and also to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national. He made the remarks during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia. Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries. He underlined that the mission remains in close touch and continues to provide all assistance. "I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance", Mahajan said. Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency. Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others. Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident. Mahajan also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the 15 crew members had been safely evacuated and efforts are underway to safely bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national, alongside the repatriation of the seafarers. He said, "An update on Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack on the 9th of March near Basra in Iraq. The 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently lodged in a hotel in Basra. Efforts are also underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and for safe repatriation of the 15 rescued seafarers. Our mission team is in Basra and is rendering all assistance." Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security. In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue. Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward. "De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations. (ANI)
Houthi threats in Yemen, along with supportive Islamist rhetoric from Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood-linked voices, are raising concerns over the security of the Red Sea and the broader Gulf region amid the West Asia conflict, a Gulf-based analyst warned. The analyst cautioned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could escalate into a wider regional crisis unless diplomatic efforts succeed in containing it quickly. Intensive engagement is underway, as per the analyst, with Gulf states, neighbouring countries, and key international actors to manage the situation. The analyst further stressed that the issue cannot be seen as a narrow regional flashpoint, warning of wider repercussions for fuel security, shipping channels, market confidence, and international stability. "The issue cannot be viewed as a narrow regional flashpoint, since any deeper escalation would carry implications for energy security, shipping lanes, market stability, and the broader global order," the analyst said. "Houthi threats in Yemen, coupled with supportive Islamist rhetoric from Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood-linked voices, are adding to anxiety over the security of the Red Sea, one of the world's most important commercial waterways," the analyst added. The warning underscores growing anxiety in the Gulf over regional stability, particularly in light of the strategic importance of the Red Sea as one of the world's key commercial waterways. Due to the conflict in the region, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply, has reportedly been rendered inoperational. The analyst warned that escalation in the conflict can also be witnessed in the trade routes through the Red Sea, with added threats by Houthis in Yemen, and Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood-linked voices. The Red Sea, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal, is a key commercial transit point for trade connecting Europe with Asia. Earlier on Thursday, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, in his first-ever address, thanked resistance fighters of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen for supporting the Islamic Regime, as the conflict escalates. "Without a doubt, the solidarity of the components of the resistance front will shorten the path to liberation from the Zionist sedition. The brave and faithful Yemen did not stop defending the oppressed people of Gaza, and the devoted Hezbollah has come to the aid of the Islamic Republic despite all obstacles, and the Iraqi resistance has courageously taken the same line," the Supreme Leader said. The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. (ANI)
US Joint Chiefs Chair Gen Dan Caine on Friday shared updates from Operation Epic Fury and said that while the US continues to attack Iran, the country still has the capability to harm "friendly forces and commercial shipping". He made the remarks during a joint press briefing with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. Gen Dan Caine said, "In less than 2 weeks, we have rendered the Iranian navy combat ineffective and continue to attack naval vessels, including all of their Soleimani class warships, which were armed with anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft weapons. We've made progress but Iran still has the capability to harm friendly forces and commercial shipping and our work on this effort continues. " He further shared, "We have attacked over 6000 targets and our strike packages continue to launch every hour and we have maintained an unprecedented number of sorties up overhead of Iran." Gen Dan Caine added that as the US moves into the 13th day of Operation Epic Fury, today would be the heaviest day of "kinetic fire" across the operating area. He added, "In just the first 13 days of this operation, our artillery forces have made history. They fired the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat, reaching deep into enemy territory. They've used Army ATACMS to sink multiple ships, including a submarine." Meanwhile, Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "We are on a plan to defeat, destroy, disable all of Iran's meaningful military capabilities at a pace the world has never seen before." The remarks by Gen Caine and Hegseth come as joint US-Israeli military operations resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, escalating tensions across West Asia and the Gulf. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security. In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue. Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward. "De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations. (ANI)
The state monopoly Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) from Friday has started rationing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or the cooking gas to manage demand surge as the conflict in West Asia completed its second week, halting the supply. Following the orders from NOC, bottling plants have started to sell half-filled cylinders to customers, forcing people to stand in serpentine lines for hours. "It's not easy to get the (Liquefied Petroleum) gas. It is really hard to get the refilled ones. I came here (at the depot) at 10 in the morning and till now it has been about four hours, I haven't got hold of a single filled cylinder. It's uncertain whether I will get the gas or not," Prem Krishna Shahi, a Nepali consumer, told ANI as he waited for the half-filled cylinder at a depot in Kathmandu. As per the new provision, applicable for both household and hotel and restaurant users a 7.1 Kilogram- half than the usual one is being distributed. The state monopoly has claimed that the move is "aimed at conserving energy even though imports have not been affected." A 7.1-kg cylinder of cooking gas will cost NRs 955. The decision of the Nepal Oil Corporation comes after an interval of 5 years. NOC had adopted similar measures during previous crises in 2015 and 2020, when the country suffered acute shortages of cooking gas. The state monopoly said supplies from India remain normal, but panic buying has been increasing in the Kathmandu Valley. Queues at cooking gas depots have been growing after local groceries were unable to supply the fuel across the valley, following rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a key fuel-supplying region for global markets. "It has been a daunting task to get the (Liquefied Petroleum) Gas. I have been in line for the gas for three hours and I am still waiting. I hope I can get a cylinder, that too only half- the-cylinder," another consumer, Ram Sharan Khadka, told ANI. "It is hard to sustain without it, I am using the firewood as an alternative as well but still it is hard to get at this point of time, at the time of crisis. I have been managing many of my chores using the woods," Khadka added. Nepal's LPG demand currently stands at around 45,000-46,000 tonnes per month, and the NOC says a similar quantity has been arriving. Among the country's 6.66 million households, 51 per cent use firewood while 44.3 per cent rely on LPG for cooking. Bagmati Province, which includes the Kathmandu Valley and has 1.56 million households, leads in LPG consumption, with 69.8 per cent of families using it for cooking, according to the census report. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday expressed condolences on the loss of lives of two Indian nationals in an attack in Oman's Sohar amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He said that the Indian Mission in Oman is in touch with the local authorities and is extending all possible assistance. He wrote in a post on X, "We lost two Indian nationals today in an attack in Sohar, Oman in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Several other Indian nationals were also injured. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Our Mission in Oman is in touch with the local authorities as well as the employer company and is extending all possible assistance." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2032496456045891664?s=20 Earlier on Friday, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), had provided updates about the death of two Indians who passed away in Muscat. He made the remarks during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia. Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment, with none having serious injuries. He underlined that the mission remains in close touch and continues to provide all assistance. "I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance," Mahajan said. Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency. Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others. Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident. Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security. (ANI)
Animal rights activists in Dhaka on Friday staged a protest outside the National Press Club, urging the Bangladesh government to take immediate steps to protect stray dogs and halt alleged culling operations in the city. The demonstration was organised by members of the Dhaka University Animal Welfare Club and other activists, who expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as a lack of action by the new administration to safeguard the animals. Speaking to ANI, rights activist Rubaiya Ahmed, head of the animal rights group Avayaranny, alleged that authorities had illegally removed and killed dogs that had long lived in neighbourhoods and on university campuses. "Having to do this, we have a new government, supposedly a very animal-friendly government, and we're still having to hold this protest. That's pretty damaging for our hope and for our dreams, and most importantly, this is against the law," Ahmed said. She accused the administration of Dhaka South City Corporation and officials at the University of Dhaka of violating animal protection laws by allegedly capturing and killing dogs rather than relocating them. "They're saying that they removed the dogs, but they didn't remove the dogs; they killed the dogs because they picked up dogs that are 10 years old and 12 years old and that have been taking care of this neighborhood, the kids are taking care of the dogs and they have been picked up, sedated, and tossed over the river," Ahmed said. According to Ahmed, students attempted to track vehicles that had taken the dogs but were unable to locate them afterwards. "They're not alive because these students chased the trucks down; they tried to find the dogs and they couldn't. So, the City Corporation actually killed the dogs; they didn't remove the dogs, and both are illegal," she added. Activists said the protest aimed to raise awareness about the treatment of stray dogs across the capital and called for humane management policies, including vaccination and sterilisation programmes. Ahmed said students and volunteers had been raising funds and organising vaccination and sterilisation drives for years to care for the campus dogs. "This needs to stop once and for all. It doesn't matter; we're here for the dogs. We need to specify and focus on the dogs right now because we don't want to dilute this issue. There are animals suffering from various reasons all across the country, but today we're here for the dogs, for the campus dogs, and these campus dogs are alive and well because of the students, and you've gone against the students," she said. "They raise funds and vaccinate and sterilise these dogs, you didn't bother to have communication with them or have a dialogue with them; you just went on and did what you wanted to do. And it's not only against the law; it's against the public sentiment, it's against these students who have been taking care of these dogs for decades," the activist added. She stated that the protest represented a collective effort by concerned citizens and supporters of the Dhaka University Animal Welfare Club. "We're not representing any single organisation. We are here collectively to support the students and to demand protection for dogs across Dhaka and Bangladesh," Ahmed said. (ANI)
Harrison Ford has joked about having sex whilst listening to some of his films' soundtracks.

Harrison Ford holding his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Actors Awards

The Hollywood icon - best known for playing Indiana Jones and Han Solo in the Star Wars film franchise - made the playful spicy romp admission on Tuesday's (10.03.26) episode of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Host Jimmy, 58, asked Harrison: "Have you ever made love to the soundtrack of one of your films?"

The 83-year-old star quipped: "Of course I have."

Harrison has been married to 61-year-old actress Calista Flockhart since 2010, and he was previously hitched to the late TV screenwriter Melissa Mathison from 1983 until 2004, as well as 81-year-old former chef Mary Marquardt from 1964 until 1979.

Elsewhere in his interview with Jimmy, Harrison revealed he does not have a "favourite" project of his.

The Blade Runner cast member explained: "I don't have a favourite because I really love the making of a movie. That's where I'm satisfied, when we're making it.

"When you see it, it's been all screwed up. When I did it, it was better than that."

His raunchy joke comes weeks after he publicly showed his love for Calista as he was being honoured for his six-decade career with the Life Achievement Award at the Actor Awards on March 1.

Harrison - who met the Supergirl alum at the Golden Globe Awards in 2002 - said in his acceptance speech: "I want to say thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart, to my peers, to my extraordinary beautiful wife Calista and my family, who have given me love and courage through all of it."

In August 2025, the Air Force One legend - who popped the question on Valentines Day in 2009 - credited working hard at maintaining" and "nurturing" his relationship with Calista as the secret to their long marriage.

Harrison tied the knot with the Ally McBeal actress at the Governor's Mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in June 2010.

He explained on an episode of NPR's Wild Card with Rachel Martin: "Old people can love, too. You know, you think about falling in love and all of that business.

"You think its the business of youth or something, you know, and staying in love is the issue."

Harrison went on to add the secret to his healthy marriage is "maintaining, nurturing, basically, not f****** up."
Some members of the BRICS are "directly involved in the current situation in the West Asia region," which has impacted forging a consensus on a common position on the ongoing conflict, sources said. India, as the current Chair, has been "facilitating discussions" among member states through the Sherpa channel, they said. The sources added that the last virtual BRICS Sherpa meeting was held on March 12 to deliberate on the situation. "Some members of the BRICS are directly involved in the current situation in the West Asia region, which has impacted forging a consensus on a common BRICS position on the ongoing conflict. As Chair of BRICS, India has been facilitating discussions among members through the Sherpa channel. The last virtual BRICS Sherpa meeting was held on 12 March," the sources said. Sources further said that the Indian leadership has also been "engaging" with leaders of BRICS member countries in the region as part of ongoing diplomatic consultations."India will continue to engage," the sources added. The conflict in the region escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability. Earlier on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral ties and cooperation within the BRICS grouping. "Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS related issues," Jaishankar stated in a post on X on Friday. The Iranian Foreign Ministry today, in a statement on X, stated that Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest situation in the region and emphasised the firm resolve of the Iranian government, people and armed forces to exercise what he called their legitimate right to self-defence against the aggressors. Araghchi also stressed the need for regional and international bodies to condemn the military aggression by the US and Israel against Iran and highlighted the importance of the BRICS grouping as a forum for strengthening multilateral cooperation. He added it was essential for BRICS to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security. "The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the necessity for regional and international bodies and organisations to condemn the military aggression against Iran. Highlighting the importance and position of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, Araghchi deemed it essential for the institution to play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security," the statement read. The BRICS is led by five major economies--Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa--with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia becoming full members of the forum later. The grouping took formal shape after a meeting of the leaders of Russia, India, and China in St. Petersburg during the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006, and was further institutionalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York later that year. The first BRIC Summit was subsequently held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. In 2010, it was agreed to expand BRIC to BRICS, with South Africa joining at the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011. The grouping expanded further in 2024, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE becoming full members on January 1, 2024. Indonesia joined as a full member in January 2025, while Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were inducted as partner countries of BRICS. (ANI)
A modern services lifestyle, paired with well-defined long stay programs, keeps Malaysia competitive in 2026.

WASHINGTON, DC.

Malaysia is back in the relocation conversation in a way that feels less like wanderlust and more like logistics.

For many Americans weighing a move to Asia in 2026, Malaysia offers a rare blend that is hard to price in until you have tried it: big-city convenience without constant big-city pressure. Think modern hospitals, ride hailing, delivery apps, international schools, and airports that actually connect you to the world, all layered over a cost structure that can make a longer experiment feel financially survivable.

The second part of the appeal is paperwork. Malaysia has multiple long-stay lanes that are familiar to planners, retirees, and remote earners. They are not always fast, and they are not always cheap, but they are structured enough that you can build a plan instead of improvising month to month.

That is the new definition of comfort for expats. Not luxury. Predictability.

Why Malaysia feels easier to live in than many first-time Asia picks

A lot of Americans want Asia, but what they really mean is, I want a functioning daily routine.

Malaysia can deliver that quickly, especially in the places where expats tend to cluster.

Kuala Lumpur is the obvious anchor. It is the hub for services, private healthcare, international schools, and housing inventory that fits a Western work routine. Penang draws people who want a slower rhythm with strong food culture and an established expat community. Johor Bahru appeals to proximity planners, especially those who want access to Singapore without living at Singapore prices. In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu and parts of Sabah and Sarawak show up in conversations among people who want nature without fully giving up city services.

English also lowers stress. It is not the only language that matters in Malaysia, and anyone who moves should respect the local linguistic landscape. But day-to-day, English can reduce the friction that turns relocation into a full-time job. Contracts, medical intake forms, school communication, landlord conversations, you can often manage these without feeling like you are constantly one misunderstanding away from a mess.

The result is a lifestyle that many Americans describe as modern enough to be easy, which is a quiet differentiator in a region full of beautiful places that can still be administratively exhausting.

The long stay menu that keeps Malaysia competitive

Malaysias long stay story is not one program. It is a menu.

One lane is designed for the second home mindset, retirees, semi-retirees, and families with foreign income who want a stable base. Another lane is designed for remote work, the people who want to live in Malaysia while continuing to earn abroad. Another lane targets higher-net-worth planners who want longer validity and fewer renewals, even if the entry cost is steep.

Malaysias best-known program for long stay planning remains Malaysia My Second Home, commonly called MM2H. It has been revised and restructured over time, and in 2026, the practical takeaway is that Malaysia is signaling seriousness. It wants documentation, proof of offshore income or funds, and clear compliance. The governments own guidance lays out detailed MM2H requirements and renewal expectations, including evidence of offshore income or fixed deposits, and supporting health and medical documentation, on the Malaysian Immigration Department site at imi.gov.my.

For Americans, that official checklist style is the point. You are not begging for discretion. You are meeting published standards.

Alongside that, Malaysia has been developing a more modern remote-work lane through the DE Rantau Nomad Pass framework. In practical terms, it is often used as a test year tool. It is the category remote workers use when they want to live in Malaysia while keeping their job or client base outside the country, and when they want a status that looks coherent to landlords and service providers.

There is also the Premium Visa route, often discussed as a longer validity residency option designed for high-income, high-net-worth applicants who want a multi-year base. This category tends to be less about lifestyle fantasy and more about administrative convenience. People choose it when they want to reduce renewal cycles and establish a longer runway for property, schooling, healthcare planning, and regional travel.

Malaysia is essentially offering different doors for different life stages, and that flexibility is why it keeps showing up on 2026 lists.

The mature ecosystem signals most people miss

When a country wants long-stay residents, it has to do more than publish visa categories. It has to create an ecosystem that supports them.

Malaysias MM2H program is a good example of how that ecosystem is being treated as an economic engine. In February 2026, The Star reported that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry said MM2H generated RM3.87 billion for the national economy as of the end of 2025, and that the revised policy launched in June 2024 had recorded 14,535 applications, including interest from the United States, alongside other major source markets, in The Stars coverage.

You do not need to treat those figures as marketing, but you should treat them as a signal. A country processing large volumes tends to get better at processing large volumes. It also tends to develop a larger professional services layer, licensed agents, banks with standardized compliance expectations, property developers who understand expat buyers, and clinics that cater to international patients.

That institutional maturity is what makes a relocation feel comfortable after the honeymoon period ends.

The trade off: Malaysia is comfortable, but it is not casual

Americans sometimes confuse welcoming with informal. Malaysia is generally neither chaotic nor friction-free. It is rules-based.

The comfort comes from order, not from bending.

If you are applying under a long-stay category tied to foreign income, your income story needs to be simple and provable. If your plan depends on remote work, your contracts and payment history should look stable, not like sporadic gig deposits that are hard to interpret. If your lane involves maintaining funds in an account, you need to treat that requirement as part of your cost of living, not as a one-time hurdle.

The applicants who say Malaysia was easy are usually the ones who prepared like it was a compliance file, not a travel itinerary.

What comfort really means in 2026, banks, leases, and healthcare

Relocation stress often shows up in three places that no one wants to talk about at dinner.

First, banking. In 2026, banks everywhere are compliance-forward. Opening accounts can involve documentation requests that feel intrusive to first-time expats. Malaysia is not unique here. The difference is that Malaysias long-stay categories can give you a clearer story to tell, provided you choose the right lane and keep your records clean.

Second, housing. Malaysias condo market in major hubs can be attractive for newcomers because it often includes amenities that reduce friction, security, maintenance, and a predictable living environment. But leases still require proof. Landlords still ask questions. Your ability to show coherent status and stable income matters more than your ability to negotiate.

Third, healthcare. Malaysias private healthcare reputation is one of the reasons Americans consider it, but healthcare planning is only comfortable when it is intentional. You want a routine, not a scramble. Identify hospitals and clinics early, understand insurance coverage, and do not assume a great tourist experience equals a great long-term care system for your specific needs.

Malaysia can be an exceptionally comfortable base if you treat these three systems as part of the plan from day one.

A practical Malaysia move playbook for Americans

The most useful advice for a long-stay plan in Malaysia is not exotic. It is the boring stuff that prevents expensive mistakes.

Start with a two-city test. Many Americans arrive with a single city in mind, then change their mind after a month. A practical approach is to test Kuala Lumpur for services and administrative ease, then test the lifestyle city you think you want long term, Penang, a coastal hub, or an East Malaysia option. The goal is to learn what your daily routine needs, not what a travel blog says you should love.

Build a document calendar. A lot of long-stay frustrations come from timing windows. Documents can expire. Statements need to show a certain pattern. Medical forms and insurance proofs need to match what the category requires. If you work backward from a target filing date and set reminders for when to collect each item, you reduce the most common failure mode, scrambling.

Simplify your income narrative. If you earn in multiple streams, present it like a reader needs to understand it in 60 seconds. Regular deposits, clean statements, and contracts that match what you are claiming. Avoid unnecessary transfers that make your finances look confusing, even if they are legitimate.

Treat insurance as a compliance requirement, not a personal preference. Some long-stay categories require specific coverage, and insurance that feels fine can still be rejected because it does not meet the stated standard.

Rent before you buy, unless you already understand the neighborhoods. Malaysias property market can be appealing, but the first year abroad is when people misread a neighborhoods real character. Noise, traffic, air quality, commuting time, flooding risk, and building management all matter more when you live their full time. Renting buys you learning time.

Decide how you want to use Malaysia. This is the strategic question many people delay. Is Malaysia your long-term base, your Asia test run, or your staging ground while you pursue something else? The right long stay category often depends on that answer.

The compliance point: Start living now only works when your story is coherent

Many Americans are attracted to Malaysia because it promises a comfortable life with fewer daily frictions. That promise holds best when your documentation matches your life.

This is where professional mobility planning becomes less about excitement and more about durability. According to AMICUS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, the most common breakdowns in modern relocation are not about getting into a country; they are about maintaining a consistent, defensible record across borders, banks, insurers, and renewals once you are living there. That is a useful lens for Malaysia because Malaysias long stay options are designed to be legible, but only if you keep your narrative clean.

In plain terms, Malaysia is comfortable when your paperwork is comfortable.

Who Malaysia fits best in 2026

Malaysia tends to be a strong fit for a few common profiles.

Retirees and semi-retirees who want private healthcare access, reliable urban services, and a lifestyle that can be scaled up or down to suit their budget.

Remote workers with stable foreign income who want Asia without giving up modern city convenience, and who prefer English availability in daily life.

Families who want international schooling options and predictable housing markets in major hubs, and who value a calmer day-to-day operating environment.

Planners who want an Asia base that feels administratively mature and are willing to treat long-stay status as a compliance exercise, not a casual adventure.

Malaysia may be less ideal for people who want a purely low-cost, rural, off-grid lifestyle, because the comfort advantage is strongest where services are most dense, and those areas tend to cost more than the cheapest alternatives in the region.

The bottom line

Malaysia stays on the map in 2026 because it offers something increasingly rare: comfort built on structure.

The lifestyle is modern enough to feel easy. The expat ecosystem is mature enough to be supportive. The long-stay categories are well-defined enough to plan around, especially when you approach them with clean documents and realistic timelines.

If you are an American looking for an Asia base that feels livable quickly, and that does not require reinventing your entire life just to remain lawful, Malaysia remains one of the more navigable options, provided you treat paperwork as part of the comfort, not as an afterthought.
Two nongovernmental organizations raised serious concerns over the persistent human rights violations inside the Polisario-run Tindouf camps in southwestern Algeria, spotlighting the case of a 13yearold boy reportedly subjected to torture and separate allegations involving violence against women and girls.

Speaking at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the NGOs urged UN bodies to launch an independent inquiry into conditions in the camps administered by the Polisario Front.

In a presentation under Item 4 of the Councils agenda, the Mauritania Development Unity Network drew attention to the case of Mouloud ElMahjoub, a minor allegedly abducted and detained on February 25, 2026.

According to the organizations representative, Abdelouahab ElKain, the boy was reportedly subjected to severe beating and burning by individuals who accused him of sexual assault.

His case is representative of scores of children who have been abused in camps where minors are often separated from their families and sent to military training camps in Algeria and Cuba.

The organization warned that the absence of judicial action or protection measures raises serious concerns about entrenched impunity within the camps, stressing that the lack of independent judicial institutions or international monitoring further exposes children to physical and psychological harm.

It called for urgent protection for the child and his family and urged the deployment of a UN factfinding mission to assess the human rights situation in the camps.

Violence against women

In a separate statement, the Agence Internationale pour le Developpement highlighted what it described as a recurring pattern of abuse affecting women and girls in the camps.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, Manuel Navarro Benialosa referenced the case of Khadijto Mohamed Mohamed, presented as a survivor of sexual violence allegedly involving Polisario secretarygeneral Ibrahim Ghali.

The organization argued that testimonies from within the camps point to a long-standing environment marked by physical, sexual, and psychological violence, compounded by restricted freedoms, limited access to justice, and intense social pressure discouraging victims from reporting abuses.

It further denounced what it characterized as a system of political and social control that complicates the disclosure of violations and leaves victims without protection mechanisms.

Both NGOs appealed to the Human Rights Council to formally acknowledge the situation of the alleged victims and to initiate an independent, transparent investigation under the supervision of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Former United Nations envoy Christopher Ross has once again exposed his impartiality in his latest commentary on the Sahara conflict in which he put forward an assessment reflecting long standing positions aligned with Algeria and the Polisario separatists, instead of viewing the dispute from the lenses of a neutral mediator.

In his recent analysis published by the International Center for Dialogue Initiatives, Ross gave agency to the Polisario separatists, internationally considered as an Algerian proxy used to unsettle Morocco.

He further reduced Algeria from its role as the main party perpetuating the conflict to a mere observer, in a view that is discredited by the latest UN Security Council resolution 2797 which mentions Algeria as a party to the conflict.

He also contended that Washingtons recognition of Moroccan sovereignty undermines the United States ability to act as an impartial broker.

Ross repeatedly characterises Algeria and the Polisario as defenders of selfdetermination while presenting Moroccos legal and historical claims to the territory as marginal.

He questions the credibility of Rabats autonomy proposal, arguing that it remains incomplete.

Ross analysis vindicated Moroccos complaints about his impartiality. Ross went further as to suggest that the Polisario militias should control phosphates, fisheries, mining and tourism, while framing Moroccos management of those sectors as illegitimate.

Ross failed to recognize how Algeria prevented any progress towards the autonomy plan, worsening ties with any country that backs the plan and taking the Sahara issue as a matter of life and death for the military regime in Algiers, which now acts as the main party to the conflict overshadowing the Polisario proxies.

Ross has reduced himself through such an analysis to a blind lobbyist of a brutal Algerian regime that has been trading in the suffering of Sahrawis held in its territory in abject conditions in Polisario-run camps.

While Ross indulges in rehashing obsolete options such as organizing a referendum, the UN Security Council, the US administration and global powers and most of Africa recognize that this conflict has longlasted and that only autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents a win-win solution to end the conflict and spare the region more instability.
Arab Gulf countries have thanked King Mohammed VI for the strong support and clear solidarity expressed by Morocco following the deadly missile attacks launched by the Iranian regime against member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The praise of the Moroccan supportive stand was made during the 8th Morocco-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting, held Thursday remotely in presence of Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita, Secretary General of GCC, Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi and ministers of the Gulf regional bloc.

They said Moroccos steadfast position demonstrates the sound brotherly and historical ties existing between Rabat and the Gulf countries and reflects the special bonds uniting King Mohammed VI and his brothers, the leaders of the GCC.

The Gulf ministers reaffirmed their countries unwavering support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, and their commitment to the Kingdoms security, stability and territorial integrity.

They commended the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which endorsed the Autonomy plan in the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty and expressed support for the efforts made by UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to advance negotiations on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy initiative in order to reach a final resolution of this decades-long regional conflict.

Morocco has condemned in the strongest terms Irans missile attacks that targeted Arab Gulf countries, saying these attacks are blatant violation of the national sovereignty and security of these Brotherly Arab countries and threaten stability of the region.

Rabat expressed its full solidarity with the targeted Arab states in all legitimate measures they take in response to the Iranian aggression to protect their security and peace of their citizens and residents.

King Mohammed VI held phone calls with several Gulf leaders following Iranian attacks, reiterated Moroccos strong condemnation of the Iranian aggressions and voiced

the Kingdoms full support and solidarity with brotherly Gulf countries.

The Monarch said the security and stability of the Gulf countries are an indivisible part of the security and stability of Morocco, and that any violation of their safety constitutes a serious and unacceptable aggression and a direct threat to stability in the region.

During the 8th Morocco-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting, Bourita said the telephone calls held by the Moroccan Sovereign with his Brothers of the Arab Gulf countries show the Kingdoms steadfast and constant solidarity with these States.

We are facing the same challenges and security threats, he said, noting that the challenges facing our region today require us to elevate our strategic partnership to a higher level of complementarity.

National security is no longer limited to the military challenges, but now includes economic and social resilience against crises and securing the basic needs during most difficult circumstances, underlined M. Bourita, stressing the need to cement

ranks and foster political and economic readiness for post-crisis world to be strongly present in shaping new equations.
Moroccos longterm investment in strategic port infrastructure has taken on renewed significance as global supply chains face mounting disruption and major economies move to assert tighter control over maritime gateways.

In a world marked by geopolitical rivalry, fragile logistics and growing scrutiny of foreign influence, ports have become instruments of sovereignty, resilience and economic security.

Few countries anticipated this shift as early as Morocco. Guided by the vision of King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom began modernizing and expanding its port network in the early 2000s, well before global tensions exposed the vulnerabilities of international trade routes.

The launch of the Tanger Med complex in 2003 marked a turning point. At the time, the King described the port as the nucleus of a major port, logistical, industrial and commercial complex, positioning Morocco as a bridge between Europe and Africa, and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Two decades later, that strategy is proving decisive. Ports handle 98% of Moroccos external trade, and Tanger Med has become one of the worlds leading transshipment hubs, connecting the country to 180 ports in 70 countries.

Its scale and efficiency have strengthened Moroccos industrial expansion while reducing dependence on foreign gateways for energy, food and raw materials.

The strategy has since been expanded through two additional megaprojects: Nador West Med, set to enter service in late 2026, and Dakhla Atlantique, due to start operations in 2029. Nador West Med represents 51 billion dirhams in public and private investment and will ultimately offer more than 5 million TEUs of container capacity, as well as Moroccos first LNG terminal and major hydrocarbon storage facilities. Dakhla Atlantique, already over 53% complete, will anchor Moroccos Atlantic logistics corridor, with commercial, fisheries and repair basins designed to support regional and transatlantic trade flows.

Globally, the strategic relevance of ports has risen sharply. The European Union has tightened monitoring of foreign ownership in critical port infrastructure and adopted new mechanisms to reinforce security, resilience and dualuse capabilities.

Panamas decision to reclaim control of its Balboa and Cristobal terminals from a foreign operator illustrates a wider trend: national authorities asserting control over logistics assets seen as vital to economic and security interests.

In this context, Moroccos early investment in sovereign, globally competitive ports appears increasingly prescient. Tanger Med, Nador West Med and Dakhla Atlantique now form the backbone of a national logistics architecture designed not only for economic growth but for strategic autonomy in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Kurt Russell insists he makes "no apologies" for his hunting lifestyle.

Kurt Russell won't apologise for hunting

The 74-year-old Hollywood star is an avid hunter, particularly in "taking an animal that feeds you", and he admitted he has a deep connection with the activity, even if some animal welfare groups and activists disagree.

Asked if he is sentimental about animals, he told the Table Manners podcast: "Well, I thank them for their service."

He added: "By the way, there's no pleasure in the taking of life.

"There's great pleasure and honour in taking an animal that feeds you. And I respect that and honour that.

"And it means a big deal to me. And you know, I make no apologies."

His son Wyatt joined him in the conversation and insisted growing up out in the wilderness gives people a different perspective on such "majestic" animals.

He explained: "But then you go to the grocery store, and it's like 90 percent of the people are just in a pack. They don't know.

"They have no connection to food at all. And so it's very nice. You know, we were raised with it to know that thing that you took is gonna be your dinner meal."

Despite never wanting to apologise for his way of life, Kurt noted it's not something he tries to argued with people about.

He said: "It's not something I push on anybody.. I mean, it's not for everybody, but I like bringing down my own meat. I grew up in that family."

Kurt - who also has children Boston, Russell, Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson - has insisted in the past that he never intentionally tried to impart "wisdom" on his offspring.

He previously told AARP: "God, no. I don't intentionally, and whatever I impart, I don't know if it's wisdom oriented.

"I do know that after having done this for so long, you keep your mouth shut and your ears open, and you're going to have learned some things.

"I can help us get to where we're supposed to be going because of a lot of the experience that I've had. So I do lean on that."
Just a month ago, Albertas finance ministry announced a budget featuring annual deficits for three years in a row on the back of low oil prices. Now, Canadian crude oil producers are set to benefit disproportionately from the war in the Middle East thanks to the fact that Canadian crude prices follow WTI closelyand WTI is spiking.

When Minister Nate Horner presented the budget for Canadas oil province, he said expectations were that oil prices would bottom out this year and start rising in 2027. Little could Horner know that the price of $60.50 per barrel of WTI that was used in the budget projections would go all the way up to over $90 per barrel, providing Albertaand by extension Canada as a wholewith a windfall.

We are a massive net exporter of oil and products. Western Canada is going to benefit. You're going to see a boost in royalty revenues, another analyst, Rory Johnston from Commodity Context, said, quoted by CBC. Indeed, if the oil price rally could erase the projected deficit for Alberta and turn it into a surplus.

$90 a barrel over the course of the year would be sufficient to wipe out, and probably turn into a surplus, what was going to be a $10-billion deficit, Tyler Meredith, former economic adviser to Canadas prime minister, said. Even the planned OECD release by members of the International Energy Agency is unlikely to reverse the price trend, Meredith noted, and he is not alone.

Related: Six Stocks That Could Soar in an Era of Regional Instability

IEA members agreed earlier this week to release up to 400 million barrels of crude from their emergency reserve. Canada will be one of the contributors to the release. Initially, the news that a sizable release was being discussed pressured prices as traders sold oil in anticipation of the additional supply. Later, however, reason re-emerged, with the market realizing 400 million barrels will not do much for the supply crunch if the Strait of Hormuz remains frozen for longer. As a result, after their dip earlier in the week, oil prices are on the climb again.

Canadian oil-producing companies, meanwhile, are enjoying analyst stock price forecast revisions. One analyst from Veritas Investment Research told Bloomberg that Cenovus and Canadian Natural Resources were especially well placed to benefit from the situation, which was why the firm raised the valuations of both by as much as 30%.

Generally speaking, companies with both upstream and downstream operations are in a better position than pure-play ones because they stand to benefit from both higher and lower oil prices. If the rally reverses anytime soon, those with downstream operations would benefit from cheaper feedstocks. If the rally continues, upstream becomes the most important business, exposing companies to that windfall the media is talking about.

Related: Little-Known US Company Lands Important Pentagon Contract in Rare Earth Race

In the meantime, the oil that Canada promised to contribute to the IEA joint emergency release has to come from somewhere, and the country does not maintain a strategic reserve like its southern neighbor, the U.S. As a result, the federal government is considering its options.

We can delay taking downtime, for example, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson told the media this week. We can, for brief periods of time, peak production, which were talking to suppliers about doing. We can ask refineries that are using imported oil to use more domestic oil.

Oil inventories in western Canada stand at around 23.3 million barrels right now, according to Kpler data cited by Bloomberg. As fate would have it, producers were in the process of building inventories ahead of the start of maintenance season. Now, some of those inventories would be released to the IEA, while producers ramp up output and enjoy their windfall.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
For almost a decade, the global oil debate has been dominated by a powerful narrative: the world is drowning in crude. Financial pundits, banks, and energy agencies were all hitting the drums to announce a structural oil glut. A majority in oil markets was following the theory that the combined impact of US shale expansion, Russian exports, and sanctioned Iranian barrels quietly appearing in markets, along with slower demand due to energy transition investments, would all subdue prices for years. As indicated by the IEA, but also others, oil markets were heading or had even entered an era of permanent abundance. Only some dare to question or challenge this.

The current crisis in the Gulf has not only shattered that illusion but also exposed the risks of believing in dreams.

The continuing war around Iran and the unexpected closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which blocked traffic, made clear with a big bang what may be the most important misconception in modern energy analysis. Let's challenge it all by stating the oil glut has never existed. The main misconception was not to include geopolitics and hardcore power politics. Most analysts and oil traders did not see that there was only a fragile balance that was out in the open, sustained by geopolitically risky supply chains and extremely thin spare capacity.

The market reaction to all of this right now is even more striking. In recent days, governments have released roughly 400 million barrels from their strategic petroleum reserves. In context, it is the largest coordinated emergency release ever attempted. Again, most parties, especially policymakers, supported, of course, by the IEA, by the logic of a true supply glut, believing that this move would crush prices. Reality, again, presented the opposite: crude oil prices barely moved downward. In fact, within a very short time, they continued to climb. You can clearly state that US President Trumps statements, which moved the oil market by a very temporary 30%, had the same effect in the end: nil.

Related: Little-Known US Company Lands Important Pentagon Contract in Rare Earth Race

The market should now start to realize that this implication is stark. If the releases of hundreds of millions of barrels of emergency crude dont result in a market depression, the reality is that the system is not oversupplied but structurally tight.

To understand the reasons behind it, we first need to look at the scale of the disruption. Roughly 20 percent of global oil flows pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making it the most critical maritime energy chokepoint on Earth. Any partial disruption in this area will result in the removal of millions of barrels per day from global supply chains. Not only are barrels being removed, but more importantly, tankers reroute, insurance costs explode, and export logistics break down.

Again, foresight, or just thinking the unthinkable, recognizing changes in behavior, is needed. The current crisis has shown that the expectations, which were presented as a hard fact, that Iran is never going to close Hormuz, have now been proven wrong: Hormuz is effectively closed for a prolonged period of time. The disruption has also reached levels that analysts were only studying as a theoretical option, leaving no room to discuss resilience measures. At times, between six and eight million barrels per day of supply have been affected. The main reasons are clear: shipping risks, infrastructure attacks, operational slowdowns, and GCC producers' precautionary export cuts.

The market, until now, has also been relying on the theory that there will be safety valves to prevent a global oil market crisis. Again, the valves dont exist or dont work.

As most know, the global oil market system has relied for decades on the theory and statements of OPEC producers that there is a simple stabilizing mechanism: OPEC spare capacity. The main power player in this was always the OPEC Kingpin, Saudi Arabia, with support from others such as the UAE. Whenever prices rose sharply, Riyadh would be able to inject several million bpd into the market.

What has been forgotten is geography! Spare capacity only matters if it not only actually exists but also can be deployed and reach markets.

The real buffer at present is much lower, or doesnt even exist, as shown by the current crisis. Before the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, OPECs spare production capacity was estimated to be between 3 and 4 million bpd, which is a very cozy cushion. Most of this is concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Keep in mind, most of these spare production capacity figures are theoretical, as they are based on ideal conditions and infrastructure operating at maximum efficiency. The latter matters, ideal conditions and efficiency, have not been proven in recent years, but have always been taken for granted by traders and policymakers.

At the same time, it should have been realized that in practice, spare capacity cannot be switched on like a light. To reach these levels, non-producing fields must ramp up (time), export terminals must function normally and operate at stated levels, and there should be a safe passage for tankers through shipping lanes. In a Gulf conflict, especially with a closure of Hormuz, attacks on GCC states, and a growing possibility of Iranian proxy Houthis getting involved, these conditions do not exist.

Related: Inside North Americas First Fully Integrated Rare Earth Facility

When doing a reassessment now, which should have been done already before, via foresight or Black Swan analysis, all of the above means that the global oil system has been operating much closer to its production ceiling than was assumed by traders, analysts, and energy agencies. Excel sheets or algorithms dont always show reality. Global supply today hovers around 102 to 103 million bpd, while demand remains stubbornly high despite the energy transition narrative.

We are now looking at a dangerously narrow band, as the margin between available supply and actual consumption has shrunk.

At the same time, strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) are meant to supply the final layer of protection against disruptions. The limits of this, and the theory behind it, have now been revealed.

400 million barrels entering the market may seem enormous, but keep in mind that the world currently consumes, on average, more than 100 million barrels every single day. If no oil were produced elsewhere, this would mean only four days of global demand. These volumes will be spread over several months, providing only marginal, less effective relief. It clearly doesnt fundamentally change the current supply balance. It may even create a new problem.

First of all, every barrel released must be replaced, as governments cannot allow these emergency buffers to run low or remain empty indefinitely. When the Iran crisis is stabilized, all these countries will have to start buying new barrels to replenish their reserves.

This, which is partly missed in most analyses, means that the market is not only absorbing extra supply today, but creating additional demand in the future, 400 million barrels. This additional future demand, on top of already growing crude oil demand in the coming years, will come at a time when supply capacity is becoming increasingly constrained.

The outcome is clear, at least to some: oil markets will tighten, with or without an Iran crisis. This situation will persist even after the immediate conflict subsides. It also means, but most governments won't admit this, the SPR release is putting a price bottom for the future.

Another illusion that is currently collapsing is the idea that sanctioned oil provides a hidden surplus. In recent years, Russian and Iranian crudes have been flowing into global markets. Sanctions have not been effective, as Moscow and Tehran have been setting up opaque trading networks, or so-called shadow fleets. Market pundits have been citing these barrels as evidence that the world had more oil than it needed. The current crisis again shows these flows are not excess supply, but essential components of a fragile global system. The market will tighten very quickly if these flows are removed. Some could argue that this is the reason why Iranian crude volumes still move via Hormuz as we speak. Some parties do not want to shock the market even further, given all the negative consequences. Tehran and Moscow are still receiving revenue, which should not be the case.

US shale is another example of this misconception. Even though American crude oil production has grown dramatically over the past decade, caused by the shale revolution, making it the worlds largest oil producer, shale production is hitting its own limits. At present, the decline rate of wells is increasing, which means constant drilling to maintain output, aka, the need for continuing or even increasing capital. As seen right now, capital discipline among producers and investor pressure for returns is slowing down the pace of expansion. For global markets, shale can still grow, but it has no option to replace the massive geopolitical disruptions in the Gulf instantly. Volumes are not available, and there are also crude quality constraints.

At the same time, the oil sector is also facing years of declining upstream investment. Contrary to IEA reports, the world needs to counter the situation since the mid-2010s, as global spending, especially on new oil projects (on- and offshore), has been lagging structurally and even dangerously below the levels required to expand long-term capacity. One of the underlying reasons is that energy companies have been facing pressure from investors, regulators, and, especially, European governments, not only to reduce their overall hydrocarbon exposure but also to accelerate renewable investments. This situation, which has been increasingly criticized, is now a cause of shortages. The shift from more hydrocarbon investments to more renewables has created a paradox. The world is consuming and will continue to consume more than 100 million bpd of oil, while the investment pipeline to expand supply has been weakened or, at times, blocked entirely.

The above situation has eroded spare capacity over time. Even though production has been high, the ability to counter shocks (spare production) has declined dramatically. The world is now facing the reality of its own strategic mistakes.

Oil markets are not going to return to equilibrium instantly, even if peace is signed today. Markets should realize that not only has physical infrastructure across the region been damaged or strained by the conflict and operational disruptions, but also that it has been affected by the conflict and operational disruptions. At the same time, it is not physically or technically possible to restart export terminals, pipelines, and storage facilities at full capacity overnight.

Oil production itself is also highly sensitive to operational interruptions, as shut-down wells require careful re-pressurization and technical adjustments before they can return to stable output.

It should also be noted that shipping logistics will take time to return to normal, especially given the immense constraints around Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the Gulf itself. This will mean a situation in which supply restoration will be slower than many analysts assume.

To make matters worse, global oil demand continues to grow. If a market lacks spare capacity, even modest growth of 1 million bpd in a year will tighten it. If we also add the 400 million barrels of SPR replenishment, demand will not only be higher but also face a structural deficit for years.

In that extremely possible scenario, it will not be hard to see reasons to support a situation in which oil prices could remain elevated long after the immediate crisis fades. A possible new short-term baseline has already been discussed, hovering above $100 per barrel. This is not fiction or a temporary spike. If, in the next days or weeks, infrastructure damage increases (or worsens), combined with geopolitical tensions, levels of $120 or even $150 cannot be ruled out.

Analysts and policymakers should read history, as the latter offers a clear warning to be taken into account. Major oil shocks rarely disappear quickly, as shown by the crises of 1973, 1979, and 1990, each of which created prolonged periods of elevated prices and new geopolitical realities. The current shock follows a similar pattern but could even have much harsher long-term effects.

The geopolitical implications are profound, as energy security is back at the center of global strategic thinking. Governments are now looking at the uncomfortable reality that oil remains the backbone of the global economy. It is even worse; natural gas will exhibit the same features. The illusion of abundance has allowed Western policymakers and advisors to believe the transition away from hydrocarbons would be smooth. It would not put energy security at risk. The Hormuz crisis demonstrates the risks of that assumption.

Oil markets have never been defined by total production alone, but also by spare capacity, logistical resilience, and geopolitical stability. All of that has disappeared, resulting in price volatility. That is precisely the environment we are looking at right now.

The myth of the oil glut is over. The world realizes again that oil markets are fragile systems balanced on narrow margins. When margins disappear, the consequences will reshape the global economy.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The disruption to Qatars LNG system is now spreading through the global trading network. Shell and TotalEnergies have begun notifying customers that deliveries may be disrupted after QatarEnergy halted LNG production following drone strikes on Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. These companies buy cargoes from Qatar and resell them under their own contracts to utilities and industrial buyers across Europe and Asia. When upstream supply stops, those downstream commitments cannot be guaranteed. Traders therefore begin declaring force majeure to their own customers, passing the disruption through the contract chain. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively stopped, leaving Qatar unable to move LNG cargoes out of the Gulf. The shutdown removes a large portion of global LNG supply from the market at once. Buyers in Asia are already bidding cargoes away from Europe, tightening availability for European utilities. Qatars energy minister has warned that restoring LNG exports could take weeks or months even if the conflict ends immediately, which means the real impact on contractual deliveries is likely to begin appearing in April.

Oil on War Footing

The disruption to Qatars LNG system is now spreading through the global trading network. Shell and TotalEnergies have begun notifying customers that deliveries may be disrupted after QatarEnergy halted LNG production following drone strikes on Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. These companies buy cargoes from Qatar and resell them under their own contracts to utilities and industrial buyers across Europe and Asia. When upstream supply stops, those downstream commitments cannot be guaranteed. Traders therefore begin declaring force majeure to their own customers, passing the disruption through the contract chain. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively stopped, leaving Qatar unable to move LNG cargoes out of the Gulf. The shutdown removes a large portion of global LNG supply from the market at once. Buyers in Asia are already bidding cargoes away from Europe, tightening availability for European utilities. Qatars energy minister has warned that restoring LNG exports could take weeks or months even if the conflict ends immediately, which means the real impact on contractual deliveries is likely to begin appearing in April.

Saudi Aramco is moving quickly to harden its oil infrastructure as drone attacks spread across the Gulf. The company is negotiating with Ukrainian defense firms to buy interceptor drones designed to shoot down incoming UAVs before they reach oil fields and processing facilities. Discussions involve Ukrainian manufacturers SkyFall and Wild Hornets, which produce drone interceptors, as well as Phantom Defense, which builds electronic warfare systems capable of jamming drone communications. The interest reflects how quickly the threat environment has changed for Gulf energy infrastructure. Iranian drones and missiles have already targeted facilities across the region, and Aramco is trying to build its own defensive layer rather than relying entirely on national air defense systems. The company is also competing with other Gulf buyers for the same technology as governments rush to secure similar systems. At the same time, Aramco remains one of the main beneficiaries of the market shock the war has created. Oil prices have moved back above $100 a barrel, pushing the companys share price higher and helping Saudi equities post gains despite the regional instability. In other words, Aramco is spending to protect its assets even as the conflict driving those threats is also lifting the price of the product it sells.

Washington is considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act as fuel prices climb during the war with Iran. The law, adopted in 1920, requires cargo moved between U.S. ports to travel on ships that are built, owned and registered in the United States. Waiving it would allow foreign tankers to move fuel and other cargo between American ports, expanding the number of vessels available to carry refined products around the country. The White House says the measure is being examined as a national security step to keep energy supplies moving while global markets remain under pressure.

Brazil has removed federal taxes on diesel imports and sales as oil prices climb above $100 a barrel and pressure builds across the countrys transport and agricultural sectors. The government eliminated the PIS and Cofins taxes in an attempt to limit the immediate pass-through of higher international prices into the domestic fuel market. Officials announced the measure at the presidential palace in Brasilia after the latest surge in crude prices linked to attacks around the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel is the fuel where Brazil is most exposed to global price swings. The country produces large volumes of crude but still imports a significant share of the diesel it consumes, leaving the domestic market sensitive to changes in international supply and shipping costs. Industry estimates suggest roughly 30 percent of Brazils diesel demand is met through imports. The concern in Brasilia is less about motorists and more about the supply chain. Diesel is the main fuel used by freight trucks that move agricultural goods, industrial products and food across the country. Any rapid increase in pump prices feeds directly into transport costs and eventually into food prices. The tax cut is intended to buy time while global markets remain volatile. Oil briefly approached $120 earlier in the week after attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz disrupted tanker traffic and raised fears of a wider supply shock. Even after pulling back, crude has remained above $100, keeping pressure on diesel import costs for countries that rely heavily on foreign supply.

Discovery & Development

Equinor has confirmed a series of new oil and gas finds around the Sleipner and Troll hubs in the Norwegian North Sea. The discoveries are small by global standards but sit close to existing infrastructure, which allows them to be developed quickly through subsea tie-backs rather than new standalone platforms. The Byrding C discovery near the Troll area is estimated to hold between 4 and 8 million barrels of recoverable oil. Around Sleipner, four recent exploration wells have identified gas and condensate resources estimated at 55 to 140 million barrels of oil equivalent. The fields are located within producing license areas and can be connected directly to existing pipelines and processing systems that already send gas to Europe.

Trump is promoting what he called a historic $300 billion deal to build a new oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas, but the numbers behind the announcement tell a much smaller story. The project itself appears to be a roughly 160,000-168,000 bpd refinery proposed by developer America First Refining, a continuation of a project previously advanced by Texas startup Element Fuels. If constructed, it would indeed be one of the first new U.S. crude refineries built from scratch in decades. But the $300B figure does not represent the cost of the refinery. Instead, it combines an estimated $125B in crude oil that would be processed over about 2 decades with about $175B in projected refined product output over the same period. In other words, it totals decades of commodity flows rather than capital investment. Actual construction costs for a refinery of that size would likely be in the single-digit billions. The project is also still early-stage: the developer says construction could begin in 2026, and a refinery of that scale would typically take several years to complete. Even if built, its output would be small relative to the countrys existing refining system, which processes more than 18 million barrels per day.
Concerns intensified as attacks on vessels and oil infrastructure were reported in the Gulf region. Tankers were struck in Iraqi waters and Iranian leadership signaled it could keep the strait closed as tensions escalated.

The waterway handles roughly a fifth of the worlds seaborne oil supply, making it one of the most sensitive choke points in global energy markets. Early in the week, oil prices surged after reports that the expanding U.S.Israeli conflict with Iran could disrupt shipments through the Strait. Traders immediately began pricing in the possibility of prolonged supply interruptions.

The biggest driver of the rally was the escalating conflict involving Iran and growing threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the center of the price surge was rising concern over oil flows through one of the worlds most important energy corridors.

The week saw both benchmarks swing sharply as the market tried to price in the risk of a major supply disruption in the Middle East. By Thursdays close, nearby West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading at $96.77, up $5.87 or 6.46%, reflecting how quickly sentiment shifted during the week.

Crude oil markets experienced intense volatility between March 8 and March 12 as traders reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions, threats to global oil shipping routes, and emergency supply measures from major consuming nations.

Crude oil markets experienced intense volatility between March 8 and March 12 as traders reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions, threats to global oil shipping routes, and emergency supply measures from major consuming nations.

The week saw both benchmarks swing sharply as the market tried to price in the risk of a major supply disruption in the Middle East. By Thursdays close, nearby West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading at $96.77, up $5.87 or 6.46%, reflecting how quickly sentiment shifted during the week.

At the center of the price surge was rising concern over oil flows through one of the worlds most important energy corridors.

Strait of Hormuz Threats Ignite Supply Fears

The biggest driver of the rally was the escalating conflict involving Iran and growing threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway handles roughly a fifth of the worlds seaborne oil supply, making it one of the most sensitive choke points in global energy markets. Early in the week, oil prices surged after reports that the expanding U.S.Israeli conflict with Iran could disrupt shipments through the Strait. Traders immediately began pricing in the possibility of prolonged supply interruptions.

Concerns intensified as attacks on vessels and oil infrastructure were reported in the Gulf region. Tankers were struck in Iraqi waters and Iranian leadership signaled it could keep the strait closed as tensions escalated.

Those developments fueled fears that millions of barrels per day of supply could be temporarily removed from the global market, pushing prices sharply higher during the week.

Attacks on Energy Infrastructure Add to Market Anxiety

Beyond shipping concerns, physical energy infrastructure also became a key focus for traders.

Several strikes targeted fuel and oil facilities across the region, reinforcing the idea that the conflict could spread beyond naval disruptions. A fuel facility in Bahrain was hit while cargo ships and tankers operating in Gulf waters were attacked.

Each new incident added to the uncertainty about whether exports from major Middle Eastern producers could continue uninterrupted.

Energy traders tend to react quickly to any sign that infrastructure could be damaged or taken offline. Even the possibility of temporary outages can tighten expectations for global supply, which helps explain why prices moved higher so quickly during the week.

IEA Warns of Historic Supply Disruption

Another key catalyst for market volatility was a stark warning from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The agency said the conflict had triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, estimating that Middle Eastern output had fallen by roughly 10 million barrels per day as several Gulf producers curtailed production and exports.

That level of disruption represents a significant share of global oil demand and immediately caught the attention of energy markets.

The IEA also sharply lowered its forecast for global supply growth this year as a result of the conflict. The revised outlook suggested the oil market could remain tighter than previously expected if the crisis continued.

For traders, the message was clear: the risk of a sustained supply shock had increased.

Strategic Reserve Releases Attempt to Calm Markets

In response to the surge in oil prices, governments moved quickly to try to stabilize the market.

The IEA coordinated what it described as the largest emergency oil release ever, announcing that member countries would make around 400 million barrels available from strategic reserves. The United States alone pledged to release about 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

The goal was to offset potential shortages and reassure markets that emergency supplies were available if exports from the Gulf were disrupted.

However, traders remained skeptical about how much the reserve release could actually ease supply concerns. Analysts noted that while the additional barrels could provide temporary relief, they would not solve the underlying problem if the Strait of Hormuz remained restricted or if infrastructure attacks continued.

Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures

Trend Indicator Analysis

The main trend is up according to the weekly swing chart and moving average analysis. A trade through $119.48 will reaffirm the uptrend. A close below $90.90 will form a weekly closing price reversal top. This wont change the trend downward, but it will indicate that the selling is greater than the buying at current price levels. Its often formed to alleviate some of the upside pressure, also. If confirmed, it could trigger a 2 to 3 week correction.

The main range is $54.63 to $119.48. Its retracement zone at $87.06 to $79.40 is support. This was tested successfully after the weekly top was reached at $119.48.

The new short-term range is $119.48 to $76.73. Its retracement zone at $98.11 to $103.15 is potential resistance. This zone is important to the short-term structure. If sellers successfully defend it, then a secondary lower top will form on the daily chart, but not on the weekly, suggesting that sellers are taking control. However, overtaking $103.15 will signal that the buying may be strong enough to challenge $119.48 to $130.00.

Weekly Technical Forecast

The direction of the weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market for the week ending March 20 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the 50% level at $98.11 and the 61.8% level at $103.15.

Bullish Scenario

A sustained move above $98.11 will signal the presence of buyers. This move could create the upside momentum needed to test the Fibonacci level at $103.15. This price is potential resistance and the trigger point for an acceleration to the upside, with $119.48 to $130.00 the next major target zone.

Bearish Scenario

The inability to overcome $103.15 will signal the presence of sellers. If the selling is strong enough to take out $98.11, then we could see a plunge into the retracement zone at $87.06 to $79.40. This is the last potential support before the 52-week moving average at $61.93.

Market Volatility Reflects Uncertain Supply Outlook

By the end of the week, oil prices were reacting almost entirely to geopolitical headlines rather than traditional supply and demand data.

Every new report about tanker attacks, infrastructure strikes, or military escalation triggered rapid price moves in both Brent and WTI. Traders also began watching closely for signs of military intervention that could reopen key shipping lanes.

While strategic reserve releases provided some reassurance, the markets overall direction remained tied to developments in the Middle East.

As long as the conflict threatens oil production, infrastructure, or shipping routes, crude markets are likely to remain highly sensitive to new information and vulnerable to sudden price swings.

Technically, all eyes will be on trader reaction to the retracement zones at $98.11 to $103.15 and $87.06 to $79.40. After this weeks early surge to $119.48, the market spent most of its time between $87.06 and $98.11, suggesting this is where the buyers and sellers will be fighting for dominance.
The top Asian refiner, Chinas state-controlled Sinopec, plans to slash this month its refinery processing rates by 11-13% as crude supply is choked by the Middle East war, Reuters reported on Friday, quoting sources with knowledge of the refining giants operations.

Sinopec, whose refineries account for a third of all Chinese throughput, plans to lower its crude runs by between 600,000 and 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) in March, from initial plans to process 5.2 million bpd. The loss in refinery throughput does not include regular refinery maintenance that was planned or started before the war, according to Reuters sources.

The plan to cut rates at Sinopec is part of Chinas broader push to preserve fuel supply for the domestic market amid the crude supply crisis, which has already resulted in a ban to all fuel exports from earlier this week.

More than half of Sinopecs daily crude imports of 4 million bpd, namely 2.4 million bpd, come from the Middle East via annual term contracts with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Sinopec has little option other than cutting runs, and immediately, one of the sources told Reuters.

Sinopec is also set to prioritize fuel output to petrochemicals to ensure sufficient supply to the Chinese market and benefit from the soaring fuel cracks.

Overall, the war could force up to 6.0 million bpd cuts to crude runs across Asia in April, as refineries face severe supply disruption with 65% dependency on Middle East crude, Wood Mackenzie analysts said earlier this week. Thats under a worst-case scenario in which existing emergency stockpiles are not used, according to WoodMac.

The consultancys current analysis assumes refiners can get access to the emergency stockpiles. Under this scenario, the impact on the crude runs for April 2026 would be China cutting rates by 750,000 bpd despite adequate stock levels, and India slashing utilization by 8%, that is, reducing runs by 400,000 bpd.

Global fuel markets will only tighten from here, as Asia reduces or bans exports, and fuel supply from the Middle East is slashed.

More than 3 million bpd of refining capacity in the Middle East region has already shut due to attacks and a lack of viable export outlets, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report on Thursday.

Runs elsewhere will be increasingly limited due to feedstock availability, the IEA noted.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Sales of electric vehicles globally booked another monthly decline in February, after dipping in January, mostly on the back of a marked slowdown in purchases in China.

The country, which is the worlds biggest EV market, saw a sizable 32% decline in new electric car and hybrid registrations. The decline followed the phaseout of a tax incentive at the end of last year and the cancellation of funding for so-called trade-ins. As a result, new EV and hybrid registrations in February stood at less than 500,000 cars, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported, as cited by Reuters.

Global sales of electric cars declined by 11% in February to around 1 million vehicles. This was the lowest monthly total since February 24, Reuters noted in its report. The total was also dragged down by sales in North America, which fell for the fifth month in a row, following Trumps clampdown on incentives. The total stood at fewer than 90,000 cars last month, down 35%.

Europe, as usual, bucked the trend in China and North America, booking a 21% increase in EV registrations as European governments stick with incentives they see as crucial for the electrification of transporta fundamental part of net-zero efforts.

Germany notably reconsidered the cancellation of an EV incentive scheme that the government approved two years ago, which led to a slump in sales. The cancellation was prompted by budgetary difficulties. Earlier this year, however, the Merz coalition brought back the scheme, committing some 3.5 billion euros to it over the period to 2029 in a bid to help its struggling car manufacturing industry and pursue its net-zero goals.

The current oil crisis in the Middle East could provide an additional incentive to car buyers to go electric, but on the other hand, it could have a deterring effect as higher oil prices make everything else costlier, too, extending all the way to cars.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Oil producers in the Arab Gulf have already lost at least $15.1 billion in oil and gas revenues since the start of the Middle East war, per estimates by commodities analytics firm Kpler cited by the Financial Times.

The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off since March 1, millions of barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products, and 20% of the global LNG supply.

Since the war began, Gulf producers have already lost $15.1 billion in revenues, based on estimates that the choked supplies that cannot pass the Strait of Hormuz were worth $1.2 billion per day, based on average 2025 prices and volumes, according to Kpler.

Shortly after the war started, Qatar announced it was halting LNG production at Ras Laffan, the worlds biggest liquefaction complex, and issued force majeure notices to customers.

Combined with the volumes from the United Arab Emirates, the war is trapping 20% of the global LNG supply in the Gulf.

The situation with oil is equally direGulf producers have already shut in about 10% of daily global oil production, and losses are bound to mount in the coming days and weeks as attacks on ships in the Gulf, and on export infrastructure in Oman and Fujairah, are expanding the conflict to a much wider area than the Strait of Hormuz itself.

With limited capacity available to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and storage filling up, Gulf producers have slashed their combined oil output by at least 10 million barrels per day, the IEA said in its monthly Oil Market Report on Thursday.

Alternative routes such as Saudi exports from the Yanbu terminal on the Red Sea, arent enough to offset the huge loss of supply from the Strait of Hormuz route.

The East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia has 7 million bpd capacity on paper, but there is the question about how much the terminals at Yanbu can load, with some estimates putting this capacity at around 3 million bpd, Vortexa said last week.

Prior to the war, Aramco was exporting about 6 million bpd via the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia has lost the most revenues since the war started, but the biggest loser in terms of strained government finances would be Iraq, which is the most reliant on oil revenues and doesnt have a large sovereign wealth buffer as Kuwait, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia do, analysts say.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabia has slashed oil output by roughly 20% as the war with Iran continues to choke off exports from the Persian Gulf, in what could become one of the largest sudden supply losses the global oil market has ever faced.

Saudi production has dropped by about 2 million barrels per day to around 8 million bpd after the kingdom shut down output from the massive Safaniya and Zuluf offshore fields, according to sources cited by Reuters. The two fields together produce more than 2 million bpd of mainly heavy and medium-heavy crude.

The shutdown is just the latest in the mounting disruption across the Gulf since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked to most commercial tanker traffic, producers across the region have been forced to shut in large volumes of crude.

Saudi Arabia has attempted to reroute some exports westward through its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, but that system primarily carries lighter crude grades and cannot fully compensate for the loss of offshore production tied to Gulf export routes.

The production cut marks a sharp reversal from February, when Saudi Arabia boosted output to 10.882 million bpd and supplied 10.111 million bpd to the market as part of contingency planning ahead of potential regional conflict.

Now the kingdom, the worlds largest oil exporter and the holder of most global spare capacity, is being forced to pull barrels off the market instead.

The International Energy Agency had already said earlier this week that Gulf producersincluding Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirateshave already cut at least 10 million barrels per day of oil production due to the shipping disruptions.

That represents roughly 10% of the global supply.

Unless shipping routes reopen quickly, the supply losses could deepen further, pushing oil prices sharply higher as refiners around the world scramble to replace barrels that may remain stranded in the Gulf for weeks or even months.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The operator of Tengiz, the biggest oilfield in Kazakhstan, on Friday said it is investigating an incident from Wednesday, which has not interrupted supply.

The field, operated by a Chevron-led consortium, has not stopped oil production, sources told Reuters.

Uninterrupted operations at Tengiz, which has the capacity to produce as much as 950,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, would be crucial for global oil supply at these times in which about 10% of daily oil supply is already shut in by the producers in the Middle East, while millions of barrels of crude and products cannot reach their destinations with the blockage at the Strait of Hormuz.

The company is assessing the root cause in line with established processes, Tengizchevroil, the operator of Tengiz, said in a statement on Friday carried by Reuters.

The field has seen major production setbacks this year, with supply further strangled by bottlenecks at the export terminals on the Russian Black Sea coast.

Related: This Ohio Factory is Trumps Secret Weapon in the Rare Earth War

The huge Tengiz field was forced to shut down in January, following a fire at the site that damaged critical power supply.

Since then, the field has resumed operations and has been gradually raising production.

However, the pace of the ramp-up has been slowed due to severe storms in the Black Sea terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which handles most of Kazakhstans crude oil exports.

Alerts of potential drone strikes from Ukraine on the energy infrastructure on the Russian Black Sea coast have also disrupted loading schedules and forced the Tengiz field to hold off ramp-ups as storage tanks have filled.

These factors have prevented Tengiz from reaching peak production on February 23, as initially planned.

Tengizchevroils shareholders include Chevron with a 50% stake, ExxonMobil with 25%, Kazakhstans state oil and gas firm KazMunayGaz with a 20% interest, and Russian Lukoil with 5%.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Rosanna Arquette has blasted Harvey Weinstein after the disgraced producer suggested her sexual misconduct allegations against him were "exaggerated".

Rosanna Arquette has hit back at Harvey Weinstein

The Pulp Fiction actress was one of a number of actresses to speak out about Weinstein - who she alleged had tried to make her touch his penis when she visited his hotel room to discuss a script in the 1990s - for Ronan Farrow's 2017 New Yorker expose, which ultimately led to his arrest and 16-year jail sentence and she was recently singled out by the producer as having helped to "destroy" him by not being honest about her experiences.

Weinstein had fumed to The Hollywood Reporter: "If the camera's on, I'm just going to say Rosanna Arquette, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie  they just exaggerated. They wanted to be part of the club. And they destroyed me...

"I misled them. I cheated on both my wives. That's immoral. But I did not assault them. That is the big lie of all of this. I won't apologise for something I didn't do. I will be proven innocent. That I promise you."

Rosanna has now furiously hit back in a lengthy statement to The Wrap, in which she insisted she has "never exaggerated" what happened to her and stressed her belief that turning down Weinstein's advances damaged her career.

She wrote: "I have never exaggerated my assault. Ever. My account of what happened has never changed. A simple Google search makes this clear. If, by saying 'exaggerated', he means the retribution I endured, Ronan Farrows investigation into those claims (made by others as well) substantiated the 'blackballing' with respect to me. Ronans work speaks for itself.

"There was/is no 'club' to belong to as a Harvey Weinstein assault survivor. Being a survivor of assault or rape is not a club. I cant believe that has to be said."

The statement began with a blunt insistence that the incidents Weinstein had been accused of "happened".

She wrote: "When it comes to the events that led to Harvey Weinsteins convictions, plural, by juries of his peers, here are the facts:

"The assaults happened. The rapes happened.

"Prior to his convictions, the rapes and assaults were substantiated by investigative journalists at different legacy news outlets, passing the meticulous scrutiny of teams of lawyers and editors through a rigorous pre-publication process.

"Criminal investigations were conducted by law enforcement agencies in Manhattan and Los Angeles. The facts and evidence of these crimes were brought to courtrooms, where Harvey Weinstein was given the full benefits of due process and was represented by the best attorneys his ample wealth could provide. He was tried and convicted for these crimes. While his New York conviction was overturned due to procedural reasons, the jury did find him guilty; a re-trial found him guilty of one count of sexual assault. His California conviction stands, and he remains in prison.

"There are allegations of rape and assault from survivors who were minors at the time.

"These are the facts. Its important to remember them and put them first, especially when a highly skilled storyteller, like Weinstein, is seeking to upend them (with a publicist by his side in prison, no less!)."

Despite her experiences, Rosanna has "compassion" for Weinstein's family and hopes he succeeds in his bid to be transferred out of "horrific" Rikers Island prison.

She wrote: "Rikers Island prison complex is a horrific place. Its existence is a condemnation of our justice system, and I firmly believe it should be shut down. I wish Harvey Weinstein success in getting transferred to a more humane prison. His human rights, and the rights of every prisoner, are as important as every other human beings and deserve to be upheld.

"I feel compassion for his children and ex-wives for the pain this is causing them."

And the 66-year-old actress has long forgiven Weinstein so she could move past what happened.

She wrote: "I believe in forgiveness, and I forgave Harvey Weinstein long ago. Not because he asked for it (a necessary first step in redemption, which he has failed to take), but because I didnt want to carry the resentment.

"I didnt, and still dont, want my life defined by assault or retribution. I wish I didnt have to write this, but the interview happened.

"And I felt that both the false accusations made against me, and the fog he attempts to weave by denying facts, called for a response."
Oil prices edged lower in early Asian trade on Friday morning after the United States issued a temporary license allowing countries to purchase Russian crude and petroleum products currently stranded at sea.

The move, which promises to provide some temporary relief to global oil markets, helped push Brent crude down 0.38% to $100.10 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures dropped by 0.58% to $95.17 per barrel.

The 30-day waiver, permitting the purchase of Russian oil cargoes already loaded on tankers but left stranded by sanctions and market disruptions, is designed to ease the supply shock caused by tankers being unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, emphasized that the waiver only applies to shipments already at sea and "will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government".

The announcement comes as the United States and its allies attempt to counter the largest oil supply shock in decades caused by escalating hostilities across the Middle East. The U.S. Energy Department said earlier this week it would release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to curb soaring fuel prices following the outbreak of war involving Iran.

That effort was coordinated with the International Energy Agency, which has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels from strategic reserves worldwide to help stabilize markets.

The relief provided by stockpile releases was short-lived, however, thanks to growing concerns of prolonged supply disruptions as Iran continued to attack vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday, Brent closed above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, and plenty of upside pressure remains.

Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to continue the fight. He used his first public message as supreme leader to say Iran would block the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel.

While Saudi Arabia is rerouting crude through its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea and the UAE is using its pipeline capacity to help bypass the Strait of Hormuz, there is no long-term solution to replace the barrels that Iran has so far managed to keep off the market. Unless the Strait reopens, and soon, expect prices to continue to climb.

By Josh Owens for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabia has opened a tender for two million barrels of its flagship Arab Light grade for loading this month from its Red Sea port of Yanbu, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed traders.

This is Saudi Arabias fourth oil tender as it seeks to redirect crude supply from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has pivoted onshore Arab Light volumes onto the 7 million barrels per day Petroline from the east to Yanbu on its western shores. This has pushed Yanbus oil exports to about 2.47 million bpd, a massive 330% surge compared with pre-war levels, according to Windward data.

The Saudi pivot to the Red Sea is already visible in supertanker movements as 27 such vessels are currently observed to be heading toward Yanbu, compared with 18 vessels for Jeddah and three each for Jizan, Duba, and Rabigh.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Saudis were asking Asian clients to nominate cargoes for April loading, including from its eastern terminals. However, Arab Light will only be loading from Yanbu, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources again.

There are, however, constraints on Yanbu outflows of crude. The Petroline pipeline may have a nameplate capacity of 7 million barrels daily, but the terminals at Yanbu have a much smaller capacity than that, per Vortexa data, which suggests they can load 3 million barrels daily at most.

Meanwhile, a tanker that loaded Saudi crude at Yanbu earlier this month has reached India, after successfully crossing the Strait of Hormuz, The Hindu reported on Thursday. The tanker is carrying 1 million barrels of Saudi crude. Iran reportedly said this week it would allow Indian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following negotiations between the foreign ministers of the two countries. According to a Reuters report citing an unnamed source, there were two more tankers had also recently passed the Strait of Hormuz en route to the subcontinent.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces had launched a major bombing raid on Irans strategic Kharg Island, targeting military facilities on the key Persian Gulf outpost while warning Tehran that its vital oil infrastructure could be destroyed if shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

In a social media statement, Trump said that at his direction the United States Central Command carried out one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East, claiming U.S. forces had totally obliterated every military target on Kharg Island.

Trump said the United States had deliberately avoided striking the islands oil infrastructure, which handles the vast majority of Irans crude exports.

For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the oil infrastructure on the island, Trump wrote, warning that the decision could change if Iran interferes with ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most critical oil shipping chokepoint.

Speaking to reporters earlier Friday, Trump said the U.S. military campaign would continue as long as necessary, while claiming the operation was way ahead of schedule. He also suggested the U.S. Navy would soon begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on shipping.

Kharg Island sits about 25 kilometers off Irans southwestern coast and serves as the backbone of the countrys oil export system. The terminal accounts for roughly 90% of Iranian crude shipments, loading millions of barrels per day onto tankers bound largely for Asian markets.

Because so much of Irans export capacity is concentrated in one location, the island represents a critical economic lifeline. Analysts say destroying the terminal could cripple Irans economy for months or even yearsbut could also send global oil prices sharply higher.

So far, U.S. and Israeli strikes in the conflict have largely targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Oil facilities elsewhere in Iran have been hit, but Khargs massive storage tanks, jetties, and pipelines had remained untouched until the latest strike.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Unusual story in The Oregonian today.

A 95-year old lady sent a letter to the Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy. She urged him to wear sleeves to cover his tattoos.

Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy posted the letter 

 and posted with it his reply 

He called her small minded.

Insulting a constituent is a risky endeavor.

Insulting a 95-year old is never proper.

Putting the insult up on social media along with the persons name is really wrong.

Read more here.

 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).
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

 $75,000 zoo party: Oregons regional transit agency, Tri-Met, spent an astonishing $75,029 for an employee appreciation event at the zoo. This is at the same time the agency (1) is facing a $300 million shortfall, (2) just raised bus ticket prices by double digits, and (3) increased the transit payroll tax in 2025. That transit payroll tax is a tax on wages, regardless if you use transit or not. This regional transit payroll tax is not to be confused with the (.1%) statewide payroll transit tax, which is the only such statewide transit tax in the nation. (KATU 11/15/25)

 Talent show, goat therapy event: Four Portland city agencies (water, transportation, public works, and parks) spent an estimated $11,589 on a city employee appreciation party featuring a talent show and therapy goats. A spokesperson said the $11,000 party was modest and was needed to help employees connect to each other. At the same time the party was held, one of the agencies warned that it was laying off 50 employees due to cuts. (Willamette Week 9/16/25)

 Kotek concert tickets. State auditors faulted Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for spending $550 in tax dollars on concert tickets for herself and others to attend three separate concerts. Her office also spent $63 on movie tickets. (Yahoo News 1/8/25).

 Lavish Christmas party. The Oregon Energy Trust spent a combined $26,500 on a Christmas party and an employee retirement party. The Oregon Energy Trust is funded by a mandatory 3% tax on your utility bill called the Public Purpose Charge. Previously, the Trust had so much money lying around that auditors faulted them for sitting on $14 million in unspent funds. (State audit June 2018, also State Audit May 2012)

 Cruise party: Portland Public Schools spent $13,000 for a group retirement party aboard a boat. This included $1,068 for flowers shipped from Hawaii and $1,700 spent on crystal appreciation giveaway gifts. (Oregon Education Audit 1/2019)

 $3 million for Portland festivals. In 2025, a $3 million state grant was awarded to a private nonprofit to support festivals at Portlands Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It is not the role of the government to force rural Oregonians to pay for festivals in big cities that they cannot reasonably attend, as they are seven hours away. Some of these festivals charge as much as $145 to attend. (HB 5006, 2025)

 $200,000 Kotek spouse event. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek spent $200,000 of taxpayer dollars hiring a consulting firm to put on a one-day mental-health conference that primarily featured Koteks spouse. The $200,000 conference had only 28 guest attendees making it cost taxpayers over $,7000 per guest to attend. (Oregonlive 8/2/24)

 $10 million for mega-restaurant. The taxpayer-funded James Beard Food Court is delayed and over budget by millions. The Celebrity Food Court has received a $10 million grant from the State of Oregon. That will not help much since the project is $15 million over budget. Already nearby is another food court, The Flock, which is taxpayer subsidized. That food court is in the same building as Oregons most expensive hotel/condo, the Ritz-Carlton, which also received tax subsidies. The Ritz-Carlton only lasted one year before spiraling towards bankruptcy. (KGW 1/17/25)


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

This has been hell week for Oregon Governor Tina Kotek:

 A Marion County judge struck down Governor Koteks executive order implementing Project Labor Agreements. These Project Labor Agreements were a gift to unions as they jack up costs to construction projects. Despite widespread heat from the business community and a series of slams by the media, Governor Kotek kept to her reckless executive order. Now it has been ruled illegal.

 Three of Governor Koteks top aides will be leaving all at once. This includes Taylor Smiley Wolfe, deputy chief of staff of governors initiatives, Bob Livingston, legislative director, and Elisabeth Shepard, public affairs and communications director. This shake-up comes at a critical time for the governor.

 Kotek had this lovely photo and headline from the Oregonian this week on how they bungled and keep secret their campaign finance reform plan.

Also, on the campaign front, possible Kotek rival, Chris Dudley just received a one million dollar donation from NIKE founder Phil Knight.

 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).
Feds seize Holbox boat and 35 kilos of poached catch from Yun Balam Lagoon

Holbox, Q.R.  Federal inspectors have seized a boat and illegal catch from Holbox fishermen. On Thursday, Marina personnel reported on the inspection that lead to the Wednesday seizure.

Federal inspectors seized the boat and illegal catch Wednesday March 11, 2026.

The Mexican Navy, acting as the Coast Guard, reports that naval personnel in coordination with authorities from the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA), seized a vessel with fish products in Yum Balam Lagoon.

This action took place near Isla Blanca and Punta Nizuc following a routine inspection of a small fishing vessel whose crew did not possess the required permits for legal fishing.

Approximately 25 kilograms of fresh whole corvina, approximately 10 kg of fresh whole chacchi and one fresh whole snook were confiscated.

Naval personnel and National Fisheries Commission officers proceeded with the precautionary seizure of the small vessel and the fishery product, placing them at the disposal of the corresponding authorities.
Vampire Diaries alum Kat Graham has become a mom for the first time.

Actress Kat Graham

The 36-year-old actress - who played Bonnie Bennett in the CW supernatural teen drama - and her husband, actor Bryant Wood, have welcomed baby boy Prospero 'Spero' Nyemah Wood into the world.

In a joint Instagram post on Thursday (12.03.26), the couple shared adorable shots of them bonding with the little one, with the caption: "Welcome to the world Prospero Spero Nyemah Wood."

Kat and Bryant did not reveal an exact birth date for their son.

The pair were showered with congratulatory messages in the post's comments section.

Her 57-year-old Vampire Diaries co-star Alice Evans (Esther Mikaelson) penned: "Woo Hoo! Huge congrats Momma Kat! What a beautiful family of three you now have! hugs and love, Alice xxx (sic)"

A supporter typed: "Beyond precious. The best part of life is this right here. Love this so much! Congratulations!! Beautiful family! (sic)"

And a second user gushed: "Sooo beautiful! Im in love with him. (sic)"

Responding to the well-wishes, Kat commented: "Thank you all for the beautiful messages. We feel all the love. Hes got a world of family in all of you."

The star and Bryant, 32, announced they were set to become parents for the first time with an Instagram post on December 1.

The upload featured a series of black-and-white Polaroid photos of Bryant embracing Kat as she showed off her blossoming baby bump.

They captioned it: "Were having a baby!!! (sic)"

And Bryant added in the post's comments section: "We are ready!"

In October 2023, the couple got married in a private legal ceremony in Los Angeles.

Two years later, in August 2025, they said "I do again", but this time in front of 120 guests at the lavish Chalet Tournesol, a private estate in Mountain Centre, California.

In October that year, Kat told People: "We really wanted to have a second wedding because, technically, it was our first real wedding.

"When we initially eloped, it was incredibly private - we had someone come to the house and marry us with only our dogs as witnesses.

"It was intimate and romantic in its own way, but this time we wanted to celebrate our love surrounded by our family and friends."

She added: "[We envisioned] a gathering with the people we love most - those who have truly witnessed our commitment and dedication to our marriage and the family were building."

Bryant added: "The next most important thing for me was the gamification and fun - the playfulness and joy."
At least 41 civilians have been killed, including 18 children, in south-central Myanmar following a week of aerial bombings by the countrys military junta.

Pilots in Chinese-made fighter jets flew over the eastern Bago region, dropping bombs on several villages between March 7 and 10, according to the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN), a local rights group in Myanmar.

Among those killed was a pregnant mother.

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Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the military stormed the capital on Feb 1, 2021 and overthrew a democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

The regime has killed at least 7,870 people in the past five years and arrested more than 30,600 others.

Almost 8,000 civilians have died since the military coup in Feb 2021

The recent massacre in Bago is the latest in a long list of attacks carried out against civilians in the last five years.

These include the Pa Zy Gyi massacre  the deadliest since the coup  in 2023 when more than 165 people were killed, including children, as well as a previous massacre in Bago in 2021 where more than 80 people were killed.

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Approximately 100 regime soldiers arrived in the eastern Nyaunglebin district of Bago Region on March 5, before launching an aerial campaign on March 7.

Similar to many of the militarys previous attacks, troops stormed numerous villages and arrested residents, while fighter jets dropped bombs.

The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration established after the coup, claimed that the junta used kamikaze drones and heavy weapons in the recent attacks.

The NUG also said that more than 300 civilians were detained, while KPSN reported 160 arrests. All have since been freed, according to the NUG.

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Given the mass censorship, electricity cuts and internet blackouts in Myanmar, it can often take days or weeks for news to travel and be verified.

Most casualties were reported in Nyaunglebin, but attacks were also reported in several other districts, including Mergui-Tavoy district, where the military used a Chinese-made K8W aircraft to drop four 250-pound bombs on a village, killing four people, including one child, according to KPSN.

China has been a key arms supplier to the Myanmar military for decades, equipping it with everything from bombs to aircraft, though Beijing has denied providing support to the regime.

The Myanmar military denied the reports, instead claiming that the NUG and armed resistance groups affiliated with the shadow government were responsible for killing two civilians in Nyaunglebin.

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Local rights groups have called the militarys latest attacks war crimes and have urged the international community to cut the supply of jet fuel to the junta and sanction the state banks used to purchase fuel and arms.

No country is making any new effort at all to try to reduce jet fuel and arms reaching the Burmese military, and the result is more dead children in Burma, said Naw Wahku Shee, the director of KPSN, using the older name for Myanmar.

The international community is cutting aid to the people of Burma but doing nothing new to cut off money and arms to the Burmese military, she added.

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.
Costco added several new food and clothing items over the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended in early March.

The new items are all under the Kirkland Signature brand, which is a part of the retailer's strategy to mitigate the effects of tariffs. By having more control over the production of its own private label goods, Costco is able to respond more quickly to the impacts of tariffs on suppliers.

Costco's revenue has grown by almost $80 billion from 2021 to 2025. In the next five to ten years, Costco plans to open around 30 new warehouses each year, according to a January presentation to stakeholders.

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Here's which new products got added in the second quarter.

Add the latest grocery news to your cart. Sign up for Attention Shoppers.

Costco introduces new Kirkland Signature items

Costco's Kirkland Signature brand added four new items, according to the company's March earnings call:

Crispy wings with classic buffalo sauce

Double chocolate mint sundae

Atlantic blackened salmon

Women's Ottoman full zip

Better deals: Costco quietly lowered prices on these popular foods and products

Reach the reporter at reia.li@gannett.com. Follow @reia_reports on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Costco added 4 new Kirkland Signature items. See what's new
At the invitation of the Vietnamese side, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Minister of National Defense Dong Jun will be in Viet Nam from March 15 to 17 for the first ministerial meeting of the China-Viet Nam 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security. While in Viet Nam, Wang Yi will co-chair the 17th meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with leader from the Vietnamese side.

China News Service: To follow up on your announcement about the first ministerial meeting of the China-Viet Nam 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security and the 17th meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, can you share the arrangements about the meetings and Chinas expectation? How does China view the current China-Viet Nam relations?

Guo Jiakun: China and Viet Nam are friendly socialist neighbors and a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Under the personal guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, China and Viet Nam established the 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security and set it as a mechanism at the ministerial level. This is the first 3+3 mechanism each side established with other countries, and this fully demonstrates the strategic significance and high level of the relations between the two parties and two countries. The China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, since its launch in 2006, has enabled closer coordination between the two countries and played an important role for the improvement and upgrade of the comprehensive strategic cooperation.

After the convening of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) in January this year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping had a phone call with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam. They agreed to make the first ministerial meeting of the 3+3 mechanism and the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee a great success. Amid transformations and turbulence in the world, closer strategic communication and deeper strategic coordination between China and Viet Nam, two major socialist countries, is needed to accelerate the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future, advance both countries modernization drive, and jointly address common challenges.

During the meeting of the 3+3 mechanism, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong and Defense Minister Dong Jun will have in-depth exchanges of views with the Vietnamese side on political and security issues, cooperation on fighting crimes, defense cooperation, and the international and regional situation. After the meeting, they will have a group meeting with the leaders of the CPV and the Vietnamese government. At the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee, the two sides will, focusing on the six overarching goals of building closer bilateral relations, discuss detailed measures on deepening the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future, advance political cooperation and cooperation in areas of connectivity, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchange, and provide stronger impetus for regional stability and development through consistent China-Viet Nam cooperation.

China stands ready to work with Viet Nam, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, to ensure both high-quality development and high-level security, make the two meetings successful, and deepen and enrich the comprehensive strategic cooperation, so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples and make greater contribution to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

CCTV: As Chinas two sessions successfully concluded, a major focus of attention for international media is the 15th Five-Year Plan. Some commented that Chinas well-targeted policies provide stable prospects for the market and set an example as a sophisticated economy. The 15th Five-Year Plan is expected to enable the Global South with helpful experience and China will become a stable force underpinning global growth and inject certainty to the turbulent world. Whats your comment?

Guo Jiakun: Chinas annual two sessions received worldwide attention. They are an important window for countries hoping to learn about China and better understand its path, governance and philosophy.

What drew the most attention during this years two sessions is the adoption of the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which kick-starts the continuous effort to advance Chinese modernization. The formulation and implementation of five-year plans is a distinctive strength of Chinas governance and a practical example of Chinas whole-process peoples democracy. Chinas development experience fully shows that only through unity and perseverance, can we pool strength and turn visions into reality.

The 15th Five-Year Plan is the construction design for Chinas modernization drive and an invitation letter to countries to jointly pursue modernization. China will stay committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening up, speeding up the effort of building self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and not only tapping into our greatest potential as the worlds factory but also working to be the worlds market. Chinas effort to foster new quality productive forces will provide new, stable and predictable impetus for the world economy.

The more volatile and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the greater the need for countries, especially major countries, to uphold justice and shoulder responsibilities. A fast-growing and well-directed China pursuing stable progress responds to the need of the times and creates opportunities for the world. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will strive to build a community with a shared future for humanity, be the most important force for peace, stability and justice in the world, and work with the rest of the world to forge ahead through win-win cooperation and make greater contribution to human progress.

Asharq News: China has approved its 15th Five-Year Development Plan. What strategies will be adopted to address the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts under the current international situation?

Guo Jiakun: The world is in a new period of turbulence and transformation and faces the compounded impact of geopolitical conflicts and hotspot issues. The number of global conflicts has reached a new high since the end of World War II. Confronted with challenges facing all countries, President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, which points the way forward. China remains of the view that military force is not the solution and armed conflicts will only breed new hatred. Only by upholding sovereign equality, fairness and justice, solidarity and coordination, and an action-oriented approach, can countries jointly build a world of common security for all.

China has entered the 15th Five-Year Plan period. As the worlds most important force for peace, stability and justice, China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries and people committed to development to advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity and create a bright future of peace and development for the world.

Bloomberg: We see a report that says a major U.S. arms package for Taiwan is ready for President Trump to approve and could be signed right after his trip to China. Would you like to comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Chinas firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to Chinas Taiwan region is consistent and clear. The U.S. needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982, stop arms sales to Taiwan, and take concrete actions to uphold the steady growth of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

AFP: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are scheduled to meet in Paris this weekend for trade talks. What will they discuss and what are Chinas expectations for this meeting?

Guo Jiakun: China has made the announcement on the sixth round of China-U.S. economic and trade consultation, which you may refer to. For anything specific, Id refer you to competent authorities.

Beijing Youth Daily: The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28. Media reports say that air strikes on Shajarah Tayyebeh primary school in Irans Hormozgan province killed over 160 girls. Is China considering providing humanitarian assistance to Iran?

Guo Jiakun: China condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. Attacks on schools and harm to the children in particular seriously violate the international humanitarian law and breach the fundamental principles of human conscience. We deeply mourn for the students from Shajarah Tayyebeh primary school in Irans Hormozgan province and extend sincere sympathies to their families. The Red Cross Society of China has decided to provide the Red Crescent Society of Iran with US$200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance as special funds to support the bereaved parents. China stands ready to continue providing necessary assistance to Iran in a humanitarian spirit to help the Iranian people get through this difficult time.

Xinhua News Agency: Media reports citing sources connected to the U.S. government say the U.S. side hopes that China will release Lai Chee-ying on humanitarian grounds. In return, the US is willing to consider easing some of its Hong Kong-related sanctions on China. Whats your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Lai Chee-ying is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. His moves seriously breached the principles and bottom line of One Country, Two Systems, endangered national security and hurt Hong Kongs prosperity and stability and Hong Kong residents wellbeing. There is every reason to bring him to justice.

Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. No one should harbor the illusion of engaging in unlawful and criminal activities there with impunity. The central government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR government in punishing criminal activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law and firmly rejects external forces interference in Hong Kongs judicial affairs and Chinas internal affairs.

China has rejected from the very beginning the illicit unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. on officials representing the central government in Hong Kong and officials of the Hong Kong SAR government. Our position remains consistent and clear.

Asharq News: Saudi Arabia says several intercepted Iranian drones (more than 70) were targeting the Shaybah oilfield, which is known as a supplier to Asian markets. What is your comment on the continued attacks on this facility?

Guo Jiakun: China is gravely concerned over the continuous tensions in the Middle East. China believes that all countries sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected and brook no infringement and condemns any indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. All parties should immediately stop the military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, avoid the ongoing escalation of the situation, and prevent the conflict from spreading and spilling over.

Reuters: It was reported that India has requested that the Chinese government issue some export quotas for urea to help India make up for the supplies that were lost because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Given the recent improvement of diplomatic ties between the two countries, will China give serious consideration to this request?

Guo Jiakun: Id refer you to competent authorities.

Kyodo News: The Trump administration reportedly said yesterday that its opening new investigations into issues concerning forced labor in countries including China. Whats your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: When it comes to handling economic and trade issues between China and the U.S., Chinas position is consistent and clear. We oppose any form of unilateral tariff measures. Tariff and trade wars serve no ones interests. The two sides need to resolve relevant issues through consultation on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit. The so-called issue of forced labor is U.S.-made disinformation and should not be used as a pretext for political manipulation.

Bloomberg: The U.S., Japan and the European Union are set to announce plans in the coming weeks to lay the foundation for a trade agreement in critical minerals. Beijing earlier threatened to retaliate against the formation of this kind of block. Would the Ministry like to comment on the plans for this?

Guo Jiakun: An open and inclusive international trade environment beneficial to all serves the common interests of all countries. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role in keeping global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals stable and secure. Meanwhile, we oppose countries using rules of small groupings to undermine the international economic and trade order.
Recently, President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from teachers and students of the Chinese language class at an international school in Frances Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur region, extending his best wishes to them and all the faculty and students of the school.

Xi Jinping noted that the Chinese language carries with it the 5,000-year Chinese civilization, and its square characters embody great wisdom of history. Learning Chinese offers a window into both the ancient and modern China, and builds a bridge toward a brighter future for China and France.

Xi Jinping stressed that young people from France, and more broadly Europe, are welcome to China for studies, exchanges and sightseeing, where they can see and experience firsthand a true, multi-dimensional, open, and progressive China. He expressed the hope that the Chinese language can be their lifelong friend.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The horse symbolizes resilience, courage, and progress. He expressed the hope that the students can be at the forefront of promoting friendship and cooperation between China and France, and more broadly with Europe, and play a key role in this endeavor.

Representatives of the teachers and students of the Chinese language class at the international school in Frances Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur region recently wrote to President Xi Jinping, sharing their experience in learning the Chinese language and love for the Chinese culture, and expressing their keen interest in enhancing youth exchanges and deepening the traditional friendship between China and France.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces:

At the invitation of the Vietnamese side, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Minister of National Defense Dong Jun will be in Viet Nam from March 15 to 17 for the first ministerial meeting of the China-Viet Nam 3+3 strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security. While in Viet Nam, Wang Yi will co-chair the 17th meeting of the China-Viet Nam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with leader from the Vietnamese side.
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If youre tapped into conversations around Israel online, you may have noticed a certain blond woman who, seemingly out of nowhere, has started popping up all over social media. Carrie Prejean Boller, a former beauty queen and faithful Trump supporter, has found herself at the center of an explosive conservative fight.

She appeared as a figure in the national conversation suddenly last month, when clips began circulating online of her comments during a meeting of the White Houses Religious Liberty Commissiona group, tasked with creating a report on the importance of and threats to religious liberty, that has focused largely on airing claims of discrimination from conservative Christians. In that meeting, Prejean Boller noted her opposition to the definitions of antisemitism used, asserting that Christians could be labeled antisemites for quoting the Biblean argument that treads dangerously close to saying that Scripture condones anti-Jew hate. Worse, she insisted, repeatedly, that Candace Owens has never said anything antisemitic. This was an absurd statement: Owens often rants about powerful Jews ruining American society. A couple of days later, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the commissions chair, announced that Prejean Boller had been kicked out of the group.

Afterward, Sen. Ted Cruz called her an Israel-hating crazed antisemite, while Laura Loomer deemed her a stupid bitch. Meanwhile, figures as unusual as Sarah Palin and Michael Flynn came to her defense, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations praised her for speaking the truth. On Friday, Tucker Carlson released an interview with her on his massively popular podcast.

Somehow, this once relatively obscure conservative character had quickly become one of the most interesting and inflammatory personalities in the intra-MAGA feuds playing out over Israel. Prejean Boller, a conservative Christian claiming a religious basis for opposing Israel, represents an odd brand of anti-Israel politics that is on the rise on the right. This brand mixes sincere compassion for victims of U.S.Israeli military force and astute observations about Israels destructive actions with conspiracy theorydriven hostility toward Jewish groups. The trend isnt unique to the rightantisemitism has at times crept into pro-Palestinian activism on the left as wellbut coming from a place of conservative defiance against MAGA leadership, it can seem thrillingly bold. Without knowing the full context of Prejean Bollers politics and past, she and her supporters look to progressives like allies in the fight, a splinter group that understands just how hollow Trumpism really is.

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As Prejean Boller wrote to Donald Trump Thursday, in a blistering, six-page response on X: To say your Presidency is a disappoint to your supporters is an understatement.

Its fascinating to see how Prejean Boller came to this position. For more than a decade, she was one of Trumps biggest supporters. She served on his campaign advisory board in 2020 and dutifully claimed that the election had been stolen from him. She ranted about mask mandates, complained about transgender athletes, equated drag queens with sexual predators, and made appearances on Fox News to argue for Christian family values.

She has long had a specific interest in religious freedom, based on her own personal experience. Prejean Boller gained her original conservative following after saying she opposed gay marriage during the 2009 Miss Universe pageant; she has said she believes that her answer, which was rooted in her religious beliefs, cost her the crown. After a backlash and a tabloid scandal that involved nude photos, she became a minor celebrity, and Trump, who owned the Miss Universe franchise, publicly defended her. (He later approved her firing as Miss California over breach of contract.)

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Back then, her political beliefs arose from conventional conservative evangelical culture. But Prejean Boller converted to Catholicism last April. She concluded, after some soul-searching, that Christian Zionism was the product of deeply misguided Protestant thinkers. And she started to say a lot of things that seemed, to pro-Palestine progressives, deeply reasonable.

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In the contentious meeting that caused her eventual ouster, for example, she argued that the panelists were acting in bad faith, conflating critiques of Israel with critiques of Jews. That was true. The Religious Liberty Commission, which is composed almost entirely of conservative Christians, repeatedly made this assertion, as if it were an uncontroversial and established truth, and gave no voice to Jewish Americans critical of Israel. Prejean Boller later told the magazine the American Conservative that she believes that many Jewish Americans face real antisemitism in the U.S. but that theyre not the right Jews for this commission, because they arent Zionist Jews. The fact that the commission considered only Zionist Jews legitimate Jews was antisemitic in itself, she argued. Also true.

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Even more unusual, in this particular political milieu, was her expressed compassion for Palestinian Muslims. She asked the panelists to stop making Islamophobic comments and wore a Palestinian flag pin at the event. On social media, she has repeatedly advocated for a free Palestine, describing her advocacy for Palestinian civilians as her calling. She has described what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. In the American Conservative interview, she articulated her criticism of Israels mass killing of civilians as part of her faith: As a pro-life Christian, I couldnt deny the horrific suffering that the Palestinians were enduring, she said.

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Because of these arguments, CAIR, the nations largest Muslim advocacy organization, commended Prejean Bollers performance on the panel, characterizing it as her encourag[ing] solidarity between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. And after she was kicked off the council, Sameerah Munshi, the sole Muslim on the commission, resigned in protest.

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At a moment when so many Republicans are being aggressively and proudly Islamophobic, its easy to see how Prejean Boller would come off as a kind of beacon against anti-Muslim bigotry. But to rally around Prejean Boller would be a mistake. She often veers into more-troubling territory in her opposition to Israel. On the panel, she vehemently disagreed with the other members comments about growing antisemitism in the conservative movementa problem obvious to anyone who has spent any time on X. She shared a hard-right Catholic influencers post about Zionist Israel being the enemy of the entire Christian world. She has suggested that the Epstein files reveal the Zionist power over America. She has amplified gleeful posts celebrating Nick Fuentes, a noted white nationalist and Holocaust apologist.

Its also clarifying to look at those who have rallied behind Prejean Boller. It wasnt just CAIR; it was also the extreme right-wing group Catholics for Catholics. It was a Jan. 6 insurrectionist. It was Steve Bannon.

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Related From Slate One of Trumps Worst U.S. Attorneys Just Stepped on the Dumbest Possible Rake Read More

This may seem like a confounding mess, but its helpful to understand how the split in the conservative movement over Israel maps onto different factions. On the pro-Israel side, for example, there are secular hawks with specific geopolitical ambitions and vile white nationalists who see civilizational stakes in the fight to control the Middle East. But there are also religious motivations: Jews who fear persecution and support a Jewish state; mainstream Christians raised with a general fondness for the Holy Land and sense of kinship with Jews; fundamentalists who believe that the Scripture literally commands the support of Israel; Pentecostal-style Christians who feel a kind of radical rootedness to Israel; and evangelicals who believe that the worlds Jews must return to Israel to trigger Jesus second coming and the end of days.

Prejean Boller stands out in this crowd for having a Christian opposition to modern Israel. She has described her censoring as a matter of anti-Catholic prejudice. She has claimed, emphatically, that her anti-Zionism is the position of the Catholic Church. She is wrong about that: Although the pope has been critical of Israels violence, the Vatican does recognize Israel as a state, even if it doesnt connect it to ancient Israel, as so many evangelicals do. In reality, American Catholics have theological room to be either Zionist or anti-Zionist.

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For some secular or non-Christian supporters of Palestine, its thrilling to see a Christian take a theological swipe at Israel-supporting Christians. Lindsey Graham says that if you dont bless Israel, then Gods going to curse you. I mean, this is crazy, Prejean Boller told the American Conservative. This is heretical teaching, and I, as a Catholic, reject that.

But theres something deeper going on here: Catholics have always sat slightly uneasily in the MAGA coalition. Evangelicals have long fueled Trumpism, and its power players occasionally betray scorn for the Catholic Church. The Daily Wires Andrew Klavan, for example, recently called the popes prayer for peace girly nonsense. Doug Wilson, who leads the church movement that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth belongs to, has said that in his ideal society, Catholic parades would be banned as a public display of idolatry. So, for many Catholics, the religious factionalism of this fight has its own kind of appeal, a kind of lashing out against evangelicals in power. Prejean Boller likes to argue that to be a true Christian you must be Catholic. This whole conversation is filled with land mines.

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So what should a reasonable person actually make of Prejean Boller? She will likely continue to collect praise from Muslim civil rights activists, Catholic progressives, and pro-Palestinian protesters who are careless enough not to noticeor perhaps care aboutthe antisemitic personalities that have also flocked to her cause. She is both more interesting and more potentially dangerous than Owens and Carlson, two incredibly popular anti-Israel conservatives who have gone deep into fantastical conspiracies. By defying traditional rules of operation for conservative influencers, fusing conspiracy theories with genuine moral insight and scrambling what we think of left vs. right politics, she has perhaps unwittingly laid a trap. If pro-Palestine progressives fail to see the warning signs, she may compress the conversation around Israel into a false dichotomy. It will become a fight not just between pro-Zionist and anti-Zionist interests but between two painfully simplistic ways of explaining the world: of Islamophobia from her enemies, and antisemitism from her friends.
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It is commonly noted that the United States and Iran are fighting an asymmetric war, but it is less widely understood what this means.

The phrase does not mean merely that the two sides are unequal in armed might. (Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths boast that this is not a fair fight, and thats on purpose, our capabilities are overwhelming compared to what Irans are is a truism and beside the point.)

Rather, it means that the two sides are, in a way, fighting different warsthat the two sides have different strengths and that the militarily weaker side is mustering its own type of strength to exploit the militarily stronger sides vulnerabilities.

In this case, the U.S. (along with Israel) is blowing up a lot of Iranian structures with great power and precision. Meanwhile, Iran is blocking traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the worlds oil passes, thus hurling much of the globes economy and markets into panic.

The wars outcome may be decided not in terms of which side unleashes the most firepower but rather which side outwaits the other in its tolerance of pain (as defined in the several ways pain is being inflicted, the most decisive of which we dont yet know).

Trump had thought there would be no need to wait for victory, much less outwait Irans challenge. He hoped, and said so publicly, that Iran would be Venezuela reduxknock off the top leader and the regime would fall, to be replaced either by more pragmatic underlings or by throngs of the Iranian people taking over the seats of power. (It turned out there were no pragmatic underlingsor, if there were some, they too were killed by U.S. or Israeli bombsand the people lack the guns and organization to take power. But thats another story.

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It turns out the Iranian regime has hung on much longer than Trump expected; U.S. intelligence agencies report that its nowhere near on the verge of collapsing. Still, in pursuing their asymmetric strategy, Tehrans commanders made one miscalculation. In response to the U.S.-Israeli attack, they fired some drones and missiles not only at Israel and at American military bases in the region but also at civilian targets in Arab states that host those U.S. basesincluding the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The Iranians probably hoped that the Gulf states leaders in particular, who have thought themselves immune to the regions myriad conflicts, would howl and beg their friend Trump to stop the war. Instead, they held firm (a stance abetted by their anti-air weapons, which shot down many of Irans projectiles), publicly condemned Iran, and joined the American-Israeli side. Even several European leaders, who had hoped to stay out of this war, felt compelled to send planes and warships, if just to defend their own interests and outposts.

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Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to the Gulf states, though Qatari spokesmen say the attacks havent stopped, suggesting a rift within Irans possibly faltering leadership.

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All the same, Tehrans regime holds the continued advantage of having Donald Trump as its foe. Trump could have exploited Irans error by embracing his reluctant allies, but instead he belittled their effort and condemned their lack of enthusiasm. Earlier this week, after Britains Prime Minister Keir Starmer dispatched an aircraft carrier and other military assets to the Middle East, at great domestic political risk, Trump posted a pissy screed on social media: Thats OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we dont need them any longerBut we will remember. We dont need people that join Wars after weve already won!

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Which leads to another way in which this war is asymmetric (in the more conversational sense of that word): namely, the asymmetry between Trumps crude concept of war and its true nature.

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Take a close look at Trumps jab at Starmer, trashing his (by most measures overly accommodating) ally for joining the war after weve already won. Trump thinks hes won. He said so, with glee, at a rally in Kentucky on Wednesday: Weve won. Let me tell you, weve won. You know, you never like to say too early you won. We won. We won the betin the first hour, it was over.

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What is he talking about? Irans regime is intact: the Ayatollah Khameneis son, believed to be equally hard-line, ascended to the top job with no sign of struggle; the Revolutionary Guard still rules Tehrans streets, to the extent anyone does; the Strait of Hormuz is still blocked.

Trumps delusion seems to stem from the misunderstanding that war is all about blowing up targets. Its true, U.S. Central Command has blown up a lotmore than 5,000 targets, according to the latest briefingsto the point where, as Trump said, theres almost nothing left to hit. But wars are fought for political objectives. (This is what Carl von Clausewitz meant when he famously wrote, War is the continuation of politics by other means.)

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The problem is that Trump doesnt know what his objectives in this war are. Or, worse still, he has proclaimed many objectives, some of them contradictory with one another, many of them inconsistent with objectives proclaimed by his top advisers, because they dont know what his objectives are either. One day, its regime change (and, even within that goal, sometimes he says the people should rise up, sometimes he says he can deal with more moderate mullahs or officers taking power); other days, its to wipe out Irans nuclear potential, ballistic missiles, and navy (with nary a word about the regime or democracy).

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This confusion causes two sets of dreadful consequences. First, to the extent that Irans real or nascent leaders want to end the war, they dont know what they need to say or doand if they take seriously the talk of regime change, they see no point in trying to end the war, but will instead bring down as much around them, along with themselves, as they can.

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Second, U.S. military commanders, who draw up a list of targets that they need to hit in order to accomplish the wars objectives, are also left in the darkso they draw up lists of targets related to all possible objectives. The result, even by strictly military measures, is counterproductive. To achieve some objectives, restraint might be the best approach. For instance, if you just want to stop Irans nuclear program or destroy its ballistic missiles and navy, then you need to negotiate a surrender with Iranian authorities. But if you also kill those authorities, you have nobody to negotiate withand so the war revs to a death spiral.

Could this be Trumps real objective (if he has one)? It may well be Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus. If they cant usher in a friendlier regime, maybe they see the utter destruction of Iran as the next best thing. They seem to be moving in that direction. Unlike previous wartime presidents, Trump doesnt care when his bombs mistakenly kill civilians. When reporters have asked him about the Tomahawk cruise missile that killed 175 people, most of them children, at an Iranian girls school, Trump has given two answers. First, he said Iranians might have fired the missile (an impossibility). A bit later, he said, I dont know anything about that (though clearly he does).

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What do Trump, Netanyahu, or any of the others involved in this war hope Iran looks like at the end of the war? What do they expect it might look like? They have no answerno consistent answerto either question, much less some notion of how to maximize the chances of a good outcome (however its defined) or how to minimize the chances of a bad outcome.

During World War II, Gen. George Marshall, the U.S. Army chief of staff, created an office to think about the shape of postwar Germany in 1943two years before the war was over. The war with Iran is nothing like WWII, but Trump and his team dont even think such an office or an effort is necessary. Before the war started, Hegseth abolished a Pentagon office, which had been created by President Joe Biden, to plan for minimizing civilian deaths in wars. Hegseth probably scoffed at the idea as woke. But if you say youre fighting a war on behalf of a countrys oppressed people, its a good ideain fact, it is an essential element of the war strategyto think about this problem. The killing of those Iranian schoolchildrenspecifically the tainting of Americas reputation caused by Trumps failure to acknowledge the tragedy, much less to apologize for itis both a result and a symptom of not only this indifference to human life but this ignorance of strategy in war.

This is the ultimate asymmetry: the fact that someone like Donald Trump is the commander in chief of the worlds most powerful military, that someone like Pete Hegseth is the top official of what he calls the Department of War, and that American politics at the moment is so paralyzed that even those near the top of power, who know the awfulness of this mismatch, can do nothing to steer the nation on a different course.
Who is undermining guardrails of nuclear arms control?

09:17, March 13, 2026 By Huan Yuping ( People's Daily

In February of this year, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) moved toward what observers described as a "natural death" after the United States declined to respond to Russia's proposal to extend the treaty's core limits.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the risk of nuclear weapon use is the highest in decades. Yet instead of reflecting on its own responsibilities, certain voices within the United States have chosen to shift blame. They have amplified claims of a so-called "China nuclear threat" and renewed calls for China to join U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control negotiations.

Nuclear arms control is crucial for global strategic stability. The question then becomes: Who is creating risks, and who is acting as a responsible guardian? Looking closely at the key questions makes the answers increasingly clear.

What Are the Main Concerns Facing Nuclear Arms Control Today?

The answer is clear: the greatest threat to the international nuclear arms control regime today comes from the United States' policy backsliding.

The collapse of New START effectively signals the dismantling of the nuclear arms control framework between the United States and Russia that has been in place since the Cold War.

Russia proposed that both sides voluntarily adhere to the treaty's numerical limits for at least one year following its expiration. The United States, however, offered no formal response. This leaves the international community navigating uncharted territory.

In recent years, the United States has withdrawn from several key arms control and trust-building mechanisms, including the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the Open Skies Treaty, steadily weakening the global security architecture.

At the same time, Washington has continued to elevate the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy. Its fiscal year 2026 budget allocates $98.6 billion for nuclear force development, a record high.

According to a report by The New York Times, the U.S. government is considering exceeding the numerical limits set by New START in ways that could easily trigger a new arms race.

The United States possesses one of the world's largest and most advanced nuclear arsenals. It pursues a strategy of exclusive and absolute security, maintains a first-use nuclear policy, and has built a "nuclear alliance" through nuclear sharing and extended deterrence. Notably, it deploys more nuclear weapons abroad than any other country.

Washington also plans to develop and deploy the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, while positioning land-based intermediate-range missiles and global missile defense systems near other nuclear-armed states.

These actions seriously undermine the legitimate security interests of other nuclear-weapon states, damage global and regional strategic stability, and increase the risks of nuclear confrontation and conflict.

Why is China Not Joining U.S.-Russia Nuclear Arms Control Talks?

Nuclear arms control negotiations must be based on the principle of parity in scale and parity in responsibility.

The United States and Russia together possess roughly 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons. China's nuclear forces, maintained at the minimum level required for national security, are not comparable in scale and exist within a fundamentally different strategic security environment.

Despite this, the United States persistently demands that China join an arms control framework designed around the strategic realities of Washington and Moscow. This demand runs counter to the fundamental principle that no country's security should be diminished. It also deviates from the long-standing international consensus that the two major nuclear-weapon states should take the lead in nuclear disarmament. This stance clearly violates international fairness and justice.

For years, the United States has invested heavily in upgrading its nuclear triad and missile defense systems. Simultaneously, it has amplified claims about China's nuclear expansion while repeatedly pressing China to participate in so-called "strategic stability talks." The intention is twofold: to create a pretext for adjustments to its own nuclear policy and shift the burden of nuclear disarmament; and to establish a new quota-based framework under its leadership to preserve its nuclear advantage.

Such practices -- smearing and constraining other countries in pursuit of absolute security and strategic superiority -- do little to advance global nuclear disarmament and severely undermine the credibility of the international nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament regime.

What Role Does China Play in the International Nuclear Arms Control System?

Since acquiring nuclear weapons, China has consistently advocated for the complete prohibition and destruction of nuclear weapons. It has pledged never to be the first to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances, and has made an unconditional commitment not to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Among all nuclear-armed states, China's nuclear policy is widely regarded as the most stable, consistent and predictable.

China was among the earliest countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and has conducted the fewest nuclear tests among nuclear-weapon states. It has also shut down nuclear weapons research and production facilities in places such as Chongqing and Qinghai province.

China has exercised extreme restraint regarding the size and development of its nuclear arsenal. It has never competed with other countries in spending, numbers or scale, and has no intention of engaging in a nuclear arms race in the future.

China firmly upholds the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its cornerstone, and has played an important role in promoting political and diplomatic solutions to nuclear hotspot issues.

Peace remains humanity's enduring aspiration, and nuclear arms control is a critical barrier protecting that peace. Today, the most urgent task is preventing a new round of nuclear competition among major countries who bear special responsibilities.

The United States should focus on fulfilling its primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, resume strategic stability talks with Russia, and discuss follow-on arrangements to New START--rather than shifting blame in ways that undermine global strategic stability.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Teyana Taylor was "nearly in tears" during her Oscars dress fitting.

Teyana Taylor is excited for people to see her Oscars gown

The 35-year-old star is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this year's Academy Awards for her role in One Battle After Another, and she is excited for everyone to see what she's wearing on the red carpet after having her second fitting in Paris at the beginning of the week before landing in Hollywood for Time magazines Women of the Year gala.

Speaking to Variety on Tuesday (10.03.26) in a newly released interview, she said: "I was nearly in tears.

"It's so good. My final fitting is on Thursday. It's so major. I can't wait for you to see it."

Teyana landed in Hollywood on Tuesday having been on the front row of Chanel's show in Paris the day before.

She added: "I just landed a few hours ago. The show was yesterday. Now, I got to make sure I look good because you know that jet lag can whoop your a**."

Teyana admitted she is "so nervous" about Sunday's (15.03.26) ceremony, and she's not ready for award season to "come to an end".

She said: Im realising this is about to come to an end and I really had a blast.

"There are all the friendships I made and all the beautiful people that Ive enjoyed running into all awards season.

"Im going to miss everybody. This whole journey has been so beautiful. I dont take any of his for granted.

Heading into such a special weekend, Teyana had a powerful message for her younger self.

She pondered: Id say, Baby, Im so proud of your patience. Im proud that you never changed your heart'.

Through all the trials and tribulations, Ive always walked in grace. Even when it hurt.

"I lean on my people and I say how I feel. When theyre able to talk me through it, Im able to step outside like a champ.

Teyana recently reflected on her first red carpet, and her passion for getting all dressed up.

he told WWD: "It might have been my emo era, looking like I was in Blink-182.

"But then you gotta remind yourself, back then that was where it was at.

Nowadays, she has found herself "calling dibs" at fashion events, which she did at Chanel artistic director Matthieu Blazy's show this week.

Teyana said: "I was like, I need this, I need that, I need that thigh boot. I just love fabric. I love getting dressed. I love it all."

She added: "That's the fun part."
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Instagram photos of white boys drinking Tsingtao beer and playing mahjong. John Legend dressed in traditional Peking opera wear. Videos upon videos of Americans ditching ice water for hot water in the morning, boiling apples into tea, and saying that we have met them at a very Chinese time in their lives. This is my first time being Chinese, Im trying my best, one wrote under a TikTok.

Over the past year, Chinamaxxing has overtaken social media. The trend is semi-satirical, with users eschewing American habits in favor of Chinese ones: adopting practices based on traditional Chinese medicine, wearing clothes inspired by traditional Chinese garments, and repeating, ad nauseam, the very Chinese quality of all of it. Chinese American content creators like Sherry, who goes by @sherryxiiruii on TikTok, have amassed millions of views for their recommendations on how to become a Chinese baddie.

The subtext of the joke is, of course, the shock value of an American choosing to shift their allegiances to Chinathe country long framed in American culture as its single greatest geopolitical rival. But the humor also depends on something much older and more familiar: the idea of Chinese people as dirty, unattractive, and conniving forever-foreigners. On the surface, what looks like harmless internet irony is actually the latest iteration of a long-running tradition in which China and Asian cultures at large are flattened to punch lines.

Chinamaxxing comes at an inauspicious time for the U.S., and especially younger generations. Young Americans are battling ballooning costs of living, an uncertain job market, and an economy that only seems to favor those older and richer than they are. Many of them grew up with the long-standing belief that the U.S. is more technologically advanced and abundant in resources than any other place on earthonly for that notion to be shattered in 60 seconds via a random Zhejiang residents day in the life vlog. For many of these jokes, being Chinese isnt really the pointbut rather shock value. Its the same feeling that a petulant toddler has when throwing a tantrum toward its parents. You told us we couldnt have a high-speed railroad and universal health care, and it turns out they have it across the street! Im going to live at their house now!

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New Yorkbased comedian Dan Yang, whose video about the Chinamaxxing trend amassed over 300,000 views on Instagram, told Slate that he doesnt necessarily see the joke as malicious, but rather one born out of sheer ignorance.

I think most non-Chinese people have never actually talked to a Chinese person aside from maybe ordering Chinese food. Even non-Chinese people who are friends with Chinese people probably see a very Americanized version of them, he said. I feel like an NYU kid from Ohio sees Chinese people in Chinatown like a new type of Pokemon. I dont think theres any hate involved, just a weird surface-level wonder.

What young Americans know about China has historically been limited. Given government censorship and the cultural divisions among tech platforms, Chinese and American social media users never really overlapped to see each others regular routines and memes. What sparked a change last year was the one-night ban of TikTok, when uproarious Americans protested the shutdown by swearing theyd learn Mandarin and signing up in droves for Chinese social media app RedNote instead. TikTok refugees were shocked to see that the average Chinese citys infrastructure outpaced their own, there was an ecosystem of memes and slang that they also found funny, and they could scroll through an abundance of vlogs about walkable cities, affordable health care, and cost of living that they didnt get in their own lives. Bro china lives in the year 3500 meanwhile we live in 1984, one user commented under a video about Chongqing, China.

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Morgan Sung, a tech journalist and host of KQEDs Close All Tabs told me that for her, Chinamaxxing was a refreshing change from the tired tropes around Chinese culture. But it got old quickly. The memeification of Chinese culture is still Orientalism, but its socially acceptable now because in a way, its seen as punching up, she said. Punching down isnt as obvious when China has high-speed rail and your own country doesnt.

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Part of this has a lot to do with the fact that just a few years ago, there was a sweeping reinforcement of the stereotype that Chinese people are perpetual foreigners who carry barbaric diseases. The pandemic reinforced American notions of Chinese people as foreigners, Sung said. Now, even if they arent openly hostile toward Chinese people, people find the concept of becoming one of them by simply drinking hot water as hilarious.

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Plenty of people who cannot opt out of being Chinese have echoed the same frustration. Even though China is a country that encompasses 56 ethnic minorities and at least seven distinctive language groups, the predominant image of what Chinese culture is on social media cannot really accurately capture these nuances. Scroll briefly through RedNote and you will find plenty of Chinese people who are doing all the things that Chinese creators swear are highly un-Chineseeating cold yogurt for breakfast or salad for lunch, or drinking iced coffee in the morning (remember, gym-girl protein propagandists exist in all languages).

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Prior to this latest trend, Chinese-affiliated symbols have often been used online as meme non sequiturs. Perhaps two of the most notable examples are the John Cena bing chilling memes and the viral TikToks of creator Jiafei. The joke is the same: Cena is a WWE wrestler and former Hannah Montana guest star, so it makes no real sense why he would speak Mandarin, but there is a video clip of him enthusiastically talking about ice cream in Mandarin, so the only right thing to do to deep-fry the joke into oblivion is to repeat it until it becomes what it sounds like to a non-Chinese-speaker: total nonsense. Jiafei is a womans photo that became used by a bunch of catfishing bots selling Chinese dropshipping merchandise on TikTok, and the only right thing to do is to lean so hard into it and create deeply altered videos, distorted Chinese-language audios, and images worshipping her until the actual woman catches on to whats happening online and becomes a revered part of this arena of meaningless TikTok humor.

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This joke isnt that different from the previous ones about the Chinese language, said Sung. It may appear that way, because now, Chinamaxxers seem to express a real appreciation for Chinese culture, and edify all things Chinese. But even if its positive, theyre still treating China as a mystical alien utopia in the Far Eastwhichsurprise!is still Orientalist.

Related From Slate I Love RedNote, Unironically Read More

But Yang doesnt necessarily see it as a joke thats limited to one group of people. There is always a culture that has something nonsensical about it. Theres always going to be some culture that is meme, said Yang. Same thing with the random Italian gabagool-type memes. I think the whole Chinamaxxing thing has been going on for a while. To me, the seeds of it were planted with Nick Mullen talking about living with a Chinese family on Cum Town a long time ago.

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Its also not a one-way street. As Americans are beginning to find out that Chinese people can be funny and also have cross-country bullet trains, Chinese people are learning that Americans have to pay for skin-to-skin contact with their babies at the hospital, and some of them pack lunches that are just made of ingredients. In 2023, #WhitePeopleMeals trended on RedNote as Chinese users posted combinations like raw carrots wrapped in cheese, plain bread and ham, and avocado toast. It feels tasteless and cold, one wrote on RedNote.

Even if the intent is benign, much of the internets humor is still predicated on stereotyping, simply because of the way the meme economy works. Its hard to retain nuance about the subject matter when the idea is to deliver a joke to a wide audience in one single, parrotable phrase. Chinese culture may be of genuine interest to many users, but online, its destined to become an exotic punch line. And more importantly, in the way of the internet, itll fade into obscurity soon.

I think its just the most recent online meme, Yang said. There will probably be a new one soon. Its like pants. One minute theyre skinny, then theyre baggy. Then theyre Chinese.
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Houston, we have a problem may be the most famous line in the annals of spaceflight. Thats what Tom Hanks, playing astronaut Jim Lovell, says in the movie Apollo 13. In reality, astronaut Jack Swigert said Houston, weve had a problem, words then repeated by Lovell. (Whatever. Thats close enough by Hollywood standards.) Its become an iconic cultural line, one that I find is highly adaptable to trouble of any degree of severityfrom a flat tire on a busy highway to a mustard stain on a new white shirt.

To my ear the line also captures something about NASAs culture. In that dire momentwhen an oxygen tank exploded as Apollo 13 flew toward the moonthe astronauts and their colleagues at Mission Control (Houston) remained calm, informative, direct. No one panicked. No one cursed, as far as I know. Most of us, faced with such a catastrophe while hurtling through space 205,000 miles from Earth, would have dropped a string of f-bombs, including f-bomb variants newly invented on the fly.

You know how the story ends: Through a triumph of aerospace improvisation, including using the moons gravity to slingshot the astronauts safely home, Apollo 13 became known at NASA as a successful failure.

NASAs hard-won reputation for extreme competence is why Artemis, the agencys troubled and long-delayed program to return astronauts to the moon, has been so dismayingand why everyone is eager to see if the new NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman, can right the ship.

The stated goal of Artemis is to develop a permanent presence near the lunar south pole, which is believed to be abundant in resources such as water ice in shadowed craters. The first country to land there will be able to grab the best sites for long-term operations. And that country might be China. It has said it will land its taikonauts on the moon by 2030.

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The race is on, and everyone knows that NASA is in danger of losing it. As I wrote in Slate in December, Artemis has an unwieldy architecture and requires some important pieces that dont yet exist. NASA owns a big moon rocket, the Space Launch System, thats been in development for a decade and a half, but it has yet to send anyone to space. It was on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center a few weeks ago, but some technical problems forced NASA to roll the rocket (at less than 1 mile per hour) back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. But the really big problem is that NASA has no lunar lander. The rocket and capsule can get astronauts to lunar orbit, but not to the surface. Astronauts cant parachute to the surface, or climb down a rope ladder, or just beam themselves down from the Transporter Room. Until someone produces a lander, all the astronauts can do is go round and round the moon and admire its magnificent desolation, as Buzz Aldrin put it.

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But hold on: Isaacman is in the house. NASA could certainly use a strong leader who can tap into the kind of problem-solving brilliance that brought Apollo 13 back from the brink.

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NASA is poised to achieve a major milestone: the first journey of human beings beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. NASA officials said Thursday they plan to launch four astronauts on a lunar fly-by as soon as April 1. Its a test flight and it is not without risk, but our team and our hardware are ready, said Lori Glaze, NASAs acting associate administrator for the exploration directorate.

That 10-day flight, dubbed Artemis 2, was originally supposed to be the only test flight before NASA attempts a lunar landing. But at a news briefing Feb. 27, Isaacman said no: Artemis 3 will not land on the moon. Instead, it will be a flight in low Earth orbit to test the docking of NASAs Orion capsule with one or both of the lunar landers that are under development.

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Isaacman is a billionaire entrepreneur who is close to Elon Musk. Hes been to space twice on privately funded SpaceX missions. And he has quickly taken major steps to make Artemis more plausible. At the news briefing, Isaacman said that the Artemis architecture that was on the books when he took over at NASA just doesnt make sense.

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NASA could certainly use someone who canfirstlook at the situation and coldly assess that there is a problem here. You cant solve a problem that you wont admit to.

Changing the plan for Artemis 3 wasnt quite a Houston, we have a problem moment, but it was a major course correction for Artemis, and possibly for the agency as a whole. And theres a leadership lesson here. No is a powerful word for a leader to utter, especially in an agency that has to make go/no-go decisions with billions of dollars and human lives at stake.

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Maybe Isaacman will say no to some other bad ideas, such as Gateway, a completely unnecessary, moon-orbiting space station that NASA has been working on and which Sen. Ted Cruz, who chairs the committee that oversees NASA, has insisted the agency build. Isaacmans Artemis announcement didnt quite crack the front page during wartime, but its a big deal in the space community. NASA doesnt pivot often or easily. The major human spaceflight programs are supertankers, with tremendous inertia. Change in the big NASA programs requires heroic efforts by NASA leaders, because they face immense pressures from aerospace companies whod rather stay the course and from senators who carry the water of those companies.

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To be clear, Isaacman has a way to go if he wants to persuade everyone that the Artemis program will be able to achieve its long-term goals. Maybe even quite a way: He is definitely showing spinemore than many of his predecessorsbut he still did not say the hard truth that politicians need to hear. He only hinted that SLS is an albatross around the neck of NASA and the Artemis program, and it needs to be terminated, Todd Harrison, a space policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, told me in an email.

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What Isaacman knows is that NASA, over the decades, has had some very bad days when people in charge should have said, No, time out, this doesnt look right. Challenger. Columbia. Space is not forgiving. You dont want to explore with a burn-the-boats attitude. People who read a lot of science fiction should also read NASA accident reports. Right now there are space buffs who think NASA should hurry up and send people to Mars. That should be a hard no. (Even Elon Musk has partially pivoted from Mars, saying thats 20 years away, and first hes going to build a self-growing city on the moon. Sorry, a city on the moon? No, no, no.)

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Isaacman said the agency hopes to do Artemis 3 in 2027 and then land astronauts on the moon twice in 2028 with the Artemis 4 and Artemis 5 flights. That timeline is highly ambitious, if not delusional, and I assume he said that to ensure he wouldnt get yelled at by the White House, which would certainly prefer a moon landing while Trump is still in office. Lori Garver, a former NASA deputy administrator, tweaked Isaacman on social media, saying adding a flight in 27 and two in 28 represents more magical thinking. But in an email, Garver told me shes looked more closely at Isaacmans restructure of Artemis and thinks hes off to an excellent start.

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Related From Slate Guess What Pete Hegseths Department of Defense Is Spending an Absurd Amount of Money On Read More

The most important thing Isaacman has done is tell people whats been glaringly obvious, that Artemis is in trouble.

Isaacman has been quite good about saying uncomfortable truths about NASA and Artemis out loud, space reporter Eric Berger of Ars Technica wrote on X. In this case the uncomfortable truth was that the Artemis emperor had no clothes, and if meaningful changes were not made China will win this race going away.

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At the briefing, Isaacman announced that NASA will simplify the design of the SLS moon rocket, which was supposed to be upgraded to make it more powerful. No, he said, every rocket doesnt have to be a work of art. Lets speed up the cadence of launches. He also said, We gotta rebuild our core competenciesa pretty strong statement about NASAs current state. NASA has offloaded much of its competency to SpaceX and other contractors.

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Isaacman has promised to boost the number of civil servants at the agency. Thats a startling promise, because President Donald Trump, aided by Elon Musk during his Department of Government Efficiency phase and by Russell Voughts Office of Management and Budget, has waged open warfare on the federal workforce. Thousands of workers, particularly those involved with NASAs science portfolio, have fled NASA in the past 14 months through early retirements, layoffs, or the desire to go where their talents are truly valued.

Jared needs to push to rebuild that damage for NASA Science to survive, John Grunsfeld, an astronaut and former head of NASA Science, said in an email.

As we enter budget season again, Trumps OMB may seek more draconian cuts to NASA Science in order to shift resources to Artemis. If that happensand if Isaacman wants to be a great NASA leadertheres one simple word he should say in response.
Keith Andrew Saunders, 60, of Hollywood, Maryland, passed away on March 9, 2026.



Born on March 4, 1966, he was the son of the late Charles Saunders and Theresa Saunders and was one of seven children. Keith spent many years working as a carpenter and painter, trades in which he took great pride. He was known for his hardworking nature and the care he put into everything he built or restored.



Keith enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved playing cards, listening to music, and most of all spending time with his family and those close to him. His sense of humor, easygoing spirit, and loyalty to the people he loved will be deeply missed.



He is survived by his daughters, Sydney Saunders of Missouri and Haili Saunders of Maryland; his girlfriend, Bonnie Stinnett of Maryland; his brothers, Bill Dillon, Matt Dillon, Ray Saunders, and Robert Saunders; and his sister, Cindy Miller, all of Maryland.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Saunders.



Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Wednesday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Joe Wible officiating.



Keith will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his hardworking hands, and the many memories he leaves behind with those who loved him.



Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com



Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
Oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could soon end, easing fears of major disruption to global energy supplies.

Oil prices fall as Trump signals end conflicts in Middle East

Crude oil had surged close to $120 a barrel earlier in the week amid concerns that the war could threaten shipments from the Middle East, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. However, prices later fell below $90 following Trumps comments that the conflict was very complete, pretty much.

The fall in oil prices helped global stock markets recover after several days of volatility driven by concerns over supply shortages and escalating tensions in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint. Around a fifth of the worlds oil shipments typically pass through the narrow waterway, making it one of the most critical energy routes globally. Disruption to the corridor has raised fears of a wider energy shock.

Amin Nasser, head of energy giant Saudi Aramco, warned earlier that a prolonged blockade could have catastrophic consequences for global markets, noting that oil stockpiles are already at their lowest levels in five years.

Lower crude prices have also begun feeding into fuel markets. Nigerias Dangote Refinery announced it had reduced wholesale prices for petrol and diesel following recent spikes linked to the conflict.

Meanwhile, governments and energy agencies are monitoring the situation closely.

The International Energy Agency has been holding talks with G7 nations about potentially releasing emergency oil reserves if supply disruptions worsen.

Despite the recent price drop, analysts say energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East. Any escalation in the conflict or renewed threats to shipping routes could trigger another surge in oil prices.
PsiQuantum and the National Cancer Center Japan have entered a collaborative research agreement to drive advancements in utility-scale quantum computing within drug discovery and oncology.

The partnership aims to investigate ways to implement quantum computing solutions throughout the healthcare value chain, with a focus on resource allocation, research and development, and patient outcomes in cancer care.

Within this collaboration, PsiQuantum will work with the National Cancer Center Japan to further fault-tolerant quantum algorithm development, as well as jointly develop clinically relevant quantum applications.

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The initiative also involves other pharmaceutical companies in Japan. PsiQuantums software suite, Construct, will be used during the partnership.

Construct is a secure platform built for designing, analysing, and optimising algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Utility-scale quantum computers are expected to enable chemically accurate molecular simulations with greater efficiency. This advancement could accelerate drug discovery processes, reduce research costs, and address real-world healthcare challenges.

PsiQuantum quantum applications vice-president Sam Pallister said: PsiQuantum is proud to work alongside the National Cancer Center Japan as we explore what utility-scale quantum computing will be able to deliver in designing new treatments for the benefit of researchers and patients.

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Once deployed, utility-scale quantum computers will accelerate research and development that transforms how we develop new medicinesand partnerships like these are critical for making sure providers are equipped to take full advantage of this technology.

National Cancer Center Hospital East's global oncology director Dr Takayuki Yoshino said: We are thrilled to partner with PsiQuantum on leveraging quantum computing technology to address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare.

"Together, our teams are poised to conduct innovative research and unlock new solutions at the intersection of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

"PsiQuantum and National Cancer Center Japan partner on quantum computing" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.





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INTERPOL on Friday announced the takedown of 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers used in connection with phishing, malware, and ransomware campaigns, as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt emerging threats, and safeguard victims from scams.

The effort is part of an international law enforcement operation that involved 72 countries and territories. It also led to the arrest of 94 people, with another 110 individuals still under investigation. A total of 212 electronic devices and servers were seized during raids at various key locations.

One such operation in Bangladesh saw 40 suspects arrested and 134 electronic devices confiscated pertaining to a wide range of cybercrime offences, including loan and job scams, identity theft, and credit card fraud.

In Togo, authorities apprehended 10 suspects accused of running a fraud ring from a residential area. While some were involved in hacking into social media accounts, others conducted social engineering schemes, including romance scams and sextortion.

The fraudsters, after gaining unauthorized access to a victim's account, reached out to their online contacts, impersonating the account holder to engage in fake romantic relationships and deceive friends and family members. The ultimate objective of the scam was to trick the secondary victims into making money transfers.

Lastly, Macau law enforcement officials identified more than 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites related to fake casinos and critical infrastructure, such as banks, governments, and payment services. These websites were set up to defraud victims by instructing them to top up their balances or enter personal information.

The cybercrime crackdown marks the third phase of Operation Synergia, which took place between July 18, 2025, and January 31, 2026. The previous two phases took place in 2023 and 2024, identifying thousands of malicious servers and scores of arrests.

India's CBI Targets Transnational Fraud Case

The disclosure comes as India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it conducted coordinated searches at 15 locations across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab as part of a large-scale organized online investment and part-time job fraud primarily involving a Dubai-based fintech platform called Pyypl.

"It was alleged that thousands of unsuspecting Indian citizens were cheated of crores of rupees through deceptive online schemes operated by an organized transnational fraud syndicate," the CBI said.

The criminal network is said to have leveraged social media platforms, mobile applications, and encrypted messaging services to lure victims with promises of high returns from online investments and part-time job opportunities.

As highlighted by Proofpoint in October 2024, these scams aim to gain victims' trust by convincing them to deposit small amounts and show fictitious profits on fake sites, after which they are persuaded to invest larger sums of money.

As soon as the funds are deposited, they are quickly transferred through multiple mule bank accounts to cover up the money trail and then cashed out through offshore ATM withdrawals using debit cards enabled for international transactions and via wallet top-ups on overseas fintech platforms like Pyypl using Visa and Mastercard payment networks.

These withdrawals, per the CBI, appeared as point-of-sale (PoS) transactions in banking systems to fly under the radar. Some of the stolen money has also been converted to cryptocurrency, and consolidated into accounts linked to 15 shell companies and routed through two entities.

"These entities converted the proceeds into USDT through India-based virtual asset exchanges and transferred the cryptocurrency to their white-listed wallets," the CBI added.

The crime investigating agency has identified Ashok Kumar Sharma and other unnamed co-conspirators as key members of the syndicate. Sharma has been taken into custody. It also said various bank accounts used by the entities have been frozen, and incriminating documents and digital evidence related to the syndicate's day-to-day operations have been seized.
Those Cuban doctors who qualify to remain in Guyana are opting for that opportunity. (Credit: CiberCuba)

Guyanas Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has stated that it was the Government of Cuba that chose to withdrew the Cuban Medical Brigade from Guyana and not that his government had ordered the removal.





In an interview with local news service News Source on Monday 9th March, Dr. Anthony explained that the Government was in talks with the Cuban Authorities, when the decision was taken by Cuba to withdraw the Medical Brigade.





The decision to recall the Medical Brigade ended a 48-year long medical cooperation programme between the two countries, and according to Dr. Anthony, Cuba s decision to withdraw its professionals was made in February.





"We have been engaging the Cuban authorities and they chose to terminate or withdraw the Cuban doctors who were here. So, thats the first thing I want to make clear, Minister Anthony told news Source.





The Health Minister said in light of the decision taken by Havana, Guyana then opted to hire Cuban medical personnel directly.





"Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians, if they want to come to Guyana, they can come to Guyana and once they are properly qualified and certified by our medical authorities here, medical council, nursing council and so forth, once they meet those requirements then we will be able to offer them a job. And quite a number of persons have come, and so, we have offered them that job. So, they are working in the public system. So, we dont have a problem once they are qualified, Minister Anthony explained.





The Health Minister was unable to disclose the number of Cuban medical personnel hired directly by the Government since the arrangement fell through.





He said, though, that the decision to withdraw the Cuban Medical Brigade from Guyana has had no impact on the country, explaining that even as the country continues to hire the medical personnel directly, the Ministry of Health has been ramping up its training programmes for Guyanese nurses





End to programme in Jamaica





Last week, Jamaicas government ended a Cuban medical cooperation programme that began in 1976 with 14 doctors and nurses commencing service in that English-Speaking Caribbean nation.





Now after 50 years, the programme has been officially ended after what Jamaican sources said was failure to agree on a plan to pay doctors directly.





In a response as reported in the March 09, 2026 issue of GRANMA, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, officials said that Cuba "regrets the Jamaican governments decision to cease medical cooperation, yielding to pressure from the United States.





The statement went on to say, "With this action, the Jamaican government is yielding to pressure from the United States government, which is not concerned about the health needs of our Caribbean brothers and sisters.

The GRANMA report confirmed that Cuba "has made the sovereign decision to proceed with the return of the Cuban Medical Brigade.





According to the Cuban government, in the last 30 years alone, more than 4,700 Cuban medical professionals have provided medical assistance on Jamaica. At the time of cessation of the programme, the Cuban Medical a Brigade in Jamaica comprise 277 professionals.





And even as the medical cooperation programme came to an end, Cuba officials assured: "True to the historic bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that unite us with Jamaica, Cuba reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Jamaican people, who can always count on Cubas selfless cooperation.





More withdrawals and changes





Meanwhile, some 128 Cuban doctors left Honduras on March 05, 2026 after the agreement under which they had been operating for the past two years was not renewed by the government of conservative President Nasry Asfura, who supported the move by saying that the programme no longer met regulation.





Observers were of another mind saying that the Honduras administration had taken the action in keeping with its alignment with USA plans to reduce the flow of foreign currency to Cuba.





Several other Caribbean countries including The Bahamas, Antigua, Dominica and St. Lucia, have also said they are interested in changing how they pay Cuban doctors.





St. Vincent and the Grenadines has given notice that they intend to do away with Cuban doctors serving at the district levels.





The backdrop





Cubas decision to remove its medical mission from Guyana comes as the Trump administration takes other measures to isolate Cubas communist government that include a blockade of oil shipments to the island.

Speculation is rife that the Trump Administration is prepared to enforce visa restrictions on Caribbean countries who continue to have progammes of cooperation with Cuba.




Major St. Clair Leacock, Dep. Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, is endeavouring to provide the resources for the appropriate agencies/departments so they can effectively support his governments focus on encouraging measures to prevent crime.

All things being equal, Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Major St. Clair Leacock should be in Taiwan by early next week.





This is the first official visit to Taiwan by a member of the new Cabinet, installed after the November 27, 2026 election victory by the New Democratic Party (NDP).





Minister Leacocks visit comes in the face of those who still hold to the view that the NDP government will severe diplomatic relations with Taiwan.





Minister Leacock is in Taiwan with a defined purpose. He confirmed during his presentation at last Tuesdays National Consultation on School Violence, that his travel to Taiwan was to relay in persons a request for a fleet of vehicles to strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines crime-prevention efforts.





The fleet of vehicles requested will be assigned as follows: three for the National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP), three for the Cadet Force, and at least twelve (12) for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) .





The vehicles assigned to the NCCP will strengthen its capacity (outreach) as it executes the reintroduction of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) programme in schools.





As for the assignment to the RSVGPF, Minister Leacock spoke of the governments intention to "front-load resources into prevention, noting that it costs the state about EC$620 annually to support a cadet compared to EC$20,000 to keep someone in prison.





"Prevention clearly is better than cure, Leacock asserted.





And speaking directly to the constabulary, the Minister with responsibility for the institution in which they serve, he agreed that police officers often struggle to respond to calls due to a lack of transport.





He assured, "We will provide you (police) with the assets, the resources, the systems, motivations, but cautioned, "I will hold you to a very high standard, and once equipped, "there should be no excuses for poor performance.
Camillo Gonsalves, former Minister of Finance, might just have misrepresented the nature of the 5% monthly supplement that nurses, etc., had received under the ULP administration.

Early in March, in a radio broadcast on Star FM, former Finance Minister Camilo Gonsalves said he had heard from a nurse and two other sources that the 5% supplementary non-taxable income previously provided to nurses, nursing assistants, and nursing aids by the ULP government, had been discontinued by the new NDP administration.





He said then, that the information he had at hand was that the supplement was not paid in January or February of the current year.





Gonsalves said in his radio broadcast that the supplement was first announced in October 2023 by then-Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.





In fact, the announcement was included in the Independence Anniversary package of 2023 and was described as a measure to address specific challenges in the nursing profession.





According to the former Finance Minister, the supplement was paid throughout 2024 and 2025, and the administration in which he served as Finance Minister had promised to make this 5% increase permanent and tax-free starting in 2026.





He acknowledged that the current government provided a $2,000 one-off bonus to the nurses but computed that with the withdrawal of the supplement, nurses were in a net loss position because they lost the $2,082 annual supplement, and missed out on projected salary increases of 4% to 5% that were anticipated for 2026.





But, in a statement made public on Thursday, the Nurses Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines made known that the 5% salary supplement was always intended to be a temporary fiscal measure and disclosed that for several years, the Nurses Association and the SVG Public Service Union had made repeated attempts "to engage the ULP administration in discussions related to the need for a review of allowances for nurses, as well as to initiate discussions on the reclassification and upgrading of salaries within the nursing profession.





In support of the temporary nature of the supplement, the statement referenced that when it was first announced in 2023, the Prime Minister said it was last for six months.





The association noted further that during the October 2024 Independence Anniversary Address, the Prime Minister announced that the government would extend the 5% monthly supplementary non-taxable payment as a time-bound fiscal relief measure for an additional year, ending December 31, 2025.





In the 2025 Independence Anniversary Address, the only incentive announced for nurses was a one-off, tax-free Christmas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)





Noting that the former Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves had suggested the current government had "axed the supplement, the association explained that "the allowance had a predefined expiration date linked to long-term salary reclassification talks, and that the previous (ULP) administration "was aware of the time-bound nature of these payments and had previously ignored pleas to address systemic pay inequities for midwives.





The statement said that the nurses association was now shifting "the focus from political rhetoric to the need for permanent improvements in working conditions, giving the new administration a thumbs up on the expectations of nurses.





In that light, the association recommitted "to securing fair compensation and professional stability for healthcare workers rather than relying on short-term relief, the statement said.
Violence in schools has taken on new expressions and patterns that require innovative remedial and preventative responses.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, policymakers, educators, police leadership, and community stakeholders gathered at the National Insurance Services (NIS) Conference Room for a national consultation on school violence, held under the theme "Safer Schools, Safer Communities.





The consultation, hosted by the Ministry of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), focused on patterns and expression of violence among students, and explored strategies aimed at strengthening safety within schools and communities.





"Across many societies today, including our own, we are witnessing troubling patterns within our schools, incidents of violence, gang influence, bullying and other behaviors that threaten not only the safety of our students and teachers, but also the future stability of our community, Superintendent of Police (SoP) Junior Simmons said as he set the tone for the deliberations.





Emerging patterns of youth violence





According to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Trevor Bailey, there have been a number of troubling incidents involving students within recent months, underscoring the serious of the issue.





In addition he recognized that certain behaviours and expressions are emerging in and around schools.





The situation is one in which "We are dealing with the developing concern, I am referring to patterns of behavior that resemble gang culture, group intimidation, pressure to align, retaliation for disrespect the pursuit of status through violenceand the acceptance of fear as a way to control others, ACP Bailey said.





Collaboration is crucial





The reality required that responsible institutions do more than react, Bailey continued. "We must assess the pattern, speak honestly about the risk and decide what must change.





He posited, though, that the issue must be approached with discipline and fairness.





"We cannot afford to make the mistake of branding every troubled child as a criminal, that will be careless and unjust and harmful, he cautioned, and he emphasised the importance of balance and fairness when addressing young people involved in miscreant behaviour.





That was why consultation, inter-sectoral collaboration mattered, Bailey said: "Our schools are being asked to carry pressures they did not create on their own.





No school can solve the problem on its own. The police have a role, but policing was not enough to produce the culture the young people needed.





"A uniform cannot replace parenting, an arrest cannot substitute for moral guidance, ACP Bailey said.





Prevention, early intervention





Deputy Commissioner of Police (DPC) Frankie Joseph noted that the purpose of the consultation was not simply to discuss the problem of school violence, but to develop practical solutions through partnership.

He said that school violence required a comprehensive and coordinated national approach built around four key areas  prevention, early intervention, protection and enforcement.





According to the DPC, the primary function of the police was prevention, and that ought to be the strongest weapon.





"We must strengthen programmes that guide our young people towards positive behavior and responsible citizenship, DCP suggested, and in this regard referenced the youth-focused initiatives such as Police Youth Clubs, mentorship programmes, and conflict resolution training as critical tools in fostering positive behavior among young people.





And in respect of early detention the DCP noted the need for coordinated responses among teachers, parents, social services, and law enforcement.





"Violence does not occur without warning signs, he advised.





This means strengthening the school safety protocols, improving communication between schools and the police and addressing threats such as gang violence and drugs or weapons near school premises, DCP Joseph recognised.





"The children in our classroom today will become the leaders, professionals and citizens of tomorrow, if we fail to guide them now, we risk losing them to cycles of violence and crime, but if we work together with purpose, compassion and commitment, we can create schools that are not only safe, but centres on discipline, opportunity and hope, Joseph said.
Andrew Windsor and Peter Mandelson seem to appear alongside the disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in a newly surfaced photograph.

Andrew Windsor and Peter Mandelson seem to appear alongside the disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in a newly surfaced photograph

Discovered in the files released by the United States Department of Justice earlier this year, the image is believed to be the first known photograph showing the three scandal-hit men together.

The photograph shows Andrew, 66, Peter, aged 72, and Jeffrey  who died in 2019 aged 66 in his jail cell while awaiting trial  sitting around a wooden table on decking outside while wearing casual clothing.

Andrew and Peter appear to be wearing white bathrobes, while Epstein is dressed in a shirt and jumper.

The picture is understood to have been taken between 1999 and 2000 at Marthas Vineyard in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, before Epstein was imprisoned for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

According to ITV, the image formed part of a dossier of thousands of files relating to Epstein released earlier this year. Both Andrew and Peter had previously been photographed separately with the sex trafficker, but images showing the three together had not surfaced until the document release.

The image bears a resemblance to another photograph previously uncovered showing Peter sitting alongside Epstein while wearing a similar white robe.

That earlier picture was discovered in a file labelled Epstein birthday book.

The extent of the relationship between Epstein, Peter and Andrew came under renewed scrutiny when the Department of Justice released millions more documents connected to the convicted paedophile financier in January.

Following the release of the files, Peter was dismissed from his role as US ambassador.

Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and removed from his country residence.

The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on his 66th birthday in February.

He was questioned in custody for nearly 12 hours before being released under investigation later the same day from Aylsham Police Station.

Police previously said they were reviewing claims Andrew allegedly shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UKs trade envoy.

After the arrest, officers carried out raids at royal residences in Windsor and Norfolk.

Documents contained in the Epstein files also appear to show Peter passing confidential information to Epstein while he was business secretary.
Participants and resource persons who were involved in the Rotary Club of St. Vincent inaugural Teen Empowerment Tea Party.

Sixty teenage girls from secondary schools here were recently involved in an afternoon of mentorship, learning, and inspiration.





This as the Rotary Club of St. Vincent hosted its inaugural Teen Empowerment Tea Party on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Beachcombers Hotel, in celebration of International Womens Day.





Led by Past President Shafia London, the youth-focused project provided an opportunity for the teens to engage in meaningful discussions on healthy self-esteem, overcoming personal limitations, and nurturing strong mental and emotional well-being as young women.





Leading the girls into meaningful and interactive participation was a panel comprising Mrs. C. LaToya DeRoche-John, Headmistress of the St. Vincent Girls High School; Entrepreneur and fashion designer Ms. Lisa Cordice; and Psychologist and mental wellness advocate Dr. Alisa Alvis.





Each of panelists shared personal experiences and offered words of encouragement and upliftment.





Aviar Charles, a former Miss SVG and Manager/ Public Relations at Sandals (SVG) Resort, also availed herself and led a session on etiquette.





Health professionals from the Health Promotion Unit were also present to lead an interactive session on breast health, demonstrating breast self-examination techniques and raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The activity formed part of the Clubs Global Grant-funded Breast Cancer Awareness Project, now in its fifth year.





And to crown off the afternoon, the teenage girls were treated to an inspiring address by President-Elect LaTeisha Sandy-Marks of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent, who encouraged the girls to embrace the beauty of their unique selves.
Moi nhat oc nhieu
Orlando International Airport (MCO) expects more than 600,000 travelers to pass through this weekend, officials said, which could add more strain to already-stressed TSA officials who have been working without pay since a partial federal government shutdown began in February.

In a release, MCO urged travelers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flights' departure times, and to get to the security checkpoint two hours early.

Impacts from the shutdown on Florida airports have remained relatively minor this week as more TSA officers around the country have quit or called in sick. Most Florida airports report wait times of less than 15 minutes, with slightly longer times possible at larger airports in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami.

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However, Orlando (MCO) briefly listed wait times of up to 55 minutes early Friday morning, March 13, on its live security webpage. By 7 a.m., the projected time was back down to half an hour. MCO said in social media posts that some of the busiest travel days are coming up this weekend:

Friday, March 13 - 199,263 arrivals and departures

Saturday, March 14 - 204,852

Sunday, March 15 - 211,973

Friday, March 16 - 205,362

Airport officials urged travelers to arrive early, at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights, and to monitor their airport's social media for updates.

TSA outages causing lengthy waits for travelers

Friday marks the first day TSA officers will go without their first full paycheck since the current partial government shutdown began. The stress is showing: at least 300 officers have quit, and the rate of officers calling in sick has more than doubled, according to a report from CBS News.

Around 95% of TSA employees, about 61,000 people, are considered essential and required to keep working, unpaid. As the shutdown stretches on, many TSA officers  some of the lowest-paid positions in the federal government, CBS said  are struggling to make ends meet or leaving to find work elsewhere.

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For travelers, this means increasingly longer lines at security checkpoints, some lasting up to three hours, during the spring break rush when an estimated 171 million passengers are expected to fly during March and April, according to a forecast released by Airlines for America.

What are the current wait times at Florida airports?

As of Friday morning, here are the estimated security wait times for Florida airports according to the airports and TSA. Note that TSA estimates may not be current due to the shutdown when the MyTSA app is not updated: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): 0-15 minutes

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS): 0-15 minutes

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 15-30 minutes

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV): 0-15 minutes

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): 0-15 minutes

Key West International Airport (EYW): 0-15 minutes

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB): 0-15 minutes

Miami International Airport (MIA): 0-25 minutes

Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP): 0-15 minutes

Orlando International Airport (MCO): 25-60 minutes

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): 0-15 minutes

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): 0-15 minutes

Pensacola International Airport (PNS): 0-15 minutes

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD): 0-15 minutes

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): 0-15 minutes

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): 15-30 minutes

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): 0-15 minutes

Tallahassee International Airport (TLH): 0-15 minutes

Tampa International Airport (TPA): 15-30 minutes

Wait times will be shorter for travelers with TSA PreCheck, or for families or military members using dedicated lines, where available.

How to check TSA wait times

Need to know when to be at the airport? There are a few ways to monitor TSA lines in real time.

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Airport websites: Some airports post checkpoint wait updates so you can see how the day is going.

Airport social media: Follow your airport's social media page. Often, when there are significant delays, the airport will post about it.

The MyTSA mobile app: The TSA's free app provides estimated wait times for many U.S. airports based on TSA data and traveler reports, along with other TSA information. However, this information may not be up to date due to the ongoing government shutdown when nonessential services are not maintained. Banners on both the TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites warn that, Due to the lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed.

3rd party sites: Several unofficial websites, such as airportinsightfind.com, fly.com, flightqueue.com or tsawaittimes.com, provide estimated wait times based on airport reports and traveler submissions.

What's causing the government shutdown?

The TSA staffing crunch comes during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration. DHS funding lapsed Feb. 13 after Congress failed to agree on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats, leaving roughly 50,000 airport security screeners working without pay.

Many TSA employees are still recovering from the last two government shutdowns in 2025. TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told Congress this month that about 1,110 TSA officers left the agency in October and November 2025, a more than 25% increase from the same time period the year before.

C. A. Bridges 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.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: TSA wait times Friday for Florida airports for spring break weekend
Air tickets are expected to rise as oil prices go up due to the conflict with Iran. - Peter Zay/Anadolu/Getty Images

From the gas pump to the superstore checkout, the repercussions of the war with Iran will soon start to eat into household budgets around the world. And while these everyday concerns pale compared to the terrors of conflict experienced by those in the firing line, theyre a reality for many.

The world of travel is no different. Global aviation routes were immediately plunged into turmoil when conflict broke out in the Middle East at the end of February. Now the effects are spreading across the map.

Thats raised questions for many people with existing travel plans or looking ahead to summer vacations, business trips or essential journeys.

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Heres what to know before you travel:

Should I book a flight now or wait?

With oil prices surging, there have been reports of flight prices escalating sharply as airlines hedge against rises in jet fuel costs. But with the duration of the war unclear, should travelers hoping to fly in summer or later in the year hang on to see if ticket prices come down again?

No, says Clint Henderson, principal spokesperson for The Points Guy, which specializes in advice to travelers seeking to get the most out of their airline points, miles and credit cards. Even if your travel date is far over the horizon.

Were recommending that people book whenever they can, for the rest of the year, now, he tells CNN Travel.

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In normal times, he says, travelers are advised to buy tickets one to two months ahead of departure for domestic US flights, or two to three months for international. Right now, those guidelines have been thrown out the window.

Several carriers have already warned of price rises. The CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, this week suggested that the impact of higher jet fuel costs on tickets would probably start quick.

Henderson says oil price spikes are not always passed straight on to air travelers. But when the United CEO is warning prices are going to increase soon, you can pretty much take it to the bank.

For domestic US flights, Henderson recommends using sites like Junova.AI and pAIback, which monitor prices and secure credits for passengers if they drop. He also warns against booking basic economy in times of uncertainty, because there are more restrictions on refunds or alterations.

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Travelers on international flights also face more restrictions in terms of refunds or rebooking  so its wise to check policies before booking and also avoid basic economy if there is likely to be uncertainty. Middle Eastern carriers are being relatively flexible right now, Henderson says, and passengers with stashes of points or miles should consider using them, again, for the flexibility they offer.

The conflict will bring more uncertainty for travelers  with some routes canceled and others redirected. - Mark Felix/Bloomberg/Getty Images

How will the war affect the price of travel?

The disruption is costing the tourism sector at least $600 million a day in lost international visitor spending, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, which before the conflict had forecast travelers would spend $207 billion in the region in 2026. The blow to the sector could translate into higher flight and hotel prices  but how much higher is still unclear.

The Middle East accounts for about 5% of global international arrivals, and around 10% of US passengers traveling to Asia pass through hubs in the region, according to Cirium Ascend Consultancy.

One major factor will be fuel costs. Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel in the past week before easing, and airlines exposure varies depending on whether they hedge fuel purchases. According to Cirium, US carriers have little or no hedging, while some European and Asian airlines  including Singapore Airlines and Qantas  have locked in prices for part of their fuel.

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Higher costs may also come from longer routes and diversions. With some airspace closed, airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways have had to reroute flights, burning more fuel. Direct Europe-Asia routes are already under pressure, with many forced through a narrow corridor over Georgia and Azerbaijan or onto longer southern paths.

Airlines can absorb higher fuel costs for a time, but prolonged increases usually lead to higher fares. Travel operators are trying to limit disruption by rerouting passengers where possible.

The airport has done a fantastic job of rerouting passengers, which were also seeing with other hubs in the region that are affected by the conflict, Gloria Guevara, president of the World Travel & Tourism Council told CNN Travel, referring to Dubai International Airport. Such flexibility, she said, will help restore confidence and could limit price volatility as travelers plan summer trips.

Dubai International Airport is normally one of the world's busiest international aviation hubs, but is now only accommodating a few flights. - Altaf Qadri/AP

The Middle East is off-limits, but is there anywhere else I should avoid?

That depends on your tolerance of potential delays or disruption. Since the airspace over the Middle East is so crucial to global travel, if youre flying long haul its possible that youll be caught in the chaos. This might involve rerouting, canceled flights, or simply increased flight times as airlines give the area a wide berth.

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Some adjacent regions may be affected. On March 9 the US government strongly advised Americans to leave southeast Turkey. Global risk analyst Elizabeth Stephens, managing director of Geopolitical Risk Advisory, says Turkey is potentially a risk its proximity puts it at risk of receiving possible missiles, she believes.

Markus Kendall-Young, founder and managing director of Auria Travel, says hed currently go anywhere that isnt subject to a travel advisory  hes going to Turkey in May, although he has many clients canceling trips to nearby destinations, including Cyprus and Egypt. For those booking future flights from Europe to Asia, hes routing them through places such as Bangkok and Hong Kong to avoid connecting in the Middle East.

Brian Moore, managing director of GSA Global, which analyses risk for business travel, says that some of his clients are pausing all business travel until the situation improves. Others are relocating meetings to third countries, or picking a smaller town rather than a capital city.

And are there other safety considerations?

Stephens says she expects lone wolf attacks by supporters of the Iranian regime in the US, and potentially in other countries.

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Her main advice: If youre going somewhere pay attention to whats going on. Be engaged. Most people dont do that.

Moore agrees that theres a risk of attacks elsewhere in the world. That could be a hotel if there are lots of Western people using it.

But while Moore and Kendall-Young dont believe that staying in big-name Western hotel chains could be risky, Stephens suggests avoiding them.

I think smaller boutique hotels and privately owned guesthouses are far safer, she says. The prospect of a little B&B being attacked is much less. Shes considering a business trip to Dubai at the end of April and is considering an Airbnb rather than major brand hotel.

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Moore says that what goes for business travelers goes for leisure, too. Have a good think about where youre going, why youre going there, and where you need to go in that place. Follow government advice and make sure youre insured for the reasonable things that could go wrong. He also suggests having plans for a worst-case scenario  if you get stuck somewhere, the cat will need feeding. Check the small print of your travel insurance. The devil is in the detail, says Moore.

Kendall-Young says that during times of instability, booking with a travel agent means getting assistance when you most need it. If youre traveling on a protected package, youve got support if you need to move or change thats important, he says. If you booked it yourself, you have to be your own travel agent.

Is it safe to fly between Europe and Asia?

The Iran conflict has caused severe airspace disruption, with a number of flight paths no longer available.

Air travel between Europe and Asia has typically flowed straight through the Middle East, with the regions airspace described as a high-capacity bridge between the two.

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However, large parts of the Middle East airspace remain closed, including Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait, while airspace over Israel, UAE and Qatar is still heavily restricted, according to OPSGROUP, an international organization for flight operations professionals.

With the central Gulf corridor effectively closed, airlines have been switching to routes either north via the Caucasus and Afghanistan or a southern corridor via Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

For the airlines based in the major Gulf hubs, the disruption is massive, Ian Douglas, an honorary senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales school of aviation, tells CNN Travel.

For the Chinese carriers that fly over Russian airspace there has been little to no disruption.

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Douglas adds that for Turkish airlines whose flights routinely track further north over Turkmenistan, impacts are minor, along with Australian flag carrier Qantas, which has amended the route of its nonstop flight from Perth to London to include a fueling stop in Singapore.

So should travelers be concerned? Tony Stanton, consultant director of Strategic Air in Australia, stresses that airlines run really structured intelligence, informed risk assessments, and any safety concerns beyond the affected region are unwarranted.

Major airlines dont just make these decisions just by looking at Flightradar24 and going, All right. Everybody else is going to the north. Lets go north, Stanton told CNN recently.

Theyve got specialist security teams, flight ops teams, dispatch teams. They listen to government advice. They probably get some intelligence that we dont get, and they make very careful decisions about when theyre going to operate, he says.

Particularly the major airlines  I personally would be comfortable to jump on a British Airways or a Qantas or Emirates aircraft if that aircraft was operating, because I have comfort in the systems and the risk assessments.

Experts say traveling on scheduled passenger services remains safe. - Rick Bowmer/AP/File

Ive heard there are fuel shortages in some places. Is there a risk of being stranded?

Fuel shortages will impact aviation, but its unlikely that fuel-related issues will cause last-minute surprises for travelers.

Theres such communication between the airlines and the fuel supply chain and so forth that they will know days in advance that theres issues, Tony Stanton, consultant director of Strategic Air in Australia, tells CNN Travel.

Using this advanced intel, airlines can determine if they need to avoid certain airports or cancel flights. This, of course, still means disruption for travelers  but youre unlikely to be unexpectedly stranded.

Fueling an aircraft isnt like us fueling our cars, Stanton explains. Airlines dont turn up and hope for the best: Its planned in advance.

Each airport stores a shared infrastructure of fuel. Different airports will store different amounts of fuel  depending on their traffic  and airlines will be aware of each hubs supply and reserve.

The major hubs obviously carry quite a large amount of fuel reserve, says Stanton. So, if there was a disruption, what they would start to do is to limit the uplift that was allowable well in advance of running out of fuel.

Airlines also wouldnt risk flying to an airport with a low fuel reserve, says Stanton. Plus, aircraft can carry extra fuel  so if airlines know there are uplift restrictions at certain air hubs, they can come prepared.

This all means flights are unlikely to be canceled due to fuel shortages at the last minute, says Stanton. Itll probably happen, but itll happen in advance.

Relatedly, airlines may also cancel flights because of the change in fuel price  something thats already happened in the case of Air New Zealand.

Its not just a fuel shortage, whats happening is also changing the fuel price, and airlines are reacting to that as well, says Stanton.

Are cruise vacations affected?

For the small number of cruise lines that have ships deployed to the Middle East, its already affecting cruise itineraries, explains Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. Celestyal, TUI and MSC Cruises, for example, have already canceled all March sailings, essentially ending their winter seasons there.

Itineraries that include Egypt  popular for Nile River cruising  and Turkey, a staple on many Mediterranean routes, could also see changes or cancellations, depending on how the situation develops.

Ultimately, passenger confidence could be the biggest factor in whether itineraries change, says McDaniel. If travelers dont feel comfortable with certain itineraries, theyll speak with their wallets, and cruise lines will stop offering them for the time being.

Its unlikely travelers will see price increases for now. However, under standard booking terms, cruise lines reserve the right to add a fuel surcharge if oil prices exceed a certain level, says McDaniel. Even if youve paid in full, this could be tacked on. The surcharge is rarely applied, but its a possibility.

What about rail travel. Will prices go up too?

While many governments are advising citizens to use public transit instead of driving, the cost of this could rise if the Middle East conflict continues and fuel costs increase.

Train ticket prices are quite likely to increase, says Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at the French bank Natixis.

Rail systems that use electric power  such as in Japan and parts of Europe  instead of traditional fuels will be less likely to be affected by the rising cost of diesel, she says.

Some countries may subsidize initially, because there are a lot of short-distance trains that are important for working purposes and they may choose to protect those over long-distance trains. These include local subway systems and commuter rail services rather than intercity or international lines.

Garcia Herrero points to South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as countries that already have fuel subsidies or will introduce them soon.

Travelers are advised to check their insurance policies to see if they are covered in the event of disruption caused by conflict. - Bing Guan/Reuters

Ive already booked travel to or via the Middle East. What should I do?

If your trip is coming up very soon, then the prevailing advice is to cancel your travel plans, frustrating as that is. Many governments are cautioning their citizens against travel to most parts of the region and travel insurance may be invalid if you choose to ignore the advice (see next section).

Some airlines, particularly Middle Eastern carriers, are offering credits, rebookings or refunds. Some hotels booked directly are too. These may not be available for payments made via third-party booking websites, in which case travelers will have to rely on insurance for refunds.

Those traveling later in the year may want to hang on before canceling bookings, says Henderson from The Points Guy. The rapidly changing political situation means theres no predicting how long the conflict will last, and things could go either way. He says hes scheduled to travel to South Africa via Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways later in the year and is hoping the trip goes ahead as planned.

Its sometimes good to try to be patient before you cancel, he says. A lot of times, if the airline cancels, they will rebook you, so its better to wait.

Will my insurance still cover me if I travel to the Mideast?

When most of us buy travel insurance, we have general expectations of what will be covered, such as the cost of hotel rooms and new plane tickets when something out of our control derails our trip.

But as noted by GSA Globals Moore above, most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for losses connected to military conflicts.

That means travelers planning to visit or transit through the Middle East should read the small print on their insurance policies and keep a close eye on government travel warnings.

Allianz Assistance, one of the worlds biggest travel insurance providers, said in a recent coverage alert that travel plans sold to US residents generally do not provide coverage for any loss resulting directly or indirectly from any one or more of the following: war (declared or undeclared) or acts of war; government travel warnings or advisories; or fear of travel. The alert also said that covered reasons under its policies require that the insured must not have traveled against government advice.

So, if the US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do not travel warning for the country youre planning to visit, your travel insurance policy would likely be invalid.

Several countries in the Middle East fall under Level 4 now, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria and Yemen. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have been issued Level 3: Reconsider Travel warnings. But remember, war-related exclusions likely still apply to your policy regardless of the government advisory level.

If you do need to travel somewhere with a Level 4 warning or are concerned about global conflicts disrupting your trip, there are insurance companies and crisis response organizations that offer specialized coverage and assistance for high-risk journeys, including Global Rescue, Battleface and Clements Worldwide.

Jeanne Bonner, Julia Buckley, Karla Cripps, Tamara Hardingham-Gill, Lilit Marcus. Barry Neild, Maureen OHare and Francesca Street contributed to this story

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
I got a full medical checkup during my trip to Japan. This preventive care taught me a lot about my health in an efficient way. Ingrid Yang

While in Japan, I got a comprehensive preventive medical checkup that took just four hours.

A translator helped me navigate the process, and I completed several tests and screenings.

The $1,800 exam showed me how Japan's emphasis on preventive care can help with longevity.

I arrived at the hospital in Tokyo on a clear December morning aware of two things: how far I was from home and how little Japanese I speak.

Like many visitors to Japan, my vocabulary consists of pleasantries, menu items, and apologies, which is hardly the skill you need when checking in for a full medical workup.

As a physician practicing in the United States, I know how medical visits usually unfold, yet that knowledge does not make the experience easier once you become the patient.

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Although I'd been to Japan many times before, the country has long fascinated me with its longevity. It consistently ranks among places where people live the longest, and although many factors contribute, its cultural embrace of preventive medicine stands out.

On this trip, I was determined to experience that system from the inside.

A huge goal of these checkup is to catch small issues before they become big problems

NTT Tokyo hospital lobby Ingrid Yang

Despite my worries about the language barrier, booking the appointment through the Nippon Health website turned out to be easier than expected.

I chose NTT Tokyo in Shinagawa, one of many medical centers that accommodates international patients. The website was in English, the intake forms were straightforward, and the email responses arrived quickly. Within two days, I had a confirmed appointment.

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The type of checkup I scheduled costs about $1,800 and is known in Japan as a "ningen dock."

The phrase loosely translates to "human dock," borrowing the nautical image of pulling a ship from the water so its structure can be inspected before it returns to sea.

The goal is not to wait for problems, but to periodically examine the vessel. After all, preventive screening in Japan is simply part of the routine maintenance of adulthood.

With the help of a translator, my tests and exams moved smoothly and quickly

NTT medical center entrance Ingrid Yang

When I arrived at the clinic, I searched for English signs while the antiseptic air stirred a subtle flicker of nerves.

My nerves faded when the elevator doors opened. A supervising nurse greeted me with a bow and introduced me to the Japanese-to-English translator, who would guide me through the day.

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They led me down a spotless hallway to a private changing room where a neatly folded patient uniform waited: sweatpants and a brown scrub-style top that felt almost dignified compared with the backless gowns I hand my own patients.

I pulled the sleeves toward my wrists and watched them stop short, a reminder that I was an American-sized body navigating a Japanese system.

Over the next four hours, I moved through a comprehensive preventive medical checkup that, in the US, would typically require months of scheduling, referrals, and coordination.

CT Ingrid Yang

Throughout the day, my translator did more than translate  she explained the reasoning of the sequence of tests and exams and clarified cultural details.

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With her help, the visit unfolded smoothly as a clearly guided process. The pace was not rushed, yet nothing stalled.

My morning began with bloodwork and urinalysis, followed by measurements that included height, weight, vision, hearing, grip strength, lung capacity, and blood pressure.

Hearing test set up in Japan Ingrid Yang

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From there, the testing moved to imaging and diagnostic studies: electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and CT, abdominal ultrasound, bone-density scan, and gastric screening.

Each test had its own technician, a clear flow, and a station ready before I arrived.

Small gestures, like technicians bowing before explaining each test, created a sense of ease and reflected a process refined through years of repetition.

lab waiting area Ingrid Yang

At the end of the testing sequence, I immediately met with a physician to review my lab results.

This was incredibly useful and turned out to be one of the biggest differences from the American system  normally, I'd wait days or weeks to get lab results through a portal or follow-up appointment.

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While reviewing the results of my exams and tests, the physician emphasized that no single checkup is definitive and that the real value lies in building a dataset over time.

Even so, a few findings gave me clear insight into habits worth adjusting, which made the experience genuinely useful.

I left the clinic with a folder of results, a few recommendations, and additional imaging reports (that required a radiologist's interpretation) arriving in the weeks ahead.

By the end, I had experienced firsthand a few things Japan's system gets right about longevity

Hallway Ingrid Yang

The $1,800 cost of this exam sounds a bit substantial  until you compare it with the American system. A similar collection of tests in the United States can easily cost more than $10,000, depending on insurance coverage and billing practices.

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More important than the price is the simplicity and efficiency of this process  everything took place in one building over a single morning.

There were no separate referrals, no weeks of waiting for scheduling calls, and no surprise invoices months later. The experience was not dramatic or life-changing. In many ways, it was deliberately ordinary.

The most valuable aspect of the visit was its completeness. In the United States, health information trickles in over time: a lab result here, an imaging report later, maybe a conversation at the next appointment.

That morning, everything unfolded in practical succession: bloodwork, scans, consultation. I walked out with a clear sense of what was worth paying attention to and which habits were serving me well.

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It reminded me that longevity is not built through dramatic medical moments. It develops through systems that help you see your health clearly and make adjustments before problems appear.

Just one morning inside a Tokyo hospital showed me how a culture can make that kind of maintenance feel routine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
African lions are frequently seen on night safaris in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Night game drives offer travelers the chance to see lions hunting, roaming, or roaring near camp and beyond. Roy Toft, National Geographic Image Collection

The hunt. The piercing shrill. The silence. Your heartbeat is the loudest sound. As daylight fades and darkness settles, it may seem counterintuitive to head into the bush, but a guided night game drive opens a window to the continents most electric, unpredictable hours. If daytime safaris are about seeing, nighttime is about feeling.

Africas iconic wildlife adventures are going beyond afternoon game drives, ending with glasses clinking during a sundowner in the bush. The circle of life can be difficult to see yet fascinating, as Nic Turpin, founder of SafariScapes, describes one of his most memorable experiences as a guide at night in the Vumbura Plains of Botswana. Following a pride of 15 lions as they tracked and hunted down a herd of buffalo. They successfully targeted an individual bull, which resulted in a three-hour battle for survival. It was brutal, but one of the most insane experiences with your senses already heightened as the sounds and drama unfolded.

Exploring the bush at night is a trend among safari-goers. We are definitely seeing an increase in interest from clients, and we are constantly on the lookout for new authentic nocturnal experiences. Clients are willing to get up at all hours in the night to see or do something if it is something seriously unique, said Siobhan Byrne, founder and CEO of Adams & Butler.

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A night game drive is Africa unfiltered, where your senses sharpen, predators prowl, and the sky above shimmers with a brilliance city-dweller cant even fathom. Here are seven experiences when Africas wild heart beats loudest after the sun goes down.

1. Laikipia Wilderness Camp, Kenya

Why go: A black leopard beauty

People come from all over the world to see Giza, a now-famous black leopard. I saw her two nights in a row thanks to the skilled guides at Laikipia Wilderness Camp. As guides anticipate movements and her silhouette materializes in a spotlight glow, its a wild cat-and-mouse chase. Watching her slink around safari vehicles with the elegance of a supermodel on a Paris Fashion Week catwalk, it seems like she knows shes the star. The guides are so in tune with her behavior that when its time to back away, they do.

On my first night, I watched in awe as she glided across lava-rock outcroppings with quiet mastery. The second night, she got so close to our stopped vehicle that I audibly gasped when I saw the spots on her sleek melanistic skin. Then, my heart thudded hearing the shrill of a precision kill by this stealth huntress before she disappeared into the darkness with a duiker for her cubs. Both evenings, we also watched two leopards mating at sunset, a rare sight even for our seasoned guides, but it was Giza who stole the show.

(How Maasai culture coexists with safari in southern Kenya.)

2. Loirien Mara, Kenya

Why go: Search for skittish pangolin

One of the most compelling night experiences in Kenya isnt about watching prowling predators. Its seeing one of the planets most elusive mammals. Skittish, solitary, and active almost exclusively at night, pangolins are the most trafficked mammal on earth. In the Nyekweri Forest bordering the Maasai Mara,The Pangolin Project uses cameras and ranger patrols to monitor and protect the last stronghold of the giant ground pangolin. Loirien Mara offers a unique experience not only to see pangolins, but also to work on the survival of the species.

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Clients can go out with the Pangolin Project team whenever a camera alerts to a pangolin being in the vicinity, says Siobhan Byrne, If the pangolin is healthy and in no danger, they can help tag the animal. If a pangolin is in trouble, you can assist the team, with the animals welfare guiding every decision. Its a night safari rooted in stewardship, replacing the thrill of the chase with the privilege of protecting a species. Guests can pair protecting the pangolin with Loirien Maras guided star safari for an experience both rare and out of this world.

(Why are so few African safaris Black-owned?)

3. Swakopmund, Namibia

Why go: A night walk in the sand dunes

Swakopmunds coastal desert dunes offer one of Africas most unusual nocturnal safaris. By day, you can zip across towering sand dunes on a quad bike adventure with Namibia Desert Explorers. In a place that can seem lifeless at noon, at night, Swakopmund transforms into a living planetarium with a cast of astonishingly adapted creatures. Catch a glimpse of a dancing white lady spider flipping and cartwheeling across the dunes, a Peringueys adder etching its distinctive sideways calligraphy into the sand, or a colorful Namib web-footed gecko glowing in the dark as its translucent skin catches light. You might also spot a shovel-nose lizard skimming the sands surface like a living wind-up toy or the cryptic Namaqua chameleon with its muted colors and prehistoric presence.

Encounters are quick in the desert. Blink, and theyre gone. A nighttime walk through the sand dunes walk is a reminder that safaris arent just about size or spectacle. Here, the spotlight belongs to the Namibia's Little Five, the tiny desert dwellers proving some of Africas most remarkable wildlife is its smallest, emerging after dark.

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(What it's like tracking Namibia's desert rhinos in the storms of a decade.)

4. Anvil Bay, Mozambique

Why go: Bush, beach, and nesting turtles

The journey to Anvil Bay is an adventure in itself. You can helicopter in, skimming over forests and floodplains, but I chose the four-hour game drive through Maputo National Park, spotting giraffes, elephants, monkeys, and more emerging from coastal thickets. Its a true safari-to-sea transition, easing into the remoteness of Anvil Bay Lodge on the Indian Ocean. With protected marine reserve status and healthy coral reefs just offshore, Anvil Bay is a prime snorkeling destination. Dolphins are frequently spotted during evening boat rides. Humpback Whales and southern right whales migrate along the coastline from July to November.

From late October through March, the remote beach becomes a vital nesting ground for loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Anvil Bay takes part in the national parks turtle monitoring program. After a sunset cruise, we got word that a loggerhead turtle was nesting nearby. Quietly and swiftly, led by the owner of Doug MacDonald Safaris and under the watchful eye of a national park ranger, we watched her excavate her nest to deposit her eggs before making her way back to the sea.

(How travelers can join marine scientists predicting the future in Mozambique.)

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Why go: Sleep-out under the night sky

Seemingly tailor-made for night safari, the Okavango Deltas floodplains and woodlands hum with activity once the daytime heat fades. Take your night safari up a notch by sleeping al fresco. In the Khwai Private Reserve, sleep above the floodplains at Natural Selections Skybeds Camp and listen as the cool night air carries the grunts and honks of hippos, rumble of elephants, and whooping of hyenas.

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At Xigera Safari Lodge, Baobab Treehouse is an elevated perch in indigenous Croton trees for an ultra-luxe sleep-out experience deep in the Moremi Game Reserve. Its the delight of the darkness as nocturnal sounds blend with starlight, lulling you to sleep.

(Thalefang Charles storytelling is helping safeguard the Okavango Delta and Indigenous knowledge.)

6. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Why go: Big cats and big starry skies

As Tanzanias largest national park, Ruaha National Parks rugged baobab-studded landscape is home to some of East Africas highest concentrations of lions, elephants, and cheetahs. At Usangu Expedition Camp, night drives wander into a wilderness where silence is broken by the roar of lions or rumble of elephants on the move. Using thermal cameras on expert-guided drives, you get an intimate glimpse of Africas hidden nightlife, including leopards, bush babies, and owls.

At secluded Kigelia Ruaha, you might spot genets, civets, or the elusive pangolin. For a truly immersive nocturnal experience, sleep under the vast African sky on your tents star bed, an elevated sleeping platform perfect for falling asleep to bush sounds and waking up to a stellar African sunrise.

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(Which Tanzanian national park is right for you?)

7. Zakouma National Park, Chad

Why go: Nocturnal species of the Sahel

In the African mainland, I would have to say the best night drives I have done have been in Zakouma National Park of Chad, says Doug MacDonald. Operating during the dry season from December to April, Camp Nomade offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Central Africas last intact Savannah ecosystems, where wildlife and Sahelian culture remain deeply intertwined. By day, you could spot West African lions, Kordofan giraffes, and vast flocks of red-billed queleas or black-crowned cranes.

As darkness sets in, predators like lions and hyenas prowl, and you could see servals, caracals, pale foxes, and aardvarks. When you are in areas where it is hot, the night drives often give you more time with the big predators. Both cats and hyenas tend to be more active in these cooler hours of the evening as opposed to seeing them sleeping in the shade, the owner of Doug MacDonald Safaris explains. In Zakouma, its a road-less-traveled kind of safari where the nocturnal species are few travelers ever encounter.

(Ten must-see sights in South Africabeyond Kruger National Park and Cape Town.)

8. Tswalu, South Africa

Why go: In search of elusive aardvark

In South Africas Kalahari, Tswalu is a prime place to see animals on both Africas Shy Five and Secret Seven lists. The Shy Five, also called the Elusive Five in Tswalu, are the aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, brown hyena, and pangolin. Africas Secret Seven are mostly nocturnal animals rarely seen on daytime safaris. They are the aardvark, African wildcat, civet, large-spotted genet, pangolin, porcupine, and serval.

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Seeing my first and only aardvark ever while in the Kalahari Desert, says Nic Turpin, on this coveted sighting by nocturnal safari lovers. Shy, elusive, and almost exclusively active after dark, the aardvark is arguably the holy grail of night safaris. Night drives may also reveal night creatures such as pangolins, bat-eared foxes, and aardwolves. Tswalu is also a gateway to sleep-out experiences in the South African bush, including at Malori, which means dreamer in Setswana. Its a fitting name for an under-canvas experience for epic stargazing of the Southern Hemispheres constellations, with lions roaring in the darkness.

(These badass women are taking on poachersand winning.)

9. Ol Jogi, Kenya

Why go: Hidden observation shelter and traveling telescope

A short walk from Ol Jogis main house at dusk leads to a hidden viewing hide or concealed shelter overlooking a watering hole. From this low-impact vantage point, the soft evening lighting casts a subtle glow on the Big Five and nocturnal species as it gets darker. You could see animals rarely seen during daytime game drives, like striped and spotted hyena, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, white-tailed mongoose, or zorilla. The hide experience pairs perfectly with Ol Jogis Traveling Telescopes star safari, which lets you enjoy galaxies far, far away while wildlife moves to and from the nearby waterhole.

(How to do wildlife tourism right.)

10. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Why go: Immersion into darkness

Known as the birthplace of walking safaris, Zambias South Luangwa National Park extends that ethos well into the evening. With your senses heightened, every sound reveals something new from iconic African species like elephants and giraffes to fascinating flora and unusual arthropods. Guided night drives from Kaingo Camp or Mwamba Bush Camp explore a landscape shaped by prowling lions, owls hunting by moonlight, and the rustle of civets slipping through the bush. The immersive experience is thrilling and terrifying at once as you touch, feel, and smell the world around you, tracking wildlife under a canopy of stars.

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Jennifer Broome is a Denver-based travel and environmental journalist and television meteorologist covering national parks, adventure, and climate through firsthand exploration around the world. Follow her on Instagram.
Catherine, Princess of Wales is "a lot more conscious" about alcohol since her cancer diagnosis.

The Prince and Princess of Wales had a busy day in London

The 44-year-old royal revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for the disease after it had been found during abdominal surgery in January that year, but announced the following January she was in remission, and she has now revealed the lifestyle change she has made as a result of her health struggles.

Speaking during a joint engagement in London with husband Prince William on Thursday (12.03.26), Catherine said while visiting Fabal Beerhall: "Since my diagnosis, I havent had much alcohol. Its something I have to be a lot more conscious of now."

She then turned to her husband and added: But you like your cider, dont you?

During their visit to various businesses in London, William praised the importance of pubs.

He said after a stop at the Southwark Brewing Company, where the pair had helped add hops to the "kettle": Pubs are so important. They are places for people and the community to come together.

William and Catherine travelled largely on foot on the trip, waving to tourists as they walked through Borough Market.

During their stop at the food market, they helped slice cheese with wire cutters and sampled the wares on offer at Trethowan Brothers.

When they were given cheese and chutney to take away, the couple told him "that's lunch taken care of" because they are "big cheese fans".

Catherine was keen to learn about coffee grinding when they stopped at Change Please, a social enterprise supporting homeless people, and, after working the machines said: William, I made you a coffee!

However, she said "it's not decaf" and her husband suggested: "They can sell it!"

But instead, Catherine took away the drink and was seen sipping at it, while William - who was confirmed to be a "tea man" by a member of his team - praised the initiative and said he'd like to get Change Please's coffee into the cafes of royal palaces.

He said: "It's fantastic".

The pair then stopped at Humble Crumble, where William helped ladle the fruit and topping and Catherine was tasked with the embellishments, impressing as she poured custard, piped pink marshmallow fluff and added sprinkles.

Founder Kim Innes said the princess had "fantastic" piping skills.

She added: She could teach the team, shes a natural.

"[William] did a good job of the correct ratio of fruit to crumble.

After their stops at the market and beer mile, William and Catherine briefly disappeared before returning in RNLI overalls and caps for a boat ride down the Thames in strong winds for their final engagement of the day at the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station.

They brought with them cake and biscuits they had bought at Borough Market and chatted with staff and volunteers to learn more about their work in honour of the 25th anniversary of the RNLI lifeguards.

William said of the tides: We dont respect it [the water] enough sometimes.

The couple also spoke to members of the Bridge Watch charity, which patrols local bridges to intercept people who appear to be considering taking their own lives and take them to a local cafe to talk.

Catherine said: Its about reaching out, is it, and building trusted relationships that they might not have elsewhere in their lives? Its an incredible role to play.
Overtourism used to sound like a complaint from grumpy locals with excellent timing and no patience. In 2026, it looks much more official. Across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, authorities are using fees, caps, rental limits, cruise restrictions, and tougher enforcement to slow the parts of tourism that hit hardest: housing pressure, clogged streets, overstretched heritage sites, and ecosystems that would quite like a day off.

This is not a list of countries shutting the door. It is a list of places where the welcome mat now comes with fine print. In several cases, the measures are city-, island-, or site-specific rather than nationwide, but they will still shape how travelers experience these countries in 2026, from Amsterdam flats to Mount Fuji trail gates and Venice day trips.

1. Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Spain keeps landing at the center of Europes overtourism fight because it is attacking the pressure points residents complain about most: illegal short-term rentals and overcrowded urban hotspots. Reuters reported in May 2025 that Spain ordered Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 listings, and in July it reported that another 54,728 listings had been identified without the now-mandatory official license number under legislation enacted on 1 July 2025. By January 2026, Reuters said Ibizas short-term holiday rentals had almost halved in 2025 from a year earlier as the crackdown started to bite.

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The traveler takeaway is simple: Spain is still open, but the era of shrugging at loosely regulated holiday lets is ending. That matters because much of the anger in Barcelona, Ibiza, and Mallorca is tied to housing rather than beaches alone. Fewer illegal rentals will not magically solve the problem, but the direction of travel is clear, and 2026 visitors are walking into a country that is policing tourism supply more aggressively than before.

2. Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Italy makes this list because Venice has now baked crowd control into the 2026 calendar itself. On the citys official access-fee portal, Venice says the 2026 access fee starts on 3 April and applies only on selected marked days. It is a very Venetian way of saying, Yes, the entry experiment is still here. This follows earlier expansions of the fee system meant to target peak day-tripper congestion in the lagoon city.

That matters beyond Venice because Italy has become one of the clearest symbols of Europes pushback against crowd surges. When a destination as famous as Venice starts charging on designated high-pressure dates, it sends a message to every casual day visitor who thought spontaneity was still free. In 2026, Italy is not banning mass tourism, but it is very much done pretending there is no cost to it.

3. Greece

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Greece has chosen a fairly blunt instrument for its busiest islands: cruise fees. Reuters reported that Greece would introduce a 20-euro levy on cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos during peak summer months, with officials also planning to regulate how many cruise ships arrive simultaneously at certain destinations. Later, Reuters reported that parliament approved the cruise-arrival levy, confirming the policy had moved beyond talk and into law.

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That approach makes sense in places where the problem is less too many tourists everywhere and more too many people arriving at once. Santorini in particular has become the poster child for postcard beauty meeting physical limits. Greece is still chasing tourism revenue, naturally, but in 2026 it is also charging the most overloaded cruise stops for the privilege of being swarmed.

4. The Netherlands

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

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The Dutch entry here is really Amsterdam, which has been steadily turning the screws on nuisance-heavy tourism. The City of Amsterdam says it already has a ban on new tourist shops, restrictions on holiday rentals, and restrictions on new hotels. Reuters reported that the city would no longer allow new hotel buildings except in replacement cases with no net increase in sleeping capacity. That is not subtle policy. That is municipal side-eye with paperwork.

The 2026 twist is even tighter control on home rentals. Amsterdams official housing pages say that from 1 April 2026, in some central neighborhoods and the Oude Pijp area, homes may only be rented to tourists for up to 15 nights per year instead of 30. For travelers, that means fewer casual short-let options in the areas that were already feeling squeezed hardest.

5. Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Japans overtourism battle is no longer a niche Kyoto argument or a social-media fight over photo spots. JNTOs statistics portal tracks the monthly visitor surge into 2026, and the figures announced by JNTO show that Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025. Once numbers hit that scale, pressure points stop being theoretical.

Mount Fuji is where the crackdown becomes wonderfully concrete. On the official Yamanashi Yoshida Trail rules page, the climbing fee is 4,000 yen, the entry gate restriction begins at 2 p.m. for those without hut reservations, and climbers must go through a reservation process that includes rule acknowledgment and equipment checks. In 2026, Japan is still inviting the world in, but at Fuji, at least, it is done indulging the flip-flops-and-vibes school of mountaineering.

6. Indonesia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Indonesia makes the list because Bali has gone from muttering about bad visitor behavior to formalizing the response. The official Love Bali FAQ says foreign tourists must pay a levy of Rp 150,000, and Balis tourism office said in March 2025 that it had begun destination inspections to verify levy compliance. Another official notice in April 2025 said the levy voucher would become a requirement for boarding-pass issuance, which is a neat way to make sure people stop forgetting.

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Bali is also pairing the fee with conduct rules. An official April 2025 notice said tourists must behave respectfully, pay the levy, and follow specific cultural and legal guidelines while visiting the island. Bali is still selling paradise, obviously, but in 2026 it is doing so with more guardrails and less patience for chaotic behavior.

7. Croatia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Croatias crunch point is the coast, where tourism money has collided hard with housing. Reuters reported that Croatia approved draft laws to clamp down on short-term tourist rentals, raise taxes on rental properties, and shield long-term residential housing, while Dubrovnik had already moved to restrict new private rental permits in its historic Old Town. The citys Respect the City effort has long been about balancing visitor flows with resident life, and the mood has only hardened since.

The 2026 angle is regulatory muscle. Croatias tourism ministry has pointed to the EUs short-term rental data regulation applying from May 2026, which should make it easier for authorities to identify unregistered listings and enforce local rules instead of relying only on sporadic inspections.

8. Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

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Perus overtourism problem has one giant stone face: Machu Picchu. The official Machu Picchu portal says that since 1 June 2024 the site has operated with 3 new circuits grouping 10 routes, while UNESCO documents describe a variable-capacity strategy of up to 4,500 people per day, with a maximum increase to 5,600 during high season. That is a famous wonder being managed like a finite organism, not an infinitely reloadable app.

The rules on the ground are equally strict. The official code of conduct bans oversized bags, food, alcohol, and a long list of other habits tourists tend to invent five minutes before entry. Reuters has also reported both overcrowding worries and disputes tied to the electronic ticketing system. Peru is still trying to keep Machu Picchu accessible, but in 2026 the site is being channeled, counted, and monitored with much less wiggle room than the old free-for-all fantasy suggests.

9. France

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

France earns its place here because Cannes is bringing one of the sharpest 2026 cruise restrictions in Europe. AP reported that starting in 2026 the city will cap daily cruise disembarkations at 6,000 passengers and cut the number of very large cruise ships, with larger vessels required to anchor offshore and tender passengers in. For a Riviera city built on glamour, that is a surprisingly practical sentence.

The important detail is timing: this is not a vague plan for some distant sustainability brochure. The Cannes measures are part of the live 2026 travel landscape, and they reflect a broader French Riviera mood that cruise-driven surges are no longer automatically worth the trade-off. France will still receive mountains of visitors, obviously, but in at least one of its most famous coastal playgrounds, the port gates are getting narrower on purpose.

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Travellers are facing rising airfare costs and reductions in flight schedules as the conflict in the Middle East causes oil prices to soar.

Experts predict ticket prices could remain elevated for months even if the war de-escalates.

Increased demand on flight routes that avoid Middle East and Gulf stopovers also means flyers are having to pay more.

Rigas Doganis, who once headed Olympic Airways in Greece and now chairs London-based consultancy firm Airline Management Group, told Reuters that "airlines face an existential challenge".

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He added: "They will need to cut fares to stimulate weakening demand while higher fuel costs will be pushing them to increase fares. A perfect storm."

Korean Air to enter 'emergency management mode'

A source told Reuters that South Korea's flag carrier Korean Air will enter emergency management mode from April as rising oil prices weigh on costs.

According to industry sources, and reported by Yonhap news agency, Korean Air Vice Chairman Woo Kee-hong posted an internal notice that it will implement an emergency management system starting on Wednesday 1 April.

"The measures are not a one-off cost-cutting effort but are part of broader structural efforts to strengthen the company's fundamentals," Woo said.

Which airlines are increasing fares?

The US-Israel and Iran war has seen oil prices rocket due to attacks on refineries in the region and the impossibility of transporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which in turn is spiking jet fuel costs.

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Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are among a growing number of airlines increasing fares to offset the hikes.

During a media session, Ronald Lam, chief executive of Cathay Pacific, said the cost of fuel so far this month is double the average of the previous two months.

The carrier has updated fuel surcharges, which will affect all of its routes from 18 March.

AirAsia announced it would temporarily raise ticket prices and fuel surcharges, promising to revise fares as market conditions changed.

Thai Airways officials told press they expect airfares to increase by 10% to 15%, while Qantas said it had lifted prices by differing amounts depending on the route.

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Scandinavia's SAS said it has introduced a "temporary price adjustment".

Air New Zealand has upped prices. In an emailed response to Reuters, the carrier said it has raised one-way economy fares by NZ$10 (5.10) on domestic routes, NZ$20 (10.20) on short-haul services and NZ$90 (45.90) on long-haul flights.

Other airlines with fuel hedging (which locks in specific prices for future consumption) in place have been able to secure part of their supply at fixed prices, including Lufthansa and Ryanair, according to Reuters.

Thousands of flights scrapped

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said that the restriction in the supply of aviation fuel (Jet A-1), caused by the conflict in the Middle East, has put domestic airlines at risk of fuel shortages.

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In response, Vietnam Airlines will temporarily suspend a number of services from 1 April, including routes from Hai Phong to Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Can Tho, as well as connections from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don, Rach Gia and Dien Bien. In total, 23 weekly flights will be cancelled across these routes as the airline adjusts capacity in response to fuel supply pressures.

In a message to employees posted on its website, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said that the carrier will cancel about 5% of this year's planned flights in the short term.

The reality is, jet fuel prices have more than doubled in the last three weeks, he wrote. If prices stayed at this level, it would mean an extra $11 billion in annual expense just for jet fuel. For perspective, in Uniteds best year ever, we made less than $5 billion.

That may sound scary, but the first piece of good news is that, for now at least, demand remains the strongest we've ever seen. The 10 biggest booked revenue weeks in our history have been the last 10 weeks. But it may be a challenge to continue passing through much of the increased fuel price if oil stays higher for longer.

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Meanwhile, Scandinavian carrier SAS has said that it will cancel at least a thousand flights in April due to surging fuel prices.

"We are cancelling a few hundred flights in March, but trying to protect our traffic as much as possible," CEO Anko van der Werff told Swedish business daily Dagens Industri, adding that more cancellations were expected after Easter, when traffic normally dips.

The measures will affect "at least a thousand" flights, though he stressed this remained limited in scale, given that SAS operates around 800 flights a day.

In response to the SAS update, rival carrier Norwegian is ramping up capacity across the region to absorb displaced passengers, adding 120 extra departures between 25 March and 12 April, NKR reports.

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Air New Zealand has also said it is reducing its services by 5%. The airline has cancelled approximately 1,100 flights from 16 March to 3 May, which is likely to impact about 44,000 passengers.

Cruise line implements passenger surcharge

Its not just the airlines that are facing higher oil and fuel costs due to the war in the Middle East - cruise lines are also affected.

StarDream Cruises issued a statement saying that passengers will have to pay a surcharge of $15 a person for each night for bookings made on or after 20 March, The Straits Times reported.

Due to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, oil prices have increased significantly, leading to higher fuel and related expenses for Star Voyager, the statement said.

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As a result, a fuel surcharge will be introduced for new bookings made on or after 20 March 2026. This surcharge is determined based on the operating requirements of each ship and itinerary; and may therefore vary across our fleet.

This surcharge will be reviewed in line with fuel price movements and may be adjusted downward if prices ease or revised for new bookings should prices continue to rise."
At least one tour company owner is irate over the Olympic National Park beach closure, calling it "absolutely horrible." Rialto is a starting point for many adventures through the park and along the whole coast. Verena Wolff/dpa-tmn

One of the most iconic beaches in Olympic National Park is scheduled to be closed to the public for much of the summer travel season, putting a damper on visitors' plans to visit the Washington coast hot spot.

Rialto Beach  a rugged stretch of coastline known for driftwood-dodging strolls, tide pool hopping and towering sea stacks just west of the gateway town Forks  is expected to be inaccessible starting in early July, reportedly beginning after the July 4 holiday, due to storm damage repairs on the one road leading to the beach. The closure could last through early October, leaving the park without one of its top attractions for months during its peak visitation period.

"The timing is absolutely horrible," Scott Gehrman, the founder and executive director of the tour company Lasting Adventures, told SFGATE by phone. "Obviously, whatever damage is done needs to be repaired on that road, but this is one of the most popular locations in the park and it'll be closed during peak months for summer visitors."

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Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs spoke briefly about the closure plans in a recent meeting with Clallam County commissioners, and Gehrman said he and other businesses received a memo about it, but visitors SFGATE contacted who have reservations at the nearby Mora campground said they have not yet been notified directly.

Stephanie Freedman Teeple was planning a family road trip from Michigan to Olympic in early July. Her itinerary included the short drive from Mora Campground to the beach, and also the popular hike up the beach to Hole in the Wall, a striking natural sea arch. But when she learned about the closure though the public Friends of Olympic National Park Facebook group, she scratched that plan. "I am super bummed about it," she said. "[My husband] has never seen the Pacific and he really had his heart set on this."

Teeple and her family have not received any word from the Park Service about their reservation. The campground sits about 2 miles back from the beach and is slated to be open during the road closure, but the trek on foot would be impossible with road construction on the already-narrow route.

Visitors with campground reservations or tentative plans to visit Olympic this summer are scrambling on social media, trying to track down concrete details about the closure or look for alternative routes to Rialto, or considering avoiding the coast entirely. Many said they were frustrated to learn that the beach will be inaccessible over Facebook instead of from the park directly.

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The Park Service did not respond to emails from SFGATE about closure details or its effects on visitation.

Olympic National Park is open year-round but sees most of its visitors from May through October. Out of the 3.58 million visitors the park welcomed in 2025, 45% visited from July through September, according to Park Service data.

Gehrman's company Lasting Adventures  which also operates tours in Yosemite, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and Lassen Volcanic National Park  runs several backpacking and hiking trips starting at Rialto Beach for young adults and families. Gehrman said trips affected by the closure total around $170,000. The company is working to reroute these trips to other areas of the park, but will need to call and discuss potential changes with all of the clients.

"This is a big hurdle and headache, not just for operators but for everyone coming to see the north coast," Gehrman said. "... And I'm thinking about people traveling to get out here, from the East Coast. A lot of people have already booked trips and won't know about this until they're out here."

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Rialto Beach is the starting point for numerous coastal adventures, from quick dips in the frigid ocean to 30-mile journeys up the coast to Shi Shi Beach (or Ozette Lake if you head inland to the forest after 20 miles).

Hard-core backpackers digging into the Pacific Northwest Trail  a roughly 1,200-mile route that stretches from coastal Washington to the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park in Montana also start on this beautiful stretch of the coast.

But those backpackers already have a built-in system for avoiding the road closure. Instead of walking the Mora Road, the preferred method for thru-hikers is to arrange a ride with a local fisherman for a quick passage across the mouth of the Quillayute River that splits the coast.

This is a method that Gehrman said could work for visitors during the temporary closure.

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"Someone with a boat could make a fortune taking visitors out across the river all day. It'd be a slog, but people would love it," he said, suggesting that it's something the National Park Service should help arrange.

That may be a bit too much activity for the area, said Jeff Kish, executive director of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association.

"That system has worked sustainably for PNT thru-hikers for almost 50 years now  but that's a cohort of fewer than 100 people per year, even in the busiest seasons," Kish told SFGATE. "Expanding that service to a broader visitor population would likely require more dedicated capacity."

The Park Service has told tour operators that the dates for the closure aren't set in stone yet, but that it must happen this summer based on funding availability. Gehrman and other stakeholders are considering pushing for a later start date, giving visitors an extra month to enjoy Rialto Beach before access is cut off.

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"I get that weather patterns out here can be a bit unpredictable and this has to get done before it starts raining all the time," Gehrman said. "But taking away the most-visited spot on the coast during peak months just doesn't seem right. It's not in the best interests of the majority of visitors."
Southwest Airlines has drawn the ire of the traveling community several times over the past few months with its major changes to a once-beloved boarding process and the decision to include bag fees for travelers.

Those preparing to fly the airline likely won't be happy with another change from the airline.

Southwest Airlines Ending Flights at O'Hare, Dulles

On Friday, March 13, Southwest Airlines announced it's ending flights at two of the most popular airports in the country: Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles. The major change goes into effect on June 4, 2026, meaning travelers who expected to fly to, from, or through those two airports will have less than three months to make changes to their itineraries.

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The airline warned, "If you have existing travel booked that includes Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) on or after this date, your reservation will be affected."

Airplanes with Southwest Airlines sit on the tarmac at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on November 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Airlines expect up to 31 million travelers to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday between November 21 and December 1. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) ((Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images))

Southwest Airlines Gives Travelers 3 Possible Options

In the airline's statement regarding the change, Southwest Airlines revealed there are three possible options for travelers:

Travelers can keep their existing reservation for travel on or before June 3, 2026.

Flights operating before the end of service date will not be impacted. Customers traveling prior to June 4 do not need to take additional action. Rebooking eligibility:

Customers holding reservations to, from, or through Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) for travel on or after June 4, 2026 may rebook or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel to, from, or through the available alternate airports without paying a change in airfare). Applicable alternate stations: Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD): Chicago/Midway, IL (MDW), Milwaukee, WI (MKE), Indianapolis, IN (IND) Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD): Washington/Reagan, DC (DCA), Baltimore, MD (BWI), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Richmond, VA (RIC) Refund eligibility

If a reservation includes Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) on or after June 4, 2026, travelers are eligible for a refund for: the unused ticket (even if the ticket was non-refundable); and any optional travel charges (such as an Extra Legroom seat or Priority Boarding) travelers paid for the flight(s) on which they dont travel.

Most travelers should be able to change their travels plans online or from their mobile device. Those traveling on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages must call 1-833-792-4899 for assistance.

Related: The 5 States With Highest Gas Prices - No. 1 Leads by Wide Margin

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A fireworks display is returning to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for Independence Day.

The event is set for July 3 to celebrate the nations 250th anniversary. Public tickets will be available through a lottery on Recreation.gov from April 812, according to a community announcement.

A fireworks display is returning to Mount Rushmore National Memorial for Independence Day, 2026.

Applications for the ticket lottery can be submitted from 9 a.m. CT April 8 through 10:59 p.m. CT April 12. There is a $1 non-refundable application fee.

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Each applicant can apply for up to four tickets and a parking space or shuttle service. Lottery results will be announced April 14.

The park will close to the public the evening of July 2 and reopen for ticketed participants at 1 p.m. July 3. Special events will take place from approximately 4 to 10 p.m.

The lottery and event are open only to U.S. residents. A valid, government-issued photo ID will be required for entry for ages 16 and older.

According to the announcement, the return of fireworks to Mount Rushmore reflects President Donald Trumps vision of a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence."

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In partnership with the State of South Dakota, we are excited to reinstate a spectacular fireworks show as the highlight of Mount Rushmores Independence Day commemoration, Jenifer Chatfield, deputy assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, said in the announcement. We invite the public to enjoy the show and reflect on our nations remarkable journey and the great patriotic leaders who established, preserved and expanded our countrys destiny.

State officials were excited as well.

In just a few short months, our nation will throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America, said Governor Larry Rhoden in the announcement. South Dakota is the freest state in a nation founded on the principles of freedom, so it is only fitting to celebrate in our backyard. We look forward to celebrating at the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

Mount Rushmore features carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The announcement said there will be a full schedule of activities during the Independence Day weekend.

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For more information, visit the parks Independence Day website.

This story was created by reporter Charles Rankin, crankin@salina.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 Aberdeen News: Mount Rushmore fireworks return Independence Day, but you need tickets
The Trinidad and Tobago stock market recorded its fourth consecutive year of decline, according to the Central Banks latest Annual Economic Survey.

The Central Bank said that in 2025, declines in the Composite Price Index (CPI) deepened, falling 11.8%, driven by a 13.2% drop in the All T&T Index (ATI) and a 7.3% contraction in the Cross Listed Index (CLI).
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, paid a surprise visit to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) on Thursday (12.03.26).

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, paid a surprise hospital visit

The 44-year-old duchess joined young patients for painting and craft activities at the medical facility's Creative Oasis, and also stopped by the bedsides of some children, where she chatted and posed for pictures as part of the hospital's month-long Make March Matter initiative.

CHLA shared some photos of the visit on Instagram, which saw Meghan wear a black face mask as she coloured in Hello Kitty pictures and painted with staff and children.

The post was captioned: Today we were honoured to welcome LAs own @meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to CHLAs Creative Oasis, where she spent time painting alongside our incredible patient.

These special moments are a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in fostering joy, connection, and healing.(sic)"

The hospital also explained the importance of Make March Matter.

They said in a statement: "Make March Matter is an annual fundraising campaign for CHLA that unites celebrities, businesses, and the greater community in support of its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures.

"Funds raised will help ensure the hospital can provide sick and critically injured children with the best quality care, research and innovation that happens at CHLA every day for the last 125 years."

This isn't the first time the former Suits star - who has children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, with husband Prince Harry - has visited the hospital.

She led a Literally Healing session on 2024, where she read with the children.

CHLA said in a statement at the time: "Children were laughing and singing as The Duchess turned into character with every page as she read patient favourite books like Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat and I Saw a Cat.

"Meghan also helped children with STEAM activities connected to each book."

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed Meghan is to attend a "girls' weekend" in Sydney, Australia, where attendees can pay more than A$3,000 for a group photograph with her.

The three-day event takes place at the five-star at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach from April 17-19 and is described as a "girls' weekend like no other", with just 300 places available.

Early bird tickets start at A$2,699 per person, and a VIP package - which includes front-row seats and a group table photo with Meghan, costs A$3,199.

Gemma O'Neill, host of the Her Best Life podcast, who are running the retreat, said: I have admired [Meghan] and what she has endured...and how she has demonstrated how a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise.

I feel so flattered because shes effectively doing this as a favour because of our mutual friend, and shes doing it because she really loves what our community is about, which is women trying to grow...be their best selves and trying to help other women.

Its a very small event for 300 women... its going to be a fireside chat with Meghan and I.

And in an announcement revealing Meghan will be the weekend's headline speaker, the podcast wrote on Instagram: "This is going to be an unforgettable weekend designed for women who want to reconnect, recharge, laugh, learn and have some serious fun.

The retreat is described on Her Best Life's website as an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences.

While Meghan's candid address is pitched as the weekend's "highlight", attendees can also take part in a womens psychology session, yoga, sound healing, time by the pool and a dance-floor-filled disco night.
60 Minutes: Mar 15

Adam Hegarty reports on the rise of artificial intelligence in war.

This Sunday night, 60 Minutes explains the use of drones in war.

Attack of the Drones

As worrying as the deteriorating mayhem in the Middle East already is, its also an alarming glimpse into the future of war. The modern battlefield is changing at a pace never before experienced. As Adam Hegarty reports, its being driven by technical brilliance, the rise of artificial intelligence. The fact is drones and robots, controlled entirely by A.I., are no longer the product of someones imagination. These weapons can now hunt and kill for themselves. But there are difficult questions the world needs to consider: Does all of this no doubt impressive know-how help protect humanity? Or is it simply accelerating our own extinction?

Reporter: Adam Hegarty

Producer: Laura Sparkes

The Playboy Predator

Every day, journalists everywhere attend media conferences. Most are relatively straightforward, mundane events. Information is provided, questions are asked and answered. Last Tuesday though, there was an extraordinary exception to the rule. From Dubai, failed businessman Micky Ahuja invited reporters in Australia to a very strange Zoom media conference. He wanted to respond to allegations made last week on 60 Minutes that his collapsed security business exploited thousands of its workers, and that he was a sexual predator. Ahuja also used the opportunity to target investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, but as Dimity Clancey reports, he might now be regretting that idea.

Reporter: Dimity Clancey

Producers: Garry McNab, Cameron Houston

8:50pm Sunday on Nine
Airdate: State of Health

In Chinchilla, Qld, Jaynie Seal speaks with community leaders and local reps on what can be done to address rural health issues.

SKY News Regional Correspondent Jaynie Seal fronts the first of several State of Health reports to examine the state of regional health services.

Originally flagged for a February broadcast, the first screens tomorrow and focuses on Chinchilla, three hours west of Brisbane.

Jaynie Seal said: With approximately one in three people living away from our major capital cities, I am hearing from locals and government that it is crucial that the health service issues facing these communities are addressed and solutions are found that bridge the gaps to improve the health outcomes for those living in regional and rural Australia.

Chinchilla has experienced significant growth driven by an energy boom in renewables and traditional sources of gas and oil with the towns population doubling in the past 20 years.

While creating thousands of jobs and economic opportunities, locals say the population surge has also intensified housing shortages and cost-of-living pressures as the towns health services struggle to keep up with demand.

Chinchilla Hospital has been under increasing pressure due to health workforce shortages. In 2019 the maternity unity was placed on bypass, meaning expectant mothers are forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to give birth. Demand for mental health services is also on the rise as farming families face continued financial strain and uncertainty.

In this special report Jaynie speaks with community leaders and local representatives on what can be done to address the issues including former Nationals Leader and Chinchilla local David Littleproud, LNP Member for Callide Bryson Head, and Western Downs Regional Mayor Andrew Smith.

Saturday 14 March at 3.30pm on SKY News.
Filming underway on Deadliest Dinners

Restaurateur and chef, Mario Kalpou heads home for a new 8 part doco series coming to Binge / Foxtel.

Filming is underway on a news original documentary series, Deadliest Dinners, for Binge / Foxtel.

The eight-part series will follow Australian-born, extreme outdoor adventurer and award-winning restaurateur and chef, Mario Kalpou (Man Eats Wild, United Plates).

Deadliest Dinners sees Mario return home to Australia to tackle some of the planets most dangerous terrain and deadliest creatures, chasing down wild ingredients and turning them into next-level dishes, cooked where the action happens.

Mario Kalpou said: Working with Binge on Deadliest Dinners is something Im incredibly proud of. This series is very personal to me  its about getting back to our roots and rediscovering food from the wild, while showcasing the raw beauty of Australias landscapes and the deep respect they deserve. I hope the show reminds people that one of the most powerful connections we can have is with nature.

Howard Myers-Rifai, Head of Unscripted Originals, said: Deadliest Dinners is exactly the kind of entertaining and exhilarating content we love bringing to Binge audiences. Mario is an incredible talent with a fearless approach to storytelling, and working with him has been fantastic. The series blends adventure, danger and incredible food in a way that feels fresh and completely unpredictable.

From venomous snakes and predator waters to remote bushland and outback terrain, Mario must rely on instinct, endurance and environmental knowledge to secure ingredients few would dare to pursue.

Driven by a lifelong mission to reconnect people to their food source, he works alongside local experts, Indigenous custodians and regional specialists to better understand the ecosystems he enters, highlighting sustainable harvesting practices and the importance of conservation.

Deadliest Dinners is an 8 x 60-minute series and is set to premiere on Binge and Foxtel in 2026.

Production credit: Deadliest Dinners is a co-production between the Foxtel Group and Mew Productions. Executive Producers are Mario Kalpou for Mew Productions and Howard Myers-Rifai for Foxtel Group.
Foreign Correspondent: Mar 17

Now the US is effectively running the Venezuelan economy who will be the beneficiaries?

On Tuesdays Foreign Correspondent journalist Sandra Gathmann has teamed up with a Venezuelan crew to document how Venezuelans are reacting to the US is effectively running their economy.

When US President Donald Trump sent American troops to capture Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and his wife, it quickly became clear the countrys vast oil reserves were a major part of the strategy. Venezuela used to be one of the richest countries in the world, but decades of mismanagement damaged its oil industry and left most of the population living in poverty.

Now the US is effectively running the Venezuelan economy and is focused on reviving the countrys oil industry. But who will be the beneficiaries?

On Foreign Correspondent, London-based Venezuelan journalist Sandra Gathmann has teamed up with a local Venezuelan crew to document how Venezuelans are reacting to these unprecedented events. Sandra also examines whether Donald Trump can deliver on his oil promise, who stands to gain, and what role Venezuela will play at a time of global oil turmoil.

8pm Tuesday on ABC.




These are the 11 countries subject to the UK Foreign Office's strictest travel warnings  and they are by no means limited to those linked to the Iran war which is currently leading people to speculate on whether World War Three or even nuclear conflict could break out.

The Foreign Office, also called the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), says no one should travel to these countries and that the UK Government's ability to help you if you do go there will be severely limited.

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The reasons for avoiding these countries at all costs range from the risk of armed violence to volatile security situations to the risk of being arrested and detained as a British citizen. The Foreign Office broadly categorises its travel warnings into three categories:

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to a country: this is its highest warning level

The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to a country or parts of a country

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of a country.

There are currently 11 countries in the top category and the FCDO is clear that you should not travel there as a British citizen.

Afghanistan

The Foreign Office says: "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.

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"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."

Belarus

The Foreign Office says: "You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus."

Burkina Faso

The Foreign Office says: "This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country. There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance.

"If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely. Do not rely on the British government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so."

Haiti

The Foreign Office says: "FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti. If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions."

Mali

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The Foreign Office warns against travel to Mali "due to the unpredictable security conditions". It adds: "If youre in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.

"Terrorist group Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government."

Niger

The Foreign Office says: "This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey. The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible."

Palestine

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has destroyed many parts of Palestine. The Foreign Office says: "Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities." It also gives extensive advice on how to leave the country or shelter in place if you are there.

Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

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security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity

lack of flights to return to the UK

limited ability for the UK government to provide support

The Foreign Office says: "There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDOs ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited. There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities."

South Sudan

The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. It adds: "The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.

"Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudans airspace to close temporarily. Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available."

Syria

Syria has long been one of the world's most unstable countries. The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.

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It adds that "regional escalation poses significant security risks" and that "consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria".

Yemen

Yemen has been ravaged by a long civil war between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi rebels and humanitarian crises, including millions on the brink of famine. The UN Refugee Agency says over 80% of the population live below the poverty line and 18.2 million people in Yemen are now in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.

The Foreign Office says: "If youre in Yemen, you should leave immediately. "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. The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place."
Mel Giedroyc was left in hysterics after her pal set a woman's hair on fire in The Vatican.

Last One Laughing star Mel Giedroyc

The teenage pair jumped on the lady to extinguish the flames after TV presenter Mel's friend knocked her candle into the lady's locks during an Easter Service.

Asked by the Radio Times the most inappropriate place Mel, 57, has laughed, she revealed: "In The Vatican."

The star recalled: "I was with a friend at an Easter service when I was about 19, and we were holding candles. We were chatting, and her candle went into the lady's hair in front.

"We were throwing ourselves on her to put it out. There's a very specific smell, isn't there, of burning hair?"

The former Great British Bake Off host was quick to stress that "luckily she was fine", and added: "We were howling."

However, Mel cannot afford to crack a laugh in series two of Amazon Prime Video's Last One Laughing - which sees 10 comics battling it out not to giggle as they spend time together in a house, with those failing being evicted.

And she joked about having had a "very cheap jowl lift" because of how hard it was to refrain from cackling.

Revealing her tactic, Mel said: "I used the power of my gurn. I idolised Les Dawson as a child, and no one has ever gurned like Les.

"It involves a lower jaw often coming up above the upper jaw. I had to employ every muscle and every sinew of my face and body, and use the muscles on the side of my neck.

"I've given myself a very cheap jowl lift. I won't be going to see the Botox lady, unlike Jimmy Carr."

And Mel thinks her TV sidekick Sue Perkins should sign up for a future series of Last One Laughing - hosted by comics Jimmy Carr, 53, and 46-year-old Roisin Conaty.

Mel said of Sue: "She would win. She would absolutely slaughter me. I don't think I've ever laughed with anyone else the way I've laughed with her.

"It's tears springing forth, usually at shared memories of things, or it's just a word, and we know exactly what it is and the story."

However, Mel feared that Sue, 56, was going to make a shock appearance on the show.

Mel continued: "I'm glad she was nowhere near the room. I did wonder, though, because they like to play those little pranks, 'What if I open the shower and she's in there?'"

Last One Laughing series two stars Mel, as well as season one champion Bob Mortimer, 66, David Mitchell, 51, Diane Morgan, 50, and 47-year-old Romesh Ranganathan.

Amy Gledhill, 38, Maisie Adam, 32, Alan Carr, 49, Gbemisola Ikumelo, 39, and Sam Campbell, 34, complete the line-up.

The new series of Last One Laughing launches on March 19.
Frances president Emmanuel Macron has condemned a drone attack in northern Iraq after a French soldier was killed and six others were injured.

Chief warrant officer Arnaud Frion died in the attack on Thursday, in what is thought to be the first European death since the US-Israeli war with Iran began two weeks ago.

This attack against our forces engaged in the fight against Daesh (ISIS) since 2015 is unacceptable, Macron said in a post on X, confirming the officers death.

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Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks.

Chief warrant officer Arnaud Frion is believed to be the first European killed since the US-Israeli war with Iran began (Etat Major des Armees)

The president said that several other soldiers were wounded by the attack and that France stands by their side and with their loved ones.

Governor Omed Koshnaw of the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil, confirmed that the drone attack took place in the Makhmour area.

The French troops are there to provide counter-terrorism training as part of an international coalition fighting against the Islamic State.

An Italian military base in the same region was also hit the same day, though with no reported injuries. The Italian defence ministry said the strike was a deliberate targeting of a facility hosting NATO personnel.

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Iraqi Shiite militants have intensified their drone and missile attacks on US interests in Iraq over the last week.

French president Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death and shared affection and solidarity for the officer (AFP/Getty)

The Ashab al-Kahf group has claimed responsibility for the deadly drone attack, stating it was a response to France sending its aircraft carrier to the region and said French assets in the area were legitimate targets.

The French government is due to hold a defence cabinet meeting later on Friday to discuss the situation and whether to respond, officials said.

France is deploying around a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz as part of defensive support for allies.

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The country currently has approximately 4,000 troops deployed in the Middle East spread across bases in Djibouti, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.

The drone attacks on Thursday marked the latest escalations in the war, which continues to widen amid fears it is spiralling out of control.

British troops are also increasingly being drawn into the conflict, after shooting down two Iranian drones when their Iraq base came under attack. That followed a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Defence secretary John Healey this week also refused to rule out deploying British warships to the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen a series of attacks on tankers.
Increasing global temperatures are wreaking havoc on many different parts of our society and threatening all living things, including plants, animals, and humans. Prolonged droughts continue to put pressure on food supplies as well as water security.

That is why it is so heartening to hear good news in terms of water management and supply. The Morocco World News reported that the Mohammed V Dam has reached 86% capacity. This followed recent heavy rainfall in the area. Because of this astonishing growth, authorities in the area are confident in regional water security and hopeful for a successful upcoming agricultural season.

The dam plays a vital part in the water management system of the Moulouya Basin. The water it holds is used for both people and farmland. It also mitigates the risk of floods.

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Officials are working hard to manage the surplus of water for future use as well as prevent any flooding if it goes over capacity. Crews are currently working on the dam to increase its capacity. In even more good news, this is one of several dams across Morocco that has seen its capacity increase due to the recent heavy rainfalls.

The ability to conserve water for both human and agricultural use is extremely important as temperatures rise and the climate becomes even more volatile. Experts around the globe are striving to ensure water is conserved. For instance, Indian authorities were also thrilled to report their dams were operating near full capacity after heavy rainfall at the end of last year. And in Northern Thailand, engineers were praised for dams that withstood heavy rainfall to prevent what could have been catastrophic flooding.

The leaders of the Mohammed V Dam were thrilled by the recent rainfall as well as the structure's ability to hold it all. Abderrahmane Adli, head of the Mohammed V Dam, described the current hydrological situation as "reassuring." He said the water would be used for both drinking and irrigating local farmland.

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.
In early January, Israel was quietly finalizing plans for a wide-scale operation along its northern border. More than a year had passed since a US-brokered ceasefire nominally ended months of open conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that had culminated in a ground invasion of southern Lebanon by Israeli forces.

The Lebanese government, which had committed to disarming the Iran-backed militant group in the November 2024 deal, was failing to deliver, Israeli officials told CNN. It was time, they felt, to launch another operation to end Hezbollahs ability to rain rockets down on Israeli communities for good.

Eight days into the new year, Israels calculus changed dramatically. Massive anti-regime protests swept across Iran, and suddenly it was Hezbollahs principal backer that found itself shaken. Dealing with Iran became the overriding priority for Israeli military planners, especially because it required close coordination with the United States on what would become a major joint operation.

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But the plans for a renewed assault against Hezbollah remained ready.

On March 2, less than 48 hours after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran, Hezbollah fired six rockets into northern Israel, granting Israel the opening it was waiting for.

Hezbollah fell into a strategic ambush, said the chief of Israels Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, last week, calling the militant groups attack on Israel  a response to Israeli airstrikes that killed Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei  a serious mistake. He vowed strikes would continue until Hezbollah took a serious blow.

Smoke rises from 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. - Kawnat Haju/AFP/Getty Images

Israel has unleashed successive waves of strikes across Lebanon, saying it is targeting senior Hezbollah operatives, command infrastructure, weapons depots, missile launchers and military training facilities.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued dozens of evacuation warnings, displacing hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians northward past the Litani River. Lebanons health ministry said on Wednesday that more than 680 people had been killed.

Israel had already established a military foothold in southern Lebanon following the November 2024 ceasefire, seizing five strategic points. In recent days its forces have advanced more than one kilometer deeper into Lebanese territory, calling the push a forward defense buffer zone.

Israeli soldiers look towards Lebanon from a viewpoint at the border on March 7. - Avi Ohayon/Reuters

Lebanons President Joseph Aoun has condemned Israels advance, accusing the country of showing no respect for the laws of war, nor for international laws. At the same time, he has accused Hezbollah of betraying the country and banned its military activities.

Hezbollah was once considered one of the most powerful non-state actors in the world, fueled by $1 billion a year from Iran for two decades, according to a former senior military official. Israel has decapitated the Iranian proxys leadership and targeted its vast missile array. But Hezbollah has still been able to fire back, launching hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel, often coinciding with barrages of Iranian ballistic missiles. On Wednesday evening, Hezbollah launched more than 100 rockets in a single barrage.

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It has also mounted direct assaults on IDF positions, and its elite Radwan forces have attempted raids on northern Israel, sources in Israel told CNN. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed and at least 14 wounded in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF.

Israel significantly weakened Hezbollah during the 13-month conflict that began after Hamas October 7 attack on Israel  a war Hezbollah joined the following day by opening a second front from Lebanon.

People gather at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs on September 29, 2024. - Hassan Ammar/AP

But by the time of the 2024 ceasefire, the IDF estimated that Hezbollah retained as much as a third of its pre-war missile stockpile. Whether it is 30% or 10%, that is still enough to pose a serious threat to civilians in the north, an Israeli military official told CNN.

During the initial ceasefire arrangements, the military official said, Hezbollah moved the bulk of its forces and assets north of the Litani River, but it still retains capabilities in southern Lebanon  in both personnel and weaponry. That includes precision weapons capable of striking targets within an 8-10 kilometer (5-6 mile) range and anti-tank missiles, as well as an active drone program, an Israeli source with knowledge of strategic assessments told CNN.

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Since the 2024 ceasefire, Israel has conducted near-daily strikes against Hezbollah personnel and infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon, accusing them of attempting to rearm and rebuild. In recent months, Israels leadership has concluded that Hezbollahs military rehabilitation is progressing faster than the IDFs disruption efforts, according to two Israeli sources. IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has framed the Lebanon campaign as an opportunity.

Israel wants to finish the job in Lebanon, a senior Israeli official told CNN.

Rescue workers gather at the site where Israeli airstrikes hit apartments in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 11. - Hussein Malla/AP

Israels position is that Lebanons government  and armed forces  lack the capability to confront Hezbollah. When the Lebanese army announced in January 2025 that it had achieved operational control south of the Litani River, Israel dismissed it as far from sufficient.

Days after declaring that Hezbollahs military activity was illegal, the Lebanese president said Hezbollah was working for the sake of the calculations of the Iranian regime. He called for direct negotiations with Israel to achieve a final cessation of hostilities.

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But Israeli officials see little prospect for a durable arrangement without significant military pressure.

Assaf Orion, a retired brigadier general and international fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said: The Lebanese government has called for negotiations, but Israel deems the current conditions unacceptable, and the present government in Jerusalem will probably not agree to end the conflict without a significant military achievement. Orion says Hezbollah is reviving its narrative of resistance as the Lebanese government advocates for diplomacy.

One must remember who holds the guns, Orion told CNN.

Israels widening campaign against Hezbollah has two declared objectives: to weaken and degrade Hezbollahs capabilities and to strengthen Israels northern border.

Israeli tanks gather in the upper Galilee near the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on March 7. - Jalaa Marey/AFP/Getty Images

Israeli sources say the campaign in Lebanon reflects a wider recalibration of the Israeli strategic doctrine since October 2023: Israel believes it needs to establish a strong military defense to protect civilians from the Iranian proxy on its borders. In October 2023, Israel was forced to evacuate more than 60,000 residents from near the border, a step the country vows it will not have to take again. The buffer zones Israel has created or expanded  drawing new lines in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria  reflect that logic.

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This security approach aligns with the expansionist ambitions of Israels far right governing coalition. Likud lawmaker Amit Halevi said last week that the Litani River, some six miles into southern Lebanon, must become the norths new Yellow Line, referring to the line to which Israel withdrew in Gaza. Israeli military officials publicly maintain that current operations are limited and targeted, but political pressure to expand the buffer zone longer term is real.

Israel believes Hezbollah is at one of its weakest points ever, with its Iranian money and arms pipeline significantly disrupted and many Lebanese no longer viewing it as their defender. Faced with the window of opportunity created when Hezbollah chose to open a war, we have to use this moment to finish what we did not complete back then, an Israeli military official said.

For the moment, Iran remains Israels top priority. But when conflict on that front concludes  possibly at the determination of US President Donald Trump  Israel is likely to fully shift its attention to Lebanon, Orion said. Israels air force, currently tied up with Iran, would be free to cover a ground operation against Hezbollah, Orion assessed.

The Iranian theater wont remain open indefinitely and Israel can manage several more weeks of limited engagement with Hezbollah before shifting to a full offensive, he said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Doctors must take a national exam

On March 2, the National Medical Council announced information about organizing the assessment of professional competence in medical examination and treatment in accordance with the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

According to Professor Nguyen Viet Tien, Standing Vice Chair of the National Medical Council, the competence assessment is a mandatory requirement under the law, detailed in Decree 96/2023/ND-CP. An examination to grant a practice certificate must ensure four main objectives: 1/Protect patient safety 2/Establish a unified national competency standard 3/Facilitate professional practice and postgraduate training and 4/Increase compatibility with international standards.

This activity is not intended to create additional barriers but serves as a tool to standardize professional practice quality, protect patient rights and improve the reputation of the healthcare workforce. It is also a necessary step toward standardizing medical human resources according to common standards, in line with international integration.

The exam is expected to be organized in six regions across the country to make it convenient for candidates. In 2027, the first exam is expected to take place in December to ensure the rights of graduates. From 2028 onward, two sessions will be held each year (expected in October and March), so candidates do not have to wait too long if they do not pass.

Multiple centers to organize the exam

According to the roadmap, in 2027 the National Medical Council will conduct assessments for the title of doctor (including medical doctors, odontostomatologists, traditional medicine doctors, and preventive medicine doctors). From 2028, the council will expand the assessment to medical assistants, nurses and midwives; from 2029 it will apply to positions such as medical technicians, clinical nutritionists, paramedics and clinical psychologists.

Tien said the implementation will be carried out according to a suitable, transitional roadmap, ensuring no disruption for practitioners and training institutions.

Those doctors who do not pass can register to retake the exam; in cases of failing many times, they will have to consider a career change. The test also contributes to reflecting the training quality of medical institutions.

Participants must have a degree in one of the four aforementioned majors and complete the practicing time as prescribed by the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

Regarding the format, the test is designed in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), performed on computers.

In response to concerns that around 10,000 doctors graduate each year and whether organizing the exam would create significant pressure, Professor Nguyen Huu Tu, Rector of Hanoi Medical University, member of the National Medical Council and head of the exam organizing committee, said this is feasible if multiple qualified centers participate.

Units organizing the exam must meet criteria on infrastructure, technology and safety before being recognized as test centers, he emphasized.

Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) and Vice Chair of the National Medical Council, also said that 10,000 candidates per year is not a large number compared with many competency exams that involve hundreds of thousands of participants today.

The key is to ensure safety, accuracy and objectivity in every stage of the process. The exam will apply technology, strict supervision and appropriate organizational plans to ensure efficiency while accurately assessing real competence.

Candidates participating in the professional competence assessment for medical examination and treatment must pay the assessment fee.

Positive pressure on training institutions

Currently, Vietnam has 34 higher education institutions (18 public and 16 private) that provide medical training. Tien said the annual competence assessment for doctors will create pressure on training institutions regarding the quality of graduates. However, this is a very positive form of pressure.

After each assessment, if a school has a high proportion of doctors who fail, the institution will need to review its curriculum and training quality. Conversely, schools with high pass rates will strengthen their reputation.

We must put patient safety first. If the minimum competency requirement is not met, they cannot be allowed to practice. If a doctor fails the exam multiple times, it is clear they must change their profession, Tien affirmed.

Standardizing output through competence assessments is expected to help improve the quality of doctors and maintain public trust in the healthcare system.

Phuong Thuy
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh listens to a briefing on the construction progress of Gia Binh International Airport (VIP terminal). Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Government Office recently issued a document conveying the Prime Ministers directive regarding the deployment of the road linking Gia Binh airport with the capital.

Specifically, the Prime Minister agreed with a proposal from the Ministry of Public Security to allow the Bac Ninh Peoples Committee to carry out the section of the road project passing through Bac Ninh province as an urgent construction project.

The Prime Minister requested Bac Ninh authorities to take full responsibility for implementing the project in compliance with legal regulations and ensuring completion on schedule to serve the APEC 2027 summit.

During the implementation process, authorities must ensure strict management, cost efficiency, and improved investment effectiveness, while preventing waste, corruption, group interests, project delays, or profiteering through illegal bidding arrangements.

The Ministry of Construction has been tasked with guiding Bac Ninh authorities in carrying out the project in accordance with legal procedures and regulations.

The Prime Minister also noted that if issues arise requiring adjustments beyond existing legal provisions during the implementation process, ministries, agencies, and relevant local authorities must coordinate with Bac Ninh province to report to competent authorities for consideration and decision.

The investment project to build the road connecting Gia Binh Airport with Hanoi includes 7km of newly constructed road and 6.55km overlapping with existing expressways that will be expanded to 120m in width. The total land area required is approximately 289.87 hectares.

The projects main components include a newly built 7km road section, 120m wide, starting from the connection point within Bac Ninh province and ending at the interchange linking the Hanoi - Lang Son Expressway and the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway/Ring Road 3.

Another section involves expanding 6.55km of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway/Ring Road 3 to a width of 120m, connecting the first section to the interchange leading to Tu Lien Bridge. The route runs through the areas of Thuan An, Phu Dong, Thu Lam, and Dong Anh in Hanoi, and Tu Son and Phu Khe in Bac Ninh province.

The project will also build two direct ramps linking the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway/Ring Road 3 to the Tu Lien Bridge approach road. Each ramp will have three lanes, 14m in width, and a length of 2.5km, helping strengthen connectivity between Gia Binh Airport and Tu Lien Bridge.

The project will be implemented under the public - private partnership (PPP) model.

Once completed, the entire transport corridor connecting Gia Binh Airport with Hanoi will span about 41.316km with a total investment of VND83,000 billion (US$3.37 billion).

This route is expected to become a key transport artery at the northeastern gateway of the capital. It will provide the shortest and most modern connection from Gia Binh Airport to central Hanoi, contribute to improving the external transport network, reduce pressure on Noi Bai International Airport, and open up new economic and social development space for the capitals gateway region.

Tran Thuong
Those receiving the death penalty for illegal trading narcotic substances were Nguyen Binh Dai (born in 1988), Mac Vinh Khiem (1991), Thai Duy Quang (1990), and Nguyen Binh Trieu (1972), all residents of Ho Chi Minh City.



In the same case, Tran Tong Dung, born in 1974, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for illegal drug trading and storage. Huynh My Ngoc (2002), Thach Ngoc Yen Vy (2001), and Nguyen Dai Nghia (1997) received life sentences, while Pham Thanh Phuong (1997) from An Giang province was sentenced to 20 years in jail for illegally transporting drugs.



According to the indictment, at around 5:00 pm on November 20, 2022, a task force from the city's police division for drug crime investigation discovered Khiem and Quang acting suspiciously in front of a house on Nguyen Huu Canh street in Binh Thanh district, now Thanh My Tay ward. A subsequent inspection uncovered nearly 43 kg of ketamine hidden in the kitchen of the house.



Further investigating, authorities searched many locations and seized additional quantities of drugs, including methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, amphetamine, and nimetazepam, with a total weight of dozens of kilograms. At Khiems home, police also confiscated more than 2.3 kg of ketamine.



Further searches at other defendants residences uncovered more narcotics.



Investigators determined that from October 2022 until his arrest, Dai acted as the ringleader. He received drugs from individuals identified only as Giang and Yang, whose identities remain unknown, and then stored and distributed them to buyers. Dai instructed Khiem, Quang, and Trieu to receive shipments, store the drugs at many locations, and deliver them to customers upon request.



The ring carried out large-scale drug transactions in many areas of the city. In one deal, Dai directed Quang to deliver 2 kg of methamphetamine to Dung for 400 million VND (over 15,200 USD).



In another branch of the ring, Ngoc was hired by a woman known as Ut to collect a suitcase and backpack containing drugs. Ngoc later asked Nghia, Phuong, and Vy to hide the drugs in their rented room. Police subsequently seized more than 14 kg of ketamine, nearly 3 kg of methamphetamine, and over 374 grams of MDMA from the group.



Prosecutors said the total amount of drugs involved in the case was exceptionally large. Dai alone was held criminally responsible for more than 60 kg of ketamine and over 34 kg of other types of drugs./. VNA
EastEnders' Rita Simons and Samantha Womack have some "amazing scripts" for a shock Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell return from the dead storyline.

EastEnders alum Rita Simons and Samantha Womack

Fans have sent "plausible" plots to the duo since their alter egos died on Ronnie's wedding day to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) on the New Year's Day 2017 episode because they are desperate for the on-screen sisters to come back to the BBC soap.

Asked by Betway if Rita - who played Roxy - has ideas for a storyline, she revealed: "Well, I mean, it is the question I get asked about 100 times a day, and I say the same thing every time: in soap, you never know.

"I do have some amazing scripts that have been sent to me, and so has Sam over the years, because our fans, and I love our fans, still send stories. Some of them are so plausible.

"So, if ever we were to be approached, Ive got a story. Weve got a load of stories up our sleeves."

However, Roxy and Ronnie will not be back on Albert Square anytime soon.

Rita, 49, added: "At the moment, there are no plans. We are both doing our own things and quite happy with life."

Roxy and Ronnie died on the latter's wedding day to Jack on the 2017 New Year's Day episode of EastEnders.

Ronnie jumped into a swimming pool to save a drunk Roxy from getting into trouble, but Ronnie's dress weighed her down, and the pair met their untimely deaths by drowning together.

And Rita admitted it was a "massive blow" for her and Samantha, 53, to be axed from the soap after 10 years.

Asked how shocked the pair were when Roxy and Ronnie were killed off, Rita admitted: "We were absolutely blindsided because in the soap, thats how it goes, but generally killing off legacy characters is [not too common].

"I think since me and Sam went, theyve been much more careful about killing off legacy characters because weve still got fans to this day demanding us back, and its been nine years since [it happened].

"But we were absolutely blindsided. It was our job. We worked there. We spent 14 hours a day there, and we had a weird, non-related-by-blood family there. But it was a massive blow, and it was hard, but thats soap."

In April 2023, Rita returned to the soap, playing Roxy as a "figment of her daughter Amy's imagination" in an emotional scene where Amy (Ellie Dadd) imagined she was sat with her mum during a family therapy session.

And in September 2025, Samantha said she was open to exploring how Ronnie could return to EastEnders.
Dr Tran Hoa (left).

Dr Hoa, Associate Professor, PhD, MD, is Deputy Head of the Department of Interventional Cardiology and Head of the Endovascular Intervention Unit at the University of Medicine & Pharmacy HCMC.

His story is of a young person who once stood on the fragile boundary between life and death.

For decades now, he has dedicated his life to filling the "cardiovascular intervention gaps", where every second can decide a person's fate.

Born in Pleiku (Gia Lai), Dr Tran Hoa is the youngest child in a large family originally from Quang Nam. The family moved to Saigon when young Hoa had just entered 1st grade. His early years were associated with the poor labor alleys of Tan Binh, where making a living was a constant struggle for migrants.

The longest-running profession for Hoa's family was selling "hu tieu go" (street cart noodles).

One night, when a customer called, the boy excitedly crossed the road to deliver the noodles on time when he was hit by a motorbike and dragged for dozens of meters. The boy was unconscious and rushed to Cho Ray Hospital (HCMC) for emergency treatment.

It was those days in the hospital that sowed a different seed in the child's heart. For the first time, he witnessed the dedication of doctors and nurses. That image was so beautiful that it formed a vague wish, even though at that time he never thought he could enter that world.

His aunts wish

The turning point came in 12th grade, when Tran Hoa received a letter from his paternal aunt living far away. She wrote: "Your family is poor, and your parents will grow old. Study to become a doctor to support the whole family."

That encouragement awakened memories of the time he was hospitalized years ago. The student decided to try his hand. It was not until his second year of taking the exam that the young man officially stepped into the lecture halls of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy HCMC.

After more than two decades in the profession, Dr Hoa deeply understands the meaning of the word "support." Although he admits spending most of his time with patients rather than relatives, being able to accompany and care for his family during illness remains a part of his youth's dream that has come true.

Patients remembered for a lifetime

In his career, there are cases he can never forget. One involved a 26-year-old woman with severe myocardial infarction caused by inherited lipid disorders; her three coronary branches were as narrowed as those of an 80-year-old. She required repeated surgeries and interventions.

When she married and became pregnant, the medical team faced a wrenching decision: whether to continue the pregnancy. The patient and her family pleaded to keep the baby. Tran Hoa adjusted the regimen and monitored closely to protect both mother and child. The baby was born healthy. For the past 20 years, the mother has remained his patient.

Some decisions are extremely difficult, but if they are reasonable, you must dare to take responsibility. What endures is not only principles, but the balance between science and compassion, he said.

But not every case ends well. There were some where, despite doing everything possible, outcomes fell short. These experiences deepened his view of medicine: it does not always win. A doctors mettle is not measured only by success.

High aspirations

Beyond the intervention lab, Hoa has a bigger aspiration: narrowing treatment quality gaps between central and provincial levels.

He has seen patients lose the golden time because of long transfers. Since 2014, as technical transfer programs expanded, he and colleagues have traveled across provinces to train interventional cardiology teams.

"We come there, providing hands-on guidance for each case. Only when they are proficient do we withdraw," he said.

After more than a decade, many provincial hospitals have been able to implement cardiovascular interventions on their own, helping people receive treatment right in their localities. For Dr Hoa, that is not just a professional achievement but also a way of "expanding the intervention room beyond the four walls of the hospital."

In addition to clinical practice, he participates in academic activities, connecting domestic and foreign doctors, organizing specialized conferences, and continuous training programs.

Vo Thu
Illustrative photo

M, a woman in Hanoi, received a call from a person claiming to be a delivery driver who said she had a 0-dong order. Trusting the caller, she agreed to receive the package and asked the driver to deliver it to her home. Shortly afterward, the caller said she needed to pay a VND12,000 delivery fee.

Without suspicion, M. asked for the bank account number to transfer the money and reminded the driver to bring the package. The caller politely replied yes and sent the account details. She quickly transferred the requested amount.

About 10 minutes later, the driver called back, saying he had mistakenly provided the wrong account number and asked her to cancel the transaction. When she asked how to deal with the problem, the scammer immediately sent a link and asked her to access it to avoid bad debt and other complications.

Because she was not familiar with technology, M. said she did not know how to cancel the transaction. The scammer patiently instructed her to access the link and follow the steps so he could help perform the operation. Trusting him, she followed the instructions. A few minutes later, she noticed her phone becoming unusually hot and she could not exit the application or turn off the device.

When she tried to close the running apps, the caller repeatedly said: What are you doing? Let me handle it for you. At that moment, M. realized her phone had been remotely controlled. Although she called for help, her family did not understand what was happening.

In a panic, she quickly removed the SIM card from the phone. As soon as the SIM was removed, the device lost its internet connection. She immediately turned off the phone and rushed to a nearby bank to request that her account be locked.

After checking with the bank, M. breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that nearly VND3 billion in her account remained untouched.

Unlike M., another woman recently became a victim of a similar scam. According to Hanoi Police, N.T.V. in Hanoi received a call from an unknown number claiming to be a delivery driver informing her of a package that required payment.

Because the amount was only VND3,000, she was not cautious. Later, another person called, saying that a new employee had made a mistake and asked her to contact customer support to receive the delivery.

The scammers instructed her to share her phone screen, turn on both front and rear cameras, and then asked her to close her bank account and transfer money to accounts provided by them. After repeatedly following the instructions, she lost nearly VND1.3 billion from her bank account.

To prevent fraud, Hanoi Police advised that postal and delivery enterprises currently have official websites and applications for people to look up tracking information.

Citizens must not log into links sent by strangers or not transfer money before directly receiving ordered goods. They also must carefully verify information before transferring money.

When detecting suspicious signs or being defrauded, people should quickly go to the nearest police station to report for timely support.

The Hanoi woman shared that her phone is "besieged" by strange calls almost every day.

Initially, she maintained a polite attitude when receiving calls from strange numbers. "I usually answered politely and explained that I had no need, nor did I participate in any form of investment or service. Many times I even said: 'Please don't bother me,'" M. recounted.

However, the more polite she was, the more strange calls she received. She felt as if her phone number had been put into a "fraud ecosystem." "They called with all sorts of offers: inviting financial investment, land plots, stocks, etc. Once I had to joke: 'I am sanding wood to earn daily wages, where would I get money to invest?'" she said.

Despite this, the refusals did not stop the subjects. The frequency of calls frustrated her; and just seeing a strange number made her uncomfortable. This led to a bittersweet situation.

So, she decided not to answer all the calls from unknown numbers, though she knows she might miss some important calls.

With dozens of unknown calls every day, sometimes just seeing an unfamiliar number is enough to make me lose patience and not even listen long enough to recognize a familiar voice, she said.

Nguyen Le
The programme offers four flight options lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. The 15-minute Vung Tau Skyview route provides panoramic views of the former coastal city of Vung Tau (now Vung Tau ward).

The 30-minute Green Horizon tour links Vung Tau with the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, while the 40-minute Green Coastline journey follows the scenic Long HaiHo Tram shoreline. The longest option, Skyline Discovery, lasts 60 minutes and connects Vung Taus seaside landscape with central Ho Chi Minh City, incorporating aerial views of the citys green spaces and mangrove forests.

Ticket prices are expected to start from about 2.9 million VND (110 USD) per passenger for the shortest route. Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company said the service represents a premium experiential tourism product designed to diversify offerings and enhance the competitiveness of Ho Chi Minh City as it strives to develop tourism in line with international standards.

According to Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the citys Department of Tourism, the idea of helicopter tourism was first studied and piloted in 2022. Earlier implementation faced challenges related to coordination mechanisms, operational arrangements and differences in administrative boundaries among localities.

Tourism authorities and businesses have since worked to address these obstacles, enabling the product to be launched and put into stable operation. Strengthened regional connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and Ba RiaVung Tau area has also created more favourable conditions for the service to resume.

Development plans include expanding infrastructure beyond the existing helipad at Vung Tau airport by attracting investment in additional satellite landing sites. These locations are expected to be linked with river tourism routes and major attractions, forming integrated experiential travel chains.

The new tourism product is being implemented through cooperation among multiple enterprises in the sector to ensure coordinated operations, service delivery and distribution. Travel companies such as Viantravel and VinaGroup Travel are engaging in promoting and bringing the tours to both domestic and international markets.

Industry representatives said demand for helicopter sightseeing experiences in Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring areas is considerable. With a large visitor base in the city and growing coastal tourism in destinations such as Vung Tau, Long Hai and Ho Tram, the service is expected to attract a wide range of travellers.

Globally, helicopter tourism has become a popular offering in many major destinations. By introducing this experience, Ho Chi Minh City aims to expand its portfolio of high-end tourism products and further enhance its destination image. All flights are operated in accordance with aviation safety regulations and are insured to international standards, with passengers receiving full safety briefings and health declarations prior to departure.

Once fully operated, helicopter sightseeing tours are expected to become a new highlight of the citys tourism landscape, especially when combined with other premium experiences such as Saigon River cruises and coastal resort stays./.VNA
Cao Bang reinvents itself: part 3

Nature has endowed Cao Bang with many advantages, but it has also posed challenges. Pooling resources and joining hands with Lang Son and Thai Nguyen, is Cao Bang seeking to prove that geography does not hinder development if there is an open, connectivity-driven mindset?

All provinces, not just Cao Bang, need linkage. Documents of the 14th Party Congress clearly state the need for strategic autonomy. We understand that strategic autonomy does not mean asking for more authority nor asking for more money. Strategic autonomy means choosing, among many tasks, which ones to prioritize and carrying them through to completion. Second, it means autonomy in managing the linkages on which we depend.

Many people refer to Cao Bang as a dead-end province. I do not like that term. I prefer to say Cao Bang is a house at the end of an alley. We actually have the longest frontage among border provinces with neighboring China. If we are well connected, it becomes a house on the main road; if not, it remains a house at the end of the alley.

Cao Bang not only wants to link with the former Viet Bac provinces but also expand development space. For example, with the project marking 85 years since President Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam, we hope that heritage routes related to him can be linked: HCMC, where he departed to seek a path for national salvation; Hanoi, where he founded the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and Nghe An, where he was born and raised. At least these four localities should be connected through red addresses associated with President Ho Chi Minh to spread shared values.

Through this, we can rely on institutions and foundations from more advanced localities to help Cao Bang boost tourism growth, cultural development, and deeper investment. As for provinces in the region such as Thai Nguyen and Lang Son, we value them greatly.

Still on regional linkage within the Cao Bang  Lang Son  Thai Nguyen economic triangle, where do you position Cao Bang in this value chain? Is the province willing to be a hinterland supplying raw materials, or determined to become a high value-added transit hub?

We do not like the word willing. Among the neighboring provinces of the former Cao Bang  Bac Kan  Lang Son area, Lang Son is the frontrunner and leader in logistics and cross-border trade and import-export. Its first-mover advantage, experience, and scale are undeniable. Cao Bang does not seek to compete with Lang Son. We instead complement this multi-colored picture. We have the Ta Lung border gate, but more importantly, we have the Tra Linh  Long Bang border gate. This gate lies on the Dong Dang  Tra Linh corridor and connects to Long Bang (China), leading onward to Sichuan province, Chongqing - Chinas fourth-largest industrial hub, then extending westward to western and southwestern China, reaching Khorgos, Urumqi, and onward to Kazakhstan. This will be a new economic corridor.

As for Thai Nguyen, once the Bac Kan  Cao Bang expressway is formed in the future, it is clear that major industrial production zones in Thai Nguyen will see two-way goods movement along this route.

Third is tourism development. Facing Cao Bang is Baise city, a populous city (4 million people) in Guangxi, associated with Leader Mao Zedong and the early Baise Uprisings; this is a "red address" of the Chinese revolution. If we do well with revolutionary tourism, and since Guangxi has many imprints of President Ho Chi Minh, all provinces will see the value brought by linkage.

How do you hope todays foundational efforts will reposition Cao Bang on the national development map over the next decade?

At the recent 2025 achievement exhibition organized by the Government, Cao Bang had an exhibition area. A very good idea directed by the Provincial Party Standing Committee was to let people come and write on the walls about what they want for Cao Bang in the next 10-20 years. Some wishes were very simple, like hoping Ban Gioc Waterfall remains as clear as it is without waste. Some wished for children to go to school and be cared for so that "no one is left behind."

The Resolution of the 20th Provincial Party Congress also clearly defined Cao Bang's strive for growth and economic indicators, joining the national roadmap for digital transformation and innovation. Aspirations for a digital economy and circular economy have also begun to appear. Some corporations have come to Cao Bang to start projects on low-altitude and sea-borne economy, which are very new concepts.

Doan Bong
According to the national flag carrier, it will increase the use of wide-body aircraft with larger seating capacity on several European routes to better meet rising travel demand.

Specifically, the airline will prioritise deploying the Airbus A350, which offers a higher seat capacity, on certain services to Europe.

In March alone, the carrier plans to switch 11 pairs of flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Munich in Germany to operations using the Airbus A350 aircraft.

The use of larger wide-body aircraft is expected to increase available capacity on VietnamEurope routes to accommodate passenger demand.

Vietnam Airlines said its flights to Europe are operating safely via flight corridors that comply with operational conditions and avoid areas affected by ongoing conflicts.

The airline added that it is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and will continue to proactively adjust operational plans when necessary to ensure safe and stable flight operations.

The push to mobilise more resources and increase capacity comes at a time when the global aviation market is facing uncertainty. Vietnam Airlines said the effort aims to maintain stable air connectivity between Vietnam and Europe while reaffirming its role as the national flag carrier in meeting passengers travel needs and supporting trade, tourism, and international cooperation./. VNA
Seminar titled Social housing: Accelerating supply, ensuring equitable access on March 12. Photo: T.P.

A proposal has been made to build a national database of eligible social housing buyers on the VNeID digital identity platform, allowing authorities to screen applicants and prevent higher-income individuals from occupying limited housing supply.

The suggestion was raised by Le Quang Huy, Deputy General Director of BIC Vietnam JSC, at the conference "Social housing: accelerating supply while ensuring fair access" held on March 12 by Tien Phong newspaper.

According to Huy, if a buyer is later found to be ineligible, developers must terminate the contract, reclaim the apartment, handle financial settlements and restart the entire sales process.

"This represents a very large risk for developers, especially when the problem may not originate from our side," Huy said.

From this reality, he proposed that authorities should directly approve eligible social housing buyers from the outset. At the same time, a unified database of qualified applicants should be established on the VNeID system.

Under the proposal, when citizens register to buy a social housing unit, developers would only need to check the system and sign contracts based on the list already verified by competent authorities.

Sharing further at the conference, Senior Colonel Nguyen Tien Nam, Director of Project Management Unit No.1 at Corporation 319, also noted that in many localities the procedures for receiving and reviewing applications remain lengthy. This reduces the opportunity for people with genuine housing needs to access social housing.

Complicated administrative procedures can also create loopholes that allow brokers or intermediaries to exploit the policy for profit, distorting the original purpose of social housing programs.

In addition, information on social housing projects has not yet been fully disclosed or integrated across platforms. Citizens often struggle to find information about projects, developers or purchasing conditions, while authorities responsible for reviewing applications also face difficulties verifying and cross-checking data.

From this perspective, Nam suggested that mechanisms and policies should continue to be improved in the coming period by simplifying procedures, eliminating unnecessary verification steps and accelerating data digitization to reduce administrative burdens for both citizens and authorities.

Greater transparency regarding project information, developers and eligibility conditions would also help the public access information more easily and reduce the risk of policy abuse.

Concerns over social housing prices

From the perspective of developers, Nguyen Hoang Hai, Deputy General Director of the Urban Infrastructure Development Investment Corporation (UDIC), said the company is currently implementing the Ha Dinh social housing project in Hanoi, which is expected to be completed this year.

However, the developer has encountered multiple obstacles related to the mechanism for determining selling prices as well as handling commercial areas within the project.

According to Hai, apartment prices for the commercial section of social housing projects are calculated differently from those in regular commercial housing developments.

If the price is set too low, developers will not have sufficient revenue to offset investment costs. But if the price is set too high, it may not comply with regulatory frameworks and could create risks during the appraisal and approval process.

"Because of these difficulties, the project has not yet been able to determine its final selling price to launch sales as planned," Hai said.

In practice, since late 2024 many social housing projects in Hanoi have begun construction, but selling prices have also risen sharply.

Notably, the CT3 social housing project in the Kim Chung new urban area, located in Thien Loc commune in Hanoi, was launched in 2025 at around VND18.4 million per square meter (approximately US$720), including VAT and maintenance fees - the lowest price among social housing projects currently underway in the capital.

A representative of Viglacera Corporation, the joint investor of the project, said the relatively low price was possible because the company could proactively control its supply of construction materials.

The enterprise has also restructured production operations and set a goal to accelerate automation and digital transformation in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Even so, investment costs remain a major concern for many companies participating in the development of social housing.

Nguyen Thanh Trung, Director of the CT3 Kim Chung Social Housing Project Management Unit, noted that under current regulations issued by the Ministry of Construction, the construction cost norms for social housing projects are nearly identical to those applied to commercial apartment developments.

Meanwhile, profit margins for social housing projects are capped under existing regulations, leaving investors with relatively thin returns.

Cutting administrative procedures by half

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said social housing projects will be placed in a "green channel" for administrative procedures.

This approach would allow multiple processes to be conducted in parallel, reducing at least 50 percent of the time required to complete administrative procedures as well as compliance costs for businesses.

Progress on the program will be compiled and reported to the Prime Minister on a monthly and quarterly basis to ensure timely direction and policy adjustments.

The measure aims to accelerate the national program to develop one million social housing units, with a target completion date of 2028 - two years earlier than originally planned.

Hong Khanh
This marks the first time a peacekeeping training course in Vietnam has been officially recognised by the UN as meeting international standards, representing an important stride in the countrys peacekeeping training capacity and international integration.

The certification was signed on March 1 by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. On March 11, Harinder Sood, head of the Integrated Training Service (ITS) under the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO), formally handed over the certificate to Vietnam through Colonel Nguyen Duc Quan, Defence Attache to the UN.

The recognition represents an important milestone since Vietnam joined UN peacekeeping operations more than a decade ago. It demonstrates that the countrys training curricula, teaching methods, and instructor qualifications meet the standards set by the UN for personnel preparing to serve in peacekeeping missions.

According to UN regulations, a training programme must undergo a rigorous evaluation before certification. The process includes reviewing the course curriculum, assessing training materials, conducting on-site evaluations, and compiling a comprehensive assessment report before approval is granted. Only programmes that fully satisfy requirements on training content, teaching methodology, instructor qualifications, and logistical support are recognised.

UN statistics show that only around 50 countries worldwide currently host training programmes certified by the organisation. In the Asia-Pacific region, 14 countries have achieved such recognition, including four in Southeast Asia. Vietnams inclusion in this group indicates that its peacekeeping training capacity is increasingly aligned with international standards.

The UNSOC course in 2026 was held from January 3 to 30 at the VDPO headquarters with 41 trainees from Vietnam and many other countries. The programme received support from Canada through the Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP), with the curriculum following the Bridge-in, Learning Objective, pre-assessment, Participatory Learning, post-assessment, and Summary (BOPPPS) model, used in the UN training system.

During three weeks of intensive training, participants were equipped with comprehensive knowledge about the UN peacekeeping system, including mission command structures, the role of staff officers at mission headquarters, military planning procedures, and coordination in a multinational and multi-sector peacekeeping environment.

The courses success not only affirms the VDPOs training capacity but also helps enhance the countrys reputation and standing in UN peacekeeping operations.

The UN is implementing the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) initiatives to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations by strengthening member states sense of responsibility, enhancing the capacity of participating forces, and promoting international partnerships.

Vietnam has consistently shown strong support for these initiatives, particularly in improving training quality and deployment readiness. The successful organisation of the UNSOC course in line with UN standards reflects the countrys concrete commitment to implementing A4P and A4P+.

The recognition also provides a foundation for Vietnam to expand internationally accredited training programmes, strengthen cooperation with global partners, and gradually develop into a reputable regional peacekeeping training hub.

Building on the success of the UNSOC course, the VDPO plans to develop and organise additional programmes that may qualify for UN certification in the future. These include the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPOC) and the UN Military Observer (UNMO) courses, along with other specialised training initiatives./.VNA
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs aims to ensure that by 2030, 80% of ethnic minority communities in disadvantaged, remote and hard-to-reach areas will have access to telecommunications and Internet services. Photo: Le Anh Dung.







Vietnam has set a target of bringing telecommunications and internet services to 80 percent of ethnic minority communities living in remote and disadvantaged areas by 2030 as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.

The goal is outlined in Plan No. 447/KH-BDTTG on Digital Transformation for the 2026 - 2030 period, issued by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs on February 13.

The plan aims to transform the ministry into a data-driven, technology-enabled institution that operates in a modern and transparent manner while delivering high-quality digital public services.

It also focuses on strengthening data connectivity, ensuring information security and improving the effectiveness of state management in ethnic, religious and belief-related affairs.

Through these efforts, the ministry seeks to establish a specialized data ecosystem to support policymaking, public administration and services for citizens and local authorities. The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of Vietnams digital economy and digital society while narrowing the digital gap in ethnic minority regions.

Narrowing the digital divide and promoting regional economic development

The plan outlines a set of concrete and breakthrough targets for different phases.

For digital government development, during the 2026 - 2027 period the ministry aims for 100 percent of eligible administrative procedures to be processed entirely online.

Citizen and business satisfaction with online public services is expected to reach 90 percent. At the same time, all internal administrative procedures will be managed electronically and 90 percent of the ministrys shared digital platforms will be put into operation.

During the 2028 - 2030 period, the satisfaction rate is expected to increase to 99 percent.

Notably, all end-to-end online public services will incorporate artificial intelligence in at least one stage - such as receiving applications, processing documents, assisting users or supporting automated decision-making - to improve efficiency, speed and service quality.

The plan also envisions that all public officials and civil servants will regularly use virtual assistants or intelligent digital tools, while all leaders will utilize personal digital signatures when handling documents and administrative tasks in the digital environment.

Beyond administrative reform, the strategy places strong emphasis on developing both the digital society and the digital economy.

From 2025 to 2027, the ministry aims to promote digital economic activities in ethnic minority regions through platforms that provide information, knowledge and support for appropriate economic models in the digital environment.

During the 2028 - 2030 period, the ministry plans to optimize internal operations and reduce operating costs by 30 percent through automation while also supporting the development of OCOP products produced by ethnic minority communities.

Regarding the development of a digital society and efforts to narrow the digital divide, the ministry has set the goal of ensuring telecommunications and internet services reach 80 percent of ethnic minority populations in remote and disadvantaged areas by 2030.

Training local digital human resources is also a key focus.

By 2030, all village heads and community leaders in ethnic minority areas are expected to receive training in digital transformation. In addition, 80 percent of businesses, cooperatives and household economic models operated by ethnic minority communities will receive support in accessing digital technologies to apply in production and business activities.

The plan also aims to ensure that 100 percent of individuals appointed to religious positions will be assigned digital identification by the 2028 - 2030 period.

Strong implementation guided by the six clear principles

To achieve these goals, the plan outlines a comprehensive set of solutions.

A central element is clarifying the responsibilities of leaders of agencies and units in directing and implementing digital transformation tasks, based on the principle of six clear elements: clear people, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear outputs, clear responsibilities and clear authority.

The strategy identifies key priorities that require focused direction and resource allocation, including the development of the ministrys digital architecture framework, data architecture framework, infrastructure improvement, platform development, database construction and the cultivation of high-quality technology human resources.

Specialized agencies are tasked with completing and officially launching databases on religious affairs as well as ethnic affairs, including data on ethnic minority groups. Training and capacity-building programs related to ethnic and religious affairs will also be strengthened.

A centralized database will also be built to support the National Target Program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas for the 2026 - 2030 period.

The process of collecting, digitizing, standardizing and updating data will follow the principles of being accurate, sufficient, clean, up-to-date, unified and shareable.

Cybersecurity will also be strengthened through comprehensive information security solutions implemented under a four-layer protection model, along with regular drills and real-world exercises to ensure cybersecurity and emergency response capabilities for information systems and databases.

To develop digital human resources, the ministry will study the application of special mechanisms related to salaries, incentives and working conditions to attract technology talent for digital transformation initiatives.

At the same time, training programs will be expanded to raise awareness, promote innovative thinking and improve the ability of officials and employees to adapt to the digital environment and effectively use data and technology.

In terms of the digital economy and digital society, the ministry will implement digital development initiatives under the National Target Program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas for the 2026 - 2030 period.

Du Lam
The event was jointly organised by Indias National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), with discussions focusing on ensuring comprehensive maritime security through greening ocean economies. The dialogue gathered researchers, experts and policymakers from both countries to discuss maritime security challenges and cooperation amid evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.



Maritime security has been identified as a key pillar of the VietnamIndia strategic partnership. Through four rounds of bilateral Track 1 Maritime Security Dialogue, the two sides have outlined priority areas of cooperation, including marine scientific research, blue economy development, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, naval and coast guard cooperation, maritime law enforcement, capacity building, and maritime connectivity.



Building on these efforts, the NMF and DAV signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2024 establishing an annual dialogue mechanism to address shared maritime concerns and propose policy recommendations for both governments. The first dialogue, held in Hanoi in March last year, focused on maritime cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific.



Opening the second dialogue, NMF Director General Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan said the world is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, making ocean governance a systemic development issue.



He stressed that greening ocean economies would promote sustainable resource use while enhancing both traditional and non-traditional security, noting challenges such as overexploitation of resources, illegal fishing, marine pollution, geopolitical risks to shipping, and issues related to energy security, supply chains and seabed mineral resources.



Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai highlighted the need to strengthen maritime dialogue and cooperation amid rapidly evolving geopolitical developments, noting that recent conflicts in the Middle East and rising oil prices underscore the critical importance of maritime security to global economic stability.



He described the blue economy as a key pillar for advancing comprehensive maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, and expressed his hope that policy recommendations from the dialogue would further deepen bilateral cooperation.



Meanwhile, Do Thanh Hai, Deputy Director-General of the East Sea Institute under the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, noted that as coastal nations with strategic positions in the Indian Ocean and the East Sea, Vietnam and India share growing interests in ensuring maritime stability and sustainability. He stressed that ocean economic development must be aligned with environmental protection and long-term benefits for future generations.



Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Hai said the second dialogue focused more deeply on long-term strategic issues, particularly sustainable blue economy development linked with ecosystem protection and maritime security, while promoting practical policy proposals and research cooperation between the two sides.



Experts agreed that amid global energy challenges and geopolitical tensions, advancing a sustainable blue economy carries long-term strategic significance, contributing not only to energy security and livelihoods but also to marine ecosystem protection, international cooperation, and peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region./.VNA
Two missing episodes of Doctor Who from the 1960s have been found among a "ramshackle" collection of vintage films.

Peter Purves was delighted to see the lost Doctor Who episodes

The two episodes, The Nightmare Begins and Devils Planet, were from the third series entitled The Daleks Master Plan, starred William Hartnell as the Doctor and Peter Purves as his companion Steven Taylor, as well as Nicholas Courtney as Bret Vyon, Adrienne Hill as Katarina, and Kevin Stoney as Mavic Chen.

The stories, which were written by Daleks creator Terry Nation, hadn't been seen since they aired on TV in the UK and were assumed to be lost forever, but charitable trust Film is Fabulous! discovered them in a private collection and, after BBC Archives worked to restore the original 16mm telerecordings, they will be available on BBC iPlayer at Easter.

Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives said: Were thrilled to have worked with the team at Film is Fabulous! to bring these lost Doctor Who episodes to viewers on BBC iPlayer this Easter. BBC Archives has been working to restore the original recordings and update these to broadcast quality, ensuring fans can enjoy a little extra treat with their Easter Eggs this April.

Thes are the first of the lost Doctor Who episodes to be announced to the public since 2014.

The Nightmare Begins aired in November 1965, with Devil's Planet airing two weeks later. The intervening episode, Day of Armageddon was discovered by a former BBC engineer in 2004, but much of the "dark and gritty" storyline is still missing after it was ordered to be wiped.

The Daleks' Master Plan was not sold overseas after censors in Australia and New Zealand deemed it too violent, and so it wasn't seen as profitable to sell the rights to other markets.

And with the move towards colour broadcasting, the black and white story wasn't thought to have much future value so was consigned to the bin but some episodes were still made by technicians to check for potential problems that would need fixing before being pitched elsewhere.

These tapes made their way to an amateur collection, and Professor ustin Smith, FIF's chair of trustees explained they were donated to the charity after an anonymouse late collector passed away.

The collector's films largely focused on his love of trains and canals, including hundreds of home videos.

The professor said: "We travel all over the country to recover film collections from private hands.

"A lot of the films had suffered water damage and the cans had corroded.

"These are gems in what was an eclectic and ramshackle collection, a lot of which hadn't been looked after as well as the Doctor Who had.

"The collector did recognise what he had, but how he acquired them has been lost to time."

Cast member Peter was invited to a special screening of the episodes in Leicester on Wednesday (11.03.26) under false pretenses and was blown away by what he actually saw on the screen.

The 87-year-old actor was tearful when he discovered the "perfect lie" he had been told, as he had arrived in Leicester for what he expected was going to be interviews with the media about 1960s TV.

Learning the real reason he had been lured to the venue with "a perfect lie", he said: "I'm speechless, knocked out."

After viewing the episodes he added to the BBC: My flabber has never been so gasted."

He then quipped: "I've never forgiven the BBC for losing those episodes, it would be really nice to get a few royalties."

But growing more serious, he said: "I'm not sure I even saw those programmes go out originally - I remember the stories, but having seen them, the pictures are unfamiliar to me.

"I didn't remember the first one when I was still almost comatose following the injury I received fighting in Troy in the wonderful Mythmakers - which of course is missing."

A special screening of the two episodes organised by FIF, with Peter as guest of honour, is being held in London on 4 April to coincide with them appearing on BBC iPlayer.
A new report claims that an insider shared news about a new "Fallout" game under development by a Microsoft-owned studio has now been canceled.

New 'Fallout' Game Reportedly Canceled, Says Insider

Long-time gaming journalist Jeff Gertsmann revealed in the latest episode of his podcast that a Microsoft-owned studio has decided to cancel a new "Fallout" game that is already under development.

It was clarified by Gertsmann that the studio behind this alleged development is another Microsoft-owned studio and not the main team behind the franchise, Bethesda Softworks, and its other subsidiaries.

That said, Gertsmann's claims in his podcast did not reveal which Microsoft-owned studio is behind this development and what specific "Fallout" game was canceled by them.

Moreover, the claims by the podcast host did not reveal if it was Microsoft or the studio that was behind the cancellation of the said "Fallout" development.

Is the Canceled 'Fallout' Game a Remaster Project?

According to GameRant's report, the canceled "Fallout" game is not likely to be the rumored remaster projects of two titles in the franchise that have long been requested by fans.

These two titles are "Fallout 3" and "Fallout: New Vegas," which have long been the subject of remaster rumors from trusted insiders. However, there is still no concrete information or confirmation from Bethesda or other studios.

This means that these two remasters are safe, with Gertsmann claiming that the "Fallout 3" remaster has already been outsourced to an external game development studio.

Moreover, it is known that Bethesda is still responsible for the development of a specific game in the franchise, specifically, the mainline series' "Fallout 5."

Despite this remaining on Bethesda's hands, the development may still take years before the much-awaited game sees a release.

Originally published on Player One
Ukraine's Supreme Court has, for the first time, recognized a same-sex couple as a family in a "de facto" marriage, a landmark step for LGBTI rights in a country that still bans same-sex marriage in law.

In a ruling delivered on Feb. 25 and made public in early March, the Supreme Court upheld earlier decisions in favor of LGBTQ+ activists Zoryan Kis and Tymur Levchuk, effectively confirming their relationship as a de facto marriage under Ukrainian law.

A Kyiv district court had first recognized the couple as a family in June 2025, and that ruling was later upheld by an appeals court before reaching the Supreme Court. The case began after the Foreign Ministry refused in 2024 to recognize Levchuk as Kis's family member, blocking him from joining Kis on a diplomatic posting to Israel, according to Amnesty.

During the proceedings, lawyers argued that Kis and Levchuk had lived together since 2013, held an informal wedding ceremony in Ukraine in 2016, and formally married in the United States in 2021, and should therefore be treated as a family.

The courts relied on existing constitutional principles and past Constitutional Court interpretations that define family more broadly than just registered heterosexual marriages, allowing recognition of people who live together and share responsibilities.

Although Ukraine's 1996 Constitution still defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, the Supreme Court found that this did not prevent recognizing the couple's relationship as a de facto marriage for specific legal purposes.

Conservative group Vsi Razom (All Together) tried to overturn the lower court's ruling, claiming it violated "traditional family values," but the Supreme Court rejected the appeal and left the recognition in place.

Human rights group Insight LGBTQ, which supported the couple, hailed the Supreme Court decision as a "tremendous" and "colossal" precedent that will make it harder for homophobic or conservative organizations to use courts to roll back LGBTI protections.

Activists say the ruling creates a legal pathway for other same-sex couples to seek recognition as families, especially in areas such as family reunification, social benefits, and diplomatic postings, Yahoo News reported.

The decision comes as Ukraine pursues closer integration with the European Union, which has pressed Kyiv to improve legal protection for same-sex couples as part of its membership roadmap.

A bill to create civil partnerships for same-sex couples, introduced in 2023, has been stalled in parliament for years, and Ukraine still has no formal system for recognizing same-sex unions.

Rights organizations warn that a draft revision of the Civil Code could still jeopardize the gains from the Kis and Levchuk case if lawmakers fail to include clear protections for same-sex relationships.

Despite these uncertainties, LGBTI groups view the Supreme Court's move as a historic advancement that reflects wider changes in Ukrainian society during wartime, where public support for equal rights has slowly grown.

They stress, however, that full equality will require parliament to act, including passing a civil partnership law and aligning family legislation with European human rights standards, as per Kyiv Independent.

Originally published on parentherald.com
On March 12, the PM approved the Ministry of Public Security proposal for Bac Ninh Peoples Committee to carry out the initiative for the road linking Gia Binh International Airport with Hanoi as an emergency construction project.

The PM requested Bac Ninh Peoples Committee take full responsibility for the scheme and ensure completion on schedule for the APEC 2027 Summit, expected to be hosted by Vietnam.

During the implementation, strict management must be ensured to control costs, improve investment efficiency, and prevent waste, corruption, or delays.

Illustration of the planned road connecting Gia Binh Airport with central Hanoi. Photo: VGP

The Ministry of Construction has been tasked with guiding Bac Ninh Peoples Committee to carry out the initiative in accordance with legal procedures.

If issues arise that require measures different from current legal provisions, the relevant ministries and agencies must coordinate with Bac Ninh Peoples Committee to report to competent authorities for consideration, th.e PM noted

The venture will feature 7km of newly built roadway and a 6.55km overlapping existing expressways, which will be upgraded and expanded to a width of 120 metres. The total land area required is approximately 290 hectares.

The schemes main components include a 7km newly constructed section, 120m wide, starting at a connection point with the road in Bac Ninh and ending at the interchange between the Hanoi-Lang Son expressway and the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen expressway/Ring Road 3.

A 6.55km upgraded section expanding the overlapping segment of the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen expressway/Ring Road 3 to 120m, connecting the first section to the interchange leading to Hanois Tu Lien Bridge.

The route runs through the communes of Thuan An, Phu Dong, Thu Lam, and Dong Anh in Hanoi, and the wards of Tu Son and Phu Khe in Bac Ninh province.

In addition, the project will construct two direct ramps from the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen expressway/Ring Road 3 to the Tu Lien Bridge approach road, each featuring three lanes, 14 metres in width, and 2.5km in length, helping to connect Gia Binh Airport with Tu Lien Bridge.

The undertaking will be implemented under the public-private partnership model by a consortium consisting of Cong Thanh Transport Investment and Construction JSC and Cat Ba Sun Co., Ltd., a member of developer Sun Group.

The entire route connecting Gia Binh with central Hanoi is expected to have a total length of approximately 41km, with a total investment of about $3.32 billion.

This corridor will become a major transport artery at the northeastern gateway of the capital, forming the shortest and most modern route linking Gia Binh Airport to downtown Hanoi.

It is expected to help complete the external transport network, reduce pressure on Noi Bai International Airport, and open up new development space for the capitals gateway region.

The project will also form a new strategic transport axis connecting the nations political and administrative centre with the culturally rich Kinh Bac region.

Along both sides of the corridor, modern urban zones with integrated ecosystems are planned, supporting the development of smart logistics centres and creating momentum for broader regional socioeconomic growth.

Hung Yen breaks ground on three major projects worth over $720 million In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, Hung Yen province launched three major development projects on August 19 with a combined investment of approximately $720 million.

PM pushes for fastest road linking Gia Binh airport with Hanoi Designed as a multi-functional, dual-use facility with a specialised classification equivalent to 4E - a global standard for large airports, the Gia Binh airport is set to play a pivotal role in the nation's defence-security infrastructure and socio-economic development.
The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 20262031 tenure is scheduled for May 15, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  As Vietnam prepares for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 20262031 tenure, the major political event has drawn strong attention not only at home but also among overseas Vietnamese communities, including those in Germany, who hope the election will further strengthen democracy and support the countrys development in a new phase.

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Germany, Nguyen Duc Thang, Executive Committee member of the GermanyVietnam Association and President of the October Arts Club, said the elections take place as Vietnam implements major reforms aimed at streamlining the administrative apparatus and restructuring administrative units. They are importants steps to improve national governance and lay foundations for future growth, he added.

According to Thang, the 16th National Assembly election continues Vietnams electoral tradition dating back to the 1946 General Election and subsequent milestones in parliamentary development. Selecting capable, responsible and visionary representatives will help reinforce democratic foundations, ensure the peoples right to mastery, and enhance the effectiveness of the countrys highest state authority.

He stressed that amid ongoing administrative reforms, voters play an increasingly important role in choosing credible and competent representatives to decide key national issues, thereby strengthening policy legitimacy and fostering social consensus for restructuring and reorganising of the political systems organisational apparatus.

Thang also noted that major reform agendas, including civil service downsizing, organisational restructuring and improved governance, require National Assembly and Peoples Council deputies with strong expertise, political resolve and long-term vision. The elections are therefore expected to help build a more streamlined yet higher-quality representative system, enabling more substantive legislative activities and stronger oversight of executive bodies, while ensuring socio-economic policies better reflect practical realities.

From the perspective of an overseas Vietnamese in Germany, he expressed confidence that the elections will further strengthen ties between overseas Vietnamese and national development. He emphasised that the more than 6.5 million Vietnamese living abroad form an integral part of the national community and are increasingly interested in policies affecting their rights and connections with the homeland.

Amid Vietnams deepening international integration, overseas Vietnamese hope that future legislators will pay greater attention to improving policies related to nationality and legal procedures, creating more favourable conditions for retaining or restoring Vietnamese citizenship and considering more flexible dual-nationality mechanisms.

The overseas community is also concerned with preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity among younger generations. Thang suggested expanding Vietnamese-language teaching programmes, providing online learning materials from Vietnam, and supporting cultural centres and community classes abroad. He also proposed increasing exchange initiatives such as summer camps and heritage visits to help young overseas Vietnamese better understand the countrys history, culture and development, said the GermanyVietnam Association Executive Committee member.

He expressed his hope that in the near future Vietnamese citizens living overseas could vote directly in their countries of residence, enabling them to participate more actively in selecting representatives and contributing to Vietnams dynamic and sustainable development.
Chinese lifestyle captivates global audience

09:24, March 13, 2026 By He Siqi ( People's Daily

A young foreigner weighs Chinese herbal medicines under the guidance of a medical worker at the pharmacy of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Nanyang, central China's Henan province. (Photo/Gao Song)

Wearing traditional Hanfu clothing, drinking warm water, and enjoying hot pot have become must-do experiences for many travelers to China, while the phrase "becoming Chinese" has turned into a popular online trend.

In recent months, Chinese lifestyles have gained remarkable popularity abroad, drawing worldwide attention. As the warmth of daily Chinese life travels across seas and mountains, it highlights the vibrant vitality of Chinese culture.

During this year's Spring Festival, visitors from more than 160 countries and regions traveled to China, exploring over 300 cities nationwide. In 2025, the number of inbound tourist arrivals surpassed 150 million.

Foreign visitors explore a health-and-wellness-themed tourist town in Xixia county, Nanyang, central China's Henan province, tasting local nourishing delicacies. (Photo/Wang Xiaojun)

Behind these numbers lies a growing global interest in China. Rather than simply visiting iconic landmarks, many foreign visitors now seek to experience the authentic rhythm of life in China -- immersing themselves in local communities and routines.

At its heart, this enthusiasm reflects a deep appreciation for China's profound cultural legacy and an emerging appreciation of the Chinese way of life.

China's cultural appeal manifests through relatable everyday moments: savoring regional cuisine, experiencing the ancient wisdom of Tui Na massage and Baduanjin, or taking a high-speed train ride, these tangible experiences turn a rich culture into something personal.

Through these small windows, a vivid and multidimensional China comes to life: a country where tradition and modernity intertwine, where ancient civilization coexists with contemporary living, where every individual can act as a cultural ambassador, where people from diverse backgrounds can find an emotional connection, and where each experience builds a bridge linking civilizations.

The global popularity of Chinese lifestyles is rooted in the rich heritage of China's fine traditional culture. The spirit of relentless self-improvement, the virtue of embracing all things with great moral integrity, and the values of trustworthiness and social harmony have been passed down through an unbroken civilization spanning more than 5,000 years. These enduring cultural nutrients have been deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese society and quietly shape everyday wisdom.

Foreign visitors learn about Hanfu etiquette in Zaozhuang, east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Hong Xiaodong)

Cultural exchange is reciprocal -- a meeting of hearts and perspectives. Rooted in its rich cultural heritage, China is engaging with the world more openly than ever. By expanding unilateral visa-free entry and visa-free transit policies, the country has made spontaneous travel to China a reality. These initiatives serve as practical bridges for cross-cultural dialogue, enabling the world to gain a deeper understanding of China, while also providing fertile ground for Chinese culture to flourish globally.

The growing popularity of the idea of "becoming Chinese" reflects China's growing confidence and openness. As the country embarks on the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (20262030), it is sharing with the world its magnificent landscapes, brilliant culture and long history, as well as the joys of daily Chinese life.

Through equal dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations, China continues to tell a story of civilization that belongs not only to China, but also to the world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a sweeping corporate enforcement policy that, for the first time, sets out uniform guidelines for how prosecutors should handle criminal cases against companies, marking a significant shift in the approach to corporate misconduct.

The new policy offers potential benefits to firms that voluntarily disclose wrongdoing, while also sending a clear message that failure to come clean could lead to serious legal consequences.

Announced on 10 March 2026, the policy is designed to provide consistent standards across all DOJ divisions and US Attorney's Offices and is intended to encourage ethical conduct while ensuring robust enforcement of criminal law. DOJ officials have said it marks a historic step towards transparency and fairness in corporate prosecution.

New Era of Corporate Accountability

Under the framework, companies that voluntarily disclose evidence of wrongdoing to prosecutors, fully cooperate in investigations, and take meaningful steps to remediate misconduct may receive significant benefits, including declinations or reduced charges. These incentives aim to encourage early cooperation and deter concealment.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche highlighted the policy's focus on transparency and fairness, saying the DOJ is committed to 'transparency and fairness, and our first-ever Department-wide corporate enforcement policy is yet another example of that.'

He emphasised that the new guidelines leverage decades of internal experience, creating 'incentives for companies to come forward and do the right thing when misconduct occurs so that we may hold accountable the individual wrongdoers.'

Blanche noted that well-intentioned businesses that self-disclose, cooperate with investigations, and remediate wrongdoing 'will be rewarded.' However, he added a stern warning for those who do not comply: 'But for those that do not, make no mistake  we will not hesitate to seek appropriate resolutions against companies and individuals alike that perpetrate white collar offences that harm American interests.'

Three Key Conditions for Leniency

The policy sets out three core conditions that a company must meet to be considered for leniency:

A voluntary disclosure of misconduct before an investigation begins

Full cooperation with law enforcement

Timely and appropriate remediation of the issues identified

If a corporation meets all three conditions, prosecutors are instructed to consider offering more favourable outcomes, including declining prosecution under certain circumstances.

Voluntary disclosure is the timely reporting of misconduct to the relevant authorities before the government discovers it independently. Full cooperation involves providing information, evidence, and assistance that materially advance the investigation. Remediation requires meaningful steps to address the misconduct, including disciplinary actions or reforms to prevent future violations.

DOJ officials emphasised that companies that fail to meet these standards could face the full weight of prosecution. The policy notes that concealment of wrongdoing, destruction of evidence, or obstruction of justice would weigh heavily against a defendant in charging decisions.

Practical Effects for Businesses

For companies operating in highly regulated sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and technology, the policy is expected to influence how internal investigations are conducted. Corporate counsel may be more likely to recommend prompt selfreporting when potential criminal misconduct is identified, rather than delaying action while evaluating risk.

Compliance directors have welcomed the clarity around prosecutorial expectations, saying that it could reduce uncertainty about how cases will be handled. Earlier DOJ guidance was issued piecemeal, leading to inconsistent outcomes for similar conduct across jurisdictions. The new policy aims to put an end to that approach by establishing a clear, consistent national standard.

As the policy takes effect, legal experts will be watching closely to see how it influences case outcomes and corporate compliance cultures across the United States.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The plan was shared by Masayoshi Fujimoto, president of Sojitz Corporation, during a meeting with the chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee on March 11.

Fujimoto said, After nearly 40 years of operating in Vietnam, Sojitz has established 27 subsidiaries and affiliates, with more than 9,000 employees. The corporation recorded a total revenue of over $1.6 billion in the Vietnamese market.

Sojitzs flagship ventures include the Phu My 3 power plant, a Vinabeef cattle farming and processing complex in Vinh Phuc in a joint venture with Vinamilk, a Ministop convenience store chain, and the Lotheco, Long Duc 1, and Long Duc 3 industrial parks, as well as a restaurant chain in Ho Chi Minh City.

We appreciate the potential of Ho Chi Minh City. Sojitz would like to expand cooperation and investment in the city in key sectors such as energy, logistics, agriculture, food, and trade, Fujimoto said.

He expressed hope for continued support from the city authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the groups projects in Ho Chi Minh City.

In response, Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, welcomed Sojitzs decision to invest in the city and encouraged the group to expand its investments in areas such as clean energy, logistics, food processing, and railway development.

Ho Chi Minh City is always ready to facilitate Japanese businesses in general, and Sojitz in particular, in exploring and implementing suitable cooperation initiatives, thereby contributing to deeper and more effective bilateral cooperation, he said.

Sojitz to develop green IPs in Dong Nai Japans Sojitz Corporation and the southern province of Dong Nai have agreed to work together to develop a model for green, smart industrial parks. The collaboration is set to run until 2026.

TTC Group inks MoU with Sojitz Vietnam TTC Group and Sojitz Vietnam signed an MoU on October 3 aimed at leveraging each party's strengths in various fields of operations and business.
On March 12, a conference was held in Hanoi to discuss solutions for improving tax declaration and compliance among business households. The event was jointly organised by the Vietnam Government Portal and the Tax Department under the Ministry of Finance.

Mai Xuan Thanh, head of the Tax Department, delivers his address at the conference. Photo: Bich Thuy

The conference took place during a crucial transition in tax management policies for household and individual businesses. Since January 1, the fixed-rate tax payment method has been replaced by a declaration mechanism based on actual revenue.

The government's issuance of Decree No. 68/2026/ND-CP on tax policy and tax management for business households is considered a significant milestone in the modernisation of tax administration. The decree aims to build a transparent, fair business environment aligned with the development requirements of the digital economy.

The event also marked the launch of a nationwide campaign providing 15 days of support for household businesses ahead of the first-quarter 2026 tax declaration period. The initiative, led by the Tax Department, aims to help household businesses access new policies promptly, prepare complete data, and fulfil their tax obligations correctly from the first declaration period.

The conference attracted 200 representatives of business households in Hanoi, along with online participation from thousands of tax officials and business households across 34 provincial-level locations and more than 350 grassroots-level sites nationwide.

In his opening remarks, Nguyen Hong Sam, general director of the Vietnam Government Portal, said the household business sector plays a crucial role in the economy and serves as a dynamic force in the country's digital transformation and digital economy development.

"The transition from a fixed-rate tax mechanism to a revenue-based tax method aims to enhance transparency in tax administration while laying the groundwork for household businesses to gradually standardise operations, improve management capacity, and achieve sustainable development," he said.

Mai Xuan Thanh, head of the Tax Department, added that the tax sector is implementing a series of comprehensive solutions to support business households during the transition. These include strengthening professional guidance, providing support documents, and promoting the application of technology in electronic tax declaration and management.

"The objective is to ensure that business households can fulfil their tax obligations conveniently, transparently, and in accordance with regulations from their first declaration, while contributing to building a fair and modern business environment," he said.

Tran Trong Tuyen, chairman of Sapo Technology JSC, said, "Digital transformation in business administration and tax management will help household businesses monitor revenue closely, optimise operations, and create a foundation for sustainable development in the digital economy."

According to the Vietnam Tax Consulting Association, policy implementation must ensure that legal regulations are not applied retroactively in a way that is unfavourable to taxpayers  a principle considered crucial in strengthening trust and encouraging households to declare actual revenue.

Bui Trung Kien, vice chairman of the Vietnam E-commerce Association, said, "In a booming e-commerce market, standardising business data and ensuring transparent tax compliance will help household businesses enhance reputation, expand scale, and participate more deeply in the digital economy."

New tax incentives to benefit startups and SMEs Newly-issued Decree 20 introduces a package of tax exemptions and reductions, creating a more favourable legal and financial environment for startups and small and medium-sized businesses.

Banking sector targets double-digit growth The banking sector is poised for strong profit growth in 2026, driven by improving margins, tighter credit risk control and recovering loan demand, with many institutions targeting on-year increases of 10-20 per cent.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, a third-year student majoring in Chinese language at Beijing Language and Culture University, speaks in an interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing. (Photo: VNA)

Beijing  As Vietnam prepares for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils for the 20262031 tenure, Vietnamese students studying in China are closely following political developments at home, expressing hope that the new legislature will continue to represent the peoples aspirations, including those of overseas Vietnamese communities.

Ngo Thi Huyen Trang, a doctoral researcher at Beijing Language and Culture University, said that despite being far from home, Vietnamese students in China remain attentive to major national events, particularly the upcoming election. She viewed the earlier scheduling of the vote as a new development of the country.

Trang expressed expectations that newly elected deputies will uphold their responsibilities, maintain close ties with the people, and fully reflect voters concerns both domestically and abroad. She also called for more practical policies to support overseas students and enable them to contribute more effectively to national development.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, a third-year Chinese language student at the same university, shared that although she cannot vote in person while studying overseas, she continues to follow the election closely and hopes for its success. She emphasised the importance of selecting capable and ethical representatives who can help drive Vietnams future growth, while also advocating stronger policies to help returning students access employment opportunities.

Echoing these views, Nguyen Ba Muoi, a masters student in logistics management at Beijing Jiaotong University, expressed hope that the election will bring forward-thinking lawmakers with a greater focus on logistics development, a sector increasingly vital to Vietnams global economic integration. He highlighted the need to strengthen logistics cooperation with international partners, particularly China, and called for policies that promote green logistics, reduce emissions, and adopt new energy solutions in transport and supply chains.

Many Vietnamese students in China said that although they are studying abroad, they remain deeply connected to their homeland and aspire to contribute their knowledge and international experience to the countrys development. For them, the upcoming election represents not only a significant political event at home but also an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to place their confidence in Vietnams next phase of growth.
Women-led enterprises account for around 2025 per cent of businesses in Vietnam. Photo: VCCI

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) in coordination with the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, launched the Advancing Growth, Innovation, and Leadership for Enterprises (AGILE) project on February 6. The initiative marks a new step in VietnamCanada cooperation, aiming to support enterprises in adapting to climate change and transitioning towards a greener growth model.

The project targets women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key beneficiaries. According to Sam Landon, senior programme director at the World University Service of Canada, which is implementing the initiative, AGILE will prioritise strengthening the capacity of domestic business support organisations.

The initiative provides financial resources and creates space for enterprises, support organisations, and investors to pilot gender-responsive financial models. The goal is to build a more autonomous and climate-resilient ecosystem, particularly for women-led businesses, Landon said.

AGILE will be implemented nationwide from now to 2029, with a total budget of $7.2 million.

The MoF kicked off the Shifting Investment Flows Towards Green Transformation (SHIFT) scheme on January 27, with six international organisations taking part and coordination by the German Development Agency.

SHIFT targets key stakeholders, including private enterprises, with a particular focus on SMEs and women-led businesses.

Priority is given to these, which often face greater barriers in accessing long-term finance. SHIFT also aims to translate green ambitions into tangible investments by supporting enterprises, especially in piloting, deploying, scaling up, and replicating clean energy solutions, said Chu Duc Lam, director general of the Department of Finance and Economics at the MoF.

Pilot models will help demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of green technologies, while strengthening confidence among financial institutions to accompany corporate clients in adopting more sustainable solutions.

Women are playing an increasingly important role in Vietnams economy. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, women account for 63 per cent of the workforce and are widely represented across sectors such as education, healthcare, and services. 51 per cent of enterprises have women among their owners, while around 20-25 per cent are women-led  a relatively high proportion in the region and projected to reach at least 30 per cent by 2030.

These targets are reinforced by the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2030, which aims to raise the proportion of female directors and business owners to at least 30 per cent by 2030. Complementing this, the Programme to Support Womens Entrepreneurship for 20262030 seeks to assist 50,000 women-led enterprises in accessing concessional credit and innovation funds, with the figure rising to 75,000 in the 20312035 period.

According to an RMIT study on women entrepreneurship in Vietnam in 2025, women are at the helm of over 20 per cent of businesses in Vietnam, with the rate of women-led or owned businesses expected to reach at least 30 per cent by 2030. In line with Vietnams net-zero commitments by 2050, many female entrepreneurs are leading efforts in sustainable production, waste reduction, and green supply chains.

Despite their growing role in the economy, the vast majority of women-owned businesses are still operating on a micro or small scale, and obstacles for women entrepreneurs persist. The study highlights the urgent need to address these challenges through training, financial inclusion, and cultural shifts to ensure a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in the decades to come, the research noted.

Meanwhile, Dinh Thi Thu Hoai, vice president of the Hanoi Women Entrepreneurs Association, said women needed to elevate their leadership skills, financial management, strategic business planning, and brand building. In addition, during the digital and technological transformation process, they need support in applying technology to production and business to increase productivity and expand markets.

Another important support is access to finance and resources. They need to overcome difficulties in capital, legal procedures, and fundraising skills. In addition, it is necessary to create networking and connections networks, which build communities of women entrepreneurs, connecting with large supply chains and international business opportunities, she said.

Jim Nickel, Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam

Over the last year, we have experienced significant geopolitical competition and economic uncertainty. While there have been many challenges, Canadians have also been reminded of the importance of building strong global partnerships.

AGILE responds to a clear need, strengthening Vietnams business support and investment ecosystem so that enterprises, particularly climate- and gender-responsive ones, can grow, innovate, and attract the capital required to scale. By helping enterprises become investment-ready, the scheme can unlock capital more effectively, accelerate the adoption of climate solutions, and reduce the vulnerability of communities most affected by climate change, particularly women working in climate-sensitive sectors.

What makes the initiative particularly innovative is its ecosystem approach. Canadian partners will work with local enterprise support organisations to strengthen their capacity to provide high-quality business development services, helping enterprises become investment-ready and better connected to sources of capital.

At the same time, AGILE will generate new opportunities for Canadian and international investors to engage with Vietnams dynamic market. By strengthening green value chains, promoting gender-responsive enterprises, and expanding access to green finance, the project supports Vietnams green transition and deeper integration into regional and global markets.

The initiative will support Vietnams energy transition and the growth of green finance. Canada stands ready to address climate change challenges, generate financial returns alongside meaningful development impact, and expand trade and investment opportunities between Canada and Vietnam. We remain committed to supporting Vietnams ambition to become a hub for impact investment in Southeast Asia.

Do Thanh Trung, Deputy Minister of Finance

Vietnam is currently home to more than one million active enterprises and over five million household businesses, contributing approximately half of GDP, more than 30 per cent of total state budget revenue, and generating around 82 per cent of employment in the private sector.

Of these, women-owned enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in fostering innovation, encouraging inclusive development, and enhancing national competitiveness.

However, women owners continue to face significant barriers, particularly in accessing finance, obtaining specialised technical support, and scaling up operations. Many early-stage enterprises encounter challenges due to unproven business models, unclear productmarket fit, and limited data to support innovation. These factors heighten investment risks and constrain capital flows into critical sectors such as climate adaptation and mitigation.

Although both domestic and international investors are showing growing interest in the Vietnamese market, gaps remain in market information, the availability of high-quality, investment-ready projects, and effective mechanisms to connect local enterprises with investors. Notably, the potential of women-led enterprises in the green economy has yet to be fully realised.

In line with commitments to green, inclusive, and people-centred development, strengthening support for women-owned enterprises is not only a matter of gender equality, but also a strategic solution to advance sustainable growth.

With a commitment to accompanying the business community, the Ministry of Finance has introduced various initiatives to develop a comprehensive support ecosystem, including training, advisory services, technical assistance, and resource mobilisation, with priority given to enterprises contributing to green growth.
Detailed Research Examination of the Commercial Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): Solving the Global Fleet Sustainability Bottleneck Through Intelligence-Driven Strategy

The global aviation industry is at a critical juncture. As airlines push the limits of aging fleets and navigate a "super-cycle" of passenger demand, the Commercial Aircraft MRO Market has emerged as the essential backbone of operational resilience. Moving beyond traditional "scheduled maintenance," the modern aviation enterprise is demanding high-speed turnaround times (TAT) and digital precision. According to the latest strategic data from Evolve Business Intelligence, this market is on a trajectory of sustained growth, valued at approximately USD 118.1 billion in 2025 and projected to surpass USD 218.3 billion by 2036, growing at a steady CAGR of 5.2%.

For airline operators and MRO providers, this growth brings intense pressure. Maintaining a competitive edge in a sector defined by engine shop visit capacity crunches and a shift toward "Software-Defined Maintenance" requires more than just hangar space; it requires precision intelligence.

The Leaders Dilemma: Reliability vs. Resource Scarcity

Market leaders today face a unique set of "operational-bred" problems. When widebody hangar capacity is at saturation and engine turnaround times exceed 200 days, the primary challenge is no longer just securing contracts; it is managing the volatility of a globalized supply chain.

The Skilled Labor Deficit: The hardwarethe aircraftis more advanced than ever, but a massive retirement wave has left a vacuum of licensed technicians. In North America alone, the gap between required and available technicians is reaching critical levels, threatening capacity growth.

The hardwarethe aircraftis more advanced than ever, but a massive retirement wave has left a vacuum of licensed technicians. In North America alone, the gap between required and available technicians is reaching critical levels, threatening capacity growth. Aging Fleet "Super-Cycle": Delivery delays for new aircraft are forcing airlines to fly mid-generation jets (13+ years old) longer. These older airframes require more labor-intensive structural checks and higher-frequency engine overhauls, increasing the "man-hours per visit" by over 25%.

Delivery delays for new aircraft are forcing airlines to fly mid-generation jets (13+ years old) longer. These older airframes require more labor-intensive structural checks and higher-frequency engine overhauls, increasing the "man-hours per visit" by over 25%. The OEM vs. Independent Tug-of-War: While OEMs control access to critical proprietary data and parts, independent MROs are pivoting to Used Serviceable Material (USM) and PMA parts to slash costs and lead times. Navigating this landscape requires a delicate strategic balance.

Strategic Solutions: The Blueprint for Operational Dominance

To navigate these challenges, leaders must look beyond traditional shop-floor metrics. Here is how specialized intelligence services bridge the gap between maintenance backlogs and actualized revenue.

Deep-Dive Competitive Intelligence: The MRO Ecosystem With Engine MRO accounting for nearly 46% of market revenue, the competition is fierce. Deep-Dive Competitive Intelligence allows leaders to understand the "service-mix" of rivals. It isnt enough to know who the players are; you must know who is investing in LEAP and GTF engine tooling versus those dominating the mature engine aftermarket. Granular Research & Custom Insights: Niche Specialization Generic reports won't solve the "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) crisis. Granular Research identifies specific regional pain pointsfrom the rapid fleet expansion in India (growing at 10.8% CAGR) to the high-value modification requirements in the North American business jet sector. Custom insights ensure your capacity expansion hits the most profitable aircraft segments. TAM Expansion Funnel: Capturing the "Green" MRO Shift The $218 billion market isn't just about repairs; it's about the circular economy. The TAM Expansion Funnel helps leaders identify non-traditional revenue, such as certified teardown facilities for reclaimed materials and "Green MRO" slots that utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for testinga growing requirement for eco-conscious carriers. GTM (Go-To-Market) Strategy: Regional Fleet Dynamics Dominating the Asia-Pacific hub requires a different playbook than penetrating the mature European market. We craft regionalized GTM Strategies. In Asia, the driver is infrastructure development and low-cost carrier (LCC) growth; in North America, it is predictive maintenance ROI and life-extension programs for narrowbody fleets. Regulatory & Safety Due Diligence: Compliance as a Shield As digital records and blockchain replace paper logs, and safety mandates from the FAA and EASA tighten, Regulatory Due Diligence is a strategic necessity. Staying ahead of digital traceability standards ensures your facility remains a "preferred partner" for global lessors and major flag carriers. Supply Chain Intelligence: Securing Critical Components The move toward predictive maintenance (PdM) requires a seamless link between software triggers and part allocation. Supply Chain Intelligence maps the global landscape for everything from high-pressure turbine blades to avionics sensors, helping you build a "resilient supply" that survives geopolitical and Tier-2 supplier volatility.

Regional Outlook: Where the Demand Lives

To master the Commercial Aircraft MRO Market, one must understand the geographic nuances:

Asia Pacific: The fastest-growing engine of the market. Driven by massive aircraft orders in China and India, the region is rapidly shedding its reliance on foreign MROs to become a self-sustaining maintenance hub.

The fastest-growing engine of the market. Driven by massive aircraft orders in China and India, the region is rapidly shedding its reliance on foreign MROs to become a self-sustaining maintenance hub. North America: The global leader in value. This is the hub for "Smart" MRO, focusing on AI-driven predictive maintenance and advanced material repairs to maximize the life of the worlds largest active fleet.

The global leader in value. This is the hub for "Smart" MRO, focusing on AI-driven predictive maintenance and advanced material repairs to maximize the life of the worlds largest active fleet. Middle East (GCC): The widebody specialist. Leveraging its strategic location, the region is investing billions in state-of-the-art facilities (like Abu Dhabis LEAP center) to service the world's major long-haul transit fleets.

Explore the full dataset and strategic forecast: Commercial Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Market: Trends & Forecast to 2036

The Path to 2036

The transition from reactive "break-fix" models to proactive, intelligence-driven lifecycle management is the defining trend of the next decade. For MRO leaders, the path to 2036 is paved with the need for digital modernization and workforce upskilling.

By integrating specialized servicesfrom Supply Chain Intelligence to TAM Expansionleaders can ensure they don't just react to backlogs, but actively dictate the pace of global flight.

Master the $218B Shift

In a market defined by capacity crunches and high complexity, the difference between profit and loss is the quality of your intelligence.

Don't let supply chain volatility dictate your shop schedule.

To turn complex fleet data into a clear, actionable roadmap for the next decade, Send us an Enquiry
Physical Security: Defending Assets Through Intelligence-Driven Strategy In The New Analysis By Leading Research Firm

The global security landscape is undergoing a radical shift. As physical and digital threats converge, the focus of enterprise safety has transitioned from simple perimeter fencing to intelligent, integrated ecosystems. The Physical Security Market is currently the frontier of AI-driven surveillance and biometric innovation. Beyond "passive monitoring," the modern enterprise demands proactive, real-time threat mitigation. According to the latest strategic data from Evolve Business Intelligence, this market is on an expansive trajectory, valued at USD 134.68 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 287.82 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.95%.

For security leaders, this surge represents a massive operational opportunity. Navigating a sector defined by AI-enhanced video analytics and cloud-based access control requires more than hardware; it requires precision intelligence.

Market Dynamics: The Leaders Dilemma

Market leaders today face a unique set of "innovation-bred" problems. When security infrastructures must be both pervasive and privacy-compliant, the primary challenge is no longer just visibility; it is integration and intelligence.

The Integration Gap: While Video Surveillance leads the market share, the transition to Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) and cloud-based management creates a legacy infrastructure bottleneck, requiring seamless multi-vendor integration. Privacy and Regulatory Friction: Pervasive surveillance, particularly AI-powered facial recognition, faces intense scrutiny from global regulators (like GDPR). A leaders ability to balance "total security" with ethical data handling is now as critical as the systems uptime. The Cybersecurity Convergence: As physical security systems move to the cloud (VSaaS and ACaaS), they become new entry points for cyber-attacks. Bridging the gap between physical safety and digital integrity is a strategic necessity to hedge against institutional risk.

Explore the full dataset and strategic forecast: Physical Security Market: Trends & Forecast to 2035

Strategic Solutions: The Blueprint for Sustained Dominance

To navigate these challenges, leaders must look beyond standard hardware deployments and employ a multi-layered strategic approach. Here is how specialized intelligence services bridge the gap between technological adoption and actualized security revenue.

Deep-Dive Competitive Intelligence: Assessing the AI Pipeline While traditional CCTV provides baseline revenue, the real value shift is in AI-enhanced video analytics. Deep-Dive Competitive Intelligence allows leaders to monitor competitor investments in edge computing and predictive threat detection, ensuring you stay ahead of the automation curve. Granular Research & Custom Insights: Identifying High-Need Verticals Generic data won't help you navigate the nuances between Government Infrastructure and Retail Loss Prevention. Granular Research identifies specific "pain points"from securing remote energy sites to managing high-traffic transportation hubs. TAM Expansion Funnel: Finding Growth in Managed Services With the market headed toward nearly $288 billion, the "Total Addressable Market" (TAM) is expanding as SME segments adopt cloud-based security (ACaaS/VSaaS). The TAM Expansion Funnel helps leaders identify the "hidden" billions in the small-to-mid-market preventative care segment. GTM (Go-To-Market) Strategy: Navigating Regional Infrastructure Dominating the North American market requires a different playbook than penetrating the rapid urban growth of APAC. We craft regionalized GTM Strategies that leverage local government smart-city initiatives and regionalized distribution networks. Regulatory Due Diligence: Mitigating Privacy Risks As biometric solutions reach the market, compliance with evolving safety and privacy mandates is a high-priority strategic shield. Regulatory Due Diligence ensures your product roadmap aligns with FDA/EMA and regional privacy laws, protecting your brand equity. Supply Chain Intelligence: Securing Critical Components The transition to high-end IP cameras and biometric sensors increases vulnerability to semiconductor shortages. Supply Chain Intelligence maps the global landscape for specialized components, ensuring your deployment schedules remain synchronized despite global logistics volatility.

Regional Outlook: Where the Growth Lives

To truly master the Physical Security Market, one must understand the geographic nuances highlighted in the research:

North America: The Value Leader . High technology penetration, early adoption of AI-based surveillance, and a robust regulatory framework make this the primary revenue engine for high-end integrated systems.

The . High technology penetration, early adoption of AI-based surveillance, and a robust regulatory framework make this the primary revenue engine for high-end integrated systems. Asia-Pacific: The Volume Driver . Driven by massive smart-city projects and infrastructure modernization in China and India, this region is the fastest-growing market for both legacy hardware and emerging affordable diagnostics.

The . Driven by massive smart-city projects and infrastructure modernization in China and India, this region is the fastest-growing market for both legacy hardware and emerging affordable diagnostics. Europe: The Center for "Privacy-First" Security. Driven by stringent GDPR mandates, the focus here is on multi-modal treatments and harmonizing diagnostic standards across the EU.

The Path to 2035

The transition from reactive security to predictive, intelligent protection is the defining industrial trend of the decade. For current security leaders, the path to 2035 is paved with the integration of Physical Security and Cyber Defense.

By integrating specialized servicesfrom Supply Chain Intelligence to TAM Expansionleaders can ensure they don't just protect an asset, but actively redefine the standard of safety.

Master the $287.82B Shift

In a market defined by high R&D stakes and regulatory complexity, the difference between leading and lagging is the quality of your strategy.

Don't let technological volatility dictate your growth.

To turn complex security data into a clear, actionable roadmap for the next decade, or explore the full dataset, Send us an Enquiry.
Wales has recorded 1,270 fewer road casualties in the two years since the default 20mph speed limit came into force, the First Minister told the Senedd on Tuesday, as opposition parties renewed calls for the policy to be scrapped.

The figures were cited at First Ministers Questions by Lee Waters MS (Labour, Llanelli), the former deputy minister for climate change who introduced the 20mph default.

He asked First Minister Eluned Morgan to confirm that councils already held powers to alter speed limits on individual roads without any change to the national default.

Ms Morgan said: There are children walking around Wales today who would not have been if it werent for this policy.

She told the Senedd collisions had fallen by 33% in 2025 compared to 2023. In the year following implementation, police-recorded collisions on 20mph and 30mph roads in Wales dropped by 22%. On equivalent roads in England over the same period, the drop was 4%.

Mr Waters said councils already had the tools to make local adjustments. Councils already have the power to alter the speed limit, where it makes sense to do so, he said. Theres no need to make an expensive change to the default speed limit to do that.

In Wrexham more than 50 roads returned back to 30mph last summer after a formal consultation took place.

Welsh Conservative MS Laura Anne Jones (South East Wales region) challenged the statistics, arguing that casualty figures had fallen across Britain as cars became safer.

She said the policy had cost the Welsh economy 9 billion by the Welsh Governments own calculations and called for a reversal ahead of Mays Senedd election.

Ms Morgan rejected the comparison with England. Lets deal with facts, she said. Its a 22 per cent reduction in the number of police-recorded collisions in Wales, compared to 4 per cent in England.

The Welsh Government has not estimated the cost of a full reversal of the default limit. Ms Morgan said any move to reverse it would incur significant costs not just financially, but in terms of lives lost and injuries caused.

She also told the Senedd that some insurers had begun reflecting the Welsh collision data in their pricing. There are insurance companies now who are actually offering a 20 per cent reduction for insurance in Wales as a result of the reductions in claims that theyve seen, she said.

Mr Waters said the two-year figures settled the argument. This is the most significant achievement in road safety in decades, he said.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A man from Birmingham has been charged following an investigation by Congleton Local Police Unit into the theft of more than 10,000 worth of cigarettes from shops.

Michael Mongan, 26, from Heather Road, Birmingham appeared at Chester Magistrates on Wednesday 11 March to face six charges of theft from a shop.

The charges relate to thefts in Wrexham, Middlewich, Knutsford, Ely, Audlem, and Sandbach.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court on 9 September.

A 15-year-old boy from Cambridge has also been charged with five counts of theft from a shop relating to thefts in Wrexham, Middlewich, Knutsford, Audlem and Sandbach.

The teenager, who cant be named for legal reasons, was bailed with conditions not to enter Cheshire and will appear at Crewe Youth Court on 23 April.

The thefts occurred between 7 February 2026 and 7 March.

Picture: Google Maps

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed to the post despite being in a coma and losing a leg as a result from U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to a new report.

The Sun detailed that Khamenei has also suffered serious stomach and liver damage. Citing sources within Tehran, the outlet went on to claim the cleric is undergoing intensive care at the Sina University Hospital, with a section being sealed off and being guarded by several security officers.

He is reportedly under the care of Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, the country's Health Minister and Medical Education, also a top trauma surgeon.

The Sun conceded that the report is "impossible to verify under Iran's current internet blackout" but noted that Khamenei is being referred to as a "wounded war veteran" by state TV.

Networks tied to the regime released on Thursday Khamenei's first message as the country's supreme leader. However, it was not a video message or a recording, but rather a written document attributed to him.

There, he allegedly said that Iran will seek keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and continue attacking U.S. bases in the region. He added that Tehran will seek compensation from the U.S. for the attacks, and if Washington refuses it will destroy assets equivalent to the amount it claims it's owed.

Moreover, he warned that more "fronts" will be opened if the war continues, claiming that the "enemy" has "little experience" fighting in them and "will be severely vulnerable."

"In the recent attack, some military bases were used, and naturally, as we had explicitly warned and without any aggression towards those countries, we only targeted those bases. From now on, we will inevitably continue this action, although we still believe in the necessity of friendship between ourselves and those neighbors," reads a passage of the letter.

As a result, he urged Gulf States to "clarify their stance towards the aggressors of our dear homeland and the killers of our people."

"I recommend that they close those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realised that America's claim of establishing security and peace was nothing but a lie."

Originally published on Latin Times
State Rep. James Talarico said he would be "honored" to have Rep. Jasmine Crockett campaign for him in the Texas race for U.S. Senate, where he will face the winner of the runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Speaking on MS Now, Talarico sent a message to supporters of Crockett who didn't vote for him in the primary. "It's on me as their nominee to earn their trust and support," he said.

"I want every single one of her supporters to feel welcomed in, represented by and proud of this campaign because I really believe that together we can do something extraordinary. We can end 30 years of one party rule in Texas and transform American politics," Talarico added.

Psaki: Would you like Rep. Crockett to campaign with you over the coming months?



Talarico: The congresswoman is a fierce campaigner, so I would be honored to have her campaigning with me and for the whole ticket. And I know that she's expressed interest in doing that.. She pic.twitter.com/gxd09Y14cy  Acyn (@Acyn) March 13, 2026

Asked about whether he sought Crockett's support in the campaign, Talarico said: "The congresswoman is a fierce campaigner, so I would be honored to have her campaigning with me and for the whole ticket. And I know that she's expressed interest in doing that," he said.

"She cares far more about the cause of winning Texas and serving working people than she does about herself. She always puts the cause first. And and I'm very grateful for that," he added.

Talarico is currently beating both Paxton and Cornyn in hypothetical matchups in the U.S. Senate race, according to a poll from this week.

Conducted by Public Policy Polling, it showed the Democratic candidate beating Paxton by 2 percentage points (47%-45%) and Cornyn by 1 (44%-43%), although there is a larger amount of people who are not sure who they would support in the latter race.

The survey was conducted between March 4 and 5 and were 30% Democrat, 41% Republican and 30% independent, Yahoo News noted.

Talarico has taken aim at both candidates, saying last week that they are "extraordinarily weak." Speaking to Politico after beating Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, Talarico voiced confidence about his chances of winning the general race.

"Paxton and Cornyn, they're different. Paxton was guilty of illegal corruption. That's why my colleagues and I impeached him in the Texas House. But Cornyn is guilty of legalized corruption. He was the deciding vote on the Big, Ugly, Bill which kicked millions of Texas off their health care, took food out of the mouths of hungry Texas kids all to give tax breaks to his donors," he claimed.

Paxton seems to currently have the upper hand ahead of the Republican runoff. A new survey conducted by Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR), shows Paxton gathering 49% of the support, compared to Cornyn's 41%. The remaining respondents remain undecided.

Originally published on Latin Times
Beth & Rip's new chapter begins. Filming wraps on the Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch. Follow their journey in Texas.

AceShowbiz - Dutton Ranch, the highly anticipated spin-off from Yellowstone, has reached a major production milestone as filming for its first season wrapped in North Texas. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, focuses on the beloved characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they carve out a new life on their own expansive ranch.

For months, fans of the Yellowstone saga have awaited updates on this next chapter, which seemed to move forward quietly compared to other Sheridan projects. The wrap announcement, initially shared by Texas-based Legacy Casting and later confirmed by multiple sources, marks a concrete step toward the series eventual release. Filming began in August 2025 and took place across several Texas locations including Ferris, Boyd, Cleburne, Weatherford, Rio Vista, Fort Worth, and Mineral Wells.

The cast is headlined by Kelly Reilly reprising her role as Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser returning as Rip Wheeler. Finn Little also returns as Carter, the couples son. The ensemble has expanded to include prominent names such as Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Jai Courtney, Marc Menchaca, Natalie Alyn Lind, Juan Pablo Raba, and J.R. Villarreal, adding significant star power to the project.

The series centers on Beth and Rip as they manage life on a sprawling 7,000-acre ranch near Dillon, Montana. After the dramatic events of Yellowstone, the couple seeks the peace they fought so hard to earn. However, the challenges of maintaining their land, facing tough competition, and raising Carter create ongoing tension. According to the official synopsis, "Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler are grateful for the peace they sought, fought, and nearly died for with their 7,000-acre Dutton Ranch. With tough times and stiff competition, Beth and Rip do what they must to survive, all while ensuring Carter becomes the man hes supposed to be."

Though the series has officially wrapped production, Paramount+ has yet to announce a firm premiere date. Industry reports suggest a late 2026 release window is likely, but fans are advised to stay tuned for official updates. The quiet rollout and lack of a set release date have made anticipation grow steadily, positioning Dutton Ranch as a key addition to the expanding Yellowstone universe.

The original Yellowstone series has enjoyed immense popularity, and the extension into Dutton Ranch promises to delve deeper into the lives of its most compelling characters, focusing on the intimate struggles and triumphs of Beth and Rip outside the main Dutton family ranch. With a talented cast and Sheridans signature storytelling, the series aims to capture the same gritty, emotional, and dramatic tone that made its predecessor a hit.

As production concludes, industry watchers are eager to see how the new series will expand the Yellowstone narrative and explore fresh storylines within the rugged Montana setting. The blend of family drama, survival challenges, and Western themes has proven a winning formula, and Dutton Ranch looks set to continue that legacy.

Stay connected with Collider for the latest news on Taylor Sheridans projects and upcoming release details for Dutton Ranch. Fans of the Yellowstone franchise can look forward to a new chapter filled with familiar faces and new conflicts as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler strive to build a future on their own terms.
Stewie Griffin gets his own show! Seth MacFarlane voices the evil genius in a new Family Guy spinoff series, premiering 2027-28 on Fox.

AceShowbiz - Nearly twenty years after the debut of the first spinoff, Fox has greenlit a new animated series centered on the youngest Griffin, Family Guys Stewie. The network has committed to a two-season run for Stewie, which is scheduled to premiere during the 2027-28 television season.

The new series is developed by Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, alongside Kirker Butler, a seasoned writer and producer on the original show. Production will be handled by 20th Television Animation, the same studio behind the parent series. MacFarlane will continue to voice the lead character, maintaining continuity with the beloved animated universe.

This marks the second official spinoff of Family Guy, following The Cleveland Show, which aired for four seasons from 2009 to 2013. The upcoming Stewie series is positioned to run concurrently with the final year of Family Guys current four-season order, which concludes in 2028-29. This timeline also aligns with Foxs agreements for other flagship animated series such as Bob's Burgers, The Simpsons, and the recently revived American Dad.

Kirker Butler, who has also contributed to MacFarlanes Peacock series Ted and Hulus Only Murders in the Building, will serve as showrunner. He will executive produce alongside MacFarlane and Kara Vallow, helping to steer the project creatively.

The storyline for Stewie follows the mischievous infant after he is expelled from his previous preschool and forced to attend a less prestigious institution. There, he encounters unfamiliar peers and an elderly class turtle with unconventional theories on various topics. Initially, everyone is unhappy, but Stewie soon uses his inventive gadgets to transform their dull school days into wild and surreal adventures across space and time.

This development was first reported by Deadline, highlighting Foxs ongoing commitment to expanding the Family Guy franchise with fresh and engaging content. Fans can look forward to a new chapter in Stewies story when the series launches in the 2027-28 season, continuing the legacy of one of televisions most iconic animated characters.
The upcoming JTBC drama "We Are All Trying Here" has sparked online debate after some internet users criticized actor Koo Kyo-hwan for his appearance and age compared with co-star Go Youn-jung ahead of the show's premiere.

The show, which will air next month, is about a man who feels alone and inadequate when he is around peers who seem to be doing better than him. Conversations about the cast intensified after the online sharing of early promotional materials and previews for the drama.

Koreaboo says that a viral post on the internet criticized the casting, with some users saying that the actor didn't look like his co-star. The main point of the conversation was the age difference between the two actors, with Koo being 42 and Go being 29.

The main character's emotional problems are at the heart of the drama's plot. Reports say that the story is about "a jealous, envious man seeks inner peace while feeling isolated in a world where others seem to succeed."

Go plays Byeon Eun A, a producer known for her harsh reviews of movies, and Koo plays Hwang Dong Man, a filmmaker who wants to be one but thinks he is behind his peers. Some commenters on Koreaboo's article expressed reservations about the casting choice, suggesting another actor might have been a better match, at least in terms of appearance.

READ MORE: Koo Kyo Hwan Reveals He Didn't Want To Be An Actor Here's Why

On the contrary, the same discussion saw many others defend the actor, arguing that talent should be given more importance than physical appearance.

According to Soompi, the drama focused on the plot and creative team before it came out. The show is a return for writer Park Hae-young, who is known for writing dramas like "My Mister and My Liberation Notes."

The outlet also talked about the character Koo plays in the drama's promotional materials. The report said that Hwang Dong Man had been preparing to make his directorial debut for twenty years, but he was still insecure and unsure of himself.

The drama's promotional poster gave us a look into the character's emotional struggle. The team talked about the idea behind the images in a statement that the outlet shared.

The production team said, "The title poster portrays the inner darkness that makes one feels worthless through the visual device of a shadow. Although Dong Man appears to have given up on the outside, there are actually numerous fights continuing within him."

The statement went on to say, "We hope that his cry rising from rock bottom becomes a passionate message of support for everyone fighting against their own sense of worthlessness."

Oh Jung-se, Kang Mal-geum, and Park Hae-joon are also in the cast of "We Are All Trying Here."

Even though there has been a lot of debate about online comments about visuals, excitement for the drama is still growing as its April premiere date approaches.

READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho and Go Youn Jung's Behind-the-Scenes Moments Are Making Everyone Swoon
Netflix CEO breaks silence on failed Warner Bros. bid, calls rival offer "irrational" and addresses political pressure.

AceShowbiz - Ted Sarandos, the co-chief executive officer of Netflix, has broken his silence following the company's unsuccessful attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

In a candid interview with Lucas Shaw at Bloomberg, Sarandos expressed his views on losing the bid to Paramount, describing the competing offer as "unusual" and "irrational." When Shaw referred to the rival buyer as unusual, Sarandos replied, "Unusual, yeah, unusual, irrational, whatever words you want to use in that." He added that it will be interesting to observe what happens next and shared his confidence in Netflixs future despite the setback. He noted, "I'm confident in our future that we're not impacted by all that. In fact, maybe it's to our advantage."

The Netflix CEO also addressed the role of political pressure, particularly from former President Donald Trump, in the Warner Bros. acquisition process. Sarandos suggested that political noise was a cheaper tactic than increasing the bid amount. He explained, "It's a lot cheaper to make noise than it is to actually raise your bid." Once it became evident that Netflix was not interested in CNN, the political angle lost its appeal to Warner Bros. shareholders.

Regarding Netflixs decision to withdraw from the bidding, Sarandos outlined that the company had a strict price range it was willing to pay, which they had established early in the process. He said, "We had a very tight range that we'd be willing to pay and made that offer back when we closed this deal." Netflix also shifted its offer to cash in an effort to accelerate the deal. Upon receiving notice on a Thursday that a superior offer had been submitted, Netflix knew exactly how to proceed and ultimately decided to step back.

Sarandos expressed satisfaction with both the price at which Netflix entered the race and the timing of their exit. He seemed optimistic about what lies ahead, despite the competitive loss and the challenges posed by the bidding war.

This interview marks the first public commentary from Sarandos since the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition battle concluded, shedding light on Netflixs strategy and reaction to unexpected political and market dynamics.
Marvel rewrites Captain America's WWII origin after 60+ years, revealing new secrets of the Super Soldier program's dark legacy.

AceShowbiz - After more than six decades, Marvel is officially rewriting a crucial part of Captain Americas origin story. First introduced in 1941, just before the United States entered World War II, Captain America has been an emblematic figure within the Marvel Universe since his creation by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. His narrative deeply reflects the eras anxieties and patriotism, embodying a super-soldier created by the U.S. government to combat the Nazi threat.

Captain Americas early journey saw him fighting tyranny and boosting morale with his iconic costume and heroic deeds. However, after the war, the character vanished from the comics until his story was dramatically expanded decades later. Notably, the Super Soldier program, which gave Steve Rogers his powers, was retconned during Grant Morrisons run on New X-Men, revealing it as the first phase of the Weapon Plus Program. This program would eventually spawn other notable Marvel characters such as Wolverine and Deadpool.

Though Captain America was frozen in ice and presumed lost, his revival by the Avengers in modern times heralded a new chapter where he became the teams leader and a central figure in Marvels ongoing stories. Now, Marvel is preparing to make a groundbreaking change that will impact the characters legacy in a significant way.

Reports from Bleeding Cool at the ComicsPRO retailer convention confirm that the What If? series is returning with new stories that reimagine pivotal Marvel moments. One upcoming issue will depict Captain America being revived in the year 2099. Written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by Ron Lim, this storythough set in an alternate universerepresents one of the most substantial alterations to Captain Americas origin. No release date has been announced yet.

The year 2099 is a dystopian setting within the Marvel Universe that was first introduced in 1992 with the launch of Spider-Man 2099 #1. This imprint imagines a future where a catastrophic event ended the original Heroic Age, paving the way for a new but darker era. The tone of Marvel 2099 is cyberpunk-inspired and bleak, featuring characters like Miguel OHara as Spider-Man, a corporate raider rather than a traditional hero, and Ghost Rider 2099 as a hackers digital avatar rather than a supernatural entity. Even Doctor Doom takes on the role of a freedom fighter, eventually assuming control over the world.

At the inception of the 2099 timeline, heroes were fragmented and lacked the unity seen in previous generations. There was no Avengers 2099, and the heroes operated independently, struggling against the corruption and decay of their time. This worlds moral compass was severely compromised, making it a place desperately in need of hope and leadership.

Bringing Captain America into the 2099 timeline is expected to have a profound effect on these heroes. Just as his presence helped the original Avengers find purpose and identity when they first formed, Captain America arriving in 2099 could serve as a catalyst for inspiring unity and heroism in a fractured, dystopian future. His role as a symbol of hope would be more critical than ever in this era of moral ambiguity and corporate dominance.

Captain Americas ongoing struggle to adapt to modern times has made him a perpetual outsider across Marvels stories. In a hypercapitalistic and technologically advanced 2099, this struggle could be even more pronounced, adding new layers to the classic man out of time narrative. His interactions with the futuristic worlds version of Doctor Doom and other characters promise to expand on this theme in unprecedented ways.

Historically, the Marvel 2099 imprint lacked the direct influence or presence of Captain America. In that timeline, he was a distant legend, revered but unreachable. The upcoming storyline that brings him into the year 2099 will send ripples through the entire imprint, offering a renewed sense of hope and direction to its heroes for the first time in many years.

This bold reimagining not only honors Captain Americas legacy but also reinvigorates the 2099 universe, demonstrating how his enduring symbol can transcend time and continue to inspire even in the darkest futures. Fans can anticipate a fresh exploration of one of Marvels most iconic characters as he steps into a new era that challenges everything he represents.
Astronaut with amnesia must save Earth with an alien ally. The sci-fi epic from the directors of Spider-Verse, starring Ryan Gosling, hits theaters March 2026.

AceShowbiz - Project Hail Mary, the new sci-fi film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is generating significant buzz following its initial press screenings. The adaptation of Andy Weirs acclaimed hard science fiction novel is scheduled to debut in theaters on March 20, 2026, and early social media reactions suggest it could become a genre classic.

The film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, an astronaut who wakes up aboard a spaceship suffering from amnesia. As he pieces together his mission, Grace discovers that he must save Earth from an impending disaster and forms an unlikely alliance with an alien lifeform he names Rocky. This narrative foundation is drawn directly from Weirs bestselling book, which follows his tradition of blending scientific accuracy with compelling storytelling.

Andy Weirs previous work, The Martian, was also adapted into a successful film, directed by Ridley Scott. Project Hail Mary maintains a creative link to that success with Drew Goddard, who received an Oscar nomination for his work on The Martian, penning the screenplay for this latest adaptation. The continuity of talent behind the scenes has sparked anticipation among fans and critics alike.

The cast supporting Gosling includes Sandra Huller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. Notably, the alien character Rocky is portrayed by theater artist James Ortiz, bringing a unique dimension to the films dynamic. The Hollywood Reporter revealed Ortizs involvement, highlighting the films commitment to authentic and engaging performances.

Amazon MGM Studios provided early access to select press members, allowing social media users to share their impressions. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the films technical achievements, emotional depth, and faithful adaptation of the novel.

One reviewer compared Project Hail Mary to a combination of the technical wonder of Gravity, the problem-solving spirit and humor of The Martian, and the emotional scope of Interstellar. This fusion creates a film that feels fresh, unique, and captivating.

Other social media commentators described the film as miraculous, epic, visionary, and heartfelt, emphasizing its emotional resonance and cinematic beauty. The films visual style, credited to cinematographer Greig Fraser, has been singled out for special praise, with some calling it the best work of his career.

Fans of the book have expressed their delight at the films faithful adaptation. Many noted that the screenplay captures Andy Weirs distinctive ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and entertaining storytelling.

Several reactions highlight Ryan Goslings performance as a standout element. Goslings portrayal of Ryland Grace has been described as captivating and nuanced, carrying much of the films emotional weight in what is largely a one-man show.

The relationship between Ryland Grace and Rocky, the alien companion, has also been noted as surprisingly emotional and central to the films appeal. Reviewers mentioned that the movie functions as much as a buddy comedy as a space epic, with Rockys character inspiring unexpected warmth and empathy.

In addition to its emotional and narrative strengths, Project Hail Mary has been celebrated for its technical achievements. Visual effects and cinematography combine to deliver an exceptional experience, with some calling it one of the most visually stunning space films in recent memory.

Overall, early responses to Project Hail Mary suggest it is a major cinematic event that lives up to the expectations set by Andy Weirs novel and the filmmakers ambitions. Its combination of a strong lead performance, imaginative storytelling, emotional resonance, and technical excellence position it as a standout release in the sci-fi genre for the year.

With its official release approaching on March 20, 2026, anticipation continues to build around Project Hail Mary. The films ability to engage audiences with its blend of science, humor, and humanity hints at a bright future both critically and commercially.
Dominic Fike's 8-year-old song "Babydoll" explodes, hitting the Top 40. Discover the story behind his viral resurgence and $4 million record deal.

AceShowbiz - The story of Dominic Fikes rise to viral success has taken an unexpected turn with a song he recorded nearly eight years ago. The track, "Babydoll," originally part of his early EP, has recently exploded in popularity, climbing into the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gathering hundreds of millions of streams.

In 2018, the music world first took notice of Dominic Fike when he became the subject of a fierce bidding war among record labels. At just 22 years old, he eventually signed with Columbia Records in a deal reportedly worth around $4 million. His early online presence, mainly through SoundCloud, was wiped clean following the signing, paving the way for his official debut. Two months later, he released Don't Forget About Me, an EP composed mostly of demo recordings.

While Fikes debut single "3 Nights" became his most streamed song, accumulating over 1.2 billion plays on Spotify and enjoying radio attention, it was not the track that ultimately secured his highest viral impact. That distinction belongs to "Babydoll," a song that has recently surged in popularity despite its brief runtime of just over a minute and a half.

Currently sitting at Number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Babydoll" offers a raw and gritty rock-infused sound that complements Fikes distinctive Floridian drawl. Lyrically, it mirrors themes from "3 Nights," with the artist waiting by the phone in a state of emotional uncertainty, pleading, "Please don't call me for the wrong reasons." Its brevity only adds to its replay value, making it a captivating listen despiteor because ofits short length.

The resurgence of "Babydoll" has been striking. Since first entering the Hot 100 at Number 97 earlier this year in February, the songs streams on Spotify have soared by 175 percent, reaching more than 974 million plays. This rapid growth is not unexpected by longtime fans, as Fike consistently prioritizes "Babydoll" in his live performances, often closing shows with it even more frequently than with "3 Nights."

The viral momentum behind "Babydoll" is particularly notable because such a phenomenon usually occurs for new releases rather than tracks from years past. Reflecting on this unexpected success, Fike shared insights into the songs origins alongside the recent release of its official music video.

He revealed that the song was created eight years ago while he was living under house arrest in a friends spare room in Florida. At the time, Fike described his creative process as something he did between daily life moments, almost as naturally as eating. His setup was simple: a black Epiphone guitar, a laptop, and a window overlooking a parking lot where he kept watch for his probation officer. This period of his life was challenging, marked by feelings of being a burden to those around him, especially the women he interacted with, coupled with intense frustration about poverty.

Fike reflected on how that difficult period ultimately shaped the meaning of the song and his journey. He wrote, "Before algorithms, before other people's wordseven hearing from people I admireeverything that comes after only makes it harder. So don't think you're missing something to chase what you want. It's probably already there." He expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported him and embraced both his old and new music, emphasizing that "Babydoll" has only grown more meaningful over time.

Alongside "Babydoll," Fike is also seeing increased attention on his November 2025 single, "White Keys." This track has experienced a 120 percent rise in Spotify streams over the past month and, like "Babydoll," is currently positioned within the U.S. Top 50 charts. Overall, his streaming audience on Spotify has expanded by 50 percent recently, with total streams rising 70 percent. On TikTok, "Babydoll" has been featured in more than 213,000 videos, while "White Keys" has been used in over 150,000 clips, further fueling his viral reach.

The music video for "Babydoll" captures the songs vibe with Fike playing guitar inside a car as it moves through a car wash. This version of the video includes an extended outro that perfectly suits the songs newfound prominence. As he exits the wash, he sings a cappella, "Sweet pea, apple of my eye, don't know when and I don't know why. You're the only reason I keep on coming home. I can't move on."

The story of "Babydoll" stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of viral music success, proving that sometimes, songs can find their moment years after their initial creation. For Dominic Fike, this track represents not only a major career milestone but also a deeply personal reflection on his past and growth as an artist.
Elizabeth Smart urges hope in Nancy Guthrie search. Kidnap survivor shares vital advice on the critical first 48 hours and never giving up.

AceShowbiz - Elizabeth Smart is encouraging the public to maintain hope and vigilance in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31. During a Feb. 26 episode of the Ladygang podcast, Elizabeth Smart shared her perspective and advice based on her own experience as a kidnapping survivor.

Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted at age 14 from her Utah home in 2002 and subsequently rescued after nine months, emphasized the critical nature of the first 24 to 48 hours in a disappearance case. She explained that while law enforcement often states that survival chances drop to nearly zero after this period, it is essential not to lose hope. "If that was the mentality around my case, then I wouldn't be here today," she said, highlighting the rarity but possibility of positive outcomes.

In recounting her rescue, Elizabeth Smart noted that two passersby recognized her abductors from a television program, which ultimately led to her freedom. She cautioned listeners that although such outcomes are uncommon, they do occur, and urged the public to remain attentive and proactive in the search for missing persons like Nancy Guthrie.

Elizabeth Smart stressed the importance of community involvement, saying, "We need everyone to keep their eyes open and someone will see something." She urged anyone who notices suspicious behavior not to dismiss it but to immediately report it to law enforcement. "Don't hesitate. Don't think that. Just pick up the phone, call law enforcement, tell them what you know, tell them what you see," she said.

The search for Nancy Guthrie has garnered considerable attention, with her family recently offering a $1 million reward for information leading to her return, dead or alive. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made this announcement earlier this week, appealing to the public for assistance. In a heartfelt Instagram video on Feb. 24, Savannah urged, "Tell what you know, and help us bring our beloved mom home, so that we can either celebrate a glorious, miraculous homecoming, or celebrate the beautiful, brave and courageous and noble life that she has lived."

Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen by family members at her home in Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30 p.m. on January 31, according to Pima County police. Her disappearance was reported on February 1 after a concerned friend alerted family members when Nancy failed to attend a church service that morning. Following an hour-long search of her property by family members, authorities were contacted to report her missing around noon.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided insight into the investigation during a Feb. 2 press conference, revealing that homicide detectives were involved due to concerning findings at Nancy Guthries residence. "You don't typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it's very concerning what we're learning from the house," he said. He noted that the scene was unusual enough to warrant the involvement of the homicide team, even though no body had been found.

Further investigation led authorities to officially declare Nancy Guthries home a crime scene. Sheriff Nanos explained that the physical challenges faced by Nancy  including her inability to walk 50 yards unaided  strongly suggested foul play. "We know she didn't just walk out of there, that we know," he said, adding that evidence at the scene indicated she did not leave voluntarily.

Authorities have emphasized the urgency of the situation due to Nancy Guthries health condition. She requires daily medication critical to her survival, medication that she is likely without since her disappearance. Sheriff Nanos stated, "This is an 84-year-old lady who suffers from some physical ailments, has some physical challenges, is in need of medication. Medication that if she doesn't have in 24 hours, it could be fatal." He made a direct plea for anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately, stating, "We don't need another bad, tragic ending. We need some help."

Despite her physical limitations, Sheriff Nanos confirmed that Nancy Guthrie remains mentally sharp. "Nancy Guthrie is of a great sound mind," he explained. "This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off. Her physical limits are based on just age."

As the investigation progresses, authorities continue to hold out hope for Nancy Guthries safe return. Sheriff Nanos stated, "I hope we find her safe and sound, but we cannot ignore what's in front of us."

In the wake of the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie publicly addressed the situation on the Feb. 2 episode of Today, expressing gratitude for the support and emphasizing her familys focus on her mothers safe return. "On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support," she said. "Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Nancy." She also thanked law enforcement for their efforts and encouraged anyone with information to reach out to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Savannah Guthries colleagues on Today have also voiced their support during this difficult time. Jenna Bush Hager, who knows Nancy Guthrie personally, expressed her concern on the Feb. 2 broadcast of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. "We love Nancy," she said, adding, "We are thinking of our dearest, dearest Savannah and her whole family right now. Our prayers obviously go out to Savannah and the entire family."

Co-host Sheinelle Jones highlighted the role of community solidarity, urging viewers to report any relevant information to authorities. "I thought to myself, 'OK, this is when we're at our best as a community,'" she said, praising the viewers collective action alongside their prayers. Both hosts ended their segment with a message of love for Savannah Guthrie.

Additionally, Sunday Today anchor Willie Geist encouraged the public to keep watch for Nancy Guthrie as the search continues. The case remains active, with authorities seeking any clues that might aid in locating her.

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has deeply impacted her family and community. The ongoing investigation, coupled with the publics involvement, illustrates the complex nature of missing persons cases, especially when the victim faces significant health challenges. The combined efforts of law enforcement, family appeals, and survivor perspectives like those of Elizabeth Smart are crucial in maintaining awareness and hope.

As this case unfolds, the message is clear: vigilance, prompt reporting, and unwavering hope remain essential. Elizabeth Smarts firsthand experience reinforces that even when the odds seem insurmountable, there is value in persistence and community action to seek justice and bring missing loved ones home.
Henry Cavill reveals the truth about his near-miss as James Bond in 2006 and shares his thoughts on possibly becoming the next 007.

AceShowbiz - For years, Henry Cavill has been a top fan favorite to take on the iconic role of James Bond, a dream that has lingered for nearly two decades. His name often resurfaces in casting discussions, fueled by how close he came to landing the part early in his career. However, Cavill has now offered the clearest insight yet into his feelings about stepping into 007s shoes as the franchise searches for its next leading man.

The story began back in 2006 when Cavill reached the final audition stage for Casino Royale, a role that ultimately went to Daniel Craig. Craigs portrayal would go on to define Bond for an entire era, while Cavills near-miss became a persistent what if in fan conversations. In a recent interview, Cavill clarified that his not getting the role was not due to turning it down. He said, I didnt turn the role down - it just wasnt the right time. What actor wouldnt love to be Bond? This statement will likely be bittersweet for fans holding out hope for his eventual casting as the iconic spy.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Cavill admitted that his age may now be a barrier. At 42, he mentioned he would probably be considered a bit old to start as Bond now. This realistic take signals that the possibility of him becoming the new 007 is unlikely going forward, closing a chapter on one of the most enduring casting rumors in recent film history.

Meanwhile, with Amazon MGM Studios advancing plans for the untitled 26th James Bond film, the intense search for Daniel Craigs successor continues to captivate Hollywood and fans alike. Alongside Cavill, younger actors such as Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner have been floated as potential candidates, as the franchise appears eager to find someone who can carry the role for many years.

Though the lead role seems off the table, Cavill isnt ready to entirely leave the Bond universe behind. He expressed enthusiasm about the idea of playing a Bond villain instead, saying, I would love to be a Bond villain, though. If it was the right character, I think that would be fascinating to explore.

This possibility may be just as exciting for fans. Cavill possesses the commanding screen presence to craft a memorable antagonist, especially considering rumors that the next Bond film will delve into a plot centered on artificial intelligence threats. This type of storyline could naturally introduce a colder, more calculating villain  a role Cavill would be well-suited to portray.

The upcoming Bond installment is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, with a screenplay written by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders. Producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal are overseeing the project, which is expected to bring a fresh and modern take to the franchise while maintaining its classic espionage allure.

As the search for the new 007 unfolds, the industry and fans alike remain eager to see who will next don the tuxedo and carry forward the legacy of James Bond. While Henry Cavill may no longer be a strong contender for the central role, his openness to joining the franchise as a villain leaves the door open for an exciting new chapter in his connection to the 007 world.

Until official casting announcements are made, speculation will continue, but one thing is clear: Cavill has put to rest any lingering hopes of him becoming Bond himself, while simultaneously hinting at intriguing possibilities within the Bond villain sphere. With top-tier talent and visionary filmmakers involved, the future of James Bond remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
Acclaimed stage actress Jane Lapotaire, Tony winner for 'Piaf,' has died at 81. Remembered for The Young Vic, The Crown, and a legendary theatre career.

AceShowbiz - Jane Lapotaire, the acclaimed British stage actress celebrated for her award-winning portrayal of Edith Piaf on Broadway, passed away on March 5 in the United Kingdom. She was 81 years old. The news was confirmed by The Guardian, though no cause of death was revealed.

Jane Lapotaire was a significant figure in British theatre and television, co-founding London's The Young Vic theatre in 1970 alongside luminaries such as Laurence Olivier. Her television career featured diverse roles including portrayals of Marie Curie, Cleopatra, and Princess Alice of Greece in two episodes of the 2019 series The Crown.

Her defining moment came with the title role in Pam Gems' musical Piaf on Broadway. This performance earned her the 1981 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, following her Olivier Award for the same role in Londons West End two years earlier. In winning the Tony, she surpassed renowned contenders including Glenda Jackson (Rose), Eva Le Gallienne (To Grandmother's House We Go), and Elizabeth Taylor (The Little Foxes).

Following her Broadway success, Lapotaire ventured into Hollywood but later expressed regret over this decision, reflecting in interviews about the challenges she faced at age 40 when she became acutely aware of not fitting the conventional standards of glamour.

Her theatrical career in the UK was marked by performances at prestigious venues such as the Bristol Old Vic, the National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2025, Lapotaire was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and attended the investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle the previous month.

Born on December 26, 1944, in Ipswich, Suffolk, Jane Lapotaire trained at the Bristol Old Vic before joining the National Theatre under Oliviers direction in 1967. She became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1974, solidifying her place in British theatre.

Her extensive stage credits include significant roles in The Homecoming, The Taming of the Shrew, Oedipus, Measure for Measure, As You Like It, Shadowlands, and Hamlet, where she performed opposite Kenneth Branagh. She also toured as Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's Master Class. In 2000, during this tour, she suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage, an experience she later detailed in her 2003 memoir Time Out of Mind.

After undergoing surgeries and recovery, Lapotaire resumed her acting career with appearances on television series such as Casualty (2009), Downton Abbey (2014), and her notable role in The Crown (2019). In 2020, she portrayed Granny in Netflixs adaptation of Daphne du Mauriers Rebecca, starring Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Armie Hammer.

Jane Lapotaires filmography includes roles in Antony and Cleopatra (1972), Lady Jane (1986), James Ivorys Surviving Picasso (1996), Shooting Fish (1997), and The Young Messiah (2016).

Lapotaire is survived by her son Rowan Joffe, whom she had with director Roland Joffe. The couple was married from 1974 until their divorce in 1980.
Tarantino's final film is on hold. Discover his surprising new creative direction as he shifts focus from directing to writing a stage play.

AceShowbiz - Quentin Tarantino has long stated his plan to retire from directing after completing his tenth feature film, making that project his final bow in the directors chair. This intention has sparked considerable anticipation among fans eager to discover what the acclaimed filmmaker will choose as his concluding cinematic statement. However, Tarantino has shown reluctance in committing to any film project recently, having abandoned previous plans for a movie titled The Movie Critic. In addition, the follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, titled The Adventures of Cliff Booth, is now reportedly being directed by David Fincher, despite being penned by Tarantino. With no urgency to launch his last film, Tarantino has instead turned his creative focus elsewhere, surprising many with his latest endeavor.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Tarantino has written a stage play categorized as a British farce. While the title and story details remain under wraps, the play is said to follow the comedic style of Noises Off, a well-known production about a theatrical troupes chaotic attempts at staging a play within a play. The premiere of this new work is anticipated on London's West End no earlier than 2027, with a slim possibility of a late 2026 debut. Tarantino is reportedly in talks with prominent Hollywood actors to cast the production and is exploring potential venues for its staging.

This theatrical pursuit signals a significant detour in Tarantinos career path, especially as he has mentioned in a podcast last summer that the play might consume a year and a half to two years of his time. Should this timeline hold, audiences may have to wait until 2029 or later to see the directors next and final film. This would mark a decade since the release of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019. Given Tarantinos methodical approach to filmmaking and the demands of producing a stage play, a premiere in the 2030s is also plausible. Meanwhile, Tarantino has yet to settle on a concept or begin writing the screenplay for his tenth film.

The extended timeline for his next movie is understandable given Tarantinos self-imposed limit of directing only ten films. His oeuvre, including iconic works such as Pulp Fiction, Inglourious Basterds, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is widely regarded as nearly flawless. Tarantino is known for his dedication to quality, and it is clear he wants his final film to meet the high standards set by his previous masterpieces. Ending his directing career on a weaker note is something he evidently wishes to avoid, which helps explain the cautious and measured pace at which he is approaching his last project.

On another level, the delay in starting his final film might reflect an emotional challenge for Tarantino. Many consider Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to be the ideal send-off for his directing career  a film that encapsulates his signature style, blending humor, intense dialogue, and a heartfelt homage to the era of his youth. Surpassing that film with his tenth effort presents a daunting prospect, even for a filmmaker of Tarantinos caliber. Some fans believe he should accept that his next movie may not eclipse Once Upon a Time in Hollywood but can still serve as a satisfying conclusion to his illustrious career.

It remains to be seen how Tarantino will transition from theater back to film once his plays run concludes. This new creative challenge could potentially recharge his passion and inspire him to proceed with renewed vigor on his final movie in the coming years. In the meantime, Tarantinos venture into British farce represents a fresh departure from his usual cinematic territory. While his films are known for their sharp humor, crime elements, and inventive takes on historical periods, he has never before explored the nuances of British farce on stage. Given his talent for crafting compelling dialogue, this genre may prove an excellent fit for his skills.

Fans and critics alike will be eager to see if Tarantinos theatrical effort achieves the same level of acclaim as his films. This unexpected project offers a fascinating glimpse into the multifaceted creativity of one of the most celebrated directors of his generation. As he navigates this new medium, audiences can look forward to experiencing Tarantino in a different artistic light, all while awaiting his final cinematic chapter.

What are your thoughts on Tarantinos move into theater before releasing his last film? Share your opinions and join the discussion now in the ComicBook Forum!
David Gilmour's iconic "Black Strat" sells for $14.55M, smashing the world record. The Pink Floyd guitar behind legendary solos like "Comfortably Numb.

AceShowbiz - The iconic guitar known as the David Gilmour "Black Strat" fetched an astonishing $14.55 million at Christie's auction in New York, setting a new world record for the most expensive guitar ever sold. This historic sale took place during "The Jim Irsay Collection: Icons of Popular Culture" live auction on Thursday.

The Black Strat is renowned for its central role in the creation of some of Pink Floyds most legendary albums, including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). The guitar was prominently used on tracks such as "Money," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," and for the unforgettable solo on "Comfortably Numb."

Prior to the auction, experts estimated the guitars value between $2 million and $4 million, but the final hammer price far exceeded expectations. The sale surpassed the previous record of $6 million, set in 2020 by the 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar played by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's iconic MTV Unplugged performance.

Another notable guitar sold at the auction was Jerry Garcias "Tiger," a custom instrument crafted by luthier Doug Irwin. This guitar, used by Garcia from 1979 to 1989 and during his last Grateful Dead performance at Chicago's Soldier Field in 1995, sold for $10 million, significantly above its $1 to $2 million estimate.

The Jim Irsay Collection auction, running from March 3 to March 17, is celebrated as one of the most comprehensive assemblages of music and pop culture memorabilia. The late Jim Irsay, known as a philanthropist, passionate music lover, and owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, meticulously collected these items over decades. Proceeds from the auction will benefit charitable causes supported by Irsay during his lifetime.

Interestingly, Irsay had originally purchased the "Black Strat" in June 2019 at Christie's for $5.245 million, which at the time set a new record for a guitar. The recent sale now firmly establishes this instrument as the most valuable guitar ever sold at auction, highlighting its legendary status in music history.

This article was updated on March 12, 2026, at 11:42 p.m. ET to reflect the total sale price, including auction fees, as detailed on Christie's official website.
Jack Osbourne and wife Aree welcome baby girl Ozzy Matilda, named in honor of her late grandfather, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.

AceShowbiz - Jack Osbourne and his wife Aree have joyfully announced the arrival of their newborn daughter, who carries a deeply meaningful name honoring her late grandfather.

The baby girl, named Ozzy Matilda Osbourne, was born on March 5 at 7:49 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. The family shared the happy news on March 11 in a heartfelt Instagram post that also featured grandma Sharon Osbourne. Alongside a short video of the infant, the caption introduced the newest Osbourne with a "Hello World" card displaying her full name and vital birth statistics.

This special birth comes nearly eight months after the passing of the legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 at age 76 from a heart attack. His death followed closely behind the "Back to the Beginning" concert in Birmingham, England, promoted as his final performance with his iconic band Black Sabbath. The charity event successfully raised more than $11 million for causes such as Acorns Childrens Hospice, Birmingham Childrens Hospital, and Cure Parkinsons.

Ozzy Matilda Osbourne is the fifth child of Jack Osbourne. She joins siblings Pearl, Andy, and Minnie from his previous marriage to Lisa Stelly, as well as Maple with his current wife, Aree.

In recent tributes to the late rock legend, Post Malone led a powerful performance honoring Ozzy Osbourne at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The tribute featured contributions from notable musicians including Guns N' Roses Slash and Duff McKagan, Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith, and Ozzys longtime producer Andrew Watt as they delivered a stirring rendition of Black Sabbaths "War Pigs." Furthermore, the BRIT Awards also paid homage to Ozzy Osbourne last month. Robbie Williams and Zakk Wylde performed "No More Tears," while Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne accepted a lifetime achievement award on his behalf.

The Osbourne familys celebration of new life with Ozzy Matilda underscores their enduring legacy and the lasting impact of Ozzy Osbourne on music and family alike. Fans continue to honor the rock icons memory while welcoming the newest generation of the Osbourne lineage.
Ben Affleck & Matt Damon's Artists Equity signs exclusive Netflix deal for streaming films, while continuing theatrical projects with Sony.

AceShowbiz - Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are expanding their production ventures by partnering with Netflix through their company Artists Equity, securing a first-look streaming deal with the platform. This multi-year agreement focuses exclusively on straight-to-streaming projects, with Artists Equity overseeing the creative and production aspects of their films destined for Netflix.

The deal marks a significant development for Artists Equity, which has positioned itself as an independent studio alternative since its establishment in 2022. According to Affleck and Damon, this collaboration underscores the growing demand for a supplier capable of managing the entire creative process, from initial development through final cut, making Netflix an ideal partner for their vision.

In addition to this streaming pact, Artists Equity maintains a separate agreement with Sony Pictures to develop and produce theatrical films. Sonys existing Pay-1 deal with Netflix ensures that films released in cinemas will eventually be available on the streamer, creating a complementary distribution pipeline for the companys projects.

Affleck and Damon expressed their admiration for Netflix Films chairman Dan Lin and his team, highlighting their ability to connect with contemporary audiences and create cultural moments that resonate worldwide. They also emphasized their enthusiasm for producing many more ambitious and globally relevant stories through this partnership.

This announcement follows the January release of The Rip, an action thriller starring both Affleck and Damon. The film achieved remarkable success on Netflix, holding the No. 1 spot on the global top 10 chart for three consecutive weeks and accumulating 112.3 million views during its six-week run, as reported by Netflixs metrics.

Later in the year, Netflix will debut Afflecks new directorial feature, Animals, which also stars him alongside Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yeun. The story centers on a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife who must raise ransom money after their son is kidnapped, promising a tense and gripping narrative.

Dan Lin highlighted the synergy between Netflix and Artists Equity, noting the shared mission to produce bold and original films. He praised Affleck and Damon for proactively creating opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera, and acknowledged the global audiences enthusiastic response to The Rip. Lin expressed eagerness to release Animals and to continue producing memorable films together through this formalized collaboration.

Artists Equity is backed by RedBird Capital Partners and aims to offer a talent-friendly environment that increases profit participation for creatives. Affleck and Damon have articulated their goal of filling a market gap by operating as an outside supplier with full studio capabilities, including development, financing, production, and overseeing all creative elements.

The company currently functions across three divisions: scripted film and television, unscripted content, and advertising. Since its launch in November 2022, Artists Equity has released several notable films, such as the Nike drama Air, led by Damon and Affleck; the sports-inspired Unstoppable starring Jennifer Lopez; the crime sequel The Accountant 2 featuring Affleck and Jon Bernthal; and a remake of Kiss of the Spider Woman with Lopez, Diego Luna, and Tonatiuh, partnering with studios including Amazon MGM, Lionsgate, and Roadside Attractions.

While promoting The Rip, Damon shared insights about working with Netflixs approach to storytelling. He revealed that Netflix executives encourage filmmakers to repeat plot points several times in the dialogue to accommodate viewers tendencies to multitask or use their phones during viewing.

Damon explained on Joe Rogans podcast that traditional action films typically have three major set pieces, one in each act, with the largest reserved for the finale. In contrast, Netflix prefers to feature a significant action sequence within the first five minutes to immediately capture viewer attention and maintain engagement throughout the film.

This strategic emphasis on pacing and plot repetition reflects Netflixs understanding of modern viewing habits and highlights the evolving creative demands placed on filmmakers partnering with the streamer. With this new first-look deal, Artists Equity and Netflix are poised to collaborate on a slate of original films designed to meet these expectations and reach global audiences.
Mindy Kaling orchestrated a heartwarming Office reunion at the 2026 SAG Awards, bringing the show's beloved female cast back to the stage together.

AceShowbiz - Mindy Kaling played a pivotal role in bringing back the beloved cast of The Office for a special reunion during the 2026 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards held on Sunday, March 1.

The actress and writer, widely recognized for her portrayal of Kelly Kapoor on the hit sitcom, reunited with her former co-stars Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, and Ellie Kemper. Together, they took the stage to present the award for best ensemble cast in a comedy series to The Studio.

Behind this heartwarming moment was Mindy Kaling herself, who took the initiative to organize the reunion. According to executive producer Mark Bracco, "Mindy Kaling sort of became a pseudo talent booker for our show." Bracco revealed that the producers initially reached out to Kaling to appear as a presenter, but she suggested a reunion featuring all the women of The Office. The idea was met with enthusiasm, and the plan quickly came together.

Bracco further explained that within an hour, Kaling had contacted Fischer, Kinsey, and Kemper, successfully securing their participation. Remarkably, all four women were confirmed to present on the show within 90 minutes of her outreach.

During their joint appearance, the quartet fondly recalled their experiences working on The Office. Kaling, 46, humorously noted, "We are the women who survived 22-episode seasons." Kemper added, "You didn't plan a season around a pregnancy," to which Kaling replied, "Yeah, you just gave birth on camera and named the baby after a grip."

The iconic sitcom originally aired from 2005 to 2013, spanning nine seasons and producing over 200 episodes. It remains a cherished part of television history with its enduring fan base.

Over the years, the The Office cast has reunited multiple times. For instance, in December 2024, Kaling shared a festive Instagram photo featuring herself, Fischer, Kinsey, and Kemper, celebrating their holiday reunion. She captioned the post by reflecting on their long-standing friendship since the show's inception and the ups and downs they have shared together.

In her caption, Kaling expressed gratitude for their bond, stating, "It's been 20 years since I first met these beautiful women! This year was a rollercoaster to say the least, and it's so nice to be able to unpack life's joys and challenges with people who knew me when I was a 24 year old customer service rep in the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin. I love you guys!"

Adding a humorous touch, she included a favorite Michael Scott quote about Christmas: "Guess who I am sitting here dressed as. I will give you a hint - his last name is Christ. He has the power of flight and he can heal leopards."

While the beloved cast members have passed the torch to the Peacock spinoff series The Paper, they continue to show support for the new show and its cast.

In a related note from 2025, Chelsea Frei, who stars in The Paper, shared a memorable encounter from filming the first season. On an episode of "The Viall Files" podcast, Frei recalled how Steve Carell and John Krasinski, former stars of The Office, surprised the cast by visiting the set early one morning.

She described the moment: "The trailer door opens and John Krasinski and Steve Carell walk in. It was, like, 5 a.m., and I was like, 'What? No, please don't do this.' It was, like, literally a nightmare because I just looked insane [while preparing to film]."

Frei went on to say that both actors were very kind and came to support their colleague Domhnall Gleeson, adding, "They literally couldn't have been nicer. We told them that we were so nervous because we just don't want to be compared to what they did."

The enduring affection for The Office and its legacy is evident in these moments of reunion, support, and celebration, all led by Mindy Kaling's initiative at the 2026 SAG Awards.
Scream 7: Neve Campbell returns as Sidney Prescott, now a mother fighting to save her daughter from a vengeful new Ghostface. The body count rises.

AceShowbiz - Scream 7 has returned to theaters, bringing back the iconic masked killer Ghostface along with the beloved character Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, who had been absent in the previous installment. This time, Sidney is a mother to a teenage daughter named Tatum, portrayed by Isabel May, who becomes embroiled in a harrowing game of survival against a new Ghostface killer.

The film continues the franchise's tradition of intense suspense, gory deaths, and a climactic unmasking, while also featuring multiple cameos that tie back to earlier entries in the series.

The body count rises quickly in Scream 7. Early victims include Scott (Jimmy Tatro) and Madison (Michelle Randolph), horror fans who rent a house once owned by Stu Macher, a character originally played by Matthew Lillard in the first film. Meanwhile, Sidney receives a chilling message from Stu, who claims to have survived his supposed death and is now seeking vengeance on Sidney and her family by returning as Ghostface.

As the terror unfolds, one Ghostface kills Tatums classmate Hannah (Mckenna Grace) during a high school play rehearsal, before targeting Sidneys home. During a confrontation, Sidney, her husband Mark (Joel McHale), and Tatum fight the assailant, who is then struck by a car driven by reporter Gale Weathers, played by Courteney Cox. Gale is accompanied by Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding), characters introduced in earlier films.

The unmasked killer turns out to be an escaped patient from a mental asylum who has been stalking Sidney. Sidney visits the institution and learns from the supervisor, Marco (Ethan Embry), that Stu may have actually survived his original death. However, this Stu is revealed to be an AI deepfake generated by Marco. The AI also morphs into other familiar faces from the franchise, including the late sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette), Nancy Loomis (Laurie Metcalf)  the Ghostface from Scream 2  and Roman Bridger (Scott Foley), the antagonist from Scream 3.

As the killings escalate, the real Ghostface targets several characters: Tatums friend Chloe (Celeste OConnor), Sidneys neighbors son Lucas (Asa Germann), and Tatums boyfriend Ben (Sam Rechner) are all killed. Mark is injured but survives the ordeal. The mystery deepens when its revealed that the mastermind behind the murder spree is actually Sidneys neighbor Jessica, portrayed by Anna Camp.

Jessicas motives stem from her obsession with Sidneys autobiography, believing that committing a murder like Sidneys late husband would bring her similar success. When that plan fails, she collaborates with Marco to kidnap Tatum and subject her to the same deadly trials Sidney once faced. In the films climax, Sidney and Tatum manage to kill both Marco and Jessica, with Jessica being shot multiple times, allowing them to survive.

With Sidney, Tatum, and Mark all surviving, the film sets up potential for an eighth installment. Mindy and Chad also survive, and in a mid-credits scene, they film their own news segment about the killings, suggesting they could follow Gales footsteps in reporting on future Ghostface events. While Scream 7 creator Kevin Williamson has ideas for a sequel, no official announcement has been made about Scream 8.

Scream 7 also features several notable cameos that connect deeply with the franchises history, providing fans with thrilling callbacks to previous movies.

Matthew Lillard reprises his role as Stu Macher, one of the original Ghostface killers alongside Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich). Fans have long speculated that Stu might have survived the events of the 1996 original, where he was seemingly killed by a falling TV. In this film, however, Stu's presence is revealed to be an AI deepfake created to torment Sidney rather than a real character.

Laurie Metcalf returns as Nancy Loomis, originally known as Debbie Salt in Scream 2. Nancy was the vengeful mother of Billy Loomis, the first Ghostface, who sought to punish Sidney for killing her son. Nancys character eventually turns against her accomplice Mickey Altieri (Timothy Olyphant) but meets her end in a final showdown. In Scream 7, Nancy appears as part of the AI illusions used to confuse Sidney.

Scott Foley also makes an AI appearance as Roman Bridger, the director of the fictional film Stab 3 and Sidneys half-brother, who was the lone Ghostface killer in Scream 3. Romans backstory reveals he was the product of a traumatic event involving Sidneys mother, Maureen, and his actions indirectly led to the original murder spree in the first film. Sidney had killed Roman in the third installment, and his character resurfaces here as part of the AI recreations.

David Arquette appears as an AI version of Dewey Riley, the Woodsboro deputy sheriff who survived numerous Ghostface attacks in the original franchise before being killed in Scream 5. Deweys character has been a staple of the series, and his AI form is used in the film as another haunting reminder of the past.

Overall, Scream 7 blends fresh storylines with nostalgic elements, tying together decades of the franchises lore through these AI cameos and returning characters. The films ending leaves open many possibilities for future installments while delivering the suspense and gore fans expect.

With the survival of key characters and the introduction of new ones poised to carry the torch, the franchises future remains wide open. Whether Scream 8 will materialize depends on official announcements, but the groundwork laid here suggests more Ghostface terror may still be ahead.
Paramount plans two G.I. Joe reboots from Max Landis & Danny McBride, aiming to merge them into one film to revive the iconic franchise.

AceShowbiz - The G.I. Joe franchise is gearing up for a major revival as Paramount moves forward with two distinct reboot projects from writers Max Landis and Danny McBride, according to a recent report by The Hollywood Reporter. These dual developments mark an unconventional approach by the studio, which hopes to eventually merge elements from both scripts into a single film, aiming to reinvigorate one of Hasbros most enduring properties.

G.I. Joe has a long history in cinema, beginning with the 2009 release of The Rise of Cobra, followed by Retaliation and the 2021 spinoff Snake Eyes. Together, these films amassed hundreds of millions globally, with The Rise of Cobra earning $302 million and Retaliation grossing $375 million worldwide. Despite this commercial success, critical reception was inconsistent, and the franchise struggled to establish a cohesive cinematic universe. The underperformance of Snake Eyes, which brought in only $40.1 million against an $88 million budget, left the future of the series uncertain.

The new initiative at Paramount involves two very different creative visions. Max Landis, known for writing 2012s Chronicle and Netflixs Bright, is developing one reboot script. However, Landiss involvement is controversial due to multiple sexual and emotional abuse allegations publicized in 2019, including a detailed expose by The Daily Beast. This has sparked conversation about his role in a high-profile franchise reboot.

In contrast, Danny McBride, best recognized for his work on HBOs Eastbound & Down and The Righteous Gemstones, is crafting a competing version. McBrides style is markedly different, blending absurdist comedy with sharp character-driven storytelling. This tonal shift could provide a fresh take on the franchise, positioning it either toward grounded realism or a stylized, character-centric reinvention. Paramounts strategy appears to be assessing both scripts independently before deciding how to unify the strongest elements into a cohesive film.

This dual-track development is not without precedent in Hollywood. Previous franchises like Warner Bros. The Legend of Tarzan and Universals The Mummy reboot employed multiple writers and competing scripts before selecting or merging ideas. Paramount itself has experimented with this approach on other IPs, including Transformers and Star Trek, even exploring a crossover between G.I. Joe and Transformers.

G.I. Joe remains one of Hasbros most recognizable brands, with decades of comics, cartoons, and toys cultivating a loyal fan base. But turning that nostalgia into a critically and commercially successful movie has proven difficult. By commissioning two distinct scripts, the studio may be testing the waters to determine whether audiences prefer a more realistic military action film or a bold, comedic character-driven adventure.

Currently, both scripts are in active development, but no directors or casting choices have been announced. It is still unclear which vision will prevail or how Paramount will blend these divergent creative directions into a unified blockbuster. Nonetheless, the studios willingness to take this unconventional gamble highlights its commitment to resurrecting G.I. Joe on the big screen.

As the project progresses, industry watchers will be keen to see how Paramount navigates the challenges of rebooting a beloved but uneven franchise while managing the complexities of working with two very different creative forces. The outcome could reshape the future of G.I. Joe cinema and set a precedent for multi-script development in franchise filmmaking.
Charli XCX faces backlash for Berlin party DJ with Russian ties. Read her response and why Ukrainian artists protested the event.

AceShowbiz - Charli XCX faced public criticism after hosting an after-party for her film The Moment at the Berlin Film Festival, which featured DJ Petit, whose real name is Anastasia Shevtsova and who reportedly has connections to Russia.

On February 19, Charli XCX addressed the backlash in an Instagram Stories post, expressing her opposition to the Russian government's actions in Ukraine. She stated, "I stand against the atrocities committed by the Russian government in Ukraine and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Concerns arose because, according to United24 Media, Shevtsovas mother founded the "Traditsiya" foundation, an organization linked to Vladimir Putins Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The after-party sparked protests by Ukrainian artists on February 14, who highlighted that when a Russian state-affiliated foundation operates in occupied Ukrainian territories, it effectively collaborates with occupation administrations. Organizers emphasized that this dynamic helps normalize and legitimize the occupation.

In response to the controversy, DJ Petit issued a statement on Instagram clarifying her personal position regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She revealed that her family members live across Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, and that the ongoing tragedy impacts her deeply. She emphasized, "I would never wish harm, violence, or suffering upon anyone. What is happening is heartbreaking for millions of families, including mine."

Shevtsova further explained that she has lived and worked in Europe for the past four years, focusing solely on her artistic career and not engaging in political activities related to the conflict.

This incident highlights the complex intersections between cultural events and geopolitics, with Charli XCX publicly reaffirming her support for Ukraine despite the controversy surrounding the involvement of artists with alleged Russian affiliations.
Legendary NYC news anchor Ernie Anastos dies at 83. Remembering the Emmy-winning broadcaster's 50-year career and iconic legacy.

AceShowbiz - Ernie Anastos, the revered New York City television news anchor, has passed away at the age of 83 following a short battle with pneumonia. The Emmy Award-winning broadcaster was widely known as a trusted and iconic figure in NYC media for nearly 50 years.

Ernie Anastos died on Thursday, 12 March, at Northern Westchester Hospital, with his wife Kelly sharing the sad news with the public. Throughout his illustrious career, Anastos became one of the most familiar faces in New Yorks broadcast journalism, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and viewers alike.

His distinguished work earned him more than 30 Local News Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award recognizing broadcast excellence, and a prestigious induction into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame scheduled for 2024. Over the decades, he covered significant events that shaped history, including the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his later years, Anastos focused on uplifting messages, hosting the Positively Ernie podcast and radio show, where he aimed to spread optimism and truth in challenging times. One of his recent Instagram videos emphasized the importance of protecting factual information, stating, "Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!"

Anastos began his journey in broadcasting in Boston radio during the mid-1970s before moving into television. His breakthrough came in 1978 when he secured the anchor seat for the 11pm Eyewitness News broadcast on WABC, later transitioning to the 5pm bulletin until 1982. Over time, he expanded his career across several New York broadcasters and ventured into media ownership through his Anastos Media Group.

Beyond broadcasting, Anastos was also a published childrens author. His multifaceted contributions to media and literature made him a beloved figure in and out of the newsroom.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in on social media from fans, colleagues, and admirers mourning the loss of a true New York icon. One longtime fan shared on Facebook, "Loved Ernie Anastos back in the day. He and Roseanne Scamardella made it entertaining at Channel 7. He was such a gentleman. Rest In Peace, Ernie. You will be missed."

Another follower expressed heartfelt sadness, saying, "This is a hard one, I'm heartbroken. I absolutely love Ernie. He was my childhood for the news media and what was happening out there on ABC7. I remember the commercials. I loved when he came on every day after school and enjoyed him. He was the best."

A colleague also paid tribute, writing, "Just heard the sad news that we lost one of New York's most respected news anchors, Ernie Anastos. Over the years we spent time together at many events, and he was always there when I needed a host or speaker for a client. More than anything, I will miss our inspirational conversations. Ernie always took the time to listen and genuinely cared about what was happening in the moment and in people's lives. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed."

Other messages reflected the deep impact Anastos had on viewers and the broadcasting community: "RIP to the venerable Ernie Anastos, a true New York icon and a wonderful guy - he will be missed by many." Another said, "Oh no! Not Ernie! My prayers and condolences go out to his family. He was definitely a New York News legend!"

Fans recalled his warm presence on-air, with one commenting, "So sorry! Condolences to his family and friends. A great anchorman for the Eyewitness News! Always enjoyed watching his news and always had a smile on his face. Thank you Ernie! May he rest in peace."

Anastos passing marks the end of an era in New York broadcasting. His dedication to truthful reporting and his engaging style made him a beloved figure for generations of viewers. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the stories he told over nearly five decades of journalism.

For those following the latest entertainment and news updates, be sure to stay connected with Mirror Celebs across TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for ongoing coverage.
Christian Bale & Jessie Buckley star in a ferocious outlaw romance. Maggie Gyllenhaal's daring reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein wows critics.

AceShowbiz - The newly released film The Bride!, starring Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal, has received an enthusiastic response following its world premiere on February 26, 2026. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, this ambitious reimagining of the classic Bride of Frankenstein story blends genres and offers a fresh take that has been widely praised by early viewers and critics alike.

The premiere in London generated consistent acclaim focusing on three main elements: the standout performances, the films ambitious and daring approach, and its striking aesthetic presentation. The cast includes Jessie Buckley, Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard, alongside the two leads. Notably, Bale and Buckleywho portrays the resurrected Bridehave been singled out for their intense and volatile portrayal of a passionate and rebellious romance, described by The Credits as a ferocious outlaw romance.

Reviewers have highlighted the films bold filmmaking style, calling it a "big swing" for its originality despite retelling a well-known narrative. Erik Davis of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes remarked, "Maggie Gyllenhaal's #TheBrideMovie swings BIG [...] They [Buckley and Bale] bring a raw intensity and unpredictability that makes this inventive take on the Bride/Frankenstein story work." Similarly, Kristen Lopez, Editor-in-Chief of The Film Maven, described the film as "wild, audacious, &dgaf if you like it."

The movies visual style has also drawn praise. Nerdist called it "a lush, gothic romance that has one foot in reality and one in the world of the arcane," while Rachel Leishman, Editor-in-Chief of The Mary Sue, referred to it as "a love letter to storytelling, science fiction, movies, and so much more." Film critic Tessa Smith added that the cinematography, costumes, hair & makeup all deserve recognition, alongside the performances of Buckley and Bale. She noted the film carries "Bonnie & Clyde vibes & powerful messages."

The plot centers on a lonely Frankenstein, played by Bale, who travels to 1930s Chicago to ask Dr. Euphronious (portrayed by Bening) to create a companion for him. The doctor reconstructs a murdered young woman, resulting in the creation of "The Bride."

Jessie Buckley's emotionally charged performance as the Bride has been recognized as the films emotional heart. This project marks a significant departure from previous adaptations of Frankenstein stories, which often focus on the scientist or the monster. Instead, The Bride! emphasizes the identity and agency of the Bride herself, offering a new perspective on this classic tale.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, a two-time Oscar nominee known for acting roles in films like Secretary and The Dark Knight, is building on the success of her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter. That earlier film, featuring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and Dakota Johnson, received several Academy Award nominations, with Buckley nominated for Best Lead Actress in 2026 for Hamnet. This background adds anticipation for Gyllenhaals latest directorial effort.

Early positive reactions could significantly influence The Bride!s theatrical success. Positive buzz prior to the official critic reviews often shapes audience expectations. However, when the full reviews are released and general audiences view the film, a more comprehensive understanding of the movie will emerge.

The Bride! is scheduled for theatrical release on March 6, 2026, with a runtime of 126 minutes. Maggie Gyllenhaal serves as director and writer, while producers include Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Osnat Handelsman-Keren, Talia Kleinhendler, and Gyllenhaal herself.

With its daring narrative choices, compelling performances, and visual splendor, The Bride! stands out as a bold and original addition to the Frankenstein legacy, promising to engage both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.
TikTok creator ordered to pay $10M to professor for false murder accusations. A landmark defamation case highlights the cost of online lies.

AceShowbiz - Ashley Guillard, a content creator on TikTok, has been ordered by a jury to pay $10 million in damages to University of Idaho professor Rebecca Scofield following defamatory allegations made in a series of videos. The influencer accused Scofield of being involved in the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, claims that were proven false in court.

The verdict was reached on Friday, February 27, with jurors awarding Scofield $6.5 million for the false accusations linking her to the quadruple homicides and an additional $3.5 million for claims that she had an inappropriate relationship with a student. This total of $10 million underscores the serious consequences of spreading false information online.

Scofield issued a statement through People magazine emphasizing the significance of the ruling: "The $10 million verdict reinforces the judge's decision and sends the clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world for real people and are unacceptable in our community." She further reflected on the tragic events, calling the murders the darkest chapter in our university's history and stressed the importance of respecting victims during such tragedies.

The original lawsuit was brought by Scofield after Guillard posted multiple TikTok videos falsely implicating the professor in the murder of four students at the University of Idaho. The content creator went so far as to allege that Scofield had a romantic relationship with one of her students, further damaging the professors reputation.

On November 13, 2022, Bryan Kohberger entered the Moscow, Idaho home shared by students Madison "Maddie" Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. All four, aged 20 and 21, were fatally stabbed. Kohberger later pleaded guilty and received four life sentences for the murders.

In a related development, the families of the victims filed a negligence lawsuit against Washington State University, where Kohberger was pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice and criminology and working as a teaching assistant. The lawsuit alleges institutional responsibility in relation to the crimes.

Scofield claimed in her lawsuit that Guillards accusations severely harmed her career and personal life. The videos amassed millions of views and were widely shared, escalating the damage. Despite cease-and-desist letters from Scofields legal team, Guillard continued posting defamatory content.

As a result of the false allegations, Scofield, 40, testified that she lost her privacy and security, suffering severe emotional distress. She described her experience in court, saying, "It was like a stone on my chest that was not crushing me, it was dissolving me. I was unraveling underneath the weight of it." The emotional trauma led to chronic headaches and nerve damage.

During the trial, jurors were presented with evidence about how viral online defamation can negatively affect employment opportunities, damage professional reputations, and reduce long-term earningseven when the allegations are completely untrue.

Guillard, 41, chose to represent herself in court. She defended her accusations by claiming they were based on clairvoyance rather than factual evidence. She testified, "We work with intuition, not facts. The facts are the job of law enforcement, not a psychic."

Furthermore, Guillard attempted to link Scofields later health issues to a hysterectomy she underwent weeks after the murders. However, Scofield countered that she fully recovered from the surgery and that medical professionals, including a therapist, attributed her physical ailments to the emotional damage caused by the false claims.

Cameras were not allowed to record the court proceedings, maintaining a level of privacy during the trial.

In a separate but related note, Bryan Kohberger is reportedly struggling in prison at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. He has complained about harassment from other inmates and alleged mistreatment from prison staff, including claims of being deprived of food and poor-quality meals. Kohberger, a devout vegan, filed complaints citing inadequate food portions and the quality of fruit, especially bananas, which he claims have not been properly replaced or addressed by prison officials.

The trials outcome sends a powerful message about the real-world implications of false accusations on social media platforms and highlights the importance of accountability for online content creators.
Scream 7 returns to Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott as a new Ghostface shatters her peace. Discover the controversial cast changes and story.

AceShowbiz - Scream 7 has hit theaters amid considerable controversy surrounding its cast changes and storyline decisions.

Co-written and directed by Kevin Williamson, the original creator behind the franchises inception with a spec script initially called "Scary Movie," Scream 7 returns to focus on Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell. The film opens with Sidney enjoying a quieter life alongside her family, including her teenage daughter Tatum, portrayed by Isabel May. However, as expected in the franchise, their peace is shattered when a new Ghostface killer emerges to terrorize them.

The revival of the franchise in 2022s Scream had shifted the spotlight to two fresh characters: Sam Carpenter, played by Melissa Barrera, and her half-sister Tara Carpenter, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. This sequel connected the newcomers to the original storyline by revealing Sam as the daughter of Billy Loomis, a seminal character from the first film, played by Skeet Ulrich. Additionally, characters such as Mindy and Chad, siblings played by Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding, tied the new generation to the original through family links, being related to Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy). This effectively established a Scream - The Next Generation vibe on the big screen.

Many of these characters continued in 2023s Scream VI, which moved the story to New York City and teased Sams possible dark future as she wrestled with her familial legacy.

However, behind-the-scenes developments dramatically altered these plans. Melissa Barrera was removed from the franchise after posting Pro-Palestinian content on social media, which the production company Spyglass labeled antisemitic. The full details of her dismissal remain unclear. Before Barreras firing, Jenna Ortega had already exited the project, citing scheduling conflicts due to her commitments to the Netflix series Wednesday. As a result, the franchise had to pivot away from the new central figures it had been building around.

In response, the filmmakers turned back to Neve Campbell, who had skipped Scream VI amid salary disputes. Reports indicate she was paid $7 million to return for Scream 7, reportedly more than Courteney Cox received. The narrative focus shifted once more, this time to Sidneys daughter Tatum, a role taken on by Isabel May, who has experience from the Taylor Sheridan universe, including appearances in 1883 and narrations for 1923.

The most pressing question for fans has been how Scream 7 addresses the notable absence of the Carpenter sisters, given their significance in the previous two installments.

Spoiler alert: The film chooses not to address their absence at all. The Carpenter sistersSam and Taraare completely unmentioned throughout the movie. Even more striking is the omission of Billy Loomis, who, despite the use of AI technology in the film to resurrect deceased characters, does not appear or get referenced. The implication is that the franchises creators deemed these characters too controversial or problematic to include in any form.

Adding to the strangeness, the characters Mindy and Chad, who survived past encounters with the Carpenter sisters, appear in Scream 7 but never mention their old friends. There is no acknowledgment or explanation, leaving their previous relationships seemingly erased from the story.

This silence is surprising given Screams history of meta-commentary and weaving real-world actor dramas into its plots. The series is known for its self-awareness and often embraces behind-the-scenes conflicts as part of its narrative texture. For example, Scream 7 references Neve Campbells absence from the prior film through a subplot involving Courteney Coxs character, now a freelance reporter. Coxs character explains she was not fired but that her contract simply wasnt renewed. While some fans interpret this as a subtle jab at Barrera, it more clearly reflects Campbells own well-publicized contract negotiations.

Ultimately, if audiences were hoping for Scream 7 to confront or cleverly comment on the off-screen controversies and cast shakeups involving Barrera and Ortega, they will be disappointed. The Carpenter sisters have vanished without explanation, much like Ghostface slipping away into the mist.

Scream 7 is currently playing in theaters, offering fans a return to the classic elements of the franchise, centered once again on Sidney Prescott and her new-generation family drama.
Explore the Bride's story in Maggie Gyllenhaal's fresh take on Frankenstein, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. A tale of connection and new life.

AceShowbiz - The Bride! offers a fresh interpretation of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein narrative, focusing on the newly reanimated "Bride," played by Jessie Buckley. The film explores her role as a companion to Frank, the monster portrayed by Christian Bale, and delves into their evolving relationship. This adaptation is directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and serves as a contemporary response to the iconic Bride of Frankenstein, itself inspired by a lesser-known subplot in the original novel.

In an exclusive featurette presented by ScreenRant, Christian Bale discusses his enthusiasm for joining a project that portrays Frankenstein's monster in a deeply human light. Set nearly a century after Frank's creation, the story reveals his desire for connection, which leads to his encounter with the enigmatic Bride. Bale describes the Bride as "so much more exciting than anything he ever could have fathomed," highlighting the new possibilities of life and companionship she introduces for Frank.

Maggie Gyllenhaal elaborates on Frank's isolated existence prior to the film's events, emphasizing the scarcity of love in his life and the understandable frustration that results. She invites audiences to empathize with the creature's frequent bouts of rage. Despite the heavy prosthetics used in Bale's portrayal, Gyllenhaal praises his emotional openness on set, stating, "as soon as he got to set, he was sharing his heart with me."

Jessie Buckley also commends her co-stars impact, saying, "He makes you be better," and likening the experience of working with Bale to "swimming in the best ocean." This dynamic between the actors reflects the intimate and emotional core of the film.

The Bride! is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026, with a runtime of 126 minutes. The film is written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Osnat Handelsman-Keren, Talia Kleinhendler, and Gyllenhaal herself. It promises a thoughtful and modern take on a story that has fascinated audiences for over a century.
New York, US (PANA) - The UN has raised alarm over escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that civilians in Ituri Province are facing growing danger and displacement
Race to find her daughter as a wildfire closes in. Netflix's #1 global thriller, Firebreak, is a gripping story of survival and a mother's desperate love.

AceShowbiz - Netflix has launched a new disaster thriller titled Firebreak, which has rapidly ascended to the top of global streaming charts. The film has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a streaming sensation within its first week on the platform.

Firebreak follows the story of Mara, a recently widowed mother who retreats to a remote summer house in the woods with her daughter. The tension escalates when her daughter disappears just as a wildfire approaches, forcing Mara into a desperate race to find her before the fire consumes the area. This intense premise forms the core of the films gripping narrative, combining emotional drama with high-stakes action.

According to Netflix reports as of February 27, 2026, Firebreak has surged to the Number 1 movie spot in the United States. This marks a significant leap from its initial Number 10 ranking just five days earlier. The film now outperforms major releases such as Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning and Expend4bles on the streaming platform.

Data from FlixPatrol highlights an impressive global performance, showing that Firebreak is ranked Number 1 in 35 countries. Among these are Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Argentina, indicating widespread international appeal. The film initially topped charts in 13 countries shortly after its debut but has since nearly tripled that reach, underlining a rapid and growing popularity.

The movies success is attributed to its engaging storyline and thrilling pace, which keeps viewers invested in Maras urgent search for her daughter amidst a natural disaster. The looming wildfire adds an extra layer of tension, making the stakes feel immediate and real throughout the film.

Despite its streaming achievements, critical reception for Firebreak has been mixed. On IMDb, the film holds a score of 5.7 out of 10 based on 1,400 user reviews, reflecting a rather lukewarm response from some audiences. Nevertheless, the films popularity on Netflix suggests that viewer interest and enjoyment may not align strictly with these ratings.

The steady rise in viewership and global dominance on Netflix charts indicates that Firebreak could maintain its momentum in the coming weeks, continuing to attract new audiences despite competition from other new releases. The movies blend of emotional stakes and disaster thriller elements has clearly resonated with a broad audience, positioning it as a notable hit for Netflix.
First photo of Prince Andrew with Epstein & Mandelson in bathrobes revealed in DOJ files. Date & location investigated.

AceShowbiz - A newly surfaced photograph appears to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor alongside Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein seated together in bathrobes. This image is believed to be the first known picture capturing the three men together and was uncovered within the extensive files on Epstein released earlier this year by the US Department of Justice.

The exact location and date of the photo remain uncertain, but visual comparisons link it to other images of Mandelson found in the same trove of documents. The three men are seen sitting around a wooden table placed on outdoor decking, suggesting a casual setting.

Reports, including those from ITV, indicate the photograph was likely taken between 1999 and 2000, prior to Epsteins imprisonment for soliciting prostitution from a minor. It is thought the setting could be Marthas Vineyard, a location known to be frequented by Epstein.

In the image, both Mandelson and Andrew appear to be dressed in white bathrobes, while Epstein wears a shirt and jumper. This scene closely resembles another photograph featuring Mandelson in a similar white robe sitting with Epstein. That earlier picture was found in a file labeled Epstein birthday book.

The nature of the relationships between Epstein and the two men was highlighted earlier this year when thousands of documents were released by the US Department of Justice. Both Andrew and Mandelson had previously been photographed individually with Epstein, but the three had never been seen together in one image until now.

Following the release of the files, Lord Mandelson was dismissed from his role as UK Ambassador to the United States. Meanwhile, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles and removed from his stately country residence.

Both men have since been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, although they have consistently denied any wrongdoing. Notably, Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Police investigations have revealed that Andrew was questioned in custody and later released under investigation from the Aylsham police station the same day. Authorities are examining claims that Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as the UK's trade envoy.

Further inquiries have also explored allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Epstein to engage in a sexual encounter with Andrew. Following these developments, police raided multiple royal residences in Windsor and Norfolk.

The investigation involves several police forces, including Essex Police, Metropolitan Police, Surrey, Thames Valley, Norfolk, and Bedfordshire Police. These forces are reviewing evidence from the three million pages of files related to Epstein. Part of their scrutiny includes examining up to 90 flights into Stansted Airports private terminal on a jet owned by Epstein's associate, with 15 of these flights occurring after Epstein was jailed in 2008 for soliciting underage sex.

Earlier this year, police also raided two properties linked to Lord Peter Mandelson, located in London and Wiltshire. Mandelson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords in February following the release of the Epstein files.

In September, Mandelson was removed from his ambassadorial role in Washington amid the growing scandal. He has since been released from custody, with his team confirming that his passport has been returned.

Documents found within the Epstein files suggest that the former ambassador may have passed confidential information to Epstein while serving as Business Secretary. Hundreds of files related to Mandelson and his time as an ambassador have been released, intensifying scrutiny and pressure on the UK government.

The release of these documents has increased calls for the Prime Minister to justify Mandelson's appointment. Reports indicate that a due diligence review flagged concerns about Mandelsons connection to Epstein, but no discussion with the Prime Minister took place before his appointment.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized the government, labeling the handling of the document release a cover up. The mounting controversy is placing the Prime Minister under significant pressure as questions continue regarding the vetting process for Mandelsons diplomatic role.

In summary, the newly revealed photograph showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson, and Jeffrey Epstein together has reopened public and legal scrutiny into their relationships with the disgraced financier. The ongoing investigations and release of documents continue to expose the extent of their connections and the serious allegations facing both men in the wake of the Epstein scandal.
Married At First Sight's Mel Schilling shares terminal cancer update as disease spreads to her brain. The star vows to fight to her last breath.

AceShowbiz - Mel Schilling, known for her role on Married At First Sight, has shared a heartbreaking update confirming that her cancer has become terminal after spreading to her brain. The 54-year-old reality TV star first announced her diagnosis of colon cancer in December 2023, which required surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.

In a detailed Instagram post on Thursday, Mel Schilling revealed that the cancer had metastasised to her lungs earlier in 2024, and most recently, during the Christmas period, it was discovered the disease had spread to her brain. She expressed profound sorrow, stating, "I honestly don't know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."

Throughout the past two years, while continuing to film for Married At First Sight, Mel underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy. She was scheduled to begin a new clinical trial in March 2026, designed specifically for her gene type. However, over Christmas, she began experiencing severe headaches and numbness down the right side of her body.

Following extensive testing, doctors confirmed that the cancer had spread to the left hemisphere of her brain. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, her oncology team conveyed that no further treatment options remain available. Mel shared, "My light is starting to fade  and quickly."

Accompanied by a photo featuring her husband Gareth and her 10-year-old daughter Madison, Mel Schilling wrote a heartfelt message outlining her journey. She recounted the initial diagnosis: "In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. 'Terry,' as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear  that much many of you already know."

She continued, "Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant."

Over the course of her illness, Mel has maintained optimism, noting, "Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."

However, the recent progression to brain involvement has abruptly altered her outlook. She revealed that the intense headaches and numbness experienced over Christmas led to the discovery of cancer spreading to her brain. Despite radiotherapy, her medical team has concluded there is nothing further they can do.

The devastating update touched on the emotional and physical challenges Mel faces, saying, "Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don't know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."

Mel Schilling expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, acknowledging the impact of their messages throughout her journey. "At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I've needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

She offered a crucial piece of advice to her followers, urging everyone to listen to their bodies: "If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn't feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life."

The photo accompanying the post featured the three most important people in her life: her husband Gareth and daughter Madison. She signed off, "These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel."

Earlier in her cancer battle, Mel Schilling had publicly discussed the symptoms she initially ignored before her diagnosis, including significant abdominal pain and constipation. She recounted how she was ignoring warning signs while leading a busy life, saying, "I was just full speed ahead, doing my job, travelling the world, doing my thing and living my best life, but all of these symptoms were happening in my body and I wasn't paying attention."

Mel also highlighted a common issue she believes women face in recognizing serious health symptoms. She explained, "Particularly as women, if we have symptoms in the abdominal region generally we say 'I've got to toughen up  that's something to do with my cycle' or 'It's a hormonal issue' and we've grown up knowing every month we have pain and we just have to get on with it." She pointed out a tendency to dismiss these signs, both personally and within the medical profession.

She urged anyone experiencing changes in bowel habits or other symptoms potentially related to colon cancer to seek medical advice promptly. Mel said, "It's not an old person's disease anymore. It used to be thought of that way but I've been flooded with messages from people in their twenties and thirties who have said 'I've had the same diagnosis as you Mel' or 'I'm having similar symptoms. Thanks for the nudge, I'm going to get it checked out.'"

Since her diagnosis, Mel Schilling has become an advocate for awareness about colon cancer symptoms, sharing her experience on platforms such as the talk show Lorraine in January 2025. She used that opportunity to educate viewers on what to watch for and stressed the importance of early detection.

Last month, Mel announced she would step away from her role as an expert on the Australian series of Married At First Sight after contributing to the show since season two. She cited ongoing health struggles and the difficulties of dividing her time between Australia and the UK as key reasons behind her decision.

In a heartfelt statement, she said, "After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia. This hasn't been a choice I've made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable."

Mel emphasized the need to prioritize her family and her health, stating, "It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health, and time at the very centre of my life."

Throughout her time on the show, Mel Schilling became a familiar and respected presence on the commitment ceremony couch, offering guidance to hundreds of participants through emotional and dramatic moments including intense dinner parties, tearful revelations, and headline-making breakups.

Reflecting on her cancer symptoms, Mel recounted that she had suffered from pain and severe constipation, going three weeks without a bowel movement before seeking medical help. She believes many women tend to downplay symptoms, attributing them to hormone cycles or other less serious causes, which can delay diagnosis.

She also criticized a tendency in the medical profession to quickly dismiss women's pain, urging greater awareness and proactive care. Mel Schilling reinforced the message that colorectal cancer should not be ignored, regardless of age, highlighting how younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with the disease.

Colon cancer, also known as bowel or colorectal cancer, affects the large intestine and can develop from precancerous polyps. Symptoms often include bleeding from the bottom, blood in stools, changes in bowel habits lasting three weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abdominal pain.

While the exact causes of colon cancer are often unclear, risk factors include being over 50, a family history of the condition, previous polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Treatment usually involves surgery and chemo- or radiotherapy.

Statistics reveal that over 90% of people diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer survive five years or more after diagnosis. Unfortunately, only about a third of colorectal cancers are detected at this early stage. The majority of diagnoses occur after the cancer has spread beyond the colon or rectum walls or to distant parts of the body.

Mel Schilling's poignant public update highlights the devastating reality of advanced cancer and the importance of early detection and awareness. Her courage in sharing her story continues to inspire many and calls attention to the critical need for vigilance when it comes to health symptoms.
Josh Groban's new album 'Cinematic' arrives May 8. His first album in 5 years features classic film songs, produced by Greg Wells, ahead of his 2026 Oscars p...

AceShowbiz - Josh Groban is preparing to captivate audiences once again with the announcement of his upcoming album Cinematic, set for release on May 8 via Reprise Records. This highly anticipated project arrives just two days before his scheduled performance at the 2026 Oscars, heightening excitement around the release.

Cinematic marks the tenth studio album in Groban's distinguished career and his first new record in over five years. The album pays homage to timeless songs from classic films, featuring a carefully curated selection of 10 tracks produced by Greg Wells. Recording sessions took place across two major music hubs, Los Angeles and London, underscoring the international scope of the project.

This collection serves as a thematic continuation of Groban's 2015 album Stages, which focused on musical theater songs and earned him one of his three Grammy nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. With Cinematic, he delves into the rich emotional landscape of film music, blending nostalgia with his signature vocal style.

To announce the album, Groban released a stirring new interpretation of the Elton John and Tim Rice classic "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King. This track uniquely features the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, adding a powerful choral dimension to the beloved ballad.

The album also includes notable collaborations. Jennifer Hudson, who will join Groban as a special guest on his upcoming North American tour, lends her vocals to a rendition of "Unchained Melody," famously featured in the 1990 film Ghost. Additionally, Groban's father, Jack Groban, contributes a trumpet solo on "Moon River," the enchanting theme from the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Reflecting on the albums concept, Groban shared, "There's something incredibly powerful about the way a song or score can elevate a story and stay with you long after the credits roll. With Cinematic, I wanted to honor that feelingthe nostalgia, the drama, the romancewhile bringing my own voice and perspective to these timeless songs." He added that recording the album felt like stepping into some of the most iconic moments in film history and hopes listeners feel transported in the same way whenever the music begins.

The tracklist showcases a strong Oscar presence: five of the songs originally won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, while two others were nominated but did not win. For example, "Unchained Melody" was nominated for the 1955 film Unchained but lost to "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing." Similarly, Phil Collins "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" was nominated but lost to Stevie Wonders "I Just Called to Say I Love You."

Three additional songs, although iconic in film, were ineligible for Oscars as they were not written specifically for the movies where they appeared. These include "Brucia La Terra," a Sicilian-language version of the Love Theme From The Godfather (also known as "Speak Softly, Love"); "As Time Goes By," the unforgettable tune from Casablanca; and "Stand By Me," which gained fame before its feature in Rob Reiners film of the same name.

Alongside the album news, Groban recently launched his GEMS World Tour, kicking off with a performance in Honolulu on February 7. The tour currently has seven remaining dates. From June 2 through July 3, the tour will continue across North America, featuring Jennifer Hudson as a special guest. Additionally, Groban is slated to return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this fall for his "GEMS The Las Vegas Residency" with shows on October 2, 3, 7, and 9.

Groban's Cinematic promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the power of film music, blending classic melodies with his distinctive voice to evoke the magic of cinemas greatest moments.
Afroman sued by Ohio deputies over raid video. ACLU calls lawsuit "absurd." No charges were filed in the 2022 incident.

AceShowbiz - Afroman, the rapper renowned for his 2000 hit "Because I Got High," is set to appear in court next week in a highly unusual lawsuit initiated by officers from an Ohio sheriffs department. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has condemned the legal action as nothing short of absurd.

The dispute stems from a 2022 police raid on Afroman's Ohio residence. Seven deputies from the Adams County Sheriffs Department launched the search with guns drawn, forcibly entering the home and confiscating $5,031 in cash along with other items. The raid was conducted under suspicions related to drug trafficking and kidnapping, but ultimately no charges were filed, and the seized money was returned.

Following the raid, Afroman used video footage of the incidentcaptured during the searchin various social media posts and a music video, criticizing the officers for what he described as excessive force and property damage. The video prominently featured in his 2022 song "Lemon Pound Cake," where he satirically mocked the law enforcement officers with lyrics such as, "He's a Adams County Sheriff/ He's hungry and he's big as hell."

Seven of the officers involved in the raidShawn D. Cooley, Justin Cooley, Michael D. Estep, Shawn S. Grooms, Brian Newland, Lisa Phillips, and Randolph L. Walters, Jr.responded by filing a civil lawsuit against Afroman in 2023. Their complaint accuses the rapper of causing them emotional distress and alleges unauthorized commercial use of their likeness, invasion of privacy, and defamation. The officers claim they have faced threats, including death threats, due to Afromans social media activity.

Afroman and his legal team have vigorously defended the use of the footage, arguing the case infringes on his First Amendment rights. They contend that government officials, such as these deputies, must accept public criticism, particularly when it concerns alleged misconduct that happened in a citizens own home.

In legal filings, his attorneys stated, "The plaintiffs in this case seek to tamp down and stifle the defendants First Amendment rights and are using the judicial system to quell protected speech that they do not agree with."

Earlier in the case, an Adams County judge dismissed some of the officers' claims, recognizing that public servants must expect criticism when performing their duties. However, the court allowed defamation and certain privacy-related allegations to proceed to trial, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 16.

Alongside defending against the lawsuit, Afroman filed a countersuit accusing the officers of destruction of property, trespassing, illegal search and seizure, and other misconduct. That countersuit was dismissed last month, narrowing the upcoming trials focus to the officers claims against the rapper.

The ACLU has been outspoken in criticizing the lawsuit. In their 2023 court filing, they described the officers allegations of invasion of privacyfiled in response to a forced entry into Afromans homeas nothing short of absurd. The organization framed the case as a direct challenge to free speech protections, emphasizing that the First Amendment most fiercely defends criticism of public officials on matters of public concern.

Plaintiffs are a group of law enforcement officers who executed what appears to have been a highly destructive and ultimately fruitless search of a popular musicians home. Now they find themselves at the receiving end of his mockery and outrage, the ACLU stated.

The upcoming trial will be held at the Adams County Court of Common Pleas before Judge Jonathan Hein. Both Afroman and the deputies are expected to testify. Evidence will include bodycam footage from the raid, the search warrant documents, and the videos that sparked the lawsuit.

During the trial, the officers legal team is anticipated to argue that Afromans public criticisms and use of the footage have jeopardized their ability to safely and effectively perform their official duties. Meanwhile, Afromans attorneys will likely reiterate their position that this case represents an attack on the rappers constitutional right to free expression.

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement officers privacy claims and the publics right to hold officials accountable through speech and artistic expression. With its First Amendment implications, the trial is poised to be closely watched by free speech advocates and legal experts alike.
193 Opposition MPs Move Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Alleging Electoral Bias 2

A total of 193 Opposition Members of Parliament have submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, sources said on Friday.

According to sources, the notice has been signed by 130 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 63 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.

The signatories include representatives from parties that are part of the INDIA bloc, as well as members of the Aam Aadmi Party, which has supported the initiative despite no longer being formally part of the opposition alliance. Some independent MPs have also backed the move, while several others have reportedly expressed interest in joining the effort.

If taken up, this would mark the first time a motion has been introduced in Parliament seeking the removal of a Chief Election Commissioner.

Sources said the notice outlines seven charges against Kumar, including allegations of partisan and discriminatory conduct in office, deliberate obstruction of investigation into electoral fraud, and mass disenfranchisement.

Opposition parties have accused the CEC of favouring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in several instances, particularly in connection with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Opposition has alleged that the revision exercise could result in the removal of legitimate voters and may influence electoral outcomes in favour of the ruling party at the Centre.

The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
A Rare Verdict of Mercy: The Harish Rana Case and India's Difficult Conversation with Dignity in Death 2

Courts are built on the fundamental principle of protecting life. In India, this principle is deeply rooted in Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to life and personal liberty. Traditionally, courts lean toward preserving life under all circumstances, often interpreting the law in ways that prevent its premature termination. But occasionally, the judiciary is confronted with a case so complex and emotionally wrenching that it must reconsider the meaning of life itself. The recent Supreme Court decision allowing passive euthanasia for Ghaziabad resident Harish Rana, who has remained in a vegetative state for nearly thirteen years, is one such rare moment in Indian legal history.

This verdict is extraordinary not merely because it concerns euthanasia, but because it forces society to confront a deeply uncomfortable question: when life continues only as a biological function, without consciousness, awareness, or the possibility of recovery, does the law still serve justice by insisting that it must continue?

Harish Ranas story is one of prolonged tragedy. For over a decade, he has remained confined to a bed in a condition medically described as a persistent vegetative state. In such a condition, the body continues to perform basic functionsbreathing, circulation, reflexive responsesbut the brain loses the capacity for conscious awareness. The person no longer interacts with the world in any meaningful way. There is no recognition, no communication, and no possibility of returning to the life that once existed.

For thirteen long years, his parents cared for him. They did what countless families in India do when confronted with devastating illnessthey held on to hope. Medical consultations, treatments, and prayers continued as the years passed. But hope gradually collided with the harsh limits of medical science. Doctors eventually confirmed that Harishs condition was irreversible, leaving no possibility that he would regain consciousness or recover.

The decisive medical opinion came from experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Their assessment was unequivocal: there was no clinical possibility of recovery. Harishs body was functioning only because of sustained medical care and life-support systems.

Faced with this grim reality, Harishs parents made an agonizing decision that no parent ever imagines making. They approached the Supreme Court of India, requesting permission for passive euthanasiathe withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment so that their son could be allowed to die naturally and with dignity.

The request itself highlights why the case is so rare.

In India, euthanasia remains a legally sensitive subject. Active euthanasia, where a person is deliberately given a drug or injection to end life, is illegal and treated as a criminal act. Passive euthanasia, however, occupies a narrow legal space under strict judicial guidelines. It involves the withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment that artificially prolongs life.

The roots of this legal framework lie in one of the most emotional cases ever heard by the Indian judiciarythe Aruna Shanbaug case.

Aruna Shanbaug was a young nurse working at Mumbais King Edward Memorial Hospital in 1973 when she was brutally assaulted by a hospital ward boy. The attack left her with severe brain damage, pushing her into a vegetative state from which she never recovered. For 42 years, she remained confined to a hospital bed, unable to speak, move, or respond to the world around her.

Her case reached the Supreme Court in 2011 when journalist Pinki Virani filed a petition seeking permission for euthanasia. The court faced an unprecedented moral and legal dilemma. On one hand was the sanctity of life, a principle deeply embedded in Indian law. On the other was the question of whether keeping a person alive indefinitely in a vegetative state could truly be called life.

In its landmark 2011 judgment, the Supreme Court rejected active euthanasia but allowed passive euthanasia under strict conditions, laying down detailed guidelines for such cases. The court ruled that in exceptional circumstances, life-support treatment could be withdrawn if a medical board confirmed that the patient had no chance of recovery and if the decision was approved by the High Court.

Although Aruna Shanbaug herself continued to live until 2015 under hospital care, her case transformed Indias legal approach to end-of-life decisions.

The legal framework evolved further in 2018, when the Supreme Court recognized the concept of a living will. This allowed individuals to declare in advance that if they were ever placed in an irreversible medical condition, they did not wish to be kept alive artificially. The court also reaffirmed that the right to life includes the right to die with dignity, though within carefully regulated limits.

Yet despite these guidelines, cases like Harish Ranas remain extremely rare.

Unlike many situations where hospitals themselves initiate the process through medical boards, the Rana case reached the Supreme Court directly through a family plea. The court therefore approached the matter with exceptional caution. Judges did not rely solely on medical documents; they even interacted with Harishs parents during the hearings to understand their emotional and financial circumstances.

The court wanted to ensure that the request was not driven by fatigue, economic hardship, or external pressure. In matters involving life and death, such safeguards are essential.

After reviewing the medical reports and hearing the familys plea, the Supreme Court arrived at a carefully considered decision. The court granted permission for passive euthanasia but ordered that the process must take place under strict medical supervision at AIIMS palliative care unit.

The ruling emphasized that life-support treatment would be gradually withdrawn while ensuring that the patient experiences no suffering or indignity during the process. The objective was not to hasten death but to allow a natural end once artificial medical intervention was removed.

This insistence on dignity reflects the broader philosophy of Indian constitutional law. Over the years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly interpreted Article 21 as more than just a right to exist. It is a right to live with human dignity, autonomy, and self-respect.

The Harish Rana case pushes that interpretation into one of the most sensitive areas of human existence. It forces society to confront a difficult truth: modern medicine can keep the body alive far beyond the point where consciousness and personhood have vanished.

Technology can prolong biological life, but it cannot restore the human experience that gives life its meaning.

The Supreme Courts verdict therefore walks a delicate line. It does not undermine the sanctity of life, nor does it open the door to widespread euthanasia. Instead, it acknowledges that in certain extreme and irreversible situations, compassion and dignity must guide the law.

For Harish Ranas parents, the ruling brings an end to thirteen years of suspended grief. For the legal system, it marks another step in Indias evolving conversation about the ethics of life, suffering, and dignity.

And for society at large, the case revives a profound and unsettling questionone that neither law nor medicine can fully answer.

When life becomes only a mechanical continuation of breath and heartbeat, is the true duty of compassion to prolong it indefinitely, or to allow it to end with dignity?

The Supreme Court, in this rare and courageous verdict, has chosen dignity.
NEW YORK, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) between June 4, 2024 and November 19, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So What: If you purchased Bath & Body Works 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 Bath & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 March 16, 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, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, and that defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Bath & Body Works' strategy of pursuing "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" was not growing the customer base and/or delivering the level of growth in net sales touted; (2) as Bath & Body Works' strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" faltered, it relied on brand collaborations "to carry quarters" and obfuscate otherwise weak underlying financial results; (3) as a result, Bath & Body Works was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Bath & Body Works' 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 Body & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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.

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

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New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Kejriwal Questions PM Modi on Strait of Hormuz: Has Iran Assured Safe Passage for Indian Ships? 2

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether Iran had assured India that its ships would be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Kejriwals remarks came a day after Prime Minister Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone to discuss the serious situation in the region.

During the conversation, Modi emphasised that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the uninterrupted transit of goods and energy supplies, remain Indias top priorities.

Reacting to the development, Kejriwal took to social media platform X to question whether India had received any assurance from Tehran regarding the safe passage of Indian vessels through the strategic waterway.

Prime Minister, has the President of Iran assured you that they will allow our ships to pass through Hormuz? Will the country soon get relief from this serious crisis? Kejriwal wrote in Hindi.

His statement comes amid growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical shipping routes through which a significant portion of Indias crude oil imports pass.

Tensions have further intensified after a bulk oil carrier bound for India was reportedly fired upon by Iranian forces while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz three days ago.

The developments have raised questions about the impact of the West Asia crisis on Indias energy security and maritime trade routes.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions: PM Modi Speaks to Iranian President, Raises Safety of Indians and Energy Supply Concerns 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the serious situation unfolding in West Asia amid rising tensions in the region.

During the call, Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, particularly the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure. He emphasised that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the uninterrupted flow of goods and energy supplies, remain Indias top priorities.

Had a conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure, Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister also reiterated Indias commitment to peace and stability and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

According to an official statement, President Pezeshkian briefed Modi on the current developments in Iran and shared his perspective on the evolving regional situation. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

The discussion comes at a time when Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical maritime routes through which a significant portion of Indias energy imports passes.

The situation has raised concerns after an oil tanker heading to India was reportedly fired upon by Iranian forces while attempting to cross the strategic waterway earlier this week.

Over the past ten days, Modi has also spoken with leaders of several West Asian nations, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, amid the escalating crisis triggered by coordinated military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran last month.

The strikes reportedly led to the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US military installations in the Gulf region, including areas near major global hubs such as Dubai and Doha.

During his discussions with regional leaders, Modi expressed concern over attacks on their territories and reiterated Indias stance against violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also discussed the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora in the region. Nearly one crore Indians live in West Asia and the Gulf, including around 10,000 in Iran and more than 40,000 in Israel.
West Asia Crisis Impact: Maharashtra to Raise Export, Fuel Concerns of Industries with Centre, Says Uday Samant 2

Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant on Thursday said the state government will raise issues related to export finance and alternative fuel arrangements faced by industries with the Centre amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with industrial associations and factory owners in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Samant said the state government is closely monitoring the challenges faced by industries following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

He said the concerns of industries would be placed before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, particularly those linked to export-related financial constraints, banking issues and the need for alternative fuel arrangements.

We expect relief in export-related matters and banking concerns. Alternative fuel arrangements also need to be explored. At the same time, we must work on permanent solutions, and we will request support from the central government, Samant said.

The minister added that he would urge the Chief Minister to convene a meeting in Mumbai to discuss the industrys demands regarding gas distribution. If necessary, the state government would also approach Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to address the issue.

Samant said industries in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a major industrial hub in the Marathwada region, currently have gas reserves sufficient for three to twelve days, but ensuring uninterrupted operations remains a priority.

As an immediate step, the administration has been directed to hold a joint meeting with gas supply companies. Similar meetings will also be organised in other industrial cities across the state.

The minister also said notices had been issued to companies that had not utilised industrial land allotted to them for several years. Companies that have not used the land allotted to them for 12 to 15 years have been served notices. However, those with genuine expansion plans will not face any difficulty, he said.

Samant further announced that the state government has decided to acquire an additional 8,000 acres of land in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to facilitate future industrial investments. Work is already underway to implement memorandums of understanding worth Rs 60,000 crore, while the region is expected to attract nearly Rs 40,000 crore in additional investments in the coming years.

He also warned that strict action would be taken against any malpractices in gas distribution in accordance with the recently published government gazette.
By Cui Yan, People's Daily

Recently, a foreign journalist shared a compelling account of his experience with noise control in Beijing on the Financial Times website. During his several-month stay in the capital, the journalist remarked that they no longer had to worry about being disturbed by noise, stating, "I slept better than I had in years." Their once-necessary collection of high-quality earplugs remained unused, as the overall noise from the streets had noticeably decreased since their first visit in 2016.



This firsthand account highlights the positive outcomes of China's ongoing efforts in noise pollution control. According to a report released by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the share of urban areas meeting national daytime noise standards increased from 91.3 percent to 95.8 percent between 2014 and 2024, while nighttime compliance jumped sharply from 71.8 percent to 88.2 percent. These improvements reflect China's continuous progress in addressing noise pollution and underscore the importance of "strategic resolve" in this endeavor.



Strategic resolve, at its core, involves patience, calmness, and a methodical approach to long-term goals.



Noise, often referred to as the "breath" of a city, results from various sources, such as construction machinery and street vendors, creating a complex auditory environment. Effective noise control does not seek to silence these activities entirely but aims to adjust the "volume" appropriately. For instance, directional sound systems ensure that public square dancing is only audible within designated areas, while residential communities adopt management practices to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. By avoiding drastic measures and instead fostering collaboration, building effective mechanisms, and encouraging social norms, China has successfully implemented noise control measures without stifling daily life.



This approach, which prioritizes thoughtful coordination and gradual change, is applicable not only to noise management but also to broader environmental governance. Clear skies have not been achieved by halting production, but through targeted measures such as replacing coal with electricity or natural gas. Similarly, the Yellow River has been rejuvenated not by ceasing water use but through improved allocation plans that balance ecological protection with local livelihoods. Strategic resolve entails sustained, long-term effort. It calls for diligence and perseverance, not impatience or restlessness.



Furthermore, strategic resolve also involves proactive measures.



For example, the introduction of a residential project code has established higher standards for sound insulation in housing construction, setting clear benchmarks for residential tranquility. The implementation of the noise pollution prevention and control law has provided a legal framework for controlling noise levels, showcasing a proactive sense of responsibility that complements steady, step-by-step progress.



China's broader ecological advancements follow the same principle. From implementing the ecological protection redline system, which establishes a safeguard for critical ecological zones, to firmly advancing the Yangtze River's 10-year fishing ban, China has made significant strides in environmental restoration. The revival of ecosystems has brought back vibrant scenes of leaping fish, soaring birds, and finless porpoises gliding through the waters. Rivers have become clearer, and previously barren hills have turned greener.



These transformations are the result of pragmatic actions and a consistent, methodical approach to advancing ecological civilization. By combining long-term planning with proactive measures in the present, China is ensuring that visionary blueprints gradually translate into tangible, sustainable outcomes.



Strategic resolve also requires prudent actions that are rational and conform to the law of nature.



A deep understanding and mastery of the underlying principles are foundational to successfully executing any initiative. The 14th five-year action plan for noise pollution prevention and control emphasizes the importance of "following the objective laws governing noise pollution prevention and control" and "advancing noise control in stages and through systematic steps." This reflects a commitment to ensuring that actions are in harmony with natural laws.



Beyond noise management, this principle of "respecting laws" extends to China's broader ecological governance. Across the country, integrated protection and restoration efforts have revitalized ecosystems, with over 120 million mu (8 million hectares) of ecosystems restored. Techniques such as grid-based sand stabilization and photovoltaic pumping systems developed in Xinjiang have been successfully applied in Africa, enabling the cultivation of fruit trees even in arid, sandy regions.



Ultimately, reckless action yields minimal results. By adhering to the "golden key" of objective laws, China has achieved significant environmental progress, demonstrating that careful, law-abiding efforts yield far more impactful outcomes.
The whole point of Impractical Jokers is a few pranksters doing things, on purpose, which violate the norms of our society. This is whats known as comedy. In real life, the whole point of a border is keeping people out who violate the norms of our society by accident. This is what we know as having a country.

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Now, we all know that a country can be comical, but things get serious when too many people from too many countries start violating your norms willy-nilly. For instance, do Americans stand in line or crowd to the front? Do we throw trash in the garbage bins or on the street? How loudly can we play our music with the windows open? And can anybody park on the lawn?

Things get more uncomfortable when you ask, at what age is an impregnable women too young? And can you just follow one around if shes alone, or stare at her on the bus? Do you have to wash your hands before making a stranger a hot dog? And should people own actual dogs? And can you blast prayers at six in the morning from the top of a building? And do you have to hold it all in, or can you just poop on the street?

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(Fooled you on that last one. In San Francisco, almost anyone can fit in except Republicans.)

Some other differences go well beyond laws and affect the norms. George Patton writes in his memoirs that when he visited the sultan in Morocco, a leopard broke out of its cage and ran straight into the harem. A lot of screams were heard, and the sultan took off. And when he came back, he told Patton (with a calm face) not to worry. It just got one of the concubines in the neck. The real wives were all safe, so they could carry as usual.

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This is the kind of thing that pisses Americans off, but it highlights a crucial difference between American and Arabian society. In 1942 Morocco, a man of eminence could pile up dozens of women of no eminence, and sometimes they got bled to death by leopards. In modern America, a woman of no eminence can pile up men of eminence and bleed them dry on her own. This is what we refer to as alimony and child support, and if a man tries to escape the harem, we throw him in another one where the sultan is his cellmate.

Thus, so far from being against ethnic diversity, Im for it  somewhere else. The great value of having other countries (and dare I say it: other states) is that you can view them from a distance. The chief benefit of viewing them from a distance is you can find out which things you want to do yourself and which things you want the cops to shoot at.

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This is the conservatives idea of diversity. Its a plan where clear distinctions lie between us and them so we can delineate between the two and plan accordingly. If you like this sort of thing, you believe deeply in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The problem with the leftists diversity is that the diversity happens right at home, so by the time you realize you hate something, youre stuck with it. Also, you have to like it. This is the whole point of HR and DIE  not to let anyone at work say, I really support ICE.

One country Im really glad is over there is Great Britain  for the simple reason that the British will consider anybody British. And for the additional reason that if you disagree with who can be British in Britain, you can end up in prison.

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Thats why more people get arrested in Britain than in Russia for having opinions. Its also why Mohamed is the most popular name in the country. And when Pakis started raping thousands of little girls, its the reason police swept the accusations under the rug. Simply put, Brits wanted to defend everything but Britishness  and thats why the United Arab Emirates wont send any students to college in England. The UAE took one look at the radical Islamists in Oxford and decided that Oxford was too much like Mohamed to let the Islamic students back into Arabia.

Yesterday, our forefathers would have burned the whole world because the British wanted to tax us too much. Today, our forefathers would burn the whole world because the British tax their citizens to fund all the wrong things. I include here such laudable expenditures as disarming law-abiding citizens, hiding crime by foreigners, feeding terrorists and layabouts, making a joke out of God, and terrorizing the ethnically British. Sixty years ago, the whole civilized world was allied against Soviet Russia. Today we have not just an interest, but a moral obligation to have the whole free world ally ourselves against the general ethos of Great Britain.

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Whether Russia belongs on our team, in the age of China, is a fair question. Whether the U.K. belongs on it without respecting themselves is obvious. A country should always question whether its allies are the kind of people who commit murder. But a country should never ally itself with a country in the middle of a suicide.

Thus, we wish Rupert Lowe and Restore Britain the best of luck. And if he gets crushed by the DIE machine, we wish Britain itself the worst of it.

Jeremy Egerer is the author of Prejudices  a collection of questionable essays on Substack.

Image via Public Domain Pictures.
Occasionally I hear credentialed professionals with prestigious titles whine about the so-called war on expertise. It really bothers people who see themselves as experts that a growing share of society ignores them. A psychologist might intuit something revealing from the lack of self-confidence plaguing our expert class. If all the fancy degrees, voluminous curricula vitae, and lofty career positions have failed to instill a resilient modicum of self-esteem, then perhaps all those things are not the true measures of a persons worth.

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Experts do not like to be challenged. They say things such as, I have a PhD in this, or, I get paid a lot of money to talk about that, and expect everybody listening to stop thinking and immediately agree with everything the expert has to say. I once witnessed a young race studies professor intrude into an online debate and tell everyone that she was correct and everybody else was wrong. Her evidence? She cited the costs of her education, her recent promotion, and her new annual salary. Traditionally, thats considered a specific kind of logical fallacy known as an appeal to authority. When appeals to expertise replace reason and rationality, false conclusions are more easily justified.

We have been living in an era rife with appeals to authority masquerading as truth. In fact, I came across something hilariously unsurprising as I was writing this essay. Because Internet search engines no longer operate as research tools but rather as propaganda aggregators, I often have to peruse many pages of search results before I find topical and pertinent sources. Leftwing disinformation index Wikipedia routinely receives prime placement for any online query. I decided to check how the propagandists at Wikipedia describe appeals to authority these days, and the editors did not disappoint (someone as cynical as I):

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While all sources agree this is not a valid form of logical proof, and therefore, obtaining knowledge in this way is fallible, there is disagreement on the general extent to which it is fallible  historically, opinion on the appeal to authority has been divided: it is listed as a non-fallacious argument as often as a fallacious argument in various sources. My sides, they hurt so much as I laugh uncontrollably! Then Wikipedias meaningless equivocation ends with this gem: Some consider it a practical and sound way of obtaining knowledge that is generally likely to be correct when the authority is real.

There you go, kids! So long as the authority is real, its quite practical and sound to hand your brain over to the resident expert or AI machine and let he/she/it do your thinking for you! Its not a logical fallacy if the authority says its not! How very twenty-first-century of the 1984-like censors, history rewriters, and information warfare specialists who manage the worlds free encyclopedia. Wikipedia may be free, but it still levies a steep tax. The price of offshoring ones thinking to experts is a life filled with few cogent thoughts. Thats too high of a cost for any human seeking wisdom.

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Appeals to authority are often absurd. Since the mid-twentieth-century, most of the handsome or beautiful news anchors who tell the world what to believe have been empty-headed script-readers with subpar intellects (Hello, Dan Rather!). According to renowned climate scientist Al Gore, Miami and Manhattan should have spent the last decade submerged under ten feet of water. At the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, then-fifteen-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg told world leaders that they were not mature enough to tell it like it is. Those world leaders  prone to lean directly into appeals to authority themselves  immediately told the planets youngest generations to listen to the Swedish teenager if they wanted to survive the carbon apocalypse. Similarly, noted virologist Bill Gates (I forget: Does he have Nobels in both chemistry and medicine?) assured us that we would all die unless we allowed his corporate friends to inject us regularly with experimental serums and did everything government officials say. All the very smartest people spent at least two years telling us that only totalitarianism and censorship could save us from COVID.

It may be absurd to mindlessly trust the expertise of Dan Rather, Al Gore, Greta Thunberg, and Bill Gates, but its no less dangerous to mindlessly trust the expertise of someone whom Wikipedia would no doubt describe as a real authority. Dr. Anthony Fauci has all the credentials that people who enjoy credentials salivate over. He has a medical degree. He has a trophy room full of awards. Hes a member of the best institutions. He was the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly forty years, for goodness sake! Wasnt he even the highest paid employee in the federal government? Money, accolades, social status  Fauci has it all. His prestige drips with prestige.

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Yet he told us that COVID couldnt possibly have come from a Chinese bio-lab (that he and his associates partially funded). He told us that experimental mRNA vaccines would prevent infectioner, reduce spreader, make symptoms less severe. He told us that natural immunity was no good (because the pharmaceutical companies cant profit from that). He told us to wear one mask (cloth or paper or whatever), then two masks, then three masks, then three masks and a plastic shield. He told us that small businesses should close their doors, but that critical businesses  such as Walmart  should remain open. He told us that kids should be kept out of schoolbut perhaps theyd be safe behind plexiglass wallsso long as the powerful heads of public school teachers unions thought that science was sound. And plenty of people around the world (including Americas cult of authority-worshiping Karens and government-worshiping Democrats) admired Faucis lustrous prestige, ignored his illogical and contradictory pronouncements, and did whatever he said.

Thats the danger with appeals to authority. When you hand your brain to third-parties, dont be surprised to discover that experts value your life less than you do.

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Europeans are learning this lesson the hard way right now. For decades, the elites have shunned hydrocarbon energies and made their economies too dependent upon unreliable wind and solar alternatives. European authorities decommissioned nuclear power plants, even though doing so meant that European industries became more dependent upon Russian natural gas. Then came the War in Ukraine and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. Eventually, Ukraines martial-law-holdover-president/dictator, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blocked oil deliveries from Russia through the Druzhba pipeline to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany. And President Trumps strikes on Iran made it much more difficult for Europe to obtain critical hydrocarbons from the Middle East.

European authorities have spent decades using the global warming hobgoblin to scare the public into accepting expensive and unreliable sources of energy whose use will do nothing to save the planet. Those authorities have managed, however, to cripple most European industries and make Europes cost of living prohibitively expensive.

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Inevitably, whenever I even passingly mention Ukraine President/Dictator Zelenskyy, some unhappy readers call me names. Regular commenter Megan Draper, M.S. recently wondered, how much money the Russian government must be giving me. Another commenter going by the handle asherpat implied that I am a Russian influencing agent. Putting aside their casual libel, I will point out that both commenters employ another kind of logical fallacy: appeal to ridicule. Although besmirching my character is one way to counter my arguments, it is not one based on solid reasoning.

I suggest that all authorities be challenged regardless of their credentials. Just as degrees are incomplete measures of ones education, titles of authority are poor substitutes for wisdom. It is our capacity for reasoned debate that helps us separate the wheat from the chaff.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
The European Commission's aggressive enforcement of controls over speech has accelerated since January 2026. It imposed a 120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter) in December 2025 -- carried into 2026 as the first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act -- for alleged transparency breaches: deceptive design in the blue checkmark system; inadequate ad repositories; restricted researcher data access. By February 2026 the commission launched investigations into platforms like Shein for addictive designs and illegal product sales and TikTok for similar manipulative features. These probes are designed to induce algorithm and moderation changes, facilitating the export of EU speech standards worldwide. The ability to impose fines of up to 6% of global turnover (revenue) gives unelected officials the authority to dictate systemic risks and provides them with substantial bureaucratic leverage over non-illegal political discourse on topics such as migration, Ukraine, elections or whatever content Brussels determines should be moderated.

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The DSA was introduced as a framework to combat disinformation and online harm. Its enforcement now reveals something broader: a regulatory architecture capable of shaping how political speech and information circulate across digital platforms. Investigations and compliance pressure encourage companies to align moderation systems with Brussels definition of systemic risk -- a malleable category that readily expands beyond illegal content into social and political debate.

Acolytes of the Brussels regulatory project often describe this authority in the language of stewardship. European regulators and their state-funded civil-society partners -- from commissioners such as Thierry Breton and Vera Jourova to the NGO networks that promulgate their initiatives -- increasingly cast themselves as guardians of the digital commons, dispensing phrases such as shared values and democratic resilience, while claiming responsibility -- though not accountability -- for shielding citizens from manipulation, disinformation, and social harm. Yet stewardship traditionally implies responsibility exercised on behalf of others, a principal or benefactor - not the discretionary, self-interested molding of lawful political speech by appointed administrators. The reach now extends beyond speech to everyday social habits and even consumer choices. Order a pinata for your childs birthday party from Temu tonight; you may be guilty of cultural appropriation tomorrow -- or even before you submit your order. Flagged. Filed. Fed into the algorithms.

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In Germany, locally grown censorship efforts have been infused with the code of the DSA; embedding propaganda-like suppression of alternative viewpoints into what have now become routine enforcement actions. In early March 2026, German police conducted their 13th "Day of Action Against Online Hate" -- raiding homes and seizing devices in 140 cases of suspected "criminal content" on social media. This operation -- rooted in laws like the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) -- exemplifies DSA-aligned tagging for removal; often labeling conservative immigration critiques or gender policy dissent as disinformation. Recently, even Irene Khan, an expert at the UN (no bastion of free thinking itself), warned in February 2026 that space for free expression in Germany is shrinking, with anti-terrorism laws increasingly used to chill advocacy for Palestinian rights and public criticism of officials. German political parties across the uni-spectrum have escalated this: the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) proposed social media topic bans for minors -- including personalized feed restrictions for 16-18-year-olds -- under the pretext of child protection. So the state starts policing speech to "protect children" -- and somehow the only voices being protected are the ones already in power.

Belgium, too, has seen the DSA's concerns metastasize through debates on outright social media bans -- blending child safety rhetoric with potential speech suppression. In January 2026 discussions intensified around prohibiting under-15s or under-16s from platforms, with the French-speaking portion of Belgium considering such measures alongside France and others. Proponents frame this as protection from "addictive design," but it is nothing more than a cut and paste of the DSA's risk mitigation mandates -- requiring age verification that are already evolving into identity-linked access controls; effectively gating free expression behind bureaucratic hurdles.

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A positive counterpoint briefly emerged when Belgium's Constitutional Court annulled provisions allowing prosecution of journalists for possessing state secrets -- affirming press freedoms. Yet this ruling runs in tension with broader trends: Belgium's push for bans mirrors EU-wide efforts -- where NGOs like HateAid (accused by U.S. officials of fueling a "censorship-industrial complex") advocate for stricter moderation.

In February 2026, Belgium's Council for Journalistic Ethics (CDJ) -- no oxymoron there -- reprimanded the right-leaning outlet 21News for publishing the unedited transcript of U.S. Vice President JD Vance's February 14, 2025 Munich Security Conference speech: notable for its chastisement of European leaders positions on free speech, migration, continental defense and democracy. The CDJ ruled that 21News violated journalistic "social responsibility" by presenting the speech without added context or distancing from potentially "problematic" elements that it deemed possibly racist or anti-democratic. As penance, the outlet was ordered to prominently display the council's decision on its homepage for two days -- compelled public shaming: a digital scarlet letter.

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To avoid this regulatory flagellation, European business publications such as The Financial Times and The Economist have routinely told readers how to think about such speech. Curated. Editorially framed. Managed reality, courtesy of the DSA.

Beyond Belgium and Germany, two countries where public signage and early socialization have for decades encouraged men to adopt the seated position while urinating -- the cultural home of Sitzpinkler -- the DSAs operationalization is beginning to provoke cognitive dissonance. A U.S. House Judiciary Committee report in February 2026 detailed how the commission pressured platforms to censor content in at least eight elections since 2023, including France, Romania, and Slovakia -- targeting "conservative and populist parties" or migration critiques. In January 2026, Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed DSA implementation legislation -- citing risks of "administrative censorship." This resistance highlights international concerns as well as internal EU fractures; yet the unelected Commission's persistence -- evident in new "Democracy Shield" hubs for fact-checkers and grant-dependent NGOs -- suggests the slow, step-by-step entrenchment of narrative control.

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The U.S. responses, beyond the earlier bans on complicit censors, further expose the DSA's global implications: this transatlantic rift is widening, with plans for a U.S. State Department online portal (hosted at freedom.gov) to enable users in Europe and elsewhere to access content banned under foreign laws -- including the alleged hate speech and racist views of our own Vice President -- a direct countermeasure to European/UK thought control. These developments reinforce the core thesis: the DSA functions not as neutral coordination of narrative; it is the central regulatory apparatus propagating approved narratives, levying fines and penalties, mobilizing state-funded NGO networks, and wielding bureaucratic leverage. An automated version of the Stasi's invisible web: dossiers compiled by compliant platforms and informants, every unapproved thought flagged and filed in real time. A post-digital manipulation world: regulators managing the manipulators.

The system's reach has become so reflexive that questioning its tentacles can make them appear immediately -- mid-sentence, no warrant needed. Case in point: while this author was fact checking the BBC's mistranslation of SecDef Pete Hegseth's March 2, 2026 Pentagon briefing (turning 'regime' into 'people' for Persian-speaking audiences, implying the U.S. was targeting the people of Iran, not the regime), X suddenly demanded age confirmation to continue -- no coincidence in the DSA era.

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Justin W. Bancroft , CPA, is an independent researcher and former audit partner working on governance, institutional design, and political economy. He has lived and worked in Central and Eastern Europe for the past three decades, including Latvia, Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia.

Image: National Archives
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. David Sayah has announced the launch of the newly redesigned SimplyMales.com website, a platform focused on treatments designed specifically for men. The new site provides educational resources and information about aesthetic and wellness treatments tailored to the needs of male patients.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. David Sayah has announced the launch of the newly redesigned Simply Males website, a platform dedicated to providing information about aesthetic and wellness treatments tailored specifically for men.

Simply Males

The new website, available at SimplyMales.com, was developed to provide a streamlined and educational experience for men researching modern treatment options focused on appearance, confidence, and overall well-being. The platform introduces a focused resource where visitors can learn about procedures and services designed to address concerns commonly experienced by male patients.

According to Dr. Sayah, the goal of the Simply Males platform is to provide a comfortable and informative environment where men can explore treatment options designed specifically for their needs. The website highlights procedures and surgical techniques developed specifically for male patients.

"Many men are interested in improving their appearance or addressing concerns that affect their confidence, but they often prefer an approach tailored specifically for them," said Dr. Sayah. "Simply Males was created to provide a dedicated resource where men can learn about available treatments and better understand their options."

While many plastic surgery techniques were originally developed with female patients in mind, treating male patients often requires a different approach. Male-oriented techniques are important to preserve and enhance masculine features rather than unintentionally creating a feminized appearance.

According to Dr. Sayah, the goal of the Simply Males platform is to provide a comfortable and informative environment where men can explore treatment options designed specifically for their needs. The website highlights procedures and surgical techniques developed specifically for male patients.

"Many men are interested in improving their appearance or addressing concerns that affect their confidence, but they often prefer an approach tailored specifically for them," said Dr. Sayah. "Simply Males was created to provide a dedicated resource where men can learn about available treatments and better understand their options."

While many plastic surgery techniques were originally developed with female patients in mind, treating male patients often requires a different approach. Male-oriented techniques are important to preserve and enhance masculine features rather than unintentionally creating a feminized appearance.

The redesigned website features a modern layout that allows visitors to easily navigate educational content, review treatment information, and learn more about Dr. Sayah's philosophy of patient-centered care.

Visitors to the site will find information about procedures and treatments commonly sought by male patients, along with insights into Dr. Sayah's experience in aesthetic surgery and his approach to delivering natural-looking outcomes.

Dr. Sayah is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic surgery and patient-focused care. Throughout his career, he has treated patients seeking advanced cosmetic procedures and personalized treatment strategies designed to enhance both appearance and confidence.

Through the launch of Simply Males, Dr. Sayah aims to provide a dedicated resource for men who are increasingly interested in learning about treatments designed to support appearance, confidence, and overall wellness.

The new website reflects the growing demand for educational resources that address aesthetic concerns unique to men while offering information in a straightforward and accessible format.

Visitors can explore the new website at www.SimplyMales.com.

About Dr. David Sayah

Dr. David Sayah is a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and founder of the Sayah Institute, where he specializes in aesthetic surgery and advanced cosmetic procedures. Known for his meticulous surgical technique and patient-centered approach, Dr. Sayah has built a reputation for delivering natural, balanced results through personalized treatment planning.

Dr. Sayah utilizes specialized techniques including advanced endoscopic methods designed to minimize incisions, reduce visible scarring, and support efficient recovery. His practice attracts patients from across the United States and internationally. Fluent in five languages, English, French, Spanish, Farsi, and Italian, Dr. Sayah welcomes patients from around the world and provides concierge assistance with travel planning, accommodations, and recovery arrangements.

Dr. Sayah completed his medical training and surgical education at leading institutions and has developed extensive experience in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Through the Sayah Institute and Simply Males, he remains committed to providing high-quality patient care while offering educational resources that help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Media Contact

Dr. David Sayah

The Sayah Institute

(310) 385-0000

https://www.drsayah.com

SOURCE The Sayah Institute
The protests most recently flaring up in Minneapolis arent spontaneous, grass roots affairs enacted by local activists. Theyre planned and financed by national, even international, leftist organizations and foreign nation-states. Their tactics are thought out in advance. People and resources necessary to carry them out are carefully put into place and media carefully coordinated. Useful idiot congressmen and senators, and local legislative and political useful idiots like Jacob Frey and Tampon Tim Walz are in on the planning and/or willing to engage in post-event propaganda.

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Successful innovations, like disrupting church services while terrorizing children, are not limited to single events, but will become part of the lefts playbook, materializing wherever they decide to spread the revolution. Among the tactics employed at the St. Paul Cities Church disruptions is the idea there is a First Amendment right to free speech that allows, even mandates such attacks. Don Lemon isnt exactly a pristine champion of such things, but the left works with what it has in the hope Normal Americans are too intimidated to object.

The Alabama Legislature isnt:

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Graphic: X Post

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Alabama House Republicans advanced a new measure meant to deter church disruptions with substantial prison sentences and fines. The legislation, filed as House Bill 363, comes weeks after left-wing activists invaded a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, over one of the pastors work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement House Bill 363 would charge those who similarly interrupt religious services in Alabama with up to 10 years in prison and fines of $15,000 or more, according to a report from the Alabama Reflector. It passed in the Alabama House on Tuesday with a vote of 75 to 27. Advertisement

But wouldnt such a law infringe on the First Amendment? Not at all:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Advertisement

There is no right to trespass on private propertychurches are private propertynor is there any right to menace others or disturb the public peace. The provisions of House Bil 363 are well within the boundaries of the Constitution and criminal law:

This bill would provide that if an individual enters upon the premises of a church building to intentionally disrupt a worship service by engaging in a riot, unlawful protest, or disorderly conduct, or otherwise engages in the harassment of any other individual in the worship service, the individual would be guilty of the offense of disruption of a worship service, the legislation said. This bill would also provide that if an individual enters upon church property contiguous to where a church worship service is being held with the intent on obstructing the ingress or egress to the property, and obstructs the ingress or egress to the property, the individual would also be guilty of the offense, it added.

Its no surprise some Alabama Democrats disagree:

I think the absolute worst place that you could take away a persons right to disagree is in the church. I dont understand how you say that, Alabama Democratic State Rep. Sam Jones said in reaction to the bill. It seems to me that we think that criminalizing acts change behavior. It doesnt.

One wonders if Jones would disagree with that sort of disagreement in the chambers of the legislature? How is it Jones doesnt recognize that the entire body of criminal law is based on the principle that criminalizing acts change behavior? Or is Jones just another Democrat for decriminalizing crime?

Alabama State Rep. Chris England, another Democrat, even claimed that Jesus Himself would face prison time under the legislation.

Under this particular piece of legislation, when Jesus went out there and flipped over some tables, he would have been a Class C felon, he argued.

Its unsurprising a Democrat would be unaware of, or willing to warp, scripture and history. Jesus didnt disrupt a worship service, nor did he obstruct ingress or egress. He overturned tables in the temple courts, outside the temple. The Son of God gets to do that sort of thing. Leftist anarchists? Not so much. Comparing the law and culture then and now is comparing apples and elephants.

The bill also doesnt discriminate between faiths but encompasses all.

What about the lost and confused who always find their way into churches? What about the people who over-emote or feel compelled to argue with ministers about the finer points of theology? Ministers are more than aware of such people and wont feel compelled to demand they be prosecuted. The police, prosecutors and judges can also serve as necessary filters for overenthusiastic punishment.

Ultimately, all anyone need do to avoid a felony conviction is behave in a civilized manner. Will that deter the anti-American, anti-Christian left? Alabama seems willing to find out, and so am I.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Barack Hussein Obama. He, and his sycophants, dont use his middle name. Its identified entirely with Islamists, and Barack Hussein Obama isnt a Muslim you know. Hes been photographed displaying the shahada to other Muslims:

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When reciting the shahada, the Islamic profession of faith stating that there is no god but God, Muslims point their index finger up toward the sky.

He was born to a Muslim father, which makes him in the eyes of observant Muslims, Muslim. But hes also The Lightbringer and The One, who gave Iran billions in pallets of cash, so while Islamists would want to kill anyone abandoning their faith, Obama, a willing useful idiot, got a pass on 72 virgins.

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But now it seems, The One has sort of admitted he made a mistake in dealing with Iran:

In 2009, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected President of Iran in what was surely a rigged election. Tens of thousands of protestors demanding democracy flooded the streets of Tehran in the Green revolution. Protestors chanted Obama, Obama are you with the regime or with us? Obama was with the regime, and the protestors were brutally suppressed, arrested, imprisoned, mutilated, raped and murdered, some shot in the streets.

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Now, with the liberation of the Iranian people a real, imminent possibility, The Lightbringer tells us: In retrospect, I think that was a mistake. But is he truly repentant? Of course not. The One doesnt make mistakes.

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Later in the podcast, he explains that as POTUS, he had higher priorities, which at the time was the Nuclear Deal, which he claims prevented Iran from developing and obtaining nuclear weapons. In fact, all it did was delay Iranif they honored the terms of the dealand Obama gave Iran political cover and billions to use in developing nuclear weapons and in spreading terrorism.

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Iran, a twelver Shia death cult, actively practices Taqiyyalying to infidels to further the success of militant Islam. It never honored that or any other deal.

Why was Obama so desperate to enact the JCPOA, which on its face guaranteed Iran would have nuclear weapons down the road? He obviously thought it a major part of his legacy. Despite his protestations to the contrary, Obama is a Muslim and his support for the foremost sponsor of world, Islamist terrorism is unquestionable.

Rather than doing his presidential duty, rather than eliminating a civilizational enemy and threat, Obama kicked the can down the road. Let his successor deal with the Iranian terrorist and nuclear threat.

But why would Barack Hussein Obama make the weak gesture of admitting a mistake now? His legacy is in deadly danger on multiple fronts. Donald Trump has demonstrated that not only was it necessary to eliminate the Islamist regime, its happening in ways that have no precedent in warfare and are very much in the interests of America and western civilization. Should Trump succeed in overthrowing the regime and winning peace in the Middle East, that only makes Obama look like the anti-American incompetent he was and is.

Trump is also demonstrating Obamas hard work in removing war fighters from our military and replacing them with men in dresses was not only extraordinarily stupid but put America and the West in deadly danger. Consider the federal treason statute, 18 USC 2381:

Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Obama certainly owned allegiance to the US, and Iran has been in a declared war against us since 1979. One might argue that the JCPOA itself, and giving billions to Iran, constituted giving aid and comfort to an enemy. They certainly cost innumerable lives. Its almost impossible to imagine anyone being prosecuted for treason these days, but its not unreasonable to argue that Obamas actions were treasonous, are as so many of the actions of contemporary Democrats.

Worse, should events unfold as they did with the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the archives of the regime are accessed, its reasonable to expect inconvenient truths about Obamas dealings with the Mullahs may be revealed, and those revelations might not be conducive to burnishing Obamas legacy.

We live in interesting times, which are partially the making of Barack Hussein Obama.

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Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
As Ive often written here at American Thinker and at my home blog, thanks to the wide- open borders of Bidens Handlers, thousands, even tens of thousands, of Islamist terrorists are currently in America. Unidentified and unvetted, many were given phones, money and free bus or jet transportation to cities of their choice. They join terrorists who have long lived in America, and in many cases, demonstrated their terroristic intentions, yet have been allowed to mostly roam freely.

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The danger of Iran activating terrorist cells armed with Kalashnikovs, grenades and other explosives is great, yet there is an allied danger: self-radicalized individuals not actively run or funded by terrorist nation states. Two attacks on March 12 illustrate that danger.

A Temple Israel, apparently the largest reform Jewish Synagogue and pre-school in America in West Bloomfield, Michigan, one Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized Lebanese, drove around ineffective vehicle barriers, smashed his truck into the building and drove down a hallway, striking and injuring a security guard. All other children and staff escaped uninjured.

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Details are sketchy about the kind of vehicle he drove, but the vehicle, which may have been loaded with explosives or other accelerants, caught fire. Ghazali exchanged gunfire with security personnel, who apparently killed him, and his body was apparently significantly burned, perhaps a prelude to his ultimate destination which will surely not include virgins. According to The New York Post, mortar rounds were found in his vehicle.

Mortar rounds?! Motive?

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Ghazli, a restaurant worker who lived in Dearborn Heights, carried out the twisted attack after at least four family members, including a sibling, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon days earlier, sources close to the investigation told The Detroit News.

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Sheriff Mike Bouchard said its too early to say the attack was terror-related. The FBI said it was a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. Yuh think?

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Also on March 12, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. One Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former National Guard soldier, also committed an apparently motiveless murder:

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Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, stormed into a classroom inside ODUs Constant Hall and asked if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, he launched the suspected terror attack, shooting the professor several times, law enforcement sources said. A heroic ROTC cadet at the Virginia school jumped into action to prevent more carnage, stabbing Jalloh to death after the crazed suspect gunned down the class instructor, the sources said.

Amazingly, FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.

Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017 for aiding ISIS, but was released early. Prosecutors asked for 20 years, but Jalloh drew a sympathetic judge. Jalloh was apparently on probation, but it was obviously ineffective.

Two others were wounded but are expected to recover.

Two attacks on the same day were committed by jihadists long in the United States, both naturalized citizens, both named Mohamed, both attacking common jihadist targetsA synagogue and pre-school and an ROTC instructorour military.

To date, as is their usual practice, the media cant identify any motive for these attacks. One must be careful lest anti-Islamist/jihadist sentiment be stirred up among xenophobic Deplorables all too ready to lynch helpless members of the Religion of Peace, who have an alarming tendency to peacefully kill infidels.

At Powerline, Scott Johnson notes The Minnesota Star Tribune couldn't spare space for either attack, but wrote a story alleging a local college professor urinated on a students backpack. Priorities.

The initial law enforcement response is at least somewhat encouraging. One need not be Sherlockian to piece together the clues: a synagogue, Mohamed, mortar shells, driving a truck into the building and setting it on fire. These arent terror-related, you know, but might be a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. At Old Dominion an attack on an ROTC class, the murder of the instructor by a Mohamed convicted of giving material support to ISIS, also renders authorities and the media unable to discern a motive.

Oh well. Deja vu.

One wonders why anyone convicted of terrorism is ever again allowed out of prison? Like pedophiles, terrorists arent reformable. One also wonders why, at long last, authorities dont by default brand such attacks as acts of Islamist terror, and should they be later discovered to be otherwise, run a page 203 correction that no one will see. At least that would be consistent.

In the meantime, pray for Lt. Col. Shah and his family. Pray for a man who served us and survived combat only to succumb to a motiveless murder in a university classroom

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Have you ever wondered why it's so hard for blue cities to clear out the bums littering their cities, erecting filthy tents, blocking sidewalks, shooting drugs, smoking weed, defecating in public spaces and driving out the tax base?

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Here's at least one reason why, according to the California Post:

Los Angeles just cut a whopping $106.6 million taxpayer check to a nonprofit law firm whose lawyers have spent years hindering the citys ability to dismantle homeless camps and clean up city streets  with one attorney billing as much as $1,025 an hour for work tied to its activism. Advertisement The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) was awarded the largest share of an eye-popping $177 million tenant-rights funding package approved at City Hall this week, despite opposition from the City Attorney. Under the deal, Los Angeles will funnel $106,572,543.69 over the next three years to LAFLA for eviction-defense services, even as attorneys connected to the organization have repeatedly filed lawsuits that blocked the city from enforcing municipal codes aimed at keeping sidewalks clear of encampments and neighborhoods safe. Advertisement

So they hand this cash out to left-wing lawyers under the phony rubric of 'eviction defense' (as if that were a desirable thing to bankrupt landlords and incentivize taking housing off the market), and instead of doing just that -- $106.6 million is a lot of money, after all, to be spending on those few individual cases -- they take the cash to file lawsuits against the city when it tries to clear out the bums in order to try to restore some kind of quality of life. The lawyers and activists, of course, are very, very, well paid at more than $1,000 an hour, the report says, to keep these city streets unliveable.

So the streets stay third world, and the groundlings (who belong in involuntary treatment) have very powerful lobbies and lawyers defending their right to poop in people's doorways and smoke weed around the schoolchildren. So that's what they do.

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The report notes that the city attorney asked that this cash not be shelled out for these groups, given that the city and these lawyers would work at cross purposes, and even if the lawyers don't win, they win through delays and constant draining of city resources for legal defense as these lawyers sue so very happily with that $106.6 million.

It's roughly parallel to the lawyers groups suing the Trump administration over any immigration enforcement, including ICE raids on rapists, killers, robbers, and drug dealers, with the same effect: rendering the cities unliveable.

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The Post followed the money and it turns out there was a lot of money and its sole use is to keep the cities hellholes as the lawyers grow very, very rich on the public dime for it. The city should sue the lawyers to halt their homeless-promotion activity, or better still, just not pay the money. This has got to stop.

Image: Rod Reiring, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed
Once upon a time, Barack Obama delivered the following words at the 2004 Democrat convention:

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There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there's the United States of America.

I recall that he said something about red and blue states too. It worked in 2008 for a lot of reasons: Iraq war fatigue, a sloppy McCain effort, a housing crisis that conveniently happened in the last 2 months of the campaign, and a news media deeper in the tank for Obama than the Titanic on the ocean floor.

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So what happened to the great uniter? Well, a couple of things. Maybe it was all a big moderate fake as Larry Elder wrote:

From the beginning of his presidency until its end, Obama stoked resentment, divided Americans by skin color and kept the race grievance industry alive and well-oiled. The man Americans hired to unite us became the victicrat-in-chief, a title his Jackson eulogy shows he retains. Advertisement The Trump-hating media still gives Obama a pass that no Republican could ever dream of receiving. Imagine a Republican president doing even half of what Obama did: routinely injecting race into controversies, cozying up to a white Sharpton-like figure and wrapping his arms around a toxic movement called White Lives Matter. The outrage would be endless, the headlines relentless  and rightfully so. Obamas real legacy on race? Blacks are eternal victims  distressed, oppressed and suppressed by The Man  and trapped in a system rigged against them from birth to death. His own extraordinary rise, of course, contradicts this counterproductive message. Yet he persists in selling it to willing buyers. Advertisement Obama is still relatively young. So, he has decades ahead to remain a loud voice in the public square  and he possesses a warehouse full of race cards ready to be played. What a waste.

The moderate fraud? I think so.

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The former president has another problem: Time keeps deleting items on his resume.

The Iran nuclear deal blew up. The Paris Climate Accord was so bad that he couldnt get Democrats in the US Senate to support it. The infamous Affordable Care Act is not doing well, to be polite. He took the troops out of Iraq, but then had to return a force to address the vacuum ISIS had filled. And he sure dropped a lot of bombs without going to Congress.

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Reality has hit Obama between the eyes and reduced him to being a community organizer again. The difference is that hes doing his act from mansions rather than a home in Chicago.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

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Recent reporting from The Federalist and other media reveals that the FBI led a series of politically motivated, secretive probes and ran two sets of books, one of which hid Prohibited Access files contained in the FBIs SENTINEL system that pertained to the investigations. The files were ghosts that do not exist, essentially records set aside in locked offices to limit visibility even within the bureau. Grassleys office had previously exposed the existence of a Prohibited Access file in a release issued on June 5, 2025, related to a Senate Judiciary Committee inquiry into Arctic Frost.

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FBI director Kash Patel is said to be reviewing a decade-long pattern of consecutive FBI counterintelligence and national security probes that treated Donald Trump and those in his orbit as a continuing domestic threat from 2016 into 2025. The investigation involves four operations code-named Crossfire Hurricane, Round River, Plasmic Echo, and Arctic Frost. Patel is reportedly declassifying some of the files, while others are being examined for possible criminal or civil-rights violations. DOJ Attorney Ed Martin has described the four probes as spying operations aimed at Trump and his closest aides.

If the reporting is accurate, it means not only that there was investigative overreach, but also that FBI investigations were purposefully compartmentalized to wall off sensitive cases from normal external and internal visibility while targeting special circumstances targets whose recognized constitutionally protected privileges were likely violated. According to a January 2026 GAO report, from 2018 through 2024 the FBI opened and closed about 127,000 assessments, and about 1,200 of those involved sensitive investigative matters (SIM).

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The SIM assessments allegedly targeted the media, public officials, political parties or candidates, religious organizations, and academic faculties, in some cases without factual predication. Investigative methods associated with the assessments include public information, confidential human source (CHS) use, and physical surveillance. The GAO report states that the FBI can open assessments with an authorized purpose and clearly defined objective and without a particular factual predication. These are the very types of assessments that may have served as predicates for the four probes.

The scandal deepens when one considers what Prohibited Access may have meant in practice. Attorney General William Barr tasked U.S. Attorney Scott Brady with vetting evidence related to Ukrainian corruption and possible Biden-family exposure before the 2020 election. Brady said he had never even heard of Sentinels Prohibited Access function. Brady said FBI personnel ran keyword searches for terms such as Burisma and Zlochevsky, yet the results provided to him reportedly contained no Hunter Biden laptop material, and he did not learn of the laptops existence until the New York Post published its story in October 2020. According to the report, Brady was familiar with Restricted Access material and even negotiated over access to such files, but no one told him that other records could be rendered effectively invisible through Prohibited Access coding.

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Four politically motivated probes

Of the four probes, Crossfire Hurricane is the most widely known. Opened in 2016, it became the flagship Trump-Russia collusion probe and helped launch years of media hysteria, surveillance battles, and prosecutorial momentum. Inspector General Michael Horowitz said the initial opening of Crossfire Hurricane had adequate predication, but he also found 17 significant inaccuracies and omissions in the Carter Page FISA process. Later, Special Counsel John Durham concluded that U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials had no actual evidence of Trump-Russia collusion before opening the full investigation and criticized the FBIs handling of the matter.

While not yet verified by the FBI, Just the News reports that Round River began in the FBIs Pittsburgh field office by targeting Rudy Giuliani over his efforts to dig into Hunter Bidens and Joe Bidens activities in Ukraine. It allegedly expanded beyond Giuliani to numerous public figures who raised Biden family corruption concerns, with lawmakers reportedly worried that constitutionally protected speech was being treated as a counterintelligence problem or Russian disinformation. Just the News further reports that early whistleblower evidence raised civil-liberties concerns because journalists, lawyers, lawmakers, and other public voices may have been scrutinized not for espionage, but for saying politically inconvenient things about the Bidens.

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Grassleys oversight letters documented concerns that derogatory Hunter Biden information was falsely portrayed as disinformation, and he and Sen. Ron Johnson previously stated that an August 2020 FBI briefing was unnecessary and served to undercut their Biden family investigation. If that account proves accurate, it would mean the bureau was no longer merely investigating crimes or foreign agents; instead, it became a system where politically disfavored narratives themselves became predicates for federal scrutiny.

Plasmic Echo, according to Patels ongoing review as described by Just the News, was the classified-documents investigation involving Mar-a-Lago. That case culminated in the August 8, 2022 FBI raid and later in Special Counsel Jack Smiths prosecution. The public record already confirms that Garland personally approved seeking the search warrant, that the raid occurred, and that Smith later charged Trump in the documents case. What is newer  and not yet independently established by a full public release  is Patels assertion that agents involved in the matter had concerns about probable cause and were overruled by DOJ.

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Arctic Frost was the Biden-era investigation that fed Jack Smiths election case against Trump. Senate Judiciary Committee materials state that Arctic Frost was formally opened by the FBI in April 2022. Chairman Chuck Grassleys oversight has since disclosed that the investigation swept up over a dozen members of Congress and more than 400 Republican individuals and entities. Committee materials also say 197 subpoenas sought records tied to at least 430 named Republican individuals and organizations, including communications with media outlets and members of the legislative branch. Separate Grassley disclosures said the FBI sought toll records for eight Republican senators and one House member as part of the probe.

It is already well known that the federal government was weaponized against Trump and his allies beginning in 2016. But as Grassley warned, parking records in a way that impedes or prevents production to Congress or in litigation is wide-ranging and potentially catastrophic to constitutional requirements. He further noted that if the FBI previously failed to access records because they were placed in Restricted or Prohibited status, then the bureau cannot credibly claim it fully complied with years of congressional oversight. That means the scandal is not limited to investigative overreach. The hiding of files may have corrupted oversight itself.

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Nobody likes living in California -- apparently, not even the Democrats.

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Under high-tax, low-performance, big-government Democrat rule, more people have left the state than come to it. Millions have fled, and major businesses -- the latest being longtime resident Yamaha -- have pulled up stakes for business-friendlier climates.

Among its many driving factors is that the state has a political class which thinks rules are for the little guys.

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Which brings us to Eric Swalwell, the gubernatorial candidate who seems to have literally fled the state he thinks he's entitled to rule.

According to the New York Post/California Post:

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California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell reportedly rents a single room in a home occupied by a family of three in the eastern Bay Area  and one of his Democratic opponents says its just so the congressman can claim he lives in the Golden state.



The alleged discovery of Swalwells Livermore rental came from the congressmans top Democratic opponent, billionaire Tom Steyer. Steyer says Swalwell appears to live in California on paper only as the governor race heats up, making him unlikely to meet the basic residency requirements to run for Governor.



In a letter from Ryan Hughes, Steyers attorney, he called on the Secretary of State Shirley Weber to enforce a dormant residency requirement in the governors race and encouraged Weber to allow for robust legal proceedings as to whether Swalwell is eligible to serve as Governor, preventing any future action by the Trump administration.

Good luck with that, Tom.

Weber doesn't believe in rules, either, given California's dirty voter rolls, duplicate mailings in a junk mail balloting system, honor system for illegals on motor-voter registration, and the extended months it takes for her to count California's ballots.

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Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton has noticed the oddity, too:

Swalwell's FAKE residency DISQUALIFIES him from running for CA Governor!



CA Constitution REQUIRES 5 YEARS of state residency before electionyet he's been playing DC insider, with neighbors NEVER spotting him in Livermore and his campaign blowing cash on LUXURY hotels like https://t.co/fsAcL8rdJr  Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) March 12, 2026

California politicians living in places other than California has become quite the thing among leftist Democrats, despite the rules calling for them to live here. In the past year, Trump administration officials have accused Swalwell's sleazy ally, Adam Schiff of the same slipperiness on where he really lives, and both he and Swalwell have been accused of mortgage fraud to boot, each claiming California as their primary residence in order to secure loans at discount rates, while reportedly doing the same thing with their real homes in other states.

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In the case of Ammar Campa-Najjar, currently on track to take Rep. Daryl Issa's seat based on the recent gerrymandering, he's claimed residence in San Diego's University Heights, Chula Vista, and now East San Diego County, with every time he's run for office (and lost), while his shack-up girlfriend, Qualcomm heiress and San Diego Rep. Sara Jacobs, who has lived in La Jolla all her life, suddenly lives in downtown San Diego (with Ammar), yet claims to represent middle San Diego around the University of San Diego area, though of course, one supposes she has the means to own as many residences as she likes. Why she doesn't buy old Sponge-Ammar a mobile trailer so he can claim residence in every place he runs for office is something of a mystery.

Meanwhile, in San Diego's city government, at least two pols have been accused of fleeing the state for Tijuana, Mexico, residing there while ruling here.

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As I said, nobody wants to live in the state the Democrats built.

The California Post paid a visit to the modest Mitchell Court home in Livermore, which Swalwell says is his primary residence since 2017, and neighbor after neighbor told them they'd never seen him.

Five people who live on the quiet Livermore cul-de-sac where Swalwell claims to have lived since 2017 told The California Post on Wednesday that they have never met the congressman.

So not once has the glad-handing pol stepped out either say 'hi' to the locals on this tiny street, let alone been seen emptying the garbage out on trash day. Can he prove his residence with a trash bill? Inquiring California voters want to know.

Not that Swalwell hasn't tried to make voters think he lives here:

Eric Swalwell posted videos of himself last October, when he was in his home district during the government shutdown.



From the interior and view from the window, the location is identifiable as the Rose Hotel in Pleasanton, not far from his supposed residence in Livermore. pic.twitter.com/ragfG8Vz8u  Laura Powell (@LauraPowellEsq) March 12, 2026

There's some pretty significant question as to whether he stays in that place at all, given that it's far from the major urban parts of the Bay Area -- there's evidence he actually stays in hotels :

I spoke with Rep. Eric Swalwells neighbors, who were all nice and helpful.



None of them could pick him out of a lineup when shown his picture.



Ive never seen that man around.



Campaign records show Swalwell frequently stays at hotels in and around his district. https://t.co/tGmtJcHSPH pic.twitter.com/Tz56fblENX  Josh Koehn (@Josh_Koehn) March 12, 2026

You've heard of ghost daycares? This sounds like a ghost Democrat.

But it doesn't matter. Weber's office claims the law requiring residence in the state in order to rule it is "unconstitutional and unenforceable," which certainly makes things convenient for her office to sit on its hands and do nothing.

But why should it bother her? She's already got illegals voting and harvesting ballots in the elections -- which are actual foreign nationals deciding California's elections. Why should it matter to her if the people being elected aren't residents? She doesn't concern herself with citizenship requirements; that someone doesn't live here and intends to rule as an absentee politician seems pretty small in comparison. But it certainly makes for some strange, hollowed-out politics: a state whose voters are foreign and whose elected leaders don't live there. It's like the Twilight Zone.

Image: X video screenshot.
On February 22, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom told Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens that he scored a 960 on his SAT and struggles to read  apparently as a gesture of solidarity. Nicki Minajs summary was blunt: His way of connecting with black people is to tell them how foolish he is. George W. Bush had a more precise diagnosis for this phenomenon: the soft bigotry of low expectations.

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Bush coined the phrase in 2000 to critique educational systems that had decided, with considerable compassion, that certain children could not be expected to meet rigorous standards. The condescension was sincere. That was the problem. Aristotle would have recognized it: Genuine respect cannot coexist with pity. To lower the bar is not to help someone reach it. It is to tell him, politely, that reaching it was never an option.

Joe Biden demonstrated the principle in 2007 when he described Barack Obama as the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean  inadvertently cataloguing his assumptions about every black leader who preceded Obama. The intent was complimentary. The implication was not. Twenty-five years later, the same dynamic has been formalized into policy and celebrated as equity.

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The human cost is measured in individual lives. Aleysha Ortiz graduated with honors from Hartford Public High School in 2024 and enrolled at UConn on a scholarship. She cannot read or write. Her Individual Education Plan accommodated her deficits rather than addressing them. By graduation day, she tested at a kindergarten reading level. She is now suing the school board. Her honors diploma was a prop built from lowered expectations, and no one who signed off on it intended any harm. That is the point.

The consequences do not stop at the schoolhouse door. A 2026 Fortune investigation reported medical school professors sounding the alarm about Gen Z students  products of the same social promotion pipeline  who struggle to read complex clinical texts. Approximately 25 percent of young American adults read below a proficient level, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. When that cohort enters medicine, soft bigotry stops being a political argument. It becomes a patient safety crisis. We want the most qualified physicians in that exam room  not the most diverse graduating class from a system that never held anyone accountable for learning to read.

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At the legal level, the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions in SFFA v. Harvard (2023). Justice Thomas observed that labeling any group as requiring special assistance is constitutionally indistinguishable from labeling them inferior. Shannon Phillips won $25 million after DIE personnel decisions cost her a Starbucks management position. The Eleventh Circuit blocked a grant program that excluded white maleowned businesses. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled for majority-group plaintiffs in Ames v. Ohio (2025). These are predictable consequences of institutionalizing condescension, not aberrations.

The remedy is clear: restore educational standards, end social promotion, expand school choice, and abandon preferences that signal to their intended beneficiaries that they needed the help. Most fundamentally, extend to every American the highest form of respect available  the expectation that they are capable of excellence.

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The standard is not the enemy of the student. The standard is the point. And until our institutions remember that, the kindness that kills will go right on killing.
Kyiv is reveling in the superpower it bought with other nations money. It appears to be trying to make threats and abuse the norm when dealing with European and American leaders. Ukrainian leadership has seemingly forgotten that its existence and ability to continue fighting depend on substantial financial, military, and political support from the United States and Europe.

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Impunity breeds Lawlessness

Inspired by continued support from Brussels and a few European capitals, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided to use intimidation tactics at the highest levels of policy and diplomacy. Public statements from Kyiv and its armed forces now include explicit threats aimed at a bosom opponent: Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his family.

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The latest flashpoint occurred when former Ukrainian intelligence chief Hryhoriy Omelchenko announced that his organization knows Orbans home address, daily schedule, and personal habits, as well as where his children live. Omelchenko urged Orban to think about his kids and grandchildren, warning that karma wont let him off the hook.

Several senior figures in the European Union, along with other European officials, have denounced the episode as a disgusting political stunt. The situation is especially alarming because Orban is currently on the ballot for reelection and enjoys the endorsement of President Donald Trump and his administration. Yet Kyivs actions also seem aimed at testing the limits of U.S. tolerance. With no immediate, forceful rebuke, it appears that the capital is using intimidation as a tool to pressure Washington. As history shows, impunity breeds lawlessness.

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Using Abuse as a Lever of Political Pressure

Just over a year ago, on March 1-2, 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance faced aggression from recently arrived Ukrainian expats and their activist supporters while on a family trip to Vermont. The protest was sparked by political disagreements and Kyivs refusal to consider viewpoints aligned with former President Trump and his allies.

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Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators disrupted the Vances vacation, allegedly frightening the vice presidents children. Their tactics, reminiscent of the confrontations that erupted during Ukraines 2014 Maidan protests, raised suspicions that many participants were recent arrivals on visitor visas or even undocumented residents. Such a stunt would never have been attempted by genuine UkrainianAmericans, who are aware of the diplomatic stakes, according to observers.

The incident marked a crossing of the red line. Many protesters concealed their faces to avoid police scrutiny. There was little accountability for the episode, which effectively gave Kyivs leadership a green light to pursue ever more aggressive posturing. Since then, Ukrainian delegations at European and international forums have routinely unleashed harsh rhetoric against dissenting politicians.

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These outbursts were often dismissed as emotional or over-the-top, and received no substantive political response. Kyiv interpreted that softness as permission to keep testing the boundaries of what is acceptable.

Ukraine Becomes a Divider

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During the 2024 U.S. election cycle, the Ukrainian issue was weaponized, splitting American society into pro and anti camps. Amid the struggle for influence over Kyivs fate, many observers have overlooked President Zelenskyys long-standing, deep-rooted ties to the Democrat party. He previously helped Democrats in their battles against Trump.

Equally important, Democrat candidatesincluding vice presidential candidate Kamala Harrissought votes from Ukrainian-American constituents, aggressively courting that bloc. Those who opposed this strategy risked public vilification, online hate campaigns, and even threats or physical retaliation.

Unnoticed by most, Ukraine has morphed into a tool for sowing divisionnot only between nations, but also within them. Kyivs leadership has learned to exploit these divisions for its own benefit, demanding ever-greater aid, insulting dissenters, and threatening officials and their families when they push back.

Just a Bully?

A democratic, civilized Ukraine would benefit everyone. The country belongs to the European family of nations and, in theory, has all the prerequisites to become one of the continents most economically vibrant and politically influential states.

In practice, however, Kyivs current leadership has chosen a dangerous path. Requests for assistance have replaced expressions of gratitude, and accusations crowd out genuine dialogue. Threats are surfacing where compromise might once have been possible.

Ukraine remains, in effect, a bankrupt statea black hole that absorbs billions in U.S. and European tax dollars, yet its officials show little to no appreciation or respect for the generosity they receive.

If Kyiv continues to ignore the limits of its newfound superpower, it risks transforming from a modern Prometheus into a Frankenstein monster, ready to threaten and even eliminate the very allies who have kept it on the map.

Image created using AI.
Across the country, Americans have watched countless hearings, investigations, and press conferences over the past several years. Lawmakers have promised transparency. Witnesses have testified. Documents have been released. Allegations have been discussed in great detail.

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Yet for many citizens watching from the outside, one question keeps coming up: If theres so much evidence being discussed, why havent there been more arrests?

Its a question that reflects growing frustration with the pace of major investigations involving powerful individuals, government agencies, and high-profile cases.

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For people following these stories, it can feel like the process never moves beyond hearings and headlines.

But the reality is that investigations and criminal prosecutions operate under a very different set of rules than congressional hearings or public discussions.

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Hearings vs. Criminal Investigations

Congressional hearings are often designed to gather information, raise public awareness, and examine policy issues. Lawmakers question witnesses, review documents, and discuss possible wrongdoing.

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But hearings themselves do not automatically lead to criminal charges.

Criminal prosecutions require prosecutors to prove that a specific law was broken and that there is enough evidence to convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a much higher standard than simply presenting allegations during a hearing.

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The Role of Prosecutors

Even when investigators uncover troubling information, prosecutors must determine whether they have enough evidence to bring a case that can survive in court. That decision involves reviewing witness testimony, physical evidence, financial records, and other materials that must meet strict legal standards. If prosecutors believe a case is weak or incomplete, they may decide not to pursue charges -- even if the allegations are serious.

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Legal and Political Complications

High-profile cases often come with additional complications. Investigations involving powerful figures can take years because of legal challenges, jurisdictional questions, and complex evidence that may cross state or international boundaries.

Defense attorneys also play a role in challenging evidence, filing motions, and protecting the rights of their clients. These legal battles can slow down cases significantly.

Public Frustration

For the public, the difference between hearings and prosecutions can sometimes be confusing. When people hear lawmakers say they have discovered shocking evidence, many assume arrests will follow quickly. When that doesnt happen, frustration builds and questions about accountability grow louder.

Bottom Line

Investigations and criminal prosecutions often move much slower than the public expects. Hearings can expose concerns and generate headlines, but turning allegations into criminal cases requires a very different legal process.

Americans are not simply watching hearings for political theater. They are watching because they want to see whether the justice system ultimately holds powerful individuals accountable when evidence of wrongdoing exists. Until that question is answered clearly, public confidence in government institutions will continue to erode and the demand for accountability will only grow louder.

Image: Library of Congress/Caroline Highsmith Collection
Bioretec Ltd | Company announcement | 13 March 2026 at 5:15 p.m.

TAMPERE, Finland, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bioretec Ltd has today published its 2025 Financial Statements and Annual Report. The publications are attached to this release and also available in Finnish and English on the company's website at investors.bioretec.com/en/reports_and_presentations.

For additional information:

Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher, CEO

+31 6 1544 8736

[email protected]

Tuukka Paavola, CFO

+358 50 386 0013

[email protected]

Certified Adviser

Nordic Certified Adviser AB, +46 70 551 67 29

Information about Bioretec

Bioretec is a globally operating Finnish medical device pioneer at the forefront of transforming orthopedic care with fully biodegradable implant technologies. The company has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The products developed and manufactured by Bioretec are used worldwide in approximately 40 countries.

The company's latest innovation, the RemeOs product line, is based on a high-performance magnesium alloy and hybrid composite, introducing a new generation of strong absorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The RemeOs implants are absorbed and replaced by bone, which eliminates the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing. The first RemeOs product market authorization was received in the U.S. in March 2023, and in Europe, the CE mark approval was received in January 2025.

Bioretec's Activa product line features fully bioabsorbable orthopedic implants made from a proprietary, self-reinforced PLGA both CE marked and FDA cleared for a wide range of indications in adult and pediatric patients.

Bioretec is shaping the future of orthopedic treatment with a focus on healing through absorption, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly solutions.

To learn more about Bioretec, visit www.bioretec.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/bioretec/r/bioretec-ltd-s-financial-statements-and-annual-report-2025-published,c4321243

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/20509/4321243/3982609.pdf Bioretec ENG Financial Statements 2025 https://mb.cision.com/Public/20509/4321243/bbb2c0638dfa5aac.pdf Bioretec Annual Report 2025

SOURCE Bioretec
A famous axiom notes the first casualty of war is the truth. With our America and Trump-hating media, that has never been more accurate. One would think our media would know better.

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They had the example of Baghdad Bobs ridiculously false assertions of the Iraqi Armys defeat of America. Theyve had decades of Islamist propaganda claims, most recently following October 7 and Hamas continual, equally insanely false claims that everyone killed by Israel and US Forces was either a child, a woman or some other innocent. When those deaths were invariably exposed as outright inventions or caused by faulty Hamas rockets or other munitions, a tiny portion of the hundreds of thousands of projectiles aimed at Israeli citizens, our media ignored the truth or issued corrections so buried in the rest of the news as to be invisible.

No two nations in history have gone to such lengths to avoid civilian casualties as America and Israel. No enemies have gone to such lengths to hide behind women, children, hospitals and schools as our Islamist foes. These facts are well known and incontrovertible. Yet our mediamuch of the worlds mediais more than willing to parrot the lies of the enemies of western civilization. It goes beyond Trump Derangement Syndrome and approaches a sort of civilizational death wish.

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It appears that during the first day of the war on the Iranian jihadist regime, a munition of some kind struck an elementary school near an Iranian naval base. It will be no surprise to learn The New York Times is accepting Iranian propaganda at face value:

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Graphic: U.S. Central Command, Public Domain

The Times goes to great lengths to try to blame the school bombing on the U.S. military. Headline: U.S. Tomahawk Hit Naval Base Beside Iranian School, Video Shows. Thats odd: not that the Tomahawk hit the school, but rather that it hit a nearby military target. So what? The subhed is an outright lie by the Times: The evidence contradicts President Trumps claim that Iran was responsible for a strike at the school that killed 175 people, most of them children. Advertisement The Times story is based on two sources, Iranian state media and a research collective called Bellingcat. It involves painstaking reconstruction of a video that shows a Tomahawk missile hitting its target.

So, what does the video show? Apparently, a Tomahawk hitting a medical clinic accompanied by screams of onlookers. Odd that a camera would have been rolling at that particular place and moment and record those screams. But wait: Bellingcats video is a reconstruction. Ah.

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After the Tomahawk hits, the video pans toward the school, which appears to be outside the blast radius, to show the building damaged with rising dust and smoke. In other words, the building was hit before the Tomahawk arrived. It didnt hit the school.

The British media was more than happy to spread the lie:

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The story was picked up by the London Times, which did exactly the same thing: the headline says Tomahawk video adds to evidence US hit Iranian girls school, but the story demonstrates the opposite: Video footage appears to confirm that an American Tomahawk missile hit an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) facility near an elementary school in Minab, Iran. The footage adds to mounting evidence pointing to the United States being responsible for the airstrike on a girls school that killed 175 people, most of them young girls.

What, no cuddly, fluffy kittens and puppies or baby ducks? Oh, thats right: Islamists arent fond of dogs.

This is the same regime that recently produced a video of a Soyuz missile striking and destroying an American battleship. Unfortunately, the Soyuz is a Soviet, not Iranian, astronaut delivery vehicle, not a military missile, and the US has no battleships other than a few decommissioned WWII ships docked as museums. The battleship depicted was the WWII Japanese battleship Yamato, which America sunk in 1945. All of that somehow escaped the notice of the media.

How is it the American media knows and reportsmore or lessthe Tomahawk hit the naval base, not the school, yet decides to blame America for hitting the school with what, exactly? Tomahawks dont have multiple, independently targeted warheads. How is it foreign news outlets have an equal lack of knowledge and curiosity?

Graphic: Social Media Post

Whats most likely is a faulty Iranian missile hit the school. Its not outside the realm of possibility that the regime blew up the school on purpose. Its well-established theyve tortured and murdered hundreds of thousands of their own people, including children, in the pursuit of their revolution. That would be at least worthy of minimal consideration, yet our media continues to willingly parrot Iranian propaganda.

Sadly, collateral damage is an unavoidable part of warfare. This is particularly true when an enemy purposely hides behind women, children, schools and hospitals.

Americans really cant sufficiently distrust and hate the media.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Investing in the Next Generation of Surgical Talent

BOCA RATON, Fla., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. David Pincus, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Pincus Plastic Surgery, has announced the launch of a $1,000 academic scholarship designed to support students pursuing careers in plastic surgery. The Dr. David Pincus Scholarship aims to recognize dedication, academic achievement, and a commitment to advancing the field through integrity, skill, and patient-centered care.

Pincus Plastic Surgery

Through this initiative, Dr. Pincus seeks to encourage aspiring plastic surgeons who demonstrate both clinical promise and a strong ethical foundation. The scholarship reflects his belief that the future of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery depends on thoughtful education, responsible innovation, and mentorship.

A Commitment to Education and Professional Growth

Dr. Pincus built his career on precision, safety, and natural-looking outcomes. He believes those same principles must guide the training of future surgeons. By establishing this scholarship, he hopes to ease financial pressures that often accompany medical education while also reinforcing the importance of academic excellence.

Medical training demands years of study, discipline, and sacrifice. Many students balance coursework, clinical rotations, research responsibilities, and financial challenges. The Dr. David Pincus Scholarship recognizes these demands and offers meaningful support to a student who shows dedication to both technical mastery and compassionate care.

Dr. Pincus has long prioritized education within his practice. He emphasizes clear communication with patients and encourages informed decision-making. Extending that commitment to students represents a natural progression of his professional values.

Encouraging Ethical and Patient-Centered Practice

Plastic surgery combines science, artistry, and responsibility. Dr. Pincus believes future leaders in the field must develop not only surgical skill but also ethical judgment and empathy. The scholarship seeks applicants who demonstrate an understanding of these broader responsibilities.

In announcing the award, Dr. Pincus shared that patient trust forms the foundation of every successful surgical relationship. He encourages students to approach plastic surgery as a long-term commitment to safety, proportion, and structural integrity rather than short-term trends. By supporting a student who shares this mindset, the scholarship reinforces standards that elevate the profession.

Scholarship Eligibility and Application Criteria

The Dr. David Pincus Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in accredited medical programs who intend to pursue plastic surgery or a closely related specialty. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a clear interest in advancing the field.

Candidates will submit an application that includes academic records and a written statement outlining their goals within plastic surgery. The essay component allows applicants to describe how they plan to contribute to patient care, research, or surgical innovation. Dr. Pincus will evaluate submissions based on clarity of purpose, depth of understanding, and commitment to ethical practice.

The scholarship award of $1,000 will be granted to one selected student, with the intention of supporting tuition, educational materials, or related academic expenses.

Strengthening the Field Through Mentorship

Dr. Pincus recognizes that financial support represents only one part of professional development. Mentorship and guidance play equally important roles in shaping successful surgeons. Throughout his career, Dr. Pincus has benefited from mentors who emphasized discipline, humility, and precision.

By launching this scholarship, he hopes to inspire a culture of mentorship among future recipients. Students who receive recognition early in their training often carry that encouragement forward, supporting others as they advance in their careers. This cycle of mentorship strengthens the profession and promotes higher standards of care.

The Growing Importance of Skilled Plastic Surgeons

Demand for both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures continues to evolve. Advances in surgical techniques, non-surgical treatments, and technology require physicians who can adapt while maintaining a strong ethical compass. Dr. Pincus believes that the next generation must balance innovation with responsibility.

The scholarship underscores the importance of comprehensive training. Plastic surgeons must understand anatomy, wound healing, aesthetics, and patient psychology. By supporting students who demonstrate this broad perspective, Dr. Pincus reinforces the importance of well-rounded education.

Building Confidence Through Education

At Pincus Plastic Surgery, Dr. Pincus focuses on enhancing confidence while preserving individuality. He approaches every procedure with careful planning and clear communication. The scholarship extends this philosophy beyond the clinic by encouraging students to view education as the foundation of confident practice.

Future surgeons who invest in their training and approach each patient with integrity contribute to a stronger, more trusted profession. Dr. Pincus hopes this scholarship serves as a reminder that excellence begins with preparation and accountability.

Long-Term Vision for the Scholarship

Although the initial award amount is $1,000, Dr. Pincus views the scholarship as part of a broader commitment to supporting medical education. He intends for the initiative to grow and potentially expand in scope over time. By establishing the Dr. David Pincus Scholarship, he lays the groundwork for sustained involvement in academic development.

He encourages qualified students to apply and to approach the opportunity with sincerity and ambition. The goal is not only to provide financial support but also to highlight the values that define strong surgical leadership.

Upholding Standards in an Evolving Industry

Plastic surgery continues to gain visibility across social media and public platforms. While increased awareness can educate patients, it can also create unrealistic expectations. Dr. Pincus believes that strong training and ethical leadership are essential to maintaining professional credibility.

By investing in students committed to responsible practice, he contributes to the long-term stability of the field. The scholarship reflects his dedication to standards that prioritize patient safety, structural integrity, and balanced aesthetic judgment.

A Message to Aspiring Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Pincus encourages students considering plastic surgery to pursue excellence with patience and discipline. He emphasizes that mastery develops over time through study, mentorship, and experience. The Dr. David Pincus Scholarship recognizes one student who embodies these qualities and demonstrates readiness to contribute meaningfully to the profession.

Through this initiative, Dr. David Pincus reinforces his belief that the future of plastic surgery depends on education, ethics, and thoughtful leadership. By supporting emerging talent, he continues to strengthen the foundation of a field built on trust, precision, and dedication.

For more information, please feel free to visit https://www.pincusplasticsurgery.com/

Contact:

NEW YORK OFFICE

50 Route 111, Suite 300

Smithtown, NY 11787

Phone (631) 352-3556

FLORIDA OFFICE

875 Meadows Road #313

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Phone (561) 362-9700

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2931817/Pincus_Plastic_Surgery.jpg

SOURCE Pincus Plastic Surgery
The first known photograph showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein together has emerged.

The image, first uncovered by ITV News, shows Andrew and Mandelson sitting in white bathrobes with the late convicted paedophile.

(US Department of Justice)

The image, which was released as part of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, shows the men sitting around a wooden table on some decking, drinking out of mugs featuring the US flag.

Although no time or location is given for the photograph, it is understood to have been taken in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts in the late 1990s or early 2000s, before Epstein was imprisoned in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The picture appears similar to one included in the Epstein "birthday book", released last year, which appeared to show Mandelson in a bathrobe talking to Epstein.

In that book, Mandelson is alleged to have written a letter to the disgraced financier in which he describes him as his "best pal".

Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 (US Department of Justice/PA) (PA Media)

Further evidence regarding Epsteins relationships with Mandelson and Andrew continues to come to light following the release of over three million documents by the US Department of Justice on January 30.

Both Mandelson and Andrew have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their connections to Epstein in the past month, with both since being released under investigation.

Mandelson was sacked as British ambassador to the USA in September, and was questioned by police on February 23.

Lord Peter Mandelson was sacked as US ambassador over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

On Wednesday, the Government published its first set of documents relating to Mandelsons appointment to one of the most sought-after diplomatic posts.

The Mandelson Files release piled new pressure on Sir Keir Starmer amid accusations of a cover up.

The Government has faced claims of not being fully transparent given the lack of any replies, from the Prime Minister, to the advice he received on the peers appointment.

The Tories have written to the PMs independent ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus suggesting there was missing correspondence in the published material.

The 31 files released also did not include correspondence between No10 and Mandelson, in which a number of follow-up questions were asked about his relationship with Epstein.

But energy minister Michael Shanks denied there had been a cover-up.

Unfortunately, there are elements of those documents that currently, because of the Metropolitan Police investigation, not everything has been published, but it will be, he told Sky News.

The Prime Ministers judgement is in the spotlight over his decision to give Mandelson the envoy job after the documents revealed he pushed ahead with the appointment despite concerns being raised by senior figures in Whitehall about the Labour peers relationship with Epstein.

A host of red flags over Mandelson taking the job were raised in a due diligence report.

The files also show that the peer initially asked for a pay-out of nearly 550,000 after being sacked before agreement was reached on 75,000.

Mandelson has previously denied any wrongdoing over his relationship with Epstein, and has apologised to the financier's victims.

Andrew lost his royal and military titles over his links to the paedophile in October 2025.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to Jeffrey Epstein (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

His name appeared several hundred times in the DoJ document release, and he was arrested and released under investigation on February 19.

The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
(Bara )

At first glance, Bara on Peckham High Street looks just like any other cafe. Yes, theres the tastefully white-washed interior, the plain wooden tables, the beanie-wearing men in Carhartt jackets who come to patronise this latest upmarket establishment.

But one look at the menu and it soon becomes clear that this is something a little special. Anybody fancy a Coaltown coffi, brewed with Welsh beans? Or a Swansea Brecwast  of cockles, laverbread, leeks, bacon and egg on focaccia?

For the true believers, more exciting stuff lurks further down, such as Baras take on a Welsh rarebit, made with Car-y-Mor crab and Caerphilly cheese, or Welsh brew from Tiny Rebel, the beer often swigged, lukewarm, from plastic cups outside the Principality Stadium on match days.

Then, of course, theres the dish the cafe is named for: bara brith, or fruit cake, served in thick slabs with a mountain of butter to go alongside, just as it should be.

(Michael Hani)

Bara is at the forefront of a new kind of eating in the capital: food championing produce and dishes that come from the UKs wonderfully diverse corners.

Founded by friends Cissy Dalladay and Zoe Heimann, and using recipes based on Dalladays grandmothers 1950s cookbook of Welsh recipes, Bara seems like a surefire hit for Peckhams locals  and people willing to make the trek south.

But it hasnt always been this way. Even a few years ago, the idea of there being a Welsh cuisine seemed laughable. But clearly, thats not the case anymore.

I don't think we're very good as a nation of promoting our food, says Ross Clarke, a journalist and food blogger who runs Welsh food-focussed site The Welsh Kitchen.

I think it's definitely got better, and Welsh chefs have probably pushed it quite a lot in the London space. So Tomos Parry at Brat  there are definitely some Welsh elements there. And Sian Wyn Owen at the River Cafe. But I still think that there's a way to go.

A new generation of chefs seem increasingly willing to innovate and tap into Wales larder of fresh produce: seafood, greens from the mountains, and food from the warmer Pembrokeshire coast, where much of its vegetables are grown.

That seems to be paying off. Speaking to Cissy and Zoe, I think they've been quite overwhelmed by the support but also the people coming in, Clarke says.

Obviously it's a lot of Welsh people, unsurprisingly. But it's loads of other people too. I mean the fact it's also in Peckham I think helps. Peckham's very cool.

But Clarke also cites the example of opening night, in which food writers who werent Welsh were introduced to the Swansea Brecwast: they were raving about it.

I definitely think that people are seeking stuff out more. We see it across the restaurant scene, with things like Basque or Catalan cuisine, you know, not just Spanish cuisine: much more regional concepts of other countries as well. People are looking much more for those specialist restaurants that either do one thing really well or they are more niche, focussing on regional or even a particular city. And why shouldn't Welsh food be part of that?

Its not just Wales, of course. Recent years have seen Scottish establishment The Shoap open its doors in Angel, serving modern takes on good old Scottish dishes such as the morning roll (often consumed for breakfast north of the border), pies and a rotating selection of baked goods.

Then theres Emerald Eats, the cult Irish food stall in London Fields serving modern twists on Irish classics  notably the chicken fillet roll, a staple in Irish delis across the Irish Sea  which is a favourite amongst expats.

(Jessica Jeavons)

When we first opened the doors, I'd say the first six months was 80 per cent Scottish people and as the years have gone on and the brand has grown, this Scottish demographic is probably only maybe half of who we sell to, The Shoaps founder Gregg Boyd says.

As he puts it, he founded the deli because he missed the taste of home after living in London for a decade and was surprised that you couldn't get it.

You could go and find Eritrean food and Mexican food and Spanish food. So I found it quite surprising that werent any Scottish options or regional options in general. Even English food is quite hard to get. I knew there wasn't anyone doing it.

These days, locals and tourists alike head there  which is doing so well, its planning to expand into a series of late-night restaurant events. For Boyd, part of its success is also down to our increasing desire to eat locally-sourced food, which The Shoap goes to great lengths to procure from Scotland.

Lockdown was actually a good thing for people discovering what we had in the UK, he says.

It's led to this gradual growth [of interest] in regional foods and people still care about the gorgeous quality of where food is from. They might not want to go for a tasting menu. But a cafe can still showcase that produce with that level of dining.

With The Shoap and Bara leading the charge, expect to see more popping up in future.
BBC World Service being supplanted by Russia and China because of funding cuts and poor management, warn MPs

The BBC World Service is in danger of being supplanted by Russian and Chinese propaganda outlets on the global stage because of funding cuts and poor management, a parliamentary committee has warned.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a scathing report into the state of the World Service, warning that Britains soft power on the international stage is being put at risk over poor decision making.

While the service, which is funded jointly by the BBC licence fee and the Foreign Office (FCDO), provided in 43 languages across the world has an average weekly audience of 313 million, MPs on the committee said there is a serious risk of it losing ground to its rivals, in part because of increased spending on international media by states such as Russia and China.

The two countries invested a combined total of about 6 billion to 8 billion a year in global media operations, at a time when the World Service has experienced spending cuts.

The BBC has been criticised over the state of the World Service (James Manning/PA) (PA Archive)

The committee also highlighted that trust scores have also "increased markedly" for Russian and Chinese state broadcasters in recent years, while the BBC's ratings have remained stable.

The World Service's total budget fell by 21 per cent in real terms between 2021 and 2026, mainly driven by reductions in contributions from the licence fee.

The report comes as the BBC prepares to negotiate the renewal of its charter with the government, with the size of the licence fee up for discussion. The last charter renewal in 2012 saw the BBC agree to pay for the World Service.

MPs said they were "deeply troubled" to learn that the BBC has not been told how much the government will provide in funding for the World Service in the coming year.

The corporation could also not provide the committee with "a single, transparent suite of value for money measures across the service's TV, radio and digital offerings".

The report added weaknesses in BBC governance had "led to poorly evidenced decisions and unclear lines of responsibility within the organisation".

The corporation's management of the World Service's digital upgrade was found to have had weaknesses that contributed to a fall in overall digital audiences of 11% since 2021.

MPs also raised concerns about the BBC's failure to "clearly document its rationale for key decisions made as part of savings programmes", alongside a lack of metrics to effectively track performance and impact on its audiences.

The BBC announced plans to establish a new international governance model in February 2025, but only one of six regional directors were permanently in post by January this year.

The PAC also concluded the government must work to improve conditions for World Service journalists working in dangerous environments, including where staff and their families are at risk of imprisonment.

PAC chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: "The government must be clear-eyed about the realities of a diminishing audience for the BBC World Service.

"As it cuts back, it risks opening the door to propaganda from hostile states such as Russia filling the void it leaves behind, who are spending billions of pounds in this field.

"At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and declining media freedom the UK cannot afford to lose such a crucial soft power instrument."

Sir Geoffrey described the World Service's productions and educational content as "amazing and a jewel in the crown of the UK's soft power effort around the world".

But he warned its prominence is "being diminished by poor governance and short-sighted funding decisions".

The Tory committee chairman added: "My committee is urging the government and the BBC to set out a clear direction of travel for the World Service to ensure that its audience is not left behind."

Sir Geoffrey warned that the government and the BBC should examine how the influence of the World Service can be bolstered, "rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year".

"And importantly, journalists working in increasingly dangerous environments deserve more than just our praise, the UK Government must do all it can to improve the conditions they are working in and to protect and restore media freedoms globally," he added.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We welcome the PAC's report which recognises the importance of the BBC World Service as the most trusted international news provider globally, and the need for secure, long-term funding. This is why we are calling for the Government to take back full funding of the World Service as part of the BBC Charter Review.

"We are making changes to strengthen how we demonstrate value for money and to improve governance and documentation.

"We thank the committee for their praise of our staff working in difficult and dangerous conditions and will respond to them more fully in line with their recommendations."

FCDO Minister, Chris Elmore MP said: "The work the World Service does as an independent and trusted broadcaster, showcasing the UK, our culture, and our values around the globe, is highly valued by this government.

Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years for the World Service will be decided through the FCDO allocations process.

The FCDO's final World Service overall allocations will be made before the beginning of the 2026/27 financial year.
Smart system powers plateau farming in Lhasa, SW China's Xizang

People's Daily Online) 09:25, March 13, 2026

Photo shows a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

At a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, an intelligent management system serves as the "smart brain" of plateau farming.

By precisely regulating greenhouse lighting, temperature, and water and nutrient delivery, the system enables crops such as strawberries and cherry tomatoes to thrive in what would otherwise be a harsh environment. The park's aquaponics system, operating under intelligent management, has achieved what once seemed impossible at this altitude  fish are raised without water changes, and vegetables grow without chemical fertilizers  cutting water consumption by as much as 90 percent and pointing to a greener and more efficient future for local agriculture.

The shift from traditional farming to smart management has delivered tangible results: 38 varieties of specialty fruits and vegetables have been successfully cultivated at the park. More significantly, through a model linking the park, enterprises, and farmers, smart agriculture has become a powerful engine for rural revitalization, helping more than 4,700 villagers secure jobs closer to home and increase their incomes.

A technician adjusts an intelligent control system inside a greenhouse at a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

Photo shows strawberries grown using a vertical hanging cultivation method at a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

Photo shows a hydroponic greenhouse at a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

Growers check on the growth of melon plants at a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

Photo shows melons inside a greenhouse at a modern agricultural demonstration park in Maizhokunggar county, Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuren)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
HANGZHOU, China, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past decades, the evolution of sun protection has been closely tied to humanity's fight against skin photoaging. Despite the widespread awareness of sun protection, market feedback reveals a harsh reality: "suboptimal suncare experiences" remain a core pain point for consumers in both Asian and Western markets. This structural contradiction becomes particularly acute in extreme environments and high-intensity social scenarios:

The "Protection Gap" Phenomenon: Many products boast impressive laboratory data but fail in real-world conditions of high heat and perspiration. The physical fracturing of the protective film creates invisible "blind spots," leading to sunburn, tanning, and aging despite diligent application. Anxiety Over Skin Irritation: High concentrations of chemical UV filters are often accompanied by skin irritation, especially for those with compromised barriers. Most high-protection sunscreens inadvertently cause damage to the skin's defensive layer. The Conflict Between Protection and Sensory Experience: To achieve SPF 50+, formulas are often forced to include large amounts of oily film-formers, resulting in a "suffocating" sensation. Consumers often need to layer sunscreen, primer, and foundation, which leads to a heavy, greasy feel and increased risks of clogged pores and breakouts.

Addressing these industry pain points, BABI (Hangzhou Blue Pool Technology Co., Ltd.), a science-led Chinese beauty brand, has introduced a systemic solution: the BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream 2.0. Based on invention patent ZL202411751091.2, this product fundamentally reconstructs the logic of photoprotection across two dimensions: cell biology and formulation architecture.

I. Paradigm Shift: Deep Compatibility Between High Protection and Sensitive Skin Friendliness

To resolve the conflict between "high efficiency" and "skin irritation," the BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream first achieves a breakthrough in protective power. Leveraging patented technology, the product utilizes 7 chemical filters combined with physical shielding to achieve full-spectrum protection (280-400 nm). Independent testing confirms an SPF of 65 and PFA of 16. Even after a rigorous 80-minute water resistance simulation, the SPF remains stable at 36, demonstrating long-lasting protection against sweat and friction.

In addition to high protection, BABI extends its scope to the real-time neuro-sensory feedback of skin following thermal damage. The BABI Laboratory integrated the scientific breakthrough of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: the TRPV1 channel. Widely distributed in nerve endings, this channel mediates inflammatory responses triggered by heat and UV rays. BABI innovatively introduced Kava (Piper methysticum) Extract, a clinically proven TRPV1 antagonist that acts rapidly on nerve endings to inhibit overactivation at the source. This means BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream creates not just a physical barrier, but a "sensory blocker" at the cellular level to alleviate burning and stinging instantly.

With a commitment to sensitive skin, the formula adheres to a "Zero-Additives" philosophy, rejecting multiple common allergens. This "post-procedure grade" soothing logic fundamentally transforms the rigid "protection-only" approach of traditional sunscreens.

II. Sensory Revolution: "Breathable" Defense via 5-Second Application and Dual-Membrane Matrix

BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream reshapes the user experience to combat the "heavy layering" that consumers despise.

5-Second Effortless Application: The formula features a patented Sensory Improver that significantly enhances spreadability. It achieves a "5-second application" that is lightweight and natural, concealing imperfections without the stickiness of traditional heavy makeup. The Dual-Membrane Matrix Solution: Based on patent ZL202411751091.2, BABI utilizes a multi-step emulsification process to build a Dual-Membrane Matrix system: Oil Phase (PBSA Dense Barrier): Ensures high-level protection with no gaps.

Ensures high-level protection with no gaps. Water Phase (Moisture-Locking Membrane): Utilizes porous microspheres to absorb excess oil, achieving a perfect balance between protection and breathability. This ensures 24-hour color integrity and prevents makeup from oxidizing or darkening.

III. Functional Minimalism: Pharmacological-Grade Dual Certifications and "Four-in-One" Consumption

Unlike single-function products, BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream holds dual "Special Use" certifications for "Whitening/Spot-Fading" and "Sun Protection."

Through the synergistic system of patent ZL202411751091.2, the product achieves vertical functional integration. For whitening, it combines 2% High-Purity Niacinamide, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (VC derivative), and Morus Alba Root Extract. Supported by the "Dual-Membrane" delivery technology, these actives bypass the skin barrier to act deeply on melanocytes. Clinical data shows that melanin levels decreased by 23.95% and skin transparency improved by 11.68% after 28 days of use, creating a comprehensive protection-and-repair mechanism.

BABI's "Simple & Outstanding" philosophy is essentially "reductionist engineering" for modern women's complex routines. One bottle serves as a Tone-up Cream + Sunscreen + Whitening Essence + Makeup Primer.

IV. Brand Evolution Driven by Core Technology

Founded in 2021, BABI represents the shift of Chinese beauty brands from "marketing-driven" to "hard-core technology-driven." By translating cutting-edge research like TRPV1 into tangible products and deepening its expertise in patented processes, BABI matches the technical benchmarks of international Tier-1 brands. By innovatively integrating sun protection with base makeup, BABI effectively resolves the long-standing dilemmas that have plagued consumers, ensuring that high-performance sun protection and a superior skin feel are no longer a trade-off. Furthermore, it simultaneously addresses the demands for whitening and safety while simplifying the skincare and makeup routine, making beauty truly effortless.

The launch of the BABI Repairing & Tinted Whitening Sunscreen Cream marks the establishment of a high technical barrier in the "Sunscreen Makeup Base" sector. It provides a Chinese blueprint for the global market: how rigorous research and process breakthroughs can transform complex dermatological protection into a simple, exquisite aesthetic for every consumer.

This reflects the formidable innovative power that Chinese brands are demonstrating across various sectors as China continues its ascent. We believe that in the future, more Chinese brands will emerge to create even more extraordinary and outstanding achievements.

SOURCE BABI
Emergency rooms across Canada are close to breaking point, doctors have warned, as the average hospital wait time for patients hits more than 20 hours.

The strain is being felt across the country, from Newfoundland, where a man died from a heart attack after waiting over 10 hours to be seen, to Calgary, where a woman lay bleeding on a stretcher for hours  resulting in an emergency hysterectomy.

Recent data published by Ontario Health show that patients who came to the ER spent an average of 20.3 hours waiting before being given a bed in the hospital. Only 26 percent were admitted within the target time of eight hours.

In Quebec, data showed that as of Friday, the average time spent on a stretcher in ERs across the province was just under 18 hours and officials in Alberta have called for a state of emergency to be declared.

"I think we're close to the breaking point," Dr Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, told CBC News.

Emergency rooms across Canada are close to breaking point, doctors have warned, as the average hospital wait time for patients hits over 20 hours (Getty/iStock)

According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, published in November 2025, Canada had an average of 2.5 hospital beds available per 1,000 people in 2023. This placed it 28th out of the 35 countries ranked by the OECD.

However, Canadian medical professionals have suggested that the dire state of the emergency rooms is down to not just patient volume, but also the complexity of ailments being presented  exacerbated by the countrys aging population.

According to Burnell, elderly patients are not receiving necessary care or chronic disease maintenance, often resulting in trips to the ER. "For many of those illnesses, if they had good access to primary care, they might have gone in and had it treated before they became unwell," she said.

As a result, some hospitals have resorted to "unconventional spaces with which to hold patients.

According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, published in November 2025, Canada had an average 2.5 hospital beds available per 1,000 people in 2023. This placed it 28th out of the 35 countries ranked by the OECD (Getty/iStock)

Earlier this month, Kingston Health Sciences Centre revealed it had admitted 630 patients in one week, far beyond its capacity of 445 beds, and warned people that the care you receive may look a little different in the coming weeks.

Regardless of where you receive care, please know that you will still receive high-quality clinical support. We know this can be frustrating for patients and families and we appreciate your patience and understanding, which already has been amazing, the hospital wrote online.

It also advised patients with less serious conditions to consider alternatives.

"The stories that you're seeing coast-to-coast reflect that breaking point of the system that I think we're unfortunately seeing manifest right now," Dr. Michael Herman, vice chair of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians public affairs committee, told CBC News.

"I've been doing this job coming up on 12 years now, and I think morale amongst the physicians is about as low as I've seen it. It's a tough time right now, to be very frank."
Officers would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information (British Transport Police)

Detectives have released CCTV images after a woman was sexually assaulted on a Victoria line Tube train.

The victim was attacked by a man who was standing behind her on the southbound service as it neared Green Park.

The London Underground assault took place at 10.30am on Wednesday, February 21.

(British Transport Police)

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information that could help their investigation.

::Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 455 of 21 February.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cheltenham Festival 2026: How to watch last race online and on TV after ITV coverage ends

The Cheltenham Festival is back with jockeys, trainers, horses and spectators all heading to Prestbury Park for four days of thrilling racing action.

The Festival takes place between March 10-13 with seven races running each day making it the biggest meeting on the calendar and one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.

Each day there will be a champion race, starting with Tuesdays Champion Hurdle and culminating in Fridays showpiece as Inothewayurthinkin looks to claim a second consecutive win in the Gold Cup.

You can find all the latest Cheltenham odds and free bet offers with Independent Sport in the build-up to the action.

Heres everything you need to know about the Cheltenham Festival:

When is the 2025 Cheltenham Festival?

The Cheltenham Festival began on Tuesday 11 March and continues through to Friday 14 March.

Each day the first race will run at 1.20pm and the final race of the day is set to begin at 5.20pm. A champion race is held run at 4pm every day with the first being the Unibet Champion Hurdle and day one and the last being the Boodles Gold Cup on day four.

A full schedule of the action can be found here.

Where can I watch on TV?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of the day on ITV1, with dedicated coverage on the channel beginning at 12.45pm GMT every day until 5pm GMT. The races can also be streamed online via ITVX.

There is also a preview show each morning from 9am GMT to 10am GMT which is shown on ITV4 and ITVX.

How can I watch every race once ITV coverage ends?

The final two races of each day will not be shown on ITV but fans wanting to watch can do so via Racing TV. Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.

Racing TV coverage begins at 12.30pm every day and ends after the final race. The Independent will also have a dedicated live blog covering the action which you can follow.

A number of betting sites and apps also show all the races, provided you have a funded account with them.

Can I still get a ticket and how much do they cost?

You can secure access to the first three days of the festival through a daily Club Enclosure ticket from 103.50, while Friday is sold out.

Tattersalls tickets will cost from 73.80 on each of the first three days but again Gold Cup day has sold out.

The cheapest way to experience the festival is through the Best Mate enclosure with a day ticket for the first three days priced from 54.

All details can be found with tickets available to purchase through the Jockey Club here.
Four civilians were killed after Pakistan launched overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan, the Taliban administration said, as the worst conflict in years between the neighbours continued to escalate.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft struck a fuel depot of the private carrier Kam Air near the Kandahar airport.

This company supplies fuel to civilian airlines as well as to United Nations aircraft, he said.

Pakistani forces also attacked the capital Kabul as well as the provinces of Paktia and Paktika, he added, claiming that homes were targeted in some places.

The government warned the renewed aggression would "not go unanswered".

Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran confirmed that at least four civilians, including children, were killed in the city and 15 people were injured.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have been targeting each other's military installations since late February, when Kabul said it struck Pakistani posts in response to attacks along the border.

The Pakistani military has said its operations are aimed at Islamist and ethnic insurgents responsible for carrying out attacks in the country. Kabul denies sheltering them.

Both sides claim to have inflicted heavy losses in what has become their deadliest fighting in years, a conflict Islamabad has described as an open war with the neighbour.

Pakistani military operations killed at least 56 civilians, including 24 children, between 26 February and 5 March, according to the UN mission in Afghanistan.

Before the latest attack, fighting along the contested 2,600km border had tapered off.

The strikes came a day after China's special envoy, Yue Xiaoyong, arrived in Pakistan and met with his counterpart Mohammad Sadiq. He had arrived in Islamabad after meeting Afghan government officials in Kabul.

Mr Sadiq, Pakistan's special envoy for Afghanistan, said on X that he and Mr Yue discussed threats posed by terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement to Pakistan and China respectively, and agreed on making collective efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability.

Since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has intensified attacks inside the country and along the border. Islamabad says its military operations will continue until Kabul takes verifiable steps to curb the group and other militants operating from its territory.
A recall for more than a dozen flavors of cream cheese has been upgraded with the Food and Drug Administrations most serious alert as experts warn of serious adverse health consequences or death.

The cream cheese was recalled February 20 out of concern that it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness. Several outlets reported Friday the FDA has given the recall a Class I classification.

A Class I recall is issued when there is reasonable probability that the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to the FDA.

Fourteen flavors of Made Fresh Salads five-pound tubs of cream cheese have been recalled, including its Whipped Cream Cheese and Vegetable Cream Cheese.

A recall for more than a dozen flavors of cream cheese has been upgraded with the Food and Drug Administrations most serious alert as experts warn of 'serious adverse health consequences or death' (Getty Images/iStock)

Made Fresh Salads said in its recall announcement last month healthy people infected with Listeria may just have short-term symptoms, including high fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

But the company warned it can have serious and at times fatal effects in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women infected with Listeria monocytogenes are at risk of miscarriages and stillbirths, according to the recall announcement.

The recall was issued after routine sampling found a part of the mixer used to make the cream cheese was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to Made Fresh Salads. The company said it has stopped using the contaminated mixer.

No illnesses related to the recall were reported at the time of the companys announcement.

Over a dozen flavors of Made Fresh Salads cream cheese have been recalled over concerns it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (FDA)

Made Fresh Salads is based on Long Island in New York, where bagels and cream cheese are a delicacy. The cream cheese was delivered to retail stores and distributors in New York City. The recalled product has an expiration date through February 27.

Here is a full list of the cream cheese flavors that have been recalled:

Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese

Blueberry Cream Cheese

Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese

Jalapeno Cream Cheese

Jalapeno Cheddar Cream Cheese

Lox Cream Cheese

Scallion Cream Cheese

Strawberry Cream Cheese

Sundried Tomato Cream Cheese

Vegetable Cream Cheese

Walnut Raisin Cream Cheese

Whipped Cream Cheese

Tofu Whipped

Consumers who purchased the recalled cream cheese are advised to return it for a full refund.
Smoke rises following an explosion during a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on March 13, 2026.

A large explosion rocked a central square in Irans capital where thousands were gathered Friday for an annual state-organized rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israels demise. Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.

There were no reports of casualties. But the decision to proceed with the mass demonstration that was attended by some senior government officials, and Israels threat to target the area, underscored the fierce determination on both sides nearly two weeks into a war that has rattled the global economy and shows no sign of letting up.

Read moreMiddle East war live: Israel says forces carried out 7,600 strikes in Iran, 1,100 in Lebanon

Meanwhile, a US official said that roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship were headed for the Middle East in a major addition of troops.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passes, even as US and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said the war would end when I feel it in my bones.

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally in which they chanted death to Israel and death to America.

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet since the start of the war. Footage from the scene showed people chanting God is greatest, as smoke rose in the area.

The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Irans judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Irans judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, had been giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened. His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.

8,000 US troops

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief. While the deployment is a major increase of troops in the region, it does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been at sea in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military. The Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing alone near Taiwan. That location puts it more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

Earlier in the week, the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, operating in the Arabian Sea. Should the Tripoli join this flotilla, it would be the second-largest ship behind the Lincoln to operate in the waters off Iran.

While the total number of US service members on the ground in the Middle East is not clear, Al-Udeid Air Base alone, one of the largest in the region, typically houses some 8,000 US troops.

Israel had earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defense systems and weapons production sites.

In Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck, which is more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: We have been dealing with it and dont need to worry about it.

Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed to continue the attacks and keep the strait closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed in the opening day of the war. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking over leadership and released a written statement.

Hegseth said Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, without providing evidence or elaborating. Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.

Read moreIran's new supreme leader 'likely disfigured', US defence chief says

The US military confirmed on Friday that all six crew members of an American KC-135 refueling plane were killed when it crashed in Iraq, bringing the US death toll to at least 13 service members.

US Central Command said the crash wasnt related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the US militarys operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Regional tensions escalate

Iran continued its daily attacks on oil and other infrastructure across the Gulf. In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in the Sohar region, the Oman News Agency reported.

The US Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin shot down an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey on Friday, a US official said on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing military operations. It was the third such interception over the NATO member in the last two weeks.

Residents in the southern Turkish city of Adana reported hearing a loud explosion and sirens sounding at Incirlik Air Base, which is used by US forces.

At least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanon's southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanons Health Ministry said Friday. Nine others were wounded, the ministry added. The toll could rise as rescuers search the rubble.

The ministry said 773 people  including more than 100 children and 62 women  have been killed since fighting erupted between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants 10 days ago. More than 1,900 people have been wounded, it said.

Some 850,000 have been internally displaced in Lebanon, according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal during a surprise visit to the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to halt strikes on his country and criticized Hezbollah for firing rockets at Israeli targets.

There is no justification in holding an entire nation hostage, he said.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes so far were just the beginning.

(FRANCE 24 with AP)
Nigel Farage has distanced himself from a Reform MPs claim that the party wants to reset Britains sexual culture.

Tory defector Danny Kruger made headlines last month after hitting out at divorce laws brought in by the Conservatives, and claiming the UK is suffering from having a totally unregulated sexual economy.

He told House magazine that he expected Reform to have a limited but important role in resetting sexual culture and undoing the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and suggested the party would support incentives for women to have more children.

However, the Reform UK leader has distanced himself from Mr Krugers claims, saying the party was one of different wings.

Asked if he shared Mr Krugers criticism of Britains so-called totally unregulated sexual economy, Mr Farage told the Financial Times: No. Were a party of different wings, and the bigger you become, the more you have to allow free expression.

Danny Kruger joined Nigel Farages outfit in September (PA)

He added: For those guys, its Christianity. For me, its the values.

Mr Kruger, who has previously argued for a Christian restoration in the UK, said that reforms such as the legalisation of no-fault divorces, basically means that your vows dont matter.

Marriage traditionally was the means by which sexual relations between men and women were regulated, and I think we are suffering from having a totally unregulated sexual economy, he said.

Im not interested in your love life, or anything about your personal life  that is your business. But I am interested in the framework in which you make your decisions, and Id like the framework to be more pro-social. If you want  most people do want  to settle down with one person to have children, we should make that easier.

Mr Kruger, who defected to Reform UK last year, also said the party wants people to have more children.

He told House magazine: Yes, we have a pronatalist ambition. We want people to have more children, and we think the government should get behind that wish.

The episode marks another split in the party over its stance on certain issues.

Mr Farages comments come after he sparked confusion over the partys position on Britains involvement in the war in the Middle East, after members suggested various stances.

He said Britain should not get ourselves involved in another foreign war, despite senior members of his party previously saying the UK should join the US strikes in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Richard Tice, Reforms MP for Boston and Skegness, said last week that Britain would be helping the Americans and the Israelis in any way they saw appropriate if the party was in power, as he responded to a question about whether Reform would instruct the RAF to take part in the strikes.

Nadhim Zahawi also previously said the UK should join the bombing, while Robert Jenrick took a different stance on Sunday, telling the BBC it was not in the interests of the British people.
Police arrive outside Old Dominion University's campus after reports of a shooting on Thursday. Photograph: Kendall Warner/AP (Photograph: Kendall Warner/AP)

The suspect who killed one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University on Thursday was identified by authorities as Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the army national guard who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.

Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBIs Norfolk field office, told reporters the suspect had attempted to commit an act of terrorism and shouted Allahu Akbar before opening fire. He was subdued and killed by members of the universitys ROTC program in a university classroom, she said, praising them for demonstrating extreme bravery and courage and preventing further loss of life. (ROTC is a college-based program that allows students to train to become a US military officer while also earning a college degree.)

Abigail Spanberger, the Virginia governor, identified ROTC instructor Lt Col Brandon Shah as the victim killed in the shooting.

A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didnt just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path, she wrote on social media.

Kash Patel, the FBI director, said the bureau was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded, Patel said on social media. The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him  actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.

Evans did not provide further details on how the suspect died except to confirm the gunman was not shot. She said the ROTC students rendered him no longer alive, adding: I dont know how else to say it.

In 2017, Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released from federal custody in December 2024.

At an earlier news conference on Thursday afternoon, Garrett Shelton, the Old Dominion University police chief, said officers responded after receiving reports that people were being shot in one of the classrooms in the universitys business school building, Constant Hall.

After the university initially said there were two victims, Shelton said authorities learned that there was a third victim who brought themselves to a hospital.

He did not acknowledge whether any officers fired a weapon.

He said all three victims are affiliated with the university. Shelton said authorities are very early in the investigation and have not yet determined the full cause of death of the shooter.

Within less than 10 minutes, the call came in, officers arrived and they determined the shooter was dead, the chief said.

Lt Col Jimmy Delongchamp, the public information officer for the US army cadet command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, told the Associated Press that two people wounded are members of the army reserve officers training corps at ODU.

We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident, Delongchamp said in a brief telephone interview. Theres still a lot more stuff we have to work out.

According to Sentara Health, one patient remains in critical condition at at Sentara Norfolk General hospital.

Another person was treated and released from the Sentara Independence free-standing emergency department in Virginia Beach after arriving in a personal vehicle, Sentara Health said.

Within about an hour of the shooting, ODU declared that there was no longer a threat on the campus.

The public university in Norfolk canceled classes and suspended all operations on its main campus through Friday and urged people to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall while emergency officials continued to work. Counseling and food services will remain available.

In a message to the university community, the ODU president, Brian Hemphill, said the school faced a tragedy on campus. He expressed gratefulness for the swift emergency response and thoughts and prayers to those impacted.

The safety of our campus community is my top priority, Hemphill wrote. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.

Located in coastal Norfolk, Old Dominion University has about 24,000 students, 17,500 of them undergraduates.
Concerns over the threat of violence in London orchestrated by Iran was one of the factors that led to the banning of the Al Quds Day march.

Olivia Pinkney, a member of the London Policing Board, stressed the Tehran regime has previously targeted the capital, with assassination attempts, and there were concerns about the intent of violence and disorder which could have triggered clashes at the march planned for Sunday.

Former chief constable Ms Pinkney told Times Radio: The regime have targeted people within the UK, in London particularlyand just the nature of that and the intent behind it being such that this weekend would be so volatile.

Whats different on this one is the scale and the intent behindthe intent of violence and disorder and its only that which sets it apart (from other marches) in my view.

She stressed that the Met Police would have shared intelligence on the threat with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and that banning a march which had taken place over so many years would have had to have met a very high legal test.

She added: This is about what is believed to be about to happen and the Met have to make a call.

Just days ago, there were warnings that Iran may be activating sleeper cells abroad to carry out attacks.

People taking part in the Al Quds Day march in 2025 (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he asked for the Al Quds Day march to be banned because of a real risk of serious violence and disorder.

The Home Secretary granted the polices request for a month-long ban of the annual march organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), making it the first time such a restriction on protest had been imposed since 2012.

Ms Mahmood told MPs that police cannot stop a static demonstration from taking place instead but can dictate its location and timing.

Police chiefs believe the demonstration could potentially attract 12,000 people or more when it takes place on Sunday amid Donald Trumps war in Iran.

People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school in the town of Minab, southern Iran where more than 170 people, mainly children, were reportedly killed by a US airstrike (SOCIAL MEDIA via REUTERS)

Explaining the ban, Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, public order lead for Scotland Yard, stressed the march would have posed unique risks and challenges.

He cited the large number of protestors and counter-demonstrators expected, the extreme tensions between different factions and the likely impact from the volatile situation in the Middle East.

He also emphasised: We must also consider that the security services have been publicly clear about the threats we are facing on UK soil from the Iranian regime.

In the last year MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing have foiled over 20 Iranian state-backed attacks on the UK.

Last week counterterrorism officers arrested four people under the National Security Act, he added, after they allegedly spied on Jewish communities for the Iranian regime.

Assistant Commissioner Adelekan also highlighted an incident at the weekend when a man was reportedly stabbed by someone who had opposing views on the Iranian regime.

The Al Quds march is uniquely contentious having originated in Iran and in London is organised by the IHRC, an organisation supportive of the Iranian regime, he added.

Previous Al Quds marches have resulted in arrests for supporting terrorist organisations and antisemitic hate crimes.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned of the real risk of serious violence and disorder if the Al Quds Day march had gone ahead (PA Wire)

Scotland Yard says London has seen extraordinary levels of hate crime, both anti-semitic and anti-Muslim as well as unprecedented targeting of dissident voices from Iran and of Jewish communities.

At least a thousand officers from the Met and forces around the country are being drafted in to patrol the crowds, with more made available if needed.

All protests and counter-protests will take place between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges, and are permitted between 1pm and 3pm.

Those taking part in the Al Quds day protest must assemble on Albert Embankment, on the south side of the Thames.

Counter protesters must assemble on Millbank, on the north bank of the river.

Lambeth Bridge will be closed, with access only for emergency vehicles.

Anyone who marches or incites other to march will face arrest, the Met has warned.

A spokesperson for the force said: Officers on the ground will act decisively and be briefed on placards, flags and chanting that will cross the line into hate crime or support of a proscribed organisation. As set out previously, we will also take action where we see chants calling for intifada. We know these words have consequences.
A KC-135 refuelling tanker. The US military said the crash involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. Photograph: Hiro Komae/AP (Photograph: Hiro Komae/AP)

Good morning.

Four of the six crew members onboard a US military refuelling plane that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday were killed, the US military has said. Rescue efforts were continuing for the remaining two.

The military said the plane crashed in an incident involving another aircraft but that was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

As the US-Israel war on Iran nears the two-week mark, the US has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil at sea amid a surge in prices. The authorization, which allows countries to buy stranded Russian oil for 30 days, came as Brent crude oil remained above $100 per barrel during early trading on Friday. Trump sought to minimize the economic impact it was having on Americans, writing on social media that when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.

What are people reporting from Tehran? A former political prisoner has told the Guardian about the terror of daily life under US and Israeli bombardment.

What do we know about the wars economic cost? The Pentagon told lawmakers that its costs already exceeded $11.3bn in the first six days  but two sources said the costs is likely far greater.

Seven in 10 Americans say Trumps tariffs caused higher prices

A large majority of Americans say Donald Trumps tariffs have led to them paying higher prices, according to an exclusive poll for the Guardian before the midterm elections, which are expected to prove punishing for the Republicans.

Of those surveyed for the Harris Poll, 72% said they believe Trumps tariffs have had a negative rather than a positive impact and 67% said tariffs arent the right solution for improving the economy.

What was the political divide? Somewhat bipartisan, though perhaps less than usual: 64% of Republicans agreed that Trumps tariffs resulted in higher prices, while 77% of Democrats and 67% of independents believed the same.

Two violent attacks on Thursday shake communities in Michigan and Virginia

Two separate violent attacks in Michigan and Virginia left communities shaken on Thursday. In both cases, the suspect was killed during the incident.

In Michigan, a man rammed his vehicle into a synagogue and drove through a hallway, dying during the attack, officials said. There were no other serious casualties at the Temple Israel in West Bloomfield township, a suburb in Oakland county.

In Virginia, a man identified as Mohamed Jalloh killed one person and injured two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University. He was a former member of the army national guard who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.

What has law enforcement said about the Michigan attack? The FBI said it was treating the matter as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

And the Virgina shooting? Kash Patel, the FBI director, said the bureau was investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

In other news 

Deliberations will begin on Friday following the first-ever jury trial over the potential harms of social media , including whether tech companies designed their products to be addictive and harmed the mental health of young people.

Eswatinis government said it ha d received four more third country deportees from the US, as part of the Trump administrations multimillion-dollar deal with the African nation.

A former second world war soldier has become the oldest-known US organ donor, at the age of 100.

Stat of the day: Median US monthly rents still 15.2% higher in January than in 2020

The Senate passed a bill on Thursday that aims to make US housing more accessible and affordable, in a rare bipartisan effort in Congress on the issue. The bill would slash regulations, regulate corporate investors, and expand how funding can be used to build affordable housing. It comes as median monthly rents in January remained 15.2% higher than at the start of 2020, according to data from Realtor.com  despite having declined for more than two years.

Culture pick: Why Marty Supreme should win the best picture Oscar

The best picture Oscar should go to Marty Supreme for its success in bringing attention to ping pong alone, argues Paul MacInnes. But theres more to why it should bag the top prize: Set as it may be in the 1950s, Marty Supreme could only have been made now. If we want to celebrate art that reflects the world we live in, then this is the one.

Dont miss this: The kill line v Chinamaxxing  how China and the US see each other online

Across Chinese and western social networks, there has been a rare example of mirroring in recent months. While the trend of Chinamaxxing  an embrace of traditional Chinese culture  has taken off among American users of TikTok and Instagram, the Chinese internet has popularized the kill line. The gaming term refers to when a player is so weakened that another blow could prove fatal, which some Chinese say describes the apparent risks that come with life in the US. Amy Hawkins examines what the trend says about Chinas changing view of America.

Climate check: Blistering early heatwave threatens western states

Western US states are heading into a severe early-season heatwave over the next week, with forecasters warning that temperatures will spike to 20-30F above normal for several days. The heatwave follows the warmest winter on record across most of the region, and is expected to hit already depleted snowpack levels, deepening drought concerns. Temperatures could climb past 100F in Los Angeles and up to 90F in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Last Thing: Oakland celebrates hometown hero Alysa Liu after Olympics triumph

The mayor of Oakland presented the two-time Olympic gold medalist and local hero Alysa Liu with a key to the city in a celebration of the figure-skating champion that drew nearly 5,000 people. Every time she stepped on the ice, she carried the spirit of Oakland with her, said the mayor, Barbara Lee. One group of women in the crowd wore striped wigs in tribute to Lius dyed hair, while others held handmade signs expressing pride in Liu.

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If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com
Photography exhibit centers on survivors of the 1972 genocide in Burundi, Africa

CHICAGO, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeastern Illinois University's Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center is hosting "Echoes of Silence: Portraits of Pain, Reflections of Resilience" through March 23, 2026.

The exhibit features portraits of survivors of the 1972 genocide in Burundi, Africa, as well as other images taken on study trips to Burundi with Northeastern students, faculty and staff between 2023 and 2025. "Echoes of Silence" is free and open to the public. It will be held in the University's Ronald Williams Library on NEIU's Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. in Chicago.

"There has been a deep silence around the 1972 genocide of the Hutu people in Burundi," said Director of the GHRAD Center Jeanine Ntihirageza, Ph.D., who is a survivor of the genocide. "There is such power in seeing the images and hearing the stories of survivors. It is also incredibly moving to work with Northeastern Illinois University students, faculty and staff members to go to Africa, meet with survivors, and truly listen to their stories and let them know they are not forgotten."

Northeastern student Viktor Gerasimovski traveled to Burundi with Dr. Ntihirageza in 2024 and 2025. Gerasimovski used his skills as a photographer in the hopes that people would learn about the survivors.

"'Echoes of Silence' is both an artistic and educational initiative, asking not only what we remember, but how we teach, learn, and lead in the aftermath of collective trauma," Gerasimovski said. "The photographs emphasize color and presence  rejecting erasure and restoring dignity to stories too often left out of formal curricula and public discourse."

This marks the fifth exhibition of 'Echoes of Silence,' following previous presentations in Armenia (2025), the Adler Arts Center, and previous exhibitions at Northeastern and other venues. This exhibition expands the project's scope through a series of learning-centered programming alongside the visual work.

"At Northeastern Illinois University, we prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the world," said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan. "This exhibition reflects NEIU's commitment to academic inquiry, human rights, and providing our diverse students with meaningful opportunities to learn from global histories and experiences."

Northeastern is home to the only oral history archive at a university devoted to survivors of the 1972 genocide in Burundi, Africa. "Mass Atrocity Testimonies  An Oral History Archive," began in 2023 and continues to grow as University students and employees travel to Burundi and speak with survivors.

"Echoes of Silence" is part of Northeastern's College of Arts and Sciences themed semester, "Staying the Course for Human Rights: From Awareness to Action," which centers on the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights in classes and public programs throughout Spring 2026.

About Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure, and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on Chicago's Northwest Side. Founded in 1867, Northeastern is a Minority-Serving Institution and the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University also maintains additional Chicagoland locations, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County.

About the Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center

The Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora (GHRAD) Center at Northeastern Illinois University began in 2013 when Jeanine Ntihirageza, Ph.D., convened like-minded African and African Diaspora members of the Northeastern faculty to examine the phenomenon of genocide in Africa. After intensive discussions, they expanded their geographic reach to include the African Diaspora and held their first symposium, attracting supporters. The group has organized an annual conference each year since then, with the exception of 2017, when the team attended the African Studies Association Conference, which was held in Chicago that year.

SOURCE Northeastern Illinois University
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All six crew members aboard the U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead, U.S. Central Command officials have said.

The disaster brings the total number of U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict so far to 13.

Rescue efforts are continuing and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, the officials said, although the aircrafts loss was not due to either hostile or friendly fire.

Officials believe a mid-air collision may have caused the crash,The New York Times reports.

Rescue efforts are continuing and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, the offiicials said, although the loss of the aircraft was not due to either hostile or friendly fire (AP)

In a press conference hours after the crash, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refered to the victims as heroes and said they would be greeted at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware when their bodies were returned to home soil.

At the same briefing, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also paid tribute to those who were killed.

The identities of the deceased are currently being withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been informed.

It was earlier reported that the plane went down following an incident involving another U.S. plane at approximately 2 p.m. ET Thursday.

The first plane crashed near Turaibil, a largely isolated desert, on the Iraqi-Jordanian border, an Iraqi intelligence source told CBS News.

The second safely executed an emergency landing at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv in Israel, Centcom said.

A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker leads a formation of jets including an F-15 Strike Eagle, two F-16 Fighting Falcons and two British GR4 Tornados (Getty)

The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, it said in its earlier statement, referring to the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign against Iran that began on February 28.

Citing people familiar with the situation, The Washington Post reported that the second plane was also a KC-135.

The Boeing planes involved are capable of refuelling other aircraft in mid-air and have been used extensively in U.S. military operations, notably during the first Gulf War, aiding in extending the range of fighter jets and bombers.

KC-135s, which were first built for the military in the 1950s, typically have a crew consisting of at least a pilot, co-pilot and a boom operator, who is responsible for controlling its refuelling arm.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of armed factions backed by Iran, has said that it was responsible for downing the aircraft.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the aircraft in defence of our countrys sovereignty and airspace.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance attend a dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. servicemembers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on March 7, 2026 (Getty)

Both President Donald Trump and Hegseth have warned that American deaths in the campaign are inevitable, with the president describing the prospect in a social media video as the way it is, drawing fresh criticism.

On Saturday, Trump observed the dignified transfer of the first six soldiers killed at the Dover base, along with Vice President JD Vance, First Lady Melania Trump, and members of his cabinet.

Hegseth told 60 Minutes last weekend: Things like this dont happen without casualties. There will be more casualties.

And no one is  I mean, especially our generation knows what its like to see Americans come home in caskets But that doesnt weaken us one bit. It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish.

Earlier in the conflict, three American F-15s were shot down in an apparent friendly fire incident over Kuwait, officials said, although, in that instance, all six crew members aboard were able to safely eject.
A furious Sir Lindsay Hoyle has blasted ministers for totally unacceptable behaviour towards House of Commons staff during a vote in Parliament.

The Commons Speaker berated Labour MPs accusing them of pretending to be ill and refusing to move when asked by the chambers top official, who is tasked with maintaining order.

In an explosive statement on Thursday he accused half a dozen Government members, including chief whip Jonathan Reynolds and deputy chief whip Sir Mark Tami, of being disruptive and said they should be ashamed.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening during a vote on the Finance (No 2) Bill, which places Chancellor Rachel Reeves budget plans on the statute book.

Sir Lindsay recommended the Government organises a training exercise for disrespectful MPs involved in delaying the vote.

I would like to say something about yesterday evenings proceedings, Sir Lindsay said.

The final division of the day on the third reading of the Finance (No 2) Bill was subject to intolerable delays in the voting lobbies.

This Parliament is meant to be respected around the world and should set an example of good behaviour.

The behaviour in the lobby last night, involving a group of about half a dozen Government members, including the chief and deputy chief whip, was totally unacceptable.

I expect better from honourable members and right honourable members. If members are asked to move swiftly through the lobbies, they must do. The fact it took 22 minutes to get a vote through is beyond the pale.

I cannot believe the behaviour. It is absolutely not going to be accepted.

The Serjeant lost his authority because MPs said, I am not moving, pretending to be ill  by seven oclock, they were suddenly well again.

If we think that this gives us good standing in the world, it doesnt. It is appalling. We should be ashamed, and I hope that I will be getting letters from the people who were involved in that protest.

If the Government cant manage the business, they may be the odds on a training exercise, rather than disrupting the rules the House.

Chief whip Jonathan Reynolds (PA Wire)

He added: If members are asked to move swiftly, they must move and respect the sergeant.

There are other ways in which the Government whips can manage timings of business in the chamber.

It is disrespectful to this House, to the occupant of the chair  the deputy was put in an impossible position  and to the Office of the Serjeant at Arms, to behave in the way that they did.

Members, as I say, involved, should be ashamed.

Responding to the Speaker, Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell said he endorsed everything that you have said about the need to respect staff.

He added: That is absolutely correct that you should say that, and I absolutely endorse your remarks.

And can I assure you, and the House, that not only has the Government heard your words, but they will be acted upon.

Jesse Norman, the Conservative shadow Commons leader, had earlier said: It is plain to all members of this House that the Government chief whip and deputy chief whip have badly mis-stepped here, and indeed there has been scant respect for this House more generally from the Government whips office.

I cannot believe such a thing would have happened when the Leader of the House was himself, the chief whip.
The Cheltenham Festival is back in March and with it comes the most prestigious contest in National Hunt racing. A four-day spectacle of horse racing action builds to the showpiece event: The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Gup.

The race will be run on Friday 13 March where jockey Mark Walsh and Inothewayurthinkin will attempt to back up their victory from 2025 and claim the trophy for a second year running.

(Davies Davies for The Jockey Club/PA Wire)

With prize money of 625,00, the Grade 1 chase is the most valuable jumps race in Britain and Ireland after the Grand National and represents the ultimate challenge for the very best horses. 22 fences are to be jumped during three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs concluding in a punishing finish up the Cheltenham hill.

Heres everything you need to know about the Cheltenham Gold Cup:

When is the Gold Cup?

The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, to give it its full name, takes place on the concluding day of the festival, Friday 13 March at 4pm.

It is the fifth race of the days schedule and at three miles and two-and-a-half furlongs is the second longest race of the four-day event.

How can I watch the race on TV and is there a live stream?

You can watch the first six races of each day, including Fridays Gold Cup, with the ITV1 broadcast, while full coverage of the meeting, including the final race of each day is only available through a Racing TV subscription.

Both ITV and Racing TV provide live streams for the coverage through their apps and websites, while fans can of course tune on via the traditional television broadcast. Several betting sites will also be streaming the action, but in most cases you need to have a funded account.

Who are the runners and riders?

The field for the Gold Cup is confirmed with the big shock being Fact To Files omission after he was victorious in the Irish Gold Cup back in February. Also absent is Galopin Des Champs who suffered a setback before the Festival began leaving the way open for Inothewayurthinkin to regain the title he won in 2025. Heres the full Gold Cup field ranked by their latest odds:

The Jukebox Man - 7/2

Gaelic Warrior - 9/2

Jango Baie - 5/1

Haiti Couleurs - 6/1

Inothewayurthinkin - 15/2

Grey Dawning - 14/1

Envoi Allen - 33/1

Firefox - 40/1

LHomme Presse - 66/1

Gold Tweet - 125/1

Check out the latest free bet offers for Cheltenham. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

When is 2026 Cheltenham Festival and what other races are included?

The Cheltenham Festival starts on Tuesday 10 March and concludes on Friday 13 March. Fans will be glued to 28 races over four days, with seven races per day, including 13 races run over fences across the week, 13 over hurdles plus a bumper (flat race) and a cross-country chase.

The first race is scheduled for 1:20pm GMT each day, with the final race starting at 5:20pm.
Guards inside Floridas notorious Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility are reportedly wearing patches featuring the Grim Reaper and the words You cant hide.

A former guard at the facility, which sits on an old airstrip in a remote patch of the Everglades, reportedly made the patches and distributed them to other staff members.

What I saw was Alligator Alcatraz, a skeleton dressed in black holding a hatchet and a crocodile underneath, former detainee Lewis Ortigoza told the Miami Herald of the patch. It looked like something demonic.

I always felt haunted by it, but I never said anything because I was so afraid, he added.

The patch first came to light when a guard, who had been discharged from Critical Response Strategies, a government contracting firm that provides staffing at Alligator Alcatraz, reportedly handed it to a protester outside the facility earlier this month.

A former detainee says guards at Floridas Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center are wearing uniform patches featuring the grim reaper and the words You cant hide (AFP via Getty Images)

A spokesperson affiliated with the company told the paper that the guard is named Steven Martinez, and that the patch is not an authorized part of the uniform. The spokesperson added that Martinez and another staffer had been demobilized following an altercation between the two.

The Independent has contacted the company for further information, as well as Floridas law enforcement agency, which oversees the site. The Independent was unable to locate Martinez for comment.

Florida officials hastily built the detention center last summer, and it has faced a string of complaints, legal challenges, and political difficulties since.

The facility, built within the sensitive habitat of the Big Cypress National Preserve, has been accused of housing people without criminal records and punishing detainees seeking legal assistance by disconnecting their calls.

Environmental groups and the local Miccosukee Tribe also sued to block the expansion of the facility, arguing it was violating environmental laws.

The hastily built detention camp has been accused of poor conditions and cutting off legal access for detainees, allegations state and federal officials deny (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Inmates allege theyve also faced disease outbreaks and poor sanitary conditions inside the facility, which the federal government has denied.

In August, a federal court ordered the state to shut the facility down, though that order was overturned on appeal and the case remains ongoing.

When Alligator Alcatraz was unveiled, Florida officials framed it as a joint state-federal endeavor, with the state shouldering initial costs and expecting federal reimbursement.

The state planned to commit roughly $1.5 billion in funds to building and operating the facilities, which are designed to house up to 3,000 people.

The federal government has only paid the state about $90 million out of the $403 million it has spent so far on detention facilities, a review by the Orlando Sentinel found.
Police found a large amount of explosives in the back of the gunmans vehicle, a source said

A gunman crashed an explosive-filled truck into a synagogue in Michigan before opening fire.

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at 12.19pm on Thursday, in what the FBI described as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

The suspect, named as Ayman Mohamad Ghazal, was fatally shot by security officers after driving through a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township near Detroit.

No-one was seriously injured in the attack, authorities confirmed. One security guard was hospitalised after being knocked unconscious by the gunmans vehicle, police said.

Police found a large amount of explosives in the back of his vehicle, a source told CNN. Kash Patel, the FBI director, also confirmed that federal agents were in attendance.

Among the explosives were mortar shells, The New York Post reported. It was unclear if the shells were the commercially sold fireworks or military mortars.

The 41-year-old gunman was born in Lebanon, but came to the US in 2011 on an immediate relative visa as the spouse of a US citizen.

He was granted citizenship in 2016, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Footage from the scene showed a huge police and emergency service response, with smoke billowing from the building in the background. Children were seen being escorted from the building.

Mr Bouchard said that something ignited in the vehicle, which is thought to have been the source of the smoke pouring from the synagogue.

Thirty emergency workers were treated at a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation.

Temple Israel security had exchanged fire with Ghazali, who was reportedly armed with a rifle, Mr Bouchard said.

The shooter breached the building, drove down the hall, and he was engaged by security, he added.

An order for people to shelter in place remained within a mile radius as police tried to establish whether there may have been a second suspect who could have fled the scene on foot.

Were looking to see if theres more than one person. Were still trying to figure that out, Mr Bouchard said.

He said that authorities had deployed resources all across the county, just in case, out of an abundance of caution, that there may be a secondary site, but we dont have any information at this time to believe that.

Mr Bouchard had earlier said that police had been braced for such an attack for the last two weeks.

Police told residents to shelter in place while they tried to establish whether there may have been a second suspect - Corey Williams/AP

Temple Israel had recently hired a security team and run an active shooter prevention and preparedness training session.

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he had been briefed on the presence of Iranian sleeper cells in the US amid his war with Iran.

The same day, the FBI warned police departments in California that Iran could launch a drone attack on the state in retaliation for attacks on the regime.

Authorities across the country increased security at Jewish places of worship following the attack.

Mr Trump on Thursday described the attack as terrible and extended sympathy to the Jewish community.

I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today, he said.

Ive been fully briefed, and its a terrible thing. Were going to be right down to the bottom of it.

Temple Israel had recently hired a security team and run an active shooter prevention and preparedness training session - Corey Williams/AP

It is not yet clear what the motivation is for the attack on Temple Israel, the nations largest Reform synagogue with some 12,000 members, according to its website.

Asked whether there were any potential ties to terrorism, Mr Bouchard said it was too early to tell.

We dont even know who the person is at the moment, he said, although he added that his force had been sharing intelligence from the national level with the local police chief.

All Jewish facilities in the area are going to have a lot of extra [police] presence around [them] until we figure this out, he said.

Earlier on Thursday, an active gunman linked to Islamic State was shot and killed at Old Dominion University in Virginia. One person was killed in the attack, with two other victims injured and in a critical condition.

Mohammad Jalloh, who had recently been released from prison following a conviction for providing material in support of the terror group, was behind the university attack, authorities confirmed.

Theres no evidence that the events in Virginia and Michigan are connected.

Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic governor of Michigan, said in a statement that the reports of the synagogue attack were heartbreaking and that she was tracking reports of the shooting.
The link between Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle (pictured) has come under the spotlight - Rob Welham/Camera Press

During hearty suppers of roast lamb and red wine, two old friends took part in discussions that would shape the first few years of the Sir Keir Starmer project.

One was Lord Mandelson, the New Labour grandee and former business secretary, renowned as one of the partys most formidable political operators.

The other was Matthew Doyle, who, as Sir Keir Starmers director of communications, was tasked with selling the Labour leaders vision for the country to a weary public.

Both men already knew each other well. As veterans of the New Labour years, each had served under, and been personally close to, Sir Tony Blair.

Their host, the Labour peer Lord Liddle, was another former Blair staffer, having advised the former prime minister on European matters.

The link between Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle has come under the spotlight amid the controversy over Sir Keirs decision to hire the former as US ambassador.

Documents released by the Government this week reveal the extent to which Lord Doyle was involved in the appointment.

The Mandelson files reveal he effectively gave the go-ahead for Lord Mandelson to be hired as Britains ambassador to the US, despite senior officials raising serious concerns.

Before the appointment, Sir Keir asked Morgan McSweeney, his then chief of staff, to ask Lord Mandelson three questions about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Internal government papers reveal it was Lord Doyle who reviewed the answers to those questions and then told the Prime Minister he was satisfied with them.

The revelations have once more raised serious questions about Sir Keirs judgment and his detached leadership style, which routinely leads him to delegate decisions.

In Lord Doyles case, that meant effectively waving through the due diligence on his mentor and long-term friend, Lord Mandelson.

As officials carried out an investigation into how the recruitment process had been conducted, Lord Doyle told the Prime Ministers General Counsel the pair had mingled at social gatherings around the time of Lord Mandelsons appointment.

Lord Mandelson (LM) is a personal friend of MD [Matthew Doyle], while he doesnt recall specific instances, he certainly would have seen him at social events around December 2024, said a note published in the Mandelson Files.

Lord Mandelson (pictured) wanted to know why Lord Doyle had been pushed out - Jamie Lorriman

The pairs ties date back to the early days of New Labour, when both were involved in the project that delivered Sir Tony a landslide general election victory in 1997.

Lord Doyle was head of broadcasting for Labour for seven years from 1998-2005 and went on to become No 10s deputy director of communications.

Lord Mandelson, who had himself previously been Labours director of communications in the late 1980s, served in three roles in the Cabinet. He was forced to resign from two of them because of political scandals.

For a brief stint during that time Lord Doyle served as a special adviser to Lord Blunkett, who was at the time Labours work and pensions secretary.

Lord Blunkett did not recall the two men being especially close and said he had no reason to believe they had anything more than a passing friendship.

He said: In fact, my memory of Peter is that he was more like a gadfly with lots of acquaintances, but very few close friends  none of whom I personally knew.

Matthew always kept himself to himself, and I never pried into his private life. He just did a really good job and from a personal point of view, I am deeply saddened as to what has happened to him personally.

Like Lord Mandelson, Lord Doyle also faced a political backlash for his association with a sex offender.

Lord Doyle, who was made a life peer in December 2025, was photographed in 2016 campaigning for Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor in Scotland. At the time the photo was taken, Morton had been charged with possessing indecent images of children. Morton was convicted in 2018 for offences Lord Doyle described as vile.

Around the same time, in 2018, the Labour Party was in the grip of Jeremy Corbyns hard-Left leadership, something both Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle were determined to change.

The pair were to strike up a closer rapport after becoming involved in a tight-knit group of advisers who provided the brains behind the project  the plan hatched to replace hardline Mr Corbyn with centrist Sir Keir Starmer.

While in opposition, they would meet at Lord Liddles home in Kennington, south London, where they would discuss how to lock out the Corbynites.

Other regular attendees at those super parties included Mr McSweeney as well as Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, and his partner, Joe Dancey.

The ties forged around the dinner table ran deep. Official records show that Lord Doyle attended two dinners hosted by Global Counsel, the lobbying firm set up by Lord Mandelson, during his time as No 10s director of communications.

The first was in October 2024, two months before it was announced that Lord Mandelson would become Britains ambassador to the US.

He attended a second dinner party on Feb 19 2025, nine days after Lord Mandelson took up the post.

No 10s communications operation

Lord Doyle stood down on March 28 that year after nine months in the post and amid mounting criticism of No 10s communications operation.

The same day, Mr Streeting sent a text message to Lord Mandelson, by then in residence in the US, encouraging him to hire Lord Doyle.

In the message, sent an hour after Lord Doyles resignation was first reported, he wrote: You should get [Matthew] Doyle to do your comms in DC!

Lord Mandelson replied a short while later complaining that all my comms have been shut down by No 10 and asking why Lord Doyle was pushed out.

God knows, Mr Streeting replied.

Lord Doyle was handed his peerage by Sir Keir in December 2025 despite concerns about his links to a convicted paedophile.

He was introduced to the Lords as a Labour peer on Jan 12 by his old supper club friend Lord Liddle, though he has since had the whip withdrawn.
Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, arrives in court in Los Angeles in February. Photograph: Jill Connelly/Getty Images (Photograph: Jill Connelly/Getty Images)

The first-ever jury trial over the potential harms of social media wrapped up on Thursday. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube have argued their platforms are safe for the vast majority of young people, while lawyers for a young woman at the center of the case say the tech companies have designed their products to be addictive, leading to mental health issues in children and teens.

How did they become such behemoths? Mark Lanier, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said during closing arguments in Los Angeles superior court on Thursday, according to NBC. Its the attention economy. Theyre making money off capturing your attention.

The six-week trial has seen a parade of high-profile witnesses, including Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri and YouTubes vice-president of engineering Cristos Goodrow. Jurors have also heard testimony from the lead plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman who goes by the initials KGM, her therapist, whistleblowers and expert witnesses on social media and addiction.

If jurors rule in favor of KGM, the social media companies could face harsh financial penalties, which plaintiffs lawyers hope will lead them to change fundamental aspects of how their platforms function. In this case, the burden of proof is on the plaintiffs. The jury would need to find negligence and causation by YouTube and Meta before it could impose damages, so the outcome of the trial could take several different forms. Deliberations are set to begin on Friday.

KGM said she got hooked on YouTube starting at six and Instagram at nine. By the time she was 10, she said, she had become depressed and was engaging in self-harm as a result. The cycle of social media use caused her to have strained relationships with her family and in school, she testified. She said she had suicidal thoughts and began cutting herself as a coping mechanism to deal with my depression. When she was 13, KGMs therapist diagnosed her with body dysmorphic disorder and social phobia, which KGM attributes to her use of Instagram and YouTube.

KGMs lawyers say her experience is emblematic of what tens of thousands of young people have faced on social media and in their offline lives.

Meta and YouTube deny wrongdoing. A YouTube spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, called the allegations in the lawsuits simply not true and said that providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work.

A Meta spokesperson said in a statement that KGMs mental health issues were brought on by a difficult home life, a key argument in the companys case, saying she has faced profound challenges, and we continue to recognize all she has endured. The jurys only task, however, is to decide if those struggles would have existed without Instagram.

A bellwether for views of social media

This trial is the first in a consolidated group of cases brought against Meta, TikTok, YouTube and Snap on behalf of more than 1,600 plaintiffs, including more than 350 families and 250 school districts. TikTok and Snap settled the KGM lawsuit just before trial.

KGMs case is also the first of more than 20 bellwether trials, which are slated to go to court over the next couple of years and are used to gauge juries reactions as well as set legal precedent. The next bellwether case is scheduled to go to trial in July.

Online safety advocates, parents and the plaintiff lawyers say no matter how the jury decides they have already won.

Four years ago, when we started suing social media companies, nobody thought that we would ever get to this point, said Matthew Bergman, founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center and an attorney representing the plaintiffs.

Win or lose the outcome of this trial, victims in the United States have won, because now we know that social media companies can and will be held accountable before a fair and impartial jury.

What was revealed during trial

KGMs lawyers allege some of the features that social media companies built into their platforms, such as an infinitely scrollable feed and video autoplay, are designed to keep people on the apps and create to their addictive quality. The lawyers also allege that like buttons feed into teens desire for validation and features such as beauty filters can distort young peoples self-image.

Troves of previously sealed documents came to light during KGMs trial that showed some employees inside Instagram and YouTube considered the platforms either addictive or ineffective in their efforts to protect the wellbeing of young people.

An internal document from YouTube in 2021 poses the question, How are we measuring wellbeing? and adds the response: Were not. Another document details how kids under 13 are the fastest growing internet audience in the world and presents the opportunity of YouTube playing the digital babysitter to children as young as eight. One document reads: [The] goal is not viewership, its viewer addiction.

Documents from Meta show that some employees questioned the companys leadership over targeting of young audiences. In an email from 2017, an employee writes to a colleague, oh good, were going after <13 year olds now?

The colleague responds, zuck has been talking about that for a while, which prompts the first employee to say, yeah it was gross the last time he mentioned it.

A separate email conversation between Meta employees in 2020 shows one person saying, oh my gosh yall IG is a drug. A colleague responds, Lol, I mean, all social media. Were basically pushers.

The dialog continues with the employees likening social medias draw to being similar to gambling with reward tolerance getting so high that people cant feel reward anymore. The conversation concludes with an employee saying: Its kind of scary.

Meta and YouTube say they did nothing wrong

During the trial, Meta and YouTubes lawyers denied that their platforms were addictive. YouTubes counsel pointed to parental controls and internal statistics that showed the average persons use of the video streaming platform usually lasts less than 30 minutes a day. During his testimony, Goodrow said YouTube is not designed to maximize time.

Meta focused its arguments on KGM and testimony from her therapist, saying her problems had little to do with social media. Lawyers cited medical records from when KGM was 13, which contained quotes of her saying her mother fat-shamed and screamed at her. The lawyers alleged abuse led to the young womans mental health issues.

Her records show significant emotional and physical abuse, academic struggles and psychiatric conditions, separate from her social media usage, the Meta spokesperson said. The evidence simply doesnt support reducing a lifetime of hardship to a single factor, and our case will continue to underscore that reality.

KGM still lives with her mother, who was present throughout the trial. During her testimony, KGM took issue with what the lawyers cited from her medical records when she was young, saying her mother wasnt perfect but she was trying her best  I dont think I would call it abuse or neglect or anything like that.

During closing arguments on Thursday, Metas lawyer Paul Schmidt once again pointed out KGMs contentious relationship with her mother. According to NBC, he played jurors a video appearing to show her mother yelling at her. I dont think its possible to hear those recordings and think: Gosh, this is normal tension, Schmidt said. Gosh, shes dramatizing this.

YouTubes lawyer Luis Li said during closing arguments that there isnt a single mention of an addiction to YouTube in KGMs medical records. He also drew attention to KGMs previous testimony when she said she lost interest in YouTube as she got older. Ask whether anybody suffering from addiction could just say: Yeah, I kinda lost interest, Li said. Whats your common sense tell you about that?

Can social media cause an addiction?

During trial, Meta contended with the idea of addiction, saying that KGM never received that official diagnosis. When Mosseri took the stand, he took it further by pushing back on the science behind social media addiction, denying that users could be clinically addicted. Psychologists do not classify social media addiction as an official diagnosis, but researchers have documented the harmful consequences of compulsive use among young people.

During closing arguments, Lanier compared Instagrams endless scroll and YouTubes autoplay to getting free tortilla chips at a restaurant and not being able to stop eating them, according to NBC. He said other features, such as notifications and likes from friends, adds to the addictive quality of platforms.

How do you make a child never put down the phone? Thats called the engineering of addiction. They engineered it, they put these features on the phones, Lanier said. These are Trojan horses: they look wonderful and great ... but you invite them in and they take over.

KGMs lawyers arguments mirror those brought against big tobacco in the 1990s, which focused on cigarettes addictive qualities and companies publicly denying that for decades even while knowing their products harms. Online safety advocates and parents say the social media companies have refused to look at their effects on young people and instead have used a blame the victim tactic.

Theyre really truly pulling from big tobaccos playbook. Blame the victim, blame the parents, blame the child, blame anyone but the products they designed, said Sacha Haworth, the executive director of the Tech Oversight Project, which has been involved in advocacy work for the plaintiffs.

These are the most profitable corporations in the history of the world. And they could make these changes if they wanted to. But instead of doing that, they attack the victims.
This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian

Almost two weeks have passed since Israeli and US forces launched military operations against Iran, and the attacks on Islamic Republic positions and officials are entering a new phase.

But numerous personal accounts suggest that while Iranians are worried about the consequences of the war, many also see it as a historic opportunity to bring an end to the regimes rule.

One reader of Independent Persian sent us this message from Tehran: After a whole week, I finally managed to connect to the internet with great difficulty. I was hoping to get a few minutes of respite from the Islamic Republics depressing propaganda-filled news. I wanted to tell you that we are not afraid of war.

We fear nothing as much as the Islamic Republic remaining in power. We fear the [current rulers] will be discarded only to be replaced by the leftovers of the same system.

Speak up on our behalf and tell everyone that our internet has been shut off for 245 hours. Tell them that we have been turned into human shields. Tell them no evacuation orders are issued even for residents living near dangerous locations.

The young woman adds: Tell them that the regime is arresting ordinary people simply for sharing information about the current situation in Iran, and accusing them of collaborating with Israel.

A woman collects belongings from the rubble of a destroyed building in Tehran (AFP/Getty)

Tell the world that we wake up every morning to threatening text messages from the intelligence ministry and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps].

Tell them there is no safe place to take shelter, and that the only way for peace and security to return to Iran is the destruction of the Islamic Republic. If the war ends without the regime collapsing, it will lead to an even more horrific massacre.

This account is only one of dozens of messages received from inside Iran over the past 48 hours. In these accounts, people describe the hardships of wartime, but also speak about their hope that the Islamic Republics rule may finally come to an end.

One message from Tehran paints a picture of daily life under wartime conditions.

The writer says that even as explosions echo and fighter jets are visible in the citys skies, life continues: We are still here  in the middle of Tehran, where not even a kilobyte of data can move through the internet, yet Israeli and American fighter jets calmly fly from one side of the city to the other carrying out their missions.

The smell of burning in the air, the sound of explosions, windows shaking, sending one-word messages to our loved ones to let them know we are alive  these have become normal for us. What matters most are those innocent young people who were killed in January by the Islamic Republics gunfire and are no longer with us.

Referring to expressions of concern from those outside Iran, they add: For once, spare us your worries. Maybe in the end things will turn out well, and this bitter chapter  more bitter than poison  will finally pass.

An Iranian flag stands amid the rubble of a destroyed residential building near Ferdowsi Square in Tehran (AFP/Getty)

Nazila, a 32-year-old woman living in Tehrans Saadat Abad district, describes how a missile struck an IRGC building near her home a few days earlier.

The explosion was so powerful that our windows shattered, she says. The walls of our house cracked, and my mother was in shock for several hours.

Despite all of that, when we realised the target was a military facility belonging to the IRGC, we felt something strange. There was fear, but also a kind of hope. It felt like, maybe this time, the end of this regime might truly be near.

According to Nazila, many of her neighbours share the same feelings. Despite concerns about the continuation of the war, they hope the final outcome will be the end of the Islamic Republic.

Mohsen, a 40-year-old resident of Tehrans Narmak district, says the sound of fighter jets and explosions at night has already become part of his daily routine.

The first and second nights were very frightening, he says. But when we saw that most of the attacks were hitting Basij [a paramilitary group within the IRGC] bases, police stations, and military centres, our fear diminished. People say that if the regime is going to fall, we will endure this hardship.

Mohsen adds that his greatest fear, and that of many of his friends, is that the war might end while the Islamic Republics system remains intact.

If this regime survives, it will take revenge on the people, he says. The repression will begin again, and it may be even worse than before.

Members of Irans IRGC salute during a military parade in Tehran (Iranian Presidency)

This concern is repeated in other messages sent to Independent Persian. Hamed, a young man from northern Iran, writes that after several days of internet shutdowns, he has finally been able to get online using censorship-circumvention tools.

He says his biggest fear is that Israel and the United States might suddenly decide to end the war at this stage, while we inside Iran have already paid such a high price.

Nikita, a 24-year-old student in Tehran, describes how, after complaining about the loud noise made by Basij forces in her neighbourhood during mourning ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, security forces began reviewing surveillance camera footage from nearby shops in an effort to identify and arrest her.

Even the thought that we might once again be left alone with these people terrifies me, she says.

In many of these accounts, people stress that although war and destruction are painful, they believe rebuilding the country after the Islamic Republic is gone is entirely possible.

Another Tehran resident writes in a message: No matter how much destruction a war brings, we can rebuild afterwards. But if the Islamic Republic remains, it will keep killing thousands every year and destroy the country even further.

According to many readers of Independent Persian, their main concern is not the war itself but a future in which the Islamic Republic remains in power.

In the latest developments in the war between Israel, the United States and the Islamic Republic, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said in Washington that this week would bring the most intense day of attacks, and that the Islamic Republic was suffering severe defeats.

He added that over the past 24 hours, the US had seen the lowest number of missiles launched from Iran.
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A visibly irate Pete Hegseth has compared Irans leaders to rats in hiding and urged a "patriotic press to rewrite headlines about the deadly, costly and escalating war.

The U.S. is decimating the radical Iranian regimes military in a way the world has never seen before, the defense secretary boasted at a Friday morning press briefing. We said it would not be a fair fight, and it has not been.

To date, more than 15,000 Iranian targets have been hit, obliterating the nation's air defenses, air force, and navy, while its missile capabilities have plummeted by 90 percent, Hegseth said. He then warned Friday will be the most intense day of U.S. strikes on Iran to date.

"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding, they've gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do, Hegseth said. The former Fox News host described Irans new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the so-called not-so-supreme leader who is wounded and likely disfigured.

Hegseths comments came on the 13th day of the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran as the conflict engulfs the broader Middle East region. On Thursday, six crew members were killed on a refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq, U.S. Central Command confirmed. At least 13 U.S. service members have died in the Iran war and 140 have been injured.

On Friday, Pete Hegseth compared Iran's leadership to "rats" and chastised American reporters for their coverage of the war, which has engulfed the Middle East and led to the deaths of 13 US service members (Defense Department)

Hegseth began the Friday morning briefing by berating the press, specifically targeting ABC News and CNN, and maintained a tone of barely concealed contempt throughout.

Another example of a fake headline I saw yesterday: war widening, he said. Heres a real headline for you, for an actual patriotic press: Iran shrinking, going underground.

Despite reporting to the contrary by multiple news outlets, Hegseth said there is no evidence that Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz  a vital artery of international trade through which 20 percent of the worlds oil passes. He then claimed Americans dont need to worry about it.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine said on Friday that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is 'complex' after traffic through the waterway trickled to a halt (Defense Department)

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Dan Caine, who also attended the briefing, appeared more circumspect, calling the situation in the strait complex. On Thursday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the U.S. is not ready to escort tankers through the waterway, following strikes on several vessels.

Oil prices have surged past $100-a-barrel multiple times in the past week. In order to ease prices, the Trump administration announced Thursday it will release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next four months.

President Donald Trump has telegraphed little concern about oil prices, even as his energy secretary acknowledged this week that Americans could feel pain at the pump for weeks.

The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World.

Hegseth refrained from providing a clear timeline for the wars completion. President Trump holds the cards, hell determine the place, the tempo and the timing of this conflict, he said Friday.

Later in the briefing, Caine provided more details on the KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq.

The incident occurred in friendly territory in western Iraq while the crew was on a combat mission and again was not the result of hostile or friendly fire, Caine said.

Six crew members were killed on a KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq, U.S. Central Command confirmed (stock image of a KC-135) (Getty Images)

Officials said that the crash remains under investigation. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of armed Iran-backed factions, has said that it was responsible for downing the aircraft.

Hegseth was also asked by a reporter about the strike on a girls school last week, which killed at least 175 people in southern Iran, most of whom were children, according to Iranian officials. U.S. officials are investigating the incident, and a preliminary report indicates an American Tomahawk missile struck the school, sources familiar with the matter told The New York Times.

The defense secretary reiterated that the U.S. military never targets civilians and added that the investigation is being handled by a general officer from outside of U.S. Central Command.

The U.S. war with Iran, which began February 28, has led to the death of at least 1,940 Iranians, most of whom were civilians, Irans representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, said Wednesday.

The conflict has spread across the region, with Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has condemned the U.S. and Israeli attacks as illegal and accused the countries of perpetrating war crimes. A number of other nations, including Russia, China and Brazil, have also come out against the war. Meanwhile, close U.S. allies like the U.K., have warned Tehran to refrain from retaliatory strikes.

Iranians observe an oil facility engulfed it flames after a strike. More than 15,000 targets in Iran have been struck since the outbreak of war, Hegseth said Friday (ISNA)

Many lawmakers have also voiced concerns over the Iran war's mounting costs, with the Pentagon reporting $11 billion spent during the first six days alone. "While there is no money for 15 million Americans who lost their health care, there's a billion dollars a day to spend on bombing Iran, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said Tuesday.

Recent polls show that Americans are broadly against the war. A majority of registered voters, 53 percent, oppose U.S. military action against Iran, according to a Quinnipiac Poll. And an Ipsos poll found more disapprove than approve of the campaign. Both polls were released on March 9.
Jack Draper hit by controversial VAR call as Indian Wells title defence ends vs Medvedev: No way it distracted him enough

Jack Draper's Indian Wells title defence ended in controversial circumstances during his quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev, with a contentious hindrance call proving pivotal in the 6-1 7-5 loss.

The decisive moment arrived at 5-5, 0-15 in the second set. Umpire Aurelie Torte, after a video review, awarded a crucial point to Medvedev.

The call came after Draper, visibly weary from his victory over Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, raised his arms at a disputed line call, deemed to have distracted his opponent. This controversial decision allowed Medvedev to secure a vital break.

The California crowd made their feelings clear, booing Medvedev at the change of ends and after he sealed victory.

The two players had a long chat at the net as they shook hands, with Medvedev saying "If you're mad at me, I'm sorry" and Draper responding "I'm not at all - but I don't think it distracted you enough".

Despite the contentious circumstances, Draper shook hands with both Medvedev and Torte before leaving the court.

The opening set had been one-sided, with Draper broken in his first service game after a net cord favoured Medvedev, who then raced to a 4-0 lead within 15 minutes.

Jack Draper gestures toward a chair umpire during a quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev (AP)

Draper finally got on the board with a hold of serve to make it 5-1 but it was only a temporary reprieve as Medvedev wrapped up the set in 25 minutes.

The second set was a closer contest, although it was the Draper serve which was consistently coming under the greater pressure, with Medvedev telling his opponent he didnt feel great about the incident which ultimately contributed to him sealing a semi-final spot at the end of the match.

British interest in the singles came to an end as Cameron Norrie went down 6-3 6-4 to Carlos Alcaraz.

The British number two fought gamely against the world number one but was eventually outclassed.

Norrie struggled to land a blow on the Alcaraz serve in the early stages while struggling to hold his own and the 30-year-old was eventually broken in the sixth game of the contest.

Jack Draper, looking understandably weary from his exploits in beating Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, went down 6-1 7-5 to Daniil Medvedev (Getty Images)

Surprisingly that led to a temporary lapse of concentration from the Spaniard, who was broken back to love only to then force a third straight break before wrapping up the opening set.

Norrie gained an early break in the second set but his own service problems saw Alcaraz haul his way back in front.

Norrie saved the first three match points he faced but Alcaraz duly converted the fourth to set up a semi-final showdown with Medvedev.

In the womens singles, Elena Rybakina overcame Jessica Pegula in straight sets and will face Elina Svitolina in the last four.
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 12, 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:

(484) 270-1453

[email protected]

https://www.ktmc.com/orcl-oracle-corporation-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=orcl&mktm=PR

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
Joe Rogan attended UFC fights alongside Trump. Now he thinks its weird to hold fight at the White House amid Iran war

Podcaster Joe Rogan, who has attended UFC fights alongside President Donald Trump, has said its weird to hold the mixed martial arts fight at the White House amid the Iran war.

Six bouts are expected to be held on the White House South Lawn to commemorate Americas 250th birthday on June 14, which will also be Trumps 80th birthday. UFC Freedom 250s main event will be between lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje.

But Rogan is wary that if the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran continue, the UFC fights can make for an easy target.

On The Joe Rogan Experience Wednesday, political commentator Konstantin Kisin asked Rogan, Are you excited for the White House card?

Podcaster Joe Rogan, who has attended UFC fights alongside President Donald Trump, has said its weird to hold the mixed martial arts fight at the White House amid the Iran war (Getty Images)

Im excited. It sounds crazy. I know its going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war.

I would hope the war will be sorted out by June, but quite honestly, Im not confident thats going to be the case. So thatll be weird  having this very high profile event where everyones in one place at one time right there, Rogan replied.

The Trump administration has given conflicting answers about when the war will end. Trump told Axios Wednesday that the strikes, which began nearly two weeks ago, will end soon because there is practically nothing left to target." The U.S. military said Thursday it has hit about 6,000 targets in the war.

A Quinnipiac University poll taken over the weekend found 77 percent of American voters think it is either very likely or somewhat likely that there will be a terrorist attack in the U.S. because of the Iran war.

Six bouts will be held on the White House South Lawn to commemorate Americas 250th birthday on June 14, which will also be Trumps 80th birthday (Getty Images)

When asked when they think the war will end, 18 percent think it will take weeks, 32 percent think months and 26 percent think the conflict will last longer than a year.

Rogan has been friendly with Trump in the past, endorsing him during the 2024 election and hugging him at a UFC fight shortly after his presidential victory that November.

But since Trump took office, Rogan has broken with the president on several issues, such as his sweeping immigration crackdown and the administrations handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

'I know its going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war,' Rogan said (Getty Images)

Rogan spoke out against the Iran war on his podcast earlier in the week, saying, It just seems so insane based on what he ran on.

I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right? He ran on No more wars, end these stupid, senseless wars, and then we have one that we cant even really clearly define why we did it, the podcaster said.

Trump has claimed that Iran posed an imminent threat to the American people because of its nuclear ambitions and development of long-range missiles.

But 55 percent of American voters do not think Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. before the strikes, according to the Quinnipiac University poll.
Jonny Clayton says he has to learnt to play through the pain barrier when his gout flares up.

The Welshman made light of the debilitating inflammatory arthritis condition as he won night six of the Premier League in Nottingham.

He could barely walk as he limped around the stage after he suffered a bout in his ankle.

The Ferret fires in Nottingham!  Jonny Clayton moves EIGHT points clear at the top of the table with his second nightly victory of the season at the Motorpoint Arena!  pic.twitter.com/tntkTuGnUi  PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 12, 2026

But there was nothing wrong with his arm as he powered past Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting and Luke Humphries to claim a second nightly win and top the table by eight points.

It is a regular problem for Clayton, who takes daily medication, but he never knows how it will be from one day to the next.

I do get flare-ups, so obviously I take medication every day, he said.

Funnily enough, it was in my elbow in my first year in the Premier League. So its moved now to my ankle.

But I have to carry on. I dont want to miss these nights.

Clayton was limping around the stage (Nigel French/PA) (Nigel French)

You just take your medication. I could go back to bed tonight, wake up tomorrow as if theres nothing there. It is weird, proper weird.

When it comes on, it gives you a warning and if you dont catch it in time, then you know all about it. And obviously I know all about it now.

Clayton, nicknamed the Ferret, said on Thursday night there was no chance he would be able to play the European Tour event in Germany and later officially pulled out.

Humphries also withdrew, leaving Michael van Gerwen as the top seed at the tournament.

World number one Luke Littler is not playing amid his ongoing boycott of events in Germany.
Jonny Clayton overcame gout in his ankle to win night six of the Premier League in Nottingham.

The Welshman could barely walk as he limped around the stage after being diagnosed with the inflammatory arthritis condition, but there was nothing wrong with his throw after a virtuoso display.

He destroyed Luke Humphries 6-1 in the final, having earlier seen off Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting to register a second nightly win.

CLAYTON WINS NIGHT SIX  The Ferret is on FIRE  Jonny Clayton becomes the first player to record a second nightly win, blasting past Luke Humphries 6-1 and extending his lead at the top of the table to an incredible eight points!#PLDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/1Z0hmBEZq5  PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 12, 2026

That moves him eight points clear at the summit of the table and he is already looking a good bet to make the play-offs at the O2 in London.

I wasnt expecting much tonight, I have got to be honest, I am suffering with gout, its in my ankles, he said on stage.

Tonight was a little bit difficult because every time I sat down, my foot was kind of stiffening up. So it was getting worse.

I am in pain, it is hard to walk, luckily it is not in my arm and the darts were going in OK. I am a happy man.

Humphries was denied his first nightly win of the year, but did at least end his hoodoo against great rival Luke Littler in the semi-final.

Humphries had lost his last five games against the teenager going back to last May, but beat him in a last-leg decider.

Littler had entered the arena for the last-four clash by reminding the locals of Nottingham Forests losing score in their Europa League tie a mile up the road at the City Ground.

Littlers night ended in defeat (Nigel French/PA) (Nigel French)

But, like Vitor Pereiras team, Littlers night ended in defeat.

Littler had earlier won the match of the night as he beat Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals.

It was a high-quality encounter where both men peppered the treble 20 bed but the teenager continued his dominance over Price, claiming an 11th win in their last 12 meetings by winning a last-leg decider.

Josh Rocks miserable debut campaign continued as he was hammered 6-1 by fellow struggler Bunting, meaning he has lost all six of his matches.
On social media, gen Zs tout Chinamaxxing, while their counterparts in China discuss the difficulties of life in Donald Trumps US. Photograph: Manuel Augusto Moreno/Getty Images (Photograph: Manuel Augusto Moreno/Getty Images)

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Across two online worlds that are normally splintered, over the last few months there has been a mirroring of sorts. On TikTok and Instagram, young people are diving into the joys of Chinese culture  from drinking hot water to playing mahjong  all under the banner of Chinamaxxing. On the Chinese internet, however, the US is losing its decades-long grip on soft power, and is instead being replaced by a darker trend: the kill line.

The kill line is a dangerous place to be. In gaming, the term refers to the point at which a players strength is so depleted that one more blow could lead to total wipeout. In China, the term refers to the risks that come with daily life in the US.

In recent months, the Chinese media has been flooded with discussion of the so-called kill line that exists in US society. The social media posts, news articles, podcasts and blogs describe a vision of the US as a dystopian capitalist hell. One video shared by a state-run account on RedNote shows a homeless man talking about how he used to earn a six-figure salary. (The post claims that the video comes from the US and that the man earned $450,000; in fact the clip is taken from an old video about homelessness on the streets of London).

Another case that has gone viral is that of Tylor Chase, a former Nickelodeon star who was recently spotted homeless on the streets of California. One Chinese news presenter said: Tylors fate confirms the existence of a kill line in American society where the middle class plummets into the underclass  This kill line exposes Americas dual nature: the winners achieve ultimate success, while the losers fall into an abyss from which there is no return.

In total, hashtags related to the US kill line have been viewed more than 600m times on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

Chinese propaganda has long cast the west as a land of poverty and depravity. On one day in 1968, during the early years of the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist partys official newspaper, Peoples Daily, published no less than three articles describing the US as some version of hell, blighted by widespread famine and an elite class of billionaire bloodsuckers. One described the US simply as: A paradise for the rich, a hell for the poor.

But regular people tended nonetheless to view the US as a land of opportunity and prosperity, especially after China started opening up in the 1980s and there was a greater flow of information between the two countries.

In late 2025, that changed.

The latest trend started in November, when a Chinese student living in Seattle posted a five-hour stream to the Chinese video-sharing website BiliBili. In the video, which has since attracted more than 3m views, he describes seeing hungry children at Halloween and the harsh realities of life for disadvantaged people in the worlds biggest economy. Soon, the term kill line took on a life of its own.

In January, the Chinese Communist partys official theoretical journal, Qiushi, published a commentary that stated the kill line reveals the structural economic fragility of American society. A few weeks later, a Chinese state media journalist asked the US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, repeatedly about the so-called kill line at Davos. Bessent, confused, talked up Trumps economic policy before saying: I dont understand the question.

For quite a long time we know that China has been looking up to the US, regardless of the official rhetoric, says Wang Haolan, a research associate at the Asia society in New York. But a host of events  from the 2008 economic crisis to the election of Donald Trump to the USs handling of the Covid-19 pandemic  has turned that admiration into a curiosity about the turmoil in the country, Wang says.

Ren Yi, an influential nationalist commentator who blogs under the name Chairman Rabbit, says the re-election of Trump and the US-China trade war are the most important reasons for Chinese peoples plummeting regard for the US. Chinese people are much more critical of the US now. Their attitude toward America has been shifting constantly, which is closely linked to the changing balance of power between the two nations, Ren says.

According to Ren, while China does have poverty problems, social and cultural factors mean that people are unlikely to end up on the streets. In China, you can always get support from both close and extended family, you always have someone to help you. Chinese people looking at the problems in the US dont understand it.

Homelessness in the US is a growing problem. In 2024, there were more than 771,000 people experiencing homelessness, an 18% increase on the previous year and a record high, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a non-profit organisation based in Washington DC.

In China, the problem is harder to quantify because the internal passport system, called the hukou, counts people based on where they are registered  usually at birth  rather than where they live. Millions of domestic migrants live in crowded and unsanitary accommodation on the fringes of big cities, often floating between dormitories depending on their jobs, but they would not be officially counted as homeless.

Severe destitution is hidden from public view, while the governments success at eradicating extreme poverty  a milestone that Chinas president, Xi Jinping, said was reached in 2021  is frequently promoted in the official narrative.

Many Chinese people see some truth in the idea that the possibility of a total social catastrophe is more likely in the US than China.

But while internet users in China are gawking at the idea of a US riven by poverty and chaos, for their American counterparts it is quite the opposite. With Chinamaxxing, American teenagers are revelling in traditional Chinese lifestyle hacks such as drinking hot water or wearing slippers indoors. The trends slogan? Youve met me at a very Chinese time in my life.

The Chinese government is lapping this up. Beijing is on a tourism drive, relaxing visa requirements for visitors from many European countries, including most recently the UK. Influencers willing to tell a rosy story about the most appealing aspects of life in China  while skirting over more sensitive topics like human rights and political oppression  have been welcomed with open arms. Meanwhile, in the US, a country which, unlike China, for the most part allows journalists to freely report on the worst aspects of society as well as the best, its governments most thuggish behaviouris being broadcast to audiences of millions, damaging its global reputation.

A useful distraction?

Some commentators see the kill line meme as being a way for Chinese people to vent about, or distract from, their own frustrations at home. Nearly one in five young people aged 16-24 are unemployed, according to official statistics, with some economists estimating that the true level could be much higher. Low wages and sluggish growth have given rise to an era of economic pessimism that the government is keen to combat. Promoting the supposed kill line that exists in the US could be one helpful distraction.

China currently has various social problems of its own, but by publicising that the west is also doing poorly  or even suggesting that the west is worse than China  creates an image that provides people with a sense of psychological comfort, says Wang Qingmin, a Chinese writer who lives in Germany. Someone who might have originally been critical of the Chinese government may, after seeing these problems in western society, shift toward a more positive attitude.

Some people find positive energy by observing the misery of people in the US, Ren says.

Commentators who have tried to draw a more explicit link between the kill line meme and Chinas domestic problems have been swiftly censored.

In an essay that was later deleted, the legal blogger Li Yuchen wrote that US-bashing nationalism had become a lucrative niche for influencers. It doesnt solve any of your problems  your stocks wont recover, your mortgage wont decrease by a single penny, Li wrote. Such content is like a cheap dose of patriotic aphrodisiac.

Henry Gao, a professor at Singapore Management University Yong Pung How School of Law, says the official promotion of the so-called US kill line suggests that the Chinese government is trying to deflect from economic problems at home.

This is a recurring pattern in China, where attention is often diverted toward perceived issues in other countries whenever significant internal challenges arise  with the United States typically being the first target, Gao said.

Additional research by Lillian Yang
Kyrsten Sinema, the former US senator for Arizona, pictured in 2023. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images (Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Kyrsten Sinema, a former US senator, admitted in court filings to having a romantic and intimate relationship with a married man who was a member of her security detail during her final year in office  but argues that his estranged wife should not be able to sue her over it.

The admission to the multi-state affair came in response to a lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel, who accused the former Arizona senator in federal court of breaking up her marriage under North Carolinas so-called homewrecker law.

In the court documents, filed on 12 March, Sinema asked a federal judge to dismiss the case, saying in sworn statements that she has no connection to North Carolina, where the bodyguard, Matthew Joseph Ammel, resided with his wife and children. She noted that she was physically intimate with Matthew in four states as well as Washington DC  but not once in North Carolina.

Furthermore, between early 2023 and 1 November 2024, Sinema says 100% of her phone calls and email communications with Matthew occurred when he was outside North Carolina  and largely related to his work as part of her Senate security detail, which involved frequent travel.

She states that she was unaware Matthew lived in North Carolina with his family until December 2023, more than a year after he first began working security for her. Sinema also maintained she had no knowledge of Matthews day-to-day whereabouts unless it was related to travel as part of her security detail.

As part of the filing, Sinema detailed a half-dozen encounters in which she said she was physically intimate with Matthew. The first documented encounter was in Sonoma, California, in late May 2024, roughly two months after she announced her decision not to seek re-election and several months before he separated from his wife. She stated that they engaged in additional encounters in New York; Washington DC; Aspen, Colorado, and Phoenix, Arizona.

According to Heathers lawsuit, she had a good and loving marriage with her husband before Sinemas deliberate interference. She accused Sinema of pursuing Matthew despite knowing he was married.

Heather maintained she discovered messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema that exceeded the bounds of a normal working relationship and were of romantic and lascivious natures, including a photo of the then-senator wrapped in a towel.

In the lawsuit, Heather also alleged that Sinema paid for psychedelic treatment for Matthew, a US army veteran who has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and traumatic brain injuries tied to his military deployments.

Sinema denies ever sending a photo of her wrapped in a towel and states that she has no recollection of sending any message to Matthew suggesting he bring MDMA drugs on a work trip so that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience.

Campaign finance documents show that Matthew received nearly $9,000 in October from Sinemas old campaign committee. Other unusual campaign expenditures include hotels in Saudi Arabia, wine and gifts from Taylor Swifts official gift store.

A legal complaint filed in February by a campaign watchdog group accuses Sinema of improperly spending political campaign funds on personal expenses. It cites her relationship with Matthew, noting that her campaign committee continued to pay him for services after she left office in January 2025. Federal Election Commission (FEC) documents show her committee, which has since been terminated, paid Matthew more than $100,000 between January and October 2025.

In Sinemas motion to dismiss, she states that she joined the Ammel family, including their three children, at a Taylor Swift concert in Miami in October. The Ammels stayed in different hotel rooms during the trip, according to legal documents. Days later, according to Heathers lawsuit, Matthew accompanied Sinema on a work trip to Saudi Arabia. When he returned, the couple separated and he moved out of their North Carolina home.

North Carolina is one of only a few US states where spouses can sue a third party  often the paramor  for alienation of affection resulting from an affair. But Sinema says Heathers lawsuit against her should be dropped because the affair at the center of the case unfolded exclusively outside North Carolina.

The case has brought renewed attention to Sinema, the Democrat turned independent who served one term in the Senate after flipping her seat in 2018 in a politically competitive state. She emerged as a key bipartisan deal-maker but infuriated her Democratic colleagues by stymieing some of the top legislative priorities when their party held the White House during Joe Bidens presidency.

Since leaving the Senate, Sinema has continued to raise eyebrows with her work on issues such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence as a senior adviser at the law and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells.

She has also openly advocated for psychedelic medicine and been outspoken about her experience undergoing ibogaine treatment to prevent dementia.

Cementing her rightward turn, the Washington Reporter announced recently that Sinema would join the conservative news outlet as a columnist, bringing an inside look at some of the most consequential policy debates.
A Democratic lawmaker who accused Donald Trump of denying her an invitation to a meeting to discuss the proposed overhaul of the Kennedy Center has admitted that the invite was actually in her spam folder.

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, who has filed a lawsuit against the administrations planned closure and revamp of the world-famous arts center, claimed she had been blocked from the meeting on March 16.

Plaintiff appreciates Defendants confirmation that she can attend the meeting at the White House. Upon further investigation, it appears that the email regarding the Board meeting was routed to Plaintiffs spam folder, lawyers for the congresswoman wrote Thursday.

Beattys lawsuit seeks to have a temporary restraining order granted that would stop the closure of the Kennedy Center, and the subsequent cancellation of performances, firing of staff and even possible demolition of the building.

Trump has called the center tired, broken and dilapidated, and previously announced its closure for two years to make construction go faster  which Beatty has described as lawless.

A Democratic lawmaker who accused Donald Trump of denying her an invitation to a meeting to discuss the proposed overhaul of the Kennedy Center, has admitted that the invite was actually in her spam folder (AP)

Despite admitting the error over her invite, lawyers for Beatty said it bears emphasis that after Beatty was unable to find the email, she had contacted the General Counsel for the center but was ignored for two days.

As a result, Plaintiff had reason to believe Defendants who had already silenced her in the December meetinghad excluded her from the upcoming meeting, lawyers wrote. Regardless, in any event, her being permitted to attend does not come anywhere close to remediating her harms.

Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, who has filed a lawsuit against the administrations planned closure and revamp of the world famous arts center, claimed she had been blocked from the meeting on March 16 (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The board of the center is legally required to have several members of Congress on its board, and Beatty is an ex officio member. Her lawsuit, seeking to stop Trump from shutter[ing] and gut[ting] the building, was filed shortly after the board voted to include Trumps name and change the signage accordingly.

Beatty, along with others, opposed the decision, which some have argued needed the approval of Congress to carry out. Her lawyers have claimed she was previously barred from voting on the name change and suggest that something similar will occur on March 16.

The stakes could not be higher. I am asking the Court to prevent President Trump from doing to the Kennedy Center what he did to the East Wing of the White House, just a few months ago, the congresswoman said in a statement last week.
London is becoming an unsuitable place to raise children, Sir Sadiq Khan has been told.

The number of children living in the capital has been declining at a faster rate than anywhere else in the UK since the early 2010s, according to the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.

Between 2013 and 2023, Londons population of 0-9-year-olds fell by 99,100 as the citys overall population grew by 506,000, prompting concerns that London, particularly the inner city, was no longer child-friendly.

In a new report, the committee suggests that serious financial and practical barriers, including the cost of childcare and housing, have played a major role in families moving out of London.

Those who stay often face new housing developments without suitable communal play spaces, and unwelcoming attitudes from neighbours and the authorities.

File Image (PA Archive)

This has had a knock-on impact on the capitals schooling system, with reducing class sizes meaning schools face receiving less funding for every pupil they lose. This has led to a number of closures or mergers in recent years.

The Mayor of London has now been told to take a number of measures to reverse this trend, including implementing specific requirements for homes suitable for children in the next London Plan  as well as building more family sized homes  and developing a map of all appropriate play spaces in the capital.

Ultimately, the cross-party committee said, the Mayor should help ensure London achieves Child Friendly City status with UNICEF.

Hina Bokhari, who chairs the committee, said: We cannot allow London to become a place where only a small number of families can afford to live and even fewer can manage to enjoy a good quality of life.

London must prioritise keeping children and families in the city. Without urgent action, we risk seeing even more families take the decision to leave and set up their lives elsewhere.

Ms Bokhari told BBC Radio London yesterday (Monday March 9): The Mayor has a job to do  and his job is to make sure that London is fit for everyone.

A child-friendly city is a friendly city for all and its up to the Mayor of London to make sure that he reads this report and puts across all the recommendations that we need in the future.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): The Mayor is committed to supporting families and helping young people of all backgrounds to thrive.

This includes funding free school meals for all state primary pupils, investing in activities for young people in school holidays, ensuring families claim financial support they are entitled to, protecting free and discounted travel for children and working with the Government to deliver more affordable homes across the capital, as we build a fairer and better London for everyone.
Londoners are disproportionately affected by increasingly sophisticated fraud operations, senior police figures have warned.

While fraud is on the rise generally  it accounts for 41 per cent of all crimes across England and Wales, with four million incidents in the 12 months up to September 2025  online scams are particularly prevalent in London.

Some 40 per cent of fraud victims nationally are located within the capital, according to the City of London Police, with the Met Police suggesting this includes 60 per cent of all courier fraud cases.

Officials also warned the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee that increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scams means criminals are constantly one step ahead of both public awareness and the law.

Oliver Little from the City of London Police told Assembly Members on Wednesday: Weve seen an acceleration in people using technology to enable fraud  it allows people to target a much wider number of people, and then its a numbers game. It also puts more barriers between us and them and obfuscates who they really are.

File Image (PA Wire)

The Hi Mum scams over text message  theres the potential to use technology to turn that into a realistic voice, so people will be more easily manipulated. Theres still lots of basic frauds which are effective, but fundamentally, fraudsters will use systems to increase the surface area of their attack. Its always shifting and changing.

The Hi Mum scam involves fraudsters texting someone pretending to be their child whos lost their phone and has a new number. It tricks people into sending money to support them.

Mr Little added: The challenge for us as law enforcement is to use technology ourselves to identify and respond. Thats the kind of the arms race that we see ourselves in. Victims are not aware that criminals are using AI to deceive them.

Will Lyne, Head of Economic and Cybercrime at the Met, laid out the shocking possibility that there may not need to be a human manually carrying out scams on victims once they engage with mass phishing or fraud messages.

He told the committee: We are not seeing AI run end to end fraud models, but we are seeing it used as a tool that optimises the scale and sophistication of steps within the fraud business model. This includes fraud models that require access to victims machines, for example.

Were not saying AI is out there running fraud operations on behalf of criminals  but there is a realistic probability were going to get there in the future.

For now, though, Londoners are still falling victim to more rudimentary scams at an alarming rate.

Rory Innes, CEO and Founder of The Cyber Helpline, said all criminals need at the moment is a phone, an email account and a social media account  that is enough to cause devastating impacts, including loss of life, loss of finances, mental health.

He echoed concerns about scams becoming even more sophisticated in future, adding: If you think about how it easy it is to get a clip of someone, and creating a voice, an identity  there are scary threats coming down the line, but theres already threats now which are devastating and victims need more support.

Mr Lyne explained there were currently six priority fraud types that pose the greatest risk to the public in London.

These are romance fraud, courier fraud, investment fraud, abuse of position fraud, payment diversion and card and payment fraud.

But he said hybridisation of fraud types  meaning they blend together  makes it difficult for both victims and police to tackle scammers.

It can be very unclear about what type of scam someone is falling victim to till it has happened, he said.

Mr Lyne also claimed that criminals are increasingly using cryptocurrency, with the digital payment system now featuring in at least a third of investment fraud reports in London.

Its a really powerful tool to be able to cash out without having to use the traditional banking system, he noted.

Asked about what police can do to combat this increased sophistication, Mr Lyne admitted that forces will always be playing catch up and that education around different online scams is the right thing to do to save potential victims.
Meghans visit was part of the hospitals Make March Matter annual fundraiser - Instagram

The Duchess of Sussex has surprised young patients during a visit to the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Meghan, 44, joined children at the hospital for painting and craft activities and met with patients in their rooms.

Photos shared on the hospitals Instagram page captured the Duchess chatting with families and taking part in the art sessions.

Today we were honoured to welcome LAs own @meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to CHLAs Creative Oasis, where she spent time painting alongside our incredible patients, the hospital captioned the photos.

These special moments are a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in fostering joy, connection, and healing.

The Duchess visited children in their rooms - Instagram

Meghan during an art session with patients - Instagram

Her visit formed part of the organisations Make March Matter annual fundraiser, the hospital said in a social media post.

It comes amid news that a documentary produced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was bought by an independent production company.

The US rights to Cookie Queens  a coming-of-age story about the annual American tradition of Girl Scouts selling cookies  have been acquired by Roadside Attractions, Variety magazine said.

Meghan previously said of the project: As a former Girl Scout myself, with my mom as my troop leader, I have a personal affinity for this film.

Meghan posed for pictures and engaged in conversations with families - Instagram

She described it as one of the most powerful and meaningful depictions of something that is an American tradition and rooted in nostalgia.

Harry and Meghan signed a watered down, first-look deal with Netflix last year, which gave the streaming giant first option on projects by the Sussexes Archewell Productions.

The hospital said it was honoured to welcome the Duchess - Instagram

Archewell Productions partnered with Beautiful Stories and AJNA Films on the documentary, and Harry and Meghan were its executive producers.

It was directed by Alysa Nahmias, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and is set to appear at the SXSW (South by South West) music and film festival and then open in cinemas over the summer.

Her lifestyle company As Ever, which sells jams, herbal teas and chocolates, was meanwhile revealed to have ended its partnership with Netflix this month, with a spokesperson saying the brand was now ready to stand on its own.
The Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, after the terror attack - ABC affiliate WXYZ/Reuters

The man suspected of crashing an explosive-filled truck into a Michigan synagogue is a Lebanese migrant whose family died in Israeli air strikes.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, had family who were recently killed in an Israeli strike, Mo Baydoun, the Mayor of Dearborn Heights, confirmed on Friday.

We do know that the individual had recently suffered devastating and personal losses overseas due to an Israeli air strike on his familys home in Lebanon, leaving two children dead, he said.

That grief is real and its heartbreaking, but let me be clear, that is not an excuse these actions do not reflect our values as a city. This is not who we are. There is never an excuse for violence, especially violence directed at a sacred space.

Ghazali was shot dead by security officers after driving through a hallway at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, near Detroit.

Neighbours told The Telegraph Ghazali seemed normal and unremarkable.

One neighbour described seeing him playing on the lawn with his children, another said that he was an apparently friendly man.

He was a sweet guy, his next door neighbour told the Telegraph, he played with his kids outside.

According to neighbours, Ghazali worked at the front of a local Lebanese restaurant, Hamido, where he would serve food to those nearby.

Mohammed Mardini, an Imam at the American Muslim centre who knew Ghazali, said: I interacted with him as the customer to this restaurant that he worked on, he told the Telegraph. We used to see him when we would go and order some food.

He was a cashier, he said. He was just selling, receiving the money, giving the orders.

Smoke from a building in Beirut, Lebanon, after an Israeli strike on March 12 - Adri Salido/Getty Images

Javerya Zreik, a 28 year old mother of two who lived next door to Ghazali, said she thought he was just a random, regular guy.

Ms Zreik said she saw him playing with his daughters in his front garden: Id see him mostly when the kids were out.

She added: He would just be smiling or waving as he passed by.

Ms Zreik said she was shocked when she heard the news: I think it goes to show you dont really know anybody.

Police responded to reports of an active gunman at 12.19pm on Thursday, in what the FBI described as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

No one else was seriously injured in the attack. One security guard who was taken to hospital is expected to recover.

Ghazali was born in Lebanon. In 2011, he entered the US using an immigrant visa as the spouse of a US citizen, the US Department of Homeland Security said.

He became an American citizen in February 2016 and lived in the Michigan city of Dearborn Heights.

Mo Baydoun, the citys mayor, said: Earlier this month, [Ghazali] lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon, he said.

Lebanon has been the target of Israeli air strikes since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East two weeks ago.

The Israel Defense Forces is targeting strongholds of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terror group. Lebanese authorities have said at least 634 people have been killed and more than 1,500 injured in Israeli attacks so far.

Wayne County, which includes Dearborn Heights, has the largest concentration of Lebanese Americans in the US.

Authorities found a large amount of explosives in the back of Ghazalis vehicle, including mortar shells.

Footage from the scene showed a large police and emergency service response, with smoke billowing from the building in the background. Children were seen being escorted from the building.

Families being escorted away from the Temple Israel synagogue after the attack - Paul Sancya/AP

Mike Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, said there were no victims other than one of the security officers, who was hit by the car and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

That individual should be OK, he added.

Temple Israels security had exchanged fire with Ghazali, who was reportedly armed with a rifle, Mr Bouchard said.

The shooter breached the building, drove down the hall, and he was engaged by security, he added.

Police officers in force after the attack at the Temple Israel synagogue - Corey Williams/AP

An order for people to shelter in place remained within a one-mile radius as police tried to establish whether there may have been a second suspect who could have fled the scene on foot.

Authorities across the country increased security at Jewish places of worship following the attack.

Mr Trump on Thursday described the attack as terrible and extended sympathy to the Jewish community.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal Humane New Mexico's beloved Doggie Dash & Dawdle returns to Balloon Fiesta Park on March 15, marking the 43rd year of the state's "must attend pet event." Thousands of runners, walkers, families, and their four-legged companions are expected to gather for a day of fitness, fun, and fundraising, all in support of homeless pets across New Mexico.

Participants can choose between a spirited 5K Dash or a relaxed 1-Mile Dawdle, followed by a dog-friendly carnival atmosphere featuring a Watering Bowl stocked with local brews and a lively Barketplace filled with community vendors. Gates open at 8:30 a.m., the 5K begins at 9:30 a.m., and festivities continue through 1 p.m., including crowd-favorite costume and trick contests.

Leading the pack this year is Parnall Law, proudly returning as one of the event's Gold Sponsors. The Albuquerque-based injury law firm is providing custom tote bags for all participants  perfect for carrying treats, vendor goodies, and event memorabilia while supporting a meaningful cause.

"Doggie Dash & Dawdle is one of Albuquerque's most joyful traditions," said Bertrand Parnall, founder of Parnall Law. "We're honored to support Animal Humane New Mexico and the incredible work they do every day to care for and protect vulnerable animals in our community."

Bertrand Parnall will attend the event alongside his wife, Marta Strzyzewski, and their full-size brown poodle, Ziggy. Attorney Kyle Malone will also be participating with his two golden retrievers, joining fellow team members and supporters representing the firm.

Animal Humane New Mexico hopes to raise $200,000 through this year's event to support its lifesaving programs and services. With thousands of attendees expected, Parnall Law's sponsorship underscores its continued commitment to strengthening the Albuquerque community, for both people and pets.

Registration and donations for the 43rd Annual Doggie Dash & Dawdle are open now. Don't miss the opportunity to dash, dawdle, and pick up a Parnall Law tote, all while helping local animals in need.

About Parnall Law

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A group of MPs has hit out at Fujitsu for being yet to contribute a penny to the nearly 1.5 billion redress bill for victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal and called for urgent action to quash pre-Horizon convictions.

The Business and Trade Committee (BTC), which scrutinises the work of the Government department, said it had found serious structural failings in the compensation process.

More than 11,500 claimants have received payments worth approximately 1.48 billion, as of February 27, through several schemes set up to compensate postmasters who were affected by previous faulty versions of the Horizon computer system.

Business and Trade Committee chairman Liam Byrne said the situation was simply unacceptable (Maja Smiejkowska/PA) (Maja Smiejkowska)

The total costs of redress rise to around 2 billion once legal and administrative costs are taken into account, as well as for the Capture system which pre-dates the Horizon software.

The Horizon accounting system, run by Japanese firm Fujitsu, made it look like money was missing from their branch accounts.

It is at the centre of the long-running Post Office scandal, which saw around 1,000 people wrongly prosecuted and convicted throughout the UK between 1999 and 2015.

The BTC said progress had been made in delivering redress to victims, but that thousands of sub-postmasters were still waiting for compensation.

Many victims still face delays, inadequate offers, and administrative processes that retraumatise those who have already faced injustice, according to its report.

MP Liam Byrne, chairman of the BTC, said: Thousands of victims are still waiting for fair redress, while the processes designed to help them are too often slow, bureaucratic and retraumatising.

That is simply unacceptable after one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.

Worse, Fujitsu has yet to contribute a penny to the nearly 2 billion redress bill, even as it continues to benefit from public contracts.

That cannot continue.

It is simply wrong that taxpayers are covering the costs for Fujitsus sins while Fujitsu is still profiting from taxpayers-funded contracts.

The BTC said that Fujitsu had acknowledged it had a moral obligation to contribute to the cost of redress, and stated its commitment to do so, but that it has made no interim payment nor agreed to any figure.

Fujitsu continues to supply its IT system to the Post Office and also to Government departments through a number of contracts.

A spokeswoman for Fujitsu said: We continue to work with UK Government to ensure we adhere to the voluntary restrictions we put in place regarding bidding for new contracts while the Post Office Inquiry is ongoing, and are engaged with Government regarding Fujitsus contribution to compensation.

Mr Byrne said on BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday that ministers should be tougher with Fujitsu and demand an interim payment now.

Of the company, he said: Theyre trying to get away with it, thats what theyre trying to do. They are being allowed to get away with it.

Mr Byrne also suggested that the Government tried to hide the fact it had given half a billion pounds worth of contracts to Fujitsu after the Post Office scandal.

He admitted that some contracts, such as with the Ministry of Defence, were critical state services but stressed that it was simply not right that a company like Fujitsu has contributed nothing to the redress bill.

Meanwhile, Mr Byrne said the committee was concerned to hear new evidence that suggests unsafe convictions linked to earlier systems such as Capture may be only the tip of another iceberg.

He said: Parliament must act quickly to quash these convictions and ensure that every victim finally gets the justice they deserve.

A compensation scheme for sub-postmasters who were forced to repay shortfalls from the faulty accounting system Capture was launched last year.

A spokeswoman for the Post Office said it would review the committees recommendation and continue to work closely with the Government.

She said: We welcome the scrutiny of the committee and its commitment to ensuring full, fair and timely redress is paid to those harmed during the Horizon scandal.

Progress has been made with 87% of eligible Horizon Shortfall Scheme applications having received an offer and 882 million paid through the scheme.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible to bring resolution to those who have applied.

A spokeswoman for the Government said: We must never lose sight of the Horizon scandals human impact on postmasters and their families.

The amount weve paid out has increased more than sixfold as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver justice to victims as swiftly as possible.

We welcome todays report and agree that it is crucial that Fujitsu meets its moral obligation to contribute to the total costs of the scandal, and will publish our response to its recommendations shortly.
Newsom trolls Trump as Putins pup after US lifts sanctions on Russian oil during Iran war

California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled President Donald Trump as Russian President Vladimir Putins pup after the United States lifted sanctions on Russian oil during the Iran war.

As oil prices hit $100 a barrel again Thursday since the U.S. and Israel began striking Iran nearly two weeks ago, the Treasury Department said it would allow countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea.

In response to the Treasury Departments announcement, Newsoms press office shared an AI-generated image of Putin walking Trump like a dog. Trump is depicted lying on his stomach with a leash attached to him that Putin is holding.

When announcing the new move on X Thursday night, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump is taking decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets and working to keep prices low as we address the threat and instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled President Donald Trump as Russian President Vladimir Putins pup after the United States lifted sanctions on Russian oil during the Iran war (AFP via Getty Images)

He said the short-term measure...will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

Earlier Thursday, the Iran war surged oil prices back to about $100 per barrel after jumping to nearly $120 a barrel Monday.

The uncertainty in the oil markets can be linked to the action, or rather inaction, in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Middle East that carries around a fifth of the worlds oil. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to attack any ships that attempt to pass through.

The Trump administration has already allowed India to buy Russian oil until April 4 and announced plans to tap into U.S. oil reserves to curb rising gas prices.

Newsom has recently gained more prominence by poking fun at the Trump administration online as a way of criticizing its agenda (Getty Images)

Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced Wednesday the U.S. will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve starting next week.

Newsom has recently gained more prominence by poking fun at the Trump administration online as a way of criticizing its agenda. During a spat about each others cognitive fitness Wednesday, Newsom called Trump a brain-dead moron who bombs children, seemingly referring to the February 28 strike on a girls school in Iran that reportedly killed some 175 people, most of whom were children.

A preliminary Pentagon report found the U.S. was responsible for the unintentional bombing, per a report published byThe New York Times Wednesday, citing U.S. officials and others familiar with the findings.

As oil prices hit $100 a barrel again Thursday, the Treasury Department said it would allow countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea (AFP via Getty Images)

As the Iran war drags on with no set end date, the U.S. is moving to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The military announced Tuesday it had destroyed mine-laying ships near the Strait of Hormuz following reports of Iran planning to or already deploying mines in the waterway.

Bessent also told Sky News Thursday the Navy or maybe an international coalition could escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict.

"There are, in fact, tankers coming through now, Iranian tankers, I believe some Chinese flag tankers have come through. So we know that they have not mined the straits, the treasury secretary said.
Despite the billions who attend weekly worship services globally with remarkable safety, a recent ambush on one of the nation's largest synagogues has intensified fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide.

This attack, occurring on Thursday, is the latest in a series targeting religious buildings and has intensified fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide.

Historically, annual fatalities from such assaults rarely exceed a few hundred, yet the current climate has underscored a growing concern.

Here is a list of some of the notable attacks that have occurred on houses of worship in the past 15 years.

An ex-Marine smashed a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan on Sept. 29, 2025 (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

United States

March 12, 2026: A man armed with a rifle rammed his vehicle into a major reform synagogue in a Detroit suburb and was fatally shot by security. The attacker drove through a set of doors and into a hallway where something in the vehicle ignited, a sheriff said. In the minutes after the attack, smoke billowed from the synagogue, which also houses an early childhood center. No one was injured.

Sept. 29, 2025: An ex-Marine smashed a pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Michigan, opened fire and set the building ablaze during a crowded Sunday service and then was fatally shot by police. Four people were killed and eight wounded.

Aug. 27, 2025: Two children were killed and several others were injured in a shooting during Mass at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis. The shooter, who authorities say died of a self-inflicted gunshot, was a former student at the parishs school.

Oct. 27, 2018: Eleven Jews attending services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh were fatally shot by a white supremacist with a history of antisemitism. The gunman, Robert Bowers, faces execution after his conviction on multiple federal charges.

Nov. 5, 2017: A family feud is believed to have prompted the deadliest mass shooting in modern Texas history. Twenty-five people, including a pregnant woman, were killed at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.

June 17, 2015: A young man walked into a Bible study session at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and killed nine people. The victims included the senior pastor, Clementa Pinckney. The shooter was an avowed white supremacist who is awaiting execution after his conviction on multiple federal charges.

Aug. 5, 2012: Six people at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the town of Oak Creek were shot to death by a 41-year-old white supremacist who had discussed a racial holy war. One of the injured victims died in 2020 from his head wound, becoming the seventh fatality.

Australia

Dec. 14, 2025: A father and son fatally shot 15 people at a Hanukkah festival on the famous Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the massacre an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation.

Dec. 6, 2024: As part of a wave of antisemitic attacks, a synagogue in Melbourne was firebombed. The building was heavily damaged, and a congregation member was injured. Australian authorities have accused Iran of directing that attack.

Congo

July 27, 2025: Several dozen people were killed in Congos Ituri province when rebels stormed a Catholic church during a vigil and opened fire on worshippers.

Egypt

Egypt reeled in November 2017 from the killing of more than 300 people in a startlingly grisly militant attack on a mosque in northern Sinai frequented by Sufis, followers of a mystic movement within Islam. At that point, Egypts military and security forces had already been waging a campaign against militants in northern Sinai.

April 9, 2017: Suicide bombers struck hours apart at two Coptic churches in northern Egypt, killing more than 40 people and turning Palm Sunday services into scenes of horror and outrage. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility and vowed to continue attacks against Christians.

Britain

Oct. 2, 2025: An attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England, by a knife-wielding assailant left two congregation members dead. According to police, it was carried out by a man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

June 19, 2017: A man drove a van at pedestrians near a mosque in London as worshippers were leaving after prayers. One man died; a dozen others were injured. The attacker was sentenced to at least 43 years in prison. A judge said he had been radicalized by far-right and Islamophobic propaganda online.

France

Oct, 29, 2020: Three people were killed in a stabbing attack at a Catholic basilica in the French Riviera city of Nice. A Tunisian man charged with the attack was later sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, Frances most severe sentence possible.

July 26, 2016: Two assailants slit the throat of an 85-year-old priest after staging an attack on a Mass at a Catholic church in Normandy. The attackers were killed by police as they left the church. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Germany

Oct. 9, 2019: A right-wing extremist tried to shoot his way into a synagogue in Halle on Yom Kippur while broadcasting the attack live on a popular gaming site. After failing to open the buildings heavy doors, he shot and killed a woman in the street and a man at a nearby kebab shop. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

March 9, 2023: A former member of the Jehovahs Witnesses opened fire during a service at a Witnesses hall in Hamburg, killing six people and then himself. Nine other people were wounded.

Oct. 18, 2023: Assailants threw two Molotov cocktails at a synagogue in Berlin. The firebombs burst on the sidewalk next to the building, and two people who had approached the synagogue with them ran away with their faces covered. The attempted arson shortly after Hamas attack on Israel drew strong condemnation.

New Zealand

March 15, 2019: A white supremacist gunned down worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers, killing 51. The attacks prompted new laws banning an array of semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. They also prompted global changes to social media protocols after the gunman livestreamed his attack on Facebook. The assailant was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the first time the maximum available sentence had been imposed in New Zealand.

Norway

Aug. 10, 2019: A white nationalist Norwegian, Philip Manshaus, killed his Chinese-born stepsister and then drove to a mosque in an Oslo suburb where three men were preparing for Eid al-Adha celebrations. He fired rifle shots at the mosques glass door before being overpowered by one of the men.

Syria

June 22, 2025: A suicide bomber opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church near Damascus filled with people praying, killing more than 20 and wounding dozens, state media reported.
Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland has been missing in Albuquerque since February 27, and his wife says he has no access to classified UFO programs despite circulating rumors (Facebook/Susan McCasland Wilkerson)

Officials and the wife of retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland have hit back at speculation linking his disappearance to past UFO research and work with a member of rock band Blink-182.

McCasland, 68, went missing on February 27 after leaving his Albuquerque home on foot around 11 a.m., according to the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office. The avid outdoorsman left behind his cellphone, prescription glasses, and wearable devices. His hiking boots, wallet and a .38-caliber revolver in a leather holster, meanwhile, were missing. Authorities also reported finding a U.S. Air Force sweatshirt about a mile from his home, though it has not been confirmed as belonging to him. A Silver Alert and a multi-agency search that now includes the FBI.

Interest in the case has grown, in part, because of McCaslands past ties to the UFO research community. His wife, Susan McCasland Wilkerson, said that connection has fueled online misinformation, and denied that he had classified or specialist knowledge about extraterrestrials or UFO programs. McCasland previously led the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Greene County, Ohio, a site which conspiracy theorists have long linked to the 1947 Roswell incident.

Neil does not have any special knowledge about the ET bodies and debris from the Roswell crash stored at Wright-Patt, Wilkerson wrote on a March 6 Facebook post.

Wilkerson also addressed her husbands brief post-retirement work as an unpaid consultant for Tom DeLonge, the Blink-182 frontman who founded the organization To The Stars, which produces books, music, and documentaries exploring unidentified aerial phenomena. After political strategist John Podesta's emails were publicly posted on WikiLeaks, at least one of which mentioned McCasland, NBC reports, there was less contact with Tom and the UFO community, Wilkerson said.

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland has been missing in Albuquerque since February 27, and his wife says he has no access to classified UFO programs despite circulating rumors (Facebook/Susan McCasland Wilkerson)

After retiring in 2013, Neil McCasland briefly consulted for Blink-182 frontman Tom DeLonges UFO-focused organization, but his involvement declined after the WikiLeaks exposure, his wife said (Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office)

This connection is not a reason for someone to abduct Neil, she continued.

Though at this point with absolutely no sign of him, maybe the best hypothesis is that aliens beamed him up to the mothership, she added in the post. However, no sightings of a mothership hovering above the Sandia Mountains have been reported.

Meanwhile, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office continues an extensive search for McCasland, deploying rescue teams, dogs, drones and helicopters, with the FBI also assisting. Despite these efforts, officials say there have been no confirmed sightings or video showing him leaving the area or indicating a direction of travel.

McCasland is an avid outdoorsman who frequently hikes, runs, and cycles in the Northeast Heights and Sandia foothills. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall, with white hair and blue eyes, and may have been wearing a light green, long-sleeved, button-up shirt when he went missing.

The missing man briefly worked as an unpaid consultant to Tom DeLonge, the Blink-182 frontman who founded the organization To The Stars, which produces books, music, and documentaries exploring unidentified aerial phenomena. (AFP via Getty Images)

The sheriffs office reminded the public that any reports beyond official updates are unverified.

There are people who attempt to develop their own theories based on the limited information available to the public, and this makes finding Neil harder, the office said in a Facebook post.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage from February 27 and 28, particularly from the Sandia Mountains or his neighborhood, to come forward.

Officials said there is no evidence of foul play, though McCasland has undisclosed medical issues that raise concern for his safety. Wilkerson confirmed online that while he has medical conditions, they are not related to dementia or Alzheimers disease.
One dead after explosion at pro-regime al Quds demonstration in Tehran

At least one person has been killed after multiple explosions rocked a demonstration in Tehran on Friday, according to Iranian state media.

The unnamed woman reportedly died after being hit by shrapnel near the annual Quds Day march around noon, as the US and Israel announced fresh strikes on the capital, according to Irans Press TV.

A large explosion was also reported at the Ferdowsi Square as pro-regime crowds gathered, chanting death to Israel and death to America.

Security personnel stand guard as Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Reuters)

Footage from the square showed people shouting "God is the greatest" as smoke billowed over the capital. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

Pro-regime protesters turned out in cities across the country as Israel announced a fresh wave of strikes targeting missile production and storage sites nationwide.

Ali Larijani, the head of Irans supreme national security council, said that the attacks showed Israels weakness and confusion.

A statement attributed to Irans new supreme leader on Thursday called on residents of Iran to take to the streets for the annual demonstration expressing solidarity with Palestine. Al Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem.

Smoke rises following an airstrike at the same time as a Quds Day demonstration in Tehran on Friday (Getty)

Iran president Masoud Pezeshkian also encouraged people to take to the streets and disappoint the enemies of Iran in a post on social media.

The regime has blocked the internet in Iran since the conflict erupted.

A Quds Day rally planned in the UK for Sunday was banned by British police over the possibility of extreme tensions with counter-protesters and this risk posed by Tehran during the conflict in the Middle East.

The leaders of Iran, Israel and the US meanwhile all vowed to fight on as the war approached the two-week mark on Friday, killing thousands of people, disrupting the lives of millions of others and shaking financial markets.

In a post overnight, Donald Trump threatened Iran and signalled willingness to keep up the conflict.

Pakistani Shia Muslims burn the US national flag, during a rally to mark Al-Quds Day in Lahore (AFP/Getty)

We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time - Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today, he wrote on Truth Social.

Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!

Israels military said on social media that strikes against the regime were ongoing, pointing to strikes on military facilities in Shiraz, Tehran and Ahvaz.

In the capital, it said it had struck a central base for aerial defence array & several production sites for weapons, aerial defence systems, and ballistic missile components.
Caroline Hirons, pictured, heralds her mother as her biggest mentor in the beauty industry. (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

Caroline Hirons, who has been described as Britain's most powerful beauty expert, is a bestselling author and entrepreneur who debuted her own brand Skin Rocks in 2022.

I worked in my mums clothing shop in Warrington as a 15-year-old during the summer of Live Aid and she wouldnt let me have a day off to watch it.

Ive been in retail now for over 40 years and she is the best mentor Ive had. She was a grafter and there was no special treatment. It was the best training, as she was held in high regard by her staff and there was never a job she asked people to do that she wouldnt do herself.

Read More: How the 'five-minute face' made Sculpted by Aimee millions

I have always been a beauty shopper. By 1997, I had two small boys and always needed extra money. I phoned a girlfriend I knew and I managed to get a job on the Aveda beauty counter at Harvey Nicholls in 1997 as "a weekend girl" they called it at the time.

I worked my first day on a Saturday, loved it, and found myself working on my own the following day. Sunday was always the quietest day, but I took as much money as the whole team did the previous day.

It was the skincare part that really attracted me and I remember saying I never wanted to work anywhere else bar beauty.

Skin Rocks' eye cream has been developed to support signs of ageing and fatigue.

A few months later, the manager left and my youngest started school full-time. After successfully applying for the role, I had gone from being a weekend girl on their No.2 account in the UK to the business manager.

It wasn't down to my sales alone. I was raised by two strong work ethic parents. I learned from my mum in particular and watched how she managed people, how she had empathy but no problem in pulling people up politely.

I served Liz Taylor, Godlie Hawn and Cher in Harvey Nicholls. It was celeb central but also huge fun and a lot of my colleagues are still in the industry today as "lifers". It was the glory days of retail well before online shopping.

Read More: 'We made 25 jars at a time - now our business boasts a world's best marmalade'

We were telling people they didnt need to buy something which we have carried through to Skin Rocks today. We are the only brand in the world, to my knowledge, that tells people why they dont need to buy our product on the packaging.

As much as I was aware of being on commission  5% at the time  I never chased a sale or sold someone a product they didnt need in order to make a target in my entire career.

Most people dont think about their skin until they have a problem. A lot of what we do is problem-solving and helping people make sense of skincare as it can be confusing.

Caroline Hirons has been described as the 'queen of skincare'.

I am frequently told that "you have changed my skin and I feel so much better about myself". Thats massively powerful.

I started with a blog in 2010 with the advice I would give on the shop floor and moved it online to reach more people. I now have over 50 staff. There is my own business, which includes my books, and now Skin Rocks.

I turned over 10m during COVID with the release of my curated skincare kits. Makeup sales dropped and skincare sales rocketed and I benefited from that. I was spurred on to help people and I used the money to fund Skin Rocks, which launched in 2022.

The most impactful and proudest thing I have done personally was raising over 600,000 in the industry for people who couldnt work during COVID. This was down to the relationships I had built up with brands, CEOs and the consumer, and putting it towards genuine use.

Read More: 'My early skincare formulas were stolen  now I'm known as the Queen's bee venom facialist'

When it comes to beauty, Britain is a country that likes science. We seem to have moved away from the "clean beauty" brigade which the US championed massively and we could see as a farce.

My feeling has always been that the UK customer is healthily skeptical whereas, if you went to the Nordic regions, they are cynical and you have to persuade them that something is worth buying. There are no niceties, its brutal and its entertaining to watch.

Skin Rocks is a science-led skincare brand founded by Hirons in 2022.

Now I always have that market in mind. If I cant sell it to myself and to them then I am not releasing faff. There has to be science and there has to be a reason.

Im proud of what Ive achieved and where I have got to. People dont ask men about work-life balance, its always the woman. If you start your own brand, dont expect work-life balance as it just doesnt exist.

People say my brother and I are workaholics. I prefer to say a grafter, thanks to my mum. We never got anything for free, I wasnt born with a silver spoon and I am entirely self made.

You can visit Caroline Hirons brand Skin Rocks at SkinRocks.com

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Yvette Cooper has been urged to launch an investigation into who sanctioned the attendance of civil servants at an Iranian embassy party to commemorate the Islamic Revolution.

Foreign Office officials attended the embassys party in London on Feb 12, just weeks after the Iranian regime massacred thousands of its own people.

Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, has written to Ms Cooper demanding to know who made the decision for officials to attend the event, and asking what the Foreign Secretary would do about it.

The Foreign Office told The Telegraph it was the job of the Foreign Office to maintain diplomatic relations but it has emerged that civil servants are banned from attending similar celebrations at some other embassies in London.

There is a ban on attending national day events at embassies including Russia, Belarus and Venezuela. Officials are allowed to attend parties hosted at the Iranian embassy on a case-by-case basis.

The Telegraph revealed on Thursday that Foreign Office staff attended the party on the same day the US-based group Human Rights Activists News Agency announced that at least 7,000 people had been killed in Iran, including 219 children, during anti-regime protests. Campaigners believe up to 30,000 protesters may have been murdered in the brutal suppression of the popular uprising.

The embassy event took place just two weeks before the US and Israel launched military attacks against Iran in a conflict which now threatens to engulf the Middle East.

In her letter to Yvette Cooper, Dame Priti said the Governments justification for attending the Iranian event was outrageous - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Video footage of the embassy event published by Iranian media shows smartly dressed guests standing in silence for a rendition of Irans national anthem just a fortnight before the outbreak of the war with the US and Israel. They also listened to a speech by Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Iranian ambassador to the UK, praising the regime and attacking Western sanctions on Tehran.

Dame Priti has demanded to know how many staff took part in the event, how senior they were, and whether any ministers were present.

The Foreign Office claimed its presence at the gathering was a normal part of diplomacy that helped protect the UKs interests in Iran  including the welfare of British nationals detained there.

In her letter to Ms Cooper, Dame Priti said the Governments justification for attending the Iranian event was outrageous, arguing that paying homage to a barbaric regime while it is busy slaughtering its own citizens is not in the typical diplomatic job description.

She added: Diplomatic engagement is standard, even with regimes opposed to us. But the scale of the violence in Iran over the past few months, added to the rising tension in the run-up to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, materially changed the diplomatic landscape. That officials still attended the event despite all this is staggering.

The former home secretary also urged Ms Cooper to confirm who made the decision for officials to attend the event and the disciplinary action that would follow.

Clearly, there must be some consequences after such an appalling failure of judgment that has caused such embarrassment to our country, she said.

Dame Priti also asked the Foreign Secretary whether the detention of British nationals in Iran was discussed at the event, given that the Government cited their welfare as a reason to attend.

Limited diplomatic relationship

A Foreign Office spokesman said: We maintain a limited diplomatic relationship with Iran, which allows us to directly and frankly raise concerns.

Just this month, the minister for the Middle East summoned Irans ambassador to make clear the UKs total rejection of Irans appalling and destabilising attacks, which present a clear threat to the security of the region and to the British citizens who are there.

Iran must be held accountable for its actions. Attendance at such events is part of standard diplomatic process as we pursue Britains interests. No ministers were present.

A spokesman for the department previously said it was the job of its staff to maintain diplomatic relations with countries across the globe.

They added: Diplomatic engagement of this kind is a normal part of how we protect our interests and people overseas, including those UK nationals who are currently being detained in Iran.

Department guidance on national day celebrations forbids staff from going to parties held by Belarus, Myanmar, Russia, Taiwan, Northern Cyprus or Venezuela.

The ban extends to Iran, Afghanistan and Somaliland in most instances, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis.
The first known picture showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein, and Peter Mandelson together has been uncovered.

Showing the three men sat around a table wearing bathrobes while drinking out of mugs printed with the US flag, the image is understood to have been taken at Marthas Vineyard, as originally reported by ITV News.

It was dug out of a tranche of documents released by the US Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files. The picture was reportedly taken between 1999 and 2000, although no exact time or date has been given.

The image is believed to have been taken before Epstein was imprisoned in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Both Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Mandelson have recently come under renewed scrutiny over their ties to the paedophile financier. In February, the former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations were made that he had shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein, and Peter Mandelson together in uncovered photograph (US Department of Justice)

Days later, Lord Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following claims that he had shared confidential government information with the disgraced financier during his time as business secretary.

Both men were released pending further investigation, and both strongly deny all allegations.

Emails from 2009 appear to show that Lord Mandelson passed on an assessment by Gordon Browns adviser of potential policy measures, including an asset sales plan. He also appeared to discuss a tax on bankers bonuses, and to confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before it was announced in 2010.

Sir Keir Starmer has also come under pressure to explain his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US despite having been warned about his ties to Epstein. Lord Mandelson was sacked from the role last year because of his links to Epstein, and later stepped down from the House of Lords.

A picture released earlier this year from the Epstein files appears to show Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over a woman (US Department of Justice)

On Monday, the UK government released the first batch of documents relating to Lord Mandelsons appointment, after MPs ordered their release following questions about how the peer was vetted.

The dossier shows that the prime minister was given warnings about the reputational risk posed by Lord Mandelsons appointment, but chose to ignore them.

In a section of a due diligence report titled Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the document said: After Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, their relationship continued across 2009-2011, beginning when Lord Mandelson was business minister and continuing after the end of the Labour government.

Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epsteins house while he was in jail in June 2009.

Sir Keir has insisted he was repeatedly lied to by Lord Mandelson over his ties to Epstein.

Other pictures uncovered from the Epstein files appear to show Mr Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over a woman who is lying on the floor.

The former prince was stripped of his titles last year and evicted from his Royal Lodge home, after emails released appeared to show that he had remained in contact with Epstein longer than he had previously admitted.

That news was followed by the posthumous publication of a memoir by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she had sex with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor when she was 17. It detailed three alleged sexual encounters with the former prince, who she said had acted as if he believed having sex with me was his birthright.

An FBI document also uncovered from the files appears to show that a Brazilian woman told investigators she massaged Mr Mountbatten-Windsor at Epsteins New York home, after which he massaged her.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor strongly denies all allegations.
The Silverpit Crater lies around 700 metres beneath the southern North Sea seabed (stock image) (Getty/iStockphoto)

A long-running dispute about the origin of a North Sea crater has finally been settled, as new research finds a massive asteroid hit the water and triggered a towering tsunami millions of years ago.

Scientists have found that the Silverpit Crater  which lies around 700 metres beneath the southern North Sea seabed, roughly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire  was formed when an asteroid or comet struck the region roughly 43 to 46 million years ago, sparking a 330ft tsunami.

Since geologists first identified the formation in 2002, the 3km-wide crater and its surrounding ring of circular faults spanning about 20km have sparked intense debate.

But researchers say their new study marks the clearest evidence yet that the structure is one of Earths rare impact craters. This confirmation places it in the same category as well-known structures such as the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico, which is linked to the dinosaur mass extinction.

The team used computer modelling and analysed newly available seismic imaging and microscopic geological samples taken from beneath the seabed.

The Silverpit Crater lies around 700 metres beneath the southern North Sea seabed, roughly 80 miles off the coast of Yorkshire (Phil Allen (Production Geoscience Ltd) and Simon Stewart (BP))

Dr Uisdean Nicholson, a sedimentologist in Heriot-Watt Universitys School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, who led the investigation, said: New seismic imaging has given us an unprecedented look at the crater.

Samples from an oil well in the area also revealed rare shocked quartz and feldspar crystals at the same depth as the crater floor.

We were exceptionally lucky to find these  a real needle-in-a-haystack effort. These prove the impact crater hypothesis beyond doubt, because they have a fabric that can only be created by extreme shock pressures.

The scientists say these microscopic minerals form only under the extreme pressures generated during asteroid impacts, providing strong confirmation of the event.

Early research proposed that the feature was created by a high-speed asteroid impact. Supporters of that idea pointed to its round shape, central peak, and surrounding concentric faults, which are often seen in known impact craters.

A perspective view of the top chalk surface, looking northeast, showing the central crater and its surrounding rings. False colours indicate depth (red/yellow = shallow; blue/purple = deep) (Superborsuk/CC BY-SA 3.0)

But other scientists suggested different explanations. Some proposed that underground salt movement distorted the rock layers and created the structure. Others argued that volcanic activity may have caused the seabed to collapse.

In 2009, geologists even voted on the issue. According to a report in the December 2009 issue of Geoscientist magazine, most participants rejected the asteroid impact explanation at the time.

The latest findings, published in the journal Nature Communications and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), now appear to overturn that conclusion.

Dr Nicholson said: Our evidence shows that a 160-metre-wide asteroid hit the seabed at a low angle from the west.

Within minutes, it created a 1.5km high curtain of rock and water that then collapsed into the sea, creating a tsunami over 100 meters high.

The impact would have produced a violent explosion at the seafloor and sent enormous waves spreading across the region.

Professor Gareth Collins, of Imperial College London, who attended the 2009 debate about the craters origin and contributed to the new research, said the researchers have finally found the silver bullet to end the debate.

He said: I always thought that the impact hypothesis was the simplest explanation and most consistent with the observations.

It is very rewarding to have finally found the silver bullet. We can now get on with the exciting job of using the amazing new data to learn more about how impacts shape planets below the surface, which is really hard to do on other planets.

Dr Nicholson also expressed his excitement about using the new findings for further research into asteroids.

He said: Silverpit is a rare and exceptionally preserved hypervelocity impact crater.

These are rare because the Earth is such a dynamic planet  plate tectonics and erosion destroy almost all traces of most of these events.

Around 200 confirmed impact craters exist on land, and only about 33 have been identified beneath the ocean.

We can use these findings to understand how asteroid impacts shaped our planet throughout history, as well as predict what could happen should we have an asteroid collision in future.
Star of Oscar-nominated film says hes unable to attend ceremony because of Trumps travel ban

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees said Donald Trumps travel ban is preventing him from attending the 98th Oscars on Sunday, where his film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, has been nominated.

Malhees, 34, stars in the harrowing drama from Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania about a five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who, along with her family and the EMTs who tried to save her, was killed by Israeli forces in 2024.

However, because of his Palestinian citizenship, Malhees said he is not allowed to enter the United States. In December, the president instituted an expansive travel ban that restricts entry for people with Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.

Our film The Voice of Hind Rajab was nominated for an Academy Award. I had the honor of playing one of the lead roles in a story the world needed to hear, the actor wrote Thursday on Instagram.

But I will not be there, he said. I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship. It hurts. But here is the truth: You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice.

Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees stars in the harrowing Oscar-nominated film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' (Getty Images)

Malhees continued: I am Palestinian, and I stand with pride and dignity. My spirit will be with the Voice of Hind Rajab that night. Good luck to all of you. Our story is bigger than the barrier, and it will be heard.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Numerous fans and peers stood in solidarity with Malhees. Your work in the film and the film itself are both incredible and will live on forever, Oscar-winning British actor Riz Ahmed commented. Sending much love and respect.

The Voice of Hind Rajab is up against The Secret Agent (Brazil), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirat (Spain) and It Was Just an Accident (France) for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars.

Malhees said he will be at the 2026 Oscars in spirit (AP)

Starring Malhees as Omar, a Red Crescent volunteer who stays on the phone with Rajab, the critically acclaimed film reconstructs the young girls final moments and intersperses re-enactments with raw audio from the call. Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel also star.

Rajab was a five-year-old Palestinian girl who survived the initial 2024 attack by Israeli tanks on their car that killed the rest of her family and phoned emergency services for help. Over a period of more than three hours, she begged for help as she waited in the car that her family was using to try to escape the war zone. Paramedics did arrive, but days later, their ambulance was found destroyed near Rajabs car.

In a recording of her call, Rajab is heard sobbing and saying, Please come to me, please come. Im scared, while gunfire rings in the background.

A film like this had to be made because too often the news reminds us of facts we forget and sometimes shows us a world that has been denied the power to speak. The voice of this five-year-old girl, Hind, is ultimately that of Gaza asking for help, Ben Hania remarked at the films world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
NEW YORK and ZUG, Switzerland, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A Swiss appellate court has upheld and affirmed a lower court ruling invalidating an asset attachment obtained by Interlink Metals and Chemicals AG against VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation, rejecting Interlink's appeal and ordering Interlink to pay legal costs.

The ruling concerns a sequestration action Interlink initiated in December 2024 in Switzerland seeking to attach assets allegedly connected to VSMPO-AVISMA. A lower court subsequently invalidated the attachment, concluding that Interlink had failed to demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for the measure. The court also determined that there was "no causal link" between the damages that Interlink claimed and the breaches it alleged.

Interlink appealed that decision. The Swiss appellate court has now affirmed the lower court's ruling, confirming that the attachment should not stand.

In its decision, the appellate agreed with the lower court that Interlink's damages claim was improper under Swiss law.

The court then ordered Interlink to bear the costs of the appellate proceedings, including court costs and legal expenses that it awarded to VSMPO-AVISMA.

"This decision confirms what we have said from the outset," said Jay Auslander, Counsel for VSMPO-AVISMA. "The attachment obtained by Interlink lacked a proper legal foundation as well as any factual link between the damages it seeks and the breaches it alleges. The appellate court's ruling reinforces that Interlink failed to establish even a plausible claim to justify the extraordinary and utterly unjustifiable remedy it sought at VSMPO-AVISMA's expense."

The decision represents a significant development in the ongoing legal disputes initiated by Interlink and its principal, Igor Raykhelson.

VSMPO-AVISMA continues to vigorously defend itself against what it believes are unfounded claims and remains confident that the facts and applicable law will continue to support its position.

Contact Information:

Juda Engelmayer, HeraldPR: [email protected]

[email protected]

About VSMPO-AVISMA

VSMPO-AVISMA is a leading vertical supplier of titanium products and alloys, serving 450 companies across 50 countries. Primarily focused on global aerospace, they also supply power generation, oil, and medical sectors. Beyond titanium, the company produces aluminum extrusions, steel, and nickel-based alloys. Based in Russia with regional facilities like the AVISMA sponge plant, they maintain an extensive sales and distribution network throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States to support major manufacturers.

SOURCE VSMPO-AVISMA
Siobhan Whyte wants to know why Deng Chol Majek, a Sudanese migrant who killed her daughter, was allowed to remain in Britain after being refused asylum in Germany and Italy - Belinda Jiao

A mother whose daughter was murdered by an illegal Channel migrant has blamed Sir Keir Starmer, saying that she has been handed a life sentence.

Siobhan Whyte wants to know why Deng Chol Majek, a Sudanese migrant, was allowed to remain in Britain after being refused asylum in Germany and Italy, where he landed. In a premeditated act of violence, he stabbed her 27-year-old daughter, Rhiannon, a mother herself, to death after stalking her from the asylum hotel where she worked.

Why was he denied asylum but allowed here? Surely that should have been looked into? Ms Whyte said this week in Parliament, having travelled from her home in the West Midlands after an invitation by Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary.

She is demanding that ministers close the borders to illegal migrants to prevent a repeat of what happened to Rhiannon.

Starmer wants to go out there and apologise to Epsteins victims but I dont care. What about our women and children? What about my daughter? What about my grandson whos got to grow up without a mother? she said.

Ive got a life sentence. The thing is, Im reliving and reliving and reliving this every single time I talk to somebody, and I feel like Im falling on deaf ears because no ones listening.

Rhiannon Whyte, 27, was killed by Deng Chol Majek at a deserted train station in the West Midlands, in Oct 2024

Until this week, she felt ignored. Her two emails to the Prime Minister seeking a meeting had gone unanswered. Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, met her three daughters a year ago shortly after the murder to offer support, but Ms Whyte said she had heard nothing since.

Asked what message she would have for the Prime Minister, she said: I would want to know why hes still allowing it. I know it was the government before him but why is he not stopping it? Hes allowing them to take over our country and, in the meantime, theyve taken my daughter. So I blame him for that.

The government should close the borders and send them back. Why are they coming over here? I know, its because the UK will give everything freely. But Ive got to live with this for the rest of my life. You know, my six-year-old grandsons going to live without his Mum.

After The Telegraph raised her concerns with the Government, Alex Norris, the Home Office minister, emailed her on Friday to offer his deepest condolences over the abhorrent crime. He added that Ms Whyte and her family were in his thoughts and that the door is open to meet him to discuss her case.

Rhiannon worked at an asylum hotel in Walsall where she was responsible for Majek and other migrants. One October evening 18 months ago as she left work, he singled her out, followed her to a railway station and stabbed her 23 times with a screwdriver in a frenzied 90-second attack.

He was later caught on CCTV dancing and laughing. Throughout, he has shown no remorse, has put the family through the trauma of a trial by denying any responsibility and even, said Ms Whyte, manipulating and obstructing the judicial process.

Credit: British Transport Police

He is evil, she said. Its inhumane what he did. People dont see these things behind the scenes like when he was in court, refusing to go out of his prison cell because today is not the day. He was still dictating to the courts, refusing to do their bone density tests.

The tests to establish his age had been ordered by the trial judge because he claimed to be 19 despite documents  filled in during his failed asylum claim in Germany  suggesting he was 27. More lenient sentencing guidelines for children can apply to young adults aged under 25.

Deng Chol Majek stabbed Rhiannon Whyte 23 times with a screwdriver - British Transport Police/PA Wire

Majek was jailed for life, with the judge imposing a minimum of 29 years in jail. Im never happy with [the length of the sentence] but Im glad he is away. Even the judge doesnt think hes going to get out because hes just not admitting it, showing no remorse and called forensics liars. Basically he was telling lies, Ms Whyte said.

As part of the investigation into her daughters murder, she had to view the CCTV of the last two and a half hours of her life with Majek watching her, walking after her.

It was heartbreaking. How am I meant to feel? It was my daughters final steps. I cant, I cant, it just makes me angry, she said. Excuse my French, but Im really p---ed off with this government that theyre not doing anything.

Ms Whyte, a 56-year-old mother of five, is setting up a foundation in her daughters name to help the children of murdered women and support tougher immigration controls.

She said any undocumented migrants should be held in more secure accommodation, away from women and children, such as former barracks, but accepted that there should be safe and legal routes for some genuine asylum seekers from war-torn countries.

But she added: They shouldnt be putting them in hotels so theyre being fed three times a day, given money, food, etc, a nice, warm bed. What about our people? What about our veterans who are dying on the streets?

As is the case with MPs and even ministers, she is frustrated that France, which promised tougher tactics last summer, is perceived as failing to stop the Channel crossings despite the UKs 490m deal with the French to counter the boats.

Were a laughing stock because the government is paying the French money, and theyre just literally saying: Carry on, on your way. Why arent the Navy out there stopping these boats? she asked.

Mr Philp, who hosted Ms Whyte, said: Siobhan has shown incredible bravery by speaking out following the tragic murder of her daughter Rhiannon. Like many families who have lost loved ones, she wants something positive to come out of her tragedy so others do not suffer in the same way.

This case shows how the governments failure to control our borders is directly putting lives in the UK at risk. Hundreds of crimes have been committed by illegal Channel immigrants like Deng, including murder and rape. That is one of the reasons why illegal immigrants should be immediately deported upon arrival.

He said that Rhiannons killer would have been removed from the country under the Rwanda deportation plan, first announced by Boris Johnson and continued by Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, which Sir Keir scrapped on the first day of his premiership.

Deng would have been eligible for the first Rwanda flights  and if the government had allowed that scheme to start instead of cancelling it, maybe Rhiannon would still be alive today. Its time we put the safety of our own citizens ahead of the supposed rights of illegal immigrants.

A Home Office spokesman said: The murder of Rhiannon Whyte was an abhorrent crime, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones.

We share the publics anger about the broken asylum system, which is precisely why we are doing everything we can to keep dangerous offenders out of the country and close down hotels.

Both the Prime Minister and Minister Phillips have spent their careers tackling violence against women and girls, and this government will always make the time to meet with a victims family.

Pained by the memories, Ms Whyte has moved from the house where she lived with Rhiannon. Asked about her fondest memory, it is the one point that she halts tearfully. She was kind-hearted, lovely, never had a bad bone in her body. I just hate the government and what they have done, she said.

Its my little girl. She lived with me. We were best friends. And now I am not going to see her get married or.. Her words tail off as she breaks down with emotion.
A Michigan synagogue was rammed by a gunman driving a truck filled with explosives in a targeted attack of violence against the Jewish community, the FBI said.

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at 12.19pm on Thursday, before the gunman was reportedly killed by security working at the Temple Israel centre in West Bloomfield.

There were no serious injuries, although one security guard was hospitalised after being knocked unconscious by the gunmans vehicle, police said. Thirty emergency workers were treated at a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation.

At least one individual came to the temple, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchar told reporters. Security saw him, engaged him in gunfire.

Aerial imagery of the scene showed smoke billowing from the buildings roof. The fire is believed to have been ignited within the vehicle after it crashed, Mr Bouchard said.

Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, confirmed agents are present.

Donald Trump said the attack was terrible and that were going to be right down to the bottom of it.

Temple Israel is home to one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the US.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit ordered all Jewish organisations in the area to lock down.

11:29pm

Live blog is now closed

Thank you for following our coverage of the Michigan synagogue attack.

The live blog is now closed.

10:41pm

Rabbi thanks true rock stars of the day

Rabbi Arianna Gordon of Temple Israel tells the press conference that law enforcement, the synagogues security team and its childhood centre teachers are the true rock stars of the day.

They ensured that all of our children were being safe and calm throughout the entire day, and got every single child safely reunited with their parents this afternoon, she said.

And for that, I cant express my gratitude enough.

That brings an end to the press conference.

10:38pm

Well continue to be loud and proud of being Jewish

Steven Ingber, chief executive of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, is the next person to address the press conference.

Well get through this stronger, and well continue to be loud and proud of being Jewish, he said.

10:34pm

FBI to investigate attack as targeted act of violence against Jewish community

Jennifer Runyan, the special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, told reporters: This is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies are with the victims, their family and the entire Jewish community.

The FBI is here, working with our state, local and federal partners to investigate this incident, and I can confirm that we are leading the investigation right now as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

She confirmed there one subject involved in this incident who is now deceased but she was not able to provide additional information at this time on the subject or his motive as our goal is to protect the integrity of this investigation.

She said the FBI is pursuing diligently and methodically every lead that we have and urged anyone with photos of videos of the incident to upload them on a digital media tipline.

10:31pm

Police were on the scene in five minutes

Dale Young, the Chief of Police for the West Bloomfield Police, is next to speak and confirms that police were on the scene in under five minutes.

He said police received a 911 call at around 12:19pm about an active shooter situation at Temple Israel where the individual drove into the building.

He said: West Bloomfield officers arrived on the scene in under five minutes. Temple security officers engaged the individual and neutralised the threat.

Our officers, combined with area agencies, cleared the building multiple times, and safely and successfully evacuated all children and staff.

This is an active crime scene, and we are examining every angle related to this situation.

10:30pm

A tragic thing happened here in Oakland County

Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard opens the press conference, saying: Obviously, a tragic thing happened here in Oakland County again, weve been through a number of these things.

He reiterates that no children and no staff were hurt and that the security staff did an amazing job. He confirmed that 30 police officers were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation as the building was engulfed in flames.

He said the attack was a hateful, terrible thing but said what drove this person into action has to be determined by investigation.

He said he had been calling houses of worship in the area since the incident.

This community works together and takes care of each other, he said..

10:07pm

FBI press conference due to begin

The FBIs Detroit field office and other law enforcement agencies are about to hold a press conference near to the Temple Israel synagogue.

We will bring you more information shortly.

10:01pm

Rabbi who survived 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting condemns latest attack

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, said in a statement that the Michigan attack demonstrates yet again the consequences of hatred.



We lose our humanity when we seek violent means as a solution, said Rabbi Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation, where 11 worshippers died in the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history.

No one should dwell in fear because of who they are.

09:55pm

Synagogue tells congregants: We are safe, and we love you all

Officials at Temple Israel have written to all of the synagogues members saying they were the victim of a terrorist gunman.

Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm, they said.

They added that they wanted congregants to know we are safe, and we love you all.

09:51pm

Gunman was shot and killed by synagogue security  reports

CNN and CBS News have reported that the attacker was shot and killed by security at Temple Israel.

The attacker drove down the synagogue hallway and was shot by security when he exited the vehicle with a rifle, CBS News said, citing unnamed law enforcement sources.

Something in the vehicle ignited and badly burned the attackers body, which has made identification difficult, the sources said.

Oakland county sheriff Michael Bouchard confirmed earlier the suspect had been found dead in the vehicle but would not comment on whether he was shot by security.

He said that investigators are clearing the vehicle for IED explosives out of an abundance of caution.

Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs, he added.

09:46pm

Homeland Security officials monitoring situation on the ground

Officials from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are at the scene of the attack, Kristi Noem, the outgoing secretary of homeland security, has said.

HSI is currently on the scene in Michigan with other federal agencies and local law enforcement, and we are closely monitoring the alleged shooter report and vehicle crash at the Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, she said on X.

Ms Noem said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will continue to monitor the situation on the ground.

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the DHS.

09:22pm

Mother of child who attends day care at synagogue in utter shock

The mother of an 18-month-old girl who attends day care at Temple Israel said she was in utter shock when she heard about the attack.

Allison Jacobs said: There are no words. I was in complete and utter shock. I was hoping that it was a false report. You know, sometimes that can happen.

Ms Jacobs said she tries not to think about all thats going on in the world.

You never think that this is actually going to happen to you, she told the Associated Press. But I know that its - its just terrible. This morning I was mourning the loss of the school that got hit in Iran.

Temple Israel has an early childhood education centre and offers educational programs for families and adults.

09:06pm

Eight first responders in hospital following attack

A medical centre in Michigan has confirmed that eight first responders are in hospital following the attack.

Henry Ford Health, which has several hospitals in the area, said: The emergency medicine teams at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital are currently caring for eight first responders following this afternoons incident at Temple Israel.

Further requests for updates on their conditions should be directed to law enforcement.

It added: Our hearts go out to the community at Temple Israel and anyone who is impacted by this frightening event. There is absolutely no place for violence in our community.

09:02pm

Authorities still working to identify attacker

Investigators are still working to identify the attacker and his possible motive, a source has told the Associated Press.

AP said its source was a person familiar with the matter who cautioned that the investigation is still in the early stages.

08:38pm

Trump: Attack is a terrible thing

Speaking at a Womens Month event, Donald Trump said the attack was terrible.

I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today, the US President said.

Ive been fully briefed, and its a terrible thing.

He added: Were going to be right down to the bottom of it.

08:18pm

Jewish community questioning if attack is linked to Iran war

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organisation dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, said Jewish communities all over the US have been on high alert since the outbreak of the Iran war.

This is not something that just happened today in terms of law enforcement being on high alert, Oren Segal, a senior vice president at the ADL, told CNN.

Many in the Jewish community are thinking: is this connected to the conflict overseas? he added.

Authorities have not yet established a motive for todays attack.

07:51pm

Politician who attends Temple Israel says attack is worst nightmare

Noah Arbit, a Michigan State Representative who attends the Temple Israel synagogue, said he was devastated when he heard about the attack.

The idea that this issue that I work a lot on hate crimes and domestic terrorism, would come home to roost at my synagogue, in my own community, is simply my worst nightmare, the Democratic politician told CNN.

07:30pm

The Jewish community is again on the receiving end of abhorrent violence

Speaking at the US Capitol, Elissa Slotkin, a senator from Michigan, told reporters: Everyone deserves the right to worship in peace. Everyone.

And an act of anti-Semitism, an act of violence, of hate, should be treated to the fullest extent of the law.

And Im so sick of another one of these incidents all the time in my community across the country. And I just - I think we need to acknowledge that we have a problem, and Im just sick about it.

So, we will keep people posted. More will come out. We will learn about the intentions of this madman. But in the meantime, this is very personal and I am - Im just so sick of communities of all kinds not being able to worship in peace.

And this time, the Jewish community is again on the receiving end of abhorrent violence. And Im just - Im over it.

07:20pm

Police ramp up synagogue patrols across US

Authorities across the US are ramping up security measures at synagogues and other places of worship in response to the attack.

Police in Ann Arbor, Michigan, around 25 miles from the incident, have been directed to increase patrols at houses of worship and schools, according to CNN.

Philadelphia Police Department said it was closely monitoring reports of the attack at a synagogue and would be increasing patrols around houses of worship and other sensitive locations.

New York City police said they would continue high-visibility patrols to Jewish cultural and religious institutions out of an abundance of caution, and given the overall heightened threat environment.

07:14pm

Anti-Semitism has no place in Michigan, says states attorney general

One of Michigans top officials has condemned anti-Semitism following reports of a gunman at Temple Israel.

My heart is with the congregation and community of Temple Israel, Dana Nessel, the states attorney general, said in a statement.

We are closely monitoring the situation and urge residents to follow the requests of local law enforcement as they work to secure the area and protect lives.

Anti-Semitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated.

In moments like these, its more important than ever that we come together.

07:11pm

No one should face violence in place of worship, says congresswoman

Rashida Tlaib, a prominent Democrat and Michigan congresswoman, called reports of a gunman at Temple Israel horrifying.

I am praying for the safety of everyone at Temple Israel. No one should face violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, she said.

The reports coming out of West Bloomfield are horrifying. I am praying for the safety of everyone at Temple Israel. No one should face violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship.  Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) March 12, 2026

07:01pm

Police had been on high alert for weeks

Sheriff Bouchard added that local police had been braced for such an incident for the last two weeks and he had been speaking to both state and national law enforcement officials.

He did not specifically mention the US and Israels war against Iran, but the incident came as Donald Trump raised the possibility of sleeper cells loyal to Tehran.

The [police chief] and I have been communicating for almost two weeks, the sheriff told reporters. Every time Ive got some intelligence from the national level, Ive been sharing. Weve been talking for two weeks about the potential, sadly, of this happening so there was no lack of preparation.

He added: In addition, all Jewish facilities in the area are going to have a lot of extra [police] presence around [them] until we figure this out.

A day earlier, Mr Trump said he had been briefed on sleeper cells operating in the US, but did not say how many there might be.

While officials in California have said there is no imminent danger to the state, the FBI has raised the potential threat of retaliatory Iranian drone strikes.

Asked about the sleeper cells, Mr Trump said: I have been [briefed]. A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border.

He said the US knew where most of them are. Weve got our eye on all of them, I think.

06:54pm

Security guard injured in attack

A security guard was injured when a gunman rammed through the doors of Temple Israel using their car, authorities said.

He breached the building, drove down the hall, and he was engaged by security, Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, told reporters.

The gunman was subsequently found dead in the vehicle, although Mr Bouchard refused to comment on how he was killed.

A security guard was knocked unconscious but has been taken to hospital and is expected to recover, he added.

No children or temple staff have been injured.

Mr Bouchard said the car caught fire after something ignited inside it. Bomb technicians and bomb-sniffing dogs are now searching the vehicle.

A source told CNN it contained a large quantity of explosives.

06:44pm

Large amount of explosives in back of the gunmans car

Police found a large amount of explosives in the back of the gunmans car, a source told CNN.

The individual, who was armed with a rifle, rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel before being shot dead by the synagogues security.

06:36pm

Trump briefed about shooting

Donald Trump has been briefed on the synagogue attack, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has told CNN.

She reportedly did not offer any further details.

06:30pm

Police confirm suspect found dead

Michael Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, has confirmed a suspect was found dead in the vehicle that rammed the synagogue.

He told reporters: A car came to the facility, breached the facility by driving into it, and was engaged by security.

We believe there is one individual deceased in the vehicle. It been complicated because there was some fire with that vehicle. We believe that individual is deceased.

06:18pm

What is Temple Israel?

Temple Israel calls itself the nations largest Reform synagogue and claims on its website to have 12,000 members.

It has an early childhood education centre and offers educational programs for families and adults.

The website says the synagogue is passionate about helping Jewish communities across the globe and that its mission is to create a community building through the lens of Reform Judaism.

The synagogue is in the township of West Bloomfield in the state of Michigan, 25 miles from the city of Detroit.

06:09pm

Large police presence at the scene

06:07pm

Suspect in attack is dead

The suspect in the attack on the synagogue is dead, according to an Associated Press source and media reports.

AP said its source confirmed the death and that no one else was reported injured but did not immediately provide additional details.

06:00pm

Assailant exchanged gunfire with security

An unidentified assailant exchanged gunfire with security at the synagogue, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters.

At least one individual came to the temple, he said. Security saw him, engaged him in gunfire.

Nobody at the moment has been confirmed to be hurt except potentially the shooter, Mr Bouchard said, adding that the attacker was not in custody.

Asked about possible ties to terrorism, he said: Thats still way early to talk about. We have no idea, because we dont even know who the person is. At the moment, we dont have that person in custody. Its a work in progress.

He added: So thats why were sheltering in place until we figure it out its a big facility with a lot of land around it, until that gets secured and everybodys comfortable that theres no active threat in that spot, stay away from it.

Everybodys been moved out of the school. Weve got a ton of people here.

05:55pm

Trump warned of sleeper cells

Donald Trump said on Thursday night that he had briefed on the presence of Iranian sleeper cells in the US amid his war in Iran.

I have been, and a lot of people came in through Biden with the stupid open border. But we know where most of them are, weve got our eye on all of themI think, Mr Trump said.

The FBI warned police departments in California that Iran could launch a drone attack on California in retaliation for attacks on the regime.

05:52pm

Preschool close to the scene

A preschool is close to the scene of the shooting, according to CNN.

Children between the ages of three and five years old are taught at the school.

A woman carrying a child near the Temple Israel synagogue - AP

05:51pm

Michigan governor: This is heartbreaking

Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic governor of Michigan, said in a statement the reports were heartbreaking and that she was tracking reports of the shooting.

This is heartbreaking. Michigans Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.

Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan. I am hoping for everyones safety, she said in the statement, posted to X.

05:49pm

Children escorted away from scene

A video posted to the Instagram account of Local 4 News Detroit, a local news station, showed children being walked across the street hand-in-hand with adults.

Several children were being escorted across the street, past the numerous police cars lining the road.

05:48pm

No injuries and suspect still at large - sheriff

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said there has been no apparent injuries.

In a statement, he added the suspect remains at large.

Police approaching the temple complex

05:39pm

FBI is on scene

The FBI is at Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter.

Kash Patel, the FBI director, said on social media: FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.

Emergency services at the scene

05:38pm

Virginia shooting earlier today

Earlier on Thursday, a gunman died after opening fire on Old Dominion University in Virginia, injuring two.

A university spokesman said shots were fired in the business school building, Constant Hall, and two people were taken to hospital. It is not clear how the shooter died.

The shooters motives are unknown and there is no indication the two events in separate states are connected.

The two victims are in critical condition, a hospital spokesman told MailOnline.

I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming, an unnamed student told local radio.

05:37pm

Police dogs at the scene

According to CNN, canine units have been deployed at the scene of the suspected active shooter.

Footage shared by the news channel showed emergency service workers wearing bulletproof vests, and rows of emergency vehicles with red and blue lights flashing.

05:35pm

Locals told to avoid area

Michigan State Police urged locals to keep clear of the area.

We are asking for community members to stay away from the area to allow for police response, a spokesman said in a statement.

Troopers are also increasing patrols at other places of worship in the district.

05:34pm

Pictured: Armed officers at the scene

Armed police have been pictured at the scene in Michigan.

An armed officer at the scene

05:31pm

Smoke billows from building

Large plumes of smoke can be seen billowing from Temple Israel.

A local news helicopter circling the building captured clouds of smoke rising from the building.

05:28pm

Lockdown in place

The Jewish Federation of Detroit said a lockdown was in place during the active security incident at Temple Israel.

It said in a statement: Law enforcement are responding. Our Jewish agencies are currently in precautionary lockdown.

We ask community members to stay away from the area at this time.

05:27pm

Police: Multiple agencies at the scene

Oakland County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that multiple agencies were at the scene.

More information will follow, a spokesperson said.

OCSO and multiple agencies on scene at Temple Israel West Bloomfield for reports of an active shooter. Emergency personnel clearing the building, a statement posted online read.

A large police presence

05:20pm

Were bringing you latest updates

Police are responding to reports of an active shooter at a Jewish synagogue and school in Michigan.
James Coltella touched pupils legs while teaching at Tonbridge School (Google Street view)

A former English teacher at a public school in Kent who touched pupils legs and instructed them to sing inappropriate song lyrics to him has blamed his Italian heritage on making him tactile, a panel heard.

James Coltella had instructed students at Tonbridge School to sing sections of the song Marvin Gaye by Charlie Puth, with lyrics including king size to ourselves and its a Karma Sutra show and tell.

In a witness statement, one of the pupils said that Mr Coltella would walk up and down the line, searching for eye contact.

A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) professional conduct panel heard that Mr Coltella had also touched two pupils on their shoulders, knees and legs during one-to-one meetings.

Pupil A recalled that the touching my knee would also happen when he would laugh and I also recall that the teacher would touch my knee like my grandmother would as he would have his hand on me and would rub his thumb to comfort me, like someone would do if you were crying.

The pupil also said that Mr Coltella asked for a hug several times, which led them to eventually avoid the teacher.

He was referred to the TRA following a complaint in relation to Pupil A in November 2021.

Documents from the hearing concluded: The panel considered that Mr Coltellas actions were serious given the negative impact on Pupil A and Pupil B. In his dogged determination to achieve academic success for them, his methodologies were open to misinterpretation and he failed to safeguard their welfare.

It found that nine of the 25 allegations were proven, and found that his behaviour mounted to serious misconduct.

There was however a number of positive character references from teachers, parents and pupils, which referred to him as outstanding and inspirational.

In a statement to the panel, Mr Coltella said: My Italian heritage and upbringing fostered a demonstrative manner; however, the need to think about how your actions are received by others has now been acutely understood.

I have learnt many lessons from this terrible situation and only ever wanted the best for others. There was never any malicious intent and I am deeply sorry for any emotional harm I may have caused.

He also stated that it is appreciable that errors were made on my part and referred to his remorse for any emotional harm I may have unintentionally caused: .

The panel found that Mr Coltella fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession, but ruled not to ban him from the profession.
What a trio! If youve ever worried about raising your kids with animals, then you need to see a video of a little boy with his two besties pals. The toddler was loving the two baby goats at his parents farm. So much so that footage of the three of them sitting together has people joking that theyre a baby goat sandwich.

If you ask me, what were looking at here are three babies. Two of them just happen to be goats!

What a wonderful life this little one is going to lead. A start like this is so wonderful and rare. Im sure these three spend so much time together. They definitely have a lot of fun!

Related: Baby Goat Spending All Her Time With Her Bffs in the Chicken Coop Is Too Cute

The clip shows the babies lined up in a row together: baby goat, baby-baby, baby goat! What a cute trio! The little one was having a laugh with his two farm animal friends. The whole thing is so pure. Even the boys parents could tell that this bond their son shared with the kids was completely unique.

No luxury, no expensive toys... this is wealth, they wrote in the videos caption.

People in the comments section were so obsessed with these three.

Omgggg they love each other, one person gushed.

What a beautiful childhood, someone else praised.

This is what I needed to see today, added another commenter.

While another person put it best: Baby Goat Sandwich. So cute, they wrote.

Keeping Goats as Pets

While goats might not be the most conventional animals to keep, they certainly make things interesting. Goats can be lovely animals to care for, but you want to make sure that you are properly set up before bringing one home.

First, its important to have enough space to raise goats. Youll also want to be aware that goats can be very destructive animals, they like to chew! They can also be noisy, so its best to consider your neighbors.

Uncastrated male goats can come with a whole host of problems or are hard to handle. If you want a boy, its best to choose a castrated male from a small breed. Female goats need to be milked twice a day.

Of course, there are so many benefits to owning a goat. So if youre determined, you should definitely get a goat as a pet.

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 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Donald Trump has admitted that Russian president Vladimir Putin could be helping Iran in its military efforts against the U.S., contrary to claims made previously by his envoy to the Middle East.

I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah, I guess, and he probably thinks were helping Ukraine, right? Trump said, speaking to Fox News Brian Kilmeade in a Friday interview. Yeah, were helping them also.

The two nations have been at war since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

So he [Putin] says that, and China would say the same thing, you know, Trump said. Its like, hey, they do it and we do it, in all fairness. They do it and we do it.

The presidents comments come after U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Trump had spoken to Putin and other Russian leaders on Monday, and they had denied sharing intelligence with Iran.

Donald Trump has admitted that Vladimir Putin could be helping Iran in its military efforts (AFP/Getty)

So, you know, we can take them at their word, Witkoff told CNBCs Money Movers during an interview on Tuesday. Lets hope that theyre not sharing.

I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with the president, the Russians said they have not been sharing, he added. Thats what they said.

Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, held a separate phone call Monday morning with Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign policy advisor, he said. Ushakov had also said that Russia is not sharing intelligence with Iran, according to Witkoff.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also told reporters earlier this week that Trump and Witkoff had told the Russians that if intelligence sharing was taking place, Its not something they would be happy with, and they hope that it is not taking place.

Trumps remarks Friday came in contrast to those made by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who said during calls this week the Russians had denied sharing intelligence to Iran (AP)

It comes after reports suggested that Russia could earn more than $10 billion in additional oil and gas revenues to help fuel its war on Ukraine, thanks to Trumps lifting of restrictions on countries buying Russian crude stranded at sea.

The president decided on the closure of the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, which sent prices soaring to over $120.

However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed the 30-day waiver would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

He said the tailored, short-term move would only provide Moscow with a limited financial boost from oil sales, adding that it would address the instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime.
How Trumps bid to cut oil prices will fill Russias war chest with billions

Russia could earn more than $10bn (7.8bn) in additional oil and gas revenues to help fuel its war on Ukraine  thanks to Donald Trump, experts warn.

The US president lifted restrictions on countries buying Russian crude stranded at sea, after the closure of the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, due to the Iran war he started, sent prices soaring. A fifth of the worlds oil supply passes through the strait.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent claimed the 30-day waiver would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

He said the tailored, short-term move would only provide Moscow with a limited financial boost from oil sales, adding that it would address the instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime.

Iran has carried out several attacks on ships in the Gulf (AP)

However, shipping data and surging prices suggest Moscow is set to earn up to two-thirds more this month than it did in February, potentially wiping out months of losses in a matter of weeks.

Experts warn the move could see Vladimir Putin profit to the tune of $11.3bn (8.6bn). On Friday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shared his concerns about the decision, saying it did nothing for peace.

Benjamin Hilgenstock, head of macroeconomic research and strategy at the Kyiv School of Economics, told the BBC it was a serious bailout for Moscow, adding that the move would help significantly the Russian war effort as it struggles with increasing economic pressure.

Moscow, meanwhile, says the move proves how crucial Russia is for the stability of the global energy market.

Russias Urals crude has already risen over 50 per cent since the crisis began, to roughly $80-85 (60-64) per barrel.

Experts warn that Donald Trumps move could see Vladimir Putin profit to the tune of $11.3bn (8.6bn) (AFP/Getty)

Seaborne imports of Russian crude have also jumped from 3.18 million barrels a day in February to 4.56 million barrels a day so far in March, according to vessel-tracking data from Kpler.

Both are moving in Russias favour simultaneously  more oil being sold and at significantly higher prices.

Analysts previously told The Independent that Mr Trumps war on Iran was going to benefit Russia heavily, and that appears to be exactly what will happen.

The message to the Kremlin is wait long enough and the West will blink, Alexander Kirk, sanctions campaigner at human rights group, Urgewald, said.

Russia has already made billions from fossil fuel exports since the strikes on Iran began, he told the BBC. Allowing more Russian oil onto the market now only helps refill the Kremlins war chest.

Sanctions campaigner Bill Browder told the broadcaster it is a terrible decision that will enrich Vladimir Putin and prolong the war in Ukraine.

The windfall comes after a bruising start to the year for Russian finances. Energy revenues fell almost 50 per cent year on year in the first two months of 2026, pushing Russias budget deficit to roughly 90 per cent of the figure projected for the entire year.

Russias energy revenues fell sharply earlier this year as sanctions were starting to have an increased impact, but the current crisis could change that, despite US claims.

The current surge in oil prices is very much helping the Kremlin to stabilise and potentially recover those losses, said Isaac Levi, Europe-Russia policy and energy analysis team lead at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

If elevated prices persist, higher export revenues could significantly improve Russias fiscal position and help offset much of the earlier deficit.

Russia previously sold its sanctioned crude at a discount to the global industry benchmark, Brent. India, which became Russias largest seaborne crude buyer after Western countries cut imports following the invasion of Ukraine, was receiving Urals at roughly $10 below Brent as recently as February.

That discount has now reversed. Urals delivered to India are trading at approximately $5 above Brent, according to Naveen Das, senior oil analyst at Kpler  a swing of $15 per barrel across all of Russias existing sales.

Indias Russian crude imports are now tracking at 1.6 million barrels a day, up from just over one million in February, and likely to rise further.

Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March (Royal Thai Navy/AFP/Getty)

China, which already receives around 800,000 barrels a day from Russia via pipeline, is also competing for additional seaborne supplies, but Indian refiners are now outbidding them for available cargoes, Mr Das said.

Taken together, the price and volume increases could generate a windfall of between $5.7bn and $11bn in additional fossil fuel export revenues this month if Hormuz remains closed, according to Mr Levi.

The estimate assumes Brent holds around $100 a barrel, the discount on Russian oil remains in the $10-15 range, and gas prices stay elevated alongside oil.

Brent prices have been on a rollercoaster this week, rising to $119 on Monday and then falling heavily. Meanwhile, Iran has warned the world to prepare for prices as high as $200 as it threatened to set fire to any passing ship.

A Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air report published on Thursday found that at the end of February, approximately 6.9 million tonnes  around 50 million barrels  of Russian crude, valued at $2.6bn, was at sea without a confirmed buyer. That stranded cargo is now being absorbed rapidly, in another boost to the Kremlin.

Some Chinese-flagged tankers have been permitted to pass through the gulf (AFPTV)

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has said the US sanctions waiver for countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea covers 100 million barrels of crude, adding that further easing of restrictions on Russian energy supplies appears increasingly inevitable, despite resistance from some Brussels bureaucrats.

And new buyers have already started emerging beyond Russias traditional customer base. Thailands deputy prime minister announced interest in purchasing Russian crude this week.

Several countries in Asia are reeling under an oil and gas shortage, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, where fuel shortages from the Hormuz disruption are causing shutdowns and violence.

But now, without the risk of US sanctions, they could also enter the market for Russian oil.

Russia currently sells 93 per cent of its crude to just three buyers  China, India and Turkey  making any expansion of that pool strategically significant for Moscows coffers.
Black smoke rises above Tehran after an airstrike as Iranians take part in an al-Quds Day rally. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: AFP/Getty Images)

Donald Trump has said Iran will be hit very hard in the coming days, describing leaders of the regime as deranged scumbags who it was a great honor to kill, as Tehran residents reported relentless bombing and violence continued to spiral across the Middle East.

The US presidents comments, which signaled an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign, came as Israeli and US warplanes launched successive waves of attacks on the Iranian capital and elsewhere on Friday. One strike reportedly hit close to a square near Tehran University where crowds were gathered in support of Irans regime. The area is home to many government buildings.

Video published by the semi-official Tasnim news agency showed a plume of grey smoke rising as demonstrators screamed Death to Israel! and Death to America!

Across the region, there was more chaos, bloodshed and destruction, with further Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where 800,000 people have been displaced; new missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah and Iran on targets in Israel; and fresh Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gulf states.

The US said six servicemen were killed in an accident involving a tanker plane used for mid-air refuelling, which crashed in Iraq. Also in Iraq, a French soldier was killed in a drone strike by a pro-Iranian militia group.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote: Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today  Theyve been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so!

Late on Friday, Trump said that US forces had obliterated military targets on Irans Kharg island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next. The small island is the primary terminal for Irans oil exports.

In a post on Truth Social, he said: The United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Irans crown jewel, Kharg Island.

He added: I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, told a press conference in Washington earlier on Friday that Iranian leaders were desperate and hiding, theyve gone underground.

Hegseth said Irans new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who issued a defiant statement on Thursday pledging to continue fighting, had been wounded and likely disfigured.

He put out a statement yesterday  a weak one actually  but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement. He called for unity  apparently killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity, Hegseth said.

Iranian media published videos showing some of the members of the countrys regime at the demonstration in Tehran, including Ali Larijani, who heads the Supreme national security council, and Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, the hardline cleric who heads the countrys judiciary. The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, was seen walking in the citys streets.

Residents of Tehran said there had not been a day without the explosions since the war began with an Israeli strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans ruler for 37 years.

The buildings are shaking  Theres rubble everywhere and people are still risking their lives to go to work, a 66-year-old retired professor said. Please stop this. I am begging the world to act now before the entire city is destroyed. I cant leave the city, and have sick family members. Even those who want to flee, cant. They are not giving us enough petrol to even drive far enough. We are trapped.

A shopkeeper from the centre of Tehran said she had counted six explosions within the past hour.

Weve taped the windows with newspapers. I am hardly even sleeping. They have bombed all night. I am scared to step out. These are some powerful bombs because I dont even hear the drones any more. Thats how continuous todays explosions have been. Its cold and the power keeps going off and on. We wont have electricity soon I fear, the 42-year-old said.

Israel had earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the past 24 hours, including missile launchers, defence systems and weapons production sites.

Hegseth said that more than 15,000 enemy targets had been struck, which is more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

After steep drops on Thursday, stock markets rallied as oil prices fell slightly. About a fifth of the worlds oil and gas supplies travel through the narrow strait of Hormuz, which Iran has now in effect blocked by attacking shipping there.

The US is dealing with Irans attacks in the strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said, claiming Iran had not yet mined the crucial waterway.

The Financial Times reported that European countries, including France, have opened talks with Tehran seeking to negotiate a deal to guarantee safe passage for their ships through the strait, although Italy denied the report.

Iran has responded with daily attacks on oil and other infrastructure around the Gulf region, and on Friday, Saudi Arabia said that it had downed nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves.

In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in an industrial area in the region of Sohar, the Oman news agency reported.

A building at the Dubai International Financial Center sustained damage when hit with debris from what authorities described as a successful interception. DIFC is an economic free zone for banks, capital traders and wealth managers, home to exclusive restaurants and nightclubs.

Late on Friday, the Israeli military said it had launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran, and Qatars interior ministry issued evacuation orders for parts of Doha before explosions were heard in the centre of the city.

Qatars defence ministry subsequently said it had intercepted a missile attack.

Iran said earlier this week that it would target banks and financial institutions, after an airstrike hit a bank in Tehran, and the Revolutionary Guards announced on Friday that they had launched new salvoes of missiles and drones at Israel in coordination with Hezbollah, which has a close, decades-old relationship with Tehran.

The guards said in a statement that the operation was part of their annual al-Quds Day, which is intended to show support for the Palestinian cause.

In Lebanon, at least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on the southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanons health ministry said. Nine others were wounded, the ministry added.

Israels military also hit the Zrarieh Bridge, spanning Lebanons Litani River early on Friday, claiming it was being used by Hezbollah militants to move between Lebanons north and south. The military provided no evidence for the claim.

Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, said the strikes so far were just the beginning and that Lebanons government would pay an increasing price for the damage to Lebanese national infrastructure used by Hezbollah.

More than 600 people have been killed in Lebanon since the latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants began, the health ministry said.

Iranian authorities say that more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, and Israel has reported 12 deaths. The US has lost at least 13 service members, while another eight have suffered severe injuries.

In northern Israel, nearly 60 people were wounded after Hezbollah said that it fired several rocket salvoes toward the area and at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Almost all the injuries were described as minor.
Donald Trump is deploying thousands of Marines to the Strait of Hormuz as fears grow that the US could put troops on the ground in the conflict.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request by US Central Command for the deployment of a Marine expeditionary unit, typically including several warships and 5,000 troops, sources told the Wall Street Journal.

The decision sparked swift comparisons with the deployment of more than 3,000 US Marines which marked a major escalation by America in the Vietnam War in 1965.

The Japan-based USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and its attached Marines are now heading for the Middle East, where they will join other forces, officials told the US newspaper.

The flotilla is expected to include 2,500 Marines, but officials say the deployment does not mean they will be used as a ground force inside Iran, but it gives US commanders powerful new options.

The Marines have been deployed as the Trump administration was said to be considering seizing Iran's Kharg Island, around 16 miles off the mainland in the Persian Gulf.

In overnight attacks, Trump said US forces totally obliterated military targets on the island, the export terminal for 90% of Irans oil shipments, which lies about 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz.

He threatened to strike the oil infrastructure on the island if Iran continues to block the strait.

The US Marine unit is notable because they are trained to be the first ones in on the ground to set up areas for other forces, like special operators units, to come in and conduct a mission.

Their current location puts them at least a week away from the waters off Iran.

But with the deployment the ghost of the Vietnam War was hovering over Trump.

Robert A. Pape, Professor of Political Science at Chicago University, specialising in security affairs, posted on X: Most wars escalate beyond what leaders intend.

The Iran war is now showing the same strategic patterns seen in Vietnam and Kosovo.

Combat veteran Samuel Pascal Redfern messaged: The deployment escalation of the Vietnam War to direct US ground involvement began with the deployment of 3,500 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade troops.

Today, the US deployed a Marine Expeditionary unit of approximately 2,500 to the Middle East. This is very sobering

Trump has signalled he wants a quick end to the Iran conflict, which is unpopular in America, possibly within weeks.

But if the American and Israeli airstrikes fail to dislodge the Tehran regime it will inevitably raise questions over the US presidents decision to go to war and may well trigger more accusations of TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out).

Senior members of his Washington administration are divided on the war, with Vice President JD Vance said to be sceptical but trade counsellor Peter Navarro reported to be in favour of longer military action to remove the Tehran regime and bring down the cost of oil.

There is also no guarantee that if the US attacks stop that Iran will cease its drone strikes on Gulf states and which have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Donald Trump wants a quick end to the wear (REUTERS)

Iran has been attacking vessels in the shipping lane, the conduit for a fifth of the world's oil. which has caused fuel prices to soar.

Tehran said it was closing the strait shortly after the United States and Israel began their attacks on February 28.

Iranian strikes have since hit multiple vessels in the area including oil tankers.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed to continue the attacks and keep the strait closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed in the opening day of the war.

Yesterday US officials reported that Iran had begun laying mines in the Gulf channel.

The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and its attached Marines are heading for the Middle East, according to reports in the US (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump said the US was willing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz to protect them from Iranian attack.

Tehran's attacks on shipping were "a last-ditch effort, and the US was going to be hitting Iran "very hard over the next week.

France is pushing on with efforts to put together a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the security situation stabilises,

In another development Defence Secretary Hegseth said Khamenei was "wounded" and "likely disfigured, as The US state department offered a $10 million reward for information about him and other senior Iranian figures.

Referring to a written statement from Mojtaba read aloud on Iranian state TV yesterday, Hegseth questioned why there was no footage or audio of him.

"I think you know why," he added saying Motjaba was "scared" and "injured" is "on the run".

Attacks have intensified in the Strait of Hormuz (via REUTERS)

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.

US forces have also suffered casualties. The US 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.
Tucker Carlson ramps up feud with Laura Loomer, accusing her of absurd slander over antisemitism accusations

Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson accused Laura Loomer, a conservative influencer and Trump ally, of slander and asked her to stop accusing him of antisemitism, the latest development in the duos months-long feud.

In a rarely issued X statement, Carlson responded to Loomer Thursday after she accused him of inciting a car-ramming attack at a Michigan synagogue through his antisemitic language.

I rarely read the filth you publish, and have never responded to it, for the same reason I avoid pornography. Its unhealthy and I dont want to encourage it. But in this specific case I understand exactly what youre doing and Id like to stop it now, Carlson wrote.

The point of your post is to blame me preemptively for violent attacks on American Jews that you believe are coming. This is an absurd slander of course. I abhor violence against innocents, Carlson added.

In response to news of an attack on a synagogue in Michigan, Loomer, who has in the past accused Carlson of hating Israel and working for Qatar, claims he has denied, said the former Fox News host had told his audience to know where their local Chabad is  a reference to the education and outreach movement within Hasidic Judaism.

In a rare X response, Carlson denied Loomer's allegations that he had used antisemitic language, which incited a violent attack on a synagogue in Michigan (Getty Images)

Last week, Carlson bolstered a theory that IDF soldiers were wearing Third Temple patches on their uniforms that were given by Chabad. The Third Temple is a hypothetical vision of rebuilding a place of worship where the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem currently sit.

Carlson insinuated that the alleged patches worn by IDF members indicated a motivation for the war with Iran could be to expedite the physical building of the Third Temple  elevating an antisemitic incitement narrative, the Combat Antisemitism Movement said.

Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a Chabad community leader in Brooklyn, refused Carlsons insinuation, calling it dangerous blood libel.

However, he denied Loomers allegation that he had suggested his audience know where their local Chabad is  seemingly to prepare for or stage an attack.

Carlson addressed Loomers consistent allegations that he is against Jewish people, saying, I also vehemently oppose punishing anyone on the basis of bloodline.

I am therefore strongly opposed to anti-Semitism, precisely as much as I am to the anti-Arab hate you promote, Carlson said.

Loomer is a staunch Trump supporter and has used her influence to get multiple people in the administration, who she deems unfaithful, fired (Getty Images)

Carlson denies being antisemitic, but last year, he was heavily scrutinized for giving white supremacist Nick Fuentes a platform. Carlsons frequent criticisms of Israels offense in Gaza have also incited allegations of antisemitism, which he also denies.

Meanwhile, Loomer, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has a long history of making Islamophobic statements. Shes called herself a proud Islamophobe and called Islam a a cancer on humanity.

Loomer responded to Carlsons statement with more allegations that the conservative podcast host was trying to sabotage Vice President JD Vances presidential campaign  which does not exist.

At this point, I believe the sabotage is deliberate. Is Tucker planning on backing Tulsi Gabbard for President? Youd have to be blind to not see whats happening, Loomer wrote.

Loomer later posted a lengthy rant, accusing Carlson of trying to get Jews killed.

The Independent has asked Carlson for comment.

Loomer has used her platform and association with Trump to get people she deems unfaithful fired.

The growing feud between the two has only been exacerbated by the U.S. and Israels war on Iran. Carlson vehemently opposes the war and has been highly critical of Trumps decision to strike Iran. While Loomer has been supportive of Trumps attack.

Trump has publicly distanced himself from Carlson as a result, claiming the former Fox News host lost his way. But other formerly MAGA-aligned officials have sided with Carlson, including former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who endorsed Carlson for president.
Two long-missing episodes of the BBCs science-fiction series Doctor Who have been recovered over six decades after their original broadcast in a ramshackle collection donated by a collector.

This marks the first confirmed discovery of lost episodes of the programme since 2013.

Episodes one and three from the third season of Doctor Who, which are part of a 12-episode dark and gritty story arc called The Daleks Master Plan, have been found, reported the BBC.

The first episode, called The Nightmare Begins, premiered in November 1965, while episode three, titled Devils Planet, aired two weeks later.

Episode two, Day of Armageddon, was rediscovered in 2004 during a review of the BBCs commercial film archive.

These episodes feature the first Doctor, played by William Hartnell from 1963 until 1966.

William Hartnell, centre, as the Doctor alongside Dracula and Frankenstein's monster in 'Doctor Who' (Getty)

Also in the episodes are Peter Purves as the Doctors companion Steven Taylor, Nicholas Courtney as Bret Vyon, Adrienne Hill as Katarina, and Kevin Stoney as the villainous Mavic Chen.

The serial was written primarily by Daleks creator Terry Nation and follows the First Doctor and his companions as they uncover a conspiracy between the Daleks and the treacherous politician Mavic Chen, the self-styled Guardian of the Solar System, who joins forces with aliens in a plan to conquer the solar system using a weapon known as the Time Destructor.

At the time of writing, 95 more episodes of the popular series are unavailable to watch anywhere. All these went missing when the BBC stopped archiving programmes between 1967 and 1978, during which time Doctor Who was in its original run.

BBC archives director Noreen Adams said: We're thrilled to have worked with the team at Film is Fabulous! to bring these lost Doctor Who episodes to viewers on BBC iPlayer this Easter. BBC Archives has been working to restore the original recordings and update these to broadcast quality, ensuring fans can enjoy a little extra treat with their Easter Eggs this April.

The new find ends the longest gap in the series history with no recovered episodes. The previous major find occurred in 2013, when nine missing instalments from two Patrick Troughton stories  The Enemy of the World and The Web of Fear  were discovered by the executive director of Television International Enterprise Archives, Philip Morris, at a television relay station in Nigeria.

Patrick Troughton, second from left, star of the popular British television series 'Doctor Who', with Peter Purves, right (Getty)

Film is Fabulous!, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving historic film collections in the UK, found the missing episodes after it started cataloguing a deceased collectors donated archive.

What is significant about this particular find is that this storyline was only broadcast in the UK, after censors in Australia and New Zealand called it too violent.

These are gems in what was an eclectic and ramshackle collection, a lot of which hadn't been looked after as well as the Doctor Who had. The collector did recognise what he had, but how he acquired them has been lost to time, Justin Smith, cinema and television history professor at Leicesters De Montfort University and chair of trustees at FIF, told the BBC.

The rediscovery prompted an emotional reaction from Purves, now 87, who had been invited to the Phoenix Cinema in Leicester under the pretext of participating in interviews about television in the 1960s. Instead, organisers revealed the recovered episodes and screened them for him.

After watching the episodes, he joked: My flabber has never been so gasted. I've never forgiven the BBC for losing those episodes  it would be really nice to get a few royalties.

It was the fourth appearance of the Daleks and it'll be exciting to fans for a lot of reasons, he said. The fans of Doctor Who are legion, and they seriously love the classic times.

A special screening of the restored episodes organised by Film is Fabulous! is scheduled to take place in London on 4 April, with Purves attending as guest of honour.
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The deal, announced on Friday, could see Royal Navy ships responding to hostility in Irish waters. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images (Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

The UK has signed a rebooted defence agreement with Dublin that could mean the Royal Navy responding to hostile ships and other issues in Irish waters.

The deal, announced at the second post-Brexit Ireland-UK summit, held in Cork on Friday, updates a 2016 agreement to include cyber-threats and the sabotage of critical internet and electricity undersea cables.

It comes after a series of incidents in the Irish Sea in the last 18 months, including the escorting of a Russian spy ship after it entered and patrolled an area containing critical energy and internet submarine pipelines and cables.

In an apparent reference to Russia, the taoiseach, Micheal Martin, said: We know whats happened in other seas where there has been interventions, we know that certain elements have been observing the cables and other vital infrastructure, and so thats the context, and its to protect that and to make sure we can respond effectively if an event was to happen.

Asked if it would involve the Royal Navy patrolling Irish waters, he said he would not get into specifics but its not patrolling.

The UK defence secretary, John Healey, said: This rebooted memorandum of understanding modernises our framework for cooperation on areas critical to both our nations security, in particular to counter the growing undersea and cyber-threats we share.

Irelands poor defence has been the subject of criticism domestically and internationally, partly because 75% of all transatlantic cables go through or close to Ireland, giving it an outsized strategic importance in Europe.

Its defence capabilities are also in the spotlight as it takes up the presidency of the EU in July. Ireland is not in Nato, has no submarines and operates a policy of neutrality, with one of the smallest defence forces in Europe.

Last month it emerged that Dublin would benefit from enhanced security courtesy of the French during the EU presidency. It also announced it hoped to link up with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led alliance focused on maritime security involving 10 Nato members.

The new agreement between the UK and Ireland will mean closer liaison between defence and naval organisations, coupled with a new framework on subsea infrastructure, for a coordinated response mechanism for addressing major subsea communication cable incidents that might affect the two countries.

The Irish foreign and defence minister, Helen McEntee, said on Friday: Were militarily neutral, but were not neutral to any of the threats that exist at the moment.

So its already the case that we have UK ships, for various reasons, military or otherwise, in our waters. This is about making sure that if there are threats or issues that emerge, we have structures in place that we can work with each other in cooperation.
Ukraine is opening access to its battlefield data for its allies to train drone AI software, the defence minister said on Thursday, as Kyiv seeks to harness the experience it has garnered fending off Russias invasion. The move comes as militaries across the globe start to use automated systems which can guide drones to their targets without a pilot, or quickly analyse vast pools of data. Foreign allies and companies have sought access to Ukraines datasets, as these are crucial for training models to recognise patterns, shapes and the behaviour of people and machines on the battlefield.
A drone strike killed a French soldier in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, France's armed forces ministry said on Friday, after President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the country's first military death in the Middle East war.

Read moreMacron says officer killed in Iraq as pro-Iran group vows to target French interests

Arnaud Frion, 42, was killed in a drone strike and six other soldiers were wounded, the ministry said in a statement.

His commanding officer Colonel Francois-Xavier de la Chesnais said he was struck by an Iranian-designed Shahed attack drone.

But French military spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet said it was "premature" to identify the specific model of drone or launch site, adding that an investigation is ongoing.

The soldier "died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq", Macron posted on X, following the incident on Thursday.

Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month engulfed the Middle East in war, multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the Erbil region, where foreign forces are based as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.

Earlier, a pro-Iranian Iraqi group warned that French interests in the region were targets after the arrival of a French aircraft carrier to "the area of operations of the American Central Command".

The statement on Ashab Alkahf's Telegram channel also warned "our brothers in the security forces" to stay away from a base it said housed French troops.

There was no direct claim of responsibility from the group for the attack.

'Solidarity'

The French military said drones had hit a base where troops were taking part in counter-terrorism training with Iraqi counterparts.

The governor of Erbil said the strike involved two drones and hit a base in Mala Qara, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the regional capital.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani vowed to prevent further attacks after Frion's death.

Sudani expressed his "solidarity" with France in a phone call with Macron. He said that "the necessary measures will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents", and an investigation will be conducted into the attack.

Macron has insisted his country's stance in the Middle East war is "strictly defensive".

"The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks," Macron said, calling the strike "unacceptable".

Read moreMiddle East war live: Israel says forces carried out 7,600 strikes in Iran, 1,100 in Lebanon

The soldier's death follows a separate drone strike on an Italian base in Erbil, within a military compound that was hosting other foreign troops.

No injuries were reported in that attack, but Italy said it was temporarily withdrawing its military personnel from the base.

Soldiers from several countries, including Italy and France, are training members of the Kurdish security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan as part of the anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Travelers and staff walk through Ronald Reagan Washington airport in Arlington, Virginia, on 13 March 2025. Photograph: Annabelle Gordon/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Annabelle Gordon/AFP/Getty Images)

A rising number of US airports are asking for donations to support employees affected by the partial government shutdown with airport security officials missing their first full paychecks Friday.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have been working in airports around the US without pay since a shutdown began in February after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a funding agreement. Democrats have since refused to support a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the TSAs parent agency, without first receiving guaranteed immigration enforcement reforms.

Amid the shutdown, TSA workers have been faced with continuing to work at airports without pay or find other ways to make income.

Some airports in response have started food pantries while others have requested community members donate small grocery and gasoline gift cards.

Nonetheless, with some TSA workers not reporting for unpaid duty, lines at security checkpoints have intermittently grown long. For instance, at Miami international airport on Thursday, lines sporadically doubled the normal clearance time for security checkpoints.

Video of a security line stretching out to the parking lot at New Orleanss international airport went viral several days earlier.

The Guardian reached out to four other separate international airports: Denver, Orlando, Las Vegas and Cleveland. According to the officials who spoke with the Guardian, they have seen relatively normal lines and security wait times, even during a busy travel day like Friday and amid the busy spring break travel season.

Asked at Miamis airport how many of his co-workers had called out, one agent replied:Not enough. Nothing happens until the public feels some pain.

Praharsha Pinninti, a recent college graduate who was at Miamis airport heading home to Raleigh, North Carolina, said she found the pay issue insane.

I think thats extremely unfair, Pinninti added, describing the legislative standoff as a test of time, and its a test of patience and its a test of our integrity as an issue.

Airports in Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Reno, Cleveland, Orlando, New York and New Jersey, have all been accepting donations.

The public information officer for the Denver airport, Keylen Villagrana, told the Guardian the facility had received dozens of gift cards from the public.

Any donations for TSA workers are subject to the federal governments regulations. For example, employees are not allowed to accept cash nor any cash-equivalent cards, such as a Visa gift card. The regulations also say that all gift cards have to be valued at $20 or less.

Meanwhile, staff at the Las Vegas international airport recently launched a food and essentials pantry to support TSA employees during the shutdown. The airports spokesperson, Amanda Mazzagatti, told the Guardian the facility had received baby formula, toiletries, household essentials and non-perishable food items.

The Las Vegas food pantry was first opened in 2019 during a lengthy federal government shutdown during Donald Trumps first presidency. Then in the fall, months into Trumps second presidency and during the longest shutdown in US history, the Las Vegas airport food pantry was reopened.

As this shutdown stretches on, these workers  some of whom are still recovering from the last shutdown  are going to really be in need of these supplies, Mazzagatti said.

At Clevelands Hopkins international airport, employees initially began gathering resources themselves for TSA employees ensnared by the fall shutdown. But then the public sent inquiries on how to help, leading to a food pantry, Michele Dynia, the airports public information officer said.

The Cleveland airport opened the pantry again earlier in March and began asking for donations of food and gift cards with small amounts.

The airport is like a family, and this is our way to help out our family members here at the airport, Dynia told the Guardian.

Since earlier this year, Democrats have been fighting further funding for DHS agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the two agencies tasked with carrying out the Trump administrations mass deportation campaign.

Agents with ICE and CBP under the command of the Trump administration have been met with significant criticism over their aggressive arrest and detention tactics.

Amid the shutdown, Senate Democrats have pushed for a series of smaller bills that would fund specific agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, like the TSA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) and others not related to immigration enforcement. But Senate Republicans have opposed those requests.

George Chidi contributed reporting
President Emmanuel Macron called on the European Union to keep increasing pressure on Russia over its war against Ukraine and adopt a package of sanctions that would ban shipping services for Russian crude oil

The United States is temporarily allowing the sale of Russian oil that is at sea, the Treasury Department said Thursday, as energy prices soared after US-Israeli strikes on Iran plunged the Middle East into war.

The move marked a momentary easing of economic sanctions against Russia, which has been targeted over its invasion of Ukraine.

On Thursday, the Treasury issued a license authorising the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that have been loaded on vessels on or before 12:01 am Eastern Time March 12, through 12:01 am on April 11.

Read moreOil prices top $100 as market braces for long conflict

The move came after Washington last week temporarily allowed Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the latest authorization aimed to "increase the global reach of existing supply".

But he insisted this was a "narrowly tailored, short-term measure".

He added it would not provide "significant financial benefit to the Russian government, which derives the majority of its energy revenue from taxes assessed at the point of extraction".

Bessent had earlier said President Donald Trump's administration was considering lifting sanctions on more Russian oil.

War in the Middle East has upended the world's energy and transport sectors, virtually halting activity in the critical Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of global oil transits.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, on 13 March. Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty Images)

Gretchen Whitmer, Michigans governor, said Jewish Americans were a community on edge on Friday after security staff thwarted an attack on a Detroit-area synagogue and preschool by a man driving a truck containing explosives.

Whitmer, a Democrat, called Thursdays assault at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield township the latest episode in the ancient and rampant evil of antisemitism, and urged politicians and others to lower the political temperature.

Yesterdays attack was antisemitism. It was hate, plain and simple, she said at a Friday morning press conference.

We must lower the rhetoric in the state and in this country, especially at this moment where weve seen such a rise in antisemitism and more attacks on the Jewish community. We must keep each other close. This community is on the edge.

Her comments came as Jewish communities across the US warned that increased security is needed at places of worship and gathering to help prevent future acts of violence.

Related: Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack had lost family in Israeli strike on Lebanon

Security staff at Temple Israel reacted quickly to the incident in which the vehicle was rammed into the temple building before bursting into flames and the assailant killed during an exchange of gunfire.

The suspect, Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, was a naturalized citizen who was born in Lebanon and, it emerged on Friday morning, had lost four family members in an Israeli airstrike the country last week, as the US-Israeli war on Iran widens and intensifies. One security guard at the large synagogue complex received minor injuries and staff, teachers and 140 small children at the temples early learning center evacuated to safety.

Our heroic security personnel are all accounted for and safe, Temple Israel said in a community statement following what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

Elissa Slotkin, a US senator for Michigan and also a Democrat, told the Friday press conference that the attack could have been much, much worse, and praised the temples private security staff, as well as local law enforcement and first responders.

If they had not all done their jobs almost perfectly, we would be talking about an immense tragedy here today with children gone, she said.

Taylor Weintraub, a parent of a five-year-old in the temples pre-K class, praised staff for keeping her son and his classmates away from harm.

He thankfully is blissfully unaware, she told the Detroit News. His teachers made it as calm, as much as they could, for them. Told them it was a fire drill and kept them on course and on track and got them out safely. That is something we will forever be grateful for.

It was revealed on Thursday that the FBI had conducted active shooter training with Temple Israel staff at the synagogue in recent months. Thanks to preparation and the courage of those on the ground, lives were saved, Kash Patel, the FBI director, told Fox News Digital.

But the episode has stoked fears of increased violence against Jewish targets in a backlash to the escalating US-Israeli war against Iran. Several leading Jewish American organizations are demanding more funding and resources to further harden security at vulnerable locations.

Security at many synagogues and Jewish centers across the US has been beefed up in recent years with organizations hiring private, armed security guards and training them to deal with the risk of attacks. This was stepped up particularly following the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 that killed 11, the deadliest attack on Jews in US history, and the overwhelming military response by Israel in Gaza after the attack led by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

This incident is a stark and frightening reminder that Jewish institutions across the US continue to face serious and persistent threats, and the escalating hateful rhetoric in the public discourse puts a target on the backs of all Jews, the Orthodox Union said in a statement, adding: Enough is enough. The time has come for our elected officials and people of good conscience to stand up and demand action, including sufficient funding for security at Jewish institutions.

Ted Deutch, a former US representative and chief executive of the American Jewish Committee, pointed to his groups recently released report about the escalating level of antisemitism in the US, which showed that 91% of American Jews felt less safe because of previous violent attacks.

Related: Officials name suspect killed after ramming vehicle into Michigan synagogue

Once again, this time in Detroit, Jews were targeted at their place of worship. Once again, Jews faced mortal danger simply because of who they are, he said in a statement on X.

He added: Today in America, when Jews gather, whether at a synagogue or a community event, its increasingly behind metal detectors and under the watch of armed security. Were not asking for special treatment. Were not asking for more outrage. Were asking for something simple: that people everywhere stand up, clearly and unequivocally, and say that this violent hatred will no longer be tolerated.

The Jewish Federations of North America reported last summer that security for the Jewish community cost $765m annually. The amount was prohibitive, the organizations chief executive, Eric Fingerhut, told a House of Representatives subcommittee as he requested congressional help.

The addition of police, security guards and fortification of buildings all made Jewish people feel safer, he said.

Other groups said more action was needed following the West Bloomfield attack, and recent violent incidents including an alleged antisemitic assault this week on two California shoppers who were talking Hebrew to each other.

The Israeli-American Council said in a statement it was horrified by events in Michigan and elsewhere.

This outrage is the latest in a series of violent attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions throughout the world, a number of which have resulted in the murder of innocents, the group said.
The second KC-135 aircraft landed in Tel Aviv missing part of its tail fin. The US military insisted the crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire

Six US troops were killed when a military plane crashed in Iraq as it took part in operations against Iran.

Two KC-135 refuelling aircraft were involved in an incident during Operation Epic Fury in friendly airspace, the US military said.

The downing of the aircraft at around 7pm GMT on Thursday near Turaibil along the Iraqi-Jordanian border is under investigation, the US Central Command (Centcom) said. It insisted the loss was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

All six crew members on board were confirmed dead. Their identities have not yet been released.

The second aircraft landed safely in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, missing part of its tail fin.

The crash is believed to have been caused by a mid-air collision but the circumstances remain unclear.

The US Central Command said the incident near Turaibil, along the Iraqi-Jordanian border, is still under investigation

Iranian state television claimed that an allied Iraqi group hit the tanker with a missile, killing its crew. However, the US militarys statement disputed this claim.

Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely, it said. This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

Islamic Resistance, based in Iraq but backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the crash, saying it had acted in defence of our countrys sovereignty and airspace.

The KC-135 became at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the war with Iran after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.

Kuwaiti forces mistakenly downed the three American F-15E fighters early in the conflict, but all six crew members were able to eject.

Since the war began on Feb 28, 11 US servicemen have been killed and more than 140 injured.

French soldier killed in drone attack

On Thursday night, Emmanuel Macron announced that a French soldier was killed in a drone attack in Iraqs Erbil region. Several others were injured.

The French president named Arnaud Frion, a chief warrant officer, as the deceased and described the attacks as unacceptable.

Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism, he wrote on social media. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks.

Operation Epic Fury, the name given to Donald Trumps US-led air strikes in Iran, was the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation, Centcom previously said.

The conflict has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, including a reported 175 in a strike on a primary school on the first day of the war. A preliminary report suggested that the strike was mistakenly conducted by the US, using outdated targeting data.

Donald Trumps US-led air strikes in Iran have killed more than 1,000 people - Jim Watson/AFP

The Pentagon said earlier this week that around 140 service members had been injured in the conflict, including eight who had been severely injured.

The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, told PBS.

The plane crash came amid growing concern about the costs of Mr Trumps war with Iran.

As well as the deaths and injuries, the conflict has cost the US billions, including $5bn (3.7bn) in munitions alone, PBS reported.

I am left with more questions than answers, especially about the cost of the war, Richard Blumenthal, the Democrat senator, said following an official, classified briefing on the conflict.

Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic senator, said he was left with more questions than answers after a briefing on the war - Kylie Cooper/Reuters

It has also caused a global panic in the oil market, sending energy prices soaring.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the worlds supply of oil flows.

Three tankers in the Gulf were struck by Iranian drone ships last night, causing oil prices to climb even higher on Thursday.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Irans new supreme leader, pledged to keep the Strait closed as a tool to pressure the enemy.

Goldman Sachs said last week that oil prices could overtake previous highs from 2008 and 2022 if the strait remained closed for the rest of the month.

The surge in energy costs and deaths among US servicemen will be a key concern for American voters, who are set to go to the polls in November for the midterm elections.

It will become a major talking point for Democrats on the campaign trail, despite Mr Trump promising that the war would end soon and oil prices will come down.

The American people deserve to know much more than this administration has told them about the cost of the war, the danger to our sons and daughters in uniform, and the potential for further escalation, Mr Blumenthal said.
Vice president JD Vance has been mocked online after claiming that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had not been fired from her role, but rather handed a great opportunity to leave.

A lot of people in the media said that the reason we made a change at DHS is because we are backing off of our illegal immigration policy. That couldn't be further from the truth, Vance said, speaking at an event Friday.

The reason is because Kristi Noem has a great opportunity to serve in this Shield of Americas position.

Donald Trump announced under fire Noems departure from the DHS on Truth Social earlier this month, moments before she was set to appear at a law enforcement convention in Nashville. She reportedly learned that she was being removed from the role just as she was set to go on stage.

The president also said that Noem would be named Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, which he described as our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere.

(REUTERS)

Social media users appeared less than convinced by Vances claims. This clown really expects us to believe Noem voluntarily left a cabinet position for a completely made up non-cabinet gig, wrote one user.

Its obvious you dont even believe the b******* you are spewing, added another user, with a third branding Vance a lying a******.

A third added: he was doing such an amazing job multiple US citizens were murdered under her watch and it was juuuust a coincidence that after she admitted Trump agreed to her $200 MILLION propaganda ads that she was moved to a new position. Right right right.

During her 13-month tenure at the agency, Noem oversaw a number of controversial policies, including the pushing of Trumps aggressive mass deportation agenda that has seen tens of thousands of immigrants removed from the U.S.

During her 13-month tenure at the agency, Noem oversaw a number of controversial policies including the pushing of Trumps aggressive mass deportation agenda that has seen tens of thousands of immigrants removed from the U.S. (REUTERS)

Protests of the crackdown in Minnesota led to two protesters being fatally shot by federal agents within two weeks of each other.

In addition, she also provoked outrage across the political aisle over multi-million dollar contracts that were handed out for a DHS ad campaign in which she was prominently featured. Noem testified to Congress that Trump had supported the campaign, only to have the president deny the fact one day later.

I never knew anything about it, the president told Reuters.

Noem is the first Cabinet member to be forced out of the administration since Trump returned to the White House last year.

We all wish Kristi the best of luck in her new position as bus undercarriage inspector, one social media user replied to a clip of Vances remarks.
What we know about US military plane crash in Iraq as all six crew confirmed dead

Six crew members were killed when a U.S. refuelling tanker crashed in Iraq, U.S. Central Command has confirmed.

Centcom reported that a KC-135 Stratotanker came down Thursday during Operation Epic Fury - the growing conflict between the U.S. and Iran that was launched by President Donald Trump at the end of February.

The military said on Friday afternoon that all six crew members on board the plane were killed in the incident. They have not been named.

At least 13 U.S. service members have now been killed since the war started two weeks ago, while around 140 have been wounded.

A KC-135 stratotanker went down in Iraq, killing six people, Centcom said on Friday (file) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Heres all we know about the crash in Iraq so far:

What has happened?

Two aircraft were involved in an incident in friendly airspace in western Iraq at around 2 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.

One of the two planes crashed, while the other managed to land safely. Centcom has confirmed the stricken plane was a US Boeing KC-135, a heavy tanker with a wingspan of 40m.

The Washington Post reported the second aircraft was also a KC-135, but this has not yet been officially confirmed.

US Centcom KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet over the middle east during Operation Epic Fury (file) (Centcom)

Centcom confirmed on Friday afternoon that six crew members were killed.

Earlier in the day, rescue teams were working at the scene after confirming the deaths of four people.

The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, Centcom said.

Investigators believed the crash could have been caused by a midair collision but the circumstances remained unclear, the New York Times reported.

What have authorities said?

Centcom stressed in its initial statement on Thursday the plane did not go down as a result of either hostile or friendly fire.

It did not say exactly where or when the incident occurred, but said more information would be made available as the situation develops.

The ageing plane is set to be gradually phased out as more of the next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers enter service (Getty)

We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members, a statement read.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of armed factions backed by Iran, meanwhile claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.

The group said in a statement it had shot down the aircraft in defence of our countrys sovereignty and airspace, contradicting the U.S. version of events.

The U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker went down in western Iraq, while another was able to land safely, Centcom said (file) (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

What do we know about the planes involved?

The US Boeing KC-135 was developed in the 1950s and has seen extensive use in American combat operations for decades.

Based on the same design as the Boeing 707 passenger plane, the tanker has been in service for more than 60 years. It is set to be gradually phased out as more of the next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers enter service.

A basic KC-135 crew has three people: a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator. Nurses and medical technicians are added in aeromedical evacuation missions.

The KC-135 has been at the forefront of USAF operations for more than 60 years (file) (Getty)

The aircraft can carry large amounts of fuel - up to 83,000lbs (37,650kg) of cargo - and refuel a wide range of aircraft used by the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied forces. Aerial refuelling is one of the most technically demanding operations in military aviation.

During these missions, the tanker aircraft must fly at a steady speed and altitude while another aircraft moves close enough for a refuelling boom to connect. The process requires precise coordination between pilots and the boom operator and even small errors can lead to accidents.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force last year had 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. According to USAF data, they cost around $40mn per unit in 1998.

U.S. Air Force military aircraft at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv before the US-Israeli operation was launched (AFP via Getty)

How many US planes have crashed since the conflict began?

This is the fourth U.S. manned aircraft lost since Operation Epic Fury started, although none of the incidents have been attributed to Iranian fire by U.S. officials.

On 1 March, three Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle jets were shot down, reportedly by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 aircraft in a friendly fire incident.

Centcom said they went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.

At least one of the U.S. aircraft appeared to be from a U.K. airbase, the BBC reported, based on identifying markers on the wreckage of one of the jets. The U.S. Air Force would not confirm the origin of the planes.
Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? The history of the superstitious date

The second Friday the 13th of 2026 is here, a date synonymous with bad luck for the superstitious.

This year brings a triple dose of misfortune, as the 13th day of the month falls on Fridays in February, March and November.

The superstition is widely believed to originate from the Last Supper, where 13 people  Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples  gathered on Maundy Thursday, the night before his crucifixion by Roman soldiers on Good Friday. This links 13 to Judas Iscariot, Christs betrayer, and deems it imperfect compared to 12, representing the months in a year.

The union of day and date has also been traced back to King Philip IV of France arresting hundreds of Knights Templar on Friday 13 October 1307.

The Catholic crusaders were apprehended, under pressure from Pope Clement V, over allegations made by an excommunicated former member that new recruits to the order were being forced to spit on the cross, deny Christ and engage in homosexual acts during initiation ceremonies.

The claims, seemingly entirely without foundation, were a convenient pretext for Philip to persecute the wealthy order and waive debts he owed them following war with England.

The burning of the Knights Templars at the stake. (British Library)

Charged with moral and financial corruption and worshipping false idols, often following confessions obtained under torture, many of the knights were later burnt at the stake in Paris.

The orders Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, faced the flames in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and is said to have cried out a curse on those who persecuted its members: God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.

The events initiated by the holy warriors arrest, according to tradition, ensured every subsequent Friday the 13th meant bad luck to one and all, De Molays hex ringing out through the ages.

An irrational fear of the date is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia.

In Spanish-speaking countries and in Greece, it is Tuesday the 13th that frightens people. In Italy, it is Friday the 17th.

Other famous indicators of bad luck include a black cat crossing your path, breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, opening an umbrella indoors and saying the name of Shakespeares Scottish play in a theatre.
Thirty years after the devastating Dunblane massacre, the sister of one of the young victims has described her enduring grief as "a wound thats there forever".

Rachael Irvines brother, Ross, was a pupil at Dunblane Primary School when, on the morning of 13 March 1996, Thomas Hamilton entered the premises armed with four handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Within minutes, Ross and 15 other Primary One children, along with their teacher Gwen Mayor, were murdered before Hamilton took his own life. Fifteen others  12 children and three adults  were also injured in what remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history.

The incident plunged a shocked nation into mourning, prompting the UK Government to swiftly introduce a ban on most handguns.

Now 28, Ms Irvine, who never met her brother, spoke of the profound grief her family  and others like hers  continue to experience daily. "In terms of the loss of the child and the family member, thats not something that ever goes away," she said. "I think its a wound thats there forever. Life continues, but you dont ever stop thinking about your child. You dont ever move on from your child. Youre always thinking about them. And of course its especially poignant on the 30th, but its true every day."

Thomas Hamilton walked in armed with four handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Ross and 15 other Primary One children were murdered, along with their teacher Gwen Mayor (PA)

Ms Irvine lived in Dunblane until she was seven, noting that the tragedy was a "very profound moment" in the towns history. "In many ways, its defined Dunblane," she explained. "I imagine because no-one ever thought that something like that would happen there. But of course, it can happen anywhere."

She and her family will mark the 30th anniversary by travelling to Ayr to visit Rosss grave, a ritual they observe most years around 13 March. The family chose Ayr for his burial as it was where he spent most of his life, having only moved to Dunblane in autumn 1995, roughly six months before the shooting.

"I think its very hard for them," Ms Irvine reflected. "I know for my mum, in some ways she feels like they brought him there to die, which of course is not at all the case. But those are the kinds of things you think as a parent when something like that happens to your child."

Describing Ross, Ms Irvine painted a picture of "a fun-loving, outgoing, chatty boy" who was "very full of life". She added: "He really loved to talk to people. He was very good at it, and he could talk to people of any ages. He was very curious about the world. He had a lot of interests and the things he loved, he was really invested in."

She recalled his passion for dinosaurs, noting he could name "almost all" of them, alongside his affection for trains, the Thunderbirds, and The Animals Of Farthing Wood. Her mother often recounted how Ross would ask if he could bring an extra snack for a friend at Dunblane Primary School. "Its a small thing, but I think it says a lot about who he was and his personality," she said.

Dunblane (Getty)

Despite never meeting him, Ms Irvine said Ross was "always present" in their family home through photographs and stories, with "his belongings and pieces that he left behind were always there".

Two years ago, Ms Irvine joined the Gun Control Network, an organisation established in the wake of the massacre to campaign for stricter gun control laws. She explained her motivation stemmed from "frustration" at witnessing gun violence in other countries and the "backsliding" on gun laws in nations where they were once considered robust.

She also expressed hope that her involvement would help educate a younger generation about the significance of the laws enacted after Dunblane. "Many people of my age wouldnt be aware of Dunblane and what happened, and why we have the strong gun laws that weve grown up under," she stated. "I think I take it for granted, because, of course, its a part of my life."

She concluded: "So if theres any way where I can just help to shed light on the issue and bring attention to it for younger generations, I think thats really important."
Al Quds Day march in 2025 in Oxford Street, London - Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

A charity which funds the group behind the banned pro-Iran hate march has received at least 450,000 in taxpayer-funded donations, The Telegraph can reveal.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Trust has been recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid, which means it can claim an extra 25p from the Government for every 1 it receives in donations.

Accounts submitted by the trust to the Charity Commission show that it has claimed 458,500 in Gift Aid since 2020. It is under investigation by the watchdog for funding an event where inflammatory statements were apparently made.

The group, whose spokesman defended Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader of Iran, as a man of principle, organised what MPs and peers described as a hate march before it was banned this week by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary.

The IHRC Trust is one of four charities with alleged Iranian links that are recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid and identified in a report on Iranian influence in the UK by Lord Walney, the former independent adviser to the Government on political violence.

Lord Walney called for tougher rules to prevent charities from receiving Gift Aid while they are under investigation.

He said: The Telegraphs investigation shows that substantial sums of taxpayers money are involved and are going to potentially inappropriate organisations because of both the weakness and slowness of the Governments regulatory regime.

I think the evidence against the IHRC is strong but whether or not they are found in breach, it cannot be right that investigations can drag on for years, and that organisations can get the full benefit of charity status while they are being investigated for very serious issues.

In serious cases related to extremism, the default should be that privileges such as claiming Gift Aid are suspended while investigations are carried out, and investigations should be completed much faster than they are.

The Governments admission this week that the system is too weak and its commitment to give extra powers to tackle extremism is welcome and overdue. But the test is how quickly and how effectively a new regime can be put in place.

The Charity Commission is investigating the IHRC Trust along with two other Iranian-linked charities over its funding of an unidentified event where alleged inflammatory statements were made.

The watchdog also raised concerns over its involvement in publications made and events organised by a non-charitable company which receives funding from IHRC Trust.

Believes in a single state

In the year to June 2025, the trust awarded grants of nearly 520,000 out of its total income of 642,254 to IHRC Ltd

In response to queries by The Telegraph, it said it was a human rights organisation but did not hide the fact that it believed Israel is a racist, colonialist, apartheid enterprise that needs to be dismantled and replaced with a single state that represents Muslims, Christians and Jews.

The groups annual Al Quds day march was banned by Ms Mahmood over concerns that it could provoke serious public disorder at the height of the Middle East war, with up to five counter-demonstrations by opponents of the Iranian regime planned.

The IHRC will instead hold a static protest, which neither the Government nor police have powers to ban. However, the Met Police have placed restrictions on the location and timing of the rallies so that the River Thames separates Al Quds Day demonstrators from anti-Iranian protesters

The pro-Iranian Sunday event forms part of an international day of demonstrations that Ruhollah Khomeini, a former supreme leader of Iran, established in 1979 after the revolution.

There have been arrests and clashes with the police at previous marches, while the Israeli flag has been burnt, and before Hezbollahs proscription in 2019, the terror groups flag was waved.

The IHRC Trust says on its website that it has provided grants to IHRC Ltd for various charitable projects undertaken on behalf of the charity.

IHRC LTD said the entities are legally distinct with separate management, and described any suggestions of improper linkage as confused and factually inaccurate. It said that in its 28-year history, it has had no links with any state.
Judge Daniel Sawyer allegedly posted that Dr Charlotte Proudman knew nothing about the criminal courts - Facebook

A crown court judge was accused of trolling a female barrister using an anonymous social media account.

Judge Daniel Sawyer was investigated by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) following allegations that he harassed Dr Charlotte Proudman online.

The judge admitted he was responsible for the posts under the pseudonym Yet Another Tweeting Barrister, but he denied bullying or harassment.

After investigating the complaints, the JCIO said it was satisfied that there was no intent to bully or harass Dr Proudman, and that his conduct did not meet the threshold for disciplinary action.

The complaint against the judge, brought in June 2025, alleged he repeatedly posted, liked and replied to hostile comments about Dr Proudman, particularly criticising her views on rape law and the criminal justice system.

Mr Sawyer, then a recorder or part-time judge, was said to have written that Dr Proudman knew nothing about the criminal courts, was utterly wrong, made grossly misleading claims and posted nonsense. Other posts allegedly urged people to ignore anything that this person tweets and referred to her commentary on gender-based violence as unprofessional drivel.

He was also said to have mocked her understanding of basic legal terminology, stating that the average GCSE student knows this.

In one of his threads about Dr Proudman, he stated: Allow me to conclude in the words of what I think is a popular song... the criminal justice system has at least 99 problems but the fact that rape complainants can choose to be screened from the defendant aint one.

The complaint, seen by The Telegraph, alleged his followers would have gathered that he was referring to Dr Proudman as a b---- due to his play on the Jay-Z lyric I got 99 problems but a b---- aint one.

Dr Charlotte Proudman, who specialises in family law, claimed Judge Daniel Sawyer targeted her with a public campaign of harassment and misogyny - Stefan Rousseau/PA

He also allegedly reported Dr Proudman to the Bar Standards Board (BSB), triggering a lengthy investigation into her that was eventually dropped, and encouraged others to do the same by signposting them to the regulator.

Mr Sawyer was said to have liked posts suggesting Dr Proudman stay off Twitter and engaged with KC-level barristers to reinforce her humiliation and ridicule.

It was alleged that this amounted to a breach of judicial guidance on social media and that he abused his position by targeting Dr Proudman.

The JCIO initially responded by saying it had accepted the complaint, but later clarified that this was done in error.

It said it found the conduct complained of would not have breached the disciplinary standards in such a way as to require disciplinary action.

The JCIO said Mr Sawyer had described his posts as a forceful correction of what he believed was false and harmful, such as the claim that clothing could be used as a defence in rape cases. He argued this could deter victims from reporting.

Responding to the song lyric complaint, the JCIO said Mr Sawyer claimed he was unaware of its full meaning and had used it generically. Once informed of its connotation, Mr Sawyer clarified he did not intend to insult Dr Proudman and rejected personal attacks.

Mr Sawyer denied encouraging action against Dr Proudman, claiming his reference to the BSB was in response to a general query. The JCIO said it found no evidence of endorsement or incitement.

No intent to bully

The JCIO added it was satisfied that there was no intent to bully or harass Dr Proudman and dismissed the complaints.

Mr Sawyer acknowledged liking a tweet that suggested Dr Proudman should stay off Twitter but denied it was bullying, and said engagement with the KCs was indirect and light-hearted communication in which he did not name Dr Proudman.

He also maintained his comments about her status were factually accurate and not intended to harass.

The Telegraph understands that Mr Sawyer was identified as the person behind the posts as his anonymous account had interacted with unrelated posts about horseback archery  a sport he is heavily involved in.

Dr Proudman is a barrister who specialises in family law, domestic abuse cases and has challenged legislation that discriminates against women.

She told The Telegraph: HHJ Daniel Sawyer targeted me with a public campaign of harassment and misogyny simply for speaking out about how rape victims are failed by the justice system.

A JCIO spokesman said: The [office] has responsibility for the investigation of conduct and discipline of judges. [We] cannot comment on individual complaints, investigations or legal proceedings.

Mr Sawyer was a recorder judge in 2022 but became a circuit judge for the western circuit in 2024.
Migrants have been staying at the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, east London, - Isabel Infantes

A migrant who burst into a blind womans house has been cleared by police because of a lack of evidence.

The man, in his 20s, was staying at the four-star Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf in summer 2025 when he walked into the flat a five-minute walk away.

He was detained by members of the public and urged to go back to the hotel, where protesters had gathered outside on Aug 13.

Family members of the woman said she was traumatised and feared for her life when the migrant entered, adding that earlier that day she had been in a coma.

A photo taken in the aftermath showed the migrant staring ahead at members of the public as police detained him.

Hotel still open to migrants

It was reported in August that the man had been arrested on suspicion of common assault. But a Met Police source has now confirmed the case was closed due to a lack of evidence.

The man later left the hotel, which is still open to migrants who cross the Channel on small boats.

The Met had originally said no offences had been identified, but then arrested the migrant in Hackney on suspicion of common assault, after trawling CCTV.

One source said: It will raise eyebrows that no action has been brought against a migrant who entered a womans property. The poor lady was terrified.

Channay Augustus, 22, a relative of the blind woman, admitted affray after she was part of a group of around 20 people who tried to barge into the Britannia Hotel.

Augustus appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court by video link in 2025, when she pleaded guilty to affray and having an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely a meat cleaver.

She pleaded not guilty to threatening another person with a blade or point and also to a charge of assaulting an emergency worker.

Her trial is set for June 2026.
The aftermath of the tailings dam collapse at the Chinese state-owned Sino-Metals Leach copper mine near Chambishi. Photograph: Richard Kille/AP (Photograph: Richard Kille/AP)

As soon as the barrier broke, a flood of poison brought death to the river. Gushing through the fragile wall built to hold back mining waste in Zambias copper belt in February 2025, more than 50m cubic litres of acid and heavy metals poured into the Chambishi stream  a tributary of the Kafue River, the countrys longest waterway.

Thousands of lifeless fish rose to the surface as a plume of acid floated downriver, leaving dead crocodiles and other wildlife in its wake.

For the millions of Zambians that depend on the Kafue, the tailings dam collapse at the Chinese state-owned Sino-Metals Leach copper mine triggered a national environmental emergency that is yet to end. The spill shut down drinking water supplies for Kitwe, Zambias third-largest city, home to half a million people.

It looked like diesel mixed with oil. We had already planted our crops, but they died Mary Milimo

Signs of pollution were detected 60 miles downstream from the collapse. Helicopters chased the spill downriver, dropping lime into the water in an attempt to neutralise its corrosive potency.

The affected region is home to rare wildlife, including the Kafue lechwe zntelope, the Zambian barbet bird, and the wattled Crane.

It looked like diesel mixed with oil. We had already planted our crops, but they died. When you now turn up the soil to till it for planting, it has become yellowish and has a pungent smell, says Mary Milimo, a 65-year-old smallholder close to where the Mwambashi River joins the Kafue.

There are no more fish here, says Patrick Chindemwa, 66, who farms nearby. I planted maize in October using irrigation. All the maize dried up.

The ground is yellow and soil here is like grease; it is slippery and when it rains, it melts. We need help, he says.

Sino-Metals did not respond to a request for comment.

Almost a year later, the Kafue disaster has become yet another black mark against the mining industry and its long history of environmental disasters caused by poorly stored waste. Tailings dams  repositories of mining waste that is often toxic and stored under water  litter landscapes around the world. Often, they hold huge quantities of poisonous, harmful material .

What are tailings dams?

Tailings dams are structures designed to store mining waste. They are meant to last forever. Some are built like traditional dams that hold back water, while others are constructed with rock and other waste materials. Some are enormous, numbering among the largest engineered structures on the planet.

What do they hold?

While the contents depend on the type of mine, most store mud, rock and waste water. However, high concentrations of heavy metals and other substances harmful to humans and nature are often unearthed during the mining process, and these frequently form part of a tailings dam's contents.

What happens if they fail?

When tailings dams fail, the consequences can be disastrous. Huge amounts of pollution can rapidly enter the surrounding environment, poisoning water, soil and wildlife. In the worst cases, hundreds of people have been killed. In 2019, 272 people died near Brumadinho, Brazil, when a tailings dam burst, releasing a torrent of mud on to a mineworkers canteen and communities below.

While tailings dams are theoretically built to last for ever, more extreme weather driven by the climate crisis has changed the risk profile of many structures. Flooding, intense rainfall and other weather extremes mean that many of them are more unstable, according to experts, increasing the risk of future disasters.

They do not just go away. They have to be maintained in perpetuity  were leaving our descendants huge piles of waste Prof Elaine Baker

Analysis produced for the Guardian by researchers Tim Werner and Victor Wegner Maus, who have played a leading role in establishing the true scale of the mining industry around the world, found that at least 108 tailings dams are situated in key biodiversity areas around the world, although this is probably a significant underestimate due to data limitations. This is about 5% of known tailing facilities on the Global Tailings Portal database.

In 2019, 272 people died near Brumadinho, Brazil, when a tailings dam burst, releasing a torrent of mud on to a mineworkers canteen and communities below. Four years earlier, another burst dam in Mariana, Brazil, killed 19 people, spreading pollution along more than 400 miles of river and watercourses. The breach brought widespread ecological devastation, increasing the extinction risk of 13 aquatic species and negatively impacting 346, according to later studies.

The impact of tailings dams on the environment can last for decades, often with disastrous consequences for nature. Heavy metals do not degrade over time and can evolve into many poisonous forms, accumulating up food chains, inhibiting plant growth and altering populations of soil microbes.

Prof Elaine Baker, a marine scientist at the University of Sydney who helped develop the first public database of mine-tailings dams around the world, says: The way we do mining is still very similar to the Romans. We get a whole lot of waste and we dump it somewhere and we hope that its not going to hurt anybody.

They do not just go away, she adds. They have to be maintained in perpetuity. So, were leaving our descendants huge piles of waste.

They are inherently less stable than water dams. We often build them in valleys where you make a dam wall and dump the tailings behind it. They are some of the largest engineered structures on the planet. When they burst, you get this slurry of mud which will just go down the hill, she says.

Due to the mining industrys secretive nature, the true global scale of tailings dams is still poorly understood. But with growing demand for construction materials and those needed for the renewable energy transition, huge quantities will be extracted in the coming decades.

Bora Aska, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, has been researching the scale of tailings dams in protected areas. Her work has found that many are in important areas of high biodiversity, and at disproportionately greater risk of breaking down.

Shockingly, we found that 9% of all tailings dams worldwide were in protected areas. The majority had been created after the protected area was formed. They were also very high-risk tailings facilities, according to industry standards, she says.

Institutional investors, such as the Church of Englands pension fund, have sought to push for greater transparency about tailings dams in the mining sector, launching a safety initiative after the Brumadinho disaster. Along with the Swedish National Pension Funds Council on Ethics, they have brought together investors who oversee a combined $25tn (18.5tn)  urging firms they invest in to adopt the highest standards of tailings management.

Also contributing to the problem are illegal and artisanal mines, which have few protocols to deal with mining waste and even less incentive.

Emma Gagen, research director at the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), an industry body that aims to improve sustainable development in the sector, says Brumadinho has been a turning point for mining companies in their approach to tailings dams.

Any loss of life from a tailings facility is unacceptable. Weve seen a lot of improvements in standards for conventionally managed tailings, she says, detailing a 77-point standard that the mining industry has developed for best practice in managing waste.

As much as it might look dire , she says. I do think we have made really significant progress since the standard has come into place,.

Related: How nature is being sacrificed for mining across the world  a data visualisation

Despite the industry efforts, Gagen acknowledged that most mining companies were not ICMM members, and a minority of tailings dams they oversee were likely to meet the councils standards. The benchmarks are designed to adapt to the challenges of more extreme weather from climate breakdown, which is expected to put extra pressure on tailings facilities.

Last year, an investigation into the Kafue disaster by Zambian authorities found no evidence that the tailings dam was managed by qualified engineers, with cracks and uncompacted walls found in the structures. Experts warn that without radical action, similar disasters could occur.

Baker says: Theres no reason why were seeing tailings dams in so many wilderness areas and protected areas. The industry goes where it wants to go, wherever they find deposits. They dont really care.

 This article was amended on 13 March 2026. The global industry standard on tailings management has 77 points, not 73 as an earlier version said.

Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage
Six U.S. service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq Thursday afternoon after a mid-air incident with a second aircraft, officials confirmed.

A U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq around 2 p.m. ET, U.S. Central Command confirmed early Friday. All six crew members aboard the aircraft have been confirmed dead.

The other aircraft involved in the incident landed safely, CENTCOM said. Officials said the loss of the aircraft was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire.

The identities of the service members are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and will be released 24 hours after those notifications are complete.

Former Topgun Pilot Declares Iran Military 'Over With' Amid Us Air Superiority, But Warns Of Another Danger

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling tanker aircraft takes off from the Kadena Air Base airfield in Kadena town, west of Okinawa, southern Japan, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

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The KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S. Air Force aircraft that refuels other planes midair, allowing them to fly longer missions without landing. It can also be configured for medical evacuations and surveillance, according to the Air Force.

Based on the Boeing 707 design, the KC-135 has been in service for more than 60 years, supporting the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. The Air Force is gradually replacing the aging fleet with next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conduct a pre-flight brief outside of a KC-135 Stratotanker, before an aerial refueling mission in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in this undated handout picture released by U.S. Air Force on August 1, 2019.

Despite upgrades, concerns have been raised about the durability of the older aircraft. The Congressional Research Service reported that the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year across active duty, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.

Iran Proxies Wage War On Israel, Threaten Us Interests As Iraq Slammed For Not Disarming Them

A map shows U.S. and Israeli strikes on internal security sites in Marivan City, Iran, as of March 11, 2026.

A standard crew includes a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator, who controls the refueling boom from the rear of the aircraft. Some KC-135s are also equipped with wing-mounted pods and can carry cargo or passengers when needed.

A second US official said another KC-135 was involved in the incident and landed safely in Israel, according to Israel's ambassador to the United States.

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The crash follows last weeks mistaken downing of three US F-15E fighter jets by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Refueling tankers could become increasingly important if the conflict with Iran continues, as US aircraft may need to fly longer missions deeper into the region.





Original article source: 6 US service members aboard refueling aircraft after mid-air collision causes crash in Iraq
Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV electric concept vehicles are displayed during CES 2025, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Steve Marcus

By Daniel Leussink

TOKYO, March 13 (Reuters) - Honda's $15.7 billion writedown of its electric vehicle business is not just a painful reversal of its strategy for the U.S.; it also highlights more challenges to come from China, where it faces a widening technological gap.

On Thursday, Japan's second-largest automaker said it would restructure its EV business - primarily in the U.S. - and write down the value of some Chinese operations, a move that could amount to an estimated 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion). It will also report its first annual loss in its nearly 70 years as a listed company, it said.

It said it would cancel three planned battery-powered models in the U.S., where demand for electric cars cratered after President Donald Trump ended related subsidies.

Battery-powered cars accounted for just 2.5% of Honda's 3.4 million global sales last year, or about 84,000 vehicles. The scale of the writedown reflects the automaker's massive investment in research and development and production capacity as it sought to sell greater volumes of EVs, said Christopher Richter, an autos analyst at CLSA.

The automaker should have been quicker to pump the brakes on that investment once Trump returned to power, he said.

"They took too long contemplating this," he said. "They were cancelling these projects virtually on the eve of releasing them."

Honda first unveiled two concept models for its "Honda 0 Series," including the Saloon sedan, at the CES trade show in Las Vegas in January 2024 and it had expected to roll out the series' first vehicles this year, starting in North America.

Those plans have now been scrapped, with the company cancelling the three models that were due to be built in the U.S.: The Saloon, the Honda 0 SUV and the Acura RSX.

As part of the financial hit, the company is expected to experience cash outflows of up to 1.7 trillion yen, largely due to the cost of compensating suppliers.

"We were shocked by the sheer scale" of the writedown, said Seiji Sugiura, a senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory, the research arm of Tokai Tokyo Securities, in a note to clients.

"This decision was taken at an extremely delicate stage, just before mass production, after substantial budgets had already been committed - suggesting that it was a very tough call."

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Honda will now pivot to hybrids in the U.S. and will look to strengthen its line-up and cost competitiveness in India, where it believes it can expand, it said.

CHINA PERFORMANCE SIGNALLED DEEPER EV TROUBLES

While Honda appears to be clearing the decks and putting the worst behind it, fixing its China business may prove a more daunting challenge.

The automaker warned of its inability to keep up with newer companies in China, particularly because of their shorter development cycles and strengths in software-driven vehicles, including advanced driver-assistance systems.

"In such a difficult competitive environment, Honda was unable to deliver products that offer value for money better than that of newer EV manufacturers, resulting in a decline in competitiveness," it said in a statement.

Vincent Sun, a senior analyst at Morningstar, said there was uncertainty about Honda's longer-term ability to meet the technological challenge.

"The move raises my concern on Honda's technological competitiveness in the long run," he said.

In China, the world's largest auto market, Honda has launched several battery-powered models, but it sold only 17,000 last year, accounting for just 2.5% of its sales of around 677,000 vehicles in the country and just a fifth of its global EV tally.

Analysts also said Honda could face an additional risk from its EV joint venture with Sony Group, Sony Honda Mobility, which is developing the Afeela sedan.

On Thursday, Honda said the direction of the joint venture was being discussed, but nothing had been decided.

($1 = 159.4800 yen)

(Reporting by Daniel Leussink; Additional reporting by Maki Shiraki; Editing by David Dolan and Thomas Derpinghaus)
FILE PHOTO: Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Omans Musandam governance, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer//File Photo

By Samia Nakhoul

DUBAI, March 13 (Reuters) - Long before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, the Islamic Republic had devised its own weapon: holding the worlds main oil lifeline hostage to offset its foes' military superiority, three regional sources familiar with Iranian planning said.

For decades Iran has signalled that if pushed into a confrontation, it would restrict tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint where its adversaries are most exposed because disruptions there reverberate instantly through global energy markets.

With the Gulfs main export artery in the crosshairs, Tehran has turned the regions greatest economic asset into its most powerful deterrent, the sources said.

About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the vital Strait, and Iran, which lies on its northern coast, has now effectively closed it. Traffic via the strait has dropped by 97% since the war against Iran began on February 28, according to United Nations data.

Iran has used similar tactics before. In the Tanker War of the 198088 IranIraq conflict, attacks on vessels turned the Gulf into one of the worlds most dangerous waterways, forcing Washington to escort tankers through the Strait.

But Iran now wields far more potent tools, including large arsenals of cheap missiles and drones capable of threatening shipping across a far wider area. Its attacks this month have shown how quickly Tehran can disrupt traffic through the strait without heavily mining it.

TRUMP WOULD 'BLINK FIRST' IF GLOBAL ECONOMY IS TAKEN HOSTAGE, SAYS VAEZ

"Iran is outgunned -- there is no way it can defeat them in a direct confrontation, said Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Groups Iran Project Director. Anticipating further U.S.-Israeli strikes after a 12-day war in June last year, Tehran examined how to extend any conflict in time and space.

If Iran takes the global economy hostage, Trump would blink first, added Vaez.

The regional sources, who declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said Irans powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had long prepared for a showdown with Israel and Washington.

The Guards' plan, which seeks to protect Iran's 47-year-old system of rule by fiercely anti-Western Islamic clerics, was activated on February 28, after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the conflict.

The core of the strategy is a recognition of Irans military limits against superior forces, the sources said. Tehrans planners instead seek to pressure oil flows while inflicting asymmetric attacks on U.S. assets stationed across the region.

IRAN TURNS ARMED CONFRONTATION INTO ECONOMIC SHOCK

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The strategy seeks to conjure economic pressures -- both at home and overseas -- on President Donald Trump to halt the war.

"This is asymmetric warfare par excellence, in which Iran achieves outsized, even global effects through a small number of attacks that impose painful costs, said Michael Eisenstadt of the Washington Institute.

The goal is to create economic pain, further undermining support for the war in the United States and increasing pressure on Washington to end it.

Rather than concentrate forces on a single battlefield, Tehran is dispersing its campaign with waves of low-cost missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, of the kind once outsourced to Iran-allied forces in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.

The approach reflects a doctrine shaped over decades by the IRGC, built on the assumption that a stronger foe would try to decapitate Irans leadership and command structure at the outset of any war, the sources said.

The Guards are applying lessons from years of shadow conflict with the U.S., they said. But this time, instead of relying mostly on regional proxies that once formed its forward line of defence, Tehran is now executing the playbook itself.

US APPROACH MARKED BY 'WISHFUL THINKING', SAYS VAEZ

Ali Vaez said the U.S. had entered the war unprepared, driven by a lot of wishful thinking and not a lot of well-thought-through strategies.

Washington, he said, failed to anticipate drone attacks on Gulf states, disruptions to shipping lanes or the need to evacuate citizens, shortcomings he said reflected a failure to absorb lessons from the risk of drones in modern warfare.

By contrast, Irans decentralised Mosaic doctrine --dispersing command and control to withstand decapitation -- remains in place, under one coordinating hub. Even after Khamenei's death, two sources said Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former Guards commander, and Ali Larijani, head of Iran's national security council, continued to direct the war effort from Tehran.

Vaez argued that while the U.S. can significantly weaken Iran, total defeat would need a land invasion involving up to a million troops operating in unforgiving terrain, a commitment Washington has shown it doesnt have the stomach for.

Trump, who once promised to keep the U.S. out of "stupid military interventions, is now pursuing what many experts see as an open-ended war of choice that could be the biggest military campaign since those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Irans immediate objective is survival, Vaez said. Beyond that, its broader aim is to force Washington to accept that coercion, whether through military force, economic pressure or diplomatic isolation, does not work.

Whether such a lesson is learned remains uncertain. But by weaponising the worlds most critical energy corridor and stretching the battlefield far beyond Irans borders, Tehran is betting it can endure longer than a far stronger enemy.

(Reporting by Samia Nakhoul, Editing by William Maclean)
saiko3p / Getty Images/iStockphoto

My retirement dreams include short-sleeved shirts, lots of sunshine and zero shivering  but what if I wanted to live that dream on a bare-bones budget of $1,500 per month?

Read More: 25 Cities Where You Can Retire in Great Weather for $2,000 a Month

Explore More: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home

I enlisted ChatGPT for some insight into potential retirement destinations, and it turns out that a cheap but balmy retirement is possible.

Affordable International Options

ChatGPT started with the following five overseas destinations, which it said can help me stretch my dollars in the sun.

Check Out: Americas 30 Safest and Wealthiest Retirement Towns

Ecuador

Citing the low cost of rent and groceries and the countrys high-quality but affordable healthcare, ChatGPT advised that many retirees live comfortably on around $1,300 to $1,500 per month in Ecuador.

It zeroed in on places like Cuenca, which enjoy spring-like weather year-round.

Panama

Stating that a $1,500 budget generally works well for many retirees, ChatGPT suggested Panama because it has a warm climate everywhere. More specifically, some highland areas like Boquete are mild year-round.

Additionally, it said the countrys pensionado visa makes living very budget-friendly.

Colombia

Next, the chatbot suggested Colombia. It pinpointed the city of Medellin, in particular, for its perfect climate and very low rent. In fact, according to International Living, rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Medellin can start at around $500.

It advised that I could live on well under $1,500 while enjoying the countrys good healthcare and growing expat community.

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Morocco

In Morocco, ChatGPT suggested Agadir or Tangier, which it calls Atlantic coastal towns with warm weather most of the year and very low living costs. Not only are local markets and food inexpensive, but rent is often $250 to $400 on working-class budgets, per ChatGPT.

Thailand

Finally, theres Thailand, which ChatGPT called a tropical island destination with total costs around $1,500 per month for simple living.

While lauding Thailands warm weather year-round, the ChatGPT warned that visa requirements can be more challenging.

Prefer Something Stateside?

Most of the U.S. isnt amenable to a comfortable retirement on $1,500 per month  especially if youre choosy about the climate. However, ChatGPT said the following options offer the best chance for me to make it work.

South Texas and the Gulf Coast

ChatGPT suggested Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, Texas, because they offer plenty of sunshine, coastal living and rents often under $1,000 for a modest place.

The cost of living in Corpus Christi is 16.5% lower than the U.S. average, and its 25.1% lower in South Padre Island, per BestPlaces.

Crystal River and Pensacola, Florida

ChatGPT recommended these two affordable towns in Florida because they offer access to beaches, warm winters and retirement communities.

It advised that rents can be as low as $600 to $950 with lots of sunshine and no state tax on retirement income.

Mesquite, Nevada

Finally, ChatGPT pointed to Mesquite, which has mild winters and very affordable rent. According to Apartments.com, the average rent is $954 per month.

It said retirees could stretch $1,500 on the leanest of lifestyles but advised considering Mesquite only if you can tolerate mild cool seasons but not deep freezes.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT: Where Can I Retire on $1,500 a Month Without Freezing?
Alex Bierens de Haan - Getty Images

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team is braced for another tough weekend in China as it tries to nurse its surviving Honda batteries. As team boss Adrian Newey noted in Australia, Aston had only two serviceable units left from a stock of four after failures in testing, with the other two suffering from communication issues that left them unusable. The team struggled through the Melbourne weekend; Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll did at least start the race, although the latter didnt drive at all on Saturday. Both were called in for 10-plus minute pit stops in the garage while their cars were checked over, and both were retired for good not long after they resumed.

As of Thursday, Honda is being coy on whether the two rogue batteries have been repaired and returned to the pool of usable items. If, as is widely suspected, they havent, then once again only the units currently in the two cars are available in Shanghai.

When asked by Road & Track about the impact of the battery shortage on the Shanghai weekend, Stroll made clear his thoughts."I think it's very fragile, the situation with the batteries, he said. But probably someone knows the answer better than me.

Stroll confirmed that mileage will be restricted once again. Shanghai is a sprint event, which means that Aston will go straight into sprint qualifying on Friday afternoon after a single FP1 session. This will be followed by the sprint and main qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix itself on Sunday. We're battling a lot of issues we haveeven just doing laps is difficult, said the Canadian. "So it's not a normal approach to a weekend where you show up and you think about competing, and fighting for points, or whatever the car is capable of. Right now, we're just fighting to get the car out on track, and have a reliable package where we can participate.

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GREG BAKER - Getty Images

Alonso, meanwhile, admitted that there wont be any sign of improvement form, and that simply getting some laps would be an achievement. The situation unfortunately didnt change within four or five days since Melbourne, said the Spaniard. I think its going to be another difficult weekendtrying to understand as much as possible on the car and eventually limit the laps in a couple of the sessions because we are short on parts, and try to get something positive out of the weekend.

The two-times world champion hopes that he will at least be able to complete some track mileage with the AMR26, which the team still has very little proper knowledge of. We are at square one, so we really need the laps, he said. We really need to be able to practice, and to find the window on the car and the chassis side. That will obviously be very important for the weekend. And I will be happy if we leave China with a more or less normal free practice, more or less normal quali, accumulating lapsand probably attempting the full race on Sunday, if we are allowed.

Alex Bierens de Haan - Getty Images

For the time being, performance is an afterthought, as Alonso acknowledged. I hope by a couple of Grands Prix we can have a normal weekendwell, at least in terms of doing laps and completing the sessions. Then to be competitive, I think that will take more time, to be honest. Because once we fix the reliability, then we will be behind in terms of power and things. So there are two steps, lets say, and hopefully the first step will come soon.





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WASHINGTON (AP)  U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Sunday and Monday in Paris for a new round of trade talks, the Treasury Department said, paving the way for President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing starting March 31.

The talks between He and Bessent are seen as preparatory work for the state visit that Beijing has not confirmed. The White House has said Trump is traveling to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, and it's widely believed that the visit aims to keep relations stable between the world's two largest economies.

Thanks to the bonds of mutual respect between President Trump and President Xi, the trade and economic dialogue between the United States and China is moving forward, Bessent said in a statement Thursday. Under the guidance of President Trump, our team will continue to deliver results that put Americas farmers, workers, and businesses first.

Chinas commerce ministry confirmed Hes trip to France for talks with the U.S. and said Friday the two sides are set to discuss trade and economic issues of mutual concern.

However, the commerce ministry also hit back in a separate statement against the Trump administrations new trade investigation into 16 trading partners including China, which Beijing warned would seriously undermine the international economic and trade order. The investigation could pave the way for new tariffs.

China will closely monitor the situation and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, the commerce ministry's statement said.

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The new U.S. investigation came after a Supreme Court ruling struck down Trumps sweeping global tariffs, which were imposed last year, already leading to lower tariffs for countries including China.

The talks between He and Bessent will be the most important bilateral meeting before the Xi-Trump meeting, said Gary Ng, a senior economist at French bank Natixis and a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies.

Trump's visit to China will be the first for a U.S. president since he went in his first term in 2017. It will come five months after the two leaders met in the South Korean city of Busan and agreed to a one-year truce in a trade war that temporarily saw tit-for-tat tariffs soar to triple digits before the two sides climbed down.

The business community and analysts are expected to closely follow the talks between Bessent and He for clues of possible agreements when Trump meets Xi in Beijing, including whether China would purchase more U.S. products such as soybeans and airplanes and how the two sides would manage the trade imbalance.

Several days ago, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it would be a big year" for China-U.S. relations. While he did not confirm the state visit, Wang said that the agenda of high-level exchange is already on the table.

What the two sides need to do now is to make thorough preparations accordingly, create a suitable environment, manage the risks that do exist and remove unnecessary disruptions, Wang said.

Bessent and He have led trade negotiations between the countries since last year, having met in Geneva, London, Stockholm, Madrid and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
By Bo Erickson, Parisa Hafezi, Maya Gebeily and Jarrett Renshaw

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 13 (Reuters) - The United States on Friday destroyed military targets on Iran's main oil hub of Kharg Island, President Donald Trump said, threatening to strike its oil infrastructure if Iran continues attacks that have halted most ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

The island serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran's oil shipments. In a social media post, Trump wrote the U.S. military "totally obliterated every MILITARY target" on Kharg while leaving oil infrastructure intact.

"However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision," Trump wrote, a warning that could further roil markets already dealing with what the International Energy Agency has called the biggest oil supply disruption in history.

Iran had no ability to defend against U.S. attacks, the president added. "Irans Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save whats left of their country, which isnt much!" he said.

Oil prices have been whipsawing on Trump's changing comments on the likely duration of the Iran war, which has prompted Iran to attack vessels in the strait, the conduit for a fifth of the world's oil. Although he has previously said the war would last only weeks, the president on Friday declined to publicly project an end date for the conflict.

"I can't tell you that," Trump said to reporters. "I mean, I have my own idea, but what good does it do? It'll be as long as it's necessary."

Kharg is 16 miles (26 km) from Iran's coast, about 300 miles (483 km) northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continued to export crude oil while other producers in the Gulf halted their shipments due to fear of Iranian attacks.

Multiple very large crude oil tankers were loading at Kharg Island on Wednesday, according to satellite imagery reviewed by TankerTrackers.com. Iran exported between 1.1 million barrels per day and 1.5 million bpd from February 28 when the war began to Wednesday.

Markets will watch closely for any sign the U.S. strikes damaged the island's intricate network of pipelines, terminals and oil storage tanks. Even minor disruptions could further tighten global supply, adding pressure to an already volatile market.

Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, said Trump's comments on Friday "will focus the market's mind on pathways that this energy disruption, already history's largest, could expand and last longer."

Some energy industry observers expressed doubts that Kharg's oil facilities would stay intact.

Bombing Kharg Island but not the oil infrastructure is like going to McDonald's and getting a hamburger with no meat, said Josh Young, chief investment officer at Bison Interests. "What's the point?"

IRAN'S NEW LEADER VOWS TO KEEP STRAIT SHUT

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.

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Trump said on Friday the U.S. Navy will "soon" start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

European powers are trying to work out how to defend their interests, and France has been consulting with European, Asian and Gulf Arab states over the past week with a view to putting together a plan for warships eventually to escort tankers through the strait, French officials said.

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 sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea.

The move was welcomed in Moscow but left Kyiv and its allies angry that the proceeds could help the Kremlin fund its war effort in Ukraine.

"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."

WAR ON IRAN EXTENDS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST

After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most in Iran, but many 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.

The U.S. was sending additional forces to the region, including the USS Tripoli along with its Marine expeditionary unit, two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. The amphibious assault ship, currently in Asia, is capable of carrying fighter jets. In total, 2,500 additional Marines will be sent to the Middle East, along with additional sailors.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; writing by Patricia Zengerle, Lincoln Feast, Kevin Liffey, Matthias Williams and Simon Lewis; Editing by William Maclean, Sharon Singleton, Cynthia Osterman and Sergio Non)
Ben Wood, a Connecticut-born Instagram food influencer, died on March 9 in Chile after he rushed into the ocean to rescue a drowning woman. His partner and Connecticut-resident dad also died trying to help.  Ben Wood/Instagram

A Connecticut father, his influencer son, and the sons partner died this week while heroically trying to rescue a woman who was drowning off the coast of Chile.

Norman Wood, 77, of Bridgewater, his son Ben Wood, and Bens partner, Maria Jose Duarte, were walking along a beach in the central Chilean coastal city of Algarrobo on Monday, March 9, when they saw a 26-year-old woman being swept out to sea, according to People.

They rushed into the surf to help, but powerful Pacific Ocean currents pulled them into deeper waters, where Norman Wood and his son Ben, who was born in Brookfield, drowned.

Duarte was pulled from the water alive but died shortly after at a hospital. Patricia del Pilar Bello Labe, the woman they were attempting to save, also died.

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Only Bello Labes partner, who had also rushed to save her, survived after a Chilean Navy rescue helicopter pulled him from the water. The crew also retrieved the bodies of Norman and Ben Wood, the New York Post reported.

Ben Wood was a popular beer influencer on Instagram who had amassed more than 37,000 followers. He was born in Brookfield and raised in Danbury. He had lived in Chile for more than a decade. Norman Wood had flown down to visit him.

Ben Woods daughter posted a tribute to her father on his Instagram Stories Wednesday.

March 9th will be for you and to remember how you gave your lives for others, as you did so many times before, the tribute said. I love you to the moon and back.
Credit: David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty; Matei Horvath/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell accused opponent Tom Steyer of endangering his family by releasing his private address

Steyer publicly questioned Swalwell's eligibility to run for governor, claiming he may not meet California's residency requirements, and shared a list of addresses associated with Swalwell

Swalwell and his landlord submitted sworn declarations that he lives in Livermore, Calif., and meets the residency criteria to serve as governor

Congressman Eric Swalwell is slamming businessman Tom Steyer, an opponent in California's 2026 gubernatorial primary, for calling attention to his home address amid a dispute over his residency.

I receive hundreds of death threats every year. My children are not allowed in the yard. Thats why my address is private, Swalwell said in a pointed X post amid the drama on Wednesday, March 11. And now Tom Steyer has not only put my life at risk but also my familys by releasing my address."

Swalwell added that after Steyer publicly questioned whether the congressman counts as a California resident, the New York Post and Daily Mail "took his bait and are harassing my neighbors."

Tom, you can try to buy this election all you want, but this is low, even for you," Swalwell said.

Swalwell and Steyer are the leading Democrats in California's crowded open gubernatorial primary, in which only the top two candidates  regardless of party  will advance to the general election. Polling suggests that it will be difficult for both Swalwell and Steyer to earn a place on November's ballot, leaving them as each other's main competitors.

On March 5, Steyer petitioned the California secretary of state to "enforce the [residency] requirements of the California Constitution," urging "robust legal proceedings as to whether Swalwell is eligible to serve as Governor."

Steyer's petition, which was obtained and published by Politico, argued that Swalwell "appears to live in California on paper only, making him unlikely to meet the basic residency requirements to run for Governor."

The filing included Swalwell's home address along with public records detailing personal and financial information related to Swalwell's landlord.

In response to Steyer's questions, Swalwell's landlord submitted a sworn declaration under penalty of perjury on March 6 that the congressman has rented and lived at her Livermore, Calif., residence since 2017. The declaration was first reported by CBS News.

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The landlord also said Swalwell, 45, keeps belongings at the residence, gets his mail addressed there and is registered to vote at that address.

Swalwell submitted his own declaration on March 6 that states he holds a California drivers license and is a licensed attorney with the California State Bar.

Records confirmed his California law license has remained active since he was admitted to the bar in 2006.

PEOPLE reached out for a statement from Steyers campaign but did not immediately hear back.

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.

Eleven Democratic members of the California Congressional Delegation signed on to a letter denouncing Steyer's residency challenge.

"Steyer is personally going after a public servant who has long rented in his East Bay Congressional district," Swalwell's campaign consultant Kate Maeder said. "California's renters don't need to be shamed by an out-of-touch billionaire."

"The self-indulgent political act was negligent and thoughtless," Maeder continued. "As the Congressman is taking on Donald Trump, Swalwell has had to implement extreme security measures to protect himself and his family. He received over 100 death threats last year alone, many of which were directed towards his family."

Read the original article on People
Officials in California are demanding changes to the state's parole system after another convicted serial child sex predator was recommended for an early release after serving just 27 years of his 355-year sentence despite admitting to still fantasizing about boys.

Gregory Vogelsang, 57, who remains in prison, was sentenced for molesting six boys in the 1990s between the ages of 5 and 11 before being recommended for early release under California's elderly parole program, according to Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho.

"The parole board is at it again," Ho told reporters, referring to the panel that granted parole to another serial child sex offender late last year. "This inmate will molest again. And yet this parole board is letting him out."

Repeat Offender With Violent Past Accused Of Murdering Woman During Home Invasion

Gregory Vogelsang, 57, was granted parole by the California Parole Board despite his history of child sex offenses. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho spoke out against the decision Thursday.

In one case, Ho's office noted, a child said Vogelsang persuaded him to get into his vehicle under the pretense of helping pick out a gift. The child was driven to a home and repeatedly assaulted despite crying and asking him to stop.

When investigators found boys' underwear in Vogelsangs possession, he admitted they belonged to his victims and said he kept them for sexual stimulation, authorities said.

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"He is a predator, and a lot of folks don't realize that," Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said. "You don't rehabilitate sex offenders. Mr. Vogelsang belongs in prison for the rest of his life."

Another victim spent the night at Vogelsangs home nearly every weekend for years because he was friends with Vogelsangs family. During the visits, the abuse occurred repeatedly over an extended period of time.

Vogelsang groomed the boys by building trust with parents before inviting the children to sleepovers, buying them gifts and taking them on outings.

Child Predator Dubbed 'Monster Parents Fear Most' Cleared For Release Through California Parole Program

During his parole hearing, Vogelsang remarked on the urge to sexually assault a child.

"You have to stop masturbating to images of (a) child in your mind or real child pornography because that leads to molestation, and molestation leads to kidnapping. And the kidnapping leads ultimately to the murder of a child," he said, according to Ho.

The board's decision came despite Vogelsang having a risk assessment for future crimes was "above average," Ho said.

His parole recommendation fell under the state's Elderly Parole Program, which allows inmates 50 or older who have served at least 20 consecutive years to receive a specialized parole suitability hearing.

State Assemblyman Tom Lackey, a Republican, called the parole board's decision "outrageous." He said he and other lawmakers were introducing a bill on "elderly parole" to keep offenders in prison longer.

California's parole system has come under fire after commissioners recommended the early release of another serial child sex predator. David Allen Funston, 64, was slated to walk free last month but was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest in Placer County for a separate offense, state officials confirmed.

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Funston was serving a life sentence for his 1999 conviction of the kidnapping and child molestation involving multiple victims, when he was granted parole after a September 2025 hearing.

Kentucky Child Killer Walks Free On 'Good Behavior', Gets Arrested Again Within Days

The panel approved his early release despite him admitting that he still had repeated fantasies of an 8-year-old girl who used to live across the street from him.

"My question to anybody who will cite a statistic that these individuals don't re-offend.  Anybody wants to stand by those statistics. My question is, would you like Mr. Vogelstein or Mr. Funston to move into the house right next to you?" Ho said. "Would you allow that individual to take care of your kids? Would you allow that individual to babysit? Would you allow that individual to give your kid a ride?

"And if anybody who wants to cite those statistics and is willing to do that, then they probably should be charged for child endangering."

The board's recent decision to grant early release to Funston generated heavy criticism of Gov. Gavin Newsom and the parole system.

"The Governor sent this case to the larger Board of Parole Hearings for another review, as is his only legal remedy in cases such as these," Newsom spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo told Fox News Digital.

Under state law, the Governor may only reverse a parole grant in murder cases. In cases involving non-murder offenses, the governors only options are to allow the person to be released on parole or refer the decision back to the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) for review.

Still, Republicans have blamed Newsom and Democratic lawmakers for soft-on-crime policies they say put the public at risk.

"Once again, Gavin Newsoms hand-picked parole board has decided that a monster who preyed on young children deserves freedom after decades behind bars," Corrin Rankin, the chairwoman of the California Republican Party, told Fox News Digital.

"This insanity must stop now. Gov. Newsom needs to reverse this decision immediately, fire the commissioners who keep approving these releases and finally put victims and public safety first."

David Allen Funston, 64, was originally sentenced in 1999 to life with the possibility of parole for crimes that included kidnapping and lewd acts involving children under 14.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

The parole board commissioners, Sheriff Cooper said, are letting the public down.

"They are horrible. I will say that out front," he said. "They are horrible after this case and the Funston case. They need to be gone, period."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Newsom's office.





Original article source: California lawmakers demand reform as serial child molester recommended for parole despite 355-year sentence
Colombian President Gustavo Petro attends a press conference after a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 3, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

BOGOTA, March 12 (Reuters) - Venezuela and Colombia cancelled a meeting of their presidents slated for Friday without explanation, an encounter that would have been the Venezuelan leader's first with a foreign counterpart since she replaced ousted predecessor Nicolas Maduro in January.

In a joint statement on Thursday, Venezuela and Colombia attributed cancellation of the meeting between Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez and Colombian President Gustavo Petro to "force majeure," a term meaning extraordinary or unforeseeable circumstances. But they gave no details, saying they intended to reschedule soon.

News of the cancellation followed a phone call on Thursday between Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump, who wished Petro success in the meeting with Rodriguez, according to a statement from Petro's office.

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"The governments of Colombia and Venezuela reiterate their willingness to strengthen trust, cooperation, and bilateral relations by promoting opportunities for the development and integration of border territories," the statement by the two countries said.

Petro and Trump discussed the economy along the Colombia-Venezuela border, which was expected to be the top topic at the Petro-Rodriguez meeting, the statement from Petro's office said.

Trump has supported a series of moves by Rodriguez, formerly Venezuela's vice president, to attract investors in oil and mining and stabilize the country since the U.S. raid that captured Maduro, with Trump repeatedly praising Rodriguez for her cooperation with the U.S.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman)
UPDATE (11:49 p.m.)  One person is dead and three including a baby, injured after a two-vehicle head-on collision in Far North Peoria late Thursday.

The crash occurred near the intersection of North Allen Road and West Altorfer Drive. Thats near a set of train tracks and not far from the Walmart Supercenter.

Fire crews were dispatched to the scene after a report of a crash with entrapment at 9:19 p.m., said Battalion Chief Rick Waldron.

When firefighters arrived, they found a mid-sized sedan and an SUV had collided head-on in the southbound lane of Allen Road at the intersection with Altorfer. Both vehicles had major head-on damage.

The sedan had spun off the road. A person who was in the front-seat passenger seat had died. A passenger in the rear had to be cut out of the car with the jaws of life. Bystanders at the scene pulled an infant out of the car through a window prior to firefighters arriving. The baby was in the back seat, Waldron said.

The SUV was still on the road facing south. There was only one person in the car, the driver, who also had be pulled out of the vehicle.

The adults were rushed to a local hospital with critical injuries. The baby was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to Waldron.

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The cause of this incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Police have responded to a crash at the Intersection of North Allen Road and West Altorfer Drive on Thursday.

The intersection is expected to remain closed for several hours while officers investigate a crash and clear the scene, according to a Peoria Police Facebook post.

The Illinois State Police are on the scene and are expected to provide more information when it is available.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area until the intersection reopens.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

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 CIProud.com.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attends an economic forum, in Minsk, Belarus, in June. (Sergey Bobylev / Sputnik via AP file) (Sergey Bobylev)

HAVANA  Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed talks between the United States and Cuba during a speech Friday, the first time Havana has publicly acknowledged the meetings.

"These conversations are focused on finding solutions to bilateral differences we have between the two nations through dialogue," he said.

Diaz-Canel added there are "international factors that have facilitated these exchanges."

He said the purpose of these conversations is first to identify bilateral problems that need a solution according to their level of gravity and to find solutions to those problems that have been identified.

Diaz-Canel emphasized they are in the initial phase of the talks.

"These are processes that are done with great discretion, they are long processes," he said. "You have to first establish contact .. there needs to be willingness for dialogue and all of that takes time. And after that, agendas are built, you enter negotiations and conversations, and you reach an agreement. These are things we are still far from."

The confirmation of the meetings between the two countries follows comments from President Donald Trump and other top officials about the communist country. Over the past several weeks, Trump has repeatedly stated the U.S. and Cuba are holding high-level conversations, and he has also said that Cuba is going to "fall."

Visible during Diaz-Canel's remarks was Raul Castro's grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, who was sitting prominently next to the country's deputy prime minister. Though the younger Castro doesn't have an official role in the government, it has been reported that he's been in talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He's believed to be very close to his grandfather, who at 94 and still the most powerful figure in Cuba.

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Diaz-Canel said Cuba has been willing to have these conversations "on the basis of equality and respect for both countries' political systems, sovereignty and self-determination of our governments."

Diaz-Canel spoke about the dire situation in his country due to fuel shortages, saying fuel shipments have not arrived in the island in three months. He acknowledged that there have been areas of the country that have had electricity blackouts for more than 30 hours, affecting water pumping and impacting all economic and social activities. He said that there are tens of thousands of people, including children, whose surgeries have been delayed because of a lack of electricity.

Diaz-Canel has previously said the last shipment of oil arrived in December, before the U.S. raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3. Trump has also blocked oil shipments to Cuba.

The lack of fuel has aggravated an economic crisis on the island, that was already years in the making.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry also announced in a press release Thursday night that 51 prisoners will be released in the coming days in the spirit of goodwill and cited Cubas close relationship with the Vatican. The prisoners have served a significant part of their sentences, he said, and have maintained good conduct. The names of the prisoners were not released.

The Vatican has facilitated or mediated in negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba in previous occasions. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez recently met with Pope Lee XIV at the Vatican.

Diaz-Canel spoke about the incident last month where ten men on a Florida-registered boat entered Cuban waters, resulting in a firefight with Cuban forces. Five of the men, including one U.S. citizen, were killed and the others were detained. Diaz-Canel called the incident an "infiltration with terrorist purposes."

He said they established the criminal process for those who were detained and that they are waiting for the FBI to travel to the country to continue advancing in the investigation.

Orlando Matos reported from Havana, and Carmen Sesin from Miami.
Washington  Senate Democrats have filed legislation that would prevent the U.S. from attacking Cuba without congressional approval as they seek to force a vote on President Trump's stated goal of a "takeover" of the Caribbean country.

Democrats have repeatedly used war powers resolutions to force debate on Mr. Trump's foreign policy moves, though Republicans have so far mostly backed the president. The resolution filed Thursday by Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine, Ruben Gallego and Adam Schiff would require the president to remove the military from any hostilities with Cuba and could potentially receive a vote by the end of the month.



"Only Congress has the power to declare war under the Constitution, but he operates with the belief that the U.S. military is a palace guard, ordering military action in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Iran without Congress' authorization or any explanation for his actions to the American people," Kaine said in a statement.

Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia speaks to reporters in the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 6, 2025. / Credit: Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Mr. Trump said earlier this week that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was negotiating with Cuba's leadership as the country faces a crippling energy crisis that's been exacerbated by a U.S. blockade of the island.



"It may be a friendly takeover, it may not be a friendly takeover," Mr. Trump told reporters this week at a news conference in Florida. He added that he and Rubio would focus on that goal after the war with Iran.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed Friday that Cuban officials recently held conversations with the U.S. government aimed at addressing long-standing differences between the two countries, though he cautioned that any potential agreement remains in the early stages.

"Cuban officials recently held conversations with officials from the U.S. government to look for solutions to the bilateral differences that exist," Diaz-Canel said during a press conference Friday morning.

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He noted that such contacts are not unprecedented and pointed to similar discussions during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

Diaz-Canel said that the purpose of the talks was to identify "bilateral problems that require solutions based on their severity and impact" and find solutions to them.

The U.S. has had a tense relationship with Cuba for decades, but Mr. Trump's turn to using military action to take out foreign opponents has raised anticipation that the island could be next. Rubio, whose family immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in the 1950s, has long pushed for the U.S. to aggressively oppose the Caribbean nation's leadership.



Rubio told senators earlier this year that the Trump administration would "love" to see a regime change in Cuba, but cautioned that "does not mean we are going to provoke it directly." Republicans in Congress have mostly stood behind the Trump administration's aggressive foreign policy.



However, Democrats have turned repeatedly to war powers resolutions in order to force debates over how Mr. Trump can use military force in foreign nations. They have not succeeded in passing any of the resolutions so far, but the tactic at times has compelled the Trump administration to explain its goals to Congress.



Democrats also plan to potentially force votes on a series of war powers resolutions that apply to Iran, unless Republicans agree to hold public hearings on the conflict.



"He ran on America First, but now it's clear he's become a puppet of the war hawks in his party," Gallego said in a statement.

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The suspect in the Temple Israel attack has been identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a 41-year-old immigrant from Lebanon who is a U.S. citizen.

Ayman Mohamad Ghazali carried out "the tragic attack on Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield," a spokesperson for the department told the Free Press in a statement late March 12. Ghazali was killed in the attack, a security guard was injured and the temple partially burned in a fire.

Family of Ghazali killed in Israeli attack in Lebanon, mayor says

The department did not say where Ghazali lived. A neighbor told the Detroit Free Press he lived in Dearborn Heights, west of Detroit, and recently lost family in an Israeli strike in Lebanon. Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun said in a statement the suspect "lost several members of his own family, including his niece and nephew, in an Israeli attack on their home in Lebanon" earlier in March.

Ghazali's background

Ghazali was born in Lebanon in January 1985 and entered the United States in May 2010 on an IR1 immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, DHS said. He had filed alien relative and fiance petitions in December 2009, which were approved in April 2010.

He applied for naturalization in 2015 and was granted U.S. citizenship on Feb. 5, 2016. DHS did not provide details on his motivation. The neighbor said Ghazali had a brother recently killed in Lebanon in an Israeli strike.

Israel targeting Lebanon

Israel has been targeting Lebanon frequently after the war with Iran started on Feb. 28. More than 600 have been killed in Lebanon and hundreds of thousands evacuated, according to Reuters and other news media outlets. Wayne County has the highest percentage of Lebanese Americans among counties in the United States, many of them with family affected by the war.

What neighbors say about Ghazali

On the block where some neighbors said Ghazali lived, there were no police cars observed on Thursday evening. A Free Press reporter was approached by two men on the block, grilling the reporter about why she was there. At first they wouldn't say they were officers  they were in plain clothes  but eventually relented, telling the reporter they were police from Oakland County and admitted they were waiting on something, but wouldn't say what.

The house where Ayman Mohamed Ghazali lived shows tire tracks on the lawn and a boarded-up front window on Friday, March 13, 2026. Neighbor Chadi Zreik, 32, of Dearborn Heights, was in disbelief of his neighbors actions, Our community does not support this, he said.

After that interaction, Kandie Zaidieh, who has lived on the block for 30 years, poked her head out of the door. She was curious.

"Do you know what's going on?" she asked the reporter, who, in return, asked whether she knew Ghazali, and if she had heard what happened in West Bloomfield earlier that day.

"I thought that guy died," she said initially. But then she began to put the pieces together. Her eyes widened.

"Oh s--- . Oh my God," she said.

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"Because his brother died, right?" She relayed that she found out the previous night that his brother was killed in Lebanon. She had planned to bring Ghazali flowers.

"Oh my God, Im feeling really  If hes dead.. oh my."

1 / 0 Shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Emergency personnel are seen parked near Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Zaidieh described Ghazali as "my rock."

"He was the best. The best neighbor. Always quiet, a hard worker. He was always pleasant. Everybody liked him," she said.

"Im not going to say 'was.' Is."

And he always treated her well, she said. "Always. Always. Always."

She looked over at his house a few doors down.

"He always has a light on," she said. But that night?

"The house is dark."

Employees at the popular shawarma stop, Hamido, down the street told the Free Press he worked there and was so, so nice but wouldnt grant an interview.

Contact Andrea Sahouri: asahouri@freepress.com. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: West Bloomfield Temple Israel attack suspect is Ayman Mohamad Ghazali
Erika Kirks meeting with Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the governor of Arkansas, was overshadowed by a now-viral clip circulating online, with viewers accusing Erika of being performative.

On Wednesday, March 11, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September last year, met with Sanders at the governors mansion.

In clips shared across social media, as the politician praised Charlies legacy and Erika for stepping into her late husbands shoes, viewers began scrutinizing the 37-year-olds facial expressions.

One person reacted, She is trying to garner sympathy; she doesnt have a genuine bone in her body.

Netizens brutally blasted Erika Kirk over what they claimed was disconcerting behavior during a political meeting

Image credits: Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Sarah Huckabee Sanders met with Erika Kirk in a formal meeting centered on a joint announcement to expand conservative youth programming in Arkansas schools.

Erika, who is the Chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), an organization founded by her late husband, Charlie Kirk, said the new initiative aims to protect and promote conservative and religious speech on school campuses, which both leaders argued is often suppressed.

Image credits: Turning Point USA

Governor Sanders also signed a statewide proclamation encouraging high schools and colleges to support the formation of Turning Point USA chapters and its Club America program.

The event also served as a tribute to Charlie, who was fatally struck by a rooftop sniper during a college debate organized by his group.

Sanders later shared a clip from the meeting on her official Facebook page featuring the two women, writing in the caption, Arkansas was proud to welcome Turning Point USAs Erika Kirk!

Image credits: SarahHuckabee

Excited to have you here as we work to bring Club America chapters to students across Arkansas and empower the next generation of leaders.

The governor took a moment to praise Erika for her efforts in the conservative movement in the video, saying, We are here to welcome one of the conservative movements most talented, most outspoken, and most faithful leaders, Erika Kirk, to our great state. Were so proud to have her, and were so proud of the incredible work that she is doing

The 37-year-old widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk met with Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the governor of Arkansas

Image credits: SarahHuckabee

Image credits: MargotRealLife

Were so grateful, and thank you for honoring Charlie and his legacy and his mission to have a Club America on every high school chapter across the country, she added.

Erika appeared emotional throughout the address. However, some online sleuths scrutinized her expressions, claiming her reaction was a fake humble pose and performative.

One person said, What the hell is Erika Kirk doing in this video? Watching her is very disconcerting.

Arkansas was proud to welcome @TPUSAs @MrsErikaKirk! Excited to have you here as we work to bring Club America chapters to students across Arkansas and empower the next generation of leaders.  pic.twitter.com/gg6zdV8RqC  Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 11, 2026

Image credits: NotinOurChurch1

The same user doubled down, adding, Its like some handlers told her she wasnt acting sad enough and this is the result.

A second critic noted, Watching Erika Kirk try 37 different emotions during this reminds me of how dogs will see you holding a treat and run through all the tricks they know hoping one is the correct one.

Human narcissists happen to do this run-thru of emotions to see what works, one commentator said, scrutinizing her expressions

Image credits: THV11

Image credits: AlCappuccinoIT

The fake humility and hunched posture are just infuriating and pathetic, one said, while another user questioned, When is she gonna stop faking it? Pretending to Be the Sad Widow is getting super old & expensive.

Its like my autistic son in his language journey asking for something I said no to 9 different ways because he thinks maybe he said it wrong, a third user added.

Others expressed, Something is just not right with her her face never matches what shes saying & she never seems genuine.

Image credits: SarahHuckabee

Image credits: TyronPenasaurou

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She is deeply weird. Its like she forgets, then suddenly remembers shes supposed to be a deeply grieving widow.

However, some defended her, saying, People grieve in different ways, some people wear black for a year/dont leave their room for months

Another user wrote, She is pretty ans [sic] she is trying to stay quiet and head down so not to outshine her hostess. It is an impossible task to please everyone, specially the people upset Having a life could help some of these haters.

Image credits: Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Image credits: TheRealThelmaJ1

Since taking the position of CEO at Turning Point USA, previously held by Charlie, the 37-year-old has faced several similar controversies over her public appearances.

Last month, while attending the State of the Union address delivered by Donald Trump, she was similarly accused of faking her grief when the president paid tribute to her late husband.

Some viewers even accused Erika of holding Sarah hostage in the video as the two shared what critics described as an awkward hug

Image credits: SarahHuckabee

At the time, some viewers claimed her expressions appeared fake and even gave them Amber Heard vibes.

She goes from calm to trying to cry so embarrassing and cringe, one said, while another asked, Was she crying and laughing at the same time?

Others bluntly criticized, I noticed her head went down as soon as he said, he was martyred  I dont feel anything about her is authentic and at the same time I dont want to talk badly about her. But I cant help but think shes not a widow, but she might possibly be a black widow. We may never know the truth, but I dont trust her and I think shes a fraud.

As for the meeting between Kirk and Sanders, members of the Young Democrats of Arkansas expressed strong displeasure.

The group held a preemptive press conference, calling the move an a**se of power and accusing officials of using state resources to unfairly influence students toward one political ideology.

Its like shes going through a list of personality types and throwing them all against the wall to see what sticks expressed one netizen

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By Nandita Bose, Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - A complex tug-of-war inside the White House is driving U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting public statements on the course of the Iran war, as aides debate when and how to declare victory even as the conflict spreads across the Middle East.

Some officials and advisers are warning Trump that surging gasoline prices could exact a political cost from the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, while some others are pressing him to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic, according to interviews with a Trump adviser and others close to the deliberations.

Their observations offer a previously unreported glimpse inside White House decision-making as it adjusts its approach to the biggest U.S. military operation since the 2003 Iraq war.

The behind-the-scenes maneuvering underscores the high stakes Trump, who returned to office last year promising to avoid "stupid" military interventions, faces nearly two weeks after plunging the nation into a war that has rattled global financial markets and disrupted the international oil trade.

The jockeying for Trump's ear is a feature of his presidency, but this time the consequences are a matter of war and peace.

Shifting from the sweeping goals he framed in launching the war on February 28, Trump in recent days has emphasized that he views the conflict as a limited campaign whose military objectives have mostly been met.

But the message remains unclear to many, including the energy markets, which have lurched in both directions in response to Trump's statements.

He told a campaign-style rally in Kentucky on Wednesday that "we won" the war, then abruptly pivoted: "We don't want to leave early, do we? We've got to finish the job."

THE VOICES IN TRUMP'S EAR

Economic advisers and officials, including from the Treasury Department and the National Economic Council, have warned Trump that an oil shock and rising gasoline prices could quickly erode already weak domestic support for the war, said the adviser and two others close to the deliberations, speaking on the condition of anonymity to disclose internal discussions.

Political advisers, including chief of staff Susie Wiles and her deputy James Blair, are making similar arguments, focusing on the political fallout from higher gas prices and urging Trump to define victory narrowly and signal the operation is limited and nearly finished, the sources said.

More hawkish voices urging Trump to sustain military pressure on Iran include Republican lawmakers such as U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, and media commentators such as Mark Levin, according to people familiar with the matter.

They argue the U.S. must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and respond forcefully to attacks on American troops and shipping.

A third force comes from Trumps populist base and figures such as strategist Steve Bannon and right-wing television personality Tucker Carlson, who have both publicly and privately been pressing him and his top aides to avoid getting dragged into another prolonged Middle East conflict.

"He is allowing the hawks to believe the campaign continues, wants markets to believe the war might end soon and his base to believe escalation will be limited," the Trump adviser said.

Asked for comment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: "This story is based on gossip and speculation from anonymous sources who arent even in the room for any discussions with President Trump.

"The President is known for being a good listener and seeking the opinions of many people, but ultimately everyone knows hes the final decision maker and his own best messenger."

Other people named for their roles in the deliberations did not immediately respond to Reuters' questions.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE MESSAGE

While Trump has offered sometimes confusing statements on the Iran war, he has peppered his public remarks this week with references to the campaign being a "short-term excursion."

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One person close to the deliberations said that phrase came up during a White House briefing with aides that he attended before Trump first used the term at a gathering of Republican lawmakers in Miami on Monday.

The source also said Trump was given a messaging memo in preparation for his speech to lawmakers that emphasized signaling the war would be short and that the U.S. did not seek an open-ended conflict.

In taking America to war, Trump offered little explanation, and the administration's stated war aims have ranged from thwarting an imminent attack by Iran to crippling its nuclear program to replacing its government.

As he seeks an exit from an unpopular conflict, Trump is trying to juggle competing narratives increasingly undercut by Iran's continued attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring states.

Top political aides and economic advisers, whose warnings before the war of the potential economic shock were largely ignored, appear to have played a major role in pushing Trumps efforts to reassure skittish markets and contain rising oil and gas prices.

Some White House aides are discussing an endgame that would see Trump declaring that military objectives have been met, followed by a shift to sanctions, deterrence, and negotiations, according to two people familiar with the matter. Not all of the aides, however, are on board with this approach, they said.

Wave after wave of U.S. and Israeli air strikes have killed top Iranian leaders among some 2,000 people overall - some as far away as Lebanon - devastated its ballistic missile arsenal, sunk much of its navy and degraded its ability to support armed proxies around the Middle East.

Trump has said he will decide when to end the campaign. He and his aides say they are far ahead of the four- to six-week timeframe Trump initially announced.

For their part, Iran's rulers will claim victory, analysts say, for simply surviving the U.S.-Israeli onslaught, especially after demonstrating their ability to fight back and inflict damage on Israel, the U.S. and its allies.

VENEZUELA MISCALCULATION

Critical to the war's final trajectory will be the Strait of Hormuz. A fifth of the world's oil shipments, which normally traverses the narrow waterway, has come to a near-standstill. Iran in recent days has struck tankers in Iraqi waters and other ships near the strait.

If Iran's stranglehold on the waterway pushes U.S. gas prices high enough, that could increase political pressure on Trump to end the campaign. His Republican Party is defending narrow majorities in Congress in November's midterm elections.

So far, most members of his "Make America Great Again" movement have largely stayed with him on Iran, despite criticism from some supporters opposed to military interventions.

Trump has recently refrained from pushing the idea that the war seeks to topple the government in Tehran. U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran's leadership is not at risk of collapse anytime soon, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

At least some of the confusion over the war's trajectory appears rooted in the quick U.S. military success in Venezuela.

Since the start of the war, some aides have struggled to convince Trump that the Iran campaign was unlikely to unfold in the same way as the January 3 raid that captured President Nicolas Maduro, according to another source familiar with the administrations thinking.

That operation opened the way for Trump to coerce former Maduro loyalists into giving him considerable sway over the country's vast oil reserves  without requiring extended U.S. military action.

Iran, by contrast, has proved a much tougher, better-armed foe with an entrenched clerical and security establishment.

A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports rejected claims by Trump aides that Iran had been within weeks of being able to produce a nuclear weapon. Trump said last June that U.S.-Israeli bombing had "obliterated" its nuclear program.

Most of Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium is believed to have been buried by the June strikes, meaning the material potentially could be retrieved and purified to bomb grade. Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose, Matt Spetalnick and Humeyra Pamuk, Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Nathan Layne, Jonathan Landay and Steve Holland; Writing by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee, Ross Colvin, William Mallard and Gareth Jones)
FILE PHOTO: Members of the UN Security Council meet on the U.S. strikes and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores at the United Nations building in New York, U.S., January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

By Michelle Nichols

March 26 (Reuters) - A new United Nations secretary-general will be elected this year for a five-year term starting on January 1, 2027.

Here are the candidates so far, and details on how the successor to current U.N. chief Antonio Guterres will be chosen:

WHEN DOES THE PROCESS START?

The race formally started when Sierra Leone, then-president of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, and Annalena Baerbock, president of the 193-member General Assembly, sent a joint letter soliciting nominations on November 25.

A candidate has to be nominated by a U.N. member state.

The job traditionally rotates among regions, but when Guterres - who is from Portugal - was elected in 2016, it was supposed to be Eastern Europe's turn. Next on the list is Latin America. However, some diplomats expect candidates from other regions.

Baerbock has asked countries to nominate candidates by April 1 so they are able to take part in so-called interactive dialogues in the week of April 20, which will be broadcast online. Candidates will be able to present their vision statements and U.N. member states will be able to ask questions.

WHO WANTS TO BE THE NEXT SECRETARY-GENERAL?

RAFAEL GROSSI  ARGENTINA: A veteran Argentine diplomat, Grossi is director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a role he has held since 2019. Argentina formally nominated him on November 26, 2025. In his vision statement for the post, Grossi said the United Nations was still relevant but needed "a purposeful, performance-driven renewal." He said the UN80 reform initiative must be followed by "a wider process of rightsizing, which is sustainable and reconciles mission with available resources."

MICHELLE BACHELET  CHILE: The former Chilean president was formally nominated for the post by Chile, Brazil and Mexico on February 2, although Chile withdrew its backing on March 24 after a change in leadership and a sharp shift to the right.

Bachelet, Chile's first female head of state who twice served as president of the South American nation, said she would press ahead with support from Brazil and Mexico.

Bachelet was U.N. high commissioner for human rights from 2018-22 and executive director of U.N. Women from 2010-13.

In her statement for the post, she said she was confident her experience had prepared her "to confront a moment in which the international system faces challenges unprecedented in scale, urgency, and complexity", and pledged a focus on "rebuilding trust in the United Nations."

REBECA GRYNSPAN  COSTA RICA: A U.N. spokesperson said in early March that Costa Rica had nominated Grynspan, its former vice president. Grynspan, a politician and economist, currently serves as Secretary-General of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development. In her vision statement, she said trust in the U.N. was waning and courage was needed to change it to restore belief in its capacity to deliver peace and development.

MACKY SALL - SENEGAL: Sall, the former president of Senegal, was nominated by Burundi. In his vision statement, Sall said the world was going through a deep crisis in which the U.N. faced growing mistrust and an unprecedented risk of weakening. He said the organization needed to be reformed, streamlined, and modernized to address 21st-century challenges.

On March 26, a U.N. spokesperson said the Maldives had withdrawn its nomination for Argentina's VIRGINIA GAMBA, Guterres' former special representative for children and armed conflict.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

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The U.N. Security Council will formally recommend a candidate to the General Assembly for election as the 10th U.N. secretary-general later this year.

The Security Council will hold secret ballots  referred to as straw polls - until a consensus is reached. The choices council members are given for each candidate in the straw poll are: encourage, discourage, or no opinion.

Ultimately, the five permanent veto-wielding council members - the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - must agree on a candidate. The ballots for the veto powers in the straw poll are traditionally a different color to those of the 10 elected members.

When Guterres was chosen in 2016, it took six straw polls for the Security Council to reach agreement.

The Council then adopts a resolution, traditionally behind closed doors, recommending an appointment to the Assembly. The resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass.

The General Assembly's approval of the appointment of a secretary-general has long been seen as a rubber stamp.

HOW TRANSPARENT IS THE PROCESS?

The United Nations has been working to improve the transparency of the historically opaque selection process.

In a resolution adopted in September 2025, the General Assembly said each candidate should provide a vision statement when they are formally nominated and be given the opportunity to present it. The statement should also be published on a dedicated United Nations web page.

The Assembly said each candidate should disclose sources of funding and that any candidates who already hold a U.N. position "should consider suspending their work in the United Nations system during the campaign, with a view to avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from their functions and adjacent advantages".

WHAT DOES THE SECRETARY-GENERAL DO?

The U.N. Charter calls the secretary-general the "chief administrative officer" of the world body. The U.N. website describes the role as "equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and chief executive officer".

Guterres oversees thousands of civilian staff and 11 peacekeeping operations. The core annual United Nations budget is $3.45 billion, while the peacekeeping budget is $5.4 billion.

Since the power to authorize military force or sanctions rests with the Security Council, the U.N. chief has little more than a bully pulpit. Many diplomats say the five veto powers prefer a "secretary" rather than a "general."

HAS A WOMAN EVER BEEN SECRETARY-GENERAL?

No. There is a growing push for the United Nations to choose the first female secretary-general in its 80-year history.

In the resolution adopted in September, the General Assembly noted "with regret that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General" and encouraged countries to "strongly consider nominating women."

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols and David Brunnstrom; editing by Rod Nickel, Nia Williams and Jon Boyle)
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas attends the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original

(The Center Square)  As the Republican runoff election is underway in Texas, border security is once again front and center as a key topic.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is being challenged by Attorney General Ken Paxton and he and paid social media influencers are criticizing Cornyn on the issue.

Prior to the primary election, Paxton posted an undated video on social media depicting Cornyn speaking at an event in Weslaco, Texas. More recently, paid social media influencers are reposting the clip claiming Cornyn is against border wall construction. The video shows Cornyn stating, I can see from first-hand experience that a new giant wall between the United States and Mexico from sea to shining sea makes no sense whatsoever.

In response, Paxton said, Cornyn's desperation to rewrite history is getting worse. Watch as John Cornyn says in his OWN WORDS that a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico makes no sense whatsoever.

Those in law enforcement argue the response indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of border security. A physical border wall cannot be built along the entire southwest border due to multiple geological and tactical factors and border security isnt about a wall, but a multifaceted system, they argue.

Texas border sheriffs are currently among the most vocal opponents of a border wall and barrier proposal in the Big Bend Sector of Texas, The Center Square reported.

Those living in Texas border communities argue Cornyn understands that border security doesnt solely rely on a wall. It includes technological surveillance, boots, hooves and paws on the ground, boats in the water, drones and helicopters in the air, and towers and beacons, including on ranchlands.

In 2017, after meeting with Border Patrol and posting pictures of new infrastructure, Cornyn said, Border patrol tells us that levee wall and other tactical infrastructure, plus technology and boots on the ground are key to border security.

In 2020, when being challenged by Democrat MJ Hegar, who opposed border wall construction, Cornyn said he supported it. He also explained that border security included a comprehensive approach, including funding technology, boots on the ground, to provide the barriers where necessary."

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For years, Cornyn helped secure federal funding for border security and filed multiple bills. Recent efforts supported border wall construction, advanced technology and funding to hire more agents, Paul Perez, resident of the National Border Patrol Council, who has endorsed Cornyn, explains.

Walls and barriers serve as tools and vital choke points where heavy foot traffic occurs in urban-to-urban areas, Victor Manjarrez, a 22-year Border Patrol veteran who served as Chief Patrol Agent in the Tucson and El Paso sectors said. A border wall or barrier is about time  giving time to Border Patrol agents to respond to illegal traffic, identify and apprehend illegal aliens in large groups, he told The Center Square.

A 26-year Border Patrol veteran and now Terrell County Sheriff Thad Cleveland argues a virtual wall, counter surveillance and expanded technology are more effective and needed by agents on the ground in remote areas instead of concrete and steel, The Center Square reported.

Border security isnt a one-size-fits-all approach, he and multiple others in Border Patrol have told The Center Square. Cleveland argues deploying Anduril Autonomous Surveillance Towers across the southwest border are far more effective in rural, remote areas where building a wall is not practical or a good use of taxpayer money. Using radar, optical and thermal cameras and AI software, AASTs automatically detect, classify and track people or vehicles miles away 24/7, 365 days a year. They provide a more targeted approach and support to agents on the ground, he says.

Platforms like the MQ-9 Predator B, which can cover rugged terrain faster than vehicles, constantly monitor vast areas and guide agents to exactly where they need to go at the right time, are also critical tools law enforcement needs for ongoing border security operations, he said.

Texas border sheriffs say theyve relied on and worked with Cornyn for years, arguing hes helped them in many ways without wanting any recognition and saved thousands of lives, The Center Square reported.

Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez, a key leader in Texas border security mission, Operation Lone Star, says hes worked with Cornyn since 2009. Without Cornyn, former Gov. Rick Perry and Gov. Greg Abbott, we would not be able to provide services to our community and search and rescue and recovery operations. Sen. Cornyn has always been there. He was our backbone when we needed him. He is a true statesman. He helps everyone regardless of political party, he told The Center Square.

Democrat and Republican sheriffs from border counties of Brewster, Brooks, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Goliad, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kelberg, Kenedy, La Salle, Maverick, Presidio, Starr, Terrell, Val Verde, Willacy, Zapata and Zavala have endorsed Cornyn.

Paxton sued the Biden administration more than 100 times, The Center Square reported, including over border security issues. He argues hes strong on the border. Paxton says he "is running to help President Trump finish the border wall and protect our national sovereignty." He also says if elected, "he will help President Trump deport the criminal illegal aliens Joe Biden invited into the country, secure the border, and complete the construction of the border wall."
Six US service members killed in plane crash over Iraq

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - All six crew members aboard a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are confirmed to have been killed, the U.S. military said on Friday.

The refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, in an incident the military said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

The deaths add to the seven U.S. service members who have already been killed as part of U.S. operations against Iran which began on February 28.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," a statement from U.S. Central Command said.

Speaking with reporters at the Pentagon on Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said operations against Iran would continue.

"War is hell. War is chaos, and as we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen," Hegseth said.

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A U.S. official told Reuters that the second aircraft involved in the crash, which landed safely, was also a military refueling aircraft known as the KC-135.

The United States has deployed a large number of aircraft into the Middle East to take part in operations against Iran. The incident highlights the risk of not just operations but also of refueling aircraft in the air.

The KC-135, built by Boeing in the 1950s and early 1960s, has served as the backbone of the U.S. military's air refueling fleet and is critical to allowing aircraft to carry out missions without having to land.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing the U.S. military refueling aircraft.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that as many as 150 U.S. troops have been wounded in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The crash happened the same day two U.S. sailors were injured after the USS Gerald Ford suffered a non-combat-related fire on board.

The first seven U.S. troops were killed when a drone slammed into a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait and in another attack in Saudi Arabia.

President Donald Trump and other senior officials have warned the Iran conflict will result in more U.S. military deaths as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli strikes.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Toby Chopra, Chizu Nomiyama and Ros Russell)
French President Emmanuel Macron chairs a video conference of G7 leaders to discuss the fallout of the war in Iran on the world economy, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

PARIS, March 13 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday a drone attack in Northern Iraq against French soldiers was "unacceptable" and that France's position in the region was "defensive".

Macron told a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Paris that he had asked for a full military analysis to be made of the attack.

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One French soldier was killed and six others were wounded after a drone attack in northern Iraq that President Emmanuel Macron earlier had said was said was unacceptable and unjustified.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Sudip Kar-Gupta, editing by Inti Landauro)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attacked the TRump administration on Friday for temporarily lifting oil sanctions on Russia as they attempt to combat rising gas prices -Credit:AP (AP)





Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz slammed the Trump administration on Friday after it temporarily lifted sanctions on Russia to lower gas prices, as both the U.S. and Israel continue to attack Iran.

The Department of the Treasury announced late Thursday night that it was removing 10 sanctions and allowing them to be nullified until April 2026. "Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, all transactions prohibited by the above-listed authorities 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 daylight time, March 12, 2026 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 11, 2026," a statement reads.

"Transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the sale, delivery, or offloading of such crude oil or petroleum products include transactions for the safe docking and anchoring of vessels carrying such crude oil or petroleum products," added the statement. "The preservation of the health or safety of the crew of any such vessel; emergency repairs or environmental mitigation or protection activities relating to any such vessel; and services such as vessel management, crewing, bunkering, piloting, registration, flagging, insurance, classification, and salvage."

 Pete Hegseth says he will 'not be forced to indicate what happened' in Iran girls' school strike

 Goldman Sachs forecasts 20% oil price surge as Trump massively underestimates Iran threat

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"Russian Federation-origin crude oil and petroleum products subject to this general license include those produced by entities sanctioned under the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 587, or the Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 589," the statement added. "This general license does not authorize any other transactions or activities prohibited by any other Executive order or by any part of 31 CFR chapter V not referenced in this general license, 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(31 CFR part 560), except as authorized by paragraph (a)."

Responding to the removal of sanctions, Merz stated, "We think thats wrong. There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what other factors led the U.S. government to make this decision." Merz made the statement next to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

Merz was reportedly crushed that Washington did not refrain from easing pressure on Russia. -Credit:Getty Images

"We want to ensure that Russia does not exploit the war in Iran to weaken Ukraine," he added. "Nor will we allow Moscow to test NATO on its eastern flank and up here in the north."

According to the German official, the move by the Trump administration was a surprise and seemingly crushed his hopes that Washington would refrain from easing the pressure on Moscow. During the video call, the chancellor stressed that Germany and other members of the G7 are working with Israel to end the war.

Merz commented that he believed the move by the Trump admin was wrong -Credit:AP (AP)

Merz commented that he feared that both the U.S. and Israel lacked a strategy for the war. The chancellor also pointed out that, instead of easing pressure on Russia, countries could draw on international oil reserves, claiming that this would "help to moderate energy prices to some extent."

Oil prices are poised to rise 20% in 2026, according to Goldman Sachs, as analysts fear Donald Trump has gravely underestimated Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. It's a huge blow after the president tried to downplay the economic blowback of his unilateral military operation in the Middle East, which has garnered heavy criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Oil prices are poised to rise 20% in 2026, according to Goldman Sachs, as analysts fear Donald Trump has gravely underestimated Iran's leverage over the Strait of Hormuz -Credit:AP (AP)

The investment bank projects that prices will average above $100 per barrel in March, $85 per barrel in April, and then about $70 per barrel later in the year. According to the bank, the most recent projections show that average costs for the remainder of the year would be almost 20% higher than they were in early 2026.
New footage of federal immigration agents fatally shooting an unarmed U.S. citizen has thrust a family's yearlong quest for more information into the national spotlight.

Videos and records released by Texas officials are raising new questions about the Department of Homeland Security's version of events that led to the killing of Ruben Ray Martinez during a chaotic traffic scene.

Nearly a year has passed since the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent fired at close range into Martinez's car at the scene of a late-night traffic accident on March 15, 2025, in South Padre Island, a resort town off the southern coast of Texas. Officials said Martinez, 23, accelerated his vehicle at an agent, an account his family had long disputed.

Little was known about the case  which involved local, state and federal law enforcement  for months. Martinez, an Amazon and Walmart worker from San Antonio, was the first U.S. citizen killed by federal agents amid the Trump administrations aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

1 / 0 Protests, anger in Minneapolis after 2nd person fatally shot Protesters gather in downtown Minneapolis demanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leave Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 25, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot dead US citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway, less than three weeks after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good, also 37, in her car. His killing sparked new protests and impassioned demands by local leaders for the Trump administration to end its operation in the city.

But Martinezs case came into the spotlight only after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis in January. Good and Prettis killings have drawn scrutiny by Americans and congressional lawmakers from both parties about federal agents tactics.

Though the killings occurred during immigration enforcement operations, agents shot Martinez while they were helping local law enforcement control traffic at an intersection in a popular spring break destination.

Martinezs mother, Rachel Reyes, has brought attention on her sons case, even as she said she supported President Donald Trump.

Information on Martinezs case came through a watchdog groups release of an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement document. ICEs internal report, obtained by the nonprofit watchdog American Oversight, said Martinez accelerated forward" into an officer. HSI Supervisory Special Agent Jack Stevens told Texas officials he shot Martinez three times out of fear, according to a memorandum.

Martinezs family and his best friend, Joshua Orta, the lone passenger in the vehicle, have strongly disputed the governments account. Family lawyers said video footage released by state officials backs up their suspicions, but they are seeking more evidence.

It is clear that these ICE officers have used, in their statement, dramatic language, Butch Hayes, one of Reyes lawyers, said in an interview. And that dramatic language does not match up with the videos that we have seen.

On Feb. 25, a Cameron County grand jury didnt find probable cause to indict the federal agent in the shooting, the Texas Tribune reported. Orta, 25, died in an unrelated car accident days before the grand jury decision.

Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, said the agency stood "by the grand jurys unanimous decision that found no criminality.

Rachel Reyes, right, is looking for more information into the fatal shooting of her 23-year-old son Ruben Ray Martinez, left, by federal immigration agents on March 15, 2025, in South Padre Island, Texas.

This incident was investigated from every possible angle by an independent body, and it cleared our officer, Lyons said in a statement.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, which investigated the shooting and released evidence on March 6, didnt respond to emailed questions. The South Padre Island Police Department didnt respond to requests for comment. It was unclear whether the federal agents in the shooting had body cameras.

Local police body-worn cameras and local businesses' surveillance videos paint a grainy and incomplete picture of what happened in the intersection.

In a statement, Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, said the case was part of a troubling pattern of escalating use of force, delaying disclosures and misleading information about incidents involving deadly force.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (2L), along with (L/R) US Attorney General Pam Bondi, ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, participates in a press conference near Camp 57 at Angola Prison, the Louisiana State Penitentiary and America's largest maximum-security prison farm, to announce the opening of a new US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility that will house immigrants convicted of crimes in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, near the town of St. Francisville on Sept. 3, 2025.

What happened in Martinezs killing?

Nearly a year ago, Martinez and Orta visited their friends condo in South Padre Island, according to a draft witness statement by Orta before his death, which Reyes' lawyers provided to USA TODAY. Local and state investigators also interviewed Orta, the substance of which was included in the state evidence released in March.

Martinezs birthday was days before the shooting, and he and Orta went out on a late birthday celebration. That night, Martinez and Orta drank alcohol, failed to get into a club, and had gone to eat at Whataburger, Ortas statement said.

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On their way back, they arrived at the scene of the accident. They had a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey and marijuana in the car, evidence records showed. Toxicology results later showed Martinez's blood alcohol content was 0.124%, above the legal limit, and he had marijuana and the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, in his system.

Orta said Martinez seemed nervous about alcohol in the car, and he told investigators Martinez was "jittery" with police and he panicked. Orta said Martinez never meant to hurt anyone.

In surveillance footage, Martinezs Ford Focus is seen driving slowly behind an ambulance as local law enforcement officers from different agencies slowed traffic. The footage shows a line of cars in a left turning lane, while Martinezs vehicle is in open lanes near police vehicles. Martinez brakes at several points.

In body camera footage, an officer is heard saying he saw an open container in Martinezs car. In footage, an officer tells Martinez to keep going. Officers from behind Martinezs car yell to stop the vehicle.

Stop him, one officer yells repeatedly, according to the video, and then yells, Get him out.

Martinez slows at one point as an officer waves pedestrians through, another video shows. Where is he going? the officer at the crosswalk says toward Martinez's vehicle. Hey, where you going?

Then Martinez's car rolls forward. Hey, stop him, the officer at the crosswalk says.

Joshua Orta, left, and Ruben Ray Martinez, right, were driving by a March 15, 2025, traffic accident in Texas when federal immigration agents stopped their car. An agent fired three gunshots at Martinez, who was driving, killing him.

Video disputes agents accounts

In the middle of the intersection, two HSI agents appear to try to stop him.

Martinezs car is then seen stopped. HSI Special Agent Hector Sosa is seen standing in front of the vehicle. Sosa told Texas Rangers, "The driver accelerated forward, striking myself and ended up on the hood of the vehicle."

The video shows Martinez's car slowly turn left as officers move toward the car. Orta's statement said Martinez had tried to turn the car around to leave.

In an angle captured by The New York Times, video shows Sosa pressed against the front of the car and he appeared to be on the hood. Orta told investigators that the car was moving slowly and that Sosa was on the hood, as if the car caught his feet.

Sosas email signature said he is a "Defensive Tactics Instructor Coordinator" and "Body-Worn Camera Coordinator." It was unknown whether he or Stevens, who shot Martinez, had body-worn cameras. When reached by phone, Sosa declined to comment.

Video shows Stevens, who was close to the drivers window, open fire into the vehicle. There were no warnings or commands when Stevens fired into the car, Orta said in the witness statement. Stevens didnt respond to requests for comment.

In his memorandum to Texas Rangers, Stevens said that he could smell marijuana, that he could see the drivers eyes were open widely, his fist clenched to the steering wheel, and that Martinez looked past the officers on the scene while failing to comply with verbal commands from multiple law enforcement officers.

Stevens said he feared for the safety and life of SA Sosa, myself, the local law enforcement officers immediately in the path of the vehicle, and the pedestrians present in the area traversing the crosswalks and sidewalks in the path of the vehicle. He said the 2025 New Orleans vehicle ramming attack was "still fresh on my mind."

In the aftermath of the shooting, footage shows Stevens pulling Martinez out of the vehicle. He forces Martinez face down on the pavement and handcuffs him. Sosa said he took Orta out of the passenger side.

After Martinez was handcuffed, first-responders began giving Martinez CPR compressions, video shows. In footage, Orta is seen sitting in the middle of the crosswalk with his hands cuffed behind his back, on the other side of the car from Martinez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What video of Ruben Ray Martinez killing by DHS agent shows
Heidi Klum attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala

Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

NEED TO KNOW

Heidi Klum explained why having ADHD is one of her greatest strengths

ADHD, short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common developmental disorder

The German supermodel and mother of four admitted most people didnt know about her diagnosis

Heidi Klum can do it all.

In a new interview with Glamour Germany for the magazines 25th anniversary, the 52-year-old supermodel, television star, Halloween queen and mother of four, revealed the secret, but simple way she balances her life.

That I have a form of ADHD, Klum said in the interview published on Wednesday, March 11, when asked what is something many people didnt know about her.

Heidi Klum attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common developmental disorder in which individuals can have difficulty paying attention; become hyperactive, even at inappropriate times; and act impulsively, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

I see ADHD as something positive because it allows me to do more things at once. It's my superpower, Klum continued.

Elsewhere in her interview, the Germanys Next Top Model star expanded on how she considers the disorder to be one of her greatest strengths.

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Maybe it's instinct  or just my own idea. I'm very hyperactive because of my ADHD. I can do a thousand different things at once. I work on many projects simultaneously and keep taking on more, she said.

Last summer, ahead of her return to season 21 of Project Runway, Klum spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about how she continues to make the most out of life.

Im a workaholic, control freak, she told PEOPLE of her many hats. I've been so focused with the shows that I have been doing and making sure that everything that comes out of them looks good. I love what I do.

Heidi Klum at the "La Grazia" red carpet, 82nd Venice International Film Festival, August 27, 2025

Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

And as she gets older, she has no plans of stopping or making herself small to fit anyones idea of how women in their 50s should behave.

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 biggest misconception [about] being in your 50s is that you are off the shelf. Youre not off the shelf, Klum said. We are very much on that shelf for everyone to see. Dont hide in your 50s. Beauty is ever-changing, and Im here for the change. If its always the same, life is boring.

Read the original article on People
Emerson Miller /Paramount +

Taylor Sheridan will head back to the Montana river valley this spring for the first time since Yellowstone. In a new series titled The Madison, audiences will meet the Clyburn family, who move to Montana from their cushy apartments in Manhattan after the death of a loved one. There, theyll come to terms with the grief in one of the most beautiful places in the countrya section of America that couldnt be any farther from what theyve known their entire lives.

The Madison stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, and a surprise late-series guest addition from Will Arnett. Sheridan wrote all six episodes of The Madison, with Yellowstone season 5s Christina Alexandra Voros serving as the series director. Audiences originally thought that The Madison was a spin-off from Yellowstone much like Marshals and the upcoming Dutton Ranch, but Paramount eventually revealed that the series was not tied to Yellowstone. Instead, The Madison will release as an independent series with two seasonssix episodes per season.

The common ground is the landscape, Voros told Variety in November 2024. There are parallels... but its coming at it from a completely different point of view."

Emerson Miller /Paramount +





How Can I Watch The Madison?

The Madison will air exclusively on Paramount+ with a rather unorthodox release schedule. The first three episodes will premiere on March 14, followed by the next three on March 21. Then, season 2 will air next year. For a detailed release schedule, read on below.

Episode 1: Pilot  March 14

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Episode 2: Let the Land Hold Me  March 14

Episode 3: Watch Her Fall  March 14

Episode 4: Tomorrow Is Goodbye  March 21

Episode 5: No Name and a New Dream  March 21

Episode 6: I Give Me Permission  March 21

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Sony Honda Mobility

Honda canceled its plans for three U.S.-built EVs, but it's unclear how this will affect the Afeela 1 sedan (pictured above).

The product of a joint venture between Honda and Sony, the electric Afeela 1 is supposed to be built at Honda's Ohio factory starting this year.

A Sony Honda Mobility spokesperson said the company is "operating as usual" but that the two partners "will hold discussions on how this affects SHM."

Yesterday, Honda dropped a shocking announcement: the automaker has canceled all three EVs that were set to be built in the United States, the first of which was due to go on sale later this year. After the dust settled, our thoughts turned to the Afeela 1, an electric sedan developed through a joint venture between Honda and Sony, also due to enter production later this year at a Honda factory in Ohio. Honda's reversal on EV production raises plenty of questions around the future of the Afeela project.

We reached out to Sony Honda Mobility to see if there were any updates on how Honda's move would affect the Afeela 1. "Sony Honda Mobility is aware of Honda Motors decision to pause its EV business in North America," a spokesperson told Car and Driver. "Our parent companies, Sony Group Corporation and Honda, will hold discussions on how this affects SHM, therefore there is no more information that we can speak to at this moment."

While there is no official change to Afeela's plans just yet, it appears that there are definitely some issues to work out. Still, the Sony Honda Mobility spokesperson said, "We are operating as usual."

The Afeela 1 is supposed to go on sale midway through this year, and the automaker even announced last August that the electric sedan had entered the pre-production phase at Honda's factory in East Liberty, Ohio. Honda has spent much of the past two years retooling its facilities in Ohiowhich include the East Liberty factory, the Marysville Auto Plant, and the Anna Engine Plantto build EVs, although the plan for Honda's "EV Hub" was designed to allow for EVs, hybrids, and gas cars to be built on the same line.

Honda had planned to build three EVs in Ohio, with the Acura RSX originally set to begin production in late 2025 before that was pushed to late 2026. It was set to be followed by the 0-Series SUV and 0-Series Saloon. With Honda now canceling the development and sale of its EVs, it's unclear how the three factories will be affected.

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A Honda spokesperson told Car and Driver that "Honda established a highly flexible manufacturing environment in Ohio capable of building the right products to meet customer demand" and that "We will continue producing gasoline and hybrid vehicles at both the Marysville Auto Plant and the East Liberty Auto Plant." Marysville currently builds the Honda Accord and Acura Integra, while East Liberty produces the Honda CR-V, Acura MDX, and Acura RDX, although the RDX will end production this spring as the company readies a new hybrid model that is still a couple of years away.

This doesn't necessarily mean that the Afeela 1 won't be built. With pre-production models already assembled last fall, most of the tooling is likely already in place, and the East Liberty facility still may churn out Afeela 1 sedans. However, the Afeela 1's production numbers could remain fairly low as Honda prioritizes its popular gas and hybrid vehicles at East Liberty, and we wouldn't be shocked if the Afeela 1's run is cut short.

Honda was frank in its reasoning for canceling its EVs, calling out the fact that "the expansion of the EV market has slowed down due to several factors including the easing of fossil fuel regulations and revisions to EV incentives." These factors, which led to a noticeable hit to EV sales across most brands at the end of 2025, make the outlook for the Afeela 1 appear grim.

The Afeela 1 is supposed to start at a hefty $89,900 but will initially launch in the $102,900 Signature trim. That lofty price isn't paired with game-changing specs: the Afeela 1 is expected to make around 400 horsepower and have a range of around 300 miles. Not bad, but not standout in a world where the Lucid Air starts at $72,400 with 420 miles of range.

The Afeela's real selling point is its advanced driver assistance systems and a high-tech cabin, with ginormous screens that allow for the ability to watch movies and TV and even play video games, but we're still not sure that's enough to move the needle for most customers. We think the Afeela 1 could still enter production, but it may end up becoming a footnote in an EV revolution that never quite materialized.

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FILE - A man walks by installations by Russian artist Zhenya Machneva at the 59th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

ROME (AP)  The inclusion of Russia in the line-up of the 2026 Venice Biennale art fair has sparked international outcry, with the European Commission threatening to withhold funding and 22 European countries demanding Moscow stay away again over its war in Ukraine.

The scandal at the worlds oldest and most important contemporary art fair has put Italys Culture Ministry in the crosshairs. It comes just weeks after the Italian government had to stand by as the International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli is trying to manage the diplomatic fallout, voicing clear opposition to the Biennale's decision but acknowledging that its governing foundation is independent of the government and acted autonomously when it included Russia in the line-up for its 61st arts festival.

Russia has a permanent, historic pavilion in the Giardini exhibition area and under the rules governing the arts fair, has a streamlined process allowing it to participate in the show. But Moscow hasnt appeared since the Ukraine war began: In 2022, the Russian pavilion was shuttered after its artists withdrew following Moscows invasion. In the 2024 edition, the pavilion was loaned to Bolivia for its exhibition.

The Venice Biennale Foundation on March 4 announced the line-up for its 2026 edition, which runs May 9-Nov. 22. Ninety-nine nations are participating, including seven for the first time.

Russias return to the fair was not highlighted by the Biennale, but it was merely included in the list of participating countries with an exhibition entitled The Tree is Rooted in the Sky, and some three dozen Russian artists participating.

As the outcry mounted, Giuli this week fired the ministry official who sits on the Biennale board, Tamara Gregoretti, accusing her of having failed to disclose to the ministry that Russia had indicated it would be participating and that she had supported its inclusion.

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Giuli also launched an investigation to determine if Russia's participation was compatible with the EU sanctions regime. Specifically, he demanded that the Biennale urgently provide all documentation, including correspondence with Moscow, about Russias plan to set up and manage the pavilion during the fair.

He spoke by telephone Friday with his Ukrainian counterpart, Tetyana Berezhna, and reiterated the Italian governments commitment to protecting Ukraines cultural identity, which has been under threat for over four years due to the Russian invasion, and reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of the government to the reconstruction of Ukraines cultural heritage, the ministry said.

Berezhna, for her part, told Giuli that Russias participation was unacceptable for Kiev and contrasts with the strong support for Ukraine maintained by the Italian government, Giulis office said.

The head of the Biennale Foundation, Pietrangolo Buttafuoco, has defended the decision and framed it as an act opposing censorship.

He announced that this years edition will be accompanied by two dedicated exhibition spaces for dissident art. And he recalled that last years Venice Film Festival featured the world premiere of The Wizard of the Kremlin, an unflattering portrait starring Jude Law about Russian President Vladimir Putins rise to power.

But 22 European countries wrote a letter to Buttafuoco expressing their profound concern over Russias participation. They warned that Moscow could exploit it to project an image of legitimacy and international acceptance that stands in stark contrast to the reality of Russias ongoing war against Ukraine and the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage, as well as to European and international sanctions.

The European Commission, for its part, condemned the Biennale decision and threatened to withhold EU funds for the fair, which would amount to some 2 million euros over three years.

Should the Biennale Foundation proceed with its decision to allow Russia to participate, we will consider further measures, including the suspension or termination of ongoing EU funding to the Biennale Foundation, said a statement from Commissioners Henna Virkkunen and Glenn Micallef.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the "Shield of the Americas" Summit in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 7, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and likely disfigured, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday, questioning Khamenei's ability to govern after nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

No images have been released of Khamenei since an Israeli strike at the start of the war that killed much of his family, including his father and wife.

His first comments came in a statement read by a television presenter on Thursday. In the statement, he vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut and called on neighboring countries to close U.S. bases on their territory or risk Iran targeting them.

"We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement," Hegseth told a briefing.

"Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father - dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy."

Iran has said the new supreme leader was wounded. An Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that his injuries were light. On Friday, Iran's ambassador to Japan, Peyman Saadat, said Mojtaba Khamenei had not been "impaired."

"What we know is that he suffers from injuries of the current war, when my supreme leader was assassinated," Saadat told Asahi TV in an interview. "But not in a way that would prevent (the younger Khamenei) from functioning. He is a functioning leader. So nothing has been impaired, fortunately. That's why they elected the current leader."

Hegseth was joined by General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a briefing in which they emphasized U.S. military strikes to knock out Iran's missile and drone capabilities and its navy.

MORE U.S. FIREPOWER SENT TO REGION

During the briefing, Hegseth said the United States would show no mercy in the war.

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"We will keep pressing, keep pushing, keep advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemy," Hegseth said.

"No quarter" is the refusal to spare the life of someone who has expressed their intention to surrender - something prohibited by law.

"International humanitarian law prohibits the use of this procedure, that is, ordering that there shall be no survivors, threatening the adversary therewith, or conducting hostilities on this basis," according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Hegseth has moved to reshape the top ranks of the military justice system, replacing the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The United States has carried out strikes against more than 6,000 targets in Iran over the past 14 days. Almost two weeks of U.S.-Israeli bombings have killed around 2,000 people in Iran.

Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon was sending additional forces to the region, including the amphibious assault ship Tripoli along with its Marine expeditionary unit. The Tripoli, currently in the Asia-Pacific region, is capable of carrying fighter jets as well. In total, 2,500 additional Marines will be sent to the region, along with additional sailors.

The Pentagon has previously said additional troops would be heading to the region.

But despite the U.S. attacks on Iran, more Iranian drones were reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman.

Additionally, six U.S. service members were killed on Friday when a U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, in an incident the U.S. said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.

Since the U.S. and Israel started carrying out strikes against Iran on February 28, 11 U.S. troops have been killed.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Susan Heavey and Anton Bridge; Editing by Daphne Psaledakis, David Ljunggren, Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski, Diane Craft, Rod Nickel)
Women sit in a school turned shelter for people displaced from Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

By Emma Farge

GENEVA, March 13 (Reuters) - Over an eighth of Lebanon's territory is under Israeli orders for people to leave their homes, an aid group said on Friday, while the United Nations peacekeeping mission said Israeli ground troops were making incursions and erecting roadblocks.

Israel has been carrying out daily strikes on Lebanon since March 2 when the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in Tehran on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Almost 700 people in Lebanon have died in Israeli attacks and over 800,000 have been displaced. Israel's military says it has targeted Hezbollah militants and Iranian forces.

The Norwegian Refugee Council said Israel's evacuation orders for southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut now covered about 1,470 square kilometres or about 14% of the country.

"Israels mass evacuation orders have expanded to broad geographic directives, often demanding immediate movement, creating panic and fear across communities that strikes are imminent  even when they are not," said Maureen Philippon, NRC Country Director in Lebanon.

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U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk has said the blanket Israeli evacuation orders raise serious international law concerns.

NRC's office in Tyre, south Lebanon, was badly damaged, it said, with no injuries. The Israeli military has carried out several strikes on Tyre since March 2, including a Tuesday strike on what it described as a Hezbollah command centre in the area.

The International Organization for Migration's Mathieu Luciano told a Geneva press briefing that around 600 shelters had been set up across the country, with many of them almost full. Hospitals are increasingly overstretched due to surging trauma cases, a World Health Organization official added.

The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon told the same briefing its operations had been limited by the ongoing hostilities which injured two soldiers a week ago. Still, its troops had observed Israeli troop incursions, saying they had travelled up to 7 kilometres inside Lebanon and erected roadblocks restricting access.

We are deeply concerned that the situation will deteriorate further," UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said by video link from Lebanon.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut and Alexander Cornwell in JerusalemEditing by Peter Graff)
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Thursday said Americans can live with higher gas prices, a surge thats a result of the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran.

Jordan told CNNs Kasie Hunt that Americans have the common sense to understand that to stop this regime that for 47 years has killed Americans, killed Israelis, killed others and killed a number of their own people  to stop them from getting a nuclear weapon is a worthwhile objective.

And President Trump is committed to achieving that goal, and if that means prices go up for a time, I think Americans understand, we can live with that, he continued. But in the end, we want all that to happen, and we want it all to happen in as quick a time as it possibly can.

Jordan told Hunt the conflict will end soon. When asked what soon meant, Jordan replied, I dont know for sure, and added that Americans want lower gas prices, to prevent Iran from having nuclear capability and for the military offensive to end soon.

The Ohio Republican is one of several GOP lawmakers who, along with the president, have dismissed the rising price of gas despite the affordability issue becoming a key issue going into the November midterm elections. Others are concerned it will cost the party control over Congress.

Trump has defended the operation as a short excursion ending very soon, telling reporters he is not concerned about oil prices. Though last month, the issue was a key point in his State of the Union address, where he claimed gas prices had dropped.

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The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money, Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social.

But the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Middle Eastern passage through which around 20 percent of the worlds oil and gas is exported, has kept prices up and has economists worried the conflict could drag the U.S. into a recession.

For upper-income families, it is a small price to pay, Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, previously told The Hill. Its a very small part of their budget. For lower-income families, its significant. It makes a real difference in their ability to buy food, to buy medicine, to pay rent.

The national average for gas inched up to $3.63 per gallon on Friday, according to data from AAA. The average last month was $2.94.

The U.S. oil price benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude trades at just more than $93 per barrel, while the international benchmark, Brent crude, was trading at almost $99 per barrel, down from $101 per barrel on Thursday afternoon. These are up from $67 and $73, respectively, from before the conflict started.

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